Community Updates

New Housing Legislation Info Sessions

LVCA

The following is an extract of
https://www.dnv.org/community-environment/new-provincial-housing-legislation

In November 2023, the provincial government passed legislation intended to increase housing supply and improve affordability in all B.C. municipalities. https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023PREM0062-001706
To achieve this goal, the B.C. government has made changes to allow more homes and offer different types of housing across the province in single-family neighbourhoods, and near transit hubs and other frequent transit corridors.


UPCOMING PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETINGS
In-person Public Information Meeting
The in-person public information meeting will begin with a presentation, followed by an opportunity to mingle with staff to ask questions and learn more.

  • Thursday, April 11, 6:30 – 8:30pm – In-person Public Information Meeting at Parkgate Community Centre (3625 Banff Court, North Vancouver)
  • Wednesday, April 17, 6:30 – 8:30pm – In-person Public Information Meeting at District Hall, Council Chambers (355 West Queens Road, North Vancouver)

Virtual Public Information Meeting
The virtual public information meetings will begin with a presentation, followed by a facilitated question and answer session with staff.

How the changes will affect the District
The new legislation fundamentally changes how the District – and all local governments in B.C. – plans, considers and approves development and growth across our entire community.

These rules require the District to allow increased density in neighbourhoods traditionally zoned for detached single-family homes and duplexes. This increase in density also requires updates to strategic, long-term visioning for our community and to the municipality’s zoning bylaws.

District staff are reviewing policies that are impacted by these changes as the province requires that all relevant bylaws must be updated by June 30, 2024.
Key facts

  • In most single-family neighbourhoods, the legislation supports up to three or four units per lot. In single-family neighbourhoods near frequent transit service, this could be as many as six units per lot.
  • The provincial government has designated Transit Oriented Development Areas with minimum densities and heights near Phibbs Exchange and Capilano University.
  • As part of the new rules, municipalities are no longer allowed to hold public hearings for residential projects that conform to the District’s Official Community Plan.
  • The District’s Housing Needs Report, Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw must be updated by December 2025 to accommodate 20 years of projected residential growth.

Related documents

Get more details on the government’s website for local government housing initiatives <https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/local-governments-and-housing/housing-initiatives>

Dogs, People and Parks

LVCA

In keeping with the guidance in the Parks and Open Spaces Strategic Plan 2012, the North Vancouver District is working to continue developing guidelines for parks and trail planning that promote safety and enjoyment for all.

They have heard many comments and requests from the community that relate to dogs in District Parks. Along with a desire to create new opportunities to recreate with dogs in parks, they also hear about conflicts relating to interactions with dogs, waste management, environmental concerns and more.

The District wants to hear from you whether you are a dog owner or not.

This survey will take about 15 minutes to complete all sections. Most questions are optional so you don’t have to answer every question, however, click through to the end of the survey to ensure your responses are submitted.

Deadline DECEMBER 5TH.

https://www.dnv.org/parks-trails-recreation/dog-plan

EXTENDED TO OCT. 1ST! Bookmark Design Contest

LVCA

There’s still a chance to have your creation in books around Lynn Valley!

Create a bookmark with what you love the most about Lynn Valley.

Use crayons, paint, pastels and your imagination!

Winning designs will be distributed at the library.

How to enter:

  • Bookmark design should be 21x9cm in dimension (8×3.5 inches)
  • Scan and email your entry to lynnvalleyca@gmail.com or
  • Put it in an envelope and drop it off at 3171 Mountain Highway on or before OCTOBER 1ST, 2023

Remember to include your name, age, and a way to reach you.

EXTENDED!

CONTEST CLOSES 5PM SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1ST, 2023.

By submitting your entry you agree to have your design reproduced, shared and distributed for all to enjoy!

DNV Urban Tree Canopy Project

LVCA

A more diverse and healthy urban tree canopy will help us take action against climate change and increase biodiversity and wildlife habitat.

Plant a tree, make a difference.

The DNV is enhancing the urban tree canopy by giving free trees to homeowners, and plants or shrubs to people living in apartments and condos, as part of their Urban Tree Canopy Project.

Program history

The DNV invited residential property owners to participate in the inaugural Urban Tree Canopy program in 2021. 

In 2022, they expanded the program so those living in apartments or condos could receive a plant or shrub for their balcony. This year’s program offers a variety of tree and shrub species: cedar, fir, dogwood, shore pine, big leaf maple, willow, Nootka rose, woolly sunflower, tall Oregon grape, and Douglas aster.

To date, District residents have received 689 trees and shrubs to plant and help grow our tree canopy. 

The Urban Tree Canopy program is run in partnership with Coast Salish Plant Nursery and the Wild Bird Trust. Funds from the environmental compensation fee account were used to run the program.

Register today!

https://www.dnv.org/community-environment/urban-tree-canopy-project

To get your free plants, fill out the online linked above before Sept. 15, 2023. All plants are available while supplies last.

How the program works

If you own or rent a home in the District, you can apply to receive three trees and/or three shrubs for free, depending on your available space.

To request your free plants, fill out the online form linked above before September 15, 2023.

All plants are available while supplies last. DNV will be providing substitutions if any plant species run out.

After you submit your request

You’ll receive a confirmation email after submitting the online form. They will also email you approximately two weeks before the plant pick up days (Oct. 21 and 22) with more information about pickup times and parking, etc.

Picking up your trees or shrubs

You can pick up your plants at the Maplewood Flats Conservation Area (2649 Dollarton Hwy) on October 21 or 22, 2023. If you’re unavailable on the days above, and are unable to have someone else pick up your plants, email iwantatree@dnv.org to arrange a different time

If you’d like to know more about the native plants being offered, and which ones are suitable for your yard or balcony, refer to the plant information sheet (PDF file link) and by visiting the website to view videos on the program, how to choose, how to plant and care for your plants and so much more@

Great Lynn Valley Neighbourhood Garage – and Parking Lot Sale

LVCA

The annual Great Neighbourhood Garage Sale is back! Two days of bargain hunting May 27 & 28, 9:30AM – noon (although you’re welcome to start earlier and end later!) – and a garage is not necessary to participate!

The team at LynnValleyLife is putting together the ultimate map for bargain hunters. If you are thinking spring garage sale – this is the weekend to do it!  LynnValleyLife will gather participant addresses and distribute the map on social media and by email. They will even have some signs you can print off to direct buyers to your block.

No garages need – there’s a parking lot sale

Not everyone has a garage, so LynnValleyLife has partnered with St. Clements Anglican Church (3400 Institute Road) to offer their parking lot for the morning of Saturday, May 28th – to bring a table or use your trunk to sell your items. To sign up for a parking lot spot at the church, please email robin@lynnvalleylife.com To register your address, visit the SIGN UP form.

Artists and Makers are welcome!

Increased neighbourhood traffic might also be an opportunity for crafters or makers to show their wares. If you want to open your driveway or garage to show your handiwork – you too can sign up with your ‘garage’ address or for a parking lot spot. You will be added to the map!

Adopt a Street Program

LVCA

Did you Know you can Adopt A Street?

By volunteering to adopt a street or trail and regularly collecting litter you improve the neighbourhood for everyone. It can be a family affair, including kids in the process, and you’ll get a bit of exercise as well. It’s easy to do, and you are sure to meet a few appreciative neighbours while you are out doing the job.

The District supplies trash grabbers, hi-vis vests, and some garbage bags to get you started. The minimum commitment is only once a month, but you can do it more often.

This is a great opportunity for community associations, local businesses, schools, sports teams, individuals, and families to make a difference in our community. You can even challenge and inspire other groups or neighbours to see who can keep the cleanest street.

When you adopt a street, you can:

  • build a stronger sense of community in your neighbourhood
  • get to know your neighbours
  • improve your street
  • reduce litter, vandalism, and crime in your area

Do we have any volunteers willing for LVCA to adopt a street? Let us know! We’ll for a ‘posse’ and head out!

All the information can be found here: https://www.dnv.org/programs-and…/adopt-street-program

Report a Crime Online

LVCA

#DYK that you can report Non-emergency crimes online using the North Van RCMP’s online reporting tool?

This service is an alternative way for you to report non-emergency crimes day and night without having to visit or call a detachment. The report you submit is reviewed and entered into the RCMP Records Management System by your local detachment.

An incident number will be included in a generated report that is emailed to you upon submission. However, there will be no follow up unless more information is required.

For FAQ’s & to find out which incident types are applicable, visit: https://bit.ly/3M40UKo

Your report is vital in assisting the RCMP with identifying crime trends in the community and deterring future crimes.

To report a non-emergency crime, visit: https://bit.ly/3ZsfPkU

If it is an emergency such as a crime in progress, or you’re in need of emergency responders, don’t hesitate – dial 911 immediately.

Zoning Bylaw Amendment for Cannabis Store in Lynn Valley

LVCA

WHEN: February 7, 2023 @ 7pm

A PUBLIC HEARING will be held on February 7th in a hybrid format with a combination of in-person at the Council Chamber and electronic participation by some or all members of council, staff and the public.

Currently a ‘Cannabis Retail Store’ is not listed as a permitted use of property for the Lynn Valley Town Centre and there is a proposal – Bylaw 8607 – to change the Zoning to allow it.

Council wants to hear from us and welcomes our input regarding this change.

When and How: The Public Hearing will take place on Tuesday, February 7th 2023 at 7pm. You can sign up to speak at the hearing by contacting the Municipal Clerk at signup@dnv.org prior to 3pm on Tue. Feb. 7th 2023. You may also provide a written submission at any time prior to the close of the public hearing by sending it by email to the Municipal Clerk at input@dnv.org or by mail to Municipal Clerk, 355 West Queens Road, North Vancouver, BC V7N 4N5

After the speakers list has been exhausted, there will be an opportunity for additional speakers who had not signed up in advance to make submissions. * editor’s note: this will be at Council’s discretion

PLEASE NOTE! Once this public hearing is over, you will NOT be able to submit further opinions concerning this application. So if you have questions or concerns – NOW is the time to speak up.

Need more info?

For your convenience we’ve made the notice for the hearing from the District of North Vancouver available here. DOWNLOAD PDF

Additional relevant background material and copies of the bylaw are available fo review at the Clerk’s Office or online at www.DNV.org/public-hearing

Naptime is Over for Our Bears

LVCA

While most of us would like to stay curled up warm in cozy in our beds with the weather we’ve been having, a bear has been roaming our neighbourhood for the past week. There was a sighting on Greylynn Crescent on January 8, 2023. Residents say it’s a healthy young bear, about 1.5 yrs old.

A reminder to keep attractants that might get this young fellow into trouble, locked up and put away. ie: birdseed, bird feeders, garbage, etc.

You can report your sightings to the North Shore Black Bear Society through their website: www.northshorebears.com/report-bear-activity

And the Winner is …

LVCA

With the last ornament packed away. lights wrapped, carpets rolled up and the stands and sand bags tucked away for another year, we finally get down to the challenging task of counting the ballots and announcing a winner for Best Overall Tree.

The Parade of Trees once again extended onto the plaza at Lynn Valley Centre, so there were multiple places that collected votes.

It took a bit of time to gather everything and tally up.

We know you’ve been eagerly awaiting the results so without further ado, here they are . . . *drumroll please*

Continue reading →