Skip to content

Burnaby is getting serious about fixing these decrepit city facilities

When you look at some of the community facilities in Burnaby, you see some that need more than TLC – they need to be replaced or completely renovated.
kensington ice rink arena burnaby
Kensington ice arena in Burnaby. Google Street View

When you look at some of the community facilities in Burnaby, you see some that need more than TLC – they need to be replaced or completely renovated.

Nowhere is that more true than in northwest Burnaby, the stretch from Kensington all the way to Boundary Road.

For example, the Willingdon Community Centre was originally built in the early 1960s, and later renovated with an addition in 1981. The Confederation Park seniors centre was built way back in 1988 and the Eileen Dailly pool in 1991. The Kensington ice arena is more than 40 years old.

There have been newer facilities added, such as the modern McGill library, but the City of Burnaby has recognized upgrades are needed and has embarked on an information-gathering process. Other parts of Burnaby are getting new facilities, such as an ice arena in South Burnaby and the replacement of CG Brown Pool and the Burnaby Lake Arena. 

“To date, we have gathered community feedback and conducted a Needs Assessment of programs, facilities, and community spaces; reviewing community centre development trends; and analyzing future space needs,” says the city. “This process will inform the redevelopment of community spaces in northwest Burnaby.”

Willingdon Community Centre.
The inside of the Willingdon Community Centre. City of Burnaby photo

Two open houses have now been scheduled to detail what the community has said is needed in northwest Burnaby and list potential programs for new and existing facilities.

The two open houses are happening:

Current community facilities in northwest Burnaby include:

The city says it reached over 1,400 people through a survey, and engaged with many community members at two pop-up events and seven focus group sessions. 

If you have any questions or comments about the project, residents are urged to email civicprojects@burnaby.ca