Saugeen Shores ends YMCA negotiations for new pool facility

Council has ended negotiations with the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce to operate the Town’s new Aquatic & Wellness Centre (AWC).  The Municipality will explore other operating models for its facility.

Construction plans for the AWC have not changed.  The project is set to begin in the summer of 2023, with a planned completion date of early 2025.

Council made the decision on Monday night to withdraw from a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the YMCA to act as an independent operator of the AWC.  After years of negotiations, Council believes that an agreement that works from an operational and financial standpoint cannot be reached. Both parties had signed the MOU to negotiate an agreement in June 2018.

“On behalf of Council, I want to thank the YMCA Owen Sound Grey Bruce Board for their efforts on this project”, said Mayor Luke Charbonneau.  “We look forward to our continued work together and hope to find opportunities to partner on other initiatives with the YMCA in the future.”

Council has directed staff to investigate and present new operating options, including a municipally run model for the facility.