Financial advisor in West Vancouver
Wealth built one complication at a time.
Kaetyn St. Hilaire, CFA, and OneSixty Wealth work with physicians, business owners and high earners across British Columbia, West Vancouver included. Personal and corporate accounts are planned together, under British Columbia's tax and estate rules.
How we work with clients in West Vancouver
West Vancouver is the North Shore municipality west of the Capilano River, with 44,122 residents in the 2021 Census.
Where the work usually begins
With a large RRSP, it starts with the low-income years between leaving work and 71, drawing registered savings down at a bracket you choose before the RRIF minimum sets your income floor.
No travel needed
Kaetyn works with clients across Canada, and meetings can be held virtually anywhere in British Columbia. For clients in West Vancouver, that means video meetings at a time that suits you.
Office hours
Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Mountain Time, with weekends by appointment. That is 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM Pacific Time in West Vancouver.
In person in Calgary
If you would rather sit across the table, meetings can be held in person in Calgary.
“You're paying 25% now instead of letting your estate pay 53% later.”
Kaetyn St. Hilaire, CFA, in What Happens to Your RRSP, TFSA, and RRIF When You're Gone (Canada)
British Columbia rules that shape your plan
British Columbia has seven provincial tax brackets, a probate fee that grows with the estate, and a law that lets a spouse or child challenge a will. These are the 2026 figures we plan around for BC clients.
Income tax in BC, 2026
BC taxes income at 5.6% up to $50,363, 7.7% to $100,728, 10.5% to $115,648, 12.29% to $140,430, 14.7% to $190,405, 16.8% to $265,545 and 20.5% above that. With the federal 33% top rate, the highest combined rate is 53.5%, on taxable income above $265,545.
Probate fees in BC
There is no probate fee on an estate of $25,000 or less. Above that, the fee is $6 for every $1,000 between $25,000 and $50,000, and $14 for every $1,000 above $50,000. On a $1,000,000 estate that is $13,450, which is why beneficiary designations and how accounts are owned matter more in BC.
Wills can be varied in BC
Under section 60 of BC's Wills, Estates and Succession Act, a spouse or child can ask the court to vary a will that does not make adequate provision for them. The claim must be started within 180 days of the grant of probate. An estate plan for a BC family is drafted with that in mind.
Corporations in BC
Active business income in a BC corporation is taxed at 11% combined (2% provincial and 9% federal) up to the small business limit, and 27% (12% and 15%) above it.
Sources. Canada Revenue Agency, 2026 federal and British Columbia tax rates and corporation tax rates; BC Probate Fee Act, section 2; BC Wills, Estates and Succession Act, sections 60 and 61. Figures are for 2026 and change each January.
Services for clients in West Vancouver
Every service is available to clients in West Vancouver, by video.
Wealth management
Financial planning
Retirement planning
Insurance and estate
Corporate planning
Physicians and dentists
Questions from West Vancouver
Honest answers to the questions we hear most often.
Start with the questions a good planner should be asking you, about your income, your corporation, your timeline and your family (see questions your last advisor never asked). Then check the basics: registration with Designed Securities Ltd., regulated by CIRO and a member of CIPF, how fees are charged, and whether the plan covers tax, retirement, insurance and estate together.
Yes. Meetings can be held virtually anywhere in British Columbia, including West Vancouver, and in person in Calgary for anyone who prefers it. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Mountain Time, and weekends by appointment. That is 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM Pacific Time in West Vancouver.
We operate on a fee-based model. For investment management, fees are based on a percentage of assets under management, which aligns our interests: we do well when you do well. Financial planning and insurance services may have separate fee structures, which we'll always explain upfront. The first review is free.
None on an estate of $25,000 or less. Above that, BC charges $6 for every $1,000 between $25,000 and $50,000, and $14 for every $1,000 above $50,000. A $1,000,000 estate pays $13,450, so how each account is owned and who is named on it is worth planning.
Deliberately withdrawing from an RRSP or RRIF during low-income years, usually between leaving work and 71, paying tax at a bracket you have chosen, and moving the after-tax amount into a TFSA or a non-registered account. It does not suit a modest registered balance or a window already filled with other income.
Around West Vancouver
Also serving near West Vancouver
The same video meetings are available in Bowen Island and Squamish, and anywhere else in British Columbia.
Read before we meet
Kaetyn's articles and free calculators on the questions that matter most to retirees drawing down large registered accounts.
Book a free wealth review
A complimentary, no-obligation conversation about your goals and current situation, and a clear explanation of how we can help. No pressure, just honest advice.