Area
North Shore
Lonsdale and the Shipyards, Lynn Valley, Marine Drive, Ambleside, Dundarave and Park Royal. A market with its own pace, and loyal local customers. North Vancouver City, the District and West Vancouver each have their own zoning, permits and business licences, so check the right one.
What tenants look for here
Offices and retail along Lonsdale and at the Shipyards, village retail in Ambleside and Dundarave, shopping centre space at Park Royal, and industrial space in North Vancouver.
What to watch
- Three municipalities. The City of North Vancouver, the District of North Vancouver and the District of West Vancouver each have their own zoning, permits and business licences. Check which one your space is in.
- Small inventory. Good units in village areas don’t come up often, so it pays to be ready when one does.
- Commuting across the bridges, or the SeaBus, for staff coming from Vancouver.
Good fits
Professional and medical offices, neighbourhood retail, restaurants, and service businesses that serve North Shore residents.
Local notes
- Three municipalities. The City of North Vancouver, the District of North Vancouver and the District of West Vancouver each have their own zoning, permits and business licences. What’s allowed in one may not be in the next.
- Lonsdale and Lower Lonsdale. The Shipyards and Lonsdale Quay have busy retail, restaurants and office, and the SeaBus makes the trip from downtown easy.
- West Vancouver retail. Ambleside and Dundarave are street retail with a loyal local crowd, and Park Royal is the big shopping centre.
- The bridges shape everything. Staff and clients coming across the Lions Gate or Ironworkers Memorial bridges care about timing. Think about who’s commuting, and when.
- Industrial space is scarce. There isn’t much industrial land on the North Shore, and a lot of it is tied to the port. Start early if you need a shop or warehouse.
Go deeper
If you’re looking for more details
Before you sign in the North Shore
- Check the zoning allows your use at that exact address.
- Walk the block at the hours you’d be open.
- Ask for the last two years of additional rent.
- Find out what the landlord will do before you move in, in writing.
- Look for a demolition or relocation clause.
Permits and licences
Inside the City of Vancouver you need a business licence for each location. A new use may need a development permit, renovations usually need a building permit, and many commercial spaces need an occupancy permit before you open.
The North Shore is three separate municipalities: the City of North Vancouver, the District of North Vancouver and the District of West Vancouver. Each has its own licensing and permit process, so check with the one your space is in.
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