Ambleside

To suggest that there’s an edgier reality beneath affluent Ambleside’s strolling attitude is to miss the point. There, in the heartland of scenic West Vancouver, village shops and a defiant lack of high-rises epitomize the suburb’s conservative planning. (Consider that Metro Vancouver’s population is growing more than four times faster than West Van’s.) If Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones has her way, though, West Van will soon get its first taste of real density. The Ambleside Now project brings a flush of condos and public amenities to the rezoned neighbourhood. For years, West Van’s only real growth took place at the sprawling Park Royal Mall—which is a kind of border guard at the municipality’s furthest edge. Ambleside Now, inching steadily through the design and consult process, turns part of that energy (and commerce) inward.

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The surge in residential density notwithstanding, Ambleside remains a community unconvinced by the hustle of modern life. Take this family business, now chalking up 34 years at its boardwalk-central locale. The business began in England, where the great-great-grandfather of current owner Nigel Malkin (pictured here with father Peter) started cleaning hats in 1910. Hat-buffing no longer being so lucrative, the business extends today to commercial laundry for most of YVR’s long-haul carriers. A block west, another Ambleside child carries on: LeslieJane, selling dresses and accoutrements from local and international designers, has held its location since 1978; Paul Giesbrecht, son of founder Leslie Jane Tyrell, now runs the shop.

1891 Marine Dr. – $1,495,000

The Home 3 beds, 2 baths, 1,396 sq. ft.

The Fine Print Perched at the western extreme of Ambleside, the 10 condos that comprise Parkview Place (built by local Linda Burger) range from a wee 788-square-footer to this second-floor unit with patio BBQ, vaulted ceilings, and custom millwork. The purchase price puts it nicely below the average cost of a West Van detached home ($1,795,000). That’s the good news. But sharpen your pencils, empty nesters! West Vancouver has significant municipal taxes ($1,400 a year higher on average than in the neighbouring District of North Van, and nearly double Surrey’s), and this suite requires monthly maintenance fees of $765. 

For information on where to eat, shop, and see in West and North Vancouver, check out our North Shore Neighbourhood Guide