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CTV News
13-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
YMCA Calgary drops proposal to operate Cochrane's rec centre
The YMCA Calgary has dropped out of the request for proposal process to operate the Spray Lakes Sawmills Centre, saying it is not the right time for a change in management of the facility. The YMCA is pulling the plug on an idea to operate Cochrane's Spray Lakes Sawmills (SLS) Centre. The organization said while it was invited participate in a request for proposals by the owners, the Town of Cochrane and Rocky View County, it said due to concerns from the community that this was not the right time. 'The YMCA Calgary team has immense appreciation for the individuals and groups who have contributed to SLS Centre's success and care deeply about its success,' said Shannon Doram, YMCA Calgary president and CEO, in a news release. 'I extend my thanks to all who have participated in the town of Cochrane's public engagement process and shared their passion for the programs and services offered at SLS Centre.' Last week, the Cochrane Curling Club Society expressed concerns over the proposal by YMCA Calgary to operate the facility, saying that it meant a loss of control, redirection of revenue and the possible closure of the club's On-The-Rocks lounge. At the time, the YMCA said its proposal meant that it would retain as many SLS Centre employees as possible but could not promise that the lounge would continue operating as usual. 'The YMCA understands that the lounge is a beloved space for social connection, activity viewing and community-building. We also understand the importance of predictability and operational continuity for members, user groups, and the broader community,' the YMCA said June 9. 'While YMCA employees will not be involved in serving alcohol on an operational basis, we look forward to working through an open and collaborative process to find a solution that enables the continued responsible enjoyment of the lounge.' YMCA Calgary drops proposal to operate Cochrane rec centre A public engagement session was held June 11 and was attended by Cochrane's mayor and council. The town was scheduled to vote on the proposal at a future council meeting. CTV News has reached out to the town for comment on the development.
Calgary Herald
10-06-2025
- Health
- Calgary Herald
Cochrane residents opposed to YMCA proposal for SLS Centre
A proposal that would shift operations of Cochrane's SLS Centre to the YMCA has been met with backlash from Cochranites who have questions on how this will impact their community. Article content Following media event on June 9, Town of Cochrane CAO Mike Derricott said the proposal would see Cochrane's recreational facility transfer its future management to the YMCA. Article content Article content 'It was about a year ago that [Cochrane] council, in conjunction with our partners at Rocky View County, asked a question about what was the best model for managing recreational service pressures,' Derricott said. 'We have seen sustained sustained patterns of growth, and as that continues, we need to know that that's going to necessitate us evolving our services to match the growing demand.' Article content Article content Currently, the proposed agreement will last for 25 years, which will include quarterly operational and annual governance-level reporting built into the agreement. It will also host a six-month transition period where the YMCA will undergo a detailed process and connect with all users. Article content Article content In financial estimates made to Cochrane council, from 2026 to 2030, the YMCA projects an operating margin increase of 130 per cent in their first year, followed by and 185 per cent increase in year two, and 20 per cent increases over the next three years. Article content This will result in a $392,000 surplus in year one, with a $1.85 million surplus by year five. The YMCA does note that this is before any monumental operating model adjustments that would need to be considered with Cochrane and Rocky View, and as the SLS pursues peak optimization. Article content After the request for proposal closed on July 9, 2024, the YMCA was picked as the best candidate among two other potential options. Following this decision, it has been met with backlash by members of the community that it could potentially be seen as a takeover of the facility by YMCA Calgary. Article content Article content With major user groups of the SLS Centre expressing their concerns on the topic, Derricott said that it is understandable and reasonable there is anxiety around what the change will bring. Article content 'We do not expect there to be changes at the operational level [and] to user experience, both at individual level or to the groups that rely on Spray Lakes and Cochrane Arena to provide their programs,' he said. Article content Cochrane mayor Jeff Genung said that the impetus of the decision is to address the growth pressures of the town. Article content 'If you haven't been around here, you need to come over the hill and take a look and see this community transform almost overnight,' Genung said. 'And that discussion included looking at a second site for another rec facility, and so – where is that? Who's operating it? That was really where the question came from in the beginning, and that's why we find ourselves in this RFP process now.'
