Drop-in rates to remain unchanged when YMCA takes over West Kelowna aquatic centre

The Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre in West Kelowna will be operated by YMCA of Southern Interior BC beginning Jan. 1, 2027. The city says drop-in rates will remain unchanged under the new operator.

Photo: City of West Kelowna

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Drop-in rates will remain unchanged when YMCA of Southern Interior BC takes over West Kelowna’s Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre on Jan. 1, 2027. Remaining punch-card passes will continue to be accepted after the transfer, according to a transition FAQ published on the centre’s webpage.

The facility will continue operating on a fee-for-service basis, with no membership required. The city says no decision has been made about offering a membership option under the YMCA.

The city says the YMCA was selected for a five-year operating term following a formal procurement process. It will replace Active Living Enterprises, which has operated the aquatic centre for almost 30 years and advised the city that it would not seek another term. Active Living’s current five-year agreement began Jan. 1, 2022, and expires Dec. 31, 2026.

Financial terms for the YMCA arrangement have not been included in the city’s announcement or transition FAQ. The city says operations will remain business as usual while preparations for the transfer continue.

No decisions have been made about changing programs, services or facility hours. The city expects the YMCA to maintain similar programming or develop new offerings in response to community needs, and says any proposed changes will be evaluated and communicated in advance.

Patrick Pulak, the city’s general manager of operations, thanked Active Living Enterprises and said many families had learned to swim or participated in programs at the centre. “We look forward to the YMCA of Southern Interior BC assuming operational responsibility for JBMAC and continuing to provide exceptional service and programs in West Kelowna,” Pulak said.

YMCA president and CEO Allyson Graf said the organization recognizes the contributions of those who have built and supported the centre. “Our priority is to build on the strong foundation already in place while ensuring a positive transition for staff, participants, and the broader community,” Graf said.

The city-owned centre at 3737 Old Okanagan Highway includes a 25-metre pool and fitness facilities, along with accessible aquatic equipment and family change rooms. The YMCA already operates two City of Kelowna-owned facilities, H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre and the Kelowna Family YMCA.

YMCA of Southern Interior BC traces its origins to 1981, when the Kelowna Community YMCA-YWCA was established. Its first project was operating the newly opened Athans Aquatic Centre for the City of Kelowna.

The city says Johnson Bentley is not being replaced or renamed as part of the operator change. Although a new pool has been identified as a community priority, no timeline has been established for replacing the existing centre.

Separately, Johnson Bentley will close for annual maintenance from Sept. 5 to 20. The front desk will provide registration services from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays from Sept. 8 to 11 and Sept. 14 to 18.

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