Many events around Lynn Valley have certain things in common: hearty neighbourhood attendance, the likelihood of rain, and someone running around in the background with a yellow vest.
Many events around Lynn Valley have certain things in common: hearty neighbourhood attendance, the likelihood of rain, and someone running around in the background with a yellow vest.
The North Vancouver Museum – the one tucked away quietly at Chesterfield and West Fourth Street for decades – is shutting up shop at the end of April.
That’s good news – it’s all in preparation for the exciting new museum to be built adjacent to Lonsdale Quay – but at the same time it’s always hard saying goodbye to an old friend. So why not pop down for a look at the displays while you have the chance? Take a glimpse into the kitchens, school rooms and shops of early North Vancouver, and peek into the wall-mounted memory boxes that encapsulate the reminiscences of some of our neighbours who grew up here – among them well-known volunteer Del Dimock and North Shore News photographer Mike Wakefield, both residents of Lynn Valley.
Featured currently is an exhibit on Chief Dan George: Actor and Activist, and it’s a thoughtful window into the chief’s extraordinary life that played itself out here on the shores of Burrard Inlet, on the ancestral lands of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, as well as in Hollywood where George was best known for his role as Old Lodge Skins in Little Big Man, playing alongside Dustin Hoffman. Chief Dan George’s voice continues to be heard in his evocative writings about the indigenous experience of the land, as in his collection of verse that includes the title poem, My Heart Soars.
The North Vancouver Museum is open by donation, from Thursday to Sunday, noon to 5 (closed stat holidays) and the address is 209 West 4th St.
From the old to the new, you can then take a trip into the much different environment of the Polygon Gallery, the modern silver-sided building located on a new inlet-edge walkway between Tap & Barrel and Lonsdale Quay. Open by donation until the end of 2020 with the support of BMO Financial Group, the Polygon Gallery is showcasing photos and artworks that reflect North Vancouver – past and present – back to its citizens in myriad forms and styles. Be sure to pick up the info-packed guide to the N. Vancouver exhibit, and visit the second-floor bookshop for photo and art books on a range of topics and places.
The Polygon Gallery is open from Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More info is right here.
The deadline for the Vancouver Foundation’s Neighbourhood Small Grants is fast approaching. You have until April 9 to take advantage of this growing program. Each year many locals take advantage of the $50 – $500 grants given to fund community initiatives.
“The goal is about connecting and engaging the community,” said Tricia Alsop, of the North Shore Neighbourhood House which oversees the program in North Vancouver. “Community doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone. It doesn’t need to be a project with your neighbours. Last year we gave out about 80 grants.”
Since 2011 the North Shore has been apart of the Vancouver Foundation’s Neighbourhood Small Grants program. The grants are given to projects that bring people together, share skills and knowledge, build a sense of belonging, responsibility, and respect and celebrate diversity, according to the Foundation.
“We had hosted a block party – a potluck kind of party the first year we moved here,” said Lynn Valley’s Shannon Samler, a recipient of a 2017 grant. “Someone told us about these grants so we thought – why not [apply]? It was very easy to do.”
Easy access
“The goal is to make it available to everyone,” said Tricia Alsop. “The application is online but we also have paper applications. If people need help, we can help them work through it. It is supposed to be easy.”
For most projects the most labour-intensive piece is creating a budget.
“It’s a simple process,” said Samler. “Putting together the budget help me think about what I wanted to do. We wanted to take on the responsibility of the main course part of the food and provide a few extras – like face painting.”
The Samlers’ block party was one of a handful in Lynn Valley last year funded by the grants and is a typical project that the Foundation funds.
Other projects on the North Shore included gardening, food, beekeeping, emergency preparedness and craft workshops, invasive weed pulls, intergenerational programs, Little Free Libraries and others.
“It was a great way to meet people,” said Samler. “We learned the names of people we see – not just families with kids that same age as ours. We were able to set up a neighbourhood email list to connect and share concerns.”
Lasting impacts
Samler says the – now annual – event has fostered a more open neighbourhood. Sometimes the grants are what give legs to an idea, said Alsop.
“The grants can help give people the initiative to get started on an idea they have always had,” she said. “We see lasting relationships grow out of the projects – sometimes they can be a help with conflict resolution by bringing people together.”
Organizers welcome more applicants
“We would like to see some new people with new ideas,” said Alsop. “If it fits, there is a good chance they will get the grant.”
The deadline for applications is April 9th. For more information or help with applications contact the North Shore Neighbourhood House at 604-987-8138.
It sounds like there will be a mix of sun and clouds in Lynn Valley’s future, but whatever the weather we hope the Easter weekend is joyful for all!
We are having our annual FREE family Easter Egg Hunt April 2 from 10 a.m.-noon at Viewlynn Park. There will be prizes, plenty of eggs to find and lots of family fun — think face painting and balloon twisting too.
If it is rainy, there’s no better way to spend the time than in painting some Easter eggs to give out to family and friends. Here are few novel ideas to get you started – you probably have everything you need at home already!
Another tradition that will keep the kids busy is to bake hot cross buns on Good Friday, or to make an Easter bonnet for Sunday. And if you’re really having fun, why not make some homemade chocolate Easter eggs as well?
Easter Sunday is the culmination of the Christian Holy Week, and is preceded by Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Special services are being held on all three days at many Lynn Valley churches, and all are welcome – should you want more information, contact info and church websites are listed on our Clubs and Associations page. Happy Easter, everyone!
Spring Break is a great time to get active and have fun in Lynn Valley. There are lots of drop-in activities to have some spur of the moment fun. Check out our picks from the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre and the Lynn Valley Branch of the North Vancouver District Library.
March 17
12-4 p.m. Scales and Coils, Lynn Valley Ecology Centre
Presented by the Westcoast Society for the Protection of Reptiles. Visit with reptiles from around the world and get a peek into their fascinating lives. Suggested donation $2 per person or $5 per family.Plan to arrive early as space is limited and on a first come basis.
http://www.lynncanyonecologycentre.ca/Gen_public_children.html
March 18
1-2:30 p.m. NatureKids – Stream Sleuth, Lynn Valley Ecology Centre
What can streams and rivers tell us about the health of our local environment? Visit a small stream to search for aquatic insects and learn how to protect your local streams.
About NatureKids
Are your children inspired by nature? Take part in the NatureKids programs and soak up nature knowledge. To take part in the NatureKids programs you must become a member of NatureKids BC www.naturekidsbc.ca.
March 19-21,
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wildlife Week Mini Camp — Nature Investigators, Lynn Valley Ecology Centre
Come and be a ‘nature detective’ as you spot the signs of spring in Lynn Canyon Park. Learn about tracking, uncover the hidden habitats of animals, play games, and create nature crafts as we ramble along the forest trails. For children ages 5 to 8. Cost: $68 Register at 604-990-3755
http://www.lynncanyonecologycentre.ca/Gen_public_children.html
March 20
1:30 p.m. Leave It To Beavers! Lynn Valley Ecology Centre
Presented by the Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals. Discover why our national animal is also an ecological superhero. Suggested donation $2 per person or $5 per family. Plan to arrive early as space is limited and on a first come basis.
http://www.lynncanyonecologycentre.ca/Gen_public_children.html
3-4 p.m. Kids Knit Lynn Valley Library
Do you want to learn how to knit? Do you want to practice your knitting with others? This is your chance! Bring your favourite grown-up knitting buddy and join us for a cozy afternoon of knitting. Some supplies will be provided. Adults are asked to please stay and participate with their children. Ages 6 +.
March 21
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Spring Break Family Dance Party, Lynn Valley Library
Come shake your sillies out and wiggle your waggles away at our family dance party. Half an hour of music, dancing and fun! No registration required.
March 26-28
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wildlife Week Mini Camp — Buzz, Wriggle, and Crawl, Lynn Valley Ecology Centre
Creepy crawlies don’t need to be creepy! Watch worms and woodbugs, grow food for bees, and learn about the amazing superpowers of the tiny inhabitants of Lynn Canyon Park.For children ages 5 to 8. Cost: $68 Register at 604-990-3755
http://www.lynncanyonecologycentre.ca/Gen_public_children.html
March 22
10:30-11:30 a.m. Spring Break Baby Party, Lynn Valley Library
The library loves babies! Join us to sing along with songs and rhymes, visit our baby photo booth, and play fun games. This is a great chance to meet other families in the neighbourhood and get your baby their very first library card! Drop in. Recommended for ages 0-2
Shows at 10:30 & 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Coyote – A Trickster’s Tale, Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre.
Presented by the Ecology Centre Black Light Puppeteers. The boastful coyote pays a price when he takes on the raven king. Suggested donation $2 per person or $5 per family. Plan to arrive early as space is limited and on a first come basis.
http://www.lynncanyonecologycentre.ca/Gen_public_children.html
2-4 p.m. Spring Break Lego Drop In, Lynn Valley Library
Do you love Lego? We do! Join us for an afternoon of Lego building and creativity. No registration required. Recommended for ages 4-12.
March 23
1:30 p.m. B.C.’s Incredible Wildlife, Lynn Valley Ecology Centre
Presented by the Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society. Learn about beautiful BC’s unique habitats and incredible wildlife. Suggested donation $2 per person or $5 per family. Plan to arrive early as space is limited and on a first come basis.
http://www.lynncanyonecologycentre.ca/Gen_public_children.html
March 26
1 p.m. Birds of Prey, Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre
Presented by OWL Rescue. Learn about OWL’s work saving injured raptors and meet an owl and a hawk. Suggested donation $2 per person or $5 per family. Plan to arrive early as space is limited and on a first come basis. http://www.lynncanyonecologycentre.ca/Gen_public_children.html
March 27
10:30 a.m. Mason Bees, Lynn Valley Ecology Centre
Presented by Taren Urquhart. Attract friendly mason bees to your garden by making them a bee house. Suggested donation $2 per person or $5 per family. Plan to arrive early as space is limited and on a first come basis. http://www.lynncanyonecologycentre.ca/Gen_public_children.html
March 29
10-11 a.m. Spring Break Family Stories and Fun, Lynn Valley Library
A Spring Break session of Family Stories and Fun! Children of all ages are invited to enjoy a Saturday morning of stories and fun at the library. There will be stories, rhymes and songs for the whole family. Drop in.
10:30 a.m. Bear Aware, Lynn Valley Ecology
Presented by the North Shore Black Bear Network. Learn how to stay safe and get along with our black bear neighbours. Suggested donation $2 per person or $5 per family. Plan to arrive early as space is limited and on a first come basis.
http://www.lynncanyonecologycentre.ca/Gen_public_children.html
2-4 p.m. Spring Break Lego Drop In, Lynn Valley Library
Do you love Lego? We do! Join us for an afternoon of Lego building and creativity. No registration required. Recommended for ages 4-12.
March 31
10-11 a.m. Spring Break Family Stories and Fun, Lynn Valley Library
Join us for a Spring Break session of Family Stories and Fun! Children of all ages are invited to enjoy a Saturday morning of stories and fun at the library. There will be stories, rhymes and songs for the whole family. Drop in.
As we head closer to B.C.’s newest holiday, Family Day LynnValleyLife has put together some great North Shore events.
There are a number of Family Day events organised by North Van Rec. In Lynn Valley Karen Magnussen will be offering its family rate for skating on Monday, Feb.12 from noon-3:15 p.m. and public swim from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. That means each family member gets in for $2 each.
There are two days of activities at Lynn Valley Centre – Family Day and Valentine’s Day from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. On Feb. 12 enjoy free family carnival games and crafts and Feb. 14 take part in games and take home a design from a glitter tattoo artist.
Lonsdale Quay has a day of events On Feb. 12. It begins with the Lonsdale Artisan Farmer’s Market – complete with a petting zoo for the kids. There will also be some Valentine’s Card making and a puppet show. All the details of the Lonsdale Quay website.
The growing local music scene has the Lynn Valley Legion doubling its popular Sunday Jam Sessions.
Part open-mic, part jam, all good music.
It’s almost Thanksgiving, and LynnValleyLife is hoping everyone can have a share in the harvest.
This year we are teaming up with St. Clement’s Anglican Church to help people with enough food on their table make sure the same goes for their neighbours. Thanksgiving has long been celebrated as a time of gratitude at the end of the harvest season, and if you would like to express your gratitude in a tangible way – with garden produce or a bag of groceries – your contribution would be much appreciated!
It’s almost that time of year for the Great Pumpkin to descend once again (whether Linus sees him or not!) to transform a Lynn Valley field into a magical pumpkin patch.
On October 14th starting at 11am, there will be Halloweeny fun for all ages, hosted by the Lynn Valley Parent Participation Preschool and Lynn Valley Elementary.
See below for more details.
We are proud to once again be sponsoring these two family-friendly events!
The hard work of Lynn Valley Community Association volunteers and district parks staff – and the leadership of local residents Suzanne and Gabriel Mazoret – was celebrated at Lynn Canyon on September 16 with the grand opening of the Lynn Valley LINK trail.
The trail links previously existing trail networks such as the Baden-Powell, Princess Park, Lynn Canyon, Inter-River and Kirkstone Park paths to create a pedestrian route that circumnavigates Lynn Valley. New Lynn Valley LINK information kiosks are up and running at the five trailheads that offer parking facilities – Lynn Canyon Park, Inter River Park, Kirkstone Park, Princess Park, and the Fromme Mountain lot at the top of Mountain Highway. Along with the LINK map, each kiosk features historical information and photos specific to the immediate area.
