As a longtime member of the YMCA Westhills in Langford, I am writing to express concern and disappointment over the lack of investment in fitness equipment at what should be a flagship community facility.
Since the YMCA Westhills opened, I’ve remained committed to supporting this beautiful facility – its proximity to Langford Lake, family-friendly amenities, and dedicated staff make it one of the most welcoming spaces in our region. However, one key area has consistently fallen short: the weight and fitness equipment.
Over the years, I and other members have voiced our concerns to YMCA staff about missing equipment, only to be told that there’s no money. I recently took it upon myself to speak directly with senior staff. I was told there would be meetings, and I even provided a list of essential machines along with an official quote from a local representative – but in the end, nothing ever seems to follow through. I’ve left several messages on the CEO’s voicemail and with other YMCA staff, but I never receive anything back.
Basic machines common in nearly every gym, such as a preacher curl bench, incline press, hip abductor/adductor, calf raise machine, and hip thrust station, are simply not available. There is often a shortage of 45-pound plates, creating frustration when equipment like the leg press can’t be properly used. A quote suggests about $70,000 would be enough to modernize the gym’s core equipment – something that could help restore membership levels and improve satisfaction.
This raises a fundamental question: Why would the City of Langford purchase the YMCA facility without including a contingency plan to improve its operations and attract more members? Especially when residents are now seeing tax increases (1.9% this year alone) in part due to this acquisition. I support public investment in health and fitness, but sustainable success requires a plan – not just for maintenance, but for improvement.
Since the YMCA was purchased by the city, many members have left for other gyms, citing the same issue: a lack of proper equipment. Meanwhile, the YMCA appears more focused on the Bay Centre location, despite Westhills being one of the best facilities in the area. The pool, childcare, and community atmosphere are excellent – but equipment neglect continues to drive members away.
I want the YMCA Westhills to succeed. It has so much potential. But it’s time for leadership – whether from the YMCA or the city – to stop deflecting and start delivering. A modest investment now could reverse the decline in membership, reduce taxpayer burden in the long term, and most importantly, restore public faith in what should be a cornerstone of our community.
Ryan Murphy
Langford
