Image courtesy Sean Dillon, YMCA across Southwestern Ontario

The future Chatham-Kent YMCA, depicted in these artist renderings, got an $8.8-million boost from the federal and provincial governments.

Residents of Ontario's Chatham-Kent community have reason to celebrate this holiday season, thanks to a combined $8.8-million funding commitment from the federal and provincial governments for a new YMCA facility in the area.

The pledge was announced at a December 16 press conference with MP Dave Van Kesteren (Chatham-Kent-Essex) and MPP Pat Hoy (Chatham-Kent-Essex) in attendance. Funds will be used to replace the existing Chatham-Kent YMCA with a larger facility, complete with two pools, including a warm-water leisure and therapy pool, as well as a gymnasium and fitness centre. The estimated cost of the facility is $16.75 million; with this most recent commitment, the total funds raised have reached $14.4 million.

"This is a tremendously exciting time for the YMCA and the Chatham-Kent community," says YMCA CEO, Jim Janzen. "(The community) is assured of a new YMCA that will continue to provide much-needed programs and services for generations to come."