A multi-service community centre will be created on site
Saint-Laurent, april 10, 2024 – The charitable organization, the YMCAs of Québec, is proud to announce the sale of its Saint-Laurent building to Collectif 1745. The sale, worth $3.4 million, was finalized on March 25, after unanimous support for the project by voting members of the YMCAs of Québec at a Special General Meeting (SGM) on February 20. Proceeds from the sale of the building will go to the YMCAs of Québec’s mission-driven Investment fund.
This transaction will enable the YMCA to maintain a programming for teens on site while helping centralize the services available in the Norgate neighbourhood. Collectif 1745 plans to create a multi-service community centre from which several community organizations will operate at Saint-Laurent YMCA’s former site.
“ The objective of this project is to maintain the site’s social purpose and ensure continuity of services to the community; two aspects that are important to the YMCAs of Québec,” said Stéphane Vaillancourt, President and CEO of the YMCAs of Québec. “The YMCAs of Québec have been in the Norgate neighbourhood for nearly 50 years and we are happy to continue supporting the development of its residents in collaboration with Collectif 1745.”
Creating of a multi-service community centre
Local stakeholders got involved after the YMCAs of Québec launched an appeal for partnerships, which lead to the idea of creating a multi-service community centre. It has moved forward with the intention of maintaining quality educational services for the families in the area, addressing the lack of space and accessibility at community buildings, keeping the community kitchen and the only community gym in the neighbourhood.
“ This project will help keep community services available in Norgate, foster the autonomy of the organizations present by pooling certain costs, and strengthen the community fabric by creating a synergy of mutual support among field workers,” explained Christine Durocher, President of Collectif 1745. “In the coming months and years, we will work closely with Y teams, as well as local stakeholders, to provide services that meet the needs of the residents of this area.”
When creating this project, Collectif 1745 benefited from the support of the technical resource group (TRG), Atelier Habitation Montréal, which specializes in developing and preserving housing and community real estate.
Programming continues
The multi-service community centre will welcome different community organizations with various expertise and clientele (early childhood, youth, newcomers to the country), that will share the space of the former Saint-Laurent YMCA—including the Y, which is becoming a tenant.
The Y maintains its programming for the TeenZone (safe living space for youths aged 12–17), C-Vert/C-Vert+ (urban ecology and leadership development program for 14- to 16-year-olds) and Alternative Suspension (providing support to teens suspended from school). The community will therefore be able to continue to benefit from our programs without any issues with the service.
About Collectif 1745
Collectif 1745 is a social economy NPO created in January 2023 after the mobilization of partners from the Laurentian community to carry out a major project: the collective acquisition of the Saint-Laurent YMCA. Collectif 1745’s mission is “to strengthen our social fabric by making affordable, inclusive and sustainable housing and spaces available to people in vulnerable situations and non-profit organizations serving the community."
About the YMCAs of Québec
Since 1851, the YMCAs of Québec is a charitable organization whose mission is to encourage and inspire all people to fulfill their potential, thrive and contribute to their community. Its diverse expertise goes beyond the walls of its centres. In addition to the online programming, the 1,200 employees and 550 volunteers of the YMCAs of Québec support activities in more than 150 intervention locations in Québec, Canada and abroad.
This work is done daily thanks to the unwavering support of its team, members, participants, partners, volunteers, donors and Foundation.
To learn more, visit www.ymcaquebec.org.
For Media Inquiries:
Isabelle Huiban
Integrated Communications Director - The YMCAs of Québec
514 222-4307
isabelle.huiban@ymcaquebec.org