North Vancouver’s largest capital project redefines community recreation with health, sustainability, and accessibility at its core
The City of North Vancouver is entering the final stretch of a historic transformation: the construction of the new Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre (HJCRC), a $230 million state-of-the-art facility poised to become the city’s premier community hub. Slated for substantial completion in early 2026 and a grand opening in spring of that year, the new HJCRC will offer vastly upgraded amenities, sustainable design, and inclusive features that reflect the city’s vision of “A Healthy City for All.”
Building a Healthier, More Inclusive North Vancouver
Located on the north side of East 23rd Street between Lonsdale Avenue and St. Georges Avenue, the new HJCRC is more than a replacement for the aging, 59-year-old facility—it’s a reimagining of what a recreation centre can be. From physical and mental wellness to cultural and social connectivity, the new centre is designed to serve everyone in the community.
Amenities include an expansive aquatic centre, full-size gymnasium, indoor and outdoor fitness spaces, community gathering areas, and a 500-seat arena. Additional features range from youth and preschool spaces to arts studios, a community kitchen, a nature play zone, and even a rooftop skate park integrated into the building’s architecture.
Accessibility has also been prioritized, with barrier-free design features and a pursuit of gold certification through the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification program.
Construction Progress: Entering the Home Stretch
As of early 2025, the project had surpassed 70% completion. Structural elements—concrete, mass timber, and steel—are largely finished, and key roofing systems over the pool, gym, and arena are watertight. Mechanical and electrical systems are around 70% complete, while the detailed work on interiors, landscaping, and off-site improvements is well underway.
The aquatic spaces are taking shape, with two out of three pool tanks completed and undergoing testing and tiling. Exterior work, including glazing, brick masonry, and insulation, is also progressing steadily.
Despite its complexity and scale, the project remains on schedule, with no major delays reported since its initial site preparation in March 2022.
Sustainability and Climate Action at the Forefront
One of the defining features of the new HJCRC is its commitment to sustainability. The building targets a 53% energy savings compared to the 2017 National Energy Code baseline. Currently, the existing HJCRC contributes nearly a third of the city’s building-related greenhouse gas emissions—a figure the new facility is designed to dramatically reduce.
Sustainable systems include advanced heat recovery through CO₂ refrigeration, a high-performance building envelope, passive solar design, rainwater reuse, electric vehicle and bicycle charging stations, and an innovative low-energy pool filtration system.
These features are critical to meeting the City’s Corporate Climate Action Plan and creating a facility that’s as efficient as it is inspiring.
A Skate Park Built by and for the Community
The skateboarding community has had a direct hand in shaping one of the centre’s most unique features—a modern street-style skate park designed through a multi-year consultation process.
Beginning in 2018, workshops and public open houses gathered input from local skaters, who envisioned a plaza-like space with varied terrain, integrated seating, and social areas. The final design, completed in 2022, features stair sets, bank hips, rails, and a striking seven-foot-high, forty-foot-long “wall ride” built into the HJCRC itself.
This $1.2 million park is on track for completion alongside the main facility and will join the new Mahon Skate Plaza, now open at Mahon Park, as a permanent fixture in North Vancouver’s skate infrastructure.
A Balanced Financial Plan
The $230 million budget reflects years of financial planning and adaptation. Roughly 93% of the works were tendered by 2024, with contingencies built in to address escalation and soil remediation. Funding comes from a blend of low-interest loans through the Municipal Financing Authority and the future sale of City-owned lands.
Importantly, the financial strategy—approved in January 2022—aims to mitigate taxpayer impact through phased procurement and rigorous value engineering, ensuring long-term viability without sacrificing community benefit.
Keeping the Community Connected During Construction
While construction continues, existing facilities such as the current Harry Jerome Centre, Memorial Gymnasium, and Centennial Theatre remain open. Additional upgrades are being made to Mickey McDougall Recreation Centre to house Flicka Gymnastics Club, and a new North Vancouver Lawn Bowling Club and community park are also in development as part of the broader site redevelopment.
Temporary disruptions—like road closures and reduced on-site parking—are managed with signage, flag personnel, and alternate parking arrangements at North Shore Alliance Church. Residents are encouraged to walk, bike, or use transit when visiting the area.
A New Era for Central Lonsdale
The new Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre is more than a construction project—it’s a bold statement about North Vancouver’s future. With cutting-edge design, environmental leadership, and deep community roots, it’s poised to become a cornerstone of daily life in Central Lonsdale for generations to come.
Curious how this transformative development could shape Central Lonsdale’s future? We’re keeping a close eye on projects like this so our clients always stay informed. Want to be one of them?
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