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Jury prize from the UNESCO's MAB
Alliance Française Vancouver has received the Jury Prize from the UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program and the Foundation des
Alliances Françaises in the category "Life of the Alliance and Eco-Responsibility" for our project of a new eco-responsible
building, scheduled to open in Spring 2023.
To find out more about UNESCO's MAB Program: Man and the Biosphere (MAB)
Programme (unesco.org)
New Building Update
Dear Alliance Française Vancouver members,
It has been a long time since I shared with you about the progress of the New Alliance. Delays have accumulated since our general assembly
in September 2021: torrential rains in the Fall, followed by the Siberian cold of Christmas, followed by a strike of workers in the concrete
industry that has fortunately just ended. All this against a backdrop of contagious variants and rising prices of materials and labor that
are driving up costs. Nevertheless, the project is progressing and is scheduled to be completed in late spring 2023. In the coming weeks the
building will come out of the ground and the installation of the large wooden beams is planned for the Fall.
We estimate that our fundraising efforts will allow us to reach ¾ of our initial goal ($4 millions in grants and donations) by the end of
the year. I would like to personally thank all of you who have already generously contributed. With rising costs, we anticipate that we will
have to continue our efforts and exceed our initial fundraising goal. In September, we will launch our Sponsor a Seat campaign to the
Francophone and Francophile communities. This will be a unique opportunity to participate in an historic project that will enrich
Vancouver's cultural and community life. More information will be available very soon.
I invite you to come and witness the construction as it progresses and wish you a beautiful summer. Looking forward to seeing you for
the next General Assembly planned for September 1st.
Marie-Claire Howard,
Board Chair, Alliance Française Vancouver
Canadian Heritage Grant
Alliance Française is proud to announce we received funds from Heritage Canada through the program: Supporting the Foundations of Cultural Infrastructure Initiative. This funding will help support the increasing costs of the construction industry.
BC Arts Council
Alliance Française Vancouver is thrilled to announce the support of BC Arts Council and the government of British Columbia for the
construction of our new cultural spaces.
This funding is linked to the Arts Infrastructure Program 2021- 22. We are very excited that the building is taking shape, we can’t wait to
welcome you all next Spring 2023 for our Grand Opening.
Learn more
Funding by the Mass Timber Program
The Alliance Francaise Vancouver wants to gratefully acknowledge the financial support of our Province of BC via their Mass Timber
Demonstration Program for helping us fund our institutional project, that will be an advancement in wood use for the City of Vancouver.
Our new building will include a first of a kind, four story assembly occupancy building showcasing the mass timber structure and promoting
the use of wood by exposing it in the interior to create a warm, natural, and inviting interior. The resulting spaces will be more
efficient, comfortable, and healthier for our community. Mass timber allows to reduce carbon footprint from construction and adds value to the forestry sector. It is a central part of the StrongerBC Economic Plan that aligns with the Province’s climate goals by supporting clean growth and using renewable resources.
For more information: Mass Timber Action Plan launched, four new projects
announced | BC Gov News
Stage 3 - Full building permit issued
We are pleased to announce the approval of the final building permit (stage 3) for Cambie 6161, a significant step in our construction
process that will bring our physical space to fruition. We are finalizing the foundation, and we expect completion by mid-May. We have obtained a complete building permit from the City of Vancouver; we will start constructing the main building right after the foundation
phase. As we mentioned previously, this is a crucial step because it will help the smooth process of the following stages of the work, and we will be able to see the physical changes and the completion of the building.
Please visit our new building page to see the construction gallery, updated monthly, if you
wish to follow the progress.
BC GAMING GRANT
We at the Alliance Française acknowledge the financial support of the province of British Columbia.
We are very happy for their aid in acquiring equipment for our new up-and-coming performance space. Get ready to enjoy quality cinemas, lectures, performances, and more!
Curious as to what we will get? Check our website for monthly updates.
2022 is promising to be a great year
Dear Members of Alliance Française Vancouver,
2022 is promising to be a great year for Alliance Française Vancouver, as we will be able to witness the erection of our new expanded
facility at 6161 Cambie.
2021 was a year of transition during which we have:
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Stage 2 - Building Permit Issued
The city of Vancouver just issued the Stage 2 Building Permit – Foundation to grade for AFV building. After weeks of digging the excavation is now completed. The recent harsh weather didn’t help but we were just on time with the city permit delivery that took much more time than expected. One more permit to get, the full BP, and our project should still see the light early 2023 as planed.
Stage 1 - Excavation Permit Issued
Last week, the City of Vancouver issued the Stage 1 Building Permit – Excavation for AFV building. Our project is progressing by stages. Our builder Haebler has begun to dig. We are now waiting for Stage 2 Foundation to Grade Permit, hopefully next week. We are expecting the final Building Permit next month. Our builder is confident that we will open our brand new facility early 2023.