Hearings need to serve the public

On important issues, council has to be flexible Last night I attended a public hearing into a proposed housing development of 37 units adjacent to the Upper Levels Highway on three lots near Exit 4. It was well-attended in person and online, certainly contentious, and correspondence to council in advance of the hearing indicated there […]

West Vancouver Lost Control Before Victoria Took It

Years of delay, defiance, and miscalculation left council exposed and handed the province control over the community’s most important district. No one likes being told what to do, but as West Vancouver mayor and council learned Tuesday, defiance can be costly. The district has now lost meaningful local control over the future of its most […]

In the community

An introduction as I launch the campaign I took the Blue Bus back last night from a concert in Vancouver—David Byrne, still vital and relevant a half-century into his career. I’ve seen him perform five times, twice with Talking Heads. Modern music remains a passion; I still listen to what’s new. I began my career […]

West Vancouver’s faulty fiscal plan

The financials aren’t explained, or to be believed With little public discussion, the District of West Vancouver mayor and council approved their budget and five-year plan in recent weeks. They determined the direction of billions of dollars with hardly any public input or debate.  In a process unprecedented in District history, the 2026 budget proposals were […]

Kirk LaPointe Announces Candidacy for Mayor of West Vancouver

Says community needs stronger financial discipline, better consultation, and a clearer plan for the future WEST VANCOUVER, BC — Veteran journalist, business executive and community board member Kirk LaPointe is seeking the office of Mayor of West Vancouver, launching a campaign focused on restoring public trust, bringing greater discipline to taxes and spending, strengthening village […]