FRIDAY APRIL 04, 2014 VOL. 41, NO. 13
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Living with Beavers
Healthy Bowen
Autism Awareness Month
A humane solution for co-existing with the sometimes troublesome critters
The benefits of dark nights, beyond star-gazing
Meet a one-of-a-kind kid
Council brings back free waste clean-up days MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
Bowen Islanders for Ferry Fairness (BIFF) held their second formal protest against rate hikes and service cuts by BC Ferries on Sunday. Peter Baumgartner, photo
BC Ferries posts revised schedule MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
BC Ferries posted a revised schedule of the run between Horseshoe Bay and Snug Cove this week. The new schedule shows the cancellation of the 5:30am and 7:30am sailings from Snug Cove on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as the 7pm Snug Cove departure on Saturday and the 8pm Snug Cove departure on Sunday. Four sailings from Horseshoe Bay have also been cut from the weekend mornings and evenings.
Adam Holbrook, the chair of the Bowen Island Ferry Advisory Committee (BIMTAC), calls the cuts arbitrary but says that this schedule is an improved version of the one set out in the consultation document put out by BC Ferries in November. “In mid-March, we met with them and they offered a revised version of the schedule which met our basic objectives,” said Holbrook, explaining that the municipality’s “basic objective” was to hold on to some early morning and late evening runs on the weekends. continued, PAGE 2
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On Friday, March 28, the municipality held a special council meeting to address concerns about the cancellation of “free clean-up days” previously scheduled three times per year. Mayor Jack Adelaar said the decision to cancel these events was made in his absence, and he asked council to revisit it. After debating the issue and hearing from the head of Bowen Waste Services, Dave McIntosh, council agreed to re-instate the summer and fall clean-up days, with the aim to charge users for these services in the future. Councillor Cro Lucas told council that Bowen Island is the only municipality in the lower mainland where citizens don’t pay for special waste disposal days. “The issue is not whether we cancel free pick-ups. Free does not make sense. We have worked very hard to keep tax raises below three percent, and this would add another one percent and not everyone uses it.” Abbotsford, Lucas added, issues coupons for people to purchase in advance of the waste clean-up days. The cost of such a system, as calculated by Bowen’s manager of finance, Kirsten Watson, would likely equal a charge of $8 per car bringing waste and $16 per truck. Watson said that items such as
mattresses, which cost $20 to drop off at the North Shore Transfer Station, should be added to those fees. “It costs us $10,575 to run one of these events,” said Watson. “Trying to recoup those costs would be prohibitive.” Councillor Andrew Stone said he agreed that there should be an extra fee for disposing of items such as mattresses, where extra costs are incurred. He added that from his perspective, the cost of free waste clean-up days is well worth it if divided among the island’s homeowners. “When these clean-up days were established it probably cost $10 for car and driver to take the ferry, and the price of gas was well under a dollar per litre,” said Stone. “Now we’re looking at a minimum cost of $45 per trip, plus the time… We have a commuting crowd on the island that makes up about half of the island… and here we are forcing them to have to borrow, beg, or steal a van from their neighbours and fill it up with stuff to take to the transfer station when they already have to go to town five days a week. Many of them have kids who have activities on the weekend and then there’s this on top of it?”
continued, PAGE 2
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2 • FRIDAY APRIL 4 2014
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New schedule reflects BC Ferries determination to cut sailings from PAGE 1 “It was at this meeting, in mid-March, that we realized that BC Ferries is determined to cut sailings,” says Holbrook. He adds that, there is no way of knowing whether BC Ferries will save more or less, or how much more they will save than their goal of $270 thousand per year on this route.
B O W E N I S L A N D M U N I C I PA L I T Y
SUMMER PARKS MAINTENANCE CREW Bowen Island Municipality seeks two full-time temporary Park Maintenance Crewpersons (Summer) for employment for the period of May 12th - August 29th, 2014, based on 35 hours per week. Crewpersons will primarily be responsible for maintaining the Municipality’s parks, trails and public beaches as well as some additional labour tasks related to other Municipal infrastructure. The position will also require that the crewperson interact in a courteous manner with the public. A complete posting, including required skills and job description is available on the Municipal website (www.bimbc.ca), or from the Municipal Hall. Please submit your cover letter, resume, and references via mail, facsimile, or email by April 14, 2013 at 4:00 pm to: Christine Walker, Human Resources Manager 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 E-mail: hr@bimbc.ca Telephone: 604-947-4255 Facsimile: 604-947-0193 We wish to thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 604-947-4255
“They won’t tell us how much a single sailing costs,” says Holbrook. “BC Ferries claims that any information about their operational costs is confidential, and the only way we could access it would be through a Freedom of Information request.” Given the lack of information available, Holbrook says it is impossible to calculate the potential cost-savings of various solutions, such as home-porting the Queen of Capilano on Bowen, or making two-lane loading a possibility, thereby cutting the amount of time it takes to get cars on and off the ferry. He says that BIMTAC will be looking at the public numbers that will become available once BC Ferries submits documents pertaining to upcoming contract negotiations. This will likely happen in September, “This is very complicated, and we shouldn’t
have to do it,” says Holbrook. In the meantime, Holbrook says he and Mayor Adelaar intend to bring up the issue of information, and the lack of it, with Transportation Minister Todd Stone at their meeting with him this Friday. Holbrook says that he and the mayor also intend to discuss ways that BC Ferries could serve Bowen better. “Maybe having two smaller ferries going back and forth to Bowen might be more efficient than having just one big one. The Queen of Capilano should be going in for a re-fit in 2015, and we should have the opportunity to try new things.” Holbrook says that most importantly, he wants the meeting with Minister Stone to be a “constructive” one, and he wants to see Bowen Island take the ferries issue more seriously, and approach the issue with a view toward long-term solutions.
The future of free clean-up days from PAGE 1 Stone said that if the cost of waste clean-up days were divided among the island’s 2,100 households, it would cost each one $0.04 per day. The municipality’s manager of finance, Kirsten Watson, reminded the councillors that the island’s solid waste program is not, in fact, funded by property taxes, but rather, by parcel taxes and the purchase of garbage decals. Councillor Alison Morse brought up the fact that even with the cancellation of the free cleanup days, the cost of both of these has risen from last year by $3 each. “If we were to re-implement say two of the solid waste days, those would go up further, adding another $4 to the parcel tax and $8 to the decals,
I N V I TAT I O N T O P U B L I C O P E N H O U S E
COMMUNITY LANDS REZONING (LOT 2) Monday, April 14, 2014 • 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Cates Hill Chapel, 661 Carter Road, Bowen Island, BC (A presentation and Q&A period will be held at 6:30 pm) Bowen Island Municipality is considering amendments to Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 282, 2010 and to Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 to provide for the development of the southern half of Lot 2 of the Community Lands for a range of residential, commercial and civic uses, including a future community centre. The area under consideration consists of approximately 6 acres situated on the north side of Bowen Island Trunk Road between Seniors Road and Bowen Island Community School. The purpose of Bylaw No. 353, 2014 is to amend the Official Community Plan to add Village Commercial uses to the Village Residential and Institutional uses allowed under the current designation, and to make a number of amendments to provide for future development. The purpose of Bylaw No. 354, 2014 is to amend the Land Use Bylaw to rezone the property from Passive Park, to a comprehensive development zone that would permit a “Community Campus” which could include fitness and recreational space, performance and cultural space, municipal offices, and other civic uses, townhouses and apartments, daycare, and secondary office, retail and medical clinic uses. You are invited to attend this preliminary public open house and provide your comments on these proposals. Should Council give initial readings to bylaws, a formal Public Hearing will be held at a later date. Background information, including draft bylaw amendments, background reports, and a comment sheet are available on the municipal website, under “Current Topics” at www.bimbc.ca. • 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC, V0N 1G2 • TEL: 604-947-4255 • FAX: 604-947-0193 • • e-mail: bim@bimbc.ca • website: www.bimbc.ca •
bringing the total up $18 from last year.” After debating the fairness of asking all households to cover the cost of the clean-up days, council agreed to re-implement two free waste clean-ups in 2014, one in mid-July and one in mid-October. Watson explained that this decision will mean that a revised version of the budget will need to be drafted and passed through council’s approval. Dave McIntosh’s Waste Clean-Up Days Facts 1. Free clean-up days started on Bowen 20 year ago as part of the contract between the municipality and Bowen Waste Services. 2. In 2013, Bowen Waste Services collected more than 24 tonnes of garbage on each of the clean-up days. 3. Since Metro Vancouver started charging for the disposal of mattresses five years ago, Bowen Island Municipality has not covered the cost of disposal of one mattress. McIntosh says he has covered that cost, having collected more than 500 mattresses. 4. Of the past five summer clean-up days, the municipality only paid for one. McIntosh says he started the extra day because it was necessary, and covered the cost of it. 5. In the course of his 3.5 months of negotiations with the municipality about taking over the recycling depot, McIntosh says that the clean-up days were not discussed, beyond a mention of their popularity
Bowen Heritage Is Hiring We are looking for an outgoing, self-directed summer student who enjoys variety: visitor tours, museum work, gardening, special events, oral history projects. Applicants must be 18 – 30 years, with two years of post-secondary education, and returning to full-time studies in the fall. This full-time, 16-week job pays $15 an hour. Send your cover letter and résumé by April 11 to bowenheritage@ gmail.com.
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FRIDAY APRIL 4 2014 • 3
Lights out for better sleep and health
Nuisance beavers forced to find new lodging
TERENCE MCKEOWN SUBMISSION
Karen Munro at the far right standing with the ladies from LUSH cosmetics who volunteer their time with APFA. Debra Stringfellow, photo
DEBRA STRINGFELLOW CONTRIBUTOR
It’s not always easy co-existing with wildlife on this island, but it’s definitely an aspect of rural living that most locals appreciate and respect. Being able to witness a family of beavers, our national symbol, swimming along the shorelines of the lagoon is a rare treat for most. It’s unfortunate but these large nocturnal, semi-aquatic animals do have a reputation for being destructive. They chew down trees and dam brooks and streams. Karen Munro, owner of the Dog Ranch, knows all too well what a family of beavers can do to the land and has been struggling with them for a while now. These busy creatures have been damming up the culverts located on her property. As fast as she clears the debris away, the beavers work just as hard to block them back up again. In most of the wetlands beavers call home, the water can divert around the dam. Unfortunately, this is not the case at the Dog Ranch. The rising brook has flooded certain areas on her property, which has resulted in some very large and old cedar trees falling down because of drenched root systems. Desperately trying to find a compassionate solution, Munro enlisted the help of
HIGH FEET Fri.
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Sun. 0013 1006 Mon. 0112 1104 Tue. 0208 1227 Wed. 0257 1412 Thurs. 0339 1534
13.8 11.8 13.8 11.2 13.8 10.5 13.8 10.5 13.8 11.2
0342 9.5 1559 3.6 0443 10.2 1644 4.3 0602 10.5 1732 4.9 0732 10.2 1826 5.6 0844 9.5 1928 6.2 0934 8.9 2032 6.6 1012 8.2 2131 6.9
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BOWEN ISLAND Snug Cove
5:30 am # 6:30 am** 7:30 am** 8:30 am 9:30 am 10:30 am 11:30 am 12:30 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm †5:00 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm * 8:00 pm 9:00 pm 10:00 pm
VANCOUVER Horseshoe Bay
6:00 am** 7:00 am** 8:00 am 9:00 am †10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 2:25 pm 3:30 pm 4:30 pm 5:30 pm 6:30 pm 7:30 pm * 8:30 pm 9:35 pm
Distance: 3 NAUTICAL MILES Crossing Time: 20 MINUTES
Leave Horseshoe Bay
Sat.
0850 13.1 2313 14.1 0925 12.5
LOW FEET
REGULAR SCHEDULE
In Effect December 30, 2013-March 31, 2014
Leave Snug Cove
T IDES
the Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals (APFA). This organization works with residents and municipalities to help them deal with wildlife conflicts. Along with a group of LUSH cosmetics volunteers, APFA has created some defensive engineering around the culverts to prevent the beavers from building up against them. The idea is simple, creative, and effective but most importantly, humane. Eight-foot-long cages are used to prevent the beavers from accessing the culverts. “It makes their job harder,� explains Adrian Nelson, director of communications for APFA. “It also keeps the beavers farther away from the sounds of running water that instinctively drive them to dam up the area, and the trapezoid shape provides an unnatural edge for them to build against.� Munro can already see a difference and believes the situation is now under control. Did you know that beavers are family-oriented? They are also territorial so when you see a group of beavers, it’s a family, sometimes up to three generations. For more information about beavers and APFA. visit the website at http://furbearerdefenders.com.
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DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND STATUTORY HOLIDAYS
* DAILY EXCEPT SATURDAYS
On Bowen, we have an asset that very few communities have. We live in a dark place. Yes, in the short days of winter that can be difficult. But at night, it may be a very good thing indeed. Too much light at night can rob you of sleep and make you sick. Light may in fact be a major cause of ill health in the lit-up western world. Even cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Or so say scientists and doctors in a documentary called Lights Out! that ran recently on CBC’s The Nature of Things series. In the calendar of human history, we’ve had electric light for a very short time. But our cities and towns are now so bright at night that we’re messing with our brains’ sleep chemistry. We’re programmed to sleep in the dark, and any amount of light will affect the deepness of that sleep. Blue light--the colour of daylight--tells the brain it’s morning, and time to wake up. Red light--the colour of sunset--tells it to begin preparing for rest. Televisions, smart phones, and computers also display light in the blue part of the light spectrum. So sleep experts advise no screen exposure in the final hour before bed--and never in the middle of the night. Turning on any lights at night will begin to trigger the waking process. For people who need to get up during the night, red nightlights are recommended. They can be found in hardware stores. Or keep a flashlight by the bed and use as little light as necessary to move around. You’ll get back to sleep faster. Quite apart from sleep and health concerns, the International Dark-Sky Association promotes lights out at night for energy conservation, and simply to allow more people to see the stars again. Without much public and commercial lighting, we on Bowen have far more control over our nighttime light exposure than most of the developed world. But that means we’re also at the mercy of our neighbours. In an otherwise dark neighbourhood, one outdoor floodlight can light up a very wide area, including your neighbour’s bedroom, even when it isn’t affecting your own. So please think about turning your outdoor lights off at night. You’ll cut back on your hydro use, one of the few ways both to save money and to help the environment; you’ll improve your health with a better sleep; and we’ll all be able to see the stars--on the rare occasions when the rain stops. The Lights Out! documentary is still available for streaming on CBC’s The Nature of Things website (hwww.cbc.ca/natureofthings/episodes/lightsout). But don’t watch it at bedtime.
Places of Worship Welcome You BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH Rev. Shelagh MacKinnon
Service and Sunday School: 10:30 a.m. Collins Hall Bookings: Helen Wallwork Minister of Music: Lynn Williams
FOOD BANK DROP-OFF
BOWEN ISLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH Pastor Clinton Neal 1070 Miller Road 604-947-0384 Service 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m.
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ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
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604-988-6304
THE WEDNESDAY SAILINGS WILL BE REPLACED BY DANGEROUS CARGO SAILINGS. NO OTHER PASSENGERS PERMITTED.
CATES HILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260
DAILY EXCEPT JAN 1
Mass: 10:30 a.m. Priest: Father James Comey
(661 Carter Rd.)
B N 8PSTIJQ r 4VOEBZ 4DIPPM 5PUT UP 5FFOT 1BTUPS Dr. James B. Krohn
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viewpoint
The OCP and the island economy Dear Editor, On March 17, a special council meeting was held to accept the resignations of two councillors. Six or seven members of the public showed up to watch as remaining councillors dealt with this matter. Forty minutes or so later a public budget consultation meeting was held. NO members of the public were present to discuss or ask questions related to our more than $4-million budget. It is great to know that 100% of the public are in agreement with the budget for our municipality for the 2014 year going forward. At the regular council meeting held on March 24, amendments to the OCP were discussed. There were comments at this meeting made by the former chair of the OCP Steering Committee. One comment made at that meeting by the former chair that did not make it to the newspaper article was that the OCP was our island “consti-
tution.” It is anything but a constitution. It is as follows: An OCP is a statement of objectives and policies to guide decisions on planning and land use management, within the area covered by the plan, respecting the purposes of local government. The fact that amendments to the OCP are being contemplated by this council simply mirrors the inadequacies of the present OCP on the objective of our community in respect of economic development. To put it plainly, the OCP is badly drafted in this area and others. (See Objective 95 under General Transportation which aims “To ensure that ferry transportation services do not encourage population growth,” and you might wonder why we are having such a difficult time getting BC Ferries to listen to us.) The former chair’s comment on Snug Cove sprawl is consistent with her extreme anti-growth
Sincerely, Mayor Jack Adelaar
A clarification Dear EditorI am writing to salute the power of the comma, and to correct any misunderstanding about what I said at a recent council meeting. Imagine the different meaning this sentence from last week’s Undercurrent would have if the first comma were to follow the first use of the word “Committee”: “a handful of people--just the Economic Development Committee and the Community Lands Committee (Temporary Advisory Board), whose meetings have all been closed to the public, and our reduced Council.” One committee held closed meetings, not both. Allow me to compliment you on how well you captured my comments otherwise, what with people handing papers around while I was speaking and the video recording not being available. I for one appreciate your reporting of our municipal news.
The Write Stuff. The Undercurrent encourages reader participation in your community newspaper. You must include your full name and a daytime phone number (for verification only). The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity, legality, brevity and taste. Here’s how. To submit a letter to the editor, fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to #102, 495 Government Rd., PO Box 130, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 or email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com. B.C. Press Council. The Undercurrent is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone 1-888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org.
strategy for our island. Unfortunately the OCP is a document that is out of touch with the reality of what Snug Cove could be and how it could be the catalyst for a more vibrant and healthy community going forward. Just one final note on this subject: I was interested to hear the defeated mayoral candidate speak up outside of this council meeting and weigh in on the topic of campgrounds on this island. Will this person ever think about the residents of this island who want to work locally and contribute to the island economy? Does she not understand that there are other off-island tourists and visitors who want to enjoy all this wonderful island has to offer and support our local economy?
Sue Ellen Fast
The EDC is both open and transparent Dear Editor I am writing to clarify comments made at the BI council meeting of March 24 and recorded in March 28 Undercurrent regarding the Economic Development Committee (EDC). The article implied that the discussions regarding OCP amendment recommendations made by EDC were carried out in closed session. I would like to set the record straight. The Economic Development Committee has NEVER met in closed session or behind closed doors to discuss the OCP recommendations. Just the opposite. It has been open and transparent. It has published its agenda in advance and when-
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ever OCP was discussed, it was an agenda item in open public meeting. Minutes were taken and published in the following agenda and approved at that meeting. Those minutes, with attachments, were signed by myself and submitted to council for their information and included in the respective council agendas. All in the public eye and open for all to read and observe. In addition, many of EDC’s meetings have been videoed for public viewing. EDC has held a number of meetings specifically for public input and communicated by advertising in the Undercurrent and in notices on the municipality’s website and on the forum. The committee has worked hard to be open and to receive public
input. As recently as March 11, EDC solicited the public to attend a special session where it presented its 2013 annual report and plans for 2014. This session also was videoed. During this session as with all our special sessions, there was open and two-way exchange with the committee and those in attendance. Rest assured, the Economic Development Committee has and will continue to be open and transparent in its deliberations. Sincerely Gordon Ganong, Chair BI Economic Development Committee
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In support of our Mayor and Council Dear Editor, It looks like our councillors are under attack again. This time for daring to make changes to the OCP without public consultation. Well, I want to voice my support for them and what they are doing. I voted for this council because of what they stood for and what they wished to accomplish. My expectation is that they stand firm in their character and get things done without unnecessary public participation. And that is what they are doing. For the record I am 100% behind our mayor and have been in everything he has done to date. Regarding the subject of the criticism, the OCP, neither I, nor likely 40% of the present population, were here in 1996 when it was drafted. That means, clearly, that the OCP does not necessarily reflect all present values. Since 1996 we've seen an economic recession with a collapse in housing values and a unprecedented ferry rate hike. What we need today, the end to which I believe our council is labouring, is economic viability. And I am confident that they are doing their very best.
This week in Undercurrent history MAUREEN SAWASY UNDERCURRENT HISTORIAN
25 years ago in the Undercurrent •
For what its worth, Matthew Redekopp
Bowen Island Eco-Alliance AGM Dear Editor,
Sincerely, Susanna Braund, Luz Budzinski, Pam Dicer, Jack Little, Eric Sherlock, Jack Silberman, Peter Williamson (Directors, Bowen Island Eco-Alliance)
Positively Fit super-hero MARY LETSON SUBMISSION
Superwoman comes to mind when I think of Emily McCullum. No, she’s not marathoner or an Ironwoman, and doesn’t leap buildings in a single bound. Emily is stronger than all of that as her healthy approach to life exceeds muscular strength. As many of you know, Emily took her 19 year old son Ben to climb Kilimanjaro in January. For most mortals it would have been enough to travel half way around the world to climb the highest mountain in Africa, train hard to accomplish this, and share this athletic adventure with her son. On top of all this challenge and goodness, the mother son team raised money for the Women’s Centre for Social Justice. The epic-ness of this adventure makes my heart swell: travel, fitness, mother-son bonding, all while raising funds for an amazing cause. It is the pinnacle of what I believe is the essence of health. It is so much more rewarding to expand our hopes and dreams of wellness beyond the singular focus of bench pressing a certain weight, or beating last year’s running PR or to look good in your new jeans. Don’t get me wrong, I have used all of the aforementioned goals as motivational tools for physical achievement. But as the years march on, I am less enamoured with this approach. Of course these are all fine stand-alone goals but they are skin deep and will likely not stick for a lifetime of wellness. Wrapping our motivation around planning adventures, exploring our world, celebrating our family, friends all while practicing compassion will anchor our wellness in a way that sticks. For a lifetime. Emily, you are my super hero.
The front page of the April 7, 1989 Undercurrent featured two stories regarding the revitalization of Snug Cove. Topics covered included the development of a new marina to be called the Union Steamship Marina, expansion of waterbased tourism, shoreline improvements and installing a new sewage treatment system.
20 years ago in the Undercurrent •
The Bowen Island Eco-Alliance is delighted that two of the island’s leading environmentalists have agreed to be guest speakers at our Annual General Meeting, which will be held at Collins Hall on Sunday, April 13, at 1:30 pm. Former Bowen Island mayor, Bob Turner, and David Suzuki Foundation campaign lead for Howe Sound, Steven Foster, will speak about our island’s ecological setting and the numerous risks to the ecosystem from proposed industrial development. One immediate danger is posed by an application to ship liquid natural gas past Bowen Island from the old Woodfibre pulp mill site. Operations could commence as early as 2017. There is also a current application for a massive gravel quarry at McNab Creek that would cause several different types of pollution and be visible from the Sea to Sky highway. Howe Sound’s future is at a turning point. These new unprecedented threats to our region’s natural integrity come precisely when the environment is beginning to heal from past abuses. Bowen Islanders have been thrilled in the last couple of years to see pods of Pacific white-sided dolphins feeding on schools of herring off our shores. The recent recovery of Howe Sound’s former abundance is also demonstrated by sightings of Humpback whales. The Bowen Island Eco-Alliance is working with like-minded organizations and individuals to promote that recovery – (see www.bowenislandconservancy.org and www.futureofhowesound.org). Our island home shares its fate with all the neighbouring communities of Howe Sound. We believe that with unified effort we can hand on a better place to future generations. Please come to our presentation and learn how you can contribute to the continued recovery of Howe Sound. Everyone is welcome. To learn more about our organization, visit our website at www.ecoalliance.ca
FRIDAY APRIL 4 2014 • 5
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The April 1, 1994 edition of the Undercurrent featured a front page story proclaiming ‘Bowen time to stand still’. In a decision made by Islands Trust temporal sub-committee Bowen Island was to remain an hour behind the rest of B.C. The decision was based in a interest to help B.C. Ferries with more efficient crossing times. As Horseshoe Bay would change along with the rest of Canada, passengers arriving at Snug Cove would arrive 40 minutes before leaving the mainland. Spokesperson, B. Hynde-Thymes said, “This will sharply reduce congestion during the peak summer months.” Ted Spear announced that he had made progress in the establishment of an independent school for grades 6 -9 on Bowen, explaining that emphasis of such a schoolwould be on fostering self-directed leaning within the context of community responsibility.
15 years ago in the Undercurrent •
RCMP started a crack down on people parking in the ferry line-up. “It’s not a parking lane,” noted Corp. Wayne Mossman. If people continued to park in
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the ferry lineup they would be issued a fine or possibly face having their car towed. The crackdown came as a result of ferry goers missing the ferry because they were stalled behind parked vehicles The federal government, responding to negative public response, rescinded the appointment of Harbour Master Maurice Gagne. The exact reasons were not made public however it was noted that as early as mid-January the appointment was under review due to concerns about a possible conflict of interest.
10 years ago in the Undercurrent •
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BC Ferries announced that it had not ruled out opening a terminal on the south side of Bowen. What was once thought to be an out of the question idea was now firmly back on the table and up for consideration. The idea would be that the new terminal would allow for cars to disembark to the south of the Bowfest field and come out somewhere on Dorman Road. RCMP reported that a local business was broken into and a cash float of $700-$800 was stolen. Also a local business owner had lost large sum of cash an cheques when the deposit bag they had set down was ‘misplaced’ when they went to retrieve it.
5 years ago in the Undercurrent •
The Front page featured the ‘iconic’ Welcome to Bowen sign. The sign featured the following list: - Never cut in the Ferry line. - This is downtown Bowen. - If you are a developer, don’t bother. - It is illegal not to pick up hitch-hikers. - The deer are carnivores. - Wave to everyone. - Enjoy your stay.
An MP update from: West Vancouver– Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country MP JOHN WESTON SUBMISSION
Health Minister Rona Ambrose’s visit to our riding March 21st reminded our audience of the leadership role people here play in health initiatives that have national impact. The occasion was a community event co-hosted by the West Van Chamber of Commerce, which now includes Bowen Island. An engaged audience of over 70 people heard the Minister touch on health and economic benefits related to the following initiatives in which members of our community have on behalf of our riding encouraged me to take a leadership role. Summarized on my website, these include:
Promoting Healthy Physical Activity The Parliamentary Fitness Initiative grew directly from our riding’s role in the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, for which West Vancouver and Whistler were Host Cities. With this inspiration in mind, I invite Parliamentarians of all parties to walk, run or swim once weekly to encourage all Canadians to be more active, to combat obesity, and to stem the flow of harmful, chronic diseases related to inactivity. Both CBC and CTV have covered the Initiative recently
National Health & Fitness Day The Minister also talked about the work Senator Nancy Greene Raine and I are doing to get a bill passed that encourages cities across Canada to follow the leadership of West Vancouver, Bowen Island, Lions Bay, and other local governments that have proclaimed the first Saturday in June as “National Health and Fitness Day”. Seven new cities proclaimed last week, bringing our total to 79. Our list of endorsers
is constantly growing. Making Canada the “fittest nation on earth” is a goal shared by Minister Ambrose; I was on hand in Toronto in February to witness her announcement of a great partnership, Active at School, with Canadian Tire. www. ThePlayExchange.ca is another public-private partnership, this one with CBC.
Prescription Drug Abuse The Minister and I have reflected constituents’ concern about rising prescription drug abuse. I’m proud that, with support of West Van Police Chief Pete Lepine and others, the Second Annual National Prescription Drug Drop-off Day will be May 10th, bringing together pharmacists, police chiefs and others across Canada to educate people on safe disposal of their pharmaceuticals. Our efforts contributed to the Government’s decision to put over $44 million into Budget 2014 in this area. Recovery from Substance Abuse The Minister has listened to constituents like Lorinda Strang and AnnMarie McCullough, of Bowen’s Orchard Recovery Centre, who have been instrumental in getting recovery from substance abuse onto the national agenda.
Autism and Other Conditions People in our riding such as Leonora GregoryCollura, from the Sunshine Coast, who organize the Annual International Naturally Autistic People Awards Convention, shine a light on the condition, and create opportunity for medical advances. I was pleased last week to be able to recognize their efforts in the House of Commons.
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April is Autism Awareness month REBECCA SMITH SUBMISSION
What is Autism? Autism is a term often used to describe Autistic Disorder but is also a generalization for five associated Autism Spectrum Disorders including: Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD), Rett’s Disorder (RD), Autistic Disorder (AD), Pervasive Developmental Disorder--Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger’s Syndrome (AS). Beyond this array of diagnoses, there are many different ways this neurological disorder presents itself. The term “spectrum” refers to the varying severity of developmental impairment. Children with Autism often have difficulty communicating, seem difficult to reach, experience sensory-processing difficulties, have trouble relating to other kids and socializing, and behave in unusual or ritualistic ways. The current statistics show that about 1 in every 150 Canadians is affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. ASD is four to five times more common in boys than girls, and it is currently believed to affect 1 in every 54 boys. There has been an 80 percent increase in the last seven years! There’s an expression in the Autism community I’ve come to know: If you’ve met one kid with Autism, you’ve met one kid with Autism. This can certainly make it a difficult condition to describe as there are some common attributes but no generalizations. What I can do is share a little with you about my family’s journey with Autism. One month after moving to Bowen Island with my husband and two boys, my youngest, Arrian, was diagnosed with Autism. My husband will tell you Ari has “Arrianism” and if you have the plea-
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sure to get to know Ari you will quickly see that he marches to his own drummer. Ari is non-verbal, so his only means of communication is through behaviour. This might not sound alarming to you, but if you were to try to get about your day using only pointing, pushing, and screaming, people might mistake you for an overgrown two-year-old or, worse yet, a brat! Ari is four years old now and desires nothing less than to get in someone’s way or be the cause of any distress. He’s a gentle soul who loves long walks in the woods, high-performance cars, classical music, fine art, and the alphabet. When he was two years old, he created a series of more than 100 paintings that got him some international recognition and an appearance in the journal Scientific American Mind. I had hoped that our move to Bowen would reduce much of the overstimulation of the city and allow Ari to be himself in a less pressured environment. It has made a world of difference in so many ways! It’s the little things like taking extra time with transitions and not having someone waiting for our parking space, not to mention the 40 kilometre per hour speed limit! There has also been a wonderful shift to friendly waves and supportive smiles instead of piercing stares and judgmental comments he and I often received in the big, anonymous city. Sometimes things get intense, and subtle everyday changes and transitions can trigger acute distress in Ari and he might melt down or even enter into “fight or flight” mode. The bulk of his consultantguided, parent-implemented therapy is getting practice doing everyday things. continued, PAGE 8
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Celebrating contemporary art JANET ESSEIVA SUBMISSION
Two contemporary visual artists, Jamie Smith and Timothy O’Sullivan, are currently showing their work at The Gallery at Artisan Square. Smith’s influences are primarily derived from his experience working and creating in the underground hip-hop and electro scene in Bristol in the eighties and early nineties. This innovative time in music served as a canvas for his creative expression and as an outlet in visual art, informing his whimsical, enigmatic images. Smith’s eclectic and unique life has taken him from Europe to San Francisco to Sydney and now he resides on Bowen Island with his family. Jamie’s work makes us
nostalgic for a past in a completely modern way. O’Sullivan came to art and painting later in life after several careers, first as analytical chemist and researcher then as a corporate trainer and educator. Smith, a Bowen Island resident with a studio in Artisan Square, is a contemporary abstract expressionist creating large and small images on canvas and panel, challenging the viewer to venture into the unknown, to discover, to be transformed, and to celebrate. Smith and O’Sullivan’s show, entitled “New Works,� runs until April 13. The Gallery at Artisan Square. Open Fri, Sat, Sun 12-4 p.m.
Top left: Art Lover by Timothy O’Sullivan. Bottom Left: Spits! by Jamie Smith Gallery at Artisan Square, photo
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One in every 150 Canadians is affected by Autism Arrian James, aged two. Rebecca Smith, photo.
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2013-2014 Classical Concert Series Presents THE INFINITUS TRIO
from PAGE 6 By getting out into the community, Ari learns to self-regulate in dynamic situations as well as create positive episodic memories that will help in in the future. He loves to go out to all of Bowen’s cafés and restaurants and have a little sit down and a snack. Please don’t be alarmed if he eats his ice cream upside down. Sometimes the challenge of eating ice cream cone-first is more exciting than eating the ice cream itself. If you don’t believe him just try it! Often if I just take a
moment to try to see things his way, I see more beauty in his unique perspective than I could’ve imagined, like how he finds the most remarkable trickles of light through obscure spaces in trees. My advocacy in raising awareness isn’t in search of a cure or an outreach for help; it’s simply to ask that you are patient with Ari as he navigates his new community and to help him to feel safe. I wouldn’t change him for the world but I’ll do everything I can to change the world for him.
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ANTHONY CHEUNG Violinist Sunday, April 6th, 2014 Tickets: $45; available at the door Cates Hill Chapel 661 Carter Rd, Bowen Island, BC Doors open: 3:00 p.m. Concerts begin: 3:30 p.m.
Classical Concerts Series on Bowen Island are hosted by the Bowen Island Arts Council (BIAC). For more information, please email admin@biac.ca.
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Get ready to get active during “Sneak it in Week” BOWEN REC SUBMISSION
Did you know 85 percent of Canadian adults currently do not meet the recommended amount of physical activity, which is 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per week, accumulated in bouts of 10 minutes or more. Canadian adults are sedentary for approximately 9.5 hours per day (Source: 2007 to 2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey. Statistics Canada). These statistics are an unfortunate result of sitting at our desks, driving in our cars, and spending time on screen-related activities instead of moving and being active throughout our day. All of these sedentary behaviours are harmful to our health, lower our productivity, and contribute to overall low fitness levels. Sneak it in Week, April 7-11, is a Participaction initiative with the mission to get Canadians up and moving. Bowen Island Community Recreation is taking up the challenge to get Bowen Island up and moving throughout the workday. Participation is easy. Here are some ideas: • Consider an active mode of transportation to get to and from work • Park a few blocks away from your destination • Hit the pavement on your coffee break or lunch • Do squats or lunges while you’re on the phone • Book walking meetings • Plan a staff stretch break As long as your heart beats faster for 10 minutes, it really counts! You’ll see how easy it can
be to fit in more activity during your workday. Consider taking up the challenge as a workplace initiative. Even if you work from home or are employed off Bowen Island (maybe your co-workers in town will join you), you are eligible to participate. Bowen Island Community Recreation has Fitness Passports available for every individual person who commits to this initiative. Here’s how it works: 1. 2. 3.
Contact the Rec office at 1041 Mt. Gardner Rd (BICS) to get your Passport. On the Passport, record your 2 bouts of 10 minutes of exercise per day during the week of April 7-11. Return your completed Passport to the Rec office by April 14 to be entered into a draw to win 1 of 4 prizes: a pedometer, 10 weight room passes, 10 fitness tickets, or a $20 gift certificate toward a Bowen Rec program of your choice.
Please call 604-947-2216 with any questions, spread the word, and “Like” us on Facebook for Sneak it in Week updates and ideas April 7-11. Get active and Sneak it in. You’ll be rewarded with increased productivity, more energy throughout the day and a longer, happier, more fulfilling life…and maybe a new pedometer.
FRIDAY APRIL 4 2014 • 9 S E R V I C E C H A N G E N OT I C E
CANCELLATION OF SPRING CLEAN UP DAY Please note, the Spring Clean Up day held annually in mid-April will not occur this year. There will be a Summer Clean Up day held in July at no additional charge for Bowen residents. A Fall Clean Up Day will occur during the month of October. Municipal staff and Bowen Waste Services are currently exploring methods of implementing a user fee in order to help defray the costs of this important service. It is anticipated that if implemented, the Municipality may begin charging the fee in time for the Fall Clean Up Day. Three Hazardous Waste Drop off days will continue to be held throughout the year, with the first scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2014 to be held at the Bowen Building Centre. For further information, please contact Bowen Island Municipality, 604-947-4255.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 604-947-4255
R E Q U E S T F O R Q U O TAT I O N
BIM-RFQ-2014-170
ROADSIDE STABILIZATION April 4, 2014 Bowen Island Municipality is requesting quotes for the provision of completing a Roadside Slope Stabilization Project on Grafton Road. The work will involve the supply and installation of adequately sized boulders and drain “shayle” rock. RFQ details are available at the Municipal Hall or alternatively can be downloaded from www.bimbc.ca/news_notices. A mandatory site meeting will be held on location at the lift stop at the intersection of Grafton Road (Westbound) and Mount Gardner Road on Wednesday, 09 April 2014 at 9:00AM. Please bring your business cards. Please submit your Quote in person or by email to Rachel Pryce-Jones at rpryce-jones@bimbc.ca by 4:00PM Wednesday, 16 April 2014. Technical enquiries should be directed to Al Fontes Engineering Assistant of the Bowen Island Municipality, tel. (604) 947-4255. Public Works Bowen Island Municipality 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 604-947-4255
R E Q U E S T F O R Q U O TAT I O N
Saturday, April 12th 2014 9:00am - 9 Hole Shotgun
Entry Fees: $20 - Members, $40 - Non Members *Includes 9 holes of golf and great prizes Join is for one of the most fun, 9 Hole stroke play events of the season at the Bowen Island Golf Club. Entrants randomly draw a partner from the Masters in Augusta before commencing play. After they finish their “net score” is combined with their PGA tour players Friday score at the Masters to calculate their final score.
BIM-RFQ-2014-180
CONCRETE WORKS AND WOOD RAILINGS April 4, 2014 Bowen Island Municipality is requesting quotes for the provision of completing Concrete Works and Wood Railings on the newly installed Lock Block Wall between Bowen Island Trunk Road and the Union Steam Ship Marina Parking Lot. The works will involve the supply and installation of a concrete toping wall approximately 200mm thick by 70m long as well as the installation of a 1.2m high wood railing. Drawings and specifications will be supplied by Bowen Island Municipality. RFQ details are available at the Municipal Hall or alternatively can be downloaded from www.bimbc.ca/news_notices.
Example: John scores a net 34 and is paired with Jason Day who scores a Friday Masters round of 68. John’s score for the day is 34 + 68 = 102
A mandatory site meeting will be held on location at the Cenotaph on Bowen Island Trunk Road next to the work site on Wednesday, 09 April 2014 at 10:30AM. Please bring your business cards.
The Men’s, Women’s, and Jr tournament champions also get the honour of wearing the highly coveted and often poorly fitting BIGC Yellow “Champions” Jackets.
Please submit your Quote in person or by email to Rachel Pryce-Jones at
The Cup Cutter will be open following play. Stick around and try some items off of the ALL NEW appetizer menu and enjoy some fantastic drink specials while you watch the 3rd round of The Masters.
rpryce-jones@bimbc.ca by 4:00PM Wednesday, 16 April 2014. Technical enquiries should be directed to Bob Robinson Public Works Superintendent of the Bowen Island Municipality, tel. (604) 947-4255. Public Works Bowen Island Municipality 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2
Registration open to the first 60 paid entries received. Sign up today by calling 604.947.GOLF (4653) or by emailing proshop@bowengolf.com FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 604-947-4255
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Happy birthday, doggies DEBRA STRINGFELLOW CONTRIBUTOR
Three years ago a particularly cold and miserable winter left Alberta’s shelters overflowing with homeless pets. A plea for assistants went out to neighboring provinces to help and Bowen Island’s CAWES (Coast Animal Welfare and Education Society) stepped up to the plate to aid with services. This is how a dog named Jessie (a Heinz 57 breed) ended up on Bowen. Pam Cleary, owner of Best Friends Dog Training took her in and soon realized she was pregnant. Before long, Cleary had a litter of 10 pups on her hands. CAWES still had a total of 11 dogs in need of suitable
homes for. Eventually, Jessie eventually was adopted back to Alberta while five of her puppies were adopted by families here on Bowen. This past Sunday in the off leash area in Crippen Park the owners of these dogs brought the litter together to celebrate their third birthday. It didn’t take long for the dogs to get reacquainted as they played fetch and frolicked in the sun. A perfect day for a doggie birthday party! For more information about CAWES and adoptions email cawes.bowen@gmail.com.
Connolly Ingram and Muttley, Margaret Miller and Joey, Michelle Taylor and Alice, Bernie and Lisa with Jemma, Maureen Nicholson and _____. Debra Stringfellow, photo.
Bowen Island Conservancy, Bowen Island Eco-Alliance, and Bowen Nature Club
Why should we care about herons? SATURDAY, APRIL 5TH 2014 3:00 PM AT COLLINS HALL
The glorious sound of spring CAROL MACKINNON SUBMISSION
Lynn Ellis Williams, director of the Madz, (formally known as the Ladies Madrigal Singers), has created a special Spring Concert featuring Gabriel Faure’s Requiem. Many members of the former Artisan Squires are joining the women’s ensemble in the performance of this work. Alison Nixon will be guest conductor and Andrew Greenwood as the baritone soloist. This will allow Lynn Williams to be the soprano soloist. The women will also be supported by members of Lynn’s Penrhyn Youth Singers in one section of the Faure. Accompanying the program will be some other young Bowen Island musicians, as Liliana Belluk, cello, and Sophie Walters and Nicholas Belluk, violin, have created the Arbutus String Trio. Gabriel Faure composed his Requiem in D Minor between 1887 and 1890. He told an interviewer at the time, "It has been said that my Requiem does not express the fear of death and someone has called it a lullaby of death. But it is thus that I see death: as a happy deliverance, an aspiration towards happiness above, rather than as a painful experience.” So, as you listen to this beautiful choral work, you can experience Faure’s conception of peaceful acceptance and release, expressed through his serene, elevating and comforting music. We invite the entire community to hear this glorious work, and these talented musicians, at Cates Hill Chapel, April 12th, 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available at Cates Pharmacy and at the door, with $15 for Adults, and $12 for seniors and youth. Children under 8 attend for free.
We’re WELL aquainted with groundwater.
The 2014 heron nesting season is underway. Why should we care? What is important about these birds in particular?
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To answer these questions, and more, we have arranged for a presentation and discussion by Ross Vennesland, a local ecologist with specialized knowledge of Great Blue Herons and their habits. Ross will talk about the heron life history, status, and population trends, and the implications of disturbance on their continued well-being. Everybody is welcome to attend this free informative session and learn why we should all care about the herons on Bowen Island.
For more information, email info@bowenislandconservancy.org
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