The YMCA of Cambridge has been building a strong community since it was founded in 1856.

• 1856 - The Galt YMCA was formed with meetings being held at Trinity Anglican Church. Membership was restricted to men 16 and over who were in good standing with the Christian church. In 1911 the Queen's Square Melville Street site was purchased; formerly the Queen's Arms Hotel for $18,000. While the YMCA of Cambridge has changed over the years, the core values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility remain the same.
•  At its inception the YMCA was operated by a group of dedicated volunteers. It was only in 1893 that the first paid YMCA staff person, Mr. Jolley, was hired.

• 1913 - The first indoor pool opened at the Galt YMCA. In 1962, a second pool was added to the Queen's Square location.

• 1916 - The Galt YMCA hosted its first boys' summer camp on the Grand River by Glen Morris.

• 1917 - The Y Circus was first introduced. It remained a tradition for many decades. The Y Circus' carnival atmosphere featured concession stands, gymnastic demonstrations, dance routines, Olympic wrestlers and weight lifters. But the clowns remained the highlight of the Circus.

• 1922 - The first Y's Men's Service Club was formed. The Y Service Club's mission was to strive through active service to develop, encourage and provide leadership to build a better world for all humankind.

• In 1856, the YMCA was a men's only association. In 1931, at a world YMCA meeting, it was proposed that women be able to join the YMCA. News reporters called this a radical resolution.

• The YMCA has always been dedicated to the development of individuals through spirit, mind and body. Water therapy classes became an integral part of YMCA Wellness Programs in the 1960s.

• 1999 - The Cambridge Multicultural Centre officially merged with the YMCA of Cambridge changing its name to YMCA Immigrant Services (now known as YMCA Cross Cultural & Immigrant Services).

• 2003 - The Cambridge Youth Leadership Development Centre officially opened its doors to all Cambridge youth. It is also known as the Z Beside the Y.

• 1985 - Child care was first introduced. In 1991 the YMCA opened its first child care centre at St. Augustine School followed by a second at Clemens Mill School.

• 1996 - Chaplin Family YMCA opens on Hespeler Road and the YMCA's name changes to YMCA of Cambridge. A major expansion to the building opened in 2005.

• 2007 - Agreed to a long term collaborative relationship with the Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA.

• 2010 - First Virtual YMCA opens at St. Peter's School.