YMCA says injury incident led to probationary licence, ‘will do everything necessary to regain full compliance’

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 16, 2026.

The probationary licence issued to the John Millar Child Development Centre at the Medicine Hat YMCA was responding to an injury that occurred, according to a statement from he YMCA of Southeastern Alberta.

The YMCA says supervision lapses were identified after the injury occurred, and the organization is committed to thoroughly and promptly addressing the resulting concerns.

The YMCA says all families with children enrolled at the centre were notified in writing after the childcare centre received notice of the licence. Each family also received a personal follow-up phone call.

In response to the licence, the child development centre has implemented a comprehensive safety plan that includes enhanced training protocols for all team members and increased internal monitoring.

“As an organization that has served families in southeastern Alberta for decades, we understand the trust parents place in us. We take this matter extremely seriously and have acted immediately to ensure the highest standards of care and supervision,” said CEO of YMCA of Southeastern Alberta Sharon Hayward.

“Our team is committed to transparency, accountability and continuous improvement. We will do everything necessary to regain full compliance and maintain the confidence of our families and community.”

The YMCA says it will provide regular updates on the process and intend to restore full compliance well before the probationary period ends Apr. 13.