December 10, 2025 by North Shore News

Scootsafely

VCHsendsout reminder that e-scootersarenotforchildren

LIFESTYLE13

Stampit

Couple’sD&Dstampideabecomes a$370,000Kickstarterhit

SPORTS27

Worldjuniors

North Van’sJoshRavensbergen earnsinviteto TeamCanadacamp

District launches investigationinto misuseoffunds allegationsatNSEM

JANESEYD

jseyd@nsnews.com

OnestaffmemberattheNorthShore Emergency Managementofficehaslefttheir jobandtheDistrictof North Vancouverhasbroughtinanindependentinvestigatorfollowingallegationsaboutpotentialmisuseof emergencyfunds.

Accordingtothedistrict,theinvestigationstartedimmediatelyafterconcernsabouttheemergencyfundswerebrought totheattentionofseniormunicipal staff.

Fewdetailswereavailable abouttheinvestigation,butitis believedtoinvolvepotentialmisuseofgiftcardstheemergencymanagementoffice givestovictimsof fires,floodsand otherdisastersaspartofitssocialservicessupport.

Thenumberofgiftcards givenout each year varies dependingonhowmanyemergenciesthe officeisinvolved with.

Theyear 2024,forinstance,wasoneof the office’s busiest, accordingtotheoffice’s annual report, with staff andvolunteers helpingcommunitymemberswitharange ofevents includinghouseandapartment firesandextreme weather situationsthatall resultedinsupport beingofferedtopeople whoweredisplacedfrom theirhomes.

Thoseclosetotheinvestigation remainedtight-lippedthis

UNTOLDSTORIES

MONOVA developing archiveof region’s queer history

HILARY ANGUS

Contributingwriter

WhenCharlieCookfirststarted workingatMONOVAin2021,oneof thefirstthingstheydidwas to casually browsetheNorth Vancouvermuseum’s archivetoseeifthey couldfindanythingonthecity’squeerhistory.

Cookquickly realizedthatthere wasn’t muchthere.

“Soofteninqueerhistories,theyend up beinglostoromittedormistranslated bypeopleoutsideofthe community,”they said.“Itmeansthatourstoriesoftenendup getting reducedtotiny littlefootnoteswhen therecould be somethingthere.”

MostofwhatMONOVAcurrentlyhas arecopiesofnewspaperclippingsfrom theBCGayandLesbianArchives,themost comprehensive resourceontheprovince’squeerhistory, whichwasstartedby librarianRonDuttoninhis WestEndhome in1976.

ButCookiscertaintherearemanymore NorthShore-specificstoriestobetold.

Four yearsaftertheyfirstbrowsed MONOVA’sgalleries,Cookwillbepart of ateamleadingthedevelopmentof Queer Histories,Queer Stories,apermanent additiontothemuseum’sarchivesthatwill bedevelopedoverthenextyear,thanksto grantfunding fromHeritageBC’sheritage legacyfund.

Cook,intheir roleasapublicprograms assistant,willbecollaboratingwiththe museum’sarchivistandcuratortogather,

QUICKRESPONSE

document,and recordstoriescentering North Vancouver’squeer community throughoutitshistory.

Theyhopeto reach2SLGBT+North

Vancouver residents,aswellasthosewho havelivedontheNorthShore in thepast buthavesinceleft,to recordoralhistories oftheirexperiences.

Theforthcomingarchive,whichthey expecttocompletebylate2026,willbe addedtoMONOVA’spermanentgallery.

Cooksaidthey’rehopingtheupdated gallerywillallowtheNorthShore’s 2SLGBT+ communitytoseethemselvesbetter representedinthemuseum, andtomore easily accessinformationthat reflects theirlives.

MONOVAwasoneof29organizationsto receiveagrantfromHeritage BC this year, outof92applicants.

Heritage BC was abletoprovide$494,475 ingrantfundingtothe29organizations thisyear,butthefunding requeststotalled $1.8million,indicatingafargreaterneed forheritagefundingintheprovince,the organizationsaid.

KirstinClausen,executivedirectorof Heritage BC, said MONOVAwonthegrant inthisyear’sapplication roundbecause, inadditiontobeingawell-articulatedand well-presentedproject,thatareaofheritage workintheprovinceis“underserved.”

“It’satopicareathatis relevantand meaningful,” Clausensaid,addingthatthe jurors“werejuststruckbyhowmuchhas beenlostofthiskindofhistoryandits relevance.”

Cookisaskingany2SLGBT+North Shore residents,pastorpresent,tokeepaneye outforMONOVA’scallforparticipantsinthe newyear,iftheywishtohavetheirstories includedinthe archive.

HilaryAngusisa Vancouver-basedjournalist writingfortheNorthShoreNews.Shecanbe reachedat info@hilaryangus.com.

Firefightersputout blaze at North Vancouverindustrialsite

ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com Local JournalismInitiativeReporter North Vancouverfirecrewsextinguishedablazeatanindustrial site Wednesday,Dec.3.

TheDistrictofNorth VancouverFire and RescueServices respondedto a fire atastorageshedatthePembina bulkmarineterminaljustbefore9:40 a.m. Wednesday.

Photos fromthesceneshowblack smokeheadingintothe skyand

significantdamagetothestorageshed.

“We weretoldthattherewas acetone in thereandsowetook precautionsfor that,whichis basicallytryingtoextinguishthe fire right away,”said assistantchiefDennis Cappellini.

Cappellinisaiddistrictandcityfire crews respondedquicklytoextinguish theblaze. Noinjurieswere reported, andcrewswere releasedby10a.m. Duetoaswift response, therewereno seriousairqualityconcerns,headded.

AccordingtotheCanadianCentre forOccupational HealthandSafety’s website,acetoneisaclear,highly flammableliquidandvapour.Ina fire, hazardousmaterialscouldbecreated liketoxic carbon monoxide,carbon dioxideandotherchemicals.

Firecrewsareinvestigatingthe causebehindtheblaze,Cappellinisaid. AbbyLucianoistheIndigenousand civicaffairsreporterfortheNorthShore News.Thisreportingbeatismade possiblebytheLocal JournalismInitiative.

Noinjuries were reportedafterfirecrews responded to a storage shedfireatthe Pembina bulkmarine terminal Dec. 3. MACKLIN HOLLOWAY

MONOVA publicprogramsassistantCharlieCookwillbepart of a teamleading the developmentof QueerHistories,Queer Stories,apermanent addition to themuseum’s archives. PAULMCGRATH / NSN

blockofEast16thStreetinNorth Vancouver

Developmentto go ahead

despite concerns over tree loss

HILARY ANGUS

Contributingwriter

CityofNorth Vancouvercouncilhas votedtosupportthedevelopment oftwonew residentialbuildingsin theCentralLonsdale area,although membersofthepublic andmany councillorsexpressed disappointment abouttheimpendinglossofseveral maturetrees.

AderaDevelopmentsappliedtobuild 12-storeyandsix-storeybuildingsat1540St. Georges Ave.and215-235East16thSt.

Together,thetwo buildings will hold249 units,including strata,market rentalsand mid-market rentals,with12percentofthe unitshavingthreebedrooms.Thedevelopmentwillhaveacombinedtotal of 173 parkingstallsand404bicycleparking stalls, withchildren’samenitiesand greenspaceat groundlevel.

Aderaplanstousemasstimberconstruction–abuildingpracticethatsequesters carbonand reducesconstruction times –and100percentoftheunits willbeadaptabletomeetaccessibility needs.

Thepropertiesarecurrentlyhometo older rentalbuildingswith63units,42of which areoccupied. Atapublichearing onNov.24,councillorsacknowledgedthat Aderahasanadequatecompensation and relocationplaninplaceforthetenants whowillbedisplacedbythedevelopment, butmanypeopleexpressedconcernsthat severalmature trees on theproperty cannot be saved.

preservationofthetrees,including,specifically,alargeoaktreeonthesouthsideof theproperty.

Jamieson requestedthatcouncil referthe plansbacktothedevelopertopreservethe tree,which he believescouldbeaccomplishedwithchangestotheparkinggarage butwithoutlosinganyunitsofhousing.

“I’mnottakingawayhousingtosave somestupidtree,”Jamiesonsaid.“Butwhat I’m reallytalkingabouttodayisbiodiversity andthefactthatthenewtreebylawdoesn’t seemtobeeffective.”

TheCityofNorth Vancouver’streebylaw stipulatesthatanyone who removes a healthytreemust replaceitwiththree new ones.

Aderawill remove25treesduring demolition,butwillplant78new ones, withadditionalstreettrees,exceedingthe bylaw’s requirements.

A representativefromAderasaidtheir teamhadexploredvariousdesignoptionsto preservethesite’strees,buttree retention would requirethelossofparking,amenity access,andinthecaseofsometrees,units ofhousing.

CouncilalsoheardfromarboristMax Rathburn,a principalatDiamond Head Consulting,whohadbeenbroughtonby Aderatoassessthetrees.

Given theage,conditionandurbanlocationofthetrees,Rathburnsaidtherecould benoguaranteethattheywouldsurvive construction,evenifbuildingplans were amendedtoworkaroundtheir rootbases.

Citystaff saidtheyalsoconsultedwith

Theholidaysarehere!Nowistheperfect timetodiscoverthepossibilitiesof inspiredseniorlivingatAmicaLionsGate.

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Alex Jamieson,a retired cityplanner, spokebeforecounciltomakeacase forthe

CENTRALLONSDALE Continuedon A6

Thislargeoaktreeinthe rearlaneofthe 200

may comedownsoondue to newdevelopment. PAULMCGRATH / NSN

DOGLICENCES

It’s time to renew!

Thedog licence renewaldeadlinefor WestVancouver residentsisJanuary 31,2026.

FOUR CONVENIENT RENEWAL METHODS:

1) online: visit westvancouver.ca/payonline you’ll need theaccountnumberonyour invoice

2) by mail: send acheque andthebottomofyourinvoice to Bylaw& LicensingServices, 75017th Street,WestVancouver BC V7V3T3

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westvancouver.ca/dogs

Councilsupportsproject

ContinuedfromA5

theirownarboristandlandscapeconsultantaboutthe project.

“It’stheopinionofstaffthatanystrategyto retainthese treeswould placeunreasonableconstraintsonthedevelopment,”saidLindenMulleder,planningleadwiththecity.

Coun. Tony Valenteagreedthattheoaktree highlights concerns he already had aboutthetree bylaw,addingthat staffshouldbe directedtopursueoptionstopreserveolder treesattheearlieststagesofdevelopment discussions ratherthanjust havingthem replaced.

“I want to recognizeaswellthatthere’s benefitstothese trees beyondjusttheecological,” Valente said.

However, Valenteacknowledgedmanyother benefitsto the project,includinga$6.3millionamenitycontribution tothecityandground-level bikestorage. Valenteultimately votedinfavouroftheproject goingahead.

Couns.Jessica McIlroy,HollyBackand severalothers acknowledgedthat,whilethelossofthetreesisunfortunate,the planned developmentchecksmanyotherboxes forthecity,includingtheirsustainabilitytargets,active transportationgoals,accessible housinggoalsandfamily housingtargets.

MayorLindaBuchanansaidthe hearing highlighted themany,oftencompeting prioritiesthatthecity has to balanceinmeetingitsgoals,and praised boththemembers ofthepublic,staff, developmentteam,andcouncilfortheir thoughtfulconsiderationoftheproject.

“Aswemoveforward, andweknowwe’regoingtogrow, howdowelookatproviding the typeoflandscapingand treesthatareactuallygoing to surviveforthenext50to100 years,longafterallofusinthis roomaregone?”Buchanan said.

ThemayornotedthatAdera had submittedtheirfirst proposalforthisproject in2021,andafterfouryears, was readyto moveforward.

“There’stoomuchto be lost here ifthiswas referred back,”Buchanansaid.“Peopleinourcommunity… require housing,andthis project provides housing,aswellas a wholehostofother policyobjectives.”

Coun.ShervinShahriari praised manyaspectsofthe project,butultimatelyvotedinfavourof referringit backto thedeveloperto preservetheoaktree.

Withhislonedissent,councilvoted6-1to moveforward withthe project.

HilaryAngusisa Vancouver-basedjournalistwritingforthe North ShoreNews.Shecanbereachedat info@hilaryangus. com.

Arrestmade afterhockey stick window smashingspreeinNorth Vancouver

JANESEYD

jseyd@nsnews.com

Amanwastakenintocustodyand isfacingpossiblecriminalcharges of mischiefafterallegedly smashing thewindowsofatleastfive NorthVancouverbusinesseswith ahockeystickThursdaymorning.

The rock‘emsock‘emwindow smashingspreehappenedinthe earlymorninghoursofDec.4and involveddamagetofive neighbouring businessesintheParkand Tilford shoppingcentreat333Brooksbank Ave.

Policegot areportofamanbreakingwindowsatseveralbusinesses, includingGreatClips,ShoppersDrug Mart,theChoppedLeaf,UPSStore and a nailspa,justbefore5a.m.

It’sallegedthesuspectusedwhat policedescribedas a“modifiedhockey stick”tobreakthefrontwindows of the businesses.

Multiplepoliceofficersresponded andlocated asuspectwithinthe shoppingcentre.Hewasimmediately arrestedandtakenintocustody.

Noitemswerestolen,andnoinjurieswere reported,accordingtopolice.

“While amotivehasnotbeen established,policebelievemental healthmay haveplayed arole,”said Cpl.Mansoor Sahak,media relations officerfortheNorth VancouverRCMP.

“Werecognize theimpactthisincident hason the affected businesses,and we’reworkingcloselywith themasthe investigationcontinues.”

AsofThursday,thesuspect remainedincustodyandpolice were recommendingchargesofmischief.

North Vancouver RCMP sayaman wastakenintocustodyandis facingpossible criminalchargesafter allegedlysmashingthewindows of at least five North Vancouverbusinesses with ahockey stickThursday, Dec. 4. ANDYPREST / NSN

Scoot

over

VancouverCoastalHealthhas takentheunusualstepofspecificallyaskingparents (andSanta) not todeliveranye-scootersto kidsundertheageof16,evenif they’vebeenverygoodthis year.

Theelectricmobility deviceshave beenproliferatinginpopularity,andthe numberofkidsgettinginjuredonthemis on therise.

TheNorthShore’smunicipalitieswere amongthefirstinBritish Columbiato legalizeelectrickickscootersonlocal streetson apilotbasis,andclearlythere havebeengrowingpains.

Alargeportionoftheinjuriescan probablybeattributedtoridersnot followingtherulesintendedtokeepthem andeveryoneelsesafe. To be clear:The minimumageis16.Ridersmustweara helmetandthespeedlimitis25kilometresperhour.Beyondthat,they’re

allowedtogoprettymuchanywhere bicyclescan go. Not sidewalks.

Recognizingthe growingfrustration, CityofNorth Vancouvercouncilhas alreadymovedto startanawarenesscampaigntoremindeveryonewhattherules are. Thisis agoodfirststep.

Buildingoutthenetworkof safe mobilitylanestoandfromschools will do alotmoretokeepkidcommutersoff sidewalks.

Andwhilewe recognizee-scooters become apainpointforsome, wewantit made clearthatthey remain awelcome additiontoour streets.Every tripmade on oneis atripthat doesn’thavetobe madeinanSUV.

Ourcommunityisamongthemost car-dependentin MetroVancouver,and we wanteveryone –notjustteens –to scootoverand embrace somesmarter options.

FIFA‘PeacePrize’ proves thiswillbea wild WorldCup

ANDYPREST aprest@nsnews.com

Beforewestarttalking abouttheFIFA PeacePrize, aconfused KevinHart, thepronunciation of thewordJordan andthe VillagePeople,let’sjust acknowledgethatthe WorldCupnext summerwillbewildlyfun.

Howcoulditnotbe!It’s afoolproof formula–getthebestsoccerplayersinthe worldplayingfor the game’sultimateprize, allwiththeirrabidsupporterslivingand dyingwitheverykickoftheball. See, foolproof.Whichisgreat,because, um,well …let’sjustdo aquickrecapofthe first bigeventofthetournament,theFIFA WorldCupDrawheld lastFriday. It startedwith asolofrom famedtenor AndreaBocelli. Very nice.

Thenon stagecomesHeidiKlumand KevinHart.She’sinalovelygolddress, and he iswearing ablacksweatshirtsuitablefor the second-nicestgymatthethird-nicest hotelinLas Vegas.

Heidi remindsKevin thatthereare between500millionand abillionpeople watching. “I’mglad Ilearned mylines,”he says.Didhethough?

ThenoncomesFIFAPresidentGianni Infantino,andI’mnot surewhat it says aboutyour chosenhostswhentheenergy andeloquencepicksupconsiderablywhen theyleavethestageandgivewaytothe FIFA guy.

ThenRobbie Williamsand Nicole Scherzinger singthetournamentanthem –lookinggood Robbie! –thentheycuttoa commercial,andthen …gah!

What.Is This?! We learnthatthereisanewFIFAPeace Prize,andyou’llbestunned,STUNNED, to learnwho the recipientis.

Here’s ahint:it went to amanwhohas very openlyandcravenlycomplainedthat he’d neverbeengiventhe NobelPeace Prize.

“Thisis yourprize,” Infantino said. “This isyour peaceprize.Thereisalso abeautiful medalforyouthatyoucan wear everywhereyou want togo.”

And youknowwhat the “peaceprize” recipientdid?Hepickedthat medal up and, absolutelybeaming,putitonhimself.

It wasataboutthistime that Inearly diedof second-handembarrassmentfor allinvolved.Itwasalsoatthistime that Ihadtheunnervingthoughtthatmy two

children wereathomeby themselves–it was aPDday,noschool –and theywere watchingthis happeninglive andunfiltered. Couldn’ttherehave been some kindof warningbeforethis segment?

“Thefollowingprogrammay contain scenes of gratuitous coddling, violent abuse ofpower, andexcessivefaketan spray. Viewer discretionisstrongly advised.”

Infantino wasn’tquite finishedeither.

“You will receive,also,ofcourse,a certificate,”hesaid. “Thank youvery muchMr. President,the flooris all yours.”

Forget fake trophiesandmedals –the flooris theworstthingtogivesuch aman.

I,forone,have spent muchof the past 10 yearstrying toavoidlistening to him speak. It’sbetterformymentalhealth. Now,

MAILBOX

MORECLASSESFOR SENIORSWOULDHELP PREVENTFALLS

DearEditor:

RE:OlderAndWiser:Here’s How SeniorsCan PreventFalls

Iwouldliketothankyouforpublishing thisarticleonfallprevention. Iknow what thearticlesays works.Theproblemwitha lot ofseniorsisthattheycannotdothose exercisesbytheirowninitiative.So,theysit andgetmoreandmorefrail,whichleadsto anincreasedriskof afall.Thefalloftenleads tobrokenbones and hospitalvisits.During thelong recoveryandafterwards,theyoften willfeeltooweak,andcontinuetheinactivity untiltheend.

Ihavealsoattendedpresentationsfor seniors.Theytendtobeprescriptiveanddo notinvolveanydemonstrations.Thecourses thatareavailableincommunityandsenior centresaretypicallyon aonce-a-weekschedule.Thishelp abitbutnotenough.

Communitycentreshavelotsofempty roomsthatcouldbeusedfor athree-timesa-weekcourse.Whenthisisfollowed bya socialaftertheclass,itsatisfiesanother seniorneedforsocializing.

Ihopethepowersinthe recreation

LETTERSTOTHEEDITOR mustinclude yourname,fulladdressand telephonenumber.Send your lettersviaour website: nsnews.com/ opinion/send-us-a-letter.The North ShoreNewsreservestherighttoedit anyand/oralllettersbasedonlength,clarity, legalityand content.The News alsoreservestheright to publishanyand/orallletterselectronically.

commission readandacton this. Theend resultwillbethatnotonlyareseniors better off,butitalsobrings revenue inandwill certainlylessen theloadonhospitals. Awin-winsituation.

JohnConsiglio North Vancouver

DOWEALLNEED TO GETSOAKED BY WET WEATHERPRICING?

DearEditor:

RE:SomeResidentsFaceHigher‘Wet Weather Pricing’ForSewage,Dec. 3newsstory It wouldbenonsensetoarguewiththe notionthatrainwater shouldnotendupin thesewers. Uponexaminationof theDNV drainagedrawings formy neighbourhood, Icanseethatour rainwaterisdirectedinto the localcreek,not thesewage system. Perhaps manyneighbourhoodsbuiltafter the1960saredone thisway?The questionis, ofcourse,willwewhohavealreadypaid the priceofaseparatesystem forrainwaterbe sparedthisadditionalcharge?TheDNVhas theabilitytofigurethis out,but dotheyhave thewill?

DaveSimpson North Vancouver

Arealtrophywillbe on theline

ContinuedfromA8

thankstoFIFA,hehadthefloorduringan event Iwas reallyexcitedtosee.

“Thisistrulyoneofthegreathonoursof mylife,”hesaid.

“Wesavedmillionsandmillionsoflives,” hesaid.

“We have atremendous relationship, working relationship,withCanada,”hesaid.

“TheUnitedStatesoneyearago was notdoingtoowell.Andnow,Ihavetosay, we’rethehottestcountryanywhereinthe world,”hesaid.

“Foryearsthey’vethoughtsoccer, or football,wouldbesobig,sofast,”hesaid. Pele,“Iassume,oneofthegreats,”he said.

Theshowmovedon,blessedly,but 80minutesintoitnotone thing remotely soccer-relatedhadhappened.There’san unapologeticSimpsons referencehere:at thispoint IfeltlikeMilhousewatchingthe ItchyandScratchycartoonwhentheymeet Poochieforthefirsttime,sideliningthem fromtheirplannedexplosivequest.

“Whenaretheygonnagettothefireworksfactory!?”saidMilhouse,bursting intotears. Igetit.

Then,finally,the real WorldCupdraw started.Itwasfun! Yes, WayneGretzky mispronounced anumberofcountries, includingJordansomehow.But wealso learnedwhowasgoingtoplayagainst whom,and wegotallexcitedabout it. Canadawill be in agroup withSwitzerland, Qatar –with matchupsagainstthose twoteamshereinVancouver –andthe winnerof aEuropeanplayoffbetweenItaly, Wales,Northern Irelandand Bosniaand Herzegovina.

The WorldCupdraw showended with oneofthe Americanpresident’sfavourite songs:“Y.M.C.A.” Nothing sayscool, hip, globalpassionlikethe VillagePeople.

We nowknow thatthisWorldCup will beweird–thelead characterswillmake it so –butin away,thatjustaddstothe excitement.

AsforCanada,ourpathtothe World Cupfinalwouldget alottougher ifItaly doesendupinourpool. Buthey,that’s sports. You’vegotto earnit –that’swhat weloveabout it. Youcan’tjustinvent abig trophyandgiveittoyourself. AndyPrestisthe editorofthe NorthShore Newsandauthorof alifestylecolumn.

BUSINESS LICENCES

Renewyourbusiness licence by January31

Thisis areminder to owners ofbusinessesinWestVancouver that the deadlinetorenewbusinesslicences is approaching. AWestVancouver businesslicenceisrequiredforbusinesses, professions,home-based businesses, and tradesoperatinginthe District.

Businesslicencerenewalinvoices were mailed in early December2025. LicencerenewalfeesaredueonorbeforeJanuary 31,2026. The2026 businesslicences will be mailedupon receiptofpayment.

A$50 late feewill apply to allbusinesslicence accountsnot renewed onorbeforeJanuary 31,2026.

FOUR CONVENIENTRENEWAL METHODS:

1) online: visitwestvancouver.ca/payonline

2) mail: send acheque with yourbusinessinformation& licence number to Bylaw& LicensingServices, 75017th Street,WestVancouver BC V7V3T3

3)inperson: at Municipal Hall, visitwestvancouver.cafor hoursofoperation

4)dropbox: placea cheque withthebottomofyour invoicein the dropbox at thenorth entranceofMunicipalHall (nocash)

Ifyouhaven’treceived your invoice or your mailing address haschanged, pleasenotifyusat604-925-7152.

STREETSAFETY

VCHsendsChristmas reminder that e-scootersare nottoys

HILARY ANGUS

Contributing writer

Astheholiday season approaches, VancouverCoastalHealthwants to remindparentsaboutonegiftthat doesn’tbelongunderthetree,atleast forkidsunder16:E-scooters.

“Iencourageparentsto recognizethat therearesafetyconcernswith e-scooters andthatthereare rulesinplacetoprotect kids,”said Dr.CeniwenPope, Vancouver CoastalHealth’sactingmedicalhealth officerfortheNorthShore.

While regulationsarounde-scooters varybymunicipalityacrosstheprovince, theminimum ridershipageof16applies province-wide.

However,hospitalizationdata released thissummerby theCanadianInstitutefor HealthInformation(CIHI)founda22per centincreaseinhospitalizationsasa result of e-scooterfallsacrossCanadaoverone year,witha61percent risespecifically amongchildrenaged fiveto17.

Whilecomprehensivedataaround e-scooterinjuriesdoesn’texistyetforB.C., Popesaid,anecdotally,theyareseeing someriseinsaidinjuriesamong young

people,whichcanincludeheadtrauma fromfallsbyhelmet-lessriders.

VancouverCoastalHealthis undertaking anawarenesscampaignto remindparents oftherulesandbest-practicesfore-scooter use,whichincludeaminimumriderageof 16,the requirementtowearahelmet,not ridingabovethemaximumallowablespeed limit(25kilometresperhourinmostNorth Shoremunicipalities)and not riding onthe sidewalk.

Thecampaignseekstoeducateparents around theparticularrisks of e-scootersfor youngriders,comparedtonon-motorized transport options like regularkickscooters.

“Idothinkfamiliesmay not realizethat e-scootersdohaveaheavierweight,and fortheseagegroups,whoarequiteyoung, theymay notbeabletohandlethatweight appropriately,”Popesaid.“Theirskilllevel isnot reallyappropriate.”

KulvirMann,thedirectorofthe NorthShoreSafetyCouncilandaNorth VancouverSchoolDistricttrustee,saidshe hearsalot of concerns from otherlocal parentsabouttheproliferation of e-scooter useamong children.

Minimumageis16 for e-scooters

ContinuedfromA10

“Alotofparentsdon’t realizethatthe ageis16,”Mannsaid.“Atalotoftheelementaryschools,IwouldsayGrade 6and 7,alotofthemhavescooters.”

Mannnotedthattheself-esteem, senseofindependenceand healthbenefitsthatkidsgetfromgettingaroundby themselvesareallvery important.But a distinctionneedstobedrawnbetween modeslikewalking,bicyclingand regular kick scooters,andthemuchmore powerful e-scooters.

Mannwouldliketoseemoreconsistentmessagingandenforcementaround e-scooter regulationsacrosstheNorth Shoremunicipalities.

CityofNorth VancouverCoun. Tony Valente,whointroducedamotionafew weeksagotoimprovee-scooter education acrosstheNorthShore,saide-scootersfit verywellwiththecity’s activetransportationgoals.

“Wehaveagreatopportunity withalot ofthesedevices…butthere’s responsibilitythatcomeswiththat,” Valentesaid.

Valente’smotion,which waspassedby council,pavestheway foracomprehensiveeducationprogramacrosstheNorth Shoretoencourage safer scooteruseso themunicipalitiesdon’thaveto rely on

enforcement.

“Enforcement,it’ssuchabluntinstrument,” Valentesaid. “Educationis reallythe startingpoint.”

Asitstands,North VancouverRCMP officersareabletowriteticketsfor impropere-scooteruse,includingfor youth,saidRCMPspokespersonCpl MansoorSahak.Butit’s uptoeachofficer’s discretion,andtheirpreferenceison education.

TheRCMPhave teamedupwithanumberofotheragencies,includingICBCand VCH,toencouragesafee-scooteruse.

“Our routeisalwayseducation,”Sahak said.“Wewantpeopletobeeducated,and wewantpeopletofollowthe rules.”

VCHwantsto remindparentswhoare consideringe-scootersasgiftsthisholiday seasonthattherulesareinplacefor a reason,andthatthe risksassociatedwith e-scootersshouldbe takenseriously.

Don’tbuye-scootersforkidsunder16, theysay,andifyouareplanningtobuyone forolderkids,haveaplaninplace to make suretheycanoperateitsafely.

“Justliketheywouldsupporttheirkid withdrivingacarsafelyorteaching them howtorideabikesafely,theyshouldbe working withtheirkidtoteachthemhow touseane-scootersafely,”Popesaid.

TOOURNORTHSHORE COMMUNITY

Whether it’s cheeringfromthe sidelines, competingonthe field,or volunteering yourtime, your involvement makesan impact!

OurNorth ShoreGirls SC family hasraised $65,000 in thelast5 yearsthrough our annual Youthto-YouthGivingCampaign supporting:

Changea Life Today

Yourgift provides care &hope for local families

Many NorthShoreresidents arefindingthemselvesstruggling to maketheir wayforward.Theyneed helpnow. HarvestProject is your community-based partner‘extendinga handup’.Webring tangibleassistancetoourneighbours: Coachingand Counsel,Grocery and ClothingSupport, andconnections to specializedservices, Thanks to you-North andWestVancouverhouseholds, businesses,and community organizations, we areable to continue ourwork. Together,wecanhelp save lives. Closetohome.

D&Dstampidea becomesa $370,000 Kickstarter hit

HILARY ANGUS

Contributingwriter

Likesomanybrilliantinventions, JacobHarris’ideacametohim entirelybyaccident.

Hiswife,KarolineMoore,had returned homefromherweeklycraft nightearlier thateveningwithsomelinocuttingmaterials.Thetwoofthemplayedaroundwith cuttingafewdesignstocreate stamps,then Moorewenttobed.

Merehourslater,Harriswokeherback up.

Hismiddle-of-the-nightvision–todesign asimplesetofstampsthatwouldallow Dungeons&Dragonsplayers to createtheir own limitlessmaps–seemed obviousas soonasitcametogether.

“Ifeltlikeagenius,”Harrissaid. Turnsout,hewasn’ttheonlyonewho feltthatway.

Sevenmonthsafterhefirstcame up withtheidea,MooreandHarrislaunched TabletopStampsonKickstarter.Their campaign,whichsought$14,000infunding, reached$60,000inthefirst24hoursafter theirNov.11launch.

Asofpublicationlessthana month later,thestampshavegarneredmore than$370,000inpledgeswithnearly2,700 backers.

TheEast Vancouver-basedcouple – she grewupinNorth Vancouver,andboth areformerCapilanoUniversitystudents –aren’tentirelysurprisedby thecampaign’s success.

Dungeons&Dragons,orD&D,is a fantasy role-playinggamethathasbeenaround since1974.Itinvolvesavariety of players

JacobHarrisand KarolineMoore,both former CapilanoUniversity students, have watched their TabletopStampsDungeonsandDragonssetgoviral on Kickstarter, earningmore than $370,000 inlessthanamonth. HILARY ANGUS / NSN

whohavedevelopedtheirowncharactersembarkingonadventuresinashared setting.

Unlikemoretraditionalboardgames, D&Ddoesn’tcomewithaboard.Instead, oneplayer, thedungeonmaster,is responsiblefordevelopingandmaintaining the setting–or map –in which eachgameis played.

Harris,likemanydungeonmasters,had beenmakinghisownmapsforyears. He’d eitherpainstakinglydrawthembyhand,or inmore recentyears,3Dprintthem.

Butbothmethods wereslow,andthe 3Dprinting requiredstoragespaceforthe printedmaterials,somethingmanyapartmentdwellerslike HarrisandMooreare lacking.

TapletopStamps,withtheircompact, lightweightdesign,enabledungeon masters tocreateendlessmaps with onlyanink pad andwhateverpapertheyhavelyingaround. Thegeniusoftheinventionisitssimplicity, Harrissaid.

“Thebarriertoentrywiththeseis really, like,onthe floor,”Harrissaid.“Kidscan use

Comfort is morethan afeeling– it’s apromise

this,older peoplecanusethis,there’s no learningcurve.… Youdon’tneedtohave a printer,andyou don’t needto haveaccess toagamestore.”

While TabletopStampsmightseem likeanovernightsuccess, Mooresaidthe monthsin betweenthegenesisoftheidea andtheirlaunchonKickstarterwasan enormouslearningcurve,giventhatneither ofthemhadanyexperiencein designing a gameorstartingabusiness.

Harrisworksin film, and Moore recently finished amaster’s degreeinenvironmental studies,but“there’salotoffreeeducation on YouTube,”Harrissaid.

Hewatched hoursofvideoson howto launchasuccessfulKickstartercampaign and howtodevelopaboardgame.By thetimetheywere readytolaunchtheir campaign,theyhada manufacturerlined up,adedicatedInstagramfollowing,andan 11,000-person-strongmailinglistwaitingfor themtohitsend.

Althoughthey’velongsince met their fundingtarget,they’re stillacceptinglate pledges,andanyonewho has backedtheir campaigncanexpectto receivetheir stamp setsinsummer2026.

Intheweekssincetheircampaign has launched,Harrisand Moore,havegotten countlessmessagesfrom playersallaround NorthAmericaexpressingexcitementabout thestamps.

Theysaidthey’vealso receivedanumber ofheartfelt,movingmessages,likefrom teacherswhosaidthestampswill beperfect educationalaidsintheirclassrooms,or fromone playerwhosaidtheywerelooking

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D&Dasafespace, couple says

Continuedfrom A13

forward tobuildingabetter relationship withtheirdad throughD&D.

“Thetableisjustsuch asafespaceforpeopleto exploredecisionmakingand problemsolving,”Moore said,addingthatthere hasbeenalotof research intoD&Dasatherapeutic optiontohelpkids with traumaprocessemotionsby workingthroughtheminthe imaginarysettingthegame offers.

TapletopStamps,withtheir compact, lightweightdesign, enabledungeonmasters to createendless mapswith only an inkpadandwhateverpaperthey have lying around.

Moorealsosaidthegame providesanimportantsafespaceforgender diverseorneurodiversepeopletoexplore differentpersonas.

“Youcancreateacharacter,andthat charactercanhavewhatevergender pronouns,background,everything,” saidMoore.“Peoplecan reallytryout acharacterandtryoutsomebodynew withoutactuallyhavingtodoanypublic announcement.”

Withtheircampaignnowcomfortably funded,HarrisandMoorearelookingforwardtotakingthefeedbackthey’ve received fromthecommunityandspendingsome

timeinthenewyear developingadditional sets,suchas hexagonalstamps, or setswith wildernessorcityscapefocuses.

More thananything,they’reexcitedto be makingacontributiontoacommunitythat theylove.

“D&Dpeoplearesosupportive,”Harris said.“Thecruxofitiscommunity,andpeoplecometogetherand playaroundatable andlaughand…justtellastoryandcreate together.”

HilaryAngusisa Vancouver-basedjournalist writingfortheNorthShoreNews.Shecanbe reachedat info@hilaryangus.com.

HILARY ANGUS / NSN

DonRutherford‘Beach’ AnnaSkorut‘MorningAuroras’

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Why more people aregetting caught by AI-drivenfraud

HowWrightWealthManagement helps familiesstaysafeasﬁnancialscams grow more sophisticated

Financialfraud is evolving faster than ever.Withthe rise of AI-generated voice cloning, hyper-realisticphishingattempts andadvancedimpersonation tactics, both youngerprofessionalsand retirees areincreasinglybeing targeted.Wright Wealth Management –BMO Nesbitt Burnshas seen this shiftﬁrsthand.

“Wetry to really educateour clientsto protectthemfromrisks andfraud,” says Wright.“When Ionboard aclient,I want to really gettoknowtheirlifeand habits, whichhelps me decipher andprotect themfrompossibleﬁnancialthreats.”

Wright Wealth Management sees itsrole as both aguide anda safeguard, offering asecuritylayer that familiesincreasingly rely on.

Everygenerationfaces newﬁnancialthreats

AsAI toolsbecomemoreaccessible, scamshavegrown harder to detect and farmorepersonal. Youngerinvestors maybeconsideredmoredigitally savvy,thoughaccordingtoWright, everyone is susceptibletocleverly disguisedphone calls andsocialmedia schemes.Althoughretireesremain primetargets forfraudsters, oneofthe biggest misconceptions todayisthat fraudonlyimpactsthem.Wright’steam routinelyencountersclientsintheir thirties andforties whoare surprised by just howeasily theirinformation canbemanipulated throughconfusing andurgentscenarios.FromfakeCRA messagestoAI-generatedcalls that mimica family member’s voice, the threatshavebecomedeeply convincing.

“There arenew procedures andpolicies coming outweekly to protectthe public as scamsbecomeincreasingly advanced,” conﬁrmsWright. “Anyoneis susceptibleatany time.”

Withthecomplexityoftoday’s digital environment, many arenavigating onlinebanking,investmentapps and newtechnologyfor theﬁrsttime. Wright Wealth Management stepsinasa trustedantidotetothisuncertainty, helpingfamiliesstaygroundedand protectedina landscapethatcan feel overwhelming.

Ateambuilt on protection, trustand family-ﬁrstvalues

DavidWright’spracticeisknown notonly forexceptional ﬁnancial planning butfor taking aholistic, family-ﬁrstapproach. Manynewclientsexpresssurprise at thebreadth of services theteam provides —screeningsuspiciousemails, verifyingunexpected requests,detecting fraudulenttransfers andintervening early when somethingdoesn’t feel right. Wright knowsthe importance of this personally, having experiencedthisoncewithinhis ownfamily.

“In2015, my grandmothercalledtotell meshe’d withdrawnthe moneyI’d asked for, except Ihadn’taskedfor anything. That’s when Irealized she’dbeen targeted bya phonescamimpersonating me,” says Wright.“They told hernot to tell anyone anditpulledather heartstrings. Thankfully,I caught itin time,but it showed me just howconvincing these scammers canbe.”

This work is rooted in strong organizational systems, warmth, compassion anda genuinecommitment to safeguarding clientsatevery stageof life. Wright’s extensivecredentials may appear intimidating at ﬁrst glance,but clientsquicklylearnheisapproachable, collaborative anddeeplyinvested in their security andsuccess.

Reassurancefor todayand conﬁdencefor tomorrow

Formanyfamilies, Wright Wealth Management acts asan ongoingshield. Theirinterventions have prevented fraudulent withdrawals, intercepted phishing attempts andsecured accounts that were at risk.These experiences highlight an importanttruth:intoday’s environment, wealth management is aboutfar more than investment portfolios. It is aboutprotectingevery

pieceofa client’s ﬁnancial future.

Workingwithanadvisor who understandsmodernfraud andtakes proactivesteps to guardagainst itis increasinglyimportant. With adynamic balanceofindustry-leadingexpertise and genuinecare, DavidWrightand histeam deliverreassuranceina worldwhere threatscontinuetoevolve.

“It’smyjob to protectmyclientsfrom risk,” concludesWright. “I encourage my clientstogivemea callif they are suspicious of an emailtheyreceive and want to gaugetogetherifitislegitimate.”

To learnmoreabout howWrightWealth Management –BMO NesbittBurns helps familiesstaysafefrommodernﬁnancial threats, visitnesbittburns.bmo.com/ davidl.wrighttobook aconsultationor call 778-785-2584.

Expert ﬁnancial guidance helpingfamiliesnavigatemodernrisks with conﬁdence. PHOTOVIAISTOCK

West Van students place firstin globalacademicchampionship

ABBY LUCIANO

aluciano@nsnews.com

Local JournalismInitiativeReporter

Three West Vancouver highschoolstudents havebeencrowned championsina recent internationalscholar competitionheldat Yale University.

AmaliaKlyaznikafrom MulgraveSchooland Ryln MacandEthan Wangfrom SentinelSecondary wonfirst intheseniordivisionatthe TournamentofChampions lastmonth.

RylnMac,Amalia Klyaznika andEthan Wang celebratetheir first placewinin theseniorsdivisionatthe Tournamentof Champions,aglobal competition forhighschool students, at YaleUniversity lastmonth. COURTESY OF BOBMAC

“Justtheexperienceofwinningwas amazing,” Wangsaid.“Itwassomethingthat we’vebeenworkingforthepastwhile,and it’sjustamazingthatwegottothispoint.”

The academiceventisa stepupfrom the WorldScholar’sCup,aninternational competitionthatholds regionaleventsfor thousandsofstudentsaroundtheworld. Therewere1,400scholarsinthesenior division thisyear,equallingto roughly450 teams.

To makethechampionshipcut,scholars musthavequalifiedataglobal round.In August,the West Vancouverteamclaimed firstintheseniordivisionattheKuala Lumpur global round.

FromNov.6to12,the West Vanstudentsputtheirskillstothetestindebating, writing,andtheScholar’sBowl,afinal, Jeopardy-like roundcompetingagainsthundredsofcontestants.

Final eventheldat YaleUniversity

ContinuedfromA17

Outofthechallenges, thestudents saidthedebateswere particularlytough, constructingcompellingargumentson topicslike“theworldrightnowisthe mostinterestingtimeinhistory.”

Inthewriting round,eachscholar addressedadifferentcomplexissue,such as whethergovernment-assignedinternationalpenpalscouldsolvetheloneliness pandemic,andwhatinventionwould havebeenbetterifdiscoveredby artists insteadofscientists.

Withthosechallenges came hoursof studying.However, muchofthecurriculumtheylearnedwasinpreviousglobal rounds,Macsaid.

“Alotofitwasspillover,” Macsaid. “Westillspentquiteabitoftimepreparing regardless,likenear sleeplessnights andstufflikethat.Itwasstill averytough journey…but we hadsomethingtobuild offalready.”

Thetrioarenostrangerstothese competitions. Wang andMachave participatedforthepastfouryears,and Klyaznikaforthree,butthismarks their firstchampionshipwinat Yale.

“Theclosingceremonyisalwaysthe mosttenseevent,” Wangsaid.“It’stheone whereyouget rewards, andeverybody’s

eithervery happyorverysadorsomewherein-between.”

Beyondtheacademicchallenges, the championshipofferedyoung scholars theopportunitytoexperiencelifeatan IvyLeagueuniversity–interactingwith studentsandfaculty,samplingdininghall food,andexploringthecampus.

Withthewincomesabittersweet momentforthetrio, as this willbetheir lasthurrahintheacademiccompetitions, focusingonthelastyearofhighschool andpost-secondaryapplications.

“It’skindofanicesendoff,” Wangsaid.

Asthecompetitionscometoanendfor theteam,thefriendshipsandconnections they’vemadewon’t.

Duringthe recentcompetition, Klyaznikacollectedquotesfromnearly 200peopleabouttheirthoughtsonthe event.

“Nobody saidanythingaboutthe curriculum,andveryfewpeoplesaid anythingabouttheacademicevents,” Klyaznikasaid.“It’sallaboutmeetingpeopleandinsidejokesandthesing-alongs, andIthinkthat’s reallyspecial.”

AbbyLucianoisthe Indigenous and civic affairsreporterfor theNorth ShoreNews. Thisreportingbeat ismadepossibleby the LocalJournalismInitiative.

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Neptune News–December2025

WelcomeSuperintendentDavidJones

DavidJones,oneofournewSuperintendents,brings extensiverail expertise to the team. With acareer spanning rolesas conductor, locomotiveengineer, andoperationsleader at CNin LynnCreek,David understandsthecritical roletrainsplay in ourday-todayoperations.

Neptune’scoremissionis to keepthesupplychain moving reliablyinorder to getCanadian resourcesto globalmarkets,andthe workishighly complex.“This isnotsimplework. We receiveasteelmaking coal train everyfiveto sixhours,24/7,”David explains. “Potashshipmentsareweather-dependent,soour teamsmustbeready dayandnight.”

As Davidsettles intohis role,hisdeepknowledgeof raillogisticswill continue to strengthenNeptune’s systems. “I’mlearningsomuchrightnow,”he shares.“Shipping vesselsarenew to me,sothis isan excitingtimeof growth. Theculture hereis fantastic—the Movember activitieshave beenfun anddelicious! Thisis aworkplaceofgenerous,kind people,and Icanseewhysomanyare lifelong teammembers.”

CoastSalishArtworkShines

Neptune Terminals’operationsand administrativeofficeare locatedonthe uncededancestral landsofthe Coast Salishpeople,specificallytheSquamish (Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw), Tsleil-Waututh (səlilwəta )andMusqueam (xʷməθkʷəyəm) Nations.As part of our ongoingefforts to listen,learnand foster reconciliation, we invited renowned Indigenousartist Xwalacktun to painta muralinour Forester Streetlocationon theNorthShore.

Themuralhonourthehistoryoftheland and theFirstNationswhoareourneighbours, with awolf representingthe Tsleil-Waututh, athunderbirdsymbolizingtheSquamish, and cedar branchesfromthe cedar brushing ceremony, atraditionofcleansing and protection.

We were fortunate enough to have Xwalachtunspeak to our team forthis year’s NationalDayfor Truthand Reconciliation about the meaning behindthe muralhe

Do youenjoyreadingaboutactivitiesinyour community?Signupfor e-newsletter at NeptuneTerminals.com or by contactingus at community_questions@neptuneterminals.com or 604-983-7935.

Neptune Terminalshasbeenpartofthe North Shore for 57years. We aredrivenbyourcommitmenttosafe, environmentallyresponsibleoperations,considerationforourneighbours,andsupportforourlocalcommunity.

Celebrating the ValueofLocal

TheNorth VancouverChamber’s annualNorth Vancouver BusinessExcellence Awards,held onNovember 19,was aresoundingsuccess. Thesold-outeventbrought togetherbusiness leaders,entrepreneurs,and communitymembers tocelebratethis year’s theme: TheValue of Local. Theevening reflectedNeptune’songoing commitment to supportinglocalbusinessesand charitableorganizations.

“Weare grateful to Neptune fortheir continued supportoftheNorth Vancouver Chamber, theBusinessExcellence Awards,andlocal employers,”said Patrick Stafford-Smith,CEO. “These awardstrulyshine alightonthebestin our community.Our regionisrichwithtalented peopleacrossdiversebusinesssectors and nonprofits.It’s importantthatwetakethetime to celebratetheir contributions.”

Theaward presentationshighlightedinspiring storiesofpersistence, innovation,andleadership, showcasingthe exceptionalachievements of North Vancouver’s businesscommunity.Guests enjoyedaneveningfilled withenergyand newconnections,all centredaround ashared appreciation fortheorganizationsthatmakeour community thrive.

Congratulations to allthe2025 winnersand finalists. Yourdedication and achievements continue to makeNorth Vancouver avibrant placetolive, learn,play, anddobusiness.

painted.Xwalacktunjoinedus to share storiesandblesstheartworkwiththe SnowbirdSong. ThevisualintheNeptune officeremindseachofuson adailybasis to reflectonour rolein reconciliation.

LocalPhilanthropyfor aStrongerCommunity

TheNorthShoreCommunity Foundation (NSCF)isdedicatedtobuildinga healthier,stronger community—today and forgenerations tocome.Through its Community Grantsprogramand partnershipswithindividuals, families,and businesses,the NSCFfundssocial, cultural, recreational,health,andeducational initiatives.Since2023,the Foundation has grantedalmost$2million to NorthShore charitiesandinitiatives.

Neptunehaslongsupportedthe NSCF through itsannualgolf tournament, which by 2025hadprovidedmorethan 20organizationswithbeneficiarygifts totaling$1million,plusanothermillion dollarsendowedtosupportannualgrants intothefuture. In2019,Neptune Terminals inpartnershipwith SSAMarine,Pembina Terminals,FibrecoExport,andSeaspan

jointlyestablishedthe NorthShore WaterfrontIndustry Fund,held at NSCF,to helplocalagenciesdeliveressentialservices to childrenand familiesonthe NorthShore.

“Ourannual communitygrantsrangefrom $2,500 to $10,000andhelp to addressa broad rangeofissues,”says ElaineMcHarg, CEO.“Morethan 75%ofourfundshave beenestablished by individuals, families orlocalbusinesseswho wanted away to makealasting impact. We help unleash philanthropyinmeaningful ways.”

To apply fororcontributeto community fundingopportunities,visit nscommunityfoundation.com.

Superintendent DavidJones

NeptunesupportstheannualNSCFgolffundraiser

Neptune Terminals congratulatesallﬁnalists

CoastSalishArtistXwalachtun working onthe mural

Themuralblessing ceremony

• preparingyour shopping list(andchecking ittwice)

• driveyou, anda friendortwo,tothe stores ofyour choice

• carry thebags

• getyou safely homewith allyour shopping,

• local ChristmasLightsTour (weknowof some amazingdisplays inthecityand we’re happy to addanextra 30 minutes aftershopping to show them to you)

• wrap yourgifts Of course,ifyou just want to godo some regulargroceryshopping,orwanta ride to yourdoctor, we’realwayshappy to do that too.

North Vancouver’s Joshua Ravensbergenisoneof 27 playersnamed to the roster forthe Canadiannationaljunior hockey team’s training campaheadofthe2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.

HOCKEYCANADA

Ravensbergen picked for world juniorteam camp

HILARY ANGUS

Contributingwriter

North Vancouver’s rising-stargoalie,Joshua Ravensbergen,wasnamedtothe rosterforthe Canadiannationaljuniorhockeyteam’s training camp,takingplaceinNiagaraFallsfrom Dec. 13-22.

Thetrainingcampprecedesthe 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship,whichtakesplacefromDec.26Jan.5in MinneapolisandSt.Paul, Minnesota.

Ravensbergen,19,hasseenalotofsuccessin a short timesincebeingpicked up bythePrinceGeorgeCougars in2023.

Inhis rookieseason, hecompileda regular season recordof26-4-1withagoalsagainst averageof 2.46and a save percentage of .907.Herackedupsixshutouts, whichtiedaWHL record forshutoutsinaseasonby a rookie.

Earlierthisyear,hewas picked30th overallinthe NHLdraftbytheSanJoseSharks,andwas thesecond goaltenderoff theboardatthe2025 NHLentrydraft at thePeacockTheatreinLosAngeles.

Ravensbergenwilljoin26others at thismonth’strainingcamp,includingthreegoaltenders,ninedefencemen and15 forwards.

Inadditiontothetrainingcamp, mostoftheselected players willfaceoffagainstSwedenonDec.17and20in Kitchener,andLondon,Ont,before takingonDenmark on Dec.23inMankato,Minnesota,inpre-tournament action.

Juniorteamgeneralmanager AllanMillarsaidin a pressconferencethataforward, adefencemananda goalie willbecutfromtheteam by Dec.22,aheadofthe championship.

The2026IIHF WorldJuniorChampionshipbegins onBoxingDaywithfourgames,whichincludesCanada takingonCzechiaat5:30 p.mPacifictimeonDec. 26. Hilary Angusisa Vancouver-basedjournalist writing forthe NorthShoreNews.Shecanbereachedatinfo@hilaryangus.com.

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INCREASINGDENSITY

Cityapproves newAlderStreet

mid-rise development zone

HILARY ANGUS Contributingwriter

CityofNorth Vancouvercouncil approvedthecreationofanewmidrisedevelopmentzoneinameeting onDec.1,whichwill permitthe constructionof residentialbuildings up tosixstoreysin height.

Thenewzone,whichwillstreamline theprocessfor increasing density, aims tohelpthecity meetits20-yearhousing targetsset by theprovince,as well as meetaDec.15 deadline to draftanew zoneset by thefederalgovernmentas partoftheirHousingAcceleratorFund.

Initscurrent iteration,thenew midrisezonewillonly apply totheAlder Streetlands,ablockof14city-owned parcelsintheLowerLonsdalearea,on AlderStreet betweenSt. Patricks Avenue andSt.Davids Avenue.

However,itwillalsoallowforproperty owners in otherareasunderexisting “ResidentialLevel5” land usedesignationstoapplytousethenewmid-rise zone,accordingtoDaniellaFerguson, manager ofcitydesignand planning.

NorthShore GIVES– Together

Thosepropertiesaremostlyaround CentralLonsdaleandLowerLonsdale towardsMosquito Creek Marina,and aroundtheBreweryDistrict.

“We’retryingtocreatesomegeneralzonesthatcouldbeappliedmore broadly,”FergusonsaidinMonday’s meeting.

Coun. Tony Valentementionedseveral recentcommentsfromthepublic concerningtreeprotectionfornewdevelopments,andquestioned whether the newzonewouldhaveadequatemeasures inplacetoprotectexistingtrees.

Fergusonsaidthenewzoneissubject tothecity’sexistingtreebylaw,andalso hasa requirementthat10percentof thelandhastobesetasideasdeepsoil areas.

Fergusonalsopointedoutasectionof thezoneguidelines, which stipulatethat “siteplanningshall respondtoexistingtopography,trees,andsite-specific features.”

Councilmembersmadefewcomments onthemotionandit was approved unanimously.

NorthShore Community Foundation is making it easier foreachofustomakea differenceacrossa rangeoflocal causes.Choosefromany of ourImpactFunds, updates to thenew NorthVancouver SeniorsCentre, or help providetimelysupport aftera localemergency. GivebyDecember31standyourgiftwillbedoubled.

Care when Needed EmergencyReliefFund

Establishedbythe DNVFireﬁghters’ Charitable Society

Learningfrom past tragedies, this fund wascreated to ensure NorthShore residentscan quicklyand compassionatelyreceive thesupport they need in timesofcrisis.

Apartnership with NorthShore Emergency Management,FamilyServicesofthe NorthShore, andDNV Fireﬁghters.

Donormatchingdoubles your giving.

Acttoday-every gift matters

SeniorsEnrichment

Silver HarbourCentre

Project fund fornew location

NorthVancouver’s senior centre offersover70 programs,including affordablefood services.

In 2026, Silver Harbourismovingtoa newhome beside theHarry Jerome Community Centre. Each donation will help to equipthe activity rooms, gatheringareasandanupdated commercialkitchen.

Donormatchingdoubles your giving.

To discussyourgivingplanortodonatevia cheque, e-transferorpublicsecuritiespleasecontact us at info@nscommunityfoundation.com |604.617.5055

Until December 31st, 2025 donationsthroughNorth ShoreCommunity Foundation to oneofthenotedprojectswillbematched,upto$10,000, perinitiative

Community Causes GIVE 4IMPACTFUNDS

Choose thecause most importanttoyou and throughthe powerofcollectivegivingmore community organizationswillreceive support in 2026.

•Wellness& Good Health

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OLDERANDWISER

Winter walking:Here’s how older adults canprevent falls

MARGARET COATES

Contributingwriter

NovemberwasFall PreventionMonth,and Decemberisthedarkest part oftheyear,making thisisagreattimefor manyofusolderfolks to brushuponourknowledgeaboutfalls.

Fallscanhappento anyone,buttheimpactfor seniorsisgreaterthanthe rest ofthepopulation. Accordingtotheprovince,itisestimatedthat one-thirdofpeopleaged65 andolderfall eachyear,and thesefallsaretheleading cause of injury-related hospitalizationamongolder adults.Fallscanleadto seriousinjuries,including fracturesandheadinjuries. Fallscanimpactindependenceandqualityoflife.

Fallingcanbethe result ofseveralhealth-related factorsforolderpeople. Olderpeoplemaydevelop poorbalanceanddecreased muscleandbonestrength, andtheymaybesusceptibleto reducedvisionor hearing.Olderpeoplemay developsymptomsofdizzinessandweakness,perhaps relatedtotheirmedications. Also, olderpeoplemaynot betakingthestepsto keep theirhomessafe,toeatwell andstayfit.

Whilefalls remainthe leadingcauseofinjury-relatedhospitalizations amongolderadultsin Canada,theencouraging newsisthatmostfallsare preventable.If,asis recommendedinafallprevention articleinMcMasterOptimal AgingPortal,weconcentrateon“empowering ourselvestotakesimple, proactivestepsthatsupport strength,stability,andindependence,”wecanprevent mostfalls.Thefear of falling canhaveaprofoundeffect onapersonastheymay curtailtheiractivities,which

mightleadtootherhealth issuessuchasdepression, anxiety,isolationandphysicaldecline.

Someoftheproactive stepswecantakeinclude keepingourbody moving –perhapstrygentle,consistentactivitylikewalking, swimming,or taichi which canimprovebalanceand co-ordination.

“Movementkeeps musclesstrongand reflexessharp,andboth areimportanttopreventingfalls,”accordingto a Novemberarticlepostedin theMcMasterOptimalAging Portal.

We canmakesureour indoorandoutdoorareas aresafe. We could remove triphazardsinsideandout andmakesuretoinstall goodhandrails andlighting onourstaircases. We could alsoaddnon-sliptreadsfor barewoodensteps.Inour bathrooms,install shower andtubgrabbars,and placenon-slip matsonthe showerfloorandbathtub. Weshould resistusingthose cutelittlethrowrugs.

Novemberand Decembersignalthebeginningofthosenastymonths whereolderadultsencounterweatherconditions whichcanbeaproblemfor them.Inpreparingforthe inclement weatherahead ofusthiswinter, trythese stepstopreventfalls.

Makesurethatyouuse footwearwithgoodtraction, keepyoureyestrainedon whatis beforeyouand,if necessary, useawalking stickforbalance.Becareful gettingoutofyourcar, avoidtakingshortcuts,take extratime,payattention, anddonotgetdistracted whileoutdoors.Keepyour drivewayandwalkways saltedandclear.

To preventfalls,stay healthy. Reviewmedications regularlywithyour

healthcare provider or pharmacistanddiscuss anysideeffects,suchas feelingdizzyorsleepy.Eat anutritiousdiet richin protein,calciumandvitamin Danddrinkplentyofliquids throughouttheday.Keepup yourdentistappointments –healthyteethmakeeating a rangeoffoodseasier. Check youreyesightandhearing regularly.

Everystepyoutake towardimprovingstrength, awareness,andhomesafety helpspreventfallsand helpkeepyoulivingindependentlyandconfidently.

MargaretCoatesistheco-ordinatorofLionsviewSeniors’ PlanningSociety.Shehas livedontheNorthShorefor 55yearsandhasworkedfor andwithseniorsforthirtyof thoseyears.Ideasforfuture columnsarewelcome.Email lions_view@telus.net.

BREWNEWS

•9ct,10kt,14kt,18kt,19ktWHITE

Beva Brewingtakes home two goldsat Canada BeerCup

HILARY ANGUS

Contributingwriter

North Vancouver’scraftbreweryscene hasbeenboomingfornearly10years now, andshowsfewsignsofslowing down.

•14ktGOLDMEN’SDIAMOND

Asa relativenewcomerontheblock, BevaBrewingandBlendingisalready makinganameforitself, recentlytaking hometwogoldmedalsatthefourthannual CanadaBeerCup, whichtookplacein QuebecCityinNovember.

ThePemberton Avenuebrewery, which openedinDecember2023, wontheGerman PilsnerawardforOldDays,oneoftheircore beers,andtookhomethesinglecandesign awardfortheirMamboItaliano hazyIPA.

AnotherNorth Vancouverbrewery, StreetcarBrewing,tookhomeabronzein theAmericanporterandstoutcategoryfor theirShipyardsStout.

OctavioPauley,Beva’sheadbrewerand oneoffourco-founders,said winninggold fortheirpilsnerfeelsparticularlygood,as theirbeerphilosophyistofocus on crisp, cleanbrews.

“Idon’tlikethewordapproachable, but drinkableandsessionable whilestill having asmuchflavouraspossible,”Pauley said.

It’snotthefirst wininthelagercategory forPauley,whohaswonseveralawards for hisfermentsover10yearsinthebusiness, havingbrewedpreviouslyat Vancouver’s R&BBrewingandAlberta’sSnakeLake BrewingCompany.

BevaBrewingandBlending,asthename implies,alsofocusesonblends – beers thatarefermentedoragedseparatelythen blendedlater.

Theirbarrel-agedwild-ferment beers complementa regularlineupoflagers,pale ales,andhazypaleales,Pauleysaid.

The brewery’sNorgatelocation,away fromtheLowerLonsdale brewery district, hasenabledthemto develop a devoted followingof regularswho pop intothetaproom toseewhat’snew,said Pauley.

Thebreweryisinvitingthecommunity totheirtwo-yearanniversarypartyonJan. 24,andasthey head intotheirthird year ofoperation, Pauley saidthey’relooking forwardtoofferingevenmoreeasy-drinking varietyintheircorecategories.

SeveralCityof Vancouver breweries alsomedalledintheCanadaBeerCup.Red TruckwonsilverintheAmericanLager categoryforitsRoad TripClassicLager,and anothersilverforits MonsterJamJuicyIPA (ContemporaryIPA). Parallel49won silver foritsPinkPower(FruitedSourAle).And LonetreepickedupsilverforitsDryApple Cider(ModernCider).

HilaryAngusisa Vancouver-basedjournalist writingfortheNorthShoreNews.Shecanbe reachedat info@hilaryangus.com.

North Vancouver’s Beva Brewing took home two goldmedalsatthe2025 Canada BeerCup. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN

NewItalian restaurantopens in former RavenPub location

HILARY

ANGUS

Contributingwriter

Long-timeDeepCovewateringhole

TheRavenPubhasbeenclosedfor a while,butthere’s anewravenin town.

IlCorvo,anewfamily-styleItalian restaurant,hastakenovertheiconicpub’sformer spaceandisofficially readytowelcome diners,accordingtoamedia release.

Translatingto“theraven”inItalian,Il Corvogivesanodto thelocation’sstoried history whilebringinganew diningoption totheNorth Vancouvercommunity.

“IgrewupinDeepCove,and so when thespacebecameavailable,weknew we wantedto reimagineitintoanew restaurant experiencefortheneighbourhood,” said co-ownerandlongtimeDeepCove resident Stacie Watson,whostartedIl Corvowith herhusband, Michael Watson.

“MichaelandIloveto travelandItaly isoneofourfavouritecountries. We love Italian food. We wantedtocreateaplace thatwasbothspecialand approachable,” Watsonsaid.The Watsonsbroughton chef TylerThompson,of Victoria’s Block Kitchen&Bar,todevelopamenutheysay

isfocusedon“ingredient-focusedcooking” andshareplates.

“Ourgoalistohighlightsimple,honest flavours. We wantthemtoshineonthe plate,”Thompsonsaid.

DinerscanexpectItalianclassicssuch as anchovytoast,arancini,chicorysaladhandmadepastasand pizzas,andheartier plates likesearedsteelheadand Tuscansteak.

The WatsonsbroughtonGeoffroy Roulleau,thepreviousownerof West Vancouver’sFeastNeighbourhood Table,as generalmanager.Roulleauhasdeveloped abeverageprogramtheysaywillfocuson classicItalian-stylecocktailslikenegronis andespresso martinis,withaselectionof B.C.andItalianwines,localbeerand local craftsodasfortheirnon-alcoholicmenu.

Thedesignofthespacehasbeenbuilt to emulatethe“cozy,lived-inwarmth”of havingfamilydinnerinNonna’sdiningnook, accordingtothe release,withplushchairs, vintageItalianglassware,bistrocurtains andgallery-stylewallsfeaturingpersonal photographsofItaliantravels.

IlCorvoiscurrentlyopenfordinner sevendaysaweek,from5to10p.m.,with a brunchoptionintheworkslaterthiswinter.

Connecting newimmigrantswith localbusinesses, serviceproviders,and community organizations. Saturday, January24

NorthVancouver District Public Library

Construction Progress at WoodfibreLNG

TheWoodfibre LNGsiteistaking shape.Onland,crews are progressingon foundationsafterplacingthepipe rack modules.Offshore, piling hasbegun forthe firstpermanent supports forthe floating storagetank —amajorstepin marine construction.

Allmarineworkissupportedbymarine mammal observers and hydroacousticmonitoring. These safeguardspausework ifunderwatersoundnears regulatory limitsorifmarine mammalsenter exclusionzones.

We’reproud to bebuildingthe world’sfirstnet zero LNG exportfacilitysafely,responsibly,andunderthe oversightof the Sḵwxwú7meshÚxwumixw (SquamishNation) —follow us to seehowit’staking shape righthereinSquamish.

woodfibrelng.ca/news

TIME TRAVELLER

Aweekly glimpseintoNorth Shore’spastfromMONOVA: Museum of NorthVancouver

TheOlympianthatshouldhavebeen GertrudeBeaton,nee Wepsala,wasbornin1916toFinnishemigrantsJoelandWilhelmina Wepsala. Aloveofskiingwaspasseddownbyherfather,andintheearly1930sGertiejoinedthe TyeeSkiRunners.

ShewontheDominionLadiescombineddownhillandslalomeventsin1938,1939,and1940. However,aftertheoutbreakoftheSecond World War, theWinterOlympicswerecancelled, meaningthatsheneverhadthechancetorepresentCanadaattheGames. DuringthewarGertiecontinuedtoskiandworkedas ashopclerkattheBoeingAircraftfactory. ShemarriedAlBeatonin1942.

Discover more of theNorth Shore’srichhistory at MONOVA.Start planning your visitat monova.ca.Doyou have astory totell? Getintouch viaarchives@monova.ca.

GARDENTO TABLE

Welcomingwinter’s slowpace

LAURAMARIENEUBERT Contributingwriter

Were itnotforthe pressuresoftheholiday seasonandthebusyness ofmodernlife,weas a specieswouldbehunkeringdownrightabout now.

Takingourcuesfrom nature,wewouldbesleepingmore,leaningheavilyon reservesstoredpost-harvest.Afteralongandblissful growingseasonofendless daysandbalmyevenings, we wouldceasetaking,and turnourattentiontogiving.

Mymother-in-lawMarija welcomeswinter.She grewuponasmallfarmin mountainousCroatia(partoftheformer CommunistStateof Yugoslavia)whentimes were unimaginablyhardandfamilies survivedonnothingmorethantheirwitsand whatevertheycouldbuild,growand producethemselvesduringconsecutive springs andsummersofachinglyhardwork.

Native snowberriesareanimportant foodsource for wildlife, especially during thewinter.

This ismyfavouritetimeto be outside. Ilovetherain,andthe mistand thesoft greylightofalmostwinter.Ilove pullingon woolsocksandrubberboots,and donning layeruponlayerofweatherproofouterwear before headingoutsideforafulland sodden dayofnourishment.

Winter,shesays,brought respiteand quiet.Outside,theforestandgardenswere blanketedwithfallenleavesandsnow Decayingcropsandpilesoftrimmingsleft in-situtoprovideshelterforthebirds, small mammalsandinsectsthat wereasessential totheecosystemassunlightandrainfall.

Inside,familiesandfriendsspenttime together,feastingonsummer’sbounty, sleepingandhealing,unable(thankfully)to workoutsideinthecold.

AlthoughMarijahaslivedinCanadafor decades,sheisgeneticallyimprintedbythe turnoftheseasonsofheryouth.Shefeels greatcomfortand reliefwhendaysgrow short.Sheishappyformetoo,shesays, to havetimein“forcedconfinement”to relax.

Ifonlythings werethatsimple.

In reality,ourmodernCanadianlivesare complexandbusy. Formostofus,if we are honest,therearecomparativelyfewlimitsto thethingswecandoandtheplaceswecan goalldaysandhoursoftheyear.

Stillthough,wecanlearnfromMarija tolistentoand flowwiththeseasons.Why notconsider winterasaseasonto rest and regenerate?Whynotputour feetupandgo tobedearlywithoutapologyorjudgment? Whynot readtoomuch(asifthatis possible)andspendunscripted,undocumented timewiththepeoplewelove?

AsIgrowtohavemoretimeawayfrom adeskandthe reality-eclipsingbusynessof life,Itoofeelgreatcomfort whendaysgrow short.

Thereisagrowing body ofscientific evidencethatweshouldtakeourleadfrom nature;thatourbodiesaregoverned by thecircadian rhythmsofsunlight,natural spectrumlight,andseasonalgiveand take. Wintergracesus,ifwelet her, with pause.

The perennialhalf-lightofwinter encouragesustolook harder —toleaveour aperture open,toallowdetailandcontext tofilterinforthoughtfulconsiderationand contemplation.

Slowing downisnecessary, sowecan see in realtimethattheso-calledmessy pileof unrakedleavesisinfactshelteringtowhees, chickadeesandthrushthroughthewinter.

We canseethatthe decaying perennials arefeedingthelandscapesothatnextyear’s soil biologycan hold waterin-place.

We canseethattheunpopularwinter mossbetweenthecracksinthe driveway pavershostthe planet’soldestandcritically important biology.

We canseenakedsnowberriesand highbushcranberries,neon brightand newly devoidofleaves,callingdeerandother mammalstofeastbefore deepwinter.

We cansee,as Marijasays,ifwejusttake timetolook.

LauraMarieNeubert isa West Vancouverbasedurbanpermaculturedesigner.Follow heronInstagram@upfrontandbeautiful, learnmoreaboutpermaculturebyvisiting herUpfront&Beautifulwebsiteoremail yourquestionstoherathello@upfrontandbeautiful.com.

LAURA MARIE NEUBERT

Photo:NVMA,F229-f4

Stashed

Auctionattendee

Lobeplace

Accompany

45.Stop!

47.Yonder 48.Lasso

49.Poverty

50.Fireremnant

page:hyph.

51.Luauwreath

52.Stocking color

voice

54. Finalletter

ARIES March21-April19

You’ll findithardtokeep everyonesatisfied, even ifyoutryhardandmake compromises.Whetherit’s onthejoborinyourpersonal life,you’llneedtoweighthe prosandconsandtakea morenuancedapproach.

TAURUS April20-May20

You’llbreezethroughyour to-dolists,bothatworkand inyourholidaypreparations. Athome, yourkeenattention todetailwillhelpyoucreate aflawlessandharmonious atmosphere.

GEMINI May21-June20

Yourheroicgesturewill bringyoupraiseand recognitionthisweek. Yourvolunteerworkcould earnyouanawardor, at least, ameaningfultokenof appreciation.

CANCER June21-July22

Be readyforlast-minute changestoyourholiday plansanddecorations. Take thetimethisweektogive specialattentionto afamily memberwhoneedsit.

LEO July23-Aug.22

Youmayconsider treating yourselfto anew car this

Christmas!You’llbebusy withlast-minuteshopping andnumeroustrips,sobe preparedtomanageallthe littledetails.

VIRGO Aug.23-Sept.22

Spendqualitytimewithyour familythisholidayseason. However,youmayhave issueswithpayingyourbills becauseof asystemfailure. Inyourlovelife,you’re cravingmoretendernessand attentionfromyourpartner.

LIBRA Sept.23-Oct. 22

Althoughtheshortestdayof theyearisfastapproaching, you’llstillfeelfullofenergy. Certainactivitieswillhelp breakupthemonotonyof dailylife. Youmightplana triptocelebratetheholidays instyle.

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21

Ifyouwant alittlemore peaceinyourlife,limithow oftenyou readthenews. Instead,focuson reading inspiringstoriesorwatching entertainingTVshows.This shiftwillhelpyoufeel alittle morepeacefulandlighthearted inyourdailylife.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec.21

Yourabilitytobringlarge groupsofpeopletogether

willbeinvaluable. Youmay find yourselfin acrowd whereyoudon’tfeelentirely comfortable. Take thetime to reviewyoursocialmedia contacts.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19

You’llbe responsiblefor organizingthefestivities thisyear.You havemany taskstocompleteatwork beforetheendoftheyear. Timeisrunningout!Certain relationshipscouldprove exhaustinganddemand specialattention.

AQUARIUS Jan.20-Feb.18

Youmightdreamofescaping theharshwinterfor awarm getawayonsun-kissedsands inthetropics.This retreat couldevolveinto aspiritual journeythatinspiresa personal revelation.

PISCES Feb. 19-March20

Itwon’ttakemuchforyouto feelemotionalthisweek.By making afewsmallchanges toyourdaily routine,you may rekindleyourzest forlife.Attendingholiday get-togetherswillputa smilebackonyourface,so don’thesitatetoacceptany invitationsthatcomeyour way.

Cat-o’-____-tails

Crosswordpuzzleanswers useAmerican spelling

SUDOKU

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS:

HOWTOPLAY:

Fillinthegridsothat everyrow,every columnand every3 x3box contains thenumbers 1through 9only once. Each 3x3box isoutlinedwitha darkerline. Youalready havea fewnumbers to get youstarted. Remember:youmustnot repeatthe numbers 1through 9inthesameline, columnor 3x3 box.

Staff member ‘nolongerwith’NSEM

West Vancouver ChamberofCommerce ChristmasGala

Golf and Country Club

We’rethrilledtoannouncethe return of West Vancouver’spremier Christmascelebration -anelegantholiday eveningatthe Capilano Golf and Country Club.Joinusfor afestiveevening featuringa cocktail reception, spectacularbuﬀet dinner,andouralways-popularliveauction.

Date: December 16,2025• Time: 5:30 p.m. –10:30 p.m.

Location: Capilano Golf andCountry Club 420 Southborough Dr,WestVancouver,BC V7S1M2

If you’re aNorth Shorebusinessinterestedinshowcasing your brand by donatingtoour liveauction,we’d love to hear from you. Pleasereachout to Stephanieat info@westvanchamber.com.

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week.Therewasno word,for instance, onthevalueofthefundsallegedly misused.

DougPope,interimdirectorofNorth ShoreEmergency Management, saidin anemail he wasnotauthorized to speak onthematter.

David Stuart,CAOforthe Districtof North Vancouver,saidin astatement thatthepersonunderinvestigation“is nolongerwiththeorganization.”

He addednofurtherdetailswould beprovidedwhiletheinvestigationis active.

RyanSchaap, spokesmanfor the municipality,saidtheformer staffer wasn’tfired,but refusedtoprovide furtherdetails.

NorthVancouverRCMPmedia relationsspokesmanCpl.Mansoor Sahak saidpoliceare notconducting an investigation.“Wedonothave acomplaint,” hesaid.

TheNorthShoreEmergency Managementofficehas sevenregularfull-timestaff members and an annualbudgetofabout$1.4million, primarilyfundedbythethree North Shoremunicipalities.Ofthat, almost

2026

half theoperating funding,morethan $640,000,comes from theDistrictof North Vancouver,while theCityof North Vancouver contributes approximatelyone thirdatabout $430,000and West Vancouver contributesjustover $330,000.

The officeisalso supported by the provincial government. The ministry doesnotprovide annual funding to theemergency managementoffice butdoesreimburse communities for eligible expenses related toemergency response.Since thefiscalyear2023/24, theMinistryofEmergency Management and Climate Readinesshasreimbursed theemergency managementoffice for approximately $730,000 of eligible expenses.

Bowinn Ma,MLAforNorth Vancouver Lonsdale, said theNorthShore Emergency Managementofficeis“an incrediblyimportant organizationthat providescritical supports whenpeople and familiesare strugglingthroughsome of themostdevastating times of their lives.”

Ma added,“These allegationsarevery concerning,and Ihope we cangettothe bottom of thisonewayoranother.”

MediaSponsor

The next RegularCouncilMeeting is January 12,2026.Agendasforupcoming meetings and minutesof past meetingsareavailable onlineat DNV.org/council, where youcan also subscribe toreceive agendas by email. Councilagendas are also availableforviewingatall District libraries.

Councilmeetings areheldinahybridformat with acombinationofin-personand electronicparticipation by someor all membersofCouncil, or bystaffandthe public.The public areinvitedtoattend atthe Council Chamberswhere theywill be abletoseeandhear theproceedings and, at aminimum, the Corporate Ofﬁcer or designatewill be in attendance.

Publicinputonagendaitems,both in-person andvirtually, will be facilitated by signingupinadvance priorto3:00p.m.onthe dayofthe meeting bycontacting theCorporateOfﬁcerat signup@dnv.org.Speakers will thenbecontactedbythe Corporate Ofﬁcer with instructionsonhow to participate eithervirtually or in person. Participationcanbeinperson, viavideoor telephone.

The public mayalsoobserve meetingsvia Zoom.Details are given in theagenda foreach meeting, whichare availableat DNV.org/council on Tuesday preceding themeeting.

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Suzanne BushnellJustice

January16, 1932- November25,2025

Shewas just thebest. Awonderful, enthusiastic,generous,and loving woman. Always positive, with an instinct and knackforpartiesand people, plantsandpets.

Daughterof Wawa and Susu.Brother to BigJohn. Lifelong cherishedpartner to Beans.Mother to Christopherand Patricia,and Janeand Bill. Gumby to Jazz, Miles, andLeela. Second motherand great friend to so very many.

Born in NewYorkCity, shemoved to asmall chicken farm on Herd Rd in North Cowichanat theageof six,thenattended Queen Margaret's and later Duncan High.

Aftera degreeatUBC,sheandnewlywedarchitect Beans built afunkyand welcomingWestCoast hometuckedinthe woodsnearLighthouseParkin WestVancouver.There shehappily stayed for66 years, surroundedbymarvelous greenery, avariety ofbeasts,and aconstant flow of friendsand family.

There were frequent visits backtothe island to see herparentsandher childhoodand lifelong chums, regular sojourns to Banbury, whereanew community of kindreds evolved, many explorations of theGulfIslands,and afew grand tripsabroad.

Aftera longandhappylife, shehad agoodand peacefuldeathfollowing ashortand rapiddecline. Shediedinthe familiarcomfort ofherhome, well caredfor by thewonderfulLibby,and in theattentive presenceofher childrenandother closefriends.

June 19,1942- November28,2025

It is with heavy heartsthat we announcethepassing ofMarie MitchellMussattoattheageof83 years old. Survived by herhusband, John Mussatto, her daughter,Carla Mussatto, her threegrandchildren, Mia,Nathaniel,and Evangeline, her sister Elizabeth, andbrother Pat, homeinAustralia andalloftheir childrenand grandchildren,her many nieces and nephews hereinBC, as well as countless other belovedrelatives,friends,students, and community members.

Originally from Bathurst,Australia,Marie arrivedin Canada over fiftyyearsagoandquickly becamean intrinsic partofher teaching community wherever shetaught.Marieis remembered forher love of conversation andher kindandgenerous spirit.Most well-knowninher community as akindergarten teacherat St.Edmund’sElementarySchool,Marie was always teaching thosearoundher.The most talkativeand cheerfulpersonanyone knew.Marie will be missedlikenoother.

Her service willbe heldat Saint Edmund’s Church on December 20, 2025, at 11:00am

RigmorHelene Boyum

February5,1932- November 7, 2025

It is with greatsadnessthat we announcethepassing ofourdear mother,Rigmor, at theage of 93. Rigmor wasthe youngestoffour children,borninBergen, Norway,toOlgaand Kristian Gjertsen. Shehad agreat love forher family, theoutdoors, physical fitness, andadventure. She beganher workinglifeas an insurancestenographer and, in thefollowing years, as amuch-lovedfitness, ski,and swiminstructor. Shelovedher blackLabs.Rigmorand Bjornwere happily marriedfor60 years. Rigmor is survivedand lovinglyremembered by her four children, Kristine, Kim, Eric(Trish), and Ellen-Marie(Duncan),nine grandchildren, sevengreat-grandchildren,as well as much-loved family in Norway,Nanaimo,and Alberta. Ourloveand thanksgotoMum's caregiver, Sheila, whosehelpmade it possibletokeep Mumathome for threehappyyears, and many thanksfor the loving care shereceivedatSunriseand Cedarview Lodge.A CelebrationofLifeisplanned forMumon January31,at2pm,Boal Chapel,North Vancouver. Pleasevisit dignitymemorial.com

Born Aug. 17,1933,passedawayonNov.23,2025, at theageof92. Shehasnowjoinedherhusband George,whopassedawayonFeb.22,2024. Together forever.

MarieMitchellMussat t o

Margaret Crawford

DavidRoy McDonald

May10, 1932- November26,2025

It is with deep sadness that David’sfamily announcedhis passingon November26,2025. Davidwill be lovinglyremembered by Jean,his wife of71 years; daughter,Linda (VictorHolysh);son, Tim(JairoJordon);grandchildren, DavidHolysh (Hwanhee Cho)and CatherineHolysh;as well ashis sister, Josephine,brother,Ian,and many niecesand nephews.David waspredeceased by hissisters, Betty Hudsonand Dore Priceand closecousin, Helen Craig.

Davidgrewupasa hard-working farm boy in Clandeboye,Manitoba, surrounded by hislarge extended family.Hemoved to Alberta to workinthe oilindustryafter earning abachelor’s degreein Mathematicsand Physicsfromthe University of Manitoba in 1952. Afterthirteen yearsworking for CenturyGeophysical,Dadaccepted ajob in Sydney, Australia,asChief Geophysicist forBurmahOil UK. Atwo-year contract turned into along career in the Australianoilindustryand aloveaffairwithAustralia. Asa result of various mergers, Davidsubsequently worked forHudson’s BayOil and Gas, Dome PetroleumandLASMOinPerth and Brisbane.David received many awards over theyearsforhis contributions to the Australian oil Industry, highlightinghis importancetothediscovery and developmentofAustralia’s NorthWestShelfgas fields.David finishedhiscareer in London, England, workingoutofLASMO’sheadoffice fora yearbefore acceptingathree-yearassignmentasgeneral managerof theirItalianoperations in Rome.

David and Jean lovedtotravel. In retirement,they split theirtimebetween NorthVancouverand Brisbane,beforesettlingatWesterleigh Parc in West Vancouver.

Dadloved many things:his family and friends; his career;travellingaround theworld;playing cribbage; histwo countries:Canadaand Australia;his Australianboat; watching Canadian football, Aussie Rulesfootball, curlingand icehockey;country and westernmusic;and aglass of Alberta Premiumrye whiskey.

Thefamilywouldliketothank theresidentsand staff at WesterleighParc, whereDavid andJean lived for overeleven years. Davidwas apassionatecribbage player, andheandhisgood friend, Evelyn Makin, organizedtwice-weekly cribbageafternoonsat Westerleigh.

Thefamilywouldliketothank Ewaand Jola,who were morningcaregivers forseveral years. Thank youtothe Proofof Care caregivers and theVCH palliative team fortheircareand supportduring David’sfinal months.Thank youtoDr. Adair,Dr. Mutatand Dr.Mak fortheircareovermanyyears.

Afuneral servicewill beheldatWestVancouver UnitedChurch on Sunday, January18that2:00p.m. In lieuofflowers,a donationtotheLions Gate Hospital Foundationora charityofyour choice wouldbeappreciated.

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Sudokupuzzlesare formattedasa9x9grid, brokenintonine3x3 boxes. To solveaSudoku, thenumbers1through9 must fill eachrow, column andbox.Eachnumbercan appearonlyonceineach row, columnandbox. You can figureouttheorder inwhichthenumbers willappearbyusingthe numericcluesalready providedintheboxes.

PUZZLEANSWERSONSEPARATE PAGE

1.Spiritualleaders 7.Atypeofsolution 13.Fortifiedwine 14.Ediblemollusk 16.TheyprecedeC 17.Awaytocompare 19.Government lawyer 20.“GameofThrones” actorCiaran 22.Theeighthmonth (abbr.)

23.Very willing 25.__exMachina

1.Animaldisease 2.Commercial 3.Necklacematerial

4.Containers 5.Awaytosavefor yourfuture

6.ColoradoHeisman winnerRashaan 7.Dippeddown 8.Headinjury(abbr.) 9.Layabout 10.Intestinal

11.Oppositeofyes 12.Causedtobeloved

26.Makeshappy

28.Typeofberry

29.A doctrine

30.PopularDodgetruck model

31.Dekagram

33.Naturallyoccurring solid

34.Companyofficer

36.Villains

38.Cricketfrogs

40.InfluentialGerman psychologist

13.Spiritualleader ofIslam 15.Businesslike 18.Notin

21.Numberabovethe lineinafraction

24. An animalwithits ownday

26. Pouch

27.Swedishkrona

30.Startover

32. Fieldflowers

35. Fourteen

41.Endured

43.A femaledomestic

44.Youcangetstuck inone

45.Cigarette(slang)

47.Fiberopticsnetwork

48.Groupofblood disorders(abbr.)

51.Employeestock ownershipplan

53.Belongingtothe bottomlayer

55.Sound

37. A visualway tointeractwith a computer

38.Up-to-date

39.Campaigns

42. Touchlightly

43.“Boardwalk Empire”actress Gretchen

46. Violentseizureof property

47.Supporterofthe Pope

49. Anxiety

56.MLBlegendHank

58.Very attractiveperson

59.Latebeloved sportscasterCraig

60.SouthDakota

61.Mocking

64.Symbolforgold

65.LongtimeBraves pitcherJulio

67.Humor

69.Shawl

70.Preliminarypatient assessment

50.Bodyfluid

52.Onewho’sfakingit

54. Titleofrespect

55.Chileancity

57.Cityincentral Japan

59.Silkgarment

62. A formofdance

63. Automobile

66.Theman

68.JusticeDept.head honcho