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Events ahead of local elections

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 .

 

October 4 (7pm – 9pm) All Candidates Meeting co-hosted by the Blueridge Community Association, the Seymour Community Association, the Deep Cove Community Association, Parkgate Society Community Services and the Mount Seymour United Church (Mount Seymour United Church)
October 5 (7pm – 10pm) Lynn Valley Community Association Candidates Meeting (Lynn Valley Rec Centre)
October 5 (8am – 8pm) Advance voting day (District Hall)
October 7 (7pm – 9pm) Edgemont and Upper Capilano Community Association (EUCCA) All Candidates Meeting (Highlands United Church)
October 8 (8am – 8pm) Advance voting day (District Hall, Parkgate Community Centre)
October 10 (8am – 8pm) Advance voting day (District Hall, Parkgate Community Centre)
October 12 (7pm – 8:30pm) “Speed-Candidating” chat hosted by NVDPL. A chance to briefly speak to candidates and ask questions. Registration required. Visit NVDPL website for details. (Lynn Valley Library)
October 15 (8am – 8pm) General voting day (20 voting places located throughout the District) 

 

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.

September 23, 2022 in Blog, Governance and Services Comments (0)

New neighbours buzzing about Argyle

If you live near Argyle Secondary you may have noticed a bit of buzz around the school this summer. More than 20,000 new neighbours have moved onto the campus – and they are bringing a sweet educational opportunity for students. 

Pollinator power

A new bee hive was established at Argyle Secondary in mid-July. The project – initiated by new science teacher Magali Chemali – was fully funded by the University of British Columbia with support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

Speeding in and out of a small circular hole on the second floor of the school, honey bees are hard at work establishing a colony that Chemali hopes will grow to 50,000 bees. The glass-sided hive stands, bolted to the floor, about the size of a door where students can pass by and check out their new schoolmates. 

“My goal is to develop curiosity,” said Chemali. “I believe we need to show students connection to build bonds and grow curiosity. As humans, we need to feel connected to care.”

Experiential learning

The hive is small by honey standards and will serve as an educational tool, rather than an agriculture producer. 

“There are so many ways to tie the bees to the curriculum – all the way from K [kindergarten] to 12,” said Chemali. “Students won’t do a ‘bee unit’ but it can be tied into learning about ecosystems, life cycles, reproduction, math – the hexagon shape, symmetry, philosophy, social systems like hierarchy, literature – there is so much written about bees in literature.”

While not native to BC, honey bees offer opportunities to engage in Indigenous ways of learning as well. 

“The bees offer an opportunity to observe and learn from the bees – it’s a way to use nature as a teacher that has been done here for centuries,” she said. “Students may have heard the example of observing a bear as a teacher – if a bear eats a berry, it is likely safe for a person. If it doesn’t, definitely don’t eat it. 

“Bees are a chance to try that look and learning. They are connected to the seasons, the weather. By watching the bees you can learn about what is coming.”

Full circle

The arrival of the hive was a full-circle moment for Chemali who fell in love with bees at school.

“I was living in California and volunteering at my child’s school,” she said. “They knew I had a biology background and started me on a bee-keeping project – I knew nothing about bees!”

The experience sparked a passion within Chemali that led to a lot of learning and eventually the creation of a company that builds and helps maintain hives. To date there are seven in West Vancouver schools and another is planned for installation at Windsor Secondary in North Vancouver as part of the same funding project as the Argyle hive. 

Bees face challenges

Another goal of the hive is to simply create an opportunity for more pollinators to help local ecosystems. Globally honey bees are under threat from a parasitic mite. 

“The hive is one step. A group of dedicated teachers here at Argyle are working together on a garden project which will include more pollinator-friendly plants, together with various indigenous plants,” she said. “I am feeding the bees [nectar] because I am not sure they will have enough honey to survive the winter. There are not enough bee-friendly flowers in the area to support the bees. Bees don’t like plants like roses – those are for us.”

The observational nature of the hive, with windows, can also be a challenge for the bees that require a warm temperature to thrive. To support them, the hive has warming wires and when not in use, covers to keep the bees warm. 

Previous installations of the hives have proven safe for students.

“Bees have a job to do – to fly and go to a flower and get to work,” said Chemali. “Bees are not interested in us – they aren’t interested in what we eat [unlike wasps].”

She expects the hive to more than double in size over the next year and will have about 50,000 bees when it reaches capacity. 

“My goal is to have students become bee stewards,” she said. “To feel connected to nature, to realize they have an impact and to appreciate they are sharing this space with another species.”

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.

September 23, 2022 in Blog, Eco-Awareness & The Great Outdoors, School News Comments (0)

LVCA Family Fun Fair

Kirkstone Park will be buzzing with free family fun this weekend. The Lynn Valley Community Association is launching their Family Fun Fair Saturday, September 10 from 10 am – 2 pm. 

Celebrating community

The Lynn Valley Community Association is bringing together local businesses and community groups for what it hopes in a new annual event this Saturday. 

“We wanted to do something that would be fun for the whole family and not cost a lot,” said Shannon Epp, LVCA treasurer. “Things are getting expensive.”

On the agenda for Saturday is face painting, games and relays, a dunk take and more – all free to families. There will also be a DNV Firefighters Charitable Society BBQ with food donated by Save-On-Foods supporting their causes. 

The event was born out of the goal of bringing the community out to participate in some old-fashioned fun. 

“We have gone through two-and-a-half years of covid,” said Epp. “We [the LVCA] do our Christmas Tree [Parade] and wanted to do something else. We started thinking: ‘What was fun when we were growing up?’” 

Discussions came to the conclusion that the joy of the classic sports day was the way to launch what the association hopes is an annual event. 

“We want people to have fun,” she said. “This is the first year. We have had a positive response – we hope it grows and more people get involved in future years.”

With the event a few days away, there is still hope a few more volunteers will offer their time. Volunteers can contact the LVCA at [email protected]. The events kick off at 10 am on September 10 and wraps up at 2 pm at Kirkstone Park. Walking or rolling is encouraged. 

“I want to see people smiling, laughing and having fun,” said Epp.

Come out and see Jim & Kelly as they host the family games. Lots of fun with potato sack, 3-legged and egg and spoon races. Plus the always entertaining balloon toss! We can’t wait!

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.

September 7, 2022 in Blog, Community Events, Neighbourhood News Comments (0)

Women helping women

A new counselling group in Lynn Valley hopes to support women and combat isolation.

Come together

Registered clinical counsellor Marion Gargiulo is hoping to launch a new group Thursday evenings at Mollie Nye House. Group therapy can be both more affordable than one-on-one therapy and can be less intimidating for people new to the process, said Gargiulo. 

“One of the worst things for mental health is feeling alone,” she said. “When people are struggling, what is holding them back is the idea that they are in this alone – they aren’t. Depending on what resources they have, they may never reach out for support.”

The program is inspired by a client who requested Gargiulo start a women’s group after seeing their spouse succeed with a local men’s group. 

“For some people, it is a more affordable way of having some support. A group replicates relationships that play out in larger life. The idea is that people come together and share – at their own pace.”

Group sessions sometimes have a greater impact than an individual session, said Gargiulo. 

“Feedback from other participants might be paid more attention to because they are experiencing the person as another person, not as a therapist,” adding a group’s diversity can support that goal. “I would like a variety of ages, so there are people in different stages of life with their own wisdom to offer support. For instance, if there is a person in their early 30s struggling with their mom, there might be a person in the group who is a mom and can offer insight as to what the mom might be experiencing in the relationship with their daughter.”

Group therapy 101

For those that are new to group therapy, it works based on the trust of the other members.  

Mollie Nye House “There will be some rules to help everyone feel safe,” she said. “The group will be confidential. I think we will have the rule, don’t meet outside of the group because that leads to one relationship evolving at a faster pace then the rest of the group and that can have an impact. You don’t disclose names to other people. What is said in group, stays in group. People need to come with the mindset that they will disclose and offer feedback with guidance.” 

A therapy group can be a salve for people who don’t have well-rounded support in their day-to-day life. 

“It reduces that feeling that people are alone. People realize the problems they are carrying are not unique to them alone. Information can be shared by other group members – different ideas,” said Gargiulo. “It also feels good to be in a group – not feeling alone – having a community. The purpose is to open up and share things you might not be able to so readily in day-to-day life.”

The whole idea is to support each other through connection. 

“My own tendency is to withdraw, when what I need to do is connect with someone – not everyone but the right person.”

The details

If there is enough interest in the group, Gargiulo will run it every second Thursday from Sept. 17 – Nov. 24 from 6:30-8:15pm at Mollie Nye House. There will be six sessions with each session costing $110. Many extended benefits cover group therapy, Gargiulo suggests checking your coverage. For more information or to register contact Gargiulo at 604-283-5755. 

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.

August 28, 2022 in Blog, Neighbourhood News Comments (0)

Trees to be cleared at Rice Lake

Dam maintenance on Rice Lake will clear 200 trees and significantly change the shoreline of the lake. Metro Vancouver is currently engaging in public consultation about the project. In 2023 the north and south dams on the lake will undergo significant maintenance. The public has a chance to review and comment on the restoration until early September.

Review prompts changes

The public is invited to comment on planned changes to the north and south ends of Rice Lake through a public engagement process with Metro Vancouver until September 7. A routine review of the dams revealed they no longer fit their water licence and prompted a long-term maintenance and inspection plan, said Niki Reitmayer, senior media relations strategist for Metro Vancouver. 

“To complete this work, vegetation and trees next to each dam will be removed,” she said. “This will support effective regular inspections and monitoring of the dams and prevent roots from causing damage that would require increased maintenance.”

According to Metro Vancouver’s website, approximately 200 trees will need to be removed.  Most of these are small (less than a 30 cm diameter), and about 10% are dead and must be removed for public safety reasons, it says.

“The maintenance work will create new open spaces around the dams at the north and south end of Rice Lake,” said Reitmayer. “These new spaces provide an opportunity to enhance the visitor experience at the lake. Public feedback will allow us to do something meaningful with the new open space and it will be considered alongside technical advice and First Nations input.”

Public input

With significant land clearing required, the municipal federation is asking for public input on the proposed designs and for comments on how residents use Rice Lake. Metro Vancouver has a survey available until September 7. The survey provides some background on the project and the proposed restoration of the land after clearing and maintenance are complete. 

“In order to meet the BC Dam Safety regulations, trees and vegetation must be removed from within approximately five metres of the dam perimeters,” said Reitmayer. “The spaces near the dams will need to remain clear and open in order to facilitate effective maintenance and regular inspections of the dams.  No changes are planned along the Rice Lake shoreline, except in the immediate areas of the dams.”

The proposed designs look very different from the current shores of Rice Lake. On the south end, the small wooden pier will be removed and replaced with some shore access and public art to educate the public about Metro Vancouver’s water system. The north end has a proposed picnic area and lake viewing area. The concept has been described by Metro Vancouver as “celebrating what lies beneath.” 

“Celebrating what lies beneath is one consideration in the current concept designs,” said Reitmayer. “Creating awareness of the drinking water infrastructure at Rice Lake, which includes two dams and a regional water main, provides education on how our water system shaped the area and why we must protect it for the future.”

The proposed concepts do not reforest the area similar to the current trees and small shore pockets, instead the north and south will have open spaces to facilitate maintenance and inspection of the dams. 

“The new open spaces then provided an opportunity to work with the public, First Nations, and technical experts to create accessible, enjoyable, educational, and environmentally-conscious concepts to enhance the dam areas.”

The design proposed for the south end of the lake also includes a new interactive map. 

“The 3D wayfinding sculpture we are sharing as part of the concept designs is an interactive and tactile way for visitors of any age and ability to understand the landscape and how our regional water infrastructure interacts with the area,” said Reitmayer. “This type of sculpture would allow visitors to touch the contours of the lake, view the dam locations, and orient themselves within the landscape.”

 During the public consultation period, park users are encouraged to share why Rice Lake is important to them. 

“We are asking residents to share what they love about Rice Lake on a virtual comment wall,” said Reitmayer. “We will be sharing selected stories from here on construction signage during the maintenance work around the Rice Lake dams in 2023.”

Construction

The report from the public engagement process is expected to be complete in late fall 2022, with clearing work is expected to start in early 2023 and plans for dam restoration to be complete by spring 2023 and further site restoration throughout the summer.  

“Rice Lake will remain open during the maintenance and restoration work, but there will be crews and equipment in the area. There may be times where some trails are not available or where we will ask trail users to wait momentarily while crews and equipment pass through,” she said.  

To have your say, complete Metro Vancouver’s survey before September 7, 2022. 

All drawings provided by Metro Vancouver. 

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.

August 4, 2022 in Blog, Development and Town Planning, Eco-Awareness & The Great Outdoors, Governance and Services Comments (0)

From big bands to Bollywood

The return of music and family fun to Lynn Valley Village is going strong. On the schedule are games, bands and Bollywood. 

Wednesdays: celebrating community diversity

Evenings at Lynn Valley Village have a lot to offer this month. From classics to dance lessons. There will be a variety of sounds and styles to get families moving from 6-8 pm.

August 10: The vintage fabulous trio Beauty Shop Dolls will fill the plaza with harmonies while kids can take advantage of the craft table. . Performing classics from the roaring 1920s Great Gatsby era, the swinging 1940s dance halls, and boppin’ 1950s radio hits, these dolls know how to woo any crowd into an old fashioned love affair. The perfect blend of lush vocals, gorgeous retro costumes, and classic dance choreography, Beauty Shop Dolls leave anyone with a sweet tooth for musical delight well satisfied. 

August 17: Bollywood dance expert Rohan D’Silva will be offering a lesson to get Lynn Valley on board with one of Canada’s fastest growing dance styles. There will also be music from the Mark James Fortin Band to round out the evening. Lead by local teach Mark James Fortin, the band has been described as raw, powerful, and dynamic. Mark’s wide appeal is based on skill, talent and an uncompromising desire to offer music with heart. This vibrant band has been seen performing all over the North Shore. Plus, crafts for the kids. 

August 24: It’s another night of Bollywood dancing with Rohan D’Silva and a chance to learn Mediterranean dancing with Pooneah Alizadeh. Alizadeh is the award-winning artistic director of the Academy of Middle Eastern Dance. The artistic direction of her academy is based on a fusion of Middle Eastern dance, folkloric dances and ballet influences — including belly dance. With more than 18 years of teaching experience in Canada, she is bound to get you moving. And, of course, crafts! 

Sundays: bigs bands and brass

These high-energy shows from 1-3 pm, Sundays, are redefining what you think of when you hear “brass” band. These are not retro-parade marching bands but eclectic, dynamic groups to get you moving. 

August 7: Filipinx-Canadian multi-instrumentalist and loop artist, Alex Meher’s performances showcase his musical instincts. The solo artist builds songs layer by layer as he performs percussion, electric guitar, soulful vocals, keys, synth, SPDS drum pad and alto sax. With lush layers, complex harmonies, and a driving rhythm, his music will make the crowd move. 

August 14: Inspired by Eastern-European roots, via East Vancouver’s Balkan Schmalkan is a dancy party orchestra. Their funky brass dance beats are rooted in the living aural traditions of the Roma and Klezmorim of Eastern Europe and blended with a mixture of pop, funk, and jazz. Members of the group sing in 6 languages including Serbian, Romani, and Italian.

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.

August 4, 2022 in Blog, Community Events Comments (0)

Getting wild about art

Later this month local artist Caroline Liggett will host a night of brushes and brews at Wildeye Brewing. It’s a chance to have some fun, try something new and take home a piece of art at the end of the evening.

Painting with pints

Lynn Valley’s Liggett is heading down the hill to Wildeye Brewing, Tuesday, August 16 from 7-9 pm to guide new artists through a paint party.

“It’s really fun, I am goofy and silly which takes the pressure off,” she said.

Well-versed over the past two years in Zoom paint parties, Liggett is pumped to pick up and share her techniques with the public again. 

“We used to do this all the time at restaurants. I have been slowly returning to small private groups and continuing my lessons but this is my first one [since the pandemic began] that is open to the public. I’m excited.”

The idea is simple: bring an apron or clothes that can survive a bit of paint and Liggett will take care of the rest. 

“Show up a bit early, have a bite to eat, grab a pint and everything is set up for you,” she said. “I have the supplies and I guide you through the steps. You will have a piece of art you will want to hang at the end of the night.”

August 16, would-be artists will be painting a grove of cedar trees. 

“This is geared to the beginner painter, but it will be a good time for someone with a bit of experience who wants to share the evening with friends. It’s not a technical painting. I have done it before and broken it down so I can teach it step-by-step.”

Directions will be given throughout the evening with Liggett floating between artists to offer one-on-one support. 

Art for everyone

As a busy working mom, Liggett became an artist through grief. In a search for beatuy to help overcome the loss of her sister, Liggett began to create. 

“It’s almost like therapy,” she said. “I think over the last few years mental health has suffered for so many people.”

It is also an excellent way to connect and learn something.

“I was an education assistant and I use that training when working with children. I work with many families of children with autism and families I met in the school system. As special needs kids age out of school, there aren’t a lot of opportunities. I love working with them.”

Sign up

Art can mean many things to the artist. It’s relaxation, it’s creative, it’s fun, said Liggett. 

“It’s about having fun. It’s usually mostly women, so if you are looking to meet an artistic babe…” laughs Liggett. “There are lots of opportunities to laugh and try something new.”

To register for the Aug. 16, Wildeye Brewing event, the cost is $35 per person and can be done by contacting Liggett. The deadline to register is Aug 14. Visit her website, Facebook or Instagram to connect with her. 

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.

August 4, 2022 in Artistic Endeavours, Blog, Community Events Comments (0)

Getting outside and learning something too

We chose to live close to nature when we all made homes in Lynn Valley. As summer ticks along and we try to take advantage of dry(er), sunny(-ier) days by embracing our outdoor neighbourhood, there are a number of chances to learn something while we are at. The Wild Bird Trust at Maplewood Flats and the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre are offering some education programs throughout the summer. 

Wild Bird Trust

Nestled on the shores of Burrard Inlet, the Wild Bird Trust at Maplewood Flats has the goal to provide wild birds with sanctuary through ecological protection and restoration, and to support communities with education, culture, and reconciliation programs. Much of their programming is led by First Nations experts to provide learning opportunities to decolonize local ecology education.

July 16, 11 am-1 pm Basics of Nature Photography with Shou Ye Gauthier. $20

The nature walk and nature photography workshop will include a photo walk around the site and guidance from workshop leads on the technical aspects of lighting and composition when shooting nature with a digital camera. You can bring a camera or just bring your smartphone to shoot with. We welcome folks with no knowledge or lots of experience. All welcome.

Participants will have the opportunity to submit an image to our annual photography exhibition titled “Framing Our Relations: Annual Wild Bird Trust Photo Exhibition.” Participants will receive a print of your photograph(s). The photography exhibit celebrates and reflects the traditional and ancestral relationship of the Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish Nations to the land on which Maplewood Flats resides.

 Registration is required or emailing [email protected].

July 21, 7-8:30 pm, Native Plant Advocacy in Salish Lands hosted by Senaqwila Wyss. Free. Online

The Wild Bird Trust will be hosting an in-depth conversation on pesticide use in the Lower Mainland and its effects on local Indigenous nations.

Angelina Hopkins Rose is addressing threats to traditional plant gathering practices of Interior Salish and Coastal Salish First Nations People, due to BC Timber Sales pursuing a Glyphosate-based Pest Management Plan. Her research and advocacy have contributed to the resurgence of awareness about the importance of traditional foods and medicines, as well as confronting the lack of self-determination local First Nations have in their own lands. Angelina and her partner Ronnie Dean Harris will be highlighting the importance of access to traditional plants. Senaqwila Wyss is Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), Tsimshian, Sto:lo, Hawaiian and Swiss. She holds a Bachelors of the Arts Degree in the faculty of Communications, Arts and Technology, minor in First Nations Studies. She also holds a First Nations Languages Proficiency Certificate and Diploma in the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim. Senaqwila is the Coast Salish Programs Coordinator at Maplewood Flats. Register on Eventbrite for the online event. 

Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre

The Ecology Centre is offering mini camps, Treetop Tales and its Summer Nature Club. 

There are still spaces in three of its Mini Camps. Join Ecology Centre naturalists for three days of adventures, fun and outdoor education. Suitable for children ages 5 to 8 or 8 to 12. Each mini-camp costs $83.00. Get 15% off mini-camps with a family Ecology Centre membership. Please ensure you have read the Centre’s Covid-19 Policies, which includes their refund policies.

Phone 604-990-3755 to register.

 Take a Hike

Wednesday, July 20 to Friday, July 22, 1-4 pm

Ages 8-12

Go on an afternoon adventure through Lynn Canyon Park and beyond, learning about local plants and wildlife and playing games along the way.

 Deer Discovery

Wednesday, August 10 to Friday, August 12, 1-4 pm

Ages 5-8

Explore the realm of our local Columbian black-tailed deer, and see what it eats and where it travels through the forest.

 Eco-Experiments

Monday, August 15 to Wednesday, August 17, 9:30 am-12:30 pm

Ages 8-12

Dig in and discover what makes our ecosystem tick. We’ll investigate animals and explore the forces at work in nature with experiments, projects, and games.

The centre also offers the interactive storytime Treetop Tales for ages two and up, with an adult on the first and third Fridays of the month. This summer, Treetop Tales will be held outdoors in our covered back walkway. Masks are recommended for adults and distancing will be possible. Please stay home if you’re not feeling well.

July 15, Aug. 5 & 19th 10-10:30am, by donation. 

New this year is the Imagine and Explore Series. During these adult-participation programs for children ages 3-8, you’ll explore Lynn Canyon Park and enjoy learning about local plants and animals, both big and small. Each program in the Imagine & Explore series incorporates a walk, a story, and a simple craft to take home.

Tickets are $11 plus fees per child. You do not need to purchase a ticket for the accompanying adult.

July 23 – Hole in One – 10 am-noon, Register here. Learn how woodpeckers are an important part of the Ecosystem. 

Aug. 13 – Hum and Buzz, register here.

Aug. 20 – Going Batty, register here.

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.

July 7, 2022 in Blog, Community Events, Eco-Awareness & The Great Outdoors Comments (0)

Party on: Concerts coming back to LVV

It looks like programming and events might be returning to Lynn Valley Village this summer! There are dates scheduled for both music and family games on the calendar.

The sound of music

A little piece of the Vancouver International Jazz Fest is hitting Lynn Valley Village plaza on June 26. Toronto’s Kobo Town will deliver its redefinition of Calypso music and Caribbean sound. It will be a chance to get the whole family moving during the free concert from 2-4 pm.

“Kobo Town will be a perfect band for a sunny afternoon in Lynn Valley Village,” said Fiona Black, producer, North Shore Jazz Series in partnership with TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival.  “Typically for the Lynn Valley show, we strive to get an upbeat, family-friendly, fun band that will get folks dancing and enjoying the summer vibe in that great location. Drew Gonsalves, the leader of the band, hails from Trinidad and brings a very authentic calypso Caribbean sound mixed with ska and reggae for an irresistible, danceable blend of intoxicating beats.”

Starting June 25, there are eight events in eight days bringing both Canadian and international jazz to the North Shore Jazz Series. The events are produced independently through The BlueShore at CapU in partnership with the TD Jazz Festival. It was born out of a series of highlighting students’ achievements that was extended to partner with Coastal Jazz to create the NS Jazz Series. The BlueShore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts will be offering four ticketed events this year with additional four free community concerts. 

“I was conscious of developing a series that was distinctive from the offerings of the main festival and not attempt to compete with their shows,” said Black.  “It made NSJ delve into many genres beyond jazz to make it a unique offering that would be complementary to the main festival.”  

The events are an opportunity to hear something new.

“Jazz in the context of jazz festivals certainly is more of an umbrella term inclusive of many styles and genres,” she said.  “In addition to our purely jazz offerings, NSJ offers blues and world music which are certainly related to jazz and often employ some improvisation and stylistic similarities.  The TD jazz festival is a great opportunity to be open to new sounds, new bands and new experiences with lots of free and accessible options.”

Other summer plaza events

Doing a little digging, it appears North Vancouver Rec is adding additional programming on Tuesdays and Thursdays evenings in the plaza with Family Big Games starting June 28 but the organization would not confirm any specific information at this time. Check out their page sometime in the future.  

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.

June 8, 2022 in Blog, Community Events, Current News Comments (0)

Party on: Lynn Valley Days

One of Lynn Valley’s most missed traditions is returning for the first time since 2019: Lynn Valley Days. Block off your calendar for July 15 & 16 for the gala, parade and festival.

108 years old

It has been a quiet couple of years. As the world slowly opens again the Lynn Valley Lions are ready to bring the beloved Lynn Valley Days community festival back. 

“We are excited,” said Tania Newman, LV Lions secretary and co-producer of Lynn Valley Days. “We are seeing a lot of interest in the parade and exhibitors – it seems like people are keen to come back.”

Throughout its more than century of history, LV Days has taken place in just about every month from May to September, and this year the club has moved the event to July. 

“This is 100 percent a weather decision,” said Newman. “July might present some challenges with people on summer vacation but the weather hasn’t been the best in May or June. I can remember my first year – it was miserable, torrential rain.”

Community comfort

With the planning process given the green light, LV Days will be much the same as previous years with special care given to covid-safety. 

“We are an open-air event, and we hope people take as much space as they need to enjoy the event. We have changed the layout a bit and are thinking about how to best manage lines,” she said. “Our discussions with the District of North Vancouver have us asking that parade participants don’t hand anything out.”

Besides the goal of limiting contacts, the move is also to reduce the environmental footprint of the event. 

The event of the season

The classic festival that residents have come to love with rides and attractions, fair food, the community stage and exhibitors is ready to hit the field again. 

“We have some new ideas for food service,” said Newman. “And for the first time, we will have Lynn Valley wood carver [Ben Hemara] creating a piece on site.”

Also returning is the Friday night Gala. 

“We have a great party band – Side One – that will get the tent jumping. We are bringing in some of the carnival fun that is part of the main festival. Never before have we had the candy floss at the gala and this year we will have an adult snow cone.”

The night will focus on friends, food and fun with so many people ready to enjoy Lynn Valley. 

“People are looking to celebrate.”

50 years of Lynn Valley community work

The Lions are also using Lynn Valley Days to celebrate their more than 50 years of community work. 

“What I am most proud of is the Lions’ ability to react,” said Newman. “Just days before 2018 Lynn Valley Days we had the tragic Mountain Village Garden Apartment fire where two people died. We saw the community come together and we were able to act as a collection place for donations. Ever since then, the [Lynn Valley] Lions have had a community emergency fund and the Lynn Valley community donates throughout the year.

“We are able to get people what they need. We are independent and mobilize quickly. We don’t have to deal with the red tape of the government or some related organizations. We have grass-root connections and we are transparent.”

Most recently they lept into action partnering with Fraser Valley charities to support flood victims and dedicating a portion of the Christmas tree funds to directly benefit more than 16 families who were flooded out of their homes.

Unlike many volunteer organizations that collapsed during the pandemic, the LV Lions grew. And unlike many other chapters, many of the new members are young – diversifying the skills of the group, said Newman. 

“We do have a lot of fun but we are a humanitarian organization,” said Newman. “The international Lions’ slogan fits: ‘Where there is a need, there is a lion.’”

While the group grows, with such a long pause on Lynn Valley Days, it will be many members’ first time participating on the organizing side. 

“The people here are amazing, this is going to be a good festival – it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

To register as an exhibitor or parade participant or to purchase gala tickets visit lvlions.com. Get ready to enjoy Lynn Valley Days on July 15 and 16th, 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.

June 8, 2022 in Blog, Community Events, Lynn Valley Day Comments (0)