YMCA of Greater Toronto celebrates official opening of The McDonald Family YMCA
Now open in the heart of King West, this health and fitness centre brings inclusive programs and community-focused amenities to local residents.
Toronto – July 15, 2025 – This morning, the YMCA of Greater Toronto officially opened its doors to its latest Centre of Community, The McDonald Family YMCA. Now part of the lively King West neighbourhood, the brand-new centre will include a health and fitness centre, day camp and community programming to local residents. Today’s opening welcomed over 2,500 founding members to the new site, where they explored the space, tested the latest equipment, and met the community.
“When I think about what a Y means to the community, I picture parents cheering on children learning to swim, fitness class participants finding out they’re neighbours, and teens connecting at pickup basketball games,” said Lesley Davidson, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Toronto. “This new Centre of Community is more than just a building, it’s a place where confidence is built, friendships are formed, and everybody has a place where they belong. We built this space to reflect our community, and we can’t wait to welcome them in and watch new community stories unfold.”
The McDonald Family YMCA is a game-changing addition for downtown residents. Inside the 58,000 square-foot facility, there is state-of-the-art equipment, a massive 6,000 square-foot gymnasium with a full-size basketball court, a bright and modern 25-metre swimming pool, and two versatile studios hosting YMCA favourites like Arriba, Bootcamp, MuscleFit, Yoga, and more. Families will also enjoy children’s programming and Teen Nights, making this a true community destination in the heart of dynamic King West.
This centre was brought to life thanks to the generosity of donors who contributed to the YMCA’s capital campaign, including Jenifer and Steve McDonald, whose visionary support made the McDonald Family YMCA a reality. Their commitment to expanding essential services and strengthening community connections across Toronto’s diverse neighbourhoods is reflected in every corner of this space. The project was also made possible thanks to the City of Toronto.
Jenifer and Steve McDonald firmly believe that every child and young person deserves access to the Y’s vital programs. The long-time Y supporters made a transformational gift totalling $5 million to the new Centre of Community named in their honour, The McDonald Family YMCA. Their generosity to the Y began with a gift to The Wagner Green YMCA, a youth shelter and drop-in centre located nearby.
“Having been members of the Y ourselves so many years ago, we know firsthand the lasting impact the Y can have on young people and the broader community. Those early experiences shaped who we are, and it’s why we’ve remained long-time supporters. Our hope is this centre will open doors for countless young people, giving them the confidence to grow and the support they need to truly thrive, both inside and outside of the Y.”
- Jenifer and Steve McDonald
The YMCA’s new home is proudly situated in the vibrant core of King West, housed within the historic Toronto Waterworks Building on Richmond Street West at Maud Street. Members can enter through the main doors at 501 Richmond Street West to experience everything this incredible new space has to offer.
To purchase a membership, please visit ymcagta.org/McDonald.
Photos and videos of the McDonald Family YMCA can be found here.
About the YMCA of Greater Toronto
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead and give back to their communities. For more than 170 years, the YMCA of Greater Toronto has provided opportunities for people to shine through a variety of programs and services including health and fitness, licensed childcare, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families and seniors. Promoting equity and boosting well-being across more than 500 locations in the Greater Toronto Area, the Y is a leading charity that helps everyone shine. For more information visit ymcagta.org.