News

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation – Monday, September 30

The following statement refers to the Indian Residential School System. A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for residential school Survivors and others affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419.

September 30, 2024 is the fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as well as Orange Shirt Day. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours the thousands of Indigenous children lost to the residential school system, Survivors, and their communities. Orange Shirt Day was initiated by Phyllis Webstad sharing her experiences as a residential school Survivor. On this day, we are called on to engage in learning and dialogue about the colonial violence enacted by the state and church-run residential school system, and its ongoing intergenerational and community harm. Both dates also invite genuine commitment to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls for Action.

Today, YMCA Canada wishes to express solidarity with Indigenous communities, and reflect upon our ongoing need to engage in a process of Truth and Reconciliation. We continue to mourn and bear witness as more unmarked graves are recovered across Canada. We want to acknowledge the pain that each recovery means for Indigenous communities, including Indigenous YMCA staff, volunteers, and members.

This National Day of Reconciliation, YMCA Canada encourages all non-Indigenous individuals and organizations to act in solidarity with Indigenous communities, including our own leadership, staff, volunteers, and members. The process of reconciliation requires that non-Indigenous individuals and settler-led Institutions recognize and reflect upon their ongoing responsibilities to the Indigenous nations of the land. This work must be done not just today, but every day.

Hours of Operation

YMCA – 570 York Street: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Fredericton North YMCA: CLOSED

There will be NO registered programs and NO Group Fitness Classes on Monday, September 30.

List of Local Events for Truth & Reconciliation

Information Session About the YMCA Ignite Swim Team

Welcome to the inaugural season of the Fredericton YMCA Ignite Swim Team. The goal of our “competitive” swim program is to provide young swimmers an opportunity to develop friendships and personal character strengths through training and competing in the 4 standard swimming strokes.

We invite all swimmers in ages 7 – 12 who have participated in developmental swim lessons to join our fun, engaging and at times challenging program which will include multiple training sessions each week, and opportunities to race in the pool. Please note, our application to be an affiliated partner of Swim NB is currently under review. Once affiliated, our swimmers will have opportunities to participate in local and regional swim meets.

Being part of Ignite is a commitment for swimmers and for families. The swim season runs from September to June each year and parents will be encouraged to participate as team volunteers at events and meets. Ignite swimmers will be entitled to all of the benefits that accompany their YMCA membership, such as drop in programs, additional youth programs and access to lane swims and gyms depending on their age.

We will be hosting two information sessions for interested families:

September 4 & 5 at 6:00pm at the YMCA (570 York Street)

You may have noticed that the heat and humidity in our YMCA at 570 York Street has been higher than normal during the recent heat wave. During the previous heat wave in June we had a motor failure on one of our air handling units. That motor will be replaced next week. The installation of the new air handling motor will require a crane on site. The location of the crane is to be determined by the contractor and may impact a small area of the parking lot area. Thank you for your patience as we await the new air handling equipment.

Since July 2020, the Fredericton YMCA has operated a weekly draw with a progressive 50/50 jackpot, which is currently hosted by All Nations Charity. This week we received word that All Nations Charity will be closing.

For three and a half years, this jackpot draw has helped the YMCA to raise almost $50,000 for our Strong Communities Campaign.  Because of this initiative, the YMCA has been able to improve and enrich the lives of children, youth, families, adults and seniors by providing membership assistance so finances are not a barrier to learning to swim, playing on a basketball team, participating in a fitness class, or improving their overall health. We are very grateful for all those who purchased tickets each week for the jackpot draw, which has helped the YMCA to make a difference.  Thank you for your support.

On Friday, February 9, 2024 we will have our final draw. At this draw date, all future purchases will be moved into one final 50/50 draw.  If you have purchased tickets in advance, all your draws will be placed in this final draw as unique draws. By purchasing tickets, users agree to the terms of the draw, which include no refunds on current or future purchases.  All tickets purchased will be converted into the final draw, which will have a BIG jackpot!

If you have any questions, please reach out to Elizabeth Kearns, Director of Development  Elizabeth.kearns@ymcafredericton.org.

Thank you again for supporting the YMCA through the weekly jackpot draws and providing the opportunity for everyone in Fredericton to belong at your Y.

Sincerely,

Darcy Delaney, President & CEO

Fredericton YMCA

January 25, 2024

YMCA to Re-open Northside Location

The YMCA of Fredericton is a place where everyone can be connected and feel a sense of belonging. The YMCA is a charity that believes that everyone should have the opportunity to reach their full potential through the development of a healthy body, mind and spirit.

With outreach as a strategic priority of the YMCA of Fredericton and a significant number of Frederictonians calling Northside home, it is critical that the YMCA have a physical presence on the city’s Northside to help reach unserved and existing YMCA members. The YMCA is uniquely positioned to support all members of our community. Through collaborative partnerships, innovative program solutions and a modern and welcoming centre, we offer every person in our community an opportunity to belong with the Y.

Keeping the mission of the YMCA as a focal point of the reopening of the Fredericton North YMCA, the facility will be an innovative approach that offers a hybrid model of training which will appeal to a wide range of new and existing members.  Whether you are a general fitness enthusiast or an elite athlete, this wellness centre will support your goals.  The general design of the wellness centre is divided into eight sections, each focusing on a specific area of physical performance.  There will also be a section with couches and a television, which provides a space for coaching and also a place for members to socialize and build connections.  Recognizing that the YMCA is more than a gym, this renewed space will serve as a hub to further the mission and expand the reach of the Y in Fredericton. Please note that there will be NO fitness classes at Fredericton YMCA North, but you are always welcome to join classes at 570 York Street.

“As a YMCA member for over 12 years who lives and works on the northside, I will appreciate having two facilities to choose from.”   -Karen Grant

The YMCA will be able to partner with community groups and local sports teams to provide a space for team training. The Fredericton North YMCA will also be a benefit to existing Y members, as access to this location will also be included in their YMCA membership.

We firmly believe that through the support of the community we can create a positive impact and bring about meaningful change in Fredericton. We look forward to welcoming you to the Fredericton North YMCA, located in Willie O’Ree Place, in February 2024.

Darcy Delaney
President and CEO, Fredericton YMCA

For information about naming opportunities or to make a donation to support the Fredericton North YMCA, please contact Elizabeth Kearns, Director of Development Elizabeth.Kearns@ymcafredericton.org

For information about membership, please contact Wayne Warren, Manager of Membership services Wayne.Warren@ymcafredericton.org

For employment opportunities, visit https://fredericton.ymca.ca/jobs/northside-wellness-specialist/

For all other inquiries, please contact Mat Stever, Director of Wellness, Aquatics & Membership mat.stever@ymcafredericton.org

Dear YMCA Members,

I am writing to you to announce some important changes that will be coming to the YMCA in the near future. As you have likely observed, our facility at 570 York Street has been seeing a nice increase in attendance and usage by our membership. The additional traffic puts pressure on some of the equipment and space that we have available, while leaving some amenities underutilized. As such, we have been surveying use of space and community interests in our offerings at the YMCA. It brings me great excitement to share the following investments and changes that will take effect in the near future.

• December 2023 – We will be opening our inflatable Aqua Park features for Weekend Family Swims, Child Care programs, Holidays and Special Events. Updates to the aquatics schedule will reflect the availability of the aqua park.
• February 2024 – We will be opening the Fredericton North YMCA at Willie O’Ree Place. Your current membership will provides full access to a second location in the city featuring brand new equipment, and some additional functional training equipment.
• March 2024 – We will permanently close Squash Court #1 and convert the space to an Indoor Play Space for children and youth. The space will include a brand new 4 level play structure and some of the current gym tots equipment. The space will be used by YMCA Child Care, After School programs and Members during Open Periods. Drop-In Guests will be able to participate in Open periods as well. Squash Court #2 will remain open for member use but may be temporarily closed during a 12 day construction period from March 27- April 8. Please follow the regular booking process for the squash court.
• March 2024 – The M&M Studio will be used exclusively for Group Fitness, Wellness Programs and Stretch. All Gym tots and Child Care activities will be located in the new Indoor Play Space.

All of these decisions reflect the significant work that is being done by the YMCA team and Volunteer Board of Directors to ensure we maximize the use of space, opportunity for memberships engagement and community development.

As always, your feedback questions and concerns are welcome so feel free to drop me a line.

With sincere gratitude,

Darcy Delaney – President and CEO

darcy.delaney@ymcafredericton.org

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Saturday, September 30

Please note that the YMCA will be open from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and there will be NO registered programs and NO Group Fitness classes on this day. Please visit us online here for the pool schedule. 

The YMCA will resume regular hours on Sunday, October 1 & Monday, October 2 and all registered programs and group fitness classes will run as usual.

YMCA Statement for National Day for Truth and Reconcilation 2023

Volunteer Opportunity – Join the YMCA Endowment Board

Are you looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity? If you have a background in accounting or financial management, you will be an incredible asset to the board. The role of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) for the Endowment Fund is to provide leadership and oversight of the activities of the Fredericton YMCA Endowment Fund Inc. (the “Fund”). The purpose of the Fredericton YMCA Endowment Fund Inc. is to grow and invest funds. The investment returns will provide for the future growth and stability of the Fredericton YMCA, and to further the mission of the Fredericton YMCA.

Apply Now!