The new organization – YMCA of Western Ontario – will handle all the Y’s from Windsor to Goderich to Woodstock.
CEO Andrew Lockie says the issue wasn’t cost savings.
“Over time, what we believe we can do is improve and expand some of the services in a way that we couldn’t when we were two smaller Ys and then maybe we can even introduce some great program enhancements, have cycles on replacements of equipment, things like that,” Lockie says.
Lockie says the two associations are expected to serve more than 190,000 people in the region at nearly 200 different locations.
However, he says each YMCA will still maintain its connection to the local community.
“One of the things we know is true is that no two communities are the same. There are things that might be the same, in terms of that they both want a gym or a pool. There are different characteristics and personalities and so we’re leaving in place structures for our organization that take full advantage of the local relationship,” explains Lockie.