THURSDAY JAN 25, 2018 VOL. 44, NO. 03
$1
including GST
Watch for more online at: WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
Emergency Preparation
What you need and need to know
The V-word
Bowen’s Priorities
Hint: It’s not “valentine”
As discovered by the Vital Conversations
Community journalism matters
It may be January but there is still fun to be had at the Lagoon. Heidi, on the left, enjoys a puddle. Seonaid and Iona check out the swan. Meribeth Deen, photos
Islanders shaken by early morning tsunami warning MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
At 3am on Tuesday morning, Jon McNeil couldn’t sleep. Sitting on the couch, he looked at his phone and saw a coastwide tsunami warning and immediately woke up his wife, Alex. “He said it’s not a joke, he had called 9-11 before waking me and they said they were inundated with calls but didn’t have any details. I grabbed the cat, cat carrier and a carton of orange juice. We called all our friends and neighbours who live near the water and got in the car,” says Alex. “We drove to the heli-pad near the golf course and just kept an eye on the updates on our phones. There were moments where we felt ridiculous because everyone’s lights were out and nobody was responding, but ultimately, we thought it was important to respond.” Alex McNeil says that she has been concerned about earthquack and tsunami preparation ever since moving from
Montreal to Vancouver in 1997. “If anything, this experience showed us how unprepared we are. It took us 10 minutes just to get out the door, and we didn’t even bring water with us,” she says. “That’s unacceptable.” McNeil adds that as soon as she and Jon got home, they started making lists to improve their preparation. Bowen Island’s Municipal Emergency Program Co-ordinator, Jen McGowan, says she did not receive any notification until she woke up and the warning had been cancelled. “Fortunately, it was not serious enough for anyone to call and wake me,” she says. “Tsunamis are absolutely on the list of potential hazards to Bowen Island. Currently, there is nothing specifically about tsunamis in our community’s emergency services plan, but that plan is currently being updated.” For more on preparing yourself and your family for an emergency, see page 11.
HOT JANUARY
As many of you know, the newspaper industry is facing unparalleled challenges in today’s digital world. Many communities have seen their local papers close or faced with reduced publishing frequency or page counts. While the financial woes of your local paper may not concern you, the reality is that the loss of journalists from communities like Bowen Island has real consequence. Many communities across Canada no longer have any journalists attending municipal council meetings, public hearings, school board meetings and defining local events. This leaves a void in terms of holding local government and institutions to account. Without journalists, stories about the accomplishments of youth and volunteers, moments of sporting glory, perspectives of artists, among other things, never make it into the public record. The Bowen Island Undercurrent strives to truly reflect the complex and fascinating community it serves. The paper has had the privilege of documenting life here for decades and we are making plans to do so for many years to come, but we need your support! Today marks a very important day in The Undercurrent’s history. We are taking the bold step of providing a copy of this week’s paper to every mailing address on the Island. Over the years we have faced a shrinking base of subscribers, although our counter sales of the paper at local outlets continues to be strong. With today’s initiative we hope to reintroduce many Islanders to their paper. We want to make sure that every resident of our great community has a chance to evaluate our community paper. Please take time to read our stories, see the pictures and support the advertisers. If you like what you see and read, then help insure the future viability of our paper by purchasing a subscription. We are offering a special rate to encourage you to step up and count yourself as someone who cares about the quality of life here on Bowen. Bring in a receipt from any advertisers business from today’s edition and we will reduce our yearly subscription rate from $45 to $33. Not only does this help insure the future of your community paper but also supports all those businesses that make this island so interesting and great. Communities that have lost their local paper have lost an important local resource, don’t let Bowen Island be one of them. Call or stop by today and tell us you care by purchasing an annual subscription. Purchase one for someone else that may not have the means. Consider buying one for your children as they move off island to find work or pursue their education, keeping their connection to home alive and strong. Peter Kvarnstrom, publisher
GARDEN GRADE CEDAR CEDAR BEVELED SIDING •½x4
3’ to 10’ length
$.20 LFT
TONGUE & GROOVE PINE • • • •
1 1 1 1
x x x x
4 6 4 6
– – – –
Natural Natural Primed Primed
$.46 LFT $.63 LFT $.55 LFT $.76 LFT
• • • • • • •
2x4– $.53 LFT 2x6– $.81 LFT 2x8– $1.08 LFT 2 x 10 – $1.66 LFT 2 x 12 – $2.16 LFT 5/4 x 10 – $1.16 LFT 5/4 x 12 – $1.52 LFT Prices good until Feb 3
BOWEN BUILDING CENTRE OPEN MON-FRI 7:30 AM TO 5PM. SAT 8 AM-5PM CLOSED SUNDAY 604- 947-9622
2 • THURSDAY JANUARY 25 2018
Meeting Calendar
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
hiring NoticeWeofare public hearing Permanent full-time position
January 30, 2018 10:00am
Bowen Island Municipality is looking for a permanent full-time Plan-
Emergency Program Executive
work on a variety of projects and initiatives relevant to guiding the
Committee Meeting
January 30, 2018 4:00-7:00pm Public Open House All meetings are held in Council Chambers unless otherwise noted.
Public Open House
Planner I
4:00-7:00PM PM on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 in Council Chambers Municipal Hall, 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island
ner I to join our team. The position offers an opportunity for you to growth and direction of a community-focused municipality.
LOT 1 COMMUNITY LANDS REZONING
Under the direction of the Manager of Planning and Development, the Planner I is responsible for select development applications, planning inquiries and supporting role to the Manager of Planning and Development.
Bowen Island Council is considering changes to the Official Community Plan (OCP) and the Land Use Bylaw (LUB) for the municipally owned property known as Lot 1 of the Community Lands (located on the
The salary range for this position is competitive and includes a full range of benefits. Qualified candidates are invited to submit their detailed resume and covering letter in confidence by 4:00 p.m., Friday February 2, 2018 to the attention of: Shayle Duffield, Human Resource Coordinator Bowen Island Municipality 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 EMAIL: HR@bimbc.ca
Southwest side of Mt. Gardner Road, opposite the Bowen Island Recycling Depot). These changes would include: •
Area 1 to allow light Industrial and artisanal uses, with secondary live/workunits
•
Area 2 to allow up to 20 residential units
•
Area 3 to remain Rural Residential 1
•
Area 4 to allow for Guest House use with up to 8 guest bedrooms
PHONE: 604-947-4255 FAX: 604-947-0193 WEB: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/jobs
Join the EDC Bowen Island Municipality’s Economic Development Committee, the volunteer group that brought the Bowen Island Community Brand to life, is looking for volunteers. We are a committee appointed by Council to advise on all things economic on Bowen– but we also really dig in and like to get things done! In addition to committee responsibilities such as completing subcommittees such as the “Business Licensing Task Force” and the “Business Retention and Expansion Subcommittee”. The qualities we are looking for in our volunteers include: •Willingness to put in time on projects and working groups in addition to monthly EDC meetings •Willingness to take leadership roles and be creative in solving community issues •Specific areas of experience that will contribute to a range of skills and interests within the group such as business, economics, research and analysis, sustainability, community building, graphic design, marketing, writing, etc.
MORE INFORMATION AT MUNICIPAL HALL: Background material may be viewed at Municipal Hall between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday (excluding statutory holidays) or on the Municipal website at www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning. YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME: Written submissions may be delivered to Municipal Hall (contact information below): • In person • By mail • By fax • By email to bim@bimbc.ca
If you are interested in joining the EDC “work party”, please download an application form from www.bowenislandmunicipality. ca and submit it to Stef Shortt, EDC Liaison at sshortt@bimbc.ca by February 5, 2018.
General Enquiries
Contact Us
Phone: Fax: Email:
Bowen Island Municipal Hall 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2
604-947-4255 604-947-0193 bim@bimbc.ca
Questions? Please contact Daniel Martin, Manager of Planning & Development, at 604-947-4255 or dmartin@bimbc.ca
Find us on Facebook Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday, excluding statutory holidays
Bowen Island Municipality
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
action items for monthly meetings, EDC members work on
Join our mailing list bowenislandmunicipality.ca
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
THURSDAY JANUARY 25 2018 • 3
Council briefed on new home Energy Efficiency Step Code MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
At a special meeting of council, clean-energy policy advocate and Bowen Island resident James Glave said that the municipality can use the province’s new BC Energy Step Code to ensure that all homes built on Bowen Island will be more comfortable, more efficient, more affordable to heat, and healthier for those who live in them. If the municipality chooses to reference the BC Energy Step Code in bylaws starting at Step 3, Bowen Island would be aligned with the three North Shore governments that will require that level for all new homes starting in July, Glave said. The provincial government has set the target that all new buildings must reach a net-zero-energy ready level of efficiency by 2032. Such buildings are so well insulated and carefully sealed that they could meet all of their own energy needs via renewable energy generated on-site—such as solar panels on the roof. The BC Energy Step Code serves as the pathway to help reach that goal, Glave explained. In communities that choose to use it, he said, it acts like an energy-efficiency staircase. “It incrementally increases the standard of efficiency that builders are required to meet.” Glave told council his company has been supporting the Energy Step Code Council since early last year. The Council, which includes the major building-industry associations,
developed the new standard, and is supporting its roll out as communities across the province begin putting it to work. The province is not yet “making a lot of noise” about the Step Code, Glave said. He said it is a tool that the province is making available to local governments, and that the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, which oversees the standard, is being clear that it is up to municipalities to choose to use it, or not, and do so at a pace that works for them. “They are offering it and just want to see what the pickup is,” said Glave. So far, 15 local governments have notified the province that they intend to use the BC Energy Step Code. Glave explained that Step 1 simply confirms, via testing, that builders are meeting the current building code requirements. Currently, energy efficiency requirements are in the building code, but they are “prescriptive.” That means builders and architects are provided with a long list of combinations of materials and practices that will meet the requirement. Municipal planner Daniel Martin explained the situation to council. “Right now,” he said, “You can check that the insulation’s in the building. You can make sure the walls are two-by-six and that the insulation is of a certain value, but Step 1 would require the builder to complete a blower-door test to ensure that the building meets BC Building Code efficiency standards.” Instead of this prescriptive approach, the BC Energy Step code is “performance-based.” Each step establishes measurable levels of energy efficiency in the building; it is up to builders to figure out how best to meet it.
To prove they are meeting Step Code requirements, builders will need to retain the services of an energy advisor. Prior to construction, the advisor would use software to determine whether the plans would meet requirements. Following construction but before drywall goes up, the advisor would perform a “blower door test” to measure the building’s air-tightness. If the building leaks air anywhere, the test will find it, and the builder can patch the leaks to meet the level of air tightness that the Step Code requires. Glave told council that there are benefits to adopting Step 1, but buildings that meet steps 2 and 3 are already fairly common in British Columbia. Builders can meet that standard by paying special attention to walls, windows, doors, and heating system. On the other hand, Steps 4 and 5, he said, would require an entirely different approach to home building, and carry higher upfront costs. “It’s not tuning and polishing around the middle, the Upper Steps are a different approach,” he said. “Much thicker walls with more insulation, you’re going to be looking at triple-glazed windows, and using ‘thermal breaks’ to ensure there’s no leaking of heat through the frame of the building into the outside world.” Glave added that there are buildings of this standard out there, but at this point they are still few and far between. Glave shared findings from a recent BC Housing study of the costs impacts of the Step Code. In most situations, that agency found, builders can reach the Lower Steps for less than a 2 percent construction cost premium above that of a traditional new home.
...a hypothetical row house in Surrey, that would likely sell for between $550 to $800 thousand, would cost a builder an extra $3 thousand if he or she was required to meet Step 3.
Andrew Brownsword and Andrea Stevenson built their Bowen Island home to meet the requirements of the Passive House standard, which is roughly equivalent to Step 5 of the BC Energy Step Code for homes. Such homes are so efficient that they don’t need a furnace or heating source other than a small backup heater— which would use about the same amount of energy as a hand-held hair dryer. Homes like this one will be more comfortable during extended winter power outages because they are so well-insulated that they can be kept warm with just a few candles. Meribeth Deen, photo
A slide showed that a hypothetical row house in Surrey, that would likely sell for between $550 to $800 thousand, would cost a builder an extra $3 thousand if he or she was required to meet Step 3. “There are additional construction costs, but when you are looking at a half a million to $800 thousand dollar home, a premium of three-thousand dollars will vanish into the mortgage,” Glave said. And the homeowner will immediately see lower energy bills, right off the bat, he said. Councillors had a number of questions regarding the impact of meeting these new standards, including their application in municipal and commercial buildings. Acting Mayor, Gary Ander, told Glave his only issue with this plan was the cost. “It’s less than two percent,” said Glave, referencing the BC Housing study. “Yeah, but I don’t buy the numbers,” replied Ander. In the introduction to the study, BC Housing says the research represents “one of the most extensive energy analyses of buildings in Canada.” It was commissioned in partnership with BC Hydro, the Province of British Columbia, the City of Vancouver, and Natural Resources Canada. In last year’s Strategic Plan, council committed to discuss the Community Energy and Emissions Plan and, if approved, move forward with Year 1 items, “including adoption of the Energy Step Code.” Councillor Maureen Nicholson says that a decision on this matter can be expected by summer.
4 • THURSDAY JANUARY 25, 2017 4 • THURSDAY JANUARY 25 2018
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
viewpoint 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. National NewsMedia Council. The Undercurrent is a member of the National NewsMedia Council of Canada, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com or call 604-947-2442. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the website at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.
Shop local Much like your local paper, a small businesses on Bowen Island help make this place the very special place it is. Our local merchants and businesses contribute significantly to the quality of life we all enjoy here. They are all paying local taxes, they are providing employment, they sponsor every event and every sports team. Before you head off island to save a few dollars or make your next purchase from foreign-controlled online retailers, think about what’s important to you and your family. Companies like Costco, Walmart, Amazon to name
a few take huge amounts of dollars out of our local island economy. These retail disruptors pay no taxes here, they don’t employ our young people, they don’t sponsor events and teams and they certainly don’t shop here. Think twice or thrice before you take your purchases off island. Support those that support us all. Shop locally whenever possible. Keep your money circulating right here on Bowen. It’s good for all of us.
Dear Editor, Thanks so much for helping spread the word of our desire to build some affordable housing on island. As you know Council declined our request to meet, this time citing legal conflict of interest reasons. They think they’d be in a conflict of interest because they are the seller of the property and the approvers of terms. While I get the desire to cover their backside (sadly
needed in this world), Jae, Chris and I feel that dialogue leads to a better outcome. We’re a prospective customer, seeking that dialogue. An honoured citizen of Bowen described how he did a development on Saltspring several years ago. This was a high density project, in Ganges, with a stream running through. The first thing he did was meet with the Island Trust folks formally, asking for their input on his plans. The end result was a
project that did well, and was adored by the locals. That sort of mindset is what we want to bring to the discussion. We’re reviewing whether or not to enter into the much more adversarial offer process without dialogue. It is sad that lawyers encouraging no dialogue win the day over input and discussion to make things better. Jae Mather, Chris Erickson and Tom Matzen
Peter Kvarnstrom Publisher, Bowen Island Undercurrent
A big thank you to Jewal for getting us through... Hats off to Jewal Maxwell for the pleasant and helpful manner in which she carries out her ferry marshalling duties during the one-month Bowen Queen shift while the larger Queen of Capilano is in for her annual maintenance servicing. A little common sense, courtesy, and a nod/word of approval for her assistance will shorten what seems to some “to be a month of Sundays”. Thanks Jewal,you certainly get our vote of approval.
It was a wild weekend on Bowen Island, even for the local birds. Haig Fairris spotted these eagles playing in the wind from his own perch in Fairweather.
Bruce & Dorene Russell 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.
Entering into talks with the municipality - cautiously
#102–495 Bowen Trunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC, V0N 1G0 Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148 Deadline for all advertising and editorial: Monday, 4:00p.m. www.bowenislandundercurrent.com
Editor
Advertising
Cartoonist
Publisher
Meribeth Deen
Tracey Wait
Ron Woodall
Peter Kvarnstrom
Bowen Island Undercurrent Subscription Rates: Mailed 1 year subscription on Bowen Island: $45, including GST. Within Canada: $65 including GST Newsstand (Single Copy)$1 per copy, including GST
editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com
pkvarnstrom@glaciermedia.com
2011 CCNA
CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2011
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
THURSDAY JANUARY JANUARY 25 25 2018 2018 •• 55 THURSDAY
A journey that began in grief, but ended with a gift This particular journey began almost twenty years ago, on New Year’s Eve 1998. I took my wife Marianne into Lions Gate Hospital for an MRI scan to find out what was causing nagging back pains. The scan showed eight spots where Multiple Myeloma had metastasized, life expectancy 10 weeks. Cancer! Marianne, a trained nurse, fell into silent numbness and I flew into a rage. How dare they proclaim a death sentence? She is basically healthy! Aren’t there cures? With traditional and intense homeopathic Chinese treatment she improved and at ten weeks, remission seemed possible. She had received kind attention from staff and especially volunteers and immeasurable support from Bowen Islanders. But then the cancer mutated and, with her children touching her, she passed away at home on May 30, 1999. I felt amputated. The silence became almost unbearable, but the children and I found strength in one another. A year passed and I remembered her wish to become a volunteer, had she survived. Upon the anniversary of her passing I went to Lion’s Gate Hospital’s “7 West” palliative care unit and visited every bed in which she had lain, imagining her there and asking my self, could if I take her place as a volunteer? Slowly, I said, “Yes”. When I inquired how to become a volunteer, I was told that the yearly training program had just finished and my hard won courage all but evaporated. Almost a year passed, when I received a call asking me whether I was still interested. I hesitated, but agreed to receive some reading material about the essence, the challenges and rewards of the work. The description of requirements focused primarily on personal attitudes, experience, inner strength, patience and the ability to listen and to show empathy without being overbearing. This was a chal-
lenge and I wanted to try. I passed through an intensive interview and was accepted. I had taken along the photographic record to illustrate the profound effect Marianne’s journey had on the children, me, family, friends and the Bowen community. Our course, lasting three weekends, began with a greeting from the co-ordinator, who also had been the interviewer, saying, “We had 60 applicants and chose 22.” Looking around I saw only four men and eighteen women and asked why there were so few men. “If you don’t know by the end of the course, ask me,” came the answer. We were told to offer our time and companionship and small non-medical comforts not only to the patients, but to their families and friends also. We were to fit into a team of sixty, The Palliative Care Volunteers at Lions Gate Hospital, were given a mentor team and instructions how to keep house and to record any events during the two plus hours of our shift, from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, seven days a week. During the course we were split into two-person teams with steadily changing partners, learning how to greet a patient after having studied her or his ailment and condition in the record book, asking for any wishes, and the desire for companionship or privacy .
It requires a certain sensitivity and tact to understand and act, including the recognition that the person wishes to be left alone. We were taught how to give physical contact, like massages, holding hands or simply touching. We asked to try and put ourselves into the condition of the person we were vis-
On the calendar Thursday January 25
Duplicate Bridge, 6:45 - 10pm at Bowen Court. For more information, please call Irene at 2955.
Sunday, January 28
Community Meditation Circle 7:30 at the Seabreeze building, right above the Barber Shop
Humane Pest Control Workshop presented by CAWES - 2:15 at Collins Hall - Free
Monday, January 28
Friday, January 26
SKY: exercise at 9:00, coffee at 9:45, Speaker at 10:00, yoga at 11:00.
Robbie Burns Day Dinner at the Legion Doors open at 5:30, dinner at 6:30
Tuesday January 29
Saturday, January 27
Saturday, February 10
Library Storytime, 10:30am
Whale Talk, Bowen Island Conservancy 2 - 4pm, Collins Hall
iting. We are rarely able to correctly understand and feel the inner struggle of the person we are visiting. It requires a certain sensitivity and tact to understand and act, including the recognition that the person wishes to be left alone. Very soon I began to recognize the depth of feeling and intelligence of the heart, combined with a profound inner strength of the women. I began to listen and look. Then something happened to me: I saw the feminine side of me! I, too, so wanted to give, share and heal, freeing the expression of my emotions from convention and the dictates of gender behaviour. I wanted to show sadness and joy with tears and hugs, and I learned to be no longer ashamed! I began to feel an inner balance I had not known for Marianne, in 1977 shortly after giving birth to her certain - the Ying and the fifth child. Yang. “She was absolutely radiant,” says her husband. It filled me with rest and photo submitted calm. At the end of the course I fronted with that devastating news. I have told our teacher about my discovery and with helped in the struggle to overcome anger and the warmest smile she gave me a wordless hug hate in the last moments. I also have been that seemed to last forever as if to welcome awed by the serenity of a luminous passing me to the new plateau in my life. in total peace and harmony. I no longer fear When I began my Sunday mornings at “7 death. I fear pain, yes, but not death. West” I had no idea how profoundly the last As I look at this, my journey into a new weeks, days, and hours of those, who allowed balance, it is Marianne’s legacy to me. me to accompany them on their journey, would shape me. I have seen the anguish in -- HC Behm family members I myself felt when first con-
Bowen Island AA - 7:15 Collins Hall
Community Labyrinth Walk will take place in the BICS gym
Sunday, January 28
Parent & Tot Gym time, 10am. $3 per child
BRINGING HEALTHCARE CLOSE TO HOME
T
he Bowen Island Health Centre Foundation has been working diligently to bring the vision of a community health centre on Bowen to reality. We envision a community-owned health centre where we will all have access to care when we need it—a health centre with expanded primary care, integrated services, and equipped for urgent care needs. Our long-term goal is to have 24/7 coverage available to Bowen residents and visitors.
To this end, we have developed a comprehensive healthcare service model that will meet the needs of Bowen residents and visitors. We have a high level of interest from physicians, dentists, and health professionals to work together in a new health centre. We have a concept floor plan to guide the building usage and provide for current as well as future needs. We already have initial pledges from the community of approximately $750,000 to build and properly outfit the centre, with many others ready to contribute once we are ready to move forward. Our biggest challenge now is to find the appropriate location near Snug Cove. We are working with the Municipality to make this happen. Ninety-three per cent of residents responding to our health survey stated that they would use a health centre on Bowen Island. We will continue to advocate for you until our dream is a reality. The pieces are falling into place for better access to and more healthcare services on Bowen. Stay tuned!
Bowen Island Health Centre Foundation Board
After days of burning, the site for the fire hall is clear. This tree, with the face carved-in, remains standing to watch over the site. Penny White, photo
www.bowenislandhealthcentrefoundation.com info@bowenislandhealthcentrefoundation.com
6 • THURSDAY JANUARY 25 2018
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
Inspired to march by a role in the Vagina Monologues Actor notes the importance of ongoing dialogue between women
MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
Bowen Islander Laurel Bailey takes issue with the word “vagina” as it is referenced in the theatrical performance The Vagina Monologues, but she acknowledges that the word serves an important purpose in this context. “The word vagina isn’t always used correctly in the play: technically you can’t shave a vagina (because the vagina is inside the body) but there’s a monologue about
You can check out Bowen Islander Laurel Bailey in an upcoming performance of the Vagina Monologues at UBC.
pidoing just that” she says, “But the fact is, there are still a lot of people who get really uncomfortable when they hear the word and I think it’s in the title to get people’s attention. And the show is based on interviews with women about their bodies and about sex. Some of the monologues are very funny and some are sad and some of them are angry.” Bailey is acting in a UBC production of the play, written in 1995 by Eve Ensler. She says that the cast is made up of 22 women starting at age 17. “I’m the oldest, which is interesting,” says Bailey. “As part of our process, we’ve had a number of workshops and a lot of discussions on all kinds of issues ranging from consent, to the morning after pill, to intersectional feminism, to the use of the term ‘slut.’ We’ve talked about different words that make some people uncomfortable and why, about appropriate usage of certain words, about sex, gender, and about race. It has been really inspiring, to learn and grow with these young women, as I would not normally have the opportunity to have this kind of relationship with them.” Having these conversations, she says, has made her realize how important it is to have them in the first place and to keep them going. “I think that women need to continue these conversations and hash out a lot of things, just to get on the same page,” she says. “It’s not that men don’t have a place in these conversations, but women need to share a com-
mon language first”. Bailey adds that the culture of girls and young women being each other’s worst enemies is still applicable today which makes these conversations are even more important. “I think a lot of us are having conversations with our sons about consent, we also need to be having conversations with our daughters about the importance of looking out for each other instead of judging and putting each other down. I feel like the entire cast of this show – despite obvious age differences and varying sexual orientations – have all got each other’s backs. And that feels amazing.” The UBC production of the Vagina Monologues is a “V-Day” production, which means that a new monologue will be incorporated into the performance, one that was written specifically for this year. It also means that all the money raised through the performance will go to a Vancovuer women’s charity, although it has yet to be decided which one. “The play is a bit dated, but I still think it is worth doing and really educational for both the cast and the audience,” says Bailey. “And it would be great if men could come to the show with an open heart, understanding that being anti-patriarchy is not being anti-male.” The UBC V-Day performance of the Vagina Monologues will take place on February 17 and 18 at UBC’s Fredric Wood Theatre. Tickets are available online at https://www.showpass.com/ ubc-vday-2018-presents-the-vagina-monologues/.
TOP: Carol Shatford marches with fellow-islanders towards the lagoon. BOTTOM: Shasta Martinuk leads marchers in song. Meribeth Deen, photo
Open House Registration 2018/2019 Since 1989
BOWEN ISLAND SPECIALISTS! QUALITY SERVICE GUARANTEED!
Short on Space? Call our Place! We have all the Solutions! THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT US! Need help to get Organized? ■ Clean Dry & Secure ■ Over 99 different sizes to suit your needs ■ Open 7 days a week ■ Storage for your Household or Commercial goods
Need help Moving? ■ Call us for your Moving Estimate ■ Full Packing Services ■ We sell or rent you boxes for your move ■ Professional Movers ■ Licensed, Insured, Bonded ■ Check us out at the BBB
Keep Calm and Call Econo
604.980.3333 991 West First Street, North Vancouver, BC www.economovingandstorage.com
Friday January 26th and February 23rd 9:30 to 11:30 am Circle Time & Healthy snack Quality Early Education for children 2 ½ to 6 years old Multi-age grouping Flexible hours of care Stress free year round registration
It’s in our nature to learn! Please join us through the garden gate at Artisan Square A loving and enriched place to grow, discover and learn
bowenmontessori.ca
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
THURSDAY JANUARY 25 2018 • 7
BOWEN BEAT Women’s March, year two Last year, the inauguration of Donald Trump to the office of US president brought people across the globe, and on Bowen, to their feet to march for equality and women’s rights. Roughly fourty Bowen Islanders marched again on Saturday morning. Sarah Yu-Rutherford said that for her, a feeling of opposition to President Trump and all that he represents is still her motivation. “Rather than sitting at home and moaning or being angry, it feels good to be a part of something,” she says. “It may be a small march, but it is connected to all the others happening across the globe.” Another marcher, spoke to the crowd and said that since Trump got elected, she’s been writing letters to have her voice heard on women’s issues and other issues as well. She put it to the crowd: this is a concrete thing that more of us need to take on. For march organizer Robyn Fenton, this event is a way to help keep an important conversation going. “There is so much to say in the realm of equality and fighting sexism,” says Fenton. “I see most of the issues as being provincial and federal, but we need more women in positions of power and leadership to bring those issues up front in centre, and from there craft a more equal society.”
FAR LEFT: Jen and her son Callaghan march for a better future. TOP RIGHT: Elle and Sylvaine listen intently to speeches made by March attendees. BOTTOM RIGHT: Sarah, Michelle and Kim march along the lagoon.
A few of the men attending the Women’s March sing a song in dedication to all women. Brian Hoover (centre) said it is time for men to learn to say: I’m sorry, I was wrong, I need a hand, and I don’t know. Meribeth Deen, photos
Bowen Island Undercurrent is seeking an editor. This a full time opportunity working on Bowen Island. Qualifications required Reporting, photography and column writing. Familiarity with InDesign for pagination and layout of our weekly newspaper. The successful applicant will have a deep commitment to community and be able to truly reflect our community in the pages of our paper and our websites.
Please submit your application to publisher@bowenislandundercurrent.com
8 THURSDAY JANUARY JANUARY 25 25 2018 2018 8 •• THURSDAY
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
A word on paper cups from Bowen Waste Pick your cup... your daily coffee habit makes an impact. Meribeth Deen, photo
SUSAN REDMOND SUBMISSION
Chuck Norris, the martial arts and action film star is not the first person who comes to mind when talking about environmental issues. Yet I will quote him now: when we drink a cup of coffee … out of a Styrofoam cup, we are also taking in small doses of chemicals that leach from the container.” He was not alone in his concern about the effects of using Styrofoam containers, which is why many coffee shops switched to using paper cups to dispense their products. Unfortunately, they traded one problem for another. In a recent study done in Great Britain it was discovered that 8 million take-
away coffees are bought each day. That is a lot of single-use paper cups that need to be disposed of, particular since they cannot be disposed of either in green waste or paper recycling.
While in theory these cups are suppose to be eco-friendly, the reality is that the cups are lined with a polyethylene lining that is difficult to separate from the outer paper cup. While in theory these cups are suppose to be eco-friendly, the reality is that the cups are lined with a polyethylene lining that is difficult to separate from the outer paper cup. This makes them
NOT recyclable. A possible solution is for owners of coffee shops to buy cups that are made to be recycled. That is an expensive option as they cost more, resulting in extra costs for both the shop owners and their customers. Still, both the Snug and Cocoa West have invested in recyclable cups that can go into the paper waste stream. So if you are wondering why the depot staff are picking paper cups out of the mixed paper bin or why they won’t let you put paper cups into the bin in the first place, now you know. Ultimately what is the solution? Education is the key for both adults and children. Everyone needs to understand the implications of the waste involved with disposable food and drink containers. It is time to start making changes.
We’d like your feedback
on the 2018–2019 budget proposal
You can find it online at islandstrust.bc.ca/budget or request a printed copy by calling us at 250-405-5151. Your comments will help the Islands Trust Council set its 2018–2019 budget at the public meeting on Salt Spring Island, March 13–15. Please send your comments by February 12th in the following ways: " Take our survey at islandstrust.bc.ca/budget ! 200–1627 Fort Street, Victoria, BC V8R 1H8 # budget@islandstrust.bc.ca
The Islands Trust preserves the communities, culture and environment of islands in the Salish Sea. Learn more about what we do at islandstrust.bc.ca.
Talking Whales Nothing can energize a boat load of ferry passengers faster than someone yelling “Whales!”. The return of whales, dolphins and porpoises has highlighted Howe Sound/Atl’kitsem’s marine recovery. So, what do we know about humpback whales, grey whales, killer whales, dolphins and porpoises? Where are they being sighted? How many are visiting Howe Sound? Jessica Torode of the Vancouver Aquarium is coming to Bowen this Saturday with answers to these questions. Her talk, hosted by the Bowen Island Conservancy, will be at Collins Hall from 2-4pm Saturday January 27. Come learn how to identify the different species, the threats these animals face, and what you can do to help. Jessica is the coordinator of the BC Cetacean Sightings Network – a project that collects sightings of whales, dolphins, porpoises, and sea turtles from the coast of British Columbia for conservation research, environmental impact assessments, critical habitat analysis and establishment of marine protected areas. Her talk – titled “Where are the Whales? Monitoring and Protecting Cetaceans through Citizen Science” will talk not only about these marine mammals along the BC coast but also specifically in Howe Sound/Atl’kitsem. All members of the public are welcome to attend this free event. Bring your questions. See you there! -- Bowen Island Conservancy
A humpback breaching in King Edward Bay.
Bob Turner, photo
Bats BC seeks public assistance in local monitoring MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
A fungus known as White Nose Syndrome (WNS) is responsible for the deaths of millions of bats in eastern North America, and researchers are hoping to track its presence before it spreads on the West Coast. Washington State confirmed the presence of this deadly fungus in 2016 and 2017, and BC Bats in collaboration with the BC Community Bat program is hoping that Bowen Islanders will report sightings of bats flying in winter, hibernating bats found in woodsheds and any dead bats found. “Because we know so little about where our BC bats hibernate, we are turning to the public for assistance in monitoring for the disease. The typical first sign of this disease is bats flying during the winter, an unusual sighting at a time of year when bats are hibernating. Another sign of the presence of WNS is the appearance of dead bats as they succumb to the effects of WNS,” says Mandy Kellner. “There was a suspicious bat in Horseshoe Bay last year, so that is an area we are definitely interested in focusing on.” Kellner ads that if someone finds a dead bat, Bats BC will figure out how to get it to a lab for testing. To contact the BC Community Bat Program, see www.bcbats. ca, email info@bcbats.ca or call 1-855-922-2287 ext. 24.
Pest control workshop - Saturday The presenter, Carl Neilsen is going to identify how pest animals can enter into homes and cause problems, and he will suggest solutions and ways to control population and exclude them from our homes ethically and humanely. He also hopes that people will bring photos of any areas of their homes they feel are vulnerable to pests and will
suggest how to keep them out our of our living spaces. Carl has forty years’ experience in pest control, including extensive work on Bowen Island and has a background in farming and construction and a university education in prevention and exclusion techniques. -CAWES
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
High winds cause damage to ferry, and cancellation of sailings
The Bowen Queen docking at Horseshoe Bay.
Ross Bragg, photo
MARIA SPITALE-LEISK CONTRIBUTOR
A strong gust of wind caused a safety gate to blow off its hinges and land on the vehicle deck of the Bowen Queen ferry on Sunday morning, putting the vessel out of commission for a few hours. BC Ferries spokesperson Darin Guenette said nobody on board the ferry and no vehicles were struck during the incident, which happened around 8:45 a.m. while the ship was travelling from Bowen Island to Horseshoe Bay. The damage resulted in the cancellation of four sailings Sunday, 9:05 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. from Horseshoe Bay and 9:40 a.m. and 10:50 a.m. from Bowen Island, during which time BC Ferries maintenance staff repaired the safety gate. The barrier, separating ferry from
sea, is in place across the ends of the vehicle deck and is always closed when the vessel is moving as a safety measure, said Guenette. BC Ferries resumed sailings to Snug Cove at noon, with the Bowen Queen leaving at capacity, 20 minutes late and eight vehicles behind. Having more horsepower than the Queen of Capilano means the Bowen Queen has better manoeuvrability in higher sea conditions. “Also, the Bowen Queen has a slimmer hull, which allows it to cut through the water easier (and) with more comfort,” said Guenette. “It does not necessarily mean that the Bowen Queen is able to handle rough weather better than the Queen of Capilano, but it does have some advantages in those conditions.” The Queen of Capilano is currently undergoing a scheduled maintenance refit and is due to return to the route on Feb. 5.
THURSDAY JANUARY 25 2018 • 9 THURSDAY JANUARY 25 2018 • 9
Moving forward on plans for a business licensing program on Bowen
that Bowen Island Fire Chief Ian Thompson was fully on board with the creation of such EDITOR a program, as it would help firefighters have Plans to create a system of business licensa better understanding of the situation they ing on Bowen Island were started back in were entering if there happened to be a fire 2000s, Maureen Nicholson told attendees at the site of a local business. Also, she said, at the Bowen Business Summit on Tuesday Vancouver Coastal Health wrote a long letter evening, but never got rolling. Last year, the in support of a business licensing program. Economic Development Committee (EDC) “The EDC subcommittee on this has done picked up the idea again, and after floating it a lot of research in comparable commuwith local businesses, have forged ahead. nities,” EDC member Rod Marsh told the “The EDC subcommittee on this has done Undercurrent. “Bowen Island is part of a very a lot of research in comparable commusmall minority of communities that don’t have nities,” EDC member Rod Marsh told the such a system in place.” Undercurrent. “Bowen Island is part of a very Local business people asked a variety of small minority of communities that don’t have questions about how this system would work. such a system in place.” How would licensing work for a business that At the Summit, Councillor Nicholson statoperated in more than one category, asked the ed a number of benefits that seem to come Union Steamship Marina’s Rondy Dike, notwith such a system, including the fact that ing that many businesses on Bowen do more communities develop a greater awareness and than one thing. connection to the businesses operating in the Barry Pynn, who is on the Economic area, and revenue generated can go into local Development Committee sub-committee on chambers of commerce. business licensing, noted that in the case of One benefit that she said was perhaps less a farmer’s market, some communities would obvious was health and safety. Nicholson said require the market to have a license while others would require the vendors to have licenses. Questions like these will be answered by municipal staff, who are currently trying to figure out the structure of a business licensing program for Bowen Island. Rod Marsh says he believes local business people are more open to this idea than they were when it was presented to them last year - and that the key recommendation from Rod Marsh, Maureen Nicholson and Barry Pynn the EDC on this is: keep the presenting their work on business licensing to the structure simple, and the fees Bowen business community. low. Meribeth Deen, photo MERIBETH DEEN
10 • THURSDAY JANUARY 25 2018
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
Emergency shelter plan approved by BC Housing Islands Trust seeks comment on 2018 budget has not yet agreed to host the shelter, but with them, and hopefully move them MARIA SPITALE-LEISK CONTRIBUTOR
Homeless Bowen Island residents will soon be able to find shelter in extreme weather conditions. The Lookout Housing and Health Society’s plan to operate a 12-space emergency shelter on Bowen has been approved by BC Housing, which provides the funding. While the partnership has yet to be formalized, Lookout intends to set up at Bowen Island United Church. “As soon as it gets cold we would open up. It is immediate,” said Wes Everaars, director of development, Lookout Housing and Health Society, adding they are hoping to iron out the final details in the next couple of weeks or so. The Lookout Society’s emergency response is activated during the “worst weather of the year.” The storm that walloped the South Coast this past weekend almost qualified as extreme weather by Lookout’s standards, said Everaars. Extreme weather shelters open when it’s two degrees or colder. There are also weather variables that Lookout watches for, including multiple days of pelting rain, even if the temperature rises above the two-degree benchmark. Currently the shelter plan calls for 12 mats to be rolled out during inclement weather in a safe place, where a meal and social supports can be offered. The news was welcomed on Tuesday by Bowen Island Municipality emergency program co-ordinator Jennifer McGowan. “BIM is pleased that BC Housing has approved the plan submitted by Lookout,” said McGowan. “It is our understanding that the United Church
are currently discussing the feasibility into more secure and safer conditions … of doing so with Lookout. BIM is grateand then move them forward socially as ful to the United Church and members well,” said Everaars, earlier this week. of the community for their efforts, and Lookout would provide Bowen with hopeful that this initiative moves forminimal barrier housing and specialward.” ized support services for people living In early November it was estimated with mental illness, addictions and there were seven homeless people on other challenges — meaning they do not Bowen, after a roundtable discussion on require people be sober, compliant with the immediacy of setting up an emermental health or addiction treatment gency shelter. A day of bitter cold, snow, plans, or agree to participate in prohigh winds and power outages sparked grams to receive services and housing the meeting among islanders. support from them. At that meeting, Cpl. Paulo Arreaga “They can come in as they are and said that according to the number of then we start our intervention to hopefulcases Bowen RCMP have dealt with ly move them forward,” said Everaars. “A there are seven people they consider lot of our clients, guests as we can them, homeless on the island. Housing advoneed that caring and support and need it cate Michael Chapman said that elevfor a long period of time.” en people contacted him to state their housing needs as inadequate. An emergency housing plan outlining a budget, staff and location for the shelter has been laid out since then, with the non-profit Lookout Society coming on board as the operator. “The opportunity for a provider like Lookout to provide services for people who are homeless on Bowen Island is that we can meet The board of Collins Hall is discussing the feasibility them where they’re of opening an extreme weather shelter with the at and start to help Lookout Housing and Health Society. them along so that Meribeth Deen, photo we can build trust
The Islands Trust has drafted a $7.86 million budget for the coming year and will begin its public consultation on it this weekend with an online survey. “In developing this budget, we carefully assessed how the Islands Trust should respond to the interests and needs of our island communities in an accountable and fiscally responsible manner,” said Peter Luckham, Chair of the Islands Trust Council. “The next step is to ask the public to have a say about how we use funds in support of our mandate to preserve and protect the Trust Area.” As members of the Islands Trust, Bowen Island Municipality contributes a proportional share of the cost of operations of the Trust Council and the Trust Fund Board as defined by the Islands Trust Act. If the proposed budget is approved, Bowen Island Municipality would contribute $293,463, an increase of 17.3% ($50,783). As members of the Islands Trust, Bowen Island Municipality contributes a proportional share of the cost of operations of the Trust Council and the Trust Fund Board as defined by the Islands Trust Act. If the proposed budget is approved, Bowen Island Municipality would contribute $293,463, an increase of 17.3% ($50,783). Public comments received by February 12, 2018 will go to the Financial Planning Committee (FPC), which is responsible for developing the annual budget. The FPC will consider all feedback received by the deadline and make its budget recommendations to Trust Council. Trust Council will also review the public’s feedback before approving the final budget at its quarterly meeting March 13-15, 2017 on Salt Spring Island. The details on the budget proposal, link to the survey and options for feedback are available at www.islandstrust.bc.ca/ budget.
Highlights from the proposed budget for 2018-2019 include: • A 2 percent increase in revenue from property taxes. • An operating budget of $7.86 million. • A proposed 1.3% increase in expenses ($100,000) over the 2017-2018 budget. • Continued funding for projects identified in the 20142018 Strategic Plan.
Local knowledge - Global reach 449 Bowen Trunk Rd
FRANCES FROST & FELICITY BUSKARD
" NOW is a great time to sell your home, we can make it happen "
Mixed use commercial building - 2 Bed | 2 bath | Restaurant | Office | Retail
RE/MAX
Crest Realty-Bowen Island
WWW.BOWENISLANDREALESTATE.INFO
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
The time to be prepared is... now MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
Last weekend, the gym at BICS was packed with education, products and professionals focused on emergency preparation. The breaking of the ferry gate was not quite an emergency, but it did prevent a group of anticipated off-island presenters from attending. One of the event’s organizers, Amanda Ockeloen of Life Savers First Aid Training and Supples says even the high winds are a reminder to always be prepared. “I don’t believe in surprises,” she says. “Only preparation.” Number one on her list for emergency preparation tools is knowledge. “Imagine a situation where someone is unconscious and nobody is doing anything, because they never got around to taking that fun and dynamic first aid class, even though
they intended to,” says Ockeloen. “The Heart and Stroke foundation of Canada believes that basic first aid, should be an essential condition of citizenship, sort of an informal law of good Samaritanship. I can’t help but agree.” Discussions about being prepared continued at the Bowen Island Economic Development Committee’s Business Summit on Tuesday evening. Bowen’s Emergency Program Co-ordinator, Jen Mcgowan reminded people that in the case of a major disaster such as an earthquake, it is important to be personally prepared. “If you and your household are not prepared, you will be a burden on others,” she said. “And getting the necessary help within 72 hours is overly optimistic, so make sure to have food for at least a week.” In this situation, the NERP program (Neighbourhood Emergency Response People) program, which is currently being revived by Robyn Fenton and Denise Richards, should make a big difference. Keep an eye out for neighbourhood meetings on this, as well as an island-wide meeting about NERP in latespring/early summer.
LEFT: Amanda Ockeloen prepares to pack away her CPR training dolls at last weekend’s community emergency preparedness event. Meribeth Deen, photo
THURSDAY JANUARY 25 2018 • 11
OPEN HOUSES THIS SUNDAY • 1 - 3
1557 Whitesails $1,100,000 Jan 28 open house
340 Creek Road $1,095,000 Jan 28 open house
Peter and Carmen Dives
604-802-8559 / 604-802-8267 | Peter: divespeter@gmail.com | Carmen: carmendives@gmail.com www.bowenislandproperties.com
BUILDING A HOME ON BOWEN ISLAND A longtime female friend once commented, “Next to
the home was ready for occupancy less than three weeks after delivery! The
giving birth to my kids and raising them, nothing has been
husband (a busy physician) and his wife (an equally busy piano teacher) had
as fulfilling as building our family’s home here on Bowen.”
several children. They simply did not have the time or inclination to suffer
I felt happy for her, not only because I had sold
the stress of building a conventional home. Most of the neighbours (includ-
the property to her family, but because her
ing our family) were curious but not convinced about the choice; however,
comment reflected my experience of build-
opinions changed after the “house warming party” and other parties there-
ing homes on Bowen the last 30 years.
after. The house, at least 50 years old now, still looks and feels great. Not
Contractors, builders, and tradespeople
surprisingly, today most new single-family homes in much of Europe are
are neighbours here, and in many cases
either pre-manufactured or of modular construction.
have become good friends. Talents and
While the quality of local builders and their homes on Bowen is still as
preferences varied — ranging from skillful
outstanding as it was 30 years ago, the demand for construction capacity has
budget construction to artistic custom craftsmanship, and everything in between.
started to reach limits. So, if we at Bowen Island Properties have started to earnestly look at
When our family left Germany to immigrate to Canada, I realized that
modular (or pre-manufactured) ways of construction, it is not out of curi-
construction methods here were quite different from what I was familiar
osity but because we have learned that high-quality construction does not
with. Except for — and that brings me to the subject I want to focus on today
depend as much on the mode of construction (conventional or otherwise) as
— the matter of “pre-manufactured construction.” My first experience with it
on the skillfulness and competence of the builder.
goes back to the late 1960s or early 1970s when a neighbour in our lakeside
More about that subject next week.
community in Germany had a “Fertighaus” trucked in from Sweden, and
Best regards, Wolfgang
Since 1988, building communities where people love to live
12 • THURSDAY JANUARY 25 2018
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
Bowen has changed, but how? A statistical analysis
TIM RHODES CONTRIBUTOR
Occasionally I hear folks talking about how much Bowen has changed and how many unfamiliar faces they see, so I thought I’d try and quantify that change by comparing the 2006 and the 2016 census, with some references to the 2011 census, and in the process maybe explain some of the perceived changes.
Population Change – New Faces/New Neighbours The population of Bowen Island increased by 37 from 2006 to 2011 and by 278 from 2011 to 2016—an increase of 315 over the decade. Real estate sales suggest that most of the growth (950 new residents) came in the latter half of the 2016 census period
when property values began to regain ground after the 2008 slump. Six hundred and seventy-two people left the island during this period, many were homeowners reluctant or unable to sell during the slump and finally able to list their homes, making way for new residents. The new faces we see and the new neighbours we have are mostly result of population ‘churn’ rather than population growth.
Age and education - we’re older and more educated We’re officially closer to 50 than 40. The median age of the population is 48.7—up from 44.8 in 2006—and 4.6 years older than the median age for Metro Vancouver. The number of residents over age 55 increased, while the number and distribution of islanders age 0 to 39 was relatively unchanged. Measured over the decade, the numbers suggest that generally Bowen Island is attractive to families with pre-school and elementary school-age children and empty-nesters and retirees aged 55-74. Attrition in the 75-and-older age group is typically seniors moving for more immediate access to health care.
Andreas Luzian Budzinski, born in Königsberg, East Prussia
16 July 1936,
passed away on 16 January 2018 in North Vancouver. Emigrating from Germany to Canada in the early 1960s, Luz moved to Bowen Island in the early 70s. He and his then wife, Cherry (later Miriam Stuart) built one of the first houses on Tunstall Boulevard, raising their daughter Andrea, and son Nathaniel there. A keen kayaker, Luz loved the outdoors, hiking and camping, and could regularly be spotted making the cross-island journey on his bike, rain or shine. Luz was active in Bowen’s community life for many years, including the Bowen Island Nature Club and the Bowen Island Eco-Alliance, as well as the Municipality Ferry Advisory Committee, and more. He is survived by both his children, his grandson River, his sister Christine and many other friends and family on Bowen, the mainland, Germany, Norway and elsewhere. There will be a celebration of Luz’s life at Collins Hall on Saturday 27 January starting at 11:30am. The family asks that guests do not bring flowers, but make a donation to the Bowen Island Eco-alliance in Luz’s name.
More islanders have more education. The number of people over 15 years-of-age with no certificate, diploma, or degree declined by 23 per cent while the number with an apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma increased 105 per cent and those with a bachelor’s degree or higher increased 196 per cent since 2006. If higher education correlates to higher income, it is not unexpected to see the level of education attained rise as household income rises.
Population Popu Po pula pu lati la tion ti on Change Cha hang ngee – New ng New Faces/New Face Fa ces/ ce s/Ne s/ New Ne w Neighbours Neig Ne ighb ig hbou hb ours ou rs The population Th po popu pula pu lati la tion ti on of of Bo Bowen n Island increased byy 37 from fro rom 2006 2016—an increase to 22011 011 an and d by 278 78 ffrom rom 2011 to 2016 ro 16—a 16 —an in —a incr crea cr ease ea se of of 315 over er tthe he d decade. ecad ec ade. ad e. Real Real estate est stat st atee sa at sale sales less su le sugg suggest ggest that m gg most ostt of the os the ggrowth rowt ro wth wt h (950 (9 new residents) period resi side si dent de nts) nt s) came cam amee in tthe am he llatter atte at ter ha te half of of th the 2016 2016 census cen ensu suss pe su peri riod ri od began regain after when property wh pro rope pert pe rtyy values rt valu va lues lu es b egan eg an to to rega gain ga in gground roun ro und un d af afte terr the te the 2008 2008 slum sl ump. SSix um ix h undr un dred dr ed and and sseventy-two even ev enty en ty-t ty -two -t wo p eopl eo plee left pl left the he island isl slan and an d slump. hundred people duri du ring ri ng this thi hiss pe peri riod ri od,, ma od many ny were wer eree ho home meow me owne ow ners ne rs reluctant rel eluc ucta uc tant ta nt o during period, homeowners orr unab able ab le to o se sell ll during dur urin ingg th in thee sl slum ump um p an and d finally fina fi nall na llyy ab ll able le tto o list list ttheir heir unable slump home ho mes, me s, m akin ak ingg way way for for new new residents. resi re side dent de nts. nt s. homes, making Th new faces we see and the new ew neighbours neigh ghbours we have are gh The mostly result of p opul op ulat ul atio at ion io n ‘c ‘chu hurn hu rn’’ rather rn rath ra ther th er than tha han n po popu pulation gr pu population ‘churn’ population
David Strapps Born in Montreal, Quebec, August 24, 1957, passed away suddenly in his home on Bowen Island, BC on January 11, 2018. David was predeceased by his brother Tom (1947-1970), his mother Elizabeth (1919-1977), his father Walter (1919-2007) and tragically his little brother Peter (1960-2013). He is survived by his eldest sister Patricia (1943) in Ontario, his oldest brother Walter (1946) in Nova Scotia and his best friend and close sister Dale (1951) on Quadra Island (formerly of Bowen Island). David grew up in Montreal (yes he spoke French!!) and attended the University of New Brunswick studying Silviculture. He met and married Donna there and brought her back to Quebec where he began as a contractor of some renown. After his divorce, he moved out west to be with Dale in Coquitlam in 1978 and the story of his BC life and travels is definitely a book waiting to be written. The Bowen Island Chapter will be a popular section including Pam, Julie, and many others! He loved his dogs PV and Maisie, which will be lovingly cared for by friends. He loved his treasured Niece Alex (Tofino) and was a great uncle and friend to her since she was a baby. He was just now getting into his two year old grand niece Holly May – her eyes always lit up seeing her Gruncle! All who knew him will sadly miss him and his legacy will live on forever.
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
Bowen: a statistical perspective from P 12
Who’s working where and how are they getting there? Sixty-seven per cent of Bowen Islanders over the age of 15 identify as part of the labour force. One-in-four Islanders work from home and 1/3 (representing 18.5 per cent of the population) commute off-island to their ‘usual place of work’. Conventional wisdom would set this number closer to 40-50 per cent; however, even adding high school-age children to the mix, less than 1/4 of the total population commutes off-island. Also bucking conventional wisdom: Improved ferry capacity and fewer overloads (excepting re-fit periods) did not encourage more commuting by private vehicle. Two hun-
dred and fifteen fewer people reported commuting as a driver in a private vehicle and 105 more islanders used public transit. If you’re finding it increasingly difficult to find a builder, it’s probably because the construction industry took the biggest hit in the last decade. We had 80 fewer construction workers in 2016 than in 2006. While the 950 new residents over the period account for the increases and minor fluctuations in categories of work, the changes in construction can only be attributed to attrition as workers in this category who were forced to find off-island work after the 2008 slump and have not returned. Look for more stats and analysis in next week’s paper.
THURSDAY JANUARY JANUARY 25 25 2018 2018 •• 13 13 THURSDAY
BOWEN ISLAND GOLF CLUB Saturday, Feb 3 10:30 for 11am shotgun start Registr egistration deadline Sun, January 28
Snowman Scramble S
Entry fee: members $25, non - members $45, Includes: golf, lunch and prizes after Register by emailing pro shop at proshop@bowengolf.com, calling 604-947-GOLF (4653) or drop off at proshop. More info www.bowengolf.com
Bowen Island Conservancy Where are the Whales? Monitoring and protecting Cetaceans through Citizen Science Our 2018 Speaker Series begins with a presentation by Jessica Torode about the BC Cetaceans Sighting Network. You’ll learn how to identify the different species of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) in BC waters, the threats these animals face, and what you can do to help the Network with its mission. • When: January 27th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm here: Collins Hall, all, 1122 Miller er Road oad • Where:
PLEASE TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS. EVERYBODY IS WELCOME TO ATTEND; YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A CONSERVANCY MEMBER.
)"% '"!$&#(*
A&N +&WHR(TU R *&NR* *R(L)RW, R(L IR9&;WDSK LKUSD(RSD&( I&W P&RSKWU IW&) RW&;(L SFK :KUS B&RUS/ -RN, D( SFK NRWK &I SFK AD,K IR)D*41 7K USWD9K LRD*4 S& %W&9DLK R ";R*DS4 LD(D(H K6%KWDK(NK I&W K9KW4 H;KUS/ >&D( ;U LRD*4 IW&) OO R)/ ,&!%' (!/#"+ *-"$!&%).
+&(LR4 0 M I&W O B&L 8 BFD%U V;KULR4 0 =DLU @RS ?WKK :KL(KULR4 0 :D(HU 8 -KKW VF;WULR4 0 'D22R ?WDLR4 0 'WD)K #DP !RS;WLR4 $ <R)P !FR(, 8 <D9K +;UDN :KK,K(LU 0 -W;(NF IW&) OQ R)/ We hope to see you soon and often!
777/L&N)&WHR(U/NR 5GQJ3 .JE0 QCQC
14 • THURSDAY JANUARY 25 2018
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
Bowen is powered by people. Is this your year to make an impact? Bowen Island Community Foundation CONTRIBUTED
In 2014, your Bowen Island Community Foundation sponsored its first Vital Conversations to determine the needs of the community - straight from the people who live here. Since then, motivated individuals and over a dozen of our outstanding charitable organizations have stepped forward to address the improvement opportunities that were identified. Through their passion and creativity, our community now has: • A trail-friendly wheel chair so that all - regardless of mobility- can enjoy the quiet and beauty of nature • A vibrant garden to welcome us home to Bowen • Solar panels at BICS, teaching our children the responsibility of environmental stewardship • High-quality meals delivered for free to people in need of meal support all around the Island • A new Infant and Toddler Annex at the Bowen’s Children Centre to help nurture our most precious community members • The Cove Commons — a multi-purpose and central public space for locals and visitors to gather, meet and share, providing an array of experiences that builds, expresses and enhances the charac-
ter and culture of island life. These initiatives – and many more – are powered by the people of Bowen. Your contributions to the Bowen Island Community Foundation have resulted in almost $400,000 in scholarships, bursaries, and grants to community initiatives proposed and led by Bowen’s charitable organizations over the past three years. Today, Bowen is a better place to live because of the leadership and efforts of local champions and your financial contributions. In 2017, the Foundation wished to assess the current state of our local needs, identify priorities for individual and organizational action, and guide your Foundation’s community grant giving efforts. During this most recent Vital Conversations, a diverse group of sixty-one Bowen Islanders gathered for a morning in September and identified eight priority areas for making our community stronger. This past Saturday, about fifty Bowen Islanders attended the release of the 2017 Vital Conversations report. Doc Morgan’s lower level was abuzz with anticipation of hearing the results. Soren Hammerberg, Chair of the Foundation, began the presentation with the hope that “this report will inspire and inform our community. The collective voices contained in this report speak to our common values and priorities.”
The eight priorities identified through the Vital Conversations are:
• Develop Housing for All: Housing is a complex and difficult issue encompassing diversity, affordability, density and seniors housing. • Bring Healthcare Close Holly Graff and Joanne Gassman (centre) of the Bowen Island Community to Home: The majority of Bowen Foundation deliver the ‘VITAL Conversations’ report to islanders at Doc Morgans residents get their on Saturday, Jan. 20. Gordon Ganong and Soren Hammerburg are at the far left routine or urgent and right. healthcare services Marcus Hondro, photo respect for and appreciation of difwe run the risk of volunteer burnout, on the mainland. ferences in race, ethnicity, gender, potentially damaging our culture of Accessing these off-island services age, national origin, abilities, sexactivism and self-sufficiency. can be a financial and emotionual orientation, culture, education, • Create Gathering Places for All: al burden and when urgent care is and belief ). Bowen is home to few A common gathering place—or needed, can jeopardize our health visible minorities and indigenous places—is essential for a vibrant and well-being. peoples. Services for the marginalcommunity. The more time we • Support our Youth: Bowen ized of our community are sparse. can spend together on Bowen, the is a great place to raise children. Although often uncomfortable, stronger our community will be. However, it can become a challeng• Take Responsibility for the ing place as children grow older and addressing these issues candidly and openly can be transformative. Stewardship of our Environment: A spend greater amounts of time on • Increase our Volunteer Pool: As significant part of Bowen’s appeal the mainland for education, sports Bowen Island continues to grow, to residents and visitors alike is the and social activities. the need to increase our pool of breathtaking and pristine beauty • Celebrate Diversity and volunteers becomes more and more that surrounds us. Inclusion: Bowen is more homogeimportant. Without more volunteers, neous than it is diverse (meaning continued P15
What’s the big idea? Or the small idea? We’re hoping you can tell us. The Bowen Island Community Foundation has $35,000 to grant for projects that improve our community. We need two things from you (in addition to your great idea): a 500 word proposal and that you be partnered with (or just be) a charitable organization. The detailed application package is available on the Foundation’s home page: bowenfoundation.com. You might want to have a look at our 2017 Vital Conversations report to see the issues that our community is interested in addressing. Applications are due February 12th before 5pm. Applicants must email their proposal to grants@bowenfoundation.com. Successful applicants will be announced at the Bowen Island Community Foundation AGM on May 4, 2018.
DEPARTS SUN to THURS FRI & SAT SNUG COVE 11:15PM 12:15AM SNUG COVE 11:15PM 12:15AM HORSESHOE BAY 11:30PM 12:30AM HORSESHOE BAY 11:30PM 12:30AM
Scheduled Afternoon Commuter Runs OPERATING 7 DAYS WEEK Mon - Fri Horseshoe Bay -ASnug Cove
Proudly Celebrating Over 36 39 Years of Trusted Transport for Bowen Island & Howe Sound Telephone: 604-947-2243 Cellular: 604-250-2630 24 Hour Tug & BargeService services Special Event Cruises PRIVATE CHARTERS AVAILABLE ANYTIME
email: cormorantmarine@telus.net web: cormorantwatertaxi.com
604-947-2243
Since 1978
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
Priorities come to the fore at Vital Conversations from PAGE 15
We need to keep our environment consciously and deliberately in the forefront of all our decision-making. The Vital Conversations participants also brainstormed possible actions to address each community priority area. Ideas like: • Establishing a Housing Authority • Launching professional development and training for local residents, primary providers and responders in such areas as emergency medicine, home care aides/workers and mental health • Working with the West Vancouver School District to encourage required youth volunteer time be completed on Bowen • Creating a paid position for a Bowen Island Community Volunteer Coordinator. These and more solutions plus additional details on the Vital Conversations process and results can be found at www.bowenfoundation.com/ vital-conversations-2017. We hope you will make time to read this report. You’ll enjoy the insights and the stories. Now is the time to contin-
ue to strengthen our community and move forward with these priorities. Once again, your Community Foundation will be granting funds to Bowen’s charitable organizations that step forward with impactful projects addressing one or more of the eight opportunities prioritized by community members at the Vital Conversations event. Ideas should be submitted by February 12 through the application process found at www.bowenfoundation.com/ community-impact-fund. Grant recipients will be announced at our Annual Meeting on May 4. Through Vital Conversations 2017, the diverse voices of Bowen Island identified and discussed what we’re already doing well and the priorities for making Bowen even stronger and better. Continued progress and success will depend on our community’s organizations and individuals stepping up and championing these ideas. By tapping into our shared values and aspirations and by focusing on the priorities for our community, we can be better. We will be better. Because our efforts and aspirations are powered by the people of Bowen.
THURSDAY JANUARY JANUARY 25 25 2018 2018 •• 15 15 THURSDAY
Spring is on the way, let’s swap seeds SARAH HAXBY SUBMISSION
It’s that time of the year again: gardeners of all types, especially food growers have been looking through seed catalogues and their seed collections and wondering what will grow well on Bowen this year. Gardeners of all ages are invited to the Seedy Saturday at BICS on Feb 10th to share their knowledge and their seed collections. The BICS student Garden
Club has been getting ready, saving a variety of open pollination, organically grown seeds including kale, parsley, snow pea, bronze fennel, scarlet runner beans and other seeds from the school’s gardens and creating colourful seed packages which will be available for sale at the Seedy Saturday event.
BICS Garden Club members Jordan and Jovie prepare seed envelopes. Sarah Haxby, photo
Alumni from IPS get together to reminisce Alumni came from far and wide last month to join us for some Christmas cheer. We look forward to some of them returning to IPS as Community Faculty Members and Masterworks Advisors. - Julia McCaig
From left to right: Rhiannon Campden, Kailey Spear, Ted Spear (former IPS Head), Katrina Snowball, Jen Henrichsen (staff), Sam Spear, Kate Rowan, Theo Husby, Chad Ruloff, Scott Herrington (head) and Julia McCaig (alumni relations)
Top 3 reasons to subscribe to your Undercurrent. 1.TO BE AN INFORMED ISLANDER. Every week a news story can make a difference to you and your community. A difference to how you vote, a difference to how champion your island, a difference to how you view what’s important about where you live.
2.TO CELEBRATE YOUR COMMUNITY.
Start a one year subscription this week for $33*
From our farmer’s markets to community dinners.To LightUp, Bowfest, Dock Dance, Dog Days, Applefest and more. It’s all chronicled here – the volunteers, organizations, and businesses that bring our community together every week.
3.TO SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM
Support any one of our amazing local businesses advertised in this week’s paper and get a year’s subscription for just $33 A regular subscription is $45 per year. (*Proof of visit with a business card or receipt.)
To get started call us at 604-947-2442
or email us at ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com or drop by our office in Village Square!
And never miss a story about the people and the place you love.
16 • THURSDAY JANUARY 25 2018 16 • THURSDAY JANUARY 25 2018
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
Group offers support to care-givers Walk a labyrinth on Family Day helping loved ones with Alzheimer’s Jennifer Pardee, Sam Knowles and Gerald Morrisseau in 2016 January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month were among the volunteers who helped to make the 2,500 square foot, heavy canvas fabric BICS labyrinth. Apologies to the three sewing machines that ‘blew up’ during the creation of the BICS labyrinth. Come to the labyrinth community walk to see the labyrinth! Sarah Haxby photo
SARAH HAXBY
photo submitted
MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
When her mum was in her early 70s, Suzanne Allan started to pick up on new challenges that seemed to be arising for her. “Numbers and dates became almost impossible, she started repeating stories, and we went to Hawaii, and she couldn’t do any cooking,” says Suzanne. “I found out that she had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, and had already been on medication for a few years. The diagnosis itself was not a surprise, I knew something was wrong. What’s devastating is knowing that things will only get worse.” Suzanne says that her coping-strategy was education. “I read every book on Alzheimer’s I could get my hands on,” she says. “Still Alice, was a good one. Really though the most helpful thing was when I started connecting with other people caring for loved-ones with Alzheimers.”
Suzanne says she knew about six friends in that situation here on Bowen, and they decided to get together regularly to talk. Eventually, they connected with the local Alzheimer’s Society to bring in more resources, and Suzanne took a weekend-long training to become a support-group facilitator. Suzanne continues that work with a group that meets on the last Tuesday of every month. For anyone who is interested. “We share stories, and also discuss specific issues of interest,” says Suzanne. “Really, the challenge as a caregiver to someone with Alzheimer’s is to try and see the world through the eyes of the person who is suffering – they may have lost the words to explain their perspective to you. It is similar to when you are with a young child, you need to slow down and be in the moment to try and understand what the person is feeling, but you also want to keep the person’s dignity intact.” If you are interested in joining the Alzheimer’s support group, contact the education support Vivian Tsai at the Alzheimer Society 604-984-8348.
Places of Worship Welcome You BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH Shelagh Mackinnon Rev.Rev. Shelagh MacKinnon
Helan Wallwork Minister of Music: Lynn Williams
FOOD BANK
FOOD DROP-OFF BANK DROP-OFF
BOWEN ISLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH Pastor Clinton Neal ST. GERARD’S ROMAN 1070 Miller Road 604-947-0384 Service 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. CATHOLIC CHURCH
Sunday Mass: 10:30 a.m.
ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Administration Office: 604-682-6774 Mass: 10:30 a.m. Priest: Father James Comey
604-988-6304
CATES HILL CHAPEL
www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 CATES HILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.)
10:00 a.m. W 10:00 a.m. Worship
(661 Carter Rd.)
10:00 a.m. Worship • Sunday School: Tots to Teens Sunday School: Tots to Teens
Pastor: Dr. James B. Krohn
Pastor: Phil Adkins
Based on the success and positive feedback from last year, the second annual Community Labyrinth Walk will take place in the BICS gym Sat. Feb 10th, 11am-12pm. The goal of this project is to roll out the canvas labyrinth in the BICS gym and to have an open-to-the-community labyrinth walking event to celebrate and recognize BC Family Day in a way that is family friendly, active, intergenerational and open to all ages. A labyrinth is a complex and circuitous path that leads from a beginning entrance to a centre. The differences between a labyrinth and mazes is that a maze offers choices and has dead-ends and tries to be tricky and confusing, and often is high enough that one can’t see where one is, or where one is going, whereas a labyrinths offer one path and is designed to create a sense of calm. The re-useable BICS labyrinth was made in 2016 by local volunteers and artists. The 2,500 square foot canvas
thoughtful and reflective. It is an opportunity to take time to think about all the connections we have to family and the community and to take a few minutes just to breathe and to walk. Labyrinth walking has been practiced for hundreds, if not thousands of years and is said to be among the simplest forms of meditation/self-regulation. It takes approximately ten-twenty minutes to walk the BICS labyrinth. You are welcome to bring a journal or just sit in the gym quietly after you have walked and listen to the music, or you can leave after you’ve done the walk and play on the playground outside! This community event is made possible thanks to support from the Community School Association (CSA), BICS, the Bowen Island Arts Council, the Bowen RhythmKeepers and local volunteers. If you would like more information, or to volunteer with the set-up or the event, contact shaxby@ wvschools.ca, 604 947-0389, Sarah Haxby, Community School Coordinator.
BC Ferries REGULAR SCHEDULE January 2, 2018 to March 31, 2018
▼
BOWEN ISLAND Snug Cove
5:20 am^> 6:20 am 7:30 am# 8:35 am 9:40 am 10:50 am 12:00 pm 1:10 pm 2:55 pm 4:00 pm† 5:10 pm* 6:15 pm 7:25 pm* 8:30 pm# 9:30 pm 10:30 pm
VANCOUVER Horseshoe Bay 5:50 am 6:50 am# 8:00 am 9:05 am† 10:15 am 11:25 am 12:35 pm 2:20 pm 3:30 pm 4:35 pm * 5:45 pm 6:50 pm 8:00 pm* 9:00 pm# 10:00 pm
Distance: 3 NAUTICAL MILES Crossing Time: 20 MINUTES
Leave Horseshoe Bay
Service and Sunday School: 10:30 a.m. Service and Sunday School 10:30 am Collins Hall Bookings: Helen Wallwork MinisterCollins of Music: Williams HallLynn Bookings:
SUBMISSION
Leave Snug Cove
Suzanne Allen and her mum, who died two years ago.
labyrinth was made out of material generously donated to BICS by Opus Framing and Art Supplies as part of the BICS Earth Labyrinth Art Project. Never been to a labyrinth walk before? This is a beginner-friendly event. Volunteer greeters at the entrance of the gym will answer questions about labyrinth walking and remind participants of the simple tips for getting the most out of the labyrinth walk: being quiet or silent, bring indoor shoes or socks to wear, walking slowly, heel to toe and feeling the ground beneath your feet and walking in time to your breath. No running allowed, and holding hands with young participants and guiding each other through the lines on the floor. Shasta Martinuk and Brian Hoover of the Bowen RhythmKeepers will be providing peaceful and atmospheric live music during the community-walk. People of all ages are invited to this personal, kinetic meditation to silently walk the labyrinth in the darkened gym. The labyrinth will be lit by (battery operated) tea lights. The atmosphere is meant to be
* DAILY EXCEPT SATURDAYS # DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAYS ^ DAILY EXCEPT SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS † WEDNESDAY SAILINGS WILL BE REPLACED BY DANGEROUS CARGO SAILINGS. NO OTHER PASSENGERS PERMITTED. > DAILY EXCEPT FEB 12 & MAR 30
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
THURSDAY JANUARY 25 2018 • 17
Suzanne Allan and Lee Berti of Cates Hill Chapel at the rummage sale on Saturday, Jan. 20. Some 75 or so islanders visited the sale to browse for bargains and contribute to a good cause.
Charmaine Heffelfinger, Karla Saruk, Laura Ruloff, Basia Lieske and Frank Pratt at the Cates Hill Chapel rummage sale. The sale was a success and as an added bonus local children got to meet up and have fun playing with one another.
Rummaging around for a good cause at Cates Hill Chapel MARCUS HONDRO SPECIAL TO THE UNDERCURRENT
A passage in the mission statement of Cates Hill Chapel, an inter-denominational Christian church on Bowen, says that they, “...care for others with joy and hope.” That is exactly what the membership of the evangelical church were doing last Saturday, January 20 at their place of worship on Carter Road. On that day the Cates Hill Chapel Outreach Committee organized a large and well-attended rummage sale, with all the proceeds going to a Bowen family that long-time congregant Basia Lieske told The Undercurrent is going through difficult times. The sale went from 10am to 4pm and items up for grabs included clothing, books, toys, furniture and household goods. Organizers Suzanne Allan and Lee Berti said that by early
afternoon some 70 islanders had already come looking for bargains. Lieske declined to release the final tally, a tally augmented by donations, but said they raised enough to help the family move forward. This was not the first time that they have helped islanders in need and the organization intends to keep doing so. “This is what we do,” she said. “The Cates Hill Outreach Committee helps anybody from Bowen Island that needs help, not just our own (congregation). Those in need just need to call us.” The next major event for the Chapel is their yearly celebration at Easter. On Easter Sunday they host an Easter egg hunt for the children along with a ham lunch for all. Everyone is invited.
DISCOVER
Now available at Cates Pharmacy myDNA médication testing. A simple test which may help you and your doctor determine the right medication at the right dose for your body. Find out more at the pharmacy. Cates Pharmacy in Village Square
604-947-0766
Municipal land offered for sale Bowen Island Municipality is offering for sale a prime development lot at the corner of Bowen Island Trunk Road and Senior Road. The land, which is known as Area 1 of Lot 2 of the Community Lands, is 3/4 of an acre and is zoned for apartmentstyle housing and some commercial space.
US
Wednesday February 21, 6-8pm
SCIENCE FAIR tour the projects For further info please call: 604 947 9311 or visit us at
islandpacific.org/attend-an-event
For further details, please contact our sales agents: Michael Emmott Avison Young Commercial Realty 604-647-1335 michael.emmott@avisonyoung.com
Rob Greer Avison Young Commercial Realty 604-647-5084 robert.greer@avisonyoung.com
18 • THURSDAY JANUARY 25 2018
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
Your Community
MARKETPLACE Or call to place your ad at
604-630-3300
Email: classifieds@van.net
MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online training you need from an employer trusted program.Visit:CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-7683362 to start training for your work-at-home career today!
Find a
NewCareer Discover a World of Possibilities in the Classifieds!
Call 604.630.3300 to advertise
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
FOR SALE - MISC STEEL BUILDING SALE... “REALLY BIG SALE IS BACK EXTRA WINTER DISCOUNT ON NOW!!” 20X23 $5,798, 25X27 $6,356, 30x31 $8,494, 32X33 $8,728, 35X35 $11,670. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422 www.pioneersteel.ca SAWMILLS from only $4,397 Make money & save money with your own band mill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT 1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT
Place your ad online: bowenislandundercurrent.adperfect.com
HIP OR KNEE REPLACEMENT? Arthritic Conditions /COPD? Restrictions in Walking/Dressing? Disability Tax Credit $2,000 Tax Credit $20,000 Refund. Apply Today For Assistance: 1-844-453-5372.
LEGAL SERVICES CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer Employment/Licensing loss? Travel/Business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US Entry Waiver. Record Purge. File Destruction. Free Consultation 1-800-347-2540, accesslegalmjf.com
See Spot Run.
ANSWERS
See YOUR Spot Run in the Bowen Island Undercurrent!
Buy, Sell, Find, Promote, Celebrate.
Run Spot Run!
604.630.3300 9?>CCA=D8C<@>:;:DB
HANDYPERSON Bowen Island Handyman Call on me for all your handyman jobs, big or small 604.833.3922
ADVERTISING POLICIES
All advertising published in this newspaper is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services offered are accurately described and willingly sold to buyers at the advertised prices. Advertisers are aware of these conditions. Advertising that does not conform to these standards or that is deceptive or misleading, is never knowingly accepted. If any reader encounters non-compliance with these standards we ask that you inform the Publisher of this newspaper and The Advertising Standards Council of B.C. OMISSION AND ERROR: The publishers do not guarantee the insertion of a particular advertisement on a specified date, or at all, although every effort will be made to meet the wishes of the advertisers. Further, the publishers do not accept liability for any loss of damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of an advertisement beyond the amount paid for the space actually occupied by the portion of the advertisement in which the error occurred. Any corrections of changes will be made in the next available issue. The Bowen Island Undercurrent will be responsible for only one incorrect insertion with liability limited to that portion of the advertisement affected by the error. Request for adjustments or corrections on charges must be made within 30 days of the ad’s expiration. For best results please check your ad for accuracy the first day it appears. Refunds made only after 7 business days notice!
TODAY'S PUZZ
HEALTH & WELLNESS Dr. Susanne Schloegl
604-947-9755 EXT #1 At entrance to Artisan Square Suite #597
Appointments Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, 9am - 5pm ECG and HOLTER now available. Artisan Square
Tues - 6:45 - 8 a.m. Thurs. - 6:45 - 8:45 a.m.
Dr. Dana Barton
Naturopathic Physician 596 B. Artisan Square
604-730-1174
Located in Artisan Square
Online Booking: www.birchwellness.com
Dr. Alea Bell, ND
604-947-9986
Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Utah Zandy 604-947-9830
Courtney Morris, R.Ac
CALL FOR APPOINTMENT OPEN TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS
778-891-0370
Registered Acupuncturist, Homeopath, Doula
604-338-5001
Mary Coleman, MSW, RSW Compassion minded counselling
778-233-4425
Julie Hughes, RPC
For routine lab tests. Specialized tests & children may be referred to the mainland.
Natural Family Medicine
BODY VITALITY MASSAGE THERAPY
Dr. Gloria Chao
NexGen Hearing
Artisan Square 604-947-0734
Call us at
604-281-3691
Alternate Fridays 10am - 4:30pm
FREE
James Goldfarb RMT BC#05279 Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon Call 604-288-2860 text 250-726-8080 www.bodyvitality.ca
Family Dentist
Horseshoe Bay 604-921-8522 www.bowenislanddental.com
BOWEN ISLAND
MASSAGE THERAPY
M.D.
Lifelabs Dr. Zandy’s Office
SPROTTSHAW.COM
SUDOKU
BC WIDE CLASSIFIEDS GENERAL EMPLOYMENT
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Phone Hours: Mon to Fri 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Office Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Counselling
778-858-2669
Hearing Testing On Bowen Island @ Caring Circle West Vancouver
CATHERINE SHAW Dr. Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncturist
@ Artisan Square
MARY MCDONAGH RMT
❦
HARMONY SHIRE RMT
RMT, DCH Registered Massage Therapist
ALICIA HOPPENRATH RMT
SANDY LOGAN
KIM HOWDEN RMT
MARY MCDONAGH
❦
Registered Physiotherapist
❦
HEIDI MATHER
Acupuncturist Registered Nutritionist
Psychologist Dr. Carolyn Nesbitt PhD, R.Psych #1484
604-376-9801 www.CarolynNesbitt.com
Celebrating 29 years Community Healthcare
Bowen Island Chiropractic
Dr. Tracy Leach, D.C. Certified provider of Active Release Techniques Artisan Square Tues. & Fri.
778-828-5681
www.drtracyleach.ca
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
THURSDAY JANUARY 25 2018 • 19
BOWEN HOME SERVICES love the life you live AQUA TERRA EAVESTROUGHS & RAIN WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS LTD.
A T
Spring Cleanup - Garden Prep Deer Fencing - Garden Design Hardscape Mini Excavator
-Installations and repairs -Seamless 5” & 6” K series -Half Round -Downspouts -Debris Shields
Christopher J. Zwanenburg (604) 947-2025
info@aquaterraeavestroughs.ca
www.aquaterraeavestroughs.ca
A BOWEN ISLAND FAMILY COMPANY
CNC ROUTER WORKSHOP en on Bow
What do you need made?
Craig 604-366-2229 • seatoskycnc@gmail.com
We are a full service company providing rentals for parties & events. We also can plan & coordinate your special day.
Noah, Corrina, and Rosie An island family run business for over ten years.
Paul & Basia Lieske Phone: 604-947-0640 E: boweneventrentals@gmail.com W: boweneventrentals.com
rosie@homefarm.ca • 604-947-6995
Pernille Nielsen
AT SHED we:
Notary Public
Real Estate Purchase & Sale Documentation Mortgages - Refinances Wills and Powers of Attorney Notarizations Serving Bowen since 2002 #27 Seabreeze Building P. O. Box 19 Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0
Phone: 604-947-2210 Fax: 604-947-2008 Email: pnielsen@shawbiz.ca
shed wood works Paul & Basia Lieske 604-947-0640 Email: basialieske@gmail.com
~ Design & build furniture, home accessories, sheds and small cottages ~ Build custom cabinets & furniture pieces to suit ~ Cottage Style using reclaimed wood & pine ~ Available for small home renovations
Window Blinds RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL “Wet Basements Made Dry”
Hot Water Tanks • Industrial • Commercial Residential • Video inspections • Hydro Jetting • Drain Tiles Sewer lines • Water lines
604-947-0284
604.349.7402 info@bowenconcrete.ca
BOWEN ISLAND SPECIALISTS! QUALITY SERVICE GUARANTEED! Keep Calm and Call Econo
604.980.3333
991 West First Street, North Vancouver, BC www.economovingandstorage.com
On Bowen 778-995-1902
Bowen Island Septic Services is a Bowen-based, owner-operated company. Scott Stevenson is a fully accredited expert in the installation and repairs of on-site wastewater systems (commonly known as septic systems). We also offer landscaping and excavation services to further enhance your property.
Call 604-929-4515 for a free estimate. www.bowenislandseptic.com
FOR ALL YOUR
CONCRETE NEEDS We Dig it, Form it, Mix it, Pump it
live the life you love To reserve a spot on this page, contact us at 604-947-2442 or ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com
20 • THURSDAY JANUARY 25 2018
ten 2018 THINGS we love on Bowen
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
3
8
POSTIVELY FIT Because at the end of the day fitness is not a contest to be something we are not. Fitness is freedom to play and engage in this wonderful thing called life. So grab it! Jump in! What are you waiting for? Memberships, personal training & boxing classes! positivelyfit.ca 604 947-9601
THE GYM You don’t need a New Year’s resolution to pump up your 2018. State of the art equipment, ample room, circuit training, lots of sweat and more than the occasional grunt -the Gym on Bowen what’s not to love. thegymonbowen.ca
6 TAROT WITH TITANIA Where are you stopped or confused in your life? Titania provides wisdom, guidance and clarity, with over 20 years of experience in reading Tarot. Her Skype readings are convenient and deeply insightful. On Bowen Island, you can schedule an in-person reading or host your own Insight Night! 604.947.9987 – www.titania.ca
1 FAWN GILL FITNESS. Keeping Bowen Islanders fit for 20 years! Barre, Pilates, Personal Training…oh my! Fawn’s popular classes not only get you fit but make you feel good about yourself too! Fawn serves it all up with a generous dose of Health, Humour & Heart. Bowen hearts Fawn Gill Fitness! www.fawngillfitness.com
4
9
TEEN YOGA in Artisan Square For anyone aged 13 to 19 – no need for flexibility or yoga experience. These classes will bring out your best by improving fitness, mood, stress and so much more! Pre-register for 10 classes starting Tues Jan 16 from 4:15 5:45pm at bridget.dunne@gmail.com
MEN ON THE ROCK Making music should be fun, challenging and rewarding, a blend not easy to optimize. Thanks largely to director/composer/arranger Nicole Thomas Zyczynski, Men on the Rock are in danger of achieving that balance.. There is room for a few more men who are able to sing either Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis or Happy Birthday in tune. Nicole is at 778-926-4286 or ntzharmonium@mac.com Spring Concert March 16th at Tir-na-nOg, 7:30pm
7 BOWEN ISLAND GYMNASTICS is a small gymnastics club with a big heart. “BIGC” is a set up take down gym that relies on dedicated parents and coaches to get gymnastics equipment out and put away 3x per week. BIGC has preschool - World Gymnaestrada gymnastics programs and our nationally certified gymnastic coaches have taught thousands of kids/ youth/ adults gymnastics over the past 20 yrs in a fun, safe, encouraging “Active for Life” environment.
2 HOUSE PARTY The dynamic husband/wife duo who are S&S Productions are back with their first event in 2018 at the Pub on Saturday February 3rd. House Party Vol 3 begins at 9PM with local DJ Leo Chan starting off the night right, The Sly Virus and Vancouver saxophone/DJ legend Smoothie headlining. Tickets $10.
5 GROUP FUNDRAISING The Bowen Island Refundables Assist Program is a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to help local community organizations raise funds. Volunteers from local groups come to the Bowen Island Recycling Depot where they sort, box and pack refundables into a container. The refunds collected then go directly back to the group. If your group is interested please contact Susan Redmond at 604.947.0849 or suered@shaw.ca.
10
GIRL POWER
Bowen Island Youth Centre presents: A series for girls age 11-16 on Saturday afternoons. Jan 27 Boxercise at 4pm, Feb 03 Songwriting at 1pm, Feb 17 Yoga at 4pm, Feb 24 Mani Nail Art at 4pm. Register at www.bowencommuntiyrecreation.com or call 604-947-2216. Each class is only $5.00. www.bowenyouthcentre.com