The Place We Chose
“The aim of a city is not to increase its size, but to increase its quality.”
— Lewis Mumford
When my family and I moved from the Greater Toronto Area, we could have settled almost anywhere.
We chose West Vancouver.
I wasn't looking for another suburb. I was looking for a place to build a life.
What I found was extraordinary.
A community where mountains meet the ocean. Where forests, beaches, and trails are part of everyday life. Where village centres still have a human scale. Where you can paddle in Howe Sound, hike a mountain trail, walk along the waterfront, or simply enjoy a quiet neighbourhood surrounded by natural beauty.
I realized this wasn't simply a beautiful place.
It was a different way of living.
That uniqueness is worth protecting.
Across Metro Vancouver, every municipality has its own identity and strengths. Some are vibrant urban centres. Some are employment hubs. Some are cultural destinations. That diversity is one of the region's greatest assets.
West Vancouver's strength has always been different.
It is our extraordinary natural setting, our distinctive neighbourhoods, and an exceptional quality of life that people from around the world aspire to experience. People choose to live here because of those qualities.
As our community evolves, we must continue to plan responsibly for the future while recognizing the realities of our geography. We are bound by mountains and the ocean, served by limited transportation corridors, and supported by infrastructure that must keep pace with change. Those realities require thoughtful planning that reflects West Vancouver's unique circumstances—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
The Future
Imagine It
The next four years will help shape West Vancouver for decades to come.
Our responsibility is not simply to manage today's challenges, but to leave an even stronger community for those who will follow us.
I envision a West Vancouver that remains true to the qualities that make it extraordinary—a community where thoughtful planning protects our natural environment, strengthens our neighbourhoods, and creates welcoming public spaces for people of all ages.
That vision includes:
Continuing to advocate for planning that respects West Vancouver's unique identity, recognizing that our geography, transportation network, infrastructure, and natural environment require solutions tailored to our community—not one-size-fits-all policies.
Protecting the character of our neighbourhoods while planning responsibly for future generations.
Completing the Ambleside Waterfront Plan through meaningful public engagement, creating one of Canada's great waterfronts and strengthening the connection between our waterfront, village centre, and community.
Continuing the revitalization of Horseshoe Bay, building on recent investments and partnerships that are creating new opportunities for culture, education, tourism, and community gathering while preserving the village's unique character.
Developing a thoughtful Marine Drive/Taylor Way Local Area Plan that creates a welcoming gateway to West Vancouver, improves mobility, and reflects the identity of our community.
Continuing to protect our tree canopy, parks, trails, beaches, and waterfront so future generations enjoy the same extraordinary quality of life we do today.
West Vancouver's future should never be defined by becoming more like somewhere else.
It should be defined by becoming the very best version of itself.
Build It
The experience of living in West Vancouver begins the moment we step outside our front door.
It's the condition of our roads and sidewalks. The cleanliness of our parks and public spaces. The health of our trees and boulevards. The quality of our trails, beaches, and waterfront. These are the places residents experience every day, and they shape how we feel about the community we call home.
As our community evolves, we must continue investing in the infrastructure and public spaces that support our quality of life. Roads, sidewalks, parks, trails, stormwater systems, public facilities, and our urban forest all require thoughtful planning, ongoing maintenance, and responsible stewardship.
Building a great community isn't always about major projects. It's also about taking pride in the details—well-maintained neighbourhoods, welcoming public spaces, vibrant village centres, and infrastructure that serves residents today while preparing for tomorrow.
Great communities aren't built all at once. They're built every day through thoughtful planning, careful investment, and pride in the places we share.
Improve It
West Vancouver has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional municipal services. As expectations evolve and costs continue to rise, we must continually look for better ways to serve residents while remaining financially responsible.
That means embracing innovation, improving operational efficiency, making thoughtful use of technology, and regularly reviewing how services are delivered to ensure taxpayers receive the greatest value from every dollar invested.
I support the ongoing implementation of recommendations from the Innova Service Delivery Review, focusing on continuous improvement, modernizing processes, reducing unnecessary duplication, and ensuring District resources are directed where they have the greatest benefit.
Good stewardship means never assuming today's way of doing things is the best way. By fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement, we can strengthen municipal services while protecting West Vancouver's long-term financial sustainability.
Continuous improvement isn't about change for its own sake. It's about ensuring West Vancouver continues to deliver exceptional service while remaining financially strong for generations to come.