Hi Everyone,
I’ve got a full update with council highlights, information on the by-election, and a question about litter.
Warm Regards, Mary-Ann Booth Councillor District of West Vancouver 604-340-8490
Council Highlights
Here are some Council highlights since I last wrote in June:
– The Sewell’s Marina (159 units in 6 buildings) development on the parking lot behind the Boathouse Restaurant in Horseshoe Bay received final Council approval on October 24th. A “Locals First” marketing initiative has been implemented by the developer Westbank, and the sales centre opened October 29th at 1502 Marine Drive. Details of the project can be found at
– As part of the consultation related to updating our 12-year old Official Community Plan, the District conducted a series of public engagement events through September and October on a Context Study of the Marine Drive/Taylor Way/Park Royal corridor focused on three future development sites: 752 Marine, 303 Marine, and 657, 675 Marine & 600 Clyde Avenue. Council will receive a report from staff on the results of that consultation shortly. The Study can be found at
– At the October 24th meeting, Council considered a rezoning/development permit application by Hollyburn Properties related to 195 – 21st Street (between Argyle and Bellevue Avenues). The proposal is to add to the site two purpose-built rental buildings of 3 and 4 storeys containing 41 suites. The existing 16-storey tower containing 126 units is to be retained. Council has scheduled a public hearing for November 28th at 6 pm at Municipal Hall. For information see
– Because of inconclusive results from the Interim Tree Bylaw survey, Council approved the formation of a Tree Bylaw Working Group, which will “make recommendations…to regulate trees on private property that balances tree management best practices with community interests”. If you are a good listener, a critical thinker, collaborative, and constructive, please consider applying for this working group. The deadline is November 14th. Information about this and other board and committee volunteer opportunities can be found at
– Council recently adopted energy and emissions plans for the community and the corporation with four strategic directions: Community Planning; Housing (1/2 of all GHG emissions); Transportation; and Solid Waste, with a goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 40% from 2010 levels by 2040. A summary report can be found at
– The Police Services and Municipal Hall Project is proceeding on schedule, and construction is now occurring above grade (see photo below). It’s on budget ($36 million) and will be completed in time for the WVPD to move in next fall.
– Council passed a resolution in June which was submitted to the Union of B.C. Municipalities for consideration at its AGM in September “to urge the Provincial Government, and the Federal Government…to take immediate action to discourage speculation in real estate, particularly by foreign investors, and to ensure that foreign real estate investors pay a fair share of Provincial and Federal taxes”. Although time ran out before it could be debated, while in Victoria most of Council met with the Minister of Housing and the Premier’s Deputy Chief of Staff about the housing affordability crisis. Two matters were discussed: accessing the Province’s Housing Affordability funds; and amending the Community Charter to allow municipalities to create different rate classes of residential property; for example, a lower rate for homeowners who make their home their principal residence (vs. an investment property), similar to the Provincial Homeowner’s Grant. No decisions have been made by Council on either matter, and we would not move forward without consulting the public. Our staff are currently preparing a report for our consideration.
By-Election November 19th
– Due to the sad passing of Councillor Michael Lewis on August 6th, a by-election has been called for November 19th. Twelve candidates have put their names forward. I encourage you to review their biographical information and attend one of the upcoming All Candidates Meetings: November 2nd, 7 pm at the Seniors’ Activity Centre hosted by the Ambleside Dundarave Ratepayers Association; November 14th (details TBA); November 16th, 1:30 pm at, and hosted by the Board of, the Senior’s Activity Centre; and November 16th, 7 pm at the Kay Meek hosted by West Van Chamber and business associations (registration required info@westvanchamber.com). Vote early on November 5th, 8th, 9th and 14th at Municipal Hall. For the latest election information please visit
Questions For You
– Finally, I’ve been asked by a few residents, and have some support on Council, to propose a Litter Bylaw, similar to the one in Victoria, B.C., which carries a fine of $125 for littering in a public place. What do you think of this idea? Have you noticed an increase in litter around West Vancouver?
Wrapping Up
Please visit www.westvancouver.ca for further information on any of these items. Thank you for your continued interest and support. Warm regards,
Mary-Ann Booth
Councillor | District of West Vancouver