2 - North Shore News — Sunday, February 13. 2600 e-jumping sue heats in W. Wan iranian New Year event dehated Katharine Hamer News Reporter WEST Vancouver District has yet to decide whether to grant permission for the local Iranian community to hold their New Year celebrations at Ambleside Park. For the first time, commu- nity representatives have come forward to identify themselves as an organizing committee. Previously, say they have had difficulty tracking down an individual or group willing to take responsibility for the eveni. But despite assurances from the Iranian-Canadian Association of Western Canada that a_ volunteer cleanup operation would stay out for as long as needed to remove any debris from the site, council members were divided Monday over an offi- cial endorsement. If requests from the com- munity for policing, clean- up, tables and chairs, water and power were fulfilled, the cost could ran to $2,000. In past years, the cost of policing and cleanup has been absorbed by West Vancouver Police and the council staff parks and recreation depart- ment. Other events, like the Coho Festival and the Dundarave Hoedown, pay a fee to the district to cover these expenses. Traditionally celebrated in the first week of spring, the Persian New Year is known as Norooz. The 2,500-year-old testi- val is designed to bring fami- 'v together and welcome the end of winter. Up to 4,500 local mem- bers of the Iranian communi- ty have congregated at Ambleside beach for the last several years. This year’s event is sched- uled for March 14, and is set to run beeween 4 p.m. and TL p.m. Jumping ove small fires, ich is said to strengthen the sun and hasten the onset of spring, is a key part of the ceremony — and therein lies the rub, as far as council is concerned. Fires on Ambleside beach are forbidden under local bylaws. “Pm not against Iranian fire-dancing,” said Coun. Victor Darman, “but we all have to comply with the rules. [ can’t do what you're asking me to do. | can’t take my family to the beach and light a fire on the beach. I will be had up.” NEWS photo Julie iverson YOUNG and old take part in fire-jumping, a component of traditional Persian New Year's celebrations. !ra Organizers insisted that the fires were “not like a dan- gerous fire, but like a barbe- cue.” “If you stop this, there will be 10,000 little fires everywhere and people will be jumping over it,” declared a man who identified himself as “Dr. Mo.” Mo said chat West Vancouver council would not succeed in any attempt to prevent the occasion where the Iranian government, “with its machine guns,” had failed. “That is not a threat,” he added. Police concerns centred around increased traffic, a large unsupervised crowd and illegal parking Staff had recommended in a report that the New Year gathering not be approved, because it was “inconsistent with the rules, regulations, and bylaws that are ob by other gi groups using district parkland.” Last year, said Coun. Ken Haycock, police had to turn the group's sound system off at Ll p.m. But ultimately the majori- ty of council and staff seemed to be behind the event in principle, and somewhat mol- RRSP ian New Year's or Norooz is the first day of spring. lified by the appearance of committed organizers. “It’s a peaceful event,” said director of parks and recreation Kevin Pike, “a ily event, with grand- crything.” Ir was therefore suggested that community leaders meet with Pike to arrange an appli- cation for fire and noise bylaw exemptions. Areport is due back before council by Feb, 28 so that a decision can be mad prior to the event. THE following are brief summaries of topics on the agendas of North Shore municipalities and school boards: North: Vancouver District Council: Monday, Feb. 14, at 7 pm. — motion to request the Union of — B.C. Municipalities to ask the Minister of Municipal Affairs tu review the Municipal Act regarding anonymous election advertising; asking staff to report on dedicated bus and bicycle lane on lower Capilano Road/Marine Drive, Lions Gat Bridge approach; motion to oppose any third over the Burrard pt a tunnel for rapid it or light rail extension. North Vancouver District: Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 7 pam. — public hearing re: Edgemont West neighbourhood zoning. North Vancouver City Counci!: Monday, Feb. 1+ at 6 p.m. — report from social planner on the North Shore Harvest Project, including recommiendations to delay the -month notice of termi tion of the lease until May 1, 2000. West Vancouver District Council: Tuesday, Feb. 8, at 7-9 p.m. — Horseshoe Bav traffic modifications; Aquatic Centre expansion study and facility review; request for noise. vylaw exemption fron The Spectra Group. AME PLAN “Two-thirds of Canadians don’t have a financial retirement plan. So, whether youre just getting started, you're building a solid plan, or retirement is on the nenzon, North Shore Credit Union financial advisors can help you make a move towards Financial Wellness. 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