Walk the trails around Lynn Valley long enough and you will see two sides of the same story. On one side, quiet forest paths. Cedar trees. The sound of Lynn Creek moving through the canyon. On the other side, growing concerns about safety.

A well-used trail in Lynn Valley has become the centre of a growing community debate. Residents are petitioning the District of North Vancouver to pause the permanent closure of a large section of the Hastings Creek Trail, arguing the decision was made without enough community consultation.

For decades, community members have asked the DNV to create a permanent space where teenagers can gather safely after school. The conversation is back again at council. But the question remains the same: why doesn’t Lynn Valley have one already?