City of Vancouver ArchivesJames Crookall fonds
Reference: AM640-S1-: CVA 260-876
Crowds aboard the Lady Rose gathered beneath the newly opened Lions Gate Bridge, 1938
Few neighbourhoods in Canada have a story as remarkable as West Vancouver’s British Properties. What is now one of the most prestigious residential communities in the country actually began as a rescue mission during the Great Depression — and it was driven by one of the most influential families in the world: the Guinness family. This combination of global history, innovative planning, and visionary investment shaped the West Vancouver we know today.
How the Guinness Family Became Involved
In 1931, West Vancouver was facing financial collapse. The municipality had limited infrastructure, very little industry, and almost no tax base. With the Great Depression in full force, it needed a bold solution to survive.That solution came from the Guinness family of Ireland, owners of the Guinness Brewery empire.
Through a newly formed company, British Pacific Properties Ltd., the family struck a transformative deal with the municipality: they would purchase roughly 4,000 acres of mostly undeveloped land above the Upper Levels; they would build the infrastructure the municipality could not afford; and they would develop the land into a high-end residential community that would attract new residents and long-term economic stability. With that agreement, the Guinness family effectively took over what would become the British Properties.
A Visionary Development in the 1930s
Once the land was acquired, British Pacific Properties began planning a world-class neighbourhood shaped around elegant design, expansive lots, and natural beauty.The Lions Gate Bridge was the most dramatic part of the story. The Guinness family financed the construction of the bridge, which opened in 1938. Without it, access to the British Properties would have remained extremely limited. The new bridge connected West Vancouver to the rest of the region and opened the door for growth and investment.
Another landmark created during this period was the Capilano Golf & Country Club. Designed to attract affluent buyers, it quickly became one of the premier golf facilities in Canada and central to the area’s identity.
British Pacific Properties also invested heavily in roads, utilities, landscaping, and overall community planning. They created new mountain access routes, developed serviced lots, established park areas, and promoted the neighbourhood internationally as a private, elegant, and prestigious residential enclave offering sweeping views and forested surroundings.
Early Restrictions and How They Evolved
Like many developments of the era, the British Properties originally included discriminatory covenants that restricted ownership to people of certain backgrounds. These covenants were never formally removed from the original land titles. Instead, they were later deemed unenforceable under Canadian law and are no longer considered to have any legal effect. They remain part of the historical record, but they do not apply in any way today. Understanding this context is important, as it highlights how significantly the community has evolved in terms of inclusivity and diversity.The Legacy Today
The influence of the Guinness family and British Pacific Properties is still visible throughout West Vancouver. The Lions Gate Bridge remains a defining regional landmark. Capilano Golf & Country Club continues to anchor the community. British Pacific Properties Ltd. remains active as a developer today. And the neighbourhood still reflects the original vision: large private lots, mature forests, mountain and city views, and architectural distinction.The result is a community known for its privacy, natural beauty, and exceptionally high standard of living, with characteristics that trace directly back to the bold planning decisions made almost a century ago.
Why This History Still Matters
For homeowners and buyers in West Vancouver, this history explains much more than how the neighbourhood began. It reveals why the British Properties looks and feels so distinct, how early planning continues to guide modern development, and why the area has maintained its status as one of the most sought-after communities in Canada.The British Properties is more than a luxury neighbourhood. It is a significant piece of North Shore history shaped by global forces, economic necessity, and remarkable vision.