Harry Jerome rec centre opening set for late July in North Vancouver

North Vancouver's new Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre will officially open Saturday, July 25, after more than two decades of planning, engagement, and construction.

The grand opening kicks off with family-friendly performances and remarks from Mayor Linda Buchanan, CNV council, and special guests. The same day, the Silver Harbour Seniors' Activity Centre will relocate to its new home beside the rebuilt rec centre.

The project, which began construction in fall 2022, remains within its $230 million budget. The centre is named after three-time Olympian Harry Jerome, who grew up in North Vancouver and lived by the motto "Never give up." Buchanan said that spirit is "woven into this project, and into the future we are building together as the Healthiest Small City in the World."

What's inside: an NHL-sized arena with 500 seats, a 25-metre lap pool and leisure pools, a gymnasium, indoor and outdoor fitness spaces, a community kitchen, art space, a preschool, a skate park, and a slide connecting the first and second floors in the atrium.

Silver Harbour's new space includes a fully-equipped kitchen and expanded accessibility features—larger hallways and program rooms with built-in hearing loops for people with hearing aids.

Opening day will transform both facilities with activities and programming. Visitors can tour the spaces, try demonstrations of yoga, Pilates, spin and other fitness classes, plus Bollywood and line dancing in multipurpose areas. Children will play in the indoor playground in the Early Years Room while a multi-use area features sport demonstrations and carnival games. Healthy snacks will be available in the community kitchen.

Buchanan encouraged the community to join in. "It will be an incredible day to celebrate the new centres and community in what will be a day to remember." After two decades of waiting, North Vancouver will finally have its new community hub.