The Westwood YMCA is receiving funds from the municipality to help improve the facility.

Wood Buffalo council approved sending $605,000 to the organization as part of the 2020 Municipal Budget.

The YMCA of Northern Alberta originally asked for over $1.6 million, however, it wasn’t approved.

Mayor Don Scott tells Mix News these funds will hopefully help maintain the facility next year.

“The initial fears, I think, were dealt with and those who support the YMCA should be happy because the YMCA indicated they were very pleased with what they were allocated.”

The YMCA stated the facility would be at risk if they didn’t receive these funds.

Around $225,000 will help with their operations in 2020, while the remaining $380,000 will go towards renovations to the roof, HVAC, and lighting systems.

“It’s not for the full ask that the YMCA asked for but it was something the YMCA was extremely happy about and they agreed with the recommendation,” added Scott.

Despite receiving the funds, the organization is still short for the total costs of the renovations which is currently sitting around $1 million.