Artist’s rendering of new YMCA Centre for Life. (Photo: Hastings County agenda)
The YMCA of Central East Ontario has changed the location for its new Centre for Life in Belleville.
The facility will now be constructed one block west at 355 Bridge Street West near Rotary Centennial Park.
While the custom-built recreation facility was to be built at the fairgrounds at the corner of Bridge and Sidney streets, further testing of the soil showed issues that would cause delays to the project.
The fairgrounds site was tested in 2024 with no red flags but a second round of testing across a wider area raised concerns.
The Ministry of the Environment notice came in just as the YMCA was preparing to break ground in May.
YMCA of Central East Ontario President and CEO David Allen commends the city for moving quickly to find an alternative site and giving the necessary approvals to keep the project on track.
“We are incredibly grateful to the City of Belleville for recognizing the need to not delay this project during a site cleanup,” said David Allen, President and CEO of YMCA of Central East Ontario. “The fact that its staff pivoted within a few days to find an ideal location will keep us on track.”
“The YMCA Centre for Life is a project that the whole community is looking forward to, and I am glad it will be moving forward without further delays,” said Mayor Neil Ellis. “The new state-of-the-art facility will serve the rapidly growing west side of Belleville as a wellness hub, fostering health, inclusivity and community.”
Fundraising for the new Centre for Life continues with the $9-million Community Building Campaign having reached 75 per cent of its goal so far.
“We recognize that our donors and supporters have been wondering what has been happening, and with a project of this size and magnitude, we needed to be right before the shovel went into the ground,” Allen said. “We were as anxious as everyone in this community, but at the same time, understand the importance of being diligent and cautious in our efforts.”