YMCA Canada CEO thanks community for keeping local branch open

While the immediate crisis has passed, the YMCA Canada CEO noted that the work of ensuring the YMCA's long-term future is only beginning

NEWS RELEASE YMCA OF SAULT STE. MARIE *********************** The Sault Ste.

Marie YMCA welcomed Peter Dinsdale, President & CEO of YMCA Canada, to the community yesterday for a series of events celebrating the YMCA's enduring impact and exploring opportunities for its long-term future. The visit included an Open House at the YMCA with members, volunteers, donors, staff, and community partners, followed by a presentation to Sault Ste. Marie City Council by Dinsdale and James Chan, Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Sault Ste.

Marie. Addressing Mayor Matthew Shoemaker and Members of Council, they reflected on the extraordinary community effort that saved the YMCA in 2024 and shared a vision centred on long-term partnership, sustainability, and community impact. "The community has already answered the question of whether Sault Ste.

Marie needs a YMCA," said Peter Dinsdale. "The question now is what kind of YMCA this community needs for the next generation." Dinsdale thanked the City of Sault Ste.

Marie, the Lukenda Charitable Foundation, YMCA members, donors, volunteers, staff, and countless community supporters whose collective efforts enabled the Association to stabilize after facing the prospect of closure in 2024. While the immediate crisis has passed, he noted that the work of ensuring the YMCA's long-term future is only beginning. Over the past year, the YMCA has continued to strengthen its operations while serving thousands of residents across the community.

In 2025 alone, the Association supported more than 2,800 health and fitness members, provided licensed childcare for more than 500 children, engaged 1,800 children and youth through programs and swim lessons, welcomed 719 campers to summer programs, and invested more than $100,000 to ensure financial barriers did not prevent individuals and families from accessing YMCA services. Chan emphasized that the YMCA's future is focused on expanding opportunities for the people of Sault Ste. Marie. "Our vision is not simply to maintain what we have," said Chan.

"It is to create a YMCA that serves more children, more families, more older adults, and more members of our community. The future of the YMCA is about strengthening our role as a long-term partner in building a healthier, more connected, and more vibrant Sault Ste. Marie."

During the presentation, successful partnerships between municipalities and YMCAs across Ontario were highlighted as examples of how communities have worked together to create modern recreation and community hubs tailored to local needs. While every partnership is unique, each began with the same fundamental question: How can we work together to better serve our community? The presentation concluded with an invitation to continue strengthening the relationship between the City and the YMCA while exploring opportunities that align with the community's long-term vision for growth, health, inclusion, and quality of life.

Looking ahead, Chan said the YMCA sees its future as inseparable from the future of Sault Ste. Marie. "We believe the YMCA's journey mirrors the journey of Sault Ste. Marie itself.

Our city is embracing change, attracting new investment, and building toward a stronger future. Together, we have an opportunity to imagine what is possible – not only for the YMCA, but for our entire community." Yesterday's visit highlighted the strength of collaboration between YMCA Canada, the YMCA of Sault Ste.

Marie, municipal leadership, community partners, and residents, while reaffirming a shared commitment to ensuring the YMCA continues to serve the community for generations to come. ***********************