110 jobs cut as YMCA of Southwestern Ontario grapples with pandemic fallout

The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario says hardships brought on by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led to layoffs in branches acrossthe region.

A spokesperson for the charitytold CBC News that 110 roles across southwestern Ontario have been eliminated.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has caused us to make some of the most difficult and challenging operational decisions in the history of our organization which is nearly 170 years strong," said YMCA spokespersonElyse Sheare, in astatement sent to CBC News.

"No one could have anticipated the COVID-19 global pandemic or the devastating effect it would have on so many businesses and organizations, including charities like ours."

Sheare saysthe majority of roles that were cut were part-time positions that had not been active since mid-March when YMCA facilities were temporarily closed in the first wave of the pandemic. The cuts represent about 5 per cent of the charity's workforce in southwestern Ontario,she added.

While it is unclear which YMCA branches are affected by the cuts, the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario has locations all over the region, in cities including Windsor, Chatham, Sarnia, London,St. Thomas, Woodstock and Goderich to name a few.

In September, one ofWindsor's YMCA branches was forced to close its doors due to declining memberships and an unsustainable operating model brought on by the economic fallout of the pandemic, said the organization at the time.

Despite the recent cuts, remaining locations will stay open, said Sheare.

"While we deal with theclear and presentoperational realities caused by the pandemic and continue to make sound decisions for the long-term sustainability of our charitable organization, we are also focused on strengthening our association to bringeven morefamilies and communities together when this global challengehas passed."

Sheare said programming will continue to be affected due to protocols set in place due to the pandemic, but not as a result of thereduction in staff.