A Community Space for Generations to Come

Today I had the opportunity to attend the grand opening of the new Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre, and it was a proud moment for North Vancouver.

After years of planning and construction, residents were finally able to walk through a facility that will become a gathering place for our community for decades to come. From the arena and fitness spaces to the future aquatic centre, community kitchen, youth spaces and skate park, every part of the building has been thoughtfully designed to support recreation, health and connection.

One of the highlights of the morning was meeting with community leaders, residents, recreation staff and members of Council. Everywhere I went, people shared the same feeling: excitement, gratitude and pride. It was wonderful to see so many people eager to begin making memories in this new space.

One message stayed with me throughout the celebration. Community centres are about far more than recreation. They are places where people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can come together, build friendships, support one another and create a stronger sense of belonging. That vision feels especially meaningful in a space that carries Harry Jerome's name and honours his legacy of perseverance, excellence and community.

Beyond the impressive amenities, the building also demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability through significant energy savings, innovative heat recovery systems, natural daylight, rainwater reuse and extensive landscaping. Investments like these help ensure we're building for the future while being responsible stewards of public resources.

Community centres are where children learn new skills, families spend time together, seniors stay active, neighbours meet and lifelong friendships begin. They become part of the stories people tell about growing up and living in a city.

Congratulations to everyone who helped bring this project to life, from City staff and recreation teams to the designers, builders, volunteers and residents who helped shape the vision. I look forward to seeing the Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre become one of North Vancouver's great gathering places for generations to come.