Lonsdale Great Street Project

Central Lonsdale is a commercial main street at the centre of the City of North Vancouver. It is surrounded by a high-density residential neighbourhood, and also functions as a transportation corridor. Central Lonsdale Avenue has many positive attributes that make it a great street already, such as its diverse local businesses, walkable pedestrian scale, and striking views of the North Shore Mountains. 

The plan area includes the Upper Levels Highway to the north, Victoria Park to the south, St. Georges Avenue to the east, and Chesterfield Avenue to the west. 

 

The Lonsdale Great Street Project is a priority in Council’s Strategic Plan which states: “Reimagine, revitalize and repurpose Central Lonsdale Avenue as a ‘great street’ to support commercial activity, enhance esthetics, walkability, vibrancy and history”.

The project explores how the City can support local businesses, improve public spaces, and guide future growth along the corridor.

Important facts about the plan: 

• It does not override existing bylaws. The plan does not amend, supersede, or replace any City bylaws. All existing zoning and regulations remain in full effect. 
• It does not change the Official Community Plan (OCP). Any changes to height or density beyond what is currently permitted in the OCP would require an amendment under the Local Government Act, including a public hearing. 
• It does not create large-scale intervention. The street is already functioning well, and the plan focuses on incremental improvements rather than major structural change. 
• It does not immediately change traffic lanes on Lonsdale or elsewhere. Any potential future changes, such as formalizing the existing, limited two-travel-lane sections of the street, would be considered through the City’s upcoming Transportation Network Plan, expected around 2027, with multiple opportunities for Council and public input. 

Central Lonsdale will continue to experience change driven by population growth, transit investment, and evolving commercial and community needs. Rather than reacting to change as it happens, this plan provides a deliberate, coordinated approach to shaping it.  

The project was be completed in three phases:

Phase 1 – Listen & Learn | Fall - Winter 2024

Study the area and provide opportunities for the community to share their vision for the future of Central Lonsdale.  

 

Phase 2 – Develop Proposed Plan Directions | Summer - Winter 2025

Develop preliminary directions for the future of Central Lonsdale and share what has been learned from the public during Phase 1 engagement.

 

Phase 3 – Finalize the Plan | Spring 2026

Share the comprehensive plan with the community and City Council. The plan was endorsed by council on April 20, 2026. 

Community and interest holder engagement was conducted in January and February 2025 to help inform the development of the Lonsdale Great Street Project. Activities included a public survey, focus groups, pop-up events at Civic Plaza, and a public open house.

The City would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their perspectives and ideas. Community input played an important role in shaping the vision, priorities, and direction of the project. A summary of what we heard from the community is available in the What We Heard report.

Read the Report

Download the full Lonsdale Great Street What We Heard report.

Access full engagement findings and background in the documents section of letstalk.cnv.org/lonsdalegreatstreet

Initial work will focus on near term improvements that support businesses and enhance the street environment, including:

• Adding movable and accessible street furniture. 
• Painting street light poles and updating streetscape elements. 
• Re-wrapping recycling and garbage bins.
• Enhancing landscaping in planting beds, rain gardens, and parklets. 
• Expanding seasonal lighting along Central Lonsdale. 
• Installing Remembrance Day parade banners in collaboration with the North Shore Veterans’ Council. 
• Restoring sidewalk sections impacted by utilities.