Dear Members,
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend filled with laughter, good food, and time spent with those who matter most. This year, while our son Declan had the incredible opportunity to travel on a school trip visiting WWII sites like Juno Beach, Jean and I enjoyed a rare quiet weekend at home getting our hands dirty in the garden and cheering on the Senators at their home opener. It was a simple but special reminder of how grounding it is to slow down and appreciate the everyday moments that make life meaningful.
As I reflect on this past weekend, I’m reminded how much we have to be thankful for. Our Y community: members, staff, volunteers, and partners continue to inspire me every day. Together, you bring the YMCA’s values to life in ways both big and small. We also take time to reflect on the deeper history of this land, acknowledging its Indigenous caretakers and the need for ongoing truth, healing, and relationship-building.
Just before the long weekend, we had multiple reasons to celebrate! We officially opened our new YMCA Child Care Centre in Gananoque, a day filled with smiles, excitement, and community spirit. This new centre will give more families access to quality, local, and affordable licensed child care in a safe and caring space where children can learn, grow, and thrive. And the celebrations didn’t stop there, our Back on Track program launched a new site in Brockville, in partnership with the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario, helping local youth build confidence, stay connected, and reach their full potential.
YMCA of Eastern Ontario team members (from left to right): Tari Pyke, Youth Worker; Rob Adams, CEO; Becky Mirault, Supervisor, Community Impact Programs.
Your feedback continues to shape the future of our YMCA. Our Annual Member Experience Survey will launch soon, and I encourage you to take a few minutes to share your thoughts. Your input helps us make decisions that reflect your needs while keeping the Y strong and fiscally responsible. We’re grateful for your patience and support as we move forward thoughtfully mindful of our progress, and committed to lasting stability for years to come.
That said, I’m thrilled to share some good news that many of you have been asking for: expanded hours and pool access effective immediately!
- The Brockville YMCA will stay open two hours later on Fridays – until 8 p.m.
- The Kingston YMCA will stay open one hour later on Saturdays and Sundays – until 5 p.m.
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We’re also seeing great momentum with the Brockville YMCA’s Gymnasium Expansion Project. The concrete base for the new gymnasium was poured just before Thanksgiving, and work is well underway. And we’re not stopping there, we’re also planning renovations to our women’s and family change rooms for 2026 to make our facilities even more welcoming.
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Beyond our fitness centres, the YMCA of Eastern Ontario continues to make a meaningful impact across the communities we serve. This spring, we partnered with RNJ Youth to launch an after-school Teen Program at the Gananoque Library, creating a safe and engaging space where teens can connect, learn, and grow. Meanwhile, our Hearthstone housing program continues to expand, now providing seven homes for individuals and families in the Kingston area, helping more people find stability and a sense of belonging.
It’s been a busy and exciting fall full of progress, partnership, and purpose. Thank you for being part of the YMCA family and for all the ways you contribute to our shared mission. Together, we’re building stronger, healthier, and more connected communities across Eastern Ontario.
Warm regards,
Rob Adams
CEO, YMCA of Eastern Ontario
