Developer QuadReal has revealed the latest version of its plan to redesign Capilano Mall with thousands of new homes and various amenities.
In its effort to eventually redevelop the massive site, QuadReal has made public its detailed application to amend the City of North Vancouver’s official community plan, in a document with new imagery and revisions based on feedback so far.
If built, the new development would bring around 3,400 residential units, in a mix of rental, workforce housing and condos “designed for people at all stages of life,” QuadReal said in a written statement.
The developer said it’s received “overwhelmingly positive” feedback to the community amenities in the plan, including a new community centre and public park along Mackay Creek, and those “remain central features at the site.”
But the approach to retail has changed somewhat, “with the revised plan creating a high street with improved connectivity to public transit and public plaza spaces,” QuadReal said. “Connectivity through the site has been modified to create dynamic spaces around the community and retail offerings while creating quieter dedicated residential areas.”
The developer said it’s also changing its approach to phased construction, which would begin along Hanes and Third Street West.
“This is to allow Capilano Mall to remain active during initial construction,” QuadReal said. “This first phase will deliver much needed housing options for the city.”
Capilano Mall along planned Bus Rapid Transit route
When images of the proposed plan came out in December 2024, showing 11 apartment towers ranging from 11 to 40 storeys high, many in the community expressed concerns, especially regarding the amount of traffic so many new homes would bring.
QuadReal has included a number of strategies to address possible traffic congestion including car share, reduced parking ratios and additional bicycle facilities, said Paul Faibish, vice-president of development.
“We are also adjacent to the Spirit Trail multi-use path that connects across the North Shore, which provides alternative local transportation options,” he said. “The site is in a prime location for the future [bus rapid transit] line connecting Metrotown to Park Royal which was identified by the Mayor’s Council as an initial corridor to advance.”
The current mall sees high volumes of traffic during peak hours after work and on weekends, Faibish told the North Shore News.
“We are currently undertaking a significant transportation impact assessment with the goal of not increasing the traffic flows during these peak times from the existing mall's current use,” he said.
To see the full application to amend the official community plan, visit the Re Imagine Capilano website.
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