Vancouver - RayCam Renew
RayCam Cooperative Community Centre has been a gathering place for East Vancouver families since 1976. This welcoming space is one of Vancouver’s most well-used community centres. It offers recreation and programming for youth, seniors, new immigrants, Indigenous people and more.
After nearly 50 years of service to the community, it’s time for a new RayCam. BC Housing, the City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation have partnered with the Ray-Cam Cooperative to make this happen. We’re calling this project RayCam Renew.
RayCam Renew
The RayCam Renew project is about more than replacing an aging community centre; it is an opportunity to build a new kind of neighbourhood.
From 2014 to 2017, the RayCam Co-operative Board worked with the community to create a new vision for the RayCam Community Centre. This vision includes:
- A new, purpose-built community-centre
- A variety of much-needed rental housing
- Childcare facilities
- Seniors facilities
- Cultural space
- Training and educational space
- A hub for partner organizations
- Local-serving retail
- Improved pedestrian connections
Community Engagement
Planning and design for this project are still in very early stages. This means we still have much to learn about what the local community wants to see in a renewed RayCam.
2014-2017 – Visioning
The RayCam Cooperative Board begins engagement to create a vision for the renewal of the RayCam Co-operative Centre.
2019 – Internal engagement
The RayCam Cooperative Board further discusses the project at roundtables and youth camps.
September 2022 – Listening Circle
Building relationships between project partners, Coast Salish Knowledge Holders and other local Indigenous groups.
March 4, 2023 – End of Winter Celebration
RayCam Community Centre users and Indigenous Knowledge Holders enjoy a cedar weaving workshop, a cultural storytelling activity and catered lunch.
Celebration Poster
May 27, 2023 – Ideas Café
RayCam Community Centre users enjoy catered lunch while sharing their thoughts on what a new RayCam needs.
Ideas Café flyer
June 2023 – Space Types and Themes Workshops
Community centre groups share how they use different spaces (e.g. kitchens, gymnasium, daycares etc.) and what types of spaces they would need in a new RayCam.
TBA 2023 – Design Jam
Indigenous Knowledge Holders and others gather to discuss Coast Salish design and ways to reflect Indigenous values throughout the RayCam Renew process.
2024(+)
Keep checking this page for more opportunities to engage on the design and development of the new RayCam.
Questions
You are welcome to send any comments or questions to communityrelations@bchousing.org.