Ottawa's best-known YMCA location is open again after what users said were much-needed renovations.
Downtown's Argyle Street location had hundreds of supporters show up Saturday after the multi-million dollar facelift.
"This facility was built in 1970, so it was time," said Deirdre Speers, CEO of the National Capital Region's YMCA/YWCA. "It was definitely time to take this beloved facility of ours and bring it up to the modern standards."
The decades-old building had seen a few incidents in recent years that highlighted the need for an upgrade.
In November 2010, a toxic gas leak forced an evacuation as people were using the pool and gym facilities.
In June, mold in the ceiling of the pool caused its closure and a $68,000 bill to re-paint it.
One volunteer said she's glad to see the building open again because of the variety of people it brings together.
"You get ministers and you get the regular person who are participating in fitness activities together," said Diane Ladouceur.
Others are welcoming the chance to get back to the facility that helped their well-being.
"The reason I come here is because of my health," said Marie-Claude Baird. "I had health issues at the time. I don't have them anymore."
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Stefan Keyes
