Enhancing Community and Recreational Spaces in Vancouver:

Sunset Seniors Centre

Community and recreational facilities play a vital role in fostering inclusion, well-being, and social connection across generations. With the Sunset Seniors Centre project, Pomerleau is contributing to the expansion of an essential public facility in South Vancouver, delivering new spaces designed to support multigenerational programming while ensuring continuity of existing community services.

This project is being delivered for the City of Vancouver as a key initiative to create a dedicated space where seniors can stay active, engaged and connected to their community.  

A Community Focused Recreational Project in Vancouver

The Sunset Seniors Centre will be an addition to the existing Sunset Community Centre, located in a residential neighbourhood of Vancouver. This recreational building project is designed to expand programming capacity while seamlessly integrating existing services into the new addition.

The new facility will support a wide range of activities for seniors and community members of all ages, reinforcing the centre’s role as a gathering place that promotes health, social interaction, and lifelong learning. Construction began in December 2024, with Pomerleau’s scope of work scheduled for completion in March 2026. 

Project Scope and New Amenities  

The scope of work involves the construction of Four multipurpose rooms designed to accommodate a variety of programs, as well as a dedicated fitness room and lounge that will support physical activity and social engagement.

The project also includes the construction of a commercial kitchen to support food related programming, new office space for staff, and new electrical and mechanical rooms to serve both the extension and integrated existing services. A new courtyard is also being constructed, providing an outdoor gathering space that enhances the overall functionality and accessibility of the new centre. 

Sustainability, Accessibility and Environmental Performance 

The Sunset Seniors Centre is a LEED Commercial Interiors Gold certified project, reflecting the City of Vancouver’s commitment to sustainable building practices. The project includes the installation of an all electric HVAC system using air source heat pumps to provide efficient heating and cooling while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

The facility is also pursuing Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification Gold, a nationally recognized standard that measures how well a building supports accessibility and inclusive design beyond minimum code requirements. This certification evaluates elements such as ease of movement, wayfinding, universal access to amenities, and overall user experience for people with varying levels of mobility and ability. Achieving Gold certification demonstrates a strong commitment to creating an environment that is welcoming, functional, and accessible for all members of the community. 

Managing Challenges in an Active Community Environment 

As with many community projects delivered in dense urban settings, the Sunset Seniors Centre presents several operational and technical challenges that require careful planning and coordination. Maintaining access and continuous operation of the existing community centre throughout construction is a key priority, requiring clear separation between occupied areas and construction zones, precise sequencing of activities, and ongoing communication with stakeholders. 

The project also involves space constraints that complicate the installation and integration of new mechanical and electrical systems within limited conditions. Coordinating these works demands close collaboration between trades to ensure efficiency, safety, and quality. 

In parallel with the project’s sustainability and accessibility objectives, particular attention is required to manage the site’s residential context. Strict compliance with municipal noise bylaws, along with careful traffic and construction management, is essential to minimize disruption and respect the surrounding neighbourhood while maintaining project momentum. 

Integrated Construction Management and Expertise 

The Sunset Seniors Centre is delivered through an integrated construction management approach that combines digital coordination tools with specialized expertise in community and recreational construction. Procore is used to support real time collaboration, document control and progress tracking, while Revizto enables efficient structural review and early issue resolution to maintain alignment between design and construction. 

At peak activity, approximately 30 workers are active on site, supported by a multidisciplinary Pomerleau team with expertise in recreational facility construction, design review, feasibility assessment, mechanical and electrical systems, and core building construction. This combination of technology and experience supports efficient coordination, strong safety performance, and consistent quality throughout the project. 

Building Lasting Community Impact in Vancouver 

The Sunset Seniors Centre project reflects the City of Vancouver’s commitment to providing community infrastructure that creates long-term social value for residents. By expanding and enhancing the existing Sunset Community Centre, this project supports multigenerational programming, promotes active living, and provides inclusive spaces designed to serve residents for decades to come. Through careful integration of new facilities and existing services, Pomerleau is helping strengthen a vital community hub in Vancouver. 

“This project creates a lasting positive impact for the community through a facility that will be enjoyed for countless future generations,” says Antoine Rainville, Project Manager at Pomerleau. 

Beyond the technical aspects of construction, the project also highlights the importance of collaboration and continuity in community projects. “Seeing the project come to life after months of planning is incredibly rewarding, especially when every component comes together seamlessly,” adds Antoine Rainville. “Building strong relationships with clients, consultants, and trades is just as important, as it helps Pomerleau grow in British Columbia and opens the door to future opportunities.” 

Through projects like the Sunset Seniors Centre, Pomerleau is proud to support the City of Vancouver’s vision for accessible, sustainable, and inclusive community infrastructure that strengthens social connections and enhances quality of life across the region.