Explore the Project


The new facility integrates social connection, accessibility, sustainability and our environmental surroundings into its design. All community members are welcomed to use the new centre in a way that suits their needs, whether that be community connection, physical health, learning a new skill or simply grabbing a coffee on your route home from work. 

The projects included in the overall site redevelopment are:


Project Partners

The new HJCRC is designed by hcma Architecture + Design, who have delivered award-winning community recreation centre projects throughout the Lower Mainland and across Canada.

MAKE Project Management is managing the project, and Smith Bros & Wilson is the general contractor for the overall project.

Timeline of Council Direction

  • March 29, 2022 – Ground breaking with City representatives and dignitaries (see April 1, 2022 news story).
  • February 28, 2022 – Council gives greenlight to start development of the new HJCRC.
  • January 2022 – Council approves new financial strategy for HJCRC, ensuring project remains on track.
  • November 22, 2021 – Council directs staff to keep the current centre open until the new one is complete.
  • April 12, 2021 – Council approves a new design for Harry Jerome.
  • January 2021 – City announced it will align the delivery of the new facility with the development of the surrounding Harry Jerome Neighbourhood Lands to mitigate financial risk.
  • March 2020 – Council directed staff to redesign Harry Jerome based on the prioritization process of the City’s Community Recreation Strategy. 
  • February 2020 – The Community Recreation Strategy – “A Healthy City for All – The Role of Community Recreation” was endorsed by Council at the February 24 meeting. 
  • May 2019 – The deferred report was received and filed at the May 13 Council meeting. Staff were directed to undertake a Community Recreation Strategy, inclusive of HJCRC and associated projects.
  • March 2019 – A report outlining potential cost reductions and risk mitigation measures was brought forward for Council’s consideration. The report was deferred at the March 4, 2019 Council meeting.
  • November 2018 – Council requested that staff consider additional risk mitigation and cost containing strategies for the HJCRC project.
  • July 2018 – Council directed staff to proceed with detailed design and refined costing of the HJCRC facility and program. 

Review our Key Reports to Date webpage for more details. 

Financing

The updated financial strategy combines low-interest, short-term financing from B.C.’s Municipal Financing Authority (MFA) to fund the construction of HJCRC and the disposition of city-owned land after the project is completed in 2026. While delivering this important project, mitigating financial impacts on taxpayers remains a key priority.

The budget for the complex is $230 million, and incorporates the contract prices of 93% of works tendered throughout 2025, costs related to soil remediation includes an allowance for FF&E and contingency. 

The financial strategy for HJCRC and Silver Harbour Seniors' Activity Centre utilizes a variety of funding sources and processes:

  • Utilization of City reserves and Municipal Finance Authority (MFA) loan;
  • Future disposition of Harry Jerome Neighbourhood Lands (HJNL);
  • Phased procurement to mitigate market escalation;
  • Modified project delivery to phase works within financial capacity;
  • Contracts awarded once funding in place; and
  • Value engineering to mitigate tender pricing 

View the full details of the proposed Financial Strategy, Council Report and Presentation to Council from February 13, 2023 (PDF).


Construction is underway. Find details on project progress, completion status and relevant road and parking impacts.

 

Replacement of the 60-year-old HJCRC includes a new aquatics facility, arena, gymnasium, indoor and outdoor recreation amenities, multi-purpose rooms, and youth spaces.
Get up-to-date on all the latest media, awards and news on the new Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre.
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