qe re \\ Fae ON Y2K WATCHWORDS: BE PREPARED Whether you believe the Y2K problem is real or fear mongering, it is probably wise to be prepared. No one really knows what will happen or I ; how serious the disruption may be. The City of North Vancouver has been actively working on resolving our Year 2000 issues for some time now. But first of all, what is ¥2K? WHY Y2K? Y2K:Y is for year, 2 for two and K for thousand. Back in the early days of computer programming, storage was very expensive and programmers did every- thing possible to reduce the amount of data in files and prograrrs. One of the trimming down measures they took eared was to delete the century portion of the year, se “1978” became “78”. Obviously the programmers back then had no idea their systems would still be in place 20 or 30 years down the road - but surprise surprise. In fact, many large corporations, banks, airlines, government agencies still have their core business systems operating with these “archaic” programs. ‘This shortsighted practice was extended to computer chips when manufacturers started producing thera and so now, computer controlled equipment everywhere may be affected by havinga #] .M chip that is programmed using two digit yy dates. These computer-controlled systems are called “embedded systems”. Here's where the bug becomes a pest: when the year 2000 arrives, computer systems all over the world may think it is 1900 or some other year, which could result in entire systems failing or perhaps worse, producing erreneous results. THANKS FOR CHIPPING IN! This year’s Tree Chipping Event was a great success, bringing in a total of $3,000 in donations. This is the sixth year that this popular event has been put on jointly by the North Vancouver City Firefighters and the Engineering Department A thousand Christmas trees were chipped between 9am and 4pm, January 2nd at Sunrise Park. The non-stop chipping kept the 12 volunteers from the Fire Department and six from Engineering services hopping. The chips are spread in community parks and gardens. The money raised will be given out in scholarships to students at Sutherland and Carson Graham. Thanks to everyone for chipping in on this great community " 2 een ii aso se Aberin A & City Council prepares for the millennsim. Talk to them on fine at the city’s website: wwwamorg from left to right: Barbara Sharp, Borbara Perrauit, Darrell Musson, Bob Fearntey, Ste#a Jo Dean, fohn Braithwaite, and Mayor John Loucks, WILL Y2K BUG YOU? Most of the community concern over this issue revolves around the availability of everyday necessities such as electricity, food, water znd medical services. We have corresponded with our major service suppliers 10 ensure that the City’s equipment and services will be Year 2000 compliance. It is important however to make a complete inventory of your office, home or apartment to determine which systems might be affected. Calculators, cellular phones, fax machines, even VCRs could be affected by the millennium bug. The Chamber of Comimerce has Year 2000 Kits available for sale, cal! 987-4488. For more information on personal and community preparedness, check out an inspiring web site: The Cassandra Project (www.millennia-bes.com/casframe.htm). SOCIAL ADVANCES In September |998, the City of North Vancouver endorsed a Socia! Plan. This document takes a broad look at social, cultural and ethnic needs in the community. It provides a framework which can help the City respend to community issues by integrating social planning, City programs and initiatives. The Social Plan serves as a complement to the City's Official Community Plan. Community input for the overall vision of the plan as well as its goals, objectives and actions was sought from the earliest stages of development and the theme of partnership with the community is refiected throughout the final document. A background document which summarizes the City’s record of addressing social f concerns, trends and issues in the '. community has also been prepared. ‘2 See “in brief” for ordering information City of North Vancouver fectrt off yours community 141 West 14th Street, North Vancouver BC V7M 1H9 Phone: 985-7761 Fac 985-9417 Chamber of Commerce has Year 2000 kits for sale (call 987-4488). City Chips Up 1000 Xmas Trees for local city parks. City’s Social Plan Now Available: Fora copy of the Social Plan or available on the city's web site at Www.cnv.org “eV CHES , The 2nd Annual Vancouver incernational Mountain Film Festival: Feb 25-28 -entennial Theatre, North Vancouver Tickets & info: 984-4484 website: www.quatronix.netvmf NOTE WELL The City of North Vancouver, has signed an agreement which will help meet the growing demand for recreational facilities in the City. council, Mayor John E. Loucks Councillor John Braithwaite Councillor Stella Jo Dean Councillor Bob Fearnley Councillor Darrell Mussatto Councillor Barbara Perrault www.cnv. Org,