Inplace of theoldgrassfield and70-year-oldrunning trackis amodern,artificialturfsurface andsix-lane track.But,aslaying thenewrubbertrack requires warmerweather, West Van Districtsaidthatworkwon’thappenuntilnextAprilorMay.
Temporarymarkingsforlanes, thefinishinglineandrunning racestartingpointshavebeen paintedontheasphalt so the tracksurfacecanbeusedinthe meantime.
Theprojectalsoincludes newlightingforthesportfield, as wellas renovatedwashrooms andchangefacilities accessible outsideofschoolhourstoaccommodateuseofthe sportsfacility.
Theneedforanewartificial turffieldinthedistrictwasidentifiedin2011.Fundraisingefforts for the West VancouverPlace for Sportstartedwaybackin2015.
Afteranewcouncilwas electedin2022,the district expandedthescopeofthe
ValerieJeromesaysthenewHarry JeromeOval,namedafterherlatebrother, willhonourhislegacy by providingbetteropportunities for youthinsport. NICK LABA / NSN
In March2023,thedistrict receivedalargeprovincialgrant alongwithothermunicipalities
thatcouldbeusedtopayfor thingslikeutilities,parksand recreationalfacilities.Council decidedbehindcloseddoorsthat thegranttotalof$8million would gotocompletingthePlacefor Sport,saidMarkSager,mayorof West Vancouver.
Mondayevening(Dec.17),
councilvotedto release thetotal budgetofthe expandedproject: $17million.Thatincludestheprovincialgrant, $7.36millionfrom thedistrict,$1.27 million through communityfundraising, $250,000 from West Vancouver Schools and$125,000fromtheCanada Community-Building Fund.
Policewerecalledtoanapartment on1400blockofEsquimalt Ave.in West Vancouveraround1a.m.Dec.13tocheck onthewellbeingofsomeone who’dcalled 911.
Whenofficersarrived, theyfoundthe bodyofawoman,a releasefromthe West
VancouverPoliceDepartmentstatedon Friday.Anotherpersonin the apartment wasarrestedanditwasannouncedat thetimethat the IntegratedHomicide Investigation Teamwastakingover the case.
Thenextday, IHITissueda releasestatingthatdeceasedwomanhadinjuries that “appearedsuspicious”and that theCrown hadswornonechargeofsecond-degree murderagainstMichaelDeanBoretsky,39. Thevictim,according to court documents, wasSandraBauer.
“Webelieve that thiswasatragic
incidentoffamilyviolence.As the parties wereknowntooneanother,investigators believe this to beanisolatedevent,”said Cpl.Esther TupperofIHIT.
According to court records,Boretsky remainsincustody.Heisdue for acourt appearanceon Dec.18.
West VancouverpoliceandIHITasking anyonewhohasinformationabouttheincident,includinganyonewhowasin thearea of the 1400blockofEsquimalt Ave.around 1a.m.Dec.13, to contactIHITat1-877-5514448or ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Anadditional$750,000from thedistricthasbeen approvedto renovatethewashrooms at West Vancouver Secondary.
On themorningofDec.14,theland gavewayaboveHighway99besidethe BrunswickRoadofframp.Theslidesent mud, rocksandlargetreesdowntheslope andacrossthebusySea to SkyHighway, closingitinbothdirections.
Travellerswereadvisedtoturnaround, or stayputiftheyhadn’tsetoutyet. Highway99 remainedcloseduntil 6:30a.m Sundaymorning,aftercrewsworkedovernighttoclearthe mess.
Theslidealsoaffectedseveralhomesat thenorthendofLionsBay. Inparticular, a houseonGlendale Avenuewassweptoff its foundation.
Two residentsarebelievedtohavebeen livingthere.Theirnames areBarbaraand
OutsmartWinter ATAMICALIONSGATE
DavidEnns, recordsshow.
OnSundayevening, policesaidthat emergencycrewsfound thebody of one ofthe residents,whohadsuccumbedto theirinjuries.Butthesecond residentwas stillunaccounted for, andthesearchwould continue,Barrysaid.Emergencycrews, RCMP,andheavy-dutysearchand rescue crewsfromCanadian TaskForce1were on site Tuesday,searching.
“We extend our deepestsympathiesto thefamilyandmembers ofourcommunity,”hesaid.“In addition,wewould like to thankallfirst respondersandsupporting agenciesfortheirdedication andprofessionalismduring thischallengingtime.”
SquamishRCMPwas reachedforan updateonthesearch on Monday,but a responsewas not providedbypublication time.
Underthecommand of Lions BayFire ChiefBarretGermscheid,first respondersfrommultipleagencies areactively involvedinthe operation.Thoseagencies includeLionsBayFire/Rescue,Lions BaySearch&Rescue,Britannia Fire & Rescue,RCMP, West VancouverPoliceand Metro VancouverProtectiveServices & EmergencyManagement.
Thecoldissetting in,and so is everything that comesalong with it—slippery sidewalks, frozen wipers, shovelingdriveways,and fewersocialoutings.Ifyou’ve been consideringseniorlivinginWestVancouver,now’s theperfect time to make your move!
When youmoveintoAmica LionsGate, youcan make social connections,enjoy mealspreparedbychefs with RedSeal Endorsements,and join activities plannedwithfun andsafety inmind—allwhile knowingour wellnessteamisavailable24/7 to provideprofessional,personalized care.And of course, youcan leavethe winter housekeeping to us.
To learnmoreand book your privatetour, please call Terri at 778-280-8540.
701KEITHROAD,WESTVANCOUVER AMICA.CA/LIONSGATE
MATT GUNN
GrouseMountain Resort’s new gondola rollsintoaction
NICKLABA
nlaba@nsnews.com
It’sablueChristmasforguestsvisiting the Peakof Vancouver.
OnThursday,skiers,boarders, grindersandsightseerstooktheir first tripsintheBlueGrouseGondola,anew
For peoplevisitingGrouse Mountain,thenewgondolashould eliminateanywait times at thebase, said TomGaglardi,CEOofNorthland Properties,whichownsthe resort.
“And wecancontinue toaddcabinstothisnewgondolatotakeupany morecapacityneeds,”hesaid.“The daysofthelonglineupsarehopefully at anendnow.”
He addedthat abike park and year-roundcoastercomingnextyear addtothe resort’sdraw.Thecombinedvalueofthoseprojectsand thegondolaarearound$45million, accordingtothecompany.
DistrictofNorth Vancouver Mayor MikeLittlesaidGrousehasbeenan importantemployerformanyon theNorthShore, andit’s wherehe
CityofNorth VancouverMayor LindaBuchanansaidthatthe North Shore’stouristdestinationsaremore thanjustlocalhot spots,they’re world-classdestinations.
“Tourismandeconomicdevelopmentinour region isindeedfuelled by theNorthShore,”shesaid. “That is why itissuchapleasureto welcomethis remarkableadditiontothe Grouseexperience.
Clear Conversations: Easily followconversations,evenwhenthere'sbackgroundnoise, so youstayconnected andengaged. Adapts Automatically: Thehearing aidadjusts on itsown to different settings, likea busy café or aquiet home,for acomfortablelistening experience.
Simple Connections: Connects effortlesslytoyourphone, TV,and otherdevices,makingiteasytoenjoy what youlovewithout anyhassle. Built to Last: Designed to withstanddust, sweat, andwater,soyou cangoabout your dayworry-free, no matterwhere youare.
Staffgreetridersatthe topofthenewBlue Grouse Gondola. NICK LABA / NSN
Merry andbright
Thiseditorialis comingoffthe pressandhittingyourdoorstep, emailinboxorweb browseron oraboutDec.18.There’s still one harriedweekto go tofinish yourshopping,perfectyourstuffing recipe andtrytostaysaneintheprocess.
To giveourcarriersandtheprinting stafftimeoff,we’vebumpedthedelivery of ournexteditionto Thursday Dec.26.It meansthisisourlastchancetowishyou a merry Christmasbefore the big dayitself. IfChristmasisn’tyourthing, either the religiousoneorthemorecommercial secularone,weunderstandthiscanallbe abitofaslog.Thetraditionsweobserve today are onlythelatestin an ever-evolvingstringofonesthatdifferacrossmany culturesandmillennia.Butwe mayhave moreincommonwitheachotherthannot.
Thisyear, Hanukkah–theJewish festivaloflights–beginsatsundownon Dec.25.ManyintheNorthShore’ssizable Persiancommunityaremakingplansfor YaldaNight,thelongestnightoftheyear, on Dec.20.
Itseems,nomatterwhereourtraditionscomefrom,theyareboundby commonuniversalvalues–togetherness, benevolenceandbringinglightinthedarkesttimeofyear.Ouroften-overlapping culturalcalendarsareclear: We are all entitledtosomemirthandgoodwillright now. Ifyouknowsomeonewhoisbeing leftout,bringtheminandsharewiththem thegenerosity,peaceandgratitudeweall wantto see ineachotherthroughoutthe year. And regardlessofhowyoucelebrate, mayyourdaysbemerryandbright.
Staffatthisnow-closedstore reallydid make a difference
ANDY PREST
aprest@nsnews.com
Fewbusinessclosureshavehitour readersquitelikeone thathappened a fewweeksagoontheNorthShore.
We receivedseveralletterstothe editor andothermessagesaboutthisone.
andshegotallglowyandgushedfor five minutes.Itwas“chill”and“comfortable” shesaid,addingthatitwasone of thevery fewstoresshefeltOKvisitingwhenshewas analways-sickpregnantlady.Thatcomfort levelsomehowstayedduringthepandemic weirdness.
Inadditionthereshouldbemuch more enforcementofthespeedlimits.
ChristopherKay North Vancouver
DearEditor:
RE:Rescue TeamSaves TwoFreezing TouristsinSpanof ThreeDays,Dec.4news story
AsahikerofNorthShoremountains fordecades,evenonavery“ordinary” day-hikeIcarrymostifnotallofthe“ten essentials,”and havetold someone,or left anoteonacar, sayingwhereIamgoing. I amprepared, should something happen to meonasolo hike.
NorthShoreRescuekeeps hammering thesamemessage about being prepared andpeoplekeepgettinglost,orgoingup withinadequateclothing,footwearand safetygear.
If NorthShore Rescuelostallits funding,peoplewoulddie.They’dcall 911(assumingtheycouldfinda signal) astheygotwetandcoldinthe dark, and theywouldnot be found.
All ofus,includingthosewhodogo upprepared,aresofortunateto have NSR,butwecannottaketheircontinued existencefor granted. Allhikers should supportthem.
Finally,AllTrailsandtheother hiking appsthatgive people routeadvice should haveautomatic remindersaboutthe essentialgearneeded for ahike,andthese remindersshouldpopupwitheachnew searchfora route.
Thereisalessonthere,though,inhow youcanmakeapositiveimpression on many peoplenomatterwhereyouareorwhat you’re doing.Itdoesn’tmatterifyou’re a neurosurgeon,abarber,thePopeorBarb.
In thisseasonofgoodwill,peaceand hope, Iextendanopeninvitationforus to reflectuponhowwecancollectively andindividuallyaddress amatterI fearthreatens the veryfoundationsof democraticgovernance.
Lessandless thesedaysdoMPsfrom opposingpartiesputdowntheir partisan shieldsand,inspiteofpolicydifferences, get to know andrespecteachotheras individuals -seeingin theother afellow parentordedicatedsolution-seeker.
While hyper-partisanshipisincreasingly encouraged, fraternizationisnot.In fact,itwasrecentlyreportedthatsome politicalstaffers havebeen told to write downthe namesofMPsspeaking to colleagues fromotherpartiesin the hallwaysofParliamentandelsewhere.
“We think this was astashhousefordrug dealers to comein, resupply the drugs, and goout,”saidConst.MansoorSahak, North VancouverRCMPspokesman.“Wehopethis investigationputsadentintotheoperation.”
home asa“crimehub.”
“InmylastsevenyearsinNorth Van, I wouldsaythisisoneofthelargest[busts] in recent history,”Sahaksaid.“Thisisvery substantial.”
Alsointhehome,policearealleging, was acacheofstolenpropertyincluding high-endbicyclesfrombreak-and-enters inWhistleranditemstakenfromaHome DepotinSquamish.Sahakdescribedthe
Five peoplewerearrestedintheNov. 1 raid,twoofwhomwerelivinginthe home but policesaywerenotinvolvedinthe
North Vancouver RCMPspokesperson Const. Mansoor Sahakshows someofthe drugsseizedina Lynn Valleydrugbust. BRENTRICHTER / NSN
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Ourstunning West Coastlocationoffers breathtakingviews and adynamiclifestylewithendlessopportunities forsocial, cultural,and recreationalactivities.
Startyour NewYear surroundedby community,comfort, andcuisine. Don’tmissouton thisincredible opportunity to experience thebestofsenior living in theheartof NorthVancouver.
Call Jackie Reidat604.980.6525 to learnabout our limited-timeoffers.
criminalactivity.Mountieswillbe recommendingtheCrownlayahostofcharges againstthe remainingthree,whoare betweentheagesof35and48.Because no chargeshavebeenswornyet,policearenot releasingtheirnamesandtheyarenolonger in custody.
“There’snoindication,atthis point,this is relatedtotheLowerMainlandortheB.C. gangconflict,butobviouslyanytimewe haveasophisticatedoperationlikethis… there’saleveloforganizedcrimeinvolved,” hesaid.
“[That]isextremelyconcerning–the completedisregardforthewell-beingof the residentsinsidethehomeandforthe children,”Sahaksaid.
Sahakcouldnotsaywhathassince happenedtothechildren,butpolice did alert theMinistryofChildrenandFamilies,asis standardinthesecases.
SahaksaidtheRCMP receivednumerous tipsfromthepublicaboutthehome dating backtoSeptember.Becauseofthe presence ofweaponsandtheRCMP’s heavily-armed emergency responseteam,anearby school wasplacedonlockdownwhilepolice
carriedouttheraid,“outofanabundanceof caution.”
Sahaksaid he understoodtheworries theevent might havestokedinthecommunity, buthe saidthe public’sco-operation hasbeen keyin making theneighbourhood safer.
“Weapplaud thoseindividuals[who contacted police],andweaskthatthey continuedoingthis,”hesaid.“Anytimewe seealargepolicepresence,itisconcerning, butIwantto reassurethemthatpoliceare doingeverythingtheycantostopthese individuals,andwithout[thepublic’s]help, wewouldn’t be ableto be wherewe’reat today.”
Ayoub’s Dried FruitsandNuts staff member Saba Mirzadeh tends to the YaldaNighttable shecreated tocelebratethe Winter Solstice. PAULMCGRATH / NSN
CANYON LIGHTS AT CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGEPARK
NOV22ND- JAN19TH
From Friday,November22,2024 to Sunday,January 19,2025, theParkwill be aglowwithmillions of holiday lights, fillingthe airwithfestive cheer,seasonaltreats, andfun forthe wholefamily. Stroll across theworld-famoussuspensionbridge,illuminatedbya mesmerizingdisplay of multi-coloured lightsthatspanthe canyon,creatinga breathtaking glow from end to end.Then, wander alongCliffwalk’stwinklingwalkwayalongthe cliff’sedge creating astunning backdrop oflightsalong thegranite cliffface. Over at TreetopsAdventure, towering Douglas-fir trees arelit from tree toptobottom, offering visitors afairytale-likejourneyup to 110 feet abovethe rainforest floor.CapilanoSuspensionBridge Park |North Vancouver, BC Formoreinfo: tickets.capilanou.ca
THEPIPESHOP
SATURDAY,JANUARY25TH, 2025
12PM– 3:30PM
Discoveressentialservicesand opportunities at the Newcomer Expo!Connectwithlocal businesses, organizations, andservice providersinNorth andWest Vancouver, allinone place.
COASTMOUNTAINFILMFESTIVAL
FEBRUARY7-9,2025
Don’tmissout on 20+ incredible North Shore films in 2024! Purchase your ticketstodaytoexperienceworld-class localtalent,diversity, andcreativityinanintimatetheatersetting. http://tickets.centennialtheatre.com
St.Andrews UnitedChurchgifted20handcraftedjellyfishdolls to LionsGateHospital forpediatric ward patients to bringsmiles andhelpfundraisemoney for theirBigger, Better Cancer Campaign to expandtheir oncologyclinic.
AbbyLucianoisthe Indigenous and civic affairsreporterfor the North ShoreNews. Thisreportingbeat ismadepossibleby the LocalJournalismInitiative.
We’reseeking volunteers with livedexperienceorindividuals who supportpersons with disabilities to join theNSAAC.This committee supports allthree NorthShore municipalities in removing barriers andimproving overallaccessibility forpeoplewithdisabilities.
Witnessshockedbyscale of theslide Squamish residentPaulCain,who travelstoNew Westminsterevery Saturday to visithispartner,couldn’tcompletehis regulartripashefoundhimselfstuckat homeduetotheslide.Heinsteadsetout earlySundaymorningafterthehighway reopened.Cainsaid hehadaneeriefeeling as he approachedLionsBay.
“AsIgotclosertothelandslide,that’s whenitgot reallypowerful. Iwaslike,‘Oh myGod,’”hesaid. “AsIdrovethroughit, I hadthatkindoffeelingofbeingwithin anaturaldisaster and justinaweof what happened.”
Cainsaidhealways travelswithhis
Noonto9pm
cameraequipment,buthadnopriorplan tofilmthearea.Thatchangedwhen he arrivedattheslidesite.Struckbywhathe saw, hepulled overandtook out hisdrone.
“Iwasso surprised– on bothsides, northandsouth–howfarithadstretched,” Cainsaid.“That’swhenitfullyhityou thepowerofapart of themountainfalling downwasprettysurreal.”
Hespottedseveralhomes neartheslide thatwereuntouched.Cainalso noticed a crewworking nearadamagedstructure in theheartofthedamagedslope.
ProfessorBrent Ward,co-director of theCentreforNaturalHazardsResearchat SFU, said thattheLionsBay event appears to havehadsignificantforcecompared to otherlandslidesinthe region.
“Thefactthatitappearedtohave jumpedupoutofthecreekbedinatleast onespotmeansthatitwas fairlylarge,and it wasgoingquitequickly,”hesaid.
“That is byfar thebestdecision,”he said.“Ifyoucan, youshould go up into theupperfloors of thehouse,becausethe debris,ifithitsthehouse,itwillgo intothe lowerfloors. Yoursurvivabilityisincreased ifyou’re higherupinthebuilding.”
Drone footageshows acrew standing besidethe Glendale Avenuehomethat was swept off its foundation by the landslide. PAUL CAIN
andonline
purchase.Conditionsapply.Min.
spendisonthe pre-taxamountonthe same tender andfor asingletransactionon itemsthatearnCTMoney.
Newbuy-and-sellvintagestorearrives on Lonsdale
NICKLABA nlaba@nsnews.com
North Vancouveritesshouldhaveno problems with fitchecksgoingforward,withfreshdropsarriving regularlyatanewvintagestore inCentralLonsdale.
Locatedat111East12thSt.,theneatlyarrangedracks atArrivalpromiseacuratedofferingofhigh-quality, second-handapparel.Itsownerssaythe store willshowcase a constantlychangingselectionof uniqueitems,fashionable outfitsandaccessoriesforthriftersofall-ages.
Thestore’sfoundersare North Van localsthatbring yearsofexperienceinthevintagesectorfrom recognizablebrandsincludingFasinFrank.
Co-founderRiazKhanisone of thebrainsbehind GranvilleFleaMarket,one of thelargestmarketsofitskind in WesternCanada,whichhasruna seriesofpop-upsat theShipyardsinLowerLonsdale.
Thosepop-upsshowedhimthat there wasbiginterest in theconcept.
“Thatopportunitywas there.Themarketswerehuge inNorth Vancouver,”Khansaid.“ThenmyselfandShawn [Avantini]arebothfromNorth Vancouver, so wekindof gottogetherafter theseasonlastyear,andwe’re just like, it’dbecooltoopenupashopin North Van,becausethere weren’tmanyshopsat the time.”
“That’ssomethingthatnotmany retailersin North Vancouverdo,”he said.“Knowingthattheamount of peopleinNorth Van, nothavingahuge areaormarketto shop from,wouldhavegood stufftosell.”
What brandsandstylescanyouexpectto seeon Arrival’sracks?
“Wearemodernvintage,”Khansaid.“Ourtargetmarket is 15toabout30[yearsold]soit’s reallywhat’spopularin today’sfashion.
“You’renotgoingtofindlikeLululemonorAritziain ourstore. We’restayingawayfromthat becauseanother principalpart of ourbusinessissustainabilityandbeing an environmentallyfriendlyplace,”Khan said.
AfteropeningNov. 15,the receptionhasbeenamazing, he said.
“Wehavecustomersthatarealreadycominginonce everythree,fourdays,lookingforstuff,”Khan said. Therearen’tmanymodernvintageoptionsin North Van,hesaid.So otherwise,thosekindsof shopperswould havetogotoDowntown Vancouver or Gastown.
The incident happenedaround5:30 p.m.onDec.15nearPaisley Road, accordingtoNorth Vancouver RCMP.
The driverofawhite Jeepwas headed southonCapilanoRoad whentheteen “enteredthe roadwayandwasstruck,” a releasefrompolicestated Monday morning.
“The pedestrianis in criticalcondition rightnow, beingtreatedatthehospital andourthoughtsandprayersare with this individual,hopingthattheymakeit outandthenforaspeedy recovery,”said Const. MansoorSahak,North Vancouver RCMPspokesperson.
SahaksaidtheRCMP’svictimservices unitwill be availabletoanyone who needsthem.
“Obviously, withthis individual being16,there’sgoingto be friends
Harvest Projectis acommunity-basedurbanrelieforganizationand registeredCanadiancharity committed to helping NorthShoreresidents overcomechallengesincludinghousingand foodinsecurity
From2019 to 2024,the average rent foranewlylistedone-bedroom apartmentin Vancouverincreased by approximately36.6%. Combined withinflationandtherising costsof groceries,manyofusare struggling tomakeendsmeet,including residentshereontheNorthShore. Fortunately,organizationslikeHarvest Projectaresteppingup to provide relief. Since1993,Harvest Projecthas supportedindividuals andfamiliesfacing challenges suchas familytrauma,illness, jobloss,povertyandthefinancial, emotionaland socialburdensthat follow. Overthesepastdecades,the organizationhasdeveloped a“wholepersonapproach”thatintegratesoneon-onecoachingand counsel,mental health support,alongwithphysical resourcesthatreducethepressure of keeping astressed-outhousehold together eachmonth.
SUPPORTNEEDED MORETHAN EVER
“FolkswhoareseekingoutHarvest Projectarecoming to uswithmore intenseneedsthan everbefore,”says ChiefDevelopmentOfficerKevin Lee. “TheNorthShorecontinues to beone ofthemost affluent regionsin Canada, thoughthereare manywhofind themselvesonthemargins.”Harvest Project’smonthlyprograms currently careformorethan300 residents,an increase of 15 -20%fromlast year. The servicestheyofferincludethe Nutrition PathwayandGrocerySupport Program,whichprovides familieswith up to $1,100permonthingroceriesand hygieneitemsandtheessentialNorth ShoreRent Bank Program,which offers no-interestloans to coverrentdeposits andbackpayments forresidents struggling to meetrisinghousingcosts. Withdemand expectedonly to increase overthenext fewyears,supporting theHarvest Projectismoreimportant than everbefore–Harvest Projectis currentlyaiming to raise$700,000 duringitsannual fundraisingcampaign, which youcan contributetoHERE.
Bydonating, you’llprovide relief to neighboursinneedandhelpHarvest Project expandits services to address thegrowingchallengesahead.“For thenextthree to fiveyears at least, we anticipate asevereshortageof affordable rentalhousing combined withthehighest rental costsin Canada,” explains Lee.“Thereisasignificant disconnectbetweenrentalpricesand householdincomes—andit’shardtosee this gapnarrowinganytimesoon.”
HERE’SWHY YOU SHOULDHELP
Byproviding asubstantialshareof clients’essentialneeds,including groceriesandclothing,Harvest Project empowers NorthShoreresidents to tacklelargerchallengeslikeregaining employment, maintaining secure housing, resumingeducation and keepingchildrenin school. As these individualsandfamiliesstabilize,the
To date,Harvest Projecthashelped over600 residentsand families remain securelyhousedthroughits Rent Bankprogramalone.Theyare,in essence, asafetynet forusall.While optimismisimportantinanincreasingly unstable world,life’ssetbacksareoften unpredictable.With your support, organizationsliketheHarvest Project willalwaysbe theretocatch usif we fall.
To learnmoreabouttheirmission andhowyoucanmakeadifference by donatingorbecoming amonthly supporter,visit harvestproject.org.
Harvest Projectoffers crucial support to familiesinneed,providing assistancewithgroceries,loans to assistwith rentalhousing,and otheressentials to helpalleviate overwhelmingstrain.
AtaDec.9meeting,councilapproved the2025ratesforsewage,waterandsolid wastemanagement.The rates represent acombinedincreaseof10percentfor a single-familyhome.
Asignificantportionof the district’s annualutilitycosts areattributed to Metro Vancouverasthey relyon the regional authorityforfreshwatersupplyandthe conveyanceofliquidandsolidwaste, according to a DNVstaff report.
Thehighincreaseismainlydrivenby Metro Vancouverand to maintainsufficientfundingforDNVoperatingprograms, reservesandinfrastructureprojects, according to a DNVstaff report.
Theproposedrateincreasesare
consistentwiththe utilityratestudy conductedbyFCSGroupandcouncil’s objectivesofmaintaining financialsustainabilityinthemanagement of sewerutility infrastructure,accordingtothestaff report.
Waterwillriseto$901.30forasingle-familyhome,a3.3percentincreasefrom last year.
Thetotalcombinedgarbageand organicswithenvironmentalfeewillbe$365.90, up from $354.10in2024,a3.3percent changeforasingle-familyhomehaving a 240-litrebin.
Forasingle-familyhomewith140-lbin, peoplewillsee$317.10from$306.70 last year.
wherecurbsidecollection service is availablemustpayallapplicablecollectionand other feesandchargeswhethertheowner usestheserviceornot,thestaff report states.
Businesseswillseea five percent increaseincommercialcontainerfees,garbagedisposaltippingfees andmonthlyflat feesfororganicscollection.
Theincreaseisduetoinflationoncosts andrisingtipping feesattheNorthShore Recyclingand WasteCentre, according to staff.
Thedistricthopesthenewchangewill helpshowtransparencyfor residents to betterunderstandcostdriversthatmayaffect theirtotalutilityfees.Thebillwillhighlight Metro Vancouver’s growing chargesand includeaseparatehandoutexplaining the changesthedistrictisseeinginthe bills in theyearstocome.
Afivepercentpenaltywillapplyon outstandingbalancesafterMarch31.However, onlyin2025,ifpaymentis receivedonor beforethelastbusinessdayofMay, the
penaltywillbe reversed to easethetransitionofthenewsystem.
Duringthe Dec. 2councilmeeting,Coun. CatherinePopeproposed to sendaletter totheprovince to enableDistrictofNorth Vancouver residentsinneed financial to defertheirutilitybills,similartowhat the municipalityoffers fortax bills.
Popewastheonlycouncillorwhovoted againstthebudget.Shesaiditwas a protest voteagainstMetro Vancouver’smishandling of theNorthShore Waste Water Treatment PlantandfeelsNorthShore residentswill bepayingmorethanothermunicipalities.
“Conceptually,Ihaveneverunderstood whythereis a deferralprogram for taxes butnotforutilities.Itseemstome that the sameargumentapplies to both,”Hansen said.
Visitwww.seaspan.com/stories to readmoreabouttheseand other initiativeshappening atSeaspan.
Meetthe
Baby rescueseals released backintowildat PorteauCove
INDIGOLEMAY CONWAY
ilemayconway@squamishchief.com
Isthereanythingcuterinthisworld thanababyanimal?Theansweris yes; multiple rescuebabyharbourseals being releasedbackintotheoceanfor Christmas.
OnDec.12,the VancouverAquarium MarineMammalRescueSociety(VAMMR) releasedthefinaleightpups of theyearin theircarebackintotheoceanatPorteau CoveProvincialPark.
The release
“Wehaveeightbigfat harboursealpups …thatarebeing releasedtodayandit’s veryexciting,” VAMMRexecutivedirector and VancouverAquariumveterinarian, Dr MartinHaulenasaid.
“Julyiskindofapeakforus,goinginto August.Harborsealpuppingseason is a verynarrowperiodoftime,andtheyall kindofpupinthesamethreeorfour-week period,”hesaid,addingthatmost of the pupsthatendupwith VAMMRarea resultof maternalseparation reasons.
“Usually,it’sduetohumanactivity; peoplejustdoingtheirthingand not letting animalsdowhattheyneedtodo, soit’s an urbanwildlifeissue,”Haulenasaid.
Thesealpupscanalsohavesecondary problemssuchaswounds,bird pecks, dog andsealbitesaswellasboattraumaand entanglementissues.Inorderto be released backintothe wild, thesealpups haveto bulkuptoahealthyweight.
7pm Blue Christmas Candlelight Service with music by Marcus Mosely &Julian Pattison
Thursday,December 19
2pm Christmas Carol Singing in the Café
Christmas Eve
4pm YoungFamilies Christmas Eve Service
7pm Traditional CandlelightService
NORTHLONSDALE UNITED
3380Lonsdale Ave, North Van 604-985-4911 www.nluc.org
Christmas Eve
5:30 pm AllAges Celebration Service
Joinusfor aChristmas Eve celebrationservice of carol-singing andall-agesfellowship. Allchildren 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 Holy Communion
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 7pm 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 7pm Blue Christmas Aserviceofhonouring those who haveexperiencedloss,offeringthe giftofhealing &thebeautyofhope. Special Guest,harpistRebecca Blair.
Sunday,December22
10:30am Advent Service –Love Christmas cookie Sunday with refreshmentsfollowingthe service. Christmas Eve 10 pm ACandlelight Service with beloved carols.
3255 EdgemontBlvd,North Van 604-980-6071 www.highlandsunited.org
Tuesday, December 17
7:00 pm Service of Loss andLight at St.Catherine’s Anglican Church, 1058 Ridgewood Dr., North Vancouver Christmas Eve 4pm Pageantwith God’sFree Spirits ChoirandGenesisII Choir 7pm Carols withthe SpiritSingers 10 pm Aserviceof readingsand choral musicinacontemporary styletowelcome the birth of Christ.
WESTVANCOUVER UNITED 2062 EsquimaltAve,WestVan 604-922-9171 •wvuc.bc.ca StopbyourtreeintheDundarave ForestofMiracles,andscanittofind outwhichGiftofJoyyoumightget!
Christmas Eve
4pm Christmas forKids Come experiencethe joyof Christmas in this 30 minutefamilyfriendlyservice.
7:30pm &9:30 pm Carolsand Candlelight*
Both eveningservicesarefilled with the beautyandpower ofourchoir, candlelight, andtraditional Christmas hymns.
*Alsoavailableonlineandthroughout the eveningat wvuc.bc.ca/live andonFacebook.
Peoplewhoparkinno-parking,no-stopping,bus zonesandpermitparkingareaswillnow pay$80. NICO DE PASQUALE PHOTOGRAPHY, MOMENT GETTY IMAGES
Newfines effective immediately
ContinuedfromA28
finesbeinghandedoutbyathird-party contractor forthePayParkingProgram inseveralof West Vancouver’s regional parks.Currently,visitorsand residentspay anhourlyorannualrateforparkinginat Lighthouse,NelsonCanyonandWhytecliff parks.
Bringingthemunicipalparkingfines closertoPay ParkingProgramfines would helpdiscourage peoplefromparkingin surroundingareasorin no-parking zones to avoidpayingforparkingatlocalparks.
Councillorsharesconcerns
Astaff reportsaysmostfineshave not beenincreased since2006,whichcaused someconcernforCoun.Linda Watt at the Dec. 9 meetingofcouncil..
“Historicallythesefineshave notbeen reviewedonanannualbasistoaccount forinflation,”she said. “Whyhavetheynot beenincreasedsince2006?18yearsis a longtime.”
Wattalsobroughtupenforcement issues,statingthatshelookedatthenumbersand thought themunicipalityshould bewriting alotmoreparkingticketsthan whatwaslistedfor2023.
AccordingtoaNov.23staff report,nine ofthetop10traffic fines issuedbybylaw enforcementofficers in 2023 werefrom parkingviolations, with theotherfrom failingtodisplayavalid disability permit.
Wattsuggestedthemunicipality should “digdeeper”andpossibly look atadifferentmodelto increasethenumberofbylaw officersonstaff.
“Iunderstandwedon’thaveenough bylawofficers–that would surelypayfor themselvesgiventhesenumbers.If we were toputitouttocommunitymembers thatmaybelookingforpart-time work,and thenwedon’thavetheproblemof losing peoplebecausetheycan’taffordtocross a bridge,” Wattsaid.
AbbyLucianoisthe Indigenous and civic affairsreporterfor the NorthShoreNews. Thisreportingbeatismadepossibleby the LocalJournalismInitiative.
Metro Vancouverseeks‘mediamonitor’ amid wastewaterplantbudget woes
GRAEME WOOD
gwood@glaciermedia.ca
Metro Vancouverhassoughtto renewits“media monitoring”servicesandhashireda“seniorengagement specialist”to bettercommunicatetothepublic whatitisdoingwith respecttotheNorthShore wastewatertreatmentplant.
Thiscomesamidtheplant’sbudgetwoes,whichis$3 billionoverits2017estimate of $780million,andseveral instancesofboardmembersexpressingtheirconcerns aboutmedia reportsonthe regionalgovernment’sproblems withgovernanceandexpenditures.
AchiefcriticofMetro Vancouver since theplant’s new andextraordinarybudgetprojection was released inMarch hasbeenNew Westminstercitycouncillor DanielFontaine, whosaysconcernsoverthegovernment’s imageare misplaced.
“Whenthingsget reallybadandthis outofcontrol,the firstthinganorganizationwillblameis thepeople reporting onthestoryitself;Ithinkthat’s asign, as Isaid before, that
Metro Vancouverhassomesignificantgovernanceproblems, in my opinion.Thoseneed tobedealtwithotherthan focusinginonwhethersomeoneiscoveringastorytaking placeinMetro Vancouver,inmyopinion,”addedFontaine.
CoquitlamCoun.CraigHodgesaid“the publiciscallingintoquestionthisorganization and we need to movequickly to restoreconfidence”whileRichmondCoun. BillMcNultysaid,“Wehavealotofworkto dototellourstory. Idon’tthinkthestoryof Metro Vancouverhasbeentoldenough.”
McCuaignotedthat“likeanyorganization,wedomediamonitoring”and“use toolstohelpmakesure we areseeingthe landscapeofallthestoriesbeingissued abouttheorganization.”
InastatementtoGlacierMedia, Metro VancouverspokespersonJillianGlover echoedMcCuaigandsaidthe regional governmenthasusedmediamonitoring servicesforover20yearsanditscontracts with itscurrentprovidersareexpiringthis year.
“Weareseekingto renewtheservicesfor anotherthreeto fiveyears,aswe have done inthepast,”thestatement read.
Asfortheengagementspecialist position fortheNorthShoreplant,the rolehas
Fontainesaysthisspendingis questionableconsidering Metro Vancouver holds a monopolyonservicesandhasbeenaround forover50years.
“It’snotlikeMetro Vancouverhasnot hadalongrunwaytoexplaintothe public theyarefocusedonsewersandwater.”
“Thesetypesofengagementopportunitiesalmostseemegregiousandoutof proportiongiventhe financial realitiesthat Metro Vancouverisfacingandthetax bills they’resendingeveryone,especiallyonthe NorthShore.”
Fontaine hascalledfora public inquiry intotheplantandsaysthatcanactas a leapboard for anevenlargerinquiryinto escalating public infrastructurecosts.
Fontainesaysall partiesoughtto be questionedunderoath.
ThenextRegular CouncilMeeting is January13, 2025.Agendas forupcoming meetings andminutes of past meetings areavailable online at DNV.org/council Council agendas arealsoavailable forviewing atallDistrictlibraries or youcan sign up to receiveagendas by emailat DNV.org/agendanotice
Councilmeetingsare heldin ahybridformatwithacombination of in-personand electronicparticipationbysomeorall membersofCouncil,orbystaff andthe public.Thepublic areinvited to attend at theCouncil Chambers wheretheywill be able to seeandhear theproceedings and, at aminimum,the Corporate Officerordesignate will be in attendance.
Public inputonagendaitems,bothin-person andvirtually,will be facilitatedby signing up in advance priorto3:00p.m.onthe dayofthe meetingbycontacting the CorporateOfficeratsignup@dnv.org. Speakers will then be contactedbythe CorporateOfficerwithinstructionsonhow to participateeithervirtually or in person.Participation canbein person,via videoortelephone.
Thepublicmay also observemeetingsvia Zoom.Details aregiven in theagenda for each meeting, whichare availableat DNV.org/council after10:00 a.m. on Tuesday precedingthe meeting.
Seasonal preparedness tips from NSEM
NorthShoreEmergencyManagementwishestheNorthShore community asafeandhappyholidayseason. Keep yourself andthepeople youcareaboutprepared:
Whichtreeismoresustainabledepends onanumberoffactors,like how longyou keepa plastictree, how faracuttreetravels toarriveinyourliving room,and how it’s disposedofafterthe holidays.
The resultsweremixed.Thestudyfound theplastictreehadalmostfourtimesless impactonecosystemqualitycomparedto a cutnaturaltree.Butwhenitcametoclimate impactsand resourcedepletion,theartificial treewasfoundtobethreetimesworsethan thenaturaltree.
Anestimated85percent of theartificial tree’snegativeimpactonclimate camefrom manufacturing,whileeightpercentcame fromshippingitfromChinatoMontreal.
The researchersestimated someone wouldhave tokeepanartificialtreefor 20 yearsbefore itbecameabettersolution for climatechange
“The moneyis fine.Butit’s just impactful. It’s reducingthecarbonimpact,”Hayward said.“It’slettingthetreelive.Itjustfeels good.”
Haywardsaidheandhispartnerhave deliveredtreesalloversouth Vancouver IslandandMetro Vancouver.Hesaidhe’d liketoexpandtoservethewhole Fraser Valley.Whiledemandfluctuateseveryyear, withsome requestsasfarawayasCalgary, Haywardsaidtheideaof renting out a Christmastreeappearstobegrowing.
In Vancouver,thecompany Evergrow offersasimilarpotted-tree deliveryservice, whileinSurrey, Tri-StarNursery offerslive, pottedanddecorated Christmas trees. Similar operations have poppedup across NorthAmerica–fromFarlingerFarmsin EdmontontoRentaChristmas Treein the SanFranciscoBayarea.
Sofar,Evergrow’s biggestcustomers havebeenpeople who liveincondos, who don’thaveacaror whoareolderandstruggletopickupatree.Suddssayshesees a futurewheremorepeopleturntolivetrees, andasthathappens,heandhissisterhave planstoexpandacrossCanada.
We are excited to invite you to joinus for the first annual Newcomer Expo, connecting newcomers to Northand West Vancouver with each other,localbusinesses,serviceproviders,and communityorganizations.
theBCSPCA West Vancouver, Tuesdayto Sunday,noonto3p.m.,oryoucanapply online.
Daysincare:29
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Adoptablepetoftheweek featuresanimals atBCSPCA West Vancouver thatarein need of aforeverhome.Visit the SPCAwebsite for moreinformationonhow toadopt Bobo.
Boboislovablealright–just
eyes! BCSPCA WEST VANCOUVER
Thursday,December26
Friday,December27–
Tuesday,
10 a.m. –5 p.m.
Trudeau praisesskillof Seaspan workers
Muchofhispraisethough was forthe folkswearinghardhatsandstanding inthe rainasthey watchedtheir yearsofhard work passacritical pointinitscreation.
“Ourworkers arethebest in the world–smart,ambitious,hard working,” hesaid. “Youare the reason wearegatheredheretoday. Youare theonesto whichwe needtobe so incrediblygrateful.…There’sapart of eachandeveryoneofyou in this ship.Asshesailsthe seas,asshe defendsourwaters,asshesafeguards Canadiansandsupportsourallies acrosstheoceans,shewill becarryingapartofallofyourlegacy. You shouldbeproud.”
HMCSProtecteuristhe fifth shiplaunchedbySeaspan sincethe company was oneoftwoshortlisted bythefederalgovernment in 2010 to replaceRoyalCanadian Navy and CanadianCoastGuardshipsover30 yearsaspartofthenationalshipbuildingstrategy.
SeaspanShipyardsCEO John McCarthydescribedProtecteur’s launchas “one ofthemost important milestonesin thehistoryofCanadian shipbuilding.”
“Ifirmly believethat Seaspan’s workforceissecondtonone, andwith twoshiplaunchesthisyear,including theHMCSProtecteurbehind meand theCanadianCoastGuard’s offshore oceanographicscience vessel,we areshowingthe world what Ialready know,”hesaid.
Modernizingtheshipyard and
staffing upfortheworkhas made Seaspanthelargest employeronthe NorthShore,contributing $5.7 billion toCanada’sGDPsince2012 while also creatingorsustaining more than 7,000 jobsannually,a2023 reportfound. North Vancouver MP and Minister ofEnergyandNatural Resource Jonathan WilkinsonnotedSeaspan’s
PrimeMinisterJustin Trudeau addresses a crowdof dignitaries andshipyard workersatthelaunchofthe Royal CanadianNavy’s newjointsupportship,HMCSProtecteur, Dec. 13inNorth Vancouver. PAULMCGRATH / NSN
Thelatestmaritime megaprojecthasbeen subjecttonow-familiar costoverrunsseenin otherindustriesandpublic works.Whenthefederalgovernment awardedSeaspanthecontract for two jointsupportshipsinJune2020,thecost wasquotedat$2.448billion.InAugust 2024,thefederalgovernmentconfirmed it hadincreasedthevalueofthecontract by$951million,citingpandemic-related delays,supplychaindisruptions,inflation, foreignexchangerate changesandrising labourcosts.
Thesecondjointsupportship in Seaspan’sworkorder, HMCSPreserver, is on scheduletobe launched in 2027,which McCarthysaidshouldcome in ata lower costthankstolessons learnedandefficienciesgainedfrombuildingtheProtecteur.
Navy Vice-AdmiralAngus Topshee welcomedtheimpendingarrivalofProtecteur
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.
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
TICKETS.CENTENNIALTHEATRE.COM 604.984.4484
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
HMCSProtecteur,thelargest navalship madeunder Canada’s National ShipbuildingStrategy, is set forlaunch duringa celebrationat North Vancouver’s Seaspan Shipyards Dec. 13. PAULMCGRATH / NSN ContinuedfromA41
“Thisisagreatday. We areaddingincrediblecapability fortheRoyalCanadianNavythatwillensure thatwecan sustainourshipsatsea, serveCanadianinterests,defend Canadianwaters here intheapproachesto NorthAmerica, in allthreeof ouroceans,andaroundtheworld,wherever weareneeded,”hesaid.
HealsopraisedSeapsanforprovidingCanada’s military withsovereignshipbuilding capabilities,andgavea shoutouttotheyoungmembersofthe354RoyalCanadianSea CadetCorpsin thecrowd.
Following hiscareerasanathlete, Harryworkedforthefederalgovernment’s FitnessandAmateurSportDirectorate (now known asSport Canada).There,he lobbiedforbetterconditionsforamateur andyouthathletesacrossthecountry.
Speakingtothe North ShoreNews, Valeriesaid thatthefacilityin herbrother’snamewouldfosterathleticismnot justinyouth but in peopleofallages and abilities.
“It’snicetoseeapersonofracial diversitychangingourworld,givingusheroes andpeoplewe can look up towho comein allsizes,shapes and colours,”shesaid.
Emptybox?
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
North Vancouver-SeymourMLA SusieChant, West Van Place forSport committee member Jo-Ann Wood, West Vancouver Boardof Educationchair CarolynBroadyandMayor Mark Sagercuta ribbonattheopening ceremony Dec. 10. NICKLABA / NSN
Neighbours ofBurrard DryDock
TheBurrard DryDockhad many localbusinesspartnersduringits operation. For example,being neighbours with C.H. CatesSonshad many benefits.
Shownhereare threeCates tugboatshelping to move amarinewaystowards thedock.
Amarinewaysisa ramp andcradlefor boatstobeplacedonand pushed in towardsthe drydock.
In thephoto youcan seethe cradle with each of thebeams surroundingit. In the backgroundwhatappearstobetheNorthVancouver Ferryisonthe approach with passengerswho couldbeworking at BurrardDry Dock.
The YaldaMixisacrucialpartof celebrating YaldaNight, addingflavourandtradition to the festivities. It features a medley ofpistachios, almonds, raisins, driedapricots, and Persiandelights infusedwith walnuts.
“Itsymbolizesthetriumphoflightover darkness,”hesaid,emphasizingits deep culturalsignificance forIranians.“The occasionservesasapowerful reminderof togethernessandgratitude,valuesthatlie attheheartofthischerishedcelebration.In a worldthatisconstantlychanging, Yalda Nightprovidesameaningfulopportunity to reconnectwithheritage,honourcultural identity,andensurethesetraditionsare passeddowntofuturegenerations.”
Thecommunitywillcelebrate Yalda
HAMID JAFARI / NSN
NightonDec.20,atimeof deep culturaland historicalsignificanceinIraniantraditions, rootedinZoroastrianism.The word Yalda means“birth”inSyriac,symbolizingthe rebirthofthesunasthe days begin to lengthenfollowingthesolstice.
You’llneedtomakelastminutearrangementsat workorathome.Atthe office,you’llbethe first to arriveandthelasttoleave. Forthis,you’llearnthe trustofmanagementforan upcomingpromotion.
January15,1930,sadly leftus on October21,2024 at 94.
Daphne (Mom)wasborninVancouver but spent all ofherlifeinWest Vancouver whereshelived as ayoungchild -firstlyattheedge of themountain forest on MathersAvenueand 21st;then asa teenagerat thecornerofNelsonAvenue and 24th, andfornearly60 yearsinthe familyhome-a beautifulgardencottageonRoseCrescentjust stepsawayfromSandy CoveBeach.
MomattendedPaulineJohnsonElementary and West VancouverSecondarySchool (graduatingin 1948)and in 1954 married fellow West Vancouver nativeVictor Cue.Shewas acaringand supportivemothertoDiana (Jim)Gostling,Mary (Chris)LapointeandJennifer(Antonio) CueTartaglioneaswellasgrandmother toJessica and Lisa Gostling, EleonoraTartaglione and Matthew Lapointe.
Momwas truly one-of-a-kind-acreative, intelligent,andcommunicative personwho loved booksofallkindsas well asgardening,sewing, baking,opera,cats,stimulatingconversationand the laughterand funsheshared with good friends. Shewasalso aconsummate party“girl” whospent so manySaturdayafternoonshostingorattending “ladies’ luncheons”andSandyCovebeachparties.
Momisatpeacenowand in thelovingcompany of our Dad and thegood friendswhopredeceased her includingherlife-longbest friendandbeloved sisterCatherine (Bunny)LaRoche.Wemiss herbut we know that if thereisaheavenshe isthere and sheishaving agood time.Wewill continue to celebrate her life andherexampleforthe restof our ownlives.
Ourdeep gratitudegoes tothecaringand compassionatestaff atEvergreen Houseand Lions GateHospital,whereshespentherlastfew months,and to Emma Lumio,who wasMom’s loyaland lovingcaregiverand friendduringthe last 8years.
MACDONALD,MaryDiana
September 24,1936 -November11,2024
What afulllife she livedfrom wartimebaby to the RoyalAcademyofMusicinLondon. Meetingher futurehusband thru akitchenwindow ledtoalife acrossthe world. Loving and very supportive wife ofJohn, dedicated anddevoted Mum to Hilaryand Philip.Truefriend to manywhowill never forget theparties and time together.Dedicated teacherand supporterof music in Vancouverforover50years. Lover ofthe arts andcurious worldtraveler.
Mumwasa shining exampleofa life welllived who will bemissedbyall whoknewher. Avoice Iwill never forget,bestMum ever,miss youeveryday.
Inlieuofflowers, donationstotheCancer Foundation appreciated.
POTTER, Douglas (Doug) Douglas (Doug,or “Pots” to many)Potter,72,of North Vancouver,passedaway surrounded byhis lovedonesonSaturday, December 7th,2024, at Lions GateHospital.
He was borntoparentsFrancisandFrederickon June11,1952, in North Vancouver,andgrewup in Lynn Valleywith histhree brothersSteve, Glenn, and Greg. He is survived byhisloving family, daughter Katelynn andherhusband Wesley, stepdaughterMichelle andherhusband Steve, granddaughter Alexandra,former wifeSandy,and manycherishedfriends.Heispredeceasedby parentsFrancisandFrederick, twinbrother Glenn, and younger brother Greg.
Dougwas proudly employed bythe North Vancouver City Fire Department fromJuly1975, untilhis retirement in July2003. He wasknown for hisloveofsports,specifically hockeyand fishing, and enjoyednothing morethansharing laughswith family and friends.
Doug’sfamily would liketosendtheirmostsincere gratitude tothestaffat Lions GateHospital, specificallythenursesanddoctors in the Short Stay Unit(SSU),thewardon4-East,and the High Acuity Unit(HAU).
ACelebrationofLifefor Dougwill beheldatthe Capilano RugbyClub (305 KlahanieCourt, West Vancouver)onSaturday,January4th at 2:00pm.In lieuofflowers, thefamily asks that condolencesbe sent asdonations totheBCProfessional Fire Fighters’ BurnFund in memoryofDoug Potter.
Our annual Tree Chip will beheldovertwo weekends,December 28/29andJanuary4/5th. from10am−4pm atthe North VancouverDistrict Hall,locatedat355w QueensRd.Weare offering atreepick−up service on themorningof Dec29thorJanuary5th for $30minimum donation.
604−719−4542 upperlonsdalepreschool.ca
Found− Toyota KeyFob Dec.11onMahon Park track. Otherkeys& charms attachedtokeyring.
FREELandscaping River Rock− You pick up.North Vancouver. 604−999−9821
West Vancouver 1Bedroom,North West Facing, TopFloorUnit AvailableJan1,2025 @$2400.00. NOSMOKING, PETS,BBQs. 604-926-3741
PARKTERRACE 1766Duchess Avenue West Vancouver PENTHOUSE 2BR, plusDENSuite. North and South Facing, exceptiona open living spaceandviews, wraparounddeck. Hardwood floors, ensuite laundry. Nearall amenities. AvailableJan.1, 2025@ $4900.00/month Formoredetails, cal Cristina at 604-926-3493
Refer totheHome Services section forallyour home improvement,decorating, anddesign needs.
Sudokupuzzlesare formatted as a9x9 grid, brokeninto nine 3x3 boxes. To solve aSudoku, thenumbers 1through9 mustfilleachrow,column andbox.Eachnumber can appearonlyonceineach row, columnandbox. You canfigureout the order inwhich thenumbers willappear byusingthe numeric cluesalready provided in theboxes.
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VancouverCoastalHealth serves morethan 1.25 million people, performing60,000+surgeriesand seeing300,000+emergency visits everyyear. When it’s serious,ourhospitalsareyour bestchance.
