MONTRÉAL, Feb. 28, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The YMCAs of Québec regretfully announce that activities at the Guy-Favreau YMCA will end as of May 31, 2017. The lease for the centre's premises expires on this date. The YMCA is giving notice of non-renewal of the lease because it is unable to renew the lease under the rental terms set by the federal government, which owns the Guy-Favreau Complex.
When the centre opened thirty years ago, the YMCA, a charitable organization, signed an agreement with the federal government to manage a community and sports centre in the Guy-Favreau Complex with a symbolic rent of $1 per year, thus allowing the centre to cover its operational costs. Opening the centre was part of a commitment from real estate developers and the government to the community, namely the Chinese community, which had suffered many expropriations in order to build the complex. This arrangement lasted 20 years, from 1986 to 2006. Ten years ago, in an effort to increase the profitability of its real estate property holdings, the federal government began to eliminate reduced rent agreements for its buildings. Consequently, the government progressively increased the YMCA's rent until the end of the lease in May 2017. The YMCA can no longer bear the expense of the current rent because the Guy-Favreau YMCA has been operating at a deficit for a several years, despite the stability and loyalty of its members. Moreover, significant funds are required to renovate the centre.
"We have had multiple discussions with the federal government. The government clearly understands the negative consequences of the situation, but is not in a position to offer reduced rent to organizations that occupy its buildings, in spite of the fact that we were in discussions for a potential partnership with the Direction of Public Health of Montreal, the CIUSSS of the Centre-Sud-de-I'Île-de-Montréal, the CHUM, and the City of Montreal," said Stéphane Vaillancourt, President and CEO of the YMCAs of Québec. "We must therefore plan to end our activities in the centre. We truly hope our members will remain part of the YMCA family by transferring their membership to another centre in our network."
For 165 years now, the YMCA has been helping Quebecers improve their overall health and living conditions each day. Promoting healthy life habits and physical activity for people of all ages and backgrounds and ensuring that young people succeed in school—starting in early childhood—are at the heart of its actions.
Each year, more than 5,500 people of all ages use the Guy-Favreau YMCA facilities, and 500 people benefit from financial assistance provided by the YMCA. The centre is situated in a neighbourhood where there is a lack of community services and facilities.
The YMCA invites all customers of the Guy-Favreau YMCA to contact the centre for more information about the different options available to them.
About the YMCAs of Québec
The YMCAs of Québec is a charitable organization that builds stronger communities by providing opportunities for everyone to lead fulfilling, active, healthy and engaged lives. Its 10 YMCA centres, International Language School, Residence, Camp YMCA Kanawana and its 40 service sites across the province are visited each year by more than 120,000 people. The first YMCA in North America was founded in Montréal in November 1851. The YMCAs of Québec is part of the Canadian network of 48 YMCA associations. For more information, visit ymcaquebec.org or our Facebook and Twitter pages.
SOURCE YMCA
Karine Chateauneuf, Advisor, Marketing and Communications, T : 514 849-5331, ext 1254, M : 438 497-9926, E : [email protected]
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