The B.C. Lions have begun a multi-phase renovation of their Surrey practice facility, aiming to enhance player experience and meet CFL standards.
Construction Begins on Revamp of Practice Base
The B.C. Lions have kicked off a major, multi-stage renovation of their longtime practice facility in Surrey’s Whalley neighbourhood. The upgrade aims to transform the aging infrastructure into a modern, high-performance training hub while the team continues its CFL season preparations.
New Temporary Centre to Enable Seamless Transition
The first phase of construction includes building a temporary external high-performance structure. This move allows team operations and training to continue without major disruption. Once operational, the focus will shift to interior renovations, ensuring continuous access to critical athletic spaces.
Upgraded Amenities to Match League Standards
The second phase will deliver a new locker room, player lounge, and expanded training zone. These changes are designed to bring the facility in line with league competitors, reflecting the Lions’ long-term commitment to improving player experience. The initiative is partly a response to the team’s poor ranking on the recent CFLPA facility report card, which cited inadequate amenities.
Historic Whalley Location Faces Limitations
Having called Whalley home for over 40 years, the Lions have leased their current building beside Tom Binnie Park since 1991. However, deterioration of both the building and surrounding turf has forced temporary training relocations, including a shift to Hjorth Road Park in late 2024 due to failed turf testing.
Ownership Eyes Long-Term Investment
Owner Amar Doman has previously signaled his interest in building a brand-new practice complex in the Lower Mainland. According to team president Duane Vienneau, discussions remain ongoing. In the meantime, this renovation serves as a strategic interim solution to improve player conditions under the current lease, which runs until 2027.
Lease Terms and Community Involvement
Due to city ownership of the facility, renovations are bounded by a five-year lease signed in 2022, which included rent concessions tied to community engagement. Either party can exit the lease with a 12-month notice, contingent on alternate arrangements. The club is currently committed to over $1.39 million in costs through 2027.
Game Day Approaches Amid Construction
As construction progresses, the Lions (3–4) remain focused on their upcoming home game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (4–2) at BC Place on Sunday, July 27. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT, where the team hopes to bounce back in front of a home crowd.
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