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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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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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