4 months ago
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West Vancouver’s first responders, school staff and municipal workers will be bedding down in the community’s first all-affordable housing project in decades far sooner than originally expected.
Stefan Baune, executive director for the Kiwanis North Shore Housing Society, broke the good news about the long-awaited project on Gordon Avenue at 22nd Street to West Vancouver council on Monday night.
“The original timeline was to be ready by approximately March of 2026. As you can see, for everyone who has driven by, we are making tremendous progress. We are ahead of schedule. At this point, we are anticipating to be four to five months earlier than originally anticipated,” Baune said, drawing applause from the council gallery.
The district bought the land at 2195 Gordon Ave. from Vancouver Coastal Health in 2014 for $16.4 million with proceeds the district acquired from the sale of the former West Vancouver Police Department property on Marine Drive.
In 2022 council agreed to lease the northern portion of the site to Kiwanis for $1 per year. The non-profit is building 156 rental homes, which will be priced about 75 per cent of market rates for households making median salaries.
The below-market rentals are reserved for people who have connections to West Van, including those who live there, work there or have kids in school there. Priority access will be for police, firefighters, school staff and municipal workers.
Studio apartments will start at $1,259 while a 1,075-square-foot, three-bedroom suite will go for up to $3,382. More than half of the homes in the project have two or three bedrooms.
“So this is in line with what the district wanted to see – housing for families and workers in the community. The rental rates are are very, very affordable,” Baune said, noting that someone renting a three-bedroom apartment at market rates could expect to pay more than $5,000 per month.
In March, the non-profit will be launching a Village West website where applications can be downloaded.
In order to be eligible, applicants will be screened for maximum household incomes ($106,000 for studios and one-bedrooms, or $161,000 for two- and three-bedrooms).
The hope is to have the applications processed by July.
“So that’s not far out,” Baune said. “These units will be attractive for a lot of people and we want to process them and give people the opportunity as soon as possible.”
Council members were wowed by the project coming in on budget and ahead of schedule, particularly as it has come together through a period of COVID-related delays and inflation.
“You guys have got the magic sauce, for sure,” Coun. Nora Gambioli said.
Mayor Mark Sager expressed gratitude for the fact that local employees would soon be able to live in the community they serve.
“On behalf of all of the municipal employees, our firefighters, police officers and those who work for the school district, our most sincere thanks,” he said. “This kind of housing opportunity will most certainly help younger people, in particular, who want to work here but are limited by the fact they have to travel a long distance.”
The project also includes rooftop solar panels, and a 3,000-square-foot seniors’ respite centre operated by Vancouver Coastal Health.
The southern portion of the property has been leased to developer Darwin Properties for 99 years in exchange for $22.195 million. Initially, Darwin had planned to build 50 strata units in a six-storey building on the site but has since opted to change the project to market rentals.
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8 months 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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9 years ago
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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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