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YMCA project put on ‘indefinite’ hold
City unanimously votes to defer controversial $35-million partnership Alex BUTLER Abbotsford News
A controversial proposed $35-million YMCA facility in Abbotsford has been indefinitely deferred. At Monday evening’s council meeting, Mayor Bruce Banman read a letter from Stephen Butz, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Vancouver, expressing the organization’s condolences for the loss of the city’s general manager of parks, recreation and culture, Mark Taylor. The YMCA project had long been championed by Taylor, who died in a skiing accident last month. The letter stated, “in light of current circumstances, we fully recognize the need for flexibility given the capacity issues (the city manager) now faces.” Banman said the YMCA has expressed its “wish to indefinitely withdraw their offer to build a proposed YMCA here in Abbotsford.” The mayor’s announcement and council’s unanimous vote to defer the project, pre-empted a scheduled delegation from businessman Fred Thiessen, who was to speak against a city contribution of $17.5 million to build a YMCA facility here. Banman apologized to Thiessen for making the announcement prior to his presentation, asking whether he still wished to speak. Thiessen questioned if the original memorandum-of-
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ALEX BUTLER Abbotsford News
Local businessman Fred Thiessen, an opponent of a proposed YMCA facility for Abbotsford, questioned members of council after a unanimous vote to indefinitely defer the controversial project.
understanding (MOU) with the YMCA would have to be amended due to the indefinite deferral of the project. Banman replied that the project with the YMCA will not be moving forward at this time. Thiessen said he didn’t want to assume the paperwork would be done. “I’m not happy with that. It’s ambiguous. It allows for a change of heart.” Banman urged Thiessen to
take the council’s decision at face value. “Allow us to discuss this with the Y and figure out what becomes of the MOU.” Banman said the YMCA understands it will take considerable time for the city to regroup following the loss of Taylor, and at this time the Y will move on to another project. Thiessen had previously expressed his opposition to the concept at a council meeting in
January, drawing a crowd of about 150 people. The project was then delayed to allow for new city manager George Murray to evaluate the project. The proposal called for a 55,000-square-foot facility to be built on the former MSA Hospital site on McCallum Road, owned by the Fraser Health Authority. The proposed cost of the project was $35 million, with $17.5 million from the city, an $8 million contribution from the YMCA, $8 million in community contributions raised by YMCA, and $1.5 million from the province. The YMCA was to receive a property tax exemption, but would cover the operating costs for the building. The YMCA, in addition to providing a recreation facility and swimming pool, would also offer community outreach and newcomer programs, afterschool programs, gambling prevention, prenatal and parenting classes, English as a second language training, adult learning and computer access. Butz previously told The News that in July 2011 the organization was approached by the city to consider the possibility of developing a local facility. The organization commissioned a market research project and found there was justification for building a YMCA, with a total projected membership of roughly 10,000.
‘MOST WANTED’ A5 Two of four alleged drug smugglers were on Crime Stoppers’ wanted lists
CLUB CRITICAL OF DECISION A3 University says possible
protest spurred postponement of pro-life event
SCHMIDT CENTRE A7 30 units of supportive housing for men opens in Abbotsford
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