Medicine Hat's YMCA has several locations throughout the city, including the Y on 2nd. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

By Eli J. Ridder

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat’s YMCA changes name to reflect values, geography

Dec 2, 2024 | 2:13 PM

Medicine Hat’s YMCA said Monday its had a name change as part of an effort to “ensure a longstanding dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion.”

Its legal name has been changed to the YMCA of Southeastern Alberta from the Medicine Hat Family Young Men’s Christian Association.

It eliminates acronyms from the name, references to gender, age or religion and accurately reflects an organization that provides programs beyond Medicine Hat, the organization said.

Sharon Hayward, CEO of the newly-branded local YMCA, said the change was necessary despite Canadian YMCAs operating as inclusive secular organizations since the 1970s.

“Although we rarely used our full legal name, it’s still important that it reflects the true purpose of the organization and the geographic area served,” Hayward said in a release statement.

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“We have offered programs outside of Medicine Hat since 2017, most notably in Brooks and Redcliff, and we want our name to reflect our commitment to serve the region of southeastern Alberta.”

The organization will continue to be headquartered in Medicine Hat and the name change does not impact or change any existing programming, according to a news release.

Over the next several months, the community can also expect to see facility signage updated with the organization’s new name, it added.