Dear Editor:
Ode to West Vancouver.
I am an old cowhand, but not from the RioGrande
I am from the District of West Vancouver, Monaco of the Pacific
Our council, developers, real estate agents have made it so, we feel terrific
We are so rich our tax returns show the highest income in the land
That doesn’t mean we pay high taxes as tax shelters are in demand
We are so rich, students here own multimillion-dollar homes
But have no income, cause the banks provide funds for them to own
Our Monaco North is full of rich retirees and foreign investees
As young people and children can’t afford the house prices
Need close to $400,000 in annual income to live here we are told
No worries though, as soon all the schools will be mould,
And in 30 years all the churches too, as their members are all old
And will be long deceased and out of the WV fold.
No schools mean we don’t need teachers here
And others who can’t afford the prices will leave to go elsewhere
Like firemen, policemen, and nurses whose incomes are flatter
They all will have to come from away, but that don’t matter
They can commute from cheaper areas by car unless the bridges shatter.
West Van is now the real Lotusland, and stands predominant in Canadaland
No longer sleepy little town by the sea, where families could cavort in the sand
We all feel so rich, that it almost hurts, but we do miss our kids and grandkids too
But then again, we can pay for them to visit, but having them around would be better
The community spirit is waning too with all the empty houses, no neighbours to chatter
Too late now, don’t get het up and in a lather. Money counts more that family/community matters.
Can we possibly thank our federal and provincial governments for allowing this to occur?
And making us so rich, it seems so quickly, and in such a blur.
Well, elections are the time, to pass on your thanks, so make sure you vote for sure
And express your thanks for Monaco North, and the dollars that are so much more, than before.
Trevor L. Gibbs
West Vancouver
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