Love ’em or hate ’em, adopt them or not, thoughts of new year’s resolutions are on most people’s minds each year when the calendar reaches its final days.
As we know, most well-intended resolutions die a quick death in the first few weeks following January 1. But surely it is still worth taking the time to look ahead at the year to come and ask yourself what you’d like to bring to it, and get from it.
Well, done, artists of Lynn Valley! Thank you to everyone who entered our holiday colouring contest and brightened the walls of our new office at 3171 Mountain Hwy. And thank you to Shula Klinger for providing some original Lynn Valley-based art for one of the colouring scenes!
Here are the prize winners, drawn from entries in our three age groups. Winners have their pick of a $20 gift certificate at Creative Kidstuff Toys, Black Bond Books, or Subway Sandwich, so if you see your name here, please email us your choice at [email protected] if we haven’t already managed to contact you!
Congratulations to Sarah Aird in the Preschool to Kindergarten category:
To Rowan Brecher for the Grades 1 to 3 category:
And to Taylor Gardiner in Grades 4 to 7:
Just because the contest is over doesn’t mean the fun is! Spend some holiday time colouring one of our festive scenes – we will still donate $1 to the North Shore Youth Safe House for any art dropped in our office door before December 31!
We are delighted to announce that Hoskins Road resident Lizz Lindsay has been named the recipient of this year’s LynnValleyLife Good Neighbour Award.
Lizz is known to many in Lynn Valley. Now retired from her Vancouver Community College teaching career, she is more involved than ever with the life of the people in her community. She is an ordained deacon at St. Agnes’ Anglican Church, and the chaplain of the Lynn Valley Legion. But perhaps she is best known for her Sharing Abundance society, which she founded in 2009 to offer a place at which people in the community could meet around a lunch table.
According to the Sharing Abundance website, “Prior to the incorporation of this non-profit society, there was no place on the North Shore where community members could gather and linger over a delicious meal served to them by friendly volunteers. Our guests are new Canadians, homeless, folks on disability pensions, families and young people, seniors, veterans and those dealing with social isolation caused by disabilities, poverty and/or addictions. Those who can donate something towards their meal are invited to do so; those who don’t are graciously welcomed.”
There are now six community meals offered every week across the North Shore. Some are lunches and some are dinners; some are seniors-oriented and some are not. All have become places of well-attended warmth and hospitality for guests and volunteers alike. Costs are kept down with grants and donations of goods and food. As you’ll see, sponsors include the Lynn Valley Legion and the Lynn Valley Lions – so when you buy your Christmas tree from the Lions, you’re helping to support programs like this one.
Wilna Parry of Kirkstone Road nominated Lizz for our Good Neighbour Award. “In my mind, Lizz is a prime candidate for the Good Neighbour Award in Lynn Valley. They’ve lived on Hoskins Road for years and years…. She’s doing amazing things, and is simply tireless in feeding the lonely and homeless. For the last two weeks I believe Lizz, Bette and volunteers served nearly 500 meals to people at several locations through North Vancouver.”
Thank you, Wilna, for nominating Lizz. We look forward to presenting her with the LynnValleyLife 2014 Good Neighbour Award, and know she will continue to serve as an inspiration to all the other good citizens of the valley.
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We heard about some of those other good citizens during this year’s Good Neighbour campaign! Here are some of our favourite stories. Thank you for your nominations, and we look forward to reading more next year!
Shula Klinger wrote this about her neighbour, Maureen Munroe: She is an extraordinary human being. Intelligent, warm, compassionate, unfailingly helpful and hysterically funny. When we had to make a rush trip to the ER, she stopped by with two pizzas for our dinner. I barely knew her! She displayed a tuly remarkable generousity and willingness to drop everything to help us…. She has taught me so much about what it means to be a good neighbour and what a really good neighbourhood can be. Our little corner would be good without her, no question, but with her it shines, it sparkles, and it makes me proud to live here. And besides, my extremely discerning children adore her… Which is all the guidance you could need.Maureen is like the heart of the neighbourhood.. The block party takes place in front of her house (heroic!) and she is the most hospitable person I have ever met. I have been so deeply grateful to have her close by.”
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Chris Trendell sent this in about her longtime neighbours, Jim and Martha Wright:
“The Wrights are quiet people. They have lived in Lynn Valley since before almost all of us who read this were born. Since their children have grown, they haven’t been the ones who draw out the neighbours by letting off fireworks in October or by clanging pots and pans on New Year’s Eve.
Chris and her good friend, Martha
Yet, draw the neighbours they do. Over the years many people have gone to their door and started the conversation with “Would you mind having a look at this, Jim – it’s stopped working as it should,” or to Martha: ” When is a good time to split this plant?” or “May I come over the next time you preserve so that I can learn how?” or “What kind of a bug is this ? Will it harm the plants?”
Even though their house and garden are immaculate, they never seem to be actually doing the work, as they always have time to put the kettle on and listen to your concern or about your child’s achievement.
Lessons could be learned from the Wrights’ use of our resources. Jim’s compost pile could have been elevated into the classification of “Art”. The 40% wasted food we evidently are guilty of certainly does not apply to Jim and Martha. Martha has developed the science of knowing exactly how much water to put into the kettle for a given number of cups of tea so that there is no wastage of water. Much of the berry crop on the sides of our roads is picked by Martha and within a few hours are in gleaming bottles on her kitchen counter. They have always had that attitude that you don’t buy anything you don’t really need. They were ‘way head of the curve on that one. And Jim was the one, in snowy winters, who with his small plow kept our sidewalks clear and the path to Upper Lynn School safe.”
And finally, Lizz herself nominated her own neighbour early in our Good Neighbour campaign: “Christine Smith constantly goes above and beyond for all of us. Her home is full of her kids who need a break on their rent and some Mom care, she always has the Vic’s and cough syrup ready to pass over the fence, even in the middle of the night and can be counted on for selfless support in any situation. Her support and caring for us, her fortunate neighbours makes our community a kinder place. We love you Christine!!”
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Thank you to everyone who sent in your stories and shared them around on our Facebook page. If reading these stories has stirred thoughts of greater volunteerism in you, please consider joining a community group such as the LV Community Association, the LV Lions or the LV Legion, pitching in at the neighbourhood school, or just taking time to lend a hand to those who might need it, as did friends and strangers alike following the flooding of this Lynn Valley home.
From the team at LynnValleyLife, thank you to all those community organizations and individuals who make this neighbourhood a safe and happy place. We wish you every good thing in the year ahead!
Two public information sessions regarding neighbourhood redevelopment proposals are being hosted by the developers. These are not public hearings, but presentations that describe the proposals, and offer the chance for discussion and questions.
Polygon Development 251 is proposing to consolidate and redevelop the Mountain Court property at 1241‐1277 East 27th Street, along with the neighbouring triplex at 1295‐1289 East 27th Street. A public information meeting regarding the proposal is being held at Kiwanis Lynn Manor Auditorium (2555 Whiteley Court) on Wednesday, December 10 from 6 to 8 p.m.
The following is excerpted from the development information package:
The proposal consists of four buildings with five story massing and a total of 321 residential units. Three of the buildings will be comprised of 246 market condominium homes, and one building will be comprised of 75 rental apartment homes.
As per the Lynn Valley Implementation Plan, the development integrates the proposed road network with Lynn Valley Mall to the north. This road will bisect the site and create two new lots, which are further divided by an east/west pedestrian ROW. A new municipal street will run east/west along the southern end of the site and will ultimately serve as a connection between Whiteley Court and Mountain Highway.
The architecture of the development is defined as contemporary urban design in a West Coast context. It is designed to fit into the Lynn Valley community and provides a unique neighbourhood feeling. Parking will be underground accessed from two points.
For more details on the development, click here.
Another information night will be taking place on Thursday, December 11 at Mollie Nye House, at 7 p.m. The proposal concerns property at 1203 and 1207 Harold Road, and involves eight residential townhome developments.
For more information on this proposal, click here.
To celebrate the season (and our new LynnValleyLife office at 3171 Mountain Highway!) we’re offering our first-ever Christmas Colouring Contest.
We look forward to displaying all the neighbourhood entries at our office, so pop in if you’re walking by, and enjoy a treat while you peruse the growing gallery.
Art from all ages is welcome (come on, parents, sit down with your kids and enjoy a colouring break!) Prizes, however, will be offered in three age categories: Pre-Kindergarten; Kindergarten-Grade 3; and Grades 4 to 7.
Regardless of your age, you can pick whichever drawing you like from our choices below. You’ll see there’s even a scene from the Lynn Valley Christmas Tree Walk, drawn by Lynn Valley’s own Shula Klinger!
Please enter your art to our office by Monday, December 22 at 5 p.m. in order to be entered into our prize draws – the more the merrier, because for each entry we get, we will donate $1 to the North Shore Youth Safe House. One person in each category will win a special Christmas prize – their choice of a $20 gift certificate from Black Bond Books, Creative Kidstuff Toys, or Subway sandwich shop!
Click and download your favourite picture for colouring. Please remember to write your name, grade and contact details on the back of your art before dropping it off at our office!
Lynn Valley’s Christmas Tree Walk
A Lynn Valley signpost (Jim’s favourite)
We are happy to pass along this press release from the Lynn Valley Community Association, who have once again teamed up with the Lynn Valley Lions to light up the spirit of Christmas in our neighbourhood!
Sunday November 30th
4:30pm in Lynn Valley Village
There are lots of free activities including music, face painting, magic, balloon twisting, storytime and a scavenger hunt. We will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for Lynn Valley Legion’s toy drive, helping make Christmas magical for everyone in our community.
The lights go on at 5 pm, creating a magical forest of decorated Christmas trees!
After the ceremony, you are invited to join us in the Community Room for some seasonal treats at the Lynn Valley Community Association’s Open House.
November 30 to January 2 in Lynn Valley Village
Don’t forget to vote for your favourite tree…. stroll through the trees during the day and at night. Choose your favourite and vote.
Ballots are available at all the merchants in the Village.
For the freshest trees and the best selection, visit the Lions tree lot in the parking lot at Karen Magnussen Rec Centre.
Monday to Friday, noon-8pm
Weekends 9am-9pm
The Lions support many local charities and families in need. Every tree sold helps them with their work. They will also accept non perishable food items for their Christmas Hamper Programme…. another way to bring a little Christmas magic to those in need in our community.
When you buy your tree, ask about the Lions’ new pick-up and chip-up service:
For a minimum $25 donation they will pick up your tree curbside on January 4th.
January 3rd and 4th
Noon to 4pm
By donation in the Karen Magnussen Parking Lot.
The following news release was sent our way by North Vancouver District – please alert neighbours affected by flood damage!
November 18, 2014
District expedites permit process, waives fees for residents affected by flooding
In order to assist residents, North Vancouver District will waive building and electrical permit fees and expedite permit processing for property owners needing to carry out repairs to their properties as a direct result of the recent flooding.
On November 3 and 4, the North Shore experienced high intensity rainfall that lasted several hours, resulting in flooding. District staff continue to assess infrastructure damage and are working to keep culverts and drainage basins clear in preparation for future storms.
“We’re working with Emergency Management BC to ensure residents who qualify for financial assistance get it,” said District of North Vancouver Mayor Richard Walton. “Waiving permit fees and putting these people at the front of the line in our permit process is just one way we can help residents recover as quickly as possible.”
Residents affected by the flooding may be eligible for financial support under British Columbia’s Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) Program. Assistance is available to qualifying homeowners, residential tenants (renters), small business owners, and charitable organizations that incurred more than $1,000 of uninsurable damage during the recent flooding. For more information, contact Emergency Management BC at 1-888-257-4777, or email [email protected], or visit www.embc.gov.bc.ca.
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Last week we posted some profiles of our Lynn Valley neighbours who have taken the plunge and are running for (re)election to North Vancouver District Council. Now we’re introducing you to three Lynn Valley residents who are running for the post of school trustee for the North Vancouver School District.
We’ve received permission from the candidates and the North Vancouver Teachers Association to post their completed questionnaires submitted to the NVTA.
So, after a brief introduction from us, we’ll let the candidates tell you, in their own words, what they see as the top issues for public education in North Vancouver. Be sure to learn about the candidates for all municipal posts, and come on out to vote on November 15th!
Shane Nelson tells us that his connection to Lynn Valley goes back to the late ’90s when he first met his wife here and took her for a walk near the suspension bridge. Says Shane: “We were both living in other provinces at the time and it took us until a couple years back to move here. We’re a short walk from the mall and love the neighborhood. Our kids make great use of the fields, parks, library and pool. I love the area: it provides a perfect balance of access to the city, a walk-able neighborhood and access to the forest trails and all they have to offer.”
Learn about Shane’s views on education here, and on his campaign website.
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Heather Skuse is a lifelong Lynn Valley resident and Argyle grad who is a teacher in the Burnaby School District. A parent to three children, Heather has been president of two elementary school Parent Advisory Councils, and is currently on the North Vancouver PAC executive. Read Heather’s questionnaire here and visit her website here.
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Jessica Stanley’s husband, Martin Buhler, grew up in Lynn Valley and the couple decided to raise their own family here. Jessica calls Lynn Valley “a beautiful place with a genuine sense of community.” Jessica and Martin have three young boys between the ages of two and seven.
Jessica is an active community volunteer and has a history of involvement with the Lynn Valley Parent Participation Preschool and the board of the British Columbia Council of Parent Participation Preschools. She is currently am a member of the Ross Road PAC where her oldest two sons attend school.
Learn more about Jessica’s life in Lynn Valley and her views on education here, and on her campaign website.
Every year is a good year to get involved in municipal politics – after all, it’s often local-level decisions that have the most immediate impact on our day-to-day lives.
But this year is an especially good year to take notice, thanks to the number of Lynn Valley candidates who have stepped up to run for councillor in the District of North Vancouver. Having attended a number of public hearings and other council events, we can attest that this is often a challenging and thankless job – so hats off to you all!
In order to get to know our Lynn Valley-residing candidates better, LynnValleyLife contacted Roger Bassam, Mathew Bond, Hazen Colbert, Linda Findlay, Robin Hicks and Glenn MacKenzie, inviting them to answer some questions about their decision to run (or re-run) for council, and their goals should they be elected.
Hazen Colbert and Glenn MacKenzie declined to participate, citing their decision not to accept what they would consider to be a campaign donation from a real estate-affiliated business. The other candidates’ responses are linked below, so please have a read of these Q&As and, above, all, be sure to vote on November 15!
For lots of good election information, including the full candidate list and their contact/website information, polling stations, voting eligibility and more, please visit the District of North Vancouver’s municipal election pages.
The dream my parents’ generation had on how the world ought to be is becoming more and more difficult for my generation to fulfill.
We need a new dream for North Vancouver. A dream that both honours and respects the legacy of family, community and the high quality of life that North Vancouver’s citizens have worked hard to establish. A dream that adapts that legacy to today’s reality and provides us all the option to embrace our role in the community. A dream that enhances that legacy and allows us all to provide that same opportunity to our children. I want to work with you, the citizens of North Vancouver, to make that dream a reality.
What experience do you bring to the job that you believe would be valuable?I’ve worked in the family business, the private sector and the public sector. For the past six years I’ve travelled all across British Columbia, analyzing complex, multi-faceted transportation problems and implementing practical solutions.
As a Professional Engineer, it is my duty to hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public and our natural world. This duty defines my character, which I have proven through consistent action in my personal life, my professional career and my dedication to community service.
From 2008 to 2013, I was President of the North Shore Mountain Bike Association (NSMBA). During my leadership, the organization blossomed. What started as a group of struggling volunteers with too much to do, too little time and no money became an organization with full time paid staff, over thirty funding partnerships with the business community and local government, and an engaged and active membership. The NSMBA is now regarded around the mountain bike world as a phenomenal success story. My leadership in setting a vision (and sticking to it), building the right team and nurturing the relationships and partnerships necessary to get things done was a key component in bringing the NSMBA to where it is today.
I offer you my well-rounded perspective, whole-systems way of thinking and passionate commitment to guide our community through the changes ahead.
I find that even though current members of council have their own views on the issues, they work together to make the tough decisions needed in our community.
On November 15th, you have the opportunity to choose your “dream team” of candidates that you think will provide not only a voice for your issues, but the best perspective on the future of our community.
I hope to offer you a fresh perspective on council on three specific issues. I am an Intelligent Transportation Systems Engineer, implementing new technology to improve both the safety and efficiency of our transportation system, and I offer you a professional perspective on council to address our transportation challenges.
I am one of only two candidates under the age of 40. I understand firsthand the challenges that youth, young adults and families face and offer that perspective for the next generation of Lynn Valley citizens. No one person is going to solve our community’s concerns single-handedly. I offer a perspective for community engagement because it will take an effort from each one of you, contributing your own unique voice, passion and strengths to build the best community for us all to live in
My wife and I are starting our family in Lynn Valley and I was intensely interested in what options we may have in the future for housing that will be appropriate for our needs as our family grows and changes over time.
I participated in the public process and what I found most valuable was having frank discussions with my neighbours and sharing not only our concerns, but our hopes for the future. I learned that we need more engagement, more opportunities for people of all ages, incomes and background to sit down and discuss the issues together with compassion. Each person brings a unique perspective, and only by promoting dialogue and understanding across all generations will we be able to develop the best solutions to make our community a better place.
Balancing the diverse needs of the community and making tough decisions when there is no clear best course of action is one of the more difficult challenges for council.
When emotions run high, citizens are passionately expressing their personal stories on both sides of an issue and none of the options available to the community are ideal, a decision still needs to be made.
I’ve volunteered in our community for 15 years (since I was 15 years old) and appreciate the strong feeling of pride, ownership and sense of community that the citizens of Lynn Valley share.
I moved here specifically to enjoy all the amazing outdoor recreation opportunities Lynn Valley has to offer. Within minutes I can be on a trail and enjoy the splendor of nature that sits just outside our doorstep. I appreciate always bumping into someone I know on a walk to the mall, but also the convenience of having the amenities of a big city close by.
Transportation, cities and sustainability are my professional passions and I spend a significant amount of my personal time attending courses, lectures and researching what the best cities around the world are doing to tackle the challenges we all face.
I am an outdoor enthusiast and an active and responsible advocate for outdoor recreation. Mountain biking is one of my passions and I strongly believe in giving back. I’m currently leading a group of Capilano University students to maintain and upgrade the Circuit 8 trail just 1km up the road in the LSCR.
I am committed to openness, transparency and accountability. I am proactively disclosing all contributions to my campaign on my website. You can go there right now to see who has contributed to my campaign, how much they have contributed, and how I am spending that money.