The YMCA of Greater Toronto is set to grow.

The 'Y' is embarking on a major expansion plan which would see the building of 10 new Centre’s of Community in select neighbourhoods, by 2020.

But to do that, the charity needs to raise 250 million dollars.

Tim Penner is the Vice Chair of the YMCA of Greater Toronto, and says they hope to raise most of the money through philanthropy.

The Centre’s of Community will feature not only health and recreation centre’s, but will also offer new commer welcome centre’s, child care facilities, job placement facilities even some english as a second language courses.

Penner says the world has changed since he was young, and he says parents are having a tough time finding safe places where there children can play.

He says the 'Y' is quite unique in offering that kind of outlet.

Phase one of the process has already started, with centre’s being built on Kingston Road in East Toronto, Vanauley Street in the Downtown area, Bridletown Circle in North Scarborough, Cherry Street in the Pan Am Athletes Village and Kipling Avenue in Etobicoke.