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With a population anticipated to reach 210,000 by 2031, there is no denying that Barrie is growing—and so are the challenges.
The numbers speak for themselves:
With 1 in 8 Barrie residents relying on YMCA programs, we have a unique opportunity to address these challenges, as well as gaps in wellness, mental health, and inclusion. But we’re not facing them alone.
We’ve joined with local partners to create opportunities for community well-being. Together, we’re building a new kind of Y in Barrie—a centre of community where everyone belongs and thrives.
These growing partnerships and alliances will help tackle our community challenges, including youth housing, chronic disease, and accessibility gaps.
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At the Y, collaboration with community partners allows us to address critical challenges and foster well-being for all. Here are some key partnerships we’ve developed and their impact on our community.
Cancer Rehabilitation: Hudson Regional Cancer Centre
Simcoe County has a higher-than-average cancer diagnosis rate, at 576 cases per 100,000 people (Simcoe Muskoka Health Stats). To address this, the Y has partnered with the Hudson Regional Cancer Centre to offer the iCan initiative. This individualized 12-week fitness routine helps rehabilitate and enhance cancer survivors' quality of life. We’ve already seen the benefits.
A former participant found renewed strength and hope through the iCan cancer rehabilitation program:
“While you’re recovering, you can’t do the normal things you did. I had heard exercise was so good for cancer patients. You can do something for yourself. It helps you get some control back. I’ve been able to turn a negative situation into a positive one. I support this program and would highly recommend it.”
The program’s personalized approach to exercise, nutrition, and wellness helped her manage the side effects of her breast cancer treatment and rebuild both her physical and emotional well-being.
With guidance from healthcare professionals and encouragement from fellow participants, she regained her confidence and took control of her recovery. iCan made a lasting difference in her life by providing healing and a sense of community.
Cardiac Rehabilitation: Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre
Heart disease remains a significant health concern as the second leading cause of death and a major cause of hospitalization (Statistics Canada). Simcoe County's hospitalization rates for cardio-pulmonary conditions are 22.5% higher than the provincial average (Simcoe Muskoka Health Stats).
Through our partnership with the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, the Healthy Hearts initiative at the new YMCA in Barrie will provide rehabilitation services for cardiac patients, helping them recover and live healthier lives.
County of Simcoe: $5M capital gift to fund youth housing and multicultural spaces
In February, the County of Simcoe announced the approval of a $5 million capital contribution to support the creation of transitional housing for youth and a multicultural space in partnership with the Simcoe County Local Immigration Partnership (LIP)
This partnership allows us to address critical challenges and foster well-being for all. With this new facility, we aim to address the growing needs of the Barrie community and surrounding areas by providing essential resources for youth in transition and fostering cultural inclusion.
The new facility will feature:
City of Barrie: $2.5 Million Per Door Grant for Youth Transitional Housing Project
The City of Barrie awarded the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka the Per Door Grant to support our Youth Transitional Housing project. This initiative aims to address the housing needs of vulnerable youth in Barrie and the surrounding area.
The three-story housing complex will feature 12 units, including two fully accessible suites, each equipped with private washrooms.
This program goes beyond housing to include access to educational and developmental programs offered in partnership with local school boards and other community organizations. This holistic support network aims to reduce youth homelessness and foster a sense of belonging within Barrie’s growing community.
Quote: “This initiative goes beyond simply providing a roof over their heads—it opens doors to education, skill development, and a strong sense of belonging."
- Alex Nuttall, Mayor of Barrie
The partnership between the YMCA, health organizations, and local government improves access to vital health and housing services, promoting wellness and strengthening our community.
Through these partnerships, we provide inclusive, supportive programs that empower youth, enhance health outcomes, and create possibilities for brighter futures.
By supporting county-wide priorities, we have a real impact in our community that goes beyond what a traditional Y provides:
From the outset of this project, we’ve listened to the community's needs. Through community consultations in 2018, we heard the feedback on what services and programs were vital for Y members and our community.
The feedback from our community and partners helped shape the new Y's program offerings, design, and location. We’ve built on our past to deepen our partnership model of integrated services.
Working directly with some of the community’s most vulnerable members has given us a deep understanding of their needs, their unique challenges, and the programs that help them overcome those barriers.
The new YMCA in Barrie will bring more programs to more underserved people in the community. It will also be the latest addition to our interconnected web of supports, serving as a point of entry from which we can refer community members to our other programs.
Join the cause and become a community champion. Individuals and families who believe in a brighter future have stepped forward to ensure this space is welcoming and inclusive. You can join too. Here’s how:
Share your YMCA story: Please share why a new YMCA in Barrie is important to you via email (100reasonsY@sm.ymca.ca) or Facebook, and Instagram using the hashtag #100ReasonsY.
