Ambleside Local Area Plan

1. What is a Local Area Plan (LAP)?
   An LAP is a framework to guide positive change and strengthen the identity (or “sense of place”), livability, and success of a particular area. It outlines the long-range vision for Ambleside as a whole, provides more detailed regulations and guidelines to shape the form and character of new development, and confirms the local policy response to planning topics like housing, commerce, mobility, sustainability, and public realm.
2. What do we mean by “options” for the LAP, can I share my own ideas?
   The options are draft illustrations of how the future of Ambleside could take shape. They are not final, serving as an engagement tool to encourage dialogue and collect community feedback. An approach could combine elements of each, and additional ideas are very welcome to further contribute to the community discussion.
3. How does an LAP relate to the Official Community Plan (OCP)?
   An LAP, once adopted, would become a component of the OCP. More specifically, an LAP would create local land use policies and development permit requirements for the area, and outline the District’s expectations for new development (e.g., built-form, design, character, etc.). LAPs provide a significant opportunity to advance neighbourhood-specific responses to District-wide goals, objectives and policies, and are an important OCP implementation tool.
4. Are the draft options the final plan?
   No. The draft options are intended to illustrate that there are different ways of considering how Ambleside could evolve, and to place ideas on the table for the community to collaboratively consider and provide feedback on. No single option is prioritized, no particular community response is prejudged, and no outcome of engagement is predetermined.
5. What happens with rezoning applications at this time?
   The OCP provides formal policy guidance for Council’s consideration of development proposals, for sites outside and inside the LAP boundaries identified in the OCP. For sites outside of LAP boundaries, and where there is relevant District-ride OCP policy, rezoning applications may be considered by Council. For sites within OCP-identified LAP boundaries, applications may be considered by Council before adoption of a new LAP, in accordance with the following policy:
   
   2.1.15  Prior to the adoption of a local area plan, consider proposals within the local area plan boundary by:
         a.  Applying relevant District-wide policies contained in this plan and any existing area-
         specific policies and guidelines; and
         b.  Requiring the proposal’s contribution to rental, non-market or supportive housing, or 
         its ability to advance the public interest or provide other community benefits as 
         determined by Council.
6. What is happening with the other LAP processes?
   The OCP provides for the development of LAPs for Ambleside, Marine Drive, Horseshoe Bay, and the Taylor Way Corridor. The LAP processes for Horseshoe Bay and Marine Drive have now been completed.
7. How can I get involved?
   Staff will be engaging with local stakeholders and the community to gather input on the draft LAP options through in-person and virtual workshops. To find out more, you can subscribe for project email updates in the “stay informed” panel on the right. If you prefer, you can also contact staff at [email protected](External link) or 604-921-3459.  However you choose to share your ideas, your feedback matters and will be summarized and presented back to Council.
8. How do each of the three options respond to existing Official Community Plan (OCP) Policies?
   The OCP—shaped by 100 public meetings, 1,000 completed surveys and submissions and 4,300 instances of engagement—emphasizes Ambleside as the heart of West Vancouver. It defines the LAP boundary to be considered and directs the creation of a plan for 1,000 to 1,200 net new dwellings, both to be confirmed through this process. The options serve as starting points to consider densities, heights and building forms that respond to context and character, as well as varied approaches to meet the OCP directions to prioritize mixed-use and apartment forms in core areas and to transition to surrounding neighbourhoods with ground-oriented multi-family forms.
9. How will Ambleside’s character be respected or changed?
   Ambleside today is multifaceted. It is the civic and commercial heart of West Vancouver and our “main street”; a seaside village, destination waterfront park and focus for arts and culture; and has many other identities to its residents, workers, and visitors. The LAP creates the opportunity to have community discussions about how to enhance those qualities that create Ambleside’s unique identity, and it provides direction to ensure that investment builds on this character. As it has in every generation before, Ambleside will continue to evolve, and the plan with your input will help guide its identity into the future.
10. Why is the potential for new mid-rises, but not new high-rises, being explored?
    A range of policies, regulations, and studies related to Ambleside over recent decades have identified height as a sensitive topic. The LAP considers where height could make sense and what scale could be appropriate for new construction. There are more than 80 existing buildings greater than four storeys in Ambleside with the majority between 5-9 storeys. The use of options supports a respectful, responsible and transparent approach to consider the impacts related to the height of potential new buildings that could be constructed under the LAP.
11. Why are rental, seniors, and “missing middle” housing included in the draft options?
    The options consider a range of housing to enable residents to stay within their community as their housing needs and preferences change over their lifetimes, as well as options that could allow new residents to move here. Some types of housing are well represented in Ambleside, but within aging building stock that will likely require renewal within the life of the plan: 90% of West Vancouver’s purpose-built rental stock is in Ambleside, and three of four of these buildings are over 40 years old. Similarly, the majority of West Vancouver’s seniors housing is located in Ambleside, and almost one in two residents today are over 65. Other types of housing are underrepresented: notably, “missing middle” housing such as rowhouses, and apartments in mixed-use buildings, comprise very little of the existing housing stock in Ambleside and could be better provided.
12. Would an LAP be the cause of demolition and redevelopment?
    Demolition and redevelopment would be expected under current regulations as the building stock nears the end of its expected lifespan. An LAP provides greater predictability for owners, residents, and neighbours alike. Having this discussion today allows for the community to consider and shape the preferred future for Ambleside, and to direct development over the next two decades to deliver the housing, shops and services that meet community goals. Change is expected to be gradual over time, and the redevelopment of any particular building will proceed when the owners decide that it makes sense to do so.
13. What is the process for implementing the Plan and how long will it take?
    An LAP creates the framework within which more specific direction can be made to guide future building and public realm investments. This can include: renewal of Development Permit Areas with form and character guidelines; zoning amendments; infrastructure plans; and street, boulevard and public realm standards. It is a 20-year plan, and its implementation is expected to be gradual over time – not everything would happen at once. The community and Council will have the ongoing opportunity to monitor and, if necessary, amend the plan to ensure that investments continue to contribute to the LAP vision of Ambleside.
14. How would a new LAP contribute to the District’s social, environmental and economic goals?
    As envisioned in the OCP, a future Ambleside would allow more residents close access to services and amenities. It would continue to direct investment into a complete community where residents live, work and play. Development would enable the permanent protection of sensitive ecological assets and support both environment awareness and outdoor recreation. New economic opportunities would benefit the varied business base and expand local shops and services. And a diversity of housing forms would enable residents to stay within their community as their housing needs and preferences change over their lifetimes.
15. Has West Vancouver looked at housing needs for the future?
    In 2020, a Housing Needs Report (External link)was completed to better understand existing and anticipated housing needs across West Vancouver as a whole, over a five-year time frame.

On April 7, 2026, the Provincial government issued an Order in Council, which amended the Official Community Plan by adopting the Ambleside Centre LAP, for the Ambleside Commercial Areas. The adopted LAP is the version that was presented to Council in May 2025, attached as Schedule A in the Provincial Order in Council:

April 7, 2026 Order in Council

To learn more about what was amended, visit the Province's website: BC Gov News

Letter from the Minister of Housing (dated April 7, 2026)

On March 30, 2026, Council modified the proposed Ambleside Centre LAP to retain existing OCP policies for the two "special sites" on the 1400 block north Marine Drive and 1600 block south Marine Drive. As modified, the bylaw and plan received first reading and a public hearing was scheduled for April 27, 2026 at 5 p.m.

Proposed Ambleside Centre Local Area Plan

A consolidated history of the LAP process to date and Council’s March 30, 2026 full resolution follows.

Council endorsed an approach in June 2022 to create an Ambleside LAP. In July 2023, it advanced a framework directing the sequential consideration of the apartment, commercial (Ambleside Centre), and neighbourhood areas. The amendment of OCP policies and Zoning Bylaw regulations for the apartment area followed in July 2024.

The LAP focus, including community engagement, has been on Ambleside Centre since Fall 2024. Council received a draft plan in January 2025 and considered a revised plan in May 2025. The LAP did not receive first reading at that time. On March 30, 2026 Regular Council Meeting resolved:

THAT opportunities for consultation on the proposed Official Community Plan amendment, with persons, organizations, and authorities, as outlined in the report from the Senior Manager of Community Planning & Sustainability dated April 25, 2025, be endorsed as sufficient consultation for purposes of section 475 of the Local Government Act.

THAT proposed “Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 4985, 2018, Amendment Bylaw No. 5386, 2026”, be modified by replacing Schedule A Guidelines BF-C 3 Policies 3.2.2.a and 3.2.3.a (regarding 1600 block south Marine Drive and 1400 block north Marine Drive, respectively) with Official Community Plan Policy BF-C 4, and by revising associated amendment bylaw text and figures as required for alignment.

THAT proposed “Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 4985, 2018, Amendment Bylaw No. 5386, 2026”, be read a first time, as modified.

THAT proposed “Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 4985, 2018, Amendment Bylaw No. 5386, 2026”, be presented at a public hearing scheduled for April 27, 2026 at 5 p.m. in the Municipal Hall Council Chamber and via electronic communication facilities, and that notice be given of the scheduled public hearing.

On October 6, 2025, a Notice of Motion to modify the Proposed Ambleside Centre Local Area Plan was published as part of Council's meeting agenda. It was subsequently withdrawn prior to further consideration.

Many thanks to all who have participated since 2023 to help shape the future of Ambleside.

On May 26, 2025, Council discussed the Proposed Ambleside Centre Local Area Plan but did not give it first reading.

Council Report
Engagement Summary

As part of the ongoing process, a Draft Plan has been prepared for the Ambleside Commercial Areas, informed by findings from engagement in Fall 2024.

On January 13, 2025, staff were directed by Council to publish the Draft Plan for community input, engage with the Ambleside and Dundarave Business Improvement Association (ADBIA) and Ambleside Dundarave Residents Association (ADRA), meet with the Planning Committee, and report back in the second quarter of 2025 with a proposed Ambleside Commercial Areas LAP for Council's consideration.

Review the Draft Plan and share your feedback by connecting with staff by email or phone at [email protected] and 604-921-3459.
 

Ambleside Commercial Areas Draft Plan
Council Report

Many thanks again to all those who completed the survey, attended an open house, or provided input to help shape Ambleside's commercial areas.

A review of all public input has been completed, and staff will report to Council on Monday, January 13, 2025. The Council Report includes a summary of engagement findings (Appendix A), a Draft Plan (Appendix B), and recommended next steps to move the LAP process forward.

If you have questions or feedback to provide on the Draft Plan, please email staff at [email protected].

Council Report
Engagement Summary
Ambleside Commercial Areas Draft Plan

Thank you for those who completed the survey, attended an open house, or provided input.

We received lots of feedback on the concept illustrations prepared for Ambleside’s Commercial Areas between October 1 to November 4. Your input will help shape a future Ambleside LAP and Design Guidelines!

The survey is now closed. Staff will begin to carefully review all input and present a summary of feedback to Council to seek direction on next steps. Please subscribe to stay informed on future project updates.

Ambleside Commercial Areas Illustrations
LAP Framework (see Maps 9-14)

Illustrations(External link) have been prepared for Ambleside’s Commercial Areas and we want to hear from you! Share your input and help shape the future of Ambleside by attending an upcoming open house and completing the online survey.

The illustrations are not “final”. Your comments will be used to help with design refinement, and ultimately to help shape an Ambleside Commercial Areas LAP and Design Guidelines. Your feedback is important!

Ambleside Commercial Areas Illustrations
LAP Framework (see Maps 9-14)

Attend an open house

Drop by an open house to learn more about the draft illustrations, ask questions to staff, and share your feedback in-person or through the online survey. Open houses will be held in the Activity Room at the Seniors’ Activity Centre (695 21st Street) on:

• Thursday, October 3, 2024 | 5–7 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 9, 2024 | 2–4 p.m.

The open houses will be self-guided and drop-in format. Registration is not required.

Take the survey

The survey will allow you to share your feedback on draft illustrations of the Ambleside Commercial Areas, depicting how these areas could look over the next 20-30 years with buildings constructed to the heights and densities being considered for inclusion in the Ambleside LAP.

The survey is available online from Tuesday, October 1, to Monday, November 4 at 4 p.m.

Paper surveys are available for pick up at the West Vancouver Memorial Library (1950 Marine Drive) and at Municipal Hall (750 17th Street).

We want to thank you for your meaningful participation to date and we look forward to continuing this important conversation with you!

The Apartment Areas “stream” of the Ambleside LAP has advanced through the adoption of Zoning and OCP Bylaw amendments.

Zoning Bylaw Amendment

On July 8, 2024, Council adopted the proposed Zoning Bylaw amendment. This amendment increases the permitted floor area from 1.75 to 2.0 FAR for RM1 and RM2 zoned sites with no change to existing maximum heights, to facilitate balcony enclosures or amenity room conversions.

Adopted Zoning Bylaw Amendment
 

OCP Bylaw Amendment

On July 22, 2024, Council adopted the OCP Bylaw amendment with some reductions to proposed heights, to guide long-term change in the Apartment Areas. Council also indicated they anticipate further amendments to this OCP Bylaw in the Fall. Should Council direct any amendments, the webpage would be updated, and a public hearing would be scheduled.

Adopted OCP Bylaw Amendment

The Apartment Areas "stream" of the Ambleside LAP is currently in progress. For more information on the progress to-date, a chronological summary of the timeline is provided below:

July 2023

Within July’s endorsed LAP Framework, specific direction was provided to prepare and introduce bylaw amendments for both the Zoning bylaw (existing development rights and restrictions) and the OCP (policies guiding incremental, longer-term redevelopment). See Maps 3 to 8 from the July 24 report.

September 2023

On September 11, 2023, the Council report containing the proposed Zoning and OCP bylaw amendments was scheduled for first reading. This item was withdrawn by Council during approval of the agenda.

October 2023

These same proposed Zoning and OCP bylaw amendments were subsequently rescheduled for Council consideration on October 23, 2023. At this meeting, staff were directed to proceed separately with these items:

• The proposed Zoning bylaw amendment to increase FAR from 1.75 to 2.0 (to facilitate balcony enclosures and amenity room conversions) and to protect 30 existing purpose-built rental sites as rental-only received first reading, and a public hearing was scheduled for November 20, 2023; and
• The proposed OCP bylaw amendment to enable longer-term regeneration of diverse housing types (e.g. seniors housing, townhouses, strata, and non-market rental) was tabled by Council to allow for further discussion on October 30.

Proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendment: Changes to the RM1 and RM2 Zones
November 2023

• November 20: A public hearing was held for the proposed Zoning bylaw amendment to facilitate balcony enclosures and amenity room conversions, and to protect 30 existing rental sites for rental-only.
• November 27: This proposed Zoning bylaw amendment was then defeated at second reading.

February 2024

On Monday, February 26, 2024, Council passed a new and expanded motion regarding the 30 existing purpose-built rental apartment buildings in Ambleside. Staff were given direction to prepare a new Zoning bylaw amendment to increase the maximum density from 1.75 to 3.0 FAR, provided that the number of existing rental bedrooms would be replaced and tenant assistance would be provided in the event of redevelopment.

March 2024

On Monday, March 11, 2024 – in response to the direction received in February – Council considered the proposed RM1 and RM2 Zoning bylaw amendment for first reading. This amendment proposed:

• A base density of 2.0 FAR limited to rental-only;
• An optional maximum FAR of 3.0, on the condition that existing rental bedrooms be replaced and assistance be provided to existing tenants as follows:
  • a tenant relocation coordinator required to identify three alternative rental units;
  • payment equivalent to four times the CMHC market monthly lease rate;
  • two $1,500 payments for move-out and move-back expenses;
  • first right of refusal for tenants to return to a unit with the same number of bedrooms at the CMHC market monthly lease rate prevailing at that time; and
  • replacement rental units be secured in perpetuity through a covenant registered on land title.

This proposed bylaw amendment was defeated by Council at first reading.

June 2024

On Monday, June 24, 2024, Council held a combined public hearing for the proposed Zoning and OCP Bylaw amendments. At this meeting, the proposed Zoning Bylaw amendment, received second and third reading.

Proposed OCP Bylaw Amendment
October 2023

Staff prepared a memorandum to support Council’s further discussion of the proposed OCP bylaw amendment on October 30, 2023. Following discussion, Council directed that staff report back with a revised OCP bylaw to be considered at a future Council meeting. In the revised amendment, staff were directed to include:

• heights included as measurements (in addition to storeys);
• more infill options provided for three large sites; and
• visualizations of the potential long-term area-wide change.

January 2024

Council considered the revised Apartment Areas OCP bylaw amendment (reflecting the changes directed by Council in October) for first reading on Monday, January 29, 2024. At this meeting, first reading was given to the revised OCP bylaw amendment, and staff were directed to host a Town Hall meeting, and then report back with any potential amendments.

February 2024

On Thursday, February 29, 2024, Council and staff held the Town Hall meeting on the revised Ambleside Apartment Areas OCP bylaw amendment.

Approximately 200 people attended the meeting. The display boards, presentation slides, and discussion summary are provided.

May 2024

On Monday, May 27, 2024, Council set the date for a combined public hearing on the proposed Zoning and OCP Bylaw amendments for June 24, 2024.

Council also directed staff to consult with the Ambleside Tenants Association on the draft “Rental Replacement and Tenant Assistance Policy 0164” and report back with amendments within 30-60 days. The purpose of the policy is to provide tenant supports and ensure long-term rental supply in the event of a rezoning application on any purpose-built rental building in West Vancouver.

June 2024

On Monday, June 24, 2024, Council held a combined public hearing for the proposed Zoning and OCP Bylaw amendments. At this meeting, the proposed OCP Bylaw amendment was tabled by Council for third reading on July 8, 2024.

A proposed Official Community Plan (OCP) bylaw amendment has been prepared for the Ambleside Apartment Area as part of the Local Area Plan (LAP) process. This amendment proposes OCP policies that – if approved – would guide future development that meets a broad range of local housing needs.

The proposed bylaw overwhelmingly reflects the LAP Framework endorsed at the July 24, 2023, Council Meeting with minor revisions reflected from the October 30, 2023, meeting.

Attend the Town Hall meeting

Come find out more about proposed changes to Ambleside’s Apartment Area and share your input at a Town Hall meeting!

• Thursday, February 29, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Seniors’ Activity Centre, Activity Room (695 21st Street, West Vancouver)

Doors will open at 4 p.m., with a presentation at 5 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer period. Registration is not required.

Subscribe to receive project updates by entering your email on the “stay informed” tab.

Thank you again for sharing your feedback and input on the Ambleside Local Area Plan (LAP). Staff reviewed all public input and presented the findings to Council on Monday, July 24, 2023 for direction on next steps.

View the Council Report and accompanying documents below (these items are also in the document library section of this project page).

• Council Report: July 14, 2023
• Appendix A: Ambleside LAP Framework: July 24, 2023
• Appendix B: Ambleside LAP Subject Lands Where New Rental Tenure Zoning Would Apply - July 24, 2023
• Appendix C: Ambleside LAP Public Engagement Summary - July 24, 2023
• Appendix D: Ambleside LAP - Memo -Summary for Ambleside Transportation Plan Phase 1
• Ambleside LAP Public Engagement Transcript: July 24, 2023

Ambleside is a waterfront neighbourhood and commercial centre located on the north shore of the Burrard Inlet, situated between Dundarave and Park Royal. Ambleside’s continued success and long-term vitality are of importance to residents, businesses, visitors, and the entire West Vancouver community.

On June 13, 2022, Council directed staff to prepare three high-level, draft plan options for Ambleside LAP engagement purposes and report back in the first quarter of 2023. These options were subsequently presented to Council at its February 6, 2023 meeting, where staff were directed to proceed with LAP engagement.

Options Booklet
Historical Summary

The District is committed to public engagement that provides meaningful opportunities to shape the future of Ambleside. The three options are not definitive. They are draft, high-level, and provided as a tool to generate your feedback, new ideas, and facilitate community dialogue.

Sign up for email notifications to stay informed. We welcome your questions and feedback by phone or email.

A big thank you to all who participated in Ambleside Local Area Plan (LAP) meetings, pop-ups, workshops, and/or additionally shared your input by phone or email this spring!

Staff really enjoyed meeting members of the community, hearing your perspectives on the draft Options, and finding out about your own great ideas. Hundreds of you participated and thousands of suggestions and comments were made. We will now be carefully reviewing all public input to prepare an upcoming report and presentation to Council, targeted for July, to seek direction on the LAP’s next steps.

If you haven’t already, please subscribe to receive project updates by clicking on the Stay Informed tab on this project page, and feel free to browse through the project FAQs, timeline, and document library.

It’s time to review the three draft options and share your ideas for Ambleside’s new Local Area Plan (LAP).

Join others in your community to discuss the three draft options, as well as any new ideas for land use and building forms in Ambleside.

Registration is required. In-person workshops will be held at the Seniors' Activity Centre, located at 695 21st Street. The virtual workshop will be held on Zoom via a link provided after registration.

If you were unable to register for a workshop, we encourage you to review the three draft options and share your input for Ambleside’s new LAP by email.

All input received will be summarized and presented back to Council at an open meeting – targeted for July – to seek their direction on next steps on how to move the LAP forward!

In-person workshops:
FULL – Tuesday, April 18, 2023, 4–6 p.m.
FULL – Thursday, April 20, 2023, 5–7 p.m.
FULL – Wednesday, April 26, 2023, 4–6 p.m.
FULL – Tuesday, May 9, 2023, 4–6 p.m.
FULL – Thursday, May 11, 2023, 5–7 p.m.

Virtual workshops:
FULL - Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
FULL - Wednesday, May 3, 2023 12–2 p.m.
FULL - Wednesday, May 17, 2023 4–6 p.m.

Ambleside LAP engagement will involve working with local stakeholders and the community to gather feedback and identify:

• aspects of any of the options you think might make sense
• ideas in the options you think could be refined and made better
• components from any of the options you think shouldn't be explored
• new creative ideas you can share to plan for Ambleside's long-term success

Each distinct option is informed by over thirty planning studies spanning the past 75 years, existing Official Community Plan (OCP)(External link) policy, current Ambleside demographic and land use conditions, mapping analyses, and three-dimensional model visualization. The options booklet is an engagement tool that illustrates variety and possibility for Ambleside, while encouraging informed dialogue and collaboration to shape the LAP.

Staff are here to listen to all feedback so we can present it back to Council, along with a single LAP framework (emerging land uses and building heights) for subsequent direction.