Sharon Thompson

Candidate for Mayor of West Vancouver — October 17, 2026

A Mayor you know. A Mayor you trust.
Practical experience, deep roots, and a steady hand to guide a smooth, inspired transition for our next Council.

About Sharon

Sharon Thompson, candidate for Mayor of West Vancouver

My decision to run for Mayor comes from strong community encouragement, and from a lifelong practice of putting real value into everything I do. I'm proud to be running for Mayor of West Vancouver in the October 2026 election. I've heard clearly from residents that they want a Mayor they know and can trust — someone with practical, relevant experience and deep roots in the community.

I moved to West Vancouver in 1986 and soon after married Rex, a third-generation resident of the North Shore. Together, we raised our three daughters, building a full, active life woven into the fabric of this community.

Forty years in West Vancouver, two terms on council, and a decade of experience working with the Province — that combination gives me the confidence to take on the role of Mayor. My experience and fresh perspective will help ensure a smooth, inspired transition for our next council.

On council, I've earned a reputation as someone who shows up, listens, and takes the time to truly understand the issues at hand. When I make a commitment, I see it through — my service to this community has always been a top priority. I care deeply about the people here, and nothing excites me more than bringing that same care into leadership, so residents and council alike feel supported and heard.

I'm grateful for everything I've learned and how I've grown on Council, and I believe I still have so much more to give. Serving as your Mayor would be one of the greatest honours of my life, and I look forward to the many conversations ahead as we work together toward a sustainable, responsible future for West Vancouver.

What I'll work for

  • Responding to provincial downloads and mandates around housing bills, codes of conduct, and municipal processes
  • Amplifying regional pressure and collaboration for real transportation improvements through the North Shore and up the Sea-to-Sky corridor. I currently participate in the CN Rail Task Force, looking for ways to pursue passenger rail between North Vancouver and Whistler, exploring the possibility of a world-class cycling route from West Vancouver to Whistler, and revitalizing passenger and industrial rail service all the way to Prince George
  • Serving as Alternate on the Mayors' TransLink Board and Director on Regional Parks. Taking interest in conversations around NS Waste Water Treatment Plant and Governance review
  • Modelling and accountability around funding for the Waste Water Treatment Plant
  • Develop strong relationships with all levels of government and organizations across the North Shore and up the Sea-to-Sky corridor
  • Review all committees for effectiveness and efficiencies
  • Review our Community Engagement practices and processes
  • Host more opportunities for community dialogue with council such as Town Halls, workshops, and regular drop-in sessions with the Mayor and various members of council
  • Bringing clarity to permitting processes that currently drive unnecessary increases in timing and cost for residents, small businesses, and major projects
  • Bringing a holistic approach to municipal planning, strategic priorities, organizational efficiencies, and budgetary spending as growth and climate pressures continue
  • Managing mixed-use routes such as the Spirit Trail
  • Calming traffic in residential areas
  • Establishing safe, active routes throughout West Vancouver
  • Continue to plan and implement foreshore protection as funds and funding become available
  • Explore wildfire protection technology while continuing to watch for collaboration and funding sources to make our community more resilient to fires
  • Encourage gentle densification that respects neighbourhood character while exploring alternative housing solutions such as duplexes, townhouses, and small-scale multifamily opportunities
  • Reduce process and costs around gentle density such as subdivisions and coach houses
  • Continue to improve processes and policy around preserving heritage and West Vancouver's world-class West Coast Modern home supply
  • [Parks & Recreation priorities to be added]
  • [Arts & Culture priorities to be added]
  • [Seniors priorities to be added]

Community Involvement

From School PAC to Rotary, Sharon's willingness to step up and lead when needed has kept her active and engaged in our community for decades. As a member of the Rotary Club of West Vancouver Sunrise, Sharon took the lead in organizing Blood Donor Clinics, Garden Enhancement projects for the Women's Shelter, and the Rotary Ride for Rescue. She is a recipient of the Paul Harris Award, which honours outstanding community service aligned with Rotary's motto, "Service Above Self."

For nearly a decade, Sharon led the Lower Caulfeild Conservation Society, dedicated to the removal of invasive species in Caulfeild Park. The neighbourhood effort was small but mighty, with around twenty participants logging hundreds of volunteer hours valued at tens of thousands of dollars.

As a member of council, Sharon goes well beyond her official duties to engage deeply and meaningfully with the community. That hands-on involvement gives her the insight to advocate for and steward initiatives through to completion, and she's known for bringing good ideas and the right people together to foster productive dialogue. On top of that, she's never too busy to pitch in on community clean-ups and storm restoration, or to place tin cans around the neighbourhood to collect the surprising number of discarded cigarette butts.

Boards & Committees

Currently Serving

  • Mayors' TransLink Board (Alternate)
  • Metro Vancouver Regional Parks
  • West Vancouver Memorial Library Board
  • Awards Committee
  • Finance & Audit Committee
  • Howe Sound Community Forum
  • Youth Services
  • Ocean Watch Action Committee
  • North Shore Emergency Management (NSEM)

Past Committee Service

Heritage Advisory Committee · Coastal Marine Management Plan Working Group · Community Grants Committee · Design Review Committee · School Traffic and Safety Advisory Committee · Gleneagles Advisory Committee · Public Art Advisory Committee · Enhance West Van Board · Community Engagement Committee (Chair)

Volunteer with the Campaign

Display a Lawn Sign

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Get Involved with the Team

Join the volunteer team for canvassing, events, and outreach throughout the campaign.

Host an Engagement at Your Home

Invite friends and neighbours for a small gathering to meet Sharon and talk about the issues that matter to you.

Scrutineer

Help safeguard the integrity of the vote by serving as a scrutineer on election day.

Lawn Sign Maintenance

Help install, straighten, and maintain lawn signs across the community throughout the campaign.

Help in Our Office

Lend a hand with day-to-day campaign office tasks like calls, data entry, and mailings.

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