Waterfront Goals & Objectives

The City is committed to transforming the Lower Lonsdale area and former Burrard Shipyard site into a high profile tourist destination and economically sustainable neighbourhood. Its location and proximity to downtown Vancouver and the rest of the Greater Vancouver region mean more residents are choosing to make their home here and businesses have the opportunity to serve this growing community.

The City recognizes the importance of developing the Waterfront area so it can support this growth. At the same time, the City aims to preserve the historical significance of the area. The City envisions a vibrant, people-oriented space with diverse events, businesses, residents and activities. Much of the basic infrastructure for development is already in place, including:

• An established regional transportation network that includes the SeaBus
• Sustainable transit connections to North Shore destinations such as Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain, Capilano Suspension Bridge and Capilano Salmon Hatchery
• An award winning district energy service which provides the Lower Lonsdale community with efficient, sustainable, alternative energy
• Well supported community landmarks amenities such as the Lonsdale Quay Market & Hotel, The Pier, John Braithwaite Community Centre, and Waterfront Park
• A nationally recognized heritage precinct consisting of the former Burrard Shipyard site, Machine Shop building, Burrard Dry Dock Pier and St. Roch Dock
• Deep sea moorage opportunities provided by the Burrard Dry Dock Pier
• Desirable proximity to the Port of Vancouver and new Vancouver Convention Centre

World class events like the 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games are an opportunity to showcase the City as an exciting urban community with a long tradition of welcoming new residents and businesses of diverse origins. Presently, over two million square feet of new construction is either underway or planned for Lower Lonsdale. Some of the preliminary development opportunities the City is exploring include:

• Building a network of Waterfront walkways that extends across the westerly half of the City and links existing parks and trails
• Partnering with the provincial government, North Shore municipalities, First Nations, and other agencies and organizations to create the North Shore Spirit Trail
• Establishing a new media art gallery with world class travelling exhibits
• Installing public art to showcase the work of local artists
• Creating a Historic Centre or National Maritime Museum that chronicles the history of North Vancouver and pays tribute to the West Coast's maritime origins
• Relocating cultural institutions such as the North Vancouver Museum & Archives into an Art & Culture district in Lower Lonsdale
• Setting up a satellite location for the City of Vancouver's expanded Convention Centre
• Locating the Capilano University campus to Lower Lonsdale

Other opportunities and ideas are being considered and the City plans to involve residents and the community in public discussions about the Waterfront Project. Visit our Project Updates page for notices about upcoming open houses and community forums on the Waterfront Project.