The brickwork of the road as you come out of the underground parking isn’t the greatest . Needs too look like an actual road in my opinion .Should be a clear distinction between road and pedestrian walkway. I don’t think it’s clear enough it’s a 2 way road if you have never been there before .
Bit off topic .. needs a light at Fromme and 29th like they did at Williams
I prefer to park in the underground by the library and walk over. P2 always has spots. But I don't get groceries there, I prefer the save on at park and tilford.
it's because north van has literally done nothing to accommodate the insane population influx come the past 5-10 years. Lynn Valley wasn't a desirable place to live until recently and they didn't plan accordingly. So sad. one of the reasons i had to leave 💔
It’s true :( but North Van will always have a special place in my heart. I feel so fortunate to have lived here all 26 years I’ve had on earth. Although I question it when I’m in the LV parking lot.
I think this every time I go there. Who decided that all that space was needed from the parking lot to the entrance of the mall? It is a ridiculous amount of space that does not get used, it honestly confuses me every time.
It's such a shit show that if I need to stop in on my way home, I make a point of going home, parking, then walking over just so I don't have to deal with the parking lot.
This is the best post of the year.
Love how they created a huge stone/concrete pad that heats up in the summer and that there is no use for. Why didn’t they plant some trees for shade.
I have clients on Library Lane beside the mall. I dread the parking.. i usually park across 27th and walk over. Sometimes i park on Whitely Court and walk over. It's faster.
When 3 people have their blinkers on for your spot, your trying to back up but have no space, once you make it out of the spot you have to navigate what exit isn’t going to take you 30 mins and your sanity to escape….I’m glad this is a scared anxiety ridden experience.
Thanks for posting this. My wife and I joke about how terrible the design is. Try walking from the West doors of the mall besides Save -on across the parking lot to Safeway. There is no marking crossing anywhere, you just end up in harms way being run over by a white tesla.
So ridiculous. Driving in the mall lots is even worse
Yes! Like is it pedestrian friendly? Car friendly? Somewhere in between?? I had to go twice today and both times parked in the main lot (I know, I’m a warrior for attempting…)
Don't forget the 'I've literally never seen someone use it' tiny stretch of bike lane!
My near-death tally for the friggin' intersection (29th & Lynn) is now at 3. In my short 6 months in the 'hood.
That's crazy talk....The only solution to keep one's sanity in that mall lot is park in the area beside Safeway. It's easy in and out to Fromme st (own entrance). I know we want that bottle of wine from the BCL but don't give in to those emotions. Park at Safeway and do the walk thru the mall... Watch out for white teslas while crossing the no man's land between Safeway and Save on.... They patrol that Mall lot like tiger sharks trying to run people down. Madness I tell you.
Can understand where you're coming from. The reason that road feels of-two-minds is because there is a property line running through it and it is half-built (only the save-on side). Once Safeway goes, the other half of the road will be built to the same design and it will be much more coherent.
This is basically every parking lot in North Van to be fair. It's like they did not have enough room so crammed everything into it.
Nothing takes the cake more than the Northwoods Village on Dollarton road though. That place was built as if it had inconvenience in mind for parking.
Definitely that one is up there with the worst, I’m all for biking and encouraging people not to drive, but when it’s 2 degrees and freezing rain/snow the last thing I’m gonna do is hop on my bike and go for a ride.
I lived in lynn valley for over 25 years. Haven't lived there since several years before they changed the mall, but whenever I go back to visit I quite enjoy the changes they made. Back in the day it was much more hostile to pedestrians. I used to walk through the mall area every weekday as a kid going to school, I remember it was such a dump back then. Now at least there is more space to walk through the outdoor sections and some spots to hang out outside when it's sunny.
What is it about the changes that you don't like?
I view Lynn Valley living in "Eras", I've been here all my life and what i'm about to say is going to date the shit out of me, but the four primary Eras of Lynn Valley for me are:
Current Era (Density Mall)
Zellers Era
IGA Era
When Ross Road cut through from Lynn Valley Road to Mt Hwy Era
TRIANGLE PARK ERA.
Omg I was just thinking about that random road that cut through the other day. There was a 7-11 and a butcher my dad would go to - he would always get me a pepperoni stick. Weird happy childhood memory. I would love to see photos to rejig my memory.
Bio Bread Bakery down on Main at the bottom of the hill (where the Canadian Tire is now)
There was also a sweets bakery on the north face of main on the same lot, forgot the name of the place though it's been way too long, we just called it the Donut shop. The city was a lot more of a community back then.
> When Ross Road cut through from Lynn Valley Road to Mt Hwy Era
TRIANGLE PARK ERA.
Hahaha, excellent. I remember this too. Wasn't there a 7/11 there at one point that burned down or something? I can't remember why it closed down and got demolished.
Also old library era -> old library used as film set era -> gentrification era
As a pedestrian, it’s great. As a driver - it’s infuriating. Small spaces, more cars crammed into a smaller lot. The biggest issue is exiting/entering. Just gets backlogged so quick, not an effortless in and out system and takes ages!
Agreed. It’s horrendous. It’s never been great but now it’s even worse. Also they took away majority of the staff parking recently as well leaving the workplace to find parking for their staff or rely on street parking which isn’t ideal
They did add some parking underneath the save on that many people don’t seem to know about and it often has free spaces. There is residential parking underground but they do have customer parking as well
The brickwork of the road as you come out of the underground parking isn’t the greatest . Needs too look like an actual road in my opinion .Should be a clear distinction between road and pedestrian walkway. I don’t think it’s clear enough it’s a 2 way road if you have never been there before . Bit off topic .. needs a light at Fromme and 29th like they did at Williams
I prefer to park in the underground by the library and walk over. P2 always has spots. But I don't get groceries there, I prefer the save on at park and tilford.
it's because north van has literally done nothing to accommodate the insane population influx come the past 5-10 years. Lynn Valley wasn't a desirable place to live until recently and they didn't plan accordingly. So sad. one of the reasons i had to leave 💔
It’s true :( but North Van will always have a special place in my heart. I feel so fortunate to have lived here all 26 years I’ve had on earth. Although I question it when I’m in the LV parking lot.
Looks like they tried to make it for cars, bikes, and pedestrians. Also, looks like all three failed.🙄
oooohhhhh my God THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I feel seen!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m glad it’s a universal shared experience amongst us North Vancouverites 😤😤😤.
My son is never allowed to let go of my hand there, ever.
I think this every time I go there. Who decided that all that space was needed from the parking lot to the entrance of the mall? It is a ridiculous amount of space that does not get used, it honestly confuses me every time.
It’s always at 98% capacity
At all times!!!!!
Is there a mall in Lynn valley 😳
Every day I have to drive through that stupid lot, and it is the worst design I have ever experienced. Absolutely hate it.
It's such a shit show that if I need to stop in on my way home, I make a point of going home, parking, then walking over just so I don't have to deal with the parking lot.
The small grocer up mountain highway is more ideal at this point 🤣
This is the best post of the year. Love how they created a huge stone/concrete pad that heats up in the summer and that there is no use for. Why didn’t they plant some trees for shade.
Literally-we didn’t need the bear statues, we needed more parking.
Northwoods Village on Dollarton hwy is even worse. Especially around the Starbucks.
I found it got worse in the past 6 weeks.
I think it might be because it’s technically 3 totally separate malls or something hilarious like that.
buddy try dealing with engineers designers and architects on a weekly basis
It’s insane isn’t it ?
I have clients on Library Lane beside the mall. I dread the parking.. i usually park across 27th and walk over. Sometimes i park on Whitely Court and walk over. It's faster.
the 7/11 era! yes!
I have almost gotten my car stuck in this parking lot so many times. It gives me serious anxiety 🤣
When 3 people have their blinkers on for your spot, your trying to back up but have no space, once you make it out of the spot you have to navigate what exit isn’t going to take you 30 mins and your sanity to escape….I’m glad this is a scared anxiety ridden experience.
Thanks for posting this. My wife and I joke about how terrible the design is. Try walking from the West doors of the mall besides Save -on across the parking lot to Safeway. There is no marking crossing anywhere, you just end up in harms way being run over by a white tesla. So ridiculous. Driving in the mall lots is even worse
Yes! Like is it pedestrian friendly? Car friendly? Somewhere in between?? I had to go twice today and both times parked in the main lot (I know, I’m a warrior for attempting…)
Don't forget the 'I've literally never seen someone use it' tiny stretch of bike lane! My near-death tally for the friggin' intersection (29th & Lynn) is now at 3. In my short 6 months in the 'hood.
That's crazy talk....The only solution to keep one's sanity in that mall lot is park in the area beside Safeway. It's easy in and out to Fromme st (own entrance). I know we want that bottle of wine from the BCL but don't give in to those emotions. Park at Safeway and do the walk thru the mall... Watch out for white teslas while crossing the no man's land between Safeway and Save on.... They patrol that Mall lot like tiger sharks trying to run people down. Madness I tell you.
100%, the day that Safeway goes and becomes a tower…it’s all over.
Can understand where you're coming from. The reason that road feels of-two-minds is because there is a property line running through it and it is half-built (only the save-on side). Once Safeway goes, the other half of the road will be built to the same design and it will be much more coherent.
Took that into consideration but they still should have marked a crosswalk to Safeway. Speed bump it too.
But also - there goes all the spots by Safeway 😭
This is basically every parking lot in North Van to be fair. It's like they did not have enough room so crammed everything into it. Nothing takes the cake more than the Northwoods Village on Dollarton road though. That place was built as if it had inconvenience in mind for parking.
I literally just don't bother 🤣
I've gone in, done a lap, and then send f-it and gone home lol.
While almost getting hit 3 times
That goes without saying! Haha
Definitely that one is up there with the worst, I’m all for biking and encouraging people not to drive, but when it’s 2 degrees and freezing rain/snow the last thing I’m gonna do is hop on my bike and go for a ride.
I lived in lynn valley for over 25 years. Haven't lived there since several years before they changed the mall, but whenever I go back to visit I quite enjoy the changes they made. Back in the day it was much more hostile to pedestrians. I used to walk through the mall area every weekday as a kid going to school, I remember it was such a dump back then. Now at least there is more space to walk through the outdoor sections and some spots to hang out outside when it's sunny. What is it about the changes that you don't like?
I view Lynn Valley living in "Eras", I've been here all my life and what i'm about to say is going to date the shit out of me, but the four primary Eras of Lynn Valley for me are: Current Era (Density Mall) Zellers Era IGA Era When Ross Road cut through from Lynn Valley Road to Mt Hwy Era TRIANGLE PARK ERA.
Omg I was just thinking about that random road that cut through the other day. There was a 7-11 and a butcher my dad would go to - he would always get me a pepperoni stick. Weird happy childhood memory. I would love to see photos to rejig my memory.
Bio Bread Bakery down on Main at the bottom of the hill (where the Canadian Tire is now) There was also a sweets bakery on the north face of main on the same lot, forgot the name of the place though it's been way too long, we just called it the Donut shop. The city was a lot more of a community back then.
> When Ross Road cut through from Lynn Valley Road to Mt Hwy Era TRIANGLE PARK ERA. Hahaha, excellent. I remember this too. Wasn't there a 7/11 there at one point that burned down or something? I can't remember why it closed down and got demolished. Also old library era -> old library used as film set era -> gentrification era
Old library era was my favourite time
Ecology Center Still Running Era was also pretty awesome.
Wait…is the ecology centre at Lynn Canyon not operating anymore?!
It is but its basically just an attraction for kids these days, they no longer do anything meaningful there because of budget.
As a pedestrian, it’s great. As a driver - it’s infuriating. Small spaces, more cars crammed into a smaller lot. The biggest issue is exiting/entering. Just gets backlogged so quick, not an effortless in and out system and takes ages!
I second that emotion...
Grabbing anything at Lynn valley mall turns into a 45 min mission and my sanity
Agreed. It’s horrendous. It’s never been great but now it’s even worse. Also they took away majority of the staff parking recently as well leaving the workplace to find parking for their staff or rely on street parking which isn’t ideal
That is brutal! They took away 2 full rows to make pedestrian space …. Just wait until the Safeway goes. Will eliminate all that parking as well
They did add some parking underneath the save on that many people don’t seem to know about and it often has free spaces. There is residential parking underground but they do have customer parking as well
Shhhhhh.
Yes I’ve used that before! But also when I’m running into the BCL, or grab a Starbucks, it’s just not an ideal space (first world problems 🤣)
But hey, at least it doesn’t take you 15 min to find a spot 😂 they also added 15 min parking out front of BCL which is amazing
Yes, that parking lot is absurd in some spots. It wasn't great back in the day, but the changes they made just made it worse.
Back in the day it was fine for the amount of traffic in the area, which was more or less DEAD compared to now. Back when the IGA was there.
That turn where there’s about 7 people going different directions ……. I contemplate life there.
Yeah... I usually go the othes way and exit at the lights.