South Vancouver Emergency Site: Sunset Community Centre

Opened in 1950 and located in East Vancouver, Sunset is the city's second oldest community centre. Sunset Community Centre serves a multi-cultural population of over 33,000 with a high proportion of Chinese and Punjabi residents, young families and children. Programs and events for all ages are offered here, at the adjacent Sunset Ice Rink and at the nearby Moberly Arts and Cultural Centre.

This centre has a most interesting history. The post World War II years brought with them a desire for a wider variety of public recreation facilities. This renewed interest in sport, recreation and cultural activities coincided with a Federal program that would grant monies for buildings that meumorialized military sacrifices. Vancouver's first indoor recreation centres were a direct result of community fundraising in what was to become a pattern of partnership between the Vancouver Park Board and locally inspired associations. In 1945 the new Sunset Association kicked-off its fundraising drive for Sunset Memorial Community Centre and was aided by Hollywood publicity agents who secured the support of the famous actor Bing Crosby. Bing Crosby attended the sod turning ceremony on September 22, 1948 and raised $22,000 for the fund when he broadcast his network radio show live from the Orpheum Theatre. Such was the crooner's dedication to the cause that he helped officially open the new centre on September 28, 1950 via a telephone hookup from Los Angeles.

Renewal plans propose that the new centre be fronted on Main Street near the Park Board's Sunset Nursery. Services will emphasize children, youth, and inclusive programs for newcomers and non-English speakers. The project will allow for a modern, efficient layout, larger programming spaces, a bigger lobby, elevator, seismic protection and a more visible, accessible location. Features under consideration include multi-purpose rooms, a full-size gymnasium, dance room, arts and crafts space, fitness room, preschool space and a 'green' (sustainable) operating system

Tel: (604) 718-6505
Fax: (604) 718-6515
Email: sunsetcc@vancouver.ca
Website: www.mysunset.net