YMCA of Oakville Installs New HVAC Systems
Over the course of Ontario’s three-phased pandemic reopening process, the YMCA of Oakville’s leadership team made air quality in the facility a priority before re-opening. As a result, last week, the Peter Gilgan Family YMCA at 410 Rebecca Street installed a new state-of-the-art heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system to help limit the spread of the coronavirus indoors.
“At the YMCA of Oakville, we take the health and well-being of our members, staff and volunteers seriously…,” said Andrea Bibby, General Manager, Peter Gilgan YMCA. “We are taking steps to cut the risk of infection inside the Y prior to opening our doors again; and we want to make sure there is going to be fresh air for everyone. We are taking as many precautions as we can to ensure that everybody is safe and keeps healthy while training.”
Helping prevent spread of COVID-19
The YMCA of Oakville replaced the Air Handling Units as a measure to reduce the airborne concentration of COVID-19; and therefore lower the risk of transmission through the air. The new units and the modernised filtration system will improve air circulation, ventilation and air quality.
High-efficiency HVAC systems in place
Naylor, a reputed HVAC service provider, continues to help the YMCA of Oakville by providing maintenance to its HVAC systems. By ensuring fresh air and proper functioning of the exhaust equipment, and by performing regular filter changes for the equipment, the building will be able to operate at its maximum potential in terms of air quality.
Over the last few years, the YMCA of Oakville has partnered Naylor to replace several small rooftop mounted HVAC units. The newly installed units are high-efficiency and are in optimal operating condition compared to their predecessors.
The facility also makes use of large air handling equipment. One of these air handlers was replaced last year; with a second slated for replacement in the fall of this year. The new air handlers feature filters that offer high level of filtration. They are capable of removing very small sizes of contaminants in the air.
As a facility, the YMCA of Oakville makes use of a centralized control system. This allows facility managers to access, control and monitor all the facility’s HVAC equipment in real-time to ensure proper operation.
Re-opening timelines
Although Phase 3 Reopening for Ontario will came into effect for Halton Region on July 24, 2020, we have made the decision to delay reopening our facilities for members until September 2020. Our number one priority remains the Health and Safety of all staff, volunteers, families, members and community.
To read about our approach to reactivation, click here.
Supporting the YMCA
The YMCA of Oakville needs help from the community to ensure that when we re-open, we will be strong and ready to support our community after COVID-19 in the most relevant and safe way possible.