Winnipeg Places: Higgins and Main - Centre for Youth Excellence

December 2011 UPDATE:
Ribbon Cutting on December 9, 2011 !
Sneak peek at YFC centre Winnipeg Free Press
A place to stay, a place to pray Winnipeg Free Press
Photos of interior below or here

Project: Youth for Christ Centre for Youth Excellence
Address: 333 King Street, at Higgins Avenue at Main Street (Map)
Status: Opened December 9, 2011
Cost: $12.6m
Architect: Raymond S.C. Wang

Background

October 28, 1944 - Winnipeg Free Press

September 22, 1945 - Winnipeg Evening Tribune

Youth for Christ was created in the U.S. by Reverend Billy Graham in the mid 1940s.

Touring youth rallies visited regualrly visited Winnipeg beginning in the autumn of 1944. The rallies, sometimes called 'Songspirations', consisted of a mixture of music and speakers. Without a 'home church' they held their events at various locations throughout the city, a regular spot in the early years was Grace Church (on the triangular strip of land across from the Walker Theatre).

A Winnipeg Chapter of Youth for Christ was incorporated in 1954 and the rallies became a regular feature on Winnipeg's social scene. By the 1960s their concerts and movie showings drew hundreds and were often held at the Winnipeg Auditorium (now the Manitoba Archives Building).

In 1968 Youth for Christ began semi-annual marches and fund raising walk-a-thons that drew 1,000 people or more. The organization also moved toward project-based activities such operating a camp for troubled youth and a program called Lifeline to counsel youth one-on-one.

November 8, 1987 - Winnipeg Free Press

In 1987 Youth for Christ centralized their programs and 26 staff under one roof, an old fire hall at 325 Talbot Avenue in Elmwood. The following year they opened a youth drop-in centre at the site.

There are now 23 Canadian Chapters of Youth for Christ. Winnipeg's is one of the largest programs in North America.

Expansion Plans

In June 2010 shovels went in the ground to build a new headquarters called the Centre for Youth Excellence on the site of the former Savoy Hotel, demolished in 2000.

The $12.6m project is a partnership between Youth for Christ, the City of Winnipeg / CentreVenture and the federal government. The facility will include an indoor skate park, gym, fitness center, rock-climbing wall, a performing arts centre and counseling area. It is expected to open in Spring 2011.

Related:
Centre for Youth Excellence brochure Youth for Christ
Construction starts on Youth for Christ centre CBC June 24, 2010

Photo updates:

October 30, 2010: