In a move aimed at securing the future of a historic Calgary landmark, city council has approved a significant financial injection for the long-vacant YWCA building in the Beltline neighbourhood.
Million-Dollar Budget Amendment for Scoping Study
During a flurry of last-minute amendments to the city's 2026 budget, councillors voted to allocate $1 million from the city's reserve for future capital and lifecycle maintenance. The funds are specifically earmarked to support a detailed scoping report for the 115-year-old property located along 12th Avenue S.W.
The three-storey red brick and sandstone structure, originally built in 1910 as a women's hostel and recreation centre, has served as a hub for non-profit organizations for the last five decades. Its most recent chapter ended on September 30, 2025, when a lease between the building's landlord—the CommunityWise Resource Centre—and the City of Calgary expired, forcing community agencies to vacate the premises.
Councillor Advocates for Preliminary Investment
Ward 8 Councillor Nathaniel Schmidt, who championed the budget amendment, was quick to clarify the scope of the funding. He emphasized that the million dollars is a preliminary step, far short of the total cost needed to restore the heritage building for occupancy.
"I want to emphasize this is a preliminary and relatively minor investment at this stage," Schmidt stated before the council vote. "Ultimately, this will just give us more accurate numbers about what is needed for this building down the road; it doesn't commit us to being the entity that takes on that responsibility."
The councillor highlighted immediate practical concerns, noting the funding would also cover site security and clean-up. "The building is going to remain there and we need to ensure it's safe and doesn't create any other issues for the surrounding businesses and residents," he said.
Council Debate and Cost Concerns
The amendment did not pass without debate. Council ultimately supported the measure with a 9-6 vote. Councillors Rob Ward, Landon Johnston, Mike Jamieson, Kim Tyers, Andre Chabot, and Dan McLean voted in opposition.
Councillor McLean voiced skepticism, suggesting the request might be "throwing good money after bad." His concern was informed by testimony from Ian Fleming, the city's manager of strategic business services, who estimated that fully restoring the "Old Y" could carry a price tag ranging from $5 million to $20 million.
Despite the opposition, the funding was secured. The move follows public advocacy for the building, including a "Save the Old Y" rally held in September 2025 and presentations from a coalition of former tenants during recent budget consultations.
The approved funds will now be used to advance a professional scoping report. This study will be critical in determining the building's precise structural needs, potential uses, and the full financial implications of any future restoration, providing council with concrete data for subsequent decisions about the property's fate.
