Author: Sophie Mitchell

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,…

A homeowner in West Vancouver has been told to move several large rocks placed on a public boulevard near their property. Council made the decision at a July 21 meeting after reviewing a staff report and hearing from the property owner. The rocks are located on district-owned land outside a home at 2035 Russet Way. Officials said the stones, some as large as two feet wide, were placed about 0.8 meters from the road. According to the bylaw, structures or objects on public boulevards must be at least two meters from the roadway. In April 2024, the homeowner received a…

The annual Harmony Arts Festival returns to West Vancouver from August 1 to 10, bringing 10 days of art, music, food, and fun for all ages. This popular festival lights up West Vancouver with a variety of cultural events. Visitors can enjoy free concerts, art shows, children’s workshops, food markets, and more. It’s a great chance to celebrate summer while exploring local creativity. At John Lawson Park, a Visual Arts Hub features the Harmony Group Exhibition. This juried gallery showcases work from 80 local artists in many forms, including painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Nearby, the “For the Love of…

Sooke Harbour House has a new owner. Luke Evanow, a restaurateur from West Vancouver, bought the waterfront property this week. The three-acre site includes a 28-room hotel and a 100-seat restaurant. Evanow said the view, fresh air, and building style made him fall in love with it. He did not share the price, but the property was listed at $13.3 million in 2022. It failed to sell until now. The hotel is known for its organic, farm-to-table food. Evanow plans to keep this focus but will make a few changes. He will replace the Copper Room lounge with a new…