The Hub: North Shore Neighbourhood House Site Redevelopment

Background

The North Shore Neighhourhood House (NSNH) site is City-owned land located at St. Georges Avenue between East 1st and East 2nd Streets.

In 2019, Council directed staff to explore the feasibility of replacing the aging NSNH facility and integrating non-market housing and other non-profit components in partnership with Hollyburn Family Services, Catalyst Community Developments Society, and Care BC.

The redevelopment is a unique opportunity to bring together community-oriented organizations into a vibrant and integrated community hub in the heart of Lower Lonsdale.

In October 2021, the project received unanimous approval from Council for bylaw amendments that will help facilitate the development of the proposed community hub. Development will take place over three phases and we are currently beginning phase one – development of the northwest building.

Phase 1 Project Description

The NSNH Site has been recently rezoned to the CD-737 Zone to accommodate three phases of development. Detailed design of each phase is subject to specific Development Guidelines and review by the Advisory Design Panel and the public for design input. Once design is finalized, the proposal will proceed to Building Permit application.

Phase 1 is located in the northwest portion of the site and is zoned for affordable housing and residential care facility uses. Catalyst Community Developments Society is proposing a 6-storey mixed-use building with 89 units of below-market rental housing. On the ground floor, Care BC will operate an 18-bed overnight adult respite care centre. Fifty vehicle parking spaces and 142 secure bicycle parking spaces are provided in two levels of underground parking.

Design objectives for the NSNH Site Redevelopment are: 1) contribute to the neighbourhood; 2) provide a distinct identity for the emerging community hub; and 3) utilize equitable, inclusive, and sustainable design. Key guidelines for this phase include activating street frontages, integrating with the future park space, and providing a distinct and welcoming community presence, especially at the corner of East 2^nd Street and St Georges Avenue.

Key dates and documents are linked on this page.

Applicant Contact Info

Robin Petri
Catalyst Community Developments Society
robin@catalystcommdev.org
604-312-5835