The St Catharines Walker Family YMCA Building served as a cornerstone of community pride in St. Catharines. This beloved facility provided essential fitness programs, and child development activities, and was a welcoming space for people of all ages, for families and for people with disabilities. It was accessible to ALL and shaped healthier, happier lives throughout our community. Originally built with community funding to replace an outdated downtown facility that the YMCA had been using, it became a cherished asset for many local residents.

When the building was sold to Atria Development Corporation, headquartered in Toronto, in February 2022, there was a promising vision: to repurpose the property into quality, purpose-built rental units while maintaining its role as a vibrant Community Center. Former Mayor Walter Sendzik even described the sale as a “win-win,” envisioning a future where the YMCA’s legacy would continue to thrive alongside modern residential developments. This will NOT happen.

After prolonged negotiations first between the YMCA & Atria and then between the City and Atria, all discussions stopped in October 2024.

The dream is now in jeopardy—a demolition permit has been issued.

We need to get the City back to the negotiation table before the wrecking ball arrives, Once the building is demolished, we’ll only have memories.

We, the undersigned, urge the City of St. Catharines to reconvene negotiation for the purchase of the site thus preserving the Walker YMCA Building as a community recreation center. The City purchasing the site will ensure that the legacy of this iconic facility lives on and continues to enrich our community with the programs and services we all value.

Please sign this petition that we plan to present to our Mayor in mid-March. The more signatures,  the greater the impact!