Lynn Valley Community Association

The 2024 Parade of Trees 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 online ballots and announcing a winners for the People’s Choice Tree, Best School Tree and the Organizer’s Choice Tree. It took a bit of time to sort through the votes and tally up.

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

The People’s Choice Tree:  Monika’s Art Boutique

Best School Tree: Eastview Elementary School

Organizer’s Choice Tree: Forest Fairy Books & Toys

A special thank you once again to our Partners: (click on the name to be directed to their websites)

District of North Vancouver RONA: BH Allen Building Center Ltd. Lynn Valley Village Twin Lions Contracting and Great Canadian Landscaping Company

And to you, our “You + One” Shining Stars”, your generosity is duly noted. (in alpha order)

Absolute Landscaping; Amphitrite Homes; Bailey Environmental; Bee Haven; Brockton School; Collingwood School; Dominque Canedo; Jeff and Jonny Donohoe; Kelsie and Morgan.com; Lynn Valley Counselling; Lynn Valley Life Group; North Shore Orthodontics; North Vancouver Recreation and Culture; Powerhouse Team; Spectrum Mother’s Support Society; The Grove and Zazou.

Our thanks to this great team who stepped up to take down, load up and chip up the trees Absolute Landscaping, we love you!

A special thank you to Gillian Konst and Stefanie Donohoe for their dedication, tireless energy and incredible positivity for making it all come together.

And a big thank you to all of YOU who pitched in to make this event come together – our sponsors and volunteers. It takes a community to make events like this a success.

PS Let us know if you want us to save you a tree for next year!

Winter is Coming

LVCA

We may not want to think about it, but it’s November once again and snow will be here sooner or later. And this is a good time to remind everyone that shovelling your sidewalks is now a requirement. This changed a few years ago, when the District updated the bylaws to match those of other North Shore communities. Now we are required to clear sidewalks bordering our properties by 10am each morning if there has been a snowfall. And for the District, “Clear sidewalks means that walking is safe and accessible for everyone in the community, but especially for kids walking to school, parents with strollers, or for people who use devices like wheelchairs or scooters.”

In addition, Canada Post may have opinions about delivering mail to houses where sidewalks aren’t cleared to the mailbox.

All that said, there are a number of community residents who simply cannot clear their own sidewalks for various reasons. The first thing to do is talk with your neighbours and find out who needs help. In fact, the DNV website specifically recommends this: “Check in on your neighbours and lend a helping hand for those who need assistance clearing their sidewalks.” If you’re lucky enough to have time and ability, please consider shovelling for a neighbour who cannot do it themselves. This is the best plan where it works, and it helps build community besides.

But if that doesn’t work for some reason, there is a website – https://snowangelscanada.ca/ – where you can ask for help shovelling, and where those with the inclination can have a look to see if anyone nearby needs help. This website hasn’t yet been widely used here in North Vancouver, but it is the best resource we’ve found so far.

Credit: Jeff Powell, Editor Blueridge Bulletin

Image credit: Cathy Kuzel

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

2024 All Candidates Meeting Oct. 7th

LVCA

All Candidates Meeting
Monday, October 7th at 7:00 – 9:30pm
Hillside Baptist Church, 870 Lynn Valley Road

Mark your calendars for the All Candidates Meeting ahead of the Provincial election on October 19th! This is your chance to hear directly from the candidates, ask questions, and learn more about their platforms. No need to register—just show up and join the discussion. It’s a great opportunity to get informed and have your voice heard before election day!

What is an All-Candidates Meeting?
At an All-Candidates Meeting, residents have a chance to hear from the candidates, evaluate
political platforms, and ask questions about current issues. All nominees running for MP in a
particular district are invited to gather and share their views. These events are non-partisan,
meaning all political parties are invited and attendees get to hear about the issues from many
different perspectives. The focus may be broad and cover a range of issues, or be focused on
an issue of particular importance to the hosting group.

We’re on Instagram!

LVCA

ANNOUNCEMENT
LVCA is on Instagram!

Follow us and see more of what we do at here at Lynn Valley Community Association.
We’ll have exciting posts to share with you, so make sure you won’t miss out on anything.

Click the link below and check it out! Don’t forget to follow 😉

https://www.instagram.com/lynnvalleyca

We’re also on Facebook so make sure you like our page to keep up to date with events and news in our community. https://www.facebook.com/lynnvalleycommunityassociation/

As you know, LVCA is a volunteer run organization so there might be a learning curve. *smile* If you’re proficient at social media and know your way around, we’d love to have you on the team.

#OurLynnValleyCommunity #patience #volunteersalwaysneeded

Eggs-citing Easter Fun! Saturday, March 30th

Cathy Kuzel

Hop along to the Lynn Valley Village on Saturday, March 30th, between 10am and 12pm for some Eggs-cellent Easter Fun with the Lynn Valley Community Association.

LVCA invites you to join us for some free family fun and games.  Put your best sleuthing skills to work and ‘get cracking’ with a scavenger hunt… prizes for all! 

Colour an Easter card that will be collected and distributed to a senior in our community.  Take home an Easter craft and be amazed by our roving magic show!

Arrive early for a special Easter storytime starting at 10:15am in the Community Room.

Come chick it out!

And the 2023 Winner is …

Cathy Kuzel
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. This year we introduced an online voting option. As with everything ‘new’, there’s always a learning curve so thank you so much for your patience! The Parade of Trees once again extended onto the plaza at Lynn Valley Centre and we were thrilled to welcome new participants! We know you’ve been eagerly awaiting the results so without further ado, here they are . . . *drumroll please* Best Tree Overall:  Sitka Coast Construction Honorable Mention: Silver Harbour Seniors Activity Center Best School Tree: Boundary Elementary School And a special mention to St. Clements with their ‘Building Community Spirit’ Theme. Your theme encapsulated what LVCA is all about. A special thank you once again to our Partners: (click on the name to be directed to their websites)

Twin Lions Contracting

Great Canadian Landscaping Company

North Vancouver Recreation and Culture

District of North Vancouver

Lynn Valley Centre

RONA: BH Allen Building Center Ltd.

Lynn Valley Village Absolute Landscaping And to you, our “You + One” Shining Stars, your generosity is duly noted and so appreciated!

We were thrilled to support the Spectrum Mothers Support Society  and the work they do in our community.

Our thanks to this great team who stepped up to chip up the trees onsite with our donation going to Scouts Canada. Davey Tree Expert Company, we love you!

A special thank you to Gillian Konst and Stefanie Donohoe for their dedication, tireless energy and incredible positive energy for making it all come together. And a big thank you to all of you who pitched in to make this event come together – our sponsors and volunteers. It takes a community to make events like this a success. PS Let us know if you want us to save you a tree for next year!

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