NORTH SHORE PROGRESS REPORT
he North Shore is an international destination with a
local “village” feel. Likewise, we have ambitious industry and development that grows while valuing liveability and our natural environment. Residents, business leaders and government of the North Shore know the importance of working together to ensure the community’s progress –and what good growth looks like.
In this issue we hear from those shaping the Shore and are honoured to share updates from our mayors – Mayor Linda Buchanan of the City of North Vancouver, Mayor Mike Little of North Vancouver District, and Mayor Mark Sager of West
Vancouver – who present a view from city hall.
We also hear from a medical dentistry that puts community first, an innovative financial merger
mmunity t, rg focused on individual support, innovation in energy transport in our harbour and holistic plans for a new and significant housing community These are just a few of our progress stories. We are grateful to those committed to responsible growth, balancing ambition with liveability and environmental preservation
The 2025 North Shore Progress Report puts a spotlight on this positive work being done in our region.
Sarah Strother Publisher
A Message from the Mayor
CITY OF NORTH VANCOUVER
Linda Buchanan City of North Vancouver Mayor mayor@cnv.org
Everyone who lives, works, and plays in the City of North Vancouver has reason to be proud of our community. This past year, we have made remarkable progress—advancing an ambitious infrastructure agenda that reflects our deep commitment to livability
We welcomed a new operating tower at Lions Gate Hospital and the
ground breaking on a new elementary school in Moodyville, and made major investments in parks, childcare, recreation, and housing.
Construction is underway on a new North Shore Neighbourhood House, and the Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre—our City’s largest-ever capital project—is nearly complete Regional connectivity is also improving.
TransLink’s new Investment Plan includes the largest bus service expansion since 2018, with dedicated
funding to extend the R2 RapidBus from Park Royal to Metrotown, expected to launch in early 2027 These accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. Together, the City and District of North Vancouver ranked number 1 in the Globe and Mail’s “100 Most Livable Cities in Canada.”
It is an honour that speaks to our shared vision and hard work—and a reminder that staying number 1 takes continued focus and collaboration Together, let’s keep building a city that sets the national standard for livability. ■
Seaspan Energy: Newships in Vancouver,a new capability for Canada
Thearrival of Seaspan’s LNG bunkering vessels marksamajor milestoneatthe Port of Vancouver
Seaspan’s red&whitetugboatsare afamiliar sight onthe watertoanyone in andaroundVancouver Theycan be spottedonany given day, traversing back andforth acrossthe harbour andhelping a wide range of vessels movesafely through thePort. But now, thereare afew newSeaspan-branded ships in theharbour which youmight notrecognize. These113m-long vessels lookquitedifferent from the recognizable tugboats andtheyserve amuch different purpose forthe wider marineindustry.
Seaspan Energy is anew entity within theSeaspan family,specializing in theship-to-ship transfer of LNG fuel to an ocean-going vessel —alsoknown as LNG bunkering. Seaspan Energy’s ships arethe firsttobring LNG bunkeringtothe Canadian market anditistheir vessels which arenow out in English Bay, fueling up awide variety of ships.
Astring of milestones
In November 2024, Seaspan Energy received the veryfirstLNG bunkering accreditation to be issued bythe Vancouver Fraser Port Authority,authorizing Seaspan to conduct ship-to-ship LNG bunkering for LNG-fueled vessels callingat thePortofVancouver Seaspan worked closely with thePortofVancouver over this rigorous multi-year assessment process —considering international best practicesaround safetywhich utilized recommended guidelines fromindustryexperts.
With theaccreditationinplaceand all three Seaspan Energy vessels launched —the Seaspan Garibaldi (Nch’kay), theSeaspan Lions (Ch’ich’iyúy Elxwíkn) andthe Seaspan Baker(Koma Kulshan) —it wasoff to theraces
In December, theSeaspan Garibaldi completed the company’sfirstship-to-ship LNG transferat the Port of Long Beach,marking thebeginning of Seaspan’s serviceoffering on theWestCoast of North America.
Then,inFebruary, theSeaspan Lions completed not onlythe first ever ship-to-ship LNG bunkering inCanada, but wasalso thefirsttoexportLNG from
SeaspanEnergyisanew entity within theSeaspan family,specializing in theshipto-shiptransferofLNG fuel to anocean-going vessel —also knownasLNG bunkering.
Canada by ship,ahistoric milestonefor themarine industry, forSeaspan andfor theCanadian energy sector
This industryfirstwas quickly followedbythree otherhighlights in quick succession, with Seaspan Energy completing thefirstLNG bunkering to a containership in thePort of Vancouver,the first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering to acar carrier in Western North America andthe firstship-toship LNG bunkering to acruise ship in thePortof Vancouver. Thisstringofexcitingachievements firmly established Seaspan Energy as thepreeminentLNG bunkeringsolution on theWestCoast ofNorth America.
AlternativeMarineFuel
Seaspan Energyiscommitted to helping drivethe marinesector towardsa sustainable andcleaner future.
Thetransition away from traditional marinefuels, such as heavyfuel oil andmarinediesel, to cleaner fuels such as LNG is keytoreducingemissions andmeetingdecarbonization targetsat thePort
ofVancouver andworldwide.Offering services like alternativefuel bunkering supports thegoals of visiting cruise andshipping lines,astheyactively work towardsreducing their emissions and reaching netzeroby2050, in linewithInternational MaritimeOrganization targets.
Makesuretokeep your eyes peeled thenexttime you’reout on thewater andyou mightcatch a glimpse of oneofthese innovativenew ships.
To learn more about Seaspan,visit seaspan.com.
Seaspan Garibaldi STSbunkering of acar carrier in English Bay.
Seaspan Lions vessel taken in Vancouver
A Message from the Mayor
DISTRICT OF NORTH VANCOUVER
Mike Little District of North Vancouver Mayor mayor@dnv.org
Iam proud of the progress Council made in 2024 on key housing, transportation and climate action projects areas that we know matter to our community
We approved a new supportive housing development on East Keith Road and continued construction on 86 affordable homes at 600 West Queens Road.
To support creating a safe and
accessible connected network of active transportation routes, we moved ahead with planning work for the Spirit Trail and implementing safety improvements along Mount Seymour Parkway to address resident safety concerns.
In 2024 we also upgraded the William Griffin turf field, opened a new, fully accessible field house and washroom facility at Delbrook Park and completed construction of Maplewood Fire and Rescue Centre.
While we had many successes, 2024 also had its challenges. An intense storm in October delivered record
rainfall and flooding to many parts of our municipality. As a Council we are working to ensure that we have the right policies and strategies in place to enable us to best respond to and mitigate the impacts of such storms.
We continued advocating for District residents regarding the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant cost overruns and the potential financial impacts on all of us.
As I look back on our second full year as a Council, I am pleased with our accomplishments and look forward to a productive year ahead for our community. ■
BehmardDentistry believesgenuine connection is the bestmedicine
With afocus on prevention,transparency and emotional wellbeing, Behmard Dentistryisproving thatcomprehensive dental careisabout much more than just one’steeth
When BehmardDentistryopenedonthe North Shorein2004, it wasn’t to keep up with thegrowing trendsofcosmetic spaces or spa-style dentistry. It was to return to whatDr. Behmardcalls themedical roots of theprofession: compassion,trustand the true essence of whatpatients need fortheir dental health andwell-being.
“BehmardDentistry is notafranchisebut the embodiment of an approach to patient care: all options areclarifiedsothateach patient can distinguish betweenthe ‘must-haves’ andthe ‘niceto-haves’; theneeds andthe wants. Then choices thenare their own,”saysDr. Behmard.
A medical approach to dental care
Dr.Behmardstudied human physiology at UBC and originally planned to pursue medicine. But dentistry, with its direct relationships andlongterm care, ultimately wonhim over.“It felt like thebestofbothworlds—science andpatient connection,” he explains.
Soon aftergraduating in 2001, he realized thatthe industrywas shifting.Cosmetic-focused practices werebooming, but something wasmissing. “I didn’t want to followthe path of spa boutique dentistry,” he says.“So Iopenedmyown clinic based on integrity andcare.”
Thatclinic has since grownintoanestablished team of dedicatedprofessionals, including respected North Shoredentists Dr.Joyce andDr. Shearon,each with over fortyyears of experiencein West Vancouver.Morerecently,they’ve welcomed Dr.Nobahari to theteam, rounding out whatDr. Behmardcalls a“tightcollectionofprofessionals” unified by thesamevalues.
It’snot surprising thatBehmardDentistryhas the highestrated google reviewsinthe community.
Treating people,not (just) teeth
People with dental anxiety tend to thinkavoiding thedentist will solvethe problem—thoughitcan
often be less about theactual procedureand more about uncertainty.“There’sfear, yes, but even more than that, people don’t know whototrust,” Dr. Behmardsays. “They worrywhether they really need acrown or arootcanal. Thatdoubt adds a whole newlayer of anxiety.”
Dr.Behmardbelievesthatrestoring trust is just as important as restoring teeth. “Wehavehad patients whoneeded sedation at first. Butafter afew visits, when they felt safe, theanxiety disappeared. No more sedation.Just calm,comfortable care. ”
Health beyond thesmile
There’s agrowingbodyofevidencelinking oral health to overall health—something Dr.Behmard andhis team takeseriously.“Most people don’t know that30% of womenlose at least onetooth in thefive yearsafter menopause,” he says “Hormones,heart health,lung function—it’sall connectedtooralhealth.”
That’swhy theclinic doesn’t just fill cavitiesorplace crowns. Everypatient receives whatthe team calls apersonalized preventiveplan—a strategy designed to maintain adisease-freesmile forlife.
“Wedon’t sell commoditieslikefillingsand crowns,” Dr. Behmardsays. “Wehaveanexpertteamof professionals thatprovide thehighestlevel of dentistry, whetheritisimplants, veneers,crowns, or full mouth reconstruction,but built on integrity, prevention,and with long-term health in mind”
Community at heart
BehmardDentistry’simpact extendsfar beyond thetreatment rooms. They arenot just caretakers of dental health but dedicatedmembers of the community.Each year,Dr. Behmard, Dr.Joyce,
Dr. Shearon, Dr.Nobahariand theBehmardDental teamvolunteer aday to offerfreedental careto vulnerable memberswithin our community.“We partner with North ShoreFamily Services and Covenant House to provide treatment forthose who’ve fallen through thecracks,” he says
This mission is deeply personal forDr. Behmard, whowas raised by asingle mother himself.“We understandwhatit’sliketofacechallengesand this is our wayofgiving back,” he says.“Our aim is to put smilesonpeople’s faces, notjust because their teethare whiter,but because they’vefoundaplace theycan trust.”
ForDr. Behmard, the NorthShore holds deep personal significance.His wife, Dr.Maryam Zeineddin,has been acommitted family doctor andbusinessowner in theareafor 20 yearsand togethertheyhaveraised their daughtershere. They believe thattrust within thecommunity is built by extending kindnessand compassion to every patient. At BehmardDentistry, their goal is to foster genuineconnections andempower patients to takecharge of their dental health andoverall well-being.
Backed by adedicated team andaphilosophy rooted in compassion,the clinic continuestogrow—while stayingtruetoits original purpose
THE BEHMARD DENTISTRYTEAM. PHOTO VIA BEHMARD DENTISTRY.
Beem andBlueShore Financial merger brings history and innovation together
Ahistoric union rooted in community valueswith afocus on digital innovation and personalized service
BlueShoreFinancial andBeem Credit Union merged on January1, 2025,formingone of the province’s largest provincially regulatedcredit unions. This union notonly marksastrategic alignment forthe digital futurebut also apoignant return to shared beginnings.
Shared history,shared future
Morethan 80 yearsago,bothBlueShoreand Beem were founded by small groups of British Columbians whobelievedin thepower of community-based banking. Both institutions were startedinthe early 1940s by working-class people whoshared achallenge when it cametoaccessing credit from traditional banks.
This shared origin story—rooted in theneeds of the fishersand businessesoftheir community—adds a powerful historical symmetry to themerger.Now, more than eight decadeslater,these organizations are uniting to meet theneeds of anew generation— this timethrough digital innovation and personalized service.
The combined credit union is Beem Credit Union, with BlueShoreFinancial continuing as “a division of Beem Credit Union” during atransition period to mid-2026. Together,theywill serve nearly200,000 members across66branches, with $17 billion in assets under administration
“This is more than amerger—it’saunion of shared valuesand an investment in our future,”said Ian Thomas, President of BlueShoreFinancial.
“Both organizations were founded on thebelief thatfinancial institutions should serve people and communities. Today, we’rebuilding on that legacywith arenewed focus on innovation,digital transformationand personalized service.”
Innovation leads theway
Themerger reflects ashared commitment tomodernize thememberexperience. Both institutions havebeen recognized fortheir forwardthinking approaches BlueShore forits boutique Financial Spa® model andpersonalized adviceand
Beem Credit Unionbringstogethershared values, innovation and personalized servicefor nearly 200,000 membersacross66branches.
Ourmembers canexpect more access,moreinnovation andmoresupport withoutlosing thepersonal touchthatdefinesus.
Beem forits digital innovation strategy.Together, theyaim to seta newstandardfor community banking in BC.
“We’re combining our strengths to create something greaterthan thesum of its parts. Our memberscan expect more access,moreinnovation and more support—without losing the personal touch thatdefines us,” said Brian Harris, president andCEO of Beem Credit Union.
Human connection with digital ease will be afocus as fintech companiesand theexpectations of a generation of digital natives continue to reshape thefinancial landscape. Beemand BlueShore recognize thatstaying competitivemeans embracing innovation.
Today’smembers expect seamless digital experiences, from mobile banking to AI-driven financial advice. By merging, thetwo credit unions are notonly expanding theirphysical footprint but also pooling resourcestoacceleratedigital transformation—ensuring thatco-operative
BlueShoreFinancial andBeem Credit Unionunite, blending 80 yearsofcommunity rootswith avision for digital innovation
banking remains relevant, resilient andresponsive in arapidlyevolving market Forupdates andmoreinformation, visit beemcreditunion.ca.
CypressVillage defines anew altitude of wellbeing
Wheretrails, trestlesand transit meet a mix of homesfor everystage of life
Imagineacommunity whereforesttrails meet café patios, wheretrestle bridgesrise through thetrees andwhere families, seniorsand first-timehome buyersall findaplacetocall home. This is lifeatCypressVillage,a25-year,masterplanned community developedbylongtimeWest Vancouver community ambassadors, British Properties.
Wellbeing from dayone
It’sacommunity wherethe ethosof“anew altitude of wellbeing” perfectly captures all facets of the plan,fromvision to delivery, wherelifeovertop BurrardInletelevatesyour health, happiness, connectednessand wellbeing
“CypressVillage is more thana grouping of homes it’saholistic plan forhow people live,move, connect andthrive. We’rebuilding parks, trails, wetlandand otherconnectiveinfrastructure before housing constructionstarts,” explains ExecutiveVice-President BryceTupper with British Properties.
CypressVillage will ultimately include 3,711 new homeswith acommunity of approximately 10,000 people when surrounding homesare included.
Thedevelopment will be locatedjust west of the firstswitchback on CypressBowl Road andabove theUpper Levels Highway, whereacomprehensive mix of housing types will appeal to all cornersofthe community:
•230 single-family homes
• 161townhomes
•553 rental apartments
•184 below-market rentals
•2,583 stratacondos in mid andhigh-rise buildings
“West Vancouver’s current housing stock is predominantly single-family,” Tupper says.“Cypress Village introduces abroader spectrum of homes, making it possible formorepeople to livehere–including downsizersorthose whohavegrown up on theNorth Shoreand have been looking foran opportunity to return.”
Thedevelopment will be fully serviced andunfold over multiple phases.Hundreds of acres of the
CypressVillage is more than agrouping of homes— it’s a holistic plan for howpeople live, move,connect andthrive.
surrounding village —includingEagleridge, the262 acres of forested lands recentlytransferred to the District of West Vancouver —will be protected as park andconservation space.
Adventureatyour doorstep
Thefirstphase of CypressVillagewill placea concertedfocus on recreational infrastructure: newhiking andbiking trails arealready beingbuilt with partnersfromthe North ShoreMountain Bike Association; signaturetrestlebridges will connect theterrain acrossforestedvalleys andapop-up park is already serving as an early gathering place andgreen space.
Futureplans include agrocery store, childcare, sports fields, acommunity centre, transit andan elementaryschool. It’sanapproach thatbalances environmental responsibility with meaningful livability to create aplacewhere natural systems, public amenitiesand housing arethoughtfully integrated from thestart.
Andwhile thevillagefeels immersedinthe mountains, everything else is remarkably close Whether ahiketoHollyburn Peak, an afternoon at thebeach,aride on transit to Park Royal, shopping anddinnerdowntownorescapingfor a weekendtrip to Whistler,the location offers direct,
convenient access to thebestthatVancouver,the North Shoreand theregion have to offer.
ThatBritish Propertieshas been in business since 1931comes with apromise of livability and environmental sustainability unmatchedanywhere on theNorth Shore.
“Webuilt theLions Gate Bridge andPark Royal— transformational infrastructurethatopenedthe North Shoretothe future,”Tupper says.“With CypressVillage,we’re drawing on thatsamelongviewthinking to deliver acommunity thatreflects today’svalues: environmental stewardship,housing diversity andpublic benefit.”
Learn more about thevision,plans and progressbehindCypressVillage by visiting www.britishproperties.com/cypress-village.
PHO TO BY MARTIN KNO WLES
Rendering of CypressVillage by David Csont.
BritishPropertiesExecutiveTeam—April 16, 2025 Groundbreaking.
A Message DISTRICT OF W
A Me age from the T T VANCOUVER
Mark Sager
trict of West Vancouver Mayor mark@westvancouver.ca
This past year has been one of the most significant in West Vancouver’s history.
After nearly five decades of effort, we finalized the purchase of the last remaining home on the Ambleside waterfront. What began under Mayor Peter Jones in 1975 has now been completed. The final house will come down this summer, and for the first
time ever, the entire Ambleside waterfront will be public. This is a rare and remarkable community achievement, built steadily over generations by 47 councillors and supported by countless residents. We also made progress in preserving and planning for our natural surroundings. The adoption of the long-term Cypress Village plan and a successful density transfer allowed us to secure 272 acres of environmentally sensitive land in the Eagle Ridge Bluffs. We created the largest urban park in the
world, acquired the Boathouse in Horseshoe Bay for public use, and began exploring the creation of a new arts space.
I’m also proud to report that, thanks to the leadership of our new Advisory Finance Committee, West Vancouver has likely delivered the lowest municipal tax increase in the province this year.
Thank you to Council, staff, and residents for your vision, commitment, and care. It is an honour to serve as your mayor. ■
From seniors care to transit solutions, LynneBlock wants to chartanew course forward
TheConservativeMLA forWest Vancouver-Capilanoreflects on her firstyearinoffice
If recent historyhas taught us anything, it’sthat politics can be an arena wherederision anddivision becomecommonplace.
Where shouting theloudest rulesthe day. LynneBlock firmly believesin adifferent way forward
“I focus on issues, notparty lines.Iwas electedto represent all thepeople in my riding,regardless of their beliefs or politics,” says thefirst-term West Vancouver-CapilanoMLA.“Iwill alwaysput my constituents first. When someone in my riding needs help,myjob is to supportand advocate for them.”
Rooted in education
Though only first elected under theConservative banner in 2024, Block’s rootsin thecommunity and theeducation sectorrun deep.Her career in education spans teaching, training andfacilitating professional development at theelementary, secondaryand post-secondarylevels.
Block wasinher secondterm as aWestVancouver School District trustee when elected andnow servesasthe Official OppositionCritic for Education
“I ranprovincially because I’ve seenfirsthand, both asaformer educatorand school trustee,how provincial decisions directly impact our everyday lives andIwanted to makeapositivedifference,” Block says.“Iwanted to help my constituents have the quality of lifetheydeserve.”
Focused on local priorities
Andlikeateacher’s to-do list, Block’stasksahead are many–with aconcerted focus on public education,affordable housing, improved transit andsenior care.
Block is advocating forbettertraffic management, improvedpublic transit andinfrastructure upgradestorelieve pressureonkey routes.She’s
also fighting back against transit servicecuts, particularly theproposedelimination of the250bus route.
“Wealso need reliable serviceand improved firstand last-mile options,” Block says.“I’m advocating for expanded rapid transit andfor apredictable, long-term funding model that doesn’t leavesmaller communitiesbehind.”
Housing andhealthcare
On thehousingfront, Block remains steadfast in her commitment to affordability andtransparency thatwouldprevent unending rent hikes andother issuesaffectingtenants whofacelong-term rental instability
Health careaccessibility,especially forseniors and people with complexmedical needs, is also a pressing issue among Block’sconstituents.
“Icontinue to advocate forreducedwait times, improved funding access andmyteamand Ihelp constituents navigate systems likeICBCand outof-countrymedical funding,” Block says.
As forthe issuesthatare perhaps nearestto her heart, Block seesnumerous gaps in the education sector.Tothatend,she’s focused on improving inclusiveeducation funding, reducing waitlists forstudent assessments andensuring greatertransparencyand stability forfamiliesand educators.Block is also pushing forgreater support for students with special needs, both financially and logistically.
“I’m also callingfor thereturn of lettergradesfor students inGrade 4and up,togiveparents and their children clear,consistent benchmarks for understanding howtheir children aredoingin school –and most importantly,where they may
need support,” Block says
Beyond herwork in Victoria, Block is acutely aware of theimportance of transparency with herlocal constituents –whether that’shelping to navigate themyriad of government ministries, or simply having an open door to talk.
“No matter howyou voted, I’m here to serve you,” Block says.“Iamdeeply grateful foryour trust, andI want to help youinany wayIcan.”
For more information or to connect with Lynne Block, visit herofficial MLApage at www.leg. bc.ca/members/43rd-Parliament/Block-Lynne
WestVancouver–CapilanoMLA LynneBlock says she’s here to serve people,not party lines
LynneBlock is focused on strengthening transit, education,housing andcarefor seniors in hercommunity