Free for All No Topic

The Happiest New Year to all who visit, blog, and post here at northvancoverpolitics.com.  I would like to extend an invitation to all to comment on anything that happened in 2012 and what your aspirations are for the New Year.

Best of the New Year to everyone!
John Sharpe

Time to check the naughty and nice list

BY TREVOR CAROLAN, NORTH SHORE NEWS DECEMBER 24, 2012

ALREADY it's Christmas.

With it comes our annual hope of joy, redemption and promise for the future. It's a good tradition, a time for offering and exchanging gifts. Casting an eye over the political landscape, who's been naughty this past year?

In an imperfect world, who's been nice?  Read more. . .

Run-down Safeway Saved!

The Outlook tells us that Onni has pulled their application to redevelop the Safeway site on Lonsdale.

Surely there will be much rejoicing among the mysterious membership of North Van City Voices, but I think the last word belongs to Onni president Rossano De Cotiis:

“We have done everything in accordance with City rezoning policies and have essentially arrived at where we started two years ago.”

And, in looking at the documents posted on the City web site, it looks like that's the case.  Onni proposed a project, took suggestions and complaints, and came back with another, smaller version.  They did the public outreach required, they appeared where they had to. They played by the rules.

And yes, making donations to politicians is playing by the rules.

If Onni walks away - admittedly unlikely given how much money is already invested - upper Lonsdale will be left with a run-down Safeway store and... oh right - the junk shop is gone now.

That kind of property needs a significant sized development.  It's a big important property, and sooner or later will require a large developer to do something with it.  You can debate how large, but at the end of the day a lot of developers will stay away of they can't know ahead of time what the rules will be.  No-one will put up the millions of dollars required to prepare a project like this if they think that their investment could be lost at the whim of a mercurial city council.

Without those big-ticket investors that site is likely going to wind up filled with yet another two story strip-mall filled with vacuum cleaner stores and health food outlets.  There's nothing wrong with those, but it hardly qualifies as demonstrating the kind of vision that builds great - or even nice - cities.

Concerned group in the City of North Vancouver

North Van City Voices is a relatively new and growing group in the City, formed earlier this year when a group of residents got together to discuss concerns about the increasing push for density evident in the City Shaping process. From their statement on their website:

Our vision is a livable community in which the needs and desires of CNV residents have a greater influence in development decisions than the interests of those who profit from ever-increasing densification.

Concerns are evolving into a goal to  ensure good governance in the City.   They welcome new members, more information on their website:  http://nvcityvoices.wordpress.com/

Members have an immediate concern about the process around the public hearing on November 19th for the Onni project at 13th and Lonsdale, which comes back to Council tomorrow, December 3rd, with a motion by the Mayor to reconsider a vote on November 26th for a second public hearing.  There were at least 20 people signed up to speak on November 19th who were not able to speak - mostly because the hearing lasted six hours and many people were unable to stay until their name was called.  The meeting was concluded, but should have been adjourned to ensure everyone who wanted to speak was able to.  It seems at this point that Councillor Bell is to change his vote for a second public hearing.  More information is available on the website.

Is it time to have pay parking in District of North Vancouver Parks?

Argueably the biggest single issue facing the District of North Vancouver's future is money. This past Monday night's regular council meeting saw a presentation from the Parks and Open Space Plan and they were saying just that, that more money was needed somehow from somewhere to keep up our parks standards. One of the ideas bantered around was metered parking like Stanley Park has for the larger DNV Parks.

North Van Urban Forum

North Van Urban Forum is ' Working to facilitate transparency and community participation in the development of the public realm in North Vancouver'. It is promoting an event called Project Water Front which  is scheduled on Thursday, Nov. 29th at 7:00 PM. Location: Cafe' for Contemporary Art, 140 East Esplanade. Key note speaker: Gordon Price. A link to the site is provided here on NVP.com under North Shore Links.

Link to the event

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 5, 2012

District Launches Street Naming Contest

North Vancouver, B.C. The District of North Vancouver is pleased to announce the launch of its Street Naming Contest and we would like you to take part.

A number of new road connections will be introduced over the coming years in Lynn Valley, Lower Lynn, Lower Capilano and Maplewood; the District is asking residents to help name those new roads. The District is looking for suggestions and ideas that capture the distinct identities and characteristics of each area.

North Vancouver District residents are encouraged to take part in a survey to collect community theme and street name ideas. Please visit www.dnv.org/streetnamingcontest to take part. If your suggestion is chosen as the winner you will receive a street sign with your suggested name on it.

In order to have your suggestions and ideas considered, please complete the survey by November 23, 2012. Paper copies of the survey are also available at District Libraries. If you choose to fill out the paper copy, please return it by November 23, 2012 to District Hall (355 West Queens Road, North Vancouver, BC V7N 4N5), to the attention of Vi Mackie.

For more information on the Street Naming Contest visit www.dnv.org/streetnamingcontest. For information on the Town and Village Centre Implementation Plans and the District’s Official Community Plan, visit www.identity.dnv.org.

For more information, please contact

North Vancouver District Communications Office 604‐990‐2459

– 30 –

North Vancouver District

355 West Queens Road, North Vancouver, BC www.dnv.org

Document: 1943377

Density on Viagra in DNV planning

North Shore News columnist and former District councillor writes about the DNV OCP and density plans.
Read more. . .

White House salaries put to shame by BC municipal paycheques

Here is some info on salaries in District of North Vancouver published on the district website.

http://www.dnv.org/upload/documents/Council_Reports/1209867.pdf

It makes for interesting reading when compared to the salary of Barack Obama's Chief of White House Staff's salary ($172.000 and change).

The District of North Vancouver, according to it's own document above, supports:
At least 3 people pulling down more than Obama's Chief of White House Staff.
In addition there are another 2 within $10,000 of that.

The highest paid member of council is Mayor Walton at $95,528.
There are 94 employees of District of North Vancouver paid more than the Mayor.
The highest paid of these 94 is Charles Stuart at $231,150.

Jane to have evening with Stockwell Day

Jane Thornthwaite MLA, North Vancouver-Seymour has a scheduled evening with the Hon. Stockwell Day and other guests. Tuesday, October 23rd 6:00 pm at Holiday Inn, 700 Lillooet Rd., North Vancouver

Further to a post 'No High Rise wanted' on September 15th

There is a concerned group named 'Stop High Rises in Lynn Valley' that has a website with a petition.

North Vancouver's community associations search for meaning and a mandate

September 26th, 2012 North Shore Outlook article by Todd Coyne.

Click to view article

Fern Street and Mountain Highway Closure

By-law 7953, 2012 to be 'considered' at the Oct 1st DNV Council meeting.

Getting ready to make way for the 'approved' Fern Street development of 700 units in 3 towers of up to 25 storeys and possibly upwards of 1500 people (on what was 46 single family lots). The Fern Street access to Hwy 1 is a substantial choke point for all of us using Hwy 1 already.

Seylynn Development

Notice of Highway Closure and Disposition

No High-rise wanted

While I was out taking photos of the beautiful flower bed at Arthur Smith Park in Lynn Valley I came across this spirited cardboard sign attached to the lamp standard. Since there is no identity I wonder who took the time to do this and what their perspective is on this issue.  

Joe Trasolini to speak in North Vancouver

Hosted by Jim Hanson NDP Candidate for North Vancouver-Seymour.
Cates Park Sunday September 16th 1 - 5 PM. Entertainment! Refreshments!

North Vancouver to become Burnaby North- Seymour. Say it isn't so!

Split up first nations reserves on the North Shore? Join two communities (North Burnaby and North Vancouver east of Lynn Creek) that have very different demographics? Is there any sense of connection between North Burnaby and Seymour except the Iron Workers Bridge or is that actually a barrier?  Is access to your Federal MP enhanced by this proposal? Many speakers at the inaugural hearing last night at the Holiday Inn said the Commission is not paying enough attention to community and too much to the 104,000 quotient per electoral boundary and geography.

Proposed Federal redistribution                                          Proposed and Existing Feearl Boundaries

Burnaby North—Seymour – Proposed Boundaries

(Population: 103,707)

Consisting of those parts of the Greater Vancouver Regional District comprised of:

• (a) that part of the City of Burnaby lying northerly of a line described as follows: commencing at the intersection of the westerly limit of said city with Lougheed Highway (Highway No. 7); thence generally easterly along said highway to the easterly limit of said city;
• (b) that part of the District Municipality of North Vancouver lying easterly of a line described as follows: commencing at the intersection of the northerly limit of said district municipality with Lynn Creek; thence generally southerly along said creek to the easterly limit of the City of North Vancouver; thence southerly along said limit to the southerly limit of the District Municipality of North Vancouver; and
• (c) Seymour Creek Indian Reserve No. 2 and Burrard Inlet Indian Reserve No. 3.

North Vancouver – Existing Boundaries

Consisting of those parts of the Greater Vancouver Regional District comprised of:

• (a) that part of Subdivision A lying easterly of the Capilano River and westerly of Indian Arm and the Indian River;
• (b) the District Municipality of North Vancouver, excepting that area lying southerly and westerly of a line described as follows: commencing at the intersection of the westerly limit of the City of North Vancouver with the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway No. 1, Upper Levels Highway); thence westerly along said highway to the westerly limit of the District Municipality of North Vancouver in the Capilano River; thence generally northerly along said limit, said river and Capilano Lake to the westerly limit of said district;
• (c) the City of North Vancouver; and
• (d) Mission Indian Reserve No. 1, Seymour Creek Indian Reserve No. 2 and Burrard Inlet Indian Reserve No. 3.

TWO North Shore MLAs named to cabinet posts

Read more...

Injured cyclist sues over North Vancouver bike lane

Read more...

Jim Hanson, BC NDP Candidate for NV-Seymour ( standing left), Adrian Dix, leader of the NDP, (center, standing, hands up), and David Shreck (sitting with sunglasses) former BC NDP MLA for North Van Lonsdale talked with seniors at the Lynn Valley Library Plaza on Aug. 3rd at 2:00 PM. The theme of the meeting was primarily home care and home support for seniors, but Mr. Dix took questions from the local press and guests on many other issues.

A stern reminder: North Vancouver city hasn’t forgotten Victory ship plans

http://www.northshoreoutlook.com/news/163722806.html

District talking trash with residents

Garbage, garburators and laziness hot topics at DNV waste workshop

Read more...

Municipal brass see pay balloon

Employees

numbers going down, costs of upper mangement going up.

http://www.nsnews.com/news/Municipal+brass+balloon/6948887/story.html

DNV considers ban on cutting big trees

Homeowners could face fines for felling without permit. 

Does the safety aspect tip the scales? 

re: LOWER LYNN TOWN CENTRE IMPLEMENTATION PLANNING

 

Including 3 25-storey condo buildings at Fern and Mountain Highway.

 

We attended an open house/workshop about this proposed development on June 27, and quite frankly were shocked by what we heard and saw. We are not NIMBYs, nor are we axiomatically opposed to change, and understand that neighbourhoods and communities must always evolve. However, what is being proposed is not an evolution but an "extreme makeover" - and not in a good way!

 

If you're not aware of what is being planned for the District of North Vancouver for the next 20 years, I strongly urge you to look at this document, available through the District's website:

 

http://www.identity.dnv.org/upload/pcdocsdocuments/14b6l01!.pdf

Following are some questions I have:

- Who is the developer who has purchased the land east of Mtn Hwy that is already cleared?

- Why is it presumed that we MUST grow, and increase the population of the North Shore?

- What is the earthquake risk for tall towers built on alluvial land?

- Is there sufficient capacity in remaining elementary and secondary schools, into the future, for the anticipated increase in population?

- How will this development NOT have deletorious effects on the delicate riparian environment of Lynn Creek?

- What will happen to the fire hall currently located on Mtn Hwy?

- Who pays for the infrastructure costs of water, sewage, etc

Traffic concerns:

- What is the plan for traffic diverted to Main St and Keith Rd during the Lower Road redevelopment, while there is heavy construction work going on at the same time?

- We understand that Keith Rd will be extended to access/exit the Trans Can Hwy, taking the highway traffic off Mtn Hwy & Fern, and will be widened to 4 lanes; also, that the current 2-lane bridge over Lynn Creek will be widened to 4 lanes; how will that work when those 2 east-bound lanes have to merge into one, to accommodate the proposed bike lane on Keith Rd (west of the Winter Club)?

- How will access be facilitated to/from the Seymour area?

- What is the route of the new on/off ramp from the Trans Can to Brooksbank?

Keith Lynn property:

- What is planned for the land currently occupied by the now-closed Keith Lynn Alternative School?

- Are the lots south of that property, on the north side of Mtn Hwy, being bought up or expropriated for redevelopment?

- Is there any possibility of higher density residential development on this property?

A further question: what is the position of the first nations who own housing directly adjacent to this proposal?

 

If you have concerns about any aspects of this "development", please attend the next public info event, Sat July 14 at Seylynn Hall on Mtn Hwy, 9am - noon. 

Mouseland narrated by Tommy Douglas. Electing cats. Why not elect some mice for a change? This message is as timely now as it ever was.

Liability for DNV recreational trails?

DNV-sanctioned (and rebuilt) section of "Ladies Only" Trail 

on Mt. Fromme (NSMB.com files)

Liability for recreational trails

18 June 2012

Article by Dianne Saxe

In our December article for Municipal World, we wrote about municipal liability to cyclists for failing to maintain roads in a proper state of repair. Municipalities could similarly find themselves liable as the occupiers of recreational path systems, if the trails are not adequately maintained.
The standard a municipality must meet in ensuring the safety of recreational trail users varies by province. Where Occupiers’ Liability statutes exist, they may require the occupier to take “reasonable care” or may only require the same degree of care as must be shown to a trespasser, namely that it may not act with “reckless disregard” of that person’s presence on their property. The common law is in effect where there is no such statute...

...“Reckless Disregard”

To encourage the creation of recreational trails, the Occupiers’ Liability statutes of British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia specifically restrict the duty owed by owners and occupiers to recreational trail users. Trail users are deemed to have willingly assumed the risks associated with the trails. The Ontario Court of Appeal described the rationale for this in Schneider v. St. Clair Region Conservation Authority. Thus, a municipality that maintains recreational trails in these provinces only have two duties: not to create a danger with the deliberate intent of doing harm and not to act with reckless disregard of the person’s presence....
http://envirolaw.com/liability-recreational-trails/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Where does DNV liability stand in light of all their sanctioned "amusement park" structure building for mountain biking on our public forest trails? There are miles of wooden structures built: rollercoaster rides, teeter-totters, ladder bridges, jump ramp, wall rides, etc. In a rain forest wood tends to fall apart, with rungs missing or broken, quite frequently -- especially with the wear and tear from bikes constantly riding over them in all sorts of inclement weather?

DNV trail signage is not always clear to most folk, especially when you have contradictory signage on one stretch of trail, where it starts off as "Hiking Only" trail, then suddenly changes without warning into a "Multi-Use" (hiking and biking) trail. And what are the legal differences between a Mountain Biking "Only"; Mtn Biking "Primary"; and Multi-Use Trails? Signage, like waiver forms, do not always protect against liability, as we see time and time again. Discuss.

Editorial: Barnes's plan to be an MLA is self-serving

Read more... 
This issue is not going away as a Provincial Election Looms.

Bill C-38 protested outside Saxton's office

                     
  Conservatives omnibus budget bill could fundamentally change Canada.

                                          Read more...

Is this the best letter ever written on what is really behind high-density on North Shore?

                                             Read more: North Shore's essence squandered

                                 


 Why haven't the North Shore's politicians and municipalities ever opted to permanently put into place the necessary bylaws, zoning regulations and legalities that will ensure the protection and preservation of the heritage and character of its original homes and single family neighbourhoods, or the original mature native trees, lush landscapes and prolific gardens that once proliferated on the streets of all its communities?

Translink wins, environment loses.

No mention of how 85 buses crossing the Iron Workers everyday affects the environment.

 Read more from North Shore News article...

Two Liberal North Van ridings considered safe

Would an  early election save Liberal seats?

Read more. . . .

Harbour Cruise with Adrian Dix and Jim Hanson

 

The North-Vancouver Seymour BCNDP Association is holding a fundraising cruise on Sunday, June 16, 6:00 -9:30 PM, 2012.  Adrian Dix and NV-Seymour candidate Jim Hanson will be attending the 3 hour cruise through Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm aboard the M.V. Britannia.  There will be a live and silent auction, the sounds of the local band "August" and a buffet dinner. Tickets are $150

Call 604.880.5936 or e.mail ruthhanson@shaw.ca

http://www.jimhanson.bcndp.ca/

Politics and Pints rescheduled

Now that the by-elections are out of the way it's the home stretch to next years General Provincial  Election.

Politics and Pints with John Cummins


Where: Mosquito Creek Bar and Grill, 2601 Westview Drive, North Vancouver


When: 7:00pm, Tuesday, May 29th, 2012

James Mitchell
BC Conservative Party
Director of Political Operations
Phone: 604-355-8152
Email: james.mitchell@bcconservative.ca

Gobsmacked by CNV Clr. Linda Buchanan

It's hard to comprehend that a councillor - however new at the job - would actually say she wants her municipality to do a "very good job of getting out the people that we want to see" at the townhall meeting approved by council Monday.
Read more....

 VANCOUVER BECOMES #41, VOTING TO SUPPORT A MOTION TO ALLOW OPTING OUT  OF SMART METERS! 


North Vancouver District is absent from the opt out list. Are they afraid to rock the boat with their Liberal counterparts?

It has been exactly one year since the Conservatives won their majority government. How are they doing, election Robocalls, F-35 controversy, and all? How is North Vancouver's own Andrew Saxton doing?

Fell Avenue won't handle Harbourside traffic

lSince the auto mall was built. Fell Avenue has become a nightmare....

Have your say with surplus school property

North Vancouver’s school district is inviting the public to discuss the future of 11 pieces of land declared surplus to its needs.

North Shore News article.

New standards for drinking water hard to swallow

If the Feds aren't sticking it to us with sewage treatment and RCMP contracts then they're sticking it to us with new water standards. NVC Mayor Mussatto goes to bat for North Vancouver. The economic viablity for the average citizen to live in North Vancouver is becoming more of a concern.
Read more...

David Chalk on Smart Meter Hacking

Recently I received notice via Canada Post that Hydro will be in my area of Lynn Valley to exchange my old meter with a new smart meter. This despite the fact that I have refused the installation of a new one.

http://youtu.be/txwBQpiQxy0

Hacking is a big concern to Chalk who speaks to Bill Good on CKNW Vancouver. David Chalk, Cyber Security Expert, is well known in Canada from his television show about computer technology.

RCMP pay hike catches CNV / DNV Mayors by surprise ...

The RCMP has proceed with a pay raise for its employees and as a result the CNV and DNV will be on the hook for the additional funds.  However, the RCMP never discussed this with either council or mayor before this happened (see full story at http://www.nsnews.com/business/RCMP+hike+shocks+mayors/6452107/story.html ).

The questions again begs to be asked:  Should the we have our own police force instead of outsourcing this to the RCMP?

Argument eternal: To densify or not to densify

Jerome Irwin was the founding president of the Lower Capilano Community Residents Association 27 years ago in North Vancouver and has been a community activist ever since. He sees “the North Shore's natural iconic beauty, unique historical heritage homes and traditional single-family-zoned neighbourhoods as cultural treasures to be passed down as priceless legacies to those generations yet to come.”

Read Gordon Gibson's and Sam Sullivan's opposing points of views.

Christy Clark's words for some ears only ...

A North Shore News journalist was "accidentally" invited to Christy Clark's speech to Liberals on the North Shore on the 3rd of April.  When it was discovered that he was a journalist he was asked to leave prior to the speech.  It is troubling when politicians have different messages depending upon what group they are speaking to.  One has to wonder what if anything they say is "real" or if it is just the message they think you want to hear at a given moment?  Full story at:

http://www.nsnews.com/news/Clark+words+some+ears+only/6427441/story.html

So it looks like Andrew Saxton has struck it rich ...

"If they complete two terms (8 years), they will receive a pension in excess $9,000 a month, which over 12 months, is more than most private sector people will receive in one year. Is that really fair, since all this money comes from the taxpayer?" Read more:  

 

More cars never a problem

Are traffic studies in the District of North Vancouver pointless?

North Shore MPs back Federal budget and cutbacks

"It's simply not fair to our children and grandchildren to burden them with an unsustainable increase."

-Andre Saxton MP North Vancouver

 

Politics and Pints April 4th meeting with John Cummins. . .

Just to be sure this cancellation is not missed, this is the message I received regarding the Poltics and Pints earlier post.

Dear Friend,

Due to the By-Elections in Port Moody-Coquitlam and Chilliwack-Hope we have decided to postpone the April 4th North Vancouver Pub Night until after April 19th. I will be sure to provide you with the new date once the event has been rescheduled.

Thank You
-James
James Mitchell
BC Conservative Party
Director of Political Operations
604-355-8152
james.mitchell@bcconservative.ca

2011 North Vancouver Municipal Election Financial Disclosures

This already showed as a comment in the previous post, but I thought it deserved its own.

DNV Financial Disclosures

CNV FInancial Disclosures

Mayor looks to bill drivers for transit

Plan would put levy on cars or tax gas to help fund regional system

 Read more: Vehicle Levy

Advanced Education Minister Naomi Yamamoto also has a lot of explaining to do

Read more:

Harry Bloy resignation

Politics and Pints with John Cummins

Dear Friend,

I am writing to you today to invite you to a very special event featuring John Cummins, Leader of British Columbia's Conservatives. This "Pub Night" style event will give members and non-members alike a chance to get to know John and his team on the North Shore. This is terrific opportunity to come meet the leader of your party.

Politics and Pints with John Cummins
Where: Mosquito Creek Bar and Grill, 2601 Westview Drive, North Vancouver
When: 7:00pm, Wednesday, April 4th, 2012

You do not have to be a member of the BC Conservatives to attend this event. Please feel free to share this invite and to bring along anyone who is interested in a common sense alternative for British Columbia.

Sincerely

James Mitchell
BC Conservative Party
Director of Political Operations
Phone: 604-355-8152
Email: james.mitchell@bcconservative.ca

New service available at dnv.org

You can sign up to have the agendas and meeting times, etc. automatically sent to you at dnv.org

Is this in response to criticism that District Hall has lacked transparency?

Cool Drinks - Tanker Traffic in Vancouver Harbour

This came off the North Vancouver Recreation Website:

Tuesday, March 20 7:00 - 9:00pm $10 includes appetizers

Oil tanker traffic from Westridge terminal in Burnaby has increased over 300 percent since 2005 and they navigate some of the busiest waters in BC. Now Kinder Morgan has confirmed its plans to expand the pipeline capacity subject to regulatory approval and in the event of a spill, millions of people and hundreds of rare species would be adversely affected. Come listen to our panel, ask questions and get informed.
Cheers Restaurant 125 East 2nd Street Visit the website for more information

District of North Vancouver DRAFT Transporta​tion Plan ... your chance to provide input

 

The DNV has a draft transportation plan now available for public review and they asking for feedback on it.

DNV Tranportation Plan

The idea is to accept feedback from the public until the end of March and then revise / finalize it. Once finalized the plan will guide transportation (car, bus, bike, walking) in our district and neighborhood for many years to come.   Any concerns or feedback on it should be raised now.

Commute by bike it's not as bad as you think

 Often controversial, interesting, and thought provoking. Letters to the Editor are a vital part of the voice in our community.This one appeared in Friday's North Shore News:

Commute by bike it's not as bad as you think

 Dear Editor:

Coun. Lisa Muri said, "In Seymour, you need a car, you can't wait
for the bus." Why not? Millions of people do it every day around the
world. Based on this attitude I am sure she could also easily say,
"In Seymour, you need a car, you can't ride a bike." Tens of
thousands of North Shore residents must share the same opinions towards transit and cycling. This is where the problem sits.

I see a bike-based future. I presently commute by bike from Lynn
Valley to downtown Vancouver in less than 35 minutes, five minutes
faster than transit. My commute home is 45 minutes. I commute
by bike year-round to the tune of 2,500-3,000 kilometres each 
year. I don't have a gym membership or a transit pass and I
wouldn't have it any other way. I would never commute by car
even though my family has two of them. It is a shame that the
transition from car to bike commuting has always been a struggle 
for people.


Excuses, excuses. It's not nearly as bad as the masses think.

Matt Henderson North Vancouver

© Copyright (c) North Shore News

FEBRUARY 24, 2012

Link to letter

What is the Blue Ribbon committee on Amalgamation and whom will serve on it?

The Blue Ribbon Committee will by definition consist of 5 to 10 distinguished citizens with the skill sets and talent to assist in the analysis of the cost inefficiencies of combining all three North Shore Municipalities. It will have a time limit of six months to accomplish its goal of studying the potential cost savings to the citizens of the North Shore. No staff or politicians will sit on this committee. Once the findings are complete the question of Amalgamation would go to a referendum in the 2014 Municipal Election. District Clr. Doug MacKay-Dunn is the driving force behind the Blue Ribbon Committee and he recommends that a Provincial Municipal Auditor assist in the process. MacKay-Dun will be bringing forward the Blue Ribbon Committee idea at a regular public council meeting sometime in March 2012.

District of North Vancouver sees car-based future

Traffic is only going to get worse on the North Shore.

Despite aiming to concentrate density in transit-served centres, District of North Vancouver planners say the car will be the community’s dominant transportation option for decades to come.

Doug Doyle, acting district manager of engineering services, told a Monday night council workshop that by 2030, staff hope that 35 per cent of all trips would be made either by walking, biking or taking transit, up from the current 21 per cent.

The district hopes that TransLink will provide frequent bus service — seven- to 10-minute intervals — from Lynn Valley to Lower Lynn, Capilano University and the Lower Capilano Area. Express buses are hoped for from Lynn Valley and Lower Lynn to Lonsdale, Park Royal, and Dundarave.

Read more:

Longboards should be banned on roads

The following was the Province Editorial for February 2, 2012.

It should come as no surprise in these self-centred times that District of North Vancouver officials find themselves in serious, yet totally whack discussions with longboarders over their professed "right" to use public streets as they see fit.

The district is considering raising fines for reckless riders and giving police the power to seize dangerously rid-den longboards - long skateboards used to coast at high speed down hills, often controlling speed by swerving back and forth across several lanes. Some North Van residents say many longboarders ride in a dangerous manner.

Since there has already been one longboard fatality in the district and there is no safe way for longboarders to share the roads with motor vehicles, given the on the edge way most of them are ridden, the district should boot them off the streets.

Read more...

Two North Vans too many?

By Todd Coyne - North Shore Outlook

Published: January 25, 2012 12:00 PM
Updated: January 26, 2012 6:33 PM

For as long as the iconic twin peaks of The Lions have towered over the North Shore, there’s been talk of “harmonizing” their stony redundancies and making do with just one. Well, almost.

In truth, the ongoing North Vancouver amalgamation debate — as perennial to the North Shore landscape as snow atop those granite peaks — officially got its start on Oct. 23, 1957.

That’s when, according to District of North Vancouver records, the first committee was set up to look for cost efficiencies in uniting the two North Vans. Studies were done and referenda were held throughout the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s. But the idea — while polling well in the district — never held as much sway in the city.

That may be changing. Read more...

November 2011 Political Sweep Strategy in Mission Municipal Election in a Nutshell

The following description was written by Jeff Jewell, District of Mission Councillor.

To whom it may concern, 

Our organization began as a group of citizens with common concerns.

But no party organization, bylaws or fees etc.

Our main organizer was an ex-Councillor, and he formed the team of candidates and became our campaign manager.

He also fulfilled the registration procedures for our recognition as an affiliated group on the ballot.

The team ran a single campaign, with each candidate putting up $1500 for signs and advertising.

Our main advertising was a monthly publication 8-12 pages delivered as a flyer to every household by Canada Post.

As our sweep showed, this is a powerful strategy against the great advantages of incumbents,
presuming you can expose some areas of vulnerability that resonate with voters.

Jeff

PS: Our publication was titled The Mission Messenger.  The website shows the first several issues [but wasn't
updated during the actual campaign]:

http://missionmessenger.com/

DNV's lines of communication cloudy

BY DAVID KNEE, NORTH SHORE NEWS JANUARY 20, 2012

An open letter to the District of North Vancouver mayor and Council:

I find it strange that all of council expressed concern about the low voter turnout in the recent municipal election, but the actions of this council over the past few years has been getting more negative towards the residents with respect to credible communication and input into district matters. read more...http://www.nsnews.com/technology/lines+communication+cloudy/6025408/story.html

Clark returns more gaming revenue

Arts groups point out the rate of return still not the original 33%   


NORTH Shore arts groups are giving mixed reviews to Premier Christy Clark's announcement that they will have some of their gaming revenues restored..... Read more: 

Food for thought letter

DNV needs tax-calming measures

 

 

BY ELIAS B. MERKINS, NORTH SHORE NEWS JANUARY 4, 2012

 

 

Dear Editor:

The District of North Vancouver's proposal to charge residents of a specific area for local improvement projects such as traffic calming is nothing more than a new attempt to increase property taxes (DNV May Alter Traffic Calming Process, Dec. 11, North Shore News).

They suggest that if 60 per cent of the residents are in favour of the improvements then they will be done and charged to that individual area. I wonder if we, as taxpayers, would be allowed to approve with the same 60 per cent ratio all new staff hirings, administration expenses and other costs that arise in the district. Instead of looking to find efficiencies, they keep coming up with new and innovative ways of increasing taxes.

It is time to change this mentality.

Local improvements to garbage collection, roads and infrastructure are the expenses, between other things, that should be covered by more efficiently using our taxes.

Elias B. Merkins West Vancouver

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