Community Updates

2024 AGM Nov. 7th

LVCA

Lynn Valley Community Association AGM
Thursday, November 7th at 7:00pm
Mollie Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road

Mark your calendars for our Annual General Meeting on November 7th. This is more than just a meeting, it’s your chance to shape the future of our community. Afterward, stay for an open Q&A session with Mayor Mike Little, where you can ask questions, share concerns, and engage in meaningful dialogue about what matters most to you.

How important is your community to you?

Whether you’re new to our neighbourhood or have been here all your life, you’re the reason we exist. If you missed the excitement of the Fall Fun Fair or are looking forward to hunting Easter Eggs and the amazing displays at our Christmas Tree Parade, these events show the heart of our neighborhood. They bring us together, and we want to hear your thoughts and ideas!

Your input helps us continue planning events that foster connection and keep our community thriving.
We’d love to meet you!

All are welcome to attend but a reminder that only members in good standing may vote.

Not a member? Click here to become one!

AGENDA

  1. Call to Order
  2. Proof of Notice
  3. Adoption of Agenda
  4. Approval of Financial Reports
  5. Approval of Special Resolution
  6. President’s Report
  7. Elections
  8. Motion to Adjourn

Following the meeting there will be light refreshments and a chance to chat  with His Worship, Mayor Mike Little.

Wastewater Plant Costs Soar

Cathy Kuzel

Currently, every North Vancouver taxpayer is now facing an unprecedented $21,000 tax bill due to cost overruns on the new wastewater treatment plant.

Councillor Pope is advocating for a public inquiry to investigate how this Metro Vancouver project spiraled to six times over budget and to ensure this kind of mismanagement doesn’t happen again.

If you’re concerned about the handling of this project and support the call for a public inquiry, we encourage you to make your voice heard. Please send your thoughts by emailing: council@dnv.org

We have stated our concerns at the September 23rd Council Meeting.

The letter as follows:

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

September 23, 2024

Good Evening Mayor and Council

Lynn Valley Community Association asks that Council immediately requests a public inquiry into the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant fiasco. 

We had originally intended to speak in support of Councillor Pope’s motion requesting a public inquiry but we are frustrated to learn that this motion has been deferred until November 4th.   

Meanwhile, seven local city councillors representing five different cities have penned an open letter calling on B.C.’s auditor general to conduct an independent review of the facility’s finances. These Councillors are actively working to request transparency and accountability from Metro Vancouver, SPECIFICALLY regarding the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant project. Why then, is the District of North Vancouver silent?

Metro Vancouver has appointed John J.L. Hunter, a former judge, who will perform an “independent audit”.   Such an audit is typically NOT a public document, and Metro Vancouver is NOT required to make it public. 

Every North Shore taxpayer is facing a massive and unprecedented $21,000 tax bill to pay for this boondoggle and Metro Vancouver’s incompetence.  North Shore taxpayers did not vote for this project, the entire Metro Vancouver board did.  Why then are North Shore taxpayers alone responsible for the cost over runs?  Why are all Metro Vancouver members not sharing the cost of this project?   

The project was to have been completed in 2020 at a cost of $500 million; it is now stalled and is more than 6 times over budget.

Still we have no idea how or when this project will be completed.

Questions that need to be answered by a full public inquiry include:

  • Why did Metro Vancouver award a full “Design and Build” contract to Acciona instead of doing a proper design project first before issuing a completely separate contract to build the facility?
  • Why was Metro Vancouver not aware of all the site issues before the design and build contract was awarded?
  • Why wasn’t Metro Vancouver monitoring Acciona’s progress before things got so far out of Metro Vancouver’s control?
  • Is the current “estimate” of $3.8 billion to complete this project, including out of court settlements, accurate?   Or will Metro Vancouver reveal more cost overruns and court settlements?

Clearly, Metro Vancouver’s Board and staff have mismanaged this project, leaving North Shore taxpayers on the financial hook, with no accountability for those responsible for the mismanagement.

This is not acceptable.  Only a full public inquiry is acceptable to determine how and why this project was so badly mismanaged and to ensure such incompetence is not repeated. 

A public inquiry needs to happen now.  North Shore taxpayers need Council to act now. 

The other municipalities and organizations that constitute Metro Vancouver need to know how badly Metro Vancouver has failed.  They too should demand a public inquiry into this fiasco.   Their municipality could be next. 

We request Council petition for a public inquiry IMMEDIATELY. 

Gillian Konst

President, Lynn Valley Community Association

DOWNLOAD PDF

25th Annual Arts in the Garden

LVCA

Arts in the Garden hosted by North Van Arts is an annual outdoor community event based on the North Shore. A perennial favourite for art and garden lovers everywhere. Gardens and all variety of artists will be positively blooming and workshops will help everyone to grow their talents!

This year it takes place this coming Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26, bringing visual artists, musicians, performers, and workshops to ten outdoor spaces across the North Shore.

This event is an encounter of people and is in its 25th year running. Hosted on the last weekend of May, Arts in the Garden has been bringing arts to garden spaces across the North Shore since 1999. The event has been expanding and changing ever since its creation, gradually adding a minimum of two visual artists in each garden, and live music throughout the full event weekend. In 2021, the online event expanded to include performance arts, engagement activities, and workshops. Each of these elements were brought into 2022’s in-person event, along with Feathers and Fungi, a workshop series hosted at Maplewood Flats in partnership with Wild Bird Trust of BC.

All Arts in the Garden locations are listed on the webpage panels linked in the menu, or through the ‘read the event guide’ tab below. Garden pages include parking and transporation information.

The Event Guide: https://issuu.com/katherinegc335/docs/aig2024-brochure-single It is online only.

Most garden spaces have an entry fee of $5 cash. West Vancouver Memorial Library, Harmony Garden, Loutet Farm and Maplewood Flats have entrance by donation. Children under the age of 12 can enter for free.

$35 Garden Passes are available for purchase online or at CityScape Community ArtSpace (335 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver) in advance of the event, or at each garden venue during the event weekend. North Van Arts members get a 10$ discount on the garden pass. Call 604-988-6844 for more information.

PREPARE FOR THE WEEKEND

Bring Cash: Garden entry fees and donations are cash only! Some artists and performers will be selling their work at the event, so bring cash and your card so that you are prepared to make a purchase.

Look for Signage: Each garden will be marked by a tent hosting one or two volunteers ready to greet you.

Locations and ticket details here:
https://northvanarts.ca/events-exhibitions/arts-in-the-garden-2024-2/

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