Provincial Support Builds Momentum for JCC Redevelopment

We are very pleased to let you know that earlier today the BC government announced $25 million in support for a new Jewish Community Centre. This significant investment by the province is a strong indication of the momentum that is building for this project, and we are deeply grateful for their generous support. We are now a big step closer to our shared vision becoming a reality!
 
The redevelopment is the single biggest project in the history of our Jewish community, and this is a very exciting moment for our entire community—and indeed the entire city and region. The JCC is one of the most diverse community centres in Vancouver, and the redevelopment will be a legacy for everyone to enjoy and benefit from.
 
We are very excited to see this project progress so well and so quickly. However, this is a complex and ambitious project and there are more components that are required for the project to keep moving forward. This includes support from other levels of government and from private donors. We are hopeful that these, too, will fall into place, and that more announcements will come in time.
 
In the meantime, we want to share some details about the site redevelopment, the construction of which is expected to be completed in two phases.
 
The first phase, which was the subject of the province’s announcement, will result in a renewed 200,000 square foot, state of the art, multigenerational community centre on what is currently the JCC parking lot. It will include expanded childcare, seniors’ services, arts and cultural spaces, and amenities for all Vancouver residents. More than 15 not-for-profit organizations are expected to call the centre home, and plans include expanded space for the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre, a new theatre, and more.
 
Once that is completed, the redevelopment’s second phase will begin on what is currently the site of the existing JCC building. Central to this is a mixed-use rental housing project, with units expected to be offered at or below market value and be open to everyone.
 
With generous support from private donors and supporters of the school, King David High School will move to a new facility in phase two that will give the growing school ample space to provide innovative academic, athletic, and extra-curricular programming.
 
Our tradition teaches that each generation plants for those who come after us, and that is a theme that has guided this project and the community consultations in which our shared vision is rooted. This is a very exciting time for our community, as we work together, with support from the province, to build a brighter future for generations to come.

If you would like more information, a video of the announcement is available here, and you can read the media release here. 
 
 Sincerely,