DELBROOK

Delbrook is a gorgeous area in North Vancouver sandwiched between the Capilano Highlands and North Lonsdale. The neighbourhood is buffered on three sides by lush green space and looks towards Grouse mountain in the north. Delbrook is wonderfully spacious and, like many of the neighborhoods in this area, maintains a deep connection with the surrounding natural environment. Life in Delbrook is laidback and peaceful for the many families who live there. While the town already has plenty to offer, it is also a neighborhood that is about to bloom. The district of north Vancouver recently engaged in a massive development project for Delbrook in the form of a new Community Recreation Center, and plans on furthering their investment in the area by renovating and repurposing several other large, older structures in the area. In totality, Delbrook is a classic North Vancouver town whose people cherish their traditional connections to the land and to each other. However, it’s also an area which is about to become aesthetically robust and contemporary in the immediate future.

Location

Locale

Delbrook and its surrounding area is littered with parks and green space. To the west is Mosquito Creek park, a long and dense piece of land which separates Delbrook from Capilano. At the south you’ll find both Delbrook park and William Griffin park. In addition, within Delbrook’s close proximity to the North are a large collection of hiking routes, like the Skyline and Northshore Explorer trails. Even better, Grouse mountain, which is a must visit for any naturalist, is supremely close to Delbrook. This area is a dream for anyone hoping to enjoy the great outdoors. Delbrook’s location is also choice because it’s very near to Vancouver proper. A quick jaunt on highway one will put you in downtown Vancouver in 25 minutes or less. Just adjacent to Delbrook is the slightly larger North Lonsdale. Delbrook has the calm ambiance which North Lonsdale may at times lack, and yet reliable public transit or even a brisk walk can have you at the popular Queens Cross Pub inside of fifteen minutes. Any endeavor, business or pleasure, is satiable from Delbrook quickly and easily because of its prime location.

Out and About the Town

Like many smaller mountainous towns, Delbrook thrives on the life force of its small businesses. What this means for the residents of Delbrook is that they experience an expansive choice of independently owned shops, restaurants, and cafes all which bring their own unique touch to the experience. Local favorites are sprinkled abundantly about either side of Delbrook avenue. Le Petit Cafe provides an aptly cozy spot for a hot drink, Hamaei serves up a seriously fresh and authentic Japanese cuisine experience, and Two Lions Public house radiates a classic pub feel. Avoiding repetition is easy as North Lonsdale provides a whole laundry list of outstanding alternatives right nearby. Beyond all the great local eateries and stores, the real gem of Delbrook is the brand new Community Recreation Center. Just two years ago the $53.5 million facility opened its doors to the public and has since served the community as a resource for health, sports, recreation, arts, and culture. The building includes a field house, gymnasium, basketball courts, weight rooms, multiple pools, and even art and pottery studios. A wide array of programs, classes, and games are held at the center on a weekly basis and as a whole it functions as the heart of activity and wellness for the entire community.

Community and Development

As mentioned above, the construction of the Community Recreation Center was simply the beginning of North Vancouver’s investment into the Delbrook area. The old centres which have now been replaced were deemed unusable in their existing state. As a result, North Vancouver decided to embark on a renovation project for both buildings. Currently the administration is surveying, dialoguing, and holding hearings within the community to decide the direction of these infrastructure changes. This process is sharply reflective of two important characteristics of the Delbrook community. First, the neighborhood is absolutely on the come-up, as new renovations, changes, and innovations will continue to draw people, investments, and employment opportunities to the area. Second, the community of Delbrook is cohesive, interested, and engaged with the future of the neighbourhood. The hearings and surveys which have already taken place regarding the repurposing of the old centres have exposed a high level of community involvement. Simply put, the people of Delbrook care about the area, its integrity, and each other. This communal character manifests elsewhere in Delbrook as well. Families living here may choose from a wide selection of excellent schools, including Larson Elementary school and Mountainside Secondary school. Finally, Delbrook is a great place to live simply because of the kinds of people who already call it home. More families than not live in Delbrook, in houses they own and plan to stay in, surrounded by neighbours they know and trust.