King Thunderbird Centre’s Construction Reaches 50%

We’re excited to share that construction on okimaw peyesew kamik (King Thunderbird Centre) has officially reached the halfway point. That means we’re on track to open this fall - bringing us closer to welcoming those we serve into a purpose-built space rooted in healing, dignity, and connection. 

This milestone represents years of work, countless conversations, and a shared commitment to building something that meets the needs of our community. It’s a reflection of a long-held vision: a space built in partnership with those it serves, grounded in culture, and created to offer compassionate support free of judgement.

King Thunderbird Centre is a reality only through the incredible support of our community 

We’re deeply grateful to the many individuals and organizations who have supported this project since its earliest days.

The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation kickstarted the Build With Boyle campaign with a foundational $10 million donation in December of 2021. 

Since then, the Edmonton community followed their lead and helped us make okimaw peyesew kamik a reality by donating millions more. We are so thankful for everyone's support - from longtime donors and partners to small business owners and people who gave what they could - every contribution mattered. 

In February of 2024, the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program provided a transformative $21 million federal grant. This investment is helping to make okimaw peyesew kamik one of the most sustainable social service facilities in the country. Thanks to this funding, the building will feature: 

• Western Canada’s largest solar array 

• Geothermal heating and cooling 

• Net-zero carbon emissions 

• Barrier-free entrances and automatic doors 

• Slip-resistant flooring and accessible water stations 

• Enhanced insulation and climate-resilient window glazing 

• And much more 

  
  

These features are about creating a sustainable space that’s inclusive, accessible, and dignified for everyone who walks through our doors.

We’ve also felt the impact of support that goes beyond dollars – our wonderful volunteers, Elders who have guided the cultural vision of the space, allies who’ve written letters, and everyone else who has stood beside us through this journey.

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Every action - whether a donation, a letter of support, a social media share, or a conversation - has brought us closer to this moment.

To everyone who has stood with us - thank you. Your support has shaped not only the walls going up, but the work that will happen within them.

A new model of care in a purpose-built space 

When the doors open later this year, okimaw peyesew kamik will become the new home for much of Boyle Street Community Services - a central hub for care, support, and belonging in downtown Edmonton. But this is not just a new building. It's a new model of care.

The building will house Boyle Street’s interdisciplinary teams in specially designed spaces called dens. Each den brings together a consistent team - support workers, nurses, cultural support staff, and others - who work alongside community members to build trusting relationships and support them in reaching their goals. It’s a model that’s already operating in our temporary spaces and has been shaped directly by the voices of those we serve.

Inside okimaw peyesew kamik, community members will be able to access a wide range of services: housing support, ID services, health care, harm reduction, cultural programming, mental health support, and more. Every element has been designed to reduce barriers and ensure that services are not only accessible but responsive to individual needs. 

Beyond the these services, this space is about beauty and belonging. Designed in collaboration with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers, the building will include areas for ceremony and gathering and features that honour the cultures, traditions, and strengths of our community. 

Looking Ahead

Reaching the 50% mark is a reason to celebrate, and it’s also a reminder of what’s ahead. In just a few short months, okimaw peyesew kamik will open its doors - not only as a physical space, but as a statement of what’s possible when we centre dignity, inclusion, and community in our work.

We can’t wait to welcome you inside.

To learn more about the project, visit: boylestreet.org/kingthunderbirdcentre