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Dodge stressed the YMCA plans to stay in its current location and is looking at renovating its building to provide better service. He said similar renovations in other facilities have cost about $5 million.

“Our current location we feel is the best location for the YMCA to meet need,” Dodge said, ending speculation the YMCA might move to another location in or near the downtown.

Dodge acknowledged there is “hope” for another YMCA location elsewhere in the city and noted collaborations with municipalities and the YMCA are becoming common.

He estimated 10 YMCA facilities are being built in neighbouring provinces through partnerships with cities.

STC Chief Felix Thomas said after 15 years the White Buffalo Youth Lodge is starting to show its limitations. He said four years ago the facility had to turn away youth for the first time.

Lacroix said a new Riversdale facility would likely not include a pool, pointing to the proximity of the Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre just north of the downtown.

Lorje said any new facility should include both a pool and an ice rink for the high number of children in the area.

“They deserve a proper indoor ice rink,” Lorje said. “They deserve a proper indoor swimming facility.

“We need to give them the same start in life as kids in other areas.”

In an interview, Ward 10 Coun. Zach Jeffries said he would oppose any city money going toward building a pool in the core area. Residents who live in Evergreen, the neighbourhood on the city’s east edge which he represents, must drive about 10 kilometres to get to the nearest pool, Jeffries estimated.

Coun. Charlie Clark, who represents the downtown, said he welcomes the collaborative approach, but wonders whether a new facility is needed.

“I’m cautious about building a new facility before we make sure we’ve made the best of what we have,” Clark said in an interview.

A new facility with a pool could cost between $30 million and $40 million; the cost without a pool ranges between $15 million and $25 million.

ptank@postmedia.com

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