GEC Architecture to Lead Design of Proposed West District YMCA and Calgary Public Library

YMCA Calgary and Calgary Public Library (the Library) are pleased to announce that GEC Architecture (GEC) has been selected as the prime consultant for the proposed West District recreation and library facility.  

The proposed facility, which would uniquely leverage private, philanthropic, and government investment, represents an innovative approach to delivering community amenities in response to growing demand for recreation and library space in West Calgary.

“This marks an important step as we get closer to delivering a vibrant new community hub for Calgarians,” said Shannon Doram, President and CEO of YMCA Calgary. “Working with GEC allows us to design and plan a space that will reflect community needs and support health, wellness, and connection in Calgary’s growing west end.”

“A fundamental goal of this project is to deliver modern, adaptable spaces that address urgent community needs,” said Sarah Meilleur, CEO of Calgary Public Library. “Detailed design is a key step in ensuring the facility reflects how Calgarians learn, connect, and gather today and into the future. This work is also critical in securing the government support needed to deliver this facility.”  

GEC, a Canadian, Alberta-based architecture firm, brings extensive experience delivering recreation and community infrastructure projects across the non-profit and public sectors. With a portfolio that includes major recreation facilities familiar to Calgarians, such as the Remington YMCA in Quarry Park, WinSport’s Markin MacPhail Centre and the Olympic Oval at the University of Calgary, GEC is known for designing thoughtful, community-focused spaces and for its responsible approach to stewarding public investment. GEC will work with project partners to advance the West District facility.

“We're excited to help create a place that reflects the unique character of West District and supports the everyday moments that make communities,” said Andrew Tankard, Partner, GEC. “The best spaces are shaped by the people who use them, and we're looking forward to listening, learning and designing alongside our partners and the community.”

“The West District facility is a highly anticipated project that will bring tremendous value to our community,” said Karla Gibson, President, West Springs/Cougar Ridge Community Association. “As the project advances into the next phase of design, this much needed facility will provide residents with opportunities for recreation, learning, connection and community gathering for Calgary’s rapidly growing west side.”

The West District YMCA and Calgary Public Library facility remains in the planning stages. Upcoming design and planning work will help inform future capital funding decisions and project approvals.  

The project will be located on land generously donated by Truman on Broadcast Avenue SW, across from Radio Park in West District. Construction will depend on investment from all three levels of government, as well as philanthropic partners. City Council has approved initial funding to support planning and design work, positioning the project for future capital consideration.  

For updates and community engagement opportunities, visit: www.ymcacalgary.org/westdistrict.
 

About YMCA Calgary  

YMCA Calgary is a charity dedicated to building healthy communities. For 124 years, YMCA Calgary has been committed to nurturing the potential of children, youth and families, promoting healthy living and fostering social responsibility within the community.  

About Calgary Public Library

Calgary Public Library is an international leader in library service innovation and one of North America’s largest public library systems, with 52% of Calgarians as active users. The Library receives 7 million visits each year to 22 locations and has over 815,000 members. To learn more, visit calgarylibrary.ca.

About GEC Architecture

GEC Architecture is a Canadian architecture and design practice with studios in Calgary, Edmonton, and Toronto. Since 1966, the firm has designed places that bring people together, guided by the belief that great architecture begins with understanding the people it serves. From Calgary landmarks such as the MNP Community & Sport Centre Redevelopment, SAIT’s Taylor Family Campus Centre, and Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge to community facilities across Canada, GEC creates spaces that are well used, well loved, and built to strengthen community life.