Become a Member

The purpose of YMCA Health, Fitness and Recreation membership is to involve children, youth, individuals and families of all backgrounds and abilities in the YMCA so that they can grow healthier in spirit, mind and body.

What Makes YMCA Membership Unique

The YMCA has an open access policy. Over 20% of our members receive financial assistance in order to participate in our programs. Children, youth and students pay reduced fees. We have partnerships with group homes and community agencies. We believe that everyone in our community should have access to the best quality facility and programs available in Sudbury, not just those who can afford the fees.

The YMCA involves volunteers at all levels. Our association is governed by a volunteer board of directors made up of YMCA members. Our program is delivered through a staff and volunteer partnership. Volunteers sit on program advisory committees. Volunteers helped to raise the money to build our facility and continue to be involved in ongoing fund raising programs. Committed people choose to give their time, talent and treasure to the YMCA because they believe in our shared mission and the value it adds to our community

YMCA membership programs are anchored in values and a strong purpose. When George Williams founded the YMCA over 150 years ago, his goal was to improve the lives of people in his community who were suffering the ills of the industrial revolution. Although the times have changed, our purpose has remained much the same. Our goal is to improve the lives of people in our community and encourage them to care about each other, respect each other, take responsibility for each other, and be honest with each other. Our YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are woven through all YMCA programs and services.

The YMCA is a leader. The list of YMCA firsts and inventions is long: in 1891 we invented basketball, in 1895 we invented volleyball, we created a national swimming program in 1910, we created a national fitness instructor certification program, we've started 3 universities in Canada, and in 1859, when education was too expensive for the average working man, we started night classes. Today YMCA works nationally with government agencies such as Health Canada, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to mount collaborative programs and initiatives. This past year over 1.6 million Canadians participated in YMCA programs.

Education, life long learning, prevention and belonging. The YMCA believes that lifelong education and prevention programs and belonging are essential to improving individual health and to creating a healthier community. We work to engage people throughout their lives. Our preschool classes, our youth swimming lessons, our employment programs for young people, our group fitness classes for adults, and aquafit classes for older adults are all examples of YMCA programs currently being offered in Sudbury.