Membertou residents take advantage of YMCA deal
Community support has far exceeded projections
Residents of the First Nations community of Membertou are taking advantage of a newly signed agreement with the YMCA of Cape Breton.
Although a memorandum of understanding between the community and the YMCA was only signed Thursday, it took effect in September, offering residents a reduced cost to join the downtown Sydney facility.
The agreement calls for residents to pay 20 per cent of the cost, with the band council picking up the tab for the remaining 80 per cent.
Krista Devoe, the community’s physical activity leadership co-ordinator, said Thursday that during the negotiations for the agreement, it was projected that community memberships would increase by 100 within the first year of the three-year deal and by 150 in year two.
But community support for the deal has far exceeded those projections, with memberships from the community growing by 150 in one month.
Devoe said the community response is extremely encouraging, noting the memberships represent a good mix of residents, from individuals to families to youth and seniors.
“The YMCA recognizes Membertou for its innovation and success in building toward the community’s long-term needs in health, education, employment and quality of life,” said Paul Moore, co-chair of the YMCA’s board of directors.
Data will be collected on the number of Membertou residents who have active memberships and how frequently they are using the YMCA’s facilities.
Chief Terry Paul described the deal as yet another step in maintaining a healthy community.
The new agreement also establishes a role for the YMCA to operate a fitness centre within the Membertou Sports and Wellness Centre. A management agreement will be developed in advance of the scheduled summer 2016 opening of the centre.
The YMCA of Cape Breton was first established in 1886 and provides services such as health, fitness and recreation, child care, education, training and employment programs. In addition to Sydney, the YMCA also operates facilities in Glace Bay and Port Hawkesbury.