In a historic move for British Columbia’s Filipino community, Filipino BC has officially announced the acquisition of a site for its long-awaited community and cultural centre. Located at 396 Southwest Marine Drive, the project aims to establish a permanent home for the diaspora after four decades of advocacy.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Strategic Location
The chosen 3.12-acre site is currently occupied by a car dealership but holds immense potential due to its transit-oriented location:
- Accessibility: Situated at the corner of SW Marine Drive and Yukon Street.
- Transit Links: Steps away from the Marine Drive SkyTrain Station, ensuring easy access for community members across the Lower Mainland.
- Neighborhood Synergy: Located adjacent to the bustling Marine Gateway hub.
A Multipurpose “Generational Investment”
The proposed 100,000-square-foot facility is designed to be a “city within a building,” blending cultural preservation with essential social services. Key components of the proposal include:
| Category | Planned Features |
| Culture & Arts | A museum, community archives, and a high-capacity auditorium. |
| Youth & Seniors | A technology/STEM hub, co-working spaces, and a dedicated seniors’ wing. |
| Health & Wellness | Multi-purpose sports courts (basketball) and a large-scale childcare centre. |
| Food Security | A “Community Food Centre” with a commercial kitchen, partnered with South Vancouver Neighbourhood House. |
| Housing | Integrated affordable housing units to support local residents. |
Community Impact and Competition
This announcement follows years of community engagement and a heightened sense of urgency following the 2025 Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy. While a separate, council-backed proposal exists for a site in Mount Pleasant, Filipino BC emphasizes that their South Vancouver location is strategically placed where a large portion of the Filipino population actually lives and works.
“This is more than just a building; it’s a generational investment in our identity and our future in this province.” — RJ Aquino, Chair of Filipino BC
