News & Events
News
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 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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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 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.
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 will continue, with limited access to showers and change cubicles. We encourage members to shower at home due to limited change room capacity. Members must call 519-376-0484 or email osgb.member@osgb.ymca.ca in advance to reserve a spot for all pool activities.
Fitness Centre
Senior Fit (60+) times have been added on Tuesday and Thursday which will include access to the walking track. These times are in addition to Monday, Wednesday and Friday’s Senior Fit times and do not require booking ahead.
Members must call 519-376-0484 or email osgb.member@osgb.ymca.ca in advance to reserve a spot for all fitness classes.
Click here to access the program schedule commencing August 24
Click here to access the current schedule that commenced on August 17
Reactivate your membership starting on August 25th to continue your access to the Y starting on August 31st.
Our FREE pilot phase will end on Friday, August 28th, 2020. Current members wishing to continue accessing the facility without an interruption may begin reactivation of membership by notifying Member Services at 519-376-0484 or osgb.member@osgb.ymca.ca between August 25th and August 28th.
Please phone us at 519-376-0484 or email at osgb.member@osgb.ymca.ca so we can serve you better. If you leave a message, please clearly provide your name and phone number and we will be back in touch to confirm your membership reactivation with you.
Thank you! No membership fees will be charged for two weeks from the date of membership reactivation as a thank you for Staying With Us and to return any over payments made in March 2020.
If you do not wish to reactivate your membership at this time, it will remain on hold and no payments will be taken until we hear from you.
Changes Starting on August 31st
A new schedule will be in place which we will send out closer to August 31st.
All change rooms will be available. However, with physical distancing of 2 meters required, members may have to wait their turn to access the change rooms. We encourage members to shower at home whenever possible.
New Memberships
We will be ready to welcome new members on August 31. Details on setting up a new membership will be sent out prior to this date.
YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce Update: August 13, 2020
New Covid screening process, membership updates and updated program schedule. READ MORE >>
YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce Update: August 5, 2020
Members, get ready! Here's everything you need to know about our Pilot Phase 1, including schedule and what to expect. READ MORE >>
YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce Update: July 31, 2020
In preparation for our pilot re-start on August 10, here is further information...READ MORE >>
YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce Update: July 24, 2020
Starting on August 10, we will be piloting a limited number of different workout activities in our pool and conditioning centre/weight training area to provide our members with the opportunity to come back in to the Y to see what we are doing to help keep you safe, and have a workout. READ MORE >>
YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce Update: July 13, 2020
We received some exciting news today! The Government of Ontario has announced that gyms can re-open on July 17 and that there will be guidance documents available to provide direction regarding re-opening. READ MORE >>
YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce Update: July 10, 2020
While we currently remain in Phase 2 of the Province’s regional re-opening framework, staff at the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce have been busy working on programs to support our community. READ MORE >>
YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce Update: June 17, 2020
Communities across Grey Bruce Counties have been included in Phase 2 of the Province's regional re-opening framework. As the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce moves towards re-opening our servies and our facilities, we will do so based on the following core guiding principles:
Full details >>
YMCA Summer Day Camps Update (May 29, 2020)
After careful consideration based on the latest COVID-19 developments and recommendations from the provincial government and public health, we have decided to cancel our previously scheduled 2020 summer day camp programs. Full details >>
YMCA Of Owen Sound Grey Bruce Launches YMCA Gym FREE YMCA Virtual Physical Education Resources for Local School Boards
April 22, 2020 - In response to facilities closures across the country, in collaboration with YMCAs across the country, the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce launched YMCA at Home as a free virtual YMCA, connecting people to fitness classes, children’s programs and personal wellness resources. Full details >>
We Miss You! Connect With Us Online
April 6, 2020 - Although our buildings are closed, our staff are still here for you. There are many ways in which we can connect with you on and offline. Health & Fitness staff are providing YOGA and at home workout sessions live on Facebook and Instagram. Child Care staff are hoping on social media for story time and sing along. Employment and Community Initiatives staff continue to provide tips and resources live on Facebook as well as supporting clients by phone, text, email and virtual meetings. Full details > >
Facebook: @YMCAOSGB or @YMCAEmploymentOSGB | Instagram @YMCAOSGB
COVID-19: Services Update: Community Initiatives & Employment Services
March 20, 2020 - Although YMCA Community Initiatives and Employment Services offices are closed to the public, we are still here for you.
We can meet you online, by phone or connect over text and email.
Employment Services: 519-371-9222 ext. 6 | employment@osgb.ymca.ca
Housing Services: 519-371-9230 ext. 5 | housing@osgb.ymca.ca
Community Justice: 519-371-9230 ext. 5 | justice@osgb.ymca.ca
Youth In Transition Worker Program: 519-371-9230 ext. 5 | yitw@osgb.ymca.ca
Youth Gambling Awareness: 519-371-9230 ext. 5 | gambling@osgb.ymca.ca
The YMCA is committed to ensuring that every individual has access to the essentials needed to learn, grow and thrive. We look forward to continuing to assist you.
We will continue to monitor the situation and reassess as needed. Please continue to watch our Facebook page and website for updates.
COVID-19: Services Update
March 15, 2020 - The spread of the COVID-19 virus in our province is a very challenging situation. The safety and well-being of our staff, volunteers, families and the communities we serve is of utmost importance to us. At this time there have been two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our community, however, the public health risk from the virus remains low in Grey Bruce. In addition to proper hygiene, social distancing and avoiding large groups has been recommended as an important line of defense in slowing the spread of illness.
After careful consideration, the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce has made the difficult decision to close all YMCA Child Care Early Learning Centres effective 6:00 p.m., Monday, March 16, 2020 to April 5, 2020. This is in addition to the closure of our Before and After School Programs and East Ridge Early Learning Child Care Centre which closed on March 13. We realize the inconvenience this causes to families using our services and sincerely apologize.
In addition, we will also be temporarily closing our YMCA Health, Fitness & Aquatics facility, including March Break Day Camp, located in Owen Sound, at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2020 until further notice as we continue to monitor the situation with guidance from our local Health Unit and government health experts. Again, we sincerely apologize.
Further information regarding refunds or credits will be communicated soon.
Our Community & Employment Services are exploring the best ways to support their clients in a healthy and safe manner. More information will be forthcoming.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for your continued support and understanding during this very trying time. We look forward to seeing you all again soon.
YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce responds to COVID-19 concerns with facility and program closures
Owen Sound, ON (March 15, 2020)- After careful consideration, the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce has made the difficult decision to close all YMCA Child Care Early Learning Centres effective 6:00 p.m., Monday, March 16, 2020 to April 5, 2020. Full release > >
COVID-19: Health and Safety Precautions
In addition to the usual flu season, we have all heard news of the Coronavirus COVID-19 beginning to spread in Canada. We understand people are worried. Here at the YMCA, please know that we are asking the same question you are - what can we do to stay safe? It is important for each of us to understand what we can do as individuals to keep ourselves, our families and our community healthy. Full details > >
YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce CEO, Gayle Graham Announces Retirement
Owen Sound, ON – After 22 years with the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce and more than 40 years with the YMCA organization, CEO Gayle Graham has announced that she will retire at the end of this year in December 2020. Full details >>
Baker Tilly partners together with YMCA and challenges local businesses to support membership assistance for our neighbours facing financial hardship
Owen Sound, ON - The YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce (OSGB) has launched its annual Strong Kids fundraising campaign in support of membership assistance for families and individuals in Grey and Bruce Counties. As part of the 2020 Strong Kids Campaign, YMCA Board President Gwynne Potter, has launched a challenge to other businesses in our community. Full details >>
Upcoming Events
Please ensure you check our Program Schedule page prior to visiting to see if there are any schedule changes or closures.
Optimizing Your Health & Wellness Workshops
FREE Monthly Education Workshops in partnership with Grey Bruce Health Services taking place on the second Tuesday of every month and are designed for those who had a stroke, heart surgery, heart attack, or who have had other heart conditions including high blood pressure or cholesterol; or are at risk. Register through our Cardiac Rehab office, 519-376-4832.
Next Workshop:
Mental Health
April 14, 2-3 PM
Presenter: Carol Pellow, Social Worker
Annual Events at your YMCA
Family Day
Drop in for free family activities at the YMCA Health, Fitness & Aquatics facility!
Partner Days
Every few months residents of Owen Sound and Georgian Bluffs enjoy free access to the YMCA Health, Fitness & Aquatics facility in thanks for the community's help developing our amazing building. Enjoy a swim, try one of the regularly scheduled fitness classes, play in the gym with your family and more - all for free.
YMCA Peace Week
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The Y is dedicated to building healthy communities - and peace is fundamental to strong, happy and healthy communities. During Peace Week, YMCAs across the country promote ways we can build peace, and highlight the peace-building work that happens all year round, both inside and outside the YMCA. The YMCA Peace Medal is awarded to people from coast to coast who have been engaged in work promoting peace in their communities. At our YMCA the Medal is awarded in a ceremony during Peace Week.
YMCA Healthy Kids Day
Come to the Y and celebrate our national day dedicated to improving the health and well-being of kids. It’s a FREE event for everyone in the community.
Annual General Meeting
Join us and hear what your YMCA has accomplished over the past year. Our AGM is a great opportunity to meet Board members and senior staff, see what's been planned for the future of your organization and get an understanding of the achievements that drive us forward.