JBCC opened its doors to the public in August 2004. The history that led to the Centre’s opening is about inclusion and respect for the Lower Lonsdale community. In the mid 1990’s, The City of North Vancouver, realizing change was imminent, initiated an extensive consultation process with residents and businesses on how best to manage and benefit from development in the area.
Many needs and issues were identified but a common theme from the discussions was the need for a multi-purpose facility offering a mix of social, cultural, health and recreation programs ; the centre of a vibrant, active community.
Accordingly, the City identified the North Vancouver Recreation Commission, the North Shore Neighbourhood House and Vancouver Coastal Health as key partners both in planning and in the eventual operation of the proposed community centre.
Working closely with the community, plans were drafted to create the Centre.
In November 2003, the first JBCC Governance Committee was appointed by the City, comprised mainly of Lower Lonsdale citizens along with representatives of the partner agencies to represent the community ensure effective and efficient management of the partnership and operations of the Centre.
Less than a year later, the JBCC welcomed its first community members in August 2004, and today continues to develop as the heart of the Lower Lonsdale community.
Who is John Braithwaite?
Who is the man behind the Centre that is named after him? Many people will recognize John Bismark Braithwaite’s face in the newspaper, magazines, and other prominent places, and most of us know he has been a prominent and well known figure in our community.
What some may not know is John Braithwaite has served his community for more than 46 years and continues to remain an active voice – committed to his passion for human rights, social welfare, community participation, sustainable development, affordable housing and sound planning.
John Braithwaite has worked with the community since 1956 when he arrived in the City of North Vancouver. He was the Executive Director of the North Shore Neighbourhood House during the mid-1950s and later was the City’s Councilor for nine successful terms.
He retired from public office in 2002, but John Braithwaite continues to work relentlessly as a community worker and administrator with diverse groups, organizations and Council Committees. He advocates and promotes healthy and active life with North Vancouver’s youth by coaching soccer and basketball.
Awards and Recognition
John Braithwaite has received the following recognition for his community service and contributions to human rights:
- The National Black Award (1973)
- A Black Historical Society of British Columbia Community Service Award (1983)
- Canada 125 Medal (1992)
- In 1993, Braithwaite was appointed by Cabinet to the Judicial Council of B.C. The North Shore Neighbourhood House has also honoured him for outstanding community service.
- Freedom of the City of North Vancouver (2003) for his extraordinary accomplishments and contributions to the community.
- June 2004, John Braithwaite received a prestigious honour from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) for his exceptional contributions to civic politics.