The YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce is completing its August 10-28 pilot restart of its Health, Fitness and Aquatics facility, free for current members. After a successful pilot, we’re ready to further open the facility and get back to a new “normal” on August 31, for current and new members only at this time. Drop-in day passes are not available at this time.

On March 16, we closed the doors at all our 25 YMCA locations. Fortunately, our Employment & Community Services, including Housing, were able to continue running remotely without interruption. We also launched our new Settlement Services in May. On July 6th, we re-started our five Early Learning Child Care centres and our Summer Day Camp program, two important ways for our YMCA to support families as parents returned to work. Now we are looking forward to our return to health, fitness and aquatics programming.

In order to safely welcome members back, we implemented many safety protocols with the guidance of Public Health. This includes screening members and staff, plexiglass at counters, spacing equipment 2 meters apart and 3 meters apart for intense cardio machines, providing sanitation stations and sanitizer throughout the facility, increasing our cleaning schedules and adding fogging of the building, and adding signage to support physical distancing.

Gayle Graham, CEO of the Y says, “It’s been great to see so many familiar faces back at our Y! We are hearing from our members that they feel safe and are happy to be back. We’re excited to move to the next stage of our re-start and will continue to adapt in this ever-changing environment.”

Members accessing the Y as of August 31 should call 519-376-0484 or email [email protected] now to reactivate their membership. Starting August 31st, we’ll also be accepting new members! For details on how to join, reactivate a membership or view our new schedule, please visit ymcaowensound.on.ca. Drop-in day passes are not available at this time.

As a charity the YMCA looks for donations to help support our programs and our community, especially during this time when families are struggling financially and safety protocols have resulted in increased costs. To donate, visit ymcaowensound.on.ca and click the red Donate Now button.

source: media release, YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce