CONGRATULATIONS West Vancouver on 100 years of incorporation.
On March 15, 1912 the 1,500 or so residents who made up the population of what was then just the western side of North Vancouver were given the responsibility to elect their own council, set their own tax rates - and then never raise them. We can bet there was some earnest discussion over height restrictions on tents and lean-tos.
With the opening of Marine Drive in 1915, we began to see what the next 100 years of development and change were going to look like, sometimes welcomed, sometimes not. And more change did come, especially in 1938 when the Lion's Gate Bridge was opened, allowing two whole lanes of traffic in and out of the community.
But while 100 years is old for a person, it is still adolescence for Canada's western cities. And like a growing teen, West Vancouver continues to wrestle with its identity, as evidenced by the push and pull between past and future that continues with Ambleside development.
To mark 100 successful years and to ponder the next 100, the district held a commemorative anniversary at the library on Thursday, and all are invited to come celebrate on June 2, for Centennial Community Day. The district is in the midst of planning a day of events.
What was once just a place for Vancouverites' rugged get-aways is now the home to two-thirds of the Vancouver Canucks. So good on you West Vancouver, you barely look a day over 85.
