CNV council approves $1.2 million to hire staff for waterfront operations

The City of North Vancouver council voted to spend $1.2 million on five full-time jobs to operate the waterfront public realm, positions the city claims are needed because of the rapid growth in the area.

CNV says the money was needed as the City’s Central Waterfront area, which extends from Chesterfield Place to St. George’s Ave, south of Esplanade, has seen a ‘dramatic and significant redevelopment over the past decade’.

“A number of new city assets, including buildings, open spaces, and walkways are now either open to the public or are nearing completion. With construction of the public spaces on Lot 5 of the Shipyards nearing completion, it is necessary to confirm staffing and funding for operations,” according to a staff report. 

The $1.2 million will provide for five jobs, vehicle and equipment costs. The city has already hired a Manager of Shipyards and Waterfront, and would likely hire temporary full-time employees as well as auxiliary employees to support the ongoing programs.

The city estimated that this year will bring approximately $850,000 of revenue through parking, commercial lease revenues, common area expense fees, as well as rentals from the Waterfront.

CNV expects revenues to increase enough to offset the operating costs of the amenities as well as the new hires.

“In this way, it is expected that the Central Waterfront Public Realm will become self-funding,” according to a staff report. As operations develop, and revenues are more precisely determined, staff may seek council approval for the hiring of additional full-time positions if required.

The city has hired Lino Siracusa as the new Manager, Shipyards & Waterfront and he will be responsible for oversight of the programming and maintenance in the area.

In 2016, the City of North Vancouver partnered with Quay Property Management to develop the Lot 5, which includes an outdoor public skating rink, the largest in the Lower Mainland. Other features include a water play zone for summer months, enhanced public stage underground parking, seating and viewing area. 

Quay recently announced that Capilano Univeristy will open a satellite campus and announced new restaurants, a cycling fitness studio along with a hotel on the site. Lino Siracusa, the new manager, is expected to take council on a tour soon.