YMCA of Eastern Ontario

Building healthy communities

Statement of Reconciliation

The YMCA Federation in Canada’s Statement of Reconciliation was unanimously approved by all YMCAs in Canada and strengthens our dedication to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and communities in Canada. It is reflective of the YMCA Federation’s commitment to fostering a sense of belonging for all and its values of inclusiveness, accountability, and collaboration.

YMCAs in Canada Statement of Reconciliation

The YMCAs in Canada have a commitment to building healthy communities through the power of belonging. Communities that are safe and vibrant, with a strong economy and a sustainable environment. Communities within a Canada that demonstrates:

  • leadership in improving the health of all people
  • respect for diversity and pluralism
  • combatting inequality
  • protecting its most vulnerable
  • nurturing the potential of young people

For our country to become the Canada we want, the YMCA recognizes that we must place a special and intentional focus on Canada's relationship with Indigenous Peoples.

The YMCA movement in Canada declares its commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. We acknowledge and respect that our programs, services, and community facilities are on the traditional territory of Indigenous Peoples.

YMCAs in Canada are aware of the impact that colonial actions, including residential schools, have had on Indigenous Peoples, and we remain committed to understanding past injustices and will continue to move forward for a better future.

YMCAs in Canada are committed to playing our role in addressing the Calls to Action that have been made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, such as:

19. …. close the gaps in health outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities;

92iii. Provide education for management and staff on the history of Aboriginal Peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.

We are committed to developing and sharing program models, tools, and resources that will improve Indigenous Peoples’ access to our programs and services.

We will work with Indigenous communities as partners to find opportunities to have an active presence where it is desired.

YMCAs in Canada are committed to moving beyond a Statement of Reconciliation to the development and implementation of an Action Plan which will be reviewed regularly.

The YMCA Federation in Canada’s Statement of Reconciliation was unanimously approved by all YMCAs in Canada and strengthens our dedication to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and communities in Canada. It is reflective of the YMCA Federation’s commitment to fostering a sense of belonging for all and its values of inclusiveness, accountability, and collaboration.


YMCA of Eastern Ontario’s Statement of Reconciliation

We are located on the traditional territory of the Wendat, Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee peoples.

We acknowledge that this territory continues to be an important gathering place for many First Nation, Metis and Inuit peoples, and we thank them for their stewardship of the land.


Accessibility

The YMCA of Eastern Ontario is committed to providing an accessible recreational, learning, and working environment for our community, and to meeting our obligation under Ontario’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. It is our goal to create a community that is inclusive of all persons and supports all members of the community in an equitable manner. In creating such a community, the Y aims to foster a climate of understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and worth of all persons.

Review our AODA Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

Individuals are invited to provide their feedback in writing by e-mail, or by telephone, or by regular post mail to:

YMCA of Eastern Ontario
100 Wright Crescent, Kingston, Ontario K7L 4T9
Attention: YMCA of Eastern Ontario

AODA Email:
Contact Tel: 613-546-2647


Pool Admission Policy    

  1. Persons with serious medical conditions MUST be accompanied by another person who is knowledgeable of their condition.
  2. Children 10 and under are not admitted to Recreational Swims unaccompanied. Parents/Guardians must be supervising children at all times.
  3. Children between the ages of 6 and 10 wishing to swim independently must attempt a swim test. Their parents or guardian (minimum of 16 years of age) must be on the pool deck during the duration of the swim period.
  4. Children 5 years of age and under may not be admitted to the swimming pool unless they are accompanied in the water (within arms reach), by a parent or guardian (minimum of 16 years of age) who has no more than two children in their care.

Swim Test
Swim two widths of the Lap Pool (shallow end) or two lengths of the Leisure Pool. Results must be recorded on the Swim Test Log Sheet. A swim test must be done if a child is interested in using the H-Zilerator.

Unable to pass the swim test:
In the Lap pool- wear a lifejacket and stay within the shallow end as marked.

In the Leisure pool- without a lifejacket if parents/guardians must remain within arms reach or alternatively children may wear a lifejacket in the leisure pool to swim alone.

Able to pass the swim test:
The parent/guardian should be the pool area at all times.


Group Admission - Daycare, camps or school groups

  1. Children who are 10 years of age and under
  • Able to pass the swim test: is to be supervised by a guardian or group leader.
  • Unable to pass the swim test: is to be supervised AND lifejackets are to be worn by all non-swimmers.
  • A maximum of 6 non-swimmers to 1 parents or guardian (minimum of 16 years of age)
  1. The children swim level must also be easily identifiable at all times (i.e. coloured wrist band).
  • A buddy system must be in place during the swim period.
  • All staff must be properly attired in bathing suits and identifiable as staff.

***We ask that any medication required by participants be on deck and available for group leaders and lifeguards in case of an emergency.

*** Change Room and Pool Restricted Access Adults and youth without children are asked not to use the family change room or attend family swims. Parents/Guardians with opposite gender young children are encouraged to use the family change room Children under 16 are not permitted in program areas during designated adult programs.


Privacy Policy

The YMCA of Eastern Ontario is committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information handling practices in keeping with privacy laws.
Our YMCA uses modern information and communication technologies to support our program and membership-based activities.

You can access our website homepage and browse our site without disclosing your personal data. We will collect information about you only if you volunteer it.

Information on how we use your data can be found here.