The YMCAs of Quebec

What The YMCAs of Quebec does

The YMCAs of Quebec (Les YMCA du Québec) is a nonprofit charitable organization registered in Canada (charity number 11900 1790 RR0001) that has operated in Quebec for nearly 175 years, since approximately 1851. The organization operates an integrated multi-service platform spanning fitness and aquatic memberships, summer camps, youth development programs, social support services, and temporary housing. Core service lines include gym and pool memberships under three subscription tiers (POLY, MULTY, OMNY) priced monthly with promotional offers such as $99 for 8 weeks; Camp YMCA Kanawana, an overnight and day summer camp in Saint-Sauveur with leadership programs for youth aged 15–17; youth development programs including Pathways to Education (school perseverance), Alternative Suspension/Back On Track (dropout prevention, now operating in three countries), C-Vert (environmental leadership), TeenZones, Coop Cafés, and the Welcome and Discovery Zone (ZAD) for newcomer youth; community support programs covering social reintegration post-detention, street outreach (including at YUL Montréal-Trudeau airport), job search assistance, TAPAJ day-work, and temporary housing at Tupper and Port-Royal residences for asylum seekers referred by PRAIDA, CIUSSS, and OMHM; and professional fitness certifications for personal trainers, group fitness instructors, and aquafit instructors. The technology footprint is standard nonprofit infrastructure: a Dayforce HCM job portal, online registration via ymcaquebec.org, the AKARISIN donation platform, and a centralized contact centre — no proprietary software or AI/ML systems are described.

Revenue is generated through five streams: recurring membership subscriptions (POLY/MULTY/OMNY), à-la-carte course and program fees, seasonal summer camp registration (subsidized through the PAFACV provincial program), donations and philanthropy from individuals, corporations (Desjardins, Manulife, Standard Life) and Centraide, and facility rentals. The organization operates a financial assistance program distributing more than $1 million annually to thousands of participants on an income-based application, and is accredited under Imagine Canada's Standards Program as one of only 177 accredited charities out of 180,000 in Canada. Distribution occurs through five Montreal centres (Cartierville, Du Parc, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Westmount, Downtown), one Québec City centre (Saint-Roch, managed under municipal contract), Camp Kanawana, two housing residences, a community-based delivery channel for youth and street outreach programs, and a government referral channel for asylum seeker housing.

Name

The YMCAs of Quebec

Legal name

Les YMCA du Québec

Website

https://ymcaquebec.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1852

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

The YMCAs of Quebec is a 175-year-old nonprofit charitable organization operating fitness/aquatic memberships, summer camps, youth development programs, social support services, and temporary housing for asylum seekers across multiple centres in Montreal and Québec City.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Fitness and Social Services

NAICS

Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394), Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds) (721214)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Arts, Sports & Recreation-Based Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Youth Multi-Sport Camps (General Athletics, Summer Camps) (MPAKAJAA), Multi-Activity Enrichment Camps (Academic + Arts + Sports) (EDAMALAA), Group Camping & Scout Camps (THAGAOAI)

Keywords

• Community fitness services
• Youth development programs
• Summer camp operations
• Social reintegration services
• Temporary housing assistance

Headquarters

HQ city

Montréal

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Subscriptions (POLY, MULTY, OMNY): Recurring membership subscriptions for gym, pool, and group fitness access. Three plan tiers (POLY, MULTY, OMNY) are offered with monthly or multi-month billing cycles. The OMNY plan includes one private training session per year.
2. Program and Course Fees: Fees for structured programs including group fitness courses (session-based or à la carte), private and semi-private lessons (aquatics), leadership programs, and certifications (personal training, first aid/CPR). Revenue is one-time per session or course.
3. Summer Camp (Camp YMCA Kanawana): Registration fees for overnight and day camp programs at Camp YMCA Kanawana. Revenue is seasonal and per-camper. Subsidized rates available through the YMCA's financial assistance program and the provincial PAFACV subsidy.
4. Donations and Philanthropy: Charitable donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations (Centraide, Desjardins, Manulife, Standard Life). The YMCA Foundation raises funds through annual campaigns, the Peace Medal gala, the YMCA Challenge event, and transaction donations. Registered charity: 11900 1790 RR0001.
5. Rental and Facility Use: Revenue from renting YMCA spaces (meeting rooms, event spaces, gymnasiums) to external groups and organizations. Rental agreements are governed by standard terms and conditions published on the website.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The YMCAs of Quebec is a nonprofit charitable organization that operates physical fitness and aquatic centres, summer camps (Camp YMCA Kanawana), youth development programs, social support services, and temporary housing residences across Quebec. Core offerings include subscription-based gym and pool memberships, swimming and group fitness classes, personal training, overnight summer camp experiences, youth leadership and academic perseverance programs, social reintegration and homelessness outreach, and referral-based temporary housing for asylum seekers.

Product overview

The YMCAs of Quebec operates as a community services organization offering a portfolio of interconnected programs organized around health and wellness, youth development, and social support. The core offerings include fitness and aquatic center memberships (Gym and Pool) providing gym access, swimming lessons, group fitness classes (yoga, bootcamp, zumba, HIIT, cardio), and personal training. Camp YMCA Kanawana delivers overnight summer camp experiences with wilderness activities and leadership programs for youth. Youth Programs encompass academic support (Pathways to Education/Back On Track), youth zones, environmental leadership (C-Vert), and newcomer integration (Welcome and Discovery Zone). Community Support Programs provide social reintegration, homelessness outreach, and temporary housing at Tupper and Port-Royal residences. Professional Fitness Certifications train instructors in personal training, group fitness, and aquafit. A Financial Assistance Program ensures accessibility by subsidizing memberships for qualifying individuals and families. The membership structure (POLY, MULTY, OMNY tiers) serves as the primary access mechanism for fitness services while youth and community programs operate with separate enrollment pathways.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• YMCA: Core brand used for fitness and aquatic centres, youth programs, summer camps, and community support services.
• Camp YMCA Kanawana
• TeenZones / Zones jeunesse
• Pathways to Education / Passeport pour ma réussite
• C-Vert
• YMCA Alternative Suspension / Back On Track
• YMCA Residences

Products and services

• Fitness and Aquatic Activities (Gym and Pool) Fitness centre services including gym access, swimming pools, group fitness classes (yoga, pilates, bootcamp, cardio, zumba, HIIT), personal training, and aquatic programs for all ages and skill levels, available to individuals and families.
• Camp YMCA Kanawana Overnight and day summer camp in the Saint-Sauveur area offering canoeing, kayaking, archery, rock climbing, swimming, and leadership programs for children and youth aged 6-17.
• Youth Programs (Initiatives jeunesse) Comprehensive youth development programs including Youth Zones, academic perseverance (Pathways to Education), addiction prevention, environmental leadership (C-Vert), coop programs, and cultural exchange through the Welcome and Discovery Zone for newcomers.
• Community Support Programs (Programmes d'aide) Social support services including social reintegration, compensatory work, job search assistance, day work opportunities (TAPAJ), street outreach for homeless populations, and temporary housing at Tupper and Port-Royal YMCA residences.
• Fitness Certifications and Training Professional certification programs for fitness instructors including personal training, group fitness instruction, training for older adults, aquafit, and continuing education courses, plus aquatic qualifications and first aid/CPR.
• Membership Plans (POLY, MULTY, OMNY) Subscription-based membership tiers offering access to gym facilities, pools, group fitness classes, and personal training sessions with varying levels of benefits and pricing (POLY entry-level, MULTY mid-tier, OMNY full access plus annual private training session).
• Financial Assistance Program Need-based financial assistance program providing reduced rates on memberships and programs to individuals and families who cannot afford full fees, with more than $1 million allocated annually.

Quantifiable outcome

• 29,960 participants annually in physical and aquatic activities
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• City of Pointe-ClairemajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 July 2019The City of Pointe-Claire and the YMCAs of Québec announced a partnership (July 2021) to maintain YMCA programming in Pointe-Claire while improving the city's sports, leisure, and community development service offer for the West Island population. Steps were underway as of July 2021 to formalize the partnership.
• City of QuébecmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2017The YMCA was chosen by the City of Québec to manage the new Saint-Roch sports and community centre in Québec City. This is a public management contract with the municipal government, extending YMCA operations into a new facility.
• PRAIDA (Programme régional d'accueil et d'intégration des demandeurs d'asile)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPRAIDA is the regional program for the settlement and integration of asylum seekers, administered by the CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal. PRAIDA is the sole referral channel for asylum seekers to access YMCA temporary housing residences. The partnership ensures eligibility screening and coordinated integration support.
• CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest-de-l'Île-de-MontréalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe integrated university health and social services centre (CIUSSS) administers PRAIDA and partners with the YMCA for housing and integration services for asylum seekers. The CIUSSS provides clinical oversight and funding for healthcare services within YMCA residences.
• OMHM (Office municipal d'habitation de Montréal)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOMHM is the municipal social housing office of Montreal. It partners with the YMCA for housing and support services for vulnerable populations, including asylum seekers. OMHM helps fund and coordinate housing placement referrals to YMCA residences.
• Concordia University (Faculty of Fine Arts)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Faculty of Fine Arts of Concordia University is listed as a partner for the Camp YMCA Kanawana, authorized to take photos and videos during camp activities. This partnership supports the creative documentation and media aspects of the camp program.
• YMCA Alternative Suspension (Back On Track)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe YMCA Alternative Suspension program, created by the YMCAs of Québec in 1999, has become a recognized international dropout prevention model. The program is now offered in three countries and helps more than 3,000 youth per year. The program was celebrated at the 2019 Peace Medal gala with special recognition.
• Welcome CollectiveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWelcome Collective was recognized at the 2019 Peace Medal awards for its work supporting asylum seekers gather essential items to live and integrate into new homes in Montréal. It is an aligned community organization rather than a formal YMCA partner.
• SOCAN (Society of Authors and Composers)minorOthersYMCA rental space clients must obtain SOCAN licenses for the broadcasting of musical works during events. This is a regulatory/licensing compliance relationship rather than a strategic partnership.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• GoodLife Fitness: Canada's largest for-profit fitness chain, operating hundreds of clubs nationwide including Montreal. Direct overlap with YMCA's gym/pool/group-fitness core, but GoodLife is a specialized, commercially-priced operator rather than a multi-service nonprofit.

Direct peers

• Girl Guides of Canada: National youth development nonprofit offering structured programming, outdoor experiences, and leadership pathways. Comparable to YMCA's youth zones, leadership programs, and camp-based youth development offerings.
• Salvation Army Canada: Multi-service charitable organization operating shelters, community programs, and youth services across Canada. Comparable to YMCA's temporary housing residences (Tupper, Port-Royal) and social reintegration programs.
• Boys & Girls Club of Canada: National youth-focused nonprofit offering after-school programs, recreation, and community services. Highly comparable operating model to YMCA's youth development, community outreach, and government-funded program arms.
• Scouts Canada: National youth development nonprofit delivering outdoor programs, leadership training, and camping experiences. Overlaps closely with Camp YMCA Kanawana and YMCA leadership programs (Trailblazer, Forester, Rangers) on youth outdoor programming.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada: Charitable youth mentoring nonprofit delivering structured programs, fundraising campaigns, and donor-funded services. Comparable to YMCA's youth perseverance, leadership, and newcomer integration programs in mission and donor-supported funding model.
• YMCA Canada: National federation of which Les YMCA du Québec is a member. Operates the same multi-service nonprofit model (fitness, camp, youth development, social services) across Canada and shares branding, programming, and standards with the Quebec entity.

Others

• Centraide / United Way Canada: National federated fundraising organization that funds community nonprofits including the YMCAs of Québec. Adjacent rather than competitive; comparable in nonprofit governance, donor stewardship, and impact reporting standards.

Regional players

• Maison du Père: Montreal-based charitable organization providing housing, food, and reintegration services for vulnerable and homeless men. Comparable to YMCA's Tupper/Port-Royal residences and homelessness outreach programs in Quebec City/Montreal.
• Énergie Cardio: Quebec-headquartered fitness chain with dense club presence in Montreal and across the province. Directly competes with YMCA centres in the same Quebec geography on gym access, group fitness, and personal training.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/YMCAQuebec
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/YMCAQuebec
• Facebookfacebook.com/ymcaquebec
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/les-ymca-du-quebec
• Instagraminstagram.com/ymcaduquebec

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The YMCAs of Quebec