Policies

Participant Waiver:

I (we) also will follow the rules and regulations set by YMCA BC and other involved parties. I (we) agree to the YMCA BC Polices as per www.nbc.ymca.ca/policies and I (we) understand that failure to comply may result in removal or suspension from the program, without refund.

Parent or guardian must sign for anyone age 18 and under.

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All YMCA of Northern BC Programs and Services

Liability: While YMCA staff and instructors make every reasonable effort to minimize exposure to known risks, the YMCA recommends that you consult with your physician before participating in any YMCA program, and/or using any YMCA fitness equipment or facilities. Neither the YMCA nor its staff, instructors or volunteers are licensed medical care providers and have no expertise in determining the effect of any specific program such as an exercise program, or equipment use, on a medical condition.

You understand and agree that in registering for a YMCA program and/or using any YMCA fitness equipment or facilities, you may be involved in physical activity and that with any physical activity there is a risk of injury. By participating in YMCA programs and/or using any YMCA fitness equipment or facilities, you agree that you are participating voluntarily and do so at your own risk and you agree to fully release the YMCA and its officers, directors, agents, staff, instructors and volunteers from all claims or lawsuits for any injuries, death, property damage or theft, losses, or any other liability of any kind, arising directly or indirectly out of your participation in YMCA programs and/or use of any YMCA fitness equipment or facilities.

Consent to Email: By providing my email to YMCA BC, I consent to receive email communication from YMCA BC containing news, updates and promotions. I understand that I can unsubscribe and withdraw my consent at any time.

External Feedback Policy: PDF Document.

ID: The YMCA is fully committed to the safety and welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults in care. Our ID Policy follows safety standards that have been implemented by YMCAs across the country. As a standard within our policies we have committed to knowing and confirming who is in our facilities and programs. As part of this policy you will be required to show ID to access any YMCA facility. Your ID can be your YMCA membership card, Student ID card or Government Issued Photo ID.

Ongoing Relevancy: The YMCA regularly reviews its policies and procedures to ensure we remain current with evolving public expectations and changing laws.

Operational Changes: YMCA BC reserves the right to amend or modify agreements and policies from time to time as needed to address operational changes, without notice to you.

NSF Fee: All pre-authorised payment returned by your financial institution may result in addition fees charged by your bank which are solely the responsibility of the individual. In additional to the bank charges, YMCA BC will administer a $20.00 Service Charge for any returned payments.

Returned payments will also result in a hold placed on the membership, program, or service.

Participant Commitment: I agree to abide by the YMCA rules outlined to me during my program orientation. I will do my best to make this a good experience for myself and fellow members. I understand and support the YMCA prohibits the possession or use of tobacco, alcohol or non- prescription drugs and understand their use as well as abusive behaviour is cause for dismissal.

I understand that YMCA staff and volunteers are available to assist and support me throughout my membership and I must engage with them in a respectful manner. I understand that failure to live up to this promise might result in the removal of my YMCA membership/program participation.

Privacy: The YMCA of Northern BC is committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information handling practices in keeping with the privacy laws. We maintain physical, electronic, and administrative safeguards that are appropriate to protect the information we collect from you. We collect and use personal data in order to better meet your service needs, to ensure a safe environment while visiting our centers, for statistical purposes, to keep you informed about YMCA programs and services, to complete financial transactions and to satisfy regulatory obligations. You may also hear from us periodically regarding the services we provide to you and to inform you about other YMCA programs or services and opportunities that may interest or benefit you.

YMCA BC collects payment information provided by the account holder for the purposes of processing continuous payments as identified in this agreement. Payment information may include transit numbers, institution id numbers, and account numbers for bank accounts; credit card numbers, expiry dates, and CSVs for credit cards.

YMCA BC does not sell personal information we collect. We will not disclose your personal information to anyone else without your prior knowledge or consent, except with agents or contractors of YMCA BC who perform services for us and when required by a government body or agency, or as permitted by law. YMCA BC maintains physical, electronic, and administrative safeguards that are appropriate to the type of information we obtain from you.

Program Cancellations & Refunds: The YMCA may cancel, postpone or combine classes/programs based on enrolment. Refunds or account credits will be issued if a program is cancelled by the YMCA. Any refunds from canceled programs will remain on the account as a credit unless a refund is requested.

Participant cancellations made after the session begins will not receive a refund. Cancellations due to medical reasons with a note from a medical doctor will receive a pro-rated refund from the cancellation date.

Program Participation Age: Children and youth must be the age listed in the brochure of the program when the session begins.

Safety & Security: Emergency procedures are in place at all YMCA BC facilities. In the event of an emergency, immediately contact a YMCA staff. If an alarm sounds, stop all activity and wait for staff instruction. Please report any suspicious activity to YMCA staff immediately.

Waiting List Guidelines: Programs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Wait-listed participants will only be phoned if a spot becomes available. For registered programs within a Health, Fitness, and Aquatics facility, members and pass holders have priority.

Health Fitness and Aquatics Facilities

Aquatics: Users must comply with the following facility rules while using aquatic facilities:

Lifeguards are on duty to ensure a fun and safe experience – users must follow their recommendations and directions
Swim diapers must be used by young children (available for purchase at Member Services)
All users must shower (each time) before entering the pool
No diving
Swim bands are in use and must be worn
Individuals with serious media conditions should be accompanied by an individual with knowledge of their condition who is responsible for direct supervision
Children under the age of 8 years must be within arm’s reach of a caregiver 16+ years at all time; maximum ratio of 3:1 for children: caregiver; children 8-12 years are recommended to be accompanied by an adult; 12 years and older can use the pool unaccompanied, but a swim buddy is recommended

Birthday Parties: The YMCA will provide access to the space 30 minutes prior to booking time; set up; provide space for cake & presents; provide guidance for party planning; 1 hour of activities; engage in activities with children (30 minutes of face painting; 30 minutes of unstructured time).

The Birthday Party Host will assume all responsibility for behaviour, including cleanliness, while in the YMCA facility; provide all food and beverages; coordinate guest pick-up/drop-off; ensure all guests are aware of YMCA ID Policy.

Cell Phone Use: For the safety and enjoyment of all members and guests of YMCA BC, cell phone use is strictly prohibited in all change rooms and washrooms. For your own safety and the enjoyment of all members and guests please refrain from using cell phones to make phone calls while working out. If you require your cell phone for emergency calls, please set it to vibrate and take the call in a private area.

Photography of any kind within any YMCA BC facility will not be permitted without prior consent. We ask that all guests do not use camera functions on cell phones while in a YMCA facility to ensure the protection of privacy and well-being of others.

Change Rooms: Users must follow these guidelines while in the change rooms:

Lockers are for day use only – locks will be cut on any lockers locked overnight and items will be placed in the lost and found
Be courteous and practice good hygiene, including in the showers and steam room
For everyone’s comfort please refrain from using heavily scented items such as perfumes, deodorants, and hair products in the general changing areas
Children under 5 years are permitted in all change rooms with an adult; children 6 years and over must use the appropriate gender change room or a family/universal changeroom with an adult; children must be accompanied by an adult until 11years
There may be storage near Member Services for valuables such as keys, wallets, and cell phones – check with Members Services for availability
The YMCA is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items

Childminding Services: The YMCA is pleased to offer childminding for children (3months up to 12 years) in some of our facilities or during programs for members’ convenience for an additional fee. Some childminding may require advance sign up. Registration, schedules, and payments can be made with Member Services.

All children and families must follow the following:

Children are permitted to utilize the service once per day, up to 120-minute maximum.
Families are required to provide any supplies needed for the child’s care, such as diapers.
The YMCA will not provide snacks. Children are permitted to provide their own snacks or bottles – no nuts or glass containers.
The YMCA reserves the right to not accept a child into our care if that child is presenting symptoms of illness, including fever, vomiting, cough or coloured mucus.
Due to limited space, only children’s items are permitted to be stored in childminding. No strollers. Member items must be stored in a change room locker.
The YMCA is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen items.

Etiquette: To create an enjoyable atmosphere for all participants, the YMCA core values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility have been incorporated into all services provided. We ask for your support in respecting the rights of all YMCA members, volunteers and staff. Unsafe, disrespectful or inappropriate behavior may result in suspension and/or removal of membership/program privileges.

We ask everyone to follow these basic etiquette guidelines:

Be courteous and practice good hygiene in the showers, steam rooms and change rooms.
Wear a shirt and shorts or sweatpants and indoor athletic shoes when utilizing the facility.
Leave jackets and bags in the change room rather than bringing them to the gym, studios, strength and conditioning areas, or pool deck.
No food or glass containers.
Ask parents/guardians to enforce their children’s compliance and appropriate behaviour.

External Personal Training: External personal trainers can conduct business using the YMCA facilities if they provide proof of insurance and pay the required fee. We encourage members to take advantage of personal trainers on staff, and member-priced packages. Speak to Member Services for more information or to book appointments.

Facility Rentals: Cancellations must be made 7 days in advance of the booking. Any changes, cancellations, or no show to the original booking will result in a charge of 100% of the rental fee.

Rentals include access to stereo, equipment, tables, chairs. Renters must inform staff of specific equipment needs at the time of booking. All items must be returned, in a clean and well-maintained condition.

Rentals are responsible for damage. No dragging of tables or heavy objects, scratching of floors, or activities that are deemed illegal, no tacks, nails, staples, etc. that may cause damage. The YMCA is not responsible for any damaged or lost equipment brought in by the renter. The area must be left in a clean and well-maintained condition.

See Member Services for rental fees and availability. Additional fees apply based on staff requirements. Fees are as per stated in the unique renter agreement.

Group Fitness Classes: All YMCA Group Fitness Classes are complimentary to members/pass holders and on a drop-in basis unless otherwise noted on the schedule. Some classes have limits on participants and equipment. All participants must sign-in 30 minutes prior to the class start time with Member Services.

Guest Passes: Your membership/pass includes five guest passes per year per member (including children). One Guest Pass punch card will be given once a year and it will not be replaced if lost. Guests must be accompanied by a member and they must show government-issued photo identification to access the facility.

Lock Rental: Locks are available to rent at Member Services for $1.00 per day along with a piece of identification as collateral.

Lost & Found: Please report all lost items to Member Services. YMCA BC does not accept any responsibility for lost or stolen items. We will keep all found items in storage for two weeks. Unclaimed items are donated to charity.

Memberships and Pass Holders: Continuous memberships and passes will be made in bi-weekly payments from your bank account or credit card. Your membership will be automatically renewed every two weeks and adjusted to reflect current fees. Continuous memberships have no expiry date and will continue automatically until YMCA BC is notified of a change to the membership.

New members and pass holders will receive their YMCA Card upon their first visit to the facility after purchase. Government issued; photo ID will be required to obtain the membership card. YMCA cards are non-transferable and may only be used by the member. Notify YMCA staff is the card is lost or stolen.

Changes or cancellations to memberships and pass holders must be received in writing, using the appropriate YMCA form, at least 15 days prior to the next pre-authorized payment date. There is no cancellation fee applied once the cancellation request has been reviewed and approved. Your membership will expire 14 days after the next scheduled payment. All cancellations must be done in person.

Holiday Hold: Your pass provides you with the flexibility of putting your pass on hold for up to 3 months total within the calendar year from January to December. Medical holds are also available, and YMCA BC reserves the right to request medical documentation related to medical hold requests.

Shoes: Indoor shoes are required in the Gymnasium and on the Fitness floors.

Youth Facility Access: Youth 10-13 years must have an equipment orientation prior to facility use. Youth under the age of 14 years are not permitted in the weight room without a guardian present.

YThrive Fitness Orientation: All fitness club members are eligible for a complimentary 90-day personalized fitness program tailored to your fitness level and goals.

Visiting Another YMCA: Your membership/pass and membership card will be recognized when visiting YMCAs across Canada. Many YMCAs within North America will recognize your membership as well; however, we recommend calling ahead when visiting YMCAs outside of Canada to confirm.

Prince George Family YMCA

Liability and Etiquette Waiver

Limitation of Liability

In consideration of my [and/or my child(s)] participation in this activity, I hereby release and discharge YMCA BC and its representatives, successors and assigns, from any and all liability arising from accident, injury and illness that I (he/she) may suffer as a result of my (our) participation in this activity. I (we) also will follow the rules and regulations set by YMCA BC and other involved parties. I (we) agree to the YMCA BC Polices as per www.nbc.ymca.ca/policies and I (we) understand that failure to comply may result in removal or suspension from the program, without refund. Parent or guardian must sign for anyone age 18 and under.

Etiquette

To create an enjoyable atmosphere for all participants, the YMCA core values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility have been incorporated into all services provided. We ask for your support in respecting the rights of all YMCA members, volunteers and staff. Unsafe, disrespectful or inappropriate behaviour may result in suspension and/or removal of membership/program privileges.

We ask everyone to follow these basic etiquette guidelines:

Please be courteous and practice good hygiene in the showers, steam rooms and locker room.
For your comfort and safety, the YMCA requires that you wear a shirt, shorts or sweatpants and indoor athletic shoes when utilizing the facility.
For safety reasons, please leave jackets and bags in the locker room rather than bringing them to the gym, studios, or strength and conditioning areas.
Food and glass containers are not permitted in any area.

Youth Facility Access

Youth 10-13 years must have an equipment orientation prior to facility use. Youth under the age of 14 years are not permitted in the weight room without a guardian present. Children and youth under the age of 10 years must have a parent or guardian present while accessing the facility.

Emergency Procedures

Emergency procedures are in place at all YMCA BC facilities. In the event of an emergency, immediately contact a staff person or Member Services. If the fire alarm sounds, stop all activity and wait for staff instruction. Please report any suspicious activity, health and safety or maintenance concerns to YMCA staff immediately.

Photo and Cell Phone Policy

For the safety and enjoyment of all members and guests of YMCA BC, cell phone use is strictly prohibited in all change rooms and washrooms. For your own safety and the enjoyment of all members and guests please refrain from using cell phones to make phone calls while working out. If you require your cell phone for emergency calls, please set it to vibrate and take the call in a private area.

YMCA Commitment to Privacy

YMCA BC is committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information handling practices in keeping with the privacy laws. We collect and use personal data in order to better meet your service needs, to ensure a safe environment while visiting our centers, for statistical purposes, to keep you informed about YMCA programs and services, to complete financial transactions and to satisfy regulatory obligations. You may also hear from us periodically regarding the services we provide to you and to inform you about other YMCA programs or services and opportunities that may interest or benefit you.

Bank or Credit Card Information

Information Sharing

YMCA BC does not sell any personal information we collect. We will not disclose your personal information to anyone else without your prior knowledge or consent, except with agents or contractors of YMCA BC who perform services for us and when required by a government body or agency, or as permitted by law.

Confidentiality/Security

YMCA BC maintains physical, electronic, and administrative safeguards that are appropriate to the type of information we obtain from you.

Find all the of all YMCA BC policies at www.nbc.ymca.ca/policies.

Membership Changes Agreement

Required Notice

All requests for changes to your membership including, but not limited to, cancellations and holds, must be received through the online form or in person with Membership Services. All requests must be submitted by the Account Payer at least 15 days prior to the next pre-authorized payment date.

Holiday Hold

Your membership provides you with the flexibility of putting your membership on hold for up to 7 pay-periods (3 months) total within the calendar year from January to December. The Account Payer understands that their memberships may resume their regular payment cycle automatically after the hold period without notification from Membership Services. Medical holds are also available and YMCA BC reserves the right to request medical documentation related to medical hold requests.

Cancellation Requests

Requests for cancellation must be made through the online form or in person at least 15 days prior to the next pre-authorized payment date. Online requests will be reviewed and the Account Payer contacted within 24 hours of the request being submitted. There is no cancellation fee applied once the cancellation request has been reviewed and approved by Membership Services. The membership will expire 14 days after the last scheduled payment.

Operational Changes

YMCA BC reserves the right to amend or modify this Membership Agreement from time to time as needed to address operational and policy changes, without notice to you.

Any pre-authorized payments returned by your financial institution may result in additional fees charged by your bank which will are your sole responsibility to pay. In addition to the bank charges, YMCA BC will administer a $20.00 service charge for any payments returned by your financial institution.

Returned payments may result in a hold being placed on the membership until the balance on account is paid. Memberships with outstanding fees may be cancelled without notice.

Your Membership

Your YMCA membership and membership card is non-transferable and may only be used by you. Please keep your membership card safe and notify Membership Services immediately if it is lost or stolen. Your membership card or a piece of government-issued identification must be presented each visit in order to access the facility.

Your YMCA membership will be recognized when visiting YMCAs across Canada. Many YMCA within North America will recognize your membership as well; however, we recommend calling ahead when visiting YMCAs outside of Canada.

Child Care Policies

You can find our child care policies in our parent/guardian handbooks.

Early Years Handbook

Preschool Handbook

School Age Handbook