River District Living Magazine - Issue 05

RIVER DISTRICT

GUIDE TO LIFE & STYLE IN THE RIVER DISTRICT

CARING FOR OUR PETS

NEIGHBOURHOOD CLEAN-UP HOME & FINANCE

RIVER DISTRICT

L I V I N G

www.riverdistrictliving.ca

@riverdistrictlivingmagazine

@riverdistrictlivingrealestate

Land Acknowledgement

We recognize and acknowledge that River District is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

Contributing Photographers / Artists

Ekroop Chera

Kara Mach

Amy Chin Colours of J.C.

Pet Valu

Fraserview Veterinary Hospital

Valerie Strom

Mavreen David

Victoria Byrne

Katherine Hall

Will Van Nen

Photography

Raise The Woof

Photography

Contributing Writers

Ekroop Chera

Kara Mach

Amy Chin & Halle

Fraserview Veterinary Hospital

Editor-in-Chief Cover Art

Katherine Hall

EKROOP CHERA

Bosley’s, River District

RHYS GIANNARELLI

Valerie Strom

Michael Byrne

Mary Banzon

Content Director

Mural by Valerie Strom Katherine Hall

Features

VALERIE STROM

Muralist & Oil Painter “Totoltecayotl"

VICTORIA BYRNE & MICHAEL BYRNE

RPH Paint-Decor-Reno

RPH MicroCement Concepts+

KARA MACH

Fraserview Veterinary Hospital

riverdistrictliving.ca@gmail.com @riverdistrictliving Foursquare Financial

Proud Mom of Nelson

AMY CHIN & HALLE

Save the Earth!

MARY BANZON

Love for River District

Some of the things Halle enjoys the most about living in River District include going for strolls to Save-On-Foods (for those yummy bakery cookies!) with her grandparents, playing at the various playgrounds with her little brother and gardening with her dad.

- Amy , Halle’s mom

Nelson absolutely adores living in the River District with his family. He has his “stops” where he likes to go weekly, including Starbucks for a puppucino, Bosleys for a treat and a toy, Everything Wine for a dog treat (and a Mom & Dad treat), and now Local Public Eatery for a cooked beef patty on the patio. He loves walking the river path, and could swim in the river any day, any season. River District is just a perfect place for dogs and our young family, and we love it so much.

- Kara , Nelson’s Mom

I love the River District community because it’s a unique blend of support and camaraderie The local businesses add charm and vibrancy, and it’s wonderfully pet-friendly. The people here genuinely care about each other, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place where you feel at home, surrounded by neighbours who support one another and cherish the community spirit.

- Mary , Foursquare Financial

My wife, Victoria, and I moved from North Vancouver to the South Vancouver River District for strategic business reasons

Over time, we have developed a deep affection for our blossoming community, the diverse dining options, the convenient proximity to the Fraser River just a short stroll away, and the picturesque walking paths and dog friendly environment.

Our furry companion, Cash, a beloved Pitbull known for his friendly nature, particularly savours the nature-filled strolls in the area.

River District caters to a wide range of residents, including singles, families, and businesses. As a member of the River District community, RPH takes pride in being a supportive neighbour and friend

- Victoria & Micheal , RPH

I enjoy River District because I can take Enzo on walks around the neighbourhood. We love walking down to the water and meeting all our friends! The area is coming together, and all the new restaurants are really good I can’t wait for more to come!

- Ekroop , Bosley’s River District

River District was the first place I ever painted a mural and for that it will always hold a special place in my heart. I love that it’s a relatively new neighbourhood but it feels so homey and community-oriented. Painting this mural there was very peaceful.

- Valerie , Muralist & Oil Painter

Dear Neighbours

Thank you so much for reading our editorial magazine! This is our newest way to connect with our River District community and showcase and appreciate the River District Living lifestyle that we are so lucky to enjoy here in our beautiful neighbourhood. This was intended to be a simple newsletter at first, but after receiving so much amazing content from our local contributors and friends of River District, a magazine was the only way to do it all justice

As you may know, this journey of creating River District Living has inspired me to become a licensed Real Estate professional. If you have questions about buying or selling a home in River District, or if you would like to be featured in future issues of River District Living Magazine, please get in touch with me.

Sincerely,

KatherineHall

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Mural Artist Spotlight: Valerie Strom

WRITTEN BY VALERIE S

ART BY VALERIE STROM

PHOTOS BY MAVREEN D

“Totoltecayotl" (“ in the Nahuatl lan speaks to the grow Canada but also he mother’s origins, h and the village in that are full of bi flowers and mount

ARTIST BIO

Vancouver Island based Muralist and Oil painter Valerie Strom creates art that is inspired by her deep love of people and experience. She designs evoke emotion through agical elements Her roots reatly influence her artistic ch result in paintings full of ure.

artist, Valerie has been whole life but took up

MURAL STATEMENT

This piece depicts a portrait of the artist’s mother, who represents many Mexican immigrants who made many sacrifices in making Canada their new home.

“Totoltecayotl" (“my roots” in the Nahuatl language) speaks to the growth in Canada but also her mother’s origins, her culture and the village in Mexico that are full of birds, flowers and mountains. Through this portrait of her mother lies in shared memories of the artist growing up in the village, learning about her Mexican culture and the people as described by Valerie, “ .. did not have much, but they were happy, they worked hard growing their food and had so much colour to their life ”

Instagram: @valeriestrom.art

Website: www.valeriestromart.com

Email: valeriestromart@outlook.com

“Totoltecayotl" by Valerie Strom

Fraserview Veterinary Hospital: Our Story of Compassion and Community Care

BY FRASERVIEW VETERINARY HOSPITA

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Vancouver, Fraserview Veterinary H as a beacon of dedication and love their families. Our journey began as an the well-established Point Grey Veteri a beloved icon in West Point Grey Recognized for our dedication to c care, we opened our Fraserview locat reach more families.

At Fraserview Veterinary Hospital, w visiting a vet clinic should be a positi for pets and their owners. We are pr of the FIRST Fear Free certified Vancouver (the other being our si Point Grey Veterinary Hospital), procedure from wellness exams procedures is carried out with your in mind. Our methods are designed t an ple

Our approach to veterinary care is thorough and patient-focused. We schedule 30 to 45-minute appointments to ensure that no question goes unanswered. Whether you have concerns about your pet's diet, health, or general well-being, our team takes the time to provide personalized advice that best suits your pet's needs.

We value the trust you place in us and aim to offer options and alternatives that align with your family's needs. We're not just about providing medical care. We're about building lasting relationships with our clients and ensuring that our community's pets live the happiest, healthiest lives possible. Visit our website to learn more about our services, or come in for a personal hospital tour and treats on your walk

We look forward to being a part of your pet's journey to wellness

iIcanjustcome nforatreat?

Fraserview Veterinary Hospital offers "Victory Visits" and "Happy Visits" to help pets feel comfortable at the vet. Victory Visits familiarize pets with the clinic environment through gentle exposure, building confidence for future visits Happy Visits are about fun, letting pets enjoy treats and affection without exams, and creating positive associations with the vet. Both visits aim to reduce anxiety, making medical appointments smoother and less stressful for your furry friend.

Veterinary Hospital ria Drive, , BC, V5P 3X9 4-265-6715

@fraserviewvet.ca www.fraserviewvet.ca

@fraserview vet

Fraserview Veterinary Hospital

But first, treats! Andtweets!

WRITTEN BY EKROOP

CHERA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EKROOP CHER

How does it sound to play with work? Fun? It’s awesome! Since c have always been crazy about always wanted to hold the leash wh a dog or feed the cat when it was d

My name is Ekroop and my passio has brought me to where I am tod up volunteering at animal hos rescues and it helped me gain kno bring my best foot forward today my Bachelor of Business Managem years ago and my parents sup dreams of loving pets. I am part o my parents at Bosley’s River Di location has been in operation fo years now and we have become a the pets’ lives that live in the c

Their daily walk routines consist our store just to say hi or have a yu from one of our staff members.

How does it sound to play with puppies at work? Fun? It’s awesome!

PHOTOGRAPH BY: BARBARA

We also make sure our most important family member is always present. His name is Enzo! We adopted him from a family who could no longer keep him 3 years ago, but we kept his name. Later we found out that Enzo in Italian means, “the ruler of the estate.” Bosley’s worked out pretty well for him!

We have made our store into a one stop shop for everyone. Our location offers all types of pet food including raw, in store cat adoptions, a self-serve dog wash area, and grooming services. Swing by with your pet to see all that we have to offer!

8515 River District Crossing, Vancouver BC, V5S 0C8 604-431-8778 Bof7071@bosleys.com

Instagram: @bosleysriverdistrict

Facebook: Bosley’s River District Crossing https://store.petvalu.ca/location/7071/

NAVIGATE INSURANCE WITH CONFIDENCE.

WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK.

WRITTEN

PHOTOS

BY

BY

MARY BANZON

COLOURS OF J C

At Foursquare Financial Inc., expert insurance guidance meets personalized care. Founded by Manuel Espinosa and Mary Banzon, our story began with a vision to redefine financial advising. Manuel and Mary wanted to create a firm where clients are truly understood and supported through every life stage. Our dedicated team shares this commitment ensuring that each client receives tailored strategies and transparent communication.

ADVERTORIAL

OURPHILOSOPHY

Our philosophy is built on Empowerment, Integrity, and a Personal Touch. We aim to empower you with the knowledge to make confident financial decisions, provide sincere and honest guidance, and tailor insurance plans to your unique needs. Trust and transparent communication are the cornerstones of our long-term success.

OURSERVICES

We offer a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients. From personal insurance to safeguard your future, to family insurance plans to protect your loved ones, and corporate insurance and group benefits to protect your business and employees, we've got you covered. Our investment strategies and wealth management services aim to grow and preserve your assets, while our Child Wealth Plans provide a secure financial foundation for the next generation.

6 ESSENTIAL TIPS WHEN CHOOSING AN INSURANCE AND INVESTMENT ADVISOR

Financial Advising is about building relationships, not just managing accounts.

Avoid one size fits all advice. Your financial needs are as individual as you are.

Transparency is key in financial advising. Clear communication fosters trust and leads to better outcomes for everyone involved. 1 4 2 5 3 6

Patience pays off. The best financial strategies require time to mature. Quick fixes rarely lead to lasting wealth.

Education empowers. The more our clients understand their options, the more confident they become in their financial decisions.

Flexibility in strategy is crucial. Life changes and so should your financial plans. Adaptability is the secret to maintaining growth and security.

We invite you to schedule a discovery meeting to learn how Foursquare Financial Inc. can help you achieve financial peace of mind

River District Photo Gallery

There

Do

STEP

STEP

STEP

Big dreams from a little girl

PHOTO BY WILL VAN NEN PHOTOGRAPHY

WRITTEN BY AMY CHIN & HALLE

CHIN

Halle, who just turned 5, has always been an empathetic and thoughtful child. It was only mildly surprising when she came home from preschool one day asking to go pick up garbage at the playground She had just learned about Earth Day and was now determined to “save the Earth.”

Some of the things Halle enjoys the most about living in River District includes going for strolls to Save-On-Foods (for those yummy bakery cookies!) with her grandparents, playing at the various playgrounds with her little brother and gardening with her dad. When she took a good look around she was saddened to see all the garbage around the neighbourhood. She couldn’t understand why people littered She truly made it her mission to “pick up all the trash!” in order to preserve her community.

Inspired by her passion, I armed her with gloves and tongs so she could fulfill her dreams safely. In 15 minutes, Halle managed to fill a large (reuseable) bag with items like single-use cups, paper, cigarette butts, plastic lids, remnants of balls, amongst other things – and that was just around our block! She was a sweaty mess and decided she needed a break.

PHOTOS BY AMY

“Just don’t litter! We can all save the Earth!”

After emptying her bag into the garbage bin, she looked around and said “Mama, I’m sorry I couldn’t pick up all the trash.” I assured her she had done more than enough. Undeterred, she stated the playground will be the site of her next neighbourhood cleanup.

When asked how all of our neighbours could eep our community clean, Halle didn’t skip and declared “just don’t litter! We can all he Earth!” Big dreams from a little girl and I we can all aspire to be just a little bit like

Thank you, Halle!

You are a wonderful neighbour & an inspiration!

Let’s help Halle “Pick up all the trash” by joining this neighbourhood cleanup event kindly organized by Kate!

RiverDistrictLivingMagazine ADVERTISE WITH US

If you would like to reach the River District neighbourhood with your business, service, or special event, please get in touch! We are offering amazing introductory rates on advertising right now and would love to help you share your projects and passions! Some exclusions apply. Email riverdistrictlivingmagazine@gmail.com for rates and info!

Marketplace Section (1/4 pg)

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1/2 page ad space

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Full page ad space

Providesmoreroomforeditorialandtodescribe yourbusinessoreventinaneye-catchingway Eg.furniturestore,specialevent,newproduct announcement,roomtoreallytellyourstory

Inside Front Cover

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Theinsidefrontcoverisoneofthebest placementstoshowcaseyourcontent

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WRITTEN

BY

MICHAEL BYRNE

Located in the vibrant River District community, RPH Paint-Decor-Reno specializes in transforming residential and commercial spaces with innovative enhancements

Offering a range of top-tier specialized services including resin-based MicroCement, Venetian Plaster, and Liquid Metal concepts, RPH PaintDecor-Reno provides a modern and stylish touch to any property Additionally, we offer professional popcorn ceiling removal, interior painting, and kitchen and bathroom upgrades to create a fresh and updated look.

Standing out as a client favourite, our MicroCement projects typically take 1-2 days, tailored to suit the project’s size and requirements. Unlike traditional water-based options, RPH resinbased MicroCement is renowned for its durability, water resistance, and stain resistance. RPH resinbased MicroCement versatility is unmatched and can be applied directly over existing tile, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming demolition.

PHOTOS BY VICTORIA BYRNE

RPH Paint-Decor-Reno

8533 River District Crossing, Vancouver, BC, V5S 0H2

Website: www paint-decor-reno ca

Email: paint decor reno@gmail com

Instagram:

@rph paint decor reno

@rph microcement concepts

Our advanced popcorn ceiling removal service utilizes a cutting-edge HEPA filtered vacuum sanding system, ensuring a 90% dust-free process. A typical 600 - 900 SQ/FT removal project is completed in approximately 4-6 days, with regular updates provided to clients.

For professional interior painting, we prioritize convenience, friendliness, and professionalism. We offer full transparency by providing discounted pricing on Benjamin Moore paint products without any markup. The timeline of our painting projects varies based on the scope of work and square footage, with daily updates to keep clients informed throughout the process.

Trust our expertise and attention to detail to elevate your space and bring your design vision to life with exceptional service and transformative results. Experience the difference with RPH Paint-DecorReno in the heart of the River District. Done right the first time, on time, on budget.

Thankyoufor supportingmypawrents smallbusiness!

Dude, it’s Nelson!

Pet of the Month

Follow Nelson:

Instagram @dudeitsnelson

BY KARA MACH

PHOTOGRAPHS BY KARA MACH

Hi! This is Nelson! He is a 5-year-old labradoodle who is sweet, energetic, and loving. Nelson has a three-year-old (human) sister and a new baby brother on the way, and he takes protecting his family very seriously Nelson’s absolute favourite things in life are playing fetch with a ball, going for long walks at Everett Crowley, and swimming in the river. He is actually so ball obsessed that we have to keep his chuck-it balls in the high up cupboard at home, or he WILL NOT STOP playing He loves cuddling his family and can often be seen laying on his Mom’s lap at home on the couch or the patio (even though he doesn’t quite fit).

One funny quirk about Nelson is that he will “spin” when playing with a new dog or when he is about to be fed dinner. He will rapidly spin around and around like a spinning top! Nelson can be apprehensive at first, but once he meets, sniffs, and plays with a new dog for a bit, he will have a friend for life.

Our family got Nelson when he was just 8 weeks old, and he has been a huge part of our lives. He has been there to walk down the aisle at our wedding, for the birth of our daughter, and he will be the best brother to our new baby this summer. Watch for Nelson this summer walking beside his brother and sister in the stroller on the river path.

Nelson absolutely adores living in the River District with his family. He has his “stops” where he likes to go weekly, including Starbucks for a puppucino, Bosley’s for a treat and a toy, Everything Wine for a dog treat (and a Mom & Dad treat), and now Local Public Eatery for a cooked beef patty on the patio. He loves walking the river path, and could swim in the river any day, any season. River District is just a perfect place for dogs and our young family, and we love it so much.

Looking to buy or sell in the River District, or have general questions? Please reach out to see how I can help.Thank you!

Katherine

https://wesgroup.ca/residential/new -homes/harlin/

https://wesgroup.ca/harlin/

https://wesgroup.ca/residential/ne w-homes/ardea/

https://wesgroup.ca/ardea/

This communication is not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.

Katherine Hall lives in River District and is a REALTOR® at Dexter Realty

To advertise here please contact: riverdistrictlivingmagazine@gmail.com (some exclusions apply)

State-Of-The-Art treatments performed by healthcare professionals:

Skin Treatments

Hair Removal

Body Contouring

Find us at Marine Gateway, up the stairs/elevator from Starbucks.

Website: o41 clinic

604-209-6499

o41skinlab@gmail.com

Instagram: @o41skinlabinc

Facebook: O41Skin Lab

YouTube: o41 Skin Lab 470 SW Marine Drive, #301 Vancouver, BC, V5X 0C4

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Pick-up locations for custom cakes: Burnaby, Langley, Richmond (DMC Pet Store)

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