Toronto Sheppard Ave. YMCA Centre

Great community spot for families! My kids attend both karate and swimming classes here, and they absolutely love it. The instructors are friendly, patient, and really good with kids.nnThe facility itself is always lively — lots of people around, a great atmosphere, and even areas where people are playing ping-pong which adds to the fun, community vibe. There’s also plenty of parking, which makes it super convenient.nnOverall, it’s a welcoming place with a positive environment for both kids and adults. Definitely recommend for families looking for activities and a strong community feel.

I had a great experience at the YMCA today. Miss Shakiba was incredibly kind, welcoming, and helpful throughout my visit. She took the time to answer my questions and made the process smooth and pleasant. Excellent customer service and a positive attitude. Thank you, Miss Shakiba, for your support!

Very rude manager named Alabayo harassed me at this location for not swiping my card even though there was no one at the desk when I entered and I showed my card after walking in. He proceeded to follow me into the changing room and to the gym and physically blocked me from using the machines and made a whole scene. This was a very disappointing experience as I have been a member for over 3 years now! Also, the facility is poorly maintained and is falling apart! The branch manager Erin Smith is very rude as well and doesn't take complaints seriously unless it's by a staff member! Toxic facility to say the least!

I joined the North York YMCA expecting the standard of care its brand reputation implies. What I experienced was a cascade of institutional failures, the effective theft of my belongings, and a racially charged hostile environment.nnOn my first visit, I was repeatedly turned away from the pool — redirected three times over 30 minutes — before a physically challenged staff member took it upon themselves to show me the access I had already paid for. That a new member required intervention from someone going out of their way to compensate for a systemic failure says everything about the floor-level competence of the staff on duty.nnThe more serious issue: the facility cut my lock and discarded my belongings from a locker that was included in my membership. Notices posted directly on the lockers instruct staff to verify member status before taking action. That process was ignored. When I raised this, staff first told me a locker would cost $15 — then acknowledged it was included — then handed me paperwork to complete, more than a week after I had already joined. My belongings were never recovered. That is not a procedural error. That is theft by negligence at minimum.nnAfter I complained about my experience with the membership coordinator — who appeared to note my American phone number as a relevant detail — I was confronted in the locker room by a group of men who berated me, used homophobic and xenophobic language, and made explicit statements about child marriage citing specific ages of 13–14. This occurred in a YMCA facility. The timing, following my complaint, warrants serious scrutiny as to whether this was coordinated retaliation.nnThe YMCA markets itself on inclusion. What I encountered was an environment that is unsafe for Black members, American visitors, and LGBTQ+ individuals. I am documenting this experience formally and would strongly caution anyone from these communities before choosing this facility.nnManagement has a clear record of this complaint. What they do with it will speak for itself.nnWhat I’m SeekingnnRestitution for destroyed property. A formal investigation into staff conduct and the locker room incident. Accountability from leadership, not a scripted apology.nnThe YMCA markets itself as an inclusive, community-centered organization. North York’s location fell dramatically short of that standard. I am documenting this experience formally and have retained appropriate counsel.

I have generally enjoyed the YMCA and appreciate the variety of fitness programs offered. However, I was very disappointed with a recent Arriba Dance Aerobics class.nnThe music volume was excessively loud to the point where several participants were visibly covering their ears. One participant even went up twice to lower the volume, but it was turned back up again by the Instructor. It was difficult to hear the instructor's directions, several people left the class early, and I left with a severe headache and ringing in my ears.nnMany participants in these classes are seniors, making this a health, safety, and accessibility concern, especially for those who wear hearing aids or have hearing sensitivities.nnI hope the YMCA reviews its policies regarding music volume in fitness classes so that all members can participate safely and comfortably.