Events Archives • Kitsilano Community Centre located in Vancouver, British Columbia https://kitscc.com/category/special-events/ Check out all our Recreation, Fitness, Childcare and Seniors Programs Fri, 07 Aug 2026 21:24:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://kitscc.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-web-app-manifest-512x512-1-32x32.png Events Archives • Kitsilano Community Centre located in Vancouver, British Columbia https://kitscc.com/category/special-events/ 32 32 Music in the Park – Aug 8 https://kitscc.com/music-in-the-park-aug-8/ Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:15:58 +0000 https://kitscc.com/?p=207836 The post Music in the Park – Aug 8 appeared first on Kitsilano Community Centre located in Vancouver, British Columbia.

]]>

Celebrate 40+ years of Music in the Park!

Mark your calendar! Join us at Music in the Park, a tradition since 1984. We want YOU to join in the fun!
Bring your neighbors and family for a day packed with live music, games, and community booths.
📍 Connaught Park (2690 Larch St)
📅 Saturday August, 8 2026
🕚 11AM–3PM
 
Live Entertainment: Enjoy musical performances from local artists all day long. Keep an eye out for a roaming magician!
 
Name Time Entertainment
Lenny Pallerstein 11am-11:45am Guitar (Millennial Moms)
Raincity DJ (Chris Clark) 12pm-12:45pm 1-hour DJ Set
Tiffany Rivera & Jonny Tobin 1pm-1:45pm Pianist & Singer Duo
The Guillergan Family Band* 2pm-2:45pm Family Band Performance
John Stenning 12-1pm Roaming Magician

Activities: Mini golf, obstacle course, bouncy castle, and face painting
Refreshments: Our youth will be serving hot dogs, popcorn, and Bubly as a fundraiser.

 
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
MUSIC IN THE PARK SAT JULY 15, 2023 KITSILANO COMMUNITY CENTRE 2690 LARCH STREET 11AM - 3PM FEATURING LIVE MUSIC AND DANCE PERFORMANCES CARNIVAL GAMES + MINI GOLF $3 HOT DOG + DRINK FACE- PAINTING... AND MORE! kitscc.com

The post Music in the Park – Aug 8 appeared first on Kitsilano Community Centre located in Vancouver, British Columbia.

]]> Kitsilano War Memorial Community Centre is celebrating 75 years! https://kitscc.com/kitsilano-war-memorial-community-centre-is-celebrating-75-years/ Tue, 24 Jun 2025 21:14:28 +0000 https://kitscc.com/?p=203066 What is your best community memory about Kitsilano Community Centre?
Drop by the centre and fill in a flower on the memory tree

The post Kitsilano War Memorial Community Centre is celebrating 75 years! appeared first on Kitsilano Community Centre located in Vancouver, British Columbia.

]]>

The Kitsilano Community Centre has evolved significantly since its founding in 1947. Originally established as a war memorial to honor Vancouverites who served in World War II, the centre has grown into a vibrant hub for recreation, arts, and community engagement. Today, it offers modern fitness facilities, youth programs, seniors’ activities, and cultural events that reflect the diverse needs of its residents.

The Community Centre is jointly operated by the Kitsilano War Memorial Community Centre Association and the Vancouver Park Board, ensuring that it continues to serve as a welcoming space for people of all ages.



To commemorate the 75th year milestone we are compiling memories from our community members

Please share what you know and love about our beloved Centre!

Fill in a flower on the memory tree at the community centre or email it to kcca.vancouver@gmail.com

The post Kitsilano War Memorial Community Centre is celebrating 75 years! appeared first on Kitsilano Community Centre located in Vancouver, British Columbia.

]]> Save Our Park Board Coalition raises concerns about City’s Transition Working Group Report to eliminate the elected Vancouver Park Board https://kitscc.com/save-our-park-board-coalition-raises-concerns-about-citys-transition-working-group-report-to-eliminate-the-elected-vancouver-park-board/ Thu, 28 Nov 2024 21:13:20 +0000 https://kitscc.com/?p=195786 Press Release – November 26, 2024 The Save Our Park Board Coalition brings together the Association Presidents Group (APG), representing 19 Vancouver Community Centre Associations; the group of 30 former Park Board Commissioners; and a group of actively engaged concerned citizens. The Save Our Park Board Coalition is opposed to the City of Vancouver’s proposal […]

The post Save Our Park Board Coalition raises concerns about City’s Transition Working Group Report to eliminate the elected Vancouver Park Board appeared first on Kitsilano Community Centre located in Vancouver, British Columbia.

]]> Press Release Issued November 12, 2024 The Save Our Park Board Coalition congratulates Premier David Eby and the MLAs elected from all the parties in the October 19 BC provincial election. The Coalition brings together the Association Presidents Group (APG) representing 19 Vancouver Community Centres, thirty former Park Board Commissioners, and a coalition of concerned Vancouver citizens. The Save Our Park Board Coalition supports democratically elected governing bodies. This is a major reason why the we oppose Mayor Ken Sim’s proposal to eliminate the democratically elected Vancouver Park Board. During the last Vancouver civic election in 2022, over 171,000 citizens cast ballots to elect a Park Board to a four year term. Mayor Sim and his ABC party did not propose eliminating the elected Park Board as part of their platform so there is no mandate. We do not believe the Mayor and seven City Councilors have the right to deny Vancouver citizens their choice. Over the last months, the Save Our Park Board campaign has collected over 7000 signatures from Vancouver citizens, both at community events and with an online petition, opposed to the dissolution of the elected Park Board. Mayor Sim’s proposal to abolish the Park Board midterm cannot proceed without the provincial government making amendments to the Vancouver City Charter. The Save Our Park Board Coalition would like to remind Premier Eby of comments he made at an all-candidates meeting prior to the election where he said he didn’t think dissolving the Park Board would be a priority for a new NDP government before the next Vancouver municipal election in October 2026. We also note that the BC opposition parties have both made it clear that the decision about the future of the Vancouver Park Board requires a mandate from Vancouver voters. Premier Eby’s government faces important issues related to health care, affordability, public safety and reconciliation. The Save Our Park Board Coalition believes any decision on the future of the Park Board should be made by the citizens of Vancouver. Jerry Fast, Chair Association Presidents Group On behalf of the Save Our Park Board Coalition 778 233 2525

Press Release – November 26, 2024

The Save Our Park Board Coalition brings together the Association Presidents Group (APG), representing 19 Vancouver Community Centre Associations; the group of 30 former Park Board Commissioners; and a group of actively engaged concerned citizens.

The Save Our Park Board Coalition is opposed to the City of Vancouver’s proposal to remove the elected Park Board, the process used to date, and the recommendations in the City’s Transition Report. We urge Premier Eby to follow through with his assurance at the Point Grey candidate’s town hall that, if re-elected, this will not be a priority for his government before the next 2026 civic election.

The following is a summary of the Coalition’s major objections on this issue.

 Undemocratic Process: The process initiated by Mayor Sim last December is fundamentally undemocratic. Removing the elected Park Board was not part of the ABC platform in the 2022 municipal election, while 170,000 voters elected the Park Board Commissioners to carry out their four-year mandate and program. Eight members of City Council do not have a mandate to abolish the Park Board. Fundamental democratic principles must be respected. And the Park Board received legal advice that removing an elected Park Board mid-term could be a violation of two provisions in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Flawed Proposed New Governance Structure: The recommendation in the Transition Report for a new governance structure is less democratic and more bureaucratic than the current structure with the elected Park Board. Community groups won’t be presenting and discussing their issues with the full complement of City Councillors at Council meetings, as happens now with the elected Park Board Commissioners. The five Sub-Committee Councillors, with no decision-making authority, will be a go-between community groups and the full City Council.

City’s Lack of Specialized Expertise: The Coalition is very concerned that the proposed governance structure will seriously undermine the expertise and specialized knowledge needed to manage Vancouver’s extensive park and recreation system. This means there will be “some specialization” amongst only five of the eleven members of Council. This is a dramatic diminution of expertise compared to the current structure where all seven Park Board Commissioners are directly involved in community engagement and decision-making authority.

City’s Lack of Sole Mandate for the Parks System: The Park Board has as its sole mandate to protect, preserve and develop the parks and recreation facilities and services. City Councillors have a much broader mandate dealing with all aspects of City operations and development beyond parks and recreation. We are deeply concerned that parks and recreation will not receive the same priority attention that it has now with the elected Board.

Lack of Meaningful Cost Savings: The report suggests that eliminating the elected Park Board would bring $7 million in savings per year. The estimated cost savings are predicated on cutting some unidentified staff positions and on estimated reduced wait times when building infrastructure projects. Both are management issues that can be addressed without eliminating this elected, effective and accountable level of governance that is a130 year old institution in our city.

Jerry Fast

APG Chair, Coalition Spokesperson
778-233-2525

The post Save Our Park Board Coalition raises concerns about City’s Transition Working Group Report to eliminate the elected Vancouver Park Board appeared first on Kitsilano Community Centre located in Vancouver, British Columbia.

]]> What the possible dissolution of the Vancouver Park Board could mean for community centres https://kitscc.com/what-the-possible-dissolution-of-the-vancouver-park-board-could-mean-for-community-centres/ Fri, 22 Nov 2024 17:02:48 +0000 https://kitscc.com/?p=195535 What the possible dissolution of the Vancouver Park Board could mean for community centres. “Jerry Fast, president of the Kitsilano Community Centre Association, says the city attributing inefficiencies to the park board is misleading.“ Jerry Fast was interviewed by Stephen Quinn at CBC -November 22, 2024 → LISTEN HERE   Could a 2025 byelection give […]

The post What the possible dissolution of the Vancouver Park Board could mean for community centres appeared first on Kitsilano Community Centre located in Vancouver, British Columbia.

]]> Press Release Issued November 12, 2024 The Save Our Park Board Coalition congratulates Premier David Eby and the MLAs elected from all the parties in the October 19 BC provincial election. The Coalition brings together the Association Presidents Group (APG) representing 19 Vancouver Community Centres, thirty former Park Board Commissioners, and a coalition of concerned Vancouver citizens. The Save Our Park Board Coalition supports democratically elected governing bodies. This is a major reason why the we oppose Mayor Ken Sim’s proposal to eliminate the democratically elected Vancouver Park Board. During the last Vancouver civic election in 2022, over 171,000 citizens cast ballots to elect a Park Board to a four year term. Mayor Sim and his ABC party did not propose eliminating the elected Park Board as part of their platform so there is no mandate. We do not believe the Mayor and seven City Councilors have the right to deny Vancouver citizens their choice. Over the last months, the Save Our Park Board campaign has collected over 7000 signatures from Vancouver citizens, both at community events and with an online petition, opposed to the dissolution of the elected Park Board. Mayor Sim’s proposal to abolish the Park Board midterm cannot proceed without the provincial government making amendments to the Vancouver City Charter. The Save Our Park Board Coalition would like to remind Premier Eby of comments he made at an all-candidates meeting prior to the election where he said he didn’t think dissolving the Park Board would be a priority for a new NDP government before the next Vancouver municipal election in October 2026. We also note that the BC opposition parties have both made it clear that the decision about the future of the Vancouver Park Board requires a mandate from Vancouver voters. Premier Eby’s government faces important issues related to health care, affordability, public safety and reconciliation. The Save Our Park Board Coalition believes any decision on the future of the Park Board should be made by the citizens of Vancouver. Jerry Fast, Chair Association Presidents Group On behalf of the Save Our Park Board Coalition 778 233 2525

What the possible dissolution of the Vancouver Park Board could mean for community centres.

“Jerry Fast, president of the Kitsilano Community Centre Association, says the city attributing inefficiencies to the park board is misleading.“
Jerry Fast was interviewed by Stephen Quinn at CBC -November 22, 2024 → LISTEN HERE

 

Could a 2025 byelection give Vancouver voters a chance to weigh in on the park board’s fate?

Dan Fumano: ABC Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim unveiled a proposal in December 2023 to dissolve the park board, a plan that caught the city by surprise.
Vancouver Sun -November 15, 2024 → VIEW & LISTEN HERE

The post What the possible dissolution of the Vancouver Park Board could mean for community centres appeared first on Kitsilano Community Centre located in Vancouver, British Columbia.

]]> Kitsilano – Point Grey All Candidates Townhall – Oct 12 https://kitscc.com/kitsilano-point-grey-all-candidates-townhall-oct-12/ Tue, 08 Oct 2024 22:34:46 +0000 https://kitscc.com/?p=193935 Saturday October 12, 5:45pm

St. James Community Square, 3214 West 10th Ave, Vancouver
Attend an opportunity with the Vancouver-Point Grey candidates to hear their vision, respond to questions, and engage in discussions shaping our community’s future.

The post Kitsilano – Point Grey All Candidates Townhall – Oct 12 appeared first on Kitsilano Community Centre located in Vancouver, British Columbia.

]]> ALL CANDIDATES TOWNHALL 12 Oct, 2024 5:45 pm St. James Community Square, 3214 West 10th Ave, Vancouver Attend an opportunity with the Vancouver-Point Grey candidates to hear their vision, respond to questions, and engage in discussions shaping our community’s future. Paul Ratchford CONSERVATIVE Devyani Singh GREEN David Eby NDP Hosted By: Doors Open at 5:30 pm
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

The post Kitsilano – Point Grey All Candidates Townhall – Oct 12 appeared first on Kitsilano Community Centre located in Vancouver, British Columbia.

]]> Save Our Park Board https://kitscc.com/save-our-park-board/ Mon, 23 Sep 2024 21:58:08 +0000 https://kitscc.com/?p=193633 The post Save Our Park Board appeared first on Kitsilano Community Centre located in Vancouver, British Columbia.

]]>

On December 13, 2023, Vancouver City Council passed a motion by a vote of 8-3 that started the process to abolish the elected Vancouver Park Board and to transfer its responsibilities to a city department under the direct control of City Council.

Many citizens and community groups, including the Kitsilano Community Centre and 18 other Community Centre Associations, are opposed to this decision taken by eight of the 11 City Councillors. Eight city councillors do not have a mandate to eliminate the Park Board elected by thousands of Vancouver voters in October 2022. Fundamental democratic principles must be respected.

Concerned that parks and recreation will not receive the same priority attention that it has now under the elected board, the Save Our Park Board coalition was formed.

There are many ways to do your part to support the coalition and help preserve the Park Board.

Visit www.saveourparkboard.ca to learn more and sign the petition.

The post Save Our Park Board appeared first on Kitsilano Community Centre located in Vancouver, British Columbia.

]]> APG Urges Premier and MLAs to Save the Vancouver Park Board https://kitscc.com/apg-urges-premier-and-mlas-to-save-the-vancouver-park-board/ Mon, 11 Mar 2024 17:56:41 +0000 https://kitscc.com/?p=186807 The Association Presidents Group (APG), representing 17 Community Centre Associations across the City of Vancouver, is urging Premier David Eby to reconsider his commitment to proceeding with the elimination of the Vancouver Park Board in the next legislative session. The APG believes Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim’s attempt to abolish the elected Vancouver Park Board is […]

The post APG Urges Premier and MLAs to Save the Vancouver Park Board appeared first on Kitsilano Community Centre located in Vancouver, British Columbia.

]]> The Association Presidents Group (APG), representing 17 Community Centre Associations across the City of Vancouver, is urging Premier David Eby to reconsider his commitment to proceeding with the elimination of the Vancouver Park Board in the next legislative session.

The APG believes Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim’s attempt to abolish the elected Vancouver Park Board is undemocratic. We do not believe 8 City Councillors can decide to abolish the Park Board elected by thousands of Vancouver citizens in October 2022. We believe the Park Board can only be removed after a civic election in October 2026, and only if Vancouver citizens have made that choice. Neither the City nor the Province have a mandate to remove the Park Board.

Mayor Sim’s motion was announced and then passed within one week without any engagement with the Community Centre Associations and other key stakeholders. There was no transition plan to demonstrate the alleged benefits of such a decision. The reasons announced have been questioned by many stakeholders including dozens of former Park Board Commissioners and Community Centre Associations.

The elected Park Board has served Vancouver well for over 130 years. Voters created an elected Park Board because they wanted parks and recreation to be a high-profile priority in Vancouver. Commissioners run for office because they are passionate about protecting and expanding our parks and recreation programs. It is their priority concern and responsibility. The Mayor’s proposal would have Commissioners replaced by City Councillors who have a multitude of responsibilities resulting in a less responsive and effective working relationship for community stakeholders. City parks and recreation will not be the first priority for City Councillors.

The APG rejects the Mayor’s claim that the Park Board is broken. We believe it has been critically underfunded by City Council for several decades. Many of the examples cited by the Mayor for the elimination of the Park Board are in fact already the City of Vancouver’s responsibility. They own and maintain the buildings and infrastructure in the Park Board system. For example, Park Board frequently recommends renewal and expansion of Community Centres for additional space to accommodate children’s programs but it is City Councillors who decide on the funding. Parents complain that program spaces for their children are inadequate. Those concerns should be directed to City Hall.

The APG will continue to urge MLAs to not proceed with the Charter amendments to remove the elected Park Board. A decision to eliminate the elected Park Board must be determined democratically in the next municipal election if it remains part of the ABC platform. Let the voters of Vancouver make such an important decision.

For more information please contact:

Jerry Fast: 778 233 2525
Email: jerryfast@shaw.ca

Kathleen Bigsby: 604 202 3726
Email: kmbigsby@gmail.com

The post APG Urges Premier and MLAs to Save the Vancouver Park Board appeared first on Kitsilano Community Centre located in Vancouver, British Columbia.

]]> Impacts of Historical Trauma and Colonization Workshop led by Brad Marsden from the Gitksan Nation in Northern British Columbia https://kitscc.com/impacts-of-historical-trauma-and-colonization-workshop-led-by-brad-marsden-from-the-gitksan-nation-in-northern-british-columbia/ Sat, 30 Apr 2022 17:46:11 +0000 https://kitscc.com/?p=178192 Sunday May 29th 2022 from 2:00-4:45pm including a 15 minute break and light refreshments

As we continue our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation the Kitsilano Community Centre Association would like to invite you to attend the Impacts of Historical Trauma and Colonization Workshop led by Brad Marsden from the Gitksan Nation in Northern British Columbia addressing the Impacts of Colonization and Residential Schools.

The post Impacts of Historical Trauma and Colonization Workshop led by Brad Marsden from the Gitksan Nation in Northern British Columbia appeared first on Kitsilano Community Centre located in Vancouver, British Columbia.

]]>

As we continue our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation the Kitsilano Community Centre Association would like to invite you to attend the Impacts of Historical Trauma and Colonization Workshop led by Brad Marsden from the Gitksan Nation in Northern British Columbia addressing the Impacts of Colonization and Residential Schools.

This workshop has been getting great reviews from all participants; they have often commented that:

“This workshop was powerful” and “This needs to be offered to all of Canada”

Brad Marsden has provided experiential workshops across North America for non-native service providers and individuals to help educate people about the real, often hidden history that existed between the First Nations and the Canadian Government.

His main focus is to enlighten attendees about oppression and how marginalized communities have been affected over the years by racism, systemic/institutionalized discrimination and the unacknowledged/unprocessed trauma of the Residential Schools in Canada.

By developing a greater understanding and awareness of how First Nations communities have been impacted, you will be better able to effectively communicate through the lens of Truth and Reconciliation. Together, we can work on changing the perceptions and stereotypes within society which perpetuate systemic racism and foster environments where everybody can respect and co-operate with one another. Leading to healthy communities where everybody can thrive.

We are offering you the opportunity to register for this transformational workshop. As part of our Truth and Reconciliation commitment, the Community Centre Association is significantly subsidizing the workshop to encourage participation and keep the cost for participants at a reasonable rate.

Impacts of Historical Trauma and Colonization Workshop led by Brad Marsden

Sunday May 29th 2022 from 2:00-4:45pm including a 15 minute break and light refreshments
The cost to attend is $15.00 per person
Location: Kitsilano Community Centre – Snowy’s Lounge
To register please call 604-257-6976 and provide activity number 390120 or register online click here

Please contact kcca.vancouver@gmail.com or  604-257-8607 with any questions

The post Impacts of Historical Trauma and Colonization Workshop led by Brad Marsden from the Gitksan Nation in Northern British Columbia appeared first on Kitsilano Community Centre located in Vancouver, British Columbia.

]]>