© Mireille Roberge / Radio-Canada
The YMCA of Quebec notably has a large gymnasium.
After 18 years of absence, YMCA is on the verge of making a comeback in Quebec. Built on the ruins of the old Saint-Roch cinema, the future YMCA will officially open in mid-September, but guided tours are already offered to those interested.
«Today is our first of the month of subscription then in mid-September, it will be our first day of operation», Enthusiastically launches the general manager of the establishment, Étienne Talbot, proud to show the facilities on avenue du Pont on Radio-Canada.
© Mireille Roberge / Radio-Canada
One of the colorful common areas of the YMCA.
Valued at $ 17.9 million, the YMCA Saint-Roch is large, with several bright spaces and many sports facilities: 25-meter swimming pool, large gymnasium, training rooms, athletic tracks and yoga rooms, in particular.
© Mireille Roberge / Radio-Canada
Guided tours are already offered to those interested.
Make up for the absence of a youth center
Facilities complementary to traditional sports facilities are included in the future YMCA. The lack of a youth center in the Saint-Roch district was also taken into consideration.
«We are very proud of the building in general which, we think, will become a living environment and a meeting place. We have put everything in place, whether it be through the rest areas and the diversity of the facilities. Among other things, we find a collective kitchen and a youth zone which are two symbols for me of the meeting of sharing and socialization in the neighborhood.Mr. Talbot commented to the morning show First hour, Monday.
© Mireille Roberge / Radio-Canada
The collective kitchen
Young people to test
Earlier this summer, 65 young people were welcomed into the future YMCA in a day camp format, a way of testing the facilities.
«The young people were super disciplined with all the measures that had to be put in place. The facilities are just amazing, they were the first to enjoy it», Emphasizes Étienne Talbot.
© Mireille Roberge / Radio-Canada
The YMCA swimming pool
The YMCA will employ approximately 110 people. Positions are still to be filled, according to management.
It is also advisable to make an appointment before visiting the facilities.
With information from Mireille Roberge
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