Northeast Burnaby’s most ambitious civic renewal is officially underway — and it’s set to transform the community experience in one of the city’s fastest-growing urban hubs.
After years of planning and public input, the City of Burnaby has entered the construction phase for a brand-new Cameron Community Centre and Library, a state-of-the-art facility that will replace the well-loved but aging complex at Cameron Street and Bell Avenue. Designed to become the civic heart of the Lougheed Town Centre neighbourhood, this next-generation community hub is more than just a facelift — it’s a complete reimagining of public space for a growing city.
Rebuilding for a New Era
The original Cameron Centre served northeast Burnaby residents for nearly 40 years, but as the area has densified and diversified, the demands on community infrastructure have far outpaced what the existing facility can support. With the surrounding Lougheed Town Centre rapidly evolving into a major transit-oriented urban centre, the city recognized it was time for a bold reinvestment.
The new facility, still located at 9523 Cameron Street within Cameron Park, will include a striking mix of indoor and outdoor amenities designed for multi-generational use. From aquatic features and full-size gymnasiums to a modern public library, youth and senior spaces, indoor running track, and a lively civic plaza, the complex is being built to reflect how people connect, stay active, and engage in lifelong learning today.
What’s Inside the New Cameron Complex?
Designed with accessibility, sustainability, and community versatility in mind, the new centre includes:
A modernized Burnaby Public Library branch
Fitness facilities, including weight room, cardio space, studios, and a 160m indoor walking loop
Two full-sized basketball courts in the new gymnasium
Aquatics area (right-sized to complement nearby YMCA and other facilities)
Multipurpose rooms and childminding/play areas
Dedicated youth and senior lounges
A public-facing Civic Plaza for events, markets, and casual social gatherings
Around 300 underground parking stalls, including EV charging stations and secure bike racks
This comprehensive suite of amenities wasn’t built in a vacuum. The city conducted deep community engagement — including surveys, stakeholder meetings, and open houses — which directly influenced the final design. Public feedback led to enhancements like more green integration, improved seating and accessibility, public art installations, and refined approaches to noise management and wayfinding.
From Tree Salvage to Transit Connectivity
Demolition and site preparation are already underway as of Winter 2024, including the careful removal of 166 trees. The city has committed to repurposing 70% of salvaged wood into benches, play structures, and ecological restoration materials. In return, 779 new trees are planned for planting on-site and in other low-canopy parts of Burnaby.
As part of the larger vision, the city is also upgrading pedestrian and cycling connections around the site, supporting active transportation and access to nearby SkyTrain service.
A Temporary Home During Construction
While the new complex is built — a process that will span from 2025 to 2028 — residents haven’t been left without services. A temporary Cameron Community Centre and Library has opened inside The City of Lougheed Shopping Centre (9855 Austin Avenue), offering modified programming for arts, seniors, dance, and reading groups.
Programs requiring large gym space or aquatic access have been redirected to other Burnaby facilities, maintaining continuity for residents throughout the redevelopment.
A Project Rooted in Place
The new Cameron Centre isn’t just about bricks and mortar — it’s about identity, belonging, and future growth. As Burnaby continues to intensify around Lougheed and the Evergreen Line, investments like this ensure that community values scale alongside new development.
The City of Burnaby also acknowledges that the Cameron project is located on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Kwikwetlem Nations, and encourages ongoing learning and relationship-building with Indigenous communities.
Looking Ahead
The Cameron Centre project represents a $100M+ commitment to quality of life in Burnaby’s northeast. Once completed, it’s expected to serve as a regional model for how cities can blend recreation, education, and cultural space under one roof — and under one shared vision.
Curious how this could shape the future of Lougheed Town Centre?
We’re keeping a close eye on transformative projects like this — because an informed client is an empowered one.
Let’s talk about what’s next for Burnaby.
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