Author: Sophie Mitchell

The owners of a multi-million-dollar West Vancouver property are asking the local council to reconsider its decision to demolish an unpermitted structure built behind their main home. The small building, which resembles a secondary residence, was constructed without the required permits. Registered owners Omid Gerami, Kamran Gerami, Naib Gerami, and Ayesheh Mansouri received a July 21 resolution ordering them to take all steps necessary to obtain a demolition permit within 30 days. Instead, the group formally requested the council to review its decision on August 20. A reconsideration hearing will be scheduled during a future regular council meeting. According to…

West Vancouver police have issued a fresh warning as scammers continue to target residents by spoofing the department’s non-emergency phone number. Calls appear to come from 604-925-7300, the official West Vancouver Police Department (WVPD) non-emergency line. Using caller ID spoofing tools, scammers make it seem like they are legitimate officers. Victims are often told they are speaking with a police officer and given a fake name and badge number. In many cases, scammers instruct recipients to download apps on their phones, putting their devices at serious risk. Police caution that these calls are a fraud attempt. Scammers may also ask…

Two black bears wandered into a home in the British Properties area of West Vancouver last week after being attracted by food left out, according to local authorities. The family noticed the animals standing in their doorway while spending time in their yard. Police confirmed that the bears left the home on their own and were unharmed. Authorities say the bears were drawn inside by fruit snacks that were left in an open laundry room. Black bears are particularly active during this season and can smell food from far away. Residents are urged to take steps to prevent wildlife encounters.…

Vancouver Coastal Health is moving forward with plans to redevelop the Capilano Care Centre in West Vancouver, which has been closed since 2022, into a modern long-term care home. The plan must focus on scale. The previous facility had 205 beds, and the current request for qualifications sets a minimum of 210 beds. Experts say this is far too small given the growing demand from B.C.’s aging population. According to the province’s Seniors Advocate, 16,000 new long-term care beds will be needed in the next decade to prevent a seniors care crisis. With the property already purchased at market value,…

West Vancouver officials have ordered the demolition of a newly built structure on a private property that was constructed without any permits or inspections. The property, valued at over $6.7 million, includes a small home-like building in the backyard near a steep slope beside Brothers Creek. The district mayor expressed surprise at the situation, saying it was unprecedented to see a home built without any permits. The owners of the unauthorized building did not attend a July 21 council meeting nor sent representatives. The council unanimously voted to require the demolition of the structure. No permits were issued for the…

Vancouver Coastal Health is planning to redevelop the former Capilano Care Centre in West Vancouver into a new long-term care facility. The health authority is now inviting qualified contractors to explore options to increase long-term care capacity at the site. The Capilano Care Centre, located at 525 Clyde Avenue, has been closed since 2022. Vancouver Coastal Health’s recent notice states the new facility will have at least 210 long-term care beds. This signals a significant investment in local senior care infrastructure. Previously, the 205-bed Capilano Care Centre was managed by the private company Revera. Built in 1973, the facility was…

On Sunday, a Harbour Cruises sightseeing vessel ran aground near Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver, resulting in one passenger injury. The MV Harbour Princess, the company’s flagship boat, was carrying 41 passengers at the time. The cruise operator confirmed the vessel did not take on water after the incident. Only one passenger suffered a minor injury. The vessel itself was not damaged. Despite running aground, the MV Harbour Princess was able to return to Coal Harbour without assistance but was escorted by search and rescue boats as a safety measure. Built in 1994, the vessel has now been taken out…

A British Columbia appeal court has stopped a demolition order for a large West Vancouver home, saying the judge who allowed the order should not have handled the case due to a past conflict of interest. Homeowner Rosa Dona Este appealed the earlier court decision, arguing the judge had once worked for a law firm that was directly involved in her case. That same firm had represented the District of West Vancouver during legal matters related to her home. The appeal court agreed with Este. It said the judge’s former ties to the law firm created a serious risk of…

West Vancouver Fire & Rescue crews have contained a stubborn British Properties fire that caused heavy damage to a home on Friday. The blaze broke out just before 10 a.m. on Westhill Place. Residents called 911 and evacuated safely before firefighters arrived. Early signs point to the roof area as the fire’s origin. Assistant Chief Jeremy Duncan said flames quickly reached the attic. Crews entered the home to fight the fire from inside. They struggled to get water directly on the flames. The team then switched to a defensive strategy. “It’s a unique house design with a flat roof,” Duncan…

The District of West Vancouver has taken legal steps to alert potential buyers about a home that has undergone major construction without required permits. On July 21, council approved the filing of a notice with the land title office against the property at 1921 Fulton Avenue. Officials say the home has a long history of bylaw violations, including construction noise and several unauthorized renovations. According to municipal staff, the lower floor of the house has been divided into three suites, none of which are permitted. The property is also listed for sale, describing multiple rental units and four kitchens. However,…