A South Osborne church property is set for a major transformation as community leaders launch a $4.4-million redevelopment project that will convert the church building into “The Commons,” a new childcare and neighbourhood hub aimed at addressing Winnipeg’s ongoing childcare shortage.
The project, led by South Osborne Commons Inc. in partnership with Churchill Park United Church, will redevelop the property at 525 Beresford Avenue into a multi-use facility featuring 112 licensed childcare spaces, along with community gathering areas and future shared-use space.
Organizers say the initiative grew out of both necessity and opportunity as the congregation looked for a sustainable future for its building while responding to significant childcare gaps in South Osborne, Riverview, and Lord Roberts.
At a recent news conference, speakers described the area as a “childcare desert,” particularly for infants, with families reporting long waitlists and limited access to licensed care.
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One parent, Karlee MacDonald, shared her experience of being on a waitlist for an extended period while navigating challenges securing childcare for her young child. Organizers say stories like hers reflect a broader issue affecting families across the community, including employment stability and workforce participation.
The new centre will operate as a satellite location of Riverview Ashland Child Care Centre, and will provide care for infants, preschoolers, and school-aged children.
Funding model and campaign launched
The project will be funded through a mixed model, with about 60 percent of costs expected to come from a provincial capital program for childcare infrastructure, pending approval. The remaining 40 percent will need to be raised through community fundraising and financing.
Organizers say closing that gap is the main challenge moving forward.
A capital campaign titled “Build the Commons” has been launched, including a “100 by 1,000” initiative aimed at securing 100 donors contributing $1,000 each to help reduce borrowing and improve long-term financial sustainability.
Phased construction plan
If approvals and financing are secured, construction could begin as early as late fall, following permitting and final applications.
The childcare facility is expected to take roughly eight to nine months to complete, with operations potentially beginning in 2027.
A second phase of development is also planned, including a commercial kitchen and an upstairs multi-purpose community space. However, organizers say that portion remains on hold until additional funding is secured.
Church transition and relocation
During construction, the congregation of Churchill Park United Church will temporarily relocate to Augustine United Church in Osborne Village for approximately 18 months.
Minister Dawn Rolke says the transition comes with financial and operational challenges, but church leaders hope to return to the redeveloped site once construction is complete.
She says the vision includes a flexible upper-floor space that could host community groups of roughly 50 to 70 people.
Church leaders acknowledge the emotional weight of leaving a long-time home, but say the project represents a long-term legacy for the congregation and the wider community.
As the congregation ages, leaders say they were forced to discern how best to steward a large and aging building while continuing their mission in the neighbourhood.
Rolke has also emphasized that while the building will change, the congregation’s identity and work will continue beyond the physical space.
Looking ahead
Organizers say the goal is to create a shared-use facility that blends childcare, community programming, and rental space under one roof, addressing both immediate needs and long-term neighbourhood sustainability.
While funding gaps and approvals remain key hurdles, supporters say momentum is building as families, donors, and community groups rally behind the project.
If successful, “The Commons” will expand childcare capacity in Winnipeg’s south-central neighbourhoods while reimagining how a historic church property can serve as a modern community hub.