By Wpcpey - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74414710
Civic Reporting on the City of North Vancouver
Expansion stalled for North Vancouver cheer gym
Owner heads off with city over industrial zoning laws
A North Vancouver gym owner who needs more space for her growing cheerleading programs has not had much to cheer about when it comes to city zoning bylaws.
Absolute Gym, which offers recreational tumbling and competitive cheerleading, has seen its popularity soar. With 600 students, the current space is often at capacity.
According to owner Sonja Aquila, a vacant unit next door, which has sat empty for over a year, seemed like the perfect opportunity for expansion. However, bylaws state that Absolute Gym has reached the maximum capacity for recreational fitness within an industrial space.
Growing demand for recreational youth sports on the North Shore
Aquila said North Vancouver needs more space for recreational youth sports. "I'm limited to having 20 participants in my unit every day. I break that rule by over 100 people every single day, and I'm willing to take the fine for it because there's nothing else," she said.
Aquila, who has run cheerleading programs on the North Shore for 19 years, said she initially moved into the space eight years ago, seeing the potential for growth in a larger building. However, as the city’s population has grown, so has the demand for her programs, which now have lengthy waitlists.
Absolute Gym runs more than 60 weekly classes, with waitlists for each program often six to eight students deep.
"We can't accommodate everyone, and now parents are getting frustrated because they don’t have anywhere else to go,” she said.
She is no closer to a solution despite contacting city councillors and planning officials. "I called Coun. [Jessica] McIlroy last summer, and she said, 'There's not much I can do.’ They always tell me to defer to working with the city," Aquila said.
Aquila remains hopeful that upcoming updates to the community plan could benefit her. "They’re increasing the population on that street alone by almost 6,000 people. They have to allow more [recreational space]," she said.
In the meantime, Aquila has applied for a temporary use permit to use the space for two years. She hopes the old zoning laws will change when the community plan is updated. However, city planning staff said they would likely deny her application because they don’t believe she intends to vacate after two years.
Young athletes feel the squeeze
For athletes like 15-year-old Sienna Kadi, limited space is affecting training. Kadi, who has been attending Absolute Gym for three years, said the gym is often overcrowded, making it difficult to get the space she needs.
"Sometimes it’s hard to use the full floor when I'm trying to tumble," Kadi said. "There are so many people at the open gym, and it’s hard to get enough space for yourself."
Kadi, who has formed close friendships at the gym, said it’s benefited her life and would like to see more people join.
"It’s about having fun and maintaining good activity levels," she said. "If we had more space, more people could join."
City officials cite industrial land protections
Coun. Tony Valente said that it’s complex from the city’s perspective. He said he sympathizes with Aquila’s frustration but pointed out the challenges of industrial zoning regulations.
"We have a shortage of industrial land, and it’s extremely difficult because we’ve sworn to protect it," Valente said. He said that making one exception could set a precedent for converting more industrial land into residential use.
"It’s tragic because here you have a growing North Vancouver business that wants to expand, and we’re the block," he said.
City communications staff confirmed that Aquila’s temporary permit application is active and scheduled to be presented to the city council in April. However, due to the application's ongoing nature, they declined to comment on specifics.
Gym owner calls for flexibility in city planning
Aquila believes the city needs to be more flexible. "It seems silly that they can't just say, 'Maybe we need to make an exception right now because our community plan timeline isn’t aligning with the community’s needs,'" she said. "Giving us extra space for fitness isn’t going to hurt anybody."
Aquila said she sees the issue as common sense clashing with red tape.
"To me, this seems like such a simple solution being bogged down by outdated bureaucracy," Aquila said.
World Championship team member Maddie Townsend performs a bow and arrow pose during cheer sequence at Absolute Gym, North Vancouver, Feb. 10, 2025
World Championship team member Maddie Townsend is caught by team members after being thrown in the air during cheer sequence with teammates at Absolute Gym, North Vancouver, Feb. 10, 2025
World Championship team member Kassy Zanjani is supported in the air by teammates while practicing cheer sequence at Absolute Gym, North Vancouver, Feb. 10, 2025
World Championship team members stretch before cheer practice at Absolute Gym, North Vancouver, Feb. 10, 2025
World Championship team member Kassy Zanjani is lifted into the air by teammates while practicing cheer sequence at Absolute Gym, North Vancouver, Feb. 10, 2025
About the City of North Vancouver
The City of North Vancouver is surrounded by the District of North Vancouver, and specific streets and natural features define its exact boundaries.
North Boundary
The city ends near 29th Street and Gravel Pit Road. Some areas north of 29th are in the District.
South Boundary
The shore of the Burrard Inlet forms the southern boundary. Key locations here include Lonsdale Quay and The Shipyards.
East Boundary
The eastern boundary follows Ridgeway Avenue and Keith Road near Lynn Valley. Past this, it transitions into the District of North Vancouver.
West Boundary
The western boundary is marked by MacKay Avenue and Marine Drive, where the City meets the District of North Vancouver. This area also includes the transition towards Capilano Mall and the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Climate
The City of North Vancouver experiences an oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb) characterized by:
Cool, Rainy Winters: Mild temperatures with significant precipitation.
Dry, Warm Summers: Comfortable warmth with reduced rainfall.
This climate is influenced by its coastal location and proximity to the North Shore Mountains, resulting in higher precipitation compared to other areas in the Greater Vancouver region.
https://www.plantmaps.com/koppen-climate-classification-map-canada.php
Population
The population of The City of North Vancouver is estimated at 59,576
(Source https://www.civicinfo.bc.ca/municipalities?id=85)
Income Levels:
Median Household Income(as of most recent 2021 Census): $86,000
Average Household Income(as of most recent 2021 Census): $111,800
Age Distribution:
Median Age: 42
Age Groups: The largest age group is between 50 and 54, while the least populated is between 80 and 84.
https://townfolio.co/bc/north-vancouver/demographics
Major Industries:
Port and Maritime Services: The city is home to significant port terminals and ship repair facilities, playing a crucial role in maritime trade and services.
Industrial and Manufacturing: A vibrant industrial area that supports specialty manufacturing and advanced technology sectors.
Commercial and Professional Services: The city has a diverse business community, which includes a mix of commercial enterprises and professional services.
Technology: The broader Vancouver area, including North Vancouver, has a growing technology sector, with companies like Microsoft and Amazon establishing a presence.
Film and Television: The film and TV industry significantly contributes to the local economy, with Vancouver often referred to as "Hollywood North."
https://hscr.com/vancouver-biggest-companies-employers-industries/
https://www.cnv.org/Business-Development/Economic-Development
https://www.nvchamber.ca/our-resources/industry-profile/
Major Employers:
Seaspan ULC: A prominent marine transportation company offering shipbuilding and repair services with facilities in North Vancouver. https://www.seaspan.com/
Lonsdale Quay Market: A major commercial hub featuring various retailers, artisans, and food vendors, providing numerous employment opportunities. https://lonsdalequay.com/
Coast Mountain Bus Company: Operating the SeaBus service between North Vancouver and Vancouver, employing marine operations and maintenance staff. https://www.translink.ca/about-us/about-translink/operating-companies/coast-mountain-bus-company
Port of Vancouver: Canada's largest port has facilities in North Vancouver, contributing significantly to employment in port operations and logistics. https://www.portvancouver.com/
Political Governance
The municipality was incorporated on May 13, 1907.
(Source https://www.civicinfo.bc.ca/municipalities?id=85)
Mayor - Linda Buchanan
Phone 604-998-3280
Email lbuchanan@cnv.org
Insta - https://www.instagram.com/linda_buchanan_cnv/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BuchananforCNV/
Councillors -
Holly Back
Phone 604-985-7761
Email hback@cnv.org
Insta - https://www.instagram.com/hollybacknv/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/hollybacknv/
Don Bell
Phone 604-987-2355
Fax 604-985-9417
Email dbell@cnv.org
Twitter - https://x.com/donbellnorthvan
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/don.bellnorthvancouver/
Angela Girard
Phone (604) 209-6927
Email agirard@cnv.org
Insta - https://www.instagram.com/angelagirard.northvan/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/angelagirard.northvan/
Jessica McIlroy
Phone 604-992-6462
Email jmcilroy@cnv.org
Insta - https://www.instagram.com/jessmcilroy/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CouncillorJessicaMcIlroy/
Twitter - https://x.com/jessicamcilroy?lang=en
Shervin Shahriari
Phone (604) 202-1734
Email sshahriari@cnv.org
Insta - https://www.instagram.com/directtoshervin/reels/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ShahriariNV/
Twitter - https://x.com/ShahriariNV/status/1684815539196276736
Tony Valente
Phone 604-355-2959
Email tvalente@cnv.org
Insta - https://www.instagram.com/tony_valente_cnv/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tonyvalente.ca.CNV.election/
School Board
The school board is composed of seven elected trustees.
The electors of the City of North Vancouver elect three trustees, and the District of North Vancouver elects four trustees for the Board of Education.
Linda Munro (District) - Chair
Email: lmunro@sd44.ca | Phone: 778-839-9649
School Liaison: Seycove (Cove Cliff, Dorothy Lynas, Sherwood Park)
School District/Internal: Education Week Planning Committee, French Immersion Advisory Committee, Policy Review Committee, Indigenous Education Council, Presidents' Council, Screening and Selection of Assistant Superintendent & Directors
Municipal: Vancouver Coastal Health - North Shore Local Governance Liaison Committee
Antje Wilson (City) - Vice Chair
Email: awilson@sd44.ca | Phone: 604-418-6901
School Liaison: Carson Graham (Larson, Queen Mary, Westview)
School District/Internal: Audit Committee, Communications Committee, Inclusion Committee, Policy Review Committee, Screening and Selection of Principals
Municipal: City of North Vancouver Civic Youth Awards, Youth Grants and Centennial Scholarship Committee
Daniel Anderson (City) - Trustee
Email: djanderson@sd44.ca | Phone: 778-847-6585
School Liaison: Sutherland (Brooksbank, Eastview, Queensbury, Ridgeway)
School District/Internal: Audit Committee, Capital Planning Committee, Capital Project Core Committee - Cloverley Neightbourhood, Screening and Selection of Vice Principals (alternate)
Municipal: City of North Vancouver Integrated Transportation Committee
Cyndi Gerlach (District) - Trustee
Email: cgerlach@sd44.ca | Phone: 604-831-6608
School Liaison: Handsworth (Canyon Heights, Cleveland, Highlands, Montroyal)
School District/Internal: Emergency Preparedness Committee, Safe and Healthy Schools Committee, Sustainability Committee
Kulvir Mann (District) - Trustee
Email: kmann@sd44.ca | Phone: 604-764-9464
School Liaison: Windsor (Blueridge, Lynnmour, Seymour Heights)
School District/Internal: Audit Committee, Education Week Planning Committee, School Calendar Committee, District Student Leadership Council Liaison, Screening and Selection of Vice Principals
Municipal: District of North Vancouver North Shore Standing Committee on Substance Use, North Shore Table Matters Network
George Tsiakos (District) - Trustee
Email: gtsiakos@sd44.ca | Phone: 604-790-3333
School Liaison: Argyle (Boundary, Lynn Valley, Ross Road, Upper Lynn)
School District/Internal: Artists for Kids Management Committee, Inclusion Committee, School Calendar Committee, North Vancouver Parent Advisory Council Liaison Trustee, Screening and Selection of Principals (alternate)
Lailani Tumaneng (City) - Trustee
Email: ltumaneng@sd44.ca | Phone: 778-861-2898
School Liaison: Mountainside Secondary, North Vancouver Online Learning (Braemar, Capilano, Carisbrooke, Norgate)
School District/Internal: Arts Education Advisory Committee, Emergency Preparedness Committee, Sustainability Committee, District Student Leadership Council Liaison
Municipal: City of North Vancouver Advisory Planning Commission, North Shore Table Matters Network
The City of North Vancouver is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).
Eslhá7an (Mission Reserve): Located within the boundaries of the City of North Vancouver, Eslhá7an is a significant community for the Squamish Nation. It lies near the waterfront, adjacent to Mosquito Creek.
The Tsleil-Waututh Nation (People of the Inlet) is also situated nearby, with the Burrard Inlet serving as a traditional and significant waterway. While their main reserve is in the District of North Vancouver, their cultural and territorial influence extends to areas surrounding the City of North Vancouver.
Land Features
Lonsdale Avenue: The city's main commercial corridor, running from the waterfront to the northern boundary.
The Shipyards District: A vibrant waterfront area with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Victoria Park: A central green space located along Lonsdale Avenue.
Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre: A significant recreational facility in the city.
Capilano Mall: A major shopping center located near the city's western edge.
North Shore Mountains: While not entirely within the city, the mountains provide a dramatic backdrop and access to outdoor activities.
North Vancouver Cemetery: A large, historic cemetery located in the northern part of the city.
Waterway Features
Burrard Inlet: The southern boundary of the city and an important waterway for transportation and commerce.
Mosquito Creek: A small creek that flows through the city and into Burrard Inlet.
Lynn Creek: While primarily in the District, it influences the city's eastern edge and is a notable waterway nearby.
Harbourview Park: A waterfront park offering views of Burrard Inlet and downtown Vancouver.