The YMCA of Northumberland is asking Cobourg council to continue working toward a new health, fitness and aquatic centre, saying the community is growing and the existing facility is approaching capacity.
Representatives from the YMCA appeared before council to provide an update on planning for a potential new facility and to seek support for continued negotiations with the town.
The organization says the current Cobourg YMCA welcomed more than 180,000 visits in 2025 and has more than 4,600 members.
Executive Director, Eunice Kirkpatrick told council the organization is already serving a significant portion of the community.
The YMCA says population growth makes planning for expanded recreation services increasingly important.
According to the presentation, more than 2,200 new homes could be built in Cobourg over the next five years. Based on an average household size of 2.2 people, the organization estimates that could mean about 5,000 additional residents who will need access to services including aquatics, recreation and licensed child care.
The YMCA and the town have been exploring the possibility of a new facility for nearly two decades. Council approved a memorandum of understanding in 2024 to explore partnership options, with a committee established to advance the discussions.
The organization also pointed to previous planning and feasibility work, including a 2019 provincial funding application. That application was unsuccessful, with the YMCA saying the funding program required a committed municipal financial contribution.
The YMCA says it has continued investing time and resources into developing its vision for a new facility and wants greater certainty about the town’s commitment before making further major investments.
The organization is now asking council to continue the partnership process, identify an appropriate site, pursue fundraising and funding opportunities, and eventually move toward design and construction.
The YMCA’s presentation also emphasized its role as a community organization, describing itself as Northumberland’s largest licensed child-care provider and a major employer of youth. It also provides financial assistance intended to reduce barriers to participation.
The organization is asking Cobourg council to authorize a proposed letter of intent that would allow negotiations between the YMCA and the town to continue.
The discussion comes as council considers how to plan for Cobourg’s future recreation needs and whether a new YMCA facility should form part of that long-term vision.
(Written by: Branden Rushton)
