The Westhills YW/YMCA Langford Aquatic Centre has been bleeding money since it opened, leaving the City of Langford on the hook for the costs.
Since it opened its doors, the Westhills YW/YMCA has lost over $10 million.
In 2013, a three-way agreement was made between the Westhills Land Corporation, the YW/YMCA and the City, in which Langford was made a guarantor. This means they are on the hook for the money.
Now, the City is considering how it should move forward and are looking to residents for input that will guide them in their decision.
During the City’s November 4th council meeting, a comprehensive presentation was made by Colliers Project Leaders regarding the purchase of the facility and its adjacent parking lot.
In their presentation, they explored the implications of either continuing with the current arrangement, or the purchase of the building.
According to the report, on top of the $10 million lost over the years, Colliers predicts the City will have to spend another $14.8 million on lifecycle expenses in the next 17 years.
If the City chooses to buy the facility, the purchase would require an estimated 1.75% tax increase from 2025 to 2028.
Despite these costs, the report predicts that purchasing the building would save the City $10.2 million over 17 years, and $121 million over 42 years, when compared to continuing with the current arrangement.
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In addition to these long-term savings, the purchase of the facility would secure the asset for Langford residents. The City says that this would provide more certainty around operations at the YW/YMCA after the current arrangement expires in 17 years.
The estimated cost for the City to purchase the facility is $35 million.
Residents who are interested in this potential purchase can view the Colliers presentation to council in full here.
The City of Langford council now wants to hear from interested residents before they begin deliberations in a meeting scheduled for December 2nd.
Those wishing to speak to council about this can sign up to speak at the council meeting on November 18th and December 2nd. Council deliberations for this may be pushed to December 16th if more residents wish to share their thoughts in-person or online.
Additionally, residents can email council and City staff their thoughts by writing to LetsChat Langford.
For meeting dates, agendas and dial-in details, visit Langford’s website.
