Ocean or River? Metro Vancouver has many places to live the waterfront dream

Metro Vancouver is known for its gorgeous location, between the Pacific Ocean, the North Shore Mountains, and the Fraser River, so it’s not hard to see why living on the waterfront is such a draw for people moving here, and people who live here already. Established communities like White Rock, Kitsilano, Point Grey, West Vancouver, Steveston and Port Moody have different levels of waterfront homes, from condos in towers to gigantic waterfront mansions. Though developable waterfront land is becoming scarce, there are still quite a few new communities popping up where you can wake up to a water view, whether you prefer the ocean or the river is up to you.

One of the most ambitious new projects is in North Vancouver, just west of Lonsdale Quay. Capitalizing on Concert’s long-time experience as an industry leader in creating master-plan communities, North Harbour represents a new standard for a waterfront community on the North Shore. The 12-acre master-plan, mixed-use development will transform one of North Vancouver’s final marquee shoreline sites into a remarkable neighbourhood for residents, businesses and visitors. “When North Harbour is complete, the community will span half kilometre of waterfront. We will be adding a diverse mix of housing types, alongside approximately 290,000 square feet of retail and office space.” Says Brian McCauley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Concert.

North Harbour offers breathtaking views of Burrard Inlet, downtown Vancouver and the North Shore mountains. Drift is the first opportunity to buy into this exciting new project. Built to leading sustainability standards and designed for social and physical activities, Drift’s design will reflect the region’s identity and natural attractions, while creating lively gathering places where people can live comfortably and elegantly, while shopping locally, eating well and enjoying the North Shore’s premier lifestyle.

Up the Upper Levels Highway, and down to the lovely seaside town of Horseshoe Bay, Westbank is well underway with its newest waterfront project, Horseshoe Bay Sanctuary. “Horseshoe Bay Sanctuary is an extraordinary project – designed by the last great practitioner of West Coast modern architecture, Paul Merrick”, says Westbank’s Michael Braun. “It offers homes inspired by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, on one of only a few remaining waterfront properties in West Vancouver. We’re excited for residents to begin moving in later this summer and look forward to opening our Westbank Imagined display homes in the project soon.” This project seeks to revitalize the property and support the viability of the existing marina operations over the long term, through the development of terraced residential units and small-scale commercial uses at grade.

Horseshoe Bay Sanctuary will include approximately 158 new residential units and small commercial uses, both marine and non-marine related. It also seeks to maintain the West Coast Village feel of the Bay through a number of design features an enhanced public realm that celebrates the Horseshoe bay waterfront and focuses on pedestrian connections to the neighbouring park, and landscape and pedestrian areas that will be treated like a European village with elements such as a cobbled/textured stoned “piazza” and grassed/green common areas to encourage public gathering through an open and accessible design.

A scenic drive along the Sea to Sky into Squamish, there’s another amazing waterfront redevelopment happening at Redbridge, by Kingswood Properties. “We feel that Redbridge represents the ultimate active waterfront lifestyle,” says Lorne Segal, Kingswood’s President. Nestled in an ideal location between the Stawamus Chief and the Mamquam Channel, a meaningful and functional connection to the water has been central to Kingswood’s vision. “Enjoyable waterfront living needs to be about more than just having a beautiful view of the nearest body of water,” says Lorne, “at Redbridge, our residents will have that view, but they will also have much more than that. A kayak launch on the channel will provide convenient access to the water for kayakers, paddle-boarders and paddlers, and our homes and amenities are just steps away from downtown Squamish via a future pedestrian/cyclist red bridge — the namesake for our community. Pedestrian and cycling routes along the channel are perfect for water-side strolls and bike rides”.

Inside, the homes are designed to take best advantage of the spectacular location as well, with layouts that orient the main living spaces towards the water to maximize the best views, and large patios and rooftop decks so people can enjoy the space outside next to the water. Each home at Redbridge comes with an oversized steel panel locker of 35 square feet ideal for outdoor recreation equipment, including kayaks and paddle boards, which will allow residents to take full advantage of waterfront living. Additionally, at Base Camp, Redbridge’s 20,000-square-foot amenity centre, the Sunset Terrace is the ideal spot for enjoying views of the sun setting in the West over the water.

If the river is what’s calling you, The River District is a meticulously planned waterfront community that unfolds naturally along the Fraser River in South Vancouver. It’s a people-focused neighbourhood that offers an assortment of boutique shops, services and restaurants where people can mix and mingle and enjoy the open-air feel of the streets and plaza. Polygon’s Currents at Water’s Edge is a new waterfront community poised to take advantage of everything River District has to offer. Wesgroup’s Paradigm is a mix of condominium homes and townhomes focused on value, quality, and efficiency, complemented by unexpected amenities and perks that take your lifestyle to another level.

Richmond’s crescent of shoreline is home to the River Green masterplan, over 27 acres of serene landscape with unobstructed views north and west. ASPAC’s River Green blends five-star urban sophistication into a natural wildlife haven. World-class resort amenities are integral to River Green’s design, with the Olympic legacy of the Richmond Oval just minutes away. As Part of ASPAC’s prestigious River Green Community, Hollybridge’s three mid-rise towers are designed to welcome nature into the very heart of the development. Most residences have views of the water, the mountains, or both. Floor plans are designed to flow seamlessly, with decks and windows that are oriented to maximize sightlines and capture natural light, bringing the outdoors in.

Up the river, in New Westminster’s hidden gem riverside community of Queensborough, you will find a couple of vibrant new waterfront projects. Portside by Anthem is a family-friendly community of 170 two-, three- and four-bedroom riverfront townhomes and duplexes with up to 1,780 square feet of living space. Thoughtfully planned, Portside includes a riverside boardwalk, tree-lined streets, and a warm neighbourhood character.

On the other side of Queensborough there is Port Royal: a charming riverside community over two decades in the making. Here you’ll find a diverse, friendly ambiance, a place with unique character and visionary outlook. Port Royal’s newest, and almost last, phase is Light House, a collection of just 87 one- to three-bedroom homes that redefine the modern loft.

There are new opportunities to live the waterfront dream in the works, but these special places will all be built upon in the future. Keep an eye on these pages and we’ll keep you updated on all the amazing waterfront living opportunities as they come to fruition.