Remington YMCA in Quarry Park

In the heart of a once-industrial site transformed by decades of thoughtful development, the Remington YMCA offers more than just recreation—it weaves together the threads of a growing neighbourhood.

Set within Calgary’s Quarry Park, this multi-purpose facility was designed to serve a vibrant, mixed-use community. It brings together a public library branch, daycare, social services, and a wide array of athletic and leisure amenities under one roof. But more than just co-locating programs, the building invites connection between them. A single entry point leads into a light-filled central spine, making it easy to orient, explore, and engage. The open plan supports the daily rhythm of the people who use it—families moving from swim lessons to story time, newcomers accessing community services, and neighbours meeting up for a workout or coffee.

At the heart of its inclusive ethos is one small but significant innovation: Alberta’s first universal change room. One of the first in Canada, it eliminates barriers faced by many families and individuals, reinforcing that everyone belongs here.

The building itself was designed to feel grounded in its context. Its scale and material palette echo the nearby mix of mid-rise offices, shops, and residences. At the same time, the site’s location—at the eastern edge of a greenway stretching from the Bow River—invited a moment of openness and beauty. The pool and fitness areas sit behind a soaring wall of glass that frames dramatic westward views. On any given evening, swimmers and runners find themselves bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.

Inside, the generous use of exposed timber brings natural warmth to the airy spaces while contributing to the building’s environmental performance. That sustainability goes well beyond aesthetics—the centre’s combined heat and power cogeneration system produces and reuses thermal and electrical energy, supporting its LEED Gold certification.

More than a building, the Remington YMCA is a community anchor—responsive to its neighbourhood, resilient in its design, and rooted in the belief that shared spaces help shape strong, connected communities.