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In a recent video filmed right at the construction site, Karen Pulla, Chief Development Officer at the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, joined Richard and Ethan from Ball Construction to share exciting progress on the new YMCA in Barrie!
Standing beside the future pool, they explained that foundations are about 80% complete across the site, the leisure pool foundation is being poured, and steel will begin arriving in October, a milestone that will make the building rise quickly out of the ground.
You can also watch the full video here.
This follows an earlier CTV News Barrie interview with YMCA President & CEO Jill Tettmann and Karen Pulla, where they outlined the project’s timeline, fundraising progress, and community impact.
Here's a recap answering the most common questions about the project.
Have your own question? Email us at 100reasonsy@sm.ymca.ca or check out the FAQ page: https://www.100reasonsy.ca/faqs.
A: 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.
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A: 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.
A: The YMCA broke ground in March 2025 with the goal of being substantially complete by March 2027 and opening our doors in Fall 2027—or earlier if possible. We’ll continue to keep our YMCA community updated as construction progresses.
A: 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:
Learn more: https://www.100reasonsy.ca/#new-barrie
A: Barrie is one of Ontario’s fastest-growing communities, and this facility will fill a vital need.
The new YMCA will:
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.
A: 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.
A: 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.
Bonus: Look for the 100 Reasons Y campaign on billboards and buses around town! Each sign is a reminder that this project belongs to all of us. When you see one, think about your own “Reason Y” and consider sharing it at 100ReasonsY@sm.ymca.ca or on social media using #100ReasonsY.
A: 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, including:
Together, these partners are bringing this YMCA to life for Barrie — truly a community-built project.
A: When the doors open, the new YMCA will create significant employment opportunities, including:
A: 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.
Here are a few ideas:
The new YMCA in Barrie is more than bricks and mortar; it’s a once-in-a-generation investment in the health and well-being of our city. From youth who will find safe housing, to families who will discover a place to connect and grow, to seniors who will stay active and engaged, this Centre of Community is designed for everyone.
We’ve already come so far thanks to the generosity of government partners, local businesses, and individuals who believe in building a stronger Barrie. But we can’t do it without you. Every donation, every fundraiser, and every story shared brings us closer to opening the doors.
This is your chance to leave a legacy. To be part of a project that will shape lives for decades to come. To help ensure that Barrie has a place where everyone, regardless of age, background, or ability, can find belonging.
