Renovations Update – September 12, 2024
We are all looking forward to the much-anticipated opening of our newly renovated change rooms! I thank you for your patience during the renovations!
The Men’s and Women’s Change Rooms will open on Monday, September 16. They are fresh and colorful, and I am confident that you will be pleased with the results! The new saunas will be open and ready for use on opening day.
Due to delays beyond our control, the Steam Rooms in both change rooms will require an additional week to complete, and are scheduled to be ready on Monday, September 23.
The newly renovated Men’s and Women’s Change Rooms are equipped with a limited number of small cubbies located at the entrance. To use a cubby, members can simply leave a driver’s license, or another form of identification, at the front desk, where you will be provided with a key. On your way out, drop off the key at the front desk and pick up your ID. Note that cubbies will be available on a first come, first served basis, for the duration of your workout.
You will also notice that we have a new and fully accessible Universal Washroom located in the hallway between the Men’s and Women’s Change Room.
As you heard in the last update, the lockers are delayed, and we expect them to be installed by November. In the meantime, change rooms will be equipped with racks to hang jackets, and the open shelving beside the Fitness Centre will remain available.
I want to thank you again for your patience each step of the way, as we work to complete the renovation!
Here’s to a wonderful end of summer,
Sarah Beutel
SJCC President
Renovations Update – August 23, 2024
Dear SJCC Members,
We are excited to share some good news about our ongoing renovation project. We are now entering the final stages of the change room renovation, and we’re thrilled to announce that both the Men’s and Women’s Change Rooms are expected to be open and ready for use by Monday, September 16.
We sincerely appreciate your understanding and patience during this time, as unforeseen delays have pushed back our original timelines.
In the meantime, please feel free to use the newly renovated Family Change Room, which remains open.
As previously communicated, while the change rooms are expected to be open as of September 16, we continue to experience delays with respect to the delivery of the new lockers. We expect installation of the lockers to begin in mid-October and to be fully completed early November.
Rest assured, the new facilities are fresh and modern, and I am confident that you will be pleased with the results.
Thank you for your continued cooperation as we work to enhance our amenities. We look forward to welcoming you to the newly renovated change rooms very soon!
Here’s to a wonderful end of summer,
Sarah Beutel
SJCC President
Renovations Update – June 21, 2024
Dear SJCC Members,
I hope you are all doing well and enjoying the hot weather. I am looking forward to seeing you all at the outdoor pool!
The change room renovations are moving along. There have been a few hiccups along the way, but I am happy to report that we are on schedule to open the change rooms in July. This will be a phased opening. The first change room to open will be the Family Change Room which will be available around July 2.
The Family Change Room will be equipped with brand new showers and washrooms, partitions for changing and benches for sitting. Please keep in mind that the Family Change Room will be heavily used by our Summer Camps on weekdays between the hours of 9 AM and 4 PM. As this will be the only change room available for several weeks, I ask that you be understanding about sharing the space and realize that this one room will not accommodate everyone during peak use hours.
The Men’s and Women’s change rooms will open by the end of July. These change rooms will have new showers, washrooms, and benches as well as brand new saunas and steam rooms. The Men’s change room will now have private shower rooms. We will keep you posted on the opening dates for these change rooms.
When all the change rooms are open, we wish to emphasize that the Family Change Room is intended to be used only by families and not individual adults. We have added additional showers and washrooms to the Men’s and Women’s change rooms for this specific purpose.
The one big hiccup is that the lockers we have ordered for all three rooms are delayed in their manufacturing and delivery. We will have a temporary solution in each room to store clothes, gym bags, etc. The lockers should arrive in September and will be installed quickly upon arrival. Please remember to leave valuables at home or locked in your car.
Finally, my compliments to all of you for your adaptability and perseverance during this renovation process. We now see the light at the end of the tunnel. I know you will be pleased with the result. Hang in there for just a few more weeks.
Thanks, and have a great summer! Shabbat Shalom!
Barry Sohn
President/COO
bsohn@jccottawa.com
Renovations Update – April 12, 2024
I am happy to report that the fitness centre and lower level will re-open on schedule as of Monday, April 15. That means all members will access the fitness centre, exercise studio, gym, court, and spinning studio via the front entrance. The water fountain closest to the fitness centre will be accessible to fill water bottles and drink water.
Those of you who have been utilizing Anytime Fitness will no longer be able to do so through the JCC as of April 15. As previously communicated the locker rooms will remain closed throughout the duration of the renovations.
Please be mindful that there is no provision to leave gym bags, outerwear, boots, or personal belongings in the fitness centre or exercise studio. I recommend that you come dressed for your workout and leave as much as possible at home or in your car.
Thanks for your understanding and patience. We’re making good progress, and any inconvenience will be well worth it when the renovations are completed this summer.
Thanks! All the best!
Barry Sohn
President/COO
bsohn@jccottawa.com
Renovations Update – April 5, 2024
I hope you are all doing well and looking forward to some real spring weather next week. In short, the renovations are going well and are on schedule. This means the fitness centre and lower level should re-open the week of April 15. Construction will continue and be ongoing through the summer. There will be a hoarding wall built in the entire lower level to separate the construction area from the area usable by members. The space will be narrow but manageable. Once again, the locker rooms will remain closed throughout. Washrooms are available on the upper level. Those of you who enrolled at Anytime Fitness will no longer have access to their facilities as of April 15.
I want to applaud you all for making the adjustments to our “new normal”. I am especially grateful to all our staff who were heavily involved in making the necessary arrangements to continue to provide programs and services during the renovations. Please remember to keep checking schedules on our website as changes will occur based on the construction. Have a great weekend!
Shabbat Shalom!
Barry Sohn
President/COO
bsohn@jccottawa.com
Early Closure and Holiday Weekend Hours Update
Dear Members,
We want to inform you of some changes to our operating hours for this week, due to our renovations and the holiday.
On Thursday, March 28, the SJCC will close at 5:00 pm due to renovation work. The water supply will be shut off, and as a result, we will not be able to operate without access to washroom facilities.
Additionally, please take note of our holiday weekend hours:
- Friday, March 29: Good Friday – Closed
- Saturday, March 30: Regular Hours – 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Sunday, March 31: Easter Sunday – Open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Happy Holidays to those who celebrate.
Barry Sohn
President/COO
bsohn@jccottawa.com
Renovations Update – March 22, 2024
This is the first of many updates you will receive over the next few months.
First of all, kudos to you, our wonderful SJCC members who have adjusted so quickly to all the changes as a result of the renovations. I’ve received many positive comments about how well-prepared we are to accommodate your needs. Thank you to all our staff who thoughtfully designed a “new normal” for the next few months. We can use the Group Fitness Studio downstairs, which is a huge plus, but some of our Group Fitness classes are now being held in the Social Hall upstairs. Please be sure to check the schedule often as we will post changes and updates.
The construction work is a moving target and there will be times when changes will need to be made without much advance notice. The late opening this morning is an example. As much as possible we will try to give 48 hours’ notice of any changes.
Overall, we are experiencing a positive vibe. We have been told by the contractor that they are on schedule in this first phase of the renovations. That means we expect the Fitness Centre and lower-level hallway to reopen in around three weeks, as originally planned.
Please remember to bring a full water bottle with you to your classes as the water fountains are not currently in service. A water machine is available at the café upstairs, and we have ordered a water unit for the pool, gym, and Group Fitness Studio which we are expecting in the next few days. There is also a porta potty located in the rear parking lot on the grassy area outside the outdoor pool.
In general, so far so good! This will all be well worth it in a few short months. Please keep us posted on your experience and let us know any ways you think we can improve.
All the best!
Shabbat Shalom,
Barry Sohn
President/COO
bsohn@jccottawa.com
Friday Opening 8AM
Due to the renovations, we will delay our opening this Friday, March 22 by one hour to 8AM. Normal activities per our schedule will be available as of 8AM. The Fitness Centre remains closed for the next few weeks.
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
SJCC/Anytime Fitness Membership
Please do not drop in without a set appointment.
Effective March 14, please click on this link to book an appointment with Anytime Fitness (1867 Carling Avenue location, corner of Carling & Sherbourne) to go in and activate your one-month membership.
Once your Anytime Fitness membership is good to go, please email renovations@jccottawa.com and let us know you are all set up.
Remember…it’s business as usual at the SJCC until March 18. Our Fitness Centre, Change Rooms and Group Fitness Classes are open and running on a regular schedule up until close on March 17.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
We’re excited about the Change Room Renovations beginning March 18!
The work will begin the week of March 18 and will continue into the summer months. The Family Change Room will be redesigned and expanded. The Women’s Change Room will have additional showers, and the Men’s Change Room will now have individual shower stalls. A new sauna and steam room will be part of the Men’s and Women’s Change Rooms and all three change rooms will have new finishes. In addition, all renovations will be compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
We are investing over $1.5 Million for these renovations knowing that they will enhance your SJCC experience for years to come.
Fitness Centre
As part of the renovations to the change rooms, a pipe that runs under the lower level of the centre will need to be replaced. The Fitness Centre will be affected by this and as a result will be closed for approximately four weeks.
For those who wish to continue to exercise with weights and equipment, we have arranged membership with Anytime Fitness. Current SJCC members with a valid membership, can utilize any Anytime Fitness location. To take advantage of this arrangement please register in person at the 1867 Carling Avenue location (corner of Carling & Sherbourne) and designate the SJCC on your registration forms (SJCC Members ages 12-17 must have a parent present). The Anytime Fitness membership is valid for one month and, aside from a refundable deposit for the FOB, there is no cost to SJCC Members. Please email renovations@jccottawa.com to let us know that you have registered at Anytime Fitness.
Those who work out with an SJCC Personal Trainer will be able to schedule sessions at Anytime Fitness (provided that you enroll at Anytime Fitness). Please contact your trainer directly to schedule sessions.
Aquatics
The swimming pool will remain open with access to the pool via the front lobby. All change rooms will be closed for the duration of the renovations. Washroom facilities, on the upper level can be used as change rooms. We are exploring additional temporary options for changing. The only showers in operation will be those on the pool deck so should you wish to shower you will need to do so wearing a swimsuit.
Access & Parking
During the first four weeks of the renovations, access to the lower level of the Centre will be limited. The Group Fitness Studio will be closed on March 18 and all classes will be relocated. We anticipate that the Fitness Studio will reopen on March 19. Please check the Group Fitness Schedule to see where classes are taking place before heading to the SJCC. The gymnasium (basketball, pickleball, SpinFit) will have access through the exterior gym doors. Staff will be stationed at this alternate entrance and will be checking memberships (approximately 4 weeks). Please check the website for the gym schedule as times may be impacted by the renovations.
During this time, a small portion of the back parking lot will serve as a staging area for the contractor. Overflow parking will be available at the Ottawa Jewish Community School parking lot.
Lockers
Rented lockers, in both the change rooms and the hallway, must be emptied by March 14.
We recognize the disruption and appreciate your support and cooperation during this time. We see this as a small inconvenience for a great return on investment in a few months.
If you have questions concerning your membership, please contact the SJCC Front Desk at membership@jccottawa.com.
Should you wish to support the SJCC Capital Campaign, which is funding the renovations, please click here, or to donate over the phone, contact Donna at (613) 798-9818 ext. 251.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support. We will be in touch on a regular basis to keep our members posted on our progress. We know this will be a welcome change that will only make the SJCC a better place to meet your needs.
Best Regards,
Barry Sohn
SJCC President/COO
bsohn@jccottawa.com
(613) 798-9818 ext. 268
Jack Shinder
SJCC Board Chair
