Mockwildfire provides real lessons forfirst responders
BRENTRICHTER
brichter@nsnews.com
It’sascenariothat’stantamounttoawakingnightmareontheNorthShore:Conditionshavebeenhot anddryallsummerwhenatreebranchcomesdown onthepowerlinesatthebaseofGrouseMountain, sparkingawildfire.
It’squicklyspreadinguptheface of themountainand downinto residentialneighbourhoodsbelow. Beyond tacklingtheblazeitself,crewswillneedtoevacuateGrouse Mountain,thetrailsand,quitepossibly,theGrousewoods andCanyonHeightsareastoo.
“Thefirstdayisabitofamess. We’re reallyscramblingtogetasmuchdoneaswecan,callinginother resources,andthefirespreadsuphillveryquickly,”says MattCiolfi,leadinstructor of DistrictofNorth Vancouver FireandRescueServiceswildfireprogramandorganizer of OperationPeakPreparedness,amockwildfire exercise carriedoutonMay13.
AsCiolfiporesoveragiantmapoftheareawiththelocal andvisitingunitleadersfrom25agenciesand fire departmentsfromaroundtheprovince, he notes wherethey will ContinuedonA23
Gibsons&District Volunteer Fire DepartmentmemberSteveHughes trainsa hose on a hotspotduringawildfiretraining exercisenearNorth Vancouver’s GrouseMountainlast week. BRENTRICHTER / NSN
Creatingmoremeaningfulmoments: Howthis home care teamis redefining aging at home
HeroHome
Care hashelpedmorethan3,000 familiesacrossMetroVancouver
Ashrinkingsocialcircle, constantgaps in caregiverschedulesand strange faces showingupinherhouse. This wasthe experienceDannyBirch’s 93-year-old grandmother went throughwhentrying to receivemuch-needed care athome.
Birchknewtherehad to be abetterway forhisgrandmother to liveouthergolden yearswithindependence,graceandpeace of mind,notjustforherself, but theentire extended family.
Determined to find abetterway,he founded,withhisbusinesspartnerand registerednurseElizabethRose,Hero Home Care,builtonthebelief thatseniors andtheir familiesdeservemore.
Compassionatecareathome
Since2008,HeroHome Care hasproudly providedmorethan1,000,000hoursof in-home care to 3,000-plus familiesin needacross theNorth Shore, Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey and theFraser Valley.
With ateam consisting of morethan300 healthcareprofessionals, HeroHome Care helpsseniorswho want to live independently andin thecomfortof their own homeswithservices that rangefrom companionship to 24-hournursing care and everythinginbetween.
“Too often, we hearpeoplesay,‘I feel aloneandisolated,’”says Birch, co-founder andCEOofHeroHomeCare. “When we first connectwithafamily, wework to understandwhat’s prompting theneed forsupport—whetherit’s helpwith housekeeping, companionshipormedical care.Abigpartofwhat we doismaking therightmatchbetween theclientand their caregiver team,so we canbuildtrust, fosterconnectionandultimately help createmoremoments thatmatterintheir liveswiththeir lovedonesandfriends.”
Agingwithdignityathome
Researchshows thatseniorswho stayin theirhomes oftenenjoybetterphysical health,fewerhospitalizations,slower cognitivedeclineandgreateremotional resilience. Thecomfortand familiarityof home canoffer asense of safety, stability and connection.
Birch’s entireteamisalignedunderone core principle: thatagingathomeisnot just adream,itisanachievablereality.
TheHeroHome Care ethosis thathelping peopleageinplaceisaboutmorethan just healthcare.Itisaboutprotecting the
littlethings thatgivelifemeaning:morning coffeein your ownkitchen,visitswith lovedones,afamiliarneighbourhood walk and thesenseofdignityandindependence that comesfromlivinglifeonyour ownterms.
Andwhat those terms looklikecantakeon virtuallyany need –caseinpoint,Birch’s teamhas evenaccompanied afamilyon vacation tocare fortheirseniorinneed.
Getting thatpeaceofmind forclientsand their familiesbeginswithanin-home care consultwithaHeroHome Care nurse care manager,the individualand their familycompleteafullhealth and wellness assessmentanddesign apersonalized home care solution.
These conversations caninevitablybe stressfulordifficult.
“It’sanart formbutourmanagersare reallygoodathaving afeel forthe room,” Birchexplains.“Thegoalis to have everyoneinvolvedand we helpbringitall together to helpmakesuremom’s safe, there’s foodin thefridge,laundryisdone andthere’s some companionshipon top of that.”
As theage-old adagegoes,timeis undefeated.ButBirchbelieveshow and whereweageissomething that canbe
HeroHome Care hasdelivered over1millionhoursofin-homesupportto seniorsacross theLowerMainlandsince2008.Photo viaHero Home Care
shapedwiththerightsupport, knowledge and care.
“Attheheartofeverything we doatHero Home Care is asimplebutpowerful mission: to createmoremoments that matter,” Birchsays.
Learnmoreabouthow HeroHome Care cansupportyour familybyvisiting www.herohomecare.ca.
HeroHome Care isdedicated to helpingseniorsage inplace withdignity, independenceand thelittlejoysthatmakelifemeaningful.
Photo viaHeroHome Care
Concerns raised over vacant Lighthouse Park cottages
BRENTRICHTER
brichter@nsnews.com
Districtof West Vancouvercouncil is beingcalled outforlettingtwolighthousekeepercottagesinLighthouse Park rotratherthan rentthemout.
In2024,council heldanin-camera councilmeetinginwhichtheydebatedand ultimately rejected rentingthetwo1960s housesoutbut,becauseitwasheldbehind closeddoors,their reasonsaren’tpublic.
DavidRoberts,whose sonwasone of thelast residentstoliveinoneofthe houses,saidhe doesn’twanttoseethe housesneglectedtothepointofno return, whichisexactlywhatthe districtdidwith theKlee WyckheritagehomeinKlee Wyck Park.
“Iwasafterthemayorforoverayear togetthosecottages rented.Imusthave writtenhimatleastonceamonth,” hesaid. “Forsome reason,thestaffintheparks departmentdidn’twantto rentthem.”
Robertsestimatesthehousescould fetchabout$3,000permonthfromsomeonewantingasingle-familyhomeonthe waterfrontwithinanoldgrowthforest,20 minutesfromdowntown Vancouver.
“Oneofthemhasbeen emptyforfour years,andtheotherfortwoyears,”hesaid, addingthatthemunicipalitycouldhave collectedhundredsofthousandsof dollars in rentduringthattime.“They’rebothdeterioratingrapidlyandthey’relosingmoney.”
Thedecisionmakes evenlesssensein lightofthehousingcrisis,Roberts said, adding West Vancouvercouncilshould know alltoowellhow badly theirownstaff areinneedoflocalhousingoptions.
“Employeesofthemunicipalitycan’t affordtoliveinthemunicipality. Theylive elsewhereandcommutetowork,”hesaid.
“There’s adesperatehousingshortageand these damncottages areempty.”
WhoownsLighthousePark?
Thepropertywherethelighthouseand its relatedbuildingssitbelongstothe federalDepartmentofFisheriesandOceans butissubjecttoamanagementagreement betweenDFOandthemunicipality.The agreementspecifiesthedistrictis responsibleforupkeepand repairs“ofanon-capital
nature”andthatthedistrictwill retain a residentcaretakeron the site.Italsostates thedistrictmay rentthetwohousesoutfor residentialpurposesonamonth-to-month basis.
Largerscalecapital repairscanbe carriedoutbythedistrictandDFOwill reimbursethemunicipalityforthecosts, so longastheworkand fundinghavebeen approvedinadvance,theagreementstates.
ElaineGraham,thelastparkscaretaker toliveinoneofthehousesandwife of the lastlighthousekeeperbeforethebeacon wasautomated,movedoutin2020.
Grahamdescribedlivinginthe three-bedroomhomeontheedgeofthe oceanas“fantastic,”addingthe1960s houseswereingreatconditionwhenshe left.
Atthetime,Grahamsaidshepressed staffonwhatthefutureofthehouses wouldbe.
“Well,iftheyhaveagoodplan,it’s obviouslyjusttoshutthehouses,put analarmonthemandputratboxeswith baitoutside,”shesaid.“It’sapersonal insult.It’sadisgustingsituationtoseethe grounds,howthey’vejustbeencompletely overcomewithweedsand[howthey’ve] abandonedthehouses.”
Grahamsaidshetooworriesthehouses willface“deathbyneglect.”Thecostof gettingthemlive-in readynowwouldsurely behigherthanitwasin2020.
“Theyshouldhavedonethatrightwhen Ileft,”shesaid.“Theyshouldhaveput peopleinthere,atleasttemporarily…who wouldhavekeptthehouseasitwasthen. Godknowswhatit’slikenow.Theremust beratsandthingsrunningaroundinside.”
In response,theDistrictof West Vancouverprovidedastatement.
“Thedistricthassetupthelowerhouse forprogramandevent rentals,however uptakehasbeenminimalasidefromafew meetings.Staffhaveplanstocomplete minorupgradestomakethespacemore appealingforcommunityuse,including smallevents,workshops,andprograms. Moreeffortswillbemadetoactivatethe spacesoitcanbeusedandenjoyedby a widerrangeofparkusers,”thestatement
ContinuedonA11
BRENTRICHTER brichter@nsnews.com
TheNorthShore’smunicipalitiesandFirstNationsare getting closeto$1million to helpdrawupmore detailed plansintheincreasingly likelyeventofoneormore climate relateddisasters striking.
Earlierthismonththe
MinistryofEmergency ManagementandClimate Readinessannounced$997,000 infundingforNorthShore EmergencyManagement.
NSEMdirectorEmilyDicken saidthere isnoshortageofprojectsthatcould be carriedoutin thenameofdisastermitigation, butthereislimitedfunding andstiff competitionamong
municipalities.Overthenext threeyears, the provincialgrant moneywillgotocomingupwith a risk-reductionactionplanon whichthelocalgovernmentsand First Nationsareinfullco-ordinationasa region.
“ThisisamassiveopportunityforallthreeNorthShore municipalitiestotrulyenhance resilienceanddoalotofwork
arounddisasterrisk reduction andmitigation,”Dickensaid. “Whenwehave really deep anddetailedplans,we’reable tomakemuchbetter-informed decisions.”
Theupshotmaybefuture projectsthatincludephysical disastermitigationlikeslope stabilizationworksorbetter contingencyplanningforthe
municipalitiestomaintainoperationsfollowing a disaster.
Dickensaidthere’s alsowork tobedonetobetterunderstand therisksofmultiplehazards arising at thesametime.
“Weknowinour changing climatethatwhenwehavegreater, stronger,morefrequentatmosphericrivers,afterawildfire,
ContinuedonA10
Thepaintispeelinginchipping away off the upper cottagein West Vancouver’s Lighthouse Park.Critics are callingon council to rentthehomesout andmaintainthem. BRENTRICHTER / NSN
to theCity ofNorth
acrossninebuildingsinthe
APPLICATIONPROCESS
Massive communitydevelopment proposed forMoodyville
NICKLABA
nlaba@nsnews.com
Adevelopmentapplication hasbeen submittedforaprojectthatwould completelytransformtheMoodyville neighbourhood,andinclude buildingsnearlyfourtimestheheightthan what’scurrentlyallowed.
AttheendofMarch,theapplicant –ArcadisArchitectsonbehalf of Wall FinancialCorp.–submitteditsapplication forThe Trails(futurephases)totheCityof North Vancouver.
Twoapplicant-ledinformationsessions wereheldinApril,withacurrentcomment period ending May 21.Thatwillbefollowed byapublicconsultationperiodplannedfor thissummerandfall,whichwillbecaptured ina reportthatwillbemadepubliconthe city’swebsite.
Inanotherthree-to-sixmonthsafterthat, apublichearingwillbeheldatcityhall, where residentsandothercommunitymemberscanvoicetheiropinions.
Theproposedplanwouldbuild926 units acrossninebuildingsalongthe500and 600 blocksofFirstStreetEast.Allofthebuildingswouldbeabovewhatthecity’s zoning bylawcurrentlyallows.
Fourofthetowerswouldbeparticularly tall comparedtowhat’snowbuiltinthe area, reaching14to17storeyshigh.
Accordingtothecity’sofficial community plan,theareaiscurrentlyzoned residential 4-Aand4-B,intheformof“townhouses, rowhouses,stackedtownhouses,garden apartments,four-plexes.”
To accommodatethenewdevelopment,theapplicantisproposingthatthe maximumbuildingheightforthesitesbe increasedfrom49.2feetto180feet,andthat theallowed densitybemore thandoubled for thearea.
“The Trailsdevelopmentin Moodyville introducesnewformsoffamilyhousingin whatwastraditionallyalarge-lotsingle familyneighbourhood,”theapplication reads. “Thiswillcapitalizeonfuturetransit routes andamenitiesplannedforthecommunity.”
“Weare nowproposingto revisethe form ofdevelopmenttoincludebothtownhomesatgradeandincreaseaffordability throughtheprovisionofagreatervolume ofapartmentunitsintallerbuildings,”the applicationcontinues.
Mostunitswouldbetwo-andthree-bedroom,developer says
Inordertoaccomplishthe rezoning effort,the applicantisproposingthat62of theunitsbeofferedatbelow-market rental rates.
Mostoftheunitswillbegearedtoward families,with15percentofthemthree bedroom,40percenttwobedroom,40per centonebedroomand five percentstudios, theapplicantsaid.
Theproposedplan wouldtransfer1.5 acresoflandtothecitytobededicated aspark,linkedtotheexistingMoodyville Park.Thedevelopmentwouldalsoinclude a5,000-square-footdaycare,aswellas improvementstotheadjacentSpirit Trail.
Thenewbuildings wouldaddtoexisting WallFinancialtownhomeprojectsinthe area,includingThe TrailsPhase1at 135535SecondSt.EastandPhase 2 at535-555 SecondSt.East.
Sincethenewapplicationhasbeenmade public,theNorthShoreNewshas received severalemailsexpressingconcernsabout theproposedproject.
Formoreinformation,youcanviewthe developmentapplicationontheCityof North Vancouverwebsite,orvisit thetrailsfuturephases.com.
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Adevelopmentapplicationproposed
Vancouverincludes 926units
Moodyville neighbourhood. ARCADIS ARCHITECTS / WALL FINANCIAL CORP.
DNVdeniestownhome planonMount Seymour Parkway
NICK LABA nlaba@nsnews.com
Aplantobuildanewtownhomecomplexon Mount Seymour Parkwaywill notgo ahead,atleast notinitscurrent form.
AtameetingMay5,District of North Vancouvercouncildidnotapprovean applicationtobuild46stratatownhomesat 3374–3390MountSeymourParkway.
Instead,thematterwas sent backtostaff withcouncil’sfeedbackthattwoplotsof district-ownedpropertyshouldbeexcluded fromthedevelopment.Butthreemembers ofcouncilwerestillopposedtotheproject goingforward,withCouns.BettyForbes, LisaMuriandJimHansonvotingagainstit.
Ifithadn’tbeen rejectedinitscurrent form,theplanwastobuildthe unitsacross eight,three-storeybuildings,with10lock-off suitesand71undergroundparkingspaces, accordingtoa staff report.
Thenewdevelopmentwouldhave replacedfiveexistingsingle-familyhomes, aswellastwovacantplotsboughtbythe districtlastyear for$2.5million.
Thedistrict receivedadetailed rezoning applicationforthesitein2018,whichwas metwithpublicfeedback regardingdensity, lossoftreesandimpactontraffic.
Theplan wouldhave replacedfive singlefamilylotsand two vacantdistrict-owned plots at 3374–3390Mount Seymour Parkway inNorth Vancouver. GOOGLE
In2020,theapplicantwithdrewtheir applicationwhilethedistrictcompleted its reviewoftheofficial communityplan. Thenin2024,thedeveloper returned with a revisedapplication.
Staff recommendedthedistrictpassthe revisedplan,asitalignedwiththeOCPby providingground-orientedunitsforfamilies andseniors.Theprojectisalsolocated alongatransitcorridor,andclosetothe Parkgate VillageCentre,staffsaid.
AtthestartoftheMay12meeting, severalmembersfrom the surrounding communityspokeagainsttheplan.
Nearby residentAlice Hamiltonsaid shewasagainstsellingthedistrict-owned lotsandportionofclosed roadallowance
–whichthedistrictestimatedto havean estimatedvalueofnearly$4.8million.
“Whatisthebenefit tothetaxpayerand the residentswholivehere?Ifthe district greenspacelotsaretobesold,theyshould besoldformarket rentalorsocial housing closetothebus routes,”shesaid.
District-ownedlots shouldbepreservedas greenspaces, councillorsays Coun. HermanMahsaidhewasinfavour oftheproject.
“Iwouldgenerallynotsupportselling districtland,”hesaid.“However,thereare exceptions.One,whenthedistrictcannot useitforotherpurposes,orwhenthe districtcanstrategicallyusetheproceeds from thesaletoacquireotherpreferredlots.”
Mahsaidthere’slimiteddevelopment potentialforthedistrict-ownedlotsontheir own.
“Ibelievethatthefundsfromtheproceedscanbeusedstrategicallyelsewhereto advancethedistrict’shousingobjectives,” hesaid.
ButCoun. Hansonarguedthedevelopmentwasn’tinthecommunity’sbest interest.
“Theproject willeliminatesixoccupied rentalunitsandcreate46stratatown homes
with10lock-offsuites.This project will notcreatethekindof rentalandaffordable housing whichissourgentlyneeded by our community,”hesaid.
Hansonaddedthathisprimary reasons forvoting down the planareenvironmental.
“Ilookedcarefullyatthevacantlots, andthey’reanareaofgreatnatural beauty They’re verybeautifulnaturalspaceswithin ourcommunity,”hesaid.“I personally believe the districtshould preservethese lotsasgreenspaceforalltimesandforall peoples.”
MayorMikeLittlesaidhewasalsoconcernedaboutgettingfaircompensationfor turninggreenfieldlotsinto developments Butinsteadofturning down theapplicant completely, he suggestedsendingthe matter backto staffforother possibilities,suchas incorporatingthevacantlots differently,or adding rental.
“Ithinkthatthereisstillaviable project potentiallyonthissite, butIthinkthathopefullywecanmaybe make somechanges, tweakstoit,tomakeit more suitableforthe site,”Littlesaid.
His motionto referthematter back to staffnarrowly passedwitha4-3vote.No datehasbeen setforthe matterto returnto council.
Mock crashshows students realrisksofdangerousdriving
ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com
Local JournalismInitiativeReporter
Itwasastrikingexperiencefordozens ofNorth Vancouverhighschool students astheysaw a mock crash unfold at WindsorSecondary Thursday morning.
Police,firefightersandparamedics quicklycame to the sceneaspartofafake reenactment responding to aseverecrash involvingdrama studentsfromtheschool.
Themockcrashis part ofanannual educationaleventhostedbyNorth VancouverRCMP toteach studentsthe riskofdangerousdriving andmakingthe rightdecisionswhenbehindthewheel,but alsoshowingthe real, horrifying experiencesofwhatcanhappenwhennotpaying attention.
“Whatwe’retryingto preventiskids fromgettingbehindthewheelanddying,” saidCpl.MansoorSahak,media relations officerforNorth Vancouver RCMP.“It’s a real-lifesituationthatwe’retryingto demonstrateto thesekids.”
Themockcrash beganwithtwo young driversinvolvedina collision.Shortly after,astudentcalled911,withDistrictof North VancouverFireandRescueServices,
BCEmergencyHealthServicesand local Mountiesarrivingquicklyandgettingto work,justasthey woulddoata realcrash scene.
Firefightershelpedstudentactorsget outofthevehicles, whichwerepropsfrom a previous, realcollision,usinga Jawsof Lifetooltocutcardoors.Then firecrews andparamedicsputthemon stretchersto taketheactorsto LionsGate Hospital.One of thestudentdriverswas impairedand arrestedonscene.
ICBCstats revealthat,onaverage,28 youthages16to21arekilled in crashes everyyearinB.C., a numberSahaksaid first responderswanttobringdown.
“We’re tryingtobringthatnumber down,bringittozero,becausethey’re preventabletragedies,”Sahaksaid. “If we candemonstratetothemwhatwe’redoing here,andiftheycouldtakeawaysomethingfromthat,then we’vedoneour jobs.”
ICBCdataalsonotescontributingfactorsforcrashesinvolvingdriversage16to 21 resultingininjuriesordeath,including 22 percentwithspeedingdrivers,13per centwithimpaireddriversand14percent withdistracteddrivers.
Driverinexperience,overestimating ability,driving withoutduecareand
thrill-seekingalsoplaya role intherate of youthcrashes,accordingto ICBC’s website.
Safetymessagesimportantheadinginto gradseason
Brian Twaites,paramedicpublic informationofficer withBritishColumbia EmergencyHealthServices,said messages spreadthroughmockcrashescarry a
domino effect.
“Thesestudentswill go home,they’ll talktotheirfamily, relatives,friends about thisscenariothattheywatchedtoday,” Twaitessaid.“Sothat alsohelpsspread thewordaboutdistracted driving and the dangersinvolved.”
Theinformation officer saidtheyusuallystagemockcrashesto coincidewith gradseason,butthisyear itworked out asanother remindertodrivesafelyduring longweekends.
Ontopofthe mockcrashserving a safety reminder,hesaidithelpsprovide a goodtrainingexercisewhen first respondersneedto respondto real-lifescenarios.
“Ourparamedics are working closely withthe fire departmentonpatient care andextrication,”hesaid.“So,it’s a very goodtraining exerciseforourorganization andtheothers as well.”
“But reallyit’sabouteducationforthe students,”headded.“Ifonestudentgoes homeand realizes,‘Hey,thisisn’tasafe thingtodo…to me,that’sacomplete successofthisexercise.”
AbbyLucianoistheIndigenousandcivic affairsreporterfortheNorthShoreNews. Thisreportingbeatismadepossiblebythe Local JournalismInitiative.
Big News at Pardon Me Hearing!
Twoparamedicshelping an injured passengerin a mockcrashat Windsor SecondaryThursday. ABBY LUCIANO / NSN
Sparkingaction
Wearearrivingat themost magicaltimeofyear in Metro Vancouver.The winterrainsaretaperingoff.
Theparksareverdant.And theawfulcloudsofforestfiresmokehave notyetarrived.
Itisagrimbutinescapable realitythat climatechangeismakingoursummer droughtsdryerandlongerandthatwildfiresarebecomingmoredestructivebefore theycanbe contained.
Ifyouwereanywhere nearGrouse Mountainon Tuesdaylastweek,you’d haveseencrewsfromallover theprovince rehearsingadrierrunonthe response thatwouldbe requiredinthenightmare scenarioofafireburningatthebaseofthe mountainandthreateningtheneighbourhoodsbelow.
Whileweareheartenedto seeour crews
drillingonthesetacticsinadvance,we knowthereismorethatcanbedoneto mitigatedamagesbeforetheyhappen.
We wanttoseeaSmokeyBear-like consciousnessin everyoneworkingor recreatingintheforestoralongtheinterface. Already,therehavebeentwowildfires inSquamishthisyear,bothofthem human-caused.
AndweurgeeveryNorthShorehomeownertocontacttheir municipalityabout wildfireassessmentfortheirproperty Whenitcomestobuilding materialsand landscapingchoices,veryfewexisting homesarefollowingFireSmartprinciples.
It seemseveryyearwecanaddnamesto thelistofcitiesdevastatedifnotdestroyed completelybywildfires– Lytton, West Kelowna,Jasper, LosAngeles, Lahaina.It’s timetostartapplyingthelessonsthese tragediesareteachingus.
Remembering Canada’s worstpeacetimemaritimedisaster
EVELAZARUS
Contributingwriter
InAugust 2019,Iwassittingin aZodiacinthemiddleoftheSt. LawrenceRiverpilotedbyaFrench Canadianmarinebiologist.
ThetripwasarrangedbyHugh Verrier, andwewererightabovethewreckof the EmpressofIreland,aCPR-linerthat sunk in14minutesafterbeingrammedby a NorwegiancoalshiponMay29,1914.
It’snowanunderwatergraveyardfor morethan800souls.
VerrierisbasedinNew Yorkandheads uponeoftheworld’s largestlawfirms,but heisoriginallyfromMontreal,andhas a summerpropertynearRimouski,closeto wheretheEmpressof Irelandsank.In recent
yearshehas developedafascinationfor the story ofsurvivor Gordon Davidsonwho taughthistoryin Vancouver Verrierhiredmetwoyearsearlier to researchDavidson’sstory. Davidsonhad reportedlysurvivedthe sinkingoftheEmpressbyswimming6.5 kilometrestoshore.When Verrierlooked intothis,expertstoldhimthiswasn’tpossible–notatthattimeofyearandnotfor thatdistance.But Verrierwantedtomake sure.Hewantedtoverify the information thathadbeen repeatedinnewspaperarticlesand regurgitatedinbooksandevenat Davidson’sownmemorialservicemorethan ahundredyearsago.
WhileanyCanadianschoolkidcan tell youthestoryofthe Titanic,Ibetveryfew
knowabouttheEmpressofIreland.
Iwassurprised that I’dneverheardof theshiporthetragedy,becausethelossof Canadianlifewas trulystaggering.Morepassengersdiedthatnight(836), thendiedon the Titanic(832)in1912,oron the Lusitania (788)twoyearslater.Itstandsastheworst maritimedisasterduringpeacetimein Canadianhistory.
Davidsondidnot,infact,swimtoshore –thatstorycamefromthewildspeculations of aProvincenewspaper reporterandlater wentaroundtheworldas fact.
While researchingDavidson’sstory, Iwas surprisedbyhowmanyconnectionsthere wereto WesternCanada–65peoplebooked throughthe Vancouveroffice alone.
Ofthe1,056passengersonboard,only
220survived. Twopeoplewhodiedthat nightwerefromNorth Vancouver. AccordingtotheNorthShorePresson May29,1914–thesamedaytheEmpress sank–EthelBerry, 20,of24210thStreetwas travellingtoSurrey,Englandtospendafew monthswithhergrandmother.Shehadin herchargesix-year-oldDorothyBalcombe of245East15thStreet,whowasgoingto staywithhergrandfatherinBelgium.Both youngladieswereinsecondclass.Hours afterhelearnedofthesinking,Ethel’sfather receivedatelegramfromhisdaughterin Quebecsaying“all’swell.”Laterhewould findoutthatshewasamongthelost.
When researchingJohnLangley, a survivorfromB.C.,Ifoundtwoofhis
MAILBOX
PRAISE FOR CANADIANS WHOLIBERATED THE NETHERLANDSIN 1945
DearEditor:
OnMay5,1945inZwijndrecht,Holland, Iwasthreemonthsold,andmyfatherknew thatthiswouldbeaspecialday. He was in the underground,andhadheardfromhis illegalradiothatHollandwouldbeliberated. Hehadpreparedforthisdaybyhavinghis largeDutchflagpole readytoridedown thestreetonhisbikeearly in themorning tocelebrate.He told my Mom,“Ifanything shouldhappentome, makesuretohidemy revolver,”whichwasinthebedsidetable.
Yousee,myfatherwas theyoungest oftwobrothers.Myunclewasenlistedin theDutchArmy,whilemydadmanaged the familylumber business,andjoinedthe underground.Hollandhadbeenoccupied bytheGermanarmyforfiveyears. The GermanofficerinourvillageofZwijndrecht liked mydad,and permittedhimtokeep his car, whichwasa rare opportunity Business duringthewarwasactuallyquitegoodand thusenabledtheGermanarmytocollect95 percenttaxontheprofits.
Duringthistime,dadmetmanywonderfulCanadiansoldiers.Theyallencouraged himtoonedaycometoB.C., where the lumberwasmoreplentiful.
Sobackto the earlymorningofMay5. Ashe rodehisbikedownthestreet, his buddieswhohadbeen roundedupduring thenightstartedcheeringasdad rodepast them.TheDutchtraitorsdidnotlike this andshotatmydad,butmissed,andasone ofhisfriendscameoutofhisfrontdoor,he washitandkilled.Theyarrestedmydad, and hewalkedbyourhousewithhishands
abovehishead.
Whilemomwasbreastfeedingme, shesawthisfromthebedroomwindow, and rememberedwhatdadhadsaid,and instinctivelyhid the revolverunderthe roof tilethroughthewindow.DadtoldtheDutch traitorsthewarwasover,andtheCanadians wouldbeliberatingHolland.The traitorsput himandhisbuddiesinjail,wherehesaw manymorefriends whohadbeenarrested duringthe round-up.Daddidnot talk to me aboutthisverymuch,butIsuspect their demisewasimminent.
Sixyearslater,mom,dad, fivechildren andanothercouple travelledaboard the NewAmsterdamtoNew York,wherethey purchasedacarand trailer.Nineofus crossedintoCanadaJune17,1951atLake Ontario,andwedroveacrossthecontinent duringthesummer.Someprovincesand statesdidnotallowpassengersinthetrailer andIcan rememberallnineofusinthecar. WearrivedinNorth Van,justintimefor me tostart Grade1atNorthStarElementary, withoutawordofEnglish.
Dadwantedtopurchaseasawmillin Vancouver,butwiththemoneyhehad left,heendedupbuyingonein theInterior atLoneBute,andstartedNetherlands OverseasMillsLtd.,averysuccessfullumbercompanythatexpandedallthroughthe Cariboo.
Mybrother,threesistersandIsincerely thanktheCanadianwarvetsforall thesacrificeandsufferingtheyenduredinliberating theDutchpeople.Ican’t thankCanada enoughfortheprivilegeoflivingin thiswonderfulandcompassionatecountry.
Godbless.
May21,2025
Moving forwardfromthe election- together
Therecent federal electionwas highly competitive,withthe LiberalParty securing 2.4%morevotesthan the Conservatives.Liberalsdominated AtlanticCanada, Quebec and the North, while the Conservatives led acrossthePrairies. In OntarioandBC, thetwopartieswerenearly evenlysplit, andrural-urbanvotingpatternsvaried significantly withinmostprovinces.
Given theseoutcomes, Canada presently faces apivotalquestion:
Howcan weensure thatthecountry pullstogetherinthesetesting times?
Ifpoliticianssuccumb to partisan divisions,ideologicalbattles, andturf disputesinsteadoffocusing on real solutions,Canada risksdeepening fracturesatamoment whenunity is essential. It is nosecret that President Trumpseeks aweaker, divided Canada. Rather thanplaying intothatagenda, Canadianleadersmust worktogether as weconfront economic aggressionand existentialthreatstoournation.
protectingwhat makes Canadaunique. Managing our complex conversation with theU.S. requires acoordinated strategy that embraceseconomic growth, productivity,climateaction, and resilience.
•Eliminating interprovincial trade barrierscan drive economicgrowth and expand opportunity at home.
•Strengtheningtrade beyondNorth Americawillreducereliance on the U.S. whilefosteringeconomic independence.
•Investments inclean energy, manufacturing, and technology canenhanceCanada’sglobal competitiveness.
•Adiversifiedeconomy,robust infrastructure, and forward-thinking leadershipcan positionCanadato thrive, evenamidshifting geopolitical dynamics.
Bold nationalprojects
PetervanDrimmelen North Vancouver
Canadians should expect political leadersto identifykey areas for collaborationandsetasidepartisan divisions—at leastduringthis unprecedented moment—tomake tough decisions thatstrengthenoureconomy, investin nationalsecurity, andsafeguard oursovereignty.
Thisis atime of greatchallenge—but alsogreat possibility.Canadianshave aproud historyof rising to meet significant challengeswithambition and determination.Whether building atranscontinental railway,standing strong intwo worldwars, orpioneering universal healthcare, Canadianshave unitedbehindboldnationalprojects before.
ContinuedfromA8 grandchildrenlivinginNorth Vancouver. GeoffLangleyisaDeepCove residentof64 years,whilehiscousinKarenDavidsonhas livedinNorth Vancouversince1966.
JohnLangleyimmigratedfrom Ireland a fewyearsbefore thesinkingandbought WillowGrange,a cattleranchinCanford He wastravellingbacktoIrelandtolook aftersomepropertymatters.Justhours afterhiswifeBessie receivedaletterfrom theCPRaskinghertocometoQuebecCity to identifyhisbody,she receivedaletter fromherhusbanddetailinghisharrowing survival.Langleymanagedtogetupondeck by squeezinghissix-footframethrough a portholemeasuringjust30.5centimetres
indiameter.Hewassuckeddownintothe vortexasthe ship sankand survivedby clingingtoanoverturnedlifeboat.Thefamily kepthisletterandthepurplepyjamashe waswearing.
TheEmpressofIrelandcarriedmorethan 117,000peoplebetweenEnglandandCanada from1906to1914.Supposedly,amillionor soCanadianscantracetheir roots backto an ancestorwhocame to Canadaonthis ship.Ifthat’strue,that’s roughlyonein40of us.That’s reasonenoughto havethisship becomepartofourcollectiveconsciousness. EveLazarusisaNorth Vancouverresident andauthor.Herlatestbook is BeneathDark Waters:TheLegacyofthe EmpressofIreland Shipwreck.eve@evelazarus.com
Liberals and Conservativescan find common groundonseveralshared priorities:eliminating interprovincial tradebarriers,investinginexport infrastructure,leveraging clean and conventionalenergyresources, supportingthemilitary,buildingmore housing,and expandingtradewith reliableglobal partners.
Reasons foroptimism
Despitechallenges posedbyPresident Trump’sleadership,therearereasons foroptimism. Over thepastmonths, Canadians havedeepened their appreciationfornationalvalues, strengtheningtheircommitmentto
Now is the moment toembrace perhaps our mostambitious project yettransforming Canada’seconomy into one that ismoreresilient,sustainable, and less reliant on anysingle partner. At atimewhen Canada faces serious challenges,itisimperative that Canadians,regardless ofpolitical affiliation,cometogether withgrit, optimism,and unwavering resolve to protectournation and secure its future. Iam,aboveall, aCanadian.This countryisthebestintheworld, and itis worth defending.
We can do this.
Funding fordisasterplanning,assessment of Rice Lake dams
thoseatmosphericriverscouldpotentially becomemuchmorecatastrophic,and landslideriskcouldskyrocket,” shesaid.
Ultimately,shesaid,NorthShore residentswillbesaferinthefutureasa result.
“We recognize that by investingin mitigation,itactuallyincreases resilience, reducesvulnerability,andenablesNorth Shore residentstomovethroughdisaster events, hopefullywithlessconsequences totheirhomes,totheirfamilies,and enablesthemto recoverfrom disaster events inamuchsmoother and easier way,”shesaid.“Foreverydollarthatwe spendonmitigation,itcomesbackto ussix-foldin termsof reducingriskfor response.”
Inthesame roundofgrantfunding, Metro Vancouvernabbed$300,000forseismichazard andstability assessmentsof theRiceLakedams, whichareconsidered “veryhighconsequence”under B.C.’sdam safety regulations.
Whilethelakein LowerSeymour ConservationReserveisnaturally occurring,itgrewinsizeovertheyears as variousdamswereconstructedto supportloggingandmunicipalwater infrastructure.
Thoughthelakeisusedpurelyfor
recreationalpurposesnow,the1950s earthembankmentdams remain.Because theyareina recreationalarea,the regulations requirethatthey receive a higherlevelofriskmanagement, including inspection and testing.Atfullcapacity,the lakeholds230,000cubicmetresof water.
“Thefundingprovidedbytheprovince willsupport workthatincludescollecting andtesting soilsamplesfromthedams, andadvancedcomputermodellingto simulatehowthedamswouldbehave duringanearthquake.These studies will helpdeterminewhetheranyupgradesare neededtomaintainpublic safetyand the long-term resilienceofthisinfrastructure,” a statement fromIanManning, Metro Vancouver’sdirectorofdam safety, read.
Theprovinceisputtingup roughly$40 million for 61 projectsaroundB.C.
“I regularlyhearfromcommunitymemberswhowanttoknowmoreabouthow preparedtheNorthShoreisforadisaster, becausethemorepreparedweare,the fasterwecanactduringcrises– saving livesandpreservingourcommunities,” said North Vancouver-LonsdaleMLA BowinnMa.“I’mincrediblygratefulforthe workourthree NorthShoremunicipalities do onthisfrontwiththe supportofour government.”
DistrictofNorth Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services members execute a rope rescue for workersfroma DeepCove café duringthe atmosphericriver storm Oct. 19. IRIS BLANCHETT
Lighthousenow fully automated
read.
“LighthousePark, includingallthefacilities andhomesinthepark, areownedbythefederal government,” thestatementcontinued.“Assuch, allmajorupgradestothe facilitiesandhomesarethe responsibilityofthefederal governmentand requires theirapproval.Additionally, thehomesarenotsuitable forlong-term tenancydue to requiredupgrades to the septicandsewersystems, whichthefederalgovernmentiscurrently reviewing.”
SUMMER CAMPS
Robertscharacterizedthesepticproblemasan“invented excuse.”
“Itwasworkingwhenboth the tenants movedout,andithasn’tbeenusedsinceso itcannotbebroken,”he said.“Thesimple solutionisfixitandpayforthecostswith the rent.”
AlexandraMancini,presidentofthe LighthouseParkPreservationSociety, saidhergroupusedthelowerhousefor theirannualgeneralmeetinglastyearand theyplantoagainthisyear. Thoughthe
society’smandateis for thepreservation andenhancementoftheoldgrowthforest andcoastlinebiodiversity,Mancinisaidshe knows West Vancouver residentsvalue the historyofthebuildingsanddon’twant to seemthemneglected.
“We dothinkit’svaluabletohave a presenceinthepark.AndIthinkthereare a lotof reasonstokeepusing[thecottages],” shesaid.“Itjustbrokemyhearttosee the stateof[Graham’s]lovelycottage. There itwas.It’salwaysbeenaverywarmand welcomingplace,butthepaintonthe outside…it’sincrediblyshabbylooking.”
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Thelower cottagein West Vancouver’s Lighthouse Parkis shownwiththe famedlandmarkbehind. BRENTRICHTER / NSN
Motorcyclistsent tohospital aftercrashnear LionsGateBridge
NICKLABA nlaba@nsnews.com
Amotorcyclistwassenttohospitalfollowingatwo-vehicle crashlastweek.
Ataround7:15p.m.,May14, West Vancouverpolice responded toatwo-vehiclecollisionatthe northendofLionsGateBridge.
Aninvestigationdetermined thata Teslawasstoppedinbridge trafficwhenitwas rear-endedby awhitemotorcycle,said Sgt.Chris Bigland,spokespersonfor West Vanpolice.
“Thedriverofthemotorcycle wastransported tohospitalwith possiblefracture-typeinjuries whichwerenotconsideredlife threatening,”hesaid.
Videofootageofthecrash cleanupshowsseveralemergency vehiclesonthebridgeonramp fromNorth Vancouver.
Motorcyclistsfinedin police ticketingblitz
Thecrashcameamid an enforcement blitzin West
Vancouver.OvertheMay10-11 weekend,68ticketswereissued inaco-ordinatedeffortby West VancouverpoliceandBCRCMP AirServices.
In responseto“recklessdrivingonlocalhighways,” ground unitsworkedwithhelicopterAir 1totargethigh-riskdrivingon
theUpperLevelsandlowerSea toSkyhighways, West Vanpolice saidinastatement.
Intotal,33ticketswere issuedforspeeding,15for excessivespeedingwithvehicle impounded,threeforfailedto stopforpolice,twofornodriver licence,threeforfollowingtoo
closely, fiveformotorcyclists drivingcontrary tolicence restriction,and five forfailure to displayafrontlicence plate.
Oneofthemotorcyclists attemptedto flee police after an officerclockedhimspeeding 165 kilometres per houronHighway 1 near Westmount.Butpolice capturedhislicenceplateon video,andthenattendedthe owner’saddressandissuedhim finestotallingmorethan $1,000, policesaid.
Policesaidthey alsoissued three“noticeandorders”documents requiringowners“to rectifyillegalmodificationson theirmotorcyclesthatproduce excessivenoise.”
Theyalsoeducateddrivers ontheneedtobemindfulofthe impactsofnoise onlocal residents,cyclistsandotherdrivers, policesaidinthestatement.
WithlastweekbeingCanada RoadSafety Weekand Maybeing MotorcycleSafety Awareness Month, West Vanpoliceis
remindingthepublicthatexcessivespeedingis a seriouspublic safetyriskthatwon’tbeignored.
“Speedingisn’tjust about gettingaticket.It’sachoice thatputslives at risk”,saidSgt. StephenFrance.“Everyextra kilometre perhour reducesyour reactiontimeandincreasesthe severityofcrashes. We urge driverstoslowdown,notjust becauseit’sthelaw,but because itcouldsavealife–possibly yourown.”
AccordingtotheB.C.government,MotorcycleSafety Awareness Monthis an opportunitytoraisepublic awareness about motorcyclesand encourage theirsafeandproperusefor alifetimeofsaferiding.
“Topreventinjuriesand deathsonBritishColumbia’s roadways,motorcyclists and motoristsmustbevigilant intheir effortstoshare the road and ensure thesafetyof everyone,” reads theprovincial proclamation.
TABLEREADY
Liberty Kitchenbrings Mediterranean style to Main Street
NICKLABA
nlaba@nsnews.com
IfyoulikeBrownsSocialhousebut wishitwasabitbrighter andhad morepizzaandpasta on themenu, looknofurtherthanLibertyKitchen.
Thebrand-newNorth Vancouver restaurantopeneditsdoorsforthefirst timeon Tuesday,May13at4p.m.,at1378MainSt.
Theestablishmentpromisesamenufull ofpizzas,pastasandotherMediterranean dishes,withanupscalefeelthatstillcaters to manydifferenttypesofoccasions.On thedrinkmenu,you’llfindlocalbreweries alongsideanextensivelist of Italianwines.
The completely renovatedlocationhosts 217seatstotal,whichincludesasizableoutdoorpatiothatcanseat50to60guests.
Localswill remembertheaddressasthe formerhomeof Toby’sSocialHub,which closedinJune2023.
LibertyKitchenco-owners Derek Archerand RyanSpicknellsaidtheywere approachedbythelandlordas Toby’s was shuttingdown.
That’saround10yearsaftertheywere firstapproachedbythelandlord–before Toby’swentin–toputaBrownsinatthat location.
“Atthetime,Iwasjustworking on doing theLowerLonsdaledeal, sothatdidn’twork out,”saidArcher,whohandlesbusiness developmentforseverallocationsinthe BrownsRestaurantGroup,includingBrowns ontheNorthShore,RedDeerandKelowna, aswellasQueenElizabethTheatre in Vancouverandthe VenturaRoombelowit.
Butwhenhewasapproachedabout the MainStreetaddressthistimearound,the timingaligned.
“Withallthedevelopmentgoingon[in thearea],itseemedlikeitwasprettygood ideatostartlookingatit,”Archersaid.
Spicknell,who’sheadofoperationsfor thecollectionof restaurants,saidthere’s ademandforthistypeofbusinessinthe neighbourhood.
“We’vedoneafeweventssofar,justto gettoknowthecommunityand reachoutto them.Andeveryone’smentioned–whether it’sDeepCoveorSeymour,upinthe Lynn Valleyarea,evensomeLonsdalepeople –theywantmore,”Spicknellsaid.
‘Communityisabigdealforus,’ restaurant owners say IfLibertyKitchenwereacar,itwould havethesamechassisasBrowns,but a more elevatedversion,Archersaid.
“It’sgotabitmoreofaMediterranean vibetoit. We dohavealittle WestCoast flair toitaswell,”hesaid.“Buttypicallyit’s Mediterranean, withpizzasandpastasand in-housemadesaucesandfunwinelists, coolcocktails.”
Don’tthinkofitasaspecial-occasion typeplace,Archersaid.
“It’sstillaneverydaykindofopportunity,
butalittle bitforeverybody,” he said.
BothArcherandSpicknellsaidthey’re bornandraisedontheNorthShore, andwantpeopletofeelthatinthenew restaurant.
“My regionalmanagerByronoverthere livesinthenewtowerslikeastone’sthrow away.Allofourmanagersarekindofclose by,”Spicknellsaid.“We’relocalcommunity guys.”
Acoupleweeksago,thepair heldan eventacrossthestreetat WildeyeBrewing becausetheywanttoconnectwithother peopleandbusinessesinthearea,he said.
“We’vechattedwithprobably 150 businessesinthearea,introducedourselves,giventhemlittle$15giftcards to comeinandcheckusout,”Spicknell said “Communityisa big dealforus.”
Whenyou call ShyloHomeHealth Care our journeytogether starts with aFREE complementaryin-homeassessmentbyoneof Shylo’sGeriatric NurseSpecialists. Shylohasalwaysbeen alocal businessrunby Registered Nurses;weare not an impersonal US franchise,orlarge multinationalorganisation, we arelocalcommunity memberswho care about wherewelive. We have aRN meetwithand assess each client so an individualCare Planiscreatedtomeetthe client’s needs. OurRNs also visitregularly—atnocharge—to assess theclient’s evolving health needsand adjust theCarePlanasrequired. We take prideinour local homegrown care company. TED Call 604-985-6881 fora FREE In-HomeAssessment.
Liberty Kitchen co-owners DerekArcher and Ryan Spicknell arebothfromtheNorth Shore, andoperateseveralother restaurants intheBrowns RestaurantGroup. NICK LABA / NSN
Its ownerssay Liberty Kitchen hasan ‘upscale,Mediterraneanvibe.’ NICK LABA / NSN
FLEETWOODMAGIC,THEAUTHENTICTRIBUTETO
7thAnnualCaregivers &SeniorsExpo-
FLEETWOODMAC- FRIDAYMAY 302025,7.30PM CENTENNIALTHEATRE
THISSATURDAYMAY 24TH AT 12:00PM -4:00PM SilverHarbourCentre,144East22ndStreet
2300LONSDALE AVE.,NORTH VANCOUVER
FleetwoodMagic TributeBandtransportsaudiencesinsoundand timeon amusicaljourneyperformingFleetwoodMac’sgreatesthits fromthe60’stothe80’s.
Thisfreeeventcelebratesandsupportscaregiversandolderadults withinformativeseminars,localexhibitors,healthandwellnesstips, andmore.Don’tmissthisopportunitytoconnect,learn,andenjoya vibrantafternoonin yourcommunity!
http://tickets.centennialtheatre.com/
THEEXPRESSIVEBODYWITHDERRYLUBELL,JEIDNWINKLER ONNOWUNTILJUNE1ST AT 4:00PM
SilkPurseArtsCentre,1570Argyle Ave.,West Vancouver ArtistsDerryLubell &Jeidn Winklerusethehumanformto telluniversalstories &exploreideasaroundidentity,connection & communication.
FLEETWOODMAGIC,THEAUTHENTICTRIBUTETO
FLEETWOODMAC- FRIDAYMAY 30TH2025, 7:30PM CENTENNIALTHEATRE
2300LONSDALE AVE.,NORTH VANCOUVER
FleetwoodMagic TributeBandtransportsaudiencesinsound andtimeon amusicaljourneyperformingFleetwoodMac’s greatesthitsfromthe60’stothe80’s.
http://tickets.centennialtheatre.com/
EndsSunday,May25
ThePolygon Gallery
101 CarrieCates Court
Territoriesof theSquamish and Tsleil-WaututhNatons, and theMusqueam Band @polygongallery |thepolygon.ca
SLAMDUNKEL
Shaketown Brewingwins another World BeerCupmedal
NICKLABA
nlaba@nsnews.com
Beer aficionadosaregoingbananasfor a rarebrewmadeinNorth Vancouver.
ShaketownBrewingCo.haswon a silvermedalforitsBigBananaBrown Dunkelweisenatthe2025 WorldBeerCup, heldinIndianapolis,Ind. onMay1.
BigBananaearned secondplaceinthe SouthGerman-StyleDunkel Weisencategory, which referstodarkwheatbeers.
Overthecourseofaweek,apanel of 265judgesfrom37countriesevaluated 8,375entriesfromnearly1,800breweries across49countries,accordingtothe BrewersAssociation,whichhoststhe awards.Judgeshandedout349medals thisyear,oneofthemgoingtoShaketown.
TheNorth Vanproducerwas among justseven Canadianbrewerieschosen thisyear.
“Winningliterallyanymedalinthat competitionforabreweryishumongous,” saidShaketownco-founder RyanScholz.
Bubblingoverwithpride,Scholzhighlightedthatit’s thethird-straightyearthat thebreweryhasmedalledattheworld cup–goingthree-for-threesinceopening in 2022.Lastyear, Shaketownwon bronze forits Pre-ProhibitionPilsner.
“Togainawarenessasanewbrewery is impossible.Andnobodythinksthat you’re makinggoodbeeroutofthegate,” he said.“Hopefullynowmorepeoplewill knowthatwe’remakinggreatbeer.”
BigBananabeerisbanana-less
BrewmasterDavid Vargasaidtheidea fortheBigBananacamefromsuggestions thatShaketownshould makeadifferent-colouredbeer.
“AndIthoughtthecolourof abrown beerissomewhat unpopularatthis point intime,becausemostpeoplejustdon’t drinkthat,theyhavethehazyales,the hazypaleales,fruitsoursandpilsners,” hesaid.
Comparedtootherfruit-forwardbeers –likeShaketown’s ownBelgianDubbel Plum,whichhas realplumsinit–theBig Bananaisbanana-less.
“Thebananaactuallycomesfromthe yeastitself.But…thedarkermaltsgiveit abitofabrownsugar,likeacaramelized banana flavour,whichIthoughtwould workwellinthecoolermonths,” Varga said.
BigBanana,which releasedin February, isaseasonalbrew.Butyou mightstillbeableto find it on shelves insomeliquorstores. Vargasaidthey stillhaveafewkegsinhouse forthe banana-curious.
Andwhencoldweather returnsnext year,there’sachanceShaketown’s dunkel weisenmightswingbackintoaction too.
“Anyoftheseseasonalsthatdothis well,it’sdefinitelysomethingfor us to lookat,” Vargasaid.“Andyou getthose nicememorytriggersgoing,‘Ohyeah, I rememberthisbeer.’”
KaylaNishino, Dave Varga, Gabe Leeand Ryan Scholzfrom North Vancouver’s Shaketown Brewing toastasilvermedalwinatthe World BeerCup competition for their Big Banana Brown Dunkelweisen. PAULMCGRATH / NSN
Image:Alison Boulier
Presentby:
ABOVE PARARCHITECTURE
Green-side Ron Thom homelists for$2.5Min
NICKLABA
nlaba@nsnews.com
Loversofarchitecture andthegameofgolf mightbeinterestedin ahomethat’snowfor salein West Vancouver.
Backingontothe17th puttinggreenattheprestigiousCapilanoGolfClubis 119StevensDr.,whichhas beenlistedat$2.5million.
Thefour-bedroom, three-bathroomhouse wasconstructedin1959 byprolific WestCoast ModernbuilderRon Thom.
West Vancouver
Thishomedesigned byfamedarchitect RonThomsitsnext to CapilanoGolfClub’s 17thgreen. REW.CA
The2,610-square-footrancherhas many designelementsThomwas known for,includingpost-and-beamconstruction,skylights,aswellasfloor-to-ceiling windowsinthelivinganddiningareas thatfacethebackyardgarden.
Accordingtothelisting,itscurrent ownerisafurniture makerwho has “lovingly restoredmuch of itsoriginalbeauty,addingedgegrainfirtrim,
updatedflooring,customlighting,Miele appliances,andaone-bedsuite below.”
Thebedroomwingstill requiresfinishing,butthere’senoughbambooflooring, tile andbathroomfixturestocomplete thedesign,thelistingstates.
Alsoonthenearlyone-third-acrelot isagreenhouseandaheatedworkshop, “completewithdustcollectionandmany majortools.”
AMBLESIDEPARK
FRIDAY, JUNE 6:4–9:30 P.M.
SATURDAY,JUNE 7: 11 A.M.–7 P.M.
wvculturalfest.ca
Caregiver and SeniorExpo offers help for caregiving journey
ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com Local JournalismInitiativeReporter
Aone-stopshopfor resourcesdedicatedtocaregivingiscoming back to theNorthShore.
TheCaregiverandSeniorExpois returningtotheSilverHarbourCentre in North VancouveronSaturday, May24 fromnoonto4p.m.
Morethantwodozenvendorsinthe caregivingindustrywillbeonsite,providinginformationtoseniorsandothers whoaresupportingfamilyandfriends. Serviceproviderssuchaslong-termcare homes,financialmanagement companiesthathelpwritewills,andcaregiving agencies willbetheretosharetheir expertise.
“Intermsoftheexpo,itprovides a publicforumwhereexhibitorscan come …[toofferconnectionsto]allsorts of differenttangentsofthecaregiving journey,”said VicGailiunas,caregiver supportprogramco-ordinator with NorthShore CommunityResources, organizersofthe event.
Asanexample,Gailiunassaid if a personwaslookingaftertheirmomwho hadAlzheimer’sorParkinson’sdisease,
Attendeescheckoutsomeofthe vendors ataprevious Caregiverand SeniorExpo at SilverHarbourCentreinNorth Vancouver.
theexpocanhelpthemfindmoreinformationonhowtonavigatethatjourney.
Gailiunashelpsorganizetheexpo everyyear,wherehealsosetsup a speakerseriesfeaturingindustry experts.Helaunchedthespeakerseries after hearing questionsontheprocess of gettingintolong-term carehomesand gettingacasemanager.
Fourspeakersaresettospeakat
thisyear’sexpo,eachcoveringdifferent areas of caregivingor howtosupport lovedones,followedbyaQ&Aforthose whohavequestions.
ThefirstspeakerwillbeCorinne Stewart,aclinicalco-ordinatorforthe casemanagementteamontheNorth Shorethrough VancouverCoastalHealth, whowillsharedetailsabouthowand whentoapplyforlong-termcarehomes andhowtogetacasemanager.
ChantalBourke,a registeredclinicalcounsellor,willdiveintoself-care, caregiverburnoutandcopingwith difficultemotionsinourlovedones,and award-winningpsychologist Melanie Badaliwilltalkaboutcommunicating healthyboundariesbetweencaregivers andlovedones.
Therewillalsobeachatabout familycouncils,familiesand/or residentswhoadvocateforthequality of lifeforthoselivingincarehomes.Lisa Dawson,vice-presidentandsecretary oftheIndependentLong-TermCare CouncilsAssociationofBC,andJanice DeJardins,directorof VancouverCoastal AssociationofFamilyCouncils,will sharetheirinsightsontheeffectiveness of thesecouncils.
“Itgivesyoualittlebitofaviewof someofthediversityoftopicsthat mightcomeintotheworldoffamilycaregivers,”Gailiunassaid.
Hehopespeoplewilltakeininformation, resourcesorideastohelpothersor themselves.
“Thegoaloftheexpoisto really helppeoplethatarefamilycaregivers,” Gailiunassaid.
“There’ssuchagrowingnumberof peoplethatarefamilycaregivers,not justhere,but[in]Canadaandinthe world. We allneedtolearntechniques ofhowtodealwithpeoplethatwe’re caringfor,”hesaid.
ReadmoreabouttheexpointheBsection oftoday’spaper
7thannualCaregiverandSenior Expo When: Saturday,May24,noonto4 p.m. Scheduleofspeakerscanbefound on the CaregiverandSenior Expowebsite. Where: SilverHarbourCentre,144 East 22ndSt.,North Vancouver
Cost: Free AbbyLucianoistheIndigenousandcivic affairsreporterfortheNorthShoreNews. Thisreportingbeatismadepossiblebythe LocalJournalismInitiative.
Join us forour Sip&SecureSeminar
acomplimentary wine tasting& appetizers as we provideyou the stepsfor planning ahead
Asocialeveningof wine andthoughtfulconversationas we toastto planningahead andensuringpeace of mind forthe future.
THURSDAY, MAY29,2025
6:00-8:00 PM
Boal Chapel andMemorialGardens, 1505LillooetRd, NorthVancouver
RSVP by MAY28to Casey Leeson casey.leeson @dignitymemorial.com
Boal Chapel &MemorialGardens 1505Lillooet Rd |North Vancouver,BCV7J2J1
PAULMCGRATH / NSN
North Shore WaterfrontGala raises thousands for two localcharities
ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com
Local JournalismInitiativeReporter
ItwasafullhouseatthePinnacle HotelatthePierinNorth VancouverMay8aspeoplecame togethertoraise a heftywadof cashforlocalcharitieshelping familiesandchildren.
TheNorthShore WaterfrontGala raisedmorethan$285,000 last week throughticketsales,sponsorships, donationsandauctionproceeds.
NorthShoreCrisisServicesSociety (NSCSS)andBackpackBuddieswill each receive$50,000,saidchairofthe galaAlexandraSchaff.
Schaffhasbeenorganizingthe annualfundraisingeventsince2014, takingonthetasktohelpfamiliesand children.
“Thegalaispersonallynear and dearto myheartbecauseI’maNorth Shoregirl.IwasbornatLionsGate [Hospital],Ialways livedon theNorth Shore,”Schaffsaid.“I’mjustahuge proponentofhelpingthoseinneed.”
Notalldonationsarecountedyet, shesaid,asthetwoNorthShore charitieswill receive donationsattendees madeattheirtablesfrom“fund a need”cards.The remainingfundswill supportotherlocalcharitiesthrough anendowmentfundthegalahas establishedthroughtheNorthShore CommunityFoundation,shesaid.
Thewaterfrontgalawascreatedin 2013byJimBelsheim,formerpresident atNeptune Terminals.OtherwaterfrontterminalslikeFibreco,Pembina, SeaspanandSSAMarinejoined Neptuneintheeffortshortlyafter,and that’swherethegala’smajorfunding comesfromtoday.
Eachyear,thegalacommitteeputs acalloutforNorthShore-basedcharity organizationstoapplyforconsideration.Then,galaorganizersnarrow downthelisttothetopthreeor five charitiesthatfitthecriteriaofhelping familiesandchildrenlocally.
Schaffsaidthisisthethirdyearin a rowhelpingtheNSCSSandBackpack Buddies.
“Asasurprise,weannouncedat lastyear’sgalathatwewouldcontinue tosupportthemforathirdyear,which theyweresoexcited,”shesaid.
Someofthisyear’sliveauction itemsincludedacolourfulbearpaintingbyartistJordanPerkins, a dinner
withmembersofDistrictof North VancouverFire andRescueServices andmore.Therewasalsoaprizeof seeingAustralian-Americancountry singerKeithUrbanin Vancouver. Since1979,theNorthShoreCrisis ServicesSocietyhasbeenhelping womenandchildreninneed who are leavingabusive relationships.They provideemergencyshelter,longer-term housingsolutionsandpreventative educationtowomenandchildren leavingdomesticabuseandviolence ontheNorthShore.
SandraLee,communicationsand developmentmanagerforNSCSS,said thedonationshavegonealongway innotonlyhelpingthemcontinueto providetheservicestheyoffer,but alsotoexpandtheirpresenceinthe community.Thefundinghashelped thecharitytogrowtheiremergency fundstoaddressurgentneedsalot morequickly,likeprovidingfamilies amattress whentheymoveinto a permanenthome,buyingbabyformula or replacinglaundrymachinesattheir facility, shesaid.
“Thegravityoftheworkthatthese donationsallowourfrontlinestaff todoisquiteliterallylifechanging,” Lee said.“Gender-based violence or domesticviolencecanaffectanyone.”
NSCSShasseenagrowingneedfor theirservicesoverthelastfewyears. Overthepastyearalone,thecharity hashelpedmorethan250 womenand familiesleavetheirabusivehomes, Lee said.
BackpackBuddiesprovidesmeals andsnacksforkidstolastthemthe weekendiftheylivewithfamilieswho maybebattling food insecurity.
Emily-anneKing,executivedirector ofBackpackBuddies,saiddonations
willhelptheorganizationcontinueto providekidsacrossthe NorthShore withfoodtobringhomefortheweekendallschoolyearlong.
Currentlythecharityhelps77childrenacross theNorth Shore weekly during theschoolyear,shesaid.
“It’s abigundertaking,andthese donationswill reallymakesure that we’reabletoshowupforthosekids andprovidethemwithnotonlyfood, butconsistency,anddependability thatwewillbethereweekoverweek forthem,”Kingsaid.
Thecharityhasgrownsinceits launchin2012,helpingchildrenacross theprovince.Accordingtotheirwebsite,more than6,000kidsgetfoodfrom BackpackBuddiesweekly,and380 schoolsanddistributionpartnerstake partinthegoodcause.
A report releasedlastyearfound 254,000childreninB.C.livedinfood insecurehouseholdsin2022.It’s analarmingnumberthatBackpack Buddieswantstochange,Kingsaid.
Schaffsaidthegalahelpsraise awarenessfororganizationslikeNSCSS andBackpackBuddieswhilealso raisingmoney.
“Ithinkthere’sa realperception, especiallywithBackpackBuddies or formslikethat,wherepeoplethink‘If youliveonthe NorthShore,everyone overthereisloaded,’butthat’snotthe case,”Schaffsaid.
“Weworkmonthsandmonthsto gettothispoint,”sheadded.“Weall loveit,andwecareabouteachother, andit’s reallygreattogettothisnight.” AbbyLucianoisthe Indigenous and civicaffairsreporter forthe North ShoreNews.Thisreporting beat is madepossibleby theLocalJournalism Initiative.
Friday,May 30
7:30 –8:45p.m., Main Hall Doorsopenat7 p.m.
Featuring specialguest BrianCharette on theHammond B3 Organ, thislivelyperformance will bringbig band classics andcontemporaryjazz pieces to lifein an unforgettable eveningofmusic.
1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver 604.925.7403| westvanlibrary.ca VANCOUVERJAZZORCHESTRA featuringBrian Charette Friday NightConcert
Learnmoreat wvml.ca/music.
Libraryconcerts aremadepossiblethankstoa generousbequestfromthe estate ofRobert Leslie Welshthrough theWVMLFoundation.
This concertissponsoredby
Oneoftheattendees at theMay8North Shore WaterfrontGalatakes home the grandprizeoftickets to see KeithUrban in Vancouver. ABBY LUCIANO / NSN
BIKINGMOUNTAIN
GrousebikeparkopensinJune
NICKLABA nlaba@nsnews.com
Anewdestinationfor mountainbikers ofallabilitiesiscomingtothe North Shore.
OnFriday, June6,GrouseMountain’s bikepark willopenfor its first season atopthe iconicalpine resort in North Vancouver.Onceopen,guestswillbeable to accessGrouseBikeParkvia its Blue GrouseGondola–whichstartedtaking up skiersandridersupthemountainfor the first timeinDecember–makingitthe first lift-accessedbikeparkinthe region. Thehighlyanticipated, lift-accessed mountainbikeparkbuiltby world-renownedbuilderGravityLogicbrings a welcomeadditiontoexistingthrill-seeking activitiesavailableonthemountaintop, the resortsaidinastatement. Riderscanlookforwardtoavariety tracks,includingbeginnergreen andblue flow trails,ablue jumpline andsingle-blacktechnicaltrails, the resortsaid.
A doubleblacksingle trackwill also openinJune,withasingle-blackjump lineslatedtoopenlaterthissummer Eliminatingtheneedforclimbing,Grouse Mountainwillofferthe NorthShore’sonly lift-accessedmountainbikepark.
Agroupofmountainbikerstakeintheview fromatopGrouseMountain Resort inNorth Vancouver.
“ThetrailsatGrouseBikeParkcaterto ridersofallskilllevels, andwe’reexcited tofeedthe appetiteofthe community whilecontributingtothe renownedtrails alreadypresenton Vancouver’s North Shore,”MichaelCameron,presidentof GrouseMountainResort,saidinthe media release.“Grouse Mountain’ssweeping Vancouverviews, ScreamingEagle chairlift access,andconvenientNorthShore locationmakeGrouseBikeParktheidealplace forpost-workrides, mountainbikesummer camps,andeverythinginbetween.”
Brought to youby
‘NOTYOURBUTTER CHICKEN’
North Vandirectorshows different sidesof South Asian culture
NICKLABA
nlaba@nsnews.com
Sevenyearsafterimmigrating toCanada,PriyankaDesaihas hadmorebutterchickenhere than inIndia.
Shewasshockedathowthe entireIndiansubcontinenthad been reducedtoasingle greasy dishinNorthAmerica.
“Iusedtomeetpeopleand they’relike,‘Oh,hi. Yeah,Ilove butterchicken,’”Desaisaid.
That’swhytheNorth Vancouverdirectorchose to call herTVseries Not YourButter Chicken
“Iwantedtoquestionandalso createanimpactfulshowthat invitespeopletolearnmoreabout SouthAsians–theculture,the people,thevaluesbeyondthisone dishthatisextremelyfamous,” Desaisaid.
HostedbyCBCradiofood columnistShivaReddy,thefourpartdocumentaryseriesserves upstoriesontherichhistory and cultureof SouthAsianslivingin WesternCanada. Not YourButter
Chicken premieredayearagobut wasjust releasedonCBCGem –whereitcanbestreamedforfree –incelebrationof AsianHeritage Month.
Inthefirstepisode,Reddy travelstoKamloops,whereshe gatherswithformersawmill and railroadworkers who immigrated thereintheearly1960s,whenthe now-bustlingcity was “justlike a village.”
“TherehavebeenSouthAsian familieswhohavebeenherefor generations,”Desaisaid.“These arethepeoplewhohavegone throughthehardshipsof immigrantlife,andpavedthe wayfor somanyofustocomehereand beadjustedorassimilated in the communityinamuchsmoother way.”
‘Whatisthisvaluethatbrings communitytogetheroverfood?’
Desaisaidshe wantedtopay tributetothesacrificesofelder immigrants.
“Insomeofthecases,like inKamloops,theywerepartof
VibrantSenior Livingonthe NorthShore
‘Not YourButterChicken’hostShiva Reddyspeaks to a womanwho immigrated to KamloopsfromIndiaintheearly1960s. TELUS ORIGINALS
buildingKamloops in away.Being oneofthefoundationsofthe community,it’sahuge thing.And thatdeserves recognition,that deservesacknowledgement,”she said.
Liketheepisode’s title suggests –“FoodisSewa”–theshowdoes
tieintraditionsaroundfoodand itsdeeperculturalsignificance.
“Evenifyouhavelittle,you always shareitwithpeoplearound you,”Desaisaid.“That’sthewhole ideabehindSewa.”
That’swhyshechose to film insidea Kamloopslangar,whichis
LONG-TERMCARE & MEMORYCARE
similartoacommunitykitchen.
“Peoplefromallwalksoflife areinvitedtojustbefed. And I knowsomanyyoungerstudents andimmigrantswhoarenotable tomakeendsmeet, who go to thesegurdwaras(placeofSikh worship)andgetthemselvesfed,” shesaid.
Desaiwantedtobringthevalue ofSewatolife,“andhelppeople understand,makeitmoreaccessible:Whatisthisidea?Andwhatis thisvaluethatbringscommunity togetheroverfood?”
WithpreviousshowsdocumentingIndigenouscooking (Redchef Revival)andwheelchair boxing(Rolling withthePunches), somethingcouldbeintheworks forhercurrenthomeontheNorth Shore.
“IlovethecommunityofNorth Van.Ithinkthepeopleare really friendly,”shesaid.“It’sanice community.Idon’tfeellikeI’mlost inabigcity.”
“Iwouldliketo createmore storiesaroundNorth Vantoo,in thefuture,”Desaisaid.
Situatedin bustling LonsdaleSquare, our community offers ahighlypersonalisedseniorliving experience. Contact us to book atour todayanddiscoverhow our residents receive best-in-class care as wellasenjoy:
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Contactus todayat 604-259-6375 orvisit SunriseLonsdaleSquare.ca to learn more.
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SixNorth Shore youth hockey players
selectedinWHLProspects Draft
NICKLABA nlaba@nsnews.com
MorepromisingNorthShore hockeytalentisrisingthroughthe ranks.
OnMay8, six skatersfromNorth and West Vancouverwereselectedin the2025WHL ProspectsDraft,held inCalgary, Alta.
Intotal,227playersbornin2010 were selectedby WHLmember clubs,including120forwards,81 defencemenand26goalies. Most are fromprovincesandterritoriesin WesternCanada, with24U.S.players.
In roundtwotheSaskatoon Blades selected NoahFowler, a centrefromNorth Van,astheNo. 24overallpick. The five-foot-11, 150-pound15-year-oldgothis start in youthhockeywiththe North Shore WinterClub. In his 2024-25 seasonwithSt.George’sSchoolU15 Prep,Fowler recorded29goalsand 33 assistsfor62totalpointsin36 games.
Inthefourth round,72ndoverall, theSwiftCurrentBroncosselected QuinnPickeringof West Van.The formerNWHawksdefenceman hadabreakout’24-25 seasonwith St.George’sU15Prep,rackingup sixgoalsand32assistsfor38total pointsin36games.
Alsoin roundfour(91st),the VictoriaRoyalsselectedAlexander Rode ofNorth Van.Thedefenceman hadthreegoals and15assistsfor 18totalpoints in 29gameswithSt. George’s inthe’24-25 season.
North Vancouverdefenceman SeanMurphywasselectedbythe SpokaneChiefs in the fifth round
(110th).The NorthShore Winter Clubalum recordedthreegoals and 24 assistsfor27totalpointsinhis ’24-25seasonwiththeNorthShore WarriorsU15Prepteam.
The VancouverGiantsorganizationpickedup North Vanskater EthanMahin roundeight(172nd). Mahalsoplayedforthe NorthShore WinterClub. He had five goals and
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21assistsfor 26totalpointsinthe ’24-25seasonwiththeNorthShore WarriorsU15Prepteam. Andinthe 10th round(213th overall),the Wenatchee Wildselected ColeZurowskiofNorth Van.Theforwardhadeightgoalsand11 assists for19totalpointsinthe’24-25seasonwiththe VancouverNWHawks U15AAA“A”team.
North Vancouver’sNoah Fowler wasselected by the Saskatoon Bladesinthe second roundoftheWHL Prospects Draft. LEILA LAMMAMVIA ELITE PROSPECTS
PrinceGeorgeman mustpay $185K forassaultonmarina worker
BRENTRICHTER
brichter@nsnews.com
APrinceGeorgeman hasbeenorderedtopay more than$185,000to a Skwxwú7meshÚxwumixw (SquamishNation)boatmechanicheseverely assaultedattheMosquitoCreekMarina.
TheincidenthappenedinMarch2022,accordingto civilcourtrulingfromB.C.SupremeCourt releasedon Wednesday,May7.
MichaelNahanee,54,hadbeencelebratingafriend’s birthdayinsidea repairshopat the marinawhere heworked intheeveninghoursafteroperatingthemarina’sboatlift duringtheday.
Laterinthenight,JohnDavidson, alsoknownas JonathanMarcusDavidson,cametotheshoplookingfor Nahanee’sboss.Davidsonhad openedaweldingbusinessat themarinaashorttimebefore.
“Withoutwarning,Mr.DavidsonphysicallyassaultedMr Nahaneebypunchinghimintherightsideofhishead.The forceofthepunchcausedMr.Nahaneetofalltothefloor Heattemptedtodefendhimselfbyblockinghisface.He feltMr.Davidsonkickhimandthenhelostconsciousness. Mr. Nahaneetestifiedthat whenhewokeup,hewasinthe hospital,”JusticeJudithE.Hoffmanwroteinherruling.
Afterwards,whileNahaneewaslyingbloodiedonthe floor,Davidsonshotvideofootageofhimwithhisphoneand shareditwithothers,theruling notes.Nahanee remainedin hospitalforthreedays.
Davidsonwasinitiallychargedwithassault,however the CrowndidnotpursuetheCriminalCodechargeandinstead, obtainedapeacebondbarringDavidson fromhavingany contactwithNahanee,according to thecourtdocuments.
Nahaneefileda civilclaimagainstDavidsonwho,despite beingservedwiththecourtdocuments,neverfiled a responseandwasdeemedtohaveadmittedtofactsaslaid outinthesuit,therulingstates.
IttookNahaneesixweeksto recoverwellenoughto returntowork,andeventhen,onlywithlighterdutiesdue tothepainhewasstillexperiencing.
Attrial,amedicaldoctortestifiedthatNahaneesuffered amildconcussion,alipcontusion,apossibleribfractureor softtissueinjury toapreviouslyinjuredarea as well as an aggravation ofpre-existingbackandneckpain.
Apartfromthephysicalinjures,theassaultaffected Nahanee’sabilitytoconductanormalsociallife,impacting himemotionally,Hoffmanacknowledged.Heavoidedgoing outinpublicforfearorrunningintoDavidson.Itwasn’t
untilhelearnedayearlaterthatDavidson had relocatedto PrinceGeorgethathefeltsafeagain.
“IacceptthatMr.Nahaneesufferedsignificantdistress, lossofconfidenceandhypervigilanceasa resultofthe assault.Mr.Nahanee was onedgeandparanoidwhenhe wentbacktoworkashewasuncertainifMr.Davidsonwas stillin North Vancouver,eventhoughtheownersofthe marinahadevictedMr.Davidsonfromtheproperty,”the judgewrote.“Thesignificantemotionalimpact of theincidentonMr.Nahaneewasapparentwhenhegaveevidence.”
To compensate Nahaneeforhislost wages,medicalcosts aswellasphysicalandemotionalinjuries, Hoffmanordered
Davidsonto pay justover$180,000toNahanee.
Shealsomadeapointofawarding punitive damages, whichareintendednotascompensation butascondemnationofa defendants’behaviour.
“Mr.Davidson’sviciousandentirelyunprovokedassault on Mr.Nahaneeis reprehensibleconduct deservingof specific rebuke.Thusfar,thisconduct has goneunpunishedascriminalchargesagainstMr.Davidsonwerenot proceededwith.Thistypeofviolence must bedeterredand denounced,”shewrote,orderinganother$5,000.
Additionally,DavidsonmustcoverNahanee’s legal bills incurredoverthetrial.
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WE’RECONFIDENTYOU’LLBEIMPRESSED –ALLOFOURCLIENTSARE!
Wildfires threateningNorth Shorehomes a legitimate concern
encounterasmallerburnthat occurredin 2023.
“Thisisnotimpossibletohappen,”he emphasizes.
Throughoutmuchoftheday,crews fannedoutovertheareato rehearsethe actionsthey’dtaketosavelives,protect homeswherepossible,andtrytoputout thefast-spreadingwildfire.
ResidentsinGrousewoods,wherethe firstemberswouldberaining downinthe eventofa realfire, witnessedconvoysof trucks,firefightersrunninghosesandturningwateroninvisiblehotspots.
Ifconditionswouldallow, muchofthe fire suppressioneffortduringa realwildfire wouldhappenwithbucketing helicopters andwaterbombers,buttopractisegetting bootsonthegroundinthesteepterrain, crewsweredeployeduptheforestaccess roadatthetopofMountain Highway.
Theexerciseyieldedalotofvaluable intel,Ciolfisaid.
“Fromanexerciseperspective,aslong aswe’rediscoveringthings,learningthings, thenit’sasuccess.Andthat’s kindofthe point. Younever reallyknowhowprepared youareuntilyoustartputtingthingsinto practice.”
Althoughtherewereabout150peoplein
thefieldforOperationPeakPreparedness, the realthingwould requiremanymore, andtheywouldn’tbeavailableat a moment’snotice.
“It’sahugestrainon resources,andthe resourcesthatwewouldneedarescatteredacrossthe province. Theones that we invited[Tuesday] arejustafractionof
whatwewouldactually need,”hesaid.“The firedepartmentsinMetro Vancouverare constantlyworkingtogethertostreamline that processin howwewouldassisteach other.…Theconversationsthatwenton betweenfirechiefsatthatexercisewill greatlyimprovethemutualaid response.”
Andsomecrewmembersin thefield
foundpocketswithoutradiocommunication,Ciolfi said.
“Thosearethethingsthatwehaveto address,”hesaid.
Thedistrict’swildfire protectioncrew istop-tierintheprovince,Ciolfi said,and theBC Wildfire Servicehasmadelarge leapsinprogresswithprotectingstructures fromwildfires.But,hesaid,therearestill valuableactions residentscantakenowto helpstaveofftheworstpossibleoutcome shouldabranchcomedownonthehydro wiresthisAugust.
Ciolfi saidheurges residentsnearthe forestinterfacetobookafreeFireSmart homehazardassessmentinwhichan expertwillvisittheirpropertyandcreate acustomizedplanonhowtomaketheir homelessvulnerable.
Beforetheunitsbeganmovingouton Tuesday,MayorMikeLittleofferedhis thanks.
“I’mjustveryexcitedtoseeallofthese agenciesworkingtogetherandpreparing andgetting readyforthatdaywhenthe catastrophehappens.Iknowthatwhen wehaveadisasterinourcommunity,that neighboursaregoingtostandupandsupporteachother,butthere’ssomethingvery specialaboutthepeoplewhotaketheir timetotrainandprepare.”
LonsdaleBranch 1250 Lonsdale Avenue North Vancouver
#149–1199Lynn
TIME TRAVELLER
Aweekly glimpseintothe past from MONOVA:Museum & Archives of NorthVancouver
Tailormade– VenilalSisodraker
Photo:NVMA,Item958-9
VenilalSisodrakeremigrated to Canada from Uganda in 1970.Sisodrakerwas part of theSouth AsiandiasporalivinginUganda, whowerelater forcibly expelledbyIdi Amin.
Many, likeSisodraker, foundnewhomes in Canada.After strugglingtorun atailorshopin Vancouver, Sisodraker movedacrossthe InlettoNorth Vancouverwhere he took over astore on Lonsdale Avenue.
Hisstory wascapturedaspartofa largeproject that celebrated NorthVancouver’s cultural diversityfor themillennium,recording thestories of more than 30 otherNorth Vancouveritesof alldifferent backgrounds.
Discover more of theNorth Shore’srichhistory at MONOVA.Start planning your visitat monova.ca. Do youhavea storytotell? Getintouch viaarchives@monova.ca.
West Van residentsshare captivatingstoriesof wellness
ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com
Local JournalismInitiativeReporter
A West Vancouverauthor iscontinuingtochampionthestoriesoflocal residents,butthistime withanewangle.
Thethirdbookof LindyPfeil’sseries, West VancouverStories:The WellnessEdition,isnowon shelvesandonline,capturingthe realtalesof25 local residents.
Pfeil receivedfunding fromthe West Vancouver Foundation’sneighbourhoodsmallgrantsprogram tocontinueworkonthe seriesthatshebeganin 2021.Thegranthelpsbringcommunity togetherthrougheventsorotherprojects forlocals.
North Shoreauthor Lindy Pfeil sitsonaloginAmbleside Parkwithherlatest compilationof West VancouverStories, withthisedition focusingon wellness. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN
and reflectionsonchallengingtimes.
“Becausethefoundation is all about buildingcommunity,belonging and connection, we thoughtthat wellnesswould be a reallygreattopic,”Pfeilsaid. “It’sall about wherewe find joyandaboutthe differentaspects, likephysical,mental, spiritual,emotionalwellness,andsothat was thegeneraltheme.”
Peoplefromage11to88pennedstories forthelatest work,documentingthelived experiencesofeveryday residents,includingPfeil.
Theprocesswasquiteaturnaround, completingtheproject infive months. Pfeilcalledaninformationsessionbackin Octoberlastyear, wherepeoplesigned up totakepart.
InNovember, writersdraftedtheir storiesinthreein-person writing sessions atthe West VancouverMemorialLibrary. Then,Pfeildivviedupthegroupintopairs to work with oneanotherto revise each other’s stories foratwo-weekdeadline.
Afterthat,thesameprocesswasdone againinDecember rolling intoJanuary, but with differentpartners,helpingwriters fleshouttheirstories in moredetail.Inthe earlynewyear,Pfeil putherheaddown forsix weeks editingall the localstories, thensendingitbacktoauthorsfor final approval.
Manystories revolvearoundnature, rangingfromtaking in thebeautyofour localsurroundingsandpickinguptrashto activitiespeoplefound joy in whenthey were younger,Pfeil said.Otherssharepersonal anecdoteslike immigrationstories
“It’sa really courageousthingtotrust thatyourstoryisgoingto makeitintothe worldinthewaythatfeelsgoodtoyou,” shesaid.“And[I’m]justappreciativethat theywerewillingtostepintothat,be uncomfortable and connectwith essentiallystrangerstohelpthemwork ontheir storiesandtrustintheprocess.Ihope thattheyhavefound asmuch joyinthe process as Ihave.”
The West Vancouverlocalwrote“The Things We LeaveUnsaid”inthebook, connectingto a storyshewroteinthepreviousedition.Inthenewbook,sheshares newthingsshe’s learnedwith age,and a reflection onparenting.
AsPfeilcompletedthe final toucheson thebook,shesawhow much peoplelove livingin West Vancouver andhow much supportthere iswithinthe community.
“Thebigpiece, andwhat a lotofthe writershavementioned,isthatwellness is reallyacollectivepursuit,”shesaid.“And thatwhenwe canconnect andwhenwe feelasenseofbelonging,wesortofraise thevibrationforeverybody….The communitybecomesa more,well,community, andinturn,allowsustofeelthisincrease inwellnesstoo.”
West Vancouver Stories:ThePandemic Project was releasedin 2021, followedby West Vancouver Stories: 2024. The newbook isavailableforpurchase onAmazon and canbeborrowed at the West Vancouver Memorial Library.
AbbyLucianoistheIndigenousandcivic affairsreporterfortheNorthShoreNews Thisreportingbeatismadepossiblebythe LocalJournalismInitiative.
HOROSCOPE WEEKOFMAY21,2025 -MAY 27,2025
ACROSS
1. Capture
4.Healthspots
8.Extinctbird
12.Unprocessedmetal
13. Salontreatment
14.Steamyappliance
15.Alumnaoralumnus
17.Overhang
18.Irritate
19.Weddingpaths
21. Weekelements
24.Beetle Bailey’ssuperior
26.Build
28.Smallbeads
32.Snakyfish
33.Exceed
35.Humor
36.Picasso’s board
38.Musicaldrama
40.Hideouts
42.Computeroperator
43.Walkleisurely
46.Normal
48.Circle
49.Sundaeingredient: 2wds.
54. Eye
55.Region
56.Bikinipiece
57.LikeKojak
58. Make____meet
59.Smallgardeningplot
DOWN
1. Seasonalbeverage
2. Botchthingsup
3.Steepedbeverage
4.Horsegoad
5. Summits
6.Painting,e.g.
7. Smudged
8. Fuel type
9.Taken by mouth
10.“Lonesome____”
11. Walletitems
16.Phonograph record
20.Arctic structure
21.Notshallow
22.Surface measure
23. Scream
25.Moreprone
27.Demolish
29.Meadowmunchers
30.Car’s “shoe”
31.Top-billedplayer
34.Employ
37.Ran offtowed
39.Catsigh
41. Be extravagant
43.Messy person
44. Romangarment
45.Dinnerbread
47.Experts
50.Swindle
51.Taper off
52.“We ____NotAlone”
53.Ticked off
Crosswordpuzzleanswers useAmerican spelling
ARIES March21-April19
You’llhave alongshopping listtogetthroughthisweek, butthegoodnewsisthat you’lldiscovergreatdeals. Negotiatebetter repayment termsforyourloanstosave oninterest.
TAURUS April20-May20
Get readyforanactionpackedweek! You’lldiveinto projectsthatarecloseto yourheart.Inspirationisthe drivingforcebehindaction. Makesuretoprioritizeyour health;ifanythingfeelsoff, don’thesitatetosee adoctor.
GEMINI May21-June20
Youmightfeelworndown duetoworkorhealthissues. It’spossiblethatsomeone closetoyouwillneedyour support.Besuretocarve outsometimeto relaxand recharge.
CANCER June21-July22
You’llexpandyoursocial networkforyourpersonal andprofessionalinterests. You’lltaketheleadin organizing amajorevent. Thankstoyourcareful planning,itwillbea resoundingsuccess.
LEO July23-Aug.22
You’llhavetojuggle alotof responsibilitiesatworkand inyourhomelifethisweek. Ifyou’reaparenttoyoung children,you’llactively participateintheirend-ofyearactivities,bringingthem greatjoy.
VIRGO Aug.23-Sept.22
Nowistheperfecttimeto planyournextvacationor treatyourselfto aweekend getaway.Payattention tothedetails,especially ifyou’regoingwith abig family.
LIBRA Sept.23-Oct. 22
Youmayfeel abitonedge andsensitivethisweek.It maybetimetoconsider makingsomechanges. Rebuildingcertainaspects ofyourlifewillhelpcreate astrongerfoundationonce thingssettledown.
SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21
Youmuststriveforharmony bothatworkandathome. Inyourlovelife,workon reignitingpassiontokeepthe flamealive.Ifyou’resingle, it’stimetoactivelyseekyour soulmate.
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec.21
Nowisagreattimetostarta new,healthydiet. You’llsee positivechangesquickly,and yourfriendsandfamilywill likelywanttofollowyour exampleandsee resultsof theirown.
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
You’llstandoutin agroupor workenvironmentthisweek. You’llfeeljustifiablyproud ofyourcourageousactions, whichwillstrengthenyour reputationandsolidifyyour position.
AQUARIUS Jan.20-Feb.18
Youmayspontaneously decideto relocate.Despite thesuddennature of this changeand ashortageof availableaccommodations, you’llfindsomewheretolive that’sbettersuitedtoyour family’sneeds.
PISCES Feb. 19-March20
You’llhavemanyexciting storiestosharethisweek. Imaginedelivering aspeech thatearnsastanding ovation. You’llalso receive professionalsupporttohelp younavigate atrickyfinancial situation.
HOWTOPLAY: Fillinthegridsothat everyrow,every columnandevery 3x3box contains thenumbers 1through 9 onlyonce. Each 3x3box isoutlinedwitha darkerline. Youalready havea fewnumberstoget youstarted. Remember:youmustnot repeatthe numbers 1through 9inthesameline, columnor 3x3 box.
GetSocial WinPrizes
JointheconversationonCanada’sveryown socialnewsfeed:www.syrupsocial.com
Upvotestories,commentandsharecommunity newsyouthinkisimportant.But,pleasedon’tspam.
Ourtop100mostengagedreaderswillbeentered intoadrawfora$500CanadianTiregiftcard: ContestclosesonBCDay,August4,2025at11:59PM. Nocashvalue.ThiscontestisnotaffiliatedwithCanadianTire.
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One Final Gift
Scattermenot to restless winds, Nor toss my ashes to thesea. Remembernow thoseyears goneby Whenloving gifts Igave to thee.
Remembernow the happytimes
The familyties we shared.
Don’tleave my resting place unmarked As thoughyou never cared.
Deny menot one final gift
Forallwho come to see
Asingle lasting proof that says Iloved...&you lovedme.
by DJ Kramer
Raymond John Wong
March6th,1937 -May 14,2020
Predeceased by herhusband, Lloyd. Moirawasa lifelong residentof NorthVancouver.
She is survived by herdaughter Margaret Thomas, sons Steveand Al Danbert, plus many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Thankstoall whogaveher comfortinher decision to have MAID. Noserviceperherrequest.
It is with great sadnessthat we sharethenews that Fran left uson April19,2025,aftera shortstayin long-term care at SunriseLonsdaleSquare. She leavesher threechildren- DavidHitchman, Kim Viljoen, Anne Hitchmanand son-in-law James Roberts.She waspredeceased by herhusband of 58 years, RichardHitchmanandher son-in-law HendreViljoen.
Fran wasthe seconddaughterof Nels and Mollie Nelson of Blue River, BC.She grew up in BC's snow belt. SheenrolledinVancouver General Hospital's nurses training in 1945. Shecontractedand survived tuberculosis, delayingher trainingand graduationas aRegistered Nurse(RN) until January1950. She alsotook thepublic health nurseprogramat UBC beforejoining theVictoriaOrderof Nurses and worked in SmithFalls,Ontario and Montreal, Quebec.
In 1956,Franbought aVolkswagen Beetle,and her sister Dorothyjoinedher fora driveacrossCanada to thewestcoast, wheretheybothsettled in Prince George.Franmarried Dick Hitchman in November 1957and thefamilymoved to NorthVancouver in 1962.
Fran wasanactivememberof theVancouver Guild of Puppetry from the1960s to thelate1990s.She workedas apublic health nurseinEastVancouver from the1970s until retirement in 1991.She wasa memberof theHollyburn CrossCountry SkiClub and avolunteerat theMaplewood Flats' Wild Bird Trust.
Fran movedtoCedar Springs in 2016 and then to SunriseLonsdaleSquarefor thelast 7months, whereshe wasgratefulfor thekindcare she received.
Memorialservicetobeheldon Saturday,June28at2pmat theBoalChapel, 1505Lillooet RoadinNorthVancouver.
With heavy hearts,weannouncethepassingof Gary Gartry,oneof thekindestandgentlestsouls. He diedpeacefully on May11, surrounded by his loving wife and children. Gary grew up in West Vancouverand marriedthe love ofhislife, Ginger, on June24/66. Gary wastheproud fatherof Candice (Andy)and Rob(Eugenia)and acherished grandfather to Zoe, Guada,andLola. He wasa belovedbrother-in-law,sharingaclose bond with Shelby (Garry)and Shelley(Bill),and wasa loyal friend to many.Garyheldfond memoriesofhistime curlingatCapilano Winter Club with Mike and Carolyn, sharinghis favouritescotchand solvingthe world'sproblemswithJackand Christine, and eveningson thepatio with RonandLaurie, savouringevenmorescotchand seeing whocould be more obnoxious.A celebrationofGary'slifewill beheldonSaturday, May24,2025,at1:30pmat FirstMemorialFuneral Services Fraser Heights Chapel,14835FraserHighway,Surrey, BC (please notethat thereisongoingheavyconstructionon Fraser Highway). In lieuofflowers,donations in Gary's memory maybemade to theBCSPCA.
Kendiedpeacefully at Inglewood Care Home,West Vancouver.A specialthank youtothe stafffor their care and compassion over thepast7 yrs.
AMemorialfor Kenwill beheldonJune6,2025,at at FirstMemorialBoal Chapel,1505Lillooet Road, NorthVancouver.A donationmay be made to the AlzheimerSociety or acharityofyour choice.
Lynne left uspeacefully and with dignity ona beautiful springday, surrounded by her loved husband Bob& beloved sonBob Jr.Lynne was sadlypredeceased by herbeloveddaughter Cara Michelle Haymes.Lynnealso leavesbehind BobJr's wife Jodianddaughter Ellie,Lynne'sdearly loved granddaughter,and Cara's adultchildren, Madeline andHunter Haymes (Lynne'smuchloved grandchildren) whostilllivein Australia.Also survivingLynne is sisterLee Hellyer, nieceNicole Hellyer& family,brother-in-lawand sister-in-law Ralphand MarilynSteeleand theirfouradult children, Kristen, Jennifer(Tim),David (Jessie), Ryan (Emily)and many greatniecesandnephews.
Lynne grew up in NorthVancouver.She wasa Past Memberof Job'sDaughtersBethel 17,West Vancouver.Lynne wasa "peopleperson"and loved herfamily and friendsdearly.She consistently held volunteer jobs involvingpeople, including 10 yearsat Lions Gate Hospital.
Lynneattended Hamilton Jr.Highand graduated from Delbrook Sr.Highin 1962. Lynne &Bob were marriedin1964,and Lynne workedas alegal secretarywhile Bobcompletedhiseducation. Following acareer interval when BobJr. and Cara were children, Lynneattended Capilano College, obtainingher M.O.A. certification, graduatingwith honoursand working15yearsfordoctors.Thatalso began what wouldbe17yearssupporting firsther mother with Alzheimer'sdisease, thenher mother-inlawwithvasculardementia.
Lynneand Bobretired to theSaanich Peninsulain 2005, buildingtheirdreamhomeand creatingamini ButchartGardens.In2019, they movedtoabeautiful townhousenear Victoria.
Throughout heradulthood, Lynneputup witha seeminglyconstantbarrageofunrelated illnesses. Shesustained twosevereinjuriesbut retainedher fine senseofhumourandherappreciationof the peopleinher life.
In lieuofflowers,pleaseconsiderdonations tothe BC Cancer Foundation, Victoria,BC, "For research only in B.C.", Heart& Stroke FoundationBC, BC LungFoundation,and DyingWithDignityCanada.
Aservice and celebrationoflifeatSt. Catherine's Anglican Church (1058 Ridgewood Drive) in North Vancouver will beheldonJune 14th at1pm,where Lynne taught SundaySchooland whereshe &Bob were marriedonAugust29th, 1964.
MargaretLaviniaDickwasbornand raised in North Vancouver,British Columbia,whereshebelonged to oneof thearea’searly families. Hergrandfather worked in what wasthen Moodyville,beforeit becamepartofNorth Vancouver.Her father wasa tugboat captainwithCates Towing.She grew up ina close-knit home with herparents, Kathleenand JamesGibson,andherbrother John. Shehad many wonderfulstoriesabouther childhood -skiingon GrouseMountainbeforetherewerelifts,swimming in Lynn Canyonon long summerdays, andbike riding through Lynn Valley. Some ofherhappiest memories were spenton thefamilytugboat,the Gaviota,outon thewater with peopleshe loved. Margaret waspredeceased by herbelovedhusband, Hugh Dick Jr.Throughouther life, shefound joyin gardening,playing thepiano,sewing,and spending time with lovedones.Sheespeciallyenjoyed visits with herdaughterand son-in-law in theHudson Valley, NewYork, and loved travelingwithHugh. She worked formanyyearsasa dentalassistant,a job shetruly enjoyed. Margaretalso had agreat love for animals,and therewerealwaysdogsand cats in her life. Shehad adeepaffectionforher stepchildren, Doug,Marilyn,and Jessie, andtheirfamilies, as well as forherdaughter Kathleenand son-in-law Richard Bell. Shewaspredeceased by her treasured stepdaughter BarbaraLaFave, whosefamilyshe also loveddearly.Margaretwasproudofher Scottish heritage Visiting theInner Hebrides,whereher grandparentshad lived, wasa specialexperience shefondlyremembered. Margaret waslovinglycared forbySherrieCaronand Michelle Fontaine,whose compassion, kindness, and steadypresencemeant theworld to herandbrought much needed comfort in her final years. Shewasalso grateful forthe devotedstaff at HeartwoodLong Term Care Home in Cornwall, Ontario, whoseattentivenessandgentle care helpedensureher final chapter wasoneof dignity andpeace. Gusambiancuan sàmhach agusna speuran soilleir.“Untilthe seaiscalmand the skiesareclear”
Arrangementsunder thecareanddirectionof Lahaieand Sullivan West Branch(20 SeventhStreet West,Cornwall, Ontario: (613-932-8482).
With deep love and heavy hearts,wesharethe passingof Joan Coogan (née Bader,formerly Rees), whopassedawaypeacefully on May5,2025, encompassedbytheenduringloveof hertwo daughters.
Joan wasborninShanghai,China,on January22, 1937.Asa young child,she wasinterned with her family duringWorld WarII, butdespite thoseearly hardships,Joanneverallowedherpasttoharden her spirit.Instead, it deepenedherempathy and strengthenedher unwaveringbeliefinthe importanceofcaringforothers.
Joan'sdeep compassion for others guidedher intoa career in nursingand midwifery, always treating otherswiththe kindnessand compassion she believedevery persondeserves. Herinstinctto nurtureextended farbeyondher role as anurse;it wasa defining partofwho shewas,expresseddaily throughhergenerosityand willingnesstohelp othersinneed.
Joan spent most of heradultlifeinCape Town, SouthAfrica, whereshe raisedher familyand builta lifegrounded inlove andcommunity.Later inlife,she made thecourageous decisiontomovetoNorth Vancouver to be closer to herdaughtersand grandchildren,embracingthisnew chapter with the same energy,opennessand warmththat shecarried throughouther life. Joan made many closefriends duringher time in Vancouver -throughher Bridge community,her walkinggroup,her Church,andher SouthAfricanLadies lunchgroup -theyall meant theworld to her.
Joan wasa devotedmother to herdaughtersGlynda Rees (JeffWilliamson)and Gina Bromley(Henry Bromley),and adeeplyproudand loving grandmother to Tayla, Zoey,and Jazmyn Doyle, and James and ElizabethBromley.She cherished every moment shespent with her grandchildrenand delighted in theiruniquepersonalitiesand accomplishments. Shewas abeloved stepmother to Glynis Depper (withher late husband Glyn Rees), andLanceandLoriCoogan (withher late husband ReginaldCoogan),forming lifelongbonds built on mutual respectand shared love.Oneof thegreat giftsofJoan'slater yearswasreconnecting with her half-sister,Valerie Boast, with whom shereunited after decadesapart;theirrenewedbond wasa source ofhappinessandhealing.
Thosewho knew Joan will rememberher kindness, herquietdignity,strength,andhergentle humour. Joan leavesbehind alegacyofdeep love that will continue to inspireall whowereblessedtohave known her.
SpecialthankstoDrLohrisch,DrKaboli, Dr Edmunds,DrLatka and Dr Mollick, as well as the incrediblenursesand volunteersattheLions Gate Hospital Palliative Care Unit and theNorth Shore Hospice, fortheirkindnessand compassion.
Aservicewillbeheldtohonour Joan'slife on June 10at1pm at StJohn'sAnglican Church at2208thStW,NorthVancouver,BC,V7M1N1. Inlieuofflowers,pleaseconsider making adonationtoNorthShoreHospice.
NancyCrawforddiedpeacefully on May14,2025,at theageof83,at Berkeley Care Centre in North Vancouver.
Nancyislovinglyremembered by herdevoted husbandof58 years, Phil, and theirchildren Paul (Julie), Andrea,and Jackie (Bob).She wasa proud and cherished grandmother to Rohan, Cedar,and Kiera. ShealsoleavesbehindherbrothersRichard (Val)and Frank (Elaine),and many belovednieces andnephews in Britainand Australia.Nancywas predeceased by herparents, Hughand Evlyn Underwood.
Born in Scotland, Nancytrainedas aRegistered Nurse and MidwifebeforeimmigratingtoCanada in 1964. Shebeganher Canadian nursingcareerat TorontoGeneral Hospitaland latermoved to Vancouver,whereshe workedat St.Vincent’s Hospital.Itwas thereshe metPhil, and they married in 1967.
Together,theybuilt alovinghomeinWest Vancouver,wheretheyraisedtheirfamilyand spent more than five decadesaspartofa close-knit community.Nancywas knownforher witand generosity. Shewasactive in theWestVancouver TennisClub, Gleneagles Golf Club,and localbridge groups.Sheenjoyed family holidaystothe Okanagan, Rossland,and Orillia,aswellastravels to Britain, California,andother sun-filledspots (preferablyavoidingplanesas much aspossible!)
Inher lateryears, Nancystruggled with Alzheimer’s. The family extendsheartfeltthankstoSumiko, Carol, andthe compassionatestaff at Berkeley Care Centre fortheirlovingcare.
Nancywill bedeeplymissedand forever remembered forthe love shegave, thestrengthshe showed,and thelives shetouched.
Afuneral servicewasheldonSaturday, May 17th at St.Anthony'sParishinWestVancouver.
Rosa GayGahanage93of NorthVancouver British Columbia passedawayonSunday, March9,2025. Born on March5th,1932, in Tuberose, Saskatchewan, Rosa GaySkelton (Gay)was raised in Langley,British Columbia.She moved to Powell River, BritishColumbia, to pursue herpassion for teachingasa gradeone teacher.Itwas in Powell River that shemetand marriedRonaldBernard Gahan. Together, they welcomed four children: Glen, Dean, Sandraand BrianGahan. In 1968, thefamily relocated to Lynn Valley, NorthVancouver,then across thecountry to SaintJohn, NewBrunswick. Theyreturned to Lynn Valleyin1971.
In 1973, Gaylostherbelovedhusband, Ron, to heartdisease, beginningher challenging journeyas asingleparent to theirfour children. Gayreturned to teaching full-time.After retiring from teachingfirst gradeatQueensbury ElementaryinNorth Vancouver,Gay travelledthroughout British Columbia,Alberta,and Ontario, visiting family and friendsandembarkingonadventures in Australia andChina.
Theprogressionof Parkinson’sultimatelybrought hertoBerkley Care Centre,whereshe spenther remaining sevenyearsbeing knownand lovedby thestaff and caregivers forher smile,warmspirit, andgentle temperament.
Gaywaspredeceased by hereldestson Glen. She issurvivedbyher childrenDean, Sandy,Brian,her manycherished grandchildrenand greatgrandchildren.
ACelebrationofLifewill beheldat2:30on Saturday,June the7th,2025at;Boal Chapeland MemorialGardens,1505Lillooet Road, North Vancouver (604)980-3451.Donations to the Parkinson’sFoundation, inlieuofflowers aregreatly appreciated. Amessage,memoryorimage canbe left on Gay’sonlinetribute site: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/12280886
With sadness, we announcethepassingof Rose Schroeder,wifeofthe late George Schroeder,in West Vancouveron April26,at94 yearsofage.All whoknew Rose,will miss her determination, wisdom and vibrantpersonality.
Born in Saskatchewan, Rose movedtoChilliwackas ayounggirl,whereshe metGeorge -the love ofher life. As ayoung coupletheymoved to Vancouver, laterlivingfor 6yearsinVictoriaand eventually settlingonthe NorthShorein1971.
Rose and George were always involved in their church and lovedattending FirstBaptistVancouver wheretheywerelong timemembers. Rose’s personalityand intensecommitment to her faith openeddoorseverywhereforher to shareher love of theLordandbeliefinHeaven- whereshe is now celebrating!
Rose wasa staunchpolitical supporterand worked tirelesslyfor theConservative candidateofchoice. Sheloved travellingwithGeorgeand made friends whereevershe went.Shopping washer favourite hobby -the more glitzthebetter!
Herwelcomingand enthusiastic personalitywill be missedby her many faithful friendsandher cherished family.She is survived by childrenJanie Anderson(Ken),JeffSchroeder (Sandy)and Jocelyn Mast (Herb)and many grand children, spousesand great grandchildren.
The CelebrationofherLife will beheldatFirst BaptistofVancouver June 4at11:00am.All are welcomeandencouraged to wearbright/happy coloursandglitzand glam in honourofour Momand Nanny.
takingcare of each other is what communityisall about.
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Mayis CAREGIVERAPPRECIATION MONTH
Stories of Impact
AtNorth ShoreCommunity Resources (NSCR), we runa number of support groups andfree workshops throughout the year. Periodically, we ask ourprogram membersfortheirthoughtsandfeelings around what impactthese have ontheir caregiving, griefand wellnessjourneys. Belowarea sampleof some ofthese, quoted verbatim. Some areemotionaland heartwarming;others refer to thepractical assistanceand resources we offer,orthat simply come outof ourgroup discussions. NSCRisproud to support our North Shore community membersintimes ofgreat vulnerability:
Our Men’sGroup, formen caring for partners, either at home or in care, has grown to 25members.Asidefromthe sharinganddiscussionthat goeson, we havehosted guestpresenterson Palliative Care,MAID,and Home& Community Care(allthrough Vancouver Coastal
Health),ataxaccountant, an author of a book geared towardsmenin similar circumstances,andmore. Our Coordinator (Vic) recentlytook over facilitating the groupastheprevious volunteerleader (Pat) had runitfor4 yearsand,a yearafter his wife’s passing, felt it time to move on Ourannual survey hadthiscomment from agroupmember:
“Icannotthinkofany other intervention(Dr.,Psychologist,etc.) that hashelped meas much asthis men’s group. Themostbeneficial thing formeisseeinginthe descriptionsof othersonthisjourney what maybecomingin,andgetting real life, real timeadvice abouthow to copeandprepareinadvance. Themeetingsare run very effectively andsupportedwithspeakers and information by Patandnow, Vic.”
NSCR’s Caregiver SupportGroupisopen to allprogrammembers and we have hadpresentations by professionals on boundaries, self-care, Emotion Focused Family Therapy,andmore. Amember of ourgroupmeetings,where we also spenddedicatedtimesharing feelings andpracticalitiesaround beingafamily caregiver, recentlycommented: “I feelIneedthis community to help me regardingthe support Iprovide my mom.AndIenjoythe attendees. AndI want to saythatI appreciate how you facilitate theconversations, andthat you dosowith care and compassion.”
Our BereavementGroupisfor thosewho have experiencedlossofalovedone and these meetings caninvolveheavy emotions. The hopeis that people leave feelingalittlelighter with the support of the othermembers,and the resources on offer. This group has recentlyadded coffee socials,a walkinggroup, and a Christmas Day lunch outsideof regular meetingsfor those feeling alone andin need ofafriendly,understandingface. A groupmember sent thisemail to Vicand co-facilitator, Melanie,after attendingthe groupfor over a year: ➡
➡
7TH ANNUAL CAREGIVER&SENIOR
“Thanks for yourmessage.Ithink I’m ready to move onasI’m feeling much strongerinnotmissing my Motheras much. So I want to thank you for your very kindsupport and wish youandMelanie wellin your continued support forthis much neededprogram.”
Our Persian Wellnessand Education Group,heldfullyin Farsi,isavibrant groupwhichfeatures guestpresenters each meeting, courtesy of ournewgroup leaderswho took overinthe Fallof2024. Presenters speakonthings such asbrain health,physical self-care regimens,issues concerningnewimmigrants, poetry, musicand Nowruz celebrations. Thereis a TelegramGroupadministered by our groupleadersand we greatlyencourage our Farsi-speakingcommunityonthe North Shore to contactus to get thelink and receivemeeting reminders, datesand times. Onegroupmember recentlywrote: “ThroughNSCR Persian group,I was able to connectwithseveralIranians in thecommunityandlearn about varioushealth topicsfrom experts.
Ibelieve NSCR Persian group is anamazingprogram forIranian immigrants to stayconnected to oneanotherandask foradvice/ helpfrompeople whomayhave experiencedthesamehardships.”
We established our Korean Wellnessand EducationGroupinthe Fall of 2022and it hasbrought our Koreancommunity on the North Shore togetherthroughthe hard work of ourgroupleader, Yoonwon, with NSCR’s support. Meetingsareheldfully in Korean. In our recent survey,whenasked what groupmembers found to be most
beneficial about attending, one kindly wrote:
“Meet friendsandlearnalotwith ourcommunity. Thank you!!I really appreciate thisprogram to letus chancegathering togetherand feelsasagood team.”
And lastly, we areincrediblyfortunate to have agifted writer, Catherine,who contributes to every bi-monthlyGrapevine Newsletterand ourbi-weeklyblog (found vialinks on ourNSCR site on the Caregiver SupportProgram page) on various topics aroundthe caregiving journey,asis clearly in evidencefrom thepraises sung here by oneof ourdedicated blog readers:
“Catherine! Youarea gift to me! Your writingneverdisappointsand often.. no..always“moves” mesometimes
to tears..sometimes to laughter. Yourwritingisso righton!!Thank you fornotbeingafraid to express..or perhaps feelthe fearand express anyway your“humanness”. I feel affirmed,encouragedandalittle less alone.”
Formoreinformation,details, ortofind out more about NSCR’s CaregiverSupportProgram,please contact: VicGailiunas(CaregiverSupportProgramCoordinator): Email: Vic.Gailiunas@nscr.caPhone:604-982-3320
Whathas yourjourneybeenintoand throughcaregiving?
My journey began26yearsago when Iwas only 34. At that time,Ilived at homeand caredfor my parents, who were retired professors.Caregivinginvolved things likehousework,yardwork, petcare, pet emergenciesandthelike, as wellas odd jobsliketroubleshootingTVremotes andotherelectronicswhichisn’tin my comfortzone butnevertheless, Ihad to stepup to theplateonmanyoccasions. Those familiar with my writingwillknow themetaphorof warveteransoften fits withthe kindof caregivingIendedup doing —butafter my motherbecame severely ill with cancer my work became evenmoreintense. My mother passed away 5years ago, and my father 2years ago. So,myjourney?.. Ups, downs, and everythinginbetween. TechnicallyI’mno longeracaregiver,althougharguably ‘once
Mayis CAREGIVERAPPRECIATIONMONTH
acaregiver,alwaysacaregiver.’ As some astute person said, acaregiver’s ‘journey’ (anoverusedword,itseems to me,but for lack of abetterone,Iwill useit),islike travellingto‘anothercountry’. And yet, to have doneit,IfeelIamsomehow abetter personforit,whichisactuallyapriceless gift.
Tellus aboutyour involvement with NorthShoreCommunity Resources, andspecifically,how youcame to volunteerwithus?
I’ve been volunteeringsince Iwas about 14.Iamaconsummatevolunteer.It waswhile at adifferentvolunteer jobat NorthShoreNeighbourhood HousethatI learnedofavolunteerbloggeropportunity at NSCR,in2014. Ijumpedonit and have neverlookedback, 11 yearslater. VolunteeringatNSCRhasallowedmeto grow,notonlyasavolunteer,butalsoasa
person (another priceless gift!). I believe all put on this Earth for a reason, and if there was any doubt in my mind as
person (anotherpricelessgift!). Ibelie we were all put on thisEarthforareaso andifthere wasany doubtin my mind to why, itiscertainlyclearnow.
Whatdoyou feelaresome of the benefits to attendinganNSCR SupportGroup or workshop?
Really, to be honest, I’mnot the ‘support group’ type.But,Ioftendo attendand IAMalifelong learner, which iswhyfor the secondtime,I’m gladI rejoinedNSCR’sfreecourse‘Powerful Tools forCaregivers.’Forme,learningis my vehicle.It’show Ijourneythrough life (there’sthatwordagain!)Andalso, when youlistentoother caregivers talk,you realizethatthereare moresimilarities betweenhumans thanthere are differences.Alwaysavaluablelife lesson. What do youdofor your ownselfcare?Whatkeeps youbusyand feelingpositive?
Busy,yes,uptoapoint, andthen,no. Forawritermust have downtimeanda writer must write. It isascrucialas food or wateristome. Foraformof‘therapy’ andcatharsis,Ilifewrite, whichmeans
basically,exploringandasking questions aboutmylife narrative. I’ve developed anewwritingtoolforinsomniacalled ‘Downinthe Dumpster of Life’or ‘DumpsterWriting’,for short. I’ll expand on that in aMay Caregiver Support ProgramBlogPost. Personally, Ifindlife in this century quitedifficultandoften farcical whichiswhy Isay to myself sometimes:‘L’Enfer,c’est moi.’(Or to translate ‘Hellisme.’)Didn’t Sartre sayhell wasother people?I‘mnot sure Ientirely agree, though to acertain extent, Ido. Just for your info,the URLof the Caregiver Blog is:NSCR(NorthShoreCommunity Resources) NorthVan Caregivers’ Blog: northvancaregivers.wordpress.com And thanksfor givingmeanother opportunitytoexpress!
SPONSORED CONTENT
TheNorthShore’sOriginal Home Care Company
ShyloHomeHealthcareisa NorthShoresuccessstory.
The founder, BettyBrown,a nursefrom West Vancouver, recognisedtheneed forinhomecarebackinthe1970s whentherewasnogovernment homesupportprogramor privateHome Care agencies, so she formed ShyloNursing Services.Heroriginal group ofaboutadozenRNsstarted servingclientson TheNorth Shorebutquickly grew to serve clientsall overthe Lower Mainland.
Margot Ware initiallycontacted Shylo to helpsupporther motherwhowasbattling terminalcancer,andlaterher aged grandfather. Margot was fortunate to grow upin a
multigenerationalfamilyin West Vancouverwithher motherand grandmotherbothbeingRNs, andher grandfathera renown CanadiansurgeonDr. W. G. CosbieMD,OBGYN,FRCPC, RCP, LLDwhowasintegralin the formationofthe Canadian Cancer Society. Margot grew up
seeingher grandparentsage gracefullyandpasspeacefullyin their ownbeds—thisobviously influenced Margot’s vocational aspirations.
Margotwaspleased to jointhe companythat hadsupported herfamily formany years
and work her wayfroma Companionin1985 to buying thecompanyasa Geriatric SpecialistRNin1998, where sheproudlycontinues offering qualitycare to thecitizens in our community.
“If you’regoingtobe inthenursingcare business, webelieve you reallyshouldbeanurse.”
As we oftensayatShylo,“If you’re going to be inthenursingcare business, we believe you really shouldbeanurse”.
Shylo continues to bethe only Home Care agencythatis owned andmanaged by alocalRNand offers clientsacomplementary
intakeassessmentwith oneof our Geriatric NurseSpecialists OurRNsvisit our clients regularly to assesstheir evolving healthcareneedsandare available24-7 forsupport by phone forboth our clientsand caregivers—allacomplementary partofShylo’s service It isourhonourandprivilege to betrusted to care for you and yourlovedones. With Shyloit’s YourHome—Your Health—Your Choice TM MargotC. Ware RNBScNCNG(C) shylohomehealthcare.ca 604-985-6881
ShyloHome Healthcareisrightinyour neighbourhood. We arethelocal professionalsthatknowhowharditcan beon afamilywhen aloved oneisill. Lifedoes notstop.You stillhave afulltimejob,kidsthat needyou,and aloved onethatisstrugglingtomanage on their own.Let us help! We canbetherewith home care up to 24/7, medication assistance,meals,evenridestodoctor’s appointments.Thisisthe caring solution foryourloved oneand yourfamily.
Sincere Gratitud NSCR’sNew Pers GroupLeadersh
Forthe last 6 years, Noushin Beheshtipour hasled ourvibrant Persian Wellnessand EducationGroup, whichisheldfullyin Farsi Throughher hard work, expertise anddetermination to bringexcellent programmingandincreased awareness onimportant topics(ie:brainhealth,tips fornewimmigrants,hearthealth,taxtips, etc.)affectingmembers of our North Shore Persiancommunity,the group hasgrown exponentially. Forexample, at our Nowruz celebration last year, we had53(!) people in our Community Room singing, sharing food andcelebrating together. Noushin’s dedication has beenunwavering and impressive to behold, butafter6 years, she hasdecided to move on to other pursuits,
and we at (andallofNSCR) Ali,andherfami
This bringsus leadership forward wi women: Ay NeekiAlav withthe Ca various ca We areth here:
AYDA FA
“Hi everyo I began vo Community
April28,2025
Nutrition and BrainHealth Dr. NooshinFakhr July21,2025
MemoryLoss&ChangesinBrain Function Dr.Dr.KatayuonRahnavardi Parastoo Jokar September22,2025
ahar Yousefi May26, 2025
MythinMedicine Dr. Mahyar Etminan August18,2025
Cardiovascular Health Dr.SaeedGanjizade-Zavare October20,2025
NoSuite201-935MarineDrive 2ndFloorthVancouverBCV7P1S3 r, At thetopoftheescalatoracrossfrom
➡ COVID-19 pandemic.I was eager to supportthoseinneed, so I started by assisting withgroceryshopping and providingtransportation to medical appointmentsforindividualswho were unable to manage thesetasks themselves Later, I becameinvolved withthe caregiver supportgroup, and I’mnowexcited to be part ofthe teamcoordinatingthe Wellness and EducationGroup. Ilookforward to contributing to thisimportantprogram andcontinuing to help make adifference inthecommunity.”
“Hello, my nameis Mobina, I recently graduatedfromUBC witha Bachelor of Scienceandamnow working towards applying to grad schools. I’ve always been passionate abouthelping others, which iswhy I’ve volunteered with several foundationsthat support marginalized communities. Knowing that I can make adifferencein someone’slife is truly fulfillingforme. In my free time,Ilove hangingout with my familyandfriends,
goingfor walks, and watchingmovies. These momentshelpme relaxand stay balanced. I’malso reallyexcited to be joiningthe Persian group at NSCR!Ilook forward to connecting with everyoneand contributing to thegroup in any way I can. I can’t wait to be part ofthis wonderful community!
NEEKIALAVI:
“My work withNSCR began in January 2024,whereI volunteered withthe Better at Homeprogramandwrotearticles for
theGrapevinenewsletter. After returning home to North Vancouverfrom school in Ontario, I wanted to be involved in an organization that empoweredcommunity engagement, especially with servicesfor seniors. My grandparentsarelong-time residents ofthe North Shoreand recipients ofNSCR services,whichiswhat drove my desire to volunteer my time with NSCR.Althoughit has been ashorttime forme at NSCR,Iam eager to be more involved andamproudandexcited to be aco-leaderofthe Persian Wellness and Educationgroupalongside Ayda and Mobina.”
These three educated,energetic, young women will be sharingthegroup’sduties, fromcommunication, to research and securing guestpresenters, to facilitating themeetings,andcontinuingthe wonderful work and senseofcommunity Noushinestablishedinher time withus. Ayda, Mobina, Neeki, andIlook forward to seeing you at ournext Persian Wellness and EducationGroupmeeting!
Vic Gailiunas Caregiver Support Program Coordinator (NSCR)
MOBINA FATHI:
Ayda Fathi
Mobina Fathi
Neeki Alavi
PRESENTER SCHEDULE
North ShoreCommunity Resourcesisproud to present thefollowing speakers:
CORINNE STEWART
RN BScN Clinical Coordinator, Vancouver Coastal Health, Home& Community Care
12:15PM
Case Management: Howand When to geta Case Manager; and Long-Term Care Homes: Howand When to Apply
Corinneisa Clinical Coordinatorforthe Case Management Teamonthe North Shore. Prior to thisshe worked asafrontline case managerfor over30 yearsfor VCH. Corinne has supported clientsandtheirfamilies to navigate resources and services to supportthemthroughtheir final years. Corinnenow supports VCH’s frontline case management teamintheir work.
ATradition of Trust
The McKenzie Familyis aThird GenerationFamily Funeral Service SpecializinginCremations, CelebrationsofLifePlanning, BurialServices, Memorials, andEndofLife Planning AlsospecializinginZoomServices
forthree
DR. MELANIE BADALI
Clinical Psychologist
Caregiver Strategies for ClarifyingandCommunicating Healthy Boundaries
2:15PM
Dr. Melanie Badaliisan award-winning psychologist with twodecadesofexperience working asa clinician, researcher,and educator. At the North Shore Stress andAnxiety Clinic,shehelps peopleoptimizetheirhealthusing science-based strategies.Asamental healthadvocate, shesharespsychology knowledge through public speaking, writing, andmediacommunication.
1:15PM
CHANTAL BOURKE
Registered Clinical Counselor
Self-Care, Caregiver Burnout, andCoping with Difficult Emotionsin Our Loved Ones
Chantal Bourke isa Registered Clinical Counsellor. Herfocus has beenonmentalhealth, family systems, parent coaching, and systemicpractices. She has worked at BC Children’s Hospital, The Maples Treatment Centerand Childand Youth Mental Health. Chantal has worked witha varietyofmental healthdiagnoses suchas:Anxiety, Depression,ADHD, Attachment Styles,and Parentingand Psychosis. Shefocusesonatherapeutic approach called Emotion Focused Family Therapy(EFFT).
3:15PM
LISA DAWSON
Independent Long-Term Care Councils Association of BC & JANICEDESJARDINS
Vancouver CoastalAssociation of Family Councils
FamilyCouncils: Nothing About Us Withoutus! Increase Qualityof Lifein Long-Term Care with what we already have: Our Voices!
Lisa isthe VicePresident/Secretaryofthe Independent Long-Term Care CouncilsAssociationof BC. She works to helpimprovethequality oflifeforall residentsthroughpromotingcollective advocacyandcommunityamongfamiliesof residents,and to improvingthequalityoflife forolderadultsin LTC onalllevels–locally, regionallyandprovincially.
Janice has served asaDirectorof VCAFC sinceitsinceptionin2020 andasa Representative to ILTCCABC. Sheisalso Co-Chair withthe Vancouver Coastal HealthRRFCN. Janiceiscommitted to allaspectsof amission to reform LTC through supportingthe start-upsofnewand existingfamilycouncilsinorder to continue to elevate residentand family voices to the Ministry of Health to affecting government support and policy change.
