January 29, 2025

DNVDitchesX

North Van District shuts down its X (formerly Twitter) account LIFESTYLE13

Filmfestreturns

Coast Mountain Film Festival is back with a bold lineup FOOD&DRINK15 Winningwhisky

Sons of Vancouver win big at Canadian Whisky Awards

Squamish Nation approves 25-year development plan

ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) is one step closer to reaching their ambitious development goals for the North Shore and Squamish areas following the approval of a wide-sweeping plan for Nation lands.

The Squamish Nation council recently approved the first phase of its land development strategies plan, putting the focus on two sites on the North Shore and one in Squamish.

Each site will honour the Nation’s history while also offering housing, economic development and community amenities, said Squamish Nation council member Sxwíxwtn (Wilson Williams), adding that the plan aims to create 600 homes over the next 25 years.

The land development strategies aim to align both current and future Squamish Nation needs while reflecting cultural and ancestral significance, a press release reads Details released by the nation give a blueprint for the plans for each of the three sites.

Xwmélch’sten (Capilano 5 Reserve)

This site lies on Marine Drive alongside the Capilano Reserve near Lions Gate Bridge in West Vancouver and North Van, and will have mixed-use market residential developments, Nation housing and a new administrative and community services centre with green spaces throughout.

Williams said Xwmélch’sten will be a community and services hub for the Squamish Nation, something that they have been envisioning for a long time.

Squamish Nation council member Sxwíxwtn (Wilson Williams) stands outside the Nation’s main administration office on the Seymour River. Wilson says he is excited by the Nation’s recently announced development plans. ABBY LUCIANO / NSN

ELECTIONS BC

No criminal charges for West Van mayor, B.C. Crown says

BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com

A special prosecutor has ruled out criminal charges against West Vancouver Mayor Mark Sager following an investigation into campaign finance irregularities and Elections BC has closed its own investigation on the matter.

The B.C. Prosecution Service announced Jan 24 that the evidence collected through a Port Moody Police investigation into potential fraud did not meet the Crown’s standards for charge approval.

At issue was $14,622 spent on furniture for the mayor’s office and $11,754 in “post-election communications” that appeared in Sager’s campaign finance disclosure documents.

Under the law, candidates may only claim expenses “incidental to the candidate’s campaign,” which Elections BC says would not include office furniture and PR bills after the election.

But after reviewing the evidence, special prosecutor John M. Gordon said there was not a substantial likelihood of conviction.

When it came to the “post-campaign communications,” the first payment of $3,761 was made for a period of work that straddled the election, meaning the amount spent on impermissible services was “not determinable,” Gordon found. The second payment of $7,993 was billed to Sager’s law firm and was not paid out of the campaign’s account. It should not have been included in his campaign finance disclosures, the report found.

“There was no apparent attempt to conceal the fact that these expenses were incurred after the campaign had ended or what they were for The evidence in this regard provides fruitful ground for the

Vancouver Mayor Mark

defence to argue that the campaign did not act with an intent to deceive,” the special prosecutor’s statement explained. When it came to spending campaign funds on furniture for the mayor’s office, Sager claimed he sought and permission from Elections BC officials before making the purchase, which, the Crown notes, Elections BC denied.

“Regardless of its merits, a defence of officially induced error would likely be advanced. Regarding the furniture expenses, Mr. Sager stated that the furniture was intended for the mayor’s office at municipal hall, and that such a use represented a savings to the taxpayer In short, the essential element of an intention to deceive in relation to the impugned expenses would therefore be an arguable issue at trial,” Gordon’s statement read.

following

Under the law, any surplus funds left over after a campaign must be remitted to the municipality, where it is held in trust until the next election when the candidate may use it for another run for office.

Beyond the lack of substantial likelihood of conviction, the prosecutor also found the “public interest did not require a criminal prosecution to protect the regulatory scheme.”

“The special prosecutor concluded that the available evidence is equivocal regarding the essential question as to whether Mr. Sager acted dishonestly or was simply careless or mistaken in his efforts to comply with (Local Election Campaign Finance Act),” the statement read.

Mayor Mark Sager reacts

Speaking to the North Shore News after

the release of the report, Sager said he was greatly relieved and that he was eager to move on.

“It’s been a really tough year for me, personally I haven’t had a good sleep in a year I hope tonight I have a really good sleep. Having something like this over your head is horrible,” he said “It’s been brutal, absolutely brutal.”

The decision to not pursue charges was actually made in June 2024, according to the release, and the investigation was sent back to Elections BC at that time. The Crown, however, did not make that decision public until now “so as to not compromise the integrity of Elections BC’s regulatory investigation and charge assessment.”

Elections BC released a statement soon after the special prosecutor’s findings were released, stating that the agency would be taking no further action on the campaign finance irregularities.

Elections BC did, however, find that Sager accepted one prohibited campaign contribution for which he still may face an administrative fine. The donation was a $1,000 discount on political services offered by a high school friend named John Moonen. The Act prohibits candidates from accepting discounts on goods and services, and Sager said he paid Moonen an additional $1,000 to negate the discount.

“Mark Sager’s campaign has been co-operative with requests from Elections BC, and has not accepted prohibited contributions in the past,” the statement read.

Sager said he doesn’t know why the matter couldn’t have been concluded months ago.

“I was never contacted by anyone,” he said. “I would love to have known last June, but I’m just happy to know today and happy

Snowboarder dies in gully near Cypress Mountain Resort

NICK LABA

nlaba@nsnews.com

A snowboarder died Friday in an out-of-bounds area near Cypress Mountain Resort, according to West Van police.

On Friday (Jan. 24), at around 10:44 a.m., West Vancouver Police Department received a report of the missing snowboarder at the popular ski hill.

The missing person had been

snowboarding with friends and was last seen on one of the resort’s runs, police said.

After an extensive search by Cypress Mountain Ski Patrol and North Shore Rescue, the missing

person was found in a gully adjacent to the Collins run on the ski hill.

“Lifesaving actions were taken immediately but were not successful,” said Sgt. Chris Bigland, WVPD

spokesperson. “A 21-year-old male from Richmond was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

The investigation has been turned over to the BC Coroners Service, Bigland said

West

Sager will not face charges

an investigation into his 2022 political campaign finances. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN FILES

Feds give TransLink $663M for infrastructure

NICK LABA nlaba@nsnews.com

A new chunk of federal funding for transit projects is receiving measured welcome from local politicians, as it might not be enough to push some promised North Shore projects over the line.

Early Monday afternoon, several elected officials gathered with TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn at the SeaBus Terminal in North Vancouver to announce new funding of $633 million to be delivered over the next decade.

The cash comes through the “baseline funding stream” of the Canada Public Transit Fund, and will pay for the growth and replacement of Metro Vancouver’s transit systems, said Jonathan Wilkinson, minister of energy and natural resources, and MP for North Vancouver

He spoke at Monday’s press event on behalf of Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, minister of housing, infrastructure and communities.

The CPTF funding will be delivered over 10 years from 2026 to 2036, Wilkinson said.

“For most residents of the North Shore, transit is clearly a top-of-mind issue with the heavy traffic that flows over the Lions Gate and Second Narrows bridges every day We need to provide folks with alternatives,” he said.

“This funding will help TransLink deliver on long-term projects that are vital to the North Shore and more broadly Metro Vancouver, such as the bus rapid transit (BRT) upgrades, which will take advantage of existing road infrastructure to provide fast, frequent and high-capacity service,” Wilkinson said.

TransLink dealing with big deficits

As early as 2022, Quinn said that BRT from Metrotown in Burnaby to Park Royal in West Vancouver was at the top of the list of TransLink’s 10-year-priorities, and residents could expect the project to move ahead within three-to-five years.

But that short-term timeline appears to be less certain.

Last year, TransLink said it was facing a $600-million-per-year structural deficit. And despite a promise from the BC NDP government in October of $500 million to pay for

the BRT line, the transit authority’s financial woes cast doubt on when the project could be built

At Monday’s presser, Quinn explained that building out BRT to the North Shore will happen in phases, beginning with an extension of the R2 RapidBus to Metrotown.

“We want to make that happen as soon as possible. We need to make some capital improvements but, to be quite honest, we need the operating dollars to do it,” he said, adding that construction could begin within five years of securing sufficient financing.

In December, Quinn revealed that TransLink has a $72-million operational deficit in its 2025 budget. To help address these shortfalls, TransLink has applied for additional federal funding through the Metro region agreement stream, which can provide cash for major transit projects and services.

City of North Vancouver Mayor Linda Buchanan – who also sits on the TransLink Mayors’ Council – thanked Ottawa for the new funding, but stressed that more dollars must be secured by the end of March in order for projects including North Shore BRT to move ahead.

“The investment plan, which I’ve said many times, is unfunded,” she said. “The frustration for most at Mayors’ Council is that we can’t deliver this plan without the provincial and federal government at the table.”

The time for talk is over, Buchanan said.

“By the end of March, we need the province to come to the table. They made that commitment in their platform regarding funding the three BRT lines,” she said. “We need them to carry through on that commitment, and let’s get to work.”

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City of North Vancouver Mayor Linda Buchanan says the provincial still has to follow through on its commitment to help fund Bus Rapid Transit to the North Shore. NICK LABA / NSN

District of North Vancouver ditches X (formerly Twitter)

BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com

The District of North Vancouver is shutting down its X (formerly Twitter) account.

As of 5 p.m. on Jan. 22, staff were deactivating @NVanDistrict, leaving behind more than 13,600 followers.

In an interview, district CAO David Stuart said he made the call to opt out of the social media network. There had been a rise in complaints about the municipality’s use of the platform since Elon Musk purchased it, and a decline in the amount of engagement X was providing, he said.

“Quite frankly, we’ve been looking at this for a while, so this isn’t anything to do with American politics or anything like that We’ve been just looking at it and we’ve received quite a few comments and concerns … about whether or not we should continue to be engaged in this particular software platform,” he said. “There are homophobic

comments. There are racist comments that are now allowed on that social site and they’re just inconsistent what I think are the community’s values and our organizational values.”

The district first became active on Twitter in 2009, using the profile to share everything from reminders to renew dog licences to road closure notices and emergency weather alerts.

But Stuart said the metrics showed fewer and fewer people engaging with the district via X, and the website was becoming more trouble than it was worth.

According to the district’s stats, the number of engagements in 2024 were down 59 per cent to 6,500. The number of impressions the district’s posts made were down 35 per cent to 533,000, and the number of times people were clicking on links the district posted were down 40 per cent to just 2,700.

“Those are pretty significant declines,” Stuart said.

Stuart acknowledged that

leaving X would mean one less avenue for residents to communicate with the district, which is still active on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Because other social media networks like Facebook also face criticisms for fanning the spread of misinformation, polarizing algorithms and censorship, Stuart said he’s ordered staff to review their use of all social media platforms going forward.

“But [X] is the one that was most egregious,” he said. “There’s lots of tools that are out there. We’ll continue to explore opportunities to make sure that residents have every opportunity to communicate with us, but we’re just deciding not to continue this particular association.”

For now, the District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services account @DNVFRS remains active, but they too will have to transition to a new platform sometime in the future, according to district staff.

The District of North Vancouver’s X (formerly Twitter) account on the afternoon it was to be deactivated. NICK LABA / NSN

North Shore Rescue saves 3 ill-equipped hikers from Mount Seymour cliff ledge

BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com

North Shore Rescue volunteers pulled three hikers from a precarious clifftop on Mount Seymour, Thursday, Jan 23.

The group had reached the top of Pump Peak and, returning after sunset, mistakenly followed someone else’s footprints in the snow away from the established trail and straight into trouble.

“I confirmed that they were in a very steep location. They were scared and worried that they were going to fall,” said Stan Sovdat, North Shore Rescue search manager “So we mobilized our troops.”

Finding the group – two women and a man in their 20s – wasn’t difficult, thanks to the GPS co-ordinates on their phones, but they had dwindling battery life left and cell coverage was spotty, Sovdat said.

To get the subjects back on safe footing, the team had to individually get them into harnesses, anchor ropes to trees and gradually lower them down to a safer area below

“They were still on very steep, steep terrain, but at least they wouldn’t fall,” Sovdat said.

From there, the team was able to walk the group back to the Mount Seymour parking lot.

Speaking to the group, Sovdat found they were very poorly equipped for being in the alpine, with no headlamps, little food or water and no boots. All three were wearing microspikes on their shoes but at those elevations and in

those conditions, only crampons will do, Sovdat said.

Past a certain point in the mountains, a standard smartphone may not be enough to call for help when it’s needed, Sovdat warned, adding that satellite communication devices can be a life saver

And, Sovdat stressed, hikers should always stick to the well marked routes.

“I tell people often, the trail is where it is for a very good reason,” he said. “When you deviate from the trails, you have to know what you’re in for.”

North Shore Rescue volunteers prepare to help three stranded hikers off Mount Seymour, Jan. 23, 2025. NORTH SHORE RESCUE

X-it strategy

The District of North Vancouver’s decision to deactivate its X (formerly Twitter) account and leave behind 13,000 followers has been a ‘talker,’ as we say in the news business.

Depending on who you ask, the district is either taking a provocative stance in an all-out culture war, or they are simply making an exit from one of its uglier battlefields.

The District’s CAO says that it was not a direct response to the latest behaviour of Elon Musk, the platform’s Donald Trump-adoring owner, but rather because of the racism and homophobia X users are free to post, which cannot not be reconciled with the district’s values of tolerance and inclusion. Some are conflating this with censorship. Others say every municipality should follow suit.

When it comes to real-time updates on

things like road closures and emergency weather, X was probably the most useful platform, but the district’s own metrics show the tool was becoming less useful over time, with fewer real constituents to actually engage with.

In the meantime, the district recommends people turn to their other social media accounts including Facebook, a platform that actively does censor Canadian news sources while employing algorithms designed to spread misinformation and make us angrier, more mistrustful and more polarized than we already are

Rather than be outraged about a municipality’s decision to use X or not, maybe we should save our indignation for what social media is doing to society writ large All of us – left, right and centre –would do well with a little less anti-social influence in our lives.

Central Lonsdale plans should go back to the future

EVE LAZARUS

Contributing writer

There was a recent front-page story in the North Shore News called City Launches Central Lonsdale ‘Great Street’ Transformation.

The City of North Vancouver wants your input on how to make Central Lonsdale great again. There are events and online surveys all designed to elicit your opinion.

“The Lonsdale Great Street Project is our opportunity to reimagine Central Lonsdale as a more vibrant, inclusive, and people-focused place by fostering connection, enhancing livability, and creating the optimal environment for new and existing

business,” Mayor Linda Buchanan was quoted as saying.

Nothing wrong with that. A vibrant, workable Lonsdale Avenue is good for all of us. But what caught my eye was a photo that reporter Brent Richter put out on X to promote the story. It ran with Brent’s caption: “The City of North Vancouver wants to replicate the success of Lower Lonsdale a little further up the street.”

The photo shows the intersection of Lonsdale Avenue and 14th Street, a threelevel, multi-tiered building that currently houses a Fast Cash Advance business (one of 28 money service businesses occupying street level storefronts in North Van); Hanson Kohan Lawyers and the

North Vancouver Florist. The building sits next to another non-descript two-storey building, the home of Jack Lonsdale’s pub and a dentist.

If only we could turn back the clock.

Up until 1986, an art deco beauty sat on this corner The 734-seat Nova Theatre opened in January of 1938, owned by W.P. Dewees and managed by Agnes (Queenie) Albanuff. Mrs Albanuff was clearly good at her job, because when Dewees sold the theatre to the Odeon chain in 1941, she went with it.

There is a wonderful Province article from April 12, 1941, that shows headshots of eight theatre managers. Seven are men in suits and ties, and there’s

Albanuff, confident and sharp in a bow tie. The headline read: Theatre Men of Wide Experience Manage New Odeon Houses Here. The sub-heading read: Woman Named To One Post.

With the acquisition of the Nova Theatre, the Odeon now operated 22 theatres in British Columbia.

The next time the theatre appears in the newspapers was on April 19, 1943. Yeggs blew up the theatre safe which was thought to hold several hundred dollars. Unfortunately for the yeggs (such a more colourful word than safe crackers), much of the cash was ripped to shreds in the blast. According to the story, the safe

MAILBOX

NORTH SHORE IS NOT GETTING TRANSIT SERVICE WE DESERVE

Dear Editor:

RE: Federal Government Gives TransLink

$663M For Infrastructure Projects, Jan. 27 story

When it comes to transit it really feels like the North Shore is getting shafted by the region and every other level of government.

We were promised a third SeaBus for the Olympics. Whoops, funding to staff it ended with the games and only returned years later after it became a two-zone trip. Never mind it was already the only part of the system actually making money

We are told we don’t have the density for rapid transit. Explain Fleetwood and Langley SkyTrain to me. Yes Metrotown, Oakridge, Brentwood, Surrey Central, and Richmond Centre all have density now, but what came first, transit or density? Transit, every time.

Given a choice between bus and train based rapid transit only a skinflint politician who will never ride it would chose bus. Have they never experienced standing on a crowded bus while being jostled about as it goes around corners, over bumps, or stops and starts abruptly. It’s very different than a crowded train. Even

How about

more so if your bladder is full because there are no public washrooms at transit hubs.

Check where BRT has been implemented. It’s sold as a cheaper stop-gap to something better that never comes. A transit dead end. Many supposed BRT systems do not even meet the BRT standard. Two minutes between SkyTrains is great if you have access to it. If we get BRT we won’t. Ever

Other places get bigger bridges that induce more traffic and we’re told we won’t have to pay for it because they will be tolled. Then the tolls disappear once a politician decides they are polling too low and need to buy some votes. I see infrastructure rain down on other places with MPs and MLAs who are ministers or have councillors on the right boards. Not here.

The North Shore has great outdoor recreation opportunities that are popular region-wide, but transit to them, if it even exists, is horrendous and there are almost no safe bike routes so everyone drives. Naturally there is never enough parking to meet demand.

This letter reads more angrily than the one I set out to write, but stopping to think about it has that effect. Around here we can’t even take a shirt without getting fleeced.

Ben Holt North Vancouver

a Lonsdale streetcar?

dial was blown into the rafters, and when police arrived, they found pieces of coal sack, money and a wad of soap clinging to the broken safe. The yeggs got away.

Odeon closed the theatre in 1958, probably because they had opened a drive-in at Pemberton and West Third. The Lonsdale Avenue theatre stayed mostly dark until the Odeon reopened it as the Totem Theatre with a grand opening on Dec. 9, 1964 The movie was Fate is the Hunter and starred Glenn Ford, Suzanne Pleshette and Rod Taylor. The Totem lasted until October 1977 when the theatre was put up for sale. Whispers took it over in May 1980 and showcased live acts such as Bryan Adams, R & B All Stars and Loverboy

And then in 1987, City of North Vancouver council voted for a new central Lonsdale area pub. It would join the existing three hotels and three neighbourhood pubs already within a one-mile radius of

the proposed site. It was noted that the pubs were already suffering a decline in business.

And, just like that, 1421-1439 Lonsdale became a distant memory. Jack Lonsdale’s Public House continues to survive as a family-owned, neighbourhood institution. While we can’t bring back heritage buildings, perhaps we could try and save the few that we have left. Incorporate them into new developments, repurpose them into commercial or public spaces and honour our history. And, while we’re there, how about connecting the success of Lower Lonsdale and the Shipyards with the about-to-be revitalized Central Lonsdale area with a free streetcar?

If you have ideas, there is a community conversation at city hall on Feb. 20 You can also leave your feedback at letstalk. cnv.org/lonsdalegreatstreet.

Eve Lazarus is a 30-year North Vancouver resident with a penchant for history, architecture and true crime.

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Legal dispute reveals backstory to stalled Lower Lonsdale private school

BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com

The founders of a mostly built but stalled private school in Lower Lonsdale are headed to court with the building’s developer after the business relationship between the two soured.

A recently released B.C. Supreme Court decision offers some insight into the plagued Alcuin College project at the corner of West Esplanade and Mahon Avenue. Apart from some remediation work on faulty concrete, no construction has been done on the school building in almost two years.

St Alcuin College for the Liberal Arts Society received City of North Vancouver council’s approval to build a three-storey school at the site in 2017.

In 2019, the school began discussions with Ryan Deakin, a parent of Alcuin students and principal of developer Montaigne Group Ltd., who proposed adding a fourth storey to the building

to be used as event space, for the “benefit of both parties,” the ruling states.

In 2020, they struck a joint-venture agreement in which the building would be stratified or subdivided with the first three storeys belonging to Alcuin and the fourth belonging to Montaigne, thanks to the developer’s “highly competitive build cost.”

Lawyers for both parties described the agreement as “interesting,” “unusual,” and “unique,” Justice Eric Gottardi acknowledged in his Jan. 9 written ruling.

The proposal for the extra storey was highly divisive in the community, with neighbours raising opposition on the grounds that event space would result in late-night noise, blocked views, added traffic and demand for street parking. During a fiveand-a-half hour public hearing in March 2021, Alcuin students, parents and alumni turned out in large numbers to urge council

to approve the extra storey The vote passed 6-1 after the public hearing.

But, according to the court’s ruling, the college terminated

its agreement with Montaigne in April 2023, with each side claiming the other breached their agreement, leading to several court actions.

Montaigne sought an order requiring Alcuin to “take all necessary further action” to stratify or subdivide amenity transfer legal title to Montaigne, as the agreement specified. The developer also put a certificate of pending litigation on the Alcuin property’s title

Alcuin applied to have the case dismissed summarily, arguing Montaigne was bound to fail in its civil claim because construction was still required to complete the project and therefore, the developer did not have an equitable interest in the property

According to the college, it will take another $9.5 million to finish construction of the building, and Vancity Credit Union will not advance any further financing while Montaigne’s certificate of pending litigation remains on the property’s title

Montaigne, however, said the work could be advanced far enough for stratification for

Continued

Apart from remediation work on faulty concrete, construction work has been stalled on the Alcuin College building for almost two years PAUL MCGRATH / NSN

WASTEWATER BOONDOGGLE

Muri blasts media over Metro Vancouver coverage

GRAEME WOOD gwood@glaciermedia.ca

Metro Vancouver Regional District director and District of North Vancouver Coun. Lisa Muri was outspoken against media Thursday during a special board meeting to discuss the government’s scope of services and means to pare down its 2026 budget.

The meeting was called by board chair Mike Hurley to address public concerns about the government’s expenses as it grapples with a roughly $3-billion cost overrun at the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The cost overrun resulted in a 25.3-percent increase to Metro Vancouver taxes and utility fees on the average household last year

Muri suggested the government is doing a good job and it is media that have the matter wrong.

“We need to stand up and push back. We do exceptional work in this region,” said Muri, adding “right now we have the news explaining that and I don’t think they do a very good job; I think they’re biased.”

Global News this week outlined the many extra payments politicians receive for sitting on the board, on top of their

“The talk is that Metro is out of control. This [meeting] is to fish out if we are into too many things,” said Hurley, Burnaby’s mayor

Another service to be examined is Invest Vancouver, a $4.8-million entity comprised of economists and analysts with a stated goal of improving investment conditions in the region.

Delta Coun. Dylan Kruger took to X.com after the meeting, for which he and other directors were paid $547 to attend, to call Invest Vancouver “a fake business association run by Metro Vancouver that duplicates services already provided by private organizations.”

Also on the chopping block are cultural grants operated by the government, which claims to primarily be a utility provider (water, sewers and waste).

the Bank of Canada’s inflation projections).

Dobrovolny referred to the 25.3 per cent tax hike as a “big adjustment.”

One item on the proverbial chopping block is a $550,000 communications booth at the Pacific National Exhibition this summer

Muri said the booth is valuable for communicating Metro Vancouver services.

Dobrovolny said for every $1 million shaved off the service budget a dollar is taken off the average household tax bill ($875), prompting some directors to question the utility of the meeting.

“We’re wasting time on little things. It is infrastructure costs that are driving up the budget,” said director Sav Dhaliwal, a Burnaby councillor.

respective municipal council roles, prompting Premier David Eby to express concern about its governance

The three-hour meeting ultimately led to no final decisions but rather direction to staff to examine and report back on service and scope reductions in some areas, such as regional climate policy co-ordination.

Metro Vancouver chief administrative officer Jerry Dobrovolny presented the board with the government’s $152-million service budget, prompting directors to debate what could be cut.

Dobrovolny noted Metro Vancouver has already deferred $650 million of projects in order to keep projected annual tax increases to five per cent over the next four years (still more than twice the rate of

And yet another Metro Vancouver quagmire was raised by director Brenda Locke, Surrey’s mayor

“I continue to be very concerned about scope creep,” said Locke, adding Surrey taxpayers don’t feel they are being treated equally

“We’re told to put on our regional hat but it’s different when we’re seeing an inequitable situation.

“I really would love to see a budget for only core responsibilities,” said Locke.

District of North Vancouver director Lisa Muri stands outside the North Shore Sewage Treatment Plant. Last week Muri said Metro Vancouver needs to ‘push back’ against media about the work the regional governing body is doing. NICK LABA / NSN

BACKCOUNTRY LIFE

Coast Mountain Film Festival makes epic return to North Van

NICK LABA nlaba@nsnews.com

Coast Mountain Film Festival is back for its second year, with a mix of films ranging from features about some of the foremost backcountry athletes in the world to a locally crafted comedy about a mysteriously missing glass of milk.

Hosted by your local newspaper of record, the North Shore News, this year’s selection of films will screen at Centennial Theatre in North Vancouver, on the weekend of Feb. 7 to 9.

This year’s event has more of an outdoors theme, said Matt Blair, festival organizer and North Shore News publisher

“Because last year the event had so much traction, we were able to attract some higher-profile films,” he said.

Those include Calm Beneath Castles, a feature film from Matchstick Productions that delves into the hearts and minds of some of the world’s best skiers. Backdropping Castles are breathtaking locations across the globe including Whistler and Hokkaido, Japan

Another feature is Circle of Madness by Christoph Thoresen, documenting star athletes Markus Eder (ski) and Victor de Le Rue (snowboard) as the friends trace familiar lines and take on uncharted territory on the legendary spine walls of Haines, Alaska.

But the don’t-miss movie for Blair is Snowblind

“It’s a film about skiers who have at some point in their life lost their vision and they’re re-venturing into the backcountry,” he said, adding that North Shore locals will

recognize terrain in the film.

In selecting this year’s lineup, Blair said he prioritized films with local content or athletes, and added some high-profile movies for audience draw

“We have a local night as well, where it’s exclusively local films,” he said. “That particular screening is a bit of a departure from our outdoors theme, and the films are more comedy and drama.”

Last year, the inaugural CMFF attracted around 1,500 audience members over five screenings, and numbers are rising for the 2025 event.

“This year we’ve got five screenings in the works again, and we’re seeing particularly on the Friday and Saturday night, really strong early numbers in terms of tickets,” Blair said.

With one successful festival under his belt, Blair said he received a lot more film

entries this year

“That’s driven up the quality of the films that we’re able to show,” he said Blair notes that the Sunday screenings coincide with Superbowl LIX, which provides an alternative weekend outing for people less keen on chicken wings and football.

“Not being a huge football fan myself, I always feel an obligation to go to a house party,” he said. “Sometimes it’s nice to have a reason not to go, and Sunday screenings are a really good excuse to do something a little bit different.”

Here’s a complete list of the films showing at Coast Mountain Film Festival: Big Mountain Night

• Friday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. Calm Beneath Castles (50 minutes)

• The Harvest (20 min)

• Prize giveaways from North Shore Ski and

Board and Vancouver Island Brewing Local Film Celebration (matinee)

• Saturday, Feb. 8 at 4 p.m. The Third Person (comedy, 5 min)

• Chat4U (comedy, 7 min)

• Dear May (drama, with animation, 12 min)

• Jackie’s Haven (drama, with animation, 10 min)

• Milk Loser (comedy, 3 min)

• Tumbleweed (comedy, 10 min)

• Gaby (documentary, 10 min)

Adventure Night

• Saturday, Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m. Circles of Madness (46 min)

• Skookumchuck Narrows: Surf & Kayak the Tidal Rapids with Dylan Graves (14 min)

• Prize giveaways from North Shore Ski and Board

Environmental Matinee presented by Pacific Salmon Foundation

• Sunday, Feb. 9 at 4 p.m. The Squamish Poacher (8 min)

• Revolutions: A Short Documentary About Bike Waste (15 min)

• Beyond the Green Veil (25 min)

• interviews with local filmmakers and the Pacific Salmon Foundation Endurance Night

• Sunday, Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Feel it All (35 min)

• Snow Blind (11 min)

• Fifteen | A Multi Grouse Grind Story (11 min)

• interviews with local filmmakers

Tickets via the Centennial Theatre website

Adult: $21.95

Senior 65+, student with ID or children: $18.65

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Amateur mountain bike racer Kaitlyn Shikaze barrels down a trail for the film ‘Revolutions: a short documentary about on bike waste.’ REVOLUTIONS

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Location: Silk Purse Arts Centre, 1570 Argyle Ave

Original artwork from the 2025 YouAre Herecalendar featuring beautiful scenes &stories of the North Shoreby12local artists in avariety of styles &media.

LOVE LIGHTS AT CAPILANO

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LOCAL HERO

Nominations open for annual Tim Jones Award

ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com

Do you know someone who is an “unsung hero” in the B.C. outdoor community?

If so, they could be up for recognition. Nominations are now open for the 12th annual Tim Jones Community Achievement Award.

The award, co-presented by the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) and North Shore Rescue, is given to a person or organization who has made a huge impact in the B.C. outdoor community.

The award was created in honour of former North Shore Rescue team leader and paramedic Tim Jones, who died in 2014 while hiking on the North Shore. Jones was the face of the search and rescue team for more than 25 years, and during his tenure took part in more than 1,600 rescues.

North Vancouver “bear whisperer” and North Shore Rescue member Ellie Lamb claimed the 2024 award, while adaptive ski instructor and president of Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports Anne Bethune took home the award the previous year

In the past, the award has been given out to North Shore, Howe Sound and Whistler residents. Last year, organizers opened the award to those who served throughout B.C. to recognize more contributions across the province.

Nominees can also be younger folks as well, said VIMFF spokesperson Sieneke Toering. Myia Antone was only 24 years old when she won the Tim Jones award in 2021, becoming the youngest recipient to obtain the title.

A nominee must be active in the outdoor community, have made an outstanding contribution in a social, environmental, educational or public safety capacity and hasn’t received remuneration for their volunteer work or performed the services as part of their regular business activities.

The nominee must also be an “unsung hero” who has received little public recognition for their accomplishments

Anyone wishing to nominate someone must submit a letter of 500 to 700 words explaining the person’s involvement and impact in the B.C. outdoor or sports community along with supporting pictures, videos and any other documents

Tim’s daughter Taylor Jones, former North Shore Rescue team leader Mike Danks and former District of North Vancouver mayor Richard Walton will select this year’s winner.

Nominations are open on the VIMFF website until Feb. 6, and the winner will be announced at Centennial Theatre on March 1.

Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative

Tim Jones, the late team leader of North Shore Rescue, is pictured here in April 2013. Jones was credited with modernizing search and rescue and making the mountains safer An annual award named in his honour is now open for nominations NSR

Photo: Alison Boulier

Sons of Vancouver wins award for best rye whisky in Canada

NICK LABA nlaba@nsnews.com

A North Vancouver distillery continues to stand out among the best whisky makers in the country.

Sons of Vancouver received high marks for several of its releases at the 2025 Canadian Whisky Awards, held in Victoria on Jan. 16.

Topping that list is Realms of Rye Release No. 01 ‘Citrus & Botanicals,’ which was named Rye Whisky of the Year

Sons of Vancouver also won Best Cask Strength Whisky for its Whisky #10 ‘Palm Trees and a Tropical Storm’ Heavy Rum Cask Rye, and Best Whisky Aged 8 Years or Under for Whisky #8 ‘Homemade Upside Down Apricot Cake’ Amaretto Cask Whisky

Recognizing its Realms of Rye series, the distillery took home the Award of Excellence in Product Innovation.

Gold medals went to ‘Citrus & Botanicals’ as well as Realms of Rye Release No. 02 ‘Dark Fruit & Cacao.’

Whisky #8 ‘Homemade Upside Down Apricot Cake’ Amaretto Cask Whisky, and Whisky #10 ‘Palm Trees and a Tropical Storm’ Heavy Rum Cask Rye also won gold.

Sons of Vancouver won silvers for Whisky #9 ‘Rolling Hills in the Morning Mist’ Islay Cask Rye, Whisky #11 ‘Sipping Sherry at the Jazz Club’ PX Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky, and Whisky #12 ‘Last Call at the Dive Bar’ Peated Cask Single Malt Whisky

James Lester, distillery partner and general manager, said the favourite at Sons of Vancouver was ‘Dark Fruit & Cacao.’

“Sometimes you think you know it so well, and you can never count on that,” he said. “It’s always a surprise.”

Sons of Vancouver certainly didn’t count on winning Whisky of the Year at the event in 2023, when it became the first microdistillery to win the top award. That’s precipitated steady success for the business since then, with each of their batches selling out within minutes or days of release.

It also validated the approach at Sons of Vancouver of taking 100-per-cent rye whisky into uncharted territory.

‘In Canada, rye whisky has been put into a box’

That’s exactly what they’ve done with Realms of Rye, a six-part series exploring parts of the flavour wheel that rye whisky

Distillery partner and general manager James Lester signs a bottle of Sons of Vancouver’s Realms of Rye Release No 01 ‘Citrus & Botanicals.’ It won Rye Whisky of the Year at the 2025 Canadian Whisky Awards SONS OF VANCOUVER

doesn’t typically fit into, Lester said.

“In Canada, rye whisky has been put into a box,” he said. “When you’re explaining it to someone, often words like baking spices come up.

“Now with single malt, and more specifically single malt in Scotland, it’s such a wide, diverse category, and there’s so many different flavours under the single malt banner,” Lester explained.

Rye isn’t known for being as diverse, but the folks at Sons of Vancouver think it should be

“So our first release, batch No. 1, that was blended to be quite citrusy and very, like we say, ‘Citrus & Botanicals,’” he said. “Lots of citrus, black tea, cardamom, things like that.”

Next, ‘Dark Fruit & Cacao’ went into the realm of cherries and chocolate.

But Sons of Vancouver does this through distillation techniques and blending, using new oak or former bourbon barrels, Lester said.

“There’s no cask finishing, no barrel buckery,” he said. “We like to blend our whisky following those rules.”

From the way Lester’s fruity whiskies fly off the shelves, he knows that people in North Van and British Columbia enjoy them. But the Canadian Whisky Awards bring perspective on a national scale.

“And that recognition is very much appreciated,” he said.

ENDURANCE NIGHT

Endurance Night delvesintofeats of absolute courage, testingthe limits or what our bodiesand minds can achieve. Whether it is pushingto complete15Grouse Grinds in one day,orgrappling with blindnesswhile backcountry skiing,thiseveningwill provide insight into how we overcome thechallenges we set forourselves

North Shore libraries reveal most borrowed titles from 2024

ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Are book clubs making a comeback? They might be for folks on the North Shore.

The three North Shore public library systems have revealed their most-borrowed titles from 2024, with nearly three-quarters of the chart-topping titles being book club selections.

“People crave social connection and learning through their hobbies, and this isn’t a trend going away for our libraries,” said Shideh Taleban, library services co-ordinator at the North Vancouver City Library in a press release. “Book clubs help people make meaning of stories, turning reading from a solitary activity into a shared journey of ideas, perspectives and connection.”

The three library systems noted the top three books in several categories including adult fiction, adult downloadable audiobooks and adult e-books, with several titles appearing on multiple lists. The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese, Tom Lake by Ann Patchett and The Woman by Kristin Hannah became staples across the North Shore libraries, carrying rich themes of love, resilience and family dynamics.

“Romantasy” – a mix of romance and fantasy – was a big hit genre across the libraries last year, with Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses and Throne of Glass topping several lists, along with Rebecca Yarro’s Fourth Wing

The non-fiction category was topped by Canadian

journalist Brett Popplewell’s Outsider: An Old Man, a Mountain, and the Search for a Hidden Past – a quest to find the story behind a former stuntman who lived alone inside a school bus on a mountain.

FREE COMMUNITY SKATE

Readers also sought health and wellness perspectives in The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté, and urgency and insight from John Vaillant’s Fire Weather, giving a thought-provoking look at environmental challenges reshaping our world.

For the kids, Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man series and Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney consistently dominated the lists in 2024. The Hunger Games made its way to the top spot for the second year in a row in Teen Fiction, while mysteries and summer romances made waves throughout the year

Graphic novels and manga also made a staple for teen readers last year, with Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper, the One Piece series by Eiichiro and Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball Z topping the Teen Graphic Novels/Manga lists.

Jumping to the DVD section, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer and the thriller/crime hit Anatomy of a Fall came out on top, alongside the Dune series, Barbie, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and The Holdovers

Tara Matsuzaki, head of customer and community experience at West Vancouver Memorial Library, predicts this year readers can expect non-fiction to tackle urgent topics and fiction that is a little different than last year

“Non-fiction titles will delve into climate change and artificial intelligence, exploring how they reshape work, life and the environment,” Matsuzaki said in a press release.

Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.

Meet your newMLA of West Vancouver-Capilano, LynneBlockand enjoyfree hotchocolateand skating! Firstcome, first serve.

The North Shore libraries have revealed their annual list of the most borrowed titles in 2024. WEST VANCOUVER MEMORIAL LIBRARY

How to celebrate Lunar New Year across the North Shore in 2025

ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Today officially marks Lunar New Year, where millions of people around the world celebrate the start of the new year in the lunar calendar.

In 2025, the year of the snake sneaks through, representing wisdom, transformation, calmness and creativity. Here are some events and things to check out across the North Shore.

West Vancouver Memorial Library

This West Van library is hosting tons of events for Lunar New Year, kicking off with an all-ages story time where attendees can learn about the tradition through stories, rhymes and songs on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. It will take place in the library’s Welsh Hall. No registration is required. Eight instructors from the Shuang Music School will play traditional melodies at the library’s main hall on the pipa (Chinese lute), erhu (Chinese

violin), zheng (Chinese zither), violin and piano. Performers Amaris Cao, Jian Feng, Emily Kong, Shelly Shen, Amy Tang, Natalie Xu and Amy Yuan will take the stage. The event will take

place Thursday, Feb. 6 from 4 to 5 p.m. Juno-nominated trio Orchid Ensemble will also be performing at the main hall Feb. 11 from 1 to 2 p.m. The trio have been performing since 1997, where they blend Eastern and Western music with upbeat songs and traditional instruments. People can email info@westvanlibrary.com for more information about the event.

Annual lantern display in City of North Vancouver

The city is putting together its annual Lunar New Year installation in Living Lane, located between 100 and 130 Lonsdale Avenue, with 20 festive, glowing red lanterns for people to walk through. A CNV spokesperson said they plan to have the lanterns installed by this weekend and up until the end of February.

Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.

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Volunteers at the West Vancouver Memorial Library help set up the building in preparation for Lunar New Year. WEST VANCOUVER MEMORIAL LIBRARY

Nation aims to bring more members home, says councillor

Xwmélch’sten has historically been a place of strength and cultural resilience for the Squamish Nation, known for being “The Place of Rolling at the Mouth” for its large salmon population.

Williams said Xwmélch’sten is the biggest reserve within the Squamish Nation, with almost 1,200 residents, and the development plans will help focus the Nation’s services in one area.

Many of the Squamish Nation’s offices are currently spread across the North Shore, posing challenges for people needing access to services, he said.

“It gets confusing on where [people need] to go,” Williams said. “So having a one place kind of spot for all of these services is very important for this initiative.”

Ch’ich’élxwí7kw (Seymour 2 Reserve)

Ch’ich’élxwí7kw, the second site, will be a significant

economic driver for the Nation, according to the Squamish Nation’s website, with market residential, Nation housing, commercial uses and dedicated communal and spiritual spaces.

It stretches along Mount Seymour Parkway and Highway 1 near Ironworkers Memorial Second Narrows Crossing and the Phibbs Exchange transit hub. The location makes it a key place for housing, especially for students and young families, Williams said.

Affordable housing is a huge need across the North Shore, including the Squamish Nation, and providing housing on these sites will help begin to address shortages, said Williams.

“We’ve been in a housing crisis since the late ’70s, where we kind of had a big growth boom within our nation, but then there wasn’t enough housing,” Williams said. “To come where we’re at today – being kind of in the driver’s seat, in control of what we see for our people, not someone else telling us

what’s best for us – that’s very comforting.”

St’á7mes (Squamish 24 Reserve)

The Squamish site, St’á7mes, is proposed south of the District of Squamish right beside the Sea-to-Sky Highway This site will focus on community uses and explore Nation housing opportunities.

It will feature amenities like an “Elders Village” that embraces inter-generational living practices. The site also aims to focus on protecting and enhancing spiritual areas and creating new Nation service spaces, their website states.

Nation wants members to have a voice on housing plan

The plans are still in the early stages, Williams said. Squamish Nation council extended a temporary halt on third-party proposals for the three priority sites until April 1, ensuring the planning process continues under the Nation.

Squamish Nation council, alongside Nch’ḵay Development Corporation, an economic development arm of the Nation, and non-profit Hiyám Housing, have been engaging with more than 500 Nation members since early 2023.

“We want to make sure we’re walking with our people in regards to the planning, so our people will have a voice and a say on what they see in these areas as well,” Williams said.

Around half of the Nation’s members live away from the reserve, Williams said. The Nation hopes to change that with the new development plans.

“With the growth of our community, people will be able to connect who they are and where they come from,” he said.

It’s hard for Williams not to get emotional when he thinks about his three daughters in connection with the future development plans, and says having them stay in the community is reassuring.

Development concepts would only proceed with the expressed support of the Squamish people through a land designation vote, and continued engagement with the community will be a priority as the initiative moves into its second phase.

The second phase for the land development strategies will include more details of Marine Drive at Xwmélch’sten (Capilano) and upper Stá7mes. The Squamish Nation will also share more information on related building initiatives soon, according to their website.

“I’m looking forward to the proposals that come forward, and the options and opportunity, because we’re changing the landscape of our Nation,” Williams said. “We’re setting ourselves up for a strong future, but also for strong future leaders.”

Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.

Court rules father can’t get back $500K gift for North Van home

GRAEME WOOD gwood@glaciermedia.ca

A B.C. businessman has lost another attempt – at the B.C. Court of Appeal – to have his son and former daughter-in-law repay $500,000 he gifted to them, in order to purchase a home in North Vancouver in 2010.

Avtar Singh Johal gave his son Harvinder Singh Johal and daughter-in-law Susan Frances Little the money to buy a $1.3-million home on Grand Boulevard.

But after the couple separated in 2018, Avtar claimed the money was a loan.

Avtar sued his son and ex-daughter-inlaw in B.C. Supreme Court.

Although technically a defendant, Harvinder stated the money was a loan, aligning with his father’s claim Little claimed otherwise, pointing to a gift letter to Scotiabank to obtain a mortgage.

The couple had obtained mortgage financing for about $450,000 and after Little sold her condo, the couple had about $750,000 cash.

The home was purchased and the couple took out a $200,000 home equity line of credit thereafter, the court heard.

On Dec. 28, 2023, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Jacqueline Hughes sided with Little. While the gift letter played prominently in Hughes’ decision, it was not the only factor.

“I am cognizant that the existence of a gift letter prepared by a parent to assist a child in obtaining mortgage financing is

not determinative of the parent’s intent in advancing funds,” stated Hughes, noting case law showing such a letter is not the sole determinative factor in resolving such disputes.

Rather, “in the present circumstances, I find that since the funds were provided contemporaneously with the Scotiabank gift letter and, in the absence of contemporaneous documentation or discussions to the contrary, Avtar’s silence as to the nature of the funds is insufficient to negate the clear language of the letter.”

Avtar then appealed the decision to the B.C. Court of Appeal, claiming Hughes erred in failing to separate the intentions of himself as an individual and that of his company

In a recently published judgment, three B.C. Court of Appeal judges agreed that Avtar was presenting new arguments; however, they noted “appellants cannot argue a position on appeal inconsistent with their position at trial.”

Furthermore, the appeal judges agreed that Hughes “extensively” reviewed the evidence and provided detailed reasons for her conclusion that a gift was intended.

“The appellants also challenge the judge’s treatment of the evidence in her analysis; however, they have not demonstrated any palpable and overriding error by the judge. Instead, their arguments invite this court to reweigh the evidence and reach different factual conclusions on the evidence. This is not the proper role for this court.”

Sager says more clarity needed

to just get back and do what I like doing, and that’s serving our community.”

Sager said expenses at the centre of the investigation were mistakes and that Elections BC needs to provide more clarity

in the rules for candidates to follow.

“My biggest concern looking into the future is ensuring that people aren’t discouraged from running for public office. If mistakes can be made, people have to know how to fix them,” he said.

LUNAR NEW YEAR

Argyle students translate grad game ‘Gotcha’ film to Mandarin

ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A group of North Vancouver high school students put their language skills to the test in a unique way to celebrate Lunar New Year this year.

Three École Argyle Secondary students took on the challenge of translating Gotcha – a 2021 student-made film revolving around a popular game played by graduating students in North Vancouver for more than a decade – from English to Mandarin.

The school’s drama department and Digital Media Academy, a program offered by the North Vancouver School District, are hosting a screening of the movie in Argyle’s James Buchanan Theatre Thursday, Jan. 30.

In the theatre, the night will kick off with a red carpet entrance where attendees can take pictures with friends and family before digging into a Szechuan dinner The 39-minute film will screen shortly after, ending the night with a meet and greet with some of the current voice actors and original cast members.

What is Gotcha?

The film dives into the controversial world of the Gotcha game. In the game, students pay an entry fee and are assigned an individual “target” – another student who has signed up for the game. As weeks go on, players must physically tag their targets in a public place. The eliminated player’s target then becomes the next target for the person who tagged them.

Players cannot tag each other while at school or work. The objective: last player wins the prize, which could be up to $1,000.

But some say Gotcha isn’t harmless fun, as there have been concerns over the game due to embarrassing public displays like nudity, bullying or even criminal

A game of Gotcha goes awry as participants start to take it too far in a student film from the Argyle drama department and the North Vancouver School District’s Digital Media Academy. SCREENSHOT GOTCHA NVSD DIGITAL MEDIA ACADEMY

behaviour The North Vancouver School District sent out a warning about the game in 2017.

In 2021, Argyle Secondary Digital Media Academy teacher Chris Miller decided to write a script for a 39-minute film that explores the game and some of its darker sides.

This year Miller pitched the translation project as a way to get more students involved in the film program but also to better connect Mandarin-speaking students to the world of movies.

“We have a lot of international students, as well as students who are Canadian citizens that speak Mandarin,” Miller said. “I wanted to try to connect with a portion of our students that perhaps don’t feel a connection to film.”

Grade 11 students Ziqi Zhang, Haesol Lee and Sophie Wang took on the project in September after hearing the idea from their teacher. Zhang, Lee and Wang all took part in voicing characters in the film alongside their friends and family using their phones to record. Zhang and Wang are both

Mandarin speakers, and Lee studied in China for five years.

After the recordings were finished, Lee and Zhang edited them over in Adobe Premiere Pro.

But the project didn’t come without challenges. When translating the script, Wang said they had to change some parts to make it more conversational.

“As you directly translate it, it all sounded really formal,” Wang said. “It sounded like it was written in an email and not said [normally].”

They all hope the event will bring an interest in Mandarin and more understanding of Gotcha’s concept.

“I would like people to know what the movie is about and [for] them to learn a bit about Mandarin, actually enjoy the film,”

Wang said.

“We can all celebrate Lunar New Year, and meet more people [interested] in Mandarin and the film,” Lee said.

Money raised at the event will mostly cover the dinner, Miller said, but any amount left over might go towards film equipment for another movie project later this year A new film about Canadians saving the world from a meteor is in the works.

The event will be at Argyle Secondary on Jan 30 from 5:30 to 9 p.m Tickets are available for $25 on the North Vancouver School District No 44 website

Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.

École Argyle Secondary Grade 11 students Haesul lee (left), Sophie Wang and Ziqi Zhang work on translating a student-made film called “Gotcha” premiering on Thursday in celebration of Lunar New Year. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN

Coast Mountain Film Festival

Join us in celebrating local filmmakers asthey showcase their work to hometown audiences

The second annual Coast Mountain Film Festival willplay host to morethan 20 films, many of which have aNorthShoreconnection.

While many of these films have been screened at prestigiousfestivals around theworld, this event offers our filmmakers achance to celebrate their work withthe community in which it was made.

Reserve your tickets beforethey’re gone.

BIG MOUNTAIN NIGHT

FRIDAY, FEB 7•7:30PM

British Pacific Properties presents our firstever Big Mountain night!Inaddition to showing, THE HARVEST,alocal ski film shot largley in Whistler’sbackcountry,your evening willinclude ascreening of theski film of theyear; CALM BENEATH CASTLES.

• Calm Beneath Castles

•The Harvest

•Prize Giveaways from North ShoreSki and Boardand Vancouver Island Brewing

LOCALFILM CELEBRATION MATINEE

SATURDAY, FEB 8•4:00PM

An intimate opportunity to meet filmmakers who callthe NorthShore home and celebrate their work alongside their castand crews.

• The ThirdPerson (Comedy)

•Chat4U (Comedy)

•Dear May (Drama w/Animation)

•Jackie’s Haven(Drama w/Animation)

•Milk Loser (Comedy)

•Tumbleweed(Comedy)

•Gaby(Documentary)

ADVENTURE NIGHT

SATURDAY, FEB 8•7:30PM

In addition to ashort film showcasing athletes exploring theSea to Sky region’soutdoors, our featurefilm, CIRCLE OF MADNESS, features star athletes Markus Eder (ski) &Victor de Le Rue (snowboard) returningone moretime to the legendary spine walls of Haines, Alaska.

•Circle of Madness

•Skookumchuck Narrows: Surf &Kayak the Tidal Rapids with Dylan Graves

ENVIRO MATINEE SUNDAY, FEB 9•4:00PM

Pacific Salmon Foundation presents several short films, shot locally,that encourage us to think moredeeply about what we can do at theindividual level to protect our forests, createawareness about waste and think more critically about our daily choices. Follow surfers, mountain bikers and fisherman as they share their personal journeys for agreener world..

• The Squamish Poacher

•Emerald Edge

•Revolutions: AFilm on Bike Waste

• Beyond the Green Veil

ENDURANCE NIGHT

SUNDAY, FEB 9•7:30PM

Endurance Night delves into feats of absolute courage, testing thelimits or what our bodies and minds can achieve. Whether it is pushing to complete 15 Grouse Grinds in one day,or grappling withblindness while backcountry skiing, this evening willprovide insight into how we overcome thechallenges we set for ourselves.

• Feel it All

• Snow Blind

• Fifteen: AMulti Grouse Grind Story

NOTICE OF LISTOFREGISTERED ELECTORS

2025 By-Election: TheCorporation of the District of West Vancouver (The District) & School District 45 (WestVancouver Schools).

LISTOFREGISTERED ELECTORS

West Vancouver Schools uses the Province of BritishColumbia Voters

List as the List of Registered Electors. If your name is not on the current list,and youare an eligible elector,you mayregister at oneofthe advance voting opportunities or on general voting dayApril 5, 2025 by completing an “Application forRegistration” form and providing twopieces of appropriateidentification. Registration in advanceof the by-election is notrequired.

Beginning February 18, 2025 until the close of general voting forthe by-election on April 5, 2025,a copy of thelist of registered electors will be available forpublic inspectionatthe West Vancouver Legislative Services Department during regular officehours(8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., MondaytoFriday, excluding statutory holidays). Before inspecting the list, aperson must sign astatement that theywillnot inspect the list or use the informationincluded in thelist except forelection purposes (LocalGovernment Act,Part3–Electorsand Elections).

REQUESTTOOMIT PERSONAL INFORMATION

An elector mayrequest that theiraddressorother information about them be omitted from, or obscured on, the list of registered electors in order to protect their privacy or security. Written requests must be received by 4:30 p.m. February 11, 2025 by the chief election officer at the District of West Vancouver,750 17thStreet, West Vancouver BC V7V 3T3.

OBJECTION TO REGISTRATION OF AN ELECTOR

An objection to the registration of aperson whosename appearson the list of registered electors maybemade in accordancewith the Local GovernmentAct until 4p.m. on February 28, 2025. An objection must be made in writing and mayonly bemade by aperson entitled to be registered as an elector of School District 45 and can only be madeon the basis that aperson whose name appearsonthe list of electorshas died or that aperson whosename appearsonthe list of electorsisnot qualified to be registered as an elector of School District 45.

ELECTOR QUALIFICATIONS

Resident Electors:

• 18 yearsofage or older on general voting dayfor the election; and

• a Canadian citizen; and

• a resident of British Columbia foratleast six months immediately beforethe dayofregistration;

• a resident of School District 45; and

• not disqualified under the LocalGovernment Act or anyother enactment from voting in an election and not otherwise disqualified by law.

Non-Resident Property Electors:

• 18 yearsofage or older on general voting dayfor the election; and

• a Canadian citizen; and

• a resident of British Columbia foratleast six months immediately beforethe dayofregistration; and

• a registered owner of real property in School District 45 foratleast 30 days immediately beforethe dayofregistration; and

• the only persons who areregistered ownersofthe property,either as joint tenants or tenants in common, areindividuals who arenot holding the property in trust foracorporation or another trust; and

• not entitled to register as aresident elector; and

• not disqualified under the LocalGovernment Act or anyother enactment from voting in an election and nototherwise disqualified bylaw;and

• not registered as a non-resident property elector in relation to any other parcelofreal property in School District 45; and

• if thereismorethan one registered owner of the property,only one of those individualsmay,with the written consent of the majorityof the owners, register as anon-resident property elector

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Visit westvancouver.ca/election or contact the chief election officer or deputychief election officer at 604-925-7004.

Hope Dallas, Chief Election Officer,January 28, 2025

Judge agrees with developer in latest round of legal dispute

another $300,000 to $400,000.

On the motion to dismiss the claim, Gottardi sided with Montaigne.

“In my view, the college has failed to demonstrate that it is plain and obvious that no triable issues arise in respect of Montaigne’s claim for specific performance. To the contrary, there are several aspects of the claim that give rise to triable issues, the determination of which will require the evidence to be weighed and potentially credibility findings to be made,” he wrote.

Alcuin also sought to have the

certificate of pending litigation cancelled on the grounds of hardship – the Catch 22 scenario in which the college cannot stratify the fourth floor without completing construction, but it cannot finance that construction while Montaigne’s certificate of pending litigation is on title.

Beyond that, the school’s ability to attract and retain students is hampered while the new campus remains in limbo, Alcuin’s head of school Stella Ablett deposed.

Montaigne countered that Alcuin’s legal strategy to delay litigation has caused their own hardships. And Gottardi also

noted that, even though Vancity will not provide further financing, records show Alcuin still profits about $1.5 million per year.

“I find that the evidence fails to establish that the college is unable to finance a much smaller amount of further construction that would take the project to a place following which the college could apply for stratification. It is one thing if stratification could only be sought after construction was fully complete and undertaken to the tune of $9 million. It is quite another if a strata plan could be obtained following a short period of construction, and with a much lower cost.”

NOTICE OF NOMINATION PERIOD

2025 By-Election: TheCorporation Of TheDistrictOfWest Vancouver &School District 45 (WestVancouver Schools).

Public Noticeisgiven to theelectorsofWestVancouver Schools that aby-election will be held on Saturday, April5,2025.

Nominations forthe officeof:

School Trustee(one to be elected)

foraterm ending October,2026will be received by the chief election officer or deputychief election officerasfollows:

WHEN: 9a.m., February 18, 2025 to 4p.m., February 28, 2025 (excluding statutory holidays and weekends)

WHERE: LegislativeServices, Municipal Hall 75017th Street, West Vancouver BC V7V 3T3

HOW: Nomination documents may be delivered by hand, by mail or by other delivery service, or by faxoremail, with originals to follow. Thedeadline forreceiving originals of nomination documents is 4:30 p.m., March 7, 2025.

Nominationdocuments areavailable in LegislativeServices, Municipal Hall, 75017th Street, West Vancouver BC V7V3T3 during regular office hours(8:30 a.m. to 4:30p.m., MondaytoFriday, excluding statutory holidays and weekends)throughout the nomination period (9 a.m., February 18, 2025 to 4p.m. February28, 2025) andare also posted on westvancouver.ca/election.

QUALIFICATIONS FOROFFICE:

Aperson is qualified to be nominated, elected, and to hold officeasa member of local government if theymeet the following criteria:

• Canadian Citizen;

• 18 yearsofage or older on general voting dayApril 5, 2025;

• Resident of British Columbia foratleast six months immediately beforethe daynomination papersare filed;

• not disqualified under the LocalGovernment Act or anyother enactment from being nominated for, being elected to or holding office, or be otherwise disqualified by law.

CAMPAIGNEXPENSE AND THIRD PARTYADVERTISING LIMITS

Theexpense limit forcandidatesestablishedby Elections BC for the 2025 school trustee by-election is $19,070.70. Thethirdparty advertising limit is $953.54.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Visit westvancouver.ca/election or contact the chiefelection officer or deputychief election officer at 604-925-7004.

Hope Dallas, Chief Election Officer,January 28, 2025

Acluin College sits partially constructed in North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale area. The school’s leadership and the developer are facing each other in B.C. Supreme Court. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN

TIMETRAVELLER

Aweekly glimpse into North Shore’spast from MONOVA:Museum of North Vancouver

Lion’sGate Radio

OLDER AND WISER

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month recognizes the dementia journey

January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. With more than 85,000 people in B.C. living with dementia and with that number expected to triple by 2050, the Alzheimer Society of B.C. is ready to help.

Photo:NVMA,F106-S5-13

In October1999, theBCTransportationFinancing Authorityannounced anew stationwould launch on FM 94.5, calledLions Gate Radio. Thestation,led by broadcasterCameron Bell, wasusedto distribute informationregarding theLions Gate Bridge rehabilitationproject whichincludedseismic upgrades,lanewideningonthe bridge deck,and upgrades to theStanley Park causeway.These upgrades required many closures of thebridgeand commuters were urged, viastreet signsaround Vancouverand NorthVancouver,tolistentothe stationfor real-timeupdates. Do youremember listening in?

Visitmonova.ca formoreinformation aboutthe historyofthe NorthShore andtoplanyour visittoMONOVA:MuseumofNorth Vancouver, nowopenat115 West EsplanadeinThe Shipyards. MONOVA:ArchivesofNorth Vancouver, is locatedat3203 InstituteRoadinLynn Valley. Contact: archives@monova.ca

THE"TIMETRAVELLER"SPACEHASBEENGRACIOUSLYDONATEDBYTHEADVERTISERBELOW #LOCALMATTERS

AGlimpseIntoHealthCareCareers

Neurosurgery

JoinDr. Shahid Gul, Head ofNeurosurgeryat LionsGate Hospital fora student-friendly seminar focusedoncareers in medicine andneurosurgery.

Ticketscost$25 each.Pleasescanthe code todaytoregisterorcalluson604.984.5785 AGLIMPSEINTO HEALTHCARECAREERS

Saturday,February8•10am–11:30am

TheHopeCentre,1337St.AndrewsAvenue NorthVancouver

PRESENTED BY LGHFoundationYouthEngagementProgram Lghfoundation.com/events

They have started an awareness campaign and throughout the month they are sharing people’s personal experiences and putting on events and workshops so people can become aware of the dementia journey. Alzheimer’s disease is not simply memory loss – most of us experi-

ence this as a normal part of aging. I prefer to think that my aging brain after living many years is so stuffed with information it takes time to retrieve it. In their recent newsletter, McMaster Optimal Aging Portal says “It is normal and expected that some of our cognitive abilities will gradually change as we age. But they also say, “Most importantly, the changes associated with normal aging don’t impact a person’s ability to function independently.”

But with dementia there is a more pronounced decline. The Alzheimer Society’s website defines dementia as an overall term for a set of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain. Symptoms may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem solving or language, severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.

A person with dementia may also experience changes in mood or behaviour Dementia is progressive, which means the symptoms will gradually get worse as more brain cells become damaged and eventually die. There are many types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy Body dementia and frontotemporal dementia.

With guidance, people affected with various types of dementia can continue to find joy, meaning and connection, says the Alzheimer Society of B.C. METRO CREATIVE

either caregivers or people living with dementia or both. One of the caregivers who was showcased eloquently said this about her husband’s dementia and the support she received: “How we deal with it now is the big thing and I thank God for the Alzheimer Society of B.C. Because of what I learned through the society, I respond to challenging behaviours differently and by saying, ‘Oh, that’s Alzheimer’s; it’s not you.’”

There is often a stigma attached to dementia, but everyone has a responsibility to help make their community a dementia-friendly place. The Alzheimer Society states: “Dementia-friendly communities are those which support people to be engaged and active where they work, live and play Individuals in these communities learn how to recognize when someone has dementia and how to respond in a respectful, effective way.”

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. connects people affected by dementia to support and education at any point in the disease through First Link dementia support. People can connect to support by asking their health-care provider for a referral, by visiting their local resource centre or by calling the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033.

Receiving a dementia diagnosis and coping with the progression of the disease can feel overwhelming. At the Alzheimer’s Society, they say “With guidance, people affected by the disease can continue to find joy, meaning and connection on the dementia journey.” The Alzheimer Society of B.C. can provide resources, education and support.

On the society’s website, you can find many events and several stories about

To learn more about Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and meet the courageous people sharing their stories this month, visit alzbc.org/aam2025. Margaret Coates is the co-ordinator of Lionsview Seniors’ Planning Society. She has lived on the North Shore for 54 years and has worked for and with seniors for 30 of those years. Ideas for future columns are welcome. Email lions_view@telus.net.

Older And Wiser Margaret Coates

HOROSCOPE

9. Fleece 10.Car 11. Cafeteria item

16.Old-time girdle

20.Game piece

21.Affectionate

22.Hawaiian gala

23. “A Farewell to ____”

24.Pickling solution

27.Finale

28. Knock on

29.Contributeashare

30.Look suggestively

32.Barnarea

35.Major-leaguer

38. Egyptian capital

39.Phase

40.Blacken

41.“Spenser:For ____”

42.Lone

43.Somersault

46.Small gulf

38. Autumn beverage

Skinny

title

word

drink

animal

Memo error

1. Towelmonogram

soup (dense fog)

Weardown

Clue

Family member,for short

47.Abbott Costello

48.Moreover

49.Easteredible

Crosswordpuzzle answers use American spelling

ARIES March21-April 19

Getreadytobebusy this week, especially if you’rea parentofyoung childrenwith abustling socialcalendar

If you’reinarelationship,a trip or romanticgetawayis on the horizon, promising unforgettable moments with your special someone

TAURUS April 20-May20

Winter can really zapyour energylevels. However, it’salso the perfect season to unleash your creativity and create something truly inspiring and original.

GEMINI May21-June 20

You’ll be in the spotlight this week, which couldmake you feel overwhelmed, stressed or anxious at times. Take some time to recharge your batteries beforethe end of the week to restoreyour inner peace.

CANCER June 21-July 22

Youcould be given new,moreimportant responsibilities at work. Your reliability will earn you the trust and respect of your colleagues and clients. Your reputation as areliable professional precedes you.

LEO July 23-Aug. 22

You’ll feel the urge to travel or go on an adventurethis week. Exciting and diverse stories will ignite your imagination. Youmay even consider the idea of returning to school.

VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept.22

If you’restruggling financially,your emotions arelikely running high. Fortunately,solutions will soon emerge to lead you to abrighter financial future. Believe in yourself!

LIBRA Sept.23-Oct. 22

Negotiating with those you love can be tricky.You may feel morevulnerable or unsettled when emotions areinvolved. Take astep back to communicate clearly and navigate the situation effectively

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21

Professional success is within your reach. Youcould draw acrowd for aspecific event or scorebig discounts from your suppliers to boost your profits.

Get ready to shine in the spotlight thanks to your incredible drive and innovative ideas. Expect to be applauded and receive some token of recognition.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19

You’ll spend moretime at home or with your family this week. Youmight find yourself taking on new responsibilities, or perhaps one of your loved ones will need extra attention and carefromyou.

AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb.18

When shopping, give yourself time to negotiate. Don’t be afraid to speak up alittle to make sure you’reheardand respected. Expressing your emotions clearly can make abig difference in how you feel.

PISCES Feb. 19-March 20

Physical activity is good for your well-being. It’sa fantastic way to connect with others and enjoy shared experiences, whether it’s through afun activity or deep conversations about spirituality

HOWTOPLAY:

Fill in the gridsothat everyrow,every column and every3 x3box contains the numbers 1through 9only once. Each 3x3box is outlined with a darker line. Youalready have a fewnumberstoget youstarted. Remember:you mustnot repeat the numbers 1through 9inthe same line, column or 3x3 box.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec.21

BEECHEY, Thomas D.

February 4, 1944 −January 17, 2025

We areheartbroken to announcethat Tom passed away on January 17th in North Vancouver.Tom was borninEdmonton, AB but moved to Vancouver and then Surrey. He graduated from North Surrey High, continued to UBC and graduatedinCommerce/Transportation in ’62. He moved to Montrealand worked for CN &Standard Brands. Where he met his wife Susan. Returned to BC, worked for Crown Zellerback, Fletcher Challengeand Weldwood.His happy place was our cabin on Keats Island. He also enjoyed dancing forover 50 years. He leaves his loving wife Susan of 55 years; his sons Jason and Brent and wife Melissa; grandchildren Alex and Amanda; godson Brandon Lee (Abby); many in laws, nieces and nephews; and many cherished friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or aCharity of your choice Celebration of Life March15th, 1−4pm, Holiday Inn, North Vancouver.

DAVIE, Audrey (Betty) E.

October 20, 1922 −December 11, 2024

Born at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, Betty spent much of her childhood in the Fraser Valley beforemoving to North Vancouver,whereshe graduated from North Van High. She married Alastair in Clinton, Ontario, before he was stationed overseasduring the war. After his return, Betty and Al had two children, Matthew Scott andLindsay Elizabeth. They built a home and raised their family in Norwood Heights. Theneighbourhoodwas full of young families, and awonderfully tight knit and supportive community was established. The North Shore Winter Club was also asocial hub for the family, with many strong friendships being made there as well. Betty participated in bridge, fitness, asmattering of tennis and curling.

Betty worked as aschool secretary in the North Vancouver School District at Capilano, Brooksbank and Blueridge schools.

When she and Alistair retired, they travelled to many exciting and fascinating places. After Alistair’s death, she continued to travel with friends and her daughter Lindsay.

Betty’s was alife well lived. Always thoughtful and kind, easy−goingand calm with an infectious love of laughter, she was cherished by all who knew her. After aserious fall, the results of which would have greatly impacted her qualityoflife, Betty chose MAID. She approached making this decision with strength, acceptance and determination. She is survived by her daughter Lindsay Sparkes, daughter−in−law Margie Davie, granddaughter Tara (Tyler) Burtenshaw and great−grandsons Bennett andRowan Burtenshaw.

There isnocelebrationoflife planned at this time, but adonation to the SPCA in Betty’s honour would be welcomed.

LEESON, Derrick Henry January 27, 1926 −November 21, 2024

With great sadness we lost DerrickHenry Leeson of West Vancouver, BC. Celebration of Life Service willbeheld at St. Francis−in−the−Wood Anglican Church on February 1,2025, at 11:00am.

After an uneventful childhood, Derrick joined the British Engineers and was shipped to Japan in an army of occupation. In his work there, Derrick soon found himself walking over the tainted grounds of Hiroshima after the atomic bomb wasdropped in 1945. He was deeply unsettled by what he saw.

In 1952 Derrick emigrated to Canada, joined General Electric for 36 years and met the love of his life, Rose. And voila, four handsome sons appeared.

After retiring, Derrick took up bird carving and other wood carvings, making fast friends with his fellow wood carvers. Derrick was areal problem solver, and he could sew just about anything.

Rest in peace, dear Derrick. You will be missed, but never forgotten

REMEMBRANCES

FREDERICK, Marion Doreen

July 11, 1931 -January 17,2025

With heavyhearts,wemournthe loss of Marion Doreen Frederick (nee Beatty) who passed away at Vancouver GeneralHospitalafter abrief illness. At93and ahalf, Marion’s remarkable life touched many people, and though she gave us manyyears, her passing feelsfar toosoon.

Born in Carlyle,Saskatchewan, to homesteaders Lottie Rose andElgin Beatty,Marion was the third of eight children. Growing up on theprairies gaveher therarecombination of an indomitable spirit andaneasy-going nature. Living on afarm farfrom town, she rodeher Shetland pony, “Midget,”bareback to Carlton Junction School each day.After afire destroyed the familyhomeintheearly 1940s, the Beattys rebuilt,and when it was timefor Mariontoattend Carlyle High School, the whole family moved to town.

After graduating, Marionwent to Toronto to live with her Aunt Marg and cousin Rita, beginning her first big adventure. At 18, shebegan working for Mitchell andRyerson Insurance. Missinghome after ayear,however, shereturnedtoSaskatchewan andworked intheaccounting department at the Regina Leader Post from 1950-1952. Her next chaptertook her to Edmonton, where sheworked at MasseyHarris and NAR Telegraphs, livingwithclose friends,including Della, Marion, Lorraine, andMay,with whomshe stayedintouch for the rest ofher life.

In 1954, Marion metGeorge Frederickonablind dateshe always recalled witha cheeky smile.They marrieda year laterand welcomed theirfirstson in 1956.Together,they traveled throughout Western Canadafor George’sworkasa timelock inspector. In 1962, they hada daughter andcalled theWest Endhome.After a briefventureowning ahotel in Nanaimo,where Marion worked at the front desk, theFredericks movedback tothe mainland,purchasing ahomefor $17,500 on East 1st Street in North Vancouver,wherethey welcomed twomorechildren, completingtheir familyoffour

Marion’s dedication to her community andfaith was unwavering.A memberofSt. Edmund’s Church andthe Catholic Women’s League (CWL) for nearly 60 years, she was happiest when shewas involved. Throughher volunteer work, shesupported manycauses, from door-to-doorcanvassingfor numerous charities to helping form the Ridgeway Ratepayers Associaton.Equally committedtoher children’sactivities, shehelped at Sports Days, attended school plays, cheeredather son’ssoccerand minor hockey games, drove her kidsand their teammates to away gamesin afully packedcar,andtirelessly fundraised for tournaments,field trips, and swimathons. Stylishand fun, shewas agreatmum

Knownfor her delicious French fries, Marion couldwhipupabatch at amoment’snotice, and they disappeared as quicklyasthey were served.Generous andunpretentious, shecouldn’twalk down Lonsdale without running into afamiliarface.She was enterprising,too. While balancingall her other responsibilities, through sheer hard work she builta successful housecleaning business, which sheran for over 40 years beforeretiring.

As her children grew, Marion’ssense of humour andwork ethic remained constant. In the early 90s,she and George downsized to atownhouse nearthe Harry JeromeRec Centre.With fewer obligations, they went on many road tripsand cruises,but alwaysreturned to the NorthShore. Despite being diagnosed withMSin 2005, Marion showedinspiringresilence, staying activebyworking outdaily and swimmingthree times a week untilshortlybefore her passing. It was her quietstrength and determined spirit that allowed her to stayin herown home untilthe end.Easy to please, andnever one tocomplain,she was an extraordinary lady whose quick prairiewit endeared her to friends andfamily alike. In short, she was agem.

Predeceased by her husband Georgeof63years, son Joseph, and siblings Ivy,Eileen, Glen, Ken, Dale, and Donnie, she is lovinglyremembered byher brotherTerry Beatty (Pat); children PamelaGojevic (Brendan), Christopher (Megan), and Toni-Lynn(Jamie); grandchildren Jennifer,Erin, Adam, Lori, Samuel, and Nicholas; herfive great-grandchildren; and her best friend of more than50years, Mila.

A funeral mass and receptionwilltakeplace at 11am on Saturday,February 1st at St. Edmund’s Catholic Church,535 Mahon Avenue, North Vancouver

Marion’slifewas atestamenttolove, loyalty, adventure, strength, andservice to others. She will be deeply missed andlovingly remembered, with gratitude for her singular personality and unforgettable cheekysmile

SPEER -Mary Elizabeth (Leila)

December 6, 1924 -January 19, 2025

Leila Speer passed away peacefully on January 19th.She is survived by herson Ren and daughtern-law Marilyn, as well as grandson, Brendan. Leila is predeceased by herhusband William, sisters Sadie andMillie and brother Jim. She is survived by her sister Isabel andbrothers Mervyn and Winston.

Leila Patterson wasborn in Donegal, Ireland, married William Speer in 1950 thenemigrated to Toronto in 1956. Leila had asuccessful career as an elementary school teacher for over40years, having taught in both Ireland and Canada. Upon retirement, Bill andLeila moved to the Cowichan Valley,wherethey enjoyed golfing and gardening. They then moved to North Vancouverand upon William’spassing after 64 years of marriage,Leila continued on her own most independently

Reaching 100 years of age was abig goalfor Leila and she was very determined to getthere,fueled by her positive attitude. She really enjoyed all the happiness andcelebrations surrounding it with both family and friends. Thefamily would like to thank the staff at Chartwell Churchill House Retirement Residence for their warmth and care. We would also like to acknowledge the North ShoreHospice during herfinal days. AtLeila’s request, there will be noservice, as she wanted her recent100th birthday celebrations to be the joyous memory. In lieu of flowers, adonation may be madetothe NorthShoreHospice and Palliative Project.

Each Loss

Each lossisverydifferent, Thepainissosevere. Will Ieverstopmissing This one Iloved so dear?

Good timeswehad together, Themomentsthatweshared We didn’t have to tell each other Howmuchwereallycared.

Inever dreamed you’dgoaway, Neverthoughtofsorrow.

So sureyou’d always be here Took forgranted each tomorrow.

Nowmylifeisall confused Sinceyou went away. Youtook apartofme And forhelpI dailypray.

But when God sent youtome He never said that youweremine That Icould keep youalways–Onlyborrowed foratime.

Now, He’s called youhome, I’msad andI shedtears YetI’m glad He loaned youtome And we had thesemany years.

and tributes. ContactNadia at 604-653-7851 or nmather@glaciermedia.ca

REMEMBRANCES

TODD, Helen Merle (neePorteous) 1929 -2025

With deep sadnessweannounce the peaceful passing of our dearMom, in her 96thyear,onthe eveningofJan. 9, 2025. She is predeceased by herhusband Pat (Paterson Arnold)and survived by herchildren, Murray (Cheryl) of West Vancouver, BC and JanisBurroughs (Jim)ofManhattanBeach, CA.Alsosurviving Momare her4 grandchildren, Ryan (Leanne), Lindsay Sutton(Jeff), Travis Burroughs (Karla), andDillonBurroughs (Katie)as well as 8great-grandchildren, Avery, Emme, Charlotte, Abigail,Oliver,Kennedy,Rileyand Perry. Thegrandchildrenall have special memories of spending time with their“Noni”, and in particular spending time with her onBowen Island, Mom’s “happy place”

Momwas borninCupar,SKin1929 to Lloyd & DorisPorteous (nee Anderson).Afterhighschool shemoved to Vancouvertoattend UBC, graduating in HomeEconomicsin1951 She met Pat at UBC andthey marriedin 1952, and were long-timeNorth Shoreresidentswheretheyraised theirfamily

Momwas one of thefounding membersofthe North Shore Women’sCentreand this founding group (more recently callingthemselves “F-Group”) have been lifelong friends. Meeting in aWomen’s Studies class at Capilano University in the early ‘70’s, they quickly bonded and decided tomake a difference in our community.Theyformed the North Shore Women’sCentrein1973and after devotingmany years getting and keeping the NS Women’sCentre going, they wereeventually able to turn it over to the wonderful staff who operate it to this day.Throughout thistime, they worked together and in later yearshaveremained together as “besties”with emails,monthly lunches and birthday celebrations, and for many years the annualsummer picnic at Mom’sBowen Island retreat. Mom continued to attend the lunches until the month before her passing. (special thanks to Robyn for transportation!).

Also special, special thanks to Mom’steam of devotedcaregivers, in particularJulie, who’s devotion and loving care for Mom was so appreciated by Mom andthe family

There will be acelebration of Mom’slifeon Friday February 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM at HollyburnFuneral Home in West Vancouver

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests a donationinMom’sname to the North Shore Women’sCentre or the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation.

WHEATLEY, Marleene J.

November 23,1933−January 20,2025

MarleeneJune Wheatley started her life by being born in ataxicab on Main Street, Vancouver. 91 years later,Marleene passed awaypeacefullyat Inglewood Lodge in NorthVancouver withloved ones by her side.

Marleene is survivedbyher brother Don; her six children, Joanne, Russell,Scott, Ross,Marlaand Peter;aswellassixteen grandchildren and fourteen great−grandchildren(and counting). Marleene’s husband,Ted Wheatley, passed away in 2009 and has been patiently waitingfor their reunion.

Marleene grewupin Vancouverwithher brothers, Donand John.She met Ted and together built a life on the NorthShore,raising their family

Sheworked at The Bayfor manyyears andwas a longtimemember of theCapilano Winter Club, where she formed lifelong friendships and cherished theannual Capilano Ladies’Reunion, which she attended up until only afew years ago. In1989, Marleeneand Ted bought their treasured family retreat at Birch Bay,a gathering place filled with love and laughter, daysonthe beach and nights by the fire.

Marleene was known forher sharp mindand wit, excelling at Bridge and completing expert−level New York Times crossword puzzles. Above all, Marleene was known for theloveand care she shared with herfamily

We raisea glassofwhite wine in her honour, knowingTed is waitingtoshare another

Specialthanks to Marleene’s lifelong friend, Vivian Turner.

Afamily gathering to celebrate Marleene’s lifewill take place in thespring. In lieu of flowers,donations to InglewoodLodge would be much appreciated.

ZARUBA, Jerry

July 15, 1926 -January 16, 2025

It is with great love and sadnessthat we announce the passing of Jerry Zaruba on Thursday,January 16,2025, at the age of 98.

Born Stepanov, Czechoslovakia, Jerry grew up on afarmwith twobrothers. In 1949 he moved to Prague to study medicine but was expelled from university for refusing to join the Communist Party.Hethen took trainingtobecomea dental technician, acareer he would practice hisentire working life. Valuing his freedom over all else, Jerry realized then that hisfuturelay elsewhere and he took thebrave decisiontoleave Czechoslovakia. Under the cloak of darkness Jerry crossed theborder into Germany,not knowingwhere hisfinaldestination was. After 8 months in arefugee camp,hewas accepted into Canada. After working forayear as alumberjack in northernOntario, he movedtoToronto, where he workedinvariousdental labs before startinghis own lab

In Toronto, Jerry attracted theattention of abeautiful 19 year oldfellow Czech immigrant, Olga Kyselka. They marriedin1957 and had 3children. Thesewere happy times with summersattheircottage (which Jerry built) at Christian Island, Georgian Bay.In1968 Jerry and Olga decided to pullupstakes and started a new lifeinWest Vancouver.Jerry opened LonsdaleDental Ceramics and the family enjoyed sailing, tennisand skiingattheircabininWhistler

After retiringtoKelowna in 1990, they devoted themselvestocreatinga stunning home andabackyardoasisbrimmingwith vegetables,fruits, flowers, andbirds. Their many visitors delighted in thebountyoftheirhard work, enjoying drinks andlaughter by thepool. Jerry embraced golf, and he and Olga became active members of theShannonLake Golf Club, where Jerry celebrated the rare achievement of two hole-in-ones.

Jerry andOlga shared alove of travel, embarking on incredible adventures together They spent nine unforgettablemonths exploringEurope in aWestfalia van andspenttheirwinters in Arizona and New Zealand, indulging in their passion for tennisand golf.

After 65 years of marriage, Olga passed away in March 2023.Jerry spent his finalmonths at The Vineyard Residence, wherehepassed away peacefully Jerry will be fondly remembered for hiskindand gentle nature, quick senseof humor,and deep love of family,goodfood,martinis,and feeding the birds

Jerry waspredeceased byhis beloved wife, Olga, and is survived by his children:son David Zaruba (BonnieCaulfield), daughter Linda Gronsdahl (Craig), anddaughter DanaZaruba. He is also survived by hisgrandchildren: Paul Zaruba, AdamZaruba, Stefan Gronsdahl (Caitlin Hanna),and SashaGronsdahl (AldousSperl). Jerry was overjoyed to meet hisgreat-grandson, Felix Sperl,and often spoke of himwithprideand joy

Hislegacy of love, resilience, joy and positiveapproach to life will remaininthe hearts of those who knew him.

DRUMMOND, Barry Hilton

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barry Hilton Drummond of West Vancouver, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, who left us peacefully on January 13, 2025, at the age of 88. His extraordinary presence, generosity, sense of humour, and unwavering love for his family and community have left an indelible mark on al who knew him

Barry was born on August 4, 1936, in Vancouver, B.C., the son of Clifford and Lillian. From an early age, he exhibited an unparalleled drive and determination, qualities that would later shape his career and the legacy he leaves behind. During his time at UBC (Civil Engineering), Barry cultivated a ove for basketball and tennis. His competitive spirit on the courts earned him admiration and respect, and these traits carried through to his professional and personal life. His passion for competitive sports was something he passed on to his children and grandchildren, fostering friendly competitions that became treasured traditions

For 70 years, Barry worked in the roadbuilding industry, and for 50 of those years at the helm of a roadbuilding and construction company he built from the ground up Through hard work and an enduring commitment to excellence, he transformed the company into a cornerstone of the industry His work paved the way - literally and figuratively - for countless B.C communities and future generations. He was not only a builder of roads but also of relationships, always leading with trust, charisma, and a smile that could light up any room

Outside of his professional achievements, Barry lived a life deeply rooted in love and family Beth, his wife of 55 years, stood by his side through many adventures. Together, they raised children, instilling in them the values of hard and integrity. He found immense joy in being grandfather and great-grandfather, cherish every moment spent with his ten grandchi and two great-grandchildren. Family gatheri were his greatest delight, as he revelled in aughter, stories, and togetherness that defi those special occasions

Barry is survived by his children Steven (Shei Scott (Mai), Cheryl MacNeil (Peter) and (Angie) His grandchildren Russel (Wei-W Cameron (Laura), Michael (Nitara) and Charl (Ellen); Deacon and Brielle; Megan (Cart Cameron, and Erin; Myles and his gr grandchildren Hugh and Ella will miss “Gramps” dearly. He was preceded in death by wife Beth and his brother Glenn.

A celebration of Barry’s life will be held on March 28, 2025, at 11am at Capilano Golf and Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation

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