What is that Ringing I hear on Vancouver’s North Shore?
As the Olympic Torch Relay winds its way across Vancouver’s North Shore on February 10th, we may all be hearing a lot of bells ringing. But it won’t be traditional cow bells often heard at winter sporting events, it will be Bear Bells! “We don’t have cows on the North Shore.“ says Jane Ince, Spokesperson for Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism Association. “We have bears!”
During the coming weeks, there will be many majestic images of Vancouver’s North Shore mountains being shared around the world. The North Shore residents have decided that they would like to be heard as well as be seen. To that end, a forward-thinking group of North Shore business and civic leaders banded together to create 14,000 sets of unique North Shore Celebration Bear Bells.
“These commemorative bear bells have been designed as the North Shore signature item, demonstrating to the world the enthusiasm and pride we have in our communities.” says Ince. They will be ringing loudly and proudly throughout the Games of 2010.The bells will continue to ring long after the athletes and visitors leave our cities, keeping the bears of the North Shore safe in their mountain homes. Residents will ring their bells as they cycle, hike or jog the many trails of the North Shore, alerting the local bears of a human presence.
Three bells on a green wrist band represent the three municipalities of the North Shore: West Vancouver, The District of North Vancouver and the City of North Vancouver. They also remind us all of Seymour, Grouse and Cypress Mountains, the jewels in the crown featured in many scenic shots of the city. The green strap on the bells signifies the mountain forests and the lush green nature of our North Shore communities. To make these bells truly exceptional, the North Shore Celebration Bear Bells were blessed in a special ceremony by Elders of the Squamish Nation at the Hiwus Feast House on top of Grouse Mountain.
North Shore Celebration Bear Bells are available at these North Shore businesses or civic offices:
Park Royal Shopping Centre
North Shore News
Lonsdale Quay Market
Delaney’s Coffee Houses
District or City of North Vancouver Offices and Recreation Centres
