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North & West Vancouver Named Canada's Most Livable Cities
News & Events on the North Shore - January 2 to 8, 2025
Happy New Year!
Welcome to the very first edition of North Shore Now, a weekly newsletter containing everything you need to know about life on the North Shore.
We are so happy to have you and 500+ friends subscribed for this first issue!
👉 If you like what you read, please forward this to your friends and family, and encourage them to subscribe 🙏
Every Thursday, we’ll bring you the curated news you need, and the events you need to know about … just in time for the weekend.
Guess what?
North Van was named the most livable city in Canada, and West Van came in second.
A one-two punch!
North Shore residents probably aren’t surprised to hear this…we know we have something special here.
You can read the article here (but it has a Globe & Mail paywall).
Here’s what’s happening this week…
Events For The Family
🛷 Friday Jan 3 | Friday Night Lights Tubing | Cypress Mountain (Gnarly’s Tube Park) | 5pm - 7pm
Cypress Mountain will have tubing lanes open with apple cider, hot chocolate, and s’mores by the fire available. [More Info]
🖼️ Saturday Jan 4 & Sunday Jan 5 | Kids First | Polygon Gallery
Complete an art project for kids that’s based on exhibitions shown in the Gallery. Geared towards kids aged 5-12. All kids must be accompanied by an adult and admission is by donation.
Saturday (Jan 4) sessions take place at 10:15am, 11:15:am, 1:00pm, and 2:00pm
Sunday (Jan 5) sessions take place at 10:15am, 11:15:am, 1:00pm, and 2:00pm
🎨 Saturday Jan 4 | Winter Family Clay Portrait | Edgemont Village Art Studio | 1:30pm
Make an adorable family portrait sculpted from oven-bake clay and mounted on a hand painted background. Almost sold out, but there’s another one on Friday, January 10. [More info]
🎨 (Plan Ahead - Friday Jan 10 & Saturday Jan 11) Kids Art & Movie Night | Monica’s Art Boutique | 6pm - 10pm
Date night for parents; art night for kids! Parents can go out and enjoy a night on the town while kids create crafts and enjoy a movie. Drop them off and pick up after your date. Ages 5-12. [Tickets & more info]
Events for Adults
🍷 🎨 Friday Jan 3 & Saturday Jan 4 | Sip & Paint | Bella Ceramica | 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Spend a relaxing night painting a canvas, with the option to BYOB to sip as you paint 🍷. 19+ only, and each night is themed. January 3 - Paris in the winter I January 4 - New Year’s wishes. Tickets are $50 via the Bella Ceramica website.
🚣 Saturday Jan 4 | First Paddle of 2025 | Cates Park | 9am - 1pm
Group paddle for beginners or leisure paddlers. 9am-1pm [More Info]
🏔️ Saturday Jan 4 I Snowshoeing | Grouse Mountain | 10am - 4pm
Meet in front of the Grouse Mountain Chalet and complete the Snowshoe Grind, Dam Mountain Loop, and Thunderbird Ridge, for a total distance of approximately 7 km. Enjoy hot chocolate and snacks after. Intermediate. [More Info]
🦉 Saturday Jan 4 & Sunday Jan 5 | Clay Owl Workshop | Edgemont Village Art Studio | 1:30pm
Create your very own clay owl ornament in this 2-visit clay workshop. [More Info]
🚶♂️➡️ Monday Jan 6 I Walking in the Rainforest for 2 hours | Rice Lake Parking Lot | 9:45am - 12:15pm
Rice Lake Parking Lot. Meet at the Trail Map beside the Washrooms. Intermediate. [More Info]
🛹 Tuesday Jan 7 I Indoor Skateboard Night | North Shore Bike Park | 7pm to 10pm
Skate the North Shore Bike Park Urban Zone (every Tuesday night). $20 for 3 hours. Mini ramp and park section will be open too. Helmets Mandatory. [More info]
🧠 Wednesday Jan 8 I Kaboom Atomic Trivia | Wildeye Brewing | 8pm - 10pm
A night of fun, laugher and learning something new. Every Wednesday 8-10pm. 19+ [More Info]
🗣️ Wednesday Jan 8 I Parkgate’s Discussion Lounge | Parkgate Library | 2:30pm - 4pm
Have you read, watched, listened to or thought about anything recently that inspires you enough to share and discuss with others? Join in to discuss. [More Info]
🎨 Thursday Jan 9 I Collage Making Party I Polygon Gallery | 6pm - 9pm
A collage-making party led by experimental filmmaker Kaila Bhullar. Watch a short film and then make collages from a range of printed matter. Doors at 6:00pm; collages at 6:30pm. RSVPs are appreciated. [More Info]
💃 Thursday Jan 9 I Beginner Bellydancing Class I The Space at Lonsdale Quay | 8pm - 9pm
Learn bellydancing techniques, combinations, rhythms and choreography in this 6-week session every Thursday (Jan 9 to Feb 13) from 8pm to 9pm. Location is on the second floor of Lonsdale Quay. [More Info].
🎭 Thursday Jan 9 & Friday Jan 10 I Theatre: Someone Like You | Kay Meek Arts Centre | 7:30pm
A millennial take on the mistaken identity of Cyrano de Bergerac. An Arts Club on Tour Production. [More Info]
🖼️ On Now I Exhibit: Found in the Mountains I Museum of North Vancouver | Ends Jan 12
Celebrate the beauty, mystery, and deep connection we share with our iconic mountain landscapes. [More Info]
Events for Seniors
🎶 Friday Jan 3 I Seniors Choir I Silver Harbour Seniors Centre | 10am - Noon
The Silver Harbour Seniors Centre Choir starts January 3, and meets every Friday from 10am to noon. $40 per season. Contact for more info.
🌎 Wednesday Jan 8 I Climate Cafe Discussion Group I Silver Harbour Seniors Centre | 10am - 11:30am
Presented by Ocean Ambassadors Canada, Climate Café is a monthly program to meet for a friendly discussion about issues relating to climate change. This month’s topic is “Electric Vehicles.” Meet in the Card Room. Free of charge, but you must pre-register by contacting the centre. [More Info]
🖼️ Thursday Jan 9 I Meet Me at the Gallery I Polygon Gallery | 10am
Monthly daytime get-togethers inspired by the gallery’s current exhibitions. First Wednesday of every month at 10:00 am. Advance registration is helpful; walk-ins welcome. [More Info]
🎤 Call for Participants | Vintage Voices | Deadline to Apply: Saturday Jan 11
We are seeking seniors who would like to share their memories of North Vancouver. Four participants will be pre-selected to be interviewed in front of a live audience by former CBC broadcaster Katie Bennison. Selected participants will receive a keepsake recording of their interview. Deadline to apply is January 11. [More Info]
Live Music
🎸 Friday Jan 3 I The New Marauderz | Eagles Club Lounge | 8pm
Retro rock/pop/ new wave classics, covering artists such as Dire Straits, Elvis Costello, The Beatles, The Knack, The Cars, The Clash, Talking Heads, Billy Joel, Roxy Music, and more. 8pm at 170 3rd St W, North Van [More Info]
🎸 Saturday Jan 4 I Randy Swallow | Eagles Club Lounge I 8pm
An eclectic collection of classic rock, pop and blues-flavored music reminiscent of the late Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jeff Healey. 8pm at 170 3rd St W, North Van [More Info]
🎸🎿 Saturday Jan 4 I Live Music on the Mountain | Cypress Mountain | 6pm - 9pm
Live music nights at Hollyburn Lodge at Cypress Mountain. Ski, snowshoe, sing and dance the night away every Saturday night. 6pm - 9pm. Ticket are $10 [More Info]
Upcoming Events (Plan Ahead)
🪴 Sunday Jan 19 I Gardening (Almost Sold Out) I Tropical Terrarium Workshop | Garden Works I 11am
A hands-on workshop covering the basics of terrarium planting and care as you create your very own terrarium. Starting at $59.99 I Only a few tickets left. [Register Here].
💃 Saturday Feb 8 I Dancing: Count Me In North Van I Wallace Venue Shipyards I 7pm - 11pm I 19+
A community-driven dance event focused on learning new grooves, dancing, and great music. Doors at 7, dance lesson at 7:30, dance party at 8:45pm. Live DJ and open to 19+. Cash bar. [Tickets]
Kids Activities, Camps & Classes
🧘♀️ Starts Thursday Jan 9 / Monday Jan 13 | Pre-Teen Yoga & Kids Yoga - | Kahlena Movement Studio | Edgemont
Pre-teens will practice yoga poses, journaling and reflection, and meditation. Every Thursday, January 9 to March 13, from 5pm to 6pm [More info].
Kids yoga takes place every Monday, January 13 to March 10, from 4:30pm to 5:30pm. [More info]
🖼️ Starts Thursday Jan 9 I Teen Art Class - Ages 10-15 | Edgemont Village Art Studio
5 week class with 6 projects to choose from. Students must be able to work independently. Drop off only. Every Thursday, January 9 to February 6, from 5:30pm to 7pm. [More Info]
🧑🎨 Henri Matisse Exploratory Class - Ages 5-15 | Edgemont Village Art Studio
Kids create colourful work inspired by Matisse’s techniques. 6 classes. Mixed media. Multiple days and times available, starting Wednesday, January 8 and beyond. Check the website for details. [More Info]
🍻 Steamworks North Shore is OPEN!
Steamworks North Shore is (finally) open. Located across from London Drugs on the corner of 21st St. East and Lonsdale in North Van.
⚡New Tesla Superchargers are OPEN!
The new Tesla chargers on Marine Drive, North Van, are finally open. There are 20 chargers at 801 Marine Drive, in the same plaza as the Choices Market.
👗 New Business Alert: Arrival Vintage
Arrival Vintage offers a curated selection of sustainable, high-quality apparel. Buy, sell, or trade, with fresh arrivals hitting the racks every few days. [read more] 📍 111 E 12 Street North Van
🎨 Call for Artists I Deadline: Thursday Jan 9
West Van Community Arts Council and Kay Meek Arts Centre has a call for artists interested in exhibiting their work in 2025. The deadline is January 9th. [More Info]
📕 Parkgate Library Closure: Tuesday Jan 7
Parkgate Library will be closed on Tuesday, with normal hours again as of Wednesday January 8.
🗣️ Share Your Feedback: West Van Rec Surveys
West Van Rec is seeking feedback about several of their fitness classes and services. The deadline to respond is Saturday, February 15. Share your thoughts here.
⛔ 🏫 Plan Ahead for Upcoming Professional Days
Monday, January 27 (West Van): West Van public schools
Friday, February 14 (North Van and West Van): School District 44 (North Van) and West Van Schools
Edgemont Village Art Studio has a Pro D camp for kids ages 6-12 on February 14. Register here.
Monica’s Art Boutique offers camps for kids ages 5+ from 8am to 5pm on Feb 14. More info here.
Little Kitchen Academy Edgemont is running a half-day morning camp for 3-5 year olds, a half-day afternoon camp for 6-8 year olds, and an afternoon/evening class for 9-12 year olds.
North Van Rec offers Pro D camps at Delbrook and Lynn Creek on February 14, ages 6 to 12. Book using the online system.
West Van Rec has a variety of camps available for January 27 and February 14. More info here.
North Shore Girls Soccer offers several camps on February 14, depending on age/ability. More info here.
If you know of a professional day camp we should include in this list, hit reply to this email and let us know!
🚧 Traffic Alert…
Westbound E Keith Rd, North Van (between Calverhall St & Adderley St) will be reduced to one lane from January 6 to 10, 2025 between 7:00am to 5:00pm. Plan accordingly.
🐈 Cougar Sightings in Lynn Valley
There have been a number of cougar sightings in Lynn Valley. Keep your pets and small children close, and read-up on cougars in our community.
🎄Tree Chip Ups
(Pick ups are available from Upper Lonsdale Preschool & Scouts. See drop off locations below)
West Vancouver Tree Chip Ups
Jan 4/5 - Scouts tree lot (west of London Drugs-Park Royal North) 9am-5pm
Jan 4/5 - Hollyburn Plaza (Marine Drive & 18th St) 10am-4pm
Jan 11/12 - Scouts tree lot (west of London Drugs-Park Royal North) 9am-5pm
North Vancouver Tree Chip Ups
Jan 4 - Rona, Park & Tilford 8:30am - 4pm (Fire Dept)
Jan 4/5 - Chevron station in Edgemont Village 9:30am - 4:30pm
Jan 4/5 - Ray Perrault Park (Grand Blvd & 13th St) 10am - 4pm
Jan 4/5 - 355 Queens Rd, North Vancouver 10am - 4pm
Jan 11/12 - Chevron station in Edgemont Village 9:30am - 4:30pm
Jan 11/12 - St. Clement's Church (3400 Institute Rd) 10am - 4pm
🌸 Plan Ahead for Spring Break
Spring Break camp registrations are already upon us. Mark your calendar, and check back weekly as we update this section:
Spring Break Camps Already Open for Registration
Spring Break Camps With Upcoming Registration Dates
If you know of a spring break camp we should include in this list, hit reply to this email and let us know!
BC property assessments are now live for 2025. You can check your property here.
West Vancouver council approves increases to parking fines. [read]
Grouse Mountain’s new state-of-the-art gondola officially open. [read]
Utility rates for the District of North Vancouver went up Jan 1. [read]
Utility rates for the District of West Vancouver also went up on Jan 1. [read]
Developer reimagines Capilano Mall with 3,100 homes, 40 storey towers, and new park. [read]
On Dec 16, West Vancouver Council approved the Climate Action Strategy. [read]
Griffins wants rookie boxers to fight for charity [read]
New West Vancouver short-term rental regulations came into effect Jan 1 [read]
Grab a slice of birthday cake to celebrate with these current or former North Shore residents.
Douglas Coupland celebrated his birthday on December 30. Best known for his novel Generation X, Coupland grew up in West Van. He is also responsible for one of Vancouver’s unofficial nicknames…do you know what nickname we’re referring to? Hit reply with your best guess, and we’ll drop the answer in next week’s newsletter!
Happy 190th birthday to Arthur Pemberton Heywood-Lonsdale, whose names probably sound pretty familiar to North Shore residents. If you want to read more about Heywood-Lonsdale, check out this article in the North Shore News or this blog about street names in North Vancouver.
Big thanks to all subscribers, and shout-out to Lauren for being our very first subscriber! If you like this issue, please forward it to others in North and West Van, or tell your friends and family to sign up. Help us spread the word!
North Van’s Cameron Alexander earned a World Cup bronze in men’s alpine downhill in Italy [Read more].
Congratulations to North Shore local, Ana Miranda, on the publication of their first book, phonedemic: The unrelenting loss of humanity's ability to truly connect, about device addiction. Now available on Amazon.
👉 That’s all for this week! If you enjoyed this newsletter, forward this to a friend who might enjoy it, so they can subscribe. You can also copy this link and send it to anyone who would enjoy North Shore Now 👉 https://northshorenow.beehiiv.com/subscribe
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