Neighbourly News

New residents, a milestone, and a chance to meet the chicks

by Ron McLaughlin

Spring’s arrival has brought not only warmer temperatures and colour from new blooms to the Village, but new residents as well.

Thomas and Lauren Arnott.

New to Crosscreek are Thomas and Lauren Arnott who were born and raised in West Vancouver and Pender Harbor, respectively. They met while playing for the men’s and women's soccer teams at Capilano University. Thomas is a plumbing foreman for Enersoly, and Lauren is an Associate with RBC Dominion Securities, and they come to the Village from downtown Vancouver.

The Arnotts' say they really needed a change from the fast paced, crowded, and stressful environment downtown. Lions Bay gives them ocean views, and allows them to be closer to family and friends. They want to share the beauty of the area with others, especially those who helped them get to this point in their lives.

What they are most looking forward to is being part of the community and volunteering. They love hiking and outdoor activities and their goal is to try to do a new hike every weekend. From all of us, welcome Thomas and Lauren.

Matthew Binning and Larissa Darc.

Also new to Crosscreek are Matthew Binning and Larissa Darc who were both born and raised on the North Shore. They love the mountains and the ocean and everything that Lions Bay has to offer. They are looking forward to hiking, exploring, and beach picnics. They also mountain bike and play soccer.

Larissa is a wildlife biologist, and Matt is a project manager in capital infrastructure. They don’t have any pets (yet), but they do enjoy dog and cat sitting.

Recently engaged, Matthew and Larissa are thrilled to be starting the next chapter of their lives in Lions Bay, and are looking forward to meeting neighbours and being part of the community. From all of us, congratulations Matthew and Larissa and welcome.

Ewan and Louisa Cameron with Johnny and Karma.

New to Bayview near the school are Louisa and Ewen Cameron. They are excited to be moving to Lions Bay. Ewen is in the Army and has been posted to Vancouver but they choose to live in Lions Bay as they aren't city folk. Currently living in Maryland in the U.S., they have moved many times due to the military. They are originally from the UK. Ewen is from Scotland and Louisa from England. Louisa’s background is in social work, most recently working in housing and with people who are experiencing homelessness. 

They have both visited Whistler many times and as an avid skier, Ewen is excited to be so close to his favourite mountain. Louisa loves being outside and can't wait to explore the local trails. Family members are two rescue dogs Johnny and Karma who were adopted in 2024. They are in the family photo. From all of us, welcome Louisa and Ewen.

Thirty years ago last month, a phone call from Village Manager Bernice Pullen, convinced David Butler, then working in the building department for the City of Burnaby, to join Lions Bay part time as our Building Inspector. Fast forward three decades, and with currently over 60 projects in excess of $20 million on his desk, he’s still working approximately eight hours a week, thirty plus hours a month. This gives him plenty of time to golf or fish on his new Grady White.

Dave Butler and his Grady White.

He recognizes he is fortunate to have our longest tenured staff member, Shawna Driscoll, to keep him in check with inspections, plan checking, letters to architects, contractors and home owners and of course the many challenges this mountain environment present. Dave tells me the work keeps his little grey cells active, and him in reasonable shape climbing on roofs and excavations. Thirty years as our Village’s Building Inspector is quite an achievement. From all of us, thank you for your service and congratulations on the milestone, Dave.

I caught up with Lions Bay Primary School Vice Principal Jenn Ohlhauser just before the long weekend. Upcoming events are Sports Day on June 5, and a talent show on June 11. Selected student artwork can be viewed at the West Vancouver Community Cultural Festival at Ambleside Park June 5—6.

The school has recently been awaiting some new arrivals. Starting from eggs, there has been great excitement in the classrooms as chicks have begun hatching.

Students have been captivated by the process, carefully observing the eggs, and watching for pipping and zipping. Beyond the science learning, this experience has been building a tremendous amount of empathy and care in the students. Children have been checking on the chicks often, and showing genuine concern for their comfort and well-being. It's been wonderful to see students nurture patience, kindness, and responsibility through this hands-on learning opportunity. The joy, wonder, and compassion filling classrooms over the past two weeks has been truly special. When they grow a little bigger, the chicks will go to their new home on Bowen Island.

Enjoy the spring Lions Bay, and keep well.

Blackbelt, Fluffball and Daffodil and some of their caregivers.

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