Built In 1994 Abandoned In 2022 Exploring The Abandoned Walker Family YMCA - Everything Left Behind

The Walker Family YMCA was a recreational hub in St. Catharines that replaced the old aging downtown facility in 1994. The YMCA first association forming in 1859. After operating out of various rented and purpose-built spaces, a landmark combined YM-YWCA building was constructed on Queen Street in 1929. The building, featuring amenities like a swimming pool, gymnasiums, and dormitories. It served the community for decades. But by the late 1980s, however, it had become outdated and insufficient. In 1994 they moved to a new, state-of-the-art facility called the Walker Family YMCA, built behind the Fairview Mall. The new building was largely funded by community donations. It was designed by Shore Tilbe and Partners, included a competition-sized swimming pool, a running track, fitness areas, and a three-story rotunda. Many artifacts from the original Queen Street building, including stained glass windows, were moved to the new location. In 2003 and 2004, the facility underwent renovations that included expanding the parking area and adding a water park splash pad and a second-floor fitness area. But in the years leading up to its closure, the YMCA of Niagara faced increasing financial pressure due to declining membership, rising maintenance costs, and competition from other fitness options. It temporarily closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the YMCA of Niagara announced in March 2021 that the facility would be sold to ensure the association's long-term financial stability. The property was officially sold to Atria Development in January 2022, and the YMCA vacated the building in May 2022. The closure sparked community effort to save the building, with critics arguing the YMCA had disregarded its legacy by selling a facility that was funded by public donations. It now sits abandoned waiting for it's future which is to be demolish. Also sorry there is mostly no audio as something happened to some of the clips