Barrie’s future YMCA site becomes backdrop for proposed $1.5B national recreation fund

Jennifer McKelvie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, met with the YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka and the City of Barrie to highlight key investments from the 2026 Budget in Barrie, Ont., on Nov. 15, 2026. (CTV News/Julianna Balsamo)

The future site of Barrie’s new YMCA Centre of Community was the backdrop for a visit from federal leaders Sunday morning, highlighting a proposed $1.5 billion investment in recreational spaces from coast to coast.

Jennifer McKelvie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities and MP for Ajax, met with representatives from the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka and the City of Barrie to highlight investments included in the federal government’s 2026 budget.

The proposed funding would be delivered over nine years through the Build Communities Strong Fund, with $750 million dedicated to ice rinks and another $750 million for other community recreational facilities.

The money would help communities build new facilities, expand existing spaces and modernize aging infrastructure.

The government says the goal is to make sure Canadians have access to safe, welcoming spaces to gather, stay active and participate in sports and recreation.

“Ice rinks and recreational facilities are at the heart of many communities across Canada, including Barrie,” McKelvie said.

“They are where Canadians learn to skate, young people gather after school and adults lace up after work and families and friends gather in the stands.”

The announcement comes as the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka continues working toward its new centre, a project aimed at creating a space for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

YMCA president and CEO Jill Tettmann said the vision extends beyond the building itself.

“Our vision for the new Barrie YMCA Centre of Community has always been about more than building a facility. It’s about creating a place where people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can connect, belong and thrive, while building a healthier, stronger community,” Tettmann said.

The recreational funding is one part of the federal government’s broader budget, which also proposes investments in housing, energy and infrastructure.

The government says the budget is designed to encourage investment, create jobs and strengthen Canadian communities while keeping the federal deficit on a declining path.