The Saskatoon YMCA and Saskatoon Tribal Council will now be working on two different projects to bring more leisure and recreation services to the city centre.

Until recently the YMCA and STC had been partnering on one project. But now, the YMCA plans on spending millions of dollars renovating its current building in the downtown.

I think it's a great commitment to the downtown area. - Dean Dodge, Saskatoon YMCA CEO

"The decision to work on two different projects is actually a fantastic idea," said Saskatoon YMCA CEO Dean Dodge. "It allows us to work on specific needs that we know we can be successful at and it allows other groups to work on specific needs they know they can be successful at."

The YMCA decided to stay in its current building after finishing a long-range strategic plan. The renovations are designed to use the building more efficiently, and make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to use.

"I think it's a great commitment to the downtown area," said Dodge. "I think they'll get a lot of extra benefit."

Saskatoon Public Schools steps in as partner

Meanwhile, Saskatoon Public Schools have stepped in as a partner with the tribal council for a second project involving the White Buffalo Youth Lodge. The group said the 15-year-old building is beginning to show its limitations.

"Four years ago is the first year we had to turn away kids because we were limited in space and programming and people and resources," said STC Chief Felix Thomas. "It's a good problem to have, because people are using it, but it's a shame that there isn't access to everyone."

It's still too early to say whether the current youth lodge will be renovated or replaced.

Both the YMCA and the STC are still partnering with the city.