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Our Story
Shaping elevated neighbourhoods rooted in nature
Our British Properties legacy began in 1931 with a vision to build exceptional neighbourhoods on West Vancouver’s peaceful mountainside, close to city life. From there, we developed the Lions Gate Bridge, Capilano Golf Course, and Park Royal Shopping Centre — iconic and vital community landmarks.
Our stewardship with West Vancouver and its natural settings has endured for decades, enhancing people’s lives with a meaningful focus on outstanding quality and lifestyle. This intimate relationship will continue long into the future with the creation of Cypress Village, a complete community hub on the slopes of Hollyburn Mountain — our most ambitious endeavour yet.
History
The many milestones shared with West Vancouver
A group of investors, led by the Guinness family, set their sights on 4,000 acres of land in West Vancouver — then a secluded part of the North Shore cut off from Vancouver. Since then, multiple generations passing by, British Properties has been an integral part of West Vancouver’s story and evolution.
1931
The Beginning
British Pacific Properties (our original name) is incorporated by a group of investors led by members of the Guinness family. On November 18, the company purchases 4,000 acres of land from the District of West Vancouver — it is colloquially named the British Properties.
1933
Olmsted Brothers
The initial phase of the British Properties, a 1,000-acre stretch of land across the upper slopes of West Vancouver, is designed by the Olmsted Brothers — the renowned Boston landscape architecture firm behind New York City’s Central Park.
1937
Capilano Golf & Country Club
The Capilano Golf Course opens. Designed by Stanley F. Thomson, one of North America’s premier golf course architects, it quickly becomes the jewel of the British Properties community. The clubhouse opens two years later.
1938
Lions Gate Bridge
The Lions Gate Bridge is designed, constructed, and financed by British Pacific Properties, opening ahead of schedule in November — this establishes a vital connection between Vancouver and the North Shore.
1939
King George VI Honours the Bridge
A motorcade carries King George VI and Queen Elizabeth across the Lions Gate Bridge, the largest suspension bridge in the British Empire.
1940s-1950s
House of Ideas
Following the end of World War II, the British Properties expands into new neighbourhoods, including Evelyn and Almondel. In 1948, the company builds “The House of Ideas” to showcase easy and casual living and “an advanced approach in home planning”. It welcomes thousands of visitors over two summers.
1950
Park Royal Shopping Centre
British Pacific Properties opens Park Royal Shopping Centre, the first covered shopping centre of its kind in Canada. It’s anchored by Woodward’s department store.
1960s-1980s
Post-war Boom
The post-war baby boom and the arrival of modern amenities further grow the British Properties, with more neighbourhoods being added. During this time, Chartwell, Rockridge, Westhill, and Cypress Ridge welcome residents.
1990s
More Growth
The development of new neighbourhoods continues with Camelot and Canterbury.
2000s
British Pacific Homes
British Pacific Properties launches British Pacific Homes, a custom building division. This team begins building luxury homes in the Whitby Estates and Taylor’s Lookout neighbourhoods, starting with the first modern-era home in 2000 in Lythe Court.
2008
Community Engagement
A citizen-led group leads a unique community engagement process that results in the 215-acre Rodgers Creek Area Development Plan. British Pacific Properties launches its first multi-family townhome project, Aerie I, in the Taylor’s Lookout neighbourhood, followed by Aerie II a year later.
2010-2014
Whitby Estates & Rodgers Creek
Whitby Estates nears completion. This exclusive neighbourhood features a mix of estate homes, luxury townhomes, and elegant condominiums. In addition, the first show home in Rodgers Creek opens in Highgrove, just before the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. Other developments in the area include Highview, The Estates, The Terraces, and Aston Hill.
2014
100th Home
British Pacific Properties completes its 100th home at the Terraces in Highgrove.
2015
Mulgrave Park
Mulgrave Park debuts, including a 10-acre wooded area and a variety of single- and multi-family homes. Two boutique concrete buildings highlight a new direction in high-performance, multi-family living for British Properties.
2020
Uplands
Uplands represents a new phase in British Pacific Properties’ ongoing commitment to progressive community planning and sustainable development. Over 60% of the neighbourhood is preserved as natural greenspace, and a diversity of home types showcase the best of West Coast Modern architecture.
2025
Simplified and Refined
British Pacific Properties simplifies its name to British Properties to align with our original community and storied past. Along with this change, we also refine who we are as we move into a future vision for West Vancouver’s growth.
Onwards
Cypress Village
A world-class mountain village will bring together homes, retail and office spaces, community essentials, outdoor gathering places, and nature. It will bring a new altitude of wellbeing to West Vancouver.
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Our Values
An unwavering belief system empowers us to achieve great things
The success of our journey may be attributed to four unwavering convictions — compass points that move us forward with intention. They impact our decisions, enrich our relationships, and make our vision for the future clearer than ever.
Reverence for Nature
As science has revealed, nature is a source of health, happiness, and belonging. We steward over 2,000 acres of nature surrounding our communities, and we take this responsibility seriously. From sustainable planning to consciously re-purposing natural materials, we continually reflect on our reverence for nature.
Be a Small Giant
A “small giant” is a company that concentrates on getting better rather than bigger. Remaining on the smaller side allows us to work more effectively as a team, direct our focus to important details, and collectively make sound decisions. This sustainable business model benefits the community as we wholeheartedly continue to innovate and give back.
Share Our Story
With a history book beginning in 1931, we have many chapters to happily and openly share. Our stories are layered with environmental stewardship, long-term visions, great patience, and a commitment to excellence. We value the trust of those we service, and communicate with transparency and clarity. And we hope to inspire with every story told.
Masters of Our Craft
Competence is not enough for us. We must be masters of our craft. Having spent decades planning, designing, and building on mountainsides surrounded by nature, we are among a handful of global companies able to understand the complexities of doing so. We continually innovate, expertly move from vision to action, and seek leading advisors as we advance on our journey of excellence.
