It’s a tough day for the Regina YMCA.

CEO Steve Compton is releasing a letter which says a tough decision has been made to permanently close the downtown location as well as the one in the east end.

As the letter states, COVID-19 is getting the blame for what “was a difficult decision to make” as membership has dropped 53 percent from previous levels due to cancellations from the pandemic while experiencing increased operational expenses.

The move also means job loss with the YMCA, which has been a part of Regina for over 130 years, saying they are dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition to those staff that are being impacted.

The last day of operation will be Friday for the east location and Monday for downtown.