Cheam Leisure Centre gymnasium to close next week for renovations

CHILLIWACK — It hasn’t exactly been the smoothest transition since the YMCA of Greater Vancouver took over as the exclusive operator of the Cheam Leisure Centre and Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre in September 2022.

First, the Y had to get the all-clear from Fraser Health for its operating permit. Next, they had to deal with an ongoing shortage of lifeguards, which initially impacted public swim activities, and later, youth swim lessons. It also didn’t collect payments for drop-in users at the Cheam Leisure Centre from September 12 through to November 28, meaning patrons could use the recreation centre for free for nearly 2 1/2 months. It’s not clear if this was intentional or a byproduct of the transition away from Recreation Excellence.

The Cheam Leisure Centre has since rolled out more Aqua Fit classes and swim lessons for kids and youth, though many of the swim classes have wait lists.

Unfortunately, the Cheam Leisure Centre gymnasium will be closed almost all of next week so that it can undergo renovations.