VANCOUVER – A redevelopment project is one step closer for the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver with a $25-million commitment from the B.C. government.

“The Jewish Community Centre has been a hub for so many families in the Lower Mainland,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Revitalizing this facility will help us remember the past, make life more affordable for families today, and ensure the centre continues to be a place of connection and belonging for generations to come.”

Built more than 60 years ago, the existing community centre’s facilities are aging and the centre’s services are over-subscribed. The centre has planned a multi-phased re-development to better serve the community.

The first phase of the proposed project includes a new 18,581 square-metre (200,000 square foot) community centre with arts, culture and recreational facilities. The improved facility will have a theatre, art gallery, performing arts school and the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre. It will also create up to 200 new child care spaces and offer seniors care.

“A key part of this initiative is building more affordable housing,” said David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing. “I applaud the Jewish Community Centre for taking on this ambitious project that will improve so many people’s quality of life. I hope today’s provincial announcement encourages other levels of government to join in this exciting project.” 

This investment builds on $400,000 the B.C. government provided the centre in 2018 and 2019 for initial planning and development. As one of the mandate items for the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, this funding is part of the Province’s work to make life more affordable for people.

Quotes:

George Heyman, MLA for Vancouver-Fairview –

“Vancouver is growing and we need to build for the future. By supporting community-led projects like this, we’re making sure this neighbourhood continues to be a great place to live and work.”

Alvin Wasserman, president, Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver –

“We are grateful for the Province’s support for our vision. We believe in making the world a better place for everyone. This grant will help us to redevelop the centre to provide more services for the families in our community and beyond.”

Emily Mak and Jason Murray, Vancouver residents and Jewish Community Centre members –

“The Jewish Community Centre is more than a building - it’s a vibrant community. We’ve been bringing our children here for swim lessons, summer camp and child care for years. We are so excited to see it expand so that more families like ours can participate in the social and cultural life here.”

Quick Facts:

• The proposed redevelopment project includes two phases of construction: Phase 1 is the construction of a new community centre to be completed in 2024-25. Phase 2 is construction of 500 mixed-use rental units to be completed in 2028.
• The total estimated cost of the redevelopment is $427 million.
• The Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver serves 40,000 people a year, comprising more than 300,000 visits annually.
• May is Jewish Heritage Month, celebrating the contributions Jewish British Columbians have made to the province’s social, economic, political and cultural fabric.

Learn More:

For more information about the redevelopment project and view artist renderings of the proposed redeveloped facility, visit: https://www.jccgv.com/redevelopment/

Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver: https://www.jccgv.com/