News

YMCA Canada, Canada Day 2021 Statement 
 
While July 1st is a time of celebration and rest for many, YMCA Canada would also like to recognize how challenging a year it has been. There has been a lot to be thankful for, but this is also a time to pause and reflect on where we have been, and where we want to be as a country. 
 
In recent months, we have witnessed the discovery of the remains of 215 children buried on the grounds of the Kamloops Residential School, the 104 remains uncovered at the former site of the Brandon Residential School, and the 751 remains found at the former site of the Marieval Indian Residential School at Cowessess, Saskatchewan, and with the knowledge that many more discoveries are to come. In the same time period, we have also witnessed the Islamophobic attacks in London, Ontario, and a documented rise in Anti-Asian hate crimes. This is not the Canada we want to be.  
 
We have a lot of work to do to live up to the promise of the Canada We Want. The Canada We Want is a place where oppressive and systemic barriers have been removed and replaced by opportunity, and where all have a deep sense of belonging. And we know a lot more work, by a lot more people and organizations, including ours, is needed to get us there. 
 

YMCA of Fredericton Update

March 5^th, 2021

Following this afternoon’s announcement by the Government of New Brunswick, the Fredericton Region (Zone 3) will transition back to the Yellow Phase of the Provincial Recovery Plan as of midnight Sunday, March 7^th, 2021.

Facility & Membership Reminders

• Upon arrival at the facility, hand sanitizer will be available for all patrons. COVID-19 self screening questions must be answered before entering.
• Locker rooms are open, which includes access to lockers, steam rooms and showers. All members are expected to respect physical distancing requirements while using these spaces.
• Masks must be worn at all times throughout the facility. Masks may only be removed once ‘stationed’ (i.e. inside a shower/washroom/change stall, seated in steam room, on a cardio machine, at a Wellness Centre weight station, immediately before entering the pool, as a Group Fitness class begins).
• Physical distancing requirements remain at 2 metres/6 feet throughout the facility.
• Towel service will resume effective Monday, March 8^th. For member safety, towels will need to be requested at the Welcome Desk.
• Members are asked to use sanitizing spray and disposable paper towel before and after use of all Wellness Centre & Fitness Class Equipment.

Pool Reminders

• Yellow Phase programming will return Monday, March 8^th. An updated pool schedule has been posted.
• Aquatics classes (Aquafit / AquaZumba) ONLY will continue to require either online or in-person ‘sign-up’ in order to optimize member safety and ensure physical distancing requirements can be met. (maximum 25 participants / class). Sign-up will be available starting at 1:00pm of ‘day prior’.

Physical Distancing

The YMCA has implemented a strict physical distancing policy.  All individuals inside our facility will be expected to maintain a two-metre (six-foot) minimum distance between themselves and others.  Signage is visible throughout the facility.

Please Note:  The YMCA of Fredericton adheres to all recommendations from Public Health.  All guidelines are dependant on their recommendations and could change at any time due to their directive.

Following this afternoon’s announcement by the Government of New Brunswick, the Fredericton Region (Zone 3) is transitioning back to the Orange Phase of the Provincial Recovery Plan and will re-open on Wednesday, January 27 at 5:30 a.m. with our COVID-19 operational plan in place to keep our members, staff and community as safe and healthy as possible.

Membership

The Fredericton YMCA (570 York Street) and the Willie O’Ree Place Program Facility will re-open to our members with a reminder of the following:

1. Active screening will remain with mandatory temperature checks upon entering the facility, as well as answering screening questions.
2. Masks must be worn at all times throughout the facility, including while exercising in the Wellness Centre.
3. Locker rooms are closed, which includes steam rooms and showers. Members are discouraged from bringing in bags.
4. In addition to the 2-metre physical distancing requirement, masks are required in low-intensity fitness activities such as yoga and stretch classes.
5. Physical distancing requirements will increase to 3 metres/9 feet for high-intensity fitness classes and exercise. All Group Fitness class stations will allow for a minimum of 3 metres of physical distancing therefore masks are mandatory at all times except while engaged in class activity.
6. All swimming lessons remain paused until further notice.  The Orange Phase pool schedule will begin on Wednesday, January 27.  Online sign-up will be available starting at 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 26.
7. Early Years and Youth programs previously started during the orange phase will resume with all participants required to wear a mask at all times, while also maintaining physical distancing.  Saturday and Sunday youth programs remain postponed due to the current Orange Phase sporting restrictions.

Please note that a separate email will be sent out to all bi-weekly members regarding the resumption of membership payments.

Child Care & After School Programs

YMCA Child Care is an essential service and all of our locations will remain open during the Orange Phase. Any new guidelines set out by the Department of Education and early childhood development will be communicated directly to our families.