I support housing that responds to demonstrated community needs. Housing policy should be guided by current demographic and affordability evidence, not assumptions about demand.
West Vancouver's Official Community Plan identifies the needs of seniors and young families as important considerations, but housing priorities should continue to be tested against current evidence. More housing does not automatically result in more affordable housing, and the number of units approved does not tell us whether community needs are being met.
West Vancouver should accommodate responsible growth, but no community can grow without limits. Housing decisions must reflect demonstrated community needs and the practical capacity of our land, infrastructure, transportation network and public services.
Success should be measured by whether housing responds to identified needs, expands meaningful housing choices, complements neighbourhood character, and can be supported without diminishing quality of life.
Provincial Housing Directives and Local Decision-Making
Provincial legislation now limits some of West Vancouver's authority over housing and land-use decisions. I will continue to advocate for local planning that reflects community needs, infrastructure capacity and meaningful public involvement.
→ Read more about Provincial Housing Directives and Local Decision-Making
Start With Need, Then Choose the Right Solution
Before adopting a housing policy or committing public resources, Council should understand who the housing is intended to serve, what those households can afford, what type of housing would best meet their needs, and whether new construction is the most effective solution.
I support housing that:
- addresses a clearly identified need;
- is appropriate for its location and complements neighbourhood character;
- can be supported by the infrastructure and services it requires; and
- provides practical, livable homes, including smaller detached homes and other modest housing options.
The best solution may not always be new construction. It may involve adapting existing homes, allowing modest additional housing, improving transportation, or partnering with senior governments and non-profit providers where appropriate.
Assess Workforce Housing Needs
Before deciding that additional housing is needed for local workers, Council should understand whether a significant unmet need exists, who it affects, where employees currently live, and what factors influence their housing choices.
Some workers may prefer to live outside the community for reasons such as affordability, family circumstances, lifestyle preferences, or access to different housing options. In such cases, improved transit may be a more practical and cost-effective solution than trying to provide additional housing locally.
Housing and transportation should be considered together.
Protect and Improve Existing Housing
Older apartments and homes often provide some of West Vancouver's more affordable housing. Redevelopment may increase the number of units, but replacement housing is often significantly more expensive.
I support:
- protecting viable older rental buildings and encouraging their renewal;
- making it easier to renovate and adapt existing homes; and
- allowing suitable larger homes to be converted into multiple units where appropriate.
Preserving existing housing can sometimes be a more affordable and sustainable solution than replacing it.
Affordability and Public Accountability
Affordability is ultimately about what residents can afford after all their essential costs are paid. By responsibly managing taxes, utility rates, fees and other municipal charges, Council can leave more money in people's pockets, helping both new homebuyers and existing residents afford to stay in the community.
Where additional development rights are granted in exchange for community benefits, those benefits should be clearly defined, independently valued, proportionate and legally secured.
Where evidence identifies a specific unmet local need, West Vancouver should consider partnerships with senior governments and non-profit or co-operative housing providers. Municipal contributions and responsibilities should be clearly defined, transparent, proportionate to the demonstrated need, within the District’s financial and service capacity, and supported by secure long-term funding.
Residents should have a meaningful opportunity to comment before Council makes significant commitments of public land or money.
Help Residents Remain in the Community
Housing policy should also help existing residents remain in West Vancouver as their needs change.
I support:
- timely approvals and reasonable fees for accessibility renovations, secondary suites and caregiver suites;
- practical guidance for residents adapting their homes; and
- advocating to the Province for fair property-tax deferment terms that help eligible lower-income homeowners remain in their homes.
West Vancouver's housing policy should respond to identified needs, match solutions to the problem being addressed, complement neighbourhood character, and be supported by the infrastructure and services required to make it work.