'Selfish billionaire': Chip Wilson's mansion vandalized after political sign erected outside
Days after a political sign was erected outside Chip Wilson's Vancouver mansion, the waterfront property has been vandalized with graffiti.
Spray-painted messages, including "Selfish billionaire lives here" and "F*** you Chip," were spotted on the lavish Point Grey home over the weekend.
The Vancouver Police Department confirmed officers received a report of the vandalism Monday, but provided few other details, including when the graffiti was first discovered and whether the incident was potentially captured on surveillance video.
"All I can say on that is we are conducting an investigation," Sgt. Steve Addison said at an unrelated news conference Monday. "We're investigating that offence as we would from any other citizen or resident in the City of Vancouver who reported a mischief to us."
The political sign that was recently put up outside the property drew significant criticism online, with some social media users taking issue with its characterization of David Eby and his B.C. NDP government.
"Eby will tell you the Conservatives are 'far right,' but neglects saying that the NDP is ‘communist,'" the sign reads.
Since taking power in 2017, the provincial NDP has increased taxes on homes assessed over $3 million and increased income tax on the top two per cent of earners. Wilson’s home was most recently assessed at nearly $82 million.
Eby defended the government's policies when asked about the sign at Wilson's home last week, suggesting the Lululemon founder was out of touch with the general public.
"When you are so rich that the Red Hot Chili Peppers play your birthday party, it's possible to lose perspective," he said. "I would just say to Mr. Wilson: People are struggling out there, and we need to provide support to them."
BC Conservative Leader John Rustad weighed in on the matter Monday, posting to social media to say Wilson would not qualify for his promised rebate for renters and homeowners.
"Sorry Chip. A Conservative Party of B.C. government isn’t going to give billionaires special tax breaks,” he wrote on X. "I’m fighting to make life more affordable for hardworking, everyday (British Columbians) — not billionaires."
It's unclear who erected the sign outside the property. CTV News reached out to a representative for Wilson last Thursday but did not hear back.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Lisa Steacy
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Auto theft probe leads to arrest of 59 suspects, recovery of more than 300 stolen vehicles: Toronto police
Toronto police say 59 suspects are facing a total of 300 charges in connection with an auto theft and re-vinning probe.
Ont. woman posed as registered nurse in Simcoe County for 4 years: OPP
An Ontario woman is facing serious charges after police allege she pretended to be a registered nurse at several Simcoe County facilities, despite being unqualified.
WATCH 'It's mind-boggling': Drought reveals U.S. town submerged in the 1940s
Hundreds of people are flocking to see a rare site in Pennsylvania: remnants of a historic town that is usually underwater.
Democrats Abroad Canada warns U.S. voters to take action ahead of possible Canada Post strike
Democrats Abroad Canada is warning Americans that a potential postal workers strike this weekend could affect the ability to vote in next week's election.
B.C. mayor's 'luxury' trip to Dubai climate conference was against ethics rules: commissioner
New Westminster Mayor Patrick Johnstone's all-expenses-paid trip to Dubai for a climate conference last December violated the city's Code of Conduct for Council Members and the Community Charter, the city's ethics commissioner has ruled.
Caught on camera: Edmonton police run over woman during welfare call
An Edmonton Police Service officer was caught on camera running over a woman with a marked cruiser last month.
Orphaned squirrel who became social media star was euthanized after being seized from New York home
An orphaned squirrel that became a social media star called Peanut was euthanized after state authorities seized the beloved pet during a raid on his caretaker's home, authorities said Friday.
B.C. landlord who evicted longtime tenant, hiked rent and re-listed unit ordered to pay $16K
A landlord from B.C.’s Lower Mainland who evicted a longtime tenant only to rent out the same unit months later for more money has been ordered to compensate him $16,480.
Secret Service report offers new details on failures during Trump assassination attempt
A new Secret Service report into the July assassination attempt against former U.S. president Donald Trump said multiple staffers knew about clear line-of-sight risks but found them 'acceptable' and that farm equipment intended to obstruct the view from the nearby building where the gunman opened fire was never used.