ORILLIA MUSEUM OF ART & HISTORY
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The Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH) History Committee is pleased to celebrate history by featuring articles from guest writers, history buffs and historians who share a passion for our local history. Guest contributor and local historian Dave Town has written a number of books about our storied past.
On August 5, 2020 there was a shocking announcement to many: the Orillia YMCA would be closing.
When asked to write a piece about our local history, Dave responded, “As we approach the one-year anniversary of the YMCA closing in Orillia, I think it is insightful to see what the Y did for Orillia from a historical perspective.”
The Y has meant a lot in the life of Dave Town. A lifelong member, he paid homage to this venerable institution when he chronicled the history of the Y and its impact on the city in his book, Building Character, Stories from Orillia’s Remarkable YMCA.
The Young Men’s Christian Association (the Y) had been a mainstay in Orillia since 1900, when like in other communities, it started as a social service institution.
By 1906 it had built the facility on 18 Peter St. N. in downtown Orillia. It expanded and added a pool five years later. In 1985, it moved to the larger more modern facility at 300 Peter Street North, that is now closed.
Over the years the Orillia Y delivered programs far beyond the fitness centre everyone thought the Y was all about today.
As we approach the one-year anniversary of the closing of the Orillia YMCA, Dave reflects on what the YMCA did for the city from a historical perspective.
“You never know what you’ve lost ‘til it’s gone.” – local historian, Dave Town
Click here to share in Dave’s opinions and insights about the vast and varied contributions the Orillia Y provided in its history.
Dave’s book Building Character, Stories from Orillia’s Remarkable YMCA is available in the OMAH Shop, Click here to place an order.
