Preservation Meets Progress: The Cypress Village Opportunity
West Vancouver is poised for an expansive new chapter with the final approval in place for Cypress Village - a visionary mixed-use community at the base of Cypress Mountain. Yet, this project has sparked polarizing opinions: is it a bold solution to housing challenges and environmental preservation, or does it risk reshaping the character of West Vancouver and have a negative impact on the surrounding ecosystem? The stakes are high, and the conversation is far from settled. What’s undeniable is that Cypress Village represents one of the most significant developments in West Vancouver’s history, promising to redefine the balance between growth and conservation.
What is Cypress Village?
Cypress Village is a thoughtfully planned mixed-use community situated on the scenic slopes of the North Shore mountains, near the base of Cypress Mountain. The development aims to introduce approximately 3,700 new homes—a mix of townhouses, condominiums, and rental units—spread over 200 acres. Designed with sustainability and livability in mind, the project also includes parks, schools, shops, and recreational spaces.
Crucially, the plan also conserves 1,500 acres of the Upper Lands, safeguarding these natural areas for future generations.
A Project Years in the Making.
The vision for Cypress Village has been years in the making, with initial planning discussions dating back over a decade. Working closely with the District of West Vancouver, developer British Pacific Properties created a plan to balance growth and environmental preservation - with numerous hurdles that had to be overcome to ensure the project met the high standards expected by the community.
One of the most significant challenges was addressing environmental concerns. Environmental impact assessments were conducted, leading to the commitment to conserve 1,500 acres of park lands north of Highway 1 -- spanning an area from Horseshoe Bay through Eagle Creek (also know as Eagleridge and Inter Creek). Additionally, the developers had to meet strict guidelines regarding traffic management, infrastructure improvements, and housing diversity. Public consultations were a critical part of the process, ensuring that the community’s voice was heard and incorporated into the final plan.
The Potential Benefits of Cypress Village
Expanding Housing Options
In a region where housing demand consistently outpaces supply, Cypress Village represents an exciting opportunity to address this challenge. By offering a diverse range of homes, including rental units and family-oriented housing, the project makes West Vancouver more accessible to a wider audience. Additionally, as the Provincial government begins to mandate more density across all municipalities within BC, Cypress Village will inject supply while limiting the impact on communities within West Vancouver that are more averse to density.
A Vibrant Community Hub & Economic Growth
Cypress Village is set to become a dynamic community hub, complete with schools, local shops, and recreational facilities. This self-contained approach reduces reliance on car travel, promoting a walkable lifestyle and fostering a sense of connection among residents. Additionally - from construction jobs to new businesses - Cypress Village will inject fresh energy into West Vancouver’s economy. Increased property tax revenues and retail activity can help support community initiatives and infrastructure improvements, benefiting all residents.
Conservation
The conservation of 1,500 acres of "Upper Lands" is a landmark commitment to environmental stewardship. This vast protected area will ensure that West Vancouver’s natural beauty and biodiversity remain a defining feature of the region, with trails and green spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Matt's Take - Why Cypress Village Matters
West Vancouver has historically been known to take a more conservative approach when it comes to development and increasing density throughout its enclaves, and I don't necessarily disagree with this approach—there are many communities and neighbourhoods that should continue to illustrate their uniqueness. However, in contrast, the progressive approach taken in recent years at Ambleside has positively injected a more amenity-rich and community-driven focus that has rejuvenated West Vancouver's oceanfront community, and the vision for Cypress Village can and should do much the same: it will enrich West Vancouver by addressing housing needs, fostering community connections, and preserving the natural environment. For residents and investors alike, this project is a testament to what’s possible when bold ideas meet thoughtful execution.
Now that final approval has been received, Cypress Village will begin it's long journey of coming to life. How long? 20-30 years is a realistic timeline for the entire vision to be realized. That doesn't mean there won't be opportunities along the way to get into this market early. There are already some fantastic opportunities within Cypress Mountain's Uplands community, which is peripheral to the Cypress Village location and connected by both roadways and walking trails. Interested in learning more about the presale opportunities at Hawksley, The Collection, Alpine, or Wildwood? Reach out to me via the form on this page to learn more about these developments, and to be kept informed on future presale projects within Cypress Village!
