An aerial view of Cameron Community Centre and library, showing the west along Cameron Street, west entrance to the community centre and natatorium sun deck.City of Burnaby/Diamond Schmitt

Burnaby Approves $267M Community Centre Redevelopment with Library and Pools

Burnaby’s Cameron Recreation Complex is set for a major transformation after the council approved a $267 million redevelopment project.

Source: Burnaby Now, City of Burnaby

This new development will be four times the size of the existing facility.

View from Cameron Street of the east entrance to the new Cameron Community Centre civic plaza, bike shelter and library in Burnaby.City of Burnaby/Diamond Schmitt
View from Cameron Street of the east entrance to the new Cameron Community Centre civic plaza, bike shelter and library in Burnaby.
Source: City of Burnaby/Diamond Schmitt

Key Highlights of the Redevelopment:

  • Facility Closure and Temporary Relocation:
  • The old Cameron complex will close on Sunday, August 18.
  • A farewell event will be held on Saturday, August 17.
  • Demolition will start in September.
  • The temporary Cameron facility at Lougheed Mall will open on Tuesday, September 3.
  • New Facility Features:
  • Swimming Pools: Two new pools.
  • Fitness Facilities: A 10,000 square-foot weight room, fitness area, and double gymnasium with a walking track.
  • Community Spaces: Teaching kitchen, banquet hall, youth lounges, and a seniors lounge with a snooker room.
  • Library: Four times larger than the temporary Lougheed Mall location, with more meeting rooms, study spaces, digital studios, a dedicated makerspace, and a sensory room.
  • Sustainability and Design:
  • The building will be a mass timber structure with a green roof and solar panels.
  • It will use 30% less energy than similar facilities.
  • Underground parking will cost $23.4 million.
  • Heritage Preservation:
  • The Columbia Street facade will be retained and restored.
  • Other heritage elements like the theatre’s marquee and interior design features will be reconstructed.
A rendering of the pool at Cameron Community Centre in Burnaby. Source: Diamond Schmitt/City of Burnaby

Project Approval and Budget:

  • Council unanimously approved the final phase of the contract, awarding $267 million to Graham Construction & Engineering LP.
  • The project is 18% over budget due to rising construction costs.

Community Impact and Benefits:

  • The new community centre will help revitalize Columbia Street and downtown Burnaby.
  • A proposed community use agreement will offer non-profits and community groups a 30% discount on auditorium rentals.

Timeline and Future Steps:

  • The old Cameron complex will be demolished in September, with construction expected to finish by late 2027.
  • The new facility is set to open in 2028.

Next Steps for Current Programs:

  • Seniors and preschool programs will move to the temporary Cameron facility at Lougheed Mall.
  • Some programs will be relocated to Charles Rummel Recreation Centre.
  • Fitness programs and additional badminton playtime will be available at other Burnaby recreation centres.

Council members expressed support for the project, recognizing the importance of maintaining a space for community events and recreation, and the benefits of the new hotel and housing units. The next steps include ongoing staff reviews, applicant-led and city-led consultations, and a public hearing.

Watch a flyover rendering of the new Burnaby’s Cameron Recreation Complex here:

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