Gymnasium Updates are a Slam Dunk at the Sarnia-Lambton YMCA Thanks to a $62,900 Ontario Government Grant
Photo Left to Right: Joe Cebulski, the Y’s Regional Manager for Lambton-Kent, and Paul Skuza, General Manager, Sarnia-Lambton YMCA.
On July 15, 2026, the team at the Sarnia-Lambton YMCA Jerry McCaw Family Centre gathered to celebrate a $62,900 Capital grant awarded to YMCA of Southwestern Ontario from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).
“I’m extremely pleased that the Sarnia-Lambton YMCA is able to make these terrific upgrades to its gymnasium and basketball hoops thanks to this important grant from the Ontario Government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation,” said Bob Bailey, MPP for Sarnia-Lambton. “The Sarnia-Lambton YMCA Jerry McCaw Family Centre is an incredible recreation hub in the Sarnia community; the modernized gymnasium will provide unlimited opportunities for visitors to enjoy sport and recreation in a modern, welcoming environment.”
The Capital grant has supported upgrades to the Sarnia-Lambton YMCA’s gymnasium, including a refinished gym floor for the participants of many different sports and activities to enjoy; and new mounting systems, backboards, rims, and nets, creating six brand-new backboard systems for basketball.
The Y’s gymnasium is home to many recreational activities and sports including basketball, pickleball, badminton, group fitness classes, and “open gym” time for individuals, families, and day campers to engage in different sports. This space is also a hub for community activities such as blood donor clinics and election polling.
More than 3,000 people are members at the Sarnia-Lambton YMCA throughout the year; of this group, 800+ members are experiencing financial challenges and receive YMCA financial assistance (subsidies) in order to participate.
“With years of wear and tear, this well-loved space was in need of updates – and we’re grateful to OTF for fostering the development of a refreshed, more inviting gymnasium for basketball players, pickleballers, day campers, and active people of all ages to enjoy,” says Kelly Ziegner, Chief Operating Officer, YMCA of Southwestern Ontario. “With the newly refinished floor and new backboards, our gym is now safer and more welcoming for all.”
About YMCA of Southwestern Ontario
YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is a charity, founded in 1856, that ignites growth and belonging for people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities. We offer health, fitness, and aquatics activities, camps, child care centres, youth programming, newcomer services, and employment services. The Y has 200+ locations across Southwestern Ontario, including the Sarnia-Lambton YMCA Jerry McCaw Family Centre. To learn more, please visit: www.ymcaswo.ca.
About the Ontario Trillium Foundation
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. In 2025-26, OTF invested nearly $107M into 746 community projects. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
For more information, please contact:
Christina Harley
VP Development, Marketing, and Communications
YMCA of Southwestern Ontario
519.907.5500 ext. 1152
christina.harley@ymcaswo.ca