James Cowan Theatre Redevelopment
Parking impacts at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts
Please give yourself extra time to arrive ahead of your program and consider using carpool, ride sharing or transit. Parking in our outdoor surface parking lot on Deer Lake Avenue will be limited so customers/patrons are encouraged to park in the Shadbolt's underground lot. View our parking map for additional parking locations.
About this project
The new Shadbolt main stage theatre and studios wing in the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts will continue to be Burnaby’s primary professional multi-use presentation space created to meet the needs of our evolving community. The contemporary multi-use space will feature a 364-seat theatre with flexible floor space and art studios supporting multimedia, traditional and contemporary theatre and arts performances, large events and celebrations, trade shows and conferences.
This 38,000 sq. ft. (3,500 sq. m) facility will replace the existing James Cowan Theatre (built in the 1940s and refurbished as a theatre in 1995). The footprint of the new design matches the existing theatre space and has been reconfigured to maximize space for arts and culture programming.
Features include:
- a main flat floor theatre hall with mezzanine
- retractable seating for 364 people
- professional stage, lighting and audio equipment
- backstage amenities including a greenroom and dressing rooms
- 3 classroom studios: visual arts, multi-use and theatre/literary arts
- reception/atrium hall
- gender neutral and universal washrooms
- box office and administrative office space
- Encores Café and bar
- production support spaces
- improved accessibility and entrance location
Outside, the landscaping design will be seamlessly integrated with the existing landscape, garden area and buildings.
Project updates
On February 26, 2024, the City Council approved the contract award for the construction phase (phase 2) of the James Cowan Theatre Redevelopment project. This decision is based on the design work that has been ongoing since early 2023 as part of the project's design phase (phase 1).
This redevelopment project marks a significant step towards establishing Burnaby's primary professional and contemporary multi-use presentation space. The new facility will cater to a variety of arts programming, including theatre, visual arts, literary and media arts, and events.
The new facility is expected to open to the public in 2027.
What's happening now?
The demolition is now complete, and we have received all the required permits. We are proceeding with the bulk excavation and expect to have the crane on site by early December.
The main building will continue to operate beside the construction site during this time, with fine arts programs, performances in the Studio Theatre, bookings, meetings and special events in the facility and Deer Lake Park. We would appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation.
Encores Cafe will reopen in 2027 once the project is complete.
Public art: Curtains of Blooming Narrative
Curtains of Blooming Narrative, a temporary public art project by Karl Mata Hipol interweaves tradition and contemporary expression, inspired by the site of Shadbolt Centre for the Arts and its lush surroundings. This series draws from the Ilocano 'abel' (weaving) tradition in the Philippines. The artwork reimagines theatre curtains as decorative veils, incorporating patterns like the double star, matamata (diamond), and kusikus (whirlpool), alongside local elements such as cedar leaves and rhododendrons. These curtains, symbolic of comfort and protection, reflect the centre’s role in fostering artistic expression and community. The project celebrates continuity and renewal, honouring cultural heritage while embracing innovation, ensuring stories from the past and present continue to bloom for future generations.
Karl Mata Hipol is a Filipino Canadian multidisciplinary artist and curator based on the unceded territories of the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh nations. His art practice focuses on investigating the visibility and representation of Filipinos in the Canadian landscape through archival research. Holding a BFA from Emily Carr University of Art + Design (2022), he has been recognized for his contributions to anti-racism and social justice, and awarded numerous accolades, including the AGO X RBC Emerging-Artist-in-Residence (2024) and Herschel Supply Co, Vancouver, Artist-in-residence (2022). His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, with public art commissions across Vancouver and Burnaby.
“Double Star and Rhododendron Foliage on plaid design with joinery”
Doble nga bituen ken bulbulong iti Rhododendron ayanti kinurkuros
“Dancer on cat’s footprint design with joinery”
Kinurkuros Sumasala ayanti sinan paddak ti pusa
“Star and Diamond on plaid design with joinery”
Bituen kin sinan gipang ayanti kinurkuros
“Dancer, Star, and Kusikus on plaid design with joinery”
Sumasala, bituen ken kusikus ayanti kinurkuros
“Human riding a horse and Star on plaid design with joinery”
Nakakabalyo nga tao kin bituen ayanti kinurkuros
“Cedar leaves on plaid design with joinery”
Bulbulong iti Cedar ayanti kinurkuros
“Rhododendron Flower, Foliage and Mata-mata on stripe design with joinery”
Sabung ken bulbulong iti Rhododendron ken mata-mata
Questions and answers
No, the Shadbolt Centre section of the facility built in the 1990s will remain open during construction.
The Encores Café and some fine arts programming will be impacted by the construction.
Encores Cafe's last day of operation was Sunday, June 2, 2024. The Cafe will reopen in 2027 once the project is complete. Customers and the public may be able to access some vending machines for food, coffee and beverages. Food service will still be available during special events and for meeting bookings. Nearby food options include City Hall Cafe and Bastion Café (at the Christine Sinclair Community Centre). Seating areas in the Shadbolt Centre lobby remain open.
Studios 105, 106 and 211 will be demolished and rebuilt in the new wing. Therefore, some fine arts programming may take place at the Christine Sinclair Community Centre, Burnaby Village Museum and other City sites in addition to the Shadbolt Centre.
We are committed to maintaining core operations as usual throughout the construction period. To find theatre performance information and fine arts programming information, please visit the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts webpage.
Minimal impact on public parking is anticipated, however please allow extra time to find parking as parking spots will be limited or use carpool, ride sharing or transit. The underground parking will not be impacted but the surface lot will have some temporary impact to accommodate safe construction operations. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.