YMCA ‘excited’ about Port Colborne
As the opening of the Vale Health and Wellness Centre draws closer, Mike O’Callaghan is becoming more excited.
O’Callaghan is the general manager of the YMCA going into the new centre, on Elizabeth St., which opens on Feb. 16, and will take care of the “warm side” of the $32-million facility. The warm side refers to the centre’s two pools, double gym, exercise facility, eight outdoor bocce courts and walking/jogging track for all-season use. “New state-of-the-art equipment is being purchased,” said O’Callaghan at Port Colborne-Wainfleet Chamber of Commerce’s quarterly breakfast Wednesday at Jericho House in Wainfleet. He was joined by YMCA Niagara campaign director Kristy McMitrick, and the two spoke about the Y in general and Port Colborne. “The facility itself is second-to-none … it’s the biggest, best, modern, green, well-constructed …” said O’Callaghan.
“Attention to detail and a thorough understanding of each and every aspect of the construction process can prevent anything from poor subcontractor performance to late delivery.”
Daniel Aquino, President, Aquicon Construction
When the new centre opens — it replaces a pool and two arenas, one of which was taken down to make room for it — in addition to the pools, gym and track, it will feature two NHL-sized hockey rinks. O’Callaghan said the gym at the centre will be able to be divided into three sections for use by various groups or for any Y programs and there will be a play centre where parents can drop off their children while the work out in the pool or fitness centre. “I know we’re excited, I hope you’re excited,” he said to the business owners from Wainfleet and Port Colborne who were at the breakfast,” he said. McMitrick said the Y is already running programs in the city, with one at Lakeshore Catholic High School and two out of Steele Street School. The program at Lakeshore, she said, sees Y staff linked with families that are new to Canada. It’s designed to help them integrate into the community. Programs at Steele Street include a day camp at the school and a youth action program. “We’re excited to be part of the community in the near future,” she said.
Residents will be able to find out what the Y has to offer on Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Roselawn Centre, when Y staff will be on hand to answer questions. Y staff have yet to determine their schedule at Roselawn, but will release the times when they have them. Residents will also be able to purchase a membership that could be used right away at other Y facilities in Niagara or be saved for when it opens at the new centre.
Source: Welland Tribune
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