Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

General Facility

Facility Hours

Memberships & Day Passes

Age Restrictions

Child Safeguarding & Protection

Child Care

Indoor Play Space

Rec Room

Bouncy Castle

Free Tutoring & Scholarship Support

Aquatic Centre (Pool)

Fitness Centre & Track

Fieldhouse (Gymnasium)

Employment

YMCA as a Charity

Parties and Facility Rentals

General Facility

The YMCA has four locations in the City of Lethbridge.

Crossings Child Care Centre, Before and After School Care, and the Cor Van Raay YMCA

Cor Van Raay YMCA
140-74 Mauretania RD W
Lethbridge AB, T1J 5L4

Round Street Child Care ELCC

Melcor Building Floor 2
#232-200 4 Ave S
Lethbridge AB, T1J 4C9

Redwood Child Care Centre

3 Elm Cres S
Lethbridge AB, T1K 4W8

West Coulee Station In School Care

West Coulee Station Elementary School
1350 Abitibi Rd W
Lethbridge AB, T1J 5N5

The Cor Van Raay YMCA is located within the Cavendish Centre, which is owned and operated by the City of Lethbridge. The northeast side of the building houses the Lethbridge Curling Club, skating arenas, minor hockey leagues, and figure skating programs. For more information, you can visit the Cavendish Farms Centre page on the City of Lethbridge website Cavendish Farms Centre | City of Lethbridge.

The Cor Van Raay YMCA is located within the Cavendish Centre, which is owned and operated by the City of Lethbridge. The northeast side of the building houses the Lethbridge Curling Club, skating arenas, minor hockey leagues, and figure skating programs. For more information, you can visit the Cavendish Farms Centre page on the City of Lethbridge website Cavendish Farms Centre | City of Lethbridge.

Cor Van Raay was a local philanthropist and fitness enthusiast whose generous gift to the YMCA of Lethbridge allowed for the realization of this incredible facility. Sadly, we said goodbye to Cor in 2021, but his legacy remains for generations to come.

There is plenty of parking available, and day parking is free. Overnight parking is not allowed.

Yes, breastfeeding is welcome anywhere in the facility you feel comfortable with.

That’s a big question! While we pride ourselves on creating accessible spaces, this is an area where there will always be opportunities to improve. We follow the principles of nothing about us without us, which means that conversations about accessibility include those who are impacted by these decisions. The YMCA of Lethbridge does not assume that our accommodations will meet your individual needs, so instead of telling you if our space is accessible, we are proud to offer you details about the features of accessible design, so you can plan your trip accordingly. Accessibility information can be found HERE If you have feedback about our accessibility features, please email us at [email protected].

Yes! As a community centre, we are proud to affirm our Diversity Equity and Inclusion Policy which states in part:

1.1. The YMCA of Lethbridge understands that cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture is essential to realizing its vision of a healthy, engaged community where everyone belongs and thrives.

1.2. The YMCA of Lethbridge recognizes the benefits that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) brings to both the Association and the wider community and welcomes and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, across age, ethnicity, race, colour, disability, learning styles, religion, faith, socioeconomic status, culture, marital status, languages spoken, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression as well as differences in ideas, thoughts, and beliefs.

We believe it is our individual and collective responsibility to oppose all forms of prejudice and work towards creating a world that embraces inclusion and understanding, building a brighter future that is inclusive of all.

YMCA Galleria spaces are open to the community at no cost. Free programs, such as tutoring, are occasionally offered in these areas.


To access the facility “behind the gate” which includes the Fitness Centre, Indoor Track, Aquatics Center, Field House, Rec Room, and Indoor Play Space, you must have an updated account in our system with either an active membership or a day pass.

Just ask! There are two main tour types.

Facility Tours are custom tours based on our recreational services. They allow you to familiarize yourself with the space and ask any questions you may have.

Impact Tours are for community members, companies, and donors who are interested in learning more about specific programming and community impact.

If you are not a member, you will be required to show a piece of government-issued photo ID and remain with your guide for the session when accessing member-only areas.

No. As a community centre, our commitment is that we will always be available to the community we serve. Our city is home to several beautiful facilities that have the capacity to support tournaments.

Don’t panic! Please retrace your steps and ask any employee or volunteer to check their department’s lost and found. All found items are placed in a storage room, and they are donated after a certain period. We will do our best to help you reunite with your lost items.

While some of the cutest service dogs dutifully frequent the facility, non-working animals are safest at home. Occasionally, events are hosted where there will be animals on site, such as horse rides during the holidays, but you won’t see Seabiscuit on the waterslides any time soon.

Facility Hours

Monday to Friday

5:00 am – 10:00 pm


Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays

8:00 am – 8:00 pm

The Aquatic Centre, Fitness Centre, Indoor Running Track, and Fieldhouse are always open during our facility’s operating hours. Programs such as the Rec Room, Childminding, and the Indoor Play Space will have specific hours based on demand and availability. For detailed information about these programs’ schedules, please refer to our website.

Memberships & Day Passes

To access the facility, you will need either a day pass or a Membership. Information on pricing and descriptions can be found HERE.  

Memberships and day passes offer full access to the facility during hours of operation. Since these areas share common spaces, we do not offer partial membership access. Fee assistance is available to those who qualify.

You sure can! Visit the Membership desk to see if you qualify for a 7-day trial.

Support workers do not need to pay to access the facility. They are invited to fill out a short form, show ID, and have an account created in our membership system that is connected to their employer organization. From there, they will be given a Support Worker Membership, which they may use when they are actively working with their clients.

If a support worker chooses to visit the facility without their client, they are required to have a day pass or membership. This means that the support worker could have more than one membership type.

The YMCA will never turn anyone away due to an inability to pay and we offer multiple ways to remove barriers from the cost of membership. Please visit HERE for everything you need to know about fee assistance.

Age Restrictions

Different areas of the facility are restricted to certain ages.

Because of safety requirements, age limits are not subject to negotiation.

Children must be 8 or older to visit the facility without a guardian present but are not allowed in certain areas at this age. 

Child Safeguarding & Protection

The YMCA of Lethbridge follows the YMCA of Canada’s Child Safety and Vulnerable Adult Protection standards. All adults 18+ are required to submit a piece of government-issued photo identification if they access services past the gate. Once the adult has a picture connected to their account, they no longer need to produce this identification.

Acceptable Forms of Government-Issued Photo ID:

  • Motor Vehicle Driver’s License
  • Alberta Provincial Identification Card
  • Valid Passport or Nexus Card
  • Canadian Citizenship Certification Card
  • Permanent Residency Card
  • Government of Alberta Employee ID for Child and Family Service Authority Card
  • Treaty Status Card
  • Canadian Firearms License
  • Canadian Immigration Visa
  • Firearms License
  • Another provincial, state or federal government-issued photo ID

A photograph or copy of these documents is accepted.

YMCA of Lethbridge Child Safety and Protection Lead

Kristen Hatfield, Sr. Manager of Community Development

[email protected] | 403-942-5739

There are several ways that we protect children and vulnerable adults in our facilities. This includes:

  • Employees and Volunteers at the YMCA of Lethbridge are required to report all cases of abuse, or suspicion of abuse, to appropriate authorities
  • Designated Child Protection lead, or their designate, is available to employees at any time
  • Employment and Volunteer applicants undergo screening, which includes Criminal Record Checks (CRC) and Child Intervention Checks (CIC) before hiring.
  • Child Safety and Protection training and annual recertifications
  • Formal child safety audits from Y Canada representatives
  • Guidelines outlining department-specific conduct expectations, including electronic communications, are in place.
  • An employee-led Child Safety and Protection Committee
  • Child Supervision Policies and resources are available in every department

Child Care

Licensed Child Care

Yes! We have four convenient locations across the city that are included in the Alberta Affordability Grant. To learn more about fees, vacancies, and curriculum, please visit our website.

Before and After School Care

The YMCA of Lethbridge offers out-of-school care at the Cor Van Raay YMCA, and in the 2025-2026 school year, will be launching our new location at New West Coulee Station! Visit us  HERE for more information on vacancies, fees, and curriculum, and to check if your school is eligible for bussing to and from the Cor Van Raay YMCA.

Preschool

We said goodbye to our preschool program for 2025.

Childminding (drop-in childcare)

Childminding is available to both members and non-members at the Cor Van Raay YMCA. Non-members will be charged a fee of $5 per child per hour. Childminding is located on the main floor at the Cor Van Raay YMCA across from the membership desk.
You are eligible for Childminding if you:

  • have completed intake paperwork which is available during Childminding hours.
  • your child is between the ages of 6 weeks and 7 years old.
  • have an active membership or pay non-member fees.
  • provide diapers/wipes/snacks for your child.
  • do not bring any products containing nuts into the Childminding room.
  • you always remain on-site at the Cor Van Raay YMCA. You are permitted to access Lime Health and Wellness, and Iris Eye Care but not activities hosted in the Cavendish Centre or off property while your child is in our care.
  • are in good standing related to our member code of conduct.

PD Day Camps

There sure are! Visit HERE for more information on registration dates, vacancies, and fees.

Summer Day Camps

We are proud to offer weekly Summer Day Camp programs for ages 5-12 years. Visit HERE to learn more. This program is not licensed, and therefore, it is ineligible for the Alberta Child Care Subsidy. However, you may qualify for fee assistance. Check HERE for more information on our Fee Assistance program.

Not yet, but we are looking at what’s possible in the future.

Indoor Play Space

Just inside our North entrance, straight down the hall from the Membership desk.

Included with membership or day pass. 

The Indoor Play Space can be reserved for a minimum of two hours and accommodate up to 20 individuals.

Two slides, a climbing wall, plenty of running room and additional toys offer a great way for children to burn off that extra energy.

Children 0 – 12 Years.

Washroom, lockers for coats and shoes, colouring books and crayons, as well as snack tables.

Wear socks! No shoes allowed. No food in the playground area; nut-free snacks permitted at tables. Adult supervisors are permitted in the play space structure with their children.

Rec
Room

Across from the Membership desk.

Social recreation activities including board games, card games, foosball, pool table, videogames, couches, fidget toys, Lego, puzzles, marble mazes, trivia, TV, and tables.

Included with membership or day pass. Some programs are free.

A wide variety of programs are offered at different times, and some are age-restricted

Follow the button below to view the Rec Room Schedule

Rec Room Schedule

Bouncy Castle

Fieldhouse

Included with membership or day pass.

Must be between 34 and 60 inches tall.

Inflatable bouncing fun.

Children under 7 must be accompanied by a guardian 16+.

No shoes allowed. 

Free Tutoring & Scholarship Support

Upstairs on the “bridge” (the area overlooking the Galleria).

Monday – Thursday, 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Tutoring is a free service funded by the generosity of donors and experienced educational volunteers. We offer tutoring for all subjects.

Middle School and High School students are eligible.

Scholarship support is offered to all students applying for post-secondary education. This includes support with researching and writing applications.

Aquatic Centre (Pool)

The pool is in the Cor Van Raay YMCA. Visit the Membership desk by the South entrance for more information on entrances and exits.

The Aquatic Centre features:

  • Lazy river
  • Beach-entry wave pool
  • 37-person hot tub
  • 9m 6-lane swim
  • Teaching pool
  • Climbing wall
  • Two large waterslides
  • One small waterslide on the beach-entry wave pool (toddler/child approved!)
  • Steam room on deck
  • Viewing area equipped with power stations (bring your own cord)
  • Accessible equipment, such as wheelchair lifts

All children ages 7 and under are required to remain within arm’s reach of a responsible guardian aged 16 or over.

  • The YMCA of Lethbridge does not enforce any dress code that violates human rights
  • Swim bottoms must be worn by all patrons
  • Children who are not fully potty trained are required to wear a swim diaper or equivalent
  • Participants may swim in clothing such as pants, shirts, and traditional ethnic or religious clothing, provided that this clothing was not worn to the facility that day, and all participants, regardless of clothing choice, are required to shower before entering the water.

Rules are posted throughout the Aquatic Centre. Please note that a swim test may be required by any age to determine if a lifejacket must be worn. Some rules that may help you plan your trip:

  • Mermaid fins are prohibited
  • Glass goggles are prohibited
  • All patrons are required to shower before entering the Aquatics Centre

We sure do! Private and Group Lessons are available for all ages and abilities. This includes the various courses required to obtain lifeguard certifications. Learn more HERE

We try our best to communicate planned and unexpected pool closures and the timelines for reopening. Some or all pools may close for the following reasons:

  • There is a contamination, and the water needs to be cleaned and tested before re-entry
  • There is an evacuation of the pool, such as during the search for a missing child
  • There is an evacuation of the facility, such as during a fire alarm
  • The pool requires planned maintenance. Generally, the pool closes for 2-4 weeks in September for annual maintenance
  • Minimum staffing requirements not met

Any child who is not fully potty trained must wear additional protection against pool contamination. Swim diapers are available for purchase in the Aquatic vending machines.

We have Five dedicated changerooms within the facility. No photography or recording devices are permitted, including video calling while in one of our five closed-door changerooms.

Changerooms are used by those who identify with that gender. The YMCA of Lethbridge is an inclusive community that welcomes all gender identities and expressions. 

Changeroom Options

  • All-ages changeroom for men
  • Access to showers and the pool deck
  • Free locker service – bring your own lock!
  • Washrooms
  • Wall-mounted hairdryers
  • All-ages changeroom for women
  • Access to showers and the pool deck
  • Free locker service – bring your own lock!
  • Washrooms
  • Wall-mounted hairdryers
  • Feminine hygiene dispensers ($0.25)
  • All-ages changeroom for everyone (families and solo)
  • Access to showers and the pool deck
  • Free locker service – bring your own lock!
  • Washrooms
  • Wall-mounted hairdryers
  • Patrons are required to change in changing stalls, which are big enough for families
  • 18+ changeroom for men
  • Available for an additional monthly fee
  • Access to showers and the pool deck
  • Complimentary towel service
  • Private steam room
  • Complimentary tea and coffee service in the lounge area
  • Free locker service – bring your own lock!
  • Option to rent a monthly locker for an additional fee
  • Washrooms
  • Wall-mounted hairdryers
  • 18+ changeroom for women
  • Available for an additional monthly fee
  • Access to showers and the pool deck
  • Complimentary towel service
  • Private steam room
  • Complimentary tea and coffee service in the lounge area
  • Free locker service – bring your own lock!
  • Option to rent a monthly locker for an additional fee
  • Washrooms with complimentary feminine hygiene products
  • Wall-mounted hairdryers
  • Handheld hairdryers
  • Located in the hallway near changerooms. Visible by patrons.
  • Small footlockers available
  • Ideal when you need somewhere to quickly switch shoes and store bags while you use the facility
  • Bring your own lock

Fitness Centre & Track

Welcome! You’ve already accomplished the hard part, and we want you to feel confident in your new space. Any Health, Sport & Fitness employee or volunteer is more than happy to give you a tour, help you with a fitness orientation, or introduce you to our friendly and approachable personal trainers. You’ve got this!

Yes. Visit our Personal Trainer Wall on the Fitness Floor or ask an employee or volunteer about training options. We have something for everyone, and everyone is welcome.

We love that you love our facility, but only YMCA of Lethbridge trainers are permitted to teach in this space. Please speak with a manager on how to join our team!

The indoor track’s inner lane measures 220m, while the outer lane measures 240m. Our track is 1m shorter than competitive tracks, and we do not host tournaments here. This allows the track to remain open for community use.

Yes, but please mind the following:

  • Stroller wheels must be clean.
  • You will be required to walk through the fitness floor to access the track. You are not permitted to stop on the fitness floor and must proceed directly to the track.
  • You may only use the lanes on the track. You are not permitted to “park” the stroller in the corners of the track for any reason, including using the equipment on the track corners.
  • You may utilize our childminding services if you cannot accommodate the above.

For so many reasons, yes! Let’s keep everyone safe from athlete’s foot, and your toes un-crushed.

Fieldhouse (Gymnasium)

We call our giant gym the fieldhouse. This is located on the main floor next to the Membership desk.

There are 6 full courts separated by retractable curtains. Curtains may be raised or lowered depending on the activities in these spaces. Courts are labelled 1-6.

Basketball, volleyball, pickleball, badminton and soccer are the most popular. However, there are countless variations of flag football, nerf battles, obstacle courses and bouncy house play!

There is always an attendant in the fieldhouse, and they are excited to assist you.

Equipment for the Fieldhouse is placed around the courts for you to use. If there is something additional needed, please ask an attendant.

It depends on the equipment. Your own basketball or badminton racquet is likely fine. If you’re uncertain, an attendant is happy to assist.

Employment

Click HERE for current employment opportunities.
Over 25% of the uniformed people you see at the Y are volunteers! Click HERE for volunteer postings.
  • Great training and employee orientation
  • Competitive wages
  • Group health benefits
  • Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
  • Pension plan
  • Perks with partnering businesses
  • Vacation and Paid Personal Time Off
  • Complimentary Membership to the Cor Van Raay YMCA (for volunteers, too!)
  • Discounts on YMCA programs and services (including daycare!)
  • Facility rental discounts
  • Personal training discounts
  • Friends and Family Passes
  • Career development opportunities

It depends on what you’re applying for. Slide Attendants in the Aquatic Centre can be 15 years old. See individual job postings for age requirements.

You must be at least 14 years of age to apply for volunteer positions.

YMCA as a Charity

The YMCA of Lethbridge is a CRA-registered charity (11924 2030 RR 0001). We rely on donations of all sizes and types to support our charitable missions. Your support helps us provide a variety of community programs, such as fee assistance, subsidized summer camp, subsidized sports programs, free tutoring, and Alternative Suspension™.

There are many ways to give and all are equally important:

  • become a regular volunteer
  • volunteer for a single event
  • donate cash in person
  • give online at Donate – YMCA of Lethbridge
  • top up your monthly membership fees
  • send cheques from individuals and businesses
  • give gifts-in-kind such as property
  • make someone feel welcome in the facility

Please reach out to [email protected] for more information on our current programs, needs, and how you can support them.

We organize events year-round, including our two main ones: the Annual Charity Golf Open and the Len Herring Legacy Ride. If there’s an initiative you’re passionate about, feel free to stop by and ask. Let’s see what we can make happen together!

Yes, please! We would love to accept items for silent auctions where we donate the proceeds to our charitable missions. Art, gift baskets, experiences, travel, and home and garden goods are always in high demand. Please reach out to [email protected] for more information.

Legacy giving involves choosing a dollar amount or percentage of your estate to be left to the YMCA of Lethbridge. Legacy donations are an incredible way to be remembered for your contributions and impact after your passing. Please discuss legacy planning with your family, financial planners and/or lawyers to ensure that your final wishes are met. Please reach out to [email protected] for more information.

Parties and Facility Rentals

We have party packages available HERE for a wide variety of interests, including swimming, indoor play space and fieldhouse parties. We are happy to build you a custom party package if you’re looking for something unique.
Yes. We host a variety of meeting types from church services to annual general meetings. Contact us at [email protected] to see what’s best for your needs.
Yes. We can book recurring meetings for short to annual terms. Contact us at [email protected] to see what’s best for your needs.

Yes. Contact Kristen Hatfield for educational bookings.

Email
Call

We are committed to ensuring that we always have space for our community. We do not book entire spaces in the fieldhouse, pool, or fitness floor during open hours.

Yes! We would love to host the next Summer or Holiday event for your business. Business bookings are custom-designed by contacting [email protected].
Contact [email protected] with any questions.

If you cannot find the answer to your questions, please email us and we will get back to you and update future versions of this FAQ.

Email

For specific department information please email:

Membership: [email protected]

Fitness: [email protected]

Aquatics: [email protected]

Rentals: [email protected]             

Human Resources: [email protected]

Donations: [email protected]

General Inquiries: [email protected]