North Vancouver council approves Lynn Valley development

Nearly 400 new homes are coming to Lynn Valley after the District of North Vancouver approved a major mixed-use redevelopment in the heart of the community. At its May 25 meeting, council voted 4-3 to approve the rezoning application for Polygon Development 395 Ltd. to build four six-storey buildings at 1246-1268 Lynn Valley Rd. and 3050-3174 Baird Rd.

The project will replace the Lynn Valley strip mall and the Draycott Gardens townhouse complex. The development will include 397 homes ranging from studio to three-bedroom units, with a mix of rental and strata housing. Plans also include 2,330 square metres of commercial space, along with parking for 481 vehicles and 783 bicycles.

Current Draycott Gardens residents will be able to remain in their homes during construction. Thirty-two three-bedroom units in one of the new buildings will be reserved for existing tenants at their current rental rates. If those tenants choose not to return, the units will instead be rented at 20 per cent below market rates.

The proposal drew mixed reactions during a public hearing in April. Some residents raised concerns about building height, traffic and density, while others supported the addition of new housing in Lynn Valley. Three councilors voted against the project, citing concerns about increasing density, traffic and pressure on local infrastructure.