An important update from Rob Armstrong, CEO, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka has been forced to make several difficult decisions related to the reopening of its many programs and facilities. As a charity with very limited reserves, we cannot compromise our long-term ability to serve the communities of Simcoe, Muskoka and Parry Sound by continuing to operate facilities that are not financially viable. As a result, the YMCA will not be reopening the following health and fitness facilities:

• The Barrie YMCA
• The Orillia YMCA
• The Parry Sound YMCA

The financial impact of COVID-19, combined with the age and future plans for the property on 22 Grove Street contributed to this difficult decision.

Day camps and licensed child care at the Barrie Y will continue to operate through to the end of the summer; the YMCA will be contacting families impacted by this closure to find alternative spaces at other YMCA Child Care Centres. Every effort will be made to relocate staff to other locations and/or to support them in finding new employment opportunities.

The Y remains committed to the health and wellbeing of the people of Barrie, and will continue to serve the community through Day Camps, Youth Services, Licensed Child Care and Immigrant Services and will look for new and innovative ways to promote health and fitness. In the interim, our members are encouraged to consider joining the Innisfil YMCA when it reopens.

As we look to the future, the Y will continue to work with our partners and all levels of government to open a new Barrie YMCA.

We thank all of our members, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners for their support over the years.