Affordability top of mind in North Vancouver-Capilano byelection
Posted August 31, 2026 7:45 am.
North Vancouver-Capilano voters will head to the polls Monday, with housing affordability and traffic among the biggest issues facing the riding.
Six candidates are vying for the seat, including Liberal Braeden Caley and Conservative Stephen Curran, looking to fill the gap left by Johnathan Wilkinson, who was appointed as Canada’s Ambassador to the European Union earlier this year.
Affordability continues to be top of mind for many in the riding. In the latest National Rent report from Rentals.ca, North Vancouver topped the list as Canada’s most expensive rental market, with an overall average asking rent surpassing $3,000 and a one-bedroom apartment sitting at just over $2,500.
Transportation is another area of concern. In 2023, a survey found that 74 per cent of trips in North Vancouver were made by car.
North Van Chamber of Commerce CEO Jonathan Mosley says the impact of the added congestion on both North Shore bridges is being felt by residents and the economy.
“Roughly half of all employees that work on the North Shore come from a different part of the Lower Mainland,” said Mosley.
“That’s an issue that affects everybody — residents, businesses, and our trading partners broadly. So addressing those issues as soon as possible is really important because it’s not going to be a quick fix for things like the bridges. Those are going to take time and we need to start now.”
Mosley says with rampant uncertain,y and continued tariff threats from south of the border, the chamber wants the next MP to be active in the community and responsive to issues including transportation, affordability, and concerns over international trade.
“We want a strong voice in Ottawa that will help champion the causes here on the North Shore, to help us push for more investment into transportation infrastructure, and to continue the investment that goes into supporting industry here.”
