Woodstock YMCA - Important Announcement
YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is dedicated to fostering vibrant, connected communities where everyone belongs. We exist to serve the communities in which we operate, and are proud to have contributed to the well-being of Woodstock and the surrounding region with services such as child care, health, fitness, and aquatics.
For the past year, we have given extensive consideration to the future of our health and fitness operations at the YMCA branch in Woodstock. This has included a focus on our community’s needs, the suitability of the site in its current state and our responsibility as a charity to make the best use of our resources, including donors’ contributions, and to ensure our sustainability for years to come. We are committed to being a strong and viable organization for the long-term so we can continue to best serve the communities that rely on us, including Woodstock.
As part of this process, we engaged several community partners in hopes of finding a viable shared solution for this location. While we were encouraged by the level of interest, no formal commitments were made.
That’s why, after deep consideration, including extensive analysis, we have made the decision to end health and fitness services at the YMCA branch in Woodstock as of September 30, 2025.
This decision was not taken lightly and follows several years of financial challenges due to declining memberships, increased maintenance costs, and capital demands on an aging 64-year-old facility, all of which were further impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic pressures. As part of our commitment to our long-term sustainability, and to position us to continue delivering on all our commitments as a community-building charity, we must now move forward with a public tender to broker the property, seeking a future use that reflects community needs. All other YMCA of Southwestern Ontario operations remain unchanged across the region.
At the YMCA branch in Woodstock we also operate a vibrant child care centre. We want to assure families that child care services will continue, uninterrupted, as we transition to the new Turtle Island Child Care Centre located nearby at 717 Knights Lane. Our new, larger facility will serve 88 children – an increase of 50 children over our current space – in a welcoming, modern environment. We will be in contact directly with affected families about planning for this change.
Please know this decision is not a reflection of the dedication and care shown by our exceptional staff and volunteers. We are forever grateful for their contributions and commitment.
For over 60 years, the YMCA health and fitness branch in Woodstock has been a place of connection, wellness, and belonging. We are grateful for and deeply proud of the positive impact this centre has made—and the many lives touched by it.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- The Y remains deeply committed to the Woodstock community, and our child care programs will significantly expand in 2026, and we will also be actively seeking partners for new and sustainable recreational services in Woodstock.
- Child care families will transition to a new, modern centre, Turtle Island Child Care, located at 717 Knights Lane, set to open in March 2026.
- We’ll ensure that final payment for your membership will take place ahead of the closure of the branch, specifically on Friday, September 5, 2025. This payment will cover paid access to the Y until September 30, 2025.
- We are working closely with our staff team to provide individualized support and identify opportunities for continued employment within our Y family.
- We understand this news may be difficult and are here to support our members and staff throughout this transition.
We welcome your questions and reflections. Please feel free to email us at communications@swo.ymca.ca and we’ll be sure to connect with you.
Thank you for being part of the YMCA’s legacy in Woodstock.
