"You're not really a city until you have a Y"
 
Derek Gant CEO for YMCA/YWCA Vancouver Island 
Derek thanked Harbourside for its support of the "Y" programs.  The Y has a 145 year history in Victoria and they continue to work in some areas during the COVID isolation.  There is a weekly Zoom meeting of YMCA Global leaders to strategize how to provide programs during these times.  Currently continuing to house Youth at Risk.
 
The Y emerged to keep young people out of trouble.   YMCA started in 1875  and the YWCA started in 1892 (Emily Carr and her sisters were on the founding board for women).   Housing is part of history
 
In 1935 Camp Thunderbird was acquired; however, the camp has been cancelled this year.
 
In WWII, they started sock hops and calesthetics.  The triangle that is in the logo indicates mind, body and spirit .
 
By the mid 1950s, they were in aging buildings,  needed new homes.  So M and W joined forces.  Secured current site at Broughton and Quadra and opened in 1965, offering:  Fitness, Health, Music and Fitness, Racquet Courts, yoga,  community service like food delivery, housing, child care.  Increased demands from the Greater Victoria region meant expansion into other communities so leveraged assets to build new buildings in Langford and View Royal.
 
But......what to do with downtown facility?  The building is tired and an engineering study indicated that renovations would be cost prohibitive.  Derek was hired last summer with the mandate to build new downtown Y.  RFP sold in late 2018.  Now looking for new one.
 
However, the current reality of social distancing meant closure on Mar.17th.  They've managed to maintain housing units; but, lost 85% of income.  People tend to touch something 135 times while at Y, so big challenge to re-open.  HeroWork is doing young moms reno and add two new units.  HeroWorks need volunteers.
 
Finding a new spot for the Y has been daunting.  So talked to groups with land.  One site possible – Capital 6 Theatres, acquired by Jawls who have shared values and vision with the Y.  David and Robert Jawl have been having meetings looking at different options.  Need to identify needs and what is required by Y in community now.  Co-create with Jawls.  Pillar of Health (individual and community health)  Poverty and inclusion, gender equity, etc.  Pool?  Gym?  Want flexibility over time.  D’Ambrosio looking at different design options.  Place where people connect.  Derek looks forward to building for the future and looks forward to Harbourside being a partner in this.  Of course, Derek was encouraged to join Harbourside and continue the tradition started by Ken Curry.