Bringingbetterhearing home: howamobile clinic is agame-changerinhearing health
What if betterhearing didn’tstartin aclinic,but in your ownlivingroom?
Formany, hearing is morethan sound; it’s connection, independenceand confidence. Yet, accessing care canbe frustrating or downright impossible forthose withmobilityissues,busy schedules or living in remote areas
That’s whereEarsToYou steps in, withits fully-equipped mobileclinic that’s changing theway peopleaccess hearing care by meeting youwhere you’remostcomfortable: at home.
The mobileserviceremovesthe stress of travel,waiting rooms and scheduling struggles,providing state-of-the-art diagnostictoolsand asound booth justlikeaclinic.Theybring everything needed forcomprehensivehearing assessments,hearingaid fittings, adjustments,counseling and follow-up care
“The beautyofmobilehearing care isthat we’veremovedalmostevery barrier to getting help,” says Katie Daroogheh, lead audiologist, with Ears To You.
“Wecome to you, on your schedule, withthe same professional care you’d receiveinaclinic.It’sconvenient,it’s personalized and it canchange your life. And what surprises people themostis they don’t have to taketime offwork, find parking or travel far—especially beneficial forseniorsand busyfamilies.”
Benefits of amobileclinic
Ears To Youoffersacalmer,more privateand moreconvenient option, especiallyimportant forseniorsor if you sufferfromanxiety, mobilitychallenges or justhaveabusyschedule. It also allowsthe audiologisttoobserve your real-lifelistening environment,leading to betterrecommendations
“Wealsoemphasizethat aftercare doesn’t end withthe first visit,” saysDaroogheh. “Weprovide ongoing supportthrough follow-up appointments,remote adjustments when possibleand direct access to an audiologistfor anyconcerns
This ensures youreceivethe same professional care,ifnot better, because it’s moreconvenient and personalized to your lifestyle.”
Unlike manylarger traditional hearing clinics that areoften owned by hearing aid manufacturersand primarilysell their ownbrand of devices,EarsToYou
is proudlyindependent.This means ouraudiologists have access to every hearing aid on themarket and the freedom to recommend what’s truly bestfor you-notwhat’s bestfor the company. It’s personalized care,with your hearing needs at thecenter
What to expectfromyour mobile clinic experience
When theaudiologistsees youin your home, it gives them aunique perspectivetheycan’t get in aclinic setting. They’reabletoobserve your real-worldlistening situations,whether it’s background noise in thekitchen, soft conversations in theliving room or difficultieshearing theTV.
This allowsthem to identifyspecific challenges that might notcome up in aquiet clinic environment.Theyalso fine-tune hearing aids on thespotfor theexact spaces whereyou spend themosttime and provide practical strategies and education to help youcommunicatebetterwithfamily membersinyour dailyroutine.
“Ultimately, this approach ensures that care is highlypersonalized and truly effectiveinthe settings that matter most,”adds Daroogheh.
We canalsocompleteall hearing testing in ourfullyequipped mobile
clinic,right in your driveway-perfect if you’dpreferthe convenienceorifthe home setting isn’t ideal fortesting. We provide flexibleoptions,alwayswith your hearing health as our toppriority.
Enhanceyour qualityoflife
Formanypeople, thehardestpartof hearing care isn’t accepting they need help,it’sfiguring out howtoget it Sometimes,all it takes is achange in setting to change everything.
Daroogheh recounts atime when one of their clients on BowenIsland had avoided getting hearing help for yearsbecause travelling to aclinic was stressful and time-consuming.
“When we brought our mobileservice to her home, she told us,‘Ican’t believe Ididn’t do this sooner.’ Afterfitting her withhearing aids and fine-tuning them in her living room, she wasable to hear her grandchildren clearlyfor thefirst time in years. She called it ‘life-changing,’” recallsDaroogheh. “Moments likethat remind us why mobilecarematters.”
Justone home visit ledtoanincrease in qualityoflifeand abreakthrough that brought afamilycloser together “We’re seeing growing awareness that hearing health is closelylinked
to cognitivefunction, emotional well-being and overall qualityof life,”saysDaroogheh. “Asthat understanding deepens,mobile audiology will continue to expand because it removeskey barrierslike transportation and time constraints.”
With direct-to-door service, ahearing check-up has neverbeen easier;there’s no more second-guessing what you might be missing.
“Don’t wait,” Daroogheh advises “Untreated hearing loss doesn’t just affect your abilitytohear,itimpacts your relationships,your confidenceand evenyour brain health.The sooner you address it,the betteryour outcome.”
“If you’ve been putting offahearing check,now is thetime. Your futureself will thank you. ”
Actnow and receiveafreehearing test and 20% discount on hearing aids. Formoreinformation and to book your in-home hearing test, call 604-918-8499 or visit booking.earstoyou.ca.
Expertcarewithout travel or waiting rooms.Photo via Ears To You.
B.C. housing ministry issues directive to West Vancouver
NICK LABA nlaba@nsnews.com
The provincial government has given West Vancouver until the end of the year to zone for more housing in three key areas of the district.
On July 21, B.C.’s Ministry of Housing announced that it was issuing ministerial directives to West Vancouver and Oak Bay, which it called two of the most unaffordable places to live in the province.
The directives are being issued to continue helping the communities improve local processes and build more homes people need, the ministry said.
The ministry said it consulted with the districts, which had 30 days to provide feedback about the directives, which were first made public at the end of May.
“Feedback from both districts helped inform the final directives, and they align with many current council initiatives,” the ministry said in a written statement
According to the ministry, West Vancouver must amend its official community plan to increase density in the Park Royal-Taylor Way area; amend the OCP to provide for more density in the “single-family and duplex prescribed areas” adjacent to Ambleside
TRAGIC INCIDENT
and Dundarave; and adopt the proposed Ambleside Centre local area plan
The district must complete all these directives by Dec. 31, 2025, the provincial ministry said.
West Van mayor wonders if new housing minister feels as strongly about orders
West Van Mayor Mark Sager said the announcement is complicated by the shuffle in Premier David Eby’s cabinet.
“[Former housing minister Ravi] Kahlon had actually agreed to meet with me this Wednesday,” Sager said. “And of course, he’s now been removed from that position, so I am now seeking to meet with the new minister to discuss it. In the meantime, we’re just taking it all under advisement.”
On July 17, Eby said that Ravi Kahlon is the new minister of jobs and economic growth, and that Christine Boyle is taking over as minister of housing and municipal affairs.
Sager said he’s asked district staff to be prepared but not to take action yet. With summer holidays underway, he said the item will appear on council’s first meeting in September.
“Staff are aware it will come forward and how to address this,” he said. “But the first question is, does the new minister still feel as strongly as the previous minister about some of these directions?
“And there’s a couple [things]
in this letter that really need further clarification, quite a bit of further clarification,” Sager said.
The biggest question mark is the form and location of the new transportation hub at Park Royal, which the mayor says appears to be positioned like someone just stuck a pin on a map.
“That’s one of the things we’ve got to discuss, because everything radiates out from that pin drop,” Sager said. “In my view, a proper transit hub at Park Royal needs to consider what exists today, and it needs to have some sensible examination of what is likely going to be needed into the future: rail, SkyTrain, better connections to downtown Vancouver, the new RapidBus terminals.
“All of these things need to be properly considered, so that if we’re going to drop a pin on the map, it’s dropped in the right place,” he said.
Following news of the directive, West Vancouver-Capilano MLA Lynne Block of the BC Conservatives said the NDP government is unfairly singling out the district, rather than engaging collaboratively.
“We back measures that empower families and encourage homeownership, not just rapid construction targets,” she said.
Little known about fiery fatal crash that killed Delta man, West Van police say
BRENT RICHTER
brichter@nsnews.com
West Vancouver police say they may never know what led to a fatal single-vehicle crash near the Ambleside artificial turf fields on Tuesday.
First responders were called to Pound Road around 12:10 p.m. after the driver of an older Dodge Ram went straight off the eastbound portion of the road, through some roadside bramble bushes and into a tree, where the vehicle caught fire.
“At this stage of the investigation, we
have not conclusively identified the driver, however, we have generated enough evidence that we believe we know who it is.
We have made that person’s family aware, and we regret to report that a 29-year-old male from Delta was found deceased at the collision site,” said Sgt. Chris Bigland, West Vancouver police spokesperson.
The Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (ICARS) has been called in to file a technical report on the crash, but Bigland said there is nothing to indicate any criminal intent in the
crash and, ultimately, it will be the BC Coroners Service that has conduct of the investigation.
Bigland said the fire was severe enough that much of the evidence investigators would look for may be gone.
“The fire as a result of the collision was significant, resulting in massive damage through the entire vehicle,” he said. “We may never know what the circumstances were that caused this vehicle to travel east and make no attempt to negotiate the left turn.”
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or may have captured dashcam footage from the area at that time is asked to contact the West Vancouver Police Department.
“The West Vancouver Police Department extends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and all those impacted by this unfortunate event. We encourage anyone who witnessed this incident and is struggling to reach out to WVPD Victim Services at 604-925-7468.”
A construction worker wields a nail gun at a housing project on Gordon Avenue in West Vancouver in June 2024. NICK LABA / NSN
UNHAPPY TRAILS
Lost teens lead to ‘frustrating’ call for North Shore Rescue
BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com
Every time North Shore Rescue successfully helps a lost or injured hiker out of the backcountry, the team makes an effort to share publicly what went wrong so everyone can learn from the subject’s mistakes.
But after rescuing three teens on the Howe Sound Crest Trail late in night of July 29, search manager Mike Danks said it is rare that one call has so many lessons to be shared.
The 18-year-olds got lost early in the evening and called 911 before they’d even left the Cypress Mountain ski resort. By the time they responded to messages from Danks, they’d found the trail and said they were planning to press on to St. Mark’s Summit – at least an hour and a half away on foot.
“Based on the time it was in the day and where they were on the trail and what their destination was, it made no sense for them to continue,” he said.
Danks told them it would be much wiser and safer to visit the close-by Bowen Lookout instead, which they agreed to.
“I had this like weird feeling about it,” he said. “We said to these guys, ‘We’re going to keep this open until you guys message us that you’re back at the parking lot and you’re safe.”
They heard nothing until two hours later when the teens called again to say they were lost in the dark after opting to attempting St. Mark’s Summit anyway
“They really shouldn’t have done that,” Danks said “They were literally terrified. It was pitch black out. ‘Please, come help us. Hurry up.’”
This time, the teens did the right thing and stayed put. As rescues go, it was easy
to send a ground team up to their location, give them warm clothes, fluids and lights – all of which they were lacking –and walk them back out again.
Danks said he does not mean to shame the individual subjects from that rescue, but added he wants other inexperienced hikers to be taking notes.
“Make sure you’re familiar with the area. If you if you don’t know that area, bring someone that does,” he said. “Make sure you have ample daylight hours to make it to the destination and back. Bring extra clothing, food and water and a light.”
The best way to not get lost is to use a proper trail app like Gaia or CalTopo, and not Google Maps, which has a habit of sending people down trails that don’t exist, Danks said.
And perhaps, most important, is listening, Danks said.
“If you’re going to call for help, be truthful, be honest, and listen to the direction of the people that ... are the experts in the field and who are looking out for your best interests, and are trying to reduce the exposure of rescuers to have to go out in the middle of the night.”
On the team’s social media channels, members of the public have been calling for some kind of punishment for the wayward hikers’ string of mistakes. Frustrating as it may have been, Danks said everyone should be happy with the result.
“They did make a lot of mistakes. They’re young. These are life lessons. Nobody got hurt. It was a nice night for our crews to go out, and everything worked out in the end,” he said. “And I truly believe that they won’t make this mistake again. And that’s a positive outcome for us. It really is.”
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North Shore Rescue volunteers help three lost teens off the Howe Sound Crest Trail in the West Vancouver backcountry, July 29 NORTH SHORE RESCUE
STONEWALLED
West Vancouver tells homeowner to roll back boulevard rocks
NICK LABA nlaba@nsnews.com
Yabba-dabba don’t.
The District of West Vancouver is telling a property owner to roll back several stones on their boulevard that are too close to the roadway, according to district bylaw.
At a July 21 meeting, council denied a boulevard encroachment permit for rocks on the public land abutting Russet Way, and said the rocks must be moved at least two metres away from the road’s edge.
According to a staff report, the district issued a building permit to build a new driveway, stairs and retaining walls on the property in April 2024.
As part of a routine final inspection, staff visited the property in October 2024. During the review, staff said they saw rocks up to 0.6 metres (two feet) in size around 0.8 metres from the roadway The stones are placed on the municipal boulevard along Russet Way and Russel Place.
Staff then told the homeowner that the rocks didn’t conform to the bylaw and had to be moved for the work to pass final inspection.
much slumping of asphalt has actually occurred.”
Coombs argued that putting stones along the boulevard is common in West Vancouver
Coun. Christine Cassidy said she visited the property, and said the rocks are an “eyesore.”
“And what it looked to me, a member of the public, is essentially that you did not want anybody to park in front of your house,” she said. “So as a consequence, what you did is you basically encapsulated district land so nobody could park in front of your house.”
Cassidy said the neighbour across the street had “some semblance of rock.”
“These are massive boulders,” she said.
But staff said the application didn’t meet the criteria for a permit because they were too close to the roadway and could be a hazard to vehicles, and potentially block emergency vehicles from accessing the boulevard.
The owners then chose to appeal staff’s decision by addressing council directly
The owner told staff the rocks were placed to prevent cars from parking on the grass, and requested a variance to keep the stones. Staff told the owner they could apply for an encroachment permit, and an application was made in March 2025.
Making his case at the recent council meeting, Greg Coombs said he put the rocks in place to protect the boulevard grass he’d installed, and to prevent damage to the asphalt on the roadway.
“We have a serious problem in the winter We’re on a very steep hill, so always service vehicles or everything else, they try to touch the side of the roadway,” he said. “That causes the ruts to the boulevard grass that causes erosion. And over time, you can see in this photo how
Coun. Nora Gambioli said she needed to support staff doing comprehensive inspections because people do crazy things that aren’t related to building a house.
“I think it is the issue of privatizing public land,” she said. “If it’s going to be blocking emergency vehicles and damaging cars, then the next thing we know is that we’re going to start getting sued for people’s cars being damaged because it’s on the public boulevard.”
THANK YOUTOOUR SPONSORS
These rocks placed along the boulevard along Russet Way in West Vancouver were the subject of a recent council debate. DISTRICT OF WEST VANCOUVER
Harbour cruise runs aground off West Van
ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
It was a shaky trip for passengers after a harbour cruise vessel ran aground near Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver over the long weekend.
The Harbour Princess ran aground just before noon Sunday, resulting in one of the 41 passengers on board experiencing a minor injury, but little damage to the ship itself.
Harbour Cruises, which is owned by Graham Clarke Group, said the vessel did not take on water or experience any structural damage.
“I’d like to extend my sympathies to our passengers who had their cruise affected by this unfortunate situation,” said company owner Graham Clarke. “We pride ourselves on an excellent safety record that goes back nearly 120 years.”
A third party will conduct an inspection and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada will also investigate.
Sunday’s incident prompted a response by the Joint Rescue
there’s a lot of ways that can go,” Austin said. “It’s very easy and plausible that the boat gets stuck aground, which is difficult. You’re then going to have to get those people off a precarious spot where the boat is taking on water That’s the worst-case scenario. Then you’re going to have to evacuate those people.”
He said he saw people, plates and glasses getting jostled around when the boat hit the rock.
Coordination Centre in Victoria, the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue’s Horseshoe Bay unit, the Canadian Coast Guard and the Vancouver Police Department’s marine unit.
JRCC Capt. Pedram Mohyeddin said one passenger was transported to an ambulance by a harbour craft. Harbour Princess was escorted back to Coal Harbour under its own power
Shane Austin, spokesperson for the West Van RCMSAR station, said Sunday’s “mayday” call – the highest priority – had the makings of a very difficult situation.
“When a boat strikes ground ...
“Given the circumstances, the call ended with a very positive outcome thanks to the fantastic response from all the agencies involved,” Austin said.
Harbour Cruises has been operating since 1908. Harbour Princess was built in 1994 and holds a standing capacity of 275. Passengers on Harbour Princess have been refunded their fares and those who booked upcoming cruises will be served on the other vessels.
The Princess is expected to be back in service in seven to 10 days.
Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
Harbour Cruises’ Harbour Princess ran aground near Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver Sunday. PAT BELL
Counted out
The percentage of people sleeping rough on the North Shore is growing far faster than the population living comfortably in houses and condos. The latest Point-In-Time Homeless Count found a 67 per cent increase from 2023 to 2025 in the number of people living unsheltered on the North Shore
Because of the limitations in the count’s methods, we know the actual number is always much higher
This should be a great worry and dishonour for us all.
It is true that homelessness is often tied to complex and intersecting stories of personal trauma, poverty, mental health problems and addiction, and none of those things are easy to solve on their own. But they are beyond intractable for someone who must sleep in the elements at night. The stability that safe and affordable housing
provides is foundational to a healthy life.
And more than having to endure a truly miserable experience, a person living on the street inevitably ends up costing the system much more as their problems compound.
The only answer is more affordable housing. That takes three things in large quantities – land, capital and political will.
To their great credit, District of North Vancouver council members unanimously approved a deeply unpopular supportive housing project on Keith Road last year. But the majority of those same council members voted against a recent motion to offer up more land and seek more senior government funding partners to build more affordable housing.
The crisis isn’t going to get any better on its own. The longer we wait, the more people will suffer and the more it will cost. Now is the time.
Metro skirts transparency by pausing sewage plant probe
KIRK LAPOINTE
Contributing writer
There are times politicians do their best to not get to the bottom of things.
Like when it might be embarrassing or impede their careers.
To wit: the 41-member Metro Vancouver board of elected officials, on a Friday afternoon in the middle of summer when our attention might be muted, shut down with a secret vote behind closed doors an independent inquiry into the scandalous runaway budget for the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Its rationale begs credulity – that the longstanding civil suit brought by the project’s original contractor, Acciona Wastewater Solutions LLP, and a counterclaim by Metro Vancouver against the company, were still before the courts. It said proceeding now
was “not in the public interest” and its legal advisor said that the review “would be in a better position” to do its work if the legal battles were first resolved.
Well, yes, of course, who would disagree that lawsuits can be a nuisance to a review?
But the Acciona claim for $250 million in costs and damages didn’t sudden spring upon Metro Vancouver on Friday morning. The review under former provincial deputy finance minister Peter Milburn has been underway for months. Independent reviews are at times structured to avoid interfering with legal proceedings, especially if the terms of reference were already scoped to avoid prejudicing matters before the courts.
So, among the logical questions: Why stop now?
Did any information emerge to change Metro’s mind?
If it did, might any of that information have been injurious to Metro’s position in the lawsuit?
Might it also be troubling to Metro’s handling of the project?
And if nothing changed, why did it not get legal advice earlier to hold off on a review?
The suit and countersuit are sideshows; the main event in the circus ring is how the project spun so wildly out of the control, and who let it happen. The public needs, and has a right, to know – certainly before the fall 2026 election – a full-fledged understanding on the step-by-step growth of the budget Now it won’t get it. And in fairness to the Metro Vancouver politicians and executives who either approved the budget increases, or sat idly by as they grew, their reputations will be sullied now for several years.
The original $700-million contract in 2011
for Acciona has grown to $3.86 billion. The plant is one of a declining breed of primary wastewater treatment facilities in North America, meaning that it only removes waste that floats or sinks. The contract was changed to ensure that the much higher-grade tertiary treatment takes place, so that sediment in the primary stage and biological treatment in the secondary stage is further refined. Acciona was fired in 2021 and replaced. The original 2020 completion date now is 2030.
On average, staff projections indicate property owners on the North Shore face a surcharge to pay for the plant of $590 annually for 30 years; West Vancouver will impose a levy attached to assessment value to foot its share of the bill. Other Metro Vancouver municipalities face annual charges of $80 to
MAILBOX
SOMETHING MUST BE DONE TO FIX OUR TRAFFIC ISSUES
Dear Editor:
I am still fuming after the gridlock that happened on the North Shore last week. At 7:15 p.m., it took us an hour to get from Park & Tilford just to Keith Road (a one-minute drive usually). Our son was still stuck in traffic at 9:30 p.m.! For those of us living east of Seymour, this is totally unacceptable, and governments need to come up with a better solution than just bus routes
We had hoped with the Keith Road interchange that things would improve, but it certainly has not. With all the new high-rises and condo developments being built, you would assume local and provincial governments would be reassuring North Shore residents that new vehicle routes are going to be in place, but no.
This is only going to get worse, and what will it take for something concrete to be done about it? I admire Bowinn Ma, and while she is Minister of Infrastructure I hope that she will put her foot down and get something done to this ludicrous situation.
Veronica Shields North Vancouver
DON’T STOP DEMANDING ANSWERS IN SEWAGE PLANT DEBACLE
Dear Editor:
My compliments to the North Shore News. Your July 30 editorial In The Dark, and the remarks you published of North Vancouver District Coun Catherine Pope, convincingly criticize the Metro Vancouver board of directors’ decision to halt the review of the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant three-billion-dollar budget overrun, pending resolution of litigation.
One can’t help but speculate some employed by Metro Vancouver, and perhaps even some on the board, would be deeply embarrassed by their contributions to this catastrophe if the truth came out.
Quiet litigation settlements with non-disclosure agreements could hide the truth from we the long-suffering taxpayers. You are right to criticize what the board is doing. Democracy demands transparency. We need to know now what happened.
Roddy MacKenzie West Vancouver
Review will feel like ancient history
Continued from A8
$150 over a 15-year period The provincial and federal governments have indicated further funds are not going to flow from them Somewhat under the radar and undisclosed are the decommissioning costs of the existing plant.
The controversy underscores a broader problem with Metro Vancouver’s governance model: decisions with billion-dollar consequences are made by a board of indirectly elected officials, operating largely out of public view Reform has long been overdue.
The public has no idea on how any resolutions of the lawsuits are faring.
“We welcome the recent court decisions and will continue to work towards a timely resolution. Acciona is fully committed to transparency and supporting the ongoing judicial process,” the company said in a statement.
If settlements were imminent, I have to think the advice to the Metro Vancouver board wouldn’t have been to stop the review. But the trial isn’t scheduled on Acciona’s claim until March 2027 (Metro Vancouver failed in June to get a further delay), and
given the pace of these cases, it is fair to assume a judge won’t render a ruling until 2029 or 2030.
By then, the decision-makers are likely into retirement or pensions. By then, any subsequent review will have the feel of ancient history.
It means the board can run again next year and shield itself with one of those “it’s-before-the-courts” defences when pressed on the issue in their campaigns
We don’t even know who voted in favour of the shutdown Friday—at the very least, this would be a good time for the dissenters to stand and be counted. (By my count, District of North Vancouver Coun. Catherine Pope and New Westminster Coun. Daniel Fontaine are the only oppositional voices – neither of them is on the Metro Vancouver board.)
“Metro Vancouver will continue to be transparent about the project’s status,” says its website. Might want to revise that line –or the board’s behaviour
Kirk LaPointe is a Lodestar Media columnist with an extensive background in journalism. He is vice-president in the office of the chair at Fulmer & Company
District of North Van cracking down on LLoyd Ave. RV dwellers
Continued from A1
Organizers of the survey always stress that the numbers are known to be under-counts because individuals experiencing homelessness must agree to participate in the survey in order to be reflected in the numbers.
Friesen said the actual numbers are likely between 400 and 600 individuals on the North Shore who experienced homelessness at one point or another in the last year In 2024, Hollyburn’s homelessness outreach team supported 322 individuals or families, 60 of which they were able to get into permanent housing. Another 74 young people came to Hollyburn’s youth safe house.
Friesen said they are seeing more clients who are experiencing homelessness for first time, “which is a change.”
There are numerous reasons a person may end up without shelter, but increasingly, Friesen said, it follows an apartment fire that has displaced an entire building of residents.
“They’re left to go to the market, and the market doesn’t have a lot of options,” he said. “There tends to be fire every year on the North Shore.”
Others have mental health or substance use issues that local non-profits aren’t equipped to resolve on their own, and the waitlists for psychiatric crisis care are “huge,” he said.
“And so their recourse is to go on the street,” he said, adding that once that happens, it’s much more difficult to get them back on track. “It’s going to take longer, and the chances decrease.… It’s just going to be more expensive because at that point in their trajectory, they need way more support than they might have if prevention could have happened earlier.”
The current provincial and federal governments have tailored their housing policies to getting more supply into the market, but Friesen said it is non-market housing that is most needed to address homelessness.
“On the North Shore, the answer for us would be more support for emergency shelters and second stage or supportive housing,” he said.
Cracking down on RV Dwellers
The release of the numbers comes as the District of North Vancouver has been clamping down on people parking RVs on the street for long periods of time, particularly around Lloyd Avenue.
That’s where 70-year-old Dana Mathers is currently staying in an older Mercedes sedan shared with his younger brother. They had been living in their family’s home in Horseshoe Bay, but it was destroyed in a fire two years ago.
“It’s horrible, actually I am so sick of this. It’s unbelievable. You want to [change your clothes], you’ve got your feet strapped around the steering wheel It’s no fun,” he said. “I’ve got to get out of here as fast as I can.”
Some of his neighbours in vans and vehicles could be in apartments if they wanted to be, he said. After 14 months of getting shunted around the North Shore, Mathers said he is planning to return to Horseshoe Bay in his car Asking or forcing everyone to move on won’t solve anything, he added.
“What do you do with these people?” he said. “It wouldn’t do them any good. I don’t think anybody would come and save them anyways.”
Continued on A11
Shawn Okell fixed up a broken-down RV and has been living on Third Street near Mackay Creek in the City of North Vancouver for the last four months He is planning to relocate to Vancouver Island. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN
Metro Van homelessness up 141%
District of North Vancouver Coun. Catherine Pope helped connect Mathers to BC Housing, but Mathers said he’s found it difficult getting help.
“Affordable housing would be unbelievable, but I don’t know if you can just pick out people like me for that,” he said. “For the whole area, the housing, I think, is ridiculous.”
At a July 21 council debate about the RV dwellers and parking on Lloyd Avenue, Pope stressed to council that a year had gone by since they voted unanimously on a motion of hers to seek out sites that could be made into transitional housing in the short term.
“And yet we still have nothing. No plan, no sites, nothing. This council has given lip service to wanting to help people in need, but in reality, we have not made it happen,” she said.
Pope sought to amend a motion on the table directing the municipality “to collaborate with the federal and provincial housing ministries to secure funding for transitional housing and people living in vehicles and identify DNV lands not previously considered.”
Pope’s amendment failed to pass though, with Couns. Herman Mah, Lisa Muri, Betty Forbes and Mayor Mike Little opposed, largely on the grounds that they had no reason to believe more federal or provincial support would come.
“We’ve been talking about this over and over and over again, and we just keep sending motions and hoping that somehow it’s going to miraculously solve all these problems,” Muri said “Let’s just say it as it is. If it makes us feel better to pass a motion to say, ‘Let’s phone the province and the feds,’ well, OK, but we’ve phoned them They have no money Like, why do we keep doing this?”
Friesen said he understands a lot of requests for affordable housing grants are
going unanswered, but he said there other models that could be tried, including using private or non-profit land to create temporary, safe transitional housing villages.
Between 2023 and 2025, the number of people captured by Point-in-Time Homeless Count across the greater Vancouver region rose nine per cent, to a record 5,243. Since 2005 – the first year the count was conducted – the number has climbed 141 per cent, according to the report, while the region’s population grew by 44 per cent.
At 34 per cent, Indigenous people continue to be disproportionately overrepresented, something attributable to the lasting impacts of colonization, residential schools and the child welfare system in B.C.
From the steps of his RV, a 40-year-old Ford Chateau, Shawn Okell said he had been staying at the North Shore shelter for a while but wanted to be able to have his partner stay with him. He bought the broken-down RV for $1,500, got it running again and for the last four months, he’s been parked on Third Street near Mackay Creek.
The 54-year-old worked his whole life “pulling wrench” as an auto mechanic, but the chronic pain from a long-ago motor vehicle collision made that impossible keep it up. He and his ex owned a home, which he lost in the divorce.
At first, living in an RV without electricity was “hell,” he said, and he did get dinged by bylaw officers for using a generator on the street. But Okell is proud of how he’s brought the “ancient” RV into immaculate shape, from the engine compartment to the rear bumper He said he and his partner are planning to drive the RV to Vancouver Island soon.
“We have hit rock bottom twice before, real bad, and I clawed my way out,” he said. “So why can’t I do this again?”
TheRotaryClubofLions Gate is hostinga monthlyseries of Lunch &Learn sessions forSeniors at the Silver HarbourCentre.
Theinformativesessionswillbeconducted by expertsfromthe North ShoreSeniorServicesCirclecovering aspectsofwellness, independence, safety and personalfinance- topics that are importantand valuable to Seniors on theNorth Shore.
Each session will be followed by afreeHot Lunchand each attendee can take home an additional free entrée foraseniorfriendor neighbourwho couldnot attend
Attendance is strictly by registrationonly. Spaceislimited. PleasecallSilverHarbour at 604.980.2474 to book your spot.
UpcomingLunch n’ Learns
Upcoming Lunchn’Learns
Registration foreachsession opensonthe first business dayofthatmonth
Registration foreachsession opensonthe first business dayofthatmonth
Home ...and Ceremonieswhen Leaving Wed, 24th Sep2025
TREATMENT PLANT FIASCO
Sewage fee should pause until after review, councillor says
NICK LABA nlaba@nsnews.com
North Shore residents shouldn’t have to foot the ballooning bill for the area’s sewage plant project, especially if they don’t know why it went so high over budget.
That’s the opinion of District of North Vancouver Coun Herman Mah, who says the “unfair” surcharge applied to local homeowners should be suspended until the independent review into the project’s massive cost overruns has been released.
Last year, Metro announced an independent review into why the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant has gone $3 billion over budget. The review was intended to be an accountability measure when the updated project triggered a flood of backlash for the regional authority
But on July 25, Metro issued a statement stating it wouldn’t undergo the review until after its lawsuit with former contractor Acciona wraps up. That trial is
scheduled to begin in March 2027.
Mah said the delay is unacceptable.
“Public trust and confidence in Metro Vancouver has been severely damaged and eroded by this debacle, and suspending the independent review now only makes it worse,” he said.
After news of the delay broke, Mah said he’s received emails and calls from fed up residents.
Exciting newmusical R;Link unites Korean and Canadian creativeteams
Fantasticstory,song, dance and...skating(!) drivemusical at BlueShoreatCapU, Aug. 15-16.
It’s 1951 and theKoreanWar ragesinKapyong, Northof Seoul,Korea
Vastly outnumbered, UN Canadian forces refuse to withdraw. Eventually,opposingforces retreat.
TheCanadians didit! They’d successfully defendedcrucial Korean territory
“Being asked to pay when we don’t know what happened and we don’t know the final amount … who would do that?” he said.
“That’s a big ask that Metro Vancouver is asking of us.”
The update has increased the frustration level for North Shore homeowners, whose sewage bills are set to go up by an average of about $590 per year for the next 30 years, Mah said.
“If Metro Vancouver is not
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going to reinstate the independent review now, I think it’s only fair that Metro Vancouver also suspends the surcharge that the North [Shore] residents have to pay.”
Metro says it has shared ‘substantial’ information on cost overruns
While some information related to the new plant has been kept in closed meetings due to the ongoing legal action, Metro said it has shared “substantial” information on the cost increases.
Those reasons include alleged design and construction deficiencies from the previous contractor, inflation, volatile market conditions and the large number of infrastructure projects competing for resources in B.C., said Metro spokesperson Jillian Glover.
“The decision to pause the independent review does not change our intent to ensure full accountability and learning once the timing is appropriate, which will be after the court
case concludes,” she said. “The litigation is a public process, and once the dispute with the former contractor has been resolved, the Metro Vancouver board and the reviewer would be in a better position to complete a review on any outstanding questions.”
Following Metro’s announcement of the delay, Premier David Eby said his provincial government would look over the justification for the delay.
The province will have more to say when that analysis is done, said a spokesperson from the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs.
“We know people want clarity on the situation with North Shore wastewater treatment plant,” the spokesperson said. “Elected officials are accountable to their community and constituents, and people expect them to be transparent.”
The ministry said it’s looking forward to discussing a “positive path forward” with the Metro Vancouver board.
Studentsfromuniversities in Korea and Canada rehearse R;Link, amusical commissionedtocelebratethe 20242025 Year of KOREA-CANADACultural
Considered apivotal moment in the1950-53 Korean War, theBattle of Kapyongis nowthe source of inspiration forthe newmusical, R;Link, coming to BlueShoreFinancial Centre forthe Performing Arts at Capilano University, August 15 and16. This follows its premiereinSeoul in July. R;Link wascommissioned to celebratethe 2024-2025 Year of KOREA-CANADA Cultural Exchange.Inspiredby true stories of soldiers playing hockey on afrozenriver,the musicalcapturesthe joyand connectionfound through sportand honours thefriendshipsthatformedbetween Korean andCanadiantroops during thewar.
Themusical itself united students from Korea’sHanyang University, University of Saskatchewan, FirstNations Universityand Capilano University. R;Link features fantastic
performances,imaginative set design,a scoreinspiredbypop, hip-hop,swing jazz,traditional Korean musicand more,and excitingchoreography –some of thelatter performedon
rollerblades! Thespiritofcollaboration andfriendshipisreflected in theplay’stitle.R;Linkrefersto howpeoplebecome connected—or“linked”—onthe rink
R;Linkticketsand moreinformation
What: Amusicalconnecting sportand warand aboutrefusing to letgoofpassion and hope,presented by KOFICE, Hanyang,Capilano,Saskatchewanand First Nations universities.
When: Friday, Aug. 15,7:30 p.m. and Saturday,Aug.16, 3 p.m.
Where:BlueShoreFinancial Centre forthe Performing Arts (Capilano University,2055 Purcell Way, NorthVancouver) Tickets: $12 at purchase capilanou.ca.
Scaffolding and rebar covers the construction site during a tour in January 2025 NICK LABA / NSN
OFF KILTER
North Van’s Pink Pied Piper puffs up for a good cause
BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com
If you’ve ever been within earshot of the Lonsdale corridor around quittin’ time on a Friday, you’ve surely heard North Vancouver’s Pink Pied Piper.
Every Friday at 5 p.m., Frank Wimberley dons his pink regalia, puffs up the bellows of his bagpipes and parades down Lonsdale Avenue, heralding the arrival of the weekend.
“It’s become quite the hit People often come out from their patios, and they’ll say, ‘We love it. It tells us when we can stop work on a Friday afternoon, shut the computer down and grab a glass of wine,’” he said.
Like many costumed characters, the Pink Pied Piper comes with an origin story In Wimberley’s case, it was wearing a brown uniform every day while serving in South Africa’s military that “did something to [his] head.”
“I started wearing something – anything – other than brown. It was kind of frowned upon at the time for men wearing pink, so I said, ‘Well, I’ve been told what to wear for two years. I’m going to do what I want,’” he said
“In the early days, I was very pleased to have a good bunch of friends and mates who would look out for me in the pubs, and I could run faster than them, so that was a big advantage,” he added with a laugh.
The Pink Pied Piper persona came after he’d moved to North Vancouver and joined the JP Fell Pipe Band. Around that same time, he began conquering the Trans Canada Trail on his bicycle, one region of
the country at a time.
Back in the bad old days of the pandemic, when most of us were shut inside except for a 7 p.m. cheer for front-line workers, Wimberley was playing his heart out outside Lions Gate Hospital.
Though not everyone loves the dulcet drone of the bagpipes, over the years, Wimberley has found they have a way of uplifting spirits.
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to raise funds for the two artistic endeavours he’s most passionate about. Money raised through the GoFundMe campaign will go to the Robert Malcolm Memorial Youth Pipe Band, which feeds into the world-renowned SFU Pipe Band, and to Word Vancouver, the literary festival where Wimberley goes to recite the poetry he composes while huffing and puffing his way across the country.
There’s no shortage of people who ride long distances to raise money for one good cause or another, and Wimberley admits his is “just a little bit on the wacky side.” But he said the pipes need some younger lungs blowing into them.
“The sad reality of it is we are running out of bagpipers,” he said. “In general, the bagpiping community is getting older, and so if we want to keep bagpipes going, we need to get younger folk excited about bagpipes.”
To support his efforts, North Vancouver’s Black Kettle Brewing has released a special edition Perambulating Pink Piper Pale Ale. Before you reach for a dictionary, Wimberley explains how “perambulating” made its way into his already long and alliterative title.
“I just love the joy that I see on the faces of the folk that pass. You know, 99 per cent of the time, particularly with the kids, they somehow love it and every now and then, I’ll get one or two kids who burst into tears,” he said.
(Tears of joy, Wimberley is quick clarify.)
This August, Wimberley is taking his pipes on a Winnipeg-Toronto cycling tour
“[It’s] going from here to there or around about but not getting anywhere in a straight line and not making much good progress anyway, but that’s kind of how I see it,” he said with a laugh. “It’s turned out fantastically It’s very nice. Finally, to have my own beer is quite an honour.”
To pay the piper, visit www.gofundme. com/f/pink-perambulating-pipercycle-across-canada.
Frank Wimberley, North Vancouver’s Perambulating Pink Pied Piper, is riding across Canada to raise money for education in bagpipe music and literary arts. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN
SHAPE +TEXTURE: AVISUAL SYMPHONY
ON NOW UNTIL AUG 17 AT 4:00PM
FLEETWOOD MAGIC, THE AUTHENTIC TRIBUTE TO FLEETWOOD MAC - FRIDAYMAY 30 2025, 7.30PM
CENTENNIAL THEATRE
SILK PURSE ARTS CENTRE
2300 LONSDALE AVE., NORTHVANCOUVER
1570 ARGYLE AVENUE, WEST VANCOUVER
Fleetwood Magic Tribute Band transports audiences in sound and time on amusical journey performing Fleetwood Mac’sgreatest hits from the 60’stothe 80’s. http://tickets.centennialtheatre.com/
Abstract artists Ellen Bang, Shakun Jhangiani &Yeonmi Kimsearch for harmony within &with the world through experiments in shape, texture, colour &media including paint &reclaimed materials. westvanartscouncil.ca/event-6185801
HARMONY ARTS FESTIVAL
ON NOW UNTIL AUG 10 AT 10:00PM
HARMONY ARTS FESTIVAL
WEST VANCOUVER
1564 ARGYLE AVENUE., WEST VANCOUVER
Enjoy visual arts, live music, great children’s workshops, food, and entertainmentatthe annual Harmony Arts Festival westvancouver.ca/harmonyarts
LIGHT SHOW
Sunset chairlift ride launches at Cypress Mountain Resort
ABBY LUCIANO
aluciano@nsnews.com
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Sunset chasers can now enjoy a new ride in the sky at a popular North Shore ski resort.
Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver launched the Sunset Scenic Ride on Friday, where people can ascend to 1,440 metres (4,720 feet) to see the sun-soaked view from high above.
Riders will be able to see 360-degree views of the Lions or Twin Sisters, Howe Sound, Gulf Islands, the Vancouver city skyline, Burnaby, Nanaimo and even Mount Baker in the U.S.
Karla Grenon, Cypress Mountain spokesperson, said the new ride is part of a push for more summer experiences in the park.
“It really feels like you’re immersed in a totally different viewpoint, and it feels like you’re really on the edge of nature,” Grenon said. Grenon said the sunset ride was tested last year to see how it worked from an operation standpoint and to get guest feedback before launching it to the public now.
The new sunset ride runs daily, but operations are extended every Thursday through Sunday evenings until Aug. 31.
The sun set at 8:50 p.m. on Aug. 1, and will set at 7:55 p.m. on the last day of August. With these times, the West Vancouver
STAR WITNESSES
Acosmic journeythrough artand history
On view until September28
The Polygon Gallery
101 CarrieCates Court
Territories of theSquamish and Tsleil-WaututhNatons, and theMusqueam Band @polygongallery |thepolygon.ca
attraction is urging people to plan accordingly and allow 30 minutes to ride the Lions and Sky chairlifts to the summit. The last ride up will be at 8:45 p.m. and the final descent at 9:30 p.m
On top of scenic views and entertainment, $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to the BC Parks Foundation, which supports conservation efforts across the province.
Ticket prices for the scenic ride are $31 for those 13-years-old and up, $21 for children between 6 to 12-years-old and only $5 for tots 5 and under People can also buy a scenic ride pass for $99.
The sunset ride is weather dependent, and people are encouraged to dress for mountain conditions just in case.
PEAK PERFORMANCE
Summer outdoor movie nights return to Grouse Mountain
ABBY LUCIANO
aluciano@nsnews.com
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Moviegoers can now enjoy a film with a stunning alpine backdrop on a North Shore mountain.
Grouse Mountain has announced this year’s “Movies on the Mountain” listings, bringing fan favourites to the big screen every Thursday until the end of August.
“It is such a unique setting – the city view on one side [and] the amazing alpine backdrop on the other side,” said Emily Leak, spokesperson for Grouse Mountain. “So it’s just a great activity to enjoy the mountain and enjoy the outdoors together.”
The movies will play in the Birds in Motion viewing area and screen at sunset, so starting times will vary as the weeks go by
This year’s movie lineup features favourites like The Parent Trap, Shrek, Mission
Impossible: Fallout, The Lion King and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
“[It’s a] pretty solid lineup. I think some of them are new, but I think a few of them we’ve done in the past and they’ve been super popular,” she said. “I know Harry Potter has been the most popular every year.”
Movies on the Mountain has been running films on the big screen since 2021, Leak said.
She suggests bringing cushions and chairs, as seating near the screen is limited. She also recommended bringing bug spray and a blanket, as it can get chilly on the mountain.
While there isn’t a concession stand, Leak said people can get a pre-movie bite or drink at the Rusty Rail Patio and Altitudes Patio until 9 p.m.
Guests are welcome to bring their own popcorn and snacks.
Cypress Mountain Resort is promising stunning views with its new Sunset Scenic Ride. CYPRESS MOUNTAIN
Image: Daniel Boyd, HistoryisMade at Night
North Vancouver man with ostomy running ultramarathon
ZAIN ALRAGHEB
Contributing writer
A North Vancouver man is out to prove that you can still climb mountains, literally and figuratively, while living with an ostomy.
“People think that an ostomy ends your life,” said North Van resident Alex MacInnis. “But I want to show that it doesn’t.”
MacInnis was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age 12 Much of his childhood was spent in and out of hospitals. Though he had time to recover and reclaim his health after his college years, the disease struck back forcefully in his early 30s. His health continued to deteriorate, and, once again, MacInnis was back in hospitals.
In 2018, he underwent a major health surgery, having his large intestine removed. Today, he lives with a permanent ileostomy, which is a surgically created opening in the abdomen that allows for the small intestine to be brought up to the surface of the skin. This is done so that waste can be passed directly out of the body
Despite what he has gone through, MacInnis has a strong message for everyone: his life is far from over.
This month, he will take part in the Squamish 50/50, one of Canada’s most gruelling ultramarathon challenges. The race spans more than 130 kilometers over two days.
MacInnis will be running it with an ostomy bag strapped to his body. His campaign is named Ultras for Ostomies, and he plans on raising funds for the Ostomy Canada Society, a national organization which provides support, education, and advocacy for those living with ostomies
“Ostomy Canada was a huge part of my recovery, not just physically, but emotionally,” said MacInnis. “They help people see that their life isn’t over after surgery That they’re not alone.”
MacInnis has always loved being in the mountains. They have been a place for him to be himself, a site for activity, and now, a place for him to raise awareness and
continue his path of healing.
This wouldn’t be his first time attempting the Squamish 50/50. Last year, he was only three kilometers short from completing Day 1 of the ultramarathon. That result meant he couldn’t tackle Day 2, but that didn’t discourage him from trying again.
“That was heartbreaking, but it fueled me,” he said. “I’ve spent the past year training hard, right here in the North Shore mountains, and I’m ready.”
This year’s race will be held Aug. 16-17. Those interested in supporting and donating to MacInnis’s Ultras for Ostomies campaign may do so here. All of the proceeds will go to Ostomy Canada’s programs, helping others who undergo major surgeries find the right resources and communities.
Alex’s journey can be found on his website, Tales From The Bag
“I want to inspire anyone with an ostomy to believe in themselves again, to feel proud of their body and everything it’s survived,” he said. “And I want people to know there’s a strong community out there, backing them.”
Zain Alragheb is a student intern reporting for the North Shore News She can be reached at zainalragheb@gmail.com.
North Vancouver’s Alex MacInnis is ready to tackle the Squamish 50/50 ultramarathon this month, all while racing with an ostomy bag. He’s hoping to raise funds for the Ostomy Canada Society. COURTESY ALEX MACINNIS
NOTICEOFLANDDISPOSITION
422 East 3rd Street -NSNeighbourhood House
PURSUANT to Sections 24, 26and 94 of theCommunity Charter,the City of NorthVancouver hereby givesnoticeof itsintention to dispose, by wayoflease,anair spaceparcel located at 422 East3rd Street,North Vancouverand legally describedasAir SpaceParcel2,Block 129, District Lot274, Group1,New WestminsterDistrictAir SpacePlanEPP111752, as shownonthe map, to be used as achild care centre
Thenew child care centre is comprisedof1,970 sq.ft. of indoor spaceand 1,946sq.ft.ofoutdoor spaceand will support amulti-age child care programconsistingof16 licensed child care spaces.The dispositionisbyway of a Community FacilityLease to theNorth ShoreNeighbourhood House.The NorthShore Neighbourhood Houseisa registered not-for-profitsociety providingcommunity-based services andprograms. Thelease is for10years with two options to renew, each forfive years. Thestartingrentis $9,400 perannum,which is belowmarketvalue,therefore representingfinancialassistance to theNorth Shore Neighbourhood House.
141 WEST 14THSTREET /NORTH VANCOUVER/ BC /V7M 1H9
T604 985 7761 /F 604 985 9417 / CNV.ORG
Lynn Creek ‘hood to get its first restaurant
BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com
A prominent commercial space that’s sat vacant in North Vancouver’s Lynn Creek Town Centre for the last eight years will soon be home to the neighbourhood’s first real restaurant.
When council approved the construction of the Compass building in Seylynn Village in 2012, the commercial unit facing Seylynn Crescent and Mountain Highway was limited to personal services, office, retail or take-out food. No tenant ever moved after the building was completed in 2018.
The owners have been trying since 2022 to introduce a full-service, sit-down restaurant. When the proposal came before District of North Vancouver council in June, some residents wrote in with concerns about increased traffic, restaurant odours and potential rodent problems but elected officials had only positive things to say about it.
“There’s lots of people that have moved into that neighborhood, and I think this is exactly the kind of place that they’re looking for,” Coun. Jordan Back said at the time.
Up for approval on July 21, council members agreed unanimously to give the restaurant request the OK without any further debate. The owners will construct more washrooms and a commercial kitchen, as well as a mezzanine inside the double-height space to accommodate more seating.
No specific tenant has been named to take over the restaurant space.
West Coast Modern studio of North Vancouver artist facing demolition
BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com
The modernist studio and “unusual” carport of a North Vancouver artist who helped popularize the West Coast Modern architecture movement may soon be demolished.
District of North Vancouver council voted 6-1 on July 21 to temporarily withhold a demolition permit for the Carisbrooke area structures once belonging to photographer Selwyn Pullan.
The current owner of the property, at 233 Wooddale Rd. has applied to demolish the 1960 buildings designed by Fred Hollingsworth, and build a six-unit development that includes replicas of the studio and carport.
While architects like Hollingsworth, Ron Thom and Barry Downs helped establish the West Coast Modern movement – which sought make buildings fit in with their environment rather than dominate it – Pullan was a central figure in documenting and disseminating their work in architecture magazines and journals, popularizing design principles that are still in use today.
When he died in 2017 at the age of 95, the West Vancouver Museum dedicated an exhibition to Pullan’s work.
As a matter of district policy, any time an owner seeks to demolish a building on the municipality’s heritage register, the chief building officer is required to withhold the permit until council has had a chance to discuss potential options to save the building with the property owner Oftentimes, that takes the form of a heritage revitalization agreement in which the heritage building is restored and given legal protection in exchange for extra density or subdivision of the property
But the land’s current owner said the structures are too far gone, something she has already communicated clearly to district staff with documentation from professionals.
“This project is personal, as we’re relocating our family to North Van to build our home and office on a land with heritage legacy We hired the most qualified team, a heritage consultant and an architect both registered with the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals and have decades of experience in conservation work all over B.C. including on the North Shore. But despite their expertise, their professional opinions have been consistently questioned, misinterpreted and disregarded by staff,” Deepinder Gill told council at the July 21 meeting.
“[The district] reduces professional reports to a single vague sentence about the studio, ignoring critical safety risks flagged by the engineer, heritage consultant and the architect, raising serious concerns about transparency, bias and integrity of this process,” she said.
A professional engineer hired by Gill submitted that the studio’s support posts are 150 per cent over their load capacity, she said, adding the engineer concluded demolition of both structures was the only reasonable course of action.
North Shore Heritage president Jennifer
NOTICEOFDISPOSITION
In accordancewith section 26 of the CommunityCharter (BC), TheCorporation of theDistrict of West Vancouver (the “District”) hereby gives noticeof itsintention to grant to TELUSCommunications Inc. (“TELUS”) astatutory right of way(the “SRW”) under section 218 of the Land Title Act (BC)overthat parcel of land legally describedas PID 031-753-591, LOT ADISTRICTLOT 775 Group 1NWD PLAN EPP118543 (the “Parcel”), located approximately asshown below. The SRW will be granted over a portion of the Parcel in order for TELUS to provide communication services to certain buildings located on the Parcel. The SRW will be granted in perpetuity, provided that the District mayrequire TELUS to discharge the SRW from the Parcel when certain buildings on the Parcelare removedor decommissioned. TheDistrictwill not receiveany consideration forthe SRW,except forthe provision of communications services to the Parcel.
ENQUIRIES AND INFORMATION PACKAGES:
John Wong Senior Manager of Facilities &Assets 604-921-3420 |jtwong@westvancouver.ca
Clay urged the parties to find a new “vision” for the property that retains the buildings.
“We encourage the DNV and the owner to work hard to come to a mutually beneficial agreement. It would be a shame to lose such iconic, historically significant buildings,” she said
Coun. Lisa Muri noted how difficult it is to save heritage buildings but said it is worth the effort.
“All of these homes, especially the Hollingsworths, represent a significant achievement in architecture in our community, and we’ve worked hard over the years to try to save as many as we can. It’s a challenging, uphill battle, often,” she said “It’s trying to keep the original structure in place and working towards some agreement that will benefit the protection of these incredible pieces of architecture and also provide a carrot for the owner and the applicant. I always think that there’s always a sober second thought on these ones.”
Mayor Mike Little said he agreed and added he saw no value in creating a replica of Pullan’s studio and carport on the property
“It’s regrettable that it’s gotten into the condition that it’s in, but I hope there’s an opportunity to preserve it,” he said.
The 1960 studio of West Coast Modern architecture photographer Selwyn Pullan is facing demolition. DISTRICT OF NORTH VANCOUVER COUNCIL REPORT
TIME TRAVELLER
Aweekly glimpseintothe past from MONOVA:Museum& Archives of NorthVancouver
Moving St.John’sChurch
Photo:NVMA,PHC16193
50 yearsago,the oldSt. John’sChurch wasmoved from 13th Street to 3rdStreet, next to Presentation House. Thereitwas restored andbecameAnne MacDonaldHall.
The church wasfirst built in 1899,and waslater used as ascout hall aftera newchurch wasbuilt for thecongregationin1909. In 1973 thebuildingwas donatedtothe city,which decidedtoturn it into arecital hall.
Thebuildingisnamed afterAnne MacDonald, whofounded theNorth VancouverArtsCouncil and helped establishPresentationHouse Arts Centre.ItopenedinDecemberof1978.
Discover more of theNorth Shore’srichhistory at MONOVA.Start planning your visitat monova.ca Do youhave astory to tell? Getintouch via archives@monova.ca
North Shore women named to Canadian field hockey team
NICK LABA nlaba@nsnews.com
A roster of rising stars in the field hockey world are about to join Team Canada as the sport makes its debut at the Junior Pan American Games – and six of them are from the North Shore.
On July 18, Field Hockey Canada announced the 16-athlete rosters for the junior women’s and men’s teams that will compete at the 2025 Games in Asunción, Paraguay, Aug. 10 to 19.
FHC said this marks a historic milestone for Team Canada and field hockey at large, as it’s the first time the sport will be featured.
Six North Shore women were named to the Canadian roster Those include midfielder Olive Bodel, who hails from her hometown’s West Vancouver Field Hockey Club, and plays at the NCAA Division I level for Wake Forest University
Also a product of WVFHC is goalkeeper Robyn Goh, who’s from North Vancouver She plays for the UBC Thunderbirds.
Fellow Thunderbirds Sydney Le (forward) and Kaitlyn Pennefather (midfielder)
are on the squad. They’re both North Vancouverites and part of the Sea-to-Sky Field Hockey Club. Forward Kate Martin is from North Van and is part of the Sea-to-Sky club. She plays for the Queen’s University Gaels. Scarlett Kotar is a reserve goalkeeper from North Van. She’s also a Sea-to-Sky member and plays for York University.
The selected athletes were drawn from a group of previously identified top junior prospects following a competitive spring training and evaluation period, according to a statement from Field Hockey Canada.
“These final rosters represent the next generation of Canadian field hockey talent and reflect the depth and promise of the national development pathway,” FHC said.
Several athletes from last summer’s Junior Pan American Championship in Surrey are returning to the team, “bringing valuable international experience and leadership.”
The 2025 Junior Pan American Games will host more than 4,000 athletes from 41 countries competing across 28 sports. The event is a key stepping stone toward the 2027 Pan American Games and future Olympics, FHC said.
JUNIOR PAN AM
Midfielder Olive Bodel plays at selection camp in April. @OLIVEBODEL_FIELDHOCKEY / INSTAGRAM
HOROSCOPE
Promote
Imitated
cube
Conform
Flavors popcorn
noise
place
tree 28. Female sheep’s mate
being
garland
debts 33. Superman’s emblem
41.Extremely annoyed 42.Not here
43.Birthmark
44. Hornsound
48.Hem
Heartache
language
brew
49.Poor grades 52.Canon
53.Lumberman’s tool
54. Bro’ssib
Crosswordpuzzle answers use American spelling
females
metals
Besides
LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS:
ARIES March21-April 19
Your determination will help you achieve your goals. It’s important to feel comfortable in your professional environment if you want to thrive. Taking amoment to reconsider your situation could bring positive changes. Expect your partner to shower you with attention, making way for romantic moments.
TAURUS April 20-May20
Alarge-scale event will bring many people together.Asan artist, your imagination will help you create something truly exceptional. Trust your instincts; they’ll guide you to make wise choices.
GEMINI May21-June 20
Time will be of the essence this week. You’ll need to organize rigorously to meet all your commitments. Remember to carve out some time for yourself to unwind and recharge. Use this break to reconnect with old friends and strengthen those valuable relationships.
CANCER June 21-July 22
Beforethe end of summer,treat yourself to awell-deserved vacation. Pay close attention to the smallest of details, especially for important projects or work.
Aparty—most likely thrown for you—will give you the chance to relax and have fun.
LEO July 23-Aug. 22
Youmay feel oversensitive this week, which could cause you to go overboard. Keep an eye on your finances to avoid making impulsive purchases. Treat yourself to something you truly enjoy but remember to practice moderation.
VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept.22
Youmay get apromotion, which will prompt you to upgrade your wardrobetomatch your new role. Investing in your appearance will enhance both your professional and personal image, helping you make a strong impression.
LIBRA Sept.23-Oct. 22
You’ll juggle severalurgent tasks at work. Fortunately,your hard work will be rewarded with a significant promotion. In your personal life, anew romance may blossom. Youmay even go so far as to startconsidering a life together
SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21
Embrace your perfectionistic naturetocreate remarkable masterpieces. Your patience and wisdom will pay offatwork,
as well as in your romantic life, deepening your relationship.
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec.21
You’ll spend partofthe week at home, possibly due to aunique situation. You’ll have to shoulder several responsibilities, especially if you have young children.Ifyou’re single, an unexpected encounter could surprise you.
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
Preparefor moretravel than you anticipated this week, and things may take longer than expected. Accept invitations from friends and family; it’s important to unwind. Areal estate deal may turn out to be quite beneficial.
AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb.18
You’ll find solutions to a persistent financial issue. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice from professionals and friends. You’ll receive approval to fund a project that means alot to you.
PISCES Feb. 19-March 20
You’ll seize everyopportunity to treat yourself this week. You might offer financial help to a friend in need. Awork project promises to enrich your life. However,don’t forget to rest and manage your energy
HOWTOPLAY: Fill in the gridsothat everyrow,every column and every3 x3box contains the numbers 1through 9only once. Each 3x3box is outlined with a darker line. Youalready have a fewnumberstoget youstarted.
Remember:you mustnot repeat the numbers 1through 9inthe same line, column or 3x3 box.
WEEK OF AUGUST 6, 2025 -AUGUST 12, 2025
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We sharethe quiet passing of our Dad, Graeme, on February7th, 2025, aftera lengthy illness. Graeme will always be remembered by hissons,Adam Guy and Cameron Allan, Linda Cottrell, hissisterDawn, and GraemeSimon, of Melbourne,his sister Joan Reynolds,ofMelbourne and hisbrother Neville,of Thailand; as well as many family and friends at homeand abroad.
Graemebegan hisworking lifeinMelbourne asa butcher.Thatstarted hisloveofgood food, cooking and entertainingfriends and family.Later,together withclose friend Gordon, he transitioned to carpentry and handymanwork, including renovating his ownhome(s).After thebirth of Adam in Melbourne,Graemeimmigrated to Canada. Linda and Graememade NorthVancouver theirhome, whereCam wasborn. Graemecontinued to work in homerenovations until hisretirement
Graemehad agreat senseofhumour and enjoyed getting together with family and friends.When we were young,wekept Dadbusy cheeringusoninour extensive sporting endeavours. He enjoyed travel, was active playingtennisand golf, kayaking and hiking
Friends areinvited to sharememoriesand celebrate GraemeatNorthlands Golf &Country Club on Wednesday, August6th at 11:45am
Leslie passedawaypeacefully on Sunday, July 20. Shewill be dearly missedbyher mother,Patricia Clarke,her brother Michael and hiswifeMaria,her Aunt Donna and her cousins, along with her many friends.She wasfiercelydetermined and persevered to liveanactivelifedespite thehealth issues that go along with being akidneytransplant recipient Leslie’s listofaccomplishmentsislong and varied. Sheattended UBC, earning adegreeinphysical educationand then wentontohaveacareer as an alpine ski coach. Leslie worked in apositionof leadership at theCypress SkiClub, BC Alpine and the Whistler MountainSki Club.She becamethe first female head coachfor Alpine Canada, leading the Paralympic team to asuccessful 2006 Paralympic GamesinTurin,Italy.Leslie lovedbeing active and challenged herself in avariety of sports and spent manyhappyhourswithher catRosie reading in the backyard. We will miss her.Inhonour of Leslie’s memory, please consider donatingtothe Kidney FoundationofCanada.
SusanJoy Dirassar(nee Lovely)passedaway peacefully in her sleep and is lovinglysurvivedby her sonAdrian, hiswifePetaand theirson Cole,and her sister June Buchanan. Susanwas bornin Kamakura,Japan, to Englishparents, Lionel and Margaret.Susan movedtoCanada from England in 1954 to marryLeon Dirassar(divorced in 1979),and maintained abeautiful homeand garden in West Vancouver formany years. Shewas awonderful mother,had many dear friends,cared forher animals,painted and sculpted, studied architecture and anthropology, wasactiveinher community,and travelledthe world. At various times, sheworkedas asecretary in architecturalfirms in London and Vancouver,the National Gallery in Ottawa,the Vancouver ArtGallery,St. Francis-in-the-Wood Anglican Church,and theWestVancouverHistorical Society. Susanwas kind and thoughtful, intelligent and resilient.She lived afulllifeand maintained contactwithfamilyand themanyfriends shemade along theway
Amemorialfor Susanand receptionwill be heldat St Francis-in-the-Wood in West Vancouver at 11am on Thursday,August14th. Allare welcome.
Judith “Judy”Kelly passedawaypeacefully on May29th, 2025, leavingbehind a legacyofcare, laughter,and unmistakablecharm. Shewas 87 and deeplyloved byall whoknewher
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Judy trained as anurse at SouthernGeneral Hospital andlater earned her midwiferyqualification. In her early twenties, sheboarded a ship bound forCanada and took her firstnursing jobinNorthern Ontario. She worked in remote communities,often travellingbyfloatplaneordogsled, and deliveredbabiesinigloos.She oncemet PrimeMinisterPierreElliott Trudeau justone of many storiesshe wouldsharewithher signatureunderstatement, twinklingeyes, and alaugh that made youfeel likeyou were in on thejoke.
Judy eventuallymade her home in BC,whereher remarkable career continued. Sheserved as Head Nurseinthe neurosurgerydepartment at St.Paul’s Hospital, then as NurseCoordinator at SimonFraserUniversity’sHealth Services in the 1970s. Shebrought her steady hand and kind heartwherever shewent —from private practicestothe localracetrack —alwayscalm, capable,and deeply compassionate.
Shewasn’tjusta nurse— shewas aforce of nature. Judy had aone-of-a-kind laugh, amischievous grin,and asharpsenseofhumour that lit up even the darkestmoments. Once shestoppedher caronthe Lions Gate Bridge to jotdown a CBCrecipe, unfazed by thepoliceofficer whopulledher over.Itwas no surprise she talked her wayout of aticket— her charmwas effortless and utterlygenuine
Judy gavefreelyofherself.She showed up with soup,withhealth advice, with exactlywhat you didn’t know youneeded —whether youasked foritornot.Even in retirement,she insisted on helping thenursesinthe care homewhereshe lived. Caring forotherswasn’tsomething shedid —itwas whoshe was.
She lovedtotravel, especially to Mexico,whereshe and her beloved partner Bill Keelyshared acondo When amajor earthquakestruckduringone of theirvisits, Judy immediatelysprang intoactiontohelpthe injured— unshaken, ready to help.Thatwas Judy through and through.
Herhomeatthe topofLonsdalewas always full of friends,of food, of laughter, and ofa warmth that enveloped allwho stepped through thedoor.The view over Vancouver wasstunning,but it wasJudy’s spirit that made it unforgettable
Though sheadored her adopted country,Judy wasproudlyand fiercely Scottish She neverlosther accent —nor her roots— and stayed closetoher family in Scotland,including her parents, four brothers, nieces,and nephews. As her niece Julie shared, “Judy’s passing has made me stop and remember just howfullof energy shewas —bossing her brothersaround with acheeky laugh and a twinkle in her eye. Herget-up-and-go knew no bounds.”
Judy wasloved by many andlefther mark in quiet,unforgettableways. Shewill be deeplymissedbyfamily, friends,neighbours, and themanywhoselives she touched.
Aservice willbeheldonAugust16that11aminthegardensat St.AgnesAnglican Church,530E12thSt, NorthVancouver,BCV7L2K4.
With much sorrow and broken hearts,weannounce thepassing of Christina. Christinaleavesbehind her mostpreciouscanine, Georgie. Sheispredeceased by her momand dad, Madelineand Earl Ross,her sister Trisha and her nephewClayton Long.She is survived by her threesisters,Diana, Arleen and Coleen, many nieces,nephews,great-niecesand nephews and many friends.She will be forever missedbyall. We love you, Christina.
Requiescatinpace
May the Sunshine of Comfort Dispel the Clouds of despair
Sadly, my dear Mom, RosemarieIrene (Carter) Shaw,bornAugust5,1931, in Kapuskasing,Ontario, passedawayJuly31, 2025, 5daysbeforeher 94th birthday. Sheisnow reunitedwithmydad, Thomas WymanShaw(2019), and my brothers, her two sons,Bruce (2015) and Ian(1980).MyMom is survived by me -her onlydaughter -Heather and son-in-law,Marc, her daughter-in-lawKathleen; four grandsons,Shaun, Nathan, Ianand Kevin; and most of all, five great-grandchildren, Jonah, Aidan, Lucy, Lilahand Owen. Mom, youare deeplymissedbyall, butthankfulthat youare nowatpeace.
Born in Burstall, Saskatchewan, shewas theoldest of nine children. Momand Dadweremarried in 1948. In 1956, they movedtoNorth Vancouver with threesons.Theywent on to have five more children. Momissurvivedbyher children, Faye Gagnon (Victor), Joan, Ronald(Donna-Lea),Audrey vander Gracht (John), and daughter-in-law, Melanie; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; twosisters; and threebrothers. Predeceased by her husband, Virgil; infant daughter Margaret; sons Norman, Gerald,and Raymond; and threebrothers.
Momwas very involved at St.Stephen'sCatholic Church and previously at St.Edmund's. Shewas an active member of theCatholic Women’sLeague since1957
Momvolunteered many hoursworking bingo at St Edmund’s, St.ThomasAquinas and St.Stephen’s
In addition to caring forher family, over theyears, Mombabysat more than 50 children, who affectionatelycalledher “Mamma Mary”.
Each year,Mom enjoyed organizing and participatinginagarage blocksale.
Twoofher hobbies were sewing denimquiltsand braiding rugs
DadpassedawayinJune of 2020 duringCOVID.A funeral mass will be celebrated forbothofour parentsonAugust12, at 11 a.m. at St.Stephen’s Catholic Church locatedat1360 -24thStreet in NorthVancouver (corner of 24thand MountainHwy) with areceptiontofollow.
Sincerethankstothe caring staffatInglewood Care Centre in West Vancouver
In lieuofflowers,donations maybemade to St Stephen’s Catholic Women’sLeague
We arehavingasmall and intimate "REMEMBRANCE of my MOM- Rosemarie" at WesterleighPARC, whereshe lived at 725-22nd St in West Vancouver,B.C.Itwill be heldinaprivate room,onthe main floor besidethe dining room on T ESDAY,August12from3 -4:30p.m.Pleasejoin us and sharesomewonderfulstories of my remarkable ❤ Mom ❤ !
To place an Obituary, In Memoriam, or Memorial Service, please call Nadia at 604-653-7851 or email
nmather@glaciermedia.ca
To place an Obituary, In Memoriam, or Memorial Service, contact Adam at 236-889-6595 or ahogan@glaciermedia.ca
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