For Immediate Release:

John W. Lindsay YMCA Officially Opens Its Doors to the Community 

HALIFAX, NS – October 19, 2020 – The John W. Lindsay YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth officially opens today. The much-anticipated venue will be a centrepiece for the community to gather and participate in life-enhancing activities.

The 70,000 square foot facility at South Park and Sackville Street will be a place for people to work out, to socialize, to play and to meet. It will be a destination for discovery where people can learn, develop new skills and connect and share. The new YMCA will feature a wide range of health and wellness resources for the community including:

  • Three pools and a state-of-the-art gym
  • Two levels of strength and cardio equipment
  • Indoor walking/running/wheeling track
  • Four studios for classes and programming
  • Childminding center to support parents and caregivers while they work out
  • Child and Family Development Centre
  • Community space and WiFi

Coinciding with the opening, the YMCA has designed a new membership structure to reflect the unique needs of the community. Most notably, family memberships are ‘build your own’, partner memberships are designed for any combination of people (partners, friends, neighbours, etc.) Memberships for kids 0-4 are included with the adult membership and special rates for Youth and Students, all of this has been created with the objective of providing our community a safe place where everyone can be included and have fun.

As a charity committed to building a healthy and inclusive community, the YMCA also offers financial assistance. They will not turn away an interested member because of a lack of financial means and have structured membership models and rates to help ensure maximum value and affordability for as many individuals and families as possible.  

All memberships include unlimited, all-inclusive access to swim lessons, fitness classes, pools, cardio, recreational programming, and ultimate flexibility – no cancellation fee, and membership holds for up to three months in a calendar year. They will also offer special member rates for personal training, small group training, day camps, and specialty programs.

Brian Posavad, CEO, YMCA Greater Halifax/Dartmouth comments, “This is a new, accessible, inclusive, asset for our city focused on health, wellness and community. It’s a place to go when you are looking for belonging, wellness, learning a new skill and be included. It’s a place for Halifax to be.”

“With the grand opening of the new John W. Lindsay YMCA, Halifax has put another exciting community hub on our map,” states Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax and Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Canada’s Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “It will be a place where families, friends – new friends! – children, seniors, lifelong Haligonians and newcomers alike can strengthen their mind, spirit, and body. With its recreation and wellness programs for people of all ages and incomes, I believe this facility will have a transformational effect on our community. It is the perfect example of how our infrastructure plan is building vibrant, healthy, and joyful communities at exactly the time when we need it most.”

“The YMCA is a weekly, if not daily, destination for hundreds of families to exercise, have fun, make friends and live their best possible life. This new facility will accommodate people of every age and skill level.  It is a truly inclusive space that everyone can enjoy,” states Rafah DiCostanzo, MLA for Clayton Park West, on behalf of Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Chuck Porter.

Mayor of Halifax Mike Savage adds, “It’s wonderful to see the Y’s return to South Park Street. While this beautiful new facility has so much new to offer, the spirit of the old Y and its commitment to inclusivity and creating a healthy community remains. Congratulations to everyone who helped make this much-anticipated day happen.”

“At the Y we are building a healthy community through a sense of belonging. This means bringing seniors out of isolation, creating equal opportunities for all children and finding a way for all marginalized communities to participate in our community the way they want to participate whether it’s through activities, sports programming, arts and culture or mentorship. Everyone is welcome and this is indeed a significant day when we grow our capacity to do so much more for our community,” comments Jennifer Berry, Chair, Board of Directors, YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth.

The John W. Lindsay YMCA hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 6:00 am to 7:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. People can register for memberships at ymcahfx.ca. Photos of the new facility can be accessed and downloaded here.

About the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth
The YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth is a charity dedicated to strengthening the foundation of community. YMCA services include Health and Wellness, Employment Services, Child Care, Residential/Day Camping, Immigrant Programs, and Leadership Development.

 

Media Contact:
Tara Wickwire

NATIONAL Public Relations
902.403.6391
[email protected]