THE WEST END COMMUNITY CENTRE
Fall Programs Almost Back To Normal

Housing the Joe Fortes Library, an auditorium with a proscenium stage, a multi-purpose space that does duty as an ice rink during the winter months, a fitness center and numerous activity, meeting and function spaces, the West End Community Centre (WECC) on Denman Street has been a thriving focus of community life since it was built in 1970s.

The past 18 months have been, as for everyone, a challenge for the board and staff who work hard to fulfill the West End Community Centre Association’s (WECCA) mandate to provide accessible and affordable recreation, education, and athletic facilities and equipment for West Enders. They promote and support related recreational, educational, charitable, sporting and community events and activities. In doing so they seek to foster and develop community spirit and good citizenship in our community.

In pursuit of those goals the West End Community Centre Association, which also operates the Coal Harbour Community Centre and Barclay Manor, has forged partnerships and working relationships with Park Board staff, the Vancouver School Board and their neighbours at King George Secondary School, the Joe Fortes Library, other community centres, and West End community groups and agencies.

Since the arrival of COVID-19 it has been an almost daily challenge to balance important programming with the ever-changing directives from the provincial health authorities and the Centre’s operating partner, the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation. With close collaboration between WECCA board chairman David Scott, business manager Debbie Coulson, and recreation services supervisor Deb Barber and her team of programmers, they have managed to ensure that in each passing season since March of 2020 there has been at least a calendar of core activities available to masked and socially distanced attendees.

The recently released Fall Recreation Guide, available online here, announces the return of many favourite programs for children, teens, adults, and seniors and plans for holding many popular events. Time will tell if a full return to programming and events such as Art In The City will be possible in the spring.

All programs are by preregistration, with no drop-ins permitted. You can register online, where you will need to set up an account with the Park Board’s secure server, or by phone at 604.257.8333.

Something new this year is the introduction of a WECCA online “We Are West End” gift shop where you can purchase t-shirts, mugs, and other items branded with that slogan. You can find that here.

For more information on getting involved, registering for programs, volunteering, and supporting your West End Community Centre, visit their website here.

WECCA is also taking part in the recently launched consultations for the West End Community Hub Renewal Project, which will see the current facility, along with King George School, replaced with a new inclusive facility. You can learn more about that, and follow the links to get involved, here.

It’s your community centre, and your community’s future. Participate!