Hundreds of people from across Canada will converge on the area for the 132nd Annual Members Meeting of YWCA Canada.
Hannah Lin, executive director of YWCA Muskoka, says it represents an investment of over $300,000 into Muskoka.
“This is more than a business meeting,” she says. “It is a forum where YWCA leaders from across Canada will make critical decisions on a national level that will impact the entire YWCA movement for years to come. It is an opportunity to share knowledge, best practices, discuss emerging trends, and to strategize on collective actions for the betterment of women’s lives.”
Lin says delegates will also visit the Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre to view the Misko-Aki exhibit.
“This is an opportunity to showcase our beautiful rural region and introduce [chief executive officers], board chairs, and special guests to the vibrant community we have here in Muskoka,” said Lin. “Community-based YWCAs play a critical role for women living in more rural areas in the country. Hosting an event of this magnitude will shine a light on that grassroots resilience and have a lasting impact on the YWCA feminist movement in Canada”.
The event is happening from June 4 to 7.
The conference will be based at the Bayview Wildwood Resort on Sparrow Lake in Severn Bridge. Some events will be hosted at the Gravenhurst Centennial Centre.
In Sept. 2023, Gravenhurst council agreed to waive the fees associated with renting the Centennial Centre’s Terry Fox Auditorium for the event.