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Burnaby North-Seymour Candidates

We wanted to know how candidates are planning to represent local issues. It’s easy to find party-wide platforms, but often those don’t reflect our neighbourhood in any way. LynnValleyLife offered each of the big four parties’ candidates a chance to give their local pitch. 

The offer

This year Lynn Valley is split down the middle and into two ridings—twice as many candidates and twice as many signs on the roads. We have the west side represented, as in the past, by North Vancouver-Capilano and the east by Burnaby North-Seymour.

We emailed the candidates for the Conservative Party, the Green Party, the Liberal Party and the NDP. We sent the same questions to each person with the same deadline. Of the seven candidates who were reachable, four responded.

In Burnaby North-Seymour, Conservative Mauro Francis’ website is down, and there is no direct contact information available on the Conservative website, so he was deemed unreachable.  While the Greens list a candidate, the representative did not officially register for the election.

In North Vancouver-Capilano, there was no response from NDP’s Tammy Bentz or the Conservatives’ Stephen Curran.

Thank you to the candidates who shared their thoughts:

Terry Beech, Liberal


Micheal Charrois, NDP

The Q&A

What is your connection to the North Shore, and how will you specifically serve the unique community of Lynn Valley?

Terry Beech, Liberal: 

Since 2015, I’ve had the honour of representing the North Shore east of Lynn Creek. With the riding boundaries changing two years ago, it has been a pleasure getting to know the Lynn Valley community. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been out knocking on doors and attending local community events and parades, so you have a chance to get to know me—as I work to earn your trust and support. I’m committed to working tirelessly on your behalf, alongside Jonathan Wilkinson, just as we always have.

Michael Charrois, NDP:

I have lived in North Vancouver since 2006. Working with Susie Chant on the frontlines with community members has been a privilege. The Grouse Grind is a vivid memory I share with my wife Jacqueline. I was the president of the lower Lonsdale community garden and I have had a green thumb since 2012. I never have to worry about watering my gardens here. It has been an amazing place to live and call home.

What is your greatest priority for the riding? 

Beech, Liberal

Traffic and Transit: As the only MP representing communities on both sides of the Second Narrows Bridge, I understand firsthand that addressing congestion and improving transit requires strong collaboration across all levels of government. This isn’t just a transportation issue—it’s about affordability, livability, and ensuring people can live, work, and play in the communities they call home. We’ve already made significant investments—outlined in more detail [below]—but there’s still more to be done. I’m committed to continuing this work as we build stronger, more connected, and more sustainable communities.

Charrois, NDP:

We want better material conditions for the people of North Vancouver. We want to improve transit and alleviate bridge congestion. But we would be remiss if we did not prioritize housing, healthcare and affordability as well.

How will you ensure Lynn Valley (and the portions of the North Shore in the riding) residents are heard and how will you specifically serve the unique community of Lynn Valley and ensure our needs are not lost as they differ greatly from Burnaby? Ex. Federal transit funding and needs are very different than those of Burnaby (That is Burnaby is one of the most transit accessible communities in the Lower Mainland and Lynn Valley/Deep Cove are the least)?

Beech, Liberal: 

Although Lynn Valley is new to this riding, I have represented the North Shore east of Lynn Creek since 2015 and have gone door to door to thousands of homes on the North Shore since 2015 to understand and represent the unique challenges residents face. I have worked side-by-side with Jonathan Wilkinson as we tackle common challenges such as traffic, transit, and affordability, a few examples of which are outlined in Question [5]. The needs of Burnaby North and North Vancouver are distinct but interconnected, and I work diligently and do my best to deliver for all residents.

Charrois, NDP:

It bears repeating that myself and the NDP would bring robust and effective transit measures to North Vancouver and Lynn Valley, promptly if elected. I have lived and worked in Lynmore and lower Lonsdale since 2006. I am acutely aware of the impact on lifestyle that bridge congestion brings the people of North Vancouver.

How will you advocate for federal funding for major projects? The lack of more support for infrastructure like the wastewater plant has been frustrating.

Beech, Liberal: 

The North Shore sees strong representation in Ottawa from Liberal MPs who work tirelessly to ensure this community receives major investment opportunities, like the Phibbs Exchange renovation. We know that wastewater treatment is very important and that we must support municipal projects, which is why it was the largest single investment in Budget 2016. However, as the Wastewater Treatment Plant is entirely managed and controlled by Metro Vancouver, it is ultimately their responsibility to manage this project responsibly. North Shore residents are paying a disproportionate, if not unfair, share for the plant, and I continue to work with the responsible municipalities to find a resolution.

Charrois, NDP:

We would bring the voice of our constituents to parliament and cultivate personal relationships with people in positions of power. If elected, we could deal directly with major developers and the government. Imagine a deciding vote that works for you.

Will you advocate for improved bridge crossings as a key priority?

Beech, Liberal: 

The traffic on the bridge, as mentioned [above], is a top priority for me as your representative. Since 2015, the federal government has invested over $30 billion in transit and active transportation. On the North Shore, that means real results: $66.6 million for the Lynn Valley Bridge, $21.9 million for Highway 1 upgrades, $16.1 million for a third SeaBus, and $20.5 million for bus facility upgrades. We also contributed $200,000 for a Rapid Transit feasibility study—because we plan ahead, not just catch up. This has been and will continue to be a top priority for me.

On the North Shore, improved transit—such as rapid bus routes, dedicated lanes, ferry integration, or a SkyTrain extension—can improve bridge crossings by getting people out of personal vehicles and move more people using less space and with fewer emissions.

Charrois, NDP: 

We want to prioritize fare-free public transit to incentivize people to use transit over personal vehicles. This would reduce congestion and would lower emissions. A Burrard Inlet Rapid Transit would be expedited by a permanent Canada Public Transit Fund which would also include cost sharing agreements for operational funding. A  Canada Public Transit Fund would give the B.I.R.T access to federal funding immediately.

What is the biggest challenge for the riding in the years ahead, and why are you the best candidate to lead us through that?

Beech, Liberal:

Traffic congestion and tackling it is a big challenge for any elected official. I can lead us through this because I have maintained and established exceptional relationships with elected officials, provincially and municipally. Transit is a shared responsibility. It will not happen through a radical reform but rather it will be a result of marginal improvements compounded over the length of a potential term. You need someone in parliament to fight for you until the day we can call the transit project a success.

Charrois, NDP:

Traffic congestion and tackling it is a big challenge for any elected official. I can lead us through this because I have maintained and established exceptional relationships with elected officials, provincially and municipally. Transit is a shared responsibility. It will not happen through a radical reform but rather it will be a result of marginal improvements compounded over the length of a potential term. You need someone in parliament to fight for you until the day we can call the transit project a success.

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.

April 20, 2025 in Blog, Governance and Services Comments (0)

North Vancouver-Capilano Candidates

We wanted to know how candidates are planning to represent local issues. It’s easy to find party-wide platforms, but often those don’t reflect our neighbourhood in any way. LynnValleyLife offered each of the big four parties’ candidates a chance to give their local pitch. 

The offer

This year Lynn Valley is split down the middle and into two ridings—twice as many candidates and twice as many signs on the roads. We have the west side represented, as in the past, by North Vancouver-Capilano and the east by Burnaby North-Seymour.

We emailed the candidates for the Conservative Party, the Green Party, the Liberal Party and the NDP. We sent the same questions to each person with the same deadline. Of the seven candidates who were reachable, four responded.

In North Vancouver-Capilano, there was no response from NDP’s Tammy Bentz or the Conservatives’ Stephen Curran.

In Burnaby North-Seymour, Conservative Mauro Francis’ website is down, and there is no direct contact information available on the Conservative website, so he was deemed unreachable.  While the Greens list a candidate, the representative did not officially register for the election.

Thank you to the candidates who shared their thoughts:

Andrew Robinson, Green


Jonathan Wilkinson, Liberal

The Q&A

What is your connection to the North Shore, and how will you specifically serve the unique community of Lynn Valley?

Andrew Robinson, Green: 

I am a family man with two teenagers who has lived in North Vancouver since 2009. My consulting business is based here, I am a North Shore outdoors enthusiast, and I have volunteered throughout the community. I would serve the community by:

  • Advocating for affordable housing and sustainable urban planning.
  • Supporting local businesses.
  • Fighting for fair taxation to ease the burden on low- and middle-income residents.
  • Investing in public services—from healthcare and education to transit and infrastructure—to ensure the community is well-supported.
  • Promoting climate resilience and preparing for environmental challenges.

Jonathan Wilkinson, Liberal:

I’ve lived in North Vancouver for about 27 years and raised my family here. I’ve spent much time on Lynn Valley trails, (my favourite of which is Hanes Valley), supported local small businesses, and spoken with countless residents about the issues that matter most— housing, seniors’ care, affordability and more. Over the last 9 years, I have been humbled to be Lynn Valley’s member of parliament, and have been a regular participant at Lynn Valley Days. While I now will share that my colleague Terry Beech due to the redistribution of riding boundaries – a map of which you can find on my website – I will continue to stand up for Lynn Valley’s priorities.

What is your greatest priority for the riding?

Robinson, Green:

My number one priority is to build a strong local economy that aligns environmental and economic goals by supporting existing clean industries like hydrogen development and sustainable shipbuilding. I will prioritize local procurement, invest in green infrastructure, and champion policies that reduce emissions while creating high-quality jobs. I will encourage innovation, training, and partnerships that grow local expertise in cleantech, services and marine industries. By focusing on sustainable growth and supporting North Vancouver businesses, we can strengthen the economy, protect the environment, and build long-term community resilience.

Wilkinson, Liberal:

Over the next four years, we must collectively forge a path to prosperity that embraces a more global orientation – and orientation of enhanced economic and social resilience. While there are many issues of importance affecting Canadians, Canada’s response to so many issues depends in large part on defending sovereignty and building a more resilient economy.

This must inevitably mean that we must;

  • Eliminate inter-provincial trade barriers
  • Enhance trade infrastructure and diversify trade partners.
  • Create greater housing affordability.
  • Enhance social resilience through programs like Dental Care, $10 a day childcare and pharmacare.
  • Fight climate change.

How will you advocate for federal funding for major projects? The lack of more support for infrastructure like the wastewater plant has been frustrating.

Robinson, Green: 

The Green Party advocates for the responsible management of taxpayer funds. For the wastewater treatment plant project, I would champion an increase to the original 30% federal contribution indexed to inflation to cover the increased costs without requesting a full bailout to the tune of $1.1B. Because federal contributions across BC and Canada matched what was promised for the treatment plant project, a full bailout would send the wrong signal to voters and taxpayers. However, in addition to the increase to cover inflation, I would convene stakeholders with all levels of government to explore various funding mechanisms that do not disproportionately impact North Shore residents.

Wilkinson, Liberal: (Edited for length, there is more information on his website)

The federal government is committed to funding and supporting major projects. We have invested billions in clean growth and infrastructure projects and will be instituting a one project, one review window to make sure major projects get built faster.

During 2014/15 Metro Vancouver was looking for a commitment from the federal government that it would provide ⅓ of the ~$700M in capital required to build a new wastewater treatment facility.

During the 2015 federal election campaign I committed to advocating for federal participation in this important project. And in the Liberal Government’s budget of 2016, funding for the treatment plant was the largest single item that was indeed funded.

As folks will likely know, the engineering and the cost estimating for this project – as for all municipal infrastructure – is done at the municipal level. The federal government has no expertise and indeed no direct involvement in this work. Unfortunately, the project that was budgeted to cost $700B, ballooned to $4B – and there are very legitimate questions that taxpayers should be asking Metro Vancouver about this escalation in costs, as it was their role to manage the project engineering and budget.

The project will be completed and work is presently underway – residents are rightly frustrated by the significant cost overruns and the disproportionate and unfair impact it will have on ratepayers here on the North Shore. We all should expect transparency and accountability from Metro Vancouver on this matter. See my full comment on this matter at my website: jonathanwilkinson.ca

Will you advocate for improved bridge crossings as a key priority?

Robinson, Green: 

The Green Party will strongly advocate for investing in improved public transit. The Canada Line, built ahead of the 2010 Olympics, has exceeded ridership expectations, significantly reduced car dependency, eased congestion on key routes, and connected people across the region faster and more reliably. It shows that when fast, frequent, and convenient transit is available, people choose it.

On the North Shore, improved transit—such as rapid bus routes, dedicated lanes, ferry integration, or a SkyTrain extension—can improve bridge crossings by getting people out of personal vehicles and move more people using less space and with fewer emissions.

Wilkinson, Liberal: 

I’ve long supported improvements to reduce congestion across the Ironworkers and Lions Gate bridges, like the Lower Lynn Highway 1 improvement. The federal government recently committed an investment of more than $2 billion over 10 years to provide Metro Vancouver’s transit network with long-term predictable capital funding.. This funding will, in part, go to implementing dedicated lane  Bus Rapid Transit on and from the North Shore as an initial step towards bringing SkyTrain to the North Shore.

What is the biggest challenge for the riding in the years ahead, and why are you the best candidate to lead us through that?

Robinson, Green:

Affordability! The Green Party is best positioned to tackle affordability in North Vancouver by addressing root causes with bold, integrated solutions. Our platform includes building affordable, energy-efficient housing, implementing a Guaranteed Livable Income, and eliminating income tax for low earners. We support local job creation through clean energy, services, shipbuilding, and hydrogen development, while investing in small businesses and transit infrastructure. By reforming taxation so wealthy and large corporations pay their fair share and ending fossil fuel subsidies, we’ll redirect public money toward services that directly benefit communities—making life more affordable and secure for everyone.

Wilkinson, Liberal:

Navigating economic uncertainty tied to Canada–U.S. trade tensions, including tariffs that threaten key industries right here on the North Shore, is the greatest threat facing our riding. We need to reduce our overreliance on the U.S. by expanding global trade partnerships and strengthening domestic supply chains—especially in clean technology, forestry, and advanced manufacturing.

I have spent significant time as a senior business executive and as a senior public servant. I have been an influential member of Cabinet for a number of years and more recently have been a member of the Canada-US Cabinet Committee that has  helped shape Canada’s response to tariffs, secure trade protections and support affected workers.

Over the past few years I have worked collaboratively with different levels of government to remove interprovincial trade barriers, while protecting local jobs and building a more resilient economy.

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.

April 20, 2025 in Blog, Governance and Services Comments (0)

A store with a purpose: creative waste reduction

By Tina Homsy Williams, guest contributor

Tom Riessner is passionate about zero waste and dislikes throwing things away. One of his biggest peeves is seeing quality items sent to the dump simply for being old, outgrown, or no longer in excellent condition. 

Urban Repurpose

This is especially true for items that are still usable but are discarded because they are no longer wanted, needed, or show signs of wear and tear. They are not necessarily “garbage”—many people simply don’t know what else to do with them, he says.

As the founder and executive director of Urban Repurpose, a social enterprise store, Riessner is on a mission to redefine waste—not as an end, but as the beginning of something new. For him, every discarded item holds untapped potential, waiting to be repurposed, restored, or reimagined. 

This is a key driver for Urban Repurpose.

Unlike charity thrift stores that sell goods to fundraise, Urban Repurpose’s principal goal is zero waste focusing on upcycling, reinvention and reuse. Moreover, items that don’t sell aren’t sent to the landfill; instead, they’re given away on “Free Sundays,” ensuring they find new uses rather than being tossed out.

Urban Repurpose is about more than just keeping items out of landfills—it’s about giving them a second life.

“There’s value in rescuing items from being incinerated and restoring or repurposing them for renewed use. I encourage people in the community to do the same,”  says Riessner at the Urban Repurpose storefront.

Located down the hill from Lynn Valley, the store offers a unique shopping experience, with carefully curated rooms designed for exploration. Each has a theme, where a cornucopia of items are grouped and staged in vignettes by volunteers: A music and media room, with an eclectic collection of compact disks, vinyl records, instruments and other media is decorated with items including a chandelier crafted from several salvaged violins—no longer playable, yet too beautiful to throw away.

One room, lined with shelves of books and antique chairs, feels more like a forgotten old bookstore—remember those?—or a hidden alcove perfect for a quiet retreat with a good read.

Elsewhere in the store, stacks of vintage, antique, and heritage furniture—”all wood and never particleboard,” Riessner insists—stand alongside household items waiting for a second life. As we walk through the space, his deep knowledge of art and history becomes evident in the most unpretentious way.

“We have antiques and even artwork from 1800s-era Europe. We also acquired the totems from the Alice Hotel as part of the Phil Newton Estate,” he shares.

His enthusiasm grows as he talks about how these treasures were saved from the landfill. But his passion isn’t just for high-value antiques—he finds the same satisfaction in rescuing everyday items that might not fetch top dollar at an auction but still have plenty of life left.

“We found multiple $1,000 Miele vacuums and were able to use parts from one to repair the others,” he says proudly.

Creativity & ingenuity in repurposing

Discovering antiques, collectibles, and high-value items is only one part of Urban Repurpose’s mission. The organization also focuses on adding value to everyday objects that require a little ingenuity, elbow grease, or repairs to be useful again. 

“We’ve salvaged everything from used construction materials and furniture to swaths of lace and collectible vintage dolls from an antique dealer downsizing during the pandemic,” Riessner says.

Riessner’s passion for restoration extends to tools and household items.

“Many of the tools we use to repair and restore items are from the North Shore Recycling & Waste Centre. We’ve found and fixed several power tools, scrapped simply because they needed new batteries or minor repairs.”

He also frequently rescues cast iron pans–including one antique dating back to the 1800s–restoring them with time and effort so they can last for generations.

Education and Inspiration

Riessner believes that repurposing should extend beyond the store. He wants to empower people with the skills to restore and reuse items themselves. Urban Repurpose hopes to scale operations by offering free classes that teach people how to fix and repair items they own or acquire.

“I’d love to give people the space and confidence to do this themselves,” he says. However, one challenge is finding enough skilled individuals to teach these workshops.

His passion for resourcefulness is deeply rooted in his upbringing. His mother sewed clothes for him and his siblings, while his father, a civil engineer, loved to tinker.

“One summer, my father amazed all my friends by fashioning an electromagnetic lock for our garage door out of old washing machine components,” Riessner recalls. That same spirit of creativity and ingenuity fuels his work today.

“You inspire people through art,” he says while showing a piece of wall art made from dismantled clock components. One of the many creative art projects reimagined from cast offs.

For Riessner, waste isn’t an end—it’s an opportunity for renewal, creativity, and community connection.

Visiting the Urban Repurpose storefront shows that with a little effort and some imagination, nearly anything can be rescued from landfill purgatory and given a second life.

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.

April 2, 2025 in Blog, Uncategorized Comments (0)

Lynn Valley Life Easter Egg Hunt!

 

Our favourite Lynn Valley Life community event is finally back and it’s just around the corner!  Between hiding the all the eggs, seeing the happy kids and getting a high five from the Easter Bunny, it doesn’t get much better.

This year we are celebrating our FREE Easter Egg Hunt on Monday, April 21st at Viewlynn Park from 10am-noon with the hunt at 10:30am sharp! Due to the popularity of the event, any child age 10 and under is welcome. We kindly ask that parents participate with their children and that people are respectful to the volunteers who help make this event possible. We love that this tradition brings so many North Vancouver families out.

We will have our favourite face painters, balloon twisters, prizes, and our famous loot bags (while supplies last). 

Don’t forget your basket or bag! As in past years, we will stagger groups of kids with the youngest going first so they aren’t trampled by the older kids. Cross your fingers for sunshine and a whole bunch of bunny fun but the event will be happening rain or shine!

Proudly sponsored by ‘Your Local One Stop Shop’ at Lynn Valley Life ~ Oakwyn Realty, Central Agencies Insurance, Mortgage Dave and Senju Notary

April 2, 2025 in Blog, Community Events, Current News

From tallest to smallest: Bonsai take hold in Lynn Valley

Did you know that one of the tallest trees in the world ever recorded grew right here in Lynn Valley? That 410-foot Douglas fir was felled beside Argyle Road in 1902. Ironically, it’s now miniature trees that are capturing people’s attention just a stone’s throw away from there.

Some family bucket list ideas

The Lynn Valley Bonsai Group has been meeting in the downstairs hall of St. Clement’s Anglican Church for over two years, ever since group leader David Bailey wanted to give people a place to “hang out and build community” after the enforced isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

His timing may have been right for more than just social reasons. Over those periods of lock down, many people developed an interest in houseplants, backyard birds, and creative pursuits they previously hadn’t found time for. Those scores of people who had become dedicated to keeping their sourdough starter alive might be just the sort who would enjoy offering a similar level of attentiveness to a bonsai tree.

A beautiful dream

One of the regular attendees at Bonsai Night doesn’t mind driving in all the way from Guildford 

in Surrey to take part. A gardener by trade, he enjoys making friends over a shared passion, and is happy to support Bailey’s “beautiful dream” of a community built around bonsai.

Other members come from over the bridge as well, while some of course are North Van locals. Some have been doing bonsai for decades and others are rank beginners. The latter sometimes spend a number of evenings just watching the others at work, asking questions and working up the confidence to start on their own tree.

It is clearly a group of people who are happy to give tips to rookies. While other bonsai clubs usually offer a speaker series, this group prefers to get right down to their work and chat over their soil and trowels. 

West coast style

At our recent visit, group members described “West Coast” bonsai style as aiming to mimic nature as it is, rather than creating the perfect tree idealized in Japanese bonsai. Species that lend themselves to bonsai – junipers, some maples, Japanese citrus and winterberry, for example – must have foliage that will keep in proportion to the stunted height. 

By paying close attention to your tree, it will tell you what it needs, they say. Horticultural knowledge is garnered along the way as you learn what keeps your tree alive and well.

Wiring the branches and other techniques can be used to shape the form of the tree and, as one member explains, make it look “inviting” to the viewer. Pots are chosen carefully for their colour and shape, and moss, rocks, or other additions can be used to create a mini landscape.

“It’s supposedly relaxing,” he says wryly – while freely acknowledging its meditative aspect, he notes that a project is without its occasional challenges. 

All going well, though, your tree might even last longer than you will. Some maples may reach 100 years old, having passed through the hands of several stewards.

A free for all

There is no membership fee, and the group’s official meetings are the first and third Saturday of every month, from 7 to 9 p.m. The church hall is located at 3400 Institute Rd. An annual display at St. Clement’s showcases the group’s work in all its creative variety. 

For more information, contact the Lynn Valley Bonsai Group by emailing [email protected], or join its private Facebook group to keep abreast of meetings and shows.

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.

April 1, 2025 in Blog, Eco-Awareness & The Great Outdoors Comments (0)

Lynn Valley will split the election

There will be twice as many election signs lining Mountain Highway this year because for the first time Lynn Valley will be split down the middle. Half will remain in North Vancouver (currently represented by Jonathan Wilkinson) and half will join Burnaby-North Seymour (currently held by Terry Beech).

Divided

The multi-year evaluation of electoral boundaries in Canada culminated with public input and official changes taking effect in 2023. This will be the first federal election with Lyn Valley divided by Mountain Highway. Previously the community was represented by one member of Parliament – Johnathan Wilkson – with the riding of North Vancouver. 

During the process there were a few different scenarios dividing Howe Sound, West Vancouver, City of North Vancouver and the District of North Vancouver. Previous elections have had those East of Lynn Creek in the District join North Burnaby. For the first time, parts of Lynn Valley and Grand Boulevard will join them.  

“The system is reviewed after every 10 year census that is to make sure electoral boundaries are fair and reasonable and reflect the population and where growth has been” said Dr. Caroline Elliott, a sessional instructor in the Political Science Department at SFU. “The main thing they look at is population equality.” 

Dr. Caroline Elliott

The goal is to make sure each district has approximately the same population within a province, with considerations to keep language, culture and history considered to to keep communities together, she said. 

“One of the big things they look at are geographic boundaries that make sense in less dense communities. In Northern British Columbia to get a [riding] density the same as metro Vancouver, it would take up so much physical land that it would be very hard to physically move throughout the region to represent the people effectively,” said Elliott. 

“We might think what does Deep Cove have to do with Hastings Street but also think of one community in the Peace region and a town completely out of the region represented by the same person.”

Less about space, more about people

Having Lynn divided could have challenges and benefits. There are now two voices in Parliament representing the neighbourhood but the percentage of voices within the ridings will be smaller. 

“I think there are impacts on the representative and on the communities,” said Elliott. “It’s challenging when it might not be close to their home. [West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country] from Pemberton to Sechelt – that puts the onus on the representative to get to know and understand communities that may have very different interests. The impact on those being representative is getting your voice heard can be difficult if traveling is required to be heard. A riding like North Vancou

ver-Capilano is much more contained, representing Ambleside, Edgemont, North Vancouver and parts of Lynn Valley.”

A split like Lynn Valley has faced can be jarring.

“Generally communities like to be kept whole,” said Elliott. “A lot of people in Lynn Valley may be thinking ‘Are we going to get the attention our community needs if they only represent half the people?’ It’s an excellent question to ask candidates about how they will listen to your community.”

Despite the discomfort of change, Canadians can feel protected by the process of electoral boundaries, she said. The process is independent from politicians and happens regularly and with a rigorously defined process. 

“There is a lot that goes into being a representative beyond geographic boundaries. Like community and interest groups and once they have been elected it is their job to do their absolute best to represent each and every person who lives in that riding,” said Elliott. “Regardless of whether they voted for them or not or whether they live in the area they live in or not. More than a boundary, I think it is the person that gets elected that matters.

“Get engaged in the electoral process, ask the questions about how we will be represented, ensuring the candidates are thinking about the new communities they are representing.”

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.

April 1, 2025 in Blog, Governance and Services Comments (0)

Celebrating Persian New Year with local delights

With Persian New Year just around the corner, guest writer Nicole Palacios gives us a glimpse of the delights to behold at Lynn Valley’s Kourosh Bakery.

A cabinet of delights

Whenever I want to get a special cake for a birthday celebration, I always go to Kourosh Bakery in the Lynn Valley Mall. Not only are their cakes delicious, but the owner always remembers me – a trait I find hard to come by these days in most retail establishments. The smells that envelop you when you walk in the door are mesmerizing and the array of goodies behind the glass counters are pleasantly overwhelming. It’s hard to choose just one thing.

From amazing mocha cakes to chickpea cookies and baklava, this bakery has a little bit of everything. And they even deliver.

In speaking with the owner, Samaneh Zandieh, I was intrigued to find out a few things about Kourosh Bakery, like how they started, any obstacles they’ve had to overcome, specialties for Persian New Year, and why they chose Lynn Valley to open their bakery and call home.

Loving Lynn Valley

Zandieh was passionate about loving Lynn Valley, even before the bakery opened. She and her husband would come to Lynn Valley frequently to enjoy the nature and beauty that is our community. When they found the location for the bakery, it was easy to make the decision to open here. And now, after a few years, they are also able to call Lynn Valley home, living in a condo not far from where their business.

Opening Kourosh

Kourosh Bakery opened its doors in 2018. Zandieh and her husband, were looking for the perfect spot to open a bakery, and found it in the previous insurance office at 1248 Lynn Valley Road. The building was up for lease, and they thought it seemed like the perfect spot for them. 

At first glance, Samaneh thought the space was too small, but it turned out that there was enough space in the back for her husband to do the baking, while having a spacious storefront with all of the goodies displayed out front.

Small business bumps

Getting the space ready was a bit of a challenge, as they had to get many permits, she said. There were delays for eight months after getting the space, which made paying the rent an obstacle that the couple had to overcome. Generous support from the person they were subleasing from gave them a few months free on their rent to get on thier feet. 

This made all the difference and enabled them to do the work they needed on the bakery in order to open – from electrical to plumbing –  and start selling their baked goods, said Zandieh.

Covid Times

The bakery was established before Covid, adaptation and innovation helped the small business not only survive but thrive during the pandemic, said Zandieh. . The bakery closed for two weeks, like most other services at that time, but after that short time,  they reopened and were busier than ever.

“We started to deliver with UberEats and Doordash, which exposed us to new customers,” said Zandieh.  

Instead of having fewer customers, they were able to tap into a whole new market of people who were staying home and ordering in, during the tough time, their customer base grew extensively. 

Persian New Year

With many residents of North Vancouver hailing from Iran, Persian New Year is widely celebrated on the Spring Equinox. This year it takes place on March 20th. Kourosh has some amazing goodies like chickpea cookies, lady fingers, and coconut macaroons to place on your table to celebrate. 

Kourosh Bakery is in the Lynn Valley Mall, open six days a week, closed on Mondays. 

Written for LynnValleyLife.com by Nicole Palacios.

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March 2, 2025 in Blog, Merchant Mentions, Notable Neighbours Comments (0)

One Big Day with Bruce

Lynn Valley is home to many creative and interesting people, and one of them is Bruce Grierson. An award-winning writer and deep thinker, Grierson has spent years exploring human behaviour, personal growth, and what makes people tick. His project, One Big Day, is a simple but powerful idea: setting aside one full day to focus completely on something that truly matters to you. No distractions, no multitasking—just one day, one goal.

Who is Bruce Grierson?

If you’ve ever picked up The New York Times Magazine, Popular Science, The Walrus, Time Magazine, or Psychology Today, you’ve likely come across Grierson’s work. He has written for some of the biggest publications, tackling topics that range from longevity to the psychology of change. He’s also the author of books like What Makes Olga Run?, a fascinating look at the habits of a 94-year-old track star, and U-Turn, which explores why people make major life changes. His writing is engaging, relatable, and full of stories that make you think. Grierson firmly believes that “everyone has a story” — and through his work, he helps bring those stories to life.

The big idea of  ‘One Big Day’

Like most of us, Grierson found it challenging to carve out time for the things he truly wanted to do. We’re swamped with work, distractions, and endless obligations. One Big Day is his solution: dedicate one full day each month to focus exclusively on something important—whether it’s finishing a creative project, learning a new skill, or even just creating space to breathe. In the end, it’s these dedicated moments that turn into lasting memories.

Grierson also talks about how we approach our actions: anticipating, doing, and reflecting. Most of us spend our time simply “doing” without reflecting. Without reflection, our experiences don’t turn into lasting memories. According to Grierson, if you didn’t “write” the story—either literally or in your mind—you wouldn’t remember it. The story is what makes an experience memorable, turning ordinary moments into lasting memories.

How it works
The beauty of One Big Day is its simplicity. Pick a day, clear your schedule, and go all in. Grierson even suggests monthly themes to help guide your focus. For example, one month might be dedicated to learning something new, another to fixing something, or simply getting creative. 

The value of uninterrupted time

It’s about making real progress without the usual interruptions. This structured approach overtakes procrastination and makes it easier to make real progress. Grierson maintains that the continuous time dedicated to your project is more productive than the same amount of time broken up over weeks or months. With one day you do not have to pause to get set up, take down, or pivot to other tasks.

Ideas for a One Big Day in Lynn Valley
If you’re in Lynn Valley, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your One Big Day. Here are some ideas:

  • Get Outdoors & Create: Take a long hike through Lynn Canyon, then find a scenic spot to write, sketch, or snap some photos.
  • Finally, Tackle That Home Project: Whether it’s starting a garden, landscaping, or decluttering your space, use your day to check something off your list.
  • Give Back to the Community: Volunteer for a local group or event such as Lynn Valley Days.
  • Learn Something New: Try a new hobby—baking, woodworking, playing an instrument—and spend the day getting better at it.
  • Unplug & Reset: Go tech-free, get outside, meditate in the forest, or simply enjoy some uninterrupted time doing what makes you happy.

Building a community

To paraphrase Bruce – one of the coolest parts of One Big Day is the sense of community that’s growing around it. Grierson shares his experiences and stories from others who have tried it. By reflecting on and sharing these moments, we are reminded that taking time for personal passions can lead to meaningful change and great memories.

Why it matters 

Our attention is continually being pulled in different directions, and dedicating one full day to something important can feel like a game-changer. One Big Day isn’t about perfection—it’s about making progress in a way that feels doable. And who knows? That one day might be the catalyst for a bigger shift in your life than you ever expected. At the very least it’s sure to be a memorable story.

Want to learn more and see stories including  Lynn Valley locals and their One Big Day Projects? Check out Bruce’s blog onebigday.net.

Written for LynnValleyLife.com by Tina Homsy-Williams

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March 2, 2025 in Blog, Notable Neighbours Comments (0)

Helping kids to heal outside

There’s something about being out in nature that calms people’s minds and soothes the soul. Sarah Borthwick and Rosie Higgins wanted to harness that peaceful power for their work as occupational therapists working with children. They both dreamed of taking children’s therapy out into the great outdoors, and Forest Kids OT was born.

Forest Kids

Kids work with Borthwick and Higgins to build social and motor skills, balance and coordination, executive functioning, and sensory processing. Occupational therapy (OT) is a branch of health care that helps people of all ages who have physical, sensory, or cognitive problems. OT can help them regulate their emotions and regain independence in all areas of their lives. Forest Kids OT can help children become more confident, regulated, and aware of themselves and others.

“Rosie and I both really love the outdoors and see so many benefits for children in being in nature,” Borthwick says. “Nature is incredibly regulating and restorative, and we’ve seen this first-hand with our own children. We have both been OTs for many years, but learned more about pediatric nature-based OT in recent years and felt so drawn to it.

 “We both volunteer for our children’s cross-country ski club and we spent many hours last winter skiing together while dreaming of what Forest Kids OT could be,” she adds. “I took a certification course called ConTiGO, which is the professional standard in pediatric nature-based OT, and then we both took other courses which would help us provide best practice pediatric OT in a nature-based setting. We really believe children do well when they can, and being outdoors in nature is such a great environment to help them reach their goals and have fun in the process.”

Local forests are spaces to grow

Forest Kids OT is currently based in the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve, which Borthwick describes as a “beautiful and remote forest location away from the stressors of urban and everyday life.” (The two are considering adding an additional location in the future as well, possibly in central Vancouver as they get many inquiries for that.)

The pair offers occupational therapy in groups of up to six children aged four to nine in weekly 1.5-hour sessions for nine weeks. The small numbers give kids the opportunity to develop relationships with peers over time and work on peer relationships. 

Fully immersed in nature, the program consists of a mix of structured and unstructured, facilitated play. 

“We might be cooking over a camp stove, going on a scavenger hunt, doing an art activity, or playing collaborative games—all the while keeping in mind during the planning and throughout the sessions what each child’s goal is,” Borthwick says. “We also commonly integrate some content from a self-regulation or emotional regulation curriculum we are both certified in.[We also] communicate the information to the families so they can continue to support their child at home. Every activity is purposeful, but the kids just experience a fun morning outside. We want the children to enjoy being in our group and want to come back week after week.”

For Borthwick and Higgins, the work is incredibly fulfilling. 

“We love seeing the children become more comfortable and confident as the weeks progress and as they develop relationships with the other children and us,” Borthwick says. “It’s incredibly rewarding to get to know these amazing children and be a part of their lives and see them make progress on their therapy goals. It’s such a privilege to help children and families work towards their goals, and it’s so meaningful to develop lasting relationships with families.”

For more information about Forest Kids OT, visit https://www.forestkidsot.ca/

Written for LynnValleyLife.com by Gail Johnson

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March 2, 2025 in Blog, Eco-Awareness & The Great Outdoors Comments (0)

Raising voices to raise money

Have you ever dreamed about singing in a gospel choir? If movies like Sister Act get you up and dancing, guess what – now’s your chance to give spirited choral singing a try, and help Argyle Music students at the same time.

Voices together

Argyle Secondary School choir teacher Will Clements has teamed up with St. Clement’s Anglican Church, BC Choral Federation vice-president Kevin Zakresky, and Universal Gospel Choir director Lonnie Delisle to plan a day of choral collaboration for singers and listeners alike.

On Saturday, March 8, at 11:30, singers of all ages and abilities will work with Universal Gospel Choir director Lonnie Delisle, putting heart and soul into learning some tunes together. An afternoon concert will follow at 3:30 p.m., featuring not just the workshop singers, but performances from excellent Lower Mainland choirs including Maddalena’s Descant, Pacific Spirit Choir, the Argyle Chamber Choir, and the Universal Gospel Choir.

Supporting students

Clement, who leads Argyle’s vocal jazz and concert choirs as well as its chamber choir, describes the event as “the perfect everything coming all together.” He is “really excited” to be working collaboratively with St. Clement’s and local choir directors to host an event that will bring the choral community together.

As an added bonus, the workshop and concert will take place in Argyle’s atrium, a light-filled space with marvellous acoustics that Clement likens to a cathedral. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to visit the near-new school, here is your chance to do so.

Argyle Music has deep roots in the Lynn Valley community, with both band and choir programs proving a high-school highlight for many students throughout the decades. Will was happy to report that popular former choir teachers Janet Warren and Francis Roberts are still involved in the Argyle Music “family,” and he had hosted them both for tea just the week before his conversation with LynnValleyLife. Warren is a faculty advisor for new music teachers and drops by in that capacity, while Roberts often works as a teacher-on-call if Clement is absent.

Clement promises the workshop will be “very fun and engaging,” and anyone who comes to the concert is definitely in for a treat. All money raised will support the Argyle Music travel bursary fund, so that cost doesn’t stand in the way of students being able to attend music trips and retreats. 

 

Details for the events, and links to purchase tickets for the workshop or concert, can be found at www.stclementschurch.ca or www.argylemusic.ca.

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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 26, 2025 in Artistic Endeavours, Blog, Community Events, School News Comments (0)