The recreation space crunch in St. Albert has caught the attention of the president and CEO of the YMCA of Northern Alberta.
Nick Parkinson, a St. Albert resident and the CEO of the group that has YMCAs in Edmonton, Grande Prairie and Wood Buffalo, has suggested that the YMCA and City of St. Albert could explore the idea of a partnership that would put more recreation facilities in this city.
Parkinson presented at council on May 16 about the idea.
In an interview, he said former city manager Patrick Draper reached out to him about the idea.
The St. Albert resident has read about the challenges around recreation space here, in particular the long wait lists and demand for swimming lessons and pool space. In reading the city’s master recreation plan, he thought he saw potential for a conversation.
“I thought it was important that we reach out and just explore if there was an opportunity,” Parkinson said. “I think that there is great alignment, and this is why Ys and cities partner across the country, is that they’re both really aligned in what they’re trying to do, which is try to make people healthier and lead more productive lives.”
There are a variety of models that could be explored when it comes to a partnership, he said. The YMCA has a proven track record on partnerships, facility design and sustainable operating models, he said.
“I think the other thing is that we bring to the table is we engage community, probably more so than the municipality can in terms of fundraising,” he said.
It’s likely that any model would have to be more than just a pool so that the facility is sustainable.
“Running pools is tough. They don’t break even,” he said.
Parkinson has reached out to new interim city manager Chris Jardine, he said.
Council had several questions for Parkinson around different models and what the YMCAs can run.
Coun. Sheena Hughes gave notice of motion for council to discuss asking administration to start discussions about a potential memorandum of understanding between the city and the YMCA and report back. The motion should be discussed in the coming weeks.
"I'm pretty excited to hear you guys come and want to do something with us," said Coun. Cam MacKay.
