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With hard hats in the distance and the summer heat rising, neighbours, YMCA staff, donors, and local leaders gathered together on June 24th to honour someone whose spirit has long shaped our city: former Mayor, a lifelong philanthropist, and proud supporter of the YMCA, Janice Laking.
Held at 535 Bayview Drive, the future site of the new Barrie YMCA, the event, titled Beyond the Blueprints – Honouring Janice Laking, was about more than celebrating the progress made on the construction of the new Y—it was about the people and values guiding its foundation.
The event marked a shift from vision to reality. And it honoured the woman whose legacy has long embodied the very values this YMCA strives to carry forward.
While the March 2025 groundbreaking ceremonially marked the start of construction, this event was about something deeper. As Jill Tettmann shared in her remarks:
“Today isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about going beyond the blueprints. It’s about why we do what we do at the Y. And it’s about honouring someone who embodies what it means to belong.”
The event focused on why we were building the new Y and how Janice is a shining example of that vision. Her inspiration is one of the reasons why the new YMCA will be more than a fitness facility; it will be a centre of community for health, connection, and opportunity.
The heart of the day, of course, was Janice Laking—former Mayor of Barrie, civic trailblazer, passionate philanthropist, and the Honorary Chair of the Barrie YMCA Capital Campaign.
For over 50 years, Janice has been a constant force for good in Barrie. As Mayor from 1988 to 2000, she led with quiet strength and deep compassion, championing partnerships that expanded education, services, and opportunities across the city. Her leadership helped build institutions, but more importantly, it built community trust.
Long before that, Janice was a YMCA participant and supporter, drawn to the organization’s inclusive values and commitment to social good. Her connection to the Y is personal, rooted in a belief that everyone deserves a place to feel seen and supported.
“The Y, as I see it in the future,” Janice said about the new Barrie YMCA, “is going to be able to fill a lot of the holes we are now experiencing in the community.”
Those words aren’t just a reflection—they’re a call to action. And it’s why Janice accepted the role of Honorary Chair of the Capital Campaign.
As friend and campaign co-chair Brian Tamblyn shared:
“It strikes me even today that Janice is a perfect fit for this Y role—whether it’s fitness, aquatics, immigrant services, child care, health rehabilitation, employment services, youth leadership or summer camps—these have all been passions of Janice’s at various times over her life.”
At 95 years old, Janice stood on the future site of the new YMCA with pride and grace. Her presence reminded us that legacy isn't just what we leave behind—it's what we build into the lives of others.
In recognition of that, the YMCA will be naming a space within the new facility in Janice’s honour. It’s a community-driven tribute that will reflect her unwavering spirit and belief in belonging.
Perhaps the most touching moment came with the small parting gift: a jar of dirt from the construction site, symbolizing the possibility of new beginnings. As Karen Pulla said as she gave the gift to Janice, "This is our way of saying: you're part of this story, too. From the ground up, we're building this together." It was a powerful moment that reminded everyone that they, too, are part of this journey.
The new Barrie YMCA is more than a fitness facility—it’s a bold reimagining of what a community can be. This new space will serve as a dynamic hub of health, inclusion, and opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds. From seniors recovering from surgery to young families seeking childcare, from youth looking for safety and direction to newcomers trying to build a life, this is a place where everyone can belong.
To bring this vision to life, the YMCA has launched the 100 Reasons Y Capital Campaign, an initiative powered by community, government, and corporate partnerships.
Thanks to early support—including nearly $30 million from the Ontario Government, funding from the City of Barrie, and generous lead donors—this transformational project is already underway. But we’re not there yet, and the YMCA is calling on the community to help turn blueprints into belonging.
“Janice has already made a generous major gift to this project,” shared Co-Chair Brian Tamblyn, “a true reflection of her belief in the Y, and in the people of Barrie. Now, we plan to build upon that gift—to ensure her legacy is recognized in a way that’s lasting, meaningful, and as impactful as she has been to this city.”
Your support doesn’t just build walls—it builds healthier lives, stronger families, and a more connected Barrie. Every donation helps expand programs, subsidize access for those in need, and deliver the wraparound supports that change lives every day.
The new YMCA at 535 Bayview Drive will include:
Whether you’re a long-time YMCA member, a new neighbour curious about the project, or someone simply inspired by Janice’s example, this is your moment to get involved.
“People need the Y now more than ever,” said CEO Jill Tettmann during her remarks. “This isn’t just about exercise—it’s about mental health, housing, child care, community connection. It’s about lives being changed every single day.”
