Become part of the public dialogue to help create the community you wish for yourself
By Gillion Konst
It would be hard to imagine Lynn Valley without Lynn Canyon. But some 25 years ago there was a plan to build houses in Lynn Canyon. It was as unthinkable then as it would be today. Lynn Valley Community Association raised the alarm and residents came out in droves to protest the development plans. This was part of our heritage and we were passionate about saving it.
The newly formed Save Lynn Canyon Association prevailed. A referendum was held and the vote was overwhelmingly in favour of saving the park. The work of the Association wasn’t over. They wanted to secure the park, not just for our generation, but for generations to come. Luckily for locals and the thousands of tourists who visit each year, Lynn Canyon was ultimately dedicated as parkland. The canyon was safe.
This story illustrates the power of people, when they unite and take action. And it perfectly encapsulates our wish for the change we would most like to see in our community.
When first asked by Global Canadian If Lynn Valley Community Association would write about the change we most want to see in our community for 2018, my first thought was that we would never reach consensus in time to meet the copy deadline.
Because for those of us who live in Lynn Valley, changes are all around us: new homes, new views, new road layouts, new neighbours, new shops, new trails, new festivals. Our community is the epitome of change in action. And it seems that everyone has something to say about that. In coffee shops, outside schools, at the playground, on the soccer field.
So on second thoughts, our wish for 2018 became clear. With change already happening in our community and conversations about change ongoing, and our wish is to engage more of the community. To encourage our friends and neighbours to be involved in the change process. to be an active part of the public dialogue and to help create the community they wish for themselves. But without losing what made us choose Lynn Valley as our home in the first place. Lynn Valley is a desirable place to live because it is a safe, caring, vibrant, family friendly community. Minutes from the wilderness, yet just a few more minutes from downtown (on a good day!)
But I don’t believe we are just lucky here in Lynn Valley. Rather, we are privileged to live in a community that is well supported by local non-profit community organizations, who work to create the community that we love, with the help of the residents who gladly donate their time and expertise. Over our hundred year history, LVCA’s purposes have remained broadly the same: to build community spirit. To make our neighbourhood safe. To encourage community involvement. So far so good… it seems we are on track. Lynn Valley is a great place to live. And we have Lynn Canyon. Saved by an energetic group of residents who care about their community.
Today we still encourage residents to become involved in building community. Most visible is the annual Parade of Trees in Lynn Valley Village when each December the square is transformed into a magical forest of Christmas trees. Local individuals, schools, merchants and organizations sponsor and decorate the trees. The opening ceremony brings families together to celebrate the start of the Christmas season in Lynn Valley. The proceeds from the event support those in need in our community.
By donating to North Shore Harvest Project, meal programmes, toy drives and Christmas hamper programmes we help bring ensuring a little magic for everyone at Christmas. This festive tradition wouldn’t happen without hundreds of volunteer hours. Just another example of the remarkable difference that can be made when people come together
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