‘A stronger community’: $186K OTF grant helps ‘raise the roof’ at Cobourg YMCA

Local leaders, dignitaries, YMCA staff, volunteers, donors, residents and more gathered to celebrate completion of a critical roof renovation project at the Cobourg Y after an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant. /MPP David Piccini’s office photo

By editor/reporter Sarah Hyatt

With help from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, vital roof repairs have been made at the Cobourg YMCA, ensuring the long-time community landmark can continue to serve as a hub and help thousands with the space to build healthy lives, invaluable connections and ultimately, a stronger community, say officials.

Earlier this month, officials gathered to celebrate “raising the roof” at the Y following an earlier Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) investment of $186,800, which helped complete critical roof renovations at the Cobourg 339 Elgin St. W. location.

“Community organizations like the YMCA play an essential role in helping people of all ages stay active, connected and healthy,” noted Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini. “Our government is proud to invest in community infrastructure through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, ensuring organizations like YMCA Northumberland have the modern, safe facilities they need to continue delivering vital programs and services for families across our region.

“This investment will help protect this important community asset for years to come.”

In addition to Piccini, the celebration for the completion of the project also drew in local leaders like Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland, Port Hope Mayor Olena Hankivsky, and Port Hope Coun. Les Andrews, to name just a few. OTF grant review team representatives and other dignitaries also gathered alongside YMCA staff, volunteers, donors, residents, and more on July 17.

“For nearly five decades, the Cobourg YMCA has been a place where people come together to build healthier lives, invaluable connections and a stronger community,” remarked Kirkpatrick. “We are incredibly grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Government of Ontario for their investment of $186,800 in this essential project.

“Replacing specific areas of the roof protects our facility and ensures we can continue to provide safe, accessible spaces where children, families, older adults and individuals from across our community can belong, grow and thrive,” explained Kirkpatrick.

The Cobourg Y originally opened its doors in 1979 and “has served as a community landmark of health, wellness and connection for nearly 50 years.”

According to a recent release from Piccini’s office, the OTF grant helped with replacement of the facility’s aging roof, “protecting an important community asset that welcomes nearly 300,000 visits annually.”

Over the decades, the Y has grown to offer everything from swimming lessons and licensed childcare to health and fitness programs and camps, as well as additional community services.

It’s reported that the Y supports the health and well-being of about one-in-four residents through membership across Northumberland, translating to help for thousands annually.

The OTF is described as an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities.

In just 2025-26, OTF investments reached nearly $107 million, translating to help for 746 non-profits and community projects all aimed at enhancing economic well-being, fostering more active lifestyles, support for child and youth development, and help with spaces for people to connect and create a more sustainable environment.

According to the OTF, over the last four decades, the agency has become one of the leading grant-making foundations nationwide.

The grant was received last summer after the Y put forward “a strong case” outlining how help with the roof would extend the life of the building.