News & Events
There have been lots of things happening at the YMCA of Niagara over the last few months and we would like to share the information with you. View a copy of the latest YMCA Newsletter here.
Full Speed Ahead for new Niagara West YMCA
With approval of the site plan by Grimsby council on June 7, construction has begun on the new YMCA facility. At the same meeting, council approved a request for $1.5 million in one-time capital funding for the project. YMCA Board member and Grimsby resident, Linda Boich, made the request to council saying, "Simply stated, I'm asking for your support because you believe, as we do, that Grimsby will be a better place because of the YMCA. It's what we want for our parents, our kids and, in this case, our great grandchildren's kids."
Ground breaking for the new Niagara West YMCA took place on Saturday, April 24. Over 300 people gathered to participate in the fun family activities and to watch the Clavel family break ground for the new YMCA. Brian Clavel's excitement showed as he explained that this will be a place for "our whole family to enjoy activities together." His son added, "We can't wait to meet new friends at the YMCA."
Speaking on behalf of the municipalities to show their continued support and enthusiasm for the project were Mayors Katie Trombetta from West Lincoln, Bob Bentley from Grimsby and Bill Hodgson from Lincoln. Also on hand to acknowledge federal and provincial support, without which this YMCA would not have become a reality, wer MP for Niagara West - Glanbrook, Dean Allison and Jim Bradley, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and MPP for St. Catharines.
The new West Niagara $18 million capital development will begin immediately with plans to open mid-year 2011.
“The West Niagara YMCA project will now move full speed ahead,” said Steve Butz, CEO of YMCA of Niagara. “This project is an example of what can be accomplished when communities and government come together. The new YMCA will be a hub for community, developing strong kids, families and strong communities for generations to come.”
The new 57,000 square foot West Niagara YMCA serving over 10,000 men, women and children, will be located on Regional Road 81, visible from the QEW and near the Bartlett Street exit. This state of the art facility will feature two pools, a gymnasium, conditioning areas and multipurpose spaces for children, youth and family programs. Open to all through YMCA Financial Assistance, the West Niagara YMCA is expected to employ over 100 staff and engage close to 100 volunteers.
The multi-sourced capital project employing 82 person years of employment during construction, will be funded by the federal and provincial $12 million Infrastructure Stimulus Funding, municipal support, YMCA contribution and a community fundraising campaign.
For more information contact Dave Wyllie, VP, YMCA of Niagara (905) 218 6793 (West Niagara) or (905) 346 2241 or email dwyllie@ymcaofniagara.ca.
Swimming Admission Requirements
Effective August 4, 2009
The YMCA of Niagara is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable aquatic experience. The following age restriction admission criteria for under 10 years of age are based on Public Health requirements. Waterslide criteria are based on TSSA requirements.
Under 6 years
- Must be directly supervised by an adult/guardian (min 13 years of age) in the water within arms reach.
- Maximum 2:1 ratio
- All children not fully toilet trained must wear specialty swim diapers or rubber pants.
Under 10 years
- If able to successfully demonstrate comfort in the water and complete the facility swim test [2 widths uninterrupted], children may swim independently.
- If not able to successfully complete the facility swim test, children must be accompanied by an adult/guardian (min 13 years) in the water in the same area of the pool.
- Maximum 4:1 ratio
Family Swim
- All swimmers under age 16 must be accompanied in the water by a parent/guardian (min 16 years of age).
- Age restriction criteria apply.
Lane Swim
- Is for swimmers 13 years and older.
Water Slide
- Is available during open and family swims.
- For safety reasons, sliders must be able to swim 25m unassisted; and be 48" tall to ride in Niagara Falls and 42" tall to ride in Fort Erie.
Medical Conditions
- All swimmers with a serious medical condition should inform the lifeguard on duty.
Asset Building the YMCA Way
What Kids Need to Succeed & What Our YMCA is Doing About It
The YMCA way of building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities is now validated by studies conducted by the Minneapolis-based Search Institute of almost two million young people in the United States and Canada. Out of this research, Search Institute researchers have identified 40 concrete, positive experiences and qualities called "developmental assets" which have a tremendous influence on young people's lives. The developmental assets are the essential building blocks all young people need to be healthy, caring, competent adults.
The 40 developmental assets include such things as healthy relationships with adults, service to others, creative activities, honesty, peaceful conflict resolution and a sense of purpose - the very things that YMCAs have been providing young people with for years. These assets are grouped into eight categories.
- Ensure that young people experience Support.
- Provide opportunities for Empowerment.
- Set Appropriate Boundaries & Expectations.
- Facilitate Constructive Use of Time.
- Cultivate a Lifelong Commitment to Learning.
- Instill Positive Values.
- Develop Social Competencies.
- Nurture a Positive Identity.
The assets have been shown to influence adolescent behaviour across all cultural, socioeconomic groups and geographic areas — protecting youth from poor choices and risky behaviours and promoting positive attitudes and behaviours. Youth with a higher number of assets are less likely to engage in activities such as problem alcohol use, antisocial behaviours, violence, illicit drug use and sexual activity. Young people with more assets are more apt to experience success in school, have good health, possess an appreciation of diversity and an ability to delay gratification.
The YMCA of Niagara is committed to building assets to help young people make wise decisions, choose positive paths and grow up competent, caring and responsible. Our staff who interact with children and youth have participated in training about the Asset Building approach. We have examined our existing programs to assess the Asset Building which is currently happening in our YMCA and strategies to expand upon our strong foundation. Our values-based program model, Early Years programs and the curriculum used in our child care centres demonstrate an asset-rich philosophy. As additional programs develop, we will ensure that there are opportunities to further enhance the experiences of children and youth using the Asset framework.
With the powerful impact Asset Building has on YMCAs and the potential power of YMCAs for building assets and building communities, YMCA Canada, YMCA of the USA and the Search Institute have joined together to create the Abundant Assets Alliance. This alliance is a natural collaboration that unites the YMCA movement with research and cutting-edge thinking on positive child, youth and teen development. The alliance seeks to strengthen the existing capacity of YMCAs to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities in the framework, philosophy, and principles of developmental assets.
If you are interested in more information about the 40 Developmental Assets and what we are doing at our YMCA, please contact one of the Asset Building Committee members listed below or visit the Abundant Asset Alliance website at: www.abundantassets.org
You are here: About Us > News & Events
|
™