West Vancouver's four mayoral candidates pitch visions at seniors' centre debate
Incumbent Mark Sager, councillor Sharon Thompson, journalist Kirk LaPointe and lawyer Joe Spears outlined plans for the municipality Thursday.
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West Vancouver's four mayoral candidates presented their visions to a packed Seniors' Activity Centre on Thursday, with sharp divisions over the municipality's recent decisions and direction.
Incumbent Mayor Mark Sager, who has served since 1979 when first elected to the school board, highlighted accomplishments: purchasing final remaining Ambleside waterfront properties for parkland, approving a major seniors' housing redevelopment at Inglewood Care Centre, and cutting $1.5 million from the district payroll without noticeable service impact.
"I really love the day-to-day work of serving you," Sager told attendees. "I'm really proud of our community. Our community isn't broken. It's great."
Veteran journalist Kirk LaPointe framed the election as a referendum on council's last term, naming two major missteps: a botched pay-parking rollout in Ambleside Park and the $2.7-million lease purchase of the former Boathouse restaurant for use as an art museum—a plan quickly abandoned.
"Wherever I've gone, I've heard an unmistakable appetite for change," LaPointe said. "We need a mayor who listens to everyone. I offer a plan that you helped write and the experience to deliver."
Two-term councillor Sharon Thompson, an ally of Sager's on council, characterized herself as a fresh voice with experience. She distinguished herself on ethics, saying the mayor must represent the community "to its highest integrity beyond their self-interest and legacy building." She cautioned against "change for the sake of change," calling instead for shifts in priorities and process.
Former Horseshoe Bay lawyer Joe Spears centered his pitch on seniors, noting the municipality has 16,000 residents over 55. "We've got 16,000 seniors in this municipality and every major decision that council makes should consider the senior element," Spears said. He proposed a mayor's mentorship program harnessing the expertise of retired business leaders, professionals and tradespeople for district governance.
Two more four-way debates are scheduled: October 7 at 7 p.m. at the Seniors' Activity Centre.
What are the candidates' specific plans for the controversial Boathouse lease beyond LaPointe's criticism of the deal?
How does each candidate plan to balance property tax concerns with infrastructure and service needs?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
At a glance
Where did West Vancouver's mayoral candidates debate on Thursday, October 1, 2026?
The four candidates presented their visions at the Seniors' Activity Centre in West Vancouver.
What two major decisions does Kirk LaPointe criticize from council's last term?
LaPointe named a botched pay-parking rollout in Ambleside Park and the $2.7-million lease purchase of the former Boathouse restaurant for use as an art museum, which was quickly abandoned.
When is the next mayoral debate scheduled?
Another four-way debate is scheduled for October 7, 2026 at 7 p.m. at the Seniors' Activity Centre.
