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Plans unveiled for proposed library/YMCA
The City of Waterloo, in partnership with the Waterloo Public Library and the Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA has worked with Teeple Architects to develop conceptual drawings for the west side library and Family YMCA. Here are the drawings about how the site will be used and what the building might look like.
The West Waterloo District Libray and Family YMCA
A Family YMCA and Waterloo Public Library district branch is proposed for where Laurelwood Drive meets Fischer-Hallman Road North. The joint facility will provide 65,000 square feet of space to better serve the needs of the west side of Waterloo. The current plan would see construction begin in the spring of 2008 and be completed 18 - 24 months later.
The Family YMCA will offer a mix of programs, services and facilties (including an indoor swimming pool, gymnasium and indvidual conditioning centre) that are typical of a Family YMCA. The mix will be similar to what is offered at the A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA in Kitchener. By combining a district library branch with the YMCA, a true people place will be created. Families, children youth, adults and seniors of all ages, abilities and ethnic backgrounds can come together to learn, play, get active and belong.
The Family YMCA in west Waterloo will be a place where people can pursue good health for life. Until it opens, you are invited to join our A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA and participate in other YMCA programs and services including those offered at RIM Park.
Next Steps
- April 23, 2007 - City Council approval of the Environmental Reserve Environmental Assessment Addendum
with direction to file Addendum for 30 day review period. (Note: EA Addendum requires approval to conclude the City's agreement to lease land from the University of Waterloo.)
- Initial schematic design concepts to go to council for approval so we can move to detailed design stage - date to be confirmed
- Legal Agreements to City Council - likely June 2007
- Project Tender - tentatively December 2007
- Construction could begin March 2008
Partners
The proposed West Waterloo Family YMCA would be built in a building that would include a district branch of the Waterloo Public Library. The building would be owned by the City of Waterloo and on land leased from the University of Waterloo.
The partnership hastens the the provision of much-needed health, fitness and recreation services for west Waterloo. As a result of the partnership, the capital and operating costs are lower for both the City and the YMCA if either moved ahead alone.
Green light given to Family YMCA in West Waterloo
On January 16, 2007 the Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA's Board of Directors made a commitment to the proposed West Waterloo Family YMCA. "We have crunched the numbers and completed our due diligence," said Vivienne Ojala, President of the Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA's Board of Directors. "We're now fully committed towards moving the West Waterloo District Library and Family YMCA project forward to the next stage and look forward to partnering with the City, Library and University to make this exciting facility a reality." The next stage is negotiating a legal agreement to formalize the partnership. Read a news release issued January 22, 2007 for more details.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) & Zoning Approved
On September 18, Waterloo City Council voted to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA. This document sets the ground rules for moving forward until a final, legal agreement is signed. While the City will own the building, the YMCA ensures it can make a long term impact upon people's lives and health by securing a place in an underserved area to offer its programs and services. The proposal is for the YMCA to have a 25 year lease that it can renew for up to another 24 years. The YMCA will equip the recreation facility and pay its operating costs while the city will maintain the facility infrastructure and property.
On December 11, the City approved the zoning changes needed to build the facility on this site. Here is the report to council on the change.
Market and Needs Studies
Results of a market research study conducted in June 2006 showed strong support for the project and enough interest in memberships to ensure the facility will be successful. A needs study conducted in February 2006 indicated a need for facilities typical of a Family YMCA in Waterloo west of Westmount Road.
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