Member Alerts
The YWCA Health + Fitness Centre and Fitness + Racquet Club will be closed on Thursday, September 30 for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
This day commemorates the history and ongoing trauma caused by residential schools and honours those who were lost as well as the survivors, families, and communities who continue to grieve. We will be taking this time to reflect on the steps that we can take as individuals towards supporting reconciliation for our Indigenous Peoples. Thank you for your support.
We’re upgrading our lights to dimmable LEDs! Studio 1 was completed earlier this month and now the project continues for the rest of the 3rd floor space.
From September 15 - 23, the following work schedule will be in effect for the various areas.
- September 15 & 16: Co-ed Weight Area
- September 17 & 20: Flex workout space/Keiser machine area (previously the Indoor Cycling Studio)
- September 20 & 21: Cardio Area
- September 22 & 23: Women’s Only Area
Parts of the area will still be usable during the install. As the technicians move through the space, parts will be sectioned off then reopened as they progress through. Please adjust your workouts accordingly and find alternative space/equipment if needed during the time. Feel free to workout at the Fitness + Racquet Club too!
We apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you for patience!
As of you may know, the provincial health officer (PHO) has issued the following health orders that apply to our fitness facilities.
Masks will again be mandatory in indoor public spaces throughout BC, regardless of vaccination status, as of August 25, 2021. For the Health + Fitness Centre and the Fitness + Racquet Club this means:
MASKS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES IN COMMON AREAS. MASKS CAN BE REMOVED WHEN EXERCISING, SHOWERING, SWIMMING OR USING THE STEAM ROOM (WITH A LIMIT OF ONE PERSON AT A TIME).
Additionally, starting September 13, by order of the PHO, proof of vaccination will be required to access our facilities. You will be required to have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by September 13 and be fully vaccinated (7 days after second dose) by October 24.
FOR MEMBERS
On September 13 ALL active membership statuses will be changed to “no entry”. To gain access to facility, on your first visit please be prepared to provide the following.
- proof of vaccination, the BC Vaccine Card (or the BC immunization record will be accepted until Sep 26)
- a government issued photo identification (driver’s license, BC Services Card, or passport)
- YWCA fitness membership card
Once your documentation is verified by Member Services, your access will resume as normal. If you have one dose of the vaccine at that time, this process will apply again starting October 24.
You will also be asked to sign a paper consent form allowing staff to change your membership status/access. This change to your account implies that you have proof of vaccination. When the proof of vaccination requirement is lifted by the provincial government, the record on your account will be deleted along with the consent form.
Unfortunately we cannot verify vaccination statuses in advance of the September 13 and October 24 dates, please allow extra time on your first visit during these required verification phases. We thank you for your understanding and patience.
FOR NON-MEMBERS (including punch card holders)
Starting September 13, please be prepared to provide the following with EACH facility visit until the proof of vaccination requirement is lifted by the provincial government. Please allow extra time with your visits for the verification process. We thank you for your understanding and patience.
- proof of vaccination, the BC Vaccine Card (or the BC immunization record will be accepted until Sep 26)
- a government issued photo identification (driver’s license, BC Services Card, or passport)
For more information on BC’s proof of vaccination requirement and/or to obtain your BC Vaccine Card, please visit gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.
In Stage 3 of BC’s Restart plan, our fitness operations have returned to near-normal as per below.
As we move forward together, we understand and respect that our members will have different comfort levels and personal situations. Please show kindness and compassion in your conduct, respecting others’ personal space as you move through the facility and work out.
Registered Programming
- YWCA Swim Programs, Squash Training, Pilates Reformer, and other registered programming have resumed this Fall season. Registration is now open. Enquire with Member Services 604 895 5777 or 604 681 0178
Gym & Pool Access
- Booking is not required, drop-in at your convenience
- Reduced capacity has been removed
Group Fitness Classes
- Booking for fitness classes will continue for now with a maximum of 20 participants per class. This class size will provide a more comfortable transition for members/instructors. The capacity will increase over time
- Drop-ins will be permitted if space is available
- Indoor Cycling have resumed indoors in Studio 2 for the Fall
- Aquafit classes have resumed in the pool for the Fall
- You can book up to one week before any class by emailing bookings@ywcavan.org or as a member you can register online via MyClub!
- No limit to the number of class bookings
Court Access
- Game play for singles and doubles in effect
- Spectators permitted
- Sanitize the court door handle after playing
- Women’s Drop-in Squash on Wednesdays, 6 - 7:30 PM (starting July 7), email racquet@ywcavan.org for more details
PHO Guidance & Best Practices at Health + Fitness Centre/Fitness + Racquet Club
- As per the indoor mandatory mask order starting August 25, 2021, masks must be worn at all times in common areas of the Health + Fitness Centre and the Fitness + Racquet Club. Masks can be removed when exercising, showering, swimming or using the steam room (with a limit of one person at a time)
- Proof of vaccination will be required as per the Provincial Health Order to access fitness facilities (Sep 13 for first dose and fully vaccinated by Oct 24)
- Stay home when you are feeling unwell
- Wash hands frequently
- Return and sanitize equipment after use
- Respect personal space - 2m physical distancing no longer required
- Consider other people’s situation - be kind, be calm
- Let us take care of conflicts. Things won’t always be perfect and conflicts can arise, the rule of thumb is to walk away from the situation and let us know through Member Services or comments@ywcavan.org
We hope to see you soon! Thank you for your patience and kindness through this journey. We are grateful to truly “re-open” again with your support.
Class/Instructor Changes
For temporary changes e.g. substitute instructor or class for the day please check the specific date on the schedule. Changes will be posted as soon as possible. We recommend checking before your visit.