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Built for belonging, not profit
The YMCA isn’t just where people come to exercise; it’s where they come to belong.
When people hear “YMCA,” they might picture treadmills, pools, and fitness classes, and yes, those are part of what we do. But the YMCA has never been just a place to work out. It’s a movement built on connection, purpose, and a sense of belonging.
Unlike for-profit gyms or municipal recreation centres, the YMCA is a charitable social enterprise, meaning every dollar earned is reinvested into programs and services that strengthen the community. Our mission extends far beyond fitness; it’s about building a foundation for well-being that encompasses health, housing, inclusion, and opportunities for all.
The new YMCA in Barrie is a perfect example of that difference: a place where people of every age, ability, and background can find support, purpose, and connection.
“Now more than ever, people need the Y and they need community spaces where they can spark strength and confidence.” -Jill Tettmann, President & CEO, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka
From its beginnings in 1844 in London,England, the YMCA was founded to strengthen body, mind, and spirit, long before the idea of a “gym” even existed. When the first Canadian Y opened in Montreal in 1851, it wasn’t built to sell memberships; it was built to serve people, offering education, shelter, and opportunities for growth.
That same spirit guides the YMCA today.While other fitness centres focus on memberships and performance goals, the Y focuses on inclusion, connection, and support. Every YMCA operates as a registered charity, reinvesting in local communities through programs that meet evolving needs — from child care to health partnerships to transitional housing.
At its heart, the YMCA operates like a business with a social purpose. Membership fees, child care revenue, and camp programs generate income — but instead of creating profit for shareholders, that money goes right back into the community.
Every dollar supports our charitable mission: subsidizing memberships for families in need, funding youth programs, and maintaining accessible facilities so no one is left behind.
When you join the Y, you’re not just paying for access to a gym. You’re investing in a stronger, healthier community — and ensuring that everyone has a place to belong.
“At our core, the YMCA is a purpose-driven organization. We run our programs with the efficiency of a business, but our bottom line is community well-being. Every dollar earned goes right back into supporting access, inclusion, and opportunities for all," says Karen Pulla, Chief Development Officer.
The new YMCA in Barrie will include a 77,000-square-foot facility built to serve more than 10,000 residents across Simcoe County. Inside, you’ll find all the fitness and aquatics spaces you’d expect, plus wraparound supports that make the Y truly unique.
The YMCA model is built on one simple idea: everyone deserves to belong.
A YMCA membership means access to a complete health and wellness experience and a sense of belonging you won’t find anywhere else.
When you walk through our doors, you’re not just a member, you’re part of something bigger. You’re joining a network of people who believe that health and happiness shouldn’t depend on income, background, or circumstance.
Belonging at the Y means:
That sense of connection is what makes a YMCA neighbourhood stronger — even for those who never set foot inside. When there’s a YMCA in the community, rates of isolation decrease, health outcomes improve, and civic engagement grows.
“This new YMCA will be a cherished cornerstone of the community, a space that celebrates inclusion and builds positive futures.” — Basil Clarke, Warden, County of Simcoe
The new YMCA in Barrie will open in 2027, but its true foundation is already being built, through the generosity of donors, the commitment of partners, and the belief that community well-being starts with belonging.
When you support the 100 Reasons Y Capital Campaign, you’re not just helping construct a building. You’re investing in people: in youth finding their footing, families finding balance, and seniors finding connection.
We want the community to see the YMCA not as a gym, but as a Centre of Community, a place built for belonging, connection, and growth. It’s where fitness meets purpose, where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to support one another, and where every visit contributes to something bigger: a healthier, more connected Barrie.
Because the YMCA difference isn’t measured in profit or performance, it’s measured in lives changed.
Donate Now to Support the YMCA in Barrie.
