James Cowan Theatre: Art Centre in the Park

The James Cowan Theatre project is envisioned to redefine the cultural landscape of Burnaby’s Deer Lake Park, a community renowned for its dynamic arts scene and rich cultural heritage.  

Positioned as a new artistic landmark, this transformative project will replace the aging wing of the existing theatre and seamlessly integrate with the celebrated Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, creating an expansive and cohesive cultural campus. The compact and landlocked site designated for the new James Cowan Theatre wing is largely within the original building footprint of the existing theater, which will be demolished to create space for the new wing. The architectural design overcomes significant spatial constraints with an ingenious solution: the theatre being elevated to the second level, along with expansive lobbies, allowing the ground floor to open up to the public as a welcoming and inclusive space. 

The new ‘art center in the park’ will feature a state-of-the-art, 364-seat theatre, art and dance studios, and artist support spaces, along with vibrant bar and food service areas, all designed to elevate the experience for both performers and audiences alike. At the core of the theatre’s versatility is its fully retractable, multipurpose stage, enabling the space to adapt to a wide range of performances, events, and functions throughout the year. The sleek, modern glass façade serves as a glowing beacon, transforming the structure into a lantern in the park that radiates creativity. The theatre’s overhanging second level forms a vibrant ‘artists’ alley’ below, where local artists can actively engage the public with evolving installations, live performances, and bold displays of their work on a dedicated artist wall. 

Scheduled to open in 2027, the new James Cowan Theatre will serve as a catalyst for community engagement and cultural growth. It strengthens the Shadbolt Centre’s mission to be a hub for arts, performances, and gatherings, creating a vibrant, open, and accessible cultural haven that inspires and invites all to participate in the shared experience of art.