Finding the Old Y in the New Chilliwack YMCA

Old Chilliwack YMCA in new Chilliwack YMCA

The old Chilliwack YMCA was built over 40 years ago and has been a part of the community since then. Needless to say, it had a very rich history, complete with lots of fond memories!

For our long-time members, a brand new building may be both exciting and strange. Will this be the same Y you know and love? The answer to that is simple—of course!

When the Floor Becomes the Ceiling

While most of the building is new, there are some elements of the old Y that are still present. One such element is the ceiling above the new YMCA Welcome and Access Centre.    

When an upgrade was made to the YMCA Upstairs Conditioning room about eight years ago, very worn black rubber mats were pulled off the floor to reveal hardwood flooring that was originally laid for the old Chilliwack Y gymnastics and fitness studio.

This wood floor was repurposed during the current construction project in order to keep the old Y alive in the new one. These floors are the same floors on which thousands of people walked, jumped or ran in the past decades. Programs or classes like the following were held right on these floors:

  • Tumbletime 
  • Jane Fonda-style aerobic classes (in the good-old Eighties) 
  • Keiser circuit fitness routines
  • First step classes

The energy of these people and the spirit of the community over the decades continue to live on in the new Y through this piece above the front desk.

And with that in mind, it also serves as a reminder that it’s the people—our members, staff and volunteers—that truly make the Y what it is. One great example of this is Lisa Axelson’s YMCA yoga class which was held in the Chilliwack Fire Hall! It showed us that the spirit of the YMCA exists in the people who are a part of it, regardless of where the classes or programs are held.

So, whether you’re an old member or a new one, we look forward to welcoming you to the new Chilliwack YMCA!

Old Programs and New

With a bigger centre of community, we have more space to host all the programs you’ve enjoyed in the past—plus some new ones (like Y-Play)! Please visit our schedule for a quick peek at what we have to offer this season. Know that the schedule is subject to change.