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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGoderich Signal Star, 2017-02-15, Page 3Goderich YMCA informs council user numbers, they "are exceeding 3000 members" Shaun Gregory Postmedia Network YMCA representatives presented Goderich Council with statistics of their customer demographics, showing that their facility has surpassed the goals set 11 years prior. The YMCA came to council to pre- sent a 2016 report, which will help guide their 2017 budget. There have already been two budget discussions, and the budget will be finalized in March. In 2003, council prepared a model, which predicted 1800-2400 members, during a recent interview with Larry J. McCabe, Goderich Chief Administra- tive Officer, he said they "are exceeding 3000 members." . "It's an unbelievable operation," McCabe commented. "The programs and quality of programs and how they operate is a partnership that's been toted all over the province." Currently there are 334 members in the 13-17 age group, 709 people who are 18-29 years of age, between 30-54 there are 1172 users, 494 members are 55 -years -old to 64 years of age and 587 members are 65 -plus. "A job well done at the YMCA and everyone involved (getting) those members in there and active to enjoy that facility," Goderich Coun. Trevor Bazinet said Feb. 6. "There are some struggles obviously, but from what I've seen since I've been on council, a lot of negatives become a lot of positives." He continued, "I hear it when I'm walking around the streets" According to Bazinet, Goderich's YMCA operates in a way that is unique; it is distinct from other recreational facilities. For example, Bazinet indicated most municipalities run their local ice arena; instead in Goderich the YMCA takes on this responsibility. "YMCA goes above and beyond, for the call of duty," stated Bazinet. Jim Donnelly, Goderich Deputy Mayor, did not share the same opti- mistic opinion as his fellow political assemblage, he told council he's frus- trated with the potential fee increase, from it's current fee of 7 per cent to 9 per cent. "They are now asking us to increase their fee, this isn't the cost of recreation, this is the fee that goes to them," said Donnelly about the provision which states they can ask for increases every so often. McCabe told Postmedia most facili- ties are at about 8-9 per cent. "Although the 7 per cent hasn't changed, the operational cost changes every year," said Donnelly. "They go up $100,000-5200,000 and it's $600,000 or $700,000 now, every time that goes up, the fee goes up." The next Goderich Council meeting is Feb. 21 at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 15, 2017 • Signal Star 3 Jim Donnelly, Goderich Deputy Mayor is not a fan of the potential fee increase for the town's YMCA. • If'Po-- INTER- / HOURS: if -Tuesday, Wednesday & f t 10 a.m.-4:30 Thursday l0o.m.-8p.m .' Saturday - 4:30 p.m. Huron County Museum Historic Gaol Join us for gamily &Heritage Day THE HURON COUNTY MUSEUM MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2017 10 A.M. — 4 P.M. FREE ADMISSION Visit the Museum's galleries and celebrate Canada's 150th birthday with historic activities, treats, and games. EA MUSEUM MEMBER! Benefits include unlimited visits to the Huron County Museum and seasonal sites; : shop and programming nts, andfree admission to partner museums (Grey Roots, Bruce County Museum, Simcoe County Museum and Waterloo Region Museum). Event organized by the Friends of the Huron County Museum. 110 North Street, Goderich • 519-524-2686 huroncountymuseum.ca For hours and other events • Connect with us on social media facebook.com/huroncountymuseum • If twiffer.com/hcmuseum @huroncountymuseum • © www.pinterest.com/huroncountymuseum