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Acts Of Kindness abound

Celebrating Lynn Valley is just about our favourite thing to do. Doing it with good people is even better. Our Acts Of Kindness contest with our partner Romer’s Kitchen Lynn Valley makes it even better. We feel pretty lucky each day we open up a nomination for our AOK award. 

Stepping up in the rain

We have had a number of nominations for our AOK award from neighbours stepping up during the October atmospheric river. For our first 2025 award, we want to recognize Poya Afrooz. Afooz answered an appeal for help from her nominator Martha Molls for help stem flood waters. Using her family connections to a home-building business she helped locate and loan pumps – helping families knee-deep in water.

We are glad you are a part of our community.

Good deeds, good eats

That is the Lynn Valley we see too. The future is bright with small acts of daily kindness that make this community warm and a place where people still say hello to strangers walking down the street. Thinking about our own experiences and the couple of LVL team members who live close to Argyle: we have had students offer to carry in groceries, hold the hands of a busy toddler while their baby sibling is put into their car seat, show up to clear flood debris, rake leaves and shovel snow. We know negative news is noisy but there is plenty of good to get loud about.  

Romer’s Fresh Kitchen and Bar and LynnValleyLife want to acknowledge more AOK Good Deeds with Good Eats in the months to come. Nominate anyone who lives or works in Lynn Valley here. 

It’s fitting that Bragg, our last Good Neighbour is our first nominator for AOK, wants to share how Rosemary Tapp makes her days better. 

“I stopped to talk to Rosemary Tapp last year for the first time while out for a walk and she was raking leaves in her garden. The next day, and the Christmas season fast approaching, she appeared with the most beautiful wreath that she had made for my front door. From that time on she has brought me beautiful bouquets of flowers from her exquisite garden, to lift my spirits as she knows my love of flowers. She has done many acts of kindness since I stopped by that day last year. Such a kind sweet caring person, she has brightened many a day for me during this very difficult year. She just recently turned up with a care package of comfort food and it just happened to be at a time when I needed a hug.

It is not just me that she does these good things for, she is just one of those generous souls that just makes this a better place to be.” 

Looking for more?

There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.

January 7, 2025 in Blog, Contests Comments (0)

The year in review

It has been a banner year for Lynn Valley. We were proud to share so many stories from athletes to artists from fundraisers to festivals. We have put together a list of our favourite and most popular posts.

Telling our stories

Our favourite stories of the year line up very close to the most-read stories on LynnValleyLife.com. Leading the pack was sharing the 2025 goals of Argyle Secondary’s cheer team goal of going to the world championship in Florida. The well-spoken athletes share their passion and determination to excel in a sport with a relatively low profile in Canada. Spoiler alert: the Argyle team has podiumed in their last three visits to the world championships.

Another leading story was also about Argyle students taking on international competition. Baseball players Harry Cheyne and Cayden Allen were both invited to join Team Great Britain’s U18 baseball team. They made it to the European Baseball Championships.   

Making a mark on the world stage this past year was Lynn Valley’s Heather McDonald. Balancing a career and being a mom didn’t stop McDonald from crushing the world record for most spin classes in a year. More than just a feat of physical strength, it was a chance to champion mental wellness and the importance of caring for yourself inside and out. Spoiler alert: she not only broke the record but did it ahead of her schedule.

Another notable interview last year that proved popular was with DNV fire chief and former North Shore Rescue Team Lead Mike Danks (he remains an active member) and newly transplanted Lynn Valley filmmaker Grant Baldwin. Baldwin and his team at Silvapark Films debuted their second season of Search and Rescue North Shore featuring the local volunteer team at NSR. This global sensation balances the beauty of our outdoors, the efforts of the volunteers and the accessible dose of outdoor education. The second season debuted in May and can be streamed online at the Knowledge Network.

Screen time

There are a few clear trends highlighting what Lynn Valleyites are interested in when it comes to social posts: weather and traffic. We have a fairly consistent readership and engagement with our posts but we see significant spikes when sharing traffic or storm information. 

Our biggest post of the entire year was sharing the Daily Hive article doing a deep dive into North Vancouver’s transit future. Looking at the ins and outs of bus rapid transit and Skytrain it got the North Shore buzzing and had local politicians chime in to respond. The response to the active transportation report council meeting also proved spicy. 

Other popular posts were news posts about storm impacts, such as the rain and flooding in October and wind storms in November.

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Looking for more?

There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.

January 7, 2025 in Blog, Neighbourhood News Comments (0)

Stable assessments for 2025

New property assessments are showing little change for homes in the District of North Vancouver.

A static North Shore

There was a two per cent increase in single-family home assessments in the DNV resulting in a median value of about $2,124,000. This is a jump when comparing assessments to those in the City of North Vancouver which only saw an increase of only 0.1 percent – about $2000 bringing the median values up to $1,990,000.

North Shore strata properties saw similar increases. DNV stratas rose an average of one percent while the City’s stratas rose an inconsequential 0.3 percent. The median price in the DNV was $940,000 and $839,000 in the City. 

BC Assessment determines property values based on the value of market sales as of July 1st of the preceding year. The assessments are used by the DNV to allot each parcel’s tax responsibilities. BC Assessment provides accurate property and value information to: tax authorities, property owners, municipal, provincial and federal government agencies, realtors, appraisers, lawyers, bankers, title search companies, and other private and public agencies.

Why it matters

Your assessment is not the market value of your home. Land and house values can shift for various reasons, often influenced by changes in zoning, environmental factors, market demand, and neighbourhood dynamics. It may have increased or decreased since July 1st. North Vancouver had a flurry of activity in the latter half of the year when considered with lower interest rates, you should speak to Jim, Kelly, Mel at 778-724-0112 or another real estate professional. You may want to consider the accuracy of your assessment if you are planning to sell your home or if your increase was significantly higher than the average or think it’s too high and will result in an unfair tax burden. Appeals can be made until January 31.  

It can be an intimidating task to appeal your assessment and LynnValleLife can help support your effort. You will need to gather comparable sales data. There is also a possibility – albeit rare – that your assessment appeal results in a higher assessment.

Looking for more?

There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.

January 7, 2025 in Blog, Real Estate News Comments (0)

Shop local

Lynn Valley is a thriving little community and we hope our small retail and service providers are considered when it comes to holiday gift-giving. Small businesses show up time and time again with donations and community contributions. Dollars spent locally tend to be reinvested here. With these local retailers and service providers we have a mix of tried and true favourites and some rookies we hope will be around for years to come. Click here for our 2024 local artist and maker guide.

Our pick for the best gift shop

End of the Line General Store

The corner of Dempsey and Lynn Valley Road is often buzzing – especially through the busy tourist season but now is the time to slow down and explore the End of the Line General Store. If you have popped in for coffee after a trail run or dog walk, head up there for some Christmas treasures from local handmade pottery to the best stocking stuffer selection in Lynn Valley. There is even a selection of local books covering trail guides, history and picture books. It’s been a bit of a slog for the small family business with significant road construction impacts, plus with third-generation of shopkeeping Fays is about to make their debut (Congrats Jamie!). Let’s show some local love for this neighbourhood institution. Must get: EOTL gift cards, every local kid or teen wants some ‘free’ candy, coffee or ice cream. 

Our pick for weekend warriors

Digger Know Fear

If you have walked or ridden the trails of Mt. Fromme the chances are Todd “Digger” Fiander had a hand over the last 25 years in making your day better. The mountain biking icon has shaped not only Mt. Fromme but he has influenced trails throughout the world. Digger Know Fear – his website – offers hyper-local merch from stickers to hoodies and hats. Must get:  Just gap it toque. 

Our pick for good gear for bad weather

Polly and Andy

New to the block sustainable boot company Polly and Andy has started appearing at local markets with Helen Murphy’s rainbow socks and boots. With sustainable rubber and bamboo, the brilliant colours will delight adults and children alike. Thoughtful details like pull loops and no-seam socks were intentionally designed to be inclusive of a range of abilities and respectful of touch sensitivities. Rainbows aren’t just for kids, there is no better way for an adult to brighten a rainy day than to pull on the perfect boot. Must get: the boots! 

Our pick to add to your weekly routine

Liquidation Lynn Valley

When Direct Liquidation Lynn Valley opened at the Lynn Valley Mall it quickly became a treasure trove of unique offerings. The small business has everything from furniture to clothes to seasonal items. Direct Liquidation has been in business for over 25 years and just recently arrived to the North Shore. They help businesses by carefully assessing and selling assets during closure or restructuring. They also sell brand new, full warranty, furniture and mattresses at liquidation pricing. Its stock is constantly changing with movie set finds and business liquidations. There are treasures – and bargains – to be found. Must do: pop in every week or so to keep an eye on what’s new. 

Our pick for entrepreneurial spirit

CLG Mobile Detailing

Look no further than a Lynn Valley lad for your car detailing. Skip all the social media scams and keep it real with Charles Liggett. The local young entrepreneur has a mobile car detailing business with a range of services, from interior detailing to exterior washes, stain and mould removal, and more, all at the convenience of your home or office. Must get: gift certificates for future services.

Looking for more?

There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.

December 4, 2024 in Blog, Merchant Mentions Comments (0)

Make it local

Is it the mountains? The lofty air? Lynn Valley has a history of artists, crafters and makers. We’ve shared stories of painters, a carver and even a knife maker. The forests have been a source of inspiration from time immemorial for local First Nations. Later Frederick Varley from the Group of Seven fell in love with the canyons and today the next generation of digital artists are pushing the boundaries of art at Argyle Secondary. We have selected a few creators to appreciate and support this season. Click here for our 2024 shop local guide. 

Our pick for custom designs and kids doing good

Studio One34

Studio One34 – a non-profit social enterprise/club from Argyle’s Digital Media Academy – is hosting a Winter Bazaar in the school cafeteria on December 11th & 12th, from 6-9 pm (or order here). At the bazaar products such as handmade leather journals, earrings, tote bags, and t-shirts will be sold, with all money raised going back into supporting the school’s design programs. This event will be focused on providing students with real-world experience in the areas of design and business. The students are also available to produce custom designs for gifts or business promotions throughout the year. Check out LynnValleyLife’s Christmas tree in the Village – Studio One34 did our custom ornaments. Gift Pick: the leather journals. 

Our pick to keep the kids busy

Monika’s Art-Boutique & Studio

There is a delightful pop-up store from Monika’s Art-Boutique & Studio (we wrote about this new business this spring) filled with local artists’ works. The small shop has the best deal in the shopping centre: purchase a $5 ornament and get a free drop-in art class. With tables outside with a weekly craft, shoppers are invited to let their littles take a break from the bustle and get creative. Gift Pick: the handmade bonus ornaments, although there is an amazing handpainted skateboard deck…

Our pick honouring handicrafts

Victoria Yahara Studio

Victoria Yahara has been selling her locally made items since her first market stall at the Great Neighbourhood Garage Sale.  The self-taught printmaker transfers her original illustrations to a lino block and delicately carves the designs. She then uses archival oil-based ink to print it onto fine art paper with a small hand-operated printing press. Everything is done by hand from start to finish. She has three main collections “The Language of Flowers”, the Paper Butterfly Collection and the Paper Quilt series. The postal strike is hitting this small business hard but she can arrange for a local Lynn Valley pick up of her linocut artwork, tea towels, tote bags, notebooks, bookmarks, stickers and ornaments or visit her Saturday, Dec. 7th at the St Andrews and St Stephen’s Presbyterian Church in North Van from 9 am-4 pm and then a Lonsdale Quay Pop Up on Dec. 14th, 11 am-6 pm. Gift Pick: her tea towels – we love functional art! 

Our pick for delivering a smile

Mountain Market

There is nothing like the unexpected delight of receiving flowers – especially in the dark of winter. Mountain Market has been the go-to for decades and new owners Steve and Natasha Shim are continuing the tradition of great value and beautiful bouquets. Their seasonal offerings have some great table toppers and the perfect host gifts. Stop by for their ever-changing options. Gift pick: can’t beat the Grinch trees to bring a smile. 

Our pick for the gift of knowledge

Author Louise Allison

Local author and financial coach Louise Allison has released a new book, The First $100K: Your Guide to Financial Independence. It is a new personal finance guide designed specifically for those looking to break free from paycheque-to-paycheque living and take control of their financial future. It offers clear, actionable advice to help readers of all backgrounds and incomes build wealth and achieve a more secure financial life. With rising costs and financial uncertainty, The First $100K addresses challenges unique to young professionals, newly single individuals, and anyone feeling trapped by financial limitations. The book provides a roadmap to save, invest, and ultimately amass their first $100,000 — the foundation of lifelong financial independence. The First $100K is available online now and in bookstores in the new year. 

Looking for more?

There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.

December 4, 2024 in Artistic Endeavours, Blog Comments (0)

And the winner is . . .

One of the best things about Lynn Valley is the people. For a decade we have celebrated the community leaders that create our community culture with our Good Neighbour Award. When we had the vision for the Act of Kindness Award we wanted to shine the light on more than one person and the caring community that supports each other every day.  

Good Neighbour

We knew we were on the right track when the first person to share their thoughts was last year’s Good Neighbour winner Maureen Bragg. Her words capture Lynn Valley in the most special way. 

“I came to live in Lynn Valley with my husband and baby daughters in 1960 and have seen many changes, but the one thing that has not changed is the caring,  giving spirit of the Lynn Valley community. I thought of the many acts of kindness shown me this past year, as I struggled to cope with a very [difficult year]. 

“Who should I nominate? The kind Lynn Valley friend who is constantly leaving me nourishing soup or some other dish she has prepared for her family and includes me? The three ladies who came and weeded my garden or the good Lynn Valley friends who drive me to my own medical appointments? The gentleman who when I alighted from the Lynn Valley bus in the early evening in darkness, insisted on walking me to my door because I did not have a flashlight? The young skateborder who saw me safely across the street and made sure I did not have too far to walk? The young woman who insisted on carrying my groceries for me or the couples out walking who check to see if I am OK because I have taken advantage of a retaining wall for a brief rest? The neighbour who brings in my garbage cans and delivers the [North Shore] News?

“That is the Lynn Valley community, always ready to help their neighbours in their time of need, as proven during the recent atmospheric river. Having crossed over the threshold of 90 I appreciate all these small acts of kindness that make my life just that bit easier, thank you Lynn Valley.”

Good deeds, good eats

That is the Lynn Valley we see too. The future is bright with small acts of daily kindness that make this community warm and a place where people still say hello to strangers walking down the street. Thinking about our own experiences and the couple of LVL team members who live close to Argyle: we have had students offer to carry in groceries, hold the hands of a busy toddler while their baby sibling is put into their car seat, show up to clear flood debris, rake leaves and shovel snow. We know negative news is noisy but there is plenty of good to get loud about.  

Romer’s Fresh Kitchen and Bar and LynnValleyLife want to acknowledge more AOK Good Deeds with Good Eats in the months to come. Nominate anyone who lives or works in Lynn Valley here. 

It’s fitting that Bragg, our last Good Neighbour is our first nominator for AOK, wants to share how Rosemary Tapp makes her days better. 

“I stopped to talk to Rosemary Tapp last year for the first time while out for a walk and she was raking leaves in her garden. The next day, and the Christmas season fast approaching, she appeared with the most beautiful wreath that she had made for my front door. From that time on she has brought me beautiful bouquets of flowers from her exquisite garden, to lift my spirits as she knows my love of flowers. She has done many acts of kindness since I stopped by that day last year. Such a kind sweet caring person, she has brightened many a day for me during this very difficult year. She just recently turned up with a care package of comfort food and it just happened to be at a time when I needed a hug.

It is not just me that she does these good things for, she is just one of those generous souls that just makes this a better place to be.” 

Looking for more?

There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.

December 4, 2024 in Blog, Contests Comments (0)

Holiday happenings

The holiday season is upon us – the trees are lit at Lynn Valley Village and the kids will soon be off school. Families are gathering together and travellers are arriving to celebrate. Whether it’s keeping small people occupied or stretching old tired legs we have holiday happenings here and across the North Shore.

Keeping close to home

❄️Dec 7, 11 am-12 pm, Free 

Carols in Lynn Valley Village

Angels on High will add holiday ambiance to the hustle and bustle of Lynn Valley Village Plaza. Prepare to be thrilled by award-winning vocalists Joani Bye, Linda Kidder and Jan Warren’s beautiful renditions of traditional carols and contemporary Christmas songs as you wander among the beautifully decorated Parade of Trees put on by the Lynn Valley Community Association.

❄️Dec. 11, 4-5:30 pm, by trade

Kids Holiday Book Swap 

Forget the shop – join a holiday book swap at the NVDPL! Trade in your old books for some new-to-you items to gift to your friends and family this holiday season.

You can bring up to 10 books that are children’s material (picture books, chapter books, novels, graphic novels, etc.) for swapping. There will even be a gift-wrapping station available to make it extra special!

How does it work?

* Book swap open to kids only, ages 5-12.

* Bring your donation books for swapping. 

* Take your donation books to the staff table to receive your “shopping ticket.”

* Your shopping ticket lets you pick as many books as you donate (maximum of 10 items.) 

❄️Dec. 13, 7 pm, Free

Community Carol Sing 

St. Clements Anglican Church on Institute Road is welcoming the community for refreshments, crafts and carols. 

❄️Dec. 14, 8:30 am, by donation

Breakfast with Santa

Lynn Valley Legion

A pancake and sausage breakfast begins at 8:30 am. Santa will make a grand entrance on a fire truck at 10:30 am. This is by donation and Please bring a wrapped gift with your child’s name on it to help Santa with his gift-giving duties. UPDATE: Full. Mark your calendars for next year. 


❄️Dec 14, 11 am-12 pm  Free

Holiday Magic in Lynn Valley Village

Kick the holiday season into high gear with the Carnival Band! Dance through the Lynn Valley Community Association’s Parade of Trees while listening to holiday tunes and toe-tapping music from around the globe. Santa’s sending two mischievous elves from Pacific Fairytales to help you get into the spirit, and there will be crafts for the kids as well.  

 

❄️Dec. 15, 10 am, Free

Christmas Pagent at St. Clement’s Church

Take in a holiday tradition or join in the fun. All are welcome. 

❄️Dec. 17, 10:30 am, Free

Holiday Sing-A-Long

Lynn Valley Library children’s librarians are hosting a fun-filled holiday sing-along where they will lead you in singing some popular holiday songs.

❄️Dec. 20, 11-11:30 am, by donation

Solstice Storytime

Come on out to the Ecology Centre to celebrate the changing of the seasons. Bring along a flashlight or battery-powered lantern if you have one, as this storytime is all about cozying up during the shortest days of the year.

❄️Dec 31, $30

New Year’s Eve at the Legion

Tickets are available in advance only at the bar and include party favours and light refreshments at midnight. Music from Swamp Devils with Leanne Graber and guests. UPDATE: Full

North Shore celebrations

Mountain Market at the Shipyards

❄️Daily until Dec. 24, no entry fee

Christmas at the Shipyards 

Take in the charm of 70+ market stalls with everything from mulled wine to bratwurst plus entertainment and Sant’s Chalet and a handful of pop-ups from Lynn Valley businesses and artists.

❄️Dec. 13 special event and open nightly, by donation

Park and Tilford Hi-Light Festival

Visit with Santa Claus, and entertain your kiddos with face painting, balloon animals, and more. The lights are on nightly until Dec. 31 with donations supporting the North Shore.

❄️Until Jan 19, ticket reqired

Canyon Lights

Stroll across the world-famous suspension bridge, illuminated by a mesmerizing display of multi-coloured lights that span the canyon, creating a breathtaking glow from end to end. Then, wander along Cliffwalk‘s twinkling walkway along the cliff’s edge creating a stunning backdrop of lights along the granite cliff face. Over at Treetops Adventure, towering Douglas-fir trees are lit from tree top to bottom, offering visitors a fairytale-like journey up to 110 feet above the rainforest floor. There is a local bonus – one trip is the cost of a resident annual pass. 

❄️Dec. 21, 10 am-12 pm, special event admission

Christmas on the Farm at Maplewood Farms

Head down the hill for Christmas at the Farm for a magical experience filled with Christmas crafts, a special visit from Santa Claus, and much more! It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and celebrate the holiday spirit.

Looking for more?

There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.

December 4, 2024 in Blog, Community Events Comments (0)

Water damage

When his phone rang early October 19th David Fiteni knew he would need his raincoat and tools. As Lynn Valley was hit with record-breaking rain, the insurance broker was stepping up to help friends and clients fend off their losses.

Local expertise

There were a lot of lessons learned in Lynn Valley from the Kilmer Creek flood of November 2014. The district took the initiative to daylight and improve drainages. Residents armed themselves with supplies and experience and some insurance companies declared the neighbourhood a no-go zone withholding coverage. 

 

Central Agencies David Fiteni was in the heart of the water 10 years later, with his own home just blocks from this year’s Fromme flooding. 

“I live literally across the street here but that’s the advantage of going with a local insurance broker, not a call centre,” he said a few days later. “Whether it’s friends or clients or clients who became friends, I am going to answer the phone. It’s most likely their first flood but I know what they need to do in the moment and what resources may be available to help them.”

While he admits this level of service isn’t every local broker, the knowledge and understanding of choosing local offers important insight and understanding of the community being insured. Fiteni has even found himself on Vancouver Island on the ground helping clients through the post-incident insurance work. 

“Call me. I will tell you what to do,” he said. 

As new homeowners move to Lynn Valley or residents renewing their policies, they continue to run into lingering issues from the 2014 floods. Most likely, just a handful of companies dealt with a substantial number of claims in the neighbourhood, explained Fiteni. This negatively impacts their ability to offer full coverage. 

“There are postal codes in Lynn Valley that some companies won’t provide flood coverage for,” he said. “That’s the downside of dealing with companies that are too big to know the ins and outs of local areas. They look at a map and claims data. There are other companies that were not severely impacted and still provide coverage. We offer Lynn Valley a variety of options to protect homes today and to ensure broad coverage for the future.”

New coverage

flood waters recede on Fromme Road

courtesy of Jordan Back

Back in 2014 many homes had no flood coverage at all. It previously wasn’t offered. The catastrophic floods in Calgary in 2013 began the federal government’s review of insurance companies and their policies. Simplifying the situation, it was noted that families with basements were typically covered by insurance – claims were successful as sewer backup – while those built on slab were not, explained Fiteni. In the years following insurance companies began to roll out overland flood coverage. In 2024 the federal government is in talks with insurance providers for a federal flood insurance program that would offer coverage to homes not able to get flood coverage from traditional providers, like parts of the Fraser Valley. 

As new insurance products have hit the market not all coverage is equal.

“It can be really hard to compare policies,” said Rachel Robertson, an insurance broker at Central Agencies Lynn Valley office. “More companies are offering standard water policies but there are some parts you need to have specifically endorsed. They all do it a bit differently, whether they’re doing through backup and overland and groundwater kind of all in one package, or if they’re doing them all separately. But I would say that we are pretty fortunate, and 95% of the time, we have at least one company that’s able to offer full water coverage.”

The lingo 

Some terms to become familiar with when considering your home policy.

  • Sewer back-up: Covers damage caused by a sewer backing up or overflowing 
  • Groundwater seepage: Covers damage caused by groundwater seeping in through basement windows, doors, or floors 
  • (Overland)Flood: Covers damage caused by water entering the property from a body of water overflowing 
  • Above-ground water: Covers damage caused by water seepage through the roof or walls 
  • Water service and sewer line breakage: Covers certain repair costs if the water service or sewer line breaks or malfunctions 
  • Seepage: When water slowly flows or passes through fine pores or an opening 
  • Water escape: When water flows out of the pipes in an unintended way, such as a burst pipe

What to expect

With the differences in wordings and policies, a broker can be essential to getting the coverage you need. 

“We ask a lot of questions to understand our clients,” said Fiteni. “We want to know if you have bikes that need coverage, if your property is vulnerable to water, to understand your financial position and how we can help balance your priorities and risks.”

“We quote based on your house needs and find the right product,” adds Robertson. “We don’t just offer one and hope it kind of works.”

It’s a conversation that should be ongoing. Robertson explains Central Agencies reviews customer policies at renewal time to see if there are new exclusions. 

“I don’t want to tell someone that they no longer have coverage at renewal because their provider has changed policies. I will have alternative solutions ready to go. Homeowners must read their policies when they are renewed if it’s an automatic payment. Coverage and policies are changing and you might not have the coverage today that you think you bought a few years ago. You were informed with updated wordings but you might not have read them.”

Like mortgage brokers, insurance brokers are worth a conversation at renewal time. Their consultations are complimentary with their goal to find you the best coverage for your needs. 

“The DNV (District of North Vancouver) has done a lot – we had more than double the rain of 2014 and fewer impacts. They responded to Fromme and it was like turning off a tap,” said Fiteni. “But we are lucky it was during the day and people were ready to help. Water is by far the biggest insurance issue in Lynn Valley and residents need to be prepared.”

David Fiteni and Rachel Roberston and their expertise can be found at Central Agencies Lynn Valley, 3171 Mountain Highway or at  778-729-0404.

Looking for more?

There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.

November 5, 2024 in Blog, Eco-Awareness & The Great Outdoors, Merchant Mentions Comments (0)

A.O.K. – Good Deeds, Good Eats Draw

LynnValleyLife and Romers are celebrating the quiet good in our neighbourhood with a monthly draw honouring those who give their time and energy to the community & neighbours. Did someone rake your leaves? Did a coach or teacher go above and beyond? Does someone pick up your medications when you are sick? 

We want to honour the small Acts Of Kindness that make our community stronger. These could be a one-off (did someone return your keys?) or regular (help mow your lawn?). Enter the details below to have your nominee’s good deed rewarded with some good eats with a $100 Romer’s gift card. 

Looking for more?

There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.

November 5, 2024 in Blog, Neighbourhood News Comments (0)

New option for yoga classes

A new Lynn Valley fitness class melds yoga with pilates and the encouraging atmosphere of small classes. Ria Sisodraker of Vivafit Studios is hosting weekly sessions at the Mollie Nye House.

Find your own pace

Argyle grad Ria Sisodraker is bringing her yoga studio to central Lynn Valley with weekly sessions in a warm inclusive class. 

“I think yoga isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing,” she said. “When I’m teaching the yoga portion of the class, I like to debunk yoga myths during class.

“People have said, ‘I haven’t done yoga in 10 years’ or ‘I’m not flexible.’ Well, that’s not a problem – that’s totally fine. Yoga was initially made by a man, for men. So a lot of the traditional yoga poses don’t work with women’s wider hips. We talk about things like that and try to make the yoga poses work for you and not the other way around.”

Keeping classes small, with a maximum of 15 people, Sisodraker aims to create a space that is relaxing and energizing while allowing her to offer one-on-one attention.

“I put Christmas lights around the perimeter of the room so the light is soft and I play music to get energy going – mostly 80s and 90s music but it’s not overwhelming so my voice can offer guidance.”

Stretching herself

Building on her experience working the front desk and teaching at a hot yoga studio, Sisodraker created a program based on what she saw were the most wanted classes. 

“When you enter a chain studio it’s hard to understand what you’re getting into. It’s hard to go in because there are unknown customs the first time people go in and it’s just like they’re stepping into unknown territory,” she said. 

The small classes help Sisodraker connect with students and support their classes from where they are starting out. 

“It’s yoga mixed with Pilates-inspired exercises – and I thought, let me reintroduce this in a way that people can enjoy the stretch, stillness of yoga mixed with a little bit more of a workout.”

Sisodraker wants fitness to be a realistic goal that becomes a part of her students’ lifestyle. Her goal is for them to have small consistent successes rather than be all in and burn out or lose interest. 

“Find your own pace, is my little motto,” she said. “So go with the music. Go at your own pace. Go with the time we have together to work.”

The weekly classes have both men and women from their 20s to their 60s. The exercises add a pilates twist to traditional yoga. 

“I like to say it’s ‘pilate-inspired.’ I like to blend it with yoga. So taking, say, a boat pose, and then pulsing the arms in it, maybe you lift a leg, maybe you lift another leg, maybe you straighten the legs, and like pilates, we try to do a core focus. So you focus on that at the beginning of class, understanding what core activation is, understanding what the core is, and then learning how to fire it up. It’s slow, controlled, movements.”

In a further effort to make her classes accessible and inclusive, Sisodraker uses props and provides three to five variations to bridge the ability and experience gaps. 

“I want to know where you are at in each class. Do you have an injury? Are there movements that are painful that I can adapt in the class and provide general tips to the class that will help a student take care of themself? 

 

Sisodraker will be hosting Vivafit Studio classes at Mollie Nye House until mid-December on Wednesdays from 6-7 pm with classes beginning again for the winter and spring. 

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November 5, 2024 in Blog, Notable Neighbours Comments (0)