Grants and Contributions:

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Title:

Westend YMCA energy retrofit

Agreement Number:

Agreement Value:

$414,624.00

Agreement Date:

Mar 26, 2026 - Mar 31, 2029

Description:

This project will retrofit an existing community and recreation centre operated by the YMCA of Greater Toronto to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The upgrades will modernize building systems and address inefficiencies associated with aging infrastructure, enhancing overall performance and long‑term sustainability. These improvements will support the continued delivery of community, recreation, child care, and youth programming in a modernized, high‑performance facility.

Organization:

Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

Expected Results:

The project will result in a more energy‑efficient, lower‑carbon, and resilient West End YMCA that can continue to serve as a vital community space in downtown Toronto. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and energy use will support long‑term sustainability and affordability, while improved indoor conditions will enhance comfort and reliability, ensuring continued inclusive access to health, child care, youth, and recreation programs for at‑risk and vulnerable populations in the urban core.

Location:

Toronto, Ontario, CA

Reference Number:

278-2025-2026-Q4-00002

Agreement Type:

Contribution

Report Type:

Grants and Contributions

Recipient Type:

Not-for-profit organization or charity

Recipient's Legal Name:

YMCA of Greater Toronto Area

Program:

Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program

Program Purpose:

The purpose of this program is to improve the condition and broad availability of community buildings across Canada for the benefit of high-needs communities and equity-seeking groups, while also making the buildings ‘greener’ - more energy efficient, lower carbon, resilient, and high performing in the context of climate change. The program focuses explicitly on community buildings with a recognition that these structures and spaces are at the heart of community vitality; they are the places where Canadians gather and mingle, where they access essential services, where they learn and play. The quality and availability of these buildings – along with the services that they provide – make a meaningful difference for fostering inclusion in society and combating systemic inequities. Investments in repairs and construction of infrastructure are also intended to help communities to recover from the impacts of COVID-19 by supporting jobs and economic growth.

Further, the program aligns with Canada’s strengthened climate plan to build and adapt buildings to reduce carbon emissions; and it includes assessment and prompts that seek to quantify GHG emissions reduction, advance best practices in GHG mitigation measures, foster awareness and alignment to green building standards nationally, while encouraging best practices in building design for climate change resilience.

The GICB program will provide eligible recipients with funding for community buildings that will ultimately make them more green (climate focused), improve social inclusion and build back better, while contributing to the economic recovery.