Local charity shares first glimpse of plans for a community hub on new proposed site

Simcoe County, Ontario – December 13, 2021

Today, staff and volunteers from the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka will provide an update to Barrie City Council on plans for a new Barrie Y. This will be the public's first chance to see images of the Y’s vision for a community hub on its proposed Worsley Street site.

"The Y is dedicated to helping everyone in the community feel healthy, strong, safe and included. This new location will expand the reach of YMCA programs, strengthen the impact of our partners, and contribute to a downtown that is safe, vibrant, and welcoming for all," says Jill Tettmann, President and CEO of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka.

The YMCA and the City have been working together on the site known as H-Block. The proposed facility will have a three classroom licensed child care, health and fitness amenities, swimming pools, community meeting spaces, and an indoor playground. It will also have permanent space for cancer and cardiac rehabilitation programs delivered by the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre and transitional housing for youth operated by Youth Haven. The Y has also begun meeting with Barrie Public Library staff to find new opportunities to work together. Tettmann says the new YMCA will support the Barrie Health Accord and the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan. "We are deeply grateful to City Council for opening the door for us to negotiate for the purchase of the property beside the library. This is an ideal location for our shared goals, and those of our partners. This will be the Y we need, for the Barrie we want," added Tettmann.

To date the Y has received funding through the County of Simcoe, the Province of Ontario, and the community through the 100 Reasons Y Capital Campaign.

Tettmann will be joined by YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka Board Chair Lynn Strachan and 100 Reasons Y Campaign Co-Chair Brian Tamblyn at Monday’s Council Meeting. For more information on how to support the Y or to make a donation, community members can visit: www.100reasonsY.ca.

About the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is a charity dedicated to building healthy communities. We are committed to nurturing the potential of children, youth and families, promoting healthy living and fostering social responsibility within the community. We serve 1 in 5 people throughout Simcoe County and the District of Parry Sound and Muskoka. In keeping with our commitment to inclusiveness and accessibility, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka offers financial assistance to those unable to afford program fees, including thousands of children and youth who experience YMCA camps and programs each year. For more information, please visit www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca.

Media contact:
Pamela Marck
YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka Vice President
705-717-7022
Pamela.marck@sm.ymca.ca