As the impacts of climate change such as the wildfires and smoke across Canada and the tragic flooding in Texas this summer accelerate, neighbourhoods will need to adapt to a future that is very different than the past.
With this in mind Vancouver’s Green Technology Education Centre (GTEC) is excited to announce a ‘pop up’ version of its Climate Response Centre concept in conjunction with the opening of a new Neighbourhood House in Vancouver in the Arbutus Ridge community (early 2026).
Climate Response Centres provide accessible and relevant information about climate change to the public, as well as creating places for concerned neighbours to gather and plan how to respond.
During the opening three months of Arbutus Neighbourhood House the GTEC ‘pop up’ Climate Response Centre will feature a 5-7 day exhibit entitled Neighbourhood in the 21st Century: A Climate Adapted Future. Advised by prominent urban planners and architects and created by local artists, this exhibit will inform the public about what is possible in a climate-adapted future and celebrate the significance of neighbourhood, now and in the future. The exhibit will incorporate an interactive area where visitors can respond to the exhibit and imagine themselves taking part in creating a new and exciting future. It will be accompanied by workshops, climate cafes and performances by local artists. The exhibit will also include a digital kiosk with both interactive and information delivery options and be complemented by workshops, climate cafes and performances by local artists during the three month opening period.
Neighbourhood Houses are welcoming, inclusive, place-based spaces where everyone — of any age, background, or ability — is invited to participate, connect, lead, and learn. As community hubs for programs, services, connections, and community development, Neighbourhood Houses bring people together to help strengthen communities.
Upon completion, Arbutus Neighbourhood House will join the Association of Neighbourhood Houses BC (ANHBC) and become part of a network of eight neighbourhood houses and Sasamat Outdoor Centre that operate under the Association umbrella serving communities across the Lower Mainland. Arbutus Neighbourhood House will serve as just the second neighbourhood house on Vancouver’s Westside.
Head back to GTEC’s Communication & Media to read more articles.