West Vancouver’s long-range vision for sustainable development is taking a major leap forward as the District prepares to adopt new bylaws for the Cypress Village and Eagleridge lands. Following years of planning, community consultation, and negotiation, the “Planning the Upper Lands” initiative is set to transform Cypress Village into a vibrant new community while ensuring the permanent conservation of Eagleridge.
Creating a Compact, Complete Community in Cypress Village
At the heart of this initiative is a bold move to consolidate future growth within Cypress Village—a currently underutilized, forested area zoned for single-family homes—into a dense, walkable neighbourhood with about 3,500 housing units, local shops, community amenities, and transit connections. In exchange, the nearby Eagleridge lands, also zoned for low-density development, will be protected in perpetuity as parkland.
This approach reflects the District of West Vancouver’s 2018 Official Community Plan (OCP), which envisioned compact, sustainable neighbourhoods and large-scale land conservation through a strategy known as “transfer of development potential.” By shifting the right to build from one area (Eagleridge) to another (Cypress Village), the plan maintains a balanced land value equation while steering growth away from environmentally sensitive lands.
From Vision to Reality: A Three-Phase Community Planning Process
The process has unfolded over three phases since 2020, each marked by public engagement, stakeholder input, and evolving plans.
Phase 1 (2020) asked residents to weigh in on trade-offs: a smaller development with partial conservation or a larger Cypress Village in return for protecting all of Eagleridge. The community responded clearly—67% of West Vancouver residents supported full protection of Eagleridge.
Phase 2 (2021) introduced a detailed land use plan for Cypress Village, including its village core, housing types, public spaces, and environmental protections. Community support continued, though with a wider range of feedback—56% supported the land use plan and 59% the proposed village form and character.
Phase 3 (2022) focused on reviewing the draft Area Development Plan and offering final input before the bylaws move forward. Engagement included online forms, Zoom meetings, public booths, and direct mail, with an emphasis on transparency, education, and accountability.
What’s in the Plan? Housing, Nature, Mobility, and More
Cypress Village is set to become a new model for growth on the North Shore. Key features include:
A mix of housing: From strata and market rentals to purpose-built affordable rentals and townhomes—offering more variety than West Vancouver’s typical single-family stock.
Community infrastructure: A fire hall, community centre, school site, child care, and a sports field are all part of early planning.
Sustainable transportation: A pedestrian-friendly core, cycling infrastructure, and an Independent Transit Service with plans for future TransLink integration.
Environmental protection: 100% of Eagleridge lands owned by British Pacific Properties (BPP) will be transferred to the District as parkland. Development setbacks, like a 39-metre buffer along Cypress Creek, are built into the plan to protect sensitive ecosystems.
The Phased Development Agreement (PDA) outlines how and when amenities and housing will be delivered, ensuring the community is built out thoughtfully over the next 20–25 years.
Addressing Community Concerns
Throughout the engagement process, the District received and responded to hundreds of questions and suggestions. Concerns about traffic impacts, stormwater management, wildfire risk, school capacity, and impact on local wildlife were addressed in detailed technical studies and policy revisions.
The plan also reflects evolving local values around recreation (mountain biking, bouldering), cultural recognition (Indigenous signage and heritage interpretation), and employment space in the “Benchlands,” designed to support business park uses and potentially new housing.
What’s Next?
The final step is approaching: a formal presentation of the full bylaw package to Council, followed by a public hearing. The package includes the final Area Development Plan, zoning amendments, the Phased Development Agreement with BPP, and supporting documents.
If adopted, Cypress Village will become one of the most significant community-building projects in West Vancouver’s history, helping the District meet housing goals while preserving the natural landscapes that define its character.
Curious how Cypress Village could reshape the future of the Upper Lands? Projects like this are redefining sustainable growth on the North Shore. Want to stay in the loop—or be part of the conversation? We’re keeping a close watch on what comes next.