About the Centre

Simon Fraser University was called Canada’s “instant university” when it opened its landmark Arthur Erickson designed Burnaby campus in 1965. It took a few more years for SFU to make its impact on downtown Vancouver. SFU’s downtown life began with course offerings and professional programs delivered from a storefront, but in 1989 a new era in BC higher education began when the Harbour Centre campus opened in the historic Spencer building.

The former home of the Spencer Department Store underwent a remarkable conversion into a sophisticated urban educational centre. Floors that once displayed women’s fashions and sporting equipment became multipurpose theatres and classrooms. Computer laboratories replaced perfume counters. Art installations welcomed students and conference goers where jewelry cases once stood.

Since its opening, Harbour Centre has built an outstanding reputation for innovative programs that reach out to professionals working in the downtown core and to diverse urban communities, as well as to younger students who are beginning their post-secondary education. With its expertise in hosting and facilitating dialogue events, Harbour Centre is an ideal venue for any type of meeting.

Harbour Centre offers a remarkable variety of meeting, classroom, reception and laboratory spaces. The building is also the hub of Vancouver’s primary fibre-optic communications trunk, providing Harbour Centre with the highest standard of computer technology and technical support.