The YMCA of Eastern Ontario has announced it will re-open on September 1, 2020, following the provincial government’s decision to move to Phase III of re-openings for most of Ontario. This marks the first time those facilities have opened since March 15.
Both Kingston and Brockville locations will have somewhat reduced hours that includes closing for two hours at midday from Monday to Friday for intensive cleaning. Group fit classes will continue to be offered also a reduced schedule and some gym equipment has been removed to allow for safe distancing. Both pools will be open, but the saunas and hot tub will remain closed, as per provincial requirements.
“We are excited about welcoming back our members, volunteers and staff,” said Rob Adams, CEO, YMCA of Eastern Ontario. “We also want to ensure that we get this right. We recently surveyed our members and are putting in place safety measures to address their concerns about sanitization and physical spacing, as examples. We also want our staff to be fully trained in new procedures. All our decisions around the pandemic have been made with safety as our first priority. Our re-opening will be no different.”
“One of the things we heard from our members in our survey was their desire to not be so over-burdened by process that their experience at their Y becomes less enjoyable,” Adams continued. “In response to this, our programs will continue to be offered on a drop-in basis, at least in the initial phase.”
The YMCA will be providing weekly updates on re-opening and questions about membership can be addressed by email to membership@eo.ymca.ca for Kingston and yba.brockville@eo.ymca.ca in Brockville.
