$900M of Burnaby's major civic projects are half-way through construction
CBC
Burnaby, B.C, often thought of as Vancouver's sleepy suburban little sibling, is growing up.
The city is in the middle of a $914-million campaign to build massive civic projects, including pools, ice rinks and recreation centres.
While the investments have depleted the city's historically rich capital reserves, Mayor Mike Hurley said the money had to be spent.
"Investing in your community is what cities are supposed to do," he said. "That's why we collect the money."
Four of Burnaby's major projects have reached or surpassed the half-way point in their construction.
The $313.7-million Cameron Community Centre and Library in Lougheed town centre will be the city's largest and is expected to be finished in 2028.
The James Cowan Theatre replacement, at $66.5 million, will include more than 360 seats at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts. It's scheduled to be completed in 2027.
Burnaby's RCMP facility is also being replaced and expanded by 2027 for $243.3 million.
The city says the $290.6-million Burnaby Lake Recreation Complex will be one of the largest aquatic facilities in B.C., with a 10-lane, 50-metre competition pool, a leisure pool and an NHL-sized arena.
Hurley said Burnaby's capital building plan is one of the largest in Canada, and the new facilities are set to support existing recreation centres that are filled to the brim.
"If you look at Christine Sinclair Centre, we're handing out tickets to people to say 'Come back another time,' because it's too full," he said.
Hurley said the city's reserve money was always intended to be spent on amenities.
"We're delivering the buildings that have been promised for a long time," he said.
And he said he's certain the new facilities will be well used, despite a recent lull in condo sales and development.
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