New lab space at downtown library to focus on 'complex' social problems

A new community impact lab space at the Barrie Public Library’s downtown branch was officially launched this morning by Georgian College and the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. 

This collaborative effort aims to create dedicated space for community members to come together, innovate and build sustainable ideas that enhance community well-being and foster a sense of belonging.

“At the heart of this is a commitment to understand the needs of our community,” said Jill Tettmann, chief executive officer with YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. “Now is the time for planning not just for now, but for the future.”

“We have some complex problems in our communities, so we need to work together at the grass roots,” said Georgian College president and CEO Kevin Weaver. “I can’t wait to see the innovative ideas.”

Barrie Public Library CEO Lauren Jessop said the downtown branch, located on Worsley Street, is a good spot for community impact lab space.

“Public libraries are a real key driver in building this sense of belonging,” she said.

The community impact lab, which is open to the public, is part of the Future of Belonging project, a collaboration between Georgian and the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. 

The Future of Belonging project aims to further explore and enhance a sense of community belonging across the region, through creative approaches and active community participation.

The lab will focus on promoting community engagement, supporting local innovations and boosting the overall well-being of community members.

Also at Tuesday’s event, a new insight report was released by Georgian College and the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. This report provides insight, highlights key findings and recommendations to guide future efforts.

For example, it notes that 35 strategic plans of local organizations were reviewed and most expire during the next two to three years, providing an opportunity to develop new tools and approaches for these plans across Simcoe-Muskoka.

“Our project has highlighted a critical need for a community-based ecosystem that boosts local capacity for innovative and equitable solutions,” said Pamela Marck, the YMCA’s vice-president of brand experience and strategic initiatives. “Insights from our first year of data collection and engagement reveal key challenges related to belonging, well-being and economic development.”

The Future of Belonging project was created based on a shared commitment to address the complex, socio-economic challenges faced by groups such as 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, newcomers to Canada and racialized people.

This initiative aims to explore how community organizations like the YMCA can better serve and remain relevant to the evolving needs of groups deserving equity, and the broader community.

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