The new Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre in North Vancouver has officially opened. The complex represents the largest community recreation facility on the North Shore and a landmark investment in recreation, health and community well-being.
The 189,000 square-foot building was designed by architecture firm HCMA Architecture and Design with a unique focus on publicly accessible spaces designed to bring community together. The project is Canada Green Building Council Zero Carbon Design certified. Smith Bros & Wilson was the general contractor.
“The Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre is a generational project that will amplify community building in the City of North Vancouver. Shaped by the distinct geography of the North Shore, this building will redefine the role of recreation in this city. It will set new standards for accessibility and social inclusion, ensuring that anyone, regardless of background or ability, will find their place here,” said Paul Fast, project architect and principal, HCMA Architecture.
The aquatics centre, opening this fall, is only the second facility in Canada to feature an advanced low energy, low chlorine water filtration system. The aquatic centre includes a leisure pool with a lazy river, spray features and toddler play area; a 25-metre, 10-lane lap pool; a three-metre diving platform, three-metre springboard, and two one-metre springboards; an all-ages hot pool; and universal as well as gender-inclusive change rooms and washrooms.
The NHL-sized arena can accommodate hockey, para ice hockey, ringette, public skating, lacrosse, inline hockey, and other dry-floor sports, with seating for up to 500 spectators. Additional amenities in the centre include eight flexible multi-purpose rooms, expansive indoor and outdoor fitness areas, an Olympic-sized gymnasium, arts studio, youth and early years spaces, a community kitchen, and gathering spaces designed to support activities for residents across every stage of life.
“I am incredibly proud that after more than 20 years of planning, engagement and determination, the new Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre is finally open to the residents of North Vancouver. The new Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre is absolutely incredible. It is bright, welcoming, modern, and filled with enriching amenities. More importantly, it has been designed with people of all ages and abilities in mind,” said Mayor Linda Buchanan.
