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
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.
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
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.
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.
Read More…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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"
«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.”
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!
Read More…
Spotlight on "The Haebler Group"
"We at Haebler are very excited to begin construction on the new home for the Alliance Française Vancouver. We have been
working with the board and consultants since November 2018 to bring the vision to reality. Being involved early on a project is our
specialty; it allows us to use our construction knowledge to provide advice on constructability and financial impacts. One of the
various reasons we wanted to work with Alliance Française Vancouver on this project is the Mass Timber portion of the project. Mass
Timber has been gaining a lot of attention over the last few years, can potentially speed up construction, and is aesthetically pleasing
lending the project a West Coast feel to it."
Development Permit for Alliance Française Vancouver Building
City of Vancouver issued last week the Development Permit for Alliance Française Vancouver building. This is an important step to move
forward with our project that is progressing by stages. It will allow us to get the Stage 1 Excavation and Foundation to Grade Permit in the
next few days before getting the full Building Permit early fall. Summer time is challenging but everything is on track to respect our
schedule and open our brand new facility early 2023.
Spotlight on McFarland Marceau Architects
"Our design for the new Alliance Francaise building seeks to create a vibrant cultural centre, where students of the French language
are immersed in a complete cultural experience. Entangling visual arts, theatre, dance, music, film and café life with classrooms, meeting rooms and event space, the design faces Cambie street like the proscenium of a stage ‐ whose openness, transparency and warm wood materials
invite people in to engage with Francophonie culture.”
Demolition permit was issued last week and we are ready to move to the next steps of the building project. Interior demolition is completed
and the building will be tear down in the next few days.
It is an emotional time for AFV, this building has served extensively our purpose for over 50 years. This place is full of memories.
The demolition is expected to take a month before starting excavation and shoring. After summer, foundations will be ready to welcome the
construction of our new home.
A NEW CULTURAL HUB
Did you know that the new building will have 4 dedicated spaces for arts and culture?
The new building will include - a 165-seat performing space, a street-facing and non-commercial art gallery, a professional demonstration
kitchen and up to 5 artist studios on the top floor.
Built to the best and modern standards of universal accessibility and sustainability, these spaces will add a permanent cultural
infrastructure to the City which is increasingly losing cultural spaces. Importantly, it will allow Alliance Française Vancouver to
offer you an expanded, unique and diverse programming and welcome a larger number of professional and amateur artists – local, national and
international.
Whether you love music, dance, opera, theatre, gastronomy, literature, poetry, traditional arts or digital arts… you will find it at Alliance Française Vancouver.
FIRST BUILDING PERMIT OBTAINED
Alliance Francaise Vancouver finally received its first building permit for the removal of salvageable building materials this last May.
This is a key step before the demolition permit is granted. The site at 6161 Cambie St has now been officially handed over to the
Construction Manager. With each passing week, we are moving closer and closer to the construction of the new Alliance Francaise building -
your centre for language, culture and community.
Some of you visited the building on May 15th and said a last goodbye before it gets demolished to be rebuilt in 2023. Thank you
for your messages of encouragement and gratitude. We invite all of you to take a look at some of the photos
highlighting a few of those moments.
DEO financing, administrated by SDE
Funded by Western Economic Diversification (WD), administered by la Société de Développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique
(SDE)
AFV is pleased to be the beneficiary of the Fonds de développement économique francophone de l’Ouest canadien (FDEFO). This grant will
support the construction of cultural and community spaces in the new building.
This expansion of cultural and community spaces (performance space, art gallery, kitchen, media library, among others) will allow greater
creation, production and dissemination of cultural activities and programs for a greater audience. Francophones and francophiles will
benefit from new spaces to meet, discuss and have fun. They will be able to immerse themselves in both the French language and the arts and
culture in a friendly atmosphere.
RENEWED SUPPORT FROM THE CITY OF VANCOUVER
We are grateful for the continuous support of the City of Vancouver Cultural Services towards the proposed work-only artist studios on the
top floor of the new AFV building. Thanks to the City’s commitment, these spaces will provide a much needed infrastructure for emerging and
professional artists working in the new media and digital arts sector.
For the last few years, AFV has been successfully working with partners and artists in the digital arts sector for its cultural
programming. Its longstanding partnerships with several recognized international and local institutions has enabled AFV to offer new and
innovative experiences such as RectoVRso@Vancouver for the public to enjoy.
We envision these artist studios as inviting spaces to promote incubation of ideas, innovation and greater collaboration. We cannot wait to
welcome our first artists.
WE ARE BUILDING TOGETHER ONCE AGAIN
It is partly through the generosity of the community –through donations and grants - that AFV first built its facility in 1968 and continued to make capital improvements over the years. As a registered not-for-profit organisation, these donations provide additional support to the revenues generated from our activities.
Since 2010, successive boards, and countless staff and volunteers have given their time and talent to position AFV for the 21st century
and ensure its ongoing success for the next 50 years. They shared in a common vision to create a new building that will take AFV to the
next level of excellence and establish itself as a major educational, cultural and community centre in Vancouver. This new building project
is the result of this perseverance despite many challenges encountered along the way.
The new building designed around green building practices and universal accessibility will have a performing space, an art gallery, artist
studios, modern and high-tech classrooms and a modern media library (housing the largest collection of French language items in B.C). Stay tuned for more details.
WE BUILT TOGETHER ONCE BEFORE
Alliance Française Vancouver has always been fortunate to count on its close-knit community.
In the 1960’s, its community worked hard to secure a permanent place for the organisation. With admirable devotion and unwavering will,
they rallied support from their families, friends and government to raise the necessary funds to build AFV, what was at that time, a state-of-the art facility at 6161 Cambie St. After 64 years of meeting in temporary premises, Alliance Francaise Vancouver had dedicated classrooms for its language courses and a wonderful auditorium for its community and cultural activities.
Having its own building and property propelled the organisation to greater heights. AFV soon became on of the most dynamic associations in Vancouver. It modernized its operations and expanded its programs and partnerships to the point that by 1986, the building had become too small to serve the increasing number of students. The board decided to add a second floor.
Once again, thanks to the support received from a provincial grant, a loan and its amazing community members, a second floor was opened in 1989. Members at that time loved the new functional, comfortable and inviting spaces.
In 2003, the need to renovate the building arose to address concerns such as waterproofing the first floor, creating a direct access to the
parking lot and weather proofing the windows. Once again, the generous spirit and fortitude of AFV community shined through. Many of them made a donation to support the renovation. What a joy it was prior to the pandemic, to still see so many of these benefactors at our events and programs regularly.
Unfortunately, this building is now past its useful life and can no longer support AFV’s activities and provide a quality environment for our members, students and users.
While we are sad to say goodbye to our current home, we know that we can count on our community again and look forward to welcoming all of
you again in our new building in 2023 on this same historic site of 6161 Cambie Street.
COMMUNITY AT THE HEART OF THIS PROJECT
In continuity with its vision to nurture a thriving community and offer affordable spaces to gather, Alliance Française Vancouver (AFV) has
entered a formal Community Use Agreement with the City of Vancouver. This means that spaces in the new building – performing space, art
gallery, demonstration kitchen, classrooms etc. will be available at special rates to the community. AFV is proud to add these new spaces
and additional professional resources to the cultural ecosystem of the City where access to and affordability of appropriately-sized spaces
have long been constant challenges for emerging artists and non-profit groups in particular. AFV is looking forward to welcoming you all in
its green and universally accessible facility in 2023.
FINAL APPROVAL OF REZONING AND FORM OF DEVELOPMENT
The rezoning application was unanimously approved (subject to conditions) by the City Council at the Public Hearing of December 10, 2019.
Since receiving the follow-up legal paperwork in August 2020, Alliance Française Vancouver has been working tirelessly with its architects,
consultants, lawyer, and construction manager to ensure that the project meets all the prior-to approval conditions set by the City. The
paperwork was finalized this March and the new zoning by-law has been finally enacted at the City Council meeting of 13 April. This
confirms that AFV has met all the legal conditions of rezoning. This also validates the form of development for the new project.
Importantly, this approval is critical in unlocking the next permit approvals
APPLICATION FOR THE DEMOLITION PERMIT AND BUILDING PERMIT SUBMITTED
After multiple rounds of reviews to ensure that the building project meets with the Vancouver Building By-law and the Cambie Corridor Plan,
AFV submitted its application for a building permit last February 2021. At the same time, since AFV will demolish the current building and
build a new facility on the same site, a demolition permit is also required.
AFV understands that the demolition permit could be issued by end of May and building permit by end June. The delays in obtaining permits
have been a concerning issue so far. However, AFV is encouraged by the recent article in the Vancouver
Sun
which advocates for reforms and a speedier delivery of permit approvals. This will ensure that projects, such as AFV’s are able to move
forward and add its unique vibrancy and dynamism to the community and cultural life of Vancouver.
THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SUPPORTS US
We are pleased to start this year with a very good news. Our grant application from the Department of Canadian Heritage has been approved. A
contribution will be designated towards the cultural spaces in our new building project. After receiving the support of the City and the
Province of British Columbia, this support comes at an opportune time, strengthening our drive and ambition to move forward with this
project – the creation of your centre for language, culture, and community.
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.
FR:
Nous sommes heureux de commencer cette année avec une très bonne nouvelle. Notre demande de subvention au ministère du Patrimoine canadien a
été approuvée. Une contribution sera apportée aux espaces culturels de notre nouveau projet de construction. Après avoir reçu le soutien de
la Ville et de Province de la Colombie-Britannique, ce soutien intervient à un moment opportun, renforçant notre volonté et notre ambition
d'aller de l'avant avec ce projet - la création de votre centre de langue, de culture et de communauté.
Nous reconnaissons l'appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.
SUPPORTED BY THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
We are encouraged by the recent support received from the B.C. Francophone Affairs Program under the Intergovernmental Relations
Secretariat. The grant of $75K will support the creation of the media library in the new AFV building. We cannot wait to welcome you and
your family to the revitalised space, which will house the largest collection of French language items in B.C.
FIRST GRANT OF 2020 - CITY OF VANCOUVER
CONFIRMATION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
We are extremely pleased to share that AFV received a grant confirmation of $175K from the City of Vancouver towards the purchase of
permanent equipment for the new Performing Space and Art Gallery. This comes in addition to the grant we received last year for total grant
of $250,000 from the City of Vancouver. It is a welcome encouragement as we pursue our fundraising efforts and forge ahead with the
new building project against the backdrop of COVID-19.
We are grateful to the City for this show of support for the Vancouver cultural scene.
SUBMISSION OF DEVELOPMENT PERMIT & FINALIZATION OF CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
PROGRESS TO THE NEXT PHASE
We are pleased to share that we submitted an application for
the
building
Development Permit to the City of Vancouver on the 24th March. The
City will conduct a detailed review of the plans, notify surrounding properties and consider the overall impact of the new AFV building on
the livability and functionality of the Cambie Corridor neighbourhood. Over the next few months, we will pursue discussions with the City
culminating in the approval of the permit.
We are grateful to the team of architects, construction managers and engineers who have been working relentlessly, despite the unique
challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in ensuring that the design and construction documents move ahead. We are now at 75% completion.
REZONING APPLICATION APPROVED
A NEW STEP AHEAD OF US
2019 is coming to an end with some big news for Alliance Française! On December 10, our rezoning application was approved by the City of
Vancouver. Councillors and staff debated at length many possibilities to reduce city fees and support additional funding options. We are now
proceeding to the next step: the Development Permit and hoping to start construction in 2020. Thanks to everyone who came to support our
application at City Hall: your presence and your speeches in support of the project were very much appreciated. The large community support
was no doubt a major reason for getting unanimous approval from City Councillors! The focus for 2020 will be finance and we are looking for
experienced volunteers to join our fundraising committee. Please don’t hesitate to bring your enthusiasm. Best wishes to all for the
holidays.
PUBLIC HEARING
Join us on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at 6 pm City Hall, 453 West 12th Avenue Third Floor, Council Chamber
Public hearing for our rezoning project is finally scheduled for december 10! What is at stake? During this hearing, the city council will
give its approval on our reconstruction project. This is a very important step for us and we need your support more than ever. As this is a
public meeting, the more people will attend to support us, the better! So we invite you to join us on Dec. 10. Thanks a lot for your
support!
JOIN US
HELP US TO BUILD A NEW HOME FOR THE ALLIANCE Marie-Claire Howard, President
The Alliance Francaise Vancouver celebrated its 115 years in Vancouver in style with almost 700 people attending the RectoVRso exhibition at
the Centre for Digital Media and 300 more pouring into our digitally transformed auditorium by Nicolas Sasson for a night of dancing with
DJs Jack J, DJ Venetta and Mela Melania and good food offered by our very own Danièle et Annie and their team of volunteers. In the
meantime, progress for the new building is being made slowly as we are in discussion with the City of Vancouver over a proposed development
levy. Stay tuned. We have received warm support and are currently exploring several avenues for private donations as we start our
fundraising campaign. Anyone interested in contributing to the success of our project is encouraged to contact us or donate online (See
dedicated webpage).
It’s easy and tax-deductible.