Blueswingold
DNV’s dynamic new fire centre ready for action
BRENT RICHTER
brichter@nsnews com
Inside the Maplewood Fire and Rescue Centre, sunlight streams in from all directions.
The new home of District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services is clad in natural materials Over all three floors, there are places designed to bring people together and encourage them to talk.
It represents not just a change in esthetic trends, but in an underlying philosophy that a building can be designed to help take care of its inhabitants.
Compared to the bunker-like facilities he’s spent much of his career in, assistant Fire Chief Gunter Kramer said there’s no question the building is making a difference for those facing calls that range from the stressful to the traumatic
“You go back into a fire hall that sometimes is more frustrating or depressing than the bad calls you came back from and that doesn’t really make you feel any better,” he said. “And a building like this helps you.”
After years of construction, crews began responding to their first 911 calls out of the new building on Old Dollarton Highway in January.
The new facility, designed by S2 Architecture, consolidates numerous branches of the department that were spread over several smaller DNV fire halls before, including training, administration, public safety and Continued on A21
Fire Chief Mike Danks, of District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services, proudly shows off the new Maplewood Fire and Rescue Centre Crews started taking 911 calls from the new facility in January BRENT RICHTER / NSN
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West Van council moves ahead with pay parking expansion
ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Pay parking is coming to more parks in the District of West Vancouver, but more impactful changes proposed for the busy Ambleside and Dundarave neighbourhoods have sparked some concerns among local businesses.
District of West Vancouver council unanimously voted in May 2023 to bring on a two-year-pilot project for paid parking to Lighthouse, Nelson Canyon and Whytecliffe parks starting in Feb. 2024. Visitors currently pay $5.22 per hour in the three district parks. In January of this year council waived the $27 annual fee for West Vancouver residents. The program has received some criticisms, with visitors required to use smartphone app-based payments for paid parking, sometimes facing spotty cell service.
In November of 2024, council considered a pay parking expansion plan that would add a combined 701 more pay parking spaces to Cypress Falls, Seaview Walk, Ambleside (including Argyle Avenue between 14th and 15th Street), John Lawson and Dundarave parks. During the Nov. 18 meeting, council pushed plans to a future date.
Council brought back the discussion in a Feb. 24 meeting, giving staff the thumbs up to go ahead with a plan to put pay parking in Cypress Falls and Seaview Walk parks soon, and hire a “parking program lead” to work with the Ambleside and Dundarave Business Improvement Association on implementing paid parking in John Lawson and Dundarave parks in the future.
Members of ADBIA, however, shared worries about council’s recent expansion
West Van
BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com
Maureen O’Brien, executive director of the Ambleside and Dundarave Business Improvement Association, has concerns regarding West Vancouver council’s proposal for pay parking in John Lawson and Dundarave Parks. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN
plan for pay parking in John Lawson and Dundarave parks, saying the paid spots could drive money away from local businesses nearby
“People that are coming to the parks and using our parks will park in our commercial area, not support our commercial businesses,” said ADBIA executive director
Maureen O’Brien. “And the people that are trying to support the local businesses will not be able to find that parking.”
ADBIA are also asking District of West Vancouver council to increase parking enforcement for those overstaying the two-hour limit on nearby streets. The association is asking council to work with them
paid $2.7 million for former
The District of West Vancouver paid $2.7 million for the former Boathouse restaurant in Horseshoe Bay, which will be the new home of the West Vancouver Art Museum.
Mayor Mark Sager announced at the Feb.
24 council meeting that the municipality had bought the building from the Sewell family, but releasing the purchase price required another vote of council prior to the March 3 meeting.
Sager made that number public on March 3. The purchase price was significantly below the property’s last assessed value of
in coming up with a solution that helps both parties.
“West Vancouver is still a very car-centric community. Our businesses rely on their clientele coming by car,” O’Brien said.
Paid parking is also one step away in Ambleside Park after council directed staff to engage the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) about paid parking in the park and report back to council. Some of Ambleside Park resides on Squamish Nation land.
Councillors raise concerns about timelines
The majority of the debate at the Feb. 24 council meeting was focused on how fast a contractor could be hired to start implementing the paid parking expansion plan in John Lawson and Dundarave parks.
Coun. Christine Cassidy voted against the plan due to timeline concerns of hiring the parking program lead position She said by the time the hiring process is completed and the person is up to speed on the affected business districts, it could be months before the rest of the plan goes through.
Staff said they would start the process immediately and hire someone as fast as possible.
Coun. Scott Snider said it’s unfair for council to put an unrealistic commitment on the municipal manager regarding the hiring process of the parking program lead position.
“We don’t know how many people are going to apply, what the role is. There is a number of things that have to go into finding a person,” Snider said. “I’m not prepared to necessarily [put] our municipal
Continued on A18
Boathouse restaurant
$5.1 million.
“That was a very generous position that the Sewells took for the benefit of not only Horseshoe Bay, but really all of West Vancouver,” Sager said.
The process of converting the restaurant into a community art gallery is expected to cost another $500,000 to $1.5 million, which
Sager said they intend to collect by selling naming rights.
The land has been owned by the Sewell family since the 1930s. The restaurant closed in 2016 for the development of the condo project along the bluff Previously, the 1981 building hosted The Keg and the Lodge restaurants.
Blue tarp may have saved hiker’s life, rescue crew says
ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Finding a blue tarp after being lost in the North Shore backcountry might have saved a hiker’s life over the weekend.
North Shore Rescue members were able to save a woman missing overnight near Norvan Falls in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park Sunday morning after spotting her waving a blue tarp at their helicopter
“The hiker was wearing black rain jacket and pants. She wouldn’t have been seen from the air without waving the blue tarp,” said search manager Paul Markey. “Ground teams may have found her later, but that’s not a for sure thing.”
Markey said North Shore Rescue received the call Saturday afternoon after a 28-year-old went missing earlier that morning. The woman crossed a metal grid bridge in the park to take photos, while her hiking partner and dog stayed on the other side, Markey said.
As she continued along, she became disorientated and went off trail, ending up being far separated from her hiking partner and dog. Luckily, she found an old bivouac shelter and tarps inside to use as a shelter overnight
Lynn Headwaters Park Rangers, Coquitlam and Lions Bay SAR, Talon helicopters and North Vancouver RCMP all pitched in to help find the missing subject.
When North Shore Rescue crews got out of the helicopter to save the hiker, she showed signs of mild to moderate hypothermia but was fine otherwise, Markey said.
“She’s a very strong lady, good survival instincts,” he said. “The weather was horrendous. It was raining very heavily, it was very cold, and the creeks were flowing very high. It was quite dangerous.”
“She would have been probably in severe hypothermia if she hadn’t found the shelter and tarps,” Markey added Crews then took her into the helicopter and flew her back to North Shore Rescue
base where her family, friends and hiking partner were waiting.
The rescue call had a happy ending, but the team says the situation is a great example of why wearing bright colours in the backcountry can potentially save your life.
Markey said other “lessons learned” are staying together as a group during the hike, having the right gear and checking the weather forecast ahead of time.
A lot of trails on the North Shore don’t have cell coverage, Markey said, so having a satellite communication device can be helpful when a person needs help.
“iPhone model 14 and newer, they’ve now got a satellite function so that you can use the cell phones, so they can actually communicate by satellite, as opposed to by cell tower,” he said.
Environment Canada issued a rainfall warning Friday for most cities across the Lower Mainland, including the North Shore. Rainfall amounts of 75 to 120 millimetres were expected until Sunday afternoon.
North Shore Rescue offered thanks to everyone who helped get the hiker to safety.
A North Shore Rescue helicopter touches down near Norvan Falls Sunday morning to save a hiker after an unexpected overnight stay in the wild. NORTH SHORE RESCUE
Seaspan shipyard to start work on new polar icebreaker
BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com
Work is set to begin on Seaspan’s newest Canadian Coast Guard ship being built in North Vancouver under the national shipbuilding strategy.
The company held an event Friday to mark the signing of construction contracts with the federal government for a $3.15-billion (before tax), 158-metre polar icebreaker, designed to traverse the Arctic in -50 C temperatures.
Design on the megaproject wrapped in 2024, and workers at the Pemberton Avenue shipyard will begin cutting steel next month.
The vessel will feature science labs, a helipad and hangar, drone launch and storage capabilities, and a moon pool, which allows crews to deploy equipment through the bottom of the ship’s hull. The federal government says the ship, will allow the Coast Guard to do its work at higher latitudes for longer periods, supporting Indigenous Peoples in the North, strengthening Arctic security, advancing science, and providing a better response to maritime emergencies.
“This state-of-the-art vessel will not only strengthen our icebreaking fleet, but will also support critical scientific research and
A design rendering shows how the Canadian Coast Guard’s new polar ice breaker should look after its completion at North Vancouver’s Seaspan shipyard
environmental protection efforts, and ensure national security in the Arctic. We are proud to take this step forward in strengthening our maritime infrastructure for safeguarding Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic,” said Jean-Yves Duclos, minister of public services and procurement, in a release.
As Canada gets dragged into a trade war by U.S. President Donald Trump, the announcement focused heavily on the
“made in Canada” nature of the project
“Today’s contract signing is the next step in our journey of fulfilling the vision of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, which is to build ships for Canada, in Canada, by Canadians,” said Seapsan CEO John McCarthy in a release. “The NSS is demonstrating that a made-in-Canada approach is not only possible, but also imperative to our security and sovereignty.”
Seapsan said construction of the ship will require more than 1,000 local shipbuilders and 800 Canadian companies in the supply chain.
In a release, North Vancouver MP and Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson underscored the economic advantages that would flow from construction of the icebreaker
“This advanced vessel will not only ensure safe and efficient navigation in our polar regions but also support the sustainable development of our natural resources By enhancing our icebreaking capabilities, we are opening new opportunities for economic growth, scientific research and environmental stewardship. This project exemplifies our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to benefit our economy and protect our unique polar environments for future generations,” he said When it launches, it will be the seventh ship designed and built by Seaspan for the Canadian government. In December, Seaspan launched the joint supply ship HCMCS Protecteur, the longest naval ship ever built in Canada. The icebreaker will be almost as big as the joint support ships, but 5,000 tonnes heavier, with up to 60-millimetre steel.
SEASPAN
Trucker who hit overpass wasn’t permitted
BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com
The driver of a truck carrying an overheight load that collided with a North Vancouver overpass on Feb. 28 was not properly permitted for the roads in B.C., according to the Ministry of Transportation and Transit.
The RCMP’s BC Highway Patrol was alerted to the crash on Highway 1 at the Main Street/Dollarton Highway overpass around 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 28.
The province’s Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement agency ticketed the driver $598 for having falsified driving logs and $311 for working more than the permitted hours for a shift, according to a statement from the ministry. CVSE investigators pulled the driver off the road for 72 hours.
But more serious penalties may be coming after the operator has appeared in court for failing to obtain an overheight permit, the statement read.
The truck belongs to Alberta-based Manmarziyaan Transport Inc, the ministry says.
Since the province began cracking down on trucking companies responsible for collisions with overpasses and bridges, it has become standard to ground the company’s entire fleet while the investigation is carried out. But CVSE doesn’t have the authority to ground an out-of-province carrier, the statement read. Ministry staff did inform their Alberta counterparts about the incident and infractions.
The ministry’s maintenance contractor and bridge
Street overpass on Feb. 28. PAT BELL
crews assessed the location and found only superficial damage to the overpass.
The rig and trailer had to stay on the highway shoulder until the company could arrange for the proper permits and a new driver to complete delivery of the somewhat damaged grader to a customer in Abbotsford.
The collision caused some traffic delays, but nothing like the Sept. 2023 crash at the same overpass which closed Highway 1 for several hours.
In that case, the driver fled on foot and the RCMP ticketed the truck’s owner, a Squamish-based company
At the time, then-transportation minister Rob Flemming called the incident “outrageous.”
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The RCMP’s BC Highway Patrol and CVSE investigate after the driver of a truck with an overheight load struck North Vancouver’s Main
Suite temptations
District of North Vancouver council will vote soon on a plan to legalize and regulate short-term rentals like Airbnb. Under the proposed rules, hosts may seek a licence for their own principal residence or one for a secondary suite like a coach house or basement apartment.
No doubt, this will leave some renters on the secondary market tossing and turning, knowing their landlords could be fetching much higher prices per night from vacationers with no oversight by the Residential Tenancy Act.
The City of North Vancouver and District of West Vancouver have opted for even more permissive rules, allowing two STR licences per property – one within a property owner’s principal residence and one for a secondary suite.
So long as we are in a housing crisis, we would prefer that STRs be limited to an owner’s principal residence – an air mattress on the floor, as the name Airbnb suggests it was intended to be.
In the DNV alone, there are more than 900 illegal STR listings online, 88 per cent of them for entire homes. Clearly, there is too much money to be made by amateur hoteliers who eat into the housing supply while facing no regulation or enforcement. Something had to be done.
If our municipalities and the province are diligent about going after scofflaw hosts, this could turn into a good news story for renters who face desperate decisions in an impossible market. Until we allow for and construct enough purpose-built rentals to meet the needs of our workforce, every secondary suite counts.
This electric idea would make life better for everyone
ANDY PREST
aprest@nsnews.com
The world can be a tough place these days, taking a real toll on our mental and physical health.
That’s why it’s important to always be on the lookout for game-changing ideas, things that may make life legitimately better for a wide swath of the population. The express bottle return that lets you just drop off a bunch of bags and have the bottle folks sort it all out for you instead of standing there for 45 minutes with all the wasps? That is one of those great ideas. So is the backup camera for parallel parking. So is a good night’s sleep. And doughnuts. And Nutella. And Nutella doughnuts.
In the last few months I’ve stumbled upon another one that could make the world a
really fun, really great and super healthy place I didn’t invent it, but I’m happy to promote it. It’s just three little words: E-bikes for everyone.
Seriously – if everyone had an e-bike, this place would hum. Literally.
I’ve seen many sides of the commuting divide, walking, driving, busing and riding, and nothing really comes close to the e-bike in its combination of ease, exercise, entertainment and environmental friendliness.
Back in my spry 20s I used to ride a regular bike to and from work quite often, a 45-minute trip that started out as painful –you don’t realize it’s a steady climb all the way from the start of Stanley Park to the top of Lions Gate Bridge until you do it on a bike – but became routine as I worked my way into shape.
Since then my office and my home have moved a couple of times each, ending up where I am now with work at the bottom of a mountain and home much closer to the top of that same mountain. Last fall I finally got up the courage to try riding to and from work again. The “to” part was incredible. Zoom! So fast. The “from” part though? I’m not in my 20s anymore, but I’m not an old man either I feel like that attempted ride, however, put me closer to death than I’ve ever been.
There was swearing, there was sweating, there was lactic acid, there was walking, there was defeat, and there was a hunt for any nearby bus with a bike rack. And that was just the first eight minutes.
I’m happy to report that I did not quit – I eventually made it home without a bus,
triumphantly cycling the last two blocks after spending around 90 minutes either pushing the bike very slowly or riding it even slower. It literally would have been faster to walk the whole way – I know, because I’ve done that too.
It was on that trek – at about the eight-minute mark, in fact – that I decided I needed to go electric. I’m just trying to get home, not win the polka dot jersey I shopped around a bit, saw the prices, shopped around a bit more, and then started praying. And lo, those prayers were answered by our great friends and neighbours at Norco North Shore, who hooked the North Shore News up with a very cool e-bike to help us get to assignments in style. I had to test it out to see how it fared making the
MAILBOX
WEST VAN COUNCIL FALLING SHORT IN PUBLIC CONSULTATION
Dear Editor:
West Vancouver has always had a long tradition of consultation and public engagement before municipal council decisions are made. This is now under threat from our current mayor and council.
Three recent examples:
1. The purchase of the Boathouse site at Horseshoe Bay for a proposed arts facility. Decades of studies have been done by district staff, working groups and others on where a facility should be located. The goal always was to build in the central part of the community where it would be accessible and to provide a draw for businesses in the area. The public has always been consulted as the various plans have been reviewed. Now an offer has been accepted with no public input on a site in Horseshoe Bay in the far western part of the community.
2. The sudden change at Navvy Jack House from a community-led restoration to a commercial enterprise. This ignores 50 years of commitment to the community that the Argyle properties would be for public not commercial use when they were acquired. A private deal was made here to permit a restaurant on an
expanded site. There was no meeting seeking public comments or explaining why this change was in the public interest No report from staff advising if this location is the right site when parking, traffic, noise and other issues are considered
3. The sale of waterfront parkland at 30th Street. When a lot at this location was considered for sale, a separate lot to protect the existing public path to the west was also created. An offer was then accepted in private to include this path in the sale of the building lot advertised. No public process was followed to explain why this was an acceptable change or to provide opportunities for other buyers to bid on the new proposal.
West Vancouver residents are having to deal with municipal tax increases well above inflation, unfair property tax surcharges on school tax mandated by the province, and absurd bills from Metro Vancouver to pay for their mistakes. All this in an uncertain current economic environment with a lack of trust in leadership at so many levels.
The least our residents should expect is to have input into the decisions that are made affecting their homes and community by our mayor and council.
Michael Smith
West Vancouver Michael Smith served as mayor of West Vancouver from 2011 to 2018.
same trip home. About six minutes into the ride I hit the same hill that made me very sad the first time around. This time, it made me very, very happy. Whoosh! Wheee! Up the hill I went with a little pedalling and a lot of guffaws. Honest-to-goodness guffaws It was the most fun I’ve had on a road in anything not named Ferrari.
It was faster getting me home than any major mode of transportation except a car, but it was oh so much more satisfying. And it would, no doubt, be faster than a car on those certain days when traffic grinds to a halt. No grinding on the e-bike, just grinning. And just like any good scientist, I’ve replicated that same test over and over again, with similar results, even in the rain or with temperatures hovering around zero You still get a good workout, but it’s manageable, even for a desk jockey who lives life in second gear.
It was magical, is what I’m saying. And I think the world would be a better place if
everyone could do that.
North Vancouver is already on a great track with a program run through local libraries allowing people to borrow e-bikes for free. Can we go even bigger?
That darn North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant is costing us in the neighbourhood of $3.86 billion. For that much money, you could basically offer every B.C. resident of ridable age a $1,000 rebate for an e-bike. Incentives have been offered before with massive waiting lists quickly forming. Can we make it easy and accessible for everyone? Take cars off the road, improve fitness and health, add a major wheee factor to life…?
I know that many people will obviously think this is an insane idea, and they have a point. But I hope everyone has a chance to at least try one out. Don’t make any final judgments until you hit that first hill. Andy Prest is the editor of the North Shore News. His humour/lifestyle column runs biweekly
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Squamish Nation receives nearly $9.5 million for housing
ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) is ramping up housing for its members thanks to recent federal funding.
The Nation is receiving $9.45 million from the federal government’s Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), through of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.
The funding will help bring more than 130 new homes to the Xwmélch’sten (Capilano), Ch’ich’élxwí7kw (Seymour) and St’á7mes (Squamish) reserves within three years. Funding will also help with designing new subdivisions to support higher-density housing like duplexes and multi-family apartments; infrastructure plans like sidewalks, bike lanes and energy systems; and to help create faster housing approvals.
Elected councillor for the Squamish Nation Sxwíxwtn (Wilson Williams) says the newly
received funding will help remove barriers.
“It’s housing at the top of the list of what the needs are for our people,” Williams said. “Especially today, when inflation and the cost of living is glaring at people and making them feel like there’s a dead end.”
HAF funding helps support the Nation’s Sḵwxwú7mesh
Generational Plan, a road map for long-term economic, cultural and social development of the community for 2050.
But it also helps open the door to a bigger issue – bringing more members back home.
The Squamish Nation completed a survey a few years ago finding 75 per cent of people who live off reserve wanted an opportunity to move back into the community. These housing projects will help with that, Williams said.
“We have been forcibly displaced from our communities, in our reserve, in what we call our home. We didn’t create the
word ‘reserves,’” he said referring to the Indian Act. “It really just sheds a light on some of the challenges and why this means so much to us today, and how we
have this Generational Plan to move people home.”
Building homes will also remove barriers for young people in care a giving them
the opportunity to move home as they age out of the system, Williams said, adding that being together as a community helps people connect to their culture and understand where they come from, he said.
West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country MP Patrick Weiler said the funding is a good example of his government’s deepening partnership with the Squamish Nation on housing.
“I think it is a really important step forward,” Weiler said. “From the federal government point of view, we don’t permit housing, but we do have an important role in working together with those that do, and this is an example of that.”
The federal government launched HAF in March 2023 as a way to support local governments to accelerate housing supply The CMHC administers the $4 billion HAF fund. CMHC is a crown corporation
Squamish Nation elected councillor Sxwíxwtn (Wilson Williams) stands outside a recently completed housing project. The Nation has received $9.5 million in federal funding to start more housing for their Generational Plan PAUL MCGRATH / NSN
Goal is to bring members home
of the federal government and operates relatively independently, but is a key source of funding for affordable housing projects and insurance products for housing as well, Weiler said.
The funding for the Squamish Nation is one of the largest HAF awards ever received by a single Indigenous Nation in Canada.
While Weiler is not directly connected to CMHC or the funding, he said having more housing built on the reserves will help people return home, which is empowering.
Place social housing complex, both in April 2024.
“At the end of the day, this is going to help collectively to take a big chunk out of the housing supply gap that we have in Canada,” Weiler said.
Squamish Nation has been hard at work on supplying housing in recent years, including opening Estítkw place, a 55-unit building on Capilano reserve in North Vancouver, and Esḵéḵxwi7ch tl’a Sp’áḵw’us
“We don’t want any of our people displaced, especially displaced from their own community When you go by a strong foundation like that, it gives our people a lot of hope,” Williams said.
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.
The Squamish Nation opened Estítkw place, a supportive housing complex, in 2024. MINA KERR-LAZENBY / NSN
HATCH AND RELEASE
New bridge provides perfect view of salmon magic
BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com
A generation ago, it was nothing but a ditch collecting toxic leachate from North Vancouver’s municipal dump and directing it into Lynn Creek.
But after more than 30 years, the work being done on a tiny tributary by the Morten Creek Salmonid Enhancement Project may be key to making one of the North Shore’s mightiest creeks a thriving salmon habitat once again.
In the late 1980s, the District of North Vancouver built Inter River Park on top of the landfill, and the garbage leachate that would sit in the nearby ditch was redirected to the Lions Gate Wastewater Treatment Plant where it belongs.
Volunteers with Zo Ann Morten’s group dug the ditch out into a small channel, which now bears her name, fed by natural spring water
On the other side of Morten Creek is a small-scale hatchery, which consists of little more than a shipping container and the cargo box of a moving truck. From there, the group has been fertilizing, hatching and releasing upwards of 30,000 chum and 6,000 coho salmon into creek for the last 30 years.
Lynn Creek itself is the endpoint for all of the stormwater with all of its land-borne pollutants from Lonsdale Avenue to Lynn Valley, which is less than ideal for young salmon. Morten Creek provides a critical place for them to stay until they’re good and ready for their ocean migration.
“So she [Lynn Creek] is getting water that doesn’t belong to her – too much
water and too dirty of water.… There’s not a lot of quiet waters, and so we wanted some rearing habitat somewhere where the fish could just have a nice quiet life,” Morten said. “Turning a leachate ditch into anything other than leachate ditch is a bonus.”
Volunteers from the group have just installed a new steel bridge connecting the north end of Inter River Park to their to salmon enhancement project on the other side. The old wooden one was so well
loved by the dogs peeing on it, one of the main support posts rotted.
More than a way to reach the enhancement project facilities, the bridge serves as a viewing point for a creek that is, at times, teeming with fish activity, drawing in other wildlife – otters, bears and raccoons.
“We’re doing it on purpose to allow greater visibility and a great opportunity to interact and see the water,” she said. “It gets most people very excited… They just can’t believe it. Seeing a fish in the wild, or
seeing something in the wild, people just love it.”
Because of the incredible journey they follow in their life cycles from the creeks to the ocean and back again to spawn another generation, salmon inspire us in a way that other species don’t, Morten said, adding that a moment on the bridge can bring a therapeutic rush of optimism and renewed commitment to do right by the species swimming underneath it.
“Salmon, when they come back, they make us feel hopeful. They make us feel like maybe we haven’t wrecked the whole world,” she said. “[It’s] the next generation. There’s just that hope and that resilience for tomorrow Every time that we see a live salmon in the creek, there’s hope.”
Morten foresees in another 10 years, maybe they won’t have to continue fertilizing eggs and depositing fry into the creek. Previously, the group used to help keep runs of salmon going on Hastings Creek, but since they installed fish ladders there, the salmon can do it on their own.
The wider community can assist in the project by volunteering, chipping in a few bucks, or just simply by keeping themselves, their dogs and their household chemicals out of the waterways and habitats the project has been working so hard to save.
Morten said when they see Lynn Creek alive with wild salmon, they’ll know the job is done and they can disassemble the very portable hatchery, pull out the newly installed bridge, and move on to another creek where they are more needed.
There is nothing more important than your LovedOnes. Shylo is here to support them when you are busy with work or your ownfamily,orout of town. Our complementary in-home assessmentwith one of our Geriatric Specialist RNs will help you decide which level of care is right for you. Plus, our secure online portal ‘TheFamily Room’ allows you to viewthe daily care logs and stay in the know. We deliveryou peace of mind, while we deliverprofessional companion care, home support, palliative care and even family care. Call us to find out what levelofservice is right for your LovedOnes.
Thereisnothing more important thanyour Loved Ones.Shylo is here to supportthem when you arebusy with work or your ownfamily,orout of town. Ourcomplementary in-home assessment with one of our Geriatric SpecialistRNs will help you decide which level of careisright for you. Plus, our secure online portal ‘The Family Room’ allows you to view thedaily care logs and stayinthe know.Wedeliver you peace of mind, while we deliver professional companion care,home support, pallia careand even family care.Callusto find out what serviceisright foryour Loved Ones
Call 604-985-6881 for a FREE In-Home Assessment.
Morten Creek Salmon Enhancement Project volunteer Emma Chylinski stands on a newly installed bridge in North Vancouver’s Inter River Park PAUL MCGRATH / NSN
IN HARMONY
MAR 12 AT 12:00PM -APR 6AT4:00PM
Silk Purse Arts Centre, 1570 Argyle Ave.,West Vancouver
Painters Therese Joseph, Lynn Li and Zimu Li express their personal searches for balance with tradition, cultureand themselves through lyrical and striking images featuring naturesymbology. https://www.westvanartscouncil.ca/event-6047476
TEEN FILMMAKING CAMP
MAR 18 AT 12:00PM -4:00PM
North Vancouver City Library
120 14th Street West, North Vancouver
Want to be afilmmaker? This is afive-day workshop for youthingrades 7to12and runs March 17 –21. Register just one time for the March 17 session and this will confirm your attendance for all five days. https://www.nvcl.ca/events/teen-filmmaking-camp-9
PRO NOVAENSEMBLE PLAYS TRANSFIGURED NIGHT &MUSIC FOR SPRING
MAR 30 AT 2:30PM -4:00PM
Mount Seymour United Church, 1200 Parkgate Ave., North Vancouver
Professional chamberensemble performs music by Max Richter, Franz Schubert and Arnold Schoenberg; entrybydonation.
Richter: Spring 1-Recomposed; On the Natureof Daylight Schubert: Gretchen am Spinnrade; GuteNacht; Deathand the Maiden Schoenberg: Transfigured Night https://www.pronova.ca/
EMPHATIC FINISH
Capilano Blues score upset win to claim Pacwest basketball title
ANDY PREST
aprest@nsnews.com
An upset over a top-ranked team on home court has earned the Capilano Blues men’s basketball team a Pacwest title and a trip to the CCAA national championships.
The third-ranked Blues claimed the provincial banner with a 75-70 win over the top-seeded Vancouver Island University Mariners March 1 at Capilano’s Centre for Sport and Wellness.
The Blues and Mariners were tied 55-55 heading into the fourth quarter, setting the stage for a shootout finish. With the title on the line, the Blues came through, taking the lead two minutes into the quarter on a big run that included a three from Kash Lang, a jumper from Ahmad Athman and another three from Ashya Ghasemi. VIU fought back, but the Blues kept the lead the rest of the way, with David Featherston Jr supplying the exclamation point with a two-handed dunk with 19 seconds left in the game.
The home crowd swarmed the court as a final heave from VIU clanked out and the final buzzer sounded.
“The growth and dedication to hard work that these guys have put into the season is amazing,” said Blues head coach Jason Price, adding that the team pulled off the upset by pushing VIU out of their comfort zone. “We know that they love to shoot the three, so we emphasized no easy threes. We wanted to force them into pressure threes or force them to drive to the rim and make contested layups. If we could do this, we would have a chance.” Athman, a fourth-year point guard from
Oshawa, Ont., was named player of the game and tournament MVP after recording 21 points, seven assists, five rebounds and three steals in the final.
Capilano earned a berth in the championship game with a 89-63 win over sixth-seeded Douglas College 89-63 in a quarterfinal on Feb. 27 followed by a thrilling double-overtime win over second-ranked Camosun College in a semifinal the next day. Damein Coleman led the way in the semifinal win with 14 points and 22 rebounds.
Coleman and Featherston Jr were both named tournament all-stars.
The Blues men have now medaled in four consecutive Pacwest tournaments, winning silver in 2022, gold in 2023 and bronze last year. The CCAA national championship tournament is running March 11-15 at Vanier College in Montreal.
“We have one more goal to accomplish this season and that’s to win a national championship,” said Price. “I think we are peaking at the right time. We have an older team and a lot of these guys played keys rolls for us a couple of years ago at nationals. The guys know we have to stay focused this week with our preparation. The coaches are ready for the task ahead and will have the guys ready to compete at nationals.”
The fourth-ranked Blues women finished third at the Pacwest championships, bouncing back from a 67-53 semifinal loss to top-ranked VIU to defeat third-seeded Douglas 61-45 in the bronze medal game. North Vancouver’s Maddy Coffin, a fourthyear forward from Seycove Secondary, was named a tournament all-star.
Capilano’s David Featherston Jr soars for a game-sealing dunk with 19 seconds left in the Pacwest championship final March 1 against VIU. REESE NOWOTNY/CHRIS RAESIDE-BLUES ATHLETICS
RotimiFani-Kayode, Four Twins,1985. Courtesy of Autograph, London.
HONEYCOMB HOME
Hexagonal Ron Thom home lists for $3.7M in West Vancouver
NICK LABA nlaba@nsnews.com
Most homes are built for squares, apparently.
But not the residence built at 1160 Nepal Place in West Vancouver, which just listed for $3.7 million.
Unlike the little boxes on the hillside that all just look the same, this home was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1937 Hanna House in California and its distinctive honeycomb motif When the West Van spiritual successor was constructed by prolific builder Ron Thom in 1957, he too used a hexagonal grid to outline the floor plan.
There are other elements in common between the two homes, like a raised central clerestory as well as extensive use of brick through the home’s interior, exterior and the surrounding landscape.
Named after its original owners, the Carmichael House is on West Vancouver’s heritage register
The home’s current owners said finding the home was love at first sight.
“We knew it was special and bought it immediately,” Jim Ferguson said in a release. “Ron Thom clearly poured intention into
this home, designing it to integrate seamlessly with the landscape. Even after years of neglect, it was all still there – just waiting to be revealed.”
The two-bedroom, two-bathroom home features 1,843 square feet of interior living space on a lot just bigger than a quarter acre. The living areas and kitchen look out onto a large deck with an uninterrupted view of Stanley Park and Burrard Inlet.
“The landscaping features natural West Coast vegetation and the home is sensitively integrated into the topography of the site, enabling an unobstructed view of English Bay,” reads the property’s heritage listing.
TRACEY BOOTH -FOUNDER
NeptuneNews–March 2025
Supporting Friends and Families
Neptune is aproud newsupporter of Pathways Serious Mental IllnessSociety, an education and advocacyorganization helping families withlovedones living witha serious mentalillness. Whereother organizations support the individual with the mental health condition, Pathways peer support model connects individuals and families withotherswho have shared experiences, so thattheir needs are also considered. Neptune recently hostedalunch and learn event forstaff to shareinformationaboutthis exceptional resource
Pathways—a volunteer-driven and membership-based family non-profit—is hosting its 15th annual Circle of Strength
Spring Sports for North Shore Youth
Youth sports playanimportantrole in the lives of young people.Being part of a team teaches cooperation, perseverance, respect, friendship and so manyother values,and Neptune is very proud to support numerous youth leagues across the North Shore.Neptune has along history of contributingtoyouthsports to help ensuretheyare accessible to all who wishtoplay. Sponsorshipisprovided to teams or age group divisions fornine different leagues:
•Challenger Baseball
•Highlands Little League
•Lynn ValleyLittle League
•Mount Seymour Little League
•North ShoreBaseball Association
•North Vancouver Minor Hockey Association
•North ShoreGirls SoccerAssociation
•North Vancouver Football Club
•WestVancouver Field Hockey Club
• West Vancouver Little League
“Funding fromNeptune goes directly to support our youngestplayers, notably through contributions to the cost of uniforms,”says CharlotteBurns, the General Manager forWestVancouver Field Hockey.“All of our U6-U10 players have a team shirt,courtesyofNeptune,thathelps identify them and support apositiveteam dynamic. This lowers registration fees so kids have moreopportunities to play.”
Neptune also investsinyouthsports through Athletics forKids and KidSport North Shore, which provide grants that help families coverthe cost of sport registration fees.
Luncheon on April 5th. This event is the main fundraiser forthe organization and is open to the community.Part of Neptune’sinvestment intoPathways is the production of avideo thatwill be shown at the event.
“Support from North Shorepartners, like Neptune,means the world to us,”says Liz Charyna,Pathways ExecutiveDirector “Weinviteother local companies to sponsor and attend Circle of Strength on April 5th. Together we can remove the stigma around mental illnessand provide resourcestofriends and families supporting people with aserious mental illness.”pathwayssmi.org
Neptune Terminals has been part of the North Shore for 57 years. We are driven by our commitment to safe, environmentally responsible operations, consideration for our neighbours, and support for our local community.
Electric Tugs
in the Port of Vancouver
See our communityupdatesinfull and subscribe to our e-newsletter at NeptuneTerminals.com or by contacting us at community_questions@neptuneterminals.com or 604-983-7935
Neptune is proud to be at the forefront of sustainability in our operations.Almosta year ago,thankstoapartnership between Neptune,Elk ValleyResourcesand SAAM Towage Canada Inc., we took abig step forwardwith the deployment of two100% electric tugboats (Etugs)intothe Port of Vancouver.This is asignificant investment in decarbonizing portoperations—and that’snot the only benefit. Etugs also emit considerably lessmarine noise, benefiting marine lifeinthe harbour wherethey operate.
Severalmonths in, these newEtugs have integrated seamlessly withplanning for arrivals and departures of vessels at our terminal, ensuring tugs arealways ready and available forharbour assistvessel movesat Neptune’sBerth 1.
PromotingExperience and Excellence
Dave Foyhas worked at Neptune for 21 years. He began as aforeman, then superintendent and mostrecently operations manger.With his organizational knowledge and passion forhis work, it was anatural fit forDavetobecome Neptune’s next Vice President, Operations. In his new role Dave will oversee the team responsible forthe safeand efficient movement of bulk cargo through the terminal while adhering to Neptune’shigh standards for the community and environment. Having worked his way up through various levels at Neptune,Dave’soperational knowledge is unsurpassed.
“I am so proud to be in this leadership role at Neptune,” Dave says.“Ihavelived on the North Shorefor years, and my kids have grownupplaying sports supported by our
company—it’s aproud moment to have risen through the ranksand to have the opportunity to use allmyskills to benefit Neptune and our community.Iamalso particularly thrilled with the team thatisin place. We aregoing to continue to build on our track record of operationalexcellence.”
Dave is an activepartofNeptune’s corporateculture, participating in the United Wayand Movember campaigns. He lovesshowing off the terminal and looksforwardtomorecommunity tours this spring.
Afirstinthe Port of Vancouver,these innovativeElectRA 2300 SX tugs reduce CO2emissions in Elk ValleyResources’ globalsupply chain.
Designed by Vancouver-based Robert Allan Ltd. and poweredbyBC’shydroelectric grid, these Etugs showcase what’spossible for agreener futureinshipping. “Tosee this initiativecome to fruition, and succeed, has been very rewarding,”says Jeff Crawford Neptune’s Director,Marine Logistics and Quality Management and aNorth Shore resident. “The successofthe Etugs in the Port of Vancouver has given SAAM confidencetoorder athirdelectric tugfor operations in Chile—demonstrating what’s working herecan work globally.”
Lastyear’s Circle ofStrength luncheon
Neptune investsinyouth sports acrossthe North Shore
Dave Foy-VicePresident, Operations
SAAM Towage 100% electric tugboats (Etugs)
Terms and Conditions:40% off anyorder of $1000 or moreor30% off anyorder of $700-$1000 on any completecustomcloset,garage,orhome officeunit Takeanadditional 15% off on anycompletesystem order.Notvalidwithanyotheroffer.Freeinstallation with anycompleteunit order of $850 or more. With incoming order,attimeofpurchase only.Offernot valid in all regions.Expires 03/31/25.
Questions remain about Ambleside and Dundarave parking
Continued from A4
manager to a strict timeline. I take him at his word that everything will be done as soon as possible.”
Snider agreed that enforcement and communication in paid parking could be better, adding it was something to think about moving forward into the program.
Coun. Linda Watt also echoed timeline concerns. The program can help save money for West Vancouver taxpayers, she said. As an example, Watt said $1 million in revenue can take off a percentage point in tax increases.
“Time is of the essence, and if we are engaging with the ADBIA, I also believe we should be engaging with the general population as well whose tax bills are impacted by this program and how quickly we can implement it,” Watt said.
More than $560,000 was collected from paid parking between February and September 2024 at Lighthouse, Nelson Canyon and Whytecliff parks as part of the paid-parking pilot program, according to a November 2024 staff presentation.
Ultimately the Feb. 24 vote to proceed with paid parking in Cypress Falls and Seaview Walk parks and to hire a contractor to work with ADBIA passed, with only Cassidy opposed.
Optimism moving forward, executive director says For paid parking in John Lawson and Dundarave parks, O’Brien said the ADBIA is happy with council’s recommendations to work with the association on a plan, adding that she hopes council’s pledge to “work with” the association means there is real collaboration on the issue.
“They could turn around and say, ‘Oh no, we just said we were going to work with you, but ‘working with you’ is telling you we’re doing this,’” she said. “So I’m taking council at their word ... and I hope I’m right.”
While O’Brien doesn’t know what a solution could be yet, she hopes something will work out for both the ADBIA and West Van council.
Staff will report back to council with progress or completion of the plans at a later date.
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.
No matter howhot or howcold it is outside....youcan count on aquality built,super efficient York heat pump and natural gasfurnacetokeep you at theperfect temperature inside.
Former West Van teacher banned for life after child porn conviction
BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com
A former West Vancouver Secondary counsellor jailed for possession of child pornography has been banned from teaching in B.C. for life.
[He] failed to act ethically and undermined the credibility of the teaching profession by violating laws that protect minors from sexual exploitation.
B.C. COMMISSIONER FOR TEACHER REGULATION
Joseph Scott William McLeod – known as Joey McLeod to his students – pleaded guilty in North Vancouver provincial court in 2022 and was given a one-year jail sentence followed by two years of probation in 2023. McLeod had been a teacher since 2006. The RCMP’s child exploitation unit executed a search at his North Vancouver home in January 2021 after being alerted to content he was sharing
by social media network Snapchat. They seized his phone and laptop, which had on them dozens of pictures and drawn cartoons, as well as one video, showing prepubescent boys ranging in age from six months to 13 years old, nude or being sexually abused. The judge in his case described the materials as “horrific.”
He was suspended at that time and later fired before moving to Ontario.
Under a decision by the B.C. commissioner for teacher regulation released this week, he is now banned for life from teaching in B.C. McLeod, who has signed off on the agreement, may never apply for or receive certification under the Teacher’s Act.
In determining that a lifetime ban was appropriate, the commissioner noted that “McLeod’s conduct was at the serious end of the spectrum,” and “[he] failed to act ethically and undermined the credibility of the teaching profession by violating laws that protect minors from sexual exploitation.”
McLeod has also been given sex offender designation for a period of 20 years.
MetroVancouver’s 2026Budgeting ProcessisUnderway
We arenow planning our budgetfor 2026 and ourfive-year financialplan— and we want to hearfromyou.
Everyyear,Metro Vancouver budgetsfor theservicesthat helpshape thefutureofour region. Your input helps guide keydecisions on our future priorities.
Until March30, 2025 you can:
• Scan theQRcodetotakea shortsurvey
• Emailbudgetengagement@metrovancouver.org
• Call 604-432-6200
For more informationortosignupfor project updates, visit metrovancouver.org andsearch “Budget.”
Firefighter health at heart of new building
operational command.
It’s designed to withstand the kinds of natural disasters that would make fire crews indispensable in the response and recovery. And it boasts a 92-per-cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the older buildings it replaces
“I think we’re very fortunate in the district. The foresight that went into this building, the amount of touches that went into it in the planning stages really set it up for success,” said Fire Chief Mike Danks. “It makes communications a lot easier It gets people together, which builds morale, and it builds the culture, and I think that’s what we’re really lucky to have on the North Shore – this incredible culture.”
The facility has 16 bedrooms, eight of which will have crew members staying in them on any given night. The hallways in the living quarters are lined with felt that helps absorb sound and gives a soft, tactile experience when touched – another way in which the design is intended to make those inside feel better
Down the hall is a sauna big enough for six or seven crew members. That perk is not simply for firefighters to enjoy a nice shvitz though – research has shown that toxins absorbed through the skin in a structure fire can be sweat back out before they contribute to long-term health problems. Outside the fire hall is a memorial wall dedicated to crew members who have died either in the line of duty or of cancers presumed to stem from members’ exposure to hazardous substances on the job.
Training for all types of emergencies
On the massive glass panels above the bay doors are Indigenous bear, heron, wolf and woodpecker designs by səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) artist Olivia George, chosen to inspire strength, persistence, teamwork and adaptability – traits that firefighters share with the animals.
The new hall comes with the return of another popular symbol of the profession – a fire pole connecting the living quarters to the main hall. They fell out of fashion in the 1980s and 90s following injuries to firefighters but, Kramer said, their pole will shave minutes off the response time when minutes count to the person calling 911.
In terms of administrative space,
the facility has more than it needs, but that too is by design. The district is renting out space to other agencies and non-profits as a means to generate revenue. Kramer jokes the remaining unused bedrooms could be a popular attraction for visitors seeking an Airbnb.
Outside in the new training centre, there are mock-ups of a single-family home, a commercial building and even a tug boat, which was provided by Seaspan to help train both their own crews and local firefighters for the event of a highly dangerous fire aboard a ship.
Just outside the perimeter fence (and occasionally inside it), deer paw around the salal, nootka rose and other fire-resistant vegetation carefully selected by the landscape architect. And beyond that is a ravine and the Windridge Escarpment where crews can train on high-angle rope rescues in a natural environment.
The project came about during a perfect storm of cost pressures –COVID-related delays, supply chain disruptions and the ensuing inflation in construction materials and labour When it was still in the design phase in 2019, the district estimated it would cost $34 million. By the time contracts had been tendered in 2021, that rose to $48 million.
According to the district, the final cost was $61.2 million, including $6.8 million to remediate the land, which the municipality had used as a dump for refuse from public works projects
from the 1960s to the late 1980s. That meant hauling away upwards of 6,000 truckloads of old telephone polls, chunks of asphalt and soil contaminated with heavy metals and hydrocarbons.
Danks, however, said everyone on the North Shore will be safer as a result
“The payoff is you have an incredibly efficient response. This was designed to meet the quickest response possible from firefighters getting to the trucks and the trucks responding to certain areas,” he said.
Danks added he believes the Maplewood Fire and Rescue Centre will serve as a model for other departments to follow as they renew their own infrastructure in the years ahead.
In a statement, Mayor Mike Little welcomed the addition of the new fire hall.
“Our fire department is an integral part of the community, and we are fiercely proud of our firefighters. The new Maplewood Fire and Rescue Centre will enable District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services to keep our community safe while continuing to be leaders in what they do,” he said. “The new fire hall will improve response times in the district and provide our firefighters with an environment to not only hone their skills but also rest and recover between calls.”
The district is planning a grand opening for the public to attend in June.
When: Monday,March 17, 2025 at 7pm
Where: Council Chambers,355 West Queens Road, North Vancouver, BC
What: On Monday,March 17, 2025, at its regularly scheduled meeting, Council will consider First, Secondand ThirdReadingsof Bylaw8732, proposed amendmentstothe Zoning Bylawtopermitthe creation of a21-unit townhouseat3712-3718 Edgemont Boulevard.
Bylaw8732 proposes to amend theDistrict’s ZoningBylaw by rezoning thesitefrom ResidentialMultipleFamily 1(RM1) to ComprehensiveDevelopment Zone 155 (CD155).The CD155 Zone addressespermitted andaccessory uses,conditionsofuse,and zoning provisions such as density, amenities, height, setbacks,buildingand site coverage, landscaping andstorm watermanagement,and parking, loadingand servicingrequirements.
How: The Regular Meetingof Council will be heldina hybrid format with a combinationof in-personand electronic participation by some or all membersof council, or by staffand the public.The public areinvited to attend at the Council Chambers wherethey will be able to see andhearthe entireproceedings.Those wishing to view or to participate in themeeting electronically maydo so at https://dnvorg.zoom.us/j/64484156494 or by phonebydialling1-778-907-2071 andentering webinarID644 8415 6494.
Need more info? Copies of thebylaw areavailablefor review at 355 West Queens Road, North Vancouver, BC,between 8:00am and4:30pmMondayto Friday (except holidays), starting Tuesday, Mar. 4, 2025, or onlineat DNV.org/agenda
Assistant Fire Chief Gunter Kramer takes in the felt-covered walls in the Maplewood Fire and Rescue Centre’s living quarters BRENT RICHTER / NSN
NOTICE OF 2025 BY-ELECTION
2025 By-Election: TheCorporation Of TheDistrict Of West Vancouver &School District 45 (WestVancouver Schools).
PUBLIC NOTICE is given to the electorsofWestVancouver Schoolsthat a by-election by voting is necessary forthe OfficeofSchool Trustee (one to be elected) foratermending October,2026.
Forthe OfficeofSchool Trustee
• DONAHUE, Sheelah 6805 Hycroft Road, West Vancouver
• JENSEN, Neil 168 Stevens Drive, West Vancouver
• NURPEISSOV,Roman 401-6697 Nelson Avenue, WestVancouver
General Voting DayisSaturday, April5,2025. Voting places areas follows and all areopen from 8a.m. to 8p.m. at:
• West Vancouver CommunityCentre,Lily LeeRoom,2121 Marine Drive
• BowenIsland CommunitySchool, CommunityUse Room, 1041Mt. Gardner Road, BowenIsland Wheelchair access and curbside votingare available.
NOTICE OF ADVANCE VOTING OPPORTUNITIES
Forthose who areunable to vote on general voting day, advancevoting opportunities will be held at West Vancouver MunicipalHall at 75017th Street, West Vancouver,BCfrom8 a.m.to8p.m. on the followingdays:
• Wednesday, March 26 and Monday, March 31
MAIL BALLOT VOTING
Electorsmay apply to the ChiefElectionOfficer to receiveamailballot package. The Application to Vote by Mail Ballot is availableonthe District’s website at westvancouver.ca/election and at the West Vancouver Municipal Hall. Mail ballot packages will be providedtoqualified applicants. To receiveamail ballot packagebymail, an Application to Vote by Mail Ballot must be submitted no later than 4p.m. on March 17,2025toallowsufficient timefor apackagetobe mailed to youand returned. To receiveamailballot packageinperson (pick-up at Municipal Hall), an Application to Vote by Mail Ballot maybesubmitted up until 4p.m. April 5, 2025. Completedmailballots must bereceived by the Chief Election Officer at West Vancouver Municipal Hall before8p.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025 in order to be counted forthe election.
REGISTERING TO VOTE
Electorswhose namesare not on the listofregistered electors mayregister at the time of voting by completing the required application form available at the voting placeand providing required identification.
Resident Electors:
Aresident elector must meet the following requirements:
• age18orolder on the dayofregistration or on general votingday;
• Canadian citizen;
• resident of British Columbia foratleast 6monthsimmediately beforethe dayofregistration;
• aresident of SchoolDistrict 45; and
• not disqualified by anyenactment from voting in an election or otherwise disqualified by law.
To register,residentelectorswill be required to produce twopieces of identification (at least one with asignature; photo identification is unnecessary)toprove both residency and identity.
Non-Resident Property Electors:
Anon-resident property elector must meet the following requirements:
• age18orolder on the dayofregistration or on general voting day;
• Canadian citizen;
• resident of British Columbia foratleast 6months immediately beforethe day of registration,
• registeredowner of real property in School District 45 foratleast 30 days immediately beforethe dayofregistration;
• not entitledtoregister as aresident elector in School District 45;
• not disqualified by anyenactment from voting in an election or otherwise disqualified by law;
• not registeredasanon-resident property elector in relation to anyother parcel of real property in School District 45;
• if thereismorethanone registered owner of the property,only one of those individuals may, withthe written consent of the majorityofthe owners, registerasanon-resident property elector; and
• the only persons who areregistered ownersofthe real property,either as joint tenants or tenants in common, areindividualswho arenot holding the property in trust foracorporation or another trust.
To register, non-resident property electorswillberequired to producetwo pieces of identification (at least one with asignature; photoidentification is unnecessary), AND proofthat theyare entitledtoregister in relation to the property,and if applicable, written consent from theother property owners. Aproperty tax notice/ certificate,aproperty assessment noticefromBCAssessment, aStateofTitle Certificate, Title Search, or CertificateofIndefeasible Title areacceptable forms of proof of property ownership
No corporation is entitledtoberegistered as an elector or have arepresentative registeredasanelector and no corporation is entitled to vote,and permanent residents of Canada (landed immigrants) who have not yetbecome Canadian citizens arenot entitled to vote.
CONTACTTHE ELECTION OFFICE Forenquiries or moreinformation: LegislativeServices, West Vancouver Municipal Hall 75017thStreet, West Vancouver BC 604-925-7004 | election@westvancouver.ca MondaytoFriday,8:30a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
FURTHERINFORMATION: Visit westvancouver.ca/election or contact the ChiefElection Officer or DeputyChief Election Officer at 604-925-7004.
Thisisimportant information. Please have someone translateitfor you.
Hope Dallas, Chief Election Officer, March 10,2025
$1,000 fine for dump truck driver at fault in cyclist’s death
BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com
A Chilliwack dump truck driver has pleaded guilty and been fined $1,000 under the Motor Vehicle Act for his role in the death of a cyclist in North Vancouver.
The collision happened outside Centennial Theatre on March 6, 2023. Christopher Shawn Basque, 42, was driving a load of material away from the Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre construction site when he stopped at the corner of 23rd Street and Lonsdale Avenue, planning to turn north onto Lonsdale.
At the time, Annie Auclair was riding her bike between the truck and the curb. Basque had an advanced green and was turning right into the intersection but Auclair had advanced forward past the stop line
He struck her with the front right tire of his truck, knocking her to the ground and running her over. He had completed the right turn and was facing north on Lonsdale before he knew what had happened, the court heard.
Bystanders attempted first aid but Auclair was pronounced dead at Lions Gate Hospital “within minutes.”
There was a sign at the intersection
indicating that the right lane was for rightturns only, except for cyclists, though a utility pole was blocking the view of the sign, the judge acknowledged, adding that the City of North Vancouver has since reconfigured the lane
After an investigation by the RCMP’s Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service, Basque was later charged with driving without due care and attention.
Basque appeared in North Vancouver Provincial Court on Feb. 28 and pleaded guilty
The Crown sought a $1,000 fine and a six-month driving ban, arguing that being at the wheel of a vehicle of that size requires a “high duty of care to drive with due care and attention.”
Basque’s lawyer Kyla Lee took no issue with the size of the fine but cautioned about the collateral consequences of a driving ban
Although Basque no longer drives a dump truck, he does continue to work as a professional driver and a ban would leave him bankrupt and unable to support his daughter and his wife who lives with disabilities.
Given the chance to speak for himself before sentencing, Basque declined, but Lee emphasized how her client’s life had been
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changed by the fatal collision.
“He has repeatedly expressed to me that he lives every day with knowing the harm that this incident has caused and having to wear somebody’s death and his involvement in that on his soul,” she said. “He describes that he is traumatized from this incident, but it has also made him pay extra attention, anytime he’s on the road, for cyclists and pedestrians, and when he’s driving around big commercial trucks.”
Ultimately, Harris agreed that Basque’s remorse was genuine and that he would become a more careful driver as a result,
finding that no driving ban was necessary.
“In all the circumstances, as pointed out by both council quite fairly, that Ms Auclair had some responsibility for how she was riding. That said, we encounter on a daily basis, other vehicles and pedestrians that are not compliant with the law That does not absolve us as drivers to maintain a lookout and drive with proper care and attention,” Judge Reginald Harris said “In this case, from all the facts presented, what has transpired, in my view, was an overlap of unfortunate events that led to this tragedy, and it was momentary on Mr Masque’s behalf, to not have a fulsome look out in all areas of this vehicle prior to moving forward.”
Harris acknowledged that a Motor Vehicle Act charge and punishment carry less severity than a Criminal Code one, but he said it was the correct choice by the Crown.
“The fine imposed is in no way reflective of the value of the human life. One of the hallmarks of the democratic society is one that exercises restraint and proportionality in sentencing, and in this particular case, I’m sentencing a regulatory offence with a momentary lapse that ultimately ended up in tragic consequences.”
Crash investigators survey the scene following a fatal collision between a cyclist and tandem dump truck driver at 23rd Street and Lonsdale Avenue in North Vancouver, March 6, 2023. PAUL MCGRATH /NSN
TIME TRAVELLER
TheCommissionerofNorth Vancouver
In theearly 1930s,the District andCityofNorth Vancouverweretaken into receiverships, replacingall electedofficials with onerole, thecommissioner. The receiverships were initiated by theprovincialgovernmentwhenthe municipalities’ debts became toounmanageable
The commissioner,a non-electedofficial appointedbythe governor general, took over theroles of mayorand council to prioritize finances.The abovephoto shows Commissioner George Washington Vance, seated in thecentre, whoservedas commissionerfrom1936until hissuddendeath in 1944. Shortlyafter,municipal powers were restored to thecity, followedbythe district in 1950.”
Discover more of theNorth Shore’srichhistory at MONOVA.Start planning your visitat monova.ca. Do youhavea storytotell? Getintouch via archives@monova.ca.
North Vancouver District opening the door to short-term rentals
BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com
The District of North Vancouver is taking another run at legalizing and regulating shortterm rentals like Airbnb and VRBO.
District council came within a couple votes of clamping down on STRs in 2023 but stopped short when the province announced its own rules intended to curtail vacation accommodations in favour of long-term ones.
Despite not being permitted, there were 920 active listings in the district in October last year, according to staff – about three per cent of the municipality’s entire housing stock. Of those, 92 per cent were in single-family homes and 88 per cent were for the entire home (as opposed to just a room within someone’s residence).
Under the proposed bylaw before district council on March 3, property owners could apply for one municipal business licence allowing them to accept short-term guests in either their principal residence or a secondary suite on the same property, like a basement apartment or coach house. That would bring the district into alignment with the District of West Vancouver’s rules for short-term rentals but not the City of North Vancouver, which currently allows up to two licences for an owner’s principal residence in addition to a secondary suite –the maximum allowed by the province.
The bylaw sets a maximum stay of 28 nights for a maximum of six guests.
Beyond the $340-per-year municipal licence, hosts will also have to register with the province by May 1. After June 1, existing hosts who have not gone through the regulatory hoops will have their listings pulled off of sites like Airbnb and VRBO, staff said. Guests will be subject to three per cent tax that the district will direct toward affordable housing initiatives.
While the higher prices that short-term rentals fetch and the flexibility they offer hosts may incentivize some owners to put their secondary suites on the shortterm rental market, council members acknowledged, there are other benefits to the tourism industry from having some short-term rentals available. There are also people who are staying in the area for shortterm contract work, and families who need personal access to their own secondary
suites at different times in the year and mortgage helpers at other times.
There was consensus among council members that legalization and regulation was the way to go. The only issue before council was whether to allow one licence per property or two. The majority felt one was enough to balance the interests of property owners and the wider community
Mayor Mike Little said he continues to have concerns about the commodification of housing – particularly large companies buying up single-family homes and operating them as de facto hotels in residential neighbourhoods. But he said there is room for some short-term rentals in the district.
“I do worry about the potential impact on long-term rentals in our community We saw in COVID that there was actually a return of quite a number of units onto the market for long-term rental, and that’s something we definitely still want to see take place in our community. But I recognize this is a good option to have into the mix as well, so long as it doesn’t become dominant to the point that it is not economically viable for us to have long-term rentals in our community,” he said, adding that it falls to district council to approve more purpose-built rentals.
Coun. Catherine Pope said she believed the proposed bylaw would be a net positive for renters.
“I am very pleased we’re moving forward with regulating short term rentals. We have a housing crisis, and need more long-term rentals to open up. And I think we’re already seeing this happening because of the province’s announcement in 2023,” she said.
Before the district’s proposal becomes official, it will have to go through a public hearing, tentatively scheduled for April 1, and another vote by council.
North Vancouver District is looking into legalizing shortterm rentals like Airbnb and VRBO SRDJANPAV E+ / GETTY IMAGES
Photo:NVMA,PHC2640
8.Hollow 9. Ogle
10.Halloween shout
11. Hamburgerroll
17.Dig out 21.Choweddown
22.Fishing sticks
24.Suggestive
25.Boundless joy
26.Sunrise direction
27.Shout to acat
28. Curvedstructure
29.Cut back
31. Cowboy’sprod
34.Operavoice
36.Tourist’sstop
39.Pursued
43.Frightening
45.Mountain gap
46.Repeat
48.Onthe crest
49.String
41. “____ Came Bronson” 42.Footedvases 44.Sincere
51.Bemagnetic
site 55.Mediterranean, e.g. 56.“____-Devil” 57.Presses 58. Biddy 59.Patch of grass 60.Sorts
1. Walked heavily 2. Heavytwine 3. Getsolder 4. Dim 5. Garden veggie 6. Summing 7. Part of speech
50.Defeat
51.Fireremnant
52._ off (makeangry)
53.Dark beige
54. Orchestra
ARIES March21-April 19
Crosswordpuzzle answers use American spelling HOROSCOPE
You’ll finally have the time to set your priorities straight and actively pursue the changes you’ve long desired. Lean on your friends—they’ll be invaluable during this transformative time
TAURUS April 20-May20
Planning avacation with your partner,family or friends is aspecial experience. You’ll dive deep into researching dream destinations that havealways piqued your interest.
GEMINI May21-June 20
If you’reworried about your health, consult your doctor for thenecessary tests. This will reassureyou and allow you to access the treatments you needto help you recover
CANCER June 21-July 22
Your leadership skills will be useful at work as you negotiate abig contract. Additionally,your proactive approach will help you navigatechallenges and resolve conflicts
LEO July 23-Aug. 22
You’ll need to compromise to achieve harmony at work or home. An exercise of patience will be required as you navigate confusing and amusing situations.
VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept.22
Financial stress may loom over you. Seek guidance from aqualified professional to ease your concerns. Taking this step will help you manage your anxiety
LIBRA Sept.23-Oct. 22
Your dynamism and enthusiasm will boost your income and help you enjoy life to the fullest. You’ll find the resources you need to indulge and unwind. An unforgettable vacation week awaits you.
SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21
Carefully review all your bills to avoid any financial issues. Vigilantly checking for errors can help you sidestep complications and ensureeverything adds up correctly
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec.21
Take time to reflect before diving into anew adventure that could significantly alter your life. Other opportunities will likely present themselves in the coming days.
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
Preparefor awhirlwind of social activities and new connections at work this week. Remember to carve out some time for yourself to relax and recharge.
AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb.18
Whether at work or in your personal life, you’ll organize alarge-scale event aimed at bringing people together.Your commitment to your community will be called upon, and it will be impossible for you to turn it down.
PISCES Feb. 19-March 20
You’ll embark on an enriching spiritual journey that will help your social life flourish and introduce you to interesting individuals. This experience will help cultivate new friendships and improve your overall well-being.
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 fewnumberstoget youstarted. Remember:you mustnot repeat the numbers 1through 9inthe same line, column or 3x3 box.
MARKETPLACE
Call or email to place your ad, Monday through Friday8:30am to 4:30pm 604-653-7851
Shirley Buckley
December 14,1939 to March15, 2022
It has been threeyearssince Ilost you and it still onlyseems likeyesterday
Iknow those we love do not go away, they walk beside us every day.
Youare in my heartand thoughts today,tomorrowand always.
Forever in my heart and always missed, YourDaughter, Sandra
DUNCAN,Audrey (Eileen)
July 19, 1931 -April 18, 2024
Eileenpassed away peacefully,aged 92. Predeceased by herhusband Davidand brother Fred.Eileen is lovinglyremembered by her sister BarbaraKelly,childrenKatherine (Gib), David, Robert(Jamie), 5grandchildren and3great grandchildren. Eileen hadfond memoriesofher childhood yearsinSunnyside (onthe outskirts of Winnipeg) beforethe family moved to Vancouver Mom lived most of her lifeinNorth Vancouver.An avidgardener and lover of classical music,inher 60’s she showedatalent forwatercolourpainting.
Eileen will be remembered forher workethic. “Dede” also loved her teatimes,served in bone china teacups. She will be best remembered for herkindness and terrificsense of humour.A family gathering will be announcedthissummer.
HABKIRK, Malcolm Leroy
March 27, 1936 −February 25,2025
Hislastbreath was taken withhis family present. BorninPeaceRiver,AB, to Williamand Florence Habkirk. Predeceased by his brother Bill and sister Sheila, alongwithmany nieces and nephews. Survived by his loving wife, Doreen;sons Doug (Robinn)and Trevor (Rita);daughter Sheila (Carl); grandchildren Kelsey (Colton), Kyle (Amanda)and Sean;and three great−grandchildrenLilah, Bowen andMaverick.
He worked forBCTel/Telusuntil retirement. Mal hadmany interests, including curling, cycling, skiing andpoetry.
Mal and Doreenenjoyed travellingaround the world.
He was an exceptionally kind manwho will be missed by so many.
Tuesday, March25, 11:00am, at Mt. Seymour United Church, 1200 Parkgate Avenue, North Vancouver.
RIVE, Frances Celia (neeSorensen) With profound sadness, the Sorensen family announces the passing of their beloveddaughter, sister,cousin, Auntie and friend.
Frances Celia Rive (nee Sorensen) wasborn at North Vancouver GeneralHospital on December 6th, 1958 and passedonFebruary 6th, 2025 with her sister Kirsten and nephew James by her side. She is predeceased by her sonJohnDane Rive (2014) and husband John Rutherford Rive (2016) and her second husband Peter Topliss (2024) Left to mourn her loss is her sonBrock Christian Rive, her parents Erik and Sylvia Sorensen. Siblings -Rick (Lana), Tony (Iris), Kirsten (Tom);nieces and nephews -Nicole Danielle Kayla, Kristyna, Ashleigh, James, Carterand Brigitte. Along with aunts, uncles and cousins and many friends.
Frances wasa generous soul, hosting countless wonderful events forfamily and friends at her beautiful home. With everything she pursued she wasthe essence of elegance and style.
Her boys meant the worldtoher and she loved creating meaningful celebrations forfriends and family.She wasahighlyskilledhair stylist formany years before having her children
Shewas at her core, akind and generous lady with alaugh that made youwant to laugh forever.She will be greatly missed by all wholoved her.There will be aprivate memorial service with her immediate family
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donationto the Canadian Cancer Society
The SorensenFamily would also express their heartfelt gratitude to the North ShoreHospice.
To
REMEMBRANCES
DUPUIS, Marcel Henry (1925 -2025)
On February17, 2025, Marcel Dupuis of North Vancouver,BC, passed awaypeacefully in his 100thyear,athome surrounded by hischildren. Born on March 20,1925, in Coderre, Saskatchewan, he wasthe thirdyoungest of 14 children. Marcel tookthe skills he learned on the family farm and moved west in 1945 forwork, meeting andmarryinghis wife Margaret (Peggy)in 1949. He began hiscareer as aheavyequipment operator butsoon evolved into aheavy-duty mechanic. He wasaproud member of the International UnionofOperating Engineers, Local 115 forover 70 years. Marcel and Peggy spent their earlyyearsofmarriage livinginaconvertedschool busadventuringacross BC and beyond in support of various infrastructure projects, beforebuilding theirbeloved homeinNorthVancouverin1955 to raise theirthree children. Marcel wasadevoted husband, and aloving father who cherishedhis time with family andwas happiest when he was abletoshare hisskillsand knowledge when working togetheronaproject. He was the type of person whowouldchoose to repairsomething over buyinganew one. He valued hardwork, honesty,and thevalue of aman’sword.
Marcel waspredeceased by his wife Peggy in 2009, andissurvived by hischildrenSandy, Andrew (Jackie)and Bruce(Sandy), grandchildren Taryn(Chris), Deven (Julie), Philip (Chelsea),Alex (Lauren) and Danielle (TJ),and elevengreatgrandchildren. Hislegacy of love,generosityand resilience will continue to inspire those fortunateto have been partof hislife.A memorial service will be held March 13, 2025 at 2pmatBoal Chapel and Memorial Gardens, 1505 Lilooet Rd, North Vancouver,BCand aCelebrationofLifetoshare memories of Marcelwill be heldonSaturday, March15, 2025from 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm at CardinalHall, 3590 Mountain Highway, Lynn Valley, NorthVancouver,BC.
In lieuofflowers or adonation, just check your oi level,tire pressure and belt tension as he would have
RAYNOR (Hollins), SheelaghMaureen Elizabeth April 22, 1930 -October 24, 2024
Our beloved mother,Sheelagh Raynor,passed away peacefully surrounded by family andloved ones. She is survived by her loving anddevoted children,Leesa Layton and John Raynor,nine grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren, as well as herbrother-in-law andcompanion, Alan Thornbery.
Sheelagh wasborninWhitley Bay, Northumberland,England, andimmigrated to Vancouver,Canada, in 1950. Shortlyafter her arrival,she wasintroduced to her futurehusband, Frank Raynor Jr.After five yearsofcourtship, Sheelagh andFrankwere married on May28, 1956. They settledinWest Vancouver,where they lived happily for the rest of their lives. Together, they created aloving home andcommunity, surrounded by many friends andneighbours, particularlythe close-knit“BelvedereGroup.” From its inception, they wereactive members of HollyburnCountryClub, enjoying tennisand curling, where our family made lifelong relationships and lastingmemories. Sheelaghwas an active volunteer andworked for several yearsatThe Bay Park Royal.
Frank passedaway in 1992, andSheelagh continued to liveafulland vibrantlife surrounded by family and friends. She had agreat love for travel,especially enjoying cruises, whereshe forged lasting friendshipsacross the globe. As her family grew,withthe additionofgrandchildren and great-grandchildren,Sheelagh generouslyshared herlove andjoy with each of them.
We wishtoexpress oursincere gratitude to allthe dedicated staff at Hollyburn House forthe exceptionalcare, love, and supportthey provided to our Momand family over the last two years. Momwas akindand devoted friend to many,a loving mother,and an adoring grandmother.She never missed an opportunity to remindher family just how muchshe loved them.While we deeply missher,wefind comfortinknowing she hasbeen reunited with our Dad.
We love you,Mom.
R. Patricia White (neePhillips) June29, 1930 -December 31, 2024
It is with heavy,yet blessed hearts, thatwe announcethe passing of ourbeloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother,Patricia (Trish) White on the evening of December 31, 2024.
Born June 29, 1930 to Constance and Arthur Phillips at North Vancouver Hospital. Trish resided on theNorth Shore all of her life. Predeceased by herhusband, Mel (2018), daughter Kim (2023), brothers Michael (2009) and Dick (2013).
Trish is survivedbyher daughter Pam, sons Jeff andBrad (Dawn), along withmanyextended family members, which included her sister-in-lawsBarb, Pauline, Terry,brother-in-law Mike(Patsy), daughter-in-law Michele, and son-in-law Tom, along with manynieces and nephews. Sheleaves behind hereightgrandchildren, Christopher, Scott Chantal, Josie, Blake, Kate, Kyle and Eli, and four great-grandchildren, Liam, Ava, Tessa and Luke.
Trish worked alongside Melinthe Pro Shop at Seymour Golf andCountry Club, and she managed the books for Mel White Ltd. They also traveled around the world, facilitating golf tours. She waspassionate about her golf and developed many wonderful friendships along theway.She loved to play bridge,gofishing at Rock Island Fish Camp andother places in theCariboo. Trish was a talented knitter and loved to spend time in her beautiful garden,sittingpoolside watching her grandchildren,and great-grandchildren
Even though many of her friends had passed away shemade newfriends, as she held court in the courtyard at Parkgate Village. Known for her smile, kindness, andbeing alady of class.
Forever more wewill celebrate theamazing woman and matriarch she has beentoour entire family andthe communitywhich surrounded her.A life to be celebrated,therefore aCelebrationofLife is plannedfor Sunday,March 23, 2025 from 2:004:00 pm at Seymour Golf and Country Club, 3723 Mount Seymour Parkway,North Vancouver
In lieu of flowers, donations to theSeymour Golf & Country Club Junior Scholarship Program would be appreciated. Please contact Dale Scheinbien, Head GolfProfessional at SeymourGolf &Country Club Pro Shop for further details.
May she rest in her eternal garden, surrounded by her loving butterflies.Come join ourfamily and share in the wonderful memories.
Each Loss
Each loss is verydifferent, Thepainissosevere. 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 always be here Took forgranted each tomorrow.
Nowmylifeisall confused Sinceyou went away Youtooka part of me Andfor helpI dailypray.
But whenGod sent youtome He never said that youweremine, That Icould keep youalways–Only borrowed foratime
Now, He’s calledyou home, I’m sadand Ished tears. YetI’m glad He loaned youtome Andwehad thesemanyyears
THOMSON,
James Robert March 11, 1921 - February 16, 2025
James Robert Thomson has passed away, peacefully at home, just shy of his 104th birthday He will be dearly missed by his family who were lucky enough to have him in their lives for so many years.
A lifetime resident of the North Shore, Jim was born at home on Moody Avenue in North Van, during a snow storm. The second child of Eric and Mary Thomson, he grew up with older sister Inga and younger brother Will. His childhood was spent in North Van, with the freedom to explore and enjoy its natural beauty from Seymour and Lynn Creek to Grouse Mountain.
His parents brought him to camp and spend each summer on the shores of Hopkins Landing starting in 1927. A lifetime passion for this beautiful place was born, and he built his own cottage there in 1965 Jim spent many happy summers on its shores, building houses, bringing up his family, swimming, sailing, digging ditches, and maintaining the waterfront community path. He was a good man.
Jim enlisted in the RCAF in WW2 His critical eye and attention to detail made him an invaluable asset to the Aircraft Inspection Department, a little known but vital part of Canada’s war effort. He inspected wooden components such as main spars and tail plane assemblies for aircraft such as the Mosquito, Catalina (PBY) and the Anson trainer
Discharged as a sergeant in 1946, Jim became a woodwork teacher, teaching shops for one year in Wells BC and then 35 years at West Van Secondary. He appreciated the good students he had, who were legion It can safely be said that he made a difference in people’s lives
A teaching colleague at Pauline Johnson Elementary (Lois Humphrey), introduced Jim to her daughter, Maddie. Dad said it was love at first sight. They married in 1951 A long and happy marriage ensued ti Maddie’s passing in 2019.
Grouse Mountain was a playground for them in the late 40’s and 50’s Jim built a cabin just below The Cut, before the village Chairlift was built All building materials were carried on Jim’s back from the Mountain Highway to the building site As well as being an avid hiker, Jim skied until he was 74
He made many friends over his long life, some in the most random way, often through an act of kindness, long before this became fashionable. He would recommend it
Jim was a craftsman of the highest order with two houses, a cabin, a cottage, and beautiful furniture amongst some of his creations. Always busy in his workshop, he also produced dinghies, paddle boards and sabots During his 42 years of retirement, Jim excelled at a second career, picture framing for notable West Coast artists. His frames are in homes and museums around the world. As well, he wrote a book recounting his early days on Howe Sound, “Dear James”.
His long retirement allowed him to be an active grandfather, and his grandchildren and great grandchildren were a constant joy. Jim’s love of the outdoors, the ocean, beaches, and mountains have been passed along to his descendants. But most especially love of family He was very proud of his family Thanks for showing us how it’s done, Dad.
Jim will be missed by many, including his nieces and a nephew, and longtime friends locally and around the world Our most grateful thanks to his wonderfu team of caregivers from The Key, especially Antonia, as well as the many VCH community and palliative nurses who cared for Jim.
Celebrating his life are his children, Ian (Joanna), and Janet (Al) Galbraith, grandchildren, James (Kathryn) Galbraith, Kate (Devon) Smith, Mary and Charlotte Thomson, and great grandchildren Rafferty, Paige, and Audrey.
A gathering to ceebrate Jim’s remarkable life will be held at a later date, details will be announced. If so desired, donations to backpackbuddes.ca in Jim’s honour would be greatly appreciated Condolences to the family may be directed to mackenziefuneralservices.com
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1.Worksofbodyart
2.Abba__,Israeli politician
3.AdesertinAsia
4.Eatgreedily
5.DoomedFrenchqueen
6.Beat
7.Onewhosurvives onblood
8.Asaconsequence
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10.AcquiredBrainInjury BehaviorScience
11.Unclean
Makes a petty verbal attack 21.Tyrion Lannister’s nickname 22. Pointed ends of pens 23 Wristwatches
Body part
Made a mistake
32.Turkish honorific title 33 Yell 34.HistoricAlabama city
13.Onewhodoesnot drink
17.WildoxoftheMalay Archipelago
24. student,learns healing
25.Bacterialskininfection
26.Expressessurprise
27.Whatonesaysona weddingday
28.Crony
29.Whereyouentered theworld(abbr.)
35.Unitoflength
39. Cub 42.Type of sea bass
dish
44.To call (archaic)
46. Unfortunate
47. Separate oneself from others
49. Hero sandwiches
50. Former OSS
51. Open spaces in a forest
56. Innermost brain membranes
36.Sidethatissheltered fromthewind
37.More(Spanish)
38.Autonomicnervous system
40.Violenttroublemakers, originallyinParis
41.Statementsthat somethingisuntrue
42.Greekalphabetletter
43.Suspendsfromabove
44.Populartypesof cigars
45.Girls
57. Fortune
58. Hunting expedition
59. Doomed queen Boleyn
60. Peyton’s little brother
61.Type of wrap
63. Soviet Socialist Republic
64.An increase in price or value
47.U.S.philosopherand logician
48.Nocturnalhoofed animal
49.Relaxingspaces
52.Fromadistance
53.FormofPersian
54.Amountsoftime
55.Trigonometricfunction
62. Scottish tax
N
Friday March21
1:00pm- 6:00pm Saturday March22
9:30am -5:30pm Sunday March23
10:00am- 4:00pm
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