The City of North Vancouver has received a big pat on the back for all the hard work it’s put into transforming The Shipyards into a vibrant waterfront destination for tourists and locals alike.
The city was awarded top honours from the British Columbia Economic Development Association, receiving a community project award for the redevelopment of its waterfront lands in Lower Lonsdale and its commitment to supporting and expanding the local economy, at a virtual ceremony on March 11.
Over the past decade, the city has changed The Shipyards, which was once a hub for industrial activity and spent decades as polluted brownfield, into an interactive, yearround public space with more than 85,000 square feet of commercial and community amenity space. The area now boasts restaurants, cafes, shops, two hotels, and space for community events, concerts, and markets. Not to mention the region’s largest outdoor skating rink in the winter and a splash park in the summer.
“We all want to live in a vibrant community with unique shops and public spaces,” Mayor Linda Buchanan said in a release.
“The Shipyards is an investment in our local economy, as well as in the people who live, work, and play in the City of North Vancouver. It is an honour to have this community amenity recognized.”
In response to COVID-19, public spaces at The Shipyards were reimagined to support local businesses and create economic opportunities, the city’s release stated.
“The city continues to provide a safe and welcoming space for people to connect through its expanded outdoor patios, outdoor alcohol-approved zones and unique seasonal experiences,” the release continued.
“These initiatives afforded residents opportunities to safely socialize outdoors with friends and family.”
The city also highlighted it was continuing to work closely with its partners, stakeholders, and local businesses to “deliver a dynamic public realm that supports the economic needs of the community.”
Elisia Seeber is the North Shore News’ Indigenous and civic affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
