After years of uncertainty about its future in downtown Victoria, the YMCA-YWCA has officially announced a bold move—its flagship Downtown Y will relocate to the top floor of the Bay Centre.
Slated to open in early 2026 (or possibly sooner), the new 20,000 sq. ft. facility will take over the space previously occupied by GoodLife Fitness, which closed last August.
This marks a major new chapter for the Y in the heart of the city, offering a bright, central, and easily accessible home for its members.
“The Downtown Y has always been defined by the thousands of people we serve every day,” said Derek Gent, CEO of the YMCA-YWCA of Vancouver Island. “This opportunity provides us an amazing new space to continue coming together right in the heart of the city.”
The announcement follows several years of stalled redevelopment talks and behind-the-scenes efforts to find a long-term solution.
Back in 2018, the YMCA sold its aging Broughton Street building to Concert Properties for $22 million, signing a seven-year leaseback set to expire in 2025.
There were high hopes for a new, purpose-built facility as part of a mixed-use redevelopment at the Capitol 6 Theatre site. But despite an initial agreement with Jawl Properties and city-approved rezoning last year, the project moved ahead without the Y in the plans.
With no firm timeline on redevelopment of the Broughton site, Concert Properties—who has waived the Y’s rent since the pandemic—has left the door open to extend the lease on a year-to-year basis.
In the meantime, the new Bay Centre location will be tailored to keep the community connected. While it won’t include a pool, gymnasium or racquet courts, it will offer most of the popular programs, equipment, and classes members know and love—including drop-off childminding.
The Y is also exploring partnerships to provide access to those unavailable amenities at nearby facilities. And for members craving a swim or full gym experience, access to the Westhills Y in Langford will continue.
As an added bonus, those visiting the new downtown Y will be able to get free parking at the Bay Centre.
“We’re thrilled to welcome a beloved community pillar,” said Darlene Hollstein, General Manager of the Bay Centre. “This will help create a vibrant hub that boosts the health and wellness of our downtown.”
Licensed childcare will continue to operate out of 851 Broughton Street until a new home is found. Renovations at the Bay Centre are already underway, and members will be invited for sneak peeks as the space takes shape.
The Y’s next chapter is just around the corner—right in the city’s core.
