A historically significant home is up for grabs, but you have to move it
Bridge Brewing opening a new location in Norgate neighbourhood
North Van’s Grace McCusker helps team win national U21 title
District of West Vancouver council has once more voted to reject a code of conduct that would set ethical standards for the way council members are expected to behave.
In a 5-2 vote, the majority of council voted Monday to kibosh the policy which would have set standards for council behaviour. Those opposed said such a code was unnecessary, would result in a flurry of time-consuming complaints and potentially cast a chilling effect on freedom of speech.
In voting to reject the code, crafted over the past year by a committee including three councillors and members of the legal profession, most councillors said they didn’t want to open the door to excessive regulation that could be used to stifle dissenting opinions.
The code of conduct was brought before council as a direct result of a provincial directive that requires local councils to consider it.
Last year, district staff drafted a proposed code addressing such things as harassment, abuse of office, conflict of interest, handling of confidential or personal information, interference with staff or committees and preventing the outside activities of council members from undermining their integrity on council.
Rather than pass it, council struck a committee to look
at it. But the policy which resulted from that work encountered similar issues as the last version Monday night.
Pointed opinions about the need for such a policy – or lack thereof – were also aired before councillors cast their votes. Several members of the public – including a lawyer who sat on the committee that developed the policy –urged council to reject the code.
“These things don’t always work out the way they plan
to despite the best intentions,” said lawyer Dave Thomas. Thomas said such codes have been used to silence debate and would involve hiring an “integrity commissioner” to investigate complaints. “It’s very expensive,” he said. “A number of municipalities are finding that out now.”
“In my opinion this is a solution being forced on everyone in search of a problem.”
Continued on A24
A new 55-unit rental building on North Vancouver’s Xwemelch’stn (Capilano 5 reserve) has officially opened, marking one of the first housing complexes of its kind to be built on reserve land in Canada.
The Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) has opened the doors of Estítkw place, meaning “a safe place,” on Lower Capilano Road.
The four-storey, subsidized complex is designed for Squamish Nation members, with priority given to women and children, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA folks, people with mental health or substance abuse challenges, and people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
“This building was created to bring our family members home,” said Holli Wilson, manager of the Nation’s affordable housing organization Hiyám Housing, at the building’s opening ceremony on April 16.
“This is one of the very first projects of its kind in the country, welcoming our members home to the reserve, and it has been absolutely profound,” she said.
While the building officially opened its doors last week, it has housed members of particular need since November
“We have welcomed home family. It has been absolutely critical to bring them home, for them to have a place to call home, and for them to feel loved and to be welcomed exactly as they are,” said Wilson.
The complex has been designed to be more welcoming and accommodating than
traditional supportive housing, said Wilson.
Elements of Coast Salish design have been woven throughout, from the cedar walls to the splashes of bright red on the building’s edifice, the apartment doors and the walls within the units
Alongside the 50 apartments, Estítkw place features shared facilities including a common room, outdoor area and dining
space. An on-site chef ensures a steady stream of healthy cooked meals, often incorporating traditional fare like bannock, while supportive staff, described as “caretakers,” are on site 24/7, she said.
“We’d like to bring in as many services as we can, especially when it comes to different modalities of healing,” she said. “We’re looking at all the different counselling
we’re looking at getting a new clinic that will bring in nurse practitioners, doctors and pharmacies. Our main thing is to keep everybody safe and everybody alive.”
Resident Richard Billy, who was among the first to move in November, said the warmth that emanates from the building is unlike any other apartment complex –whether subsidized, supportive housing or otherwise.
“Living here is joyful,” he said. “You wouldn’t come here and think this is supportive housing.”
Billy, who was forced to evacuate his Kelowna rental last year after his landlord decided to sell the home he had been living in, said there is a misconception that all people living in supportive housing complexes like Estítkw are suffering from addiction.
“Some of us are here because we just fell into a bit of bad luck,” he said. “What happened to me could happen to anyone, and if it wasn’t for this building, I don’t know where I would be.”
After living in Kelowna for the previous 12 years, Billy said returning home to his roots, to Squamish land, has been like “taking a breath of fresh air.”
A new Squamish Nation census, published in January this year, found 83 per cent of those surveyed who do not currently live on reserve land indicated they want to return to Squamish territory. Housing, or lack thereof, ranked high as the barrier stopping them.
“This is the first time I’ve been on the reserve since I was eight and taken away,”
jseyd@nsnews com
For the third time in recent weeks, police on the North Shore found themselves dealing with a report of men with a gun.
On April 15, North Vancouver RCMP were called out around 6 p.m to a construction site at East 21st Street and Lonsdale Avenue where a passerby reported seeing
two men, one of whom appeared to be holding a handgun.
Officers arrived on scene and found two men matching the descriptions given to police. One of the men was carrying an airsoft pistol.
The men, both from Whistler and in their 20s, told police they had recently bought the pellet gun and were testing it out by shooting at a carrot in a grassy
area of the construction site.
The airsoft gun was turned over to police and charges aren’t being considered, said Const Mansoor Sahak of the North Vancouver RCMP
It’s the third time police have been called out recently to deal with people wielding what turned out to be imitation guns.
The first incident happened April 5 when West Vancouver
Police arrested a bus passenger who carried a fake gun onboard public transit.
Police stopped the bus near Marine Drive and 22nd Street and arrested a suspect, who was found in possession of an imitation gun.
On April 6 in North Vancouver, a man observed playing with what turned out to be a fake handgun outside the library was
arrested in a dramatic takedown at a bus stop on Lonsdale Avenue.
Sahak warned anyone who carries a fake gun in public can expect a police response to follow “It’s going to cause panic,” he said.
He added there’s no way for police to tell whether a gun is real or not from a distance, so officers have to assume the gun is real until they can verify otherwise.
Jennifer Clay, president of the North Shore Heritage Preservation Society, says the City of North Vancouver should have made a bigger effort to see the 1905 Allen Residence preserved. The house needs to be moved or dismantled this summer.
The house stands just back from the street, a little out of place among the high-rise towers in the next block and construction cranes in the background.
Nearby, businesses like auto mechanics have been giving way to hipster breweries as the Lower Lonsdale neighbourhood has grown up. Even the fir and cedar trees in the backyard easily eclipse the house’s modest gables.
The Allen Residence, built in 1905, has stood on this corner for more than 120 years, reflecting the changes of a city changing around it.
Patrick Allen, an Irish-born blacksmith, was the home’s first resident. Later, Allen moved out but continued to own the home and was later described in city directories as a “capitalist” and owner of the Gem Theatre.
By the 1920s, an electrical contractor had moved into the home
But despite its long history in the city, the fate of the home at 204 East First St., listed on the city’s heritage registry, is now a question mark as the municipality prepares to redevelop the block for 180 units of non-profit rental housing and a new North Shore Neighbourhood House.
The development will be built, in part, right where the current Allen House sits.
The city is now hoping a civic-minded
buyer will come forward with a plan to move the house to a new location.
The catch is there’s a tight timeline involved. Expressions of interest are only open until the end of this month. The house also needs to be moved by mid-July at the latest.
The house, if relocated, would also need “significant adaptive retrofits ranging from the structure itself to full accessibility, code, seismic and energy upgrades,” according to the city
Preference would be given to any proposal aiming to keep the home within the city, or on the North Shore.
If nobody steps forward to move the home, however, the house will have to be dismantled.
That option isn’t sitting well with North Vancouver heritage advocates, who had hoped the municipality would make a bigger effort to see the home preserved
“It’s part of the development of North Vancouver and so much of that is already gone,” said Jennifer Clay, president of the North Shore Heritage Preservation Society
Clay said heritage advocates understand the home must be moved to make way for the rental development, but had hoped the house could be moved to where park space is currently slated in the Neighbourhood House design and used as an accessory building.
For the fourth time since they began searching, the Department of National Defence has detonated a bomb found buried in the soil near the trails of North Vancouver’s Blair Rifle Range Lands.
UXO (or unexploded ordnance) contractors have been combing trails and woods off Mt. Seymour Parkway with metal detectors as part of a government program to rid legacy military sites of lost and forgotten munitions.
After finding a three-inch mortar shell with its fuse still intact on April 17, the crews called in explosive experts from the military Thursday morning. They deemed it would be safest to destroy the object on site, rather than take it away, and closed the nearby trails, piled sandbags on top of the shell and detonated a charge on it
The Blair Rifle Range Lands were used by the Canadian Armed Forces from the 1930s to the 1960s.
The Department of National Defence first began UXO work on the Blair Rifle Range lands in 2018, removing 200 kilograms of munition items and remnants from the
areas surrounding the trails on the southern portion of the site.
Since they returned in 2023, the UXO team has been focused on the wooded areas farther north,
finding another 145 kg, consisting mainly of expended or practice two- and three-inch mortars and parts; 37-millimetre expended fliterite rounds; paraflares; anti-tank practice rounds; and small-arms ammunition.
The types and volumes of munitions they are finding is in keeping with the “medium” risk level the Department of National Defence considers the remaining lands to be, said project manager Debbie Nicholls.
“This is pretty much what we expected from the work that we did in 2018,” she said.
Currently, some of the trails north of Larkhall Court are closed while contractors do their work. Starting in May, those trails will be reopened and trails to the south of Larkhall will be closed. Signs from the Department of National Defence on the site direct visitors away from closed areas.
So far, the crew has cleared about six hectares, with plans to get another two to four hectares done between now and the end
of June. The UXO team will be back in the fall with plans to clear another six to eight hectares by the end of the year, Nicholls added, which will require more temporary trail closures.
Nicholls said the work has been progressing well, in part because of the co-operation of visitors to the Blair Rifle Range Lands.
“The project is moving really smoothly I have to say the community has been great in respecting all of the trail closure signs and allowing us to do our work,” she said. “We thank you guys for that.”
Nicholls said there have been cases in the past of people tampering with UXO “and had some very detrimental consequences.”
“Those are the dangers. Obviously, we shouldn’t be touching these items,” she said. “If you ever see an item that looks like it could be a UXO, do not disturb it, leave it where it’s at and call 911.”
The Blair Rifle Range Lands are owned by the CMHC and the province.
It was another successful year for the North Shore News at the annual, esteemed Ma Murray Awards, with the paper bringing home two trophies and six topthree finishes.
In total the News picked up two golds, three silvers and a bronze at the event, which recognizes the best community journalism in British Columbia and the Yukon. The winners were announced Saturday at a gala at The Polygon Gallery in North Vancouver.
Reporter Brent Richter scored both a gold and a silver, the first place prize for a story published in November entitled Researchers Raise Alarm After Salmon Killed By Chemicals The piece, which uncovered the reason why dozens of poisoned coho salmon had washed up on the banks of Brothers Creek in West Vancouver, took home a win in the Environmental Writing Award category.
Richter also scored a silver John Collison Memorial Award for Investigative Journalism, for Evicted For Airbnb, North Shore Tenant
Says System Is Failing, a piece on the hundreds of illegal short-term rentals operating on the North Shore.
Reporter Jane Seyd also took home both a gold and a silver this year, bagging the top prize in the Outdoor Recreation Writing Award category, and a silver in the Feature Article Award category.
The first was for Medical Team Brings Lifesaving Skills To The Backcountry, a story about how a volunteer North Shore Rescue team is bringing ICU care to the mountains, while the latter was for a piece that offered a behind-the-scenes look at the evidence analysis process of a specialized RCMP unit – North Van Special Unit Uses Science To Solve Crimes.
Photographer Paul McGrath nabbed a bronze award for his profile photo of Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Elder Sam George. The photo was shot for Squamish Elder Sam George Releases Memoir On Surviving St. Paul’s Residential School, a story on George’s recently released book, The Fire Still Burns.
North Vancouver resident and former North Shore News publisher
Peter Kvarnstrom was also honoured at the event, receiving the Eric Dunning Award for dedication and service to the community news media industry. Kvarnstrom has championed the industry in a wide variety of roles since starting his newspaper career in 1991 as a classified sales representative at the North Shore News.
The paper itself received a pat on the back too, in the form of a silver award win for Newspaper Excellence. The award recognizes the overall quality of the paper’s print edition.
The District of West Vancouver values the opportunityfor dialogue and collaboration with membersofour community. Volunteering givesyou the opportunity to contributetoyour community and helps enhanceyour personal and professional network.
TheDistrict of West Vancouver is currently looking forvolunteersto fill vacancies on avarietyofcommittees:
•Arts&CultureAdvisory Committee
•AwardsCommittee
•Environment Committee
•North ShoreAdvisory Committee onDisabilityIssues
•MemorialLibraryBoard
TheDistrict is also accepting applications forothercommittees for anyvacancies thatmay arise during the year
APPLICATIONFORMS AVAILABLE:
FROM LEGISLATIVESERVICES: call 604-925-7004 to request aform
ONLINE: westvancouver.ca/beinvolved
SUBMIT: COMPLETED FORM RESUME
EMAIL: committees@westvancouver.ca
MAIL: LegislativeServices, 75017th Street, West Vancouver BC V7V 3T3
DROP-OFF: drop-boxoutside the 17th Street entranceofMunicipalHall
QUESTIONS? LegislativeServices: 604-925-7004
News about sewage tends not to be sexy, but when nearly $3 billion in cost overruns are involved, the potential tax bill has a way of getting our attention. Such is the case with current debates about who should pay for ballooning costs of the North Shore sewage treatment plant.
By default, most of that extra cost will likely fall to the North Shore – resulting in a bill of more than $1,000 annually, just to flush the toilet, which we would argue is profoundly unfair
The entire reason we have a regional government is because previous leaders saw wisdom in supplying and paying for infrastructure as a group. There are economies of scale when you build five or six treatment plants and not 21. The physical geography of our region also means it
only makes sense to build infrastructure in certain places.
We don’t ask Richmond and Vancouver to supply themselves with water That comes from the North Shore watershed.
The ballooning costs of the North Shore sewage plant have nothing to do with North Shore decisions For the past decade, this has been Metro’s project, and it is Metro’s staff and board who are ultimately responsible for it.
And if and when the wheels fall off another Metro Vancouver megaproject elsewhere, North Shore residents should be expected to chip in.
Of course, it would be easier for us how to decide how to share the increased costs if Metro was forthcoming in how they came about in the first place.
In the meantime, this is Metro’s mess to clean up.
If you tried to read this column aloud during a North Shore council meeting, likely you’d be stopped partway through. Not because the presentation is offensive or putting people to sleep – although I suppose that’s possible – but because your time would have expired.
It’s crazy Steadily and sadly over the years, the allocated time has shrunk for someone to present to council on an issue, particularly one that isn’t part of the day’s agenda. In the name of greater meeting efficiency, we’ve sacrificed greater public participation
This should worry us. Municipal
politics already suffer inadequate attention.
What not long ago were five and sometimes 10 minutes to speak to an issue or a proposal of one’s choosing has been reduced in recent years in the Districts of North and West Vancouver to three minutes. In the City of North Vancouver, it’s a miserly two.
A challenge: Try to present a perspective on an issue, with some substance, in two or three minutes. Fulfill the basics: Get the listener’s attention, state your line of reasoning, support it with evidence, address the counterarguments, and close with a memorable sentence or two.
Professionals can occasionally do it, newbies rarely can. And it often shows
when time expires before their thoughts are completed
While councillors have no restrictions on how verbose or performative or meandering they can be, members of the public are on the clock. Over the years, I’ve seen councillors on their phones, reading documents, passing notes – far removed from listening to those who have given over their evenings to say something that means something to them.
The province is complicit Two years ago, it passed Bill 16 to eliminate mandatory public hearings on building proposals if they conform with zoning specifications in a community plan The aim was to expedite projects, but an unintended consequence has been to diminish community
discussion on neighbourhood changes.
In West Vancouver, the public can speak for three minutes on most anything throughout the meeting. If it’s not on the agenda, input is scheduled at the end of a meeting. There are no limits on how many can present, but by placing speakers at the end of the meeting, it positions the exercise as a less meaningful addendum.
In the City of North Vancouver, council limits the number of two-minute speakers to five at the start of its meetings under its procedure bylaw And on its website in bold-face type is a bit of a warning: “Speakers may only speak on the same matter once in a three-month period.” It also reminds presenters to address the
Dear Editor:
I wish to express my gratitude to a stranger and her family
On the morning of Saturday, March 16, my constant companion, soul mate, and beloved therapy dog Rosie suddenly and unexpectedly passed away Although I raced to Mountainside Animal Hospital, she had already passed.
As I carried her in my arms, yelling for help, a man opened the door for me There was a woman there as well – her face was full of concern and sympathy I handed over my pup to the vet then sat down and sobbed. The woman, I’m assuming she was the wife of the man who opened the door, came over and held me while I cried.
She said to me, “You’re all alone. Can I hold you?”
Her son offered me a glass of water I will never forget this act of compassion to me, a stranger to this family. Your humanity and empathy in that moment mean more than you know
With so much turmoil in our world, you reminded me that people are good Like Mr Roger’s said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the
helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” Thank you for helping me.
Natalie Prichard North VancouverDear Editor:
Re: West Van puts brakes on one-block bike lane in Dundarave, April 10 news story
At a March 11 West Vancouver council meeting, council voted to reject a staff proposal to build a one-block bike lane in Dundarave. Fine, that council’s prerogative.
However I was disappointed to learn that prior to the vote, resident Don Wright quoted from an email he received from Mayor Mark Sager assuring him that “there is no support for putting the bike lane in.” Yet in the same article we learn that at least one councillor, Coun. Nora Gambioli, voted in favour of it.
It’s outrageous that Mayor Sager basically informed a resident beforehand that council would vote against the staff proposal. But perhaps no surprise, as a leopard never changes its spots, that he untruthfully said there was “no support” for it.
John Tak West Vancouvermayor as “your worship” or “mayor.” Quite encouraging, that.
In the District of North Vancouver, 30 minutes are allotted at the start of meetings for individual presentations “on any item of interest” – again, for only three minutes each. You do get a reserved seat in the chamber, though.
For something a bit better, head over the bridges. Five minutes are provided in Burnaby, and a more generous 10 minutes is provided in Surrey to present on a matter of “broad interest,” to “initiate interest and guidance to a solution” or to “bring council up to date on a project, idea or concept.”
The American founding father, Alexander Hamilton, coined the saying that “at times there can be too much democracy.” He worried about issues being swayed by passion instead of solved by reasoned deliberation.
April 24, 2024
Anon-descript industrial location in North Vancouver captured some attention during last week’scoverage of the federal budget for being “ripe for housing development”. What makes this noteworthy is that the land at 120 Charles St. is owned by Canada Post and is currently being assessed for potential development where apartment towers or other types of buildings could be built and paired with ground-level postal operations.
It’sasmall local slice of asweeping and unprecedented plan detailed in the budget to free up public land for housing that’santicipated will add 250,000 new homes by 2031 -with the overall new housing strategy expected to see 3.9M homes built by that date.
Today,governments across Canada are sitting on surplus, underused, and vacant public lands. By unlocking these lands for housing, governments can lower the costs of construction and build more homes, faster,at prices Canadians can afford.
Using public lands for housing is, admittedly,just afraction of Canada’s comprehensive and multi-faceted Housing Plan. But in my mind it illustrates the ingenuity,fresh thinking, boldness and vision that characterize the profusion of new initiatives in Canada’sHousing Plan designed to end our nation’shousing crisis.
The Union of BC Municipalities has said Canada’sHousing Plan, “…is significantinits scope and its scale of investment and shows arecognition of the important federal role in the funding and delivery of housing.”
Penny Gurstein, professor emerita with the School of Community and Regional Planning at the University of B.C., has said the federal government is listening to solutions from housing advocates and experts. “Our greatest need is housing and so Ithink this is areally,really good step that the government is making.”
meeting into numbing inertia, meetings can become marathons, and the repetition of arguments can be enervating. And yes, occasionally some intriguing conspiracies surface.
But the pendulum has swung too far and needs to swing back a bit. There aren’t any studies I can find that conclude our democracy benefits from the shorter citizen presentations. It’s merely an expedience for council’s convenience and a disincentive for the public to raise and discuss issues.
Ideally, council chambers should be lively places of dialogue, not simply stages for talkative politicians to be witnessed by quieted audiences. Letting more people talk a little longer – heaven forbid, to even go back and forth with an elected official –would be a small price to pay
Kirk LaPointe is a West Vancouver columnist with an extensive background in journalism. His column on North Shore issues runs biweekly. Continued
Sure, citizens can filibuster a
In the face of Canada’shousing crisis, the federal government is saying that whenever possible, public land should be used for homes -anhistoric shift in its approach to federally owned lands.
The new PublicLandsforHousing Programwill use every tool available to convert public lands to housing. They include building homes not just on Canada Post property but on Department of National Defence lands and converting underused federal offices into homes.
Local response to the initiative has been encouraging. “Bringing land into the mix does help us produce amore affordable product for the community,” says DNV Mayor Mike Little.
As an aside that Ihope is not interpreted as overly partisan, Icould not help but be struck by the contrast between the thoughtful, multi-faceted policy approach of Canada’sHousing Plan with the alternative solution articulated by the Conservative’s housing critic:
“Common sense Conservatives will build the homes by punishing gatekeepers that block home building and rewarding those who get homes built.”
This federal government is taking action to meet the moment and build housing at apace and scale not seen in generations. We did it when soldiers returned home from the Second World War, and we can build homes on that scale again to make sure that Canadians at every age can find an affordable home.
District of North Vancouver Mayor Mike Little has asked that taxpayers fromaround the MetroVancouver region shareinpaying forskyrocketingcosts for the new NorthShore WastewaterTreatment Plant, saying the $2.8 billion increase is too much forNorth Shoretaxpayers to bear by themselves.
Little made the appeal to his Metrocolleagues at aspecial budget workshop April 17,arguingthat the NorthShorewas not responsible for thedramatic cost increases forthe project and had nocontrol over those.The problem-plagued project now comes with aprojected cost of$3.86 billion, a huge increase over the last budget projection of $1.058 billion in 2021.
“We trusted the experts that the project could be delivered,” said Little in themeeting. “Wetrusted that Metrocould contain costs of this project. We werenot apartof any delays or changes to the project that wouldhave caused additionalcost to the project. We’rejust the recipientofthe bill without the power to change the project. The impact on ourcommunity is very large,” he said.
If no help comes from other communities, North Shorehouseholds could be looking at a$1,200 annualutility bill, just for sewage costs, he said.
No guaranteesofhelp from Metro neighbours
So far,however,Metro politiciansfrom aroundthe region have given no guarantees they’llcommit theirtaxpayers to ponying
up extra cash, with some arguing North Shoreleaders voted against cost sharing in thepast when other communities faced large infrastructurecosts.
Both CoquitlamMayor RichardStewart and RichmondMayor Malcolm Brodiesaid their communitieshave had to shoulder largeinfrastructure bills in thepast, in part because NorthShore municipalities and the City of Vancouver voted against regional
cost sharing 30 years ago.
“Thisissue hasn’t been fairly addressed historically,” said Stewart.
“Ifit’snot fairnow it wasn’t fairthen, and accommodation has to be made as far as I’m concerned,” added Brodie.
Burnaby Coun. Sav Dhaliwal added if Metrocommunities arebeing asked to “bail out” the North Shoresewage plant, politicians must think about doing the same for construction on the new Iona sewage treatment plant too.
Other politicians weremoresympathetictothe North Shore, with Area A director Jen McCutcheon stressing that the onlyquestion politicians need to decideis how to split the ballooning cost increases of the project. North Shorepoliticians “had no part in this nor did theirresidents,” she said.
Avote that wouldhave ended discussion on further financial help to the North Shorewas defeated, with directors opting to discuss the issueinmoredetailata futuremeeting.
Timing of taxhit also discussed Other issues discussed April 17 included whether it wouldbebetter to give
taxpayers the increased tax hitfor the project all at once –resulting in alarger tax hike next year –orspread that out over several years and pay moreinborrowing costs.
Thebudget workshop Wednesday is the first time regional politicianshave publiclybroachedthe topicofhow Metrowill pay for the enormous budget increase on theNorth Shore’snew sewage treatment plant, which is over $3 billion morethanits original cost estimateand 10 years behind schedule.
Under Metro’sexisting cost-sharing plan, NorthShoretaxpayers willface a potential average tax increase of $725 a year,just for the increase to the sewage plant costs, on topof$464 that homeowners already pay towards sewage treatment Vancouver homeownerswould pay $140 morethan their current sewage bill of $432 eachyear,while taxpayersin other parts of theregion would pay $70 or $80 more– up from the $300 they currently pay.
If Metropoliticians agreetoshare the bill forthe cost increases, average homeowners in all areas would see a$140 increaseintheirsewage bills.
Those figures don’t include other Metro fees for water treatment, garbage and regional planning, or for municipal taxes.
Politicians also broached the broader ideaofchanging the waycommunities payfor sewage treatmentand moving to a more regionalmodel of shared costs and expenses.
CAO JerryDobrovolnysaid thatwould take significant stafftime,includingassessments of who has paid what in the past as well as making projectionsintothe future.
If politiciansdecide theywanttomake thatchange,a new fundingmodel likely couldn’t be put in place beforetwo years, he warned.
City of North Vancouver MayorLinda Buchanan told the boardshe is “deeply concerned” that financial information needed by boardmembers to make decisions on “critical” issuesisn’t being providedin atimely manner, addingpoliticians need get that informationmorethan twohoursinadvance.
Metro boardmembers votedtocome back to another workshoptoconsider more detailed financial information before making decisionsonwho should pay for what
In an interview followingthe meeting last week, Little said he remainsoptimistic thatthe door has been left open by the majority of boardmembers to greatersharing of project costs.
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A group of inspired Sherwood Park Elementary school students might just be the North Shore’s next generation of entrepreneurs.
Patrice Mousseau, an Anishinaabe member of the Fort William First Nation and founder of North Vancouver skincare brand Satya Organics, led a class workshop on Friday as part of a larger, day-long event on Indigenous business.
Mousseau taught the students to channel Indigenous knowledge and use natural ingredients to craft salves and bath bombs, enhancing the session with informative business tidbits and insight into her own journey of success.
“She not only talked about Indigenous culture and skincare, but the bigger picture of how to be an entrepreneur. She told of how her story started and how a business like hers can really be created by anyone,” said Helen Cranstoun, the school’s Grade 6/7 teacher
“She broke down the financial literacy of how to create a product, what costs look like and what it means to have a revenue profit.”
The workshop bolstered the students’ confidence and encouraged them to be less fearful of the often intimidating world of business, said Cranstoun.
“I can really tell that they now feel like anyone can start a business. If you really have a problem that you’re solving that you really believe in, and you have perseverance and you don’t give up, then
anyone can do this.”
Mousseau, who has watched Satya grow from a small passion project to a multinational business, said she hoped the event helped the students understand that working in business can be accessible to everyone.
“There’s no reason whatsoever that they can’t go out and start their own
business as well,” she said. “It is absolutely possible for them to recognize that entrepreneurship isn’t just for certain people, it’s for all people and you can decide what it is that you want to accomplish in the world. What problems you want to solve and what things interest you.”
When Mousseau first began crafting skincare – at home with a second hand,
Betty Brownwas anurse whostarted ShyloNursing Servicein1980 when sherecognised the need forHomeHealth Care on TheNorth Shore. Shebuilt asolid business whichMargot Ware (the current owner) appreciated when herfamily membersneeded carein1985. Thenextyear,Margot joined Shyloand beganher journeytotrain as a RegisteredNurse andlater certified as aGerontological Nurse.Margot eventually bought thecompany when Betty retired.Since then,underMargot’s leadership, Shylo haswon severalawardsinrecognitionofbeing a local leader in Home Care,a testamenttotheir unwavering commitmenttotop-quality careservices ACCREDITED BUSINESS Call 604-985-6881 fora FREE In-HomeAssessment. ShyloHomeHealthcare.ca
$15 Crock-Pot in 2012 – it wasn’t with business in mind, but a response to her baby daughter’s recent eczema diagnosis, and a backlash against the toxic, fragrance-laden lotions that were suggested by doctors.
Word spread of Mousseau’s all-natural, Indigenous-made products, and before long other parents were flocking to her North Vancouver kitchen to try it for themselves. Selling at farmers markets on the weekend snowballed into nationwide stores like Whole Foods and Shopper Drugs Mart stocking Satya, and now products are available in thousands of stores throughout Canada, the U.S. and Hong Kong.
Satya’s repertoire of products has expanded to encompass balms, salves and bath products, and just last month the brand was announced as a recipient of $200,000 worth of government funding – enabling it to expand production even further.
“Letting people know that success like this exists in the world is important. That business can be just as much about helping people as it can be about making a profit,” said Mousseau.
“I didn’t go to business school. In fact, I didn’t go to any school. We’ve always been told why we can’t do things, and most of it is gatekeeping to keep us from pursuing our dreams and ideas. More people could be pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams.”
Mina Kerr-Lazenby is the North Shore News’ Indigenous and civic affairs reporter This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
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Living among the stars, astronauts crave ataste of home.
Juicy tomatoes, sweet strawberries, fresh lettuce andameaty,mushroom-based protein can all be grown in atwo-cubic-metre box, asystem called CANGrow, which has just wonits creators a$380,000 grandprize in anational space food contest.
Over the past year and ahalf,aNorth Vancouver team withmembers from Ecoation Innovative Solutions and Maia Farms have competed against 70 applicants across Canada, which whittleddowntofour finalists last April, to winthe Deep Space FoodChallenge. The national contest has been furnished and judged by the Canadian Space Agency,and has an American counterpartrunning concurrently south of the border,run by NASA.
The CANGrow team has demonstrated the ability to build some extremelysophisticated technology that could have an impact on the future of space travel and the ability forhumanity to populate other planets, explained the project’shead farmer,Gavin Schneider,who’s also CEO of MaiaFarms.
But the judges first really wanted to see that the technology could have an impact on earth, he added.
“One of the things that we’relooking at for the commercialization of this is deploying it in remote northern communities,” Schneider said.“[Places with] alot of food insecurity, an inabilitytoaccess fresh produce.”
Existing alternatives like container farms areoften toobig, tooexpensive and toodifficult for one person to manage, he said.And greenhouses have seasonal restrictions.
“Wewanted to [build]something that a single personcould operate, with as minimal labour required to be able to producethe largest amount of food,” Schneider said. “And this is what we wereable to do.”
Inside CANGrow’sseparate drawers areenvironments optimized for growing different crops–tomatoes, strawberries and lettuce in the current version. An array of sensors monitor the plants, and alertthe operator of any tasks that need to be done.
Aseparate module on the side of the unit is outfitted with “bioreactors,” where mycelium–the networkofthreadsthat
make up fungi –isgrown via fermentation. In this case, the mycelium is aspecialvariety that provides ahearty protein source, rich inamino acidsand other key nutrients.
Withsome basic training, an operator can produce aprotein harvest every seven days and fresh lettuce every20days.
Tomatoes take 55 days from seed to first fruit,while strawberries can takenineto 12 months to grow aplant from seed, but will continue to produce berries after that.
Overall, the system can producearound 700kilogramsoffood per year,Schneider said,with the aim of supplementingthe diet ofaround four people, in additiontoother foodsources like carbohydrates.
Simple-to-run system provides nutrition as well as psychological benefits, creator says Also important to CANGrow are itsrelativelysimple inputs.
“The only thing that this unit requires is 120-volt power,and agardenhosehooked up to be able to run, whichisveryunique forthistypeofsystem,” Schneider said.
The system recirculates all of its water and is outfitted with acompostingunitto minimizewaste, he said.
Following the Space Food Challenge victory, the prize money is being distributed
among the 15-member team, whohave effectively been leading double lives throughout thecompetition, Schneider said.
Next, the CANGrow team will focus on buildingnew iterationsofthe unit,and work towarddelivering other commercial applications for the technology
The District of North Vancouver is on track to meet if not exceed the number of net new homes the province says the municipality should be completing.
In the fall of 2023, the district was one of 10 governments flagged by Housing Minster Ravi Khalon for failing to deliver enough new housing. The ministry set for the district of 2,838 net new homes by October 2028.
Halfway through the first year since the targets were introduced, the district has completed 388 – more than three quarters of the annual goal of 499. Beyond that, there are another 2,614 new multi-family homes already approved through rezoning but not given building permits.
“This does give us an indication that not only are we on track for the first six months, that we may be well on track for the entire five years,” senior planner Tina Atva told council. “Of course, we will need to see how things unfold.”
In his conversations with developers, Mayor Mike Little said the biggest factor impacting when new projects break ground is interest rates, which remain too high for
some developers to finance their projects.
“You may have a bit of a gap moving through the system if they’re anticipating waiting for preferable borrowing conditions,” he said. “Some of those things are outside of our hands. They are tied to the economic conditions, the risk profiles that the development community is comfortable with.”
Coun. Jim Hanson expressed frustration with the district even being named to the so-called “naughty list.”
“I remain at a loss to know why we were singled out in such a prominent way for this housing order when what was mandated upon us … is actually to produce less housing than we have been,” he said. Coun. Lisa Muri added the province’s housing targets are too focused on delivering market rentals and stratas and not enough below-market homes that would be accessible for local workers She went on to criticize the province’s direction on housing more broadly
“The one power that we have is land use. The province has removed that from our ability and they are not focusing on affordable housing,” she said. “The supply and demand rule of decades ago
A construction worker hangs out on the job at a new North Van apartment. The District of North Vancouver says it will meet new provincial housing targets.
is not working in this community Why?
Because when you have three ski hills in your backyard, when you have beaches at your doorstep, when you have world
class trails, when you are an hour and a half away from one of the greatest places to ski in the world, there’s a price to that. Location, location, location.”
One of the first breweries to ferment inNorth Vancouver is bringing anew location to the rapidly expanding Norgate neighbourhood.
An application by Bridge Brewing to build alounge at 1123 West 15th St. was passed by District of North VancouvercouncilonApril 8, without anypublicdebate.
As outlinedina staffreport,Bridge Brewingintends to renovateanexisting industrial buildingtoaccommodate a brewerywith alarge tasting room.The plan includes acustomer service area on the ground floor,anoutdoor veranda on the second-floor mezzanine and asmall patio facing West 15th Street.
Therewill also be trees and bicycle parkingadded in the area between the building’s facade and the sidewalk.
Twomaximum occupancies have been proposed. On weekends (9 a.m. to 11 p.m.) andweekday evenings (5 p.m. to 11 p.m.), the brewerywill be able to host 142 people. Andonweekdays (9 a.m. to 5p.m.) the location willseat up to 100 people.
According to staff, 15 members of the public registered their supportfor the new brewery, saying that it would add “vibrancy and passive surveillance of the area after regularbusiness hours” andthat thereputation of Bridge Brewing would be apositive influenceonthe community
Therewerethree public responses raisingconcerns,mostly relatedtoavailability ofon-street parking.
Inresponsetothe parking concerns, Bridge proposedthe lower capacity during regular business hours. Astudy also showed that many parking spots arevacant duringevening hours.
District staffsupported the proposal, as it will provide avenue in the area that will appeal to thelocal businesscommunity,while creating minimal expected disruptions.
More space will allow Bridgetohost eventslike weddings and parties
Bridge Brewing co-owner Leigh Stratton says her team had been searching for the right spot to open anew breweryfor several years.Bridge’scurrent breweryinLynn Creek is “always full” with only20seats, and its tasting room on Lonsdale Avenue doesn’tbrewonsite
“Wewanted to createanother space whereguests can go in, seethe brewing process happen, talk with the brewers,” Stratton said.
The Norgate brewerywill also servea more diversemenu, she added, with freshly made pizzasand healthy bowlsonoffer
Bridge’scurrent space limitations restrict them from hosting eventslikeweddings and other parties.
“We’reexcitedtohost different things, and be partofmilestonesinpeople’slives,” Stratton said.
After renovations arecomplete,and additional licensing is secured, the new breweryshould be readytoopenits doors byspring2025, she said.
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Electric kick-scooters are likely hereto stay –atleast for anotherfouryears.
City of North Vancouver andDistrict of North Vancouver councils both votedApril 8 to extend their inclusion in the province’s pilotproject to legalize e-scooters until 2028.
Themicromobility devices have been permitted on North Shorebike lanesand some North Shorestreets since 2022
Thetwo-yearpilot, which was launched by theMinistryofTransportation and Infrastructure,was intended to allowthe province and participating municipalities to gather safety and usage datathatmight informfuturelegislation to make them permanent. Underthe rules, you do not need a driver’slicence to ride e-scooters, but you mustbeat least 16 yearsold. Helmets are mandatory.
In North Vancouver,they arepermitted onlocal streets that do not have asolid painted line separating lanes, on anymobility/bike lanes, and paved multi-use paths like the Spirit Trail or Green Necklace.
According to the province, injuries and conflictswithother road and path users are rarewhen scooter riders follow therules, and therehas been general supportfor the program in the municipalities where it was introduced. City council members had no qualmsabout extending the pilot but they werestruck by the lack of data from the province and Vancouver Coastal Health before making adecision.
“The interim results arereallynot results. They’rereally just veryblanket statements,” MayorLinda Buchanan said. “I’m not really surewhy we’rehaving to do another four yearsofapilot if people aregenerally supportive of it…. I’m not surewhat morewe’re going to learn in four years that perhaps we don’t know.”
According to staff, the city has been
collectingsomeofthe data but it is not being released publicly
City staffsaid the length of the pilot is likely tied to alonger-term project from the province– modernizing the Motor Vehicle Act, makingitmoreattentive to vulnerable roadusers who aren’t in motor vehicles.
Council’svote to extend the pilot was unanimous, with several noting that it advancesthe city’sgoals of giving people moresustainable transportation options.
“Theyare verypopular,Isee them all over,Isee them all over theplace and I’m veryhappy about that,” Buchanan said, adding thatthe minimum age should be lowered to allow younger kids theoption of taking them to school. “I’m happy to participate in it. Ijust think, from my perspective, council isgoing to need alot moreinformation from the province.”
District of North Vancouver council membersalso raised safety concernsbefore castingtheir unanimous vote in favour.
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Zoning Amendment BylawNo. 8960, 2024 120-128 East 14th Street
Purpose: Thepurpose of theproposedBylaw is to rezone the subjectpropertyfroma CentralLonsdaleMixedUse B(C-1B) Zone to aComprehensive Development760 (CD-760) Zone to permit thedevelopment of a21-storey, residential(164 strata units) andcommercial(retail andoffice) mixed-usebuilding.
SubjectLands: Thelands that arethe subjectofthe proposed Bylaware shownonthe insetmap,witha civic addressof120-128 East14th Street.
LegalDescription:Lot 9, Block50, DL 549, Plan 5938 Lot10, Block50, DL 549, Plan 5938
Bylaw Readings: Considerationoffirst, second andthird readings of theproposed Bylawwillbeatthe RegularCouncil MeetingonMay 6, 2024
Access Documents: Acopyofthe proposed Bylawisavailablefor inspection online anytimeat cnv.org/PublicNotices from April24toMay 6, 2024.
Provideinput: Writtensubmissions only,including your name andaddress, maybeaddressedtothe CorporateOfficer andsentbyemail to input@cnv.org,or by mail or delivered to City Hall, no laterthannoononMonday, May6,2024,to ensure availabilitytoCouncil at themeeting.NoPublic Hearingwill be held,asit is prohibited by section464(3) of the LocalGovernmentAct No public in-personor onlinesubmissions on this matterwillbeheard at theCouncil meeting
Watchthe Meeting: Onlineatcnv.org/LiveStreaming or in person at City Hall, 141 West 14th Street.Enter City Hall from 13th Street after 5:30pm.
Questions? Matthew Menzel,Planner, planning@cnv.org /604-982-9675
141WEST14THSTREET /NORTH VANCOUVER/ BC /V7M 1H9 T604 985 7761 /F 604985 9417 /CNV.ORG Notice of Proposed Zoning Amendment Bylaw- No Public Hearing
You’reshopping at yourlocal grocery store, and younotice amiddle-aged womanberating asenior couple for not speaking English.
“You’reinCanada –learnto speak English,” she says.
Feeling unsureofwhat to do, you might stay silent eventhough you want to help.
That’swhy aprotocolhas been developed by the North Shore Anti-Racism Network,togive people the tools to take action in situations like these.
The network itself is made up of numerousorganizations including Family Services of the North Shore, Providence Health Care,North ShoreWomen’s Centre, Capilano University,as wellaslocal municipalities, public libraries and police
With reports of hate crimes on the rise, both acrossCanada and locally, the province-run Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network tasked itsNorth Shorecounterpart with developingaset of guidelines for responding to race- and hatebased incidents or crimes in local communities. The resulting North Shore Racism Response Protocol issimilar to othercommunity protocols that respond to disasters, traumas and other crisis situations, according to its creators.
But insteadofjust reacting when things go wrong –such as
reporting incidents afterthe fact – the new protocolis designed to beproactive,which can involve preventing problem situations and actively intervening when they occur.
Whenyou witnessracism: See, Speak,Stop, Support
When an event like the grocery storescenario unfolds, thereare four “S” words to follow,explains Lorelei Phillips,director of partnership engagement with Impact North Shore, which spearheaded development of the racism
response protocol.
The first step is See: “assessing the situation,seeing if other people arenoticing what’shappening. And to make eye contact with the couple sothat they know they’re beingacknowledged and not alone,” Phillips said.
Next, the Speak component is about demonstrating your support by engaging in the situation.
“If it’sappropriate, asking the couple something about what’sin their cartorwhat they’reshopping for –just trying to interact with them sothey feel that someone is
can escalate quickly,soPhillips emphasizes that you should only do what feelscomfortable and safe.
“Supporting the people who’ve experienced racism is really the key part,” she said.
Finally,ifthe couple wanted it,you could provide Support. “Staying thereuntil the person leaves them alone, and asking them if they need any support,” Phillips said.
Partofthe last step could be connecting them with some of the resources includedinthe protocol, likecalling acrisis line for emotional support, or helping them reportthe incident.
with them,”Phillips said.
If other folks arenearby,you can ask them to stand with you to create space betweenthe couple and the person creating the problem. “You’rebuilding safety around the people who areexperiencing racism,”Phillips added.
The third word is Stop. If it’ssafe to do so, you can say something directlytothe person making the comments. “It could be something like, ‘That comment is racist. Please leavethe couple alone,’” she said
But in some situations, things
“If there’samanager,orstaff person at the storeyou can connect them with, thatwould be an exampleofhow to reportthat,” she said. “[Or] policeresources, potentially,ifsomeone wants to make aformal report.”
Some people might just continue with theirshopping trip, and be thankful for the help, while for others it might be an extremely negative or triggering event.
“It’s not necessarily alinear process,” Phillips said. “It is a number of different components that will need to be used at the discretion of the situation and the individuals involved. Every situation is very unique.”
The four “S”framework falls withinthe protocol’s
STEP program of Safety & Prevention, Taking Charge, Event Documentation and Reporting, and Providing Care.
Police-reported hate crimes rising nationally and on the North Shore,statistics show
While the grocerystorescenario is hypothetical,incidents of hate and racism in our communities arereal. And troubling statistics show that reports of these kinds of situations areon the rise.
According to StatisticsCanada datareleased in March, the number of hate crimes rose nationally
by 83 per cent from 2019 to 2022.
In B.C., the number of police-reported hate crimes were10.2 per 100,000 (roughly 543 incidents) in 2022, compared to 11.8 in 2021 and 6.3in2019 (roughly 320 incidents).
Compared toother provinces, British Columbia ranked third highest, behind Nova Scotia (11.1 in 2022) and Ontario (12.7 in 2022). Most of the increases were attributed to targeting arace or ethnicity,and sexual orientation.
Onthe NorthShore,around athirdofthe population (34 per cent) identify as visible minorities, per the latestcensus data from 2021.
Impact NorthShoreconducts
annual client surveys, with the 2024 version showing one-in-eight people experienced “an attack, harassment or discrimination that they believe is based on their skin colour,ethnicity,religious affiliation or race in the past year.”
Most of these incidents happened while walking on the street, at aplace of business or at school.
“A lot of those types of situations arenot reported,” Phillips added.
Since introducing the racism response protocol lastyear, Impact North Shorehas been
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receiving encouragingfeedback about the initiative.
“Wehave seen reallypositive responses from employers on the North Shore, which is great,” Phillips said. “North Vancouver Chamber in particularhas been a big champion of the protocol.”
Phillips hopes uptake of the protocol among the business community continues, along with the efforttospread awareness.
“Across the North Shore,you’ll see some organizations [are]displaying posters andthingslikethat around the #STEPUpNorthShore campaign, to create more awareness, not just within the organization, but generally across
the community,” she said.
To spread the wordabout the protocol, the #STEPUpNorthShore campaign was launched, in supportofthe efforttoequip andmotivate people to intervene during incidents of racism.
Currently,the response protocol is aself-serve tool with no formaltraining program, Phillips said.
“But if folks areinterested andhavequestions about how to implement that, I’dencourage them to reach out to us. We’vegot our community@ impactnorthshore.caemail, and we can certainly have those conversations.”
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brichter@nsnews.com
The District of North Vancouver has bought two residential lots in the Parkgate area for $2.5 million –but no onefrom municipal hall can explain why.
The purchase ofthe properties at 3250 and3252 Mt. Seymour Pky.went through in Januarybut wasonly made public in the April 8council agenda.
Asked for an explanation for the purchase, the district offered little detail.
“Thereare no plans for the lands at this time. The district bought two parcels adjacent to land it already owns to create alarger landassembly,” astatement from district spokesperson Ryan Schaap said. “Futureuse of this land will be at the discretion of council.”
Together,the twolots were last assessed at $2.6 million.
To keep rents lower,Vesely said he’d planned to getlong-term CMHC financing and build the apartment with no underground parking, which can add$60,000 to $100,000 per stall to the cost of abuilding.
“Wehave two big problems on the North Shore. One, the car trafficoverhere and two, affordable housing units for the young,” he said. “It basically has to be targeted for youngpeoplethat aren’t buying cars, and there’salot. Some of my friends’ kids don’t getlicences anymore. It is on a mainbus route.”
That plan thoughwas subject to the district beingwillingtosell itsadjacent properties.Veselysaid he presentedthree options for the number of below-market units that couldbeincluded in the project based on differentsale pricesfor the land.
Vesely said his company spent about $400,000 on planning, surveys andarchitectural designs for abuildingthat would be built to the highest level of B.C.’senergy step code for efficiency.
“I thought that was kind of awin-win foreverybody,” he said. “So they took it to the counciland theyvotedbehind closed doors. They nevertoldmewhy they wouldn’t sell the property.”
In November 2022, afire brokeout in a long-boarded up home on one of the lots. Initially,the North VancouverRCMP deemed it suspicious, but the investigation never led to any charges. DistrictofNorth Vancouver Fireand Rescue Services found that hydrohad been illegally connectedto thehouse but the structurewas so damaged, it was unsafe to send members in to further the investigation.
With the futureofthe properties in question, the former owner is speakingup about what could have been.
Ray Vesely, principal of Apex Western Homes,said he bought the propertiesand approached the district with aproposal that wouldhave seen them redeveloped with rental housing at apricetargeting younger residents.
In frustration, Vesely said he gave up and put the propertiesonthe market last year,leading to the district’spurchase
Vesely said the experience has put him offattempting anyfurtherprojects in his hometown.
“Tobequite honest, I’m alittle frustrated,” he said. “Itseems like it’s a struggle heretodostuffsoI really would rather not work in the district anymore.”
Mayor Mike Little declined to comment on the matter.
MUNI MONEYsaid resident Tanya McKay.
McKay, who was forcibly removed from her home and her family as a victim of the Sixties Scoop, said reuniting with her family on Squamish Nation land has been one of the highlights of living at Estítkw place. Learning the cultural traditions, language, dances and enjoying the food – especially the bannock – alongside other residents has built a sense of community and made the complex feel like home, she said.
McKay was made homeless last year after rising rent costs forced her to leave her former “stable home” of 10 years, she said.
“For a lot of people this is now their forever home, and it really feels as though we’ve been helped out,” she said. “I haven’t felt this safe or secure in a long time.”
Mina Kerr-Lazenby is the North Shore News’ Indigenous and civic affairs reporter This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
Estítkw place, a new supportive housing complex, officially opened its doors in North Vancouver on Tuesday, April 16 MINA
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Sandi Leidl told council while she agreed in theory with a code of conduct, the document before council was “over the top.”
Coun. Linda Watt said she was very uncomfortable with an “integrity commissioner” who would be “judge, jury and executioner.”
Kamloops currently has multiple investigations underway based on breaches of the municipality’s code of conduct, she said. “It’s a slippery slope,” she said.
Coun. Sharon Thompson said at the meetings she attended, committee members struggled to define words like “bully”
“discomfort” and “unsafe” in the context of harassment policies.
“You have to ask yourself what’s reasonable and what’s not,” she said, adding the policy could easily become a trigger “for endless complaints.”
Coun. Peter Lambur and Nora Gambioli, who both sat on the committee which drafted the code, urged their fellow councillors to adopt the policy
Gambioli said the code of conduct speaks to the district’s need for accountability, protection from liability and leadership.
“Those are the things we should be concerned about,” she said.
Gambioli said during work on
municipal business not conducted in public, “I have witnessed on numerous occasions colleagues who have acted with disrespect, with harassment, with intimidation towards staff and each other and who have effectively gotten away with it because there is not a clear mechanism for complaints or enforcement.”
Gambioli added as a councillor she has been required to attend “mandatory training on many occasions … thanks to the intimidating behaviour of my colleagues towards district staff.”
Those comments drew a response from Coun. Christine Cassidy, who said “I don’t know
what universe Coun. Gambioli is living in, but her definition of harassment does not meet mine.”
Cassidy said while council members were free to disagree with each other, she had not witnessed the type of incidents described by Gambioli. “I’ve never seen it and I’ve never experienced it,” she said.
Cassidy described the code of conduct as “another layer of bureaucracy that this council and other councils don’t need.”
It was a year ago that council sent the original draft code of conduct out for consideration by the committee.
Since then, it was publicly
revealed that Mayor Mark Sager was the subject of a workplace harassment investigation after a complaint was filed by district staff. The results of that investigation were never made public. Sager also had his licence to practice law suspended for two years by the Law Society of B.C. after admitting to professional misconduct in his handling of a will. An investigation into “irregularities” in Sager’s reporting of election expense spending is currently still being conducted by Elections B.C. The previous West Van council vociferously debated and ultimately rejected adopting a similar bylaw in 2021.
WHAT: Apublic hearing will be held regardingproposed Zoning BylawNo. 4662, 2010,Amendment BylawNo. 5328,2024.
WHEN: 7p.m. on May6,2024
WHERE: Municipal Hall Council Chamber,750 17th Street,and via Webexelectronic communicationfacilities. Attend in-person or via Webex(visit westvancouver.ca/webex);orwatch the hearingat westvancouver.ca/cc.
SUBJECT LANDS: Newdefinitions for“financial services”, “financial institution”, and “vape retail” would applytoall zoned lands where commercial uses arepermitted. Proposed bylawamendments to conditions of use would apply to AC1, AC2,and C2 zoned sites in Ambleside and Dundarave’scommercial areas. Thesubject lands areshown shaded on the map
PROPOSED ZONING BYLAWNO. 4662, 2010,AMENDMENT
BYLAWNO. 5328, 2024: wouldenhanceretail diversitybyamendingthe zoning bylawto: 1) introducedefinitions for“financial services”, “financial institution”,and “vape retail” uses, and prohibit vape retail in every zone; and2)amend the AC1, AC2,and C2 zones in Ambleside and Dundarave’scommercial areas, to:add businessorcommercial school, fitnessand body care, healthcareoffice,pet careestablishment, and veterinarymedical clinic to the existinglist of uses which, combined, must not occupymore than 20% of the widthofthe ground (sidewalk level) floor of each block face;limit pharmacy use, including pharmacy in aretail storeorhealth care office,tofivelocations in Ambleside and one location in Dundarave; and prohibit financial services use from locating on the ground (sidewalk level) floor
COUNCIL WELCOMES YOUR INPUT: All persons who believe their interest in propertyisaffected by the proposed bylawwill be given an opportunitytopresent written submissions and to be heardduring the publichearingregarding the proposed bylaw. To participateinperson, please attend the CouncilChamber at the time listed above.To participateby electronic communicationfacilities, please call 604-925-7004 on May 6, 2024 to be added to thespeakerslist. Instructions on howtoparticipateare available at westvancouver.ca/ph
PROVIDE YOUR SUBMISSION: via email to correspondence@westvancouver.ca;via mail to Municipal Hall, 75017th Street, West Vancouver BCV7V 3T3;oraddressto LegislativeServices and placeinthe drop boxatthe 17th Street entranceofMunicipal Hall. Please provide written submissions by noon on May 6, 2024 to ensure their inclusion in the public informationpackage forCouncil’s consideration. No further submissions can be considered by Council afterthe public hearing has closed.
DETAILS: Theproposed bylawand other documents that Council mayconsider in decidingwhether to adopt the proposed bylawmay be inspected at westvancouver.ca/news/notices and Municipal Hall, April 19 to May 6, 2024 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., MondaytoFriday, excluding statutory holidays)
A Canada Post warehouse in North Vancouver’s Maplewood industrial area is one of several the federal government is considering for redevelopment into housing.
The 2024 budget released last week notes that the building at 120 Charles St. is “being assessed for housing development potential.”
“As part of its work to build homes on public lands, Budget 2024 announces that the government will take steps to enable Canada Post to prioritize leasing or divestment of post office properties and lands with high potential for housing, where doing so maintains high service standards for Canadians,” the budget document states.
District of North Vancouver Mayor Mike Little said the plan to turn a North Van Canada Post facility into housing would make a lot more sense if they were talking about the one on Harbour Avenue near Main Street.
If the government is contemplating new homes on the Charles Street Canada Post property, the residents living in them will be about a six-minute walk to the nearest bus stop on Dollarton Highway and a nine-minute walk from a grocery store. But Little noted they’ll also be sidled up to heavy industrial land uses which can produce loud noises and pungent smells sometimes at odd hours. The Charles Street property is in earshot of Allied Shipyards and noseshot of the North Shore Recycling and Waste Centre.
“It would be very, very hard to incorporate residential There are very incompatible uses in the immediate neighbourhood,” he said. “It’s not an area that we’ve prioritized for housing, that’s for sure.”
The property itself has light-industrial zoning, which the district is generally protective of because of its capacity to generate employment and form part of the tax base.
“And so it would have to have a broader conversation with our community about whether we were contemplating a change,” Little said.
The property was last assessed at a little less than $5.6 million ($3.8 million for the land and $1.8 million for the warehouse).
Little said he sought clarity from Burnaby NorthSeymour MP Terry Beech about whether the government intends to build on the land or sell it and use the money to purchase property elsewhere for housing. When the federal government is looking to divest surplus lands, it typically goes through First Nations consultation and land claims first, Little noted, adding that Beech wasn’t able to immediately clarify.
On the subject of the federal budget, Little said he and the rest of Metro Vancouver’s mayors were both shocked and disturbed to see the feds were not committing the money required for the next round of transit expansion in the Lower Mainland, including a bus rapid transit line from the North Shore to Metrotown.
“It seemed to be an area where we had concurrence between the provincial, federal and local governments –that [funding] had to grow and our support for transit had to be there,” he said.
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Here is aphoto of 12-yearold Delmar Germyn workingasa “skidgreaser”in1924. Adangerous job, skid greasers were tasked with applying dog-fish oiltothe wooden skidstoensurethatthe felled logs would moveefficientlydownthe skidstothe mills.
Delmar wasone of sevenchildrenborntoCharles andMay Germyn,settlersinLynnValley wholived on BurillAvenue aftermovingfromOntario
Charlesworkedasa teamster andlumberman.Thisphoto is from Walter Draycott’sphoto collection whichdocuments theearly logging industry in Lynn Valley.
As we race deeper into the digital age, many museums and galleries are embarking on digitization projects that ensure their offerings can be viewed anytime, anywhere.
Now the BC Sports Hall of Fame has joined the game, making the largest known permanent gallery in the world dedicated to Indigenous sport accessible at the click of a button or the swipe of a thumb.
The Indigenous Sport Gallery at the BC Sports Hall of Fame can now be experienced through virtual reality by anyone in the world from the comfort of their own homes.
“We wanted to find a way to have more British Columbians learn about Indigenous sport history,” said the project’s lead, Shelby McCannel. “It was important to bridge that gap and bring learning to people who might not be engaging with us on a normal, day-today basis.”
The digitized edition of the all-encompassing exhibit includes a 360-degree virtual tour of the gallery, with additional made-forscreen features not found in the bricks and mortar building. Those include video profiles of 14 featured athletes and honoured members, alongside 3D interactive artifacts
Visually pleasing and easy to navigate, the site also includes an interactive timeline and map, and vibrant illustrations from səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) artist Olivia George.
The online edition has been created to cater to all manner of virtual guests, no matter what age or level of tech savvy, said McCannel.
“When we were creating the site we took into account how everyone has different levels of comfort with technology, as well as different ways of accessing it,” she said. “For the virtual tour portion, we have a desktop version that allows visitors to navigate and learn from the comfort of their homes, but then you can access that same virtual guide with the VR headset, and have that more immersive feel.”
For those who have yet to equip their homes with a futuristic VR device, the desktop component is equally as immersive and engaging, McCannel added.
The physical Indigenous gallery, the largest known permanent gallery dedicated to Indigenous sport in the world, was launched in 2018 as an expansion of the BC Sports Hall of Fame’s former Aboriginal Sports Gallery. The gallery spans a 1,500-square-foot space and features more than 40 past and active Indigenous athletes, including the likes of Terry Fox, Carey Price, Jack Poole, and the 1936 North Shore Indians lacrosse team.
In its relatively short tenure it has already racked up a fistful of awards, including winner of the 2019 Canadian Museums Association Award of Outstanding Achievement, in the Exhibitions category, and the 2019 Best New Exhibit in the World award, granted by the International Sports Heritage Association.
While the virtual addition is an incredible feat for the gallery, there is still no better experience than visiting the exhibition in person and seeing the artifacts up close and personal, said McCannel.
Being able to share such important stories, regardless of the medium with which they are shared, is an honour for those at the gallery, she added.
“It’s such a big thing for us that we’re able to share these stories, because Indigenous athletes and their families in the Indigenous sport community have shared them with us,” she said. “We’re just happy to be able to offer a place to showcase them.”
The virtual Indigenous sport gallery can be access through indigenoussportgallery. com. Mina Kerr-Lazenby is the North Shore News’ Indigenous and civic affairs reporter This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
A North Vancouver curler who took her talents to the East Coast has been rewarded with a national title after helping Team Nova Scotia claim gold at the 2024 Canadian under-21 curling championships.
Windsor Secondary grad Grace McCusker played lead for the team skipped by Ally McNutt that scored a perfect 10-0 record to win the U-21 national championships held last month in Fort McMurray, Alta. The win earned the foursome a trip to the World Junior Curling Championships scheduled for February of 2025 in Italy
North Van’s Grace McCusker throws a rock for Nova Scotia at the 2024 Canadian under-21 curling championships held in March in Fort McMurray, Alta. BRODIE EVANS
Winter Club junior program for two years before the club eliminated its curling rink, forcing McCusker to join the Royal City Curling Club in New Westminster
McCusker is in her second year at Dalhousie University, having helped the Tigers win silver in the USports Championships in 2023 and bronze in 2024. She has succeeded in the sport despite having limited facility options on the North Shore. She competed in the North Shore
The name McCusker may sound familiar to curling fans – Joan McCusker won an Olympic gold medal for Canada in 1998 on a team skipped by the late, great Sandra Schmirler Joan is apparently a relative, albeit a slightly distanced one: she’s married to Grace’s dad’s cousin.
Continued
That option was rejected by the city, however, as too expensive.
If that wasn’t feasible, said Clay, another solution would be to move the house to a city-owned lot across the street on St. George’s, where two other heritage buildings already stand
By instead putting out an eleventh-hour request for proposals, “they’re leaving it to chance that someone else is going to take it,” said Clay. “Heritage is being left at the bottom of the heap.”
“It’s no small thing to plan to move a house,” said Clay, adding the tight time frames will narrow down the list of prospective buyers.
Nickel Brothers is the expert company involved in most house moves in the Lower Mainland.
The costs of moving a home can vary considerably – depending on whether utility wires must be moved, trees must be trimmed or permissions obtained to cross public land, neighbouring properties and whether a home is being moved by truck
or by barge. But they can easily run to $100,000.
Success stories do exist, however
Recently the 1912 landmark “little yellow schoolhouse” was moved from the site of a future school in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood to a site on Squamish Nation land, where it has been reborn as a Squamish language centre.
Anyone interested in moving the house has until next week – April 30 – to submit a proposal.
BREAR, Ashley
December 12,1983
−April 22, 2006
Your wings were ready but our hearts were not.
Love you always and miss you forever.
Love, Marisa
“All who wander are notlost”
Doug Clark
May 10, 1931 -April 11,2024
Agreat dad, a great man,a great senseofkindness.
Dad left,witha peacefulheart, on hisown terms. No service, but pleaseraise aglass and alwaysbe generous with your time,kind to animals and quicktosmile
“Thank youverykindly,over and out”
Giovanna was born in GrumoAppula, Bari, Italy on September 9, 1946; passed away in North Vancouver,BritishColumbia on April 18, 2024 at theage of 77 years. Giovannawas predeceased by her husband Carmelo, andissurvived by her lovingchildren, Mariagina (Andrew),Anna (Dave), Gerry (Unjali) andher wonderfulgrandchildren, Giancarlo,Nadia, Luca, Milana, and many other family and friends.MassofChristian Burial will be held at St.Francis of Assisi Parish, 2025 Napier Street,VancouveronThursday,April 25, 2024 at 10:30am, burialwill follow at Ocean ViewBurial Park,4000 ImperialStreet,Burnaby.Inlieu of flowers,Giovanna wouldlike donationssenttoALS Societyhttps://als.ca orthe ICUUnit of Lions Gate Hospital.
Louisedied peacefully,inthe presenceoffamily, at theNorth ShoreHospiceonApril 13, 2024. She is survived by her daughter Vivian,and two grandsons. She is alsosurvived by her sister Marion Hill in Winnipeg, andher large extended Dutchak family of nieces and nephews, their children and grandchildren.
BornApril 25, 1930 on her parents’farm near Angusville,Manitoba, she wasthe 8thof9children. AfterWWII, the family moved to Winnipeg, where shecompleted high school in St.James.Achurch choir member andsoloist,she also competed as a sprinter.Gifted in visualarts,she chose the practical course of secretarial training. In the mid 1950s, followingtwo elder sisters, she movedto BC,becomingdeeply attached to North Vancouver and its mountains.She worked in administrativeroles in the early days of CBC Vancouver television news where she met her husband, areporter,Rex Ellis.
After the marriage ended, Louise moved forward asasingle mother,seeking new workplaces, new connections throughthe North Shore Single Parents and St. Martin’sChurch. Upon retirement as aBCpublic servant, she qualified in early childhood development,working in afterschool and childcare until her mid 70s,forming lasting attachments to the children in her care. She was vibrant, independent in her 90s -avidly communicating by telephone, cards and email with an extensive network of family,friends and acquaintances; agood friend in the Kiwanis Towers community -until recent strokes. Specialthanks to extended family,Louise’sfriends and former colleagues for your kindness and supportinher last weeks. Also, to the Lions Gate Hospitalneurological team and the gracious care of the North Shore Hospice. Memorial service: St. John the Evangelist Church, Thursday,April25th at 1:00 p.m. Furtherinformation at www.mckenziefuneralservices.com.
We are heartbrokentoshare that William “Bill” Joseph Gleeson departedfromour lives too soon on April 17th at Lions Gate Hospital, surrounded by his family
Hewas born on March 25, 1956, in Vancouver, BC to John “Jack” and Kathleen Gleeson. He grewup in Vancouverwhere he graduatedfromSaint Patrick RegionalSecondary School. He went on to acareer in the automotive industry,starting as an apprentice and working his way up to becoming an owner/operator. He built and ran successful automotive repair shops in Kitsilano, Balfour,and eventually East Vancouverwhere he startedMain Street Automotive and operateditfor the last 24 years before retiring late last year.
Bill had apassionfor his family,sports, watching films, being out on the water, andtrips to Hawaii. As abusinessman, hewill be rememberedfor his integrity,work ethic, and dry wit. As abeloved husband,father,grandfather, brother,and friend, he will be rememberedfor his devotion, compassion, resilience,generosity, and consistently putting the needs of othersbeforehis own.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Cindy; his children, Dylan (Jenna), Derek (Sally), Samantha (Josh); 5grandchildren; his brothers and sisters, Mary,Anne (Mike), Michael(Cynthia), John, Melaney; his sister-in-law, Fran (Patrick); and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Predeceasedbyhis father,Jack; his stepfather, Hugh; his mother,Kathleen; and brother,Patrick. Amemorial servicewill be held on Tuesday,April 30th at Boal Chapel at 11:00am in North Vancouver. He will be laid to rest at North VancouverCemetery. In lieuofflowers, donations can be made to Lions Gate Hospital Foundation.
June 17, 1929 −April 11, 2024
Born in Dorfgastein, Austria, Guspassed away peacefully on Thursday,April 11, 2024, at the age of 94. Gus will always be rememberedasa wonderful husbandtoIsobel for over 51 years, father, and grandfather.Survived by daughter Heidi (Les); son Paul (Trish); grandchildren Sydney, Garrett and Preston; and many family members and friends in Vancouver, Ontario, Texas, Austria, and New Zealand.
Gus loved spending time with his family and was an avid skier, gardener, and fisherman.Gus moved to Canada in August of 1951 at the age of 22, landing in Quebec and working in forestry and mining. Eventually, he headed west, working at the North Shore Shipyards for several years until he established his career as the Manager of Property & Office Services at H.A. Simons for over 42 years, where he met his wife Isobel and so many friends. He enjoyed spending time in PenderHarbouras well as walking in the neighbourhood he lived in for over 60 years.
Thanks to all the staff and caregivers at Amica Edgemont Village and Dr. Paisley Howard.
No service by request. Celebration of life with family members.
John Cook Markham, 80 passed away peacefully on Tuesday, 09 April 2024 at the Berkley Care Centre, North Vancouver, surrounded by his loving family. John is predeceased by his beloved wife, Netta and is survived by his son Brent and daughter Andrea. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1943, John and Netta emigrated to Canada in 1967 He proudly served as a Sergeant with the Vancouver Police for 25 years and will be sadly missed by his extensive family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the charity of your choice
June passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of April 12, 2024. She was predeceased by her husband Joachim Hahn in 1997
Left to celebrate her life are her children Anthony Hahn (Diane), Fiona Hahn (Kirk), her sister Kay Levings (Colin), grandchildren Ariel Street (Jordan), Dawson Szabados, Dylan Hahn, great grand child Ophelia Street, niece Megan Levings and nephew Ian Levings.
June was born on July 17, 1933 in Midale Saskatchewan She graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in English and moved to Princeton BC to teach grades 9 through 12. After a one year stint, she moved to Vernon BC where she continued her teaching career, and met her future husband Joachim Hahn.
June and Jo moved to Vancouver and married in 1957, and celebrated their reception at The Tea House Restaurant in Stanley Park. They built their dream home in 1961 on Madrona Crescent in West Vancouver, where June resided for 62 years While living on Madrona, June continued to teach and raised her two children, and was very active throughout her life with the North Shore Unitarian Church.
In later years, she attended Elder College, was an avid reader, enthusiastic theatre goer and art lover, and consummate hostess. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and friends June lived a long and very interesting life She will be deeply missed, and will live on in the memories of the many people she touched.
The family would like to thank the nursing staff at Lions Gate Hospital, Dr Ross Taylor, and the wonderful staff at Amica for their dedication and care
A celebration of life will be held on June 1st at 12 PM at North Shore Unitarian Church, 370 Mathers Avenue, West Vancouver Contributions to a charity or worthy cause of your choice in June’s memory would be greatly appreciated.
To write a condolence to the family, please visit www.squamishfuneralchapel.com
IRLAM, Moira (Bunty)
April 25, 1922 −December 19,2023
With sadness, the family of Bunty Irlam announces thepassing of our dear mother. She was born in the seaside town of Eastbourne, England.During WW2, shejoined the British war effort, driving an ambulance for the War Office. Bunty was swept off her feet by our father, Ken, when he was stationed near Eastbourne while serving in the RCAF. In 1947, they moved to Canada and settled in Dad’s hometown of Winnipeg. The family later moved to Vancouver in 1952, thentoDeep Cove, where they remained for over 30 years.
Bunty loved to be busy and enjoyedmany activities swimming in Deep Cove, walks on the seawall in West Vancouver, volunteering at SilverHarbour, tripstoPalm Springs and Waikiki, playing bridge with friends, and especially time with family. Bunty was predeceased by her husband Ken, and brother John. She is survived by her sister Gene and sister−in−law Flo. She also leaves behind her four children, Robert (Gladys), John (Cheryl), Susan (Greg) and Barbara; her loving grandchildren, Stephen (Denise), Michael, Kristy (Shawn), Heather (Trent), Nicole (Jordan), Lauren (Gary), Adam, Morgan (Chris), and Ryan (Krista); and great grandchildren, Olivia, Kade, Madison, Grayson, Sophie, Wyatt, Asher, and Kiara.
We will remember Bunty’s extraordinary life on May 25 at 1pm at the Boal Chapel in North Vancouver. Areception will follow.
MITCHELL, Ann
December 11, 1937 −April 13, 2024
Themoreyougive, Themoreyouget, Themoreyoulaugh, Thelessyoufret. Themoreyoudo unselfishly. Themoreyoulive abundantly. Themoreof everythingyou share, Themoreyou’ll alwayshavetospare. Themoreyoulove, themoreyou’llfind, Thatlifeisgoodand friendsarekind.
To place an Obituary, In Memoriam, or Memorial Service, please call Nadia at 604-653-7851 or email
nmather@glaciermedia.ca
As you share the stories and the memories of how they lived their lives and how very much they meant, may you find comfort...
Our loved mother, grandmother and friend passed away peacefully. BorninYorkshire, Annmovedto Canada in 1967 with her family. During her career teaching art, kindergarten and as aDistrict Resource Teacher in West Vancouver,she was known forbeing warm, caring, capable and fun. Ann enjoyed travelling widely, visiting family and friends. Her art and personality created abroad groupoffriendships connecting her to the North Shore community and beyond. Her children, David (Marie) and Sally (Barry), six grandchildrenand two great−grandchildren will miss her greatly.
Foronlywhatwe giveaway, Enrichesus fromdaytoday.
TeresaPiercey-Gates
We will be celebrating her life on April 27, 1− 3pm, at her home in North Vancouver.For condolences and memories, please see Boal Chapel’s website.
LAM PO YUEN, Sip Kow
February 16, 1937 −April 15, 2024
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Papa, Sip Kow (George), on April 15, 2024, at the age of 87. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his lovingfamily at Lions Gate Hospital. Thank you to the caring doctors, nurses and staff at LGH Palliative Care, who brought much comfort to his final days.
George was avery proud and happy family man. George leaves behind his beloved family −the love of his life, Man Chu (Jane), wife of 53 years; his children Marie−Lise (Jean−François), Clifford (Dawn), Cheryl (Hai), Anthony (Hilda), and Dannie (Georges); grandchildren Alice, Alexis, Ian, Aidan, James, Sherry−Lynn (George), and Jordan (Kelly); and the extended family. Predeceased by parents Po Yuen (Paul) Lam and Mee Min Chung.
George was born in Port Louis, Mauritius. Hewas the seventh of ten children. In the 70s, George married his love and best friend, Jane. Afew years ater,they immigrated toCanada, where they eventually settled in the District of North Vancouver. They opened amarine business. George had agreat entrepreneurial spirit and, along with Jane, established aflourishing company.
ACelebration of Life will be held at West Vancouver Baptist Church, 450 Mathers Avenue, West Vancouver, on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Funeral (Wake) Viewing: Noon to 1:00 PM. Funeral Service: 1:00−2:00 PM. Areception to immediately follow in the church.
The family wishes to thank all for their support and ove at this sad time. In lieu of flowers, please make atribute donation to Lions Gate Hospital Foundation −Hospice &Palliative Care −inloving memory of George.
https://lghfoundation.com/tributes/georgelam/
George was loved by many and will be dearly missed and never forgotten. He eaves behind alegacy of love and cherished memories for all who knew and oved him.
November 14, 1944 - March 30, 2024
Jytte slipped away peacefully to be with her Lord, Jesus, her parents, and her nephew Bradley Wait on March 30, 2024.
She is survived by her sisters Helen Wait (Rick), Ann Larsen and her nephews Cory Wait (Denise), Kris Larsen, 5 great nephews and nieces, cousin in Canada, Lena Yurick (Bill) along with many cousins in Denmark. She will be missed by dear friends Leah, Cheryl, Lana, Lee, Jo-Anne and James, John, and Mary along with her first Canadian friend Janet. Jytte leaves behind many cherished friends through her Hair Styling Career, her Capilano Christian Community Church in North Vancouver and Westwood Community Church, Port Moody
Jytte was a hairstylist from age 17 to well into retirement She owned CJ Styling Boutique in Edgemont Village for over 40 years. One of her many joys as a Stylist was ‘first hair cuts’ for toddlers, children.
For over 20 years Jytte volunteered with NS Family Services’ inaugural Palliative Ward at Lions Gate Hospital.
Over the past severa years, Jytte struggled with health issues; now at peace.
A Celebration of Life for Jytte is being held at 11:00 a.m on April 27, 2024, at Westwood Community Church, 1294 Johnson St., Coquitlam, with light lunch to follow.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to Jytte’s nephew’s Foundation would be appreciated: www.bradwaitfoundation.ca
Expressions of sympathy can be made at www.burquitlamfuneralhome.ca
604-936-9987
MARTIN, Edward J.
April 17, 1931 −April 13, 2024
Celebrate
Celebrate
With great sadness, the family of Edward (Eddy) Martin announces his peacefulpassing on Saturday,April 13, just shyofhis 93rd birthday. Eddy is survived by his wife Ursula(nee Stefani); children Eric (Wendy), Steve (Arlene), Sharon (Brad) and John (Sharon); his seven wonderful grandchildren whom he adored, Spencer, Tyson, Andrew, Cody, Sarah, Jasper and Micah; brother Johnny(Marie); sister Marge; cousinLinda; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved to spendtimewith at family gatherings and celebrations.Hewas predeceased by his brother Tookie (Eileen). Eddy was aman of many skills and, in his early years, was alogger, miner, diamond driller and forkliftdriver travelling all over northern parts of BC, Yukon and the Northwest Territories, all before settling down in North Vancouver and beginning his career working at PacificGreat Eastern Railway (PGE)/BC Rail in 1957 as atruck driver. Eddy joined the CYOatSt. Edmund’s Church, where he met the love of his life, Ursula, andthey married in 1959. As they started their family and the children grew, Eddy was invo ved in the communityasasoccer and baseballcoach. Eddy retired in 1992 fromBCRail. He took on many projects around the house and in the garden, enjoyed painting in his workshop and, most of all, loved working with his brother Tookieatthe airplane factory. Eddy also loved to spend time with his brother Johnny, sharing stories and discussing politics and sports at their weekly gatherings.Our dad lovedwatching the Canucks and BC Lions games and always lookedforward to his Grey Cup parties with his brothers, sons, and grandchildren by his side to cheer on their team. Eddy was awonderful father, husband, brother, uncle, papa, and friend. To knowhim was to love him, and he will be missed by many every day. We would like to thank the loving staff and caregivers at Sunrise of LynnValley, who took great care of Dadfor six years. To the caregivers andnurses at Evergreen House 3South, who got to know Dad thesepast four weeks, you made him comfortable and eased his pain when he needed it the most.
Afuneral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday,April 24, at 11:00am at St. Edmund’s Catholic Church, 545 Mahon Ave, North Vancouver. Please come and join us for areception following the Mass at St. Catherine’s Church 1058 Ridgewood Dr, NorthVancouver.Inlieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.
To place an Obituary, In Memoriam, or Memorial Service, please call Nadia at 604-653-7851 or email nmather@glaciermedia.ca
Scattermenotto restlesswinds, Nortossmyashes tothesea.
Remembernow thoseyearsgoneby Whenlovinggifts Igavetothee.
Remembernowthe happytimes Thefamilyties weshared.
Don’tleavemyresting placeunmarked Asthoughyou nevercared.
Denymenot onefinalgift Forallwho cometosee Asinglelasting proofthatsays Iloved...&you lovedme. byDJKramer
August 1, 1929 - April 15, 2024
Bob passed away peacefully after a brief stay at North Shore Hospice. He is survived by his daughter Carolyn Marshall, husband Peter, grandchildren Gordie and Anna, friend and companion Marlene Starr Predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Elaine, daughter Mary Ann, and brothers Bill and Jake.
Born in Vancouver, Bob worked for BC Telephone Company for over 30 years before retiring He was active in the Vancouver Rotary Club for many years. Bob and Elaine lived in Caufield in West Vancouver for 25 years where they were active in the West Van Yacht club and enjoyed many years sailing the local waters In 1993 they moved to Arbutus Ridge on Vancouver Island Bob loved to play golf and continued to play well into his eighties. In 2003 they returned to West Vancouver to be near the grandchildren where Bob was active with the Fit Fellas at West Van Senior’s Centre and continued to golf at Gleneagles. After Elaine’s passing in 2017, Bob moved into the Westerleigh independent senior living community where he met Marlene Starr Bob and Marlene remained close until his death
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Lions Gate Hospital, North Shore Hospice, and BC Cancer for their care Bob asked that there be no funeral or service
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eleanor Oakley, after a brief, and heroic second battle with cancer Born on January 27, 1947, Eleanor passed peacefully from this world, surrounded by her family, on April 9, 2024 at Lion’s Gate Hospital She is survived by her loving husband of 55 plus years, Rick, and beloved sons Matthew (Stacie) and Trevor (Kayla)
Please visit First Memorial’s website www.dignigtymemorial.com for full obituary
A Celebration of Life will be held in Eleanor’s honour at 2 pm on Saturday, May 4th, 2024 at Highlands United Church. Reception at Highlands after the service
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the 48th Baden-Powell Scouting Guild (c/o Dawn Martin-Smith at scouter.dawn.nsa@gmail.com), which wil be setting up an educational scholarship/ bursary for Scouting youth in Eleanor’s name
September 10, 1930 - April 9, 2024
It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Dorothy Edith Paulley on the morning of April 9th at Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver, BC. She was 93 years old. Dorothy/Mom/Grandma/Great-Grandma will be lovingly remembered by her daughters Cheryl, Kim (George) and Deborah (Ed); grandchldren Sean (Cheryl), Michelle (Fran), Charlotte (Nathan), Nicole, Natasha; great-grandchildren, Vanessa and Matteo. She was predeceased by her brothers, Bill, Jimmy, Patrick, Ralph and her sisters Margaret and Alice, and is survived by her sister Evelyn.
One of Dorothy’s greatest passions was her love of singing, a love she passed on to her children and grandchildren. Songs and sngers from musicals, especially Judy Garand, were her favourites. Her resemblance to Elizabeth Taylor was noted throughout her life, starting with seeing National Velvet and her family remarking: Our Dodie looks just like her! She was a very fashionable lady and worked at Eatons, Fairweather and Irene Hill over the years. She took pride in wearing stylish clothes and was often complimented on her fashion sense and how great she looked
Dorothy showed strength, optimism and determination throughout her life, such as when she got her drivers license at 44 years, a milestone that supported her growing independence. Dorothy/Mom/Grandma/Great-Grandma was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.
A memorial service to honour and celebrate the life of Dorothy Paulley will take place on Monday, May 13th, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Boal Chapel, 1505 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver, BC
August 23, 1928 −April 14, 2024
Pampassed away peacefully, leaving alifetime of memorieswith Ellen (Terry), Megan (Maxence), great−granddaughter Vivienne, Deena (Knut) and a large and caring Dutch and Canadian family. Pam focused onthe good in the world and never missed an opportunity to tell astory to everyone shemet! Family, friends, and neighbours will miss her genuine positivity and visits over acup of coffee.
Acelebration of her long life will be held in August.
VISOCCHI, Achille (Kelly)
February 15, 1940 −March 28, 2024
It is with profound sadness that our family announces the unexpected passing of Kelly at the age of 84.Heleaves with us cherished memories that will last alifetime. Kelly is survived by his wife of 59 years,Rina; daughter Lolita; son−in−law John; grandchildren Rio and Ronin; brothers Luigi and Giovanni; and sister Caterina; as well as numerous friends and relatives. He was predeceased by brothers Raffaele and Antonio and sister Carmella. Kelly was born in Cassino, Italy, and followed his brothers and sister to Canada, finally settling in North Vancouver in 1958. He met andmarried his beautiful wife, Rina, and in 1979, built their home on Grand Boulevard. Kelly was an amazing gardener and had areputation for having one of the greenestlawns and straightest hedges (yes, he used alevel) on the North Shore.Heloved to walk, and you could often see him in one of the many trails, bridges and neighbourhoods of North Van. He was aproud member of the International Union of Crane Operators L115 for over 50 years and loved his birds−eye view from his crane at Burrard Drydock.Heretired at 62, and when his first grandchild was born two years later, he became a doting grandpa. Always instigating acrazy adventure,never missing asoccer game and spoiling them with whatever their latest toy obsession was −Toys RUsknew him by name.
He will be so sadly missed and never forgotten Our family would like to thank everyone for their oveand support at this time.
Acelebration of life will be held on May 6, 2:00pm at Boal Chapel, 1505 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver.
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An event designed to help unpaid caregivers and elderly spouses navigate their caregiving journey by providing helpful information and supportive resources.
• Enjoy presentations about elder abuse and ageism, palliative care, brain health and caregiver burnout
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