West Vancouver resident Melinda Slater has announced she is running for West Vancouver council in the October 17 municipal election. Slater said her campaign will focus on giving residents a meaningful voice in planning decisions while protecting the community’s character and liveability.
Her involvement in municipal issues began about 15 years ago, when concerns over the scale of the Grosvenor redevelopment prompted her to participate in public consultations.
“I thought the proposed height and density didn’t fit the scale of Ambleside Village and threatened its character,” Slater said. “I participated in public consultations believing residents could help shape a better outcome. Instead, I came away concerned about a process that felt divisive and left many residents feeling unheard.”
She said the experience sparked a broader interest in how municipal decisions are made and reinforced her belief in greater transparency and more meaningful public engagement.
A lifelong North Shore resident, Slater has lived in West Vancouver for more than 35 years. After taking early retirement from a career in payroll and human resources, she became active in community affairs and joined the Ambleside and Dundarave Residents Association.
She recently served as the association’s vice-president and is currently on leave from its board while seeking election to council.
Slater is also a member of the West Vancouver Historical Society, West Vancouver Streamkeepers, the Old Growth Conservancy Society and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 60. “West Vancouver is at a turning point,” Slater said. “Decisions being made today about growth, infrastructure and municipal spending will shape our community for decades.”
Slater said she has spent the past 15 years studying District reports, examining evidence, speaking before council and advocating for changes.
“West Vancouver needs a strong, independent voice at the council table, one that asks difficult questions, scrutinizes the evidence and ensures public input is genuinely considered, so that council can make informed decisions that reflect the community’s long-term interests,” she said.
More information about Slater’s campaign is available at melindaslater.ca.
