Lobby Renovation December 2019

Over the next few weeks, you will notice some significant changes to the entry gates and sales desk in our front lobby.

This design approach is consistent with many busy YMCA membership sites and will resemble what you see at museums, transit portals and other public buildings.

The most obvious change will be the relocation and installation of new glass entry gates and a glass partition designed to physically guide all members and visitors through these gates. This physical renovation will prevent people from bypassing the entry gate enroute to a program destination.

In keeping with our entrance policy, you will need to swipe your individual membership card to open the gate and gain access. If you do not have an active membership card you will need to present photo identification and sign in at the entry desk. This applies to all members, guests, volunteers, staff, participants of the Y, parents, guardians, care givers and support workers.

If you are not a YMCA member, but your children are, you will require a Caregiver Access Card that will allow you to enter the building to accompany your child(ren) only when they are in programs. Visit the Sales Desk as soon as possible to obtain your Caregiver Access Card.

We are making this change for several reasons:

• Child protection is a priority for all of us at the YMCA and the new gate system will allow us to know exactly who is in our building at all times.
• We are aware that lapsed members and non-members from the community are currently able to access our building, programs and wellness centre without paying for our services which is unfair to our current members. This change will stop that.
• The new entry gate system will enable us to accurately track member and participant usage enabling us to use this data to better plan programs, services, class times, staffing etc.
• In case of emergencies, this new process will allow us to easily access emergency contact information for anyone who has entered the building that day based on the link to their swipe card.
• To enhance safety, improve facility access control and separate building security (swiping your card to enter) from other transactions (membership and program registration) that take longer and can result in line-ups and increased wait times.

At busy times, you may experience a need to pause as you enter and wait your turn to swipe and enter through a gate which will permit access to one person at a time. It will take time for everyone (staff and members) to become proficient with this new system. Having your Membership Card in hand and ready in advance will facilitate a faster entry.

We anticipate this change may not feel more convenient for you at first, but over time we have seen how quickly members adapt at other YMCA sites .

We are committed to improving protection of the children and families in our care and to ensuring that everyone who enters our facility has been accounted for.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the next few weeks, you’ll notice some significant changes being made to the entrance of the building at 410 Rebecca as we continue to work towards making the facility as safe as possible for our members, guests, volunteers and staff. The most significant change will be the reconfiguration of the front lobby to include entry gates.

Why are you installing gates at the front entrance?

• We are making these changes to enhance safety, improve facility access control and separate building security (swiping your card to enter) from other transactions (membership and program registration) that take longer and can result in line-ups and increased wait times.
• Child protection is a priority for all of us at the YMCA and the new gate system will allow us to know exactly who is in our building at all times. •We know that lapsed members or random community members are currently accessing our building, programs and wellness centre without paying for our services which is unfair to our current, paying members. This change will stop that.
• The new gate system will provide an accurate count of member and participant usage which will allow us to use this data to better plan programs, services, class times, staffing etc.
• In case of emergencies, this new swipe-in process will allow us to easily access emergency contact information for anyone who has entered the building that day

Who needs to show ID?
Every individual person (including children) who wish to enter the facility will have to swipe their individual membership card or present photo ID and sign in at the entry desk. This includes all members, guests, volunteers, staff, parents/guardians, vendors, contractors and visitors.

Why do I need to show you my membership card just to come in the building?
As mentioned above, we need to ensure a safe environment for all and to validate and track everyone who has entered.

I forgot my membership card, can I still access the Y?
Yes, just stop at entry desk and show your photo identification and staff will be able to create an account or access an account on your behalf and manually scan you in.

I lost my membership card; how can I access the facility?
You can get a replacement card printed at the sales desk.

What if I’m a member from another Y and/or a Plus member from another Y.
Both Plus and General members from other YMCA’s need to sign in at the entry desk. Plus members can exchange their Y card for an Oakville Y Plus card also at the entry desk.

I’m not a member but my children are, how do I bring them to programs like swimming lessons and martial arts?
What a great time for you to become a member! Let’s talk about all the benefits of membership for you and your family (25% discount). Alternatively, we can issue you an access/caregiver card that will allow you to enter the building to care for your child(ren) only when they are in programs. A caregiver card only provides you access to the Family or General Locker Room and the children’s program area. It would not give you access to our great wellness floor, amazing fitness classes or the pools.

Will everyone in my family need to swipe their card or just one per family?
Everyone needs a card; either an access/caregiver card or a membership card. The new gate only allows one person/swipe per entry.

What about my toddler or baby? Do they need to swipe?
You will need to swipe for your toddler or infant.

When is the installation of the gates happening?
Our goal is to start the installation process in December. Information sessions and signage will be available prior.

Why did you decide to install them now?
For all of the reasons stated above and because our current gate system isn’t effective and is in need of replacement.

I work for the YMCA of Oakville. Do I need to use my membership card?
Everyone (all staff and volunteer) entering the building, whether for a meeting, training or to pick up or drop off anything, is required to either show a photo ID and sign the guest book or swipe their membership card. Since one of the staff benefits is a membership, everyone should have a card. If you’re not using your membership, speak to a wellness or sales staff and they can get you started on a program (Y Thrive).

If I’m in a wheelchair or have a stroller or assistive device, how can I access? What about a double stroller, that won’t fit, how can we get in?
Check in at the entry desk and one of our staff will assist you by opening the wider, manual gate that can only be opened by a staff.

How do contractors and vendors access the Y?
They will need to show their photo ID/badge from their company, sign in at entry desk and a person will come and meet them in lobby.

How do I access the childminding room once the new entry desk and gate are complete?
The new entrance to the childminding room will be around the corner, beside the fish tank, across from multipurpose room #1.

With the entry new desk, what happens at the old desk? What are the functions at both?
The new entry desk will be staffed to greet and assist members and visitors that need to check in, buy or redeem a day pass. We will also have a separate desk structure near where the existing desk now stands which will continue to serve as the Sales Desk. This Sales Desk will be a bit smaller in size and set up more efficiently. Staff at the Sales Desk will take people on tours, process new memberships, cancellations, holds, registrations and other transactions. Phones will be answered at both desks.