May 6, 2026

Designed by Diamond Schmitt for the City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, the new Marpole Community Centre sets a new benchmark for low-carbon civic infrastructure in Canada—integrating recreation, culture, and care within a resilient framework.

Targeting Passive House and LEED Gold certification, the project is realized with an exposed mass timber structure and expands the program area of the existing centre, bringing together community programming within a highly efficient, all-electric building. 

“Our vision for the Marpole Community Centre was to create an inclusive and welcoming high-performance facility that embodied the City’s ambitious sustainability and accessibility targets while also supporting the community’s goals for how they wanted to use the building and grow their programing,” says Architect Caroline Inglis.

The design emphasizes openness and permeability, anchoring the building within its park setting.  A low, horizontal massing and curving rooflines reduce the structure’s scale, creating a welcoming identity. Inside, a central circulation spine reveals the diverse programming to invite visitor interaction. Active recreation spaces connect directly to outdoor sports courts, while community-oriented spaces on the south façade maximize daylight and visibility. A central "lantern" stair acts as a visible beacon, drawing the community in and reinforcing the building’s role as an accessible social and cultural hub for Marpole’s multi-generational community.

Community engagement and collaboration with Indigenous partners ensured the design reflects Coast Salish perspectives. This collective process integrated spatial and artistic interventions by Musqueam artists, embedding cultural meaning throughout the site and connecting it to the landscape. This sense of belonging is reinforced by the building’s layout. By targeting Rick Hansen Foundation Gold certification and using a single, gently sloped entry, the centre ensures a dignified and inclusive experience for every visitor.

To learn more about how the new community centre establishes a contemporary civic landmark within Oak Park, read the full media release.