May 29, 2024

Knifeattack

Man charged with attempted murder after Deep Cove incident

COMMUNITY7

Hazardmap

New mapping raises prospect of disaster in North Vancouver

SPORTS29 Kiterider

North Van teen to compete in Youth Sailing World Championships

West Vancouver preserves forest land twice the size of Stanley Park

JANE SEYD

jseyd@nsnews com

High in the forest perched above West Vancouver, the mist drips down around the sword ferns on the spongy ground, beneath towering hemlock trees stretching far, far up to the light.

“Big trees tend to create their own climate,” said Alan Bardsley, president of the Old Growth Conservancy Society that has stewarded this special area in West Vancouver for the past 15 years. “In summer you can come here and see there’s still water dripping through.”

Skunk cabbage unfurls in a pool near the trail.

Bardsley points to muscular lines of reddish bark running up the side of one huge tree. Those outer layers of bark are keeping the tree alive, he says, although the core has long since died.

Near the entrance to the trail, a barred owl sits quietly observing high in the canopy, its head swiveling once, twice before it takes flight, gliding through the treetops on massive wings.

Areas like this in the West Vancouver forest have greater protection this week after the District of West Vancouver voted to formally dedicate 1,932 acres of district-owned land above the Upper Levels highway as park.

Alan Bardsley, president of the Old Growth Conservancy Society, stands near an area of second-growth forest that is among 1,932 acres protected by a new park dedication on Monday JANE SEYD / NSN

Mosquito Creek Marina empties as eviction date looms

MINA KERR-LAZENBY

MKerrLazenby@nsnews.com

A six-month battle to evict boats moored at Mosquito Creek Marina has left the boatyard a ghost town, with those few who remain fighting for a sense of community.

In the weeks before Christmas, Nch’ḵay Development Corporation, run by the Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), announced it would be closing a number of its docks at its North Vancouver marina for repairs.

The 500 boats and 38 boat sheds moored would have to vacate the marina by May 31 Those deemed residents –moorage customers of live-aboard boat sheds and live-aboard boats – have since been offered an extension, but will have to vacate at a later date, no earlier than September of 2025 The owners of the 65 floathouses at the marina are not facing eviction and will continue to receive the same 12-month moorage licence extensions they are accustomed to receiving, according to an update on the Nch’ḵay website.

Scott Burwood, one of a large number of ex-Mosquito Creek Marina tenants to have relocated to Point Roberts in the United States, considers himself “one of the lucky ones.”

“There are about 50 of us who have moved to Point Roberts, and we’re grateful we managed to secure that, but there are

still a lot of people in real trouble,” he said.

“This is not just wealthy people’s boats that are down there, it’s a real community, an incredible community, and it’s sad that would be discarded.”

The promise of an extended stay offers small consolation to the live-aboards and floathouse owners that are adapting to

living in a floating neighbourhood with far fewer neighbours, said floathouse owner of eight years Ginger Gosnell-Myers.

“It is really empty right now. So many people have up and left,” she said.

With around 130 boats left remaining, and just 17 boat sheds, more than half of the marina’s boating population has already

moved on, said Gary Muuren, executive vice president of operations at Nch’ḵay Muuren said Nch’ḵay had tried to assist boaters in any way it could, extending eviction dates where possible and making it a “real necessity” to aid boaters in finding a new home.

“We reached out to approximately 100plus marinas and they were all wonderful. There were people in Nanaimo, in Duncan, in Salt Spring Island that reached out.... It’s a whole community with wonderful people,” he said.

Addressing the speculation among boaters that penned development is the reason for the mass eviction, Muuren said there is nothing at play other than a necessity to improve the safety of the marina.

“We have not taken any steps in determining what the future would be,” he said. “This was driven by safety concerns, there are no other plans for [the marina] at the moment. It’s going to take time, at least a year, before we know what’s going to happen going forward.”

The update posted on the Nch’ḵay website states anyone who has not removed their property by May 31 will be mooring in an unlicensed slip, and Mosquito Creek Marina will “deal with the vessels” at the owners’ expense.

Mina Kerr-Lazenby is the North Shore News’ Indigenous and civic affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.

Man charged with attempted murder following Deep Cove attack

MINA KERR-LAZENBY MKerrLazenby@nsnews.com Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A North Vancouver man has been charged with attempted murder after an alleged knife attack on a stranger in Deep Cove on Saturday.

Shortly after 3 p.m. on May 25, police responded to reports of a man slashing cars and attacking a motorcyclist near Mount Seymour Parkway and Deep Cove Road, North Vancouver RCMP said in a statement on Monday

The man allegedly struck the biker’s helmet with a knife, narrowly avoiding injury but causing him to fall and sustain minor injuries as a result, the statement reads. The motorcyclist was led to safety by a driver at the scene.

Numerous officers arrived and took the man into custody, where he went on to allegedly assault a police officer, RCMP said.

“The quick actions of our officers led to the safe arrest of the suspect,” said Const. Mansoor Sahak of the North Vancouver

RCMP “We would like to thank the quick-thinking actions of a passing motorist who assisted the motorcyclist by guiding them to safety.”

Sahak said anyone who may have been affected by the attack can contact the RCMP’s Victim Services Unit, 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 604-969-7540.

“We want you to know we are here, we will listen and we will support you,” he said.

Any witnesses who have not

already come forward are urged to contact the police at 604-9851311, and quote file #24-10135.

District of North Vancouver

Mayor Mike Little, who lives in Deep Cove, issued a statement on Sunday evening describing the event as a “really upsetting incident” for the community

“It could have been much worse without the quick action of a passing motorist and the speedy response from our local RCMP officers,” he said. “I am grateful to everyone who was

involved in the response in Deep Cove on Saturday.”

On Sunday, Alexander Currie of North Vancouver was charged with attempted murder, assault with a weapon, uttering threats, mischief, assault on a police officer, and possession of a weapon. He remains in custody and is due back in court on June 3.

Mina Kerr-Lazenby is the North Shore News’ Indigenous and civic affairs reporter This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.

Mosquito Creek Marina floathouse owner Ginger Gosnell-Myers is one of the few granted permission to stay at the marina after a mass eviction was announced in December Most boat and boat shed owners have until May 31 to vacate the marina. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN

Statsshow mixed results for$200Mhighwayproject

BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com

It’sbeen morethan two years since the MinistryofTransportation and Infrastructure’s $200-million Lower Lynn Improvement Project wrapped, endingamulti-year project to ease the NorthShore’snotorious congestion.

But has the projecthelped improve traffic flows? The answer depends largely on whereyou’redriving and when, according toa2023 before-and-after performance study, commissioned by theministryand provided to the North ShoreNews.

The study used stats from 2018 and 2022, including data from smartphones, specially placedradars and the ministry’s own traffic counters to estimate travel times and speeds from Lynn Valley Road to the south end of the Ironworkers Memorial Second Narrows Crossing. Tozeroinon typical commute times, the study looked onlyatweekday travel, omitting stat holidays.

Traffic data shows anuanced picture

Thestudy found travel times and speeds and reliability of the highway improved significantly for commuters through the LowerLynn Improvement Project area during the morning rush hour,regardless of which direction they’re travelling in. Drivers headed downThe Cut moved 56 per cent faster between 7and 8 a.m. in 2022, for an averageof82.5 kilometres per hour

The infamous afternoonCut traffic

though did not showthe same results

Between3and 4p.m., average driver speeds fell by four per cent to 22.1 km/h, the study found. Between 4and 5p.m., therewas an eight per cent improvement toanaverageof24.1 km/h.

“The observations from the p.m. peak periodsuggests that overall, thereare minimal changes intravel speed alongthis segment, however the bestcommuting days have increased moderately in speed for2022,”the reportstates

The reportadds that the improvements inspeed could possibly be attributed to the new Mountain Highway off-ramp, giving drivers headed for KeithRoad anew, easier option.

Other metrics, however,showed the afternoon drive towards the Ironworkers had improved.In 2018, the average time it took to drive the lengthofthe project corridor peaked at 12 minutes. In 2022, that hadfallen 15 per cent to 10.2 minutes. And the highway was noted to take less time to“recover” back tonormal traffic flows, effectively ending rushhour earlierthan it would in 2018.

The number of collisions in thecorridor also fell significantly in the twoyears examined in the study.Between Januaryand October, 2018, therewere52crashes. In that sametime period in 2022, therewere just 20. One of the goals of the project was to improve safety by reducing the number ofshortmerges and weaves built intothe interchanges.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

APPLY BY 4:30P.M.ONMAY 31, 2024

TheDistrictvalues theopportunityfor dialogue andcollaboration with members of our community. Volunteering gives youthe opportunity to contributetoyour communityand helps enhanceyour personaland professional network.

TheDistrict of West Vancouver is currently looking forvolunteers to join the:

•Planning Committee

Interested applicantsshould have relevant skills, experience, or qualifications in:

•planning; •urban design; •development; and/or •civic experience

APPLICATION FORMS AVAILABLE:

FROM LEGISLATIVE SERVICES: call 604-925-7004 to request aform

ONLINE: westvancouver.ca/beinvolved

SUBMIT: COMPLETED FORM RESUME

EMAIL: committees@westvancouver.ca

MAIL: LegislativeServices, 75017thStreet, West VancouverBCV7V 3T3

DROP-OFF: drop-box outside the 17th StreetentranceofMunicipal Hall

QUESTIONS? LegislativeServices: 604-925-7004

Hiring Community NurseSupervisor

We are lookingfor aRegistered Nurse (orrecentlyretired RN) to join ouramazing team.

Manage client care throughregular visits,assessments, andonline documentation.

Support acompanyculture that supportsa safe work environment, emphasises quality, continuous improvement, andhighpersonal performance.

Qualifications:

Minimumoftwo (2)years relevant nursingexperience, preferably in geriatricorcommunity care.

Exemplarycustomerservice skills andprofessionalappearance.

Current BCDL with cleandriver’s abstract (brand newcompany vehicleprovidedfor client visits).

Basicwound care experience

Familiar with DOTs (DelegationofTasks)toUnregulated Care

Howtoapply: Emailyourresumeand coverletterto Margot@ShyloHomeHealthcare.ca www.ShyloHomeHealthcare

Workers install afacade on the retainingwall along theCut in North Vancouver in September of 2019 NSN FILES

Hazard mappingraisesprospectof disasterneardeveloping neighbourhood

STEFAN LABBÉ

slabbe@glaciermedia.ca

Apatch of North Shore waterfront spotlighted as one of themost hazard-prone pieces of land in Metro Vancouverisfacing newscrutiny as the prospect of disaster collides with plans to expand housing and extend the life of amajor chemical plant.

East of the Ironworkers Memorial Second Narrows Crossing, the tract of reclaimed industrial landis in the same area wherethe District of North Vancouver plans to build more than 1,000residential units in abid to help alleviate its housing crunch. It’salso wherethe multinational chemical company Chemtrade Logistics Inc. is pushing to extend the life of apotentiallyrisky chlorine gas plant.

John Clague, aprofessor and former director of Simon Fraser University’sCentrefor Natural Hazards Research, said newly releasedhazard maps from the MetroVancouver regional government represent a first pass at understanding risk in the region. And while he cautioned against directly using them forland-use planning, they do offer a“reasonable view”ofthe multiple hazards facing the public.

“I think that these areas arehazardous …people ought to be aware,” Clague said.

The analysis, carried out by Ebbwater Consulting and recently presented to MetroVancouver’sboard, warns hazard-prone areas “should be avoided for the siting of critical infrastructure, or high-density residentialor commercial zoning.”

The maps paint apictureofareas mostprone to wildfire, floods and earthquakes.They don’t measure the vulnerabilityofbuildings,infrastructureorcommunities thatstand in theway.It’salso not clearhow the expansionofhousing or theextension of Western Canada’slargest producer of chlorine could raise riskalong arapidlydeveloping section of North Shore waterfront.

Housing, industrysee possiblecollision with hazards

Chemtrade Logistics Inc.’sNorth Shore plant produces 70 percent of B.C.and Alberta’schlorine supply–a substance used to disinfect poolsand

An industrialareainthe Maplewood neighbourhood of the DistrictofNorth Vancouver wasidentified as amongthe most hazard-prone in MetroVancouver

bleach paper,but at high doses, can be deadlytohumans as it supercharges fireorisvaporized in the air

Thecompany’scurrent agreement would halt itsliquid chlorine operations byJuly 2030.Tohead offthat potentialblow to business, the chemical companyisinnegotiations with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority toextendits operating permits while targeting several electedofficials in a lobbying campaign to back that effort.

While Chemtradehas astrong safety record,high-costaccidents involving chlorine have happened in other parts of the world in recent years, andsome in the community haveraisedquestions over potential falloutinanemergency.Just 150 metres to the west sits the North Shore Recycling andWasteCentre.Anelementaryschool and preschool areonly slightly to thenorth. Existing homes and businessesare expected to balloon in the coming years.

Less thanakilometretothe north ofthe chlorine facility,the District of North Vancouver has staked the Maplewood area as the future site of 1,500 residential units. They will form the backbone of one of four future town hubs slatedto account for75to 90 percentofnew residentialunitsin the districtby2030, according to the Official Community Plan (OCP).

The district’s communityplan makes room to “maintain and enhance light industrial uses” but nowhere in the OCP does it outline the risks associatedwitha potentialcollision between residential neighbourhoods, a

chlorinefacility and the sudden onset of awildfire,earthquake or flooding.

The potential fordisaster at the chlorine plant andstorage facility has already raised concernswith local residents. The planned construction of anew residential hub for the North Shoreraises the stakes even more.

“Those tracks runall along the shoreline, so anyonshore wind could carrythat upthe mountain, so to speak, into the residential neighbourhoods,”said Graham Gilley,chair ofthe Windsor Secondaryparent advisorycommittee.

Gilley,who touredthe Chemtrade facility as the formerdirectorof enterprise risk managementatMulgrave School, said hewas unawareofthe company’smove to renegotiateits lease.

“People will want to know about the measures in place to protect the public,” he said.

Aspokesperson forChemtrade said the company has reduced the amount of liquid chlorine storedonsite by 96 per cent since 2000 and invested $500 million into theplantsince 2010.

But according to DougMcCutcheon, a professional engineer who has reviewed Chemtrade’srisk assessments on behalf of the district, the company is unlikely to substantially reduce risk at the plantbecause it would likely drive up chlorine costs.

“Mybet is thatthey would not do that,” McCutcheon said.

The District of North Vancouver has long built the risks of fires,floods

Cut and run

The time it takes to commutedown

The Cut inthe mornings has droppedsignificantly since the Lower Lynn Improvement Project was completed in 2021, astudy by the province has found.But thenotorious afternoon rush hour has been much harder to dent, with “minimal” changes showing in thestudy’sdata.

After yearsofconstruction and morethan $200-million spent, the before-and-after study may feellike cold comfortfor atraffic-frustrated community.

While the report may tell us howmuch faster we can drive on our highway,itdoes notexplain why so many peopleare cramming onto it in the firstplace.

The answer to that questionis alluded toinanother storywebring you this week:While MetroVancouver has seen its population grow by 150per centsince2001,

theNorth Shore’smunicipalities havebeen laggards, especially the districts of North Vancouver andWestVancouver,where the populationgrewby13.8 and 11 percent respectively. Working-age people areflocking to areas whereit’smoreaffordabletolive andwherenew housing hasbeen available tothem. Byletting so many slip awaytothe Fraser Valley insteadofmaking room for them here, we have,atleastinpart, brought thisonourselves

Of course, thereare calls to widen Highway 1and build abigger bridge, but before we spend another few billion trying to accommodatesingle-occupancy cars, we must first correct our housing mistakes of the past,which underlie the problem.

Given the choice, we wouldmuch rather shareour neighbourhoodswithour workforce than shareonly our highway with them.

B.C. cutsdealwith Meta, leaving local media in thedust

ROB SHAW rob@robshawnews.com

Premier David Eby has spent the last nine months talking tough against socialmedia giantFacebook, accusing it of endangering the lives of British Columbians by denyingthem accessto trustedand reliable local news sources during wildfireemergencies.

He saidparent companyMeta was holding citizens “for ransom” in afightwith Ottawaover online regulations. He refused to meet any company lobbyists until they reconsidered the news ban. He forbade governmentadvertising on the platform,except foremergencies.And he publicly chastised CEO Mark Zuckerbergfor threateningprovincial safety.

So when the NDP governmentannounced

a“historic agreement”withMetaonMay 15 afterweeks of negotiation on theissue,you might have expected some sortofchange to Facebook’sposition. Something. Anything.

Butitturns out, B.C. New Democrats had quietlysold out the local news industryto Metainexchange for acut-ratedeal on government advertising and apromise from the tech company to “amplify”state propaganda directly to the eyeballs ofFacebook and Instagram users.

“The Province isexploring opportunities for technology companies to help amplify officialinformation for people in emergency situations like wildfires,” read ajoint statement between Eby and his“online action table” of tech companies

“Meta hasagreed to establisha direct line of communication thatwill ensureresponse

measuresare closely co-ordinated as part of the government’swildfiresafety efforts, including the dissemination of reputable information available from official sources, such as government agencies and emergency services.”

Official sources.Government agencies.Not asingle mention of local news An astounding betrayal of everything the premier hadbeen saying for the better part of ayear

Last August: “I finditsounacceptable thatthe banisstill in place,” saidthe premier.“It feels abit like they’reholdingBritish Columbians for ransom, to make their point withOttawa.”

Last January: “It wasmoreimportant to themtomake apoint with the federal government thanitwas to ensurereliablelocal

news information was available forcommunities thatwerethreatened by wildfire.”

Or: “I call on Facebook again, Mr Zuckerberg,openupaccesstoCanadian media so thatBritish Columbians can share critical local information so theycan be safe.”

Or: “Thisisa time forFacebook and Instagram to usethe networkthatthey built,frankly on the backs of local media, to communicatewithBritish Columbiansabout what theyneed to hear,whatinformation theyneed,about what’s happening in their local communities.”

It’s hard to believethe NDP abandoned all thatfor what was effectively aGroupon on Meta adrates

Yet, full credit to Meta’shigh-priced

MAILBOX

I DIDN’T TAKE DOWN YOUR PARK SIGNS, BUT I MAY HAVE FILLED A HOLE OR TWO

Dear Editor:

RE: Vandal Repeatedly Targets North Vancouver Park’s Signs, online story May 23

I regularly walk my dog in Princess Park and recently read your article about vandalism in the park

The signage in Princess Park has been a hot topic for about a year, ever since the district conducted a survey about “people, parks and dogs.”

In February I met with the mayor and got the impression of some interdepartmental conflicts over how Princess Park should be managed. It seems the film industry, which often uses the park for filming, wants the signs removed, while the

parks department insists they stay.

The parks department gives the impression that dog walkers are trashing the park. I find this naive Mountain bikers and children at birthday parties cause significantly more damage to the undergrowth.

In the autumn of 2023, the district lost credibility among park users when it repeatedly erected, took down, and re-erected several fences without explanation. This indecisive fence moving made many park users question the competence of the district’s parks planners.

Regarding the vandalism of the signs, it’s not me nor anyone I know However, I do occasionally fill in the deep holes left by the removed posts. These holes are dangerous for hikers and cyclists. If the district won’t fill them, then I will, before someone gets hurt.

Rick Gibson North Vancouver

News ban affects wildfire response

lobbying team, because they certainly managed to blow into town, tell the premier to stuff it, make fools out of B.C.’s hapless negotiators and bolt off back to Toronto in time to catch the next Leafs playoff game.

Attorney General Niki Sharma was unrepentant in her explanation of the deal, lecturing woefully misinformed reporters that Meta’s local news ban is actually “a dispute with the federal government.”

You don’t say.

“Right now the conversations are directly between the Emergency Management Ministry and the platforms about what tools they can have to get information directly out from the ministry, because they thought at that stage that’s the most effective thing,” said Sharma.

The attorney general’s defence made it sound like government information had been banned from the platform alongside local news. But that has never been the case. Provincial sources have always been there on Facebook and Instagram during wildfire season – it’s just, they aren’t always timely, accurate or useful for people

Consider last summer’s dispute in the Shuswap area, in which the BC Wildfire Service publicly accused some local residents of being “vigilantes” for refusing an evacuation order and staying to use abandoned firefighting gear to save their homes.

Imagine that statement “amplified” uncontested across the province, before the residents explained what they were

YOU’REINVITEDTO ‘FindingMeaninginGrief&Loss’

doing (through the media, no less), forced a meeting with the premier, and subsequently obtained changes to BC Wildfire’s policies that permitted more local volunteer expertise in BC Wildfire efforts

Or consider earlier this month, when the B.C. government trumpeted its ability to house evacuees from Fort Nelson in hotels in Fort St John. Yet on-the-ground CBC News coverage revealed many of those evacuees were being evicted from their hotels to make room, in part, for wildfire personnel.

You won’t see that pesky story “amplified” on social media, under the NDP’s “historic” deal. But you will soon get a healthy dose of misleading disinformation from government pumped to your phones about how well the NDP is handling the situation.

B.C.’s deal with Meta is especially dangerous on the eve of a provincial election. It gives the governing New Democrats an unfair advantage in blanketing British Columbians with inaccurate, partisan, self-congratulatory messaging about its wildfire response all summer, while other parties, critics, the media and anyone with a dissenting opinion about the NDP’s wildfire performance are given lesser treatment on the same platforms

Meta controls the platform. And now the government controls the message. An historic deal indeed. For all the wrong reasons

Rob Shaw has spent more than 16 years covering B.C. politics, now reporting for CHEK News and writing for Glacier Media

Areyou trying to navigate arecentloss? Whetherit’sa lovedone,a pet, your home,yourmobilityorany other loss you’re workingthrough,we’re here for you. Join us at AmicaWestVancouver,a senior lifestyles residence, forthe latest eventinour speakerseries.

CynthiaGyuk, Registered Social Worker,will join us andshare informationabout thenatureofgrief and loss, theimportanceofexpressingyourfeelings,how to support yourself andothers, andwhatcomes next Enjoychef-prepared refreshments during theseminar

Thursday,June 6

10:30 –11:30 AM or 7:00 –8:00PM

Please RSVP foryourpreferredseminar time by June 3toCeleste at 604-921-9181.

Continued from A8

POPULATION STATS

North Shoregrowthcontinues to lagbehindMetroaverage

NICK LABA nlaba@nsnews com

Populationgrowth on theNorth Shore continuestotick alongata slow pace compared to other municipalities in theregion, accordingtothe latest data from Statistics Canada.

On Wednesday,the federal agency released its 2023 populationestimates, showing growth below the MetroVancouver average, especiallyinWest Vancouver.

Forthe first time, these new estimates calculate population figures based onnew municipalboundaries that weredrawnin 2021. Metrowas relatively unaffected by thesechanges.

From 2001 to 2023, the number of people living in the Metroregion has shot up by150 per cent. The average annual growth rate between 2022 and 2023 was 4.7 percent.

In contrast, theDistrict of West Vancouver’spopulation grew by just 11per cent from 2001 to 2023 (42,691 to47,396) and by just 2.1 per cent from 2022 to 2023. That’samong the slowest-growing municipalities in theMetroarea.

Nearby Bowen Island’spopulation has increased by 48 per cent from 2001 to2023 (3,056to4,506), but by just 1.9 percent from 2022to2023.

In the CityofNorth Vancouver,populationhas grown at arate of 40.4 per cent since 2001, and by three per cent from 2022 to2023.

And in the DistrictofNorth Vancouver, thepopulation has grownatarate of 13.8 per cent over the past 22 years,and by 3.4 percentinthe most recently recorded year

These estimates usually come out in Januaryeach year,but updating to new municipal boundaries delayed the release, explained Jens von Bergmann, president of MountainMath, adata consultancy thathas advised the provincial government on demographics,housing and transportation.

Looking at the data, therewas adip in growth in the 2020-21 year due to the pandemic, followed by asteeper increase since then, especially in morecentral areas, von Bergmann said.

“One thing that’ssortofgenerally dominant and interesting to me is adivide of regions that aregoing slower thanthe average, and regions thatare growing faster thanthe average,” he said

“Generally,Surrey and the (Township) of Langley arethe fastest growing ones, followedbyMaple Ridge, New West, Port Moody… and everybody else growsslower Usually at the bottom, we have places like

West Vancouver and the DistrictofNorth Vancouver,which grow the slowest of all regions within MetroVancouver,” von Bergmann said

If you go all the wayback to 2001, the City of North Vanispretty close to the regional average, but growth picked up around 2007.

“Beforethat it wasquite slow,inline with North Van[district] and West Van…and from thenongrewfaster thanthe regional average,” von Bergmann said

The primarydriver of growth is the amount of new housing that’sbeen built,he said

“Weknow when we build housing, people

move in,” von Bergmann said.“We have several taxes. The region overall is covered by the speculation and vacancy tax, so there might be some slippage there. But if we look at thestats, we know those unitsare all lived in, except for averysmall percentage.”

Theimpacts of new measures, like provincial housing targets and eliminating public hearings for mostresidential developmentapplications, won’t be felt for some time, he said.

And some municipalities arestill resistanttochangedespite housing supply falling behind demand.

“We’ve seen in West Vancouver,for example, how they’ve reacted to thesmallscale, multi-unit housing initiatives that the provincebrought in, when [the district] took an extremely narrow reading of what they could get away with, and basically said there areveryfew areas that need any adjustments to allow multiplexes,” von Bergmann said. “It shows me that thereisstill ahigh level of resistance to allow morehousing.”

The data expertsaid he’sinthe camp that thinks housing is good.

“People derive tremendous value from housing. And if you startrestricting it, it’s going to hurt the low-income or less-privileged people the most,” he said.

‘Missing-middle’housing on Gordon Avenue has finally broken ground afteralengthy approval process NICK LABA /NSN

Asummerofeducationalfunawaitswithengaging activitiesforallagesontheNorthShore

Fromhands-oncraftsand interactiveexhibitstotheatrical toursandmovienights,The MuseumofNorthVancouver (MONOVA)providesawelcoming spaceforfamilies,individuals andcommunitymembersto connect,learnandenjoyenriching experienceseveryday

Areyouinsearchofagreatfamily activitythissummer?MONOVA offersadynamicrangeofactivities andprogramsdesignedtoengage visitorsofallages,manyofwhich arefreeorlow-cost.

Create&ConnectSeries: Monthlyfamilyfun

Oneofthemanystandoutinitiatives atMONOVAistheCreate&Connect Series,heldonthelastSundayofevery month.SponsoredbytheVancouver FraserPortAuthority,thiseventis designedtobeaccessibletoall,witha pay-what-you-canmodel.

“Create&Connectisafamily-friendly afternoonpackedwithfunactivities forallagesandabilities,”describes PamelaRoberts,managerofbusiness operationsatMONOVA.“Themonthly eventoftenincludessomecrafty activities,avisitingmaker,andlotsof hands-onfun.”

JuneisIndigenousHistoryMonthin Canada,recognizingtherichhistory, heritage,resilienceanddiversity ofFirstNations,InuitandMétis.The CreateandConnectProgramwill celebrateIndigenousHistoryMonth onJune30th.Activitiesinclude canvaspaintingwithMONOVA’s IndigenousCulturalProgrammers andacarvingdemonstrationwith renownedSquamishNationcarver, ArtHarry. Supportfromsponsorslike theVancouverFraserPortAuthority iscrucialinmakingtheseprograms accessible

“Sponsorshipslikethismakesucha bigdifferencebecausewecanoffer theseexhibitsforfreeorbydonation withtheirsupport,”Robertssays.“We inviteourwholecommunitytojoinus incelebratingthisimportantoccasion.”

ShipyardPalsProgram: Bringinghistorytolife

OnMay26,MONOVAwilllaunchits annualShipyardPalsProgram.This freetheatricalwalkingtourexplores therichhistoryofNorthVancouver’s shipyards.CharactersShipyardSal andShipyardSue,createdfrom anecdotalhistoriesoftheNorth Shore,guideparticipantsthrough TheShipyards,highlightingthe storiesofdiverseshipyardworkers attheBurrardDrydockduringWorld WarII.

“ShipyardPalssinganddance, makingthetoursveryinteractive andfun,”Robertsexplains.“It’sa prettyamazingopportunitytocome andlearnaboutthehistoryofthe shipyardarea,whichisthrivingnow buthassuchaninterestinghistorical journey.”

ShipyardPalsissponsoredthis yearbySeaspan,VancouverFraser PortAuthority,andtheCityofNorth Vancouver.ToursareFREEand startatthemuseumreception desk.

MoviesatMONOVA: CelebratingChiefDanGeorge MONOVAalsooffersfreemovienights throughitsMuseumFlixseries.The nextevent,onThursday,May30,2024, featuresascreeningof“TheOutlaw JoseyWales”inhonourofChiefDan George,anactorandimportant Indigenousleaderinthearea.

“It’safreeactivityforfamilieslooking todosomethingoverthespring,” saysRoberts.

Popcornandpopareavailable bydonation,makingitafunand accessibleeveningout.

Engagingexhibitsand activitiesinNorthVancouver Inadditiontothesespecial programs,MONOVAhostsvarious family-friendlyexhibitsandactivities initsmaingallery.Theongoing AgentsofChangeexhibition continuestodrawinterest,offering engaginginsightsintolocalhistory andculture.

MONOVAaimstobemorethan justamuseum;itstrivestobea

TravelthroughhistorywithShipyard SalandShipyardSueandreceive keenhistoricalinsightssurrounding thestoriesoftheshipyardworksat theBurrardDrydock.

communityhubwhereeveryone feelswelcome

“Museumsplaysuchakeyrolein helpingpeopleconnectwiththe landwe’reon,”Robertssays.

“FornewcomerstoNorthVan,the museumisalsoaplacetofindout abouttheirnewneighbourhoods andfeelthatsenseofbelonging.”

Tolearnmoreandplanyourvisit today,visitmonova.ca.

TheMuseumofNorthVancouveroffersengagingexhibitsforallages.

IndigenousCulturalProgrammer, JordanDawson.

PHOTO BY ALISON BOUL IER

‘THE

MAN WHO SAW SECONDS’

North Van author fully immerses himself in new novel

FATEMEH FALAH

Contributing writer

Jumping around countries, languages and careers is what Alexander Boldizar does best.

The author of the newly published The Man Who Saw Seconds was the first post-independence Slovak citizen to graduate with a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School. Since then, he has been an art gallery director in Bali, a pseudo-geisha in Japan, a hermit in Tennessee, an attorney in San Francisco and Prague, a consultant on Wall Street, and a police-abuse watchdog and Times Square billboard writer in New York City.

However, North Vancouver is the city where he has lived the longest, since 2009.

“I was eight when we escaped from Czechoslovakia. So, my first four languages were learned by virtue of being in Europe. Chronologically, my first two languages were Slovak and Hungarian. Then Czech, because everybody in Czechoslovakia spoke Czech and Slovak. I spoke German in the refugee camp in Austria. After moving to Canada, I learned English. I never studied the first four languages; my education was basically in English,” the writer says.

His first novel, The Ugly, was a best-seller among small presses in the United States with several “Best Book of 2016” awards and lists After eight years, he’s back with a science fiction thriller.

The Man Who Saw Seconds, released by New York-based independent publisher CLASH Books, is about a fictional character, Preble Jefferson, who can see five seconds into the future. Government agencies

become aware of Preble’s gift, a manhunt ensues, and their ambitions shift from law enforcement to military R&D.

The Man Who Saw Seconds is a fast-paced adventure story, yet what matters most to Boldizar as its writer is its emotional core.

“It’s about a father protecting his son. When my son was four, he was abducted for a week. Although this actual experience of mine is not in the plot, the emotions from it have made the story I’ve written more realistic. That’s one of the beautiful things

about writing. You can take something that was very stressful at the time and turn it into something positive later A big part of the book comes from that emotional side.”

Referring to the concept of “paradoxical counterproductivity” presented by Austrian philosopher Ivan Illich, Boldizar says, the intellectual side of The Man Who Saw Seconds entertains the idea of how all institutions end up working against the purpose for which they’re created; the Ministry of Defence ends up starting wars, schools

make children more stupid, hospitals kill their patients, or even how a car creates remoteness, something that it’s meant to overcome.

The main character of The Man Who Saw Seconds will do whatever it takes to protect his family, but as events spiral out of control, he must weigh the cost of his gift against the loss of his humanity For the author, it’s interesting to see how far the reader agrees with the protagonist.

“I’ve had different reactions. Some readers go with him all the way.”

Boldizar is passionate about creating complex characters. He believes that fiction is the only art form that can fully immerse both the writer and the reader in the perspectives, life stories, morality and ethics of entirely different individuals.

“With fiction, you have to inhabit somebody you don’t necessarily agree with. But you start to understand the role from their side. The ability to make the reader see the world from a completely different viewpoint is so valuable. People think fiction is just pure entertainment, but that skill of multiple perspectives, I think, is so necessary for any democracy,” he says.

Boldizar, who has a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, says the sport is his obsession. “I love the instant feedback you receive when practicing jiu-jitsu. BJJ mindset is ‘losers learn,’ similar to how babies learn to walk. They don’t see falling as failure; they just adapt until they succeed Writers should adopt this mindset as well.”

Fatemeh Falah is an intern reporter with the North Shore News. She can be contacted at zohreh.fallah1981@gmail.com.

BeatthesummerheatwithInnova2.0AirConditioner; auniqueinnovationfromItaly.Innova2.0isanelegant wallmountroomairconditioner–withnoexternalunit required Theheatpumpprovidesheatinginwinter andcoolinginsummer

Author Alexander Boldizar finds a chill spot to work His new novel The Man Who Saw Seconds follows the story of a man who can see five seconds into the future SIMON SMITH

BOYS

WHO BRAID

Photo project celebrates long hair in Indigenous culture

MINA KERR-LAZENBY MKerrLazenby@nsnews.com

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Tsleil-Waututh Nation educator hopes to bring an exhibition highlighting the cultural significance and importance of long hair on Indigenous males to schools across the province.

Boys Who Braid Their Hair comprises photographs of TsleilWaututh men proudly wearing their braids alongside a documentary with interviews with Elders, men and boys, each discussing the meaning and spiritual significance of long hair in Indigenous culture.

The travelling exhibition was recently given an extended showing at Maplewood Flats’ Nature House, following a two-day stint at the Polygon Gallery in April.

“I really wanted to be able to provide education through these beautiful images of our young boys and men, and to encourage people to see the beauty of someone else’s culture,” said Andrea

Aleck, exhibition lead and Health and Wellness director for TsleilWaututh Nation.

The exhibition had been inspired by a movement started by athlete Michael Linklater in 2015. Dubbed Boys with Braids, the campaign was a reaction to his own experience being bullied

at school for wearing braids, and the similar experiences his sons were subject to years after.

In 2022, when news broke of a childcare worker in Saskatoon being charged with a hate crime after cutting a young Métis boy’s hair, Aleck felt even further compelled to share Indigenous

teachings and try to incite change.

“To me, that incident still says there is a lot of education required in institutions and community settings, and we need to do better across Canada in providing education and messages in our own way,” said Aleck.

“One of the reasons why I wanted to do this project was because it is so important to be able to share the beauty and the sacredness of our culture, and sharing more on our practices around hair will hopefully empower young people to be proud of who they are.”

Hair is sacred and holds strong cultural importance to Indigenous peoples, and is usually only cut on men when mourning the loss of a loved one, said Aleck. In Tsleil-Waututh Nation culture, children aren’t given their first haircut until after four years old.

Often, growing hair long is a way of honouring the ancestors who were subject to the

residential schooling system and were never given the chance to celebrate their culture, grow their hair long or keep their Indigenous identity, she added.

While the exhibition locally has come to a close, Aleck hopes that the project and the overarching message of it continues to live on. She plans on introducing it to local schools, so children can learn the important, Indigenous teachings while young.

“When people are provided the opportunity to learn, there’s less likelihood of bullying or teasing, and shaming children and individuals for who they are and what their cultural and spiritual beliefs are,” she said.

“This is how we can empower our young people to have that connection to their hair, and understand the sacredness around that.”

Mina Kerr-Lazenby is the North Shore News’ Indigenous and civic affairs reporter This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.

Tsleil-Waututh Nation health and wellness director Andrea Aleck holds her grandson, five-year-old River La Rock, amid the Boys Who Braid Their Hair exhibition in the Nature House at the Maplewood Flats Conservation Area. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN

Photo: Alison Boulier

‘ACLOSER LOOK’

KayMeek exhibition honours thework andcraft of women

FATEMEH FALAH

Contributing writer

Through various media from painting toembroiderytoassemblage, artists investigate themes of home,women’s work, traditionalcraft and change at a new exhibit in West Vancouver.

ACloser Look,aprovocative and whimsical exhibition exploringthe sense ofhome and celebrating thecraftand work of women, will come to theKay Meek Arts CentrefromMay 22 to June 30.

In participation with the West Vancouver Community Arts Council,a non-profitorganizationdedicated to expandingcultural opportunities for North Shoreresidents, artistsEmily Cowan, Mallory Donen and Joanne Frewer willpresent their artworks.

Frewerisa West Vancouver-based multidisciplinaryartist creatingshadow-boxed assemblage works that combinethe every day and the spiritual.

Her pieces offer viewersglimpsesinto other spaces including aMexican kitchen, aParisian flat, and aBuddhist shrine. They arefull of tiny pieces of decor, furniture and other objectseither handmade by Frewer in her home studio on the Ambleside waterfront or collected on her travels around the globe.

Aself-taught miniaturist,Frewer hopes her tiny shadowbox scenes will inspire viewers to slow down andtakethe time to investigate not only the worlds she has created, but also the ever-changingones we livein.

Accompanying Frewer areworks by Donen andCowan.

Donen is atextile artist from Vancouver Her work explores theintersection of digital artand embroiderythrough processes

COMMUNITY CULTURE

rooted in traditional craft passed down from generations ofwomen in her family to create pixelatedimages using the distinct format of cross-stitching.

Cowan isa Vancouver painter.She aims to elevate the workofcreating ahome traditionally done by women, through colourful andstylizedimages of houses’exteriors, interiorsand domestic scenes while also bringing the ever-increasing housing crisis to the fore.

An engaging livestream conversation with the artists, in whichthey will share insights into their artistic processes and inspirations, will also happen on Friday, May 30,at7 p.m. Joinvia the West VanArts Council YouTube channel

When: May 22 to June 30; Monday to Friday, 10a.m. to 4p.m.

Where: KayMeek Arts Centre,1700 Mathers Ave.,West Vancouver

Fatemeh Falah is an internreporter withthe North Shore News. Shecan be contacted at zohreh.fallah1981@gmail.com.

West Vanfestcelebrates diversity

FATEMEH FALAH

Contributing writer

An upcoming festival aims to pack a microcosm of West Vancouver’s cultural diversity into one bigparty at Ambleside Park.

West Vancouver CommunityCultural Fest is scheduled for May 31 from4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. andJune1,11a.m. to 8:30p.m., at AmblesidePark at the foot of 13th Street.

The two-day festival is meant to bring peopletogether through food, music and culture. Youcan sip on an international beer or wine with your Polish, Koreanor Persian foodwhile enjoying alive performancebya

talented anddiverse array of dancersflaunting theirmoves to the rhythm of music from four cornersofthe earth.

Theevent,previously named the Bridge Festival,also features cultural pavilions, showcasing diverse traditions from South Africaand China to Ukraine and Colombia. WestVancouver CommunityCultural Fest hasnot forgottenabout kids, with the Park RoyalKids’ Zone designed foryoung culture lovers and their families. The festival has designated parking areas,toensure easy accessibility, especially forpeople with disabilities.

For moredetails visit wvculturalfest.ca.

SATURDAY JUNE 1, 2024

DOORS OPEN AT 6:00 PM SHOW STARTS AT 6:30 PM

CENTENNIAL THEATRE

2300 LONSDALE AVE, NORTHVANCOUVER

FREE ADMISSION

*DONATIONSAPPRECIATED $

Folk Misteria

TheresaOdishaw,Vocalist

VancouverParsNationalBallet

VukKaradzic Veterans Ensemble

KavitalDance School of BharataNatyamand Kathak BhangraClub, QueenElizabethSecondary,Surrey ZumbaVancouver

AMED DanceAcademy

Shot of Scotch,Vancouver

Le PlaisirDance Society

VancouverOkinawa Taiko

TheSpiritofthe SouthSeas

Nori AkagiPercussionist

ForMoreInformation Visitwww.nsfolkfest.com andFacebook at NorthShore Folkfest

Joanne Frewer’s ‘Puppiesinthe Kitchen’is among the pieces to be shown by Frewer, Emily Cowanand MalloryDonen. SILK PURSE ARTS CENTRE

‘IT’S

Vandal repeatedlytargetssigns and fences in PrincessPark

BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com

North Vancouver RCMP have amessage for the person who has been vandalizing and removing signs in Princess Park: We’reontoyou.

According to police, someone has been repeatedly targeting signs in the park that warn visitors they should stick to the marked trails and that dogs must be leashed.

In some cases, the signposts have simplybeen removed and tossed aside. Inothers, the vandal or vandals have removed them completely and taken the efforttorefill the holes. Therehave also been instances of fencesthat wereerected to keep people out of environmentally sensitive areas being knocked over

“It’sverydeliberate,” said Const. Mansoor Sahak, North Vancouver RCMP spokesperson. “Obviously,ittells us that somebody’sunhappy about the sign.”

DistrictofNorth Vancouver staffand volunteers have beenputting alot of effort into restoring the health of the forest in thepark and the mischief undermines that work,said Steffanie Warriner,directorof parks.

“It is really disappointing to see such

senseless acts of theft and vandalismin Princess Park,” she saidinastatement.

“New signageand fencing were installedto protect the hardworkofover 60 communityvolunteersand district staffwho

planted 1,000 native plants last year to help improve foresthealth in this area. Not onlyisitcostly to continue to replace these signs and fencing, but these acts of vandalism disrespect the time and care

that hasbeen investedinto restoring this sensitive area and put the good work of the community and staffinjeopardy.”

Therehave been othercases of someone targeting PrincessPark’strees for vandalism,and North Shore Rescue has, for years, beenreplacingsignsonthe trailsaround Grouse Mountain andMount Fromme because someone keeps stealing them. It’s not likely the cases areconnected, Sahak said. The suspect likely lives in the area andfrequently usesthe park, he added.

North Vancouver RCMPare asking anyone with information about the vandalism to come forward,and anyone who witnesses anything suspicious in the park should call police

“Our message to the individuals andor individual is thatyou’ve causedenough damage,” said Sahak. “It is aserious issue. Now,the police arelookinginto this andif you’recaught or if someone witnessesyou, you could be reportedand you could be charged with acriminaloffence.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the North VancouverRCMP at 604985-1311 or Crime Stoppers, if theywish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-TIPS or solvecrime.ca.

Signs likethis one in NorthVancouver’s Princess Park have been targeted by vandals,North Vancouver RCMP say. DISTRICTOFNORTH VANCOUVER

Communityfeedback spurs debate oneastern extension of SpiritTrail

NICK LABA nlaba@nsnews.com

Thereare still bumps in theroad when it comestoextendingthe North Shore’slongest continuous greenway to the east.

During aworkshop on May13, District of NorthVancouver council provided staffwith feedbackonsectionsofthe Spirit Trail planned to wind its way eastward.

While staffasked counciltofocus on phases of work targeted for completion in 2025–namely,SeymourRiver to Windridge Park and Roche PointTrail to Whey-ah-Wichen/Cates Park –much of theworkshop’sdiscussion trailedoff into debates about morecontroversial parts of thepath.

In particular,some on council expressedapreference for thetrail to crossMt. Seymour Parkway at Strathaven Drive, while others thought staying south of the arterialroute was better.But those southern routes would requiremorebridgestobe built, andneighbours have complained because the path would pass through more residential areas.

Elected officials also weighed the merits of different routing choices for the final stretch to Deep Cove, which is slated for construction in 2027.

Work on the extension was approved by council last year as part of the2023-27 capital plan, explained Shane Devine, senior project manager for the district.

Around one year into the plan,staff have started an awareness campaign and gathered early feedback from the community.Around 600people attended two open houses on the project, and staffhave received morethan 130 emails,aswellasdozensofphone calls and individual meetings.

Speaking to council, Devine addressed afew common themesfrom the public input. Oneofthose was how tomanage the different types of trail users, whichhesaid can be addressed through design choices like traffic calming and improved sightlinesto increase visibility

“Furthermore, by improvingthe rest of the cycling network, such as planned improvements forMt. SeymourParkway,itisexpectedthat faster cyclists will be encouraged to stay on the moredirect connections,”

hesaid

Devine added that therewere concerns expressed over the trail travelling through local residential streets.

“It’s criticaltoknow that local roads can be madesafe for afractionofthe cost ascomparedtobusier roads,” hesaid, adding that the cost can be substantialto make trails accessible to avariety of users and can result in substantial loss of trees and habitat

“Simply put,thereisnoway for council to completely avoid the use oflocal roads to make aSpirit Trail connection from SeymourRiver to DeepCove givenbudget constraints,” he said.

Devine finished his presentation by asking council to give feedback on the first sections of the trail so staffcan be on track to startconstruction late2024 or early nextyear.

Mayor Mike Little said one of the original criteria for the Spirit Trail was tominimize use of roads in single-familyneighbourhoods. He also noted that crossing Mt.Seymour Parkway isn’t insurmountable,asthe current route already crosses some major roads.

Coun. Jim Hanson agreed with the mayor andwent further,advocating for the trail to continuenorth all the way to Deep Cove.

“I wonder if it isn’t prematurefor usto be weighinginonRoche Point and theWhey-ah-Wichen connection,” Hanson said.

Councillors disagree whether Spirit Trail should travel through

Whey-ah-Wichen/Cates Park

In response, Coun. Jordan Back said missing alink to that park would be a huge missed opportunity.

“That particular park is such an importantpartofour community, to the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) community, so Iwould hatetosee that not moveforward,” he said.

On the Whey-ah-Wichen section Pope aligned with Back, calling it a “critical” connection.

“I don’tsee that it excludes any other option, so I’m verysupportive of pressing forward,” she said. “I would hate to see any kind of pause put on this project at this point, because it’s been around since 2010.

“Hereweare again fourteen years later.We’ve got funding, we’vegot interest,we’vegot excitement.It’stime to move forwardwith it,” Pope said.

After moreback and forth, council agreed therewas consensus forthe Windridge portion, but were divided if the Spirit Trail should travel south through Whey-ah-Wichen Park or not.

To that end, Little suggested that the Roche Point Parkconnection could still be completed, and council could later decide if it would become the main routeofthe trail, or a“spur” off of it.

“It sounds like there’senough supportfor that ineither case, as to whether it is aspur that goes to the park or whether it becomes the elbow of the Spirit Trail looping up to Deep Cove,” he said. “It doesn’t sound to me like there’sdisagreement on that.”

Chemtradeoperates achlor-alkali facilityinNorth Vancouver, located at 100 AmherstAvenue. The facility has been operating since 1957 andprovides over 70 per cent of theliquid chlorineavailable in BC andAlberta, which is critical for treatingmunicipal drinking water.

Chemtradehas startedconversations regardinglease renewalsfor its facilityinNorth Vancouver, andas part of that process, is engagingwith theDistrict of NorthVancouver,the community,First Nations, stakeholders, andspecial interest groups to share information, listen,and answer questions. Chemtrade wouldlike to invite you to attend an upcomingOpen House to learn more about theprocess andpossible next steps.

Eventdetails:

Date: June 6, 2024

Location: NorthVancouverHoliday Inn 700Old Lillooet Rd, NorthVancouver, BC Times: 2:00 p.m.to4:00p.m. and 6:00 p.m.to 8:00p.m.

Note –The presentation and informationwillbethe sameatbothmeetings. The first 45 minutes will be unstructuredwithtimefor visiting information stations and asking questions.The secondhourof themeeting willinclude apresentation and open floor questions.Pleaseattendwhichever meeting bestfits your schedule.

Youcan learn moreinformationaboutChemtrade, the North Vancouver facility, andthe potential lease renewal process by visiting AskChemtrade.ca. Forquestions about themeetings, please contactAmy Jonsson, 236-808-7851, or ajonsson@chemtradelogistics.com.

DistrictofNorth Vancouver Couns.Jordan Back andCatherinePope at Bridgman Park on the Spirit Trail. Both councillors areadvocating thatwork to extend the multi-use traileastwardshould proceed without further delay.

PAUL MCGRATH /NSN

OPEN HOUSE JUNE6

Hydrogen fuel ‘Gateway’ announced in North Vancouver

BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com

The Canada Infrastructure Bank is kicking in hundreds of millions of dollars in financing to kickstart a major hydrogen-fuelling network across Western Canada.

Dignitaries were at the site of a future hydrogen plant in North Vancouver Friday to announce the H2 Gateway project, which will include three new clean hydrogen production facilities and 18 fuelling stations in B.C. and Alberta, all led by Metro Vancouver’s HTEC.

The $900-million project is intended to provide a reliable supply chain of hydrogen for medium- and heavy-duty industrial vehicles.

Because of its quick refuelling time and no need for large batteries, hydrogen is poised to become the preferred zero-emission energy source for industry as it moves to decarbonize, said HTEC CEO Colin Armstrong

The new plants will be built in Burnaby, Nanaimo and Prince George. The first seven hydrogen-fuelled heavy trucks are due to show up on B.C roads later this year Once fully operational, the project is forecasted to reduce greenhouse gas emissions approximately 133,000 tonnes annually.

But, more than cutting emissions in B.C., Armstrong said funding will also go a long way to catalyzing the expansion of hydrogen fuel everywhere.

“Once we do this, we believe we can take it certainly across the country and to the rest of the world,” he said. “We’ve got a lot to do and the time is now, so this is a big vote of confidence.”

The project is expected to create 250 new jobs in construction and 150 new permanent jobs for operations.

The Canada Infrastructure Bank is

providing $337 million in financing for the project.

B.C.’s Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, meanwhile, has provided HTEC with up to $130 million in carbon credits, which the company can then sell to other firms looking to meet their carbon-reduction commitments.

Premier David Eby said it was fitting that the Lower Mainland – where more than half of the companies in the field are located – should become the Silicon Valley of hydrogen research and development given B.C.’s record-setting forest fires

“The need to address climate change is very obvious in British Columbia because

we are on the front lines of climate impacts,” he said. “It would be a massive, negligent error on a scale economically that has not been seen long time in Canada, if we did not take advantage of our positioning, of our technology, of our people and our electricity, to seize this moment.”

The project builds on another one already underway by HTEC – the purchase of ERCO Worldwide’s sodium chlorate plant in Maplewood.

The facility produces chemicals for industrial uses, but it also gives off more than 15 tonnes of hydrogen per a day as a byproduct. HTEC is building electrolyzers

to capture that hydrogen and feed it into the supply chain.

Armstrong said he had been eyeing the facility for hydrogen capture since he co-founded HTEC in North Vancouver 20 years ago

The project drew praise from B.C. Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Minister Josie Osborne

“This is turning waste into a clean fuel and it’s exactly the type of innovation that we need to see more of,” she said. “Using renewable electricity to make emissions-free hydrogen means we’re displacing diesel, we’re cutting pollution from heavy duty transportation, and that is a huge benefit for people and the environment.”

As a former hydrogen tech CEO and current hydrogen car owner, Natural Resource Minister and North Vancouver MP Jonathan Wilkinson said he appreciated the advancement of HTEC’s projects. But, he added, the federal government sees even more for the element’s future in Canada’s economy

Under Natural Resources Canada’s hydrogen strategy, the government envisions hydrogen making up 31 per cent of the energy consumed by users by 2050, with a domestic market alone estimated to be worth $50 billion per year.

“Climate change is also rapidly changing and transforming the global economy and global finance in ways that are creating enormous economic opportunities for those who approach the transition to a low-carbon future in a thoughtful, determined and focused manner,”

Both Eby and Wilkinson used to the opportunity to take digs at their right-ofcentre opponents, suggesting they did not take climate change seriously and that they would “tear up” the kind of progress being announced.

Premier David Eby speaks at announcement on hydrogen refuelling at North Vancouver’s HTEC, on Friday, May 25 PAUL MCGRATH / NSN

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Could DistrictofNorth Vancouver have aresidents’assembly?

NICK LABA nlaba@nsnews.com

Distinguishing between the loudest and the most representative voices in the room during public hearings has comeupagain and againasa challenge in the DistrictofNorth Vancouver.

That’swhy council heardfromexperts atthe Renovate the Public Hearingproject during aworkshop on Monday,May 13. Ultimately,council accepted the presentation for information and expressed enthusiasmfor afinalreportinJune.

Intheir presentation, representatives from the Renovate team outlined the results of consultation with municipal leaders and staff, as well as membersof the public.

Feedback showed that people thinkit’s important to hear from the public on landuse decisions.

Therewas also consensusonthe challenges of public hearings.Decisionmakers didn’talways feel they were gettinginformation at the right time to makeaproject better,and sometimes thereare risks –especially for non-profits–offinancial loss if projectsare rejected after apublic hearing, according to the presentation.

Other key themes mentioned include

having democratic dialogue throughout ratherthan just commenting towardthe end of the process, as well as boosting the participation of all demographics, especially Indigenous individuals.

To gauge howpublic engagement could be improved, Renovate is watching how alternative models areplaying out in real time.

In New Westminster,the municipality usesanonlinetool to gather feedbackona

project beforeanapplication’sthirdreading. According to Renovate, this givesshift workers or people with caregivingresponsibilities achance to chime in, and removes the unpredictability of how long it might taketoparticipate.

Over in Gibsons, council has formed a residents’ assembly.Apool of 275 applicants waswhittled down to 25 participants, with the help of an algorithm that determines a demographically representative sample. The assembly gathers to learn about aproject, deliberate different options and trade-offs, and finally make recommendations to council.

Basedonthe high level of engagement, Gibsons is considering having the assembly stayas an advisorybody moving forward.

Councillorssupportive of tools to increase public engagement

Over the past 10-15 years, it’sbeen harder to get information out to the community,and interest has waned as well, said Coun.Lisa Muri.

“I’m in favour of being able to attract people online to takepartinthe process,” she said. “We’ve seen developers stack public hearings for years. We had one hearing whereeverysingle person that spoke was

connected to the development industry

“I thinkthere’salot of work to do in regards to giving democracy back to our community,and not takingitaway,which is what Ithinkthe province has done,”Muri said, referring to Bill 44, which bans most public hearings for residential projects.

Coun. Catherine Pope said council still wantstomake sure thepublic is heard.

“We’ve got to also ensurethat it’s inclusive, reflectsthe broader community and not just the people whohave shown up for public hearings in the past,” shesaid.

Council wants to increase participation, especially since voter turnout in the last civic election was ameager 23 per cent, said Coun. Herman Mah

“When Ilooked at your presentation on the residents’ assembly model, it does seem like abig commitment. Youtalk about five sessions,six hours per day,” he said.

“At thesame time, Iknow that alot of people have busy lives now as it is…. Sometimes people just wanttosendasimple email. Iget phone calls, or Iget arequest to meet with people in the community,”Mah said.

“I thinkthat’s still an element of engagementthat we don’t necessarily wanttolose out on.”

NORTH SHOREJAZZ

PRESENTING PARTNER

KEYNOTE SPONSOR

MAJOR SPONSORS

Speakers Schedule9

Senior Fraud Prevention Constable Matt Plant West Vancouver Police

B.Sc. M.D

Hearing Health is Brain Health HowHearing Loss Affects Brain Function and Overall Health

MandyFisch, MSc. RAUD,RHIP, Owner Operator Victoria Erickson, MSc., RAUD,RHIP HearingLifeformerlyNexGenHearing Spotlight on Ageism Lorna Harding, Coordinator North ShoreCommunity Response Network

Speaker presentations arelocated in the Seniors’ ActivityCentre and West Vancouver CommunityCentre.

Speakers

DanLevitt, BC SeniorsAdvocate TheFutureofAgeing

During this keynotepresentation, BC SeniorsAdvocate, DanLevitt,will exploretrends in issues that older adultsare facing in communities acrossthe province andidentify opportunities forchange. He will explorenew ways of moving forwardtobuild abetter futurefor older adultsand inspirehealthy ageing.

Location: ActivityRoom, Seniors’ ActivityCentre|Time: 10 –11a.m.

PRESENTING PARTNER

DannyBirch, Founder &Co-CEO, Hero Home Care Navigating the CareContinuum in BC

Loneliness&Social Isolation: Tips forStaying Connected Cherian Itty, Owner ComfortKeepers North &West Vancouver AMICArepresentative

Unforeseen Tomorrow:The Essentials of IncapacityPlanning MikeBeishuizen, Lawyer West Coast Wills &Estates

Get it Together: OrganizeYour Important Personal Information &Documents to Protect Yourself Nowand in the Future

Nicole Garton, President Heritage Trust

Managing Osteoarthritis Through Exercise AndreMascarenhas, Physiotherapist Aquatic CentrePhysiotherapy, Lifemark Ian Horne, Kinesiologist Registered Kinesiologist, DWV/Aquatic CentrePhysiotherapy

Beyond TheMove:Guidance&Emotional Supportfor SeniorsInTransition JudieDahl,Founder and CEO Your Moving Concierge CynthiaGyuk, RSW, BSW, Founder Meaningful Endings

Dizzinessinthe Elderly Abeed Hirji, RegisteredOT, Certified Clinical Vestibular Therapist, Clinical Concussion Therapist Lifemark PhysiotherapyLonsdale

This informativesession aims to equip youwith valuable knowledgeabout navigating the care continuum in BC, empoweringyou to makewell-informeddecisionsregarding carefor youand your lovedones. Gain acomprehensiveunderstandingofboth the privateand public sectorsof homecareand senior living, including their unique features, benefits, limitations,and costs. Join us as we navigatethe world of senior caretogether,enabling youtoage in your placeofchoice with confidenceand peaceofmind

Location: ActivityRoom,Seniors’ ActivityCentre| Time: 11:15 a.m. –12p.m.

COMMUNITY PARTNER

MikeBeishuizen, Lawyer,West Coast Wills &Estates

Unforeseen Tomorrow:The Essentials of Incapacity Planning

In this insightful presentation, an experienced estatelawyerfromWestcoast Wills &Estates discusses incapacityplanning. What documents should youhaveinplace? What aresome of thecomplications?Inthis area of law, being proactiveisessential to ensure that youmaintain controloveryour financial and healthcaredecisions, should youlose mental capacityinthe future.

Location: GardenRoom, West Vancouver CommunityCentre|Time: 1–1:45p.m.

Judie Dahl, Founder andCEO,Your Moving Concierge

Cynthia Gyuk, RSW, BSW, Founder of Meaningful Endings Beyond the Move:Guidance &Emotional Supportfor SeniorsinTransition

This valuable session goes beyond he move.Itfocusesonthe value of lifechange, and the vulnerabilitythat is felt whendealing with lossduring this transition. Glean insightful informationand tools that canassist youinnot only navigating the physical processofyour move,but also the emotional lossaround letting go of your “stuff”and embracing the memories theyhold. Discoverhow thetransition intoanew physical spacecan be ameaningful experience filled withlovingmemories, newconnections, and an experiencethat honoursyour wishes.

Location: Ocean Room,WestVancouver CommunityCentre| Time: 2:15 –3 p.m.

MAJORSPONSOR

Mandy Fisch, MSc., RAUD,RHIP,Owner Operator Victoria Erickson, MSc., RAUD,RHIP HearingLifeformerlyNexGenHearing Hearing Health is Brain Health:How Hearing Loss Affects Brain Function and Overall Health

Do youeverfeel tired or stressed from socializing, become confused during conversations, or find that people aremumbling?Your brain mayneed moresound input! Your earscollect and transmit sounds to your brain,where they areprocessed intomeaningful

information. When your brain is not receiving enough sound information from your ears, your communication abilityisadversely affected.Our presentationreviews current and longitudinal research, demonstrating that untreated hearing losscan have farreaching implications thatgo well beyond hearing alone.

Learn howtreatinghearing losscan keep the brain fit, increase communication skills to improve social interactions, and enhancebrain stimulation, helping to mitigatethe potentially significant negativehealth consequences of untreated hearing loss. Join us to delvefurther intothis contentious trending topic.

Location: AV Room, Seniors’ ActivityCentre|Time: 1–1:45 p.m.

MAJOR SPONSOR

Nicole L. Garton, B.A., LL.B., LL.M., C.Med, FEA, TEP,HeritageTrust Get it Together: OrganizeYour Important Personal Information &Documents to Protect Yourself Nowand in the Future

Puttingtogether an estatebinder will requiresome time and effort, but the rewardswill be well worthyour while. Collecting all your most importantinformation and documents intoan organized estatebinder will relieve your family of aheavy burden, should anything happen to you. Your preparation and planning will ensurethat your importantpersonal and health wishes arefollowedand that your estateissettled in acost-effectiveand efficientmanner.Enjoy the peaceofmind knowing that this importanttask is taken careof.

Location: AV Room, Seniors’ ActivityCentre|Time: 2:15 –3p.m.

Rachel Hahn, RN, Nurse CareDirector,Proof of Care

Natasha Churath, Licensed Practical Nurse, Nurse CareDirector,Proof of Care Urinary Incontinence: All Your Questions Answered

Whether youare experiencing urinary incontinenceorare just worried about when it might start affecting you, this presentationwill answerall your questions. Learn whaturinary incontinence is, what causes it, howitistreated, and howtoprevent it. Thesession will include an overviewof pelvic floor muscles, their role, and mostimportantly,provide prevention and tips on howtohelp manageurinary incontinence.

Location: Garden Room, West Vancouver CommunityCentre |Time: 11:15 a.m. –12p.m.

Lorna Harding, Coordinator,North ShoreCommunityResponse Network

Spotlight on Ageism

Ageism is widely prevalent and stands as the mostsocially accepted and tolerated form of discrimination in Canada. Similar to sexism or racism, ageism is aform of discrimination that judges individuals based on their age. It can manifest at anystageoflife, irrespectiveofone’s age, leading to prejudiced assumptions about aperson’sbackground, abilities, and mental or physical condition, solely based on ageperceptions.

Location: Lily LeeSpirit Room, West Vancouver CommunityCentre|Time: 1–1:45 p.m.

Abeed Hirji , Occupational Therapist, Certified Vestibular Therapist, Clinical Concussion Therapist

Lifemark PhysiotherapyLonsdale Dizzinessinthe Elderly:Screening and Management Options forSenior Wellness

One of the leading health concerns forpeople overthe ageof60isfalling, which is oftenrelated to dizzinessand balanceproblems. Balanceinwalking and standing is dependent on many factorsincluding an individual’svestibular function. Thevestibular system(our body’sbalance apparatus), can begin to function poorly with age, leading to diminished qualityoflife. Dizziness andbalance-related problems arecomplexand challenging, oftenrequiring the expertiseof multiple health practicing clinicians to help alleviateorovercome difficulties with theseissues.

Join Abeed and learn more.

Location: Garden Room, West Vancouver CommunityCentre |Time: 2:15 –3p.m.

Speakers cont.

MAJOR SPONSOR

Cherian Itty, Owner,Comfort KeepersNorth &West Vancouver Loneliness&Social Isolation: Tips forStaying Connected

We aresocial beings and staying connected to our communitywith regular socialinteraction is keytobrain health and happiness. About30% of Canadian seniorsare at risk of becoming socially isolated. Lonelinessisthe distressing feelingofbeingalone or separated, while social isolation is the lack of social contactsand having fewpeople to interact withregularly. Join Cherian in discussing the differencebetween lonelinessand isolation. Learn what the contributing risk factorsare and tips forstayingconnected and nurturing brain health.

Location: Ocean Room, West Vancouver Community Centre|Time: 1–1:45 p.m.

MAJOR SPONSOR

Parm Johal, BSP,RPh, CEO, Wilson-Davies Group

Fall Prevention

Falls arethe leading causeofinjury and the sixth leadingcause of death among seniors. Predominantly occurring at home during routine activities,these incidents stem from easily overlooked hazards. This presentation on fall prevention aims to heighten awareness of such dangersand empowerattendees to mitigatethem effectively.We’lldiscussthe role ofmedications, assistivedevices,nutrition, and exercise in fall prevention, providing a comprehensiveapproach to safeguarding seniors’ well-being.

Location: Lily LeeSpirit Room, West Vancouver CommunityCentre| Time: 11:15 a.m. –12p.m

MAJOR SPONSOR

Barry McBride, Pacific Parkinson’s Research Institute (PPRI) Boardand Research Committee Chair

RogerScott-Douglas, PPRIBoardand Communications Committee Chair

ThePacific Parkinson’sResearch Institute: ALeader in Improving Diagnosis and Treatment of Parkinson’sDisease

Parkinson’sDisease is the fastest growing neurological disease. Morethan 100,000 Canadians livewith Parkinson’sand 30 moreare diagnosed every day. Movement is normallycontrolled by dopamine, achemical that carriessignalsbetween the nervesinthe brain. When cells that normally producedopamine die, the symptoms of Parkinson’sappear Roger Scott-Douglas and BarryMcBride, BoardmembersofPacific Parkinson’sResearch Institute (PPRI), will provide abrief overviewofthe PPRI, its core mission, and history of support to groundbreaking research at the Pacific Parkinson’sResearch Centre(PPRC). Thepresentation will also provide an updateonsome of the exciting, newly fundedresearch projects and highlight ways in which interested individuals can assist in the research work carried out at the PPRC.

Location: Ocean Room, West Vancouver Community Centre| Time: 11:15 a.m. –12p.m.

Constable Matt Plant, West Vancouver Police(WVP) Senior Fraud Prevention

This presentation is designed to help seniors identify various types of fraud and protect themselves from being victimized. In an ever-evolving world, fraud schemes arealways changing, and the policehaveadutytoprotect its citizens, which includes educating them on various crime trends and what to recognize. Basedoncrime trends in the community,the WVP continually updates seniorstoempowerthem in recognizing the various fraud schemes and howtoreportthem to police.

Location: ActivityRoom, Seniors’ ActivityCentre| Time: 2:15 –3p.m

MAJOR SPONSOR

Georgeand Mark McKenzie, Funeral Directors, McKenzie Funeral Services

Coffee, Tea, and Pre-Planning

Although discussing one’sdeath maybeunavoidable, dedicating time to pre-plan your cremation or burial arrangements can offer solacetoboth youandyourfamily.Join George& Mark McKenzie foracup of coffee orteaasthey equip youwiththenecessary tools and guidanceto pre-plan your end-of-lifewishes. Theburden ofmakingnumerous challenging decisions during analready tense period is eased by having athorough andthought-out plan. McKenzie Funeral Services is the only family-owned funeral serviceprovideronthe North Shore.

Location: AV Room, Seniors’ ActivityCentre| Time: 11:15 a.m. –12p.m.

Exhibitors –West Vancouver CommunityCentreGymnasium &ArtsRoom in SAC Memory testing with Medical Arts Health Research Group –Fabric Arts Room, SAC

COMMUNITY PARTNER

AndreMascarenhas, Physiotherapist, Aquatic Centre Physiotherapy, Lifemark Ian Horne, Registered Kinesiologist, District of West Vancouver/Aquatic CentrePhysiotherapy

Managing Osteoarthritis Through Exercise

Close to four million people have been diagnosedwith osteoarthritis in Canada andstatistics showthat this number has been on the rise since2016with hip and kneeosteoarthritis being the most common. JoinIan and Andrefor this information session on managing osteoarthritis through exercise and physical activity. Find out what osteoarthritis is, the different risk factors, pain management, and what treatments areavailable,includingexercise and aqua therapy. Learn howtoexperiencelesspain and getback to the activities youenjoy.

Location: Lily LeeSpirit Room, West Vancouver CommunityCentre|Time: 2:15 –3p.m.

Dr.Robert A.D.Sealey, B.Sc. M.D.

“Green Is the NewGrey” Seniorsand Medical Cannabis

Moreand moreseniorsare curious about whethermedical cannabis is asafeand affordable option formanaging the physical symptoms associatedwith aging and improving their quality of life.This presentation will discussthe history of medical cannabis, the recently discovered endocannabinoid, the sciencebehind the indications/contraindications of medical cannabis along withthe different strains, modes of administration, and barriers to regulated access

Location: ActivityRoom, Seniors’ ActivityCentre| Time: 1– 1:45 p.m.

COMMUNITY PARTNER

Kim Gould, Brock Smeaton &Jesse Dean Cook, Realtors,Smeaton Cook Real Estate Group of RoyalLePageSussexWest Vancouver Lunch &Learn: Real Estate– Your GreatestAsset and Next Steps

Join us foranengaging lunch and learn session tailored specifically to seniorsand presented by the #1 real estateteam on the North Shore. We will explorehow real estatecan be your greatest asset in retirement and will sharevaluable insights into thecurrent market conditions, empowering youtomakeinformed decisions about your next steps

Whether you’reconsidering downsizing or privatesenior residences,we’ll delveintothe available options. Learn howtonavigatethis transition with confidenceand easewhile unlocking the full potential of your real estateassets and embarking on the next chapter of your lifewith peaceof mind.

Location: ActivityRoom, Seniors’ ActivityCentre|Time: 12:10 –12:45 p.m.

Film Screening: Keys Bags Names Words: ADocumentary Film About HopeinAging and Dementia

Dementia is one of the greatest fearsofpeople today. This documentaryshifts the narrativeoffearand hopelessness to one of hope and action. Thereare things we candoasindividuals to reduceour risk of developing dementia. Thereare ways to connect meaningfully with our lovedones, even if theynolonger recognizeus. We can liveahigh qualityoflifeafter diagnosis

Producer/Director: CynthiaStone

Editor/Co-Producer: Linda Peckham

Location: AV Room, Seniors’ ActivityCentre|Time: 3:15 –4:15 p.m.

Meet Our KeynoteSponsor:

LILY LEE

KEYNOTE SPONSOR

Lily LeeisaWest Vancouver resident and long-time philanthropist. She has always been interested in supporting publichealth and the health of seniors. Born in remoteAlertBay on Vancouver Island,she eventually made her waytoVancouver where sheattended the UniversityofBritish Columbia and became a public health nurse in 1956. Although Lily leftnursing to raise afamily withher latehusband, local business icon RobertLee, her empathyfor people remains alifelong passion.

Lily’srecent contribution to the Vancouver ChinatownFoundation’sprojectat58West Hastings Street—a 10-storey building—will include 230 units of housing and apublic health clinic. Theclinic will be named Lily LeeHealth CentreinLily’shonour and will be operated by Vancouver Coastal Health. (Read moreat chinatownfoundation.org/58wh/). We aregrateful forLily’sgenerous supportofthe 2024 North ShoreSeniors’ Health Expo keysBAGS NAMESwords hope in aging and dementia

HELICOPTER CRASH

Persian community reacts to death of Iran’s president

HAMID JAFARI

Contributing writer

Ebrahim Raisi, the president of Iran, died in a helicopter crash along with seven other people on Sunday, May 19, near the border of Azerbaijan.

While a funeral service was attended by thousands of mourners in Tehran on May 22, others of Iranian descent around the world, including the North Shore’s thriving Persian population, had different reactions to the death of the man sometimes referred to as the “Butcher of Tehran” or the “Ayatollah of Execution.”

In Toronto, images and videos posted on social media channels showed Iranians gathering and dancing in Mel Lastman Square on May 20. Similarly, in North Vancouver, many in the community reacted positively to the news.

“I woke up to the sound of multiple messages on my phone from my journalist friends in Iran sharing the news,” said former Iranian reporter Mehdi Ghadimi, who now lives in North Vancouver. “In the last decade, the relationship between the Iranian people [both inside the country and the diaspora] and the Islamic Republic has turned into a confrontation, with the regime using brutal crackdowns against the people…. This has created unity among people inside and outside Iran against the regime. Now, when anyone associated with or appointed by this regime dies, it can be a reason for people to celebrate.”

Due to the restrictions on freedom of speech and independent media imposed by the Islamic Republic regime in Iran, Ghadimi said he couldn’t continue working as a journalist During the Women, Life, Freedom movement, he was allegedly arrested by security forces on Jan. 1, 2023 for “propaganda against the regime” and was released after 30 days.

Ghadimi mentioned that some residents held small parties in his neighbourhood in North Vancouver

“I also went to one of the stores and saw the Iranian staff congratulating each other on this news. I hope the authorities will be tried one day for their crimes.”

Armin Nejadyousefi, a 35-year-old Persian singer and the founder of Mashti Café in the heart of Lonsdale Avenue in North Vancouver, said that when he heard the news, he smiled and received several messages from people asking if there would be a party at Mashti.

“I think the crash was the smallest punishment that Raisi could have faced for his crimes,” he said. “These men have done so many crimes, and to us, it felt as

Protestors gather at Vancouver Art Gallery Sept. 16, 2023 to mark the one-year anniversary of the Women, Life, Freedom movement in Iran. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash on May 19, 2024 HAMID JAFARI / NSN

if he was punished.”

Nejadyousefi believes that many people are leaving Iran because of the regime

“The main reason for many Iranians leaving their country is the regime and what they have done and continue to do,” he said, adding that customers at his shop were asking for sweets following the president’s death because it felt like a celebration.

Raisi’s death has led to private celebrations within Iran and public displays of joy among the Iranian diaspora in countries such as France, Belgium, Denmark and Sweden. On social media, Iranian users worldwide have been sharing jokes and memes about Raisi and the crash, with the hashtag #IranIsHappy gaining popularity in memory of those who lost their lives due to the regime’s brutal crackdowns

Social media trends: #IranIsHappy and the nude protest

A trend that appears to have started in Vancouver, B.C., involves Iranian women sharing nude images as an expression of their happiness. One user on X (formerly Twitter) posted, “If he has died, I will share my nude image,” receiving more than five million views. Following the confirmation of Raisi’s death, many women followed the trend.

Among the notable reactions was a video featuring Sima Moradbeigi and Mersedeh Shahinkar, two protesters injured during the Women, Life, Freedom movement. They were seen celebrating the news of the helicopter crash.

During the Women, Life, Freedom movement in Iran, a year after Raisi was appointed president, there were 22,000 arrests, and at least 537 people were killed in the regime’s crackdown. The movement began following the death in

custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was arrested in Tehran by the morality police – a dedicated unit that enforces strict dress codes for women – on Sept. 16, 2022.

Recently, the authorities have launched a new operation called the Light Plan, targeting women who refuse to wear the hijab.

A record of brutality

Raisi’s death has placed increased scrutiny on the succession plan for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader

“My mind turned to the topic of Khamenei’s succession,” Ghadimi said about his reaction to the helicopter crash. “This year is crucial for the regime because the authorities want to find the supreme leader’s successor In other words, ‘winter is coming.’”

Iran observers say Khamenei’s second son, Mojtaba, and Raisi were the two people most frequently mentioned as candidates for the 85-year-old supreme leader’s succession, according to Reuters.

In 2018, Amnesty International documented how Raisi had been a member of the “death commission” that forcibly

disappeared and extrajudicially executed an estimated 2,800 to 5,000 political dissidents in secret at Evin and Gohardasht prisons in Iran in 1988.

In his two-year tenure as head of the judiciary, in 2019-2021, he was responsible for the execution of more than 400 individuals, including political dissidents and protesters, as well as the execution of at least seven juvenile offenders, 25 women, and one man for drinking alcohol, according to the Norway-based Iran Human Rights organization

Raisi, with his Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and other officials, was found dead near Varzaqan in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province.

They were returning to Iran after attending the Giz Galasi Dam project at the Iran-Azerbaijan border.

“Giz Galasi” means “Girl’s Castle,” prompting one social media user to comment: “The order of nature is amazing.” Hamid Jafari is a Vancouver-based freelance journalist who writes about the Iranian community in Canada, art, culture, and social media trends. His work for the North Shore News is supported by New Canadian Media. itshamidjafari@gmail. com.

TwoNorth Vanareas moreprone to damage from earthquakes

and earthquakes into its planning process, according to MayorMike Little. He said his biggest concern was earthquakes and whether infrastructureishardened enough to survive adisaster and still functionduring recovery.

Morethan Maplewood, Little said he’sworried about Cleveland and Seymour dams failing, orthe LionsGate Wastewater Treatment Plant going offline–afacility located in asecond hazard-prone hot spot identified in the Metro maps. Much of the North Shore sits on granite bedrock, but sections of the Maplewood and Norgate areas east of the two bridges arebuiltonsediment and artificial fill moreproneto damage from earthquakes.

One of the highest risks, acknowledged Little, is liquefaction –aphenomenon where water-logged ground starts to act like aliquid, cracking foundations, triggering landslides, and even swallowing up buildings and cars.

SFU’sClague says much of the

strategic infrastructure in Metro Vancouver has already been builtonground prone to failure

He pointed to the portinDelta, Vancouver International Airport and transmission lines crossing the StraitofGeorgia.

“The cow’s out of the barn as they say,” Clague said.

Whether or not the two hazard-proneareas on the North Shore would deepen that trend remains up fordebate.

Questioned over Metro’slatest hazardmaps, Littlesaid it is

worth asecond lookatwhether the district should continue to planfor futuredensity in Maplewood, especially at atime whenthe province is imposing new housing targets andzoning rules on top of municipalities’ planning processes.

“I think it’sabsolutely reasonable forustogobackand look at the risk and see how that linesup with our plans,” said the mayor, “to see what aspectsofrisk can be mitigated and whatjustsimply can’t be.”

‘Might seem scary’but knowledge spursaction

The North Shoreisnot theonly area in MetroVancouver identified as being particularly prone to natural and climate hazards.

Under extreme but lower probability scenarios, flooding,fires and earthquakesthreaten areas along the Pitt River and the Fraser River —including the Fraser’s mouthand shoreline stretching from Coquitlam to Maple Ridge and Langley Township.

The land of theSquamish, Katzie and Kwikwetlem First Nations all fall in areas highly prone to multiple hazards.

Emily Dicken, directorofthe tri-municipal preparednessand response agency North Shore Emergency Management, said the Ebbwater reportdid not surprise her

“This is somethingthatIthink about probably 24/7 and way more thanIshould,” she said.

But when it came to thepublic, she said the maps could galvanize people to act.

“Even though this information

mightseem overwhelming, and in some ways that mightseem scary, we know that people will not usually take actiontowards preparednessand readiness if they do not knowtheir hazards,” she said. “Knowing your hazardisthe firststep of becoming prepared.” MetroVancouver toldthe authors of theEbbwater report not to speak to media, and instead direct all press inquiries to the regional body. In an interview, MetroseniorplannerEdward Nichol said the maps helped the regional bodyunderstand where multiple hazards overlap. He did not commentonthe mosthazard-prone areas.

Mapscome withlimits

Collectingall thehazarddata and sewing it together into maps must have taken a“colossal effort,” according to Tamsin Mills, aformer planner with theDistrict of Squamish and the City of Vancouver

Like other experts interviewed for this story, Mills warned the

Governmentsfacebalancebetween housingneed andhazardrisk

maps come with anumber of caveats.

She said the maps don’t indicate overlapping hazards will happen at the same time, or that once vulnerability studies arecarried out,other areas of the Metro region might not light up red.

“Maybe an older buildingin Richmond in aliquefaction hazard areaisofway greaterconcern than an older building in that dark coloured area of North Van,” said Mills, now asenior associate with Pinna Sustainability.“We don’t know.This map is not telling us that.”

Ebbwater produced earthquake hazardmaps modelling M4.9 and M7 quakes in theGeorgia Strait And whereas wildfireand flood hazardinformation was pulled from provincial and regional databases, the authors did not consider dike breach scenarios due to inconsistent information from cities across the region.

Overall,the quality of data available for the reportwas patchy as some municipalities denied

access to certain sensitive information due to perceived conflicts or risks, the reportsaid.

Insurance companies hold ‘black box’ofdisaster data

Rob de Pruis, the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s national directorofconsumer and industry relations, said the maps offer a good startingplace to build understanding, butthey don’t come close to the detailed risk maps insurance companies rely on. Those subscription-only maps

can cost millions of dollars and arenot accessible to the public, de Pruis said.Hesaid revealing them would be like asking Coca-Cola to give away itssecret formula to the public. It would affect companies’ competitive advantage, and in turn, stock and shareprices.

Mills said infrastructureowners areequally nervous. When she would meet with themasaplanner for the CityofVancouver,they would be reluctant to put marks on amap and reveal vulnerabilities to flood hazards. The fear,she

said, wasthat it would reveal asoft spot that could be usedinacyber or terrorist attack.

For local governments, detailed hazardmaps could also expose municipalities to lawsuits claiming acity knew about therisks and chose to do nothing, said de Pruis.

Then there’sthe potential risk to property owners: if mapsshow the public certain properties arein ahigh-hazardarea, it could impact property values.All those factors combine to put achilling effect on the public flow of disasterinformation, agreed Mills and de Pruis. Ultimately,the public is kept in the dark. The latest set of hazard maps produced for MetroVancouver represents an attempt by experts and government to playcatch up with the insurance industrybut in amoretransparent way.

“This is agreat first step. But it’s just that first step,” de Pruis said

Balancing housing and hazards

Like much of theMetroregion, Clague said theNorth Shore has seen “phenomenal” growth in

recent years. Largely but not solely focused along majortransportationcorridors, that growth has also come up against local oppositioninaregion with limited space to build.

“You can imagine what would happen if they started to build SkyTrain and highrisesall over West Vancouver,” said Clague. “We’recaught between arock and ahardplace.”

Mills said thelatest Metro hazardmaps should put pressure on city,regional and provincial governments to show thepublic they arebalancing arace to build affordable housingwith long-term safety from disaster.

The mapsalso suggest the province may need to come up with alternatives when it pushes for urban density that doesn’t make sense in some hazard-prone places, she said

“Let’sconsider hazards as well as affordability,”said Mills. “I don’t thinkthathas been done well… Clearly,this should give pause.” -Withfilesfrom Nick Laba and Brent Richter

North Vancouver’sChemtradeElectrochem plant produces chlorine.

PAUL MCGRATH /NSN

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Signage changed after closecall withdog walker on West Vantrail

NICK LABA nlaba@nsnews.com

Full suspension reacts as a heavy downhill mountain bike lands ajump. Forest whips by as its rider takes twoquick turns, then offa bigger drop. At the bottom, a woman stands in the middle of thetrail, shouting angrily as several dogs dartaround her.

Luckily,the rider and his buddy in front of himare skilled, and avoidthe woman and her animals. But the scenario could have resulted in anasty tangle if things hadgone differently

Afterwards, Jordan Olthuis –a professionalmountain biker and YouTuber who was filming his ride –was confused.

Chatting with fellowriders inthe Cypress parking lot, they affirmed that they were riding down asanctioned downhill trail, Meat Sweats, wherehikers aren’t supposed to be.

“That scenario was weird because shekind of felt like she

owned the place in away,” said Olthuis, who’sbeen biking down North Shoremountains for more than adecade. “She felt like we don’t belong there.”

Usually hikers and bikers are guided by signage at theheads of trails. In this situation, thefemale hiker hadapparently accessed the trail from the bottom, where nosigns wereatthe time.

That’ssince been fixed, said Deanne Cote, executive director

with theNorth ShoreMountain Bike Association.

“Weweremissing key information at thebottom wherepeople would hike up,” shesaid. “So we connected with theDistrict of West Vancouver …and got the ball rolling on, you know,let’sget some better signage down at the bottom to alertpeople that these arehigh-speed downhill trails and not thesafest place to be hiking up.”

Seenothing.Hearbetter.

The signs wereinstalled at the end of February, just days after theclose call. In April, Olthuis posted avideo of the experience to YouTube, where it’sbeen viewed around 25,000 times.

Following the incident, alocal mountain biker alsorecognized thewoman as adog walker,and reached out to inform herthatit’s alegitimate biking trail, Cote said.

“A lot of these userconflicts just comedown to miscommunication. She maynot have known that these trails were sanctioned, even though we’ve hadpress releases, and there aresigns. [But] you can’t alwayshave signage at everysingle access point,” Cote added.

There’salso been asteep increase in thenumberofcommercial dog walkers on North Shoretrails, she said.

And each trailsystemhas different rules for where dogscan be on and off leash, “whichI think makes it abit confusingfor peoplebecause they just generally don’t know.”

Forthe most part,interactions between different trail users are positive.Tokeep thingsrunning smoothly,Cote said the NSMBA reminds people tobenice and sayhi.

Whenitcomes to trail etiquette, fasterusers yield to slowerusers, she said. It’salso importanttofollow directional signs

“Weare seeingalot of people travellingupdownhill-preferred trails, whichisagain going to be higherspeeds,” Cote said. “Sodo payattention to those trail signs, anddon’t be hiking up adownhill-preferred trail, especially during peak times.”

As the weather improves, and days get longer,trail trafficisonly goingtoget worse.

“Weall just want tobeout there having fun and enjoying nature,”she said. “Just be courteous to the othertrail users out there,iswhatwepreach.” Find thisstoryonnsnews.com to seevideoofthe mountainbike near-miss.

JordanOlthuis narrowly avoids adog walker on the Meat Sweats mountainbikingtrail in West Vancouver COURTESY OF JORDANOLTHUIS /YOUTUBE

FLYLIKE THE WIND

Kite boarder to compete forCanada atyouth world championships

NICK LABA nlaba@nsnews.com

One North Vancouver youth athlete is getting back on boardwith his Canadian teammates to compete on the international stage.

Nathan Pearce will rejoin Sail Canada along with 12 other competitors for the Youth Sailing World Championships, from July 13 to 20 in Lake Garda, Italy.

There, the 15-year-old Argyle Secondarystudent will hope to make waves in the kite boarding event.

This is Pearce’sthird time competing for Canada at the world competition. Last year,heplaced 16th at the 2023 Youth Sailing World Championships in Brazil. He also took thirdplace in the openmale division at the US Open Sailing Series in San Francisco last August.

Nathan Pearce competesatthe 2023Youth Sailing World Championships inBrazil in December FRED HOFFMANN

Hailing from theRoyal Vancouver Yacht Club, Pearce’slong-term goalis to race for Team Canada at the 2028Olympics in Los Angeles.

Addressing theeverydaychallenge and cost of family caregiving

HeroHome Care helps families prioritizethe importanceofplanning ahead foraseniors’ needs withpersonalized health,social and home care solutions

It cantakeaquiet toll,asnot every caregiver will disclose howtheir caregiving responsibilities fortheir lovedones whether an aging parent or spouse affect their ownwell-being. However, they’llcertainlyfeel it: physically, mentally, emotionallyand financially.

FormanyBritish Columbians,mostcare –ofany kind–isnot provided by paid caregiversbut rather by family, neighbours orfriends

According to theBCMinistryofHealth, over1.3 million peopleinBritish Columbia areunpaid caregiversand provide 80% of care in thecommunityfor familyand friends.Not to mention, themajority of these individualsare caring fora chronicallyill or disabled senior,some with dementia or Alzheimer’s

Theissue is moreprevalent than the average familycaregiver realizes: a2018 reportfromStatistics Canada revealsone inevery four Canadians overthe age of 15 is acaregiver

However, thereare resourcesavailableto help educateand inspirefamilycaregivers.

“I think one of thebiggestchallenges we seetodayisthat peoplejustdon’t have the education on thedifferent options out there that areavailabletothem,”says

DannyBirch, co-founder &co-CEO, Hero Home Care

HeroHome Care provides care forseniors wishing to liveindependently throughout Greater Vancouver and theFraser Valley inthe comfortoftheir ownhomes, with services from companionship to 24-hour nursing care,and everything in between. Theorganization also supports family membersoflovedones needing care

Balancingthe demands of unpaidcaregiving

According to TheCanadian Centrefor Caregiving Excellence, Canadians spend 5.7 billion unpaid hourseach year on caregiving, withmanystruggling to meet the demands of care and paid work.In B.C. alone, theestimated economic value of familycarework in 2018 accounted for $14.7 billion. This balancing act is simply notsustainable foranon-professional Everyday,unpaid caregiversassistwith basic needs: dressing,bathing, cooking,

Hero Home Care supplies services to help seniors in Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valleylive independentlywhile staying at home.

medications or transportation, and, more often than not, they accomplish these taskswhilemanaging their ownjob, parenting, or both,aswell as maintaining householdand socialobligations

Thisweightyschedule canlead to negativehealth effects on family caregivers, which maybegradual at first,but overtime canintensify, leaving individualsfeeling lonely, overwhelmed andfrustrated, or evendeveloping chronic pain or mental health issues likeanxiety and depression.

The risk of burnout is everpresent for those carrying such burdens alone and HeroHome Care is heretohelp sharethe load.

“Weencourage peopletostart looking into care fortheir lovedones sooner than later andaccess thehelp beforetheyneed it,” revealsBirch. “Wewant peopletofocus on preventativehealth care rather than reactive. Earlyon, it’s alot easier to keep someone healthythan it is to recoverfrom anysortofincident,such as afall

“Thisiswhy we offerafreenoobligation in-home Care Consult. By taking the

proper steps,wecan drasticallyreduce thechanceoffalls, caregiver burnout and manyother life-altering events.”

Familycaregivers seeking supportinGreater Vancouver andthe Fraser Valley

“Our hope is that peoplecan access information easier,tounderstand, and plan ahead,”saysBirch. “Understanding what costsare involved both financially and emotionally, and their time managing somebody’s care is moreextensivethanI think mostpeoplerealize.”

HeroHome Care is thepresenting partner of thesixthannual North ShoreSeniors’ Health Expo at theWestVancouver Seniors’ ActivityCentre,onJune 7, from 11:15a.m. –12p.m. DannyBirch will deliver an informativesession on “Navigating theCareContinuuminB.C.,” thatwill help empoweryou to makewellinformed decisions regarding care foryou and your lovedones

Formoreinformation, visit herohomecare.ca.

The organization offers a free noobligation in-home Care Consult, focusing on preventative rather than reactive care.

Statsshowmorework needstobedone to addresscongestion

Collision rates reduced

The reportdoes attempt ahigh-level cost benefit analysis accounting fortime saved during the weekdayrush hours, thanks to the project, whichwas first conceived of and funded under theBC Liberals in 2014, with the District of North Vancouver and federalgovernmentsharing in thecosts.

Collectively,the analysis estimates a daily cost savings of $24,000, based on time no longer spent in traffic, or $5.9 millionper year,for the $200-millionproject.

Although the study’sauthors warn that moredata mayberequired to understand longer-term collision rates, the report finds about $6.5 million wassaved in injury costs and propertydamage when factoring in the number of crashes that occurred per kilometredriven.

Because of the increases in efficiency, the reportestimates carbon emissions from drivers’vehicles through that stretch have been reduced by 10 per cent inthe morning and five percent in the afternoons

The reportdid note thatthe average number of weekday drivers passing through the corridor was120,000 in 2022 –still about 4.5 per cent lower than it was in 2018, apossible functionofmoreNorth Shoreemployees working from home. During that time period, average volumes onweekends wereupbytwo per cent.

Rapid transit is the answer,North Vancouver MLA says

North Vancouver-Lonsdale MLA Bowinn Maacknowledgedthat some improvements had beenmade but she said, that maybecold comfortfor drivers who stillhave averyfrustrating experience in today’straffic.

“Congestion is averyhuman experience and it’sveryemotionally driven,” she said. “So, the data mayshow that people are getting to wherethey need to go faster and with more consistency,but it likely won’t feel thatway when you’reactually behind the wheel.”

Ma said the biggest win from the project hasbeen the decrease in collisions.

“Not only from asafety perspective, but also in the experience of drivers,” she said. “Itcreates an incredibly unpredictable environment for commuters.”

Ifthe North Shorewants less car congestion, Ma said, abetter strategy would be to find away to house people who currently commute herevia Highway 1.

“Because, whether or not people areliving here, they areworking here,” she said.

The Ironworkers Bridge still has

JayPorter, projectmanager forthe Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, and District of North Vancouver engineer ErinMoxonlook out on the Highway1 interchangesfromMountain Highway. MIKE WAKEFIELD /NSN FILES

decades of life left in it but Ma said planning workfor its replacement has already begun within the ministry.That new bridge though should be seen primarily as a rapid transit link, not justameans toget more cars on and offthe NorthShore, she added.

“If we weretoadd additional car lanes ontoabridge across the BurrardInlet, thosecars would simply get jammed up in our local streets,”she said. “Wealsoknow that induced demand means that that extra space will be veryquickly filledup byadditional commuting, and we’re going to see additional commuting if you don’t resolve our housing affordability challenge, particularly in light of increased population across the region.”

North Vancouver mayornot surprised

Mayor Mike Little saidstudy reveals some answers about traffic patterns today, but it also indicates moreworkwillneed tobedone to address congestion on the North Shore.

“It shows that therewas some progress andsome benefit, which we all saw there was going to be when youbetter manage eight lanes of traffic downtothree,” he said. “But it doesn’t get an extra person overthe bridge and so that’sstill to be to be determined.”

Little said no one in government was expecting the project tobeasilver bullet for North Shoretraffic but thedata showing improvement does align with his personal experiences commuting from his own neighbourhood.

“Wedefinitely knew the limits of what itwas going toimprove because it wasn’t going to address the bridge deck. But there’s no question that it has improved reliable access toand from the Seymour area,” he said.

When trafficisatits worst –days when a stallorcollision has closed one lane of southboundtraffic on the bridge –Little

B.C. MinistryofTransportation andInfrastructuredata shows peak median travel times from Lynn ValleyinNorth Vancouver to theIronworkers Memorial Second Narrows Crossing in Sept.2018 and Sept.2022. BINNIE

said thereisstill work tobedone.

“The clearance time for collisions on thebridgeisstill extremely long,” he said.

Littleadded that although study was “data rich”inhow it analyzed driverstats within the Lower Lynn Improvement Project corridor,itdid not reveal at all

wherethe traffic wascoming from or why

“While it does address some of the performance issues, in my view,itdoesn’t address the demand side, whichishistorically long line-ups on both sidesofthe bridge at different timesofthe day,and it’s seven days aweek,” he said

The greatest invention since thegas BBQ.

At Alpine Appliance Installations we areknown forqualityproducts such as the AGACookerand ourcustom-made hood fans We arepleasedto introduce youtothe Evogrill.The Evogrill is the most versatile grill that letspeoplesharethe joy of cooking and bring people togetheraround food.With it’s circular flattopcooking surface, Evolets youpreparevirtually anycuisine from anyangle.Bycooking directly on the cooking surface,you can sear,sauté, grill,toast or stir-fry. Youcan also use pots or pans to boil,braise, poach,orsteam.

Thesuperior performance of Evo’scircular flat cooking surface is the result of asingle,slightly curved pieceofsteel that traps the heat. The cooking surface is oil seasonedtopromotea natural non-stick cooking surface.Thereare no hot spots,the even heat ranges from 225degrees F. to 550 degreesF.

All the Evogrills aredesignedand manufactured in the U.S.A.

Make afull breakfast of eggs, bacon, pancakes, andsausage on the grill. Lunch burgers,grilled sandwiches,tacos.Dinner steaks,chickensatays, kabobs,flatbread pizza….

Evogrill comes in multiple models to best suit your needs

-Evo Affinity30G forlarge outdoor kitchens

-Evo Affinity25G forsmalleroutdoor kitchens.

-Evo Professional Wheeled Cart enables you to move around thepatio or backyard.

-Evo Professional Tabletop Grill is portable foruse on atable or to takewith youon the road

-Evo Affinityindoor models arethe ultimate cooking appliance forany indoor kitchen, availableina25”or 30”diameter cooktop They aredesigned forbuilt-in installation in residential indoor kitchen counters or islands.

Discoverour website www.alpinecanada.com formoreinformation on our products,services and the Evogrill.

‘CAT’BURGLARS

RCMP warn of dramatic increase in catalyticconverter thefts

JANE SEYD jseyd@nsnews.com

‘Cat’ burglars areontheprowl again in North Vancouver –particularly in neighbourhoods above Highway 1.

North Vancouver RCMP are warningofadramatic increase in catalytic converter thefts in the DistrictofNorth Vancouver.

Since May 12, therehave been 25 thefts of thecatalytic converters, with neighbourhoods including Cleveland, Grousewoods, Handsworth and Lynn Valley among the hot spots targeted by thieves.

Most vehicles being targeted areHyundai’sTucson and Santa Fe SUVs.

Police say they don’t know who’sresponsible, but it’slikely to be agroup of thieves, possibly acting together

“Because it’ssofrequent, it’s anindication that it is probably a group of people” that arecommitting the thefts, said Const. Mansoor Sahak, spokesman forthe NorthVancouver RCMP

“Obviously they’reselling them tomakemoney. And it’sprofitable, whichiswhy they’ll continue doing it.”

North VancouverRCMP are appealing to thepublic –particularly residentswho live in the targeted neighbourhoods– to contactpoliceiftheyhave any video surveillancethatmay have captured the cat burglars at work

“As isoften the case, our biggest investigational assetsare vigilant community members,” said Sahak. “Surveillance footage is an immensely helpful resource that we lean on for identifying suspects and the patterns that can lead to an arrest. If athief knows they’rebeing recorded and the whole neighbourhood isonthe lookout,they’ll be more likely to change their plans.”

As the name suggests, acatalytic converter –which is part ofthe exhaust system–converts manyofavehicle’s moreharmful exhaust pollutantsintoless harmful emissions.

Most catalytic converters are

stolen with theintention of selling the parts to arecycling facilityfor the small amount of valuable metal theycontain.

Twoyears ago, the province changed the regulations formetal dealers and recyclers to require them to reporteach sale of catalytic converters, including seller information, to police.

So far,however,that has yet to have much of an effect

“Obviously, we’renot seeing thateffect right now as we speak,” said Sahak

Anew catalytic converter costs between $100 and $200, buthaving one professionally installed can ding avehicle owner for many morehundreds of dollars.

With the right tools and technical knowledge, acatalytic convertercan be cut out and stolen quickly –“30 seconds flatinsome cases,” said Sahak. “However,thisisanoisyprocess. If you find yourself wakingto the sound of power tools at an ungodly hour and spotasuspicious person underneath acar,

please don’t hesitate to give us a call.”

That’swhat happened last summer, when asharp-eyed citizen who spied threepeople under a car in theGrand Boulevardareaat 1a.m.called police, leading to the arrest of two men and one woman. At the time,the trio wereusing asaw to cut out the vehicle’sconverter and had already hitseveral cars nearby.

Oneprogram that’sbeen launched in some other Lower Mainland communities involves etchingvehicle identification numbers(VINs) –a17-digit code unique to everyvehicle –directly onto catalytic converters to prevent them from being sold illegally. That hasn’t been started yet on theNorth Shore, but wsaid he’s hopeful it may be in thefuture.

In themeantime, police suggest parking insideahomegarage, if possible, using motionsensing exteriorhouselights if you park in your driveway, parkinginawell-lit area and keepinganeagle eye on your neighbourhood.

North Vancouver RCMP have reporteda recent rash of catalytic converterthefts. VICTORIA POLICE

Among the second-growth are some trees 800+ years old

The area is currently mostly made up of undeveloped forest land and hiking trails at higher elevations above the British Properties, between the municipality’s Eagle Lake watershed in the west and Metro Vancouver’s Capilano watershed in the east.

District of West Vancouver Mayor Mark Sager and B.C. Parks Foundation CEO Andrew Day made the announcement Monday morning, at the Cypress Village pop-up overlooking Burrard Inlet and Metro Vancouver

“We’re sending a message to everybody that we care about the environment, we care about the backdrop to our city,” Sager said.

One of largest protected areas near urban centre

The new park is almost twice the size of Stanley Park. Combined with other existing nearby municipal and provincial parks on the North Shore, “this area is one of the largest protected areas within an hour of an urban centre in the world,” said Day.

Monday’s park dedication more than doubles the amount of park land in West Vancouver, according to district staff Parks now represent 11 per cent of all district-controlled land.

Plans to preserve the area for both

recreation and as a critical environmental reserve for the Lower Mainland have long been under discussion and has been recommended by previous municipal task forces that investigated the issue.

But the area has never formally been dedicated as a park.

MAYOR MARK SAGER

Sager said some of the park area will be conserved for wildlife and ecological values while other parts will be accessible to the public.

Coun. Sharon Thompson, who introduced the parks bylaw along with Coun. Peter Lambur, said creating the park is important for “protecting our quality of life” on the North Shore and making sure the area is saved for future generations.

B.C. Parks Foundation launches fund

In concert with the new park dedication, on Monday the B.C. Parks Foundation also launched a Cypress Hollyburn Foundation

with money going towards projects in the new park. Those could range from wildfire education to construction and upkeep of trails and bridges and creation of spaces for people with disabilities, said Day A $3 million grant from the Wilson 5 Foundation will match funds for any donation to kickstart the new fund.

Day, the son of former West Vancouver councillor Rod Day, said creation of the park has particular meaning to him.

“When I was younger, I walked all through these hills, and I had my first experience in an old growth forest,” he said “The trees were bigger, the ground was softer The air had a beautiful temperature, and the light was just gorgeous.

“But there was something else that I felt at that time. And that was this sense that this place had a kind of sentience and intelligence of its own. And I remember thinking, ‘Are we intelligent enough as human beings to understand the intelligence of nature?’ And over the course of my lifetime, what I’ve seen is that we are awakening to the intelligence of nature, we’re realizing that nature is far smarter than we are at regulating climate, at pulling carbon out of the atmosphere, at regulating water flow and producing clean water. It’s also incredibly intelligent at producing health for us and

other species.”

The history of efforts to preserve forest land in West Vancouver’s upper lands dates back almost 35 years.

In the spring of 1990, West Vancouver council was just a couple votes away from clear-cutting up to 140-hectares of municipally owned land on Hollyburn Mountain and leasing it out to a developer who would turn it into a 27-hole golf course. But a group of activists stepped in and forced a referendum. The public turned the golf course down. That area later became the Old Growth Conservancy

Some veteran trees protected

Most of the forest land protected Monday is second-growth forest, originally logged about 100 years ago

But within that second-growth forest there are also much-older veteran trees as well.

“Some of those trees are 200, 400 or 800 years old, “said Bardsley, who helped complete a volunteer study of some of those trees along with David Cook, and who was part of the original group determined to save the forest in West Vancouver

Sager said Monday he was grateful for all of the people who have worked on protection of the area over the years.

TIME TRAVELLER

Aweekly glimpseintoNorth Shore’spastfromMONOVA:MuseumofNorth Vancouver

McBain real estate office

This image, takenin1908, showsthe office building of G. A. McBain &Co. Real Estate Brokersand NotariesPublicwhich stoodat518 Lonsdale Ave.

Thebuilding, nowlongdemolished, wasbuilt in aversion of theColonialRevival style. George McBain canbeseenstandingwithhis wife anddaughterata side entrance,and recent land clearing forthe early city is visibleinthe background

McBain served as aCityofNorth Vancouveralderman from 1917-18, andismostremembered for donatingthe lotoflandusedfor St.Andrew’sUnitedChurchin1912.

Visit monova.cafor more information aboutthe history of theNorth Shoreand to learnabout MONOVA: MuseumofNorth Vancouver, nowopenat115 West Esplanade in TheShipyards.MONOVA: Archives of NorthVancouver is locatedat3203Institute Road in Lynn Valley.Contact:archives@monova.ca

Youshould seek Solomon’s seal

LAURA MARIE NEUBERT

Contributing writer

The Aprilshowersthat we experienced this May have been kind to our rain garden, encouraging cool-and-damploving native plantstoexpand their territory.

The beautiful perennialwoodlandherb, false Solomon’sseal, Smilacina racemosa, seems particularly happy,and is, Ilearned recently,uncommonly delicious.The asparagus-like shoots that is –blanched ever so quickly in sea-salted water, and then drizzled with olive oil and driedsumac.

Our false Solomon’sseal is quite at home in the cool damp, shaded by highbush cranberry, snowberry, swordferns,bleeding heartand wild ginger

The rain garden is young, cominginto its own this thirdsummer,but already inhabitantsare increasing their territory, spreading laterally intothe thick moss carpet thatdelineates the now-abandoned fairyforest.

FalseSolomon’sseal is slow to germinate, and unlike its look-alike cousin Solomon’s seal, does not takeover seemingly overnight via avastunderground networkofrhizomes. In two of our south-facing gardens, true Solomon’sseal has taken hold, and wereit

“Mom’sillness haseveryone worried.”

not for our veggie dog Dave devouring the young shootseach spring, Iamsurethatwe wouldbeover-run.

Iamconfident that over time thefalse Solomon’sseal in the shadyrain garden will spread far and wide enough to provide a few handfuls of tender shoots each spring, and in fall large clusters of ruby-red berries

We areyour local Home Care professionals andhave been proudlyserving seniors on theNorthShore since1980. We know how hard it can be on afamily when alovedone is chronically ill or recovering froma recenttraumalikeabrokenhip.Lifedoesnot stop. Youstill have afull-timejob, kids that need you, anda lovedone whocannot manage safely on theirown.Let us help!Wecan be therewith supportivecare24/7, medicationassistance, meals, even ridestodoctor’sappointments. This is the caringsolutionfor your lovedone andyour family.

False Solomon’s sealshoots, like asparagus, stay freshlonger when refrigerated standing in abit of water. LAURA MARIE NEUBERT

ContinuedonA37

Photo: NVMA,16062

Hardy plant atraditionalmedicine

Continued from A36

to save for seeds, and enrichwinter braises withmolasses-like sweetness.

Until then, we can supportresponsible foragers andwild food vendors like Wild Foraged at local farmers’ marketswho practice and proselytize restraint in harvesting wild things. We can learn from them, season to season,and week by week, which wild foods our changing climate can support, and in turn howwecan help support them.

Wild foraged foods, like producegrown athome in healthy,organic, living soil, provide phyto-chemicals (plantnutrients) that we co-evolved alongside, and require for goodhealth. It was aprivilege this past week,tofeast on wild foragedfalse Solomon’s seal, and wild line-caught salmon. Without question we could taste andfeel the goodness,and the wild.

False Solomon’sseal is hardytoZone 4, andisanimportant food and medicinal plant for Indigenous people across Canada. Descriptions of the plant and its uses appear in historical records and archives, as well as in dozens of native plant books. As yet, I have been unable to find its indigenous names, but Ihave run across several references to its use (rhizomes, shoots, berries) in ceremony,winter stores and traditional medicine.

False Solomon’sseal enjoys acool, shady and moist soil, but prefersnot to staywet It will toleratebut not necessarily thrive in asunny location, as long as the soil remains moist. The true Solomon’sseal in our sunny gardens grows up through acarpet of sword ferns anddeep moss, which together act like a living mulch through the hottestand driest of summer days.

Both true and falsevarietieshave single long stems withalternate elliptic leaves. False Solomon’sseal is slighter,however,in allthings, and seems toprefermorespacing between stalks. The flowers and berries, conversely,are entirely different in appearance and habit, which makes identification easier,atleastbeyondthe early spring shootingstage.

False Solomon’sseal displays asingle cluster of tiny white flowers (red berries) at the end of each stem, while the trueversion displays ableeding heart-like display of larger blossoms (purple berries) along the bottom of each stem.

Always access field guides and permission beforeforaging.

Laura Marie Neubertisa West Vancouverbased urban permaculture designer.Learn more about permaculture by visiting her website upfrontandbeautiful.com, or email hello@upfrontandbeautiful.com.

Have questions?

Ican help. Ihave been navigatingthe N. Shorereal estate marketfor over35years. Happytodiscuss your plans.

CLUESACROSS

1. Pop

5. Bother

9. “Romeo_ Juliet”

12.Likethe Sahara

13.Volcanicfluid

14._ constrictor

15.Showroom model

16.Supervisor

18.Moreglum

20.Not moving

21.Seem

24.Hither’s mate

26.Ickystuff

27.Suittoa

29.Approves

33. Largedeer

34.Nosed (out)

36.Murmursweetly

37.Wintertoys

39.Young woman

40.Liquor in a daiquiri

41.Gobbleddown

43.Harsh

45.Widesmile

48.Elevate

50.“Skip,” e.g.

52.Havingfootwear on

56.Thirstquencher

57.Spends

58. of duty

59.Say “I do”

60.Camping shelter

61.Lively

CLUESDOWN

1. Pathetic

2. Mine material

3. Notwelllit

4. Certainbrick house

5. Prepared a cake pan 6. Carryon 7. Each 8. Roofingliquid 9. In thesack

10.Playwright Coward

11. Brave

17.Basin

19.Final 21.Longtimespans

22.Voter sampling

23. Jab

25.Lots

28. Breakfast favorite

30.Ranch unit

31. “Paint Wagon”

32.Several

35.Leastdifficult

38. Unpleasantly damp

42.Wipeaway

44.Suitpieces

45.Nibble

46.Theme-park attraction

47.Froze

49.Prayer ending 51.Kook

53.‘50sdanceparty

54.“ Town”(play)

55.Without moisture

Crosswordpuzzle answers use American spelling

Your Community

MARKETPLACE

Call or email to place your ad, Monday through Friday8:30am to 4:30pm 604-653-7851 •604-362-0586 nmather@glaciermedia.ca • dtjames@glaciermedia.ca

Book your ad online anytime at nsnews.adperfect.com classifieds.nsnews.com

Our Mom and Dadfirst met and fell in love in Ontario. They headed out to BC with their young family and starteda newbeginning in North Van. Their only move was to our wonderful home at 864 where we celebrated many happy occasions and parties.

Our kind, quick-witted Dad passed on May 31, 2014 and ourgenerous, precious Mom passed last year on asunny St. Patrick’s Daymorning, March 17, 2021. We have peace knowing they are onceagain reunited.

We miss Mom and Dad every day and cherish our many happy memories. We werevery blessed with such loving and supportive parents.

We miss you, we love you and you’rebeautiful!

Love all your family

BOKIC, Anorte (Anette) Eleonore

Anorte (Anette)EleonoreBokic died peacefully, surroundedbyfamily,onthe 23rd of May, 2024. AffectionatelyknownasOma to her grandchildren, she wasbornonthe 22ndofOctober,1940.

Anette worked as ahairdresser in Germanyand Holland before moving to BritishColumbia, where shemet Slobodan (Don) Bokic(predeceased). Their family moved frequently, butAnette ensured to integrateherselfineach community andcreated lifelong friends. Afterretiring as ahomecare worker,she volunteered prodigiouslyfor North Vancouver City,St Andrew’sUnitedChurch,and theSilver HarbourSeniors Center

Anette could not leave aweed unpulledora can by thesideofthe road.She loved hermorning swims,classical music, andart. She was most comfortablemaking handicrafts andspending time in thegarden.She loved her family andfriends and is survived by herchildren andgrandchildren

Special thanks to hercare team:Dr. Fadyeyeva, Dr.Smiljanic, and theOncology nurses andstaffat Lions Gate Hospital

In lieuofflowers, donations canbemade to the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation Oncology Department.https://lghfoundation.com/cancercare/

Anette will be missed dearly by allwho knew her

Amemorialservice will be heldon Thursday,June 10th at 2pm.at

St.Andrew’s UnitedChurch 1044 St Georges Ave, in North Vancouver

BROWN, David William

David died suddenly in West Vancouver on Saturday,11 May,2024. Dedicated father to Karen (Randy,Anteaus and Milano)Bernard,Olivia (Russell) Zishiri and Christian. Adoring “Grandy”to James, George and Maureen. Predeceased by his wifeMaureen (1991). Partner to Valerie Saxton in New Zealand. Born in Redcar, England on 17, June, 1943 to Jimand Doris.David loved the mountains and will be remembered as a committed family man, friend, Nomad,engineer (BrownStrachan Associates) and socialist.

Reception to be held Sunday, June 2atTerminal City Club2:00 -4:00PM. David would have preferred you get there by bus and offer rides to friends. Unofficial receptions forever after at the Community Centre, the Nomad’s breakfast, YaletownBrewing, Crema, DundaraveBeach, the Bakehouse, the West VanSeawalland on the bus. In lieu of flowers, please go foralongwalk or bag a peak for David

SUTHERLAND, Elliot

October 27,1936 -May 11, 2024

Elliot passed peacefully in Lions Gate Hospital. He leaves behind his daughter Marni, many nieces, nephewsand dear friends. Acelebration of life will be held at Boal Chapel of First Memorial Services, 1505 Lillooet Road,North Vancouver on Monday, June 10, 2024 at 11am.Inlieu of flowers,please make adonationtoLions Gate Hospital Foundation. Please find Elliot’s obituary online at the Dignity Memorialwebsite.

In MeMorIaM

obItuarIes

obItuarIes

Obituaries

BARNETT (née Rapanos), Nancy Kathleen November 23, 1955 −April 22, 2024

Nancy passed peacefully at home on April22, 2024, at age 68. Survived by herimmediate family −husband Garry, son Kristopher (Yuki), daughter Kristina, grandson Tyler and granddaughter River Alsosurvivedbybrother Gary (Janet), sisters DebbieHendry (Brian) and SusanO’Neill (Stephen deceased), sister−in−law Nancy Ackerfeldt (Mike) and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her father, Hugh Rapanos, in 1981 and hermother, Alice Rapanos,this past year.

Nancy was schooledand raised herfamilyonthe North Shore.Married in 1979 and was alwaysthe mama bear when it came to her children and home. Nancywas atireless gardener withthe patience to overcomeyears of home renovations, to which she finally put her foot down and saidno more.

After awork−related accident ended heroffice career, she started volunteering with the North Shore Mental Health Association, which evolved into running her own daycare, looking after both children in need and theirsiblings foralmost20 years

Nancyalways fondly remembered herchildhoodin Northand West Vancouver, the children’s parties and trips with them to Disneyland and Hawaii, which all had their own twists andturns. Thoseofuswho remain will have to find away to deal with the unexpected loss, but our memory andloveofyou will last forever.

The family would like to thank the staffofLions Gate Hospital Palliative Care and North Shore CoastalHealth Care workers and nurses for their wonderful care in both thehospitaland home setting.

By request, no service, or flowers,cremation. In lieu of flowers,please donate in Nancy’s nametoLions Gate HospitalPalliative Care.

Obituaries

DIX, Derek

December 6, 1987 -May 16, 2024.

With intense grief, we announce the loss of Derek NormanDix,beloved son of Sandi andBill Dix, and cherished brotherofLandon Dix. Derek passed awaysurrounded by hisclose friendsand family, leaving us far toosoon buthaving lived each day to itsfullest

Derek, born andraised on the North Shoreand latergraduatingwithaDegree in Bachelor of Design from theAlberta College of Art&Design in Calgary.

Derek was afearless thrill-seeker, embracing every challenge with courage andaninfectioussense of humour that endearedhim to everyonehemet His friends andfamily will forever remember the joy and laughter he broughtintotheir lives, andeach person who knew Derek hastheirown cherished memoriesofhis kindnessand adventurous spirit

Obituaries

GIES, William Arthur

It is with muchsorrowweannouncethe death of WilliamArthurGiesJr. on January11th, 2024. Aloss unexpected anddeeply felt by all those who loved him

BorninNew York City on Jan. 31,1942 to William GiesSr. andRoberta Gies, Bill was raised an army brat livinginvarious US States and Japan.

Bill earned an architecture degree in 1972 from CaliforniaPolytechnic StateUniversity (Cal Poly). Duringthistime, he met and married Bonnie Levison. In 1973 they moved to Vancouver,BC and started afamily. Daughter,Brook wasborn in 1974, followedbySon, Brent in 1976

Dadwas an indomitable and generous soul who loved hisfamily,friends,profession, and world around him. He lived in asingular,independent, and optimistic way that garnered respect from those whoknew him. He approached hiswork, and lifeingeneral,like he did hishikes in the mountains: one stepatatimeand always moving upwards to find that place with aspecial view

Atrueliberal-minded human being and alife-long environmentalist, he cared as much about the natural worldashedid about the built world. Land andanimals were always veryclose to his heart.

As you share the stories and the memories of how they lived their lives and how very muchthey meant, may you find comfort...

His passions for design,photography, biking, and the outdoors were the cornerstones of his vibrant life.Derek’swork as aphotographer and graphic designer beautifully captured his love for adventure and thenaturalworld, eaving alegacy thatwill continue to inspire.His creativityled to numerous visual communication projectsthatstand as a testamenttohis talentand the uniquebrand he created. Hedeeply valued the community around him andtreasured thefriendships he made along the way.

Oneofhis great loves outside family and work,was music. He wasalong timemember of the Vancouver FolkSongSociety andvolunteered with theVancouver Jazz Festival since its early days.

March 29, 1933 -May 14, 2024

Mom passed away peacefully afteranamazing life of91years. Survived by her son Cal (Trish), and daughter Debbie (Garth) along with 5 grandchildren and 1great-grandchild. Mom will be missed byanyone who ever met her. Well known for her love of singing,even at 90 she could be seen and heard “entertaining the old folks” at many rest homes on the North Shore. Special thanks to the doctorsand nurses on 7EofLGH who gave herthe best care possible. In lieuofflowers, donations in her name to the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00PM to 4:00PM June 22, 2024 at Seymour Golf and Country Club,North Vancouver

Derek’seight-yearbattlewithacancerousbrain tumor showcased his incredible strengthand unwavering abilityto findjoy in life’ssmall moments.His courage and resilience were truly remarkable, and hissmile never wavered.

Derek’smemory will live on in the heartsofall who knew and loved him. He was an extraordinary human being, leavinganindelible mark on the world andthe lives he touched.

Celebration of Life will be held on June 22, 2024 at 2:00PM. Cypress Creek Lodge, 8500 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver

Bill wasalsothe primary caregiver to Bonnie as she lives with MS.His selfless commitment to her and his family,ishe’smostprofound legacy

Acasual celebration of William’slife will be held between 2:00pmand 5:00pmonJune 22nd at the Quaker MeetingHouse, 1090 West 70th Avenue, Vancouver.Please comeand join us forsomeice cream,coffee and asong or two in his memory

Please contact Brentatbrentgies@dccnet.comfor moreinformation.

CRAIK, Lorraine (nee Anderson)

REMEMBRANCES

Obituaries

KING, Sheila May (nee McKinlay)

December 21,1925 -December 31, 2023

It is with deepsadness that we announce the passing of our dear Mom,Grandma andgreat Grandma, Sheila King. We aresogratefulthat she was abletocelebrate her 98thbirthday withall her family just beforeshe passed

Sheila wasborninNorth Vancouver,BC, the youngest of 9siblings. Herparents, David and AnnieMcKinlay emigratedfromScotlandin 1913 andmade North Vancouver theirhome.

Sheila had fond memoriesofgrowing up on the North Shoreand aftershe graduated fromNorth Van Highschool, she went to Comptometer School in Vancouverfor one yearand graduated thetop ofher class. Sheila worked at theNorthVan Shipyards as acomptometer operator until it closed afterthe warand then wentto Duffus Business Schooltolearn shorthandand bookkeeping. It wastherethat she mether husband, Robert(Bob) King andtheyweremarried in 1947 at Saint Andrews Church on Tenth and St Georges in North Vancouver They settled in Port Coquitlamand raised three children. Sheila enjoyed many years working as a secretary in Elementaryschoolsthere,asthe kids grewup.

Sheila enjoyed many trips to London to visither daughter and trips to California, Floridaand Mexico. She cruised theCaribbean withher family for her 80th birthday

She wasa talented artist andcontinuedthat hobby well into her 80’s evenafter astroke affected her right hand.

Sheila waspredeceased by her son Doug (1999) andher husbandBob in 2000 andby her siblings: Cecilia,Jim,Bill, Nan, Cis, Davidand Dolly.Sheis survivedbyher son Neil anddaughterJanice (Dan),grand children,Daniella(Liam) and Ria (Cayden) and great grandchildren London, Zeke andAndi

Sheila wasavery kind, gentleandgenerous soul and shewillbesomissed andalsocelebrated by all whoknewand loved her. Acelebrationofher life will be heldinthe summer of 2024. In lieuof flowers, donations maybemade in hernameto TheNorth ShoreStrokeRecoveryCentre.

Obituaries

McDONALD,

Harold Russell

November 15, 1945 -May 13, 2024

Halwas born in Penticton to Russelland Gertrude (Lester) McDonald. Hespent hischildhood onthe family farm in Neepawa, Manitoba before returning toBC. Aftergraduating from Kelowna Secondary School andashortstint in the AirForce, Hal enrolled asaproud charter student at Simon FraserUniversity in 1965. He earned adegree in Mathematicsand methis wife,Chelan. Married in 1973, they settled in North Vancouverand welcomed twochildren, Keithand Leanna.

Hal wasadevoted Dad and always presentat Keithand Leanna’sactivities. He was always willing to help with projects and homework.The arrival of his precious red-headed granddaughter,Hailey, was aproud moment. Haileycouldalways bring a smile to hisface.

Hal never lost hisfarmingroots. He loved spending timeinhis garden andwas always proud to show off what he’dgrown includinggrapes and potatoes, anod to hisIrish roots.

Haltreasured hissummerholidays. Someofhis fondest memorieswere on family vacations, including those to the Okanagan to visit hissister Merle and family.Hal also loved fishing tripswithhis other siblings, Verlaand Art. Abeautifullakeside campsite,aguitar,acolddrink and freshlycaught fishmade for Hal’sperfect days.

Although Halwanted to ‘burn out, notrust out’,his body unfortunately didnot cooperate. Chelan, Keith andLeanna cared forHal as long as possible Manythanks to LGH andEvergreen House for their compassionate care.

Obituaries

MILES, Victor Gordon

March 2, 1929 toApril 6th, 2024

Born in Hampstead, London, England, Victorwas the only child borntoDonald andDorothea Miles.

As ayoung boy,Victorwas deeply moved by the events of WWII; aiding in the Wareffort as ateenager,heachieved topranking in the ArmyCadet Force.

Hisartistic talent had become apparent at an early age, initially painting war relatedthemesand landscapes. Victorattended the Cambridge School of Art, witha particularlymemorable semester at Ca’ Foscari University in Venice During this period, he wasintroduced to set design at the Cambridge Arts Theatre. In these precious yearshemet hisbeloved wife MaryComber, a ‘fellow’ art student.

Taking abreak from his studies, Victorcompleted his mandatory militaryservice withthe HouseholdCavalry Life Guards Regiment. This training brought Victor much pride; andhekept this experience alive over the years withvisits from other Cavalry members

Afterart school,Mary left withher family forthe US. As anow qualified artist/designer,Victor followedMarytothe West Coast, arriving in Vancouver in 1953. They married in Oregon and settled in West Vancouver, later building their dream home in Lions Bay

Victor wasalways grateful forthe opportunity to live in Canada, andtodevote hislifetothe visual arts. His flexible positionasaseniordesignerwith CBC Televisionafforded himmore timetopaint while raising hisfamily.CBC’svaried programming in music, arts, current affairs, science and technology made for a stimulatingenvironment during these decades of intense socio-cultural change.

In1986 Victor left the CBC. He then devoted his timeprimarily to painting. The twoprincipal subjects of hiswork were philosophy and science,including artificial intelligence. Victorexhibited locally and internationally throughout the years. He then chose to pull back fromgallery exhibitions, and directhis energies purelytoward artistic creation. Thus he gained asingular level of freedom andindependence.

Victor andMary’sLions Bay home wasahaven: fulloffamily; cherished friends; art;uniquefurnishings; delicious food; signature martinis,music; CBC Radio; fires;books; flowers;candles; and stunning sunsets.

Yvonne Moran passed peacefully at Langley Gardens on May6,2024 just weeks fromturning 102 yearsold.Yvonne andher husbandCarroll werelong timeresidents of North Vancouver, havingmovedfromOttawa in the 1970s, last living onRussell Ave. They were both parishioners of St. PiusX Church,1150 Mt.Seymour Rd, Vancouver, where herfuneral mass will be held on June 14th, 2024 at 11:00am.GoonlinetoHollyburn Funeral Home in West Vancouver,BC. fora moredetailed obituary.

Victor died peacefullyinhis sleep; aprivate family service has been held. If spirits doliveon, Victor’s will always be in Howe Sound, GrantchesterMeadows, with distantviews of KingsCollege Chapel in Cambridge and of St Mark’sSquare in Venice.

The family wouldliketoextend heartfelt thanks to Victor’sdevoted caregivers, whoprovided such attentive care, fulfillinghis wishtoremain at home

Predeceased by Mary in 2023,Victor is survived by his loving family.Children, Andrea (Brian),Raeff (Cathy), Cynthia (Paul) and grandchildren Katrina andEric Fast,Miles(Taylor), Michaela and Nathanial Vince, and Alex and Samantha Balfour

MORAN, Yvonne Marie

REMEMBRANCES

Obituaries

PATKAU Bertha

December 1, 1922 - May 22, 2024

The family of Bertha Patkau (nee Klassen), wife of the late Abe John Patkau, are saddened to announce their mother’s peaceful passing at home in West Vancouver, British Columbia on May 22, 2024.

Bertha was born to her Mennonite parents, Henry and Katherine Klassen, in Dnipropetrovs’k, Ukraine on December 1, 1922. She was the eldest daughter among eleven siblings, ncluding Jake, Henry, Rudy, Anne, Leona, Mary, John, Len, Waldy and Irene.

The family immigrated to Canada in 1923 when Bertha was 8 months old. They eventually settled in the farming community of Vauxhall, Alberta

She met Abe, her future husband, when he came from Saskatchewan to Alberta, to work on the farm On December 27, 1942, Bertha married Abe and they subsequently settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

In Winnipeg, Abe worked for 10 years as a bookkeeper at Monarch Machinery before going into business for himself. His business, Robinson Alamo, started as a wholesale agricultural implement company and later expanded to include recreational vehicles, with offices in Winnipeg, Saskatoon Saskatchewan, Calgary and Grande Prairie, Alberta During this time, Bertha managed the home and raised 2 children, John born in 1947 and Karen, born in 1951. The First Mennonite Church of Winnipeg was the centre of their religious and community life.

Family life in Winnipeg was greatly enriched when Bertha’s eldest brother Jake and his wife Katie with children Jack, Richard, Don and Bev, moved from Alberta to nearby Sanford, Manitoba. Many happy holiday celebrations were shared alternately in Sanford and Winnpeg.

In 1977, Abe and Bertha retired to Kelowna, British Columbia. Here they enjoyed the beautifu scenery, the bounty of local fruit trees and the relaxed lifestyle of the rural community Bertha was an excellent baker, to Abe’s great delight (and that of the many friends and family who visited.) Finally, she had time to develop her artistic skills and took up water colour and oil painting. Bertha had great curiosity and valued learning She loved to read and in doing so educated herself about the world. Abe and Bertha attended the Kelowna Gospe Fellowship Church She volunteered here and at Ten Thousand Villages - a store that created fair-trade opportunities for artisans in developing countries. Abe and Bertha lived happily in Kelowna, until Abe’s passing on January 16, 1997.

Bertha moved to West Vancouver, British Columbia to be close to her son, John, in 2001 She joined the West Vancouver United Church. Known for her kind and generous spirit, she continued to volunteer. She made many friends in the church community, as well as in the condominium, where she made her home for twenty-three years.

In November 2020, Rose Nazareth Claudio and Doris Lagman began providing Bertha with homecare, for which we are enormously grateful We’d also like to thank the Vancouver Coastal Health Home Support Workers and the Livingwell Home Support Workers, who helped Bertha to remain at home until her passing.

Bertha is survived by her son John, together with his wife Patricia, and her daughter Karen. As well as her siblings Anne, John and his wife Alice, Waldy and his wife Betty, Irene and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved Abe and son-in-law Michael Kacsor

A memorial service will be held at the West Vancouver United Church in July. In ieu of flowers, donations may be made to your charity of choice

Obituaries

STEPHENSON (née Hyndman), Kellie

April 10, 1944 −May 3, 2024

With family at her side, Kellie passed peacefully. Shewas born in Juskatla, BC, making her the first caucasian woman born that far west in Canada Kellie was predeceased by her brother, Ken Hyndman. She is survived by Howard, her lifelong partner and husband of 60 years;daughter Haidee Landry (Jim); sonJohn Stephenson (Dena); grandchildren Jessica,Breanne, Colton, Liam and Rosie; and three great−grandchildren Kellie was alifelong resident of North Vancouver, growing up in Deep Cove. She worked for BC. Tel. as ateenager until retirement when the company became Telus. She was an active, generous person, devoted to family, always full of love, sharing and caring. She lived alife full of family, strong friendships and adventure. Kellie and Howard were avid sailors travelling around the world on ayacht they built in their backyard. She visited 31 countries and sailednearly 34,000 nautical miles on that 9−year voyage, andwas a longtimemember of the Burrard Yacht Club. We’d like to express our appreciation to the Cedarview Lodge and staff for their kind and gentle care of ourloved one.

There’ll be acasual gathering to celebrate Kellie’s life on Monday, July 15, 2024, 11am−2pm at 179−216 St Langley, BC. In lieu of flowers, adonation to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC is appreciated.

WATSON, Dennis Richard Arthur March2,1934 −May 10, 2024

On abeautiful May morning, Dennis left the world in much the samemanner as he had inhabited it gently,simply,and beloved by many,including his wife and partner of 67 years, Kathleen; sons Neil (Maria) and Peter (Cait); grandchildren Bix, Sophie, Lia, Rowan, and Bram; and many friends and admirers. Akind and companionable Englishman with an infectious laugh, Dennis had akeen interest in fine automobiles (preferably British), films (preferably starring Julia Roberts), books, cooking, the natural world, and anice cuppa tea (preferably whisky). We will misshim terribly but are grateful for hislong ife and honoured to have known him. For those who may wish to mark Dennis’s passing, adonation to acharity of your choice would be appreciated.

Obituaries

STOKES, Theodore (Ted) February 11, 1938 - May 18, 2024

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Theodore (Ted) Stokes on May 18, 2024 in North Vancouver, BC. Ted was born in Humboldt, Sask., the second of 6 children. Ted married Dorothy (Doly) Lowes in 1963 and they welcomed four children into their family settling in Saskatoon In 1994, they moved to North Vancouver. Ted’s 49 yr career was with Bowman Brothers which later became Acklands-Grainger, progressing from sweeping floors to management and ultimately vice-president of the company

Ted was a part of the Kiwanis Club and Children’s Wish Foundation and stayed very active in his retirement volunteering with settling immigrant families in Canada and leading the North Shore Keep Well Society A better friend, father, grandfather or husband you would be hard pressed to find Ted took care of and loved his family well to the end. He leaves to mourn his wife Dolly; his children Kim (Tom) Blackaby, Cam Stokes (Christine LaFave), Tracy (Ric) Steele, and Trevor (Pauline) Stokes; his nine grandchildren, Erin (David) Grypma, Matthew (Elly) Blackaby, Conor Blackaby, Sabrina Steele, Theo Stokes, Hazen Stokes and Emerson Stokes, Brandon Stokes and Eva Stokes and one great grandson, Anders Grypma.

A service to celebrate Ted’s life will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 2:00 pm at North Shore Alliance Church located at 201 - 23rd Street East, North Vancouver In lieu of flowers, the Stokes family kindly requests donations be made to the Keep Well Society at keepwellsociety.ca/donate/

Celebrate the lives of loved ones with your stories, photographs and tributes.

Obituaries

WELLS, Walwyn

June 19, 1940 −May 17, 2024

On his long walks through his Blueridge neighbourhood, Walwyn greeted everyone with a smile and abig hello. There was always time for a story of his life growing up and living in Jamestown, NL. Eldest of nine children to Reginald and Florence Wells. Wal loved his sister’s cookingthe best, but which one we won’t say. He shared his passion for road trips and nature with the love of hislife, Laura. Together, they opened their home to friends and family from across Canada and the world. Everyone visiting theWells’ residence never went home before afamily meal, drinks, music and agood laugh. Walwyn dedicated his time to raising three children −Wade, Stephen and Zoe. In recent years, he spent his time chasing, reading to, dancing and playing with his granddaughter Thorey. Walwyn’s stories will always be rememberedand shared among loved ones. An open house celebration of life will be held on June 15th at 3pm at Wal’s house.

21, 1930 - April 22,

Happy 50th Anniversary to Ivan &Marika Kolar

Married on May 24, 1974, in Vancouver, BC. Congratulations, Mom &Dad, on fifty years of shared love, laughter &many memories. Love, Claudia, Matt & Liz

Diane and John Washington of North vancouver are pleased to announce the engagement of their son, Jesse A. Washington to Richelle M.Hughes of vancouver the wedding will take place in July 2024 in vancouver

McGUFFIE,

Announcements

coming events

Mid Main Art Fair −June 9, 2024,10:30am−5pm

Celebrating ourtwelfth year! Established Vancouver area artists showcasing works forsale in avarietyofmediums, including watercolors, acrylic, oil, pottery, photography, andprintmaking. FeaturingMarikoAndo,Dave Denson, Dorothy Doherty, Judith Fairwood,Ron Friesen,Danyne Johnston, VictoriaKlassen, Sharka Leigh,Paddy Meade, PatriciaSandberg,Sonia Mocnik, Scott Pleydell−Pearce, Cheryl Painter, AnnRobson, Camille Sleeman andCelinda Stevens

604−551−1844 https://midmainart.com Heritage Hall, 3102 Main St,Vancouver,B.C.

Found

Toddler Jacket And Pen Found in Horseshoe Bay

An orange pen/orange jacket in playground. 604−971−1530

To:Gail Diane Stevenson

TAKE NOTICE THAT on 17 May2024 an order wasmade forserviceonyou of aNotice to Proceed, aNotice of Application and any supportingaffidavits in theVancouver Registry of the Supreme CourtofBritish Columbia in family aw case number E040024 by wayofthis advertisement. You must file an Application Responsefailingwhichorders may bemade against you at the hearing set for 21 June 2024. Youmay obtain acopy of the aforesaid documents at the Vancouver Registry, at 800 Smithe Street, Vancouver, BC. Address for service: Clear LegalLaw Corporation #200 -8459 160thStreet Surrey,BCV4N 0V6 Emails: service@clearlaw.ca andccarta@clearlaw.ca Telephone: 604-635-1330

Warehouse Lien Act

Noticeishereby given that Econo Moving &Storage will be holding apublic auction on June 12, 2024 at 9:00 AM

The following accounts are in delinquency andwill besoldtorecover monies owing under the ‘Warehouse Lien Act’

•Jamie D. Hoare •JeremyCruz 991 West 1st St, NorthVancouver,BC. V7P 1A4 (604-980-3333)

generAl employment

Looking foraRetail StoreSupervisor forour yogurt ice cream place. Starting $22 per hour.If you areinterested and you need more information, email at zhuangqinwenvip@ hotmail.com

AnnualSummer Retro& Vintage Sale

SaturdayJune8th •9:30am -2:00pm

RoyalCanadian Legion Branch 118

123 W15th Street,North Vancouver

MARKETPLACE

WAnted

CASH for yourCLUTTER Iwill pay CASH foryour UNWANTED ITEMS! Ispecializein RECORDS, EnglishBone China & Figurines, Collectibles, Tools, Antiques, ETC Rob •604-307-6715

Old BooksWanted. Also: Photos Postcards, Letters, Paintings. No text books or encyclopedias. Ipay cash 604-737-0530

&Damaged Homes! Need

ATreasureTrove of RandomlyCoolOld Stuff!

Oddities •Vintage Decor •Bling •Ephemera• etc.

- Good Prices Proceeds to charities.

Caulfeild Cove Hall, St. Francis-in-the-Wood, 4773 South Piccadilly, W.V. 604-922-3531

Lawn Cuts. Shrubs &Tree PRUNING. 778-688-1012

Y.K. LANDSCAPINGLTD.

Free est. 28Yrs Exp. RetainingWalls, Paving Stones, Fountains/Ponds, Fences Irrigation, more www.yklandscaping.ca

lawn &garDen

SPRING CLEAN-UP

LAWN & GARDEN

MAINTENANCE

• LAWN CUTTING

• HEDGE Trm, Pruning

• BEDROCK, Rver Rock

• RETAINING Walls

• CONCRETE • Pavers

• DR VEWAYS Resurface

• ROOFING Repairs

• DECKS, FENC NG,

• PATIOS • PAINT Exteror

• STUCCO & Much More

Over 25 Years Exp BILL • 604-728-8649

25+ years Experience. FullyIns’d.Lic’d &WCB Spring Clean-upSpecials •Lawn Maintenance •Power Rake

• New Sod &Seeding

• Tree Topping &Trimming •Power Wash •Gutters

• Patio’s •Decks •Fences •Concrete •RetainingWalls •Driveways &Sidewalks &MuchMORE Allwork guaranteed Free Estimates 604-240-2881

FULL LANDSCAPE SERVICE Landscaping &Gardening Grass &Artificial

1.Fashionaccessory 4.Engineadditive

7.Small,faint constellation 8.Givesajob

10.Self-righteous person

12.Caucasian language 13.Surinamtoad 14.Sino-Soviet block(abbr.)

1 Occur

2.Showup

3.CapitalofTaiwan 4.Brotherorsister 5.Secretgettogethers 6.Typeoftea 8.Wherethe actionis 9.Castout 11.Crimegroup 14.Typeofvessel (abbr.)

16.FormerFrench coin

17.Levelsthescore 19.Whatstage performersdo 20.EgyptianSun god 21.Localities

25.Sphericalbody 26.Licensedfor WallStreet 27.Perfect

15.Acceptand handle

18.Sacrificehit 19.Onewhobuys andsellssecurities simultaneously 20.Month 22.Mostthin 23.Naturally occurringmaterial 24.Luke’smentor __-Wan

29.It’sonmany people’sheads

30.Boxing’sGOAT

31.Photo

32.PopularHBO show

39.Popularmusic awardsshow

41.Pouch

42.LakeinBotswana

43.Unrulygroup

27.Postmodernist Austrian“House”

28.Aquatic salamander

29.Baseballstat

31.Beginning militaryrank

32.Talkrapidlyand unintelligbly

33.Paddle

34.Caregiver(abbr.)

35.OldIrish alphabet

44.One-fourth

45.Veryeager

46.Edward__, authorandwriter

48.Flyinginsect

49.Draggedforcibly

50.Thusfar

51.Notjust“play”

52.Commercials

36.Japanesecity

37.Inaway,acted

38.Thingstosee

39.Nursemaid

40.Typeoftooth

44.Tobe demonstrated

47.Defunct Europeangroup

LONSDALE SQUARE

KI KDS

DESIGN YOUR ADS

We are excited and proud to bring you the eighth annual Kids Design Your Ads feature.

To facilitate this feature, students in grades 4-7 were given a Marketing & Advertising 101 presentation by the North Shore News

Next, they had to read and consider creative briefs from their assigned advertisers, brainstorm ideas with their classmates, then work on creating their advertisements. The ads printed in this feature were the ones selected by the participating advertisers.

To acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of all participating students, we’ve uploaded all drawings from each class showcasing their submissions. Visit nsnews.com and search “Kids Design Ads 2024” to read a story about this project and enjoy all the students’ submissions. We hope you appreciate the creativity of these North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and Bowen Island students.

The North Shore News would like to thank the following teachers and their students for their participation: Kathleen Baker at Seymour Heights Elementary; TJ Turenne at Cleveland Elementary; Taylor McIntyre and Angela Foster at Gleneagles Ch’axáý Elementary; Brittany Macklam at Chartwell Elementary and Helen Chambers at Queensbury Elementary

We wish to also thank our valued advertisers for supporting this fun and educational project.