Ontario Construction News staff writer
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is set to break ground on a long-awaited new facility in Barrie south this spring.
The $70-million, 77,000-square-foot site will feature health and fitness amenities, an aquatic centre, youth outreach programs, community meeting spaces, rehabilitation services and an indoor accessible playground. Also, the plan includes transitional housing for youth and a multicultural space.
With site-plan approval from the City of Barrie in place, an official groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for March and construction is expected to be completed by March 2027.
The County of Simcoe recently announced a $5-million contribution for the project, increasing funding announced last year.
“County Council is committed to Building Up homes, lives, and hope across the region through targeted and fiscally responsible investments in our community,” said Simcoe County Warden Basil Clarke. “That is why, when the Y came to us with a plan to provide much-needed and critical transitional housing for youth, combined with a multicultural space where the community can celebrate our region’s diversity for years to come, Council knew this was an investment that our residents would be proud to support.”
Key features of the project include:
- Transitional Housing for Youth: Addressing the critical need for temporary housing solutions to help youth experiencing homelessness transition to begin to live more independently.
- Multicultural Space: A space designed to support and celebrate the diversity of Simcoe County’s growing population, offering multicultural programs and services.
“We are deeply grateful to the County of Simcoe for recognizing the importance of this project and approving this critical funding,” said Jill Tettmann, President and CEO, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. “This investment will allow us to serve youth in need, support cultural integration, and create a hub for the entire community.
“Together, we are building vibrant and connected communities where everyone belongs.”
To learn more visit 100ReasonsY.
