Cameron Community Centre and Library
Cameron Community Centre and Library has moved to our new temporary location in The City of Lougheed Shopping Centre at 9855 Austin Avenue, on the lower level across from the cellphone providers aisle and near Guest services.
About this project
We're replacing the aging Cameron Community Centre and Library with an exciting new complex designed to meet the growing and changing needs of northeast Burnaby.
The current recreation centre and library, located at 9523 Cameron Street near The City of Lougheed Shopping Centre, has provided a variety of recreation, social and learning programs to northeast residents for nearly 40 years. During that time, the surrounding area has grown and evolved, and the aging complex is no longer keeping up with the community’s needs and expectations.
The new modern and functional Cameron complex will become the civic heart of Lougheed Town Centre and will include:
- new library
- aquatic facility
- gymnasium featuring two full-sized basketball courts
- weight room and cardio facilities
- indoor running track
- fitness studios
- multipurpose rooms
- dedicated youth and seniors spaces
- child minding and indoor and outdoor play areas
- civic plaza
What's happening now
On July 22, 2024, City Council approved the award of contract to advance construction of the new Cameron Community Centre and Library, marking the commencement of a major construction project in the city's northeast region. This project is a significant step towards enriching the local infrastructure and supporting the community's growing needs. This new facility will become the civic heart of Lougheed Town Centre in a few years.
Site preparation and tree removal work
As part of the site preparation, unfortunately it is necessary to remove 166 trees identified to be in conflict with the construction site footprint, logistics, safety and access. However, we are excited to announce our plan to sustainably salvage and repurpose as much wood as possible from the removed trees.
The project team estimates that 70% of the wood could be reused directly back onsite and at other local sites. Potential reuses for the wood include:
- Finishings for interior design, play structures, benches, and/or other utilities within the new community centre.
- Ecological stream restoration and habitat structure enhancement on local streams in conjunction with BC Wildlife Federation.
This large-scale wood salvage and repurposing plan will reduce resource consumption, air pollution and carbon emissions. Removal work started on October 24 and is expected to last approximately 3 weeks. Salvage documentation and transport of the wood will take place in the weeks following.
In addition to our repurposing plan, the 166 removed trees will be replaced with 779 new trees. The project team will make all necessary efforts to replant replacement trees on the site of the new facility. If all replacement trees cannot be accommodated within the site, the remaining trees will be provided in areas with low tree canopy to ensure Burnaby’s urban forest is enhanced as per the City’s Tree Bylaw and Tree Management Policy for Public Lands.
Questions and answers
View questions and answers about the overall project.
New temporary Cameron Community Centre and Library
The community will be able to continue gathering and enjoying recreation, social and learning programs at a new Temporary Cameron Community Centre and Library location once construction for the new facility begins.
The temporary location is located in The City of Lougheed Shopping Centre at 9855 Austin Ave and provides space for a range of programming, activities and services until the new centre opens, including:
- library services
- seniors’ movement and social spaces
- dance and music programs for all ages
- health-focused programs
- artist and theatre groups
- arts, crafts, cards and games
- book and garden clubs
Please note that not all programs and activities, including gymnasium use, weight room equipment and sports programs, will be transitioned to the temporary location. Patrons are invited to join in existing programs at the City’s other facilities.
Our goals
We are committed to creating a connected, healthy and dynamic community by providing public facilities that encourage opportunities for social gathering, healthy living and well-being and meet the needs of our growing community.
Learn more about the project’s past public engagement efforts.