Ukrainian-Canadian Couple Banned from Calgary YMCA Following Alleged Hate Incident
A Ukrainian-Canadian couple in Calgary claims they have been banned from all city YMCA locations after reporting what they describe as a hate-motivated verbal attack by a Russian-speaking woman at one of the organization's facilities. The incident has brought to light ongoing tensions within Calgary's immigrant communities, exacerbated by the protracted conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Altercation at Seton YMCA Leads to Unexpected Consequences
Maryna Tereshchenko, 45, says the confrontation occurred on January 15 at the Brookfield Residential YMCA in Seton. According to Tereshchenko, she was speaking Ukrainian to her 11-year-old son as he prepared for hockey when a woman who initially spoke Russian, then switched to English, verbally accosted her.
"She started verbally assaulting me, saying I should not be here and I should go back home," said Tereshchenko, who obtained Canadian citizenship after fleeing Ukraine with her husband Alex when Russia occupied Crimea in 2014. "It was very unpleasant and a bad situation — she was very aggressive."
Escalation and Management Response
Tereshchenko alleges the woman threatened her by mentioning her husband was nearby and began recording her on a phone, possibly attempting to provoke a reaction. Feeling unsafe, Tereshchenko alerted YMCA staff and decided to call the police.
However, the facility's general manager reacted with anger to her decision to involve law enforcement. "The manager was very angry, furious with me — she started blaming me," Tereshchenko recounted. The manager reportedly insisted that calling police violated YMCA rules and warned that if Tereshchenko caused another disturbance, she would be banned.
Meanwhile, the alleged aggressor left the premises before police arrived, possibly after being warned by staff about their impending arrival.
Broader Community Tensions Surface
The couple believes conflicts between Ukrainian and Russian Calgarians have become more frequent recently, potentially influenced by geopolitical developments and political rhetoric. "Especially right now, it happens more," said Alex Tereshchenko.
When Alex arrived at the YMCA and the couple requested to speak with a superior, they say the senior manager displayed a similar dismissive attitude toward their concerns.
Aftermath and Reflections
The incident has left the Tereshchenkos feeling shocked and disillusioned. "I was shocked by everything going on," Maryna said. Her husband added, "This is not the Calgary I've ever seen," expressing disappointment with how the situation was handled by YMCA management.
The case raises important questions about:
- How community organizations handle reports of hate incidents
- The impact of international conflicts on diaspora communities in Canada
- Protocols for ensuring safety and addressing discrimination in public facilities
- The responsibilities of staff when faced with potentially volatile situations
As the Tereshchenkos navigate the aftermath of their YMCA ban, their experience highlights the complex challenges facing multicultural cities like Calgary, where global tensions can manifest in local conflicts that require sensitive and appropriate responses from community institutions.
