About

Whether you are looking to improve your fitness, find high-quality licensed child care, make memorable experiences for your family or children, or look for support as a newcomer to Canada, the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA is ready to help! It all starts here.

Our History

The first Canadian YMCA was founded in 1851 in Montreal. Since that day, YMCAs across the country have proudly been serving people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities in Canada. Throughout the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA, vital programs and services continue to be delivered over 150 years later.

Our vision, our mission and values reflect the aspirations of the communities we serve and the rich history and service of the YMCA over the past 160 years in Canada. From all over Ontario and Canada, the communities we are in are each a distinct part of who we are and what we achieve.

Our Vision

A connected YMCA for a healthier Sault Ste Marie.

Our Mission

The Sault Ste. Marie YMCA is a charitable organization that promotes the development of spirit, mind and body by encouraging healthy lifestyles, personal growth and service to the community.

Our Values

Values are cornerstones that make our society safe and workable. They are the principles of thought and conduct that help distinguish right from wrong and provide a foundation for decision making. Values, which are sometimes referred to as character, are the basis of who we are, how we live and how we treat others. The values we try to impart at the YMCA, through character development, are the following six “Core Values”.

CARING: Acting with compassion and concern for the well-being of others.

HONESTY: Demonstrating integrity and trustworthiness.

RESPECT: Recognizing and protecting the inherent worth of every person, including oneself.

RESPONSIBILITY: Being dependable and accountable for choices, actions and commitments.

EXCELLENCE: Striving to provide the highest quality at all times.

INCLUSIVENESS: Appreciating diversity. Striving to be open to all. Seeking to understand differences and find common ground.

At the YMCA we believe that living with and acting on our core values contributes to the development of a healthy self-esteem and overall personal happiness. Our commitment is to strengthen the foundations of community by nurturing the potential of children, teens and young adults; promoting healthy living; fostering a sense of social responsibility; and delivering lasting personal and social change.

Strategic Plan 2022-2027: Here to Stay