North Van Spotlight: Lynn Creek
Lynn Creek Town Centre (nee Seylynn)
A dramatic change is underway in the Seylynn/Lynn Creek area. What used to be primarily a light industrial and commercial focused area is quickly snowballing into a transit-oriented, mixed use community. And why should'nt it be? While there are some concerns of displacing an already limited amount of light industrial zoning in North Vancouver, the Lynn Creek area is primed for rejuvenation with employment and retail opportunities, outdoor amenities and North Vancouver's second largest transit hub, Phibbs Exchange, providing access across the North Shore and to Burnaby and Downtown Vancouver.
Existing Amenities
The Lynn Creek area is already plump with amenities. Prime among these the aforementioned Phibbs Exchange which is in-line for a much needed updating (see TransLink's release here). There's also no lack of shopping and dining - Park and Tilford is a short sunny day walk (or rainy day drive) and is home to Save-on-Foods, coffee shops, banks, dining options, and one of two movie theatres on the North Shore. You're also just steps from Canadian Tire, Mountain Equipment Co-Op, PetSmart, Real Canadian Superstore and Rona. And let us not forget some of my favourite locally owned businesses - Bridge Brewing, Moja Coffee and Black Forest Meats & Sausage.
The area is not lacking in natural amenities either. Seylynn Park and Bridgman Park border Lynn Creek, with creekside trails connecting the waterfront (Harbourside off-leash dog park), through Inter-River park with its updated BMX park and sports fields, all the way up to the many trails of Lynn Canyon Park.
Finally, Capilano University is North Vancouver's jewel for post-secondary education. A five-minute drive from the Lynn Creek area and surrounded by the beautiful westcoast environment, the University had 11,000+ enrolled students this past Fall semester (prime investment/rental opportunity?).
Developments
Seylynn Village: (Denna Homes)
The first to break ground, Seylynn Village consists of three concrete towers (Beacon - resale), Compass (pre-sale still available) and Apex (coming soon) surrounding an impressive 14,000sqft clubhouse, The Denna Club. With convenient highway access, the buildings concrete envelope and triple-paned windows provide for comfortable living.
Floor Space Ratio: 3.2
Total Units: approx. 790 units (incl. affordable renting)
1401-1479 Hunter Street: (Intergulf)
A new condo and townhouse development in preconstruction, this lot will also host a three level community recreation centre and public plaza. The proposal includes two concrete towers (27 and 16 stories) and 12 two-storey townhouses.
Floor Space Ratio: 3.5
Total Units: approx. 328
Brooklyn: (Wanson)
Currently in preconstruction at the corner of Charlotte and Mountain Highway, this development will be a 6-stored mixed-use development, including approximately 5,663 sqft of retail space. Sales expected to start this March.
Total Units: approx. 63
Parking Spaces: approx. 88
Crown and Mountain: (Irca Group)
Plans here are to develop another six storey woodframe building, focused on residential. Expectations are that the project will be approved and move ahead shortly.
Floor Space Ratio: 2.5
Total Units: 47
Infrastructure Upgrades
As with any new redeveloping area, there are concerns with increased density and traffic. Above and beyond the proposed increase in transit serviced and updating to Phibbs Exchange, there are projects underway to help ease the transition.
- Keith Road Bridge: Upgrades have been underway for some time now, with the 70-year old bridge well past its prime. As of December, all four lanes are now open with the fifth and final lane expected to be open in the next few months.
- Mountain Highway Interchange Project: Far too complicated to go into detail here, the MHIP will see updated on/off ramps to ease congestion during peak hours. The big news? Two new 2-lane bridges to allow for express and collector lanes, separating local east-west traffic!
While the path is somewhat long, Lynn Creek Town Centre has a lot of potential down the road. More affordable living options will prevail, and this increase of supply should alleviate some of the growing pains North Vancouver has been experiencing of late.
Want more information on Lynn Creek Town Centre or interested in one of the upcoming developments? Contact us now for friendly, local, professional advice!