Community Centre Update November 2 2017

Be a part of the Community Centre buzz in phase two

We’re moving forward

After an exciting public launch at Bowfest, Council unanimously supported proceeding to the next phase of the Community Centre project at its September 11th meeting.

Phase two will include design development, financial planning and community engagement. We’re also developing a strategy for funding the project, including grant applications, private donations and other activities.

How did we get to this point?

For more than a decade, committees, research, surveys, and reports have examined the needs of Bowen Islanders for assembly, performing arts, and recreation. This project was identified as a strategic priority in the Island Plan since 2015. In 2016, a project manager was selected and the Community Centre Select Steering Committee was established. In early 2017, an architect team was hired. In September, Council confirmed that the proposed Community Centre is Bowen Island Municipality’s highest priority capital project for the purposes of applying for grants from the federal and provincial governments.

Our current design for a Community Centre builds on the framework established by those past committees, with input from the community. In September, we reviewed the public feedback from Bowfest, and invited former chairs of these committees to look at the schematic design and provide their feedback. We’d like to thank Shari Ulrich, John Reid and Paul Hoosen for participating in this information gathering session, and look forward to sharing the changes we’ve made to the design based on that feedback.

Come together, Bowen Island!

This is your opportunity to be a part of the buzz: our community, coming together to build something sweet. Here’s how you can get involved:

  • Read frequently asked questions about the project
  • Follow us on Facebook
  • Come to a Community Open House to see the updated design and to let us know how you would use the spaces. The first one is scheduled for 4-7 pm on Thursday, November 30 at the school gym. The design team will give brief presentations at 5:15 and 6:15 pm.
  • Help us plan future open houses
  • Have a community group who might use the space? Contact us at ourislandplace@bimbc.ca