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Historic help

In the heart of Lynn Valley, there are three generations of Lynn Valley Elementary. Many are familiar with the bustling modern school, some may know the red wooden schoolhouse now home to Lynn Valley Preschool, but nestled between the two is stately second Lynn Valley Elementary. Today, it is home to the Archives portion of MONOVA – complete with cold storage to preserve precious documents. Drop-in hours relaunched last month and there has never been a better time to explore local history. 

What’s inside

For the past few years, the Archives have been accessible by appointment. In addition to appointments throughout the week, the public is welcome to stop in on Monday afternoons from 12:30 – 4:30 pm. 

Georgia Twiss

“When people hear archives they probably think of dusty tomes in some back room where you have to wear gloves and it might feel intimidating,” said Georgia Twiss, MONOVA archives attendant. “The archives is essentially a collection of all the historical documents or records of a place or institution or a collection from a group of people or community. What we have in our collection is all the documents and records you can think of for the history of North Vancouver – both the city and district.”

“And it is far less intimidating than white gloves,” says Twiss. 

Records available at the Institute Road facility include historic municipal records, diaries, photographs and negatives, plus donations from the Burrard Dry Docks, the North Shore Mountaineering Club, organizations, businesses and individuals. But that isn’t quite the case. There are carefully preserved books and papers but access is a lot easier than one might imagine. 

“A lot of the records are digital. We still have the old-style catalogues here with the little drawers you can pull out and the Dewey Decimal System but also today we have an online catalogue so you can come in you can computers do the research from home and then come in and see the materials physically,” she said.

As the archives march through time, along with the community, it is also evolving. It is developing methods to collect digital records like webpages, Instagram posts and tweets. 

“ A lot of our materials have been digitized like old photos. We still have the negatives but you can view the photos digitally,” said Twiss.

Get a historical point of view

Much like a library, the archives and its staff support individuals or groups looking for information. 

“There is a broad range of services people can access the archives. We aren’t just here for academic researchers,” she said. “Perhaps someone’s trying to file taxes for their home so they want to know when their house was built or when an extension was added to it we have that information because we have the building permit records. Perhaps they want to renovate a heritage home and they want to access the records in order to get the approval of the city or the district. There is a lot to do with properties. 

“There is a lot to do with genealogy. We have the ability to answer questions like when did my grandfather move here what was the house they lived in? what did the house look like? Sometimes people just have general questions about history.”

The experience is also similar to a library with staff present to answer questions. There is a reading room with computers, tables and chairs. 

“We can walk through how to search the databases,” said Twiss. “There are historical reference books. Comfy chairs to settle in.”

The archives is hopeful more people will access its resources with the return of drop-in hours. 

“Appointments are valuable because we are able to have materials ready for the people we are assisting. [With] drop-in Mondays we are hoping to break down barriers,” said Twiss.“You don’t have to send us an email. You don’t have to give us a call. You can just pop into the archives. Sometimes people are just walking by and decide to come in and ask that question that’s been on their mind. Sometimes it’s just a new idea or it sometimes is something they’ve been thinking about for years.” 

Twiss also pointed out archival records are present in our community more often than perhaps we think. 

“Anyone who walks by Lynn Valley [Village] sees on the outside the words that frame a photograph of the General Store,  that’s one of our photographs,” she said. “That is an archival record presented in a different way. If you’re on Lonsdale and walking by the Shipyards you’re walking past our photos everywhere. You are interacting with our records, you just might not know it. 

Visit for yourself

The MONOVA archives are at 3203 Institute Road.

Monday: Drop-in hours from 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm.

Tuesday – Friday: By appointment only from 12:30 pm – 4:30 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.

October 4, 2023 in Blog, Looking Back Comments (0)

Pre-hibernation bear awareness

With the summer gardens we love coming to an end, there is no doubt it will be attracting wildlife prior to hibernation. In this season of harvest in Lynn Valley’s forests and yards becoming more bear aware will help you and our furry neighbours. 

Preventing backyard bears

The North Shore Black Bear Society has some tips to make your yard less attractive to bears and other wildlife.

  • Pick fruit promptly
  • Clean fallen fruit from the ground
  • Ask for help if can’t tackle the fruit yourself

If residents are unable to pick the fruit on their property for some reason – being away at the time the fruit matures or being unable to climb a ladder, or other reasons ask friends and neighbours if they’d like to share the bounty.

Bear encounters

The North Shore Black Bear Society is at the forefront of human-animal interaction education. They partner with government organizations at all levels to improve our cohabitation with bears. It will also place Bear-in-Area signs, answer questions, make home visits, and canvass areas where bears are reported.

If you see a bear in your backyard, remember that it is in your territory so do what you can to safely discourage the bear.

Here are some ideas:

  • Give the bear lots of space, and go inside with your pets.
  • If the bear is eating –  let it finish as eating is its number one priority.
  • From a safe vantage point, shout loudly, bang pots or throw water balloons and wave your arms to let the bear know it is not welcome. Remember to accompany the unwelcoming experience with your voice.
  • When the bear has left, remove all attractants from yard. Keep in mind that it will likely return several times to check for the same source of food that it found before.
  • Let your neighbours know about the bear and tell them to remove attractants.
  • Report your sighting.

If you see a bear up a tree, give it some space by leaving the area or going inside if you are at home. A black bear will climb a tree because it is anxious and stressed. Let the bear come down in its own time. It may wait until nightfall. Do not bring extra attention to the bear by inviting friends and neighbours.

NSBBS recommends if you see a bear leaving a tree, from inside your home shout, make loud noises or use noisemakers to reinforce that it is not welcome.

Bear and attractant sightings can be reported to the North Shore Black Bear Society at:

If you personally encounter a bear in your yard or on a trail, these are the NSBBS’s tips on how to handle the situation:  

Remember the four S’s:

  • Stay calm
  • Stand still – Do Not Run!
  • Speak calmly  
  • Slowly back away

Green bins and garbage carts

The NSBBS has been working with the District of North Vancouver to help establish best practices with garbage bins and green bins to ensure our neighbourhoods are not attractive to bears and other wildlife.

Lockable carts are bear-resistant, not bear-proof. Therefore, people who store their carts outside should not have odorous food scraps in their carts. The odours attract wildlife and can lead to property damage.

The DNV and the NSBBS recommend that:

  • odorous food scraps (especially meat and fish scraps) be kept frozen until the morning of collection
  • other food scraps should be wrapped in newspaper to reduce odour and mess and layered with yard trimmings
  • carts should be washed out periodically to keep them clean and as odour-free as possible
  • no carts, including those containing only yard trimmings, should be placed at the curbside before 5:30 a.m. on the designated collection day.

Questions about household waste storage and collection can be forwarded to District staff at 604.990.2311. Information is also available at DNV.org/bear-aware or from the North Shore Black Bear Society.

 

(Most images courtesy of North Shore Black Bear Society)

September 7, 2023 in Blog, Eco-Awareness & The Great Outdoors Comments (0)

Community invited to Creekside Commons

Lynn Valley is blessed with hiking trails, canyon walks, and mountain adventures – but not everyone has the time, the energy, or the physical ability to take part in rugged recreational opportunities. So St. Clement’s Anglican Church set out to offer the community an inclusive natural retreat for rest and relaxation, close to but secluded from the hustle and bustle of the town centre.

 

Grand Opening

The newly created Creekside Commons is having its grand opening on the afternoon of Sunday, September 17 and everyone is welcome to take part in the celebration. St. Clement’s (known for the giant anchor in its front yard!) is located at 3400 Institute Rd.

While a great deal of energy had been devoted to other parts of the church property over the years, including the addition of community garden boxes in the front of the church and certified wildlife habitat creation on the banks of the salmon-bearing Coleman Creek at the back, the unused north side of the church had become overgrown with thorny brambles. Access was further impeded by a crumbling cinder-block wall and a decaying, ivy-covered stump.

A vision come true

When indoor gatherings were put on hold thanks to COVID-19, the church membership used the opportunity to create a vision for the overgrown land that would offer a welcome to passers-by as well as parishioners. The Anglican Foundation of Canada provided grant money to help ensure Creekside Commons was inclusive from the ground up, including consultation with Indigenous elders on choosing native plants for a healing garden, installing crushed-limestone pathways for the highest standard of accessibility, and building raised community garden boxes for use by people in wheelchairs. Hundreds of volunteer hours were put in over the pandemic years, giving church members an uplifting goal to focus upon as well as an outdoor activity that people could do together safely.

 

A Tree of Life memorial mural was painted on the church wall, offering community members a place to remember departed loved ones by having their names painted on a leaf on the vining branches. Seating provides rest for people walking the neighbourhood, picking up children at the nearby schools or Lynn Valley Park across the street, or just looking for a peaceful destination to sit and let their thoughts wander.

All welcome to gather

People will begin to gather for the grand opening of Creekside Commons at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 17, with a welcome and addresses beginning at 11:45. Music, children’s games, and food will follow. Please visit St. Clement’s church website for more info.

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 5, 2023 in Blog Comments (0)

Kicking open its doors soon

Kids and adults alike will soon be kicking up a storm in Lynn Valley. Debuting this September there is a new martial arts gym at Lynn Valley Village. Putting a twist on the typical gym, co-founder Denise Dehestani is excited to offer something she, as a parent, knows is desperately needed: a daily after-school program. 

Lynn Valley grown

Set to take over the former RnB Dance space in Lynn Valley Village, Lynn Valley Martial Arts is offering programs in Muay Thai kickboxing for all ages. Their schedule has classes for kids, teens, adults, and an after-school program. Combining her passions for kids and martial arts, Dehestani drew on her experience as chair of the Ross Road Elementary PAC to come up with a program she hopes will support working parents. Kids 5-12 can enroll in the after-school program for three, four or five days a week.

“I saw a need in Lynn Valley,” she said. “There are lots of requests at the school for after-school programs. There are different programs coming in on different days for different ages. There isn’t five-day-a-week consistency. [Children] will play or do a bit of homework and then we’ll have an hour of martial arts training wrapping up just in time for parents to pick them up. Right now we’re starting with offering pickup from Ross Road Elementary and Lynn Valley Elementary.”

Not inexperienced herself, with a black belt, Dehestani has partnered with brothers Blake and Dean Lirette who were born and raised in Lynn Valley. In the past, they have had a martial arts studio in West Vancouver and currently have one in Port Coquitlam. With more than 45 years of kickboxing teaching experience between them, they will be overseeing the programming. 

Muay Thai

Less common than karate or jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai – sometimes called Thai kickboxing – combines kicking and punching using fists, elbows, shins and knees. 

“Muay Thai is what we know. Myself and my daughter attended West Van Martial Arts – which is where we met Blake and Dean,” she said. “It’s a little different. There are studios on Lonsdale and in Lower Lonsdale that are more typical – like karate. 

“It’s great exercise. It’s great for defence – self-defence is a big component. It’s great for kids to have a bit of self-defence – adults too. Building confidence, discipline, structure, focus, coordination, flexibility, balance and community. I find that martial arts builds a really good community. In my experience in martial arts, you build friendships and socialize. Especially with the after-school program – you are getting your fitness, you are getting your discipline, you are learning a new skill and also building friendships.”

New opportunities

The new studio aims to be a welcoming space that encourages people of all ages to give it a try. 

“I feel that with martial arts, you are doing it individually in a group setting,” explained Dehestani. “In a dance class if you have a beginner and they are with advanced students doing an advanced dance you are really going to notice. The beginners are going to struggle in that routine. Whereas in a martial arts class, you’re learning your different punches and kicks and coaches split you off and work in small groups or individually. When there is partnering, people tend to pair off and work with their level. It’s a good environment for growth.”

Another program they are excited by is Lil’ Ninjas on Saturday mornings for three- to six-year-olds. There will be open mat time for adults with a membership so kids and parents can both get on the exercise at the same time. Lynn Valley Martial Arts will be primarily working on a membership model. They will be also offering drop-ins or trials of some kind to help people experience a class before committing to membership but details haven’t been finalized, said Dehestani. Start-up costs are relatively low: teens and children need a uniform and all athletes need gloves and wraps. 

The studio is planning to open its doors on September 5 but now is the time to secure after-school care. For more information visit https://www.lynnvalleymartialarts.ca/.

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 3, 2023 in Blog, Merchant Mentions Comments (0)

Whimsy and wonder planned for new toy & book store

Tucked into the east side of Lynn Valley Centre an oasis is forming for local kids and parents. Forest Fairy Books and Toys will be opening its doors later this month aiming to foster whimsy, wonder and joy.  The store of mother-daughter team Avril and Hannah Whitney’s dreams wants to be a safe third space to help the community and children grow.

Family business

Avril Whitney

Avril Whitney

A new store run by a family, Forest Fairy Books and Toys is also rooted in family. It is the culmination of Avril Whitney’s childhood aspirations to follow in her mom’s footsteps.

“When I was little my mom was part owner of a store called Through the Looking Glass in Nelson BC, which has been there for over 40 years and is still there. I had the joy of being in a bookstore when I was young. Then later, I was able to run the toy store for our [Waldorf] school in Calgary. I was exposed to a lot of natural materials and really great imaginative play that supported the development of the imagination of a child.”

After moving to North Vancouver six years ago, Whitney was keeping an eye on commercial real estate with the hopes of one day opening a store. Little did she know that she would have a very special partner. 

“Last November I asked my daughter if she wanted to check out the [Lynn Valley] space, as we got into it we were both visualizing and dreaming about what it could be. I said ‘Wait a minute, are you doing this with me?’ It fits with what she wants to do with her career and both our desires to build community.” 

Wonder

With Avril’s past experiences in childcare and as a parent, and Hannah’s goals as a doula to set families up for long-term success, they want Forest Fairy Books and Toys to be welcoming and child-centred. 

“We want a place where people can feel good and experientially come in and enjoy the store,” said Whitney. “It’s a small place, but we have made sure there is a place for the children to come in and be and a chair for someone to come in and read a book.”

Whitney has painted two walls with murals and carefully handcrafted wooden shelving. The time and energy invested in design has also been invested in the selection of products they carry.

“Both my daughter and I are kids at heart still,” she said. “We really appreciate imagination, wonder and beauty. That still resonates and it’s so joyful to see it resonate with children. 

“What I know from working with children myself: the more tactile, the more natural, helps children thrive in the play space of their imagination. You can hand a child a piece of coloured silk [cloth] and it can become something to wear, it can become water, it can become a child’s blanket – it can become anything you want. It’s an open-ended play. The idea is that beauty, nature, and wonder come naturally to children and all they need is an invitation.” 

It’s a lesson she thinks adults can learn too.

Hannah & Avril Whitney

“These toys remind us that we live in a very stimulating world with short attention spans, and it’s okay that you breathe for a minute and play,” said Whitney.

They will also carry a variety of curated books. Initially, it will focus on children and youth but the collection may expand. From first board books to learn-to-read to stunning picture book keepsakes, they hope families will find one they want to take home. 

“I imagine most of our clientele will be between zero and 12 years old,” said Whitney. “We are going to carry novels all the way up to YA. We want to be responsive to what people are wanting. We want to be inclusive and supportive of indigenous people. There is so much great stuff available.”

Forest Fairy Books and Toys is wrapping up its final approvals with the DNV. It hopes to open some day between Aug. 15-19th, depending on that process. You can find the small shop inside Lynn Valley Centre near the east entrance. It is tucked down the hall between Westlynn Bakery and Romance Jewellers. 

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 3, 2023 in Blog, Merchant Mentions Comments (0)

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)