Menu
.png)
What does it truly mean for a community like Barrie to thrive?
It’s a question we ask ourselves every day at the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka—and it’s a question we’re working toward answering alongside our community, partners, and supporters.
We know that thriving means more today than ever before. It’s not enough for a region to simply grow economically or build new infrastructure. A community only thrives when everyone within it thrives, especially those living at the margins. That’s the core vision behind the new YMCA in Barrie.
The post-pandemic landscape has redefined what it means for a community to be “doing well.” Traditional measures like job growth and new development don’t tell the full story. Today, we face:
A thriving Barrie must mean that everyone, regardless of income, background, or ability, has access to spaces and supports that nurture health, belonging, and hope. That’s why this new YMCA is being built not just for the community, but with it.
The new 77,000-square-foot YMCA facility at 535 Bayview Drive isn’t just a building—it’s a commitment to building a stronger Barrie. With a $70 million investment and support from municipal, county, provincial, and philanthropic partners, this project was strategically designed to be a beacon for inclusive growth, well-being, and human connection
This new YMCA is being built to serve as a vital community hub—one that addresses local challenges through intentional design, programming, and partnerships.
Every detail of the new YMCA was shaped by local needs, expert partnerships, and community input. Here’s how we’re addressing real problems:
RVH said it best:
“Expanding our rehab programs at the new YMCA allows us to bring care closer to home and integrate wellness into everyday life.”
Disconnection is a rising crisis. A national study by YMCA Canada and Angus Reid found:
That’s where the new YMCA in Barrie comes in. We're not just building fitness spaces—we're building spaces of belonging:
Sudhir never expected that walking into a YMCA would give him his life back.
“After my stent, I was fearful of doing exercise. Now I feel better than ever because my energy is back, and so is my confidence.”
Through the YMCA/RVH Healthy Hearts Program, Sudhir regained more than physical strength—he regained trust in his body, his spirit, and his ability to thrive.
His story is one of many that illustrates the powerful role of collaboration and care. Programs like these are what the new YMCA in Barrie will expand on, through larger spaces, modern equipment, and stronger health partnerships with organizations like Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre. When we talk about building a thriving community, this is exactly what we mean.
This project is possible because we are building as a community—not in silos.
Partners like Georgian College, Simcoe County, RVH, and local agencies are co-designing solutions with us. Together, we are moving toward a caring economy—one that centres human well-being, inclusion, and sustainability.
And we’re just getting started. The YMCA is exploring new models of collective care, including co-creating programming with youth and newcomers to ensure the voices of those served are guiding what’s offered.
We broke ground in Spring 2025 and will open doors in Summer 2027.
Over the next two years, we’ll continue sharing updates, celebrating milestones, and inviting Barrie residents to be part of this transformational journey. Because when we build community spaces together, we build trust and a better future for everyone.
Your support is more than a donation—it’s a statement that you believe in a more connected, inclusive, and healthy Barrie. Here’s how you can get involved:
