Roche Point Park gets official protection with council vote, old-growth forest now locked in public hands
North Vancouver council voted September 21 to give one of the region's largest urban forests formal park status. The land cannot be sold or redeveloped.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
North Vancouver council voted September 21 to amend the official community plan and give Roche Point Park formal park status, cementing protection for one of the region's largest urban forests.
The land must now remain in public ownership and be used for park purposes going forward. Park status can only be revoked by referendum or other voter approval. The motion, put forward by Councillor Lisa Muri in July, followed a public hearing in early September where everyone who spoke voiced support for official recognition.
"Roche Point is one of few urban forests featuring old growth trees in the district," Muri said at the September 21 council meeting. "This has been many years getting to this point to protect this very important piece of forest. It's a very special piece of land."
Councillor Jordan Back added that the site "has long functioned as a park and natural area and was never envisioned to be used in any other way."
The protection reverses a decades-old planning legacy. A subdivision was planned on the property in 1983 but abandoned due to environmental concerns, technical issues, and public opposition. The original 1983 zoning—which included single-family residential designation and a right-of-way for an access road never built—remained on the books until this week's vote.
At a glance
What did North Vancouver council do on September 21, 2026?
North Vancouver council voted to give Roche Point Park formal park status and amend the official community plan, cementing protection for one of the region's largest urban forests.
What happens to the land now that it has park status?
Roche Point Park must remain in public ownership and be used for park purposes. The land cannot be sold or redeveloped, and park status can only be revoked by referendum or other voter approval.
Why was the motion put forward?
Roche Point Park is one of few urban forests in the district featuring old-growth trees. The motion reversed a decades-old zoning designation from 1983 that had allowed for residential development.
