Y Building Holds Fond Memories

08/15/2005

BY Susan Gamble
EXPOSITOR STAFF / BRANTFORD

Temporary home will open in September before move to permanent facility near park.

Step across the worn threshold of the YM-YWCA gymnasium and you’re stepping into history.

It’s etched on the floor where the footsteps of thousands of kids and adults, pounding their way into the room, have worn away the varnish on the ancient floorboards.

It hangs in the rings and ropes that loop from the gym ceiling where sweaty hands have grasped at victory.

History even drifts through the air, echoing in the two-storey room, topped with a circular running track that, for years, has offers a balcony view of events on the main floor.

In its heyday – almost 100 years ago – the imposing building at 40 Queen St. was modern and impressive.

But it’s evident – from the peeling paint to the creaking stairs – that’s it’s time to say goodbye to the past and start a new chapter in the Y’s 151-year history with Brantford.

Members and staff – both past and present – mingled in the building Saturday to start that process, recalling grand memories and dreaming of the future in an official closing ceremony.

“It’s a good time of change,” says Linda Moyer, director of operations.

Moyer’s been working at the Y for 23 years and has involved her family in every part of the classes, programs and fundraising.

“My family has grown up here. My kids have worked here, my husband has been a ‘volun-told’ here for 23 years.

“But the reason I’ve stayed all these years is because of the staff, the members and the volunteers,” says Moyer.

“And they’ll remain. We are not these four walls.”

And while it’s tough to say goodbye to the “old girl”, Moyer is focussing on the transition Y and the new $12-million Y to come after that.

In September, the transition building will open on Wellington and Clarence Streets offering bright, spacious facilities that will include everything except racquet sports and swimming.

After about three years, another move will take place as the facility settles into a permanent home on the spot where the go-kart track now sits at Earl Haig Family Fun Park.

It’s exciting for staff to picture the all-new strengthening equipment, large play centre with a climbing unit for kids, spinning class and 81 welcome parking spots they’ll enjoy for the next few years.

Perhaps the best of the old building – the grand entrance with its pillars, cornerstone and curving front doors – will remain as the place becomes affordable housing.

The organization’s new CEO, Nancy Romanenko, took over her post June 15. This is her fourth YM-YWCA and she walked into the job looking forward to the challenge of moving the institution into a new era.

“I have to say the when I walked in, my jaw must have hit the ground,” laughs Romanenko.

“But it’s a 93-year-old building and it’s served this community well.”

Plans call for the facility to stay open to members until Sept. 9 and Romanenko is hoping the new Y will be ready to go by Sept. 19, leaving members with just about 10 days of downtime.

Right after the old building is closed, a public auction will be held to sell off workout and gymnastics equipment, office furniture and the Y piano.

“People are chomping at the bit to get to the auction,” Romanenko says.

While others said goodbye with speeches and hot dogs in the gym, Joanne Hamen was down in the moist basement of the Y swimming laps in the very pool where she learned to swim 50 years ago.

“I’m celebrating here. I guess I’ll have to go to the Gretzky Centre now, but it isn’t as nice, if you ask me. I like it here.”

Back in the gym, Kathy Poirier, who came to the Y 18 years ago to teach preschoolers, put into words the worries and joys of the big changes to the crowd of about 100.

“Everywhere I look in this building, I remember.”
“But I ask you to place your trust and faith in this organization. It’s not about bricks or mortar, but people. Forty Queen Street is not the Y. The Y is you.”