Statement from YMCA Fredericton CEO Darcy Delaney Regarding Online Discourse on Fredericton Aquatic Infrastructure The decision by Fredericton City Council on March 9 to decline an additional $1M annual funding request from the President of UNB has sparked significant online discussion about the current state of aquatics infrastructure in our region. Within that discussion, one online post referred to the YMCA as “the Y…members only. In no position to absorb the FAST swim organization, the Silver Dolphins,” and other groups. While I do not believe the author intended to disparage the YMCA, the statement does present an opportunity to clarify the role our organization plays in the community. The YMCA is not a “members only” organization. Many of our programs and services are available to the general public. Some are offered for a fee and others free of charge. Our membership model helps share the operational cost of running our facilities, and in return members enjoy access to a broad range of aquatics opportunities including aquacise, lane swims, open swims, swim lessons, and advanced aquatics courses. Our membership rates remain competitive when compared with other recreation and wellness facilities. Today, more than 6,000 people in our region are members of the YMCA, represented by a duly elected volunteer board of directors. Importantly, more than 16 percent of those members receive some form of financial assistance to support their participation. The YMCA does not receive municipal operating subsidies or funding for membership assistance. As a registered charity, we raise funds through donations and community support to ensure people can access important aquatics, wellness, social, and recreational programs. In 2025 alone, the Fredericton YMCA provided more than $500,000 in community support through subsidized memberships, reduced camp fees, and free programming for individuals and families who might otherwise face barriers to participation. In 2023 our membership supported a long-term building condition assessment for our facility to ensure our infrastructure and building envelope are maintained well beyond their expected life cycle. This type of stewardship is made possible through the commitment of our members. In 2025 our membership also funded a feasibility study exploring the addition of a new pool at our York Street YMCA location. The results of that study were positive. However, a capital project of that scale is beyond what our YMCA can undertake on its own. I do agree with the author of the post on one important point: the YMCA is not in a position to absorb multiple competitive swim organizations within our current facility. Our aquatics centre was designed to operate sustainably within the capacity of our membership. That said, when the SMA pool closed indefinitely in September 2025 and the Fredericton Indoor Pool closed at the same time for roof repairs, the YMCA and our team worked quickly to adjust operations to support as many swimmers and organizations as possible. Our members accepted temporary disruptions so we could welcome swimmers from UNB Reds, FAST, Fredericton Artistic Swimming, as well as lane swimmers and aquacise participants from

Mark Your Calendars for March March 1:  Start of the new fitness challenge March 2 – 8: March Break. There will be no registered programs during this week. Visit us online for the pool schedule. March 9: Online Registration for Summer Day Camps starts at 7:00 a.m. March 20: Deadline to apply to be on the Board of Directors March 27: Online Registration for Spring Registered Programs starts at 7:00 a.m. March 29: Last day for Winter Registered Programs

Join the YMCA Board of Directors Are you interested in making a significant contribution to the success of the Fredericton YMCA? Do you want to expand your network? The Fredericton YMCA is currently seeking strong leaders within our community to become members of our Board of Directors for 2026/2027. The deadline to apply is March 20. Please visit us online to apply. We look forward to working with you!