The contentious saga of YMCA Calgary’s proposed takeover of Cochrane’s SLS Centre came to a surprising and premature end today as the YMCA announced that it has decided to withdraw its proposal.
The Town of Cochrane said it had received the YMCA’s notice to withdraw itself from the recreation facility management request for proposals process–a process that awoke intense backlash from residents and SLS Centre user groups, culminating in a marathon public hearing on Wednesday.
The Town wrote in a statement that it respects the YMCA’s decision and “appreciated the professionalism YMCA Calgary has demonstrated in exploring the potential partnership.”
In the wake of the news, Town of Cochrane Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Mike Derricott wrote “enhancing service delivery, ensuring financial sustainability and addressing the needs of our growing population are the foundation of the Town’s and Rocky View County’s request for proposals on recreation facility management. Looking forward, these foundations remain our priority.”
The Town added that council and administrative staff appreciate the residents who took time to share their feedback on the management of Cochrane’s recreation facilities at Wednesday’s meeting and in days prior to the YMCA’s decision.
“The process solidified how valuable our rec centre is to our community,” wrote Mayor Jeff Genung. “This has never been in question. We continue to care deeply about the future of recreation in Cochrane. We’ve heard loud and clear from user groups; they need more. From my perspective, this process was always about looking for ways to provide that for them, not about tearing down what we have. What has been confirmed is that we have more work to do.”
The YMCA said that had heard the concerns of the community and decided it was not the time for a change in facility management.
“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,” wrote Shannon Doram, YMCA Calgary President and CEO in a statement to the Cochrane Eagle. “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”.
For many user groups who attended Wednesday’s meeting and who have led the charge in publicly opposing the takeover, today’s news comes with a sigh of relief.
“We’re immensely humbled and shocked and happy that we are where we are and that the voice of the Cochrane community and the Rocky View community has been heard,” said Cochrane Curling Club President Kendall Waiting.
Waiting added that the curling club’s opposition to the YMCA proposal was not explicitly anti-YMCA, but instead a showcase of a passionate desire to keep “Cochrane things in Cochrane.”
“I want to emphasize that this wasn’t about the YMCA, they’re a proud community member-driven source and they’re a great community partner for the communities they serve,” Waiting said. “It wasn’t about the Y being a bad thing or anything like that. Fundamentally, it was about keeping Cochrane, Cochrane.”
With the YMCA saga coming to a close, both user groups and the Town of Cochrane understand that the bigger picture is not yet painted. Waiting said the curling club is looking forward to finding a solution to the SlS Centre’s management conundrum that benefits all groups.
“We will work together with the Town and the SLSC to keep this legacy going for 100 more years,” Waiting said.
The Town said that administration officials will continue to work with the SLS Centre Board, Rocky View County, and the Town of Cochrane Council’s to explore next steps for the SLS Centre.
