North Van signs health innovation district partnerships with eight organizations
Central Lonsdale will become a hub for prevention, wellness, and digital health. Capilano, Vancouver Coastal Health, TELUS Health, and others commit to the vision announced Thursday.
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The City of North Vancouver signed a memorandum of understanding Thursday morning with eight organizations to develop a "health innovation district" in Central Lonsdale around Lions Gate Hospital.
Capilano University, Vancouver Coastal Health, the North Shore Division of Family Practice, Life Sciences BC, Adera Development, Millennium Development Group, TELUS Health, and Invest Vancouver are founding partners. The district aims to make North Vancouver a leading hub for healthy living while supporting community well-being and reducing pressures on the healthcare system.
Focus areas include prevention and wellness, recreation and rehabilitation, and digital health technology. More than 750 health-related businesses and organizations already operate in and around Central Lonsdale. Mayor Linda Buchanan said the clustering of health-focused industries and leaders will advance innovation and economic development.
The vision to make North Vancouver "the healthiest small city in the world" was adopted by council in 2018. In March 2026, council hired a consultant to lay groundwork for the hub, allocating $177,000 for the project's launch. Funding will move to a self-funded, independent model through philanthropic efforts, government programs, sponsorships, and commercialization opportunities.