Government of Canada announces $25 Million for a new JCC
We are very pleased to announce that earlier today the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver received $25 million in support from the Government of Canada for the JCC site redevelopment.
We are deeply grateful for their support of our vision for a renewed Jewish Community Centre that will help address many of the issues affecting individuals and families across the region. These include access to high quality, affordable childcare, seniors programming for a growing population of older adults, arts and cultural spaces and amenities for all Vancouverites.
We have said from the beginning that this is a complex and ambitious project that would take support from all levels of government and private donors. This significant investment joins the $25 million in support provided by the Provincial Government of BC in April 2021, as well as the generous $25 million gift from the Diamond Foundation and support from donors who matched the Diamond Foundation gift. The Government of Canada’s support now takes this project to the next step.
“We are incredibly grateful for this generous support from the Government of Canada. It brings us closer to making this redevelopment a reality that will create an invaluable and welcoming cultural, social, recreational and educational hub for all to enjoy,” said Eldad Goldfarb, executive director of the JCC. “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.”
The JCC has long been a second home to so many in our community, welcoming people from all walks of life. It has been in its current location since 1961 and today it is bursting at the seams. As redevelopment of the Oakridge neighbourhood and Cambie corridor fuel growth in this area, the JCC is in need of a revitalized and expanded space so it can serve more people from across the region.
“This announcement is the result of efforts that spanned many years. We want to thank the Government of Canada and our advocacy agent, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs for their work on this,” said Ezra S. Shanken, CEO of Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver. “The Government of Canada’s generous $25 million dollar commitment will touch the lives of the thousands of people of every life stage. It is one example of the Government’s commitment to the Jewish community across Canada in Budget 2022.”
The JCC is one of the most diverse community centres in the region. It is one of the highest attended cultural, community and recreational centres in Vancouver. It is a place where families and individuals can find activities, resources, and most importantly, a place of belonging. The preservation of distinct cultural communities is an essential thread in the fabric of Canada and this redevelopment will be a legacy for everyone to enjoy and from which to benefit.
We want to thank the Government of Canada again for their support.