The journey to reach an agreement between Northumberland YMCA and Brighton will take its next step on August 12 as the council prepares to receive an updated report on a possible deal.
Northumberland YMCA Chief Executive Officer Eunice Kirkpatrick said optimistic as the path towards a partnership unfolds.
“I am definitely feeling positive as we move ahead,” she said Thursday prior to the council meeting.
Council deferred its decision at its last meeting in July after hearing a presentation from Kirkpatrick. During the presentation, she said she wanted to move away from a lease agreement for space at 170 Main Street and into a service agreement.
The service agreement would cost the town about $40,000 annually, with an adjustment for inflationary costs reviewed yearly.
Brighton resident Fred Wardle made a presentation to council at its July meeting, arguing for the partnership.
He reminded the council of its commitment to the YMCA, dating back to 2003 when it first opened. He made a case that the YMCA was being treated like a tenant and not as a not-for-profit agency that benefits the community.
He rhymed off all the benefits, including community outreach, summer day camps, and social programs. Wardle also said it is much more.
“The Brighton Y is, without a doubt, a leading social centre in the town, a major plus for those considering moving here, and an important part of the lives of its current members,” he said.
He finished by urging council to use the opportunity to move forward with a possible wellness centre.
A proposed Multi-use recreation centre is part of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan adopted by council in 2023. Northumberland YMCA reached a service agreement with Trent Hills to provide programs for its new recreation facility, which will open this fall.
Council did not move forward at its last meeting as town staff prepared a report based on a lease, not a service agreement. Council requested a new report on the proposed service agreement be brought back for the September meeting.
