The YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce is getting ready to open a new site in the center of Port Elgin. This expansion will greatly increase access to important community programs in Bruce County. The new location will be at 604 Goderich Street and will provide space for Employment Services, Settlement Services, and Community Initiatives.
While these services have been available by appointment across Grey and Bruce Counties for some time, having a permanent office in Bruce County should make it easier for residents to find the resources they need. The Port Elgin facility will feature a fully accessible resource center with computers, telephones, and comfortable areas for meetings and individual support.
Employees from the YMCA’s Employment and Settlement teams will work at this location every day. Additionally, other YMCA programs will rotate through the office as needed to meet with clients and local partners. According to the YMCA, this new center aims to be an inviting space where individuals can get guidance, foster connections, and pursue personal or professional growth.
“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.”
This new office is expected to enhance how the YMCA provides Employment Ontario programming backed by both federal and provincial governments. These initiatives assist individuals with job preparation, résumé development, interview skills improvement, training access, and connecting them with local employers through the county’s Employment Service System Manager.
Settlement Services funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will also operate from this new location. These services help newcomers integrate into Canadian life by offering assistance with language skills development, citizenship applications process guidance , community networking , and access to recreation , education , and various local programs.
“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 that offers employment supports , settlement services , and community programs capable of truly changing lives. We’re excited about expanding our presence here while creating stronger ties within this community.”
The YMCA’s Community Initiatives division will also utilize this new space. These programs focus on overcoming obstacles like poverty , discrimination , mental health issues, and rural homelessness. They include youth support initiatives ; community justice projects ; as well as homelessness-response services implemented together with Bruce County Housing.
The organization noted that expanding into Port Elgin demonstrates an ongoing commitment towards creating more opportunities while helping individuals achieve their potential. Renovations are currently taking place; signage installation is forthcoming; official opening details are yet-to-be-announced.
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