Two Metro Vancouver Facilities Win IOC Architectural Awards

BREAKING: Two innovative recreation facilities in Metro Vancouver have just won prestigious architectural design awards from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This recognition spotlights the region’s growing reputation for excellence in community-focused architecture.

The awards, presented as part of the 2025 IOC IAKS Architecture Prize, highlight outstanding designs in sports and leisure facilities. Both winning projects, designed by the acclaimed Vancouver-based firm HCMA, were completed and opened in Spring 2024 and are now setting a new standard for community recreation.

The $114 million Sea Otter House (təməsew̓txw) Aquatic and Community Centre, located in the City of New Westminster, is described by the jury as “a place where everyone can come together and enjoy being active.” This state-of-the-art facility features an eight-lane, 50-metre lap swimming pool, a leisure pool with 25-metre lap lanes, and a hot pool, among other amenities. Notably, it is Canada’s first all-electric aquatic centre and employs a groundbreaking gravity-fed filtration system, significantly reducing energy consumption.

The Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre, a $54 million project in Burnaby, also received accolades for its architectural brilliance. The center includes two ice rinks with seating for up to 200 spectators each. The design emphasizes community interaction, featuring a linear lobby that offers panoramic views of the rinks, fostering social connections among visitors.

Both facilities are constructed using mass-timber materials, creating warm atmospheres while addressing environmental sustainability. The Sea Otter House integrates solar panels on its rooftop and has been recognized for its seamless fit within the surrounding landscape.

Metro Vancouver is currently experiencing a boom in the development of community and recreation facilities, with these award-winning projects marking just the beginning of a series of upcoming developments. The IOC IAKS Architecture Prize recognized only nine winners from 69 competition entries across 25 countries, underscoring the significance of these local achievements.

This recognition builds on a track record of excellence in Metro Vancouver, where previous awards have celebrated projects like the outdoor stadium atop Simon Fraser University’s Burnaby Mountain and the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre expansion.

As these facilities open their doors to the public, they not only enhance recreational opportunities but also promote community engagement and environmental responsibility. The spotlight on Metro Vancouver’s architectural prowess is shining brighter than ever.

Residents and visitors alike can look forward to experiencing these groundbreaking spaces, which are set to redefine the standards for community recreation in Canada and beyond. Stay tuned for more developments as Metro Vancouver continues to innovate in public architecture.