February 4, 2026

Dr.Robot

LIFESTYLE13

Otteramazement

North Vanphotographerwins awardforurbanotterimage

SPORTS20

Skeletonkey

North Van’sJaneChannell takes leadership rolein thirdOlympics

FortisBC proposes pipeline work camp at WigwamInn

BRENTRICHTER

brichter@nsnews.com

FortisBCisproposingtobuildatemporarywork campformorethan100pipelineconstructioncrew membersatthe WigwamInnattheverynorthendof IndianArm.

TheproposalisprovingcontroversialamongIndian Arm’s residents, recreationistsandenvironmentalists.

Ifapproved,approximately125workerswill rotatein andoutofthreetemporarydormitory trailersfor 12to18 monthsonaclearedplotofland,knownasthe “soccer field,”justnorthoftheinn.

TheEagleMountain WoodfibreGasPipeline, whichwill run 50kilometresbetweenFortisBC’sinfrastructureinthe northend of Coquitlamto thenew WoodfibreLNGexport plantonHoweSound, receivedapprovalsfromtheprovince andSkwxwú7meshÚxwumixw(SquamishNation)in2016. Thepipelineitselfhasbeenunderconstructionsince2023 andisnowabout50percentcomplete.

Since2025,about300 workers havebeentransportedto FortisBC’s worksite in the Indian River Valley viawatertaxis leavingthe LynnwoodMarinaevery day.Thattriptakesat leastanhourandahalfeach way, andthenumberofworkersis expectedtoclimbsharplyin2026ascontractorswork tofinishtheproject.

Continued on A23

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HIGH-TECH HEALTHCARE

Robotic systemgives surgeonsahand at LionsGate

ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com Local JournalismInitiativeReporter

Ona recentSaturday morninginan operating roomatLionsGateHospital, Dr. NavaAslanisetstoworkperformingsurgery.

Butit’snotthetypical sightofasurgeon hoveringoverapatient.Sheis,infact, a fewmetresawayfromherpatient,sitting in achairlooking throughaviewer. With subtlefootmovements,sheusespedals tocontrolacameratrainedonthepatient Withherthumbandmiddlefingerplaced inaconsole,herhandmovements control roboticarmsthatmake critical,precise movementswhileworkingonthepatient And,inthisinstance,thepatientisasmall plate ofcolourfulblobs.

Thenewmachineis the Da VinciXi Robotic Surgical System,allowingsurgeons at theNorth Vancouverhospital to perform proceduresinthePaulMyers Towerfor prostate removal;bowel, rectalandkidney cancers;hysterectomiesandcomplex hernias.

“I’mexcitedthatourpatients are going to havemoreaccesstoourcuttingedge technology,”saidDr. JustinLee,attending physician,divisionofurologyanddepartmentof surgery atLionsGateHospital, followingthedemonstrationperformedby Aslani.

Thesurgicalsystem,which includes the roboticsequipment, additional instruments,asimulatorandsoftware, was purchasedfor $5.5 million through theLionsGateHospital Foundationlate

WITNESSESSOUGHT

lastyear.Severalmonthswerespenton preparationandintensivestaff trainingto usethe robot.

Whenit’stimeto operate on realhuman subjects,thesystemmakes use of four roboticarmswhichareplacedinportsto allowtheinstrumentstoenter theabdomenduringsurgery. The newtech offers amorepreciseandlessinvasivemethod comparedtotraditionalsurgicaltechniques,saidLee.

“Becauseoftheabilitytohavebetter visibilityandathree-dimensionalview, surgeonsareableto operatewithmore precision,”hesaid.“Andthattranslatesto lesspainfor our patients.Because ofthe

smallerincision,they’reableto recover fasterwithlessbloodloss, andtheycanget backtotheir regularactivitiesquicker.”

Before the roboticssystemcameto LionsGateHospital,patientshadtotravel to VancouverGeneralHospitalto receive roboticsurgery. Now, patients on theNorth Shore canstayclosertohome,Leesaid. It’s notjustpatients,however,who benefitfromthe newtech.Thesystem alsoimproveslifeforsurgeons. Leesaid surgeonsaretraditionallyhunched over when operatingonpatients,leaningover thetablewiththeirinstruments.Nowthe surgical robotallowsthemtositstraight, improvingposture.

The robotisalsoequippedwithadual console,allowingsurgeons-in-trainingto observesafelywhilemoreseniorsurgeons usethe robottoperformsurgery, hesaid.

Leestressedthatnothingis automated withthe robot,andsurgeonsaredoing everythingduringprocedures.

Sincethesurgical robot’slaunchin January, 13prostate removalshavebeen completed.

“Patientsare reportingveryminimal pain,andsowe’vealreadyseenthebenefits ofthe roboticsurgeryprogram,”hesaid.

Lions GateHospitalsaidhundredsof patientswillbenefitfromthenewtechnology.Leesaidthenewgearwillalso help recruitsurgeonswhohavetraining in roboticsurgery.

“Roboticsiswherethe fieldofsurgery is moving.Forusto remaincurrentand ready forthefuture,weneedtoembrace robotic assistedsurgery,”hesaid.

JudySavage,presidentandCEOofthe Lions GateHospitalFoundation,thanked donorsfortheirgenerosity.

“LionsGateHospitalFoundation is excitedtochampionprogressandinnovation,andweareextremelygratefultoall ofthedonorswhogenerouslycontributed tothecostofthe robot,”shesaid.“With eightstate-of-the-artoperating rooms in our newPaulMyers Tower,wenowhavethe infrastructureneededtosupportthenext generationofmedicaltechnology.”

AbbyLucianoistheIndigenousandcivic affairsreporterfortheNorthShoreNews. Thisreportingbeatismadepossibleby the LocalJournalismInitiative.

Womaninjured by hit-and-rundriver, North Vancouver RCMPsay

BRENTRICHTER

brichter@nsnews.com

North VancouverRCMP sayawoman sufferedseriousinjuries afterbeing struckbyahit-and-rundriverin CanyonHeights,Saturdaynight.

Thecollisionhappenedaround7:30 p.m.attheintersectionofHighland Boulevardand WavertreeRoad.Policesay a manandwomanwerecrossinginthe markedcrosswalkwhenthedriverof a whitesedanstruckthem.Investigatorssay

thedriverbriefly sloweddownbutthen quicklyleftthescene.

Thewomanwastakentohospitaltobe treatedforseriousbutnon-lifethreatening injuries.Themanwithherwasnotinjured.

NowNorth VancouverRCMParetrying to trackdownthedriverofthesedan. Investigatorsareaskingfordashcamor CCTVfootagefromtheareathatmight revealmoreaboutwhathappenedorwho thedriverwas.Itispossiblethesedanhas onebrokenheadlight,policesay.

Theyarealsoissuinganappealforthe drivertocomeforward andprovidetheir version ofevents.

“Comingforward now is therightthing to do,anditwillhelp investigatorsgain a clearerunderstandingofwhatoccurred,” Cpl.MansoorSahaksaid in a release.

Anyonewithinformationabout the crashorvideofootage thatcould assist theinvestigationisaskedtocontact North VancouverRCMPat604-985-1311 and quote file26-2119.

Dr.Justin Leeshows offthenew Da Vinci Xi RoboticSurgical System during a demonstrationatNorth Vancouver’s Lions Gate Hospital. ABBY LUCIANO / NSN

North Vancouver RCMParelooking for thedriverofawhitesedanwho struck apedestrianatthisHighland Boulevard crosswalkandfled. GOOGLE EARTH

Cityprepares forthousands moremultiplex homes

BRENTRICHTER

brichter@nsnews.com

TheCityofNorth Vancouverisagain drawingupplans to allowmoremultiplexesafterpreviouseffortsfellshort ofamandatesetbytheprovince.

Themovecouldsee1,940properties approvedforuptosixunits.

Previously,theprovincialgovernment’s Bill44 requiredmunicipalitiestoallow four to sixunitsonotherwise“restricted”single-familyzones.Manycouncils,however, optedfornarrowinterpretationsofthelaw, whichcreated“barriers”tonewmultiplexesbeingbuilt.Nowmunicipalitiesface anewdeadlineunderBill 25,whichcloses loopholesthat“createdinconsistenciesthat limitthe viabilityanduptakeofsmall-scale multi-unithousing.”

InDecember, CNVcouncilapproved multiplexesofuptofourunitsonmore than 4,000propertiesinordertomeettheprovincial requirementtohaveenoughzoned capacityforthenext20yearsofhousing needs,butthatwasstillnotenoughtocomplywiththelatesthousinglegislation.

In ordertobringthecityintocompliance withthe law, councilmust allow multiplexes withuptosixunitstobe builton lots within 400metresof frequenttransitbusstops –the240 Lynn ValleyandR2 routes. That will applyto1,940properties,mostlyinthe GrandBoulevard,Keith Lynn,Moodyville andMahonParkareas.

Onstreetswheresomeofthelotsare capturedbythe400-metresix-plexzoneand othersarenot,councilhasoptedfor a“consistentblockapproach,” whichstaffsay willbefairerand resultinmoreconsistent developmentinthefuture.

Undertherules,thecitymustalso removeanyon-siteparking requirements forthenewsix-plexzones,althoughdeveloperswillstillbeabletoincludeparkingin theirprojectsiftheywish.

Another410lots,includingabout260 thatcouncilpreviouslyexemptedfrom small-scale multi-unithousingbecausethey wereinheritageareasonGrandBoulevard andEast19thandEast10thstreetsthatthe cityintendedtodomoreconsultationand researchon,arealsosubjecttothenew rules.

Anynewmultiplexeswill facea maximumheightofthreestoreys,includingthe basementlevel.

AlthoughcouncilfacesaJune30 deadlinetoadoptthelatestzoningchanges, theywillstillbesubjecttopublicconsultationandapublichearingbefore avote

Asix-plexhousing designprepared by the CanadianMortgageandHousing Corporation. CMHC

tentativelyscheduledforJune.

Thecitydoesstillhaveleewayover designguidelines,and partofthatconsultationwillfocuson howexistingheritage homescanbeincorporatedintomultiplex zones,ratherthanlosttothem.

CouncilmembersvotedJan.26tomove aheadwiththeprocess,butnotbefore severalcouncillors raised concernsabout streetparkingandtheprovince’scontinued incursionintomunicipal planning.

“I thoughtwe hadbent over backwards in termsofthe previousaccommodations we’vehadwiththeprovinciallegislation, andtheycome back withmore. And I don’t trustthem.They’ll comebackwith more afterthis,I’msure,”saidCoun.DonBell. “I justthinkit’sacceleratingthechangeof ourcommunitybeyondwhatis,Iwould suggest,amanageablewayofgrowing.”

Coun. AngelaGirard,however, suggested thenew multiplexeswouldlikely bephased in over a longtime. Shealsoexpressed optimismtheywill be livedin by peopleless reliantoncarsthantoday’sgeneration. And Girardsaidtherearewaystosaveexisting heritagehomesandmeetthelegislative requirements.

“It’sdoable.I’ve seenit done invery, very attractivearchitecturalways…while stillprovidingthenecessary housingto peoplewho reallyneedit,”shesaid.

MayorLindaBuchanansharedfrustrationatthecityagain havingto hastily rewritemajorchangesintoitsruleswithout enoughtimetoproperlyplanforlivability of residents.Thecity has beenaleaderin providingnewhousing,sheadded.

“Andyetwecontinuallygetsweptinto otherswhochoosenotto do itandhide behindlegislationorloopholes.Andthen we getpaintedwiththesame brush,” she said “It’s more importantfor me thatwe getthisright thanwe meetsomearbitrary deadline.”

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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.

B.C.SUPREMECOURT

Landlord orderedto pay tenant $38,000

JANESEYD

jseyd@nsnews.com

A West Vancouverlandlord willhavetopayhisformer tenantmorethan$38,000 incompensationafteraB.C. SupremeCourtjusticefound thelandlorddidnotprove heoccupiedthe rentalunit followingtheeviction of his tenant.

Thedecision,handed down Jan.27,cameafterJustice Anita Chan rejectedlandlordDavood Nekoi-Panah’schallenge of a residentialtenancybranchdecision orderinghimtopayhisformer tenant,BahadorMohajerrey,12 months’ rent.

Thedisputeinvolved a lower-level rentalunitat602 St.AndrewsRoadintheBritish Properties,whichthetenant began rentinginAugust2022for $3,100amonth.The rentlater increasedto$3,208.

InMarch2024,thelandlord servedthetenantwitha twomontheviction,statinghewas goingtooccupytheunit.The

A recent courtdecision centredonalegaldisputebetweenthe former landlordand tenantofthishouseat 602St.Andrews Roadin West Vancouver. ZEALTY.CA

tenantaskedto remainuntilthe endof theschoolyearsohis childrencould finish classes,but thelandlord refused.Thetenant movedout at the endofMarch, after hefound a new place to live.

In alater residentialtenancy hearing,thetenantsaid realestate viewingsweretakingplacewhile he wasstilllivingintheunit, and bythetimehe movedoutthere wasa“sold”signonthelawn, despitethe landlord’sstated plans

tolivethere.Hesaid he returned totheunitinlateApril2024and sawnoonelivingthere.Hesaid he wastoldby a woman rentingthe upperfloorthatshedidnotknow thelandlord.

Under the Residential Tenancy Actat the time,alandlordwho evictedatenantforpersonaluse had to occupy the unitforatleast sixmonths. If thatdidn’thappen, the tenantwasentitledtocompensation.(Thelawwaschanged

inJuly2024to requirelandlords occupytheunitfor12months.)

Thetenantlaterappliedtothe residential tenancybranch,arguing the landlorddidnotliveinthe unitas required.Thelandlordwas ordered to payhimayear’s rent.

Inhis requestfora reviewof thatdecision, the landlordsaid thedecisionorderinghimtopay his tenantshouldbeoverturned, arguing thathehadlivedinthe unit, rentingitbackfromthenew ownersforsixmonthsafterthe sale.Healsoarguedthedecision shouldbe rejectedforprocedural unfairness,sayinghecouldn’t attendthe residentialtenancy hearingformedical reasons.

Thelandlordsubmittedevidenceincludingasalecontract fortheproperty,alongwith alateraddendumstatingthe landlordwould renttheunitback fromthenewownerfromMay 1toSept.30,2024.Thelandlord alsosubmittedaletterfromhis Realtorandcopiesofe-transfer paymentsfor rentmadeduring thatperiod.

*Termsandconditions:Offervalidonnewbookingsmade by March 31,2026. Percentagediscountvariesdepending on itinerary &departure date.Savings Event availability islimitedanddeparturedateswithadvertiseddiscountmaysellout at anytimeduringsaleperiodwithoutnotice. Receiveadditionalsavingswhen youbookarivercruise plusanescortedland tour extension. Anon–refundableinitialdeposit of $500perpersonisrequired at time of booking.Finalpaymentisduewithin 7days of booking.All offersanddiscountsandareinventorycontrolled, strictlycapacitylimited,non-transferable, non-refundable, andholdnocashvalue.Offersmay be extended,cancelled,or withdrawnatany timewithoutnotice,andsubjecttoavailabilityuntil sold out. OfferisnotcombinablewithFlexiFare, Best AvailableOffer,AgencyPerks, MilitaryDiscount, Travel/Trade/Partner Eventincentives, SoloOffers, Interline/Trade

eviction

Butthejudgeagreedwiththe original rentaltenancydecision, notingtherewasn’tenoughto provehelivedintheunit,includingalackofsupportingevidence likeutilitybills,mail,orother documentsshowinghelivedthere forsixmonths.Sheaddedevenif hehad,hemaynothavequalified asalandlord,asthepropertywas soldbeforethesixmonthswere up.

Thejudgealso rejectedthe landlord’sargumentsaboutnot beingabletoattendthehearing becauseofamedicalemergency, agreeingwiththeoriginalarbitratorwhosaidthemedicalnote didnotappeartobesignedby a doctor,hadnoaddressorphone numberanddidnot refertoan emergency.

Inherdecision,thejudge upheldthe residentialtenancy decision,orderingthelandlordto payhistenant$38,596.

AccordingtoB.C.Assessment, thehouseat602St.Andrews RoadsoldMarch20,2024for $2.89million.

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PUBLICPLEA

JANESEYD

jseyd@nsnews.com

Hewascampedoutaloneinthe busheastofEagleLakewhenhe died.

ItwasMayof1999,morethan26 yearsago,whena West Vancouver municipalcrewspottedagreen tent welloffthebeatentrack,onaplateau lookingtowardthewater.

Whentheylookedinside,itwas clearthe bodyofthemanthey found hadbeentherea while, accordingto news reportsatthetime.

Anautopsy revealedthemanhad likelydiedofhypothermia.

Aquarterofacenturylater, West VancouverPolicestilldon’tknowwho themanwasandwhetheranyonestill wonderswhathappenedtohim.

They’rehopinganewcomposite imagefromtheBCCoronersService mayjogsomeone’s memory.

Inparticular,theman–estimatedto beanywherebetween40and70years old, withshortgreyhairand a beard –wouldhavehadanunusuallytoothy smile,withtwoprominentfrontteeth.

West Vancouverpolicearehoping thisnew compositephotowilljog someone’smemory. Thebodyofthis man remainsunidentified after 26 years. WVPD

Neitherdental recordsnorasearch offingerprintsinCanadianpolice files turnedupanymatchesatthetimethe man’sbodywasfound.

Heused readingglasses,which werefoundalongwithahammockin thecamp.

Theareawherethemanwasfound

wasknownasaplacewherehomeless peoplesometimescampedatthetime. Therewasnofoodfoundinthecamp, noranythingtocook with,accordingto reportsatthetime.Basedon theconditionoftheman’s body,thecoroner saidatthetimeitwasmostlikelythe manhaddiedinthefallof1998.

Hehadafewpersonalpossessions with himinthecamp,including a changeofclothes,accordingtonews reports.

Butnoidentification.

“Wedon’thavealotof fileslike this,”saidSuzanneBirch,spokespersonforthe West VancouverPolice Department.

Whileit’sbeendecadessincethe man’sbodywasfound,policearehopingthisnewcompositephotograph willhelpjogthememoryofsomeone who knewhim,saidBirch.

“Wewouldverymuchliketo find outwhoheis,”shesaid.

Anyone whomighthaveinformationaboutthe man’s identityshould call604-925-7300andquote file number 99-6186.

SpiritoftheGames

Wearelivingthroughcynical timesofstrained international relations.Itwouldbe easytobecynicalaboutthe Milano CortinaOlympics too,butweurgeyoutohoistyour Canadian flagandtuneinfortheevents.

TheOlympicmovementdeliversso muchmorethanmedalsandbragging rights.

Ifyourfaithinhumanity is gettinga bit wobbly,thenitisdoublyimportantforyou togetinvestedforthenexttwoandahalf weeks.Althoughthemedals areniceand itsuredoesfeelgoodtoseeaCanadian on topofthepodium,that’s notwhatthisis about.

Nomatterwhatcountry theycome from,theOlympianshavetrainedtheir heartsoutandcompetedfiercelytochallengethebestintheworld.Whetherit’s on

arink oramountain,theymeet as equals unitedby alovefortheirsport.Andwhen theeventis over, the athletes embrace regardlessofany geopoliticaltensions theircountriesface.

Sometimes,the best demonstrationsof leadershiparen’tfromactualworldleaders butfromamateurs.Wherepoliticiansseek to divideus,athletescanbring ustogether again.

North Vancouver’s owntwo-time medallistJenniferHeilisthereas Team Canada’s Chef deMission helpingtoinstill thiscultureandwecouldn’t be more proud. We alsohave halfadozenNorth Vancouver and West Vancouvercompetitorsin hockey, downhillskiingandskeletonforyou to cheerfor.

DuringtheseGames,wewant youtoget excited.LettheOlympicspiritfind you.And be prepared to hugarivalwhenit’s allover.

Mamma Mia! Here’s whatto watch for at theOlympics

ANDY PREST aprest@nsnews.com

The WinterOlympicsareset tobeginintwodaysinItaly.

DoesitseemliketheseGames havesnuckuponus?Likethere hasbeenasurprisinglackof buzzandchatterheadingintothe Olympics?

Onetheorypositedbyan intrepid reporterfriendofmineis thatwe’vehaven’tbeenallowed theluxuryofsuchfunanticipation because acertainsmall-handed world leader hastakenup all theoxygenwiththeviolencehe constantlyletslooseuponunsuspectingneighbouring countries, socialnorms,andvariousvital

organsofhisowncitizens.

Butforgethim.It’stimefor buzz!It’stimeforchatter!Our friendstothesouthmaysadlystill needtoworryaboutICE, but we canfocusontheice!Say, isthat ConnorMcDavid?

It’stimeforusalltobecome expertsinmoguls,and“slopestyle,”andthespecialbonds createdindualluge.It’stimefor theGames,baby!

To getyoualldialledin,let’s takeaquicklookatsomeofthe local,nationalandglobalstorylinestowatchforinItaly.

Best-on-besthockey NHLplayershavenottaken

partinthe Olympicssince2014, but theyare back thistime,giving hockeyfanstherarethrillof seeingthe verybestplayersin theworldcompetingagainsteach other withnational prideonthe line.Best-on-best Olympic hockey trulyisthesportinitsfastest, purest,most-skilledform. There arealsotwoNorthShorelinkson theCanadianmen’steam,with StanleyCupheroSamReinhartof West VancouverandNorth Van’s buddingsuper-duper starMacklin Celebrini pullingontheMapleLeaf jerseyfortheGames. Tough luck foranotherNorth Van young gun, ConnorBedard, who wasinthe mix but got hurt aroundthetime

teamselectionswerebeingmade.

Goodnewstooforfansof the VancouverCanucks – the Olympicswillallowyoutocheer for realNHL playersagain. Thewomenwillalsoplaysome best-on-best hockey.Canadaand theUnited States have won13 ofthe14goldandsilvermedals upforgrabsinOlympicwomen’shockeyhistory. Maybeit’s Sweden’syear!Probablynot. We’ll rallybehindCanadaeventhough theycutNorth Van’sHannah MillerandChloePrimeranoin theirfinalselectioncamp.Ifyou arelookingforanotherfavouritetofollow,North Vancouver’s NinaJobst-Smithischannelling

herfamilyhistorytosuitupfor GermanyintheGames.

NorthShoreathletes

Thereareplentymorelocals tocheerfor,astheNorthShoreis onceagainpunchingwayabove itsweightclasswhenitcomesto producingOlympicathletes.On topofthehockeyplayers,we’re alsosendingthreealpineskiers inbrothersBrodieandRiley Segerandlongtimefriendand fellowHandsworthgradCameron Alexander.They’llbejoinedby skeletonracerJaneChannell –alsoaHandsworthgrad…go Royals!–whoiscompetinginher

MAILBOX

100-YEAR-OLDHOMES GIVEBLUEPRINT FOR DENSITY THAT WORKS

DearEditor:

RE:Ridgeway AvenueHouses,Jan. 28 Time Traveller

The fiveRidgewayhomesfeatured inlastweek’s Time Traveller area great reminderof whatNorth Vancouveronce built.

Butdespitethestrongheritage protectionsourbylawsgivetothese cherishedbuildings,itisillegaltobuild thesehomesagaintoday

Likemanyofourheritagehomes,the Ridgewayhomeshavefourfloors. Today’s single-familyhomesandmultiplexes are limitedto three.Despiteourhousing shortage,bylawsmandateourhomesstay shorter than theywere acentury ago.

OnMonday,Jan.26,CityofNorth Vancouvercouncilvotedtobeginaprocess thatwill expandmultiplexzoninginto heritagecharacterareasand endorsed a public consultationplanthat“will seek inputonhowtobalance[multiplexzoning] withheritagepreservationvalues[and] communitycharacter.”

ButtheRidgewayhomesshowus

LETTERS TO THEEDITOR mustinclude your name,fulladdressand telephonenumber. Send yourlettersviaour website nsnews.com/ opinion/send-us-a-letter.TheNorth ShoreNews reservestheright to edit anyand/oralllettersbasedonlength,clarity,legality and content. The News also reservestheright to publishanyand/orallletterselectronically.

thatmorehousingandneighbourhood characterarenotopposites.Infact,larger buildingsareverymuchalignedwiththe historiccharacterofNorth Vancouver’s earlycolonialneighbourhoods. Bykeepingstrongprotections forgenuineheritagebuildingswhile re-legalizingfour-floorbuildingsof comparablesizeformultiplexuse,we couldpreserveneighbourhoodcharacter andallowmorehousingforourcommunity Aligningzoningwithourheritagehomes would createafairer,moreconsistentand morewelcomingapproachtogrowththatis rooted in the veryhistorywecelebrate.

AndrewRobertson North Vancouver

StrongNorth Shore contingent

thirdGames.

Looseningthetiesjusta little,wecan stilllaypartialclaimtoskihalfpipecompetitorDillanGlennie, whowasborninNorth Vanandlivedhereuntilage10whenher familymovedto VancouverIsland

OtherCanadianstowatch

Predictingmedalwinnersis a dangerous game,but TeamCanadahas somebig expectationscomingin.Curlingandhockey aregoodbets,asalways,butwatchoutfor ourshorttrackspeedskatingteam.They’re gunningforbigthings,ledby William Dandjinou,CourtneySarault,StevenDubois andthelegend,KimBoutin.

Speakingoflegends,MikaelKingsbury, Opening Ceremonyflag-beareralongside MarielleThompson,iscompetinginwhat feelslikehis47thOlympicsandisafavouritetomedalinmogulsandtheexcitingnew Olympiceventofdualmoguls,whichsees skiers competingside-by-side.Theyarenot, however,allowedtousetheirpolestostab eachother

Bigthingsarealsoexpectedfrom Reece HowdeninskicrossandEliotGrondin

insnowboardcross, althoughthose rough-and-tumbleeventscanbevery unpredictable,withstabbingsmuch moreof a greyarea

Watchoutforthecoolkidsaswell,with MeganOldhamandNaomiUrnesssetto takeontheworld in bigairfreestyleskiing. Andyoufigureskatingfanswillwantto watchoutfor Piper Gilles andPaul Poirier, readytofollowinthetwizzlesofice dance legends Tessa VirtueandScottMoir. ThosearesomeofthemainCanadian plotlinesonthesnowandiceaswe head totheGames, but youknowsomuchmore is goingto happeninandoutofcompetition.Whowill beoutragedbytheOpening Ceremony?Whowillgetthrownoutofthe countryformakinganItalianmafiajoke? How willthe man who makeseverything abouthimselfmakethisallabout himself? You knowwhoImean, but, I forgot, we’re notmentioninghim!Let’sstoptalking aboutglobalgloomandstarttalkingabout biathloninstead. Skiing!Guns!What’snotto love?!LettheGamesbegin. AndyPrestistheeditoroftheNorthShore Newsandauthorofaregularhumour/lifestylecolumn.

ParkRoyalSouth |AtriuminfrontofPurdysChocolatier Enjoythemagic,traditionsandcommunity spiritoftheLunarNewYearaswewelcome

Saturday,February14|12Noon–5:00pm

NVMA 12276

Shrubbery onnew multi-usetrail vandalized eighttimes

BRENTRICHTER brichter@nsnews.com

Someonehasbeen repeatedlyand persistentlyuprootingashrubbery plantedontheDistrictofNorth Vancouver’sSalopTrail.

Theill-treatedgreenerywasplaced to separate switchbacksonthetrail, whichfollowsHighway1downThe CutjustabovetheMountainHighway interchange.

But,sinceNovember,someone has rippedoutoneormoreoftheshrubs eighttimes,evidently tocreateashortcutthat bypassestheswitchbacks.

Clearlyothershavebeenusingthe shortcutsaswell,asthereisawell-worn linerunningbetweentheswitchbacks.

Inurbandesign,thephenomenonis referredtoasa“desire path”–when the travellingpublic “voteswiththeirfeet” andblazesamoreconvenient routethan whattransportationplannershave built forthem.

Buttheswitchbackshavebeen carefullydesignedwith publicsafetyin mind,maintainingaminimumgrade that is accessibleforusersofallagesand abilities, saidEhab Taha,transportation plannerwiththedistrict.

“[TheSalop Trail]isservinga variety of users,whetherthat’speople walking, parentsusingstrollers,dog walkers, peopleusingmobilityaids, wheelchairs,cyclists,scooters,everythingin

between,”hesaid.“Whatwe reallywant to doisencourageslowerspeeds so that everyonecanusethefacility,andthese switchbacksareusedtominimize the speeddifferential.”

Atonepoint,someonedragged branchesanddebrisacrossthe rogue trail.

Thankfully,staffhavebeenableto replanttheexistingshrubs.

But, Tahasaid,thedistrict mayhave tochoosesomethingalittlebitsturdier inthefuture.

“Wetypicallytrytoincorporatesome sortofnaturallandscapeandbeautificationwithanyactivetransportation projectandwetypicallyliketoavoid excessiveconcrete retainingwallsand fences,iftheycanbeavoided,”hesaid. “We’recloselymonitoringthesituation anduserbehaviourandwemayconsiderchangesinthefutureifoperational issuespersist.”

Inthemeantime,thedistricthas steppeduppatrolsbyparkrangers in the area

“Theseirresponsibleactionscan makethemulti-usepath inaccessible forsomeusersandplaceadditional strainonthedistrict’sparksdepartment resources. We encourageanyone in the communitywhomayhave informationto reportittotheNorth VancouverRCMP non-emergencyline,”astatementfrom thedistrict read.

Acyclistmakes their way downNorth Vancouver’s Salop Trail switchbackswheresomeone hasbeenrippingoutshrubs to create a shortcut. ANDY PREST / NSN

‘FUNDINGGAP’

West Vancouver to tap reservesto balancebudget again

JANESEYD jseyd@nsnews.com

Forthesecondyearina row, the Districtof West Vancouverisproposingtobalanceitsbudgetby a combinationofdippinginto reserves ornotputtingasmuch moneyinto them,inordertokeeptaxincreases incheck.

OnJan.26,councilendorsedaplan fora3.4-percenttaxincrease, which includesa2.4-percentincreaseforoperatingcostsand aone-percentincreaseto thedistrict’s“assetlevy.”

Thechangewillmeananestimated $210increasetotheannualmunicipal taxbillforanaveragesingle-familyhome in West Vancouver,assessedat $3.56 million.Anaveragecondoassessedat $1.65millionwould seeataxincreaseof $97ayear.

Thetaxincreasesareneededtofund whatwould otherwisebeanapproximately$3.4million“fundinggap” between revenuesandexpensesinthedistrict’s 2026budget.

The relativelymodesttaxincreasealso dependson anumberof“budget reductionstrategies”thatwill trimthebudget byabout$4.85million.Thoseinclude proposalsto reducecontributions to thedistrict’sasset reserves–moneyset asideto repairand replaceagingmunicipalinfrastructure. The districtalso planstodraw on moneystashedinsome of itsdiscretionary“rainyday” reserve fundsincludingeliminatingits “external debt repayment reserve”tothetuneof $1.9millionandtaking$400,000 from its “fringebenefits reserve.”

Theapproachisvery similartothe onecouncilchoselastyear,whichalso involveddippinginto reservesand reducingtheamountgoingintosomeofthose tokeeptax increaseslower.

MayorMarkSagersaidtheplancomes after a significant amountofworkby council.

Alargeportionof West Vancouver’s costsaredrivenbynegotiated wage increasesforstaff.

“The realdriverhereisthelabour agreementsof4.38percent,”saidCoun NoraGambioli.“That representsover80 percentofourbudget, whichwecan’tdo anythingabout.

“Thosecostsarebuiltinfor thenext fewyearsbasedonthelabouragreementssoit’s reallyhardto have any wiggle roomhere,becausewe’reaserviceorganization.”

Financestaffnotedthatalmost45per

centofthedistrict’sstaffcostsarepolice officersand firefighters,whose payis set by regionalagreements withtheunions.

Amongtheadditionalfunding “asks” forthisyeararecostsforanadditional parking bylaw enforcementofficer,fundingforthe North ShoreMountainBike Association to partnerwiththedistrict ontrailmaintenance,operatingcosts associated withthenewlypurchased HorseshoeBayBoathousespaceand costsassociatedwith cleaningupgoose poop.

Further requestsforfundinghavebeen madebytheKayMeekArtsCentre,to address reducedsponsorshipandgrants andthe West VancouverCommunityArts Council.Theseniorscentrehasaskedfor additionalmoneyto increasehoursfor an outreachworker.Moneyhasalsobeen requestedtohirecasualhostsforthe communityshowerprogram.

Proposedbudgetcutsinclude reductionsincommunicationsand recreation staff,andlessmoneygoingtothe West VancouverChamberofCommerce.

Becauseofitslimitedcommercial base,about94percentofpropertytaxin West Vancouvercomesfrom residential taxes.

Duringthedebate,Coun.ScottSnider raisedquestionsabouttappinginto reservestobalancethebooks.

“Lastyearwhenwehadthesamediscussion,itwasaone-offsortofthingand I noticeit’shappeningagainthisyear,”he said.

Snidersaidhesupportsthetaxrate proposedbut “I’mjustveryconcerned abouttheongoingtapping intothe reserves.”

ButCoun.SharonThompsonsaidshe didn’tseeaproblem.

“Igettheimpression we’regoinginto reservesthathaven’tbeen reallyeffectivelyused,”shesaid.

Financestaffhadalsoaskedcouncil toconsider reducingtheamountgoingto environmental reservesby$400,000but Gambiolisaidshe wasopposedtothat.

“I reallythinkthatthepublichas told ustheydon’twant it tobeusedasa sort of aslushfund,”shesaid.

Councillorsalsolamentedthedownloadingfromtheprovincethathasbeen drivingupcosts.

Municipalitiesarebeingincreasingly askedtodealwithissueslikehomelessness,saidThompson,whichisoften a mentalhealthissuebutis beingdealt withbymunicipalpolice.

“Policearenotinhealthcare.They’re

inpoliceenforcement,”shesaid.

Councillorsalsopointedto legislative changesinareas likehousingthatare addingtomunicipal workloads.

West Vancouver residentKirk LaPointecriticized councilforapproving thebudgetwithoutadequatetimeto

consultthepublic.

Hecalledthestrategytodipinto reservesan“electionyearplan”tokeep taxrateslowwhilekickingtheproblem downthe roadtothenextcouncil.

“There’snoplanto rebuild reservesor toend relianceonthem,”hesaid.

Operating costsassociatedwiththe newlypurchasedHorseshoe Bay Boathouse spaceare amongthe additionalfunding requestsin West Vancouver’s 2026 budget. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN

OTTERAMAZEMENT

Photographer awarded for capturingurbanwildlife moment

JANESEYD jseyd@nsnews.com

North Vancouverwildlife photographerCariSiebritswasn’tsettingoutto takeaphoto.

Itwasaspringeveningandshe was outforawalkonthe West Vancouver CentennialSeawalkwhenshespotted a familyofriverottersswimmingtowardsthe shore.

Soonafter,theottersclimbedoutof the water,scaledthe rocksattheforeshoreand dartedacrossthetraintracks,infrontof a delightedcrowdofwalkersandjoggers.

Siebrits,whowascarryingher camera withherthatday,managedtocapture the ottersastheyturnedbacktolookatthe humanadmirers.

“Myfavouritething, especiallywith urban wildlife,isjustseeingpeople’s reactionswhentheyspotwildlife,”saidSiebrits. “Ithinkitmakeseverybodyfeelalittlebit morepresentandmoreconnectedtothe wildworldaroundus.”

The resultingphotowas recentlynamed runnerupintheCanadian Geographic’s annualCanadianPhotosofthe Year competition.

Eachyear,themagazinehonoursphotographerswhocapturesomeofthebest shotshighlighting Canadianlandscapes, wildlife,weatherandoutdooradventures. SiebritswastherunnerupintheFlora, Fauna,andFungicategory.

Theotterswereoneofthosemoments whennaturejust“stopsusinour tracks,” saidSiebrits.

“They’reverycharismatic subjects.Ifeel likethey’re veryexpressiveandtheyhave

bigpersonalities.”

Siebritsaddedshe’sgratefultolivein a placewhereunexpected encounterswith wildlifearestill relativelycommon.

Momentsofencounteringurbanwildlife “just remindmethatnatureisn’tsoseparatefromourlives,”shesaid.

Herinterestinwildlife photography hadanunlikelybeginning.Shewasliving in TorontoduringtheCOVID-19pandemic, coopeduponthe14thfloorofa highrise apartmentbuilding.She startedgoingout onsmallurbansafariswithacamera,taking photosofsquirrelsandducksaroundher neighbourhood.

Soonshewashooked.

Siebritsadmitswhenshestarted,“I thoughtIhadtobeinthe remotestcorners ofCanadaandbearoundwolvesandbears andalltheseiconicanimalstobeawildlife photographer. Butwhaturbanwildlife photographyhasmademe realizeisthat’s notthecaseatall.

“There’sthesewildstoriesunfolding literallyallaroundus. And it’ssoeasytobe so focusedonourdaythatwecompletely overlookthem But I alwaysencourage peopletostartpayingattentionbecause youstarttoseesomuch and feelsomuch moreconnectedtonaturewhenyoustart

payingattention.”

Siebritssaidshelearnedphotography through“YouTubeUniversity”plus a lotoftrialanderrorandtipsfromother photographers.

Asanenvironmentaladvocate,being ethicalabouthershotsisimportant.That meansthephotographershouldneverbe obtrusiveenoughtochangetheanimal’s behaviour.

“Thekeyformeisthatyoualwaysput thewellbeingofthesubjectabovethe shot,”shesaid.

Italsomeansusuallycarryingabig telephotolensinordertoshootfrom a distance. Wildlifephotographyisunpredictable,saidSiebrits.

“[Lastweek]Ispentacoupleofhours waitingtoseeifsomeorcaswouldcome throughandtheyneverdid,”shesaid.“So I juststoodintherainforacoupleofhours withfriends.”

Itisn’talwaysaboutgettingtheshot,she said.

“Attheendoftheday,it’sjustkindof beingoutthereandwaitingandslowing downandbeingalittlebitlessconnected withthe[human]worldandmoreconnectedwiththewildworld.Ithinkthat’s whatkeepsmecomingback.”

YoucancheckoutSiebrits’otherphotos onherwebsite wildlifewithcari.com orfollow heronInstagramat @wildlifewithcari.

AsecondNorthShorephoto,of Vancouverskyscrapersseeminglysuspendedbehindthecloudsabove West Vancouver’sCypressLookoutbyphotographerPeterRobinson,alsoearnedan honourablemention.

CanadianGeographic recentlyhonoured photographer Cari Siebrits forthisphotoof river otters capturedcrossingthe railroadtracksnear West Van’sCentennial Seawalk. CARI SIEBRITS

YOUAREHERE2026

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REALESTATESTATS

West Vanluxury mansions top listof North Shoresalesin2025

JANESEYD

jseyd@nsnews.com

Whileeconomicuncertaintycontinuedto cool realestateactivity acrossmuchofMetro Vancouverin2025, mansionsintheNorth Shore’sultra-luxury housing marketcontinuedtochangehands.

Frompalatialestatesin theBritishPropertiesto waterfrontparcelsin West BayandCaulfeild,buyers withdeeppocketswere stillwillingtostepupfor properties offeringprivacy, viewsandarchitectural cred–albeitoftenatprices beloworiginalasking.

Onebigchangeinthe high-endmarketsisthatfarfewerforeign buyersaresnappingupluxury realestate thesedays, said realestateagentDerek Grech, ofThe PartnersRealEstatein West Vancouver Ottawa’sforeignbuyerban andupheavalintheChineseeconomy areamongthekeyfactors Adecadeago, duringthepeakofthe realestate“gold rush,”theluxury marketwasdominated byoffshorebuyers lookingforasafe place toparktheirmoney.

Thesedays,buyersare morelikelyto be wealthmanagementadvisors movingfromPointGreyorKitsilanoto West Vancouver,saidGrech,orCanadianswho havebeenlivingintheU.S.forbusiness andhavedecidedtocomebackhome.

“I’vedonesixdealswherepeoplefrom CaliforniathatareCanadianshaveleftthe Californiamarketbasedonthepoliticsin California,” said Grech.Besidespolitics, thefacttheAmericandollarcanstretch furtherintheCanadianmarketalso doesn’thurt.

Thechangeinthemarkethasinfluencedwhat’sbeenselling,andatwhat pricepoint, saidGrech.

Inthepast,mansionsofover10,000 squarefeetwithmassivestaircases, chandeliersandmarbleintheBritish Propertiesdominatedhighendsales Nowadays,more WestCoastmoderndesignsonthe waterfrontand luxurypropertiesinneighbourhoods likeAltamountarepopular withtop-tier buyers.

Manyofthe year’s biggestdeals involvedhomes thathadbeenlisted–and relisted–anumberoftimes.

Waterfront,largeestatelotsandarchitecturalpedigree remainedkeydrivers of value,whileseveral of themostexpensive transactionsweredrivenmorebyland thanbythehomesthemselves.

Here’salookatthetop10 residential salesontheNorthShorein2025.

1.820EyremountDrive

Themostopulenthometosell on theNorthShorein2025was“Chateau Eyremount,”alavishmega-mansionin West Vancouver’sBritishPropertiesthat closedAug.14for$17.5million.

The11,236-square-foot,six-bedroom, eight-bathroomhomespent215dayson themarketbeforebeingsoldfor$1.38 millionbelowits originalaskingprice by Wendy TianofLuxmoreRealty.Completed in2022onahalf-acrelot,themansion has morethanatouchof West Vanbaroque completewithgildedpillars,marble floors,ornatecarvingsandasoaringfoyer crownedbyoneofmanychandeliers throughoutthehome.

Thehomeincludesanindoorpool, elevator,winecellar,sixgasfireplaces, a nannysuite,heateddriveway,andwater fountainsfrontandback.Itlastsoldin 2016 for$6.2million,andhad previously beenlistedforjust under $10millionfive yearsago.

2.16628thStreet

Thiswaterfront residenceintheheart ofDundaravesoldSept.2for$13.6 million after92daysonthemarket.

Substantially rebuiltin2015,the

ContinuedonA15

Photo: Alison Boulier

Thepriciest home to sellontheNorth Shorein2025 was 820 EyremountDr.,amansionin West Vancouver’s British Propertiesthatclosed Aug.14 for $17.5million. ZEALTY.CA

Offshorebuyersno longerdominating luxury real estate market

10-year-old,nearly 6,000-square-foot homesitsona12,000-square-footestate alongoneof West Vancouver’smost covetedstretchesofBellevue Avenue. Thethree-levelhomeofferssixbedrooms, eightbathrooms,expansiveocean-facing terraces,apool,hottub,solarium,media roomanddirectbeach access.

Theproperty,soldbyJonathan Yu ofSuttonGroup West CoastRealty,had previouslybeenlistedin September 2021 for nearly$23millionbutfailedtosellat thattime.

Grechsaidtheproperty wasboughtby a West Vanlocal.

3.2303Palmerston Avenue

ThismodernmansioninQueenssold May17for$12.38millionafter just25days onthemarket.

Builtin2021anddesigned byCraig Chevalier,thenearly8,000-square-foot homesitsona0.4-acrelot.Theseven-bedroom,nine-bathroom residenceincludes a resort-styleheatedpool, heateddriveway andthree-cargarage,aswellasmultiple barareas,fivewalk-inclosets andfourgas fireplaces.BreathtakingviewsfromMount Bakerto VancouverIsland roundoutthe package.Thehomewas sold byMalcolm HasmanofAngell,Hasman &Associates for$500,000belowasking price.Thehome isanexampleofagoodlocationandgreat view,saidGrech.

Thehomelastsoldin2012for$3.5 million.

4.5375KewCliff Road

Oneofthemostuniquehigh end homestosellin2025,thissouthwest-facingwaterfrontestatewitha private50-foot dockinCaulfeildchangedhandsJan.5for $11.5million—afull $4.5 millionbelowits asking price.

The0.73-acrepropertyfeatures a 57-year-oldhomedesigned by Ian DavidsonandRussellHollingsworthin the1960s.Whilethe seven-bedroomhome includes an indoor pool and dramatic seasidepatiocantileveredoverthewater, much of thevaluelies in the land and dockaccess.

Situatedonaprivatesouthwestpoint of land,theproperty offers“incredible naturallight”and“totalprivacy.”

The propertyspent215daysonthe marketbeforebeing soldbyEricLattaof Sotheby’sInternationalRealty.

5.925FairmileRoad

Thisfive-year-oldluxurymansionin theBritishPropertiessoldSept.12for $11millionafterbeinglistedlessthan a

ThismansionintheBritishProperties at 925

Fairmilesold Sept 12 for $11million ZEALTY.CA

monthearlieratalmost$17million.

Justunder14,000squarefeet, the home,describedasa“worldclasslavish mansion,”features agrandmarbleentryway,soaringfoyerwithspiralstaircase, hometheatre, gym,sauna,wetbar, wine roomandfour-car garage.

ItwassoldbyMichaelXuofSutton Group WestCoastRealtyin25days.

Grechsaiditwas “thetalkofthetown” in realestatecircleswhenthehousesold foralmost$6millionunderasking.Grech saidtheforeignowners,whoweren’t livinginthehousebutwere rentingitout, “justwantedtheirmoneyout.”

Thepropertyhadpreviouslybeen listedin2021fornearly$20millionand lastsoldin2014for$6million.

6. 6060BlinkBonnie Road

Thissale was allabouttheland.

Themassive waterfrontparcel–more than44,000squarefeetwith190feetof oceanfrontageonGleneagles’Batchelor Point—soldinSeptemberfor$10.3 millionafterbeinglistedforalmost$14 million.Plansandpermitsarealready inplaceforan8,300-square-footmodernhomedesignedbyarchitectGarrett Werner,withmillionsalreadyinvestedin sitepreparationandfoundation work.

Grechsaidtheproperty was bought byayounger,localbuyer whoplansto buildadreamhomethere.

The propertyhad previouslybeen listed as highas$16million.

7.2964Mathers

Sellinginjustthreedays,thisLinda Burger-designedluxuryhomeinAltamont closedfor$10.25million, slightlybelow its$10.998millionaskingprice with Malcolm Hasman of Angell Hasmanand Associates representingthe seller.

“It’sabeautifulhousewithabeautiful view,”said Grech.

Itlastsoldin2004for$3.7million.

8.4580MarineDrive

Afteryearsofpriceadjustments,this 6,900-square-foothighbankwaterfront homeinCaulfeildfinally soldFeb.12for $9.3millionbyBrockSmeatonofSmeaton CookRealEstateGroupRoyalLePage Sussex.

“Thatwastheluckiest sale,”said Grech,notingthelistinghadbeen throughmorethanhalfadozen real estateagentsbeforeit sold.

Builtin2018,thefive-bedroom, seven-bathroommodernhome sitsona gatedthird-of-an-acrelotwithaninfinity poolandhottuboverlookingBurrard Inlet.Marketedasa“masterpieceofmodernluxury,”thehomeboastsstunning oceanviewsfrommostofitswindows. Theproperty was originallylistedin 2018for$16.58millionandmost recently relistedinJanuary2024at$10.59million.

The21-year-old,8,500-square-foot residencesits onnearly half anacre and includessixbedrooms,eightbathrooms, a wine room,sauna,gym, pool,hot tub,pizzaovenandmultiplefireplaces. Praisedforits“breathtakingviews”and designerfinishes,thehomeisjustminutesawayfromDundarave Village.

9.1112GilstonRoad

This five-year-old,nearly9,000-squarefootcustomhomeintheBritish PropertiessoldJuly5for$9.1million byMalcolmHasman of Angell,Hasman andAssociates.Itwas originallylistedat almost$11million.

Thesix-bedroom,nine-bathroom residenceincludesaprivateelevator,indoor spawithsteamandsauna,wine roomwith wetbar,billiards room, resort-style pool andputtinggreen.Thehomewasbuilt by Homesby Valentinoandmarketedas a turnkeyluxuryproperty.Thehomewas previouslylistedatmore than$13million. Itlastsoldto$3.6million in2015.

10.3704McKechnie Ave.

Roundingoutthelistisa WestCoast modernhomebacking onto McKechnie Parkin WestBaythatsoldNov. 3for$8.75 millionafterbeinglistedbyMalcolm HasmanofAngell,HasmanandAssociates foralmost$11million.

DesignedbyarchitectCraigChevalier, the five-year-old,5,300-square-foothome features floor-to-ceilingwindows,expansiveoceanviews,acoveredoutdoor diningterraceandhottub.Thefour-bedroom, five-bathroomhomelastsoldin 2022for$11million.

Freezebruaryfundraiser splashesbacktothe North Shore

ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com

Local JournalismInitiativeReporter Wouldyouplungeintotheicy, cold seainthemiddleofwinterforagood cause?

Thatiswhattwo Vancouver residents are askingforastheyraise fundsforThe Dugout,an organizationthathelps residentsoftheDowntownEastsidewithfood, drop-in programsandmore.

Forthesecond yearina row, Abby HoffmanandConor Sinnamon have launchedthe “Freezebruary”fundraiser, wheretheduoand otherswhodareto join willplungeintocoldwaterseverydaythis monthacross VancouverandtheNorth Shore toraisemoneyforthenon-profit.

“Ifeellikewhenitcomestothechallengesin VancouverandtheDowntown Eastside,alotof peopledocareandthey want tohelpandbeinvolved,butthey don’tknowhow,”saidHoffman,whois a teacherattheNorthShoreAcademy of Dancing.“Ithinkit’sa reallypositiveand upliftingwaytobringawarenesstoaseriousanddevastating issuethat’shappening in our city.”

Lastyear,Hoffman,Sinnamonand co-founderAndrewMcNamara(whois currentlyinAustralia)raisedmorethan $8,600,chanellingafamousBritishpop groupwiththeir nicknameforthemselves: the“IceGirls.”

Thistimearound,Hoffmanand Sinnamonareincreasingthetargetto $15,000.As of Tuesday,theduohadraised morethan$950.

HoffmanandSinnamon decidedtoraise fundsforTheDugoutagainastheywanted

tohelpalocalorganizationandmakean impact.

“We’retryingtomakeabiggersplash,” Sinnamonsaid.“Especiallythistime ofyear whereit’sBalticoutside,itjustfeltlike a goodorganizationtopickforus.”

Onweekdays,HoffmanandSinnamon haveplannedcoldplungesat Vancouver beacheslikeKitsilanoBeachandEnglish Bay. Weekends,however,willbe“pop-up locations,”like DundaraveBeach in West VanonFeb.8.

Otherweekendspotsthismonthmight beinAmbleside, Lynn Valleyand Deep Cove,Hoffmansaid.

They’rehopingforabiggergroupthis year,andbusinessesarepitchingintohelp thecausetoo,HoffmanandSinnamonsaid Delany’sCoffeeHousein Dundaravewill be offeringfreehotcocoaorcoffeeforthose whoplungeonFeb.8.

AdrianaMaron,managerofthe Amblesidelocation,saidthecoffeeshop is happytopitchinforthegoodcause.

“It’samazingthatwecandosomethingtohelppeopleinneed,”Maronsaid. “Wealwaystrytohelpandsupport West Vancouverevents.”

NorthShoreAcademyof Dancing, PanagoPizza, UndergroundComedyClub, theLocalPublicEateryandKitsBeachBeer Co.arealsohelpingout,Hoffmansaid. Anyoneiswelcometoplungeinthecold waters.Thoseinterestedindivinginfor a goodcausecancheckout instagram.com/ freezebruary fortheirschedule. AbbyLucianoistheIndigenousandcivic affairsreporterfortheNorthShoreNews. Thisreportingbeatismadepossibleby the LocalJournalismInitiative.

ConorSinnamon,AbbyHoffmanandNeve Kelly brace for Freezebruary, adailyoutdoor swimchallenge forthemonthof February to raisefunds for TheDugout,a non-profitthat helps residentsinthe DowntownEastside. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN

LIGHTANDSPACEINLYNN VALLEY

#901-1409 West

#104 -6080IonaDrive, UBC,Vancouver

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

ArareandexclusiveCoalHarbouropportunity at WestPenderPlace.Withonly22suites,this boutiquebuildingoffersenhancedprivacy and quiet.Thewater,marinaandmountain viewsarespectacular.Thissubpenthouse suiteisonlyoneof 2unitsonthe9thfloor &offers 3bedrooms, 3fullbathroomsanda largecoveredterrace.Thoughtfullydesigned layout,9’4”ceilingsandmassivewallsofglass addtotheluxurioussenseofspace.Italian kitchenwithhugeislandandGaggenauand Subzeroappliancesandgorgeousspa-like bathrooms.Level 2EVcharging recently addedtotheside-by-sideparkingspots.

THEGLASSHOUSE

$3,680,000

$1,499,000

1578Inglewood,

West Vancouver

#306 -2325Emery Court,NorthVancouver 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.

AtrueAmblesidegem,built in 2001& meticulouslymaintainedbytheowners.This homeoffers 4bdrmand 4bathrmacross~3,500 sqftof livingon a7,125sqftofland.Thechef’s kitchenfeaturespremiumMiele appliances& opensseamlessly tothe living room.Themain floor includes aprivateoffice &afullbathroom, idealforworkingfromhomeorguests.Enjoy A/Cbedrooms, abeautifullyfinished woodwine cellar room, &exceptionalprivacythroughout. Thesunnysouth-facingbackyardfeaturesa firepit,perfectforentertaining.Anoversized doublegaragewithflatdriveway isaccessed via aquietno-throughlane. Arooftopdeck captures lovelymountainviewsandglimpsesof theLionsGateBridge.Ideally locatedcloseto schools,parks,beaches,andshops.

$1,299,000

$1,345,000

$3,590,000

PRICEDUNDER ASSESSMENT

PARKSIDE

#901-1409West

15BrunswickBeach

Pender Place,Vancouver

Rd,LionsBay

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.

This5,000sq.ft.dreamhomeisoneofthemost uniquepropertiesin West Vancouver. Set atthe endofa quiet road,thiswaterfront peninsulahas nearly400feetofshorelinethatwrapsaroundthe homeanditsfortress-like concretefoundation walls!Enjoytheheatedoceansideswimming pool andsecludedbeacheswhilewatchingcaptivating oceanwildlife.The viewsandsunsetsofHowe Sound,theislands and beyond aremagical. This homewasbuilt 4yearsago, constructedofsteel andglassandthelatesttechnology.Massive wallsofwindowstomaximizethe viewsfrom everyangle.5 bedroomsand5 baths, averywell equippedgym, andabout3,000sq.ft.oceanside terraces,gardensandlawn.

$17,800,000

$3,680,000

#104 -6080IonaDrive, UBC, Vancouver

Thisisoneofthenicesttownhomesinthis community!This 2storycornertownhome offersspaciousandopen-planliving,high ceilings,largewindows, 3bedroomsand 2.5baths. Wonderfulprivateoutdoor spacewith alargesouthandwestfacing terracetoenjoyandentertainonthose sunnydays.

THEGLASSHOUSE

$1,499,000

#207-111 E3rd

#306 -2325EmeryCourt, North Vancouver

St, NorthVancouver

Large 2bedroom/ 2bathroomandden cornerunitingorgeousParkside.1265 sqftincluding105sqftbalcony.Lotsof light.SetattheedgeofKirkstoneParkand minutesto Lynn Valleyshopping.Amenities includeindoorpool,gym,outdoorkitchen withbbqandfirepitin aseparatebuilding. Thekitchencentersaroundanextralong island, 5burnergascooktopandcounter depthintegratedfridge.Privateparking hasEVcharger.Twolargestoragelockers foryourskis,mountainbikesetc.Thislisting isowneroccupied.

WelcometotheVersatilebuilding where NorthShoremeetsdowntownconvenience. BuiltbyIntracorpandbeautifullydesigned, thisbrightN/Wcornerunitoffers floorto ceilingwindows,in-floorradiantheating, quartzcountertops,stainlesssteel appliancesandlookslikenew.Offeredasa 2bedroombuttechnically 1largebedroom and ahugebrightdenwithwindowsand asmallcloset. 1bathroomwith asoaker tub.CentrallylocatedatLonsdaleand3rd, youcanwalktocoffeeshops,restaurants, LonsdaleQuayandSeabuswithinminutes.

$1,299,000

$778,000

PRICED WAYUNDER ASSESSMENT

#207-111 E3rd

15BrunswickBeachRd,LionsBay

St,North Vancouver

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

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2026OLYMPICS

ChefdeMissionJennifer Heilleads Team Canadato Italy

BRENTRICHTER brichter@nsnews.com

JennHeilhasstoodatopof the Olympicpodium andshe’s missedmedallingbyahair.

Buttheoutcomewasnever the realstory. Today,she’snot exactlysurewhereher Turin2006 and Vancouver2010goldand silvermedalsare.It’sherOlympic bibsthatareframedand on displayinherNorth Vancouver home.

“Igave[themedals]tomy mom.She hasthem.Ididn’twant todealwiththem,”Heilsaid.“It isabouthavingno regretsand celebratingwhatgoesintothat performance. To me, theOlympic bibs representthatbecausethat istheblood,sweat andtearsof anathlete.”

That’sthecultureHeilisnow workingtoinstillinCanada’s 209-strongcontingentofathletes she is leadingintoMilanoCortina forthe2026 WinterOlympicsas ChefdeMission.

“It’strulyoneofthegreatest honoursinmylife to beselected assomeonethat’sentrustedwith theleadershipofthisteam,” shesaid.“Reallysupportingthe athletesbefore,duringandafter, regardlessofthe outcome.”

Sinceshetook on the role almostayearago,she’sbeen managinglogisticswiththe Canada OlympicCommitteeand puttinginfacetimewithathletes, usingherownexperience to offer

mentorshipandmoralsupport thatonlyanotherOlympiancan. “It’shardtooverstatehow muchpressureathletesare underinthismoment. I mean, it’s tremendous,”shesaid. “If youcancreateastrong teamand someonethatyousort ofknow is high-fivingyouandencouraging youandinspiringyou,thatcan makethedifference.”

Heil,whogrewupinSpruce Grove,Alta.beforemovingto North Van,fondly recalls oneof herownChefsdeMissionhaving herbackwhenshewonher goldmedalin Turinin2006.The

MilanoCortinaforHeil.Andthen there’sItaly’sfamoushospitality, shenoted.

ButbeingtheChefde Mission alsomakesher anadvocate on behalfofCanada’sOlympiansin theirowncountry. Theirhard workandsacrificeisnosecret toanyone,butthey aregoingup againstmany athleteswhobenefit fromfarmore financialsupport ontheirascenttothehighest levelsofworldcompetition. We cheerforathleteswhopayoutof pockettotrain and compete their heartsoutandthen go home to depletedbankaccounts.

“We’retalkingthevery bestinthe world.”

Buttheoutcome isn’t the story. There issomething about thewaytheOlympic movement overcomesthenoiseofpolitics andgroundsusinthetimely reminderthat everyone,no mattertheirbackground, can be unitedinsport,Heil emphasized.

team’smedialiaisonhadbroken anankleandhadtobehelicopteredoffthemountain,soChef deMissionand1984Olympic divinggoldmedallistSylvie Berniersteppedintosupport Heilthroughthemediaonslaught. Thetwo remainedfriends. It waswhiletheywereonahike togetherthatBernier suggested Heilapplyforthe job,which is a volunteerpositionshedoesoff thesideofherdeskwhile also runningatechstart-up.

AsChefdeMission,therewill besimilarmomentsofpersonal connectiontolookforwardto in

“I’vehadtearsinmy eyes whenI’veheardsome ofthepersonalchallenges,”Heilsaid.“Ifwe valuesportinCanada and having ourcountrygettingtheCanadian flag waving,thenoursystem isin needofsomeserioussupport and strategicinvestment.…Ithink it’sa relativelysmallinvestment insportfortheoutsizedimpact ofhavinggreatambassadors nationally.”

Despitethe enormous challenges,HeilsaidCanadians shouldhaveveryhigh expectationsforagoodhaulof medals fromthisyear’scompetitors, particularlyinskiing and short trackspeedskating.

“I truly dothinkwe’llhaveone ofourmosttalentedteamsgoing totheOlympics,whichispretty exceptionalwhenyoulook at it againstthebackdrop,”shesaid.

“Itcouldn’tbe more important thanitistodaytobreak down someofthesepolitical barriers and rhetoric andallthosepieces andto reallybe abletoshare inthedifferentculturesand themeltingpotoftheOlympic Games,”shesaid.

TheChefde Missionleadsthe athletesthroughtheGames,but theathletesinturnofferleadershiplessonstothe restofus,Heil said.The resiliency, determinationandsportsmanshipthat are thecoreoftheOlympicspirit are thingsthatHeilsaidhave guided herineverythingfrombusiness toparenthood.

“Sportissuch a critical part ofmylife, and thefurtheryou moveoutofactive competition, Ithink,themore you realize how importantitis,”shesaid.“We don’t always get towritetheperfectstoryonthatday. Sometimes thebarriers are too great.But walkingawaywithdignityand prideinwhatyoubroughttothe competitionisessential.And I thinkthatspeakstowhoweare asCanadians.”

Canada’s OlympicChefdeMissionJenniferHeil addressesNorth Vancouverschoolkidsbeforeheading to theMilanoCortina Winter Olympics. PAULMCGRATH / NSN

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LandAct: NoticeofApplicationfora DispositionofCrown Land

TakenoticethatMetro Vancouverhas appliedtotheBritishColumbia Ministry of Water,LandandResourceStewardship (WLRS),SouthCoastRegionfor aLicence ofOccupationfor Aggregate andQuarry Materialssituated onProvincialCrown land locatedatPatonPitinthe Lower SeymourConservationReserve.

WLRS invitescommentsonthis application. TheLandsFileis 2412927. Writtencommentsconcerningthis application shouldbedirected to theSeniorLand Officer, SouthCoast, WLRS,at MinistryofForests Suite 20010428-153Street, Surrey, BC,V3R1E1. Commentswill be receivedbyWLRSup to February24,2026.WLRSmay notbe able to considercommentsreceived after thisdate.PleasevisittheApplications, CommentsandReasonsfor Decision Database websiteat http://comment.nrs. gov.bc.ca/ formore information.

Beadvisedthatanyresponsetothis advertisement will beconsideredpart of thepublic record.Accesstotheserecords requiresthesubmission of aFreedomof Information(FOI) request. Visit http:// www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learnmoreaboutFOI submissions.

SKELETONCREW

JaneChannelltakes onleadership role headingintothirdOlympics

ANDY PREST aprest@nsnews.com

JaneChannellcanstillvividly rememberthe first timeshetried thewildsportofskeleton.

Shegotonthethinsled,metal runners restingonasheetofice pointedstraightdownamountain, andpreparedforlaunch.Nothingcan prepareyouforthefeeling of thefirst time,shesaid.

“Youseethetrack,youseehow hightheiceis on thesewalls,and youcan’tevenfathomthatyou’dbe gettingthathigh,”shesaid.

Theinstructionsfrom thecoach, beforegivingherapushfacefirst downthechute,weresimple.

“Theytellyoutolietherelike a sackofpotatoes,”shesaid.“Don’t move.Enjoytheride.Andiftheiceis nice,youstillget up to,and over,100 kilometresperhour.Andthensomeonecatchesyouatthebottom,and youhave no ideawhatjusthappened butyou’rejustshakingfromthe amount of adrenalinethat’scoursing throughyourbody.”

Channellwastold,beforethat first time,she’deitherloveit or hateit. Andthen off shesped.

“Andfromthatpoint forward, I absolutelylovedit.”

Thatwas15yearsagoand theHandsworthSecondarygrad fromNorth Vancouverhaskept on slidingeversince.She’sbeen to twoOlympics finishing10thin Pyeongchangin2018and17thin Beijingin2022.Andshehashadsuccessatthesport’stoplevel,earning a handful of medalsin World Cupraces overtheyears,finishingfourth atthe 2015worldchampionshipsandclaimingaworldchampionshipsilverinthe mixedskeletonteameventwithDave Greszczyszyn.

Butithasn’talwaysbeensmooth sailingontheicytrack.Therehas beenalot ofupheavalinher national association,BobsleighCanada Skeleton,andChannellsaidshe often feltunsupportedand unmentored as shetriedto navigatehersport’s highestlevels.

Thatfeeling,however,hasvanishedinthelead-uptothe2026Milano CortinaGames,astheteamisworking wellasa unit withthe full supportof thefederationbehindthem,shesaid.

“Thistime,itdefinitelyfeelsdifferentthantheprevioustwo,”shesaid “Thistime,thewholeprogramhas helpedandsupportednotjustme, butfromthegrassrootsalltheway uptothe other soon-to-beOlympians. We’vehadahugeculturechangesince 2022– new leadership,newcoaches, essentiallyawhole new program, andjusttheamountofhardwork andeffortthatthecurrentathletes haveputintogettheculturetobeas strongasitis,it’strulyincredible.It’s beenamassiveteameffort.”

AndChannellisabigpartofthat stability, now takingonthe roleof teamveteranasshegoesintothe GameswithtwoOlympic rookiesin JosipBrusicofOkotoks,Alta.and HallieClarke of Brighton,Ont.

“Iwanttobethereandsupport HallieandJoseph,”shesaid.“This is theirfirstOlympics,andit’ssomethingthatIwishIhadhadinmy first Olympicsin2018.Ourwholesquad thattimewasbrandnew.Noonehad beentothegamesbefore,sowewere quite–Idon’twanttosaynaivegoing intothegames–butwejustdidn’t reallyknowwhattoexpect,andwe didn’thavethatexperiencedperson theretojustkind of keepusgrounded andsay‘It’sOK.’”

ThefactthatCanadahasqualified twofemaleracers for the Games is due toaclutchperformancefrom

Channell.Admittedlynotonherbest forminthelead-uptothe Games, Channellwentintothe finalqualificationracein Germanyneedingto finish aheadofanotherracerfromAustria toensureCanadawouldhaveenough pointstoentertwosledsintothe Olympiccompetition.

“Itwas reallystressful.Itwas sleeplessnights,”shesaid.“Iwasable toexecutewhatIneededtodotoearn thatspot,soitwasprettyexciting… I feltlikeIwasslidingthebestI’veever beensliding.Ifeltcomfortableonthe sled.”

Thoughshe’sbeenatthisgamefor awhile,puttingonasuitwithamaple leafonitand representingCanadais somethingthatnevergetsold.

“Tobeabletowearthemapleleaf onyourbackatanOlympic Games issomethingtrulyspecial,”shesaid. “You’retherenotjust representing yourselfatthatpoint. You’rethere representingyournation,allof yoursupporters,peopleyoudon’t evenknowarecheeringforyou.It’s somethingIdon’ttakelightlyand it’s somethingthatIfeeltrulygratefulto havethisopportunityathirdtime now.”

Thewomen’sOlympicskeleton competitionisscheduledforFeb. 13-14attheCortinaSlidingCentre, withthemixedteameventslatedfor Feb.15.

North Vancouver’s JaneChannell competes in skeleton duringthe Beijing2022 Olympic WinterGameson Saturday, Feb. 12,2022. MARK BLINCH/COC

OlympicGames providespecial reunion for Seger family

ANDY PREST aprest@nsnews.com

Therewillbethreemembers of North Vancouver’sSeger familyonthemountainat the OlympicGamesinMilano Cortinanextweek,andone more watchingveryintently backhome.

ThestoryofbrothersBrodie andRileySegerbothqualifyingfor the WinterGamesisoneofthose neatOlympictalesthatshows howfarhardwork,drive,support andtalentcangetyou.Andeverybodylovessuccessfulsiblings.

Butthestoryofhowmom PatriciaanddadMarkaregoing toexperiencetheGamesisoneof thoseOlympicmiraclestories that goesfarbeyondsport.

MarkwasdiagnosedwithALS in2012.It’sthe reasonBrodie runs anannualhelmetdesigncontest toraiseawarenessandfundsfor the battleagainstALS.

Thosewhoknowthedisease knowthatthelifeexpectancy followingdiagnosisistwotofive years. Markisstill withus,which

isamiracleuntoitself. But his healthhasdeterioratedsteadilyin thepastyear,tothepointwhere he canonlycommunicatethrough an eye-gaze text tool and needs assistancewithallday-to-day tasks.CaringforMarkhasbecome Patricia’sjob.

Andsowhenthefamilyfound

outBrodiewould be competing inhissecondGames,and Riley wouldbe joining himfor his Olympicalpineskiing debut,they were resignedtothefactthat Markand Patriciawould be watchingtheGamesat home, even though Patricia has longtalked aboutjoiningher boysinItaly.

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Young RileyandBrodie Seger hangoutonamountaintoponone ofmany familyskioutings.The twoboyswill compete together inalpineskiinginthe2026 Winter OlympicGames. SEGER FAMILY

“She’safull-timecaretakerfor my dad, and Ijustthoughtthere’s nowaywe’re goingtobeableto figureoutsomethingwithcare workersorfriendsorsomething likethatfor her to be completely goneforoveraweek,”saidBrodie. Butaminorarmyoffriends andfamilymembershas

mobilizedin recentweekstocome upwithaplanforMark’scareto allowPatriciatojointheboys inItaly.It’soneofthegreatest giftsthefamilycouldaskfor,said Brodie.

“I’mveryexcitedtobeexperiencingthiswithmybrother, andIthinkthemostincredible thingisthatmymom’sgoingto beabletomakethetripout,”he said.“It’skindof,tobehonest,the firstmomentoffreedomwhere she’sbeenabletogetawayfrom homeinanumberofyears.That’s excitinginandofitself,butto havethethreeofustogetherat a Games,that’saveryspecialfamily moment.”

Makingthingsevenbetterfor theboys,they’llhavelong-time friendandfellowHandsworth SecondarygradCameron Alexandertherewiththem.The threeNorth Vancouverboys grewuptogetherintheWhistler MountainSkiClub,withRileyand Alexandersharingaparticularly closebondcomingfromthesame

ContinuedonA22

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TIME:2:00pm -3:30pm

NORTH VANCOUVER Tuesday,February17,2026

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North Vancouver’s Seger family celebrates oneof the many triumphsof brothersBrodieand Rileyontheskislopes. COURTESY BRODIESEGER

PUBLIC HEARING

OfficialCommunity Plan Amendments

When: Tuesday, February17, 2026 at 7pm

Where: CouncilChambers, 355WestQueensRoad, North Vancouver,BC

What: APublic Hearingfor Bylaw8763, proposed amendments to theOfficial CommunityPlan(OCP) to update theDistrict’s developmentpermitapprovals process.

What Changes: Bylaw8763proposestoamend theOCP,in generalterms,todelegateauthority to stafftoissue development permitsfor theFormand CharacterDevelopment Permit Area (DPA)for industrial andbusinessparkdevelopments, to allow delegateddevelopment permitstoinclude minorvariances to the Zoning Bylaw, to update thedefinition of minordevelopment permit,and to addanadditional criteria forexemption from the requirement fora developmentpermitfor theFormand Character DPA.

Bylaw8763applies to alllands within thegeographicboundaries of theDistrictofNorth Vancouverother thanlands that are not subjecttomunicipal jurisdiction.

How: ThePublic Hearingwillbeheldina hybrid format witha combination of in-personand electronic participationby some or allmembers of council, or by staffand thepublic. Thepublicare invited to attend at theCouncil Chambers wheretheywillbeable to seeand hear theentireproceedings.Those wishingtovieworto participate in themeeting electronically maydosoat https://dnvorg.zoom.us/j/64484156494orbyphone by dialling 1-778-907-2071 andenteringwebinar ID 6448415 6494.

WhenandHow can Iprovide input?

We welcomeyourinput on Tuesday, February 17,2026, at 7pm. You maysignuptospeakatthe hearingbycontactingthe Corporate Officer at signup@dnv.org priorto3pm,Tuesday,February17, 2026.You mayalsoprovide awritten submission at anytime prior tothe closeofthe public hearingbysending it to theCorporate Officer at input@dnv.orgorbymailtoCorporate Officer,355 West QueensRoad, District of NorthVancouver,BC, V7N4N5.After the speakers list hasbeen exhausted, therewillbean opportunityfor additional speakers whohad notsignedupinadvance to make submissions. Please note that Councilmay notreceive further submissions from thepublicconcerningthese applications afterthe conclusion of thepublichearings.

Alexanderalso going forgold

ContinuedfromA21

agegroup.

“They’veskiedtogetherforever,literally sincethebeginning,”saidBrodie,adding thatAlexanderwasunluckytomissthelast Olympicsduetoanunfortunately-timed injurythatdidn’tallowhimtocollect enough points.He’sputupsomebig results sincethen,winninggoldina WorldCup downhillatKvitfjelljustweeksafterthe 2022GamestobecomethefirstCanadian towina World Cupdownhillineightyears. Sincethen, he’searnedfourmore World Cupdownhillbronzemedals,finishing thirdin Bormioin2023and2024,Kvitfjellin 2024andonthefamed Kitzbueheltrackin Januaryof2025.

“He’sjustshowed,timeandtimeagain, that he’s acompetitor,”saidBrodie.“Hehas whatittakesonthebiggeststages.”

versusanyofourteammates,”hesaid.“We allwanttoseetheotherguyhaveagood day,butmaybejustalittlebitslowerthan us.”AlloftheCanadianskierswillhave theirsightssetonthepodium,saidBrodie.

“There’sonlyonethingthatmattersat thebigshow. We’realllookingformedals, hungryforsomehardware,”hesaid,adding theCanadianshavebeeninconsistentthis yearbuttheyallhavethetalenttowinon anygivenday.

“Ifeellikewe’rejustcominginwith a littlebitofunderdogmentality,liketryto justbringthehungerforit,tobringthe competitivenessandjusttrytothrowdown ourabsolutebestwhenitmatters,”said Brodie.“AndIthinkifweputthattogether, itforsurecanbegoodenoughforamedal.”

Need more info? Copies of thebylaw areavailable forreviewat 355WestQueensRoad, NorthVancouver,BC, between 8:00am and4:30pmMondaytoFriday(except holidays), starting Tuesday, February3,2026, or online at DNV.org/agenda

Questions?

JasonSmith,SeniorCommunity Planner smithja@dnv.org, 604-990-2421

There’safriendlyrivalry betweenall of them,inparticularthebrothers.Asthe elderbrother,Brodieclaimstohavedone theheavylifting,learningthe ropesofski racingwhilehisyoungerbrothercoasted rightinbehindhim,hesaidwithalaugh.

“Bythetimehegotintotheracingprogram,itwasjustsightsseton‘beatingmy olderbrother,’”Brodiesaid.“I hadatarget onmy backthewholetime.”

Thatfriendlyrivalryextendstothe restoftheCanadianteamtoo,saidBrodie, addingthattheyall pusheachothertobe better.

“It’snodifferentwithmeand [Riley]

Whateverhappens,BrodieandRiley knowthattheirmomwillbetherewith them,andtheirotherbiggestfanwillbe watchingathome.

“Mydadwillcertainlybefollowingalong withtheGames,”Brodiesaid,addingthat thetoolthatallowstheirdadtosendthem messageshasbeenamazingforthemsince helosttheabilitytoeffectivelycommunicateverbally.Themessagestheygetfrom himarespecial,saidBrodie.

“Hehastoldusahundredtimesover thiswinterthatheisproudofus,butalso thattheonlythinghewantsisforusto makeourselvesproud,”hesaid.“That’sthe spiritwewilldoourbesttocarryintothe Games.”

North Vancouver’s CameronAlexander races to bronzeina WorldCup downhill race Feb. 17, 2024 in Kvitfjell,Norway ALPINE CANADA

Work camp would reduce useof boatsto get workers tosite

ContinuedfromA1

“Wehave450orsoworkersthatare goingtobecomingupthisyearandweare tryingtobecreativeandlookataccommodationopportunitiesto reducethat commutingtime. We sawapotentialopportunitywiththeRoyal Vancouver Yacht Clubforuse,” BlakeMansbridge,FortisBC’s seniormanagerforexternal relations,told attendeesatameetinghostedbyMetro VancouveronJan.28.“Reallythat’sallit isrightnow–anidea.It’sveryearlyinthe process.”

The WigwamInnwasbuiltbya German immigrantin1910asawildernesshotel for thewealthy.AmericanmillionairesJohn D.RockefellerandJohnJacobAstoronce stayedthere.Itchangedhandsnumerous timesovertheyears,operating asadance hall,abrothelandanillegalcasino.The Royal Vancouver YachtClubtookitover andconvertedittoanoutstationforits membersin1985.

Butthe116-year-oldbuildingisin needof renosthataleasewithFortisBC’s contractors couldfund.Theasphalt roof needs replacement,andtheclub islooking toconvertthefacilityfromdieselpowerto renewablesandupdatethesepticsystem, saidLeightonHay,captainofoffshorestationsfortheclub.

“Ourmembershave reflectedto us that they’renotaskeenwiththeincreasing coststhatwe’veseen withinflationand otherinputcostsafterCOVID. We’velooked toseewaysthatwecanbealittlebitmore creativewithensuringthatourproperties are kept up to thestandard thatwewould expect,” he said.

Metro Vancouvertodecide

Ultimately,itwillbeforMetro Vancouver’s boardtodecidewhetherthe projectgoesahead,buttherearealot of proceduralhurdlestobecleared first.

Leightonsaidtheclubmuststillconsult withitsmembershipbeforedeciding whethertopursueapartnership with FortisBC.

“Wehaveanumberofmembersthat haveconcernsaroundriskandwehave a significantnumberofmembersthatare interestedinthecapitalsideand what we candoforourproperty,”hesaid.

Sucha campcouldonlybeallowed in theareawithatemporaryusepermit grantedby Metro Vancouver,but thebylaws forElectoralAreaA,whichcoversthelands northofexistingmunicipalbordersfrom theNorthShoretoPittLake,don’thave a mechanismfortemporaryuses.Metrostaff areproposingthecreationofone,andthe ElectoralAreaAcommitteeisexpectedto debatethematteronFeb.6.

Regardlessofwhethera proposal fromFortisBCiseverfiled,Metrodivision managerMarcin Pachcinskisaidthere is a needfor atemporaryuseprovisionintheir bylaws.The regionalgovernmenthashad to turndown requestsbyNetflixforfilming permitsbecausetheyaren’tcurrently allowed,hesaid.

“We recognizethatourzoningbylawis outofdateandthisisatoolthatmostlocal governmentsalreadyhave,”hesaid.“We needthis tool in ourtoolbox. That’s theend goal, regardlessofthisspecific proposal.”

If theboard approvesthecreationof temporaryuse permitsandiftheRoyal Vancouver YachtClubdoesapplyforone asthelandowner,itwouldtriggerafresh processwith publicconsultationsbefore Metroofficialswouldvoteonwhetherto grantone.

ProposalraisesNorthShorecontroversy

Duringthemeeting,severalIndianArm residentsand propertyownersraised concernsaboutwildfires,sewage, damage to thehistoriclandmarkinnandrisktothe sensitiveenvironmentandsalmon habitat aroundtheIndianRiverestuary.

Thereisapetitioncirculatingcalling on FortisBCandthe YachtClubtohalt anyplansforfurtherindustrialactivityon IndianArmandforthenaturalgasprovider to findanotherlocationtohouseworkers.

Inthemeantime,FortisBChasstarted consultationwiththeSquamishandsəlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nations), and the companyhasstartedmarinehabitatand geohazardstudies.

“Withanyfacilitieslikethis,we do our duediligenceandsowe’dbedoingenvironmentalstudiestolookatwhatthepotential impactsareandwhat potentialmitigations couldbeemployed duringbothconstructionandoperation,”saidPaulAnderson, projectdirector.

Themostcommoncomplaint,however, relatedtotheamountofindustrialboattraffic onthewateralreadyservicingFortisBC’s pipeline.Oneofthelargervesselsisknown tothrowa massivewake,whichseveral residents blamed for damagetodocks, boats andshorelines.

“Sincethe beginningofthe project,we havenotbeenabletokeepa boatatour dockduetothethreatof damage. The speedlimitsonthearm don’tappearto applytothewatersaround TwinIslands, andyourinformationsuggestsit’s aboutto getworse,”one residentwrote.“IappreciateFortiswantsto beagoodcitizenbutthe choiceofvesseloperationstosupportthe projecthasbeena real problemanddoesn’t appeartohaveanysatisfactorysolutionfor thoseofusthatliveonthearm.”

AFortisBCofficialinthemeetingdid acknowledgetheconcernsaboutthe wakesandsaidthey havetakenmitigation measuresandconfirmedtheyareoperating within VancouverFraser PortAuthority’s rules.

DistrictofNorth VancouverCoun.Lisa Muri,whoattendedthemeeting,acknowledgedthecontroversy.

“Iknowthelocal residentsaregoingto beveryconcernedaboutthatonbothsides ofthearm,”shesaid.

ATTENTIONALL 150WESTVANCOUVER TAXPAYERSWITHMUNICIPALLYOWNED SANITARY GRINDERPUMPS

In October 2023 Council votedinBylaw 5263 thatattemptedtotransfer ownershipofmunicipally owned sanitary grinderpumps to homeowners, withoutpriorconsultation. Someaffected homeownershave sought legaladvice,and itis theiropinion that proper procedureasdefined in BC’sCommunity Charter wasnot followedinpassing thebylaw thus itis ineffective in transferring ownership.In 2025 Councilasked stafftoexplore routes to offer supportfor these grinderpumps –but without addressing thefundamental issue ofpumpownership. Thismatter will bediscussedat the Council Public HearingofFebruary 9at6pm.A reportbystaffonthis mattershould be availableonthe municipality’s website westvancouver.ca on February 4under theagenda forthismeeting.

IFYOU RECEIVED OFFICIAL NOTICE INJULY 2024THATOWNERSHIP OF AGRINDER PUMPONYOURPROPERTY WASBEINGTRANSFERRED TO YOU,AND/OR RECEIVED NOTICE IN MAY2025 THATYOUCOULD OPTIN TO AFUTUREPAY FORSERVICE GRINDERMAINTENANCEPROGRAM, THIS IS YOUR LASTCHANCE TOEXPRESS YOUROPINION AND ENSURE THEMUNICIPALITYCONTINUES OWNINGAND SERVICINGTHESE GRINDERPUMPS.

To beaddedtothe WV grinderpumpcommitteecirculation list, and learnmoreabout thisissuepleaseemailyour name andphonenumber to: wvgrinderpump1@yahoo.com

FortisBCisproposing to build a work camp for pipelinecrews atthe Wigwam Inn, located at thetipofIndianArm. CITY OF VANCOUVER ARCHIVES / LGN 1028 / MAJOR MATTHEWS COLLECTION

TIME TRAVELLER

Rod “Yogi” Hebron

Photo:NVMA,F229-f13

RodHebronwasbornin1942andwasraisedin acabinonGrouseMountain.Followinginthe footstepsofhisgrandfatherJoe Wepsala,fatherRodHebronSr.,andaunt Gertie Wepsala (seenwithRodinthephoto),hetookupskiingbeforehecouldwalk.

HequalifiedfortheCanadiannationalskiteamatage17,goingontorepresentCanadaatthe 1964and1968WinterOlympics,andwinning14Canadiannationalchampionshipmedals. Hewasnicknamed“Yogi”duetohissimilardispositiontothecartooncharacter YogiBear.Hebron latersettledinColorado.Hepassedawayin2023.

Discover more of theNorth Shore’s rich history at MONOVA. Startplanning your visitat monova.ca. Do youhavea storytotell? Get in touch viaarchives@monova.ca.

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Contributingwriter

Mygrandmother Beatriceandher contemporariesknewnothing of permaculture,yetin many ways,they embodieditsethosofearthcare, peoplecareandfairshare.

Certainlytheirwayswere relatively modern,butcharmingly, alsonot.They grewfood,bakedbread,raisedlivestock, livedin-community,habitually recycled string,paperandanythingelsethatdidn’t decomposeonitsown,andseemed happy enoughjusttobealive.

TwoworldwarsandtheGreat Depressionlefttheir marksonBeatrice, and,asabeautifulconsequenceofinheritedwisdom,onme.Icannotseea canning jar,loafpanorpieceofcottonstring withoutalsoseeingher,and recycling every “GD thing”asshewas knowntosay, underliesmysecondnature.

Earlierthisweek, Iranacross a small masonjar filled withthemostbeautiful jadegreentomatostemvinegar.Ihad concoctedthedecoction in hastethispast summer,attheendofoneverylongday spentcanningtomatoes.

Thetimingwasperfect. I neededinspirationfordinner,butalsoforunearthing andassemblingmy indoor seedstarting nurseryofsorts.Thedustingoffand assemblyofshelving,clip-onfansandLED grow-lightsmarksthenewyearfor me,and findingtheconcentrated,mineral-richsoil amendmentaddedtotheanticipation.

Soilamendment?Indeed,vinegar extractionisamethodusedtopulltrace macroandmicro-mineralsfromplant biomass,shellsandbonestocreate shelf-stablesoilamendmentsforplants.

The resultingliquidcontains chelated nutrientsandcanbediluted1:1000 (475 litresperpintjarofconcentrate)inwater foruseasafoliarsprayorasoildrench. Foliarsprayingovertheentireplant encouragestheabove-groundcirculatory systemoftheplantto ingestthenutrients directly, whereasdrenchingfeedsthe below-groundcirculatorysystem.The two systemsareconnectedthroughthesoil foodwebof roots,minerals,biology and fungi.

Therearetwoprimarybenefitsofusing plant-specific extractionsandferments. First,nutrientscanbetargetedby cropsin theexact recipeandproportion required: tomatogreensextraction/fermentfor tomatoes,beetgreensforbeets, multi-inputsforbroadspectrumuse,andso on.Second,the resultingnutrientsare

immediatelybioavailabletoplants, andto immediate effect.

Humanstoo are only as healthyaswhat weeat,soback tothesubjectofdinner.

Withtomatoesas a theme ofsorts, I pulledacontainerofoven-dried,oliveoil andherb-steepedEarlyGirltomatoesfrom thefreezer, reconstitutedsome wilddried mushrooms,diced andsautéedsome wintercarrotsandgreen daikon, andblended asurplusof eggs togetherwithsome gratedpecorino and a halftubofsofttofu (foradded protein).

Thesesimpleingredientswentinto smashedSieglindepotato-lined muffin cups,beforebaking in a350F oven until set.Asimplevinaigrettemadefromthe tomatooilandtomatostemvinegar dressedasaladofbabyarugulaandarugulasprouts.

Dinnerwas as deliciousasitwas nutritious.Theleft-overdinner muffins wentintothefreezer,individuallywrapped inpaper,forsnacking later, perhapswhile startingseeds.

To behonest,Iwasnot consideringsoil amendmentwhenIscooped the remnant tomatostemsintoasaucepan ofvinegar forboiling,butitdidoccurto meas Iran acrossthefully-steepedmixture inthe cupboard.

Iwillexperimentwiththisseason’s tomatoes,nutrient-drenchingselect seeds andsoilwiththisandotherdilutions perhapsa calcium amendment extracted fromeggshells— andobservetheirprogressthroughfall.

Thespiritof my grandmother willbe withme.Inthe garden wehavetime to re-visitfadingmemories andtendtonew ones.

LauraMarieNeubert isa West Vancouverbasedurbanpermaculturedesigner.Email yourquestionstoherathello@upfrontandbeautiful.com.

Tomato stemsinfusevinegarwithtrace macroandmicro-nutrients, and colourit jadegreen. LAURA MARIENEUBERT

Guided

over(study)

ActorLeBlanc

Further 40.MoeorCurly 42.Paddled 45.Swoop

47.Homely

48.Poplar,e.g. 49.Cause to go

50.Easteredible

51.In_ course

52.Physedclassroom

53.Sib

54.Broad-antleredbeast

Crosswordpuzzleanswers useAmerican spelling

Secluded valley

LAST WEEK’S

ARIES March21-April19

Emotionswillberunninghigh withinyourcircleoffriends thisweek.On aromanticlevel, youmayneedto re-evaluate yoursituationifyouwantto trulyflourish. You’llnolonger toleratecompromise,andthis willpromptyoutotake along, hardlookatyour relationship.

TAURUS April20-May20

Despitesometensionat work,you’llbeabletouse yourteamworkskillstomove forward.Inmattersoflove, starting arelationshipwill requireyoutoovercome doubtssoyoucanbuilda richerandmorepromising futuretogether.

GEMINI May21-June20

Inyourprofessionallife,your effortswillpayoff,evenif you’refeelingwornout. You’ll havetogetmoreinvolved toexpandyourclientbase, andthiswillgiveyoumore durablefinancialstabilityfor theyearstocome.

CANCER June21-July22

Yourself-esteemneedsa boost.Althoughyougive generouslytoothers,you needtodevotemoretimeand attentiontoyourself.Thisis especiallytrueinthecase of

somepeoplewhotendtotake yourkindnessforgranted.

LEO July23-Aug.22

Most of yourenergywillbe focused on yourfamilythis week.Intheshortterm,a move or majorchangeinyour personal or professionallife maybenecessaryandcould proveparticularlybeneficial.

VIRGO Aug.23-Sept.22

Yoursocialcirclewillgrow as youincreaseyourpresence on socialmedia. Yourskills andprofessionalactivities willgain visibility,bringing yougreater recognitionand financial benefits.

LIBRA Sept.23-Oct. 22

You’llfinally receivethegreen lighttofinance aproject,and you’lltakeimmediateaction. Thecomingweekisalsothe perfecttimetosettlesome of yourdebt,marking anew beginning.

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21

Expectbigchangesinyour romantic,professionaland personalspheresthisweek. You’llfeeljustifiablepride inyourachievementswhile puttingintheeffortneeded toensurethesuccess of your projects.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec.21

It’stimeto rechargeyour batteries.Bepresentandget some rest. Alovedonewill needyoursupportthisweek. Ifyou’refeelingcreative,you’ll drawinspirationfrom your intuition.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19

You’llbe responsiblefora large-scaleprojectinvolving severalpeoplearoundyou. Despitesomechallengesin gettingeveryone on board, yourdeterminationand organizationalskillswilllead youtowell-deservedsuccess.

AQUARIUS Jan.20-Feb.18

You’lltake on new responsibilitiesinbothyour professionalandpersonal life. Yourcommitmentwon’t gounnoticed. Youcouldbe rewardedwith apromotion and araise,givingyou agood reasontocelebrate.

PISCES Feb. 19-March20

You’llfeelinclinedtoembark on apilgrimage. Youmust carefullyprepareeverything overseveralmonthsifyou wantthisadventureto become asource of deep inspirationthatguidesyou on yoursearchformeaningand fulfilment.

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

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BrianpassedawaysuddenlyathomeonJanuary5, 2026,at theageof73.

BrianwasborninComox,BC, and spenthisearly yearsinQualicum,BC, with happysummers at the family cabinonSpiderLake. It wastherethathe foundhislifelongpassion forwater skiing.

As ayoungadult, Brianworkedatthe family-owned OlympicForestProducts beforeembarkingona multiple-year careeras acommercialfishermanon theBCWestCoast.

In 1984, Brianreturned to thefamilybusiness, proudlyrepresentingthe fourth generation. Brian rose through therankstobeappointed Presidentof OlympicForestProducts and OlympicLog Sort,with father Brucetakingthe role of Chair. Briancontinued asPresidentuntil hisuntimelydeath. Following generational family tradition,he servedon theTLA boardand waswellrespected within theindustry.

Brianwas aman wholovedhisfamilyand cherished his friendships.A kind,gentle,andgenerous man who wasalwaystheretolend ahand to anyone who neededhim.

Brianwaspredeceased by hismother,PamelaBirch (nee Robinson),andhissisterValerie.Heissurvived by hislovingwifeJulie,adoreddaughter Chelsea, and son-in-law Ryan. He is alsosurvived by his father,Bruce;stepmotherLis; brothersBrad, Jack, and Adam;sisterPam;andhismanyniecesand nephews.

Donpassedpeacefully on November 7, 2025, in the presenceoflovedonesaftera longandhappylife. He wasa gentleand friendlyman. He andhistwo sisterswerebornand raised in Vancouver.After graduatingfromBritanniaHighSchool in 1956, he metthe long-time love ofhislife, Sonja(Sunny), while 18 yearsold and workinginthe sportinggoods departmentof Eaton’sindowntownVancouver, whereSunnyworked. They were marriedonOctober 14, 1961.Theymoved to NorthVancouverin1969 and spent many yearsenjoyingabusysociallifeand lots of travel,which included amonthevery year in Hawaii. Donworkedasa manager fora sporting goods wholesaler in Burnabyfor most ofhislife. After retirement,heand Sunnyenjoyed many years togetheruntil her suddenpassing in January2016. He is survived bymanylovingfamilymembersand friends whowill miss himdearly.

Harold Robert(Hal) deGrace passedaway peacefully with family presentatLions Gate Hospital,North Vancouver,onNovember28,2025, at theageof86. He is survived by hiswife, Mary Ellen(McNaught,Findlay)deGrace;MaryEllen's threechildren, Norahand Robert(Bob)on theNorth ShoreandLesleyFindlay in Montreal;six grandchildren;andhisbrother Georgeof Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Originally moving to BC toteachskiinginWhistler, he wenton to guide Canadian skiersthrough Europe and workedasaneducator forShoppersDrug Mart's headoffice,beforereturning totourismwith Mary Ellenand Sail Secord.Heenjoyed20 years sharingand teaching sailingand BC historyastours on Secord,primarily in HaidaGwaii. They became very closetothe Haidapeople. Finally,Haldrovethe BowenIslandbus forseveral yearsuntil his retirement.

ALSstole ourbeloved Jean by degrees from2023until her spirit foundpeaceful releaseintheearly morninghoursofJanuary 16.She is mourned by alarge extended family and so many friends –butabove all, by her belovedhusband Mike,a partner in adventureanddomesticity forover56years.

Jean graduated from UBCwithaBAinPsychology,celebratingwithatwo-month triptoEurope with her childhoodand lifelong friend, Gail. They toured the continentandreturned withbothfriendshipand budgetsmiraculously intact–largely thankstoJean’s relentless frugalityand greatgood humour.Whoelse couldhaveenticed Gail to scale the EiffelTower by stairs (becauseitwas cheaper than theelevator)? Good times.

Jean’s love of walkingbeganbefore that trip.Sheand Mike enjoyed long walksas theytravelledand explored many destinationsaround theworld.Backhome, she wouldjoinher “walking buddies”- especiallyMaureenand France, friendsoflong standing.

Except fortwo and ahalfyearsinNew Zealand, whereshe and Mike married, Jean lived in NorthVancouverherwholelife. Upon theirreturnfromkiwicountry in 1976,Jeanbegan acareer with actuarialfirmWilliamMercer– retiring from the companyin2009.

As NorthVan grew and changedaroundher,sheand Mike grew outof theirtwostorey walk-uprentalapartmentand into theirhomeinDelbrook.Itbecamea much-lovedbase,fromwhich they travelledwidely. Theirshared love of gardening created aquietbackyardretreat whichJeanenjoyed with abook,puzzle, or needlepointproject. Justifiably, as ALSencroached, shewas reluctant to leave it, and Mike movedheavenandearthtohelpher stay athomeaslongaspossible. Another miracle: withthehelpandgentle assistanceofthe Home Supportand HomecareWestworkers,Jeanenjoyed thecomfort and familiarity of thehome sheandMikehad createduntil shewent into hospice,lessthan aweekbefore herpassing.

Jeanand Mike enjoyedattendingand supportingVancouver Operaand supporting Vancouver SymphonyOrchestra atthe Orpheum and lateratNorth Van’sCentennial Theatre (“until theyturnedtheparkinglot into aconstruction zone.”)

As her spirit becomesone withtheuniverse, mayshebe surrounded by the musicofthe stars.

Shejoinshermuch-lovedolderbrother Alex Howatson(another of ALS’svictims) andherparentsBoband Margaret Howatson. ThememoryofJean’s infectious smile andmusical laugh will comfortMikeandher surviving family:sister Elizabeth(Colin)and sister-in-lawNancy; nieces Catherine(Justin) and Audrey; nephews Andrew (Ryanne)andDarren(Niki); great-niecesand nephews Easton, Sebastian, Alia,Stella,Phoebe, Quinton, Kaelen,and Ollie.

It is with deep sadnessthat we announcethe passingof Judy WelshonJanuary9,2026, in West Vancouver,attheageof83.

Judy will bedeeplymissedbymany, especiallyher sons,Christopher (Amy)and Andrew (Brigitte);her cherished grandchildren, Evanand Erin;her sister, Jane;brother-in-law, Gordon;and many family membersand friends.She waspredeceased by her husband Fred, grandson Walker,sister Philippa, brother Blake, andparentsRalphand Patricia.

Judy wasborninVictoriaand shortlythereafter movedtoWestVancouver,whereshebecamea lifelong resident.She grew up immersed in nature and surrounded by theocean. Judydevotedher life toher family and friendsandalways looked forward to her many annual gatherings in Maui,fly fishingat PennaskLake, boatingthroughout coastalwaters, andspending weekendsat Center BayYacht Station, whereshe tended theflowerbaskets and enjoyedplentyofdockside fun.

From ayoungage, Judyand Fred spent Thanksgivingweekend in theCariboo region. They werejoined by aclose groupof friends whogrew and turned into decadesof memories -they eventually built theirown cabinonthe lake.They embraced thepeaceful lake lifeand formed many closefriendships there, treasuringthe time spentin thearea.

When Judy wasathome, shecouldoftenbe found keeping watchoverhereagles,Annieand Sam, making sure herhummingbird feederswerefulland enjoyingthe sunsets. Taking care ofher garden was also oneofher favouritepastimes, and she especiallyenjoyed Spring whenher many rhododendrons bloomed,andherhangingbaskets adornedherdeck. Herhomeand garden were atrue reflectionofherdeep love ofnature. Shewasalsoa talented crafterwhogenerously gifted her remarkable creations to family members, adding warmth to theirhomes.

Judysquiet grace, strength,and kindheartwill be deeplymissedbyall whohad theprivilege of knowingher.

Thefamilyisprofoundlythankfultothe staffatAmica West Vancouverand to Dr.Prchal fortheir exceptional care.

With gratitude foryour kind thoughtsand well wishes,nopublic servicewill beheld. In lieuof flowers, donations maybemade to thecharityof your choice.

“Iam intheflowers that bloom, Iaminaquietroom. Iaminthebirdsthatsing, Iamineachlovelything.”

RobertEdwardKadlec (Bob) wasbornonJune24, 1933, in Calgary, Alberta.A manofintegrity, leadership,anddeepdevotion to hisfamily. Boblived afullandaccomplished lifemarkedbyprofessional excellence, strong friendships,and aloveof adventure.

Bobpursuedhiseducationinengineeringatthe University of Toronto, laying thefoundationfora distinguished career in theenergy sector.In1963, he movedto Vancouver to take on theroleof Presidentand CEOofBCGas, apositioninwhich he made alasting impactthroughhissteady leadership andvision. Over theyears, Bobalso servedon numerousboards,including theBankof Montreal,Vancouver International Airport, and chairedseveral industryassociations,mostnotably theCanadian GasAssociation. Hisinsightand guidancehelped shapeorganizationsand communitiesacross theregion.

Beyondhisprofessionalachievements, Bob embraced lifewithenthusiasm.Hewasan avid tennisplayerwho greatly cherishedhistimeonthe courtand thecamaraderie ofhistennisbuddies.A lifelong sports fan,healso lovedsailingand travelled extensively, always curiousabout theworld and eager fornew experiences.

Aboveall else,Bob wasa devotedfamilyman.He shared alovingmarriageof65 yearswithhis wife, Bobbie,a partnership defined by loyalty, respect, andenduringlove. He wasa proud father to hisson Douganddaughter Karen( Mike)and adeeply devoted grandfather to hisfour grandsons,Jamie, Keegan, Kelly, and Cache. They broughthim immensejoy andpride.

Bobwill be remembered forhis warmth,wisdom, and themeaningful connectionshe built throughout hislife. Hislegacyliveson in thefamilyheloved, the friendshe cherished,and themanyliveshe touched.

It is with great sadnessthat we announcethe passingof Rosemary Willis.Mumpassedaway surrounded by family and wasunder thewonderful care of thestaff at HollyburnHouse.

Mumwaspredeceased by herhusband, Ron,and will be missedbyherdaughters, Jayneand Alli (Drew);grandsons,Noel (Iris) and Nick;and family and friends in England.

Mumwas ago-getterinher youngerdays and always up foranadventure. Shehad apassion for interiordesignand lovedagood shoppingday. But most ofall, sheloved spending time with her grandsons.

We wouldliketothank Dr.Van Aggelen, Dr.Mostofi, Claire,and theHollyburn HouseStaff,for theircare and compassion.

ALifelong Educator,ThelmawasborninNorfolk, England,and immigrated to Canada in 1958. She will be remembered by family,friendsand thousands of studentsforher feisty nature, love of sports and music,senseofhumourand infectious laugh.

FUNERALSERVICES

Asyoushare thestories andthememories ofhowtheylived theirlives andhowverymuch theymeant, mayyou findcomfort...

Celebrate the lives ofloved ones with your stories, photographs and tributes

EmploymentOpportunityat

SeatoSkySchoolDistrictNo.48

Required Immediatelyinthe Whistler,PembertonArea

Building Trades –Mechanical/Plumber

Thisis aunionisedpositionthatoffers arateof $38.27per hour,40hoursper week, dayshift. Excellentbenefitpackageincludingpension, health,vacationand sickbenefits.

Qualifications:

•Interprovincial TradeQualifications (TQ) inplumbing with aRedSealendorsement. (Apprenticesmaybeconsidered)

•Class BGasfitter licence

•Sufficientphysicalstrengthandhealthto performtheduties requiredforthisposition.

•Cross Connectioncontrol Certificate isan asset

•Valid Class 5B.C.Driver’sLicense

• Knowledgeof Workplace Hazardous

• MaterialsInformationSystem(WHMIS)and Workers’Compensation Board(WCB)safety procedures

•Successfulapplicantswillbe required to consent to criminal recordssearch priorto employment.

Applywith coverletter resume/application, coverletter to: Kevin Pederson,Posting6114, kpederson@sd48.bc.ca

SeatoSkySchoolDistrictNo.48valuesan inclusiveenvironment,whereequity isdeeply embeddedanddiversitywelcomed. We are committedto creatingandcultivating diverse, inclusiveandbarrier-freeenvironmentsfor all applicants,employees, students,andtheirfamilies.

I, SurakshaRushik

Rakholiya, residing in Van‐couver,BC, formerly knownasSuraksha Pragjibhai Chovatiya, herebydeclare that Ihave legally changed my name to SurakshaRushik Rakholiyaasper theBC Legal Changeof Name Certificate. Allfuturerefer‐ences to my identityshall reflectmynew legalname.

U-Haul Moving Center Vancouver claims aLandlords ContractualLien againstthe followingpersonsgoods in storageat 1070 SE Marine Drive, Vancouver,B.C. Tel: 604-325-6526. Auctionissubjecttocancellation atanytimewithoutnotice.

Ivan Cruz Gomez

Justin Blondin

BennyCHEUNG DAVIDCHIU

Christopher Coombs

RDENNISVALIQUETTE

Joseph King

Veronica Pierce

TildaStead

Norman Marcelino

RicardoLuna Tavares

SusanLightheart

Nick Fanning

KaytoReeves

Asalewill take placeonlineatwww.bid13.com start‐ingat5:00PM on Saturday,February14,2026,until 5:00 PM on Sunday, February22,2026. Winnerswill be contactedbyemail at theendof theauction. Room contents arepersonal/householdgoodsun‐less notedotherwise.Bidswill be fortheentirecon‐tentsofeachlockerunit.

shelves. You pick up.604-987-1954.

Sunday, Feb8th 10am to 3pm

Admission$5 at thedoor

EarlyAdmission$15at7:30am

Buyingallold thin sfor cash

OldBooks, Native

Sunday, Feb8th 10am to 3pm

Admission$5at thedoor EarlyAdmission$15at7:30am

Buyingallold thin sfor cash

OldBooks, Native art&artifacts

Militaryitems/Nik Knacks&more

SUDOKU

Sudokupuzzlesare formattedasa9x9grid, brokenintonine3x3 boxes. To solveaSudoku, thenumbers1through9 must fill eachrow, column andbox.Eachnumbercan appearonlyonceineach row, columnandbox. You can figureouttheorder inwhichthenumbers willappearbyusingthe numericcluesalready providedintheboxes.

PUZZLEANSWERSONSEPARATE PAGE

1.Native American groupofN.California 5.Geologicaltimes (Brit.sp.) 10.Tooltoremove 12.Rods

14.Onewho renews 16.TheyprecedeC 18.Chatterincessantly 19.__KingCole, musician

20.Insectparts 22.OnefromUtah

1.Witch

2.Utilize

3.Writingutensil 4.Whererockersgo towork

5.Subsides

6.Consume

7.Greekmythological figures

8.Californiamountain town

9.Tin

10.Museoflyricand lovepoetry

23.Theworldofthe dead

25.SingerRedding

26.NBAlegendNelson

27.Indicateswrongly

28.Unhappy

30.Anger

31.Darkbrown

33.Somearein

kitchens

35.Madeamistake

37.Damp

38.Typeoffuel

11.Animatesanew

13.Humorous criticisms

15.Cool!

17.Worst

18.Wetdirt

21.Designedtobe useful

23.Hebrewunitof liquidcapacity

24.Highschoolers’test

27.Computerdevice

29.Indianterritory__ andDiu

40.ActorDamon

41.What thespiansdo

42.One’smother

44.Disallow

45.Swissriver

48.Abananahasone

50.Philippineslakeand volcanoaretwo

52.Relativebiological effectiveness(abbr.)

53.Agave

55.Journalist Tarbell

56.One-timetechgiant

32.Aplacetosleep

34.AItool

35.Passorgoby

36.Indicates a purchase

39.Adigitaltape recordingofsound

40.More(Spanish)

43.Disfigured

44.White(Spanish)

46.Churchbuilding

47.Georgiarockers

49.Typeofsurgery

57.Indicatesupon

58.Intestinalbacteria

63.Loosesheaths aroundthespinalcord

65.Itgoes with nook

66.Afashion

67.Very eagertohear orsee

51.Much__about nothing

54.Makebybraiding

59.Localareanetwork

60.Unitofworkor energy

61.Memberof indigenouspeopleof Thailand

62.Liquefiednatural gas

64.Distancetotop