FAQs | YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka

Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about the new YMCA coming to Barrie.

We’re committed to keeping you informed and involved — let’s explore how this exciting project will benefit our community!

If your question isn’t covered here, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

What led the YMCA to choose a location outside of downtown Barrie?

We initially hoped to build a downtown YMCA, but after thoroughly reviewing all available sites with experts and partners, we couldn’t find a location that was large enough or financially feasible. To ensure we can create a safe, vibrant, and inclusive community space, we expanded our search to other areas in Barrie. This allows us to bring our vision to life and better serve our members.

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What programs and services do the YMCA provide in Barrie right now?

Our staff and volunteers providing programs in Barrie actively engage with and support more than 1,000 Barrie residents on a monthly basis. Our extensive programs include licensed child care, before and after school programs, summer day camps, outdoor education in schools, youth services covering areas such as youth gambling, youth justice, transitional support, mental health assistance, and employment opportunities. Additionally, we offer specialized employment programming and immigrant services, along with invaluable support for the Settlement Workers in Schools program.

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Is the sale of the former Barrie YMCA at 22 Grove Street being used to support the new building project?

Yes, $4.5 million of the $6 million sale price has been dedicated to the development of the new Barrie Y, ensuring a modern, vibrant space for community to enjoy for years to come.

The remaining $1.5 million was allocated to critical COVID-related stabilization efforts during a time when operations were mandated to shut down. These funds were essential in maintaining the financial stability of the association and helping us navigate the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic. This ensured we could continue serving our community both during and after this difficult period.

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What can existing donors expect from the new site?

Our YMCA community is at the heart of making exciting projects like this possible. We deeply value the trust and generosity of our supporters, and we are committed to ensuring transparency in all aspects of this initiative. All donations are held in a restricted account committed solely to this project, ensuring your contributions are used as intended. If you have any questions about contributing, please feel free to reach out to Lianne Gorbell, Campaign Manager, at [email protected].

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When will this project be completed?

We’re excited to share that we plan to break ground in Spring 2025, with the goal of completing the project and celebrating a grand opening in Summer 2027. We’ll keep our YMCA community updated throughout the process as we work toward creating a space that benefits everyone. Thank you for your support!

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Will Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre be a partner at the new site?

The YMCA is proud to partner with Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre to deliver important programs like Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and iCan post-cancer treatment rehabilitation to patients across Simcoe County. With our five health and wellness locations, were able to bring these services to the community. At 535 Bayview Drive, we’ll have the opportunity to expand these programs, thanks to a larger space, helping us better support our community’s health and wellness needs.

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Is the selected site accessible by public transit?

Yes, the selected site at 535 Bayview Drive is accessible by Barrie Transit. Accessibility for our members and participants has been a key priority throughout the selection process. We are working closely with the City of Barrie as they expand transit services to support the area’s growing population, as outlined in the City’s Transportation Master Plan. Future improvements planned for the Mapleview Drive and Bayview Drive area include new buffered bike lanes, in-boulevard pathways, and a Highway 400 Express Transit route connecting to Georgian College, ensuring even greater accessibility for our community.

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How will the new location impact the Innisfil YMCA community?

Currently, less than 10% of participants at our Innisfil location reside in Barrie. With significant growth expected in both Innisfil and South Barrie in the coming years, this new location will help us better serve the needs of both communities. Our goal is to ensure everyone has access to the programs and services they need as our communities continue to grow.

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Will the dog park remain open?

Yes, the dog park is staying! The City of Barrie has indicated that the dog park and trail entrance will be relocated during the construction phase to ensure continued access for our community members and their furry friends.

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How many beds are there in transitional housing?

Our transitional housing includes 12 private rooms, each equipped with its own bed, and washroom with shower, providing a safe and comfortable space for residents.

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Why isn’t the new YMCA being built in the North End of Barrie?

We carefully considered the North End of Barrie as a potential location for our new YMCA. Unfortunately, we were unable to find a site that aligned with our vision, was sustainable, and fit within the project budget. Looking to the future, we are excited about the possibility of a partnership with Springwater Township, which may lead to a new YMCA location just north of the Barrie city limits. We remain committed to serving our community and exploring opportunities that best meet the needs of our members and residents.

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Will parking and traffic be impacted during events at Sadlon Arena?

We have committed to working with the City of Barrie to plan our programming around major events, such as Barrie Colts games and concerts, to minimize any potential congestion. Additionally, a shared parking arrangement will be in place during events to ensure a smooth experience for everyone visiting the area. We’re committed to keeping things convenient for our YMCA community.

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What is the estimated cost of the project?

Due to increasing construction costs and expenses, the total estimated cost of the project has risen to $70 million.

The project is currently supported by a variety of funding sources, including:

$29.9 million from the Province of Ontario
$5 million contributed by the County of Simcoe
$2.5 million from the City of Barrie
$4.5 million generated through the sale of the Barrie YMCA on Grove Street
$20 million goal in an ongoing capital fundraising campaign
$8.1 million in YMCA financing

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How far along is the construction?

September 2025 - Construction is well underway. Foundations are being poured, the lap and leisure pools are being formed, and the gymnasium area is being prepped. You can already see the outside walls starting to take shape day by day.

What’s next in the construction process?

September 2025 - This fall, Ball Construction will continue with concrete and steel for the building’s structure. According to the schedule, the walls will be up by mid-December, and exterior cladding and the flat roof will be underway throughout Q1 of 2026.

How big will the new YMCA be, and what will it include?

The new YMCA will be a 77,000 square-foot Centre of Community at 535 Bayview Drive, designed with purpose and shaped by community input and expert partnerships.

Key features include:

Aquatics Centre with lap and leisure pools

Indoor walking/running track

Multi-purpose studios for fitness, wellness, and programming

Gymnasium and group fitness spaces

Health partnerships with RVH for cancer and cardiac rehabilitation

12-bed transitional housing for youth aged 18-29, each with a private washroom and shower

Intergenerational spaces designed for all ages to connect

Accessible indoor playground and barrier-free accessibility throughout

Programs for children, youth, families, and seniors

A sustainable design that models environmental stewardship

A centralized administrative hub connecting YMCA services across the region

We look forward to continuing to update our YMCA community on all of the features that will help create a centre for community in Barrie.

Why is this project important for Barrie?

Barrie is one of Ontario’s fastest-growing communities, and this facility will fill a vital need.

The new YMCA will provide safe housing for youth in need, expand family-friendly programs and childcare, support seniors with healthy aging initiatives and offer inclusive, barrier-free spaces so everyone can belong.

Supporting this project is truly an investment in the health and vitality of Barrie’s future. It will maximize the impact of community partners delivering programs onsite and expand the Y’s capacity to inspire individuals to reach their full potential.

How is the fundraising progress for the capital campaign?

September 2025 - Our campaign is gaining incredible momentum, raising $5 million towards our $20 million goal. Major support has already come from the Province of Ontario ($29.9M), the County of Simcoe ($5M), the City of Barrie ($2.5M), and the sale of the former Grove Street YMCA site ($4.5M).

But we’re not just raising funds, we’re raising reasons. Every donation is tied to a “Reason Y,” a personal story of why the YMCA matters. Each gift brings us closer to making the new YMCA in Barrie a reality.

Are donations still being accepted?

Absolutely! The YMCA’s 100 Reasons Y Capital Campaign is still underway, and it’s all about building a new Centre of Community right here in Barrie. There are many ways to get involved: you can make a personal gift, give through your business, or even host a fundraiser with friends, family, or colleagues.

Every contribution, big or small, helps bring this vision to life. To get started, just visit 100ReasonsY.ca/donate.

Do you know how many jobs the project is creating?

While we can’t provide an exact total, Ball Construction has an average of about 30 workers on site each day. Over the course of this two-year project, this represents a significant number of jobs across many trades.

What’s especially exciting is that this project taps into our local workforce and expertise, from architects, surveying, designers, printing, and digital advertising. Together, our partners are bringing this YMCA to life for Barrie — truly a community-built project.

How many staff will be hired when construction is complete?

When the doors open, the new YMCA will create significant employment opportunities, including 100 staff annually for Health and Fitness operations, around 30 seasonal day camp staff, and up to 5 staff for Youth Transitional Housing. In addition, there will be many new opportunities for volunteers, building on the YMCA’s existing base of 331 volunteers across Simcoe/Muskoka.

How can I get involved?

There are so many ways to be part of building the new YMCA, no matter your capacity to give or your connection to the Y. You can make a donation to the new YMCA in Barrie. Whether it’s a one-time gift or through the monthly giving program, every dollar helps create this Centre of Community. Businesses can also contribute through corporate partnerships like event sponsorships or naming rights, showcasing their investment in Barrie’s future.

Get creative by hosting fundraisers with friends, family, or colleagues, or share your personal “Reason Y” on social media with #100ReasonsY to inspire others. Spread the word by sharing campaign updates online, and stay connected by signing up for updates at 100ReasonsY.ca to follow milestones and engagement opportunities. For questions about fundraising and more ways you can get involved, reach out to us at [email protected]

Help us shape another 100 years of community impact in Barrie.

Donate Today

Collage of sports and children's fitness themes: a smiling boy surrounded by circular cutouts featuring a playground and gym

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