YMCA Barrie

The new Barrie YMCA is a vibrant community hub thoughtfully integrated into an existing parking lot. Its welcoming patterned entry plaza features custom seating with large timbers reminiscent of Muskoka docks, evoking the region’s natural character. Native plantings—98% of the total—are arranged in the new perennial style, with large feature boulders defining the design edges and enhancing ecological texture.

A woodland courtyard garden with trembling aspens and ferns offers a peaceful retreat, visible from both the entrance and within the building. The space invites quiet reflection: the scent of ferns, rustling leaves, and shifting light create a calming, immersive experience. Natural textures underfoot and birdsong overhead deepen the connection to nature.

Outdoor childcare and gathering plazas encourage play and connection, with a playful trail winding through lush plantings that support exploration and social interaction. Existing biomass has been retained to support future habitat development and ecological continuity, while nesting bee habitats are integrated throughout to promote pollinator health and biodiversity.

The youth hub includes tiered seating and a half basketball court with a custom-colored surface and inspirational quotes. Together, these elements create a dynamic, inclusive, and ecologically rich landscape that fosters wellness, learning, and community engagement.