Multi-million-dollar expansion celebrated at Stoney Creek 'Y'
The Stoney Creek YMCA in north London unveiled its latest multi-million dollar expansion on Tuesday. It includes 7,900 additional square feet, spaces for recreational and community programming, 300 spots for children in day camps year round, and efficiency upgrades throughout the facility. General manager Colin Galloway said that the facility is growing to serve the needs of the community.
“When Stoney Creek was built 15 years ago the development hadn’t expanded out this far, but now development has reached us, and surpassed us, and therefore demand is there to increase what space we have,” Galloway explained.
Officials at Stoney Creek YMCA cut cake to celebrate expansion, October 22, 2024 (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London)
Long time member Luis Gonzalez welcomes the added space and amenities. He said that coming to the ‘Y’ is an integral part of his personal well-being.
“To me it’s mental hygiene. You clean yourself every day when you take your shower. But when you come here you clean your mind and that helps you at the same time,” said Gonzalez.
The expansion of Stoney Creek follows the closure last November of the Bob Hayward YMCA in east London. Membership rolls at that facility had been in decline, said Andrew Lockie, CEO of YMCA of southwestern Ontario.
Exterior of Bob Hayward YMCA, closed November 2024 (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London)
“When [the facilities are] aging, the replacement is very expensive, and the membership levels are much lower. So, we had under 700 members when the Bob Hayward branch needed to be closed. We have over 8,000 members here, and it’s important to keep in mind that people can access this facility regardless of their ability to pay the full fee,” he said.
The $2.1 million dollar expansion at the Stoney Creek YMCA was funded by senior government grants, in partnership with the City of London.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Donald Trump says he urged Wayne Gretzky to run for prime minister in Christmas visit
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump says he told Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky he should run for prime minister during a Christmas visit but adds that the athlete declined interest in politics.
Historical mysteries solved by science in 2024
This year, scientists were able to pull back the curtain on mysteries surrounding figures across history, both known and unknown, to reveal more about their unique stories.
King Charles III focuses Christmas message on healthcare workers in year marked by royal illnesses
King Charles III used his annual Christmas message Wednesday to hail the selflessness of those who have cared for him and the Princess of Wales this year, after both were diagnosed with cancer.
Mother-daughter duo pursuing university dreams at the same time
For one University of Windsor student, what is typically a chance to gain independence from her parents has become a chance to spend more time with her biggest cheerleader — her mom.
Thousands without power on Christmas as winds, rain continue in B.C. coastal areas
Thousands of people in British Columbia are without power on Christmas Day as ongoing rainfall and strong winds collapse power lines, disrupt travel and toss around holiday decorations.
Ho! Ho! HOLY that's cold! Montreal boogie boarder in Santa suit hits St. Lawrence waters
Montreal body surfer Carlos Hebert-Plante boogie boards all year round, and donned a Santa Claus suit to hit the water on Christmas Day in -14 degree Celsius weather.
Canadian activist accuses Hong Kong of meddling, but is proud of reward for arrest
A Vancouver-based activist is accusing Hong Kong authorities of meddling in Canada’s internal affairs after police in the Chinese territory issued a warrant for his arrest.
New York taxi driver hits 6 pedestrians, 3 taken to hospital, police say
A taxicab hit six pedestrians in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, police said, with three people — including a 9-year-old boy — transported to hospitals for their injuries.
Azerbaijani airliner crashes in Kazakhstan, killing 38 with 29 survivors, officials say
An Azerbaijani airliner with 67 people onboard crashed Wednesday near the Kazakhstani city of Aktau, killing 38 people and leaving 29 survivors, a Kazakh official said.