WEDNESDAY APRIL 13 2016
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LIVING 13
Embrace Rwanda
Local charity makes a difference in Africa TASTE 27
Life of pie
Savary Island Pie Co. is back with a flavour SPORTS 29
Premier rugby
Caps aim to quash losing skid NORTHSHORENEWS
LOCAL NEWS . LOCAL MATTERS . SINCE 1969
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EDUCATION
Teacher to embark on global adventure JANE SEYD jseyd@nsnews.com
For North Vancouver teacher Kristen Gill, geography has always been about much more than maps. It’s also about exploring, she says, about understanding other cultures and our place in the natural world.
Montroyal teacher Kristen Gill leaves today for Washington, D.C. where she’ll prepare for a teaching expedition aboard the National Geographic Explorer icebreaker. She’s one of just four Canadian educators selected for the fellowship. Go to nsnews.com to see a map of her planned route. PHOTO CINDY GOODMAN
“If a child can have an understanding of how they fit into the world and how the decisions they make can have an impact, I think it’s really important,” she says. Now Gill, a Grade 5 teacher at Montroyal elementary, has the chance of a lifetime to make those lessons come alive after being chosen as one of only four teachers in Canada who will take part in a professional development trip led by National Geographic next month. Gill is one of 35 teachers chosen from among
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MUNICIPAL BUDGET 2016
West Van faces property tax hike
JEREMY SHEPHERD jshepherd@nsnews.com
After 10 years on an ammo-free diet, West Vancouver finally bit the bullet April 4.
Council voted for a 6.87 per cent tax hike at last week’s regular meeting of council, despite protests from Coun. Bill Soprovich. The owner of an average-priced home – approximately $2.378 million in West Vancouver – having to pay an extra
After 10 years with Metro’s lowest tax increases, residents get hit with 6.87% increase $242 this year is “astonishing,” according to Soprovich, who cast the only vote against the hike. “Are we in fact pricing ourselves out of business here?”
Soprovich asked. The average property tax bill is projected to be $3,813 in 2016, with a similar increase pencilled in for next year. It’s time for West Vancouver to examine capital assets and look to cut costs, according to Soprovich. “I look forward in that process to Coun. Soprovich identifying what he wants to close,” Coun. Craig Cameron responded.
See Tax page 11
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