Loyalist Township announced two new community partnerships that will enable the township to continue to offer aquatic programming to residents this summer.
Loyalist is expanding its current partnership with BGC South East and formed a new partnership with the YMCA of Eastern Ontario. Loyalist Township’s recreation vision “All residents of Loyalist Township participate in healthy, personally engaging, and community-building recreation” aligns perfectly with both BGC South East and the YMCA of Eastern Ontario’s organizational missions and values.
Aquatics programming will begin on July 4 and will be offered at both the YMCA of Eastern Ontario’s Wright Crescent Branch and BGC South East’s West End Hub in Kingston.
Loyalist Township has been unable to offer aquatics programs since March 9 due to significant infrastructure concerns. At a special meeting of Council on April 19, Loyalist Township council directed staff to close the pool and to work with regional partners to source interim aquatic options for Township residents.
“I want to thank BGC South East and the YMCA of Eastern Ontario for their commitment to serving the community and for their efforts to form these partnerships with Loyalist Township. Loyalist Council and staff remain committed to meeting the aquatics needs of our community and region, partners such as BGC and the YMCA make this possible,” said Loyalist Township deputy mayor, Jim Hegadorn. “Through the support of BGC South East and the YMCA of Eastern Ontario, we’re able to provide our residents with opportunities to participate in swim programs this summer.”
Harold Parsons, executive director at BGC South East says the partnership will help to fill the gap left by the closure of the W.J. Henderson pool.
“We welcome Loyalist Township to bring even more diversity to our West End Community Centre and enhance relevance to the 75 hours a week of aquatics programs operating,” said Parsons. “As the closest Aquatics Centre from the W. J. Henderson Recreation Centre, we are pleased to expand our partnership to serve and support community needs where they reside, and provide services our community needs.”
Loyalist residents can begin to register for aquatics programs on Tuesday, June 21st at 12 p.m. Non-residents can register for aquatics programs beginning on Friday, June 24 at 12 p.m. To register and find details about aquatics programs, visit www.loyalist.ca/recreation, call 613-386-7351, or visit the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre (322 Amherst Dr., Amherstview), Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm (excluding holidays).