Burnaby City Council has greenlit a contract to overhaul the James Cowan Theatre at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, replacing it with an innovative new theatre and specialized program space capable of hosting a wide range of events and activities.
“This presents a fantastic opportunity to modernize the James Cowan Theatre, ensuring its continued significance within the dynamic arts, cultural, and community landscape of the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts,”
remarked Mayor Mike Hurley.
Originally built as a gymnasium in the 1940s, the current theatre was repurposed in 1995. However, it has long exceeded its lifespan, lacking wheelchair accessibility, seismic compliance, and requiring substantial upgrades.
The redevelopment initiative will establish a new 38,000 square-foot (3,500 square meters) theatre and studio wing on the existing James Cowan Theatre site.
Notable features will include:
– A 364-seat theatre with retractable seating adaptable to a spacious reception/atrium hall
– State-of-the-art stage, lighting, and audio facilities
– Three versatile classroom studios for visual arts, multi-use purposes, and theatre/literary arts
– A reception/atrium hall
– Gender-neutral and universally accessible washroom facilities
– Encores Café and bar
– Enhanced accessibility and entrance positioning
The facility will offer adaptability, boasting a theatre with flexible floor plans and studios that can be configured for various uses. These may encompass multimedia exhibitions, traditional and contemporary theatre productions, cultural showcases, large-scale events, trade shows, and conferences.
Throughout the construction phase, the Shadbolt Centre will remain accessible to the public.
The project is estimated to cost $55 million, with construction slated to commence in 2024 and the new facility anticipated to open its doors in 2027.
To read more local news and projects please check our BLOG PAGE
Explore the Pacific Northwest in Comfort: Amtrak Cascades’ New Train Fleet
Photo via Washington State Department of Transportation/Flickr
Redefining Travel Along the Cascadia Corridor
Venturing through the scenic landscapes of the Pacific Northwest just got even more appealing with the introduction of Amtrak Cascades’ latest fleet. Departing from Vancouver Pacific Central Station and winding through picturesque destinations like Seattle, Bellingham (Washington), Portland, and Eugene (Oregon), the Amtrak Cascades offers travelers a seamless journey marked by unparalleled comfort and convenience.
Photo via Washington State Department of Transportation/Flickr
Introducing the Next Generation of Train Travel
In 2026, travelers can anticipate embarking on their adventures aboard a new fleet of Amtrak trains, promising an elevated travel experience. Renderings released by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) showcase the Northwest-themed design of these eight new trainsets and two locomotives, embodying the region’s natural beauty with iconic imagery of Mt. Hood and Mt. Rainier adorning each car.
Photo via Washington State Department of Transportation/Flickr
With a steadfast commitment to comfort and sustainability, these California-built trains are engineered for efficiency, boasting reduced fuel consumption and emissions. Travelers can look forward to a host of modern amenities, including individual outlets, onboard Wi-Fi, and touchless restroom controls, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey for all passengers.
From ergonomically designed seating to a revamped café car offering locally sourced fare and libations, every aspect of the new fleet is tailored to enhance the travel experience. With spacious seating, ample amenities, and a focus on sustainability, the arrival of these new trains heralds a new era of train travel in the Pacific Northwest.
Whether embarking on a leisurely weekend getaway or a scenic coastal journey, the Amtrak Cascades’ new fleet promises to captivate travelers with its unparalleled comfort, convenience, and charm.
Vancouverites can ride on the current Amtrak Cascades route trains by booking tickets with Amtrak online. Prices start at around $250 for a return trip to the route’s final destination in Eugene, Oregon.
Photo via Amtrak Cascades
To read more local news and projects please check our BLOG PAGETo view Geoff Jarman’s Listings CLICK HERE
