Jill Tettmann has led the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka as President and CEO since 2020, guiding the organization through pandemic recovery and into one of the most ambitious chapters in its history. She visited the Rotary Club of Barrie recently to share what that chapter looks like, and it is significant.
The centrepiece of Jill’s presentation was a new $70 million community hub coming to Barrie, a 77,000 square foot facility designed to serve more than 10,000 people each year. The hub will bring together health, wellness, and recreation spaces; youth transitional housing; inclusive community gathering spaces; and future child care services. Key partners include Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, the Regional Cancer Centre, and the County of Simcoe. To date, $48.3 million has been raised, and the facility is on track to open in the summer of 2027.
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka currently serves one in five people throughout Simcoe County, the District of Parry Sound, and Muskoka, with 1,358 staff, 331 volunteers, and programs ranging from child care and employment services to immigration support and outdoor education. Twenty percent of participants receive financial assistance. Kate Venn thanked Jill on behalf of the Club, and President Jeff announced a donation to the Kids Pantry program run by the Pavlik Foundation in recognition of Jill’s visit.