Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the Community Centre?
John Braithwaite Community Centre is located at 145 West 1st Street. If you live in Lower Lonsdale it’s a comfortable walk and is easily accessible by transit and from the sea bus terminal.
There is free street parking near the Centre. It’s generally limited to one hour and on some streets west of Chesterfield Avenue up to two hours. Pay parking is available for $1.25/hr in the Time Market/Esplanade Centre. (The parkade between the liquor store and Shoppers Drug Mart in the 100 block of West Esplanade.) Go to the lower level (P4)
2. What's in the Centre?
The Centre has four floors designed for multi-purpose use –
- A Family Resource and Children's Play area (Family Centre)
- A fitness and dance studio which doubles as a meeting room (Shoreline Room)
- A full-size gymnasium
- A kitchen
- A large Seniors’ Centre (Discovery Room and Anchor Room)
- A lounge area
- A multi-purpose room (Harbourview Room)
- A public access computer area
- A state-of-the-art Fitness Centre with change rooms and showers
- A Youth Centre
- Three community offices
- Three meeting rooms
- Two arts and crafts studios
- Vancouver Coastal Health also has program space and Active Life Physiotherapists operate from a consulting office
3. What programs and services do you offer?
John Braithwaite Community Centre offers a wide variety of programs and events designed to reflect the diverse, multicultural nature of Lower Lonsdale. Many of these are offered in partnership with other community service agencies:
- Activities for children, families and seniors
- Art classes (visual and performing arts)
- Dance classes
- Drop-in sports and registered sports programs for all ages
- Family and general educational sessions
- Fitness classes
- Health and wellness programs
- Martial arts programs
- Special events
- Health programs
- Literacy
We have many convenient programs to meet your schedule. They include:
- Childminding
- Drop-in Youth Centre
- Fitness Centre
- Public access computers
- Room rentals (gym, meeting rooms, office space, program areas)
- Studio space for artists
- Sports programs
Check our current schedule for times and dates
When is the drop in lunch?
Our JBCC Bistro takes place every Wednesday and Friday in the Anchor Room from 11:45am-1:00pm. Adult: $5.00 Kids special: $2.50
When is the music drop in for Seniors?
The music session takes place every Friday in the Anchor Room from 1:30pm-3:30pm.4. How do I register for a program?
You can register online using our secure eReg system (you'll need your Playcard number,
PIN and a VISA or MasterCard).
Alternatively, you can call 604-987-Play (7529) or you can register in person at any North Vancouver recCentre or Community Centre.
5. Is there financial assistance available?
Many of our programs are either free or low cost. In cases where there is a fee, Financial Assistance Program is available to all North Vancouver residents who require financial support to participate in programs at the John Braithwaite Community Centre. If you are on a limited income and need assistance to participate, we can help. How to Apply
Come on out and be a part of your neighbourhood!