Mark your calendars for the Great Lynn Valley Neighbourhood Garage Sale. From mountain to mountain, valley wide homes will be selling their wares Saturday, May 25th, 9-noon.
Mark your calendars for the Great Lynn Valley Neighbourhood Garage Sale. From mountain to mountain, valley wide homes will be selling their wares Saturday, May 25th, 9-noon.
Spring Break is looming on the horizon and there are plenty of activities happening in Lynn Valley to help keep kids busy, try something new and perhaps learn something disguised as fun.
The Ecology Centre hoping families stop by over spring break for drop-in (no registration required, but first come first serve basis) programs throughout the two weeks. Its Wildlife Weeks are bound to inspire and educate. The goal is to help families learn about the rich biodiversity of our planet from the experts who care for wildlife.
All programs are by donation, recommended $3.50 per person or $6 per family, per program. Cash and card donations are accepted. In addition to the special programs the centre will be open for visits and has new indoor and outdoor take away activity sheets, colouring contest, and crafts.
Storytime with a local conservationist for all ages – March 13 10:30-11:15am. Mark Angelo will be leading an interactive reading of his children’s book The Little Creek That Could. Learn the value of our local waterways and how you can play a part in repairing them.
Day in the life of a park ranger for ages 5+ – March 13, 1-2pm. Who looks after our beautiful parks and how do they do it? Get a special behind-the-scenes look at the Lynn Canyon Ranger Station and discover the duties of a hard-working Park Ranger.
Go Fish BC for ages 5+ – March 15, 10:30-11:30am. Learn about freshwater habitats, conservation and how to fish responsibly with the Freshwater Fisheries of BC. Try a dry-land cast to get ready for that next family fishing trip! Includes fish identification and biology, equipment set-up, and safety.
Felting local plants and animals for ages 5+ – March 15, 2-3pm. Learn how to felt an animal, plant, fungi or bug using needle felting techniques. All equipment provided, please consider donating extra to cover the cost of supplies.
Wild neighbours with the Fur-Bearers for ages 5+ – March 16, 1-2pm. Wild animals don’t just live “in the wild” – wildlife is all around us.Learn more about our wild neighbours and live alongside them respectively.
Treetop Tales storytime for ages 2+ – March 17, 11-11:30am. Listen to stories, songs and rhymes about nature! Every first and third Friday of the month.
Urban wildlife with biologist Dr. Tom Flower for ages 5+ – March 20, 10:30-11:30am. Have you ever wondered what animals are doing when we’re not looking? Discover which creatures are roaming the forests by watching secret camera footage.
Park range walk and talk for ages 5+ – March 20, 1-2pm. Learn about the exciting career of a Park Ranger. Enjoy a guided walk through the park, including the suspension bridge. Discover how you can keep safe while having fun in our community’s green spaces.
Forest bathing guided walk with Tracy Chalmers for all ages – March 22, 12:30-2pm. Relax among the trees and absorb the wonders our forest has to offer! Forest Bathing is a slow, mindful experience with stillness and sitting.
Family nature walk for all ages – March 23, 1-2:30pm. Enjoy a guided nature walk over the suspension bridge and around the 30ft pool loop. Begin with a brief intro to the rainforest and end with an inside close-up of some of the smallest inhabitants of the park.
Owls of British Columbia for ages 8+ – March 24, 11am-12pm. Join award-winning photographer and ornithologist Liron Gertsman for an indoor intro to the remarkable owls of BC! Discover their unique and fascinating qualities.
Head over to the library at Lynn Valley Village for these fun programs.
Family Fun Time for ages 0-5, March 14 & 21 – 10:30am-12pm. Toys and books are provided – bring your little ones and enjoy a cozy space to connect and play with other families.
Lego Time for ages 4 – 12, March 15 & 22 – 10am-12pm Drop in for free and get ready to build. Your task will be to let your imagination run wild. Play, create and experiment as you choose.
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.
Kirkstone Park will be buzzing with free family fun this weekend. The Lynn Valley Community Association is launching their Family Fun Fair Saturday, September 10 from 10 am – 2 pm.
The Lynn Valley Community Association is bringing together local businesses
and community groups for what it hopes in a new annual event this Saturday.
“We wanted to do something that would be fun for the whole family and not cost a lot,” said Shannon Epp, LVCA treasurer. “Things are getting expensive.”
On the agenda for Saturday is face painting, games and relays, a dunk take and more – all free to families. There will also be a DNV Firefighters Charitable Society BBQ with food donated by Save-On-Foods supporting their causes.
The event was born out of the goal of bringing the community out to participate in some old-fashioned fun.
“We have gone through two-and-a-half years of covid,” said Epp. “We [the LVCA] do our Christmas Tree [Parade] and wanted to do something else. We started thinking: ‘What was fun when we were growing up?’”
Discussions came to the conclusion that the joy of the classic sports day was the way to launch what the association hopes is an annual event.
“We want people to have fun,” she said. “This is the first year. We have had a positive response – we hope it grows and more people get involved in future years.”
With the event a few days away, there is still hope a few more volunteers will offer their time. Volunteers can contact the LVCA at [email protected]. The events kick off at 10 am on September 10 and wraps up at 2 pm at Kirkstone Park. Walking or rolling is encouraged.
“I want to see people smiling, laughing and having fun,” said Epp.
Come out and see Jim & Kelly as they host the family games. Lots of fun with potato sack, 3-legged and egg and spoon races. Plus the always entertaining balloon toss! We can’t wait!
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.
The return of music and family fun to Lynn Valley Village is going strong. On the schedule are games, bands and Bollywood.
Evenings at Lynn Valley Village have a lot to offer this month. From classics to dance lessons. There will be a variety of sounds and styles to get families moving from 6-8 pm.
August 10: The vintage fabulous trio Beauty Shop Dolls will fill the plaza with harmonies while kids can take advantage of the craft table. . Performing classics from the roaring 1920s Great Gatsby era, the swinging 1940s dance halls, and boppin’ 1950s radio hits, these dolls know how to woo any crowd into an old fashioned love affair. The perfect blend of lush vocals, gorgeous retro costumes, and classic dance choreography, Beauty Shop Dolls leave anyone with a sweet tooth for musical delight well satisfied.
August 17: Bollywood dance expert Rohan D’Silva will be offering a lesson to get Lynn Valley on board with one of Canada’s fastest growing dance styles. There will also be music from the Mark James Fortin Band to round out the evening. Lead by local teach Mark James Fortin, the band has been described as raw, powerful, and dynamic. Mark’s wide appeal is based on skill, talent and an uncompromising desire to offer music with heart. This vibrant band has been seen performing all over the North Shore. Plus, crafts for the kids.
August 24: It’s another night of Bollywood dancing with Rohan D’Silva and a chance to learn Mediterranean dancing with Pooneah Alizadeh. Alizadeh is the award-winning artistic director of the Academy of Middle Eastern Dance. The artistic direction of her academy is based on a fusion of Middle Eastern dance, folkloric dances and ballet influences — including belly dance. With more than 18 years of teaching experience in Canada, she is bound to get you moving. And, of course, crafts!
These high-energy shows from 1-3 pm, Sundays, are redefining what you think of when you hear “brass” band. These are not retro-parade marching bands but eclectic, dynamic groups to get you moving.
August 7: Filipinx-Canadian multi-instrumentalist and loop artist, Alex Meher’s performances showcase his musical instincts. The solo artist builds songs layer by layer as he performs percussion, electric guitar, soulful vocals, keys, synth, SPDS drum pad and alto sax. With lush layers, complex harmonies, and a driving rhythm, his music will make the crowd move.
August 14: Inspired by Eastern-European roots, via East Vancouver’s Balkan Schmalkan is a dancy party orchestra. Their funky brass dance beats are rooted in the living aural traditions of the Roma and Klezmorim of Eastern Europe and blended with a mixture of pop, funk, and jazz. Members of the group sing in 6 languages including Serbian, Romani, and Italian.
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.
Later this month local artist Caroline Liggett will host a night of brushes and brews at Wildeye Brewing. It’s a chance to have some fun, try something new and take home a piece of art at the end of the evening.
Lynn Valley’s Liggett is heading down the hill to Wildeye Brewing, Tuesday, August 16 from 7-9 pm to guide new artists through a paint party.
“It’s really fun, I am goofy and silly which takes the pressure off,” she said.
Well-versed over the past two years in Zoom paint parties, Liggett is pumped to pick up and share her techniques with the public again.
“We used to do this all the time at restaurants. I have been slowly returning to small private groups and continuing my lessons but this is my first one [since the pandemic began] that is open to the public. I’m excited.”
The idea is simple: bring an apron or clothes that can survive a bit of paint and Liggett will take care of the rest.
“Show up a bit early, have a bite to eat, grab a pint and everything is set up for you,” she said. “I have the supplies and I guide you through the steps. You will have a piece of art you will want to hang at the end of the night.”
August 16, would-be artists will be painting a grove of cedar trees.
“This is geared to the beginner painter, but it will be a good time for someone with a bit of experience who wants to share the evening with friends. It’s not a technical painting. I have done it before and broken it down so I can teach it step-by-step.”
Directions will be given throughout the evening with Liggett floating between artists to offer one-on-one support.
As a busy working mom, Liggett became an artist through grief. In a search for beatuy to help overcome the loss of her sister, Liggett began to create.
“It’s almost like therapy,” she said. “I think over the last few years mental health has suffered for so many people.”
It is also an excellent way to connect and learn something.
“I was an education assistant and I use that training when working with children. I work with many families of children with autism and families I met in the school system. As special needs kids age out of school, there aren’t a lot of opportunities. I love working with them.”
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Art can mean many things to the artist. It’s relaxation, it’s creative, it’s fun, said Liggett.
“It’s about having fun. It’s usually mostly women, so if you are looking to meet an artistic babe…” laughs Liggett. “There are lots of opportunities to laugh and try something new.”
To register for the Aug. 16, Wildeye Brewing event, the cost is $35 per person and can be done by contacting Liggett. The deadline to register is Aug 14. Visit her website, Facebook or Instagram to connect with her.
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.
We chose to live close to nature when we all made homes in Lynn Valley. As summer ticks along and we try to take advantage of dry(er), sunny(-ier) days by embracing our outdoor neighbourhood, there are a number of chances to learn something while we are at. The Wild Bird Trust at Maplewood Flats and the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre are offering some education programs throughout the summer.
Nestled on the shores of Burrard Inlet, the Wild Bird Trust at Maplewood Flats has the goal to provide wild birds with sanctuary through ecological protection and restoration, and to support communities with education, culture, and reconciliation programs. Much of their programming is led by First Nations experts to provide learning opportunities to decolonize local ecology education.
July 16, 11 am-1 pm Basics of Nature Photography with Shou Ye Gauthier. $20
The nature walk and nature photography workshop will include a photo walk around the site and guidance from workshop leads on the technical aspects of lighting and composition when shooting nature with a digital camera. You can bring a camera or just bring your smartphone to shoot with. We welcome folks with no knowledge or lots of experience. All welcome.
Participants will have the opportunity to submit an image to our annual photography exhibition titled “Framing Our Relations: Annual Wild Bird Trust Photo Exhibition.” Participants will receive a print of your photograph(s). The photography exhibit celebrates and reflects the traditional and ancestral relationship of the Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish Nations to the land on which Maplewood Flats resides.
Registration is required or emailing [email protected].
July 21, 7-8:30 pm, Native Plant Advocacy in Salish Lands hosted by Senaqwila Wyss. Free. Online
The Wild Bird Trust will be hosting an in-depth conversation on pesticide use in the Lower Mainland and its effects on local Indigenous nations.
Angelina Hopkins Rose is addressing threats to traditional plant gathering practices of Interior Salish and Coastal Salish First Nations People, due to BC Timber Sales pursuing a Glyphosate-based Pest Management Plan. Her research and advocacy have contributed to the resurgence of awareness about the importance of traditional foods and medicines, as well as confronting the lack of self-determination local First Nations have in their own lands. Angelina and her partner Ronnie Dean Harris will be highlighting the importance of access to traditional plants. Senaqwila Wyss is Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), Tsimshian, Sto:lo, Hawaiian and Swiss. She holds a Bachelors of the Arts Degree in the faculty of Communications, Arts and Technology, minor in First Nations Studies. She also holds a First Nations Languages Proficiency Certificate and Diploma in the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim. Senaqwila is the Coast Salish Programs Coordinator at Maplewood Flats. Register on Eventbrite for the online event.
The Ecology Centre is offering mini camps, Treetop Tales and its Summer Nature Club.
There are still spaces in three of its Mini Camps. Join Ecology Centre naturalists for three days of adventures, fun and outdoor education. Suitable for children ages 5 to 8 or 8 to 12. Each mini-camp costs $83.00. Get 15% off mini-camps with a family Ecology Centre membership. Please ensure you have read the Centre’s Covid-19 Policies, which includes their refund policies.
Phone 604-990-3755 to register.
Take a Hike
Wednesday, July 20 to Friday, July 22, 1-4 pm
Ages 8-12
Go on an afternoon adventure through Lynn Canyon Park and beyond, learning about local plants and wildlife and playing games along the way.
Deer Discovery
Wednesday, August 10 to Friday, August 12, 1-4 pm
Ages 5-8
Explore the realm of our local Columbian black-tailed deer, and see what it eats and where it travels through the forest.
Eco-Experiments
Monday, August 15 to Wednesday, August 17, 9:30 am-12:30 pm
Ages 8-12
Dig in and discover what makes our ecosystem tick. We’ll investigate animals and explore the forces at work in nature with experiments, projects, and games.
The centre also offers the interactive storytime Treetop Tales for ages two and up, with an adult on the first and third Fridays of the month. This summer, Treetop Tales will be held outdoors in our covered back walkway. Masks are recommended for adults and distancing will be possible. Please stay home if you’re not feeling well.
July 15, Aug. 5 & 19th 10-10:30am, by donation.
New this year is the Imagine and Explore Series. During these adult-participation programs for children ages 3-8, you’ll explore Lynn Canyon Park and enjoy learning about local plants and animals, both big and small. Each program in the Imagine & Explore series incorporates a walk, a story, and a simple craft to take home.
Tickets are $11 plus fees per child. You do not need to purchase a ticket for the accompanying adult.
July 23 – Hole in One – 10 am-noon, Register here. Learn how woodpeckers are an important part of the Ecosystem.
Aug. 13 – Hum and Buzz, register here.
Aug. 20 – Going Batty, register here.
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.
It looks like programming and events might be returning to Lynn Valley Village this summer! There are dates scheduled for both music and family games on the calendar.
A little piece of the Vancouver International Jazz Fest is hitting Lynn Valley Village plaza on June 26. Toronto’s Kobo Town will deliver its redefinition of Calypso music and Caribbean sound. It will be a chance to get the whole family moving during the free concert from 2-4 pm.
“Kobo Town will be a perfect band for a sunny afternoon in Lynn Valley Village,” said Fiona Black, producer, North Shore Jazz Series in partnership with TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival. “Typically for the Lynn Valley show, we strive to get an upbeat, family-friendly, fun band that will get folks dancing and enjoying the summer vibe in that great location. Drew Gonsalves, the leader of the band, hails from Trinidad and brings a very authentic calypso Caribbean sound mixed with ska and reggae for an irresistible, danceable blend of intoxicating beats.”
Starting June 25, there are eight events in eight days bringing both Canadian and international jazz to the North Shore Jazz Series. The events are produced independently through The BlueShore at CapU in partnership with the TD Jazz Festival. It was born out of a series of highlighting students’ achievements that was extended to partner with Coastal Jazz to create the NS Jazz Series. The BlueShore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts will be offering four ticketed events this year with additional four free community concerts.
“I was conscious of developing a series that was distinctive from the offerings of the main festival and not attempt to compete with their shows,” said Black. “It made NSJ delve into many genres beyond jazz to make it a unique offering that would be complementary to the main festival.”
The events are an opportunity to hear something new.
“Jazz in the context of jazz festivals certainly is more of an umbrella term inclusive of many styles and genres,” she said. “In addition to our purely jazz offerings, NSJ offers blues and world music which are certainly related to jazz and often employ some improvisation and stylistic similarities. The TD jazz festival is a great opportunity to be open to new sounds, new bands and new experiences with lots of free and accessible options.”
Doing a little digging, it appears North Vancouver Rec is adding additional programming on Tuesdays and Thursdays evenings in the plaza with Family Big Games starting June 28 but the organization would not confirm any specific information at this time. Check out their page sometime in the future.
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.
One of Lynn Valley’s most missed traditions is returning for the first time since 2019: Lynn Valley Days. Block off your calendar for July 15 & 16 for the gala, parade and festival.
It has been a quiet couple of years. As the world slowly opens again the Lynn Valley Lions are ready to bring the beloved Lynn Valley Days community festival back.
“We are excited,” said Tania Newman, LV Lions secretary and co-producer of Lynn Valley Days. “We are seeing a lot of interest in the parade and exhibitors – it seems like people are keen to come back.”
Throughout its more than century of history, LV Days has taken place in just about every month from May to September, and this year the club has moved the event to July.
“This is 100 percent a weather decision,” said Newman. “July might present some challenges with people on summer vacation but the weather hasn’t been the best in May or June. I can remember my first year – it was miserable, torrential rain.”
With the planning process given the green light, LV Days will be much the same as previous years with special care given to covid-safety.
“We are an open-air event, and we hope people take as much space as they need to enjoy the event. We have changed the layout a bit and are thinking about how to best manage lines,” she said. “Our discussions with the District of North Vancouver have us asking that parade participants don’t hand anything out.”
Besides the goal of limiting contacts, the move is also to reduce the environmental footprint of the event.
The event of the season
The classic festival that residents have come to love with rides and attractions, fair food, the community stage and exhibitors is ready to hit the field again.
“We have some new ideas for food service,” said Newman. “And for the first time, we will have Lynn Valley wood carver [Ben Hemara] creating a piece on site.”
Also returning is the Friday night Gala.
“We have a great party band – Side One – that will get the tent jumping. We are bringing in some of the carnival fun that is part of the main festival. Never before have we had the candy floss at the gala and this year we will have an adult snow cone.”
The night will focus on friends, food and fun with so many people ready to enjoy Lynn Valley.
“People are looking to celebrate.”
The Lions are also using Lynn Valley Days to celebrate their more than 50 years of community work.
“What I am most proud of is the Lions’ ability to react,” said Newman. “Just days before 2018 Lynn Valley Days we had the tragic Mountain Village Garden Apartment fire where two people died. We saw the community come together and we were able to act as a collection place for donations. Ever since then, the [Lynn Valley] Lions have had a community emergency fund and the Lynn Valley community donates throughout the year.
“We are able to get people what they need. We are independent and mobilize quickly. We don’t have to deal with the red tape of the government or some related organizations. We have grass-root connections and we are transparent.”
Most recently they lept into action partnering with Fraser Valley charities to support flood victims and dedicating a portion of the Christmas tree funds to directly benefit more than 16 families who were flooded out of their homes.
Unlike many volunteer organizations that collapsed during the pandemic, the LV Lions grew. And unlike many other chapters, many of the new members are young – diversifying the skills of the group, said Newman.
“We do have a lot of fun but we are a humanitarian organization,” said Newman. “The international Lions’ slogan fits: ‘Where there is a need, there is a lion.’”
While the group grows, with such a long pause on Lynn Valley Days, it will be many members’ first time participating on the organizing side.
“The people here are amazing, this is going to be a good festival – it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
To register as an exhibitor or parade participant or to purchase gala tickets visit lvlions.com. Get ready to enjoy Lynn Valley Days on July 15 and 16th, 2022.
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.
Mark your calendars for the Great Lynn Valley Neighbourhood Garage Sale. From mountain to mountain, valley wide homes will be selling their wares Saturday, May 25th, 9-noon.
Returning May 13, 2023 – Details to come soon.
Originally published 2022:
Saturday, May 7, 2022, marks the return of community events to Lynn Valley as the Outdoor Safety and Emergency Preparedness Open House comes to Argyle Secondary School and Lynn Valley Park from 11 am-2 pm. From helicopters to search and rescue dogs, from food trucks to instructional workshops, the family event aims to bring the community together and make it a little safer.
“We are so excited to welcome the community again,” said Lisa Dalla Vecchia, communications manager for SD44. “We provide education to K to 12 students but we have a strong connection to the community. We always think of what we can do, and this builds on our partnership with North Shore Rescue.”
Last year SD44 and North Shore Rescue worked together to bring local families a “Survive your own adventure” interactive video. Building on that success, coupled with the lack of engagement opportunities during the pandemic, the idea of a community event was born. The small team, Dalla Vecchia, Adam Baumann, director of instruction, and Maddy Phillips, communications assistant, have been working for months with the previous Superintendent Mark Pearmain, Acting Superintendent Syliva Russell, Argyle staff, the DNV, and numerous organizations to kick-off endemic community events again.
“We are craving connection,” said Dalla Vecchia. “Some of the events of the past few years – wildfires, floods – have raised interest in emergency preparedness. Lynn Valley is a tight community. Since its launch, we have viewed Argyle Secondary as a community asset and we are excited to welcome the public.“
One of the biggest draws for families – besides education booths – will be access to a variety of rescue vehicles – land, sea and air – available for up-close interaction.
Photo: NSR
“Just before the event begins at 11 am, North Shore Rescue’s helicopter will be landing at Lynn Valley Park,” said Dalla Vecchia. As the helicopter arrives and departs there will be very temporary traffic and pedestrian control.
There will be much more to see at Argyle. North Shore Rescue is planning to bring most of its fleet, along with a boat from the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue, a ladder truck for CNV Fire Department, and the wildfire resources from the DNV Fire Rescue Service, said Dalla Vecchia.
With limited parking at Argyle’s upper lot, Lynn Valley Elementary and St. Clement’s Anglican Church. Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the free bike valet at Argyle or walk to the event.
Fourteen community organizations will be onsite with education booths covering everything from earthquakes to community biking. There will be opportunities to ask questions, participate in interactive exhibits and perhaps take home some knowledge or a prize or two.
Six organizations are also offering educational workshops for pre-registered participants.
“The workshops will take place inside Argyle,” said Dalla Vecchia. “It is a fully accessible school. There are still some workshop spaces available and we have been able to add a few more spaces for North Shore Rescue presentations that had been ‘sold out.’”
The DNV Fire and Rescue Services presentations on protecting, preventing, and preparing for wildfires, and the North Shore Black Bear Society’s cohabitating with bears presentations will be especially relevant to residents of Lynn Valley.
“NSEM is truly excited to join the North Vancouver School District for this amazing family event and to celebrate Emergency Preparedness Week,” said Emily Dicken, director, North Shore Emergency Management. There’s never been a better time to ‘get prepared’! Our staff and volunteers will be there, eager to answer all questions, and help attendees give our prize wheel a spin.”
Conscious of creating a family experience the Girl Guides will be offering crafts for kids – and selling their cookies! There will also be four food trucks on-site to keep tummies full. Another family highlight will be a chance to meet the working dogs of North Shore Rescue.
“A thank you to the community and residents for their support. We hope people come, have fun and learn something.”
Details
The Outdoor Safety and Emergency Preparedness Open House takes place Saturday, May 7 at Argyle Secondary School, 1131 Frederick Road, from 11 am-2 pm. For more information or to register for presentations visit the event webpage.
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.