Saskatoon chooses CUPE over YMCA to operate Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre

Saskatoon has decided to keep the operation of the Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre under CUPE 59, opting against a potential management contract with the YMCA. The city ended discussions with the YMCA after facing considerable opposition from the union, which argued that privatization would lead to job losses and a decline in the quality of employment.

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At the end of the day, the right decision was made.

CUPE Saskatchewan President Kent Peterson stated that the decision was the right one, emphasizing that contracting out or privatizing facilities like Harry Bailey often results in job cuts and lower wages. He also noted that community members and the union felt uninformed about the city's plans, highlighting a lack of transparency.

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When facilities like Harry Bailey are contracted out or privatized, we know that not only are the number of jobs cut, so it means job losses for people in Saskatoon, we also know the quality of jobs goes down. The level of pay goes down.

This decision leaves the YMCA facing uncertainty about where its programs will be hosted, as they previously sold their downtown building to the city for a proposed arena district. Community resident Paula Gioino expressed disappointment, feeling the city missed a significant opportunity to support children's programs. She believes the YMCA offers youth programming that surpasses what the city provides, particularly for mental health and development through sports.

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It’s clear that there was a broader concern with Saskatoon residents in that they felt they didn’t have any information about this at all from the city.

Despite the outcome for Harry Bailey, the city is continuing discussions with the YMCA regarding potential partnerships, including the operation of a planned East Side Leisure Centre. YMCA Saskatoon CEO Deeann Mercier expressed optimism about future opportunities, while acknowledging the city's prior commitments to its employees at Harry Bailey. City administration confirmed that maintaining a municipal operating model for Harry Bailey best aligns with their current objectives.

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This was a very big opportunity for the city to help kids and it chose not to do it.