The City of North Vancouver is to be commended for two big achievements this week – the opening of the Spirit Trail through Mosquito Creek in partnership with the Squamish Nation and setting in motion plans that will see a new Harry Jerome rec centre built within five years (for real this time).
We share in the feeling of sticker shock at the $237-million price as well as the anxiety that the little city may be biting off more than it can chew.
But this is the gold-plated Rolls- Royce of community centres that appears to satisfy every user group’s wish list, from curlers to indoor pickleballers.
And if all goes according to plan, much of the cost of this monument to healthy living will be covered by the 99-year lease of city-owned land and development of towers next door.
Although smaller in scale and budget, the opening of the Spirit Trail through the Squamish Nation’s land offers almost as much promise.
With this connector open, you can get from the Lions Gate Bridge to Lower Lonsdale and beyond, on foot or by bike, pretty much without having to gear down, lose momentum or risk life and limb to anyone behind the wheel.
Without a doubt, this will encourage people to leave their cars in park or simply get out and enjoy the waterfront.
The community owes a great debt to the Squamish Nation for inviting everyone to pass through their land.
The result is going to be a healthier, more connected us.
When it comes to great public works, we do know this: If you build it, they will come.
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