YMCA of Niagara
Health, Fitness, and Recreation Centres – Member Etiquette
At the YMCA of Niagara, we are committed to creating safe, welcoming, and respectful spaces for all members of our community.
Guided by our core values of Advocacy, Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, Health, and Inclusiveness, we ask all members and guests to contribute to an environment where people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives can participate comfortably and safely.
Our YMCA brings together individuals with many different experiences, beliefs, and identities. We ask all members to approach shared spaces with courtesy, understanding, and respect, recognizing that every individual deserves dignity and the opportunity to participate fully in YMCA programs and services.
Maintaining a positive environment is a shared responsibility between members, guests, and staff.
Building Access for Children & Youth
Children aged 9 and under must be enrolled and signed into a supervised YMCA program or remain under the direct supervision of a parent or caregiver who is at least 16 years of age while in the facility.
Parents and caregivers are responsible for personally signing their child in and out with the program leader. Children aged 9 and under may not be left unattended in the building or dropped off at the entrance without proper supervision.
Youth aged 10 to 12 may access the facility and participate in programs without direct parental supervision. They may sign themselves in and out of registered programs and use the track, pool, and gymnasium during scheduled open times.
Youth aged 10–12 may access the fitness floor and group fitness classes only while under the direct supervision of a parent or caregiver aged 16 or older.
Youth aged 13 to 15 may access drop-in programs, the gymnasium, pool, track, fitness floor, and group fitness classes. Youth must be supervised when using strength equipment on the fitness floor. Access to certain amenities may require a specific membership category.
Individuals aged 16 and older may access the full facility. Certain amenities may require specific membership categories.
General Building Access
All individuals must check in at Member Services upon entry.
Members are required to scan their YMCA key tag at each visit. If a key tag is forgotten, a Member Services representative will assist with sign-in, and members will be asked to provide valid photo identification.
Guests aged 16 and older must provide valid photo identification upon entry, including day pass users, out-of-town YMCA members, and parents or caregivers entering the building to drop off or pick up a child.
These procedures support the security of our facilities and our commitment to safeguarding children and youth.
Change Room Use
The YMCA of Niagara is committed to creating safe, welcoming, and respectful environments for everyone in our community.
Members and guests may use the washrooms and change rooms that align with their lived gender identity, in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.
We also recognize that members may have different levels of comfort when using shared changing spaces. Our goal is to support an environment where everyone’s rights, privacy, and dignity are respected.
Where available, universal or accessible change rooms and private changing areas may be used by any member who prefers additional privacy.
Shared Responsibility for Privacy
All members share responsibility for maintaining the privacy, dignity, and comfort of others while using change rooms and washrooms.
Members are expected to:
- Respect the privacy and personal space of others
- Change in designated areas and use towels, garments, or private stalls where appropriate
- Avoid staring or engaging in behaviour that may make others feel uncomfortable or unsafe
- Refrain from photographing or recording in these spaces
- Use respectful language and behaviour at all times
Respectful Conduct in Shared Spaces
The YMCA serves individuals from many backgrounds, beliefs, and identities. Members may have different perspectives, and respectful coexistence is essential to maintaining a positive community environment.
Members are expected to treat one another with courtesy, dignity, and respect.
Members should bring concerns to YMCA staff rather than confronting other members directly.
Harassment, intimidation, discrimination, or aggressive behaviour toward any member or staff person will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the facility or suspension or termination of membership.
Any behaviour that threatens the safety, privacy, or dignity of others may be addressed by YMCA staff.
Staff Support
If a member feels uncomfortable or has concerns about change room use, YMCA staff are available to assist and help explore options that support privacy and comfort for all.
Children & Youth in Change Rooms
In accordance with our Safeguarding Children & Youth Policy, children aged 9 and under must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver aged 16 or older at all times, including in washrooms and change rooms.
Children aged 9 and under may not access change rooms independently.
Children under the age of 3 may accompany their parent or caregiver into a gender-designated change room. Children aged 3 and older who would otherwise need to use a different gender-designated change room than their parent or caregiver must use the universal change room with their parent or caregiver.
Cell Phones & Photography
Cell phone and wireless device use is strictly prohibited in change rooms and washrooms.
In all other areas, device use must be discreet and respectful of others’ privacy.
Photography or video recording of others without consent is not permitted.
Locker Use
Lockers are available for day use only. Items left overnight may be removed and placed in lost and found. The YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Scent Awareness
For the comfort and safety of others, please limit the use of heavily scented products.
Sportsmanship & Shared Spaces
The YMCA is a community space for individuals of all skill levels.
Participants in recreational and drop-in activities are expected to communicate respectfully, demonstrate honest play, and prioritize safety and inclusion.
Our focus is on participation, enjoyment, and community.
Support Persons
We welcome individuals who require a support person to access YMCA programs and services.
Support persons accompanying a member with a disability may have day pass fees waived.
The support person must remain with the individual while in the facility.
Photo identification will be required in accordance with our building access policies.
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome in our facilities in accordance with applicable legislation.
Where restrictions apply (for example, pool areas), reasonable alternatives will be explored to support access.
Dress Code
Appropriate athletic attire is required in fitness areas, including:
- Closed-toe athletic shoes
- Shirts or tops suitable for exercise
- Clothing appropriate for a family environment
Swimming Attire
Swim attire must be clean, intended for swimming, and allow for safe participation in aquatic activities.
Religious accommodations are welcomed where safety is not compromised.
All non-toilet-trained children must wear a swim diaper.
Lane Swim
Lane Swim is open to individuals aged 13+ with an Aquatics or All-Inclusive membership.
Youth Lane Swim
Youth Lane Swim is open to children aged 10–12 with a Child membership. Younger swimmers (6+) may also participate provided they are supervised by a parent/guardian and can successfully complete a swim test.
Pool Deck & Shower Areas
Glass containers are not permitted.
Outdoor shoes are not allowed on the pool deck or in shower areas.
Swim Admission Standards
All pool users must follow YMCA of Niagara Swim Admission Standards.