B.C. journalist Kirk LaPointe to run for West Vancouver mayor
Veteran journalist Kirk Lapointe — known for his commentary on both B.C. politics and Canadian sports — is pivoting to politics.
On March 29, he announced his candidacy for mayor of West Vancouver, stating in a release that his focus is on financial discipline, public consultation, and “a clearer plan for the future.”
“We need to manage public money more carefully, support a healthier local economy, and make sure West Vancouver speaks with a stronger voice regionally,” LaPointe said.
“Above all, we need to rebuild confidence that local government is working with the community, not simply presenting decisions to it. People want to know their voice matters before decisions are made, not after.”
In his announcement, he said local government has “become too reactive, too costly, and too disconnected from the people it serves.”
Previously, LaPointe led news organizations including CTV News, Vancouver Sun, and Business in Vancouver. He also served as the CBC Ombudsman from 2010 to 2013 and was an adjunct professor of journalism at the University of British Columbia for over two decades.
“My career has been about asking tough questions, listening closely, and ethically holding institutions to account,” LaPointe said. “I want to bring that same seriousness, openness, and respect for the public to the mayor’s office.”
He said the City needs a “more disciplined approach” to taxes, spending, infrastructure planning, and service delivery. He called for gentle densification that “protects neighbourhood character and livability,” and for the community to “be more welcoming to seniors, families, workers, and younger generations who want to build their lives here.”
LaPointe’s run in civic politics in the past. In 2014, he ran as a mayoral candidate for the Non-Partisan Association party in Vancouver, but lost to Gregor Robertson by just over 10,000 votes. At the time, he promised to restore free parking and had reservations about Uber coming to Vancouver.
West Vancouver’s incumbent mayor is Mike Sager. Municipal elections will be held on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.