As the City of North Vancouver moves forward with ambitious plans to transform its recreational infrastructure, one of the community’s most beloved athletic organizations is preparing for a new chapter. Flicka Gymnastics Club, a longtime pillar of North Shore athletics, will relocate to the revitalized Mickey McDougall Community Recreation Centre—a move made possible by a strategic partnership between the club and the City.
A Legacy in Motion: Flicka’s Next Leap
Flicka Gymnastics has been a vital part of the North Shore’s athletic culture since 1962. Known for cultivating excellence in gymnastics and instilling confidence in youth—especially girls—the club has operated out of the aging Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre (HJCRC) since 2000. But with HJCRC set to close for redevelopment, Flicka faced the challenge of finding a new space that could continue to support its diverse programming and high-performance training.
Enter the Mickey McDougall Community Recreation Centre, a City-owned facility with deep community roots of its own. Originally built in 1967 as a school, the building has served as a multipurpose recreation centre since 1982. Now, thanks to a 10-year lease agreement (renewable for another 10 years) formalized in a 2021 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Mickey McDougall is being transformed into Flicka’s new home.
From Feasibility to Renovation: Planning a Purpose-Built Gymnastics Facility
The relocation was far from a quick fix. The City and Flicka conducted a joint feasibility study to assess options for the club’s future. Building a brand-new facility was estimated at over $24 million—an impractical solution. Instead, upgrading Mickey McDougall emerged as the most cost-effective and timely alternative.
Improvements are underway to retrofit the building to meet the specific needs of a gymnastics training environment. Holaco Construction, now active on-site, is wrapping up demolition work and has begun interior renovations and targeted exterior upgrades. The revitalization will introduce modern training amenities, enhanced accessibility, energy-efficient systems, and a new entrance—all designed to serve Flicka’s athletes and the broader community for years to come.
While some minor upgrades began earlier, major construction is concentrated in 2024 and 2025. Flicka is expected to move in by early 2026—just as the new Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre is slated to open.
Community Investment and Green Infrastructure
The Mickey McDougall upgrades are backed by a $2.2 million grant announced in August 2022, part of the federal government’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program. This funding emphasizes sustainability and accessibility, aligning with broader climate goals and equity-based infrastructure planning.
These investments are more than just cosmetic; they represent the City’s commitment to ensuring that beloved organizations like Flicka remain deeply rooted in North Vancouver while moving toward a greener, more inclusive future.
A Bigger Vision: North Vancouver’s Recreation Evolution
The relocation of Flicka is a key piece of North Vancouver’s much larger recreational puzzle. With the aging HJCRC being replaced by a bold new facility offering an arena, aquatic centre, skate park, fitness zones, and more, the City is reimagining how its residents interact with public space and wellness services. An Interim Services Plan, developed in coordination with the North Vancouver Recreation and Culture Commission, helps bridge the gap during construction by maximizing capacity at other centres and identifying temporary venues.
Together, the new Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre, the modernized Mickey McDougall site, and the neighboring North Vancouver Lawn Bowling Club will form a vibrant, interconnected recreation and community hub. It’s a vision rooted in continuity and growth—ensuring existing community assets are not lost in the shuffle, but rather repositioned to thrive in a new era.
Looking Ahead
For Flicka Gymnastics and its many athletes—some of whom have gone on to Olympic competition—this move isn’t just a change of address. It’s a carefully planned leap into the future that safeguards the club’s legacy while opening new doors.
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