This time last year, we were basking in the afterglow and recovering from family holidays and adventures. Were you planning a 2020 with travel, celebrations or milestones? By the end of February, there were inklings something was happening in China and Europe. Then March came and Covid-19 was in Lynn Valley but 2020 continued on.
An unprecedented year
Lynn Valley has the heartbreaking distinction of having the first Covid-related deaths in Canada. This was the defining moment of the year. Having such a definative moment also saw rise to some community building. As we adapted and grieved for those that have been lost and how all our lives have been altered, our communities got a bit smaller. Health orders asked us to stick closer to home and people got creative on how to come together.
Artists embrace life close to home
Anna’s Hummingbird male
When we spoke to photographer and writer Paul Dixon he had stopped his usual daily trips throughout the Lower Mainland to feed his passion for nature photography. What Dixon did instead was focus on his backyard and the abundant life right on his doorstep.
Another delight for neighbours in the Draycott area. A few mysterious sculptures appeared on dead wood on local trails. We tracked down the artist and had a lovely chat with chainsaw artist Ben Hamara. Now working as Untamed Wood Sculptures, more public art is on hold for now but he is thriving with his other pieces.
Showing the love
LynnValleyLife was so proud to be a part of Project Special Delivery. We had so many submissions of art, well wishes and letters we were able to put together an entire book for delivery to the Lynn Valley Care Centre during its initial lockdown. We even made the Vancouver Sun.
There were others showing hope in their own ways, like Jennifer Tindale. Her community-pleasing holiday displays on Wellington have been an important part of celebrations for years. At the end of March a poignant and heartfelt piece of art appeared on the lawn.
Ch-ch-changes
As the daily closures mounted and re-openings were slimmer there was a major pivot to support local businesses and families adapted to a new stay-at-home life. While it was hard for adults to manage, those on a cusp of change – the 2020 graduates – their lives were completely turned upside down. We spoke with Argyle’s valedictorian Jake Rubin for his thoughts on the grad year like no other.
Good Neighbour 2020
The Walkstars began with a friendship to encourage each other to be healthy and has grown to be a North Shore wide community of caring for many. In a society where lasting social connections can be hard to foster, the simple act of gathering and putting one step in front of the other, has formed a web of support for its members and at the centre is Dawn Moore.
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.
Many worship communities are wrestling with the changing covid-19 restrictions. Plans laid months ago are being adapted. We have done our best to track down what is happening but for the most up-to-date information visit each church’s website closer to Christmas.
There are two fantastic Christmas tree suppliers that have adapted to be covid-safe. Many local Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Venturers are supported by 
If you want to support small businesses and local makers, creators, and authors – visit 
Half the fun of the holidays is decorating and participating in all the traditions that make it special. 
Day-to-day we try to gather interesting and innovative stories about Lynn Valley but one thing that is often missed are the quiet stories. The good that goes on in our neighborhood everyday – often unnoticed beyond the person or organization helped. Perhaps it’s an essential worker pushing hard or a volunteer that adapted and pivoted to keep supporting the cause they are passionate about. In 2020, we have seen some spectacular acts.
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! We were able to celebrate 
“They gave us full access,” said Baldwin. “Every call we did with them. Our skills improved and we practiced alongside them.” 
“There is so much camaraderie in the group – that is why people do this for more than 30 years,” said Baldwin. “When we finished we realized how much we missed these people. You learn a lot about each other sitting in the bush waiting for sunrise, there is a lot of opportunity to talk and make connections. These are intense experiences and they support each other so well.”
North Shore Rescue can be quite public with some of its work, but so much goes on behind the scenes, Baldwin hopes the project shares that side of the team. 
Another take away he hopes viewers leave with is a new respect for the pilots.
First and foremost: If you are sick, do not trick or treat and do not hand out candy.
Trick-or-treating can be done safely by following these tips
She has been working over the last several months with direct outreach to local community members as well as creating initiatives that bring people together. 
“This is a way for people to get involved and get to know people in their neighbourhood,” she said. “When we are spending so much time at home, we aren’t seeing our neighbours as much and we aren’t having people in our home spaces. Sometimes families with young kids get to know each other but it is not as easy when you are older. Adults sometimes don’t know their neighbours in the same way, it would be nice to see some kind of connection created.” 
We are about seven weeks away from ghouls and goblins, creepers and princesses taking over the streets of Lynn Valley. The past few years celebration have centred on Wellington Drive and Dovercourt Road – where the 
His dual causes – 
“I am planning on the Coquihalla and through the Rockies at Golden and Revelstoke,” he explained. “Pretty much along the Trans Canada but I have spoken to cyclists who have done it to hear about better routes where the shoulder is wider or secret spots where I won’t get blown away by big trucks.”
Use fire resistant plants: Plant wildfire resistant plants within 10m of your house (avoid pine, cedar, spruce, and juniper)
Permitted: