Port Elgin, ON – The YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce is proud to announce the grand opening of its new Port Elgin location at 604 Goderich Street on Thursday, January 15, 2026. The public is encouraged to drop in from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM and celebrate the YMCA’s official downtown Port Elgin opening, tour the new space, meet staff, and learn about available programs and services.
The new Port Elgin location serves as a home for the YMCA’s Employment Services, Settlement Services, and Community Initiatives programs, expanding access to essential supports for Bruce County residents. The location has been open to the public since December 17 and continues to welcome individuals and families, Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
“This grand opening represents an important step forward in how we support communities across Grey and Bruce Counties,” said Sarah Cowley, CEO of the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce. “A permanent location in the Town of Saugeen Shores allows us to better meet people where they are and continue igniting potential by providing accessible, welcoming spaces for employment, settlement, and community supports.”
The space includes a community resource centre open to the public, offering computer and phone access, meeting areas, and on-site staff available daily to support individuals and families. Other YMCA programs will also use the location to connect with the community and respond to local needs.
“Having a dedicated space in downtown Port Elgin strengthens our ability to build relationships and remove barriers for people in Bruce County,” said Matt Shute, Director of Community Initiatives, Employment Services, and Settlement Services. “This location is about creating opportunity, connection, and support in a place where people feel welcome.”
Employment Ontario programs, funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario, help people prepare for, find, and maintain meaningful work through job search support, résumé and interview coaching, training opportunities, and connections with local employers. These programs are delivered in partnership with Bruce County, the Employment Service System Manager (ESSM) for the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula region.
Settlement Services, funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, assist newcomers and immigrants in integrating into Canadian life through language and citizenship support, community connections, and guidance accessing education, sports, and other programs.
Community Initiatives programs address systemic barriers such as poverty, racism, mental health challenges, and include youth-focused supports, community justice initiatives, as well as homelessness response programs delivered in partnership with Bruce County Housing.
Together, these programs create accessible pathways for personal growth, community connection, and empowerment across Grey and Bruce Counties.
About YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce
The YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce is a not-for-profit that ignites the potential in people by creating opportunities for everyone to achieve personal growth in spirit, mind and body. We offer opportunities for personal development in many program areas: Health, Fitness, Aquatics and Recreation, Child Care, Community and Justice Programs, Settlement Services, Housing Support and Employment Services. Learn more on our website: www.ymcaowensound.on.ca