Sylvia Olson

The District should listen to residents before decisions are made, draw on local knowledge, and work with regional partners on environmental solutions. Residents deserve clear information about costs and expected benefits. Affordability and environmental responsibility both matter. My approach is to maintain what we have and support achievable improvements with transparent costs.

These are modest actions, but I believe caring for our environment starts with everyday habits. By setting an example, each of us can inspire someone else to do the same.

As a West Vancouver resident, I value the forests, hiking trails, parks and shoreline that make our community special. Protecting these places matters for the people who enjoy them today and for future generations.

As a Council candidate, I want to build on that personal commitment through practical environmental action. My priorities include maintaining drainage and culverts, protecting natural areas, and strengthening preparedness for wildfire, flooding and extreme weather. I also support more reliable, better-connected transit that makes leaving the car at home a realistic choice.

West Vancouver’s climate resilience must begin with understanding the risks, maintaining critical infrastructure and setting clear priorities.

I would support implementing and regularly updating the Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan, including FireSmart measures, fuel reduction, evacuation planning, emergency communications and support for vulnerable residents.

To address intense rainfall and flooding, the District should prioritize drainage systems, culverts, slope stability and other essential infrastructure based on condition and risk. We should also continue adapting waterfront projects and protecting our foreshore as sea levels and coastal flooding risks change.

During extreme heat and wildfire smoke, residents need clear information, accessible cooling and clean-air locations, and additional outreach to seniors and other vulnerable people.

This work requires coordination with West Vancouver Fire & Rescue, WVPD, First Nations, regional and provincial partners, and residents. Investments should be supported by transparent costing, long-term planning and every available external funding opportunity.

The safety of West Vancouver residents must come first. While marine shipping and LNG approvals are primarily federal and provincial responsibilities, Council must advocate firmly for our community and ensure residents have access to clear, independent information.

If a formal expansion application is submitted, I would call for a transparent assessment of the cumulative effects of increased LNG carrier traffic through Howe Sound and English Bay. This should include navigation and anchorage risks, interactions with BC Ferries and recreational vessels, emergency response capacity, fire and spill preparedness, evacuation and public-notification procedures, and potential impacts on our shoreline and marine environment.

I would ask Transport Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard, provincial regulators and Woodfibre LNG to report publicly to Council and residents. West Vancouver should also review its own emergency plans in coordination with West Vancouver Fire & Rescue, WVPD, North Shore Emergency Management and neighbouring communities.

I would not support treating an expansion as inevitable. Any proposal should undergo a complete regulatory review, with meaningful consultation. Required safety measures and emergency-response costs should be clearly established and borne by the project—not transferred to West Vancouver taxpayers.