Oshry | Kipnes Jewish Community Centre | Building Our Future

Our community’s next chapter begins

A building at 14205 - 109 Avenue has been purchased and will be renovated to become the new Oshry | Kipnes Jewish Community Centre. The JCC redevelopment committee selected Mode Architecture Inc. to develop the vision and design of the facility. Our goal is to have the new JCC open in 2026. In the meantime, this web page is where you can find updates and messages about the project.

We are deeply grateful to those who have built and sustained our community. Now it is our time to take the fruits of what our predecessors planted for us, and plant the seeds for our children and grandchildren.

Lead donor, government support...and you

With a significant grant already secured from the province, plus the first lead donor gift to the JCC endowment fund, we are ready to take the next steps to make this generational investment in our community’s future.

Introducing our lead donors

Arliss Miller: First lead donor for the JCC Endowment Fund

“I hope the new JCC will become a gathering place for the Jewish community. I’m happy to have been able to be a part of helping it both now and in the future with the operating endowment. I’m also glad that the building is in a central location and visible to the people of Edmonton, as we should be proud of our presence and our contribution to the city.”

Alissia and Michael Oshry: Lead donor for the JCC renovation project

“We were both fortunate to grow up with a JCC in our respective cities. In fact, our first work experiences were there. Alissia was a gymnastics coach, and Michael worked at the front desk. Giving back to our community is more important to us than ever. We all need a place where we can come together, feel safe, and ensure that future generations have the same sense of belonging and connection that we do.“

Kipnes Family: Lead donor for JCC renovation project

“Our family has always believed that a vibrant community needs a central hub, and we are proud to ensure that this legacy endures for the next 40 years and beyond. When we first helped establish Edmonton’s Jewish Community Centre over 40 years ago, it was about creating a home—a place where Jewish life could thrive for generations. Today, investing in the new JCC is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about continuity, identity, and belonging.”

Be part of the legacy we are establishing for Edmonton’s Jewish community today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

Get In Touch

View the architect drawings for the Oshry | Kipnes Jewish Community Centre

In this video, Michael de Wolfe of Mode Architecture Inc. walks through the current design, explaining the layout of each floor and how the proposed spaces are intended to serve the diverse needs of the Jewish community.

This presentation outlines how the building is being planned to support connection, learning, and community engagement, while maintaining a strong focus on functionality and flexibility.

Frequently asked questions

The Oshry | Kipnes JCC will inspire a future rooted in our Jewish values, culture, and traditions. It will be a hub for Jewish life and a primary destination for Jewish engagement, welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds to connect, learn, and grow together.

Why do we need a JCC?

Welcome to our community living room! The JCC will be a primary destination for Jewish engagement, a centre of learning and celebration, and a connector to Jewish life. As a secular Jewish space, the new JCC will bring new opportunities to foster connections and belonging, while meeting the needs of our community for years to come.

Does the community want this?

The short answer is yes. We know this from extensive community consultations, surveys, and focus groups, followed by a community meeting and a vote that was overwhelmingly in favour of the project. The design was also shaped by the results of the consultation process.

Can we afford a JCC?

The long-term financial health of the JCC is a top priority. The building has been purchased with proceeds from the sale of the old JCC and is mortgage-free. We have also received a $1 million grant from the Government of Alberta. Our next step is to establish an endowment fund to offset the JCC's operating costs in perpetuity. There are naming opportunities for anyone to contribute to the endowment fund. Please contact Stacey Leavitt-Wright at ceo@edjfed.org or Becky Saegert at bsaegert@edjfed.org for more information.

Will people stop going to other institutions?

The JCC may be someone’s Jewish home or one of many Jewish institutions that engages them. Often, a JCC is the catalyst for exploring other Jewish institutions.

What are the key features of the JCC?

At approximately 19,500 ft2, there will be a social hall for simchas, Jewish arts and cultural events, and community celebrations, as well as a teen lounge, a family play area, comfortable space to relax and enjoy a nosh, and multipurpose rooms. The JCC will also be home to Jewish non-for-profits, including Jewish Federation, Temple Beth Ora, and the Jewish Archives and Historical Society of Edmonton and Northern Alberta.

What security features will be included?

We take community security very seriously. The JCC will include modern surveillance, controlled access points, and emergency preparedness plans. We are being advised by our Jewish community security network partners across the country and implementing established best practices.

Will there be a full kitchen?

The current plans allow for space for a cafe/serving space, which can be upgraded to a full kitchen. This upgrade is dependent on securing sufficient philanthropic support.

Will there be a Holocaust education centre?

The design allows for the addition of a Jewish Heritage and Holocaust Education Centre, which will be developed once grants and philanthropic support is secured.

Where is the JCC located and when will it open?

The building is located at 14205-109 Avenue. The location was chosen for its accessibility and centrality to where the census indicated the Jewish population lives. The JCC is tentatively scheduled to open in late 2026.

Is the building environmentally friendly?

The building will include energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and green space integration.