As announced in April, 2024, the city launched a pilot partnership with the YMCA, offering city residents access to indoor aquatics programs during the months that Jaycees Pool is closed.
These programs include aquafit, swimming lessons and public swims at the YMCA pool in St. Thomas.
The passes are offered at city rates, with proof of St. Thomas residency required at the time of purchase.
The offer was to apply until the end of 2024, except for the months of July and August.
The program is possible through a $100,000 contribution from the city.
Mayor Joe Preston indicated at the time, “This is about us starting to work together in a cooperative way on an aquatic facility.
“If this in itself carries forward, we know where we can look in the future. This is a great start to get affordability for all of St. Thomas to be able to use the Y facility.”
Andrew Lockie (pictured with Mayor Joe Preston), CEO of YMCA of Southwestern Ontario, stressed, “This is unique. We do have municipal partnerships all across southwestern Ontario, and we’ve learned that partnerships with municipalities are mutually beneficial.
“This is a unique model, and we hope to build on what is next in the future. We think a partnership is the right way to go, and we know that it will have long-term positive impacts in the community.
At the May 11 meeting, city council unanimously approved extending the program through until the end of this year, with an additional contribution of $63,000.
In addition, an amendment was approved to the original Memorandum of Understanding to confirm that private Swim-able lessons are eligible under the partnership.
In a report to council, Adrienne Lacey Griffin, Director of Parks and Recreation, advised members that since implementation, “The YMCA aquatics partnership has demonstrated strong and consistent community uptake across both recreational access and instructional programming.”
She provided the following stats:
· 4,148 swim passes issued to City of St. Thomas residents
· 487 swim lesson participants
· $108,133.59 in total partnership funding utilized (as of March 2026)
Lacey Griffin concluded, “Beyond maintaining access to aquatics at a relatively low cost, this partnership provides valuable data on participation and service demand, supporting evidence-based planning and informing future decisions related to facility needs, program offerings, and affordability.
“The partnership continues to serve as an interim service delivery model while council considers long-term recreation infrastructure planning, including a potential Community Recreation Centre, allowing the city to respond to current demand in a cost-effective manner.
“This program also plays a key role in reducing financial and accessibility barriers for residents, particularly for children, families, newcomers, and individuals requiring additional support.”
Written by Ian McCallum
