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North Pole coming to Lynn Valley!

Well, it seems that all the debate regarding high-rises, mall redevelopment and the like was really just a smokescreen. While petitions circulated and activists rallied, a secret development was taking place in the emptied Zellers building,  unbeknownst to all.

But we don’t expect a huge neighbourhood outcry. After all, how often does Santa set up shop right under one’s nose?

LynnValleyLife was  allowed behind the blue curtain this week, into the Zellers space that is in the process of being transformed into the North Pole by North Pole BC. Company owner Martin Miller showed us around the winterland village that will soon be bustling with traditional Christmas characters.

There will still be a free mall Santa, located in a ‘woodland’ just inside the old Zellers entrance. Those who wish to book tickets to the North Pole ($13.95 and up) step into a world of twinkling lights and fun activities.

Kids can decorate gingerbread cookies in the elves’ kitchen, read stories with Mrs. Claus, help the elves make toys in their workshop, visit with a snow princess, make their own gift wrap, write letters to Santa, and more.

Those who opt for a personalized visit with Santa get some scheduled one-on-one time with a Santa who knows just the right thing to say to each child (thanks to getting some info in advance from Mom and Dad), and go home with a small gift.

This is the fifth year that the company has offered the North Pole tours; last year it was at Maplewood Farm. Martin says he is delighted to bring the village indoors, where the weather can’t play havoc with the experience. He expects that once again the North Pole will attract visitors from all over the Lower Mainland and beyond.

Tours begin with the arrival of Santa to Lynn Valley Centre on November 23 (there will be free entertainment from 10:55 a.m. to 12:15 in the mall food court). North Pole excursions will primarily take place on weekends, but become more regular in the weeks leading up to Christmas. To assure availability, families should pre-book in advance, but impromptu visitors are welcome to inquire at the door to see if space is available. Group visits are common and special pricing starts at 10 people.

 

 

November 12, 2013 in Blog, Current News, Merchant Mentions

Green Coast Rubbish cleans up at awards night

Many congratulations to Lynn Valley’s Green Coast Rubbish, a local company that doesn’t just haul your ‘junk’ away … it finds good homes and uses for as much of it as possible. That dedication to waste reduction was recently recognized when the company was given the 2013 Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award in the Green Business category. Green Coast Rubbish joins other well-known  previous award recipients that include the David Suzuki Foundation.

It isn’t the first honour the company has received, as you’ll see if you read their LynnValleyLife Merchant Profile. But it’s great to hear they certainly aren’t slowing down any in their efforts to find ever more ways to divert waste from the landfill and incinerator.

These are some of the impressive stats from Green Coast Rubbish’s recent blog entry: “Whenever possible, we divert and donate materials to local non-profit organizations that can put them to good use (over 9 tonnes of goods & material in total, this past year alone). Since 2010, we’ve kept over 522 tons of waste materials away from our local landfills by recycling or diverting them (a 76% diversion rate), with our ultimate goal being a 100% diversion by 2020. And while our business is built upon helping clients effectively manage their waste, we also believe in consciously working toward bettering our own environmental footprint on a daily basis. In 2012, we managed to reduce our personal greenhouse gas emissions by 7.73%.”

Many congratulations again GCR, and remember, Lynn Valleyites, this company is happy to come to your home or business, so if you’re wanting a simple way to keep your own waste disposal as green as possible, keep Green Coast Rubbish in mind!

 

November 8, 2013 in Blog, Current News, Eco-Awareness & The Great Outdoors, Merchant Mentions

LV’s building supply landmark closing its doors

Whether you call it the “Irly Building Centre” or still refer to it by its earlier moniker, “Woodstop Building Supplies,” you’ll be sorry to hear this Lynn Valley landmark is shutting down operations.

Trevor Stephenson, the co-owner who founded the store in 1978, told LynnValleyLife that he first went into business in the adjacent lumberyard, which had been abandoned by previous operators. Trevor believes it had been run as a lumberyard since the 1950s; he says a six (not seven!)-digit telephone number is still written on the inside of the warehouse door.

Five years later, Trevor built the building supply store and was joined by recent Argyle Secondary grad John Horsnel, who later became a co-owner of the business.

Over the years, Trevor says they have served many longtime customers; about 80 per cent have been contractors and 20 per cent homeowners. He’s been in business so long, he says, that he’s seen some contractors through their entire career. As for himself, he’s still getting used to the idea of semi-retirement.

“I’m still in denial to some extent,” he says. But he’s warming up to the thought. “The beauty of retirement is the ability to be on your own schedule, not someone else’s. I’m looking forward to that flexibility.” That’s no wonder, considering that Trevor has been up at 5 a.m. for the past 35 or so years, in order to commute from his Port Coquitlam home to be at work by 6:30.

But it won’t be all play, no work. Trevor and John also own North Shore Door, which sells doors, windows, moldings and door hardware from its shop at 103 – 2433 Dollarton. John has been working full-time at that location for the past year, and Trevor intends to lend a hand to help the shop build its brand.

The owners have sold the property to a residential developer, a land use that Trevor feels is a better fit for that corner of Lynn Valley. They plan to close the lumber yard on October 31 (all materials are currently being sold at cost) and he says that from November 1 to December 15 the contents of the building supply sale will also be sold at cost. He hopes to have the business wrapped up by December 31.

Trevor says he’ll definitely miss his customers and the relationships he’s developed through his work. “It’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle,” he notes. He asked LynnValleyLife to pass on his and John’s appreciation to all their longtime customers. “We’re awful thankful for their support over the years.”

Trevor, John and the rest of the Woodstop crew will certainly be missed by Lynn Valleyites, most of whom will never have known their neighbourhood to be without this stalwart landmark. On behalf of the community,  thanks for everything and we’ll see you at North Shore Door!

October 25, 2013 in Blog, Current News, Merchant Mentions, Notable Neighbours

Sponsor Christmas tree in LV Village!

This just in from Lynn Valley Community Association…. 

(For more information about adopting a Christmas tree, click here. As of November 6, there are only 13 left, so don’t delay!

We are once again offering
sponsored Christmas trees in 
LynnValley Village this holiday season.

We are planning a family weekend of free entertainment for the whole family on December 21 and 22.  There will also be a Lynn Valley Christmas Grande Finale with music and caroling led bythe United Church Choir and theappearance of a very special guest on the night of the 22!

All trees will be beautiful 6-foot nobles.

You will receive a tree, stand and power.We have 73 trees on a first-come,
first-served basis.
Trees will be available on November 30 at noon.

 

75% SOLD OUT!

  $200*/TREE

 

*$50 from each tree will go towards the

Lions Christmas Hamper program.

 

Call or email Dave Bruynesteyn at 604-315-3283 or [email protected] to reserve your tree.

Four levels of sponsorship are also available at

$Family, $500,$1000 and $2500

Trees have to be fully decorated by 4 pm on December 1. The mayor will light up all the trees at 5 pm.

 

Note:  All trees have to be undecorated by January 4.

 

 
October 22, 2013 in Blog, Community Events, Current News, Getting Involved

LV Legion throws down dress-up challenge!

Halloween isn’t just for kids. In fact, this party is for grown-ups only!

The Lynn Valley Legion is inviting members and non-members alike to come out and enjoy an evening of ghoulish fun on Saturday, October 26 starting at 7 p.m.

The theme is “Dress Like a Dead Celebrity,” so put your thinking caps on and get creative! Along with chances at costume prizes, you’ll also enjoy the live band Swayed, food and drink specials, and getting to know your neighbours better!

All info is on the poster below. Have fun, folks!

 

October 16, 2013 in Blog, Community Events, Current News

DNV votes for ‘Flexible Framework’ plan in town centre

Last night the District of North Vancouver Council considered a staff report that detailed financial and other impacts that would result from the adoption of a five-storey town centre height restriction versus a model that is predominantly five storeys, with eight storeys allowed in key areas and limited, case-by-case exceptions of up to 12 storeys in the Lynn Valley core.

In their submission, North Vancouver District planning staff recommended the latter option, entitled the Flexible Planning Framework option. The staff report forms part of the council meeting agenda, and can be found at Item 9.1.

As noted in today’s press release from North Vancouver District, Council agreed with staff that the Flexible Planning Framework allows for the possibility of targeted town core redevelopment that will enable implementation of  Official Community Plan objectives, such as improved transit and provision of community amenities, while it acknowledges community concerns that include issues such as extreme change and shading from buildings. For more information, please visit the North Vancouver Identity website or refer to the press release issued earlier today.

This graphic from the North Vancouver District press release shows maximum building height allowances voted for under the Flexible Planning Framework. The blue zone would allow for heights of eight to 12 storeys on a case-by-case basis.

October 8, 2013 in Blog, Current News, Development and Town Planning, Governance and Services

FNL launches new season of music and laughs

There aren’t many North Shore residents who can get up from their dinner table on a Friday night, decide against another night in front of the TV, and, just 10 minutes later, be enjoying an evening of live music and comedy.

But that’s the happy reality in Lynn Valley, where Friday Night Live (FNL) has entered its third season. Some things haven’t changed – with a $10 ($25/family) ticket price and no downtown parking costs, you still can’t beat the evening for value.

The performers, too, continue to be stellar. The cast of seasoned improv actors and musicians is headed by Alan Marriott, who launched his theatre sports career in Vancouver in 1980 before spending the next two decades training, performing and teaching in London, England.

Now he orchestrates a roster of fellow improvisers whose antics form the backbone of FNL. Joining them every week is a guest artist; the audience can expect anyone from a magician to emerging or well-known actors or musicians.

What is new this year is that more businesses are stepping up to lend a hand. Originally the brainchild of Lynn Valley United Church (LVUC), the event has turned into a partnership between various organizations who want to support close-to-home, quality entertainment.

Title sponsors this season include RBC, Grossman & Stanley, and LVUC, with support offered by others as well (including Waves, which donates complimentary coffee). The artists, too, pitch in by performing for an honorarium. Now all that’s needed is consistent audience support to keep it all coming together.

“People often assume that if it’s held in a church, it’ll be preachy or hokey,” says Shauna Grinke, a church member who used her business skills to create a marketing approach for the freshly updated FNL.

Just one visit, however, is enough to change their minds. Between the professional quality theatre sports and guests such as talented Vancouver musical performer Jeff Hyslop, word is getting out that FNL is a treat not to be missed. In 2013, it was voted one of the North Shore’s “Best-Kept Secrets” in an Outlook newspaper reader poll.

Church administrator Kelly Jenner calls it “doing church in a radically different way.” It’s about building relationships within the neighbourhood, and creating a venue where people can gather to be inspired by uplifting entertainment. Given the large audience at last week’s season opener, it seems the idea is definitely catching on.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at 3201 Mountain Hwy. For information about upcoming guests, visit www.fnlnorthvan.com.

October 2, 2013 in Blog, Community Events, Current News

Council ponders LV town centre feedback

North Vancouver District Council is on the hot seat as it ponders a report describing options for the implementation of the Official Community Plan (OCP) in Lynn Valley.

The report was presented at a regular council meeting on September 23, in front of a gallery of citizens representing a wide range of opinions.

The OCP, which was passed in June 2011, projects the addition of up to 5,000 people in Lynn Valley over the next two decades, and opens the door to the development of a range of low to higher-density housing options within the town centre. In September 2012, Bosa Developments accordingly submitted a preliminary application that included a 22-storey tower in its proposed redevelopment of its shopping centre property.

The resulting controversy over building heights, traffic and increased density meant everyone went back to the drawing board – including the District, which launched extended public education and feedback events in mid-2013.

The results of that feedback are now encapsulated in the recent Golder Associates report, which is available on North Vancouver District’s Identity website.

Perhaps unfortunately for council members, the report notes that there is no clear consensus amongst local residents as regards to the preferred maximum building height. While many have stated their preference for no change to the existing neighbourhood, or the inclusion of buildings that are no taller than five storeys in height, one method of calculating the feedback indicated that the 12- and 16-storey building options led in popularity.

If that’s the case, it’s happy news for Mark Sager, who was hired by Bosa Developments to collect public feedback and work with a new architect to create a proposal in keeping with what residents say they want to see in Lynn Valley. Sager unveiled the new drawings in front of a crowd of approximately 200 residents at Lynn Valley Mall on September 12. All audience comments at that event were supportive of the suggested redevelopment proposal, but Bosa  Developments will not be submitting a preliminary application to the District until Council chooses between the options presented in the Sept. 23rd report.

Council deferred the vote after requesting that staff ‘expediently’ investigate the comparative economic impacts of choosing a five-storey height maximum over the other option, which allows for five through eight storeys, with the option of allowing for exceptions of up to 16 storeys in the town core.

Bosa’s revamped drawings include two 12-storey buildings and a completely redeveloped interior and exterior shopping centre. They can be viewed in the Bosa storefront in Lynn Valley Mall, in the former pet store premises, from noon to 6 p.m. every day except Sundays.

September 27, 2013 in Blog, Current News, Development and Town Planning, Governance and Services, Merchant Mentions

Restaurant adds some spice to the valley

Kevin Li has lived in many places – northern China, Richmond, Burnaby and finally North Vancouver – but wherever he is, he’s always at home in the kitchen.

Kevin and his wife Cindy Feng are the proud owners of the Wonderful Szechuan Restaurant, which has opened its door in the Ross Road Plaza after two months of renovation. Formerly a Greek restaurant, the premises now glow with a warm Asian ambience, with mocha-coloured walls and gleaming wooden floors.

They bring to the Wonderful Szechuan Restaurant two decades of experience – Kevin was a chef for 10 years in China, and the couple subsequently owned a restaurant in North Vancouver – and LynnValleyLife was fortunate enough to get a sneak preview of their labours the day before they started serving customers. (While the restaurant is open now, a grand opening is planned for October 2.)

We had the chance not only to tour the sparkling premises, but to meet the couple’s children, William and Vicky, and learn a bit about the family’s goals for the restaurant.

Cindy explained that Szechuan cuisine is a branch of “Chinese food” that emerged from northern China. Cantonese food, which is served by most North Vancouver Chinese food restaurants, hails from the south. While many of the dishes are the same, Szechuan cooks are known for kicking up many of their recipes with the addition of spices.

However, that doesn’t mean that all the dishes are hot and spicy – there’s a full range, and you’ll know which is which by the little chili icons next to the menu items. The couple knows that many people, especially children, prefer milder seasoning, so there is something for everyone in the family.

We were able to watch Chef Li at work in the kitchen, and witness the skilful transformation of fresh meat and vegetables into a range of steaming, colourful – and perfectly seasoned – dishes.

We sampled their boneless sweet-and-sour pork, shrimp fried rice, hot and sour soup, pepper chicken on dry spinach, and sauteed vegetables. Each was beautifully presented, fresh-tasting and delicious, and quite an improvement from the eating-out-of-tinfoil-containers Chinese food we usually experience at home.

We are happy to recommend this new establishment to our Lynn Valley neighbours, and wish Kevin and Cindy every success in a location that hasn’t always proved an easy one for restaurateurs.

They invite their guests to dine in for a nice evening out, or take advantage of free delivery and order from the take-out menu for a relaxing evening at home.  Prices are comparable with other local Chinese food restaurants (dinner for four = $47.95), and there are a wide selection of daily $7.95 lunch specials. To learn more about Kevin and Cindy, read their merchant profile on our site.

Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., seven days a week, at 1238 Ross Rd., North Vancouver. Call 604-988-9927 for information and delivery.

September 27, 2013 in Blog, Current News, Merchant Mentions