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The Haunted Hunt

We have put together some treats and might just have a trick up our sleeves! For a bit of socially distant fun, visit take a walk or ride through Lynn Valley in the coming days and solve our scavenger hunt for a chance to win some treats of your very own – including one to spook up your home next year. 

The map

If you click on the map (or the square with the arrow in the upper left), we have layers letting you know which homes are fun for all ages and which are spookier.

The hunt is on

The scariest of the scary, the funnest of fun?

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.

October 22, 2020 in Blog, Community Events, Contests Comments (0)

Virtual Fall Fair – Winners

We are so pleased to see all the great entries for our Virtual Fall Fair! Thank you to all who participated. And the winners are….

I grew it myself – under 13

Congratulations Jack K – 8 years old. This spring Jack and his family took part in some guerilla gardening as part of a homeschool project. Perhaps the next topic to study will be pumpkin pie!?!

We would also like to give a shout out runners up: Both pairs of brothers with great gardens. Well done Owen and Aiden (left) and Ryan and Aiden.

  • Own and Aiden
  • Ryan and Aiden

Best container and best flowers

We had a pollinator theme for our Best Container and Best Flowers.

Congratulations to Nicole for Best Container and this close up of a bee (left) and to Tracy for her Butterfly Ranger garden winning Best Ornamental.

Best veggies

Sometimes gardening is about more than growing food or flowers. Sometimes it’s about working hard and seeing that work pay off for yourself and your friends. A big congratulations to Shawn who has taken on the garden at Dovercourt House – a second-stage recovery home operated by the Lookout Society. Friends say they are so proud of Shawn’s passion and dedication to the gardens at the home. Congratulations.

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.

October 6, 2020 in Blog, Community Events, Contests Comments (0)

Provincial election 2020

Four candidates are vying for the North Shore-Seymour seat on Oct. 24’s provincial election. The coming weeks won’t see the door knocking and handshaking of previous campaigns. We reached out to all registered candidates to learn a bit more about them and their visions for Lynn Valley. 

Covid election 101

Polling day might look a bit different in a couple of weeks. Unprecedented numbers have already requested mail in ballots. If you still have time to request yours. You can do that by visiting the Elections BC Website with some government issued ID and clicking on the grey box at the bottom of the page. If you did not register to vote prior to the online deadline, you can still vote in person.

To learn more about voting procedures and protocols in a pandemic, Elections BC has created a page to address such concerns. You can learn more and stay up to date for changes here.

There is also an increased need for elections staff as some of the seniors who typically support the polling centres opting out this year. To learn more about elections employment opportunities visit this page.

Get to know: Susie Chant, NDP candidate

What is your biggest priority specifically for Lynn Valley or the riding?

As a registered Nurse I have worked in community health for years, active in initiating a more sustainable model of health services, partnering with patients and families to access comprehensive care – cradle to grave.  To achieve long term health, we must also commit to achieving environmental health, a strong value for myself and the BCNDP.

Specific priority related to Lynn Valley/North Vancouver-Seymour: Affordable housing

The subsidized and lower income housing has been replaced with market share that is not affordable for young adults or seniors who wish to remain in their community.  Many folks who provide service –  nurses, police, retail staff and so on, cannot afford to live here.   This also dovetails with homelessness, an increasing characteristic of the NShore.

Why are you the best candidate for our riding? 

I have lived, worked and played in NVan/Lynn Valley, as have my children and my parents, thus I feel I am an able representative for North Vanocuver-Seymour.   My work in healthcare on the North Shore allows me ample experience as an advocate and  problem-solver, valuable skills at the legislative table. 

Anything else to add?

Through my adult lifetime, I have worked full time as a nurse, part time as a Naval Reservist, and have volunteered with school, community, provincial and national organizations.   I am a wife, mother of two daughters, and my husband and I fostered children for 12 years.  I  was the adult child of my senior parents until they passed.   All of these opportunities have provided a broad base in working with, and for others.  Thank you for the chance to address the LynnValleyLife community. 

What is the best way to learn more about you? 

Website: susiechant.bcndp.ca

Phone:  236-412-0432

Email: [email protected]

Instagram.com/susiechantnvs

Twitter.com/susiechant_nvs

Facebook.com/susiechantnvs

To Donate: https://action.bcndp.ca/page/contribute/nvs

Get to know: Harrison Johnston, Green Party candidate

What is your biggest priority specifically for Lynn Valley or the riding?

When I was three years old, my family moved out of the apartment where I was born into a new house in Lynn Valley. Many other young families moved into the community around that time and as a child I loved playing street hockey and tag with the other young kids in the neighbourhood. Lynn Valley was a beautiful, strong and vibrant community.

Since then housing prices have gone through the roof, young families can no longer afford to move into the community. Our public transit system has been neglected, leaving people stuck in traffic every morning. Small businesses are suffering because their workers have to commute from other communities.

My top priority for Lynn Valley is to ensure that our community is affordable and equitable. Young families should be able to move here and workers at local small businesses should be able to live in the community where they work.

Why are you the best candidate for our riding? 

Lynn Valley is the community I love and where I want to raise my own family. I am truly committed to serving this community and ensuring that it is strong and vibrant for future generations.

I am a young person and a renter, studying to become a high school teacher. I have worked as a landscaper, a retail worker, a chairlift operator and a math tutor. I am a climate activist and organizer of the September 2019 climate strike which brought more than 100,000 people to the streets from across Metro Vancouver.

I understand the challenges that people of Lynn Valley are facing and I will champion bold, compassionate and responsible solutions.

What is the best way to learn more about you? 

To find out more about my campaign, go to my website harrisonjohnston.ca or follow me on Twitter @Harrison4NV.

You can also send me an email at harrison.johnston@greenparty.bc.ca.

To Donate: https://action.bcndp.ca/page/contribute/nvs

Get to know: Jane Thornthwaite, BC Liberal Party candidate

What is your biggest priority specifically for Lynn Valley or the riding?

I first entered into politics because I wanted to make a difference for my family and other families on the North Shore, and that is why I still care so much about making life better for North Vancouver residents and am asking for another term as MLA. The number one issue for many years has been transportation. I am proud of my record in delivering the $198 M Lower Lynn Interchange Project currently under construction at the foot of the cut. It will dramatically change traffic flow for Lynn Valley residents once completed with easier access to the highway and a direct road from the east of Seymour to Lynn Valley without having to merge on to the highway. However, there is more still that can be done to improve infrastructure; if elected I would advocate investing in extending the exit 21 ramp off to Lynn Valley Rd and in much-needed Phibbs exchange upgrades. Tragically this year, too many Lynn Valley families have been personally affected by COVID-19 at the Lynn Valley Care Home. Another key priority of mine and the BC Liberals is investing in better senior care.

Why are you the best candidate for our riding? 

It’s been an honour to serve my community, the community have called home for most of my life, and where my children grew up. Having an impact has always meant a lot to me, that’s why I first ran for school board. I wanted to ensure my kids and yours were getting the best education possible in British Columbia.  I have a proven record as an MLA to deliver for North Vancouver, investments in schools such as the new Argyle Secondary and the Windsor bubble, highway infrastructure, Lions Gate Hospital including the new HOpe Centre and in transit with a new B-Line route and Seabus. If re-elected I will continue supporting under-represented communities, a long-time advocate of LGBTQ+, including SOGI policies and women’s rights, advocating for sexual assault services and importantly for additional childcare resources. The other critical aspect of my public work has been advocating for a seamless mental health and addictions system in British Columbia.

Anything else to add?

If there is a specific issue that matters to you, contact my campaign office and we can get you more information!

What is the best way to learn more about you? 

 Voters in North Vancouver-Seymour can always contact me via email or at my campaign office. I also continuously update my social media with key policy ideas and what I’m working on throughout the campaign to earn your vote. Here is how you can contact me:

 Email: [email protected]

Office: 1325 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver BC

Social Media: @JThornthwaite on all platforms

Get to know: Clayton Welwood, BC Libertarian Party candidate

What is your biggest priority specifically for Lynn Valley or the riding?

As an area that is home to many families with school-aged children, I believe that education is a top issue for Lynn Valley. To ensure access to quality education for every child, parents should have more choice in determining the way it is delivered.  A one-size-fits-all approach results in far too many students being left behind; having more approaches will leave fewer students behind.

COVID-19 has offered an opportunity to test out alternatives like online learning, homeschooling and private tutoring.  Education should be an innovative process in normal times as well, where the exploration of new methods can lead to better matches for individual children.

The BC Libertarian plan is to move as much decision-making as possible away from the Ministry of Education and toward local school districts, where parents can have more input. We will consult with educational providers on how to introduce a system whereby education funding follows the student, and can be used at parents’ discretion within an expanded menu of educational options.

Why are you the best candidate for our riding? 

Because all of the solutions I propose will not prevent Lynn Valley residents from following their own path to a better life.

Anything else to add?

ICBC’s monopoly needs to be revoked. Not only is it the source of high premiums for good drivers, and poor service for many, in order to control costs, the provincial government wants to implement a “no-fault” regime. While this may help ICBC’s battered finances, it would deny accident victims pain and suffering damages, access to legal representation for their care and recovery, and would ultimately make our roads less safe. If elected I would call for repeal of the no-fault legislation, conversion of ICBC into a co-op, and allow everyone full choice of auto insurers.

What is the best way to learn more about you? 

Email: [email protected]

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/linkelei

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.

October 6, 2020 in Blog, Current News Comments (0)

Halloween – pandemic style

There has been much discussion in the daily updates for Covid-19 about Halloween. Dr. Bonnie Henry, at this point, is adamant it can go on. There have been guidelines written by the BC Centre for Disease Control and creative minds working throughout the community.  

What will Halloween look like?

We have been thinking about how we can help the community enjoy the annual tradition in the most safe and responsible way.

First and foremost: If you are sick, do not trick or treat and do not hand out candy.

  • Keep celebrations to those you live with or very, very small groups (think six). No big house parties this year.
  • Celebrate outside – be careful with handsanitizer near open flames. It is very flammable.
  • Follow the BC CDC’s guidelines for safer celebrations.
  • This year, avoid using props that can cause coughing, such as smoke machines.

We are building a map and will continue you to add homes and displays to visit in the days leading up to Halloween weekend. We will continuously add to it throughout the month of October. If you click on the map (or the square with the arrow in the upper left), we have layers letting you know which homes are fun for all ages and which are spookier. There are definitely some favourites on here like the Haslers and the Tindales on Wellington. 

Help build the Halloween neighbourhood map

From Sykes to Peters and many nooks and crannies in between, we see so many get in the spooky spirit of Halloween.  LynnValleyLife will be putting together a Halloween Map. If you go over the top wth house decorations or know of a great display, please send it our way. We want families to enjoy the community spirit of Halloween – without door knocking – in the days around the holiday. You can use the from below or this link to add to the map. These don’t have to be your home, please add your neighbours homes too – if they have a display they want people to see it.

Tips for a symptom-free celebration

Trick-or-treating can be done safely by following these tips

  1. Respect homes by staying away if the lights are out.
  2. Keep to your local neighbourhood this year.
    • Avoid trick-or-treating in busy areas or indoors (in places like malls) since there may not be enough space to distance. Indoor spaces may require a non-medical mask or face covering.
  3. Trick-or-treat in a small social group, stick to six people.
    • Leave space between you and other groups to reduce crowding on stairs and sidewalks.
  4. Wash your hands before you go out, when you get home, and before eating treats.
    • Keep hand sanitizer with you if eating treats on the go.
    • You don’t need to clean every treat. You should instead wash your hands after handling treats and not touch your face.

Get creative handing out treats

  1. Get creative!
    • Use tongs, a baking sheet or make a candy slide to give more space when handing out candy.
    • Plan to hand out individual treats instead of offering a shared bowl.
    • Only hand out sealed, pre-packaged treats.
  2. Wear a non-medical mask that covers your nose and mouth when handing out treats.
  3. Be more outside, than inside.
    • If you can, stand outside your door to hand out treats. Then kids won’t need to touch the door or doorbell.
    • If you’re unable to sit outside to hand out treats, clean and disinfect doorbells and knobs, handrails, and any other high touch surface often during the evening
  4. If you are decorating, avoid props that can cause coughing, such as smoke machines.
  5. Stick to the treats – not tricks.

Source: BC Centre for Disease Control

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.

October 6, 2020 in Blog, Community Events, Getting Involved, Neighbourhood News Comments (0)

A little Local Love

In a time of disconnection the United Way is trying to bring Lynn Valley together. The organization is offering residents a one-time grant to help build community with its Local Love campaign.

Building community

For the last few months Sarah Dugan has been working for the United Way as a Community Builder. Her territory includes various parts of the North Shore including Lynn Valley. 

“We want to help bring a little bit of happiness to life,” said Dugan. 

She has been working over the last several months with direct outreach to local community members as well as creating initiatives that bring people together. 

“Community builders reach out to members of the community and help their specific needs like cleaning supplies or groceries, help for seniors, virtual check ins, mental health support – connecting to resources if they need it. It can be hard to navigate systems online – to figure how to get the help that you need – and I can help them. Having someone who has lived in the community and growing up can be an important part of that.”

To learn more about the ongoing projects follow check out the initiative’s Facebook page. If you or someone you know need support you can reach out to the United Way through Dugan ([email protected]) or visit the United Way online.  

Local Love

The last big project for the community builders is to support the residents with their own initiatives to build Local Love, said Dugan. The Local Love project offers grants of upto $1000 to people with ideas to connect others within our community. 

“This is a way for people to get involved and get to know people in their neighbourhood,” she said. “When we are spending so much time at home, we aren’t seeing our neighbours as much and we aren’t having people in our home spaces. Sometimes families with young kids get to know each other but it is not as easy when you are older. Adults sometimes don’t know their neighbours in the same way, it would be nice to see some kind of connection created.” 

Examples across the Vancouver area include physically distant block parties, comfort and hobby bags. 

“We now want to focus on a bit of long term community between the people who are hosting the projects and those participating in the projects, so it’s not just a drop off situation,” she said. “You need to be a little bit creative in figuring out what kind of project can do that. We are really pushing for ones that have some sort of community aspect – and it doesn’t have to be in person. It can also be something online.”

Dugan really loved the creativity and connection fostered by one project that received funding in another Local Love region. She explained two women hosted art classes and had families sign up and dropped off supplies each week. The families shared their completed art with the organizers, who in turn when dropping off supplies the following week dropped off images of other projects sharing with the community of participants what everyone had made. 

How it works

 “We would like to help build relationships that go beyond the length of the project,” said Dugan. “I would really like to see different residents come together and meet each other.” 

Dugan explained there is an application process – and interested people should contact her directly so she can walk them through the application process With her guidance there tends to be less back and forth and a quicker funding result, she said. 

“Each neighbourhood has a budget – the North Shore has used about half of it and we have space for about four to five more in Lynn Valley,” said Dugan.  

How to get started: 

  • Applications must be completed by an adult, resident of Lynn Valley (but can be a representative for a larger group working together).
  • Outline the project
  • Break down of budget (max $1000) with money earmarked for supplies, time is to be volunteered.  
  • Be open to support from Dugan to help the project be successful. 
  • Projects need to be completed at the latest, in November. 
  • Applications due by late October (Dugan can provide specifics). 
  • For all the details and application contact Sarah Dugan [email protected]

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.

October 5, 2020 in Blog, Getting Involved, Neighbourhood News Comments (0)

Trails from the ground up

It was a busy summer on the Shore. The local trails have been inundated with users of all kinds, even with parking lots closed walkers, hikers and bikers from all over the region made their way to our trails. It means a lot of work for hundreds of volunteers that build and maintain terrain.

Community builder

The North Shore Mountain Bike Association’s Joe Woywitka knows firsthand how busy the trails are. He spends five days a week working on taking care of the region’s trails as its trail crew lead. The covid restrictions initially changed the make of users on the trails, but as the months went on, the numbers continued to rise, he said. 

Joe Woywitka

“I am out working on the trails and the influx of new riders, trail runners and hikers has been huge,” said Woywitka. “We are seeing a lot more beginners out there – which is a good thing. I think they are seeing what goes into the trails. It’s great. It means more people for the sport, more people to support the association and get involved in advocacy for the trails.”

The NSMBA is thrilled to see more riders out – it aligns with their mandate of “Trails for all. Trails forever.” Their goal is to grow the sport to more people and with more diversity. A cause the covid pandemic has helped in its own way. 

With many riders and families spending their season out on the trails for the first time, they are seeing for the first time what it takes to keep the trails on Seymour, Cypress and Fromme safe, said Woywitka.  

“Growing up here there wasn’t the same amount of trail maintenance going on – which means fewer beginner trails or trails that made it easy to get into the sport,” he said. “What the NSMBA has been doing over the last 10 years or so is to make the trails more inclusive and help people get into the sport and also maintaining the more challenging terrain the North Shore is known for.” 

Trail work

It takes a whole community to keep the trails environmentally sustainable, safe and fun. More than 1,600 volunteers shared their time with the NSMBA last year for more than 13,000 volunteer hours. 

The NSMBA uses a dedicated group of 500 volunteers – the Shore Corps – that have all undergone training to lead its community trail days and corporate trail days. Giving a few hours to the trails is something Woywitka would like all riders to consider. With no experience necessary, the Shore Corp takes the lead on guiding volunteers. 

“They are the core group of builders we can lean on to help maintain the trails. Some have ‘their own’ trails that they are the lead builder on and are dedicated to maintain,” he said. 

Today the Corps is needed more than ever as covid protocols require smaller groups further apart. With the trail work days resumed, it is a chance to give back to the sport you love.

“Volunteers are what drives our organization and lets us get the majority of work done. You will see how not only do we maintain the trails but how we make our trails fun,” he said. “The primary focus when we are out doing any sort of trail work is sustainability. When you participate in any form of outdoor recreation there are going to be environmental impacts and our goal is to offset what comes from mountain biking and the trail maintenance. ”

Trails forever

There are a few plans in the works to add more terrain to the North Shore. For the first time, the NSMBA is working with the City of North Vancouver to establish some trails in Greenwood Park, just south of the Upper Levels. 

“We have found a suitable place to build,” said Woywitka. “The terrain is a little bit easier and it isn’t super steep like many parts of the North Shore mountains. It would be a great place for beginner and intermediate trails.”

With the expansion and redesign of trails focusing on newer riders completed over the last few years, the NSMBA is also looking to better service the experienced riders that have been using the trails for decades. 

“Over the last several years we have really rounded out the beginner and intermediate trails and we are hoping to push for a new advanced level trail,” Woywitka said. “Somewhere higher up on Fromme would be the best place for it. It is something the community has been calling for and we want to make sure we are advocating for the higher level riders.”

Visit www.nsmba.ca and check out the calendar for Community Trail Days. There is a plan for family day this fall. You can also email [email protected] for more information.

How to help support local trails

  1. Support the NSMBA with a membership purchase.
  2. Attend a trail building day.
  3. Shut down braids – the unsanctioned trails between maintained trails.

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.

September 9, 2020 in Blog, Eco-Awareness & The Great Outdoors, Getting Involved Comments (0)

Growing community celebration

This has been an epic gardening season. More people than ever took to the earth and tried their hand a growing their own food. When the rest of the world was closed, the line-ups at Maple Leaf Garden Centre was well down the block. We have fought cold and wet months, and now moths but Lynn Valley gardens have still never looked better.

And now – we celebrate! 

Virtual Fall Fair

We want to share the gardening glory and hard work being invested in yards and patios. More than anything we would love to gather and look at your summer projects – woodwork, quilts and art. While we would really love to taste your jams, jellys, pickles and pies, it doesn’t seem like the most covid-responsible idea.

Instead we are putting together a digital Fall Fair – we want to share your hard work with our readers and Facebook followers. We are running a contest from now until Sept. 30 for residents of the North Vancouver.

We have four $25 gift cards to Maple Leaf Garden up for grabs!

Send us your photos in one of these categories.

  1. Best flowers/ornamental garden
  2. Best Veggies – garden or harvest
  3. Best basket or container of any kind
  4. Best under 13 years old – I grew it myself!

Here is how you do it:

Pick ONE entry per category.

Put the category in the subject of the email.

Email the photo to [email protected] – please send a SEPARATE email for each entry. For adults there is a maximum of three entries, one per category and for children, a maximum of 4.

Include your name, postal code, phone number, age (if entering the child category) and any details you want to add about the photo.

Deadline Sept. 30, 2020.

By entering the contest you consent to receiving future editions of our newsletter, sent once a month. We will not distribute or sell your private information to others.

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.

September 9, 2020 in Blog, Contests, Eco-Awareness & The Great Outdoors, Notable Neighbours Comments (0)

A Covid kind of Halloween

Among the many changes of Covid-19 are the loss of community events. The big one for many families this fall will be the changes to Halloween. We have been thinking about how we can help the community enjoy the annual tradition in the most safe and responsible way. 

What will Halloween look like?

We are about seven weeks away from ghouls and goblins, creepers and princesses taking over the streets of Lynn Valley. The past few years celebration have centred on Wellington Drive and Dovercourt Road – where the Dovercourt Crypt has been stepping up its spookiness year after year. Last year the streets were wall to wall people with kids tightly lined up at doors that never closed.

That can’t happen this year but the celebrating can still go on in new ways. Dr.Bonnie Henry has just released this information. There is the expectation that Halloween has smaller celebrations and families will choose carefully how they celebrate. More specific guidelines will come in the weeks ahead.

Halloween neighbourhood map

We want to bring the community together – but still safely remain a part. Schools likely won’t be hosting pumpkin patches or fall fairs. We know this will leave a big hole in the heart of the community this fall.

We have some ideas and would love to hear yours – how can we embrace this holiday as a community but a part? Email us your ideas at [email protected].

We have one plan in the works and a contest or two.

We know there are a great number of Halloween displays all over the community. From Sykes to Peters and many nooks and crannies in between, we see so many get in the spooky spirit of Halloween.  LynnValleyLife will be putting together a Halloween Map. If you go over the top wth house decorations or know of a great display, please send it our way. We want families to enjoy the community spirit of Halloween – without door knocking – in the days around the holiday. You can use the from below or this link to join the map.

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.

September 9, 2020 in Blog, Community Events, Getting Involved, Neighbourhood News Comments (0)

The mystery trail artist of Lynn Valley

Walking the quiet trails of Lynn Valley may have been a bit noisier in recent months. When the quiet returned two new pieces of art had appeared. Some were left wondering how they appeared, others are Ross Road passersby more familiar with the work of local ‘mystery’ carver Ben Hemara.

The joy of chainsaws

A simple one-day carving class at Lee Valley Tools set Lynn’s Valley’s Ben Hemara on a path of joy – now with an accompanying soundtrack of chainsaws.

Over the past seven years he has transitioned from hand carving to using power tools. This Spring as Covid hit, Hemara was inspired to make his art more public.

“We live in Lynn Valley and I take my son and we go for walks on local trails. There are so many beautiful stumps that are old growth cedars. Cedar is so wonderful to carve,” he said. “When I did a woodspirit I thought it would be great to see one of these on the trails.”

He began his first public piece on a local trail off Allan.

“The trails through Lynn Valley are so neat how they connect and link to the different parts of the neighbourhood. I did a woodspirit and I thought it would be great to see one of these on the trails,” said Hemara. “I took it upon myself and did a piece on the trails and everyone loved it. I have gotten such positive feedback and I would like to do more. 

“Obviously I am working on dead trees.” 

Local inspiration

Two works have been completed on local trails using old-growth stumps and other dead wood. The two works can be found where Allan Road meets Draycott and on the path linking Draycott and Ross Road. The District of North Vancouver has become aware of the art and has led Hemara to take a break from carving on public land. 

“They are well aware of my artwork and I have spoken to them,” he said. “I haven’t added any since then because I don’t want to upset anyone. I am trying to bring positivity to the community and do something nice. I think it’s positive with the District. I would love to do some more pieces for the community.”

Living a dream

A New Zealand transplant and roofer by trade, Hemara balances his art with his family time. The dad, with a young son and another child on the way, spends what time he has available at carving. 

“It’s an odd artform using big power tools. The pieces are labour intensive especially since I am doing them on my own,” said Hemara. “And they sometimes require me to make my own scaffolding so I have a nice steady platform. I could probably do it in two or three full days but I am balancing my family and art.” 

The new forest works were a new project for Hemara, his usual works have much more suburban roots. 

“I usually carve at my in-laws on Ross Road – in their driveway,” he said. “I have a ton of people come by. I always display a few pieces out as I work and I have gotten a couple of commission orders from people who come by.”

His dream would be to transition out of roofing to be a fulltime carver – with his own workspace, to give the neighbours a break.

“It can be annoying for the neighbours, I try to keep it to a minimum and I know people want to enjoy their day and not hear it all weekend long,” said Hemara. 

Hemara says there is a thriving chainsaw carving community in B.C. and hopes to connect and learn more from his colleagues – and hopefully add a few more trail pieces to Lynn Valley. 

“It is so satisfying and brings joy to me to pop in and out and leave a beautiful peace of art.”

You can check more works by Ben Hemara on Facebook and he will soon be launching his own website (not currently active). 

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.

August 6, 2020 in Artistic Endeavours, Blog, Notable Neighbours Comments (0)

Masked crusader

When many young people are enjoying their last taste of summer, Lynn Valley’s Jake Musgrave is donning a mask and taking up a crusade across Canada raising money for Covid relief and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society – all by bike.

Doable

August 28th 23-year-old Musgrave will clip into his pedals and hit the road, aiming to arrive in Halifax a month later. He hopes the ride will do more than take him across the country. Musgrave hopes to raise money as well.

His dual causes – Covid-19 relief and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society – hit close to home and are more linked than it would first appear. Musgrave lost his father Randy at eight-years-old to leukemia. It’s a disease that feels powerless to fight and a surprise when it hits, he said. 

“It was so sudden,” said Musgrave. “He was healthy, active, a firefighter. He didn’t know what was happening. He inspires me to live an active, healthy life.”

Musgrave sees Covid-19 as a situation where we don’t have to go it alone. 

“Let’s be in this together, let’s protect each other,” he said. “Wear a mask so you can protect others. I don’t want someone else to have the trauma of losing a loved one.”

He is taking his own advice and is planning on riding all 6,021 kilometres while wearing a mask.   

“When I first approached I thought it would be tough. It certainly is harder to ride with the mask on – I have noticed that after some longer rides. It’s awkward but doable,” said Musgrave. “Wearing a mask and doing something small to keep everyone safe is huge support. Just think about it – wherever you go, grab your phone, your wallet, your keys, your mask.”

Across Canada

The trip has been laid out with varying distances each day from the shortest 112km to the longest 250km, with the goal to finish in 30-33 days. It could be less if he surpasses his expectations, he said. The sections were divided based on elevation gain.

“I am planning on the Coquihalla and through the Rockies at Golden and Revelstoke,” he explained. “Pretty much along the Trans Canada but I have spoken to cyclists who have done it to hear about better routes where the shoulder is wider or secret spots where I won’t get blown away by big trucks.”

While Musgrave has plenty of riding experience this will be his biggest adventure to date. 

“I have been riding from age six or seven when my dad got me out on my mountain bike – he was a very active man,” said Musgrave. “But it was really my aunt Lesley [Tomlinson] an Olympic [mountain bike]  athlete who got me into road racing in Grades 11 and 12.” 

To date Musgrave’s longest ride is 240km, just short of his expected longest ride of the trip. 

He works at the cycling gym TaG and gets in plenty of riding but is also intensifying his training working at longer distances at his goal pace around 30km/h. 

“Since I decided to do this ride I have decided to step it up,” said Musgrave. “I have always done TaG two or three times a week but I need to train harder and do it almost every single day.” 

The ride will take Musgrave the furthest east he has ever been in Canada. He credits fellow North Shore and TaG rider Jane Weller for inspiring him to aim big. 

“She rode across the country alone –  which is phenomenal. I figured if she could do it I could give it a try.” 

Musgrave, on the other hand, is choosing with his tighter timeline to be supported on the road by friends driving with a trailer. As for challenges, he is preparing for saddle sores and wind. 

“I’ve been through a lot. I think I am pretty mentally strong.” 

You can support Musgrave by donating to his two GoFundMe links: Covid-19 relief and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. You can follow his journey on Facebook and a forthcoming Instagram account. 

Looking for more?

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August 6, 2020 in Blog, Getting Involved, Neighbourhood News, Notable Neighbours Comments (0)