Residents in east London are losing their local YMCA facility.
The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario has announced it is permanently closing the Bob Hayward YMCA on Hamilton Road on November 24.
"After very careful, long-term consideration, including a thorough financial and operational analysis, we’ve come to the difficult conclusion that the Bob Hayward Y is no longer sustainable," read an announcement on the east London Y's Facebook page.
The location has been dealing with declining membership and increased maintenance costs related to its aging building for many years. The COVID-19 pandemic added to the financial strain, contributing to the closure decision.
"Please know that this decision was not made lightly and is in no way a reflection of our dedicated staff and volunteers," the Facebook post continued. "We are and always will be very proud of the Bob Hayward Y and the impact it has had in our community for 60 years."
Exiting members of the Bob Hayward Y will be shifted to the Centre Branch Y on Waterloo Street. That facility's amenities, including the pool, will be free to the transferred members for the remainder of the year. Work is also being done to find Bob Hayward Y employees "suitable employment opportunities" at other Y locations, according to YMCA of Southwestern Ontario.
All other YMCA facilities in the city will remain open, organization officials have reassured.
