The City of North Vancouver has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with eight partner organizations to advance a Health Innovation District (HID) in Central Lonsdale, Mayor Linda Buchanan announced June 25.
Founding partners include Capilano University, Vancouver Coastal Health, North Shore Division of Family Practice, Life Sciences BC, Adera Development, Millennium Development Group, TELUS Health and Invest Vancouver, according to the news release.
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The district is intended to support the City’s goal of becoming the “Healthiest Small City in the World” by linking leaders in healthcare, research, education, technology, business, government and the community. Initial focus areas will include prevention and wellness, recreation and rehabilitation, and digital health technology.
“The formation of this partnership is a significant milestone for the future of our City,” Buchanan said. “This initiative will help position the City of North Vancouver as a global leader in healthy living, healthy aging, and community-centred care, while delivering lasting benefits for residents and businesses today and for generations to come.”
According to the news release, the initiative follows several years of planning, stakeholder engagement and independent analysis, with feasibility studies and market assessments pointing to advantages including proximity to Lions Gate Hospital, a concentration of health-related businesses, access to skilled talent and quality of life. More than 750 health-related businesses and organizations currently operate in and around Central Lonsdale.
The HID has been structured as a shared-investment, partnership-led model that will move from City incubation toward self-funded, independent operation, drawing on stakeholder contributions, sponsorships, philanthropic investment, research funding, government programs and commercialization opportunities, according to the news release.
Over the coming months, the partnership coalition will work to secure an operating entity and seed funding, attract anchor investments, develop programs and partnerships, and establish long-term financial foundations for the project.
Partner organizations also offered individual statements of support. Darlene Mackinnon, Vice President, Coastal Community of Care at Vancouver Coastal Health, said the health authority is “proud to support” the new district. Capilano University President Dr. Jason Dewling said the university is committed to contributing its strengths in teaching, applied research and workforce development.
Invest Vancouver President Jacquie Griffiths said the district “creates a clear value proposition for investors and industry.” Life Sciences BC CEO Wendy Hurlbert called it “a powerful example of how economic development and community wellbeing can advance together.” Dr. Nicola Walton-Knight, Board Chair of the North Shore Division of Family Practice, said the project reflects the goal of improving patient health outcomes beyond clinical care. Dr. Matthew Chow, Chief Mental Health Officer at TELUS Health, said the company is supporting the digital infrastructure behind the initiative.
