Winningwhisky
Sonsof
Stunningskies
Northernlightsandfogputon a showforphotographers
Firsttenants moveinatnew affordable housing project
BRENTRICHTER
brichter@nsnews.com
Lastweek,therewasjustonefoldingchairout in thesunshineonthesouth-facingbalconiesof North Vancouver’snewestaffordable housing project.Butplentymoreareontheway.
Residentshavebegunmovingintothe89below-market apartments at TimberlineI,thefirstphaseofthetotal redevelopmentoftheCityofNorth Vancouver’sNorth ShoreNeighbourhoodHouselandsonEastSecondStreet.
Twenty-sevenofthehomesinthesix-storeybuilding fromthenon-profit CatalystCommunityDevelopments Societyare reservedataffordablerates for renterswho earnlower-andmiddle-incomes–$1,158permonth for a studioorone-bedroom to $2,150forthreebedrooms.
Theother62unitsareofferedatpricesconsideredto beatthelowerendofcurrentmarketrates,ranging from $2,031forstudiosto$3,469forthreebedrooms.
Asoflast Wednesday,allofthehomes reserved for peopleatlowerincomeshadbeenleased,but Catalystis stilltakingapplicationsformarket-orientedunits.
Applicantswhoalreadylive or workinthecityare givenpriorityconsideration.
ContinuedonA20
NORTH SHORE’S
Winter Recreation STORE
SAVING HISTORY AllanMcMordie,a 47-yearmemberofNorth Shore Rescue,iseager for thepublic to seeanew documentary seriesaboutthe team’s history See PageB1 forthis storyandmorein our annualspecial feature sectiononNorth Shore Rescue. PAULMCGRATH / NSN
WhystrengthisthebestmedicineforNorthShoreliving
InnovativeFitnesshighlightswhyregularexercisebecomesmoreimportantwithage
FormanyNorthShoreresidents approachingmidlifeandbeyond, losingtheabilitytomovefreely canbefrightening.
Thegoalisn’tslowingdownwhen theyreachretirement;it’sfinally havingtimetodomoreofwhat theylove.Whetherit’shikingthe BadenPowelltrail,golfingthrough theseason,travellingtheworld forweeksatatimeorkeeping upwithenergeticgrandkids,one essentialingredientmakesthisall possible:strength.
AtInnovativeFitness,the philosophycentresonwhat coachescallTheStrengthBuffer, anintentionalbuildingofmuscle toprotectjoints,supportmobility andextendanactivelifestylewell intolaterdecades.Ratherthan acceptinglimitedmovementas inevitable,membersfocuson proactivelystrengtheningthe muscleswhichcanhelptoreduce dailydiscomfort,and,inmany cases,makerecoveryfaster andsmootherwhenmedical interventionisunavoidable. Regulartraining,forinstance, helpsthebodybounceback moreeffectivelyfromprocedures likehiporkneereplacements.
“Whatoftensurprisespeopleisn’t thatstrengthtrainingsupports recovery,buthowquicklythe resultscanhappen,”saysBen Carr,ownerofInnovativeFitness.
“Inlessthanthreemonthsof astructuredtrainingprogram, thebodycanmakesometruly amazingandobviouschanges.”
Stayingactivewithout hittingpause
Asthebodyages,musclemass naturallydeclinesunlessitis deliberatelymaintained.On average,weloseabout10%ofour musclemassperdecade.This losscanquietlyerodebalance, confidenceandindependence. Byage70,someindividuals mayhavelost20%oftheir musclemassandupto40%of theirstrength.
InnovativeFitnessapproaches thisrealitywithclarity,respect, andscience:Trainingbecomes lessaboutchasingintensity
Membersare supportedbya teamofprofessional coacheswhoguide everyaspectof wellness,from strengthand movementto nutrition,recovery andinjuryprevention.
andmoreaboutprecision, consistencyandpurpose.Every programbeginswithmedicalgrademovementscreeningto understandhowabodyactually moves,ratherthanhowitshould moveintheory.Fromthere, trainingistailoredtoimprove strength,stabilityandresilience inwaysthatdirectlysupport dailylife.
“Whenyouthinkaboutthe long-termtrajectoryofhealth, youcanseethedifferencein outcomesamongpeoplewith varyinglifestylesandactivity levels,”saysCarr.“Thosewho maintainanactivelifestylethat includesstrengthtrainingtend toexperiencebetterhealth outcomesoverall.Itcomes
downtotrainingwiththegoalof preservingmuscleandstrength.”
Tailoredfitnesswitha professionalhealthteam
Oneofthemostcommon questionsInnovativeFitness hearsiswhatsetsitapartfrom atraditionalgymorworking withanindependentpersonal trainer.Theanswerliesinafully integrated,high-touchmodel. Membersaresupportedbya coordinatedteamofprofessional coacheswhooverseetheentire wellnessecosystem,from movementandstrengthtraining tonutritionguidance,recovery strategiesandinjuryprevention.
Thisapproachisespecially valuableforclientswithspecific
performancegoalsorchanging physicalneeds,suchasa 50-year-oldskierlookingtostay strong,protecttheirjointsand remainconfidentontheslopes foryearstocome.Itisequally effectiveforthosemanaging jointissues,recoveringfrom injuryornavigatinghealth transitionssuchasmenopause. Accountabilityisbuiltinto theexperience,andprogress istrackedwithdata—not guesswork.
“Manypeoplefeelintimidated goingtoagymandoftendon’t knowwheretobegin,”says Carr.“Wecreateanoptimal environmentandastructured pathtothespecificoutcomesour clientshaveinmind.”
Apremiumexperiencethat deliversbeyondinvestment
InnovativeFitnessisupfront aboutbeingoneofthehigherpricedtrainingoptionsonthe NorthShoreandforgoodreason.
TheNorthVancouverandWest Vancouverlocationsdelivera five-starexperiencedesigned forpeoplewhoviewtheirhealth astheirmostvaluableasset. Membersconsistentlyreport thatwhatsurprisesthemmost isnotjusttheexpertiseofthe coachingteam,butthesense
InnovativeFitnesscombinesadvanced technology,customizedprogramsandacaring teamtodeliverresultsunlikeanyothergym.
ofcommunityandcarethat developsovertime.Coaches knowallmembersbyname, understandtheirhistoriesand adjustprogramsaslifechanges. Theresultisaclear,highly personalizedexperienceforlongtermhealththatbridgesthegap betweenfitnessandhealthcare. “Ourmembersshouldn’thave tobethecouriersofinformation betweenhealthprofessionals.We believeinworkinginalignmentwith otherhealthcareprofessionals,” saysCarr.“Whensomeoneis seeingaphysiotherapist,RMTor physician,weoftencollaborateon assessmentsandshareinsights tosupporttheirgoals,whether that’saidingrecoveryortakinga proactiveapproachtolong-term health.”
Foralimitedtime,Innovative Fitnessisofferinganincentive forthosereadytocommitto theirhealth:signupfor12weeks oftrainingandreceivetwo additionalbonusweeksatno extracost.
Tolearnmoreorbooka consultation,visitInnovative Fitness’NorthVancouverstudio atinnovativefitness.com/ studio/north-vancouveror theirWestVancouverstudioat innovativefitness.com/studio/ west-vancouver.
Foundedin1995,InnovativeFitnesswasbuiltonasimplebelief:personaltrainingshouldbepersonal.With17locationsacrossCanada,thegymcontinuestosetthestandardforpremiumcoaching throughcombiningexperttrainers,advancedhealthassessmentsandpersonalizedprogramsthatdeliverreal,lastingresults.
GrouseMountain Resort celebrates centennial milestone
ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com
Local JournalismInitiativeReporter KirstenHealhasbeengoingup GrouseMountainforaslongasshe can remember.
Shebeganskiingwithherfamilyonthe mountainatageseven.GrouseMountain washerfavouriteplacetogotoskiwith herbrother.
In1988,shestartedas a skiinstructor at the resort.Overthenext38years,she heldvariouspositions,fromservingfood andbeveragesto sales,before becoming directorofguestservices.
Andthe rest is history, asHealmether husband,whoworkedonthe snow-making crew,andtodaybothherchildren work thereasaninstructorandanadventure guide.
“Oneofthemagicalthingsaboutthe mountainisthat foralotof Vancouverites, it’spartoftheirhistory, it’spartofthem growingup,”Heal said. “Youmeetlotsof peoplethatsay‘Ilearnedtoskithere’or‘I hiketheGrindallthe time.’”
It’sthoseformativememoriesthat GrouseMountainwouldliketocelebrate thisyear asthe resortmarksitscentennial birthdaywitheventsthroughout2026.
The resorthaslaunched“Mountain Memories,”collectingstoriesfromguests, employeesoranyonewhohasatalethey’d liketoshare.Somememoriesarealready on displayonGrouse’swebsite,and willbe updatedbi-weekly,withstoriessoontobe postedintheTheatreintheSkypre-show area.
“Ilookatitaskindofa timeto reflecton thepastandthepeoplewhohaveshaped GrouseMountain,”said MichaelCameron, presidentandgeneral managerof Grouse MountainResort.“Everybody’sgotastory.”
AndthatincludesCameron.Hisvery firstgigwasdoingwhathecalls“odd jobs”onGrouseatjust 14 yearsold.For sixweeks,heandhisfriend didsummer grooming–picking rocks,takingnailsout ofplywoodstacksandevendrivinga Jeep aroundontopofthemountain,whichis somethingyoucouldn’tgetawaywithnow.
“Asa14-year-old,itwasprettyincredible,”hesaid.“Likeitistoday,it’sjust a beautifulplacetowork,beingoutdoors andbeingontopofthemountainis prettyspecial.”
Skiersenjoy therunsonTheCutinthe 1950s. Before chairlifts, skiers wouldrideupGrouse Mountainon T-bars–leanback andholdontight. GROUSEMOUNTAINRESORT
Cameronalsolearnedtoskiatthe resort.HecamebacktoGrouse in2003and hasbeenthepresidenteversince.
“It reallyisamassivemilestone for the communityandourstaff,”hesaid.
The resort kicked off thecentury celebrationonNew YearsEvewithfireworks, extendedhoursandentertainment.Other eventsforthetriple-digitbirthdayinclude Grousebeingopenfor24hours Feb. 21-22, the returnoftheSlushCupinApril,a centennialfestivalAug.10-16andmore.
Resortbeginnings
OnOct.12,1894,the first non-Indigenoushikersclimbed up Grouse Mountain. Themountaingotitsnameafterthehikers shotabluegrouse on theirtrek.
It becamethebaseforthe Vancouver MountaineeringClubin1907.Bythe 1920s,themountainwashometoavillage ofcabinsgrowingintoasmallbutlively community.
The resort’s history beganinthefallof 1926withtheconstruction of theGrouse MountainChaletandtheGrouse Mountain
Highway,fundedbybusinessmanand later politician WilliamC.Shelly. Designedin1925by Townley & Matheson,alocal architecture firmknown fordesigning VancouverCityHall,thechaletwasmadefrom localyellowcedar logs. Thechaletburnedtothegroundinahuge fire in1962,andwastemporarily replaced withwhat nowstandsasTheOutpost.
Skiingstartedtobecomepopularinthe 1930s,andwiththat,theskivillageatthe bottom of TheCut skirun grewtomore than200cabins.Around thattime,the TyeeSkiRunnersClub–whichlater joined withtheGrouseMt.SkiClubtoformthe still-thrivingGrouseMountain TyeeSki Club –installedthe first rope tow at thebaseof TheCut,accordingtoGrouseMountain’s website.
When the GreatDepression hit,the chaletandGrouseMountainHighwaywere forfeitedtotheDistrictofNorth Vancouver dueto unpaid taxes. The resortwasunder municipalcontrol forthenextdecade, allowingavidskierstocontinuehittingthe slopes.
Easiermountainaccess
TheCromiefamily,formerownersof the VancouverSun,playedahugepart in reshaping Grouse Mountain,purchasing the resortfor$75,000in1945.
Whatfollowedintheyearsafterthe Second World Warwasaperiodofsteady growthontheslopes,includingtheopeningofadoublechairlifton Dec.1,1949. Itwasthe first doublechairliftin Greater VancouverandthethirdinCanada.
Moreinitiativesandinnovationscame soonafter,withthelaunchoftheSunSki Schoolin1950offeringfreelessons,until theprogramendedin1964,andasecond doublechairliftopeningonTheCut in 1951.
AfterownershipchangedtoAndrew SaxtonSr.andotherlocalinvestors,more inventionscamealongforeasieraccess tothemountain,includingthe first aerial tramwayin1966,bringingpeopleupto thePeakChalet.Exactlyadecade later,the secondaerialtramwaysystemcalled the RedSkyridecame,allowing100peopleat a timetohoponboard.
“Everytimethatwemadeiteasierfor peopletoenjoythemountain,itwasanew eraandanewmilestone,”Cameronsaid.
ActivitiesexpandandOlympicairtime Greatermountainaccessallowedactivitiestoexpandonthe resort.By1983,the GrouseGrindopenedtothepublic,andthe TheatreintheSkybecamethe resort’s first year-roundattractionin1990.
ThehÍwusFeasthouse,aPacific NorthwestLonghouse,openedin1998, bringingFirstNationsdining,entertainment andculturalprogrammingtothe resort, hostedbyaSquamish(Skwxwú7mesh) FirstNationsElder.
Withthenewmillenniacame Vancouver’s first high-speedquadchairlift, theScreamingEagle,alongsideadditional summeractivitieslikeziplining,a lumberjackshowanda refugeforendangered wildlife,includingbelovedorphaned grizzliesGrinderandCoola.Activitieshave continuedtogrowoverthenewcentury, with ropeadventuresandtheBirds in Motionexhibitprovidingthrillsinthesky.
Overtheyears,the resorthashosted numerouseventsontheworldstage, including Vancouver’s first WorldCupFIS Race,theduMaurier GiantSlalom in 1970,
ThefirstchaletonGrouseopenedin1926.It wasdesigned by Townley&Matheson,alocal architecture teamwhodesigned VancouverCity Hall. GROUSEMOUNTAINRESORT
2010 Olympicsbring excitement
ContinuedfromA4
andtheTISSOT/UCI MountainBike World Cupin2001.
Whenthe2010 WinterOlympicscame to Vancouver,itwasabigdealforGrouse, saidbothHealandCameron.
For12days,GrouseMountainwasopen 24/7,withNBC’s Today show usingthe resort asitsbroadcastinghomebasefor theGames.
“Itwas reallycoolthatyougottowatch somebodywinanOlympicgoldmedaland aboutsevenhourslater, theywereatthe topofthemountain,havinganinterview infrontofthefirepit,”Healsaid.“Igotto meetallkindsofpeoplethatIneverwould havehadtheopportunitytomeet.”
Shewent downtheRed Skyridewith iconicCanadiansinger-songwriterk.d. lang,chattedwithvariousathletesand saw famed VancouvercroonerMichaelBublé a fewtimesoverthe course of theGames.
Cameronsaiditwaslogistically challengingtooperateatall-hoursfor thedurationoftheGames,butitwasan
excitingmomentforeveryone involved.
“Itwasgreattosee what it meantto people,”hesaid. “Theproductioncrewat the Today ShowjustthoughtthatGrouse wasanunbelievablyspecial place.”
Lookingahead
Withitsfirst centurycompleted,the resortisaimingtohaveagreatstart toits next100years.
Cameronsaidthatthe2024openingof theBlueGrouseGondolahasexpanded accesstothemountain,creatingnew opportunities,suchasthe returnofmountainbikinglastsummer.
Thenextbigthingforthe resortisthe openingoftheGrouseGravityCoaster thissummer, whichwill reachupto45 kilometresperhour while showing offstunningviewsof Vancouverona515-metre descent.
Asidefromattractions,the resort is lookingtoenhancetheguestexperienceby addingmore foodandbeverageoptions, nighttimeattractions, lightexperiences and,potentially,boutiqueaccommodations,saidCameron.
Themountainisaspecialplacefor manypeopleonthe NorthShoreand beyond,saidHeal.
“It’s reallybeenaplaceofescape,” she said.“Whether you liveonthe NorthShore orwhetheryouliveout in Richmond,you canseethemountainfromeverywhere. I thinkpeopleknowthattheycan leavethe businessofthecityandthencomeupand dosomethingthat is calm andpeaceful.”
To seethefulllistofcentennialevents orsubmitastory, visitgrouse100.com
AbbyLucianoistheIndigenous andcivic affairsreporter for theNorth ShoreNews. Thisreportingbeat ismadepossibleby the LocalJournalismInitiative.
The Rotary Club of LionsGateishosting amonthly series of Lunch&Learnsessionsfor Seniorsatthe Silver Harbour Centre.
amonthlyseriesofLunch &Learn sessionsforSeniorsattheSilver
Theinformativesessions will be conductedbyexperts fromthe NorthShoreSeniorServicesCirclecoveringaspects of wellness,independence,safetyandpersonal finance -topics thatare importantand valuable to Seniorsonthe NorthShore.
The informativesessionswillbeconductedbyexperts fromthe NorthShoreSeniorServices Circle covering aspects of wellness, independence, safetyandpersonal finance -topicsthatare important andvaluabletoSeniorsonthe NorthShore.
Eachsessionwill be followed by afreeHot Lunchand each attendee cantakehomeanadditionalfreeentrée fora seniorfriend orneighbourwho couldnotattend.
Eachsessionwillbefollowedbya free HotLunch andeach attendee cantakehomeuptotwo additional freeentrees- one forthemselvesandonefor aseniorfriendorneighbour who couldnotattendthesession.
Attendance is strictly by registrationonly.Space is limited. Please call Silver Harbour at 604.980.2474tobook your spot.
Attendanceisstrictlybyregistrationonly. Spaceislimited. PleasecallSilverHarbour at 604.980.2474tobookyour spot.
KennedyGreene-Rainesurfson topofthe Red Skyrideas part ofthe2010Olympic torch relay.
QualityMeats&
TimeFor ComfortFoods!
Madein-house meatpiesandsausages(over30varieties)
FreshRoasts:Beef,PorkorLamb,easilycut to order
ImportedUKSweetsandTreats
LonsdaleQuay foodhall opens withdiversearray of flavours
NEWS STAFF
editor@nsnews.com
Wanttoenjoyawarmbowlof udon duringthecoldweather?Oreata doughnutwhilelookingattheNorth Shorewaterfront?
Anewfoodhallisofficially open at LonsdaleQuay, offering manynewculinary options withanelevatedlook.
Accordingtoapress releasefrom TheQuay,thefoodhallconcept isa freshtakeonthefood andbeverage experience,offeringindoorandoutdoor seatingoptionsandbeautifulviewsofthe waterfront, makingitaplacetoenjoylive entertainmentandsitwithfriendsand family.
“TheQuayhasbeenanintegralcomponent of theNorth Shore experience since builtin1986.Asthesurrounding neighbourhoodcontinuesto evolve,weaim to offera revitalized versionof whatthe community hasalways cherishedabout thiswaterfront destination,”said Taylor Mathiesen,president of QuayNorth UrbanDevelopment,a parentcompanyof LonsdaleQuayMarket.
“Ourobjectiveistocreateaninclusive spacetogatherand savourlocalflavours throughadiversearrayofthoughtfully curatedmenus.”
Thenewfoodhallincludesoptions suchasHeritageAsianEatery, LeCoqFrit, Tokyo Wagyu Works,ButterLaneBake ShopandKraveKulture.Thecentreofthe foodhallisTheMainstay,awine,beerand cocktailbarfeaturinga selectionofhandcraftedcocktailsplus15tapsof select wines,brewsandcidersfromB.C.
Futurefoodbusinesses willinclude BrazilGourmet,LaMano,Catcherin theFry, CraveCheesesteaksandDisco Cheetah.
“Withsuchaneclecticmixoffoodand beverageofferings,thefoodhallisnot onlyafeastforthetastebudsbutalsoa vibrantgatheringplacewherethecommunitycancometogethertoexploreand celebratethediverseculinarylandscape,” thepress release said.
ThefoodhallwillbeopenSunday toThursdayfrom10a.m.to9p.m.,and FridayandSaturdayfrom10a.m.to11 p.m.
Driver’s carimpounded for speeding inschool zone
JANESEYD
jseyd@nsnews.com
North VancouverRCMParewarning driverstoslowdowninschoolzones, orelse…
OnJan.19,onewomanwho was clocked going78kilometresperhourina school zoneonKeithRoadoutsideSt.Thomas Aquinasschoolwashandeda$368-fine for excessivespeeding.Shealsohadhercar automaticallyimpoundedfor sevendays.
Thesteeppenaltywasoneof48traffic ticketshandedoutinone day byasingle officer.Theone-manenforcementblitz included10ticketsforspeedinginschool zones.
ThelongstraightstretchofKeith RoadinfrontofSt.ThomasAquinasis a regularproblemareaforspeeding,said Cpl.MansoorSahak,spokespersonfor theRCMP.Butspeedingoverthe30km/h postedspeedlimitiscommonaroundmany elementaryschools,headded.
Normally,finesforspeedinginschool zonesrangefrom$196to$253.
But“excessivespeeding,”definedas anything more than40km/h overtheposted limit,comeswithadditionalpenalties, includingimpoundmentandfinesof$368 to $483.Usually,thehigherthespeed,the higherthefine.
Thedriverwhowashitwiththe impoundmentwrotetotheNorthShore Newstosayshethinksthepenaltyhanded outwasheavy-handedand awarning
BRIDGEBUILDING
North Vancouver RCMP conductspeed enforcementinfrontofArgyle Secondary onJan. 22
wouldhavesufficed.Thewomansaid shehadturnedfromJones Avenueonto Keiththatdayandwasrunninglatetoan appointment.
Becausesheneedsacarforwork,the womansaidshehadto rentacarforthe periodherowncarwaslockedup.Intotal, shesaid,theerrorcost hermorethan $1,200.
ButSahaksaidthe speed thedriverwas travellingwasfastforaschoolzone.
“Thedangersareway higher because therearekidsinvolved,”he said.
It wouldbeunusualforofficerstogive warningswhenthere’sexcessivespeedin a schoolzone, headded.
Sahaksaidpolicefrequentlyhearfrom thepublicsayingthereisn’tenoughenforcementandfinesaretoolow.
North VancouverRCMPwereoutagain onJan.22,doinganotherschoolzone safety blitzinfrontofArgyleSecondary.
Overnightclosureon Highway 1 plannedinNorth Vannext week
ABBY LUCIANO
aluciano@nsnews.com
Local JournalismInitiativeReporter
AsectionofHighway1inNorth Vancouverwillbeclosed for onenight nextweekas constructionnearscompletiononapedestrianandcycling bridge.
Ina release,theCityof North Vancouver said thetemporaryclosurewillbebetween theLonsdale Avenue andMainStreet interchangesonHighway1toallowforthe installationofasectionoftheCasano-Loutet overpass.
Theclosureisscheduledtobeginat10 p.m.on Wednesday,Feb.4,andfinishat 5 a.m.onThursday,Feb.5.Adetourwillbe availableforallvehiclesduringtheclosure.
Theovernightconstruction work involvesinstallingasteelbridgesupport overHighway1.
The citysaidthetemporary overnight highwayclosureisnecessarytoensurethe workiscompletedsafely.
InMay2024,theCityofNorth Vancouver announcedit received$4millioninprovincialfundingtofacilitatethebridge’s construction.Themunicipalityand TransLinkarealsosupplyingfunding for the project.
Oncecomplete,theCasano-Loutet overpasswillprovidepedestriansandcyclists withasafeandaccessiblepath overthe UpperLevelsHighway.
Theprojectissetto finishbysummer 2026,accordingtothe release.
LAKES,WHYTELLP
DarSantos
to ourlegal team.
JRjoinsLakes,Whyte LLPafter practicingas alitigationlawyerina downtownboutiquelaw firm. JR relies on apragmatic,business-minded approach to legalproblem-solving. Before enteringthelegalprofession, JRspentnearlyadecade workingin theinsuranceindustry.
ispleased to announcetheadditionof JR
JRcanassistwithdisputes relating to employment, debt,property, and construction. Outsidethe office, JRenjoys spendingtimewithhiswife and twochildrenandisproud to be buildingbothhispracticeandhislifeinthe communityheloves.
Reachout to JR to learn howhecanassist with yourlegalneeds.
Safe andsound
NorthShoreRescuewascalled out140timeslastyearforlost or injuredfolksinneedofhelp. Almost a thirdofthosecallswere tobringtheiradvancedskillsto othersearchand rescueteams,providing expertisewherevertheywere neededmost.
Despitetheirbestefforts,2025gaveus toomany remindersthatmountainscanbe deadly.
Volunteersputinuntoldthousands morehoursfortraining.That’s timethey takeawayfromtheirlivesandfamilies in thenameofkeepingussafe.
In this week’sprinteditionandon nsnews.com,youwill findaseriesof storiesdedicatedtoNorthShore Rescue. Itisourwayofsalutingtheteam fortheir selflessness.
Whilewecanall picture thevolunteers dangling fromhelicoptersorrappelling
downcliffs,there is a lessflashybut equallyimportantservicetheyprovide us – publiceducation.
Everybit of outreach theteamdoes advancescriticalmessagesaboutsafe recreationonthetrails: Researchthe conditionsandplan accordingly, alwayspack the10essentials, nevertravel alone,make suresomeone knowswhereyou’re going andwhenyou’redueback.
Ithashelped changetheculture of outdoor recreationin B.C.
We canputatallyonhowmanytimes NorthShoreRescue was called outin a year,butone cannever know how many livesthey’vesavedbypreventingincidents fromhappeninginthefirstplace.
Recreation on thetrails and inthe mountainsis a bigpart of lifehere. We thankNorth ShoreRescueforkeepingus allsafeandsound.
Burpsandbreathing:Meditationsofanew mother
VICTORIANWABUISI
Contributingwriter
Beinganewmomisthemost naturalexperienceforsome people,buttobehonest, it’sbeena“ruff‘n’tumble” journeyforme,andmaybe youtoo.
Motheringgetsmeexcited aboutthingslikepoops,pees,gas, burps,breathing….
“Mybabypoopedandit’sthe rightcolour!Hurray!!”
“Isshebreathing? Yes!”*Huge sighof relief.*
Itbringsmetoaplaceoftears withnotrigger.
“Hellopostpartumandhormonal changes,greattofeelyou!”
“AmInormal? YesIam!”
It reintroducedmetomybody andtheinnatelypowerfulblessing ofbeingawoman.
“Wheredoesbreastmilkcome from?”
“Fromthe mammaryalveoli.”
Youcanthankmelaterforthis randomtriviaknowledgewejust learnedtogether.
Itgivesmetheopportunity, freeofcharge,topracticemysingingand readingvoice.My baby’s presenceisajudgment-freespace.
Itmakesmeawareofthings thatIneverpaidmuch attention to.Whoeverheard ofUPPA baby strollers,a.k.a.Baby’s Tesla?At leaststrollerparkingisfree,for
now!
It drivesmetofacemyfears andembracemylimits– being a supermomisamyth.WhenI’m indoubt,IaskGoogle,myecho chamber.
It hasme reflectingon howIam mothered, forbetter,for worse. There’snomanualformothering, notevenRedditcomesclose.
ThanksMom!
Ithas redeemedmyfaithin the health-caresystem. Special shoutouttoLauren, Bree, Colleen, JocelynandLouriefromCanopy Midwives. EveryoneneedsamidwifelikeLauren–seriously!
Itastonishedmewhen, during a routineappointmentattheLGH
maternityclinic,Dr.JuliaHlynsky saidtome:“Wewantyoutohave the birthexperienceyoudesire,” andshemeanteveryword.
Itdeepensmygratitudeforthe privilegeofcallingtheNorthShore myhome. My littleoneissurrounded bynature,envelopedby thesimplicityandconnectedness oflife here.
AttheCityofNorth Vancouver LibraryIborrowedthebookthat preparedmeforthedeliveryof mybaby:Birth WithoutFear – an extraordinarilyhelpfulandapplicablebook.
Throughthelibrary, Ienjoy MotherGooseeventswherewe learndifferentsongs.Mycurrent
favouriteis“Zoom,zoom,zoom, we’regoingtothemoon”(andnot withElonMusk,thankyouvery much).
Ithelpsme findjoyinthesimplethings,suchasbabycuddles, sleep routines, reflexsmilesand cries,andthesmellofanewborn baby.
Whatabeautifulthingtowatch ababycooandexperiencetheir firstofeverything.
Itshowsmethatwhoeversaid, “Weneedgoodmannerstogetby inlife,”lied!
Babiesneversayplease orthankyou,yethereweall are.Doyouseeaproblem? I
realestate@nsnews.com
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DISTRIBUTION INQUIRIES 604-986-1337 distribution@nsnews.com
NEWSROOM 604-985-2131 editor@nsnews.com
MAILBOX
PAY PARKINGKEEPING HUNDREDS AWAY FROM AMBLESIDE WALKS
DearEditor:
Recently,onabeautifulsunnymorning, mywife andIdecidedtogofor awalk at Ambleside,somethingwe hadnotdone for severalmonths. We wereastonishedtosee howuncrowdeditwasandthehigh number ofvacantparkingstalls.
West Vancouver’spayparkingpolicy iscertainlyworkingasintended.It was a greatwalkandwethought of thehundreds ofpeoplewhoshouldhave beenenjoying Amblesidealongwithusbutwhowere unabletomakeit,deterredbythehigh parkingfee.
Thisissosad.
HowardDallimore North Vancouver
DIDANYONE ELSE GET ANNOYED BY CONSTANT MUSIC AT AMBLESIDE?
DearEditor:
Arewelonevoices,or were others disturbedbytheendlessamplified rock musicplayed dailyfromlateafternoonwell intothenightlastsummer at the outdoor ropedoffandalcohol-licensedarea of AmblesidePark,adjacent to theoldMarine buildingatthefootof14th? We livefour blocksfurtheralongBellevue Avenueand stillthenoisepenetratesthroughout our condo.Aslong-termowners,thiswasnever an issueuntilthispastsummer.Ascitizens of ourlovelycitywemustcertainlyhavethe righttoexpect reasonably quiet enjoyment of ourproperty.
TheentireAmblesideBeachareais beautifulandenjoyedby manyfamiliesall summerlong. Thelovelysoundsofpeople enjoyingthemselvesispart of the joyoflife TheHarmonyMusicFestivalisa welcome 10 daysorsoofmusicandcelebration,and
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, legalityand content.The News also reservestheright to publishanyand/orallletterselectronically.
ismuchenjoyed.Butwhy doesthedistrict allowtheloudamplifiedmusicfromthe foodtruckconcessionandoutdoor bararea everyeveningallsummerlong,inanarea adjacenttohundredsof residentialunits?If suchan“addition” to Amblesideisdeemed necessary, thencanitnotatleastbelocated furthereast,perhapsnearthePoundRoad areawherethenewyouthcentreistobe built?Therethenoisewouldnotbenearly sodisruptive.
Ambleside residentshavetherightto expectadegreeofpeaceand quiet.
WilliamJones West Vancouver
EXHAUST FUMES A HAZARD FOR HIGHWAY 1 HANGOUT CONCEPT
DearEditor:
RE:Competition CallsFor Cool Crossingof Highway1,Jan 21newsstory
Whatagreatideaforgettingyoung peopleinvolvedincivicaffairs.Ihope a greatdesignischosen,to be putinadifferentlocation.Whyadifferentlocation?My hazardanalysistellsmetheareaisshared withvehiclesthatproduceexhaust,someof whichcancausecancer.
Theproblemisthattherearenoill effectsatthetimeofexposure. Cancer takes a longtimetomanifest, and themedical diagnosisisaheartbreakevent.Imagine howyouwouldfeelasa parentofateenagerthat receivedsuchadiagnosis.
Whatcanwe do?Becomeawareofthe hazards and theireffectsand minimizethe timespentinthehazard.
Ihopethatmunicipal politicians become awareofhazardsand theireffectsso gooddecisionsaremade, preventingthe heartbreakof preventable health problems andeasingtheburden ofovercrowded hospitals.
JohnConsiglio North Vancouver
TheNorth Shoreisagood village
certainlydon’t.
It revealstheimportance of support and communityinadifferentway. We need avillage,atown,acity,younameit.And remember,Mother’sDayiseveryday!
Itcontinuestowidenmyperspective ontheuniversalityofourjoyandpainas women.Ohyes!C-section,orvaginalbirth, there’s noescapingtheprocess–thatbaby iscomingoutonewayoranother,andonce
theyareout,the realwork begins. Itushers healinginvariouswaysand multipliesmygratitudeforlife.
Whetheryouareanewmom, a seasoned mom,abouttobeamom,wantto be a mom,can’teverbeamom,won’tever be a mom…weareall partofthelarger, timelessexperienceofmothering.
Itimpactsusforever.
VictoriaNwabuisiisawanna-besupermom wholivesinNorth Vancouver.
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Conservative leadershiphopeful calls for sewageplantinquiry
JANESEYD jseyd@nsnews.com B.C.Conservative leadershiphopefuland West Vancouver resident YuriFulmerhaspledged toholda“fullpublic inquiry”intotheNorth Shoresewageplant boondoggle–provided hewinstheleadership andissubsequently elected.
Fulmer,aNorthShore businessleaderandphilanthropist, recentlyentered theleadership race to replaceformerBC Conservativeleader JohnRustad,who resignedunderpressurefromhisown caucusinDecember.
Lastweek,Fulmersaidhe’ssettinghis sightsonthemassivecostoverrunsthat haveplaguedtheNorthShore Wastewater TreatmentPlant,currentlyunder constructioninNorth Vancouver,andthefailure of governmenttostopthemortellthepublic howtheyhappened.
“BritishColumbiansdeserveanswers astohowa$700millionprojecthasgone morethan$3billionoverbudgetandnot a singlepersonhasfacedaccountability or consequencesforthis slapinthefaceto Metro Vancouvertaxpayers,”said Fulmer, inapressstatement.“North Shore residentsarefacing a projectedtaxincreaseof $590annually forthenext30yearstohelp payforthisstunning mess ofgovernment ContinuedonA11
This is thefuturesiteof Affordable Housing
Partywillpicknewleaderin May
incompetencebytheMetro Vancouver RegionalDistrictandtheyhavearightto knowhowthishappened.”
Healsocriticizedthe NDPgovernment for rejectingaNorthShore citizengroup’s requesttoholdapublicinquiry, which assistantdeputyminister TaraFaganello rejectedinSeptember.
“Towarrantthatdegreeofprovincial intervention,thematterwouldneedto bebeyondthe capacityorwillingness of thelocalgovernmentto remedy and fundamentallyaffecttheviabilityofalocal governmentorhaveseriousconsequences for thelocalgovernmentsystem,” she wrote.
In response,NorthShore NeighbourhoodsAlliancechairmanDavid Marleycalledtheministry’s reasoning “absurd,”andadded thatthesectionof theLocalGovernmentAct empowering the provincetoholdpublicinquirieswas “tailormadeforthisvery problem.”
Earlierin2025,Metro Vancouver’s board ofdirectorsdecidedto haltan independent reviewintohowtheNorth Shore Wastewater TreatmentPlantwent $3billionoverbudgetuntilafterMetro Vancouver’slawsuitwithformercontractorAccionais resolved.Itisn’tscheduled
togototrialuntil March2027.
“Aftercarefulconsideration,theboard hasdecidedthepublicinterest is best servedby resolvingthe legaldispute with thepreviouscontractorbeforeundertaking the review,”saidMetro Vancouverboard chairMikeHurleyatthetime.
AccionaissuingMetroformorethan $250millionfor breachesofcontractual obligations,including wrongfully terminatingtheprojectagreement.Metro is countersuingformorethan$1billionallegingAccionais responsiblefor “material” breachesofthedesign-build contract.
NorthShoretaxpayersareonthehook for37percentofthenearly $3billion incostoverrunswhilethe restofMetro Vancouver will pickup63percentof the tab.
Ontopoftheballooningpricetagfor thesewageplant, itis still unknown what coststaxpayers will alsohavetofootfor theenvironmental cleanupanddecommissioningoftheoldsewageplant in the comingyears.
FulmerisoneofahandfulofcandidatesvyingforleadershipoftheB.C Conservatives,tobedecidedbyparty membersinMay.
North Vancouver residentandpolitical punditCarolineElliottis also running.
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GOODSPIRITS
Sonsof Vancouvernamedbestwhiskymaker in Canada
BRENTRICHTER
brichter@nsnews.com
TheendofDryJanuarycan’tcome soonenough.
North Vancouver’sSonsof Vancouver DistilleryhaspickedupahostofCanadian Whisky Awards,includingthe vaunted CanadianWhiskyProducerofthe Year.
“It’s reallycool,man.Itfeelslikebig thingsarehappening,”saidco-founder JamesLester.“Andtheteamisalsovery excited.”
Openedjustoveradecadeago – when craftdistillingwasstilla boldconcept –Sonsof Vancouverhasrackedupdozens of awardsincludingthe2023Canadian Whiskyofthe Yearand2025 RyeWhiskyof theyear.
CanadianWhiskyProducerofthe Year isabigonethough,Lestersaid.Nominees areonlyconsideredafterthey’veearned themselvesacrowdedtrophycaseof individualwhiskyawards.Andit’sonlythe secondtimeintheawards’historythatthe titlehasgonetoanindependentproducer.
“This reallyjustshowsthatit’snotan accident.Itwasn’taflash in thepansortof situation.Ifeellikeit’ssome realcredibility in theindustry, especiallyamongst thebig names– the CrownRoyalsand Wiser’s –who’vewonthisinthepast.”
Amongotherawardsthisseason, SonstookagoldintheBestCast-Strength Whiskycategoryfortheiralmost-60per centalcoholFirstCrackontheCrème Brûlée.
“It’saprettystiffcategory,”Lestersaid. (Punactuallynotintended.)
“Inwhisky,wheattasteslikevanilla
icingsugar.Ittastes likecustard. We really leanedintothat wheatcontentwhenwe wereblendingittotryandbringoutthat creaminessofthecrèmebrûlée.Theoak caskgaveitthatcaramelizedsugarnose.”
Sadly,asisoftenthecase with small batchspirits,theentirerunavailableto thepublicwassoldoutbeforecompetition judgesheldtheirblindtastings.Sonsof
Vancouver’swheated ryewhiskyhowever, whichwontheBest New Whisky award, offersasimilarexperienceandisstillon theshelves,Lestersaid.
ThemarqueeawardforSonsof Vancouvercomesatadifficulttime inthe industry. Muchlikecraftbrewers,distillers areseeingdecliningsales.Lestersaidit couldbeonaccountofthe risingcost of
livingand consumershavinglessdisposableincome, orpeople becomingmore healthconsciousanddrinkingless.Orit couldsimplybethattheboomin craft spiritsthatoccurred duringthepandemic isover.
“Ihavefriendswhowere down 30 per centlastyear, and they’re down 30 per centagainthisyear,”hesaid.
Sonsof Vancouverhasbeen weatheringthestorm,Lestersaid,thanksto theirdecisiontobranch outinto making whiskies.Andthe awards,nodoubt, haven’thurt.Thedistilleryalsopickedup theBestWhiskyAged8 YearsorUnder awardandBlending Team ofthe Yearalong withnumerousgold medalsforindividual whiskies.
“We’repretty lucky.”hesaid.
James Lester, co-founderofNorth Vancouver’s Sonsof VancouverDistillery, acceptshisplaquesatthe Canadian Whisky Awards. JEN STEEL PHOTOGRAPHY@ JENSTEELEPHOTOGRAPHY
Sonsof VancouverDistillery co-founderJames Lester enjoysthe aromaofoneof his awardwinningwhiskies. PAULMCGRATH / NSN
YOUAREHERE2026
JAN.21,2026 -SUNDAY, FEB.08,20264:00PM
SilkPurseArtsCentre,1570Argyle Ave.
Experiencetheoriginalartworkfromthe YouAre Here2026 Calendarfeaturingbeautifulscenes &storiesoftheNorthShore byartists: GlennBohn,LilChrzan,ChristineCowan,Emma Fish,AkemiEmmaIto,SueJohnson,SamKaplan,Shelley McDonald,ShirleyMcKell, TatjanaMirkov-Popovicki,Leonid Rozenberg &Marilynn Tebbit. https://westvanartscouncil.ca/event-6427072
LOVELIGHTS AT CAPILANOSUSPENSIONBRIDGE PARK
JAN.30 AT 10:00AM -FEB.22 AT 8:00PM 3735CapilanoRd.,3735CapilanoRoad,North Vancouver WhereLoveGlows:ExperienceLoveLightsatCapilano SuspensionBridgePark. https://www.capbridge.com/tickets-and-hours/?utm_ source=nsnews.com&utm_medium=referral
BATTLEOFTHEBRUSH45: AWAKENING —LIVE PAINTING COMPETITION
FEB.27 AT 8:00PM -11:00PM
ThePipeShop,115 VictoryShip Way, North Vancouver BattleoftheBrush45: AWAKENING—livepaintingbattleat ThePipeShop. 8teamscreateartin80mins.Audiencevotes winner +$500prize.Feb27,doors8:00pm,show8:30pm. https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/battle-of-the-brush-45vancouver-live-painting-battle-tickets-1271869829899
STUNNINGSKIES
Northern Lights, fogput on show forlocalphotographers
JANESEYD
jseyd@nsnews.com MotherNatureputon ashowovertheNorth Shorelastweek.
Duringthe day, low-lying fog hangingover downtown Vancouvermadethecity appeartofloatonaseaof cloudwhenviewedfrom high pointsinNorthand West Vancouver.
Thenfortwonightsin a row, astrongsolarflare resultedinsomestunningviewsoftheaurora borealis,whichwere captured by severallocal photographers.
fogandNorthern Lights LUIS PORTILLO
Thepossibilityofseeingthe Northern LightsthisfarsouthwassignalledMonday, Jan.19,whentheNationalOceanicand AtmosphericAdministrationnotedageomagneticstormfromthesunarrivinginthe Earth’smagneticfield.
That promptedlocal photographershopingtocatchtheauroratoget busystaking outtheirspots.
Vancouver residentRachelGallegowas oneofthem.
Gallegosaidshe’sbeen“obsessed”with chasingaurorasightingsforseveralyears now.
Likeotheraurorachasers,Gallego belongstoseveralFacebookgroups thattrackthelikelihoodofseeingthe NorthernLights.She’salsolearnedthe science behind theirappearanceand has downloadedseveralappsthatmeasuregeomagneticintensityandindicate the chances theauroramightappear.
On Tuesdaynight(Jan. 20), shedecided thetimewasrightto hikeupHollyburn Peaktocatchthelightshow.
Gallego,anexperiencedNorthShore hiker,is quickto pointoutthat, “It’satrail I wouldn’t recommendtosomeonewithout knowledgeofwinterhiking”, addingshe takesalong properemergencygearincludingasatellitedevice.
Onceinposition,itwasaquestionof waiting,andwatchingthroughthecamera lenses,whichcan pickuptheauroramuch betterthan humaneyesight.
”Thecamera’salwaysgoingtopickup more light,”shesaid.“Oureyesweren’t meanttobenocturnal.”
Theotherkeyispatience,shesaid, becauseyouneverknowwhenthepeakof theauroraisgoingtobevisible.
On Tuesdaynight,shesaid,shemanagedtocapturetwopeaksofthelightshow inthethreehoursshespentlooking.
”IthinkI’vealwaysbeenfascinatedby theuniverseingeneral,”shesaid.And unlikesomeastronomicalphenomena,“It’s somethingverytangible.”
LuisPortillo,anotheraurorachaser, chosetoheadfromhishomeinBurnabyto West Vancouver’sWhytecliffPark,aspothe hopedwouldbedarkandquiet,on Tuesday night.
Portillosaidhewasluckyenoughtosee theNorthernLightsonatriptoIcelandand wasintriguedbythepossibilityofseeing themsoclosetohome.
Portillosaidoneofthekeystoseeingthe auroraispatience.The firstindicationsare usuallyagreen“shimmering,”hesaid,“like awaveoflightmoving.”
Usingatripodandtakinglongexposures –anywherefromseveralsecondstoseveral minutes – iskeytocapturingthecoloursof theaurora,saidbothGallegoandPortillo. Beingpreparedwithwarmclothesand a lotofpatiencealsohelps.
Portillosaidhewasattheparkforabout twohoursandwas rewardedwithsome stunningviewsoftheNorthernLightsat about11p.m.
“Sometimesitjusttakestime,”hesaid. “Youcanbeseeingnothingtheninamatter ofminutestheaurorashowsup.”
Thefoglastweekwasbeencausedby an“inversion”whereanupperridgeofhigh pressuretrappedcoolerairandmoisture downatlowerelevations,saidBobby Sekhon,ameteorologistwithEnvironment Canada.
Thatweatherpatternshiftedlatelast week,withwarmertemperaturesandrainin theforecastleadingintothisweekend.
Photographer Luis Portillo captured stunning shotsof theNorthern LightsfromWhytecliff Parklast week. Visit nsnews.com to seemoredazzlingNorth Shorephotos of
Photo:Lee Miller, Pidoux Hats, 1939. ©Lee MillerArchives, England2025.
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MOUNTSEYMOUR
Rescue team saveshikerin Suicide Gully
BRENTRICHTER brichter@nsnews.com
Ahikerwhowounduplostin MountSeymour’s SuicideGullywasluckyto makeitout,NorthShore Rescuesays.
Theteamwascalledtotheareaon thewestsideof MountSeymourontheeveningof Jan.21whena69-yearoldmanlostthetrail onthe returnfrom BrocktonPoint andmadethedecisiontoheaddownhill–somethingthat canbefatalonthe NorthShore.
Atonepoint,theman reachedastrategicallyplaced NorthShoreRescuesupplycachethathassignswarning hikerstostaywhere theyare.
Butthemancontinued,bushwhackingdownthrough steepterraintoaboutthe400-metreelevationpoint where he wasabletogetenoughcell receptiontocall 911.
“Thecellphone reception is notverygoodthere,”said Dale Weidman,NorthShoreRescuesearchmanager.
A ground team droveup totheSpur4area intheLower SeymourConservationReserveandhikeduptotheman tocarefullyescorthimout.
Whenlost,people’s instinctsoftentell themtogo downhilltowardsafety,butontheNorthShore,thatusuallyendsincliffs,drainagesandwaterfalls.Asthename suggests,SuicideGully canbehighlydangerous.
“It looksokayandthen it getssteeperasyougo,” Weidmanwarned.
Importantly,thehikerhadn’ttoldanyonewherehe wasgoingorwhentoexpecthimback,meaningwithout cell reception,he’dhavebeenonhisownintheelements,
acknowledgewithspecial thanksthesupportof
ANorth Shore
whichhedidn’thavethenecessary gearorsuppliesfor.
“Hewouldhavespentthenight, and it wouldn’thave madeanydifferenceforusbecausewewouldn’thave knownaboutit,” Weidmansaid.
North Shore Rescue always recommendsstayingput onceyou’relostasitwill makeiteasierfor rescuersto find you andyouwon’tinadvertentlyputyourselfor rescue volunteersintoaneven more dangeroussituation.
Becauseoftheicyconditionsonthetrailsthistime of year,hikersneedtohave cramponsor microspikes,the teamadvises.
BelowmarketrentalhousinginNorth &West Vancouverforadults55+.
Rents startat$1200forstudios and$1400for 1bedroomunits.
Rescue volunteermakestheir way to a lost 69-year-oldmaninMount Seymour’s Suicide Gullyon Wednesday,Jan.21. NORTH SHORE RESCUE
NORTHSHOREDISABILITY RESOURCECENTRE
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Theevening will includea sitdowndinner, silent auction, 50/50draw, entertainment andmore. Formoreinformation andto register visit nsdrc.org/attend-an-event. Register nowforourearly bird registration rate! Prices increase March2nd.
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Aweekly glimpseinto NorthShore’spastfromMONOVA: Museum of NorthVancouver
RidgewayAvenuehouses
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Thisshotofthe1100blockofRidgeway Avenue,takenin1910,showsfivenewhousesbuiltfor theIrwin &BillingsRealEstateCompanybyHarveyJ.Campbell.Constructedwithmirrorimage plansandsimilarfeatures,thehousescreated atightuniformrow,somethinguncommoninNorth Vancouveratthetime,especiallyintheRidgewayareawhichwasthensparselypopulated.
Fourofthefivehouseswereoriginallypurchasedandusedasrentalproperties.Allfivehousesstill standtoday,andaredesignatedheritagehomesbytheCityofNorth Vancouver.
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Developerfined forunsafe traffic controlat North Vancouver jobsite
BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com
WorkSafeBChas hit a developerwithafineof almost$5,000afteran inspectionfoundunsafe conditionsattheirNorth Vancouverjobsite.
Accordingtothe recentlypostedpenalty summary, Coquitlam-based QualDevelopmentLtd.had beenworkingonanew apartmentbuildingwhen aninspectorspotted a workerwithouthigh-visibilityappareldoingtraffic controlinalanethat was stillopentovehicletraffic –a “high-riskviolation.”
can get by ina
Furtherinvestigationfoundtheyhadn’t beentrainedfortraffic control andthatthe developerhadn’tcarriedoutarisk assessmentor puttogetheratraffic controlplan.
“Thesewereall repeatedviolations,” thesummarystated.
The$4,861.65 finewashandeddown lastmonth.
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GEMINI May21-June20
You’llengageinmany discussionsthisweek.Atwork, you’llexpandyourclientbase whilestrengtheningteamspirit amongyourcolleagues. Your adviceisvaluedandcouldlead to anotableimprovementin your financialsituation.
CANCER June21-July22
Your financialsituationcould create alotoftensionthis week.However,anexpert couldhelpyou find asuitable solution.Thiswilleasesome ofthepressureandgiveyou thechancetoenjoy awelldeservedbreak.
LEO July23-Aug.22
You’llbeburstingwithenergy thisweek. You’llfeelcapable ofmovingmountains! You’ll throwyourselfinto anew professionalorpersonal projectthatwillgiveyou adeep senseofaccomplishmentand satisfaction.
VIRGO Aug.23-Sept.22
You’llneedsolidsupportin bothyourprofessionaland personallife. You’ll readily offerhelpto alovedonethis week.However,becarefuland makesureothersdon’ttake advantageofyourgenerosity.
LIBRA Sept.23-Oct. 22
Thisweekwillbe filled with tension.Thisatmospherewill encourageyoutotakebetter careofyourself,especially throughphysicalexercise. Sincekeepingyourmoraleup matterstoo,treatyourselfto afewindulgencestoliftyour spirits.
SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21
Unexpectedeventscouldcause delaysthisweek,butspacing outyourappointmentscould helpyouminimizeyourstress. Thisisalso agoodtimeto considerstartingyourown business.
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec.21
Yourfriendsmayinviteyou on afungetaway.Nothingwill revitalizeyoumorethan abrief changeofscenery, especiallyif youliveinthecity.
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
You’llsoongothroughan emotionallyintenseperiodthat willpromptyoutoevaluate yourfriendships.Opportunistic actionswillpushyouto reaffirm yourvalues.Ifyou respectyourself,you’llattract moreauthenticandsincere relationships
AQUARIUS Jan.20-Feb.18
You’llfeel alotofpressureto makeanimportantdecision thisweek.Ifyouwanttomake therightchoice,gatherallthe necessaryinformationand weightheprosandcons.Give yourselfthetimeyouneed.
PISCES Feb. 19-March20
Atwork,you’llbe floodedwith urgenttasksthatdemandyour attention.Althoughthismay causesomestress,thehustle andbustlecouldbecomea springboardforgrowth. You maysuddenlybegivenan opportunityforadvancement, whichwillbenefit yourcareer.
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
Respite centreset toopensoon
Speaking fortheprovincialgovernment,whichputup$11millionforthe projectwhenitranintopost-pandemic cost-overruns, North Vancouver-Lonsdale NDPMLABowinnMasaidthenewaffordablehomes will“meanthe world”totheir future tenants.
Thatincludes at leastone single motherwhoMasaidsheknowshashadto livein constantfearof evictionsincethe lossofherhusband.
“WhenIcalledhertocongratulateher onher acceptance intothebuilding, I cannot helpbut rememberthetremorin hervoice,”shesaid.“Shehas alotmore challenges thatshe’llcontinuetohave todeal with,but theone challengethat isnolongeron herplate isknowingthat she and herdaughterwillhave a safeand stablehomeforaslong as theyneedto.”
Theprojecthasbeenintheworkswith thecitysince2019,justmonthsafterthe neighbouring DistrictofNorth Vancouver councilquashedavirtuallyidentical proposalfromCatalystattheformer Delbrook HighSchool. Thecityputup thelandand$5millioninsitepreparation costs.
“Afteryears of planning,advocacyand collaboration,thatvisionisnowbecoming
a reality.It’savisiondrivenbytheurgent needformorehousinginourcommunity andacrossBritishColumbia,”saidMayor LindaBuchanan. “Accesstosafe,stable andattainablehousingisa rightweall share.Andyetthehousingcrisishas lefttoomanypeople–seniors,students, familiesandworkers–strugglingto find optionsthatarewithintheir reach,includingrighthereinourcity.”
CatalystpresidentScott Dutchaksaid TimberlineIwilloffersomebadlyneeded stabilityforpeoplestrugglinginthehousingmarket.
“Thisisanamazingday. We’re delightedatCatalysttobeapartofsuch agreatandstrongpartnershipthat’s makingameaningfuldifferenceinthis community,”hesaid.“Whenpeoplehave asecurehome,everythingelsebecomes alittlebiteasier,andthat’swhatthis projectdelivers.”
Themain floor ofthebuildingwillbe an18,000-square-footseniors’ respite centretobe run byCareBC.Theyare targetingaspringopening.
Underconstructionimmediatelyto thesouthof TimberlineIisabrandnew, 30,000-square-foot replacementfacilityfor NorthShoreNeighbourhoodHouseand18 storeysofbelow-markethousing.
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Born in NorthVancouverand raised in West Vancouver,Elsie waswithfamilywhen shedied peacefully at TheNorth ShoreHospice.
Predeceased by herbelovedparents– Gilbertand Aliceandher much-lovedbrother Dick.
Survived by sister Kathy(David),sister-in-law Louise,niecesHolly (Ted),Gillian(David),great nephew, Andrew and greatniece, Lauren. Elsie cherishedherfamilyand themanyfriends who enrichedher life.
“The BigThree”was thetitle awarded to Elsieand her lifelong friends Andrea (Leigh) Johnsonand Gail (Fitzpatrick)Nielly- loyal,lovingand formidable together.Only Andrea remainsasthe senior chronicler of theirsharedhistory.
Dianediedon December30,2025,aftera short illness. Born in Chilliwack, Diane travelledthe country forher father’s militarypostings,and then thecontinentas anurse and young mother,before settlingonthe NorthShoretoraise her family.Diane enjoyed along career in community health,but it wasafterher retirement that shefoundher true passion:being GMatoher four grandchildren, in whomshe found greatdelight.Diane was predeceased byherparents, Charlesand Nadine, andher infantbrother Charles. Sheissurvivedby David,her lovinghusbandof55 years; daughters Claireand Lynn; grandchildrenAleksandar,Mikaela, Milena,and Morgan;as well as extended family and friends.
Mompassedawaywithusbyher sideon the afternoonof January14th. Ourfamilyissincerely grateful forthe care,support, and kindnessshown by thestaff on Floor2, Manor2,at theLynnValley Care Center.Theywereall wonderfuland loving to Rolandeduringher time spent there.
Mom’sgreatestloves were her grandchildren, Emma,Maxine, and Jackson. Shenever tiredof spending time withthemandbragging to allhow smartand cute they are. Everyhug,every snuggle, everytear wiped,noone wasbetterthan Nana.
Momhad areal fire in herand independencethat madeusproud. From theageof38, sheworkedin thedental industryand wasa loyaland steadfast dentalassistantather last positionwithDr. Mackie in West Vancouver,becomingclose friends with many clientsand staff.
Elsie wasknown as graciousandgiving, adventurousand funloving. Sheworkedhardand had many tripstoEurope,Britain,acrossCanada andbeyond. Sheenjoyed summers on Gabriola Islandand relished weekends away withfriends. Thosewho knew her will attest to her independence and tenacityasmajor contributors to her rich and full life.
Elsiesupportedmanycharitiesandorganizations.In lieuofflowers,pleaseconsiderdonatingtoacharity ororganizationof your choice.
ServicetobeconductedatFirst Memorial Funeral Servicesand Boal Chapel,1505Lillooet Rd. North Vancouver.
We wish to thank thestaff at BCAmbulanceService, West Vancouver Fire &Rescue, andLions Gate Hospital fortheir assistance. SpecialthankstoDr. SandraWiebe forthe exemplarycaresheprovided to Diane over theyears. Acelebrationoflifewill be heldata later date. Inthemeantime, we can remember Diane by walkingasfastaswecan on theseawall, enjoyingastrong coffee,sharinga bakedgood with afriend,huggingour grandchildren, spending time in agarden,and cheeringloudlyfor theCanucks.She would approveofall of these things.Inlieuofflowers,pleasemakeadonationto acharityofyour choice.
SonChris anddaughterMelisa,along withtheir partnersMonica and Rob, sharememoriesof Rolande’s strongopinions,storytelling, andher appreciationofher Métisstatus. Born in North Battleford,Saskatchewan,her rootstofamilywere strong,visitingwhen shecould,her sister DeeDee, and cousinsinAlberta and Saskatchewan.
In herearly careerand life, shewas aflight attendant,anavidskier carvingdownthe slopesof Whistlermountaininthe latest andhottestski outfit, and kept fitbybikingtoworkandplayinggolf. Rolandehad areal love of travel,spending time on thecoastofthe Mediterranean, laterinMexicowith her younger cousin Adele, and cruising the Caribbean,neverwithout aglass of wine in hand.
In lieuofa serviceasperher wishes,weask that friends celebrateher lifebyhugging theirlovedones andholding them tight.
REMEMBRANCES
On Wednesday, January21,2026, Anna Maria Felicella passedawaypeacefully at theageof85 in herhome, surroundedbyfamily.
Anna leavesbehindherbelovedhusbandof62 years, MarioFelicella;her threechildren: MarioJr. Felicella,Franco(Rita)Felicella,and Franca(Blair) McFayden;andhereight grandchildren: Cassius, Ines,Talia,Gianna, Rocco,Massimo,Connor,and Shaelyn.She is also survived by hergreat-grandson, Finley.
Shewaspredeceased by herbrother, Romano (Lillian) Giusti.
Anna wasbornonMay 16,1940, to Antonioand AngelaGiustiinVolpagodel Montello,Italy.She immigrated to Canada in 1949 with her motherand brother Romano to join her father,Antonio, and settledinVancouver’s Chinatown. While aproud Canadian, shenever forgother Italianheritage.
Afterhighschool,Annabegan her modellingcareer as ayoung womanindowntownVancouver.Her innatestyle andpassion fordesignmadeher atrue tastemaker.A womanof many talents, Annahada gift forsewing, from dressestodrapes to her grandchildren'sHalloween costumes.Anna left her creativetoucheverywhere, and it showed in every homeshe lived in.
Hertalentsextendedbeyond sewing into thekitchen, whereshe created Neapolitanand Venetianculinary masterpieces.Nothingbrought Anna greater joythan sharingabeautiful meal withthoseclosest to her andpassingonher cherished traditions to her family.
Adevoted wife and mother,Anna wasa proud homemaker to herhusbandand threechildren. Although busy athome, shealwaysfound time to give backtoher community. From teaching Italian cookingclassesatLittleFlowerAcademy, to hosting La ScalaatExpo86,and volunteeringwithCatholic nuns in theDowntownEastside; shewasdriven to make ameaningful impactinthe livesofothers.
Anna wasa forcetobereckoned with.A true leader, shestood firm in her valuesand spokewithhonesty, integrity,and wisdom.Herpresencewas impossible to ignore, and shealwaystreated everyone with compassion,empathy,and respect.
Today,wemournthepassingof aprecious soulas shebeginsher journeyintoeternal life. Knowinghow deeplyshe wasloved, we will honourher memory with graceanddignity.
Ourson, Greg,diedsuddenlyandunexpectedlyin TorontoonNovember 12.His parents, Janand Al, his sister Adrienneandherpartner Dave Smith,and Christine,Greg’sbeloved wife,are left with ahuge voidintheirlives.
Greg wasborninBurlington, Ontario, and movedto North Vancouver with hisfamilyin1976. He attended Seymour HeightsElementarySchooland graduated from Windsor High School withtheclass of 1992. He thendecided,outof curiosity, to enrol in theCulinary ArtsProgramat Vancouver City College.
Upon graduation, this curiosityabout food ledhim to the kitchensof TheBacchus Roomat the Wedgewoodhoteland TheIrish Heather,his first stint as ahead chef.
AftermovingtoToronto, he workedat several popular restaurants, among them Rain,Forte,Cru and theBlack Angus Steak House.
During theseyears, hehad theopportunity to appearon TheFood Networkshows,“Iron Chef”and “Made to Order.”
Some of thememoriesthat will helpfillthe voidin our lives left by hissuddendeathinclude Gregand Christine’s weddingon theIsleofArran in Scotland. This wasa beautiful experiencefullofkilts, haggis poutine(Greg’screation)anddancingonthis beautiful islandunder incrediblyblueskies.Christine and Greg were so happyduringthosewonderful days.
Greg lovedrockand roll music. He played avery goodbassinarockgroupas ateenager.Music accompanied everythinghedid. He wasalways thumpingout abaseline, singingalong to amedley, dancinginhis kitchen,drivinginhis car. Therewasa playlistthataccompaniedhimeverywhere: The Clash,The Specials,Graham Parsons,The Who, the listgoeson.
RememberingGreg’sgenerosityand kindnesswill helpusfill theemptinesscreated by hisabsence. He caredabout everyonehe met, even thosehedid not know well. Hiskindnesstohis Aunt Carol, whowas onher Alzheimer'sjourney, madeher last days joyful.
He lovedfishing,and thoughhecaught few, he alwayshadhisfishinggear in hiscar in case he drove pasta lake or stream,hecoulddrop aline into.
Greg livedhislifeasa verb-a-maker,a creator,and agiver of care and kindness. Thisis theessenceof Greg–his Gregness.
BrianHuntdiedpeacefully athomeonJanuary11,2026, with familysurrounding him, justshyofhis 87thbirthday. He leavesbehindhislovingwifeof61years, Barbara(McNutt)anddaughtersJoanne (DarrenFranko),Jennifer(Chris Robertson) andJanet (CurtisBrock); and grandchildren, Mark and Graeme Robertson, BrianFranko, Paigeand Kaiden Brock.
Brianwas themiddlesonof Dr.and Mrs. Leigh Hunt of Vancouver.Heispredeceased by hisparentsand threebrothers, Dr.John Hunt,Dr. DavidHunt,and Andrew,whodied ininfancy. Hewill be missedbyhisloving sisters-in-law, extended family,and many long-time friendsand medicalcolleagues.
Brianwas alongtimeresidentof theNorth Shoreand formerheadofLions Gate Hospital Neurosurgery. He firstcametoNorth Vancouver in 1963as amedical studentenrolledintheLGHexternprogram.In1966,he joined theNorth Shore MedicalGroupand practicedFamilyMedicine fortwo yearsbeforeleaving to specializeinneurosurgeryatWinnipeg General Hospital.In1972, Dr.Hunt returned to theNorth Shoreand commencedhisneurosurgicalpracticeatLGH. In 1976,withthe helpofDr. Barrie Purves,heestablished theLGH Divisionof Neurosurgeryand the7East neurologicalward, whichalsosupportedthe neurologists.
Formanyyears, twoneurosurgeons coveredthe NorthShoreneurosurgical needs24/7withon- call serviceandperformedall aspects ofneurosurgery, includingpediatricand spinal injury patients, beforetherewerededicatedspinal injury andpediatricneurosurgeryservicesinVancouver.Without resident staff, Drs. Huntand Purves reliedon thehighlyskilled, specializedneurologicalnursing stafftomonitorthe patients. Much time wasdevoted by bothneurosurgeons in educatingthe nurses,and over time,a neurologicalintensivecareunitwas established on the7Eastward. Thisledtothe constructionof aseparatebut adjacent SpecialCareUnit.
From itsinception to thepresentday, Lions Gate Hospital's neurosurgicalservice has remained in theforefrontof surgical innovationand modern-daytechniques. Dr.Hunt wasalsopassionateaboutbraininjurypreventionandpromoted mandatoryhelmetuse forthe Whistler SkiPatroland SkiSchool instructors, concussion managementprotocolsfor contactsports andadvocated formajor improvementstothe UpperLevels and SeatoSky highways becauseofhigh accident rates.
Brianwished to be rememberedas someone whocareddeeplyabouthis patients, family,neighbours, dogs,and Canada. He wasa devotedhusband, wonderfulfather to hisdaughters, sons in-law,and grandchildren.
Thefamilywishes to thank Dr.Dean Brown, Dr.Jennifer Walkerand theVCH AssistedDying ProgramTeam fortheirdedicationand compassionatepalliative care.
In lieuofflowers,any donations in Brian’smemorycanbe made to theLionsGate Foundationora charityofyour choice.
REMEMBRANCES
OBITUARIES
Ourdear Marg,Mom,and Grandma passedgently on January9,2026, surroundedbylovedonesat NorthShoreHospice.After courageously fighting andbeatingcancerpreviously (2017-2022),the cancer resurfaced in midNovember2025.Marg’sfinal months reflectedthe same spirit,bravery,and positivity thatdefinedher life.
Shetouchedsomanylives in her76+ yearswithus, more than shewill ever know. Shehad agiftofeffortlesslyconnecting with peopleand had aknackfor making everyone feel specialwithout even trying.Shehad so many closefriends with meaningfulanddeep connections.She valuedand treasured eachofthem.
Herrichlifehas so many chapters, eachwithlasting impact,from co-foundingher ownbusiness(DecksAwash,which is still operatingtoday!), to winningbronzeat theWorld Amateur Racquetball Championships,tobecomingaRubyMaster bridgeplayer,toher thousandsofhoursvolunteeringin palliative &hospice over 30 years. Herloveoftravelwas aconstant throughouther life, and shewas always lookingforward to hernextadventure. Over theyears, sheexploredmany parts of Canadaand visited46countries with Jim, her travel companionand lovinghusbandof57 years.
Marg’sprideand joythroughoutherlifewas raisingher threesons,towhom she gaveeverything. In her lateryears,thatprideand joywasbrought to and showeredupon her grandchildren, whoshe lovedsodearly;shehad aunique and specialbond with each.
Marg waspredeceased by herdad (Doug),and survived by her husband (Jim), mom(Gwen),sister(Sylvia), brothers(Jeff,John),son (Byron, wife Carolina),son (David, wife Patty, grandsonTorsen),and son(Jason, wife Diana, grandkidsKaiya & Noah).
TheElligottfamilyisgratefulfor Dr.KatherinePaton (Eye Oncologist)and Dr. Alison Weppler (Oncologist)for theirexceptional treatment,care, and compassion during Marg’s struggles with cancer.Wewouldalsoliketoacknowledgeallstaff at theBCCancer Clinic and NorthShoreHospice fortheiramazingcareand dedication.
ACelebrationofLifehonouringMargwill beheldon
In lieuofflowers,pleaseconsider making adonationinMarg’snametothe LumaraSociety (CampKerry), acausethat meant so much to herand whereshe spent so much ofher volunteeringtimehelping familiesdealingwithgrief.
To make adonationinmemoryand celebrationofMarg, pleasevisit and clickonthe “DONATE” button thatappearsinthe top right cornerof thehomepage.Besuretoselect “I wouldliketodedicate this gift”and type “MargElligott” in theDedication Name text box.
Alasting memorial webpagehasbeen setup through Dignity Memorialatthe following link:
OBITUARIES
It is with deep sadness, butimmensegratitude fora lifewelllived, that we announcethepassing of Brenda Margaret Robertsonon January23,2026.
Brenda wasbornonDecember30, 1925, in AllendaleTown, Northumberland, UK,toHenryand Ethel Singleton. At just twoyearsold,her family crossedthe Atlantic and settledinToronto, where shegrewup, met, marriedand startedafamilywith theloveofher life, John (Jack) Robertson. In 1954, theyoung family of four movedtoDorval,Quebec, and expanded to five.Then, in 1961, they made the move to NorthVancouver,wherethe family grew to six. It is hereBrenda lived forthe remainderof her life.
Brenda wasa womanwho lovedtobesurrounded by friends,family, adventureandanimals.Someof her most treasured memories were of travellingthe worldwithJack,especiallytheirroad tripsintheir beloved Westfalia.
Brenda curled,played tennisandat theageof 60 starteddownhill and cross-country skiing. Shewas an avid bridgeplayer,loverof music, livetheatre,the moviesand current events. Shecouldbecounted on to make everyone laugh throughherquick witand enormous senseofhumour.
Brenda is predeceased by herhusbandof60 years, Jack,herbrother Kenand sister Ruth.Their memories remained closetoherheartalways, as sheloved to sharestoriesof theirescapades.
Brenda is survived by her fourdaughters, Deborah (Rob),Paula(Rob),Linda (Gary, Dec'd2016) and Jody (Ken);ninegrandchildren, Matt,Leia, Rachel, Erin,James,Riley, Alyssa,Emma and Jack and their partners;sevengreat-grandchildren;and many nieces,nephews anddear friends.
Hersignaturesong …” That’s Life…” sums up her resilienceand zest forlifealways. We areeverso grateful forthegentle and loving care shereceived from thestaff of theNorth ShoreHospice,Lions Gate Hospital,BCCancer,and AmicaEdgemont.
Paddy (Patrick)Sherman, aVancouver newspapermansince the1950s,diedonJanuary 20,2026. He was97(bornMarch 16,1928).He leaveshiswife, Maureen; four children, Michael, Susan, Janet, and Wendy;two grandchildren, Brendenand Heather Duey;and threegreatgrandchildren, Taylor,Emma,and Kai.
Paddyand MaureenarrivedinVancouver from England in August1952and instantly fellinlove with thethen-smalltown. Shestarted work immediately as adental nurse, andhethedayafteras areporter withtheVancouver Sun, wherehestayedbriefly beforejoining TheProvince. He soon tookpartinthe firstascentsofmountainsup to 10,000 feet,helped startthe firstMountainRescueGroup,and ledthe mountainsearch and recovery work when aTransCanadaairliner crashedon Mt.Slesse,killing62 people in 1955. Threeyearslater,heorganizedand ledthe B.C. Centennial Expedition that made the firstCanadianascentof B.C.’s highestpoint,Mt. Fairweather,15,300 feet.
From 1960-65, thefamilylived in Victoria,wherehe waslegislativereporterand columnist. During that time he wrotetwo books, Cloud Walkerson mountaineering, and Bennett, acontextonPremier W.A.C. Bennett, followedlater by anotherclimbing book,Expeditions to Nowhereonhis ownclimbs around theworld.
From 1965 to 1972,he wasEditor-in-Chiefof The Province,and Publisher from 1972 to 1982. He becamePublisher of theOttawaCitizen in 1982, just, he said,tobe therewhen asea-change came over Canadianpolitics, with anew constitutionand free tradenegotiations.
Just as theShermans were preparingtoreturnto theirbeloved Vancouver,thepresidentof Southam Inc.,thenewspapers’ owners, diedunexpectedlyin 1985. Shermanwas movedtoTorontoasthe first non-family Presidentof Southam Newspaper Group, wherehestayeduntil 1989beforetakingearly retirementbacktoVancouverand theB.C. mountains.
Paddyoftenclaimed to be theluckiestman in the world. Firstand foremost,hehad Maureenand their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; thenhehad ajob that made everyday fascinating, plushobbiesand intereststhat tookhimall over the world. He becamethe firstFellowofthe International PressInstitute,which has aworldwide membership, in Johannesburg in 1994,and amemberof the Canadian NewsHall of Fame thesameyear.Byhis request,therewill be no service, just aprivate receptionfor family and friends.
REMEMBRANCES
RonwasborninPioneer,BC March11, 1941, to Maybelle (Cathy)and Frank Cross, former Municipal Engineer forWest Vancouver.
On November1,2025, we said goodbye to Ron, Husbandof53 yearstoGaye, DadtoAmy and Alison (Barry), Grandad to Maddisonand Makayla, Brother to Dennis(deceased),Uncle to Deirdre, Robert (deceased),Meganand Matthew, Brother in-law to Lynn.
Ronwas aProfessional Engineer withBCHydro, retiringin2000. Ronhadan innateabilitytodraw andpaintportraits of friends,familyand celebrities. He wasa really good soccerplayerfor theUBC teamand we have hisBig Blocksweaterondisplay thesedays. Luckily forus, hisveryfirst engineering positions (withSquareD,General Electric and OntarioHydro), were in Ontariowherehemet Gaye and many ofour foreverfamilyfriends.
Ron lovedtogolfand wasa determined studentof thegame. He wasknown as “Hydroid”inhis regular foursome with “Tallest”, “Lefty”and “Ohno”. They enjoyed weekly roundsandannualgolf“tours”.
Ronwasalways calm andpatient,withaready humour.The incrediblycomfortingwords shared in condolencecards tell somethingmoreabouthim: “a lovely man”,“yourpositive, kindand caringhusband”.
Forthosewho might liketomakeadonationinhis memory,hewouldhavechosen Breakthrough T1D (TypeOne Diabetes research)orThe Alzheimer SocietyofBC. Thank you.
Judy wasborninEdmonton,Alberta,toJuneand WilliamKensit.She movedwithherparentstoWest Vancouver in 1964,and completedher schooling beforebecomingahairstylistinWestVancouver. Shelived in Grande Prairie, Alberta for14years beforemovingbacktothe NorthShorein1982. Judy andherhusband Donwereblessedtohavespent theirwinters in Honolulu andmade life long friends there. She leavesbehindwonderfulniecesand nephews,cousinsand many dear friends
Vivian MarieKranenburg, bornJuly24, 1943 in Sudbury, Ontario, passedawaypeacefully on January14,2026, in NorthVancouver,attheageof 82.
Vivian wasa devotedmother,grandmother,greatgrandmother,sister, aunt,and friend to all. Viv's quiet strength, warmth,and steadypresenceshaped thelivesofher family.She carriedherself with humilityand kindness, always placingfamilyfirst and offeringloveinthe simple,meaningful ways that mattered most.
Shefound joyinnurturing life—throughher love of gardeningandher commitment to contributing to community activities,whereshe gaveher time and care freely. Thesepursuitsreflectedhergenerous spirit,patience, anddeep senseofconnection to thosearoundher.Her resilience, compassion,and unwavering supportwereconstantsher family could always rely on.
Vivian islovinglyremembered by her sons Douglas, Jonathanand Trevor,her grandchildrenBenjamin, Chase, and Bryceton,andher great-grandchildren Oliverand Audrey.Predeceased by herbeloved grandson Myles, whom sheheldclose in herheart.
Apublic servicewill beheldinNorth Vancouveron January30atBoal Chapel,1505Lillooet Road, NorthVancouver.A viewingwill take placeat1:00 p.m.,followedbya serviceat2:00p.m.Guests are invited to join thefamilyfor light refreshments, tea and coffee from3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
In lieuofflowers,donations maybemade in Vivian’s memorytothe BCBurn Fund.
Stuart(Czerech) Hamiltonpassedintohis newworld on January10th,2025,aged83 years, aftera 9monthfight with cancer.Hisimmediatefamily membersinclude sister Patricia Ray, husband John Ray, nephewCaleb Gough, great-nephewMason Gough,nieces Nicole Rayand Rachel Fordham,and herhusband Tyler. Also,cousinsMaureen, Kate,and Stevie
Stuartcarried theloveofhis family and themany wonderful friends along thepathofhislife. He possessedagenerousnaturethat expressed warmth towardsthepeopleheencounteredalong theway.Heenjoyed returningtohis homeland (England)each year,visitinglifelong friendsand family,aswellashis annual road tripstoandaround theUnitedStates. He wasanadventurer,anavid reader,and awealth of knowledgeonaboutany subjectyou chosetothrow athim.Helovedall thingsaeronautical,biking, andoldWestern movies. Hisfriendsand family will miss hishand-painted Christmas cardseachyear,somequite seasonal but oftenwithasenseofhumor.
Stuart’ssupporting cast includes theresidentsof TheCrescent,WestVancouver.Cornwalland Pembroke.He will be greatly missedbyall whoknew and lovedhim.
As yousharethestoriesandthememories ofhowtheylivedtheirlivesandhowvery much theymeant,mayyoufindcomfort...
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Pleasesubmit yourcoverletterandresumeinconfidenceto KaijaKnoxat kknox@lodestarmedia.ca
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U-Haul Moving Center Vancouver claims aLandlords ContractualLien againstthe followingpersonsgoods in storageat 1070 SE Marine Drive, Vancouver,B.C. Tel: 604-325-6526.Auction is subjecttocancellation atanytimewithoutnotice.
Ivan Cruz Gomez
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Joseph King
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Asalewill take placeonlineatwww.bid13.com start‐ingat5:00PM on Saturday,February14,2026,until 5:00 PM on Sunday, February22,2026.Winners will be contactedbyemail at theendof theauction. Room contents arepersonal/household goodsun‐less notedotherwise.Bidswill be fortheentirecon‐tentsofeachlockerunit.
102-606 14th St., West Vancouver.Fully renovated1 BR unit. $252,377.New kitchen,bath, largeprivate patio,moderndecor.Shares in equity co-opforactive seniors. AmbleviewPlace HousingCo-op.Easyaccess on1stfloor.Information,picturesandapplicationform atambleview.ca in Suites forSale.
We,VerdaniaPropertiesLtd.,areproposingtorezonethesinglefamilyzonedareaat2101-2141UnionCourtand2171Skilift Roadto low-risemultifamilyterracedapartments.The existing FloorArea Ratio(FAR)willbeincreasedfrom 0.35to1.1and willbethreestoreys inheight,whichisin keepingwiththeDistrictof West Vancouver’s OfficialCommunityPlan.
Thefirstinformationmeetingincludedtownhousesfor Lots4, 5&6. Duetochangingmarketconditions,wearenowproposinglow-rise terracedapartmentsfortheselotsin keepingwiththeotherlots.
We wouldlikeyourinputandarehosting ameeting for youtosee andunderstandourproposalBEFOREweapply to theDistrictof West Vancouver.
Location: Welsh Room, West VancouverMemorialLibrary 1950MarineDrive,West Vancouver
Time: 5pm -7pm,February 3, 2026
Thisisnot aDistrictof West Vancouverfunction, itis apre-applicationinformationmeeting.
TheDistrictof West VancouverCouncilmayreceive areportfrom staffontheissuesraisedatthis meeting andmayformallyconsider theproposalat alaterdate.
ApplicantContact: BurgersArchitectureInc. 604-926-6058
kaayla@burgersarchitecture.com
Moreinfoavailableat: www.burgersarchitecture.com
DEVELOPER INFORMATIONSESSION
MA ArchitectsLtd,hassubmitteda rezoning applicationfor a6-StoreyRentalResidentialbuilding locatedat115E 18thSt, North Vancouver,B.C.and isinviting interested membersofthepublic to aVirtual DeveloperInformation Session to learnaboutthe application,ask questions,andsubmit comments.
MaralZolghadr MA ArchitectsLtd. 604-780-6461
HowtoParticipate:
Participation will be availablevia computer (with videoor audio)and viatelephone.
Participantsneed to send anemailrequest tothe applicant priortothe meeting.
Date: February 5th,2026
Time: The presentationwill beginat6:00PM.
HardwoodFloor RefinishingExperts •Repairs •Staining •Installation •FreeEstimates 604-376-7224 centuryhardwood.com
maral@m-aarchitects.com
cnv.org/Applications Search byproperty address
Planning Department Contact: HamedGhasemi(Planning &Development), planning@cnv.org,604-983-7357
Thismeetingisrequiredbythe City of NorthVancouveras partofthe developmentprocess.
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PRISM PAINTING
Explore thefutureofconstructionanddesignat Vancouver’s leadingbuilding conference
ThisFebruary, BUILDEXVancouver will bringtogetherthousands across theCanadianbuildingenvironment
The undeniableriseofartificial intelligence,the shiftingovernment policyand thenew realitiesshapedby FirstNations land titleprecedentsare reshapingthe buildingand construction landscape.
B.C.’s geopolitical,economicand buildinglandscapesare in fluxand WesternCanada’spremierexhibition andconferencereturns with new features,education andnetworking opportunities to help youmakesense of it all.
BUILDEXVancouver is thelargest gatheringofleading mindsand products in architecture,construction, engineering, property management, buildingoperations, homebuilding, renovation,interiordesignand more west of Toronto.
WESTERNCANADA’SMAJOR BUILDINGEXPO
Nowapproaching40years sinceits inception, the2026 eventruns Feb. 11 and12,2026 at theVancouver Convention Centre.It’sexpectedto drawroughly 8,500 attendees, along with hundreds of exhibitors,panellists, productdemos andkeynote speeches, alongwithclose to 100 educational sessions.
“These industries areconstantly changing andevolving,”explains
Show Director JamesWyatt. “Withthat constant change comesa constant need to know what’s comingnext and that speaks to abig reason whypeople return yearafteryear.”
Thepulse of BUILDEXVancouver is both dynamicand collaborative, wherechanceencountersyield new partnerships, inspirationand business opportunities.Interactive,hands-on demosand exhibits allowattendees to getupclose andpersonalwith newproducts. Andthe contemporary natureofthese conversationsenables industry leaderstotacklechallenges and foster progress in real time.
“The size andthe breadthofthe event really expose attendees to averylarge varietyofproducts, ideasand people in acost-effective andtimelymanner,” Wyattsays.
BUILDINGTHEFUTURE TODAY
As forthe pressing issues of theday, roughly90sessionsincludedinthe educationalprogram will revolve around sixthemes.
Offsite construction:understanding thisevolvingindustryand itshuge potentialfor thefuture, whetherthat’s prefabricatedinternalwall-panelkits, missing middlehousing,affordable homes andhigh-performancetowers. Economic,regulatoryand political challenges:everythingfrombuilding permit regulationsand construction contracts, to implications of municipalelections forconstruction andIndigenousleadershipinland stewardship.
Sustainability, decarbonizationand zero emission buildings:examining
climateresilience, zero-carbonbuilding practicesand sustainableconstruction. Labour,workforce retentionand development: addressing theskilled labour shortages, effective workforce solutionsand personneldevelopment Technology adoption andintegration: A.I.-drivenworkflows, building informationmodelling(BIM)& Virtual Design andConstruction(VDC) and emerging technologies in architecture, engineeringand construction.
Housingsupply, developmentand affordability: mass timber in residential high rise,how BIM andVDC accelerates housingconstructionandhow newconstructiontechnologies are disrupting thenormtoreducetimeand cost of construction.
“Whether you’re lookingfor appliedconstructiontechnologies, decarbonizationstrategiesorindustry best practices, thisis aforward-thinking, solutions-drivenenvironmenttofind thoseanswers,” Wyattsays.
BUILDEXisalsowidelyrecognizedasa timely andcost-efficientevent to collect continuing educationcredits.The 2026 programalone has70-plus accredited sessionswitha rangeofcontinuing educationunits available, wellin time forthe continuing educationreporting cycles.
“Attendees return yearafteryearto getactionableinsightsand practical knowledgethattheycan take awayand applydirectlytotheir projects,” Wyatt says.“Ournetworkingopportunities have been transformedfor 2026, featuringcurated industry mixers, speed networking andapp-supported connections, allcomplementedbyour popularindustrynetworking reception.”
Beyond theannualstandbysassociated with past events,the 2026 conference is teemingwithnew additions:
■ an offsite construction expo to discuss howthisindustryisevolvingand its potentialfor thefuture, whetherthat’s prefabricatedwashroomwallpanels, missing middle housing, affordable homesand high-performance buildings.
■ apublic sector programfor government professionals,specifically thoseworking formunicipalitiesin B.C. –frombuildinginspectorsand engineeringteams to climateaction specialists andproject managers.
■ Aclearly definedexpo neighbourhoodsfor design, construction andproperty management.
■ Networking events designed forinteriordesigners,housing professionals andarchitects; engineers,scienceand architectural professionals;propertymanagersand operatorsand so much more.
Businessin Vancouversubscriberscan receiveafreetradeshow pass.UsecodeBXV26BIVatcheckout. Visitwww.informaconnect.com/buildex-vancouvertolearnmore.
Exhibitors andexperts showcase innovationsand solutionsshaping thefutureofconstructionat
BUILDEXVancouver.
PHOTOS VIA DENNIS CHU
BUILDEXVancouver returnswithnew features,education and networking forB.C.’sbuildingand design professionals.
RESCUE
NorthShoreRescue volunteersprepare tolong-linerescue aninjuredskier fromtheCypress Mountainarea.
COURTESYOFPATBELL
HighsandlowsforNorthShoreRescuein2025
BRENTRICHTER
brichter@nsnews.com
NorthShore Rescue’s volunteers were calledon140 timesin2025.Afteraspikein callsforhelpin2020 andthe yearsfollowing, thingshave returned to prepandemiclevels,saidteamleaderScottMerriman.
Theteammadeuseofhelicopterstoaidinrescues59times last year.Thehoist-andnightvision-equippedonesthat NorthShoreRescuehasaccesstoviaTalonHelicopterwent to work33timessavinglostorinjuredhikers, including 14 atnight.
Onsevenoccasions,the team wasasked to helplocal first responderssearch fordementiapatients who wandered awayfromhome.
Becauseoftheiradvancedskillsand gear, North Shore Rescue wasasked to helpoutinthe jurisdictionsofother SAR teamsaroundtheprovince42times,almostalways for life-and-deathcalls.
It’sbeenalotfortheteam’scomplementofvolunteers,“but we’remanagingit,”Merrimansaid.
Theyeardidstandoutinoneregrettableway–thenumber ofdeathsandlife-altering injuriesinthemountains.Those includeda woman who diedaftersliding200metresdown
a cliff on Mount Seymour,aRichmond teenager who fell in a gullynear Cypress Mountain Resortandan84-yearold Surreyman who vanished while on ahike on Grouse Mountain.There wasalsoadrowningatCabin Lake and asevereheadinjury to a Coquitlam teen whofelldown ChristmasGully on MountStrachan. Several ofthe mutual aidcallsalsohadbad outcomes too, particularly inthe Sea toSkycorridor.
“Wenormallydo get oneor two fatalities or cases where we don’t findsomebody,” Merrimansaid.“I’vebeen on the teamfor14years.Ican’trememberayearwherewehadthis numberoffatalitiesorcriticallyinjuredpeople.”
Threeofthosecallsweretiedtotheparticularlyicyconditions themountainssaw duringthelatewinterandearly spring. Merrimansaidpeople tend to have afalsesense of security abouttheNorthShoreMountainsbecausetheyaresoclose toamajorcity
“Thereissome real terrainandserious terrainandthere’s areaswith significant exposure,” hesaid,stressingthe needfor researchingthe conditionsinthemountainsand preparingaccordingly.
Whilenoteverycallresultedinapositiveoutcome,thevast majoritydid.Advancementsintechnologyarehelpingwith that,Merrimansaid.
Theteamismakingmoreuseofdronestosearchdifficult-toreachareasandthey’renow employing AI software from a Squamish companythatanalyzesthedrone footage in real timelookingforanomaliesoranysignofamissingsubject.
“I’VEBEENONTHETEAMFOR14YEARS. ICAN’TREMEMBERAYEARWHEREWE HADTHISNUMBEROFFATALITIESOR CRITICALLYINJUREDPEOPLE.
In September,the teamhad their firsteversuccessful deploymentofLifeSeeker,ahelicopter-mounted device that workslikea portable cell towerallowingthem to zero inonthe cellphonesof people whoaremissinginareas withno cell coverage A 72-year-oldman from Nanaimo failed to comehome after goingforabikerideina wooded area.NorthShoreRescuefoundhimthenextdayafterhe’d crashedandsufferedaheadinjury.
“It’s tough to know whatthatoutcome wouldhave looked like if we weren’t able to findhimasquicklyas we did,” Merrimansaid.
LongtimeNorthShore RescuememberGreg Millerispartofaninhouseteamhelping fellowmembersdeal withstressfromdifficult rescues.Hestandsin frontofacollectionof newsarticlesofpast rescuesatNorthShore Rescue’s‘Embassy’ headquarters. PAULMCGRATH /NSN
Whentheheroesneedhelp: NSRresilienceteamputs focusonmentalwellbeing
JANESEYD
jseyd@nsnews.com
As along-timememberof NorthShore Rescue,GregMillerhasbeena part of many storiesthatdidn’thavehappyendings.
Sometimesthey were tourists whostumbled off atrailbut couldn’t be found, despite extensive searching. Other timesthey were tragicaccidents
“It’snotamatterofifitwillhappen.It’swhenit willhappen,”saidMiller ”Icanquitevividly remember my first body recovery,”saidMillerofadeaththathappened inLynnCanyoninthe1970s “Youdon’tforget thosethings.”
As a50-yearmember of the rescue team, Millerhasseen alot of changes, especiallyin attitudestowardsthementalwellbeingofteam volunteers
Back inthe 1970sand 1980s,“Noone was especially concerned about yourmental health,”said Miller. “The approachinthose
dayswasprettytough.Ifbadthingshappened, youwereexpectedtojustsuckitup.”
Thatstarted to change afteraharrowing incidentthatstruckespecially close to home, whenamemberofthe rescue team diedafter fallingintoa60-footcrevasseduringatraining exerciseinthe TantalusRange. “That was just ahuge,hugeimpactonallofus,”saidMiller Former teamleaderMikeDanks recallsthe days when volunteers were expected to tough itoutaftertraumaticcalls.“You didn’t talk aboutit,youdealtwithit.”
“Thatworkedforaverylongtime,”hesaid. Untilitdidn’t.
JustbeforeChristmasin2014,he was partof the team dispatched to save Erin Kate Moore, aseven-year-oldgirlcaughtinarockslidenear LionsBaywhilehikingwithherfamily. Despitetheeffortsofthe team,thegirl diedat thescene.
At thetime,Danks’own daughter wasthe
continuedonpageB3
THANKYOU NORTHSHORERESCUE
continuedfrompageB2
sameageasthegirlwhodied
It wasn’t untilDanks wasaskedhowhe was doingafterthemissionthat“it justhitmelike someonepunchedmeintheface,”hesaid. “ThatwasthefirsttimethatIrealizedIhadjust beenbottlingallofthisup.”
Today,peer-ledsupportformentalhealthispart ofwhathappensaftereverycriticalmission.
“It’snot counselling,”saidMiller, butinvolves being able to talk to apeer whounderstands what teammembersarelikely goingthrough, whocanadviseon what to expectandbe supportive Furtherprofessionalsupportisalso availableforteammemberswhoneedit.
Sometimes,it’sthesearchesthatdon’tresultin finding someonethatarethemostdifficultfor volunteers to mentallylet go of,said Miller, as theirminds repeatedlyturn overquestionsof whattheycouldhavedonedifferently.
Miller recallsasearch foranAmerican tourist lostonGrousethatfailedtoturnupanysigns. Itwasaweekortwolaterthatamemberofthe publicfoundthebodyhiddeninsomeferns.
“Thesearethethingspeoplethinkaboutalot,” saidMiller Otherdifficultcasesarethoseinvolving children whoare closein age to peopleinthe volunteer’sownfamily.
“If you’re searchingfora five-year-oldand you have a five-year-old, you’re going toconnect more,”hesaid.
In recent years,the rescue teamhasalso increasinglybeentaskedwith recoveryof people whodiebysuicideinthebackcountry,
continuedfrompageB1
Trainingfornew volunteershasbecomemore intenseandexpensive,butdonationsfrom individualsandbusinesseshavehelpedkeepthe volunteerspreparedandsafe,Merrimansaid.
“Thesupportfromthe community was unbelievablelastyear,”hesaid.
Andthepublichasbeenhelping outinother ways. In recent years,the teamhas welcomed
whichmeansdealingwithdeathhasbecome morecommon.
Thesedays,the teamiscareful to makesure thesamepeoplearen’tbeingrepeatedlysentto dealwiththosecalls.
“
IFYOU’RESEARCHINGFOR AFIVE-YEAR-OLDANDYOU HAVEAFIVE-YEAR-OLD,YOU’RE GOINGTOCONNECTMORE.
“I’llbethe veryfirst to saythatitdoes get to you,”saidDanks
Memberscanalso opt out of particularcalls, addedMiller. “Anyonecansay‘Idon’t want to dothat.’It’snotlikeyouhavetogoorelse.”
Whenadifficultcallends,oneofthefirstthings theteamdoesisshareinformationaboutwhat happened.The resilience teamalso educates members about common reactions to stressful events–likeseeingvisualscenesfromthecall replayedinaloopinsideyourhead.
“It’sthebrain’swayoftryingtocategorizeitand recognizethreats,”said Miller, addingthere are techniquesthatcanhelpdispelsome of patterns. It’simportantfor volunteers to know, “Allofthat’snormal,”said Miller. “You’re not goingcrazy.”
Sometimes, justbeingasked if you’re OKby a peer whoknows what you’re goingthrough is what’simportant,saidMiller.
Despite the rescue team’s larger-than-life reputationforheroics,“We’re justabunch of humans,”said Miller,“and we get affectedby thesethings.”
resource members whotakeonmore administrativetaskslikefinance,socialmedia, IT,logisticsandradiowork,“sothatouractive memberscanfocusmoreonthefieldworkand beingavailableforcalls,”Merrimansaid.
“It’stheonlywaythatwecanreallysurvive.There wassomuchburdenonourmembers,”hesaid.
Ifpeople want to donate to the team or volunteertheirskillsandtime,theycanfind opportunitiesatnorthshorerescue.com ■
TheDistrictofWestVancouver extendsa heartfeltthank youto NorthShoreRescuevolunteers. We appreciate allthat youdo.
THANKYOU
NorthShore Rescue volunteers foryourdedicationand selfless service in helpingothers
DocseriessharesearlydaysofNSR
BRENTRICHTER
brichter@nsnews.com
Everyherohasanoriginstory.
Anewdocumentaryseries launched by North Shore Rescuesharesthehistoryofthe teamin itsearliestdaysandtracesthetrajectorythey’ve followed to becomeoneofthemostadvanced andadmiredcivilianrescueoutfitsintheworld.
In 1965, North Shore Rescue wasborneof Cold Warfearsthere wouldbeaneed forcivil defenseteamswhocouldhelprescuesurvivors in the wake ofanuclearattack.Thebombs nevercame,butthemembershadtraining with ropes, whichcameinhandyasthey were increasinglyasked to go search themountains forinjuredandmissingadventurers.
Around10 years ago, whenthe team was markingits50thanniversary,somefounding membersfelttheneed to begindocumenting whathappenedintheearliestdays “so we haven’tlostthehistoryofhowthiscametobe,” saidAllanMcMordie,amemberof47years.
“[We]startedthinkingthatweshouldgetsome ofthesestoriesrecordedbeforewelosesomeof thesepeople,becausethey’regettingoninlife,” saidMcMordie.
Theystarted gettingthoseseniormembersin frontofacameratolayouttheirrecollectionsof
bushwhackinginthewildernesswithlittletogo onbutthelastknownwhereaboutsofahiker.
Atfirst,therecordingswerejust“forposterity,” buta coupleof years ago, McMordie saidthe team’shistoryandarchivesgroupwantedtosee theprojectfinished.
Memberswentdiggingthroughtheirbasements forphotos,newspaperclippingsandVHStapes withmediaclipsandrescuefootage.Theyalso recorded more interviews to fillinthe gaps, andtheentiretrove ofinformationhad to be winnoweddowntoaboutfourhoursofcontent.
Theamountof time that wentinto the project wouldbehardtocount,McMordiesaid.
“Itwasanawfullotofwork,”hesaid.
Theresultis22shortvideosrangingfromfiveto 25minutesnowpostedonNorthShoreRescue’s YouTubechannel.
Subjectsincludethedevelopmentofhelicopter rescues, firstaidtrainingand the introduction ofsearch dogsto the team.Thevideoshave rackedupthousandsofviews.
Occasionally,NorthShoreRescuestillhastogo back to theold-school fundamentalsof search andrescue,butmoreoftentoday,smartphones canprovide GPS co-ordinatesandpinpoint exactly whereasubjectis Dronescan reach dangerousor hard-to-reachplaces.Andnight
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visionandhoist-enabled helicopters can team in and the subjects out in minutes or hours, not days. were oncemuch,muchharder,
visionandhoist-enabled helicopterscan get the teaminandthesubjects outinminutesorhours notdays. Things were oncemuch,muchharder McMordiesaid.
“The newer, younger membersontheteamnow asense
“Thenewer, younge membersontheteamnow don’thaveasenseforwhat it’slike to doamulti-day search where you’re ground-poundingand trying to make voice contact,”McMordiesaid.“It’sagoodreminder thatthisis what we used to do allthetime.… Thisiswhatmadetheteamwhatitis.”
MembersofNorthShoreRescuegatherin themountainsduringtheearlierdaysof theteam.
COURTESYOFNORTHSHORERESCUE
memoryofthe teamcan restandpossiblybe sharedwiththepublic.
Whiletheywatchtheseries,McMordiesaidthe widerpublicshouldknowhow they’ve shared intheteam’ssuccesses.
“ThisiswhatIloveaboutthis–thecommunity ralliesbehindour team. Youknow,everybody, theythink‘NorthShoreRescue,yeah,whatcan wedotohelp?’”
The team’s historylivesoninother ways too. Theyhave a dedicatedexhibit at MONOVA Andastheproject developed,membersalso began digging upold gearandother rescue relics. McMordiesaid they arenowlookingfor a climate controlledspace wherethephysical
McMordiesaidheexpectsthedocumentaries willlandwellwithviewers.ThehistoryofNorth Shore Rescueisahistoryof recreationonthe NorthShoreitself,henoted.
“WhenIlookatit,I’malmost overwhelmed byit,”hesaid. “Thishasbeenaninteresting life. We’veallbeeninvolved withthe team fordecadesandhave seen how things have changedandhowit’saffectedourlivesand howthe community has come togetherand supportedus.Anditis,Ithink, justa terrific story,becauseit’sall volunteers. It’sall communitybasedandit’sagreatstoryofhowa numberofliveshavebeensaved.”
