retreiving menu...Our History
In 1981 the Kelowna Community YMCA–YWCA was established as a legally independent, charitable organization and began operating the Athans Aquatic Centre on behalf of the City of Kelowna. Since then, the YMCA-YWCA of the Central Okanagan has grown in response to community needs.
| 1983 | The Y offered the summer Backyard Pool Program. |
| 1985 | A full charter was awarded to the Kelowna Community YMCA–YWCA. |
| 1990 | The Y offered After School Programs in two Kelowna schools and one in Westbank, started a Job Finding Club and began operating the Children’s Water Park in downtown Kelowna. |
| 1991 | The Y started to operate Summer Day Camps in Rutland and Winfield. |
| 1997 | Marked the opening of our Career Contact Centre for Youth (C3) in Kelowna. |
| 2001 | The Y entered a partnership with the City to expand and manage the Kelowna Family Y. With almost 5,000 sq feet of new conditioning and weight room space, a new leisure pool with lazy river and spray features, a new membership service area, and children’s programming rooms, the new Kelowna Family Y was now a full service membership center. |
| 2002 | The Kelowna Family Y participates in CAP program funded by Industry Canada to provide internet access to the general public. |
| 2003 | Youth Activity Centre Opens at the Kelowna Family Y. |
| 2004 | YMCA-YWCA of the Central Okanagan reaches 2500 memberships. The Y includes new parenting programs - Pre-natal Wellness and Pre-teen Parenting. |
| 2005 | Relocation of our Kelowna Career Contact Centre for Youth to 575 Lawrence Ave. |
| 2006 | The Kelowna Family Y celebrates 25 years! |
| 2007 | The Y expanded childcare programs into three new elementary schools; implemented Coach Approach, an innovative approach to help people develop and maintain healthy exercise habits; and the Y’s Strong Kids Campaign raised $68,000! |
| 2008 | The Y signed agreements with the City of Kelowna to manage the new Mission Aquatic Centre and with Okanagan College to operate a childcare centre, and further developed our expansion plan for the Kelowna Family Y. |
History of the YMCA in Canada
Mission: "Dedicated to the growth of all persons in spirit, mind and body, and in a sense of responsibility to each other and the global community."
In 1851 the first North American YMCA was established in Montreal, PQ. By the time of Confederation 21 YMCA’s were functional in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes. Over the years the YMCA expanded to include physical activities, service to the poor, education and leadership initiatives. This expansion is encapsulated well in the ’Y’ triangle that unites mind, body and spirit.
History of the YWCA in Canada
Mission: "A Voice for Equality…A Strong Voice for Women"
The first Canadian YWCA was established in 1870 in Saint John, New Brunswick. By the late 19th century, YWCA’s were present in 14 communities across Canada ranging from Halifax to Victoria. In 1893 Adelaide Hoodless organized the first meeting of the YWCA associations, which resulted in the creation of a national office for what would come to be known as YWCA of Canada. Two years later in 1895, the YWCA of/du Canada became the 5th national association member to join the World YWCA. Today, the World YWCA is the largest membership—based women’s organization in the world with active participation from over 80 countries.
