Council's Vision
Our goal is to make West Vancouver a complete community; and one that is liveable, vibrant, and inclusive. To accomplish this, we need to attract and inspire a full spectrum of people to live, play, and work here. A vibrant economy, diverse housing choices, and exciting amenities consistent with the Official Community Plan are also part of Council’s vision.
Council has extended the current Strategic Plan through 2026. A new Council Strategic Plan will be developed following the civic election by the newly elected Council.
In May 2026, the District provided a Strategic Plan Progress Report. This document highlights some of the services, projects, and initiatives delivered by the District between 2023 and 2026, as they advance Council’s Strategic Plan priorities.
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Strategic Goal
- Protect our natural environment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and adapt our community to become more resilient in a changing climate.
Objectives and Deliverables
Objective 1.1: Create and implement a Climate Action Plan with a reporting framework to track progress towards GHG emission reduction targets and net zero goal for both community and corporate sectors in alignment with the Clean BC Roadmap.
- Deliverable 1.1.1: Climate Action Plan completed. (completed)
- Deliverable 1.1.2: Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan completed. (completed)
- Deliverable 1.1.3: Reporting and carbon accounting framework and key actions established to achieve 2030 and 2050 GHG emission reduction targets. (completed and ongoing)
- Deliverable 1.1.4: Adoption of Step 4 building code completed. (completed)
- Deliverable 1.1.5: Continue heat pump program. (completed and ongoing)
- Deliverable 1.1.6: Support transition to EVs, corporately and in the community. (completed and ongoing)
- Deliverable 1.1.7: Continue to update District buildings with low carbon energy systems. Additional resources required. (completed and ongoing)
Objective 1.2: Establish an Environment Committee.
- Deliverable 1.2.1: Committee implemented. (completed)
- Deliverable 1.2.2: Participation in deliverable 1.1.1 (completed)
Objective 1.3: Take steps to protect our foreshore and flooding.
- Deliverable 1.3.1: Development Permit Area for Coastal Flooding and Foreshore protection completed. (completed)
- Deliverable 1.3.2: Implement Coastal Marine Management Plan recommendations. (completed and ongoing)
- Deliverable 1.3.3: Continue to adapt waterfront projects for sea level rise and coastal flooding. (completed and ongoing)
Objective 1.4: Take steps to protect against the threat of wildfires.
- Deliverable 1.4.1: Implementation of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan is completed. (completed and ongoing)
- Deliverable 1.4.2: Completion of WV portion of North Shore fire break. (in progress)
- Deliverable 1.4.3: Complete five-year review of Community Wildfire Protection Plan and update. (completed)
Objective 1.5: Implement the District’s Urban Forest Management Plan in partnership with senior government.
- Deliverable 1.5.1: DUFMP approved by Council and implemented to achieve the 15-year canopy cover target. (completed and ongoing)
- Deliverable 1.5.2: Continue tree canopy and tree cover monitoring. (in progress; every five years, to be completed in 2026)
Objective 1.6: Integrate natural capital assets into the District’s regular management and budgeting process.
- Deliverable 1.6.1: NCA’s included in budget process and financial statements, infrastructure maintenance and replacement plans. (completed and ongoing)
- Deliverable 1.6.2: Complete the inventory and condition assessment of NCA’s. (completed; trees only)
Objective 1.7: Continue to reduce community and corporate waste.
- Deliverable 1.7.1: Continue expanded recycling program in the parks. (completed and ongoing)
- Deliverable 1.7.2: Continue to advance the community’s zero waste goal. (completed and ongoing)
- Deliverable 1.7.3: Completion of a Demolition Waste Reduction Strategy. Additional resources required. (in progress)
Objective 1.8: Establish a new Storm Water Utility.
- Deliverable 1.8.1: Storm Water Utility implemented. (paused)
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Strategic Goal
- Expand a diverse housing supply.
Objectives and Deliverables
Objective 2.1: Work towards new targets and deliverables mandated by the Province under the Housing Supply Act.
- Deliverable 2.1.1: Plan created to meet targets. (completed)
- Deliverable 2.1.2: Annual targets met. (in progress; not met per market)
- Deliverable 2.1.3: Unit category targets met by 2028. (in progress; met per market)
Objective 2.2: Respond to other new legislation (Bill 44 – 2023: Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, 2023) designed to speed up local government development approvals.
- Deliverable 2.2.1: Updated Official Community Plan, Zoning Bylaw and supplementary bylaws. Additional resources required. (in progress)
- Deliverable 2.2.2: Updated Marine Drive LAP. (in progress)
Objective 2.3: Finalize the Cypress Village Area Development Plan.
- Deliverable 2.3.1: CVADP and any changes completed and approved. (in progress)
Objective 2.4: Complete an Ambleside Local Area Plan.
- Deliverable 2.4.1: ALAP completed and approved by Council. (in progress)
Objective 2.5: Complete a Taylor Way Local Area Plan.
- Deliverable 2.5.1: TWLAP completed and approved by Council. (in progress)
Objective 2.6: Engage Provincial and Federal government to explore partnerships for additional senior housing and long-term care facilities.
- Deliverable 2.6.1: Report provided to Council for potential LTC facilities in West Vancouver. (completed)
Objective 2.7: Explore creative housing strategies (to include rent-to-own, co-ops, municipal housing authority).
- Deliverable 2.7.1: In coordination with 1.1, a report to Council on potential opportunities for implementation. (completed and ongoing)
Objective 2.8: Develop surplus District lands for housing.
- Deliverable 2.8.1: Additional housing realized on District lands in coordination with 1.1. Additional resources required. (completed and ongoing; per market, for profit and not-for-profit developers and operators)
Objective 2.9: Expand opportunities for selective small scale infill developments in single-family residential zones.
- Deliverable 2.9.1: Small scale infill developments realized in SF residential zones. Additional resources required. (completed and ongoing; met per market)
Objective 2.10: Explore opportunities with partners for the community’s work force being able to live within the community.
2.10.1 Focused engagement with report to Council on potential opportunities. Additional resources required. (completed and ongoing)
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Strategic Goal
- Enhance our vital and vibrant commercial centres.
Objectives and Deliverables
Objective 3.1: Collaborate with business improvement associations and Squamish Nation to provide economic development support.
- Deliverable 3.1.1: Support existing businesses. (completed and ongoing, in progress)
- Deliverable 3.1.2: Updated service delivery agreement with Squamish Nation. Additional resources required. (in progress)
- Deliverable 3.1.3: Council to meet annually with business improvement associations (Chamber of Commerce, Ambleside Dundarave Business Improvement Association, Horseshoe Bay Business Association, Caulfeild Business Association, and Park Royal). (completed and ongoing; in progress)
Objective 3.2: Leverage District assets to generate new revenue streams through new initiatives.
- Deliverable 3.2.1: Report back on potential new revenue streams. (completed and ongoing)
Objective 3.3: In coordination with the Ambleside LAP policies, take measures to support vibrancy, diversity, locality, and charm in commercial centres by amending zoning regulations to limit non-retail businesses from Marine Drive street front locations.
- Deliverable 3.3.1: Associated zoning and bylaws updated. (completed)
Objective 3.4: Explore strategic property acquisitions to “Buy Back WV” for priority municipal projects that benefit the community.
- Deliverable 3.4.1: Properties acquired and/or sold that benefit the community in housing or social well-being. (completed and ongoing)
Objective 3.5: Explore economic generating ideas along the Sea-to-Sky corridor.
- Deliverable 3.5.1: Investigate and report back on the feasibility of a regional Sea-to-Sky bikeway (ie. Rails to Trails). Additional resources required. (completed and ongoing)
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Strategic Goal
- Enhance the mobility within the community.
Objectives and Deliverables
Objective 4.1: Collaborate with partners and provincial and federal agencies to manage traffic congestion and introduce new transit services.
- Deliverable 4.1.1: Key mobility initiatives and partnerships determined for 2024/25, projects planned and implemented per priority. (completed)
- Deliverable 4.1.2: UBC bus route re-instatement - report back on ridership. (completed)
- Deliverable 4.1.3: Enhanced access to transit. (completed and ongoing)
- Deliverable 4.1.4: Explore rapid transit options. (completed and ongoing)
Objective 4.2: Update the Strategic Transportation Plan to include considerations of the Highway 1/99 North Shore Corridor Study and a more comprehensive, less autocentric mobility plan.
- Deliverable 4.2.1: Updated STP / Mobility Plan. Additional resources required. (paused)
Objective 4.3: Diversify, expand, and improve the safety and appeal of active transportation options through infrastructure upgrades and traffic management solutions.
- Deliverable 4.3.1: Enhance active transportation safety through additional mobility lanes. Additional resources required. (completed and ongoing)
- Deliverable 4.3.2: Prioritized response to sidewalks and roads. Additional resources required. (completed and ongoing)
- Deliverable 4.3.3: Develop and implement a traffic calming policy. (completed)
Objective 4.4: Develop a local micro on-demand transit program – Baby Blue – to complement West Van’s existing fixed route, high-capacity bus service i.e. Blue Bus.
- Deliverable 4.4.1: Report back on feasibility for transit on demand model. (completed)
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Strategic Goal
- Deliver municipal services efficiently.
Objectives and Deliverables
Objective 5.1: Review current services and staffing levels in order to ensure District services are appropriate and delivered in an effective and efficient manner.
- Deliverable 5.1.1: Annual reports delivered at end of year that provide comprehensive review of services from all areas of the organization. (completed and ongoing)
Objective 5.2: Pursue excellence in community engagement, consultation, communication, and customer service.
- Deliverable 5.2.1: Improved community engagement and effective communication practices. (in progress)
- Deliverable 5.2.2: Adopt best practices in addressing misinformation and misunderstandings in the community regarding District. (completed and ongoing)
- Deliverable 5.2.3 Strengthened partnership with NSEM to ensure business continuity and emergency management practices are current. (completed and ongoing)
Objective 5.3: Engage the community in decision-making through participation on Council committees and groups aligned with key Council responsibilities.
- Deliverable 5.3.1: Consolidation of appropriate committees. (completed)
Objective 5.4: Re-animate Municipal Hall as a community hub.
- Deliverable 5.4.1: Complete landscaping and interior design for Municipal Hall. (completed)
- Deliverable 5.4.2: Display local art. (completed and ongoing)
- Deliverable 5.4.3: Local business to establish satellite coffee bar at Municipal Hall. (completed)
- Deliverable 5.4.4: Review and report back on space efficiencies within the Hall offices. (completed)
Objective 5.5: Create and/or update policies and bylaws to preserve community liveability.
- Deliverable 5.5.1: Bylaws created and/or amended to support social well being initiatives. (completed and ongoing)
- Deliverable 5.5.2: Updated bylaw regarding fireworks and fire code. (completed)
- Deliverable 5.5.3: Derelict homes not sitting unkept for long periods. (in progress)
Objective 5.6: Drive continuous improvement in the delivery of services to residents.
- Deliverable 5.6.1: Ongoing commitment to efficient permit issuance of between 4-8 weeks on average for SFD. (completed and ongoing; average staff review time is 4-8 weeks; final permit issuance times may be longer depending on applicant response times and submission completeness)
- Deliverable 5.6.2: Communications plan updated and implemented. (completed)
- Deliverable 5.6.3: Vacancies filled to support service delivery. (completed and ongoing)
Objective 5.7: Establish Park zone pay parking.
- Deliverable 5.7.1: Pay parking established in Council approved park zones. (completed and ongoing)
Objective 5.8: Enhance the workplace for increased staff engagement.
- Deliverable 5.8.1: Foster a work environment that enhances employee engagement. (completed and ongoing)
- Deliverable 5.8.2: Review current recognition programs and create enhancement plan. Additional resources required. (completed and ongoing)
- Deliverable 5.8.3: Review current employee engagement programs and create enhancement plan. (completed)
- Deliverable 5.8.4: Implement Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training; and form a DEI committee. (completed)
Objective 5.9: Establish policy that secures sustainable funding for asset management and maintenance.
- Deliverable 5.9.1: Deferred maintenance funding gap is shrunk. (in progress)
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Strategic Goal
- Enhance the social well-being of our community.
Objectives and Deliverables
Objective 6.1: Enhance relations with local First Nations governments.
- Deliverable 6.1.1: Increased engagements, educational opportunities, and truth and reconciliation participation. (completed and ongoing)
Objective 6.2: Develop an arts and culture centre adjacent to a waterfront park anchored by a combined new art museum and other multi purpose program and studio spaces.
- Deliverable 6.2.1: New arts and culture centre developed that includes a new Art Museum, multi purpose program and studio spaces. Additional resources required. (in progress)
Objective 6.3: Complete the 1976 Waterfront Acquisition Plan.
Deliverable 6.3.1: Ambleside Waterfront Park fully realized completing a 47+ year endeavour. (completed)
Objective 6.4: Expand recreational opportunities for residents and visitors of all ages.
- Deliverable 6.4.1: Collaborate with WVSD to complete a Place for Sport. (completed)
- Deliverable 6.4.2: Collaborate with partners to pursue a tennis and pickleball centre. Additional resources required. (paused; ongoing exploration to enhance/add pickleball; currently in design phase to add pickleball courts at Gleneagles Adventure Park)
- Deliverable 6.4.3: Collaborate with stakeholders to complete an outdoor fitness gym. (completed)
- Deliverable 6.4.4: Rehabilitate the Capilano River trail. Additional resources required. (paused)
Objective 6.5: Work with senior levels of government, non-profits, and private sector providers to enable supports for aging in place.
- Deliverable 6.5.1: Conduct outreach and facilitate supports for senior residents to remain in their homes as they age. Additional resources required. (completed and ongoing)
- Deliverable 6.5.2: Council to advocate at provincial level for funding and supports. Additional resources required. (completed and ongoing)
- Deliverable 6.5.3: Work with Provincial health authorities to provide adult day care facility supports. (in progress; ongoing exploration by Council)
Objective 6.6: Foster knowledge about gardening and growing food / food security.
- Deliverable 6.6.1: Increased education and awareness of how to grow own food. (completed and ongoing)
Objective 6.7: Select a permanent home for the Youth Hub.
- Deliverable 6.7.1: Report to Council on feasibility, costing estimates and options for a permanent Youth Hub facility. (completed)
Objective 6.8: Develop a District vision, framework, and costing for the collection of historical objects and designation of historical sites.
- Deliverable 6.8.1: Engage the community and complete the vision, framework, and costing for the potential collection of historical objects and designation of sites. Additional resources required. (paused)
Objective 6.9: Address the health impacts of noise and/or air pollution on livability for residents.
- Deliverable 6.9.1: Develop a plan on a phased approach to banning DWV gas-powered leaf blowers that considers both the financial costs and environmental benefits. (paused; waiting for Metro update)
- Deliverable 6.9.2: Explore measures to limit gas powered gardening equipment for community members. Additional resources required. (paused; waiting for Metro update)
Objective 6.10: Pursue the restoration of the Navvy Jack House and redevelopment of the Klee Wyck property for community use.
- Deliverable 6.10.1: Navvy Jack House restored. (in progress)
- Deliverable 6.10.2: Klee Wyck redeveloped. Additional resources required. (paused)
Objective 6.11: Explore the feasibility of an urgent care centre in WV.
- Deliverable 6.11.1: Report received for potential development of UCC. (in progress)