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The YMCA of Greater Toronto has announced it is relocating its Mississauga location into Square One Shopping Centre, with a new facility scheduled to open in early 2027. Supported by a $15 million contribution from the City of Mississauga, the move will embed the community-focused organization within Square One District, an emerging mixed-use neighbourhood developed by Oxford Properties Group on the land of the mall, its separate pad buildings, and its parking lots. Replacing the YMCA’s current site at 325 Burnhamthorpe Road, the new location ensures a long-term presence in the city’s growing downtown.
This new YMCA will occupy a large space that once housed Empire Theatres, a cinema complex that closed in 2014 after briefly operating under Landmark Cinemas. Vacant for more than a decade, the unit near Holt Renfrew is now being reimagined as a modern health and community facility, part of a growing shift toward the adaptive reuse of unused mall spaces.
The new centre will carry forward the YMCA’s full program offering in Mississauga, including fitness classes, licensed childcare, and day camps. Until the new location is ready in early 2027, members will retain access to all programs at the Burnhamthorpe Road site.
Beyond its core programming, the YMCA of Greater Toronto operates an extensive network of services across Mississauga. These services extend to local job centres, dozens of licensed child care programs, multiple day camps, school nutrition initiatives, and youth development activities. As a charitable organization, the YMCA provides financial assistance to ensure that residents of all ages and income levels can access its offerings.
MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects is overseeing the architectural design, with Bird Construction serving as the primary contractor. Blackwell is providing structural engineering services, while Introba is handling mechanical and electrical systems. Additional parties include Synergy Partners and Mantle Developments. While the first phase will take place entirely within the footprint of the former cinemas, a second phase will follow soon thereafter where a new four-lane pool will be built in new space adjacent to the former cinema complex.
The relocation fits within Oxford Properties’ broader redevelopment of Square One District, which is transforming Downtown Mississauga into a hub for housing, commerce, and civic life. Square One District covers 18 million square feet and is planned to accommodate more than 35,000 residents in 18,000 homes, with new parks, office buildings, and soon to have direct access to the Hurontario-Main Line 10 LRT, now under construction.
Oxford sees the YMCA as a critical component in this transformation. “Welcoming the YMCA to Square One District is a proud milestone that symbolizes the area’s ongoing evolution into a forward-thinking neighbourhood,” said Sherif Masood, Head of Asset Management and Development, Canada, at Oxford Properties. The early phases of residential construction are already underway, and new rental buildings are beginning to welcome residents.
The City of Mississauga has committed $15 million to support the relocation. Deputy Mayor and Ward 4 Councillor John Kovac, who represents the area, emphasized the importance of maintaining accessible spaces that foster connection across generations. “The YMCA has been a trusted partner in supporting the health and well-being of our residents for many years,” said Kovac. “I’m proud to have worked closely with City staff, the Mississauga YMCA, and Oxford Properties to make this a reality.”
YMCA’s arrival at Square One highlights a larger pattern in Canadian retail, where dormant commercial sites are being transformed into spaces that serve broader community needs. Once home to major cinemas and department stores, malls like Square One are evolving into mixed-use environments that incorporate health, education, and social services alongside traditional retail.
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