As the province of Ontario announced to gradually ease COVID-19 restrictions on January 31, we are also safely and cautiously reopening our YMCA Newcomer Information Centre for in-person services effective February 14, 2022.
We continue to take safety measures and following the provincial and municipal safety protocols in all our centres to protect everyone from COVID-19 or limit the spread of the virus.
At the YMCA Newcomer Information Centre, you will find a welcoming place that has been serving the community for more than 20 years as the first stop for many newcomers coming to Ontario. We strive to help immigrants adapt and integrate into Canadian society smoothly and successfully.
Our program ensures that you receive relevant and up-to-date information to make informed decisions and achieve your personal settlement goals while starting your new life in Canada.
Which locations are Open?
Central YMCA – 20 Grosvenor Street, 3rd Floor – 416-975-9168 x 32400
North York – 4580 Dufferin Street, 2nd Floor – 416-630-0330 x 31070
Scarborough – 10 Milner Business Court, Suite 600 – 416-609-0218 x 30042
Etobicoke – 1530 Albion Road, Unit 83 – 416-741-8714 x 205
Consumers – 251 Consumer Road, Suite 110 – 416-502-2484 x 33401
What do you need to know before coming to our Centres?
Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our visitors, participants, volunteers and staff. We continue to implement safety measures according to local and provincial guidelines. Please visit yvaccines.ca for more information.
On the day of your in-person appointment, you will need to:
- Bring your enhanced vaccine certificate or all of your vaccination receipt
- Bring a government-issued ID such as a Permanent Residence Card or immigration document (Confirmation of Permanent Residence, Refugee Claimant document, work permit, or study permit)
What are we doing in our centres to reduce the spread of COVID-19?
- To minimize risk, we are limiting the number of people in our centres and you will need to book in-person appointment before coming to our centres
- Before entering our centre, our staff will confirm your appointment and conduct a COVID-19 screening questions
- All staff and clients will need to wear a mask or face covering when inside the building
- Hand sanitizer will be available in multiple, high-touch areas throughout the building. You are also encouraged to wash your hands with soap and water frequently
- The in-person meeting area will be sanitized before and after every meeting
- Please arrive no earlier than 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment to avoid crowding in the office
How can I access the YMCA Newcomer Information Centre services?
If you are looking for our services, you can choose to get an in-person appointment or to talk to us through a Virtual Meeting or chat with us in our NIC Online.
We have 7 locations across Greater Toronto. You can choose the most convenient for you and meet one of our Information and Referral specialists in person.
Please check the addresses and our working hours before booking your appointment.
If our centres are far from you, you can book a virtual meeting with us. It is a one-on-one video call meeting held via Microsoft Team. You will talk to one of our Information and Referral Specialists who will give you up-to-date, relevant, and personalized information according to your needs and goals.
You can self-register your family member and yourself by completing a secure three-step registration process. We will review your registration form and assign an Information and Referral Specialist to you. You can use our Live Chat feature to communicate with your Information and Referral Specialist.
No matter what method of registration you choose, you will access all the information you need through our online community.
Our online service includes:
- Information and Referrals on Government Benefits, Immigration and Citizenship, Employment, Education and Training, Credential Assessment, Language Training, Health, Housing and much more
- Webinars or Information Sessions covering topics of Life in Canada, Study in Canada, and Work in Canada
- Community Connections activities for networking and practicing language skills
- Online Forum for discussion, questions and answers
How to book your appointment?
For in-person services, you can book your in-person appointment by Clicking Here and select the location of your preference. You can also call the centre of your preference, and our staff will help you to book your appointment.
For a virtual meeting, you can book your virtual appointment by Clicking Here or call one of our Centres.
Our program is funded by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and all the services offered by the YMCA Newcomer Information Centre are free.
