CITY – Former Village Hotel to be demolished for housing projects

A Tranquille Road landmark will be demolished after years of deterioration.

The Northbridge Hotel — originally called the Village Hotel and recently known as The Duchess — will go under the wrecking ball in the near future. City Hall announced today (Jan. 9, 2023) that City council approved the demolition at a Dec. 13 meeting.

The City bought the property at 377 Tranquille Road along with 346 Campbell Avenue in 2021 to create affordable and market rental housing under the North Shore Neighbourhood Plan.

The City has negotiated with BC Housing on the development of the Campbell Avenue property, which is identified in the memorandum of understanding between the City and BC Housing as a future affordable housing site for seniors and families.

The former hotel site fronting Tranquille Road is intended for a market redevelopment opportunity at a future date.

“The decision to demolish the existing building is with the intent to appeal to a broader development market, decrease liability associated with the vacant building, and improve the safety and general aesthetic of the area,” stated a City news release.

At the time of purchase, the former hotel housed 54 tenants in 51 rooms. City staff worked with ASK Wellness and BC Housing to find alternative housing for the tenants. An unspecified number were rehoused with local non-profit housing providers or in market accommodation.

Following demolition, the City will issue a request for proposals for the property’s redevelopment. The 30,000 sq. ft. site is located within the Tranquille Market Corridor, which supports a mix of residential, commercial, and community uses.

The City will outline specific parameters for the redevelopment. More details will be provided once the request for proposals has been developed, the City’s release said.

The Tranquille Market Corridor is envisioned under the neighbourhood plan as a walkable, mixed-use corridor that is pedestrian and transit oriented.