Issuu

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PRICEOFDEMOCRACY

Inflationdrivesup costof North Shoremunicipalelections

BRENTRICHTER

brichter@nsnews.com

Muchlikeatankofgasorabasketof groceries,municipalelectionscosts a lotmorethanitusedto.

DistrictofNorth Vancouverstaffare anticipatingcostsupwardsof$355,000 fortheOct.17generalelection, up from $260,000in2022.

Thecostescalationcomesfrominflation inthepriceofpollingmachine rentals,an orderfromtheCanadaRevenueAgency statingthatmunicipalitiesmust hire temporaryelectionworkersasemployeesrather thancontractors,aswellasaccessibility upgrades,accordingtodistrictstaff.

AfterconsultingwiththeNorthShore AccessibilityAdvisoryCommittee,district staff are recommendingadditionallinesat pollingstations reservedforpeoplewith mobilitychallengesandadditionalchairs with adjustableheightseating.

To helpkeepcostsincheckandto ensurean“enhancedvoterexperience,” districtstaff suggestedconsolidating somesites,includingusingHandsworth Secondaryand LynnCreekCommunity RecreationCentre–bothofwhich were

underconstructionin2022–in place of Lynnmour,Eastview,Brooksbankand CanyonHeightselementaryschools.

“Despiteloweringthenumber ofsites, itisnotanticipatedthat residentaccess to votingsiteswillbeimpacted.TheCityof North VancouverandtheDistrictof West Vancouverarecontemplatingthenumberof votingsitesaswelltoenhanceaccessibility,” thestaff reportstated.

But districtcouncil membersbristled atthethoughtandmovedunanimouslyto restorethefull22sitesintotheelection plan includingHandsworthandthe LynnCreek CommunityCentre.

In2022,just22.6 per centofeligible votersturnedout.The districtshould be makingeffortsto boost voterturnout, severalcouncilmemberscommented.

“Ithinktomaintaintheaccessibilityfor peopletobeabletovotewithintheirneighbourhoods…and putourmoneywhere ourmouthsare,Ithinkthatamountis still relativelylow,”saidCoun.LisaMuri.

“Iknowthere’sgoingto be acost involved,butinmyopinion,there’sa price for democracyandit’sjustnotmeasuredin dollars,”Coun.Herman Mah added.

1-888-866-3358

North Vancouver: 1803 LonsdaleAve,1133 Lonsdale Ave, 1221 LonsdaleAve,1333 Lonsdale Ave

KillarneyCentre 2681East49thAvenue Broadway 1239 WestBroadway Kerrisdale 2268 West41st Avenue

Kitsilano 2083Alma Street,Unit301 WestVancouver 2419Bellevue Ave, Unit114 (formerlyNexGenHearing)

LO CALGOVERNMENTAWARENES SWEEK

LO CA L GOVER

NMENT

10

1:

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

WITH LOCAL ELECTIONS APPROACHINGTHIS YEAR, IT ’S INDEED HANDY TOKNOW HOW LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACTUALLY WORKS BY INA PACE, LOCAL JOURNALISMINITIATIVE REPORTER

Be aware,becauseit’s LocalGovernment Awareness WeekthisMay10 to 16.In reading thisarticle, we hopeyou will come awaymore aware aboutlocalgovernment.

Focusingonlocalgovernmentelections, (this yearisset forOct.17),everyonehastheopportunity to vote fortheir community’snew mayor, new councilandnew regionaldistrictdirectors, as well as schooltrustees,justliketheydoevery fouryears.

So whatdothese termsmean,and what do thesepeopledo?How do they aﬀectyou,and what canyoudoaboutit?

Let’sdigin.

MUNICIPAL COUNCILS

Firstly,let’sclarify“municipality;” thismeansany deﬁnedadministrativeareaoflocalgovernment, andthat couldbeacity,a town orasmall village. Thereare161municipalitiesacrossB.C.

Runningeachmunicipalityisanelected council consistingofﬁve to 11 councillorsdependingon themunicipality’spopulationsize.

● A community withapopulation ofmorethan50,000musthave amayorandeight councillors

● A cityordistrict withapopulation of50,000orlessmusthave amayorandsix councillors

● A town orvillagemusthave amayorand four councillors

SquamishMayorArmandHurford explained thatthe councilprimarilyprovidesthe framework andoperationofpublicservices;thinkthingslike ﬁresafety, roadmaintenance,landuse,business licensingandevencleandrinking water.Inother words,servicesmanypeopleuseday-to-day.

REGIONAL DISTRICTS

As wellasamunicipal council,therearealso regionaldistricts,27of which operateacross B.C. Regionaldistrictsare federations composed ofmunicipalities,electoralareas(areas which don’thavetheir own municipalities),and sometimes Treaty FirstNation communities.

Continuedonpage A23

Continued frompageA21

Regionaldistrictsoverseeandprovide services foreachareawithintheir region, bringing representatives fromeach community togetheronaboard.

Regionaldistrictsareentirelyseparate entities frommunicipalities withsomediﬀerentrules.

MUNICIPALITIES VS. REGIONAL DISTRICTS

According to theprovince, regionaldistricts werecreatedasa resultofdevelopment intourbanareasinthe1950s, with residents commuting to urban centres forwork.

“Developmentintheruralareasincreased demand forservices suchas water, sewage and zoning,” readsaprovincialwebpage.

“By1965,theB.C.governmentamended theMunicipalAct to enablethecreationof regionaldistricts.”

Hurford,whoalsoserves on the Squamish-Lillooet RegionalDistrictboard, helped to explaintheirdiﬀerencesas well as their overlap.

“Inthe contextoftheSLRD,thereare threeseats from Squamish councilonthe

regional district board.It reallyisabout providingalotofmunicipalservicesin those areasthatarenotinsideamunicipality,or don’thavealotofpopulation,”hesaid.

Hurfordsaidthatdecisionsare madein bothgoverningbodiesthrough“anopenand transparentprocess:” counciland regional boardmeetingsare available to watchonline viatheir respective websites, forexample.

Municipal councilsand regionaldistricts, however,operatediﬀerently,especially when it comes to budgeting.

“Eachserviceprovided to the residents is itsown cost centre,”Hurford saidofthe SLRD.

“Asanexample,ifyouliveinanunincorporatedarea[not withinamunicipality],you couldadvocate to havea cost centre started just to providestreetlights.Eachservice is a budgetunto itself.

“[Whereasin]amunicipality, we make decisionsmorebroadlybymoving funds around.It’s a bit more nimble.”

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

B.C.isalsodividedinto schooldistricts,each headedbylocalschoolboards, who work withtheMinistryof EducationandChild

Care to supportandimproveallstudent learning.

Theseboardsareseparategoverning bodies frommunicipal councilsand regional districts,thoughseniorschooldistrictstaﬀ engage withlocalgovernmentprocesses.

Theboardsare composedoflocally electedtrustees who engage withtheir respective communities,andoverseethe workoftheirschooldistrict.Their work includestheestablishmentofpolicies,and settingtheirannual budgets.

WHOHAS THELAST WORD?

Allmunicipal councilsand regionaldistricts operateunderprovinciallegislation.

Thislegislation aﬀectsonlythe respective province, coveringmatters related to education,health care,social welfareandhighways.

“Theprovincecreatedlocalgovernment, so thereforetheyhaveultimate ability to imposethemselvesonto localgovernment, Hurford said.

Theprovinceusuallystepsindependingon theproject, suchashealth-careinvestment, whichaccording to Hurford can causeissues withaccountability withinlocalgovernment branches, thoughtheCommunityCharter

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARENESS WEEK

doesmake provisions foraccountabilityof ethicalethical conduct.

“Theanswersoften feellikea hotpotato. ‘Oh,that’s notmy responsibility,that’s someoneelse’s responsibility.’ We dohave ashared responsibility to havethe needsof our communitymet,”Hurford said.

“Itisimportant to distinguishbetween what isadirectdecision forthe[municipalorprovincial] table,and whatisanadvocacy role for adecisionthat happenssomewhereelse.

“Our roleis to make sure that whenthose decisionsarebeingmade[bytheprovince], theyunderstand where we arecurrently,and where we’re going forthe community.”

FEDERAL OVERLAP

Generallyspeaking,the federalgovernment overseesnationwidepolicies suchasbanking, criminallaw, nationaldefenceandcitizenship.

Thereissomeoverlap withtheprovince, however,known as concurrentjurisdiction (legalpowers). Taxation,agriculture,pensions andnatural resource extractionareunder thejurisdictionofbothlevelsofgovernment.

The federalgovernment, Hurford said,

Continuedonpage A25

WHAT DOES AFEDERALMEMBEROFPARLIAMENT (MP) DOFOROURCOMMUNITY?

YourMPrepresents youand fellowconstituents in thefederal government by debatingand voting on national issuesin Ottawa.Justasimportantly, our constituencyoffice is heretohelp younavigate federalservices, whether you needassistancewithCPP benefits,the CanadianDentalCarePlan (CDCP), immigration applications throughIRCC,or resolving issues with theCRA. Wealsobring your concerns andpriorities forwardtoensure your voiceis heardatthe federal level.

WHYSHOULD IREACH OUTTOMYMP’S CONSTITUENCY OFFICE

–AND WHEN?

YourMP’sconstituencyoffice is your direct link to federal support and representationin your community. Youshouldreach out if you’re experiencing delays with federal services,needhelp understanding governmentprograms, orhaveconcerns that require escalation. We canadvocateonyourbehalf, provide clarity, andensure yourcase isbeing properly addressed,helping you navigate thesystemwithgreater confidenceand ease. Youmay also communicatedirectlywithyourMPthrough theoffice,and tapintoinformation andprogramsofinterest to you.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARENESS WEEK

WHAT’SWI TH TH E BL ING?

MAYORSEXPLAIN THE LORE BEHIND THEIR CHAINS OF OFFICE

FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARENESSWEEK, B.C. MAYORSHELP EXPLAIN A TRADITIONTHAT DATES BACKTOTHEMIDDLE AGES

BY ABBY LUCIANO, LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVEREPORTER

It’ssome seriousblingthatishard to miss. Every councilmeeting,DistrictofNorth VancouverMayorMikeLittlewearsasilver metalchainwithamedallionaroundhisneck. Ataglance,it’sacuriousdetailyoumightnot evennotice during councildiscussions,butits signiﬁcancehasalotmoreweight to it.

Since1981,eachmayorintheDistrictof North Vancouverhaswornthechainofoﬃce apieceof regaliathatmarkstheleadership positionbutalsoincludesdetailsaboutthe municipality’shistory.

“Forlocalgovernments,thisisawell recognized way to representtheoffice,”Little said. Mayorsorotherhigherofficialswearing a chainofoffice,also calledalivery collar,isa traditionthatdatesback centuries.The heavy chainsweretypicallymadeofgoldand carried an officialseal to symbolizethe wearer’s

authority. TheCollarofEsses,oneofthe oldestandbest-known livery collars,has been in continuoususeinEnglandsincethe14th century.

Thechainshaveevolvedinto themodern chainofoﬃce we see today, wornbymany municipalleadersinEngland, Wales,Ireland, Scotland, Canada,New ZealandandAustralia. Thepracticehasalsobeenadoptedinother non-Commonwealth countries suchas Germany,NorwayandtheNetherlands.

North Vancouver’schainofoﬃce isalot newer,goingbackjustover40years.Little saidtheDerekInman family donatedthe chain to thedistrict.Inman was known forcivic initiativesinthe community.He wasnamed to theOrderofCanada forhis work with various North Shore organizations.

Today,thechainof oﬃce ismadeupof

leaf-shaped tokensaroundtheneck, with eachoneingrained withamayor’s name andyearsserved. A goldandsilvermedallionhangs fromthebottom, with alogoof theDistrictofNorth Vancouversketchedin, showing tallshipsinthe VancouverHarbour withthescenicNorthShorebehind,allsewed togetheronacloth backing.

Littlehasbeen wearingthechainof oﬃce in councilmeetingssincehe waselectedin 2018.Hisnameisinthechainalong with other namesincludingCharles Phibbsand JamesCooper Keith, twoofthedistrict’searliestmayors,as wellasCityofNorth Vancouver Coun.DonBell, who served asdistrictmayor inthe1970sand‘90s.

“Soit’sabigpartofourhistory,”Littlesaid. “It’sgreat to beapartof suchalong relationship withthe community.”

CEREMONIAL OCCASIONS AND TRADITIONS

ForCityofRichmondMayorMalcolm Brodie,hismunicipality’schainof oﬃce comesoutonspecialoccasions,including Remembrance Day.

“I would rather wear it whereit’sa really important solemnoccasion,thenit’skind of special,” he said.

Brodiehasbeenmayor formorethan 24years.“M.Brodie,2001”ismarkedon Richmond’schainof oﬃce.

Themunicipality’schainof office datesback to theearly1980s, he said.GilbertBlair was the first to wearthechain, who servedas mayor from 1973 to 1990.Agroupof residents rallied together to raise funds to bring Richmond’schainof office to life, he said.

Continuedonpage A25

WhyVote in YourLocal GovernmentElections?

In the Montreal-arearidingof Terrebonne,asingle vote separatedthewinningLiberal candidate from thedefeatedBlocQuebecois incumbentinthe 2025 federalelection -while28,604eligible voters stayedhome.Giventhatthe Carneygovernment neededthisseattosecureamajority, anyoneof thosenon-voterscouldhave decidedthebalance ofpowerinParliament.

Neverletitbe saidthatyourvotedoesn’tmatter. Closer to home,only22%of DistrictofNorth Vancouvereligible voters castballotsinthe2022municipalelection -thelowestsince2011 -meaning 48,802people letotherschoosetheircouncil. What doesCouncilactuallydecide?Tax ratesand increases. User fees.How your taxdollarsare spent. Landuse- whether yourneighbourhood getsagrocerystore or avapeshop,whetherparkingisfreeorpay, whethernew amenitiesserve

soccerplayersorpickleballenthusiasts.Roadsor bikelanes. Parksorpolicing.Firehallsor recreation centres.Evenwheretolocateachlorineplantor whether to allowfireworks.

In2022,48,802Districtresidentslet othersmake allthosedecisions forthem.

In2026,don’tbeoneofthosenon-voters. Familiarizeyourselfwiththeissuesand candidates,and vote fora councilthatreflects yourvalues. Voting iseasy:anyone 18orolderwhois aCanadian citizenlivinginor owningproperty intheDistrictis eligible.

ElectiondayisSaturday, October17, 2026. Thereare pollingplaces acrosstheDistrictwith advancepolls andmail votingalso available. It matters. It’s easy. Please vote.

LO CALGO VE RNMENTAWARENE SS WEEK

Continued frompageA24

Thechain’sbodyisgold,interlockingsmall separatorbarsandmedallions togetherand behindabluecloth.Themedallionsbear an anchor representingthemunicipality’sﬁshing industry, dogwoodmarkingtheprovincialﬂowerandthemaple leaf representing Canada.ThenamesofRichmondmayorsare onthegoldbars givingahistorical record of municipalleaders.

“I thinkthateverycity shouldhave a chain of office astheofficialsymbolofthe office,” Brodiesaid.“It’sasymbolofthepositionof themayor…you’rethechiefexecutiveofficer of thecity,andsoit’s symbolicofthatkindof positioninpubliclife.”

A REMINDEROF COMMUNITY DUTY

DistrictofSquamishMayor ArmandHurford said thechain of oﬃce servesasa reminder of theweight of responsibilitythat comeswith the role.

“Bothphysicallyandmetaphorically,”Hurford said.“The roleofmayorIthinkissomething very fewpeopleget to experience,anditdoes comewithalotof responsibilities.”

Squamish’schainofoffice cameinto the districtin2005,a relativelyyoungpiece compared to othermunicipalities.Hurford said thechain cost$2,000 at thetime.Squamish’s chainhasadark blue cloth with a silver chain. It carriesasimilarstyle to othermunicipal chains,withmapleleafsanddogwoodflowers on it,alongwiththenamesof previousmayorsandtheirdatesinoffice.

Squamish’schainlivesmostlyinadisplay case at municipalhall,asHurford takes a diﬀerentapproach to thechain. The Squamish mayorhasonlyworn it once,when he was sworninto the rolein 2022.

“Thesechainsofoﬃce andso on are

Continued frompageA23

“isquiteabitmore removed” fromlocal government.

Localgovernments often collaboratewith the federalgovernmentover grantprograms, paiddirectly to municipalitiesorthroughjoint agreements.The federalgovernmentmay getinvolvedinmattersabouttransport and infrastructure, suchasthebuilding of bridges andoperatingonnavigable waters.

POTENTIAL PUBLIC MISUNDERSTANDINGS

Misunderstandings canbe commonwhen representationappearsimbalanced to the public,orwhenlegalprocessesgetdelayed. Neitherthe regionaldistrict’snorthe municipality’sjurisdictionisamatterofopinion,Hurford said.

Sometimes, folksget confusedand come to councilmembers about thingsthatare provincialor federal.

“Forlandusedecisions,weoften havea highdegreeof controloverwhathappens,”

DistrictofNorth VancouverMayorMike Littleholdsthemunicipality’schainof oﬃce.

probablytheepitomeof colonialpractices,” hesaid.“Eveninourprocedurebylaw, we’ve removed references to themayorbeing refered to asyour worship….There’salotof aspects to considerasyou’regoverning,not justwhatyou’redoingbuthowyou’redoing it.”

It’sstillapiece to celebratethough,hesaid, as it’sbroughtout forthedistrict’sannual mayor foradayevent, where studentsare invited foramunicipalhall tourand cantry on thechainofoﬃce.

“It’smy favouritedayoftheyear,”hesaid. “There’saquietthat comesover when that comesoutandtheyget to putiton.It deﬁnitelyhasanimpactandIthinkit’sappreciated.” ◆

hesaid.

“Sometimesthe council receives correspondencearoundallsortsof‘asks’thatare justnotquite[withinmunicipaljurisdiction].”

Hurford alsosaidthat, inhisexperience, localgovernments collectsignificantlyless tax revenuethanotherlevelsofgovernment, whichisprimarilyused to provideday-to-day services,soit canbe“incrediblychallenging tomeettheexpectationsofthe community.” Ratherfittingly,thisyear’s LocalGovernment Awareness Weekthemeisfinancial resiliency.

GENERAL LOCAL ELECTIONS

Eachlocalgovernmentis responsible for runningitsown generallocalelection,meaningitis responsible forrunningthe voting, counting, reporting resultsandaccepting candidate nominations.

ElectionsBCis responsible foradministeringthe campaignﬁnancing andelection advertising rules.

Moreinformationabouthow to vote can be foundontheElectionsBC website. ◆

PAULMCGRATH / NORTHSHORENEWS

LOCAL EVENTS

First to know. First to go.

Councillor warnsof ‘cancelculture’

ContinuedfromA4

ourleaders.”

Cassidysaidherwords–usedduring aheatedcouncil discussion–havebeen takenoutofcontext.

“WhenIusedthetermhordes,Icould haveusedcrowds,”shesaid.Cassidy saidshedidn’tintendtheword“hordes” to bederogatory, but wassimply referencingthenumbersofpeoplecomingto AmblesidePark.

Cassidyaddeditonlymakessense thatmost locals who visitthe parkdon’t do soinlargenumbersbecausetheylive closeby, while families fromfurtheraway aremorelikelytomakeaday’s outingof theirvisit.

Coun.Christine Cassidyis facingcriticism forherchoiceof words to describevisitors to West Vancouver’s Centennial Seawalk Cassidysaidher statements were taken out of context.

PAUL MCGRATH / NSN

Experience the best of what’s happening around you. Our comprehensive online calendar lists every local market, show and gathering so you can plan your perfect week in seconds.

Scan to explore upcoming local events.

Cassidysaidshe’s“horrified”atthe waysome peoplehaveinterpretedher comments.

“Ifeelthatpeopleareprojectingtheir thoughtsontomystatements,”shesaid.

“I haveamulti-racialfamily,”she added.“Sothethoughtofanythingtodo withrace,whichseemstobewhat I’m beingaccusedof,isthefurthestthing frommymind.”

Cassidysaidherwordshavebeen “weaponizedagainstme” both bythe anonymous“cancelculture”ofthe Internetandpoliticalenemiesangryat herstanceonpayparking.

“Ifyouaregoingtorunapetition aboutsomethingyouferventlybelieve in,thenhavethestrengthofcharacterto attachyournametothatpetition,”she said.“Anddon’tgiveotherpeoplethe wherewithaltospewvenomouscommentsinanonymity.They’remakingthe Internetasitejusttoventyourangerand yourhatredandtocanceltheopportunityforpeopletofeelfreetospeaktheir mind.”

North Van’s Natasha Wodakbreaks record forhalf marathon

NICK LABA nlaba@vancouverisawesome.com

Nomatterthetask,weoften doour bestworkwhenwe’rehavingagood time.

ThatwascertainlythecaseforNorth VanathleteNatasha Wodak,whoranto firstplaceandsetanew race recordatthe BMO VancouverHalfMarathon on May3.

Justaweekagoatthe TimesColonist 10Kin Victoria, Wodaksaysshefelt“horrible”andfinishedthatracewithherhands onherknees(sheplacedthird withatime of34minutes10seconds).

“ThisweekIwaschattingwithfriends,” thetwo-timeOlympiansaysofthe BMO race.“Andmybodyjustfeltgood….Itwas a gooddaytohaveagoodday.”

Wodaksaysitwassocool beingable toraceintheBMOhalfagain,socloseto home,after having to dropoutlast-minute a yearagoduetoaninjury.

Still, despitefeelingstrong throughout the race,andtimingherself,shewasn’t sureifshewason record paceuntilafter crossingthefinishline.

“Iwasabitsurprised,”shesays.“Iwas keepingtrackofmytimeandthought it wasabitoff.”

Buttheofficialclock readonehour12

minutesandone seconds, smashingthe previous record.Itwasalsoher fifth time toppingtheBMOhalfpodium.

“Thatwasagoal,” Wodak said.“Iwas definitelyhappy.”

Andsowerehersupportivemomand dad,greetinghertocelebrateatthe finish line.

WodakracingOttawamarathonintwo weeks

But reallythe record-settingrun wasjustawarmupforhermarathonin Ontarioinacoupleofweeks.OnMay 24, Wodakwillrun42.2kilometresinthe TartanOttawaInternationalMarathon.

Becausetheeventiswithinthree weeks,shehasonlyonelongrun left(37 kilometres),andshe’lllikelycomplement thatwithsomesaunatrainingincasethe weatherheatsuponraceday.

Wodak,44,sayshergoalisto finishin undertwohoursand29minutes.

“Iwannacompetewell,” she says.“I wanttofinishinthe Top5overalland I wanttobethetopCanadian.”

OtherhighlightsoftheBMOweekend were UVICalumRussellPennocktakingsilverinthemen’smarathon(twohours 22 minutesand33seconds),just30 seconds

Oursupport. Yourorganization. YourImpact. WoodfibreLNG’s Community PartnershipProgram providesupto$5,000 infundingtolocalnon-profits. Whether you’re focusedon teachingnewskills,preserving culture, or savinglives, we proudlysupports awiderange of organizations in Squamishandthe Squamish-Lillooet RegionalDistrict. We’rehereto helpourneighboursmake apositive impact in ourcommunity. If yournon-profitisdeliveringmeaningfullocalimpact, we’d love to hearfromyou.

behindFujiwaraKosukeofJapan. Amongfemalerunners, MikkyKeetels ofthe Netherlands setanewmarathon record(twohours33minutesandtwo seconds)withOntario’s DanyaPidhoresky

rightonherheels(twohours 33 minutes and 27seconds).

AndfellowOntarianMax Turek took gold inthemen’shalfmarathon(one hour threeminutes and29seconds).

Natasha Wodakruns to firstplace and sets anew race record at theBMOHalf Marathonon Sunday, May3in Vancouver. BMO VANCOUVER MARATHON / FACEBOOK

Photo:NVMA,F34-SF2-S10-SS6-f1-68

Readersmay recognisethisshotofLynnValleyfrom50years ago, especially sinceLynnValley Mall still existstoday, andstillincludes theDairy Queen.

Thestrip mall wasbuiltin theearly 1970s, following thedemolitionofthe CedarV Theatre whichhad previously occupied thelot.The constructionof thestrip mall reflectsthe growthofthe original Lynn Valleycentreoutwardstomeetthe demandsofthe steadily growingcommunity.

This photograph is part of alargercollectioncreated by staffphotographers at theDistrictof NorthVancouver andisanintegralpartofMONOVA’shistoricalrecordcollection.

Discover more of theNorthShore’s rich historyatMONOVA.Start planning your visitat monova.ca. Do youhavea storytotell? Getintouch viaarchives@monova.ca.

GARDENTO TABLE

Growingasparagusisa longlessoninpatience

LAURA MARIENEUBERT Contributingwriter

Perennialasparaguscanproducefor upto30years.

Establishingaperennialasparagus bed isanexerciseinpatience,andcertainly requires restraint.

Duringtheearlydaysofspringwhenone isachingforfreshvegetables,tenderasparagusspearsareamongthe firstediblesto appear.Gorgeousgreenandpurplespears popupseeminglyovernight,totempt us withtheirdeliciousness.Sadly,itiscritical toleavespearsunharvestedfortwotofour years,toallowthemtonaturalize.

We plantedMary Washington,Jersey KnightandSweetPurpleasparagus plants (crowns)intotwosmallraisedbedsin Marchof2022,and,sinceIhadnoexperiencegrowingasparagus,Ioptedto watch andlearnforthemaximum recommended time.

WhyChoose

Eachyear,theasparaguspatchmatured with evermorespearsgrowingintolovely tree-likeplantswithsomewhatprickly, featheryappendagesthat requiredstaking asthey reachedtowardthelight.Eventually, Ilearnedthatwecouldstakejustthefour cornersofeachbedandsupporttheentire forestwithtwinetiedladder-likehorizontally,astheplantsgrewwellbeyond my reach.

Theshadecastbelowandbetweenthe stalksprovedidealterritoryforgrowing bolt-proofgreensandradishesthatcould be plantedinsuccessionthroughoutthe heat ofthesummer.

Justlastweek, whileI wasaddingone inchofmulchingcomposttoour beds, I noticedavirtualcarpetoftiny,brightgreen andfeatherysproutsblanketingoneofthe asparagusbeds.

Success!Finally, we canharvestshoots fromtheoriginalplants,leavingthe selfseededbabiesforanotherthreeorsoyears untiltheirshootsaresubstantialenoughto harvest.

A carpetoftinyasparagusplants, selfsown four yearsafterplantingtheoriginal crowns. LAURA MARIENEUBERT

daughterwasjust12yearsold andhadan opportunitytoparticipateinanIronChef competition,hostedbyCanadiancelebrity chefChuckHughes.Shewastheyoungest contestant by sixyears, buteventhencould out-cookmostadults.

Chuck’ssecretingredientwasasparagus, andthe required methodwassimple blanching.How hard couldthat be?Interestingly, almosteveryonegotitwrong,oratleastnot exactlyright,accordingtoChuck.

Our daughter placedaclosesecond,with bonuspointsforknifeskills demonstrated inmatch-sticking pearandslicinggrapes horizontally betweentwo plates.Shecarried her ownkniveseventhen(pink,noless but verysharp),andhervery firstAll-Clad–an eight-inchsautépanthatshewieldedlike a pro.

Perfectasparagus,according toMr Hughes,should be asclosetopencilthin as possible,and boiledforjustonetotwo minutes,insalted (likethesea)waterto cover,inashallow pan.Thespearsshould bejustonelayer deepsothattheycook evenlytotender-crisp(not mushy),atwhich pointtheyshould be removedwithtongs and plungedintoice-watertoarrestcooking and retaintheirbrightgreencolour.

Fulldisclosure,wedidnottrenchor moundtheplantsastraditionalists prescribe,andwetreatthebedsmoreorless thesameaseveryother. We feed withcomposttea,seaminerals,liquidkelpand other naturalsupplements,and we mulchheavily year-round withleaves,strawand hemp.In manyways,weletnaturetakehercourse, hopingthatshe wouldgrow resilient, low-maintenance,plantsthat would require minimumfuss.Andsoshedid.

Ourfascination withasparagus began 15yearsago, whenourbudding-chef

Blanchedasparaguscan be served coldorat roomtemperature,or re-heated by grilling,oven-roasting,or pan-searing. OnIronChef day, andstilltoday,weenjoy blanchedasparagusat roomtemperature, witha drizzleofexcellent qualityoliveoil, freshground pepper,lemonjuiceandjust a flourish more seasalt.Usecautionthough, thataddedsaltwillknockyoudownto second place.

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

Lynn ValleyMall

Walked

Hole-making tools

GunWill Travel”

Liquidgold

model

refresher

37.Colorist

cabin

39.Partofa phone number:2wds.

41. Ragingfire

43.Annie’s dog

51.Volcanoflow

55.Sir’s wife

56.“ aWonderful Life” 57.Cattle 58.Cakecooker 59.Kettle’s kin 60.Immediately following 61.Housingpayment DOWN 1.Therefore 2. Reckless 3.Completed 4.Subtract 5. “Beauty____the Beast” 6. Small 7. Onthe____(inhiding)

8.Saloonseat

9. Barnyard animal 10.Officialassistant

11. Narrowvalley 19.Musicalmeasures 21.Lawyer’s payment 23. Rice dish 24.Panic 25.Say

28.Notice 30.Tangonumber

31. Food fish

32.Dogarden work

35.Descended

38.Expel

40.Hugebird

42.Hosieryfabric

43.Boat

44.Station wagon,e.g.

45.Wren’sdwelling

47.Loweredgeof aroof

48.Hymncloser

49.Fender-bendermark

52.Woodcutter’s tool

53.Aggravate

54.Uninvitedpicnicker

Crosswordpuzzleanswers useAmerican spelling

ARIES March21-April19

Thisweek,you’llfocuson yourhome.Renovations, reorganizationor relocationmay occupyyourtime. Alovedone willneedyourpresenceand support,drawingyoudeeperinto family responsibilities.

TAURUS April20-May20

You’llface adilemmaaround discretion.Keeping asecret maybecomechallengingand couldriskexposure. You’llgain morebylisteningratherthan speaking,asyou’llgatheruseful, strategicinformationwithout compromisingyourself.

GEMINI May21-June20

Youmaymake areal estate purchaseorsale,provingyour resourcesmatchyourambitions. In romance,outburstsofaffection willstrengthenthebalancein your relationshipandhighlight abondundergoingdeep transformation.

CANCER June21-July22

Disruptionwill requirequick action.Challenges,surprisesor sensitivedecisionswillguide youtowardtherightchoices. Meanwhile,lovedonesand colleagueswillfinally respond positivelytoyourefforts,making themfarmorerewarding.

SUDOKU

LEO July23-Aug.22

Yourcreativitywillpeak,inspiring youtostartapersonalproject orlaunch aboldinitiative.An exhibitionorperformancewill leave alastingimpressiononyou. Yourgenerositywilldeepenyour relationshipsandstrengthen youremotionalconnections.

VIRGO Aug.23-Sept.22

Yoursociallifewillbebuzzing thisweek.Botholdand newfriendswillseekyou out.Invitations,eventsand meaningfulconversationswill revealimportanttruths.These exchangeswillstrengthen yourbondsanddeepenyour understandingofothers.

LIBRA Sept.23-Oct. 22

Aremarkable professional opportunityiscoming,suchas ajobpromotionorthelaunch ofyourownbusiness.Thislongawaiteddreamwillmaterialize, markinganimportantstep towardlastingsecurityand personalfulfillment.

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21

Asecretwillcometolight, whetherintentionallysharedor discoveredbychance.Atwork, youmayhavetospeak aforeign languageordecodeanimportant message.Inyourlovelife,a meaningfulexchangewillmark

animportantemotionalturning pointwithyourpartner.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec.21

Youremotionswillrunhighthis week,butforhappy reasons. Achildorlovedonewill accomplishsomethingdeeply movingthatwillfillyouwith prideandjoy.You’llshedtearsof deepandsincerehappiness.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19

Atwork,thefactsmust outweighyouremotions.Logical thinkingwillhelpyouhave moresuccessfulnegotiations. Respectingrulesand regulations willpreventcomplicationsand reinforceyourprofessional success.

AQUARIUS Jan.20-Feb.18

Anavalancheofprofessional responsibilitieswillslowyou down.Ifyourhealthisunstable, yourbodywilldemand rest. Bymanagingyourenergymore wisely,you’ll regainthestrength andefficiencyyouneedtoface newchallenges.

PISCES Feb. 19-March20

Acertainsuccesswillfillyou withprideandhighlightyour hiddentalents.Familytensions maycreatestressandthrow offyourinner balance. You’ll havetocarefullynavigatethis periodofadjustment.

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.

MARKETPLACE

SimonWilde 1959-1991

Calloremailtoplaceyourad, MondaythroughFriday8:00amto4:00pm 236-889-6595

ahogan@lodestarmedia.ca

Bookyouradonlineanytimeat glc.navigahub.com/portal/classified/glc/nsn/entry

Community I’mGlad I Touched Shoulders With You

1044 St.Georges Avenue NorthVancouver,BC

Celebratethelivesoflovedoneswith yourstories,photographsand tributes. ContactNadia at 604-653-7851 or nmather@glaciermedia.ca

So sadlymissed andsolovingly remembered The WildeFamily

FromBobWhite’s Scrapbook

There’sa comforting thought at the close of the day WhenI’m weary and lonelyand sad That sort of grips hold of thiscrusty oldheart Andbids it be merry and glad. It gets in my soul,and it drivesoutthe blues, And finally thrills through and through. It’s just a sweet memorythat chantsthe refrain, “I’m glad I touched shoulders with you.”

Did you know you were brave, Did you know you were strong, Did you know there wasone leaning hard,

Did you know that I listened and waited and prayed

And was cheered by your simplest word?

Did you know that I longed for that smile on your face, For the sound of your voice ringingtrue,

Did you know Igrew stronger and better because I had merely touched shoulders with you?

I am glad that I live; that I battle and strive

For a placethat I know I must fill; I’m thankful for sorrows I’ll meet with a grin What fortune may send goodor ill; I may not have wealth, I may not be great butI know I shall always be true, For I have in my life that courage you gave, When onceI touched shoulders with you.

Contact Adam at 236-889-6595 ahogan@glaciermedia.ca

Contact Adam at 236-889-6595 ahogan@lodestarmedia.ca

Yuxiao,Kim Chi, Cheryl,Darrell, Pat, and fami

TheFalconfamilyhas lost ourbelovedbrother,Dan. He succumbed to analmost four-yearbattle with cancer.Appropriately forDanny, hedied on aFridaynight–righton time to head to hisnextparty in thesky.

Manyreadingthiswill be shockedtolearnofhis passing.Not surprising to us, given that Dan rarely,ifever, complainedabouthissituation. In fact,ifyou spoke orran into him, he’d be as upbeatandpositiveasever. More likely, he’d find humor in theindignitieshehad to suffer.Dan worked formanyyearswith Mercedes-Benz in NorthVancouver,wherehewas knownfor hisreliability, his easygoingnature, and thegenuine care he showed to colleaguesand customers alike. He tookprideinhis work and builtlastingfriendships throughouthiscareer.

Dan wasa bright light in our familyofsix boys.Our socialdirector.Theperson who remembered everyone’s birthdayorspecialoccasion. Though Danremained a bachelor, he wasneveralone.Hedeeplylovedhisfamilyand friends,and socializingwasoneofhisgreatestjoys. He lovedany kindof family gatheringor party.Hewasusually thefirst to arrive andalways thelasttoleave.Heloved family,friends,wineand sharingalaugh withwhoeverhemet.Dan’s social life took ablowwhenhe lost twoofhis closefriends,Bill and Fareed, in quick succession. Fortunately, hisgolfing buddies Don,Leeand Burkekepthimbusy workingonhisgame.

He found solace in hisextendedfamily. He nevermissedaHalloween with nieces JosephineandRose–alwaysdressingupas Draculaand scaring thelocal neighborhood kids with hisextremely realisticcostume.Christmas wasDan’s favoritetimeofyear,barnone.Hespent theChristmasperiodvisitingvarious family membersandensuringhetouchedusall. Family dinner with brother Michaeland Catherine, andour extended family/friends kickedthingsoff. Nothing gavehim more joythan seeingallhis niecesandnephews -Mary, Kelsey,Alison, Jade,Avi,Josephine,Rose, and thenewestadditions, Wyatt, Easton, Maisie and Zoe. ChoosingaChristmas tree with Danwasalways interesting. Anytree selected wasnever largeenough…another Dantradition. Finally, he’d headup withour momandbrotherLarry to ourbrother Dave and Bev’shomeinLacLe Jeune fora guaranteed whiteChristmas.Duringhis final years, hislifetimefriend Stewart washis constant companionand supporter.Driving to/fromappointments andoccasionally sneakingDanoutof thehospitalfor aBBQ and swim athis familyhome, beforewhiskinghimbackinthe evening.A true friend,our family is forever grateful forhis support.

Towards theend, Danhadplanned to hosta party called“I’mNot Dead Yet”.He loved theideaofhavingone last great send-offwithhis family and friends.Sadly, oncehestopped thepunishingtreatment regimen,hiscondition worsenedquickly. We’ll fulfill hiswishes,becausehesureashellwouldwant aarty– so we’re organizing acelebrationwithfamilyand friends forDanon Just bringyourself andanystories youmay want to shareabout Dan. We know brother Dan is holdinga seatat thebar forusall. We miss you,brother Dan; youwere loved more than youcouldimagine! Cheers! In lieuofflowers pleaseconsidera donation to VGHFoundation c/oDr. DavidHuntsman, Cancer Research.

It is withprofound sadnessthat we announcethe passingof JacksonShillitoonFebruary17, 2026, at theageof71.

Jacksonwas atruegentleman, akindhusband, brother,proud father,and grandfather.Jacksonis predeceased byhis parents, Jack and Iris Shillito. He is survived byhis brother Brian; wife Louise; daughter Erin (Graham); sons Jack (Kailee) and Scott(Bethany);grandchildrenAlex, Brielle, Jackson, and Finlay;andhisloyal companion Max.

Jacksonservedas Presidentof Shillito'sGrocery Brokers& Importers Ltd.and spentdecades contributingto thegrocery industry. Over thecourse ofhiscareer,hehelpedguideand grow the companywhile buildinglong-standing relationships throughout thetrade.Known forhis knowledgeof the industryand steady leadership,Jacksonearned the respectofcolleagues,customers,and suppliers alike.

Jacksonwill be rememberedas athoughtfuland good-natured leader whocombinedpatience, kindness, and aquiet senseofhumour.Those who knew himoftenappreciatedhis abilitytolightena moment with awell-timedcommentorgentlejoke.

Hevalued therelationshipshe built throughout his lifeand tookprideinthe many friendshipshe formed along theway.Whether with family,friends,or colleagues,Jacksonwas knownfor treatingpeople with respectand sincerity.

Jacksonwas famous forhis bakingskills,especially chocolatedesserts. Heenjoyedentertaining, travelling,and gardening.Jacksonwas theultimate sportsman. As apassionatefootballfan,he loved cheeringonthe BC Lionsand wasactivelyinvolved in thesport, bothplayingand coaching withthe GSL for over20 years.

Jacksonwasone whopreferredto"Flyunder the radar"and secretly battled Parkinson'sdiseasefor over 12 yearswithout asinglecomplaint.Hewill be deeplymissedbyhis family,all hisgood friendsat home, and in thegrocery industry.

It is with deep sadnessthat we announceJohn Oxenhampassedawayathome, aftera very courageousbattlewithcolon cancer.

Predeceased by hisparents, Gertaand Eric Oxenahm,andhisbrother-in-law, KenMcKerlich.

John islovinglyremembered by hissisters JanDunn (Geoff),Chris McKerlich(Ken),andbrother Ken (Candy). Johnalso left behindhisnieces, Haley (Mike),Erica (Aaron),Ashley, Elana (Jay), and nephewJamie plus threegreat-niecesand four great-nephews.

John wasbornand raisedon theNorth Shore. He livedhisyoungeryearsinCaulfield, West Vancouver, and movedtoNorth Vancouver laterinhislife.

John wasa manoffew words, butwhenhe spoke, healways brought smilesand laughter to those aroundhim. He found joyinlife'ssimplepleasures: ChineseFood, lottotickets,and family dinners. One of John'sfavouritehangoutswas SailorHagger's Pubfor afew pintsand to play thepulltabs.

John lovedspending time with hisfamily, playing card games, and sharingconversationsabout the latest TV showsorhighlightsfromthe NorthShore News.Healwaysremembered everyone'sbirthday and made apoint to sendout acard. Hisquiet presenceand senseofhumour made alasting impressionon everyone whoknewhim.

Hewill bedeeplymissedasa belovedbrother, uncle,and “UJ”,buthe will always remainin our hearts,gone butnever forgotten.

Thank youmuch, UJ.

On April30,2026,on awarmspringday,justbefore noon,Louise AnnNagleleftthisworld.Shepassed in herbelovedhomeinthe Highlandsof North Vancouver,supportedbyfamily, friends,neighbours, andher much-adored littledog Sadie, whowas Louise’s companionof 10 years.

Louisecourageously foughther recentdiagnosis of cancer with strengthand grace. We thankallthe caringangelsofLions Gate Hospital,herhome Companion andfamilymemberswho caredfor Louise andsupportedherduringherpassing.

Louise wasbornonAugust20, 1943,and spenther 82 yearscreatingalifefilledwithfriendships, outstanding businesscareers,volunteer community serviceworkfor thewelfare ofanimals,and community planning withtheDistrictofNorth Vancouver -Capilano.Asa young woman,Louise gained ascholarshiptotrain withtheCanadian National BalletinToronto. Shefelttruly blessed!

Louise wasthebeloveddaughterof Pauland Emma Franceschini(predeceased),whose family waspart of theoriginal Italianfamiliesthat made North Vancouver theirhomeinthe 1940's. Shehad arich andproud Italianheritage.

Many family and friends will be left behind, missing Louise.Weknowshehasbeen receivedon the other sideofher worldlyjourneybyherhusband, BazNagel;cousin anddear friend, TomBandeira; herdearly belovedparents,Pauland Emma Franceschini; andher many animalcompanions.

Heaven forLouise wasbeautiful walkswithher rescuedogs,strollingalong theriversamongstforest trails ofher treasured NorthShoreparklands.We believe Louise is therenow,walking with her muchadoredpetSophie by her side.

Thankyou forcontinuingto place yourtrust inusnowandalways. ProudlyservingthenorthShore forover80years

experienced lawyershelpyou.

John &LorraineGiraud

WeddingDate ♥ May7th,1976

Fiftyyears,sevencontinents,countless adventures andsomuchlove!

At theheart ofitall,they’vealways beenbest friends,doingeverythingsidebysideandturning everydaymomentsintosomethingspecial.Their greatest prideand joyhas beentheirfamily:their son,daughter,and twomuch-lovedgrandkids, who’veshared inso manyofthelaughs!

Fromboating adventures,skitrips, unforgettable timesontheirATVsand snowmobileswith friendsatthecabin, tosoakingupthesunshine attheirhome inPalmSpringsand travellingthe globe,they’vecreated alifefulloflove,laughter, andincrediblememories.

Fiftyyearson,they’re stilltheperfectpair— proving thatthesecrettoa happymarriageis friendship,a senseofadventure,and,ofcourse, somewine alongtheway!

Cheersto50 amazingyearsand manymoreto come,allthe very best!!

We loveyou,MomandDad!!

When:Tuesday, May19,7:30 -9pm

Where:Canland Ice Sports Arena 2411MtSeymour Pkwy

Callus

CAUSE NO.D-503-CV-2024-00292

MEWBOURNEOIL COMPANY, Interpleader v.

NU-ENERGYOIL AND GAS, INC., Defendant

IN THE DISTRICTCOURT

5TH JUDICIAL DISTRICTCOURT

EDDY COUNTY, NEWMEXICO

NOTICEOF PENDENCYOFSUIT

TO:Nu-EnergyOil andGas, Inc.andthe unknown heirsof CecilS.Walker,PatrickL.Whittall, JamesB.Abernathy, Keith A.Beedie,andAlbert J. Wallrap.

YOU AREHEREBY NOTIFIED that theabove-titledactionwas filed in theFifth Judicial DistrictCourt,CountyofEddy,State of NewMexico onApril 11,2024,by Mewbourne OilCompany.The lawsuitisan interpleader actionthatconcerns suspended oilandgasroyalty interest based on productionfromtheFuller13/12 W1FCFederal Com. Nos. 1H and2Hand theFuller14/11 W2HA Fed3H Wells(the “Wells”) located onthe land situated in Sections11 and14, Township26South, Range 29East,Eddy County, NewMexico.

That unless yourespondtothe Interpleaderwithin 30days ofcompletionof publicationofthisNotice, judgementbydefaultwill be entered against you.

Theattorneys forPlaintiffMewbourne OilCompany arePaul P. Santoyo, Andrew R. “Drew” Simank, andBrentA. Bauer,Santoyo WehmeyerP.C., 12400SanPedro Avenue,Suite 300,SanAntonio,Texas 78216.

WITNESSmyhandand seal of theDistrictCourt ofEddy County,New Mexico, on this,the1stdayof May, 2026.

MarthaHuereque

Clerkofthe Fifth Judicial Disctrict

DeputyClerk

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SUDOKU

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