The City of Burnaby is proud to recognize politician and social justice champion Rosemary Brown, and soccer star and world’s-greatest goal scorer Christine Sinclair for their significant contributions and achievements in Burnaby and beyond, with the naming of two civic facilities in their honour.
At its May 31, 2021 meeting, Burnaby City Council announced that the recreation facility at 3713 Kensington Avenue (formerly Fortius Sport & Health) would be known as the Christine Sinclair Community Centre. This 146,000-square-foot facility includes a double-gymnasium, fitness studios, weight room and FIFA-standard turf pitch, and is located in what is fast becoming Burnaby’s centre of sport at Burnaby Lake. Council also announced that the name for a new arena currently under construction at 10th Avenue and 18th Street in Edmonds will be the Rosemary Brown Arena. This 92,000-square-foot facility, slated to open in 2022, will have two NHL-sized rinks and will accommodate ice sports, as well as lacrosse, ball hockey, community events and City-run programs.
“Christine Sinclair and Rosemary Brown have been trailblazers and a huge source of inspiration for people of all ages, particularly for girls and young women,” said Mayor Mike Hurley. “Each of them have made a tremendous impact and the City of Burnaby is proud to honour them by having their names on these marquee recreation facilities.”
Rosemary Brown (1930-2003) was a pioneer politician, community leader and human rights champion who used her voice to fight discrimination against women and people of colour. She served as a prominent Burnaby MLA from 1979 to 1986, and was the first Black woman elected to a provincial legislature in Canada.
“Our family is thrilled to know that my mother’s life’s work is being remembered in this way,” said Cleta Brown. “Many of the people who visit this new arena will be new immigrants, women and other people whose lives have benefited directly from the causes she dedicated her life to advancing.”
Born and raised in Burnaby, Christine Sinclair is widely considered one of the top women’s soccer players in the world. She led Team Canada to win back-to-back bronze medals at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympic Games. In January 2020, in the 23rd minute of Team Canada's opening match against St. Kitts and Nevis, she scored her 185th international goal, setting the record for most goals in international play (both women’s and men’s soccer).
“I’m so honoured to be recognized in this way, and I can’t imagine a better place for it,” said Christine Sinclair. “I’ve been in this facility many times over the years and played on the turf fields. I look forward to seeing the next generation of athletes come through these doors.”
The officially ceremonies to mark the naming of these two City facilities will be scheduled at a later date.
Learn More:
VIDEO: Women in Canadian History: Rosemary Brown (by Historica Canada)
VIDEO: Greatest Goal Scorer in the World is Canadian | Congratulations Christine Sinclair ( CONCACAF)
Media Contact:
Mike Hurley
Mayor, City of Burnaby
[email protected]