Candidates Unveil Competing Plans for Vancouver’s Community Centres

Two candidates vying for the OneCity Vancouver mayoral nomination are presenting contrasting visions for the renovation of community centres, with particular emphasis on the redevelopment of the Britannia civic hub. The upcoming civic election scheduled for October 17, 2026, has prompted both candidates to address Vancouver’s aging recreational infrastructure early in the race.

William Azaroff, one of the candidates, has launched his initiative titled “Build Back Britannia.” He aims to fast-track the long-awaited upgrades of the Britannia facility in the Grandview-Woodland neighbourhood. Azaroff plans to incorporate this project into the 2027-2030 capital budget, which he believes could allow construction to commence sooner. He has pointed to a master plan approved by the Vancouver Park Board in 2018 for the site, which has remained unimplemented for nearly a decade.

Azaroff highlights the rising construction costs, noting that the deputy city manager has estimated that costs have increased by approximately 20 percent each year of delay. Originally, the Britannia redevelopment was projected to cost up to $490 million, covering various aspects such as new community and recreational facilities, childcare facilities, affordable housing components, and enhancements to parks and public spaces.

As an illustration of the urgency for renewal, Azaroff mentioned that the Britannia ice rink has been closed since March 2024 due to mechanical issues. The municipal government is currently allocating $17.5 million for repairs and maintenance of both the rink and pool facilities. Despite these efforts, city staff have indicated that actual construction may not begin until the 2030s at the earliest.

“Families across Vancouver understand the difficulties posed by our infrastructure deficit,” Azaroff stated. “We can’t afford to wait another year — let alone another decade. Let’s get shovels in the ground.” His proposal prioritizes the first two buildings of the master plan and includes a design process aimed at preparing for the next federal funding cycle. The plan envisions a new aquatic centre, a modern gymnasium, a fitness centre, and a childcare facility for 69 children.

On the other side, Amanda Burrows, also a candidate for the OneCity nomination, has presented a broader, city-wide initiative. She argues that Vancouver’s challenges extend beyond individual sites and require a comprehensive approach. “Community centres and pools are essential for neighbourhood cohesion,” Burrows remarked. “Under current leadership, many facilities are deteriorating or overburdened. This is a city-wide failure of leadership.”

Burrows’ platform emphasizes a systematic renewal of community centres and aquatic facilities throughout Vancouver, explicitly referencing Britannia’s aging pool and community centre. She pointed out the struggles families face, such as lengthy waitlists for swimming lessons and facility closures without clear timelines for reopening.

“From Britannia to Killarney, every neighbourhood deserves attention,” Burrows stated. “We need a plan that fixes the system and delivers projects that have long been promised.” Her strategy includes a comprehensive assessment of existing facilities, prioritizing projects that increase access to aquatics, childcare, and recreation while aligning capital planning with climate and seismic requirements.

Burrows reiterated her commitment to avoid pitting neighbourhoods against each other for limited resources. “As mayor, I will lead a city-wide effort to rebuild the public spaces that make Vancouver livable,” she affirmed.

The OneCity nomination will culminate in a decision on February 11, 2026, with nominations for various city councils and boards scheduled for May 2026. As the race unfolds, the candidates’ differing strategies for addressing Vancouver’s community infrastructure will be central to their campaigns.