Flicka Gymnastics & Mickey McDougall Community Recreation Centre Upgrades

Flicka Gymnastics Club is a non-profit organization that has operated on the North Shore since 1962. Flicka has leased space in the existing Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre since 2000.

Flicka’s programs focus on both community gymnastics and competitive training programs, with the goal "to enable every gymnast to attain a realistic and achievable level of personal success in order to promote self confidence and a lasting enjoyment of the sport of gymnastics."

The Mickey McDougall building is a City-owned facility that was constructed in 1967 for use as a school. Since 1982, the North Vancouver Recreation and Culture Commission (NVRC) has operated the building as a Community Recreation Centre. 

In 2018, City staff and Flicka undertook a joint feasibility study to explore Flicka’s relocation into Mickey McDougall as part of the transition to the new Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre. In July 2021, Council authorized the City to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Flicka, setting out the terms for the City to provide Flicka with the use of Mickey McDougall to continue their gymnastics training – watch the Council video. 

The revitalized Mickey McDougall Community Recreation Centre will feature an updated space for gymnastics training, improved accessibility and mechanical systems, and improved energy efficiency. Although some small improvements have already been undertaken, the majority of construction at Mickey McDougall will occur in late 2024/2025, so that Flicka may move in by early 2026 when the new HJCRC construction wraps up. 

The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Grant

In August 2022, as part of the Federal “Green and Inclusive Community Buildings” (GICB) program $2.2 million in funding to retrofit Mickey McDougall to support Flicka’s future use of the facility for gymnastics was announced. The GICB is a program focused on accessibility and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Learn more about Canada's Green Buildings Strategy.

The City is embarking on a bold direction for community recreation with the development of the new Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre (HJCRC), providing an exciting opportunity to create a vibrant community hub in the City.

The project will include a brand new Harry Jerome, a new Silver Harbour Seniors’ Activities Centre, as well as upgrades to the Mickey McDougall Community Recreation Centre providing a new home for Flicka Gymnastics. Together with the new HJCRC and the new adjacent North Vancouver Lawn Bowling Club, the redevelopment of the Mickey McDougall site will help create a refreshed recreation and community hub for all of North Vancouver.