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.
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.
We are back with our annual Easter colouring contest to celebrate spring!
There is hope that music and events will return to Lynn Valley Plaza this summer and the North Vancouver Recreation and Culture Commission has opened auditions for a return to its seasonal events.
The NVRC is in the thick of planning and preparing for a summer that looks more like 2019, that the past two pandemic years. It might not be a “back to normal” but the plans sound like it will be a big step forward.
“As we are once again able to gather, art expression, art-making, and creativity are a wonderful way to bring children, youth, adults, and seniors together,” said Jeremy Neill, marketing coordinator for the commission. “NVRC is currently accepting applications from emerging, mid-career, and professional artists.”
Performers and artists are welcome to submit their applications through April 30.
“This is an excellent opportunity for artists to conceive and showcase their work, creativity, skills, imagination and talent in a public space,” he said. “All art genres are welcome including visual and multidisciplinary arts, music, dance, and theatre.”
The programmers are aiming to encourage community engagement and highlight cultural richness and diversity. Successful applicants bring unique and engaging experiences that are intended for audiences in a variety of North Vancouver neighbourhoods and are delivered through outdoor workshops or performances.
For more details on the process and application details visit the NVRC website.
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.
As things slowly return to normal there are a handful of activities to check out during Spring Break and we are pleased to expect more to be offered as we head toward summer.
The Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre is offering both mini-camps and its wonderful Wildlife Weeks during Spring Break. Their camps are full (protip: become a member or sign-up for their newsletter to get an advance heads up for summer) but there are still in-person and virtual experiences for March 14-25 for their Wildlife Weeks. The suggested donation is $3.50 per person or $6 per family which is used to support other community organizations that share their knowledge during the Centre’s programs. Content is geared to ages 6+
“We have eight events, with six guest presenters,” said Cassie Allard, Ecology Centre education programer. “There are five online and three in-person events. We are so happy to be back being able to do something outside – to be able to look at some things, touch some things, and even taste some things. There is a lot happening – the birds are chirping and plants are starting to grow.”
This is a great time to be out in the canyon with spring solidly on its way. There are signs of salmonberry and huckleberry bushes plumping up, skunk cabbage (one of bears’ favourite post-hibernation foods) sprouting and ferns unfurling, she said.
“Our outdoor walks – are a bit of hiking,” said Allard. “There are lots of stairs so it is not stroller-friendly but babies that enjoy being in a carrier are welcome.”
Courtesy of Fur-Bearers
With the success of its pandemic pivot to online programs, the centre is reaching people from across Canada and the globe. Regular participants from the UK and New York join to learn more about our coastal rainforest, she said.
“The best chance to see some animals will be the Swoop and Soar presentation by the OWL Rehabilitation Centre. I think the Canada’s Superhero presentation about beavers will be a good one,” said Allard. “Presenting for the first time for us is Dana Eye, a biologist who is passionate about rattlesnakes – but I don’t think there will be any live rattlesnakes at that one.”
If organized events aren’t your thing, the Ecology Centre is also open for visitors.
“We have so many things going on,” said Allard. “The gift shop is freshly stocked. We have a colouring contest for Wildlife Weeks. We have two family scavenger hunts – one indoor and one outdoor.”
If family programming isn’t your thing, the centre has its gardening series launching this Saturday (scroll part way down this page for details). From starting seeds to babying tomatoes to protecting pollinators and much more are on offer.
Following Wildlife Weeks the Ecology Centre will also be hosting its adult One Earth Series beginning April 2 which are suitable for those 15+.
A reminder: if visiting or participating in an in-person program, Lynn Canyon Park now has pay parking and residents can apply for a permit 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.
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.
There is a whole lot of love to celebrate this month as families and loved ones mark both Valentine’s Day and Family Day. Just seven days apart there is a chance to show those you care in many ways. We have our picks to celebrate this bright spot in the dark winter season.
The North Vancouver Public Library is celebrating the love this Valentine’s Day – it’s a perfect celebration of the diversity of birthed and found families. For young readers, they have selected this curated list that covers everything from the Gen-X favourite Sharon, Lois and Bram’s Skinnamarink to last year’s The boy who loved everyone – a celebration of the love that is beyond words.
For the teen or tween in your life edging closer to love here are some picks to check out. If love and romance remain on the avoid list, these great books are guaranteed free of romance but full of a great story.
As we experience another February sticking closer to home, adults can celebrate and settle in at home with some modern – and classic – romance books. To create that warm fuzzy feeling without going too deep down the rom-com movie list, NVDPL has put together a list of feel-good films. Our pick from the list is Hidden Figures. And lastly, cuddle up and get comfy for a romantic movie. While some classics make this list, there is also action.
There are three ways to show your love with food but not everyone has the time to cook a fancy meal on a weeknight – so there are two other options: get something delivered or go out for a bite. There are plenty of great local restaurants to order take-out from, but if you want to go the extra mile, grab a bottle of wine and have a grazing platter delivered. Lynn Valley’s Folia Events offers local cheese and charcuterie with tasty accompaniments. Special for Valentine’s is the Brigadeiro (a Brazilian dessert, similar to a truffle) and the Decadent – a stunning reclaimed cedar box filled with delicacies, including a bottle of bubbly.
Heading out for a bite – the Black Bear Neighbourhood Pub is our pick. Their Valentine’s special is a steak with a lobster bearnaise, loaded baked potato and asparagus for $30. We suggest you up that to a three-course dinner ($40) featuring a choice of lobster bisque or salad, the steak special, and a dessert choice of their famous Chocolate Nemesis cake or Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake. If you can’t wait until Valentine’s the special dinner is also available on Saturday night.
Toping the local list of Family Day fun is Free Family Skate at Karen Magnussen from 1-2:30pm. North Van Rec has plenty of other free family events on Family Day. There are swimming and activity drop-ins, even pottery. Check out their page for details some activities require booking.
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 lights will shine again in Lynn Valley Dec. 5. The Lynn Valley Community Association is returning with its Parade of Trees at Lynn Valley Village and Lynn Valley Centre Plaza.
The Parade of Trees will be ongoing until Jan. 1. The 11th annual community event brings together local schools, businesses, community organizations and faith groups to decorate Christmas trees in their own unique way. Returning this year is the public’s chance to vote for their favourite tree. Do you love the themes? The lights? Pick up a ballot and wander through to find the tree that sparks some holiday joy.
There are still event limitations for covid safety but there are some special days to pop in with the family. There are three events returning in December.
Dec. 5th, 5:30 pm, Annual Parade of Trees Lantern Parade
Join North Van Rec for the annual Parade of Trees Lantern Parade on Sunday.
Meet outside of the Community Room at Lynn Valley Village (look for the NVRC flags).
Together bring light to Lynn Valley Village Plaza! All are invited to create a festive lantern with a lantern craft kit, or, be inspired to make your own!
Contact NVRC Community Events for Information [email protected] or 604-983-6575
Dec. 18th & 19th from 4:30 – 6:00 pm, Roving Carolers
Roving Carolers will bring festive acapella music to the backdrop of the festively decorated Lynn Valley Village Plaza. Come by and enjoy the magic of Christmas in the Village.
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.
For eight years the lights have been twinkling behind Ruth Crescent. The almost hidden path behind Froggy Pad Daycare has been bringing neighbourhood smiles, raising money and shedding much-needed attention on underserved community issues. You are invited to visit the magical walk this December.
In the cold and rain of late November, the Lee/Bassett family is carefully running last-minute checks of their community light display. With the first phase of the display lit up on December 1st, they still have music to add and a light show to program. Each year there is a little more to do on the community display in hopes of accomplishing two simple goals: delight the neighbourhood and support a valuable community cause: Team Finn.
“There are about 80,000 lights,” estimated Jamie Bassett. “There are three trees with 2,000 each, so that is 6,000 right there.”
Bassett and his sons Christopher and Nicholas are the primary executioners of wife/mom Catherine Lee’s vision. She is the owner of Froggy Pad and is deeply passionate about raising awareness of important community issues. The back property and fence have a rotating showcase drawing attention to important causes.
“Catherine received a grant to help create them. There is a teacher who does all the drawings and stencils and I help make the boxes. There are about eight different themes throughout the year,” said Bassett offering the examples of Black Lives Matter, Every Child Matters Indigenous support and Terry Fox.
All year, along the forest path behind Ruth Crescent (accessed via the driveway of 4375 Ruth Cres.) there are a variety of displays to encounter. Larger spectacles for Halloween and Christmas raise money for the Burn Fund and Team Finn.
“This is really a community effort,” said Bassett. “We have a neighbour help us set up and provide the electricity and another neighbour stores the lights and display items in their crawl space. We don’t have any storage with the daycare, so we simply couldn’t do it without our neighbours.”
Ever evolving, previous versions of the light display have used other properties and both sides of the path. This year the focus is on the Froggy Pad property after the District of North Vancouver ask them at Halloween to remove lights from the Districts’ side of the path.
“People asked if they could help pay for the display and we thought we can do that but let’s support a good cause. Finn was planning to attend our daycare with his brother, so it was natural that we support their cancer research,” said Bassett. “Last year we raised about $1500. People just do it.”
Donations can be made at the front door of Froggy Pad Daycare at 4367 Ruth Cres. The entrance to the light path can be found just to the right via the neighbouring driveway.
“Come by and enjoy this Upper Lynn community project,” he said.
Photos courtesy of Christopher Lee.
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.
Without the community pumpkin patches turning up in local schoolyards, we are opening our office doors for you to come Pick-A-Pumpkin for FREE!
With so many closures and loss of community gatherings, we are missing the annual pumpkin patches that take place across the street from our offices. It is a great way to kick off the fall season, raise some money and have some fun. We will be supporting Lynn Valley Elementary and Lynn Valley Parent Participation Preschool with the financial donations we would usually make to their Pumpkin Patches and we are inviting you to come by our office and pick up a FREE PUMPKIN! LynnValleyLife.com is partnering with our office neighbours Central Agencies Insurance to help make Lynn Valley a little more festive this Halloween.
We encourage you to make a donation to the schools when come by but it is optional. Registration below:
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.