West Vancouver Police are investigating threatening graffiti targeting councillors and Mayor Mary-Ann Booth, which was sprayed on two rezoning application signs.

"This is very concerning for us," said Const. Kevin Goodmurphy in a statement. "We take all reports of threats seriously, and an investigation has been launched in an effort to identify any suspects."

The signs were at 1552 Esquimalt Ave., where there is currently a proposal to add a new 17-storey tower with 131 purpose-built rental units. A public meeting for the project is scheduled later this month, with a possible rezoning vote by council sometime after.

An artist's rendering of the proposed development at 1552 Esquimalt Ave., West Vancouver, B.C. (Buttjes Architecture)

The signs, which were sprayed with the words "Kill Booth" and "Kill Council" have been removed.

West Vancouver police belive it happened between July 30 at 3 p.m. PT and July 31 at 7 a.m. PT, and are asking anyone with information to contact them at 604-925-7300 or Crime Stoppers, if they wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-TIPS.

'Looking in the mirror'

The District of West Vancouver says no other threats have been made against elected officials. But West Vancouver councillor Craig Cameron said the threats are a "logical outcome" of increasing personal attacks against elected officials in his municipality.

Cameron noted there have been several intense political fights in West Vancouver in the last year, including over a proposed B-Line and improvements to storm water infrastructure.

"I think it speaks to how our public discourse is degraded, and there's people in the community that should be looking in the mirror and asking what they've done to get us to this point," he said.

"If they're not involved at all, certainly the atmosphere that's been created, the toxic atmosphere, that's been created over the past six months has made it more likely that somebody would feel that this is appropriate."

Mayor Booth did not respond to a request for comment, but Cameron said the attacks on her were unfounded.

"She has devoted the last 15 years of her life to working for the community. She's trying to do our best," he said.

"You may or may not agree with a particular decision she makes — none of us are perfect — but she always extends civility to other people. And she deserves nothing less in response."