Woodstock YMCA closing its doors in September

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Woodstock YMCA is closing all operations in Woodstock other than its childcare centre. The Dundas Street location will shutter its doors in two months.

“After deep consideration, including extensive analysis, the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario has made the difficult decision to close their health and fitness branch located in Woodstock, effective September 30, 2025,” according to a press release sent out on Tuesday.

“For the past year, the YMCA has extensively reviewed the future of our health and fitness operations in Woodstock. This has included a focus on our community’s needs, the suitability of the site in its current state and their responsibility as a charity to make the best use of resources, including donors’ contributions, and to ensure sustainability for years to come. As part of this process, several community partners were engaged in hopes of finding a viable shared solution for this location. While encouraged by the level of interest, no formal commitments were made,” it added.

The Echo reached out to the Y for more details and were given a written statement.

“The decision to close…was not made lightly…This has included the suitability of the site in its current state and our responsibility as a charity to make the best use of resources to ensure our long-term sustainability.”

It added that as part of the review, they took a close look at current and projected membership levels, did an analysis of what could reasonably be expected if the pool were reopened, and conducted an assessment of the significant capital reinvestment required for the aging facility, originally built in 1961.

Memberships dropped below 500 in 2021 and sit at just under 300 today.

“There may be various reasons for this. Ultimately, we recognize that the communities we serve are evolving and are committed to evolving alongside them, while upholding responsibility as a charity to make the best use of our resources to ensure our sustainability for years to come,” added the statement.

Woodstock Mayor Jerry Acchione said it’s sad to see the facility go, but paid tribute to its accomplishments over the years.

“The YMCA has been a cornerstone of health, wellness, and community connection in Woodstock for over 60 years. While today’s announcement is difficult news for many residents, I want to acknowledge the countless contributions the YMCA has made to our city and the positive impact it has had on generations of families, mine included.”

He added the city is prepared to work with anyone interested in filling the hole created by the closure.

“The City of Woodstock remains committed to supporting community health and recreation opportunities for all residents. We will continue working with local organizations and stakeholders to explore future possibilities for this site and ensure that the spirit of connection and well-being fostered by the YMCA remains alive in our community.”

What is clear is an aging building with fewer users has reached the end of its usefulness. The indoor pool was also closed during COVID and was never reopened.

“This decision was not taken lightly and follows several years of financial challenges at this branch due to declining memberships, increased maintenance costs, and capital demands on an aging 64-year-old facility. The Y is committed to being a strong and viable organization for the long-term so we can continue to best serve the communities that rely on them, including Woodstock.”

The childcare centre will continue to operate onsite until the spring of 2026 when a new site opens.

“Childcare services will continue, uninterrupted, as they transition to the new Turtle Island Child Care Centre located nearby at 717 Knights Lane. Childcare will remain at the YMCA branch until Turtle Island opens in March 2026 to minimize any disruption. This new, larger facility will serve 88 children, an increase of 50 children over our current space, in a welcoming, modern environment.”

Woodstock City Coun. Mark Schadenberg said it is disappointing to see the Y close its doors.

“The YMCA has been a long-time important community facility, so it’s a sad day indeed to hear the Woodstock location will be closing down its fitness gym. The actual gymnasium there, I understand, has been quite popular for floor hockey, volleyball and also youth programming such as basketball. About 10 years ago, the city made a five-year grant commitment to assist with YMCA renovations and programming, which could in-turn help membership numbers.”

The city did in fact award the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario a five-year municipal grant of $500,000 to help fund approximately $3 million in renovations. Those upgrades were to include significant improvements to the pool, gymnasium and fitness center and the money came from OLG casino revenue.

“We are deeply grateful for the support the YMCA's work in Woodstock has received over the years, including from City of Woodstock with a $500,000 grant pledged in 2010 as a contribution to an overall $3 million project to renovate the facility. This project was focused on completing renovations throughout the facility, including in the pool, change rooms, and lobby, as well as electrical and mechanical system updates.”

Some jobs will be lost in the move but the organization said they are hoping to find new work for affected staff.

“The majority of employees at the YMCA branch in Woodstock are childcare staff and will continue to work in that capacity at that site until we move to our new and expanded Woodstock childcare facility in early 2026. We will work with the remaining employees (2 full-time and 7 part-time) to find other, suitable roles within our association.”

The Y said it knows the news is difficult and welcome your questions and concerns at communications@swo.ymca.ca.