Parkgate Society and NVRC: Celebrating a Quarter Century of Community Partnership

For more than a quarter of a century, Parkgate Society- once known as the Parkgate Community Services Society - has been an anchor in the Seymour area of North Vancouver. The organization’s history stretches back to the 1970s, but its modern chapter began in 1999, when a forward-looking agreement with the North Vancouver

Recreation Commission (NVRC) laid the groundwork for the Parkgate Community

Centre. The vision was simple yet ambitious: create a welcoming community space where people of all ages could gather, learn, and grow together, or as Parkgate Society’s Mission statement reads: ‘create opportunities for people in our community to live life better’.

From the day it opened, it was clear the Parkgate Community Centre was more than

just another recreation facility. The NVRC brought operational experience, fitness and recreation programming expertise and facility management, while the nonprofit Parkgate Society delivered a diverse range of community-based programs designed with a deep understanding of neighbourhood needs. The result was high-quality, low cost, accessible, and community-driven services that have grown steadily for more than two decades.

Today, Parkgate Society serves thousands of people each year, offering programs for

infants through to older adults, benefiting both the local community and participants from across the North Shore.

My own connection to the Parkgate Society began as a staff member, working in before

and after school care, youth programs, and summer camps. Years later, I became the

first former staff person to join the Board of Directors. With six years of service on the

board, as Secretary, twice as Vice President, and most recently as President, I’ve seen

the dedication of our Executive Directors, staff, and volunteers up close. The dedication

of the whole organization and commitment to the Society’s mission, vision, and values is truly inspiring.

During this period, the organization has reached significant milestones, such as

implementing the $10-a-day childcare program, expanding childcare to the Lower Lynn

community, navigating the challenges of the pandemic while keeping essential supports

and services running (many programs using online formats), and introducing innovative

services in dementia care and social prescribing. These achievements highlight the

creativity, adaptability, and strength of the Parkgate–NVRC collaboration.

For local families, Parkgate Society provides licensed childcare for ages 0-12. By

providing safe, nurturing environments that foster learning and social development the

Society has always maintained high quality childcare programs. School break day

camps keep children engaged during holidays, offering peace of mind for working

parents. Family programs, including popular playgroups, help caregivers and children

connect, share experiences, and build friendships.

Youth programs give teens and preteens a positive space to socialize, learn, and lead.

The pre-teen dances that the Parkgate Society’s youth department put on are a

much-loved North Shore tradition. The dances are well known for being safe, supervised events that encourage social confidence and community connection.

For older adults, Parkgate’s services extend well beyond social gatherings and meals programs. The seniors’ department runs a social prescribing initiative; connecting

people to activities that improve overall wellbeing, and offers specialized dementia

programming, in a first of its kind program on the North Shore. These efforts have reduced isolation, supported caregivers, and helped seniors stay active and connected.

As a nonprofit organization, Parkgate Society can access grants and government funding targeted to community groups. These funds have been essential for launching and sustaining many of its most impactful programs, ensuring services remain accessible and responsive to changing community needs. The District of North Vancouver has always been a staunch supporter of the Society, providing critical core funding each year.

The NVRC–Parkgate Society partnership is widely regarded as a model of effective

collaboration between municipal recreation services and community nonprofits. The

NVRC provides the infrastructure and integrates the community centre into the regional recreation network, while Parkgate Society brings grassroots expertise, program

flexibility, and the ability to secure targeted funding. Together, they have created a

community hub that has touched countless lives.

As Parkgate Society’s partnership with NVRC marks over 25 years, the Society’s commitment remains clear: to listen to the community, adapt to emerging needs, and continue offering programs that build connection, resilience, and wellbeing.

The legacy of this partnership goes beyond the programs delivered or the numbers of

participants served. The legacy lives on in the stronger, more connected community that

has grown in and around Parkgate Community Centre, a place where people have a sense of belonging, where their needs are met with compassion and creativity, and where every generation is valued.

From visionary beginnings to its role today as a cornerstone of North Shore life, Parkgate Society’s story proves that when organizations work together with shared purpose, the benefits can ripple far beyond the walls of a building to benefit individuals and families across our community.