YMCA of Niagara
Member Etiquette Statement
The YMCA is a shared experience for everyone to enjoy. YMCA members, guests, participants, volunteers and staff all accept the responsibility to treat one another with care, honesty, respect, responsibility, health and inclusiveness.
The YMCA of Niagara reserves the right to revoke or suspend membership privileges, at its sole discretion, for any:
- inappropriate behavior not conducive to a values-based family environment
- personal conduct (at or away from YMCA premises) that may be prejudicial two or incompatible with the YMCA values, goals, business interests and public reputation
- breach of YMCA rules, policies or procedures (including those relating to harassment or discrimination)
The personal safety and security of members, guests, participants, volunteers and staff is of the utmost importance. Any person acting in a manner in YMCA programs or facilities that threatens anyone’s safety will be asked to leave and may face a suspension or revoke membership at the discretion of the YMCA Centre Manager or designee.
Membership Card
Your membership cards must be presented at the Membership desk and swiped to enter the YMCA. You are the only one who can use your YMCA membership card, they are non-transferable. Valid photo ID is required if your membership card is not presented at a visit. Please swipe your card each visit.
Photo ID
To ensure the safety of all our participants, when purchasing a membership or accessing the YMCA, photo identification is required. Photos will be taken and remain confidentially in the membership system.
Photographs and Videos
For the privacy and protection of all individuals taking photographs, images, video or recordings is prohibited unless consent of a YMCA staff. Do not use the camera function on personal devices in change rooms. Any photography taken on site must have prior approval by YMCA Management and adhere to YMCA photo release policies.
YMCA Privacy Statement
As a charitable, community-based organization, the YMCA of Niagara is committed to protecting your privacy.
The personal information you share will be used to support the work of the YMCA. For more information on our work, please click here.
YMCA Financial Assistance
Financial assistance makes membership available to all. People come to the YMCA to grow and develop into healthier, more productive people. Regular participation in YMCA membership activities supports a balanced approach to personal growth, health and wellness. Our financial assistance program serves those individuals and families who have the greatest need in our community.
If your current financial circumstances are limiting your ability to participate, financial assistance may be provided. Please email customer service.
Join Fee
The Join Fee is a one-time, non-refundable contribution which promotes the maintenance and investment in future capital development of equipment and facilities. Contribution to the joining fee is sold as part of the membership. The Join Fee is required per adult member or per family when an adult membership has been purchased.
Not applicable for financially assisted memberships. The YMCA is a charity; for more information on how we help families, please click here.
Facility and Fitness Orientation
We encourage every YMCA of Niagara member to book an orientation with a YMCA Fitness staff who will show you all that the YMCA has to offer for you.
Members 13 to 15 years of age are encouraged to attend a Fitness orientation that will provide them with necessary safety and etiquette information for the Fitness Centre and Group Fitness Classes. The Free Weight area is available to all members 13+. A Fitness Orientation with a certified Fitness Coach is recommended for youth members 13 to 15 years of age.
Track Etiquette and Safety
Track access is available to all members 13+. Please be courteous of other users and follow directional and instructional signage.
Membership Hold, Cancellation and Refunds
Your membership commitment is not locked in and may be placed on hold or cancelled at any time.
- Hold: If you know you will be absent for less than six months, we are able to put your membership ‘on hold’. To place your membership on hold, please visit your YMCA to complete the appropriate documentation 14 days before the payment date. Memberships are held as of the payment date.
- Cancellation: To cancel a membership, notify the YMCA in writing and or in-person a minimum of 14 days before the next payment date. Memberships are cancelled as of the payment date.
- Refund: A refund, when applicable, will be provided for the unused balance of fees within 14 business days, by the original form of payment (excluding cash and debit card).
For further information on your right to cancel a Pre-Authorized Debit Agreement, contact your financial institution or visit www.cdnpay.ca
There are certain rights if any debit does not comply with the agreement. For example, the right to receive reimbursement for any debit that is not consistent with the PAD Agreement. To obtain more information on your recourse rights, you may contact your financial institution or visit www.cdnpay.ca
Fee Increase
The YMCA of Niagara reserves the right, in its own discretion, to increase the fees payable by you from time to time. Members paying by preauthorized payments will have the fee increase applied unless direction is given to cancel the membership. You will receive notification in advance of any fee adjustments. You are responsible to ensure we have the correct mailing an email address.
Renovation or Repairs
As part of our commitment to ongoing safety and quality, the YMCA of Niagara will from time-to-time construct, renovate, repair, restrict access to or close access to its facilities amenities or equipment. YMCA members shall not receive or be entitled to a refund, reduction or abandonment of the fees payable in relation to any loss or reduction of use.
Electronic messages
The YMCA of Niagara will send electronic messages for YMCA purposes only; we will never sell or rent out your personal information to third parties for their use. If you do not wish to receive further information/contact from the YMCA, please e-mail us.
Payments not received
A $20 YMCA administration fee will be charged for payments not received. Your bank may also charge you a fee.
Continuous membership
The purpose of YMCA Membership is to involve individuals and families of all backgrounds and abilities in the YMCA so that they can grow healthier in spirit, mind and body, and develop a sense of responsibility to each other and the global community.
Continuous membership is the cornerstone of YMCA membership. It is the YMCA’s goal to involve participants in a lifelong relationship with the YMCA. Continuous membership encourages members to participate in health, fitness and recreation programs and services without interruption yet remains flexible to meet an individual’s changing needs.
Aquatic Admission Standards
YMCA of Niagara is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable aquatic experience. Please review the admission criteria, that is based on Ontario Health Regulations and our internal YMCA Child, Youth and Vulnerable Persons Protection Policy.
A facility swim test is required for any child between the ages of 6-9 years old, and may be required for swimmers 10+, at the discretion of the lifeguard. All swimmers under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult in the aquatic facility.
Please adhere to the following:
- All bathers must take a shower with warm water and soap, and thoroughly rinse off all soap before entering or reentering the pool
- Any spectators on the pool deck, must remain 1.8m from the pool edge and remove any outside footwear before entering the shower area. (booties are provided as an alternative)
- No Headfirst entries in the water
- Bathers and Spectators must walk on the pool deck
- Lifeguards will enforce safety to prevent injuries on the pool deck
Supervision of children
Children’s health and safety is important to us. Children up to 10 years of age must be supervised by an adult or guardian (minimum of 16 years of age) unless they are participating in a YMCA program.
Community Rentals
Call your YMCA branch for information regarding spaces, availability and rental rates.
For your safety
Physical activity can be strenuous and subject to risk of serious injury, we urge you to obtain a medical clearance from a doctor before beginning any physical activity. Please advise our staff if you have a serious medical condition.
Accessibility
The YMCA is committed to diversity, social inclusion and to meeting its obligations under Ontario’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. (AODA), by providing accessible environments that respect the rights of every individual. YMCA members are encouraged to bring forward concerns or compliments, and to make suggestions on ways to improve programs and services and their YMCA experience.
Lockers
We encourage members to take steps to protect their valuables. Lockers are for day use only. Please bring your own lock. The YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Members are asked not to bring valuables to the YMCA. The YMCA provides safety/wallet lockers for members to store their personal items.
Universal, Family, Special Needs Change Rooms
This change room is for parents with opposite sex children over the age of 1 and for members that require additional or private space. Adults must wear swimsuits in the showers and clothing or a swimsuit must be worn outside the change cubicles. We ask that members co-operate in making the change room experience comfortable for everyone.
General Change Room
Each facility has a change room for males and females that includes day lockers, washroom, swimsuit dryers and washrooms. This change room is for all ages.
YMCA Smoke Free
At the YMCA, we promote health and wellness. Smoking is not permitted in any facility or within 9 meters of any YMCA entrance.
Clothing and Footwear
To ensure comfort and safety, closed toe, athletic shoes must be always worn. Street shoes are not permitted in the shower or pool area. The YMCA also requires members to wear ‘family-friendly’ athletic attire, t-shirt and tights, shorts or pants.