Joint statement from Atria Development and City of St. Catharines on 25 YMCA Dr. property

Following discussions and negotiations in good faith related to the former recreation facility at 25 YMCA Dr., Atria Development and the City of St. Catharines announce that the future of the site will not include the existing facility. Instead, the site will be redeveloped to contribute to much-needed housing in St. Catharines.

Earlier in 2024, City Council initiated an investigation into the potential acquisition of the recreation facility at 25 YMCA Dr., formerly home to the Walker Family YMCA. Atria, which acquired the site in 2022, presented a proposal for the City to consider.

After conducting its due diligence, including a third-party building condition assessment, the City is unable to move forward with the proposal due to significant affordability concerns related to building condition, accessibility, and associated aquatics and recreational operational costs.

Atria will now proceed with its development plans and will announce its vision for 25 YMCA Dr. before the end of the year. Once fully redeveloped, the site will be transformed into a high-quality, sustainably constructed rental housing community, designed with green spaces to foster a strong sense of community.

The City is looking forward to reviewing Atria’s future development plans, as the City works towards the province’s housing targets and City Council’s housing pledge and continues to adopt a housing-focused approach as a top priority.

Atria Development is a leader in purpose-built, multi-family residential buildings. It has developed and managed more than two million square feet of commercial and residential space across Ontario and is overseeing $4 billion in new projects, including 8,000 purpose-built rental units.

Quotes:

"I am looking forward to collaborating with Atria Development on this important project to bring new housing to St. Catharines. Addressing our City's housing shortage is Council’s No. 1 priority, as demonstrated by our Housing Pledge and Strategy passed in 2023. Partnering with a company known for its quality and community-focused development is an important step forward. I look forward to seeing the progress on this project, and the positive impact it will have on our community." - Mayor Mat Siscoe, City of St. Catharines

"We are confident that our new development will bring lasting benefits to the St. Catharines community. By working closely with the City, we believe this project will align with its housing goals and contribute to the City’s growth and vitality for many years to come." - Hans Jain, President of Atria Development