March 13, 2024

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Snowshoer survives 20 minutes buried by Mt. Seymour avalanche

BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com

North Shore Rescue says a woman is very fortunate to have survived being caught in an avalanche and buried for 20 to 30 minutes.

A Surrey couple in their 40s were coming down from Pump Peak on Mount Seymour just after 11 a.m. on Sunday when they triggered an avalanche.

“He was knocked over and when he turned around to see where his wife was, she was nowhere to be seen,” he said.

Distraught, he called 911 and the RCMP patched him through to rescuers.

“We knew it was going to be 45 minutes before we were going to get there and time is really, really critical, so the best chance that she had was for him to locate her,” he said.

The man searched the area and spotted the tip of a snowshoe sticking out of the slide site. He was able to dig her out.

She was breathing but only semi-responsive with severe hypothermia and showing signs of oxygen deprivation.

At this point, rescuers were well on their way but Avalanche Canada’s forecast showed a high hazard level for the entire North Shore Mountains There was some question as to whether it would be safe to send rescuers in, Barnett said, but the team’s avalanche technicians deemed the risk was acceptable for the terrain they were in.

“The whole area was showing signs of avalanche activity Our teams were observing snow movement cracks and other signs of the instability of the snowpack. We knew it was a very serious situation,” he said. “Had they been in a different area, we easily may not have gone.”

Because it was a “code alpha” for an avalanche, Barnett sent the team’s advanced medical providers who covered the woman in warming vests and coats to bring her temperature

Continued on A28

Squamish Nation Language Nest gets permanent home

NICK LABA

nlaba@nsnews.com

The teaching of the Sḵwxwú7mesh Sníchim (Squamish language) has a new, bright yellow home.

After renovationswrapped up in early February,tatsíptspi7lhkn,whichtranslates to “voices of the nest,” openedits doors to young learners in the Squamish Nation (Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw) Language Nest program.

Previously operatingfromashared space in the Capilano Little OnesSchool, the Language Nest now has apermanent home within the walls of the Little Yellow Schoolhouse, whichwas transportedto Xwemelch’stn (Capilano 5Reserve)from Kitsilano, the former Squamish village of Senáḵw.

Ayear ago, the historic building faced demolition to make way for the new Henry Hudson Elementary, but the schoolhouse was saved by theNationinthe eleventh hour, and then transported by bargeacross Burrard Inlet to its new address near the Chief Joe Mathias Centre

At an official opening ceremony on Friday,Language Nest teachers and representatives from the Nation honoured people who made the schoolhouse rescue and restoration possible. Snow white baby blanketswerehanded to Glyn Lewis, whose company Renewal Home Development ledthe relocation effort; to membersof Vancouver School Board, which re-allocated its $80,000 demolitionbudget to theNation; andtoemployees of Ikea, which donated more than 500 items to the project.

Currently,12families with 18 babiesand

MINA KERR LAZENBY & JANE SEYD

jseyd@nsnews com

A21-year-old Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) man has died afterbeing struckbyataxi driver near Eslhá7an (Mission 1Reserve) in North Vancouver.

toddlerstakepartinthe Language Nest program,whereteachersprimarily speak Squamish in ahome-like environment.

It’s aplacewherethe little ones feel safe in an immersivelanguage setting, explained headteacher HalatKaiya Williams, one of three instructors at the school.

“We’rethe ones who arefollowing them around everywhere,kind of like commentators–sowe’retalking to each other and talkingtoour little ones, and also to their families,just sayingwhat they’redoing in our language,” she said.

It’s like living adream of being at home

In the early hoursofSaturday morning,North Vancouver RCMP andthe Lower Mainland Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service were calledtoa serious crash atthe intersectionofWest First Street and ForbesAvenue.

BC Emergency Health Services

and speakingtheir mother tongue in everyday life,said Cherie McFadyen, one of the other teachers.

“It would be likea regular day for alot of our ancestors, waking up in the morning, getting ourselves ready,gettingour children ready to besomewhere,” she said. “Everyday lifewouldbeanimmersion that they wouldn’t need to have adedicated space to speak to their children.”

Squamish language declared endangered in 2010, now hundreds of learners

After decades of punishment for

received acall at 5:29 a.m. and dispatched twoambulances to the scene, confirmed aspokesperson.

Lifesavingfirst aid was attempted by bothfire and rescue services and ambulance paramedics but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Preliminaryinvestigation

speaking Indigenous languages in residential and day schools, many of these mother tongues werenearlywiped out. In 2010, the Squamish Nation declared theirlanguage to be “critically endangered” with just10 fluent speakers remaining.

But following efforts which have seen classes taught in North Shoreelementary and high schools, as wellaslocal universities, the Nation reports hundreds of active language learners in the community

Williamssaid she was fortunate to speak her language at home starting at a young age, then continued through school which included being partofCapilano University’sfirst certificate program cohort in 2008. She moved on to the Squamish language proficiency diploma at SFU and is now completing her masters in linguistics in aFirst Nations Language.

McFadyen’slearning journey started as an adultseven years ago, and she would go on to complete the certificate and diploma programs at SFU beforestarting to teach at the Language Nest program in 2019.

McFadyen said she was drawn to learning the language. “Itfound me. Iwas held responsible to learn it and to use it and teach it,”she said.

Teaching Squamish as afirst language to young children has spiritual significance, Williams said

“When we walk in through the doors of our nest, we know whywe’rehere, and what it’sgoing to take to create those first language speakers. And that dedication that our ancestors beforeusworked so hardfor,and that we need to carryontodo the same,” she said.

Continued on A24

indicates the taxi was travelling south on Forbes Avenuenear West First Street when it struck the pedestrian, accordingtoNorth Vancouver RCMP.

The man was at or near a pedestrian crosswalk at the time he was struck, butpolice arestill investigating exactly wherethe

pedestrian was when he was hit by the taxi, said Const. Mansoor Sahak, spokesperson for the North Vancouver RCMP

Impaired driving has been ruled out as apossible cause of the crash.

Police arestill investigating

Continued on A25

LITTLE YELLOW SCHOOLHOUSE

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK

Cherie McFadyen teaches one-year-old Wakaystn Campbell words at a water table NICK LABA / NSN

Disputed greenspacetobecome dedicated discgolfcourse

NICK LABA nlaba@nsnews.com

Like the many other dedicatedsporting facilities in the community, disc golf will have apermanent home in the City of North Vancouver.

At the March 4meeting, a5-2 majorityof councilvoted in favour of aplan to have disc golfing be theprimaryuse ofEastview Park, alocation that’sbeen the centreofa conflict betweensome disapprovingneighbours and the manyvisitors coming to toss discs into baskets.

Following the motion passedbycouncil, staff will consult with experts to design a coursethat is separate fromother park activities with abudget of $30,000, along with other improvementsincludingfencing andtrail upgrades

While most of council agreedthatthe location for the city’sonly disc golfcourse was agood one, Couns. DonBell andTony Valente didn’t supportdisc golf becoming theprimaryuse of the park.

In apresentation, staffsaid that apublic engagement processshowed thatamajority of respondents (69 per cent)ratedtheir typical experience at Eastview Park as positive, compared to negative (24per cent)

or neutral (7 percent). Morethan half of the respondents played disc golf.

People surveyed selected the disc golf course among the things they enjoyed most aboutthe park, as well as the things they weremost concerned about,according to staff.

In response to interim changes made last year that reduced the number and position of holesonthe course, respondents said those modifications didn’t achieve the desired outcomes, and deterredmany from coming to the park.

The next steps involve engaging adisc golf course designer,and staffwill report to council later this spring or summer.The parkmodifications areset to be in placeby the fall, staffsaid.

Disc golf is great because everyone can affordtoplay,councillor says

Coun.Holly Back introduced the motion. She said she lives in the area, and hasmet youngfamilies, grandparents and grandkids, aswell as firefightersand communitygroups hanging out inEastview

“Theyhave abarbecue, they go have a game of disc golf,” Back said. “Andpeople

EASTVIEW

www.sunflowerschool.ca

$732K from Ottawa funds programs for vulnerable seniors

JANE SEYD jseyd@nsnews.com

When his kids were younger, West Vancouver’s Jimmy Yee said he never really thought about what it would be like to be old.

But more than three years of volunteering with West Vancouver’s Seniors Activity Centre has left him more reflective about what it might be like to have trouble getting around, to look forward to seeing a friendly face or to need help with basics like cooking a nutritious meal

Since the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, Yee has been among 40 volunteers who either deliver meals to low-income seniors in need several times a week, or who help older residents navigate through government applications online or find out who to call for help with everything from finding housing to booking medical appointments.

“It’s difficult when you’re old and you need help to do things,” said Yee. “It made me think a little more.”

While West Vancouver has a reputation for affluence, that’s not universally the case.

It was during the pandemic that staff running programs at the seniors centre first

realized how many vulnerable seniors relied on their help, said Alison Gelz, senior manager of community services for the District

Continued on A23

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Volunteer Judy Crooks serves up a meal at the West Vancouver Seniors Activity Centre on Friday, March 8. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN

NEWSBRIEFS

DRIVER STRIKES SENIOR IN HIT-ANDRUN, RCMP SAY

North Vancouver RCMP are seeking a suspect and asking witnesses to come forward after a driver struck an elderly man and then sped off

The hit-and-run happened around 11:15 a.m. on Friday, March 1 at the intersection of Ridgewood Drive and Sunset Boulevard in the Edgemont neighbourhood, according to a release from investigators.

Police say the man was crossing in the marked crosswalk when the driver of a dark blue or black westbound SUV struck him, knocking him to the ground.

Fortunately, the man suffered only minor injuries. Two men who were at the scene kept the intersection clear while two women assisted the senior and got him to the hospital.

The victim did not report the incident to police until Monday, March 4, according to the release.

Now, North Vancouver RCMP are seeking the good Samaritans who helped

“This was a frightening situation for the victim and we’re immensely thankful for the kind-hearted and immediate actions of these witnesses,” said Const. Mansoor Sahak of the North Vancouver RCMP. “In an effort to further our investigation, we’d like to speak with these individuals and are asking them to come forward.”

Anyone with information about the hit-and-run is urged to contact North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311 and quote file #24-4102.

– Brent Richter

RCMP LOOKING FOR OWNER OF A ‘SIZABLE’ WAD OF FOUND CASH

North Vancouver RCMP have a brown envelope full of cash, and it isn’t from someone trying to get out of criminal charge.

Mounties are looking to return a “sizable sum” of bills to their rightful owner after a Good Samaritan found the envelope in front of the North Vancouver City Library on March 6 and turned it over to the RCMP detachment

a block away.

“We’re grateful that this money was turned in and eager to return it to the person that lost it,” said Const. Mansoor Sahak, spokesperson for the North Vancouver RCMP “We’ll need the owner to tell us the amount of money that was in the envelope, the denominations, the currencies, and a reasonable explanation of when, where and how they lost it.”

Whenever the RCMP issues a release attempting to find the rightful owner of a large amount of money, it tends to draw dozens of calls from people simply trying their luck at guessing the amount. Sahak said they’re hoping to avoid that this time.

“It goes without saying, but please do not make false claims in hopes of making a quick buck. That would be unkind. It would also be fraud, which is a crime,” he said.

In 2017, the RCMP went public about a large quantity of bills tucked into a library book borrowed by a library patron. And in November 2022, the police went public about a stack of cash left behind at Maplewood Farm.

–

Finding the words

This week, we welcome the official opening of the Little Yellow Schoolhouse on the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation’s) land. It will be the new permanent home of the Language Nest program.

We appreciate that the structure has been salvaged and repurposed from an 112-year-old Vancouver school, but we are far more excited for the lessons that will be taught inside In a home-like environment, babies and toddlers will be immersed in Sḵwxwú7mesh Sníchim (Squamish language).

The removal of Indigenous languages from Canada was one of the explicit purposes of the residential school system. At one point, there were as few as seven fluent Sníchim speakers remaining.

A language is more than a collection

KIRK LAPOINTE

klapointe@glaciermedia.ca

Let’s get this straight: Someone found not fit to be an officer of the court is somehow fit to be our mayor.

West Vancouver Mayor Mark Sager’s plea bargain to secure a two-year suspension last month from the Law Society of British Columbia was long in the making and a long way from leader-like.

Understand, for example, what he did when he learned of the imminent society citation in mid-2022 as he eyed a return to public office. Rather than face adverse publicity, he lawyered up so his name on the citation could be concealed – that in mid-campaign he could hide being cited for his handling of an estate’s finances – so as

of nouns and verbs and some syntax to make it all work. It is a unique way of seeing the world and relating to one another. For Indigenous people, it can be an anchor for one’s cultural identity and source of pride.

It is no wonder that, in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 calls to action, the protection and revitalization of Aboriginal languages and language rights are mentioned more than a dozen times. Of course, the federal government and the church have an obligation to show up with the funding to make this important work possible.

Today, through a lot of hard work, there are hundreds of Squamish people learning the language, including the youngest generation that will carry it with them through life. We raise our hands to the Squamish Nation for this achievement.

not to hurt his West Vancouver mayoralty bid.

Then, once elected mayor under this circumstance, when at last the society refused that the case be anonymized, he ragged the puck more than a year and settled on the eve of what would have been an ugly and lengthy society hearing this month

Lawyers will say few professional challenges are more testing and tempting than those requiring faithfulness to a moral compass in estate management, with its covenant of vulnerable clients and their trust in trustees. They say those who break that bond – as Sager has been cited twice in four years – discredit the profession’s basis of service. To hear it from them, the suspension was terribly serious.

This isn’t how Sager sees it. Of the 2020 citation, he said he was wronged. Of the latest one, he said he was “thrilled” with the settlement, and that what he agreed to in the citation was a nothingburger Indeed, he claims the episode distracted from his career plan all along to leave law behind to focus on municipal hall.

His assertion that the more significant citation issues were dropped in the agreedupon report, and that the suspension reflected three minor misconducts, paints a rosier-than-reality picture.

The reality is that Sager shouldn’t have been preparing the will and then being its executor and trustee in the first place without the client first gaining independent approval. It was a conflict of interest.

The reality is that he withdrew about $70,000 in fees without approval from the beneficiaries.

The reality is that four local charities entitled to a portion of the funds weren’t consulted about their bequests for nine years as Sager managed the money and drew down funds from it.

The reality is that he bought clothes in London and stayed at hotels there and in France with estate funds and “mistakenly” billed these personal costs as legitimate travel expenses.

The society report noted Sager’s record-keeping was sloppy, at times undocumented, at times based on quotes and not receipts, and at times illegible and unaligned

114-400 BROOKSBANK AVE., NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C. V7J 2C2 MATT BLAIR, PUBLISHER

MAILBOX

NORTH VAN DRIVERS NEED MORE PATIENCE AND COMPASSION

Dear Editor:

My mother and I often walk around the Central Lonsdale area, and almost every time we have been put at risk by aggressive and very impatient drivers.

Several times we have been in the middle of a pedestrian crosswalk, with the signal in our favour, and each time drivers have made a left turn off Lonsdale in front of oncoming traffic. They then ‘nudge’ us forward in the crosswalk with their two ton vehicles, while yelling at us to move. I kid you not.

At Lonsdale and 20th, the walk signal counts down very fast from the second you step off the sidewalk.

A driver recently felt that gave her license to make the left turn and end up dangerously close to us (we had not reached the other side yet and the signal was now red with about four seconds left), while jabbing her finger at the signal and yelling at us to “get out of the way.”

What did she want us to do, levitate?

In a particularly egregious incident one day later at the crosswalk on St. Georges, a red car had stopped to allow us to walk at the marked crossing. However, another driver behind in a white SUV attempted to go around the stopped car – while we were still in the crosswalk!

My mom, who was behind me, could have been hit So could the driver who also ended up being honked at, as they were

now in the wrong lane and in the path of oncoming traffic.

These drivers are reckless and irresponsible. I am unfortunately not surprised at the number of pedestrians being struck in crosswalks, because apparently drivers just cannot wait for an extra few minutes, or even seconds, to get where they are going.

North Van RCMP need to get out and about and do some traffic enforcement, and drivers need to take a breath and slow down.

K. Henen

North Vancouver

Dear Editor:

In response to the letters concerning the pedestrians vs. drivers, it isn’t helpful to blame specific groups, i.e. police. Taking responsibility for your own actions will go a long way in every aspect of living together

Pedestrians should make eye contact with drivers and should observe the signals, as they are not supposed to start out crossing the road once the countdown has already begun. They should always wear something reflective or bright when walking in the dark.

Drivers need to take a breath and focus on what is happening in the intersection. Yes, it may take longer than desired, but you will not regret spending 20 seconds of your life waiting for someone on the road, especially someone who is thankful that they made it across the street alive.

Shari Nelson North Vancouver

Special prosecutor still investigating

Continued from A8

with actual travel dates. This from the same person who promised in 2022 to bring operational discipline to the mayor’s office.

Now, the story doesn’t end here.

Last week a special prosecutor was appointed following Elections BC’s identification in December of “potential spending irregularities” in Sager’s mayoralty campaign. John Gordon, K.C., will decide if charges ought to be laid following an investigation by Port Moody police. Gordon has an exceptional pedigree as an appellate Crown counsel on the cases of serial killer Robert Pickton, the Surrey Six multiple murders, Kelly Ellard’s drowning of Reena Virk and the John Robert Sharpe child pornography trial, among others.

Sager’s December response had a familiar ring: he was “beyond shocked” at allegations against him and considers them “about as

grossly unfair as anything I’ve ever seen.”

It bears reminding Sager holds a vicegrip on a council that last year buried an independent report on allegations of bullying and harassment at municipal hall. Sager professed to be gobsmacked at the very thought he might be an aggressor Given the seriousness of allegations, common sense presumes we would have seen a vindicating report.

Absent in all of this: contrition, a pledge to do better And, if it ever crossed his mind, no hint across our mayor’s lips that these episodes undermine the office as to compel his resignation. Heck, he even chairs our police board as nearby police investigate him.

Kirk LaPointe is a West Vancouver journalist and former publisher, editor and vice-president editorial within Glacier Media, parent company of the North Shore News His column on North Shore issues will run biweekly.

Construction underway on affordable housing project

JANE SEYD jseyd@nsnews.com

Politicians and housing advocates gathered Friday to celebrate construction underway on a $54.7-million North Vancouver project that will provide 86 units of affordable housing for families, seniors and people with disabilities.

The project, on the district-owned site of the former Delbrook community centre at 600 West Queens Rd., is being built by the Hollyburn Family Services Society, with funding from BC Housing.

Construction on the project, first announced by the province in 2021, began in July of last year It is expected to be finished in June of 2025 Currently work to complete wood framing for the building and roofing is underway on the site.

In order to complete the project, the province will pay between $5 million and $6 million more than originally budgeted. The cost of the project was initially estimated at $47.8 million, but that included forecasted costs “duri early oject develop ment,”

The province will now pay approximately $15 million towards the project, up from $9.6 million anticipated earlier.

At the celebration of the project on Friday, B.C.’s Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon aid rising costs including high interest

rates and high costs of materials and labour are creating “a bit of a perfect storm” in grappling with the need for more affordable housing.

“It’s a real challenge,” he said “But when we have such good work happening in our community, we have such amazing partners coming together to make a project a reality, it would be a shame not to put the additional dollars in to make sure that these projects can continue to be built.”

Kahlon said the private sector alone won’t be enough to address the need for more housing in B.C.

Under the province’s funding formula, 20 per cent of the units will be rented at a deep subsidy, reserved for people on disability or income assistance, low-income seniors and youth ($375 to $650 per month depending on the number of bedrooms). Half of the units will have their rents capped at 30 per cent of the household income for individuals and families making up to $64,000 per year. And 30 per cent of the suites will be offered at below-market rates to households earning between $74,000 and $95,000 per year, depending on the number of bedrooms needed.

“Governments need to invest in affordable housing, and they need to build partnerships,” he said.

Among other funders of the project, the District of North Vancouver provided land valued at $13.2 million and has leased it at a nominal rate to the Hollyburn Community Housing Society, while the federal government provided $78,000 in seed funding through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the Vancity Community Foundation provided $25,000.

When finished, the four-storey, woodframe building will have 47 one-bedroom units, 27 two-bedroom units and 12 three-bedroom units.

When the project is complete, it will also close a controversial chapter for the Delbrook lands. In November 2018, the newly elected council quashed a proposal from non-profit Catalyst Community Developments to build 80 units of below-market rentals and a seniors’ respite centre in a five-storey building on the site, largely over neighbourhood concerns

Later, council opted to create a neighbourhood park on the northern portion of the property and rezone the parking lot to allow a residential building of up to four storeys, which they then sought out non-profits to help develop Council selected Hollyburn for the project after putting out a request for proposals in 2019.

Popular ‘elderobics’classbuilds muscles and friendships

NICK LABA nlaba@nsnews com

While the class is technically namedMovement, Mobility and Cardio 3, everyonecalls it “elderobics.”

Not only does the moniker separate their class from the other Movement classes at Delbrook Community Recreation Centre in North Vancouver,italso gives them an identity,says Christine Colbow,who’sbeen leading elderobics for 38 years.

Plus the name has got agood ring to it. “It’sgood marketing it seems,” Colbow said.

Stepping into the large room on aThursday afternoon, there arearound 30 bodies,all in constant motion: lifting weights above their heads, twisting their hips on exercise mats and occasionally holding onto achair to balance themselves. The activitylevelis visibly high, especially considering that many in the class arewell into their 70s, 80s and even 90s.

All the participants arefacing the front of the room, where Colbow is calling out instructions and demonstrating themovements withexacting form. With a face beaming with sweaty perseverance, Colbow’svoicerings out with motivationalenergy that’s amplified by thefuzzy tones of a tape-deck stereo.

Towardthe end of the

hour-long session, many of the participants arestruggling to finish their reps, but nonelook defeated.

After calling theclass to a close, Colbow stopstochat with herfriend Marian Tucker,who celebrated her 30thyear in the elderobics gang in January.

“We’re like sisters,”Tucker said of their bond, which started

with workout routines but has long since expanded into theirsocial lives outside of the classrooms.

“I really enjoy it,” the 89-yearold said of theclass. “I enjoy the sociability of it, andIenjoy workingout.”

The enjoyment experienced by people in the class is also backed by science. Research strongly

suggests that both social and physical activityare strong drivers of health among seniors.

It’sthis mix of physical activity andfraternization that has brought new faces into the group, and kept others therefor decades.

After the workout portion of the class wraps up, the refreshed participants gather at the back of the room whererefreshments are

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laid out –usually according to a theme. In early February, bright redtablecloths and envelopes herald the Lunar New Year.And in October, decorations wax spooky for Halloween, and the participants have acostume contest.

Instructor ‘putsher whole self into it’

Colbow also remembers everyone’sbirthdays, so many classes end up being celebrations, explained another participant, Verna Buchanan.

“And that’sgood for seniors to have that social activity,” she said.

As a30-year member of Gold’s Gym, the workouts led by Colbow arenojoke, added Buchanan, whose daughter is the mayor of the City of North Vancouver

“She does alot of work –she has parties or gatherings for everything,” Tucker said of her good friend and class instructor “She puts her whole self into it.”

For Colbow, who started teaching elderobics in 1986, it’sa labour of love.

“I get so much benefit out of it,” she said. “It keeps my brain going not just physically,but also emotionally.Iget alot of feedback from all my participants every week, and Ijust love it.”

“And Iimpartthat to other people. Because I’m no slacker,” Colbow said.

MarianTucker (left)has been in the ‘elderobics’ classfor 30 years.Overthat time, she andinstructor Christine Colbowhavebecomegood friends. Visit nsnews.com to seevideo from the class. NICK LABA /NSN

CANOPY

MAR. 6- 21

SILK PURSE ARTSCENTRE

Dramatic &evocative interpretationsofforestscenes, fromvibrant realistic painter Danyne Johnston, graphic paperartistChristina Peressini and gestural semi-abstract painter CatherineTrembath. For more info:westvanartscouncil.ca

COAST MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL

MAR. 29 -APR. 18

KAY MEEK THEATRE& CENTENNIAL THEATRE

The inaugural CoastMountainFilm Festival will play host to over 20 films whichhavea North Shoreconnection. While many of thesefilmshavebeen screenedat prestigiousfestivalsaroundthe world, this festival offers our filmmakersa chance to celebratetheirworkwiththe community in whichitwas made.

For more info: coastmountainfilmfest.com

Collingwood scores second provincial boys AA basketball title

NICK LABA nlaba@nsnews.com

After a nearly eight-year drought, Collingwood School’s senior boys basketball team has repeated the magic of its first-ever provincial win in 2016.

On Saturday at the Langley Events Centre, the Collingwood Cavaliers took the provincial AA banner, in a post season that hearkened back to their first championship win. The resemblance includes an explosive celebration from coach Andy Wong, who had been pushing ever since for a second title.

days, explained Wong.

In both playoffs, Collingwood started the best-in-B.C. tournament with jitters. This year, the third-seed team eked out a win over the 14th-seed Khalsa School Lions 77-69 after scoring eight of the final nine points in the game.

You’d think it would be an easy win, but Collingwood hadn’t played in nine

“No excuses, but it’s one of those things where every team is good, and you have to grind out wins,” he said.

Throughout the championship, Collingwood had to battle, with games coming down to single-digit wins in three of their four match-ups. But they always came through in the clinch, as was the case Saturday evening with their 71-64 win

Continued on A15

Coach Andy Wong celebrates his second provincial title with the Collingwood Cavaliers senior boys basketball team, on Saturday, March 9 at the Langley Events Centre. RYAN TOBIN

Highlanders finish

over Mill Bay’s Brentwood College for the provincial crown.

The Cavaliers went into halftime with a three-point lead. Again recalling 2016, Wong reached deep into the playbook to surprise the opposition. At times, that involved what he calls a “diamond and one” zone defence, where Collingwood’s James Holm would shut down the other team’s best player and the other Cavaliers would block passing lanes.

At the end of the tournament Holm was named tournament MVP, mostly for his defensive play He had eight points, eight rebounds and two steals in the final. Wong said Holm is “one of the best athletes I’ve ever coached.”

Championship Player of the Game honours went to guard Finnegan Murphy, who drained five of eight three-point attempts, with 20 points overall. With 22 points, Cy Bosa was named Second Team All-Star along with Amir Mojarradi, who blocked four shots.

Something special about this year’s team was the amount of depth on the roster, Wong said.

“Different players stepped up at different times,” he said. “I think that helped pay off towards the end, because

our players may be a little bit more well rested [and] we didn’t have a lot of injuries.”

West Van falls short after standout regular season

After riding near the top of the B.C. rankings for this year’s basketball season, the West Vancouver Highlanders senior boys AAAA team looked poised to carry that momentum into provincials.

The Highlanders showed well in tournament play over the course of the season, winning both the Quinn Keast No Regrets Tournament and the Terry Fox Legal Beagle Tournament, where they overtook the No. 1-ranked Oak Bay High Bays. They then went on to win the Sea to Sky AAAA zone championship tournament.

But their provincial championship hopes met a roadblock in their semi-final match against the Spectrum Thunder on Friday, losing 59-52, by just seven points Spectrum would go on to win the provincial title. In the bronze game on Saturday, West Van fell to Oak Bay 85-53.

West Van’s Calvin Kuzyk was named Second Team All-Star, and Zeyad Ahmad was chosen as the Braich Foundation Most Inspirational Player

DevelopmentInformation Meeting

March 14th, 5pm –7:30pm PST

SymphonyHomes Limited is conducting aDevelopment Information Meeting in conjunctionwith its development application for 4504 WoodgreenDr, and4460 &4450 Woodcrest Rd, West Vancouver,BC.

Project Description: The proposal aims to rezone the site (which currently consists of 4properties) to facilitate a37-unit townhouse development. The development will have an undergroundcar park (accessed from the southwest corner of the site)and provide for 4townhouse buildings &1private amenity building which all surround acentral courtyard.The proposal includes sidewalk and trail upgrades on the periphery of the site.

This event will be hosted in person by SymphonyHomes Limited and its developmentteam. To attend this event please see the details below.

If youcannot attend, please visit the website, and complete the Community Questionnaire www.thewoodwinds.ca

Event Details:

Date: March 14, 2024 |Time: 5-7:30pm

Location: West Vancouver Community Centre (Cedar Room)

Address: 2121 Marine Drive, West Vancouver

If youhaveany questions or would liketo RSVP, please contact usatinfo@symphonygroup.ca

CULTURAL SHARING

City library welcomes very first Indigenous storyteller in residence

MINA KERR-LAZENBY MKerrLazenby@nsnews.com

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Kung Jaadee, author, educator, drummer and singer, has more than a tale or two up her sleeve.

Born and raised in Haida Gwaii, and as a member of the Haida, Musqueam and Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) Nations, Kung Jaadee has unparalleled understanding of the stories, traditions and legends that make up much of local Indigenous culture.

For years Kung Jaadee has travelled the breadth of the country sharing her stories with all who will listen, and now she’s bringing her tales to the ears of those on the North Shore – as the North Vancouver City Library’s inaugural Indigenous storyteller in residence. The program, a regular fixture at the Vancouver Public Library but a first for the North Shore, will invite a notable person annually to share stories across the spring season. As the first Indigenous storyteller, Kung Jaadee will sing Coast Salish anthems, teach elements of the Xaad Kil (Haida language) and perform Haida legends.

“I love it. It’s really incredible,” Kung Jaadee said of her residency at the library. “I am so grateful to be here, to feel so welcomed, and to be able to share my stories with so many community members who are so eager to listen and learn.”

The storyteller will delve into her own personal history as a way to educate program guests on the Indigenous communities who were decimated by settler-caused epidemics. Kung Jaadee said she hopes to reshape her presentation so it can be geared to all different age groups, from “babies and toddlers all the way up to seniors,” so all members of the community can learn about such important historical moments of the local First Nations.

“The reality is, we really need to learn

about the stories from the original people whose land we’re living on,” she said. “Settlers of all cultural backgrounds really must know the true history of this place.”

If previous Indigenous programming is anything to go by, Kung Jaadee’s residence at the city library will be welcomed with open arms by the community, said Sarah Tarcea, the library’s programming manager According to Tarcea, the thirst for knowledge on Indigenous traditions, history and culture locally is insatiable.

“This kind of programming always tends to be popular, and the North Shore community is really interested in learning more and engaging in this way,” she said. “I think topics like reconciliation have really become of high interest to folks, and people want these opportunities to learn. We’re really happy to be a place where they can do that.”

Tarcea said Kung Jaadee’s generosity with sharing her time and her knowledge with the community has not gone unnoticed by library staff, who have “really appreciated” having the storyteller in their space.

“We’ve learned a lot from having her as part of our organization, and we know so many others will too.”

Nomatterhowcolditisoutside…youcancountonaqualitybuilt,super efficientnaturalgasYorkFurnaceandHeatPumptokeepyouwarmand toastyinside.Affordable,quiet,andreliable-youcancountonYorkto provideconsistentcomfortthroughoutyourhome.

Kung Jaadee will share her passions as the North Vancouver City Library’s first storyteller in residence. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN

HappyNowruz

PersianbusinessesprepareforthebustleofNowruz

HAMIDJAFARI Contributingwriter

Springisgraduallyandsteadilyarriving,and ascherryblossomsemerge,theysignifythe approachofthePersianNewYear:Nowruz.

IntheheartofCentralLonsdaleinNorth Vancouver,amidstthehustleandbustle ofpeople,Persianbusinessesandthe communitywillbereadytowelcome

Nowruz.It’sacelebrationthatcanconnect peoplefromallwalksoflife,accordingto AmirHosh,ownerofAyoub’sDryFruitsand Nuts

“Non-IranianbusinessescelebratingNowruz, weshouldembraceit,”hesaid.Hosh migratedtoCanadaabout20yearsagowith hisfamilyandstudiedbusinessatSimon FraserUniversity Theyopenedthefirst branchofthebusinessonLonsdaleAvenue in2009.

InIran,driedfruitsandnutshaveawide market,andtheseproductsareoftenusedin celebratingNowruzandwelcomingguests “WewouldtrytobringalittlebitofIranian cultureandintroduceittothecostumers,and

it’sbeensuccessful,”Hoshsaid.“Manyofour costumersarenotIranian,wetrytocreatea culturalbridge.”

CurrentlyAyoubhassevenbranchesacross B.C.,andduringNowruztheyfaceabustling time,saidHosh.Peoplewhocelebrate Nowruzwanttobuynutsanddifferentsweets fortheirparties “Wesetupahaft-seeninour storeandtrytobringapositiveattitude,offer

allthePersiangoodies,”saidHosh “More thanjustcelebratingourselves,weworkto helpotherscelebrateNowruz.”

Hebelievesthat“wecelebrateNowruz todemonstrateoursolidarityandtostay connectedtoourcultureandhistory.”

AtypicalNowruzcelebrationinvolves familiescleaningtheirhomesforthenew season,displayingdecorativeitemscalled haft-seenthatsymbolizelife,growth,and prosperity,familygatheringsinthespring, andvisitingfriends

TheancienthistoryofIran

“Inrecentyears,thebooksoftheDivanof HafezandShahnamehbyFerdowsihavebeen highlywelcomed,andtheyareoftenplaced onthehaft-seentable,”saidBahmanSahami (Nima),theownerofNima,theoldestPersian bookstoreintheVancouverarea HisNorth Vancouverstoreopenedin1992.

Heemphasizedthat“thedemandforthese booksindicatesthattheIraniandiasporainthe NorthShorehasbecomemoreinterestedinthe ancienthistoryofIrananditsculture,which hasrootsdatingbackthousandsofyears.”

NowruzoriginatedinthePersianreligionof Zoroastrianismandiscelebratedbymillions acrossvariousregions

AmutualBusinessAtmosphere Nearthebookstore,awomanbehindthe showcaseofajewelrygallerywascarefully arrangingtreasures,payingattentionto detail.

ZohrehParsaeian,themanagerofHasti Jewelry,migratedtoCanadasevenyears agoandestablishedthegalleryfiveyears agoinNorthVancouver Nearlyayearago, thegalleryrelocatedtotheheartofCentral Lonsdale

“Wesetuphaft-seentablelikeinprevious yearsduringNowruz,”shesaid.“The atmosphereofNowruzamongIranian businesshereisverysimilartowhathappens inIran.ThediasporacelebratesNowruz andaimstokeepitforthenextgeneration growingupinCanada.”

Presentingisapopulartraditionamong IranianpeopleduringNowruz,shesaid, addingthat“giventheeconomicsituation,we

AmirHosh,ownerofAyoub’sDried FruitsandNuts. HAMIDJAFARI/NSN

Nowruz Mobarak to allthose celebrating

HappyNowruz

theVancouverarea,Deshmehobservesthat celebratingNowruzoftenmeansgathering withclosefriends,keepingthespiritof Nowruzalivedespitebeingawayfromfamily. TheirsonisstudyinginGrade6atoneof WestVancouver’sschools

“Ifinditinterestingthattheschoolcelebrates NowruzandChineseNewYearalongside Christmas,Deshmehsaid.“Celebrating Nowruzatschoolhasbecomeveryimportant formyson.”

JONATHAN WILKINSON Member of Parliament, North Vancouver @JonathanWNV

ﯽﺳرﺎﻓنﺎﺑزﻪﺑسﻼﮐﺐﻟﺎﻄﻣﻪﯾِارا

: ﻪﻠﻤﺟزاﯽﻋﻮﻨﺘﻣتﺎﻋﻮﺿﻮﻣشزﻮﻣآ

ماﺮﮕﻠﺗو ﻞﯿﻤﯾا - موز ﻦﺸﯿﮑﯿﻠﭘا

ﻦﯾﻼﻧآ ﺖﯿﻨﻣا وﺪﯿﻔﻣ ﻊﺑﺎﻨﻣ - لﺎﺘﯿﺠﯾدﺖﻣﻼﺳ

HastiJewelrymanagerZohreh Parsaeian. HAMIDJAFARI/NSN

don’tanticipategoodsalesduringthedaysof Nowruz.”

InthelargerLowerMainland,approximately 80,000to90,000individualsareidentifiedas Iranian.

Nowruzcelebrationinschools BahramDeshmeh,asoftwareapplication developer,migratedfouryearsago andcurrentlyresidesintheAmbleside neighbourhoodofWestVancouverwithhis wifeandson.FortheIraniancommunityin

Hementionedthatavolunteergroupof studentshasbeenworkingoncelebrating Nowruz,andhisson“wantstoshareIranian cultureandtraditionwithhisclassmates.”

In2024,springbeginsonMarch19,8:06p.m., andatthistime,PersianNewYearwillbe celebratedbythediaspora.

IfyouhaveafriendwhocelebratesNowruz, youcancallthemandsay“EydMobarak,” whichinPersianmeans“HappyNewYear.”

HamidJafariisaVancouver-basedfreelance journalistwhowritesabouttheIranian communityinCanada,art,culture,andsocial mediatrends.HisworkfortheNorthShore NewsissupportedbyNewCanadianMedia. itshamidjafari@gmail.com

ﺎﻫ

Here’showtoringinthePersian NewYearontheNorthShore

MINAKERR-LAZENBY LocalJournalismInitiativeReporter

Thearrivalofspringmarksthearrivalofa numberofvibrantcelebrationsasNowruz, thePersianNewYear,iswelcomedlocally.

Firejumpingfestivalswereheldlastnightin NorthVancouverandWestVan,butthereare severalothereventsacrosstheNorthShore thatprovideaninterestingroutetoengage withIraniancultureenroutetoNowruz, whichisofficiallycelebratedonMarch19this yeartocoincidewiththespringequinox.

StorytimeNorthVancouver CityLibrary

Thecitylibrarypromisestoengage, educate,andentertainwithitsstorytime eventforkids,withhostssingingsongs, deliveringrhymes,andreadingbooksin FarsiandEnglish.Ahaft-seentable,atable arrangementofsevensymbolicitems,willbe ondisplayinthelobbyMarch16untilMarch 30.

Nowruzstorytime,NVCL,March16, 11a.m.to11:30a.m.

FunInFarsiattheWestVancouver MemorialLibrary

Alongsideshowcasingitsannualhaft-seen table,theWVMLwillalsobehostingFunIn FarsiStorytimeonApril6.Thefit-for-all familyeventinvitesgueststohearstories songs,andlearnnewfingerplaysandrh inbothPersianandEnglish(noprevious languageexperiencerequired).Thereis fairlyrobustselectionofbooksforboth kidsandadults,andanopportunityto getevenbetterengagedwithFarsivia theupcomingpoetrynightreadings –aseriesthatbeginsMarch14and continuesuntilJune

ThroughoutMarch,West

VancouverMemorialLibrary

ConversationsandConnections atNorthVancouverDistrict PublicLibrary

OverattheDistrictofNorthVancouver, thelibraryisinvitingguestsintoa discussionontheannualholidayvia ConversationsandConnections Theev takingplaceintheProgramRoomonthe groundflooroftheLynnValleyspace,de intothehistory,traditionsandcultural importanceofNowruz–anditcomeswi refreshments

CreateandConnectatMONOVA

TeachersfromFarsilanguageschool Roshanawillleadstorytellingandcraft sessionsfrommorninguntilmidafternoon onSunday,March24 Guestscankickback andlistentoPansiesofUncleNowruz,a traditionaltalethattalksofthesmooth transitionintospring,whilethechildren getstuckinwiththecollaborativegroup artworkprogram.

MONOVA,March24,11a.m.to2p.m.

AMEDDanceAcademyperformance atcityhall

ClassicMiddleEasterndancetakescentre stageattheCivicPlazabesideNorth VancouverCityHallmid-March,witha vibrantproductionsettobeperformedby theAMEDDanceAcademy.Thosestopping shouldalsobesuretovisitthehaft-seen tableondisplay,locatednearthe14thStreet entrancefromMarch13to31.

NorthVancouverCityHall,March22, 4p.m.to4:30p.m.

MinaKerr-LazenbyistheNorthShoreNews’ Indigenousandcivicaffairsreporter Thisreporting beatismadepossiblebytheLocalJournalism Initiative MKerrLazenby@nsnews.com

NVDPLLynnValleyBranch,March21,1:30 p.m.to2:30p.m.

SmokefillstheairabovetheNowruz firejumpingpits.

Service builds social connections

Continued

of West Vancouver.

“We quickly realized when our doors closed there was a need to support our most vulnerable population,” she said.

Feed the Need is the flagship program run out of the seniors centre that provides three meals a week delivered to low-income seniors by volunteers. The meals are the same ones cooked in the senior centre’s kitchen, which are then packaged for delivery.

In many cases, seniors with smaller appetites have found they can split the portions to make them last over two days, said Gelz.

Most of those receiving the help live in housing subsidized by BC Housing and make very little income through their government pensions. Most also live alone.

In some cases, health problems have prevented the seniors from being able to cook for themselves. In other cases, the person might not have a stove.

“We’ve supported people with providing microwaves,” when needed, adds Gelz.

An added benefit has been the social connection that the volunteers bring when they show up at the door

“They see a friendly face and have a conversation,” said Gelz.

When it started, Feed the Need provided meals to about 350 people a week. Once COVID faded into the background and seniors felt safe going out, that number fell In 2021, the program also brought in a means test to ensure the help was being targeted to the most vulnerable seniors.

Currently the program provides help for about 100 seniors and costs about $140,000 annually.

Since 2020, the seniors centre has run annual fundraising drives for donations to support the program, raising up to $100,000 and receiving matching help from the West Vancouver Community Foundation.

On Friday, MP Patrick Weiler announced the federal government will provide

$732,000 over two years to the District of West Vancouver to support programs, including Feed the Need, aimed at helping seniors.

Funding will also go to West Van’s community navigators program, which provides peer support to seniors who need help navigating health care, housing applications and other government services. The program also provides volunteers willing to give rides to medical appointments, as well as check-in calls and visits.

That program also began in 2020, when after the COVID lockdown began, staff at the seniors centre “phoned every single member in our database over the age of 65 to check in,” said Gelz. “That’s when we realized those needs were in existence.”

Because the seniors centre tends to be a hub of activity for retired folk, it’s often a first stop when people need help, she said.

“A lot of our seniors aren’t computer literate or they don’t even have computers,” she added – a challenge when many government services and applications for help are online.

Volunteers aren’t social workers, she stressed, but they do get training to help them know how best to interact with people needing help – and how to refer them to other resources when required.

A final program run by the seniors centre is the “snow angels” program, which matches fit and willing volunteers who will shovel a senior’s sidewalk in the event of snow Even simple help like that can make a big difference between a senior being housebound during bad weather and being able to get out and about, said Gelz.

The funding, celebrated with an event that brought political leaders and volunteers together at the seniors centre Friday, covers a two-year period from Dec. 11, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2025.

Money will be used to buy food, capital equipment associated with the programs and the costs of volunteer training.

Continuedfrom A4

First language immersion ‘next step’ in cultural revitalization

At Friday’sopening, Williams handed oneofthe white blankets to Chiyálhiya Lila Johnston, who wasknown as the “baby” of the Elders language advisorygroup.

“Wejust wanted to holdher up as well because we wouldn’t be heretoday if we didn’t have our Elders and our mentors who fought so hardtobe where we are today with our language,” Williamssaid.

Amid the ceremony’sspeeches, television cameras and neatly dressed adults, the footsteps of one-year-oldWakaystn Campbellcouldbeheardpitter-pattering across the schoolhouse room. Wakaystn started coming to the Nest last year

Occasionally,the clamour wouldpause as Williams and McFadyen would lead Wakaystnthrough songs, whichincluded Squamish renditions of Roly Poly and Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes Wakaystn’s father,Xalek/Sekyu Siyam Ian Campbell, said it’samazing to see how the program has helped to buildhis son’s vocabularyand understandingofthe language.

“Wespeak alot of the language at home,” he said. “We’renoticingweek by week, his vocabularyisexpanding –six

Cherie McFadyen handsawhite blanket to honour the efforts of Glyn Lewis,whose companyRenewalHomeDevelopment led the relocationeffort of the Little Yellow Schoolhouse. NICK LABA/ NSN

new words last week, for example. That was amazing.”

Having programs in nearby elementaryand high schools has helped create afoundation of language learners, but the Language Nest program has taken it to the next step, Campbell said.

“To actually have immersion herein our community,along with apath to the (Capilano) Little OnesSchool wherethey’re fully utilizinglanguage on adaily basis, we’reseeing areally strong upbringing of our teachings and our values embedded in the language, which is super exciting to see: abrighter futureasa resultof language and cultural revitalization,” he said.

Policeaskingfor video footage

Continued from A4

how fast the taxi was going when it hit the pedestrian.

Police have spoken to several witnesses, Sahak confirmed, but arelookingtospeak with anyone else who was in the area just before the crash and may have eitherdashcamorCCTV video footage leading up to the collision or of the crash itself.

Sahak said the driver is co-operatingwith the investigation

Elected Squamish Nation council memberSxwíxwtn (Wilson Williams)said the man who died was abeloved member of the community,and the grief over his loss hasrippled throughoutthe entireSquamish Nation.

“We’restill in shock, and we’reoverwhelmed with loss,” he said.

“He was averygood-heartedman.He came from such abeautiful family,and hehad such agreat circle of friends. The outpouring of love we’ve witnessedinthe past two days shows directly how muchof agood person he was. Our hearts go out to his family,” he said.

The man, whose name has been withheld out of respect for his family,was apromising lacrosse player,said Williams

“This young man had such astrong aura of love and friendship for everyone he

crossedpaths with. Hehad areally strong lineage to lacrosse and he wasaverygood offensiveplayer and agood stick handler, but moreimportantly,hewas agreat teammate,” he said.

Additional resources havebeen brought intothe community to offer support,including crisis counsellors and additionalstaff,he added. The YouthCentre will also be open for extended hours.

“Weare sending our thoughts, strength and prayers to the victim’sfamily and friends,” he said.

The North Vancouver Victim Services Unitand Integrated First Nations Unit are also providing supporttothose affected.

Williams said he hopes the fatal crash drawsattention to the current safety risks associated with the streets surrounding the reserve.

“Forbes Avenue, Esplanade and First Streethavealways been an issue. We’ve lost several members thereover the past 100 years.AlsoThirdStreet and Mission Road, which is just ablock over,needs moresafety concerns addressed and mitigated,” he said.

“We’relookingtotalk to the CityofNorth Vancouverafter wehave properly grieved our loved one, and we look forward to speaking withthem in the near future on mitigation.”

Students, parents register displeasure at schedule switch

JANE SEYD jseyd@nsnews.com

Some North Vancouver high school students and parents say they’ve been blindsided by a school district decision to switch back to a linear course schedule next year – just two years after most high schools were switched to a semester system.

Unlike the last switch, students and parents say this time they weren’t consulted on the change.

And not everyone is happy about it.

An online petition started by a Handsworth student asking to keep the semester system generated more than 1,200 electronic signatures in just a few days.

The change will impact students at Handsworth, Argyle, Seycove and Windsor schools.

Ilona Kuligowska is the mother of a Handsworth student who said she was surprised to get a form letter from the principal at the end of February, informing her family of the change just days before students were due to make course selections for next year

In the letter, administrators said the decision to switch back to a linear system was made after months of “thoughtful consultation” that included students and parents.

But Kuligowska said she’s not aware of any parents or students being consulted –with the exception of a handful of parent advisory council reps who were called to a meeting after the decision had been made.

Unlike previous changes where parents had a chance to respond to timetable surveys, “we had no inkling this decision was being considered,” said Kuligowska. “There wasn’t even a courtesy notice saying, ‘Hey

we’re going to look at this.”

“I still don’t have an answer about how they arrived at this decision. It’s rather maddening this got changed and we don’t know why.”

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, high schools in North Vancouver ran on a variety of timetable systems. Sutherland, for instance, has always run on a semester system, while Argyle previously had a linear system in which students take eight courses on a rotating schedule throughout the school year.

During the first full school year under the pandemic, secondary schools switched to a cohorted quarter system. In that system,

students took fewer courses at one time, but classes were longer, and students completed them on a concentrated quarter-year schedule before rotating to a new block of classes.

The following school year, most schools – apart from Carson Graham – started running on a semester system, in which students take four classes per term and then switch to new classes halfway through the year That decision came after an email survey of high school parents and students that showed 70 per cent favoured the semester system.

Kuligowska said she likes the semester system better because it’s more flexible in

terms of class scheduling. Many senior high school students start thinking about which courses to take to satisfy university and other post-secondary program entrance requirements as early as Grade 10, she said.

Focusing on only four subjects at one time is also less overwhelming than trying to juggle eight classes, she said.

Brayden da Roza, a 15-year-old Grade 10 student at Handsworth, said most students he’s talked to would prefer to stick with the semester system. Students aren’t happy that they haven’t had a say in the decision, he said.

“They say they consulted with students but given what I’ve heard from my classmates and what I’ve heard from people around me, I don’t think that was the case at all,” he said.

Da Roza said he’s also worried that having to juggle eight courses will cause students a lot more stress.

Chris Atkinson, assistant superintendent of the North Vancouver School District, said the decision to switch high schools back to the linear system was made after considering the interests of students needing the most support at school.

Teachers and administrators felt “students who needed the most support benefited the most from the linear system,” he said.

Students who use special learning services or who are learning English as an additional language “get support every other day all through the year” under the linear system, he said, while under the semester system they only receive that support for one term out of the year.

Students in advanced placement courses,

Continued on A27

Handsworth Secondary Grade 10 students Jackson James (left), Ryan Rickman and Brayden da Roza are in favour of keeping the semester system after the North Vancouver school district announced a change back to the linear system. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN

Linear system less flexible for students

Continued from A26

and International Baccalaureate programs, who only have exams in May, also do better under the linear system, he said.

There are pros and cons of both systems, Atkinson added.

The semester system does provide more flexibility in fitting course into a timetable, for instance. Now students who want to take on extra classes that have perquisites will have to take those classes online or through summer school, he said.

Atkinson said the two surveys done of parents and students showed most preferred the semester system, but that isn’t what the decision was based on.

“It was always an intent to support most [students],” he said.

One North Vancouver high school won’t be making the switch. Sutherland will remain on the semester system, as it has for many years, to accommodate both teachers and students who prefer that, Atkinson said.

Meanwhile Chrissy da Roza,

Brayden’s mom, said she’s not happy with the way the switch has been handled. “There was no consultation, no notice,” she said. “It seems to have been pushed through in a secretive way.”

In September, public high schools in West Vancouver also switched back to a linear system after two years of the semester system.

Spokesperson Tricia Buckley said parents, students and teachers were surveyed and the majority preferred a linear timetable.

Terms and Conditions: 40% off anyorder of $1000 or moreor30% off anyorder of $700-$1000 on any completecustom closet,garage,orhome officeunit. Take an additional 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 03/31/24.

March29-April18, 2024 North& West Vancouver

Rescuers face dangerous terrain

Continued from A1

back up. Without help, they wouldn’t have made it out on their own, he said.

Mt. Seymour’s ski patrol provided a stretcher to bring her back to the ski area where North Shore Rescue volunteers met them and gave her a ride back to the parking lot. An ambulance was waiting

for them but, Barnett said, amazingly, she declined.

“With a little bit of warming and rest time, we would expect and hope that she fully recovers,” he said.

Barnett said the woman was extremely fortunate to not only have survived but to

Avalanche risk ‘high’

Continued from A28

have walked away without serious injuries.

“It’s not uncommon for people to die of asphyxiation. Someone may live in a snowpack for possibly 20 minutes. If the effects of oxygen deprivation doesn’t kill them, in our North Shore mountains, they’re usually bashed and rattled around into trees and suffer major trauma. And some people will be so hypothermic, they would go into cardiac arrest,” he said. “We had an unbelievable outcome. Very few of them turn out that way.”

The incident underscores the importance of staying out of mountainous terrain when avalanche risks are high, Barnett said. With proper avalanche training, they likely would have avoided the area entirely Barnett said they weren’t equipped to deal with a slide either

Had they been wearing avalanche transceivers and carrying shovels and probes, she would have been much faster to find and dig out Barnett said,

“People should stay out of mountainous terrain when the conditions are this high. Period,” he said. “When it is safe to go into the backcountry, people should monitor the avalanche bulletins and pick the appropriate terrain for the conditions and then of course be prepared brand with the training and the equipment and know how to use it.”

As of Monday, Avalanche Canada’s forecast for the North Shore shows “high” or “considerable” risk for the North Shore Mountains for the rest of the week.

ALTERNATIVEAPPROVAL PROCESS OPPORTUNITYFOR NorthShore Neighbourhood House andCityParks

NOTICE is hereby giveninaccordancewithsections86and 94 of the Community Charter that theCouncil of TheCorporation of theCityofNorth Vancouverintends to consider adoption of “North ShoreNeighbourhood Houseand City ParksLoanAuthorization Bylaw, 2024, No.9006”.

BylawNo. 9006proposes to authorizethe City to borrow$55.7millionfromthe Municipal FinanceAuthoritytofund thenew NorthShore Neighbourhood House, Kings Mill Walk Park and1600Eastern Park projects.The NorthShore Neighbourhood House(NSNH), currently situated at 225 East 2nd Street,offers awiderange of essential community services includingchildcare,youth andseniors’programs, recreational and wellnessprograms, andfood security programs. Theircurrent buildingwas constructed in 1967and is nearingend of life. Thenew NSNH is part of ajoint usefacilityaspartof an overallsiteredevelopment.Thisproposalwould fund theconstructionofthe NSNH, while providing 180 unitsofnon-profit rental housing, whichwould be funded by a non-profithousing developer.

In addition, thelow cost debt financing wouldallow forthe delivery of theKings Mill Walk Park,a destination waterfront park forCityresidents,aswellasthe delivery of aparkinCentral Lonsdale,anareathathas been identifiedasa priority in theParks Master Plan.

The bylaw andbackground material areavailablefor viewingonlineatcnv.org/ PublicNoticesand cnv.org/aap from March13, 2024 to April22, 2024. Additional informationregarding theAlternative Approval Process, as well as ElectorResponse Forms, canbeaccessedonlineatcnv org/aap.

If youare in favour of adoption of BylawNo. 9006, no furtheractionisrequired. If you areopposedtothe Bylaw, an AlternativeApproval ProcessElector Response Form must becompletedand submitted.Forms areavailableatthe FrontDeskofCityHall, 141 West 14th Street,North Vancouver, Monday to Friday between 8:30amand 5:00 pm, except statutoryholidays, andonthe City’s website at cnv.org/aap,startingonMarch 13, 2024.

Only resident electors andnon-residentpropertyowner electors of theCityofNorth Vancouverare entitledtocompletethe AlternativeApprovalProcess ElectorResponse Forms.

AlternativeApproval ProcessElector ResponseForms will only be accepted if they are in theformestablishedbythe City of NorthVancouver Council. Accurate copies of the formmay be duplicated andusedfor signing. This Alternative Approval Processapplies to theentiretyofthe City of NorthVancouver.

Signed AlternativeApproval ProcessElector Response Formsmustbereceivedbythe CorporateOfficer at City Hall, 141 West 14th Street,North Vancouver, BC,V7M 1H9,no laterthan5:00 pm on Monday,April 22, 2024. Submissionsreceivedafter thedeadline, including postmarked submissions, will notbeaccepted.

Council mayadoptBylaw No.9006unless, bythe deadline,atleast 10% of theeligible electors of theCityofNorth Vancouverindicatethattheyare opposedtothisBylaw proceedingand therefore, Council must obtain theassent of theelectorsbefore proceeding. Thenumber of eligible electors in theCityis42,325. TheCitymustreceive at least4,233 valid response formsopposedtothe Bylawtoprevent Council from proceedingwithout theassentofthe electors.

Foradditionalinformation,pleasecontact PeterDeJong, Acting CorporateOfficer at clerks@cnv.org or 604-990-4233.

North Shore Rescue volunteers navigate dangerous terrain to save a woman who survived an avalanche on Mount Seymour Sunday. NORTH SHORE RESCUE

North Shore Rescue members transport a woman who survived after being buried by an avalanche for approximately 20 minutes on Mount Seymour Sunday.

Disc golfer pleasantly surprised

just on their own playing forthemselves.

“One of the great things[about disc golf] is everyone canaffordtoplay because it’s free. And in this day and age, we realize theveryhigh cost of everything, so free is veryinviting,” she said. “We dedicate space or parks for soccer,baseball, football, skateboard, tennis, pickleball and bike lanes. So Ifeelthatfor some reason we arediscriminating against disc golf and not recognizing it as the sportitis.”

One of the great things [about disc golf] is everyone can affordtoplay because it’s free. And in this day and age, we realize the veryhigh cost of everything, so free is very inviting.

But Bell and Valente dissented to the motion, stating concernsabout disc golf as the primaryuse of the park.

Bell highlighted that Eastview is currently designated as aneighbourhood park. Puttingadisc golf course in therewas a

mistake in the first place, he said.

“It didn’t come to council. It wasput in by the staffaspartofthe expansion of recreational opportunities just as we’ve had pickleballand some of the other [sports] accommodated,” Bellsaid. “And then we findthatwhen we get those in there,what the potentials for conflict are.”

Abetter opportunity for afull-length disc golf course might be at Sunrise Park, he suggested

LoganNazareno, boardmember for the North ShoreDisc Golf Club and 10-year player,was at the council meeting among severalother supporters who urged council to savethe course.

Nazareno said he waspleasantly surprised by the decision. “Wedidn’t know what direction it was going to go,” he said.

“Couns. Holly Back, [Shervin] Shahriari, Jessica McIlroy, AngelaGerard, and even Mayor[Linda]Buchanan all agreed that Eastview Park is essential to the North Shore and it’s unique, and it should be protected,” Nazareno said. “We’rereally happy.”

The disc golf enthusiast saidhis group plans to usethe momentum to advocate forother coursesinthe community –inthe District of North Vancouver,for example –toreduce thesurge of players to Eastview

Unique

Canadian andJapanesearchitecture

EdwardMahon leased flumes anda sawmilltoNikkeiworkers in 1908, giving them aplace to earn alivingas newimmigrants.Hewas so pleasedwiththeir work that he commissioned them to buildhim ahouse on his40acreproperty.

However, sincehewas away at thetime of building andleftnodirectinstructions, theworkers builtupthe roof ina lovely pagoda style.

LAURA MARIE NEUBERT Contributingwriter

Spring is in the air.Oritwas before thesnow dampened my budding enthusiasm.

Today,Iwas spreading fungal dominant compost over snow-covered raised beds. Interestingly,Ifound it verysatisfying and easy,relative to the considerably slower process of placing uniform shovels-full strategically,over dodgy layers of leaves and winter mulch.

Just last weekend Iwas ankle-deep in spring-soddened farmland surrounding Terra Flora Soilworks in Chilliwack. The air waswarmand redolentofsoil-borne bacteria, fungi,minerals, macro- and micro-nutrients, manures, worm castings, dead or dying organic matter,and thepromise of sunshine.

Theomni-present stacks of five-gallon Ronabuckets that stand in foralittle green digger –I fillthem alternatively with sod for removal or compost for feeding and mulching –made the trip out to the Soilworks. The filling, loading, unloading and emptying of buckets have made urban farming

ColumnistLaura

accessible and manageable. Forty neat and tidy buckets full of material equal one cubic yard, and one dozen more-or-less fit upright in the back of the average SUV.Ittakes four to fivebuckets full to top-upa standard fourby-five foot raised bed, seasonally.

Tickets: www.coastmountainfilmfestival.com or 604-981-1170 KROW’S TRANSFORMATION April18, 7:30PM KayMeek Theatre,WestVancouver Transitioning from international female model to male modeland conquering the runways of Paris alongthe way, follow Krow’s remarkable journey to becomehis true authentic self March29-April18, 2024 North& West Vancouver TICKETS from $1795 “41YEARS” SELLINGHOMES JUST LIKE YOURSFROM DEEP COVE TO LIONSBAY. Call me today!!! THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOREXPERIENCE! Masters, 200-1455 Bellevue Ave., West Vancouver REALTOR BRENT@BRENTEILERS.COM 604-644-0065 BRENT EILERS Gr terV Real Estate Board Life Member SERVINGALL CLIENTS, INCLUDING OURSENIORS, WITH COMPASSION, SENSITIVITY, AND PATIENCE! Sellinghomes from $500K to $25mil.All my clientsget the same “personal” service. When youhireme, youget me and only me,for allaspects of your movefromstart to finish!

Take-out boxeswork as soil trays

Continued from A32

stories and inspiration, and geek-out over his soilbiology innovations. This year, Andrew createdacustom “living” seed-startingsoilblend forus, using unsulphured molasses and vermicast inoculated biochar as anutrient-depositorybinding agent.Also, I am trialling his specialty blends,formulated for soil blocking and heavy feeders.

Iamexcited to tryhis super-charged improvements on myoriginalrecipe, and enjoythe demonstrable benefits of the trace minerals, kelp,fish amino acids, insectfrass and other supplements that he prescribes for increasing yield,water retention,porosity and overallnutrient density.

To make room in the pantrythis spring for brooding chicks, Ihope to reduce our indoor seed-starting space by half, without reducing yield. My plan is to swap-out our 36-cell trays for 72-cell trays I’ve been saving.Toseed startintiny cells, the growing medium should be extra small-grained, but stillhold water well without compacting The perliteorpumice should be smaller grained as well, to both aerateand distribute water equally throughout, andtoallow for unimpededseeding, germination,and root set.

Couzens’ carbon-rich, super-fineblendis beautifully loftyand required no secondary

sifting.I ranour perlitethrough an inexpensive eighth-of-an-inch sieve, before incorporating –reserving the larger pieces forlateruse.

Ihavelearned through experience that growingvegetables from seed in livingsoil, creates hardy plantsthat can manage less heat after potting up, sooner than plants grown in sterile seed mix.

Istartseed trays on heat matsset to 22 C, then turn the heat offonce germination is complete and plants areone centimetre tall. Itisimportant to keep air circulating gently near soillevel, especially whenusing living soil. Mimicking natureinthis waytrains stalkstodevelop breeze-sturdy strength fromthe get-go, and preventspossible damping-off(damp rot). Inexpensive, small clip-onfansare widely available.

Seed starting is easy and requires little investment. Asunny,double-paned window sill, or an always-warm fridge top will do nicely.Recycledtake-out containerswith lids, do double-duty as humidity-domed soil trays. Just be suretopoke drainage holes in the bottom.

Laura Marie NeubertisaWest Vancouverbasedurbanpermaculture designer.Learn more about permaculture by visiting her website upfrontandbeautiful.com,oremail hello@ upfrontandbeautiful.com

Solutionscan

found in the Wednesday March20th issue.

CLUESACROSS

1. Muffet’stitle

5. Edge

9. Winter illness

12.Story opener

13.Food staple

14.Not your

15.Scram

16.Impersonated

17.Wisecrack

18.Bush

20.Edition

22.Skunk

26.Towardthe stern

29. Festiveparty

30.Holepunches

34.School group picture:2 wds.

37.Mistake in print

38.Pour forth

39.Enemyagent

40.Liberation

43.Bond

46.Greens mixture

50.Bask

51.History

order 56.North American deer 57.Draft animals 58. Outercovering 59.Tricky 60.Fuse

61.Makewarm

CLUESDOWN

1. ModelKate_

2. Rulerdivision

3. Wound trace

4. Arrangement

5. Half of abikini

6. VanWinkle

7. Frozen cubes

8. The press, radio, etc.

9. Hazes

10.Hawaiian cookout

11. Longing

19.Swamps

21.Sky light

23. Slip-up

24.Run off to wed

25.Worried

26.Tread the boards

27.Soar

28. Touch lightly

31. Had been

32.Back talk

33. Messyhome

35.Not hard

36.Couples

41. Plantagain

42.Swamp

43.Avails

44.Void’spartner

45.Veryblack

47.Huron,e.g.

48.Soprano’s solo

49.Small ding

52.Have an to grind

53.Beautician’s aid

54. Also

Crosswordpuzzle answers use American spelling

Wednesday March 6th Solutions:

Your Community

MARKETPLACE

REMEMBRANCES

Obituaries

MarilynJune(Mitzi)Pidgeon, also know by her family as Grammy Our worldhas lost an angel

The family of Marilyn Pidgeonissaddened to tell youofher passing on Friday March 1ST, 2024 following abriefbut courageouslyfoughtillness. Mitzi leftthisworld on her own terms, at home in herfavouritechair,atthe timingofher choice. Dressedinher Sunday best, she wassurrounded by manyof herloving and extended family.Of course, those not present were thereinspirit.

Mitzi had awonderful and fulllife, cramming anabundance of love and memories intoher 91years. Thereweremany chaptersinMitzi’s story of life, and she loved totellher family all about them.Whether it was one ofher kids,theirpartners, her grand-kids or perhaps hergreatgrand-kids,therewas always akeen listener to be found.

Firstly, Mitzi was born in North Torontoin1932. Her mother andfather,Violetand Herb Loree, raised3 rambunctious redheaded girlsonStibbardAve. She hadsomanyfondmemories of her oldersister Barbaraand heryoungersister Carole, who both predeceased her in Aprilof2023. Shehas told many stories of life with hersisters andall of their antics.Recently,she rifledthrough herphoto collectionrecallingthose wonderful times.

Then, in 1949 Mitzimet Bill Pidgeon,a handsome young man, alsoliving in North Toronto.Following theircourtship, they were married in April, 1955. They moved to 8MalabarPlace in Don Mills in Toronto, where they quickly welcomed Cindy, David and Deniseintothisworld. As they outgrew that little housethey moved to 99 Lord SeatonRoad in Willowdale,a new up and

comingsuburbofToronto.Several years later little sister Loree joinedthe family.Lord Seaton wastheultimate family home full of loveand fun.Mitzi wouldalways say that there wasan extraplateatthe dinner tablefor whomever might show up. Andmany took heruponthatoffer. So many happyfamily memories andfriendships weremadeinthat house duringthe raisingofher children

Mitzi wasalwaysinher element lookingafter andenjoyingthe companyofothers. We allremember her servingthose freshly cutpeeledpeaches withThornburyButter Tartsatthefamily cottage on Georgian Baywhere many summerswerespent with the Dickie family.Wewon’t forgether co-pilotingthe family station wagon on numerous trips acrossCanada, towinga camper trailer,fourrestlesskids, andtwo cocker spaniels. Hereverpresent‘Gold Bag’ in the frontseatheldher nonstop knittingprojects andabottomlessjar of endless treats for everyone. Duringthese wonderful years shesoenjoyed her many friendships, her many bridge clubs andher fellow curlers at TheGraniteClub. As well, Momwas the ultimate Royalist, even writingtothe Queen in 1971 to inviteher to Westminster Abbey to watchher young son David singEvensong. And Mitzi never missed anyRoyal occasion,evenknittingand sendingblankets for all of the newborngreat grandchildren Shecherished the personalizedwritten responsesthat she received

Once her kids flew the nest in theearly 90’s, Mitzi andBill moved to Beaverton, Ontario where theyspent their summers on Lake Simcoe andtheir winters in Passe-a-Grille on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Thefamily all remember manyfun trips with thegrandkids both at Lake Simcoe andinFlorida. Later, their adventures saw them head to WesternCanadatobecloser to their three daughters who hadmoved to BC. After a10year stop in Vernon,theysettled into West Vancouver.This was their finalmove andthey remained there,loving the ability to beclose to children andgrandchildren. They lovedlife in BC andthey werestill abletoescape the winter weather taking numerous cruises to manywonderfuldestinationsaroundthe world. Fortuitously,Mitzi wasalso able to reconnect withher sister Carole in Vancouver, Caroleultimatelybecomingher bridge partner, her “chin-wag” partner,andofcourse,her best friend.

Andthen, after shewas predeceased by her husbandBill in 2013, after 58 wonderful years of marriage, shestarted writing anew chapter in herlife story.Mitzi, withher lovingcat Babe, movedinto Amica EdgemontVillageinNorth Vancouver. She wasoneofthe first to moveinto this newly openedretirement home in 2017and became acommunity leaderinbringingjoy andfriendship to many as theynavigated thisdifficulttransition in their lives. Amica washer happy place,asshe could bring her family andfriendstothe“Craft Kitchen” where shehad many wonderful gatherings withgreat food andfun.She so much lovedthose get-togethers.AtAmica, shewas asked to be part of the resident WelcomingCommittee and to serve on numerousother committees. Sheloved theinvolvement and shecertainly kept awatchfuleye on the place always keeping

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management in check. Coincidentally,somehow shealways knew how to get that extra scoop of icecream or that second glassofwine with her dinner

Following the passing of husband Bill in 2013, the family set up aprivate family Facebook groupcalled“Chapter 12”. This is where Grammy was able to posta story every night. She talked of ahighlight in her day or posted apicture andtoldusall about one of herfavourite memories.This became our favourite touch point for ourfamily as we are allspread acrossCanada. It allowed her to get updatesfrom her kids and grandkids bringing her so much joy.Wehavememorialized thesepostings in several books and they will liveonforever

Mitziwill forever be missed by her loving family acrossCanada in Fredericton,Toronto, Calgary,Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast. Cindy Veaudry with her husband Charlie, and their two children Jessie(Jon and great-grandson Orwell) and Megan (Mo).David with his three childrenTaylor(Lisaand greatgrandson Hartyand great grand-daughterOzzie), Spencer (Rachel), and Charlotte (Mac). DeniseKelly with her husband Brendan and their twochildren Briana (Ross) and Matthew And, lastbut not least, Loree Wilfertwith her husband Gary and theirtwo children Justin and Kyle.She is alsosurvived by her many loving friends throughoutCanada and in her final home of NorthVancouver.She was predeceased by parents Violet and Herb Loree, her loving mother-in law Bertha Pidgeon, and of course her loving husband Bill.

Thefamily wantstothank the wonderful staff and her friends at Amica Edgemont for their tirelessand endlesslove during her sevenyears spent there. Youall brought so much brightness andbeauty to her life,especially in theselastcoupleofmonths She and her family could not be anyhappier. And of course, to VancouverCoastal Health fortheir numerousvisits to help her out during thesefinal weeks of her life. She appreciatedall of your grace and care.

Mom/Grammy,you loved all of us, unconditionally,for your entire life. We all promisetoyou,that we will loveyou andnever forget you, for the rest of our lives.You haveleftanindelible mark on so many people who were privileged to be part of your life.

As Mom closed out her final daysshe told her many friends, “I’ve spent my life encouraging others to be kindand spread love. I’m retiring from my job. My job wastoshare love.”

ACelebration of Life will be held thisSummer at Amica on a date to be determined.Ofcourse, it will includeone of her favourite thingsinthe world,son-in-lawCharlie playing his guitar andsinging “You are My Sunshine”,her favourite song

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you all take time to share your love.... Mitzi’slastquiet words on Friday to her gathered family.....“Spread love, spread thoughtfulness to other people, and never forget aboutthe little guy that’sdown, if he needs help,help stand himup!”

REMEMBRANCES

BUESCHKENS, William (Bill) Gerhart

William (Bill) Gerhart Bueschkens was an extremely likable, easy going, and adventurous guy who people adored. From planning trips and trying new things, to just enjoying a good book and quiet outdoors While building up his business, Bill spent his time hiking in the forest, going on camping trips, skiing with his close friends and family, and going on any type of adventure. One of his famous quotes was “trying something different”.

Bill was born on December 12, 1959 to Josef and Kaja Bueschkens in Burnaby, BC. He grew up in North Vancouver with his two brothers, Peter and Mike, and graduated from Carson Graham Secondary in 1978, then went on to study business management at BCIT

In 1988, Bill met Ann at their 10-year high school reunion, they went on to get married and had daughters, Emily and Johanna. Bil supported his family in all aspects, was extremely hard working but always made time for his ittle girls when t came to sports practices and games, band and choir performances, didn’t matter the time of the week, you name it, he was always there.

He was the proud owner of Bush Sales Ltd., for 43 years and treated customers lke family Many worked with him for decades and he always managed to go above and beyond for them. He was passed down this company from his father and was able to build up his business to what it is now

After battling pancreatic cancer for 2 years, Bill passed away at the age of 64, on February 18th, 2024. He had amazed everyone, ncluding the nurses and doctors, at North Shore Hospice with his stoic demeanor and determination to not eave his family

He leaves to mourn his wife Ann, two daughters Emily and Johanna, and dear friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to BC Cancer https://bccancerfoundation.com/ No service, by request.

May the Sunshine of Comfort

CATHCART, James Stephen

September 20, 1939 −February 22, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passingofour beloved Jimafter avaliant struggle with his health thesepast few months. Jim is survived by his loving wifeoffifty years, Virginia (Ginny)Cathcart; daughters Debra Cathcart, Wendy Cathcart (partner Doug Buckle) and Lori Lourens (husband Peter); and Lori’schildren Justin Cathcart (wife Brittany),Mitchell Lourens, and Kayla Lourens (fiancé Elliott Allard). Jim and Ginny’s 17−year−old Jack Russell Terrier, Annie, decided to join Jim in his perfectgarden in the skyjust six days after he passed.

Jimwas born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia. He loved our little cottage and English garden in Edgemont Village. Jim and Ginnyshared many wonderfulmemories with his daughters and grandchildren at this home.

Jimwas apharmaceuticalrepresentativefor Oral BCompany when he met Ginny, aDental Hygienist, in Edmonton. It was love at first sight. He didnot get the "brush off," as the story goes. Later, hebecame an Office Furniture Consultant and Project Manager. He owned businesses, Cathcart ExecutiveOffices (CEO) in Alberta and Hightouch Marketing in Vancouver until he retired twenty years ago. He loved working with clients to design, manage and create beautiful office interiors with them.

It was in retirement that Jim found his true passions in life. Jim enjoyed this passage where he could pursue his love formanaging the home, researching his genealogy,painting, writing, cooking, gardening, renovating and walking little Annie in the Village.

As abachelor, Jim traveled throughout Europe and NorthAfrica and spent a"mandatory"period writing poetry on aGreek island. Another year was spent running in the shadows of Hemingway’s "bull" until he found his own Spanish Sun. His last frontier was the "True North strongand free" and theArctic misadventure, where he found the spirit and soulofCanada. Jim has written many wonderful poems about his time in the Arctic.

MCDONALD, H. Douglas

May 22, 1929 −February 2, 2024

It is with the deepest sorrow we announcethe passing of our beloved father, grandfather and great−grandfather. He waspredeceased by our loving mother, Ev McDonald,in2022.

Doug is survived by his four children, Joan(Mike), Cam(Nicole), Susan (Peter), and Sharon (Jamie); nine grandchildren, Laura, Meagan, Sean, Chanel, Justine, Bryan, Chloe, Lauren, and Neve; and one great−grandchild.

Doug was born and raised in Saskatchewan. He worked briefly as aone−room school teacher, and commuted home to Saskatoon on weekends. He then worked for many years asa buyer and men’s/ boy’s wear manager at theHudsons Bay Co.He met the loveofhis life, Evelyn Rea, and they were engaged within 6months.After living in Saskatoon and Edmonton, he was transferredtoVancouver, BC. He then obtained his Realtor licenceand worked as aReal Estate agent for 25 years.

Dad thoroughly enjoyed his 30 years of retirement and travelled to almostevery continentwith Mom by his side.

Doug passed away at the North Shore Hospice after abrief illnesswith his loving family by his side.

Acelebration of his life is planned for Friday,May 3rd, at 2:00 pm atthe Lynn Valley United Church.

Dispelthe Clouds of despair

DONOHUE, Catherine J.

November 6, 1953 −February 16, 2024

It is with great sadness and love that Iannounce the passing of my twin sister, Catherine "Kati" Donohue, on February 16, 2024. Kati passed away in her home on the big island of Hawaii.

Her online Hawaii obituarycan be found here: dodomortuary.com/obituary/catherine−donohue

OneofJim’s "fifteen minutes of fame" came when his poem "The Moon" was chosen by the New York Quarterly (1978 No. 22) for its "Tribute to Allen Ginsberg." Jim’s daughter Wendy recently published his books on Amazon.ca as aChristmas gift. They aretruly hislegacy. See Jim’s books at www.jamesstephencathcart.com

Thefamily thanks all the caring and skilled Health Professionals at Lions Gate Hospital and the Vancouver Coastal Home Support Workers who kept him comfortable and safeathome. Insteadof flowers, the family is grateful for donations to Harvest Project and/or the BCSPCA.

There will be acelebration of Jim’s amazing life at First Memorial Funeral Home and Boal Chapel in NorthVancouver on March 22, 2024, at 2:00 pm.

DONNELLY, Barbara M.

July11, 1961 −February13, 2024

Barbara MarieDonnelly, mother to Angela Marie Donnelly and Jeffrey Clayton Donnelly, passed away after ahard battle with cancer. Her final moments were spent peacefully alongside her children. Known for her bubbly personal ty and wonderful disposition, Barbara’s smile always lit up the whole room. Barbara will be dearly missed by allwho knew her.

"Wherever

abeautiful soul has been, there has been abeautiful trail of memories."

Obituaries

Obituaries

Obituaries

REMEMBRANCES

RUEGG, Frances Alice

April 2, 1927 - December 21, 2023

Our dearest Frances passed away peacefully on December 21st,, 2023 She was reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband of 60 years, Arthur, on what would be his 100th birthday, as well as her son, David. we know they celebrated together in Heaven

Frances was born in Calgary, to William and Maude Dorward who had immigrated from Scotland. She met her husband Arthur, who came to Calgary to serve in the Air Force during World War II. Following the war, they settled in North Vancouver where they started their family and welcomed three children, Susan, Diane and David.

Frances was very involved in Girl Guides and travelled to Texas as a guide commissioner She also enjoyed Scottish Country dancing and celebrating her rich Scottish heritage. She was an active member of the St. Martin’s Anglican Church in North Vancouver where she served many years as president of the ACW, Anglican Church Women. She had a talent for sewing and knitting, creating beautiful blankets and stuffed animals for her grandchildren and the children at church. She loved caring for children through the years as well as spending time making ice-cream and going for walks with her great grandchildren.

In 2018, Frances moved to Abbotsford to live with her daughter, Diane, who lovingly cared for her She continued to be a part of the ACW at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church.

Frances wil always be remembered for her quick wit and personality, that filled the room She was a loving wife, mom, Gran, and friend.

Specia thank you to the staff at Valhaven Home where mom spent her last year

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at St. Matthew’s Church, 2010 Guilford Drive, Abbotsford, B.C

McMICHAEL, James Mitchell “Mitch”

James Mitchell “Mitch” McMichael, 68, passed away on March 5, 2024. Uncle Mitch will be fondly remembered by his family and many friends. Born in West Vancouver to William and Jean McMichael, he was a surveyor for Metro Vancouver Regional District for 36 years.

A quiet and gentle soul, he will be remembered by all of us who knew him for his kindness, honesty, generosity, and dry sense of humour

ANSTIE, Charles Kingdon

January 19, 1946 – March 04, 2024

Charles Kingdon Anstie passed away peacefully following a stroke, on March 04, 2024 at Inglewood Care Centre in West Vancouver He was 78 years old.

His life will be remembered and celebrated on March 22, 2024 at St Anthony’s Catholic Church, 2347 Inglewood Ave. in West Vancouver at 11:00am with a Mass of Christian Burial, followed by Reception and Interment at Capilano View Cemetery

All who knew and cared for Charles are welcome to attend Please reach out to Mark at McKenzie Funeral Services in West Vancouver if you wish to attend, 604-926-5121. www.mckenziefuneralservice.com

Charles’ family wish to extend their heartful thanks and appreciation to all of the wonderful caring staff at Inglewood, who looked after Charles these past years and lovingly to the end

Also, a very specal appreciation goes to Father Vincent Hawkswell for his prompt attendance for the Last Rites for Charles, to honour his wishes.

May he rest in peace and rise in glory He will be missed by those who knew him.

SMITH, Margaret Grace

5 May, 1930 - 5 March, 2024

Margaret was born in Toronto, Ontario to Gwyn and Lola Pennell. A treasured only child, mom enjoyed an active (competitive) early life at the local community playground. After moving to Vancouver her life continued happily, mostly in West Vancouver, as well as living in many interesting countries with her husband’s work. A keen tennis and bridge player, she was fulfilled also by her numerous friends, and passion for sewing.

Predeceased by her beloved husband Ken in 2008. Survived by her daughters Robin (Dale), Sheila and Diane (Russ); grandchildren Jackie (Morgan) and Trevor (Kelly); and 3 great grandchildren

We would like to recognize Dr Maryam Zeineddin for her exceptional care of our mom, and the amazng North Shore Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Alzheimer Society of British Columbia would be appreciated.

McDONALD, Penelope “Penny” Jeanne (nee

Mallet)

July 26, 1940 - March 3, 2024

Survived by husband Don, adored sons Scott (Sophie, Portia, Ethan, Jewel); and Joule (Kathryn, Rigby), Penny passed away after an intense battle with dementia.

Penny’s passion for photography and writing led her to a career writing for magazine publications and newspapers. In later life she turned to writing children’s novels and self-published two novels, “The Dolphin’s Ring” and The Emerald Collar.”

Penny was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend who loved wholeheartedly She will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 6th at 2 pm at the Boal Chapel in North Vancouver In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC would be greatly appreciated.

RADBOURNE, William David (Dave)

April7,1939 −February 22, 2024

Dave passed peacefully at Langley Hospice.Heis missed and lovingly rememberedbyhis wife Edith (neeBitcon), daughter Karen (Miles), son Kevin (Christina), and granddaughters Brittany and Rachael.

Memorial service on April 6at11am at Langley PresbyterianChurch.

Please visit Dave’s full obituary at HendersonsLangleyFunerals.com.

TAYLOR, Victor George

Victor George Taylor sadly passed away on February 26th at the age of 82 years, after a short battle with cancer

As per Victor’s request, no funera or memorial service will be held

We will miss him very much.

Each Loss

Each loss is very different, The pain is so severe.

Will I ever stop missing This one I loved so dear?

Good times we had together, The moments that we shared We didn’t have to tell each other How much we really cared.

I never dreamed you’d go away, Never thought of sorrow.

So sure you’d always be here Took for granted each tomorrow.

Now my life is all confused Since you went away. You took a part of me And for help daily pray.

But when God sent you to me He never said that you were mine That I could keep you always –Only borrowed for a time

Now, He’s called you home, I’m sad and I shed tears. Yet I’m glad He loaned you to me And we had these many years.

Shirley

December14, 1939toMarch 15, 2022

It

beentwo years sinceIlost you and it stillonlyseemslike yesterday

Iknow those we love donot go away, they walkbesideusevery day Youare in my heartand thoughts today,tomorrow andalways.

Forever in my heartand alwaysmissed, Your Daughter,Sandra

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