Located on the south end of the Lonsdale Avenue corridor in North Vancouver is the Shipyards District which essentially centers around Lonsdale and Esplanade and goes out West to Waterfront Park and out East to the Brewery District area and then extends from the boardwalk by the Polygon Gallery up to about where Browns Social House is located.
Not to be confused with The Shipyards which is located in Lot 5 at the North end of the Burrard Dry Dock Pier and is home to the recently opened outdoor skating rink as well as Capilano University and many great local shops. There are 2 floors of shopping excellence.
Everyone refers to the area as Lower Lonsdale or “LoLo” but the City of North Vancouver and the Lower Lonsdale Business Improvement Association would like us to start branding the area as the Shipyards District, so we are doing a writeup over view with all the intangible elements that are at play in the community. So you can wrap your head around the new branding.
The Shipyards at Lot 5 is developed by the Quay Property group who also own the Lonsdale Quay Market and Hotel amongst other entities. Working hand in hand with the City they have built a truly awesome common area for the community to gather, enjoy conversation and go shopping for the things you want. There is a space that you can rent for events and of course right beside this is the Pipeshop and Wallace Venues. Where many weddings and parties take place.
The biggest faces behind the redevelopment of the Shipyards District are the Mayors office at City Hall and her team of Councillors all coming together to make magic happen with local developers and stakeholders. As well Greg Holmes who is the Director of the Lower Lonsdale BIA is truly championing the development of the area by holding the hands of local business owners and encouraging everyone to work together. Greg is known locally as the “guy with the nice hats” and also has one of the brightest most welcoming smiles in the community. We still need to go for that beer soon Greg.
In terms of working and living in the area, the Shipyards District is a welcoming community that is multicultural and has a deep history which is still being honoured by Seaspan. If you are looking for somewhere to move consider this neighbourhood as the quality of life is amazing, you can walk to hundreds of restaurants and pubs, plus there are community centres, local colleges and so much to do and see. Truly one of the best places in Canada.
visit www.TheShipyardsDistrict.ca for more information.
