WestVanhousing
Province appoints advisor to get more new homes built LIFESTYLE13
Brewingnews
Strathcona North ready to open the taps at Lonsdale Quay SPORTS 19
WorldCupskiing
Cameron Alexander lands bronze in ‘Crazy Canucks’ podium finish
Work ramping up on stalled wastewater plant
NICK LABA
nlaba@nsnews.com
Something’s flowing at the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant – concrete, and a whole lot of it.
Around 40,000 cubic metres will be dumped at the site over the next year and a half, as the clogged project gets back up to speed.
That’s because PCL Construction has signed on to complete construction of the plant, and the company now has crews actively working at the 3.5-hectare property on the 1300 block of West First Avenue in North Vancouver.
Metro Vancouver, the regional authority responsible for the project, invited members of the media for a tour of the construction site on Wednesday, Jan. 29
Mike Hurley, Burnaby mayor and chair of the Metro board, said he’s pleased to be moving in a positive direction with the treatment plant in partnership with PCL.
“Together, we are committed to delivering a high-quality wastewater treatment facility in the most efficient and effective way possible,” he said in a press statement
But the media tour is just a public relations exercise, said Catherine Pope, councillor with the District of North Vancouver.
“They’re trying to put a good spin on a $4-billion project,” she said.
During last week’s tour, staff from Metro and PCL led a
Construction workers survey the scene at the foot of one of the two sludge digesters at the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant project site on Wednesday, Jan 29 NICK LABA / NSN
NOTICE OF LISTOFREGISTERED ELECTORS
2025 By-Election: TheCorporation of the District of West Vancouver (The District) & School District45(West Vancouver Schools).
LISTOFREGISTERED ELECTORS
West Vancouver Schools usesthe Province of BritishColumbia Voters
List as the List of RegisteredElectors.Ifyour name is not on the current list,and youare an eligible elector,you may register at one of the advance voting opportunities or on general voting day April 5, 2025 by completing an“Application forRegistration” form and providing twopieces of appropriateidentification. Registration in advanceofthe by-election is not required.
Beginning February 18, 2025 untilthe close ofgeneral voting forthe by-election on April 5,2025, a copy of thelistofregistered electors will beavailable forpublicinspection atthe West Vancouver Legislative Services Department during regular officehours(8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., MondaytoFriday, excluding statutory holidays). Beforeinspecting the list, aperson mustsign astatement that theywill not inspect the list oruse the information included in the list except forelection purposes (LocalGovernment Act,Part3–Electorsand Elections).
REQUESTTOOMIT PERSONAL INFORMATION
An elector mayrequestthat their address or otherinformation about them be omitted from,orobscured on, the list of registered electors in order to protect their privacy or security. Written requests must be received by 4:30 p.m. February 11,2025by the chief election officer at the District of West Vancouver,750 17thStreet, West Vancouver BC V7V 3T3.
OBJECTION TO REGISTRATION OF AN ELECTOR
An objection to the registration of aperson whose name appearson the list of registered electorsmay be made inaccordancewith the Local Government Act until4p.m. on February 28, 2025. Anobjection must bemade in writing and may onlybemade by aperson entitledtobe registered as an elector of School District45and can only bemadeon the basis that aperson whose name appearsonthe list of electorshas died or that aperson whosename appearsonthe list of electorsisnot qualified to be registeredasanelector of School District 45.
ELECTOR QUALIFICATIONS
Resident Electors:
• 18 years of ageorolder on general voting dayfor the election; and
• aCanadian citizen; and
• aresident of British Columbia foratleast six months immediately beforethe dayofregistration;
• aresident of School District 45; and
• not disqualified under the LocalGovernment Act or anyother enactment from voting in an election and not otherwise disqualified by law.
Non-ResidentProperty Electors:
• 18 years of ageorolder on general voting dayfor the election; and
• aCanadian citizen; and
• aresident of British Columbia foratleast six months immediately beforethe dayofregistration; and
• aregistered owner of real property in School District 45 foratleast 30 days immediately beforethe dayofregistration; and
• the only persons who areregistered ownersofthe property,either as joint tenants or tenants in common, areindividuals who arenot holding the property in trust foracorporationoranother trust; and
• not entitled to register as aresident elector; and
• not disqualified under the Local Government Act or anyother enactment from voting in an election and nototherwise disqualified by law; and
• not registered as anon-resident property elector in relation to any other parcelofreal property in School District 45; and
• if thereismorethan one registered owner of the property,only one of those individualsmay,with the written consent of the majorityof the owners, register as anon-resident property elector
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Visit westvancouver.ca/election or contact the chief election officer or deputychief election officer at 604-925-7004.
Hope Dallas, Chief Election Officer,January 28, 2025
WEST VANCOUVER
Affordable housing coming online way ahead of schedule
BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com
West Vancouver’s first responders, school staff and municipal workers will be bedding down in the community’s first all-affordable housing project in decades far sooner than originally expected.
Stefan Baune, executive director for the Kiwanis North Shore Housing Society, broke the good news about the longawaited project on Gordon Avenue at 22nd Street to West Vancouver council on Monday, Jan 27.
“The original timeline was to be ready by approximately March of 2026. As you can see, for everyone who has driven by, we are making tremendous progress. We are ahead of schedule. At this point, we are anticipating to be four to five months earlier than originally anticipated,” Baune said, drawing applause from the council gallery.
The district bought the land at 2195 Gordon Ave. from Vancouver Coastal Health in 2014 for $16.4 million with proceeds the district acquired from the sale of the former West Vancouver Police Department property on Marine Drive.
In 2022, council agreed to lease the northern portion of the site to Kiwanis for $1 per year The non-profit is building 156 rental homes, which will be priced about 75 per cent of market rates for households making median salaries.
The below-market rentals are reserved for people who have connections to West Van, including those who live, work, or have kids in school there. Priority access
will be for police, firefighters, school staff and municipal workers.
Studio apartments will start at $1,259 while a 1,075-square-foot, three-bedroom suite will go for up to $3,382. More than half of the homes in the project have two or three bedrooms.
“So this is in line with what the district wanted to see – housing for families and workers in the community The rental rates
are very, very affordable,” Baune said, noting that someone renting a three-bedroom apartment at market rates could expect to pay more than $5,000 per month.
In March, the non-profit will be launching a Village West website where applications can be downloaded.
In order to be eligible, applicants will be screened for maximum household incomes
($106,000 for studios and one-bedrooms,
or $161,000 for two- and three-bedrooms).
The hope is to have the applications processed by July.
“So that’s not far out,” Baune said. “These units will be attractive for a lot of people and we want to process them and give people the opportunity as soon as possible.”
Council members were wowed by the project coming in on budget and ahead of schedule, particularly as it has come together through a period of COVID-related delays and inflation.
“You guys have got the magic sauce, for sure,” Coun. Nora Gambioli said.
Mayor Mark Sager expressed gratitude for the fact that local employees would soon be able to live in the community they serve.
“On behalf of all of the municipal employees, our firefighters, police officers and those who work for the school district, our most sincere thanks,” he said. “This kind of housing opportunity will most certainly help younger people, in particular, who want to work here but are limited by the fact they have to travel a long distance.”
The project also includes rooftop solar panels, and a 3,000-square-foot seniors’ respite centre operated by Vancouver Coastal Health.
The southern portion of the property has been leased to developer Darwin Properties for 99 years in exchange for $22.195 million. Initially, Darwin had planned to build 50 strata units in a six-storey building on the site but has since opted to change the project to market rentals.
Driver charged in crash that injured worker at North Vancouver A&W
NICK LABA nlaba@nsnews.com
A man has been charged for his involvement in a crash that left an employee with serious injuries at a North Vancouver A&W last year.
On March 16, 2024, an SUV driver turned into the drive-thru of the A&W at 920 Marine Dr., and crashed into the exterior wall of the fast food restaurant.
On the other side of the wall, oil from a
deep fryer splashed on an employee inside. Ruby Punzalan was rushed to hospital, where she was treated for severe burns on her body, according to a GoFundMe campaign set up to help pay for her treatment and other uncertainties on her road to recovery.
George Ernest Collins, 80, has been charged with driving a motor vehicle without due care and attention, online court documents show. The North Vancouver
resident is scheduled for his first court appearance on Feb. 26.
Incident ‘terrible’ for victim, regardless of legal proceedings, police say
This type of police investigation requires due diligence, which includes gathering statements, reviewing video and reporting from experts like ICARS, said Const. Mansoor Sahak, spokesperson for North Vancouver RCMP
“Which is one of the reasons these types of investigations take a bit longer,” he said.
Regardless of the outcome of the investigation and subsequent court proceedings, what’s happened is terrible for the victim, Sahak said.
“She’s left with severe injuries that are going to require years and years of treatment and recovery,” he said. “This was a very traumatic incident and we have to acknowledge that.”
Kiwanis North Shore Housing Society executive director Stefan Baune is pleased to report the non-profit’s affordable housing project in West Vancouver is projected to open months ahead of schedule. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN
$150,00 grant given to music festival that never happened
BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com
The private company behind the Ambleside Music Festival is holding onto more than $150,000 in provincial government grant funding issued for the promoter’s 2024 rock concert, despite the company putting the festival on hiatus last year.
B.C.’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport put up $154,300 for the festival – which has featured artists including Weezer, Neil Young, Sheryl Crow and Ed Sheerhan in past years – from its fairs, festivals and events fund. It was one of more than 1,000 events that received provincial funding.
Ambleside Live Entertainment Inc., however, announced in June last year that the concert series would be postponed until 2025.
Vancouver lawyer Tim Lack, who volunteers with two non-profit festivals on West Van’s waterfront, said something is amiss.
“The guidelines are pretty clear and the rules are pretty strict and so you think that it’s well managed, and then you see $150,000, which is much at the very higher end of the grant money, going to a festival that didn’t happen, so it is concerning,” he said. “These are hard-earned tax dollars going to a venture that never took off.”
In a statement, a ministry spokesperson confirmed that the Ambleside Music Festival would be allowed to hang onto the money, pending the festival’s return.
“Ambleside Music Festival has postponed the 2024 festival until July 18 to 20, 2025, due to costs associated with the festival and availability of performers in 2024. The fairs, festivals and events funding for this event remains with the organizer so it can continue to plan for 2025,” the statement read.
A District of West Vancouver spokesperson confirmed they are in talks with promoters, but “do not have a confirmed date or line-up currently.”
GSL Group, Ambleside Live Entertainment Inc.’s parent company, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
At the very least, the ministry’s decision to allow organizers to hold onto the cash while postponing the festival is inconsistent
with the guidelines posted on the website, Lack said.
If the funds were being properly administered, promoters should have been required to return the unspent cash and then reapply for funding in 2025, “just like every other festival is expected to,” Lack said.
The exemption was particularly galling, Lack said, because the ministry also acknowledges on its website that there is both limited funding and overwhelming demand from non-profits, Indigenous groups, businesses and local governments for financial support for events.
The West Vancouver Coho Festival, which Lack volunteers at every year, provides education about fisheries ecology, live entertainment and a well-loved barbecue. It received $13,400 for its 2024 event.
The Dundarave Festival of Lights, which puts up hundreds of Christmas trees in the Forest of Miracles and offers concerts and a bonfire, was nearly cancelled in 2024, in part because it was rejected by the ministry for grant funding.
The province’s guidelines stipulate that it will not fund events that are considered fundraisers. Since its founding in 2008, the Dundarave Festival of Lights has donated more than $1 million raised from the Forest of Miracles to the homelessness assistance non-profit Lookout Housing and Health Society. In 2018, those donations helped the purchase of a condo committed in perpetuity to use as affordable housing for low-income seniors.
“It’s nonsensical that a festival that attracts tens of thousands of people and then cuts a nice, fat check to end homelessness is punted out of the guidelines, and yet a for-profit venture can get a sizable grant. I just don’t understand that,” Lack said. “If the mandate is to bring people together, they both do that.”
The Offspring play at a previous edition of the Ambleside Music Festival. COURTESY OF GSL GROUP
Italiano, Français,
Province appoints advisor for West Van housing targets
NICK LABA nlaba@nsnews.com
The province has appointed a new advisor to make sure West Vancouver builds more homes.
Ravi Kahlon, B.C.’s Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, said he appointed advisors on Jan. 29 in the District of West Vancouver and in Oak Bay so the province and those municipalities could work together to make progress on meeting mandated housing targets.
“These independent advisors will evaluate the actions taken and make recommendations to support our shared goal of building homes for people faster,” Kahlon said in a written statement. “This is beneficial to any municipality who may need support in meeting their housing targets.”
After being on the province’s so-called naughty list for a year, West Van had fallen well short of its target to build new housing as of October 2024. Under the provincially set targets, West Van was expected to produce 220 new homes, but only 58 were built – a little more than 25 per cent of the target – most of them single-family homes.
The number of net new units to be
built will continue to grow, from 462 in 2025 to 1,432 in 2028.
But West Van Mayor Mark Sager said previously that he disagreed with Kahlon’s point of view – that his municipality instead had opted for careful planning. Sager gave the example of the recently approved Cypress Village plan, which will develop 3,700 units over the
next 25 years.
But according to the housing ministry, the new advisor will ensure “every action that can be taken to build more homes for people is being taken by the municipality.”
New advisor is career planner and CapU prof
Appointed to advise West Van is Ron Mattiussi, a professional planner with 38 years of experience as director and CAO for Kelowna, and instructor at Capilano University. He’ll be aided by Kevin Ramsay, former CAO for the District of Squamish and Port Moody
As advisor, Mattiussi can validate work completed and underway by the municipality, see where improvement is needed and make recommendations to support progress, said a spokesperson from the housing ministry.
“Once the advisor has reviewed municipal records, they are required to prepare a report for the minister which explains how the review was undertaken, what matters were reviewed, and recommendations for next steps,” the spokesperson said.
Mattiussi contacted the municipality
Jan. 30 to begin the work, which is expected to take about two months to complete, the spokesperson said.
“The minister will consider the advisor’s report and determine if further compliance action is required such as issuing a directive to enact a bylaw or permit, or if the municipality should continue to be monitored and update the minister on a quarterly basis before the next annual progress report is due,” the spokesperson said.
There are specific areas the West Vancouver advisor will review. Those include the zoning bylaw for smallscale multi-unit housing to determine if it deters development; decisions on housing projects by council; potential for a transit-oriented area within the Taylor Way local area plan; and procedures for reviewing development applications.
Kahlon said the housing ministry will continue to work to add more homes in communities throughout B.C.
“And make sure more people and families can find a place to live, in the community they want to,” he said. “I look forward to reviewing the advisor’s recommendations so we can build homes for people faster, together.”
B.C. Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister Ravi Kahlon speaks at a press event on the North Shore in June of 2024. NICK LABA / NSN
NEWSBRIEFS
CRIME STOPPERS SEEKS PARK ROYAL ARC’TERYX THIEF
Crime Stoppers is hoping someone in the public can help investigators ID a suspect accused of stealing $3,300 worth of Arc’teryx gear
According to the group, a man swiped the high-end outerwear from the Park Royal Arc’teryx on June 30, 2024.
Investigators released a surveillance image of the suspect on Wednesday He’s described as a white male in his 30s, standing about five foot 10 with a medium build and short brown hair to his ears. At the time of the theft, he was wearing a green shirt, khaki shorts, flip-flops and a beige ball cap, which he had on backwards.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the West Vancouver Police Department at 604-925-7300, or if they wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at solvecrime.ca
If the tip leads to an arrest and
SNOW SNARLS HIGHWAY 1 DURING WINTER BLAST
The first major snowfall of the season sent traffic spinning sideways on Sunday, particularly on Highway 1 in North Vancouver
Multiple cars and a large commercial vehicle spun out from the snow on the Trans-Canada Highway between Mountain Highway and Lynn Valley Road exits heading westbound Sunday morning.
DriveBC posted updates on the situation throughout the morning while also noting that many of the vehicles were not properly equipped for the conditions, including a commercial vehicle not chained
charge, you could be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000, which would buy a good amount of Arc’teryx.
- Brent Richter
Most of the mess was cleared up by 11:30 a.m., DriveBC reported, adding that drivers should make sure they have winter tires if driving in winter conditions. With more snow falling Monday evening, drivers experienced similar challenges. School closures kept some at home.
- Abby Luciano
West Vancouver Police and Crime Stoppers are seeking this suspect in a Park Royal Arc’teryx theft, June 30, 2024 CRIME STOPPERS
up
Feeling flushed
After months of sitting as an idle eyesore, work is ramping up again on the years-behindschedule and billions-over-budget North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is good
Amid all the finger pointing at Metro Vancouver over who is to blame for the cost overruns and who should be on the hook to pay for them, it’s become lost on a lot of folks that, at some point, we do need a fully armed and operational sewage plant
To be clear, it has still not been explained to our satisfaction how Metro Vancouver allowed the project to get so far off track.
That lack of transparency combined with bitterness over the boondoggle and news about the runaway remuneration for Metro’s directors and committee members has some questioning the legitimacy of the regional governance model entirely
We will defend it.
Providing clean drinking water and flushing toilets to Western Canada’s most populous region is not a small task. The elected leaders who oversee that deserve to be compensated. And the fiasco on West First Street isn’t the norm for the regional government. Unless we’re going to have each municipality building and paying for its own water supply and sewage treatment infrastructure, we’re all in this together.
But Metro Vancouver’s leadership needs to read the room here, show some contrition, make some very public steps to reign in discretionary spending and ramp up transparency.
The reputation of the regional authority is what underlies its ability provide the most basic but critical infrastructure we need. And we can’t have that flushed down the drain.
‘Buy Canadian’ should be more than just a slogan
MATT BLAIR publisher@nsnews.com
I don’t write columns often. In fact, this might be my first attempt since taking the helm at the North Shore News. But with all the chatter about tariffs lately, it feels like a good time to weigh in. There’s something about this whole “buy Canadian” movement that seems worth a closer look.
These past few weeks, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has decided it’s time to bring back the Committee on Internal Trade. It’s a body made up mostly of premiers and provincial ministers, and the idea is to come up with ways to “buy Canadian,” strengthening our economy as a result. Trudeau says it’ll happen “as soon
as possible.” Sounds fantastic, right?
Meanwhile, Premier David Eby is calling Trump’s tariff threats exactly what they are – a fight we didn’t start, but one we’ll face head-on. B.C.’s response? Another strong commitment to a “buy Canadian” strategy. It’s a good instinct. It feels like something we should have been doing anyway.
But I find myself wondering: is all this talk of “buy Canadian” really going to amount to more than just words? I can only speak to my industry, but I think we’ve been down this road before, and it’s worth asking – is it just rhetoric, or will there be meaningful change?
Take last year, for example. Premier Eby slammed Meta for blocking Canadian news, but not long after, the NDP made a deal
with Meta to ensure important information gets out to users during times of crisis, like wildfires It’s the kind of information we’ve been pushing to the public for decades – in the North Shore News’ case, since 1969. The odd part? Our industry wasn’t consulted on the deal, even though we’ve been on the front lines of this work for years. Meanwhile, Ontario has guaranteed 25 per cent of their province’s advertising budget to local news outlets.
And then there’s the federal government. Newsmedia Canada says Ottawa spent around 11 times more money with just three U.S tech giants than it did supporting more than 900 local newspapers across Canada. That’s a tough pill to swallow Especially when you consider that
newspapers, in whatever form they take these days – digital, print, or otherwise –now reach more than 90 per cent of the community. We’re more connected to our readers than ever before, and we have the stats to prove it.
But here’s the flip side: local municipal governments, and our local MLAs and MPs, have been the ones leading by example, prioritizing support for local newsrooms. They understand the importance of keeping small businesses running and of keeping vital information within the community So, kudos to our local mayors, councils, MLAs and MPs for getting it right, for putting their money where their mouth is when it matters most.
MAILBOX
BUYING CANADIAN IS A WAY I CAN SHOW GRATITUDE TO MY ADOPTED HOME
Dear Editor:
RE: Let’s Make ‘Buy Canadian’ More Than A Slogan, Feb. 2 online opinion article
I completely agree with the author of this article/sentiment. I have always felt rather helpless when it comes to protesting any decisions made by various governments on the assumption that my voice is not loud enough to be heard.
However on this issue and on this occasion there is something I can and will do and that is to buy Canadian. I have joined a Facebook group of the same name which gives me information on Canadian products available in our grocery and other stores. I was not born here but immigrated after the war and am proud and grateful to be a Canadian.
Whatever I can do is my way of showing my gratitude. I encourage all to do the same.
Lisa Cooper West Vancouver
CANADIANS SHOULDN’T BOO THE U.S. NATIONAL ANTHEM
Dear Editor:
To the people booing at the recent hockey games…
While I am disgusted by the U.S. administration and their tactics, I am horrified that Canadians have resorted to the same level of behaviour by booing the U.S. national anthem at hockey games.
The poor artists performing are not responsible for the U.S. administration’s antics, nor are the hockey players. They are suffering as much from the antics as the rest of the Canadians, and quite frankly the U.S. citizens too, who will ultimately be paying the price.
We are not known to be so rude and it’s embarrassing. We should be holding our heads high, continue to be true, strong Canadians and not give the U.S. admin any fuel to their bullying.
We must trust our administration to deal with this in the best way possible to protect the interests of all Canadians.
Anne Taylor North Vancouver
WE CANADIANS ARE MADE OF TOUGH STUFF
Dear Editor:
Did past Canadian generations die off from scurvy prior to the golden age arrival of Florida orange juice? No, they did not. Let us drink Canadian produced, vitamin-rich juices pressed from locally grown fruit crops and imported from tariff-free world citrus exporters Mexico and Ecuador for instance.
Let us stop eating imported, out-ofseason, occasionally recalled, high-priced vegetables and return to nutritious, preserved, stored and sold Canadian summer, fall and winter crops which apparently were healthy enough to rank Canadian soldiers among the toughest Allied forces in past two world wars – and winning them.
Annemarie Locher
92-year-old former war child North Vancouver
Governments should set the tone
Which brings me back to the bigger question: how many other opportunities to buy Canadian are slipping through the cracks? If our governments are serious about this, it’s time to go beyond the rhetoric. It’s time to put real effort and resources into supporting Canadian businesses –small and large. We need them to set the tone, to lead by example, and to show that “buy Canadian” is more than just a slogan. It’s something that can actually change the way we do business – and the way we think about what it means to support our own. Matt Blair is the publisher of the North Shore News and president of the BC & Yukon Community Newsmedia Association.
PARK PERK
West Vancouver gives its residents free parking in parks
BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com
District of West Vancouver residents have landed themselves on one of the most coveted spots in Monopoly – free parking.
Council voted Jan. 27 to waive the nominal $27 fee the municipality had been charging residents for annual parking passes valid for Lighthouse, Nelson Canyon and Whytecliff parks, where visitors from outside the district currently pay $5.22 per hour.
The annual fee was intended to help cover the cost of administering the pay parking program, which started in February 2024. As of Dec. 1, 796 resident parking permits had been issued, resulting in a net revenue of $32,328 for the district, while visitors to the three parks had pumped about $600,000 into West Vancouver’s community chest.
When the pandemic sent people to the region’s parks looking for safe outdoor recreation, the
amount municipalities had to spend on garbage pick up, public washroom cleaning, and maintenance went up, noted Coun. Sharon Thompson.
“Without that, our parks were actually getting pretty disgusting, and the real push to put these parking fees in place is, in fact, to be able to increase that service,”
she said, adding that she wanted to “give residents a break.”
“It’s become so much more lucrative than we could have imagined and I really believe that we already do pay our taxes, as residents, to upkeep these parks,” she said.
The majority on council agreed. The vote, however, was not unanimous.
Coun. Christine Cassidy said she could not abide leaving $32,000 on the table while the district is looking to expand pay parking to other parks, which will bring more upfront costs.
“In my world, it isn’t chump change,” she said, adding that many non-profits could make good use of that kind of money “As we proceed through these other various parks we’re going to have continued administration costs. I think it’s inordinately premature, and I think we have a fiduciary responsibility to cover our costs.”
Coun. Nora Gambioli also voted against the change, albeit
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for different reasons.
Gambioli acknowledged that free parking might be a winning proposal politically, but she said the intent of the program was also to dissuade people from driving to the parks, which is undermined by exempting the people who live closest to them.
“I really think it’s a small amount to pay,” she said, adding that the City of Vancouver does not provide pay parking exemptions for its taxpayers. “It may make me unpopular, but I think that I can’t support this at the moment.”
West Vancouver residents will still need to apply for their free pass at impark.com/westvan.
The municipality has faced criticism from visitors for requiring smartphone app-based payments in parks where cell coverage is spotty. Staff say they are looking into purchasing or renting kiosks that will allow people to pay on the spot, regardless of whether they have a solid internet connection.
West Vancouver will no longer charge its residents a nominal fee for parking passes in its three most popular parks. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN
BUDGET SEASON
District of North Vancouver budget cuts $5M from Spirit Trail
NICK LABA nlaba@nsnews.com
While there are many line items on the District of North Vancouver’s newly approved capital plan, a much-discussed active transportation route guided most of the discussion at council.
At a regular meeting Jan. 27, a narrow majority of council voted to pass the 2025 to 2029 capital plan, which included $29.8 million in reduced capital spending and $25.4 million in added borrowing.
The successful vote also directed staff to prepare a draft budget for the next five years, based on a 5.5-per-cent property tax increase.
During council’s debate, there was consensus on the tax increase amount, but Couns. Catherine Pope, Jim Hanson and Jordan Back all dissented in the vote. Instead, they advocated that the capital plan vote should have been deferred until after an upcoming Spirit Trail discussion Feb. 10.
Presenting to council, DNV chief financial officer Rick Danyluk said the capital plan addresses a $55-million funding gap identified last July. The spending reduction and added borrowing were based on staff recommendations, public engagement in September and direction from council.
There will be further opportunities to amend the plan in the spring and fall, he said. But the deadline for the district’s budget bylaw is April 7.
“It continues to be a challenging environment for capital planning, and early approval of the plan helps secure the best value and enables more progress on council priorities,” he said
In the proposed cuts to the capital plan are items considered “lower priority in a limited funding environment.” Those include a reduction in Spirit Trail funding from $20 million to $15 million, which would either delay completion of the project, reduce its scope or leave the district seeking additional grants.
There will also be reduced project scope in adding public electric vehicle charging stations, as well as the deferral of two gravel field conversions to artificial turf – at Kilmer and Delbrook parks – to accommodate the $8.9-million installation of the turf field at Handsworth Secondary.
Members of the public voice concerns on Spirit Trail funding
At the top of the Jan. 27 meeting, a couple members of the public voiced their concerns on cutting back the Spirit Trail.
Mayor Mike Little however highlighted today’s challenging financial environment, especially the Canadian dollar’s decline in purchasing power and how that impacts construction contracts. The cost for the Spirit Trail to cross McCartney Creek has been estimated at $7 million, he said.
“That’s a little shocking, that that’s the kind of ballpark we’re in for such short stretches,” Little said. “And you have to go back and re-evaluate your priorities and say, ‘All right, well, is there another way we can do this that’s going to be more cost effective. Or those kinds of contracts coming back, are they going to start making some decisions for us?’”
Pope agreed that everyone is facing financial challenges, which have been compounded by the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant fiasco spiking average utility fees to $1,150 this year.
But this capital plan divides district residents between young, active families and longtime homeowners with significant wealth, she said.
“When we sent out a survey last fall and asked residents what their top priorities were in terms of services, parks and rec services including sports amenities were the second highest priority, even ahead of police services,” Pope said. “Last year, we raised taxes and committed to providing that, and now we’re being asked to forget about our commitments, go back on our promises, and cut and defer some of these important projects.
“Well, I think the community has had enough,” she said. “People are tired of us not doing what we say we’re going to do.”
While Hanson, Pope and Back all advocated for the capital plan vote to be delayed, Little said council should vote on the current motion before considering alternatives. He added that priorities could change at other budget discussions later in the year
Ultimately, the capital plan passed with a 4-3 vote.
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Who brews the best non-alcoholic beer in North Vancouver?
NICK LABA nlaba@nsnews.com
Whether you like your Januarys dry, or with continuous precipitation in the forecast, in a moment of desperation –or sober curiosity – you’ve likely tried a non-alcoholic beer.
Driven by winds of consumer preference, the wave of non-alcoholic beverages has reached a Tsunami pitch, sweeping shelves at liquor and grocery stores alike.
Each passing week seems to bring more options. There are de-alcoholized wines and even un-boozed mezcal. But beer dominates the category, accounting for around three-quarters of beverages below 0.5-percent ABV.
Statistics show that alcohol sales are down – in B.C., by more than six per cent over the most recent fiscal year That’s left producers both big and small – from Heineken to Superflux – scrambling to pick up sales sans alcohol.
Today’s deluge of offerings have their origins in medieval Britain, when drinking water was hardly drinkable and milk was too expensive for the masses. Enter “small beer”
Not just adorable in name but kinder to the digestive tract, it was consumed for its nutritional and hydrating properties.
Brewed at around 2.8-per-cent ABV, it’s referenced in the works of William Shakespeare and other literary peers. Small beer also found its way to America. A recipe was found in a 1757 notebook of president
George Washington, who was a hobbyist brewer
But true non-alcoholic beer emerged in the prohibition era, when makers boiled their brews to remove the alcohol. However,
that gave rise to “needle beer,” where imbibers would inject their ales with booze on the sly
Fast forward to present day, and there are several techniques to make beer with little to no alcohol. Those include sophisticated, expensive machinery that exorcise the spirits, as well as specialized yeasts that ferment less sugar into alcohol.
That beer backgrounder brings us to the guts of this edition of Food Fight, where two non-alcoholic brews made in North Vancouver (and a wildcard drink from Deutschland) face off for the flavour crown.
No Point
First up is No Point from North Point Brewing Company.
While the witty title is attention grabbing, it might be a little more on the nose than we’d like.
North Point says it created No Point to help people with their New Year’s resolutions to drink less alcohol. But we found that this particular brew didn’t scratch that itch. Instead of the “aromatics of citrus, pine and tropical fruits” advertised on the can, it gives off more of an olfactory aura of diet fruit punch.
Continued
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Strathcona Brewing ready to open the taps at the Quay
NICK LABA nlaba@nsnews.com
Patrons and staff alike are clinking their glasses at Strathcona North, as the taproom has finally received its full liquor licence.
That means patrons can now order pints as they please, in contrast to the onedrink maximum that’s been in place since the North Vancouver business opened in Lonsdale Quay last September
And the restaurant is using the momentum to expand its operations, adding a cocktail list to its menu and brunch service in March.
While enthusiasm is now bubbling over, it’s been a bit of a rocky road to get there, explained Jonquil Parisian, Strathcona Brewing culinary director and lead on the Strathcona North project.
Last summer, she was going full steam ahead with her staff to ready the business for launch.
“With any sort of new restaurant opening, you’re always getting a bunch of surprises thrown your way,” Parisian said.
One major curveball was a delay in getting their liquor licence processed.
“At the end of July is when I was told that it was still waiting to be put in the approval process,” she said. “They told us at that time that it could take anywhere up to three months.”
It took around six months in the end, Parisian said, adding there were further delays due to the Canada Post strike and holiday hours in December.
During the waiting period, explaining the one-drink maximum to customers was a tough sell, she said.
“We tried to sort of be really engaging and explain to everybody coming in how this is the initial licence that we have,”
Parisian said. “It was a tough go for the staff to be able to try and stay open through this
and be as open about it as possible it really was.”
Business looking forward to construction wrapping up at Lonsdale Quay
But when the full licence came through in
January, she and her team were “thrilled.”
“It’s really boosted the morale for everybody,” she said. “We did get a lot of phone calls and emails and everything from people excited that they could now come in and actually sit and have a few drinks.”
Lifting of those drinking restrictions has precipitated other changes at the business, like the rollout of its “friends of Strath” concept, which has started with ciders and West Coast wines from other B.C. producers being added to the menu.
“Within a couple of weeks, we hope to roll out a few cocktails to go with that,” Parisian said. “For our beer drinking friends who have other friends that prefer wine –there’s something for everybody.”
Strathcona North is also expanding its hours and opening brunch service as of March 1.
“We’re going to be doing brunch on weekends and holidays,” she said.
The business is open from noon to 9 p.m. on weekdays, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends.
But expect to see Strathcona expand its hours going forward, especially on weekends, as their new lounge licence allows them to stay open till around 1 a.m., Parisian said.
She added that she’s looking forward to the ongoing construction to wrap up at Lonsdale Quay, hopefully by the summer.
“We’re really excited to have our neighbours all open, and no more boards on the walls, no more construction and drilling,” she said. “We want to see all of the food outlets open, and I think it’ll be good business for everybody.”
Evelyn Jamieson, manager of Strathcona North at Lonsdale Quay, serves up a cauliflower dish with a pint of pale ale. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN
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Vancouver’s Casey Wei wins Philip B. Lind Emerging Artist Prize
ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Vancouver artist Casey Wei says she was shocked after finding out she won this year’s Philip B. Lind Emerging Artist Prize at the Polygon Gallery, Jan. 23.
Wei was one of the five artists whose work was showcased in the Lind Biennial exhibit at the North Vancouver art gallery. The multidisciplinary artist took home a $25,000 cash prize.
Her installation, The Zhang Clan, spreads across three screens, diving into the story of her mother’s family immigrating to Melbourne, Australia from China following the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre.
“I just think they’re such interesting people,” Wei said. “If I didn’t make this film, I don’t think we would have talked about all these things.”
MANUEL AXEL STRAIN
Polygon Gallery 101 CarrieCates Court Territories of theSquamishand Tsleil-WaututhNatons, and theMusqueam Band @polygongallery| thepolygon.ca
Before the massacre, it was a time of unrest in China, where student-led protests took place in Tiananmen Square demanding democracy, free speech and free press in the country.
Following the death of China communist party leader Hu Yaobang in April 1989, who was working to bring forward a democratic reform, protesters marched through Beijing to Tiananmen Square. By mid-May that year, tens of thousands of people were protesting. On June 4, 1989, Chinese soldiers and police stormed the area, where over 200 people died, and thousands were injured.
Wei’s video installation aims to address what can’t always be said through verbal communication due to language barriers, privacy or trauma, she said. Completing the project has given Wei a deeper understanding of her mother’s history, but she also hopes people will reflect on their own stories.
“It’s like these oral histories that aren’t the official winners of history get to write the narrative,” she said. “It’s these real experiences of real people, and I think they should be recorded and celebrated.”
The Lind Prize is given to an emerging B.C.-based artist biannually, and is juried by a panel of artists and curators. Artists are nominated by staff and faculty from art institutions, organizations and
post-secondary programs across B.C.
The special award launched in 2015 and honours the legacy of Phil Lind, a figure known in the arts and education community for his countless philanthropic efforts. Lind was known as an avid art collector with a love of contemporary photography and B.C. artists. He died on Aug. 20, 2023, his 80th birthday Last year, the Lind family gave a hefty $1 million donation to ensure the future of the prize.
“Our father was a lifelong advocate for contemporary art and we knew that expanding the future of the Lind Prize would be an incredible way to commemorate his legacy,” Jed Lind, Phil’s son, said in a press release.
“The Lind Biennial will ensure that future generations of young artists have an opportunity to show their work in The Polygon’s incredible exhibition space and engage in their rich history.”
Jurors were impressed with Wei’s work, saying it offers insight into personal anecdotes specific to geographic displacement, and “transposes her DIY esthetics and community-based art into a gallery setting.”
The work also shows maturity and great promise, the jurors said in a press release.
Wei says she plans to use her cash prize for studio space, as most of her projects are done at home, along with materials to go towards her next production.
But it’s more than just a cash prize for the artist, it’s an opportunity to produce a project with the Polygon Gallery.
The other artists featured in the Lind Biennial were Mena El Shazly, Karice Mitchell, Dion Smith-Dokkie and Parumveer Walia.
Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
Casey Wei is an interdisciplinary artist who won the Phillip B. Lind Emerging Artist Prize at the Polygon Gallery Thursday evening. ALISON BOULIER
North Shore Writers’ Association Contest open for submissions
ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Got a way with words? A local writers contest could be your chance to take home a grand prize.
The annual North Shore Writers’ Association Contest is now open for submissions until March 15, with cash prizes for fiction, non-fiction, poetry and writing for children.
Now running for the 29th year, the contest is open to writers across Canada, judged anonymously by professional writers to ensure first-time writers and authors have an equal playing field.
This year the contest is now open for youth in all genres with two categories: for 11 years and under and for 12 to 18 year olds.
“The contest is really to just help people get themselves out there,” said Erin MacNair, the North Shore Writers’ Association Contest committee co-ordinator.
The North Shore Writers’ Association is a supportive group of published and aspiring writers in North Vancouver and West Vancouver People pay an annual membership fee, and the group holds events that involve guest speakers, craft workshops and the annual contest.
The contest has come a long way, with the first one running for members only in 1993. MacNair said the association has published 14 anthologies over the years, the first in 2000 called Shore Lines Some of the winning entries from that contest can still be spotted in the display windows of the North Vancouver District Public Library’s Lynn Valley branch.
In recent years, the contest has opened to the public.
Winning entries this year will be published in the association’s new digital literary magazine, Rivulets. They will also receive a cash prize between $50 and $100.
MacNair said having work published is not only an exciting accomplishment for writers to put on their resume, but also gives them that confidence boost to
keep going.
“It’s important for encouragement. Writers write alone in a room quite often, and don’t know if their words are ever going to reach anyone, or if they’ll have an audience for them,” she said. “So this is one way for them to get an audience for their work and to receive some kudos and accolades for the hard work that they’ve put in.”
Youth entering the contest is low barrier, with only a $5 entry fee that includes membership to the North Shore Writers’ Association.
“It’s that support [to] keep going that we want to help them with by having a contest,” she said, adding that they want to help the young writing community through the association with meetings and workshops tailored to them.
Edgemont Village booksellers
Kidsbooks and 32 Books have made donations for this year’s contest, which helped the writers’ association offer two prizes in the youth category, MacNair said.
The winners will be announced in April. For more information on submission criteria and entry fees, visit nswriters. org/annual-writing-contest
Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
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February 28 –March 9, 2025
Erin MacNair is the co-ordinator for the North Shore Writers’ Association Contest that is now open for submissions. She is shown with two of her published books. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN
Metro Vancouver still not accountable, DNV councillor says
flock of reporters around the site, which is now bustling with busy crews – a change from the relative inactivity there over the past several years.
After construction first began in August 2018, progress started to stall at the site as the relationship soured between Metro and its previously selected contractor, Acciona Wastewater Solutions. Now the two are locked in duelling lawsuits, with Acciona claiming that it offered measures to complete the project by 2025 at a cost of $1.05 billion, and that Metro has misled the public “on a number of important issues.”
Metro has filed its own claim that Acciona failed to properly interpret, understand and implement project specifications, and that the contractor should be required to refund $500 million back to taxpayers.
In October 2021, Metro terminated the project agreement with Acciona, and PCL was hired as the new construction manager in 2022 In October 2024, the two bodies signed a contract for PCL to complete the build, with an estimated price of $1.95 billion.
New contractor has many similar projects in its portfolio
On Wednesday, Metro said the new
contract is “within the approved budget for the program.”
PCL is a Canadian company with a portfolio of more than 450 water and wastewater projects.
“With a proven track record in delivering quality water and wastewater projects in both commercial and industrial settings, PCL is well prepared for the challenges and opportunities that come with building a future-focused treatment plant for Metro Vancouver and the people of the North Shore,” said vice-president Travis Chorney.
According to a timeline provided by Metro, the main focus over the next 1.5 years will be completing the concrete structure. Then, site activity is expected to
peak in 2026 and 2027 with more than 650 trades people on site to install the 40,000 metres of pipes, 800 kilometres of electrical, and other components required to run the plant.
The project is scheduled to be completed in 2030.
With its current $3.86-billion price tag, North Shore taxpayers will be on the hook for an annual bill of around $590 on average for 30 years. Other Metro Vancouver municipalities will pay $80 to $150 for 15 years.
When asked if the project’s cost could rise any further, Hurley said he was “confident” that the work will be delivered on what’s currently budgeted.
“We believe that we have the right team in place to deliver this,” he said, adding there are incentives in place for PCL to finish on time and on budget, and disincentives for other outcomes.
Hurley acknowledged the additional burden to taxpayers, and that some of them “are very angry.”
“I’m very angry that we got to this point but we still believe that Metro Vancouver, at $875 a [year] per average household, is still very good value for money,” he said. “Metro Vancouver does an excellent job day in and day out, delivering the critical services that are needed.”
Little accountability from Metro, councillor says
But Pope said there’s been little accountability from Metro.
“We’ve had no responsibility for the management of [the wastewater treatment plant project] aside from the board of directors approving budgets,” she said.
In November, Pope pushed a successful motion through District of North Vancouver council to request a public inquiry on the issue from the province. So far, the request has been acknowledged but there’s no indication if an inquiry will proceed, she said.
“I still have zero understanding of how in 2021 we were talking about $1 billion, how in a span of a couple years of almost dormant action on the site did we get to $4 billion,” Pope said.
Pope also responded to comments from fellow DNV Coun. Lisa Muri, who recently blasted the media for not explaining these issues properly, at a Metro board meeting, where Muri is a sitting member
“That’s totally outrageous but classic, old-school blame the messenger,” Pope said. “It’s outrageous that the media is blamed, and then bring the media in a few days later for a happy little tour.”
A crane works near the operations area of the under-construction plant NICK LABA / NSN
Beavers get busy on creek next to major highway improvement project
BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com
Someone’s been beavering away on North Vancouver’s Keith Creek, gnawing down trees and jamming up the urban waterway, dam it.
Dozens of young trees have been felled along the banks of the creek, which runs parallel to the new Mountain Highway on-ramp to eastbound Highway 1. And a beaver (or beavers) have been hard at work building two small dams and a lodge.
The Ministry of Transportation and Transit recently realigned and restored the creek, and replanted the riparian area with native trees and shrubs as part of the $200-million Lower Lynn Improvement Project.
When ministry contractors did an environmental assessment on the creek, there were no signs of the industrious rodents living nearby, according to the province In 2023, they first started seeing signs of “light” beaver activity, which ramped up significantly in the fall of 2024.
“The ministry has not had active sightings of the beavers, as these animals are most active at dawn and dusk, prior or after the typical presence of maintenance crews. However, the level of activity would be consistent with one beaver or a mating pair,” a statement from the ministry read. “The beavers are building a lodge near the middle section of this creek, on the north bank, between two small beaver dams. Once the lodge is ready, they will live inside it.”
District of North Vancouver and ministry staff are both monitoring the situation but for now, the beavers’ infrastructure does not pose any concerns for the nearby human infrastructure, the province says.
The surviving trees in the riparian area, however, will need a little extra protection.
“Trees that could be cut down by beavers have been fenced with wire to prevent further damage. The beavers will not damage conifer trees, which now have more room to grow and are the trees that will form the mature forest in the future for this creek,” the statement read.
Neil Fletcher, director of
conservation stewardship at the B.C. Wildlife Federation, said he was pleased to see the province taking a mostly hands-off approach to the beavers. Some organizations and people turn to lethal trapping as soon as beavers become a nuisance, he said.
“People love them or hate them,” he said.
Felling beloved trees and blocking creeks does re-engineer the environment, Fletcher acknowledged, but the mostly-aquatic beavers need places to swim away from predators.
“They suck at walking,” he said. “They kind of wobble around. They’re like a walking hamburger If there’s a coyote or a wolf or a bear, they’re easy meat.”
Beavers provide ecological value
Scientists believe there might have been as many as 400 million beavers in North America prior to the arrival of settlers who trapped them for their pelts and redeveloped their habitats, Fletcher said. Those numbers have been reduced by as much as 98 per cent. But conservationists are striving to reintroduce beavers into areas where they won’t be a source of conflict because they create other ecological values.
Beaver dams provide natural moderation for droughts in the summer and floods in winter, and the ponds they create become
habitat for other species, including ideal rearing space for juvenile coho salmon.
“They really do help ecosystems thrive in many ways, and we’ve lost so many of them. Beavers are one of the animals that are trying to bring wetlands back,” he said. “Consider the value they’re providing, and if there is an opportunity to keep them on the land base.… Sometimes they can make it work, depending on the location and if the community or the landowner can tolerate it.”
Fletcher said he “absolutely” understands the damage that can be done to human assets when beavers move in, so he often advises on ways to coexist with them.
If a newly created pond is getting out of hand, crews can install a “leveler” – a pipe that bypasses the dam and prevents the water level from raising any higher And he said, if the deciduous tree trunks are all fenced off, it’s likely the beavers will move on. A study done in Alberta found it was cheaper to use those methods than it was to try to remove them constantly, as new beavers tend to show up not long after the previous ones have been trapped.
“There’s ways of moderating the enthusiasm of the beaver,” Fletcher “If they’re fencing off the ice cream, so to speak – the easy, yummy food – they probably won’t stick around too long.”
A partially built beaver lodge sits in a newly built dam next to Highway 1 in North Vancouver BRENT RICHTER / NSN
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WORLD CUP DOWNHILL
Cam Alexander speeds to bronze at legendary Austrian track
NICK LABA nlaba@nsnews.com
Cameron Alexander has secured another World Cup bronze medal with a fast finish at what some in the ski community call the race of the year.
On Saturday, Jan. 24, Alexander of North Vancouver placed third in the downhill race in Kitzbühel, Austria, with a time of one minute 53.86 seconds.
That’s just 0.22 seconds behind teammate James Crawford, who won the race in front of a crowd of nearly 50,000
fans
It’s the first time two Canadians have stood together on the Hahnenkamm track podium since Todd Brooker and Ken Read in 1983, hearkening back to a golden era of “Crazy Canucks” when seemingly fearless Canadian racers dominated the downhill scene.
Brodie Seger, also from North Van, finished 23rd on the downhill track.
The day before, Cameron placed fifth in the super-G race in Kitzbühel.
Earlier this month, Jan. 17 and
18, he raced to fifth and eighth in the downhill and super-G events at another World Cup track in Wengen, Switzerland.
And in December, Alexander took another bronze in downhill at a track in Bormio, Italy.
In the World Cup standings
Alexander now sits sixth in downhill and seventh in super-G, placing him ninth in the overall standings. He is the top Canadian in all three rankings.
Next up on the circuit is the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, which kicked off yesterday in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria.
NOTICE OF NOMINATION PERIOD
2025 By-Election: TheCorporationOfThe
District Of West Vancouver &School District45(West VancouverSchools).
Public Noticeisgiven to the electorsofWestVancouver Schools that aby-election will be held on Saturday, April5,2025.
Nominations forthe officeof:
School Trustee(one to be elected)
foraterm ending October,2026will be received by the chiefelection officer or deputychief election officerasfollows:
WHEN: 9a.m., February 18, 2025 to 4p.m., February 28, 2025 (excluding statutory holidays and weekends)
WHERE: LegislativeServices, Municipal Hall 75017th Street, West Vancouver BC V7V 3T3
HOW: Nomination documents maybedelivered by hand, by mail or by other deliveryservice, or by faxoremail, with originals to follow. Thedeadline forreceiving originals of nomination documents is 4:30 p.m., March 7, 2025.
Nomination documents areavailable in LegislativeServices,Municipal Hall, 75017th Street, West Vancouver BC V7V 3T3 during regular office hours(8:30 a.m. to 4:30p.m., MondaytoFriday, excluding statutory holidays and weekends)throughout the nomination period (9 a.m., February 18,2025to4p.m. February28, 2025) andare also posted on westvancouver.ca/election.
QUALIFICATIONS FOROFFICE:
Aperson is qualified to be nominated, elected, and to hold officeasa member of local government if theymeet the following criteria:
• Canadian Citizen;
• 18 yearsofage or older on general voting dayApril 5, 2025;
• Resident of British Columbia foratleast six months immediately beforethe daynomination papersare filed;
• not disqualified under the LocalGovernment Act or anyother enactment from being nominated for, being elected to or holding office, or be otherwise disqualified by law.
CAMPAIGNEXPENSE AND THIRD PARTYADVERTISING LIMITS
Theexpense limit forcandidates establishedbyElections BC for the 2025 school trustee by-election is $19,070.70. Thethirdparty advertising limit is $953.54.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Visit westvancouver.ca/election or contact the chief election officer or deputychief election officer at 604-925-7004
Hope Dallas, Chief Election Officer,January 28, 2025
Cameron Alexander celebrates his second World Cup bronze of the season, at the downhill track Kitzbühel, Austria. COURTESY OF ALPINE CANADA
CURIOSITY AND OPENNESS
Childhood perspectives shine through in Polygon Gallery exhibit
ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
What comes to your mind when you think of childhood? Bright colours, innocence, curiosity?
All these ideas and more will be shown through Manuel Axel Strain’s latest work, xʷəlməxʷ child, which is now on display at the Polygon Gallery following an opening celebration Feb. 1. The exhibit runs until May 11.
Strain is a two-spirit artist from the lands of the Musqueam, Secwépemc and Syilx peoples, and combines cultural ways of knowing and Western concepts in their recent work.
“The exhibition weaves together connections to land, water, air, and family, which are foundational elements of the Musqueam, Secwépemc and Syilx peoples culture and being. Simultaneously, it evokes childhood memories and layers different parts of the exhibit to reflect concepts drawn from Western psychological frameworks,” Strain said.
xʷəlməxʷ child is comprised of mixeduse elements including large photographs with paintings on top, textile pieces and lots of colour art works, Strain said. Some
photos feature Strain’s relatives as well as elements of nature, including the sky, sea and mountains.
Strain went through old family photo archives finding images that spoke to them Their work looks at not necessarily their own experiences, but other First Nation child perspectives, they said.
Tables and chairs are also spread out throughout the installation evoking a home setting, but the dimensions create a strange feeling, making the viewer feel small or the furnishings have purposes beyond what is expected, according to the
Endurance Nightdelvesintofeats of
bodies andminds
achieve. Whetheritispushingto complete 15 GrouseGrindsinone day,orgrappling with blindnesswhile backcountry skiing, this eveningwill provideinsight intohow we overcome thechallenges we setfor ourselves
gallery’s website.
The multi meanings and Strain’s hard work will be celebrated at Saturday’s celebration. Polygon Gallery Assistant Curator and Secwépemc artist Serena Steele will be doing a cedar brushing of the work to cleanse the space. A song and blanketing ceremony will follow afterwards, said curator Elliot Ramsey.
“Visitors will be able to learn about the show and a lot of the work and care and the context that have shaped this exhibition,” Ramsey said. “They’ll be able to witness a really meaningful ceremony.”
Strain’s family and members from both the Musqueam and Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) will also be attending the show, Ramsey said.
Ramsey has been following Strain’s work for years and is excited to have xʷəlməxʷ child in the space.
The curator first saw Strain’s work outside a SkyTrain station in Richmond during a local photography festival a few years ago, and later again in 2022 when he was a juror for the West Coast and Yukon region for the Sobey Art Award, a national prize organized by the National Gallery of Canada.
After Ramsey heard Strain was long listed for the prize, the two kept in contact,
eventually leading to a spot at the North Vancouver gallery.
But what makes this installation extra fun are the little surprises people can find throughout, sparking curiosity and wonder, like in childhood.
“People will maybe be reminded of their own childhood, or kids that they know, or of generations to come,” Ramsey said.
“Coming away with this feeling of curiosity, innocence, being small and in the state of wonder, and what it means to be thinking about our constantly fluctuating world with the curiosity and openness of a child, I think that’s [a] beautiful thing that Manuel is creating in this show.”
Surprises are an element Strain tries to create in most of the work they do.
“There’s lots of coded symbolism, and I like having those surprises for people. So people can inquisitively think about things and create that sense of ‘Oh, what’s that?’” Strain said. “I want people to be inquisitive and try to find meaning or wonder about things, and speculate or question, and little surprises do that.”
Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
GARDEN TO TABLE
How to sow seeds in winter with reused take-out containers
LAURA MARIE NEUBERT
Contributing writer
We rested our raised beds again this winter. That is, I neglected to start a winter flight of greens and vegetables in the greenhouse in time to transplant under the cold frames.
Fortuitously, deep cold arrived so late that we were harvesting baby greens and hardy vegetables until very recently, when temperatures dropped substantially
Also this week, seed sowing withdrawal set-in and I ached to get my hands dirty and begin gardening in earnest. It is still too early to sow nightshades indoors, so I thought I might full-on mimic nature and direct-sow in the middle of winter
Market and home gardeners of old practiced various versions of winter sowing.
Solar greenhouses, cellar or sunken greenhouses, and hot beds built over buried composting manure were as common as backyard chickens. After the second world war, the practice fell out of fashion, and now most home gardeners wait for spring soil to warm enough to sow or transplant into.
But what if we didn’t? What if we do as nature does, self-sowing seeds directly into and onto living soil well after gardening
season, then letting the cold, damp and icy winter have her way with them?
As a permaculture designer, I am constantly asking myself, “What would nature do?” When I think I may have an answer, I try to re-create ecosystem services and conditions that facilitate the mechanism of action or result that I hope to achieve. On occasion I fail. Always I learn, and often I succeed.
Nature has the whole seed cycling thing figured out. Seeds and seed heads form on or in plants and those seeds ultimately find their way onto or under the soil, by either falling directly or by being relocated by wind, water, fire, humans or wildlife. Ideally, biological and mineral nutrients from decaying biomass and animal wastes accompany the seeds, and the lot rest quietly through the cold and wet winter, until chemical or mechanical forces of nature wake them up in the spring Seems simple enough
This very clever process breaks seed dormancy two ways – through “stratification,” which uses temperature (wet cold followed by warmth) to trigger germination, and/or “scarification” which uses mechanical, chemical or thermal methods to break down a protective seed coat to
the same end. Animal and human traffic can scar or break a seed coat in nature, or we can do this manually using a nail file or a fingernail.
Considering all of this, we can imagine how we might simulate optimal conditions within a somewhat controlled environments in our garden, to contain and encourage germination earlier and more abundantly than what we might expect otherwise.
Influencer gardeners have
demonstrated success winter-sowing in zippered baggies, bottom-punched and top-vented to allow for rain and snow-watering and drainage, and also by using plastic milk cartons sliced horizontally to create flip-top mini greenhouses.
We opted for sturdy, repurposed takeout and storage containers that stack and stow easily. After drilling tops and bottoms to facilitate water and biology cycling, we added six centimetres of cold, wet, living soil fortified with compost, poopy Alpaca wool and nutrient-rich castings. Dense sowings of perennial flower, brassica, mustard, lettuce, allium and chicory seeds came next, followed by a thin topcoat of soil well watered-in. Finally, we numbered the containers and sunk them slightly into soil in a sunny raised bed, insulated by hemp and leaf mulch.
These tiny coldframes will, I am confident, produce uncommonly early in the spring – masses of tiny, acclimatized seedlings ready to separate and transplant directly, saving both money and time.
Laura Marie Neubert is a West Vancouverbased urban permaculture designer Learn more about permaculture by visiting her website upfrontandbeautiful.com, or email hello@upfrontandbeautiful.com.
Drill drainage holes large enough to facilitate transit of compost worms, biology and water. LAURA MARIE NEUBERT
TIMETRAVELLER
Aweekly glimpse into NorthShore’spast from MONOVA:Museum of North Vancouver
Capilano Highlands and the Post WarBoom
Following theSecondWorld Warthe NorthShore experienceda population boom,caused inpartbya largedemandfor housingand newdevelopment.One exampleofthispostwar boom is theCapilano Highlands. This photograph,taken circa1947, showsService Realty’s field office at thecornerofEdgemontBoulevard andRidgewood Drive. Thefield office,a log cabin, wasconstructed in 1946 andsoldlotsfor thedevelopment at prices between$675 and $975. Promotionalpamphlets proclaimed theHighlands as a“Garden of Dreams”and the“Future Home of 5000 People”totry to lure buyers across theInlet Visitmonova.ca formoreinformation aboutthe historyofthe NorthShore andtoplanyour visit to MONOVA:MuseumofNorth Vancouver, nowopenat115 West EsplanadeinThe Shipyards.MONOVA: Archives of NorthVancouver,islocated at 3203 InstituteRoadinLynn Valley. Contact: archives@monova.ca
THE"TIMETRAVELLER"SPACEHASBEENGRACIOUSLYDONATEDBYTHEADVERTISERBELOW #LOCALMATTERS
Wildeye pulls a tasty magic trick
Continued from A12
No Point has some malty flavours, but those are muddled by a metallic taste and something evoking unripe banana.
If you’ve yet to try something from the award-winning brewery, we’d point you in the direction of one of their higher-alcohol offerings instead.
Easy Pale
Staring down North Point from across the non-alcoholic bar is Wildeye, with its Easy Pale.
When you crack the can, the inviting hoppy smell tells you you’re about to drink, well beer
Easy Pale from Wildeye is a welcome magic trick that could come in handy for those looking to keep Dry January going for a while longer.
That magic trick continues on the tastebuds with a pleasant bite reminiscent of alcohol, accompanied by a balance of malt and hops.
What you get is an easy-drinking, faux pale ale, exactly as promised
Weissbier 0,0%
The last contender hails from Germany, the Weissbier 0,0% produced by Paulander
While not brewed in North Van, it’s been on the menu and recommended by the folks at Black Kettle
This drink is marketed as a balance of “fine malt aromas, refreshingly fruity Weissbier flavours and a pleasing hint of sweetness,” and has its alcohol removed via a “thorough maturing process.”
We found this beverage to be generally pleasant, with some nice malt flavours. The micro carbonation also makes for a smooth mouthfeel. However, there was a bit too much residual sugar in the mix to keep us coming back for more.
Winner: Easy Pale
Among our panel of distinguished drinkers, there was no debate in choosing best in brew.
Easy Pale was the instant favourite in our newsroom.
It’s refreshing, and lives up to the dry January assignment so well that it almost fools you into believing you’re drinking a regular-degular beer.
This should be stocked in the fridge of anyone looking to cut back on alcohol but not the experience of having a cold one.
Curious about how they came out with such a refreshing low-alc product, I spoke to Ian Ennis, operations manager at Wildeye.
With the way the market is right now, it’s an interesting time in craft beer, he said.
“A lot of people’s palates have changed, a lot of people have decided to stop drinking,” Ennis said. “A lot of Gen Z are not drinking or drinking very little.”
Meanwhile, non-alcoholic sales are skyrocketing for the big breweries.
It was those factors that led Wildeye to make a low-alc option of its own, albeit a very tasty one.
Facing the potential high-cost of de-alcoholization technology, the North Van brewery opted to use a low-attenuating yeast instead, which produced a final product in the range of 0.42-per-cent ABV.
Months of careful research led them to a recipe that used 70- to 80-per-cent less malt than regular beer, and generous use of specialized spectrum hops to increase those flavours.
“It was challenging. We had to think completely differently,” Ennis said. “We used an unusual malt to give mouth feel and flavour.”
To ensure safety as the brew sits in the can, Wildeye pasteurized its product. Because it’s considered a food product and not alcohol, they also had to go through an unfamiliar process of having it lab tested for nutritional facts, while getting a different tax rate attached to it to put it on shelves.
With all its unique ingredients, Easy Pale is quite expensive to make, Ennis said, but the folks at Wildeye don’t like brewing anything they don’t like drinking.
“We’re super, super happy with it,” he said.
Ennis added that he himself doesn’t drink on weeknights.
“It’s great when I don’t have beers in my fridge,” he said.
Photo:NVMA,PHC13080
HOROSCOPE
7.Blazer material 8. Discolored
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29.Wimp
30.Nightmarestreet of film
31. Mr.Van Winkle
33. Section
35.Catch
38. Music of IceCube
40.Brass instrument
43.Makeeggs,inaway
45.Rodeo rope
46.Cease to go
47.Expectation
Stereo component
Cavity
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violently
58. Badmood 59. Type of moss 60.Cut down 61.Starerudely at
Head
Employed
Government department
Mend
Circle part
Wan
48.Designated space
49.Wind instrument
51.Loam
52.Initial wager
55.Argument
Crosswordpuzzle answers use American spelling
ARIES March21-April 19
Youmay have to wait at home all day for something like apackage delivery. It’ll be the perfect opportunity to consider astylish interior makeover
TAURUS April 20-May20
If you’regoing somewhere that’shardtofind, precise directions will be essential to avoid wasting alot of time. AGPS navigation app will be your best friend.
GEMINI May21-June 20
Nobody likes feeling deprived, but it can motivate you to seek solutions. You’ll be ready to act once you figure out how to gain financial freedom.
CANCER June 21-July 22
Exciting activities abound, bringing awhirlwind of commitments that will fill up your schedule. However,you’ll skillfully organize all your tasks and meet all your deadlines.
LEO July 23-Aug. 22
Acold is often your body’s way of telling you it’stime to slow down and recharge. If you’refeeling stressed, take some time to unwind with relaxation and meditation.
VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept.22
You’ll be in aleadership role, and your team will look to you for guidance. You’ll have plenty of opportunitiesto showcase your management skills. Embrace the position you’ve earned andassert your authority with confidence.
LIBRA Sept.23-Oct. 22
As you juggle family and professional commitments, you won’t have much spare time or any time to devote to your own activities You’ll also have to organize professional or social gatherings.
SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21
At work, your productivity will catch the attention of your superiors, who will feel compelled to offer you araise to secureyour longevity with the company.You’ll have everyreason to be proud!
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec.21
Youmay be faced with existentialquestions this week, whichmay prompt you to seek amore enlightened outlook on life. In your relationship, loyalty and dedication arehighly valued.
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
You’ll find common ground with those around you after aconflict. Your wisdom will be crucial in this situation. Quick action will be needed to stop things from getting worse.
AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb.18
This week will be full of professionalchallenges. Set realistic expectations to ensureyour success matches your efforts. Keep an eye out for potential friction with colleagues who may be jealous of your achievements.
PISCES Feb. 19-March 20
All the attention will be on you this week. You’ll receive well-deserved praise for your amazing accomplishments. This will give your selfconfidence amajor boost.
HOWTOPLAY:
Fill in thegridsothat everyrow,every column andevery 3x3box contains the numbers 1through 9 only once Each 3x3box is outlined with a darker line. Youalready have a fewnumbers to get youstarted. Remember:you mustnot repeat the numbers 1through 9inthe same line, column or 3x3 box.
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Each lossisverydifferent, Thepain is so severe. Will Iever stop missing This one Iloved so dear?
Good timeswehad together, Themomentsthatweshared
We didn’t have to tell each other Howmuchwereallycared
Inever dreamed you’dgoaway, Never thoughtofsorrow. So sureyou’d alwaysbehere Took forgranted each tomorrow.
Nowmylifeisall confused Sinceyou went away Youtook apartofme And forhelp Idailypray.
But when God sent youtome He never said that youweremine, That Icould keep youalways–Onlyborrowed foratime
Now, He’s called youhome, I’m sadand Ished tears.
YetI’m glad He loaned youtome And we had thesemany years.
Alwaysremembered.
BEECHEY,ThomasD.
February 4, 1944−January 17, 2025
We areheartbrokentoannounce that Tom passed away on January 17th in North Vancouver. Tom wasborn in Edmonton, AB but moved to Vancouver andthenSurrey.Hegraduated from NorthSurrey High, continued to UBC and graduatedinCommerce/Transportation in ’62. He movedtoMontrealand worked forCN& Standard Brands. Where he methis wife Susan. Returned to BC,worked for Crown Zellerback, Fletcher Challengeand Weldwood. Hishappy place was our cabin on Keats Island. He also enjoyeddancing for over 50 years.Heleaves his loving wife Susan of55years; hissons Jason andBrent and wife Melissa;grandchildren Alex and Amanda;godson Brandon Lee (Abby); many in−laws,nieces and nephews; and many cherished friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations to theHeart and Stroke Foundation or aCharity of your choice. Celebration of LifeMarch 15th, 1−4pm, Holiday Inn, North Vancouver
CASILIO,Gloria
Elaine
October 25, 1940 −January 9, 2025
Now reunited with the love of her life, Bobbo;her beloved Mom, Betty; brothers Jack, Wayne, and Lyle; brother−in−law Guido;and nephews Pauland Jet. Survived bysiblingsDarleen, Jim, Bob, and Betts; in−laws Barb, Betty, Terry, Carol, Ken, Gail, Anita,and Ron; and her much−loved nieces and nephews. Mom leaves behind dear friendsShirley, Adrian, Dawnaand Pat, her found family fromSt Patrick and Caulfeild, and many grown kidswho loved her as Mrs. C.
Mom’s love of family will continue through daughters Jacqueline, Suzy, andMichelle, as well as their husbandsand sons to Mom, Tony Rivard, and DavidAtkinson. Simon Evison wasstill calling her Mrs. Casilio, but had hope. The Queen Bee leaves behind her adoring grandchildren Georgia, Nicole, Jacob, Lauren, Jordan, Jade Glory, Kate Savannah, Chocolate, Evan, Louand her new favourite,great−granddaughter Delilah. Nana is in their hearts, she’s in their souls.
Anaturalathlete,avid reader, gonzo gardener, gourmetcook, lifelong learner, world traveller and oceanlover, Momlived acharmed life, and she knew it. "Smell the fresh air, listen to the birds, we’re so lucky!" Mom invented gratitude.
On top of creating awarm,safe, loving home for ourfamily and friends, Mom loved agood time. Epic camping trips, family celebrations and sneaking daughters to the Commodoretosee James Cotton, James Brown, and BB King. Mom’s last showwas The Stoneswith the whole family anddearfriend Susie Martin. Mom wasknown for loudlyand poorly singing partial lyrics to whatever song popped into her head, alittleRickie Lee Jonesblurted out while youwalk by Chuck E Cheese? Didyou hear about poor Blanche? (She gotcaught in an avalanche).
Take amoment to crank some Rod Stewart, Joe Cocker or Stevie Ray Vaughan, have adance, and know youshouldprobably bemoving your shoulders alittlemore.We’re going to miss you, Mumma!
Celebration of life details tofollow.
DARNEL, LanceN. March 26, 1928−January 15, 2025
BornonMarch 26,1928, in Riga, Latvia. Afterthe Waremigrated in 1951 to Canada, settledin Vancouverand hadthree children and grandchildren.Retired after32yearswith B.C. Sugar. Aftera long and activelife, he passedaway peacefully on January 15,2025. No service by request.Towrite acondolence to the family, please visitwww.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/ north−vancouver−bc/lance−darnel−12203435
GRANT,Mary Margaret (Brayne) February 9, 1930 -December 15, 2024
ACelebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday,February 16,1:30-3:30 at the West Vancouver United Church, 2062 Esquimalt Ave, West Vancouver
Dearman, Ruth Lydia (Hollinger)
November 28, 1921 - January 07, 2025
Mom passed away with her family and her loving husband by her side. She will be sadly missed by her husband John Dearman; her children Carol (Mike), Suzie (Aris), Ricia and Bobby (Henry); her 6 grandchildren Rita, Chris, Tosha Dan, Evangelia, Pano; her 6 great grandchildren and one great-great grandson. Predeceased by Bill Hollinger (2000) and her grandson Josh Wise (2006)
Ruth was born in Edmonton, Alberta on a Dairy Farm where she enjoyed a large family of brothers and sisters. Ruth settled for many years in North Vancouver where she enjoyed family and friends, and along with Bill she started Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.
Ruth was a stalwart woman with a stubborn streak. She worked tirelessly looking after her family while enjoying cooking, sewing, flower arranging, playing bridge, scrabble and whenever possible dancing, singing and laughing. Ruth was an incredible hostess from afternoon tea parties, bridge get-togethers and executive dinner parties. Ruth loved dressing up for all occasions and made many of her family’s clothes. An incredible seamstress, hat maker, she continued to make costumes for Halloween, even in her later years
Ruth enjoyed traveling the world with numerous trips across Canada, US, Europe, Hawaii, Africa, Asia, Mexico, South/ Central America
Mom possessed many qualities, she was a symbol of calmness, wisdom, determination, and perseverance. Mom taught us to be kind to others, turn the other cheek, to value our friendships; and she trusted us in our adventures.
From Horse and Cart to electric vehicle - what a life she has ed. She will forever be in our hearts A truly blessed spirit
Rest in Peace
The family would like to thank Dr Reimer for his years of medical care And extend a thank you to the staff at Cowichan District Hospital for mom’s care in the final few days of her life. In lieu of flowers, a donation to your local food bank would be greatly appreciated.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Ruth on April 5, 2025 from 1:00 – 4:00 at St. Peters Anglican Church, 5800 Church Road, Duncan, BC
GOULD, Dorothy Gertrude (Gert) June 9, 1922 - January 16, 2025
Granny has cycled off into the sunset “The M” as we knew her, was a North Vancouver pioneer and a survivor of more than one depression, a World War, technological change, climate change, minor hockey at the NSWC, many miles cycling in Australia, New Zealand, Cuba and BC, six children, thirteen grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and several grand dogs She graced this all with her unique and sharp wit, wooden spoon, and calm but firm nature.
Born in Websters Corners (Maple Ridge) while our grandfather was logging in the Harrison area, she went on to move around BC with the logging operations and experienced the province grow and develop as few have. Her humble and hardworking roots showed when she would pull for the underdog or step up to help those less fortunate.
Predeceased by Dad in 2006, Granny is survived by her children Chuck (Anita), Patty, Danny (Vicki), Brian (Dawn), Rex (Cathy), Dorothy (Doug), and brother John.
Many thanks to “Care Chick” Linda and the doctors, nurses, physios, and aids at Lions Gate Hospital and Sunrise who cared for her in latter years. Independent and feisty to the end, she was a tough customer who did not want others fussing over her or telling her what to do.
Granny made a great home for us. Her legacy and final resting spot will be under the trees enjoying the sunsets at the family cabin in Pender Harbour.
Please join the family in a celebration of life planned for Saturday March 22nd 1:00PM to 4:00PM at the North Shore Winter Club, Jim Graham Room. Mom gave up the purchase of a dryer so our family could afford to join the new club. Seems only fitting to honour her there.
HARRISON, Samuel Patrick 17 March, 2005 - 3 January, 2025
With great sadness we announce the sudden death at home of Sam, a lifelong resident of North Vancouver, recent Sutherland Secondary School graduate, and BCIT student.
His quiet demeanor and humour wil be deeply missed by his parents, Ali (Jason) and Kevin (Sue), his sister Avery, his grand-parents Diana, Laurel, and Ken (Leslie), his aunts Erika, Miranda and Sue (Cam) and uncle Chris (Bev), as well as a wide circle of relatives and friends.
Family and friends held a Celebration of Sam’s Life on 31 January
Gone too soon
OWEN, David
March 25, 1926 - December 31, 2024
David was a loving husband to Toni. They were a devoted couple, and they built a large family and a happy, inclusive home
Born in England, David came to Canada at 14 during the Second World War. He attended high school in BC, joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and obtained a degree in Forestry from UBC.
David had a successful career at the Crown Zellerbach Lumber Company After taking early retirement, he volunteered for over 30 years helping people on the North Shore with their tax returns. He served as Church Warden at Christ Church Cathedral, where, together with Toni, they enjoyed a warm and loving community of friends.
David was a kind, thoughtful person. A true gentleman, he was a supportive and consistent presence in the family We will miss his calm manner and wonderful sense of humour
David is survived by six daughters, ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren
A service will be held at Christ Church Cathedral on February 7, 2025, at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Church Cathedral or a charity of your choice.
REMEMBRANCES
LENGWENAT-CORDSEN,
Carolynn Patricia May 14, 1955 -January28, 2025
Carolynn Patricia Lengwenat-Cordsen(nee Moul) was born on May14th, 1955, at SaintVincent’s HospitalinVancouver,and passed away at Sechelt Hospital on January28th, 2025,atthe age of 69, after adecades-long struggle withhealthissues. Carolynn embodied perseverance in the face of adversity andresourcefulnessamidstunrelenting challenges.
Carolynn composed agreatdealofmusic, conducting herfirst symphonywiththe North Vancouver Symphony Orchestraatthe Centennial Theatre when she was only16 yearsold She earned her Associateship withthe Royal Conservatory of Music,specializing in and achieving the highest mark in Canada for pedagogy,the artofteaching.She hadadriving passion for the study and performance of music, butteachingmusic was her life’s calling, andher life’s work.
After movingfrom North Vancouver to Gibsons in 1995 to raiseafamily with her then-husbandSven, sheknit herself intothe music scene of the Sunshine Coast.After theirdivorce, she continued to raisethree daughters on her own, while continuallypursuing herprofessionalcareer; she served as Vice President of the Sunshine Coast MusicFestival from1999-2007and as president of theBCRegistered Music Teachers’Association from 2000-2008. Sheperformed with many bands, and wasa skillfulrecording engineer, musical playwright,sound engineer,and music director
Shehad abrilliant mind,passions thattook her interest fromone joytothe next, andwas akeen connoisseur of classicliterature andfilm.Trying to fit such aneurodiversemindintothe world was no smallfeat;ultimately, her struggles to cope were too much forher body to maintain.She sustained a severe traumaticbrain injury,but her heart never faltered:she wasa beacon of unconditionallove and understanding to anyone sheencountered Hercompassion and empathy were guileless, a true sourceofskillful equanimity
Carolynn is survivedbyher children Heidi, Amy, and Sarah; sisters Kathleen andPamela;nieceand nephews Rachel,Tom, and Albert; her father Albert (Moul); anda largefamily,bothbiological and found. Those who knew and loved her were being taught by herinmoreways thanthey knew,not in music, but in thewaysofthe heart andsoul. Her lessons will continue to ripple out through everyone whose livesshe touched. She will be greatly missed.
If love couldhave savedher, she wouldhave livedforever.
ROMAIN, Leola (nee Bennet)
Born in Victoria, BC July 27, 1930. Welcomed into heavenonJanuary 27, 2025. In her youth, Leola was an award-winning singer,turning downa recording contract to marry Henry,her life-long love.Together they raised afamily and celebrated 64 wedding anniversaries. Leola sang in and directed churchchoirsuntil 2020. She loved reading, wasanavid sportsfan,and made the best desserts. She excelledatlaughing, even at herself. Rememberingher are: children -Lydia (Bob), Everett (Sandi), Scott(Kathy);grandchildren -Tami, Jon, Alana,Mark, Gloria, Noah, Andy,along with theirpartners andfamilies. Aworship service and celebration of Leola’slife will be heldonSaturday, February 8 at 2:00 pm.atSt. Andrews&St Stephens PresbyterianChurch, 2641 Chesterfield Ave, North Vancouver.Rev.Martin Baxter officiating. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Andrews & St Stephen’sPresbyterian Church.Heaven’s choir has anew singer!
STEPHEN, Patricia Marcelline (neeBulloch)
May 12, 1935 -January 25, 2025
OurGoldengirl, Trish Stephen, passed away peacefully under the compassionate care of the NorthShore Hospice. Trish wascomforted by family andfriends nearand far and is once again united withher beloved Steve.
Trish is survived by her loving sons Bradand Don, anddaughters-in-law Nancy andGeri. Trish cherished and boasted abouther grandchildren Sydney(Trent Spencer), Will and Riley (Devyn Gardiner). Trish is also survived by her sister Joan Kirkrod (Arnie), sisters-in-law Jane Bulloch (Bob) and Jaslie Gilchrist (Bill), as well as many nieces and nephews here andinNew Zealand andAustralia.
Trish wasborn in Golden, B.C.and grew up in Vancouver.She metthe loveofher life William Bruce Stephen, aka Steve, in England. Married in NewZealand in 1959 they lived for twoyears before comingtoVancouver.They built their foreverhome in North Vancouver where they raisedtheir twoboys.
Trish worked forthe Vancouver School Board as secretary extraordinaire tonumerous principals andteachers who becamelifelong friends.
In retirement, Trish stayed busy volunteeringas coordinator anddriver forthe BC Cancer clinic. Sheloved to play card games,alwaysasking “Did you bringaloonie?”, whichTrish would usually win from you. Trish also loved to exercise at Aqua Fit, play Mah-jongand enjoyed lunching with her many friends.
No amount of timewith our amazing Matriarch wouldhave been enough time. She nurtured us all with her loveand attention.
Acelebration of life will be held at alater date. Please bringyour stories.
CONNERY,Mary Stevenson
November 13, 1936 -January 05, 2025
It is with great sadness thatweannounce the passingofMaryConnery on January 5, 2025, at the age of 88. Mary’sadventurous and independent spirit was matched with alife long commitment to caring for others. She was born on November 13,1936 in PrinceRupert, BC, whenthe Connery’slivedat Sunnyside Cannery on the Skeena River.Shortly afterMary’sbirth,the family of 5 moved to East Vancouverwhere Mary would attend Sir James Douglas Elementary School and was in the first graduating class fromGladstoneHigh School while helpingin the family’scorner store on Victoria Drive.
Afterhigh school Mary entered VancouverGeneral Hospital’sSchool of Nursing, and upon graduation in 1957, promptly moved to Boston, MA to work as a nurse. In 1958 Mary’swanderlust lead herand aclose friend to France where they boughtaSimca car at the factory in France and spent months immersing themselves in Western Europe’sdiverse cultures. Mary returnedtoVancouver oneyear later,alongwith the Simca, and began along and distinguishedcareer as anurse, including as one of the nursestaskedwith opening the Neonatal Intensive Care unit at Women’sand Children’sHospital
Mary loved being anurse until she retired in the mid 1990s. Mary was blessed withmanywonderful friends from hernursing school days who remainedin Mary’slife until herpassing. Of particular note,was herdearfriend Nancy O’Toole (Bennett, d.2023) who,alongwith husband Eric (d. 2014), son’s Michael (d. 2018) and Kevin, daughterSusan (Plunet) and grandsonSean Macdonald (Jen) -all would become Mary’sextended family.She sharedmany of ife’sjoys and sorrows with the O’Toole family
Mary was fond of figure skating and travelled the world to attend figure skating championships. She also loved animals and had many cats during her life.Her last cat ‘Ally’ lived to be 24 years old and diedonly afew months prior to Mary’s passing.Mary wasa veracious readerand chanceswere good that if you visitedher beloved home in North Vancouveryou would have to steparound a few stacks of books if you wantedtosit down. Whenshe wasn’ttravelling or reading you could findher making yet another needle pointbuildingtoadd to herextensive Christmas village
Mary is survived by herolder brother John Connery(wife Ann), nephews Craig, Kevin and James Connery,nieces Brenda Metzger (husband Don) and Dale Connery,and grandnephew Brayden andgrand niece Carly.Marywas predeceased by brother Sam(d. 2018).
Ourfamily want to expressour sincere gratitude to SusanPlunetand Kevin O’Toolefor theloveand support they have provided Mary,particularly during the last year. We would also like to thank Sue Johnson, Maria Lundon, the wonderful caregivers at Hero Homecare (mainly Dina and Colleen) and the nurses and doctorsinthe Palliative Care Unit at Lions Gate Hospital fortheir care and support.Asmall memorial will be held later this springand, in lieuof flowers, donationscan be sent in Mary’sname to the West Vancouver SPCA.
InLovingMemory of DonCoulson
January 31, 1941–August 7, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announcethe passingofDon Coulson,a truly remarkable manwhose presenceand kindness will be deeply missed. Don passed away peacefully,leaving behindhis wife of 59 years, Gail, and their two children, Tracey (Eric) and Tricia.Hewas an adoring‘Papa’ to his four cherished grandchildren: Lexi, Jake, Olivia,and Emmy Born on January 31, 1940,inHongKong to Canadian parents, Janet and Ernie Coulson, Don’searlylife wasmarked by extraordinary circumstances. When he wasjust sixmonthsold,war brokeout,and hisfamily wasevacuated.His fatherand uncleremained behind to protect Hong Kong and were captured and interned in aJapanese prisoncamp. An extended seavoyage under harrowing blackout conditions, mother son, aunt and cousin, AllenAlltree arrived safelyinCanada.Don was reunitedwith hisfather whenhe was five yearsold,after hisfather’srelease, and thefamily returned to Canada in 1950, settling in West Vancouver
Aproudresident of West Vancouver, Don wasanactive memberofhis community After graduating fromWest VancouverHigh, he attended UBC while working onthe municipalgarbage trucks in West Van—ajob he always remembered fondlyfor the friendships he made.Don gave back to hiscommunity in countless ways,includingski instructing, coachingbasketball, andserving as amember of the West Vancouver Auxiliary Police for10years. His servicetothe community continued with another decade of dedicationaspart of theWest Vancouver Ambulancenight crew
Don’s professional life wasequally diverse.Hestarted hiscareeratSmith Davidson&Lecky,later transitioned into the clothing business with Levi Strauss, and eventually found hispassion in real estate, working alongsidehis son-in-law, Eric, for 20 years. Throughevery phaseofhis career,Don remained dedicated tohis work and to the people around him.
Hiscommunity involvement went farbeyondhis professional career.Don was a familiar face at local events, volunteeringwith organizations like the Kinsmen, May Day Committee, West VancouverMasons, Coho Festival, Steve’sPumpkin House, West VancouverUnitedChurchflea market,and theWestVancouver Seniors Centre. He also enjoyed histimeatFit Fellasand cherishedthe camaraderieofhis golfing buddies.
Don’sgreatest joy wasalways hisfamily. He wasincrediblyproud of his grandchildren, andhis happiest moments were spentcheeringthem on at hockey games, dance recitals,orsimplyenjoyingtheircompany.Many knew him forhis dailyvisitstoTim Hortons, wherehewouldcatchupwith friends and share storiesabout histreasured grandchildren.His love forhis family,his zest for life, andhis unwavering optimismleftanindelible markoneveryonewho knew him The family would liketoextend theirheartfelt thanks to themanyfriends and familymemberswho haveoffered theirsupport during this time. Special gratitude isalsoextended to Dr.Gruneau,Dr. Cunningham,and Dr.Smiljanicfor their care and dedication.
Though Don’s work hereisdone, hislegacy will live onthrough his familyand themany friends andcolleagues he touched. We will celebratehis life with a gathering later this year,when family andfriends can cometogether to honor the extraordinary manhewas.
SHAUGHNESSY, Shirley A.
March 8, 1936 −January 29, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passingofShirley Shaughnessy,who passed away peacefully at the age of 88.She was abeloved wife,mother,grandmother, and friend, whose kindnessand warmth touched all who knew her
Shirleyissurvived by her devoted husband,Kevin Sr., and her loving children, Michael (Jane),Kevin Jr.(Chandelle), Theresa(Per), and Leanne (Michael). Shewas acherished grandmother to Niklas,Toby,Nathan,Sandra, and Naomi,and her loveand guidance willbedeeplymissedbythem all.
Shirley’slife was markedbyher unwavering love forher family, her generosity, and the joy she brought to those around her. Shecreateda home filled withwarmth, laughter, and love,and her memory will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilegeofknowingher
Aservicetocelebrate Shirley’slife will be heldon February 8at11:00 AM at St.Pius XChurch, 1150 Mt.Seymour Road, North Vancouver
Shewillbedeeplymissed and foreverremembered.
Janet M.
February 4, 1963 −January 8, 2025
JanetMaureen Philip, age 61,passed away peacefullyWednesday,January8,2025, in North Vancouver,surrounded by familyand loved ones
Janetwas born on February 4, 1963, in Vancouver. Shehad arewardingcareerasateacher at Irwin Park ElementarySchool in West Vancouver, where her students knew her as Mrs. Mackay. She proudlyserved for many years as an officer in the Canadian Naval Reserve. Shewas an accomplished pianist and played for the enjoyment of others up to her final days
Janet was predeceased by her father, William (Bill). Sheissurvivedbyher mother, Margaret; daughter, Christina; brothers, William (Bill) and Iain; and sister,Cathleen
JACKLIN, JessieIsabel (née Bain) December 23, 1931 -January28, 2025
With love and gratitude for alife well lived, we announce the passing of Jessie Isabel Jacklin (née Bain) on January 28, 2025. She was born on December 23, 1931, to parents GladysMary Bain (née Cross) and JamesAlexander Bain in Ancon, Panama Canal Zone.
Jessie spenther early years in Curaçao and following the passing of her father,the family relocated to Nicaragua, and eventually settled in Kelowna, BC, where Jessie attendedelementary school and graduatedfromKelowna Secondary School. Jessie pursued her passion for teaching at the Provincial Normal School in Victoria, training as aprimary school teacher.She began her career at Schou Street School in Burnaby beforetaking time to raise her family.Jessie later resumed her career as asubstitute teacher in School District 44 (North Vancouver) and then as afull-time teacher at St. Francis de Sales School in Burnaby in the 1970s. She then spentthe next couple of decades teaching Grade 3atSt. Anthony’sSchool in West Vancouver. After retirement Jessie enjoyed volunteering at St. Edmund’sElementary School in North Vancouver.She left alasting impact on countless young lives throughout her career
Beyond her dedication to education, Jessie had a deep love for travel. Heradventurous spirit led her to explorethe world, visiting theUnited Kingdom, Israel, Spain, Peru, and many destinations across Central America.
Jessie waspredeceasedbyher beloved husband of 53 years, Fredrick Laroy Jacklin, her sister Violet Howard, her brother Roderick Bain, and her son Dougie. She is lovingly rememberedbyher sister Winnie Robertson, daughterKathy Todd (John), sonsGreg, David, and Fred Jr.(Debra). She was acherished grandmother to Tristan Jutras (Stephanie), Steph Sanford(Shane), and Alex Coe (Brock) and aproud great-grandmother to Theo and Levi. She willalso be deeplymissedbyher dear friend Cathy Carter
Jessie spent her final years at Little Mountain Place in Vancouver, where she received compassionate care,and particularly enjoyed musictherapy.Her family is immensely grateful to the stafffor their kindness and support.
Jessie willberemembered for her dedication to teaching, her adventurous spirit, and the love she sharedwith her family and friends. Funeral Mass willbeheld Saturday,February 8at11:00 am at St. Edmund’sRomanCatholic Parish (545 Mahon Avenue, North Vancouver, BC).
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jessie’smemory may be made to St. Edmund’sSchool, the Heart and Stroke FoundationofCanada, or acharity of your choice.
PHILIP,
nmather@glaciermedia.ca
Coast Mountain Film Festival
www.coastmountainfilmfest.com
Joinusincelebrating
local and international filmmakers as they showcasetheirwork hereinNorth Vancouver
The second annual Coast MountainFilm Festival willplayhosttomorethan 20 films,many of whichhave aNorthShoreconnection.
While someofthese films havebeen screened at prestigious festivalsaround theworld,thisevent offers our filmmakers achance to celebrate their work with thecommunity in whichitwas made. Reserve your tickets before they’regone.
BIG MOUNTAIN NIGHT
FRIDAY, FEB 7•7:30PM
British Pacific Properties presents our first ever Big Mountain night! In addition to showing, THEHARVEST,alocal skifilm shot largley in Whistler’sbackcountry,your evening willinclude ascreeningofCALM BENEATH CASTLES, an awe-inspiringski movie that delves into the heart, soul, and mind of skiers driven byan insatiable thirst for adventureand discovery.
• Calm Beneath Castles
•The Harvest
•Prize Giveaways from North ShoreSki and Boardand Vancouver Island Brewing
LOCAL FILM CELEBRATION MATINEE
SATURDAY, FEB 8•4:00PM
An intimateopportunity to meet filmmakerswho callthe NorthShore home and celebratetheir workalongsidetheircastand crews.
• The Third Person(Comedy)
•Chat4U (Comedy)
•Dear May (Drama w/Animation)
•Jackie’sHaven (Drama w/Animation)
•Milk Loser (Comedy)
•Tumbleweed (Comedy)
•Gaby (Documentary)
www.coastmountainfilmfest.com 604.984.4484
ADVENTURE NIGHT
SATURDAY, FEB 8•7:30PM
In addition to ashort film showcasing athletes exploring theSea to Sky region’soutdoors, our featurefilm, CIRCLE OF MADNESS, features starathletes Markus Eder (ski) &Victor de Le Rue(snowboard)returning one moretime to the legendary spine walls of Haines, Alaska. Inthe place whereextreme free-riding movies were born, standing on theshoulders of their peers, their friendship willhelp them push it to thenext level.
•Circle of Madness
•Skookumchuck Narrows: Surf &Kayak the Tidal Rapids withDylan Graves
•Prize Giveaways
www.coastmountainfilmfest.com 604.984.4484
www.coastmountainfilmfest.com 604.984.4484
ENVIRO MATINEE SUNDAY, FEB 9•4:00PM
Pacific Salmon Foundation presents several short films, shotlocally,that encourageus tothink moredeeply about what we can do at theindividual level to protect our forests, createawareness about waste andthink more critically about our daily choices. Follow surfers, mountainbikers andfisherman as they share their personaljourneys in creating abetter world forthe next generation.
• The Squamish Poacher
•Emerald Edge
•Revolutions: AFilm on Bike Waste
•Beyond the Green Veil
www.coastmountainfilmfest.com 604.984.4484
ENDURANCE NIGHT
SUNDAY, FEB 9•7:30PM
Endurance Night delves into feats of absolute courage, testing thelimits or what our bodies and mindscan achieve. Whether it is pushing to complete 15 Grouse Grinds in one day,or grappling withblindness while backcountry skiing,this evening willprovideinsight into how we overcome thechallenges we set for ourselves. Ourfeature, FEEL ITALL, chronicles professional skier Drew Petersen’s journey from thedepthsofdepressiontofindingpurpose through running theLeadville ultramarathon.
• Feel it All
•Snow Blind
•Fifteen: AMulti Grouse Grind Story
www.coastmountainfilmfest.com 604.984.4484