MONOVA’s Strategic Plan represents years of visioning, self-scrutiny and consultation with stakeholders and our wider community, who kindly provided lots of insightful input in its creation.

In 2021, MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver will open its doors in the Shipyards District after years of searching for a new home to expand our exhibits and programs, and to become a true community hub. 

Back in 2017, MONOVA staff and Commissioners foresaw this period of transformation  and set in motion a long process of self-scrutiny, visioning and wide consultation. Today, we are proud to release our 2020-2023 Strategic Plan as we complete the new Museum site and continue to serve the community from the Archives in Lynn Valley.

The Process of Strategic Planning

Many smaller organizations find it challenging  to dedicate the time and staff needed for in-depth strategic planning. But mapping out the future of MONOVA is essential to achieving intentional, sustainable and relevant growth. 

The process began with a  review of the 2012 NVMA Strategic Plan. We were fortunate to have a broad and multi-skilled group of supporters who provided insightful input from a variety of perspectives. Among them were Kevin Evans, Charles Holmes and Terry Hood, all gifted professional facilitators and North Vancouver residents. They guided our team through planning and engagement sessions to envision the new Museum of North Vancouver alongside a vibrant Archives in Lynn Valley. Kevin, Charles and Terry, like our Commissioners and Friends Society, did this work on a volunteer basis, for the opportunity to be in support of the great work that MONOVA is doing.

“In my first weeks as Director of MONOVA, I sat down with the team to finalize the language of the Plan. I was pleasantly surprised and impressed to experience this cohesive, talented  and enthusiastic team work through important issues about the future.” — Wesley A. Wenhardt, Director 

Creating A Community Hub

Becoming a community hub means asking a wide range of people what they want and need from their Museum and Archives. It also means having a deep knowledge of cultural spaces and offerings already available in our community, and knowing how we can magnify these with our own activities. We have consulted and aligned our goals with the Strategic Plans of other relevant organizations, including the City of North Vancouver, the District of North Vancouver, City Library, District Library, and the Lower Lonsdale BIA.

We feel excited and inspired by our plans and trust you will too. We look forward to welcoming you at the new Museum and Archives in the coming year. North Vancouver’s stories live here.