The 1981 referendum

All the "talks" of the prior decades led to a referendum on whether to do a study or not in November 1981.

It barely failed with a very low turnout.  The Mayor was acclaimed, driving the turnout down.  Many pro-amalgamation supporters saw the "talks" as a tactic used by anti-amalgamation forces to prevent any real progress.

In 2002, the province created the Community Charter which removed the Province's ability to order any amalgamation in BC's municipalities, ensuring that chances would be grassroots driven.  Like Unite North Van.

UPDATE:  I found the report that had the details of the 21 November 1981 referendum.

"Are you in favour of the City of North Vancouver participating with the District of North Vancouver in a study by professional consultants to provide information to evaluate the relative merits of amalgamation between the City of North Vancouver and the District of North Vancouver, which may subsequently be the subject of a referendum?"

2491 voters voted No and 2184 voters voted Yes