YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth

To all families who have dropped their children off at the centre today, we have evacuated the centre due to a dangerous threat.

All children and staff are being safely relocated to the Waterfront Ferry Terminal by the harbour's playground.

Please pick up your child as soon as possible. We will provide further updates as soon as we have more information.

Thank you for your immediate cooperation and understanding.

Victoria Collins
General Manager, Child Engagement and Operations

Did you know that most YMCA Group Fitness classes are led by a community of dedicated volunteers?

Ready to join the team?

We would love to add more Zumba to our schedule since we have a regular crew of participants asking for more!

If you're certified to teach and willing to volunteer your time to give back to the community, please apply online and reach out to the Adult Recreation Coordinator at the John W. Lindsay YMCA for next steps or more information.

👉 https://ymcahfx.ca/zumba-vol

We can't wait to hear from you!

⚽ SAVE THE DATE! ⚽

Kick for a Cause is back!

Join us September 7, 2026 for the 3rd Annual Kick for a Cause with HFX Wanderers FC! This is a community event where every kick helps the YMCA create meaningful opportunities for people in our community to access programs, support, and experiences that help them thrive.

You can purchase tickets here 👉 https://wanderers.spinzo.com/halifax-wanderers-vs-cavalry-fc-2026-09-07-DPFZU?group=ymca-kick-for-a-cause-g8sk to watch our YMCA youth face-off at 2:30pm then stay for the Wanderers kickoff at 4pm!

Mark your calendars! More exciting details and ways to get involved are coming soon.

Together, let's kick off hope, opportunity, and belonging for youth in our community. 💙

Join us in congratulating Alicia Browne on her appointment as Director of YMCA Immigrant Services!

Alicia (pictured far left) has been an incredible leader, working alongside our dedicated YMCA Immigrant Services team to support newcomers as they build new lives, careers, and connections in our community. She brings extensive experience in settlement services, experience in both non-profit and for-profit organizations, partnership development, team leadership, and organizational growth, including time spent as Executive Director with a non-profit organization based in the Caribbean region.

Alicia believes that lasting impact is achieved by investing in people, creating inclusive workplaces where everyone feels valued and empowered, and building responsive services that evolve alongside the needs of newcomer communities. Her commitment to creating welcoming, inclusive spaces and helping individuals and families thrive reflects the very heart of the YMCA.

We're excited to see Alicia continue leading this important work and strengthening the impact YMCA Immigrant Services has across Halifax and Nova Scotia.

Please join us in congratulating Alicia on this well-deserved role!

Today is Emancipation Day and the beginning of Emancipation Month, a time to reflect on the 200-year history of enslavement in Canada and its lasting impact on Black and African Nova Scotian communities.

On August 1, 1834, the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect, officially ending the legal practice of slavery across most of the British Empire, including the land now known as Canada. While this marked an important milestone, the legacy of slavery continues to shape the systemic anti-Black racism experienced by people of African descent today. Recognizing Emancipation Day provides an opportunity to foster ongoing, meaningful conversations about race, equity and inclusion, while celebrating the rich heritage, cultures and contributions of Black communities across our region.

At the YMCA, we remain committed to addressing anti-Black racism and oppression because of their deep-rooted and ongoing impact in our communities and beyond. As we observe Emancipation Day, we encourage everyone to take time to learn, reflect and engage with the resources and organizations shared below.

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/emancipation-day.html
http://emancipationdayns.ca/
https://africvillemuseum.org/
https://blackloyalist.novascotia.ca/
https://beta.novascotia.ca/government/african-nova-scotian-affairs
https://halifax.bibliocommons.com/v2/list/display/1135550427/1940521849

Calling all young chefs!

This summer, the kitchen is your child's classroom!

Our Master Chefs Summer program is the perfect recipe for creativity, confidence, and fun. Throughout the week, participants will prepare delicious sweet and savoury recipes while learning essential kitchen skills, food safety, and the joy of cooking from scratch.

From measuring and mixing to decorating and tasting, every day is a new culinary adventure!

🍴 Program Highlights:
• Hands-on cooking every day
• Learn real kitchen skills in a safe, supportive environment
• Create tasty recipes to recreate at home
• Make new friends and build confidence
• Food-themed games and creative challenges

📅 August 4–7, 2026 (No session Monday, August 3)
🕘 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Community YMCA
2269 Gottingen St., Halifax
Ages 8–13

Give your young chef a summer they'll never forget — filled with new skills, delicious creations, and memories that last long after the final bite.

➡️ Register today: ymcahfx.ca/MasterC

Join us at Anchor Youth Space for a FREE Community BBQ and discover a space where you can connect, hang out, and be yourself.

Whether you're heading into Grade 11 or 12, starting post-secondary, or just looking to meet new people, this is a great opportunity to check out Anchor, enjoy some free food, and learn about the programs and supports available for youth in our community.

📅 August 17
🕦 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 2269 Gottingen St., Halifax
👥 Open to youth ages 12–25

Bring a friend, grab a bite, and see what Anchor is all about. We can't wait to meet you!

The YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth is looking for youth aged 15-29 to join our Youth Advisory Council.​

Joining the committee provides an opportunity to:​
- Enhance your leadership skills​
- Grow your network​
- Represent your community​
- Amplify the voice of youth​
- Make a real difference​

​For more information and to find out how to ​apply visit: https://ymcahfx.ca/YAC

Deadline: Monday, August 17th