News Release: Friday, March 14, 2025
North Dundas Municipal Council has voted in favour of entering into an agreement with the YMCA of Eastern Ontario for the delivery of aquatic services.
The YMCA of Eastern Ontario has been delivering outdoor summer aquatics programming for local municipalities since 2020, which has been well received by local communities. Building on this success, North Dundas Council is set to discuss a Partnership Agreement that will expand the collaboration to include the management of the Municipality’s seasonal aquatic programs, operated at the Winchester and Chesterville outdoor pools.
This initiative, led by the Municipality’s Recreation and Culture Department, is expected to enhance the professional expertise available to the already popular aquatic programs.
Mayor Tony Fraser stated “The great success that the YMCA of Eastern Ontario has had delivering aquatic services to other local municipalities demonstrates they are a strong and experienced partner. This new collaboration will allow us to provide a greater caliber of aquatic services to our community, while also providing valuable employment and training opportunities for our local youth.”
YMCA of Eastern Ontario CEO Rob Adams added, “At the YMCA, we are committed to strengthening communities by providing inclusive and high-quality recreational programming. This partnership with North Dundas allows us to extend our impact and continue serving families across Eastern Ontario with accessible aquatic programs. We are excited to bring our expertise to this new collaboration and look forward to making a meaningful difference in the lives of North Dundas residents.”
Benefits of the partnership include:
- Access to experienced and highly trained management in aquatic services;
- Financial assistance options to make programs accessible to more families, a new benefit made possible by partnering with the YMCA of Eastern Ontario, an established charitable organization;
- Continued seasonal employment opportunities for local youth, with additional training and advancement potential. The municipality will work with YMCA of Eastern Ontario staff to recruit aquatics personnel and collaborate in the hiring process to ensure a smooth transition;
- A strong partnership with a well-established non-profit organization that could open doors to further collaborative opportunities in the future.
As a leading provider of health and wellness services in Eastern Ontario, the YMCA of Eastern Ontario is well-positioned to support North Dundas in delivering superior recreation services.
The YMCA of Eastern Ontario’s programming is designed to meet community needs, spanning health, fitness, recreation, children’s day camps, licensed childcare, housing and youth leadership development across the region. Any YMCA of Eastern Ontario partnership within North Dundas will remain open to all residents, regardless of race, gender, religion, or economic status
Director of Recreation and Culture, Meaghan Meerburg, says “This partnership with the YMCA of Eastern Ontario, a well-established and reputable organization, will undoubtedly enhance the aquatic programs that North Dundas has to offer. We are grateful for the expertise the YMCA provides and are excited about the potential for a long-term partnership, which could allow for the expansion of services and programming as well as collaboration on future grant opportunities.”
The Partnership Agreement for the aquatics program is set for an initial term of one year, after which it will be reviewed to assess the partnership’s effectiveness, address any concerns, and determine its continuation.
Program fees and public swim rates are expected to remain unchanged for this season. Any future adjustments will be subject to discussions between the Municipality and the YMCA of Eastern Ontario.
Further details include that the Municipality:
- Retains full ownership of the pool and associated facilities;
- Will assist in communications and promotions; and
- Remains responsible for all facility maintenance.
The YMCA will manage program registration through its online portal, ensuring streamlined access for families.
The proposal will be discussed at the upcoming Council meeting on April 9, 2025. For details on attending in person or watching online, visit www.northdundas.com/eScribe.
Warmest regards,
Rob Adams
CEO, YMCA of Eastern Ontario
About the YMCA of Eastern Ontario
The YMCA of Eastern Ontario is a charity that provides programs and services to improve health and health outcomes, develops leaders, helps build social connections and provides safe, inclusive spaces for people of all ages.
The Y is Canada’s largest provider of childcare with trademarked curricula and offers fitness and other specialized programs including Work Hard Eat Well, Teen Night, Teen Drop-in, Student Impact Program, Hearthstone Housing Program and Total Life Care.
For media inquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Anna Hudson
Executive Assistant and Association Support
YMCA of Eastern Ontario
Email: anna.hudson@eo.ymca.ca
Phone: 613-342-7961 ext. 30
