Bowen Island Undercurrent July 10 2015 by Bowen Island Undercurrent

FRIDAY JULY 10, 2015 VOL. 42, NO. 24

including GST

Watch for more online at: WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

Steamship Days

Take a trip to Bowen Island’s past in annual celebration of the Happy Isle

Molly Quarry on TeamBC

13-year-old says Bowen’s co-ed approach helped make her a better player

Ocean swimming

Course gives children and adults the skills they need before diving in

No open flames allowed That means no barbecues or firecrackers. And it might be a good time to quit smoking... MARTHA PERKINS CONTRIBUTOR

Many people woke up on Sunday thinking that the night skies had left a light on. As smoke from nearby forest fires dropped over the Howe Sound, an eerie yellow glow heightened everyone’s awareness of our own fire risks. Pauulet Hohn took this photo from Hood Point West looking out towards Gambier.

Bowenians go against the tide in referendum MARTHA PERKINS CONTRIBUTOR

While everyone else in the Lower Mainland ponders why so many people voted No in the transit referendum, the opposite question is being asked here: why did so many Bowen Islanders go against the tide and vote Yes? Bowen Island topped the charts for the Yes side, with 62 per cent agreeing to the proposed 0.5 per cent surcharge on the provincial sales tax to pay for an expanded transit system and 38 per cent voting no — practically the reverse of the total tally. David Hocking, who used to work with the David Suzuki Foundation before becoming divisional manager of corporate communications at Metro Vancouver, attributes part of it to islanders’ progressive views on environmental issues. “We need to swing people from cars to transit,” he says. “The highest porportion of greenhouse gas emissions in the region come from transportation. If we want to address climate change, we need to address transit.” As well, most islanders’ dealings with Translink’s services on Bowen have been positive. “We get great local service from great local people… so we have a higher level of trust.” The No side tapped into people’s anger and frustration with Translink. SFU profes-

sor Richard Smith, who’s been an advocate of Peter King’s express bus for commuters, says that islanders’ dealings with BC Ferries make them better able to separate their anger and frustration with the corporation from their awareness that they rely heavily on its services. “Who isn’t mad at BC Ferries,” he asks, adding that few people would vote against measures to enhance it. “You can be angry at the bureaucracy but still understand the value of the service,” he says. Mayor Murray Skeels, who lobbied for a Yes vote, is proud of islanders’ support for better public transportation. He says he stressed the economic benefits of funding the $7.5 billions’ worth of projects through the sales tax, noting that not only Vancouverites would therefore be contributing. And with the province and federal governments each chipping in a third, “the return on investment was a no brainer.” Asked why so many islanders voted yes, he laughed and said, “we live on Bowen Island because we really hate traffic.” More seriously, he noted the high level of civic engagement on Bowen. “We have the highest level of education than any area in the Lower Mainland. We have a grasp on public policy and it’s not as tough a crowd to talk to.” PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 13

Police looking for man who might have been involved with illegal beach bonfire The Bowen Island RCMP is asking for the public’s help in identifying a man who is suspected of being involved with an illegal bonfire on the beach at Cape Roger Curtis. On the morning of June 20, three people were seen leaving the beach in a boat very quickly. They left behind a fire burning in a large hollow stump that was under a nearby tree. A vigilant resident reported the fire, which was quelled by the Bowen Island Fire Department. “No doubt a serious incident was averted,” The RCMP says Cpl. Paulo Arreaga. is seeking Since a fire ban was the public’s in effect, the persons help in involved were in viola- identifying tion of several sections this man. in the Wildfire Act and of the Bowen Island Bylaw 41. The RCMP has issued a photo of an unidentified male who is a suspect in the fire. If you can identify this male please call Cpl. Paulo Arreaga at 604-947-0516. Bowen Island RCMP file 2015-313.

A car’s hot muffler parked over dry grass. A flag billowing in the wind above a barbecue, getting a little too close to the flame. An aluminum pop can thrown into the ditch, getting hotter and hotter under the noonday sun. A spark from a chainsaw. These are the things causing much anxiety for Bowen Island Fire Chief Ian Thompson as he deals with risks inherent with the increasingly tinder-dry conditions. On Wednesday morning, the municipality issued a ban on all open flames including barbecues, campfires, tiki torches and firecrackers. (Details page 3.) If Thompson had his druthers, he’d even go as far as banning cigarettes. “Everyone’s just on edge,” he said after a series of meetings all this week. “This is unprecedented.” If a fire starts, it will probably be caused by someone making a stupid mistake or not realizing how their behaviour constitutes a fire risk. “It’s all about prevention,” Thompson says. “The public has to be a complete part of it.” Contractors and anyone else who works with potential sources of heat — such as welders and chainsaw operators — must have a water supply and fire extinguisher handy, shut down by noon and be on alert for smoke an hour after their work stops. This is very early in the season for the fire department to have to be worrying about such dry conditions. Fires in nearby jurisdictions, such as Sechelt and Pemberton, have clouded the region’s skies with smoke, making the risks a little too real for everyone. The municipality is working with various emergency services and levels of government to come up with an emergency evacuation plan in case there’s a large fire on Bowen. Until now, most of the concerns had been what to do if there’s an earthquake. Now the focus is on how to get people off the island quickly. BC Ferries has said it will do what it can should an evacuation be necessary and other water taxi services are being lined up. Right now, there is no formal system in place to notify people that they need to evacuate. The municipality is relying on websites, social media and the islanders’ ability — not to mention the sound of sirens — to spread news quickly. Thompson says they’re in the process of re-invigorating its NERPs — Neighbourhood Emergency Resource People — program which sees volunteers in each neighbourhood responsible for spearheading communication. If people spot a fire they are asked to call 911. There is a grab-and-go checklist of things you should have on hand in case of an emergency evacuation on page 3.

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→ DOGS IN SNUG COVE Bowen Island Municipality is considering an on leash dog area in and around Snug Cove (see map). Council’s deliberation to designate this area as an on leash dog area is based upon the disproportional numbers of dog aggression incidents in Snug Cove as compared to any other area on Bowen Island. Off leash dogs are involved with many incidents that result in injury to human, dog, livestock and wildlife. Community input related to the proposed changes to Bowen Island Municipality’s Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001 is encouraged. Please send your comments to Bonny Brokenshire, Senior Bylaw Services Officer bbrokenshire@bimbc.ca . Proposed On Leash Dog Area 1

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Legend Road Data - MOT Proposed On Leash Dog Area 1 Property Boundaries

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→ COMPLETE FIRE BAN

IN EFFECT

NO Open Burning NO Camp Fires NO Beach Fires NO Fireworks

→ WAT E R U S A G E

R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S

Smokers, please butt out responsibly.

TO REPORT FIRES OR WILDFIRES CALL 911 → B L U E WAT E R PA R K

WAT E R S Y S T E M A N N U A L I N F O R M AT I O N M E E T I N G

All Blue Water Park Residents Welcome! When: Friday, July 17 at 5:30 pm Where: Bowen Island Municipal Hall, 981 Artisan Lane What: Overview of Annual Budget, Water Reports & Operations

→ B O W E N B AY

WAT E R S Y S T E M A N N U A L I N F O R M AT I O N M E E T I N G

All Bowen Bay Residents Welcome! When: Thursday, July 30 at 5:30 pm Where: Malkin Creek Road Cult-de-sac (weather dependent, alternatively Municipal Hall, 981 Artisan Lane) What: Overview of Annual Budget, Water Reports & Operations

The following recommendations apply for all Municipal Water Systems: NO LAWN SPRINKLING NO CAR/BOAT WASHING NO DECK/POWER WASHING Please limit your water usage: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

turn the tap off while brushing or washing use the dishwasher only when full use laundry machines sparingly embrace the dusty look for your car water garden by hand-held hose or containers equip hoses with spring-loaded shutoff devices collect rainwater flush only when necessary

Conserve water or have none. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Public Works department at 604-947-4255

→ NOTICE OF

CONSTRUCTION IN SNUG COVE

June 30 - July 31, 2015 Installation of an oil-water separator Visit www.bimbc.ca for more information and construction updates.

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10 FACTS ABOUT SHIPPING LNG

When Valhalla’s Chantelle Harding looked out at her view of Howe Sound on Sunday morning, the eerie glow that draped over the entire Lower Mainland was unnerving to say the least. Smoke from fires burning on the Sunshine Coast and Pemberton hovered for days, inspiring both awe at the resulting skyscape and fear that fire was so close. In this photo, to the left is the view towards Mannion Bay while the North Shore mountains are hidden in smoke. Chantelle Harding/Frame of Mind Fine Art & Framing photo

Municipality extends fire ban to barbecues

Due to the extreme fire risk on Bowen Island, a campfire and barbecue ban is in effect for all of Bowen Island, including beaches, parks and trails. There is also a ban on backyard fires, tiki torches, fireworks and firecrackers. All open flames prohibited. For those still eager to enjoy their backyard barbecues on private property, please exercise EXTREME CAUTION and follow this advice: • Briquette BBQs are completely

banned • Clean your propane BBQ before every use to avoid a grease fire • Propane BBQs should have tight fittings to avoid leaks as a tiny spark could easily ignite the propane and surrounding deck, grass or patio furniture •Place BBQ away from any combustibles Smokers are urged to use EXTREME CAUTION and discard cigarettes safely.

FRIDAY JULY 10 2015 • 3

committed to the safe, shared use of Howe Sound. Here are some facts about LNG shipping and the you need to know:

3 to 4 carriers will travel to Woodfibre LNG each month

LNG carriers will travel at about 8 to 10 knots in Howe Sound

Wake from LNG carriers is estimated at less than wind-generated waves typically found in Howe Sound* * in normal conditions, less than 10 centimetres at 50 metres from carrier

LNG carriers will not bunker in Howe Sound or English Bay

Woodfibre LNG Limited is an Associate Member of SIGTTO

in every way with SIGTTO guidance

LNG has been shipped safely around the world for 50 years

LNG ships are among the most modern ships in operation

Using natural gas, not diesel, to fuel LNG carriers reduces GHGs by about 25%

SIGTTO

(Society of International Gas Tanker & Terminal Operators Ltd)

GHGs

The Woodfibre LNG Project will increase large vessel movements in Howe Sound by less than 1%* * Large vessel traffic relates to BC Ferries movements along scheduled routes, deep sea shipping traffic to Squamish Terminals and Port Mellon, and tug and barge traffic primarily related to forestry operations

Building a Project that’s right for Squamish – that’s our number one priority

woodfibrelng.ca

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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.

Bowen vulnerable to human-caused wildfires Dear Editor,

I am quite concerned about Bowen Island’s lack of preparedness for human-caused wildfires. Recent events in Bluewater have highlighted this weakness. A forested lot next to our home was partially logged and cleared for a home construction site in May and June. Right after Canada Day, drilling and blasting began on the granite bedrock there. The fire danger has been extreme, and the danger was significantly increased due to the tinder-dry underbrush, dead ferns and moss that were now exposed to full sun. I assumed that common-sense precautions would be taken, that fire hoses with wye connections and nozzles would be laid out around the work area perimetre and be connected to a nearby hydrant or pumper truck, and also that the surrounding forest interface would be sprayed prior to work. However, to my knowledge, nothing of the sort was done. The only fire suppression measure in evidence was a five-gallon backpack sprayer with a hand pump. Needless to say, I was worried about our own vulnerability. Any fire sparked on this dry forest site would have spread quickly uphill to our home. It could easily have jumped to the forest canopy and threatened several other homes above the site. I did what I could to protect our home: clearing brush, grass and desiccated ferns to create a firebreak strip along our property line, buying an extra 300 ft of hoses with nozzles, and laying them in readiness in a fan around our house. I also cancelled travel plans in order to stay near home.

If I sound alarmist, I am not. The risk is real. I spent several years of my youth in forestry, which included fighting forest fires. I have fought fires caused by lightning and by campers, as well as those caused by road-building and logging equipment. I have seen fires spread more rapidly than a man could run and been in fires that charred thousands of acres. I have seen the conditions that make aggressive, catastrophic fires more likely – and this summer has produced these conditions. All of Bowen Island is a forest interface area and vulnerable to wildfire. We have a great volunteer fire department. Some members are my friends. But they need better tools to deal with Bowen’s situation. They need the ability to insist on effective fire control measures at clearing and construction sites. They should have the ability to ask that such operations be postponed if the fire risk is too extreme. They also need the ability to provide a pumper truck and firefighter at such sites, perhaps paid for by the contractor if the contractor does not have this equipment. Bowen should fund a summertime employee, perhaps from forestry, who could advise homeowners on setting up rainwater catchment systems and holding tanks in order to form a voluntary network of fire-fighting water sources. This employee could also advise, assist and train homeowners and contractors on how to prevent, mitigate and deal with wildfires. Bowen needs to do something now. This summer’s drought may be only a taste of our new reality. Dale Hamilton

Here’s how. To submit a letter to the editor, fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to #102, 495 Government Rd., PO Box 130, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 or email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com. B.C. Press Council. The Undercurrent is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone 1-888-687-2213 or go to www. bcpresscouncil.org.

All Advertising and news copy content are copyright of the Undercurrent Newspaper. All editorial content submitted to the Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication. The undercurrent is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, art work and photographs. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Define discrimination Dear Editor, Now let me get this picture right. Here we have three docks already built at Cape Roger Curtis. They’ve been there for three years now but have never been used and one has lost its ramp on two occasions during high seas. They are appurtenant to no homes either built or under construction. They are on public lands yet massive public opposition while they were being permitted was ignored by all levels of government. Most members of the public would say they are ugly and intrusive on the Cape’s natural beauty. Even the man who built the longest dock and developed the Cape, Mr. Don Ho, apologized in the recent bylaw public hearing, saying, “I didn’t realize it would be so long!” To avoid more such monstrosities at the Cape and with clear support from most Bowen Islanders, our municipality passed a bylaw forbidding future docks at the Cape. And now the municipality is being sued by Shu Lin Dong, owner of one Cape property and an applicant for a new dock, alleging Bowen Island’s new bylaw is “discriminatory, adopted in bad faith and procedurally unfair” among other flaws. I guess a contrary view of discrimination is this: isn’t it discriminatory to have one waterfront landowner do something on public lands that so obviously negatively affects so many other landowners and members of the public? And if it’s racial discrimination that is alleged here, I would suggest there is not one iota of racial discrimination involved when a municipality stands up for the rights of a majority of its members against the money and bullying tactics of a few off-island landowners regardless of their race or origins. As for bad faith, isn’t it bad faith for one property owner to seek to build something so universally disliked on public lands while knowing it is disliked? Finally, was the bylaw process beyond Bowen’s jurisdiction or procedurally flawed? I guess we’ll soon find out — clever lawyers will no doubt argue this to no one’s benefit in the end. Bowen Municipality cannot stop anyone from exercising their right to sue. But it’s pretty odd to see a Richmond resident suing Bowen Municipality for disallowing more docks like those already built at the Cape that start nowhere, go nowhere, have never been used and which one owner publicly admits are ugly. Such is our free society. I just hope whoever hears this case is nondiscriminatory and a champion of the many against the few. Then the picture will clear up nicely: justice will be served and our mayor and council vindicated for their courageous and correct action. Ross Beaty

Time to dig a new well? As we continue to be rainless and with predictions of no rain for weeks or longer, many of us find ourselves with either no functioning domestic water system now (my stream harvest system, reliable for the last 15 years, is collecting no water as of a week ago) or just waiting for our water systems (deep or shallow wells, streams, etc.) to give out as we move into perhaps the longest dry spell in recent history. I have decided to drill a new well on my property and have found that if all those who are considering drilling new wells coordinate their work, the cost of bringing a well drilling firm to Bowen can be shared reducing our individual costs. Therefore, if you are thinking about commissioning a new well, I urge you to contact one of the drilling companies with recent experience on Bowen. I am using DrillWell (Drillwell.com) from Nanaimo (who came highly recommended by local Bowenites) but there are others also. If we can line up a few more wells, we may be able to get all our wells drilled in August. Bob McGilvray #102–495 Bowen Trunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC, V0N 1G0

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Rustique’s owners want BIM to mitigate construction impact The following letter was first sent to Bowen Island council. Dear Mayor, Council and Municipal Staff, We have been very surprised to recently hear about the plans for construction directly outside our business and then to hear that it will begin this week. We are also very disappointed to receive such late notice of this plan and to have not been consulted at all as to how it might impact our business. In fact we heard about the proposed plan only last week from other local business people and had not received any direct notification from the municipality, which is inappropriate. This late notice has made it very difficult for us to do our own planning for our staffing and for our business. Our restaurant, Rustique, is right next to the planned construction zone. Much of our business comes from walk-by customers and, in the summer, having the capacity for customers to sit on our outdoor patio. Having noisy construction and limited access for pedestrians will have a major impact on our business and our finances. As you know the summer months are also the most important time for Bowen restaurants such as ours to make our annual budget work. This construction will have the most negative impact on our restaurant given the location. We realize that it is likely too late to negotiate a change in the overall plan, but we would like a commitment from you to share information and consult with us in the future if there is road work that impacts our business. We would also like you to work with us leading up to and throughout the time of this project to reduce the negative impact on our business in any way possible. We have looked at your proposed plan and have a number of requests to help reduce the negative impact on our business: • It is VERY important to our business that the sidewalk stay open and accessible to pedestrians and people disembarking from the ferry. We ask that the worksite be designed to keep the sidewalk open, and that all debris be piled away from our restaurant, and that any large work vehicles be parked so that they do not block the visibility of our storefront. • We have been assured that there will be little to no dust from the work. We ask that the dust level be monitored and managed to ensure it is not blowing onto our patio or discouraging pedestrians.

FRIDAY JULY 10 2015 • 5

How I Got Here

• We anticipate a loss of business at lunch time due to the construction. It is very important in order to protect our dinner service that the end time of 4:30pm is respected and that the worksite is cleaned up to keep clear access to our restaurant. • We ask the council provide promotion of impacted Bowen businesses including Rustique during and after the time of the construction to help us balance the negative impact. This could take the form of advertising in the Undercurrent, on the Forum and encouraging people to support our local businesses through the construction. Also giving clear well publicized information about the timeline of the construction, and the hours of work will help people see when it will not be noisy (after 4:30pm, weekends etc). • We also ask that you be in clear and timely communication with us if there are any changes in the timeline or plan and that we are consulted on any parts of the project that impact us. We hope that we can all work together to make this construction happen in the best way possible for all of us. Please take note of these requests and reply to this letter with your agreement or your questions. We are available to meet with you if needed. Sincerely, Céline Boyer and Thierry Mohrbach

Undercurrent cartoonist Ron Woodall catches his breath before blowing out the 80 candles on his birthday cake at Friday’s fete at the Snug Cafe. Martha Perkins photo The owners of Rustique are worried that road construction in Snug Cove will drive away customers.

A reluctant islander becomes its best chronicler Martha Perkins

Woodfibre LNG responds to Concerned Citizens Editor, The article “Concerned Citizens of Bowen Island want you to vote with your boat!” July 1, 2015, raised a number of concerns that I would like to take this opportunity to address. For example, the article states there will be “1,000 LNG mega-tankers” associated with the Woodfibre LNG Project. Should the Woodfibre LNG project go ahead, three to four LNG carriers per month or about 40 LNG carriers per year would arrive at the Woodfibre LNG terminal accompanied by at least three tugboats and piloted by two BC Coast Pilots who know our coast well. I would also like to assure your readers that the Woodfibre LNG facility complies with the standards set out by the Society of International Gas Tanker & Terminal Operators Ltd. (SIGTTO); notably, the shipping lanes in Howe Sound are not considered a ‘narrow waterway’ as defined by SIGTTO, and the site is in fact a good fit for LNG.

By Michael Epp

As for concerns of natural hazards, the Woodfibre LNG Project will be designed to withstand natural hazards, including: a onein-2,475-year earthquake, one-in-200-year instantaneous peak flows of the two main creeks at the site (Woodfibre and Mill creeks), and wildfires. Woodfibre LNG is also committed to being good stewards of the environment and that includes measures that will help create an ecologically functioning habitat for fish and marine plants in the foreshore of our project site — as well as support the rehabilitation of Howe Sound. Thousands of truckloads of contaminated sediment and woodchips have already been removed from the site’s foreshore. We are also committed to removing about 3,000 creosote-coated piles from the foreshore, and will create a green zone around Mill Creek, which runs through the middle of the project site. The seawater cooling system is being designed to minimize the effects on the marine environment. According to Fisheries and Ocean Canada (DFO), based on the proposed location of our seawater intake, herring spawning locations (including survey results from February to April 2015), and the anticipated herring larvae movement, the seawater cooling intake is unlikely to impact the herring population level at the Woodfibre site. To be sure of this, we’ve already committed to further study and environmental monitoring programs. It’s also worth noting that water cooling systems have not been banned in California as mentioned in the article. Rather, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under California section 316(b) of the US Clean Water Act, issued regulations on the design and operation of water cooling intake structures in order to minimize adverse environmental impacts. Finally, LNG shipping has one of the best safety records in the shipping industry. In more than 50 years of shipping LNG, there has never been one major incident of a loss of containment of LNG at sea. Terminals have also been safely operating near residential communities for years. For example, the Everett LNG Terminal in Boston, MA. Boston has a population of 4.18 million people and the Everett LNG Terminal operates safely within 3 kilometres of that city’s residential neighbourhoods. At Woodfibre LNG, we are committed to keeping the conversation going about our project. If your readers have any questions, please feel free to contact us at Woodfibrelng.ca. John French, Community Relations Manager, Woodfibre LNG Limited

CONTRIBUTOR

Ron Woodall hedged his bets when he finally let his wife Heather convince him that they should move to Bowen Island. He’d already delayed it for years by saying that he would never commute across the Howe Sound. For 40 years — as the creative force behind Mad Menesque marketing agencies and as creative director of Expo 86 — he had to cross the Lions Gate Bridge twice a day from his home in Fisherman’s Cove near Horseshoe Bay to his office in Vancouver and he wasn’t going to add a ferry ride to the daily hell. It didn’t stop them from visiting on weekends, however. “We had a sailboat and one absolutely regular habit was sailing to Doc Morgan’s back in the days when there were dogs at Doc’s. It was our destination for a day sail and we didn’t often get past Snug Cove.” When his retirement in 2003 put an end to his daily commute, Heather said, “It’s time to move to Bowen.” “But what if I get island fever,” Ron asked. The compromise was that instead of selling their West Vancouver home, they’d re-mortgage it to buy their house where the hotel from Union Steamships days once stood. It was his lifeline to the mainland. After a month on Bowen, the lifeline seemed more like a leash. He wanted to be free of the mainland altogether. Today, more than a decade later, Woodall takes the ferry back to that other life maybe three or four times a year. A year. Why the change of heart? “I probably went and sat around the Snug and realized that it was a classic Norman Rockwellian scene that also reminded me of those Jack Daniels ads of a bunch of geezers in rocking chairs in Tennessee.” Then he befriended the enigmatic Bob Bates and that was it. “We just very quickly realized it is such a refuge,” he says. But with today’s real estate market driving up the cost of housing, he feels that the Bowen way of life is under threat. “What’s really the big selling point is that it’s a rural lifestyle that you can get to quickly. At first it was the closeness to the city that comforted me. Now it’s its closeness to the city that worries me.”

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Janet Esseiva and Emily Van Lidth De Jeude turned festivities into art.

The fire department cooled things kids off with an end-of-day water spray.

The tug of war became an epic battle lost, alas, by this side of the rope.

Const. Chris Coulter greeted Tanis Layzell dressed in red serge.

Old-fashioned sack races proved to be just as much fun today. A super dad gives his son the best perch for the water spray.

Ben enjoyed the kids’ activities.

Photos by Meribeth Deen and Martha Perkins

Thanks all ‘round for a terrific Canada Day party Canada Day 2015 in Crippen Park was a showcase of community on Bowen Island. Community Recreation would like to thank everyone who joined in the celebration. Black Molly, a local band, entertained the crowd of more than 700 people who flocked to the field to celebrate. Thanks to them for their great energy and danceable style and to Shael Wrinch for his sound expertise. Mayor Murray Skeels welcomed Islanders to the event and Kevin Harding sang O Canada to kick off an all-ages, fun-filled afternoon. The shady sidelines were packed with people enjoying badminton, croquet, bocce, and ping pong. Our youngest crowd was busy at the very popular preschool play area. Thank you to Joanna Wing, one of our faithful playcare staff, for facilitating this area. The West Coast Preservation of Reptiles Society once again brought their snakes and lizards for us to wrap around our necks. This has become an annual tradition enjoyed by many. Paul Stewart and the juggling crew gave some juggling tips to those willing to try it out and Ethan Harrison taught the art of making the giant bubbles (thank you also to Mathew and Michelle), and Holly Graff who jumped in as well to help out! Bowen Island gymnastics wowed the crowd with their performance giving us a glimmer into what they will be taking this summer to Finland. Special thanks to Tim Hausch for magically putting up and taking down our banner! We were well fed at the field this year by Doug and Jules from Alderwood Farm and Glenn Cormier from the Bowen Island Pub. We really appreciated the options you provided. Glenn also donated the two large Canada Day cakes. Special thanks to him for his generosity. Bruce McTaggart of McTaggart Water provided jugs of water to keep us hydrated which was a much needed relief! Thank you to everyone who helped out with the stage and tent. We appreciate the efforts of John Stiver, Wil Thompson, Daly Thompson, and Roderick Watts. Special thanks to Kevin Huskisson and Eric Hunter James, the Metro Vancouver parks staff who always pitch in at critical times to help us pull it all together and to Rod Harding for helping with field set up the day before. Thanks to the RCMP who arrived in red serge to keep the peace on this hot day even though they were sweltering in those coats, to the BC Ambulance Service who provided tours of the ambulance, and to Bowen’s volunteer firefighters who gave tours of the fire trucks and provided a cool down at the end of the day. We are grateful to all of you for all you do on the Island every day and your extra community involvement on Canada Day. The field was graced by art this year as well. Thanks to Rebecca Smith who coordinated the 2nd annual Community Canvas. As it was the 50th anniversary of our Canadian flag, the art project was flag themed and decorate with items from our beautiful natural surroundings. Plywood was donated by Irly Bird Building Centre and cut into the shape of a waving flag by Burns Jennings. Bowen Island Arts Council’s Janet Esseiva and Emily Van Lidth De Jeude came out to paint en plein air adding their artistic flair to the event. Finally to Rosie Ander, Francesca Brind Boronkay, Maddy Jones, and Brenna Rosen, our talented summer staff and to our fabulous youth volunteers; Justin Walker, Nicholas Walker, Escher Lorenz, Teagan Hartwick, Kamille Gruft, Ava Gruft, Olivia Harding, Sam Hayduk, Nathan Taylor, and Sabrina Glave — we couldn’t have done it without you!! See you all next year! Please feel free to contact our office if you are interested in being on next year’s Canada Day planning committee as we move towards Canada’s 150th anniversary in 2017. Shauna and Shelley Bowen Island Community Recreation

MODERN HOME FURNISHINGS

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FRIDAY JULY 10 2015 • 7

Schedule of Events July 10, 11 and 12 Friday, July 10 Rotary Stage 3-5pm: Kipp Thompson Bowen Island Marina 3-5pm: Wooden Boats 3-5pm: Danny Dolen 5-7pm: Ukuleles & Burger BBQ

USSC Marina 2-5pm: SS Master Tours 2-5pm: Wooden Boats USSC Field 5:30-9:30pm: Waterfront Jam Davies Orchard 1-4pm: High Tea

Saturday, July 11 The Lady Alexandra and Lady Cecilia at the Union Steamships dock on Carrall Street Vancouver. Photo courtesy Bowen Island Museum and Archives

Steamship Scenes & Moonlight Dreams Journey back to Bowen’s Happy Isle days with the Bowen Island Museum & Archives KATHRYN NEY BI MUSEUM

Until the turn of the 20th Century, the “Happy Isle” of Bowen Island lay largely untouched by either early settlers or First Nations peoples. It was Captain “Jack” Andrew Cates who saw the potential in this little island to make it a sunny destination place. After purchasing the Mannion property in 1902, Cates began the Terminal Steamship Company. Tea houses, moonlight cruises, a steam-powered merry-go-round and dances at the Pavilion were the predecessors to the Union Steamship Company and the Booze Cruise days. No one really knows how the upcoming Bowen Island tradition of Steamship Days got its name, but the Bowen Island Museum and Archives is hoping to remind islanders of these olden-day times. While we won’t have booze or bandstands, some of our staff will be bustling around in period costumes and welcoming incoming visitors down at the Pier of Bowen Island Marina. The first two days of this exciting weekend will give passers-by the opportunity to relive the old days of the Steamship era by participating in our very own Steamship Scenes Photo Booth. Be transported into another age with a single shot (and a bit of complimentary photo editing). You can get your very own postcard print by donation, or purchase a raf-

fle ticket to win a Union Steamship themed gift basket! On Sunday we’ll be moving the party uptown to the Museum building itself. There we will uncover our vintage freezer and fill it with multiple, colourful flavours of ice cream for you to enjoy in our summer garden. That’s right — you know it’s summer when Sundaes on Sunday comes back into season! Our weekly servings begin on Steamship weekend and continue throughout the summer for your enjoyment. Didn’t get a chance to have your photo taken down at the Pier? This is your opportunity to take a peek at our new exhibit “Objects & Stories.” While posing with our artifacts, you can be transposed into a blackand-white whimsy of your own devising. Choose from a selection of props and background images, and we will customize your postcard while you enjoy an old-fashioned treat! There will be something for all ages at the Bowen Island Museum & Archives booth. We not only hope that you’ll come down to the Ferry dock to start your Steamship weekend celebration with us, but that you’ll join us for a sundae on Sunday in our front garden at the Museum. Come take a look at what we have in store, and allow yourself to experience the Steamship days with a lasting memento from by-gone times. Kathryn Ney is an archival assistant at the Bowen Island Museum & Archives.

Rotary Stage 10am to noon: Rock/Paper/ Moon 1-3pm: Taunting Mabel Bowen Island Marina 10am to noon: Danny Dolen 10am-5pm: Wooden Boats 11am-2pm: Steamship Scenes Photo Booth Davies Orchard 1-4pm: High Tea

USSC Field 10am-2pm: Face Painting 12-2pm: Antique Cars 2-4pm: Cardboard Kayaks 3-5pm: David Graff & the Continental Grifters 5-7pm: Black Molly 7-9:30pm: Adam Woodall USSC Marina 10-5pm: SS Master Tours 10-5pm: Wooden Boats

Sunday, July 12 Bowen Island Marina 10-11am: Danny Dolen 10am-5pm: Wooden boats 11 to noon: RazzMaJazz USSC Field 10am-2pm: Face Painting 12-2pm: RazzMaJazz 12-2pm: Classic MG Cars 2-4pm: Cardboard Kayaks 3-5pm: Walk-On-Dead Village Square 10-11am: RazzMaJazz

USSC Marina 10am-2pm: SS Master Tour 10am-3pm: Wooden Boats Museum 11am-3:30pm: Steamship Scenes Photo Booth 11am-3:30pm: Old Fashioned Sundaes Davies Orchard 1-4pm: High Tea

For updates and more information go to SteamshipDays.com or the Steamship Days Facebook page.

8 • FRIDAY JULY 3 2015

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Bowen Island Marina celebrates the past and explores the future S.V. FAIRWYN

Nancy and Stephen Carlman departed BC aboard Fairwyn, their classic Sparkman & Stephens 42 Yawl, for a grand sea adventure. During their 15 years away, they harbourhopped along the west and east coasts of North America, explored the natural history of the Galapagos Islands, visited warm and welcoming tropical islands and the not-so-warm but welcoming Maritimes, sailed across the Atlantic Ocean and soaked up ancient cultures during their years in the Mediterranean. Nancy and Stephen are great photojournalists and will be pleased to share their adventures with you all weekend while moored at the Bowen Island Marina. (Photo by Sea Snaps)

THE ORIGINAL GATEWAY TO THE HAPPY ISLE 1889– 1955 Come on in to The Pier and view our display of rich heritage. Photos and research for this project provided by the Bowen Island Museum & Archives located at 1014 Millers Road, just a short walk up the hill.

Breezer Breezer is a 43 ft. Cruiser built in 1967 by Thornton Grenfell, a well-respected North Vancouver yacht builder who crafted beautiful wooden yachts in the 1960s and 70s for many local families. More than 35 of his elegant yachts still enjoy cruising our waters, and are saluted by passing boaters who recognize their beauty. They are often distinguished by their navy blue hulls and yellow stripe. Grenfell Boats were a natural fit for the Jennings family who love finely crafted Canadian antique furniture, and Breezer has been lovingly refinished, with much elbow grease and $$$ by family members and friends to her present condition that would surely meet Thornton Grenfell’s exacting standards. Please enjoy a tour of Breezer at Bowen Island Marina and imagine the joy of cruising in this homey elegance! (Photo by Sea Snaps)

Learn about knots, dolphins and boat safety Michael Chapman will be on the Pier showing you how to tie handy knots Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3’ish. On Saturday, come and learn about B.C.’s whales, dolphins, porpoises and sea turtles of today and gone-by days, as well as safe whale watching etiquette and how to report your sightings to the Vancouver Aquarieum Cetacean Sightings Network. At the same time, learn about boating safety and regulations.

Float your (cardboard) boat Let’s say you’re stuck on a deserted island and all you have is some cardboard, a roll of packing tape, a razor knife, some crayons and your ingenuity. Could you build a kayak that doesn’t only float but looks good coming into harbour? That’s the challenge facing intrepid participants in Bowen Island’s Steamship Days. Teams of five will be given an hour to transform the supplies, listed above, into a kayak which will be

paraded around Crippen Park field before being put to the ultimate test: staying afloat. Last year’s cardboard kayak challenge was won by an aeronautics engineer so the stakes are high. The challenge takes place both July 11 and 12. Teams are given the supplies at 2pm and have an hour to build their boat. For more details, go to SteamshipDays.com —Martha Perkins

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FRIDAY JULY 10 2015 • 9

Explore the island’s past Walking tours offer a glimpse into island’s istory, nature, culture and food History will come alive when Bowen Island Tours leads people on a walking tour into the island’s past as part of the Steamship Days festivities. It’s an enjoyable way to get a sense of what the “Happy Isle” was like when Union Steamship Company brought thousands of passengers to Bowen every summer. You’ll be able to compare what you see around you today with archival photos of days gone by. There is also a food tasting tour and nature walks. Friday, July 10

• 9:45am – 1:30pm: Best of Bowen walking tour, featuring Snug Cove, Killarney Lake and Artisan Square • 2 – 3pm: History Tour: Bowen’s Resort Days – a visual look at the past • 3:15 – 6pm: Food tasting tour: Savoury & Sweet Bowen Saturday, July 11

• 9:45am – 1:15pm: Flora, Fauna & Fine Arts — a little nature, a

little history and exploring Artisan Square • 1:30 – 2:30pm – History Tour: Bowen’s Resort Days – a visual look at the past • 2:45 – 3:45 PM – History Tour: Bowen’s Resort Days – a visual look at the past • 6:30 – 7:30pm: It’s a Hoot – a family-friendly nature walk Sunday, July 12

• 10 – 10:45am – A Bit of Bowen – if you are visiting Bowen for the first time, this is a great introduction to the island • 11am-12 noon – History Tour: Bowen’s Resort Days – a visual look at the past • 12:15 – 1:15pm – History Tour: Bowen’s Resort Days – a visual look at the past • 2 – 3:30pm – Nature Walk to Killarney Lake All tours begin on the lawn of USSC Marina. Please note that the history tours will run as scheduled but if the minimum number of participants are not registered for the

In 1917, BC Sugar Refinery treated its staff to a picnic on Bowen Island. Photo courtesy Vancouver Archives. other tours, they may not run as listed. Therefore, this list of tours is somewhat fluid. Bowen Island Tours is offering a special $10 price for the one-hour tour, which is a slightly abbreviated version of its regular Happy Isle Revisited tour (normally 90-120 minutes, $25 per person.) Description of history tour:

Once known as the Happy

High Tea at Davies Orchard is served in style

Enjoy a well-deserved break at the Davies Heritage Orchard from 1 to 4pm.

While you are enjoying the fun festivities available you may find yourself getting rather exhausted trying to experience all the events. So when you feel that tiredness creeping in take a short stroll over to Davies Heritage Orchard, just behind the festival field, for a traditional English tea on a beautiful cottage porch. Here you can rest your legs and relax in the shade of the heritage orchard trees. You can have a warm cup of tea and maybe a few treats, while you are waited on by only the best high tea servers the island can offer. Stop by between 1-4pm on July 10, 11 and 12 and enjoy a restful afternoon. — Marion Arnott

Isle, Vancouver’s Playground, the Pleasure Garden and many other terms of endearment, Bowen Island has a fun and colourful history. For approximately 60 years, from the early 1900s to 1960s, Bowen Island was a very popular day-trip and vacation destination where people enjoyed the beaches, picnics, live music, performances, dances and all the amenities of a seaside resort. This was the time of the steamships and in many ways it was also

Bowen’s heyday. Just imagine how much fun it must have been taking a moonlight cruise, dancing away the night on a steamship and in one of BC’s largest dance pavilions. For many, Bowen Island was a very special place – and still is today. Using an iPad to view historical photographs, we will retrace the footsteps and features of Bowen Island’s resort days. For details contact Jody Lorenz at bowenislandtours@gmail.com.

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OPEN until 8 pm Friday & Saturdays

10 • FRIDAY JULY 3 2015

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Saturday night live — Union Steamship style Barry Hinklenton was born in West Vancouver in 1929 and, apart from a three-year stint in New Zealand, spent all of his life on the North Shore and Lions Bay. He died in March 2015. In this story, which was read at his memorial at Doc Morgan’s in May, he recounts sailing to Bowen Island to join the dance party that arrived on the Lady Alexandra on Saturday nights. BY BARRY HICKLENTON What memories and many thoughts race back to those, what I would now consider, carefree days. Each new season brought its own adventures and treasured memories. Which brings me to Snug Cove, Union Steamship Days and the Lady Alexandra. My first job, as clerk at the Bank of Nova Scotia, and pay of $98 per month, didn’t leave much for important things like fun. My friend Grant owned a nice 16-foot day sailboat. We would leave our job at the bank at noon on Saturday, catch the streetcar to Jericho,

stuff our work clothes in his small locker, change and head for Snug Cove. There were a few outboard motors, but they were very unreliable, expensive, noisy and smoky. All we needed was a paddle to get us away from the dock then a several-hour lazy sail to Bowen, drop our anchor among other boats and call the ‘shore boat’, which would bring fast service from a number of young people in their row boats to take us to shore for, I think, a dime each. The dock would be crowded with holidayers awaiting the arrival of the Lady Alexandra, which left Vancouver after the department stores closed; all the clerks along with it and what seemed like hundreds of telephone operators who would race on board. As the ship pulled in, and the waving and shouting between friends, I am sure the ‘Alex” heeled over several degrees as all the passengers crowded to the dock side. The anticipation of an evening was in the air. The orchestra, which played on the journey, now made its way to the dance pavilion and the aura of the

BC Ferries REGULAR SCHEDULE REGULAR SCHEDULE March 14 to October 12, In Effect May 15 to October 13,2015 2014

▼

BOWEN ISLAND Snug Cove

Leave Snug Cove

6:00 am * 6:00 am 7:00 am* 7:00 am * 8:00 am 8:00 am 9:05 am††# 9:05 am# 10:05 am 10:05 am 11:05 am 11:05 am 12:10 pm 12:10 pm 2:35 pm 2:35 pm 3:45 pm 3:45 pm 4:45 pm 4:45 pm 5:50 pm 5:50 pm* 6:50 pm 7:50 pm 6:50 pm * 8:40 pm 7:50 pm^# 9:40 pm 8:40 pm# 9:40 pm

Distance: 3 NAUTICAL MILES Crossing Time: 20 MINUTES

Leave Horseshoe Bay

5:30 am** 5:30 am 6:30 am** 6:30 am 7:30 am** 7:30 am 8:35 am * 8:35 am 9:35 am## 9:35 am 10:35 am 10:35 am 11:40 am 11:40 am 12:45 pm 12:45 pm 3:10 pm pm 4:15 pm pm†† 5:15 pm pm 6:20 pm pm* 7:20 pm 7:20 pm^* 8:15 pm 8:15 pm## 9:10 pm 9:10 pm 10:05 pm 10:05 pm

VANCOUVER Horseshoe Bay

After meeting on a blind date at a Valentine’s Day dance in 1947, Barry and Gail (Keyworth) Hinklenton were inseparable until her death in May 2014. This photo, taken some time between 1947 and their marriage in 1954, is on the Lady Alexandra en route to Bowen Island. ‘Holiday Isle’ was in full swing. Thousands would crowd to the dance floor, circular in shape, supported on springs to ease the feet, the bandstand in the centre. It could hold 800 dancers. Altogether too soon, the 30-second steam whistle of the Alex would sound at 12:30am; the youthful energy exhausted. Once again the dock was crowded to capacity, with the Alex backing out, the quiet waving, the orchestra playing an appropriate tune – it was over. The cabin people cleared the dock in a matter of moments, lights turned off.

Except for the odd stray dog and the cry ‘shore boat’ for the next while, all was silent. The stars, you could reach up and pull them from the sky. The trail of phosphorous in the water from the oars of the shore boats gave them an ethereal look. Grant and I would unroll our sleeping bags on the restricted space each side of the centreboard trunk, the floor boards our mattress, and we were soon asleep to the motion of the boat and water lapping the sides. The early summer sun, with its warming rays, soon awakened all but some

determined souls. Back on shore for a breakfast, the only sound being a knife and fork on porcelain plate. It seemed to be about noon when a decision was finally taken – we still had to get home. Most boats hoisted anchor, with paddle to clear the cove and hoist the sails; there always seemed a breeze to get back to Jericho. Another streetcar ride to the ferry crossing then a bus to 26th & Marine. Then the walk home ... if it was my week to cut the grass — an ugly reminder of the real world.

DAILY EXCEPT SATURDAYS # DAILY EXCEPT DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAYS SUNDAYS DAILY EXCEPT SATURDAYS & DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAYS & SATURDAYS SUNDAYS DAILY EXCEPT DAILY EXCEPT SAT, SUN & SAT,19, SUN MAY JUL&1, MAY 18,SEPT JULY1 1, AUG 4, & AUGOCT 3, SEP 13 7 & OCT 12

†

† THE WEDNESDAY THE WEDNESDAY SAILINGS WILL SAILINGS WILL BE BE REPLACED REPLACED BY BY DANGEROUS DANGEROUS CARGO SAILINGS. CARGO SAILINGS. NO OTHER NO OTHER PASSENGERS PASSENGERS PERMITTED. PERMITTED.

SEE YOU AT

2015 STEAMSHIP DAYS! I look forward to celebrating summer with you at this year’s Steamship Days - an annual celebration that is a fitting tribute to the Island’s historical reputation as “the Happy Isle.” A special thanks to the many volunteers who work behind the scenes to make this festival happen!

JOHN

WESTON,MP WEST VANCOUVER-SUNSHINE COAST-SEA TO SKY COUNTRY

WWW.JOHNWESTON.CA JOHNWESTONMP 604-981-1790

The SS Master, built 93 years ago at the False Creek shipyards, will be docked on the island this weekend. Originally intended for use as a First World War mine sweeper, it is the last surviving steampowered vessel on the West Coast.

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FRIDAY JULY 10 2015 • 11

Molly Quarry playing for TeamBC 13-year-old soccer star says Bowen’s co-ed approach strengthened skills DEBRA STRINGFELLOW CONTRIBUTOR

Molly Quarry may be only 13 but she’s proving to be quite the contender in the world of soccer. Her dedication to train, her hard work on the field and her drive to succeed is quickly sending her to the top of her game. Molly started playing with the Bowen Island Football Club (BIFC) when it first started up in 2007. She worked through the co-ed development stages and then graduated into league play here on the island. “The coaching on Bowen was great. I really miss BIFC practices because they were challenging but really fun. With BIFC I got many opportunities to get lots of touches on the ball which put me ahead of some other players I am now up against,” she says. BIFC’s co-ed approach helped Molly improve her game play and her strength. “Playing with the boys team on Bowen really changed me as a player. I learnt to be aggressive on and off the ball, strong shape passes, staying calm under pressure and learnt so much about the sport.” Once a player hits a certain age

and skill set it becomes increasingly difficult for BIFC to support their needs, so players who want to continue to play competitively join clubs over on the mainland. BIFC is honoured to see many players go on to play in North and West Vancouver clubs at the Gold and Metro levels. Molly, after leaving BIFC, was accepted into a high performance league (HPL) called Mountain United. Only 18 girls were picked and Molly was selected for this team out of 115 girls within her age group. She is currently playing centre back for her club team and she proudly holds the title of team captain. Molly has no problem finding her voice on the field as she learns all the responsibilities of such a key player. Certainly for someone so young, Molly understands that in order to gain the respect of her team she has to work twice as hard as anyone else. For someone as driven as Molly this is not a problem. All this hard work has paid off for Molly as this young athlete was recently accepted into yet another level of play. Chosen out of 144 girls, all who play for HPL teams throughout the province, Molly was one of the lucky 20 who will play for TeamBC, the provincial team representing British Columbia. These players are always on trial and constantly being evaluated by BC Soccer. It is both an honour and a privilege not given to just anybody. Molly appreciates the opportunity and

Molly misses her days with Bowen Island FC.

Molly Quarry worked hard to be chosen for the provincial team. Debra Stringfellow photo

works hard to stay on the team. Molly is highly focused on her teams at hand but definitely has future goals and aspirations, “I would like to play for Team Canada. The Women’s World Cup has really motivated me and some players I have met have been invited to the team Canada camps. My inspiration right now is Jessie Fleming. She is 17 years old and is playing on the Canadian Women’s National Team in the World Cup. She is the youngest player on Team Canada, which is a huge accomplishment.” If you are interested in learning more about soccer on Bowen go to www.bowenfc.com. Registration is now open for both coed development and league teams.

12 • FRIDAY JULY 3 2015

Take a hike — in the ocean

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Sea Hiker’s tips for ocean swimming Baby, it’s cold in there A wetsuit helps you stay warm which is especially important for beginners because “if you’re really cold it’s hard to learn or listen to anything,” Scott says.

Ocean swimming program gives people the confidence and skills they need to embrace our cooler waters

You can also wear socks and gloves but they tend to make you more clumsy. He recommends a silicone cap.

MARTHA PERKINS CONTRIBUTOR

It hit her the moment she dove into English Bay. Even though she’d spent so much of her life in the water, Billi Behm had just entered a very foreign world. Behm was competing in the Jericho Oceanman race. The one-kilometre swim, six-kilometre paddle and eight-kilometre run were challenging, but as a long-time swim instructor and member of a Masters swim club, she thought the ocean leg of the race was the least of her worries. Then she started swimming. First there was the impact of the cold water. Our instinct is to gasp. But gasping when you’re surrounded by water triggers an equally primordial reaction — fear of drowning. Fear transforms itself into anxiety which makes our heart beat faster. That is not what you want your heart to be doing when you need each breath to provide as much oxygen as possible. Compounding all of this were the weather conditions. A small craft warning had been issued for the Strait of Georgia because of the high winds. The waves kept hammering her with every stroke, the white caps a visual reminder that this was not the swimming pool where she did her training. “The water was murky, I couldn’t see the bottom and I felt completely out of my element,” she says. “It was such a challenge but I had to overcome it.” Today, Behm’s face breaks into a broad grin when she steps off September Morn beach on Bowen Island and into the Howe Sound. These waters are now familiar territory, not simply because she lives on Bowen. As well as being a swim instructor for North Vancouver’s recreation department, she’s a coach with Sea Hiker, a company founded almost a decade ago by Peter Scott, a former Canadian freed-

Bowen Island Volunteer Firefighters 24th Annual

Dock Dance Saturday, August 1st

Featuring

DR. STRANGELOVE

Take a deep breath and... A wetsuit’s only problem is that “it compresses your chest a bit so it’s not as instinctive to inhale or exhale,” Scott says. When you’re wearing a wetsuit, “breathing has to be a conscious effort. If you just breathe naturally, your carbon dioxide won’t get out. It would be like walking up a hill and holding your breath. Our instinct in water is not to let the water in so we naturally tend to hold our breath.”

Do like the fish — swim in schools

Friends Peter Scott and Billi Behm will be coaching ocean swimming programs on Bowen Island for adults and children starting on July 13. Martha Perkins photo

iving champion (and fellow Bowen Islander) whose goal is to make people feel at home in the ocean. “A lot of it has to do with confidence and feeling like you’re in control,” Scott says, sitting on the beach with its view of Vancouver’s skyscape. “A lot of people have strong unconscious fears of what’s under the water. If you’re afraid, it’s really hard to learn anything.” His years as a freediver — diving to depths of 200 feet holding his breath — have given him an almost seal-like swimming style. (A more complimentary “mermaid-like” description would be apt for a woman who’s as much as one with the water.) Growing up in

Ontario and Nova Scotia, he was a tentative swimmer until he decided to join a swim program as a university student. Hooked on freediving — he competed for Canada at the Worlds in Spain — he says, “I was so comfortable under the water that being on top of the water was easy.” Sea Hiker hosts various training programs and is about to launch its 2015 summer schedule at Jericho Beach and Bowen Island. Beginner courses (including the Bowen-only inaugural program for kids) start July 13. Intermediate and advanced courses on Jericho Beach start July 14 and 15. Go to SeaHiker.com for details.

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By taking classes you forge friendships with people who won’t think you’re crazy if you say “Do you want to go for a swim?” when the ocean temperature off Jericho Beach is 14° in May. (In the summer ocean temperatures are usually between 17° and 21° although last year it was warmer.)

Don’t force it While many athletes take ocean swimming lessons because they’re training for a triathlon, the course also appeals to people who are just beginning to get their feet wet in aquatic sports. (It’s recommended that you’re able to swim 100 metres.) “If you have no interest in it, don’t force it,” Scott says. However, he encourages people to consider taking the plunge. “The freedom of movement is just awesome.”

Vote with your boat at Save Our Sound The Save Our Sound flotilla to protest the proposed LNG tanker route is Saturday, July 11. • 11am: boats gather east of Bowyer Island. Monitor VHF channel 69 • noon: everyone will blow their horns as the flotilla proceeds across the proposed route • 2 to 4pm: SOS Rally featuring Brothers in Farms at the north end of Gambier Island. You can register for updates at MySeaToSky.org and go to the Concerned Citizens of Bowen Island’s website for more information: CCBowenca. “As a Bowen Island resident, I can tell you, people are not happy about this LNG plant that is proposed for Howe Sound. After years of pollution, we are now seeing the whales, herring and dolphin return and we don’t want to go backwards,” says Anton van Walraven of Concerned Citizens Bowen.

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Nominations open for 2015 Citizen of the Year BI MUSEUM & ARCHIVES SUBMISSION

Bowen Island runs on the heart and soul of the incredible people who live here, and could not accomplish what we do without their hard work, dedication, and love for the community. We believe that these Islanders who work so tirelessly deserve to be acknowledged for everything that they have done and continue to do. Back in the 1970s, the Chamber of Commerce came up with the brilliant idea of recognizing Islanders who have made significant contributions to the community with their time and service. While many remarkable and highly deserving residents were nominated, it was Ellen Dorman who became the first to win the Citizen of the Year award in 1978. The award consisted of a plaque and a featured position in the Bowfest Parade. Upon hearing this, she said, “I don’t think I will have time as I am cooking chicken for everyone to eat at the Festival.” In August of 1989, fellow award winner Walter Neilson had a similar reaction, saying, “Please don’t

glamorize this thing.” Their statements perfectly portray the typical modesty and ever-helpful devotion of a Bowen resident. For the years of 2013 and 2014, no award was given out. However, this July 2015, we want to bring back this award to acknowledge and honour the hard work of local Islanders who continue to help the community thrive. The Bowen Island Chamber of Commerce recognizes outstanding achievements by individuals who have consistently donated their time to ensuring the success of events and occasions on Bowen Island. This person is seen as an integral part of the community, having played a leading role through dedicated involvement in multiple community concerns. Since we have reinstated this annual reward, we highly encourage you to send in your nominations. Include a brief description outlining the reasons for the nomination as well as your name and the nominee name, which you can email us at bihistorians@ telus.net or by mail to Bowen Island Museum & Archives, 1014 Miller Road, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0. The Citizen of the Year committee requests that all nominations are submitted by Monday, July 27.

Bowen Island tops the charts for referendum’s Yes side Continued from page 1 Sixty-two per cent of the island’s 1,368 valid ballots, or 847 people, put a checkmark in the Yes box. The No side garnered 521 votes. A whisker’s more than half of the island’s 2,708 eligible voters made their choice known. Bowen Island was the only municipality that broke 60 per cent and there were only two other areas that surpassed the 50 per cent mark: Metro Vancouver Electoral Area A (including UBC, the University

Endowment Lands, lands along Howe Sound and Bowyer and Passage Islands) voted 59 per cent in favour of the transit tax and Belcarra voted 52 per cent in favour. Despite a concerted effort in Vancouver, the city’s Yes side could not quite muster half the votes, coming in at 49.2 per cent. In Maple Ridge, voters seemed to have shouted “No!”, with 77 per cent voting against the tax. The overall vote was 62 per cent for the No side, 38 per cent for the Yes side.

FRIDAY JULY 10 2015 • 13

BIM seeks input on leash proposal BI MUNICIPALITY PRESS RELEASE

Bowen Island Municipality is considering an on-leash dog area in and around Snug Cove, based upon the disproportional numbers of dog aggression incidents in Snug Cove as compared to any other area. Off-leash

dogs are involved with many incidents that result in injury to human, dog, livestock and wildlife. Community input related to the proposed changes to Bowen Island Municipality’s Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001 is encouraged. Please send your comments to Bonny Brokenshire, Senior Bylaw Services Officer at bbrokenshire@bimbc.ca.

(Elsie) Doreen Barber nee Hanwell February 25th 1924-June 26th 2015 Born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England Doreen, much loved Mumsy of Gillian and Michael, passed away peacefully in her sleep at West Vancouver Care Centre at 91 years of age. She was predeceased by Geoffrey, her beloved husband of 58 years who passed away in 2001, much adored niece Kathryn, of Sidney, B.C. (2003) and all Geoffrey’s siblings and their spouses. She is survived by her daughter Gillian (Nicholas), son Michael, and special only grandaughter Adrienne (Lindsay). She is also survived by niece Elizabeth Henderson (David),Andover,England,nephews: Duncan (Sue),Allerton,England,David (Joanne), Wilsden, England, John Barber, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Paul Barber (Diane) Pender Island, B.C., Denis Turgeon, and all of their loving and caring families. Doreen and Geoffrey visited Bowen Island from Ontario for many years. They fell in love with Bowen and made many lasting and wonderful friendships here. When Geoffrey passed Doreen continued to visit and eventually relocated from Ontario to the North Shore in 2006. Doreen was an elegant, witty, playful and generous woman, much appreciated for her sense of humour, her devotion to her family and her adaptability and resilience. She persevered through the last few years of physical challenges, along with four changes of residence, with her particular flavour of feisty determination and natural grace. A Bowen Island Celebration will take place later this year in true Bowen style, when love ones and conditions come together. If you wish and or are able, Doreen requested in lieu of flowers a donation to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation to support the Macular Disease Research Centre in her name. She was a staunch supporter to find a cure by volunteering to have the treatments for our future generation. To donate: on line: vghfoundation.ca/donate, or by calling 604-875-4676 , or by mail to #190-855 W. 12th Ave,Vancouver B.C.V5Z IM9.

NIELSEN, Frants Erik (Frank), February 3, 1922 – July 4, 2015. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frank Nielsen our dearly loved husband, father, and morfar. Frank passed away peacefully on Saturday July 4th at the age of 93. He was at home with his family by his side. Frank is survived by his wife Alice, daughters, Pernille and Tina, and granddaughters Annalise Barber and Anya Reid. Frank was born in Lyngby, Denmark in 1922, the sixth of nine children. He served in the Danish Resistance movement during WW II until being captured and imprisoned in the German POW camp at Froselv for the last year of the war. After the war Frank immigrated to Canada and met Alice Sjogren, another Danish immigrant, and quickly decided she was the one for him. They married in 1954, settled in North Vancouver and raised their family there, until we all moved to Bowen Island in 1989. For years he was known as “Mr. Fix-it” in our North Vancouver neighborhood, and would be called upon to repair everything from bicycles to bathrooms. He could build just about anything you wanted using the cache of scraps and recycled materials in his workshop. In his “retirement” years on Bowen he continued to work helping his extended family and friends on home building and repair. He volunteered at the Bowen recycling depot until he was 91 and stopped only because the depot no longer used volunteers. At age 65 he decided he should do something special now that he was “old” and so he began an annual tradition of a birthday swim in the ocean. He never missed a February 3rd swim. Twice he was in Hawaii, but every other year he was here on the West Coast - sometimes with snow on the ground - and he always had a smile on his lips and would laugh as he walked out past his knees and plunged in headfirst. Frank was outgoing, social and almost always happy. He easily established a new life on Bowen and made new friends wherever he went. He expected the best from people and usually was rewarded for his faith in others. He believed the greatest purpose in life was to be happy and to have a family. We are proud to say that he achieved his purpose and taught us to strive for the same goal. We love you Frank! A memorial service will be held Sunday July 12, 2015 at 2 pm at the Danish Lutheran Church, 6010 Kincaid St, Burnaby, BC V5G 4N3. A Bowen Island celebration of life will take place in the next few weeks. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.

14 • FRIDAY JULY 3 2015

Jude Neale joins poet laureate and violist for Summer Rhapsody This season promises a special treat with Summer Rhapsody, an afternoon of poetry and music showcasing local literary and musical talent. The afternoon will feature the latest works of Bowen’s own Jude Neale. A long-time island resident, Neale is a committed educator in the language arts, a classical vocalist, and a distinguished author and poet. She has received local and national acclaim for excellence in her craft, including the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. More recently, Neale was a finalist for the Pat Lowther Award for best poetry book by a Canadian author for her most recent publication, A Quiet Coming of Night. Neale’s talents have enriched the island’s cultural landscape; her contributions are deeply cherished. Neale is thrilled to share in this celebration of musical and literary excellence with two distinguished guests from the mainland: Rachel Rose, Vancouver’s award-winning Poet Laureate, and Thomas Beckman, a local violist and renowned member of The Sons of Granville, a local band voted 2nd favourite by Georgia

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With Graham Ritchie as auctioneer, the bidding had no where to go but up at Friday’s Annex/Gallery fundraising auction at The Pub. Above, Nancy cleebrates her successful bid with Zoe and Darryl. At right, is a fanciful Carol Fancy. Photos by Adele Turner

Jude Neale performs July 19. Straight readers for 2012, 2013 and 2014. Beckman’s most recent EP will be available for purchase at the event. The performance takes place on Sunday, July 19 at 4pm at Tir-nanOg Theatre (585 Rivendell). Tickets are available at $20 in the Gallery @ Artisan Square. Proceeds from the concert, after costs and including sales revenues from Beckman’s EP, are being generously donated to the Annex/Gallery Project here on Bowen. Sponsors include the Bowen Island Arts Council, the First Credit Union, North Shore Family Law, the Bowen Island Undercurrent, The Snug Café, Artisan Office Services, and the Bowen Island Library.

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Gallery, as well as other multi-use community spaces. Mumtaz and Navroz Bandali have donated $5,000 towards the Annie Laurie Wood Annex & Art Gallery Project. They have made this donation in memory of their dear friend Jack Adelaar. This most generous donation brings the total raised in excess of $20,000. The two organizations are ectastatic with the event’s success and extend special acknowledgement to Adele Turner who amassed the cornucopia of goodies. We send effusive thanks to Glenn Cormier of the Bowen Pub and his staff, Graham Ritchie, our masterful auctioneer, and the many, many volunteers who worked tirelessly before, during and after the fundraiser We also thank the donors and purchases who helped ensure the event was a success.

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Russian-trained pianist performs at gallery July 25

Martha Perkins CONTRIBUTOR

It was, ironically, an ear infection as a toddler that might have started Svetlana Ponomareva along the path of becoming a classical pianist. She was 20 months old and had to be isolated from other children at her daycare in Omsk, Russia. She was placed in the daycare’s music room where the music educator would practise. “It must have made a strong impression on me because from that moment I started playing on the table all the time, imitating her,” she says in an email interview. Her mother noticed this keen interest in music and, as her daughter grew old enough to study piano, did everything she could to encourage Svetlana’s newfound passion. Her studies eventually led her to one of the most prestigious music institutions in Russia, Gnesins Russian Music Academy in Moscow, and postgraduate studies with professors Alexandr Satz and Alexandr Alexandrov. Today, as a mother of an eight-year-old son who’s already well on his way to becoming a concert pianist, Ponomareva is passing on her love of music to him. On July 25, her son Antoine Villéger will join her for part of her performance at the Gallery @ Artisan Square. The program will feature gems from Prokofiev, Gavrilin, Sviridov, Gubaidulina, Schnittke among others played in solo and duet combination. “To me classical music is a complex, yet direct language that allows to transmit important messages — thoughts and emotions — put by composers into their works. So as a performer I am there to read and translate these messages the closest I can to the original revealing them to listeners,” says Ponomareva, who has lived on the North Shore since 2004, the same year she made her Carnegie Hall début recital at the Weill Recital Hall. “It’s a fascinating and mysterious journey, a constant discovery, a miracle. That’s why I love it.” The concert is hosted by the Bowen Island Arts Council. Doors open at 7pm and the concert starts at 7:30. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students. You can find out more about Ponomareva on her website, http://www.ponomarevapianist.com/about.php, which also has details about her seven CDs.

Classical music is a language that allows us to transmit important messages,” says pianist Svetlana Ponomareva, who will be joined by her son Antoine on some of the pieces she’ll play on July 25. The evening includes pieces from Prokofiev, Gavrilin, Sviridov and Schnittke.

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After meeting with Bowen Island councillors to discuss some of the issues facing the island, MLA Jordan Sturdy met with islanders at an informal meet-and-greet at The Pub on Tuesday night. Realtor Vaune Kolber was one of the people who dropped by. Martha Perkins photo