The Intercultural Community Gardens Project helps residents of Vancouver's Downtown Peninsula build inclusive, welcoming and engaging neighbourhoods by working together to build community gardens and grow organic food.

Membership is free and open to residents of the Downtown Peninsula (including the West End, Coal Harbour, Yaletown and False Creek North). If you are interested, you are welcome to come to an information session. Simply download our Information Session Schedule (below) and register to attend the information session most convenient for you.

Information Session Schedule (pdf, 197kb)

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On December 3rd, the YMCA and the United Way of the Lower Mainland are releasing new research results on the critical need for school-aged childcare and programs throughout the Lower Mainland. Read more.

Dr. Schonert-Reichl, along with fellow researcher Dr. Denise Buote and George Rodger, will present the detailed research findings to those involved in the feasibility study and key leaders in the child development community.

The full research reports include:

Licensed School-Aged Child Care in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia (pdf, 472kb)
School-Aged Child Care in the Lower Mainland (pdf, 7.8mb)
Feasibility Study Report 2009 (pdf, 244kb)

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On November 24, the City of Chilliwack announced that Leisure Recreation Group (LRG) is the chosen operator for the Cheam Centre effective April 2010.

Please click here to view the YMCA press release regarding this important matter. It outlines why the YMCA will not continue as operator of the Cheam Centre and states our commitment to a smooth transition, to our staff and to serving Chilliwack.

It is our goal to communicate with our valued members, volunteers and staff in a transparent and open manner as soon as information becomes available.

We sincerely look forward to continuing serving Chilliwack with programs and services to keep the community strong. We believe that Chilliwack is a stronger community because of a strong YMCA.

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The YMCA is pleased to announce that the Bob and Kay Ackles YMCA Nanook House will open in the Fall of 2009. Thanks to the generous support of Bob and Kay Ackles and the Robert L. Conconi Foundation, dozens of families will have a state-of-the-art facility to help their children grow up strong and confident.

This supportive and caring haven for children and parents is located in Vancouver's Mount Pleasant neighbourhood. The new centre will increase the number of children in our existing child care facility and expand counseling services and health and educational support for families.

For the children at Nanook - many of whom require extra help due to developmental delays, health or behavioral issues - a caring network of support is critical. This bright 5,600 square foot facility will offer flexible programs that meet the challenging and changing needs of the Mount Pleasant families at the centre. Learn more, e-mail nanook at vanymca.org or call 604.681.YMCA (9622).

You can also sign up for the waitlist by clicking on the link below.

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The new downtown Robert Lee YMCA will be a centre of community open to all people in the downtown core. Opening in May 2010, the new 92,000 square facility will offer services and programs to strengthen the lives of all families, children, youth, adults and seniors, the Robert Lee YMCA's will become a key part of a Vancouverites day.

This bright and open-concept six-floor building will enhance the physical, emotional and mental strength of all who participate. The Robert Lee YMCA offers:

·   A 25-yard indoor pool with a moveable floor for people of all abilities ·   Whirlpool and steam rooms ·   Family/caregiver change rooms ·   Membership Plus change rooms with extra amenities ·   Cafe and lounge area ·   18,000 square feet of active lifestyle space: Gymnasium Fitness Studios Yoga Studio Strength and Conditioning Zones ·   Computer lab, classrooms and meeting rooms ·   Licensed child care for infants, toddlers and 3-5 year olds ·   Pre-school ·   Family Development Centre and teaching kitchen ·   Secure rooftop play area ·   Underground parking

Do you enjoy helping people improve their physical fitness and build self-esteem? Would you like to lead a fitness or aqua class at the new Robert Lee YMCA? If so, the YMCA Canada Fitness Leadership Training program is for you! The new fitness program courses are starting this fall. Please visit YMCA Fitness Leadership Program for more information.

To learn more about the new Robert Lee YMCA, e-mail robertleeymca at vanymca.org.