Thursday, April 24, 2025
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka celebrated the groundbreaking of their new YMCA in Barrie on 535 Bayview Drive, officially beginning the construction process for this new facility, which will include more than 70,000 square foot of programming space, including fitness, aquatics, and other community programs.
“Our vision for a new, modern YMCA facility in Barrie is coming to life, and today we are one step closer to opening its doors,” said Jill Tettmann, President & CEO of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. “Now more than ever, people need the Y, and they need community spaces where they can spark strength and confidence. This project is a testament to the power of collaboration, and together with our supporters and partners, we believe we can offer so many people in Barrie and the surrounding area the safe, welcoming place they need and deserve.”
The new YMCA in Barrie will include a cardiac rehabilitation in partnership with Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, health and fitness services, an aquatic centre, an indoor accessible playground, child, youth and senior programming and more.
“Having grown up in government housing in Barrie, I witnessed firsthand the positive impact that the Y can have,” shared Mayor Alex Nuttall. “This new YMCA will provide a place for youth from all walks of life across the city to come together, offering the resources and activities they need to succeed. It will serve as a hub for all residents, promoting health, well-being, and community. We are grateful to see the return of the Y in Barrie and thank everyone who contributed to making this project possible.”
“This is an exciting day for the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka and for the communities this new facility will be serving,” said John Brassard, Innisfil-Barrie, MP. “The partnerships that have come together to make this become a reality is a commitment and sign of a community that cares about its people to help them with a sense of belonging and providing the tools to thrive.”
Last year, the City of Barrie awarded the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka a $2.5 million per door grant for the space’s youth transitional housing program. More recently, the County of Simcoe made a $5 million capital contribution dedicated to the creation of transitional housing for youth and a multicultural space in partnership with the Simcoe County Local Immigration Partnership. The new facility has also been made possible through the support of generous donors and supporters, including the Government of Ontario, who has committed over $29 million towards construction. Together, these contributions are making the vision of a transformative, inclusive centre of community a reality.
“Today marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the Y in Simcoe County, with spaces that will provide vital services for youth in transition and a multicultural hub where newcomers can learn, grow, and celebrate diversity,” said County of Simcoe Warden, Basil Clarke. “As Simcoe County’s multicultural population continues to flourish, this facility will become a cherished cornerstone of the community. Breaking ground during ITSTARTS month is a meaningful reminder of our commitment to fostering inclusion and positive futures. Congratulations to the YMCA on this remarkable achievement.”
Following the groundbreaking, construction will officially begin this spring, with a goal to open in Fall of 2027.
Featured image: (L to R) John Brassard, Innisfil-Barrie MP; Doug Shipley, Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte MP; Alex Nuttall, Mayor of Barrie; Andrea Khanjin, Innisfil-Barrie MPP; Jill Tettmann, president & CEO, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka; Karen Pulla, Chief Development Officer, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka; Sienna Marck, YMCA Youth Participant; Rob Reid, Board Chair, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka; and Basil Clarke, County of Simcoe Warden. (YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka)
