The Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver has received $25 million in funding from the Canadian federal government to expand its campus, including childcare, senior services and other amenities.
The Department of Canadian Heritage funding will be used to support the largest project undertaken by Vancouver's Jewish Community in history, which will transform the JCC into an “expanded, state-of-the-art space.”
The funding will be used for the redevelopment of the 3.3-acre property in the Oakridge area of Vancouver, transforming the JCC into a “state-of-the-art, multigenerational community hub” with more childcare spaces, expanded seniors programs, arts and cultural spaces, and an expanded Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre.
The JCC noted that the project will be built to high environmental design standards. The King David High School will also relocate to the redesigned campus.
“The Government of Canada stands with Jewish communities across Canada and around the world. Today's investment is part of our commitment to an inclusive Canada that is strong and proud of its diversity. Supporting cultural facilities is essential, not only to retain their viability today, but to help them flourish for generations to come,” Minister of Canadian Heritage Pablo Rodriguez said. “We are proud that our support for the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver will strengthen Holocaust education, improve accessibility to arts and heritage, and combat antisemitism.”
The redevelopment of the JCC is the cornerstone of the overall site redevelopment plan which will also provide permanent homes for more than 20 not-for-profit community organizations, two residential towers that will provide mixed-use rental housing, a portion of which to be below-market rates.
“The funding from the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage contributes the resources necessary to support and sustain the Jewish community in Vancouver. The redevelopment will create an invaluable and welcoming cultural, social, recreational and educational hub for all to enjoy,” said Eldad Goldfarb, Executive Director, Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver. “The new space is poised to be a connection point that people of all ages and from all walks of life can enjoy for generations to come, and the legacy of this redevelopment will last a lifetime.”
According to the JCC, the announcement builds on the $25 million in funding provided in 2021 by the British Columbia government and a $25 million gift and community match from the Diamond Foundation.