Your YMCA for Generations.
Honouring our history. Building our future, together.
The North Bay YMCA Centre began with a simple idea: that our community needed more opportunities for young people to learn, grow and connect.
In 1958, a group of local residents came together to explore how a YMCA could meet the growing needs of North Bay. They listened to the community, gathered support and worked together to turn that vision into reality. Thanks to the support of dedicated community members and the City of North Bay, the YMCA opened its doors on Chippewa Street in 1967, beginning a new chapter in a story shaped by generations of community support.
Today, that same spirit of community is guiding us forward.
With support from the Government of Canada through federal budget investments in community recreational facilities, we’re taking an important step toward renewing the North Bay YMCA Centre for generations to come.
As we plan for the future, we want to hear from you. A planned community consultation will help us understand the needs and aspirations of our community and help inform the future of the North Bay YMCA.
This page will be your source for project updates, frequently asked questions and opportunities to get involved as plans progress.
North Bay YMCA in the Canada Day centennial parade, 1967. Courtesy of The North Bay Museum, Pam Handley collection (021.40.48d).
A Message from Our President and CEO
Today marks an important milestone in the renewal of our North Bay YMCA Centre.
We are incredibly grateful to the Government of Canada for its investment through Budget 2026 in community recreational facilities, and for believing in this project and in this community.
For generations, the YMCA has been part of the fabric of North Bay. Renewing the North Bay YMCA Centre is not simply about renewing a building. It is about ensuring this community continues to have access to the programs, spaces and opportunities that help people thrive for generations to come, a key element of our Strategic Plan, Foundations for the Future.
This project is still in its early stages and will unfold over the next few years. Details related to timelines, future spaces, programming and other elements of the renewal are still being developed, and we look forward to sharing more with the community as that work progresses.
We also thank our municipal leaders, elected representatives, community partners, donors and supporters who continue to stand alongside the YMCA. We are excited about what lies ahead, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.
Lorrie Turnbull
President and CEO
YMCA of Northeastern Ontario
More Than a Building
For generations, the North Bay YMCA has been a place where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to learn, grow and connect.
Every day, children learn to swim, families access child care, older adults stay active and neighbours find connection and belonging.
Today, the North Bay YMCA serves approximately 5,300 members and supports more than 600 children through child care programs. Behind these numbers are the stories, friendships and experiences that make the Y such an important part of our community.
Renewing our YMCA is about building on what we are already doing, while creating space for what’s next. It’s an investment in the people and families who rely on the Y today, and those who will walk through our doors tomorrow.
Help Shape What’s Next
Our YMCA was built through community support, and we believe our community has an important role to play in its future.
A community consultation is planned to better understand what North Bay needs from its YMCA, both now and in the years ahead.
We look forward to hearing from members, families, community organizations and residents about their experiences, ideas and priorities. Opportunities to participate will be shared here and on official YMCA channels.
Community input will help inform the future of the North Bay YMCA. We will share confirmed project information as planning progresses.
Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to have your say.
Our Renewal Journey
The North Bay YMCA Renewal is an exciting step toward the future of our Y and the North Bay community. As the project progresses, we’ll share important milestones, announcements and updates here.
November 2026 — Federal Investment Announcement
The Government of Canada has announced support for the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario-North Bay YMCA Centre Renewal through federal budget investments in community recreational facilities. We are honoured to be included in the federal government’s budget and grateful for this important investment in our community.
Community Consultation — Planned
A community consultation is planned to help inform the future of the North Bay YMCA. Opportunities for community participation will be announced here as they become available.
Additional project updates and milestones will be added as planning progresses.
Last updated: November 14, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about the North Bay YMCA Renewal? Here are answers to some of the most common ones. We’ll update them as planning progresses.
What was announced?
The Government of Canada has announced support for the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario-North Bay YMCA Centre Renewal through federal budget investments in community recreational facilities. We are honoured to be included in the federal government’s budget and grateful for this important investment in our community.
What does this announcement mean for the North Bay YMCA?
This is an important signal of federal support and a significant milestone as we begin planning a transformational new chapter for the North Bay YMCA Centre. The investment will help create the foundation for a modern centre in North Bay that can serve even more people and continue to be a place for connection, healthy living and belonging for generations to come.
When will the project be complete?
The project is at the earliest stages of development and will be a multi-year process. We will share more information as timelines are confirmed.
What new spaces, programs or services will be included?
A new, modern centre will allow us to consider new programming options and services for our community. Planning is still at an early stage, so specific spaces, programs and services have not yet been confirmed.
Will YMCA members or current programs be affected?
Minimizing disruption to current programs and services will be one of our biggest priorities. Because this will be a careful, multi-year process, we will share details well in advance as plans and timelines are established.
Will the community have an opportunity to provide input?
Yes. The North Bay community has played an important role in making the YMCA what it is today, and community input will be an important part of planning what comes next. A community consultation is planned, and we look forward to hearing what our community needs and wants to see at the Y and bringing this next phase to life together.
Who will the YMCA work with to move the project forward?
We look forward to continuing to work with the Government of Canada, the North Bay community and other partners as planning moves forward and the project takes shape.
Where can I find future updates?
The YMCA of Northeastern Ontario will share confirmed project information and opportunities for community engagement as planning progresses. Please watch this page and official YMCA channels for updates.
How can I stay informed or support the project?
This page will be updated with project news, important milestones, frequently asked questions and opportunities to get involved.
If you have questions, would like to receive updates or are interested in supporting the renewal through funding or partnerships, please use the contact form below.
Stay Connected. Be Part of What’s Next.
The future of our YMCA matters to all of us.
Whether you’re a YMCA member, community partner, supporter or someone interested in learning more about the renewal, we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch
Have a question, want to stay informed or interested in exploring opportunities to support the project? Complete the form below.
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