About the CDLC

HISTORY

The YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington was founded 150 years ago by a group of 20 men at an organizational meeting held on March 17th, 1856. 

In 1889, the first YMCA was built at the corner of James and Jackson streets in Hamilton and the first indoor pool in Hamilton opened at the YMCA. 

In 1984 the association launched its preschool and school-age day care programs.  The association opened its first housing project, which provided affordable housing for low-income families and individuals, in 1990.

Our CDLC roots stemmed from the first Youth Employment Counselling Centre that opened in Burlington in 1986.  A similar centre began delivering programs at the Hamilton Downtown Facility in 1989.  

Employment and education services have historically been a cornerstone of the YMCA since they began in England 160 years ago.  In fact, Concordia University in Montreal, Charlton University in Ottawa and York University in Toronto all began as YMCA Adult Education Programs.

The CDLC has received recognition from our funding partners in the form of accepting the Minister's Award for Excellence in Service Quality, Bronze Level, and the Minister's Award for Excellence in Service Innovation.

In 2006, the YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington celebrated 150 years in our community. Check out the YMCA 150th Anniversary scrapbook below for a look at our history.

YMCA 150th Anniversary Scrapbook