Earlier today, Mayor Linda Buchanan and representatives from partner organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance the development of a Health Innovation District (HID) in Central Lonsdale.
The partnership marks a major step toward the City’s vision of becoming the Healthiest Small City in the World by bringing together leaders in healthcare, research, education, technology, business, government, and the community. By connecting expertise across sectors, the coalition aims to improve health outcomes, accelerate innovation, and strengthen economic prosperity.
Along with the City of North Vancouver, the founding partners include Capilano University, Vancouver Coastal Health, North Shore Division of Family Practice, Life Sciences BC, Adera Development, Millennium Development Group, TELUS Health and Invest Vancouver.
The HID aims to position the City of North Vancouver as a leading hub for healthy living, healthy aging, and aging in place, while supporting community well-being and helping to reduce pressures on the healthcare system. The initial focus areas of the HID will include prevention and wellness, recreation and rehabilitation, and digital health technology.
"The formation of this partnership is a significant milestone for the future of our City. This initiative will help position the City of North Vancouver as a global leader in healthy living, healthy aging, and community-centred care, while delivering lasting benefits for residents and businesses today and for generations to come," said Mayor Linda Buchanan. "This initiative represents the next chapter in our ongoing commitment to strengthening the health and well-being of our community. It is a unique opportunity to improve quality of life, accelerate innovation, attract investment and talent, and create new partnerships that drive meaningful change."
This initiative builds on several years of planning, stakeholder engagement, and independent analysis. Feasibility studies and market assessments have confirmed that the HID has significant competitive advantages including its proximity to Lions Gate Hospital, a concentration of health-related businesses, access to highly skilled talent, and exceptional quality of life.
Currently, over 750 health-related businesses and organizations operate in and around Central Lonsdale, providing a robust foundation for a globally competitive health innovation ecosystem. As one of Canada's fastest-growing sectors, health innovation presents a considerable opportunity to enhance health outcomes while contributing to economic diversification, job creation, and attracting investment.
The HID has been designed as a shared-investment, partnership-led ecosystem model that will progressively evolve from City incubation to a self-funded, independent operation through a combination of stakeholder contributions, strategic sponsorships, philanthropic investment, research funding, government programs, innovation initiatives, commercialization opportunities, and revenue-generating partnerships.
Over the next few months, the partnership coalition will work collectively to secure the operating entity and seed funding, attract anchor investments, develop funded programs and strategic partnerships, and establish the long-term financial foundations required to support growth, innovation, and measurable regional and community impacts.
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Quotes from Health Innovation District Partners
Vancouver Coastal Health
"Vancouver Coastal Health is committed to promoting healthy lives in healthy communities and is proud to support the new Health Innovation District on the North Shore," said Darlene Mackinnon, Vice President, Coastal Community of Care at Vancouver Coastal Health. "As an organization that cares for everyone, is always learning, and strives for better results, this initiative aligns with our core values and we look forward to working with partners to advance health innovation across our Coastal community."
Capilano University
“As we are the North Shore's university, Capilano University is proud to join the City and our partners in advancing this unique opportunity to connect health care, education, research and industry,” said Dr. Jason Dewling, President of Capilano University. “We are committed to contributing our strengths in teaching, applied research and workforce development to improve health outcomes and drive lasting community and economic impact.”
Invest Vancouver
“The Health Innovation District will strengthen the Metro Vancouver region's position as a leading destination for health innovation investment,” said Jacquie Griffiths, President of Invest Vancouver. “Global companies are seeking talent, research partners, clinical expertise, and real-world environments to test and scale new technologies, all of which they can find here. By connecting innovation to community needs and health system priorities, the Health Innovation District creates a clear value proposition for investors and industry. It will attract new investment, support growth, create high-quality jobs, and add to the region's growing reputation for life sciences and health innovation.”
Life Sciences BC
"Regions that prioritize health, innovation, and quality of life are increasingly attracting the talent, investment, and companies that drive economic growth,” said Wendy Hurlbert, CEO of Life Sciences BC. “The Health Innovation District positions the City of North Vancouver as a destination where businesses can innovate alongside healthcare, research, and community partners. It is a powerful example of how economic development and community wellbeing can advance together, creating benefits for residents, employers, and investors alike."
North Shore Division of Family Practice
"The North Shore Division of Family Practice is delighted and honoured to collaborate with the City of North Vancouver on this innovative project,” said Dr. Nicola Walton-Knight, Board Chair at the North Shore Division of Family Practice. “One of our core visions is to improve patient health outcomes, and that goes beyond the prescription pad. Health is created within a community, when all partners are using their strengths and innovation to build a culture where health, wellness and prevention is prioritised.”
TELUS Health
"At TELUS Health, we believe that Canada's healthcare innovation must be built on a foundation of trust,” said Dr. Matthew Chow, Chief Mental Health Officer, TELUS Health. “We're proud to support the digital infrastructure that can bring the City of North Vancouver’s Health Innovation District to life, demonstrating our commitment to transformative healthcare innovation. This initiative represents a model for the future of Canadian healthcare, harnessing technology while keeping patient trust at its core."
Background
Building the Healthiest Small City in the World
The City of North Vancouver is a vibrant waterfront community situated on the North Shore of Metro Vancouver. Recognized as Canada’s most livable city for two consecutive years, the City is dedicated to building the Healthiest Small City in the World through innovation, sustainability, inclusion, economic vitality, and community wellbeing.
In 2024, the City of North Vancouver adopted an Economic Strategy to guide efforts to strengthen and diversify the local economy over the immediate to medium term. The strategy provides a roadmap for addressing challenges facing the business community, capitalizing on emerging opportunities, and fostering collaboration between the City and local stakeholders to build a more resilient and prosperous economy.
Recognizing that economic vitality and community wellbeing go hand in hand, Council also endorsed the City of North Vancouver’s Community Wellbeing Strategy in 2024. This long-term framework will guide decision-making over the next decade to improve residents’ health, strengthen their sense of belonging, and enhance overall wellbeing and quality of life.
For media inquiries: media@cnv.org or 604-220-3813.