YMCA Starts 2026 Advocacy Strong at Ontario Budget Consultation
08-01-2026
YMCA Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford began 2026 advocacy efforts with a clear message to the Province, calling for provincial investment in a new Downtown Hamilton Family YMCA during the 2026 Ontario Budget Consultation on Jan. 8 at Carmen’s Event Centre.
YMCA CEO Manny Figueiredo delivered remarks outlining the case for modern community recreation infrastructure as a fiscally responsible investment that supports health, workforce participation, downtown revitalization, and housing development.
The consultation brought together provincial leaders, including Hon. Neil Lumsden, MPP for Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, Hon. Donna Skelly, MPP for Flamborough—Glanbrook, and Bill Rosenberg, MPP for Algoma—Manitoulin, and was hosted by Michelle Cooper, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance. The room also included Hamilton business and community leaders, along with Mayor Andrea Horwath, reflecting broad interest in the city’s long-term economic and social health.
“Replacing this aging facility with a modern, purpose-built YMCA Centre of Community is the fiscally responsible infrastructure solution for Hamilton and Ontario, and it is an investment only the Province can help advance,” said Figueiredo.
In his remarks, Figueiredo emphasized that community recreation infrastructure delivers multiple outcomes through a single investment, including preventative health and wellness, licensed child care, youth intervention and employment opportunities, and a stabilizing presence in the downtown core. He also highlighted the YMCA’s role in unlocking housing development through an integrated redevelopment approach.
“A new Downtown Hamilton YMCA delivers health, child care, youth opportunity, and downtown renewal,” Figueiredo said. “Provincial investment is the critical step needed to bring this Centre of Community to life.”
The YMCA will continue discussions with the Province as the 2026 Ontario Budget is developed and will advocate for provincial funding to complement the federal government’s $25 million commitment toward the project.
A copy of the submission delivered to the Province is available here.
