Council Fails Green Credibility Test

The District of North Vancouver Council’s recent decision to sell off publicly owned, forested land for a private townhouse development is deeply disappointing and reflects a short-sighted and politically unresponsive approach to land use and environmental values.

Despite strong community opposition and valid concerns about the loss of green space, added congestion, and resident displacement, a slim majority of council voted to approve the sale of two district-owned lots to a developer. Even more concerning, the development that will be built on this site will be entirely market-priced strata housing, with no subsidized or affordable units included in the proposal.

While the amendment directing proceeds from the land sale to future affordable or social housing is a gesture in the right direction, it does not undo the mistake. There is no guarantee how or when those funds will be converted into actual homes for people in need. Councillor Forbes indicated it could take four to six years before anything materializes. Meanwhile the cost to the community is the loss of valuable forested land forever.

This is a classic case of sacrificing long-term environmental and community value for vague promises down the road. Voters who care about climate, livability, and genuine housing solutions will not be fooled. Council has weakened its credibility with environmentally minded residents by treating green space as a revenue source, rather than a vital public asset.

The councillors who voted for this have made a mistake. Public land should be protected, not privatized for short-term market gain. If council wants to be taken seriously on housing and environmental issues, it must lead with integrity, not expedience.