Celebrating 150 years of change in our community!

February 22, 2023 has been proclaimed #YWCATorontoDay by the City of Toronto to recognize YWCA Toronto’s 150th anniversary. We are proud to celebrate a long history of change!

From a small group of local women who came together out of concern for the safety of young, single women in their community to the city’s largest multi-service women’s organization, we have worked tenaciously to break down barriers that hold women back from achieving equity and safety.

We have a long history in our community as housing providers. We believe housing is a human right and fundamental to a women’s ability to thrive. YWCA Toronto opened its first boarding houses at 19 and 33 Duke Street (now Adelaide Street at George and Frederick Streets) in August of 1873.

The world has changed a lot since the late 1800s and so have we. In the words of our Chief Executive Officer, Heather McGregor, “Today, we are driven by a vision for a radical transformation of society where all women can thrive and a mission to lead and collaborate in the provision of feminist, intersectional and transformative shelter and housing, employment and training, leadership, and advocacy for women, girls and gender diverse people."

As we continue to celebrate this milestone throughout the year, follow us on social media as we share “historical fun facts” about YWCA Toronto and publish blogs highlighting some of our remarkable achievements since 1873.

Download the Press Release