St. Paul's Foundation and Foundry are celebrating a transformational $5 million investment from Wheaton Precious Metals, Lundin Mining, and Pan American Silver that is helping bring Foundry Vancouver-Downtown to life. Inspired by a shared commitment to improving access to care and creating opportunities for young people to thrive, the gift will help create an integrated youth services centre designed by and for people ages 12 to 24.
With nearly two-thirds of mental health disorders emerging before age 25, early and accessible support can make a profound difference in a young person's life. This partnership demonstrates what becomes possible when industry, philanthropy, and communities come together to invest in the next generation.
"This gift is about ensuring more young people can find the support they need. Foundry Vancouver-Downtown will help us reach more youth and families, strengthen our impact, and create healthier futures in communities across British Columbia," said Dr. Steve Mathias, a psychiatrist and co-executive director of Foundry.
Foundry: The next chapter of transforming access to youth mental health and wellness services
Foundry has helped thousands of young people navigate life’s challenges since opening North America’s first integrated youth services centre on Vancouver’s Granville Street in 2015.
Today, Foundry has expanded to 20 centres across BC, with 20 more in development, along with virtual care through the Foundry BC app. Its model puts youth and their families at the centre of care through the integration of multiple services - mental health, substance use health, physical health care, peer support, and work, education and community services - all in one location, for free, and without the need for referrals.
In 2025, a building in Yaletown was generously donated by a private foundation to establish the new Foundry Vancouver-Downtown. Opening in 2027, it will be a provincial hub that welcomes, supports, and empowers youth. From the layout to the lighting, the space is thoughtfully co-designed with youth to foster privacy, safety, healing, and to support the seamless integration of services.
The vision for the new centre is being brought to life through the design leadership of Michael Green Architecture. The space is intentionally shaped around young people's experiences, needs, and ideas for what care should look and feel like.
“When young people walk into Foundry Vancouver-Downtown, we want them to know that this place was made for them,” said Michael Green, Founder and Principal of MGA. “They told us what care should look and feel like, and through thoughtful design we’re turning an existing building into a space for support, healing, and growth.”
While located in downtown Vancouver, its impact will extend far beyond the city, helping drive innovation and improve access to care across British Columbia.
Investing in the heart of Foundry's future
Young people today face increasing mental health and substance use challenges, yet too many still encounter barriers to care. Foundry's integrated model is designed to provide support early, helping young people access services before challenges become crises.
Transformative gifts like this help ensure more youth and families can find the right care, at the right time, in a place built for them.
Wheaton Precious Metals, a longtime Foundry supporter, led the effort to bring together additional mining partners to help make Foundry Vancouver-Downtown possible.
“We are proud to have helped rally the mining community behind Foundry to ensure more youth in Vancouver can access the care and support they need to thrive,” said Randy Smallwood, Chair of the Board at Wheaton Precious Metals. “Young people are our future, and for businesses that share our commitment to the next generation, supporting Foundry is an investment in stronger communities for all of us.”
“Strong communities start with investing in the next generation. By giving young people better access to education, care, and opportunities to stay active, we can help them build confidence, become more independent, develop strong relationships, and feel supported," said Jack Lundin, President, CEO and Director at Lundin Mining. "These investments help young people reach their potential and build a stronger, healthier community for the future. We’re proud to join longtime friends and partners in our industry in supporting Foundry’s Vancouver-Downtown Centre and the important work it does in our community.”
“Investing in and supporting our youth is an investment in the future of our communities,” said Michael Steinmann, President and CEO at Pan American Silver. “Foundry’s vision of providing accessible, integrated care and support to youth is one we are proud to champion. By working together and leveraging the collective impact, we can help create opportunities for young people to thrive and build a stronger future.”
The new Foundry Vancouver-Downtown reflects a shared belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to build a healthy, hopeful future.
“Foundry has always been powered by a community of donors who believe young people deserve access to compassionate, barrier-free care,” said Sheila Biggers, President and CEO of St. Paul’s Foundation. “This partnership is helping create a meaningful space worthy of the youth we serve and shaping the future of youth health and wellness in British Columbia.”
St. Paul’s Foundation and Foundry extend deep gratitude to Wheaton Precious Metals, Lundin Mining, and Pan American Silver for their commitment to the health and well-being of young people across BC.