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.
