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Photo session

Lynn Valley’s iconic mountain bike trails have become the in-the-wild studio of North Shore photographer Lukáš Janko. The avid mountain biker has been working on a series of self-portraits.

Self control

Czech-born Janko was lured to the North Shore mountains by the promise of snowboarding. He soon incorporated another interest into his days on the slopes: photography. To amp up the challenge, he didn’t spend his time in the terrain park watching others; instead, he developed a technique for self-portraits. 

“I started with snowboard tricks,” said Janko. “I would practice the trick, then set up the composition of the photo with a wireless remote in my hand. It’s tough to get a nice photo by freezing a fraction of a moment. Something small like the body or arm position might not be right. It can take a lot of tries to get satisfied to match the image I have in my head.”

Thinking back, Janko ties his interest in art to his father’s side of the family and his grandfather, who also did photography. The long-held interest helped him build a portfolio of both action and art photography. Continuing to push his skills and achieve his artistic vision he level-uped his skills after building an enduro biking changing how he explored and interacted with the trails. 

“I actually had never experienced mountain biking when I moved here but there is only snow a few months of the year so I was looking for something else,” he said. “After the winter I borrowed a friend’s bike to fill the space between snowboarding season and for exploring.”

Like any true biker, Janko fell in love with his second-hand bikes. As he shares his story, he recalls the smallest details of those early rides and the all-too-common experience of how bike theft affected his early days, stalling his riding for several years. 

Flash forward

Capturing the atmospheric trails of the North Shore in the context of self-portrait photography has led to an obsession. In just over three years, Janko rode 570 days – most with the goal of photography. It’s remarkable given that a crash last summer required surgery and cut his season short.

A single image can take hours.

“You can return to the same sport over and over – there is no limit because the weather conditions and light may never happen again,” he said. “Next time it will be a different creative opportunity – unlimited possibilities.”

The process is exact – syncing impressive athletic feats with artistic precision. Janko must set up his equipment, assess the ride for safety, hike the bike up, find a comfortable – and safe – position for his remote and then ride the line while clicking the remote at the perfect time. There are opportunities for failure in every step. The light might simply change. 

“It makes me stop and look around at the trails – to slow down and see possibilities,” he said. “It’s important that I make a photo that matches my vision. I will come back again and again – hundreds of tries until I am satisfied. Then I think I have a good photo from the camera screen and I look on the big screen [his computer] and I am not satisfied. I will go back. I am willing to put in all day for a photo.”

Other times, he must move quickly knowing there is a moment or two of special light to capture sun stars through the trees. A true adoptee of his new home Janko, prefers to ride and photograph in grey skies and in the rain – enduring the risk of the remote on wet handlebars for the ability to freeze rain with a flash. 

You may have encountered him at Mt. Fromme selling his work to fellow riders. The drive for perfection has led to an impressive catalogue of images that led him to publish his first calendar for 2025 which he sold at End of the Line and Lynn Valley Bikes and biker to biker to overcome the Canada Post strike. His work can be seen on a large scale in the windows of North Shore Bike Shop. Janko also offers a variety of photoshoot services including capturing local riders and visitors in their mountain bike photos. His work will be on display and for sale on his website.  

“With video becoming increasingly popular, I still believe in the magic of photography to capture a single perfect moment.”

All images are courtesy of Lukas Janko.

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.

February 4, 2025 in Artistic Endeavours, Blog, Eco-Awareness & The Great Outdoors Comments (0)

Concerns over turf territory

In the years ahead, Kilmer Park will be getting a facelift. The gravel southern section will be replaced with all-weather turf. The long-term plan has Lynn Valley Little League excited about the opportunities for its young players but it is raising concern that a soccer-focused field is taking shape. (UPDATE: A council meeting on Jan. 27 moved the project off the five-year capital plan, and as such the DNV did not respond to questions.)

Goodbye gravel

The District of North Vancouver has been consulting with user groups over its plans to upgrade the fields at local parks. At the start of the dialogue, Lynn Valley Little League was excited to hear the plan to replace the gravel portion of Kilmer Park with artificial turf. However, in recent months the conversation has quieted. 

“Communication was good up to a point until we received a draft of the design that seemed a bit more soccer-oriented,” said Eric Benson, president of Lynn Valley Little League. ”Initially, it was described as a multisport upgrade. We recognize the need for more facilities for young people to play sports on the North Shore and we are excited to have the gravel upgraded but not at the expense of our baseball community.”

The league is concerned that without lines and field markings on the turf, it will be harder for its young six- and seven-year-old players, who use that portion of the park, to learn the game. The typical hand-lining used on grass and gravel won’t be an option on the turf. 

“We have tee ballers and single A up on the gravel, we have double and triple A up on the grass. That is six fields going at the same time – 12 sets of families,” said Brett Halicki, coordinator for the majors’ division.

At this juncture of the project, the league understands the fields will remain baseball fields for April to August but feels that investments in soccer-centred field design is a concerning precedent leaving out other sports from a ‘multisport’ design. 

“It’s an envious spot on the North Shore, we are lucky to have such a great facility,” said Benson. “When there was a proposal to make it turf and multisport we were excited. Soccer isn’t the primary sport there for much of the year.”

As a large infrastructure project for the district, the league is advocating for safety, long-term use and access for multiple user groups.  

“When we asked if there would be backstops and dugouts kitty-corner to the existing ones, it was met with a no,” said Benson. “If we are investing this much in a multisport facility it would be nice to include baseball in that because it’s important for young kids to have a safe place to sit and be coached away from the crowd and protected from gameplay.”

Halicki said they are excellent – local – examples of turf fields designed for use by both soccer and baseball, like the facilities at UBC. DNV staff responded that such configurations would be confusing for soccer players. 

“After seeing the initial drawings, we discussed it as a board. Bolder lines and maybe a lighter shade for the in-field,” said Benson. “It, apparently, was discussed on their end but brought back that it would be too confusing for soccer, but how won’t it be confusing for baseball if it’s not incorporated at all?” 

It’s an argument Halicki thinks is illogical. Using the example of an indoor gymnasium with lines and coloured zones for five or more sports being used by athletes of all ages.  

“We want to make sure we aren’t forgotten,” he said.”We don’t understand the argument that it’s confusing for the athletes. It doesn’t hold water in the context of a gymnasium. I don’t understand why the District wouldn’t want to support multiple sports – whether it’s baseball, field hockey or soccer. UBC has just done a soccer and baseball hybrid and I don’t think they should be concerned about a brown spot showing where the plate is and where the mound is.” 

Community centred

Kilmer Park offers a unique sporting opportunity in the Lower Mainland. The large space allows for all ages (four to 12-year-olds) of the league to cheer each other on and mentor players. 

Brett Halicki, back row, second from left.

“It’s used extensively, Monday through Sunday with hundreds of kids playing,” said Benson.”Our concession is busy with parents, grandparents and passersby who stop and enjoy immersing themselves in a bit of baseball culture.” 

“Kilmer Park is a special place,” added Halicki. “There are not many places where we can have a whole league together. Our smallest kids can watch the 10-year-olds play and they can see their older brothers or sisters go at it. It’s such a great atmosphere.”

The league launched a petition to engage the public and raise the profile of the baseball community. 

“We are hoping to create awareness and bring some insight to the decision makers that might not know how important baseball is to the Lynn Valley community,” said Benson.” We are aware of the need for all-weather fields for multisport use but don’t want it lost that baseball uses these fields from April to August. We are a strong baseball community and we have been for a long time.”

The public can see and sign the petition here or contact the DNV to voice support for baseball at Kilmer Park.

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.

February 4, 2025 in Blog, Development and Town Planning, Neighbourhood News, Uncategorized Comments (0)

Insight from Argyle into Alpha

With technology and life evolving at a seemingly ever-faster pace, language is changing more rapidly than ever. Argyle staff member Andy Thompson has recently released a book giving insight into the vernacular of younger generations. Generation Alpha Dictionary: A Guide to the Language of Tomorrow offers clarity on new terms and an opportunity for generations to come together. 

Times are a-changing

For more than 20 years Andy Thompson has been working with Lower Mainland youth in group homes and schools. It has given him a first-hand look at generations of children and teens. As an actor and playwright, Thompson is well-versed in the creativity of language and how it can be used to unite a group of people. Slang is one way generations pull together. 

“It can be like a secret code,” he said.”It can be frustrating for parents who don’t understand what their kids are saying but it is also an opportunity for new forms of dialogue.”

Thompson’s day-to-day work with young people made him take notice of a particular shift in the youngest of teens – Generational Alpha, which is typically defined as children born 2010-2024). 

“Memes spread around the world in a heartbeat and suddenly you have language that used to take years or generations to become universally new or novel, and it’s now happening so fast because of modern technology,” said Thompson. “This generation is influenced by technology, the internet and social media unlike any before and in a much more profound way than Gen Z was influenced by these technologies.”

When the ‘teacher’ becomes the ‘student’

Youth have always had slang and frequently a few select words make it into common usage. But Thompson thinks Gen Alpha and its influence feel different.  

“One of the disconnects that I have learned is that Gen Alpha kids love that older people don’t know this language,” he said. “It’s proprietary to them.

“I started hearing these terms and I was instantly annoyed because kids were laughing at me and I didn’t know what they were saying. I thought it was a secret code amongst a small group of friends so I didn’t give it much thought.”

He began to notice that separate and distinct groups of kids were using common terms and then hearing the occasional word pop up online. 

“There was a terming point in September – and I remember it – I was at Argyle in the Choices room and I decided I was going to be more open-minded. I was going to try to understand it. I opened my mind and I thought I wanted to learn.”

Harnessing the collective energy of all the teens around him Thompson began the task of recording and defining the terms heard to better understand and connect with the kids he works with. 

“I have had kids scold me for using these terms because I am too old – it’s like the reverse thought police – with children policing these older people that shouldn’t be saying it.”

 More common were students eager to add to the list. 

“Kids were eager to teach me about this strange vernacular and I started writing it down for myself,” said Thompson/ “The more kids who found I was doing this, then others would come and tell me.”

Open dialogue

Thompson as a professional, and as a parent himself, knows the challenges of parents and teens communicating. As a support worker for kids who have a variety of challenges, he is looking for ways to bridge the divide and make meaningful connections. Initially, he thought the list might be a fun staff guide to his Argyle colleagues – partially amusing and partially useful as more Gen Alphas enter the halls.

”The list was growing and growing and my wife said ‘I think you might have something here that is more than a joke gift. It’s worth publishing.’”

Thompson embraced the idea and got to work on what is now  Generation Alpha Dictionary: A Guide to the Language of Tomorrow. A collection of over 200 terms and phrases. 

“I included a workbook because I think a lot of the words have come from kids creatively playing with language. Like turning verbs into adjectives,” he said. “I want to encourage kids and parents to play around with a language and perhaps come up with their own.”

It has been just a couple of months since publication and Thompson is proud of the feedback he is getting. From educators using as a tool in their classrooms to engage kids who are disengaged to parents who feel disconnected.  

“I have had multiple stories from parents who were struggling to talk to their kids, who now can – that was my hope for the book.”

Generation Alpha Dictionary is available online. 

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.

February 3, 2025 in Blog, Notable Neighbours, School News Comments (0)

Lynn Valley athlete and veteran taking on Invictus Games

A pair of skis and a prince are empowering Lynn Valley’s Assunta Aquino to fight PTSD and take aim at the podium of this month’s Invictus Games.

Proudly wearing the maple leaf

Courtesy of Solider On.

The world will be watching Vancouver this month when more than 550 athletes from 25 nations come to participate in the 11 sports that make up the Invictus Games. The international competition – founded by a team featuring Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex – is for athletes who are sick or injured military service personnel or veterans. For Aquino, donning her Team Canada kit is a powerful step forward in her recovery and an opportunity to proudly represent Canada again.

“I am so excited,” said Aquino between training sessions at Whistler. “I feel like I am starting life again. I have goals – so many things I want to do. I am a better mom being pulled out of my head to the present.”

Selected from hundreds of applicants, Aquino got the call telling her she was on Team Canada in the fall of 2023 – one of two from the Lower Mainland and a handful from BC. It will be a completely different experience than the first time she donned the maple leaf: as a member of Canada’s military for more than 24 years.

Impacts of service

Aquino’s service began after hearing from a high school classmate about their career in the military.

Courtesy of Solider On.

“They deployed to Bosnia during the active war in Croatia and Bosnia Herzegovina, returned and told me all about it. I thought this was my calling,” she said. “My role was as a combat engineer as a non-commissioned officer, those with an engineering degree are officers and I did the combat side. I learned mine warfare, mine awareness [reducing the dangerous impacts of mines and explosives], bridging to get troops in or out of zones and demolition, which is used on both of those things – destroying mines or bridges.”

With nine years of deployment to war zones, Aquino’s service – particularly an incident in 2005 where colleagues were lost demining – injured her mental health. While it was impactful at the time, the effects and realization it resulted in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) came later.

“The next opportunity for deployment was Afghanistan. My husband and I had a conversation that if we want to start a family I can’t deploy. I knew I couldn’t go into another warzone,” said Aquino. 

What followed was the balance of working within the military and being a mom of three while dealing with the lasting injuries of PTSD. 

“I am very lucky it’s not physical but emotional and mental,” she said. “But I have said things I can’t take back, woke up in a bad mood or didn’t show up on time or manage what I was needing to for my kids. If you were to ask them they would gush with love but they would also talk about the other side with PTSD. I am aware of what was happening on the outside because of what was happening in my head.”

Those effects were severe. 

“I was retired before I was ready in 2015. Those intervening years [before the Invictus Games] were not filled with a lot. Being a mom is incredible but there is a huge part of you that feels like you are no longer contributing. People try to tell you otherwise but I was just marking time.”

Ultimately, Aquino sought more support with inpatient care through the Ravensview Guardians Program for first responders and military personnel. 

“It’s a challenge. I am learning to live with it. It’s taken a lot of acceptance and that has happened just recently.”

Game on

Today, Aquino is effervescent on the eve of the Invictus Games, taking place in Whistler and Vancouver  Feb. 8-16. She is participating in downhill skiing, swimming and seated volleyball. 

Courtesy of Assunta Aquino

“I didn’t know [the games] existed until my husband told me about it 18 months ago,” she said. “I withdrew so fully from the military I didn’t pay attention. I didn’t watch the news because it was too scary. My world got very, very small. You’re isolated, not just cut off from the world in your home, you are isolated inside yourself.” 

After a family discussion on whether she was mentally strong enough to share her story and whether her kids were comfortable with it being public, she began the application process. 

“I don’t know if you are ever ready. I have struggled. Have I overshared? How will it translate down to my sport? Will I be able to keep my head in the game?  It’s a lot to be ready to unpack that journey – and to do it publicly in front of your own children,” she said. 

There were also the practical aspects. Invictus was offering winter sports for the first time, but athletes do not participate just within their comfort zone. Each athlete also selects new sports to set new goals, stretch themselves and find new teammates to enable them to achieve success and reframe their self-image.

“I got this opportunity and it shifted my thinking. I can do so much more in life – and I will,” Aquino said. “I would never have applied if there weren’t winter sports because skiing is my passion. Then I got to the third page of the application and it asked what are my other sports.

Courtesy of Solider On.

“I feel like I am starting life again. There are things I want to do. For my kids, they see a renewed energy in their mom. Even though I am away training, I am much more present.”

Aquino has also had a unique experience of being one of two athletes from the Lower Mainland which has given her access to the inner organization of the games itself. 

“I am blown away by the planning and the volunteers putting in hours after hours to make sure every single veteran has been considered and planning what each needs to be successful at these sports.”

It includes making sure venues, transportation and hotels are accessible to all. Another unique aspect is that the Invictus Games recognize that the traumatic impacts of service extend beyond the veteran to families. Each athlete also gets to bring two family members, giving athletes additional support and opportunities for families to be a part of this new positive experience. With her family here in Lynn Valley, Aquino is bringing two friends she met while at Ravensview for trauma care as her supporters. 

 “One of the coolest things about Canada being the host nation is that Canada gets to augment teams [add team members] that can not fill an event team on their own. So if a team needs six people Canada fills in those spots so that other athletes can participate and they are called Unconquered. That is exactly what Invictus is about – being unconquered.”

Coming from around the world there will be athletes participating in winter sports who have never seen snow. The games’ foundation also ensures that the athletes get future support with continued athletic opportunities and events like group treks in places like the Himalayas.  

There are still tickets available to watch individual sports such as wheelchair rugby and basketball, as well as the opening – featuring Katy Perry, Noah Khan, Nelly Furtado and athletes – and closing ceremonies. Plus all Whistler events (skeleton, downhill skiing and snowboarding, biathlon and nordic skiing) are free to attend. 

For Aquino, it’s a chance to make her country, her community, her family and herself proud of this battle she is fighting – and winning – for herself.  

“I noticed there was a full moon last night at Whistler and it dawned on me that the next time there is a full moon it will be during the games – on the days of my alpine events. When every country – every family member, every friend will be standing under that full moon together – the snow moon. Incredible.” 

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 28, 2025 in Blog, Notable Neighbours Comments (0)

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)