People like you in this community—parents, youth, new Canadians, seniors and adults—tell us at the Y that they need help. The COVID-19 pandemic has made the need to successfully access employment, child care and mental health services critical. The YMCA is active right now providing support and belonging to children, families, adults, and seniors in our communities.

Meeting community needs

The Y exists to serve emerging needs in the community. We can pivot to respond to challenges our communities like Coquitlam are facing. The YMCA of Greater Vancouver supported families through essential child care and day camp programs all summer long. YMCA Employment and Immigrant Services programs have gone virtual, along with Y Mind mental health programs and the wide range of fitness, family supports and virtual camp through YMCAathome.ca. We continue to listen to the community and are intentional about how we respond.

Cities, like Coquitlam and the Tri-Cities area, are growing rapidly and soon the demand on social infrastructure will surpass what is available. High-rise developments are bringing density and creating an urban environment that needs a safe, clean and inclusive place to connect people to vital community service programs. Coquitlam’s growth provides a unique opportunity to intentionally build a YMCA centre of community that is proactive in filling the needs of its citizens.

Construction continues on the new Coquitlam YMCA

Construction in Coquitlam has safely continued throughout the pandemic. We are happy to say that a lot has been accomplished since excavation started on February 12th of this year. At this point in the project, the hole is dug, there were no soil issues, and rebar work has started to build the parking lot and foundation for the new Y.

Opening our doors to all

We are grateful to the group of volunteers and donors who have invested in the new Coquitlam YMCA to date and we continue our fundraising efforts.

We can’t wait to bring critically needed services to the traditionally underserved Tri-Cities area. Coquitlam Capital Campaign Chair Tracy Price is especially proud of being a pioneer in the area with her cabinet. She says, “We feel honoured to be a part of bringing the Y to our community and helping others invest in our community too. Working together we can provide everyone the opportunity to be healthy, happy and reach their potential.”