FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26 2014 VOL. 41, NO. 38
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Encounters and appearances This summer’s happenings in local waters
An ode to the atmosphere
The first in a series of essays on climate change
Not quite a treasure hunt
IPS students help clean-up our beaches
Report examines feasability of composting green waste locally MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
Back in May, when council rejected a request for $10,000 to study the feasibility of using the Gore Composting method to process Bowen’s domestic organic wasteon island, the Knick Knack Nook stepped in with funding. The resulting report, written by Mateo Ocejo of Net Zero Waste, says that setting up a composting facility on Bowen could save money in comparison to shipping it off, but that the small scale does present challenges to its cost-effectiveness. Members of the Bowen Island Football Club, under-six squad warm up during a practice on “The green waste collected from Monday. Their coaches, Deidre Farah (right) and Neil Dawe are being assisted by youth mentor residences on Bowen is not weighed, coaches including Escher Lorenz, above. but I had to assume that 1,000 Meribeth Deen, photo tonnes of waste could be collected per year, even though it is probably somewhat less than that, currently,” says Ocejo, who spent a day on Bowen touring potential composting sites and also the recycling depot. “The smaller the volume of waste you are processing, the higher the cost. But when you consider future ing his disagreement with the report’s findings. In par- growth as well as buy-in and other MERIBETH DEEN ticular, Stone said that report did not factor in the eco- opportunities that come up as the EDITOR system starts running, it is fair to say nomic downturn, a fluctuating Canadian dollar, fewer that the amount of waste the comvisits from the US, increased fuel prices, and reduced On Wednesday morning, community leaders attendmunity has to process will increase business travel as impacting traffic on BC Ferries. ing the Union of BC Municipality’s (UBCM) annual Larose says that he used statistical controls to ensure over time.” convention in Whistler voted unanimously in supOcejo says that he recommends those factors were not to blame for the downturn in port of a resolution requesting the province of British that municipalities trying to get more ferry traffic. Columbia to reverse changes made to ferry services and organic waste out of the regular gar“Every other form of transportation in British fares in April 2014. bage system conduct a waste audit. Columbia saw growth between 2003 and 2013,” says The request is based on data collected in a study on “You take ten homes at random Larose. “If external factors were to blame, it wouldn’t the socio-economic impacts on changes to the ferry and open up their garbage. By just be BC Ferries that saw a decline.” system called, “Boatswains to the Bollards.” The study weighing the garbage, you can estiBowen Island councilor Tim Rhodes says that he is was conducted by an independent consultant hired by ecstatic about outcome of the UBCM vote on this issue. mate how much organic waste is in the UBCM, Peter Larose. “We are hoping, that moving forward the ministry will there,” he says. “From there, when Prior to the vote, Larose spoke to a crowd of delthe garbage is collected you have start to work with coastal communities on short term egates, mostly from ferry dependent communities, in the collectors leave what we call a mitigations and long-term transportation solutions.” defense. The provincial Minister of Transportation, love-note to the residents if they Todd Stone, wrote a four page letter to the UBCM statdo things like wrap their organics
Union of BC Municipality members vote unanimously in support of resolution on BC Ferries
in plastic, or throw diapers into the green bin. The note explains why they did not pick up the bin – this is part of the education process.” Ocejo says that as the composting facility starts operating and churning out a high quality product, buy-in tends to increase. “When people are the beneficiaries of the high quality fertilizer produced from this process, they tend to consider what they’re putting into it more closely. You start peeling the stickers off your fruit before you throw them into the bin, you stop throwing your banana peels in the garbage.” The city of Abbottsford started running a Gore Composting facility in January of 2013, and diversion rates from the regular waste stream increased monthly for the first six months. The system is also predicted to save the city $300, 000 in its first year of operation. In his report, Ocejo says that after donating 500 yards of finished compost and soil products to schools and community groups on Bowen, more than $20,000 in revenues could be generated through the annual sale of compost and soil products. Ocejo says that composting facilities of a similar size are up and running (in Sechelt, and Cumberland) but if Bowen were to go forward with creating a composting facility, it would be the first island to do so. “Both Pender and Saltspring are looking into this system, because the costs of shipping waste to the mainland is going up alongside ferry costs,” says Ocejo. “Bowen is a step-ahead. Moving forward would require public support to make the investment, but it would pay itself off quickly.” continued, PAGE 8
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE is hereby given that Bowen Island Municipal Council will hold a public hearing for the purpose of allowing the public to make representations on the following proposed bylaw: • Bylaw No. 367, 2014 cited as “Bowen Island Municipality Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 Amendment Bylaw No. 367, 2014” The Public Hearing will be held on:
Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Municipal Hall, 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC. At the public hearing, all persons who believe that their interest in property is affected by the proposed bylaw shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be heard or to present written submissions respecting matters contained in the proposed bylaw. Subject Property: 993 and 995 Dorman Road and 479 Bowen Island Trunk Road Lot A, Block A, District Lot 777, Plan 5523 477 Bowen Island Trunk Road And Lot 5, Block A, District Lot 777, Plan 5523
BIM PUB
Purpose: The purpose of Bylaw No. 367, 2014 is to amend Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 by rezoning the lands shown as hatched above from Village Commercial 1 – VC1 (Lot 5) and Village Commercial 1(a) – VC1(a) (Lot A) to Comprehensive Development Zone 20 (CD 20). Based on the Village Commercial 1 – VC 1 Zone, the CD 20 Zone would add “Pub” as a permitted use on Lot 5, in addition to the uses currently permitted within the VC1 zone. The CD 20 Zone would provide for the mixed use redevelopment of the property permitting a maximum of 12 attached dwellings, and one Pub. The maximum height of a principal building would be increased from 9 metres to 11 metres within 20 metres of Bowen Island Trunk Road and 13 metres beyond 20 metres. The bylaw would provide for relaxation of interior side yard setbacks and a reduction in parking for non-residential uses from one space 40 m2 to 60 m2. The current maximum lot coverage of 75% and the maximum floor space ratio of 1.6 would be retained. Only non-residential uses would be permitted on ground floors accessible off of Bowen Island Trunk Road and Dorman Road. The Zone would also permit one free-standing sign not exceeding 2m2 which may include community notices. A copy of the proposed bylaw and any background material that may be considered by Bowen Island Municipal Council in respect of the proposed bylaw, may be inspected at Bowen Island Municipal Hall, 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, inclusive, excluding statutory holidays, or on the BIM website at www.bimbc.ca commencing Friday, September 12, 2014. Written submissions may be delivered to: • Bowen Island Municipal Hall in person or by mail to 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC, V0N 1G2 or by fax: 604-947-0193 prior to 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 30, 2014; or • to Bowen Island Municipal Council at the Public Hearing at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 30, 2014. Inquiries regarding the proposed bylaw may be directed to Judy McLeod, Planning Consultant at 604-947-4255 or by email at jmcleod@bimbc.ca. NO REPRESENTATIONS WILL BE RECEIVED BY THE BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Digital tools help to grow vacation rentals market MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
Purveyors of accommodation on Bowen Island had a typically busy summer this year, with those who are a part of the Accommodations Association being booked up into midSeptember by mid-July. Thirty-four property-owners on Bowen are now renting out their homes (or portions of their homes) through the website Airbnb. People offering up their properties seem to agree that this site, and other digital tools, are opening-up Bowen to a whole new market of people who might not have discovered it. For Jan Stevens, the head of the Bowen Island Accommodations Association, the website VRBO.com (Vacation Rentals By Owner) is where she gets most of her clients, but she still has her own properties, and those she manages, on Airbnb. “For me, if I get a customer through Airbnb it is incidental. I’m happy to have that business but I don’t rely on it,” she says. “I think people who go to Airbnb are looking for something different than what I’m offering, they’re looking for cheaper accommodations. But what is clear to me is that there’s a gap, in the mid-priced places to stay. It is very clear, when you are looking at these sites that the price-point for places to stay jumps from $175 or $180 per night to $550.” Overall, Stevens says she feels optimistic about the continued growth of the accommodations business on Bowen, and with that, she is investing in the upgrade of her properties with major renovations. Anna Mann, of Seven Hills Bed and Breakfast, started business late this summer because the unit she rents out
was undergoing renovations until midJuly. “After that, we could’ve been booked 100 percent, but I had other things to do, so we let the unit go unoccupied for a while,” says Mann, who has been running her bed and breakfast for twenty years. Seven Hills’ clientele, says Mann, are people looking for affordable accommodations, and looking mostly to relax or go hiking. “The growth of the internet can only be considered a boost for us,” says Mann. “And the best part is, I feel like the people who come to stay with us are better matches because of the descriptions, and the reviews.” This is a sentiment echoed by Kelly Matzen, who started renting the suite below her place this past spring simply because of the opportunity presented by Airbnb. “You can really vet people,” she says. “And there’s an accountability factor. We had such a great success right off the bat that we raised the rates. That’s going to shift to something lower now, with the winter coming.” For Matt Maxwell, there are a host of online tools that have made running his rental business easier. “Six months ago, I switched to a cloud-based reservation system that synchs with the calendars I’m using on either Airbnb, VRBO, or even iCal,” he says. “That makes things easer for me. But the tools that exist now to reach out to people, they provide the opportunity for people to discover Bowen who otherwise would not. I had a couple stay at my place from Switzerland, for example, and they planned their entire tour of the West Coast through Airbnb. My business has been fairly consistent on a year to year basis, but these tools are definitely helping me to build.”
BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY R001870529 BI03
Members Requested for the BIM Transportation Advisory Committee Bowen Island Municipal Council is requesting applications from members of the public interested in joining the Bowen Island Municipal Transportation Advisory Committee (BIMTAC). The Committee provides advice and recommendations to Council and staff on transportation services to, from and on Bowen Island and to ensure that transportation services meet the needs of the Bowen Community. Please visit the Committee’s page on the BIM website for more information, including the Terms of Reference: http://www.bimbc.ca/content/transportation-advisory-committee-0
BIM
Those interested in sitting on BIMTAC are asked to fill out an application form: https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentDisplay.aspx?Id=37770 Please submit your completed application via email, fax or regular mail by Monday, October 6th at 4:00 pm. to: Hope Dallas, Committee Clerk Bowen Island Municipality 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 EMAIL: hdallas@bimbc.ca WEBSITE: www.bimbc.ca PHONE: 604-947-4255 FAX: 604-947-0193
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FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26 2014 • 3
2014: A strange summer in Howe Sound MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
The First Credit Union celebrated the grand opening of its new location this week. From left, Alison Morse, Kevin Manning, Gerry Wray, Murray Atherton, Cro Lucas, and First Credit Union CEO Dave Craig. Peter Rankin stands behind Murray Atherton. Meribeth Deen, photo
2014 GENERAL LOCAL ELECTIONS In order to allow mail ballot voting for qualified electors, Bowen Island Municipality will be utilizing Lists of Registered Electors for both resident electors and non-resident property electors during the 2014 Local Government Election. The Municipality is using the current Provincial Voters List prepared by Elections BC as the List for residents and has prepared a List for non-resident property electors.
ADVANCE ELECTOR REGISTRATION Are you eligible to vote in the November elections for Bowen Island Municipality on Saturday, November 15, 2014? Is your name on the current list of electors? If you are not sure you can find out by calling, emailing or visiting the Bowen Island Municipal Hall at 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays).
Until last week, Suzanne Schloegel had never seen a humpback whale in the waters around Bowen. When it finally happened, she was a little too panicked to take a good look. “It was a little bit too exciting,” she says, recalling her swim to the rock roughly 700 metres off Tunstall Bay beach last Monday. “I wish I hadn’t been so freaked out, it would’ve been neat to really watch it.” Schloegel swims to the rock and back several times a week, for most of the year. On Monday, Cindy Fairbanks joined her for the first time. On the way back in to the beach, the women heard a loud blow behind them, and Schloegel says she saw the water blow from the corner of her eye. “I didn’t want to turn my back to it, so I started swimming on my back and just wanted to get out of there,” she says. “What I did see was a huge dorsal fin. Once we got back to the shore, it was clear that other people heard the whale, too. There were kayaks and a motor boat heading out to get a look. A little while later, the people in the motor boat confirmed that what we encountered was definitely a humpback.” While Schloegel’s encounter with the humpback is particularly exceptional and sightings of the massive mammals in our waters are still something people get excited about, their presence here has been noted several years in a row, now. According to the Cetacean Sighting’s Network, humpback sightings in Howe Sound are down this year, as compared to last, but researchers still believe their population is growing. What has stirred more excitement among scientists at the aquarium this summer, but what would not be apparent from the shoreline, were four reports by divers of Sixgill sharks in Howe Sound, with one of those reports coming from the Hutt Island (just north-west of Bowen). “Until 2010, sighting a Sixgill shark in this area was unheard of. They were spotted once in 2011, and once in 2012, but four sightings in one summer is remarkable,” says Dr. Jeff Marliave, the Vice President of Marine Sciences with the Vancouver Aquarium. He adds that normally, these creatures live at depth of about three thousand feet, but seem to be coming up to shallower waters. “These are some of the oldest vertebrate life-forms around. They are very big, very, slow and have a long flat tail with no dorsal fin – so you know when you see one. But we know so little about them, so I don’t like to speculate why they are coming up closer to the surface.” continued, PAGE 7
Advance elector registration will be accepted at Bowen Island Municipal Hall until September 23, 2014. With the exception of registration on voting days, elector registration will not be accepted during the period of September 24, 2014 through to November 15, 2014 inclusive.
ELECTOR QUALIFICATIONS RESIDENT ELECTORS: NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY ELECTORS: • a Canadian citizen; AND • age 18 years or older; AND • a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration; AND • a resident of Bowen Island for at least 30 days before the day of registration; AND • not disqualified by any enactment from voting in an election or otherwise disqualified by law.
• a Canadian citizen; AND • age 18 years or older; AND • a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration; AND • a registered owner of real property on Bowen Island for at least 30 days immediately before the day of registration; AND • not entitled to register as a resident elector; AND • not disqualified by any enactment from voting in an election or otherwise disqualified by law. • If there is more than one registered owner of the property, only one of those individuals may, with the written consent of the majority of the owners, register as a nonresident property elector.
BIM REG LIST OF REGISTERED ELECTORS
Beginning Tuesday, September 30, 2014 until the close of general voting for the election on Saturday, November 15, 2014, a copy of the Lists of Registered Electors (resident and Non-resident property electors) will, upon signature, be available for public inspection at Bowen Island Municipal Hall during regular office hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays). An elector may request that their address or other information about them be omitted from or obscured on the List of Electors.
OBJECTION TO REGISTRATION OF AN ELECTOR An objection to the registration of a person whose name appears on the list of registered electors may be made in accordance with the Local Government Act until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 10, 2014. An objection must be in writing and may only be made by a person entitled to be registered as an elector of Bowen Island Municipality and can only be made on the basis that a person whose name appears on the list of electors has died or that a person whose name appears on the list of electors is not qualified to be registered as an elector of Bowen Island Municipality
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on these matters, the following persons may be contacted:
Kathy Lalonde Casey Grundy Chief Election Officer Deputy Chief Election Officer Bowen Island Municipality
981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, B.C. V0N 1G0 Tel: 604-947-4255 Fax: 604-947-0193 E-mail: cgrundy@bimbc.ca
2014 GENERAL LOCAL ELECTIONS NOTICE OF NOMINATION Public Notice is given to the electors of the Bowen Island Municipality that nominations for the offices of: MAYOR – one (1) to be elected COUNCILLORS – six (6) to be elected ISLANDS TRUST TRUSTEES – two (2) to be elected will be received by the Chief Election Officer/Deputy Chief Election Officer, as follows:
9:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 30, 2014 To 4:00 p.m. Friday, October 10, 2014 during regular office hours and excluding Statutory Holidays and weekends at: Bowen Island Municipal Hall 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2
BIM NOM
Candidate Information packages, containing the appropriate nomination forms and procedures, are available at Bowen Island Municipal Hall during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE A person is qualified to be nominated, elected, and to hold office as a member of local government if they meet the following criteria: • Canadian citizen; • 18 years of age or older on general voting day, Saturday, November 15, 2014; • Resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day nomination papers are filed; • Not disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from being nominated for, being elected to or holding the office, or be otherwise disqualified by law. FURTHER INFORMATION on the foregoing may be obtained by contacting:
Kathy Lalonde Casey Grundy Chief Election Officer Deputy Chief Election Officer Bowen Island Municipality 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, B.C. V0N 1G0 Tel: 604-947-4255 Fax: 604-947-0193 E-mail: cgrundy@bimbc.ca
4 • FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26 2014
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Published by Bowen Island Undercurrent a division of LMP Publication Limited Partnership, #102 - 495 Government Rd. Bowen Island, B.C. V0N 1G0
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EDITORIAL
Before we cast our ballots MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
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.
Since the last municipal election, when 1,920 out of the 2,292 eligible voters on Bowen Island cast their ballots, countless hours of meetings, both open and closed, have been clocked at our Municipal Hall. Plenty has changed over the past three years, and some of that change even comes as a result of what has been said and decided by our elected representatives. Before we, the highly engaged electorate of Bowen Island, can make our decision about who we want to have sitting at the table to debate and decide our community’s future, we need to know who’s willing to take on the job. Rumours are swirling, but no-doubt, potential candidates are taking the time to contemplate the road ahead if they decide, in the end, to run. If they know what they are in for, they’ll be asking themselves if they are up for the job where one meeting melds into the next, where workdays have no particular end, and where the wrath of the general public (who could be your next door neighbour) is more a
pretty well the only guarantee. Once we know who’s willing to put themselves out there and run for mayor and council, the electorate will have more homework to do. Figuring out whose values and priorities align with yours is just one part of this. Determining who has the patience to do all the listening required to make good decisions for the island, and who has the fortitude to keep thinking independently, and speaking honestly, is the tougher part. Here at the Undercurrent, we hope to provide you with information that can help as you do your homework. In order to do this, we will not only bring you week to week coverage, but also, we will host a public meeting for candidates for council, and a mayoral debate. Bowen Island is undoubtedly headed towards another election with an impressive rate of voter turn-out. Hopefully, the voters will not only head to the polls, but also do so with the confidence and the belief that this election will bring our island strong leaders who can forge a path we feel good about.
Dear Editor, In response to the “no-brainer” solution for ferry line-up congestion that was featured in the September 12 issue of the Undercurrent, I am glad that we are pitching solutions for the issue. However, converting parking spaces into ferry lanes is not going to solve congestion: it is going to make it worse. Imagine the nightmare whenever this transition from parking to line-up is about to take place: parked cars desperately trying to pull out before their spaces become a line-up; last-minute cars trying to dash into stores before it’s too late; and confused or unaware drivers throughout. And this transition will happen every workday, presumably in the early morning darkness, while visibility and driver alertness are at their lowest. Imagine that same situation during the summer months, when most of the drivers will be tourists. I don’t need to tell you that this is a recipe for disaster. It’s some kind of “nobrainer,” that’s for sure. Sincerely, Alex Sarra-Davis
A wonderful day of tributes to our wonderful brother, Bob Thank you! Sunday, September 21 we held a gathering at the Legion for the many friends and family of our brother Bob, so that we could all share out thoughts on his life well lived. He fought his battle with cancer with dignity and encouraged so many others, who find themselves in the same fight, to “NEVER EVER GIVE UP.” Bob was one of those people who gave to others with kindness and caring. He will live on in the hearts of all of us. As Bob’s brothers and on behalf of Angie, Courtney, Jamie and Charlee, we wanted to say thanks to each of the more than 400 friends that came out to help the family celebrate his life. The legion turned out to be too small to hold the number of people at the gathering. This was testimony of friends and Bowen Islanders who cared for him. We want to thank the staff at the Legion who looked after all the details of the afternoon and made the day so relaxed and natural. The firemen from Bowen showed up in solidarity, in uniform and with the trucks parked out front. This was appreciated, as Bob loved his life as a volunteer. Thanks for your support, financial help and looking out for the back of one of your own. As the afternoon wound down and while we gathered around the bar to share a beer and raised our glasses in a toast to Bob, we also must remember to say thanks to those who brought the great food including the smoked salmon to munch on. Thanks to those that made a donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network by buying some of the art cards of Bobby’s photography. Over $1000 was raised to go towards cancer research and donations to fight this Cancer are still coming in. And thanks to Jeff and Ken who spoke on behalf of Brian, Marni, Charlie, Jamie Kate, Zach and Richard who delivered a touching message on behalf Jack; you shared so many funny as well as sincere thoughts plus great memories of Bobby. We will always remember the sparkle in Bobby’s eye and his enduring smile. He was a great friend. Thanks again everyone for making last Sunday a special day.
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“No brainer” idea does not sound smart
Jim & Nick Clarke
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We’re home: with determination and many helping hands Dear Editor, A project like the infill building on Dorman Road that houses the new branch of First Credit Union doesn’t come easily. It takes the will and determination of many players and the skill and talent of many artisans and trades-people. We should all be very proud of the fact that this was accomplished with close to 100 percent local input. We now have a new, locally owned amenity for the Island. First and foremost I would like to thank the Bellringer family for making our expansion a reality. Without their vision and fearless determination to upgrade Village Square to the benefit of all Bowen Islanders, this would not have happened. Thank you also to our previous landlords Wolfgang Duntz and Bowen Island Properties who helped us significantly in those early years and showed incredible flexibility to us throughout this move. As is often the case, it is the unsung heroes that make things happen once the vision and financing are all in place. I’d like to thank in no particular order the multitude of talented Bowen Islanders that contributed to the building of this space. I am truly in awe of the skill and talent we have on this island. On behalf of First Credit Union, thanks to each and every one of you: James Tuer of JWT Architecture, Eric Blomberg and the Blomberg Building Group, Andy Rainsley and Bowenshire, Rod Marsh and Quickway, Dave Stalker and Bowen Bay Plumbing, Chris Sorrentino and Steve Trende from Wakefield, Burns Jennings, Frank Olsen, Jen McIntyre, Eric and Clayton Hunter-James, Steve Bayly, Colleen Bergin, Tim Hausch, Coral Louie of The Sign Studio, Vicky Noble of Colony Home Furnishings and Sue Hetherington, whose art is the first to be displayed. My sincere apologies if I have forgotten anyone. Finally I would like to thank you, the community of Bowen Island for making this all possible. Without your support we wouldn’t be in a place where we need more space to operate. As a credit union and a financial cooperative it is our mandate to give back our profits to the communities we serve. Since 2007 we have given over $515,000 to the community of Bowen Island. We look forward to growing further in our new location and seeing that number grow with us!Thank you! Kevin Manning Branch Manager, First Credit Union (Bowen Island branch)
First annual BI International Wine Tasting
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26 2014 • 5
The Minister of Transportation insults us all Bowen Islander Chris Corrigan wrote the following letter to the provincial Minister of Transportation, Todd Stone. He also published the letter on his blog, http://bowenislandjournal.blogspot.ca. Dear Mr. Stone. I am writing to express my astonishment at your letter to the UBCM regarding their analysis of BC Ferries. Consistently over the two “engagement” processes that Judy Kirk led for your government coastal communities called for a socio-economic analysis of service reductions. Your government refused to do one. When I asked my MLA, Jordan Sturdy about the socio-economic effects of cuts he told me that regions of the province that contribute to the GDP get infrastructure. He pointed to northeast BC and Whistler in particular and talked about how the service reductions would contribute to protecting our bond rating. With no analysis of the contribution of coastal communities, your government mandated service reductions anyway. It would be fantastic to have, as you say, “a dialogue to discuss creative solutions” but YOU wouldn’t allow it. Your government said that BC Ferries was not allowed to have a creative discussion about cost savings, instead, BC Ferries was given a mandate tha the savings had to be found through service reductions. Bowen islanders provided many incredibly interesting ways of saving money on our route and reducing costs without service reductions, but your government refused to hear them because you were acting on Treasury Board mandates to reduce services. You dropped the ball on this. You imposed conditions on the dialogue and constrained creativity. Your consultants ignored the results of the first round of consultations that said that coastal communities wanted to discuss ferries as highways, and instead embarked on a second round about service reductions that no one asked for and that were not subjected to any analysis beyond the effect they would have on our provincial bond rating. My MLA told me this personally. To now suggest that the UBCM, and by extension the citizens of coastal communities, are unwilling to have a creative conversation, is completely astonishing. Your government has never provided an opportunity for that discussion, and your letter [in response to the UBCM report on the socio-economic impacts of changing ferry services] does not do that at all. Far from it. It engages in a confrontational tone and sets the stage for a fight with coastal communities. This is not the way forward. I suggest you return to the drawing board and make coastal communities a meaningful offer to engage, or at least work with the already extensive creative ideas from that we generated over the last two rounds of your sham consultation in 2012 and 2013. Chris Corrigan Bowen Island cc: Bowen Island Mayor and Council Sheila Malcolmson, Chair, Islands Trust
This week in Undercurrent history MAUREEN SAWASY UNDERCURRENT HISTORIAN
25 years ago in the Undercurrent
In her column ‘Island News’ Laura Cochrane professed, “Whenever I read or hear about complaints regarding the development of Bowen Island and the criticism directed at so-called “developers,” I can but shake my head. Had Bowen not been developed in the first place would those complainers now be living on Bowen? I think not.”
20 years ago in the Undercurrent
Trucking company Jack Cewe Ltd. won an injunction in B.C. Supreme Court banning the Tunstall Beach barge blockade. Under the order, everyone who was blocking barge access to the beach were restrained from “mooring, placing, tying up or otherwise manoeuvring or anchoring vessels or other floating objects in Tunstall Bay” so as to interfere with Cewe’s boats. Cewe’s company was barging gravel via Tunstall Bay on behalf of Cowan Point landowner Ted Rogers. Cewe said the blockade had cost upwards of $10,000 damages to his company but as the defendants were listed as John Doe and Jane Doe, the ability to recoup those costs would be unlikely.
15 years ago in the Undercurrent A fabulous time was had by all. Dayna Purdy, photo
Dear Editor, It was a cool misty evening when Peter (thank you for driving us all home too) brought the first busload of people to BI’s first International Wine tasting at the Lodge at the Old Dorm. The Lodge was transformed into a wonderful venue sporting a self serve snack bar with delicious pulled pork sliders by Memphis Blues - thank you. Thanks also to Christoph and Julie of Artisan Eats for such delicious breads and cheeses!! AND the wines - well they were astounding - nine wineries to taste and choose from thanks to the knowledge and expertise of Sujnder Juneja and Paul (BI Beer and Wine Store) as well as a generous donation from each bottle sold to Bowen Children’s Centre. AND fun - well we had it in spades from the laughter and intense conversations to the exclamations of joy when meeting old friends it was a wonderful evening for all those who attended. To Dan and Julia Parkin, our very special hosts who opened their doors and their pocket books in support of this event, as well as the BCC volunteers, especially Dayna Purdy , thank you just doesn’t cut it - you were awesome!! See you all next year at the 2nd annual BI International Wine Tasting! Ann Silberman
The Bowen Island Royal Canadian Legion was slapped with a 30-day suspension of its liquor license as well as a permanent restriction on the number of live music events it may feature. The liquor control and licensing branch judged the local branch had been operating more as a community hall then as a veteran’s club. President Richard Goth was to appeal the ruling saying that the decision by the liquor control branch was based solely on the outcome of a one-person campaign to shut the legion down. This person’s campaign included the claims that the number of live-music events held throughout the year had doubled in just over 5 years from 10 to 20 and that with these events came rowdiness and parking lot profanities. Goth said that this one-person campaign was the only neighbor that opposed the Legion’s presence in the neighbourhood. Most of the neighbours understood the necessity of holding these events in order to continue to help the Legion produce revenue.
10 years ago in the Undercurrent
Wolfgang Duntz asked the municipal council for help in opening a “venue of communication to find out what are the desires” of the community in regards to Cape Roger Curtis. Representing the owners, he said that his application for 60 10 acre lots, which complies with the land-use bylaw was a ‘very boring, unimaginative plan.’ He added that his immediate intention was to develop only 10 of these lots and that he was looking to council to appoint a committee to evaluate community interest. However, in an email, members of the Cape Roger Curtis Trust Society voiced concerns about Duntz’s sincerity about entering in to a dialogue with the community. “We don’t think that slapping a subdivision request down without any substantive plans and without development permit applications show any real intent to engage the public.”
5 years ago in the Undercurrent
Bowen’s CAO Hendrik Slegtenhorst informed the Undercurrent that a decision on the subdivision application from the developers of Cape Roger Curtis had no fixed end date. Slegtenhorst said that he still had some question for The Cape on Bowen Community Development Ltd., but, “the current process will not take one minute longer than necessary”.
6 • FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26 2014
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A master colourist brings his work to the Gallery at Artisan Square JANET ESSEIVA SUBMISSION
Don’t miss the incredible work of Andrew Plewes now showing at The Gallery at Artisan Square. Plewes is a master colourist and his images leap off the canvas with their vibrancy. Originally from Toronto, Plewes is a second generation graduate of the Ontario College of Art. Twenty years ago, after a three month mountaineering course, he moved to Vancouver to pursue his love of life outdoors. Eventually, he found his dream lot on Josephine Lake on Bowen Island and built a house. Using many forms of media and an equal number of diverse styles, Plewes has been working as an illustrator for over 25 years. His work appears in children’s books, readers, magazines and on product packaging. Plewes’s paintings are inspired by the impressionists, the Group of Seven, classic children’s book illustrators and art nouveau poster artists. He paints in acrylic and aspires to marry the blatant blobs and smears of paint with the air and life of the subject. He is also experimenting with abstraction, evoking his mother’s quilt work and his father’s 1950’s art school industrial design projects. “Patches of Colour” represents work from both his impressionist and abstract portfolios and can be viewed at The Gallery until Monday 13 October.
Andrew Plewes standing in front of his painting, ____. Bowen Island Arts Council, photo
Exhilarating Indie! Be your own publisher! BOWEN ISLAND ARTS COUNCIL SUBMISSION
Bowen Island is home to dozens of published authors and many more writers yearning to have their words published. In the past, authors had no choice but to send their well-crafted queries to agents and publishers, and then to wait . . . and wait. Thanks to the internet and technology, both traditionally published and unpublished authors now have an alternative way to get their work in front of readers. If you have written a book—fiction or non-fiction—consider self-publishing and finding your own readers. Exhilarating Indie, a half-day workshop presented by the Bowen Island Arts Council and facilitated by author Carol M. Cram covers topics such as how to create a book you’re proud to sell, how to prepare a manuscript for publication, and how to publish it online and in print. Carol will also offer tips and advice on how to develop a marketing plan to get the book into the hands of readers. The workshop includes a reading and resource list.
Why Exhilarating Indie? When Carol started her “indie” journey back in January 2014 after years of sending out queries and becoming discouraged, she felt a weight slide off her shoulders. She felt in control and free to make her own decisions. Carol is a firm advocate of independent publishing as a great way to attract readers —and perhaps the attention of traditional publishers. A few months after she selfpublished her debut novel The Towers of Tuscany, Carol was contacted by Lake Union Publishing in the United States. They are re-releasing her novel on December 16, 2014. The workshop is set for Saturday, October 4, from 9 am – noon at the Gallery @ Artisan Square. Space is limited. To register, visit the Gallery @ Artisan Square, the Community Recreation Office, or at the Rec office’s website.
RIGHT: Carol Cram, author of the selfpublished novel, The Towers of Tuscany. Bowen Island Arts Council, photo
Islanders talk, take action on climate change
Banner at the People’s Climate March in Vancouver, last Sunday. Alejandro Frid, photo
MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
In the lead-up to the 2014 Climate Summit at the United Nation, hundreds of thousands of people around the world gathered to let world leaders know that they need to come to an agreement to drastically cut global greenhouse gas emissions. A handful of Bowen Islanders joined the thousands that convened on the CBC Plaza in Vancouver, to make their feelings on the subject known. In the coming weeks, the Undercurrent will feature a series of essays written by Bowen Islanders on this subject. The first is by conservation ecologist, Alejandro Frid:
T
o say that climate change dominates my psyche would be an understatement. The whole rigmarole already led me to hand-cuffs and the interior of a jail, when two years ago I joined an economist, a doctor, biologists and other citizens in blockading a train loaded with coal—the worse climate-destroying fossil fuel. Why? Because as a parent, human being and scientist, I know that we’ve had a very sweet deal for the last 10 thousand years. One hundred centuries of just the right amount of icecaps to regulate our sea levels, just the right amount of Arctic sea ice to guarantee the air circulation patterns that bring good conditions for agriculture, just the right ocean chemistry to allow the many fish and plankton that support us to thrive -
we are fortunate to have experienced a uniquely friendly stage in Earth’s history which allowed civilization to develop. And letting go of such a sweet deal is just not in my nature. Earth used to be hell. All that began to change about fifty million years ago, when the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2)—a gas that traps heat by keeping solar radiation from bouncing back to space—declined within Earth’s atmosphere. And so the planet cooled, slowly and steadily, from a place once hostile to many of today’s life forms to the friendlier planet that we now know. Yet it took humans only a blink of the eye, in Earth history continued, PAGE 9
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26 2014 • 7
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User fees to be implemented for waste drop-off days BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY SUBMISSION
On Tuesday, September 30th, Bowen Island Municipal Council is scheduled to consider adoption of Bowen Island Municipality Special Waste Fees Bylaw No. 370, 2014. In March 2014, Council was considering the elimination of the Dropoff Days as a cost reduction measure. Instead of cancelling the Drop-off Day events, Council opted to go ahead with holding two clean-up days per year, and directed staff to research the feasibility of implementing a user fee for the service. The next Clean-up day event is scheduled for Saturday, October 18th. After discussion with municipal staff and the Contractor, a fee schedule has been developed which will help to offset the cost of holding the Drop-off Days which amount to $10,575 per event. Bylaw No. 370, 2014 establishes the following fees: • small load (approximately 10 Garbage Bags, or the contents of a sedan-type vehicle) $12 • medium load (approximately 20 garbage bags, or the contents of an SUV or Mini-van type vehicle) $22 • large load (approximately 30 Garbage Bags, or the contents of a level pick-up truck load) $32; • mattress or appliances, $22.
NO FEE PAYMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON-SITE BY BOWEN WASTE EMPLOYEES. Those wishing to use the drop-off service will be required to pay the appropriate fee in advance, and provide their receipt as proof of payment to Bowen Waste before employees will accept any loads. Fees for the Special Waste Dropoff Days may be paid in person at Municipal Hall from Monday-Friday, 8:30 am through 4:30 pm. In addition, Snug Cove General Store has generously agreed to collect Special Waste Drop-off fees starting October 10th, right up to the day of the event scheduled for October 18th. Customers will be able to pay the appropriate fee and will be required to present their receipt as proof of payment at the time of drop-off. To ensure no added impact to Snug Cove General Store Management and Staff, Bowen Island Municipality is requesting that those with questions, or requiring additional clarification as to appropriate fee to pay, to please direct all inquiries to Bowen Island Municipality staff at 604-947-4255. We thank Brian Park and his staff at Snug Cove General Store for assisting in the collection of Special ‘waste dropoff ’ fees as a convenience to Bowen residents. The Hazardous Waste Drop-off event will be held at Bowen Building Centre on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at no charge to Bowen residents.
Residents should be advised that BOWEN ISLAND VET R004855821 BI03
Sixgill sharks and other curious sightings
A Sixgill shark spotted at Point Atkinson (Straight of Georgia). Jessica Schultz, photo
now they seem to have a pupping rate similar to what we saw in the 1980s.” The other major changes to Howe Sound are resulting from this year’s massive sea star die-off. “With no Sunflower stars to eat the sea urchins, the seaweed has been decimated,” says Marliave. “And there is less kelp as habitat for juvenile fish and prawns.” Marliave says that he has seen signs of starfish recovery, particularly with the appearance of young, healthy sea stars off Bowen. However, he says that due to the unprecedented scale of the loss of seastars, it will take time some time for a things to return to what was previously considered “normal.” “I predict another odd year in 2015,” says Marliave.
from PAGE 3 Marliave adds that in addition to the four Sixgill shark sightings, during his time on the water this summer, he’s made a number of unusual observations. “The other day I watched six Harbour porpoises off Gambier, one did a dolphin leap. In the last quarter century, I’ve only seen one,” says Marliave. “I also saw a salmon jump out of the water the other day. I haven’t seen that since the 1980s!” He says that seals seem to be coming deeper in to Howe Sound. “They used to be more towards the South entrance of Howe Sound, and in the Straight of Georgia. Also,
GLACIER COMMUNITY PROMO R002854733 L781
Hall of Flame Calendar Donation Challenge
Front Runners BI VET
FUND 5K $860
MR. FEBRUARY KidSport Vancouver
$
GOAL
5K
$
RAISED
MR. SEPTEMBER BC Children’s Hospital GOAL
$
5K
RAISED
615
$
MR. APRIL Burn Fund
$
GOAL
RAISED
795
$
MR. AGUST BC Lung Association
$
GOAL
5K
RAISED
190
$
To donate to these campaigns or to start your own, go to FundAid.ca. It’s that easy.
8 • FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26 2014
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On the calendar FRIDAY & SAT SEPTEMBER 26
Dinner at the Legion Doors open 5 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. Youth Centre drop-in 6 - 9 p.m. (Saturday, same times)
Knitting Circle 2 - 5 p.m. Bowen Court - All levels welcome!
register a.s.a.p. through Caring Circle at 604947-9100 or email info@caringcircle.ca
UPCOMING
Exhilarating Indie Half-day workshop on independent publishing precented by author Carol Cram 9 a.m. - noon, to register go to the Gallery at Artisan Square or visit Bowen Rec online
FRIDAY OCTOBER 3
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 29 S.K.Y. (Seniors Keeping Young) 9:00am to noon Program - For the 50-plus group: Exercises followed by Seniors Yoga with Diana Kaile; coffee/tea break 11 a.m speaker: Dr. Patricia Boston on Hospice Care in South India
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 30 AA Meeting Collins Hall 7:15 p.m.
Film Screening: Earth Pilgrim Bowen Island Yoga, 585 Prometheus Place in Artisan Square. 7 - 9pm Join us to watch this spell-binding and insightful BBC documentary, Earth Pilgrim. It follows the world-renowned ecologist and creator of Resurgence magazine, Satish Kumar, through the landscapes of Dartmoor in different seasons as he reflects on the profound insights and spiritual experiences that come from spending time close to nature.
SATURDAY OCTOBER 4
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 1
Bowen Island Community Foundation deadline for grant applications
North Shore Schizophrenia Society One day workshop for families coping with severe mental illness, class size limited, please
OCTOBER 4
Bowen Island Fibre Arts Guild Harvest tea and fabric sale at Rustique Bistro Tea, scones, and goodies $10 Fabrics, yarns, and handcrafted items for sale 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
OCTOBER 12
Applefest! 11 a.m - 3 p.m. at Davies Heritage Orchard
SATURDAY OCTOBER 18
Kid and Kaboodle Sale at Bowen Island Montessori School Emergency Child First Aid 8:30 - 3:30 at the BICS library $69, register through Bowen Rec ages 12 +
OCTOBER 23
Dementia Caregivers Support Group 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Cates Hill Chapel. To register, call 604-984-8348.
OCTOBER 24
Who We Are - book launch with Elizabeth May, 7 p.m. at the Gallery at Artisan Square Tickets on sale now at Phoenix, the Gallery at Artisan Square and the BI Public Library
Last farmers market of the season
Composting system would be an “investment” Pursuant to Section 224 of the Community Charter, Bowen Island Municipal Council intends to adopt a bylaw exempting from property taxation for 1 year (2015) the lands and improvements or both that are owned or held by charitable, philanthropic or other not for profit organizations and that Council considers are used for a purpose that is directly related to the purposes of the Corporation. The properties being considered at the Council meetings of September 30, and October 14th, 2014, and the estimated total property taxes for all purposes that would otherwise be imposed if they were not exempt are: Total Estimated Property Taxes if not exempt (3% escalation)
Owner/Occupier
Roll #
2015
2016
2017
Rivendell Foundation - Rivendell Retreat Centre
10400
$21,562
$22,209
$22,875
B.C. Camping & Recreation Guild for Christian Scientists (Camp Bow-Isle)
3080000
$5,016
$5,166
$5,321
B.C. Camping & Recreation Guild for Christian Scientists (Camp Bow-Isle)
3059005
$3,195
$3,291
$3,390
B.C. Camping & Recreation Guild for Christian Scientists (Camp Bow-Isle)
3060000
$7,064
$7,276
$7,494
B.C. Camping & Recreation Guild for Christian Scientists (Camp Bow-Isle)
3061000
$12,879
$13,265
$13,663
B.C. Camping & Recreation Guild for Christian Scientists (Camp Bow-Isle)
5818000
$3,733
$3,845
$3,960
Bowen Island (PAC#150) Royal Canadian Legion
4452000
$2,613
$2,691
$2,772
WCD Developments (Tir na nOg Theatre School Society)
10450
$7,321
$7,541
$7,767
Seymour Bay Foundation (Bowen Island Golf Association)
3795005
$1,188
$1,224
$1,260
0954217 BC Ltd. (Municipal Hall Class 6 Portion Only)
10600
$12,839
$13,224
$13,621
$77,410
$79,732
$82,124
For more information, please contact: Kristen Watson, Manager of Finance Bowen Island Municipality 604-947-4255
Recreation Needs Survey “Through community involvement, Bowen Island Community Recreation provides and promotes diverse opportunities to inspire healthy lifestyles, personal growth and the fulfillment of community potential.” The Bowen Island Recreation and Community Services Commission is embarking on the development of a Master Plan that will guide the growth and role of recreation and community services on Bowen Island. We invite you to participate in the development of our Master Plan by completing the community survey to provide your input and suggestions for our community’s recreation services. A letter was mailed to your house at the beginning of September giving instructions on how to participate. If you did not receive one, please contact Christine Walker at cwalker@bimbc.ca Surveys must be completed by Friday, October 3rd, 2014. Your suggestions are valuable, so please make sure to fill out the survey. All survey respondents will be entered into a draw for one of two Bowen Island Community Recreation gift certificates or one of two Ipod Shuffles, valued at $50 each.
BIM REC
For information call 604-947-4255
from PAGE 1 “By composting locally, Bowen would save approximately 12 percent per tonne of organic waste compared to the current cost of shipping to the North Shore Transfer Station. Also, of the estimated $143,000 it would cost to run such a facility, two-thirds of that would go back into the local economy through job creation.” Ocejo recommends that the municipality put forth a request for proposals
in order to get more solid financial figures on the costs of such an operation. Peter Taggart, who alongside Councilor Cro Lucas first proposed this composting method to council says he hopes that the municipality follows through on this step. “We can spend a lot of time doing hypothetical financial analysis of this, but what we really need to do is find out if there is anyone interested in taking this on, and move forward from there.”
Introducing Liberal Party of Canada Candidate
Pamela Goldsmith-Jones
Come out and meet Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, a two time former mayor of West Vancouver who is the Liberal Party of Canada candidate for the Fall 2015 election in the West VancouverSunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country riding.We'll have a few minutes for coffee, tea, and treats, then kick off with comments from Pam on why she decided to throw her hat into the ring, followed by a facilitated question-and-answer session and then time for Pam to visit with you. Bring your burning issues and share your concerns. Pam wants to hear your thoughts on what matters to you, and why.This is an opportunity for Pam to get to know Bowen Island, and for you to ask questions and hear her ideas. Hope you can make it!
September 27, 2014 7 to 8:30pm at Collins Hall
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
This splendid doll house could be yours KNICK KNACK NOOK SUBMISSION
This dollhouse, restored with the help of many loving hands, is up for auction October 18. Knick Knack Nook, photo
REGULAR SCHEDULE
In Effect May 15 to October 13, ** 2014
▼
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
Leave Horseshoe Bay
Leave Snug Cove
BOWEN ISLAND Snug Cove
#*
daily except DAILY EXCEPT saturdays SUNDAYS # daily except DAILY EXCEPT suNdays SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS daily except saturdays & suNdays DAILY EXCEPT SAT, SUN & daily except MAY 19, JUL 1, sat, suN &1 & AUG 4, SEPT MayOCT 19, 13 Jul 1, auG 4, sept 1 & Oct 13 † tHe WedNesday THE WEDNESDAY sailiNGs Will SAILINGS WILL Be replaced REPLACED ByBEdaNGerOus BY DANGEROUS carGO sailiNGs. CARGO SAILINGS. NO OtHer NO OTHER passeNGers PASSENGERS perMitted. PERMITTED.
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BOWEN ISLAND HOUSE ACCOUN R004855985 BI99 HIGH FEET LOW FEET
weekend weather
TID E S
BUSINESS FOR SALE
SMALL-MART
Fri.
07:58 13.8 19:34 13.8
01:43 5.2 13:45 7.5
Sat.
8:43 13.8 20:02 13.8
02:18 4.9 14:22 8.2
Sun. 09:34 13.8 20:32 13.5
02:55 4.3 15:04 9.2
Mon. 10:31 13.5 21:08 13.1
03:37 4.3 15:54 9.8
Tues. 11:36 13.5 21:53 12.8
04:24 4.3 16:56 10.2
13.8 12.1
05:18 4.3 18:18 10.5
604-765-7983
13.8
06:20 4.3 19:44 10.2
Serious enquiries only
TIDES
Cloudy chance of showers
The Doll’s House featured in the photograph was a KKN donation. It did not look like this when it was placed on the receiving counter several months ago. A team of a dozen people has put the house through a major renovation, under the watchful eye of doll house aficionado and expert, Judy Taggart. John Willis, the Nook’s volunteer carpenter (see his shelves, cupboards and drawers at the Nook) rebuilt the front of the house almost completely and re-sanded the wood surfaces. Other members of the team shaked the roof, built furniture, added bamboo floors, made quilts for the beds and papered the walls. This is now a Doll’s house that could have graced the most splendid of nurseries of the Victorian Era. You too can possess it. Place your bid on-line at www. kknauction.com after October 1st and be sure to watch over it subsequently when it appears in the live auction at the Legion on October the 18. The Doll House project illustrates what can be done by just one small group of our volunteers. Given that there are in excess of 200 items in the Auction you can imagine the behind- the-scenes cataloguing, and photographing that must be done before each item makes its appearance at the upcoming auction. All this energy is dedicated to raising funds for the Annie Wood Extension at our Bowen Island Library. We thank our many donors who have made this possible. The Library is only one of many organizations that benefit from your gifts and the tireless activities and dedication of the KKN volunteers. If you have a special donation you would like to go towards this project don’t hesitate to get in touch with Katherine Lawrence at: kathjohn@fastmail.fm
H: 17 Wed. 12:45 L: 10 Thurs. 22:54 13:51
SMART
Turnkey operation-fully stocked. Includes all equipment. Please call
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26 2014 • 9
Climate change essay #1 from PAGE 6 Yet it took humans only a blink of the eye, in Earth history terms, to turn atmospheric chemistry upside down. For the last couple of centuries we have been powering our great potential for genius by exploiting energy stored within fossil fuels. But we have barely awakened to the fact that, in that process, we release CO2 back into the atmosphere. Which is why I ask myself, almost every day: Ever try to de-acidify an ocean? As a marine ecologist, I know that the ocean absorbs a third of the CO2 that we pump into the atmosphere and, consequently, is becoming more acidic. The larvae of many species that feed us, from fishes to urchins to oysters, cannot tolerate this change in water chemistry, so populations of these life-forms may be entering a downward spiral. Warming and lower oxygen levels are change the distribution, physiology and body sizes of fishes, already catapulting many species toward extinction. The problem of ocean acidification is inseparable from that of climate warming because both processes feed each other in synergistic ways. As the oceans acidify, they increase the rate at which they release into the atmosphere another greenhouse gas, dimethylsulphide. Through this process, acidification could boost global warming 10 percent above that caused by CO2 emissions. And as the oceans warm, marine phytoplankton—microscopic plants that produce half of the oxygen that we breathe and remove half of the atmospheric CO2 that is fixed into plant tissues—alter their individual cells in ways that demand more nitrogen to function. Because nitrogen abundance in the ocean varies geographically and over time, instances in which large numbers of phytoplankton cannot find enough nitrogen for photosynthesis could occur in the future. The potential result is what microbiologist Jack A. Gilbert calls “a catastrophic positive feedback loop,” leading to more atmospheric CO2 and more warming and more acidification and more CO2 and…the loop continues, ad nauseam. The ocean is where huge portions of humanity find most of their food, and where the majority of living things that occupy our planet originated and still live. To the fossil fuel industry and its political supporters, losing this foundation of life on earth has been—so far—nothing but collateral damage in the name of business. But, fortunately, there are brilliant economists and engineers telling us that Harper-style “drill baby drill” delusional approaches to running an economy on fossil fuel exploitation are akin to insisting that the Earth is flat. “Better Growth, Better Climate”, a just-published report by the UN, the OECD group of rich countries, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, makes it clear that shifting our focus away from fossil fuels and towards addressing climate change will lead to an economic boom. Stanford engineer Mark Jacobson is among the many number crunchers showing that barriers to large-scale use of renewable energies are “primarily social and political, not technological or economic.” And economist Mark Jaccard reminds us that “(w)hen the British Columbia government cancelled one natural gas plant and two coal plants, the resulting hydro, wind, and wood waste projects created twice as many jobs.” It is true that current manufacturing processes for solar panels, wind turbines and other infrastructure for renewable energy require fossil fuels. Oil lobbyists like to repeat that point until the cows come home. But—as others have pointed out— that apparent contradiction only clarifies the path ahead. The obvious thing to do is this: Use fossil fuels already filling existing pipelines strategically, allocating most of them towards building the transition to renewable energy at a global scale. Not being one to water down my message, I must tell you that we already have messed up the sweet climate deal that babied us for the last 10 thousand years. More frequent and extreme droughts and storms already are becoming the new global normal. We are on to something much less pretty now, but I would not get upset about that. The opportunities to steer ourselves towards the path of greater resilience are still here. And that is why we need each other more than ever before. So let’s vote and organize ourselves to turn politicians into people who act to protect our climate and ecosystems. Let’s reshape our life-styles in ways that lower our carbon footprint. (I was tempted to give you a “how to” list here, but don’t you hate it when people get over-prescriptive on you?) Above all, let’s stay reverent for what we can still protect. (Otherwise, why bother?). Climate scientists Kevin Anderson and Alice Bows have written, “The world is moving on and we need to have the audacity to think differently and conceive of alternative futures.” I know we can do this.
AnchorPointe Counselling Group ANCHOR
Dr. Graeme Saruk, R.Psych
Dr. Karla Saruk, R.Psych
“Providing compassionate and effective mental health counselling and assessments for the Bowen Island community” www.anchorpointecounselling.com .com info@anchorpointecounselling.com .com
Located in Artisan Square 604.235.1981
10 • FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26 2014
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
Students hit the beach - to clean-up KRISTIN JARVIS SUBMISSION
On September 17, thirty-one grade 6 and 7 Island Pacific School (IPS) students participated in the annual Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. They collected garbage along the roadsides and the beaches near the Cove. An afternoon’s work amounted to roughly fifteen garbage bags full of plastics, recyclables, cigarette butts and just plain scary items including old diapers and unidentifiable smelly pieces. Science teacher Pam Matthews says that students were amazed by the amount of garbage they found but were most interested in tiny bits of styrofoam and plastic floating in the shallow waters along the beach. “They noticed how these bits looked like jelly-fish or other small animals that bigger fish might like to eat,” says Matthews.
The cleanup started in Stanley Park in 1994 with a small team of volunteers. By 2013 the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup celebrated its 19th anniversary with more than 57,000 volunteers, and school-based programs in five provinces. Last year 99,000 kg of litter was removed from 3,035 km of shorelines across Canada. Today, the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup is recognized as one of the largest directaction conservation programs. Matthews says that having students participate in this action gives them the opportunity to connect the global issues of pollution in the ocean with the health of their local ecosystem. “They can take action and be part of a positive change so they can look for other opportunities to make a difference. In the age of climate change, we need to look beyond gloomy outcomes and teach kids to be a part of the solution.”
BOWEN ISLAND HOUSE ACCOUN R004855825 BI03
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Dr. Dana Barton
Dr. Susanne Schloegl
IPS students and the smelly junk they collected on and near Bowen’s beaches.
HEALTH
Naturopathic Physician 596 B. Artisan Square
604-730-1174
Natural Family Medicine
Contact
M.D.
Chelsea Luchenski, photo
Open Mon. Wed. Thurs. Fri.
Call for an appointment Artisan Square
Bowen
604-947-9986
Bulletin Board
Dr. Utah Zandy 604-947-9830 CALL FOR APPOINTMENT OPEN TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS
Maureen to advertise
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Gallery @ Artisan Square Presents “Patches of Colour” A show of paintings by Andrew Plewes 19 Sept - 13 Oct Reception: Sat. 20 Sept 7 - 9 p.m.
Insured and WCB coverage
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in this space
604-947-2442 or email ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com
Phone Andy 604-947-0674 Cell: 778-231-7283 www.bowenshirelandscaping.com
Places of Worship Welcome You 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 DROP-OFF
CHURCH
BOWEN ISLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH Pastor Clinton Neal 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
I’ll pick up your recycling and deliver to BIRC for $25/load Kindling $20/box at Building Centre
CALL 947-2430
BBOARD
Storage units available. 7 X 14 & 5 X 10 at very reasonable rates. Easy access, on-site security. We also store Boats, Cars , Motorhomes. 604-947-0282 / 604-830-9391
Randall Yip, CA
Accounting, tAx, consulting Tel: 604 -817-9536 Email: randallyip@shaw.ca
Brannon Brothers roofing & sheet metal
Call Mike at
604-338-2516
Free
estimate for supply and installation of gutter guard system. Phone Don @ 947-0254
Got a great photo? Got a great story or story idea? Please get in touch with us!
Contact Meribeth Deen at the Undercurrent editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
Missing the “Bowen Unclassifieds” section? Look to the Bowen Bulletin for short, strictlylocal classified-type advertizing. If you are interested in placing such an ad, please contact The Undercurrent directly at: ads@ bowen island undercurrent.com Advertizing prices in this section start at $9.80
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM FRIDAY September 26 2014 • 11
12 • FRIDAY September 26 2014
% 50
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F
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-bedroom
Two-night Stay for 2 or 4 in Studio, One or Two-bedroom Cottages at Reef Point Cottages
to)UClUeleT, BC
% 4 4
Value $198
$ 129 and up
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to), use
Value $45
Two-hour Social Painting Party from Paint Nite ViCTORia, BC
Visit www.socialshopper.com for more local daily deals.
$ 25