Owners of $6.7M West Van Property Claim Racial Bias in Demolition Fight

UPDATE: A contentious battle over a $6.7 million property in West Vancouver is intensifying as owners contest a demolition order following claims of racial bias. The District of West Vancouver issued the order for a 1,500-square foot structure built without permits, sparking allegations that the initial complaint may have been racially motivated.

Authorities confirmed that the demolition was ordered in July after the planning department determined the building was illegally constructed. The owners, Naib Gerami, Ayesheh Mansouri, and brothers Omid and Kamran Gerami, are fighting back, arguing that they were denied the chance to comply with regulations and apply for necessary permits.

In a letter dated August 29, 2025, their lawyer stated, “there is no evidence to support the conclusion the structure is unsafe” and emphasized their attempts to rectify the situation since April 7, 2025. They contend that they have been unable to submit permit applications, which they hope to resolve by the end of this week.

The District of West Vancouver remains firm, indicating that it is unlikely to grant any variances given the unauthorized construction. A complaint received on May 15, 2024, led to an inspector issuing a stop-work order the next day, unveiling the unauthorized building.

The owners’ claims took a dramatic turn when they suggested the public complaint could have been racially motivated. They referenced an anonymous letter that allegedly threatened them, which included statements like “go back to where you came from.” However, no concrete evidence was provided to support this assertion.

West Vancouver Mayor Mark Sager firmly rejected the racial allegations, stating, “I wouldn’t even comment on that… I don’t buy that argument at all.”

In a further letter dated August 19, the Gerami family detailed the emotional and financial toll the situation has inflicted on them, citing public embarrassment and threats linked to their disclosure. “The news report on Global and the City’s response to it left our family exposed to devastating racist attacks,” they wrote.

Legal disputes continue as the owners are also entangled in litigation with Shahin Construction Ltd., who claim over $148,000 in unpaid work related to the property.

The District Council is set to hear the owners’ appeal on September 8, 2025. As this situation unfolds, the community is watching closely, and the implications could resonate beyond this property dispute, touching on broader issues of racial sensitivity and community relations in West Vancouver.

Stay tuned for updates as the appeal approaches, and the potential ramifications for the local community are further clarified.