In 2018, RTPS was engaged by the YMCA of Lethbridge to help open two new facilities simultaneoulsy: a licensed childcare facility and a Health, Fitness & Aquatics Centre. This was to be no easy undertaking, as each facility had different budgetary requirements, a different scheduled opening date and very little overlap in terms of the equipment and supplies needed to furnish both sites. And the key directive from the YMCA - "We need to stay on budget and on schedule!"

Action Taken
Using historical data from past YMCA openings, The RTPS team meticulously compiled an FF&E template that all stakeholders used as a reference point throughout the project's duration. This template tracked the decision-making status, costs, and budget for each required item. The template even included manufacturers specifications which later became YMCA standards.
The RTPS team put in significant upfront time to ensure all unique requirements were captured from each stakeholder group - ensuring the project started with everyone's focus and expectations aligned! They also categorized, prioritized and created timelines for all procurement activities using a variety of tools and methods and aided stakeholders in their final selections, including actually visiting the furniture suppliers to help pick out the furniture! When there were construction delays, the RTPS team re-engaged vendors to re-schedule deliveries - making life easy for the YMCA team.

The Result
YMCA Lethbridge - the third largest YMCA in Canada - was about to fully equip the Cor Van Raay YMCA and the Round Street Early Learning Childcard Center with everything necessary for a successful opening, all the while staying under budget! And the savings that were realized were spent on new programming!