News Releases

There are No Cows on Vancouver's North Shore
The story of Vancouver's North Shore Celebration Bear Bells

MEDIA ADVISORY
(Event date October 27, 2009)

North Vancouver, BC: Traditionally in Europe when one attends a ski event, the noise maker of choice is a cow bell. Well, we don't have cows on Vancouver's North Shore, nor are there any cows in Whistler. Knowing local residents would want to make noise and demonstrate their enthusiasm for the winter games, a number of community groups and businesses banded together to create the North Shore Bear Bells.

"When hikers, bikers and walkers head out into the woods on Vancouver's North Shore, most carry bear bells, ensuring the bears, which are typically very shy, hear them coming and have time to skedaddle into a tree or bush," says Doug Smith, chair of North Vancouver's Spirit of BC Committee. "It is not uncommon to hear the bells ringing from other hikers or their dogs. Bear bells are a way of life on the North Shore. Now they are also a fun way for the people to the North Shore to not only be 'the scene', but also be heard."

A key group of North Shore residents, the Squamish First Nations people, have also embraced the Celebration Bear Bells. On Tuesday October 27th, a group of first Nations elders from the Squamish nation will meet at the top of Grouse Mountain with other "Bear Bell" partners to bless the North Shore Celebration Bear Bells and perform a traditional bear dance.

"The bear signifies strength and family," says Chief Gibby Jacob, hereditary Chief and member of the Squamish First Nation. "Bears are revered and must be protected."

The elders will meet at the top of Grouse Mountain to bless the bear bells which will be shared with North Vancouver residents during the coming months. 12,000 bear bells will be distributed though out the North Shore. Many of the bells will be sold at North Shore retailers, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Bear Aware Society. Media guests are encouraged to attend this colourful, historical blessing ceremony.

But, why three bells? Well, there are three communities on Vancouver's North Shore, the District of North Vancouver, the City of North Vancouver and District of West Vancouver. There are three mountains on the North Shore; Cypress, the site of many Vancouver Olympic and Para-Olympic ski events, Grouse, the home of NBC's Today show during the Vancouver Olympics, and Seymour, a family-friendly mountain for hikers and skiers of all ages. Outdoor enthusiasts are familiar with the many activities available on these mountains, each just minutes away from downtown Vancouver. The band on the bells is green of course, to signify the mountain forests and lush green nature of Vancouver's North Shore.

One of the mandates of the Spirit of BC Committee is to be to build on the community spirit and give local residents every opportunity to embrace the fun and excitement of the Winter Games.

"By participating in the bear bell campaign, I think our North Shore neighbours will be able to cheer on our Canadian Athletes though out the winter of 2010," says Doug. For years after, the bells will be used to keep our other neighbours, the bears of the North Shore, safe in their home environment."

Quick access to partners in the tourism industry on the North Shore, as well as an on-line image library and HD B-roll will make Vancouver's North Shore Tourism Association website a handy resource for any member of the media. For more information on Vancouver's North Shore activities, see VNSTA website at: www.vancouversnorthshore.com

What: Launch of North Shore Celebration Bear Bells
When: Tuesday (October 27) morning beginning at 10 a.m.

*Media interested in attending are advised to arrive at base by 9:25am to collect passes and set up in the Hiwus Feast House by 9:45am.

Listen: North Shore Celebration Bear Bells on the Radio

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For interviews, editorial and/or photographic information, please contact:

Jane Ince, Media Relations Manager
Tel: (604) 987-6047
Email: jane@vancouversnorthshore.com