History

What would our community look like without a YMCA?

Go back to 1868. That is the year that the YMCA movement started to operate in the Border Cities area. The first Windsor YMCA was formed under President Alexander Bartlett on Riverside Drive.

Over the last 140 years we have been a leader in our community. Our core business has been to help individuals stay or become healthy. We give individuals the tools and opportunities to grow as leaders. We have provided direction, support, and safe haven for new comers to our community.

In 1925 our association was the first in the world to operate a combined YMCA and YWCA.

From 1939-1945 the YMCA and YWCA supported the servicemen who were stationed in the Windsor area.

In 1948 the YMCA started the New Canadians program to assist individuals new to Canada.

In 1950’s and 1960’s we were the community centre for many of Windsor’s families.

In 1975 we opened a New Health, Fitness, and Recreation centre. This centre was designed to meet the emerging needs of our community.

In 1993 we expanded our Health, Fitness, and Recreation centre to ensure our facilities continued to be relevant to our communities needs.

In 2009 we renovated our program area serving programs for New Canadians

In 2010 we opened our first of three licensed child care centers in Windsor

Now as an association we have evolved to not just meet the needs of our downtown community but to meet the needs of our growing county communities. We offer community programs in over 12 communities now serving over 10 000 individuals a year.

The YMCA continues to have something for all, something for you. The YMCA is strong, vibrant, and making a difference.