West Vancouver Beacon | March / April 2025 | Edition 67
Photo: Chris Adshead
TEAM
Chris Stringer Publisher
chrisstringer @westvanbeacon.ca
Lindy Pfeil Editor
lindypfeil @westvanbeacon.ca
Penny Mitchell Marketing
pennymitchell @westvanbeacon.ca
Melissa Baker Creative Director melissabaker @westvanbeacon.ca
Please note that all contributing writers for The Beacon retain full rights and that the full or partial reproduction of feature articles is unauthorized without the consent of the author. Personal opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed are solely those of the respective contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Beacon, the publisher or the editorial and creative staff.
Submissions for The Beacon
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ALINDY PFEIL
Still watching clouds
s a child, I spent hours watching clouds. Lazing on the grass, squinting into the sun, they were never just clouds. They were dragons and ogres. Castles in the sky. Knights on horseback. Sleeping giants. Pink clouds were thrilling. They carried secret messages. Promises. Hope.
Then I learned about the water cycle. Evaporation. Condensation. Precipitation. Who knew that clouds had purpose? That different kinds of clouds could tell you different things: cumulus, cirrus, stratus, cumulonimbus. I loved how those words sounded. I wrote poems about them (yes, I was that child.) And I was astounded to learn that every drop of water I drank had been part of this cycle for billions of years.
When I go back to South Africa, the clouds are still the first thing I pay attention to. (They are different to the Eagle Harbour sort – they carry lightning and thunder.) On my last trip back to visit family, I landed in the scorching heat and bright blue skies of October on the east coast. Cotton-candy clouds floated happily by as we drove home.
not wasting a drop – kept a jug in the shower to catch water for her garden. So, I showered quickly. By the time I joined the family in the kitchen, the puffy white clouds had darkened. They looked ominous. Angry. A thunderstorm!
from the swimming pool to flush the toilet. Much like rolling blackouts (to save energy), this lack of water was apparently just “one of those things.” The Canadian in me was horrified.
And then the rain came down – so loud on the tin roof we couldn’t hear ourselves speak. Thirty minutes later it was over, and when the floor was mopped and the doors opened, we were greeted by frogs and crickets singing merrily in the twilight.
Ten days later, happy to be back in West Vancouver, I stood – for a long, long time – under a hot shower. I was very, very grateful. (My mother would have been disappointed.) I still watch clouds. Pink ones are now even more thrilling than when I was nine. I am still in awe that the water that comes from my tap is the same water that has been evaporating, condensing, and falling for more than 4.5 billion years. And it boggles my mind that we can put humans in space, and yet – according to a 2024 study published in Science – 4.4 billion people still do not have access to safe household drinking water (Science 385, 784 (2024). DOI: 10.1126/science. adh9578).
After 40 hours of travel, I needed a shower. My mother taught me to treat water reverentially. (Living in southern Africa, you learn to respect nature and her whims. Nothing is taken for granted.) Showers are for getting clean, not for dreaming. Swift. Productive. My mother – scrupulous about
The next morning, brushing my teeth, I opened the tap. Nothing. The shower? Still nothing. What had happened to all that water from the previous night?
For the next five days, there was no water.
No one questioned this state of affairs. No one complained. We bought large bottles of drinking water and carried buckets
Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, said: “Access to safe water is a fundamental human need and therefore a basic human right.” March 22 is World Water Day. Initiated in 1993 by the United Nations, it is our call to action. Visit www.un.org/en/observances/water-day to see how we can work together to tackle the global water crisis. Because surely something that falls from the sky should belong to us all?
If you are not receiving home delivery of The Beacon please let us know at chrisstringer@westvanbeacon.ca
The gentle art of untravelling
Do you remember Elspeth Bradbury’s columns in the Beacon? Now some of them have made their way into her recently published book, Journeys to the Nearby: A Gardener Discovers the Gentle Art of Untravelling (Ronsdale Press, 2025).
Inspired by adventures of world travellers but unwilling to rack up her fossil fuel consumption, Elspeth set out with a deep curiosity to explore the world that exists in her own West Vancouver garden.
Told over the course of four seasons, Journeys to the Nearby is inspired by the beauty in the small moments of discovery. After spending the winter holidays lazing comfortably with a stack of books by ambitiously adventurous travel writers, Elspeth soon realizes that their derring-do and far-flung, often gasguzzling exploits, are not her cup of tea. But impressed by their energy, she resolves to abandon her recliner to set off on a yearlong journey of her own.
Caroline Woodward, writing in BC BookWorld says: “Her wry sense of humour, often self-deprecating, makes for a highlyrelatable travel guide. What also makes this beautifully-written and illustrated book so special is that we read about the author’s
these short lyrical essays, or read from start to finish, good to the last generous drop, bursting with colours, shapes, smells, history, literature and memories of children playing outdoors, creating whole other worlds with leaves and flowers and cones. Highly recommended!”
“I’d rather sleep on a bed of nails than rack up my carbon footprint, crammed into the centre seat of a long-haul aircraft.”
- Elspeth Bradbury
Her tentative efforts of “untravelling” become a voyage of discovery and rediscovery as she learns to slow down and observe. Elspeth evokes her world as richly as any travel writer, with gentle humour and a warm, intimate and conversational style that will be familiar to Beacon readers.
We are thrilled to have permission to provide the following excerpt from Journeys to the Nearby:
lapful of admirably upand-at-it, on-the-move writers. What’s to be done about it? I’d rather sleep on a bed of nails than rack up my carbon footprint, crammed into the centre seat of a long-haul aircraft. Mulling things over, I’ve decided that perhaps I don’t have to check the expiry date on my passport just yet. From my own meagre experience, the best reason for any of us to pack our bags is for the heightened awareness that new surroundings induce in us. Travel documentaries open up the world wonderfully, but however skillful the cinematography, they can only go so far. When we set foot on unfamiliar ground, all our senses shift into high gear. Our observations grow more acute, and we make memories. We feel alive. Uncomfortable possibly, miserable maybe, but alive.
Join me on my journeys, and I promise we won’t end up exhausted, blistered, frostbitten or diseased.”
Journeys to the Nearby: A Gardener Discovers the Gentle Art of Untravelling is now available in Canadian bookstores and will be available in the US in early May. You can order it from the usual book retailers online, but we encourage you to support your local bookstore. If they don’t have copies, they can order them for you.
Book Details:
Pub date: February 21, 2025
9781553807247
6 x 7.5, 250 pages
$22.95, Nature
Trade paper, black and white line drawings
New SAR equipment key in successful rescue
BY Josh Lepin
Please note this article contains sensitive subject matter.
Iwas getting ready for bed when the call came in. Within minutes I was on my way to RCMSAR Station 1 in Horseshoe Bay. It was a rare Mayday call – given only when it’s confirmed that someone is in the water fighting for their life. We were to begin a shoreline search from Navvy Jack Point to Lions Gate Bridge. I grabbed my PFD, radio, and headed to the boat. It was a super low tide and continuing to fall; our directed search pattern would get shallow quickly, so
a true shoreline search would be difficult.
One thing I love about being an RCMSAR volunteer is the reflective learnings after every rescue. The adrenaline rush creates strong memories of every rescue. Two months earlier we had rescued someone adrift in a small zodiac. When we brought him into the cabin – borderline hypothermic – the bench was covered in gear which had to be moved. This took valuable time. So, as we prepared the boat for this mission, I cleared the bench of any gear so that if we did recover someone, we would have ready access to the bench. There is nothing more powerful than learning from experience and passing that knowledge on to my crew.
The mission Coxswain was Boudewijn, and his job was to navigate and communicate with everyone on the radio while directing the crew. We made way quickly and logged in just 13 minutes after the call had come in.
It was a perfect night, glass calm without a hint of wind – un heard of for this time of year. The moon was full, the sky cloudless, and visibility as clear as daytime. We couldn’t have asked for better search conditions.
With no description of the person, or the clothes he was wearing, we began our search heading east along the West Van shoreline from Dundarave pier. My searchlight lit up the front starboard quarter. Boudewijn scanned the waters directly ahead with the infrared camera while the three crew on deck searched south and north. I kept a close eye on the depth as we sat in seven feet of water where Boudewijn could clearly see the ocean shelf with the FLIR (Forward Looking Infared) camera.
Coast Guard vessel Laredo Sound was the onscene command, and Kits 1 was performing a barrier search west of the bridge. Emergency vehicles were visible on the bridge in the distance with traffic backed up in both directions. The blue strobes of the rescue boats lit up the water between West Van and Siwash Rock.
As we approached Navvy Jack point, Boudewijn said he was picking something up on the FLIR. My senses started firing at full attention. I rotated my search light directly ahead and that’s when I spotted him. It took three crew to position him and get him onto the swim grid. He was alive! I radioed Laredo Sound. We needed support.
As we got the clamshell sorted, sized, and the survivor strapped in, Kits 1 came alongside and dropped off a SAR medic. It took
EHS paramedics and RCMSAR crew during the transfer.
Photos: Josh Lepin
Coxswain Boudewijn Neijens looking for heat signatures on the Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) thermal camera.
RCMSAR1 rescue vessel.
More than skiing and boarding
BY Hilary Clark
We, who live squeezed between the mountains and the sea, often forget that mountains have been a source of food ever since the last ice age ended 10-15,000 years ago.
My father* arrived from Southern Ontario in 1902. His parents had emigrated from Britain at the turn of the last century. They settled in Parry Sound, Ontario. One branch of the family developed a ferry service on the Great Lakes. Once here, Dad very naturally gravitated to Vancouver’s harbour, bought a series of boats that he chartered, and opened a ship chandlery on the corner of Georgia and Denman. He used his boats to access the North Shore where he went hunting. One hunter’s tale that he told involved his sailing to Gambier Island, shooting 28 shells and coming home with 27 grouse and one deer!
During the Second World War, when meat rationing was in effect, our family lived on venison and saved our rations for bacon and sausages. Mother canned the deer meat and mailed it overseas to our British relatives. If she didn’t get a thank you letter, she never knew whether the ship carrying the meat was sunk, or the ship carrying the thank you letter was sunk. The Nazi U-boats were lethal on the Atlantic.
Dad enjoyed having Mother along on his trips. She wasn’t so enthusiastic. She told a
tale of hiking part way up Harvey Mountain on Howe Sound listening to Dad’s tale of hunting cougars. She was recently arrived from Britain and wasn’t too familiar with our wildlife. She was envisioning coyotes. Dad eventually explained that the cougars were what the British called mountain lions. Well, Mum exploded, sat on a stump and would go no further. Dad collected her on his way back down. How she thought staying still would protect her from cougars I don’t know. She also insisted that what he killed he cleaned. So, in time he taught me how to skin a deer.
Dad did some of the early investigating by boat of the regional coast. His deer hunting of the local area involved hiking up the local mountains then hauling the deer back to the boat that was anchored near the shore. He always eviscerated the deer where he shot it.
One of the most important skills he practised, and taught his fellow hunters, was to blaze trails and to look back when hiking so that the return path would be recognizable.
My love and respect for the North Shore mountains continues to this day. I delight in the deer that have visited my garden. I see several bears a year. This year I had a mother bear and three cubs! Until the explosion of the coyotes, I had racoons and skunks, and three different varieties of squirrels. West Vancouver is a treasured place. *(see Home from Sea and Hill by Hilary Yates Clark, in the North Shore Libraries – a memoir of Thomas Yates.)
all six of us to lift him and direct him onto the inside bench. Once there, the SAR medic assessed his condition. Laredo directed us to transfer him over to the Vancouver Main Street dock and I sped off towards the bridge. When we arrived at the Main Street dock, we were met by Emergency Health Services, the Vancouver Police Department, and Vancouver Fire Rescue Services to safely assess and transfer the survivor to higher care.
Our job was done, and we could exhale.
WEST VANCOUVER YACHT CLUB OPEN HOUSE
I reflected on how this person had survived. The perfect search conditions, and our experience played a role, as did having equipment like the infrared camera, which is funded (like all our equipment) by public donations and support.
But to overcome the mountain of factors that was sure to have resulted in death, there must have been a higher power that wanted this person alive. I hope that someday I can meet him to explain how precious his life is.
YOU’RE INVITED!
SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2025 • 2 PM - 4 PM
The West Vancouver Yacht Club is excited to announce the availability of a limited number of Active and Social Memberships.
Join us at our upcoming OPEN HOUSE to discover the Club’s offerings, connect with our community, and explore the benefits of becoming a Member!
Please let us know if you can attend by contacting us at admin@wvyc.ca or 604 921 7575.
5854 Marine Drive, West Vancouver
Hilary and her mother on her dad’s hunting trip in the Cariboo in 1942.
Photos provided
Hilary learning to skin a deer in 1940, with her father (on the left) and his friend.
Hilary flanked by her mother and father at White Rock in the ‘40s.
NWinter’s last gasp in the garden
ow that winter has had its way with us, let’s consider what might be done in the garden.
Your lawn – your pride and joy – is perhaps not looking so great. Start with a lime application. In spring, I recommend a fast-acting product like Dolopril. Its pellet form dissolves right away and has a good dose of calcium. This raises the pH level (lessened with all the winter rain) of the soil. Leave at least a couple of weeks before fertilizing.
Consider dethatching to get out entangled debris and aerating. Cover with a ½ inch of turf mix soil and overseed heavily. Water regularly until you see germination.
Mid-March is a good time to tend to your tea (tallish) roses. Depending on warmth, you should see buds bursting forth. Cut just above and away from the bud to give shape
to the plant. Rub off any buds and branches facing inward. Spoon in some organic rose food, cover with a light mulch of well-rotted steer manure and water thoroughly. They will be gorgeous!
Want to plant or move an ornamental tree or shrub? Do it now while it’s cool. Pay strict attention to labels. My code of ethics: right plant, right place. There’s nothing worse than seeing shade-loving plants (like Skimmias or Sarcococca) scorched in the sun.
Edging your lawn with a spade alongside flower beds and walkways does wonders for its appearance!
Take a trip to a garden like Van Dusen Botanical Gardens to search for ideas. Right plant, right place. Lots are labeled and planted in the right location with many in early bloom.
Always plant in mass if your garden can accommodate it. Plant in odd numbers (3, 5, 7) for a bit of design integration. For example, Eryngium (sea holly) intertwined with Stipa tenuissima (Mexican feathergrass) looks incredible in full sun from summer through fall.
For a show-stopping feature plant in light shade, damp areas try Hosta – sum and substance! It grows two feet high and up to five feet wide. Gorgeous on its own and surrounded by shade-like perennials, its leaf colour varies from light green to chartreuse. Its leathery foliage has good resistance to slugs too.
Happy spring!
RDon’t delay your 2024 return
emember the old story about the three certainties – death, taxes, and change? Alas, the certainty of income tax has returned once again to haunt us. Many Canadians drag their feet on getting this done until the last moment, leaving little time to dig up a lost receipt or other missing information. While I too used to enjoy dropping my return into the main post office mailbox at 10 to midnight on April 30, I have learned that it really pays to get to work on your filing well in advance.
You can never tell what might be missing in your records and you don’t want to be pressed up against a deadline with missing documents.
Although many tax slips are now automatically electronically filed, don’t assume that they have been. Make sure you have all your T4, 5 etc. slips and that they have been reported. You should have T slips for Canada Pension, Old Age Security, investment income, and other pension income. Medical expense slips and charitable dona-
tion receipts are not automatically reported so make sure you have them. In the case of electronic filing, where CRA doesn’t see your receipts, be prepared to be asked for them later.
Remember that this year donations made in the first 60 days of 2025 can be either used for the 2024 or kept for the 2025 tax year. You may receive separate donation receipts for January and February 2025. If you worked from home, and many do since COVID, be aware that CRA has elimi-
DOLLARS AND SENSE
nated the simplified method of expense calculation, and you must now complete the more detailed T2200 Declaration of Conditions of Employment form and have it signed by your employer.
Even if you plan to use a tax preparer, get your documents organized and submitted to them as early as you can. Tax preparers become hair-on-fire busy in the last two weeks of April and they won’t thank you for being late with your submission.
TM
MICHAEL BERTON
BRIAN POMFRET
JOE GARDENER
A new home for the West Vancouver Art Museum
BY Chris Adshead
The announcement on February 24, that the District of West Vancouver has bought Horseshoe Bay’s old Boathouse Restaurant building, came as a surprise to many. As a longtime area resident, I am thrilled about the plan to convert it into the West Vancouver Art Museum’s new home.
Horseshoe Bay always seemed to be left out, with locals believing that Ambleside and Dundarave were favoured over “out west.” Many times, I have heard people say that they think West Vancouver ends at 26th Street in Dundarave, so it is good news that council has made the bold move to provide a
major facility here. The term “world class location” is sometimes overused, but this truly is a world class location.
“I had a seed of an idea when wandering our new park...”
- Councillor Linda Watt
The history of the restaurant goes back to 1981. Operated by the Sewell family at the time, it was named The Lodge and quickly became the place to go – to meet friends and
neighbours, and to show off to visiting relatives.
“Good food takes time to prepare,” the menu declared. “Please relax and enjoy the warmth of our hearth and the wonders of our western shores.” Prices were reasonable and the food always good. How about the Fishmonger’s Stew with freshly baked bread and seasonable vegetables for $10.50 or baked shrimp and crab pie for $7.95?
The day after the recent district announcement, Dan Sewell told me that Richard Worthen was the manager when they opened. After doing some fishing charters with the Keg chain they asked if Sewell’s would be interested in leasing the business to them. Dan met with George Tidball, who started the Keg chain, and as they say, “the
rest is history.” After the Keg chain was sold to the UK’s Whitbread Group it became The Boathouse. Opened in 1987, it closed in 2016 when the Sewell’s Landing Development was started.
The district will take possession of the building in March this year and they hope to have the space open in spring 2026. Current plans include approximately 8,800 square feet of exhibition and programming space which is more than twice the space in the Gertrude Lawson House. There will also be a catering kitchen, gift shop, and administrative offices.
Councillor Linda Watt gave a bit of background in her FaceBook post: “Back in May 2024 I had a seed of an idea when wandering our new park with Mayor Mark Sager. He was incredibly excited and supportive. We presented it to Megan Sewell and with the unwavering support and collaboration of all of Council, District staff, the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee and of course the Sewell family, the dream was realized.”
This is not only an exciting asset for Horseshoe Bay and the waterfront, but for all of West Vancouver. It will inject new life into our waterfront and community. But, as Linda said, “And now, the real work begins!”
The Lodge menu.
Photo: Chris Adshead
August 2017.
Photo: Chris Adshead
ARaging fires everywhere
n elderly woman returns to the ruins of her burned home in Pacific Palisades. She’s searching for Tibby, her cat. They lost each other during the panic of flight from the flames. She has little hope she’ll find her. But if she survived, she’d surely return to the site of their former home, to find her. She sets out two bowls: one of water, one of cat food. “Please, Tibby,” she prays. “Be alive. Come home. I’m waiting for you.”
The ongoing California fires, which began on January 7 in the Pacific Palisades area, have already consumed over 57,000 acres, destroyed over 16,000 structures, and killed at least 28 people. The loss of pets and animals is unreported but must be astronomic.
Why does this tragedy affect me so deeply, living, as I do, in beautiful West Vancouver?
Because my late husband, Joe, and I, and our young family, lived in Pacific Palisades in the 1970s. Our house stood on the edge of a cliff, descending to the ocean below. A large oak tree in the garden was inhabited by an ancient owl who observed every move we made with scholarly attention. We attended Calvary Christian Church, shopped at Gelsons, borrowed books from the library, and had our youngest enrolled in a local nursery school. We played baseball and rode horseback in Will Rogers State Historic Park. We had many friends who lived around us in the Palisades, in Brentwood, Malibu, Bel Air, and Santa Monica.
Since the fires erupted, flattening our former neighbourhood, and destroying everything we once enjoyed, I have spent hours on
the phone, trying to track family and friends, as they fled to escape the flames.
I’ve tracked all of them now. My youngest daughter, Amanda, remains in Reseda, in the San Fernando Valley north of the fire belt. So far, she’s safe. But she’s overhauled her car, put it in trekking order, and has installed a floor in the back with special seat harnesses for her four pets. In case they are ordered to evacuate. Unlike Tibby, not one of them will be lost. The California fires are a universal story, since they captured the attention of the world. But the story has, in fact, turned the corner. I’ve abandoned my original intention to call this piece “Requiem for California.” Because California has not been killed by this tragedy. It is supported, not only by her own citizens, but by people around the world, including
Canada, in firefighting, and in sending supplies and clothing to feed those who have lost everything.
It gives me some hope. Because, even as I write these words, there are all kinds of fires raging across the world. Wars and conflicts, shellings and bombardments, in which people lose everything they love, all fuelled by the most incendiary of all substances – hatred. If only we could quench these fires with the waters of simple decency. Respect for different points of view. Human kindness. And above all, love, for one another.
Adopt-a-Fish in 2025
art displays in the library until the rain and crowd lightened up a bit.
Then we headed to the library’s rooftop garden, where we picked up a Salmon Adoption Certificate from a small tent. The sun appeared as we made our way to Memorial Park, escorted by a kind volunteer.
We crossed the street, passing the daffodils and tulips, and arrived at the truck where volunteers gave my daughter two juvenile salmon. We headed to the creek.
“Good luck! Take care of each other,” my daughter said, with a tearful goodbye, as they were released from the shallow edge of the creek. What a wonderful experience!
I appreciate the West Vancouver Streamkeeper Society, the Coho Society of the North Shore, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and West Vancouver Memorial Library. These organizations have been a crucial bridge in connecting our community with the lifecycle of salmon.
The Adopt-a-Fish 2025 event takes place on Saturday April 26 at the West Vancouver Memorial Library, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Children 12 and under are encouraged to attend with their families. The event will proceed rain or shine, and registration is not required. The schedule includes Fishy Fun Family Storytime and is posted on the library website at westvanlibrary.ca
ANNE BAIRD ANNE’S CORNER
JINI PARK
Fred Hollingsworth: a visionary of West Coast Modernism
Fred Thornton Hollingsworth wasn’t just an architect; he was a pioneer who helped shape the landscape of West Coast Modernism and left an indelible mark on the North Shore. Through his vision, talent, and unwavering belief in the power of good design, he created homes that continue to inspire generations.
A Renaissance man at heart, he was not only an architect but also a gifted musician, painter, sculptor, and draftsman. His life was a testament to the boundless possibilities of human creativity.
One of his earliest masterpieces is the residence in Edgemont Village, crafted in 1946 for his own family. At just 1,100 square feet with a single bathroom, the modest home was where his son Russell grew up—and where Hollingsworth’s career began. “It was very small. Very simple. It was the first house he designed before he became an architect,” Russell recalls.
While he is best
known for his residential designs, his portfolio includes larger projects such as the Faculty of Law building at UBC. His work was a fusion of practicality, beauty, and a deep respect for the natural environment.
A disciple of Frank Lloyd Wright, Hollingsworth embraced the principles of organic design, weaving natural materials and harmonious lines into his creations.
Even as he achieved architectural acclaim, Hollingsworth’s focus remained on creat-
ing beautiful homes for working people of modest means.
The Moon Residence, one of his iconic designs from the 1950s, exemplifies Hollingsworth’s brilliance. Celebrated for its timeless beauty and recognized with awards, the home stands as a testament to his ability to merge art, function, and the environment seamlessly.
Fred Hollingsworth’s influence extended far beyond architecture. He instilled in his children a love for creativity and a respect for craftsmanship. Russell, who followed in his father’s footsteps as an architect, reflects on the invaluable lessons he learned growing up. “He taught me about working with my hands, about art, culture, architecture, and philosophy. We were steeped in that kind of upbringing.”
Hollingsworth’s work continues to inspire not only architects but anyone who believes in the transformative power of design. His homes, infused with character and purpose, remind us that beauty and functionality are not mutually exclusive. They are a celebration of life itself, a legacy that endures in the places we call home.
Fred Hollingsworth’s life was a symphony of creativity, innovation, and compassion—a legacy that continues to resonate. Through his designs, he proved that architecture is more than building structures; it is about shaping the way we live, dream, and connect with the world around us.
We appreciate Christine Lyons’ permission for the use of her information for this article.
Celebrating a Century of Tennis
Since 1925, WVTC has been a hub for players of all levels, fostering a love for the game and lasting friendships.
The West Vancouver Tennis Club is proudly marking 100 years of tennis, community, and history with special events throughout the coming year!
A stunning example of Fred Hollingsworth’s ability to bring the outside in. Photos provided
Creativity and innovation are hallmarks of a Hollingsworth design.
Portrait of Fred at Boeing Aircraft in 1942.
CHRIS STRINGER
RRussell Hollingsworth masterpieces
ussell Hollingsworth formed Hollingsworth Group’s three distinct companies to develop his studio approach to building wherein craftsmen and designers construct remarkable, sustainable homes together. The Hollingsworth Group specializes in sophisticated, premier residences, each one utilizing the surrounding landscape and resources to build extremely practical, but beautiful, architectural masterpieces.
Although Hollingsworth does not identify with any one typified style, he draws heavily on organic architecture when designing; this is a result of having the renowned Canadian architect, Fred Thornton
Hollingsworth, as a father.
“I learned everything from my father,” Russell explains. “From a very early age he was my mentor.”
As a leading practitioner of the West Coast tradition, Russell’s father exposed him to the rewards of building spaces that embody their natural surroundings. Russell’s designs reflect this early influence, while being contemporary and elegant. As Russell puts it, “A client can walk into my office with a specific or general idea, and we take over from there.” (westcoastmodern. ca)
Examples of structures designed and built by Russell Hollingsworth:
CHRIS STRINGER
Photos: courtesy of Russell Hollingsworth
His earliest inspiration, however, was not buildings
BY Chris Stringer
As the only son of a renowned North Shore designer-builder Russell Hollingsworth spent much of his childhood on construction sites, learning carpentry skills. But it was an unexpected moment, far from the world of buildings design, that set him on a different path.
When we sat down for our interview, it quickly became clear that the young Hollingsworth’s initial passion was not sparked by architecture or buildings—it was boats.
With no exposure to boating Russell was 10 years old when there was some thing about a boat he had seen for sale in his neighbour hood that impacted him. “I had to have that boat,” Russell recalled, his voice filled with the same youthful enthusiasm he must have felt at the time. The determined young Russell, with $175 saved from his two paper routes, bought the boat. At dinner that eve ning the proud young boat owner apprehensively informed his parents of his purchase. As Russell explained, while giggling, his father was not impressed or amused.
to Kit Lumber on Granville Island and bought plans for a 13.5-foot Blue Jay sailboat. Over the next two years the evenings and weekends were spent in the basement meticulously crafting his boat with mahogany decking finished in a dozen coats of varnish. The hull was wet sanded and completed with multiple coats of enamel paint.
Once built, Fred, suitably impressed with his son’s accomplishment, arranged for an excavator to jackhammer a hole in the concrete basement wall for the removal of the boat.
Russell was able to take out the $25 junior membership with West Vancouver Yacht Club where his handcrafted gleaming sailboat became the talk of the club. It even caught the eye of renowned sailor and author Larry Pardey, who was so impressed he asked, “Where did you buy that boat?” When Russell told him he’d built it himself, Larry was skeptical and said, “Kid, there’s no way you built that boat.” Russell stood his ground. “I
This moment sparked a lifelong mentorship.
“That was a pretty stupid thing you did. If you expect me to pick up the boat and haul it down to the water, forget it. Go back to the seller and beg for your money back”. Russell dejectedly complied with the demand, but the dream did not fade.
Several weeks later Fred surprised Russell by asking if he still wanted a boat.
“Yeah, I’m going to have a boat one day,” was the response.
“Well,” said Fred, “You can have a boat, provided you build it. And it must be a sailboat, you’re too young for power.”
Unfazed, the following weekend young Russell cycled across the Lions Gate Bridge
Larry, impressed by Russell’s determination and skill, invited him on sailing adventures, which established Russell’s love for the water. It led to a lasting friendship with Larry and his wife, Lin Pardey.
Though Russell initially thought his future lay in boat design, it was his experiences in naval architecture that would shape his architectural approach. Today, the Hollingsworth name is associated with iconic building designs, blending organic forms with functional elegance. The passion that began with a boy’s dream of boat building continues to influence his work.
“If you can design and build the rounded form of a boat,” Russell explains, “it enhances your ability to creatively design buildings.”
Launching of the Russwynd.
Photos provided
Young Russell’s boat being towed along Marine Drive for launching in Eagle Harbour.
Russell and Fred
“That’s Amoré” at Caulfeild Cove Hall
BY Kathleen Glynn-Morris
On February 15, 130 people attended a sold-out, standing-room-only event at Caulfeild Cove Hall. With its European Salon concept – intimate, personal, educational, and interactive – it was similar to the house concerts of Bowen and Lions Bay. Being only five feet from professional musicians is a wonderful experience. You get to experience how their musical instrument – oboe, violin, cello – becomes an extension of their body. Sometimes they carry their instrument with them all the time – their voice.
The brainchild of the Caulfield Cove concerts is talented, fun-loving Karen Lee-Morlang, who is both producer and accompanist. Her mission is to share the joy of music with everyone. She has performed at the International Jazz Festival, World Peace Festival, has been on CBC, and collaborated with many BC Choirs. She has a master’s in German Lieder and has founded a number of groups
including the Lady Larks and the No Shit Shirleys. She is also the music director at St. Francis-in-the-Wood. Karen’s preference is to interact with the audience, and she prefers small and intimate to concert hall. It is interesting how people can come into our community and change our lives.
“That’s Amore” was Italian Opera themed, with popular love songs, both romantic and dramatic. The enthusiastic audience connected with the performers who were having so much fun mirroring the experience of the audience.
Professional performers Robyn DriedgerKlassen (soprano), Aaron Durand (baritone), Chloe Hurst (soprano) and Domagoj Ivanovic (virtuoso violinist) were lively, expressive story tellers.
Keava McCormac, 18-year-old North Shore operatic prodigy, conveyed the emotions of operatic characters usually performed by much older singers. She also has a divine sense of humour and is clearly at home in front of the microphone.
The program included songs by Mozart,
Puccini, and Rossini as well as other Italian composers and the first world performance of Favali and Heruth’s art song “Il suono nel lago.”
And what a joy to listen to the St. Francis Choir, with solos by Michael Berton, virtuoso bassoonist, who also sang tenor with soprano Theresa Odishaw in the touching duet “The Prayer” by David Foster and Carole Sager.
Rossini’s comic cat duet with duelling “meows” was sung by contralto Angela Joyce and soprano Sharon Quan.
SENIORS’ ACTIVITY CENTRE SHUTTLE BUS
The choir joined the opera stars for the ever popular “Funiculi, Funicula,” “That’s Amore,” “O Sole Mio” and “Con te partiro –time to say goodbye,” with the audience joining in with glee.
Catering was coordinated by Penny Mitchell, with welcome pizza served in the first interval and individual tiramisus as a treat during the second interval.
The joy was palpable as patrons left. It was such a unifying concert – just what we all needed.
Did you know that the West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre (SAC) runs a Shuttle Bus service (by $3 donation) that provides easy access to the SAC, local businesses, senior living facilities, banks, grocery stores, doctors’ offices, and more for West Vancouver seniors?
WESTERN CONNECTOR PILOT
In an effort to increase easy and accessible transportation options for seniors, starting on March 10, 2025, seniors living in the western part of the community will be able to catch a ride on the new Western Connector (by $3 donation) to access services between the Seniors’ Activity Centre and Horseshoe Bay on Mondays!
Guest performers with St. Francis choir.
Photo provided
The 2025 Local Voices series begins
BY Lindy Pfeil
Presented in partnership with the West Vancouver Historical Society, the West Vancouver Memorial Library is once again hosting Local Voices, a celebration of our community, as it was and as it is, in the words of the people who live here.
The first talk in this series takes place on Wednesday, March 5, and is titled Cultural Legacy: The Art and Story of a Manchu Princess and China’s Last Royal Descendants. The presenter is Cecilia Aisin-Gioro (Hengqin Aixinjueluo), a descendant of the Qing dynasty’s imperial family and great-niece of China’s last emperor, Puyi.
legacy.
For Local Voices, Cecilia will recount her journey of self-discovery, reflecting on her place in Chinese history and her evolution into a globally influential artist and critic.
Her family motto is: “Paintings can communicate what words cannot express. When you feel vulnerable, painting can infuse you with strength. When you are adrift, it can remind you of your true self.”
“Local Voices is an opportunity to learn about our community, the people who live in it... and what they do here.”
As an entrepreneur, historian, art critic, and founder of China’s first private Heritage Tea and Art Museum, Cecilia represents resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to preserving cultural heritage.
Ostracized from the country her family once ruled, Cecilia ultimately found refuge in West Vancouver, where she embraced the freedom to explore her artistic vision while protecting and celebrating her ancestral
Spanning continents and generations, Cecilia’s story offers rare insights into the trajectory of Chinese art and culture, the history of her royal lineage, and the personal strength that helped her create a meaningful life and career in the Pacific Northwest.
The second talk takes place on Wednesday, April 2. Eldon Phukuile’s presentation is titled It’s Not Bad, But It Could Have Been So Much Better: Reflections on Apartheid, Truth and Reconciliation and the Path from 1980s South Africa to 2020s West Vancouver.
Born on the outskirts of 1980s Johannesburg, Eldon Phukuile grew up in a “coloured” family that was relatively privileged by the standards of Apartheid South Africa, with enough to eat and a comfortable home. In the
A costly lesson in online scams
While the Beacon is a “good news newspaper” we do have a responsibility to protect our community. The following story came to us from a reader, and we are publishing it in the hopes of preventing it from happening again.
Ihave often read about scams and thought, that was ridiculously obvious. I’d never fall for that. Then, it happened to me.
Magic tricks rely on psychological illusions, misdirection, and sleight of hand to deceive the brain. Magicians manipulate attention, making us miss their secret moves. My scammers were evil magicians.
On January 30, I received an email – apparently from PayPal – with a charge of $389.99. It provided a support number for
dispute resolution. I had recently used PayPal, and I feared an unauthorized charge had been triggered. I called the provided number, unknowingly initiating a fraudulent scheme that escalated over multiple conversations.
During the first call (4 minutes), reception was poor and communication difficult. In the second call (60 minutes), the scammer identified himself as Robert C. (PayPal Employee #3021) and remotely accessed my computer, instructing me not to touch my mouse.
Robert called back a third time (47 minutes), from a different number. He claimed that I had mistakenly been refunded $38,908 instead of $389.99 and said my savings account had been locked as a result. In his
1990s, as democracy emerged under Nelson Mandela’s vision of a “rainbow nation,” there was hope for peace, prosperity, and unity. The Truth and Reconciliation process began, and South Africa seemed poised to deliver on its promise of national growth and harmony.
However, Eldon’s journey eventually led him to leave, arriving on Vancouver’s North Shore in 2022 with his late grandmother’s haunting words in mind: “It was better under Apartheid.”
While he doesn’t share that view, he understands the sentiment.
Through Eldon’s story – and South Africa’s – we reflect on how the last 40 years, despite progress, fell short of their potential.
This journey also invites us to explore parallels with Canada and West Vancouver.
Local Voices is an opportunity to learn about our community, the people who live in it, why they chose to make their home in West Vancouver, and what they do here.
The presentations take place in the Welsh Hall at West Vancouver Memorial Library on Wednesday, March 5 and Wednesday, April 2 from 6 – 7:30 pm. The talks are free, but registration is required, as space is limited. For more information, contact the library at 604.925.7403 or at info@westvanlibrary.ca. Register online through the library events page.
fourth call (64 minutes), he claimed his job was at stake due to the error and pleaded for my help in wiring the money back. He instructed me to wire the money back and told me to report it as a personal wire to avoid a 25% business transaction fee. He even offered me $1,000 for my trouble. Reading this now, it sounds absurd. But after three exhausting hours on the phone, I wasn’t thinking clearly. I walked to my bank, stood in line for 30 minutes, and after freezing my accounts, the manager told me I should have verified the call and never allowed access to my account. To resolve the scam, the bank would be charging me $1,202.01 in exchange rate fees. I also paid
$67.20 to have my computer scrubbed. This experience has left me feeling deceived and disheartened. I pride myself on being cautious, yet these scammers used sophisticated psychological tactics that made me second-guess my instincts. I refuse to let this incident define me. I wish I had been sharp enough to outsmart the magicians. But maybe my story can prevent someone else from being scammed.
Update: Since this story was initially submitted to the Beacon, the bank has reinstated the writer’s accounts, cancelling the $1,202.01 in fees. She is both relieved and grateful to no longer see the evidence of her mistake on her bank statement.
Eldon Phukuile will be presenting his story at Local Voices on April 2. Photos provided
Cecilia Aisin-Gioro recounts her journey at the West Vancouver Memorial Library on March 5 at 6 pm.
Teaching for a world we can’t predict
BY Brad Carter Head of School at Island Pacific School
Adecade ago, no one imagined that artificial intelligence would be writing essays and generating convincing videos or that a global pandemic would reshape how we work and learn. The world changes fast – faster than any curriculum can keep up with. If we don’t know what’s coming, how do we prepare young people for the future?
Education has been built on the assumption that the world is predictable. Schools have focused on equipping students with a fixed set of knowledge and skills, believing that going to school is about getting a good job. It is, but only in part. And in a world where industries transform overnight and entire fields of work emerge from nothing, this approach falls short.
The real challenges of the future are not just about jobs, though those matter. The real challenge is whether we are raising a generation of people who can think for themselves and act with warranted selfconfidence. In an age of deepfakes, misin-
formation, and rapid technological change, knowing how to discern truth, adapt, and make wise choices is far more important than any particular skill set. The rise of populist movements around the world underscores this point.
In an era where emotional appeals often override facts, and where division and reactionary thinking take the place of thoughtful debate, education must equip young people with the ability to analyze, question, and engage with complexity rather than retreat into simplistic answers.
Mark Twain quipped that the ancients stole all our good ideas. He was right. What young people need today is good old-fashioned things like wisdom, the wherewithal to think critically, to assess information, and to make sound decisions in a world full of complexity. They need the courage to take intellectual risks, to ask difficult questions, and to persist in the face of uncertainty. And they need integrity – the grounding to make ethical choices, to stand by their principles, and to contribute meaningfully to society. These qualities, developed alongside academics, prepare students not just for tests and careers, but for life.
The real goal of education shouldn’t be
to predict the future, but to prepare students to meet it with resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose. What if we stopped asking what students will achieve and started asking who they will become?
A way to contribute to your community
BY Denise Howell
Each year, the West Vancouver Foundation, your local community foundation, produces a “Vital Signs” report. This report uses local knowledge to measure the vitality of our community and supports action towards improving the collective quality of life. Vital Signs aims to inspire civic engagement, to provide focus for public debate, and to help a range of actors take action and direct resources where they will have the greatest impact.
The 2024 report focuses on poverty reduction by exploring how some fundamental aspects of our lives intersect with critical areas such as housing, transportation, income disparity, health and wellness, learning and growth, and arts and culture. The report includes the latest statistics for the North Shore municipalities and stories of impact from local charities.
As we navigate the complexities of our rapidly changing world, it is essential to understand the dynamics that influence our community’s well-being. It highlights both the challenges we face and the opportunities that lie ahead, fostering a deeper understanding of how we can work together to enhance the quality of life for all residents.
Through this report, we hope you will gain a clearer perspective on the interconnectedness of these issues. You will discover the stories of individuals and families who are impacted by these challenges and learn about the initiatives and programs that are making a difference. Our aim is to inspire dialogue and action, encouraging each of you to reflect on your role in fostering a more inclusive and connected community.
We invite you to engage with the findings of this report, share your thoughts, and consider how you can contribute to the solutions that will strengthen our community. Together, we can build a North Shore that is
not only vibrant and resilient but also a place where everyone feels they belong.
As the West Vancouver Foundation celebrates 45 years of impact in our community, we want to thank you for your continued support and commitment to our community.
The West Vancouver Foundation is one of the top 30 community foundations in Canada and has been bringing people and projects together to create impact and change since 1979.
See the full report at www.westvanfoundation. ca/vitalsigns
We can’t predict the world our children will inherit, but we can equip them to step into it with confidence. And in the end, that might be the most important lesson of all.
Students creating together at IPS.
Photo provided
The magic of collaboration
BY Zoe Robertson
One of the greatest blessings of a career in the arts is experiencing the magic of collaboration. Artistic creation can be a solitary exercise, and its value is not diminished with isolation. Without external feedback and exchange, however, creative output can lean toward the homogeneous, treading ever more familiar pathways of self-reflection. For some, this internal exploration is not only enough, but it is the whole purpose of creative pursuits. For others, art is a vehicle for connection in a world full of differing perspectives and varied experience. On this latter journey, collaboration is the key that unlocks all doors. Simply bringing art to an audience is, in itself, an act of collaboration. The artist holds out an offering and the audience interprets it. In return, the audience offers a reaction that the artist then uses – in one way or another – to shape the next work. This reciprocal relationship creates a feedback loop that both enhances the artist’s work and fuels a sense of agency for the audience. Over time, as an audience begins to see itself ever more reflected in the artist’s work, a powerful sense of belonging takes root for both parties.
For the Ambleside Orchestra, collaboration is at the very core of its work. Beyond connecting with the audiences who show enthusiastic support concert after concert, each rehearsal and performance is an intricate collaboration between individual players, orchestral sections, instrument families, and organizational roles. On March 30, 2025, the Ambleside Orchestra is fortunate enough to expand its collaborative practice
even further, welcoming the St. Thomas Aquinas Choir for its spring concert.
Led by Siiri Rebane, the choir is comprised of students in grades 8 – 12 from St. Thomas Aquinas High School and has toured widely through Canada, the US, and Europe. Rehearsing 2-3 times per week before school, the choir explores both accompanied and unaccompanied works.
Estonian-born Rebane brings extensive international experience to her role as director of the choral program at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Most recently, she led the choir on a tour through the Western US and Eastern Europe, where they participated in the historic Estonian Song Festival.
Having previously collaborated with organizations such as the Estonian State Symphony, the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, and the Capilano University Singers, Rebane has a unique understanding of how to build a program that showcases both choir and orchestra. Ambleside Orchestra’s music director and conductor, Maestro Bujar Llapaj, whose experience spans orchestras throughout Canada and Europe, such as the West Coast Symphony Orchestra, the Albanian National Theater of Opera and Ballet, and Tirana’s New Philharmonic Orchestra, brings his own expertise to the music selection process for the March 30 event.
Together, the joint team of Rebane and Maestro Llapaj have planned a program featuring works from composers such as Beethoven, Verdi, Mozart, Cyrillus Kreek, and Christopher Tin. As a special contribution, President & CEO of the Vancouver Academy of Music, Joseph Elworthy, will also be performing Gabriel Fauré’s magnificent Élégie for cello and orchestra.
The concert on March 30 marks the
first collaboration between the St. Thomas Aquinas Choir and Ambleside Orchestra. With rehearsals starting in early February, both organizations will have spent considerable time rehearsing separately before finally coming together to merge choir with orchestra. The process is both demanding and rewarding for Rebane, Maestro Llapaj,
and the participants of both ensembles. It is the very challenge of this process, however, that makes it such an exciting endeavour for both groups.
On Sunday, March 30 at 3 pm at Highlands United Church, we invite you to join our collaboration as our final participant, our audience.
Safeway is proud to support local farmers and producers. See our wide range of local products throughout the store.
Ambleside Orchestra’s musical director and conductor, Bujar Llapaj. Photos provided
St. Thomas Aquinas choir director, Siiri Rebane.
President & CEO of the Vancouver Academy of Music, Joseph Elworthy.
Public asked to report dead bats
BY Danielle Dagenais Coordinator Metro VancouverSea-to-Sky Region, BC Community Bat Program
The BC Community Bat Programs, in collaboration with the Province of BC, are asking the public for help in the effort to detect and prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome (WNS) in bats. Residents are urged to report any bat activity observed in winter and any sick or dead bats found before May 31.
There have not been any bats with WNS found to date in BC, but Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), the fungus that causes the disease, was confirmed in 2022 in the Boundary Region. Recently, the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship released results from 413 samples taken last winter and spring, and they
all came back as negative. This was surprising, but great news, as bats with WNS have been confirmed in Alberta and in northern Washington State, just south of the border. First detected in New York State in 2006, the disease continues to spread, with detections in northwestern and central Washington and in south-central Alberta. The fungus does not cause disease in humans and pets, but WNS has devastated North American bat populations. The fungus attacks bats while they are hibernating, growing on their faces to give an appearance of a white nose. Bats often wake to clean the fungus from their skin. This uses valuable energy, and eventually the bats die from starvation.
Across North America, millions of bats have been killed, and seven of our 15 BC species could be severely affected by the disease. The Little Brown Myotis and the Northern Myotis are both listed as Endan-
gered in Canada due to WNS. Though there is not yet a proven cure for WNS, several promising treatment options are being developed, and it may be possible to mitigate the effects of this wildlife health crisis.
If you find a dead bat or have sightings of winter bat activity, please report to the BC Community Bat Programs online at www. bcbats.ca, via email at vancouver@bcbats. ca or by calling 1-855-922-2287 ext. 11. All live bats should be left alone — keep your distance, snap a photo, and report it to the BC Community Bat Programs. If you must move a bat, visit www.bcbats.ca for advice and never touch a bat with your bare hands. Please note that if you or your pet has been in direct contact with the bat you will need further information regarding the risk of rabies to you and your pet. Contact the BC Community Bat Programs for more information.
The bats of BC are key predators of many night-flying insects. They are essen-
Van Django gypsy jazz quartet
BY Karen Lee-Morlang
On Saturday March 8, the Van Django quartet – Cameron Wilson (violin), Budge Schachte (guitar), Finn Manniche (guitar & cello), and Brent Gubbels (bass) – will be performing at Caulfeild Cove Hall at St. Francis-in-the-Wood Church.
The renowned Van Django quartet’s music is well-rooted in the gypsy jazz of 1930s Paris, France, but beyond that it’s all pure blue sky-
ing; flights of dazzling fancy, driving rhythms and boundless creativity, featuring original compositions and arrangements including humorous mashups wearing their eclectic influences in full regalia.
Since the group’s formation in 1998, they have toured extensively in Canada as well as internationally – to the US, Europe and China. The group has had repeat performances at Djangofest Northwest (between 2008 and 2016) sharing the stage with gypsy jazz luminaries such as the John Jorgenson Quintet,
the legendary gypsy jazz guitarist Romane and many others.
They have released four CDs: Tiptoe Trip, Waltz in the Shape of a Tree, Hotel Europe and a Christmas CD with special guests titled, Cool Yule. They have been well received and played on many radio stations including CBC, RDI, Espace Musique, NPR and Lyric FM in Ireland.
“In an increasingly crowded niche, Van Django is a standout act,” says Nick Lehr of Djangofest Northwest. “With a clever mix of contemporary standards, classical ditties,
tial parts of BC’s ecosystems and provide a huge economic benefit by helping control agricultural, forest, and urban pests. In partnership with the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, the BC Community Bat Programs provide information and promote local stewardship and citizen science.
The BC Community Bat Programs Metro Vancouver-Sea-to-Sky Region extends its gratitude to partners involved in bat conservation and the three Bat-friendly Communities, Richmond, Delta, and Port Moody. The programs are supported by funding from the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Forest Enhancement Society of BC, the Habitat Stewardship Program, the Province of BC. You can find out more about options for helping local bat populations at www.bcbats.ca.
rock homages and solid originals they effortlessly whip the audience into a joyful frenzy. Attending a Van Django concert is the most fun you can have sitting down with your clothes on.”
Van Django will have two showings on March 8: the matinee starts at 3:30 pm (for an hour) and tickets run between $25 and $35. The evening show starts at 7 pm and runs two hours (with intermission), more toe-tappin’ music and a cash bar. General admission for this show is $40.
A Carol Shumas Retrospective
BY Leigh-Anne Niehaus Community Arts Supervisor
The Ferry Building Gallery and the West Vancouver Memorial Library are proud to present Framed Narratives: A Carol Shumas Retrospective, a dual exhibition celebrating the life and work of this prolific artist. Known for her vibrant, narrative-driven paintings, Carol Shumas created hundreds of works throughout her lifetime. Inspired by musicals and theatre, her compositions resemble stage sets – flat yet dynamic, brimming with colourful characters frozen in moments of peak action. Her subject matter spans family gatherings, community quilting, children at play, pillow fights, weddings, dances, and even boxing matches. Sometimes she depicted people, other times animals, but always with joy, movement, and life. Frequently, she placed herself or family members within her scenes. Her work aligns with the folk/naïve art tradition – illustrative, expressive, and
instinctively composed, reflecting her selftaught artistic approach.
Carol Anne Shumas was a multi-talented creative force, painting until her final days. Born and raised in West Vancouver, she exhibited in Vancouver, Toronto, Quebec, and New York. Through her paintings and tapestries, she was a master storyteller, capturing the energy and warmth of life’s moments.
Beyond her visual art, Carol had a beautiful singing voice and a passion for cooking, always serving meals with humour and optimism. She passed away peacefully on December 23, 2021, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy. Her sister, the guardian of her work, has helped bring this retrospective to the people of West Vancouver, ensuring Carol’s vibrant spirit continues to inspire.
The opening reception is on Thursday, April 3, from 6-8 pm, and there will be a talk with Linda Shumas on Saturday, April 5, from 2 to 3 pm.
The exhibition will be on display in the library exhibition space and at the Ferry Building Gallery. Gallery hours are Wednesday to Sunday, from 11 am to 5 pm. Admission is by donation.
Wake up to a life you’ve dreamed of, in a neighbourhood you love.
Our residents are happier and healthier thanks to our active, connected and vibrant lifestyle located in the best locations on the North Shore. Enjoy incredible food based on seasonal fare and comforting favourites that tantalize the palate.
Thrive under the guidance of our wellness teams, with lively social experiences, fitness classes, fun local excursions and 24/7 safety and security.
PARC offers residents a fresh and healthy outlook to live their best life.
Proud (2016), Oil on Canvas, 11.5” x 13.5”
Cold Feet, c.2025, Oil on Canvas Photos provided Summer at 2124, a Carol Shumas early ‘90s Oil on Canvas, 23” x 30”
A shining example of elegance and exquisite style is the Hallmark of this “front row” Edenshaw home. On entry the beautiful decor is enhanced by gorgeous HW ooring throughout and 19 ft vaulted ceilings. This highly coveted “B” plan o ers a fully updated 3 bath, 4 bdrm layout w the rare main oor primary ensuite that a ords you a single level living option that is simply priceless. 3 more bdrms up w. optional 2nd primary make this layout extremely versatile. Gourmet kitchen with updated appliances, integrated dining/living area, laundry, family room w 2 FP’s on main plus 2 car garage & rare on grade walk-out garden patio unlike any other w upper balcony facing ocean, city & mountain views that go on forever!
Welcome to 4786 Meadfeild Court! This stunning home was comprehensively updated in recent years & boasts an understated elegance w. a practicality that is hard to overlook. On entry the residence features gorgeous hardwood oors, vaulted ceilings, custom gourmet kitchen w 6 burner WOLF gas range, new windows, new doors, 2 new gas burning FP’s, new bathrooms up and down Including main oor master ensuite, large rec room w the added bonus of a fully overhauled/updated plumbing & heating system that is simply superb! The bene ts of the beautiful interior nishing are equally matched by the south and west facing outdoor space & rear yard w. Perfect proximity to schools, shopping & recreation in one of West Van’s most desirable neighborhoods.
A rarely available “front row” unit in Sahalee! This lovely home was renovated in 2020 & bene ts from the best outlook in this unique upper caulfeild community. This 2 story layout features an optional bdrm/den on main w. ALL New kitchen, living, dining, bathroom. New carpet & oak plank HW oor all opens to a beautiful balcony that boasts world class views of ocean & islands. Downstairs both bedrooms o er the same as oorplan a ords you 2 outdoor spaces with an integrated covered patio leading out to a beautiful small garden. On entry you will pass through a private courtyard that perfectly frames this charming property. This optimal location is only steps from schools, shopping & recreation and o ers the comfort of central A/C w 2 car garage & storage. By appointment, Easy to show.
Modern Westcoast classic in Upper Caulfeild! Fully renovated in 2021 this home is unlike anything else in the area. Vaulted entry boasts 16 ft ceilings enhanced by the extensive Stonework & Skylights that are signature design hallmarks in this unique concept build. Sitting a top 10,000 + sq ft lot, the 3,200 + sq ft house o ers 4 bdrm, 3 bath layout perfectly integrated w. principal O/D areas that enjoy the 360 dgr breathtaking views of mountain, city & ocean. Renos include but not limited to; Primary bdrm/ ensuite, kitch & appl, European oak wide plank HW, Eclipse sliding doors, triple-glazed alum windows/ doors, large cut porcelain tile, oat glass railings & bathrooms to round out this stunning modern transformation. Bonus studio/workshop. Steps from schools, shops & rec.
“ I give my assurance that, when it comes to the business of your present or future home, I will personally always be there to help you with the details and decisions of this important event in your life.” - Franco
In the 14 years that I’ve helped my clients buy and sell homes here, I’ve always felt that I’m not just selling a home, I’m selling a lifestyle. When I move someone into a new home, the process doesn’t end with me handing them the keys; I’m involved in connecting them with their new community - my community. I was fortunate to grow up in Eagle Harbour and my husband, in Horseshoe Bay. Our son and daughter learn in the
In the 13 years that I’ve helped my clients buy and sell homes here, I’ve always felt that I’m not just selling a home, I’m selling a lifestyle. When I move someone into a new home, the process doesn’t end with me handing them the keys; I’m involved in connecting them with their new community - my community. I was fortunate to grow up in Eagle Harbour and my husband, in Horseshoe Bay. Our son and daughter learn in the same classrooms that we did at Gleneagles - it doesn’t get more local than that. Since childhood I’ve been familiar with the trails, parks and beaches that my family enjoys today. I feel very fortunate to have fashioned a successful career doing what I love to do in this beautiful area I call home and I would love to help your family buy or sell the West Coast dream... because I believe it is.
that we did - it doesn’t get more local than that. Since childhood I’ve been familiar with the trails, parks and beaches that my family enjoys today. I feel very fortunate to have fashioned a successful career doing what I love to do in this beautiful area I call home and I would love to help your family buy or sell the West Coast dream... because I believe it is.
350 KELVIN GROVE WAY $2,390,000 LIONS BAY
Experience stunning ocean & island views from this 4 bdrm / 3 bthrm / 3213 SF home. Main level boasts a gourmet kitchen with eating area, elegant living spaces, & a spacious primary suite - all with access to three expansive decks. Complete with workshop
608 2101 MCMULLEN AVENUE $860,000 ARBUTUS VILLAGE
Penthouse in Arbutus Village! Renovated 1 bed+den+solarium/1 bthrm/1011 SF with spacious rooms, HW floors, modern kitchen/ bath, & floor-to-ceiling windows. Private balcony w/ mountain views. Includes storage, laundry, 2 parking, pool & more!
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Nestled in
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5704 WESTPORT ROAD $2,998,000
Nestled in absolute privacy, this 5 bdrm + office / 5 bthrm / 5661 SF residence sits on over ½ an acre surrounded by lush gardens. It features an open-plan, gourmet kitchen, hobby room, games room, gym, sauna, hot tub, greenhouse, garage, and gated driveway.
