What about Britannia? Canucks tour East Vancouver rink for potential practice facility
It seems the Vancouver Canucks might finally be getting serious about finding a full-time practice facility.
One would hope, anyway.
They’ve been trying to get one built for more than a decade. It has become a source of embarrassment for the club, given that they’re the only team in the NHL without even a plan to build one. Getting a practice facility built was a priority for Jim Rutherford when he arrived in town over three years ago, but he has admitted that it’s proving to be far more difficult than he thought.
There is some renewed hope in that regard today, after Canucks management did a tour of Metro Vancouver community centres.
Jim Rutherford, Patrik Allvin, Michael Doyle, and Dax Aquilini were spotted at Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre in Burnaby on Wednesday morning, but that’s not the only rink they toured.
Britannia Community Centre in East Vancouver was also paid a visit, according to Canucks insider Irfaan Gaffar.
“It’s an area (Britannia) they would love to revitalize,” Gaffar said.
Yes, the Canucks brass was in Burnaby visiting Rosemary Brown Rec Centre as a potential practice facility location. South Burnaby a little far. They were also at Britannia before that. No pics were taken there though. It’s an area (Britannia) they would love to revitalize.
— Irfaan Gaffar (@irfgaffar) June 4, 2025
The Canucks have a history with Britannia, as they used to practice there when the Pacific Coliseum was unavailable. Canucks fans packed it in 1991 to see a young Pavel Bure’s first practice in Vancouver, for instance.
That’s a long time ago, though.
Built in 1976, the Britannia arena is currently closed until the fall to allow for maintenance and construction work. As currently constructed, it wouldn’t be a viable option for the Canucks.
A $490-million redevelopment plan was once in the works, though costs have surely risen significantly since those 2018 estimates. If the City of Vancouver decides to go ahead with a major redevelopment of the community centre, it could present an opportunity for the Canucks to partner with them in a desirable location.
Located off Commercial Drive in East Vancouver, Britannia is located just 2.9 kilometres east of Rogers Arena. It’s just a 10-minute drive, compared to the 30-45 minute commute from Rogers Arena to Rosemary Brown Rec Centre, 15.4 kilometres away in South Burnaby.