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News & Updates

Keep up to date with all the news and event happening at the Y.

January

» Jan. 16th - NOTICE TO MEMBERS. The Westwood Family YMCA will be closing at 5pm on Saturday, January 21st for a Staff Celebration. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

» Jan. 13th - Pool repairs update. (PDF)

» Jan. 12th - The YMCA of Wood Buffalo is delivering the Strategic Mentoring Program in Fort McMurray January 23, 25, 27, 30, February 1 and 2. Find out more information (PDF)

» Jan. 7th - Try out a YMCA Fitness class for FREE during DEMO WEEK - January 9th to 14th. (PDF)

December

» Dec. 28th - Pool maintenance update (PDF)

» Dec. 22nd - YMCA gymasium holiday hours here. (PDF)

» Dec. 20th - Check out the January 2012 Fitness Class Schedule: New classes for a New You! (PDF)

» Dec. 19th - Westwood Family YMCA Holiday Hours:

  • December 24th: 7am to 6pm
  • December 25th: CLOSED
  • December 26th: 9am to 7pm
  • December 26th: 9am to 7pm
  • December 31st: 7am to 6pm
  • January 1st: 9am to 7pm

October

» Oct. 20th - YMCA-SSWC Wood Buffalo Membership - read the details here (PDF).

» Oct. 20th - Refer a friend and earn your fees back! Learn how... (PDF)

» Oct. 20th - Westwood Family YMCA pools and hot tub closed for annual maintenance - November 14, 2011 ... read the details here (PDF).

September

» Sep. 29th - YMCA Employment Link - Linking French speaking Canadians and Immigrants to Employment. Renovations are nearly complete and this program will operate out of its permanent home - #205-10011 Franklin Ave on Wednesday, October 5th. Please contact the program coordinator at (780) 370.2529 for more information.

YMCA Liaison Emploi - Rejoindre les Canadiens francophones et les immigrants aux services d'emploi. Des rénovations sont presque terminées et ce programme commencera à fonctionner le mercredi Octobre 5, de son bureau permanent au #205-10011 Franklin Avenue. Pour plus de renseignements contactez le coordinateur du programme au (780) 370.2529

» Sep. 9th - YMCA Employment Link is currently undergoing renovations, however, career and employment services are available by appointment in our Immigrant Settlement Office (780-743-2970 / #201 10011 Franklin Ave.)

» Sep. 4th -

The latest update to aquatic staff shortage at the YMCA pool and temporary hours.
Read the update. (PDF)

August

» Aug. 16th - September to December Fitness Class schedule is now available ... check out the great NEW classes for Fall! (PDF)

» Aug. 4th - Get your kids off the couch this summer! Join the YMCA Summer Blitz... (PDF)

» Aug. 2nd - Check out the August fitness schedule!

» Aug. 2nd - Do you know someone who promotes peace in your community? Nominate them! (PDF)

July

» Jul. 4th - Train to be a lifeguard this summer! Registration on now... find out more. (PDF)

June

» Jun. 14th - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (Amendment to YMCA bylaw 6.02) will be held on June 27, 2011 at 6:30pm in the YMCA Birchwood Child Development Center (190 Tamarack Way). Phone: 780-790-9622 ext 228

May

» May. 30th - New YMCA program brochure is available now - view it here! (PDF)

» May. 30th - YMCA Strong Kids Cafe and Fundraiser - Get Involved! (PDF)

» May. 29th - Summer Swim Lesson Registration opens May 31st! Read more here... (PDF)

» May. 20th - Download the YMCA Out-of-School Care flyer (PDF)

» May. 19th - NOTICE TO MEMBERS: Please be advised that the pools will be closed: Sunday, May 22nd @ 5pm to Tuesday, May 24th @ 6am to continue repairs to the hot tub. We apologize for any inconvenience to our members and thank you for your support while we work to reopen the hot tub.

» May. 16th - Help the YMCA build a natural playground for our Riedel Child Development Centre. All we need is your vote! Learn more here... (PDF)

» May. 16th - YMCA Summer Day Camp registration is now open! Check it out here... (PDF)

April

» Apr. 26th - Hot Tub - May 4th is the schedule dated for the installation of the new pumps. Prior to the Hot Tub opening to the public , water samples have to be submitted to Alberta Health Services for testing as per regulations. Hot Tub will open once all water samples receive satisfactory approval from Alberta Health Services.
Steam Room - over the last month we have been working on the follow upgrades and repairs ; heating elements, wiring, piping, sensors and timers.

» Apr. 21st - The new date for presentation to City Council is set for May 24, 2011. We encourage all YMCA members past and present to show your support for the YMCA and join us on this day. To learn more, please inquire by calling 780-790-9622 ext. 0.

» Apr. 18th - Notice to Members. Due to unscheduled maintenance from the Public School District, the gymnasium will be closed to members starting Monday, April 18th. Regular programming will resume Tuesday, April 26th. We apologize for the inconvenience to our members.

» Apr. 18th - Due to staff shortage, the pool hours will be changing until further notice.

  • Monday-Friday: 7am-9pm
  • Saturday-Sunday: 9am-7pm
We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

» Apr. 6th - Swim lesson families - upcoming important dates:

  • February 8-13: Mid-term report cards
  • March 1: Member Registration for Spring Session
  • March 15: Non-Member Registration for Spring Session
  • March 15-20: Last week of lessons/report cards - each lesson will be a photo-friendly day
  • April 12-17: Spring lessons begin (no lessons week of April 18-24 for Spring Break)

» Apr. 4th - Steam room and hot tub update. (PDF)

March

» Mar. 28th - Earthquake relief for New Zealand and Japan. Donate Today (PDF).

» Mar. 15th - Attention all Youth Night Participants. Please note that there will be no access to the gymnasium on the following dates:

⋅ Friday, March 18th 2011 - Charlotte Diamond Concert
⋅ Friday, April 8th - Westwood High School Function

Other areas of the facility will be utilized for activities. We apologize for the disruption. Your understanding is appreciated.

February

» Feb. 23rd - See Charlotte Diamond in concert March 18th! Supporting the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. Download the poster for full information. (PDF)

» Feb. 16th - Wondering what to do with the kids during Teacher Convention Camp? The YMCA's got your back! Registration information here!

» Feb. 8th - The 21-Day Challenge has begun! Are you registered yet?
Join other members in creating a healthy new habit for 2011! The 21-Day challenge is a member program offered at no charge and designed to help you create a habit in 21 days that will pay off all year long! Registration is open until February 28th - participants must complete 30 minutes of physical activity in 21 out of 30 days. Complete and be entered to win time with a personal trainer! For more details contact the Member Services Desk.

January

» Jan. 25th - Volunteer opportunities working with community programs - learn more!

» Jan. 11th - Do you want to learn to Kayak? Registration on now, learn more here! (PDF)

» Jan. 11th - Winter Session Fitness and Aquatics Programs - check out the schedule here (Excel).

» Jan. 1st - New in 2011! The YMCA fitness centre is now open until 11pm Monday to Friday!

November

» Nov. 29th - YMCA Winter Camps - register now! Registration is now open for YMCA Winter Camps. Programs will be held at the Ecole Dickensfield Elementary School and run December 20th-23rd and December 28th-30th. Fees are $160 and $120 respectively. Registration must be done in person at the Birchwood Child Development Centre and payment can be made by Visa, Mastercard, Money Order or debit. For more information call Jennifer at 780-790-9532 ext. 34 or email jennifer_talbot@ymca.ca

» Nov. 23rd - A contractor will be conducting a walkthrough of the area to assess the full scope of repairs needed. The pool is continuing to be drained to prepare for the repairs. Please note that all aquatic programming scheduled for this week is cancelled and alternative arrangements are being made. Check the website or speak with Member Services for daily updates.

» Nov. 22nd - YMCA Pool is undergoing additional repairs effectively immediately. Read press release. (PDF)

» Nov. 19th - Please be notified that the pools are temporarily closed due to a necessary, minor repair.
There will be no pool available for Youth Night nor open swim. Lessons are cancelled for this weekend, however make-up lessons will be arranged.
We anticipate a short turnaround and are hopeful to have the pool reopened by early-mid next week. Please contact Member Services for updates.

» Nov. 18th - Watch the Canadian Classic hockey game and then join us for a meet & greet with the Oil Barons Sunday, November 28th. The team will be on hand for an autograph session and have a photo taken with your favourite players! Download poster for full details (PDF).

» Nov. 16th - Member registration NOW OPEN for Winter swim lessons beginning the week of January 11th, 2010. Non-member registration opens December 7th, 2010. New weekday lessons have been added for all levels.

» Nov. 7th - Notice to Swim Lesson Participants - Parent/Instructor Chat week coming soon! During the week of November 8th-14th you will have the opportunity to discuss your child's progress and registration procedures for the Winter session.

» Nov. 4th - Want to affect positive change in your community? Learn more about becoming a YMCA Board Member.

October

» Oct. 28th - Notice to swimmers for October 30, 2010. Please note that due to the Fort McMurray In-House Swim Meet, we will not be able to offer open swim nor lane swimming for swimmers from 1:30-5:30pm. We apologize for any inconvenience to our members.

» Oct. 22nd - Join us for a Preteen Night in a spoooky Halloween style Friday the 29th! (PDF)

» Oct. 22nd - Register now for the Keyano Huskies Basketball Skills Camp! (PDF)

» Oct. 22nd - The gymnasium will be closed to our members on Saturday, October 23, 2010 due to the Kids Help Phone annual fundraising event. We apologize for any inconvenience.

» Oct. 8th - Holiday Hours for Monday October 11th The facility will be open 9:00am-7:00pm to observe the Thanksgiving Holiday. Please note that there will be no swim lessons from October 9-11th inclusive. The YMCA would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

September

» Sep. 13th - Important Information Regarding Fall Swim Lessons - please note that if your child is registered in Saturday or Sunday swim lessons, classes begin September 18/19th, 2010. If your child is registered in weekday Parent & Tot lessons or Preschool lessons, your first class will be the week of September 20, 2010.

» Sep. 10th - Would you like to become a certified fitness instructor? Download the flyer (PDF) and find out how.

» Sep. 10th - Register for Teen Weight Training now. Download flyer (PDF).

» Sep. 9th - Attention Members: Due to staffing shortages, at this time we are only able to offer aquafit classes on Tuesday from 12-1pm. Read the full notice (PDF).

» Sep. 8th - NOTICE TO MEMBERS - The YMCA of Wood Buffalo would like to inform members about some of the changes we are implementing with regard to parking at the Westwood facility. Download the notice (PDF).

August

» Aug. 26th - Greely
 Road Out of School Care Open House. August
 31,
 2010 
at 
3:00pm. For full info download the poster (PDF).

» Aug. 23rd - The YMCA main and tot pools are now open (PDF). Countdown the remaining days of summer and join us this week for our YMCA Summer Splashdown and Open House! (ZIP)

» Aug. 18th - Join us for the YMCA Summer Splashdown - August 23-28th Download poster (PDF) and download the schedule (PDF).

» Aug. 13th - Pool Update - Repairs to the pool are well under way and nearing the reopening of the pools. Read full update (PDF).

» Aug. 13th - Swim lesson & other program registration for the Fall session begins:

• Members: August 23, 2010
• Non-Members: August 30, 2010

Call 780-790-YMCA (9622) for details.

» Aug. 13th - Fall fitness classes begin September 1 - see the Fall 2010 schedule for details!

» Aug. 13th - Labour Day - September 6, 2010 - the YMCA will be open holiday hours from 9am-7pm, classes will not be run on this day.

July

» Jul. 16th - Pool repairs begin -- Read the update. (PDF)

» Jul. 5th - Pool closure news - the latest update. (PDF)

» Jul. 1st - YMCA Annual General Meeting is Tuesday July 27, 2010 at 6:30. Location: Westwood Family YMCA (221 Tundra Dr. Fort McMurray)

June

» Jun. 29th - Board of Directors announcement regarding changes to YMCA of Wood Buffalo CEO - read full announcement. (PDF)

» Jun. 22nd - Pool closure news ... read June 22 update. (PDF). [Previously - earlier June update (PDF), original press release (DOC)]

» Jun. 14th - Summer Fitness Schedule available here! (PDF)

» Jun. 14th - Pool update - read more (PDF).

» Jun. 3rd - Join us Sunday, June 6th for National YMCA Healthy Kids Day. Come to the Westwood Family YMCA for an open house, Fun Run, games, prizes and more! View the poster. (PDF)

» Jun. 3rd - Come join us this Friday for the YMCA Youth Connections job fair. Check out these great employers in attendance and find your perfect job! (DOC)

May

» May. 18th - Important Notice to our Members regarding closure of the pools at the Westwood Family YMCA. Effective immediately - main pool, tot pool and hot tub are closed due to a mechanical failure.

Please note that that we are not able to offer access to the pool for the following scheduled events:

    • Swim Lessons
    • Youth Night
    • Birthday Parties
    • Pool Bookings

Please check the website for updates or contact Member Services at 780.790.9622 for more information. The YMCA sincerely apologies for any inconvenience to our members. Read the Press Release (DOC)

» May. 2nd - Out-of-School Summer Day Programs - Registration begins Monday, May 10th! Details here (DOC)

March

» Mar. 5th - Wondering how to keep your kids active and having fun during Spring and Summer school breaks? Registration for the YMCA Out-of-School-Care Spring & Summer Camps now OPEN! Call Jennifer at 780-790-9532 ext. 34.

February

» Feb. 10th - Due to Westwood High School events please note that the Gymnasium will be closed to YMCA programming:

Friday, Feb. 12th: No gymnasium access for Youth Night - Pool and other areas will remain open.

Saturday, Feb. 13th: Programming will run from 5:00pm to 9:00 pm only. The YMCA staff apologies for any inconvenience to our members.

January

» Jan. 27th - YMCA Greely Road Child Development Centre is opening soon! Daycare registrations are now being accepted for children aged 19months to 6 years and Out-of-School-Care registrations for children aged 6-12years. Call Darleen or Christina at 780-715-8584. Spaces are also available at the following locations: Westview, Dickensfield and Thickwood. Call Jennifer at 780-790-9532 ext. 34 to find out more!

» Jan. 21st - You can make a difference in the lives of thousands affected by the devastation in Haiti. Find out how to help.

» Jan. 13th - The Thursday 6:30am Rise 'n Shine Yoga class has been moved to 7-8am. Additionally, a Rise 'n Shine Yoga class has been added on Tuesdays from 7-8am.

December

» Dec. 28th - The YMCA of Wood Buffalo would like to wish everyone a Healthy New Year. Check out our NEW Winter/Spring 2010 brochure (effective Jan 1/2010). There are many new and exciting changes to our fitness programs - we look forward to seeing you soon! If you are seeking information for programs or services prior to 01/01/2010 - please call membership services and we will help you find what you are looking for.

» Dec. 20th - Our aquatics facilities have re-opened. Annual maintenance is complete, the pool deck is sporting new grout and some new friends have joined us in the tot pool area - come see what we've been up to!

November

» Nov. 29th - November 30-December 19 - Main pool, tot pool, hot tub, sauna & steam room are closed for annual cleaning. We apologize for any inconvenience and invite you to try out one of our fitness programs or drop-in activities in the gym!

» Nov. 28th - New Connections Club for Aboriginal Youth! Tuesdays from 3:15-5:00pm. Connect with other students and learn about Aboriginal Culture. (Includes: activities, snacks, guest speakers, life skills sessions and more!)

September

» Sep. 4th - The Fall 2009 - Spring 2010 program brochure is now available for download. (PDF) Web pages will be updated shortly.

» Sep. 3rd - YMCA Out-of-School Care programs have partnered with the Fort McMurray Public School District. Register for your space.

» Sep. 2nd - Register now for the next swimming session beginning September 8, 2009

June

» Jun. 16th - Summer 2009 program update now available. (PDF)

» Jun. 10th - Tune into Kaos 91.1fm on Wednesday, June 17th as Reave MacLeod - Program Coordinator for the YMCA Youth Connections Program joins Murray Jordan to chat about exciting new changes to the program!

» Jun. 10th - Effective June 1 to August 31, 2009 - the Westwood gymnasium will be closed while the gym floor and bleachers are being replaced. We regret any inconvenience this may cause our membership, however we look forward to being able to offer programming in a new and improved space in the Fall.

» Jun. 3rd - The YMCA Strong Kids Golf Tournament is coming June 22 -- find out more (PDF).

May

» May. 6th - Summer camp registration is May 9 for members and May 16 for non-members - Find out more and register

» May. 5th - Sign up for the Learn to Run program. (PDF)

April

» Apr. 3rd - YMCA of Wood Buffalo Birchwood Child Development Centre has been reopened for daycare and out-of-school care. Read the press release.

March

» Mar. 31st - Update on the temporary closure of Birchwood Child Development Centre. Read the press release.

» Mar. 31st - Temporary closure of YMCA Birchwood Child Development Center due to flooding. Read the press release.

» Mar. 29th - Registration for swim lessons is on now! The next session begins April 4, 2009 with a level evaluation of your child. Contact Membership Services at 780.790.9622 ext. 0 or the Aquatics Supervisor at ext. 241 for more information.

» Mar. 24th - We have heard your feedback and are now pleased to offer day passes to non-members aged 2 years and under at no charge. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Visit your membership representative for more details.

» Mar. 16th - Join the 21-Day Get Fit Challenge...

» Mar. 11th - Tax receipts for YMCA Child Care programs have been issued. If you require further information, please send an email to Deena Warren

» Mar. 3rd - The pools at the Westwood Family YMCA have re-opened and all programs and classes are running as normal.

January

» Jan. 10th - Join us for our Relaunch Celebration!

December

» Dec. 15th - Construction is well under way - stop by and see us!

» Dec. 10th - The new Winter/Spring 2009 brochure is now available!

November

» Nov. 29th - View pictures from our Peace Week Celebration

June

» Jun. 29th - Board of Directors announcement regarding changes to YMCA of Wood Buffalo CEO - read full announcement (PDF)