YMCA of Greater Toronto Recognized as One of Canada’s Greenest Employers for the 16th Consecutive Year

Toronto – April 21, 2026 – The YMCA of Greater Toronto is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers, marking an impressive 16 years in a row that the charity has received the distinction.

This recognition reflects the Y’s long‑standing commitment to environmental stewardship and creating healthy, sustainable spaces for both employees and communities across the Greater Toronto Area.

Reasons the charity received the award include:

• YMCA of Greater Toronto helped establish a Green Network across North America to share knowledge and resources with the aim of helping other YMCA locations improve their sustainability, climate resilience and facility operations by engaging staff and sharing information regarding both successful processes and challenges faced
• YMCA of Greater Toronto's 263-acre Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre features a large organic garden, perennial herb production and seedling sales, and a greenhouse (built from mostly recycled and reused materials)
• YMCA of Greater Toronto's downtown facility features the city's largest public green roof, which includes a walkway, native plant species, space for outdoor yoga and exercise or just a unique space to escape the busyness of the surrounding city

With about 500 locations across the GTA, the YMCA of Greater Toronto provides a supportive, purpose‑driven workplace where employees can grow personally and professionally in roles ranging from early childhood education to aquatics, health and fitness, camps, and community leadership.

"Sustainability at the Y shows up in our communities and in the spaces we create for them," said Lesley Davidson, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Toronto. "They include our new LEED Platinum McDonald Family YMCA; a new transitional housing project designed to be net-zero; as well as solar generation across multiple locations; and a farm at YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre delivering fresh produce to GTA families. We're proud of these investments. Being named one of Canada's Greenest Employers tells us that our efforts are being recognized, and we know there's more to do."

In addition to being among Canada’s Greenest Employers (2026), the YMCA of Greater Toronto was also recognized as a Greater Toronto Area Top Employer (2026) and Canada’s Best Diversity Employers (2026). 

To learn more about joining the YMCA team.

To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s sustainability efforts, view its sustainability report.