CUPE says potential deal between city, YMCA could leave employees treading water

A potential agreement between the City of Saskatoon and the YMCA to have the nonprofit operate the Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre is in the works.

According to a report presented to the city’s committee on planning, development and community services, the potential agreement would see the YMCA take over operations of the Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre once renovations are completed, and the facility re-opens to the public. The centre has been closed since 2023, and is expected to reopen in 2026.

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“The YMCA Board of Directors met on March 31, 2025, and unanimously passed a motion supporting the YMCA’s interested in exploring the role of operating partner for (the Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre),” the report explained.

“The YMCA board sees this as a valuable opportunity to support their mission of fostering community health, wellness and inclusion, and believes the management of this facility would align with their expertise in managing aquatic and recreational
facilities.”

At Wednesday’s meeting, YMCA CEO DeeAnn Mercier told city councilors she was excited about the possibility, especially considering the YMCA’s current building and property on 22nd Street East have been bought by the City of Saskatoon for use as part of the Downtown Event and Entertainment District project.

Mercier said at least 100 other municipalities across Canada have agreements with the organization to operate aquatic or recreation centres.

“As we look to the future, we’re inspired by what’s possible; potentially operating an aquatic leadership academy out of Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre, or being the operating partner of the (future) Holmwood Leisure Centre,” she said.

Eric Calaguian, president of CUPE Local 59, said he’s “deeply” concerned about how the potential agreement could affect the roughly 50 employees that he said work at the aquatic centre. During the renovation, he said the employees have been moved to other city facilities, but they expect to return to Harry Bailey once the construction has been completed.

“We’re also concerned about the quality of the public services that will be provided by the YMCA,” he said. “Will it be the equivalent? We don’t know.”

Calaguian said the city sent out notices to some employees at the aquatic centre earlier this month, stating there was already an agreement in place. When pressed by 650 CKOM to provide a copy of that letter or the information contained within the letter, the union president declined.

“At this point in time, I’m not willing to do that,” he said. “It’s something I’d have to discuss with CUPE National.”

During the meeting, Coun. Troy Davies said it was his understanding that no city positions would be lost if the YMCA takes over operations.

“All the positions… have been absorbed within current facilities, and having a partnership like this would not mean any lost jobs or any people going home without paycheques,” he said.

The report was received as information, and council will have the final say on the matter at a later meeting.