Metro Vancouver Facilities Win Prestigious IOC Architecture Awards

Two innovative recreation facilities in Metro Vancouver have recently been awarded prestigious architectural accolades from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The recognition highlights the region’s commitment to creating cutting-edge community spaces that prioritize sustainability and inclusivity.

The IOC, in partnership with the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS), presents the biennial IOC IAKS Architecture Prize to honor exceptional designs in sports, leisure, and recreational facilities. For the upcoming 2025 awards, both winning projects were designed by the Vancouver-based firm HCMA and were completed in Spring 2024. The jury praised these facilities for their ability to merge community-focused recreation with forward-thinking architectural practices.

Aquatic Centre Promotes Inclusivity and Sustainability

The City of New Westminster’s new Sea Otter House (təməsew̓txw) Aquatic and Community Centre, costing $114 million, has been described by the jury as “a place where everyone can come together and enjoy being active.” This facility replaces the Canada Games Pool and Centennial Community Centre. It features an eight-lane, 50-metre lap swimming pool, a leisure pool with 25-metre lanes, and a hot pool with a sauna. Additional amenities include a fitness centre, two gymnasiums, various multi-purpose rooms, and childcare services.

Notably, the Sea Otter House is Canada’s first all-electric aquatic centre and the first to implement a gravity-fed filtration system, significantly reducing energy consumption. Solar panels adorn its south-facing rooftop, contributing to its sustainability credentials. The design also incorporates mass-timber materials, enhancing its integration into the surrounding landscape and providing spacious interior areas.

New Recreation Centre Enhances Community Engagement

In Burnaby, the newly opened Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre, valued at $54 million, serves the Edmonds neighbourhood with two ice rinks, each accommodating up to 200 spectators. The jury lauded its “architecturally stunning” design, which centres around an interior linear lobby offering excellent views of both rinks and the mezzanine level above. This layout fosters social interaction among visitors, whether they are skating enthusiasts or spectators.

The extensive use of mass-timber materials in the Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre not only creates an inviting atmosphere but also capitalizes on wood’s natural ability to regulate humidity. This feature helps maintain a comfortable environment for both players and visitors.

As Metro Vancouver experiences a surge in new community and recreation projects, the completion of these award-winning facilities marks a significant step in a series of developments currently underway in the region. The IOC IAKS Architecture Prize for 2025 presented nine awards, chosen from 69 entries across 25 countries. The competition, established in 1987, continues to celebrate architectural excellence in sports and leisure.

In previous editions of the IOC IAKS awards, Metro Vancouver projects have consistently received recognition. In 2023, for instance, three facilities were honored, including the new outdoor stadium at Simon Fraser University and the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre expansion, both showcasing the region’s commitment to innovative design.

The accolades for the Sea Otter House and Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre not only elevate Metro Vancouver’s standing in the architectural community but also reflect a broader trend towards integrating sustainability and community engagement in public facilities.