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Page 6 West Vancouver Historical Society March 2005 Within a week of the opening of the Lions Gate Bridge in November, 1938, Captain Lovegrove printed the following article in his newspaper: Capilano Estates Capilano Estates were developed by the British Pacific Properties not only as an outstanding example of residential planning but as a proof of the faith that England and British capital repose in the future of Britain’s “Gateway to the Pacific.” The Capilano Estates have been laid out with all the particular skill of modern landscaping. In the centre of this residential area British Pacific Properties have built and completed a full eighteen-hole championship golf course which has been acclaimed by experts as unique, not only for its attributes as a course but also for its scenic attraction. Probably the most important factor in opening this residential area was the construction of the largest suspension bridge in the British Empire. The same interests which financed the Capilano Estates entered upon the even greater project of spanning the entrance to Vancouver Harbour. The Lions’ Gate Bridge, which is approached from the city over a sweeping driveway through the famous natural beauties of Stanley Park, places Capilano Estates no farther than fifteen minutes from the heart of the city. At the same time the natural barrier of the sea and quiet of tall primeval timber protect the home from the noise and bustle of a world port. It is well to note, however, that while no effort was spared in completing a residential development which today offers residents unique opportunities of creating homes in surroundings second to none, careful planning and attention to practical details were not overlooked. Firstly, Capilano Estates were located within a municipal district which has a record for orderly fiscal administration. This record is reflected in the tax policy pursued. Because the municipality is in a sound financial position, they are now able to meet their obligations and maintain all the services necessary on a system of single land tax, which means no tax on improvements. The tax in West Vancouver is 61 mills on the land only. As the British Pacific Properties have put in all necessary improvements and utilities, the residents on the Capilano Estates are assessed on the same basis as residents of other parts of West Vancouver. Splendid roadways rise by almost imperceptible grades to the upper levels which overlook a panorama of unrivalled natural beauty. Fir, cedar, flowering dogwood, and other indigenous trees give color and seclusion to the homesites. The entrance boulevard is the object of excursions during the cherry blossom time. Japanese cherry blossoms line the broad entrance leading to the Estates, known as Taylor Way. Those who have seen the cheiTy blossoms of Uenno Park at Tokyo, or have been fortunate enough to pass a “Sakura” season at Kyoto, will recall the rich heavy blossoms of the Japanese cherry trees. Power lines and telephones have been installed. The rates are the same as those that apply in the municipal district. Water mains bring the water to the boundary of each individual lot. The water rates are the same as in the municipal district. Police protection as well as fire protection is being taken care of by the municipal provisions. The board of underwriters have accepted the Capilano Estates on the same terms as any other West Vancouver property. One of the notable attractions, especially from the point of building and protection view, is that no two lots on the Capilano Estates are similar. Due to the sloping contour of the land the lots have been designed in such a way as to take full advantage of the views by placing each building site sufficiently above the one below. Besides, adjoining lots are also laid out in such a way as to have slightly different shape and size and thus avoid that uniformity and monotony which checker-board planning would offer. The lots range anywhere from a little below an acre to anywhere up to seven acresâ€" the average being around an acre. Good schooling facilities are available. Not only are there the excellent public school facilities offered by the West Vancouver public schools, but also several private schools are located in the municipality, and undoubtedly further facilities will be provided with the general growth of West Vancouver. Some private schools are contemplating moving their institutions to the Capilano Estates. The Capilano Estates gently ascend the mountainside from the contour of around 250 feet to 1250 feet, while even the levels below the Estates are particularly well known for their lack of fog. According to the rainfall recorder at Hollyburn station the depth of harbour fog rarely reaches to 300 feet above sea level. Temperatures average 50 degrees throughout the year ranging from a minimum of 32 degrees for the months of January and February to an approximate maximum of 72 degrees during July and August, the extreme maximum and minimum being 84 degrees and 8 degrees respectively. During the summer season there is a considerable variation between the day and night temperatures, which is very restful. There is little snow, but the Capilano Estates are equipped with modern snowplowing facilities to clear the roads in case of occasional snowfall, particularly at the higher levels, not only thoroughly but also rapidly. (Continues on Page 7)