YMCA resuming Summer Day Camps after fire at Christie Lake Conservation Area

The YMCA will be resuming its Summer Day Camps operations at Christie Lake Conservation Area Tuesday after facilities at Camp Chippewa saw extensive fire damage Wednesday.

Hamilton police say the fire broke out at around 7 a.m., which damaged the Beach Pavilion and Lakeside Pavilion, causing around $4 million to $5 million in damages.

Shawn McKillop, the senior vice president of communications and digital transformation of YMCA Hamilton, Burlington and Brantford, said in a statement that campers will continue to participate in regularly scheduled activities, with temporary arrangements to support their safe return.

“We are grateful to our staff and partners for working quickly and thoughtfully to make the necessary arrangements for campers to return,” said McKillop. “While the setting will look a little different, our commitment remains the same: providing children with a safe, supportive and fun camp experience.”

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He says a partitioned tent will be provided for changing before and after beach activities, and portable toilets and hand-washing stations will replace the destroyed facilities — flushing toilets will not be available to junior and intermediate campers.

Junior and intermediate camp activities will shift slightly within the conservation area, and senior camp activities will operate near the Marina Pavilion, an around 20 minute walk from the swimming area.

Senior camp drop-off and pick-up will also take place at Marina Pavilion.

McKillop says there will be no impact on YMCA Specialty Camps, and that bus transportation and extended care will also operate as usual.

Families who choose to withdraw from Camp Chippewa have until Friday before seeing any penalties.

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