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Performer profile: ReeVay Music

Live and Local is bringing some fantastic talent to Lynn Valley Village throughout the summer. Showcasing a range of styles, the plaza will be pumping mid-day on Tuesdays and some Thursdays and Fridays. Hitting the stage on July at 11 am is ReeVay Music.

Award-winning song writer

From his beginnings busking, Marc Rivest has been a student of music. First learning on the streets of Calgary, progressing to formal learning at Capilano University and now evolving into theatrical musical comedy. 

“I got started as a performer in 2014 when I was living in Calgary,” said Rivest, “At that time I was a busker working for tips and Calgary train stations. That led to being accepted into jazz studies at Cap U – and having the funds to attend Cap U. Then when I graduated I thought about mixing my busker roots with my formal jazz training which led to creating the show I’ve been performing ever since.”

The award-winning songwriter has been described as a mix of jazz, Simon and Garfunkel, and Cat Stevens. His playlist is vast, covering favourites and songs guaranteed to get audiences grooving in the sunshine. 

“I put material into my show for everybody that could possibly be present,” said Ree Vay. “This includes some of my own songwriting, jazz standards, Celtic folk, pop covers, some Motown . . . ”

Proud of his musicality, Rivest has continued his evolution. 

“The music is quite complex so I’m hoping that those that understand the language of music will be quite impressed with the arrangements,” he said. “For those that are not, I’m hoping it’s energetic and lively enough to get people moving.”

New sounds, old favourites

After three years of the pandemic stifling public performances, Rivest has spent time heading in a new direction – a musical.

“The most significant project that I’m working on is quite different from my previous work,” he said. “I’ve been working on creating a musical.  It had its first staging at the Ignite Festival in Calgary this June and I’m hoping to open it up in Vancouver in 2024.”

Called Tales from the Gym, the presentation is a work in progress that is growing and evolving. According to Rivest – it’s alive.  

“Is essentially a comedic deconstruction of the character archetypes you would find in your local gym,” he explained. “It’s a musical comedy and at this point, a one-man show but I’m hoping to grow the cast In time for the next staging.  It is also what is called a living musical in that it’s going to grow and change with every single performance.”

Plaza performance

This summer is a return to the before times, with a Lynn Valley Village scheduled with weekly events. It’s a chance to return to performing at community events.

“It feels so good to be out there performing again,” said Rivest. “This is the first summer where it’s been basically back to normal. I’m lucky enough to have quite a few shows booked  over the next few months – a lot of them on the North Shore.”

As Rivest embraces the abundance of opportunities, he continues to develop his sound for these types of performances. 

“One thing that I’m doing new this summer is expanding the number of instruments I’m using.  Kicking off at the Lynn Valley show I’m going to be using harmonicas to fill out my sound and in the months to come I will be acquiring a loop pedal,  incorporating piano, bass, a full drum kit and backing vocals,” said Rivest. 

Marc Rivest, as ReeVay Music, will hit Lynn Valley Village plaza on July 11, from 11 am to 1 pm.

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 3, 2023 in Blog, Community Events Comments (0)

Live and Local returns

Lynn Valley Village will be bustling this summer with a full slate of free Live and Local performances and activities for this summer. From games to bands to airbrush tattoos, all the local favourites are coming back.

Family-friendly big games

The Lynn Valley Village plaza will be filled with Big Games every Monday and Wednesday from 1 – 3 pm to the end of August. Enjoy giant-sized versions of classic favourite games. 

  • July 3rd
  • July 5
  • July 10
  • July 12
  • July 17
  • July 19
  • July 24
  • July 26
  • July 31
  • August 2

Mid-day music

To get a taste of the local music scene, head over to the plaza Tuesdays from 11 am – 1 pm to enjoy everything from pop to jazz to soul.

July 4 Rose Ranger

Hailing from Vancouver’s North Shore, Rose Ranger’s creative process is inextricably linked with the ocean and mountains that are a stone’s throw away from her front door. Combined with her love of all musical genres and her utmost appreciation for all the creative arts – the blend creates a dynamic vibrancy in her songwriting process. And that sentiment is a testament to her new music.

July 11 ReeVay Music

ReeVay is the moniker of the multi-talented Marc Rivest. The Lower Mainland-based artist gracefully weaves the finest elements of folk, jazz and pop. His work is simultaneously soothing, powerful and transformative. It’s easy to get lost in the rich tapestry of sound he has generously created.

July 18 Mom Bop

Mom Bop will brighten your day with colourful outfits, electro-pop music, and upbeat dance routines. With original songs written for young ears and those who are young at heart, Mom Bop spreads a message of positivity and fun!

July 25 Emma Currie

Emma Currie is a dynamic pop, R&B and soul vocalist from Vancouver, British Columbia. She was born into a musical family that included her great-grandmother, a trained opera singer. Some of Emma’s musical influences include  Shania Twain, Demi Lovato, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley,  Céline Dion, and Stevie Wonder.

August 1 Cherie Summers

Singer, songwriter, performer, and busker. Cherie Summers is a multi-talented musician who can do it all! Come watch Cherie in her element as she plays the acoustic guitar and sings.

Friday night fun

Evening entertainment gets Lynn Valley Village moving from 6-8 pm.

July 7 Star Collector

Star Collector is a power pop band from Vancouver, BC that has played throughout Canada, the U.S, and Europe. They have recorded five albums to this day and continue to be a force in the music industry!

July 14 Not scheduled 

July 21 Dr. Strange Love Band

Dr. Strangelove is a highly entertaining, multi-faceted, six-piece dance band with five talented lead vocalists, who can cover everything from Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga, and from AC/DC to Shania Twain. One of the few bands in the country who can confidently take requests all night long, while keeping the dance floor packed, people engaged…and all with a sense of humour and fun!

July 28 Nothing scheduled

Aug 4 Mazacote

Juno-nominated MAZACOTE is a hard-hitting world/Latin band with deep roots in the music of Colombia, Mozambique and Venezuela. Inspired by Afro-Caribbean percussion and tropical party sounds, they play brass-heavy Latin dance beats with a message!

Thursday special Plaza Pop Up

July 27, 6 – 8 pm

  • Beauty Shop Dolls
  • Ink Vancouver

This Plaza Pop-up features the Beauty Shop Dolls who are a retro female trio that bring dazzling vintage-inspired sights and music. Singing and dancing through classic music from the roaring 1920s, the swinging 1940s, and boppin’ 1950s and 60s radio hits, these dolls know how to woo any crowd into an old-fashioned love affair.

Also featured is Frederic Carrasco from ‘Ink Vancouver’ a local and talented airbrush tattoo artist. Pick your choice of various stencils and shapes to enjoy a temporary tattoo!

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 2, 2023 in Artistic Endeavours, Blog, Community Events Comments (0)

Foodie Fridays at the Legion

The Lynn Valley Legion is bringing back an entire summer of Food Truck Fridays. The summertime tradition has been a favourite for the last two summers. 

 

July Food Truck Fridays

FRIDAY, JULY 7TH MAHSHIKO KOREAN FUSION – The best Bibimpap! 

FRIDAY, JULY 14TH TBA 

FRIDAY, JULY 21ST TOP ROPE BIRRIA – Authentic Tex-Mex 

FRIDAY, JULY 28TH TBA 

August Food Truck Fridays

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4TH MAMA’S FISH & CHIPS – The Best!

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11TH SHAMELESS BUNS – Filipino Street Food 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18TH SIRIUS CRAVINGS! – The Best Smash Burgers in Town! 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25TH MAHSHIKO KOREAN FUSION – The best Bibimbap! 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st STEAMWORKS – Burgers, Tacos and more!

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 26, 2023 in Blog, Community Events Comments (0)

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.

June 7, 2023 in Blog, Governance and Services, Neighbourhood News Comments (0)

Pancakes, performances and a parade

The grand tent will be coming back to Lynn Valley Park and the parade will hit the streets as Lynn Valley Days return June 23 & 24. With the community stage booked to capacity and volunteers stepping up, the Lynn Valley Lions are excited to be drawing the community together. 

Community tradition

The Lynn Valley Lions have been the stewards of Lynn Valley Days for 53 years, said Tania Newman. That is almost half of its 111 years.

“This year is feeling a bit like a breather,” said Newman. “We missed some years for covid and that affected our momentum, and last year we were concerned if we weren’t careful it could turn into a super spreader event. This year we can feel the difference – we are so excited to bring back the traditions like we have in the past.”

The key to the success of Lynn Valley Days is simple, said Newman: Just come. 

“We feel the energy around – we think people are excited. We just need the community to attend. We could use more volunteers, we could use more sponsors but really, we just want the community to come, support Lynn Valley, support the Lions and celebrate our community.”

The two days of events kick off Friday evening, June 23, with the annual 19+ gala under the tent at Lynn Valley Park and continues bright and early Saturday with the pancake breakfast and parade on June 24 followed immediately by the community festival.

Pillars of support

The annual Lynn Valley Days events have been supported for years by a partnership with volunteers from Argyle Secondary. 

“They are invaluable,” said Newman. “We had such a long [covid] break we lost some of the connection with families that came year after year but we are re-engaging. We have parents and students working the cook shack and you would see the same parents behind the grill. It’s a partnership that is invaluable – we need their help and we make a donation [to Argyle Athletics] that they can decide how to best use.”

That most support has typically come from the girls’ soccer and the boys’ football teams. This year the Lions are also reconnecting with Sutherland Secondary athletics, said Newman. 

“If there are any profits from Lynn Valley Days – its goal is not to be a significant fundraiser but rather a community engagement event – but if there are profits we direct that back to our school programs.”

The Lions take the helm on helping schools fundraise by supporting parent advisory council BBQs and pancake breakfasts. With the Lions taking care of equipment and cooking as well as leveraging their buying connection with Save-On-Foods it allows the PACS to maximise fundraising profits for essentials.  

“Just in May and June, we helped out six schools,” said Newman. “It’s a challenge. We get interest from all over the North Shore. We’ve had to turn down schools because we can only do so many.”

An ask

The Lions are pleased the parade remains on its traditional route but also recognize this is an inconvenience for some members of the community. 

“This year we would like to see a bit more caution and patience along the parade route,” said Newman. “The RCMP can only be at so many places, district staff can only be in so many places, we can only be in so many places, so we rely on members of the community to be respectful of safety.

“The parade route is where we have to stretch our volunteer capacity. Look out for your neighbours and people trying to cross the road. Being community friendly but also saying ‘Hey it’s not a safe time to cross the road’ or sharing an alternate route if someone is trying to access a road. The more eyes we have to help with safety the better it is for everyone.” 

Volunteering for the parade typically wraps up around 11-11:30 am and leaves people free to enjoy the fair portion of Lynn Valley Days, said Newman. Those interested in volunteering for the parade or any other part of LV Days can email [email protected].

Like many organizations, the Lions are seeing a reduced number of sponsors and would welcome more support. 

“We are looking for sponsors – across-the-board sponsorship is down. That’s not just with us, it’s the same with most organizations and the economic climate.”

The plan

The gala will kick off Lynn Valley Days on Friday evening with the band Side One.

“We had rave reviews about them last year,” said Newman. “There was no question they would be back, they brought the tent down. We are looking at being more strategic this year. We have changed a couple of things with the gala to make it more intimate but it will be a fabulous evening.”

The pancake breakfast will begin at 8:15 am followed by the parade scheduled for 9:15 am (road closures beginning at 9 am) and wrapping up late morning giving way to the fair and festival at Lynn Valley Park. 

“We are so excited about the community stage this year – it is growing with acts, entertainers and groups,” said Newman. “We will have Jordan Back – he is so talented. We plan to get the schedule up on the [Lynn Valley Centre] video boards so people will know when to come for their favourites.”   

For all the latest info and updates on Lynn Valley Days visit its webpage.  

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 7, 2023 in Blog, Lynn Valley Day Comments (0)

Pineapples growing on our North Shore

There is a sunny window on the North Shore that is brimming with pineapples, plumeria and bougainvillea. Perhaps more typically found in Hawaii, the mini garden is finally bearing fruit in Lynn Valley. 

Mini-farm

LynnValleyLife.com’s own Robin Thorneycroft has been growing pineapple plants in Lynn Valley for nine years.  

“It was an experiment to see what happens, I could never quite get avocado pits to take off, so one day I thought to try a pineapple,” she said. “Frankly, we had young kids and just bought a home – money was tight. I liked the idea of a “free” plant.”

From one little plant rooting in water, the family now has six pineapple plants in various stages of maturity and this time last year there was a small big surprise.

“Without question, with a harvest of two so far, I think we are the premier pineapple farmers of North Vancouver. We had always assumed that these would just be some greenery in our living room,” said Thorneycroft. “Last year, I was watering the largest of the pineapples – its leaves are about 90 cm long – and noticed in the centre there was a teeny, tiny pineapple growing.”

While Thorneycroft had considered it was possible to have the pineapple fruit after they were well established, she hadn’t taken any of the steps typically needed to trigger the fruiting process. 

“It was such a great surprise,” she said. “It took so long for the plant to produce a fruit we had no idea how long it would take for the fruit to mature.”

The answer: about six months over the summer for the first. The second pineapple which fruited last October took even longer. The winter seemed to slow down the process even more – taking more than eight months. Most unexpected were the beautiful magenta flowers that are part of the pineapple fruit, said Thorneycroft.

“This is something we have been playing by ear,” said Thorneycroft. “We could have maybe helped it along by creating a greenhouse. Our second pineapple really needed sun. Once we got the warm spell in late April it went from hard and dark green to bright yellow in about three days.”

Compost pile rescue

Growing pineapples from food waste is pretty easy, she said. 

“When shopping for your pineapple choose one that still has its green leaves in good condition,” said Thorneycroft. “When you want to eat it, carefully twist off the top. Next, peel off a few leaves to reveal the base and place it in a glass with the white fibres immersed in water.”

With frequent water changes the top will develop roots that can then be planted as a houseplant. 

“The plants have been around the house for so long, they have names – Spike was our first and Prickles our second,” she said. “It does feel a bit weird to say Spike was delicious but it really was. They have not been the biggest pineapples but they have been the most aromatic. Just like homegrown tomatoes, there is a big difference when picking one at the height of ripeness and eating it  moments later, compared to getting one from the store that was picked weeks before it was fully ripe and then endured shipping across the world.” 

Much of the advice for growing pineapples focuses on more southern parts of the US – suggesting it takes about three years to go from grocery store top to next-generation fruit harvest. Last year, a grower in the Yukon shared their approach. 

“This isn’t about food security or trying to be self-sufficient,” said Thorneycroft. “It’s more about bringing a little bit of the Maui to our dark winters. We now have plumeria and bougainvillea growing alongside the pineapples to bring a bit of an indoor tropical vibe.” 

She said her next goal is to get the plumeria to bloom and to see if their first pineapple will produce fruit after replanting its top – in about six more years. 

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 7, 2023 in Blog, Notable Neighbours Comments (0)

Music for the community

The Lynn Valley Library won’t be so quiet this month when the North Vancouver Community Band brings its music for an evening concert on May 31.

A place for all that love to play

For two decades musicians have been gathering together for their love of music. The group aims to make music accessible to everyone in the community regardless of age, skill level or socioeconomic status. They are currently welcoming new members. 

Ned Booker

“We welcome everyone 13 and up,” said trumpet player Ned Booker. “We might even take a precocious and motivated 10-year-old – it’s all negotiable if they love music.”

The band strives for a supportive environment that encourages new members to pick up forgotten instruments, learn new instruments or enhance their current skills, according to its website. It was a warm and welcoming place for Judith Nitsch who took up the clarinet as she approached 50. 

“I saw my eldest son playing in the school band and I thought I would like to do that,” said Nitsch. She began with lessons with a teacher and about a year later was encouraged to give the community band a try. 

“It is one of the best things I have ever done for myself. I am glad I didn’t take up piano or guitar – something that I played by myself. I had never been a part of a band program,” she said. “I felt like a fish in the deep blue sea.”

During the first nervous practice, she was guided to her section, supported by another player.

“I didn’t play a lot,” laughed Nitsch. “There is a lot to pay attention to and our conductor gently guided me to play the first note of each bar. I was so welcome and I didn’t know what I was doing.”

Music for all

Booker felt just as welcome but in a completely different way. A musician for more than 25 years he has played most of his life since the age of six.

Judith Nitsch

“I haven’t been in Vancouver long, nearly two years,” said Booker. “I got to know our current conductor and found a place in the band.”

He was drawn to the band’s goals of bringing music to those who might not have access.

“I just love community performances,” said Booker. “I grew up in a rural area and I loved community music. When you go you see everyone in the audience, children, parents, seniors – it’s by the community for the community.”

The NV Community Band’s goals to allow all to experience music are embraced by the players. 

“It tends to be folks with kids in high school and a bit more time, or people who have retired,” said Booker. “People often have to take a break from their music. The musician who sits next to me played in high school and he came back to it decades later. He’s a great player. I don’t want to turn anyone away.”

Today the band has musicians between 20 and 80. The pandemic impacted their numbers and they would like others to join them. Practices are held Thursdays from 7:30 – 9 pm in the music room at Carson Graham Secondary School. 

“It’s a wonderful feeling to be a tiny part of a whole,” said Nitsch. “I don’t play in a band to be heard, I play to make music that I couldn’t make by myself.”

Upcoming concert May 31

The North Vancouver Community Band will bring a variety of lively pieces to the Lynn Valley Library on the evening of May 31. There will be well-known melodies from movies, a medley of Duke Ellington, a Gaelic piece as well as the exciting Jitterbug by North Vancouver’s Robert Buckley. If you can not make the May 31 concert, the same set will be performed at the North Vancouver Band Fest on June 11 at the Shipyards. 

“It’s fun – stuff we like to play and we hope people like to listen to,” said Booker, adding “It’s a bit bittersweet. Our current conductor is departing after 20-plus years with the band. These performances are to say thank you – not goodbye.” 

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.

May 8, 2023 in Artistic Endeavours, Blog, Community Events Comments (0)

Argyle gymnastics team at risk

It’s a stressful week for the provincial champion gymnasts at Argyle Secondary as BC School Sports considers the future of the sport. There is a push from other regions of BC to drop the sport from the high school roster – but Argyle and the North Shore are fighting to keep it.  

Communications errors

For decades the Argyle gymnastics team has been flourishing. Just this past February students took home the provincial championship – again. In fact, according to team sponsor Darren Rath, it’s thriving throughout the North Shore, however, that is not the case in all parts of BC.

2023 Provincial Champions

“Programs at school are successful that have teachers that have an understanding of the sport and a capacity to connect all the pieces,” said Rath. “Not all schools have the equipment or knowledge to teach a program like gymnastics – that doesn’t mean they don’t have gymnasts and that those athletes can’t compete.

“What I understand to be happening is a communications breakdown between the schools and the [community] clubs.”

Roth explains that some schools are feeling overwhelmed by late competition registrations and the late fees associated. Schools without a teacher sponsor can still enter students in high school competitions. 

“It’s a communications disconnect – not a problem with the sport,” he said.

The disconnect is growing. While gymnastics is strong on the North Shore, some other parts of the Lower Mainland, and Prince George, the voices of schools in other parts of the province against gymnastics are growing.

A sport for all

Generally speaking, there are two categories of sports in high school – team sports (football, rugby, basketball, etc.) and individual sports scored as a team (gymnastics, wrestling, skiing,  cross-country, etc.). It’s the second category Rath is passionate about – the sports that students can join and thrive having never tried the sport prior to high school. 

2022 Provincial Champions

“Gymnastics is actually quite unique – with a few others like track, cross-country and wrestling – that are open to new athletes starting at the beginning,” he said. “Our team had about 60 gymnasts this year, the vast majority of athletes are new to the sport or participated when they were very young.”

He explained that high school gymnastics has five levels. Levels one or two are for beginners, level three is for those who have progressed or with prior experience and levels four and five are for active community athletes.

“All sports have community athletes – 99 percent of high school soccer players are also community athletes,” said Rath. “The majority of our gymnasts are in levels one or two.”

If an athlete places consistently at the top of their tier, they move up to the next, so students can have success where they are. 

“Gymnastics is a fundamental core sport. It teaches coordination, balance, and muscle strength. It has so many benefits,” said Rath. “And it’s here. Let’s not take that away.”

Rath said the teachers find it rewarding to see a student trying gymnastics for the first time in class and suggesting they give the team a try – giving them an opportunity to succeed in a sport the student may have never considered.

“In the past, we had a student who was competing at the national level. What’s great about gymnastics, is that for the team, that student’s score counts only as much as a student new to the sport. We need them both to win.

“At Argyle, 95 percent have never done gymnastics before – we had a student join this year in Grade 11 and he was competitive because he was able to compete at his level.”

With 60 students on the roster, 40 qualified for provincials in 2023.

Sport for the sake of sport

As Argyle and the other schools on the North Shore navigate this potential change, they are getting excellent support from the school district and the Sea to Sky Zone (its sporting region), said Terry Mitruck, Sutherland Secondary’s gymnastics coach. 

“If we lose this sport, what other sports will be next on the chopping block?” he asked. 

Rath agrees. 

“Schools have different facilities, teacher knowledge and sponsor capacities,” he said. “Not all schools have mountains but we still have mountain bike and ski teams.”

He says there is support from gymnastics clubs throughout the province, some have partnerships where student-athletes can join just for the school season. He thinks schools could get creative like the North Shore has by running joint practices and inviting students with lesser facilities (like Handsworth) to train with Argyle.

This would still leave the fundamental communication error plaguing some other regions.  

“If schools don’t have a sponsor or coach, I think this could be resolved by identifying athletes within the school who compete in the community and learning early if they want to compete for their school.”

If gymnastics loses its status as a high school sport, Rath is unsure what the future will hold.

“We would have to find another solution to help this sport continue,” said Rath. “Perhaps it would be taken on by BC Gymnastics but we can’t guarantee an alternative. While gymnastics is an opportunity for all students to get involved, the majority are female [Argyle’s team was 80% female in 2023]. If it’s gone, it’s taking away a female sport.”

For now, Argyle and other schools on the North Shore are waiting to see what unfolds at the BC High School Sport meeting this week. Those wishing to share their support can sign this petition. Current and past participants in high school gymnastics and their families can email letters of support to Terry Mitruk. 

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.

May 8, 2023 in Blog, Current News, School News Comments (0)

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.

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.

April 5, 2023 in Blog, Eco-Awareness & The Great Outdoors, Neighbourhood News Comments (0)