An ongoing survey has tapped into a deep aspiration of Filipino Canadians in Vancouver.

Unlike major Filipino Canadian communities across the country, locals have no central gathering place to celebrate and share their culture.

Just across the Strait of Georgia, Filipinos in Victoria have their Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre. (Bayanihan is a Tagalog word that means "working together".)

Previous efforts to develop a cultural centre in the Lower Mainland have faltered amid controversies that divided the community.

But as initial results of a survey being conducted by Highlight Communication show, there is immense interest to see the development of such a facility.

Gwen Pawlikowski, a partner with the New Westminster-based communications company, has been meeting many members of the local community.

“I really hope that something can be created that meets people’s needs because there is a high amount of interest,” Pawlikowski told the Georgia Straight in a phone interview.

According to the 2016 Census, 96,680 residents in Metro Vancouver indicated the Philippines as their country of birth.

The survey notes the importance of cultural centres in “celebrating ethnic heritage, marking the immense achievements of immigrating, and educating the larger community”.

“How ready is Vancouver for a Filipino Cultural Centre and how should it be developed?” the survey asks.

The survey ends on February 14. Highlight Communication is expected to submit a report to its client by the end of this month. Pawlikowski did not identify who contracted the poll.

To answer the survey, visit https://bit.ly/2BjqS7t