Increased competition and declining membership has led the YMCA to announce the closure of its west-end Kingston location in August.

The 745 Progress Ave. location’s last day is to be Aug. 16.

“Over the past few years, there have been a number of factors that have had an impact on the viability of YMCA West, including the significant increase in competition in the local fitness market and a decline of membership at this location over the past few years,” stated a news release announcing the closure from Rob Adams, chief executive officer of YMCA of Eastern Ontario, on Monday morning.

“YMCA West has limited offerings for everyone that the YMCA serves, including children, youth and families,” the release added. “Additionally, there has been a significant increase in competition in the local fitness market and a decline of membership at this location over the past few years. The location also requires extensive renovations.”

Adams said YMCA memberships for the west-end location can be used to access the Wright Crescent location.

The organization is offering a 50 per cent discount on memberships between Aug. 1 and Dec. 31 as an incentive to move to the location across Bath Road from the Kingston Centre.

Those seeking to cancel their memberships must do so in person at a YMCA location.

A series of town hall meetings are to be held this week to provide members more information.

The meetings are set for the west-end location on June 4 from 10 to 11 a.m., June 5 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and on June 6 from noon to 1 p.m.

The YMCA purchased the former Progress Fitness and Aquatic Centre location in 2014.

The move was, in part, based on the results of a commissioned survey conducted by a Niagara Falls firm that polled 46,000 west-end residents. The results “demonstrated that, without a doubt, they would love to have a YMCA in their neighbourhood.”

At the time, the new building — a single-level, 25,800-square-foot structure on a 3.17-acre property — was touted as fully accessible and included a 25-metre swimming pool, fitness centre and parking for more than 200 vehicles.

with files from Postmedia Network