Port Elgin, ON – The YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce is excited to announce that a new location at 604 Goderich Street in downtown Port Elgin is opening soon, expanding access to its Employment Services, Settlement Services, and Community Initiatives programs. While these services are already offered by appointment across Grey and Bruce Counties, having a permanent location in Bruce County will make it even easier for community members to access the support they need.

This new Port Elgin location will feature a resource centre open to everyone in the community, offering computers, phone access, and comfortable meeting spaces. Staff from YMCA’s Employment and Settlement programs will be on-site daily to support individuals and families, while other YMCA programs will use the space as needed to connect with clients and the public. Together, these services create a place for connection, growth, and community engagement.

“Our YMCA is proud to serve communities across Grey and Bruce Counties,” said Sarah Cowley, CEO of the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce. “From our Health, Fitness & Aquatics facility in Owen Sound to our Child Care and School Age programs in Owen Sound, Port Elgin, Ripley, Kincardine, and Hanover, we are deeply connected to the people and places we serve. With Community Initiatives, Employment Services, and Settlement Services currently based in Owen Sound and Hanover, it’s exciting to now have another home base in Bruce County. This new Port Elgin location helps us continue growing our impact and reaching even more people to help ignite their potential.”

“Our mission is to strengthen communities and empower individuals,” added Matt Shute, Director of Community Initiatives, Employment Services, and Settlement Services. “Having a dedicated location in downtown Port Elgin allows us to be more accessible to residents of Bruce County. It means people will have a welcoming place nearby to access employment supports, settlement services, and community programs that can truly change lives. We’re excited to deepen our presence and build stronger connections in this community.”

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 rural homelessness, 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.

This expansion reflects the YMCA’s ongoing commitment to igniting the potential in people. By opening a location in downtown Port Elgin, the YMCA is making its programs and services more accessible to residents of Bruce County, ensuring that more people can benefit from the support and opportunities they offer.

Renovations are underway and signage will be up soon, opening date to be announced!