Governance and Services

With the provincial election taking place on Oct. 19th now is the time to get to know the candidates, ask tough questions and engage in debate to find the best representative for our community. LynnValleyLife approached the four candidates stepping up to serve North Vancouver – Seymour and asked them to introduce themselves and discuss a few of the issues. 

Meet the candidates:

Mitchell Baker, Independent, https://mitchellbaker.ca/

I have been a resident of this riding for 55 years and live on the Seymour River. I am married with two teenage daughters. For the past 33 years, I have run a small business focused on single-family residential and commercial construction. Growing up, I spent my time hiking, biking, swimming, skiing, and enjoying outdoor recreation on the North Shore mountains. I have a deep passion for this community. I’ve contributed to its development physically, and I believe I can bring valuable political insights forward.

Sam Chandola, BC Conservative, https://www.samchandola.ca/

My name is Sam Chandola and I am your BC Conservatives candidate for North Vancouver – Seymour. I am a father, husband, and tech entrepreneur. My friends would describe me as a guy who gets stuff done. My daily routine involves connecting with communities and mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs in BC. I have 5 core values which act as my guiding principles for all decisions I look to make – Individual Liberty, Common Sense, Freedom of Speech, Fiscal
Responsibility, and Integrity and Honesty. Lynn Valley is where I discovered my love for hiking and odds are Leo (my Aussie
Collie) and I crossed paths with many of you on the trails. My family and I made the North Shore our home 5 years ago and these days I’m a regular at the Karen Magnussen Community Centre where my 1 year old daughter splashes around pretending to swim.

Susie Chant, NDP, https://www.susiechant.ca/

I have lived in Lynn Valley since 1988. I raised my children here; it’s our home. It has been an honour to serve as the MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour over the past four years. I hope to earn the trust of my neighbours to serve a second term as the representative and an advocate for our community.

Subhadarshi Tripathy, Green

Did not respond

The issues

Each candidate was given the same questions and equal opportunity to express themselves.

If you are elected how will you elevate your constituents’ needs within your party and when in contradiction to party priorities?

BAKER: As an independent candidate, I’m not bound by party lines. The needs of my constituents are always my priority, and I don’t need to ask for permission or fear party retribution if I disagree with a policy that’s being voted on in the best interests of the constituents and region.

CHANDOLA: I am an open-minded, fiscally conservative person who relates to the common sense policies of the BC Conservatives to solve some of the biggest challenges impacting our province – our spiralling economy, high provincial debt, unaffordable housing, and broken healthcare.

As with any big tent party, there will always be different viewpoints and there will certainly be times when constituency priorities may differ from party priorities. The 5 guiding principles I outlined in a previous question will always define how I vote – and sometimes, that may mean voting against my own party to prioritise the needs of my most important stakeholders – my constituents. I have made this clear to the Conservative Party when I came onboard and they made it clear that they would expect nothing less of me and every other candidate. They added “You don’t have to pass an ideological test to join the Conservative Party. You simply have to believe in Common Sense solutions to the biggest problems facing the province.”

CHANT: I understand the challenges that people in our community are facing, and you can count on me to fight for us, and our priorities, at the Legislative Assembly. Those that know me and my work know that I get things done and I persevere.

I am running with the BC NDP because David Eby and the BC NDP reflect my personal values and the priorities of our community. We’re going to increase housing accessibility, reduce everyday costs for people, and continue to hire more doctors, nurses, and health care professionals.

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What is the issue you think most affects Lynn Valley? What is your plan to deal with it?

BAKER: As every North Shore resident knows, traffic congestion at the Ironworkers Memorial  Bridge is a major issue. No additional lanes have been added since 1960, yet the population in areas serviced by the bridge—Nanaimo (ferry), the Sunshine Coast,  Bowen Island, Squamish, Whistler, and the three North Shore communities—has more than tripled. The government spent a quarter of a billion dollars adjusting traffic flow at the north end of the bridge, adding lights and changing lanes, but this did nothing to address the root issue: the limited number of lanes crossing the inlet.

CHANDOLA: While residents of Lynn Valley are struggling with the BC NDP’s failures in housing affordability, healthcare and more, traffic on our streets is probably the one that affects almost every resident, daily.

The brutal traffic jams heading to Highway 1 East from Mountain Highway southbound, often backs up all the way up Arborlynn Drive and Mountain Highway. With just 1 lane to the on-ramp, we are forced into lane merges that clog up even traffic headed within North Vancouver, making the area a pain to navigate daily.

Our plan is to invest heavily in infrastructure upgrades, where we will deliver $1 billion in provincial funding to local governments each year for a decade to invest in local infrastructure such as introducing dedicated lanes, increasing on-ramps, and ensuring better traffic management.

CHANT: There are many issues that affect our communities on the North Shore, but the one that I believe hits home the most is housing; it is just too expensive. It is so stressful for people who are renting or looking to buy their first home, but it’s also stressful for those who are homeowners, because it’s obvious how the next generation is struggling.

We have been focused not just on creating new homes but bringing existing homes back to the market through restrictions on short-term rentals and taking on speculators. John Rustad has pledged to undo all of this work and we just can’t afford that.

What is your view on traffic and transportation? Lynn Valley (and the North Shore as a whole) is held hostage by a provincial highway. No other community grinds to a halt (almost daily) with residents unable to go about their lives within the community because of traffic going through it (ex. Richmond locals can still move about when there is a problem with the tunnel. Similarly, it is unreasonable for a Seaspan worker to travel 150 minutes by transit from Langley when it’s 60 minutes by car.) Daily trip numbers over the Second Narrows exceed those of the Port Mann prior to its rebuild.

BAKER: I will push for a model that replaces or twins the bridge. This could be achieved through a design-build-operate-fund model, similar to what was used for Highway  99 (Sea-to-Sky) and the Port Mann Bridge. Additionally, a rapid transit solution from  Phibbs Exchange connecting to the existing SkyTrain system is essential. Long-term plans may extend beyond these solutions, but the idea that all of this could happen from Park Royal to Metrotown is unrealistic—it would likely exceed $40 billion and take 30+ years to materialize. We need immediate solutions for the current problems, not empty promises of grandeur. 

CHANDOLA: I couldn’t agree more! It is unacceptable that our community has to live with gridlocked traffic on a daily basis. This is just one more instance where the BC NDP government has neglected infrastructure upgrades, one that costs precious hours daily from our lives.

For the East-West traffic corridor which largely serves local traffic within North Vancouver, I will work closely with the DNV and advocate with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) to create more dedicated lanes for local traffic. This will include advocating for more consultation with our communities before pushing through changes such as the plan to remove a dedicated lane on eastbound traffic on Main Street – which has currently been deferred to until after the election.

For the North-South traffic corridor, we need a viable long-term solution, and that starts with finding funding for upgrading our bridge infrastructure. In the last 7 years, our government has grown by 31%, compared to 3.9% in the 7 years prior to that. We need to trim down on the waste and bureaucracy, and instead look to invest those funds in our communities’ much-needed infrastructure upgrades.

CHANT: Those of us who live on the North Shore know the frustration that congestion causes. Our communities on the North Shore are growing, and our infrastructure needs to grow with them. In early October, I was proud to announce that our BC NDP government, if elected, will bring a rapid transit line to the North Shore, from Park Royal to Metrotown – starting with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), but also moving forward with a future expansion of rapid transit to light rail or SkyTrain, in consultation with the Mayors’ Council, communities, and First Nations.

Rapid Transit will provide more options to get around the North Shore, quickly. It will ease congestion, meaning less time stuck in traffic, and more time living.

How will you work with the DNV on housing affordability?

BAKER: The issue of housing affordability is multifaceted. The cost of housing has been significantly impacted by changes in building codes, slower processes at the municipal level and demands on the construction industry. The government’s drive to claim the title of the “greenest region in North America” has raised construction costs dramatically. While I agree with reducing energy consumption and building in an environmentally conscious manner, we’ve surpassed the point of net benefit. 

Another key factor is the cost of land. With 94% of the land in BC owned by the province as  Crown land, 1% federally owned, and 5% privately owned (half of which is in the  Agricultural Land Reserve), we, the citizens, live and work on just 2.5% of the total land area. That leaves us with 0.98 acres per capita. Since 2000, BC’s population has grown by 

35%, shrinking the per capita land availability from 1.34 acres to where we are now. The math dictates that land costs had to rise to meet demand. If the available land doesn’t increase as the population grows, prices will continue to soar. This is a mathematical issue.  Ontario, with twice the amount of private land per capita, has lower overall land prices than  BC. Newfoundland, with 5.7 acres per capita, is the most affordable place to live in  Canada. 

In conclusion, both the availability of land and the building code requirements imposed by provincial and municipal governments are driving up housing costs. I propose making more land available and reviewing some of the recent building code changes that have significantly increased construction cost and providing strong encouragement to all municipalities to work to a timeline for approvals and outcomes that solves the housing issue and does not exacerbate it.

CHANDOLA: Housing affordability is a huge problem that affects youth, young families, seniors and our entire community. While we need to build more housing, what we do not need is a top-down approach of imposing unrealistic zoning requirements on cities such as the DNV that were already over-performing their housing targets. We need to focus on planned development that prioritizes infrastructure along with housing.

Our Get BC Building plan actually invests in infrastructure and housing as a comprehensive plan to make sure that newly built homes can continue to access good services, schools, roads and more. Further, we will exempt the DNV and other municipalities that meet their housing targets from the requirements of Bill 44, which has made it impossible for cities to negotiate with developers to get infrastructure, amenities and other services built with housing projects.

CHANT: We have a plan in place to create 300,000 homes across British Columbia – David Eby’s Housing Action Plan. It removes the red tape that prevents the construction of new, small-scale homes like duplexes and triplexes.

John Rustad was part of a government that ignored the growing housing crisis, as prices spiralled out of reach. He’s promised to axe our Housing Action Plan, cancelling these 300,000 homes before they’re even built. He has a 20-year record of defending the status quo on housing. Now isn’t the time to pull back on housing – we need to push forward.

What is your plan/party’s plan for helping schools and infrastructure keep up with growth?

BAKER: I believe the government is too large. If I were starting a project and wanted it done efficiently and cost-effectively, I wouldn’t rely on the government to get it done. An efficiency model for infrastructure, education, and healthcare should be a priority.  Government’s role should be to collect taxes and spend them in the most efficient way possible. However, that hasn’t been the case in the past, and it won’t improve unless things change. Government contracts should not be the most lucrative opportunities for private companies. Many of the contracts we see executed today cost two to three times their original estimates. This lack of fiscal responsibility affects schools, infrastructure, and healthcare advancements. It needs to change. 

CHANDOLA: Kids attending classes in portable classrooms, overcrowded classes, creaking infrastructure – our people deserve better, our children deserve better.

The BC Conservatives will conduct a rigorous review and make the necessary investments to ensure that our children and residents have access to essential services and world-class facilities. For instance, the current model of school funding provides funding to schools based on the number of students enrolled on September 1. It does not account for communities like ours where we have new families – and thus new students – moving in at a steady clip. Schools then have to accommodate that by cutting programs, or reducing teachers. We’ll explore avenues where funding can happen on a per-student basis on a continuous basis, as opposed to the current September 1 snapshot model.

CHANT: We all want our kids to have better opportunities than we did, and that starts with ensuring that they’ve got a high-quality education. We’re taking action to build and expand schools, and to reduce class sizes.

We can see the difference in our own neighbourhood – we have a new high school, Argyle, and just began construction on an expansion of Lynn Valley Elementary, adding 145 new student spaces.

When Rustad was in power, he made deep cuts to schools and education, closing 267 schools and fighting teachers all the way to the Supreme Court to try to increase class sizes.

He cut schools before, and he would do it again. That’s a risk we just can’t afford.

Why are you the best person for our community?

BAKER:  I was born in this community, I live in this community, and I’ve helped build this community. I have a strong, independent voice. As your independent MLA, I won’t be beholden to party politics. I’ll vote on legislation and policies that benefit our community, regardless of which side of the aisle they come from. To ensure fair representation, we need to elect a group of independents across the province who will stand up for, or against policies that could otherwise pass without proper checks and balances. With the possibility of a minority government, having a group of independents holding the balance of power would prevent runaway policies or rigid party-line politics, ensuring that the entire electorate is represented, not just party voters.

CHANDOLA: I’m known to be someone who gets things done. I immigrated to Canada with not much by way of wealth but immense hope and big dreams. I made my name in the tech industry and built a series of successful businesses that taught me the importance of fighting for my stakeholders. In my business world, my stakeholders were my customers and employees. In the public realm, my stakeholders are now you – the constituents of North Vancouver Seymour.

At a time when our communities are struggling from multiple crises – housing, cost of living, ridiculous wait times for healthcare and more – I know that my track record of getting things done, my ability to consult and work with stakeholders and my business acumen in optimising for on-time, on-budget outcomes is what our community needs. My ability to actually be able to deliver on solutions is reflected in the fact that I was awarded the Top 30 under 30 Award in BC Business, and the TMX Canada’s Next 150 award.

In the past few years, our community has lost out on an urgent care clinic which was instead located in Lonsdale, our traffic problems have worsened, as have most other measures of quality of life. It’s time to stop mistaking Action for Achievement.

It’s time to look towards positive change, and that comes from you and I finding common ground, working towards common goals, and implementing common sense. And that is my promise to you.

CHANT: I have lived in Lynn Valley all my adult life. It’s home. I’ve raised my family here and been involved in the organizations and events that make up the fabric of our community for decades.

You can count on me to stand up for you every day.

Is there anything else you would like to share and help us get to know you?

BAKER: I research and educate myself at every opportunity to make the best decisions for the tasks at hand. I am fair, honest, and not afraid of hard work. I’m running because  I believe this province is worth it—and so are you.

CHANDOLA: I love hearing from members of our community and would love the chance to talk to you about issues, questions and concerns they may have. Call or text me at 672-380-2125 or connect with me on my social media accounts listed at samchandola.ca.

I believe that better is always possible and as I have spoken to thousands of you in the past few months, that belief has only strengthened. Regardless of whether you intend to vote for me, I will leave you with this thought – better is always possible, and it is your right and your responsibility to demand it on October 19th.

CHANT: I’d like to thank all of our neighbours who help to make Lynn Valley and North Vancouver the wonderful place that it is. This is a great community and I am so proud to have represented our neighbourhood, and our riding, in Victoria since 2020. I am earnestly seeking your support for another term.

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.

With the provincial election mere weeks away, it’s time to start thinking about our community and the direction we want it to go. LynnValleyLife.com reached out to a number of organizations and individuals who are community leaders to get their two cents on the upcoming election.

Community engagement

Provincial voter turnout is down almost 25 percent from 20 years ago. Families have never been busier and local news has never been harder to keep up with. City council meetings and provincial debates don’t fit into the schedules of young people working two jobs. Seniors navigating the over-burdened healthcare system don’t have time to hold elected officials to account. Failed municipal, regional, and provincial projects are making people feel helpless.

We pride ourselves on being connected to the community. LynnValleyLife.com does its best to pay attention, ask tough questions, and leverage issues affecting Lynn Valley and the North Shore. Residents often seem surprised by decisions made on their behalf. Making a thoughtful intentional vote electing leaders that reflects your vision for the future is the simplest step to take.

Now is the time with an upcoming provincial election – the potential for a federal election – to dig in and participate in our democracy. Invest time and careful consideration in your vote and participate in guiding our future.

The goal of this thought gathering was to give a platform to those more engaged in the world of politics than the average citizen. We weren’t looking for them to endorse a particular candidate but instead to share which issues they think are the most pressing for the people of Lynn Valley and the greater North Shore. Some of these issues are bound to be universal like health care and housing, but there are distinct points of view unique to this community that candidates should have a position to support. Given the end of summer, we had fewer responses by deadline than hoped (that is we asked a diverse range of people/groups) and we appreciate those who took the time to share thoughts. 

North Vancouver Chamber

Patrick Stafford-Smith

The North Vancouver business community is diverse and strong – with many small- and medium-sized businesses, and several long-term larger employers.

The Top 3 concerns that dominate the business community are Transportation, Housing and Finding Staff. The challenges are all linked – good employees may often live outside of North Vancouver – due to a lack of affordable housing or any number of other personal reasons.  So, they take a long commute by car or if they are lucky, public transit. But, if the commute is too challenging, they may simply choose to find work closer to where they live.

This is not sustainable for local employers – so we are calling for provincial and federal investment to support the Mayors’ Council north shore public transit priorities. We are also looking for more housing options to help provide better options for people who work in the business and non-profit sector of our community.

Patrick Stafford-Smith   CEO –  North Vancouver Chamber

Board of Education Trustees

Linda Munro

Education matters to all of us. North Vancouver School District (NVSD) works hard to deliver learning opportunities that inspire student success. B.C.’s boards of education have identified three focus areas for the 2024 provincial election: inclusive education and student success; capital and deferred maintenance funding; and recruitment and retention of staff.

Locally, funding for inclusive education and core student learning remains an ongoing priority. Also, NVSD experienced record levels of new student enrolment in 2023-2024 and felt the impact of capacity pressure at some schools. Significant enrolment increases make capital funding for additional space a relevant local issue for the provincial election.  Key to our work at NVSD schools is community building and creating a sense of belonging.

Jordan Back

LynnValleyLife.com

Day in and day out we hear the challenges of housing in Lynn Valley. The North Shore is a highly desirable place to live. Growing populations throughout Metro Vancouver have only one solution: more supply. Policies are needed to support this at all levels of government, and the District of North Vancouver and the Province need to stop dragging their heels and work together to make it happen.

Families want their children to have the option to remain in the community where they grew up – bonus: deep roots translate to community involvement. Small business owners see the exhaustion of their employees with 90+ minute commutes – bonus: less traffic on the roads. Homes with easy options for aging in place and a return to multigenerational living – bonus: reducing the pressure on institutional spaces like daycares and seniors’ homes. Thriving communities evolve and an election is the time to look for leaders that support your vision for the future.

The team at LynnValleyLife.com

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.

The DNV is hosting active transportation information sessions highlighting its upcoming launch of an e-cargo lending program. Information sessions are throughout April & May and will be coming to Lynn Valley on April 20 & 21. 

Getting people out of cars

Active transportation plans for the DNV are geared to getting people out of their cars to take more trips on foot, on transit or by bike or scooter. 

“I think we aren’t moving fast enough at connecting projects,” said councillor Jordan Back. “We learned a lot about the impact on local residents with 29th Street but that has left us a little bit behind. We need more connected mobility lanes – what have been typically referred to as bike lanes – to get people to the places they want to go.”

It will also take a shift from car first to ‘car-light,’ says Back. 

Jordan Back

“It’s hard to imagine another way to get around,” said Back. “I drive a car when it’s needed but most of your everyday needs can be done by bike. Improving bike facilities like newer racks that any size bike can lock to and better lighting are also making it better.”

As the DNV engages with the public and council, Back thinks active transportation can be developed with a simple goal in mind.

“Safe routes are used more. One way to think about it is: if it’s safe enough for you to bring your young kids, it’s going to be safe for everyone else.”

Embracing e-bikes

One of the biggest changes making a ‘car-light’ lifestyle feasible in a hilly place like North Vancouver is the rise of and affordability of e-bikes. The DNV began exploring the idea of e-cargo bike lending library last year after a motion introduced by Back. 

“It’s moving ahead,” said Back. “I think it will be great especially now that we will be working with the city [of North Vancouver]. So many people will have the opportunity to see how it fits their life. Does a cargo bike physically fit in their space?” 

The larger bikes are popular in other parts of the world offering a more functional family-friendly form of transportation. Back says he hopes that making them available for a family to test drive will help them embrace this newer form of active transportation. 

To learn more visit one of the DNV’s information opportunities throughout April and May. Two sessions will be at the Lynn Valley library from 11 am – 2 pm April 20 & 21.

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.

As British Columbians consider their choices for local government this fall, LynnValleyLife wants to amplify our local voice on municipal government. Voting on October 15 is a chance to have your say. 

Lynn Valley leads candidates

There are 13 residents hoping to get a seat on council for the next four years. Six of those candidates live in Lynn Valley. In addition, there are two candidates running for mayor and seven with hopes to join the school board – one candidate from Lynn Valley. 

We asked residents on our social channels to share the issues that are important to them. With local concerns in mind, we reached out to both mayoral and all Lynn Valley councillor candidates for their views. Unfortunately, not all responded. 

First, we are sharing a little bit about each candidate that did respond, then sharing their positions on local issues. (If candidates respond post deadline we will post in order as time allows.)

Mayoral candidates

Mike Little, mikelittle.ca

Why are you running for mayor? 

I am running for Re-Election because there is still so much work to be done addressing our top priorities.  I love the work getting informed, meeting residents, preparing for decisions and implementing decisions, all while supporting Council and our Staff.  It has been an incredible honour and I am asking for the communities support for a second term.

What are you most proud of/favourite highlight of your term?

When I look back on this term, I know the issues that affected me most deeply are our responses to the Covid Pandemic and the Lynn Valley Attack.  I was so proud of how our community rallied around grieving families in both scenarios and we truly came together for a greater purpose.  In terms of political achievements, I would identify getting our priorities into the Translink 10yr vision including Rapid Transit, Bus Rapid Transit, a significant bump in bus hours, and Handydart hours. Also passing an update to our OCP took an incredible amount of work.

What would you like Lynn Valley to know about you?

I used to live on Frederick at Mountain Hwy and used to love my evening walks around the community.  It is a spectacular setting with such a vibrant close connection to nature.  You have something very special and I want to protect the best parts and continue to improve the rest. 

Mathew Bond, www.mathewbond.com

Why are you running for mayor? 

I decided to run for Mayor because after two terms on District council, I know that the status quo is not working. We lack the leadership, the long-term vision, and the political will to do what’s necessary to implement proven 21st century solutions.

Due to Council’s inaction and micromanaging, the big challenges have deepened. As I look at my daughters, I worry about the future they’re inheriting. The climate emergency is accelerating. The housing crisis has worsened. The District needs bold inclusive leadership that will make our community healthier, more socially-connected, happier, more equitable, and more resilient.

What are you most proud of/favourite highlight of your term?

For 8 years, I’ve been the strongest advocate on Council for creating more housing choices in the District throughout the housing continuum. I’ve championed and supported increasing mobility choices and improving safety for all people – including completing safe routes to schools, improving transit, and creating more cycling/rolling infrastructure that separates people from traffic. I’ve been consistent in supporting efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change, supported meaningful reconciliation, and advocated for small businesses who struggle with unnecessary red tape. I think long-term and put my children’s future, and that of their peers, at the heart of my decision-making.

What would you like Lynn Valley to know about you? 

I have firsthand experience living in Lynn Valley. I’ve lived on Peters Road, in the heart of Lynn Valley on Harold Road and both of my daughters attended Lynn Valley Parent Participation Preschool.

In 2018 I left “9-5” engineering and became a “day at home dad” caring for my two young daughters during the day while juggling Council duties and engineering consulting contracts in between naps. With the cost of living, housing, and childcare, I know many young families are doing everything possible to make life here work. While I work irregular full time hours, I still think of myself as a dad first and was heavily involved in the preschool as a duty parent and Treasurer since 2019. 

I appreciate the unique community that Lynn Valley is. Although long-time residents have seen the community evolve from a blue-collar suburb to a highly desirable neighbourhood for young families, the strong community ties still exist. This is a neighbourhood that sticks together and plans for the future.

When I’m in Lynn Valley now, you’ll see me riding my red cargo bike with my girls on the back, grabbing a coffee from Morey and Negar at Waves, getting my bike repaired by Rick at Lynn Valley Bikes and heading up to the trails on Fromme for a ride or to give Digger a hand. I love the new flow trails, but you’ll usually find me riding classic tech-gnar, much to the chagrin of my new to the Shore riding buddies.

Lynn Valley candidates for councillor

Jordan Back, jordanback.net

Why are you running for council?

I want the DNV to be an inclusive community that works for everyone. If re-elected, I will to continue advocating for housing diversity, increased active transportation investments, a positive and cooperative relationship with First Nations, and initiatives that will support the small business community, involve younger people in local government, and build a strong sense of community for all residents.

What are you most proud of/favourite highlight of your first term?

Any first term Councillor is going to experience a steep learning curve, which I certainly did, add to this a pandemic and it makes for an even more interesting experience! I am proud of the work this Council has managed to do around creating housing for some of our community’s most vulnerable through it’s approval of a supportive housing project for women and women-led families, as well as the eventual approval of a non-market housing development on the site of the old Delbrook Recreation Centre. I also think we have made great strides with climate action initiatives in a number of areas. Personally, I am proud to have received support for a number of my own motions including Alcohol in Parks Pilot Program, creation of a Youth & Younger Adults Advisory Committee, a Food Trucks Pilot Program, as well as an E-Bike Purchase Incentive Program.

 What would you like Lynn Valley to know about you? 

I have lived in Lynn Valley my whole life and I absolutely love this part of the District of North Vancouver! Over the years I have worked and played in this community and now my wife Signy and I are raising our two young children here. I hope to play a role in shaping the sort of future that will allow them to have the sort of childhood I had in Lynn Valley and allow them to grow up here. While there are challenges, I think there are so many ways we can make this community even better and we’ll do it by listening to each other and working together. As your Councillor, I hope you will feel comfortable reaching out to me anytime to share your ideas for the future.   

Ellison Mallin, ellisonmallin.ca

Why are you running for council?

To build and foster complete communities. This means building housing across the spectrum, especially missing middle (duplex to midrise), better and more proactive transportation option and zoning to encourage a broader range of businesses and services in every community. Some specific focuses of mine include zoning for healthcare usage, building more affordable ownership options, defining affordability for housing, expanding recreation options, and supporting the creation of a Deep Cove foot ferry. We also need to work with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation on many projects along the waterfront, including extending the spirit trail, with better active transport along Dollarton.  

What are you most proud of/favourite highlight of your community involvement?

I am very involved in my community, both in North Vancouver and in the GVRD in general. I have coached in the North Shore Inline Hockey League for almost 10 years. I was a member of the DNV Rental, Social, and Affordable Housing Task Force, and I have been on the Community Services Advisory Committee for the last 3 years. I have volunteered for, or worked on, about a dozen election campaigns over the last 10 years, and I always strive to get other people involved in local events, issues and elections.  

What would you like Lynn Valley to know about you?

I have lived almost my whole life in Lynn Valley, and I feel like I have met almost everyone here by now, though if you see me around do not hesitate to stop and say hi! When not talking about politics, I have a million and one pastimes, and I am sure we can find some degree of connection to chat about. Though, always happy to talk politics – honestly.

 I currently work for MLA Susie Chant as her full-time constituency assistant. Through that work, I have seen how many opportunities are out there for funding for projects and partnerships. The District of North Vancouver has done some great work, but a lot more is needed to improve livability and foster community. I am ready to step up into that role. I will dedicate full time hours to being a councillor, and I will not be seeking any other positions or elected office. Municipal government is my passion and is on the frontlines of policy decisions. I hope to be able to work within this system to do the work we need to build a community we can belong in. For more about myself and my platform, check out my website at ellisonmallin.ca 

Thomas Tofigh, thomastofigh.ca

Why are you running for council? 

I hope to bring a new, fresh vision and voice to our District council and shape the future of our community. I believe that contractors of small, medium or large sizes are equally viable candidates for our district. North Vancouver is a special place to live, work, and raise a family. I have the experience, problem-solving skills, and vision to give our district a bright future and help meet its challenges.

What are you most proud of/favourite highlight of your community involvement? 

I am proud to reside in North Vancouver for the past several years. I worked for my community during these years. My daughter is a UBC student raised in North Vancouver. We need to hold each other hands to build the safest and the most peaceful community for our kids. The future belongs to our children.

What would you like Lynn Valley to know about you?

Lynn Valley is my home. I care about my neighbours, my environment, my daughter and my neighbour’s children. In one phrase, I care about everything which is in Lynn Valley.

Great communities require great leaders. We need leaders with new visions and the dedication to get the job done, and I believe in making decisions based on what we as a community need, not what I think we need. I welcome using reports, studies, community feedback, etc., to make better-informed policymaking decisions for the community across the board.

As all we know, growth does NOT stop, so we should help each other to stay on the right path going forward. Now is the time to band together as a community like never before and network with ideas, technology, and actions, make and support fair and just laws, volunteer, help, and share. I feel a good District Councillor should act as an advocate for our entire city, demanding transparency and results and going to bat for the little guy, and that is what I am good at!

I’ll always be accessible to you, and I encourage you to contact me and discuss your ideas.

I have gained so much satisfaction in applying my vast education to help people visiting and settling in Canada that I thought I would broaden my scope and make my various degrees in law, business, and engineering as well as my education in immigration and public law, available to the community while providing a hub for networking ideas, local business and resources and accessing local laws and standards. I believe a community councillor’s office should provide information on community events, recreational facilities, recycling, sustainability and city maintenance services, food banks, health and welfare support services, affordable housing, transportation/parking, EV stations, and more to make the community run smoothly.

I’m proud to have the support and endorsement of educators, families, and small business owners, and I hope that by Election Day, I will have earned not just your vote but also your trust and support. With your vote, I will be your voice for our city and serve with wisdom and fairness.

Greg Robins, gregrobins.ca

Why are you running for council? 

I am running for a seat on council because I am passionate about our community. We live in one of the best places in the world and I would be honoured to play a role in our future here on the North Shore.

What are you most proud of/favourite highlight of your community involvement? 

As a non-incumbent, the community work I am most proud of is the work I have done with the Lookout Housing + Health Society. Working with BC Housing and partners across the province, we have provided homes to hundreds of North Shore people and helped many overcome alcohol addictions through our recovery home.

What would you like Lynn Valley to know about you?

I’m a highly involved member of our community and am passionate about this beautiful place we have the privilege of calling home. My wife Nicole and two teenage children are equally smitten by the North Shore and this is our “forever home”. On summer evening, you can find me hiking the local trails with our giant Schnoodle Luna, and in the winters I snowboard Grouse Mountain 3 or 4 times a week. A lifelong volunteer, I help out with the Lynn Valley Community Association and monitor creek temperatures for the Pacific Science Enterprise Centre. I strongly believe in bold, courageous leadership and want to leverage my Masters of Arts in Leadership to work with a progressive council to lead us to the best future we can imagine.

Additional candidates from Lynn Valley are Betty Forbes and Harrison Johnston. A full list of all candidates can be found here. 

School Board candidates

Linda Munro, lindamunro.ca

Why are you running for school board? 

Supporting my community is core to who I am. I have been active in supporting local education for many years prior to joining the school board, including serving as president of Lynn Valley Parent Participation Preschool and as PAC chair at Ross Road School. I believe that giving my time and energy is an investment in my community. As a current trustee, I have a solid understanding of the North Vancouver School District and the governance provided by its board. I sincerely hope to continue building on this base, representing and serving my community. 

What are you most proud of/favourite highlight of your first term? 

Since I joined the NVSD Board of Education in 2021, I’ve played a role in the combined efforts that have led to many advancements in the North Vancouver School District.  The new Handsworth Secondary has opened; anti-racism initiatives have deepened and the Board passed a motion to address ableism in the NVSD. I am especially proud of the Board’s decision to align existing and future school district policies with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. As the first school district in B.C. to make this commitment, North Vancouver School District is leading the way in reconciliation through education. 

What would you like Lynn Valley to know about you? 

Lynn Valley is my home. My father was a family doctor who served this community for many years. His office was where Yyoga is located today. My grandparents lived here and I figure skated with the Vancouver Skating Club at Karen Magnussen Arena. Our family moved here in 1997, and in 2008 my husband Scott and I returned to Lynn Valley to raise our kids Rebecca and Keiran. I feel a sense of belonging amongst so many people who care about North Vancouver and give their time and energy to making things better. I love this community and am so glad to be able to live here. 

My time as a student at Handsworth School included travel to Japan, France and Germany, which expanded my world view and led me to work in India, Thailand and the UK. However, I always knew that North Vancouver was the place I wanted to return to and raise my children— surrounded by my extended family, the mountains and the ocean. 

Beyond the Board of Education, I have a career in PR/Communications which has included numerous education clients from universities, school districts to professional associations. I have worked in communications and public affairs at Capilano University since 2019.

In my free time, you are likely to find me running, walking, or hiking in and around Lynn Valley,  paddleboarding or skiing.  I love to connect and meet people, if you see me out and about, feel free to say hello and introduce yourself! 

1) What are your top priorities to improve Lynn Valley Schools? 

What we see and hear from students, employees and parents is a need for connection. Coming out of two years of COVID-19 restrictions, there is a need to focus on creating school cultures that promote social connection and improve well-being.  There is a critical need for more on-site before and after school childcare spaces in Lynn Valley. I believe the new alignment of the Ministry of Education and Childcare could bring opportunities for partnerships and funding to add more before and after school care spaces and I will be a strong advocate for pursuing them.  

2) What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Lynn Valley schools?

Space. Lynn Valley is a choice neighbourhood for families and some areas of our region are seeing rapid population growth. Many of our schools are operating at capacity. The North Vancouver School District closely monitors space management at all schools, and in the upcoming term I will grow my understanding of the challenges and opportunities schools face in addressing the ongoing pressures on their facilities.

3) As trustee, what are your goals to prioritize pedestrian safety and access to schools?

My involvement in supporting traffic safety started long before I was a school trustee. I served as a crossing guard during school drop off for three years at Ross Road School, and I began attending North Shore Safety Council (NSSC) meetings on behalf of Ross Road School when I was a PAC Chair. I have continued to support traffic management as a trustee by participating in safety mornings at schools with the NSSC’s invaluable volunteers. I am alert to the traffic safety concerns of the Eastview community and I’m committed to advocating to the District of North Vancouver for improvements.

4) Residents have expressed concerns that District (and North Shore) infrastructure is being outstripped by development with transportation, green spaces, schools and healthcare over capacity. What are your views on this issue and reopening schools like Fromme Elementary?

The NVSD’s school properties are a valuable asset. With the ebb and flow of student populations, over time some school communities have been amalgamated and some are currently rented out to independent schools. This rental income is valuable revenue that is used to support students and programs in the NVSD. The Board is continuously balancing, analyzing and reviewing its facilities in alignment with housing developments in the District of North Vancouver. I believe the decision to rent out, rather than sell, some school properties affords NVSD the flexibility over time to re-open properties when needed. 

The issues

1) What is your Number 1 priority to improve the livability of Lynn Valley? 

LITTLE: We are all affected on a daily basis by our traffic challenges, and while a solution to the bridge is years away, I am fighting for improved bus services today.  I have been successful getting a Lonsdale – Lynn Valley rapid bus included in Translink’s top priorities and hope to finally see frequent transit service to the centre.

BOND: Improving sustainable transportation options will improve everyone’s health and wellbeing. This includes more transit options, more car shares, and more safe walking/cycling/rolling options. 

BACK: I definitely want to see the completion of the artificial turf field at Argyle within the next six months, it’s taken far too long to get this project done. I would also like to see the DNV look to refresh and upgrade some of the washroom facilities within a few Lynn Valley parks, many of which are starting to show their age.

MALLIN: It is difficult to just choose one thing, as we need a whole spectrum of solutions working together to improve livability! If I had to choose though, it would be affordable housing. This means focused policies to improve the housing situation here. We need to define what affordability means. We need to create policies that encourage missing middle housing, and allow for multigenerational housing, duplexes, triplexes and coach houses much more easily. We need more affordable ownership options, especially for first time buyers and downsizing seniors. We need a short-term rental policy and we need more social housing.

TOFIGH: Sustainable peace and comfort are my Number 1 priority. We need more and more EV stations in our community to help and protect our environment and encourage people to use electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Intelligence and active public transportation system and taking out of the road of the vehicles with abnormal noises bring peace and comfort to our community.

ROBINS: My number 1 priority is to find ways to add options to modernize and update our zoning bylaws. While single family home restrictions had a place over a half century ago, new realities demand smaller, more efficient homes, options for ways to build duplexes or triplexes, and add coach houses.

2) What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Lynn Valley (at the municipal level)?

LITTLE: Retaining and growing the affordable options in the community.  Lynn Valley has had great co-op and townhouse options mixed into our primarily single family area, but those places are under threat of redevelopment.  In some cases, redevelopment is the way to go and we need a council that will maximize the affordability of the new units, but we also have to have the wisdom to know when to reject a proposal that may exacerbate our traffic problems.

BOND: We’re building a better world for our kids by addressing 21st century problems with 21st century solutions, but change is difficult. A few priorities I’ve heard from residents are: more safe and sustainable transportation options, more urban green space, a playground in the Town Centre, more diverse small businesses to support the local community, and more rental and affordable housing options – particularly for people on low and fixed incomes. The climate crisis is a top concern for all DNV residents. It’s not a separate issue, it’s the lens that underpins all decisions.

BACK: Since the start of the pandemic, all of our parks such as Lynn Canyon Park, have seen a big increase in the number of visitors that are frequenting them every weekend. While this can present challenges, I also think their are opportunities to capitalize on this increase in visitors. I would like to see us create some more community events that may cater to residents and visitors alike, things like farmers markets, small scale community festivals, that will work for young families and also support small businesses.

MALLIN: Traffic is the biggest day to day challenge here. There are only a few ways in and out of Lynn Valley and, if there is serious traffic, there is really no point of even trying to leave. Lynn Valley is flush with amazing natural amenities that people flock here to use. We cannot expand roads or parking lots, there is really no space for that. We can focus on building public and active transit to our most popular destinations to try to get people out of cars. We need to build smarter bike lanes that utilize side roads and trails.

TOFIGH: As a resident of Lynn Valley, I think housing, EV stations and traffic are the biggest challenges.

ROBINS: The biggest challenge is traffic. We’re a car-centric community simply because of the distances we need to travel for the basics. The next council will need to accelerate non-car travel routes (walking and cycling) that are safe for everyone.

3) New builds typically seem to clear-cut all trees. Lynn Valley will be barren if that trend continues. What are your views on the forested-character of Lynn Valley? 

LITTLE: We have made it a priority to protect trees on publicly owned lands, and we have put in some of the toughest tree replacement requirements on private property.  Ultimately it is a balance, we want trees to be healthy, but we also must manage fire risk by creating defensible space between our homes and the forest canopies.  We are the biggest risks when it comes to forest fire, and we need to be proactive about giving the forest a fighting chance.

BOND: The North Shore forests are beloved by all and a healthy urban tree canopy is a critical part of community well being. The forested nature of Lynn Valley has changed since it was first logged more than a century ago. As we build a future for our kids, it will continue to change. With a long-term Biodiversity Strategy that is currently underway, we can identify ecosystems that need to be protected, restored, and regenerated. Many of our tree species will not survive drought and increasing temperatures from climate change and we need to be planning now for generations to come.

BACK: With the hot summers we have had in recent years, it has made it very clear that we need to protect our tree canopy across the community. This trend is one we are seeing with new builds across the DNV and one that this Council has tried to address in a number of ways, most recently by enhancing our Tree Bylaw to make it more difficult for homebuilders to clear a lot in the same way. In 2021, the Urban Tree Canopy Project was launched, which encourages residents to plant new trees on their properties by providing them with up to three free trees. It’s been a tremendous success with a total of 239 native plants planted in 146 different properties in the first year of the program.

MALLIN: I do not think we are going to see a future where Lynn Valley will be barren, but we need to make sure that developments respect the character of Lynn Valley, especially regarding our natural landscape. Developments should be built in a way that compliment the forests and, ideally, add to the green spaces we have. There are many creative solutions that should be used more, like green roofs, vertical gardens along walls and more/updated urban trails. The DNV does have a new urban canopy program, and more could be done to advertise it to folks here.

TOFIGH: Everyone who like Lynn Valley is due to the green canopy. We have to protect our green community. Great communities require great leaders, and I think if we have great leaders in our community, especially in Lynn Valley, we are going to stop the cut the trees. If a builder wants to cut a tree, they must plant another tree in our community. Although we cannot stop the growth, we can change our policy, and if we need more buildings, we can change our policy from vertical buildings to horizontal buildings and small buildings.

ROBINS: There are some developments where large and well established trees have been chopped down for the convenience of the owner. I would like to see tree bylaws meet or exceed those of the City of North Vancouver to maximize our canopy. We are home to a lot of wild animals and birds and it is our responsibility to be stewards of these places.

4) What are your goals to support pedestrian safety and safe access to schools? 

LITTLE: We have been supportive of both funding and maintaining better trail connections throughout Lynn Valley, and supporting our safe routes to schools plans with hard infrastructure such as crossing improvements and sidewalks.  I expect that to continue, but in spaces like Mountain Highway specifically, we have not left enough of a boulevard to widen the sidewalks without costly land acquisitions, so we are looking at alternatives.

BOND: Lynn Valley around the town centre has a great geography for getting around by foot or on a bike. Focussing on safe active routes to school is a top-priority. Small things, like upgrading many of the paths that criss-cross the creeks and green spaces with curb-cuts and wider bridges can make a big difference in people being able to get to schools and shopping while staying off the major roads. Where routes cross major roads like Lynn Valley, Mountain Hwy and 29th, narrowing the distance people have to cross will make crossings safer.

BACK: One of my top priorities as a Councillor has been to make the necessary investments in active transportation to make it safer for everyone to get around the community by walking or riding a bike. As the parent of two very young kids, I now have a different perspective on this and I am more motivated than ever to push for the necessary changes to road design, particularily around schools, to slow vehicle traffic and make the experience of walking or rolling to school safer and more enjoyable for all. We do have a Safe Routes to School program which looked at a number of elementary schools across the DNV and identified proposed infrastructure improvements such as new sidewalks to make these routes safer. While Eastview was not one of the schools on this list, I promise to look at what specific improvements can be made around this school.

MALLIN: Wider sidewalks absolutely need to be done. We can even combine them with bike lanes in some areas, as bike lanes should be elevated and separated from traffic by more than just plastic dividers. These should be seen as mobility lanes, where people with scooters or wheelchairs can also easily use them. Every crosswalk along a school route should be elevated as a speed hump as well. We should also look at banning right turns on red lights in certain high pedestrian intersections.

TOFIGH: I have a couple of plans. We need active and smart public transportation, and all bus stops need shelter and benches. In our community, we do not have a safe route for cyclists. We need to encourage people in our community to use bicycles, carpools, and public transportation. Still, the infrastructure must be built by the district, and I have some plans to create the infrastructure and encourage people to believe in this system.

ROBINS: My goals for supporting the safety of anyone not in a car are very important to me. I would like to see at least 6 foot setbacks for cars at all cross walks, curbs painted red to indicate where cars cannot park at intersections, bulges at cross walks to prevent passing a stopped car, and less permanent parking on roads around schools.

5) What are your priorities for traffic lanes? How will you prioritize bus lanes, motor vehicle lanes, parking and active transpiration (bike) lanes?  Do you have a vision for mass transit coming to Lynn Valley? 

LITTLE: I have been fighting for Rapid Bus to come to Lynn Valley and I am happy to report that in our July meeting, the North Shore Mayors were able to work together and get a commitment from the region for a Rapid Bus that will connect the Seabus to Lynn Valley 19 hrs /day, 7 days a week, every 8 minutes.

BOND: As population slowly increases, competition is inevitable for limited road space. We will bring transportation into the 21st century, delivering solutions proven to work for neighbourhoods like Lynn Valley. It often makes sense to drive, whether in your own vehicle or car share. For short trips, it’s often quicker and less stressful to move around on bikes and by foot. We need to make walking and biking within Lynn Valley feel safer and more comfortable for those short everyday trips, while ensuring frequent and reliable transit from Lynn Valley to connect to the broader network, including Bus Rapid Transit.

BACK: Increased bus rapid transit on the North Shore is park of Translink’s 10-Year Plan and, specifically, a RapidBus connection between Lynn Valley and Downtown Vancouver. This service will greatly increase the frequency and reliability of transit in and out of Lynn Valley. I think the Lynn Valley Road Active Transportation Project, which is now under construction, will provide a number of safety improvements for people walking or rolling through this corridor. I also look forward to the eventual build out of the Kirkstone Park to Salop Trail, which will provide a safe and continuous cycling connection from Lynn Valley Town Centre to Lynn Creek Town

I will also continue to advocate that we push MoTI to build a safe connection on the south side of Lynn Valley Road, where it crosses under Highway 1. When it comes to balancing the various demands for road space, I generally am not supportive of having on-street parking on arterial roads, as these are often the most direct routes to provide active transportation connections between town centres. Where it does not compromise user’s safety, parking can in some cases be accomodated with parking pockets and drop off zones.

MALLIN: I would like to see bike lane focus shift to side streets more, and some of our trails that can be widened and used for that. I fully endorse work needed to complete Translink’s 10-year plan which may involve better bus access to the Ironworkers bridge. Bus Rapid Transit seems like a great system that can be quickly and cheaply deployed and hopefully provide some relief here, and I will always lobby for more transit options. Parking lots in top destinations should have a few more spots allocated for handicapped parking as well.

TOFIGH: Unfortunately, during the past years, by increasing the population and street vehicles, no attention has been made to the difficulties in the future. As of today, we do not have any safe routes for cyclists or bicycle riders. Around the Lynn Valley center, during the past two years, several high-rise buildings have been finished, and there is no parking for vehicles in the street around these building. It seems that during past years, they just thought about creating business for others instead of thinking for our community!

ROBINS: This is a complex issue and the district staff should be tasked with researching and suggesting solutions to integrate all modes smoothly. This needs bold leadership at the council level to empower staff to make recommendations.

6) An issue of concern is “missing-middle” homes: townhomes, duplexes, row homes, etc – something between towers and single-family homes. Another concern is that recent developments have reduced the diversity of local businesses. What is your development vision for the Lynn Valley and the District? 

LITTLE: Modest, strategic growth.  Lynn Valley doesn’t have the same road network as our Seylynn and Lions Gate town centers, so we need to make sure that the housing we attract serves the local community.  While there may be some sensitive infill as highlighted in our OCP, the bulk of the new units in LV should be in the town center.

BOND: I have consistently advocated for more housing options to meet the changing needs of our residents. Most homes were built over 50 years ago. We live, work, commute, socialize and recreate in different and more diverse ways than we did in the 1960s.There are not enough missing-middle homes in Lynn Valley to address this evolution. By embracing diverse housing we create opportunities for young people to stay in the neighbourhood they grew up in, established residents to age in place in an accessible home, and families to adapt property they already own to support multi-generational living.

BACK: I have lived in Lynn Valley my whole life and have had a front row seat to the changes which have taken place over the years. Overall, I think the Lynn Valley Village and revitlization of Lynn Valley Centre have been been a positive evolution for the area, but I think there is much more we could do. There has been a noticable change in the demographics of Lynn Valley in recent years, as more and more young families have moved to the area. I would like to see a greater diversity of smaller, independantly owned businesses, as well as more restaurants and – dare I say – maybe even a craft brewery of our own here one day! I would also like to see a new park in the heart of Lynn Valley that features playspace for kids, as well as an off leash area for dogs.

MALLIN: Missing middle housing is a top priority of mine. It is a simple solution to get some more housing diversity without significant change to a neighbourhood or lengthy construction. Missing middle options should be more heavily favoured around large parks or community centres, as the large yards of a single-family neighbourhood are less needed there. Transit oriented housing needs to be prioritized, especially with reduced parking requirements. It blows my mind how little housing there is along Marine Drive, especially when there is a bus along there every 5 minutes (or less sometimes!).

TOFIGH: The couple of aspects must be focused and work on it. We have to ask small and middle size developers and contractors to play. The main and only player is large contractors. We have to support small businesses to establish their business in our community. If the small and middle contractor and developers are coming to play, we will have much more duplex, triplex and row homes, I promise.

ROBINS: The District can follow in the footsteps of other progressive municipalities and give flexibility to renovators and builders through an update of planning and zoning regulations. Our zoning bylaws were initially written in 1965 and reflect the restrictions on housing types from over half a century ago. Since our homes have become a commodity to buy and sell, entering the market is nearly impossible for most middle-income earners. We have no choice but to add diverse housing that people are demanding. I will strongly support a wide range of housing options including multiplex, co-op, and rental housing that lets younger people into the district through thoughtful densification to build stronger communities.

7) Residents have expressed concerns that District (and North Shore) infrastructure is being outstripped by development with transportation, green spaces and healthcare over capacity. What are your views on this issue? 

LITTLE: We haven’t had an increase in lanes to the North Shore since 1968.  We desperately need an agreement between the District, the Province and the Federal Government for the eventual replacement of the Iron Workers Memorial Bridge.  Our view is that the bridge has less than 20 years of full use, the Province thinks it is more like 40yrs.  We have to get everyone in the room and craft a plan for that vital regional connection.

BOND: Concerns about infrastructure are not unique to Lynn Valley, the District or the North Shore. The healthcare crisis is felt by communities small and large across the Province. Our common frustration of being part of traffic from 2pm onwards, with a long line of people who work on the North Shore trying to get home to Langley, Maple Ridge or beyond, will only get worse if we don’t provide more options for people to live here. We can create the conditions where healthcare professionals, contractors and others can live here, avoid the punishing commute and become part of our community.

BACK: I think we always have to be looking at the impact that new development has on our exisitng infrastructre and I would say, on the whole, the DNV has done a good job of accounting for this in our Official Community Plan and by regularily communicating with our various partner agencies. Parks and natural spaces have always been a defining characteristic of this area, and I would certainly support invesments in our existing parks, as well as looking to create new parks in some cases. I think planning for the future also highlights the importance of making sure we continue to have strong collaborative relationships with partners like Vancouver Coastal Health and School District #44, to make sure that all of the key community needs are looked after today and for many years to come.

MALLIN: This pandemic has really highlighted the importance of access to healthcare and recreation. We need to zone spaces for healthcare, or mandate new developments to reserve space for healthcare options as getting to the UPCC or a clinic on Lonsdale is not always possible or easy. This should no longer be seen as only a provincial responsibility – municipalities need to step up or be left behind. More walkable communities are needed, with a complete spectrum of businesses and services available, from nice restaurants to entertainment options. The District needs to step up to support this.

TOFIGH: I disagree that infrastructure is being outstripped now. But if any changes not happened and the district does not pay attention carefully to the green spaces, healthcare, traffic and housing issues, we will not have any infrastructure in any matter shortly.

ROBINS: The District has been proactive when it comes to infrastructure, however, I would like to see a greater focus on safer routes for people who do not drive. Green spaces are what make the North Shore so special, and we must do all we can to protect and preserve these space. Healthcare, according to professionals I speak with, is suffering from front-line worker burnout and a lack of affordable homes for nurses and staff. I believe smaller, more affordable homes can go a long way to help this.

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.

It’s that time again – four years have passed – and we have October municipal and school board elections. There are a number of opportunities to get to know our candidates.

The year of Lynn Valley

There are 13 North Vancouver residents vying for spots on District Council with six residing in Lynn Valley. There has never been a better to get to know the candidates and to make sure your views are represented on council. Additionally, there are two people running for mayor. There are seven residents throwing their hats in for the school board – one from Lynn Valley. We asked local candidates for their thoughts on issues relevant to Lynn Valley and you can see their responses here.   

Meet the candidates

Jacqueline van Dyk

It’s a good year to make sure you are engaged. There are a number of events and engagements to speak with candidates over the next few weeks. The North Vancouver District Public Library is hosting its own event on October 12 giving voters a chance to talk one-on-one with candidates during its “Speed-Canditating” at the Lynn Valley branch.

“We recognize that engaging in political conversations and civic dialogue can be challenging for people for a variety of reasons, so we are simply offering another entry point for folks to engage with local politics,” said Jacqueline van Dyk, director of library services. 

The all-candidates meeting is a rare opportunity to meet one-on-one with potential civic leaders. 

“A community member might have a question that wasn’t asked at a town hall or they might have a different question for each candidate,,” said van Dyk. “They may want to discuss an issue that is deeply personal for them that they weren’t comfortable sharing in a larger group setting…whatever it is, we hope that creating this type of environment will open up the door for meaningful and personal conversations so that voters feels confident when they cast their votes on October 15.”

Community members will have a few minutes to talk with each candidate present. 

“We felt that we could create an experience for candidates and voters to create personal connections and more intimately share what is important to them,” she said. “As a community hub and a place where local residents connect with one another, we regularly host Meet Your Mayor and Meet Your MLA programs and we know our community really values the opportunity to connect with elected officials outside of council chambers.

“In this format, participants, either alone or in small groups, will have the opportunity to have their burning political questions answered. We want to create a safe and respectful environment for candidates and community members to connect over an informal conversation—and by doing this we hope that community members will be able to really confirm the candidates they most align with before casting their votes.”

For those new to the community or to political engagement, the library will also have some prompts available to offer discussion topics. 

“If attendees are unsure of what to ask, they can seek guidance from our staff so they can have a meaningful face-to-face conversation,” said van Dyk. “We will also have information on how to vote for folks who may have not cast their ballot before. This event is about creating opportunities for community connection and supporting lifelong learning. NVDPL staff are experts at guiding patrons to find the information they need and this event will be no different. To encourage conversations between candidates and votes, we will provide a wide variety of sample conversations to inspire dialogue.”

The Speed-Candidating event will take place Oct. 12 from 7 – 8:30 pm at the Lynn Valley branch of the NVDPL. 

Other election events

Advanced voting will take place on October 5, 8 & 10 at DNV Municipal Hall and on Oct. 8 & 10 at Parkgate Community Centre. Election day is October 15 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Polling stations will be throughout the District of North Vancouver. The location list can be found at https://www.dnv.org/government-administration/voting-dates-and-locations-2022 .

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.