South Calgary YMCA to close in September

A YMCA in south Calgary facing millions of dollars in repairs plans to close next year.

The institution on Haddon Road is 47 years old, losing $200,000 a year and needs$5 million in repairs and upgrades, including a new roof.

On Tuesday, the Calgary YMCA's board of directors passed a motion to close the facility.

"It's very difficult today to raise funds for bricks and mortar. Donors are strapped right now," said Kelly Smith, vice-president of finance for the YMCA Calgary.

"Overall, YMCA Calgary has seen a drop of about five to six thousand members this year, which has impacted us, our bottom line, tremendously."

For members, news the YMCA is going to close in September, is disappointing.

"It's a great facility. It really takes care of a lot of people within this community and because it's smaller, it addresses things in a more intimate feel and I'll be sorry to lose that," said Kate Bailles.

Doug Piddus is among the floor hockey players who turn up at the YMCA on their lunch hour twice a week for a pick-up game.

"I think it will just leave a really big hole. It's not a very articulate way to put it. But a lot of people use the Y a lot," he said. "It's been a part of my family for 20 years plus."

YMCA directors are hoping to relocate the daycare and out-of-school care programs that are currently in the building. They also plan to offera way for those with membershipsto easily transfer to other YMCA branches.

The building and the land where the YMCA sits will revert back to the city in September. So far council has no plans for the property.