The new YMCA is officially one-year away from celebrating their grand opening in Barrie. YMCA and local partners held a block party outside of the new building to start the countdown. The day featured family fun activities and a special announcement from RBC, who will donate $500,000 to accessibility and sustainability as YMCA opens their doors. Devinder Gill, regional president of Ontario North & East for RBC said its one of the largest announcements RBC has made in the Barrie area. “It allows everybody walking in through those doors to be able to walk in freely and to have accessibility and to be able to have that reliance of being able to have access to the YMCA,” said Gill. Jill Tettmann, CEO of of YMCA Simcoe Muskoka said the gift solidifies everyone is welcome inside the YMCA walls. “The partnership and the gift from our BC Foundation is truly an incredible opportunity to ensure that people that come to the Y feel safe and welcome and able to get around. No matter whether you’re a mom with a stroller or a senior with a mobility aid. We want people to come into this space and feel welcome and feel as though they belong here. The YMCA is expected to open in the fall of 2027.
