Mark Your Calendars for June

June 1: Start of the new membership promo

Start of the new monthly fitness challenge

June 13: FIFA World Cup Watch Party in the Gymnasium at 4:00 p.m.

June 18: FIFA World Cup Watch Party in the Gymnasium at 7:00 p.m.

June 19: Online registration for summer programs starts at 7:00 a.m.

June 21: Last day of Spring Programs

June 22: Start of Licensed Summer Day Camps

June 24: FIFA World Cup Watch Party in the Gymnasium at 4:00 p.m.

June 29: Start of summer registered programs

Trails Coalition and YMCA Create Powerful Partnership

A new community solar project will offset carbon for Fredericton’s trails and YMCA childcare operations.

Fredericton, NB — The Fredericton Trails Coalition (FTC) and the YMCA of Fredericton are proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership that combines sustainability, community collaboration, and innovation. Together, the organizations are launching a solar energy initiative that will power a greener future for Fredericton.

The project will see the installation of a 100-kilowatt (kWh) solar array on YMCA property. This renewable energy system will generate enough clean power to offset the carbon emissions from the lighting of 4 kilometres of Fredericton’s trails, while also fully offsetting the carbon footprint of the YMCA’s Child Care Centre.

This project is supported by a $64,000 investment from the Regional Development Corporation (RDC). The YMCA of Fredericton and the Fredericton Trails Coalition extend their sincere thanks to RDC for their leadership and commitment to advancing sustainable infrastructure in New Brunswick.

Minister Gilles Lepage was excited to support the partnership and shared the following quote.
“Projects like this demonstrate how community partnerships can drive innovative solutions that benefit both the environment and residents,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LePage, who is also minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation. “By supporting this initiative, we are helping advance sustainable infrastructure while strengthening important community services in the region.”

“This is more than just a solar project,” said Darcy Delaney, CEO of the YMCA of Fredericton. “It’s a model of how two community organizations can come together to make an immediate, measurable impact on the environment while supporting healthier, more sustainable spaces for families and residents.”

Under the partnership, the YMCA will own and maintain the solar array, while the Fredericton Trails Coalition will contribute to the project’s capital funding. Both organizations will share in the energy savings and environmental benefits, furthering their shared commitment to environmental stewardship and long-term community improvement.

“This project reinforces the FTC’s commitment to active transportation and increased leisure activities on city trails,” said André Arseneault of the Trails Coalition. “As part of our mandate we support reducing the energy footprint of new projects that improve the usability and safety of our trails.”

The City of Fredericton is also a supporting partner in this project. Mayor Rogers is quoted:

“This innovative partnership between the Fredericton Trails Coalition and the YMCA is increasing trail lighting while being environmentally conscious, reflecting the collaboration and community leadership that is at the heart of Fredericton” said Mayor Kate Rogers. “This affordable and sustainable solution uses clean energy to support the City’s ongoing commitment to enhance safety and usability along Fredericton’s network of over 150km of trails.”

The solar installation—known as the Tara and Terry Community Solar Project—will be managed by local firm Epic Energy, with installation scheduled for completion by the end of May. Additional support for the project is being provided by the Trans Canada Trail and the Tara Savage Fund.

Once operational, the system is expected to significantly reduce local greenhouse gas emissions while serving as a public demonstration of Fredericton’s

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR MAY!

May 1: Start of the monthly fitness challenge

May 8, 9 & 10: Bronze Cross Course

May 13: Fredericton YMCA Endowment Fund AGM 5:00 p.m.| Singhal Room inside 570 York St.

May 16: No Registered Programs

May 17: No Registered Programs

May 18: Victoria Day | Holiday Hours | 570 York St. open 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Fredericton

North YMCA is CLOSED | No Registered Programs

May 25: Annual General Meeting 6:30 p.m.| Jones Room inside 570 York St.

May 30: Healthy Kids Day 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

All members of the YMCA of Fredericton are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting on Monday, May 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the Jones Room.

Light refreshments will be served.

Please R.S.V.P. by following this link here. 

Statement from YMCA Fredericton CEO Darcy Delaney
Regarding Online Discourse on Fredericton Aquatic Infrastructure

The decision by Fredericton City Council on March 9 to decline an additional $1M annual funding request from the President of UNB has sparked significant online discussion about the current state of aquatics infrastructure in our region. Within that discussion, one online post referred to the YMCA as “the Y…members only. In no position to absorb the FAST swim organization, the Silver Dolphins,” and other groups. While I do not believe the author intended to disparage the YMCA, the statement does present an opportunity to clarify the role our organization plays in the community.

The YMCA is not a “members only” organization. Many of our programs and services are available to the general public. Some are offered for a fee and others free of charge. Our membership model helps share the operational cost of running our facilities, and in return members enjoy access to a broad range of aquatics opportunities including aquacise, lane swims, open swims, swim lessons, and advanced aquatics courses. Our membership rates remain competitive when compared with other recreation and wellness facilities.

Today, more than 6,000 people in our region are members of the YMCA, represented by a duly elected volunteer board of directors. Importantly, more than 16 percent of those members receive some form of financial assistance to support their participation. The YMCA does not receive municipal operating subsidies or funding for membership assistance. As a registered charity, we raise funds through donations and community support to ensure people can access important aquatics, wellness, social, and recreational programs. In 2025 alone, the Fredericton YMCA provided more than $500,000 in community support through subsidized memberships, reduced camp fees, and free programming for individuals and families who might otherwise face barriers to participation.

In 2023 our membership supported a long-term building condition assessment for our facility to ensure our infrastructure and building envelope are maintained well beyond their expected life cycle. This type of stewardship is made possible through the commitment of our members. In 2025 our membership also funded a feasibility study exploring the addition of a new pool at our York Street YMCA location. The results of that study were positive. However, a capital project of that scale is beyond what our YMCA can undertake on its own.

I do agree with the author of the post on one important point: the YMCA is not in a position to absorb multiple competitive swim organizations within our current facility. Our aquatics centre was designed to operate sustainably within the capacity of our membership.

That said, when the SMA pool closed indefinitely in September 2025 and the Fredericton Indoor Pool closed at the same time for roof repairs, the YMCA and our team worked quickly to adjust operations to support as many swimmers and organizations as possible. Our members accepted temporary disruptions so we could welcome swimmers from UNB Reds, FAST, Fredericton Artistic Swimming, as well as lane swimmers and aquacise participants from the closed pools. We also invited the

Fredericton YMCA Celebrates Successful Ignite the Future Campaign, Establishing $750,000 Endowed Youth Impact Fund

Fredericton, NB

The Fredericton YMCA Endowment Fund is celebrating the success of its Ignite the Future campaign, which raised $750,000 to establish the J.T. Clark Family Foundation Youth Impact Fund. This permanent endowment will provide sustainable, annual funding for Youth Access memberships for generations to come.

Launched in September 2025, Ignite the Future was created to ensure that no child or youth would be turned away from the YMCA due to financial barriers. Through the leadership of the Fredericton YMCA Endowment Fund Board, community donors, and a transformational matching gift from the J.T. Clark Family Foundation, the campaign exceeded its goal and created a lasting source of support for children and youth.

“This campaign was about more than fundraising,” said Darcy Delaney, President and CEO of the Fredericton YMCA. “It showed what is possible when a community turns shared values into action.”

The J.T. Clark Family Foundation matched $250,000 raised by the Fredericton YMCA Endowment Fund, helping to establish the J.T. Clark Family Foundation Youth Impact Fund.

“The Clark family’s connection to the YMCA spans five generations,” said John T. Clark Sr., Chairman Emeritus of the J.T. Clark Family Foundation. “Supporting this fund was about investing in the future of our community.”

The Youth Impact Fund will provide ongoing support for Youth Access memberships, ensuring more than 90 children and youth each year can access YMCA programs that promote belonging, wellbeing, and leadership.

Peter Clark, Chair of the Fredericton YMCA Endowment Fund Board, noted the long term impact of the campaign.

“Endowment funds are about permanence,” said Clark. “This investment ensures the YMCA can continue removing barriers for youth—not just today, but for generations to come.”

For more information about the Fredericton YMCA or the Youth Impact Fund, visit https://fredericton.ymca.ca.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Kearns
Director of Development

Fredericton YMCA

Email: elizabeth.kearns@ymcafredericton.org
Phone: 506-440-8474

Mark Your Calendars for February

February 1: Start of the Monthly Fitness Challenge

February 12: Ignite the Future Campaign Celebration | M&M Studio | 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

February 16: Family Day Event| 570 York St.| 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Holiday Hours | 570 York St. | 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Fredericton North YMCA | CLOSED

February 17: Random Acts of Kindness Day

February 25: Pink Shirt Day

February 28: Strong Communities Breakfast | Willie O’Ree Place | 8:00 – 10:30 a.m.

February 28: Babysitter Training Course | 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

YMCA of Fredericton Launches $250,000 Ignite The Future Campaign

FREDERICTON, NB — The YMCA of Fredericton has officially launched its Ignite the Future campaign, an exciting initiative to raise $250,000 to establish an endowed fund to ensure that no child or youth is turned away from the Fredericton YMCA.

This campaign will raise funds to provide perpetual support, reaching children and youth in the Fredericton region for generations to come.

The YMCA provides no-cost memberships to more than 350 children and youth who face difficult life circumstances and could benefit from belonging at the YMCA, but do not have the funds to pay for a membership.

“At the YMCA, we believe in the potential of every young person,” said Darcy Delaney, President & CEO of the YMCA of Fredericton. “Each year we are seeing a steady increase in requests for help. With growing requests for support and economic uncertainty, the need is urgent. This campaign is about more than raising money—it is about removing barriers and opening doors. Every donation helps give youth a chance to learn, grow, and belong, not only today, but for generations to come.”

The campaign officially launched with a community event on September 15, 2025, bringing together supporters, partners, and local leaders. A highlight of the launch was the announcement of a generous matching gift from the J.T. Clark Family Foundation. Every dollar donated until December 15 will be matched once the campaign reaches $250,000 in donations, unlocking an additional $250,000 and doubling the impact.

“We are proud to support the YMCA’s efforts to strengthen the well-being of children and youth in the Fredericton region,” said Cynthia Clark, Board Member, J.T. Clark Family Foundation. “By initiating this donation matching challenge, we are encouraging others in the community to join us in investing in the future of our young people.”

This campaign is being led by the Fredericton YMCA Endowment Fund, which exists to ensure long-term sustainability of the YMCA and to further the mission of the Y for generations to come.

“The Endowment Fund was established to ensure the YMCA’s long-term future,” said Peter Clark, Board Chair of the Fredericton YMCA Endowment Fund. “This campaign takes that commitment a step further, investing in the next generation — our youth, who embody the spirit, strength, and promise of our community. We are profoundly thankful to everyone joining us in the campaign to bring this vision to life.”

With this campaign, the YMCA of Fredericton is calling on individuals, families, and businesses to join in building a stronger, healthier, and more equitable future for local children and youth. If you would like to donate, please follow this link here. 

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Kearns
Director of Development YMCA of Fredericton
Phone: 506-462-3000 ext. 105
Email: Elizabeth.kearns@ymcafredericton.org 

Viability Analysis Supports New Aquatics Centre at YMCA

Fredericton, NB – Sept. 8, 2025 – The YMCA of Fredericton has taken an important step forward in addressing the region’s growing need for modern aquatic facilities. A recently completed viability analysis, conducted by EXP, confirms strong community demand and financial feasibility for a new Aquatics Centre.

The study highlights that the existing infrastructure at the Y can support the proposed addition of 16 lanes of 25m swimming. A new YMCA Aquatics Centre would provide a modern, inclusive, and accessible space designed to serve children, families, seniors, and individuals of all abilities.

“This report reaffirms what our community has been telling us for years—Fredericton needs expanded and upgraded aquatic facilities,” said Darcy Delaney, CEO of the YMCA of Fredericton. “The YMCA has a long history of providing safe, welcoming spaces for people to connect, grow, and thrive. A new Aquatics Centre will ensure we can continue to deliver on that promise and important swimming and lifesaving programs for generations to come.”

Key Findings of the Viability Analysis (EXP Engineering):

• The proposed new pool will provide 16 lanes of 25-metre swimming, ensuring capacity to meet both current and future aquatics demand across the Capital Region.
• A moveable bulkhead will also provide for 50m swimming when required for training or competitions.
• The YMCA’s existing infrastructure — including locker rooms and parking lots — can accommodate the planned expansion.
• The YMCA has the best talent pool and operations team in place to successfully manage and sustain the additional pool as part of the proposed YMCA Aqua-Plex.
• The 2 existing pools (a therapy tank and 4 lane 25m pool) will remain open and operational as part of the Aqua-Plex concept.

EXP has provided the YMCA with a proposal to design the additional aquatics facility which is the next step in bringing this long-awaited community resource to reality. The YMCA will begin engaging with stakeholders, government partners, and community members to discuss next steps in making the Aquatics Centre a reality

Background

For more than a decade, the City of Fredericton/ Capital Region has faced challenges in advancing a regional aquatics centre project. Despite widespread recognition of the community’s need, progress has been delayed by competing priorities and funding complexities. The YMCA’s viability analysis, conducted by EXP Engineering, provides renewed momentum and a clear path forward, positioning the organization to lead in bringing this long-awaited vision to life.

For more information, please contact:

Darcy Delaney
YMCA of Fredericton
Tel: 506-462-3000 x 113
Email: darcy.delaney@ymcafredericton.org