Download the Heart of the City Campaign Case for Support (PDF)
Why Downtown? Why Now?
Downtown Winnipeg is at a crossroads.
Downtown is a vibrant, diverse community facing deepening social and economic challenges. Many residents live on low or fixed incomes and lack access to safe, inclusive spaces for child care, mental health, and recreation. Now is the time to invest in accessible, welcoming places that foster connection, wellbeing, and a stronger downtown.
At the heart of it all stands the Downtown Y.
For 112 years, it’s been more than a gym. It’s been a lifeline—offering youth programs, child care, mental health support, newcomer classes, and a sense of belonging. But today, the building needs to catch up with the needs of the community around it.
We must continue to meet the growing needs of our community.
The Heart of the City Campaign is a bold $20+ million investment to transform the Downtown Y into a modern Community Hub. This is our chance to meet urgent needs, revitalize our core, and build what matters.
A Strong Downtown Needs a Strong Downtown Y.
We’re investing $20+ million to transform your Downtown Y—redesigning spaces, growing programs, and increasing access to serve the heart of Winnipeg. With modern upgrades and expanded services, we’re building more opportunities for people to connect, grow, and shine—today and for generations to come.
A Vibrant Downtown
Accessibility First
Community Connection
Expanded Programs
Our Vision to Transform the Downtown Y
Positive Community Impact for Generations to Come
This transformation includes seven key components designed to build a stronger, healthier, more connected downtown:
1. Accessibility Upgrades
New universal changerooms and facility upgrades will make accessibility, privacy, and inclusion a core part of every visit to the Downtown Y. Read Michael's Impact Story
2. Newcomer Services Expansion
Doubling capacity for newcomer programs, including English classes, cultural orientation, and on-site child care for immigrant and refugee families. Read Zakariya's impact story.
3. Indoor Splash Pad
Adding a year-round, family-friendly splash pad to promote active play, recreation, and community connection for all ages. Read James's impact story.
4. Corporate Relocation
Relocating Y Winnipeg’s head office to the Downtown Y to lead by example and support a vibrant, people-focused downtown. Read the impact story.
5. Child Care Expansion
Increasing licensed child care capacity by 50% to support working families and help meet Manitoba’s growing demand for early learning spaces. Read Avegail's impact story.
6. Mental Health Supports Expansion
Expanding programs like Y Mind to equip youth and adults with tools to manage stress, build resilience, and support mental well-being. Read Tyler's impact story.
7. Community Classrooms
Creating three flexible, multipurpose rooms to host programs, workshops, and gatherings that reflect community needs. Read Subhan's story.
Leaders of Tomorrow
A Commitment to the Youth of Winnipeg
Youth Ambassadors Loizza Aquino and Emily Mandamin share how the Y shaped their growth into confident, inspiring community leaders.
By the Numbers
The Economic Impact of the Heart of the City Campaign
A $20+ million investment in the Downtown Y is estimated to generate over 150 full-time jobs, attract 300+ daily visitors, and deliver an estimated $3–$5 in economic and social benefit for every dollar invested—supporting long-term downtown revitalization.
Our Commitment to Community
We see you. We hear you. We’re here for you.
We understand the challenges facing our downtown community—because we’ve been walking alongside them for over a century. The Y has been a place of support, growth, and belonging in Winnipeg since 1913. We’ve adapted with the times. Now we’re doing it again—with you.
Proven Leadership. Real Results.
We’ve done this before—and delivered real impact.
Building What Matters
In 2023, we completed the $3.2 million South Y renewal, creating brighter, accessible spaces and re-energizing the local community.
A Strong Team
We’re bringing that same momentum downtown guided by a Campaign Cabinet of respected community and business leaders.
Help Build What Matters
Every gift brings us closer to a more inclusive, connected Winnipeg.
Your donation to the Heart of the City Campaign directly supports expanded programs, upgraded facilities, and greater access for everyone downtown.
