FRIDAY MAY 20, 2016 VOL. 42, NO. 68
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Suds and Sun fundraiser Pictures from the Legion
Farmers Market
Meet Joe, your neighbour
Building fences and connections
From fresh picked to gourmet delights
No immediate longterm solutions for housing on Bowen LOUISE LOIK EDITOR
If you are looking for a vacation rental on Bowen, you are bound to find the perfect fit with 50 or more short-term rentals on the island with prices starting at $85/night. If, however, you are looking for long term, you could be out of luck. There is one long-term rental listing on Craigslist for Bowen Island. That’s it. The two-bedroom home is $2,200. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation states housing in Canada is considered affordable if costs account for less than 30 per cent of the household income, before tax. Mayor Murray Skeels is very familiar with the problem. “Municipal council doesn’t have access to anything like the kind of money required to provide subsidized housing. What we can do is enact policies to facilitate more appropriate construction.” He continues, “Rental apartments are the greatest challenge. Other than making it a requirement of a major commercial project, like the pub, we have very (few) opportunities. Our solution is to allow secondary suites and probably very soon allow rental units in freestanding secondary buildings on residential lots.” One family faced by the housing crunch has been living in Bowen Bay for five years. They moved here from overseas, had a child, and a couple dogs and a good life self-employed. After years of making friends, volunteering for causes and building a business, their rental home sold with a fall closing date. Wanting to maintain their semi-rural way of life, but with no rental options on Bowen, the family may be forced to find another island, per-
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The mother and son team of Realtors Dee and Frazer Elliott are navigating a feeding frenzy in the real estate market. Dee advises homeowners to use Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to get the best deal, and get an inspection before signing a deal. LOUISE LOIK photo
Help from council is on the way, but it will take a while LOUISE LOIK EDITOR
There is no immediate solution for renters who need to move out of their homes and find a new home. Currently, there is one rental on the market. In fact, by the time this goes to print, that place will likely be rented. Mayor Murray Skeels says that the municipality is working with Snug Cove House to facilitate 18 units of small lot and duplex units. “They probably won’t be rentals, but they will create
less expensive smaller homes.” In addition to these smaller homes, the municipality is also “moving quickly to sell the piece of land across from the Undercurrent office. It could provide up to 16 strata units at 1,000 square feet each.” At the same time as these projects are underway, there is also the potential to amend the OCP in order to rezone and, “make more of the Community Lands available for small lot housing.” Skeels says the community will have a chance to give their input on another possible big
change for the community. Public hearings at the end of May will focus on the issue of whether or not to allow a property owner to rezone relatively small residential lots to create two-unit strata corporations. “It’s like duplex zoning except that both owners would share in building and grounds maintenance. The rub is that it would replace secondary suites with solid units. However, if it goes ahead, it could signal a move on the island to embrace ‘eco-density.’ This would allow the community to pack in as many houses as possible in usable space. It
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should be an interesting debate,” says Skeels. Already, the moniker “Boquitlam,” is being used to refer to some of the suburban style development on Bowen. Increasing density becomes a bit of a balancing act to provide needed housing without a suburban feel. Another issue is that locals must compete for rental housing and lower cost home ownership with a growing tide of mainlanders priced out of Vancouver.
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NEWS from
Municipal Hall MEETING CALENDAR May 24, 2016 9:30 AM Regular Council Meeting
May 24, 2016 1:00 PM Public Hearing
Ö N OT I C E O F P U B L I C H E A R I N G S NOTICE is hereby given that Bowen Island Municipal Council will hold a public hearing for the purpose of allowing the public to make representations on the following proposed bylaws:
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Bylaw No. 403, 2016 cited as “Bowen Island Municipality Official Community Plan No. 282, 2010 Amendment Bylaw No. 403, 2016”; and Bylaw No. 404, 2016 cited as “Bowen Island Municipality Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 Amendment Bylaw No. 404, 2016”
The Public Hearing for proposed bylaws 403, 2016 and 404, 2016 will be held on:
May 24, 2016 3:30 PM
Transportation Advisory Committee All meetings are held in BIM Council Chambers unless otherwise noted.
And a portion of 1070 Miller Road – Lot A. DL 490 Group 1 NWD The purpose of Bylaw No. 403, 2016 is to amend the Policy 155 of the Official Community Plan to enable Council to consider rezoning the 0.48 hectare parcel at 1080 Miller Road at a density greater than eight lots per net developable acre, and with a minimum lot size less than 372 square metres, as part of a comprehensive plan to provide for a mix of attached, detached and supportive housing. The purpose of Bylaw No. 404, 2016 is to amend the Land Use Bylaw to remove restrictions from the Comprehensive Development 15 (CD-15) zone that would not allow detached dwellings in CD 15 – Area 2 and would limit the number of detached dwellings to 4 in CD 15 – Area 3. The amendment would permit up to 2 detached dwellings in CD 15 - Area 2 and up to 9 detached dwellings in CD 15 - Area 3, in addition to the option of duplex and townhouse dwellings. Secondary Suites would be permitted in detached dwellings. As well, minor changes are proposed to building setbacks and lot coverage. Inquiries regarding these proposed bylaws may be directed to Judy McLeod, Planning Consultant at 604-947-4255 or by email at jmcleod@bimbc.ca Written submissions may be delivered to:
Integrated Transportation Master Plan (ITMP) www.transportationbowen.com
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The Public Hearing for proposed bylaw 401, 2015 will be held on: Monday, May 30, 2016 7:00 PM Municipal Hall 981 Artisan Lane Subject Property: 933, 937, 941, & 945 Rivendell Drive, legally described as Lots 62, 64, 65, and 68 District Lot 489, Plan BCP 32677 Group 1, NWD.
Subject Property: 1080 Miller Road - Lot 1, District Lot 490, Group 1, NWD, Plan BCP9282 (Snug Cove House Society)
PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS
Bylaw No. 401, 2015 cited as “Bowen Island Municipality Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 Amendment Bylaw No. 401, 2015”
Tuesday, May 24, 2016 1:00 PM Municipal Hall 981 Artisan Lane
Snug Cove Improvements Working Group
May 24, 2016 7:15 PM
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Bowen Island Municipal Hall in person or by mail to 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC, V0N 1G2 or by fax to 604-947-0193 prior to 1:00 PM on Tuesday, May 24, 2016; Bowen Island Municipal Council at the Public Hearing at 1:00 PM on May 24, 2016.
At the public hearings, all persons who believe that their interest in property is affected by the proposed bylaw shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be heard or to present written submissions respecting matters contained in the proposed bylaw. Copies of all proposed bylaws (Bylaw Nos. 403, 404, & 401) and any background material that may be considered by Bowen Island Municipal Council in respect of the proposed bylaws, may be inspected at Bowen Island Municipal Hall, 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays, or on the BIM website at www.bimbc.ca
Inquiries regarding the proposed bylaw may be directed to Daniel Martin, Island Community Planner at 604-947-4255 or by email at dmartin@bimbc.ca Written submissions may be delivered to: • Bowen Island Municipal Hall in person or by mail to 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC, V0N 1G2 or by fax: 604-947-0193 prior to 4:30 PM Monday, May 30, 2016 • to Bowen Island Municipal Council at the Public Hearing at 7:00 PM May 30, 2016 NO REPRESENTATIONS WILL BE RECEIVED BY THE BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC HEARINGS.
Ö WE ARE HIRING Bowen Island Municipality is seeking a permanent full-time Roads Crewperson. The Crewperson will primarily be responsible for assisting with the maintenance of the Municipality’s road system as well as some additional labour tasks related to other Municipal infrastructure. This position will require that the crewperson interact in a courteous manner with the public and is based on 35 hours per week. Please submit your cover letter, resume, and references via mail, facsimile, or email by Monday, May 30, 2015 at 4:00 PM to: Christine Walker Human Resources Manager Bowen Island Municipality 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 Facsimile: 604-947-0193 E-mail: hr@bimbc.ca
General Enquiries
Contact Us Bowen Island Municipal Hall 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2
The purpose of Bylaw No. 401, 2015 is to rezone four parcels of land (933,937,941, & 945 Rivendell Drive) on Rivendell Drive from Comprehensive Development 2 (CD2) Zone (Cates Hill) Area 1 to Comprehensive Development 2 (CD2) Zone (Cates Hill) Area 1 (a). This zone exemption would allow the four lots to each be developed as two family dwelling (secondary dwelling), where one dwelling is a primary dwelling and one is a secondary (smaller dwelling). Overall maximum lot coverage and floor space will not be increased in this rezoning.
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday, excluding statutory holidays
Phone: Fax: Email:
604-947-4255 604-947-0193 bim@bimbc.ca
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FRIDAY MAY 20 2016 •= 3
Sunshine and suds make for a fun fundraiser LOUISE LOIK EDITOR
The Legion car wash over the weekend drew a lineup of cars on Saturday. Staging the event while excess water from reservoirs is still spilling into the ocean, the group of volunteers received generous donations in exchange for their shiny clean cars. Because of heavy rains during last year’s Bowfest, the Legion wasn’t able to generate as much income from the beer tent as in previous years. They are now finding creative ways to make up the difference in order to pay taxes and keep the Legion well-maintained.
LOUISE LOIK photos
Jennifer Henderson has fun in the sun helping to raise funds.
Sunhats were a good idea for the team of volunteers washing cars in the blazing sunshine. Tannis Killey is having a blast.
Jewal Maxwell helps out with the polishing.
Lynne Williams, Yvonne McSkimming, Casey Grundy and Jason Zahara give a truck a thorough scrub.
NEWS from
Municipal Hall Ö MINI MUNI HALL Members of Council will be holding a Mini Muni Hall this month at the Bowen Island Community School. Mini Muni Hall is an opportunity for the public to chat informally with Counil, get a copy of the newly released Island Plan 2016, Bowen Island Community Profile, and get info on the Integrated Transportation Master Plan Project that is currently underway. Everyone is welcome!
Ö T I M E T O S TA R T
C O N S E R V I N G WAT E R
Bowen Island water comes from rainfall collected in the aquifers and water sheds. So far, 2016 is shaping up to be very similar to last year’s unprecedented hot weather conditions and lack of rain. The Island does not have a unlimited amount of water. By helping to conserve water, we can all minimize the impact on our environment and make our water systems more sustainable. You can save water by:
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Join us on:
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Friday, May 27, 2016 2:00 - 4:00 PM Bowen Island Community School Community Use Room 1041 Mt. Gardner Rd
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Reducing your shower by 5 minutes. This can save up to 100 litres of water. Turning off the water when shaving, brushing teeth, and washing dishes. This can save 10 to 40 litres/day. Running the dishwasher and washing machine only when you have a full load. Using a Rain Barrel to collect free water from your roof for your garden and lawn. Using a bucket of soapy water to wash your car and using the hose only for rinsing. Let your grass grow to 2-3 inches. Taller grass shades new growth and reduces evaporation.
Look for more water conservation tips at www.bimbc.ca and on the back of your water bill.
Contact Us Bowen Island Municipal Hall 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2
General Enquiries Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday, excluding statutory holidays
Phone: Fax: Email:
604-947-4255 604-947-0193 bim@bimbc.ca
4 4 •= FRIDAY FRIDAY MAY MAY 20 20 2016 2016
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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. Here’s how. To submit a letter to the editor, fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to #102, 495 Government Rd., PO Box 130, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 or email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com. National NewsMedia Council. The Undercurrent is a member of the National NewsMedia Council of Canada, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com or call 604-947-2442. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the website at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.
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.
Housing market is a hot issue on Bowen Two months ago, someone came to me, saying that I needed to write about the housing market on Bowen. Then someone else came to me with the same request. As the situation intensified so did the pressure to tackle the story. I spent a good part of the weekend talking to renters, buyers, realtors, developers, and the mayor. I looked at what other communities are doing, and what some people think we should do. The result of all the research is a story on someone displaced by the market, an overview of the situation, and a story about what council is doing. There’s also a lot of activity in some homes now, as high school students get ready for their final exams and graduation. I will be running a special edition in early June featuring grad photos along with wishes for the students. I am happy to start receiving submissions, with messages for the grads up to 100 words, but a few words is fine too. I hope you enjoy the paper. Louise
Get to know Bowen’s people, plants and places Although you may think of the People, Plants and Places event as a garden tour, that was never the intention. In fact, the very name indicates the distinction from other tours. “People” refers to the hosts. They are key elements, chosen for their willingness to welcome guests in a hospitable fashion, to locations of significant interest they have created or enhanced. “Plants” refers to gardens, of course, but on this rocky island with water shortages, gardening requirements are diverse. The tour has showcased magnificent rock gardens, seascape gardens, deer resistant,
edible and eco-friendly gardens. Many talented gardeners demonstrate solutions to the challenges of island gardening. “Places” refer to homes. They are chosen for their historic value, environmental features, rustic charm, gorgeous location or the architectural design. Each home is selected because it offers something of interest to visitors. The tour provides a peek into the places that make Bowen unique. With its array of microclimates, people, and tastes, the variety beyond the winding roads is rich. This biennial tour is the major fundraiser for the
Community Museum and Archives. It also provides a unique opportunity to become better acquainted with our island and neighbourhoods. Visitors from all across Vancouver and B.C. come during this weekend to immerse themselves in island life, bringing extra summer business. The tour has become part of community life and has a role in bringing people together. In the long run, however, the tour is really about getting to know Bowen’s people, plants and places. Tickets available online at bowenislandmuseum.ca or call 604-947-2655. Bowen Island Museum & Archives
Garden club thanks supporters of annual plant sale The Bowen Island Garden Club’s Plant Sale and Raffle took place at BICs last Saturday on a balmy, beautiful morning. The club wishes to thank the following for their kindness and generosity in supporting us with donations, and to all our gardening fans who still believe there’s a future in planting a garden, despite
#102–495 Bowen Trunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC, V0N 1G0 Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148 Deadline for all advertising and editorial: Monday, 4:00p.m. www.bowenislandundercurrent.com
global warming! Annie Davidson – Bowen Island Art’s Nursery Ltd. – SurreyPort Kells Atlas Pots – North Vancouver The Bowen Flower Shop – Bowen Island Bowen Building Centre – Bowen Island David Hunter – Vancouver
Interim Editor Louise Loik
Dÿkhof Nurseries – North Vancouver Fresh Street Market – West Vancouver Garden Works – North Vancouver Home Depot – Vancouver Lee Valley Tools – Vancouver Leong’s Nursery Enterprise Inc. – Burnaby Linnæa Nursery – Langley Maple Leaf Gardens – West
Vancouver Mr. Pots – Bowen Island Northwest Landscape and Stone – Burnaby Pharmasave – Caulfeild Phœnix Perennials – Richmond Safeway Canada – Caulfeild The General Store – Bowen Island Van Noort Bulbs – Langley West Coast Gardens – South
Surrey West Vancouver Florist Ltd. Your Dollar Store with More, Inc. – Caulfeild All proceeds from the annual Plant Sale and Raffle are used to support horticultural education, the Garden Club’s speakers’ program, community beautification, Bowen Island Plant Sale and Raffle.
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FRIDAY MAY 20 2016 •= 5
Learn to Sail course ready to launch for the season Every windswept island has its secrets: uninhabited beaches, quiet coves, things that only the locals and sailors know. And of course, every island worth its salt has to have treasure. Bowen’s trove might surprise you though. It isn’t marked on any map, but sailors on the island get a special faraway look in their eye when you ask about it. Bowen’s Learn to Sail Club is that legendary. It’s the jewel of the Bowen Island Yacht Club and the place where adventure is born. If you’re a newcomer to Bowen like me, you might not know that Learn to Sail gives sailors as young as seven the skills to get their feet wet on a small craft. Older children are coached by experienced sailors who offer new challenges and in-depth training. What makes this program so special? Marcel LaRoche, marine industry aficionado, veteran mariner, and commodore of the Bowen Island Yacht Club, says that the nurturing community is like gold to young sailors. For this reason, the program receives space and support from the Tunstall Bay Community Association, and First Credit Union lends out its boardroom to volunteers. LaRoche says, “To me, the Learn to Sail program gives kids not only the characteristics needed to be a good sailor, but the traits needed to pursue any adventure; great or small.” What are the traits of a good sailor? LaRoche says there are six: Perseverance: Young sailors learn to hold themselves together in the face of adversity. Focus: At sea, you need to be constantly aware of your surroundings and the subtle
signals that the water and the weather send you. You also need to be attentive to what’s going on aboard your boat. Commitment: You really can’t be ambivalent when you’re sailing. You learn to be 100 per cent committed to the task at hand, whatever it may be. Adaptability: By its very nature, sailing is about accepting what comes your way in the form of weather, environmental conditions, and on-the-water experiences. You learn to adapt and use your own ingenuity to achieve solutions. Respect: Every sailor learns to respect the sea and know it cannot be bested. With this in mind, sailors learn a lot about safety – learning to achieve their objectives while ensuring everyone around them is safe. Judgment: You learn to use good judgment when making decisions about everything that happens at sea. LaRoche says that learning to sail is about more than developing a new skill. “Sailing helps build the foundation needed for any adventurer. And building a community of sailors contributes to the unique fabric of Bowen Island.” But the thing about even well-kept secrets is that they won’t stay buried forever. So, what will this tightly knit and passionate community do when word spreads about their gem of a training camp for young explorers? They’ll set a course for adventure, of course. For more information about the Learn to Sail 2016 program, visit: biyc.bc.ca and click on Learn to Sail. Early bird registration discounts until June 1. Elle Wild
The High Bar Gang bluegrass band comes to Tir-Na-Nog The High Bar Gang bluegrass band is coming to Bowen Island. Since the band was formed in the summer of 2010, the High Bar Gang has been bringing its unique take on old time bluegrass to the fine folks of Western Canada, and most notably, to Bowen Island – home to two of its members, Barney Bentall and Shari Ulrich Vocal harmony is key to the band’s sound, and the blend of Shari, Wendy Bird along with guitarists Kirby Barber and Barney Bentall is a much-loved feature of the band. Supported by Dave Barber on banjo, Rob Becker on bass, and Colin Nairne on guitar and mandolin, the band’s repertoire
stays firmly rooted in the golden age of bluegrass music with songs by the likes of Bill Monroe, The Stanley Brothers and Del McCoury. In 2013 the band signed a record deal with True North Records resulting in the release of their debut recording Lost and Undone: A Gospel Bluegrass Companion. Along with extensive airplay in Europe as well as North America, the album garnered several award nominations in 2014 including a Juno Award and Western Canadian Music Award. The group went on to be nominated for three Canadian Folk Music Awards and won for Best Vocal Group.
Highlights for the High Bar Gang include opening for Canadian music icons Blue Rodeo at Vancouver’s Malkin Bowl, concerts at Victoria’s famous Butchart Gardens, Vancouver’s International Jazz Festival, Vancouver Island Musicfest, the Toronto Pan Am Games, and San Francisco’s legendary Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. The band’s “cheatin & hurtin’” collection Someday the Heart Will Trouble the Mind will be released June 24 and they wanted to celebrate on Bowen Island with a concert at Tir-na-nog Theatre on Friday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Phoenix or online at highbargang.bpt.me. Don’t miss out.
Fire fines have more than tripled Wildfire prevention is everyone’s responsibility and failing to use fire properly comes at a greater cost than ever. While everyone must also obey local government fire bylaws and restrictions, there are also provincial restrictions on fires. This year the B.C. government signifi-
cantly increased ticket fines for 19 different violations under the Wildfire Act and seven violations under the Wildfire Regulation. For example, the fine for failing to comply with a fire restriction under the Wildfire Act has more than tripled – from $345 to $1,150.
Jilly Watson is an island artist, well known for her bright colours and local images. photo supplied ARTS COUNCIL
New art show at the Bowen Island Art Gallery Jilly Watson will be showing her latest Colourful Creations at the Bowen Island Art Gallery from May 23 to June 19. During this time the gallery will be open for summer hours Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The opening reception will be on Saturday, May 28 from 3 to 5 p.m. Watson writes, “You will very often see paths or trails
through forests in my work, which are symbolic of the choices we make in life. My present path as an artist has brought me great joy. I have a passion for bright colours and like to create happy sunny paintings. Also for me forests are magical places but they are not static – they vibrate with energy and movement. I try to portray that movement in
Park plan open house May 25 ! Park Plan Open House: Wednesday May 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Municipal Hall 981 Artisan Lane. Expanding upon results of a stakeholder visioning and scoping workshop held in 2015, Bowen Island Municipality requests your assistance in the creation of a Park Plan. This guiding plan will provide a consolidated inventory and will inform preservation, conservation, enhancement and restorative initiatives related to Bowen Island’s parks, trails, green spaces and marine ecosystems over the next 10 to 15 years. Please come out and share your ideas and opinions. If you are unable to make it to the Open House on May 25 there will be plenty of time to contribute as the Park Plan engagement process proceeds throughout the summer. Questionnaires will be circulated, phone surveys will be conducted and stakeholder discussions will take place. Look for us at outdoor markets, special events and pop up booths around the Cove. Kids, your art work and ideas will be gathered this summer as well. Questions? Contact Bonny Brokenshire, manager of parks and environment at 604 947-4255 or bbrokenshire@bimbc.ca.
my trees.” Watson will also be present painting in the gallery on the afternoons of May 27 and 28, and June 2, 10, 11, 17 and 18. Watson is an active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists. She is also the president of the North Shore Artists’ Guild. Watson has been living on Bowen for more than 15 years.
Thank you to the Legion supporters The Legion had the most amazing response to our car wash on Saturday, May 15. We managed to clean 75 cars in four hours and raise an astonishing $1,800. We couldn’t have done it without the generous support of our sponsors – Orchard Recovery Center Ltd., Full Stop Rental, Leigh Automotive, Bowen Freight, First Credit Union, Linda Pheiff and the many volunteers who so graciously gave of their time and energy to make the day fun and rewarding. In no particular order; Jason Zahara, Casey Grundy, Rebecca Henderson, Lynn Williams, Tannis Killy, Bridget Knipe, Spencer Grundy, Kate and Carly Brew, Jen Lobley, Sean Goodwin, Jewel and Aiden Maxell, Dave Strappes, Janis Treleaven, and Allan Mills. As a non-profit charity managed solely by volunteers we depend on the residents of Bowen to pitch in and step up in order to help the executive keep the Legion vibrant and allow us the opportunity to work with and support other local Bowen charities and initiatives. We are extremely grateful for everyone’s participation and monies raised from the car wash will be used to address building maintenance (upkeep) and kitchen equipment needs. Nairn Knipe, president, Yvonne McSkimming, vice-president, Lynne Roedde Hartle, treasurer, Pam Cleary, secretary, and Legion car wash volunteers John Nichol and Kelly Miller
6 6 •= FRIDAY FRIDAY MAY MAY 20 20 2016 2016
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Signs spread eelgrass awareness
Dig out your saris for
Bollywood on Bowen SATURDAY, May 28
6:30pm-9:30pm
Bowen Island Legion
- a fundraiser for the Annex/Gallery project $45 per person · Tickets at library & gallery cash or cheque Online ticket: www.biac.ca/2016_BOB.php Includes S Sumptious Indian meal (veg & non-veg options) S Live music and entertainment, dancing, mehndi and bindi applications S Cash bar including beer, wine, watermelon muddle & non-alcoholic beverages S 50/50 draw Assigned seating: Please call Greta 604-947-0853 for group seating requests.
Featuring live entertainment by Babu Kishan, a master musician and legendary Baul iconic from a multi-thousand years old lineage of poets, philosophers and musicians from the culture of Bengal.
While Bowen bowed under a plethora of signage that popped up in the cove a few years back, some new signs are getting a different reaction. “I like them, they are more like art,” commented Susan Jackson, a visitor to the island. These new signs are designed by kids at the Bamfield Community School, and they are designed to inform people about forage fish habitat. Some members of Bowen Island Conservancy noticed the signs on one of their trips beyond Bowen and decided that they could be useful here. In a collaborative effort, the conservancy paid for the signs and the municipality had them installed on their own pre-existing signposts by beaches with forage fish habitat. The signs were located on the basis of a 2013 eelgrass mapping project undertaken by Islands Trust and Islands Trust Fund. A researcher from Vancouver Island, Ramona DeGraaf is conducting research on forage fish around the shores of Bowen Island with the help of volunteers from Bowen.
LOUISE LOIK photo
Calendar
Jazz, 7 p.m. at Tunstall Bay Community Beach House.
May 20 The High Bar Gang concert at Tir-na-nog Theatre
May 21, 22, 23 Bookfest at BICS gym
Bonnie Brokenshire, manager of parks and environment, with Owen Plowman and Everhard van Lidth de Jeude of Bowen Island Conservancy, show off one of the forage signs designed by a child.
With thanks to our sponsor
Do you have an idea for a project that will keep Bowen beautiful this summer? Grants of up to $500 are available for residents, community groups and businesses to complete small beautification projects for Communities in Bloom this July. Projects should be small scale, achievable in a month or less and relate to the Communities in Bloom evaluation criteria. Applications are due June 6, 2016. For more information, please go to www.bimbc.ca/bowen-in-bloom
#keepbowenbeautiful
May 21 Green Man Festival outside the library. Maypole dancing, music, face painting, The Drama of the Green Man and the Ice Queen, decorated bike parade Green Man Feast and vendors. To volunteer, or for more information, email shelagh.mackinnon@gmail.com
May 22 Last Stand for Lelu Film Screening, 7-9 p.m. May 28 Bowen Island Chamber Music Association presents Duo Cordei: Harp and Violin Duo, 2 p.m. at 602 Collins Lane. Tickets: $25 at Cates Pharmacy. No tickets at the door. bowenislandchambermusic.wordpress.com Youth Potluck, sponsored by Bowen Youth In Action, 7-8:30 p.m. at the Youth Centre.
DEPARTS SUN to THURS FRI & SAT SNUG COVE 11:15PM 12:15AM SNUG COVE 11:15PM 12:15AM HORSESHOE BAY 11:30PM 12:30AM HORSESHOE BAY 11:30PM 12:30AM
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FRIDAY MAY 20 2016 =• 7
A friendly face in the community LOUISE LOIK EDITOR
Joe Sielias once bought a house from the Queen of the Netherlands, and has the signed papers from the sale to prove it. In the Netherlands the royal family owns properties that they lease, occasionally selling off a farmhouse. “The house was in the royal family forever,” says Joe. He has a picture of the Dutch queen and her husband in the house from when it was still in the royal family. Now Joe and his family are in a house on Bowen, uncertain if they will find anything they can buy or rent as the home they have been renting for six years sold last week. Joe and Andrea have a son, Flint, who was born in that house in Holland. They also have businesses, friends and a community where they feel very much at home. “I grew up in a small community like Bowen and wanted to find that for my son,” says Joe. “We wanted a place where we would feel safe, where everybody knows each other and you go into a store and know the people. Where you share so much in common. That’s already gone in the Netherlands.” Joe’s story goes back to Apeldoorn, where he and his brother helped their mother maintain their home while their dad was away with the military. The brother’s took on all the odd jobs that needed to be done around the house, learning valuable skills that would impact Joe’s future. Joe went to university and got a degree in journalism but quickly shifted out of that pursuit to join the Dutch Railway. He describes his job as a young man, maintaining the peace on the trains: “Canadians are polite, but in the Netherlands there was a lot of fighting and violence on trains.” The railway decided to hire men like Joe to act as special agents. These men were on the trains and at stations like undercover police, there to keep the peace and manage any rowdiness with the authority to make arrests. Joe says the decision to hire special agents came after two train conductors were thrown from speeding trains. “There were stabbings, fights, and someone was killed.” He learned quickly to pick up the behavioural nuances suggesting a potential threat, and learned how to stay safe and lower the tension in a situation. He began going to schools to talk to kids to help them gain empathy and awareness of how their destructive behaviour affected others.
“These kids would burn buses for fun,” says Joe. Usually the lanky man is quick with a joke and a smile, but right now with his future beyond his control, his normally laughing eyes have a different look. He looks troubled, but covers it with his aptitude for storytelling. He describes how working in the schools acted as a stepping stone into teaching troubled kids, which led to a second degree, this time in social work. For the next eight years, Joe tried to inspire real change among troubled institutionalized teens. “I worked at an institution where minors were forced into treatment. It was like a prison with killers, rapists, arsonists,” he says. He says the people at the institution had miserable lives growing up, and working with them was exhausting. “For eight years I lived with them. I learned to be very patient, to accept small, slow steps.” As the troubled teens learned from their mentor, he also learned from them. “I taught kids 16 to 18 with behaviour problems for 10 years. Andrea did it since she was 18,” says Joe, referring to his wife. “She went to families to offer help.” Joe says by the end of his time as a special agent and social worker he was drained. He also found it difficult to abide by the slow timelines required for results in this kind of work. “I want to see results, and that work took years and years with no end point, and then only five to 10 per cent made it back out to live a good life.” In addition to their work as psychologists, the couple also worked on their home. They bought run-down places with no electricity and lived in them while fixing them to sell. They worked four days a week as psychologists, three days in construction. “With construction, I liked the process of seeing fast results,” says Joe. By the time they found the queen’s house, they were ready to start a family and after years of trying, Flint was born. The two decided it was time for a change. They wanted their young son to have the kind of wide open future they felt was available in Canada. “In the Netherlands everything is taken care of for you, from the cradle to the grave. Everything is organized and planned, there is no flexibility,” explains Joe. He describes a school system in which kids in kindergarten are tested for aptitudes and the child begins to pursue the education best suited to their aptitudes. At 12, kids go for two days of testing. The results determine where the child can study, what they
IPS Happy Hackers Saturday May 28 Annual Golf 12-4:30pm Tournament Only 64 Spots
Joe Sielias enjoys working as a local handyman. He enjoys connecting with people and the creativity that comes with running his own business. photo supplied can study and what they will do for a profession. “The families are so stressed before that test,” says Joe. “There’s more to life. You should be able to trust experience more. In Canada, you can go anywhere, become anything, as an individual, and as a country.” Andrea lived in Canada in her early 20s and, like her husband, grew up in the country. “We drove across Canada twice,” says Joe. “We stopped in every small town, talking to the locals, trying to get a feel for the place.” When they decided to move to Canada, luck was with them as Canada had short-listed psychologists for immigration. They bought a house in PEI and Joe re-learned how to do homebuilding projects with a different electrical system, an imperial as opposed to metric system, and all different materials. He worked on the house with Andrea for one year, after which they sold the house to a man from Bowen Island. The West Coaster, upon hearing that Joe and Andrea were looking for a small town in which to raise their son, asked them if they’d ever heard of Bowen
Island. The family took his advice and flew from PEI to Bowen. They arrived on the island and knew they’d found their home. That was seven years ago. Joe and Andrea built businesses in small home maintenance and landscaping, along with a fencing business called Friendly Fencing. The whole product is environmentally friendly, all the wood is salvaged, no trees are cut, and it’s handmade with recycled wood. What Joe really likes about his work is that he is always able to innovate and be creative. He says that with many of the seniors that hire him, he is helping them stay in their homes. “We want to help people stay in their homes,” says Joe. “There’s a big social factor to the job, we aren’t just building, we are building connections.” The home that Joe, Andrea and Flint are living in sold with a fall closing date. They need to find something to buy or rent quickly. “I just want to be here, on Bowen. We are still hoping for the best.” With that, he smiles and is off to see a customer, and to continue to build connections.
Green Man Festival
Texas Scramble ● Rookies Welcome ● Fabulous Prizes Appetizer Buffet ● Putting Contest ● Ultimate Disk Challenges Proceeds to Financial Aid
Maypole Dancing • Wonderful Music
Face Painting & ACTIVITIES The Drama of the Green Man and the Ice Queen • Decorated Bike Parade Green Man Feast & VENDORS
GATHER IN Front of the BOWEN ISLAND PUBLIC Library
Saturday May 21st • 11:30 To volunteer, or for more information: shelagh.mackinnon@gmail.com
islandpacific.org/golf
This event made possible thanks to community volunteers and support from the Community School Association
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New approaches being considered continued PAGE 1 Since 1989
British Columbia’s premier specialist in handwashing and restoration of all types of area carpets is now serving Bowen Island! Pickup and delivery available.
Peter Tolliday and Ara Mavyan, partners Open 9am-5pm Monday through Saturday 121-1305 Welch Street, North Vancouver, BC • 604-986-1165 tollidaycarpetservices.com
REGULAR SCHEDULE BC Ferries REGULAR SCHEDULE April 1 to May 18, In Effect May 15 to October2016 13, 2014
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BOWEN ISLAND Snug Cove
VANCOUVER Horseshoe Bay
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nesting sites for the herons,” by providing poles with platforms for new nest sites – something Wake says has been successful in other developments. “We are forming a community housing trust to deliver these things,” says Wake, who adds that momentum for the idea has been building over the last eight weeks as the real estate market on Bowen has taken off. The exchange would give Metro Vancouver better parkland as well, says Wake. Meanwhile, John Reid’s development at Grafton Lake, which includes affordable housing, is in its initial stages of site preparation and the municipality is moving as fast as possible to accommodate the community needs.
First farmers market of the season: The first big farmers market drew buyers and sellers alike to the community school grounds on Saturday. Vendors were selling a wide range of local items, from fig trees to sauces. Beth McTavish and Jacqui Verkley (below) sold early-season produce fresh from the garden. The Undercurrent’s Maureen Sawasy (at right) has a passion for baking, and her MoeMakes brand of homemade marshmallows, among her other desserts, were a big hit. photos LOUISE LOIK
THE WEDNESDAY SAILINGS WILL BE REPLACED THEDANGEROUS WEDNESDAY BY SAILINGS WILL CARGO SAILINGS. BE REPLACED OTHER BYNO DANGEROUS PASSENGERS CARGO SAILINGS. NO OTHER PERMITTED.
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PASSENGERS PERMITTED.
IT’S BOW O OW BOWEN ISLAND GOLF CLUB’S GOL BIRTHDAY!
Come to the party at the Clubhouse! Friday, May 20th 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm B
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Distance: 3 NAUTICAL MILES Crossing Time: 20 MINUTES
One idea is to consider regulation along the lines of the “need to reside” requirements common in parts of Europe and in Banff. Homeowners give first option to locals who need to stay in the area because of work, or because they are already living within the community but have to move to a new rental. Banff has created a Housing Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Town of Banff, in order to build 100 multi-unit, affordable rental housing units by 2018. The Banff Housing Corporation is an arm’s length, non-profit organization of the Town of Banff. Its mission is, “to help the town maintain a healthy and balanced community by offering both price restricted and equity share home ownership for those working in Banff.” Tim Wake and developer David Sorenson are floating a
similar concept. Their idea is to get the community on board with swapping 11 of the 34 acres of Crippen Park for community surplus lands in the vicinity between Snug Cove House and the Community School. Though the proposal was rejected once already by the Metro Vancouver, Wake says he and Sorensen will keep trying. They want Metro Vancouver to let them, on behalf of the community, take over the Orchard Cottages, save the cottages slated for demolition, and refurbish them to sell. He would like to set it up so locals in need of accommodation get first crack at the housing, similar to the idea in Banff. They would like to put housing where the new fire hall and ambulance station are slated to be built, and get that project moved. They would want to widen the road through the cove to allow for angled parking, and simultaneously, “suggest new
There’ll be CAKE and CONTESTS and FREE REE GOLF GOL for12:00 pm to 3:00 pm tee times
CARING CIRCLE HEALTH & WELLNESS SOCIETY OF BOWEN ISLAND
Book through the pro shop 604-947-GOLF (4653) or proshop@bowengolf.com
Caring Circle Health and
Cody White, our Instructor, will be at the driving range
Wellness Society of Bowen Island
TO THE GAME so they can have a good time on the course.
Annual General Meeting - All Welcome May 30, 2016 at Collins Hall 7 - 9 p.m.
☞ from noon to 3pm to offer golf tips to ONLY THOSE NEW ☞
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The Cup Cutter Bar and Restaurant will be open
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BOWEN ISLAND GOLF CLUB 810 BEACH DRIVE • BOWEN ISLAND BC • V0N1G2 604.947.GOLF (4653) • WWW.BOWENGOLF.COM
Come and hear about the work we did last year for Islanders and our plans for next year.
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
FRIDAY MAY 20 2016 •= 9
Local homes selling faster and at higher prices continued PAGE 1 haps Salt Spring. That island, however, is also short on rental housing, but their lowest priced home is also half the price of one on Bowen. This one family isn’t alone in looking for a rental home. At one offering, 26 people showed up, with one unsuccessful offer to pay higher than asking price. Some say that rental homes are being put up for sale due to the hot resale market, thereby reducing the rental pool, but it’s more complicated than that. Summer is a bad time to find rentals on Bowen, as rental cottages are reclaimed by the homeowners. Secondary suites are running as successful short-term rentals in many cases, and city folks are being forced to see refuge from the mainland market by looking for a home on Bowen. Some tenants are finding that homes are being sold without warning, and they are forced to scramble for a new location with little lead-time. The market on the mainland means that locals wanting to buy or rent are, more than ever, competing with people who can’t afford city prices. One of the municipality’s early solutions meant to ease the rental market was to allow secondary units, taking water, parking, and ferry overloads and other transportation issues into consideration. Some of the secondary suites became rentals, but many have been built to accommodate friends, family home businesses and hobbies. The hope was that one house and one secondary suite on a property would allow a family to offset the cost of a new home by renting out the secondary suite. As for less expensive home prices, Bowen’s Belterra co-housing helped with affordability to some degree, with smaller homes and five below market price homes for qualified buyers. Six townhouses built below municipal hall have had no turnover from tenants for years. The reality is that with any home for rent or sale, buyers and renters from the mainland are competing with locals. Belterra has attracted homeowners from the mainland as well as locals, as has every other home for sale or rent. Base prices for homes on Bowen are still less expensive than anywhere else within Metro Vancouver, which is leading some locals to complain that people are arriving here to get away from mainland prices, instead of coming to Bowen because this is where they want to live. “I’ve seem this happen before,” says Dennis Vetter, an island local. “We saw this happen in a number of mountain communities. It got to the point in some areas where
people joked that the billionaires pushed the millionaires out and people who worked in those communities had to be bussed in from 70 miles away.” He says, “I don’t want to live in a community without an economic blend.” Vetter is disappointed that some of his friends are having to leave the island due to a rental shortage. “We’re losing people who work on-island doing small to medium scale jobs – the ‘mom and pop’ businesses that charge modest prices for their services,” says Vetter. “So the cost of getting stuff done on the island is going up as the supply of lower cost providers is going down.” He adds, “If you’re a landlord and you want someone to help you maintain your property, for instance, your costs will go up, and you’ll pass it along to your tenants, furthering the upward spiral of rents and loss of residents who rent.” With little to no rental availability in the Vancouver market and on island, businesses are running short of staff that live locally. Looking ahead, there is also a very large cohort of 40-50 year olds on the island. According to Statistics Canada, this is the largest demographic group on the island. In 10-20 years, many in this group may be looking for an option to downsize and stay on island but their choices will be slim without some creative problem solving. Currently, the new Bowen Island Pub is zoned to include staff housing as well as condos and townhouses in an adjacent building. Owner Glenn Cormier says he’s already had requests to be put on the waiting list for a unit in his development. Evergreen Development at Grafton Lake also has affordable accommodation in its neighbourhood plans and site preparation is underway. The good news is that for sellers and real estate agents who went through some rough years, homes are selling fast and above asking price. Dee Elliott, Realtor with MacDonald Realty, says that young families are getting priced out of Vancouver and coming to Bowen. There are 21 homes on the market, as of Monday night, three have offers, and 15 are priced over $1 million. “Most buyers are looking for something between half a million to $800,000. Below a million, it’s going crazy.” Elliott advises sellers to use Multiple Listings Service (MLS) to get the best deal. This way it gives more people the chance to see all the homes and make the best choice, and gives the buyers the biggest audience and ultimately the highest price. Every house in
this market is going for over asking price. One house went for $120,000 over asking. Elliott says that there aren’t more homes to sell, just that they are selling faster and at higher prices. “The frenzy from town has spilled over here.” Last year was actually a bigger year for real estate sales on Bowen. Another difference this year, says son and partner, Frazer Elliott, is that undeveloped lots are also selling quickly. Three lots sold last year, and already 12 have sold this year and builders are booked up. Dee isn’t happy seeing the challenge facing the young people trying to break into the market, or hearing about panicky buyers who buy without inspections or conditions. “People from the city don’t get that you need to check the septic system,” says Frazer, “or that it’s risky to skip an inspection.” Dee says she is also concerned that, “kids who grew up here, went away and now want to come back to raise their own families are finding that prices are going up faster than they can save.” She mentions a mom with two kids who would like to own a home, who is moving back to Halifax, where for her, the cost of a home is affordable.
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A BOWEN ISLAND LOGGER GROUP & ATHLETIC PARK FUNDRAISER
Thrown: Axe Throwing League
STARTS THURSDAY 26TH MAY WEEKLY FOR 8 WEEKS PRACTISE FROM 6PM ON USSC LAWN
To register email: events@ussc.ca or at DOCS Bar $150 REGISTRATION $30 OF EACH REGISTRATION TO LOGGERS
$500 + CASH PRIZE PLUS WAY MORE!
10 10 •= FRIDAY FRIDAY MAY MAY 20 20 2016 2016
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Protest rally targets fossil fuels Glacier Media and
oilsands company help Fort McMurray
MIKE CHOUINARD SQUAMISH CHIEF
The fight against liquefied natural gas facilities like the proposed Woodfibre plant near Squamish will need more people in the streets to make their voices heard, says Elizabeth May. The federal Green Party leader was one of the featured speakers at the Break Free From Fossil Fuels rally Saturday morning in front of the Woodfibre/FortisBC office. “We need more people in the streets,” she told a crowd of about 100 people at the rally. “We need more citizen activism.” May touched on topics ranging from problems associated with LNG water cooling systems to the politics behind LNG support and how Canadian politicians are behind the times when it comes to LNG. May said she thinks that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wants to do the right thing, but that people need to keep up pressure on his government to abandon LNG as an option. “Do not abandon the political process,” she said. “Do not become too cynical too fast.” She also spurred on the crowd with a message to Woodfibre LNG that brought cheers from supporters. “You will never build a plant on Howe Sound,” she said. “Never.” Following May, Shannon McPhail of the Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition spoke about her own community of Hazelton and what she sees as threats to salmon stocks in the Skeena estuary from a proposed LNG plant. McPhail, a welder, said that like many, she originally supported the concept of LNG but changed her mind when she failed to see jobs materializing and learned about the environmental effects associated with fracking and LNG. She also criticized Premier Christy Clark for her efforts to get behind LNG projects. “She’s bought and paid for, and it certainly isn’t by the residents of B.C.,” McPhail said. The rally, organized locally by My Sea to Sky, followed a short march along Cleveland Avenue from O’Siyam Pavilion, with people carrying signs with messages including “There is no Planet B,” “Save Howe Sound” and “Keep it in the ground.” Prior to the march, several speakers addressed the issue, including guests Grand Chief Stewart Phillip and his wife Joan Phillip from Penticton. Joan Phillip spoke first, touching on how the government is not getting behind alternative energy sources and
Green Party leader Elizabeth May recently spoke at a rally called Break Free From Fossil Fuels in Squamish.
photos MIKE CHOUINARD
how humans always seem to wait until they bring themselves to the brink of disaster to respond. “We don’t need fossil fuels, but they’ve convinced us that we do,” she said. Her husband referred to the situation threatening the Skeena and described the environment in terms of an “epic battle” and how we had reached the tipping point. “This is the battle of our time. This is the battle of this generation,” he said. The rally began with a prayer song by First Nations women Charlene Williams and Ashleigh Giffen – a woman’s warrior song, as Williams explained. Each also spoke briefly about why they had come out to the rally to lend their support. For Williams, it was about protecting the earth and recognizing humans’ relationships to all of nature, including the sun, water, earth and other living creatures. As a young person, Giffen spoke about her fears for the future of the planet and the need for people to unite to bring about change. “We don’t have another earth, and I think it is time we save this one,” she said. The Squamish march preceded a protest in Burnaby at the Kinder Morgan facility as part of a global effort organized by Greenpeace and 350.org.
The JuneWarren-Nickle’s Energy Group (JWN) and its parent company, GlacierMedia, publisher of The Undercurrent, are donating $50,000 toward Red Cross efforts in Fort McMurray. The donation is also on behalf of other individual Glacier business units, which will undertake their own awareness and fundraising efforts to help the city and its residents rebuild their community and their lives, said Bill Whitelaw, JWN president and Glacier executive vice-president. Glacier, as one of Canada’s leading media and information services companies, has also created an integrated crowdfunding campaign, with all proceeds going the Red Cross efforts (at fundaid.ca/fortmac). Glacier is deeply involved in communities across Western Canada with community newspapers and business information services, noted Tim Shoults, Glacier’s vice-president of content and audience development. “This way, we can rally our readers, our customers and our communities to get behind the Red Cross efforts in a way that allows contributions of all sizes,”
explained Shoults. From an energy perspective, it’s important for Canadians from coast to coast to have a sense beyond the headlines of how important Fort McMurray is to the overall Canadian economy, Whitelaw said. “All Canadians need to step up and help get this engine running on all cylinders again, putting people, companies and their welfare front and centre,” said Whitelaw. “Canada’s oilsands sector is a key part of our energy practice at JWN . . . we know these companies and these communities well. Like all other organizations that have stepped up with support, we want these folks to know we have their back.” JWN produces the Oilsands Review and Oilsands Navigator as part of a broad portfolio of oilsands products and services. “As with our industry association partners such as the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers and Petroleum Services Association of Canada, we’re putting our contribution toward the Red Cross, the ensure the dollars we donate get amplified through provincial and federal contributions,” he added.
BOWEN BULLETIN BOARD RUTH’S
Gallery @ Artisan Square Presents
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TH
Movement(s) art exhibit
JOB OPPORTUNITY AT ALDERWOOD FARM Looking for full and part tim e people need help in the Specialty Food Shop 3-5 days a week Also need someone 1 day a week on the Farm.
solo work by J Peachy
April 29 - May 23
Please phone Jules at
604-947-9434
LANCE’S RECYCLING 604.349.7402
info@bowenconcrete.ca
FOR ALL YOUR
CONCRETE NEEDS We Dig it, Form it, Mix it, Pump it
I’ll pick up your recycling and deliver to BIRC for $25/load Kindling $20/box at Building Centre CALL 947-2430
BIG PLANT
SALE
Saturday May 28th • 10 - 3 Oceanview Corner of Creek Rd. and Lower
WANTED
2 students for summ er museum guides and heritage programmes . Help organize a comm un ity feast, get dressed up in costume to help with serving tea on Steam ship Days, learn abou t local legends, organize a scarecrow contest, water ancient trees if there is a drought and glad-h and everyone who comes down the lane. It’s fun , earns money, and will look gre at on your resume. Ot her projects designed to fit your particular skills . Fo r more information ca ll Judi 778-871-6267 an d send resume to bowe nheritage@gmail.com.
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
FRIDAY MAY 20 2016 • 11
Your Community
MARKETPLACE Or call to place your ad at
604-630-3300
Email: classifieds@van.net
REMEMBRANCES OBITUARIES
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It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our wonderful Mother, Nana, cousin, and dear friend, Marilyn Harris. Marilyn was born and raised in Kerrisdale, Vancouver; living with her parents Joe and Agnus Frew(Hamilton). Marilyn spent her childhood and youth in Vancouver, with much of her summers spent on Bowen Island. She graduated from Kitsilano High School in 1956. Marilyn’s youth included: singing, ice skating, swimming, field hockey, and Job’s Daughters organization. Bowen Island was a second home for the family, with Marilyn coming to stay at Miller’s Landing in a baby basket as early as the spring of 1938. Marilyn loved her summers at Bowen, enjoying swimming and life guarding at Miller’s Landing, weekend dances, and exploring the Island with her friends. In 1954, Marilyn’s parents bought a small cottage from family in Miller`s Landing; and in 1961 a MacMillan Bloedel sample home was built on the site. Marilyn met her future husband Donald Harris on Bowen Island, and they were later married in 1959. In 1962, they celebrated the arrival of their first son Bruce, followed by Scott in 1964, and Sandra in 1968. The early years found the family living in a logging camp on Vancouver Island, then living a few years in Port Alberni, and finally settling in Eagle Harbour, West Vancouver. Marilyn loved life in Eagle Harbour; with daily visits to the beach, park, community school, and the many lifetime friends she made in the community. In 1988, Marilyn both called Bowen Island her fulltime home and she rekindled an old friendship with Alan Davidson. They enjoyed their twilight years on Bowen together until his passing in 2001. Marilyn and Al’s, retirement years included visiting with their many circles of friends. Marilyn’s working career, included reservations for Air Canada, and the roles of librarian assistant and secretary throughout West Vancouver, with a majority of time spent at Hillside Secondary School. Marilyn loved supporting the staff and youth at Hillside, also providing medical assistance as needed.
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TRADES HELP CARPENTERS & Site Supervisory positions required fulltime for large construction company in Sechelt. Vehicle and valid driver’s license required. Please email resume to: jobs.spanidev@gmail.com.
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FOR SALE - MISC Reduce Reuse Recycle The classifieds can help! 604.795.4417 604.630.3300
Sell it in the Classifieds
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Marilyn Harris was a hardworking and superb mother to her children, a great daughter, a loving wife and partner, and a compassionate and committed friend. Marilyn is survived by her son Bruce, daughter Sandra(Geordie), granddaughter Paige, cousins, family dog Nellie, and pre-deceased by her son Scott. Marilyn is also survived by an extraordinary wide circle of close loving friends. You will be forever in our hearts Mom! A Memorial service and Celebration of Life will be held at the Bowen Island United Church on June 5th at 2:00pm with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Society or charity of choice.
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Marilyn loved to travel, and 1976, she set out on a summer long cross continent journey driving her family to 1976 Montreal Olympics and the American Bicentennial. She also enjoyed many trips with friends or family including Scotland and Europe with Sandra. After retirement, Al and Marilyn would enjoy boating with friends to places like Desolation Sound, and an annual trip to Maui.
We want to extend our gratitude to Silvina, and the VCH caring Angels; who all provide exceptional care and compassion to mom over the past few years.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
RECREATIONAL PROPERTY
Music and singing was always a big part of Marilyn’s life. Performing with the BC Telus choir, member of various church choirs, and the Bowen Community Choir in 2014. Marilyn loved playing and singing music, both classical and pop.
Over the past 4 years, Marilyn graciously navigated her early days with Alzheimer’s, and other health issues as they arose. Even in challenging times, she was able to maintain her loving and positive personality. Marilyn enjoyed an active life going to the various seniors programs on Bowen and in West Vancouver.
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Marilyn had many activities she enjoyed, including: reading, playing piano, cooking and baking, sewing, knitting, gardening, golf, tennis, long walks, and sunny days on her deck. She was always social, a great listener, loved her visits with friends and family. She loved a great story, and could often be found laughing and enjoying life. Marilyn also loved animals, and in her later years on Bowen, she would be seen walking her dogs Taffey and Nellie.
Marilyn had an extensive volunteer spirit which spanned her whole life including Bowen. Early years had her canvassing every month, teaching swimming to children with physical challenges, volunteer at Expo 86, board member for Abbyfield House (assisted living residence for local seniors), member of Bowen Island Health Committee (heart health, Breast Exam Clinics, Well-Baby Clinics), many Church fundraisers, and at the annual People, Place and Plant Tours. Marilyn also initiated and coordinated the Better Meals program. In 2002, Marilyn was named Bowen Island’s Citizen of the Year; honoring her significant contributions to the Bowen Island community.
PRACTICAL NURSING
BC WIDE CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS
HARRIS, Marilyn Beth (Frew) January 5th, 1938 - April 18th, 2016
Phone Hours: Mon to Fri 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Office Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
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12 • FRIDAY MAY 20 2016
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
Strong Action For Safer Communities A three-year, $23-million commitment by the Government of B.C. builds on the Guns and Gangs Strategy with the B.C. Anti-Gang Unit, RCMP and Crime Stoppers to support B.C. communities to prevent gang and gun violence. Key elements include: $450,000 to support Crime Stoppers’proven Cash for Tips on Illegal Firearms and to promote awareness of the Gang Tip Line Enhancement of the End Gang Life Program
You could receive a cash reward of up to $2000.
More outreach to youth More police, with the addition of two 10-person teams New Office of Crime Reduction and Gang Outreach Illegal Firearms Task Force
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Contact Maureen to advertise in this space.
Dr. Susanne Schloegl M.D.
Open Mon.Wed. Thurs. Fri. Call for an appointment Artisan Square
604-947-2442
604-947-9986
ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com
Psychologist Dr. Carolyn Nesbitt PhD, R.Psych #1484
COURTNEY MORRIS R.Ac, DCH Acupuncture & Homeopathy Adults, Kids, Babies
604-376-9801
Direct billing for some insurance providers
www.CarolynNesbitt.com
Book online at www.courtneymorrisacupunture.com or call/text 604-338-5001
Contact
Dr. Utah Zandy 604-947-9830
James Goldfarb RMT BC#05279 Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon Call 604-288-2860 text 250-726-8080 www.bodyvitality.ca
Dr. Dana Barton
Naturopathic Physician
CALL FOR APPOINTMENT OPEN TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS
604-730-1174
Dr. Gloria Chao
Mary Coleman
Family Dentist
Maureen to advertise in this space.
Alternate Fridays 10am - 4:30pm
604-947-2442
Horseshoe Bay 604-921-8522
ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com
BODY VITALITY MASSAGE THERAPY
Artisan Square 604-947-0734
www.bowenislanddental.com
596 B. Artisan Square Natural Family Medicine MSW, RSW
778-233-4425 Docs on the Bay and Bowen Island Compassion minded counselling to grow wellbeing in the midst of serious illness, loss and grief.
BOWEN ISLAND MASSAGE THERAPY 604-947-9755 EXT #1 @ #597 Wellness Centre & #595 next door!! TEXT: 604-653-9755 By Appt. 7 days a week MARY MCDONAGH RMT HARMONY SHIRE RMT ROBYN IZARD RMT ALICIA HOPPENRATH RMT
Celebrating 27 years Community Healthcare
At entrance to Artisan Square Suite #597
CATHERINE SHAW Dr. Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncturist
❦
MARY MCDONAGH RMT, DCH
Registered Massage Therapist
❦
SANDY LOGAN Registered Physiotherapist
DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN TALK TO A NURSE ANY TIME OF DAY OR NIGHT IN B.C.?
Life Labs Tue @ Dr. Schloegl Thur @ Dr. Zandy
Just Call 811
6:45am - 8:45am
for non-emergency advice and help.
For routine lab tests. Specialized tests & children may be referred to the mainland.