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First winter weather blasts North Shore

Communities bracing for second storm on Thursday JANE SEYD jsyed@nsnews.com

It’s one down, one to go. North Shore residents woke up to the first blast of winter Monday morning as snow fell across North and West Vancouver. The next blast of winter is forecast to blow in midday on Thursday.

Upper elevations saw up to 15 centimetres of snow by noon Monday, while areas of Central Lonsdale were reporting up to 7 cm. By Tuesday morning 69 cm had fallen over the previous 48 hours. Municipal snowplows and salting trucks were out in force Monday afternoon while snow continued to fall. Nine municipal trucks were on the road since around 4 a.m. in the District of North Vancouver Monday, said spokeswoman Stephanie Smiley, with a full crew scheduled around the clock. Main roads had been salted and cleared by noon, and crews were continuing to work on secondary roads. Plowing and salting crews were also out in West Vancouver, which received some of the heavier snow accumulations on local roads, and in upper elevations of the City of North Vancouver. Rush hours still proved challenging for some drivers. Both North Vancouver RCMP and West Vancouver Police Department said there had been reports of some vehicles spinning off the road, but no significant accidents or damage. Hills in Horseshoe Bay,

A transit bus skidded off the road on Mountain Highway and collided with a tree in North Vancouver Monday afternoon. Two people suffered minor injuries. Another storm is expected to bring a fresh dump of snow and more cold temperatures on Thursday. PHOTO CINDY GOODMAN the highway north of that and upper areas of the British Properties appeared to be the trouble spots in West Vancouver between about 5:30 and 8:30 a.m. Monday. Corp. Richard De Jong of North Vancouver RCMP said several fender benders had also been reported higher on Mountain Highway and on higher elevation areas near Grouse and Lynn Valley. Those trying to take transit

See Second page 7

Believe Again The Peak of Christmas

Lynn Headwaters road closed for months BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com

It could take months and millions of dollars to restore vehicle access to Lynn Headwaters Regional Park from Lynn Valley.

The District of North Vancouver closed Lynn Valley Road at Evelyn Street indefinitely on Dec. 1 over

fears of a landslide, following the completion of a geotechnical report. “We had known that it had some problems for quite some time but we didn’t understand the extent of the problem until the geo-techs did some sub-surface analysis. They drilled down deep into the road and found that the soil the road is founded on is quite unstable,” said

Fiona Dercole, the district’s section manager of public safety. The closure cuts off access to about 175 parking spots, which were used by trail runners, mountain bikers, dog walkers and hikers. Cyclists and pedestrians are still welcome on the road if they keep to the inside shoulder. The road was built in

the early 1900s, buttressed by fill that would no longer meet today’s standards, Dercole said. Over the years, the district has done minor stability work, resurfacing and drainage improvements to extend the life of the road. “But that regular maintenance is no longer sufficient

See District page 5

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A4 | NEWS

nsnews.com north shore news

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

KEITH BALDREY: FEDS PUTTING THE SQUEEZE ON HEALTH CARE PAGE 8

DNV united on affordable housing goal Canada needs national housing plan: Mayor Walton

JEREMY SHEPHERD jshepherd@nsnews.com

After 16 months of debate, District of North Vancouver council unanimously passed a strategy to create between 600 and 1,000 affordable rental units over the next decade.

Council struck unanimity after splitting 5-2 on a Crown Street residential development. “I can’t help but enjoy the juxtaposition,” Coun. Roger Bassam said, suggesting his colleagues were inconsistent in calling for affordability while advocating a moratorium on residential development. Rather than inconsistency, Coun. Jim Hanson said it was simply improvident to build housing amid a transit crisis. “I don’t see an inconsistency,” he said, urging council to support the plan. Because the market “will not ordinarily” provide affordable rental, a district report suggested council could leverage height and density limits, as opposed to community amenity contributions. Foregoing that cash may place a bigger burden on taxpayers, Bassam noted. “You’ve got to tell me how much this is going to cost and

Capilano University documentary students Alex Molten and Desiree Wallace stage a campus demonstration Nov. 29 to underline the student housing and affordable housing crisis. PHOTO CINDY GOODMAN how the taxpayer’s going to pay for it. Does it mean your property taxes go up?” The issue shouldn’t be about money, according to Coun. Lisa Muri. “How do we put a price on not doing this up against a family losing their home?” Rather than relying solely on density and height bonuses, Muri suggested council should collectively

“hold the feet of the developers to the fire.” Coun. Robin Hicks differed. “You’re not going to be able to hold developers over a barrel and say, ‘We’re not going to give you any concessions, you just build it and give us affordable housing.’” Coun. Mathew Bond took issue with Muri’s comments about the windfall enjoyed by developers in recent years.

“Anyone here that owns a single-family home shared in that same amount of wealth that was generated,” he said, calling for a range of housing. “We need to constantly renew our housing stock so that there’s a wide spectrum,” he said. Given the high price of land and community aversion to height and density, council makes the best deal possible

in “limited negotiation space,” Mayor Richard Walton said. The issue has been exacerbated by the absence of a national housing policy, according to Walton. “The federal government and the provincial government are taking stabs at it, but the stabs tend to be throwing a bunch of money at it in one budget cycle and then sort of backing away,” he said.

“That’s better than not throwing a bunch of money at it.” An investment in adequate, affordable housing is a wise one, according to Coun. Doug MacKay-Dunn. “Derelict housing will in fact yield a generation of maladapted children, future delinquents, and in some cases, career criminals.” Despite relatively consistent homeless counts, social service providers “report a growing number … at risk of homelessness,” a district report stated. Council also passed a tenant relocation policy, which provides a framework for council to negotiate three months of free rent and moving expenses for displaced tenants. The financial impact is estimated to be between $5,000 and $10,000 per unit. “Once again we’re being dragged into this abyss of unfunded provincial programs and responsibilities because our provincial government doesn’t step up,” Bassam said. The district needs to ensure the policy accounts for the entire community, according to Heather Fowler, who spoke from the gallery and introduced herself as “another taxpaying, displaced resident” of the municipality. “Anyone who’s affected and forced to move out because of government decisions to demolish buildings should be given every form of help,” she told council. “I shouldn’t be homeless because of a government decision.”

HEALTH: HERD IMMUNITY

Vaccination rates lower in West Van, Bowen: UBC study

JEREMY SHEPHERD jshepherd@nsnews.com

West Vancouver’s low immunization rates are on the rebound, according to a representative with Vancouver Coastal Health.

A recent UBC study found vaccination rates on the North Shore to be the lowest in the region. Using Richmond’s high vaccination rates as a baseline, the study found children in West Vancouver and Bowen Island were 28.8 per cent less likely to have up-to-date immunizations. North Vancouver’s

vaccination rates were 19.6 per cent behind Richmond’s pace and only slightly ahead of rates in the Downtown Eastside. However, West Vancouver’s immunity to contagious diseases has improved over the past five years, according to Dr. Meena Dawar with VCH, who estimates the affluent community’s vaccination rates are now approximately 78 per cent. The steady increase follows a 2010 plummet when West Vancouver’s vaccination rates hit a “shocking” low of 55 per cent, according

to Dawar. There is no easy explanation for the tumble in immunizations, she said. “It wasn’t that our information system changed in 2010, it wasn’t that our relationship suddenly fell apart in 2010, but there was a big drop in 2010.” The UBC study found there were higher rates of “philosophical belief exemptions” surrounding private schools as well as among “greater percentages of white and higher socioeconomic status students.” Philosophical objections remain a North Shore issue,

according to Dawar. “We have pockets of vaccine-hesitancy within our community,” she said. There are a number of solutions when considering the needle and the damage done, according to Dawar. “The vast majority of parents want to have their children immunized, we just need to make it easy for them,” she said. “Our working hypothesis is that parents are busy and it’s harder for them to take time off to have their children immunized between 9 to 5.” To aid immunizations, VCH

has added drop-in immunizations and worked with families who experienced illnesses stemming from vaccine-prevented diseases to promote immunizations. Ontario mandates vaccinations for school entry, but that’s not an approach Dawar is eager to explore. “We don’t think mandatory immunization as school entry is the answer,” she said, explaining Ontario’s coverage rates are “no different than ours.” In a separate 10-year study, clinical investigator Dr. Nicole Le Saux of the Children’s

Hospital of Eastern Ontario credited rotavirus vaccine programs with an 81 per cent decline in the number of children sent to pediatric hospitals with rotavirus infections. Immunizations are available at the Central Community Health Centre at 132 Esplanade West in North Vancouver, as well as the West Vancouver Community Health Centre at 2121 Marine Dr. Immunizations are also offered at Parkgate Community Health Centre, 3625 Banff Court in North Vancouver.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

NEWS | A5

north shore news nsnews.com

MAILBOX RISK OF OIL TANKER HITTING BRIDGE OVERSTATED 9 WEB POLL DO YOU SUPPORT TRANS MOUNTAIN PIPELINE? 9 NEWS MAHON ARTIFICIAL TURF READY BY NEW YEAR 11

District, Metro looking at $2M Lynn Headwaters road fix From page 1 and a major mitigation project is needed to stabilize the road to make it in safe operating condition,” she said. “That is an extensive, complicated project. Until then, it needs to be closed for at least the wet, rainy season when landslides are more likely to occur.” The district’s geotechnical consultants suggested it would cost $2 million to remove the old, unstable fill and replace it with a supportive wall. Staff are exploring other options, including costs and construction schedules. In the meantime, the district has opened up a handful of time-limited two-hour parking spots on Dempsey, Lynn Valley and Kilmer roads as well as Underwood Avenue, resulting in complaints from residents and trail users. “We knew that parking was an issue even before this closure. It’s a very popular regional park. We were bound to hear some complaints, especially in the first few weeks or months until people get used to the fact that it’s closed,” she said. The district will allow a grace period on enforcing the new parking rules as trail users get used to the change, Dercole added. Alternatively, drivers can access the park from the top of Lillooet Road, where there are two new parking lots. From there, it’s a 1.5-kilometre or 10-minute walk to the

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Pylons and caution tape block off part of Lynn Valley Road, now deemed dangerous. PHOTO MIKE WAKEFIELD top of Lynn Valley Road. But, the best option is leaving the car at home, Dercole said. “The main message is we’re encouraging people to take public transit whenever they can to ride bikes or to walk. It’s very well serviced by transit,” she said. Any action taken to revive the road will have to be done in concert with Metro Vancouver. The damaged and risky part of the

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road is on district property but the parking lots and the park are managed by Metro Vancouver. “It’s obviously a shared problem where we’ve limited vehicle access into a very popular park so we’re working together to find a solution,” she said. “The next big step will be in the spring when we make a decision as to whether we can open it for the summer or not.”

Selfie while driving nets ticket

JANE SEYD jseyd@nsnews.com

A West Vancouver woman with an apparent addiction to her cellphone is facing fines of up to almost $900 after being ticketed taking a selfie while behind the wheel – the sixth time she’s been stopped for similar offences.

A West Vancouver police officer spotted the technologically obsessed driver Sunday afternoon, when the 39-yearold woman was attempting to take a selfie while stopped in heavy traffic on Taylor Way

near Marine Drive. The driver appeared so distracted by the selfie attempt that she didn’t notice the police officer pulling alongside in a large marked police SUV, attempting to get her attention, said Const. Jeff Palmer, spokesman for the West Vancouver Police Department. Eventually the police officer did get the woman’s attention and pulled her over. The driver has five prior tickets for using her cellphone while driving since 2013. The Sunday selfie could prove very expensive. This latest ticket means

the driver has racked up two distracted driving offences since new legislation took effect this year, so unless the woman disputes it in court, this ticket will carry a $368 fine plus a $520 ICBC penalty point premium for a total cost of $888, said Palmer. Also, a second ticket within a 12-month period means the driver is subject to review under the provincial driver improvement program and could be subject to a three- to 12-month driving ban. Palmer added police don’t know whether any of the prior cellphone driving tickets involved taking selfies.

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NEWS | A7

north shore news nsnews.com

Second storm expected to blow in Thursday afternoon From page 1

to get to work in those areas weren’t faring much better Monday morning. Some buses in the Caulfield and Horseshoe Bay areas had to be rerouted and there was very limited service to the British Properties Monday morning, said Anne Drennan, spokeswoman for TransLink. Other buses were delayed by between 30 and 60 minutes. In North Vancouver, one transit bus slid on a slippery patch on Mountain Highway and went off the road and into a tree near Coleman street. Two passengers reported minor injuries while the windshield of the bus was damaged. An SUV reportedly rear-ended the bus as well, after being unable to stop. HandyDART service was also reduced to essential service – meaning buses were only transporting cancer and dialysis patients and those with emergency medical appointments. Environment Canada meteorologist Matt MacDonald said snowfall amounts were highly variable across the North Shore Monday morning, ranging from a mere “skiff” in some waterfront areas to significant accumulations higher up. Environment Canada’s weather station in West Vancouver near the Cypress Bowl exit from Highway 1 had measured more than 12 centimetres of snow by noon on Monday. Even areas of Central Lonsdale saw about 7 cm fall.

Schools in West Vancouver were closed Monday for a teachers’ professional development day. North Vancouver School District reported all schools were open. While the snow made for a difficult commute, local ski hills were celebrating their bonanza. About 25 cm of snow fell overnight Sunday on Mount Seymour, reported Simon Whitehead, marketing manager for the ski hill. “It’s still snowing very hard,” he said midday Monday. “It’s beautiful white powder.” Mount Seymour opened for skiing Nov. 30, a few days behind Cypress and Grouse. “It’s our earliest opening in six years,” said Whitehead. “We’re absolutely thrilled.” Ski conditions are expected to remain good as Arctic air moves into the south coast, bringing freezing temperatures and sunny skies. “It’s only going to get colder in the next few days,” said MacDonald, with overnight lows Tuesday dipping to -7 C – eight degrees colder than usual. By Thursday, the North Shore should brace for another snowstorm, said MacDonald, bringing potentially more snow than Monday’s weather system. “There’s definitely more snow coming. The question is: how much?” he said. Meteorologists are expecting snowfall to begin in the afternoon and persist throughout the night, particularly over the higher elevations, including the North Shore. The

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Pedestrians make their way through the snow and slush at 13th and Lonsdale in North Vancouver. PHOTO MIKE WAKEFIELD district has 14 plows ready to be called in and the North Vancouver school district is monitoring closely to see of closing any schools will be necessary. Municipalities are reminding residents and business owners to shovel and salt their sidewalks. The snow may change to rain sometime Friday but temperatures are expected to hover around the freezing mark throughout the weekend, MacDonald said. “If we take a look at the extended model, this cool pattern of temperatures four

or five degrees below normal looks to persist right through the middle of the month,” he said. MacDonald said he already has people asking him about the likelihood of a white Christmas. Typically, the odds of that are about one in 10. “Given the snow we saw yesterday and the additional snow coming Thursday and the persistent cold weather, I would bump that up to maybe a 40 or 50 per cent chance of a white Christmas this year,” he said.

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nsnews.com north shore news

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

PUBLISHED BY NORTH SHORE NEWS A DIVISION OF LMP PUBLICATION LTD. PARTNERSHIP, 116-980 WEST 1ST ST., NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C. V7P 3N4. PETER KVARNSTROM, PUBLISHER. CANADIAN PUBLICATIONS MAIL SALES PRODUCT AGREEMENT NO. 40010186.

Storm warnings

s if Mother Nature got sick of hearing us complain about the record number of days of rain we’ve had this fall, she decided to change things up

this week. Chances are you’ve only just finished shovelling up her leavings and it’s now time to brace for another storm. It means, no doubt, transit delays, lurching traffic and plenty of fender benders thanks in large part to the sheer number of inexperienced winter drivers we have. We may sing O Canada just as proudly as they do elsewhere in the country, but winter and all of its trappings are a part of the Canadian identity we’ve thankfully been exempted from. It’s part of what makes the Lower Mainland so attractive to newcomers. It also why our municipalities tend to

have just a handful of snowplows available for when the skiff hits the fan. We’d suggest people who haven’t splurged for snow tires have forfeited their right to complain about how long it took for snow to be scraped from their side streets. So, rather than whine about the approaching white menace, we’ll make some suggestions: Leave yourself loads of time and dress warmly if you’ve got a transit ride ahead of you. Consider carpooling with neighbours, especially if it’s the one time of the year you’ll put your SUV’s four-wheel drive to use. If you don’t have to go out into it, don’t. Shovel and salt your sidewalk. If your neighbours aren’t as able bodied as you, give them a hand as well. It’s the Canadian thing to do. And be like the kids. Embrace it. Huck a snowball. The rain will be back soon enough.

Feds putting the squeeze on health care

hile the Trudeau government is currently making waves with its pipeline approvals, something else the government is about to do is getting less public attention yet has the potential to have the most impact on provinces in the short term. While it will take years for any pipeline to be built and fully operational, the Trudeau government’s position when it comes to its share of funding our enormously expensive health care system will start having an impact starting next spring. The financial squeeze on B.C. is outlined in a “fact box” the provincial finance ministry inserted into the recent release of the government’s second quarterly financial report (page 11 if you’re interested). While the headlines about that report were mostly about

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View from The Ledge Keith Baldrey how the budget surplus is growing and the economy is firing on all cylinders, that fact box got little mention in the media yet is one of the more startling revelations in that report. Simply put, if the federal government doesn’t change its funding formula, its funding contribution to B.C. will decline by a whopping $2 billion less over the next five years.

The cuts start with a modest $142 million reduction next spring, which climbs to $285 the year after and accumulates to more than $2 billion by 2021/’22. The implications of this kind of cut are staggering. Finance officials say the province has committed to covering the shortfall out of its own revenue fund, but that means $2 billion that is currently spent on things like education, social services and the justice system may have to be redirected into health. “The consequences for B.C. and other provinces are significant, you’re quite right, measured in the billions of dollars,” B.C. Finance Minister Mike de Jong told me on Shaw TV’s Voice of B.C. program last week. “Now, what does it mean practically? We’re going to fund (the shortfall).” But the money has to come from somewhere else, he

acknowledged. “So the money that we would otherwise be allocating to education or environmental protection or agriculture or public safety, that money will have to be diverted to make up the difference resulting in the gap resulting from the unilateral change by the federal government,” he said. Of course, given the size of the government surpluses that are forecast over the next few years, not as much money has to be diverted as perhaps feared. However, any significant drop in economic growth in B.C. would wipe those surpluses out in a heartbeat, which could be devastating. The reason for the huge drop in federal funding is that, so far at least, the Trudeau government is following through on a policy change first announced by the previous Stephen Harper government. That government

unilaterally decided to tie any annual funding increase to the economic growth rate, starting in 2017-18. That translates into a cut of roughly half the annual federal contribution to the provinces for health care, from about six per cent to three per cent. Because the health care system consumes so much money, what looks like a small cut (three points) is really quite huge. The B.C. government’s health care budget is increased by about a half billion dollars a year (this, despite constant talk about “cuts” in health care spending). Up until now, the feds provided about 53 per cent of that annual increase. But the federal share drops to 41 per cent next year, and down to just 37 per cent in 2018-19. To put all this spending into context, the finance

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North Shore News, founded in 1969 as an independent suburban newspaper and qualified under Schedule 111, Paragraph 111 of the Excise Tax Act, is published each Wednesday, Friday and Sunday by North Shore News a division of LMP Publication Limited Partnership and distributed to every door on the North Shore. Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40010186. Mailing rates available on request. Entire contents © 2016 North Shore News a division of LMP Publication Limited Partnership. All rights reserved. Average circulation for Wednesday, Friday and Sunday is 61,759. The North Shore News, a division of LMP Publication Limited Partnership respects your privacy. We collect, use and disclose your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Statement which is available at www.nsnews.com. North Shore News is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please email editor@nsnews.com or call the newsroom at 604-985-2131. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

ministry produced some interesting stats of what $100 million can buy you in the health care system. For example, that kind of funding would provide 5,170 hip replacements annually, or 3,803 cardiac valve replacements, or 1,023 lung transplants. The provinces’ collective demand of a new federal health care accord will undoubtedly come up at this week’s First Ministers Conference. Minister de Jong told me that he and his fellow finance ministers are “hopeful and somewhat optimistic” a new deal can be struck. If not, the current funding policy is going to start negatively affecting provinces’ bottom lines and service levels to the point where some of those anti-pipeline protests turn their attention to something else: health care. Baldrey@globalnews.ca

ADMINISTRATION/RECEPTION 604-985-2131 ADVERTISING 604-998-3510 display@nsnews.com REAL ESTATE ADVERTISING 604-998-3580 realestate@nsnews.com CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 604-630-3300 classifieds@van.net DISTRIBUTION INQUIRIES 604-986-1337 distribution@nsnews.com NEWSROOM 604-985-2131 editor@nsnews.com PHOTOGRAPHY 604-998-3532 photo@nsnews.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

NEWS | A9

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR must include your name, full address and telephone number. Send your letters via e-mail to: editor@ nsnews.com. The North Shore News reserves the right to edit any and/or all letters based on length, clarity, legality and content. The News also reserves the right to publish any and/or all letters electronically.

Weekender

Oil-spill response dollars better spent in Alberta Dear Editor: Over the past decade, thousands of jobs have been lost in the forest products industry as dozens of mills have either closed or curtailed production. They have had to adjust to the pine beetle devastation and the enormous market changes brought on by the advent of electronic media. There has been little whining and, with modest help from government, many have begun to develop new and innovative ways to produce higher value products. The oil industry will soon face similar upheaval in its markets as renewable energy grows and the use of gasoline and other fossil fuels is displaced. This is being driven by our acceptance of the fact,

finally, that burning fossil fuels is heating the planet beyond acceptable limits. Scandinavia will ban gasoline cars after 2025. China could do the same and there the impact would be many times the capacity of the Kinder Morgan pipeline. Expanding the Kinder Morgan pipeline will be like building a new buggy-whip factory at the beginning of the automobile era. Production of tar sands bitumen already poses a serious threat to the Mackenzie river basin. It is lunacy to add the significant risks that shipping it will pose to B.C. coastal waters. The economic downturn and job loss in the Alberta economy is not because they have no Kinder Morgan

pipeline. It is because world oil prices are a fraction of what they were during Alberta’s heyday and the bitumen producers are cutting costs and deferring capital expenditure and expansion. It is time for Alberta to stop whining and take action to diversify their economy and use the existing tar sands infrastructure to produce not just bitumen but higher value products, many of which will sequester the carbon. Much of the millions of dollars that the federal government proposes to spend on improving oil-spill response in B.C. could be better used helping Alberta begin the long overdue diversification of their economy. Doug Taylor North Vancouver

Risk of oil tanker hitting Second Narrows overstated

Dear Editor: Re: Tankers Could Strike Bridge, Engineers Warn, Nov. 23 news story. The entire population of planet Earth, including your retired engineers, know that when mankind and machinery are in close proximity there is a potential for accidents to happen. This is true with any form of transportation, but when a group of concerned professional engineers claim that increased volume of tanker traffic from the proposed expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline would result in bridges being knocked down, it is really stretching credulity. The lone accident they refer to occurred on an extremely foggy night of Oct. 13,1979 in Vancouver Harbour, when a Japanese log carrier hit the CN Rail bridge tower; there was a harbour pilot on board, but no

tethered tugs. I worked a huge chunk of my life on deep-sea vessels of all kinds trading worldwide, and retired as master of a chemical tanker; having been in hundreds of ports, and passed under hundreds of bridges without incident, as have many more millions of seafarers like me. It is pertinent to note that tankers have transited Vancouver Harbour for the past 103 years without a single accident, nor an oil spill, being recorded. The state-of-the art navigation

equipment and instruments used today on ships and on shore were not invented in 1979, and today each tanker carries two highly trained harbour pilots, and has three tethered tugs. When these retired CPE members say that increased tanker traffic is “a very risky project,” their claim does not hold water. This is fear-mongering at its worst, even though the CPE denies that, in comparing chalk and cheese. Bernie Smith Parksville, B.C.

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NEWS | A11

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Workers get rolling on the installation of a new artificial turf field at Fen Burdett stadium in Mahon Park. The field is scheduled to open by the end of December. PHOTO CINDY GOODMAN

Mahon artificial turf ready by new year They’re rolling out the green carpet at Fen Burdett Stadium in Mahon Park as the City of North Vancouver puts the finishing touches on a new artificial turf field. Snow put a chill on construction this week but

the city is still hoping to have the new field ready for action by the end of the month. Landscaping and other park improvements will continue throughout winter, with a new rubber track slated for installation in the spring of 2017. The field in Mahon Park

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was first opened in 1914 and has seen many great moments and athletes over the past century. It was renamed Fen Burdett Stadium in 1994 to recognize a local sports figure who funded, coached and managed youth soccer and baseball teams for decades.

The new turf and recreational running track are replacing gravel surfaces. This will be the third artificial turf field in the city, following the turf at Sutherland secondary and Confederation Field at Carson Graham secondary. – Andy Prest

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A12 | NEWS

nsnews.com north shore news

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

BRIGHTLIGHTS! by Paul McGrath SOS Children’s Village Holiday Gala Nearly 200 guests were welcomed to the Grouse Mountain Chalet on the snowy evening of Nov. 24 to celebrate this year’s SOS Children’s Village BC Holiday Gala. The 22nd annual event raised more than $50,000 for the charity organization, which assists orphaned and abandoned children. A walk through the SOS Children’s famous Gingerbread Village was followed by a cocktail reception and silent and live auctions, with Amber Belzer from Global BC acting as the evening’s MC. A performance from Vancouver band Her Brothers and a 50/50 draw helped make for a lively and entertaining night atop the mountain.

North Shore News’ Birgit Brunner and Christine Koeck

Farah Collier with Teresa Penner and SOS BC manager of communications William Brennan

SOS BC’s Doug West, executive director Douglas Dunn and wife Jan Emerton

Volunteers Simon and Ravana Matthews and SOS BC’s Sheena Ram

Crystal Edgar and Jenny Fairley

SOS BC’s Monique van Leeuwen and Peter Birrell

Elaine Dianko with niece Anne Longakit, Miss Teen Surrey and SOS BC youth ambassador

Horst and Gracie Unger

Please direct requests for event coverage to: emackenzie@nsnews.com. For more Bright Lights photos, go to: nsnews.com/community/bright-lights

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

LIVING | A13

north shore news nsnews.com

Your North Shore Guide to life and style HOME & GARDEN 14 l PARENTING 22 l SPORTS 33

Wanted: warm home, must love dogs

Rescue society takes in the injured, abandoned, neglected JEREMYSHEPHERD jshepherd@nsnews.com

To hear Sandra Stavely tell it, they’re a bit like OkCupid.

“We’re kind of like a matchmaking service,” Stavely explains. “We want to find the right dog for the right family.” Stavely is one of the founding members of A Voice4Paws, a canine rescue society that looks for dogs who have been neglected, abused or surrendered. The registered charity formed when its founders – formerly volunteers with other agencies – realized there was a void on the North Shore when it came to canine adoption. They wanted to be open to dogs big and small while emphasizing thoroughness above quickness. “We’re not about just bringing in a whole bunch of dogs and willy-nilly finding homes for them,” Stavely explains. Each dog they handle needs to be “100 per cent vetted,” spayed or neutered, properly trained, and above all, “ready to go into their forever home,” Stavely says. Because they don’t have a

shelter, the society depends on volunteers to provide foster care for surrendered dogs. “If someone is struggling they can come to us,” Stavely says. Earlier this year they came across a posting on Craigslist from a pet owner looking for help. The owner “came onto some hard times,” Stavely notes. In the midst of losing her job and getting divorced, the owner’s Siberian husky, Ice, tore an anterior cruciate ligament on Canada Day. After a successful surgery, Ice tore her other ACL in November. Ice is currently recuperating after a second surgery. Finding a new home for dogs like Ice is what A Voice4Paws is designed to do, Stavely explains. “We often take some very difficult cases that other rescues are maybe not quite as open to,” she says. They’re also looking for a home for Raleigh, a lab recovering from double hip dysplasia. Stavely estimates last year’s tab for shots, spaying, neutering and assorted veterinarians’ bills came to $32,000.

“That’s where the majority of our funds go,” she explains. Voice4Paws is currently selling tickets for a 50/50 draw scheduled for Highlands Animal Hospital on Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. With Christmas on the way, tasks tend to pile up for the society’s volunteers, according to Stavely. “People, unfortunately, are going away on holidays and they don’t want to deal with their dogs,” she says. “We find that there’s a lot of surrenders at this time of year.” Besides surrenders, the society sometimes ends up cleaning up after misbegotten Christmas gifts. “A lot of people have what they think is a brilliant idea of, ‘I’ll get a dog for my daughter or my son or my wife or my husband,’ and they don’t really do the research that’s required to make a responsible decision.” Stavely advises understanding that when you give a dog to someone, you’re asking them to make a lifelong commitment. As much as the society’s volunteers love dogs, the Christmas season can be taxing, according to Stavely. “We’re all volunteers and we all have full-time jobs and families and dogs of our own, so it’s a balancing act,” she says. Anyone hoping to learn more about the organization can visit avoice4paws.com/

604-925-1341

A Voice4Paws volunteers Terilyn Bissett, Natasha Smyth, Susan Staschuck (seated), Carla Olsen, Brenda Kay and Stephanie Nicole are joined by dogs Hope, Oliver, Peanut, Mr. Schultz, Reese, Sadie and Levi. The volunteer society is preparing for a 50/50 draw set for Dec. 17. PHOTO PAUL MCGRATH

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A14 | HOME & GARDEN

nsnews.com north shore news WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

Glerups Days Holiday gift ideas for gardeners The first snow has fallen at our farm and the temperatures are consistently dipping below zero.

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STORE CLOSING AFTER 18 YEARS FINAL DAY - DECEMBER 23

The goats are happy enough to frolic around in the crusty snow. However, the chickens are a little more hesitant. I’ve been spreading a little bit of hay on top of the snow in their run, and the chickens are enjoying scratching around in it looking for seeds. For the urban chicken keepers out there, you probably don’t have to provide supplemental heat, but eliminate drafts and keep the coop dry. Frostbite from

The Edible Gardener Emily Jubenvill damp conditions is more dangerous for chickens than cold temperatures. My oldest goat, Freya, is

wearing her purple fleece jacket to help keep the chill off; her winter coat didn’t come in as well as all the other goats’. She looks quite dapper trotting around the winter pasture. I am using the snow as an excuse to stop working in the garden. I had been procrastinating one last round of weeding, and then the snow fell and put those plans on hold indefinitely. I’ve found that the warmer-than-usual temperatures this November gave the weeds in my garden one last push. If we get a warm spell this month I may be able to deal with them,

or I’ll have to wait until the spring. December is a pretty quiet month in the garden, so enjoy the break! With the holiday season approaching, you may be looking for a great gift for the veggie-growing fiends in your life. Here’s my wish list: Felco Classic Pruner: The Felcos in my life have never failed me! They cut cleanly and stay sharp longer than any of my other pruners. I also appreciate that the blades and parts are replaceable, so they’re not a throwaway tool.

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MERRY AND BRIGHT The Ribalkin family’s Christmas display at 4967 Chalet Place in North Vancouver is once again welcoming guests for the holiday season, with viewing hours 5:30 to 11 p.m. nightly through Jan. 6. The display benefits the Gizeh Shrine Transportation Fund and BC Epilepsy Society, with food donations helping the North Shore’s Harvest Project. Have you or your neighbour put together a holiday display you’d like to share? Send photos to editor@nsnews.com and they may appear in our Christmas lights feature for the issue of Dec. 18. PHOTO SUPPLIED MICHAEL IWASAKI

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Many species are worthy of the title, but it would appear that the gray jay (or whiskey jack, also spelled whisky jack) is on track for the honour. Formerly, it was known as the Canada jay. It is commonly seen in the North Shore Mountains, especially by skiers and snowshoers when they go to have their lunch outdoors. It is a friendly bird that will snatch your snack right from your hand. Mountain folks know that as soon as you sit down for lunch, whiskey jacks seem to appear from nowhere, looking for a handout. When you encounter whiskey jacks in the mountains, please don’t feed them bread or potato chips – a handful of unsalted nuts would be better. Speaking of official birds, British Columbia’s is the Steller’s jay (not the blue

Wild About Birds Al Grass jay). Also, note the spelling of Steller (not stellar). The bird takes its name from a famous German scientist and explorer Georg Wilhelm Steller. Steller’s sea lion is also named for him, as is the gumboot chiton. From time to time, we do see the “real” blue jay on the North Shore, usually at bird feeders where peanuts are on the menu. It should always be watched for, along with the scrub jay. It is forecast that with climate change, the California scrub jay will advance northward. All jays cache foods, meaning they’ll hide it away for future consumption. You may be surprised to find peanuts, still in the shell, neatly buried in your garden or flower pots.

The Royal Canadian Geographical Society recently named the gray jay as its pick for Canada’s national bird. PHOTO SUPPLIED JOHN LOWMAN

If that’s the case and you’re not feeding Steller’s jays, then your neighbour (or neighbours) probably is. Gray jays make a ball of food, known as a bolus,

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See Crows page 20

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| A17

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We always work with highly skilled and reputable trades people.

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“Quality is our bottom line,” says John. “We believe that quality detailing dramatically improves the look and function of our jobs.” Having been in home construction for over three decades, he knows the value of a well-built project. “A well-built, complete, long-lasting job has to be properly executed and coordinated with all the trades from start to ﬁnish. We always work with highly skilled and reputable trades people.” Whether it’s a general renovation project, adding a deck or waterprooﬁng your home, the team at Straight Edge stands behind their workmanship. “We have the ability to successfully complete the most challenging projects in a professional and friendly manner. We carry liability insurance and are fully covered by WorkSafe BC.” Even if you don’t work with Straight Edge on the initial project, you may end up calling them afterwards.

“Most people are unaware of any shortcomings until problems appear later. We have repaired multiple jobs by other contractors who have failed to properly structure or install the right materials. In the end they lacked the skill and perseverance to make it right.” If you are looking at a residential or commercial construction project or renovation, don’t be fooled by the lure of a cheap job. It can cost you a lot more in the end. Check out Straight Edge Renovations online at straightedgerenovations.com. There are photo galleries of their work and testimonials from satisﬁed customers. If you want to get started on a project, call John at 604-763-6423 for a no-hassle honest estimate.

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A18 | HOME & GARDEN

nsnews.com north shore news WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

BLANKET BLITZ Michele De Fehr, Tazmeen Woodall, Sarah Dennis and Shelley Williams gather items collected for the 22nd annual Realtors Care Blanket Drive last month. The campaign saw nearly 350 bags of blankets, sleeping bags and winter clothing donated, which will be distributed to several organizations working with homeless or vulnerable community members. More than 20 North Shore Realtors offices and other local businesses participated in this year’s operation. PHOTO KEVIN HILL

Stuff stockings with weeders From page 14

MAKE THIS HOLIDAY TRULY UNIQUE 3131 Edgemont Blvd. North Vancouver, B.C. 778.340.7660 www.pizazz.biz As to Disney artwork/properties: © Disney

This holiday season we wanted to be closer... VISIT TILLEY VANCOUVER’S BOUTIQUE POP UP STORE AT LONSDALE QUAY MARKET, offering Tilley Hats and a selection of Tilley Endurables’ most popular clothing styles along with featured products from brands such as David Cline, InStance, MyPakage, Fraas and more!

HungryBin: This is by far the best-designed wormcomposting bin I’ve ever used. The large size of this unit means that it can handle all your kitchen waste and the finished compost it produces is one of the best organic amendments you could wish for. Better than reindeer poop! Ho-mi Digger: I feel like I might as well tape this tool onto my arm in the spring because I use it so much. It’s sturdy, sharp and can handle everything from weeding to transplanting. Garden Bandit: A great stocking stuffer. This little gem may seem small and

unimposing but it is a fantastic weeder. I love using this to weed the carrot beds, which need a precise tool to avoid wiping out your crop. Harvest Apron: There are a few different brands but I’m hoping to try the Roo Apron next season. It is a hardy apron built to harvest large amounts of produce or weeds, has padded straps for comfort and is designed to be easily unloaded without making a mess. Herb Garden: If you prefer the DIY option, plant some basil, chives, oregano (or your other favourite herbs) in small pots. They’ll do well in a bright

windowsill and the gardener in your life can harvest fresh through the winter. Magazine subscription: There are a lot of great magazines for gardeners and farmers. Some of my favourites include: Small Farm Canada, Modern Farmer, Rodale’s Organic Life and Urban Farm Magazine. Enjoy the winter! Emily Jubenvill grew up on the North Shore and is passionate about growing fresh organic food. She’s starting an organic farm, and working for the North Shore Neighbourhood House’s Edible Garden Project. emily@ediblegardenproject.com ediblegardenproject.com

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| A19

north shore news nsnews.com

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A20 | HOME & GARDEN

nsnews.com north shore news WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

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Active Holiday Fun At NVRC LONSDALE Christmas Breakfast with Santa December 10, 9:30-11:00am | North Shore Neighbourhood House Santa Skate December 17, 1:15-4:15pm | Harry Jerome Winter Wonderland December 18, 10:00am - 12:00pm | JBCC Gym New Year’s Skate December 31, 3:30-5:30pm | Harry Jerome

SEYMOUR Breakfast with Santa & Swim December 10, 9:30am-12:00pm | Ron Andrews Carol Ships Shoreside Celebration December 17, 7:30-9:00pm | Panorama Park

Crows notable for complex social structure From page 16 The crow family (corvids) is comprised of a diverse group of species, which includes the northwestern crow, American crow, Clark’s nutcracker, Steller’s jay, gray jay and black-billed magpie. On the North Shore, our local crow is the northwestern crow. It is a coastal species, with the American (“common”) crow found over most of the province. Some authorities believe that they are not separate species but just one. Crows are amazing birds. Notable, amongst other traits, is their complex social structure. North Shore residents often notice huge, evening flights of crows heading back to their communal night roosts. It is thought that at least one reason they do this is to escape predation from great horned owls. The raven was also a more-than-worthy species for our national bird. It, we are told, is one of the world’s smartest birds and it features highly in the lore of First Nations peoples. The raven is not an oversized crow, but a very different bird. Crows do not like ravens, and if one is discovered by a “murder” of crows, chaos ensues! A fine place to watch for corvids (and other species)

is the Maplewood Flats Conservation Area. Start at the Wild Birds Unlimited feeding station near the sanctuary office. Here, you’ll enjoy close-up views of chickadees, sparrows, woodpeckers, finches, hummingbirds and more. It is a great way to spend a winter afternoon and children will love it. A good pair of binoculars and an up-to-date bird guide – be it a book or an app – will help to make your visit to Maplewood much more enjoyable. Helpful staff at your local wild bird shop can give you best advice about how to enjoy birds more. And do check the white board on the wall of the sanctuary office for up-to-date information of recent bird and other wildlife sightings. Happy Holidays – may the birds bring you cheer. Keep safe. Al Grass is a Naturalist with Wild Bird Trust of British Columbia, which offers free walks at the Conservation Area at Maplewood Flats on the second Saturday of every month. The next walk will be Saturday, Dec. 10, starting at 10 a.m., when we will look for the birds and wildlife that call the Maplewood Flats their winter home. Meet at 2645 Dollarton Highway, two kilometres east of the Iron Workers Second Narrows Memorial Crossing. Walks go rain or shine.

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| A21

north shore news nsnews.com

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A22 | PARENTING

nsnews.com north shore news WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

Survival tips for an enjoyable Xmas Parenting Today Kathy Lynn My goodness it’s already December and Christmas is looming. How are you going to survive the holidays?

It’s tough enough knowing what you have to do, making and following lists, but then there are the kids and their questions: How many sleeps until Christmas? Are you sure Santa knows where we live? Where are Grandma and Grandpa going to sleep when they come to visit? Christmas Day itself requires thought and planning. If you start thinking about it now, it will go better. Which isn’t to say it will be totally calm and scheduled but doing some thinking

ahead is certainly helpful. Count on some chaos. After all, it’s one day a year, it’s pretty exciting and it’s fun. Let the fun happen. Make a schedule designed to calm over-excited youngsters. You may need to talk to them about when they’re allowed to get out of bed and start the day. Ask them to come to see you when they awaken and check to see if it’s really morning yet. If they can tell time, make sure they know what time they’re allowed to get up. It’s amazing that kids you simply can’t get out of bed on school mornings will see 5 a.m. as a perfectly acceptable time to start the day on Dec. 25. Once you have declared that it is now morning and they can get out of bed, have a plan. Maybe they can open their stockings right away. And in the bottom of that stocking will be a mandarin orange so you know the first thing they eat will actually be good for them. It’s a good idea to have breakfast before opening all the gifts. Make it a simple but nutritious meal. You want to ensure they have some good

food inside them before the candy and cookies make an appearance. Gift opening requires a system or things will be broken or lost. Have a child (the youngest?) be responsible for handing out gifts that are delivered one at a time.

That way you can all watch and you can make notes about who sent what to your children. Now it may still get somewhat chaotic but you have some measure of control over the process. Keep a list so when it comes time for the

thank-yous you remember who sent what gift. Cleanup should involve the whole family. Decide whether to fold and re-use paper and ribbon or get big garbage bags. However you wish to handle it, use the energy of the kids to help out

with this task. Getting outside for some exercise is a wonderful idea. The gifts are open, breakfast is over and it’s too early to cook the turkey or the turkey is doing just fine in the oven

See Fish page 28

50 years ago... Elite Body Shop opened, and...

Batman premiered. 142 Fell Avenue, North Vancouver 604-987-4408 | elitebodyshop.ca

STEAKOUT Debbie Side, organizer Diane Forsythe-Abbott and Lily Lee are inviting the generous and the hungry to the Crabtree Corner luncheon at Hy’s Steakhouse in Vancouver. The lunch is meant to support marginalized women and families in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside through programs including transitional housing and a community kitchen. PHOTO MIKE WAKEFIELD

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BAKING TIME Presentation House Theatre, 333 Chesterfield Ave., North Vancouver presents a fantastic feast for the senses for children ages three to six and their families until Dec. 11. $15. phtheatre.org/show/bakingtime EXPLORE AND CREATE Children ages three-12 are invited to use a variety of materials to create wonderful works of art at the Gordon Smith Gallery, 2121 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver. The workshop is free however parents must accompany children. Blind contour drawing takes place Saturday, Dec. 10, 2-4 p.m. Register: 604-998-8562 or gallery@smithfoundation.ca. TEEN ADVISORY GROUP MEETING The next meeting for youth to make a difference with programs, collections and content takes place Monday, Dec. 12, 7-8:30 p.m. at the West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Dr. westvanlibrary. ca Compiled by Debbie Caldwell

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

| A23

north shore news nsnews.com

CHALTEN FEE-ONLY ADVISORS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT & FINANCIAL PLANNING

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Share some of our most beloved stories of the season. Storyteller: Squamish Public Library

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Discover the magic of Christmas 2,800 feet above sea level, in a forest strewn with fairy lights. Sit on Santa’s knee at the top of the world and sing carols at the top of your lungs. No mall madness, no bling, just cocoa by the ﬁre and views to ﬁll you with the joy of the season.

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PANCAKES & PICTURES WITH SANTA Saturday & Sunday, December 3 & 4 Photos are ﬁrst-come, ﬁrst-served. Reservations not required.

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A24 | LIVING

nsnews.com north shore news

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

DNV approves Crown Street project

Council splits on 47-unit residential development JEREMY SHEPHERD jshepherd@nsnews.com

Heavy lies the Crown Street rezoning.

Following a contentious, wide-ranging debate, District of North Vancouver council approved a sixstorey, 47-unit residential

development on four lots on the east corner of Crown Street and Mountain Highway Monday. The IRCA Group development exposed “logic differences” among council, noted Coun. Robin Hicks. “My logic says this is exactly the route we should follow and I can’t understand the other logic which says we shouldn’t build more, we should let prices go up and let traffic congestion worsen,” Hicks said. Coun. Jim Hanson’s logic

led him to a different conclusion, as he noted the traffic congestion in and around Mountain Highway. “We have a transportation crisis and our response to it is just to say, ‘We’re going to put more people there,’” he said. Besides a $100,000 community amenity contribution, the developer is also on the hook for approximately $352,000 in sewer improvements, putting Mountain Highway hydro lines underground and

improving the Crown Street and Mountain Highway intersection. Council has a problem with planning, according to Hanson, who suggested a cessation of development until concrete steps are taken to get traffic moving swiftly. Those steps are already being taken, according to Mayor Richard Walton, who pointed to the district’s $53 million investment in roads and bridges as well as a “significant upgrade” planned

Santa Claus has Arrived!

for Phibbs Exchange. “To say that the district is not stepping up and investing heavily into improving east-west flow of traffic is an understatement,” he said. The district’s planning is backwards, according to Hanson. “Wouldn’t it make sense to let the transportation investments unfold, see how much improvement they bring us, and then add the people - and not do it the other way around?” The traffic problem doesn’t affect the residents of Lower Lynn as much as its affects commuters passing through Lower Lynn, according to Coun. Mathew Bond. “When you’re actually in Lower Lynn and you want to get on the bridge, it’s really easy. If you want to get up to

Lynn Valley, it’s really easy,” he said. Bond also blasted the notion of a moratorium on development. “I see it as a discrimination against those people in our community who actually need these types of housing options,” he said, noting there has been no call to stop the construction of new and bigger single-family replacement homes. Bond likened the situation to running a business, suggesting that while you may make strategic changes based on new information, you don’t shut down your business to craft a new plan. Hanson rejected the comparison. “The business of North Vancouver district is not the facilitation of developers

See Project page 30

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winners • shoppers • save-on-Foods • black bear pub • and specialty shopping

COAT DRIVE Mountain Health and Performance will be collecting coats for the Lookout Emergency Aid Society and Spectrum Mother Support Society from now until Dec. 21 at 100223 Mountain Hwy., North Vancouver. CODE WEEK: WORKING WITH WORDPRESS.COM Learn how you may leverage the flexibility of WordPress, the web publishing platform at the West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Dr., Thursday, Dec. 8, 3-5:30 p.m. Register: westvanlibrary.ca DIGITAL MAGAZINES AND NEWSPAPERS Learn to use digital magazines and newspapers. Must have familiarity with email and the internet. West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Dr., Thursday, Dec. 8, 2-3 p.m. Register: westvanlibrary.ca BOOK SIGNING Ross Penhall will be signing his book Vancouver Surrounding Areas and Places That Inspire,

a collection of 120 of his paintings, Friday, Dec. 9, 3:305:30 p.m. at Pharmasave in Caulfeild, 5331 Headland Dr., West Vancouver. ENGLISH CORNER Enjoy English conversation while making new friends Friday, Dec. 9, and 16, 10-11:30 a.m. at the West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Dr. westvanlibrary.ca DEVICE CLINIC Sign up for a 30 minute appointment to learn iPads, Androids and other mobile devices Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 604-9257405 or westvanlibrary.ca LET’S TALK Develop English language skills by discussing current events; Beginners, Monday, Dec. 12, 10:15-11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Intermediate, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 7-8:30 p.m. West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Dr. westvanlibrary.ca BEREAVED PARENTS’ CANDLE LIGHTING

See more page 28

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

north shore news nsnews.com

Your North Shore Guide to exceptional cuisine

taste

| A25

Vibrant sauces add to bold flavours

Thai House restaurant celebrates 30-year mark So this guy walks into a Thai restaurant with his friend JD.

Sounds like the start to a sophomoric joke doesn’t it? I can imagine some sort of trite misunderstanding ensues before a predictable denouement, maybe involving the term Tom Yum. In actual fact, I did recently visit Lower Lonsdale’s Thai House in recognition of the restauChris Dagenais rant’s 30th anniversary, accompanied by my friend JD. I was keen to check out a number of Thai House’s newer menu additions, items that complement the more traditional lineup of Thai favourites but demonstrate a progressive, forward-looking perspective that likely accounts for this North Shore institution’s longevity. Thirty years ago, Vancouver welcomed 22 million people to the city via Expo 86, the massive world’s fair for which the city constructed some key infrastructure that still serves us today. I remember the Thailand Pavilion of that fair; the exhibit’s bright silks and imposing statues impressed themselves firmly in my young mind, though it wasn’t until my late teens that I had my first experience with the cuisine of Thailand. My first Thai meal was an affair to remember. The bold, perfumed flavours of lemongrass and lime leaf, galangal and pandan, were new to me, as was the prolific use of smooth and rich coconut milk to temper the food’s fierce chilli heat. I sweated my way through that meal but somehow didn’t know when to stop; I devoured curries, grilled seafood, soups, and skewered meats, washing it all down with sweetened tea the colour of terra cotta. I paid for that indulgence, doubled over for two days with intense stomach cramps. I was unaccustomed to Thai spices and ingredients back then and they sacked every inch of my fledgling foodie digestive tract like merciless raiders of a remote tomb. Eventually, I learned to both eat and cook Thai food and it has become a comforting staple of my adulthood. Today I seek the boldest and hottest iterations of Thai food that I can find. If this sounds like your approach as well, then please heed this advice: ask for your dishes to be prepared extra hot at Thai House. JD and I both have a good threshold for spicy food and neither of us achieved even a glow during our meal, let alone broke a sweat. Now, to be clear, this doesn’t mean that the food didn’t deliver on bold

The Dish

Oxtail in Masaman Curry Sauce with Roti is topped with toasted cashews at Thai House. The Lower Lonsdale restaurant is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The photo at right shows stir-fried tofu with Chiang Mai sauce and topped with asparagus for a dish called Chiang Mai Asparagus. PHOTOS CHRIS DAGENAIS taste. Indeed it did, with lovely fresh ingredients finding sophisticated expression in thoughtful, vibrant sauces laden with roasted spices and fragrant herbs. I enjoyed every dish, but would have even more if the kitchen had not sought to protect my palate so diligently. Tied for the best of our dinner lineup, which included eight dishes in total, were a delicate, silken oxtail dish served with flaky roti, and a hearty dish of wok-fried broad egg noodles with ground pork and vegetables. The fall-fromthe-bone tender oxtail, AAA grade, was served in bite-sized morsels and was greatly enhanced by a coconut-rich, mild matsaman curry sauce. The accompanying roti, dense, multilayered and flaky, was one of the best versions of the bread I’ve had in recent memory. The Gwoi Teaw Pad Kee Mao noodles, deliberately chosen to sidestep the very common (but still a favourite) Pad Thai, were a delight. The noodles were perfectly al dente and absorbed a sauce that was rich

in Thai basil; this dish packed the most heat of anything we ate, save perhaps JD’s small bowl of Tom Yum, the popular orange-hued hot and sour soup with mushrooms, tomato, lemon grass and Thai spices. A cool salad of prawns and squid, Yum Rommitr Ta-Lay, featured a generous serving of meaty tiger prawns and toothsome cylinders of squid in a tangy, fresh and acidic dressing of lime, nam-pla (fish sauce) and chilies. This dish was attended by three chili symbols on the menu, suggesting significant heat, which JD and I found lacking, despite its robust citrus notes and otherwise good balance of sweet, salty and sour. Pork jowl (“scary but delicious,” the menu said), was indeed very tasty, but far from scary; this is just lovely lean pork cheek meat, given a little flare courtesy of a spicy, tangy dipping sauce. A mild dish of asparagus was novel, featuring still-crunchy spears

See Toothsome page 26

A26 | TASTE

nsnews.com north shore news WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

Make-ahead appies fit for the season

Angela Shellard

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Anything that can be done ahead of time is a bonus at this time of year. Spend an afternoon putting together these really delicious appies, stow them in your freezer, and pat yourself on the back for getting ahead of the game. VIETNAMESE CHICKEN MEATBALLS 1 lb ground chicken or turkey (I

recommend using ground thigh meat) 2 Tbsp soy sauce ¼ cup minced shallots 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 stalk lemongrass, tender white inside part only, minced 3 Tbsp finely chopped cilantro 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh mint 1½ tsp cornstarch ½ tsp kosher salt A few grinds of fresh black pepper Granulated sugar for rolling the meatballs, about ¼ cup sweet Thai chili sauce for dipping

Spinach Dip can be made ahead and frozen to be brought out for holiday entertaining. PHOTO MIKE WAKEFIELD

Mix the chicken in a large bowl with the rest of the ingredients, except the sugar. Mix thoroughly but gently. Don’t overwork the meat or your meatballs will be tough. With slightly damp hands, roll the mixture into golfball-sized meatballs. Put them on a large plate and place in the fridge for half an hour. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take the meatballs out of the fridge, roll each one lightly in the sugar and place on the baking sheet. Bake in the centre of

the oven for 15 minutes, turning the meatballs a couple of times to make sure they brown evenly. Serve hot with a bowl of sweet chili sauce for dipping. Makes about 20 meatballs. To freeze: Once meatballs are cool place them on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap and place in the freezer. When they have frozen put them into plastic freezer bags and return to the freezer. To reheat, place frozen meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely with foil and place in a 350° F oven

until warm. Source: foodandwine.com PUFF PASTRY ROLLS WITH PROSCIUTTO & OLIVES 1 package frozen puff pastry ¾ cup shredded Gruyère or Fontina cheese 2 slices prosciutto, diced 12 pitted green olives, chopped 1 egg yolk

Preheat oven to 425° F. Roll out puff pastry into a rectangle (the puff pastry I usually buy has two small blocks in the package; roll each block out into a

rectangle a bit less than one-quarter of an inch thick). Sprinkle cheese, prosciutto and green olives evenly over pastry rectangle(s) and roll up pastry with filling, starting from one long side of the rectangle. Wrap the rolls in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer until firm but not hard (this makes them easier to cut). Cut each roll into half-inch slices and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Beat egg yolk with a teaspoon of water and brush a little on top of each slice. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. Serve warm. Makes about 24 appetizers. To make ahead, leave the wrapped rolls in the freezer. When serving, let them thaw in the fridge until soft enough to cut, then proceed to bake as instructed above. Source: recipesandme.com MAKE-AHEAD SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP

1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed totally dry 2 cups sour cream, regular or light, not fat-free

One 250 gr. package cream cheese, regular or light, not fatfree, softened 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese One 398-ml can artichoke hearts in water, drained and chopped 1 minced garlic clove and ½ cup finely chopped onion, sautéed in a little butter and oil until tender Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Place all ingredients in a large bowl and beat on low speed with an electric mixer until well combined. Divide into four portions and place into two-cup plastic containers. Freeze. To prepare: Thaw dip in container at room temperature. Scoop into a baking dish and bake at 350° F, stirring once or twice, until heated through. Serve with baguette slices and/ or assorted crackers. Makes about 16 servings. Source: cleverlyinspired.com Angela Shellard is a selfdescribed foodie. She has done informal catering for various functions. Contact: ashellard@ hotmail.ca.

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of the vegetable set atop pillowy, light and nicely seasoned squares of deep-fried tofu, drizzled with a salty soy glaze. We summoned the server for a final dish, asking for something truly fiery in light of our tame meal. He recommended Gai Pad Ma-Mung Him Ma-Pan, a wok-fried chicken dish with bell peppers, cashews and toasted Thai bird chilies. While the dish had a delicious combination of flavours and was certainly deftly prepared, it was again much milder than expected, suggesting that JD and I either have steely constitutions impervious to heat, or that our meal was tempered for us by a well-meaning kitchen team. Our bill, which included

two Singha beers apiece, was $139 before gratuity.

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Long-running waterfront institution Marinaside Grill has recently closed its doors. Pursuant to discovering some ailing infrastructure, the decision was made to shutter the casual eatery. A source within the ownership group told me that there is no plan to reopen the restaurant elsewhere, nor are there any currently known plans for the future of the existing space. Chris Dagenais served as a manager for several restaurants downtown and on the North Shore. hungryontheshore@gmail.com. North Shore News dining reviews are conducted anonymously and all meals are paid for by the newspaper.

Gwoi Teaw Pad Kee Mao features wok-fried broad rice noodles with ground pork and Thai basil. PHOTO CHRIS DAGENAIS

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Cove Cliff elementary Grade 4 students Maise Fulton-Stephenson and Lilja Bergen join vice-principal Diane Ehling and Jo-Ann Wood, chairwoman of the North Shore Hospice and Palliative Care Program, to put the finishing touches on a paper Caring Tree created by students at the school as part of a hospital fundraiser. PHOTO MIKE WAKEFIELD

Students lend a hand to hospital fundraiser ROSALIND DUANE rduane@nsnews.com

As you walk through the main lobby of Lions Gate Hospital this holiday season you may catch a glimpse of little green hands.

No, it’s not an appearance of the mischievous Dr. Seuss Grinch character, it is a special creation by students at Cove Cliff elementary. Students in grades 2 and 4 worked together to trace their hands, cut them out, and paste them in the shape of a Christmas tree that now adorns the bulletin board in the main lobby of the hospital. Using the buddy system, older students helped younger ones and curled the edges of the paper fingers to form the needles of the tree. They also created paper presents and garland for decoration. Called the Christmas Caring Tree, the project was done in support of the North Shore Hospice expansion fundraising campaign. “I just thought it was a great opportunity to involve the community and some of our youngest members of our community, and educate them about the importance of philanthropy and how it’s important to give back to the community,” explains Louise Campbell, director of development at Lions Gate

‘Tis the Season Hospital Foundation about why she asked the school to participate. Last week, households across the North Shore received a mail-out from the foundation with information about the campaign. The package also contained a sticker ornament that could be sent back with a donation for the hospice fundraiser. Donors can write their names and a message on the ornaments. The stickers are then added to the tree of helping hands created by the students. “It’s just so great to have the school kids involved,” says Campbell. “We’re just so grateful to them for taking the time to, first of all, create the tree, it’s such a creative idea to use hands. They’re so creative, we’re so excited to have them involved.” Cove Cliff school viceprincipal Diane Ehrling says the students were equally excited to participate in the project. “It just gives them a chance to look outward as opposed to just in at what they receive,” says Ehrling, adding the school participates in many community projects throughout the

year, but the holiday season is an especially good time to help the kids focus on what others can receive from them rather than just on what they receive. As palliative care is a complex topic to discuss with young children, Ehrling says the focus of discussion around the project was how they as a class could help in their community and contribute to their local hospital. As well as helping to raise funds, Campbell says the tree is providing some festive spirit for hospital staff, patients, and visitors. The hospice expansion project fundraising goal of $2 million now stands at $1.2 million. Campbell says the hope is that the final goal will be reached by spring. Anyone who would like to contribute can contact the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation by phone to have a package mailed out, or visit the office on the main floor of the hospital. “I would say Christmas is our busiest giving time of year, and I think that’s in large part because people are thinking about their families, they’re thinking about their loved ones and they’re thinking about how vital it is for us to come together as a community,” says Campbell. “We’re really looking to the community to help us out here and transform end-oflife care here on the North Shore.”

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Fish need feeding, kids need napping From page 22

on its own for awhile. So head to the park or go for a walk on the beach. Get outside. If there are any outdoor gifts or clothing, now’s a good time for a test-run. It’s also a great idea to go for another walk after you eat. You can head out and see the wonderful array of Christmas lights and decorations. When our family learned the Vancouver Aquarium is open on Christmas it was an exciting discovery indeed. After all, the animals need to be fed so staff open the doors to the public. It’s a fun place to be on Christmas Day. Most kids lose it if they are tired. For kids who nap, make naptime a priority. Have them settle down to sleep at their regular time and for older kids, a quiet rest is a great idea. It’s also a good idea for the adults to rest at the same time. It creates a short break from

the excitement and allows everyone to catch his or her breath. If you are hosting friends and family for dinner, give the kids some responsibility as hosts. They may help prepare food, be in charge of answering the door or they can make fancy name tags for each place setting. If you are going out, remind the kids about your expectations for their behavior. Also remind them who will be present, how they are connected and what the kids should call them. Are they aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. or on a first name basis? Plan, play and enjoy. Merry Christmas.

Kathy Lynn is a professional speaker and author of Who’s In Charge Anyway?, But Nobody Told Me I’d Ever Have to Leave Home and Vive la Différence. If you want to read more, sign up for her newsletter at parentingtoday. ca.

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD From page 24 CEREMONY The North Shore

Compassionate Friends will host a ceremony for bereaved parents and friends to light a

WELSH TO-DO Len Voth, Derek Mowatt, John Stewart and Elwin Evans of the Welsh Men’s Choir prepare for the group’s 37th annual Sounds of Christmas concert at Centennial Theatre Friday, slated to include the Argyle secondary choir. PHOTO PAUL MCGRATH candle for their deceased child Wednesday, Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 1044 St. Georges Ave., North Vancouver. Enter

by middle side door. Bring a framed photo of your child. 604-770-4570 SKYPE: AN INTRODUCTION Learn how to create an

account for Skype and connect with friends and family around the world Wednesday, Dec. 14, 3-4 p.m. at West Vancouver Memorial

Library, 1950 Marine Dr. Register in person or call 604925-7405. westvanlibrary.ca Compiled by Debbie Caldwell

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Project decisions made ‘in isolation’: Muri From page 24 building condos,” he said. “The business of North Vancouver district is facilitating a livable community for its residents.” Coun. Lisa Muri echoed many of Hanson’s points. “I can’t support something without knowing all of the implication that may or may not come forward,” she said. With the OCP in need of review and the district dealing with a scarcity of light industrial land, Muri said she felt council was making decisions “in isolation.” Because the four lots in question are zoned for residential there is no loss of industrial land, Coun. Doug MacKay-Dunn pointed out. “I realize there’s transportation issues, there’s congestion issues. But saying no to this project is not going to solve those

ALL’S FAIR Muriel Sperandeo and Debbie Tedder of Cedar Gardens assisted living display some of the costume jewelry they plan to sell at the Christmas Fair this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1250 Cedar Village Close, just off Kirkstone. The event includes a silent auction, homemade crafts, baking, and of course, jewelry. PHOTO MIKE WAKEFIELD

congestion issues,” he said. MacKay-Dunn addressed Hanson, noting a transportation network that includes five bus routes is already in place. “I want young people to come to the district, make an investment, so they can support the rest of our housing stock,” he said. “I don’t want this to become a West Vancouver.” Building town centres and acquiring improved transit go hand in hand, according to Coun. Roger Bassam. “TransLink has been very clear: they will not put buses on our streets unless those buses will be filled,” he said. Bassam also disputed Hanson’s call for a new transportation plan, noting the plan to turn the former Keith Lynn school site into a highway onramp as well as a multi-million dollar plan for the Second

Narrows bridgehead. “I would say that qualifies as a plan that is being implemented.” Approving the development is a “significant step” in revitalizing Lynn Creek Town Centre, according to Bassam. “We need that housing supply. We need those transformations to start taking place – slowly – over the next 20 years, so that we can transform our community into something that’s viable for our children and grandchildren.” The 64-foot tall building is slated to include 27 two-bedroom units, seven three-bedroom units, and 13 one-bedroom units. The project was approved 5-2 with Coun. Muri and Hanson opposed. The project is slated to be elevated nine metres above sea level to ensure the development isn’t at risk of flooding.

The six-storey development at Crown Street and Mountain Highway divided district council -with concerns over gridlock pitted against the need to revitalize Lynn Creek Town Centre. IMAGE SUPPLIED

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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS GREAT STUFF ART AND GIFT SALE The Ferry Building Gallery, 1414 Argyle Ave., West Vancouver, presents its annual holiday sale offering unique and affordable gift items created by 34 Vancouver artists and artisans. The show runs Tuesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. until Dec. 18. ferrybuildinggallery.com AUNT LEAH’S TREES This seasonal lot at Lonsdale Quay, 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver is open Monday-Thursday, 1-8 p.m. and Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. until Dec. 21. Sales benefit children in foster care and young mothers maintain child custody. auntleahs.org SCOUTS CHRISTMAS TREE SALE West Vancouver scouts will be selling their 2000 holiday trees until Dec. 23 while supplies last Monday-Wednesday from noon to 8 p.m., Thursday-Friday from noon to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m.-8 p.m. at Taylor Way and Clyde Avenue. SEYMOUR SCOUTS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE FUNDRAISING SALE will take place until Dec. 23 at Parkgate Village shopping centre at the corner of Mount Seymour Parkway and Mount Seymour Road, North Vancouver. Hours: Dec. 9, 1-9 p.m., Dec. 5-8, 1-8 p.m., all Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Dec. 12 onwards, Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. All proceeds benefit various scout programs. THE CHRISTMAS SHOW The North Shore Artists’ Guild will hold a show and fine art sale Wednesdays-Sundays, from noon to 6 p.m. until Dec. 24 at Brushstrokes Gallery, 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver. nsartists.ca DOG HANDLERS’ PET FOOD AND SUPPLIES DRIVE Local professional dog walking companies will once again be collecting pet food, supplies and funds until Dec. 24 for the Pacific Animal Foundation and Dogwood Rescue Society, who will then distribute them to needy animals. Drop offs can be made at Village Pet Food & Supplies, 5323 Headland Dr., West Vancouver. WINTER GIFT GALLERY The Seymour Art Gallery will be selling a selection of holiday gifts by local artists until Dec. 24 at 4360 Gallant Ave., North Vancouver. 604-924-1378 seymourartgallery.com HI-LIGHT FESTIVAL Park and Tilford Gardens is lit up for the holiday season with 150,000 colourful lights spanning three acres of community gardens until Dec. 31 at 333 Brooksbank Ave., North Vancouver. Friday evenings will be family nights from 5 to 9 p.m. with guest appearances by Santa. Admission by donation. parkandtilford.com PEAK OF CHRISTMAS SOS Children’s Gingerbread Village will be on display until Jan. 1. Visitors are invited to view and then vote on their favourite gingerbread creation at Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver. sosbc.org CANYON LIGHTS Capilano Suspension Bridge, 3735 Capilano Rd., North Vancouver, will feature thousands of lights until Jan. 8. Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (except Christmas day) with holiday activities beginning at 4 p.m. The park will feature a 153-foot Christmas tree, as well as gingerbread cookie decorating, singalong carols and more. $13.95$85. Partial proceeds from admission will be donated to the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. 604-985-7474. capbridge.com

PIPERS PIPING Monique Wilberg and Nancy Pow of the Ambeleside Orchestra rehearse for a free concert scheduled for Friday at Lonsdale Quay’s Rotunda. The performance begins at 6:45 p.m., marking the start of extended holiday hours at the market, and will feature the works of Strauss, Tchaikovsky, Suppe and other notable composers. PHOTO PAUL MCGRATH HOLIDAYS AT THE MARKET Lonsdale Quay will host a variety of Christmas events Dec. 7-21 at 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver. A detailed schedule can be found at lonsdalequay.com. Proceeds from events go towards supporting Aunt Leah’s Place, a charity that assists foster children and teen moms. Aunt Leah’s also sets up a tree lot on the East Plaza of the market. 604-985-6261 MINGLE OF THE JINGLES North Shore Connexions Society will hold a holiday variety show and silent auction to support community inclusion Wednesday, Dec. 7, 7 p.m. at Kay Meek Centre, 1700 Mathers Ave., West Vancouver. $20. 604-981-6335 kaymeekcentre.com THE EMPEROR’S NEW THREADS A tale for children in the pantomime tradition Dec. 8-11 and 15-18, Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 and 4 p.m. at the Theatre at Hendry Hall, 815 East 11th St., North Vancouver. $12/$6. Reservations: 604-983-2633 or northvanplayers.ca. MEDIEVAL CAROLS Soprano Elspeth McVeigh will sing timeless seasonal songs Thursday, Dec. 8, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Silk Purse

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Arts Centre, 1570 Argyle Ave., West Vancouver. $15. 604-925-7292 silkpurse.ca MOUNTAINSIDE SCHOOL CHRISTMAS MARKETwill take place Thursday, Dec. 8, 3:30-8 p.m. at 3365 Mahon Ave., North Vancouver. The event will include craft tables, a silent auction, baked goods and second-hand shop featuring gently used items. Proceeds will go to a scholarship fund. Tables available for rent at 604-903-3333 or dbagshawe@sd44.ca. THE SANTALAND DIARIES A holiday comedy based on the true chronicles of David Sedaris’ experience working as a Christmas elf in a Macy’s department store Dec. 8-10, 15-17 at 8 p.m. with a matinee Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. at Presentation House Theatre, 333 Chesterfield Ave., North Vancouver. Admission: $25/$20. Tickets: 604-990-3474 or phtheatre.org. TALES OF A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS The Gerry Granelli Trio recreates classic music from this animated show Friday, Dec. 9, 8 p.m. at Kay Meek Centre, 1700 Mathers Ave., West Vancouver. $38/$32/$29/$15. 604-981-6335 kaymeekcentre.com

Pick up the phone and call 604-619-0942 from 9 pm to 3 am on November 25, 26, December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, & 31. will dispatch two drivers and a navigator to drive you home in your own car free. Give the driver your home address, then sit back and relax. To volunteer as a Operation Red Nose driver or navigator, call Rudy’s volunteer hotline at 778-288-8996 email: volunteer@operationrednosenorthshore.com or get more info online at www.operationrednosenorthshore.com

Gift of Warmth for every test drive this month! Gift of Warmth packages (warm blanket, warm socks, and hand warmers) will be donated on your behalf to the less fortunate in our community for your simple test drive.

Brought to you by the Rotary Clubs of the North Shore. Donations support youth programs in North and West Vancouver. Follow ORN on Facebook @ORNNorthShore Download the ORN Mobile App to get our local number fast - available from the App Store or Google Play

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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS The Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir will perform Christmas music with Argyle school’s choir Friday, Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m. at Centennial Theatre, 2300 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver. $32/$29/$12. 604-984-4484 centennialtheatre.com ART IN CLAY A holiday pottery show and sale with works by more than 25 artists displaying original and functional pottery in contemporary and traditional designs Saturday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Gleneagles Golf Course, 6190 Marine Dr., West Vancouver. westvancouver.ca/ gleneagles

CEDAR GARDEN CHRISTMAS FAIR will take place Saturday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m.3 p.m. at 1250 Cedar Village Close, North Vancouver. There will be silent auction items, homemade crafts, baking and a large selection of jewelry. FOREST OF MIRACLES In response to housing insecurity and homelessness on the North Shore, the Dundarave Festival will host a display of decorated trees at Dundarave Beach in West Vancouver in support of the Lookout Society’s North Shore Shelter. There will be free family entertainment on Dec. 10 and 17. dundaravefestival.com

FOWLIE & FRIENDS CHRISTMAS SPECIAL A tribute to the TV Christmas special with live music and comedy Saturday, Dec. 10, 6:30-9 p.m. at Caulfeild Cove Hall, 4773 South Piccadilly Rd., West Vancouver. Admission starts at $15. There will also be a free craft fair from 1 to 5 p.m. fowlieandfriends.com GOT CRAFT CHRISTMAS MARKETEighty vendors in a wide range of categories such as hand printed T-shirts, ceramics, jewelry, paper goods and more will sell their wares Dec. 10 and 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Pipe Shop, 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver. gotcraft.com

A MAGNIFICENT CHRISTMAS North Shore Chorus will perform selections from Bach’s Magnificat in D major and John Rutter Saturday, Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m. at Mount Seymour United Church, 1200 Parkgate Ave., North Vancouver. Admission: $20/$15/$5. WINTER CONCERT OF DANCE Anna Wyman students will perform Saturday, Dec. 10, 4 p.m. at Centennial Theatre, 2300 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver. $5-$25. 604-9844484 centennialtheatre.com CHRISTMAS CLASSICS Laudate Singers will perform traditional Christmas music with seasonal favourites from

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the 16th century to today Sunday, Dec. 11, 3 p.m. at St. Andrew’s United Church, 1044 St. Georges Ave., North Vancouver. $25/$20/$10. 604729-6814 laudatesingers.com CHRISTMAS CRAWL J. Knutson, William Ross Chernoff, Gabriel Dubreuil and special guests will perform Sunday, Dec. 11, 1-3 p.m. at The End of The Line General Store, 4391 Lynn Valley Rd., North Vancouver. Admission by donation to the North Shore Harvest. HANDEL’S MESSIAH International soloists, the 95-voice Pacific Spirit Choir and instrumentalists will perform Sunday, Dec. 11, 2-4

2pc carving set. List: $36.99.

$2199 44% OFF! 35cm/14” carbon steel

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stir fry with assist handle. $89.99 List: $89.99.

42cm stainless steel multi-roaster with rack and cover. List: $355.99.

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$3499 ON NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 11TH ONLY AT:

NORTH VANCOUVER

MING Wo Cookware Capilano Mall 35 – 935 Marine Drive Pearsons Home Hardware 1329 Lonsdale Avenue

WEST VANCOUVER

Herzog Crystal Park Royal 902 Park Royal Mall South

Information & dealers: 1-800-A NEW-POT or www.paderno.com. Not all locations open Sunday. Quantities limited, please be early. Sale items may not be exactly as shown.

p.m. at West Vancouver United Church, 2062 Esquimalt Ave. $35/$30. 604-922-9171 pacificspiritchoir.com NORTH SHORE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA will perform its annual winter Christmas concert with a wide range of Christmas music and singalong carols Sunday, Dec. 11, 1 p.m. at the Lynn Valley Community Room, 1277 Lynn Valley Rd., North Vancouver. Admission by donation of $15/$10 at the door. nschamberorchestra.org THE NUTCRACKER Seymour Dance students will perform Dec. 11 at 1 and 4 p.m. at Centennial Theatre, 2300 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver. Tickets: $23/$21/$18. 604-984-4484 centennialtheatre.com CAP JAZZ B3 Kings with Denzal Sinclaire will perform Christmas classics Dec. 14, 8 p.m. at Capilano University Performing Arts Theatre, 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver. Tickets: $30/$27. 604-990-7810 capilanou.ca/ blueshorefinancialcentre/ CAPTAIN HOOK’S REVENGE A panto classic adapted from Peter Pan Dec. 14-18, 20-23, 26-30, 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 17, 18, 26 and 31, 3:30 p.m. at Deep Cove Shaw Theatre, 4360 Gallant Ave., North Vancouver. $16. 604-929-3200 deepcovestage.com WINTER DANCE Vanleena students will perform Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. at Centennial Theatre, 2300 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver. 604-984-4484 centennialtheatre.com COOL YULE Festive and seasonal music via nostalgic favourites, jazz standards, pop tunes, singalongs and a few surprises Wednesday, Dec. 14, 8 p.m. at Presentation House Theatre, 333 Chesterfield Ave., North Vancouver. Admission: $15-$28. Tickets: 604-990-3474 or phtheatre.org.

Good hearing, but trouble with conversation? A lot of people have trouble catching what others say, especially in group situations, despite having good hearing. What a lot of people don’t know is that this may be caused by damage to the so-called motor or amplifier function of special cells in the ear. Fortunately, Swiss researchers have developed a hearing aid that can help balance this out. Many people have difficulty hearing others speak clearly on a daily basis. Bad acoustics, unclear pronunciation, background noise and music often make it challenging to catch what people say. This results in them having to repeatedly ask questions, straining to hear and perhaps avoiding discussions in large groups. As mentioned earlier, this may be caused by malfunctions in special cells in the ear. According to a theory proposed by hearing researchers, “motor cells” are a type of hair cell responsible for amplifying quiet sounds. They vibrate up to 20,000 times per second. If these

and dampen loud ambient noise can be a good solution for most people. This improvement in hearing can be achieved for some clients through the new rechargeable Phonak Audéo™ B-R hearing aids. The rechargeable system is easy to use and provides 24 hours‡ of hearing with only one charge and this cutting edge technology can significantly enhance the user’s ability to hear speech in company. The hearing aids attune to the person you are speaking to and can also recognize if ambient noise increases in the background.

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to enhance the clarity of speech. We are particularly interested in candidates who find understanding speech to be difficult and can benefit from a FREE trial† to see whether they notice an improvement.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

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north shore news nsnews.com

Your North Shore Guide to the games people play SPORTS NEWS? Contact sports editor Andy Prest at 604-998-3538 or email aprest@nsnews.com

Royals reach provincial final

Belmont tops Handsworth for AAAA volleyball gold ANDY PREST aprest@nsnews.com

The Handsworth Royals senior girls volleyball team proved to be one of the most talented young groups in the province this season, scoring silver after running up against the one team that was both a little younger and a little more talented than them.

Handsworth’s Kayla Oxland smashes a hit during the provincial AAAA volleyball championships Thursday. The host Royals scored silver, losing to Belmont in the final Saturday night. PHOTO PAUL MCGRATH

The Royals, defending provincial AAAA champs, weren’t necessarily favourites heading into this season given that six of their seven starters from last year’s championship team graduated, but there they were on their home floor Saturday night battling for gold again. This time, however, the biggest prize went to Langford’s Belmont Bulldogs, an upstart squad that won the title despite fielding a roster that did not include a single Grade 12 player. “They’re just a very talented group,” Handsworth head coach Tom Oxland said about the Bulldogs. “They’ve been playing together since they were in Grade 6 or something like that, pretty much the same group of kids. They know each other well and they’re very talented. And they’re big. They’re really big! That’s a good combination in volleyball – to be that talented and be big.” The Royals and Bulldogs actually battled twice at provincials, with Belmont also winning their opening round matchup 2-0. Fourth-seeded Handsworth rebounded nicely after finishing second in pool play, ripping off comfortable playoff wins 3-0 over Oak Bay, 3-1 over Kelowna and 3-0 over Semiahmoo to book a spot in the final. With gold on the line, however, the Bulldogs attacked hard and

fast, winning the first set 25-17 and then walking away with the second, 25-10. “They just sort of kept on edging forward and making a few big plays – maybe when we needed a big kill, they got a big block or a big dig,” said Oxland about the Bulldogs. “They were playing really aggressively and they made very few mistakes, and we made a few too many. It wasn’t like we were playing poorly. … Almost everything they did worked, and almost everything we did didn’t work.” The Royals pushed back in the third, taking an early lead, but couldn’t hold off the Bulldogs who took the set 25-22 to claim gold with a 3-0 match win. The Royals were left to come to grips with a bittersweet silver. “They were disappointed because they felt they could have taken it and they felt that they maybe didn’t play quite as well as what they’d hoped, but I think they also acknowledged that Belmont played great,” said Oxland about his players. “Sometimes you have to go out and say, ‘Hey, today the other team was better.’ And I think that’s what they kind of came to realize.” Belmont’s Savannah Purdy earned MVP honours, while Handsworth was led by setter/ right side hitter Kayla Oxland and power hitter Sarah Curleigh, both of whom earned spots on the first all-star team. Setter Brooke Cheng, middle Leah Schwartz, power hitter Danica Dickenson and libero Maggie Lawson also played key roles for the Royals. Oxland credited his young team – Handsworth only had four Grade 12s on the roster – with getting better and better throughout the season.

See Royals page 34

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A34 | SPORTS

nsnews.com north shore news

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

Royals and Bulldogs both boast lineups full of young players

Field notes

From page 33

“Way back in September we said what we want to do is peak at provincials, and we did,” he said. “They all came to this goal of let’s work really hard, not just on our volleyball skills but on our fitness, such that by the end of the season, by provincials, we’re doing the best we can and be playing our best volleyball. They said that was the goal, and that’s what they did. It worked – it really paid off.” The longtime Royals coach said this may have been the most driven team he’s ever coached. “There’s nothing like

perseverance, and the ability to work hard, to push you forward,” said Oxland. “As a coach you just feel really proud that they do that, and you don’t have to keep harping on them to work harder. They just do it. This might not be the most talented team that I’ve ever coached – I don’t think it is – but in terms of working hard and trying to get better day in and day out, this might be the team that really embodied that.” Oxland was also excited that his young players got to play at home in front of some huge, noisy crowds. Matches held during school hours featured raucous

students cheering on the Royals, while Saturday’s final was also played in front of a massive group of Handsworth fans. “It’s an experience the kids will never forget,” he said. There are also up to nine players on this Royals team who could be back next year, and they likely won’t forget the young Belmont team that knocked them down to silver. Both squads will be a little older and wiser next season, and it’s hard not to envision them meeting again in some high-stakes matches, maybe even a rematch of this year’s final.

Oxland, of course, isn’t interested in making those kinds of forecasts, but admitted that his returning players will likely have thoughts of that Bulldog attack bouncing around their minds all offseason. “I think they’ll be looking forward to playing them again,” said Oxland, adding that the players on both teams have gotten to know each other a little bit already, giving them a nice little friendly rivalry. “We really like them. It’s a nice, spirited rivalry now. You go out, the kids play really hard and then you can give each other a big hug and say ‘great job.’”

Hannah Haughn shows off the five national championship medals she’s earned at UBC. PHOTO SUPPLIED RICH LAM

UBC’s Haughn joins five-timers club

North Vancouver’s Hannah Haughn capped off a remarkable career with the UBC Thunderbirds last month by claiming MVP honours at the CIS-Field Hockey Canada Women’s Field Hockey Championships held in Toronto.

Haughn was instrumental in guiding the Thunderbirds into the final where they topped Victoria in a shootout, giving UBC their sixth-straight McCrae Cup national championship. The win also gave Haughn her fifth national title in five tries, making her and teammate Gabby Jayme just the second and third CIS athletes to ever win five women’s field hockey national titles. Haughn, a Handsworth grad, is also a mainstay on the Canadian national field

hockey team, having already racked up 118 caps in her young career. RUBY A GEM FOR SOCCER CANADA North Vancouver’s Jake Ruby was named Man of the Match as Canada topped Jamaica 3-0 in a men’s U-17 friendly soccer match Nov. 27 in Kingston, Jamaica. Ruby and the Canadians followed that win up with a 3-1 victory over Jamaica two days later, wrapping up an 11-day training camp. The Canadian squad is gearing up for the 2017 CONCACAF Men’s Under-17 Championship, scheduled for April 21 to May 7 in Panama. The top four CONCACAF teams will qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, running Oct. 6-28 in India. – compiled by Andy Prest

CAPTURE THE FLAG Nathan Lowden of the Westside Knights tries to slip by Mateo Chow of the 49ers during the flag division championship game of the GSL North Shore Football League played Nov. 27 at Confederation Field. The Knights claimed the flag (U10) title while the Westside Reds won the peewee (11-12) championship and the GSL Lions won the minor (13-14) division. Visit nsnews.com to see more photos. PHOTO CINDY GOODMAN

Adopt A Family

Help North Shore families overcome life-crises

* Adopt a family for Christmas dinner for $40 * Adopt a family for the season for $200 * Adopt a family for the year with sponsorship Change a life, close to home this season by ‘extending a hand up, not a hand out’ For more info & to donate online: harvestproject.org Mail: 1073 Roosevelt Crescent, North Van V7P 1M4

A38 |

nsnews.com north shore news

TIMEOUT! WORD SEARCH

BACTERIA CALIBRATION CELLS CHEMICALS CONTROL COOLED CORRECTION DISEASE DISINFECTANT

EQUIPMENT FOODBORNE HANDLING HANDWASHING HAZARD HEATED ICE INTESTINE LEFTOVERS

Solutions can be found in next Wednesday's issue.

Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally & diagonally throughout the puzzle.

CROSSWORD

TEMPERATURE THERMOMETER TOXIC TRANSPORT UNCOOKED UTENSILS VIRUSES

OUTBREAK PARASITES PERISHABLE PLAN POISONING PREPARATION SANITIZER SERVICE SPOILED

SUDOKU

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

HOW TO PLAY:

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle! LAST WEDNESDAY'S SUDOKU SOLUTION:

CLUES ACROSS

ledger

6. 18-wheeler

1. Trades

35. Fruit coolers

7. Publish

6. Blown liquid

37. Say

8. Stamp out

11. Mexican dish

38. Kidney-shaped nut

9. TV commercials

13. Make fun of 14. Magazine worker 15. Surrounded by

39. Big monkeys 40. Shrill barks 41. Eyeball

43. Flee

12. Worn away 13. Glen

42. Destitution

46. Brutal

17. Demon

49. Threefold

19. Priest

50. Movie pig et al.

20. Mummy’s bed

51. Slackened

24. Afternoon movie

CLUES DOWN

18. Extent 21. Fail to include 22. Created 23. Brought up 24. Cry from a crib

1. Beef dish

25. Sleeping 26. Adjust, as a guitar

31. Helper

3. Ms. Dolenz et al.

30. Despise

32. Guys

4. Stroke

31. Hot-____ balloon

33. Entered in a

5. Motto

34. Be careful

LAST WEDNESDAY'S WORD SEARCH SOLUTION:

Sunday, December 11 @ 7pm Do you find yourself feeling a little ‘blue’ at this season? You are not alone. Life brings unexpected disappointment, sorrow and loss. The Christmas season arrives earlier, becomes busier and more commercial. Many of us find ourselves feeling empty during the longer, darker days of winter, rather than joyous expectation of the Christmas season. Our Blue Christmas service is an opportunity to enter a beautiful, quieted space that offers time for remembering and reflection. Everyone is welcome to join us for a service of worship, song and a message of hope. Blue Christmas creates an unhurried juncture in the Christmas season to be honest about the difficulty of life. Come, and be assured that God is with each of us in the unfamiliar landscape of change, discouragement and grief. Join us for hot cider and Christmas treats afterward.

West Vancouver Baptist Church

450 Mathers Avenue • West Vancouver • www.westvanbaptist.com

45. Driver’s compartment 47. Through Crossword puzzle answers use American spelling

LAST WEDNESDAY'S CROSSWORD SOLUTION:

19. Cavity

2. Walk through water

29. Mom’s man

37. Customer

10. Nonetheless

48. Carrier

28. Border on

43. Lessen 44. Briny deep

40. Hither’s partner

16. Director Craven

27. Harm

36. Unnerve

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

| A39

north shore news nsnews.com

Celebrate Safely this Season DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE

The ABCs of BACs: Blood Alcohol Concentration “I’ve only had a few.” “I feel fine to drive.” “I’m only going down the road.” “I’ll take the back roads.” Every day in this country, 4 people are killed and 175 are injured in impaired driving crashes. How many of those impaired drivers used those excuses to justify getting behind the wheel impaired? Alcohol affects judgment, hand-eye coordination, ability to focus, ability to see and think clearly, ability to recognize potentially dangerous or hazardous road conditions or situations. Drivers with even a little alcohol in their systems are more likely to be involved in a crash causing death than a sober driver. Age is a factor too. Young drivers are at increased risks for a crash. A 35-year-old man driving with an alcohol limit of between .08 and .099 is four times more likely to die in a crash than if they were sober, whereas a

19-year-old man driving with the same alcohol level is 20 times more likely to die in a crash. What Is Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)? Your blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, is the amount of alcohol in your blood. For example, if a person’s BAC is .05% that means they have 50 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millitres of blood. Alcohol moves through your bloodstream to your whole body. Your liver breaks down about 90% of the alcohol, with the remainder passing out of your body unchanged. This process takes about two hours for one standard drink. If you keep drinking during this time, the alcohol stays in your system until your liver is able to process it. So your BAC can rise quickly as you continue to drink. Your BAC will start to drop once you stop drinking, but it takes longer to fall than it does to rise.

CITY OF NORTH VANCOUVER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Your City Fireﬁghter Team reminds you to celebrate safely!

604-980-5021

Factors That Affect BACs A number of factors affect how quickly your BAC rises and drops. Body type, weight and food intake at the time of drinking can all impact your BAC. Body type, for example, affects the amount of blood you have. If you are lighter, you have less blood and your BAC will be higher than a heavier person who drinks the same amount. Also, muscle tissue contains more blood while fatty tissue contains more water. Since women tend to be smaller than men and have more fatty tissue, a woman who drinks as much alcohol as a man usually has a higher BAC. Myths About Sobering Up There are as many myths about how to sober up quickly as there are drinks to choose from. Think you can sober up more quickly by drinking coffee or water, jogging, taking a

MADD Canada. Visit www.madd.ca for more information about BAC and other important information about impaired driving.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from your Blue Bus Team!

from your

District of North Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services

One of the oldest continually operated municipal transit systems in North America!

PLEASE DON’T DRINK & DRIVE

shower, or taking a nap? Think again! The only thing that will sober you up and lower your BAC limit is time. If you are over the legal limit, it will take about six hours for your body to get rid of all the alcohol.

www.westvancouver.ca

ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON

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THIS

HOLIDAY SEASON, CELEBRATE

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A40 |

nsnews.com north shore news

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016