February 18, 2026 by North Shore News

RVsonthestreet

Pembertonbusinessownersfedup withstreetscloggedwith RVs LIFESTYLE13

Guitarhero

14-year-oldclassical guitarist headlinesRisingStarsshow

SPORTS14

Parkrevamp

West VanOKsnewpickleball courts andskatezoneatGleneagles

Boat captain honoured for rescuingsenior

JANESEYD jseyd@nsnews.com

Asmall-boatcaptainfromNorth Vancouverhas receivedacommendationfrom theCanadianCoast Guardforsavingthelifeofaseniorwhofellinto thecoldwatersofIndianArmafterbecominglost onahikingtrail.

EmmaElvin,23,isbeing recognizedforphysically draggingthehypothermicmanoutofthewater and immediatelytakingstepstowarmhimwhilecallingthe CoastGuardforhelp.

“Youractionswentbeyondthecallofdutyforacivilianbystander,”wrote TylerBrand, superintendentof the Coast Guard’s western regionintheletterofcommendation,adding,“Yourbackgroundasamarine professional wasevidentinyourhandlingof thiscrisis…. Yousaved a life.”

Thedramaon thewater unfoldedontheafternoonof Feb.5, shortlyafterElvinhad returnedhomefromwork.

Elvingrew up on the water ina boat-access home on IndianArm,whereshestill lives.

Aqualifiedmarinecaptain,Elvin worksforPrism Marinedrivingwatertaxiforwork crewsheadingup IndianArm.Onthedayoftheincident,Elvinhadjust comehomefromworkand haddockedherown19-foot

ContinuedonA25

water. The 23-year-old’s marine

Feb. 5. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN

HowBrocktonpreparesstudentsfromPre-K to Grade 12 for todayand the future

Brockton’s Next Open House:Thursday, March5,9-10:30a.m.

NorthVancouver’s Brockton School istheonlyindependent school in B.C. to offerthe full International Baccalaureatecontinuum,which includes theCareer-Related Programme.

Formanyparents,the questionisn’t just what theirchild will learn,but whotheir childwillbecome.

At Brockton School,a Junior Kindergarten to Grade12student body, that questionshapes adeeply personalizedapproach to education, onethatbalancesacademic excellence with character, confidence andpurpose.Guidedbyits mission, Inspiring theGrowthofOutstanding Humans,Brocktonpreparesstudents forlifenow,aftergraduationandfor theworldtheywillhelpshape.

Amongother unique aspects, Brocktonistheonlyindependent school in BritishColumbiatooffer thefullInternationalBaccalaureate continuum,whichincludesthe Career-RelatedProgramme(CP),a distinctiveand innovativepathway that connects learning directly to real-worldfutures.The CPblends academicrigour withpractical application.StudentspairIB courseswithfocusedareassuchas engineering,environmentalsciences, economics,entrepreneurship,music andvisualarts.Whilebuilding professionalskills,studentsalso complete areflectiveproject that explores an ethicaldilemma, engagingmeaningfully andethically withlocal andglobalcommunity partners,and strengtheninglanguage andculturalunderstanding.

“Education at Brocktonisnotabout producinganendproduct,” says KarenMcCulla,head of school at Brockton.“It’saboutnurturingthe growth of thewhole child, inspiring students to findmeaning in their learningandconfidenceinwho they are.”

Withan outstandingstaff-to-student ratio,Brockton’s expert educators truly know each learner, supporting

BrocktonSchoolshapeslearnerswiththe tool to better understandthe world aroundthem.

Brockton students areencouraged to askquestions, exploremultiple perspectivesandengage confidently.

students as they findtheir voice,build self andother awarenessand develop anappreciation of responsibility, opportunityandultimatelyvalue in thisworld.

Thisvisionis reflected in Brockton’s portraitofa graduate:young peoplewho leadwithpurpose, act with integrityandhumility,value connection,thinkwith curiosityand courage,practiceself-discipline,grow throughresilience andmoveforward prepared to contributeto abetter world. Students areencouraged

toaskquestions, exploremultiple perspectives andengageconfidently with complexissues.

“Wedon’tshyawayfromdifficult topics,” McCullaexplains. “Students learntoapproachthemwith reflection,compassionand hope, andtosee themselves as capableof making adifference.”

That preparationis reflected in outcomes:100%ofBrockton graduatesare accepted into their post-secondary programofchoice, standardizedassessments show Brockton students performing well abovelocalandinternational averages,overall healthand wellbeingdatahighlightstrong social-emotionalskills,andmore.

Theresultisstudentswho become inspired to learn(each andevery day) andgraduates whoare adaptable, emotionally intelligentand prepared forwhatmight comenext.

“Brocktonhas shapedmeinto an incredibly balancedperson. Thecombination of IB classes andmeaningfulextracurricular opportunitieshas helped me learn how to manage my time,growin confidenceand flourishbothinside andoutsidethe classroom,”saysa Grade12student at Brockton.“What

sets Brockton apartisthe senseof community. I’ve builtclosebondswith fellow students andmyteachers,and that supporthas played ahugerolein my academicandoverall success.” Withmorethan60extracurricular andathletic opportunities,a comprehensivePre-K–12Outdoor Educationprogramand dynamic offeringsfromroboticstothe arts,includingan internationally recognized WorldMusic Program, Brockton students discovertheir passions,growasleaders and cultivatea strongsenseofselfand belonging.

Families areinvited to experience Brockton at oneofthe school’s upcoming Open Housesat3467 Duval Rd., NorthVancouver,from 9:00–10:30 a.m.on:

•Thursday, March5,2026

•Thursday, April9,2026

•Thursday, May7,2026

Visitors will tour classrooms,meet educatorsand hear directly from students,gaininganauthenticsense of aschool communitydedicated to inspiringthe growth of outstandinghumans.

Formoreinformation,visit brocktonschool.com.

OPEN HOUSES

UNHAPPYTRAILS

Residentspetitionto keepHastingsCreek Trailopen

BRENTRICHTER

brichter@nsnews.com

Lynn Valley residentsarepetitioningto reverseaDistrictofNorth Vancouver decisionthathaspermanentlyclosed a largestretchofthewell-lovedHastings CreekTrail.

Thedistrictconfirmedplanslastweek todecommissiontheentire middlesection ofthetrailand removethedamagedbridge overHoskinsCreek,citingpublicsafety andenvironmentalconcernsaswell as an estimated$5-millioncosttomakethe area safeagain. Thetrailhasbeensubjectto washoutsandprolongedclosuresfollowing atmosphericrivers.

ButcontinuedaccesstotheHastings Creekvalleyisworth fightingfor, said Lynn Valley residentMike Ryan.

“Peopleneverstoppedusing it.There’s hundredsofpeopleonthattraileveryday,” hesaid,addingthathisfellowtrailusers were“gobsmacked”bythe announcement. “Iwouldlikeforthemayorandthecouncil toknowthatthereisalotofinterestin keepingthattrailopenoratleasthavingan interactionwithcouncilaboutit.”

Residentsupanddown Lynn Valley cometotheHastingsCreek Trail–which hedescribedasa“miniGrouseGrind”–to accessInterRiverPark,toconnectwiththe naturalenvironment,andformentaland physicalhealthbenefits.

“It’sprettyeasytoforgetthatyou’reeven inasuburbwhenyou’reonthattrail….I’m deepinnatureandIcanjustlistentothe babblingofthatbrookandgetadisconnectionfrommylife,”hesaid.“Icangetsome

WITNESSESSOUGHT

exerciseatthesametime.”

Ryanlaunchedapetitionaskingthe districttohitpauseonanyfurtherdecommissioningworkuntiltherehasbeen a chancetoconsultwiththecommunity.The petitionhadrackedupmorethan900signaturesasofyesterdaymorning.

Adistrictstaff reportfromJuly2025, however,laysoutthesubstantialchallenge thedistrictfaces withtrail.Someofthe safety concerns flaggedbystaffinclude

bridgeswithunsupportedfootings,bank erosionundercuttingtheboardwalk,and landslideareasabovethetrailthatfrequently resultinlarge rocks rollingloose.

CarolineJackson,generalmanager of climateactionandparks,saiddistrict staff areawareof what’s atstake.

“It’sabeautifultrail.I’vehikedit myself. It’sgorgeous.Icompletelyunderstand thefeelingsinthecommunity”shesaid.

“Obviouslyit’satrailthatisverywellloved

andit’s been wellused by thecommunity forgenerationsandwedofeela real sense ofsadnessaboutitsclosure.Thestaffhave tried really hard to find asolutionforthis butit’sjustnotsafeforthepublicattheend oftheday.”

Jacksonsaidthe$5millionwouldbejust theup-frontcosts.Substantially morewould be requiredasfuturestormsdealmoredamageandsend more debrisintothechannel.

The decommissioningofthetrailwill be followedupwith restorationwork,includingerosionmitigationand repair,invasive species removaland replantingnative vegetation.Thedistrictisalso planning a newconnectionfromthenorthendofthe trailnearRossRoadElementarytoKilkenny Road.

Ryanacknowledgedthesignificant erosionproblemsandsaidheunderstandsthat $5millionisalotof moneyforatrailifno oneisusingit.

But he saidnooneintheneighbourhood seemsto have been askedwhetheritwould bemoneywellspent.Therearestudiesthat showthataccesstogreenspacealsoyields economic benefits, he noted.

“I don’tthinktheycan makethatcall unlesstheyknowwhatvaluethattrail has tothecommunity,”hesaid.“Sowhenyou starttoaskwhether$5 million isworthit,it startstolookalotmoreworthit.Theseare the questionswewantedtheDNVtoaskthe community.”

Ifthedistrictgoesahead, Ryanpredictspeoplewillstillcomebushwhacking throughtheareaundermuch less safe conditions.

Hit-and-rundriverstrikes womanin wheelchairincrosswalk

BRENTRICHTER brichter@nsnews.com

North VancouverRCMPare seekingthepublic’shelp inidentifyingadriverwho struckawomanin a wheelchairinacrosswalkandthen fledthescene.

Theincident happenedon Thursday,Feb.5justafter 8 p.m.attheintersectionof West ThirdStreetandBewicke Avenue

neartheChevrongasstation. Accordingtopolice,theNorth Vancouver residentinher 60swas movingsouthwithinthecrosswalkonhermotorizedwheelchair whenthedriverofagreysedan turninglefthither.Severalpeople stoppedandassistedthewoman butthedrivercontinuedeaston Third.

Thevictimsufferedserious but non-life-threateninginjuries.

“It’squitedisappointingtosee an incidentlikethis,”saidCpl. MansoorSahak,North Vancouver RCMPspokesperson. Thewomanwastakento hospitalfortreatmentandis expectedto recover.

Investigators releaseddashcamfootage oftheincident on Thursdayinhopesthatsomeone canhelpIDthedriver of thegrey sedan.Policearealsoseekingany

otherwitnesses or videofootage from theareathatnight.

Sahaksaidthereisnowaythe driverwouldbe unawareofwhat hadhappened,notingitwas a “hardhit.”

“Wearealsoaskingthedriver todotherightthingandcome forward.Itwillhelpinvestigators gainaclearerunderstandingof what occurred,”Sahaksaid.

Anyone with dashcamfootage,

CCTV,orwhowitnessedthe collisionon WestThirdStreet andBewicke AvenueonFeb.5at around8:07 p.m. isaskedtocall theNorth VancouverRCMPat604985-1311and quote file 26-2488. Lessthanaweekbefore the collision,therewasanother hit-and-runinvolvingapedestrianatHighlandBoulevardand WavertreeRoad. -with files fromJaneSeyd

HastingsCreek Trail usersMike Ryan and KarenWlock are callingonthe District of North Vancouver to reconsidertheir decision to closedown a largesectionofthetrailin Lynn Valley. PAULMCGRATH / NSN

Multiple RVsareseenparkedalong WestThird StreetbetweenLloyd and Pemberton avenues. Some business ownersinthearea have askedthedistrict to crack downon RV parkingintheneighbourhood. PAULMCGRATH / NSN

PARKINGSPACE

Pembertonbusiness owners fed upwithstreetspackedwith RVs

JANESEYD

jseyd@nsnews.com

BusinessownersintheDistrictof North Vancouver’s Pemberton Avenue areasaythey’re fedupwithhaving theirneighbourhoodtakethebrunt ofthedistrict’shousingshortageand dealingwithalargetransientpopulationlivingin RVs ina concentrated four-blockradius.

“Alotofbusinessownersinthatarea areveryunhappy,” FrankieLaMarre,owner ofKBKickboxingon Pemberton Avenue, toldcouncilatits regularmeetingFeb.2.

LaMarresaidowners,staffandcustomerscan’tparkintheareaforlargeportions oftheyearbecauseallthespaceis taken upwithparked RVs.

“Andthatisjust theparkingissue. We also haveasafetyissuewheresomany placeshavebeenbrokenintointhelast twoyears.Carshave been vandalized,” saidLaMarre.

NeighbouringbusinessownerLeah GillandersofLeah’sAutobodyhada similarmessage.

“There’sdrugparaphernaliaandstuff aroundmyshop,” she said “Ihaveawalkwaypastmyshopandyoucan’tevenwalk there.Idon’tfeelsafe.Mycustomersdon’t feelsafe.I’mlosingbusiness.”

Thetwobusinessownerssaytheycall theRCMPwhentheybelievecrimeshave beencommitted, butthe responsetheyget

islacklustreatbest.

LaMarresaidonedayshewitnessed a groupof RV dwellersgetting intoaviolent altercation.

“Therewere five ofthemandthere were dogsandanaxe.When I sawtheaxe Icalled[police],” shesaid. “Butthey were allbacktherelaterthatday.”

LaMarresaidthenumberofpeoplelivingincampersisalsocausingasanitation problem.

“Whenyouhave89 RVs in acondensed area,wheredoyouthinkthey’regoingto thewashroomwhenthetennisclub is only openforsomanyhours?”shesaid. “I’ve hadtobuy a shovel.”

Businesseschoosingtomove

LaMarresaidsomebusinessesare choosingto move offthe NorthShore.

“I’vebeentherefor28years,butifIwas to restartallover, I wouldnotgo in that area,”shesaid.

LaMarretoldcouncil she’ssympathetic tothehomeless,butthe situation in the neighbourhood“isnotfair to business owners.”

“Honestly,Ifeellikewe’vebeenforgotteninthatarea,”saidGillanders.

Thesituationisn’tnew. RV owners parkingintheareaandusingtheirvehicles aseithertemporaryorpermanenthousing hasbeengoingonforyears,withnumbers

Haveyoueverexperienced aplace whereeverythingjustfelt rightandinstantly felt athome? That’s theimpressionyou’ll getat Summerhill PARC. From thepurposefully designed suites,tothe friendlycommunity, you’ll know it’s theright placetobe.

Situatedat theheartofCentralLonsdale, Summerhill PARC’s location is simply acutabove. It offers aculturedhub –the besteateries,shopping andamenities –set tothebackdrop ofnature’s mostspectacularscenery– mountains,oceanand waterfront within easyreach.

Come fora tour andsee foryourselfwhy it’s theright time to explorelifeatSummerhill.

Support

Son’s requesttodischargedadwith dementiafrom care home rejected by judge

JANE SEYD jseyd@nsnews.com

AB.C.SupremeCourtjustice has dismissedanapplication by a NorthShore manseeking to have his86-year-oldfather released fromEvergreenHouselong-term careinNorth Vancouverand returnedhome.

Inadecision releasedJan.21, B.C.SupremeCourt JusticeElizabeth McDonald rejected theman’s request tohavehis fatherdischargedfrom thecarefacility.

Inhandingdownherdecision, McDonaldwrote thatwhileshehad “nodoubtthatthepetitioneris genuinelyconcernedabouthisfather’s wellbeing,”hisplansfor“appropriatefull-timehomecare”weren’t adequate.Thejudgeaddedshewas especiallyconcernedaboutevidence of thesenior’s“tendencytowander andtobecomelostandinjured while livingathomeandthepotentialfor harminthefuture.”

ThecaseinB.C. Supreme Court involvedM.S., an 86-year-old man diagnosedwithAlzheimer’swho hasbeenlivingat Evergreen since November2024,followingafivemonthstayatLionsGateHospital.

Priortothat,thesenior livedin a basementsuitealongwithhis adult son.

Inhispetitiontothecourt, the son–identified onlyas A.S.in court documents–arguedthat Evergreen was not anappropriatecarehome for hisfatherandthathis requestfor hisfathertobe releasedtohiscare should behonoured asa“substitute decisionmaker”forhisdad.

Theson arguedthathisfather could liveathomewithsupport, until analternate care facility could befound.Butthejudge rejected that,pointingtoconcernsraised by VancouverCoastalHealthabout instances ofneglectwhilethesenior was leftinhisson’scareandthe healthauthority’scontention that “heis unable orunwilling toprovide adequatecare.”

Court documentsshow M.S. had beenlivinginthebasementsuite withhisson,whohadbeenactingas hisprimary caregiver, before aseries of hospitaladmissionsbeginning in 2023,whenhewasfound confused andcollapsedinalocallibrary

Duringthattime,theelderlyman wasdiagnosedwithAlzheimer’s dementiaandassessedas needing significantsupportwithdailyactivitiesandsupervisionbecauseofrisks includingwandering andbecoming disoriented.

Long-termcare was recommended,andtheseniorwasplaced on anemergencywait-listforthe CreekstoneCare CentreinNorth Vancouver.Buttheseniorlater rejectedthatoption.

InApril2024,M.S.wasadmitted toLionsGateHospitalagainaftera fallinhisbackyard.Health-care staff raisedconcernsabouthis safety, noting thattheman’s sonhadgone to Europewithoutarrangingforadequatecareinhisabsence.The son wastoldatthattime thathisfather required24-hourcareandcouldnot beleftalone.

Althoughhewasdischarged home,thesenior returnedtohospitalinJune2024 afterbeingfound walkinginhis neighbourhoodwith anaxefollowinganargumentwith hisson.

Otherconcerningincidentsnoted incourt documentsincludedthe sonlocking hisfather out ofthe

apartmentafteravisitwithanother familymemberandanoccasion whenhomecare stafffoundhim wanderingoutside,havingleftapot onthestoveinsidetheapartment.

Medical staffconcludedhe required24-hour supervisionand care,andthathisneedscouldnot safelybemetathome.

Afterstaffhad repeatedproblems communicatingwiththe senior’sson, andnoneofhisotheradultchildren wereavailabletoactasa substitute decisionmaker,thePublicGuardian and Trusteeconsentedtoadmission tolongtermcare.

Thesonlaterappliedtocourt seekinganorder requiringEvergreen Housetojustifywhathedescribed ashisfather’sdetentionandtoallow himto returnhome.

Butthejudge rejectedthat, pointingtothemedicalcareteam’s difficultycommunicatingwiththe son,a recent refusalto returnhis fathertothecarehomefollowinga visitoverChristmasandevidence aboutincidentswherethe senior became“lostanddisoriented,and engagedindangerousorconcerning behaviourwhilelivingathome[with theson].”

Ajudgehas rejectedaNorth Vancouverman’s bid to have his father released from Evergreen House care home. NORTH SHORENEWS FILE

Busdrivercrashes into yard on Lonsdale

JANESEYD

jseyd@nsnews.com

Aschoolbusclippedseveral parkedcarsandacarportand endedupintheyardofahome onLonsdale AvenueinNorth VancouverThursdaymorning.

Nochildrenwere onboardat the time.

Theaccidentappearstohavebeen “drivererror,”accordingtopolice.

ThedriverofthebuswasmakingaturnfromSt.James Road onto Lonsdale Avenuearound8:40a.m intheUpperLonsdale area whenhe struckacurbandintheprocess hit anddamagedseveral parked cars, saidCpl.MansoorSahak,spokesman fortheNorth VancouverRCMP.

Thebusthenclipped a carport attachedtoahomeinthe3200block of Lonsdale and cameto a stopwith itsfrontendpointingintoasloped area.

Thedriverofthebusgotoffunder hisownsteam andwastakenawayby BCAmbulanceServices,accordingto witnesses.

Thebuswasonefrom Lynch BusLines,whichnormallyprovides

Aschoolbusdrivercrashedintoa yard on Lonsdale AvenueThursday morning Nochildren were onboardatthetime. PHOTO SUBMITTED

schoolbusservicetotheAndréPiolat French-languageschoolinNorth Vancouverrunbytheprovince-wide ConseilScolaireFrancophonede la Colombie-Brittanique,Frenchlanguageschooldistrict.Inaletterto parentsofstudentsonFriday,director Michel Tardifsaidtheschoolboardis

currentlycommunicatingwith Lynch togetdetailsofthecrashandensure safecontinuationofthebusservice, adding,“Weareworkingcloselywith themtoassessthesituationand implementappropriatemeasures.” Representativesof Lynch BusLines couldnotbe reachedforcomment.

Dangerouspath

Lifeinawilderburbsuchasoursis synonymouswithhavinga trailin spittingdistance.Soitcomesas agreatshamethat Lynn Valley’s HastingsCreek Trailistobeclosed afterengineersconcluded its geotechnical instability is“criticalandirrecoverable.”

Makingthetrailsafefrom erosion, landslidesandbankfailureswouldcost$5 million.Residentsarepetitioningforthe DistrictofNorth Vancouvertokeepthe trailopen,butwearen’t holdingourbreath. Thereis a between-the-lineslessonweare beingtaughthere.

Aswedevelopedthelandsabovethe creek,itbecameafunnelpointformore stormwaterthanitwaseverintendedto handle.Awarmingplanetmeansmore frequentandmoredamagingatmospheric rivers.Evenifthere was thepoliticalwill tospendthemoneytomakethetrailsafe

again,it’s onlya matteroftimebeforethe nextviolentstormthreatensit.

Itisyetanotherpainful reminderthat climatechangemeans more lossesofour belovednaturalspaces,andthepricetags forprotectingthemareonlygoingtoget higher.Therewasonceatimewhenwe couldclaimignorance–thatwedidn’tknow our relianceonfossilfuelswouldyieldsuch punishingoutcomes.Thosedaysarenow over.

Yetin the lastyear,Canadahas scrapped the consumercarbontaxandourzero-emissionvehiclemandateanddoubleddown onfossilfuelextraction.Anewanalysisby theCanadianClimateInstitutehasfound thatCanadaisn’tontrackto meetanyofits climatetargets.

AwalkontheHastingsCreek Trailtoday mayberisky. To continueonthepathwe areonasacountryisdownrighthazardous.

We’vesurvivedcrowdedgyms of January’s fitness rush

JACKIE BATEMAN

Contributingwriter

Don’ttellanyone,becauseit makesmesound reallyquite sad,butIwentgroceryshoppingduringthe Super Bowl.

The roadswereclear,andthe storewasdesolateandpost-apocalyptic.Thewholeexperience wasalmostenjoyable,andIdidn’t havetonavigatepeoplewholeave theirshopping cartsintheexact centreoftheaisle.Therewereno queues.

AsIcasuallythrewthingsinto my basket,Ibegantothinkabout Februaryingeneral,andhowit’s calmersomehowthanthelong andarduousdecadeofJanuary.

Manypeoplehavea downerin February, particularlywhenthe snowissubstandard.What’sthe pointofalltherainwhenyoucan’t evengoskiingorsnowboarding in perfectpowder?Ifyou’re lucky you’llescapetosomewhereinthe worldthathassandinstead,and temperaturesabove20C.Butfor the restofus,I’mheretoput a twistonFebruarytocheeryouup

Thinkaboutit.This isthetime ofyearwhenweseparatethe wheatfromthechaff,thosewith real,lastingintentfromtheNew Year’s resolutioncrowd. The seriousgymgoershaveaniceempty gymafterthosewhojoined with everyintentionhaveweakened.

Gymmembershipsweresigned for,butthat’snottosaythe signer-upperswillusethem past Jan.31.

Thefaddietadopters have almoststopped boringuswith theirproteintalk. Drinkmore water,eatmoreavocados, don’t eatbreadoranythingelse deliciousbecauseit’sbadnow If you’reawomanover50, don’teat anything,oryou’ll balloonmysteriouslyandyourankleswillswell. Youknowthatperson–theone whogotsomenewBlundstone’s forChristmasbecausethey’re definitelygoingto domore hiking, evenindamp conditions. Or the onewhogotanArc’teryxjacket

–not becausethey’regoingto climbamountain,butbecause they’resupposedtobevery waterproof,andtheydon’twantto getwetwhileskippingaboutwith the dogat LynnCanyon.

Andlet’snotforgettheone withthenewspandexoutfitand gymrunnerswithextraspongy soles.Theycloggedupyourgym foronemonthonlyandhavenow disappearedwithaspongypoof.

ByebyeJanuarycrowd,hello lovelycalmFebruary. We can breatheagainatQuarryRock and parkat LynnCanyon(itwas reminiscentofaCostcocarpark inJanuary). TheGrouseGrinders can resumetheirusuallevelsof

tortureoncemorebecausenoone isintheirway. We cangetaspotin theyogastudiowithoutlyinghalf aninchawayfromthenextsweaty person.It’sallgood.Doanom. Februaryhassavedusonce again. We cancarryonwithour regularlivesandstoptryingto pretendtobesomethingelse. Dumpthequinoainthegarbage, Imeanwhoinventedthat?Put thescalesaway.Andifwewant tositonthesofaeatingCheetos whilewatchingNetflixforafew hours,wecangetbacktodoingit withoutashredofJanuaryguilt. Ithink?

Skiingisbadfortheknees.

MAILBOX

AMBLESIDE PAY PARKING CREATINGCHALLENGES FOR SPORTSGROUPS

DearEditor:

Localsportsorganizationsfromacross theNorthShorearedeeplydisappointed by West Vancouvercouncil’sdecisionto double-downonthepayparkingprogramat AmblesidePark,despitegoodwillcommunityeffortstofindviablesolutions.

AmblesideParkisavitalhubforyouth andadultsports,sailingprograms,communityevents,andfamiliesfromacross theNorthShore.Theintroductionofpay parkinghascreatedchallengesforplayers, volunteers,coaches,officials,andfamilies, manyofwhomalreadygive countlesshours to supportcommunitysport.

We hadhopedforatemporarypause thatwouldallowsportsorganizations,local businesses,andotherparkusers to collaborate withthedistricttoidentifysolutions thatbalanceaccessibility,fairness,and sustainability.Instead,councilcontinuesto directstaffto“inform,not engage,”leaving manyinthesportscommunityfeelingconfused,unheard,andsidelined.

Communitysport reliesonparticipation,inclusion,andvolunteerism. Policies thataffectaccesstofieldsandfacilities shouldbedevelopedinpartnership withthepeoplewhousethemthemost. Meaningfulengagementis notjusthelpful,it isessential.

We arenotopposedtofindinglongtermparkingsolutionsatAmblesidePark. However,movingforwardwithoutcollaborationrisksunderminingparticipationin community sportanderodingtrustbetween councilandthe residentsitserves.

We urgecouncilto reconsiderits approachandworkwiththesports communitytoensureAmblesidePark remains accessibletoall.

SueGoddard, West VancouverField HockeyClub;ShawnLin, West VancouverLittleLeague;BeverlyAnn

LETTERS TO THEEDITOR mustinclude yourname,fulladdressand telephonenumber. Send yourlettersviaour website: nsnews.com/ opinion/send-us-a-letter.TheNorth ShoreNews reserves theright to edit anyand/oralllettersbasedonlength,clarity, legalityand content. The News also reservestheright to publishanyand/orallletterselectronically.

Lehman,Hollyburn Sailing Club;Jen Towert, West VanFC

AMBLESIDEDOESN’T NEED TO ADDANY MORE ‘ATTRACTIONS’

DearEditor:

RE:AmblesidePayParkingIsUndermining BusinessCommunity,Feb.11 letter

IsympathizewithMs.O’Brien’sconcern thatpayparkingis impactingAmbleside businesses.Moreconsiderationshould havegoneintotheinitiativetoaddress potentialproblems beforethe programwas launched.AsMs.O’Brienpointsout,there’s no reasonpay parkingcan’twork, and I sincerely wishthattheADBIAand district willworktogetheringood faithtoachieve a satisfactory solution.

However, I disagreewiththeinsinuation thatAmbleside’scommercialareaisfailing because West Vanhasn’t“activated”its waterfrontwithyear-roundattractions andevents.Amblesideisnotthesame asLowerLonsdale’swaterfront,nor do weaspiretobe. West Van residents have consistentlyprioritized preservationofpark spaceovercommercialbuildingsonthe waterfront.Acommonmantraiswe don’t want“attractions”onourwaterfront,the waterfrontistheattraction.

West Vanisnotstuckin an identity crisis,weknowwhat’simportant andthat’s preservationofopen, green parkspace. Residentsalsoprioritizeoursmallseaside villagecharacterandlocal,independent shopsandservices.Parkvisitorsarenot keepingthese businesses afloat–asMs. O’Briennotes,theygenerally bypass Ambleside’sbusinessesaltogether.

“Activating”thewaterfronttoattract morevisitorsisnotgoingtohelp,infact commercialventuresintheparkmighteven competewithbusinessesinthevillage.

MelindaSlater

West Vancouver

Sayhelloto yourlost Cheetos

Walktoyourlocalcafeorbookstore instead.Coffeeand readingaregoodfor the soul,andyouwon’tbesmashedintoby a snowboarderwhohasn’tyetlearnedhow toturn.If youwanttoget more stepsin,do a wholebookstorecrawland end upinthe librarytogetallthebooksyou didn’tfind. Justathought(Iknow,I’mbiased).

February18,2026

Canada’s“Most LiveableCity”:pride,paradox,andpossibility

TheNorthShorehasbeencloseto my heartformanyyearsnow So, seeing North VancouvernamedCanada’s mostliveablecitybyTheGlobeand Mailearlierthismonthforthesecond yearin arowisbothexcitingand well-earned.

Thisdidn’thappenbyluck -it’sthe resultofyearsofsmartchoicesby localgovernments,communityleaders, andresidentswho’veputliveabilityat theheartofhowwe’vegrown.

WhenNorth Vancouvertopsnational rankings,itspeakstowhatwe value. We’veprotectedthenature aroundus,builtwalkable,connected neighbourhoods,andshownthat growthandsustainabilitycango handinhand.

But,whilewecelebratethisrecognition, wealsoneedtoacknowledgethat being named“mostliveable”doesn’t mean everyonefeelsthatliveability.

Fortoomanyyoungfamilies, seniors,andlocalworkers,housing costsremain adailystruggle. True liveabilityisn’tjustabouttheviews; it’saboutbeingableto find ahome nearwhereyouwork,gettingaround affordablyandefficiently,andfeeling youbelonginyourcommunity.

Complimentand challenge

Theseback-to-backhonoursfrom TheGlobeandMailshouldtherefore bereadasboth acomplimentanda challenge.

attainability,reconciliationwith Indigenouspeoples,andadaptingto achangingclimatethatisbringing moreintensestorms,wildfire smoke, andheat.

Ultimately,thestrengthofNorth VancouverandtheNorthShore liesinitspeople.Itliesinthe neighbourhoodassociationswho pushforsaferstreetsandbetter parks,thenon-profitswhosupport ourmostvulnerableneighbours,and thebusinesseswhotake achanceon thecommercialstreetsofLonsdale, Edgemont,DeepCove, Lynn Valley, Amblesideandbeyond.Itliesinthe conversations -sometimesdifficult, oftenpassionate -thatwehaveabout whatkindofcommunitywewant tobe.

MyroleinOttawa

Andifyoustillfeelabitguiltyoritchy aboutnotdoingenoughtobetter your body,yourmind,yourchildren’ssporting needs,oryour diet,fearnot.There’salways nextJanuary.

North Vancouver’sJackieBatemanisan award-winningauthor, screenwriter, copywriter,andextremelynosyifyougettoo close.jackie@jacbateman.com

Theyaffirm thattheNorthShore hasbeen aCanadianleaderin aligningenvironmentalsustainability, economicopportunity,andqualityof life.Atthesametime,theychallenge ustocontinueleading –particularly onkeyissuesincludinghousing

InOttawa,myroleasyourMemberof Parliamentistomakesurethefederal Thegovernmentis arealpartnerin buildingthekindofcommunitywe want.That meansbettertransitso morepeoplecantrulyrelyonnew rapidbusesandenhancedSeaBus serviceinsteadofcars.It means supportinghousingprojectsthat addgentledensityinourestablished neighbourhoodswhilerespectingthe characterthatpeoplecherish.Andit meansbackinglocalinnovation -from cleantechtogreenconstructionto novelshipbuilding -thatcreatesgood jobsrighthereontheNorthShore. BeingnamedCanada’stopcityforthe secondyearin arowis arecognition ofwhatwehavealreadybuilttogether. Therealtestiswhatwedonext: ensuringthatthis“mostliveable”city istrulyliveableforeveryonewhocalls ithometoday,andforthosewhohope tocallithometomorrow.

PUBLICHEARING NOTICE

Proposed rezoningof6085and6093MarineDrive

WHEN: 5p.m.,February23,2026 |WHERE: Municipal HallCouncilChamber,750 17thStreetandviaelectronic communication facilities

SUBJECT BYLAWS: Apublichearingwillbeheld regardingproposed:OfficialCommunityPlanBylawNo. 4985,2018,Amendment BylawNo. 5394,2026; andZoning BylawNo. 4662,2010,AmendmentBylaw No. 5395,2026.Apublicmeetingwillbeheld concurrently.

SUBJECTLANDS: 6085and6093MarineDrive. Thesubjectlandsareshown shadedblueonthemap.

PROPOSEDOFFICIAL COMMUNITYPLAN BYLAWNO. 4985,2018,AMENDMENTBYLAWNO. 5394,2026: wouldplacethesitewithinthe“Ground-OrientedInfillHousing”developmentpermitarea.

PROPOSED ZONING BYLAWNO. 4662,2010, AMENDMENTBYLAWNO. 5395,2026: would rezonethesiteto CD89 (Comprehensive DevelopmentZone 89)toallowfor 12 townhouse units to amaximumof 3 storeys.

PROPOSEDDEVELOPMENTPERMIT25-012:

would regulatethe formandcharacteroftheproposed townhousebuildingandlandscapingsubject to developmentpermitareaguidelines BF-B16

RENDERINGOFADDRES S SUBJE CT LAND SS HOWNBLUE

Thepublichearingand concurrentpublicmeeting isyouropportunity to speak to Councilif youfeel yourinterests willbe affected bythe proposed bylaws anddevelopmentpermit.

ATTENDTHEPUBLICHEARINGASANOBSERVER

1. Watchonline

Visit youtube.com/@WestVanDistrict atthescheduledstarttimeofthepublichearing.

2. In-person

VisitMunicipalHall CouncilChamberatthescheduledstart timeofthepublichearing. Advanceregistrationisnot required to attend apublichearing.

QUESTIONS? Moreinformationontheproposed bylaws,including staffreportsand othersupportingdocuments,maybeviewedatwestvancouver.ca/news/noticesand atMunicipalHallfrom February 5 to 23, 2026 during regularbusinesshours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,MondaytoFriday, excluding statutoryholidays.

LisaBerg,Senior CommunityPlanner lberg@westvancouver.ca| 604-925-7237

westvancouver.ca/news/notices

HOWTOPARTICIPATEINTHEPUBLICHEARING

1.Speakin-person

MunicipalHall CouncilChamber, 75017thStreet PersonsmayaddressCouncil duringthepublichearing foruptofiveminutesat atime.

2.OnlineviaZoom (electronic communication facilities) Pleasecall 604-925-7004 on February 23, 2026 to beadded to thespeakerslist. Instructionsonhow to participateare availableat westvancouver.ca/ph.

3. Provide awritten submission

•Byemail, to correspondence@westvancouver.ca.

•Bymail,addressed to LegislativeServices, 75017thStreet, West VancouverBCV7V3T3.

•In-person,addressed to LegislativeServicesplacedinthe drop-boxlocatedoutsidetheentrancetoMunicipalHall. Writtensubmissionsmustbe received by noonon February 23,2026 to ensuretheirinclusioninthepublicinformationpackagefor Council’s consideration. To ensureafair process, Councilcannot consideranysubmissions receivedafterthepublichearinghasended.

NorthShore PrimaryCareNetworks: Moredoctors,morecare

Morethan30newphysiciansand nursepractitionersarenowaccepting patientsasteam-basedcareexpands acrossthe region.

PrimaryhealthcareontheNorth Shoreisevolvingtobettermeet theneedsofbothpatientsand health-careprofessionals.As partof aprovince-wideinitiative fundedbytheMinistryofHealth, theNorthShorePrimaryCare Networks www.nspcn.ca/ bring familyphysicians,nursepractitioners, registerednurses,mentalhealth cliniciansandclinicalpharmacists togetherin ateam-basedmodel designedtoimprovepatient outcomesandexpandaccessto careacrossNorth Vancouver,West VancouverandBowenIsland.

Thatteam-basedapproachisalready improvingaccess to primarycare. OneoftheNSPCN’ssuccessesis thatmorethan30NorthShorefamily physiciansandnursepractitionersare nowacceptingnewpatients.“The NorthShorenowleadstheprovince inattaching residentstoprimarycare providers, “saysDr.RuthCampling, NSPCNco-lead.NorthShore residentslookingfor afamilydoctor ornursepractitionercan register throughtheHealthConnectRegistry websiteat www.healthlinkbc.ca/ find-care/health-connect-registry HealthConnectRegistry.

Thefineartofaging

TheNSPCN’sworkincludesan emphasisonprevention,education andsupportingNorthShoreresidents tostayhealthyastheyage.

OnFriday,March20,theNSPCN willhost afreepublicconference, TheFineArtofAging,from 08:30a.m.to12:45p.m.

Drs.RuthCamplingandDeanBrown,physicianandco-leadsatNorthShore PrimaryCareNetwork. PhotoviaNorthShoreDivisionof PrimaryCare

attheDelbrookCommunity RecreationCentreinNorth Vancouver.

Theevent reflectstheNSPCN’s preventive-careapproachbypairing timelyaccesstocarewithpractical, evidence-informedguidance.

“Thisconference reflectsourfocus onhelpingpeoplestaywell,notonly byimprovingaccesstocarebutalso bysharingknowledgeandtoolsthat supportlong-termhealth,”saysDr. DeanBrown,NSPCNco-lead.

Healthyagingconference

HostedbytheNSPCN,the conferencewillcover arangeof topics:strategiesforhealthyaging, sleep,cognitivehealthandhowsocial connectionsupportsqualityoflife

andlongevity.Theprogramincludes asessiononMedicalAssistance inDying(MAiD),toexplorekey questionsand reviewend-of-life decision-making. Programdetails areavailableat www.nspcn.ca Bybringingtogetherpractising healthcareprofessionalsand communitymembersinanaccessible setting,TheFineArtofAging supportsproactiveconversations aboutwell-beingandhealthyaging. Socialconnection

Oneofthekeytopicsaddressed attheconference—and agrowing focusoftheNSPCN’swork—issocial isolationandloneliness. These issuesarenowwidely recognizedas significantriskfactorsforpoorhealth,

contributingtohigherratesofchronic disease,mentalhealthchallenges and reducedqualityoflife.

Whileseniorsareoftenmostaffected, socialisolationisnotlimitedtoolder adults. Youngerpeople,particularly men,increasinglyexperience socialdisconnection,withserious implicationsforbothphysicaland mentalhealth.

TheNSPCNislaunchinga community-wideinitiativetoaddress socialisolationandloneliness.By raisingawareness,theNSPCNaims topositionsocialconnectionasa sharedcommunityresponsibility and akeypartofpreventivecare. Residentsare encouragedtospeak withtheirprimarycareprovider aboutavailablesupport.

Throughexpandedaccesstoprimary care,acommitmenttoprevention and afocusonconnectionand communitywell-being,theNorth ShorePrimaryCareNetworksare helpingtobuild ahealthierfuture, startingwitholderadultsandare strengtheningcare foreveryonewho callstheNorthShorehome.

RISINGSTAR

Award-winningteenguitarist readytotake centre stage

ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com

Local JournalismInitiativeReporter

Playingtheguitarcame naturally to CatherineHuo.

Shelearnedthebasicsofthestringed instrumentfromherfatheratjust three yearsold.

“Musicwasa really big partofme,so I alwaysfeltthatitwaseasytointerpretand feelthemusic,”Huosaid.

Now14,the West Vancouverguitarist canmaketheinstrumentsinglikefewothersonEarth.

Huoisoneoffourteenageguitarists settoplayatRisingStars: A Celebration in Vancouver’sPacificSpiritChurchthis Saturday,aconcertthatfeaturessomeof themostcelebratedyoungguitarists in B.C.

The West VancouverSecondarystudent istopbilledattheupcomingconcert, followedby16-year-old Richmond residents TigerChenandEileen(Haoyue) Tangand Burnaby’s JustinZhou,whois17.

“I’malittlebitnervous.It’smyfirstconcert,”saidHuo.“Butit’sprettycoolbecause it’s also relaxingbecauseIknowthatallof my friendsarealsogoingtobe thereand they’regoingto be performingaswell.”

Huo isn’tshy whenitcomesto competitions.Shehasachievedafirst-placefinish at theDenverInternationalGuitarFestivaland Competitionandsecondinthejuniordivision of theGuitar FoundationofAmerica Competition,whichthe VancouverClassical GuitarSocietysaysisthe mostprestigious competitionintheworld.

The West Vanmusicianhasalsomade historybyfinishingfirstintheadult

divisionatbothGuitarFest West(Canada) andtheNorthwestGuitar Festivalinthe U.S.,becomingtheyoungestadult-division winnerinthehistoryofbothcompetitions.

Thosewere all achievementsmade in2025.Previouswinsforthe West Van musicianalsoincludefirstplaceinthe juniordivision at the2023ChicagoGuitar Festivaland firstintheyouthdivisionatthe NorthwestGuitar Festivalthepreviousyear, whereshewastheyoungestwinneratonly nineyearsold.

Withthelistofcompetitiontitlesunder

herbelt,Huosaidit’sa reminderofher hardworkpayingoffassheusuallypractisestwotothreehours a day.Buteven whenitdoesn’tworkout,Huolooksatwhat shecanimproveon.

“Ithinkit’sa reallygoodlearningprocess forme,”shesaid.

InspirationforHuocomesfromher teachers,but alsoherparents.Huo’sfather wasaformer electricguitarist and stage actorwhilehermotherisadanceteacher.

Herhomeispackedwith musicalinstruments,includingapiano,violin,drumsand guitars.

Huohasn’tonlybeenonthestagefor theguitar,butalsodance.Shebegantaking dancelessonsatagetwo,traininginballet, contemporaryandChinesefolkdance.

Her11-year-oldsister is alsosomeone sheadmires,asshestudiesclassicalguitar anddance.Thewholefamilybeinginvolved intheartshelpsthemconnect,Huosaid.

Growingupwithartisticinfluence aroundher,sheusesbothmediumsto expressherself.

“Ijustthinkthatas longas I showmyfull potentialand I expressmyself in myown way,that’sgoodenoughforaperformance,” shesaid.“Ithinkit’sthesameforguitar, aslongas I expressmyselfandshowwhat makesmeCatherinewhen I play.That’sthe mostimportantpartforaperformance.”

Fornow,herbiggestgoalinguitar is towin first in theGuitarFoundationof Americacompetition,as it’s thebiggest contestintheworld,shesaid.

“Iwouldn’tbemewithoutguitar,”Huo said.

RisingStars:ACelebration

When: Saturday,Feb.21,3p.m.

Where: Pacific SpiritUnitedChurch(2195 W45th Ave, Vancouver)

Cost: $8for VancouverClassicalGuitar Societymembers,$10fornon-members andstudents.Freeforthose16andunder. Ticketscanbepurchasedatvancouverguitar.org.

AbbyLucianoistheIndigenous and civic affairsreporterfortheNorthShoreNews. Thisreporting beatismade possiblebythe LocalJournalism Initiative.

14-year-old West Vancouver resident Catherine Huoisa classicalguitaristset to perform at the RisingStars concertin Vancouverthis Saturday, Feb. 21. PAULMCGRATH / NSN

CONNECTION

ONNOWUNTIL -MAR 8AT4:00PM

SilkPurseArtsCentre,1570Argyle Ave., West Vancouver PaintersBrandyMars &AllivanGruencenterthehumanfigureintheir expressive &joyfulworksthatsearchforconnectionwiththemselves, community &memory.Presentedby WestvanArtsCouncil. BrandyMarsis aVancouverbasedoilpainterwhoseworkcelebrates LGBTQIA+lives &loves.AllivanGruenisamultimediapainterbased inWhistlerwhoseworkis rootedinintimacy &nostalgia. https://westvanartscouncil.ca/event-6508762?utm_ source=nsnews.com&utm_medium=referral

JULIEBEGG,CAROLINEOLSEN &KARENLEE-MORLANG

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY24,2026 -10:30AM -11:30AM(PST)

SilkPurseArtsCentre,1570Argyle Ave., West Vancouver Joinusforanincredibleconcertwiththreecelebratedmusicians, clarinetistJulieBegg,violistCarolineOlsen &pianistKarenLeeMorlang.Thetalentedartistswilldelightwiththeirunmatched skill,musicality &effervescenceastheyperform. https://westvanartscouncil.ca/event-6456034

BATTLEOFTHEBRUSH45: AWAKENING —LIVE PAINTING COMPETITION

FEB.27 AT 8:00PM -11:00PM

ThePipeShop,115 VictoryShip Way, North Vancouver BattleoftheBrush45: AWAKENING—livepaintingbattleat ThePipeShop. 8teamscreateartin80mins.Audiencevotes winner +$500prize.Feb27,doors8:00pm,show8:30pm. https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/battle-of-the-brush-45vancouver-live-painting-battle-tickets-1271869829899

Anewplanapproved by West Vancouver council will keeptheskatebowl(seen on theleft) while replacingthebike terrainparkwithpickleball courts anda “street-style”skate zone in theadventure parkareanext toGleneaglesCommunity Centre. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN

PARKREVAMP

Pickleball courts,skate zone coming to Gleneagles

ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com

Local JournalismInitiativeReporter Pickleball courts anda“street-style” skateboardzonearein,whileanexistingbike terrain park isoutinplans approvedby West Vancouvercouncil fora revampoftheadventure park areanext to GleneaglesCommunity Centre.

OnFeb.9, West Vancouvercouncil unanimouslygavestaff thegreenlightto issuea request for proposaltodesignand constructthreepickleballcourtsand a street-styleskateboardzoneatGleneagles AdventurePark.

Accordingtoastaff report,thepickleballcourtswillbebuilttoconformto PickleballBC’s recommendeddimensions. Theplanalsokeepstheexistingskateboard bowl,whichwillbe repainted,andstaffwill lookintothe feasibilityandcostestimates forafullorpartial roofandlighting.

Thepickleballcourtswill replacethe existingbiketerrainpark,andtheimprovementswillenhanceandexpand recreation opportunitiesforbothyouthandadults, astatementfromtheDistrictof West Vancouvernoted.

Intheplan,staffwillalsoexplorethe feasibilityofconstructingapumptrackon the BC Hydrolandacrossthestreet from thecommunitycentre.

Thereis$527,710allocatedtothe

project,staffsaid.Ifthebidsexceedthat funding,staffwill returntocouncil requestingadditionalmoneyfromtheCommunity AmenityContributionReserve.

Thelatest revampupdateandapproval comesaftermonthsofhittingtheballback andforthwithstaff redesignsandcommunity responses.

Staff firstproposedaplaninMarchlast year, recommendingthedemolitionofthe existingskateboardbowlandbikejumps and replacethemwithalargepumptrack andfourpickleballcourts.Aftercommunity engagementinthefollowingmonths,staff saiditbecameclearthatthelocalcommunitywantedtokeeptheskateboardbowl.

InJune,staffcamebacktocouncilwith a revisedconcepttokeeptheskatebowl, addasmallerpumptrack,astreet-style skatezoneandtwopickleballcourts.There wasalsoanamendmenttolookatoptions foruseofBCHydrolandacrossthestreet. However,duringameetinglastJune,23 peoplespoketocouncil,withmanywantingmorethantwopickleballcourtstobe builtatthepark.Council rejectedthetwocourtplanintheensuingvote.

OnFeb.9,eightpeoplespoketocouncil aboutthenewly revisedplans.Somecommunitymembersraisedsafetyconcerns aboutthenot-yet-approvedproposalto buildapumptrackacrossthestreet.

ShelleyMarkwart,whonotedthatshe

Pumptracklocationquestioned

enjoyspickleball herself,stillsaidsheis “extremelydisappointed”tosee a proposal thatwouldputpickleball courtsbesidethe skateboardbowlwhilepotentiallysending a pumptrackacrossthestreet.

“Thesafetyofthechildren–why would theybeontheothersideofthe roadwhen theirparentsareskateboardingandplaying pickleball?”Markwartsaid “Ortheir grandmaandgrandpaareplayingpickleballontheotherside?Donotputthepump trackontheotherside,that’s ridiculous.”

Shealsoraisedconcernsofaddingthree more pickleball courtsin West Vancouver, sayingtherearealready17courtsacross themunicipalityandonlyonepumptrack.

ResidentEricLawrenceechoedconcernsabouttheproposedpumptrack relocation,addingthatthemost recent proposal“failstoaddresstheconcerns raisedbythecommunity”attheprevious meetings.

“Separatingskilllevelsby relocatingthe pumptracktotheproposedBCHydrolot createssafetyconcerns,andrisksbecominganotherunusedspaceduetopoor planning,”Lawrencesaid,suggestingthe pickleballcourtscouldbedeveloped in a separatepurpose-builtlocation.

Othersspeakersalsoraisedconcerns aboutthegenerallayoutofthe park,saying theproposedskateboard zoneisdirectly besidethepickleball courts,whichcould causeissuesaroundnoise,distractionand overallplayquality.

ProfessionalBMXriderCorey Walsh emphasizedhowvaluabletheexisting terrainparkis,bringingOlympianstothe area.

“Ithink thatweneedto seriously embracethesesituationsandtheseplaces, andinsteadoftherefore relocatingitfor somethingelse,addingtoitand helping thiscommunity,” Walshsaid.“Havingthe pumptrackinthisfacilityinthesamearea, keepingthiscommunitystrongisvery important.”

Somecommunitymembers,however, sharedsupportofthenewproposal,like West Van residentEdPielak.

“We needpickleball courtsin thewesternpartofthedistrict,”Pielaksaid.“These courtswillbeextremelypopularandwellusedbyallages.”

Counciladdressesconcerns Coun.ScottSnidersaidhesupports theproposal,notingthatwhile havingthe pumptrackacrossthestreetisnotanideal situation,itisthebestlocationbasedon thespaceandpreviousstudiesfromthe district,theterrainand restrictionsofthe landfromBCHydro.

Thedesignapproved by councilincludes the existingskatebowl,anew “street-style” skate zoneandthreepickleball courts

DISTRICT OFWEST VANCOUVER

“We allheardthewordcompromise manytimes,andIthinkthat’swhatwe’re tryingtodo,”Snidersaid.“Thisisavery smallspacethatwe’re tryingtoaccomplishagreatdealon.SoIthinkthe reality istherehastobesomecompromise to try andaccomplishthebestwecan foras manyaswecan.”

Coun.SharonThompsonsaidcouncil didhaveconcernsabouttheproposed pumptrack’s locationacrossthestreet. Afterlookingatthesite,shesaidhaving thepumptrackismoresuitableonthe BC Hydrolandsduetonaturalterrainthat canbeworkedwithandthejoy of riding throughthetrees.

“SoIhopeovertimewecansatisfyall theuses,andIdobelievewe’vedone our best,”shesaid.

Thompsonalsoaskedstaff whatthe soundbarrierwouldbebetweenthe two sports.Staffsaidtheydon’tknowat this timeandwouldhavetoworkwith professionaldesigners forfeedbackonwhat that wouldlooklike.

Coun.ChristineCassidythankedthe skateboardingcommunity fortheirinput andadvocacy.

“Wetendtosooftenbefocusedonone segmentofourcommunity,technically speakingtheoldersection,and forget that wehaveayoungersectionandbless us for havingsuch,”Cassidysaid.

Constructionisanticipatedtostart in JuneorJuly, withthe revamped park scheduled to openinOctober or November.

AbbyLucianoistheIndigenousandcivic affairsreporterfortheNorthShoreNews Thisreportingbeatismadepossiblebythe LocalJournalismInitiative.

FIRSTIMPRESSIONSTHEATRE presents

Theplayrevolvesaroundthreefriendswho �ndtheirpreviouslysolid15-yearfriendshiponshaky groundwhenonebuysan expensivepainting.Thecanvasiswhite withseveral �newhite lines.

SMALL THEATRE BIGIDEAS

Feb19toMar 7–info604-929-9456

Thursdays &Fridays &Feb 28at7:30pm;allSaturdaysat2:00pm

4360Gallant Avenue, North Vancouver,V7G1L2

acomedyby YasminaReza Translatedby Christopher Hampton

DirectedbyJim Hebb Starring~ Cameron McDonald DerekGreen and MarkGash

ArtisticDirectorClaudeA.Giroux

Deep CoveShawTheatre

Contest:Enterfor achancetowin apairof ticketstotheUltimateBeachBoys Tribute

Let’sGoSurfin’TheRemarkableBeachBoys Tributewilltransportaudiencesbacktothesunny60s duringtheirMarch15thperformanceattheKayMeek Arts CentreinWest Vancouver.

OnMarch15,theNorthShore willfeelalittleclosertothe Californiacoast.

That’swhenBackBeat Entertainment bringsLet’sGoSurfin’!The Remarkable BeachBoysTribute toWestVancouver,transforming theKayMeekTheatreintoaroom fullofsmiles,sing-alongsandthe kindofgoodvibrationsonlygreat musiccanunlock.

BackBeat isnostrangertoambitious tributeshows.AsCanada’spremier tributeact,thebandhashoned itsmusical skillsoverdecades, successfullytacklingthecatalogsof everyonefromTheBeatlestoThe RollingStonesandTheWho.This year,they’llbefocusingtheirefforts onajoyful,detail-rich homageto theBeachBoys–anentirelynew challenge forthisseasonedgroup.

“Thesongsfeelsimplewhenyou hearthem,”Penwarnexplains,“but BrianWilsonwasamusical genius. Hewrotevocalpartsthatwere almostsymphonic.Wheneverything comestogether,itcreatessomething completely beautifulandunique”. Thatmusicalcomplexityis exactly why Let’sGoSurfin’! tookmorethan ayeartobuild.BackBeatcarefully deconstructedeachsong,studyingits movingpartsbeforereassembling it withpainstakingattentiontodetail.

“Wereallysatwiththemusic,” Penwarnsays.“Wewantedtohonour itandpresentitthewayBrianWilson andthebandintendedittobeheard.”

Thetechnicalachievement alone wouldbereasonenoughtoattend.

Butwhatelevatestheshowbeyond afaithfulrecreationisthecareand storytellingwoventhroughoutthe performance.Visualprojections accompanythemusic,whilePenwarn sharesanecdotes betweensongs,like thejourneyof“SloopJohnB”from atraditionalBahamianfolktunetoa BeachBoysclassic, givingaudiences adeeperconnectiontothemusicthey alreadylove.

“It’sawayofbondingwiththe audience,”saysPenwarn. “Everyonehearsthesesongs differently.Forsomepeople,it’s purejoy.Forothers,they’retiedto reallyemotionalmemories.”

We’vepartnered withBackBeat togiveawayapairofticketsto fiveluckywinners toseeLet’sGo Surfin’,TheRemarkable Beach BoysTributeshowattheKayMeek ArtsCentre inWestVancouver. Enterforachancetowinviathe contestentryform:

Alongsidethesun-soakedsurfhits, BackBeatalso divesintodeeper cutsandlater-erasongs,moving chronologicallythrough theband’s evolution,fromearlyharmoniesto mid-careerreinventionandbeyond.

“TheBeachBoysreallyhadtwo careers,”Penwarnnotes.“Andthe amazingthingisthatthemusicstill speakstoallages.”

Herecallsmeetingafatherandhis 12-year-olddaughterafterashow, bothsingingalongwordforword.It’s proofthatthesesongs,nowmorethan halfacenturyold,continuetofind newlistenersandnewmeaning. AsforPenwarn’sfavouritemoment onstage?Thathonourgoesto “GoodVibrations.”

“Itputsapinrightinthe1960s,”he says.“It’sincrediblycomplex,but whenyouhearit,itjust makesyou feelgood.”

Thatfeeling,joyful,communaland deeplyfamiliar,iswhat Let’sGo Surfin’ ultimately delivers.Morethan atribute,it’sasharedgatheringthat remindsaudienceshowmusiccanbe arefuge,atimemachineandareason tosmiletogether,decadeafterdecade. “Thismusictakespeoplesomewhere,” explainsPenwarn.“Toasimplertime. Ahappiertime.AndIthinkpeople

reallyneedthatrightnow.”

Catchthegood vibrations livewhen Let’sGoSurfin’!The Remarkable BeachBoysTributehitstheKay Meek Arts Centre on March15. Ticketsare availableatkaymeek.com.

BackBeat isafour-piecemusical ensemblefromVictoria,B.C. Withexperience ofmorethanfour decadesonstagesacrossCanadaand performancesalongsidecelebrated artistslikeCelineDion,FeeWaybill andNigelOlsson,thebandhonours classic 1960shitswithprecisionand joy.FromTheBeatlestotheBeach Boys,BackBeat bringsthemusicthat definedagenerationtoaudiences ofallages. To learnmore,visit backbeatentertainment.ca.

BackBeatEntertainmentbringstheharmonies,nostalgiaandgoodvibrations. PhotoviaBackBeatEntertainment

ICYCONDITIONS

Out-of-boundssnowboarder nearlyslidoff cliffbefore rescue

BRENTRICHTER

brichter@nsnews.com

NorthShoreRescuesaysa snowboarderisluckytobealiveaftera fallinadangerousout-of-bounds area.

Theteam receivedwordabouta stranded snowboardernorthwestof CypressMountain resort’s TopGunski runat about3:30 p.m., Tuesday.

The woman,a40-year-old North Vancouver resident,hadduckedthe rope withtwofriendsbutshe fellinsomeslipperyconditions.

“Shehadslidat least100metresdown averysteepslopeandendedupinsteep, complexterrain.Theonlythingthat stoppedher fromslidingoffacliffband were sometree roots,soshewas really fortunate,”saidDave Barnett,North ShoreRescuesearchmanager.

CypressMountainskipatrol members were thefirsttogettothescene.While NorthShoreRescuewassendingina technical rope rescueteam,oneofthe skipatrolmembersrappelleddownto thewomantosecureher and preventher fromslidingtoamuchworsefatebelow.

“Shewassuperlucky becausethe slopewas30to40degrees,”Barnettsaid. “Itwouldhaveinvolvedamuchmore severefall.”

OnceNorthShoreRescue’s members arrived,onememberrappelleddown withharnessesforthesnowboarderand skipatrolmember so volunteersatthe topcouldpull thembackuptheslope.It wasaslowprocess, witheveryonefinally backtosafetyaround7p.m.

Thewomanhadanabrasiononher facebutwasotherwiseOK,Barnettsaid.

CypressMountain’sski patrolwere instrumentalinthe rescueandareowed thanks,headded.

Thewoman was alsoluckythere was lowriskforavalanchesatthetime.Had theriskprofilebeenhigher, rescue volunteersmaynothavebeenclearedtogoin.

Barnettsaidalayerof wet snowover topofanicycrustintheNorthShore Mountainswasproducing somevery slipperyconditions.

Of allthesafetysermonsthatNorth Shore Rescue preaches,stayinginbounds at thelocalski resortsisoneofthemost important.The ropeshavebeenplaced wheretheyarebecausetheterrain very quicklybecomestreacherousbeyond them.

“Just stayinboundswhenyou’re skiingorsnowboarding.That’s theNo. 1 thing.Thiswholeincidentcouldhave beenavoided,”he said.“Sheknowsthat andshefeelsbadaboutit.”

Adulttennis–Wed, Feb25/Junior tennis–Thu,Feb 26 7amNorth Vanresidents/9am allcustomers

Swimming –Wed, Mar4 7amNorth Vanresidents/9am allcustomers

General programs –Thu,Mar5 7amall customers

Skating–Thu,Mar5 7amNorth Vanresidents/9am allcustomers

SpringprogramsrunApriltoJune.Get info &register at nvrc.ca or call 604-987-7529.

North Shore Rescue’s rope rescue teamprepare to pull an out-of-boundssnowboarder and a Cypress Mountain resortski patroller to safetyon Tuesday, Feb. 10. NORTHSHORERESCUE

Prawnfishermanfined $17,000 forviolations onHowe Sound

BRENTRICHTER

brichter@nsnews.com

Acommercialprawnfishermanhas beenhandedalmost$17,000infines afterbeingcaughtviolatingnumerous fisheries regulationsonHoweSound.

PaulDucDinh,30, pleadedguiltyin North VancouverProvincialCourtFeb. 2 to fourcountsoffailingtocomplywiththe conditionsofhislicence.

Inthespring of 2024,Dinhhadjust embarkedonacareerasaprofessional cookwhenhisfather,thecaptainofthe fishingvesselOceanPrinceIII,suffered a seriousaccident.TheinexperiencedDinh tookoverthefamilybusiness,despite havingonlyeverworkedasadeckhandon board,thecourtheard.

InJune,fisheriesofficersonpatrol in HoweSoundboardedhisboatforan inspection.Theyfoundhisvesselmonitoringsystem had beendisabledfor severaldays,acontraventionoffisheries regulationsbecauseDFOuses thedatafor conservationeffortsandtoensure commercialfishersarestaying out ofclosed areas.

Atthetimeoftheinspection,Dinh hadliveprawns onboard–eightbaskets containingabout120,000prawns.Because

theyhadbeencaughtatatime whenhe wasn’tincompliancewith his licence,they hadtobe released.

Thedaybefore,hiscrewhadsold about160poundsofprawnsformorethan $2,500.

Dinhadmittedto investigatorsthathe hadn’t readtheconditions ofhis licence.

Thefollowingprawnseasonin2025, Dinh’svesselmonitoringsystem indicated thathe’dbeenputtingdowntraps in an

WATERMAIN MAINTENANCE WATERMAINMAINTENANCE

Is your tapwater cloudy?

From MarchtoMay,the District is conducting watermain maintenance in ordertoprovidehigh-qualitytap water to West Vancouver. Annual flushingofsedimentsin thewater system maycause temporarycloudiness. Your waterissafe—sedimentsare notharmful.

What to expect:

•you might see periodicdiscolouration; youmay wish to runthe cold tapuntil waterisclear

• waterqualitywill be monitoredthroughout the flushingprocess,andall dischargedwater will be dechlorinatedbeforeitreaches thedrainagesystem

Formoreinformation, contact: UtilitiesOperations Dispatch 604-925-7100

areathathadbeenclosedforfishingthe daybefore.DFOofficers metwith Dinh and confirmedhehadbeen fishing andthathe failedto log allofhis hauldata, another violationofhislicence.

TheDepartmentofFisheries and Oceansclosescertainareasto fishing as theseasonprogressestoallowthe prawn populationtobouncebacktoasustainable level,federalprosecutorMarilouBordeleau said.Prawnsareoneof themostvaluable seafoodspeciesonCanada’sPacific Coast, withatotalcatchvaluein2023of $73 million,sheadded.

TheCrownanddefence jointlysubmittedthatatotal fineof$16,970would be appropriate.It was atthelowendofthe penaltiesavailabletothecourt,theCrown acknowledged,buthighenoughthatit wouldbeseenasmorethanjust“thecost ofdoingbusiness.”

Dinh’s representativePriscillaNgsaid Dinhisnowthesolebreadwinnerforhis family,includinghis ailinggrandfather and still-injuredfather,andthatthefinewillbe difficultforhimtopay.

Hehassincetakentrainingtoimprove hiscompetenceonthe water,she added.

“Heisdefinitelywillingto learn and is remorsefulfortheseactions.He has

experienced embarrassment fromthese mistakesasthe commercial fishing communityisverysmall,”shesaid.

North VancouverProvincialCourtJudge TimothyHinksonacknowledgedthatDinh hadbeenco-operativewiththe fisheries officers and that,afterthe fines, henever profited fromtheillegal fishing. Butthe judgeaddedthatDinh couldn’t claim ignorancewithhis continuedviolationsin 2025.

“Mr.Dinh,you’re offto a badstart. Thisisnotasuccessfulwayofrunning a business,”hesaid.“There is a problem withoffenderswho come to courtwho makealivingoffof a resource, butwho engagein activitiesthatputthe resource inperil.There’sa conflictinthose actions, andthatiswhythepenaltiesforthetype ofbehaviouryouwereengaged in are so stiff.”

Healsowarnedthat muchmore punitive fines arecomingifheis convicted again.

“You’veheardtheCrownsayingthat asummaryconvictionpenalty can be upto$100,000.And certainly Ihaveseen penaltiesimposedincaseslikethiswhere apersonhasa recordlike theonethat you’reaccruingwhere thosenumbers are quickly reached,”hesaid.

Aspotprawn caughtinthe waters off VancouverIsland. DARREN STONE / TIMES COLONIST

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Thisisoneofthenicesttownhomes inthiscommunity!This 2storycorner townhomeoffersspaciousand open-planliving,highceilings,large windows, 3bedrooms and2.5baths. Wonderfulprivateoutdoorspace with alargesouthandwestfacing terracetoenjoyandentertainon thosesunnydays.

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This5,000sq.ft.dream home isoneofthemost uniquepropertiesin West Vancouver.Setatthe endof aquietroad, this waterfrontpeninsulahas nearly400feetofshorelinethatwraps around the homeanditsfortress-like concretefoundation walls!Enjoytheheatedoceansideswimmingpool andsecludedbeacheswhilewatchingcaptivating oceanwildlife.TheviewsandsunsetsofHowe Sound,theislandsandbeyondaremagical.This homewasbuilt 4yearsago, constructedof steel andglassandthelatesttechnology.Massive wallsofwindowstomaximizethe viewsfrom everyangle.5 bedroomsand5 baths, averywell equippedgym, andabout3,000sq.ft.oceanside terraces, gardensandlawn. $17,800,000

A rareandexclusiveCoalHarbour opportunityatWestPenderPlace.With only22suites,thisboutiquebuildingoffers enhancedprivacyandquiet. Thewater, marinaandmountainviewsarespectacular. Thissubpenthousesuiteisonlyoneof2 unitsonthe9th ﬂoor &offers 3bedrooms, 3fullbathroomsand alargecovered terrace. Thoughtfullydesignedlayout, 9’4”ceilingsandmassivewallsofglass addtotheluxurioussenseofspace.Italian kitchenwithhugeislandandGaggenau andSubzeroappliancesandgorgeous spa-likebathrooms.Level 2EVcharging recentlyaddedtotheside-by-sideparking spots.

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THEPENTHOUSEATSEAVIEWMANOR, arareoffering! Apricelesswaterfront locationatKitsBeach.Anairy,gentlywindingstairwayleadstothePH,private& quiet &theonly residenceonthetopfloor. Oversizedwindowson 3sidesprovide abundantnaturallight.Sweepingwesterly oceanviewsoverKitsBeach,park &tennis courts,northtothemountains &Downtown skyline.Updatingjustcompleted –new kitchenw/stonecounters &S/Sappls, bthrmw/allnewfixtures &restored 1940’smosaictilefloor,refinishedoriginal hardwoodflooringw/inlaydetail,new electricf/pw/mantle. Wellloved &cared forbuildingw/manywelcominglong-time neighbours.Buildingupdatesincl roof& windows. 9assignedparkingstalls rented throughstrata. 1petok,25lbmax. $818,000

Brandnewlarge 2bedroom/ 2bathroom anddencornerunitingorgeousParkside. 1265sqftincluding105sqftbalcony.Lotsof light.SetattheedgeofKirkstoneParkand minutestoLynnValleyshopping.Amenities includeindoorpool,gym,outdoorkitchen withbbqand ﬁre pitin aseparatebuilding. Thekitchencentersaroundanextralong island, 5burnergascooktopandcounter depthintegratedfridge.Privateparkinghas EVcharger.Twolargestoragelockersfor yourskis,mountainbikesetc. LIGHTANDSPACEINLYNN

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WelcometotheVERSATILEbuilding whereNorthShoremeetsdowntown convenience.BuiltbyIntracorpand beautifullydesigned,thisbrightN/W cornerunitoffers floortoceiling windows,in-floorradiantheating,quartz countertops,stainlesssteelappliancesand lookslikenew.Offeredas a2bedroom buttechnically 1largebedroomanda hugebrightdenwithwindowsand asmall closet. 1bathroomwith asoakertub. CentrallylocatedatLonsdaleand3rd, youcanwalktocoffeeshops, restaurants, LonsdaleQuayandSeabuswithinminutes.

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ArareandexclusiveCoalHarbouropportunity at WestPenderPlace.Withonly22suites,this boutiquebuildingoffersenhancedprivacy andquiet.Thewater,marinaandmountain viewsarespectacular.Thissubpenthouse suiteisonlyoneof 2unitsonthe9th floor &offers 3bedrooms, 3fullbathroomsanda largecoveredterrace.Thoughtfullydesigned layout,9’4”ceilingsandmassivewallsofglass addtotheluxurioussenseofspace.Italian kitchenwithhugeislandandGaggenauand Subzeroappliancesandgorgeousspa-like bathrooms.Level 2EVcharging recently addedtotheside-by-sideparkingspots.

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1578Inglewood, West Vancouver

15BrunswickBeachRd,LionsBay

This5,000sq t.dreamhomeisoneofthemostuniquepropertiesinWest Vancouver.Setattheendof uietroad,thiswaterfrontpeninsulahasnearly 400feetofshorelinethatwrap roundthehomeanditsfortress-likeconcrete foundationwalls!Enjoytheheatedoceansideswimmingpoolandsecludedbeaches whilewatchingcaptivatingoceanwildlife.TheviewsandsunsetsofHoweSound, theislandsa t4 yearsago,constructed ofsteelandglassandthelatesttechnology.Massivewallsofwindowstomaximize theviewsfromeveryangle. averywellequippedgym, andabout3,000sq erraces,gardensandlawn.

$17,800,000

AtrueAmblesidegem,builtin2001& meticulouslymaintainedbytheowners.This homeoffers 4bdrmand 4bathrmacross~ 3,500sqftoflivingon a 7,125sqftofland. Thechef’s kitchenfeaturespremiumMiele appliances &opensseamlesslytotheliving room.Themain floor includes aprivate office &afullbathroom,idealforworking fromhomeorguests.EnjoyA/Cbedrooms, abeautifully finishedwoodwinecellar room, &exceptionalprivacythroughout. Thesunnysouth-facingbackyardfeaturesa firepit,perfectforentertaining.Anoversized doublegaragewith flatdrivewayisaccessed via aquietno-throughlane. Arooftopdeck captureslovelymountainviewsandglimpses oftheLionsGateBridge.Ideallylocated closetoschools,parks,beaches,andshops. $3,280,000

Charming,private, detachedhome wlots ofroomforRV,cars, &boat,forthepriceof aTownhome!Substantiallyraised &rebuilt in2000,this homefeatures 2bedsupand2 baths(couldeasilybe 3bdrms).Separateentry unfinishedbasementboasts786sq.ft.waiting yourideasforeither apotentialsuite,workshop, storage, &currentlyfeatures afinishedworkout/ flexspace.Thewelldesignedkitchenfeatures S/SapplianceswithcentreIslandthat’sjust stepsawaytothedeckandspaciousbackyard perfectforBBQ’ingandentertaining!Situated on a50x117SFlotindesirableCapilano neighbourhoodincatchmentforCapilano ElementaryPembertonHeights -closeto Murdo-FraserPitch &Putt,EdgemontVillage, Trails,Parks,Skiing,Recreation,andschools.

What agreat opportunity to become aland ownerin Lynn Valley. This cutehome offers anaffordablepriceand agreat location. Twobedroomsdown with alaundry roomandentry fromthe carport.Upstairshas anotherbedroom/denwith kitchen andliving-dining rooms. Anicewalkoutdeckleads toa south facing sundrenched yard. Close to allamenities.Shopping, transit, recreation,parksand endlesstrails forwalking.

Thisisa complexissuewithno easysolution, councillors say

fluctuatingatdifferenttimes.

Lastsummer,themunicipalityindicated it wouldcrackdownonbylawenforcement requiring RVstomoveafter72hoursinthe wakeofincreased complaintsaboutsafety, sanitationandpublic disorder.

Councillorshavevoiced sympathyfor thebusinessowners,but saidtheissueis a complexonetosolve.

Abig part oftheproblem is”it’sbecome so concentratedinthatone area,” said Coun.JordanBack.

Mixof peoplelivingin RVs

There’salsoamix of peoplelivinginthe RVs.

Coun.CatherinePope,wholike Back andmostothercouncillorshasvisited thearea,saidshe’sheardsomeofthe RV dwellersareworkersatSeaspanorthe wastewatertreatmentplantwhostay there duringtheweekratherthancommute dailyfromdistantcommunities.Somehave stayedonly temporarilyormayhaveeven beentourists,she said.

Buta lotof peoplelivingthere aredoing so becausetheyhavenowhereelsetogo andare in“desperateneed ofhousing,” she said.“Tometheanswerlies intransitional housing.”

Business ownersinthe Pembertonand Lloyd avenueareasaythat RV dwellerson nearby streetsaremakingthe areaunsafe fortheircustomers. PAULMCGRATH / NSN

Popesaidthedistrict is working with theprovinceonthat,butconcedesit’snot aquicksolution.

Inthemeantime,shehasadvocated creatinganofficiallysanctioned RV park somewhereliketheoldICBCparkinglot thatcouldprovideakitchen, washrooms andbasicsecurity.

“Ithinkit’s worthatry,”shesaid.

RecentB.C.courtdecisionshave limited theabilityofmunicipalitiestoforceout peoplewhoarecamped in publicspaces, statingthatcamperscanonlybemoved if

thereareadequateshelterspacesforthem tomoveto,including those withharm reductionhelpforaddictionsand a range ofotheraccommodations.

What’sconsideredanadequate alternativeisamatterofconsiderable interpretation,notedMayorMike Little Oftenashelterbedby itself doesn’t meet that requirement.

“It putsaveryhighburdenon municipalitiestobeableto respondtothose situations.Andso we doourbesttoidentifythedifferencebetweensomeonewho’s incorehousingneedwithmentalillness andsomebodywhoischoosing a lifestyle option,and we treatthemverydifferently,” he said.

LaMarresaidshedoesn’tbelieve most peoplelivingin RVs in thePembertonbusinessareaare therebecause they couldn’t livesomewhereelse.Shebelievespeople parktherebecauseit’s freeandnobody’s forcingthemout.

“Theylivehere rule-free,”shesaid. LaMarresaidsheunderstandsthat lifestylebetterthanmost.Whenshewas a kid,shespentsometime living inaschool buswithhermom–until repeatedmoves pushedthefamily to find amore stable livingsituation.

Backsaidhedoes wonderhowmany

peoplelivingin RVsinthearea would choosetomove intohousingifitwas available.

“Apercentage ofthemwill,but manyof themwon’t,”hesaid.

Anencampmentonso-calledBowser Island–asmallpatchoflandbordered bytheCapilanoRoadhighwayoff-ramp ownedbytheMinistryof Transportation –remainslargely inplace,despite concerns voicedbynearby residentsofPemberton Heights.

North Vancouver resident andactivist Stephanie Wilsontold councilFeb.2she thinksthebiggerproblemisthelackof accesstohousing,despiteprojectsthat havealreadybeenapproved.

“Iunderstandthathousingtakes time, butIdon’tfeelthattheseprojects are priorities,”shesaid.“Sopeople moveinto RVsandcarsandthey’re toldthatthey can’tbethere. They move intotents and they’retoldthatthey can’tbethere.”

Metro VancouverspokespersonJillian Gloversaidthe regional governmenthasn’t beenmade aware of any workersonthe treatmentplant“stayingin RVs along West FirstStreet.”

SeaspanspokespersonAbigailSaxton saidthecompanydoesn’t monitor employees’livingsituations.

Thinkingaboutgoingbacktoschool?CapU makesitworkfor you

Ifyou’rereadytostarttrainingforyournewcareer,herearethetop five reasonsyou’lllove goingbacktoschoolatCapilanoUniversity

It’s timetogobacktoschool.

You’ve finishedhighschool,workedfor afew yearsandperhaps attendedsomepost-secondary educationhereand therebut nothingreally resonatedwithyouor youdidn’tfind your idealfit.

Adultlearnersare in everyclass at Capilano University (CapU), whetherthey’re workingtowards abachelor’sdegree, boosting theirresumewitha diplomaorcertificate programorimproving theirgradesinpreparationfor theirAdult Dogwoodexam.

Forthose newtopost-secondary education, CapUprovidesa welcomingenvironment;for thosereturning after abreak,it offersa supportive spacetocontinue their studies. CapU serves as thestartingpointfor this next phase of learning andcareer development.

Here arethe topfive reasonsadultlearnersthrivewhile studyingatCapU.

First: Studyhowyou want

Returningtoschool doesn’tmeanyou need to bringyourlifetoa screechinghaltin everyother way.

Many programs offer flexiblestudy options,soyou canlearn part time, full time, in person,onlineora mixofall four,adjustingyour scheduleasneededeach term.

Second: Geta bachelor’s degree or chooseanaccelerated career program

Offeringmorethan100 programs includingbachelor’s degrees in business, psychology,science,kinesiology andmore, as well as acceleratedcareer programs that canbecompleted inless than two yearsinareas such as paralegalstudies,early childhood education, health care assistantandbookkeeping.

Most CapUprograms also offer work-integratedlearning opportunities, including internships, paid co-opterms,field placements or practicumsthatwillhelpyou standout in jobapplications.

Third: Gain support to succeed

Thesuite of student services offered on campus includeseverything fromacademicadvisingandcourseplanningtoaccessibilityservices foracademicaccommodations,aswellascareer services to help youprepare foryournextsteps.

Andinclass, you’ll be mentored by expert instructorswhohave decadesofexperience, connectionswithlocal industriesand know yourname.Nolecture halls.

Fourth:Scholarships, awards andbursaries available

In additiontotraditionalfinancialaid,CapUoffers more than 340 scholarships,awardsandbursarieseach year.

Youdon’t need to be astraight-Aorhonourrollstudent to qualify; some awards arebased on financial need,withothersconsidering academic achievements,leadershipand volunteering, community engagement or your athleticand artistic accomplishments.

CapUprovided more than $1.9millioninscholarships, bursaries andawardstostudentsin2024, enabling them to focusmoreon theirstudies andlessontheir financial concerns.

AdultlearnersarepartofeveryclassroomatCapU,pursuingdegrees,newskillsortheirnextstepforward. PhotoviaCapilanoUniversity

Offeringmorethan100programsfrombachelor’sdegreestoacceleratedcareer pathsplushands-onlearningthroughinternships,paidco-opterms,fieldplacements andpracticumstohelpyoustandout inyourcareer.PhotoviaCapilanoUniversity

Applying is easy.Fillout onesimpleformand you’re in therunning.

Fifth:Receivecreditforyourpriorstudies,lifeandworkexperience

If you’ve alreadytaken some post-secondary credits, youcan transfer them to CapU seamlessly, whichmeans you’ll have ahead startontrainingfor yournewcareer before youhit campus.

CapU also offersPrior Learning Assessment(PLA),which recognizes theexperience, skills andknowledge you’ve picked up outsideof your formal education.

Youcan getcredittowards youruniversitydegreebased on what you’ve learnedonthe job, throughself-study,volunteeringorother life experiences.

CapUoffersmorethan340scholarships,awards andbursarieseach year,makingiteasierforstudentstofocusontheirstudies,nottheir finances.PhotoviaCapilanoUniversity

Finally:Attend Exploreeventstofind outmore

CapU is hosting twoupcomingExplore sessions: theInfoNight at ourNorth Vancouvercampus on Feb. 26 andthe Open Houseatour Squamish campus on March7.

At thesefree, interactive sessions,you canlearnall aboutCapU programs,meetstudentsand facultyand take acampus tour to see what is offered firsthand.

Can’tmakeit? Book an advisingappointmentby clickinghere and CapU’s recruitmentteamwill be glad to help.

Capilano University offersstudentsaremarkablespaceto thrive with industry-leadinginstructors,small classesand more than 100programsacrossfive distinctivefaculties. ServingBritishColumbia’sSea-to-Skyregionwithlocations inNorth Vancouver, Squamishand theSunshineCoast,CapU is auniquespacewhere studentsare encouraged to make theirmark, in and out of theclassroom.Capilano University is named after ChiefJoe Capilano (1854–1910), an importantleaderofthe Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish)Nation of theCoast SalishPeoples.Werespectfully acknowledgethat ourcampusesare locatedontheunceded territories of thesəlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh),shíshálh(Sechelt),Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish),and xʷməθkʷəỷəm(Musqueam) Nations.

Mangetsone year forguncharge,despitequestionablesearch

BRENTRICHTER

brichter@nsnews.com

ANorth Vancouverman caughtwithasawed-off rifleinhisbackpackhas beenhandedaone-yearjail sentence.

RobertKesson,40,was detainedbyNorth Vancouver RCMPofficersonSept.5,2025 aftertheyclaimedtheysaw him ridingabikewithoutahelmet. Kessonwasknowntopolice and has a longcriminal history in the courts.

Asearchofhispockets found loosebullets,bearsprayand a whitepowdersuspectedtobe crystalmeth, Crownprosecutor Deven Singhaltoldthe court at Kesson’s Feb.5sentencing.

In hisbackpack,theyfound aloaded.22-calibreriflewithits barrelandstockcutoff.

Initially,hewas chargedwith carelessuseofafirearm,possessionofanunauthorized firearm, possessionof a loaded restricted firearmandpossessionof a weaponwhileprohibited.

Thisgun wasseizedfromaman stopped forridingabikewithout a helmet. NORTH VANCOUVER RCMP

Atthetimeofthearrest, Kessonhadalreadybeensubject tosevenlifetimeprohibitionson possessingfirearms.

Kessonsaidhewaskeeping thegunbecause his roommate’s doghad recentlydiedand,after theyburieditinthebackyard,it wasdrawingbearsaround.

“Notagoodexplanation, butthatwashisexplanation,” Kesson’slawyerAshley Valleau toldthecourt.

Butitwasanopenquestion whethertheguncouldactually beenteredintoevidence.Atthe timehewasdetainedbypolice, Kessonprotestedandsaidhe

wasactuallywalkinghisbike,not ridingitasthepolicehadclaimed.

Singhalconcededthatthe RCMPhadviolatedKesson’s charterrightsguaranteeing protectionagainstunreasonable searchandseizure.Haditgoneto trial,theCrownwouldfirsthave topersuadeajudgetoallowthe evidencetobeincluded.

Aftermeetingsbetweenthe Crown andhisdefence,Kesson agreedtopleadguiltytoone countofpossessionofaweapon whileprohibited.Theother chargesweredropped.

TheCrownanddefence jointly submittedthatKessonshould receiveoneyearof jail time followedbyoneyearofprobation.

Singhalsaidthatwouldbe “fairlylenient”forsomeonewith Kesson’s record,butbytaking responsibilitywithaguiltyplea, it wasinsociety’sinteresttoallow foralightersentence.

“WerethistogototrialandMr. Kessonwasconvictedofall ofthe charges,Idon’tthinkthe Crown wouldbefaulted forseeking

penitentiarytime,infact,significantpenitentiarytime,”hesaid.

Valleausaidherclienthas hadalonghistorywithdrug andalcoholabuse including21 overdosesfromfentanyl.Heisno longerusingthedrugbuthedoes stilldocrystalmeth,shesaid. Uponhis release,Kessonplansto eithermoveinwithhissisterin Vancouverortryto returntothe North Vancouver rentalhehad beenlivingatprior tohisarrest. Heishopingto returntotheworkforce,eitherasanironworker orthroughanon-profit assisting recently releasedprisoners, Valleauadded.

Beforehandingdownhersentence,North VancouverProvincial CourtJudgeAriana Ward acknowledgedthataconvictionwasbyno meansguaranteed.

“Excludingthegun,ifacourt weretodoso,wouldeffectively guttheCrown’scase. Allofthis becausethe police breachedMr. Kesson’srightsuponarrest,”she said.Still, Ward notedtheseriousnessofKesson’soffence.

“Otherpeoplecouldgethurt simplybyMr.Kessonpossessing thatweapon,”shesaid. Ultimately,sheagreedtothe jointsubmission.

Kessonhasbeenincustody sincethetimeofhisarrest. With creditforhistimealreadyserved priortohisguiltyplea, Ward addedanother135daysinjail beforehisprobationbegins.

Duringthattime,hewillbe requiredtotakeanycounselling thathisprobationofficer directs himto.

Asshepasseddownthesentence, Ward notedthatKesson’s criminal recordincludedlong gapswhenheappearedtobe livingapro-sociallifewithoutany convictions.

“You’veshownyoucandoit, soshowusyou can doitagain,” shesaid.

Kessonagreed. “Ihopethereisnomoreto comedownthe road.Ihope I candomoretohelpbetterthe communitythantoweighdown onus,”hesaid.

Takingyoungmindsseriously:InsideIsland Pacific School’sMasterworksProgram

Whythemiddleschoolyearsmattermorethanyouthink

Acloserlookatthesubtlesigns achildmayneedmorechallenge,connectionandtherightenvironmenttogrow Sometimesnothingisobviouslywrong atschool.Gradesareacceptable.

Teachersaren’traisingalarms. Your childsaysschoolis“fine.”

Andyet,somethingfeelsdifferent.

Most14-year-oldsarestill waitingto betrustedwithrealresponsibility.

AtIsland PacificSchool,thattrust beginsondayone.

Thechildwhousedtocomehomefull ofquestionsnowshrugs. Workgets done butwithoutenergy.Curiosity narrows.There’snoclearcrisisbutyou canfeelthe flattening.

Forsome families,middleschoolis whenthatshiftbecomesvisible.

Gr. 9studentsunveilambitiousprojectsandboldideasatIslandPacific

ThroughMasterworks—ayear-long independentprojectthatchallenges studentsto explorefearlessly, createambitiously,anddefend theirideasconvincinglybeforea publicaudience—Grade 9students discoverwhathappenswhenyoung peoplearetakenseriously.

Theseyears,Grades 6to9,arenot simply abridgetohighschool.They’re acriticaltimeofdevelopmentwhen youngpeoplebegindecidingwhothey areaslearnersandaspeople,when schoolscaneitherlosestudentsorset themupfortherestoftheirlives.

Eachstudentchooses atopicthat mattersdeeplytothem,spendseight monthsresearchingand building somethingoriginal,and,byJune, presentsandpubliclydefendstheir workwiththeconfidenceandpolish of aTED Talk.

Atthistime,ifstudentsfeelunseen orunchallenged,theydoadapt.They becomeefficient.Theydowhatis required.Theyprotectthemselves socially.Andyetfromtheoutside, everythinglooksstable.

Inside,however, growthcan quietlystall.

Therightenvironmentforgrowth

Island PacificSchoolis designed specificallyforthisstageoflife.It’s not ascaled-downhighschool.It’snot an extensionofelementaryschool.

Thisweek,theIPScommunity gatheredforthefirst-ever MasterworksLaunch, anew traditionmarkingthemomentwhen ideasleave thesafetyofnotebooks andstepintotheopen.Students announcedtheirtopicsbeforepeers, parents,alumni,andthewider community—takingthefirstpublic stepin atransformative journey. Alumnireturnedtosharehow Masterworksshapedtheirpaths beyondIPS,andalumniparents reflectedonthepride,late-night peptalks,andkitchentablesturned intofilmstudiosthatcomewith supporting aGrade 9student throughtheprocess.

Masterworksisn’t an assignment. It’saninitiationintoserious,

Island PacificSchoolisa small, intentionalcommunity built exclusively formiddleschoolstudents.Students areknownwellenoughthatchanges arenoticedearlyandaddressed thoughtfully.Somestudentsdisengage

becausetheyare overwhelmed.Others becausetheyareunder-challenged. Bothcanlooklikeindifference.

Thejoboftheschoolistounderstand whichiswhich.

StudentsatIsland PacificSchoolare encouragedandcoachedtothink carefully, speakclearlyandtake increasingresponsibilityfortheir work withinastructureofcloserelationships andconsistentsupport.

Masterworks2025studentworkingwithmanateesinFlorida.

flattened, evenifnothingdramatic hashappened,itmaybe worth consideringwhethertheirenvironment fitsthestage.

Masterworks2025studentstandingtallafterher projectpresentationanddefence.

meaningful work.

Eachstudentissupportedbya facultymentorandpaired with expertadvisors—fromscientists andentrepreneurstoartistsand authors—whoguide,challenge,and inspirethemtoreachbeyondwhat theythoughtpossible.

Inthissmallerenvironment, away fromthedistractionsofthecity, studentscannotdisappearsociallyor academically.Thatvisibilityisn’tabout pressure.It’saboutbelonging.

Theresultsspeakforthemselves: aseaworthywoodensailboat,a publishednovella, ashortfilm

Forfamilieswhosensethatsomething intheirchild’slearninglifehas

When“ﬁne”doesn’tfeelright

Ifyou’requietly wonderingwhether yourchildisthriving,orsimply managing,thisconversationisforyou.

To registerfortheFeb23webinarvisit https://bit.ly/4rm71M1orthroughthe QRCodebelow.

Island PacificSchoolMasterworks2025studentshooting hisaward-winningshor awarvetexperiencing PTSD.Thefilmhasbeenenteredintoseveralfilmfestivals.

screenedin alocaltheatre, a30pageresearchpaper.Whateverthe form, everyprojectdemandsfocus, originality,andgrit.

To registerfortheMar9 webinarvisit https://bit.ly/4kJp0toorthroughthe QRCodebelow.

JoinHeadofSchool,BradCarter,IPS facultyandcurrentparentsfor alive onlineforumaboutthemiddleschool years,wheretheconversationwill coverhow theseyearssetstudentsup forsuccessinhighschoolandbeyond, whatmeaningfulchallengesreallylook likeandwhen achangeinenvironment canmakesense.Bringyourquestion, leave withclarity.

TheMasterworksLaunchcelebrated thebeginningofthatjourney—and offeredthecommunity aglimpse intooneofIsland PacificSchool’s mostdefining experiences:young peoplediscoveringtheircapacityfor bold,creative,meaningful work.

Familieswhowouldliketoknow moreabouttheschoolandits programmecanreachoutto ,HeadofSchoolat brad.carter@islandpacific.orgto ersonalconversation.

Island PacificSchoolinvitesthecommunitytocelebrateinnovation,creativityandcuriosityattheMasterworksLaunch.This eventmarksthebeginningofan extraordinaryjourneywherestudentsturnpassionintopurpose.Itisapowerful reminderoftheschool’scommitmenttotakingyoungmindsseriously.

Island PacificSchoolis aco-educationalIB World SchoolonBowenIsland,B.C. Formorethan30years,ithasfocusedexclusivelyonthedevelopmental needsofstudentsinGrades 6through9.

Grades6 to 9are importantyears forchildrentodevelop andbegin deciding whotheywillbecome.

At Island Pacific School,studentsare guided to thinkcritically, communicate clearlyand take greaterresponsibility fortheir work.

Astrongand safe learning environmentisessentialfor children in Grades6 to 9.

Hypothermicseniorspotted clingingtoadocknear Deep Cove

aluminumboatatherdock.“I stillhadmysteeltoeson,”she said.

Shewasabouttositout on herdeckwhensheheard anoise thatsoundedlikeagrunt.

That’swhenshesawthe fullysubmergedkayak,and a littlefurtherout“aguyin dark clotheshangingontomyneighbour’s dock.”

Themanwasstruggling,she added,withhisheadslippingin andoutofthewater.

“Iyelledtohim,‘Don’tworry. I’mcoming togetyou,’”shesaid.

Thenshegotbackinherboat andrushedoverasfastasshe could.

Whenshegottotheman,“He wasbarelytreadingwater,”she said. “Hewasverytiredandhe wasquitepale.”

Elvintriedto haultheman on tothedockbygrabbinghis arm,buthewastooheavyinhis waterloggedclothes.

Sheknewshedidn’thave muchtimethough.

The man’ssmartwatchhad recordedthepointwhenhefell in thewaterandhadbeenloggingitasexercise,said Elvin.It indicatedhe’dbeeninthewater overhalfanhour.

Assomeonewithmarinefirst aidcertification,Elvinknewthe manlikelydidn’thave the capacityto move anymore.

She found an extra rope on thedockandtiedit around

historso.Shethenpulledhim towardstheshoreandthen ran downandwaded kneedeepinto thewater.

“Iputmyarmsunderhis armsandbodilydraggedhimon totheshore,” she said.

Elvinsaidsheknewthat theman’swetclothes weren’t helping,soshetookthoseoff andwrappedthemanintowels andblanketsthatherboyfriend broughtfromthehouse.

Sheaskedifthemanhadany medicalconditions.He toldher hewasdiabetic.

Asitturnedout,herboyfriendisalsodiabetic so hehad aglucose monitortheycoulduse to assesstheman’scondition.

Themanwas stableatthat pointbuthe was stillverycold, shesaid.

Elvindecidedit wastimeto calltheCoastGuard to getthe mantomedicalhelp.

WhilewaitingfortheCoast Guardcuttertoarrive,Elvin said shelearnedabouthowtheman endedupinthewater.

Hetoldherhehadbeen hikingtheBadenPowell Trail andgotlost.Somehowheended upona roughpathleadingfrom QuarryRockdowntoasection ofboat-accesshomesonIndian Arm.

“Hecouldn’tfindthe road,” she said.Whenhearrivedatthe shore,nobody washometo summonhelp,butthehikersaw a kayakandfiguredhecouldmake itbacktoDeepCove,shesaid.

Whenhegotin,however,the kayaksoonflippedover,theman toldher.

WhentheCoastGuardcutter LaredoSoundarrived,thehiker –bundledin somedryclothes Elvin’sboyfriendgrabbedfrom thehouse– wastakenbyambulancetoLionsGateHospitalto getcheckedoutandwaslater released.

“Hedidcallmefromthe ambulance,” she said. “Hewas verygratefulandverykind.”

Twokayakers whohad stoppedbytohelp–including

ContinuedonA27

PUBLICNOTICE

Zoning AmendmentBylaw,No. 9152,2026 (NuytcoResearchLtd., 214 EastEsplanade,M-4)

PURPOSE: To rezone thesubject property from ComprehensiveDevelopment22(CD-022) Zone to an Industrial-CommercialZone-4(M-4) to allowthe existing diving tank to remain on siteto support theresearchand developmentactivitiesofNuytcoResearchLtd.

SUBJECTLANDS: Thelands thatarethe subjectofthe proposed Bylaware shownonthe insetmap,witha civic addressof214 EastEsplanade.

LEGALDESCRIPTIONS: Lot59, Block167, DL 274, Plan 868. BYLAWREADINGS: Considerationofthe proposed Bylaw will be at theRegularCouncil Meeting on Monday, February 23,2026.

PROVIDE WRITTENINPUT: Allpersons whobelieve theirinterestinproperty maybeaﬀected by theproposedBylaw mayprovide awrittensubmissiontothe CorporateOﬃcer by email(input@cnv.org), mail or delivered to City Hall no later than 12:00 pm on Monday,February23,2026. Allsubmissionsmustinclude your full name andresidentialaddress. Council will beprovided with acopyofyour submission at theCouncil meeting.

ACCESS DOCUMENTS: Online at cnv.org/PublicNotices from February 11 to February 23,2026.

QUESTIONS? Sara Rasooliat planning@cnv.org or T6049828352

Thelost hikerendedupclinging to adock inan area ofboat-access homesonIndianArm. PHOTO SUBMITTED

COORDINATEDKITCHEN&BATHCELEBRATES50YEARSANDBEYOND

Backin1974Coordinated KitchenandBathfirst openeditsdoorsonEast 1stStreet,justoffLonsdale Avenue.Inthosedaysthe neighbourhoodwasvery different,norevitalized ShipyardsDistrictand certainlynoneofthe apartmentsandcondos weseetoday.Asthe NorthShorehaschanged, CoordinatedKitchenand Bathhasalsogrown, buildingareputationas thecommunity’sgoto full-servicequality renovationexperts.

Coordinated’sreputation speaksforitself,few businessescansaythey’ve servedwithsuchdedication acommunityasuniqueand magicalastheNorthShorefor overahalfacentury.Withone ofCanada’smostexperienced kitchenandbathroomdesign buildteams,theirproject managers,designers,and professionaltradeshave customrenovationscovered fromstarttofinish.From creatingaperfectdesignto selectingqualitymaterials andschedulingtrades,they haveawealthofindustry knowledgetobringyour dreamstolife.

Whenitcomestocountertops, cabinets,andkitchenand bathfixtures,Coordinated suppliesandinstallsthebest intheindustry.Membersof theBetterBusinessBureau,

theNationalKitchenand BathAssociation,houzz.com prospecialists,andother leadingkitchenandbath organizations,theirdesignand projectmanagementteam workstocreatetheperfect kitchen,bathroom,andhome

Awealthofindustry Awealthofindustry knowledge to bring your dreams to life.

renovationtimeaftertime. Customersatisfactionis paramounttotheirsuccess.

Ifthisisyouryearforakitchen orbathroomrenovation, callingCoordinatedKitchen andBathisagreatplace tostart.

Visittheirshowroomat 123East1st StreetinNorth Vancouver,checkthemout onlineat

www.coordinatedkitchens.com, oraskaneighbour–theymaywellhavea Coordinatedkitchenand bathintheirhome.

Young captainathomeon the sea

ContinuedfromA25

a retiredNorth Vancouver RCMPstaff sergeant–pumpedoutthe kayakandgot itfloatingagain,shesaid.

Assomeonewho’s spentherwholelife aroundthewater,Elvinsaidit’s notthe firsttimeshe’sbeeninvolvedin rescues.

“Wegetbiggustsofwindthat come throughwhentheweather changes,”she said.“Peopleflipover. We’ve rescued themquiteafewtimes.”

Inadditiontoherwatertaxiwork, Elvinalsoworksfor C-TowMarine Assistance.

“Thatinvolvesboatsthathavebroken downoraresinkingorsunk,”shesaid.

Elvincreditshermarinefirstaidtrainingwithbeingabletothink and act calmly under pressure.Shesaideveryonewho is aroundthewatershould takethetraining. Andwear a lifejacket.

AftergrowinguponIndianArm,the waterhasalwaysfeltlikehome,shesaid.

“Ihad totakeaboattogettoandfrom anywhereIwantedtogo,”shesaid.“Being abletoworkonitdoesn’tevenfeel likea job.”

Sheaddsshe’dliketojoin theCoast Guardoneday.

Asayoungwomanworkingina male-dominatedindustry, Elvinsaysshe doesgetquestionedon whethersheis qualified.“Ialwayskeepmycertifications onhandwith me,”shesaid.

“Womenmakeupless thantwopercentoftheinternationalworking marine industry.”

Elvinsaidshe’sgratefulthat both

EmmaElvinsaysshe keepsher certification handy fortheinevitablequestionsshegets abouthermarineskills. PHOTO SUBMITTED

PrismandC-Tow havegiven herthe opportunitytoworkandhavesupported her.

”I’mawoman, I’macaptain and I’m goodatmyjob,”shesaid.

Meanwhilethehiker recoveredsufficientlytotake offon asunnyvacationto Mexicowithhisfamily.

Elvinsaidhe’sprobablyappreciating thewarmth.

TheCoast Guard vesselLaredo Soundtransportedthe hypothermichiker to hospitalin North Vancouver. PHOTO SUBMITTED

TIME TRAVELLER

Aweekly glimpseintoNorth Shore’spastfromMONOVA: Museum of NorthVancouver

Walter Draycott’sclamchowder

Photo:F26-8-33

Thisyear’sBCHeritage Weekthemeis“StirthePot,”whichrecognizestheroleoffoodinlocalhistories. The mudflatsofBurrardInletwere afoodsourceforthe Sḵwxwú7meshand səlílwətaɬ peoplesfor countlessgenerations.

Asthesayinggoes,“Whenthetideisout,thetableisset.” WalterDraycott(pictured)alsoshared astory ofrelianceonthemudflatsduringtimesofeconomicscarcity.

“Toaugmentthefoodsupply,occasionaljourneysweremade...downtheoldskid-roadtothemudflatsat Moodyvilletoobtainclams.Thejourneyback...with asackhalf-fullofclams,was atestofendurance.”

Discover more of theNorth Shore’srichhistory at MONOVA.Start planning your visitat monova.ca. Do youhavea storytotell? Getintouch viaarchives@monova.ca.

ASLEEP AT THEWHEEL

RCMPseize 347 grams of meth

BRENT RICHTER

brichter@nsnews.com

Twosuspectshavebeenarrestedafter North VancouverRCMPfoundacache ofdrugsandweaponsintheirparked vehicle.

Officersonpatrolspottedthevehicle parkedonthe700blockof WestSecond Streetwithsomeoneslumpedoverinthe driver’sseat earlyinthemorning on Feb. 6,accordingtoa release.

Theyalsoobserveddrugparaphernalialeftoutinplainview.

Thedriverandapassengerwere arrestedandpoliceseized347grams of methamphetamine,10gramsofpsilocybin,a replicapistol,multipleknives, a batonandbodyarmour, accordingto the release.

“Illicitdrugsandtheviolenceassociatedwiththis typeofactivityare a directthreattothe safetyofthecitizens ofNorth Vancouver,”saidCpl.Mansoor Sahak, North VancouverRCMPspokesperson.“Wearecommittedtoprovidingsafe streetsandcommunitiesforallthrough

SLEIGHTOFHAND

A fake gun,knives, bodyarmouras wellas methandmagicmushrooms were among theitemsseized by North Vancouver RCMP ina recentbust.

NORTH VANCOUVER RCMP

intelligence-ledpolicing.Theproduction andtraffickingofdrugsis not avictimless crime. We seeitsdevastatingeffects daily Thenumberofpotentiallivessavedas a resultofthisseizure isimmeasurable.”

Thesuspects–bothfromKamloops –havenotyetbeenchargedandhave been releasedpendingthe outcome of the investigation,accordingtotheRCMP.

North Vancouverscammerssteal jewelryin rashof distractionthefts

JANESEYD

jseyd@nsnews.com

TheNorth VancouverRCMPiswarning thepublicabouta recentrashof“distractionthefts,”inwhichslickscam artistsmanagetoswappiecesof real jewelrywithfakepieceswhile distractingtheirvictims.

BetweenFeb. 6and 7,theRCMP received threeverysimilar reports,saidCpl. MansoorSahak, detachmentspokesperson. Inallthreecases,elderlyvictimsin residentialneighbourhoodswereapproached bytwo womenandaman drivingagrey SUV, whoaskedfordirectionsbeforestealingthevictims’jewelry. Thescaminvolves engagingthevictiminaconversation,with thesuspectthenattemptingtohugortouch the victim’shandorwrist.Thescamartists thenusesleightofhandtodeftly remove jewelrythevictimiswearingand replaceit withfakejewelry, saidpolice.

Thescammersdeliberatelytargetthe elderlyand“theyoverwhelmthemwith a lotofinformation,givingthemthingsand takingthingsaway,”saidSahak.“Andinthat process, peoplemisswhateverthey’rehandling.They’re confused.It’s averyelaborate scheme.”

Investigatorsareworkinghardtoidentifythesuspects,saidSahak.

“Victimshavenotonlylostproperty, butfamilyheirloomsthathavesignificant memoriesattachedtothem,”hesaid. AccordingtoNorth VancouverRCMP, therehavebeensixsimilar reportssince September2025.

Sahakpointedtocommontacticsused bydistractionthieves.Criminalsapproach avictimaskingforafavourorassistance, sometimesinvolvingdirectionsorprayers, ortheymayapproachavictimandoverwhelmthemwithcompliments.Thethieves thenofferapieceofjewelry asagiftwhile discreetly removingthevictim’s realjewelry andswappingitforacheapimitation.In othercases,astrangercomplimentsavictim’sjewelry, andmayoffersomethingthey claimisamorevaluablepieceofjewelry inexchangeforthe realone.Theswapped jewelry islaterdiscoveredtobeworthless.

Policewarnthepublictobecautious ofstrangerswhogettoocloseforcomfort, andadvisetowalkawayfromanysuspiciousactivity.

Policeareurginganyonewhohasbeen avictimofadistractiontheftto reportitto theRCMPat604-985-1311.

CROSSWORD

40.Moose’srelative

41.Makebeloved

43.Isable

45.Grouchyone

47.Batman’s partner

51.Painters’ boards

55.Fuss: hyph.

56.Unrefinedmetals

TV interference

fondly

27.Sangriaingredient 28. Cake baker 29.Watched

Pep 35.Wound reminder 38. Trialbreak 42.Galleryoffering 44. V-shapedcut

46.Grizzly____

48.____tie

49.Admiredperson

50.Jotdown

51.Explosionsound

52.“You____My LuckyStar”

53.Lease

54.Hog’s dwelling

Crosswordpuzzleanswers useAmerican spelling

“Un Poco ____”(“Coco” song)

3.Church response word 4. First-aidprovider 5. Great rage 6. Newborncow

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS:

HOROSCOPE WEEKOF FEB18,2026 -FEB24,2026

ARIES March21-April19

Aperiodofgreatdynamismis onthehorizon.Ifyoufeelthe urgetogetaway, nowisthe perfecttimeto revivethose travelplansyouhadputon hold.Even ashortsologetaway couldinspireyouandleaveyou withlastingmemories.

TAURUS April20-May20

You’llbeoverflowingwith creativitythisweek,which couldleadto aremarkable achievement,especiallyifyou nurtureyourartisticside.Ifyou alignyourlifestylewithyour trueaspirations,you’ll find greaterease,andeverything willnaturallyfallintoplace.

GEMINI May21-June20

Take abreakto regainyour energyand find clarity.Letyour creativeorspiritualimpulses flow freely.Gettinginvolvedin acharitablecausecould also deeplynourishbothyourheart andmind.

CANCER June21-July22

Investmoretimeinyoursocial life,includingsocialmedia,to expandyourcircleoffriends. Joining agymwithfriendsto tryanewsportwillalsoopen upnewandexcitinghorizons foryou.

LEO July23-Aug.22

Yourjoyandoptimismwillbe contagioustoeveryonearound you. You’llbecomemore efficient atwork,whichwill helpyoubettersupportyour colleagues. Yourextraefforts won’tgounnoticed,andyou willsoonbe rewardedforthem, reinforcingyourmotivation.

VIRGO Aug.23-Sept.22

Aspontaneousdecisionwill pushyoutotake atraining coursethatwillopenthedoor tobettercareeropportunities. Arevelationwillguideyou towardfulfilment. However, you’llhavetoworkhardto makethischange areality.

LIBRA Sept.23-Oct. 22

Youmaysoonsecure fundingfor aprojectclose toyourheart. Ameeting withanadvisorwillhelp youconsolidateyourdebts, bringingyou financial stability andpeaceofmindforthe future.

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21

Tidyingupyourhomewillhelp youclearyourmind.Before youdiscuss aseparation,speak openlywithyourpartnerto avoidmakinganimpulsive decisionthatcouldleadto regrets.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec.21

Atwork,youmust fine-tune yourdocumentsandproposals beforepresentingthem;this willmaximizetheirchances ofapproval. Yoursuccesswill inspireyouto refreshyour wardrobeortreatyourselftoa well-deserved reward.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19

You’llshareexcitingideaswith yourfriendsthisweekandtap into acreativetalentyou’re trulypassionateabout. Your growingself-confidencewill pavethewayfor remarkable achievementsthatwillsoon fill youwithpride.

AQUARIUS Jan.20-Feb.18

You’llmeetinspiringpeople whowillexpandyoursocial circleandfeedyourspirituality. Aprofessionalorpersonal opportunitymayevenprompt youtoconsidermovingsoon.

PISCES Feb. 19-March20

Youmustshowcare andaffectiontoprevent misunderstandingsin your relationship.Open communicationwillleadto improvements.However, financial uncertaintiescould linger,soapproachthe situationwithcautionand honestdialogue.

HOWTOPLAY: Fillinthegridsothat everyrow,every columnand every3 x3box contains thenumbers 1through 9only once. Each 3x3box isoutlinedwitha darkerline. Youalready havea fewnumbers to get youstarted. Remember:youmustnot repeatthe numbers 1through 9inthesameline, columnor 3x3 box.

SUDOKU

Embracingnature’scycle inourchangingclimate

LAURAMARIENEUBERT Contributingwriter

Sunny reminderthatwearepart of,notapartfromnature: Alwaysat thistimeofyear,myphysicalbody becomes restlessandinstinctively carriesmeoutsideintoapalpable connectionwithnature.

Thereisnowheremoredeliciousand healingforhumans;themanypartsthat makeustick.

Theunseasonalsunshineprovedespeciallymagneticthispast Tuesday,inviting communionwithsunbathingchickens, blossomswarmedintobud,andemergent perennialvegetablespushingtightly wound, brightgreenandpurplefeelersupthrough theirleafymulchduvets.

Peacebestdescribesthesensation. A tuning-outofthenoise and modern constructs,andatuning-intothat thing that remindsusthatwearepartofnature,not apartfromher.

Whateveritis,thatsirencallofthewild, callsmetoo. Yearafteryear,moreorlesson thedaythatperceivedwinterendsinour micro-climate,Iamprivilegedto witnessour permaculturegardenchangeher mind.

Thereisnogoingback.Forbetteror worse,throughheavyfrosts,atmospheric rivers,coldArcticwinds,andunseasonably hightemperatures,thecycle repeatsas ithasformillennia.Ourchangingclimate challengesconventional wisdomaboutlast expectedfrostdates,minimumsoiltemperature,hardinesszones,sowingdepthsand times,andjustabouteverythingelsewe thought we kneworaretryingtolearnabout springgardening.

Butthegoodnewsisthatthing,that invisibleconnectionwehavewithnature fuelsourintuitionandconfidence.Thisintuitionmaysleepthroughdecadesofcareer andfamilybuilding–minedid–butassure asbearsknowwhentoden,andgeeseknow whentomigrate,peopleknowinstinctively howandwhentogrow.

EnvironmentandClimateChange Canada’slatestglobalmeantemperature forecastindicatesthat2026 will likelybe amongthehottestyearson record.Further, thismaybethefirstsnow-freewinterin43 years.Spring,bymanyaccounts, willlikely bewet.

Intuitivelythen,weshouldplanto hold waterin-placeonourpropertiesasahedge againstsummerdrought.Lowsnowpack ataltitude resultsinwatershortagesand restrictions,andincreasestheriskof wildfire.

Evergreenhuckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum) flowersbreakingbud wellbeforepollinators emerge.

Ina perfectworld, municipalitieswould legislate below-groundcisternstohold irrigationandemergencywaterforallnew builds– basictechnologythatourancestors reliedon–butuntilthenthereismuchwe can do tomitigate drought stress.

ThisFebruarywillbebusierthantypical forme.Inadditiontostartingspringgreens and pollinatorflowersinouroldunheated greenhouse,andstartingnightshades(tomatoes,peppers)andcucurbits(cucumbers, squash,gourds) indoorsundergrow-lights, wewilladdamoisture-retainingmulchlayer oforganichemp beddingtothe deeplayer ofleavesalreadycoveringourraised beds. To kick-starttheirdecompositionwhile alsofeedingsoil biology,wewilldrench the mulcheswithabroad-spectrumcomposttea and some otherherbyfermentswithwhich Iamexperimenting.Nothingcomplicated, justrainwater-steeped macroand micronutrient-richteafor the garden.

Soil drenchingismosteffectiveifdone earlymorning,whennorainisforecastfor a few days.Aftertransplantingseedlingsinto theraisedbeds,wewilladdabonuslayerof organicmulchingcompost;atypeofliving soilwithverysmallwoodchipsincorporated.Thesoilfeeds biology,fungiand plants,andthesmallwoodchipsmigrate (float)tothesurfaceandformaweed-insulating,thermal-regulatinglayerofprotection thatkeepswaterin place.

Ifyoubelievethatmulti-layer,biologically-activemulchingisingenious,Icannottake credit.Naturedoesthisintuitivelyintheforest,andhasdoneformillennia.Granted, she ismessierthanIwillbe,buttheprinciples arethesame.

We are,Ihavegrownto realize,onthe same page.

LauraMarieNeubertisa West Vancouverbasedurbanpermaculturedesigner.Follow heronInstagram @upfrontandbeautiful,learn moreaboutpermaculturebyvisitingher Upfront&Beautifulwebsiteoremail your questionstoherathello@upfrontandbeautiful. com.

LAURA MARIE NEUBERT

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Angiepassedawaypeacefully in Gibsonson January30,2026,at theageof91.She wasbornin N.VanonJuly19, 1934, to Noeland DorisFraser. Survived by daughtersMarie Forsyth, Anne Pettit (Harry)and Jennine Dool (Hugh),9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Angiewas asavvy entrepreneur,anenthusiastic travellerandan avid gardener.She will be remembered forher keen spirit andherdedication to humanitarian service. Full obituaryavailableatwww.devlinfuneralhome.ca.

Born in Chicagoon December1st, 1926, Frank was raised in St.Brieux,Saskatchewan,obtaineda Bachelorof Architecture from theUniversityof Manitoba in 1950and then movedtoVancouver. Spenthis35-yearprofessional lifeworking witha varietyofarchitectsaswellashis ownfirm.Married hislovingwifeLeanne Boothin1975,designedand built theirhomeinEagleridge WV then lived there over30 yearsbeforemovingtoaNorth Vancondo. Lovedcurlingand lawn bowling. Frankenjoyed travel tours, cruisingand winter jauntstoMexico. Honorary Life memberof theKnightsofColumbus. Aselfcontainedgentlemanuntil theend in hospice on February4th.

With gratitude forher compassion, love and fulllife, weannouncethepassingof ‘Mimi’,ourbeloved motherand grandmother.Inkeeping with her pragmatic and joyful spirit,she left us with some parting words: ‘Don’t be sad, forI have liveda wonderfullife’.

Born in Switzerland, shegrewupinalarge family duringthe war. Shewasdriven by curiosityand adventure, climbing everyalp shecould. At 23 she sailedfor America,puttingher nursingskills to work in Los Angeles.Walter, aschool chumof her brother’s,enticedher to come to Vancouver with talesofthe ruggedbeautyofBC. They were married in Banffin1959and soonaftersettled in North Vancouver wheretheyraisedfour children.

Shesharedher love ofhikingand camping, packing up thefamilyevery summerfor a3-weekadventure to theRockiesorthe southwestern US.Anavidskier until age84, sherefused to lettimeslowherdown. In her lateryears, shefound joyand companionship withtheWV Ramblers,continuing to hitthe NS trails wellinto her90s.

Predeceased by WalteranddaughterLiz(Gord), she issurvivedbyher threechildrenMeg (Simon),Tom (Heather)and Stephen (Diana),her sister Ursi, sevengrandchildren,and acommunity of friends. “Schlafguet,Mimi!”

William(Bus) SelbyInnes wasborntoDoreen Innes (nee Phillips) and Buster Inneson May19, 1958, in NorthVancouver.

Buswasoneof threechildren: Rick Innes (Shirley), DerekInnes (Cindy). BuslivedouthislifeinNorth Vancouver,wherehemarriedLinda Arlene Innes (nee Cordocedo) in 1983. They had threechildren, Meagan Thomas (Jamie), Nicole Innes (Alan)and Benjamin Innes (Jaclyn).

Buslovedhisfamilyand will be missedbyhis grandchildren: Jayden, Jordyn,Kya,and Maddox. Hisnieces, Tamara and Britney, were very specialto him. AndJanyceForsyth,his cousin,remainedan unwavering forceinhislife.

Janice Margaret BrookingItiswithgreat sadnessthat we announce thedeathofJanice Margaret Brooking(Allison), aged78years, on Thursday,February5th,2026,at the NorthShoreHospice,afterher courageousbattlewith pancreatic cancer.Bryan,herhusbandof45 years, and her daughter Kathryn were ather side.

Born in 1947 to Alexander (Alex) andMargaretRuth (Ruth)Allison (Brown)inBelleville, Ontario, shewas raisedatthe family homeatHoneywellCornersnorthof Belleville,the middleofthree children.

Janice is survivedbyher siblings Craig(Jane,deceased) andRob (Judy), brother-in-law Craig(Judy)and by many niecesandnephews.

Janice attended MoiraSecondary School in Belleville and graduated from the OshawaGeneral Schoolof Nursingin1968. Shethen workedat NorthYork General Hospitaluntil moving west to BC in 1973. SheworkedinbothVancouver and Victoria beforeworkingatVancouver General Hospital in thePAR department fora numberof years. Shethen transferred to theSurgicalDay unitatVGH, whereshe workeduntil 1987 Inthe late 1990s,she worked in children’swear retailing, whichshe very much enjoyed.

Janice wasanactivemember in thecommunity.She spent anumberofyearsas Registrarofthe NorthWestVancouver Ringette Association,also as a team managerand afoundingplayerof theLower MainlandLadies Ringette League. Forfour years, in therun-up to the2010Vancouver WinterOlympics, she volunteered in theVANOC retail store, andat gamestimeshe volunteeredatboth theOlympicsand Paralympics.

Sheenjoyed theoutdoors, including skiing, hiking,andbiking. Shemether husband Bryanthrough amutual love of skiing. They were also active in scuba divingand snorkeling, includingdivesupanddown theNorth Westcoast, Australia,Mexico, theCaribbean,and, most memorable, decompressiondiving in Hawaii.

Janice and Bryanloved to travelandshe wasfortunatetotraveltomanycountries around theworld.Thisincluded many cruises– TheBaltic, PanamaCanal, Transpacific,Mediterranean, Alaska,Caribbean, Danube/Rhine, theGalapagos, andaround SouthAmerica –traveltoEurope,SouthernAfrica, Hawaii, Iceland, SouthAmerica,and within Canadaand theUS. Therewerealsonumerous visits tobothOntario and Australasiatovisit family and friends.

Inlater years, despite herdiagnosis of Parkinson’sDisease in 2011,Janice enjoyedhiking withtheNorth Shore Sole Sistersladies’hikinggroup,travel, cycling,gardening, and coffeeoutings withfriends.She wasa greatpuzzlerand enjoyed jigsaws,crosswordsand sudokus.

TheBrookingand Allison familieswishtoextend theirheartfeltgratitude to the staff at theLions Gate Hospital Oncology Unit and theNorth ShoreHospice and Palliative Care Centre forthe compassionatecaretheyprovided to Janice.

It is with deep sadnessthat Jean’s family announces herpassingon February2,2026. Jean will be lovinglyremembered by herdaughter,Linda (Victor Holysh), and theirchildren, DavidHolysh(Hwanhee Cho)and CatherineHolysh;her son, Tim(Jairo Jordon);aswellasher sister-in-law, Josephine,and brother-in-law, Ian,and many niecesandnephews. Jean waspredeceased by herhusband, Dave,in November2025,andher youngerbrother,Bill McPheeters, in 2020.

Jean wasborn in 1933 in DrumhellertoDuncan Bruceand Margaret MayMcPheeters. Shegrewup on afarminRumseybeforethe family movedto Calgary. Jean marriedDaveMcDonaldin1954, and they were marriedfor71 years. Dave’s work opportunities sawthem liveinvarious locations in Alberta,BC, and Saskatchewan in theearly yearsof theirmarriage. They movedtoAustraliain 1965 and lived in Sydney, Perth,and Brisbane,thenLondon and Rome.After Dave retiredin1995, they lived in Brisbaneand NorthVancouver.

Jean made thebestofevery move and “bloomed whereshe wasplanted”.Jeanenjoyedentertaining and wasa gracioushostess.Shebelonged to severalbridgeand MahJong groupsand was involved in many newcomers’ groupsandhospitality committeesfor spouses whoattendedoiland gas conferences in Australia.

Thefamilywouldliketothank theresidentsand staff at WesterleighParc, whereJeanand Davidlived for overeleven years, for theirfriendshipandkindness. The family wouldalsoliketothank Ewaand Jola, Jeanand Dave’s morningcaregivers forseveral years, as well as thecaregivers from Proofof Care, HeroHomeCare, and theVCH palliative team for theircareand supportduringJean’s final months.

MavisLucyToovey(née Huddleston),age90, passedawaypeacefully on February5,2026, in NorthVancouver, BritishColumbia. Born on September21,1935, in Vancouver,BC, Mavisspent most ofher lifeinNorth Vancouver,a community shedeeplylovedand served.

Maviswaspredeceased by herbelovedhusband, Jack;her sisters, Kathleenand Pat; andher daughter,Joy.

Sheislovinglyremembered by her children, Anne (Carl),Janet (Karim), and Paul;her grandchildren James, Emma(Julian),and Jack.

Mavisattended St.Paul’s Hospital Schoolof Nursing, whereshebeganher nursingcareerand latermet theloveofher life, Jack.Together,Mavis and Jack shared adeep love of traveland adventure, always lookingforward to discovering the next placetogether.

Awomanof strongandenduringfaith,Mavis wasa devoted parishionerof St.Stephen’s Parish for56 yearsandanactive memberof theCatholic Women’sLeague.Her faithwas reflectednotonlyin herdevotionbut in heractions.Mavis waswell knownforhergenerous spirit and lifelong commitment to service, volunteeringwithMealson Wheels, adomesticviolencesupportline, asa catechismteacher,and through themuch-loved “TooveyCoffee” Sundays following Mass.

Maviswill be remembered forher kindness, quiet generosity, andthe warmth shebrought to everyone shemet.Her welcomingsmile,steady compassion, andunwavering care forothersleave alasting legacy in thehearts ofher family,friends,and community.

In lieuofflowers,the family wouldpreferdonations in Janice’s memory to the LionsGateHospitalFoundationora charityofyour choice.

To writeacondolencetothe family,pleasegoto www.mckenziefuneralservices.com

OBITUARIES

It is with deep sadnessthat we announcethe passingof Orville Singer in his100thyear.On January29th, Orville passedawaypeacefully following abrief illness. Born in 1926, in Barrie, Ontario, Orvilleleaveshis beloved wife and75-year partner,Patricia; sons Randy (Sue)and Steve (Karen);granddaughterLindsay (Freddy); grandsons Justin (Chanelle), Clinton(Joanne),and Bradley; and great-grandchildren Raffi, Sia, Rhett, Claira, Emily, Ethan, Samantha,andEmily.Predeceased by daughterLaurie and grandson Steven.

Aproud veteranandentrepreneur,Orville started andoperated severalsuccessful food businessesin Ontario. In 1977,heand Patmoved to West Vancouver,establishing Strand Foods to marketand produceHoneydew drinks in WesternCanada. He servedas Presidentof thePacific Frozen Foods Association, andenjoyed tennis, golfand travel.Until daysbeforehis passing,heremainedactively involved withfriendsand TheLondonerschoir.

Pio Parisi wasborninPotenza, Italy, on July 27, 1948,duringa stormsostrong that thechickens lost theirfeathers. He diedof canceron February7, 2026, in NorthVancouver with hisfamilybyhis side.

PiogrewupinRedLake, Ontario, and methis wife, Gail, in Toronto. They movedtoVancouver in 1976 to raise afamily. He worked longhoursfor theCN railwayfor over30 years.

We remember Pio’slove of tennis, travel,and the outdoors– biking,skiing, and campingwithhis family. He wasa character, knownforhisspirited debates,tree-stump-grinding skills,andhisloveof applepie.

Pioissurvivedbyhis wife of52 years, Gail; daughtersJen (Paul)and Niki (Mitch); grandchildren Morgan, Devin, Henry, and Frankie;and siblings Ottawa,Donatoand Sandy.

Thank youtoDr. Adam Chruscickiforhissteadfast compassionand care.A celebrationoflifewill be heldinthe spring.Inlieuofflowers,pleasesend contributions to theLions Gate Hospital Foundation.

Bobpassedawaypeacefully surrounded by love,onFebruary1,2026,andnow joinshis beloved wife of44 years, Danielle,whopredeceasedhimin2012.

He is survived by hischildren, Eric (Sandra)and Cathy(Carol);grandchildren, Emily and Jordan; relativesinFrance(Regineand PatrickBogenmannand family, whocallhim‘Tonton Canada’andLouisand Maryse Bay);inMontreal (Joseph andLucie Fernandesand family); and lovedfriend,LauraChow, and family.

He is predeceased by hisparents, Armandand Catherine; sisterandbrother-inlaw, Denise and RaymondLeiterer; nephew, ChristianLeiterer; andparents-inlaw, Josephand MarieFernandes.

Born in Hochstatt, France, Bobgrewupunder German rule duringWorld WarII. Afterthe war, thefamilymoved to Ile-Napoleon. Hisfirst joboutof school was at the FrenchRailway as amanagement traineeuntil he wasdrafted into theFrench AirForce (Sergeant).

In 1961,he startedworking in amanufacturing companyinMulhouseand was offeredapositioninanew department,computing. He workedas aprogrammer, though thecompanydid not yetown acomputer.For thefirst year,the programmers were writingprogramsand wouldhavetogotoStuttgart,Germany, or Pariswithsuitcases full of punched cardstotesttheirprograms.

Bobhad adreamof going to America,and in 1964,he took atwo-monthholiday and flew to NewYork. With abuspass, he explored Mexico,the United States, andCanada by himself, allwithout knowingEnglish.

In 1966,hegothisCanadian visa and movedtoMontreal,wherehemet Danielle. They marriedinJune 1967andhad Ericin March 1968. Thefamilydecided to movetoVancouverinMay 1969,and Cathywasbornlater that year.In1975, they moved to Francebut decidedhomewas Canadaand returned in 1976.

Bobhad apassion forcomputers, spendinghisworking yearsinVancouver mainly with A&W (wherehewas mentor to lifelong friend Mike Patko)and later withDLJones.

More thanhispassion forcomputerswashisloveoftravel, andwithDanielle travelledoften to France andMontreal, throughout theUnitedStates, especially Hawaii, Australia,Europe,and Morocco (whereDanielle wasfrom).Bobgothis pilot’slicence, and flying wasa bigpartofhislife.

Bobwasalways mechanical, fixinghisvehicleshimself. He wasalwaysthinking about anew wayofgeneratingenergy forcarsand wasworkingondesigns for this.Hewas interested in alternativeenergy,especiallytheprogress ofalgae conversion to ausefulbiofuel,especiallyforairplanes.

Healwayshad acamerainhand, takingphotosand videosof thefamilytosend to relativesinMontrealand France. In lateryears, he gathered alarge collection of treephotos,which wasalwaysa source of teasingfromhis family.

He spent many happytimes in Calgary, especiallywithhis grandchildrenatthe cabinand theCalgary Flames games

Agratefulthank youtotheamazingstaff at BerkleyCareCentre,whosecareand compassion made Bob’sfinal yearsdignifiedand supported,and to Palliative Resource NurseVivienMcTavish.

Peacefully on Friday,February6,2026, Sister Catherinediedonher84thbirthday, surrounded by her family.

CatherinewasbornFebruary6,1942, to John Burke and CatherineHusseyinDerryvoung,Ballinlough, Co.Roscommon, Ireland, whereshe grew up.

FUNERALSERVICES

Bill wasbornonJanuary 26, 1927,inNorth Battleford,Saskatchewan, to Sapar Esaw and Miriam (Joseph).

Bill marriedhis firstwife, Josephine,in1958,and they were blessedwithsix childrenbeforemovingto NorthVancouver in 1974.

Hislifelong careerasan Estate Planning Specialist with CanadaLife spannedan extraordinaryseven decades.Bill wasdeeplyinvolvedinhis community, servingasPresident of theMen’s Clubat Holy Trinity Church andas alifetimememberof theJaycees.

Knownaffectionatelyas“BBQBill,”hewasan avid fisherman,generoushost, notably successful Caribbean Studpokerplayer,enthusiastic gardener, and localcelebrityrenowned forhis prominent Christmaslightsdisplay.Bill wasmarried to Josephine for37yearsand stoodbyher through more than 15 yearsofillness. He latermarriedhis second wife,Barbara, with whomhe shared27 yearsofmarriage,enjoyingextensivetravelintheir early yearsandquiet cupsof teain theirlater years.

Bill wasa man of character, with astrong work ethic, adeep senseofintegrity,commitment to charity, penchant forpositivity, andunwavering love forhis family.

Williamissurvivedbyhis wife,BarbaraAnn Esaw (Johnson);his sixchildren—Samuel,Bonita,Shelley, Deborah, Barbara,and Robert; 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren,as well as 5grandchildrenand 14 great-grandchildreninhis extended family.He waspredeceased by hisfirst wife and motherofhis children, Josephine Anne Esaw (Ferrari), as well as hissiblings,Sally,Jenny, and Johnny.

Sheentered theSisters of theChild of Jesusin Sherbrooke, QC,onSeptember4, 1960. Shetook theHolyHabitonApril 15,1961,and wasgiven the nameSisterMaryKevin.She made first vows July 10, 1963,and final vows August13, 1968.

Catherinestudiedat NotreDameUniversityin Nelson, BC,whereshe graduated with her BEd in 1975andher BA in 1978. Shetaughtat St.Mary’s in Vancouver,atBishop Murray in Saskatoon,andat St.Mary’sin NorthBattleford, Saskatchewan. In 1979, Catherinemoved to Winnipeg,Manitoba, whereshe studied nursingatMisericordiaHospital from 1981 to 1983.

In 1983, Catherinereturned to NorthVancouver, whereshe nursedand continuedher studies.She obtainedherBSN in 1992 from UBC. Hernursing career spanned theyears1984-2006, when she nursedatEvergreen Extended Care andLions Gate Hospital in NorthVancouver.Manyofthoseyears were spenton 7Westandpalliative care. On December31,2006, Catherineretired from nursing.

Herfinal wish,todie athomeandbe buried with her family, wasgranted. On Saturday,January24,2026, sheflewhometoIreland with herniece, whereshe diedpeacefully on February6,2026,at Roscommon Hospice.

Sr.Catherinewill be sadlymissedand lovingly remembered by her family,both in Irelandand Canada. Herbrother John Joe(Derryvoung),the Sisters of theChild Jesus(Canada),withwhomshe sharedher lifefor sixty-six years. Also, by her sisterin-lawMaura,herniecesandnephews:John, Cathy, Gerard, Anne,Sean, Tommy, Kathleen, Gerald, Raymond, Mark,and Michelle,grandnieces, grandnephews,cousins, extended family, neighbours, and friendsbothinIreland and Canada.

Thankyou forcontinuingto place yourtrust in us nowandalways. ProudlyservingthenorthShore forover80years

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