News

Completion of building structure

Completion of building structure

We are excited to announce the completion of our beautiful Mass Timber structural building. Now the wood is installed, the pace of the construction will accelerate.  The construction team will finalize the exterior and enclose the facility in a few weeks by installing the exterior glass windows.

Bistro lease opportunity

Bistro lease opportunity

We are pleased to present the opportunity to lease a high-profile bistro space with patio at the main entrance to the new Alliance Française Vancouver facility. The target is for the bistro to act as a three-concept restaurant: coffee shop + bistro + wine bar, adapting to the clientele at various hours of the day.

For detailed information: Lease brochure

Contact us today to discuss more,

Financial support from Institut Français Paris

Financial support from Institut Français Paris

We are happy to announce and acknowledge the financial support of Institut Français Paris.
Their contribution will help make our virtual reality exhibition available for everyone in our media library.

Financial support from PacifiCan

Financial support from PacifiCan

On Thursday, March 4, 2023, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced an investment of over $3.9 million for four projects to support B.C.’s Francophone and Francophile communities.

L’Alliance Française de Vancouver will receive $750,000, this funding will go towards a new library, community spaces and washrooms in our new community centre.

For more information: Community organizations receive over $3.9 million to support Francophone and Francophile communities in British Columbia - Canada.ca
 

Support from the government of Canada.

Support from the government of Canada.

We are happy to announce and acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada. 

Here below is a citation of  Taleeb Noormohamed. Member of Parliament :

“It’s a real pleasure to announce this project on behalf of the Honourable Ginnete Petitpas Taylor. This investment will help in the creation of a gathering space for British Columbia’s Francophone community, especially in Vancouver. This is a great example of how we can promote our official languages and allow them to flourish in the future.” -  Taleeb Noormohamed, Member of Parliament (Vancouver Granville)


Our building is starting to take form, a few metal beams have been put into place and walls are starting to raise, at this pace, we are expected to be inaugurating our new home by the Summer of 2023.

During the next phase of construction, the mass timber structure will be assembled. Stay tuned for more updates.

Funding Molson Foundation

Funding Molson Foundation

We would like to thank the Molson Foundation for its generous donation in support of our new building project.

The Molson Foundation supports the health and education sectors as well as institutions involved in the arts and culture in order to preserve and enrich Canada's cultural and intellectual heritage.

To find more about the Molson Foundation : https://fondationmolson.org/en/ 

Jury prize from the UNESCO's MAB

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

  • launched a new website
  • moved into temporary accommodation further south at 8555 Cambie
  • demolished our well-used and loved home at 6161 Cambie
  • completed the excavations for our new building
  • secured advantageous financing from CIBC
  • obtained excellent financial results despite the ongoing pandemic crisis
  • developed partnerships with the corporate sector
  • increased our fundraising outreach with government programs
In 2022, our dynamic staff will continue to expand its online and on-site French classes and its partnership network with other cultural organisations to provide a robust program of activities. Our Board of Directors will continue to lead our evolution into a major cultural centre locally and internationally. I hope to see you all soon and wish you the best for 2022.

Marie-Claire Howard
Chair, Board of Directors

Stage 2 - Building Permit Issued

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

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. 

SPONSORSHIP RBC

SPONSORSHIP RBC

We are thrilled to announce the support from the Royal Bank of Canada for our exciting cultural programs including V-Unframed our latest cross reality hybrid event.

Spotlight on "Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP"

Spotlight on "Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP"

«We are thrilled to work with Alliance Française Vancouver on the construction of their new building. The lawyers at Blakes have a long tradition of offering pro bono legal services to causes they believe in, and we stand behind Alliance Française Vancouver’s new building that will foster connections and welcome members of our community. This is a great opportunity for us to give back and help the Alliance Française navigate the development process with top-of-the-line legal advice in commercial real estate.”

Learn more about Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP


Its official - We have completed the demolition of our building at 6161 Cambie and are super excited to be entering the construction phase of our new building!

Stay tune for a video coming soon showing the demolition of the building!