Vancouver Canucks and City of Vancouver explore new practice facility at Britannia

By Liam Tremblay — 30 July 2026 — 3 min read

The City of Vancouver and Canucks Sports & Entertainment have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to investigate the creation of a new hockey development facility. This potential facility would be located at the Britannia Community Services Centre site, adjacent to the existing Britannia Ice Rink.

The MOU signifies an initial step towards a long-term investment in the Britannia neighbourhood. The plan aims to combine a dedicated training facility for the Vancouver Canucks with new community amenities. These amenities are intended to support residents, youth, athletes, and families.

Partnership Details and Community Benefits

Through an exclusive negotiation period, the City and Canucks Sports & Entertainment will collaborate to establish terms for a potential ground lease for the new facility. Discussions will also cover the Vancouver Canucks’ use of the Britannia Ice Rink, along with other financial terms and community benefits.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim stated that this exploration represents the start of an important conversation about possibilities for Britannia. He noted that exploring this opportunity together allows for a thoughtful approach to understanding how investments in sports infrastructure can also broaden access to amenities, programming, and opportunities that will benefit residents for years.

The Vancouver Canucks are committed to strengthening their connection with Britannia and the surrounding community. This includes increased investment in local youth programming focused on education, health, nutrition, and athletics. Additionally, Canucks players, coaches, and hockey operations staff are expected to be involved in youth sport and hockey initiatives.

Michael Doyle, President of Canucks Sports & Entertainment, Business Operations, highlighted the partnership as a long-term investment in the community and the future of hockey in Vancouver. He mentioned that Britannia holds deep roots and a connection to the Aquilini family, making the initiative particularly meaningful. The organization is dedicated to working with the community to discover opportunities for youth, families, and future generations to connect through sport.

Daniel Sedin, Co-President of Canucks Sports & Entertainment, Hockey Operations, emphasized that a dedicated practice facility is a crucial advancement for the organization and its players. He added that working with the City to deliver new community amenities makes the initiative especially significant. The facility would provide players and staff with a home designed for development, fostering an environment to help them achieve their full potential. This is seen as a key element in building the foundation, culture, and standards for the Vancouver Canucks’ long-term success.

Next Steps and Regulatory Processes

The MOU marks the initial phase of exploring the potential project. Further discussions, community engagement, and future approvals will be necessary to develop additional details, including potential community benefits. Any proposal would be subject to all required regulatory and public processes, such as zoning and development applications.

The City and the Vancouver Canucks acknowledge the important roles of the Vancouver Park Board and the Britannia Community Services Society at the Britannia Community Services Centre site. Both entities will be engaged at appropriate stages as the opportunity progresses.

The Canucks are currently the only team in the NHL without a dedicated, permanent practice facility as they head into the 2026-27 season. The proposed development aims to provide the NHL club with a permanent training home.

The joint announcement from the Canucks and the City did not include an estimated cost for the project or details on how it would be funded. The project remains subject to further negotiations, public consultation, and approval by Vancouver City Council.

Source: nhl.com