December 11, 2024 by North Shore News Features

Upliftingnews

NewGrouse MountainResort gondola readyforaction

LIFESTYLE13

Boxingsavedmylife

North Vanwomanbattles to become a national champion

SPECIALFEATURE18

HolidayLights

Followour map to thebrightest displayson the NorthShore

Developer reveals design concept for CapilanoMall

NICKLABA

nlaba@nsnews.com

Massivechangescould be comingtoCapilanoMall andthe16.5-acresitesurroundingit.

Forthefirst time,the public is gettinganideaofwhat theareacouldlooklikefollowing redevelopment,as a masterplanconcept has been releasedbydeveloper QuadRealintandemwithapair ofpublicinformation sessionsheldNov.27andDec.7, withmembers of theprojectteamthere to answerquestionsandtake feedback.

Inapresentationdocument,aconceptualsketch of the redevelopedareashows11towersgoing up,ranging from 12 to40storeyshigh.Intotal,therewouldbe roughly 3,100homes built,30 percentofthem rental(70percent strata).Around10percentofthe rentals willbe offeredat “mid-market”rates,accordingtothemasterplanconcept.

Therewouldbearound152,000squarefeet of retail/ commercialspace,concentratedtowardthe frontof the sitealongMarineDriveandthebackalongThirdStreet West.

Theconceptalsoincludesa20,000-30,000-square-foot communitycentreneartheintersection of MarineDrive and16thStreet West.

Behindthecommunity centre,QuadRealsaidit planstobuilda1.5-acreparkthatwillbeconnectedto

Locationpicked for Flight PS752memorialin North Van

NICKLABA

nlaba@nsnews.com

TheCityofNorth Vancouverismoving forwardwithaplantobuildamemorialforthevictimsofFlightPS752in a local park.

AtaDec.2meeting,councilvotedto moveforwardwiththenextstepstoward buildingamemorialthatwouldbeintegratedwithJackLoucksCourtinLower Lonsdale.

To thatend,citycouncilendorsedthe high-leveldesignprocess,whichwouldsee theprojectthroughvariousphasestoward anexpectedcompletiondatein twototwo andahalfyears.

Nextstepsincludeseeking out and appointingmembersofaselectioncommittee,whichwill reviewdesignsubmissions forthememorial.

Citystaffwillalsocontinuetomeetwith theAssociationofFamiliesofFlight PS752 steeringcommitteetoseekinputandguidanceontheprocess.Staffareset to report backtocouncilwithupdatesasthatwork progresses.

Staffandthesteeringcommitteewill alsocreateamemorandum of understandingtoidentify rolesand responsibilities fortheproject,aswellasfundraising responsibilities.

Accordingtothestaff reportpresentedat themeeting,JackLoucksCourtat170 West FirstSt.wasidentifiedbycouncilasthe memorialsiteinFebruary.

Withthatsite,there’san opportunityto integratethememorialintothelandscape

West Vancouver’s

NICKLABA

nlaba@nsnews.com

Boatershopingto rentsmall craftfromSewell’sMarinain HorseshoeBaywillhaveto look elsewhere.

Thelongtime West Vancouver marineoperatorisendingitsboat rentalandtourservices asofthe newyear.

Sewell’ssaysthedecision toend its rentalbusinesswasadifficult one,andisduetoamixofdecreasingdemandfortheservicealong

Despitedelaysontheprojectso far, Hooriran Sohransaidshelikes the Jack Loucks Court location. Sohran lost fourpeopleclose to herinthe PS752tragedy:daughterNegar Borghei, son-in-lawAlvand Sadeghi,as well as Sadeghi’ssister Sahandandniece Sophie, who was just fiveyearsold. NICK LABA / NSN

witha renewalofthesurroundingpark,staff wrote in the report.

Examplesof existingintegratedlandscapememorials were given,includingthe AirIndiaMemorialinStanleyParkandthe Nikkei MemorialinSteveston.

TheoveralldesignprocessforthePS752 memorialcanbebrokenintothreephases, staffsaid:appointingtheselectionpaneland creating thedesign team, conceptdesign andengagement,and projectdelivery.

Astheylooktoappointtheselection panel,staffwillbeseeking five members

with representationfromimpactedor specialinterestholders(e.g.avictim’s familymember),designprofessions(e.g. a landscapearchitect),anartist recognizedin theirfield,andanartisticorculturalprofessionalwithexpertiseina related field(e.g. commemorativepractice).

Theselectionpanel will workcollaborativelytodevelopthe request forexpression ofinterestand requestforproposals.Itwill thenevaluatesubmissionsandprovide inputintothecreationofdesignconcepts.

To buildthememorial,theprovincial

governmentgave$100,000in2023.The rest oftheproject’s budget will be coveredby the AssociationofFamilies,staffsaid.But costsassociated with parkimprovementsin JackLoucksCourtwill bepartofthecity’s capital budget.

Whilenocostestimatecould be givenfor the PS752 memorial,stafftoldcouncilthatit would be intherangeofsimilar builds, like theAirIndiaMemorialwhichcost$400,000 andwascompletedin2009,andtheNikkei Memorialwhichfinishedin2022forthe same dollar figure.

Despitedelays,victims’lovedonessupport chosenlocation

Duringcouncil’sdiscussion,Coun. ShervinShahriarisuggestedthatstaffcould alsolooktothefederalgovernmentfor additionalfunding.

Asthefifth anniversaryofthetragedy onJan.8approaches,andconstructionof thememorialisanothertwoormoreyears away,it has to be doneright, he said.

“I do wanttostressthatIliketosee a verytransparenttypeof processgoingforward,” Shahriarisaid.“Alotof peoplewhen theyaskmeaboutthis,I’dliketo be ableto pointthemtoalinkandsay,‘Hereyougo. There’sabunchofinformation,’”he said. “Westill don’t have that.”

MayorLindaBuchanansaidshelikedthe approach oftheintegratedlandscape.

“It reflectstheintentofthemotion, whichwas reallyabouta placethatwas reflectiveanda placesimilartowhatItalked

Sewell’sMarinaendsboat rentaland tour business

withaswellofinterestformooring.

Atthepeakofits rentalbusiness inthe1980s,thecompanyhad around70boats,butin recent yearsthatnumberhasfallento around25vessels,saidEricSewell, amanageratthemarina.

Meanwhile,Sewell’s has amassedawaitlist of boatersseekingspacetomoortheircraft.

“Byexpandingmoorageavailabilitytomeetdemand,Sewell’s willbeallowingmore customers withboatsoftheirowntouse

themarinaasagatewaytoHowe Soundandthewatersbeyond,” Sewellsaid.

Still,thenewsofendingtheboat rentalsandtourshasbeensad forsome,includinglocaltourism associations,businessassociations andformerstaff,hesaid.

“They’resaddenedbythisnews, butencourageustokeepdoing whatwe do,”Sewellsaid.“More boatscancometoourfueldock, andwe’rejustgoingtobewelcomingboatersinadifferentway.”

Dockspreviouslyused for Sewell’sMarina rentalboats will nowbe available forclients to moortheircraft. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN

NEEDALIFT?

GrouseMountainopening

new gondolathis week

NICKLABA

nlaba@nsnews.com

Aftertwoyearsofconstruction,Grouse Mountainisopeningitsnewstate-ofthe-artgondola.

GuestsoftheNorth Vancouveralpine destinationwillbeabletoridetheBlue GrouseGondolaforthefirsttimeon Thursday,Dec.12.

To celebrate,the resortisholding a ribbon-cuttingceremonyat4p.m.

Aftertheformalities,mountain-goers cantaketheirfirstjourney to thePeak of VancouverwhereaDJwillbeplaying nexttotheskatingpond,withfree hot chocolateandcider.Otherfoodanddrink specialswillbeonoffer,asguestswatch a fireworksdisplaylightupthewintersky, accordingtoapress release.

Payinghomagetothemountain’s originalinhabitants the resortisnamedafter, theBlueGrouse Gondolafeatures 15towers,27eight-personcabins.Thetriptime isaround5.5minutes,allowinganaverage capacityof1,000 peopleperhour.

Whenittheprojectbrokegroundin September2022,itwasestimatedtocost $35million.Constructionhasinvolved clearingthesurroundingarea,building foundationsforthestations, installing towersandcables, as wellastestingthe system.

OutsmartWinter ATAMICALIONSGATE

GrouseMountain’snewgondolawill significantlyenhancetheguestexperience by reducinglineupsand wait times to get toandfromthepeak,said resortpresident MichealCameron.

“Itmarksthestartofanewchapter forGrouseas we approachourcentennial in2026,”hesaid.“Theadditionofthe gondolahasallowedustoexplorea whole mountainofopportunitiesnotpreviously availablewithjusttheRedSuperSkyride.”

TheSkyridetram,whichopened in 1966,isexpectedcontinueoperation. But the resort’solderbluetramhasshutdown.

Thesameticketpricewill applyto guestsusingeitherthenewgondolaor the Skyride,the resortsaid.

Alongwiththenewgondola,Grousehas announcedotherprojects including the NorthShore’s only lift-accessedmountain bikeparkandanewalpinegravitycoaster, whicharebothsettoopennextyear.

Combined,thenewgondolaand those projects representanearly $45-million investment,the resortsaid.

“Thiswhateveryonehasbeenwaiting forandwecan’t wait toseethe first skiers, snowboarders,snowshoers,andguests taketheirfirsttrip,”Cameronsaid. “We hopeeveryone will join us in celebratingtheopeningofthenewBlueGrouse Gondolanext week.”

Thecoldissetting in,and so is everything that comes alongwithit—slippery sidewalks, frozen wipers, shovelingdriveways,and fewersocialoutings.Ifyou’ve been consideringseniorlivinginWestVancouver,now’s theperfect time to make your move!

Whenyou move into AmicaLions Gate,you canmakesocial connections,enjoy mealspreparedbychefs with RedSeal Endorsements, andjoinactivitiesplannedwithfun andsafety in mind—all while knowingour wellnessteamisavailable24/7 to provideprofessional,personalized care.And of course, youcan leavethe winter housekeeping to us.

Tolearn more andbookyourprivate tour, please call Terri at 778-280-8540. Welookforwardtowelcomingyou

701KEITHROAD,WESTVANCOUVER AMICA.CA/LIONSGATE

GrouseMountainhasbeen testingits new Blue GrouseGondola aheadofits opening scheduled for tomorrow. GROUSEMOUNTAIN

Mount Seymour Parkdaypasses return

BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com

PlanningatripupMountSeymourthisseason?Not withoutapassyouaren’t.

B.C.’sMinistryofEnvironmentandParksconfirmed thatmandatoryday-usepasseswill be requiredagainfor thepeakseason,beginningonThursday,Dec.14.

Theministry introducedthefree-but-mandatoryday passprogramin2020tomanagedemandforparkaccess atpeaktimes.BCParksstaff will bescanningthedigital passesbeforeallowingvisitorstopark in either Lot1or thelowerLot5.

“Thelimitednumberoffreepassesprovidesamore

DOGLICENCES

It’s time to renew!

The doglicence renewal deadlinefor West Vancouverresidents is January 31,2025.

We’ve switched to permanent tags!

FOUR CONVENIENT RENEWALMETHODS:

1) online: visit westvancouver.ca/payonline you’ll need theaccountnumberonyour invoice

2) in person: at West Vancouver Community Centre, Gleneagles Community Centre,orMunicipal Hall, visit westvancouver.ca forhoursofoperation

3) dropbox: placeacheque withthebottomofyour invoiceinthe dropboxatthenorth entrance of MunicipalHall (nocash)

4) by mail: DuetoCanada Poststrike,weadvisetonotusethis method. Applicantsareresponsible forpayinglicence feebydue date. send acheque andthebottom of your invoicetoBylaw &Licensing Services, 75017th Street,WestVancouver BC V7V3T3

WE HAVE SWITCHED TO PERMANENTDOGTAGS. YOUSTILL NEED TORENEW YOUR LICENSEANNUALLY,BUT:

• yourdogtag number willremain thesame, so ourdatabasewill always beup-to-datewithcurrent informationavailableifyourdog is lost,and

• thesestainless steel tags have alifespanofupto 10 years,so they createlesswaste than replacingtags everyyear.

westvancouver.ca/dogs

predictableand enjoyableexperienceby reducing congestioninthebusyareas,”the ministry’snoticestated.

Passeswillbemade available at7a.m. twodaysprior, andvisitors must choosebetween amorningpass(7 a.m. tonoon)or afternoonpass(noonto 4 p.m.) Visitors arrivingafter 4 p.m.canparkwithout a pass.

Lots2,3, 4and upperLot 5 –theonesnearest thelodge andskiruns–willbe reservedfor Mt.SeymourSkiResort passholders,who mustalsohavetheirpassespurchased inadvance.

Visitorsarrivingby MtSeymourResortshuttleservice, on foot,orbybicyclewillbeexempt.

AfterJan.5,thepasseswillonlybe requiredonweekendsandholidays.

ThepasseswillbeavailableontheBCParkswebsiteat reserve.bcparks.ca/dayuse

Becausecell service can bespottyon MountSeymour, usersareencouragedtodownload,screenshot orprint theiremailedQR code beforecomingtothe mountain.

WEST VANCOUVER

Police renew calltohelp findmissing kayaker

NICKLABA

nlaba@nsnews.com

West Vancouverpolice have renewedtheircall forinformationtohelp findamissingkayaker.

The West Vancouver PoliceDepartmenthas now releasedthenameof themissingman,Dzmitry (Dima) Aliaksandrau,and additionaldetailsabout hisdisappearance, afteran initialpleawasmadeon Nov.20.

OnNov.19, Aliaksandrau– a 36-yearoldmanfromMapleRidge –leftBachelorBaynear WhytecliffParkinawhite collapsiblekayak at around 12:08p.m.,policesaidin a statement.Thatday, a “bomb cyclone”eventbroughtstrongwindstothe region.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Cellphonevideocaptured by a witnessnearbyshows himheadingsouthboundnearBirdIslet ataround 12:45 p.m.

Inthebackgroundofthevideo, a BC Ferriesvessel canbeseenthatwasscheduledtoleaveDepartureBay inNanaimoat10:40a.m.andarrivedatHorseshoeBayat approximately12:45p.m.,policesaid.

Aliaksandrauis fivefootten,170pounds(77kilograms) andhasdarkbrownhairandbrowneyes.Hewaslastseen wearingablackrainjacket,blacktrackpantsandblack flip flops.

Thephotoprovidedbypoliceshowshimjustbefore his departureinthe kayak, policesaid.

Anyonewith additionalinformationis asked to contact the West VancouverPoliceDepartment at 604-925-7300.

AsnowshoerenjoysasunsethikeonMount Seymour, December2017. KEVINHILL / NSNFILES

Dzmitry(Dima) Aliaksandrauashe was lastseenbeforeleaving Bachelor Bay in West VancouveronNov. 19. WEST VANCOUVER

North Vanmancharged with attempted murderafterbizarreincidentin California

NICKLABA nlaba@nsnews.com

ANorth Vancouver manhasbeen chargedonmultiplecountsafter abizarre stabbingincidentin California.

Devin Wolfgang Vandorhoef, 25, isinpolicecustodyafter he was arrestedbydetectiveswiththe MontereyCountySheriff’sOfficeon Nov.25.

Ataround10p.m.that evening, police receivedmultiple911calls thatapersonhadbeenstabbedina residentialneighbourhoodofSalinas, asmallcityabout a30-minutedrive fromMonterey,Calif.Uponarrivingat thescene,policesaidtheyfoundthree peoplewithstabbinginjuries.Allwere senttohospitalwithminortocritical injuriesandare expectedtosurvive.

MontereyCountySheriffDetectives saidtheylearnedthat Vandorhoefand afemalevictim hadpreviouslymet andgottentoknoweachotherviaa gamingplatform.

“Vandorhoefdevelopeda year’s longobsessionwiththevictimwhich ledtohimflyingtoCaliforniafrom

Canadawhereheresides,” reads astatementfromtheMonterey CountySheriff’sOffice.Policeadded that Vandorhoefwas accompanied byDariusAvery Whyte,25, whois alsoCanadian. Whytehasalsobeen arrestedandchargedinconnection withtheincident.

“Onthedateofthestabbing, Vandorhoefarrived at a residenceon BollenbacherDriveandknockedon thedoorwhileholdingapackage. He identifiedhimselfasa deliverydriver,” policesaid. “Ourvictim’sboyfriend openedthedoorand Vandorhoef forcedhisway inandbeganstabbing

theboyfriendwith akniferesultingin multiplecriticalinjuries.

“Thefemale grabbed a sharpmetal objectandbegandefendingherboyfriend.While fightingback, thefemale victimwas strangled and stabbed by our suspectsustainingmoderate injuries.Duringthestruggle,thesuspectsustainedmultiple critical stab wounds,”police said.

Detectivessaidtheydiscovered thatthepackage Vandorhoef was carrying whenhearrived contained handcuffs,duct tapeandknives.

“Itisunknownhowtheseitems were intendedonbeingused,” the sheriff’soffice said.Accordingto theMontereyCountyin-custodylog, Vandorhoefhasbeencharged with attemptedmurder,conspiracy to commitattemptedmurder,mayhem, stalking andburglary. Hisbailissetat US$2.3million(C$3.2million).

LocalbroadcasterKBSWAction News 8reportedthat Vandorhoefand Whyte pleadednotguiltyincourton Dec. 2.Theco-accused were dueto appearincourtagain Dec. 10, followingNorth Shore Newspressdeadline.

Co-accused DevinWolfgang Vandorhoefand Darius AveryWhyte.

Mallencompassing

TheownersofCapilanoMallare comingforwardwithinitialplans for amassive redevelopment of thetiredandcavernoussite. There’snoquestionitisdue fora change.Inbroadstrokes,theconceptonthe tableincludes11towersrangingfrom12to 40 storeys,with3,100newhomes, 152,000 squarefeetofcommercialspace, anew communitycentre, a1.5-acreparkand anew transitnodealongMarineDrive.

The detailsoftheproposalareliable to changeas thecitycarriesoutpublic consultationsinthemonthsaheadbut,no matterwhatthefinishedproject lookslike, it willlikelybethebiggestchangetothefaceof NorthVancouversincethe revitalizationof LowerLonsdale.

Nodoubt,thescaleofthiswill come as ashocktothesystemfor many.We foresee alreadyhowmuch of thediscoursewillbe

dominatedbyconcernsabouttrafficonthe alreadycongestedMarine Drive.

MayorLindaBuchananhassignalledthat thisdevelopmentwillbeamong the least car-orientedonthe North Shore.Thatnotion wouldcertainly behelped bythe newNDP government following throughon theirpromisetoget abusrapidtransitlinerunningin thenear-term.LRTwouldbeeven better.

Butwith adevelopment of this scope, webelievethecitymustleverageasmany below-market rentalsaspossibleandprioritizethemforlocalworkforce housing.Filling thosetowerswithlocalteachers, hospital staffand retailworkerswhocurrently have to commute acrossthe bridgeswill help alleviatetrafficand thepublic’sconcerns.

Fromanurbanplanning perspective,a “blankslate”of thissizeisa rareopportunity. There is achance to innovate.Let’s not waste it.

It’s timethat we –gasp! –lower the speed limitonMarine

KIRKLAPOINTE

KLaPointe@glaciermedia.ca

Yes,evencolumnistsarecapableof changingtheirlongstandingbeliefs.

Forexample:aslongas Ican remember, I’vebeenfrustratedbytraffic on theNorth Shore.Itfeelsneedlesslypokey.Welackthe necessary thoroughfarestomeetthe increasingdemandsofcommerceand residences, andweknowitwillonlyworsen.Some efficienciescouldbeintroduced,butthese areatthemarginsof amajorandmagnifying problem.

Still, IwaswingingwestonMarineDrive in West Vancouvertheothernightdoing about55 –yes,beyondthepostedlimit,but prettymuchtheprevailingspeed –anda BlueBuswasonmytailasif Iwereholding thingsup.Itturnedout Iwas.Icouldseein myrear-viewmirrorfourcarsbehindthebus

inatight convoy.Even inexcessspeed, Iwas oneofthose drivers Inormally grouseabout.

Thenextmorning Iwas havingcoffeeat Isetta in adaytime30-kilometre-per-hour schoolzone. Iconductedanunscientific studyofthe next25 vehicles toseehow manyofthem visiblyslowed from the 50 km/hlimit.Icounted four.

And Ithoughtitwas timeto reconsider my views. Is 50km/hreally the rightspeed limit any longeron thispatchof road?

Nighttimestillness is frequently pierced bysportscarsand motorcycles treating MarineDriveliketheCircuitde Monaco,and I’mnotsuremuchcan bedoneaboutthe (mostly)boysand their toys after-hours.But thedaytimedriving is somethingI’m starting tobelieveoughttobereconsidered.

MarineDrive, thefurtherwemovewest, is oftenwithout sidewalks yethome to

dog-walking, running,walkingand cycling (a major siteofcyclingaccidents,it should be noted). Apartfromthe coffeeshop, it’s purely residential.Itoughttobeslowedwest of 25thinthe nearlyeight-kilometrestretch closinginon WestportRoad,where the limit isalready30km/h.

Alltold, it’s about asix-minutedifference ifwe’d moveto 30,two-and-a-half minutes at 40. We couldget alot forthoseminutes.

Our populationisagedandaging.The 2021census showed28.5 percent of the communitywasaged65-plus,upfrom25.5 percent adecadeearlier,anindicationofa greaterneed forservicesandinfrastructure tailored tothedemography.Which is apolite way formeto acknowledgethe realityof drivingasweage.

Thecomparisonsarenotnecessarily apt inallcases,butit bearsnoting that the city

of Victoria(where23.5 percentareover65) isgoing to reducemostofitsstreets to 40 km/hand some of themto30km/h. By2027 only twostreetswill have 50km/hallowances,andbotharesix-lane roadsconnected tohighways.

Studies showthere aredisproportionate safetybenefits when thespeedlimit is reduced a40percent speed reduction yieldsmore thana40percent safety improvement.

We naturallyknow thataccidentsat lower speedsareless destructive.Nolessan authoritythanthe WorldHealthOrganization notesthatthe chanceof apedestrian being killedin acollisionat30km/his10per cent; at50km/h,it’s80percent.

Braking distancesarecutin half –about 14 metres, insteadof28–at30km/h

MAILBOX

IT’S NOT FAIR TO PUT RESTRICTIONSONONE TYPEOFBUSINESS

DearEditor:

RE:CNVBansNewCurrencyExchanges at Street Level, Nov. 6story

Iam writing in responsetothe recent zoningbylawpassedbytheCity of North Vancouver,which restrictsnew money servicebusinesses(MSBs)from openingin street-levelstorefronts.

TheNorth VancouverChambercommendsthestrategiceffortsofthecityto buildsuccessfulcommercialstreetsthat arevibrantandvaried.Developingand implementingzoningpolicyisachallenging endeavorwhichwecontinuetosupport.But, inthiscase,wefeelthatsinglingoutMSBs forspecific restrictionsmayhaveunintendedconsequences.

Therearemanyotherbusinesstypes (attractiveornot)inthecitythatare also growingorshrinkinginnumbersformany different reasons,sotosingleone outdoes notseemfair.

Ourorganization representsandworks withbusinessesofallsizesacross our communitytohelpthemsucceed. We believethatalevelplayingfieldiscrucialfor ensuringequalopportunitiesforexistingand potentialbusinesses,whilealsomaintaining confidenceinthe community’sinvestment environment. We alsobelievein universal rulesoverad-hocrulesforspecific business types.

Whenbusinessescan rely on consistent policies,theyaremorelikelytotakethe riskstomakelong-terminvestments,create jobs,andcontributetotheoveralleconomic growthofourcommunity

PatrickStafford-Smith CEO,North VancouverChamber

THISISWHY YOU SHOULDNOT YELL AT ‘LAZY’ WORKERS

DearEditor:

Pleasebekindtocityworkers,it’snotour faultthatwearen’tallowedtoworkharder.

Asaformerparkslabourer,myfaithin ourdemocraticinstitutionshasneverbeen lower. I’mnotkidding,Iwent fromLeslie KnopetoRonSwansonoverthecourse of onesummer.

Multiplepeopletoldmethatasatemporary labourer, Ishouldkeepmyheaddown ifIwanttokeepmyjob. IfIhaveanideato improveoperationalefficiency,keepitto myself.IfIfinishmywork early,don’t call my supervisorformorework,becauseif managementcatchesthemassigningwork inefficiently, theycould get fired.

Inasystemofpowerandcontrol,itis unfairtoblamethosewiththeleastamount ofpower.

Thevastmajorityofmycoworkersare goodpeople,manyhavefamiliesandarejust tryingtheirbesttosurviveinacitywith a highcostofliving.Manycityworkers suffer fromsomekindofmentalhealthissue such asanxiety,depression,anger,grief,apathy, orlowmorale.

Nexttimeyouseeacityworkerbeing “lazy,”please refrainfrommakingahostile comment.Evenifwewanted to workharder, wecan’t.Believeme,Itried.

Ourwordshaveenormouspowerover thementalhealthofothers.Pleasedon’tbe thesort ofpersonwhoyellsat thecashier whenyou’re havingabadday. We areall livingintimesofunprecedentedstress and trauma.Kindness,compassionand respect makesahugedifference.

Jacqueline Parsons North Vancouver

Slowerspeedsmakesaferstreets

comparedto50km/h,meaningabetter rewardto reflexes.A Torontostudyfound a reductionofabout28percentinpedestrian-motorcollisionswhenthespeedlimitwas reducedto30km/hfrom50km/h.InLondon, England, roadcasualtiesdeclined42per centwhenthespeedlimit wasloweredto30 km/h.

West Vancouver’smost recentstudy ontrafficsafetylargelyfocused on the high-problemspots:theintersectionsof Marineand Taylor Way(underprovincial jurisdiction),Park RoyalNorthandSouth, 15thStreet,13th,14thand16th,inthatorder.

There wasnoapparentexaminationofmore westerlyMarine.

ButI’vecometobelieve,thelonger I livehere,thatthe wandering, weaving, temptingfew kilometresare accidents waitingtohappen.Theshared roadway leavestoomanyvulnerabilities. We have ahighwayoptionifyou’reinarush.The reductionofthespeedlimitonthatMarine stretchwouldbe a minor inconvenience withamajordividend.

KirkLaPointeisa West Vancouvercolumnist withanextensivebackgroundinjournalism. Hiscolumn runsbiweeklyintheNorthShore News.

HOTPURSUIT

Stolen firefighteruniforms recovered,policeinvestigating

ABBYLUCIANO

aluciano@nsnews.com

Local JournalismInitiativeReporter

NorthVancouverRCMP say asetofstolen firefighteruniformshave nowbeen recovered.

Policesay asuspect broke into adry cleaning businesson West Third Street, southofCapilano Mall, inthe earlymorning of Oct. 5.Surveillance video fromthe business showeda masked suspect takingfour shirtswithNorth Vancouver CityFireDepartment crests and two pairsofblack pants.Atthetime, policeworriedthey couldbeput tomisusebyimpersonators.

Surveillancefootage showsthe theft of severalNorth Vancouver CityFireDepartmentuniformsfrom adry cleaningbusiness in October.

spokespersonConst.MansoorSahaksaidin amedia release.

North VancouverRCMPaskanyone with information about this incident to call police orcontactCrimeStoppersat 1-800-222-8477.

Theuniforms later turned up behind DistrictofNorth VancouverFireandRescue Services’hallonPemberton Avenueand were turned overtopolice,anRCMP spokespersonsaidinanemail.

“Althoughtheuniforms havebeen recovered,our investigation isstillvery active andongoing,” North Vancouver RCMP

Abby Lucianois theIndigenous and civic affairs reporterforthe NorthShore News. Thisreporting beatismadepossibleby the LocalJournalismInitiative.

BUSINESS LICENCES

Renewyourbusinesslicenceby January31

AWest Vancouver businesslicenceisrequiredfor businesses,professions, home-based businesses,and trades operatinginthe District.

Businesslicencerenewalinvoicesweremailedinearly December2024. Licencerenewalfeesare dueonorbeforeJanuary31, 2025. The2025 businesslicenceswillbemailed upon receiptofpayment.

A$50 late feewill applytoall businesslicenceaccountsnot renewed onorbeforeJanuary31, 2025.

FOUR CONVENIENTRENEWALMETHODS:

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4) mail: Due to Canada Poststrike, we advise to notusethis method. Applicantsareresponsible forpayinglicencefee by duedate. send acheque with yourbusiness information& licence number to Bylaw&Licensing Services, 75017th Street, West Vancouver BC V7V 3T3

If youhaven’treceived your invoice or your mailingaddresshaschanged, pleasenotify us at 604-925-7152.

This Christmas Come Home toPARC

Our festivegatherings, friendly facesand joyous spirit makeevery day, includingholidays, extraspecial.

cuisinepreparedbyour

chefs every

WALKTOREMEMBER

Annual walkshinesalighton violenceagainst women

ABBY LUCIANO

aluciano@nsnews.com

Local JournalismInitiativeReporter

Nearly100people gatheredattheNorth ShoreAllianceChurch Fridaymorningtowalk in remembranceofthose whohaveexperienced orlosttheirlivestogender-basedviolence.

TheNorthShore CoordinatingCommittee toEnd ViolenceAgainst Women heldtheirseventh annual WalktoRemember in honourof NationalDayof Remembranceand Action on ViolenceAgainst Women.

“It’s reallyimportantto havetheopportunityfor communitymembersto cometogetherto remember lovedonesorpeople intheircommunitythat theyknowofwho have experiencedviolence,”said MichelleDodds, executive directoroftheNorth Shore Women’sCentre.

Dec.6markedthe 35th anniversaryofthetragedyatMontreal’sÉcole Polytechniquein1989, whereamanfatallyshot14 youngwomen. Thedaynow standsin remembranceofthemurders, but alsothosewho haveexperiencedandlost theirlivestogender-based violence.

TheNorth ShoreCoordinating CommitteetoEnd ViolenceAgainst Women wasestablishedin2001,supportedand administeredthrough theNorthShore Women’sCentre.

There’snoneed to spendanother holidayseasonalone. Move in before February1 totake advantageoflimitedtime newyearsavings.Callour SeniorLivingSpecialists to book your personal tour &complimentarylunch:

“We justwantto have a broadpublic awarenessaboutwhatDec.6meansand whatwecan do whenwecometogetheras acommunity,”Doddssaid.

People heldsigns bearingthe14victim’snames,aswellasonesaboutending violenceagainstwomen.Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw(SquamishNation)Elder Xele’milh(Doris Paul)ledtheceremony, where peoplewalkedtoStellaJoDean PlazainfrontoftheNorth VancouverRCMP detachmenton14th StreetEast.

CarlaGeorgefromthe SquamishNation sangwith adrum allthewaydowntothe Strengthand Remembrance poleoutside the detachment.

Duringthehour-longceremony,people spokeaboutthe35thanniversaryand itssignificance.Theeventalsohonoured missingandmurderedIndigenouswomen andgirlsacrossCanada.Thepoleiscarved in redcedarbyCoastSalishartistJody Broomfieldandstandsin remembranceof MMIWG.

Flowerswerelaidinfrontofthepoleto signifythememoryofwomenwhoselives havebeenlost.ButtonsmadebytheNorth Shore Women’sCentre,sendingmessages aboutwomenempowerment,werealso handedout

“Ithinkovertheyearsit’stransformed tobebroaderthanjustthatoneincident andto really recognizethatwestillhave a longwaytogoandtobroadenitaswellto alargerscopeofwomenwhoexperience violence,”Doddssaid.

AbbyLucianoistheIndigenousandcivic affairs reporterfortheNorthShoreNews. Thisreportingbeatismadepossiblebythe LocalJournalismInitiative.

Participantstakepartintheseventhannual Walk to Rememberon Dec. 6, theNational Day of Remembrance and Actionon Violence Against WomenandMMIWG. The walkbeganattheNorth ShoreAllianceChurchand proceeded to StellaJo DeanPlaza next to theNorth Vancouver RCMPdetachment. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN

North Vanbrawler battles tobecomenational champ

NICKLABA

nlaba@nsnews.com

Warning:Thisstorycontains mentionofsuicidethatmaybe distressingtosomereaders.

Afteryearsofdedication andstruggle,Sabrina‘The Machine’Simmonshas achievedherlongtimegoal ofbecoming nationalboxing champion.

OnNov.23,theNorth Vancouverfighterdefeated Ontario’s Victoria Vergosby unanimousdecisiontoclaimthe 54-kilogramweightclass beltat theBoxingCanadaU23Nationals in Sarnia,Ont.

Paireddownfrommorethan 200athletesinthe Olympicstylecompetition,Simmons wasamongthe30women’sand men’schampionscrownedatthe event.

Whilesheclaimedthe title without controversy,Simmons’s experienceat nationals wasfar fromsmoothsailing.

WhenshelandedNov 18, pre-tournamentpressureand travelstresshadaddedunexpectedwaterweight,meaning shehadtocut2.5kg(six pounds)forherfirstfightless thanthreedayslater–notan easyfeatwhenyouonlyweigh 120pounds.

“Thatwasanightmare,”

Simmonssaid.“Itcausedmeto losesleepbeforemyfirstfight.”

Thatmeantshewent intoher semifinal boutonthreehoursof sleep,dehydratedandfreshoff a hardbreakupfromalong-term relationship.Andtherewas a schedulingmix-up,soSimmons onlygota10-minuteworkout

beforeher semifinalbout–normallysheneeds45minutes.

Despitegoingintothematch dry, Simmons showeduptowin. Shewasableto switchonThe Machineandgrindherwayto a unanimousdecision.

Thatledhertothenational final,whichSimmonssaid she

wonbyanevenlargermargin.

“ThisissomethingthatIhad beenwantingforyears,since I startedcompeting,”shesaid. “Steppingintothering,Iknew thatIjusthadtowin.”

Simmonsunderstoodthather opponent Vergos –who fights on Canada’sjuniornationalteam

–isverystrongtechnically.

“ButIknewthatIcouldcrack herunderpressure,”Simmons said.“Ihaveaveryaggressive fightingstyle…myringnameis TheMachinefora reason:Idon’t gettired.Ijustkeepsteam rolling untilI’mdone.”

To ampuptheir fighter,atone point Vergos’scoachesyelledto herthatSimmonswasslowing down.TheMachinetookissue withthat.

“Iendeduplookingatthe othercoachesasIwashitting thisgirl.Shewasonthe ropes andIsaid,‘I’mnotslowingdown. I’mspeedingup.’Ihitherwith severalbodyshots,andthen landedarighthooktothehead,” Simmonssaid.

TheNorth Vanbrawler’s strategypaidoff. Afterseeing herscores flashonascreenfrom the firsttwoofthree rounds, Simmonsknewshehadalready won.Butitdidn’thitheruntil the refliftedherhandintothe air.

“HearingthatIwasthegold medallistmadeit real,”shesaid.

“I’mstillprocessingit–like, I don’tthinkit’stotally registered thatIwon–butIwaselatedthat alloftheworkthatI’vebeen puttinginovertheyears…days andnightsoftraining,blood, sweatandtears,literally,itpaid

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Boxerbrought back from the brink

off,anditmeantsomething,”Simmons said.

ForSimmons,boxinghasprovided morethanthethrillofvictory. At times, it’sgivenher areasontolive.

Theyoungathletehasbeenopen aboutherstrugglewithmental health, andthepurposethatthe sporthas

providedher.

“It’s been justoverfiveyears since boxing savedmylife,”Simmons began in an Instagram postsharedafterherwin at nationals.

Inhigh school,herautismmadeit easy forothers to get ariseoutof her,shesaid.

“I was aneasy target,anditbuiltup

SabrinaSimmons(centre-left)atGriffins Boxing and Fitness with owner andhead coach Dave Brett,coachEmmaSuttle,lightweightbronzemedalistSaphir Vendroux and coach MatthewNewton. COURTESY OF SABRINA SIMMONS

Mothtattoo a meaningful symbol

after awhile,beingtreatedlikegarbageby the peoplewhoweresupposedtobemy friends,”Simmonssaid.

At16years old,shetriedto takeherownlifebyoverdosingon antidepressants.

Butshepanickedand called afriend. Thefriendcalledher parents,and Simmonswasrushedto hospital.

“Thethingthatgotmetopanicand realizethatmaybethishadn’tbeenthe rightchoicewasthat Ihad afightthat weekend,”shesaid.“Ifeltlikeif Ididn’tgo tothattournament,allofthepeoplewho had beenhorribletome, thatmeantthey won.”

Simmonskeptfightingtournament to tournament.Shewonoften,butwhen shelost,shefeltlikeshewas relivingher suicideattempt.

Inlate2022,she returnedto atournamentinPortland whereshewasdefeated threeyearsprior.Thistime,shewas ina muchbetterplacementally.

“I feltlikemypastselfwascheering meon,”Simmonssaid.“Whenshegot intothatring,shewas fightingforher life. Now,Iwasfightingformyself.”

Inthesemifinals,sheknockedouther opponentinthesecond round.Itwasn’t

untilaftershewonthebeltthatSimmons learnedher semifinalfoe was amemberof theU.S.nationalteam.

Winningthattournament was atransformationalmomentforher.

“NowIhaveamothtattooonmy shoulder.It’saverysymbolic one,” Simmonssaid.“Alotof peoplewhogo throughbadthings see abutterfly asa symboloftransformation,aboutgoing throughsomethingandcomingout beautiful.

“Ichose amothbecause Idon’tthink I cameout beautiful,but Istill survived.I cameoutchanged. Idon’tthink I’mbetter than Iwas, butIamdifferent,” shesaid.

Now, afterearninghernationalbelt, Simmonsiswaiting withanticipationto findoutifshe’llmakethenationalteam, whichwouldallowhertotraveltointernationalcompetitions.

To reachthatgoal,andbiggerones ahead,shetrains five-to-six days aweek withtheteamatGriffinsBoxingand Fitness,includingcoachEmmaSuttle.

Eventually,Simmons’sultimategoalis tobecome worldchampion.

“AlthoughIknowthisdreammight takeyears, Iwanttoknowthat Igave everythingbecause Iwouldneverforgive myselfforstoppingnow,”she said.

Mark your calendarsThedeadlinetosubmit employerapplications forfundingwiththe CanadaSummerJobs programis December 19,2024.

Noteearlierdeadline foremployerstohirein timeforsummer!

Visiting Ensure Hive Future,CanadaSummerJobs employer2024 Amessage to NorthVancouver Employers! Canada SummerJobsUpdate

JONATHAN

Memberof Parliament,NorthVancouver @JonathanWNV

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Weaveyourway through thesparkling lights and aisles of 75+wooden stalls selling uniqueartisanal gifts, enjoy festive music, skateon theice rink, admirethe City’sChristmastree, appreciate communityentertainment,andindulginginseasonal treats likebratwursts, mulled wineandhot cocoa. Comehungry!Our vendors arebringingthefinest European cuisine totheCityofNorthVancouver. shipyardschristmasmarket.com

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MAKINGCONNECTIONS

NewcomerExpo comingto North Vancouverin January

NORTHSHORENEWS STAFF editor@nsnews.com

AneweventhostedbytheNorth ShoreNewsaimstoconnectnewcomerswithorganizationsandservices neededtohelpthemsettleintheirnew homes.

That’salotofgoodnews!

The firsteverNewcomerExpowillbe heldSaturday,Jan.25inthePipe Shop ontheNorth Vancouverwaterfront.The expoaimstoprovidenewcomerswith informationandconnectionswithlocal organizationsandbusinessesthat canhelp themsettleintoCanada.

Whatorganizationsshouldparticipate?

Ifyourorganizationprovides essential servicesorproductstonew immigrants on theNorthShore,the NewcomerExpo offersauniqueopportunitytoconnect withthisgroupandofferyourhelp.

Organizationsin fieldssuchas realestate, banking,education,employmentservices, governmentservices,nonprofitsectors andmorecanmakea realdifferencefor newcomersattendingtheexpo.

Therearelimitedsponsorship

ANewcomerExpois coming to North VancouverinJanuary, linkingpeoplenew to Canadawithbusinesses, organizationsand services ready to helpthemsettlein. MIRSAD

opportunities and boothsavailable,and interestedorganizations cancontact the NorthShore News at publisher@nsnews. com.

Whoshouldattend?

TheNewcomerExpoisfree for anyonewhowantsto come by and seewhat servicesareavailable.The expowillrun fromnoonto3:30 p.m.onJan. 25 at the PipeShop.

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North Van woman celebrates 25 years with lungtransplant

ABBY LUCIANO

aluciano@nsnews.com

Local JournalismInitiativeReporter December marksanemotionaltime forMargaretBenson,butnotforthe reasonsyoumightthink.

Margaretfeltafullbreathof airforthe first timeatage40,afteradoublelung transplantfromananonymousdonoron Dec.1,1999.

“Itwasliterallylike I wasdrowningall thetime,”Margaretsaid.

Shewasdiagnosed with cysticfibrosis –agenetic,progressivediseasethat causes thickmucustoclogthe lungs’passageways–atonly14.Doctorstoldhershehad a yearlefttolive,asthelife expectancy was15atthetime.

Butthediagnosisdidn’tstop Margaret fromlivingherlife,asshelaterbecame a teacheratBrooksbankElementaryfor14 years.

ThisDec.1markedthe25thanniversaryofherlife-changingtransplant,and dozensofpeoplejoinedhertobusta move atSt.Catherine’sChurchtocelebrate themilestone.Margaret,now65,andher friendMiyukiSpencer organizedaZumba classtomarktheoccasionandgiveback tothecommunity.

AlltheproceedsfromtheZumbaparty aregoingtotheCanadian Transplant Association.Thegroup raisedapproximately$1,100,shesaid.

“Thecelebrationcomesatthehands

ofsomeonehavingtodonatetheirloved one’sorgans,butItry and live my life forthemandinjubilationforwhattheir lifewas,” Margaretsaid.“Ialwaysthink ofthemwheneverIaccomplish or do something.”

Upbeat music filledthechurch’sgymnasium,withBeyonce’s“SingleLadiesand “Waka Waka”by Shakira gettingthe crowd going.Butasthehour-longsession came toanend, Margaret wantedtofinishwith a songclosetoherheart–“Seasons of Love” fromtheBroadway musical Rent

Thesongisknownforits“525,600 minutes”lyric,denotingthenumberof minutesinayear.Bensonwantedtoshow thatifyoutakethatnumberand multiple it by25,that’show many minuteshavegone bysincehertransplant.

WhenBensongotthetransplant,it markedthebeginningofanew millennia forher,shesaid.Shewasoriginallytold herlifeexpectancy after receiving the transplantwouldbefiveyears.

Atthecelebration, a scrapbookwas displayedshowingherjourneysince hertransplant,includingphotosinthe hospital,lettersfromfriendsandfamily, adrawingfromhernieceandnewspaper clippings.

TheZumbapartywasoneofBenson’s biggest celebrationsyet,incorporatingone ofherpassions–shehasbeen a Zumba instructorforthepast 12 years.

Margaret Benson,adoublelungtransplant recipient,talks to her Zumbaclassabouther journey onthe 25thanniversaryofher surgery. ABBY LUCIANO / NSN

Recipientnotabouttoslow down

“The25years,Ijust sort ofcan’t believeit,”shesaid.“Ican’tcomprehendit sometimes.”

Onthegymsidelines washerhusband, BrianBenson,whosaidheishappytosee howfarshe’scomeovertheyears. Every yearisacelebrationforthem.

“It’saverysurrealday,”Briansaid. “Hereweare25yearslaterandshe’sactive inthecommunityanddoingthe Zumba andhavingagreattime.”

Thepairhavebeenmarriedsince1988, andBriansaidhehasalwaysbeenamazed byherattitude.

“Shesetsthebarhighfor somebody who’sbeenthroughsomuch,and she doesn’tfeelsorryforherself,”hesaid.“She justtendstoignore itand [doesn’tletherself]bedefinedbyher disease or health situation.”

Thiswasn’ttheonly transplant Margaretneededinherlife.Herkidneys startedtofailin2019duetolong-termuse oftransplantmedication. To saveherlife, her73-year-oldbrotherdonatedakidney.

AsofNov.20,nearly400transplants havebeenperformedthisyearinB.C.,and 635peoplearewaitingforatransplant, accordingtodatafromBC Transplant’s website.

The Zumbaclassled by doublelung transplantsurvivorMargaret Benson stretchesitoutatSt. Catherine’s Churchin North Vancouver Dec. 1. ABBY

Bensontalkedaboutwhathaskepther goingalltheseyears.

“Ihadalotofmentalstrength,”she said.“Whenyou’re toldyou’reonly going toliveonemore yearandthelifeexpectancyis15,you’vegottogeta lotof inner strengthtokeepgoing.”

AbbyLucianoistheIndigenous and civic affairsreporterfor theNorth ShoreNews. Thisreportingbeat is madepossibleby the LocalJournalismInitiative.

Butter Chicken Orange Chicken Beef Teriyaki

Asian Style Beef and Broccoli Sweet and Sour Chicken Sesame Chicken

Indigenous plumbing business wins award for workplaceequity

ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com Local JournalismInitiativeReporter

CurtisThomasfeltanadrenaline rush whenheheardthenameofhisbusinesscalledoutat theNorth Vancouver Chamber’sBusinessExcellence Awards.

WarriorPlumbingwontheExcellence in Equity AwardattheNov.26ceremony, an awardthat recognizes a companythat demonstratesleadershipandcommitment toequitable practicesandinitiativesin buildinganinclusiveworkplace.

“I’m reallyproudofthesmallbusiness we’vegrown,andthepeoplethatwe broughtintobepartofit,”said Thomas, thefounderandpresidentof Warrior Plumbing.Theplumbing andgasfittingcompanyisIndigenous ownedand operated,andfocusesonnewinstallsof mechanicalsystemsincondos,townhomesandotherbuildings.

Thomasisamemberfromthesəlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-WaututhNation),wherethe companycollaborates on Indigenous-led projectstobuildsustainable,eco-friendly homes.

Butthesuccess of WarriorPlumbing hasn’t come withoutchallenges. The

handymanstartedthecompany in 2010 outofnecessity.

AfterThomasgot laid off in December 2009,hewasdoing smallplumbing jobs

to fill inthegaps.Whenhisfriendoffered himajobtodosome work in HaidaGwaii, there wasonecondition–Thomas hadto starthisownbusiness.

He remembershisfriendsaying, “you’vebeendoing somesmallprojects formealready,soyou’realreadydoingit. Whatareyou waitingfor?”

WiththatpushspurringThomas on, WarriorPlumbing wasborn.Since then, the companyhasgrownfromaone-manshow tothe30-employeeoperationitisnow.

WarriorPlumbing is an inclusive employer, with afocusoncreating opportunitiesforyouth who are lookingto startatradescareer,their websitestates. Thomassaidheemphasizescreating a positiveworkenvironmentbytryingtobuild a companywherepeoplefeel respectedand seen,haveavoiceandfeel safe.

“Wewantanypersonthatcomes into ourcompanytofeel like they’repart of a family,andthat we canall dosome good worktogetherandcelebratethewinsand workthroughthehardtimes,”Thomas said.

Thisisthecompany’ssecond major award. WarriorPlumbingwonBusinessof the Year(11+PersonEnterprise)at theBC IndigenousBusiness Awards in 2022.

Reflectingontheawardsandthe progresshiscompanyhas mademakes Thomasfeel likelifehas come full circle, ashehastaken alotofinspiration and thanksfromhisuncle.Aftertalkingto an acquaintancewhowas a plumber, Thomas realizedthiswasthe careerhewantedto pursue.Shortlyafter,hisuncle,whowas thedirectorofeconomicdevelopmentfor thenationatthetime,helpedhimgetan interviewwithOcean Park Mechanical, andThomaswentontoworkthere forsix years.

WhenThomascompleted histwo-year apprenticeship at thecompany,he remembershisunclefullofpride and telling him hewilloneday give opportunitiestoother peopleinthe Tsleil-Waututh community.

“NowI’minthispositiontocreate opportunitiesforotherpeopleand encouragethemtoget a well-payingcareer,” Thomassaid.“That’s reallywhatgetsme outofbedevery day. It’s come full circle.”

TheotherwinnersoftheBusiness Excellence AwardsarelistedontheNorth VancouverChamberwebsite.

AbbyLucianoistheIndigenousandcivic affairsreporterfortheNorth ShoreNews. Thisreportingbeatismadepossiblebythe LocalJournalismInitiative.

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Situatedinbustling LonsdaleSquare, our community offers ahighly personalisedseniorliving experience. Contactus todaytobook apersonal tourand discoverhow ourresidents receivebest-in-classcare as wellasenjoy:

CurtisThomasisthe founderandpresident of WarriorPlumbing, anIndigenous plumbing andgasfitting company that launchedin2010. COURTESY OF LOA FRIDFINNSON

NeptuneNews–December2024

MustachesandMore!

Neptune’steamhasalways had alotof fun at itsannualMovemberfundraiser— mustaches,shavesand alotoflaughs kickedoffthemonth.However, the seriousnessoftheneedisalso topof mind,as we continue to learn about and betterunderstandmen’shealth.

Movemberfundsnowsupportmorethan men’sphysicalhealthissueslikeprostate cancer—fundraising formentalhealthhas become akey componentoftheinitiative, asis raising awarenessinthebroader community. “GettingBCPlaceandScience Worldlitup,onNovember 9and 16 respectively,withMovember colours was ahuge coup,” JasonAnderson, Neptune’s TeamCaptainsays.“Andgettingformer CanuckDaveBabychout to ourkickoff event reallybuoyedthe teamup.Ifonly we couldallgrow mustacheslikethat!”

LastyearNeptune wastheninth-highest MovemberfundraiserinCanada,andthe secondinBC. At publication,funds raised this year were $78,850 —thefifthhighest inCanada!“Neptuneisanincredible organization,”says Tyler Watkins,a DevelopmentManagerwith Movember. “Thegrassrootsapproachandpassion shown by this teamisunparalleled. The fundsthey’reraisingaremaking ahuge difference, helpingmen realizeit’sokay to notbeokay.”

With 245people at Neptune’skickoff barbeque,donationsfromemployees, support forprizesfrom contractorsand servicesfrom communitymembers, it’s clearthatNeptunehasmadeits Movembercampaignanimportantpart ofchanginglivesinour community, andbeyond.

StrengtheningNeptune’sStructureandEnhancingLeadership

VinceJohnsjoinedtheNeptune team inJune2024 as Vice Presidentof AssetManagement. Thisis anew role,and astrategic changeinthe organization toconsolidate and integrateengineering,construction, assetmanagementandmaintenance.

“If youbuildit, youhavetomaintain it,”Vinceasserts.“Weare working towardsasingle centreofexcellence forallofourequipment,bringing teams togetherand forgingan evensafer workenvironment forour staffand contractors.”

Workingonthe WestCoastisalso somethingof ahomecoming forVince. Bornand raisedinBC,hespentclose

to 40 yearsinAlberta,25ofthose workinginoilandgas,andmining. Heisespeciallyhappyto introduce his wifeandsixchildren to hishometown.

As alongtime volunteersupporting Indigenous youth andHabitatfor Humanity,Vincehas foundthe communityspiritandgenerosityof theNeptune familyalign with his values.“It wassuch alovely introductionand welcome,” says Vince. “IparticipatedintheMovember initiative andwilldefinitelybejoining other teamfundraisers.”

Neptune Terminalshasbeenpartofthe North Shore for morethan55years. We aredrivenbyourcommitmenttosafe, environmentallyresponsibleoperations,considerationforourneighbours,andsupportforourlocalcommunity.

Teamingupfor Organ Donors

Organdonationsaveslives,butitis acomplex processtofind adonorandcan also be challengingonthedonor’s end tocompletethe required testingandundergothesignificant medicalproceduretoharvest theorgan. The LivingDonorCircle of Excellenceprogram recognizes companiesthatcoverthe lost wagesoflivingdonorsfortimespenton testing,surgeryand recovery.

Neptune’sPresident,Megan Owen-Evans,is atwo-timelivingorgan donor—in2013she anonymouslydonatedoneofherkidneys and in2022she,again anonymously,donated2/3 ofher liver. Her wagesin2022 were coveredby Fibreco, heremployeratthetime.Neptunehas recently joinedtheCircle of Excellence, along with manycompaniesinthe waterfrontsector includingFibreco, theBCMaritimeEmployers Associationand Global Container Terminals. Recently,theCityofNorth Vancouverbecame thefirstmunicipality to join.

Respite andCarefor North ShoreSeniors

Thepopulation of Canadianseniorsis increasing.IntheCityofNorth Vancouver, seniors comprise17.5%ofthepopulation, andintheDistrictof West Vancouver theymakeupmorethan aquarterofthe population at 28.5%.Astheproportion of seniorsincreases,sodoesthenumber of individualsdiagnosedwith dementia— puttingadditional strainonthe community, health-caresystemandsupportnetworks. By age65,onein16peoplearediagnosed with dementia. By age85,thatincreases to 25%ofthepopulation.

TheNorthShoreFamily RespiteCentre is anew development,throughCareBC inpartnershipwith CatalystCommunity DevelopmentsSociety,theCityofNorth Vancouverand Vancouver CoastalHealth. Itwillenablethecaregiversofseniors,

diagnosedprimarilywith cognitivedecline (dementia)and/orphysicallimitations, to gettheperiodsof rest theyrequireto continue to carefortheirlovedones at home.Neptuneviews seniors’careasthe nextchallengeofoursociety,andanissue thatwillgreatlyaffectmoreandmore employeesandtheiremployers.

“Neptunehas pledged $100,000 over four yearstosupportthefinal touches onthe facility,andthedevelopmentof programs,”says Dr.Inge Schamborzki, ChiefDevelopmentOfficer,CareBC Foundation.“Bycombininginnovative guest-focuseddesignwithproven therapeuticprograms,this facilitywill be thefirstofitskindonthe NorthShoreto houseanintegrated Adult DayProgram andOvernight Respite.”

OnSeptember20th,Megan alsoled the Neptune teamintheHaul forHopechallenge, afundraiser forHopeAir,anational organizationthatfundstraveland accommodation costsforpeopleliving far fromthemedical caretheyrequire(including livingdonors).Haul forHopeis atestof determination,skilland compassionas teams of 12pullanaircraft100metresinsupportof patientswho musttravelformedical care.

MeganisanExecutiveBoardMemberofthe KidneyFoundation, Co-Chair of the Circle ofExcellenceinitiative, andmemberofthe HopeAirNational Advisory Council,and says these initiativesareall connectedinthegoal ofsupportingmedical patientsinneedand reducingbarriers to livingdonation.

“The team at Neptuneissoamazing,”says Megan.“I putthefundraiserout to our staff,and notonlydid weraise almost$15,000,but we alsopulled a67,000-poundairplanedowna runway inunder30seconds(the fastesttime fora12-person team)!”

See our communityupdatesinfullandsubscribe to our e-newsletter at NeptuneTerminals.com or by contactingus at community_questions@neptuneterminals.com or 604-983-7935

Dave BabychwithNeptune’sMichaelLai at the Movember event

VinceJohns -VicePresident of Asset Management

ThefutureNorthShoreFamily RespiteCentre

Neptune’sHaul forHope teamﬂexingtheirmuscles

North Shore floodingmoreproofofdamage of climate change

ALLANMAYNARD

Contributingwriter

Theatmosphericriverweather systemthatlashedBritish Columbia’scoastontheday oftheprovincialelection,Oct. 19,2024,surpassed records in North Vancouver, Victoria, Squamish, Vancouver, West Vancouver,White Rock,Langley,Abbotsford, Chilliwack,Hope,Nakuspand theAgassizandPittMeadows areas.

Forexample, West Vancouver saw134.6millimetresofrain, smashing the Oct.19 recordof 34.8mmsetin1970.InNorth Vancouver,whereIlive,the stormdumpedanastounding344 mmofrain–morethandouble thanfromtheNovember 2021 stormthatwashed outthethree majoraccesshighwaystoMetro Vancouver.

Thisisclimatechangeright atourdoors–inthiscase on PanoramaDriveinDeep Cove wheremanyfriendslive.

Yes,wehavealwayshad

majorclimateevents,butthis is different.Itiswellunderstood thatindividualclimateevents (wildfires, floods,droughts, windstorms)cannotbespecificallylabelled“causedby climatechange.”This reality

events,itisdifferentnow.The eventsaremadeworseby climate change.

•Hurricanesoverincreasingly warmeroceans,arebecoming moreintense,causinggreater rainfallandhaveagreater coastal floodriskduetohigher stormsurges causedbyrising seas.

•Forest fires are increasingin intensity,frequency, and size

Moreover,the fires areoccurring athigheraltitudesandin morenortherly regions–even Siberia–thusthreateningcarbon rich tundra.

•Heatdomesaremore frequent, lastinglonger andcausing more fatalities.

(seenin rebuttalssuchas“we havealwayshadstorms”) is a well-usedpushbackfromthose denyingthedestructivenessof climatechange.While itis afact that regionsoftheworldhave alwaysexperiencedextreme

•Rainevents–such as the oneweexperiencedinNorth Vancouver– aremuchmore extremeandoftenhittingland thathasbeendriedoutfrom droughtsandthusunableto absorbthe extrawater.

Yes,therehavebeenmajor events,butwehaveneverseen entiretownsandcommunities

suchasJasper,Fort McMurry, Lytton, Yellowknife,Lahaina, etc., burningtothe ground and/or requiringcomplete evacuation. In2023inCanada, 250,000 people wereonthemovedueto fires. In2022,one-thirdofPakistan, a breadbasketnation,was flooded. HurricaneHelenelaidwasteto sixstatesinsoutheasternUnited States. Its sheerwindforceand deadly floods leftbehindapathof destructionstretchingmorethan 800kilometresfromFloridatothe SouthernAppalachians,superchargedbyocean waterthatwas muchwarmerthannormal.

So–to repeat,theworldhas alwaysexperienced major events, butclimate changeis making themmuch more devastating Thescienceis clear onthis. Humanactivity(theburningof fossilfuels)isthe causeofthis crisis.This clear fact becomes highlyinconvenienttothose withvestedinterestsinbusiness asusual. Trillionsofdollars ofassetswillhavetobeleftin

A residentlooks over extensive damage to an evacuatedproperty on PanoramaDrive inNorth Vancouver followingthe atmosphericriver rainstorm thathitthe West Coastin October. NICK LABA / NSN

Scientific community inagreement

thegroundastheworld movesawayfromenergy basedonfossilfuels.The industry responsetothis inconvenienttruthhas beenmassiveinvestments formisinformationand disinformationcampaigns designedtounderminethe science.Unfortunately, this investmenthashad successwithmanyvotersstill believingthat thescienceis notcertain.Butitiscertain.

Thedegreeofscientific certaintyabouttheimpact ofgreenhousegasesisnow comparabletothelevelof agreementonevolution, platetectonics,germ theoryandtheimpacts ofcigarettesmoking.Theconsensusis almost100 percent.TheNASAwebsite listsdozensofscientificorganizationsand peer-reviewed studiesthatholdthepositionthatclimatechange hasbeencaused byhumanaction.

Thisisnotatriviallistandcovers almostall relevantscienceorganizations aroundtheworld. We cannolongerafford

tohidebehindadefenceof ignorance,and thatfactbecomesalltheclearerwhenthe impactsarefeltsoclosetohome.

LongtimeNorth VancouverresidentAllan Maynardisanenvironmentalscientistwith morethan45years of experience.He now hostsascienceknowledgewebsite,environmentmatters.ca,devoted toproviding informationaboutenvironmental mattersof concern.

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North Shore GIVES –Together

Hyper-focusedonunleashinglocalphilanthropy,NorthShoreCommunityFoundationismakingiteveneasierfordonorstomaximize theirimpact. Throughour ThrivingCommunity funds,youchoose thecausesmostimportanttoyou,andwiththepowerofcollective givingmoregrantssupportingvitalinitiativeswillbemadetolocalcharitiesinthenewyear.Act today –everygift matters!

UnleashingCommunityPhilanthropy

To discussyourgivingplanortodonateviacheque,e-transferorsecurities pleasecontactus info@nscommunityfoundation.com I 604.617.5055 Donatetodayat NSCOMMUNITYFOUNDATION.COM

Engineersassess properties onthe 2700blockof Panorama Drive inNorth Vancouver,afterthey were evacuated in October. NICK LABA / NSN

‘Blind-led walk’showschallenges navigatingin urbanareas

ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com

Local JournalismInitiativeReporter

Asmallgroupofpeoplecametogether inNorth VancouverSaturdaymorningtobetterunderstand challenges visuallyimpairedpeoplefacewhen walkingaroundinthecity.

North Vancouver residentDavidBrun ledthewalkwithhisguidedog, Nadia, and showedsomeofthemanyobstacles those whoareblindandlow visionencounter.

“Allthatweaskwithengineersand designersisthatit’s designedinaconsistentandunderstandableway,”Brun said.

ThismarksthefourthwalkBrunhas donealongsidethe Walkers’Caucus, a local groupthat advocates forimprovingwalkabilityinthe community.

Thehour-longwalkstartedonthe cornerofLonsdale AvenueandEsplanade turningeastalongEsplanadetoSt.George Avenue.

Brun wasbornwith retinitispigmentosa, a rareeyecondition thatmakescellsinthe retinabreakdownslowlyovertime,causing visionloss.Atayoungage,Brunstarted havingtroubleseeingatnight,andhis visiondeterioratedfromthere.

Travellingdownthestreetcan

sometimesbechallengingforBrun,especiallywith streetcrossingsthataren’t built withaccessibilityorthevisuallyimpairedin mind.Bike lanes,flattenedcurbs and silent streetcrossingsaresomeofthethingsBrun mustconsiderwhencrossingthestreet. Butitcanbeextrachallengingifthere is constructionorloudtrafficnoise.

“Mydisabilityis reallynotthatimpactful, butinsituationswhereIencounterstreet crossingsthatarepoorlylaidoutorconfusingbecause ofhowthey’vebeenapplied, [or]theideawiththefloatingbusstopsof whereI’msupposedtohitallthese different markstomakeitsafelytomydestination, that’swhenIfeel disabled,”Brunsaid.

CityofNorth VancouverCoun.Shervin Shahriariwasoneoftheattendeesduring thewalk.Hewentonthewalktounderstandwhatthemunicipalitycoulddoto improvepedestriansafety,hesaid,adding thatthewalkhelpedhimbetterunderstand howpeoplewithvaryingabilitiesnavigate thecity.

“IlearnedhowNadiahelpsDavid identifywhereheshouldstopatanintersection. Insome situations,crosswalkpedestrian buttonsarenoteasily reachablewhenhe standson atactileelement,”Shahriari said.

ContinuedonA31

DavidBruncrossestheintersectionof West 28th Streetand Westview Drive withhisguide dog,Nadia. ABBY LUCIANO / NSN

OVER50%SOLD

Inconsistentdesigna concern

“WhilewalkingwithDavid,Ialsoheard otherconcerns,suchasdifficultiesinlocatingandcrossingthemobilitylaneto reach thebusstoponEsplanade,”headded.

Shahriariisalsopartofthe NorthShore AccessibilityAdvisory Committee.The committee’spurposeistoidentifybarriers forpeoplewithdisabilitieswithinthecity andprovideadviceonhowto removeand preventthem.Thecommitteealsoprovides anaccessibility lensformunicipalplansand projects,accordingtothecity’s website.

ThewalksinNorth Vancouverbegan inFebruarythisyear,after pedestrian safetyadvocate Vic Leachputouta call inDecember2023tofindsomeonetolead Walkers’Caucusevents in thecity.Brun heardthecallandvolunteered.

Since the walksin North Vancouver startedearlierthisyear, Coun.Jessica McllroyandNorth Vancouver-Seymour MLASusieChanthavejoined to learnmore aboutwhatimprovementscould be made throughoutthecity.

The Walkers’Caucusformedin2016,and Leach begangoingon regularwalksshortly aftertoseewhatcouldbeimproved.

“The reasonthatwe’relookingatelected officials isthattheycanhelpmakethedifferenceiftheypasslegislation,”Leach said.

HavingpeoplelikeBrunsharetheirperspectiveisvitaltoimprovingaccessibility foreveryone,Leachsaid,addingthatstreet designscan be complex, but hehopes future intersectionsor upgrades in generalinvolve moreofthe commuter community.

Myhopeis that there’snotonly thedialogue, butit’s really thecommitment thatwestart working together toastandard, andtome,it’s auniversal standard.

ACCESSIBILITY ADVOCATE DAVIDBRUN

“Myhope isthatthere’s notonlythe dialogue,but it’s reallythe commitment thatwestart working togethertoastandard, andtome,it’s a universal standard,”Brunsaid.“Ithink if we doitright,itbenefitseverybody.”

BrunandLeachhavebeenincontact withMayorLindaBuchananandhopetogo onthenextwalkinJanuary2025.

AbbyLucianoistheIndigenousandcivic affairsreporterfortheNorthShoreNews. Thisreportingbeatismadepossiblebythe LocalJournalismInitiative

COORDINATEDKITCHEN &BATHCELEBRATES50YEARS

Backin1974Coordinated KitchenandBathfirst openeditsdoorson East1st Street,justoff LonsdaleAvenue.Inthose daystheneighbourhood wasverydifferent,no revitalizedShipyards Districtandcertainlynone oftheapartmentsand condosweseetoday. AstheNorthShorehas changed,Coordinated KitchenandBathhas alsogrown,building areputationasthe community’sgoto full-servicequality renovationexperts.

Coordinated’sreputation speaksforitself,few businessescansaythey’ve servedwithsuchdedication acommunityasuniqueand magicalastheNorthShore foroverahalfacentury. WithoneofCanada’s mostexperiencedkitchen andbathroomdesign buildteams,theirproject managers,designers,CAD specialists,andprofessional tradeshavecustom renovationscovered fromstarttofinish.From creatingaperfectdesignto selectingqualitymaterials andschedulingtrades,they haveawealthofindustry knowledgetobringdreams tolife.

Whenitcomesto countertops,cabinets,and kitchenandbathfixtures, Coordinatedsuppliesand installsthebestinthe

“

Awealthofindustry knowledgetobring dreams to life.

industry.Membersofthe BetterBusinessBureau,the NationalKitchenandBath Association,houzz.com prospecialists,andother leadingkitchenandbath organizations,theirdesign andprojectmanagement teamworkstocreatethe perfectkitchen,bathroom, andhomerenovationtime andtimeagain.Customer satisfactionisparamount totheirsuccess.

If2024isyouryearfor akitchenorbathroom renovation,calling CoordinatedKitchen andBathisagreatplace tostart.

Visittheirshowroomat 123East1st Streetin NorthVancouver, checkthemoutonlineat www.coordinatedkitchens.com,

Oraskaneighbour–theymaywellhavea Coordinatedkitchenand bathintheirhome.

Mr. Bannocktaking his culinary expertiseonthe road

BRANDON BARRETT

bbarrett@piquenewsmagazine.com

It’sbeenadecadeand a half sinceaward-winning SquamishNationchef PaulNatrallenrolledin anIndigenouscooking courseat Vancouver CommunityCollege.All theseyearslater,it’s a pairoffieldtripshe and hisfellowstudentstook thatstillvividlysticks outinhismind.

“Theybroughtusto Musqueam[territory]to seesomeoftheirtraditional smokehouses.Thatwas hugetobeabletoseesomeofthosethings stillbeingpracticed. We alsowent up to MountCurrieon specialoccasionswhen theywouldpreparewind-driedsalmon,”he said.

Now,insteadofstudentsgoingtothe knowledgesource,Natrallwantstobring ittothem.ThemanbehindMr.Bannock, Vancouver’sfirstIndigenous foodtruck,is takinghiswealthofexperience on the road withanewventurecalledLittle SpiritMoon. Namedafterthe13moonsinthelunar calendar recognizedbymanyIndigenous cultures,theprojectisatravellingclassroomofsorts.Outfittinga trailerwith adehydrator,freezedryer,andsmoker, alongsideequipmentforcanning andpickling, Natrallplanstovisitschools,offices, andorganizationsinterestedinlearning traditionalandcontemporary Indigenous culinarytechniques.That willinclude recipesforhistrademarkbannock,driedmeats, homemadejams, salsas,andspicerubs.

“It’ssuperexciting,”hesaid.“Thewhole goalistobeabletosharetheknowledge andexperienceIgainedfromthelast15 yearswithinourcommunity,hopingto connectwithpeoplethataren’tconnected to theircommunities,whocan’tgototheir homelandsandlearnfromtheirfamiliesand knowledgekeepersthere.”

LikesomanyaspectsofIndigenous cultureinCanada,colonizationseveredFirst Nationsfromtheirculinary traditions.From 1885to1951,thepotlatch,atraditionalceremony involvingfeasts,dancingandsinging thatwasintegraltothesocialhierarchy and governance ofCanada’s IndigenousPeoples, particularlyonthe NorthwestCoast,was bannedbythefederalgovernment,who sawitasun-Christianandabarrierto assimilation.Settlerstookcontrolof salmon distributiononthe WestCoast.Buffalo

werenearly wipedoffthePrairies,Ottawa’s attemptatstarvingtheFirst Nationsthat reliedonthem.

Thedisconnectionmanifestedin smaller,butnolessdamagingways,as well. Traditional foodknowledgewaslostalong theway. Teachingsabout wildplants.Family recipeslongforgotten.

“There’s ahugegapbetweenIndigenous foodwaysandalltheothercuisinesfrom aroundtheworld,”said Natrall.“Therewas alotthatwaslost withthetrauma.I’mjust superhappytobeapartoftheIndigenous culinary worldthatis rebuildingthefood culture.IseealotofsuccessfulIndigenous chefsacrossthecountryandItalktoalot ofthemand reallyjustcheerthemon. We aresteppingupandtakingourplaceinthe culinaryworld.”

Withonlytwobrick-and-mortar Indigenous restaurantsacrosstheentire LowerMainland–Salmonn’BannockBistro in Vancouverand Tradish’sTheAncestor CaféinLangley – therearefewopportunities fortheaveragedinertosampleFirst Nations food,letaloneknowhowtocookit.Through hisMr.Bannockfoodtruckandcatering service,aswellashis roleaschairofthe IndigenousCulinaryofAssociatedNations, Natralliswellpositionedtochangethat. Andhe’sfullyawareit’sgoingtotakemore thanjustfoodtodoso.

“It’snotjustcooking. Youhavetobeable to tellstoriesandhaveabiggerpresenceon socialmedia,too.WhenIgotravelandtalk withpeople,therearealotofgreatcooks outthere,butiftheycan’tsharestories, communicateandtalk,that’snotenough,” hesaid.“Youhavetohavethehustleand drive,andhopefullyIcanshowpeople,if I candoit,theycantoo.”

Learnmoreat mrbannock.com/ little-spirit-moon.

PaulNatrall, famed forhisMr Bannock foodtruck,isset to teachtraditionaland contemporaryculinary techniquesat schoolsand officesacross B.C. PAULMCGRATH / NSN

Indigenousartists craft bentwoodboxes for charity auction

ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com

Local JournalismInitiativeReporter

TwoNorthShoreartists thoughtoutsidetheboxwhen craftingpiecesto donatefor a charityauctionin Vancouver thispastweekend.

TheBentwoodBoxCharity Auctionfeatured20uniquebentwoodboxescreatedbyIndigenous artistsacrossB.C.,withall proceedssupportingtheUrban Native YouthAssociation(UNYA). Morethan$90,000wasraisedfrom acombinationofthesilentand liveauctionaswellasmatchingdonations.Ofthatnumber,

roughly$57,000wasraisedfrom thebentwoodboxesalone.

SammyDawsonisoneof theartistswhodonateda box fortheauction.Dawsonis a Kwakwaka’wakwartistknownfor carvingminiatureandceremonial masks,drumsandbentwood boxes. Crane,thenameof his pieceofart,camefromtheinspirationofamaskcarved by Mungo MartinattheDenverArtMuseum. Healways wantedto recreate thedesignandsawthisasthe opportunity.

“It’salwaysagoodfeelingto helpanddonate whenyou can,” Dawsonsaid.

This marks the first bentwood boxDawsonhasdonatedtothe charityevent,anditsoldfor $3,600.The artist has beencarving sincehewas12,andby22 he had movedupto maskcarving. Dawsontookhisskillstothetest whencraftingthe box–oneday wasspent designingandanother dayandahalfcarving.Hemoved fromNanaimotoNorth Vancouver in theearly2000sto havemore workopportunities,asartgallerieswereshrinking.

AaronNelson-Moodyisthe otherNorthShoreartistwho donatedaboxforthecharity.

FromtheSḵwxwú7mesh

Úxwumixw(SquamishNation), therichcolourofhiswork U’sthe Best! ismadefrom piercedcopper sheetswithvitreousenamel bakedontothem,accordingto theLattimerGallery’swebsite.His worksoldfor$700.

Nelson-Moody has beensharinghisartsince1998.Thecarver andjewellerhasworkshowcased acrossCanada,Scotlandand Japan.Hismost recentpiece reflectshumourandcreativity thatthrivesinIndigenousart communities.

“Thepiecescreatedforthis eventcapturetheamazing humour,sarcasmandcreativity

Sharingthe Christmasstory that

ST.ANDREW’SUNITED

1044 St.George’sAve,NorthVan

604-985-0408

www.st-andrews-united.ca

Saturday, December 14

4pm Laudate Family Singers

Afreehour-longconcert that features selectionsfromanItalian Baroque Christmasand sing-along holidayfavouritesfor kids ofallages.

Sunday,December15

2:30 pm SeatoSky Wind Ensemble

Thisannual concert from the North ShoreCommunity Music Society’s 50-piece windsymphonyisalways adelight. Admissionbydonation.

Thursday,December19

St.Andrew’sFreeCommunity Christmas Dinner

11:45am –12:45pm First Sitting

1pm–2pm Second Sitting

Comeand enjoy adeliciousturkey dinner withall thetrimmings!

Friday,December 20

6pm Blue Christmas Service

Gentle music,candle-lighting, and a messagethatgives hopeforthe yeartocome.Presentedby St. Andrew’s Unitedand St. John’s Anglicanchurches.

Christmas Eve

4pm Jesus’ Birthday Party

Youandyourlittleones areinvited toanhour-long birthday partyfor Jesus withmusic, sing-alongcarols, fun activities and,ofcourse,a birthdaycake!

7pm Christmas Eve Candlelight& CarolsService

Experiencethejoyof Christmas at atraditionalservice oflessonsand carolsinour candlelit Sanctuary.

ChristmasDay 10am Christmas Day Service

Joinusfor ajoyous Christmas Day service.

EveryoneiswelcomeatSt.Andrew’s!

LYNN VALLEY UNITED

3201 Mountain Hwy.North Van

604-987-2114

www.lynnvalleychurch.com

Sunday, December15

10:30am Advent Service How Much is Enough –Joy

Monday, December 16

7pm Soul Spa

Celebrating Winter Solstice withlive music.

Wednesday, December18

5pm Eat, Play,Love Pizza, Popcorn& Movienight forall ages.

Thursday,December19

7pm MusicImmersion Experience

Lessonsand Carols with Lynn Valley Voices.

Sunday, December22

10:30am Advent Service

ARoom with aView -Love

ChristmasEve

4pm FamilyChristmas Service

8pm Candlelight Communion

Whoeveryouare,whereveryou’re atonyourjourney,thereisaplace foryouat LVUC.

MOUNT SEYMOURUNITED

1200 Parkgate Ave, North Van 604-929-1336 https://mtseymourunited.com

Wednesday,December18

7 pm Blue Christmas Candlelight Service with music by Marcus Mosely &Julian Pattison

Thursday,December 19

2 pm Christmas Carol Singing in the Café

Christmas Eve

4 pm YoungFamilies Christmas Eve Service

7 pm Traditional Candlelight Service

NORTHLONSDALE UNITED

3380Lonsdale Ave, North Van 604-985-4911

www.nluc.org

Christmas Eve

5:30 pm AllAges Celebration Service

Join usfor aChristmas Eve celebrationservice of carol-singing andall-agesfellowship. All children whoattendareinvitedtojoinin our “pop-up Christmas pageant” (just show up on thenight of!) as partofthisservice.Costumes will beprovided,oryoucanbring your own!The 5:30 servicewill also belivestreamed onour YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@ northlonsdaleunitedchurch

11 pm Contemplative Communion Service.You’reinvited to come andrestinaquieter, contemplative spacelate-nighton Christmas Eve, as we gather to reflectand tocelebrate HolyCommunion

that fill anystudiowithIndigenous artistsandcraftspeople,”NelsonMoodysaidinapress release.

The“U”shape representsthe UNYAlogo,andhehopesthe piecelandsintheassociation’s newbuildingoneday.

U’stheBest! markedNelsonMoody’s fifthdonationtothe charitysinceitlaunchedin2010.

Bentwoodboxesareunique toNorthwestCoastFirstNations peoplesinB.C.,oftenusedfor symbolicandpracticalpurposes Theycanbeusedforburialboxes forancestors,clothingandhouseholditemstorage,transporting

together.This service willinclude simplesongs, Scripturereadings, andtimes ofsilence. Allarewelcome.

ST.DAVID’S UNITED 1525 Taylor Way, West Van 604-922-3961 www.stdavidsunited.com

Thursday,December 12

7 pm Creber Musicpresents The Magic of Christmas “LetTherebePeace” aconcertfor all ages,featuring theCreber Family, St.David’sChoir,and specialguests. (A ticketedevent.)

Sunday,December15

10:30am Advent Service –Joy Tuesday,December17

7 pm Blue Christmas Aserviceofhonouring those who haveexperiencedloss,offeringthe giftofhealing& thebeautyofhope. Special Guest,harpist Rebecca Blair.

Sunday,December22 10:30am Advent Service –Love Christmas cookie Sunday with refreshmentsfollowingthe service.

Christmas Eve 10 pm ACandlelight Service with beloved carols.

Sunday,December29 10:30am Arelaxed recap of the ChristmasSeason.

HIGHLANDSUNITED

3255 EdgemontBlvd,North Van 604-980-6071 www.highlandsunited.org

Tuesday,December17

7:00 pm Service of Loss andLight at St.Catherine’s Anglican Church, 1058 Ridgewood Dr., North Vancouver Christmas Eve 4pm PageantwithGod’sFree SpiritsChoirandGenesisII Choir 7pm Carols withthe SpiritSingers 10 pm Aserviceof readingsand choral musicinacontemporary styletowelcomethe birth of Christ.

WESTVANCOUVER UNITED 2062 EsquimaltAve, West Van 604-922-9171 •wvuc.bc.ca

StopbyourtreeintheDundarave ForestofMiracles,andscanittofind outwhichGiftofJoyyoumightget!

Christmas Eve

4pm Christmas forKids Come experiencethe joyof Christmas in this30minutefamilyfriendlyservice.

7:30pm &9:30 pm Carolsand Candlelight*

Both eveningservicesarefilled with the beautyandpower ofourchoir, candlelight, andtraditional Christmas hymns.

*Alsoavailable onlineandthroughout the eveningatwvuc.bc.ca/live andonFacebook.

U’stheBest! wascrafted by AaronNelsonMoody,anartistfromthe SquamishNation. Pierced coppersheets withvitreousenamel bakedontothemproducedtherich colour The“U” representstheUrbanNative Youth Associationlogo. COURTESY OF JOANNEVELTRI

Crane wascreated by Sammy Dawson, a Kwakwaka’wakwartistknown for carving miniatureand ceremonialmasks, drums andbentwoodboxes. Thenameofthebox camefromtheinspirationofamask at the DenverArtMuseum. COURTESY OF JOANNEVELTRI

Charitysupports youthinitiatives

ContinuedfromA34

goodsandcooking,according to thegallery’s website.

Lattimer GalleryownerPeterLattimeris happytoseehowfartheauctionhascome.

“Itstarted as something forcharityto givemoneytosomeIndigenousfolksin need,”Lattimersaid.“It’s reallyturnedinto a opportunityforartiststodosomething forthemselvesthathappenstodosomethingforalotofotherpeople.”

Lattimersaidthismarks thesecond highestamounttheyhave raised,with $94,000raisedin2017.

Thisyear’seventalsohit a recordwith themostexpensivebentwoodboxsoldfor $13,000by Ts’msyen/CreeartistPhilGray. ThecharityhasbeengivingtoUNYA since2011,andCEOCherylRobinsonis gratefulforthedonationovertheyears. Proceedsfromtheauctiondirectly benefitUNYA’sIndigenous YouthCentre ofExcellence,afacilitythathelpssupport

2025

thenextgenerationofIndigenousleaders. Theauctionalsosupportstheassociation’s OverlyCreativeMinds program, empoweringIndigenousyouthtoexploreartistic talents,buildcultural pride and develop leadershipskills.

“WhenweempowerIndigenousyouth, theopportunitiesareendless. We hopethat UNYAcreatesthatspacewhereyouth feel likethey’reempoweredhere,andthatthey cantakethosenextstepsintheir dreams,” Robinsonsaid.

Robinson is fromtheSt’át’imcand Nisga’aFirstNations.She’sspent herwhole lifeintheurban areaofMetro Vancouver, so continuingthisworkisvitaltoher.

“That’s reallyimportanttometobeable to provideasafespaceforyouthtoexplore thesethings,”shesaid.

AbbyLucianoistheIndigenousand civic affairsreporterfortheNorthShoreNews. Thisreporting beatismadepossiblebythe LocalJournalismInitiative.

Dog LicenceRenewals

2025 DogLicence Renewals aredue andpayable by January 2,2025. Dogownersarerequired to purchase an annual Dog Licencefor dogs olderthan4 months ofage for a$30 fee. To complete an onlinepaymentofa newor renewedDog Licence, visitcityserve.cnv.org.

Questions? www.cnv.org/Dog /tax@cnv.org /604-983-7316

TUESDAY DECEMBER17TH TO TUESDAY,DECEMBER24TH

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2025

BUYSELLLOANGOLDDIAMOND JEWELLERY

ThenextRegular CouncilMeeting is January13, 2025.Agendas forupcoming meetings andminutes of past meetingsare availableonlineat DNV.org/council. Councilagendas arealsoavailable forviewing atallDistrictlibraries or youcan sign up to receiveagendas by emailat DNV.org/agendanotice.

Councilmeetingsare heldinahybridformatwithacombination of in-personand electronic participationbysomeorall membersofCouncil,orbystaff andthe public.Thepublic areinvited to attend at theCouncil Chamberswheretheywill be able to seeandhear theproceedings and, at aminimum,the Corporate Ofﬁceror designatewillbeinattendance.

Public inputonagendaitems,bothin-person andvirtually,will be facilitatedby signingupinadvance priorto3:00p.m.onthe dayofthe meeting by contacting theCorporate Ofﬁcer at signup@dnv.org.Speakerswill then be contactedbythe CorporateOfﬁcerwithinstructionsonhow to participateeither virtually or in person.Participation canbeinperson, viavideo or telephone.

Thepublicmay also observemeetingsvia Zoom.Details aregiven in theagenda foreachmeeting,which areavailable at DNV.org/council after10:00 a.m. on Tuesdaypreceding themeeting.

aboutearlier,theStrengthandRemembrance Pole.It’s a placeforpeopletocomeand reflect andget strengthand heal,” shesaid.

Likemanyofthelovedonesofthe55Canadiancitizens and30 permanent residentswholosttheirlivesaboard UkraineInternationalAirlinesFlight752,HooriranSohranis askinga questionaboutthememorialconstruction:“When?”

Whileatimelineofupto2.5yearsisthecurrentestimate, staffsaiditcouldchange duetofactorslikefundraising effortsandoverallscopeofthe project.

Despite delaysfacedsofar,SohransaidthatJackLoucks Courtisapeaceful place andwill makeagoodlocationfor thememorial.ShelivesnearbyonSecond Avenue.

Sohranlostfour peoplecloseto herinthePS752tragedy: daughterNegarBorghei,son-in-lawAlvandSadeghi,aswell asSadeghi’ssisterSahandandnieceSophie,whowasjust fiveyearsold.

ArmanAbtahi,wholosthis brotherSeyedMehran Abtahiforoushanionthe flight,also saidtheprocess tobuild thememorial has beenslow, butisgladto seeit moving forward.

Originally,manyfromtheAssociationofFamilieshad hopedthememorialwould be builtin Victoria Park.

“Thesecondoption[JackLoucks]isalsogood,”Abtahi said.“Wedidn’twanttoinitiatethis withalotoffrictionwith otherstakeholders.Itissupposedtobea place for reflection,sowe didn’twanttostartitwithfriction.”

“Thiswasoursecond-bestoption. We selectedthese sitesamong10or20sites.SoI’mhappywithit,actually,” he said.

SEASONALACTIVITIES

BritishPropertiestrestlebridge lightsup West Vancouver sky

BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com

SantashouldhavenotroublefindinghiswaytotheBritishProperties thisseason andneithershouldanyoneelse.BritishPacific Properties hasonceagaindeckedoutits 200-metrelongtrestlebridgewith Christmaslights.

Thedeveloperopenedthebridge, whichwasinspiredbytheOkanagan’s Kettle Valleyrailwaytrestles,in2021asan amenityfortheneighbourhoodsetforsignificantnewgrowth.Thisyear,thelights havebeenextendedalongthemountain pathleadingtotheCypressPop-Up Village.Thelightswillbekeptonuntil10 p.m.nightlyuntiltheendofFebruary.

Visitors cantakeinviews ofBurrard Inletand VancouverfromBritish PacificProperties’ trestlebridgein West Vancouver. COURTESY OFBPP

Mostandleast expensive homes sold over thelast two months

NICKLABA nlaba@nsnews.com

Withasignificant25-pointratecutfrom the Bankof CanadainSeptember, buyersandsellerssittingon the fenceinthe homemarketmade their movesin October.

That’saccordingtoindustrywatchers,whosawMetro Vancouverhomesalessurgenearly32percentcompared toOctober2023.Still,that’s5.5per centbelowthe 10-year seasonalaverage.

MarketactivityinNorth Vancouverfollowedthewave, withOctober2024detachedhomesalesup 61 percentover September,perdatafromGreater Vancouver Realtors.

Whilealess-pronounced uptickcontinued for much of theMetro regionin November,homesalesin North Van dippedmonth-over-month,withdetachedhomesalesdown 25.7percentandattachedhomesalesdown 35.6percent.

Withitsstockofpredominantlyhigh-value,single-family homes, West Van remained relatively flatovertheperiod, with aslightboosttoapartmentsalesinOctober.

The summermarket was reallyquiet,andthenthe Septemberinterestratedecreasecameand we sawthe resultinOctober,saidDerekGrech,founderandpartner with ThePartnersRealEstate.

“Peoplethatwerekindofontheshelf…madedecisions tomoveforward withsalesandpurchases.Andthennow

Feedtheneed

Helpus raise$100,000 towardsthe FeedtheNeed foodsecurityprogramthathasbeenproviding meals to vulnerableseniorsinWestVancouver.

The FeedtheNeedprogramcurrentlyserves350meals per week,and yourdonationwillhelpus providethree mealsper week to seniorsinneeduntiltheendof2025.

YOUR CONTRIBUTION

Your contributionmakes adifferencein thelivesofourvulnerableseniors.

Feed one senior for threemonths for $355

Feed one senior for sixmonths for $709

Feed one senior for oneyear for $1,418

No contributionis toosmall!

it’sgotten quietagain,” he said.

What’sconfusingformanyiswhy prices haven’t dropped more,whichwouldspur more salesactivity,Grech said.

“Eventhoughthesalesvolumesareatthelowestnumbersthey’veever been, priceisstilloverachievingwhatit didwhenwewereinthe busiest market in2021to2022,” he said.“Scientifically,ifvolumesgo down, then shouldn’tthe sales pricesfollow?”

Thecauseisastalematewheresellersareunwillingto go down and buyerswon’tcomeup,Grech said,notingthat averagesalesfor his firmarehistorically60 per monthor higher,comparedtothe25 he tracksnow.

Andlookingforwardtothenewyear,he doesn’t see muchcomingthatwillchangethat.

“Ithink2025isgoingto be verysimilarto2024,” he said. “I thinkit’sgoingto be slowandsteady.”

Butsomefactorscouldchangethat,likea big dip inthe stockmarket,Grechsaid.Italso remainstobe seen ifthe Vancouver realestatemarketis rosierwhenthe snow melts, asittypicallyis.

“Vancouver hasalways proveneveryonewrong,”he said.“That’swhysellersover here havetherightto say, ‘I’ll justwaittillthespring,’because historicallythat’s always occurred.”

Checkoutthemost-andleast-expensive homes soldon theNorthShoreinOctoberandNovember.

Most-expensivedetachedhome

The most-expensivehometoselloverthepasttwo monthswasthenewlybuilt residenceat3165Dickinson Cres.in West Vancouver.Describedasa“coastalCalifornia home,”the6,400-square-footmansion soldfor$7.89million onOct.28after101daysonthe market. Overthattime, nearly$1millionwastakenoffitsoriginalpricetagof$8.8 million.

The home’sexteriorexudesluxury, cladin paintedwhite brickwith blackwoodaccents.Astaircasetothefront door isoverlooked by aninvitingarchway.Inside,itsownersare treatedtoanopen-concept main floorwith10-footceilings andoakherringbone floors.Amarblekitchenandlarge soapstoneislandopenoutontoasunnypool deckwith a coveredlanaiand barbecuearea.The homewas sold by Angell,Hasman&Associates.

ContinuedonA39

Marketjumpedin October following decreaseininterest rate

Least-expensivedetachedhome

Theleast-expensivedetacheddwelling to comeoffthemarketwasLot7inthe CosyCovecommunityinIndianArm,North Vancouver. Withanoriginalaskingpriceof $1.28million,itsoldfor$940,000 on Oct. 26 after106 daysonthemarket.

The1,848-square-foot“solidcabin”was builtin1970.Alargesellingfeature isthe 1.25-acrewaterfrontlotwitharamp/dock and230-feetofwaterfrontage.Thelotalso comeswithtwoseparateparcelidentifiers sothere’spotentialtobuild a seconddwellingtothesouth.

Most-expensivetownhome

Ataneyewatering$9.15million,half a duplexat2446Bellevue Ave.wasthetop

townhometosell.It wassnapped upon Oct. 12 after25daysonthemarket,shedding half-a-millionoffitsoriginalaskingpriceof $9.68million.

In West Vancouver’sDundarave neighbourhood,theRussell Hollingsworthdesignedwaterfronthomeboasts4,172 squarefeetovertwostoreys.Floor-to-ceiling windows revealthestunningoceanview beyond.

Thetwo-bedroom,four-bathroomunit hasbeen renovatedandstocked withtop-ofthe-lineappliancesfrom WolfeandSubZero. It wassoldbyRoyalLePageSussex.

Least-expensivetownhome

At$600,000,theleast-expensivetownhometosellwas4101-33ChesterfieldPlace inNorth Van.The39-year-oldloft/warehouse

conversionwentoffthemarketOct.30after justoneday,with$25,000offtheoriginal askingprice.

LocatedinLower Lonsdale,the 838-square-foot,one-bedroomand den townhomealsohasa145-square-foot patio. TheunitisstepsawayfromtheSpirit Trail, LonsdaleQuay,SeaBus,aswellasgrocery storesand restaurants.

Most-expensiveapartment

Themostexpensiveapartmenttosell recentlyisthepenthouseat1960Bellevue Ave.in West Van.Itsoldfor$6.67 million onOct.28after47daysonthemarket.It’s originalaskingprice was$6.83 million.

Builtin1993,thetwo-bedroom, three-bathroomapartmenthas been renovatedwithanopen floorplanandvaulted

ceilings.Floor-to-ceilingwindowsopen ontoawrap-aroundoutdoor patiowithvast waterfrontviewsofBurrard InletandStanley Park.

Least-expensiveapartment

Theunitat217-2012Fullerton Ave. soldfor$338,000onNov.14,makingitthe least-expensiveapartment.Itsoldafter41 daysonthemarket,with$2,000offtheoriginalasking price.

The“most-affordable condo”isa bachelorapartmentinthe WoodcroftEstates complex.At480squarefeet,thelisting says it’s“perfectforupdatingorconversionto aone bedroom.”The buildingalso has an updated roof, plumbingandelevator,with improvements made tothecommon area. Theapartmentiscatfriendly.Meow!

NOTICEOFDISPOSITION

Inaccordancewithsection26ofthe CommunityCharter (BC),theDistrictof West Vancouver(the“District”)herebygivesnoticeofits intention to grant to Telus CommunicationsInc.(“Telus”),inperpetuity,statutoryrightsof way(the“SRWs”)undersection218ofthe Land Title Act (BC) overthreeparcelsofland (collectively,the“Parcels”)legallydescribedas:

• PID:008-844-216 Lot9Block 51 CapilanoEstatesExtensionNo. 11Plan12592 (“Lot9”);

• PID: 010-814-621 LotFBlock21CapilanoEstatesPlan 6973(“LotF”);and

• PID:008-844-453 Lot20Block 51 CapilanoEstatesExtensionNo. 11Plan12592 (“Lot20”).

TheSRWsarerequiredinorder forTelus to provide communicationserviceswithintheDistrict of West Vancouverandno consideration willbepaid to theDistrict fortheSRWs.

TheSRWsare beinggrantedovertheentiretyofthe Parcels,asshowninblueontheplansbelow.

SUBJECT PROPERTIESSHOWNINBLUE

QUESTIONS? John Wong, SeniorManager,Facilities &Assets 604-921-3420 |jtwong@westvancouver.ca

HOLY WATER

Raingardeninstalled atchurchhelps protect localwildlife

ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com

Local JournalismInitiativeReporter

Volunteersstuckouttherainandmud tohelpnearbywildlifethriveinNorth Vancouver.

TheNorthShoreStreamkeepersand theNorthShoreAllianceChurchworked togetherinearlyNovember tobuilda rain gardeninthechurch’sparkinglotwiththe

purposeoffilteringstormwatertocapture toxiccontaminantsshedbyvehiclesbefore reaching WaggCreek.

“We’re reallypleasedwithhowit’s performingandhowittransformedthat particularsection of theparkinglotinto somethingthatlookspleasant,”said

CarolynneRobertson, vice-presidentofthe NorthShoreStreamkeepers.

Whatusedtobea rowof concretelock

blocksis now a21-metre-longraingarden thatmimics naturalbends of ariverand features150plants–both nativeand ornamental.Theplantswereselectedfortheir tolerance of droughtandwetconditions, seasonalcolourandtosupportbirdsand pollinatorsinthespring,Robertsonsaid.

Raingardenscanalsocleanupto80 percent of pollutantsfrom roadrunoff, Robertsonsaid.

“Whenitrainsandthere’sabigrushof waterthatdrainsinto oururbanstreams, it causesdamage.Justthecombined forceof thewatercanerodestreambanks,dislodge gravelandharmaquaticlife,”shesaid.

NorthShoreStreamkeepersis a volunteerorganization thatfocuses on monitoringandimproving streamsand waterways.The organization gotinvolved withthisprojecttodemonstratethatcitizenscantakeaction thathasimpact.

AfterRobertson heardconcernsfrom thechurchlastyearaboutcar-generated pollutantsintheirparkinglot,shesuggestedbuildingaraingarden.

Whenan opportunitycame up toapply fortheCity of North Vancouver’s Living CityGrant,thechurchappliedtoseewhat wouldcome of it.

ThentheNorthShore AllianceChurch’s environmentalclubspearheadedthe project,andthetwo organizationsspent20 months of planningtomakethegarden a reality.

Nature TrustBritishColumbiaandthe PacificSalmonFoundationalsohelpedfund thegardenwhileSFU’sNorthShore Rain

GardenProjectprovidedthedesign.

BrendaMartin,executiveadministrator ofthechurch,helpedlifttheprojectoff thegroundandwasoneofthevolunteers plantinglastmonth.

“We’vetakensomuchawayfromour environmentthatit’slovelytobeableto dowhatwecantocleanthingsupbefore weputitbackoutintothestreamsand theocean,”Martinsaid.“It’sgreatthat wecanbeapartofthisandbepartofthe solution.”

Martinmetwiththecityandtalkedwith differentorganizationsonhowtogoabout theraingarden.Inparkinglots,thereare lotsofchemicalsthatcomeoffoftiresthat canendupinwater,Martinsaid.

Thechurchparkinglotdrainsinto Wagg Creek,knowntosufferfrompoorwater qualityduetourbanization,Robertson said.

Onlyamonthaftertheraingardenwas installed,Martinsaidshehasalreadyseen itworking,makingtheareacleaner.

Afterseeingsuccesswiththeraingarden,Martinhopestoaddoneortwomore intheparkinglottohelpcatchmorewater tohelp WaggCreek.

“Itfeelslikeasmalldropina reallybig bucket.ButIthinkifwecanhave lotsoflittledrops,wecanmakeadifference,”Martin said.“It’sjustlovelytoseethecommunity cometogetherinmanydifferentways.” AbbyLucianoistheIndigenousandcivic affairsreporterfortheNorthShoreNews. Thisreportingbeatismadepossibleby the LocalJournalismInitiative.

North ShoreStreamkeepersJennifer Sydenham(left)and Carolynne Robertson (right) workwithNorth ShoreAllianceChurch volunteer Kirsti Satake on a raingardenonchurch property PAULMCGRATH / NSN

Pekoethe catis aspeciallady

NORTHSHORENEWS

STAFF

editor@nsnews.com

SweetPekoeis aspecial lady, andisoneofthe stafffavouritesatthe West VanSPCA.

Pekoeis abiggirlwith anevenbiggerpersonality,andshe’snotafraid to showit.Sheseemsto pickfavouriteswithher humans.Sheletssome peoplepethermorethan others.

IfPekoedoesnotwant to betouched,shewillbe honestwith agrumbleor aswattotellyou, “Nothanks!”

WhenPekoelikesyou,shewillweave aroundyourlegspurring andrubbing her chinonyou.

We knowthatPekoewillnottolerate beingpickedupandheld,butshewillstare atyoulovinglyfromthe othersideofthe couch.

She’salsobeengettingtolerantof brushing,whichisgreatnewsconsidering shehas abeautifullongcoat.

Pekoeabsolutelylovesto bebaby

talkedto,and willmeltwith compliments abouthowbeautifulandperfectshe is.

Pekoeisin afosterhomerightnow.If youareinterested in adoptingPekoe,call SPCAstaffat604-922-4622.

Daysincare:26days

Age:eightyearsold

Breed: domesticlonghaired(black)

Weight:7.6kilograms (17pounds)

ID:412790

Adoptablepetoftheweek featuresanimals at BCSPCA West Vancouver thatarein need ofaforeverhome.Visit the SPCAwebsite for more informationonhowtoadopt Selma.

Pekoethe cattakes aload off. BC SPCA WEST VANCOUVER

TIMETRAVELLER

The VancouverMountaineerCluband CapilanoHotel

Photo:NVMA,10104

Prior to beingknownastheBritishColumbiaMountaineerClub(BCMC),theywerecalledthe VancouverMountaineerClub.Filledwithlocals wanting toexplore andsurveythemountains as wellasthefloraand faunaofthe region,many wouldhopacrosstheInlet forday trips to theNorthShore,like theonepicturedherewhereearlymembersoftheVMCareshownwith Dickson Kellstheproprietorofthe CapilanoHotelandhis familyin1908.Thephotowastaken to commemorate theclubpresentingtheVMCCup to Sophia Kells,seeninthemiddleofthephoto.

Visitmonova.caformoreinformationaboutthehistoryoftheNorth Shoreand to learnaboutMONOVA: MuseumofNorth Vancouver, nowopen at 115 West EsplanadeinThe Shipyards. MONOVA:Archives of North Vancouverislocatedat3203InstituteRoadin Lynn Valley. Contact: archives@monova.ca

#LOCALMATTERS

Gifts peopleneedtreadlighter ontheplanetandour conscience

LAURA MARIENEUBERT Contributingwriter

“WeStillHave Parsnip!” Theheadlinejumpedoff thepagethis morningas Iopenedmyemailfrom LockwoodFarm.Myheart racedbriefly andI realized howmuchlifehaschanged sinceIbeganthedeepdive intothenatureofnature, andthefood-as-medicine wayoflivingandlanduse.

Itcanbeeasytobecome overwhelmedbythenoiseof theworldandthepeople in charge.Easytofeelhelpless andapathetic;tobelievethere islittle wecandotocontrol therunawaytrainofcompromisedhealthandclimatechange.That simplyisn’ttrue.

Thereissomuchthatwecando, everyday,if weallowourselvesandothersthe spaceandthegracetomoveslowly,one stepatatime,andbeginwherewe are.

This weekmarksthe first officialweek oftheholidayrush,whenconsumers consumewiththebestof intentionsbut also unintendedconsequences.There istime stilltopauseand reflectonourchoices, anddownshiftenoughtoaffectchange.

Shopcertainly,butbuy local,check labels,supportsmall independentbusinessesandtraditionaltrades.Atthetop ofyourgiftlist,createsomeguidelines, namely:Wheredoes it comefrom? What is itmadeof?Whatwillbecomeofit?Andlet thosequestionsguideyourpurchases.

Wrappingyourgifts in materialslike recycledbrownpaper,avintagescarf,or acottondishtowel is notonly kinderto theenvironmentthanbuyingnon-recycled wrappingpaperprintedoverseas,butit announcestothe recipientthatyou are consciouslytreadingmore lightly,perhaps evenpreparingthemforcontentsthat mightgivethempause.

Locallymadebeeswaxcandles,tallow moisturizer,artisanalpottery, vintage china,farmersmarketmembership,balconygardeninglessons,pre-ownedbooks, Christmasmarketpottery, heirloom cast iron,home-preservedtomatoes andpickles,home-grownherbalteas,andyes, even abigbundleofparsnips–allon mygift list.

Also,easy-to-digest,non-polarizing booksthatsimply illustrateconnections betweenwhatweeat,whatweeat eats, andhowthosetwothingsaffecthuman andplanetaryhealth.Books like Good

Energy byDr.Casey Means, EattoBeat Disease byDr. WilliamLi, TheNature ofNature and the MetabolicDisorderof ClimateChange by VandanaShiva, The Good Life byHelen and ScottNearing, and YoungForever byDr. MarkHyman,willbe giftedthisyear,primarilytothosewhose worldviewIamhopingto gentlyinfluence.

Giftingitemsthatpeopleneedtreads lighterontheplanet andour conscience thangiftingwhatpopular culture suggests wewant.Exercise,for example;we allneed it,sowhynot gift anactivitylike guided mushroomforaging,snowshoeingor kayaking–including rentals, StanleyParkbike riding,hiking,orothersuch adventures?

Time,that mostprecious of all commodities, can bewrappedinoccasion and giftedas aSundayspenttogetherpreparingandcooking a specialmeal that resides inmemory, orinspiresmemories.Our youngestdaughter giftssuch experiences regularlyandgets asmuch or more outof thegivingthanthe recipients.

Thisholidayseason, consider giving yourself,family,friends,the community andtheplanetsome respite fromtheravagesofconsumerism. Makea list, check it twice,decidenottobenaughtybutinstead tobenice–toourselves and each other, andtothosewhohavenot, andbeproud ofdecidingthatwejusthavetostop.

Stopbuyingsuperfluous,trendy and such, and insteadgivesomethought and sometimeandsometouch.Changeis hard,butsowell received.

LauraMarieNeubert isa West Vancouverbasedurbanpermaculturedesigner.Learn moreaboutpermaculture by visitingher websiteupfrontandbeautiful.com,or email hello@upfrontandbeautiful.com.

Hubby Walter warmsup to agiftedsourdoughbread bakingclassatFlourist. LAURA MARIENEUBERT

10. Slygaze

11.“____andthe Tramp”

19.Sever

21.Male feline

23.Gobackward

24.Bunny’sstep

25.Monkey

26.“ aGift”

28. Rowed

29.Switchpositions

30.Also

31.Biddy

35.Describe

36.Kitchendevice

38. Octobersign

39.Mantle

40.Hawaiiandance

41.Matineefigure

42.Casualshirts

44.Thunderstruck

45.Saga

46.Pivot

ACROSS

1.Hotspring

4.Maildrop

8. Papermoney

12.Curedsalmon

13. Listen to 14.Confused

15.____out aliving

16.Lighten

17.Arctictransport

18. Ties theknot

Kayak’scousin

39.Smallfib: 2wds.

43.Information

47 Unmannered

48.Competent

50.Polish

51.Burnbalm

52.Hickory, e.g.

53.Additionshape

54.Chums

55.James____Jones

56.Cee’s follower DOWN 1.Largenumber

2. ____funat 3.Cutdown 4. Ship’s pronoun

5.Paged(through)

6. Desertstops

7. Candies, e.g. 8.Crushingblow 9. Landamidwater

49.Slipperyfish

Crosswordpuzzleanswers useAmericanspelling

HOROSCOPE WEEKOFDEC11,2024 -DEC17,2024

ARIES March21-April19

Yourfamilymaybecounting onyoutohandleallthe holidaypreparations. Considerdelegating sometaskstodistribute responsibilitiesmoreevenly thisyear.

TAURUS April20-May20

You’llhaveplentytotalk aboutthisweek! You’llstart wrappingyourChristmas presents,addingyour personaltouchtoimpress yourlovedonesanddelight thekids,evenifittakes sometime.

GEMINI May21-June20

You’llfindyourselfinthe spotlightasyouworkon aspecialproject. Youmay bringthefamilytogether foranimpromptutripora specialholidayactivity.

CANCER June21-July22

You’ll receivemany invitations,whichyou mayinitiallywantto decline.However,you maychangeyourmind atthelastminute, especiallywhenit comestoparticipating inthefestivities.

LEO July23-Aug. 22

Youmay find stickingtoyour budgettobe abitof astruggle, asyoumightbeinclined tochoosemoreexpensive giftsthanplanned. Youmay alsogivecertainlovedones preferentialtreatment.

VIRGO Aug.23-Sept.22

Yourcreditcardwillgeta workoutthisseason! You’ll havetochoosewhetherto buyChristmaspresents, participateinsocial activitiesorgoon afamily trip. Youmustdigdeepas youconsideryouroptions overthenextfewdays.

LIBRA Sept.23-Oct. 22

Yourhomewillbebustling withactivityevenbefore thefestivitiesbegin. Your childrenwillturnyourabode into abasecampwiththeir friendsbeforetheholidays officiallystart,addingto your responsibilities.

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21

You’llbecarriedawayby themagicofChristmas,even ifyouthoughtyoucould escapeitthisyear.You’ll dedicatetimetocharitable causes,bringingjoytothe

peoplewhoneeditmost.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec.21

You’llembracetheexcitement ofChristmasthisyear,feeling cheerfulandexcitedto participate inthecelebrations. You’lleagerlyvisitbustling shoppingmallstoenjoy yourselfandjoininonthefun.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan.19

Thethoughtoftaking atrip orgoingon agetawaymay crossyourmind, asignof yourdesireforadventureand newexperiences. Youmight considerworkingabroadfor achangeofscenery.

AQUARIUS Jan.20-Feb.18

Dependingonyoursituation, goingbackto school could considerablyimproveyourlife. Agreatopportunitymay arise, bringingsignificantmaterial gainandproviding relief from your financialstress.

PISCES Feb. 19-March20

Itmaybetimeto re-evaluate yourpersonalandsocial mediaconnections. You don’tneedtoxicinfluences inyourlifesowing discordandharmingyour relationships.

HOWTOPLAY:

Fillinthegridsothat everyrow,every columnandevery 3x3box contains thenumbers 1through 9onlyonce. Each 3x3box isoutlinedwitha darkerline. Youalready havea fewnumbers to get youstarted. Remember:youmustnot repeatthe numbers 1through 9inthesameline, columnor 3x3 box.

SUDOKU CROSSWORD

Masterplan concept calls for 11 towers, new park, transit hub

anenhancedMacKayCreek.

Hamilton Avenuewill beclosed thereto makewayforthose changes.

Amajortransitnodealong Marine Drive isalsopart of the plan, forcommutersandothers accessing retailinthearea.

Theplanaimstocreatetwo distinctneighbourhoods–one aroundtheparkandcommunity centre,andtheotherina“south village”areathat re-imagines ThirdStreetasahighstreetwith a mixof retailand restaurants.

Onlinecommentperiodends Jan.10

Communityengagementfor thelarge-scaleprojectbeganin 2019,butwas delayedbythe pandemic.Then,apublicinformation meetingwasheldinJune2023, andCityofNorth Vancouver councilvotedtostart processing QuadReal’spre-applicationto amend theofficialcommunity plan forthearea.

Next,thedevelopersaiditwill updatethemasterplanconcept

basedonfeedbackfromthe communityandcitystaff,and willsubmitadetailedapplication fortheOCPamendment.A final voteontheprojectistentatively scheduledforlate-2025.

Withthemallturning55years oldnextyear,QuadReal saidit’s timetoconsiderhowthe sitecan bettersuittheneedsofNorth Van residentsintothefuture.

Seniorvice-presidentPaul Faibishsaidhiscompanyis excitedtoshareitsvisionforthe futureofthesite.

“Ourinitialdesignconcept aimstocreateavibrantcommunityhubthat reflectsthe NorthShore’sconnectionto naturewhilemeetingtheneeds of itsgrowingpopulation,”he said.“QuadRealiscommittedto engagingwith residentstohelp informandguidethe futureof thepropertyasasustainableand dynamicdestination forall.”

Formoreinformationorto providefeedback,visittheprojectwebsiteat reimaginecapilano. com.Theonlinecommentperiod endsJan.10.

Amasterplan conceptdrawingshows 11 towers, rangingfrom12 to 40 storeyshigh, risingfromthe redeveloped CapilanoMallsite.Thebluebuildingisa community centre. QUADREAL

When we switched some areas to newspaperboxes earlierthisyear, we couldnot haveimagined thedemand forprintednewspapers.

In some locations,likeLynn ValleyCentre,weredeliver multiple timesandgo through more than500newspapers everyweek.

If youneedadditional newspapers in your neighbourhood please letusknow by calling Deniseat

YourCommunity

MARKETPLACE

REMEMBRANCES

ADVERTISINGPOLICIES

Alladvertisingpublishedinthisnewspaperis acceptedonthepremisethatthemerchandise andservicesofferedareaccuratelydescribed andwillinglysoldtobuyersattheadvertised prices.Advertisersareawareofthese conditions.Advertisingthatdoesnotconform tothesestandardsorthatisdeceptiveor misleading,isneverknowinglyaccepted.Ifany readerencountersnon-compliancewiththese standardsweaskthatyouinformthePublisher ofthisnewspaperandTheAdvertising StandardsCouncilofB.C. OMISSIONAND ERROR: Thepublishersdonotguaranteethe insertionof aparticularadvertisementona specifieddate,oratall,althougheveryeffortwill bemadetomeetthewishesoftheadvertisers. Further,thepublishersdonotacceptliability foranylossofdamagecausedbyanerroror inaccuracyintheprintingofanadvertisement beyondtheamountpaidforthespaceactually occupiedbytheportionoftheadvertisement inwhichtheerroroccurred.Anycorrections of changeswillbemadeinthenextavailable issue. TheNorthShoreNewswillberesponsible foronlyoneincorrectinsertionwithliability limitedtothatportionoftheadvertisement affectedbytheerror.Requestforadjustments orcorrectionsonchargesmustbemade within30daysofthead’sexpiration. Forbestresultspleasecheckyouradfor accuracythefirstdayitappears.Refunds madeonlyafter 7businessdaysnotice!

MARTIN,ElizabethMargaret May2,1943 −December6,2004

It’s twenty yearssince youwerewithus. In our quietmoments,westillmissyourbig personality withyourenthusiasmforlife.

YourhusbandAlistairandyour childrenCatherine, Siobhan, Andrewand Gareth note thisanniversary withsadness andreflectonthe benefits your grandchildren,Declan,Alistair,Malcolm, Isabella, Jade,Sidney, Olivia, JordanandJensenhave receivedfromyourmyriadoftalents.

Born:November28,1942

Died:December 8, 2024

Stan age82,passedawaypeacefully on December8,2024 in North Vancouver,after a short battle with cancer Stan is survived by hiswife of58years,Janet; son, John(Erin), and granddaughter, Elizabeth.Born in Wiener Neustadt, Austriahe immigratedtoCanadawith his familyin1948.

Stan lovedcruising the worldwith hiswife,playing roundsofcards withfamily, andwasquitethe conversationalist, he wouldhappily talkyour ear off.

No service by request. In lieuof flowers,please consider makingadonation to your favourite charityin Stan’s honour.

Calloremailtoplaceyourad, MondaythroughFriday8:30amto4:30pm 604-653-7851

nmather@glaciermedia.ca Bookyouradonlineanytimeat nsnews.adperfect.com

January11,1944 −November28,2024

JohnLouie(Jack)Fornariwasborn January11, 1944,toClariceBarazzuolandLuigiFornari.Hehad twochildren,Cindyand John,fromhisfirst marriagetoAstridLammertsandthree children, Paul, Crystaland Glenyce,fromhis second marriagetoRuthBlackmore.Healsohadthirteen grandchildren.

Jack wasdiagnosedwithmetastaticcancerthis pastyear anddiedpeacefullyonNovember28, 2024.He spent hisfinaldaysinthecapable,kind andgentlecareoftheNorthShoreHospice, surroundedbyhislovingchildren,his sisterLouise andcherishedfriends.Predeceasedbyhiswife, Ruth,in2011, Jackwillbemissedbyhischildren andgrandchildren.Hewillespeciallybemissedby histhree sisters, who soenjoyedtheirweekly siblingZoomcallsoverthelastfive years.

No servicebyrequest. Jack willbeinterredwith RuthattheBoalChapelinNorthVancouver.

CUE,DaphneJane(neeMacRae) January15,1930,sadlyleftus onOctober21,2024at94.

Daphne (Mom) wasborn in Vancouverbut spent all of herlifein West Vancouver where she livedas a young child - firstly attheedge of themountain forest on Mathers Avenueand 21st; then as a teenageratthecorner of Nelson Avenueand 24th, andfor nearly 60 yearsinthefamily home - a beautifulgardencottage on Rose Crescent just stepsawayfrom SandyCove Beach

MomattendedPauline Johnson Elementaryand West Vancouver Secondary School (graduatingin 1948) andin 1954 married fellow West Vancouver nativeVictor Cue. She was acaringand supportive motherto Diana(Jim) Gostling, Mary (Chris) Lapointeand Jennifer(Antonio) CueTartaglioneas wellasgrandmotherto Jessicaand Lisa Gostling, Eleonora Tartaglione and Matthew Lapointe.

Mom was truly one-of-a-kind - acreative, intelligent,andcommunicativeperson wholoved books of all kinds as wellasgardening, sewing, baking, opera,cats, stimulatingconversationand thelaughterandfun she shared withgood friends She was alsoaconsummateparty “girl” who spent so many Saturdayafternoonshosting or attending “ladies’luncheons”and SandyCove beachparties. Momisatpeacenow andintheloving company of our Dad andthegood friends who predeceased her including her life-longbestfriendandbeloved sister Catherine(Bunny) LaRoche. We missherbut we know thatifthereisaheaven she isthereand she is having agood time We willcontinueto celebrate her lifeandherexamplefortherest of ourown lives.

Our deepgratitudegoestothecaringand compassionate staffatEvergreen House and Lions Gate Hospital, where shespent herlastfew months, andtoEmma Lumio, who was Mom’s loyalandlovingcaregiverandfriendduringthelast 8years.

LENKO,G.Stanley

FORNARI,John

obItuarIes

MAGGIE HARTLEY

4.00000X2

R0011952392 :: #753694

OBITUARIES

HARTLEY,JohnBurr(Jack) December21,1928-October21,2024

Passedawaysuddenlyathome. Leavesbehindhis lovingwifeMargaret(Maggie),sonsMark(Cindy), Page(Barbara),grandsonsRob(Keisha),Davis (Michelle), Craig(Kate),Myles (Liz)great grandsonTJ. BorninWinnipegManitobaand relocatedto West Vancouverata veryyoungage. In hisearlydaysJack obtainedhisCGAatUBCandlaterwentontogethis StocksandBondsticket,andthenobtainedhisreal estatelicence.

HeworkedinsalesatPacificGMCand thenasa bargemandeliveringfuelupthe coast.Duringhislife hewasanavidGolferatCountryMeadowsGolfClub andaday trader in thestockmarket.

Everyonewhoknewhim will misshisgreat stories. No service byrequest.

Inlieuofflowersadonationtoheart/stroke foundationor acharity ofyour choice.

HeatherPatriciaParr

Heatherpassedawaypeacefully onNovember 21st, 2024withher lovingfamily nearby. Heatherwaspredeceasedbyherparents,Elsie andLew MacVicar.She is survivedbyherhusband Tom, sonsMichael (Kristi) andSean (Gail) aswell asfivegrandchildren;Lachlan,Severen,Finnegan, OliverandCasey.

HeatherwasborninVancouveronNovember 1st, 1941, moved to Australia with herparentswhen shewas9,back to Vancouveratage 11. She graduated fromKitsilanoHighSchooland continuedhereducationatSt.Paul’sHospital whereshebecame alabtechnician.She then worked in BaieComeau,Quebec; Oshawa, Ontario and Toronto whereshe met Tom. Theywere marriedin1965. In 1969 they moved to Vancouver, thenNorth Vancouverwheretheyraisedtheir sons.

Heather lovedfamilygatheringsandtravelling.She and Tomenjoyed manycruises,roadand destination trips, visitingover30countries. Over the years,Heatherenjoyedactivitieslikepainting, yogaandaerobics.Shealso trainedas apreschool teacherandworked with manykids. Many thanks tothedoctors,nursesandstaffwho caredforHeatheratLionsGateHospita andNorth Shore Hospice.Theywere wonderful.A donation totheLion’sGate HospitalFoundationwouldbe gratefully received.

Aprivate gatheringoffamily and friends to celebrate Heather’s life will beheldinthenear future.

Obituaries

MUNZ,DieterErich

August30,1940-November 30,2024

Dieterpassedawaypeacefully on November30, 2024 in Lions Gate Hospital.Hewasborn in Stuttgart, Germanyand immigratedwithhis motherand stepfatherto Canada in 1955. He lived with hisparents in Vancouveruntilhemarried on December02,1961. Dieterresidedtogether with hiswifeinVancouveruntiltheysettled into theirhouse in Lynn Valley, North Vancouver in 1963 where theyraisedtheirfamily andcontinuedto live thereuntil hispassing.

Formanyyears, Dieterworkedasa Produce ManagerforSuperValu until1976. In1972theyalso started awholesalebusiness,whichhesuccessfully workedinuntil hispassing.

Dieter wasa very talentedJack of all trades.He enjoyed gardening, fishing andcooking.His favoriteholidaydestinationwas theIslandofKauai inHawaii.

Dieterissurvivedbyhisloving wife Janof63years, hisdaughters: CindyMunz ofNorth Vancouver; WendyGeigerand herhusbandCharlieof Germany;andTeresa Torchiaandher husband Gabe andtheirsonJoseph ofKamloops.He willbe sadlymissed byhis family,friendsandall thatknew him.

Manythanks,toallthedoctorsandnursesatLions GateHospital(2E) for thecaregiventoDieterfor thelast 2weeks until his passing.

Those whowish tohonorDieter,canmakea donationtotheProLifeSociety. Familyandfriends areinvitedtothefuneral massat:

St.Stephen’s Catholic Church-1360East24th Street,North Vancouveron Wednesday,December 18,2024at 2pm

RestinPeaceDieter

Obituaries

GALT, Ellen MacLean (neeGray)

July17th,1939 –October24th,2024

It is with great sadnessthat we announcethe passingofEllenMacLean Galt attheage of85.

Ellenwasborn on July17,1939 in Dalmuir, Scotland. Herfavourite childhood memories were of time spentwithhergrandparents,parents,three siblingsandthe family dogs, Don and Bonnie.

In heryouth,Ellenenjoyed learningFrenchand Latinand studieddrawingandpainting. Shealso lovedcompetinginsports, especiallygrass hockey, tennisandbadminton.

Ellenstudiednursing andprimary educationbefore immigratingtoWest Vancouver,Canada in 1963 where shemarried Walter.Ellenwas adevoted mothertoElaine,Carolynand Douglas. Someof her mostlovedinterestsandhobbiesweretime spent walking, gardening,volunteering in elementary schoolsand Sunday schools,knittingand crochetingforfamily andcharitable causes,as well as volunteeringincarehomes. Ellenalso worked formanyyearsas aMedical OfficeAssistant onthe NorthShore.Herloveofsports continued throughoutherlife.She went onto competeand medalinboth women’s and mixeddoubles badminton over multiple yearsinthe BC Senior Games.

Predeceasedbyher fatherDavid J. Gray(1958), motherEllen TaylorGray(2002), husband Walter Galt(2015)andbrother GeorgeE.Gray(2016).

Ellen willbedearly missedbyher sister Catherine, brotherDavid,her children Elaine (Martin),Carolyn (Adrian)andDouglas(Fran), grandchildren Robert andAndrewaswell ashernieces,nephews, extended family membersand friendsinCanada andtheUK.

Belovedandcherished In our hearts forever

REMEMBRANCES

JENKINS,Charlene(neeGullison)

February28,1931 −November11,2024

Withsadness,wesharethepassingofCharlene Jenkins,wholivedanextraordinary93yearsfilled withtravelandadventure. Apassionatehikerand skier,Charlenecelebratedher90thbirthdayon skis−afittingtributetoherloveofthemountains. BorninStanley,NewBrunswick,Charleneheaded Westbytrainat18, asoloadventure−seekerwell aheadofhertime.InVancouver,shemetGlynat theskatingrink,andtheymarriedin Amherst,Nova Scotia.Soonafter,theyembarkedona transatlanticcrossingtodiscoverEuropeby scooter.Charlenecarriedthisspiritofcuriosity throughoutherlife.Shewascaptivatedbythe Northandlikedtoexplorethepathlesstravelled. Anardentreader,shehad apassionforlearning thatinspiredallwhoknewher.Aboveall,she sharedherloveoftheoutdoorswithherdaughters andgrandsons,leaving alegacythatwillendure.In herfinalyear,shewaschallengedby alossof independence, aprofoundshiftforsomeonewho hadlivedsoactively.Despitethis,shecarried herselfwithcourageandgrace,continuingto inspirethosearoundherwithherresilienceand determination.PredeceasedbyhusbandGlyn,she islovinglyrememberedbyherdaughtersWendy (Steve)andCathy,cherishedgrandsonsJayme andNathan,andherextendedfamilyandlong− timefriends.

In keepingwithCharlene’swishes,therewillbeno service.Pleasejoinusinhonouringhermemoryby enjoyingtimeinnatureorreading afavouritebook.

MacDONALD,JamesMichael

May7,1938-November9,2024

JimMacDonaldwasborn in OceanFalls, B.C. He grew up in post-Depression remotecoasta BC towns(OceanFalls, Tahsis,Port Mellon).

In the summer of1954Jim gota job markingthe boardfor the VancouverStockExchange.A year later he startedat Hall Securities’trading department Jim worked in the stock market until he retired in 1998. Hisinterestin miningstocksled toprospectingandclaims-staking trips throughout BC.

JimandCarol(Miller)met whileskiingonHollyburn Mountainin West Vancouverandmarriedin1960. In1968theymovedto West Vancouverwhere theyraisedtheirdaughters.

In1976hepurchased the MacDonald familyfarm on PenderIsland. The home wasbuilt in 1894 by hisgreat-grandfather.Summersand weekends werespentatthefarm.

AfterJimretiredtheybuilt their lovelyhomeon SouthPenderIsland.DuringhisretirementJim continuedtoenjoy woodworking,prospecting,and golfing.

Hehadthreedaughters:Colleen (Paul),Bonnie, andEverest (Ben), grandchildren:Jojo,Steel, Sydney,Sóleyand Waylon.Jimwaspredeceased byhisbrother Terry (Jacquie),andsurvivedby brothersDonandCam (Sharon).

Jimwasalways thereforfamilyand friendsandis rememberedforhisconsistentinterest,kind words andthoughtfuladvice.Hisbrilliantmindand outstandingmemorymadehimagreat conversationalistandengagingstory-teller.

Foremost,Jimmade the most outofeach day. He ledarichlifeand no matter what he was involved in,ithadhisundividedattention.Hiswasan exemplarylife,lived tothe fullest.

BOURBONNIÈRE,Adéline

Adéline Bourbonnière, apillar of strength, compassion,and unyielding positivity, passed awayon November 30,2024. BornonSeptember 29,1940, in Ponteix, Saskatchewan, Adéline was known for herwarmth, selflessgenerosity, andthe undeniably lovingspiritshebrought intothe world.

Mom/Mama will bedearlymissedby her beloved children, Guy (Dana),Michel(Linda), Lynne (Ian) andher grandchildren, Jade(Ryan), Josh (Allie) andLane (Dave)…Joseph, Lise (Adam) and Justin…Evan,Emmaand Amie andgreat grandchildren Gradyand June. Adéline willbe lovingly remembered by her sistersand brothers Jeannine (Noel), Yvette(Gerry), Alfred (Marilyn), Harvey (Bert) andMarceland her brother-in-law Denis (Arlette) andher manynephews and nieces. She isjoined in rest with her mother, Albina, her father, Henri, her brother Jean-Marie, hersister-inlaw Charlotte,andherlovinghusband of41 years, Maurice. With bondsformedthrough friendship andher yearsof teaching, Adéline’s reach was far and wide,and shewascherisheddeeplyby many Adéline’s legacyis one of unyielding kindness, generosity and love. She supported her familyand extended a helping hand to anyoneinneed.

A CelebrationofLifefor Adeline willtakeplace on December15, 2024, at 2:00PM at Lincoln Gardens,2150 MarineDrive, West Vancouver. A further Celebration willbe held in Winnipeg on July 29, 2025, with detailstofollow. Allthose wishing to celebrate her life are welcomed. In lieu of flowers pleaseconsidergivingtoThe Heartand Stroke Foundation,Cancer Society or LGHHospice. A ful obituarycan befound at Mckenzie Funeral Servicesand to write acondolencetothefamily pleasevisit, www.mckenziefuneralservices.com

Adéline’s loss is deeplyfeltby her familyandall those who knewandlovedher Her spirit will continue toliveon and inspire kindness, resilience, and generosityin those whoselivesshetouched.

We loveyou, Mom

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harvestproject: “OURCOMMUNITY CARES”

FROMGARYANSELL,EXECUT IV ED IRECTOR

The remarkable thingis, you’rehere andsois Harvest Project. That’s good news forthis season. It’s been achallengingtimefor many ofus. And, more ofusneed a‘hand up’.

WhathaschangedoverHarvest Project’s31 Christmases is thattheneedto‘’extend ahand up”ismore critical than ever.Whileour community isin manyways, more prosperous andcomfortablethan ever,that’s notthe case forhundreds of ourNorth Shoreneighbours.

You makeitpossiblefor us to keep ourdoors wideopen,welcoming those neighbours who findHarvest Projectas aplacewhereeachone isseen,heardand understood.We’re bringing coaching +counsel, Rent Bank,and grocery+ clothingsupportsthathelp change thelivesof those we serveacrossthis community.

Every day, HarvestProject shares these vital tools:caringforindividualsand families, newcomers,andolderfolks -empowering eachone tobuildhealthier lives,righthere. That’s‘community’.

Warmest wishes, Gary and team

NewGrouseMountainResort

Followour

CoastMountain FilmFestival

Joinus incelebratinglocal ﬁlmmakersastheyshowcase their worktohometown audiences

ThesecondannualCoastMountain Film Festival will playhost to more than20 ﬁlms, manyof whichhave aNorthShoreconnection.

Whilemanyof theseﬁlmshavebeenscreenedat prestigiousfestivals around theworld, thisevent offersourﬁlmmakers achance to celebrate their workwiththecommunity in whichitwasmade. Reserveyour ticketsbefore they’re gone.

SATURDAY, FEB 8•4:00PM

Shotagainst thebackdropof theNorth Shore, theshortﬁlmswe’llbeshowcasingrange from docs, to comedy,todrama.

Anintimateopportunity to meetﬁlmmakerswho calltheNorth Shorehomeandcelebrate their work alongside theircastandcrews.

• Full line-upof ﬁlmstobeannounced inmid December2024

•Interviews withlocalﬁlmmakers

SUNDAY, FEB 9•4:00PM BIGMOUNTAINNIGHT

FRIDAY, FEB 7•7:30PM

BritishPacificProperties presentsourfirstever BigMountainnight! Inadditiontoshowing, THEHARVEST,alocal skifilmshotlargleyin Whistler’sbackcountry,youreveningwillinclude ascreeningofCALMBENEATHCASTLES,an awe-inspiringskimovie thatdelvesinto the heart,soul,andmindofskiersdrivenbyan insatiable thirstforadventureand discovery.

• CalmBeneathCastles

•TheHarvest

•PrizeGiveawaysfromNorthShore Ski andBoardand VancouverIslandBrewing

SATURDAY, FEB 8•7:30PM

InInadditiontoseveralshortﬁlmsshowcasing athletesexploring theSeatoSky region’s outdoors,ourfeatureﬁlm,CIRCLEOF MADNESS,featuresstarathletesMarkusEder (ski) &VictordeLeRue (snowboard) returning onemoretimeto thelegendaryspinewalls ofHaines,Alaska.Intheplacewhereextreme free-ridingmovieswereborn,standingon the shouldersof theirpeers, theirfriendshipwillhelp thempush it to thenextlevel.

•CircleofMadness

•SkookumchuckNarrows:Surf &Kayak theTidalRapidswithDylanGraves

•PrizeGiveaways

PacificSalmonFoundation presentsour EnviroMatinee featuringseveralshortfilms, shot locally,thatencourageusto think more deeplyaboutwhatwecandoat theindividual leveltoprotectourforests,createawareness aboutwasteand think more critically aboutour dailychoices.Follow surfers,mountain bikers andfishermanastheysharetheir personal journeys in creating abetterworldfor thenext generation.

• TheSquamishPoacher

•Revolutions: AFilm onBike Waste

•BeyondtheGreen Veil

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ENDURANCENIGHT

SUNDAY, FEB 9• 7:30PM

EnduranceNightdelves intofeatsofabsolute courage,testing thelimitsorwhatourbodies andmindscanachieve. Whether itis pushing tocomplete15GrouseGrinds in one day, or grappling with blindnesswhilebackcountry skiing, this eveningwillprovide insight into howweovercome thechallengeswesetfor ourselves.Ourfeature,FEELITALL,chronicles professionalskierDrewPetersen’sjourneyfrom thedepthsofdepressiontoﬁnding purpose throughrunning theLeadville ultramarathon.

• FeelitAll

•SnowBlind

•Fifteen: AMultiGrouseGrindStory