The fonds documents the mission, structure, senior personnel, administration, programs, activities, facilities, and evolution of the Montreal YMCA (as of 2009, Le Y du Québec) from its founding in 1851 to the late 20th century. The records document the Montreal YMCA's relationships with a wide range of external bodies, including YMCAs in other Canadian cities and towns, the National Council of YMCAs of Canada, the YMCA movement in North America and the world, and other entities. The records document Concordia University founding institution Sir George Williams College/University and its precursors in the YMCA's educational programs. In addition, the records document the demographic history of the Montreal region, in particular the English-speaking Protestant community. The fonds includes materials that were amassed by Harold C. Cross and Murray C. Ross when they were developing their histories of the Montreal Association and the YMCA in Canada, respectively. The fonds includes materials from the former Metropolitan Montreal YMCA library/documentation centre. The fonds includes correspondence of YMCA officials and others, board and committee minutes and related records, program and fund-raising publicity, books, newsletters, annual reports, year books, statistical and other reports, demographic studies, lecture notes, photographs, sound recordings on tape and vinyl, videotapes, films and film strips, posters, commemorative T-shirts, badges, trophies and other objects, artwork, blueprints, maps and other items on a variety of material media.

The series documents the founding, legislative and regulatory framework, and historical studies of the Metropolitan Montreal YMCA.

The sub-series documents the creation of histories of the Montreal YMCA. It holds research notes, manuscripts, correspondence, and other documents related to Harold C. Cross' book One Hundred years of Service with Youth: The Story of the Montreal Y.M.C.A. 1851-1951, published by the YMCA in 1951. The sub-series includes timelines and historical sketches, research notes, correspondence, essays, press clippings, books, photographs, and other materials.

The series documents the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Montreal YMCA as well as its Executive Committee and Nominating Committee. It includes minutes and other meeting documents, reports, correspondence, photographs, brochures, and biographical records related to Board presidents and members. It includes Metropolitan Montreal YMCA Annual Reports.

Records in the sub-series document individuals who served as directors and presidents of the Metropolitan Montreal YMCA. It includes correspondence, research notes, speeches, biographical records, obituaries, photographs, speeches, a menu, and other materials.

The sub-series consists of annual reports issued by the Metropolitan Montreal YMCA and working documents used in their preparation. The Archives does not have Metropolitan Montreal YMCA annual reports for 1851, 1852, 1853, 1854, 1855, 1858, 1871, 1872, 1873, or 1932 (1931-1932).

The sub-series documents annual general meetings and special general meetings of members of the Metropolitan Montreal YMCA. Minute books include minutes of members' and other regular monthly meetings, meeting notices, clippings of press notices, attendance reply cards, agendas, committee reports, financial reports, audited financial reports, annual reports of activity, and copies of speeches to the general meetings by YMCA presidents and others, including invited keynote speakers. In addition to official minute books, the sub-series includes materials assembled by YMCA personnel, including minutes and other documents related to the general meetings.

The materials in the series document senior managers of the Montreal YMCA, their training and professional development, and various organizations to which they belonged, such as the Association of Secretaries.