1902

YMCA Calgary begins operating a library, public reading rooms and classes for young men and boys in the Maclean Block in downtown Calgary.

YMCA Calgary Members: 125

Calgary's Population: 4,398

1909

The first YMCA building in Calgary opens. Constructed on land leased from the Canadian Pacific Railway, the facility is named the Calgary City and Railroad YMCA and would later become known as the Central Y.

1914

Calgary becomes home to the first Chinese YMCA in North America, housed in the Chinese Mission at 120 2^nd Ave. Along with recreational and fitness activities, the facility offers educational, vocational and leadership programs to a growing Chinese population.

1915

The first Hi-Y Club in Canada is formed out of the Collegiate Club at Central High School. The group acts as a "service club" and is promoted as a means of training future volunteer leaders.

1926

The City of Calgary makes Firehall No.4 available to YMCA Calgary. It is equipped by the Y's Men's Club and the Rotary Club. That same year, it becomes the site of YMCA Calgary’s first official branch – the Riverside YMCA.

In addition to providing boys activities and developmental programs the Riverside YMCA conducts adult evening classes, Leisure Time League activities, and for a time, is home to a Girls' Club. In 1948, the Riverside YMCA building is returned to the City of Calgary.

1930

YMCA Camp Chief Hector is established. The camp is named for Chief Hector Crawler, in honour of his efforts in the camp’s development and the relationship with the Nakoda people. Women from the Stoney Reserve make the first camp tipis.

1930s

YMCA Calgary offers recreation and learning opportunities to the unemployed during the Great Depression. A 1951 newspaper article will later say of these efforts:
"Possibly the greatest public service the Calgary YMCA has ever performed was between 1932 and 1936 during the depression when, despite the shortage of money, it managed to form and keep alive the Leisure Time League, an organization that offered to the hundreds of unemployed free courses in trades, crafts, arts and provided recreational facilities to keep them off the street and occupied."

1940s

YMCA Calgary operates a canteen at the Mewata Armory and opens its doors to men in uniform. More than a million members of the Canadian Armed Forces will pass through the Central YMCA's doors during World War II.

1941

YMCA Calgary becomes a founding member of the Community Chest, predecessor to the Calgary and Area United Way.

1950s

YMCA Calgary operates a social education club (So-Ed) for young adults. Sock hops, discussions, lectures, arts and crafts and social events give young people a place to meet, interact and have fun.

1954

The Central Y moves from 9^th Avenue and 1^st Street SE to 6^th Avenue and 3^rd Street SW and expands its programs and services. The old Central Y building is returned to the Canadian Pacific Railway to use as their pensioners' club.

1955

CFCN broadcasts YMCA Calgary So-Ed panel discussions.

1963

The North and South Family YMCA branches open. These centres are Calgary’s first co-ed YMCA branches.

1960s-'70s

YMCA Calgary conducts a backyard learn-to-swim program in a variety of Calgary neighbourhoods. A portable pool is also used to teach swimming in several Calgary Catholic schools.

1974

YMCA Camp Chief Hector relocates from Bowfort Lake to the Diamond Cross Guest Ranch site at Seebe, Alberta, becoming a co-ed camp in the transition. A new outdoor education complex and conference centre called Yamnuska Centre, together with YMCA Camp Chief Hector, forms the Rocky Mountain YMCA.

1976

A new experimental venture in community work is created and a full-time staff member begins developing a variety of outreach programs.

1979

Women are allowed to join the Central YMCA.

1986

The Winning Spirit Campaign raises $4.5 million toward a campaign to relocate the downtown YMCA, renovate the North and South Family YMCAs and upgrade the Rocky Mountain YMCA.

1988

The Eau Claire YMCA branch is officially opened on 1^st Ave and 3^rd St SW. The branch serves men, women, boys and girls equally in Calgary's booming downtown core.

1988

The North Family YMCA begins providing a recreation, fitness and lifestyle program for youth at the Calgary Young Offender Centre.

1991

YMCA Calgary begins to refocus on community initiatives, eventually creating a department to handle this function. By 1997, this department has evolved into the Community YMCA.

1992

Dedicated to the principle of equal access for all, YMCA Calgary begins the YMCA Partners with Youth annual giving campaign, now known as the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. Formally recognized in 1994, YMCA Strong Kids enables all children and youth to enjoy a YMCA experience.

1997

In January, the North YMCA branch closes and the new Crowfoot YMCA opens at 8100 John Laurie Blvd NW.

2002

YMCA Calgary opens its newest facility - the Shawnessy YMCA. Part of the South Fish Creek Complex, the facility is also home to public library, a Catholic Senior High School, Calgary Board of Education classrooms, and a community gym and twin ice arenas.

2002

YMCA Calgary celebrates 100 years of building strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

2005

YMCA Camp Chief Hector turns 75. An extensive renovation on Hector Lodge gives it the capacity to serve 600 youth.

2005

YMCA Calgary’s begins the Growing Strong Together Community Campaign. Funds raised will help build a new northeast branch, redevelop and expand Camp Chief Hector, the Eau Claire and Crowfoot branches and provide financial assistance for those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy a YMCA Calgary experience.

2007

The Growing Strong Together Campaign exceeds its $10-million goal.