YMCA of Greater Toronto announces new COVID-19 vaccination requirement policy

Toronto – September 1, 2021 – The YMCA of Greater Toronto announced a new COVID-19 vaccination requirement policy applicable to staff, volunteers, participants 12+ years old and visitors as more and more programs continue to re-open to in-person participation. The policy coincides with the Ontario government’s announcement of its vaccine certificate policy.

The vaccine requirement policy applies to staff, volunteers, participants 12+ years old and visitors to YMCA of Greater Toronto centres.

• As of September 22, 2021 all YMCA Health & Fitness members who are 12+ years old will be required to be fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine series.
• As of October 30, 2021, this requirement will come into effect for all other program participants who are 12 years and older, YMCA staff and volunteers.

All YMCA staff, volunteers, program participants and other visitors to Y centres in the GTA, who are 12+ years old, will be required to be fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine series. Participants and other visitors to Y centres will be asked to use the Ontario government’s vaccine verification system as the means for demonstrating proof of vaccination.

“Now, and throughout the pandemic, the Y’s goal has been to safely serve communities in program settings that meet and, in some cases, exceed public-health requirements for infection, prevention and control. The Y has continued to adjust protocols based on shifting conditions and evolving guidance from governments and public health authorities,” says Medhat Mahdy, President and CEO, YMCA of Greater Toronto. “By acting now alongside the latest update from the Ontario government, we are doing our part to ensure that we’re able to serve our communities, in the safest way possible.”

While much headway has been made in fighting the pandemic, the concerning rise in the number of COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant threatens that progress. In consideration of the vulnerable communities that the Y serves and the presence of children in Y centres – many of whom are too young to be vaccinated – the policy has been introduced to ensure the health and safety of everyone physically entering and using the Y’s facilities.

The COVID-19 vaccination requirement policy applies to all program participants and visitors who are 12+ years old. As there are certain groups who are not eligible for vaccination or who may not have had full access to vaccines, the following groups are exempt from the vaccine requirement:

• Children under age 12
• Shelter and housing participants
• Elementary and high school students participating in programs as part of their school curriculum will be subject to the vaccination requirements of their respective school boards

If you are interested in learning more about the Y’s new vaccination policy, please visit Yvaccines.ca The YMCA of Greater Toronto will comply with human rights obligations and accommodate all individuals who are legally entitled to accommodation.