Controversial monster homes debate in West Vancouver not over

WEST VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The controversial proposal to restrict the size of monster homes in West Vancouver has been put on hold for now. The district has decided on more public consultation before any changes are made.

Roughly 450 people attended the special meeting. Council chambers was so packed, there were TVs set up in the lobby for concerned residents to watch and hear from the dozens of passionate speakers for and against the proposed bylaw amendments.

A large majority say they don’t want building restrictions. Some say it’s because they have future plans to expand their homes.
“It’s ridiculous. I’ve been designing a home for four children, my wife, and a nanny. In a couple of years my mother is going to be with us. That’s ten people can’t live in a 4,000 square foot house on half an acre doesn’t make sense. It doesn’t make economic sense. That’s why I’m very passionate and infuriated that’s someone is impugning on my property rights, my investment,” explains Azmairnin.

“I have a home that I’ve spent over a $100,000 designing and preparing for that may not ever happen,” says another resident.

Many are concerned about the impact the size limitations would have on the value of their property.

But some feel massive homes destroy character and the environment.

“We have old growth trees here. Nobody is respecting them. Trees have an inherit right to exist. There’s nature, there’s birds, there’s so much life, there just taken down willy-nilly,” argues Jane.

“I’ve had neighbours that have bought houses and they knock on my door to see if they can cut down my trees. If you don’t want to live near trees then don’t live in West Vancouver,” says another property owner.

One bylaw proposal would set the maximum house size at 150 per cent of the smallest allowable house size in that zone.