Calgary ACORN and Community Rallies to “Save the Old Y”

Today, we stood together to fight for the Old Y – not just a building, but our home.

Since 1971, the Old Y has been a hub for community organizing, grassroots action, and essential services in Calgary. For over 50 years, it has provided affordable space for groups that fight for justice, equity, and a stronger city for everyone. Generations of Calgarians have found support, connection, and hope within its walls.

Today the Old Y is home to so many community groups including: ACORN, The Arusha Centre, Calgary Climate Hub, Calgary Outlink, Cinematheque, 1919, Calgary Narrative Collective, Black Pride YYC, the Eritrean-Canadian Blin Association, and many others. These groups—different in focus, but united in purpose—show what makes the Old Y so unique: it is one place where countless struggles and solutions come together under one roof.

We were also joined by allies and community voices, including Peter Oliver from the Beltline Neighbourhoods Association and Ward 8 City Council candidate Nathanial Schmidt. Their presence underscored what we already know: the Old Y matters far beyond the tenants inside—it matters to the whole city.

And Calgary was watching. CBC, CTV, Global, City News, the Calgary Herald, and The Sprawl all came out to cover the event. Together, we made it clear:

The Old Y, and the work that happens here, is too important to lose without a fight! 💥

This is about more than preserving a historic building—it’s about protecting the community services, the relationships, and the grassroots energy that the Old Y has fostered for over five decades.

We are calling on the City of Calgary to step up and ensure this building remains open and active. A meanwhile lease to the Arusha Centre would keep the Old Y alive while a long-term plan is made, preventing vacancy and protecting the incredible work that happens here every day.

The Old Y must be saved.