The YMCA’s long-standing status as operator of the Cheam Recreation Centre may be coming to an end.

With phase one of an ambitious renovation project slated for completion in late spring or early summer of 2010, the City of Chilliwack has started accepting proposals from groups who are interested in running the new-look centre.

Chilliwack Family YMCA has an existing operating contract and fee-for-service agreement with the City to run the existing Cheam and Hocking Centres, both city-owned facilities.

But where the new centre is concerned, that arrangement will no longer be applicable.

Chilliwack Family YMCA general manager David Woollven confirmed the organization’s intent to join the proposal process during an interview with the Progress on Thursday.

“The YMCA wants to operate the Cheam Centre. We are putting together a proposal, and I think we would be happy to comment on it at the right time during the decision making process,” Woollven said. “But once it goes to the city, we don’t know what’s going to happen. They may take two months or four months to make their decision. They may ask us to send in additional information. We don’t know where it’s going to go right now.”

Kurt Houlden, Manager of Leisure Development, says the YMCA has done a good job running the old Cheam Centre, but the mandate changes with the new building, and the city is following a similar path to the one taken when the Landing Leisure Centre opened.

“It’s not exactly the same, but we are looking for similar terms of reference to make sure the city gets the best value per dollar for operating the facility and offering programs to the community. It’s a perfect opportunity for the city to review what’s going to be in its best interests with the new facility.”

The city received three proposals from groups looking to run the Landing Leisure Centre, and eventually settled on the Victoria-based Leisure Recreation Group.

Houlden anticipates at least three proposals for the Cheam Centre. The window to submit those proposals closes before month’s end, at which point he’ll know exactly who is making a pitch.

“I’d certainly expect to see something from Leisure Recreation Group, and there are a couple of other groups in B.C. who would have the expertise to operate the Cheam Centre,” Houlden said. “The groups who send in proposals will be judged on a management and performance basis. Basically, I’d suggest we’re looking at a standard in operation and program offerings that’s complementary to what’s going on at the Landing Leisure Centre.”

As for a timeline, Houlden’s goal is to have an operator in place later this year, in position to open the facility in April of 2010.

Construction is currently proceeding according to schedule.

“We’ll be updating the website soon with new construction photos,” Houlden said. “We’ve got the steel structure, some of the walls and the roof on. That’s great, because we’re going to have it enclosed before the wet weather comes.”

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