The YMCA's Board of Directors has officially approved the merger of its operations in western and southwestern Ontario.
The larger regional YMCA will be called the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario, serving the Sarnia and Windsor areas, north to Goderich, south to Point Pelee National Park, and east to Woodstock.
Interim CEO Kathi Lomas-McGee says it's been a year-long process to get to this point.
She says it'll be a benefit to everyone using the YMCA, and lead to an expanded service area.
"We believe that through this merger we'll be able to have stronger infrastructure, reduce more barriers, and be in a position to be able to increase our responsiveness to local social issues that are affecting our communities," says Lomas-McGee. "We believe that we'll be able to also strengthen our charitable position."
Over the coming months, a transition plan will be put in place which will include choosing a new board of directors and leadership team.
The merger will come into effect on November 1, 2018.