YMCA closure: Jan 5 - 26 Provincial government announcement

Dear Members:

Following the provincial government’s announcement of a return to a modified version of level II Covid protocols that includes a closure or recreation and fitness facilities, I am writing with regret to inform you that the YMCA of Eastern Ontario health and fitness facilities will be closed as of end of operating hours on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 and, based on the announcement, we expect to re-open on January 26.

Due to the statutory holiday, your January payment has not been withdrawn and will not be.

As per previous closures, there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. During the closure, your membership fees are suspended. They will not be withdrawn during the closure.
2. When your YMCA re-opens, membership fees will automatically re-start. The first payment will include a pro-rated fee for days open in January. This means that any days that the Y has been and/or will be open in January will be added to your February payment. We will send an email at that time with important information so be sure to “white list” Y email by adding our email addresses to your “contacts.” This will stop Y email from landing in your spam or junk folders.
3. During the closure, you can continue to stay active with your Y by selecting your favourite workouts with your YMCA instructors and following along online. Classes have been created for all fitness and mobility abilities. During the pandemic, one of the most important social issues that has become part of greater public dialogue is that of mental health. Mental wellbeing is closely linked with physical activity, which is why over the past 22 months, we have worked to provide fitness instruction that you can do in your own home. The ups and downs of the pandemic are taking a toll on many of us so I hope you are able to take advantage of these sessions.
4. All our news will be posted on the news page of our website and our social media accounts. Be sure to follow along to stay up-to-date.

During the past 22 months of this pandemic, your YMCA has taken every action to make our facilities as safe as possible, and our staff have provided online workouts and other activities to keep us active and connected.

If you are in a position to support your Y through a donation of your January fees, your gift will ensure that we are able to open in a stronger position, providing programming sooner than we would be able to without your support. To make this donation, please reply to this email letting us know of your intent.

Your safety is our first priority. When we do re-open, rest assured that your YMCA will continue to implement protocols, in consultation with public heath, that set the highest health standards.

I wish you and your family health and happiness this new year and always.

Sincerely,

Rob Adams
CEO, YMCA of Eastern Ontario