After a lengthy period of redevelopment, Eau Claire in downtown Calgary is finally showing signs of life again — and the first to emerge from behind the hoarding is something new, yet familiar.
Set to open this month in the heart of the neighbourhood, the Eau Claire Athletic Club (ECAC) will mark the first major project to come to life since the district’s ambitious redevelopment began. The Club is set within the former Eau Claire YMCA — a landmark that holds personal significance for many Calgarians, from early morning swimmers to pick-up basketball regulars. In its new form, it promises to offer something rare in the downtown core: a members-only club that blends fitness, wellness, and social connection under one roof, said the Club.
“There’s a certain nostalgia woven into this building and its location,” said Alix Williams, Chief Operating Officer of ECAC. “With ECAC, we’re honouring that legacy while ushering in a bold new chapter—one defined by purpose, care, and an unparalleled range of fitness, wellbeing, and social club amenities unlike anything Calgary has seen before.”
“Projects like the ECAC raise the bar for recreation, wellness, and lifestyle in downtown Calgary. It’s the kind of space that inspires pride — not just from its members, but from the entire downtown community as a new hub of urban vitality in Calgary. It also demonstrates the confidence in the future of downtown Calgary and the investments being made to make to core a great place to live, work, play, learn and shop,” said Mark Garner, Executive Director, Calgary Downtown Association.
“Eau Claire residents are excited to have the Eau Claire Athletic Club opening soon. As part of the broader re-opening of the Plaza, the Promenade and the Jaipur Bridge, the ECAC is going to be part of a revitalized Eau Claire, ready to welcome everyone to our great neighbourhood,” said Peg Oneil, President of the Eau Claire Community Association.
The new venture is on property owned by Telsec Property Corporation, a Calgary-based real estate development and property management company.
“The Eau Claire Athletic Club marks a thoughtful new chapter for downtown Calgary—not just by creating a social and athletic club, but by preserving a meaningful piece of the city’s history. Rather than tearing the building down, we chose to breathe new life into it—transforming it into a welcoming destination where wellness, community, and good design feel both aspirational and attainable,” said Kris Van Grieken, Founder ECAC, and President of Telsec Property Corporation.
The Club said the original building has been thoughtfully transformed, preserving beloved features like the lap pool, squash courts, and running track, while introducing reimagined spaces that elevate both design and experience. Dynamic new additions include four golf simulators (with golf club storage), two high-performance racing simulators, and a variety of adult arcade activities for year-round enjoyment. The expansive Nordic Spa offers a serene retreat with saunas, hot and cold pools, light therapy, and a dry float experience for total relaxation. Fitness facilities have been expanded to include a state-of-the-art spin studio, dedicated yoga, Pilates, and reformer studios, indoor pickleball courts with daily access, and a full schedule of drop-in fitness programming, alongside optional specialty classes and daily children’s programming and childminding services.
“We wanted to create a place where wellness isn’t just about working out — it’s about how people connect, recharge, and feel at home in the city,” said Williams. “It’s not a gym. It’s a club, and there’s a difference.
“Though still early in our journey, the Club has already attracted a vibrant and growing membership united by a shared ethos—one that values community, well-being, and a balanced, active lifestyle. From urban professionals to young families, our members are seeking more than amenities; they’re looking for meaningful spaces to connect, recharge, and thrive.”
To ensure the long-term vitality of ECAC, the Club said it has adopted a tiered membership model that includes both Non-Equity and Equity memberships, both of which have an initiation component. The initiation fee serves as a foundational investment—one that allows the Club to maintain excellence today and expand its impact for years to come. Equity members are not just participants; they are owners who play a direct role in shaping the Club’s future. The long-term commitment to sustainability and shared stewardship also enables strategic reinvestment in facilities and programs. Non-equity membership provides a streamlined way to enjoy ECAC’s exceptional amenities and dynamic culture, with the option to grow into ownership. Unsurprisingly, early interest has been strong in a city where demand for premium lifestyle and recreation facilities continues to exceed supply.
ECAC said it will feature a diverse portfolio of member-led social clubs—offering something for everyone, from book discussions to running groups to dog-walking meetups. It also offers an elevated social dining experience with two unique dining venues: Brooklynn’s Café, a casual café focused on nourishing, seasonal fare; and The Exchange, a vibrant, casual dining and bar experience designed for socializing and unwinding. Menus will feature a thoughtful mix of creative, seasonal dishes and elevated club staples—think inventive takes on classic favourites, fresh local ingredients, and a few unexpected twists that spark conversation. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a long lunch, the menu is designed to surprise, satisfy, and evolve with member tastes. At the helm of the Club’s culinary program are Food and Beverage Manager Robert Jewell and Executive Chef Eric Um, whose impressive résumé spans over a decade at some of Calgary’s most celebrated restaurants, including River Café, Foreign Concept, and Primary Colours.
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