YMCAs from across southwestern and western Ontario are contemplating a merger that could see them come together as a single, giant entity.
The YMCAs announced Wednesday the agreement to explore the merger that would create one regional organization which would span from the Windsor and Sarnia areas to Woodstock, and Goderich to Point Pelee National Park.
Ahead of the possible merger, a comprehensive review of both organizations’ strengths, challenges, and opportunities was done. Even if the merger goes through, YMCA officials reassure priority will be given to maintaining the local look and feel at each individual branch.
“The unification plan will allow the YMCAs to access the benefits of a regional organization while also maintaining strong local leadership and community-level connections, so that local YMCAs ‘look and feel’ like the community they serve," said Shawn Zettel, chair of the YMCAs across Southwestern Ontario.
Over the next few months, YMCA officials will focus on developing the business and transition plan.
The decision to merge comes as other YMCAs across North America join forces to have a greater impact on their communities, said Andrew Lockie, CEO of the YMCA of Western Ontario.
"The decision is consistent and aligned with the YMCA Canada Strategy and vision to strengthen the overall capacity and capabilities of YMCAs across Canada," said Lockie. "The aim is to grow and create impact in a rapidly changing community environment and philanthropic landscape. This work of strengthening regional areas by creating larger regional organizations is occurring across other sectors as well.”
YMCAs across southwestern Ontario serve more than 21,000 people at 49 locations throughout Sarnia-Lambton, Chatham-Kent, Goderich-Huron, North Middlesex, Lambton Shores, and Central Huron. The YMSC of Western Ontario serves 138,183 people from Windsor to Woodstock.
A final decision on the merger is expected to be made by this summer.