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The Y is Ready to Build What Matters

Built in 1954, the South Y includes an 80 space licensed child care centre, indoor play structure, aquatics centre, fitness centre and community classroom for mental health, newcomer and older adult programming.

We launched the Building What Matters: South Y Renewal Project because we are committed to ensuring the Y remains a vibrant community hub; a place to connect, a place to play, a place to gain confidence, strength, and a place to be well. This project will modernize the South Y and position it to meet the needs of the growing community. It includes accessible and inclusive spaces for health, fitness, and community connection to help everyone reach their full potential.

Give to Support Building What Matters

Photo of play structure from completed phase of project

Indoor Family Play Centre

What We're Building: Kids need a place to play all year round. At the play centre, families connect with each other while kids are active.

Timeline: Phase Completed 2023

Photo of new wellness space from completed phase of project

Wellness Studio

What We're Building: A space to be mindful, reflect and recharge supports wellbeing.

Timeline: Phase Completed 2023

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Expanded Fitness Centre

What We're Building: A modern, expanded fitness centre will accommodate our  
growing population and support our community to live healthy and active lifestyles.

Timeline: Spring/Summer 2024

Image of little child playing outside

Outdoor Early Learning and Child Care Space

What We're Building: Outdoor play supports multiple developmental benefits including healthier, more active children;  self-regulation and resilience; social skills built through interacting and negotiating with others; and creativity and learning through play.

Timeline: Summer 2024

Funded by Canada-Manitoba Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement

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Universal Washroom

What We're Building: Universal washrooms: all-gender, accessible washrooms mean all people can safely attend.

Timeline: Fall 2024

Rendering of exterior walkway of South Y

Enhanced Pathways to Health and Wellness

What We're Building: Providing safe walkways to and from the parking lot and active transportation corridor is essential. That’s why we’re including new paths and canopies to protect from the weather, secure bike racks to support active transportation, and seating areas to wait for a ride.  

Timeline: Summer & Fall 2024

Image of proposed lobby space with poolside viewing

Poolside Viewing Space

What We're Building: Parents can watch their kids gain the essential skill of swimming. Accessible seating allows all parents to watch their kids gain confidence in the pool, while kids have the security of seeing their parents nearby.

Timeline: Fall 2024

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Community Spaces

What We're Building: Places where community can gather, learn, and connect are vital to programs and social wellbeing. These spaces include a community classroom, community table, and accessible seating and gathering spaces in the lobby.

Timeline: Fall 2024

Rendering of Media Wall

Digital Display Wall

What We're Building: A media wall creates a place to learn about what’s happening at the Y.

Timeline: Fall 2024

Our commitment to accessibility and environmental sustainability shines through our project.

Accessibility

The Building What Matters: South Y Renewal Project addresses much-needed accessibility enhancements through two key initiatives:

  1. From accessible parking, walkways, and front entrance to service counters, washrooms, and accessible fitness equipment, inclusion and accessibility is at the forefront of this project. Together, these changes will ensure the Y is a leader in accessibility and inclusivity.
  2. With support from generous donors and the United Way, we continue to offer the Membership Subsidy Program. We believe everyone deserves a chance to reach their potential.That’s why we remove financial barriers to Y Winnipeg membership and programming for those that couldn’t otherwise afford to participate.

Environmental Sustainability

Y Winnipeg is committed to lessening the environmental impact of the facility through this renovation. We will use the lens of sustainability in our planning and implementation. We will work collaboratively with Efficiency Manitoba and engage LEED Certified professionals as part of our project team. 

No. The South Y will continue with regular hours of operation, although some sections of the facility may be closed or inaccessible during certain periods of the renovation. 

If you are a member, please make sure we have your email on file so you receive our member e-news. Contact your Community Hub or learn how to update your contact information using our online services.

If you aren’t a member, please subscribe to our Community Newsletter.

The Y is committed to on-going facility renewal of all Community Hubs and members can expect to see new fitness equipment coming to the Elmwood-Kildonan and West Portage Hubs this summer. Investment in Community Hubs in the short term will focus on maintenance and minor upgrades, and  looking forward, we are committed to downtown Winnipeg and are embarking on a capital campaign to invest in redeveloping the Downtown Y. All our facilities and the communities they serve are important to our mission and we continue to assess the needs of each on an ongoing basis.

No, its not too late. You can make a one-time or monthly gift online or stop by one of our four community hubs.  

If you are interested in naming opportunities, please contact Kevin Hunter, Vice President, Philanthropy, Engagement & Impact at [email protected].

Funded in part by the Government of Manitoba.
Funded in part by the Winnipeg Foundation.