1. Welcome, Introductions & What Went Wells
Attendance:
Rebecca Price, Laurie Brown, April Haggart, Charlotte Munro, Jen ?? , and Sarah Merkel

Special Guest: Mimi Price, Charlene Gordon

 

Member of Rotary of Stratford

YMCA History, showed the original YMCA location in market square. It is a charity, locally founded in 1869. Over 9000 people used the YMCA 2017. YMCA moved to its current location in 1904, current building is 50 years old. Branch is turning 150 years old next year. Originally created as a place for bible study. They moved to improve people in all capacities. The triangle of the YMCA logo stands for mind, body and spirit. Currently have 140 staff (a large portion of staff are under 25 years of age).

YMCA Programs: Childcare (10 locations in Stratford, largest provider of childcare within perth and across Canada), Health/Fitness/Aquatics, Summer Camp, Community Enrichment Programs (Youth Centre, Stratford Star, YMCA Peace Medallion, YMCA Strong Kids Campaign - childcare subsidy, financial assistance for members)

 

There has been a proposed New Y called the Grand Trunk Hub. They are working with the City of Stratford and the University of Waterloo to create a space for all of Stratford. They are looking to rebuild/enhance the current structure in a multipurpose capacity. They are looking create an Olympic size swimming pool and a leisure pool. More change rooms (a fifth change room for families, i.e. a father and his daughter. The YMCA had considered a universal change room, but not sure if Stratford is ready). An improved/larger gymnasium, multipurpose space, kid zone and office space. A large childcare space to improve space, and a community centre for seniors (with the loss of the Kiwanis Centre). The University would build a student life centre as the second floor of the YMCA. Considering having a multi purpose/auditorium space that could hold meetings, weddings, etc. with a supporting kitchen. Other things the YMCA is considering more squash courts (due to the Country club closing their last court), tenant space (agencies, offices etc), having the Youth Centre in the YMCA building.

By March 31^st they will have a yes or no if their funding will be approved. The YMCA worked with multiple partners in this process.


Questions:
Timeline: Due to the election that is approaching, spending deadlines are March for the 31^st. The YMCA is preparing their funding campaign to help offset costs. Timelines are very open. Once funding is confirmed, a timeline can be set. Potential creating a green space on the rough. The project could be completed in about 18 - 24 months.

Cooper site relation: There were hot spots of soil contamination on the property which are currently being investigated. There is some small back and forth of the cost of the property with the City of Stratford and the former land owner. The bus depot will also be housed on the same property and the particulars of that are currently being sorted out as they overlap with the Y’s parking plans. Very rough estimate cost is $20 million for the new building (create a building that lasts).

 

Torn down or repurposed existing Y site: Lots of options. Selling the building would help contribute to the cost of the new building. Mimi mentioned a potential of Central SS rebuilt but there is not enough space. Charlene wondered about Jeane Suave as they wanted some of the property. Mimi does not believe the land is suitable for schools due to space and “hot spots” of unsafe soil samples. Mimi asks how much money can be spent on remediating (sp?) the soil. This work is also costly in a timing sense. 

Parking for the downtown core: What will happen with the free parking. The part of the building that was burnt down will be torn down and will become parking. There is not enough parking.

 

Comments: Really is a community space. Let’s have everyone under one roof. The city sees the YMCA as the main tenant of this space.

 

Laurie

6.2 Cheque presentation to Rotary for the Hospice $2000
 

 

Laurie

 

 

 

- Friendship Exchange opportunities for help during the Croatia exchange. Laurie discussed the potential of a Rotaract planning an exchange of our own.
-Invite was sent to the Festival City Rotary Meeting  via Facebook for Jan. 30^th at 7:00 am 3D printing prosthetics. Combing helping tech and helping the community.

- Charlotte has obtained a 10 x 10 space for the swan parade. Suggested a face painting table for Rotaract. Swan Parade is April 10^th 12-4. Charlotte’s table is Stratford Swan Swag. Would only require a few volunteers.
 

 

 

All

 

 

 

Laurie

 

Wednesday, February 7^th

The Wine Cellar at The Hub

6:30 social, 7:00 meeting

Speaker: Brent Furtney

Topic: Boards & Governance