The future of the YMCA continues to hang in the balance as some Brighton councilllors expressed concerns about the cost during its meeting on Aug. 12.
Town staff will negotiate the terms of a deal and present it to politicians at the town’s next meeting in September.
The current lease agreement for space at 170 Main Street expired in October 2023. The YMCA is paying about $5,000 a month in rent. The town pays $30,000 annually as a charitable donation to the YMCA.
Since the agreement ended, numerous reports were given to council without any recommendations. Finally, in May, the YMCA was requested to make a presentation to council.
In its presentation in July, the YMCA said it is no longer interested in a lease agreement. Instead, it wants a service agreement with the town contributing $40,000 per year, with an adjustment for inflationary costs reviewed annually. The change is consistent with other municipalities using the YMCA.
Chief Administration Officer Elana Arthurs provided council with a report outlining some of the issues. The report stated that utilities and maintenance were not charged in the past. The report also asked politicians for input.
Councillor Byron Faretis expressed several concerns. Â He argued the town has a grant policy with a limit of $20,000. He compared the YMCA request to a grant for Trenton Memorial Hospital last year. It was limited to $20,000, although the hospital asked for more.
“So I am stuck at $20,000, and (I) would suggest that in your renegotiation, that should be the number,” he said.
He also pointed out that the YMCA is capable of fundraising and should not rely so heavily on the town for funding.
Councillor Emily Rowley echoed these concerns, adding that the YMCA needs to contribute to utilities and maintenance. She said this amounts to $27,000 annually, on top of the $40,000 request.
Councillor Jeff Wheeldon challenged both councillors. He rebuked the comparison to the hospital, saying the money was not a grant but a payment for much-needed recreational facilities. He also pushed back at the notion of the YMCA trying to escape other charges or fees.
Councillor Bobbi Wright also pointed out the YMCA provides vital recreational services. She said other municipalities supply a building and do not charge rent.
“That’s a really key point. We’re getting rent. It may not be optimal, but we’re getting rent. And the people who use it, they showed up in force the last time and told us what they want. They’re taxpayers as well. They’re not necessarily hockey players, so they’re not going to go use the arena. They’re not soccer players necessarily. So they’re not going to go use the green space the way the kids do. This is a very key part of the community that helps people stay healthy and out of hospitals and doctor’s offices,” she said.
Councillor Anne Butwell expressed her support for the service agreement. She also said the town should consider the need for a multi-use recreational facility.
“I would also ask council to think we’ve discussed in the future a new multi-use recreational facility, and we, in those conversations, tie in the Y saying it would be great to offer them an agreement to run those services for us. We acknowledge that they’re an important partner in delivering service,” she said.
Council unanimously voted to direct staff to negotiate with the YMCA, addressing points made during the meeting. A report is expected in September.
