Veteran journalist, business executive and community board member Kirk LaPointe is seeking the office of Mayor of West Vancouver, launching a campaign focused on restoring public trust, bringing greater discipline to taxes and spending, strengthening village centres and local business, planning responsibly for housing and infrastructure, and giving West Vancouver a stronger voice at Metro Vancouver.
“We need to manage public money more carefully, support a healthier local economy, and make sure West Vancouver speaks with a stronger voice regionally,” LaPointe said. “Above all, we need to rebuild confidence that local government is working with the community, not simply presenting decisions to it. People want to know their voice matters before decisions are made, not after.”
LaPointe said he is entering the race because local government has become too reactive, too costly, and too disconnected from the people it serves. He said West Vancouver needs leadership that listens earlier, explains decisions more clearly, and works with the community on a practical long-term plan.
According to a press release, LaPointe has spent decades in journalism, business, and public life, leading major national and local news organizations, serving in senior business and communications roles, acting as an ombudsman, teaching at the university level, and serving on community not-for-profit boards. He said those experiences have been grounded in public accountability, sound judgment, and helping people understand complex issues and institutions.
“My career has been about asking tough questions, listening closely, and ethically holding institutions to account,” LaPointe said. “I want to bring that same seriousness, openness, and respect for the public to the mayor’s office.”
LaPointe said West Vancouver needs a more disciplined approach on taxes, spending, infrastructure planning, and service delivery with greater burdens looming and many residents feeling they are being asked to pay more without enough clarity, consultation, or long-term vision.
He said the community also needs a practical economic plan to strengthen village centres, support local business, and broaden the tax base over time.
He said West Vancouver must plan thoughtfully for changing housing needs, including gentle densification that respects neighbourhood character and protects livability. He said the community must be more welcoming to seniors, families, workers, and younger generations who want to build their lives here.
LaPointe said recent controversies, including the paid parking debate, have reinforced a growing public concern that consultation too often comes late in the process, after key decisions have effectively been shaped. He said decisions affecting daily life, neighbourhood character, and local business must be grounded in meaningful public engagement and clear public justification.
He also said West Vancouver needs stronger accountability at Metro Vancouver, where major decisions on spending, infrastructure, and regional priorities have significant local consequences. He would not accept additional compensation from the Metro Vancouver board.
“This is a community with deep strengths, high expectations, and a strong sense of place,” LaPointe said. “It deserves leadership that is prudent, consultative, and prepared to work with residents on a real plan for the years ahead.”
