Named after a local recreation enthusiast who lost his life in a power boating accident in 1961, the Bob Hayward Branch has been a London landmark since 1963. The Bob Hayward Branch strongly represents the YMCA of Western Ontario’s open-access policy: people from all backgrounds, beliefs and abilities benefit from our services, regardless of financial means. This age of economic uncertainty can be especially difficult for society’s most vulnerable; the Y’s services offer a lifeline that helps them maintain health and wellness and strive toward personal growth and development.

Located east of Highbury on Hamilton Road, the Bob Hayward Branch fulfills a vital community function. The services provided by the Branch have had an impact that would be impossible to measure. However, the Branch’s facilities and equipment need renewal if it is to continue to meet the needs of area residents. Based on the experiences of Y branches outside of London, we can expect this expansion and renewal to be a resounding success. For example, a similar project undertaken by the new YMCA in St. Thomas five years ago more than doubled the centre’s membership. Higher participation increases our capacity to provide the financially assisted memberships that help low-income individuals pursue full and healthy lives.

Trends at the Bob Hayward Branch show that membership is slowly declining at this important community centre; out-of-date facilities are an important factor. Data from other YMCA renovation projects across Canada show that this campaign can give the Bob Hayward Branch a renaissance that will strengthen the East London community. We look forward to a new Bob Hayward Branch that will serve some of the Londoners who need our programs the most, with ripple effects enhancing London as a whole.

Bob Hayward Branch – Fast Facts

• 3.2 M renewal and expansion
• About 85,000 Londoners live within a 10-minute drive of the facility.
• People from all walks of life use the Bob Hayward Branch, regardless of financial means.
• Accessibility is an issue for this facility; the addition of an elevator and other accessibility features will encourage Londoners of all abilities to enjoy the services of the Bob Hayward Branch.
• Proposed changes to facilities will make them safer, more current, and will include mechanical improvements.
• Expanding (over 5,000 sq. ft. of new space), reconfiguring the space (14,000 sq. ft. renovated space) and repatriating the gym will allow more individual and group fitness activities and will ensure the facility is more versatile to respond to changing needs.

Support for the Bob Hayward Branch

The projected funding need for the renewal of the Bob Hayward Branch is 3.2 million. The renewal and expansion will serve over 3,000 members and many more community participants.

Contributions to the Bob Hayward Branch campaign have the potential to enhance the fabric of London. Like all YMCA programs and services the Bob Hayward Branch helps families transition to an environment of health and strength regardless of their financial ability.

Campaign partners can lead the way in making the Bob Hayward Branch a London destination for building strong kids, strong families and a strong, inclusive London community for all.