Major new tenant takes over movie theatres at Ontario’s biggest mall

After sitting empty for nearly eight years, Ontario’s largest mall’s former movie theatre space is finally getting a new lease on life.

Once home to both a Cineplex Odeon and later an Empire Theatres location, the long-vacant spot at Square One in Mississauga is set to welcome a new tenant—one that’s expected to bring fresh energy and increased foot traffic to the shopping centre.

A new home for the YMCA has been found in one of Ontario’s largest cities.

The organization that provides fitness opportunities and other programs for people of all ages will move into Mississauga’s Square One. It is anticipated to open in 2027.

“The community has been eagerly awaiting this news and we think finding a location this close to our current Mississauga YMCA in the heart of downtown is the best possible scenario,” said Lesley Davidson, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Toronto. “With our wide range of programming for people of all ages, we’re designing the new space to encourage social connection and engagement. We know the centre will remain a home away from home for members and participants.”

The YMCA has been a mainstay in the City Centre for 35 years at Burnhamthorpe Road West and Confederation Parkway. The search for a new site has been ongoing since 2021, when the current 4.5-acre property was sold for a redevelopment project that will bring several high-rise buildings to the area.

According to the YMCA, the move ensures a sustainable long-term presence in downtown Mississauga and will allow the organization to continue to serve existing clients along with the new ones anticipated through the growth of the area.

The move comes with $15 million in funding support from the City of Mississauga. The space that the “Y” will move into is in the west side of the mall where the old movie theatre was located.

Deputy Mayor and Ward 4 Councillor John Kovac believes the new location is a perfect fit for the community.

“It will continue to be a place where families can connect, children can grow, and people of all ages can stay active and be supported,” said Kovac.

Sherif Masood, Head of Asset Management and Development, Canada, at Oxford Properties, the operators of Square One said keeping the YMCA in the area is a key component to the continuing evolution of the City Centre into a vibrant downtown.

Masood said the Square One neighbourhood is truly a place where people can live, work and play.

“The Y is an integral community resource, and with the support of municipal and local partners, we’re thrilled it will be at the heart of Square One as we progress our ambition to transform a shopping, entertainment and dining destination into a dynamic, well-connected, and well-amenitized mixed-use neighbourhood,” said Masood.

The Mississauga Y is part of the YMCA (originally the Young Men’s Christian Assoication) of Greater Toronto, a charity that has providing services for 170 years through a variety of programs including health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families and seniors.

Programs will continue at the current location at 325 Burnhamthorpe Road for the time being.