YMCA of Greater Toronto holds lighting ceremony to mark the official opening of the McDonald Family YMCA
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, Deputy Toronto Mayor Ausma Malik, and donors Jenifer and Steve McDonald among guests.
Toronto – October 21, 2025 – This morning, alongside the City of Toronto and the McDonald family, the YMCA of Greater Toronto marked the official opening of the McDonald Family YMCA. A special ceremony included the lighting of a commemorative light wall by donors Jenifer and Steve McDonald, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, and Deputy Toronto Mayor Ausma Malik who is also the local councillor.
Located in the lively King West neighbourhood, the McDonald Family YMCA includes a health and fitness centre and will offer a number of Y programs including summer day camp in the community. Over the past few months, the centre has welcomed thousands of members, from young adults looking to play pick-up basketball or join fitness classes, to families signing up their children to registered programs like swimming and martial arts.
This YMCA Centre of Community was brought to life thanks to vital support from the City of Toronto and the generosity of many donors to the Y’s Strong Start, Great Future Campaign, including transformational donors Jenifer and Steve McDonald. In recognition of the McDonalds’ exceptional philanthropy and long-standing commitment to the Y, with cumulative gifts totaling $5 million, this new centre proudly carries their name. Their generosity to the Y began with a gift to The Wagner Green YMCA, a youth shelter and drop-in centre located nearby.
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“This morning, we celebrated the official opening of our newest centre of community, the McDonald Family YMCA,” said Lesley Davidson, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Toronto. “Thanks to the support of the City of Toronto and the generosity of many donors, including transformational supporters Jenifer and Steve McDonald, we’re proud to serve the growing King West community. The response has been incredible so far. The gym is filled with people connecting over their love of sports like basketball and our children’s swim classes are extremely popular. As demand continues to grow, we’re already planning to expand both group fitness classes and children's registered programs in January.”
“The opening of the McDonald Family YMCA is another initiative that is making Toronto a safer, more affordable, and caring city. The City of Toronto is investing over $21 million in this project,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “This facility provides families, youth, and seniors with a place to stay active and build skills. It also helps neighbours connect, strengthens our communities, and ensures that everyone, no matter their background, has the opportunity to thrive.”
“The new McDonald Family YMCA demonstrates that together we can deliver much-needed and innovative community spaces we are proud of: the City of Toronto, the YMCA of Greater Toronto, and generous philanthropic contributions including Jenifer and Steve McDonald. A well-loved place already for families and neighbours to gather and enjoy,” said Deputy Mayor Ausma Malick. “This new YMCA is an incredible addition to the historic Waterworks Building redevelopment, where we unlocked City land to create new affordable housing, a youth shelter, heritage conservation, parkland expansion and renewal, and market housing and commercial space.”
“The Y has always been an important part of our lives, and we couldn’t be happier to celebrate with the community today,” said Jenifer and Steve McDonald. “We truly believe every child and young person deserves access to the Y’s vital programs. Seeing the community come together today – engaged in programming and connecting with one another – it's more than we could have ever imagined.”
To learn more about the programs and services available at the new McDonald Family YMCA, visit ymcagta.org/mcdonald.
About 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 child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families and seniors. Promoting equity and boosting well-being at about 500 locations in the Greater Toronto Area, the Y is a leading charity that helps everyone shine. For more information visit ymcagta.org.