In the core of Calgary's vibrant Beltline neighborhood, the historic YWCA building, affectionately known as the Old Y, faces an uncertain future after its community tenants were forced to vacate the premises.
A Century of Community Service
The century-old heritage building was originally constructed in 1911 as a YWCA hostel designed to support single women new to Calgary. For decades, this beloved landmark has served as a crucial hub for grassroots organizations and non-profit initiatives, providing affordable, centrally located space for community care and collective action.
When the YWCA moved out sixty years later, the City of Calgary took ownership of the property, transforming it into home for a diverse range of community-focused organizations that continued its legacy of service.
The Eviction and Community Response
The building's future was thrown into question when CommunityWise Resource Centre, which acted as landlord for the non-profits, decided to terminate its lease with the city. This decision required all subtenants to move out by September 30, leaving the historic building vacant.
In response to this development, former tenants and community supporters have formed the Save the Old Y Coalition, rallying to protect what they describe as "a legacy of collaboration, inclusion and grassroots empowerment."
Proposed Solution and City's Position
The coalition is specifically asking the City of Calgary to sign a holdover lease with the Arusha Centre, a former key tenant, until a comprehensive long-term plan can be established for the historic site. This temporary measure would prevent the building from sitting empty, which coalition members argue poses risks to both the structure and the community it has long served.
The City of Calgary has expressed its own commitment to preserving this important heritage building and has initiated an expression of interest process to identify a new tenant who can continue making it a thriving community space. The city has included both the Old Y and the adjacent closed Beltline Aquatic and Fitness Centre in this search process.
The Arusha Centre has confirmed it will submit an expression of interest before the March 2, 2026 deadline, hoping to secure the building's future as a continued community asset. The outcome of this process will determine whether the Old Y can maintain its century-long tradition of serving Calgary's community needs.
