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CTV News
4 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Former Barrie mayor celebrated at site of future YMCA
Former Barrie mayor Janice Laking attended the groundbreaking of the new YMCA on Bayview Drive. Former Barrie mayor Janice Laking was in attendance Tuesday at the site of the city's future YMCA centre on Bayview Drive, with community members gathering to honour her legacy. The 70,000-square-foot facility will feature a range of programs and services, providing opportunities for residents of all ages. 'We wouldn't have been able to do this without wonderful, generous people like Mrs. Janice Laking,' said Jill Tettmann, president and CEO YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, during the ceremony. 'Because of adults at the 'Y' believing in young people like me, I feel like I've had endless opportunities, so thank you.' Janice Laking Former Barrie mayor Janice Laking attends a groundbreaking ceremony for the new YMCA on Tues., June 24, 2025. (CTV News Barrie) Laking's daughter, Sandra Chalmers, also attended the event and spoke about her mother's long-standing connection to the YMCA. 'It was really important for us to be a part of this,' Chalmers said. 'My mom was on the committee when they first started talking about building the new 'Y' a number of years ago. The 'Y' has always been a part of our life growing up, and I know she was really keen on it getting built and providing all the opportunities that it has for people.' Laking was born and raised in Barrie and later became a school teacher at Barrie Central. She was first elected to city council in 1972 and would serve as the city's mayor from 1988 to 2000. She has since retired. The new YMCA centre is being built at 535 Bayview Drive and is slated to open in fall 2027.
CTV News
5 days ago
- General
- CTV News
ADVERTISEMENT Barrie Watch YMCA groundbreaking ceremony in Barrie Former Barrie mayor Janice Laking attended the groundbreaking of the new YMCA on Bayview Drive.
Barrie Watch Former Barrie mayor Janice Laking attended the groundbreaking of the new YMCA on Bayview Drive.
