North Shore Heritage was disappointed to learn that a recommendation has been made by District staff to demolish the buildings at Klee Wyck, which were endowed to the municipality by Dr Ethlyn Trapp in 1960.
The property, located at 200 Keith Rd, was gifted to West Vancouver via a trust agreement which states: “… a conveyance of the lands and premises to the Corporation free of encumbrances, … to be kept, developed and maintained by the Corporation in perpetuity…” and further, that both the land and premises be used “for any or more of park, nursery garden, playground or other purposes of public recreation….”
The buildings were used as an arts facility for many years but have since fallen into a state of disrepair.
Dr. Trapp's family wishes to ensure that the trust agreement is honoured and is asking the people of West Vancouver to support their request: that Council reserve its decision about the future of Klee Wyck until after a definitive building assessment has been done. The family has generously offered to bear the costs of this assessment.
North Shore Heritage has sent a letter of support to Council; we encourage interested residents to also make their views known to Council by the December 7, 2020 Council meeting.
Read more about the history of Klee Wyck in this North Shore News story.
Klee Wyck House and side garden in August 1928. Photo courtesy of West Vancouver Archives.
Photo courtesy of West Vancouver Archives.