The Continual Rise of Norquay Village

April 4, 2022

In a tucked-away pocket of East Vancouver, a much-loved community flourishes. Centred by Norquay Village on Kingsway, between Killarney and Gladstone Streets, the Norquay neighbourhood has seen generations of families stay within its tree-lined borders. Those who grew up here often return to live as young adults or with their own partners and kids. It’s a community that stays in people’s hearts.

It’s easy to see why — leafy and quiet residential streets, a bustling main corridor, neighbourhood parks, and excellent connectivity to surrounding regions, including a nearby SkyTrain station. While there is already so much to appreciate about this community, in the coming years, it’s anticipated to truly blossom.

The Norquay Village Neighbourhood Centre Plan (NVNCP) was drafted under the Renfrew-Collingwood Community Vision in 2010 to revitalize Kingsway and introduce a variety of housing types, making the area even more livable and accessible than it is today.

Let’s take a look at how this exciting community will transform.

Revitalizing Kingsway

Stretching from Vancouver to Burnaby, this main artery is a vital connector and anchors Norquay Village. The NVNCP envisions a diverse and vibrant high street, attracting locally-oriented shops and services to cater to residents and to add to the character of the street. The dynamic thoroughfare will welcome pedestrians, with wider sidewalks, a safer streetscape, calmer traffic, public spaces, and beautiful greenery. 

Housing Diversity

The most significant change to the area is an adjusted housing policy, with new zoning to allow for higher density and a greater array of affordable housing types. The future redevelopment of the motel at 2400 Kingsway will drive this shift, with market and non-market housing, community spaces, and streetfront retail. On the streets surrounding Kingsway, townhomes and duplexes will respectfully flow into a single-family-home setting, and will invite people of all ages to live here. The NVNCP anticipates 3,400 new homes will be introduced to the area, translating to an influx of 5,000 people between now and 2040.

Community Support

Today, residents living in the Norquay neighbourhood enjoy four community centres within a 20-to-30-minute walk — and each of these has been renovated, expanded, or rebuilt within the last 15 years, and feature ice rinks or swimming pools. But the NVNCP wants to ensure there are more centrally located community spaces, and will integrate flexible and supportive indoor and outdoor community hubs. Childcare is a big priority here, with the city recommending $10.5 million be allocated to more after-school and daycare services.

Greener Landscapes

With General Brock, Slocan, Earles, and Norquay Parks inside its borders, there’s no shortage of green space in Norquay. While Norquay Park underwent an extensive renewal in 2011 that added a water park, sports court, and children’s play area, the other three parks will be upgraded with additional features, as recommended by the city.

Enhanced Connections

One of the highlights of living in Norquay is the ability to get around, and the NVNCP will only improve this. Cyclists, walkers, and transit riders will find increased mobility with updated crossings, lighting, and connections.

There’s a lot to look forward to.

In the meantime, as you watch these plans unfold, get a feel for the warmth radiating from the community today.

Enjoy the eateries and businesses frequented by locals, such as a languorous brunch at The Tipper, authentic dumplings at Dumpling House, fresh fish n chips at Chefhyve, and high-quality meat at long-standing butcher Beefway Meats. Or appreciate local nature, like Renfrew Ravine Park, which will lead you and your pup to the lively dog park. Take the time to discover your own favourite places and create your own neighbourhood memories.