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|  British Properties History Explained by West Vancouver Realtor Michelle VaughanNew blog post uncovers the 1930s land deal and Lions Gate Bridge that shaped one of Canada's premier neighbourhoods
In 1931, amidst the economic pressures of the Great Depression, West Vancouver entered into a transformative agreement with the Guinness family of Ireland. Through their company, British Pacific Properties Ltd., the family purchased approximately 4,000 acres of largely undeveloped land above the Upper Levels in exchange for building key infrastructure the municipality lacked, including roads and the iconic Lions Gate Bridge, which opened in 1938. The bridge itself became a vital link, connecting West Vancouver to Greater Vancouver and enabling large-scale residential development. Alongside the bridge, British Pacific Properties developed the Capilano Golf & Country Club and laid out the planning framework that still defines the British Properties today. "These foundational decisions almost a century ago are what give the British Properties its distinct character," says Michelle Vaughan. "Many of today's buyers know the area for its luxury homes and sweeping views. Fewer know how the Guinness family's vision and the bridge they financed shaped West Vancouver's growth." The early development era also included restrictive covenants limiting ownership to particular backgrounds. These covenants were never formally removed from all titles but are now legally unenforceable and carry no legal effect under Canadian law. Recognizing this helps illustrate how the community's social values and inclusivity have evolved significantly. Today, the British Properties continue to embody the original vision: large private lots, mature forested terrain, panoramic mountain and city views, and architectural distinction. British Pacific Properties Ltd. remains active in the region, maintaining a connection to the area's origins nearly a century later. "This isn't just about luxury real estate," Vaughan adds. "It's about understanding the story behind the community — how planning, history and bold investment intersect. That knowledge gives buyers and sellers a deeper context for why this neighbourhood continues to lead." About Michelle Vaughan, PREC Michelle Vaughan is a real estate professional licensed in British Columbia and affiliated with Royal Pacific Lions Gate Realty. Based in West Vancouver, Vaughan specializes in the North Shore market, combining local insight, historical knowledge and strategic guidance for buyers and sellers at all levels. Media Contact: Michelle Vaughan, PREC Royal Pacific Lions Gate Realty Phone: 604-839-3000 Website: https://www.michellevaughan.ca End
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