Lynn Strachan knows what it takes to build community. As a former City Councillor, past head of the Barrie Y Build committee, recent treasurer of the Barrie Film Festival, member of Barrie Cares and today, as a School Board Trustee, Lynn has been committed to igniting Barrie’s potential for the past 25 years.

The source of that spark? Her foundational time at the YMCA as a teen.

“It’s given me so many opportunities to grow in my leadership skills and community development. All of those opportunities helped to give me the confidence I needed to run for City Council where I was elected for three terms.”

Discover Lynn’s full Reason Y:

As a longtime, passionate YMCA member and supporter, former Board Chair and today, as the Director of the 100 Reasons Y Capital Campaign, Lynn knows better than anyone that a new YMCA is more than the sum of its features.

While the new YMCA in Barrie will have best-in-class spaces – from an aquatics centre and a track, to fitness and wellness facilities and an accessible indoor playground – it’s what will happen within and because of those spaces that Lynn is so excited about.

From Place to Potential

As an intergenerational hub, the new YMCA will be a place where participants of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can grow, discover their potential and shine together.

At every opportunity, Lynn invites community members to picture this potential in action:

• When babies and toddlers have their very first splash in the pool, they’ll also be learning vital water safety skills for life.
• When new Canadians access inclusive programs and services, they’ll also form new connections and a strong sense of belonging in Canada.
• When generations of families come through the doors for programs that build health, strength and skills, they’ll also be building connections with one another in new and enduring ways.
• When children of all backgrounds and abilities play together, they’ll also grow their empathy, resilience and social skills.
• And when youth just like Lynn come through the doors, whether to hang out, shoot some hoops or get started on their leadership journeys, they’ll find a space to grow the confidence, independence and connections that last a lifetime.

That’s why Lynn sees the new YMCA in Barrie as more than a place – it’s a community hub that builds and strengthens futures.

“The YMCA helped me unlock my full potential. I am so excited to be part of the new Barrie YMCA and to see how it unlocks the potential for others in the community.”

Like Lynn, our entire Y team believes that with the right support, opportunities and connections, people don’t just survive, they thrive and shine. And in turn, they help create a healthy, well and inclusive Barrie that supports strong families, neighbourhoods, businesses and a more engaged and connected community.

What’s your Reason Y?

Join Lynn as a 100 Reasons Y donor and help Barrie’s potential shine!