FRIDAY JANUARY 23 2015 VOL. 42, NO. 03
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Watch for more online at: WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
More on the Meadow
The pros and cons of the plan
Gone bust
Island businesses lose dollars with failure of large construction company
A year in donations
Knick Knack Nook tallies up what’s been given away in 2014
Members of the BICS Jump Club brush up on their skipping skills in preparation for the annual Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser, coming up in February. Meribeth Deen, photo
As winter storms sink boats, Friends of Mannion Bay await progress on Bay management plan MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
Linda Hurlburt says that when she and her husband bought their waterfront property on Mannion Bay in 1990, they were sure they had found the most beautiful spot on Bowen Island. The Bay was virtually empty in winter she says, and in fact, she did not think it was possible for a boat to remain moored there through the winter with the cutting South East winds. However since moving back to their home a year ago after a
decade of being back and forth, Hurleburt says Mannion Bay is a problem area. Like other waterfront property owners in the area, she says she’s getting impatient to see some effective solutions to prevent the long-term stay of vessels that are often uncared for, and often end up either on the beach or at the bottom of the bay. Looking out off her balcony, Hurlburt points out different boats and how long they’ve been there, or to spots where boats used to be, and tells stories about sinkings and boats washed ashore.
“Just before the election, I looked out and a large, mastless boat called the Barra, which had been there for a long time, was suddenly gone,” Hurlburt says. “On November 17, I watched a small sailboat sink right in front of my neighbour’s house. It had belonged to them, but it seems they traded it to their roofer so when I called them to say it was sinking, they told me it wasn’t theirs any more. Then, last Friday I saw the Helen Kate, a 32 foot boat, drifting across the Bay. Now all you can see of it is the mast, sticking out right in front of Bruce Russell’s place.” continued, PAGE 8
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BOWEN ISLAND COMMUNITY GRANTS and GRANTS-IN-AID APPLICATION DEADLINE 2015
Full-time Utility Operator Position INAUGURAL MEETING THE Bowen Island Municipality seeks a qualified Utility Operator. OF Working in the Public Works Department, the successful applicant will be required to work on the maintenance, repair and operation of municipal water and sewer systems and facilities including the investigation and resolution of trouble calls and emergencies. The individual will also assist in labouring tasks associated with the maintenance of roads, docks, trails, parks and buildings.
2014-18 BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPAL COUNCIL You are invited to attend the Inaugural Council Meeting, to be held:
The applicant should have considerable experience in the maintenance, repair and installation of water and sewer facilities and systems, or an equivalent st Monday, December 1 combination , 2014 of training and experience. Certification of BCWWA Small Water Systems is desirable; however, if the individual p.m. does not hold the certification, they must 7:15 be willing to complete it within the first six months of employment. Location: Cates Hill Chapel, 661 Carter Road This is a permanent full-time position working 35 hour/week. Days of work will include weekends and will interchange with the other Utility Operators. Additional work will be required outside of regular hours, including nights, to respond to emergencies.
The agenda for the Inaugural Meeting will be posted
Please submit your covering letter and resume via e-mail, fax or mail by on the Bowen Island Municipal website at www.bimbc.ca Friday, January 30, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. to:
the week prior to the event.
Christine Walker, Human Resources Manager Bowen Island Municipality We hope to see you there! 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 FAX: 604-947-0193 EMAIL: hr@bimbc.ca WEBSITE: www.bimbc.ca
For information, call 604-947-4255
Members requested for the BIM Economic Development Committee (EDC) Bowen Island Municipal Council is requesting applications from members of the public interested in joining the Bowen Island Municipal Economic Development Committee (EDC). The Committee provides advice to Council on policies and strategic initiatives that will further enhance Bowen Island as an ideal business and investment location. Please visit the Committee’s page on the BIM website for more information, including the Terms of Reference: http://bowenisland.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentDisplay.aspx?Id=27837 Those interested in sitting on EDC are asked to fill out an application form: http://bowenisland.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentDisplay.aspx?Id=37770 Please submit your completed application via email, fax or regular mail by Monday, February 2, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. 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
Deadline for Applications January 31, 2015 Applications for the 2015 Community Grant and Grant-in-Aid Program will be accepted until January 31, 2015. Application forms and information about Evaluation Criteria, Community Grants and Grant-in-Aid Policies can be found on our website at: http://bowenisland.civicwebcms.com/content/policies or in person at Municipal Hall. Contact Municipal Hall at 604-947-4255 for further information, or in person at: Bowen Island Municipality 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 Fax: 604-947-0193
Bowen Island Municipality Drinking Water and Persons who are Immunocompromised
The Provincial Health Officer advises all British Columbians with compromised immune systems (such as HIV, organ or bone transplants, chemotherapy or medications that suppress the immune system) to avoid drinking water from any surface water or ground water that is under the influence of surface water, unless it has been boiled, filtered ,distilled or treated with UV. Bowen Island and other areas in British Columbia use surface water sources (lakes, rivers, streams). This is not a general boil-water advisory for the general public, but rather is directed only at persons with compromised immune systems. If in doubt about your immune system status, please discuss this further with your physician. For additional information refer to health file http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile56.stm or contact your physician directly.
Temporary Full-time Administrative Assistant Bowen Island Municipality seeks a qualified temporary full-time Administrative Assistant. This is a 35 hour/week position covering regular office hours Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm. The individual will be required to provide information and assistance in a courteous manner to the public on general matters relating to the Municipality, and perform reception and secretarial duties. As well, the individual will provide assistance with agenda preparation, cashier duties and other administrative tasks as required. The applicant should have a strong administrative background, have excellent computer skills using MS Word and Excel, and have the ability to work with limited supervision. This is a temporary full-time position through to July 3, 2015. We thank all applicants, but advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please submit your covering letter and resume via e-mail, fax or mail by Monday, February 2, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. to Christine Walker, Human Resources Manager Bowen Island Municipality 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 FAX: 604-947-0193 EMAIL: hr@bimbc.ca WEBSITE: www.bimbc.ca
For information call 604-947-4255
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What is community HANS BEHM SUBMISSION
On January 15th, an interesting group of people came to The Gallery for a discussion of Community as
a philosophical concept, applied to Bowen Island. Gustaaf Tasseron lead the exploration of questions: What is Community?
Bowen businesses take a hit with bankrupcy of Wakefield Construction Inc. MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
On Friday, January 9th, Bowen Islanders working for Wakefield Construction Inc. were informed that their employer was headed for receivership. On Tuesday of this week, a formal bankruptcy hearing was held, according to insolvency consultants Boale, Wood & Company. Also this week, the same company released a list of all the outstanding debts owed by Wakefield Construction. In total, the company owes more than $6 million. On Bowen, Wakefield Construction owes more than $400,000. Among the Bowen Island companies owed money are Artisan Office Services, Black Bear Transport, Blomberg Building Group, Bowen
continued, PAGE 8
Spring and Summer Daycamp Leader Positions Available Bowen Island Community Recreation has full and part time positions available for Spring Break and Summer Staff. Positions include; but are not limited to, Daycamps, Specialty Camps, and Playcare. Hours per week and number of weeks will vary depending on the nature of the position. Weeks of work will occur March 9 – 13th and from mid-June through late August. The ideal candidates for these positions have previous experience working with groups of children, are enthusiastic and creative, able to work in a team environment, enjoy participating in a large variety of activities, have excellent communication skills, and are highly organized. Lifeguarding certification is an asset for some positions.
BIM COMMUNITY REC
All applicants will be expected to participate in an interactive Group interview which will be held on Friday February 6th from 10:30am – 1:30pm in BICS GYM. Please submit your covering letter and resume via e-mail, fax or mail by noon on Wednesday February 4th , 2015 to:
RCMP update: dog-napping and passing the ambulance CST. BRIAN MULROONEY SUBMISSION
Sometime between the afternoon of Sunday January 18 and the following morning an unknown person took an Irish Terrier from the area of Arbutus Lane. The dog was found abandoned and uninjured in a dog crate in Stanley Park. The dog’s collar and tags were removed by the suspect, likely to hinder attempts at finding the owner. Bowen Island RCMP are investigating this theft. If you have any information, please call Bowen Island RCMP at 947-0516. Please quote file number 2015-29.
Christine Walker, Human Resources Manager Bowen Island Municipality 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 FAX: 604-947-0193 EMAIL: hr@bimbc.ca WEBSITE: www.bowencommunityrecreation.com
For information call 604-947-2216
Bay Plumbing and Heating, and the Bowen Building Centre. The letter that accompanies the list of creditors explains that Wakefield is required to formulate and file a “Proposal” to its creditors within 30 days or apply to Court to extend that period. In the “Notice of Intention” (to make a proposal) “no creditor shall have any remedy against the debtor or his property or shall commence or continue any action, execution or other proceedings for the recovery of a claim.” Employees are also owed money for the final pay period prior to January 9th. According to a letter sent by Boale, Wood & Company, these employees are entitled to the federal Wage Earner Protection Program, which will reimburse them with up to $3,600 in lost wages.
* * * * * * The Bowen Island RCMP have received a few reports concerning motorists not yielding to emergency vehicles with their emergency lights activated. Police would like to remind motorists to yield to emergency vehicles including police, fire, ambulance, and tow trucks. The law requires vehicles to slow to 40 km/h when passing emergency vehicles any time the speed limit is below 80 km/h. Due to the speed limits and narrow roads on Bowen Island, common sense dictates that motorists may need to pass at below 40 km/h or in some instances stop and use the oncoming lane when safe to do so. Drivers failing to yield to emergency vehicles are subject to a $173 fine.
Environmental Assessment of the Proposed Woodfibre LNG Project, Squamish, BC
Open House and Invitation to Comment Woodfibre LNG Limited (WLNG, or Proponent) is proposing the development and operation of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) production facility and floating LNG storage at the former Woodfibre Pulp and Paper Mill site (Project site) near Squamish, British Columbia (BC).
The intention of seeking public comments is to ensure that all potential effects — environmental, social, heritage and health — that might result from the proposed Project are identified for consideration as part of the assessment process.
The Woodfibre LNG Project (Project) comprises construction and operation of a gas processing and liquefaction facility to produce approximately 2.1 million metric tonnes per annum of LNG, associated storage capacity of 250,000 m3, and export infrastructure.
There are 45 days for the submission of comments by the public in relation to the Application. The comment period will begin on January 22, 2015 and end on March 9, 2015. All comments received during this comment period will be considered.
The proposed Project is subject to review under British Columbia’s Environmental Assessment Act and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.
EAO accepts public comments through the following ways:
WOOD
The Proponent has now submitted its application (Application) to obtain an Environmental Assessment Certificate.
In order to provide information to the public about the Application, and to receive comments from the public, the Environmental Assessment Office of British Columbia (EAO) invites the public to attend an Open House. Open Houses are scheduled as follows:
By Online Form: http://www.eao.gov.bc.ca By Mail: Environmental Assessment Office PO Box 9426 Stn Prov Govt Victoria BC V8W 9V1 By Fax: 250-387-0230
SQUAMISH
An electronic copy of the Application and information regarding the environmental assessment process will be available at www.eao.gov.bc.ca as of January 12, 2015. Copies of the Application will also be available for viewing at these locations:
DISTRICT OF WEST VANCOUVER
• • • • • •
Wednesday, January 28, 2015 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm CN Roundhouse & Convention Centre 39645 Government Road, Squamish Thursday, January 29, 2015 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm Caulfeild Elementary School 4685 Keith Road, West Vancouver
BOWEN ISLAND
Friday, January 30, 2015 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Bowen Island Community School 1041 Mt. Gardner Road, Bowen Island
Woodfibre LNG Fortis BC Community Office, 38134 Cleveland Avenue, Squamish, BC Squamish Public Library, 37907 2 Avenue, Squamish, BC Squamish Municipal Hall, 37955 2 Avenue, Squamish, BC Bowen Island Library, 430 Bowen Trunk Road, Bowen Island, BC West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, BC West Vancouver Municipal Hall, 750 17 Street, West Vancouver, BC
NOTE: All submissions received by EAO during the comment period in relation to the proposed Project are considered public and will be posted to the EAO website.
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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
viewpoint
A Balanced View of the Pollinator Initiative: What the Science Tells Us Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to concerns about the Pollinator Initiative in Crippen Park on Bowen Island. I’m a member of the Board of Directors of the Bowen Island Foundation and our Board has expressed interest in funding this initiative. I became concerned, however, when I began to see some opposition to this project, and claims from self-described local experts that the proposal was likely to produce negative environmental consequences and was to be situated in an inappropriate location. But I do not have the expertise to be able to choose amongst these competing claims and so I sought the advice of two of my faculty colleagues at Simon Fraser, both with significant expertise in this realm. I provided them with a copy of the proposal, and a link to our local Forum, where both proponents and opponents of the project have voiced their views. Mark Winston is a Professor of Biology and one of North America’s leading experts on pollination. His achievements have been recognized by many awards: the British Columbia Gold Medal in Science and Engineering, Academic of the Year, and election as a Fellow in the Royal Society of Canada.
Here is his response, “As I read the proposal, the objective was not to return a tiny portion of Bowen to its original habitat, but rather to promote understanding of the importance of pollination, awareness of wild bees (some of which are native), serve as a resource and inspiration for those interested in local food production… I think this is an excellent proposal that would add an important element to the park and provide many useful messages and experiences to visitors. I would support proceeding as planned, and perhaps rather than rejecting the opposition points use the project as a way to highlight this issue of what is native and is not as a component.” Professor Gail Anderson’s major research interests are in insect and other arthropod-borne diseases in man and animals, in particular the pest management aspects, and in forensic entomology, the use of insects in death investigation.. She has gained international recognition for her pioneering work in the field of medico-legal entomology Dr. Anderson is the only full-time forensic entomologist in Canada. Her response follows, “To me it seems a no brainer - increasing native pollinators is always a great idea - we are all being encouraged to do this. If the proposal was to release
a bunch of non-natives it would be very different but this seems to just be a general improvement of an area and designed to attract and educate people and kids. As is mentioned repeatedly, this is hardly an old growth area - it was a farm and is now an abandoned farm so they wish to improve it and improve the park generally … I get the impression that there are a few people who feel very passionately about ‘no change’ which is sometimes good, but in this case, the area has already been ‘changed’ repeatedly and this seems an attempt to improve it and actually demonstrate the agricultural use the land was put to in the past as well as increase the general health of the areas by simply encouraging native pollinators and hence wildlflowers, berries etc, which will improve bird sites and animal foraging and generally make the place healthier.” In sum, the best available evidence from those with relevant expertise suggests that this is a wonderful initiative and one that can now be strongly supported by Metro Vancouver. Sincerely, Dr. Neil Boyd
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 of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
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(Temporary) good news for FOBILS Dear Editor, Friends of the Bowen Island Library have now located a temporary and I repeat TEMPORARY location to sort books for our annual book sale in May. Many thanks to Judi and the Heritage group for their assistance. We are now able to accept book donations at the library during regular hours. Please remember that we are looking for books in good condition, no text books, magazines or encyclopedia. We are going to have to work hard to make up for the weeks we have lost but I have faith in Bowen that residents will come through and donate lots of books. All funds raised from the sale will help support the Bowen Island Library’s programs so bring on the books Bowen! We are still looking for a more permanent location and I thank everyone who has made suggestions and helped with the search. Sincerely,
Another Bowen Winter Got You Down? PAULINE LE BEL COMMUNITY CAULDRON
Winters on Bowen can be a challenge for many. So a few survival suggestions might be in order. Here’s my list of fourteen things you can do when the dark and the wet is getting to you: 1.
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Greta Smith 3.
$2,804 for spinal chord rehabilitation in Nepal Dear Editor, It was a packed house at last Sunday’s “Telling A Story: Living and Working in Nepal and Bangladesh Event hosted at The Gallery. And what a fun event it was too! Thanks to everyone who attended and got to experience a little piece of Nepal with some lively Nepali music and delicious Nepali snacks. The audience were so graciously interested in hearing my story of living and working in Nepal and Bangladesh in 2014 and Dr Peter and Dr Claire’s presentation on spinal cord injury, SpiNepal and SIRC. A total of CAD$2,804 was raised – marvelous! This goes a long way in Nepal and will pay for the entire rehabilitation cost for one patient plus the purchase of two wheelchairs plus one income generating kit – now that is what I call making a difference! The event could not have been possible without the help and dedication of the following people who worked tirelessly to make this event the success it was: Jlonka Bally Brown, Renu Chaudhry, Peter Davies, Jacqui Massey, Kate ThomasPeters, Bonnie Wright, Bowen Wright, Casey Wright, Curtis Wright, Dr Raju Dhakal, Dr Prakash Paudel, Bowen Island Arts Council, The Gallery, Bowen Online -Phorum and The Undercurrent. My heartfelt thanks. Congrats to Sue Hurn for winning the raffle prize – Nepali Dinner for Six in her own home. We look forward to cooking for you Sue! My thanks also to Dr Peter Wing and Dr Claire Weeks for their energy in helping me organize this event, for their commitment to SIRC and finally support and belief in me. Dhanybhad!
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Pop into Phoenix in Village Square. Buy a book about a warm climate. A chat with Alison is always a cheer up. And if you like mysteries, they have some used ones for $2.00. There are twenty in the Janet Evanovich series. By the time you finish, it’ll be spring. Grab the kids and go to the beach, any beach, and look for beach glass. You might even spot a whale or a pod of dolphins swimming by. Go to the Snug Café for a bowl of soup and try to stay morose while Piers tells you one of his hilarious jokes. Walk the cross-island trail – minimum two hours – all that fresh air will put you in a great mood. And you’ll be too tired to complain about the weather or the small ferry. Go to the library on a Sunday afternoon. They’re open in the winter from 12 – 4 pm. You can sit in one of those comfy chairs, read the newspapers, and catch up on what’s going on in the rest of the world. Guaranteed to make you feel good about living in such a beautiful, relatively peaceful place. Go to a municipal council meeting and support the courageous people who are working very hard to make sure this island is a good place to live, whatever the season. Stop in at the Village Video store and choose a comedy. While you’re there, be sure and feed Candy, the cocker spaniel. There’s a little bowl of her dog food right on the front counter. She doesn’t eat at home, Mladen tells me. Oh, and if you throw the little biscuit she jumps up and catches it. Very entertaining. I found a great movie there last week - As It Is In Heaven - about a small town church choir in Sweden and how the power of singing together does amazing, miraculous and romantic things for the villagers and the choir director.
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Join the Bowen Island Community Choir. See number 7. Go to the Fix-It- Fair this Saturday at Collins Hall from 11 - 3, hobnob with your neighbours, and bring along your broken tools, small appliances, electronics, clothing, anything that needs mending. Phone West Coast Seeds – 604-952-8820 and order their free catalogue of untreated and local seeds – over 700 vegetable, herb and flower varieties. Start planning your garden. Go on to the Bowen Forum and post something outrageously kind. Go to the lagoon and feed the ducks. There’s a new pair of ducks in the lagoon - male and female wigeons. They are so beautiful, smaller than the mallards. You can identify the male by the jaunty white stripe on his head. And he never lets the female far out of his sight. Listen for their call. It sounds exactly like the squeaky yellow rubber ducky in your bathtub. You can buy duck food in $3.00 bags at Bowen’s Little Pet Shop in Artisan Square. I tried feeding them millet but they seem to prefer the pellets in these bags. While you’re at Artisan Square, invite a friend for a cup of hot chocolate at Cocoa West, and enjoy the benefits of chocolate. Scientifically proven. Chocolate causes the brain to release endorphins, chemicals that make you feel good. As well as serotonin, which acts like an antidepressant and helps you to relax. With all those endorphins and serotonin flowing through your body you’ll be ready to go for the next suggestion. Buy some extra food at the Ruddy Potato or the General Store and drop it off at the Food Bank in the Little Red Church for those who are having an especially hard time this winter. Now that the snowdrops are popping their little white heads out of the ground, spring is just around the corner!
Kate Coffey
First the soccer field, now the Meadow
Don’t disrupt the thriving Meadow Dear Editor,
Dear Editor, So there’s a petition to stop a pollinators garden in Crippen Park. Has anyone noticed that many of the same people also opposed the soccer field, the lights for the soccer field, and the recent rezoning of Lot 2 of the Community Lands? In each case, the opponents are alerting us to ecological disaster and a grave threat to our unique way of life. Have a look at the activity on the soccer field. Far from a threat, it’s the liveliest place on the island, where dozens of children, teens, women and men are enhancing our community through healthy on-island recreation and social interaction. This all-too-frequent opposition to any change -- in this case, to a small garden on ALR land! -- is, I feel, actually destructive to our way of life. Sadly, over time it has crushed initiative, creativity and volunteerism, not to mention eroded many friendships. When I decided to join this BAA working group, people told me, why bother? Your work will just be attacked as “anti-Bowen” and it will result in yet another division in the community. But I couldn’t resist - the project is just too appealing. After several years of consultation with Metro Vancouver, and discussions with many Bowen groups along the way, we now have an opportunity to create something special and beautiful and important in our beloved outdoor/education hub in Crippen Park, and do so in a uniquely Bowen manner. I understand fears about change. But certainly a pollinator demo garden in the meadows is not a step on the slippery slope to an urban lifestyle! Thank goodness Bowen’s habitual opposers didn’t prevail on the soccer field. I hope they can widen their outlook, reconsider their stance, and join us in this worthy endeavour. Heather Prittie
Living on the mainland these days, after many years on Bowen Island, I have a piece of Bowen in my tiny apartment: a print of a lovely painting by Bill Hoopes, called “The Meadows”. He has captured the subtle beauty and uncultivated tranquility of that bucolic space on a summer day. When I come back to Bowen to visit, I am drawn to The Meadows in Crippen Park – as are so many others – and the restorative powers of their peaceful hush and wide-open space. I have learned that some members of the Bowen Agricultural Alliance (BAA) are proposing to build a large demonstration garden so as to educate the public about pollination. I think that’s a fine idea; I would like to know more myself. I also understand that they would like to situate this cultivation initiative in The Meadows. I firmly believe that that’s the wrong place for it. I feel like Dr. Seuss’s elephant protagonist, Horton, when he heard the Whos. There is already an evolved ecosystem thriving in and around the thirty-one thousand plus square feet area that has been targeted. It is delicate, complex, balanced and teeming with life. Why dig it up (and dump it …. where?) so as to replace it with – I gather from the plans – raised beds, gravel paths, signage, covered patio and 7 foot deer fencing? Can that even be done in a riparian zone? A fragile new garden is likely to need water during the summer months; where will that come from? And what of the loss for Vancouverites, islanders and those who come to Bowen from farther afield? I cannot think of another space like The Meadows so
close to the urban centre. Community gardens are proliferating in Vancouver; The Meadows are entirely different, and they offer visitors a wonderful, unfamiliar experience. I would support the kind of garden centre proposed if it were situated in the Cove. The Cove Bay Water System could provide irrigation, and electricity would be available if needed. It would reach far more people at that location, and would be accessible to those with compromised mobility and other impediments. Rather than profoundly disrupting an established ecosystem that is already doing everything this group espouses, wouldn’t it be better to collaborate with experts at, for instance, Bowen Island Nature Club, Bowen Island Fish and Wildlife Club, Bowen Conservancy, and more, to create a booklet and even a smartphone app educating people about what is already going on in The Meadows? I think all that’s needed is a tour guide. Because what’s happening right now in The Meadows is a busy, fascinating, self-sustaining biological community where pollination plays a vital role in the established energy transformations and biogeochemical cycling that reflect a healthy ecology. Mother Nature has been working on this project for a century, and offers a demonstration every single day. Fiona Beaty Vancouver, BC
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Concerns about the proposed location of the pollinator garden
Response to opposition to Killarny Meadow Pollinator Garden MICHELLE PENTZ-GLAVE SUBMISSION
1. BAA has the farming/ agriculture history wrong:
We got our info from a well-respected Bowen history book. The Irene Howard book didn’t specify what exactly was grown where -- but the important thing is the area WAS part of Terminal Farms and that is why it was made part of the ALR, actually. Marion Moore has since told us the info in Howard’s book isn’t entirely accurate in her estimation. If the project goes forward, we’ll engage with local elders to make sure all historical details are as accurate as possible, of course. That said, the area still has ag roots and was ideed part of Cap. Cates’ farm holdings.
2. Endangered creatures:
DG Blair stands beside a marked off area representing the proposed size and location for the pollinator garden. This is the size of ten tennis courts and close to 25 percent of the remaining meadow. Dear editor, I would like to state my concerns about the Pollinator Garden proposal in Crippen meadow that the Bowen Agricultural Alliance has before Metro Vancouver Parks. As a professional environmental educator and entomologist, I applaud the initiative of this community organization to promote learning about the pollination services provided by native insects, birds and other wildlife. Without these creatures, natural ecosystems and most agriculture would collapse. That said, I have many concerns about the proposed garden location in Crippen meadow. I urge BAA and Metro Vancouver Parks to choose another location. The current meadow habit is ideal for native pollinators and needs no “improvement”. It is a healthy, diverse pollinator habitat. A wide variety of flowering plants provide abundant nectar and pollen throughout the spring summer and fall. The rough ground, exposed soil and woody debris provide needed nesting and overwintering habitat for native leaf-cutter, bumble, blue orchard bees and wooly bear caterpillars snoozing to emerge as adult moths ready to pollinate in spring. The proposed changes will greatly reduce the size of the remaining meadow which is important feeding habitat for seed and insect eating birds. The proposed site also includes one of the islands few known garter snake hibernating sites. Using the
Island’s Trusts’ online MapIT application, I measured the area of the remaining meadow habitat and the proposed garden site (see attached illustration). The proposed garden will remove approximately 2,653 square metres of habitat—that’s the area of about ten tennis courts—close to twenty-five percent of the remaining meadow. As a gardener, I know that the local deer will be very interested in sampling anything grown in the proposed garden. A high deer fence will be required. Because of the location of the proposed site, this fence and the garden structures will strongly impact the visual experience of walking through the meadows. See the photos depicting the location and height of the fence. I think there are better locations for a pollinator garden site. For example, I have talked to some members of Bowen Heritage who would entertain working with BAA and Metro Parks to establish interpretation in the Davies Orchard in Snug Cove. This site has higher visitation, better handicapped access and a year-round water supply. I hope everyone with an interest in the meadow and the bees and other insects that do pollination work there will let Metro Vancouver Parks know your thoughts. For links to Metro Parks’ feedback web page and to a petition opposing the location of a garden in the meadow got to my Crippen Meadow webpage: bowenpollinatoreducation.ca Will Husby
ISLAND PACIFIC SCHOOL R001959247 BI03
Unfounded, according to our experts: Janine de la Salle’s detailed site assessment, Metro Vancouver’s biologist’s findings and input from profs/ pros Mark Winston and Elisabeth Elle. We have already had the benefit of Metro Vancouver thorough-going ecological assessment. I am sure Metro Vancouver is reviewing the public input on this and will advise if any additional concerns come to light.
3. Didn’t talk to islanders/give enough time for discussion:
We sat down 1-on-1 with 22 community groups who have an active interest in the meadows to build our proposal. We also held a half day visioning session with these islanders. The entire process of discussion has been 5 years so far. Then we held a public meeting Dec. 9 which was widely advertised.
4. Why this location?
As an agricultural education initiative, it is important for the demo garden to be located in Bowen’s educational hub, and on ALR land. The project simply would not be viable in a less well-used area, in our view. It’s our top choice. We listed our reasons and sent this in a note to all BAA members, which we shared with the Undercurrent and has been widely circulated. We had considered several other Crippen sites with Metro Van, including the dog park (before it was built), the former bike park across from the lake and the field behind the baseball field/Bowfest field + Davies Orchard area, but none was as compelling.
5. Why are you still considering this location?
We want to hear from all islanders and gauge interest realistically. If the majority are in favour, we’ll move forward; if not, we won’t. Public comments to Metro Van close Jan. 30.
AGORA forum contemplates community from PAGE 3 Answer: Living, working and caring together, because we are neighbours and therefore connected to one another in small communities within a lager Community. Trust. What threatens it? Answer: Disconnectedness, disinterest, thus ignorance and misunderstanding, disrespect for differing opinions, divisiveness, ill will, abuse of trust and established values for personal gain at the expense of others, exploitation, personal attacks. How can we build Community on Bowen Island? Answer: Participation in dialogue without prejudice, respecting different points of view, expressing opposition in a civilized manner, always seeking to learn, trying to find common ground to move forward, to thank those, who step forward to serve in elected
office for their courage to expose themselves to public criticism , right or wrong, to foster an attitude of conciliation. What does it take? Answer: For everyone interested in building Community to participate, be openminded and trusting, but to be vigilant, offering skills as a volunteer and giving precious time, drawing in the entire family to teach the next generation and to share wealth. On behalf of the Bowen Island Community School Association (CSA) I want to thank everyone, who contributed to the AGORA dialogue and Gustaaf Tasseron for his vision toward the constitutional goal of “Happiness” for Bowen Island’s Community. The next AGORA will be held on Thursday, February 26th, 7 - 8:30 p.m. at The Gallery in Artisan Square Topic: Education.
Bowen Island Conservancy
Lines that don’t divide: telling tales about chemicals, animals, and people
IPS
Our 2015 Speaker Series commences on January 24th with a presentation by Jay Taylor, Professor of History, Simon Fraser University.
BIC
Dealing with the problem of pollution in the Salish Sea is particularly difficult because toxic substances migrate freely across the Canada-U.S. border, and decisions made on one side of the 49th parallel affect humans and animals on both sides of the line. Jay will provide a historical overview of the processes that have contributed pollutants to the Salish Sea, and discuss how the border has and has not divided the region chemically and politically.
• When: January 24th, at 3:00 pm • Where: The Gallery at Artisan Square
More information about this presentation is available at bowenislandconservancy.org.
Refreshments will be served. We hope that you’ll be able to join us; everyone is welcome.
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
Digital x-ray machine improves diagnostics
FRIDAY JANUARY 23 2015 • 7
When it’s winter on Bowen it’s summer in Chile Islander reports on adventure abroad
A digital x-ray of a dog’s knee. Meribeth Deen, photo
MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
Bowen Island Veterinarian Alastair Westcott says the newest piece of equipment in his clinic is far more than an exciting new toy - it will make a critical difference in assisting animals in emergency situations. The new digital X-ray unit means an X-ray can be taken and viewed on a large screenwithin four seconds as opposed to the 20 to 30 minutes required to develop film. Westcott says the quality of the X-ray is also about 100 percent better than the quality of a film X-ray.
Another advantage is the ability to zoom-in on an area of interest in the image (in the image above, for example, you can see Dr. Westcott zooming in on a portion of the knee) and also the ability to see the soft tissues. This is just another step in our committment to provide expedient, point-of-care diagnostics within minutes here on Bowen Island,” says Westcott. “The digital X-ray, our complete blood analysis lab and our fully equipped ICU/surgery allows us to function as a fully-equipped and emergency-capable animal hospital. We can admit, completely diagnose, stabilize and treat a patient within minutes.”
BOWEN ISLAND VET R004946385 BI03
The delightful Zuria and Pedro. John Lawrence, photo
JOHN LAWRENCE SUBMISSION
BI VET
We have been travelling now for 7 weeks in Chile. After returning from the windswept steppes of Patagonia we crossed the Andes from Chile to Argentina´s Whistler at Bariloche, a town noted for its lakes, mountains, ski hill and chocolates. The chocolates are sold in stores the size of supermarkets, and so vast is the local appetite for them, every other shop on the mainstreet is in the business. From Bariloche, we moved a few hours south to the delightful little town of El Bolson. It was December 28 and not a good time to be arriving anywhere without an advanced booking. However the universe came to our assistance as we boarded the bus: we fell in with a traveller headed for the same town and reserved us a place. What’s more her son offered to pick us all up and deliver us to our Hospedaje. Hospedajes are scattered through most residential areas in Chile and Argentina, offer simple inexpensive accommodation in people’s homes. The one we stayed at was operated by a young woman with two delightful small children, Pedro and Zuria. The children rarely stayed inside their house. The steady stream of back-packers through their home were their entertainment, and the children were ours. Mum had absolutely no English, but we quickly discovered that there’s an outside kitchen, a covered eating area, central heating in the room and a magnificent backdrop of mountain ridges all for the princely sum of $25. You might wonder about the heating as surely we are in the middle of summer. In actual fact, with the exception of our first two days in Santiago, mornings and evenings could be decidedly cold. We eventually stayed 6 days, summer arrived on the 4th day and has been with us ever since. El Bolson, which means in English ‘the purse’ or ‘the basket,’ seemed to be a cross between Pemberton and Nelson. It’s wide, fertile sheltered valley bottom supports a cornucopia of local fruits and vegetables. Cherries and walnut trees grow in every garden as do roses, red currents and peaches. The craft markets brought out the now aging wave of alternative people who passed by in the 60’s and never left. But it’s tourism that makes the place hum today. During our stay, we hiked in the mountains and even hazarded a paddle in an Alpine lake. The latter made memorable by its ‘Lions’ like view, but also the excellent bottle of wine we sipped and shared at the lake’s edge with a young Italian couple. In two days time we will have racked up our 60th hour in long distance bus journeys (which serve meals and wine!) and arrived in Buenos Aires, city of the Tango. It will be very hot and very sticky, but no doubt - lots of fun.
8 • FRIDAY JANUARY 23 2015
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
Waterfront property owners await action
Announcement of Psychological Services Dr. Robert Wilson Ph.D., experienced registered psychologist, will provide services in Horseshoe Bay beginning January 2015.
Services will include counselling for:
Anxiety Depression Grief Marital problems Work and lifestyle distress Also available is a unique proactive five-session series for couples titled
“Building Relationship Resilience.” For an appointment please call:
604-831-7792
For additional information visit my website at www.rfwilsonpsychologist.com
B.C. Licenced Home Inspector
Linda Hurlburt on her deck, overlooking Mannion Bay. Meribeth Deen, photo
from PAGE 1 Hurlburt says as a boater herself, she knows how much commitment and money is required to keep a vessel afloat. As a waterfront property owner, she is a strong supporter of The Friends of Mannion Bay, of which Bruce Russell is the defacto leader. She has given money to the group in order to move forward efforts to clean-up the Bay. “I think the plan put forward last year by Bonny Brokenshire (Senior Bylaw Services Officer with the Municipality) is on the right track,” says Hurlburt. “Moving towards a situation where the Bay is zoned for recreational use is definitely what needs to happen, but we need to know that the new council is on board with the proposed five-step plan, so we can keep moving it forward.” Russell agrees, saying that he’s impressed at the improvements made in the past year, but simply does not want to see those efforts falter. “It would be criminal to not keep going with this plan,” he says. The five steps to maintain Mannion Bay, as pro-
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Learn more about our online 7-module course Home Inspection program. Contact a program adviser at 604.899.0803 or email info@ashtoncollege.com.
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604.899.0803 | 1.866.759.6006 www.ashtoncollege.com Ashton College
we build careers
DEPARTS SUN to THURS FRI & SAT SNUG COVE 11:15PM 12:15AM HORSESHOE BAY 11:30PM 12:30AM
OPERATING 7 DAYS A WEEK
Proudly Celebrating Over 36 Years of Trusted Transport for Bowen Island & Howe Sound Telephone: 604-947-2243 Cellular: 604-250-2630 24 Hour Service Special Event Cruises PRIVATE CHARTERS AVAILABLE ANYTIME
email: cormorantmarine@telus.net web: cormorantwatertaxi.com
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Since 1978
posed last may to council by Brokenshire involved obtaining a Licence of Occupation (LOO) for boaters in the Bay, with the nominal fee collected going towards enforcement and maintenance (including dealing with beached wrecks or other sunken vessels). The second option included an amendment to the Municipality’s Land Use Bylaw, which extends 300 metres off the shoreline. Other steps included a strategy for bylaw enforcement, the creation of a social plan, and an environmental study for Mannion Bay. Brokenshire says that the recommendation made to acquire the Licence of Occupation was stalled, initially because of a turnover in planning staff. Other measures are on hold because of funding, and because the new council needs to go ahead and offer authorization. “One possibility, is that Mannion Bay will end up falling within a larger shoreline protection plan,” says Bonny. “But we really don’t know where this council will take the issue.” Meanwhile, councillor Alison Morse continues to work with leaders from other coastal communities and levels of government to deal with the derelict vessels issue. Last week, Morse met with MP John Weston, a representative from the Islands Trust, leaders for the Sea to Sky Corridor, and the Sunshine Coast to discuss solutions. “The major impediment to solving this is that there are several different government agencies, and several different levels of government involved in the issue,” says MP JohnWeston. “Last week, what we tried to do was come up with a list of specific and achievable goals that could remedy some of the concerns raised about derelict vessels.” The list they came up with includes: - the possibility of creating a levy that would be attached to the aquisition of a vessel, thereby creating a pot of money that can be used to deal with the clean-up of abandoned or sunken vessels. - the creation of a bond to be aquired by boat owners, the bond would kick in to gear if the boat/vessel were left derelict, or sunk - finding a way to better co-ordinate the information in the three vessel registries (small vessel registry, large vessel registry, pleasure craft registry) so that the owners of abandoned vessels could be more easily found - the possibility of bringing about criminal liability for people who abandon vessels - tightening the definitions of “derelict” and “abandoned vessels Weston says that in last week’s meeting, a working group on the issue was created. “We’ve got some real momentum going on this,” he says.
FRIDAY JANUARY 23 2015 • 9
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
DON’T CHUCK IT... FIX IT! BOWEN IN TRANSITION SUBMISSION
On Saturday, January 24th Bowen in Transition will be hosting a “Fix-ItFair” at Collins Hall between 11:00 and 3:00. Bring along your non-functioning small appliances and electronics, clothing, phones, bicycles etc. and a group of fix-it folks will be on hand to
help you fix them. There will also be expert advice available for computer problems. If, however, you have nothing that needs fixing right now, come along anyway. Be nosey, play around, have fun and acquire a new skill or two. Tea, coffee and nibblies will be available to keep you going.
Annual Ed Talk at Youth Centre ISLAND PACIFIC SCHOOL SUBMISSION
Next Wednesday evening Ted Spear and Jennifer Henrichsen will give a talk at the Youth Centre on the changing nature of education. Spear holds Ph.D. in philosophy of education and is the Head of School at Island Pacific School. Henrichsen is the Assistant Head, who also teaches Math and runs
the school’s Masterworks program. Every year they present on Bowen (and off-island) about the changing trends in education and how best to make sense of them. This year they will be concluding their remarks with an examination of “10 Key Questions” that parents should be asking themselves about education. Doors are open at 5:45, with the presentation itself running from 6:15 to 7:45. Refreshments will be served.
Places of Worship Welcome You Rev. Shelagh MacKinnon
FRIDAY JANUARY 23
FOOD BANK DROP-OFF
BOWEN ISLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH
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
Duplicate Bridge @ Bowen Court Call Irene @ 2955
SATURDAY JANUARY 24
Bowen Rotary presents Damien Bryan Talk: Fair Trade and the Organic Food Movement All welcome, no charge 7:30 p.m. Collins Hall
Fix-it Fair Collins Hall, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Bowen Island Conservancy Speakers Series Jay Taylor, Professor of History at SFU talks about cross-border pollution in the Salish Sea 3 p.m. at the Gallery at Artisan Square Youth Open Gym 6 - 8:30 p.m at BICS Black Sheep Morris dancers UK dance tour extravaganza The Bowen Pub starting at 6:30 p.m
MONDAY JANUARY 26
Seniors Keeping Young (S.K.Y.) 9 a.m. exercises 11 a.m. Brent O’Malley, owner of Bowen Island Sea Kayaking 12 p.m. Soup and bun lunch, plus dessert!
TUESDAY JANUARY 27
AA Meeting Collins Hall 7:15 p.m.
Old School, Now School, Next School: The Dynamic Nature of Education featuring Dr. Ted Spear and Jen Henrichsen of Island Pacific School 5:45 - 7:45 PM at the Youth Centre. Childcare provided at Bowen Children’s Centre
Pastor: Dr. James B. Krohn
REGULAR SCHEDULE BC Ferries REGULAR SCHEDULE January 5 to 31, In Effect May 15 March to October 13,2015 2014
▼
Leave Snug Cove
6:00 am 6:00 am 7:00 am** 7:00 am * 8:00 am 8:00 am 9:00 am†† 9:05 am# 10:00 am 10:05 am 11:05 am 11:00 am 12:10 pm 12:00 pm 2:35 pm 2:25 pm 3:45 pm 3:30 pm 4:45 pm 4:30 pm 5:50 pm 5:30 pm* 6:50 pm 7:50 pm 6:30 pm * 8:40 pm 7:30 pm*# 9:40 pm 8:30 pm# 9:30 pm
Distance: 3 NAUTICAL MILES Crossing Time: 20 MINUTES
Leave Horseshoe Bay
5:30 am** 5:30 am 6:30 am** 6:30 am 7:30 am** 7:30 am 8:30 am * 8:35 am 9:30 am # 9:35 am 10:30 am 10:35 am 11:30 am 11:40 am 12:30 am 12:45 pm 3:00 pm 3:10 pm 4:00 pm†† 4:15 pm 5:15 pm 5:00 pm 6:20 pm 6:00 pm* 7:20 pm 7:00 pm** 8:15 pm 8:00 pm## 9:10 pm 9:00 pm 10:05 pm 10:00 pm
VANCOUVER Horseshoe Bay
FERRY
*
daily except saturdays # DAILY EXCEPT daily except SUNDAYS suNdays
#
**
DAILY except EXCEPT daily SATURDAYS && saturdays SUNDAYS suNdays
** **
daily except DAILY EXCEPT sat, suN && SAT, SUN 9 1, MAYFeb. 19, JUL AUG 4, SEPT 1 & OCT† 13 tHe WedNesday sailiNGs Will be replaced by daNGerOus THE WEDNESDAY carGO sailiNGs. SAILINGS NO OtHerWILL pasBE REPLACED seNGers perMitBY DANGEROUS ted. CARGO SAILINGS. NO OTHER PASSENGERS PERMITTED.
†
FRIDAY JANUARY 31
Bowen Nature Club Potluck and AGM 5-9PM, 602 Collins lane, contact 947-9562 Entomologist Will Husby will speak about our local insects’ involvement in our ecosystems - suitable for all ages.
FEBRUARY 8
Seed exchange and garden planning workshop Bring labelled and dated seeds to trade, buy local seeds 12 p.m., BICS multi-purpose room 12:30 p.m. Garden planning workshop The Fretless In concert at Tir-na-nog Shakespeare’s Cymbeline Directed by Graham Ritchie 7:15 at Cates Hill Chapel Tickets $20 from the library or brownpapertickets.com
FEBRUARY 26
AGORA forum discussing Education 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m at the Gallery at Artisan Square
BOWEN ISLAND HOUSE ACCOUN R001960221 BI03
Dr. Tracy Leach, D.C.
(661 Carter Rd.)
10:00 a.m. Worship • Sunday School: Tots to Teens
UPCOMING
FEBRUARY 19, 20, 21
Knitting Circle 1 - 4 p.m. Bowen Court - All levels welcome!
Chiropractor
CATES HILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260
BOWEN ISLAND Snug Cove
THURSDAY JANUARY 29
Robbie Burns Dinner at the Legion Tickets $20
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 28
BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH Service and Sunday School: 10:30 a.m. Collins Hall Bookings: Helen Wallwork Minister of Music: Lynn Williams
On the calendar
595B Artisan Lane Tuesdays Call for an appointment
(778) 828-5681 www.leachchiro.com
Dr. Gloria Chao Family Dentist
Artisan Square 604-947-0734 Alternate Fridays 10am - 4:30pm Horseshoe Bay 604-921-8522 www.bowenislanddental.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Dr. Utah Zandy 604-947-9830 CALL FOR APPOINTMENT OPEN TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS
M.D.
Open Mon.Wed. Thurs. Fri. Call for an appointment Artisan Square
604-947-9986
Psychologist Naturopathic Physician
596 B. Artisan Square
604-376-9801 604-730-1174 www.CarolynNesbitt.com
Now 7 days a week! James Goldfarb RMT Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon 604-288-2860 Jenni Griffiths RMT Tue, Wed, Thur 604-240-6485 www.bodyvitaliy.ca
HEALTH
Dr. Susanne Schloegl
Dr. Dana Barton
Dr. Carolyn Nesbitt PhD, R.Psych #1484
Body Vitality Massage therapy
Natural Family Medicine
InHabit
Somatic Centre
566 Artisan Square
Somatic Patterning Massage Craniosacral Therapy
CATHERINE SHAW Dr. Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncturist
❦ MARY MCDONAGH RMT, DCH
Registered Massage Therapist (Available Mondays through Fridays)
❦ SANDY LOGAN Registered Physiotherapist
❦ ROBYN IZARD RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
Ball Rolling Classes T’ai Chi Chih (778) 952-3757 Breathe Move Touch
(Available Thursdays through Sundays)
BLOOD TESTS, URINE TESTS OR ECGS
Contact Maureen to advertise in this space.
EVERY THURSDAY DR. ZANDY’S OFFICE
ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com
6:45 - 9:00 A.M.
❦ COuRTNEY MORRIS R.Ac, DCH
604-947-2442
10 • FRIDAY JANUARY 23 2015
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A medical clinic on Bowen: Let’s take the next steps
Overwhelming flood of donations mean Nook items are shipped off-island MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
PETER FRINTON SUBMISSION
The Caring Circle has had some major successesfrom providing a health care services portal, health programming, a driver program and advocacy work to improve health services on Bowen. Another related initiative has been the nascent offshoot Community Medical Clinic Society, dedicated to the establishment and maintenance of a primary health care facility. Sounds simple, but getting a clinic up and running will require hard work, vision, money and persistence. Fortunately, some great models have been developed by similar communities. Gabriola now has a free standing clinic (http:// www.ghcs.ca/) that provides stellar service on that island- one with a similar population and distance to a regional hospital. Even some of the smaller islandsPender and Denman come to mind, have clinics or ‘centres’. The need is patently obvious. Anyone requiring secondary or off-hours medical attention has to go to the North Shore. Transport can be problematic and potentially life-threatening. Many seniors, but also pregnant women and others feel quite vulnerable on Bowen. There is a tight group, consisting of volunteer board members, advisors, and practitioners which have been carefully crafting a course of action. Jaye Routledge chairs the group’s monthly general and board meetings. Colleen O’Neil, Bud Massender, Bruce Wallace, Dr. Sue Schloegel regularly attend. A constitution has been written, charitable status is being pursued, architects hounded for free advice, and some serious number crunching undertaken. Immediate next steps include conducting a Needs Assessment Survey, something vital to obtaining any
Coastal Health or other funding. We will all be asked to complete the survey when it is launched. Another area of interest is in lobbying B.C.Ambulance to be included in a pilot Community Paramedicine Program, wherein ambulance personnel would have additional training that would allow them to visit vulnerable residents in their homes to make sure they’re getting the support they need. It might involve medication oversight, vital signs monitoring and home living risk assessment. This increases the capacity of the ambulance crews who are often sitting at the station waiting for call outs. Caring Circle, The Medical Clinic Society, and the Municipality are all advocating for this program to be given a trial here on Bowen Island. What is emerging is a process with decision points that will hopefully lead to a clinic within a couple of years. Clearly, there is sensitivity to competing capital needs- for a firehall, community centre, library enhancements, sewer and water. The strategy moving forward has always been to seek synergies. Hence the proposal that the Clinic be part of Municipal Land (Lot 2) development. But other options are being examined, from renting an existing interim space, to having a sponsor purchase and renovate a building suitable for clinic needs, to appeals to the philanthropic community to build a structure from the ground up. Fundraising will only begin once a strong consensus has been built. Already, some other health care providers have expressed some interest in working on Bowen if a health centre is opened, and we will have better success retaining and supporting our Bowen Island physicians if we have an integrated health centre on Bowen. Any initiative which improves access to primary care on Bowen is something to applaud.
The Knick Knack Nook has tallied the donations made in 2014, and in terms of financial funds dispersed, the total exceeds more than $40,000. However, Nook Board President, Donna Scorer, says what she is really surprised about is the huge number of items that have been distributed to various organizations both on Bowen and in Vancouver. Sixteen organizations have received goods donated to Bowen Island’s reuse it store including the Aboriginal Mothers’ Centre in Vancouver (71 bags, 2 boxes of women’s and children’s clothing, bedding and books); Books for Me, which gives books to children to keep at home (14 boxes of books); Lookout in the Downtown Eastside, which helps men transitioning from shelters into apartments (132 bags, with 32 boxes of clothing, blankets and books).
Good quality things go up for sale but if they don’t sell, we have to find another way to pass them on... “The dispersement of items is overwhelming,” says Scorer. “When people bring things in, we can really only keep a certain amount in the store. Good quality things go up for sale but if they
don’t sell, we have to find another way to pass them on and keep them out of the landfill. We have a few volunteers who drive to Vancouver to pass along items to other organizations, but we don’t have nearly enough people doing this work.” Scorer says that occasionally, Nook staff will recommend that people post items up on the Bowen Island BuySell-Trade Facebook page, or will offer a list of other organizations that would be interested in taking items. “There was someone around Christmas time who brought in a bike that was in really good condition, and he offered to give it to us,” says Scorer, “But the person also said that if we knew of a family that would benefit, to give it directly to them. That’s what ended up happening.” Scorer says that she’s hoping a small extension to the Nook store will help reduce the number of trips volunteers are making off-island to donate goods, but ultimately, they need more volunteers and for more people who are donating to be mindful of what their giving away. “Things need to be clean – and not broken. Sometimes a volunteer will take a piece of clothing home and wash it so it can be re-sold, but we don’t have water. So generally, these items have to go into the garbage. And we have to pay for it.” Scorer adds that volunteers at the Knick Knack Nook are happy to give out their list of organizations for people to donate to off-island if they are interested.
BOWEN ISLAND HOUSE ACCOUN R001960219 BI03
BOWEN BULLETIN BOARD Found:
Tortoise shell frame reading glasses in black case in December in the Post Office. To claim, come by the Undercurrent office Mon. - Wed. 9:30am - 4:30pm.
LANCE’S Brannon RECYCLING I’ll pick up your recycling and deliver to BIRC for $25/load Kindling $20/box at Building Centre
CALL 947-2430
Brothers roofing& sheet metal
B BOARD 604-338-2516 Call Mike at
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FRIDAY JANUARY 23 2015 • 11
12 • FRIDAY JANUARY 23 2015
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(F)unschool grows up... EMILY VAN LIDTH DE JEUDE SUBMISSION
On a cold November afternoon, I joined my son on the little bluff that juts precariously out to the sky below Dorman Point. The younger kids remained on the bigger bluff, and he needed a moment of peace. I found him hanging over the mossy edge photographing what we call “Louie’s path”, below. In the settling twilight, an orange glow began to creep from behind the distant point, and he tried out some new camera tricks, photographing the open sky. We sat together for a while, looking at the frothy waves, trying to see fins among the shadows and rolling crests, and I realized that my son has outgrown (F)unschool. How could that be? I created this program for him and his sister – they even named the program, in its infancy, when it consisted of just a few friends, and wasn’t even a Nature Club program yet. I have been a Nature Club member all my life, and still enjoy meeting up with the people I camped with and babysat 30 years ago. I thought Nature Club (F)unschool would grow along with my kids. But now my kids are 10 and almost 13. My son is helpful with the little ones: he encourages them in their explorations, lifts them up when they need a hand, and generally – but
not always – tries to set a good example. But exploration shouldn’t always feel like babysitting. Sometimes the chatter of admiring little ones is just too much, and he and some of the other older kids want to go further, faster, higher, or just feel careless.
...there has to be an opportunity for the older kids to be – well – older! There has to be nothing holding them back. So I made my decision, that day: (F)unschool has to grow up, too. Of course there are still many young families who love and benefit from the regular Friday outings, but there has to be an opportunity for the older kids to be – well – older! There has to be nothing holding them back. So from now on, the first Friday of every month will be dedicated to these adventurous, inspiring older kids (and adults who can keep up!). Let’s call it (F)unschool 10+. This year in addition to such annual treats as the boat trip, camping trip and sea creatures day, the Nature Club intends to visit Maplewood Mudflats and Apodaca Park. Please email bowennatureclub@ gmail.com for more information.
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(F)unschool adventures (from top) at Dorman Point, September Morn beach, Clipper Beach. Emily van Lidth de Jeude, photos