The District of North Vancouver and City of North Vancouver are committed to a collaborative partnership to provide residents with recreation and arts services that are inclusive, accessible, diverse and affordable and mandate the Commission, on their behalf to:

• Deliver and facilitate accessible recreation and art opportunities that positively impact personal growth, improve health and wellness, provide connections with others, and enhance family cohesion for all North Vancouver residents;
• Minimize barriers to ensure all residents have the opportunity to participate in public services and programs;
• Foster a thriving arts system that enriches the community, offers opportunities for personal experiences and highlights, enhances, showcases and celebrates the unique character of North Vancouver;
• Manage, operate and maintain core facilities;
• Provide recommendations to the municipalities on priority indoor and outdoor facilities, spaces and amenities needed to promote public participation in arts, recreation and sports;
• Oversee the development of policies, plans, strategies and evaluation related to recreation and arts services, spaces, operations, processes and fees in response to changing needs and priorities;
• Approve municipal grants to support arts, recreation and sport. Provide recommendations on applicable grant programs and policies; and
• Provide relevant professional expertise and support to help achieve the municipalities’ roles and visions.

Vision

All residents are inspired and supported to be active, creative and engaged with their community, while North Vancouver’s livability and vibrancy are enhanced by a network of inclusive and accessible opportunities and spaces for recreation and arts experiences, celebration, play, learning and connecting.

Values

• We aim to provide easy access for all 
• We value other service providers and complement their efforts 
• We value inclusivity, collaboration and active participation 
• We are committed to being innovative, creative and bold 
• We act with integrity, fostering respectful relationships and supportive environments
• We pursue excellence in service and responsible resource management 
• We rely on data, community feedback and professional expertise to guide decision-making

Goals

• Provide accessible programs and services to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and families 
• Provide and facilitate a range of recreation and arts experiences that enrich the livability and vibrancy of the North Vancouver communities 
• Collaborate with and complement other recreation and arts service providers 
• Promote community connections and a strong sense of belonging 
• Encourage all residents to recognize and appreciate the value of community recreation and arts
• Maximize the potential of a successful partnership between the City of North Vancouver and the District of North Vancouver

Visit our Privacy page to see our privacy statement; learn about how we collect, use and disclose personal information; and how to make a freedom of information request.

We aim to provide a welcoming, safe and positive environment for all our patrons, visitors, staff and volunteers. 

Our expectations for patrons, visitors, staff and volunteers:

• Treat everyone with kindness, courtesy and respect. Threatening/aggressive behavior, harassment, discrimination, violence and physical or verbal abuse will not be tolerated. 

• Use the facility and equipment in a safe and appropriate way, and avoid conduct that may negatively impact other facility users and visitors, and staff and volunteers.

• Promote an inclusive environment in which differences are valued. Behaviour, actions or language that promotes discrimination, racism or hatred will not be tolerated.

• Adhere to the policies and procedures set by NVRC while using our facilities, programs and services.

• Participation while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or while in possession of weapons, drugs or other illegal or banned items will not be tolerated. 

NVRC reserves the right to refuse service or access for violation of drop-in procedures, inappropriate conduct and/or for failing to respect the Code of Conduct, for failing to respect facility/program rules, and/or for failing to follow the directions of a NVRC staff member.

If you have questions or would like to report a concern, please speak with a staff member.

Reference: North Vancouver Recreation & Culture Commission Policy #407 – Orderly Conduct

NVRC regularly conducts comprehensive needs assessments to identify:

• Leisure preferences of North Vancouver residents
• Where residents go to recreate
• Level of satisfaction with programs and services
• Preferences for service delivery
• Barriers to participation
• Priorities for the future

The research provides rigorous and representative data on outdoor recreation, indoor recreation, arts and culture, and volunteering. It can be segmented by interest area, age, where people live and other demographic factors. 

Collecting this information helps ensure that:

• Future planning is grounded in data
• NVRC understands and is proactively and intentionally responding to citizen needs for public recreation and cultural services 
• Services are inclusive of everyone in the community and target under-served populations
• Public resources are allocated in a responsible and sustainable manner that maximizes benefits to the communities NVRC serves

The North Vancouver Recreation and Culture (NVRC) Commission, established in 1971 as a partnership between the City of North Vancouver* and the District of North Vancouver*, has been delivering recreation and culture programs and services for more than 50 years. During that time, NVRC has developed a number of valuable partnerships with community organizations in which we collaborate to serve the needs of the North Vancouver community.

Capilano Community Services Society

Capilano Community Services Society (CCSS) is a charitable non-profit society serving communities across North and West Vancouver. ​It began operations in 1970, driven by a grassroots community response to address the need for the development and delivery of social programs for youth and seniors in the Capilano Highlands area but now supports residents across the North Shore. CCSS offers outreach and onsite programs and support services for people of all ages to increase social connections, stay active, and improve health and wellbeing. Fun programs promote learning together and provide a sense of community belonging, so that individuals and families can thrive. CCSS delivers a number of programs and services at Lions Gate Community Recreation Centre. Visit the Capilano Community Services Society  website for more information.

North Shore Neighbourhood House

Since 1939, North Shore Neighbourhood House (NSNH) has provided social, recreational and childcare services to North Shore residents of all ages. NSNH strives to build a safe, healthy and strong community, welcoming all ages, abilities and cultures – one where everyone has access to support, everyone is included, and where everyone matters. Services are directed towards improving community health and well-being with a mission is to work together to enhance the lives of its neighbours, especially the most vulnerable. NSNH also delivers a number of programs and services at John Braithwaite Community Centre. Visit the North Shore Neighbourhood House  website for more information.

Parkgate Society

Parkgate Society is a registered, not-for-profit charitable society providing programs and services through Parkgate Community Centre and satellite locations east of the Seymour River. With a vision of a vibrant, connected community, Parkgate Society creates opportunities for people in our community to live life better. They support this vision through the development of a unique and diverse blend of accessible low-cost and no-cost programs and services, created in direct response to community needs; primarily serving children, youth, families, and seniors. They continually strive to find new opportunities that will help them enhance or increase their community programs, community involvement, and community engagement Visit the Parkgate Society website for more information.