Orleans YMCA-YWCA closing its doors following sale of building

A big real estate move in Orléans has left residents of the east-end neighbourhood, like Coun. Matthew Luloff, “with extreme sadness” following a surprise sale.

That sale is of the Ruddy Family Orléans YMCA-YWCA, which will be closing its doors following the purchase of the building.

Luloff shared a letter from the YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region president R.J. Gallagher, who confirmed the decision to sell the building — located on Centrum Boulevard — came down to pandemic pressures.

“As you know, the pandemic has been challenging for many organizations,” Gallagher wrote. “Our Y has not been immune to these pressures. While the closure of this community facility is difficult, it has given us the opportunity to reconsider and refocus on the programs and services that we provide across our community.”

This path forward, he added, will allow the Y to offer more employment services, newcomer programs, housing, child care, camps, as well as health, fitness and aquatics program at Y locations across Ottawa.

Y Child Care services and the city-run vaccination clinic will continue uninterrupted at the Orleans Y location.

“The YMCA-YWCA has a proud 150 plus year history of serving the National Capital Region and has been an essential partner in building a healthier community in Ottawa,” continued Gallagher’s letter. “We will continue to provide the critical services that we offer across the region, that support the health and well-being of our community.”

Luloff said he does not have information as to what will become of the site, but as soon as the city receives any applications, the community will be informed.

“It is with extreme sadness that I read this notice from the YMCA/YWCA president today,” Luloff wrote on his Facebook post. “Growing up here in Orléans, I often used this YMCA location to play basketball with my friends and work out.”