William Lutsky YMCA 4.54

The YMCA of Northern Alberta creates life-enhancing opportunities for the growth and development of all people in spirit, mind and body.

On November 26, 1996, the YMCA of Edmonton announced the name for the new YMCA in Southwest Edmonton. The William Lutsky YMCA Family Community Centre was named after a long-time YMCA supporter. Bill Lutsky, a Life Member of the YMCA, first joined when he was 13 years old and was an active member until he passed away on January 15, 2001. He told many of his YMCA friends that “he always felt welcome at the Y”. He was an entrepreneur in the oil, hotel and real estate sectors.

Construction of the new William Lutsky building began in August, 1996 at 1975 – 111 Street. Doug Peers represented the YMCA during construction of both the William Lutsky and Castle Downs YMCAs. Al Maydonik was Chair of the YMCA’s Facility Development Committee as these facilities were planned and constructed. The William Lutsky YMCA was dedicated by Wylie Stafford, President & CEO, and Terry Kilburn, Campaign Chair on November 6, 1997. It opened its doors on November 22 with more than 1,000 members. This new YMCA surpassed all membership growth projections. By the end of the year, membership had reached 2,600 and after one year of operation membership had reached 6,700.