“Neighbourhood houses are unique because they aren’t just service spaces – they’re shared community spaces, shaped alongside the people who live nearby,” Takasaki says. “It has been so meaningful to see this same spirit already taking shape with Arbutus Neighbourhood House, as we have watched relationships begin to build before the doors even open.”

The in-development Arbutus Neighbourhood House is the newest to join the Association of Neighbourhood Houses of BC (ANHBC). Expected to open this year, the House will be in Arbutus Ridge, at the intersection between Yew St. and Lahb Ave.

Addressing a need

More than a decade ago, roots of this project were planted. At the time, the City of Vancouver undertook what Takasaki calls a “visioning process” where three west side communities – Arbutus Ridge, Kerrisdale and Shaughnessy – identified the need for a space where people could gather, connect and engage in community life.

“We’re so thankful to the City of Vancouver for the important role they’ve played in helping bring this space to life,” Takasaki says.

Their recent community engagements – within Arbutus Ridge and its surrounding neighbourhoods – have only strengthened this need for a neighbourhood house.

“We’ve continued to hear from neighbours…how much they are looking for opportunities to connect, build relationships across generations and cultures, and co-create activities that reflect the strengths and interests of the neighbourhood,” Takasaki shares.

While the building is still under construction, Takasaki’s team has already started developing programs reflective of the community’s “gifts and needs.” Their plan is to ensure that an inclusive and welcoming community hub is ready when the building opens.

“We’ve spent the last year connecting with neighbours and partners through engagement activities and community events, beginning to build the relationships that are at the heart of a neighbourhood house,” Takasaki says.

Over the past year, they have already been hosting community events – Neighbourhood Nights series, community conversations and an Earth Day celebration – encouraging community involvement in the project.

“One of the things that makes neighbourhood houses so special is that they are shaped with community, not just for community,” the senior director shares. “As we move into spring and summer, we’ll be introducing more community-based programming in outdoor and partner spaces.”

Many of these activities are led by volunteers – whom Takasaki sees as the “heart of neighbourhood houses.” These community volunteers support her “small, but mighty” team in bringing the Arbutus Neighbourhood House to life.

“We have received tremendous interest from community members who want to be involved – from helping lead activities to supporting programs and bringing the house to life,” she shares.

A touching experience

Around three years ago, Takasaki – with a background in the community social service sector – was introduced to the Neighbourhood House movement. She joined the Kitsilano Neighbourhood House and immediately felt a strong connection to the work.

“I was really drawn to the idea of spaces that are shaped with neighbours, not just for them, and to the way neighbourhood houses bring people together across ages, cultures and experiences,” says Takasaki, who also serves as Kitsilano Neighbourhood House’s director of community engagement.

The Kitsilano Neighbourhood House (also known as Kits House) – once the only neighbourhood house on Vancouver’s westside – is now supporting the development of Arbutus Neighbourhood House.

“When I had the chance to become involved, I was really excited,” the senior director shares, adding the project has been in the works for a long time. “It felt like a natural way to bring together my previous experience, with my growing connection to neighbourhood house work.”

Takasaki’s favourite part has been meeting neighbours and community partners – hearing their excitement over the project. Seeing so many people wanting to shape the neighbourhood house has been a “touching” experience for the senior director.

“I have had the opportunity to meet so many community members who have generously shared their time, ideas, stories, hopes and dreams with us,” she adds. “Getting to be part of those early connections has been a really meaningful part of the experience for me so far.”

Continuous growth

Takasaki sees this community response as embodying a key neighbourhood house principle: a space for connection that grows alongside its surrounding communities. Community members have expressed strong interest in food security initiatives, family support programs and intergenerational connections.

“Many neighbours have also shared how much they value having opportunities to contribute their own skills, ideas and experience through community-led activities,” the senior director adds that settlement services have also been recommended.

“We see every day the impact that this can have, as neighbours support each other and their community in ways that carry beyond the doors of the neighbourhood house,” Takasaki shares – emphasizing these experiences are already taking place in Arbutus.

For her, community is about relationships – the knowing and the supporting of one another. Like a Neighbourhood House, these relationships provide a sense of belonging and are meant to grow over time.

“It’s about everyday connections and shared experiences,” she explains. “It’s about recognizing that everyone has gifts to contribute, and that we all share responsibility for building community together.”

She sees the Arbutus Neighbourhood House as continuously growing – responding to the needs of its community.

“My hope is that it continues to grow as a place where people feel welcome, where their gifts can be shared, and where community is something we continue to build and strengthen over time,” Takasaki adds.

ANHBC consists of nine Neighbourhood Houses and an outdoor centre, providing over 500 programs and services across Metro Vancouver.

For more information on Arbutus Neighbourhood House, see www.arbutusnh.org

For more information on Association of Neighbourhood Houses of BC, see www.anhbc.org/about-us