DNV

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

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

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@

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