A North Vancouver homeowner petitions the B.C. Supreme Court to remove a concrete barrier installed by the District of North Vancouver, blocking his ability to park a 35-foot recreational vehicle in his front yard. The legal action marks the latest chapter in a multi-year dispute over local bylaws.
Background of the RV Parking Dispute
Sui Kwong Lai, a retired engineer, constructed a dedicated parking pad in early 2023 on his Delbrook neighborhood property at Shannon Crescent. He followed guidance from district staff and reviewed relevant zoning and street bylaws. A building inspector verified the pad’s compliance with zoning regulations but raised concerns about the Turfstone material used on the district-owned boulevard to create a connecting driveway.
Months later, the district’s engineering department determined the pad violated both zoning and street bylaws. Lai contested this interpretation. The district issued letters demanding removal of the 2023 Newmar New Aire Class A Motorhome and the “unauthorized driveway,” citing trespass on public boulevard space. Lai disputed multiple tickets and bylaw notices within required timelines, but the district has not adjudicated them.
Enforcement Efforts and Neighbor Complaints
In April 2025, district enforcement officers and an RCMP member attempted to tow the RV, but the operation halted after Lai argued for resolution of the pending tickets first.
On June 11, 2025, four neighbors addressed the District of North Vancouver council, voicing frustration over the RV and enforcement delays. Wade Winkler stated, “We are now heading into a third summer with the oversized bus and the unauthorized second driveway in the front of the house and on public property in the middle of Shannon Crescent.” He noted others hesitated to speak publicly due to fears of retaliation after experiencing aggressive behavior.
Carol-Ann Hart described the conflict as destroying street harmony. Mark Boden called Lai “difficult,” labeled the RV an “eyesore,” and suggested it lowered property values.
Mayor Mike Little apologized to the residents, confirming a municipal adjudicator was reviewing the infractions’ legal validity. Chief Administrative Officer David Stuart assured action, stating, “We’ve been very lenient. We need to take action and we’ll do that in the next week.”
Installation of the Barrier and Legal Challenge
On June 20, 2025, shortly after Lai and his wife departed in the RV, district staff arrived following a neighbor’s report. They removed the disputed driveway and placed a large concrete barrier at the property line to prevent future RV parking. Lai received a $3,000 bill for the work.
Lai’s petition requests a judicial review of the district’s actions, asserting they lacked authority and breached fairness duties. He seeks an interim injunction to remove the barrier immediately and a permanent one to block reinstallation.
The court has yet to test the claims, and the district has not responded.
