PRESS RELEASE: June 5, 2020

TUSKET, NS, - The Municipality of Argyle was saddened to hear the news of the YMCA Yarmouth Board’s difficult decision to close their doors permanently. As a consistent funder for decades, we were kept informed of the financial challenges the YMCA was facing. Recently, Argyle tripled its funding to $50,000 annually to play our part to aid in their increasing financial pressures.

Alas, the onset of COVID-19 closures was a devastating blow to our local YMCA. Regardless of our past commitment and our current increase in funding, it became clear to Argyle and certainly to the YMCA Board that our municipal efforts would not be enough to reopen their doors.

We recognize also that the financial burden is too large for us to resolve on our own. It will require the effort and the will of other layers of government, the community, and of course the YMCA. We were pleased to see a quick response from our Provincial Government as we seek better solutions to protect an important community service.

“Our Council and our community owe a great deal of gratitude for the YMCA staff and volunteers,” says Warden Danny Muise. “Whether they taught our children to swim, provided a safe haven for children at risk, or fundraised to support the YMCA mission, their value is beyond measure”.

Our Warden and Council will join ongoing efforts to engage the Provincial and Federal Government to aid a regional asset in a funding crisis. As we have stood in support for this service in the past, so shall we continue.

Media Contact:
Alain D. Muise, CAO
902-648-3293
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