FRIDAY JUNE 20 2014 VOL. 41, NO. 24
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Teacher’s Strike
A sudden end to the school year
Whose poo?
The “Thank you” page
The myth and reality surrounding bacterial counts in Mannion Bay
What it takes to make things happen
The Round Bowen Race record-breaker and America’s Cup boat, Il Moro, heads south out of Snug Cove with the rest of this year’s race fleet behind her. Maria Steernberg. photo
2014 Round Bowen Race the fastest ever MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
Roughly one-hour before Saturday morning’s 10:00 a.m. start, Race Officer John Culter decided that the nearly 140 sailboats competing in this year’s Round Bowen Race would head south off the roughly 1.5 kilometer start line just north of Snug Cove. There was a strong wind as the boats maneuvered into position, but no one could’ve predicted that this year’s race would be the fastest for the whole fleet, with most of the boats crossing the finish line within a tight time frame. Bowen Island Yacht Club board member Maria Steernberg watched the end of the race from her boat Sea Snaps, and says
this year’s race was one of the most exciting sailboat races she’s ever seen. “Over the radio, the race committee was asking me if I saw Il Moro, and I told them yes, I saw Il Moro come around Hood Point and none of the others. Then, a few minutes later I called in a correction because I saw a dozen boats coming up right behind her. A few minutes after that I called in another correction because saw a hundred boats coming around Hood Point, and all of them heading towards the finish line which was only 300 feet wide as opposed to the much wider starting line.” Il Moro is a 12 meter boat built originally for the Italian Team to compete in the America’s Cup. This year was the third time Il Morro has competed in the Round Bowen Race.
For Bowen Islander and amateur sailboat racer Martin Wedepohl, this year’s race was also the most exciting he’s experienced. Wedepohl’s boat, Ecliptic, is 9 metres long. This is his fifth year sailing it in the Round Bowen Race. “I am not a super-experienced racer so I usually try to hang back during the start of the race,” says Wedepohl. “This time, the wind was strong about five minutes before the start, but then three minutes before the start it died down making it hard to get into the proper position.” Wedepol says that usually there are a few dead spots in the journey around Bowen but this year that wasn’t the case. continued, PAGE 2
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Kami Kanet ely cifics,” says Polar Bear “And I can the issues just affec the organization was ds Trust is beca approximat and a half times the burning natur use they were plant they would likely the region tell you that that hasting the specific Gulf so inward looking, I roughly one Ferries Coastal Class is seeing . From power their an avalanchechanged drastically Islands,” says Dun so opposition The “thre size of a BC the ferries that tz. as , I am a lot in the past of threa face a lot more he says peopats” Duntz points Ferry (such perspective big picshoe bay and year as now to include ts.” le in the Sout the my personal between Horse by Bowen l about years shell travel trave rned and ago. fish hern Gulf in the - will pass more conce comes to air quality, Islands were farming, whose “After a num Nanaimo) month. 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Paramen midnight on Decended to four PAGE 2 GPS system The islan tz. MER route emergency il, this is Gas Ltd., says s of planning, so eles, we need continued, ware for the the most directIBET H DEEenNO’Ne shift betwe more infor that could ds in Howe Soun 30th, he respo typically the early phase technology, engir Colle during his E D I T inato d face madrastically g the ding on December drivers take Circle coord OR change the a whole other set g ments regar impacts of the projects and midnighthe says, is unusual durinto those calls in the Carin For region’s land of projects , 2 neering and rn. a com- a large hote hue drove a whole othe On the last proposals calls, which scape: ued, PAGE a major conce equipped with r story.” l-marina r season. Dono of school Hughes said daycontin a Hugh comp slow winte ambulance, which is . 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Emergency Medical Information forms are in your mailbox, fill them out and keep them at hand CARING CIRCLE SUBMISSION
In this week’s mail you will find an “Emergency Medical Information” form. One thing we forgot to say is what to do with this form! Please complete your Emergency Medical Information Form with all of the relevant information, then place in a prominent place in your house for Emergency Medical Personnel. Caring Circle has had discussions about the fact that often emergency personnel such as Fire and Ambulance
A thrilling finish to the 2014 Round Bowen Race
come into a home and the person might be so ill, unresponsive or unconscious that they are unable to tell responders who their family/emergency contacts are and what critical health information they might need to know. Please help Bowen’s emergency crews by having this sheet displayed prominently on your fridge or somewhere obvious in your home where they can find it in an emergency. Thanks and please call us at 9479100 if you have any questions.
BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY R001809263 BI03
SUMMER CLEAN-UP & HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL
Summer Clean-Up: Bowen Waste Service will be providing large containers for a free residential clean-up day on Saturday July 19, 2014 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in front of the Bowen Island Recycling Depot on Mount Gardner Road.
Bowen Municipality
Household items, appliances and other items considered too large for weekly garbage pick-up will be accepted. Please note: mattresses will be accepted, but to a maximum of 2 per vehicle. NO LARGE LOADS WILL BE ACCEPTED Hazardous Waste Disposal and Free Paint Recycling: Bowen Building Centre and Bowen Waste Service will be providing a free hazardous waste disposal and free paint recycling on Saturday July 26, 2014 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Bowen (Irly Bird) Building Centre, 1013 Grafton Road. Latex, aerosols and oil based paints will be accepted.
BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY 604-947-4255 BOWEN WASTE SERVICE 604-947-2255
BIM Field Maintenance Bowen Island Municipality is requesting quotes for the provision of maintenance of the Bowen Island
Top: The crew of the Red Line works to unhook the finish mark from the boat’s rudder. Bottom: Boats aim towards the finish line. Maria Steernberg, photo
Community School Grass Field. The work will involve
Bowen Municipality
the supply of all materials to maintain the grass field including, but not limited to, a well-maintained commercial ride on mower, aerating system, and supply fertilizer, lime, sand and seed. RFQ details are available at the Municipal Hall or alternatively can be downloaded from www.bimbc.ca/news_notices. Please submit your Quote in person or by e-mail to Christine Walker at cwalker@bimbc.ca by 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, 2014.
from PAGE 1 “My boat was going at about 7 knots most of the way around, which is about as fast as it can go. I didn’t even set my spinnaker, and a friend mine, his spinnaker ripped,” says Wedepol. “There were probably six points during the race when I was so close to the boat next to me I felt like I could hold hands with people crewing it.” The finish, he says, was particularly confusing and challenging because one of the boats had accidentally hit and hooked the finish mark. “When that happened, the race committee asked me to stand in as the finish mark” says Steernberg. “I wasn’t particularly keen on the idea, because it’s a horrid feeling to just be sitting there while all of those boats are coming at you. If I’m taking pictures, I love to be in front of the boats but I can get away. When Jason and Kevin [from the Yacht Club] came out in the Zodiac to replace the finish mark, I was
terrified for them. It was mayhem out there.” Wedepol says his boat came through the finish while Sea Snaps was acting as the marker. “There were three other boats all aiming for the finish at the exact same time, and one of them beat me by just two seconds.” Ecliptic finished the race in two hours and twentyfive minutes, beating the previous year’s time by two hours. “Normally I sail by myself,” says Wedepol. “But this year I took four crew with me. One of them was on a sailboat for the first time. We were all exhilarated by the race, and the crew member who had never done this before definitely understood by the end why I have such a passion for sailing.” Il Moro was the first boat to cross the finish line in this year’s race, with a time of two hours and twentythree minutes. The overall winner, in corrected time, was Flying Tiger #37, skippered by Pierre Martin.
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM FRIDAY WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM FRIDAY JUNE 20 2014 • 3
Full-scale teacher’s strike brings early summer holidays
Places of Worship Welcome You
BOWEN ISLAND HOUSE ACCOUN R001810118 BI03
BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH Rev. Shelagh MacKinnon
Service and Sunday School: 10:30 a.m. Collins Hall Bookings: Helen Wallwork Minister of Music: Lynn Williams
FOOD BANK
Parent Denise Nagy stands at a table set up outside BICS with coffee and treats for teachers during the rotating strike. Debra Stringfellow, photo
MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
DROP-OFF
BOWEN ISLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH
Pastor Clinton Neal CHURCH FEATURE 1070 Miller Road 604-947-0384
Service 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m.
ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Mass: 10:30 a.m. Priest: Father James Comey
604-988-6304
CATES HILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260
(661 Carter Rd.)
10:00 a.m. Worship • Sunday School: Tots to Teens Pastor: Dr. James B. Krohn BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY R001809261 BI03
BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY Temporary No Parking There will be no parking along the south side of Bowen Island Trunk Road AND along Dorman Road from the corner to the Village Baker on Tuesday June 24, 2014 from 4:30 am to 5:00 pm due to line painting in the cove. Alternatively please park along the north side of Mount Gardner Road, past the Bowen Island Community School.
BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPAL
Vehicles parked on Bowen Island Trunk Road or Dorman Road after 4:30 am Tuesday June 24, 2014 will be towed at the owner’s expense. Thank you in advance. Public Works
For Information Call 947-4255
It is possible, that if negotiations go well students will be back in class to finish up the school year, but year-end tasks such as the collection of school textbooks, library books and the cleaning-out of desks was completed last Friday at BICS in anticipation of a strike that will not be resolved quickly. Last week, British Columbia’s public school teacher’s voted 85 percent in favour of a full-scale walk-out, which started, officially, on Tuesday. When the rotating strikes began a few weeks ago, some Bowen parents started organizing to show their support for the teachers. Andrea Bastin says that during the last strike, two years ago, she and her husband did coffee runs for the teachers, but this time she wanted to offer a more formal show of support. “We put the word out there and parents immediately responded,” she says. “It was really easy to get people on board with this.” Bastin says that with three of her children at BICS, she’s seen first-hand the way teachers consistently go above and beyond expectations. “I’ve seen teachers take time at lunch, or even wait around until I’m done work just to have a meeting,” says Bastin. “And despite the fact that the Reading Recovery Program has been cut, my son’s teacher has gone out of her way to get him reading and give him the confidence that he needs in order to succeed.” Since Friday, negotiations between the province and the BC Teacher’s Federation have been taking place behind closed doors. Reportedly there has
been some progress on the issue of wage increases with both sides making consessions, but class size and composition remains a sticking point. For Jean Coker, who has two kids at BICS, this is a big reason for supporting teachers in this conflict. “I can see how a lack of support staff can really make a big difference for teachers,” Coker says. “If one kid in the class has social or emotional problems, that can tip the balance for the entire group, and then every kid suffers.” Coker adds that here on Bowen, she feels her kids are somewhat protected from the issue of class composition. “In downtown Vancouver, schools are faced with a greater diversity of needs in terms of kids who need ESL help, and who struggle because of poverty related issues,” says Coker. “I’m sure that if my kids were plopped into one of those classrooms, they’d have a much harder time.” Now that school’s actually out, there are other advantages to being on Bowen. “Parents are working together to help each other out in terms of childcare,” says Bastin, who works full-time from home, adding that for her, the value of public education is far greater than as a service providing free childcare. Bowen Island Recreation has also stepped in to fill the gaps, offering day camps for kids that will run until the official end of school.
Bowen Island Gives (B.I.G!) Annual Fundraising hike up Mount Gardner NATASHA LAROCHE SUBMISSION
Come out and hike up Mt. Gardner on Saturday June 21, 2014 at 10 a.m. for the 3rd annual fundraiser organized by Bowen Island Gives (BIG!). Registration is online at www.bowenislandgives.com or onsite. Buses will be departing from BICS at 9:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 9:45 a.m., After the hike, there will be a celebratory party held at Doc’s featuring live music by local Bowen musicians David Graff and the
Continental Grifters, and the Fatback Players. Funds raised from last year’s event supported the Me to We Youth Leadership Program offered through Bowen Island Community Recreation. Running this July, organizers are pleased to report this program is now oversubscribed! Funds raised through this year’s hike will go to the Bowen Island Community Foundation (BCIF), supporting artistic, cultural, educational, recreational and social projects that are at the heart of our community. Join in the fun on Saturday and support another great cause!
4 • FRIDAY JUNE 20 2014 2014
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Mannion Bay: What does “clean” mean? Dear Editor: This letter is to express our support for the ideas put forth by one of the community members at the Meeting of the Whole (June 9) against the current plan to clean up Mannion Bay. We regret that we were unable to attend the meeting, as it may not have represented the range of users of, and opinions about, the Bay. We are among the very many responsible recreational boat owners with a mooring buoy in the bay who are also friends of Mannion Bay. While we think the idea of cleaning up the bay has merit, we wonder what “clean” actually means. Does it mean testing and requiring repair of malfunctioning septic fields to help reduce the fecal coliform counts in the bay? Does it mean remov-
are unacceptable, the plan to remove a very few residents seems a particularly poor use of scarce municipal finances, and a punishment exceeding the alleged crimes. We, as a community, are much better than that: at least we hope so, for that is why we moved here. We look forward to being part of a productive community dialogue and actions that support the well-being and happiness of all residents of Bowen Island. Any plan for the Bay must encompass the legitimate use of it by responsible, tax-paying, resident recreational boat owners who moor there.
ing derelict boats and others that don’t belong to residents of Bowen Island? If this is the intent of the plan put forth by the Friends of Mannion Bay and the Municipality of Bowen Island, then it is absolutely incumbent upon us to proceed in a cost-effective manner. (We wonder if spending thousands of dollars to remove a few derelict boats is a good use of taxpayer money.) If it means moving out the very small handful of Bowen residents who live aboard boats in Mannion Bay, we respectfully disagree. We believe they belong here, contribute to the community, and indeed, have helped us when our boat came off its mooring during a storm (and we are also aware of other Good Samaritan instances.) While some of the reported behaviours of some who may (or may not) reside on boats in the Bay
Respectfully, Leah Walker and Judson Berry, also friends of Mannion Bay
The Write Stuff. The Undercurrent encourages reader participation in your community newspaper. You must include your full name and a daytime phone number (for verification only). The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity, legality, brevity and taste. Here’s how. To submit a letter to the editor, fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to #102, 495 Government Rd., PO Box 130, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 or email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com. B.C. Press Council. The Undercurrent is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone 1-888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org.
All Advertising and news copy content are copyright of the Undercurrent Newspaper. All editorial content submitted to the Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication. The undercurrent is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, art work and photographs. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.
Signs on the bathroom doors at the fire hall Dear Editor, I laughed when I saw Ron Woodall’s cartoon of the bathroom at the fire hall! In the last month I have had a few conversations regarding women in the fire hall and what has really upset me as people consider the fire hall as just a boy’s club. These men volunteer their time away from their family every Tuesday night. They also go on training week-ends to hone their skills. The volunteer fire fighters carry pagers and are expected to respond to calls no matter what time it is. Over the years my husband has spent many dark nights searching for lost hikers. He has fought house fires which have kept him out till the sun was rising. The worst calls have been when he has found people
#102–495 Bowen Trunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC, V0N 1G0 Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148 Deadline for all advertising and editorial: Monday, 4:00p.m. www.bowenislandundercurrent.com
critically hurt or have passed away. It was a very sad day when the fire department responded to a call to their very own fire chief. The fire department was called when another fellow fireman had a heart attack and they tried to save him. These men were not just fellow firemen but close friends who died. I feel that it undermines our fire department and women who are professional fire fighters when people consider it just a boy’s club. I know there is a female fire fighter and captain for the Surrey department who lives on the island. In the past she has been asked to assist our fire department after a tragic call and has been so helpful as a grief counsellor. I know for a fact that if there are any women who are as qualified as she is, the fire department would definitely consider them. If you are able to
wear the full turn-out gear and can carry a person out of a burning building, if you are willing to give up every Tuesday night and some weekends to train, if you are willing to give up your week-ends to host an open house and other community events, if you are able to drop what ever you are doing when your pager goes off, then you should apply for the Bowen Island Fire Department. If not, then the next time you see a volunteer fire man, just thank them for their service. I would also like to welcome the two newest firemen: Matt Laudrum and Jordan Goodbrand. I am proud to say I have been a fire fighter’s wife for seventeen years. All I can say is, thank you. Nancy Lee
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Art at Endswell, a thank you
Nicolette Mc Intosh and Ann Silberman at the Art at Endswell Auction. Dayna Purdy, photo
Nicolette Mc Intosh of Endswell Farm and Bowen Children’s Centre (BCC) have had a long standing association of many, many years. For a decade the Preschool held their graduation at Endswell where after visiting the animals in the barn, Pat Buchannan hitched up a hay wagon and drove us all to the house where Buck and Nicolette hosted the graduates and teachers to hot dogs and ice cream. Three of Nicolette’s grandchildren graduated from BCC and her daughter Fiona was the Executive Diretor for many years. One of my favorite memories of Nicolette was when she was invited by her grandaughter, Georgia, to attend special person’s night at the Preschool (then located at Collins Hall.) Dressed to the nines, I found her by the easel, leaning over three year old Georgia’s shoulder as she painted and commenting in a favorable fashion on Georgia’s choice of colors. To hear Nicolette, a renowned painter, so encourage her grandaughter, touched me deeply. Georgia is now in her final year at UBC and a fabulous actor. The Board of the Bowen Children’s Centre would like to express their thanks, yet again, to Nicolette Mc Intosh for her tireless efforts and generosity on BCC’s behalf. The paintings and sculpture chosen for Art at Endswell were incredible watch out David, I covet your dragon! We also wish to thank the Bowen Island Community Foundation and especially Julia McCaig whose leadership and organizational skills kept us honest, Dee Elliott of Macdoanld Realty who did everything asked of her and more, The Office, Brian Park of The General Store, the BCC Fundraising team. and last but not least, the superb David Cameron who was the auctioneer of the century! AND to all of you who came, ate, bought and, enjoyed. The BCC Nicolette McIntosh Scholarship for professional development in the arts will be created in your, Nicolette. Thank you. Anne Silberman and the BCC Board
THANK YOU
From the Bowen Building Centre to all the Bowen Islanders and vendors who made our golf tournament a true success.
A little sweat goes a long way Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could simultaneously build our health while building community? Raise our heart rates and raise funds for worthy causes? Aaron’s Run did just that last Saturday June 14. It was all about compassion and generosity and a whole lot of sweat as participants made their way across Bowen Island’s infamously challenging terrain to finish at the Bowfest field for sumptuous refreshments. Along with sponsorship and donations, participants raised $4, 250 for the Aaron Sluggett Memorial Scholarship held by the Bowen Island Community Foundation. Well done all! Congratulations to this year’s $1000 scholarship recipient Annie MacIntosh, we wish you all good things. Last year’s recipient Kiera Schuller presented the scholarship to Annie with a superbly eloquent, heartfelt tribute to the importance of community no matter where we may be in the world. Wise, beautiful words Keira, thank you. There is no official timing for this event, but I wish to recognize the Frost boys for coming out every year and running like the wind. Tim Boyer was 1st in the 5km, and 7 year old Ryan was 1st in the 2km. Well done! A huge thank you to our generous corporate sponsors: Dee Elliott McDonald Realty, Allan Financial, Digitally Hip, The Orchard Recovery, Patti-Jo Weiss of Greater Good Consulting, First Credit Union, Evergreen, The Ruddy Potato, The Dog Ranch, Westland Insurance and McTaggart Water.
Thank you to the following businesses for donating fabulous food and drink: Savoury Island Pie Company, Village Baker, Artisan Eats, The Orchard Recovery and Mctaggart Water. Thank you Doug Jamieson for the very generous donation of Porto Potties, the runners were relieved! Peter King and Robin Butler were our Bus Captains, thank you for delivering everyone to their start lines. Thank you, Phoenix for once again supplying and delivering 19 helium balloons. Dee Elliott, thank you for all the great photos. Finally, it takes a small army of volunteers to make this event happen, many of which have helped every single year. I am honoured by your generous, loyal volunteerism: Hilary Butler, Heather Hodson, Katherine Gish, Sam Knowles, Kate Markhamzantvoort, Dean Maidment, Lynn, Rob Alexandra Forbes, John Reid, Ann Challot, Amrita Sondhi, Erin Little, Graham Ritchie, Lyne Hartle, Lisa Biddlecombe, The Bowen Island Fire Dept, Nancy Joyce, Effron Esseiva, Leah Cline, Doug Hooper, Pam Mathews, Sue Ritchie, Ruth Openshaw, Claire Allen, Christine Walker, Sandra Hull, Shauna Jennings, Jen Hall, Nicola Murray, and Jo Quarry. Together you all make the best of Bowen Island. You are the reason we love it here. The reason we stay. Thank you! Mary Letson, Aaron’s Run Co-Ordinator
Sharon Slugget at the 8km mark of Aaron’s Run. Dee Elliot, photo
Thanks for the generosity and hard work: 26th Annual Round Bowen Race The Bowen Island Yacht Club (BIYC) held it’s 26th Annual Round Bowen Race on Saturday, June 14th with over 130 sailboats entered. This race is the largest single start sailboat race on the west coast and this years start and finish were as exciting as ever! First across the line was Il Moro, first overall in corrected time was Flying Tiger #37 and the first BIYC boat was Topless. The complete results are posted on the Bowen Island Yacht Club website along with some great pictures of the race, courtesy of Sea Snaps. An event such as this requires a great deal of organization and hard work. BIYC Race Committee members Jason Zahara and Pernille Nielsen did a fine job once again, assisted by the other committee members Jonathan Bell and Maria Steernberg, together they put on another great event. Thank you to our race officer John Culter and to Greg Crowe and Joanne Forbes who continue to generously allow us to use their home and deck in Millers Landing as the observation point for the start and finish line, their hospitality is much appreciated. Special thanks to Rondy and Dorothy Dike for all their assistance and support and to Lisa and Kelly O’Sullivan for taking the Race Committee out on their lovely vessel the “Lisa Sea”. The Bowen Island Yacht Club would like to thank our main sponsor Martin Marine, who every year has generously supported our race. Thanks also to
our sponsors Navis Marine Insurance, Thunderbird Marina, Pacific Yachting Magazine, Union Steamship Co. Marina; First Credit Union, North Shore Yacht Works, Evolution Sails; Sea Snaps, Pro-Tech Yacht Services, Bowen Island Golf Club; Evan Williams Bourbon, Howe Sound Brewing and Coca-Cola. This event would not be possible without their generous contributions, ongoing support and the amazing prizes that were donated. Thank you to Chelsea, Oydis and the USSC Marina staff for all their help with docking the boats. Every sailing event is an excuse for a party and this year was no exception. Thanks to Doc Morgan’s Pub who put on a delicious BBQ and to Gasoline and Matches for the great music that had everyone up dancing. Finally a big thank you to all of our hard working volunteers, we could not have done it without you! BIYC Round Bowen Race Committee
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Council approves of environmental assessment to understand Mannion Bay coliform counts bylaw officer, Bonny Brokenshire, notes that in 2012 and 2013, 35 percent of the water samples taken from Mannion Bay contained levels of contamination by fecal coliform bacteria exceeding 200 coliform per 100 millilitres of water, which is the threshold established by the Canadian Recreational Water Guidelines for safe swimming. Last week, council took the step of approving Brokenshire’s recommendation that an environmental assessment be carried out in order to determine the source of the bacteria. “There is a lot of speculation about where these high counts are coming from,” says Brokenshire. “If we want to mitigate this problem, then we need to understand it better. Maybe the reason the coliform counts are so high is because of the birds. If we know this is the case, we can actually do something about it, but at this stage, we really don’t know.” Speculation is something that Scott Burch, who lives on a boat that is occasionally moored in Mannion Bay, is also concerned about. “I keep hearing about this fecal coliform thing and I keep hearing it as a reason to get rid of the boats,” says Burch. “I believe this has become something of a Bowen myth.” In an effort to understand the situation better, Burch graphed all of the numbers gathered during Scott Burch believes that the nickname “Poo Bay” does not accurately reflect the reality of Mannion Bay and its waters. the weekly tests for coliform that were conducted on Burch charted the coliform levels found in tests taken on a weekly basis on Bowen’s main swimming beaches in 2012 Bowen’s main swimming beaches in 2012 and 2013. and 2013 (above). He says the blank spots in the graph indicate places where the Coliform levels are above 1600. “I was actually surprised that they weren’t higher, Scott Burch, graph on Pebbly Beach,” says Burch. “The trend in the samples taken there is well below 200, but there are these huge spikes that are very narrow. When I was In years past, the most popular swimming beaches on Bowen Island were found on the a networking engineer, data analysis was a huge part shores of Mannion Bay. In recent years however, high counts of coliform and fecal coliform in of my job. When I would see huge spikes like that I would see some kind of problem, usually in the Bay’s waters have deterred swimmers, and even earned the bay the nickname, “Poo Bay.” the method of testing.” This is a point Bruce Russell, the founder of the Friends of Mannion Bay group, brings up freBrokenshire says that there are always improvements that can be made to testing. quently in his efforts to drive home the necessity of a major clean-up initiative. According the “Our public works department conducts all of this testing and our resources are finite,” says report outlining possible steps towards a long-term strategy for the Bay, the municipality’s chief Brokenshire. “When we go out and take these samples, there is a protocol: you go knee deep and gather the water just below the surface so that the sediments on the bottom are not disturbed, but the samples are not taken at the same tide level each time, that could make a difference.” For Bob Robinson, superintendent of public works, the answer to the fecal coliform question is straightforward. “We see spikes on busy weekends, on long weekends,” he says. “And Pebbly Beach is not the worst, Snug Cove beach is the worst. If you look at 2010 as an example, the coliform levels at Snug Cove beach on July 5th, right after the long weekend, they were up to 880. One week later that level dropped to 320, and a week after that it fell down to 18, which is close to what it was the week before the long weekend.” Robinson adds that coliform levels at Pebbly Beach are not as dramatic as they are made out to be. “The highest number at Pebbly Beach last summer was 130,” he says. “If the reason for that was the septic systems on shore, I think we would see that number as consistently high, but its not.” continued, PAGE 7 BOWEN ISLAND HOUSE ACCOUN R001810089 BI03
Bowen
Bulletin Board Bulletin Board Last week while playing in the dangerous waters of Bowen island, Lucy got attacked by a shark! (Okay, not actually a shark, more like a stick). After getting her shark vaccinations updated and a few stitches to repair her lacerations, she is ready to head back to the beach.
The Gallery @ Artisan Square Presents Informed by Nature Featuring the work of Kathleen Ainscough & Jennifer Love 27 May – 22 June
The Bowen Butcher Shop on Alderwood Farm Summer Hours
Open Later on the weekends for the summer
1351 Adams Road
We are looking for a care provider for our 2 children, one who has a health concern. The individual should be very compassionate, mature, experienced with children, creative, energetic and able to patiently set reasonable boundaries. The care will primarily need to take place in the applicant’s home, but occasionally in our home. Work days and hours are flexible, would average 2 days in a row per week with a sleepover. The individual must be 19 years of age, willing to Email complete a criminal record check and obtain a valid ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com CPR certificate and preferably have a car and be able to drive. Interested individuals can call 604-947-9922.
Having a garage sale? We’ll post it here!
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To advertise in the Bowen Business Bulletin Board please contact Maureen at 604-947-2442
Electricians
Create your own ads in the Classifieds.
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Understanding fecal coliform counts in Mannion Bay
In this second graph, Scott Burch removed the anomalous data from the previous graph. “Notice that the measurements are all over the place. If a trend can be determined, the trend appears to be down as the summer progresses. This does not make sense to me, but I can only let the data speak for itself. A single measurement hit 170 (the “warning” limit) and it was Mothers Beach, all other measurements were well below the “warning” limit. Given this, I don’t see any problem.” Scott Burch, graph
from PAGE 6 At a council meeting several weeks ago, Councillor Cro Lucas noted that the environmental consulting firm Pottinger-Gaherty, which has a connection to Bowen Island, could provide some insight on the situation in Mannion Bay. The Undercurrent spoke with one of the partners of Pottinger-Gaherty, Will Gaherty, about how someone conducting an environmental assessment might approach the issue of high fecal coliform counts in an area. “Coliforms and fecal coliforms are the bacteria in feces, and testing for them is cheap and relatively easy,” says Gaherty. “These tests are used to indicate whether sewage is present in the water. The problem is, that it is easy to get false positives. Just because coliforms are present in the water doesn’t mean that there is sewage. Coliform bacterias are not unique to humans, so their presence could easily be caused by birds.” Gaherty says there are a battery of other tests that can give more precise information about
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what’s in the water. Testing for coprostanol, for example, which is a biomarker for human fecal matter. Another test that could indicate the leak of sewage from septic systems would look for optical brighteners, which are used in laundry detergents. “The other way to approach this is to simply start asking people,” says Gaherty. “You check out the boats where people are living, and if they don’t have holding tanks you can know for sure what the people on board are doing with their waste. Then you start taking a hard look at the septic systems on shore. The times I’ve been to Bowen, I’ve noticed that because of the hills, the best place to park is often right on the septic bed. The weight of a car can crush the pipes and cause leakage, so that is something to look into.” Bruce Russell says that he supports the municipality’s decision to conduct an environmental assessment to get this issue sorted out. “The Friends of Mannion Bay’s mandate only goes so far but we hope to be a catalyst that can support stopping the contamination of the Bay,” says Russell.
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8 • FRIDAY JUNE 20 2014 2014
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An open garden in June BOWEN ISLAND GARDEN CLUB SUBMISSION
The Bowen Island Garden Club’s Open Garden this month will be hosted by John and Eileen Lord at 391 Salal, on Sunday June 22 from 2p.m. until 4p.m. Stragglers after 4p.m will still be welcome. Visitors should park roadside and walk the drive into the garden. There is limited parking available at the house for those with walking difficulties. There is a small fee for non-members, but memberships can be purchased on site. The property occupies a commanding hill top position looking due south over the Strait of Georgia. At nearly 1000 feet above sea level snow lingers here long after spring has arrived on the coast.
The large fenced garden features a large pond, a bog garden, a gravel garden, cutting beds, a large vegetable garden established in terraced raised planters, and last but not least an orchard. Ground rock is never far from the surface. Flowerbeds flourish only because large quantities of soil and mulch have been shipped in to provide a growing medium. A large greenhouse makes it possible to raise plants from seed. Particularly many of the veggies started life here before transplanting to raised beds. “Our aim is to have a garden in which it is pleasant to relax and enjoy nature. At least for us we have achieved this,” says John.
BC Soccer joins in the fun this year at SoccerFest!
The Order of BICS
Debra Stringfellow, photo
DEBRA STRINGFELLOW SUBMISSION
Front row left - right: Finn, CJ, Joe, Sofie, Amelia, Isobel, Kaelyn, Clayton Back Row left to right: VP Scott Slater, Sarah Haxby, Teagan, Brylie, Chloe, Kamille, Hasina, Cooper , Principal Jennifer Pardee. Missing: Holden, Cole, Claire, Robin Debra Stringfellow, photo
DEBRA STRINGFELLOW CONTRIBUTOR
A successful year end assembly was held on Friday June 13 at BICS, earlier then planned due to the current labour dispute. Students were recognized and thanked for their services, athletic events and contributions to the school. Teachers, staff and volunteers were publicly acknowledged for all their hard work and dedication. There were also a number of sad farewells to staff leaving
BICS next year: Mrs. Rogers, Mrs. Ballou, Ms. Wilcott, Ms. Jessica Cassady and Ms. Laura Sello. The Order of BICS 2014 awards were handed out to eighteen extraordinary students who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. A congratulations to them all. The assembly concluded with highlights of the school year shown with a slideshow of images collected by Sarah Haxby.
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Soccer fever is in the air thanks to the World Cup, such a perfect setting leading up to this years Bowen island Football Club’s annual SoccerFest celebration. Hosted this year in conjunction with BC Soccer, this “grassroots festival” has been designed by BC Soccer to cultivate the game, teach through play and create friendships for our youth within the community. Festivities will start at 1p.m. and run till 6p.m. on Sunday June 22 on the grass and turf fields. This festival is for everybody, newcomers as well as club members are welcome to join in the fun and the best part is - it’s free. With special guests Donn Sparks and Patrick Prele from BC soccer along with former Vancouver Whitecap and current Men’s National team member Ben Fisk this should prove to be the best SoccerFest ever. SoccerFest will be comprised of rotating activities and small sided games which will be played on the grass field. Food will be available to purchase throughout the day. The activity schedule for the grass field is as followed: 1-2 p.m. is the under 11 boys and girls, 2 - 3:30p.m. will be the under 15 boys and girls and from 3:30 - 4:30pm the under 6 and under 8 boys and girls. The turf field will be reserved for coed games. From 1:30 - 3:30 adult coed semi final games 1 and 2 will be played out. From 3:30 to 4:30 the youth coed game will be underway and from 4:30 - 5:30pm the adult coed final game will determine the winner of this years wooden trophy and champions of the coed league. Come out and cheer these teams on, its sure to be a crowd pleaser and an inspiration for the kids. BIFC definitely has lots to be proud of this year, aside from all the structural improvements to the club many personal accomplishments have been realized for the youth. Next season some of our finest players will be moving up to play Gold. They include: Justin Walker, Thomas Bement, Finn Corrigan-Frost, Andrew Ruloff, Spencer Beatty, Aure Barrera, Greg Pennington and Tobin Sparling. Playing Metro we have Cole Jennings and Dawson Taylor and finally playing at the BC HPL (High Performance League) is Molly Quarry. For such a small club this is a huge success and congratulations to them all. Registration is open for next years league teams as well as the youth coed development groups, to register visit www.bowenfc.com. We wish to express our deep appreciation to BC Soccer for agreeing to host a Grassroots Festival on Bowen during SoccerFest.
Irly Bird golf charity event sets records MARCUS HONDRO CONTRIBUTOR
The Irly Bird’s Spring Fling Golf Tournament raises funds for children’s charities on island and is driving toward becoming one of the premier events on Bowen’s calendar. The 7th annual tourney Sunday June 8, and while the numbers aren’t all in, organizers said the total raised will exceed $12,000. That will be the highest total to date and another record set this year was the number of golfers: 180 island and off-island players took part in the Texas Scramble/Best Ball shotgun format and the Bowen Island Golf Club saw more golfers on the day than it likely ever has in any other single day, with 3 flights of 60 golfers, one each at 9a.m., noon and in the afternoon at 3p.m. Bob Miller of the Irly Bird said many off-island golfers marvelled at seeing deer and eagles as they played and duffers and experienced golfers alike praised the course itself, saying it’s a beautiful a ninehole course as they have played. While a lot of teams came in with great scores on a challenging course, this tournament was not strictly about golf. “It’s really a big social event that happens to involve golf and it was absolutely perfect,” Miller said. “The weather was great, the course was fantastic and the dinner from Glenn Cormier and everyone at the pub was tremendous. Win or lose, you’re sure
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to have a wonderful time and raise money for a great cause.” Over 200 showed up for the dinner and afterwards every golfer got a prize as dozens of local and off-island businesses and customers of the Irly Bird made donations to the prize table. Ardent golfer, and socialiser, Dean Nickle said their group had a great day. “The tournament was terrific and so was the dinner,” Nickle said. “It was a herculean effort by the Irly Bird and we’re grateful.” There were, of course, winners in the tournament and the foursome that came out with the top score of 28 and took the Peter Schmidt Memorial Trophy (a.k.a. The Silver Fox trophy) was made up of Alice Jennings, Deb McGillivray, Harvey Hubball and Glen McGregor. At the other end, a 44 from the plucky Pat Adams along with Audrey Shirley, Josephine Riley and Greta Smith won the race for last place. Peter Moir won the putting event. The Irly Bird also paid for 10 junior memberships for young golfers and gave them away by lottery. Among the winners were brothers Clayton and Wyatt ‘the Riot’ Miller and Jewel Minoose and her brother Romeo. Miller noted that all of the staff at the Building Centre donate time and effort to the tournament and said that the Irly Bird is “proud of what we’re able to accomplish with our staff and sponsors, we’re a small organization and we work hard at it and we enjoy putting it on.”
Co-ed Basketball is back!! One of the many Specialty camps being offered this summer
Debra Stringfellow, photo
DEBRA STRINGFELLOW CONTRIBUTOR
Its fun, the kids love it and yes its great exercise, co-ed basketball is back with the help and guidance from 3D Basketball Academy. One of the most anticipated specialty camps being offered this summer through the Bowen Community Recreation, this organization is dedicated to developing skills and positive competitive attitudes towards the sport of basketball. 3D Basketball commute over to Bowen specifically to coach our youth and to provide an opportunity to improve skills and overall game play. All skill levels are welcome all that’s required is a little passion for the game. Customized clinics will teach players the proper techniques behind shooting from different positions on the court, ball handling, dribbling, passing and defending. This camp is for the older kids ages 10-13 yrs and will run July 7th - 11th (Monday - Friday) from 9am-4pm in the BICS gymnasium. Spaces fill up fast so don’t wait to register for this popular specialty camp.
Summer Reading Club is “Funny Business” BOWEN ISLAND LIBRARY SUBMISSION
Golfers and diners at the Irly Bird charity golf tournament: (left to right) Kim Nattress, Mark Groen, Coral Louie, Chris Bell, Tom Roocroft, Christine Roocroft. Marcus Hondro, photo
McKenna, Saxon and Sawyer enjoy Bowen Tourism’s Pancake breakfast on Saturday morning. Bowen Island Tourism, photo
School is out (a little earlier than expected) and summer reading season is here once again. Bowen Island Public Library is offering a variety of summer programs for kids from 5-18. Programs are flexible enough for any reader and include at-home reading booklets, in-library weekly events, and an online teen reading club. So stop by, call us (947-9788) or email Nikky (src@bowenlibrary.ca) for more information. Summer reading has many benefits. By reading for just fifteen minutes a day, students are able to maintain and even improve their reading level over the summer months. Reluctant readers often become more motivated to read because they are allowed to read at their own pace and have the freedom to choose what they want to read. Summer reading club at the library provides the support of expert library staff and a fun, prize-filled atmosphere. After signing up for summer reading booklets at the library desk, summer readers earn stickers by completing daily reading. There are prizes for each week of reading and a medal for children who complete the entire fifty days of reading. Summer reading booklets are available for kids between 5 and 13. The library will also be offering two in-person reading clubs, with book recommendations, crafts, games, and drama activities. Super Summer Readers is for kids from 5-9 and BeTWEEN the Lines is for kids from 9-13. The theme of both clubs is “funny business” including jokes, riddles, comics, and offbeat and humorous books. Schedules and registration information is available on the Bowen Island Public Library website at www.bowenlibrary.ca. Teens can participate in the “Time Travel” online teen reading club at teenrc. ca, where they can safely post reviews, share creative writing and win prizes! This year’s grand prize is 16 GB iPad mini There will be an online visit from Marissa Meyer, author of the popular Lunar Chronicles, on July 22. The library would also like to offer an in-person book club for teens. Contact summer reading coordinator Nikky McCarvill at src@bowenlibrary.ca if you are interested in having a teen book club. More than 85,000 kids from across the province participate in summer reading club each year. It is sponsored by the British Columbia Library Association with assistance from the Ministry of Education, Libraries Branch and the RBC Foundation. The Bowen Island Library is fortunate to have additional support from Friends of Bowen Island Library, who have provided funding for program supplies and weekly prizes.
10 • FRIDAY JUNE 20 2014 2014
On the calendar
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A close encounter with our underwater neighbours
SUNDAY CONTINUED: Soccer Fest 1p.m. - 6p.m. at BICS soccer fields Everyone welcome!
FRIDAY JUNE 20
Youth Centre drop-in 6pm - 9pm
SATURDAY JUNE 21
Bowen Island Garden Club Open Garden at 391 Salal Road 2p.m. - 4p.m.
Crippen Stewardship Group Weed Warriors We will meet at the bridge at the mouth of Davie’s Creek (at nearby picnic table in field). Everyone welcome. Tools and gloves provided. Bring your water supply and come and work off your frustrations in good company! 10a.m. - 1p.m
Tir-na-nOg Theatre School’s 5th Annual PLAY WRITE JAM at 2pm Two plays by three young playwrites: Ellie’s World & The Adventures of April & May
MONDAY JUNE 16
B.I.G. Hike up Mount Gardner, all proceeds go towards the Bowen Island Community Foundation Register at: www.bowenislandgives. com
Caring Circle walking group 10a.m. contact the Caring Circle at 604 - 947-9100 or info@caringcircle.ca
TUESDAY JUNE 17
Small Mart Donut Madness Day $1 each for one day only, with plenty of variety to choose from!
AA Meeting Collins Hall 7:15pm
Strawberry Tea at the Bowen Island United Church 10am - 4pm, free admission
Duplicate Bridge at the hall at Bowen Court. For more info call Irene Wanless 9472955
First Farmer’s Market 9:30am - 12:30pm at BICS
THURSDAY JUNE 19
Youth Centre drop-in 6pm - 9pm
Youth Centre drop-in 6pm - 9pm
SATURDAY JUNE 28
Strawberry Tea at the Bowen Island United Church 10am - 4pm, free admission BIHORA celebrates the opening of a new Westside connector riding trail with baked goods just north of Westside road on the east side of Bowen Bay road.
Tunstall Bay Community Summer Yard Sale: A Social Event, Curios, Building Materials, Appliances, Tools, Electronics, Books, Audio-Visuals, Household Items and things you don’t need, but want… 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Lower Tennis Court
PLEASE SEND US THE TIME, DATES AND LOCATIONS OF YOUR UPCOMING EVENTS WITH THE SUBJECT HEADING: CALENDAR editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS Dr. Dana Barton
Naturopathic Physician 596 B. Artisan Square
604-730-1174 Natural Family Medicine
Dr. Susanne Schloegl M.D.
Open Mon. Wed. Thurs. Fri.
Call for an appointment Artisan Square
604-947-9986
BOWEN ISLAND WELLNESS CENTRE 604-947-9755 CATHERINE SHAW
Dr. Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncturist Registered Massage Therapist (Available Mondays through Fridays)
www.leachchiro.com
604-947-9830 CALL FOR APPOINTMENT OPEN TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS
Diana Romer MEd, RCC
Dr. Gloria Chao
Bowen and West Van offices
Artisan Square • 604-947-0734 Alternate Fridays 10am-4:30pm
595B Artisan Lane Tuesdays Call for an appointment
(778) 828-5681
ToCOUNSELLING advertiseTHERAPIST on the Health Page 604.290.6407
Deromer@shaw.ca call 604-947-2442 www.clearhorizon.ca
MARY MCDONAGH
Family Dentist
Horseshoe Bay • 604-921-8522 www.bowenislanddental.com
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BLOOD TESTS, URINE TESTS OR ECGS
6:45 - 9:00 A.M. EVERY THURSDAY DR. ZANDY'S OFFICE
Melanie Mason, photo
MELANIE MASON CONTRIBUTOR
An incredible array of interesting sea creatures was collected from the murky waters off the Mt. Gardner Dock on Saturday afternoon much to the amazement and awe of many little curious Bowen Islanders. Twenty-four volunteer divers, educators and biologists from the Marine Life Sanctuaries Society collected creatures for viewing on shore including: jellyfish, a variety of sea stars, nudibranchs, clams, crabs, a sea cucumber and a firm favourite among all the children were the three Giant Pacific Octopus. Added to this mix were also a few interesting fish like the long eel like Saddleback Gunnel and the Plainfish Midshipman. The divers gently placed all collected specimens in mobile sea water tanks that had been set up on shore. It was a lovely scene to watch as young children formed rings around the tanks with parents hovering behind, while the beach educators described the various creatures scuttling around the water tanks. The fact that the tanks were eye level for even the youngest child, were organised by species and overseen by such enthusiastic volunteers made it hard to
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BOWEN ISLAND Snug Cove
5:30 am ** 6:30 am 7:30 am * 8:35 am 9:35 am # 10:35 am 11:40 am 12:45 pm 3:10 pm 4:15 pm † 5:15 pm 6:20 pm 7:20 pm * 8:15 pm # 9:10 pm 10:05 pm
VANCOUVER Horseshoe Bay
6:00 am 7:00 am * 8:00 am 9:05 am# † 10:05 am 11:05 am 12:10 pm 2:35 pm 3:45 pm 4:45 pm 5:50 pm 6:50 pm 7:50 pm * 8:40 pm # 9:40 pm
Distance: 3 NAUTICAL MILES Crossing Time: 20 MINUTES
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A diver gives curious participants a close look at a Grunt Sculpin before dropping it into a mobile sea tank.
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SUNDAY JUNE 22
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DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAYS
coax children onto neighbouring tanks. See through jellyfish that glow at night with phosphorescence, sea stars larger than the children heads, and alien like sea cucumbers all made for a captive audience. Organizer Adam Taylor’s enthusiasm and incredible knowledge about the ocean really brought the day to life and even before a single creature had been brought up from the depths he was already imparting knowledge about the algal bloom responsible for the brown murky water and the vital importance of this event in the life cycle of Howe Sound. Over the course of two hours divers wearing their thick wetsuits kept renewed interest in the water tanks as they brought new specimens to add. One diver described the experience of diving in the algal bloom like diving on Mars, while another said it was sort of like night diving. Hugo James (aged 5) was hard pressed to decide what was more interesting, the sea creatures or all the divers and their tanks that kept emerging in front of him. On such a busy weekend for many families the event was still a firm favourite with more than 100 people coming out; it was also a great location to watch the Around the Island Race as the yachts sailed by with Hutt Island in the background. BOWEN ISLAND HOUSE ACCOUN R003800972 BI03 HIGH FEET LOW FEET
weekend weather
**
DAILY EXCEPT SAT, SUN & MAY 19, JUL 1, AUG 4, SEPT 1 & OCT 13
† THE WEDNESDAY SAILINGS WILL BE REPLACED BY DANGEROUS CARGO SAILINGS. NO OTHER PASSENGERS PERMITTED.
Fri.
00:18 15.4 13:12 11.2
07:19 18:31
5.9 7.5
Sat.
01:02 15.1 14:48 11.5
08:15 19:42
4.9 8.9
Sun. 01:46 14.4 16:07 12.5
09:08 20:57
3.9 9.8
Mon. 02:30 14.1 17:10 13.1
09:56 3.3 22:06 10.2
Tues. 03:15 13.8 18:01 13.8
10:42 2.6 23:05 10.5
Wed. 03:59 13.8 18:44 14.4
11:26 2.6 23:56 10.5
Thurs. 04:41 13.5 19:22 14.4
12:06
Tides
*
DAILY EXCEPT SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS
TIDES
Mix of sun and clouds
H:19 L:9
2.3
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12 • FRIDAY JUNE 20 2014 2014
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A taste of Bowen (last weekend)
Kayakers depart Snug Cove in this year’s Round Bowen Challenge. Bowen Island Museum and Archives, photo
The babies of 2013 and their parents who braved the rain for the annual Pheonix Baby Shoot. Dayna Purdy, photo
River Soloway takes the wheel of a fire truck at the Fire Hall Open House on Saturday. Tamara Soloway, photo
THE CAPE ON BOWEN R001809259 BI03
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THE CAPE ON BOWEN
Call to arrange your private site tour: 1.866.710.0003 Presentation Centre located at 1147 Homer Street, downtown Vancouver.