Brief
BC NDP pledges $15 million for a permanent Filipino Cultural Centre
The funding would complement a 2025 federal commitment and support a mixed‑use hotel‑tower proposal in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Premier David Eby announced today that a re‑elected BC NDP government would set aside $15 million to help create a permanent Filipino Cultural Centre in Metro Vancouver. The pledge, made ahead of the provincial election on Oct. 24, 2026, builds on a federal commitment announced in 2025, though the exact federal amount has not been disclosed.
What happened
Eby said the centre would celebrate the "vibrant history" and contributions of Filipino Canadians in the province. The provincial money is intended to supplement the federal funding and would be used for a purpose‑built facility. Several Filipino community groups have submitted competing proposals, including one in Burnaby and two in Vancouver. The leading concept pairs the centre with two mixed‑use hotel towers on Main Street in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, with the cultural space occupying the lower floors of the south tower.
What the reports add
The article notes that Vancouver City Council gave preliminary endorsement to the mixed‑use concept in late 2025, and the developer has partnered with the Filipino Legacy Society. An interim centre of more than 1,500 sq ft is already operating in the Library Square atrium after being converted from a former coffee shop; it is expected to open soon and serve the community until the permanent site is ready.
What was said
"Filipino Canadians have a vibrant history in British Columbia, and a dedicated cultural centre is long overdue," Eby told Daily Hive. "We are proud to move forward in the spirit of ‘kapwa’ and make sure that this cultural centre captures the diversity, vibrancy and resiliency of the hundreds of thousands of Filipinos who call B.C. home," he added. Warren Flandez, chair of the Filipino Legacy Society, said the interim centre would fill a long‑standing gap in cultural space for the community.
How it came about
The pledge follows earlier provincial statements of intent and community consultations on a permanent home for Filipino heritage. Momentum grew after the 2025 Lapu‑Lapu Day block‑party tragedy, prompting renewed calls for a dedicated venue.
Key facts
- BC NDP pledges $15 million for a permanent Filipino Cultural Centre if re‑elected. (dailyhive.com)
- The funding will supplement a 2025 federal commitment whose amount is undisclosed. (dailyhive.com)
- The leading proposal pairs the centre with two mixed‑use hotel towers in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood. (dailyhive.com)
- An interim 1,500‑sq‑ft centre is being set up in Library Square, expected to open soon. (dailyhive.com)
Sources
- [1] dailyhive.com — originally reported as “David Eby's BC NDP promises $15 million to create new Filipino Cultural Centre | Daily Hive | Urbanized”
