Prior to the construction of the original Second Narrows Bridge in 1925, the North Shore was a world apart. Few people wanted to reside here. How things have changed! Framed by the majestic North Shore mountains, the North Shore offers unparalleled access to nature at its very best, along with some of the finest in urban comforts . . . who wouldn't yearn to live here?
WEST VANCOUVER
West Vancouver is defined by its natural beauty - mountains, oceanfront and incredible views. This scenic village-oriented corridor community, which stretches along 28 kilometres of shoreline and up the slopes of Hollyburn Ridge, began as a popular summer holiday destination. It has since grown to become an affluent suburb of Vancouver. From a seaside hamlet in 1912, West Vancouver has grown to a municipality of more than 44,000.
This year marks West Vancouver 100th birthday, and it has been celebrating all year long with festivals, parties and public gatherings. Its vision and mission "guide us to pursue our treasured quality of life and will be the measure of our success as a community. West Vancouver is a community built on innovation, a strong spirit of personal civic commitment and a deep value for relationships."
Its new Mayor, Michael Smith, reflects on his first year: "I am proud of the dedication I have seen every day from district council and staff to maintaining and improving our treasured quality of life and to building an even stronger West Vancouver for the next generation. The ongoing revitalization of Ambleside, particularly along the 1300 Block, is a key council priority and I look forward to moving ahead with initiatives that will bring new energy and life to this important community hub. I am also proud that we are trying to keep property taxes to a minimum and continually strive for new efficiencies that benefit the entire community."
To read the District of West Vancouver's Offi cial Community Plan visit westvancouver.ca
NORTH VANCOUVER CITY
North Vancouver really grew out of the lumber industry, which established the harbour of Burrard Inlet as Canada's principal port on the Pacific coast. By the time the city incorporated in 1907, it was already a busy hub with brisk development and burgeoning prosperity. Today, the thriving City of North Vancouver has 60,000 residents. Mayor Darrell Mussatto's proudest achievement is the city's green initiatives, including its own energy system - Lonsdale Energy Corporation (LEC).
"The City is committed to reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions," says Mussatto, adding LEC has won national awards. "We continue to seek new and innovative opportunities to expand the service area of our high efficiency LEC and focus on the implementation of renewable fuels such as geothermal and solar energy."
The mayor says most of the city's development growth is being experienced in lower and central Lonsdale and Marine Drive.
The Shipyard waterfront development is a large revitalization project encompassing a residential tower, retail and commercial components, public plazas, interpretive signage, waterfront walkways, as well as the Shipbuilders' Square, where the city plans free outdoor concerts and various city programs.
Mussatto is equally proud of the city's thriving arts and culture scene, which includes an extensive collection of Public Art in the City, the Centennial Theatre Centre and the Presentation House Theatre, its premier venue for theatrical programming on the North Shore for more than three decades.
To read the City of North Vancouver's Offi cial Community Plan visit cnv.org
NORTH VANCOUVER DISTRICT
North Vancouver District Mayor Richard Walton is proud of being part of such a distinctive community. "The North Shore is unique, providing residents and businesses the benefits of a metropolitan region along with the appeal of a smaller community," Walton says. "Our high quality of life, diverse economic base, and close proximity to nature make the district one of the most desirable places to live and work in the Lower Mainland."
He went on to say the Official Community Plan identified its primary growth and change will be most felt in four specific town centres. "These centres recognize upcoming demographic change, will provide housing diversity, integrate land use and transportation planning, and will create livable, walkable neighbourhoods," adds Walton.
To read the District of North Vancouver's Official Community Plan visit dnv.org.
DID YOU KNOW?
> West Vancouver, celebrating their centennial in 2012, is home to more than 44,000 residents living in a span of 89 square kilometres.
> The District of North Vancouver is home to the largest municipal population and has a diverse economic base. It also has the largest number of home-based businesses in the province.
> In 2012, The City of North Vancouver's Lonsdale Energy Corporation was recognized for its initiative in addressing climate change.
