YMCA BC is excited to announce that it will assume operations of the Taylor Community Pool effective summer 2023— the result of a new partnership with the District of Taylor. As part of this agreement, YMCA BC will oversee operations, staffing, and implement any required policies to provide the community and staff with a healthy, safe and positive experience at this very special and valued civic facility. The district will continue to oversee maintenance of the seasonal community pool.
As the previous operator of the community pool, the District of Taylor approached the YMCA earlier this year to begin exploring the possibility of transitioning operations. The Taylor Community Pool has not operated since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact it had on staffing in many sectors including Aquatics.
“After a couple of tumultuous years, this partnership with the YMCA has provided the District with the ability to offer the community their much-loved seasonal pool,” said Moira Green, Chief Administrative Officer for the District of Taylor. “As well the YMCA brings years of experience, and deep knowledge and capacity. We are looking forward to a great season.”
YMCA BC — a result of the YMCA of Northern British Columbia, YMCA-YWCA of Kamloops and YMCA of Greater Vancouver officially completing their legal unification at the beginning of 2023 to become one entity — currently owns eight Health, Fitness, and Aquatic facilities and with the addition of the Taylor Community Pool now operates five municipal recreation facilities across the province. These 13 facilities include the Prince George Family YMCA and Vanderhoof Aquatic Centre.
“Our YMCA is thrilled to be chosen to be the operator of the seasonal pool for the District of Taylor,” said Amanda Alexander, Vice President, Northern BC, YMCA BC. “At the YMCA, we know firsthand the importance of having access to aquatic facilities; pools promote physical activity, and are a place for people of all ages to connect while developing vital life skills, including water safety.”
While the YMCA will operate the Taylor Community Pool, the operation will be independent of the other YMCA facilities. The Taylor Community Pool, which is transformed into a seasonal pool each spring (in the curling ice space) will officially reopen after the May Long Weekend. Although the opening date, hours of operation, and programming and fee information for the 2023 season are in the process of being finalized, community members can look forward to a great summer that will include drop-in swim programs, swim lessons, and opportunities to book the pool for birthday parties and other events. These details will be available at nbc.ymca.ca as they are confirmed.
Due to the pandemic, municipal recreation facilities and services have experienced several challenges including limited training and recertification opportunities for those interested in becoming lifeguards. This has contributed to lifeguard and swim instructor shortages across Canada. To address this shortage of Aquatics staff, YMCA BC is offering grants to help cover the costs of those who need to recertify or would like to obtain National Lifeguard certification, including Bronze Cross and Medallion. To learn about available grants, email samantha.bussieres@bc.ymca.ca and to view available positions including Aquatics Coordinator and Lifeguard, visit nbc.ymca.ca/careers.
