City to demolish Northbridge Hotel this spring

The city has announced that the Northbridge Hotel on the North Shore will soon be demolished to make way for new rental properties.

In mid-December city council unanimously approved the demolition of the hotel, commonly known as The Duchess, located at 377 Tranquille Road.

The city purchased the property in 2021 and another property at 346 Campbell Avenue to create new housing opportunities, which is an objective of the North Shore Neighbourhood Plan.

In a news release, the city says the former hotel is intended for market redevelopment and the Campbell Avenue site will provide affordable rentals for seniors and families.

Demolition of The Duchess is expected to happen later this spring.

“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,” says the city.

Before the city purchased the former hotel, there were 54 tenants living in the building. ASK Wellness and BC Housing partnered to find alternative housing for those people with many of them being re-housed in local non-profit housing.

Once the demolition is completed, the city will open the door for development proposals for the 30,000 square foot site.

“The demolition of this building is positive change for this area,” said Dale Bass, deputy mayor.

“We look forward to realizing the development potential of this key site to bring more market housing to this neighbourhood.”