Important information about Program and Operational Changes

Please be advised of the following information regarding program and operational changes at both Kamloops Y locations. 

The Kamloops Y has been serving the community of Kamloops for over 50 years. We plan to continue serving our community, and that means that we have to evolve as Kamloops grows and changes over time.

As a charity, the Y must be good stewards of the funds donated to us by people in the community who believe in the mission of the YMCA: to promote spirit, mind, and body by encouraging healthy lifestyles, personal growth and service to people within our community. 

In Kamloops, as in other communities, we have seen changes affecting the non-profit sector, including increased demand for programs and services, declining enrollment in other program areas, specialty service providers cropping up, technological challenges, minimum-wage increases, etc. 

The changes we are implementing have not been considered lightly. They are designed to retain as many services as possible, to provide alternate locations for programs that many people in our community enjoy and rely on, to minimize the impact on members, program participants, staff and volunteers, and to keep the Y vibrant in our community for years to come. But change can be hard, and we are working with the staff we have laid off to help them find new employment as they transition out of the organization, and have provided them with 6 weeks notice of these layoffs. 

FAQ

Q. Is the Y closing, or in big trouble?
A. In short, no. But we are facing serious operational challenges that we are hoping to mitigate with our current actions. We are not closing any facilities; we are merely adjusting hours of operation and the locations of some services in order to reduce operational costs.
As a charity, the YMCA-YWCA must be good stewards of the funds donated to us by people in the community who believe in the mission of the Y: to promote spirit, mind and body by encouraging healthy lifestyles, personal growth, and service to people within our community. This means that we will be refocusing our efforts in the community to better serve Kamloops now and in the future.

Q. What is happening with the John Tod Y?
A. For over 16 years we have had a strong health and fitness presence in north Kamloops. As revenue has decreased, it has become more difficult to run two full health and fitness facilities in a crowded fitness market. Our member volume currently supports one full membership centre, so we had to make changes to adjust to current member volumes and revenues associated with such.

We are therefore refocusing our efforts at both the John Tod Centre Y and the Downtown Y in the following ways:
• John Tod Centre Y hours will be Monday – Friday, 8:30 – 4:30, effective September 2019
• The Downtown Y hours will be 5:30 – 9:00 pm on weekdays, and 8:00 am – 8:00 pm on weekends
• Both the Downtown Y and the John Tod Centre Y will be closed on Statutory Holidays beginning in September 2019
• Some weight room equipment at John Tod will be moved to the Downtown Y to accommodate increased group fitness classes for children, youth, families and seniors at the John Tod Y.
• John Tod will see a new Spin Room in the former cardio area that will include a screen for virtual spin classes.
• John Tod will continue to have a selection of functional fitness equipment for individual use, such as weights, medicine balls, foam rollers, etc. available during times when no group programming is taking place
• We will continue to offer an accessible workout space at John Tod for those members with mobility issues, open during our hours of operation
• Downtown Y spaces will be reorganized to better utilize available space and accommodate our members
• John Tod will also see increased child, youth, family and seniors’ programs beginning in Fall 2019
• Downtown Y will also see a reorganized schedule, with increased child, youth, and family group fitness offerings
• Group Swim Lessons, as well as most of our child, youth and family programs, will now be included in your membership fees at no extra cost.
• We are also exploring new avenues for programs and services, such as childcare and increased youth programming, to meet the needs of our community

John Tod is a valued asset in the community and the Y is attempting to continue to provide key services at John Tod that meets the needs of a large portion of citizens that are using these services. These changes are designed to retain as many services as possible, to provide alternative locations for programs, and to minimize the impact on you, our members, program participants, staff and volunteers to help us keep the Y vibrant and healthy in our community.

Q. But isn’t it really busy at the Downtown Y?
A. The Downtown Y will be reorganizing some spaces to improve equipment usability and accommodate our members. Some of the key John Tod programs will now be located at the Downtown Y, and we will continue to offer Playcare services, as well as group fitness for children, youth, families and seniors, swim lessons (now included in your membership) and other programs.

We know that the west Victoria road construction does create some delays, but generally they are very brief, and will not last indefinitely. We also have a parking lot that you may purchase a pass for at Member Services, as well as free parking on Battle St. between 4th and 5th, and meter parking surrounding the facility.

Q. What about the Women’s Shelter and PEACE Program?
A. We are very sensitive to the need for our Violence Against Women Intervention and Support Services in the community, and these changes were not considered lightly. Our services are not funded solely by our Y, but are reliant on a combination of government contracts, fundraising, donations and third-party funding. In the last year, some of this funding has changed, some has gone away and some has reduced. Unfortunately, as we are unable to make up the reduced funding ourselves, we are forced to adjust the service level to meet the funding we have received.

We will not be closing any of our Services, but at the end of December 2019, the PEACE Program (formerly Children Who Witness Abuse Program), currently located on Tranquille, will be moved to the Y Women’s Emergency Shelter and will work out of that site and other community locations as needed.

Q. What about the families and individuals you sponsor or support? Are these people at risk of losing their support?
A. Currently one in four Downtown Y Members and one in three John Tod Y members access our facilities with a subsidized membership through the Y Opportunity fund. We will not be removing this support, as we believe that finances should not be a barrier to an individuals or family's ability to access healthy programs and services.

Q. What about membership prices? Will they change?
A. We will not be changing our membership pricing at this time. As a charity, the Y has a specific purpose in our community. We care about the same things you care about: raising healthy and resilient kids, ensuring youth feel confident and supported, and helping people feel healthy and connected to others in the community. The Kamloops Y provides vital community services that are having a positive impact on some of the community's most pressing social issues, including our child, youth and family programs, Shelter and Outreach services, Employment Services and health and wellness programs. As our facilities and program offerings are diverse, we believe that this gives you a great value for your membership fee. Additionally, you can feel good about the fact that all funds are reinvested into our community, because, as a member of the Y, your membership fees are helping us further our reach into the community and continue to provide access to these essential services.

We want you to be a member, to feel welcome and supported at the Y, and to use your membership. We want the Y to have a positive impact on your health and the health of your family, because we believe that healthy families make healthy communities!

Q. Isn’t your board paid?
A. Not at all. As with most not-for-profit organizations, we rely on a dedicated volunteer base. Our Board is no exception and consists solely of volunteers from our community who believe in what we do and are dedicated to helping us realize our charitable mission.

Q. What can I do to help?
A. We value our members, program participants, volunteers, and staff greatly. You are the reason we are here and can continue the work that we do in our community. We want you to continue to use the Y, to grow with us, and to support us through these times of change. If you can, donate. If you can’t, continue to support the Y by using your membership, or even consider volunteering, if you’re so inclined.

Most of all, we want you to continue to help us build a healthy, vibrant community in Kamloops -- the community that we dream of.

Q. What if I want to cancel my membership?
A. We do not charge a cancellation fee but do require 30-days notice for cancellation. But we don’t want you to leave. We want you to continue to be a member of our community. If you feel like there is something that we can do differently, please let us know!

Q. What does the future hold for the Y?
A. Change can be hard. But there are moments in the life of an organization that require wisdom and grit. We also recognize that change can hold the opportunity to create something wonderful. This is one of those times where we can come together as a community and support one another. We urge all YMCA-YWCA supporters to work together so the Kamloops Community YMCA-YWCA is here for generations to come.

Any other concerns or comments can be directed to the CEO:
Colin Reid, CEO
colin.reid@kamloopsy.ca
150 Wood Street
Kamloops, BC
V2B 0G6