Igniting Lasting Personal and Social Change
The YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. At our core, we are passionate about creating opportunities and continuously advancing the well-being of the communities we serve. We do this by developing healthy and successful people who in turn create a positive impact in their local neighborhoods. Members can help support this work by giving at ywinnipeg.ca/donate.
About Your Membership
Your membership sparks meaningful change within yourself, and in your community too. Your support can change lives and create opportunities, while helping you connect with others and build a healthy lifestyle.
As a member, you can participate as often as you want in our drop-in health and fitness programs, and registered kids’ land classes, plus you get exclusive access to swimming lessons! More details about how to make the most of your membership are detailed below and in your Member Handbook.
Using Your Membership
Enjoy access to all four locations plus participating YMCAs worldwide.
Members 9 and up* can enjoy access to our fitness centres with top-of-the-line equipment which may include: TRX®, SPIVI Cycle Studios, and our exclusive EGYM® smart circuit. Amenities and equipment varies by location. Aquatic centre access includes hot tubs and steam rooms.
*Children ages 9 to 12 must complete a complimentary Youth Fitness Orientation with a parent. After the session, youth get a shoe tag allowing them to use the fitness centre with supervision by the parent who attended the orientation. The 30-minute session covers essential training principles, equipment and exercises suited for youth, how to use the equipment and what is expected in the fitness centre. To book a Youth Fitness Orientation, call your community hub location or visit the Membership Services desk.
Free parking is available at all community hub locations.
If using our Downtown Y you are eligible for up to 2 consecutive hours of free parking per day* in the parkade under the Portage Place Shopping Mall. Take note of your license plate number (do not pay at the parking stations) and register your plate at our Membership Services desk.
*Street parking and outside lots are not included. You must be using the Downtown Y facilities to qualify for free parking. Y Winnipeg members are responsible for any additional costs associated with parking past the 2-hour daily maximum as well as any parking tickets and/or tows.
Group Exercise Classes
With land and aquatic group classes at all four locations and something for all fitness levels – you are sure to find your way to move! Classes are included with your membership. Non-member guests can attend drop-in classes when paying the drop-in fee. See class schedules and descriptions online.
FitME or FitME Youth
FitME and FitME Youth (for ages 9-12 years) are complimentary one-on-one training sessions with a trained fitness staff member who will recommend an exercise routine to fit your personal goals. For FitME Youth, a member of our fitness staff will connect with both the parent and youth to discuss fitness goals, availability and of course, any health concerns. From this, a plan will be recommended that is safe, effective and age-appropriate. An in-person session will be booked where our fitness staff will guide the youth member and parent through the plan and answer any questions or concerns. Book your FitME session or find out more.
Registered Kids’ Programs
Our registered programs are available seasonally. From gymnastics and karate to basketball and kids’ gym programs, we offer a range of options included with your membership. Families can also find all levels of swimming lessons, from the first introduction to the water, all the way to advanced levels. Swim lesson registration is available exclusively to members on a seasonal basis for an added fee per child per session. The additional swim lesson fee is part of our commitment to providing children and families with a quality experience. We aim to increase lesson and pool availability by reinvesting in our aquatic programs to retain qualified aquatic staff with fair and competitive wages and to increase training programs to certify more swim instructors and lifeguards. Find upcoming registration dates and links.
Babysitting
Kids will have fun playing while you exercise, and parents can enjoy peace of mind knowing their children are in a safe environment. Our well-trained staff, volunteers and supervisors are certified in First Aid and CPR. Babysitting is offered for a flat rate fee per child. Enjoy care for up to three hours for children 3 months to 12 years-old while using select branch locations. Drop-ins by member and non-member families are welcome (space permitting). Members can reserve a space by registering online up to 48-hours in advance.
Additional Services
Fees apply.
On the 7th day of every month, Y Members are invited to bring a guest FREE! Guests will have access to the fitness centres, drop-in programs, open gym, open swim and all fitness classes for the day. Registered programs not included with guest access.
We love our members and never want to see you leave. However, our no commitment memberships allow you flexibility to change your membership status when needed.
Holds
Membership fees will automatically resume on your specified return date or after the 90-day maximum is reached. You may choose to return at any time in the 90 days by paying a prorated membership fee based on your return date. Email us at [email protected] or visit the Membership Services desk to put your membership on hold.
Cancellations
You must give notice of cancellation seven (7) days before the next debit is scheduled by registered mail, fax, email or personal delivery using the contact information below. Payments are non-refundable and YMCA-YWCA does not provide refunds or credits for any partial membership periods following notice of cancellation. A membership that has lapsed for 90+ days is considered a new membership and is subject to applicable join fees. Email us at [email protected] or visit the Membership Services desk to cancel your membership.
Age Categories
Individuals over the maximum defined category age range will be moved to the next category and corresponding biweekly fee on the next payment date after their birth date.
Member Agreement
See our standard Membership Agreement and Conditions of Membership. To see a copy of your signed agreement, log in to your ActiveNet Online Services account. Click My Account in the menu at ywinnipeg.ca to visit Online Services. Click Sign In to log in. On your home screen, beneath your name and address, there will be a link that says Waivers. Click this link to see your signed agreement. You are required to have an email on your member account to access Online Services. Visit the Membership Services desk or email [email protected] to provide an email.
ActiveNet Online Services
As a member, you already have an Online Services account with us. Your account allows you to manage payment details online, sign you and your family up for registered programs, pre-book babysitting, or buy virtual gift cards. Click My Account in the menu to visit Online Services. Click Sign In to log in. If you have an email on your account but did not receive an email invitation to set up your password, click “Forgot your password?” to get started.
It is important to keep the email on your account current so we can send you a link to reset your password if you ever forget it. If you do not have an email on account, visit the Membership Services desk or email [email protected] to provide an email. If you have your Online Services account set up, you can update your contact information online by clicking Manage Family Member on the sidebar of your home screen and then clicking edit Information next to your name (or the name of a family member).
All communication regarding memberships, programs, events, closures, services and more are sent via email to the address on the membership file. Please ensure we have your current email in order to stay up to date with member news and have access to all our digital services.
Follow us on Facebook or on Instagram for more. General inquiries sent via direct message will be answered during regular office hours.
Safety is our top priority. The YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg meets all YMCA Canada safety standards with respect to injury prevention, emergency response and child protection.
- Staff are trained in CPR and first aid.
- AEDs and first aid kits available on site and staff are trained to use them.
- Robust emergency response plans prepare our team to respond in the event of fire, threatening or violent behaviour, or other safety threat.
- Exercise staff, Swim Instructors and Lifeguards are certified and have on-going education.
- Lifeguards are on duty when the pool is open.
- Child Protection Standards – All staff complete mandatory annual child protection training. All staff and volunteers must complete a criminal record check and vulnerable sector check when applying to work with us.
- A supervisor is on duty at all times to address any concerns and lead emergency action plans.
While YMCA-YWCA staff and instructors make every reasonable effort to minimize risks, we recommend that you consult with your physician before participating in any fitness program, and/or using any fitness equipment or facilities, especially if you are new to exercise. YMCA-YWCA staff, instructors and volunteers are not licensed health care providers and have no expertise in determining the effect of any specific program such as an exercise program, or use of equipment on a medical condition. Participating in programs and/or using any fitness equipment or facilities, is done so at your own risk.
Code of Conduct/Rules:
The Y is a shared experience for everyone to enjoy. Each of us can make it better for all by being considerate of others. Members, participants, staff and volunteers pledge to treat one another and the facilities and equipment with respect and dignity. Me
As a member of the YMCA-YWCA, I will:
- Respect that cell phone use in locker room is prohibited for the privacy and safety of all members and staff.
- Remember to lock my locker while I am in the facility and remove my belongings and lock/membership card when I leave each day.
- Respect that only children 5 years of age and under may accompany parents of the opposite sex into men’s or women’s locker rooms.
- Refrain from shaving or brushing teeth in shower area.
- Act honestly and responsibly.
- Show respect to others.
- Keep food and glass bottles out of the locker room.
As a member of the YMCA-YWCA, I will:
- Wear appropriate workout attire including shirt and running shoes for indoor use.
- Wipe down equipment after use.
- Keep food in the main lobby and use a water bottle.
- Put coats, outdoor shoes and gym bags in a locker.
- Respect the 30-minute time limit of all cardio equipment.
- Be respectful of all equipment, avoid dropping weights and rack them after use.
- Keep children 8 years and under out of the Fitness Centre for safety reasons.
- Attend a Youth Fitness Orientation with child members between the ages of 9-12 years before allowing them to access the fitness centre, provide supervision during all use after the orientation and ensure children who’ve completed the orientation are wearing the shoe tag provided.
- Be respectful of other members.
- Refrain from engaging in play hazardous to other persons or the facility.
Gymnasium and Other Areas
As a member of the YMCA-YWCA, I will:
- Put coats, outdoor shoes and gym bags in a locker.
- Not hang from basketball hoops.
- Use climbing wall only under the supervision of trained YMCA-YWCA staff.
- Be respectful of programs that may be running on the opposite side of the gymnasium.
- Keep food in the main lobby.
WARNING – Some of our pools have moveable floors. See electronic sign for current depth.
As a member of the YMCA-YWCA, I will:
- Shower before entering pool.
- Keep shoes out of the shower area and dry off before re-entering the changeroom.
- Refrain from wearing outdoor shoes while on pool deck
- Keep glass containers away from the pool area.
- Not enter the water if I am infected with a communicable disease or have open sores.
- Ensure children in my care demonstrate appropriate swimming ability to a Lifeguard before entering deep water.
- Keep children 7 years and under in my care within arms reach with one parent/caregiver/guardian supervising a maximum of four children.
- Adequately supervise children aged 12 years and under.
- Ensure children who are not toilet trained wear a swim diaper.
- Consult a Physician before using the hot tub or sauna if I am pregnant, have history of heart disease, stroke or high blood pressure.
- Keep hair restrained or tied up to minimize the risk of becoming caught in the equipment.
- Not engage in play hazardous to other persons in and around the pool or facility.
- Be respectful of all equipment, other members and lifeguards.
Waterslide Use
As a member of the YMCA-YWCA, I will:
- Use waterslides according to the scheduled times and by following the posted guidelines found on pool deck.
- Ensure children under 8 wear a life jacket while using water slides and children under 7 are accompanied by an adult on the slides.
NOTE: Our commitment to the care and upkeep of our facilities is an important part of ensuring safe spaces for all to enjoy. This may result in temporary interruptions in service or access to specific areas/equipment, such as the pool.
For the safety and privacy of all users, the use of photo and or video is strictly prohibited in change/locker rooms, washrooms, and throughout the aquatics centre and other areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Photos and or videos are permitted in public areas of the facility; however they must not capture other members, visitors, or staff without their knowledge and verbal consent. Parental consent is required for all individuals under the age of 18.
We reserve the right to permanently or temporarily discontinue membership privileges for any of the following reasons:
- Inappropriate and/or disrespectful behaviour at the discretion of management.
- Intentional misuse, destruction or theft of equipment or property.
- Failure to follow proper safety practices and precautions or any membership/facility policies or procedures.
- Fighting on property.
- Use of profanity.
- Unauthorized possession of alcohol on property.
- Possession of illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia.
- Smoking or use of tobacco products on property.
- Failure to pay membership fees or outstanding payment for any service.