Resulting from years of thoughtful planning and collaboration between various levels of government, not-for-profit organizations and private enterprise, the vision of the Heart of Burquitlam as a diverse and inclusive master-planned community is beginning to take shape.
The rental tower has now been completed up to the roof, with construction on the condominium tower, Myriad, now underway. This community of condominium, market and non-market rental homes sits alongside easily accessible transit, retail amenities and a renewed city park that are all tied together by the recently named Bettie Allard YMCA, which will complete later this year.
As Coquitlam’s first YMCA community centre, the space will offer health programs, fitness and aquatics facilities, as well as youth leadership, employment and wellness services to inspire people of all ages to stay healthy and engaged.
This is not the first time that Concert has been involved in a unique partnership that brought a much-needed amenity to the community. In the mid-2000’s the downtown YMCA, which had reached a record low in membership, was in dire need of a renovation but lacked the necessary funds.
Concert stepped in with an innovative proposal, and after a community fundraising campaign, YMCA and Concert collaborated to deliver a renovated and totally upgraded YMCA facility, today known as the Robert Lee YMCA. Concert’s Patina condominium tower was delivered next door. YMCA membership numbers reached an unprecedented level shortly after re-opening, reflecting the importance of this facility to the downtown Vancouver community it serves.
YMCA Centres provide a much needed and inclusive community touchpoint for people of all ages and abilities, and promote healthy living while helping to reduce isolation. These are critical components to community building, and they have always been foundational to Concert’s approach to development.
“At Concert, we believe communities are more than just buildings,” says Craig Watters, Concert’s Senior Vice President, Development. “An amenity like the Bettie Allard YMCA brings a vibrant gathering place for all members of the community to gather. Through long-term partnerships with important community organizations like the YMCA, Concert continues its legacy of building strong, sustainable, people-first communities across BC and Canada.”