LV’s building supply landmark closing its doors

Whether you call it the “Irly Building Centre” or still refer to it by its earlier moniker, “Woodstop Building Supplies,” you’ll be sorry to hear this Lynn Valley landmark is shutting down operations.

Trevor Stephenson, the co-owner who founded the store in 1978, told LynnValleyLife that he first went into business in the adjacent lumberyard, which had been abandoned by previous operators. Trevor believes it had been run as a lumberyard since the 1950s; he says a six (not seven!)-digit telephone number is still written on the inside of the warehouse door.

Five years later, Trevor built the building supply store and was joined by recent Argyle Secondary grad John Horsnel, who later became a co-owner of the business.

Over the years, Trevor says they have served many longtime customers; about 80 per cent have been contractors and 20 per cent homeowners. He’s been in business so long, he says, that he’s seen some contractors through their entire career. As for himself, he’s still getting used to the idea of semi-retirement.

“I’m still in denial to some extent,” he says. But he’s warming up to the thought. “The beauty of retirement is the ability to be on your own schedule, not someone else’s. I’m looking forward to that flexibility.” That’s no wonder, considering that Trevor has been up at 5 a.m. for the past 35 or so years, in order to commute from his Port Coquitlam home to be at work by 6:30.

But it won’t be all play, no work. Trevor and John also own North Shore Door, which sells doors, windows, moldings and door hardware from its shop at 103 – 2433 Dollarton. John has been working full-time at that location for the past year, and Trevor intends to lend a hand to help the shop build its brand.

The owners have sold the property to a residential developer, a land use that Trevor feels is a better fit for that corner of Lynn Valley. They plan to close the lumber yard on October 31 (all materials are currently being sold at cost) and he says that from November 1 to December 15 the contents of the building supply sale will also be sold at cost. He hopes to have the business wrapped up by December 31.

Trevor says he’ll definitely miss his customers and the relationships he’s developed through his work. “It’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle,” he notes. He asked LynnValleyLife to pass on his and John’s appreciation to all their longtime customers. “We’re awful thankful for their support over the years.”

Trevor, John and the rest of the Woodstop crew will certainly be missed by Lynn Valleyites, most of whom will never have known their neighbourhood to be without this stalwart landmark. On behalf of the community,  thanks for everything and we’ll see you at North Shore Door!

Sponsor Christmas tree in LV Village!

This just in from Lynn Valley Community Association…. 

(For more information about adopting a Christmas tree, click here. As of November 6, there are only 13 left, so don’t delay!

We are once again offering
sponsored Christmas trees in 
LynnValley Village this holiday season.

We are planning a family weekend of free entertainment for the whole family on December 21 and 22.  There will also be a Lynn Valley Christmas Grande Finale with music and caroling led bythe United Church Choir and theappearance of a very special guest on the night of the 22!

All trees will be beautiful 6-foot nobles.

You will receive a tree, stand and power.We have 73 trees on a first-come,
first-served basis.
Trees will be available on November 30 at noon.

 

75% SOLD OUT!

  $200*/TREE

 

*$50 from each tree will go towards the

Lions Christmas Hamper program.

 

Call or email Dave Bruynesteyn at 604-315-3283 or [email protected] to reserve your tree.

Four levels of sponsorship are also available at

$Family, $500,$1000 and $2500

Trees have to be fully decorated by 4 pm on December 1. The mayor will light up all the trees at 5 pm.

 

Note:  All trees have to be undecorated by January 4.

 

 

LV Legion throws down dress-up challenge!

Halloween isn’t just for kids. In fact, this party is for grown-ups only!

The Lynn Valley Legion is inviting members and non-members alike to come out and enjoy an evening of ghoulish fun on Saturday, October 26 starting at 7 p.m.

The theme is “Dress Like a Dead Celebrity,” so put your thinking caps on and get creative! Along with chances at costume prizes, you’ll also enjoy the live band Swayed, food and drink specials, and getting to know your neighbours better!

All info is on the poster below. Have fun, folks!

 

DNV votes for ‘Flexible Framework’ plan in town centre

Last night the District of North Vancouver Council considered a staff report that detailed financial and other impacts that would result from the adoption of a five-storey town centre height restriction versus a model that is predominantly five storeys, with eight storeys allowed in key areas and limited, case-by-case exceptions of up to 12 storeys in the Lynn Valley core.

In their submission, North Vancouver District planning staff recommended the latter option, entitled the Flexible Planning Framework option. The staff report forms part of the council meeting agenda, and can be found at Item 9.1.

As noted in today’s press release from North Vancouver District, Council agreed with staff that the Flexible Planning Framework allows for the possibility of targeted town core redevelopment that will enable implementation of  Official Community Plan objectives, such as improved transit and provision of community amenities, while it acknowledges community concerns that include issues such as extreme change and shading from buildings. For more information, please visit the North Vancouver Identity website or refer to the press release issued earlier today.

This graphic from the North Vancouver District press release shows maximum building height allowances voted for under the Flexible Planning Framework. The blue zone would allow for heights of eight to 12 storeys on a case-by-case basis.

FNL launches new season of music and laughs

There aren’t many North Shore residents who can get up from their dinner table on a Friday night, decide against another night in front of the TV, and, just 10 minutes later, be enjoying an evening of live music and comedy.

But that’s the happy reality in Lynn Valley, where Friday Night Live (FNL) has entered its third season. Some things haven’t changed – with a $10 ($25/family) ticket price and no downtown parking costs, you still can’t beat the evening for value.

The performers, too, continue to be stellar. The cast of seasoned improv actors and musicians is headed by Alan Marriott, who launched his theatre sports career in Vancouver in 1980 before spending the next two decades training, performing and teaching in London, England.

Now he orchestrates a roster of fellow improvisers whose antics form the backbone of FNL. Joining them every week is a guest artist; the audience can expect anyone from a magician to emerging or well-known actors or musicians.

What is new this year is that more businesses are stepping up to lend a hand. Originally the brainchild of Lynn Valley United Church (LVUC), the event has turned into a partnership between various organizations who want to support close-to-home, quality entertainment.

Title sponsors this season include RBC, Grossman & Stanley, and LVUC, with support offered by others as well (including Waves, which donates complimentary coffee). The artists, too, pitch in by performing for an honorarium. Now all that’s needed is consistent audience support to keep it all coming together.

“People often assume that if it’s held in a church, it’ll be preachy or hokey,” says Shauna Grinke, a church member who used her business skills to create a marketing approach for the freshly updated FNL.

Just one visit, however, is enough to change their minds. Between the professional quality theatre sports and guests such as talented Vancouver musical performer Jeff Hyslop, word is getting out that FNL is a treat not to be missed. In 2013, it was voted one of the North Shore’s “Best-Kept Secrets” in an Outlook newspaper reader poll.

Church administrator Kelly Jenner calls it “doing church in a radically different way.” It’s about building relationships within the neighbourhood, and creating a venue where people can gather to be inspired by uplifting entertainment. Given the large audience at last week’s season opener, it seems the idea is definitely catching on.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at 3201 Mountain Hwy. For information about upcoming guests, visit www.fnlnorthvan.com.