News & Events

 

February 12, 2021 Update:

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

 

December 21, 2020 Update:

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.

 

November 24, 2020 Update:

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:

• When walking through corridors
• When walking from one activity area to another, for example, from the free weights to the cardio machines
• When in the change room – You must be masked!  Please be sure to mask immediately after showering! Please dry your face and don your mask immediately.

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.

 

October 22, 2020 Update:

Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent Member Survey! Your feedback is very important to us as we adapt to operating during COVID-19 and restart our programs and services. Below we’ve addressed some of the requests, comments, and concerns we received in the survey results.

Safety Measures

As a fitness facility, we fall under the guidelines of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Public Health. The measures we have in place are not only for the safety of members, staff and community to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other colds and flus, but they’re also required by our regulating bodies in order for our Y to remain open. We’re grateful to be able to open our doors! Having a large, spacious facility enables us to space out our equipment in our conditioning centre and relocate fitness classes to our Gymnasium to help ensure a minimum of two meters between people. For our more intense cardio activities, we have put 3 meters distancing in place. We’re thankful that the majority of members that responded to our survey are happy with the safety measures and feel safe here at the Y. Your support is greatly appreciated! We thank you all for your patience and understanding as we continue to remind you about physical distancing, mask wearing, self-screening and equipment cleaning. We understand these measures are not ideal, but they are necessary for now, and are required by the Ontario Government and Public Health as we all do our best to keep each other safe.

Fogging Machine and Cleaning

We have heard some concern over the cleaning products used here at the Y. We haven’t changed the cleaning products we use, but we have increased our cleaning schedules. Members are also being more diligent with cleaning equipment and surfaces they touch (we really appreciate this!). Our facility uses recommended Merv 8 filters in our air handling units. Our open concept, spacious building with high ceilings provides a large volume of air which allows for good air dispersal and ventilation. Each building zone has its own air handling unit. We maximize fresh air exchange to provide high quality interior air. All of our air handling units are regularly serviced by qualified local technicians. Our fogging machine uses electrolyzed water (low levels of electricity, common salt and ordinary tap water) to disinfect the air and surfaces without using hazardous chemicals. We introduced the fogging machine after careful research and consideration to ensure it is effective and safe for our staff and members. You can learn more about the fogging machine here. For details on the cleaning products we use, or maintenance of the facility, feel free to reach out to our Manager; Facilities, Nic Hayne at nic.hayne@osgb.ymca.ca

Water Fountains

As a high-touch area, we unfortunately cannot open our water fountains. This is a safety measure recommended by Public Health that will be in place until further notice. Water fountains are used by adults and children and can be touched by hands and mouths. They’re also much more difficult to clean than other high-touch areas like doors and taps. Good news! We are currently sourcing new, touchless water bottle refilling stations! The vending machines in the lobby (operated by the City of Owen Sound) are also closed but there are drinks available for purchase at Sisters Café if you forget to bring water. We’re sorry for any inconvenience and thank you for doing your part by bringing water from home until we have our new touchless water bottle filling stations in place.

Steam Rooms

Our steam rooms continue to be closed due to safety regulations around COVID-19. We understand the steam rooms are popular with our members and we will reopen them when we receive the green light from our Ministry and Public Health officials, when it is safe to do so.

Change Rooms

All our change rooms are open, including showers. Physical distancing and mask wearing are still required in change rooms. If you use the showers, you can remove your mask, but please re-mask when you’re done and have dried your face. We kindly encourage members to shower at home when possible to reduce crowding in the change rooms. Please remember that we have Women’s, Girls, Men’s, Boys and Family Co-ed change rooms. If one change room is busy, please try another change room. If you are using the pool, please wear your bathing suit under your clothes to the facility to decrease time spent in the change room. We also prefer that members perform personal care (i.e. shaving, putting on makeup) at home, again to decrease time spent in the change room.

Longer Hours and More Programs

Operating our excellent facility is quite costly. As more members reactivate their membership and return to the Y, we will be able to offer more programs, longer hours and additional weekend classes and hours.    Currently, just over 20% of our members have reactivated, and we are providing over 70% of our usual hours of operation.   The most recent schedule saw an increase in Aquafit classes, morning and evening fitness classes, the restart of Swim Lessons, Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Youth classes, lunch time cardio classes, and additional lane swim times. We also launched Physically Distanced Games and Hoops Shoot Around in our Gymnasium for kids to keep active after school. Our Fitness Centre is drop-in for all members, Monday-Thursday 6:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Friday 6:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. and Saturday 7:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.   All members have access to our private Facebook Member Group where they can watch fitness videos, equipment orientations and ask questions to our trainers. We will take your requests into consideration for the next schedule update. If you haven’t reactivated your membership, please consider doing so. Your support is greatly appreciated as we build up our schedule and programs.

Pools

Our pools are occasionally marked “Closed” on the schedule because there isn’t a high demand from participants during these times so there is no staff on schedule to guard the pool. As more members reactivate and return to the Y, we’ll be able to offer more classes and longer open hours. Physical Distancing and Masking Keeping 2 meters distance between people remains the best line of defense in reducing risk of exposure; this is of upmost importance at the Y.  Members must also wear their mask at all times in the Y, except when exercising, showering or eating. This includes wearing your mask when walking to and from your exercise class or the equipment/machine you will be using. Only take your mask off when you are ready to exercise, and put it back on when you are finished. If you take your mask off to exercise, shower or eat, ensure you remain 2 meters away from others.   Protocols for the pool are a little different due to the wet surfaces. We are no longer asking members to wear masks out onto the pool deck. When masks become wet, they are ineffective. To keep your mask dry, please hang your it up under your towel on the hooks just prior to entering the pool deck. During this transition into the pool, ensure you remain 2 meters distance from others. Please be sure to dry your face thoroughly before donning your mask. Family Swims and Swim Lessons We have had requests for more family time in the pool.   We are very excited to reintroduce Swim Lessons, which started on October 19th. We still have room available!  Registration is open for both members and the public; register today through ActiveNet to get started.   Families are also welcome to join us in the Leisure pool during Swim: Open and Family Fun: Pool times throughout the week. Swim: Open times allow swimmers of all ages to enjoy the warm leisure pool. Family Fun: Pool times have water toys, floaties and sprinklers for kids to play with. You must book a spot for these swims, to help ensure physical distancing. Swim Instructors To maintain physical distancing, our instructors will be teaching swim lessons and classes from the deck. When instructors need to demonstrate skills or be in the water, they will be wearing face shields.   Parents or guardians will be participating in the water with their child, when the child is a non-swimmer. This provides the support the child needs in a safe manner.   Lessons for older children who swim will use the leisure and lane pool to build skills as children gain confidence.   Please rest assured, our staff are trained, certified lifeguard professionals. They take great pride in ensuring our swim lessons are safe and fun for all. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Marilyne Jones, Supervisor: Aquatics at marilyne.jones@osgb.ymca.ca

Health & Fitness

Walking Track The Walking Track is open 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Monday-Friday, for all members. During this time, fitness equipment in the first line closest to the track is not available in order to help ensure physical distancing. Walking Track time is limited to give members access to more fitness equipment throughout the day. Stretching Areas We have opened half of the Cycle Studio to use for stretching. There are a limited number of black mats available (cleaned after each use), but we encourage you to bring your own mat. There is also a small stretch area on the Southeast side of the track along the East windows available when the track is not open for walking. Fitness Classes Due to physical distancing requirements, we have moved classes to the Gymnasium where we have much more space to maintain physical distancing. We have repurposed the Fitness Studio for stationary equipment and the Cycle Studio for stretching. We’re doing our best to balance a variety of fitness, recreation and youth programs in the Gym. As more members reactivate, we’ll be able to offer longer hours and more classes, including weekend activities. Stay'N'Play Babysitting The majority of our parents responded that they would not use Stay’N’Play Babysitting at this time. We will continue to monitor the interest for this service.

Members & Registered Participants Only

We are only permitting our own Y members and registered participants from Grey-Bruce, in the facility; we are not permitting members from other YMCA’s access to our facility at this time.   Day passes are not available at this time. We want to provide as much space and access to members as we can. Our booking system allows us to see where we may need to add more options to meet demand. Please be sure to add your name to a program waiting list!  This enables us to assess where more classes are needed and we can give you a call if a spot becomes available.

We aim to make your experience at our Y the best it can be, while following Provincial and Public Health guidelines. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us at any time at feedback@osgb.ymca.ca. Your membership allows us to continue supporting our community by creating opportunities for all people to achieve personal growth in spirit, mind and body. Whether through financial assistance for local families, child care, employment and housing support, or access to health and fitness programs, our Y enriches the lives of all members of our community. If you haven’t reactivated your membership, please consider doing so. If you are not comfortable returning to the facility at this time, please consider making a donation on our website or in person at the Welcome Desk in our Health, Fitness & Aquatics facility.

 

September 30, 2020 Update:

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 5^th, 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 6^th 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

Hello Members! Thank you to those who have reactivated your membership! It’s great to see so many familiar faces returning to the Y and your support during these uncertain times means so much. Your membership fees are key as we re-start our services, keeping our facility operating and enabling us to serve our community. We look forward to expanding our services as more members reactivate their memberships. We would love to hear from you on how you feel about our current programs and services. Please take some time to respond to our survey and let us know what you think!

Take Survey

As more members return, we’re able to offer more of our usual programming. We’re excited to bring you these updates:

Coming Soon!

Aquatic Certifications We are re-launching our Aquatic Certification courses, including Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, Pre-NLS and NLS. Follow us on social media or visit our website where we’ll post registration dates and details soon. Find more information about our Aquatic Certifications here: https://bit.ly/3iy0vyr

Swim Lessons Swim lessons are resuming in October! Registration will be open to members only!  Follow us on social media or visit our website where we’ll post registration dates and details soon. Find more information about our swim lessons here: https://bit.ly/32uByOS

Tai Chi 1 for Beginners An ancient practice of a series of 108 slow, graceful movements developed in the 12th century by a Taoist monk, Tai Chi is a health exercise, a method of meditation and a martial art. Here we will emphasize the health aspects of this art. The movements are specially designed to relieve stress and fatigue while developing strength, flexibility and concentration. Participants will learn small portions of the set each class.  Join us Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays starting September 28 – December 31 at 11:00 a.m. to noon. Tai Chi 1 is FREE for members. Members are welcome to take all 3 classes if they wish.

Standard First Aid/CPR-C/AEP Do you or your staff require Standard First Aid/CPR-C/AED or Health Care Provider (HCP) training? In partnership with the Lifesaving Society, our Y offers comprehensive training covering all aspects of emergency first aid and CPR, including, life-threatening medical emergencies, burns, bleeds, breaks and legal implications of first aid treatment. This certification course includes adult, child and infant CPR and AED. Come to our Health, Fitness & Aquatics facility for this two-day course, or we can come to you! To enquire about dates and times, or to arrange onsite training for your business, please call us at 519-376-0484 or email osgb.member@osgb.ymca.ca. Please visit our website for further details: https://bit.ly/3kjRxVT

Reminders

Booking Classes Many of our classes, such as Cycle or Lane Swim, have been filling up. If you book a class and you’re not able to attend, please let us know as soon as possible so we can open your spot up to another member. There is no fee for cancellation, but please be courteous and give as much notice as possible. Sisters Cafe is Open Sisters is now open Monday to Friday 9:00am-2:00pm. Located near our North Entrance, Sisters offers hot and cold beverages, lunch and breakfast meals, and tasty treats. All of their offerings are nut-free in compliance with our facilities Nut Aware policy. Their hours are in place until end of September and may change in October.

YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce Update: September 1, 2020

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.

 

YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce Update: August 26, 2020

New Schedule

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 6^th 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.

 

YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce Update: August 20, 2020

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:

• plexiglass at the Welcome Desk and Conditioning Centre Desk,
• spacing equipment 2 meters apart, and 3 meters apart for intense cardio machines,
• providing additional sanitation stations and sanitizer throughout the facility,
• increasing our already excellent cleaning schedules, and adding fogging of the building daily for extra coverage,
• and planning flow throughout the facility, with signage and arrows, in support of physical distancing.

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