Former YMCA building to become comprehensive health and wellness hub

Regina’s Munch Catering to open new cafe in the former YMCA, supporting people with cognitive differences. Wayne Mantyka reports.

Plans are moving ahead to transform Regina’s former YMCA building on 13th Avenue into a comprehensive health and wellness hub, with a new restaurant operated by local non-profit Munch Catering set to open inside the facility.

Munch Catering supports people with cognitive differences by providing employment and skills training in a supportive kitchen environment.

“We work with people who have cognitive differences who just need a little bit more support,” said Joshua Buyze, a chef with Munch Catering. “I work with them, teach them how to cook and help them utilize their skills.”

The former YMCA is now owned by a group of physicians who have established The Nest Health Centre, now Regina’s largest medical practice. More than 100 health professionals and support staff provide a wide range of community-based services under one roof.

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“We are keen to build integrative teams that can work together in a collaborative way to provide really robust, community-based care,” said Dr. Ankit Kapur, managing director of The Nest Health Centre. “The goal is continuity of care, so patients get what they need, when they need it, without always having to resort to hospital or emergency rooms.”

A key focus of the centre is wellness and prevention. Former YMCA fitness spaces have been repurposed to offer a full range of fitness and movement programs designed to complement medical care.

“Your doctors, physiotherapists and medical teams integrate with training and functional movement,” said Rod Flahr, director of fitness at The Nest Health Centre. “Getting people moving is important, because movement is medicine.”

Future plans for the site include a pharmacy and expanded diagnostic services, such as CT scans, as part of the centre’s collaborative approach to improving patient care and overall well-being.