An Announcement from Bruce Price, President of the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce
Owen Sound, Ontario, February 12, 2021 — On behalf of the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Cowley as the Executive Director of the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce effective on Monday, March 22, 2021.
Sarah lives in rural Grey County where she resides with her family and serves her local community. With over 10 years of operational and strategic leadership experience in health and social services, and having been responsible for local, regional, provincial and nationally-renowned programs, Sarah is an experienced and enthusiastic community leader who is known in the Grey Bruce community as someone who is passionate about building strategic and collaborative relationships that drive efficient, effective service delivery and positive outcomes for clients, staff and the communities at large.
Sarah holds a Master in Nursing degree (University of Toronto) and is a Certified Health Executive (Canadian College of Health Leaders). She has expertise in system planning, governance, and administrative and operational management of not-for-profit organizations. It is these same skills that allowed her to serve HopeGreyBruce Mental Health and Addiction Services as their Executive Director during a time of significant organizational change. This was prior to moving into management consulting where she successfully facilitated the creation of an integrated Community Safety and Well-Being Plan (CSWBP) for 16 Municipalities of Bruce and Grey Counties, supported by both counties and 54 community partners – the largest formal collaboration for CSWBP in Ontario.
Sarah’s appointment is the result of an intensive search process the Board has undertaken with the guidance and support of YMCA Canada through the YMCA Ontario Regional Development Centre. The Executive Director Search committee was led by the YMCA Board President and included three representatives of the Board. The thorough process, including input and participation of the full Board, involved a national job posting and the assessment and screening of over 50 candidates for the position.
The Board wishes to acknowledge the many dedicated and passionate years of Gayle Graham’s work as the Family Y’s CEO for the past 23 years. Under her leadership and with an excellent volunteer and staff team, the Y increased its Early Learning and Before and After School Child Care programs to 21 community sites; provided Employment Services, Housing Support, Alternative Justice and Community Initiatives, which recently expanded to include Settlement and Language services; and developed in partnership with the City of Owen Sound the excellent Health, Fitness and Aquatics facility at the Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre. Please congratulate Gayle on an enormously successful career as she soon begins her well-deserved retirement. Her legacy is having built a robust, sustainable YMCA that will continue to benefit and serve the Owen Sound Grey Bruce region for years to come.
Please join me in thanking Gayle for her leadership and in welcoming Sarah to the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce.
Bruce Price, President, Board of Directors YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce
Dear Family Y Members, Participants, Families and Clients,
As you are aware, a province-wide lockdown has been announced.
HEALTH, FITNESS AND AQUATICS
Unfortunately, our Health, Fitness and Aquatics facility is required to temporarily close during the required shut down period, from December 26, 2020 and is expected to last for four weeks until January 23, 2021.
Despite our disappointment in having to temporarily close our facility again, we are hopeful that this upcoming shut-down will prove successful at significantly reducing the spread of COVID-19 amongst our communities and the province.
Membership fees will be automatically suspended effective the day of the upcoming lock-down and will re-start upon cessation of the shut-down. Due to the timing of scheduled payments, memberships will be extended by the number of paid days not used due to the shut-down upon reopening.
Registration for swimming lessons and other registered programming will be put on hold until further notice.
Staff will continue to monitor the situation and communicate with members prior to re-opening.
As always, your continued financial support through donations is greatly appreciated and enables us to find new ways to support our communities during the pandemic. Should you wish to make a year-end donation, please click here.
Continue to work out with your favourite YMCA instructors! If you haven’t already done so, please join our members only Facebook group.
CHILD CARE
Before and After School childcare programs will remain closed for the first week of January and are expected to restart on January 11 when schools re-open.
EARLY LEARNING CHILD CARE
Early Learning Child Care will remain open subject to COVID-19 protocols as determined by public health and government officials.
COMMUNITY INITIATIVES, SETTLEMENT AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
All Community Initiatives, Settlement Services and Employment Services will continue to be available remotely for continued community support.
Individuals requiring services may contact staff via the following methods:
Community Initiatives: 519-371-9230 Ext 5
Settlement Services: 519-371-9222 Ext 6
Employment Services: 519-371-9222 Ext 6 (Owen Sound) or 519-364-3163 (Hanover)
Your YMCA remains committed to supporting our communities despite the pandemic. As any further information becomes available, we will let you know. Please be sure to visit our website regularly for updates at www.ymcaowensound.on.ca.
Wishing you and yours, health, and happiness this holiday season and always.
Grey Bruce Moves to “Yellow Zone”
As you are aware, our region of Grey Bruce has recently transitioned to a “Yellow Zone” in accordance with the province’s COVID-19 framework.
As a result of this change, we have had to cap group fitness class sizes to a maximum of 10 members per class (excluding Aquatics programs). Participants in group fitness classes must remain 3 meters distance from each other.
Staff are working hard to increase the number of available classes on our schedule to ensure all members have a chance to participate in their favourite classes.
You are encouraged to place your name on a waiting list if your selected class is full. In the event a spot becomes available, our Customer Service team will give you a call.
As well, spacing between members working out on the second floor must be a distance of 3 meters. Fortunately, we originally opened with 3 meters between weight and cardio machines as a precautionary measure, so no change is required.
Class and Lane Swim Booking
You may book your spot in a class or a lane swim one week in advance, starting at 7:00 a.m. For example, you can start to book at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 25 for a class to be held on Wednesday, December 2.
Classes fill up quickly! To ensure your spot in a class, we strongly encourage you to use your computer/tablet/smart phone to book online through our ActiveNet portal one week in advance.
Upon booking, you will receive email confirmation of your reservation in your chosen class. If you have not received an email confirmation (please check your “spam/junk folder” as well) you are not booked in the class.
For contact tracing purposes, if you have not received email confirmation of your booking, you will not be permitted to participate in the class. Booking must be done BEFORE the class.
If you are unable to attend a class you are booked for, please call Customer Service so we can provide space for a member on a wait list.
To keep our staff safe and physically distanced, we will be limiting the number of Customer Service Representatives on the front desk which may increase wait times should you wish to book in person.
Again, if you have access to a computer/tablet/smart phone, you are strongly encouraged to book online. You are always welcome to call our Customer Service desk at 519-376-0484 to book for classes. Please leave a message and staff will get back to you as soon as possible.
Lane Swims
Public Health has required us to limit the number of swimmers in our lane swims to one member per lane. Due to this requirement, we are kindly asking that members limit their lane swims to three (3) per week to ensure all members have an opportunity to swim.
Walking Track
We have increased available track time for walking to Monday through Friday 8am-11am. At this time, the track is available for walking only. Members are required to maintain a 3-meter distance except when passing. When passing, please pass on the outside and ensure you pass wide, giving as much space as possible. Please advise the person ahead of you by stating “Passing right”.
COVID-19 Protocols
Masks are required when not engaging in physical activity.
By Public Health order, you are required to wear a mask at all times when not engaging in physical activity including:
Individuals exempt from mask wearing: To ensure the health and safety of staff, members and the community, if you are exempt from mask-wearing we kindly ask that you wear a face shield while in the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce to provide a level of protection for others. We are happy to provide a face shield, on a one-time basis, to those members exempt from mask-wearing.
Scent-free Facility
As a reminder, we are a scent-free facility.
Please refrain from using perfumes, colognes, aftershaves, body sprays, scented lotions, essential oils, scented hand sanitizer, scented hairspray, etc.
Strong odors can produce adverse reactions to individuals (i.e. headache, nausea, hives/rash, etc.) that suffer from scent sensitivity.
Last week, one of our lifeguards rapidly developed a serious reaction due to a strong scent. The staff person was immediately assisted off the pool deck and spent the rest of the day recovering. We are fortunate that the staff member recovered without lasting effects, and that another staff person was available to guard and keep the pools open.
Change Rooms
Classes have been scheduled to prevent overlap of change room use and to support physical distancing. Please arrive prepared; for example, wearing your bathing suit under your clothes, and arrive no more than 10 minutes before the start of your class. After class, shower, change, and exit the change rooms as quickly as possible to help support physical distancing. Our preference is that members refrain from putting on makeup or shaving to reduce time spent in change rooms un-masked and to help support physical distancing in change rooms.
You are also encouraged to use alternative change rooms (i.e. Girls, Boys, Co-ed Family) to prevent crowding in Men’s and Women’s change rooms and to support physical distancing.
As well, those participating in dry land activities may not need to use the locker room, instead using the coat racks opposite the adult change rooms and using the wallet lockers at the water bottle filling station for your valuables.
To help keep us all healthy and safe, it is important that COVID-19 protocols are followed at all times, and time spent in change rooms is kept as short as possible.
Membership Cards
To prevent crowding at the card scanner and to expedite entry into the facility, please remember your membership card to sign in. If you have forgotten your membership card, please queue at the front of the desk to talk with staff, and not in front of the scanner.
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Thank you to everyone who participated in our Member survey. Your feedback is appreciated as we update our schedule. We look forward to offering more programs and services as our membership increases. If you haven't had a chance to take our survey please do so below. We have big things coming your way in October, including Swim Lessons, Kung Fu, a Facebook Members Group, and online booking!
ActiveNet Online Booking Portal
We are excited to announce our new Members portal – ActiveNet. This portal will allow reactivated members to book spots for a swim lane or aquafit/fitness class. If you haven’t reactivated your membership yet, please call 519-376-0484, ext. “0”or email osgb.member@osgb.ymca.ca.
To make an account and start using ActiveNet today, follow these instructions.
Facebook Member Group
All reactivated members now have access to a YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce Facebook Member Group where they can watch exclusive Fitness videos and equipment orientations, chat with other members, ask questions to our trainers and be a part of our Y community at home! Follow this link to request access to the Group.
Starting October 5th, Kathleen’s online yoga, Trevor’s fitness classes and more will be moving to our Facebook Members Group. Thank you for Staying With Us during the closure and we look forward to seeing you in our Facebook Members Group!
Swim Lessons: Registration Opens October 6th at 10:00 AM
Swim Lessons will start on October 19! Registration will start at 10:00 am on October 6th for reactivated members only. A link to register online will be sent out in coming weeks so please stay tuned. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates! For more information, visit our Swim Lessons page.
Aquatic Certifications
Register for our Bronze Medallion course running October 13-17 at our Health, Fitness & Aquatics facility.
This course teaches an understanding of the lifesaving principles embodied in water rescue: judgment, knowledge, skill and fitness. Rescuers learn tows and carries, and defence methods and releases in preparation for challenging rescues of increased risk involving conscious and unconscious victims of various types. Lifesavers develop stroke efficiency and endurance in a 500m timed swim. Call 519-376-0484, ext. “0” or email osgb.member@osgb.ymca.ca to register.
Our bronze medals courses will now be taught using blended learning to support physical distancing. This will involve an online component, an in-class component and an in-pool component. Candidates will be required to complete assignments and attend online meetings with the Lifesaving Instructor before the in-pool sessions begin and throughout the course. Candidates will also be required to bring a “bubble buddy” with them for the final exam, this will be further explained when the course begins. If you have any questions please contact Marilyne Jones, Supervisor; Aquatics at marilyne.jones@osgb.ymca.ca.
YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce Update: September 23, 2020
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New Schedule Starts September 8
Our new schedule will continue from September 8th to 27th. During this time we will see what is working and what needs to be adjusted. As more members reactivate their membership and return to the Y, we will be able to offer more programs and longer hours.
Check out the schedule for September 8-27, 2020
View our current schedule for the week of August 31, 2020
Change Rooms
A big thank you to our members! You are doing a great job in keeping 2 meters apart and wearing your mask at all times when not exercising.
Now that change rooms are open, it is a bit more challenging to stay 2 meters apart in those rooms. Please remember that there are five change rooms in total, so if the Men’s and/or Women’s change room is busy, you can also use the Boy’s, Girl’s or co-ed Family change rooms.
Self-Screening
Each day it is important to assess how you feel and if you are feeling ill, to stay home. The screening questions are posted at the entrance and there is hand sanitizer on the wall by the north entrance, and throughout the building, for your convenience.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi resumes the week of September 8th, with practice times for Tai Chi 3 practitioners who know the whole set. The classes will take place on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 10:00 am in the Gymnasium, to help ensure physical distancing. You must be a new member or have a reactivated membership. Please phone 519-376-0484 or email osgb.member@osgb.ymca.ca to reactivate and to register for the classes. Tai chi for all other practitioners will resume in October 2020.
Drop-In Sports
Check out the schedule for new times for pickleball, badminton and Hoops Shoot Around. Due to physical distancing, basketball games are not allowed at this time, however, you can book a spot to practice your shots during the Hoops Shoot Around.
Booking, Drop-in and Registration
A reminder that programs taking place in the Pools and Gymnasium require you to book ahead, up to a week in advance. The Fitness Centre is drop-in for members. As we introduce lessons and the Program Rooms, these will need to be pre-registered in advance.
YMCA Child Care Now Hiring
Various full-time and part-time positions available in our Early Learning and Before and After School Child Care locations in Owen Sound, Port Elgin, Hanover, Kincardine and Ripley. Please visit our Careers page for job descriptions and details on how to apply.
Donations
Many members have reached out to ask how they can help. Donations to our Y are most welcome as we work to serve our community. Please click the red Donate Now button at the top of the page to make a donation.
As of August 31, we have a new schedule that includes more pool programs and new afternoon activities in the gymnasium. Check out the schedule for the week of August 31st.
We will be closed for the September long weekend, as that is a very quiet time at our Y.
Starting September 8th we will be launching a more robust schedule with additional cardio and cycle classes, lane swims and pool programs, longer Fitness Centre hours, Tai Chi classes, Pickle Ball and more! We will send this schedule to you soon.
Reactivate Your Membership
We invite our members to reactivate your memberships now to ensure uninterrupted access to the Y!
To reactivate, please call 519-376-0484 or email osgb.member@osgb.ymca.ca to notify Member Services. Members will receive the first two weeks free in thanks for Staying With Us and for any over-payments that may have occurred when we first closed.
If you are not planning to return at this time, you don’t need to do anything because your membership will remain ON HOLD and no payments will be taken until you tell us you are ready to return.
Now Accepting New Members
As of August 31, we are also welcoming new members! New members must stop in at the Welcome Desk at the Y to start their membership. Be sure to wear your mask and bring with you a picture ID, a VOID cheque or banking information to set up your recurring membership payments, and either credit card, debit card or cash to make your first payment. If you have any questions, please call 519-376-0484 to speak to a Member Services representative.
Change Rooms
As of August 31, all five change rooms will be open. Members may have to wait their turn to keep physical distancing of 2 meters in place, so we thank you for your patience. Please remember to wear your mask when you are not in the shower. We encourage members to shower at home whenever possible to relieve wait times in change rooms.
Conditioning Centre/Strength Area
The conditioning centre/strength area continues to be available to Teen, Adult and Senior members only. Drop-in to use this area whenever the Y is open – no booking required!
Pool and Gymnasium Classes and Activities
Remember to book your spot for these classes! Phone 519-376-0484 or email member.osgb@osgb.ymca.ca
Summer Recap
We have had a busy summer! Starting on July 6th our Summer Day Camp was held at the Y fitness facility, providing lots of fun for our many campers! Our five Early Learning Child Care centres restarted and are now supporting over 145 children daily! These are two very important Y programs that support families in our community as parents return to work.
In the past 3 weeks, from August 10 to 28, we have piloted our new approach to health, fitness and aquatics in the COVID-19 environment. We are very pleased to hear from our members that have returned that they feel safe at the Y and appreciate the thought and effort that has been put into safety protocols.
Thank you!
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to our Y members and our community for your patience! As we re-start our Y, we will be listening to our members, adjusting schedules, and increasing classes as more members reactivate their membership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? For more information, please read our FAQs.
It’s great to see so many familiar faces back at our Y! We are hearing from our members that you are happy to be back and that you feel safe. Thank you for your positive feedback!
Staff have worked hard to implement new safety features, including:
Thank you for doing your part in following health protocols, especially by keeping 2 meters distance and wearing your mask when you aren’t working out.
Pools
There have been additional lane swims added to the schedule. Access to the co-ed Family Change Room wi