This Memorial Community Recreation Centre erected by the Board of School Trustees and the Memorial Community Recreation Centre of North Vancouver was unveiled by Captain John H. Cates, M.L.A. on May 24th 1949.
Wilfrid Robinson McDougall (May 28, 1896 - Dec. 24, 1982), born at Milton, Ontario, struggled five-years to build the Memorial Community Centre. He attended UBC from 1915-17, went overseas for two years during The Great War and returned to graduate in 1921. McDougall was a teacher at North Vancouver High School in 1922 when it was the North Shore’s only high school. He later became Principal for an astounding 26 years, retiring in 1961. His contributions to education and the community were immense. He was president of the NV Board of Trade, NV Kiwanis, NS Teachers’ Assoc. and BC Teachers’ Federation (and awarded the prestigious Fergusson Award as BCTF Teacher of the Year in 1946.) He was involved with the BC Junior Red Cross, NV Sea and Air Cadets, NV Schools Band, BC Parent-Teacher Assoc. and NS Neighbourhood House. He was on the UBC Senate from 1944-54. He ran as a Liberal in the June 1953 provincial election.
