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On a radiant Sunday afternoon in January, Shauna Olney, a resident of West Vancouver, savours a coffee outside the West Vancouver Community Centre after completing a yoga session with friends. While she enjoys the mild climate, her hometown contrasts sharply with the wintery weather in Toronto, which is grappling with nearly half a metre of fresh snow following an unprecedented storm. Olney, who spent much of her career with the United Nations in Geneva, returned to West Vancouver during the COVID-19 pandemic to care for her ailing mother, alongside her enthusiastic Australian husband. “There was never a doubt in his mind that we’d live anywhere but West Van,” she remarked. “For me, it’s about being close to my mother, but for him, it’s all about the green spaces, the water, and the sense of community.”
A Community Rich in Heritage and Nature
As the sun filters through the trees of Whytcliff Park, where a secluded beach is nestled among the rocks, the wooden statue at Ambleside Park stands proudly, symbolising the area’s rich heritage. This sculpture was gifted by the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), highlighting the Indigenous roots of this region. The blend of stunning landscapes and a strong sense of community has propelled West Vancouver to the top of The Globe and Mail’s rankings as Canada’s most livable medium-sized city this year.
Mark Sager, the mayor of West Vancouver, shared that a recent audit revealed the district’s parks and recreational facilities are “absolutely the best in the country.” In a bid to preserve the region’s natural beauty, a new park is planned for undeveloped land on the mountainside, set to be twice the size of Vancouver’s Stanley Park. “This initiative aims to protect the backdrop of Metro Vancouver forever,” Sager stated. He also pointed to the district’s commitment over the years to acquire waterfront properties in Ambleside for public enjoyment, with the final acquisition made in 2025. “Visitors from across Metro Vancouver and beyond come to enjoy a truly spectacular waterfront,” he added.
Amenities and Community Spirit
While the geographical advantages of West Vancouver are acknowledged, residents commend the district for its robust community amenities that foster connections. The community centre, along with an adjoining senior centre, is regarded as a “real treasure” by those familiar with the area. Tina Schultze, a long-time resident of over 50 years, emphasised the value of these facilities, praising the “unbelievable” library and the activities it hosts.
Olwyn Wilson, 97, frequents the Seniors Activity Centre to socialise and engage with others as she recuperates from a stroke. Despite West Vancouver’s slightly older demographic, families with young children thrive. The under-14 soccer players spotted at Ambleside Park are testament to this vibrant community. However, the cost of living in West Vancouver remains steep; it ranked near the bottom on The Globe’s list regarding housing affordability.
Residents frequently express their frustrations about traffic congestion, a common issue in this car-dependent locale. A popular respite from the hustle is Isetta Cafe Bistro, located along Marine Drive, where locals gather to enjoy a break from the grind. In a recent survey, 84 per cent of weekday trips were reported to be made by car, underscoring the challenges of navigating the borough.
The Search for Livability Amidst Challenges
Karen Bodie, an engineer who relocated to West Vancouver to be nearer to her grandparents, shared her perspective on the area’s pedestrian accessibility. “Having lived in other places, I feel like we’re missing pedestrian livability,” she noted. Despite enjoying the scenic seawall, she and her husband, who do not own a car, have found public transport services inconsistent, compounded by the failure of a proposed rapid bus route. “You’re always stuck in traffic with the other cars,” she lamented.
Marina Foster, an environmental consultant, echoed similar sentiments regarding the traffic but expressed gratitude for her move to West Vancouver, prompted by her husband’s insistence on finding a detached house with a yard. Initially sceptical, she is now enamoured with her new life. “I’ve been here for two years, and I love it. I’m never going to move back,” she said while keeping an eye on her children at John Lawson Park. Despite concerns about being in a predominantly older community, she has found many families with young children. The district’s demographics have led to unique opportunities, such as her daughter’s music class at the community centre, which brings together toddlers and seniors alike. “It’s a huge room of like 40 people, half of them are two and half of them are 92. It’s adorable,” she laughed. “That’s a very quintessential West Vancouver kind of thing to do.”
Why it Matters
West Vancouver’s recognition as Canada’s most livable medium-sized city speaks volumes about the importance of community and accessibility in urban planning. While the district boasts breathtaking natural landscapes and thriving community facilities, the challenges of housing affordability and traffic congestion highlight the need for ongoing dialogue and improvement. As cities worldwide grapple with similar issues, West Vancouver serves as a case study in balancing development with the preservation of quality of life. With its rich cultural heritage, commitment to public spaces, and a burgeoning community spirit, West Vancouver exemplifies the potential for cities to create environments where residents can truly thrive.
