Our Y is Supporting Evacuees

August 13, 2026

Recharge, connect, and take a break from the stress of evacuation.

The YMCA of Southern Interior BC is providing safe places for wildfire evacuees to find some respite, comfort, and a sense of normalcy through access to health and fitness amenities and community support.

We invite the community to join us for:

  • A special community evening at the Kelowna Family Y on Friday, August 14 with free access to swimming, showers, gymnasium, fitness areas, extra activities for children, and a family movie with popcorn.
  • Ongoing free drop-in access to the Kelowna Family Y*—pool, hot tub, sauna, showers, gymnasium, walking track, and fitness studio.
  • Free entry to the Parkway Gym in Penticton from August 12–21—try basketball, volleyball, hockey, yoga, and strength.

Special Community Evening

Kelowna Family Y
375 Hartman Road

Friday, August 14
5:30–8:30 p.m.

  • Welcome & Resource Support—Access to essential information and resources.
  • Shower & Personal Care—Clean towels, bathroom facilities, and basic supplies.
  • Family Swim—Enjoy the pool—including inflatable obstacle course—for fun, relaxation, and stress relief.
  • Open Gym Recreation—Space to be active through games, sports, and more.
  • Youth Zone (Ages 6–15)—Safe and supervised space for teens to hang out and connect.
  • Children's Activities—Age-appropriate fun for younger children to learn and play.
  • Family Movie & Popcorn—Wind down together with a family-friendly movie and popcorn to enjoy, connect, and share.

Free Facility Access

Kelowna Family Y
375 Hartman Road

Wildfire evacuees can drop in for free to access:

  • Showers
  • Child minding
  • Gymnasium
  • Indoor swimming pools
  • Diving boards
  • Hot tub and sauna
  • Fitness studio
  • Indoor walking track

Free Gym Access

Parkway Gym
225 Kinney Ave, Penticton

August 12–21
Weekdays
9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Ages 9–14:

  • Basketball
    10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
  • Volleyball
    1–3 p.m.
  • Floor Hockey
    3:30–5:30 p.m.

Ages 15+:

  • Mat Yoga
    9:30–10:30 a.m.
  • Strength
    4:30–5:30 p.m.

*How to Access the YMCA's Fire Evacuee Support:

Fire-evacuated households can access our services by presenting identification (driver's license or any other form of photo ID) that confirms your address within the fire-evacuated areas.

Contact Information

For information about evacuee support at the Kelowna Family Y, call 250-491-9622 or email membership@ymcasibc.ca

For information about evacuee support at the Parkway Gym, please call 250-864-9046