Community
For more than 25 years, the Charleswood Active Living Centre has been a vital community space for seniors in Winnipeg—offering more than just programs, also providing a true sense of connection, and belonging. In 2022, with support from its donors and a Major Capital Grant from The Winnipeg Foundation, the Centre took a significant step forward by securing a new permanent home.
With 400 active members and many more community supporters who regularly participate in its fundraisers, the Centre had long operated out of the former Charleswood Library on Roblin Boulevard. In 2019, they were informed their lease would not be renewed beyond fall 2025. Facing an uncertain future, the Board of Directors began searching for a sustainable, long-term solution.
At the same time, the Charleswood area was home to Winnipeg’s fastest growing population of aging people, and was facing a lack of senior’s housing in the neighbourhood. Board member Sherry Mooney recalled trying to downsize into a local independent living complex, only to find that even the waitlist had closed. It was clear there was both a need and an opportunity.
The Centre began conversations with developers, advocating for the idea of co-locating an active living centre within a senior housing development. Their efforts gained momentum when then–City Councillor Kevin Klein backed the vision, helping to pass a zoning variance for an empty lot on Oakdale Drive. The new zoning required any development on the site to include the Charleswood Active Living Centre.
With Klein’s help, a deal was brokered with Exemplar Developments, securing a space for the Centre on the main floor of one of the new buildings—along with a 10-year, low-cost, renewable lease. Thanks to grants and community fundraising, the Centre renovated its new space to include a large gym with a retractable wall, an outdoor patio, accessible offices, and other features tailored for members with mobility or hearing challenges.
Since the move, membership has grown, and demand for more programming and longer hours continues to rise. For many, the Centre is more than a place to gather—it’s a vital part of their lives. As one member put it simply, “This place saved my life.”
For more information about the centre, visit charleswoodseniorcentre.org
