🐙 Movie on the Mountain, a New Wine Bar & Octopus Art: Plus 50+ Things to Do on the North Shore This Week

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⌛️ Our $3.8 Billion Wastewater Plant Stalls Again

What’s Happening? Our long-troubled wastewater treatment plant project has hit another delay. This time, it’s not in construction; it’s “accountability.” Metro Van’s board has voted to pause the project’s independent review until after its legal battle with former contractor Acciona is settled. When will that be? 🤷

The Backstory. The plant, first announced in 2011 with a modest $700M budget, has grown to $3.86 billion (yes, billion with a ‘b’). It’s now slated for completion in 2030, seven years later than planned. The project has been plagued by cost overruns, design challenges, contractor disputes.. and lots of public frustration.

Why is this plant so important? It’s replacing the Lions Gate Wastewater Treatment Plant, one of the last facilities on North America’s west coast that provides only primary treatment. The current facility only removes solids that float (oil, plastics) or sink (heavy particles), with no chemical or biological treatment to remove pollutants, nutrients, or bacteria/viruses.

Why It Matters. The independent review was supposed to determine how this critical infrastructure project veered so far off track. But with litigation looming (trial is set for March 2027), Metro Van says it has to resolve legal issues first. For now, taxpayers and residents will have to wait for answers on what went wrong.

The Takeaway. The saga of the wastewater plant is a case study in how large-scale public projects can spiral out of control, costing billions more than expected while leaving the community waiting for basic upgrades.

🧑‍🎨 Harmony Arts Festival

Harmony Arts starts tomorrow (Friday), kicking off 10 days of music and art at John Lawson Park. There is A LOT going on (in the best possible way):

• Exhibitions: Silk Purse Gallery, Ferry Building Gallery, and tented areas at John Lawson Park are showcasing Shape & Texture, Walking in the Footsteps, Harmony Group Exhibition, EcoFloral Zenith, and a West Van Art Museum Exhibition.

• Art Market: Weekend art market from Friday through Monday. Stop by Friday (2pm to 9pm) or Saturday to Monday (11am to 9pm). Fun fact: our kid’s former pre-school teacher is a vendor!

• Xwalacktun & Friends Carving Studio: Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) artist, Xwalacktun, and other carvers will be demonstrating mask carving and other carving techniques throughout the festival. Daily at the Ferry Building (West Side) - check here for times.

• But Wait, There’s More: There are also daily activities and demonstrations, included below in the events section.

🚶‍♀️ Cypress Mountain Nature Walks by BC Parks Foundation

BC Parks Foundation is leading free, all-ages trail walk-and-talks on the Yew Lake Interpretive Trail this summer, Fridays through Sundays. Moderately paced on a wide, flat gravel path, the walk is around 45 minutes. It leaves at the top of the hour, starting at 11am, with the last walk leaving at 2pm. Registration is helpful, but walk-ins are welcome. [More info]

🗓️ Wine + Canapés + West Van Charm: Carmelo’s Wine Tasting with Si Man Lee

Join friend-of-the-newsletter, Carmelo’s Ristorante, for a cozy, flavour-packed sumer evening this August. Six expertly selected wines, chef-crafted canapés, and a guided tasting from local wine pro Si Man Lee. It’s a no brainer wine lovers, and you don’t even have to cross the bridge. Happening Saturday, August 23. Tickets on sale now. [More info and tickets]

🍷 Esplanade or Aix? The South of France Hits North Van

Le Cafe Brocante has quietly opened above La Cerveceria Astilleros on brewery row, transforming the old Garden of Granite space into a Provençal-inspired wine lounge. Expect a wide selection of wines, charcuterie boards, and vintage charm. Tacos for dinner, charcuterie for dessert? That’s a très bien in our books.

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Note: all event times listed are North Shore Standard Time. Double check events and times before you head out.

Stuff For Kids & Families

Thursday, July 31

• Hot Summer Nights | Ambleside | 6:30pm to 8pm: Meet firefighters, see the trucks, and get soaked by the fire hose. Wear a bathing suit and pack towels! [More info]

• Movies on the Mountain: The Parent Trap (1998) | Grouse Mountain | Sunset: Dress for the conditions and bring a blanket or cushion (and bug spray). Movie starts at sunset. [More info]

• Senior Conservatory: Something Rotten! Jr. | Kay Meek Arts Centre | 1:30pm to 7:30pm: A hilarious mash-up of sixteenth-century Shakespeare and twenty-first-century Broadway, performed by teens. [More info]

Friday, August 1

• Harmony Arts Festival: Kids Origami | John Lawson Park | 2pm to 8pm: Choose from three designs: sailboat, crane, or fox, and learn the magic of origami. [More info]

• Movie Matinée: Fantastic Mr. Fox | North Van City Library | 2:30pm [More info]

• Outdoor Storytime | All Ages | West Van Library | 10:30am to 11am: Stories, songs, finger plays, and rhymes outside on our rooftop garden [More info]

Saturday, August 2

• Harmony Arts Festival: Washi Tape Bracelets and Accessories | John Lawson Park | 12pm to 8pm: Choose from three designs: sailboat, crane, or fox, and learn the magic of origami. [More info]

• Harmony Arts Workshop: Creatures from the Sea, Made from the Land (Ages 8+) | Ferry Building Gallery - West Side | 11:30am to 2pm: Craft charming seahorses and sea star sculptures using only natural and biodegradable materials. Registration required. [More info]

• Kids First | The Polygon (Ages 5 to 12) | 10am or 12pm: Create an art project based on the Gallery’s current exhibits. RSVP required. [More info]

• Art and Clay Workshops | Edgemont Village Art Studio:

  • Autumn in Algonquin Mini Sculptures with Oven Bake Clay | 1:30pm [Register]

  • Hygge Flower Jar Oven Bake Clay Workshop | 2:45pm [Register]

  • Whale Planter Stoneware Clay Workshop | 4:30pm [Register]

Sunday, August 3

• Harmony Arts Festival: Glass Magnets | John Lawson Park | 12pm to 8pm: Make your own custom fridge magnets using glass beads and fun images. [More info]

• Kids First | The Polygon (Ages 5 to 12) | 10am or 12pm: Create an art project based on the Gallery’s current exhibits. RSVP required. [More info]

Monday, August 4 (Stat Holiday)

• Harmony Arts Festival: Beaded Pets | John Lawson Park | 12pm to 8pm: Design and assemble your own adorable beaded pet. [More info]

• Harmony Arts Workshop: Creating Botanical Cyanotypes (Ages 12+) | Ferry Building Gallery - West Side | 11:30am to 1:30pm: Cyanotype, or sun printing, is a photographic printing technique that produces striking blue and white images using light-sensitive chemicals. Registration required. [More info]

• Monday Fundays | Lynn Valley Village | 2pm to 3pm: Kid-friendly activities, art and temporary tattoos. [More info]

Tuesday, August 5

• Harmony Arts Festival: Mosaic Coasters | John Lawson Park | 4pm to 8pm: Design a mosaic coaster using small, colourful glass tiles. [More info]

Wednesday, August 6

• Harmony Arts Workshop: Symmetric Prints | John Lawson Park | 4pm to 8pm: Print abstract shapes, then add colour to reveal your final design. [More info]

• Park Play | Boulevard Park | 10am to 11:30am: Get together for creative play and a baby wearing class. [More info]

• Sunset Cinema: The Devil Wears Prada | The Shipyards | 7pm to 11pm: Jumbo Games starting at 7pm; movie at 9pm. BYO chairs and blankets. [More info]

Stuff For Adults

Thursday, July 31

• Free Outdoor Concert: Ndidi O | Lions Gate Village | 7pm to 9pm: [More info]

• Deckchair Cinema: The Fifth Element | The Polygon | 7pm (Concession Opens) and 9pm (Film Starts): By donation. [More info]

• Movies on the Mountain: The Parent Trap (1998) | Grouse Mountain | Sunset: Dress for the conditions and bring a blanket or cushion (and bug spray). Movie starts at sunset. [More info]

• Hike & Happy Hour | Cleveland Dam Parking Lot | 5:30pm to 8pm: Enjoy a beginner-intermediate 90-minute hike in Cap Canyon followed by a glass of wine or beer and appies at Two Rivers. [More info]

• Conversation + Publication Launch: Alejandro A. Barbosa With Elliott Ramsey | The Polygon | 7:30pm to 8:30pm: Artist Alejandro A. Barbosa in conversation with Curator Elliott Ramsey, discussing the new installation, I Got Us the Moon. [More info]

Friday, August 1

• Shipyards Night Market | 3pm to 10pm:

  • Music: Jason Lane Duo, Melanie Dekker, The Whiskeydicks, Pernell Reichert

  • Food Truck Lineup: The Mad Greek, Tornado Potato, Mr Pretzels, Taco Nori, Grub Truck, Tochi, Stackers, Truckin’ BBQ, Roasted Revolution, Tacoland, Chai Wagon, Island Husk Bar, and Gary’s Kettle Corn.

• Free Outdoor Concert: Queer as Funk | Panorama Park | 7pm to 9pm: [More info]

• Harmony Arts Festival Free Concerts | John Lawson Park | 5:30pm to 10pm: Marlie Collins, John Welsh & The Valientes, The Paperboys 

• Acrylic Pour on Canvas Workshop | Bella Ceramica | 6:30pm to 8:30pm: Learn acrylic pouring and make 3 different canvases with 3 different pouring techniques. [More info]

• Pride Bingo | West Van Library | 2pm to 4:30pm: Drag Queen Carlotta Gurl will be calling six rounds of bingo and performing. Pride-worthy prizes, snacks and beverages. Wear your most fabulous, red-carpet-ready cocktail outfit and earn a chance to win the prize. [More info]

Saturday, August 2

• BC Day Long Weekend | Cypress Mountain | 12pm to 4pm: Live music, patio games, plus food and drinks on the Crazy Raven patio. [More info]

• Harmony Arts Festival | John Lawson Park & Area | All Day:

  • Free Concerts | 1:15pm to 10pm: Nevaeh, Ben Wayne Kyle, Emma Currie, Ryan McMahon, Jeff Stanfield Band, Krystle Dos Santos, and Coco Jafro.

  • Workshop: Creatures from the Sea, Made from the Land | Ferry Building Gallery - West Side | 11:30am to 2pm: craft charming seahorses and sea star sculptures using only natural and biodegradable materials. Registration required. [More info]

  • Workshop: Weaving Small Baskets with Invasive Ivy | Ferry Building Gallery - East Side | 3pm to 5pm: Learn the art of simple basket weaving using English ivy, turning an environmental problem into creative potential. [More info]

• Sip and Paint: Parisian Window | Bella Ceramica | 6:30pm to 8:30pm: Paint a European window scene on a 16 × 20 canvas. BYOB, 19+. [More info]

• Whale Planter Stoneware Clay Workshop | Edgemont Village Art Studio | 4:30pm [Register]

• Pride Weekend Queer & Allies Bike Ride by Shore Sirens | Parkgate Park | 10am to 4pm: Social laps of Empress Bypass followed by a BBQ in Parkgate Park. Burgers and N/A beverages courtesy of Shore Sirens. 2SLGTBQIA+ and allies are invited. [More info]

• Pride at the Pier 2025 & Long Summer Nights | The Shipyards | 3pm to 10pm: 2SLGBTQIA+ musicians, drag show, arts, crafts, and unique creations. Food trucks and sips in the square - breweries, cideries and distilleries [Pride and the Pier] and [Long Summer Nights]

Sunday, August 3

• Harmony Arts Festival | John Lawson Park & Area | All Day:

  • Free Concerts | 1:15pm to 10pm: Eunice Keitan, Harris & DeBray, Elise LeBlanc, Charlie PS, Marcus Mosely, Angela Kelman & The Polyester Philharmonic, and Mazacote.

  • Demonstration & Interactive Art Project: Help Create a Giant Pacific Eco Octopus with Nickie Lewis | Ferry Building Gallery - East Side | 11am to 4:30pm: Drop by to witness the creation of a giant Pacific octopus, crafted entirely from 100% biodegradable, natural materials. [More info]

  • Artist Talk: Peter Kiss | Ferry Building Gallery - West Side | 12pm to 1:30pm: Drop-in to hear Peter Kiss talk about his artistic journey and creative process. [More info]

• Exploring Bowen Island All Day Trip | Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal | 9:30am: Organized by the Forest Huggers & Social Events Meetup group. Join the group to participate. [More info]

Monday, August 4 (Stat. Holiday)

• Harmony Arts Festival | John Lawson Park & Area | All Day:

  • Free Concerts | John Lawson Park | 1:15pm to 10pm: Sandy Scofield, Blake Havard, Shannon Gaye, Big Little Lions, Ladies Sing the Blues, Moondance (The Van Morrison Songbook Feat. Bruce Coughlan), and Odyssey

  • Demonstration & Interactive Art Project: Help Create a Giant Pacific Eco Octopus with Nickie Lewis | Ferry Building Gallery - East Side | 11am to 4:30pm: Drop by to witness the creation of a giant Pacific octopus, crafted entirely from 100% biodegradable, natural materials. [More info]

  • Workshop: Creating Botanical Cyanotypes | Ferry Building Gallery - West Side | 11:30am to 1:30pm: Cyanotype, or sun printing, is a photographic printing technique that produces striking blue and white images using light-sensitive chemicals. [More info]

  • Demonstration: Mineral Pigments - Working with Ochre | Ferry Building Gallery - West Side | 2:30pm to 4pm: Discover how mineral pigments are transformed into paints and ceramic glazes. [More info]

Tuesday, August 5

• Free Outdoor Concert with Konrad Lasocki | North Van City Civic Plaza | 12pm to 1:30pm [More info]

• Harmony Arts Festival | John Lawson Park & Area | All Day:

  • Free Concerts | 5:30pm to 10pm: Honeybear, HB Wild, and Deep Cutzzz

  • Bespoke Midweek Art Market | Argyle Avenue | 3pm to 9pm: Unique handmade goods and traditional items such as ceramics, clothing, vintage items, jewelry, paper products, and artisan food and beverages. [More info]

• Garden Snap ‘n’ Sketch | West Van Memorial Library | 10:30am to 12pm: Hands-on introduction to digital nature photography and botanical sketching using iPads.[More info]

• Writing Sprints | Silk Purse Arts Centre | 2pm to 4pm: You'll get paper & pen - prompted by the surrounding artwork, let your creativity flow. [More info]

Wednesday, August 6

• Sunset Cinema: The Devil Wears Prada | The Shipyards | 7pm to 11pm: Jumbo Games starting at 7pm; movie at 9pm. BYO chairs and blankets. [More info]

• Harmony Arts Festival | John Lawson Park & Area | All Day:

  • Free Concerts | John Lawson Park | 5:30pm to 10pm: Cousin Harley, The Matinee, and DREAMS (Fleetwood Mac Tribute).

  • Bespoke Midweek Art Market | Argyle Avenue | 3pm to 9pm: Unique handmade goods and traditional items such as ceramics, clothing, vintage items, jewelry, paper products, and artisan food and beverages. [More info]

  • Demonstration: The Art of Persian Abri Marbled Papers | Ferry Building Gallery - West Side | 3pm to 4pm: Learn about the ancient art and practice of paper marbling! Make designs on water to create a unique piece of marbled paper to take home. Trays and paint will be provided. [More info]

Events for Seniors

This Week

• Thursday, July 31 | North Van Women 55+ Happy Hour | Kings Tap Lonsdale Quay | 2pm: Join the Meetup group to RSVP and attend. [More Info]

• Thursday, July 31 to Saturday, August 2 | Cycling Without Age | Bridgman Park/ Lynn Creek: Free trishaw rides for mobility challenged passengers and their caregivers along North Shore’s forest trails. Register for upcoming rides by calling Silver Harbour at 604-980-2474.

• Tuesday, August 5 | Pianist Luke Sanford | Seniors' Activity Centre | 1:15pm to 2:30pm: A concert with pianist, Luke Sanford. A selection of non-alcoholic beverages will be available for cash-only at the refreshment counter. [More info]

• Wednesday, August 6 | Over 50s Social Group - Seymour Demonstration Forest Paved Bike Ride | Location Details Upon Registration | 12pm [More info]

• Wednesday, August 6: Meet Me at the Gallery | Polygon Gallery | 10am to 12pm: A monthly program inviting seniors to connect with art and each other in a welcoming, relaxed environment. Includes a tour of current exhibitions and tea service. [More info]

• Wednesday, August 6: BBQ in the Plaza sponsored by the Rotary Club | Parkgate Community Centre | 11:30am to 1pm: Four short presentations on local services for seniors, followed by a free BBQ lunch. Registration is required![More info]

🎸 Live Music, DJs, Dancing & Pub Quizzes

Thursday, July 31

• Copperpenny Distilling | Adam Robert Thomas | 7pm to 10pm [Reserve a table]

• Wildeye Brewing | Music Bingo | 8pm to 10pm [More info]

• West Van Legion | Full House Poker | Registration at 6:15pm; game at 6:30pm [More Info]

• Eagles Club Lounge | Open Mic Night | 8pm to 11pm [More info]

Friday, August 1

• Wildeye Brewing | Steven Marriott | 8pm to 10pm [More info]

• Eagles Club Lounge | Wishbone | 8:30pm to 11:30pm [More info]

• Cypress | Summer Social Sets with DJ Kookum | 4:30pm to 7:30pm [More info]

• West Van Legion | 60s Hit Bingo | 7pm [More info]

Saturday, August 2

• Wildeye Brewing | Marol Green | 7pm to 10pm [More info]

• Eagles Club Lounge | Dreams2Reality | 8pm to 11pm [More info]

• Square Rigger Pub | Karaoke | 7:30pm [More info]

• West Van Legion | Dance Party with DJ Gary Richards | 8pm [More Info]

Sunday, August 3

• Wildeye Brewing | Marine Mammal Trivia Night | 6pm to 9pm [More info]

Tuesday, August 5

• Wildeye Brewing | Karaoke | 8pm to 11pm [More info]

Wednesday, August 6

• Village Taphouse | Live Music | 7pm [Reserve Online]

• Pemberton Station Pub | Full House Poker | Registration at 6:15pm; game at 6:30pm

• Eagles Club Lounge | Karaoke | 7pm to 11pm [More info]

• Wildeye Brewing | Trivia Night | 8pm to 11pm [More info]

👉 That’s all for this week! If you enjoyed it, forward us to a friend! 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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