New tech programs offered by NVDPL

There are a number of innovative programs coming up in August at the Lynn Valley branch of the NVDPL. From creative technology advisors leading StoryLab workshops to hands-on opportunities for kids and tweens, we have picked a few to check out this month.


Innovative education and fun


The new and innovative programs coming out of the North Vancouver District Public Library StoryLab and children’s programming will open the doors to new skills, idea and even food. From boba tea to podcasting there are interesting options for all ages.

Kids and tweens

What’s better than Boba Tea? Making your own on Tuesday, Aug. 13 from 2-3 pm. Learn how to make your own bubble tea. You’ll start by learning how to roll your own pearls. Then, you will create a simple drink recipe to enjoy during the workshop. Experience the magic of cooking while practicing your culinary science skills! This program is for children eight-12. An adult guardian must be in the library during this workshop. Pre-register.

Make a video game

Every Wednesday in August you can head to the StoryLab from 2-4 pm to make a video game. Come learn the basics of using GB Studio to produce your very own retro video games! Craft your own interactive story while developing skills with the tools and techniques of video game programming. No coding experience is required! A creative technology advisor from StoryLab will walk you through programming a short game with plenty of room to add your personal touch. All equipment is provided, but it is suggested to bring a USB drive to take your game files home after the program. No age requirement is mentioned in the listing but a confidence with laptops is required. Pre-register.

Intro to Canva: posters

Learn how to use Canva’s graphic design tools by making a poster – August 8, 6-8 pm. You can promote your small business, find your lost pet, celebrate your favourite fandom, design your album cover and much more by learning the basics of Canva’s graphic design tools. Canva is a graphic design website that provides easy-to-use tools and resources. Anyone can make a free account and easily create and customize resumes, flyers, posters, collages, social media posts, and more.

In this workshop, participants will learn the basics of using Canva by digitally creating at least one practice poster. Registration and details.

Podcasting 101

Join the StoryLab team Sept. 3 from 4-5 pm for an introduction to podcasting, how to make one, and how to use the StoryLab to record and edit. It will be a one-time information session via PowerPoint presentation with printed pamphlets for registrants to take home. For ages 13 and up. Registration.


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.

Staying safe on local waterways

We are pleased to partner with Argyle Secondary School’s journalism class for some student articles. First up: Oscar Robindell! 

As the weather heats up, students enjoy their summer break, and tourists flock to Vancouver, Lynn Creek and other rivers and lakes become popular spots to cool down. However, the shimmering cool water hides great danger, and a fun day with friends can quickly turn into tragedy.


From rivers to the sea


Paul DeGrace

First responders continue to attend many calls each year from swimmers and boaters in distress, and Lynn Creek alone has claimed three lives since 2016, two of them youth. Being prepared and knowledgeable will avoid an adventure that could end in injury or even death. “Despite these examples, this is not to say that swimming anywhere in the North Shore is unsafe. Residents of Lynn Valley are lucky to be surrounded by beautiful lakes, rivers, and ocean, and while it is key to be aware of danger, swimming and boating can be safe activities with proper precautions.

Both rivers and the ocean present their own sets of risks. Paul DeGrace of the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue says that people don’t appreciate how big of a factor the winds, currents and tides are. 

“Even in an area that’s right in front of North Van on the beaches there, the currents can be very strong and so can the wind.” he said. “So we get a lot of people who are out on a paddle board, and they just think, oh, ‘I’m just going to go out a hundred meters from shore, I’m right there and can see everyone.’ And all of a sudden, the wind has picked up or the tide is flooding and it’s pushing them toward the bridge.” 

He said that not being apathetic about the danger of being out from shore is key, and that the shipping lanes and under the bridges are very dangerous for a paddleboard or kayak.

 “If you are on the water, it is having a life jacket, although most people on paddle board and kayaks don’t tend to have life jackets, even though they’re supposed to.”


Close calls


Rivers like Lynn Creek are equally dangerous, and with the rise of social media, Lynn Valley has gained attention internationally as a cliff-jumping spot. Cliff jumping is not safe, and many have died on the North Shore as a result of it, yet it remains a popular activity for teens and young adults.

 “August last year, I was cliff jumping at Lynn Canyon,” said Lucas Fleet, a recent graduate of Argyle Secondary. “There was a jump by 90-foot pool, even before where the big jumps start. I had done the jump 10 or 15 times before, with a wall run then a front flip, but that time I got sloppy and unlucky because I had done it so many times I forgot there was danger. I did the front flip but I landed in a very shallow part with rocks so I hit my kneecap on the rock.”

Luckily, he was able to walk out and make it to the rangers, but ended up with a broken kneecap that put him in crutches for three weeks. Fleet says to be careful and that many of the pools have hidden logs brought in from the winter, and may be very shallow. 

“Cliff jumping alone is probably one of the most dangerous things that you can do,” said Fleet, who is thankful he had friends there to help him.


Local knowledge


Before you go out on the water, please ensure you have a good understanding of the area you’ll be in, says DeGrace. 

“If you know your landmarks and know where you are and can give good local knowledge landmarks, that’s very helpful to us because we are search and rescue and we can’t rescue you if we can’t find you,” said DeGrace.

His last piece of advice is very important:  if you find yourself in a dire situation on the water, please phone 911 immediately and avoid a worse situation.

 “Call when you’re first in trouble and don’t wait,” said DeGrace. “It can be embarrassing but who cares if you’re healthy and uninjured.” 

It’s better to be embarrassed than embalmed.

For those between 16 and 18 interested in learning more about and training with marine search and rescue, check out North Vancouver Marine Search and Rescue’s junior program! Go to rcmsar2.com, or email [email protected] for more information.

Written by Oscar Robindell, Argyle Secondary student


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.

A second round with NSR on the small screen

After breaking Knowledge Network records, both North Shore Rescue and Silvapark Films are back with a new season of Search and Rescue: North Shore debuting May 28. The five-part docuseries takes place throughout the North Shore and Squamish highlighting the dedicated volunteers that are on duty 24/7/365.


Real impacts


Promising a look into the lives of Canada’s busiest search and rescue team, the second season of Search and Rescue: North Shore brings viewers along through the highs and lows facing local volunteers traversing through and over the mountains surrounding Lynn Valley. The first season released in 2020 was a massive success. It was an easy decision for all involved to invest the time and effort to offer a second season. 

Mike Danks

When Jenny Rustemeyer and Grant Baldwin approached North Shore Rescue to document the local volunteer group they weren’t the first. With offers for longer format movies to lengthy reality TV, NSR Team Leader Mike Danks said it was clear the Silvapark Films team had something others didn’t: a respect for patient care priority and a comprehensive understanding of all the obstacles they would face. 

“Our biggest concern was that it would not affect our response in any way,” said Danks, a LynnValley local, who was also recently appointed chief of the District of North Vancouver Fire Rescue Services. “They came and trained with us and showed us they had the skills to come along and not impact us in any sense. I think it’s important for people to understand how incredible it is that they captured the footage they did. We didn’t wait for them at all. We were moving as quickly as we possibly could and they were able to stay with us or get a head to capture that footage.”

The unforgiving terrain and weather, difficult for NSR, pulls no punches at the small crew filming their work. 

“We have rescues that last multiple days and they are trying to keep GoPros running and the batteries going in conditions where it was -20, -30°C. Our main focus is not to keep those cameras going. We are doing what we need to do and they are doing what they need to do to capture the footage.”

The first season proved that all that effort is well worth it. 

“We had an overwhelmingly positive response from everyone that saw it,” said Danks. “They really stressed the importance of lessons learned and seeing what happens behind the scenes and seeing the impact of these calls have on not only our mental wellbeing but the impact they have on our families as well. 

“When they talked about doing season two it was a no-brainer. We also had a large increase in community support and that also reflects on other teams in the province as well – which was huge.”

Apart from gratitude and surprise that the “professional-grade” service providers are volunteers, one of the most beneficial results has been an increase in donations. The program showcased many of the practical challenges for all of British Columbia volunteer search and rescue groups. The increase in donor funding inspired by the series had noticeable ripple effects throughout the province. 

“The impact it had on donations to – not just with us but groups around the province – we didn’t hesitate to jump into season two.”

For Baldwin – who also became a resource member for NSR after filming season one helping support rescues using drones – one of the most important impacts is showcasing the efforts of the group whose members each give an average of 600 hours a year to prepare and rescue those in need. It is a perspective the subjects (the people being rescued) are also supportive of and makes them willing to share the potentially worst day of their lives so publicly.

“It often surprises the subject that we are filming because they don’t realize they’re volunteers. A lot of people still don’t know that,” said Baldwin.

There are a lot of vulnerabilities and tragedies captured. In some cases the subjects have found great value in viewing the footage after the fact, said Baldwin. 

“They know they are lost or injured. They don’t understand what’s happening on the side of the rescue they don’t understand how the call comes to them. They don’t understand maybe why it took so long to get there or there are a lot of moving pieces and I think it’s helpful to see how it came together from the rescuers’ perspective.”


Season two


It was an interesting time to shadow NSR, said Baldwin. At the time of filming season two they were in the process of getting approvals for their night vision flying and coincidentally a wealth of photos and historical NSR records were found. 

“You’ll learn more about Mike Danks, who’s team leader, his dad and his role on the team. You’ll learn more about some of the tech stuff that’s coming out with the team and also what’s available to the public in terms of hiking technology,” said Baldwin. “There are some technical rescues involving base jumpers, paragliders, and some of them are pretty intense as well.”

It captures a very impactful period for Danks and his family. His father is fighting what will likely be a terminal diagnosis of cancer. 

“It captures a lot about my dad. He joined in the early 70s. He is the reason I joined the team,” said Danks. “Right now he is fighting a battle with cancer and will probably not survive much longer. He is in this and he has this legacy. It’s hard for me because I see his declining health as the series goes on.”

Baldwin and his team know much of the first season was shared with viewers of all ages. He advises pre-watching to make sure it’s suitable for everyone in your family. It was important to the film crew that they were accurate about the tragedy and personal risk volunteers face.

“There’s definitely some dramatic spectrum in this series, and it’s something you have to consider but we don’t shy away from that because we want to show what SAR goes through. We want to show how they deal with traumatic rescues as well. If we just dodged around that, then the conversation doesn’t happen about the mental health of the rescuers as well.”


Prioritizing health


The effects of such intense volunteer work have significant impacts on NSR members. The group has evolved over the years to understand and work to support each other.

“I think times have changed, in the 10-year period I have been I have been the team leader. There has been a shift in how first responders look out for each other –  to share it and not wear it,” said Danks. “NSR is exposed to a tremendous amount of trauma. I would almost argue that it is more than you see with police and fire because the calls we are going to are very, very significant. When you are in mountainous terrain the consequences are very high in those circumstances. 

“Now we recognize we need to be more strategic with our responses so we can reduce the number of people who are exposed to that [risk and that trauma]. Not many people are aware that through covid our call volume spiked and a lot of those calls we were going to were suicides. Those were people who were 16-30 years old. They were going up to the mountains and jumping off cliffs or jumping in rivers or they were finding an isolated spot and they were overdosing on drugs. Those are calls we are responding to and we have a whole diverse group of people who aren’t used to seeing that – like accountants. We take the time to talk about that in this series and telling that story helps us cope with that and hopefully it helps others talk about it.” 

When it comes to local viewers of the series who live, work and play in the mountains on the North Shore Danks hopes viewers gain an understanding of the wilderness that is accessible after a short hike from a downtown bus stop. 

“The goal is to increase everyone’s awareness of preparedness and to shed light on the North Shore mountains are not just what you see from the downtown core. When you get to the North side of those mountains they are more remote areas without cell coverage. The game changes very, very quickly and you need to know how to navigate mountain terrain and let someone know where you are going and when you will be back and be prepared for changing conditions. 

“You get to see little snippets of people going through those journeys and need help. It’s not to say that every rescue is preventable. That is not the case. No one goes out there planning to have a bad day,” said Danks. “It’s an opportunity to see the impact of some of the families that supported us that have lost a loved one. They have left a legacy that supports the North Shore community and you can see how that is paid back. 

“And to be honest. I am getting a bit older and my emotions run pretty high. You get to see something happen in this series that shows how someone’s life was lost and it was paid back to multiple younger adults who made some pretty big mistake but they were saved because of that legacy.”

Season two of Search and Rescue: North Shore debuts on Knowledge Network May 28th at 8 pm. It will also be available for online viewing.  


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.

Your One Stop for 2024

Our LynnValleyLife office has brought together experts to help you take care of your home and life. Whether you plan to downsize, renovate your home, make that will you have been putting off or want to see how you can maximise your home equity, our team and office mates are your One Stop Shop for 2024. Please feel free to pop in to say ‘Hi’ anytime.


Realty


For more than a decade LynnValleyLife has been creating community. Our events and community website have been offering free family fun to all of Lynn Valley since 2011 but how we do all that is by being the local realty experts. 

Our team of Jim Lanctot, Kelly Gardiner and Melanie Buchart focuses on client and industry relations. 

They know the neighbourhood, the market and have extensive broker relationships to help buy or sell your home. If you are looking for a custom home Jim has extensive relationships with builders and plenty of experience supporting homeowners through finding the right lot and understanding the process to build your dream home. Kelly’s practicality is a welcomed change during the negotiating process. He fights for the best deal focused on client needs and budget, helping keep emotions in check. Melanie brings her real-life experience as a busy parent and understands you are being pulled in a hundred different directions. She excels at supporting buyers – especially those purchasing for the first time. 

“This is a great time to understand what the market looks like,” said Lanctot. “Home assessments just came out and mortgages have changed a lot in the last few years. We can help you understand what your home is worth and help you understand how its value fits with your family’s 2024 goals.”


Mortgage


The new year is an excellent time to get a bigger picture of your equity. Dave “MortgageDave” Bruynestyeyn is part of our One Stop Shop to help you maximise your 2024. If your mortgage is up for renewal this year, the market is completely different than it was three or five years ago. MortgageDave’s broker expertise is a resource worth leveraging. 

MortgageDave

“A mortgage broker is an independent party that helps people arrange residential financing,” he said. “I love it because I don’t work for a bank – I work for the client. It is at no cost to the client. We are paid by the lender, so the only goal is to get the best deal for the client. You get all of my expertise and at no cost – it’s a no-brainer.” 

MortgageDave meets flexibly – in the Lynn Valley office, virtually or at your home. Unlike a bank, his access to a variety of mortgage options tends to help MortgageDave ensure clients have more stability within variable products. 

“It is tough on some of my clients on variable rates, some of my clients on variable rates saw payments almost double,” he said, adding he doesn’t like trigger rate products. Whenever possible, MortgageDave chooses to put clients with lenders that ensure payments rise with interest rates going up, rather than being hit with a significant trigger rate.


Insurance


Another key arm of LynnValley HQ takes care of you when you need it most. Anyone who has had to make a claim knows the importance of having a local broker. David Fiteni, of Fetini Financial and Central Agencies Insurance Ltd, and his team know Lynn Valley and its unique needs. Is there a creek in your yard? A garage full of mountain bikes worth more than your car? 

“It might be standard practice when looking at home insurance to ask about jewelry or art. Here in Lynn Valley, I always ask ‘Do you have any bikes?’ I have never had someone who didn’t want to have their bike fully covered. Our job is to learn about you, your life and your needs to make sure, should you need it, you have protection,” said Fiteni. “As an insurance broker, it’s my job to find the right product to fit you, not fit you into a product. Our time and quotes are offered at no cost to you.”

The new year is a time to connect with a broker to address any upgrades or security enhancements that may affect your coverage or lead to a discount. Getting a quote from a broker ahead of your renewal is a no-obligation way to ensure your coverage meets your needs. Fenteni is a full-service broker who also offers travel, marine, personal and commercial insurance.


Notary


A new year on the calendar is a chance to take a look at your affairs. Connecting with Kay Manabe of Senju Notary at LynnValleyLife’s Mountain Hwy offices to take of yourself and your loved ones’ futures. 

“I believe it is important for everyone, whether they have assets or not, to have a will and the other documents you need,” Manabe said. “It’s a way of taking care of the people left behind. The fees and process to take care of a death without a will can be overwhelming in a tough time.”

In addition to a will, she recommends a power of attorney, a representation agreement, and an advanced directive (the latter two take care of your needs should you become incapacitated). Manabe says the process is easier when it’s done when everyone is healthy and happy. Decisions are easier made without the pressures of a crisis. 


~ Your Local One Stop Shop Team ~


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.

New option for dogs at Lynn Valley Centre

Lynn Valley’s Save-On Foods has gone to the dogs. Well, perhaps, it’s quite the opposite. The dogs are going to Save-On and everyone is a bit better off. The two new green dog houses at the outside entrance to the store are new PetParkers that make it easier and safer to bring your furry family members on errands.


Brazilian ingenuity


A new company has launched in Vancouver to support pet families. PetParker partners with stores, municipalities and services to provide pet safety stations free of charge to their customers.

Adi Kabazo

“This service has provided tens of thousands of safe stays in Brazil,” said Adi Kabazo of PetParker Canada. “We want to give pet owners more opportunities to include their dogs in their busy lives.” 

Last March when the company announced their launch in Canada – specifically Vancouver – it asked people to submit their location requests. 

“Lynn Valley was the number one location submitted,” said Kabazo. “I think it’s the active lifestyle that incorporates dogs that made people ask for PetParker”

There are now five locations in the Lower Mainland that have the PetParkers – two in North Vancouver. Presently they can be found at Lynn Valley Centre at the Save-On and at Northwood’s Stongs. 


More than just a box


The PetParker uses state-of-the-art technology that has been refined and improved in its five years in Brazil, said Kabazo.

“The pet safety station – PetParker – is designed for short-term stays of less than an hour,” he said. “There is quite a bit of engineering. It has a door with an electronic lock, a camera for owners to monitor their dog, and the temperature is monitored. There is an emergency remote release if needed. It basically has a full computer monitoring and communicating to take care of your pet companion.”

Users are asked to confirm their dog has its vaccinations and it is only available to pets older than six months that are housebroken.

“We find that accidents don’t happen in the PetParker because the dogs are there for only a short stay – the average is 20 minutes – and dogs typically don’t want to do their business in a small space, they prefer being ‘on the move.’

Designed with a raised floor, typical dirt and debris fall away, said Kabazo. And if a dog has a bad day – users can mark the station in need of cleaning. 


A welcomed amenity


The success of PetParker in the Southern Hemisphere is with businesses (or local governments) that realize pets are a significant part of people’s families.

“One-third of Canadian homes have at least one dog,” said Kabazo. “I bet that Lynn Valley has a higher number. Businesses we partner with appreciate that people like to spend time with their dogs. This is an amenity – that is free – to make the welfare of our companions accessible. It’s available to anyone regardless of income.”

The business case is desirable for PetParker partners because patrons tend to take a bit more time and spend a bit more money if they know their dog is safe.

There is no reason to keep your dog in a potentially hot car knowing there is a safe, free alternative at a shop’s entrance, said Kabazo.

There are currently plans for 30 locations in the Lower Mainland. Kabazo has a goal to partner with municipalities to see this at locations like libraries and community centres as well. 

“It’s early days but this has proven to help pet owners and businesses,” he said. “It’s very promising. We offer pet owners peace of mind and we hope the community embraces it.”


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.

Who is our Good Neighbour 2023?

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! It is Good Neighbour season! For more than a decade we have been shining a light on those that make Lynn Valley the best place to live! We want to celebrate the community members who share their time and skills to make our neighbourhood better. We are once again looking for nominations for our Good Neighbour Award. 


Notable neighbours


Day-to-day we try to gather interesting and innovative stories about Lynn Valley but one thing that can be missed is the quietest of stories. The good that goes on in our neighborhood every day – often unnoticed beyond the person or the organization helped.  

We have people step up in times of tragedy, we have those that day in and day out give of their time, money, and energy. We have those that invest in our schools, our community groups, our churches. We have those that are staples on our streets who step up and help neighbours and friends whenever it’s needed. From helping refugees to outstanding coaches to people who are practically community institutions.


Community builders


The Good Neighbour Award has been going strong since 2012. We receive heartfelt nominations – some short, some long. Check out some previous winners and read their stories – we have an exceptional community! Last year we surprised Gillian Konst on stage at her own event – that was a blast. In the past, we recognized the great Bob McCormack. We were able to celebrate Matina Spiropoulos in 2019.  The year before, we had Linda Munro, a local who puts her hands in so many local groups. In the past, we have had Tim Green, a tireless supporter of the Lynn Valley Services Society and Molly Nye House. Dave and Wilna Parry are passionate advocates for refugees and immigrants. In 2015 we were proud to recognize Cath Bates Dimmock a volunteer with Argyle Secondary for more than 10 years! We have shared the astounding work of Lizz Lindsay and her charity Sharing Abundance that brings people together through food and programs that address food insecurity and social isolation. We love hearing about who makes a difference in your life and our community.


How to nominate your good neighbour


Who might our Good Neighbour be for 2023? Please send us a note telling us why you think your nominee makes Lynn Valley a better place to be. It doesn’t have to be long and fancy – just from the heart! Please send your suggestions to [email protected] before November 26, 2023. Lynn Valley’s Good Neighbour will receive a plaque, a restaurant gift certificate, and some well-deserved recognition!


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.

How to make your home unattractive (to criminals)

With increasing notifications from social media, it can feel like our neighbourhoods aren’t the idyllic places they were “back in my day.” The reality is: North Vancouver experiences 39% less crime than the national average and you can participate in one key pillar of that safety: Blockwatch. 


BC’s second biggest Blockwatch


North Vancouver remains an incredibly safe place to live, work and play and that is in part thanks to citizens taking responsibility to prevent crime. More than 11,000 people work with 800 Blockwatch captains and co-captains across the shore to reduce crime.

Breanna Caruth

“Blockwatch provides a means for a community to take responsibility for its own safety by reducing an opportunity for crime,” said Breanna Caruth, Blockwatch coordinator with  North Vancouver RCMP Community Policing.   “A successful Blockwatch neighbourhood presents itself as an unattractive target for criminals.”

Despite the vast network of homes and streets participating in Blockwatch, the program would like to continue to grow and strengthen.  

“It does not involve patrolling your neighbourhood or chasing burglars or intruding into the privacy of your neighbours,” said Caruth. “It requires you to be familiar enough with your neighbours that you notice something is not normal.”


How to get involved


The program needs captains or co-captains – particularly in Upper and Lower Lynn areas – to take on a leadership role within their neighbourhood block. Beyond the initial training, it requires a commitment of less than an hour a month.

“Each block has a captain and co-captain that sets up communication between neighbours and acts as a link between the Blockwatch and the North Van RCMP,” said Caruth.  “To be a Blockwatch captain or co-captain they must first submit a police information check – to be completed every five years – and then attend an information session at the North Van RCMP headquarters. The next step is to gather information about their block by canvassing door to door. Once the contact information is collected it is submitted as a participant list to our office. After that, they are responsible for sending out information from our office to their Blockwatch participants.” 

Participants receive information on crime prevention, how to be a good witness and guidance on when to call 911 versus non-emergency reporting. 

“As a [household] participant you are part of the email chain and are asked to be as concerned about your neighbourhood as you would about your own property,” she said. “Report suspicious captivity to the police and your neighbours, and to be aware of your surroundings as you go about your day-to-day life. 

Caruth says participants are guided to participate in Blockwatch from a foundation of respect.

“Participants are educated to look for suspicious activities but to be conscious of their preconceived notions, bias or discriminatory practices enter into their mind as they assess whether someone is suspicious or not,” she said. “Part of our code of conduct is to encourage all Blockwatch participants to engage in kindness and compassion to treat everyone equally regardless of race, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, political beliefs or socioeconomic status.”

Tips to remember from Blockwatch

When to call 911:

  • When someone’s health, safety, well-being, or property is at risk 
  • A crime is in progress. 
  • There are suspicious acts that indicate a crime might be imminent. 

When to call the non-emergency (604-985-1311) or report a crime online

  • The crime has occurred in the past
  • A suspicious circumstance that may indicate an ongoing criminal act (but no immediate risk)

To learn more about or join Blockwatch visit its webpage or email [email protected].  


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.

Pulling a bike off the shelf

This summer you could possibly check out a pair of wheels from the North Vancouver District Public Library. Inspired by Lynn Valley’s Duncan Wilcox and his passion to help others embrace active transportation, DNV councillor Jordan Back helped pass a unanimous motion at council Monday bringing a Bike Library one step closer to launching.


Getting ready to roll


The District has earmarked a potential budget of $60,000 to bring an e-trike, and e-cargo and e-utility bikes to NVDPL to help the public become educated and aware of the diversity of active transportation options. 

“Duncan is an e-bike enthusiast who saw financial barriers to families with this type of transportation,” said Back. “There isn’t an opportunity to try these types of bikes out. It’s not a huge investment and there are some other revenue streams and grants.”

This is a relatively new idea but there are bike libraries in the US and Europe.

“It has been done in other parts of the world, in Europe in other countries. There are a number of examples in states, it just hasn’t been done here,” he said.

“For Duncan, it was important it was done by a non-commercial place where everyone is welcome – that is barrier-free. Here the options would be a community centre or the library. The NVDPL is quick to try things and offer pilot projects. The pandemic was a good indication of how the library can pivot to serve people in a variety of ways.” 

Information sharing has led to the NDVPL and District considering a Bike Library for a two-year pilot project. 


Family transportation


Interest in cycling has boomed over the last few years. There are a number of bike shares in the Lower Mainland.   

“Lime Bikes serve a purpose,” said Back. “But they aren’t cargo bikes. Box cargo bikes and  long-tails, like I have, can be a second car replacement. They can carry kids and stuff but there is nowhere to go and try to see if this is a fit for your family. ”

It’s an active transportation shift Back and his family of four have embraced. 

“If I am not leaving the North Shore, I don’t even think about taking the car,” he said. “We head down to Lonsdale and we love Moodyville Park. We spend a lot of time there. With an e-bike, it’s not that hard.”

For his family, one of the biggest advantages to using a cargo bike is that they now have a journey, rather than being boxed in traffic. 

“We like to stop. If the kids see something we can stop and take a look, like the construction of the Argyle Field. It’s easy to stop, so we stop and take a look.” 

For those new to cargo bikes, local North Vancouver E-bike manufacturer Ohm has some examples of how longtail bikes can be configured.


Accessibility


The pilot project still has a number of matters to resolve. District staff are exploring issues around liability and insurance. The managing partner of Reckless Bikes, Lynn Valley’s Tony Sun, has been helpful with his experience in the rental market, said Back. 

E-bikes have opened up transportation and fitness to people, but the barrier of the unknown and the cost associated with e-bikes might prevent people from giving them a chance. Allowing citizens to experience the bikes might make them more comfortable investing in their own, said Back. 

“It’s a chance for more people to try them. It’s an easier way to get around than a lot of people think. Perhaps the older generation who haven’t ridden a bike in a while and it allows them to ride a bike.” 

Safety is at the top of Back’s mind – especially if people haven’t tried the larger cargo-style e-bikes.

“They will have the manufacturer’s limiter of 32km/h,” he said. “Perhaps there will be additional speed limiters on them. Certainly orientation, safety-training will be a part of checking these out with the addition of a waiver. There might be a video or something. You can’t sign these out and immediately hit the road.” 

For now, the matter lies with staff doing research and the NVDPL board but Back hopes people will be able to check out the e-bikes by late May or early June.


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