1 week ago
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Kiwanis North Shore Housing Society (Kiwanis) is excited to announce the start of construction on a new housing development of 156 rental units. ‘Village West,’ the name of this project, is designed for families and individuals who live, work and raise their families in West Vancouver. “We are committed to helping address the urgent need for housing, especially rental housing for middle-income households priced out of the market,” said Stefan Baune, Executive Director of Kiwanis, in an interview with the North Shore Daily Post. The units will be offered at 75% of market rates, making them affordable for the targeted tenant group.
Located at 950 22nd Street, the project is midway between the Ambleside and Dundarave neighbourhoods and is in close proximity to schools, daycare and the West Vancouver Community Centre. This new development will add family-oriented housing with a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom options.
“Village West will be Kiwanis’ first family housing project, expanding our portfolio offering beyond seniors’ housing,” said Stefan Baune. “I look forward to welcoming teachers, public servants, nurses and other workers, who are an important part of our vibrant and thriving community, in our new buildings in Spring of 2026.” The development will also feature a community adult day centre for seniors and people living with disabilities operated by Vancouver Coastal Health. The Adult Day Program will provide people with supportive, culturally inclusive health services, social stimulation, and therapeutic recreational programs in West Vancouver.
The project demonstrates a commitment to economic and environmental sustainability. It includes a fossil fuel-free design that meets high energy efficiency code requirements and maximizes solar orientation. The building design exemplifies contemporary West Coast Modern architecture and comfortably integrates with its surroundings. The landscape design features barrier-free, walkable, safe, and attractive pathways connecting to the four existing Kiwanis Garden Village buildings. The overall design will ensure comfortable and spacious homes that meet the needs of children and adults.
This housing project is made possible through a partnership between Kiwanis, the District of West Vancouver, Vancouver Coastal Health, and the federal and provincial governments. Kiwanis is investing approximately $15.8 million in equity for this project and will operate it for 60 years. The District of West Vancouver is providing development-cost levy waivers of approximately $1.4 million alongside the project land for a lease period of 60 years, valued at $22.1 million. The federal and provincial governments contribute $1.4 million through a bilateral agreement with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Through BC Housing, the Province will provide $55.8 million in low-interest financing for the project. “I am grateful that these partners are working with us to build the homes our community needs,” said Stefan Baune.
Kiwanis is proud to be part of the solution to the current housing crisis. With over 70 years of experience building and operating housing in West and North Vancouver, Kiwanis has become an important part of the North Shore community.
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1 week ago
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In the Summer of 2022, North Vancouver celebrated the opening of the Lynn Woods below-market housing project, a milestone in addressing the region’s pressing need for affordable housing. This development, located in the heart of one of the city’s most desirable North Shore neighbourhoods, represents a forward-thinking approach to providing quality, affordable homes to those who need them most.
Addressing the Housing Crisis
Like many urban areas in British Columbia, North Vancouver has faced increasing challenges related to housing affordability. Rising real estate prices and a limited supply of rental units have made it difficult for many residents to find housing that meets their needs without stretching their budgets. Kiwanis North Shore Housing Society (KNSHS) continues to move the needle in the right direction while strengthening community connections with below-market housing options. Lynn Woods is their latest example of delivering a renewed sense of belonging to adults age 55+.
“This project is partially funded by BC Housing and is a collaborative partnership with the District of North Vancouver and Kiwanis”, said Stefan Baune, Executive Director of KNSHS, in an interview with the North Shore News. “It’s part of a bigger province-wide plan to address housing shortages and housing affordability in the province at large.”
A Vision of Affordable Living
Lynn Woods stands as a model for what below-market housing can look like when thoughtful design, community-oriented planning and financial support from the province come together. The project offers 106 spacious one-bedroom units with an average size of 579 square feet, including a large in-suite storage room and a balcony or patio, for a mix of income levels. 20% (or 21 units) of the units will be rented to individuals with gross incomes below $23,549, including those who are in receipt of Income Assistance. 50% (or 53 units) of the units are allocated to tenants with gross incomes below $58,000, paying rents based on 30% of their actual income. 30% (or 32 units) are rented to persons meeting the Society’s eligibility criteria.
Sustainability and Design
Each unit is designed with modern amenities and sustainable features, ensuring that residents have access to comfortable, energy-efficient living spaces. Sustainability was at the forefront of the Lynn Woods project from the beginning. The building is constructed with environmentally friendly materials and is designed to be energy-efficient, reducing both the environmental footprint and utility costs for residents.
The architecture of Lynn Woods is modern yet unobtrusive, blending with the natural surroundings and the existing neighbourhood. Thoughtful landscaping and the use of green spaces throughout the development create a peaceful, attractive environment for residents to enjoy. These features are designed to create a strong sense of belonging among residents and encourage interactions that contribute to a vibrant, supportive community.
A Blueprint for the Future
The Lynn Woods below-market housing project is more than just a building; it is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to address its challenges. By providing affordable, sustainable housing in a desirable location, Lynn Woods helps ensure that North Vancouver remains a place where people with a range of incomes can live, work, and thrive.
As the demand for affordable housing continues to grow, Kiwanis’s Lynn Woods project serves as a blueprint for future developments, demonstrating how thoughtful design, collaboration, and a commitment to the community can create lasting solutions to housing challenges.
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1 week ago
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Paving the Way for Sustainable Growth and Innovation
As we approach a new era of opportunities and challenges, the Board of Directors are proud to unveil its updated Strategic Plan for 2024 – 2027. This comprehensive roadmap is designed to guide us through the next years, ensuring financial viability, innovation and resilience. The Strategic Plan is a result of extensive analysis, board and management engagement, and a commitment to serving our North Shore communities with below-market housing, all while staying true to our core values and mission.
Our vision for 2027 is to solidify our position as the primary provider of below-market rental housing for adults 55 and older, and be recognized for our innovation, excellent services, and commitment to sustainability. We aim to expand our capacity from 744 to 1,000 units by 2027.
The Strategic Plan is built on four key pillars, each representing a critical area of focus that will drive our success over the next four years:
- Ensure Financial Viability
Our focus on financial viability will help us to sustain our operation for decades to come and allow us to engage in future housing development projects.
- Enhancing Organizational Capacity
Our commitment to operational excellence and enhancing our organizational capacity enable us to deliver superior service to our residents while preparing the Society to grow its housing portfolio.
- Branding & Communication
Our innovative approach to communicating our services and value proposition will highlight the uniqueness of our Kiwanis brand.
- Environmental, Social and Governance
Our Strategic Plan strongly emphasizes environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, aiming to reduce our carbon footprint, promote ethical practices, and contribute to the well-being of the communities we serve.
The Strategic Plan 2024 – 2027 is more than just a roadmap; it is a commitment to our residents, employees, and communities. It reflects our determination to adapt to the changes we face and shape them in ways that align with our values and aspirations. As we embark on this journey, we are confident that our focus on the four key pillars will position us for long-term success and community impact.
Download the Strategic Plan 2024-2027 Here
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4 years ago
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admin
In 2020, the KNSHS Board embarked on a process to create a new Vision, Mission and Strategic Plan. There were also changes made to the constitution in 2020.
These exciting changes clarify that our mandate includes providing housing for individuals in need, families and seniors. While our mandate had not previously been limited to seniors, these changes expand and clarify the breadth of our interest in helping the community with affordable housing.
Our Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan are attached if you want to learn more.
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4 years ago
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admin
Working with its many partners, Kiwanis is well under construction on its new Lynn Woods affordable housing project in Lynn Valley. The new six-storey building, located at 2555 Whiteley Court, will provide 106 one-bedroom units for low to middle income older adults. The adjacent Lynn Manor rental building has been owned and operated by Kiwanis since 1974. Kiwanis is just completing a major renovation of Lynn Manor.
“Our objective is to create a shared sense of community for approximately 320 residents who will live here when construction is complete,” said President Patrick McLaughlin.
Kiwanis wants to recognize the Province of British Columbia / BC Housing for a $10.6 million contribution, as well as the District of North Vancouver for approval of the development and the waiving of $2.8 million in potential development costs and levies. District Council approved the project and issued a development permit in September 2018. At a cost of approximately $37.4 million, Lynn Woods is expected to be complete in 2022.
We are proud to have the following firms leading our construction effort:
Vanmar Constructors, RLA architects and Innovative Housing Consultants, as well as many very competent sub-contractors and consultants.
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8 years ago
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admin
The Kiwanis North Shore Housing Society, formed earlier this year by merging the housing operations of the North and West Vancouver Kiwanis, currently operates more than 660 below-market seniors’ apartments.
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