The YMCA of Greater Saint John is launching recreation programming for Eastern Charlotte residents in Blacks Harbour through a collaboration with the Village of Blacks Harbour. Programs will be offered at the Patrick Connors Recreation Complex, also known as the Blacks Harbour Arena, later this year.

"We've wanted the YMCA to be in Blacks Harbour, and we have made an agreement with them to use our arena," said Village of Blacks Harbour Mayor John Craig. "They are going to do programs and courses for all ages, from kids to seniors, and both daytime and evening."

The creation of programming and services for the region has begun through lengthy and immersive community meeting initiatives and feedback sessions. Program creators have taken this information back to the drawing board and will soon release a detailed list of tailored program offerings for Eastern Charlotte. The programming will be designed to cater to the physical, mental, and social health of individuals of all ages, specifically in the Blacks Harbour region.

"We are very fortunate to have them coming to Blacks Harbour, and we want to utilize the arena building that we feel the whole area owns, not just Blacks Harbour but the whole Eastern shore. Our arena is centralized and accessible to so many people," said Mayor Craig. 

The launch of YMCA programming in the region is among the many ways the area is transforming and growing. There are also currently two affordable housing projects underway in the region as well as an outdoor community meeting space at the site of the old Freshmart building that is being designed and developed by Eastern Charlotte Waterways for the entire community to enjoy.