The future of a key sports facility in Burnaby is unclear after city council voted to open a competitive bidding process for its lease. The Harry Jerome Sports Centre, home to Volleyball B.C. since 1997, could see a change in tenants.
The 53,000-square-foot air-sprung building sits just off the Barnet Highway, about six kilometres from Vancouver. Volleyball B.C. has leased the facility from the city for more than two decades. Volleyball B.C. president Jake Cabott expressed disappointment over the decision to open the lease to other applicants. “The facility is lined with our blood, sweat and tears,” Cabott said. “Almost everyone in the volleyball community has played here. It’s a hub for the sport in the Lower Mainland.”
The previous lease has expired, and a city consultant’s report suggests the sports centre may need up to $20 million in repairs over the next 20 years. Volleyball B.C. disputes this figure and worries about its ability to remain in the building. Cabott noted that nearly 2,400 Burnaby residents participated in Volleyball B.C. programs last year. More than half of its youth recreation participants are local.
The non-profit organization currently leases the centre for $1 per year but covers all capital upgrades and maintenance costs. Since 2017, Volleyball B.C. has invested roughly $2.3 million in the facility. An independent report commissioned by Volleyball B.C. estimates the necessary repairs at around $5 million over the next two decades, significantly lower than the city’s projection. “We don’t think the city should be looking for a new tenant when they have a great one,” Cabott said. He emphasized that indoor sports space is limited across Canada, making facilities like Harry Jerome essential for provincial sports growth. With six courts available, Volleyball B.C. can continue growing its programs, Cabott said. The organization is considering whether to submit a proposal during the open bidding process but has not made a decision yet.
The facility also houses a 200-metre indoor velodrome, subleased to the Burnaby Velodrome Club. It is the only indoor track in the Pacific Northwest and the only one west of Milton, Ontario. John Mayr, a director of the velodrome club, described the situation as stressful. Losing access to the facility would be the worst-case scenario for regional track cycling. The club hopes to join forces with other sports groups in a multi-sport bid to maintain the facility while raising funds for its upkeep.
Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley said council aims to select a tenant that provides strong community benefits without overburdening taxpayers. “We are very concerned about the maintenance costs,” Hurley said. “We want to ensure that whoever takes over can handle these costs.” While the consultant suggested several options, including demolition or repurposing the site, the council’s call for proposals focuses on keeping the space for recreation. “Maybe it will be volleyball again,” Hurley said. “We don’t know yet, but we will wait and see.”
