Building on our Foundation: West District and the Next Step for YMCA Calgary
YMCA Calgary, Calgary Public Library, and local developer Truman are proposing a joint-use community recreation centre and library in West District, a rapidly growing, complete community in West Calgary. This facility will address a significant gap in recreation and library services for over 41,000 households. There will be over 3,000 homes in the West District community by 2030, meaning approximately 5,300 residents will live within walking distance.
While The City traditionally funds, builds, and owns recreation facilities – occasionally partnering on operations – this proposal seeks to uniquely leverage public, private, non-profit, and philanthropic investment to deliver a partner-led, non-profit recreation facility.
Importantly, this project isn’t possible without support from all three levels of government. If you’re excited about the idea of a West District YMCA and Library, please write to government to let them know why this project matters to you!
New recreation amenities are needed now, more than ever
Recreation centres and libraries are essential third spaces where Calgarians of all ages build social connections, support their physical and mental health, and engage in learning, literacy and skill-building. As our population grows, investment in new third spaces is critical to address growing social isolation, remove barriers to physical activity, and create new economic opportunities.
Explore the Proposed Facility Renderings
Take a look at the proposed West District YMCA and Library through architectural renderings highlighting the facility’s design and planned spaces.
How You Can Support This Project
We are making significant progress on our next steps to move this important community initiative forward. The construction phase is pending confirmation of capital funding from all levels of government, so we need to keep making our collective voices heard.
The province will make a decision this winter about whether to fund the project as part of the 2027 Capital Plan. We know that one of the keys to being successful is ensuring the value proposition of the West District project is clear, and for decision-makers to hear directly from community members who support this vital investment.
To deliver on this next phase of communications outreach, we’ve prepared an email letter template that we’re asking supporters to use to engage the Premier of Alberta.
We would greatly appreciate if you could use the following instructions to prepare and send your letter to showcase the scale of support across a wide spectrum of community constituents.
Instructions to voice your support:
Please send letters directly to Premier Smith at premier@gov.ab.ca
Please cc:
- Your MLA if applicable: https://www.assembly.ab.ca/members/members-of-the-legislative-assembly
- Minister Nicolaides, MLA for Calgary-Bow at calgary.bow@assembly.ab.ca
- Minister Nixon, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance at tbf.minister@gov.ab.ca
- YMCA Calgary at communications@ymcacalgary.org
Include your letter in the body of the email and attach a PDF version on letterhead if you have it.
Latest News
June 2026: New West Calgary joint YMCA-Calgary Public Library hits design phase
June 2026: Opinion: Healthy cities need healthy spaces - we're behind
April 2026: New library, rec centre proposed in Calgary’s West District
April 2026: YMCA Calgary and Calgary Public Library propose new joint facility in West District
April 2026: Huge 69,000 sq. ft. rec centre and library in the works in west Calgary
April 2026: YMCA Calgary and Calgary Public Library Partner on a Proposed West District Location
December 2025: Calgary City Council Funds Design and Planning for Proposed West District YMCA and Library
Here’s what the West District YMCA will offer
Walkable location with parking and transit options
Located on Broadcast Ave. and 80 St. SW, the facility will include a 200+ stall underground parkade, and accessible parking and drop-off areas.
Proximity to Radio Park
Integration with outdoor recreation amenities located across the street.
Economic and social impact
Creating jobs and supporting job skill development, reducing social isolation, and improving health outcomes.
9,000 sq. ft. public library
A full-service library where Calgarians can access ideas, inspiration, community connections, and support.
60,000 sq. ft recreation centre
Including aquatics, gymnasium, track, fitness studios, and strength & conditioning area.
Trusted programs and services
Expanded access to YMCA and Library programs and services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Market feasibility studies, site analysis and land use approvals were completed in 2025, and detailed design completed in summer of 2026 by GEC architecture. Key next steps include updated costing, construction timelines, permit approvals, and confirmation of government funding.
The total project is estimated at approximately $120 million. Updated costing will be confirmed as part of the detailed design process.
The funding model for this project includes:
- Municipal investment (City has made an initial $3 million investment and will decide on construction funding in Fall 2026)
- Provincial investment (actively being pursued)
- Federal investment (actively being pursued)
- Philanthropic support, including the land donation
- YMCA contributions
Construction can begin after confirmation of government funding and is expected to take approximately 2 years.
Unfortunately, without confirmed funding from all three levels of government, it will not be possible for this project to proceed. Alternatives may be explored for this site.
There is significant need for many types of recreation amenities across Calgary. The current design is intended to balance recreation opportunities, financial sustainability, and responsible capital investment for this particular site.
The proposed facility includes a 7-lane 25-metre lane pool, which will serve a wide range of community, fitness, and instructional uses, including capacity for over 7,200 swimming lesson spaces per year. Unfortunately, it would not be possible to accommodate a 50-metre pool or ice arena on this site without sacrificing other important amenities to meet community needs.
We encourage Calgarians to contact their City Councillor about how The City of Calgary can meet demand for diverse amenities through various GamePLAN investments across the city.
GamePLAN is The City of Calgary’s 25-year vision and long-term strategy for how Calgary will build and renew public recreation facilities in response to rapid population growth, aging infrastructure, and increasing demand. The West District YMCA and Library project creates an opportunity for The City of Calgary to achieve progress on GamePLAN goals in West Calgary sooner than otherwise planned, and at a lower cost to municipal taxpayers.
Truman is committed to donating the land and has supported initial feasibility studies and concept design.
YMCA Calgary is a non-profit and registered charity that is committed to removing financial barriers so everyone can play. A West District YMCA and Calgary Public Library will ensure that Calgarians living in West Calgary can have access to quality health, fitness, literacy, community programs, and library services regardless of age or income bracket.
10 percent of new units in West District will be designated as affordable, non-market housing and based on 2021 census data, we can estimate that approximately 7 percent of residents in the area may benefit from financial assistance at a West District YMCA.
YMCA Calgary's financial assistance provided in alignment with The City of Calgary’s Fair Entry program is supported by donations from our community. It is through the generosity of our donors that all Calgarians can participate in and benefit from a YMCA experience.