Mississauga’s City Centre YMCA slated to be replaced by large redevelopment

Multiple towers that will house condominiums, stores, and possibly offices and a hotel will replace the YMCA in Mississauga’s City Centre.

A recent deal struck between RGF (Mississauga) Developments Inc. and the YMCA has seen the purchase of the 4.5-acre property on Burnhamthorpe Rd. W. and Confederation Pkwy. for a cost said to be in the $90 million range. RGF is led by HBNG Holborn Group, a development company involved in real estate investments throughout Ontario.

But the YMCA will remain at the site for at least the next five years as the developer works out plans for the property. In the meantime, the YMCA will begin a search for a new location in Mississauga and expects to remain in the downtown area.

RGF said it acquired the building and adjacent parking lot because it is a “signature property” in a key location that will add a bold statement to Mississauga burgeoning skyline.

“Population growth in Peel Region is projected to reach 2 million residents by 2041, thus we see this as an excellent opportunity to add to the much-needed housing supply of the region,” said RGF President John A. D’Angelo. “With construction of the Hurontario LRT expected to be completed by 2024, Mississauga City Centre is primed for tremendous growth and connectivity in the coming years.”

The redevelopment of the site is expected to take place in several stages over the years and potentially consist of multiple mixed-use towers above ground floor retail. The potential for other uses also exist as Mississauga has designated the location as an area where offices, hotels and commercial buildings can be built along with the residential development.

In a released statement, RGF said by virtue of the location, future residents will enjoy easy access to Square One and a bus terminal, but also cultural amenities such as The Living Arts Centre and The Art Gallery of Mississauga as well as nearby parks and conservation areas.

Meanwhile, the YMCA said it is firmly committed to Mississauga and expects a future location will be able to accommodate the loyal customers who use the facility now. The YMCA is a non-profit organization that provides community programming and outreach and has an origin based on health promotion for young people.

“We are definitely committed to staying in the downtown Mississauga area,” said Nora Gorman, Vice President, Marketing and Communications for YMCA Greater Toronto. “One of the really important conditions of the sale was that we can continue to operate in our current location for up to five years, offering the programs and services that we have in the community. So throughout this five year period, we are going to be very committed to looking for another location or locations to continue to serve that community with our programs and services.”

The YMCA first opened its doors in downtown Mississauga 30 years ago but since then Gorman said the organization has created a large footprint in the city with 40 different operations including child care, camping and employment centres, among others.

Gorman said pre-COVID the health and fitness centre had 14,000 participants and regularly welcomed 2,000 people each day into the facility. The centre employs 220 people and is supported by 300 volunteers.