STRINGING IT TOGETHER Last weekend’s Fix-It Fair included a new initiative - instrument repair. Kori attended to several of these stringed instruments, allowing people to depart with the music restored to their lives You’ll find more Fix-It photos inside on Page 5. / Lorraine Ashdown photo
ALEX KURIAL Editor
Frustration is mounting as occupancy of the new Community Centre continues to be delayed.
Now quickly drawing to a close, this year saw several shifts in the expected opening date for the approximately $19 million project. A February estimate of late April was later replaced with multiple summertime opening goals, before those too switched to the end of October. Having passed that mark by several weeks, the end of the year has been mentioned as a possible occupancy date
“We’re moving close to the end of the project, unfortunately it’s just not moving at the rate we would like,” said Bowen’s chief administrative officer Kirn Dhillon during a meeting of the Mayor’s Task Force on Infrastructure on Nov. 7. He explained several deficiencies were found during inspections of the fire and life safety systems in the building earlier that day.
Questions overcontractor efforts on CommunityCentre
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
“We’re nowina position wherewehavetoseriously look at ourcontingencies on when we canget into the building. It’s alaborious taskoftrackingdeficiencies and making sure they’re gettingdone and executed,” said Dhillon.
TheCAO pointedout there wasplenty to be optimistic about despite the delayssuchasthe rooms themselves inside the building, includingthe theatre, programmingrooms,and the new home of Municipal Hall. But until many of the unseenissues areaddressed– ones which mechanical engineersand fire inspectorswould find –nobody canmoveintothe new space.
“I think frustration is an apt descriptor of what some of us are feelinghere. Butwe’re trying to be proactiveand work with the contractor on solutions to seeifwecan steerthem inthe rightdirection,”said Dhillon, adding the municipality may need to start“lookingatother
SANTA’SHELPER
Santa’slittle helper is here to remind you that Bowen Vetwill be hosting petphotoswith Santa on November 24th from 12-2pm at the vet clinic. The photos will be available by donation to The Linus Fund. Bring your naughty or nice furry family members for some festive photos and treats!
options now to help the contractorsee the urgency of oursituation.”
Coun. TimWakeasked the CAOifhe was confidentthe contractor,SigniaConstruction, was workingonthese issues as fastaspossible.“No I’mnot,” wasDhillon’sbluntresponse.
“I wason-site today(Nov. 7) andIsaw maybethree peopleworking…Iwould have expected to see adozen people on-siteputtingintheir full efforts.”
“I’m not seeingthat,and I think we’regoingto have to pursue otheroptions there in terms of howwe’re goingtocompel some performance outofthis contractor,” said Dhillon.
Themunicipality originally hadcontroloftheir current location at 981 Artisan Lane until the end of October, but given the delayshavenegotiateda new lease to retain useof the building forMunicipal Hall until the Community Centre is complete
TheCommunityCentresitealongBowen Island TrunkRoad,seen here November 20. Future occupants and users of the buildingare eagerlyawaiting the daytheycan move in and begin using thefacilities./AlexKurial photo
Mon WedFri 9-5 Tues &Thurs 9-7
ClosedSat &Sun
reception@bowenvet.com
604.947.9247
When youdonate to theBowen Island Community Foundation, yousupport the KnickKnack Nook anddozensofother worthwhileBowen causes!
#CommunityGrowsHere#ForBowenForEver
bowenfoundation.com
VIEWPOINTS
EDITORIAL
HolidayMakers
Hi everyone! Firstoff abig thanks to folks for understandingand adapting to ournew distribution methodwith ourCommunity NewspaperBoxes.Weare expecting to have some morearound the island nextweek, so keep an eyeout for apostabout wherethey’ll be headed. Afew notes onlocations of the existingones,atArtisan Squareit’sin themiddle island, at the Librarythe boxis outsideby thenewsletter board, at VillageSquare thebox isoutside ouroffice locatedbelowthe pharmacy, and at BowenIsland CommunitySchoolat the entrance to the parkinglot
This week is excitingaswe arealsoreleasing ourannual Holiday Makers Guide.Don’t miss athingduringthe festiveseasonbychecking theeventssection, and seewhatall yourfavourite Bowenbusinessesand organizationsare uptofor the holidaystoo.The 40 page guide will be available at ourusual vendors- General Store, RuddyPotato, Bowen Beer&Wine Store, CatesPharmasave-aswell as USSC Marina and many other businessesaround theisland. You canalsofind it by scanningthe QR code below. We hopeithelps you make themostof the holidayseasonahead!
Oneofthe mostpopular partsofthat season is certainly the Craft Fairs, andasyou will see in the Holiday Guide (orour events calendar) theyare startingupthis weekendwith the Legion ChristmasCraft Fair on Sunday.There’s twomorenextweekend, and more to come in December. Look for the greenand redheadings in the calendar to find outmore!
-AlexKurial, Editor
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TheUndercurrent is amember of the National NewsMedia Council of Canada, which is an independentorganization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour.Ifyou have concerns about editorial content, please email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com or call604-947-2442. If youare not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the websiteatmediacouncil.ca or call toll-free1-844-877-1163 foradditional information.
FIX-IT FAIR
The Fall Fix-It Fair took place at Cates Hill Chapel last Saturday. Organized by Regenerative Bowen Island Society, the event drew many handy hands to help Islanders give a second (or more) chance to their cherished items This year the volunteers patched up beloved Teddy Bears, took on the eternal task of printer repair, and got people playing tunes again by restringing guitars Keep an eye out for your next chance to have these helpers restore your treasures when the Fix-It Fair makes its return in the new year. / Lorraine Ashdown photos
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERALMEETING
November 23rd
10:30am Collins Hall
In addition to normal business, members will be asked to vote on this Special Resolution, in which Snug Cove House Society is “the Borrower” and “BCHMC”isthe British Columbia Housing ManagementCommission:
1.The Borrowerborrow up to amaximum amountof$12,200,000.00, or such other amountasmay be approved by the directors, by wayofa repayableloan secured bya mortgage, as requiredtofacilitatethe Project and granttoBCHMCacovenant restricting the use of the Property in accordancewiththe Loan CommitmentLetter;
2. The Borrowerexecuteand deliver alldocuments required by BCHMC or the lender of the monies, including anytakeout lender,insuch form and containing such terms, covenants,provisosand conditions as aresatisfactory to or required by them, including without limitationasection219 covenant, HPAcovenant, environmental warranty and indemnity agreement, cost overrun agreement, mortgage, assignmentofrents, security agreement, assignmentofprojectagreements (and anyassignments, modifications and assumptions thereto as approved by BCHMC) and affordable housing agreement (ifapplicable)and operator/operating agreement; and
3.Any twoofficersordirectors of the Borrowerfor and on behalf of the Borrowerbe and areherebyauthorizedto executeand deliver under the seal of the Borroweror otherwise, allsuch deeds, documents and other writings and to do such acts and things inconnection with the Property and the Project as they, in theirdiscretion, mayconsider to be necessary or desirable forgivingeffect to thisresolution and forthe purpose of fulfilling the requirements of BCHMC or the lender of the monies.
Doctors WithoutBorders/MédecinsSans Frontières (MSF) is an international emergency medical humanitarian organization founded by doctors and journalists in 1971.
They currentlyworkinover77countries with teamsactivating and responding to not only immediate emergencies and disasters, butongoingand longstanding emergencies. MSF is guided by medical ethicsand the principlesofindependence, impartialityand neutrality, to provide emergency healthcare to peopleaffected by disaster, disease,conflict and exclusion. That care includesbasichealthcare, surgery, response and managementofepidemics, rehabilitation and running hospitals, clinics and nutrition centres, vaccination campaigns, and mental health
MSFfocuses on workingwith communities and often in supportoflocal health authorities. Human connections are at the heartofMSF work,its staff areableto offercareto people in needofassistance thanks to avast network of staff and supporters.
Sarah McNally wasbornand grew up in Northern Ireland, and completed her nursing trainingthere 26 years ago. She workedfor some yearsinBelfast, Northern Ireland and then moved to Canada 2007, settling in Vancouver.
She has worked in Cardiac, Intensive Care and Emergency departments, and she has also taught emergency care.Inher sparetime, she enjoys walking,hiking,sailing and snowboarding.
Workingwith MSF,Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors withoutBorders,has “always beensomething Iwas interested in doing since livingbackinBelfast,”saysSarah.In
2015 herfirst assignment was in the DemocraticRepublic of the Congo. Sincethen, herpositions have varied fromNurse Activity Manager to Hospital Manager, ProjectMedical Referent/MedicalTeam Leader, to Medical Coordinator for Large Emergencies of countries.
Sarah has completed 14 missions within Democratic Republic of the Congo,Central African Republic, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Yemen, Cameroon, and Ukraine.Between MSFmissionsshe continues to work in Canada, both in Vancouverand in otherparts of BC and the countryasa travel nurse
PleasejoinusonMonday, November 25 at 7:30 to 9pm at Artisan Eats to hear more aboutthisinspirationalwork. An opportunitytodonatetohelpsupport the important work of Doctors without Borders/MédecinsSansFrontières willbeavailable
SarahMcNally isaRegistered Nurse who has worked with Doctors Without Bordersfor many years./Submitted photo
Shabbat Gatherings ~Holidays Sunday Worship 10:30 am Rev.Lorraine Ashdown
CYNTHIA VAN HOOF BARTHEL
Rivers of Connection, Pools of Separation
AIRIN MATHER
The Hearth Gallery
Yuan Wen and Jan Jensen are having a joint exhibition at the Hearth Gallery in Snug Cove.
Come by and see how these two artists express their passion and creativity with their own individuality. Yuan Wen’s fascination with the interconnectedness and microstructures in nature inspired her to explore the organic complexity of our world Yuan’s goal is to create a visual metaphor for experiences, memories and our environment’s connection through art.
Yuan grew up surrounded by Chinese brush painting, influencing her early life and introducing her to the beauty of nature and traditional art forms. She has a background in graphic and game design and a degree in Fine Arts from Emily Carr University.
Yuan decided to use her artistic expression by combining both her Eastern and Western influences together. Yuan focuses on printmaking, drawing and mixed media, adding texture and patterns to her work creating fluidity and motion reflecting her subject’s organic and evolving nature.
Both artists’ work aligns well with themes of interconnectedness, time and space. Yuan’s work is grounded in natural microstructures and traditional techniques, while Jan Jensen’s work channels energy and communal landscapes. Together their pieces create a dynamic dialogue.
Jan Jensen’s passion for art started as a child but her family thought artistic endeavours were not considered career worthy, so she became a teacher However her passion for art only grew, so she decided to leave her career as a teacher
to pursue her art education
After Jan Jensen finished her studies in Fine Art at the University of the Fraser Valley, she also completed a yearlong course at the Banff Centre focusing on Visual Art. During that year she was introduced to installation art, saying it changed her life.
Jan draws inspiration from the resilience of the human spirit as well as that of the natural world. During the Covid lockdown of 2020 Jan Jensen was inspired to think more deeply about the flow of energy, specifically the pros and cons of being separated from one another and our community. She is focusing right now on using soft pastels, acrylics and collages on raw canvas
The exhibit is now open and runs through Monday, December 2. An Artist Party with Wen and Jensen takes place on Saturday, November 23 from 6 to 8 pm
“Chipping In” to Help
Bowen Island Community Foundation
The late-winter wallop last March that downed trees across the island with heavy snow left many Bowen neighbourhoods struggling to dispose of all the debris.
Some residents turned to the Community Foundation and a special “Spring Clean-Up” funding initiative through the Neighbourhood Small Grants program to help pay for some of the work.
Ian Stuart, who lives on the west side of Bowen and owns a large commercial wood chipper, pitched in to help his neighbours and many others as well. This led him to greater awareness of the Foundation and its work within the community. He was inspired to give something back.
Now, when he receives an order for firewood (split and delivered) or chips (dumped where you ask) he directs the customer to the Foundation to make a tax-deductible donation in lieu of payment to him.
These days, he mostly distributes his own wood and chips, but he donates these to the cause and encourages others to consider community-minded philanthropy as well.
Ian’s creative initiative has resulted in several donations to the Bowen Island Community Foundation already this year. You can reach Ian at 604-727-2788 or ian@tsgconstruction.ca
Ian Stuart forgoes payment for his wood products to encourage donations to the Community Foundation instead. / Submitted photo
www.tippys.ca
RICHARD SMITH
Jan Jensen (left) & Yuan Wen are feature artists at the Hearth Gallery this month. / Submitted photos
Carmina Bowena debuts music from Island composers
DENISE PUGASH
Carmina Bowena
On Wednesday, December 18 Carmina Bowena, Bowen Island’s early music vocal consort, invites you to “A Renaissance Christmas”.
Carmina Bowena will perform the world premiere of three original musical compositions for unaccompanied choir.
Louw Verway, a Bowen Island high school student and gifted musician, has dedicated one of his original compositions to Carmina Bowena. His beautiful and evocative “Ave Maria” will receive its first public performance at the concert, with Louw conducting the choir.
Two original compositions for unaccompanied choir by Carmina Bowena’s musical director, Nicole Thomas Zyczynski, will also receive their premiere performances.
“The Little Lamb” is a setting of a poem by William Blake. It is an allegory of the innocence of youth, and a
prayer to the infant Christ. Her second composition is an ethereal setting of the “Ave Maria”.
In addition, the choir welcomes the debut of Sola Musica, a new Bowen Island instrumental consort. The combination of instruments is innovative. Together, the sound closely resembles Renaissance instrumental consorts.
Lively music will be woven into songs and carols. This group features Bowen Island musicians Chris Corrigan on whistles, Kathy Liddle on clarinet, Nova Pon on flute, Christiaan Venter on clarinet, and Nicole Thomas Zycyznski on accordion.
Carmina Bowena invites you to come and listen to a spectrum of music, from the lively rhythms of the Spanish Renaissance, to the sublime harmonies of contemplative pieces.
“A Renaissance Christmas” takes place on Wednesday, December 18 at 7:30 pm at Tir-na-nOg theatre. Tickets are available at Cates Pharmacy or on the Carmina Bowena website, carminabowena.ca
Woodfibre LNG houses non-local workersona floatel, reducingpressureon local housinginSquamish.
Undaunted by the power failure on November 4, Carmina Bowena choir members rehearse by candlelight, recreating a true Renaissance experience. / Submitted photo
Caring for Nature continues to excite the Community
BOWEN ISLAND CONSERVANCY
Last Saturday the Bowen Island Conservancy brought the island together in a celebration of biodiversity at their Caring for Nature Open House.
Held at the Bowen Island Community School, the event buzzed with energy as attendees of all ages explored the wealth of information and activities on display. From toddlers to seniors, approximately 100 enthusiastic participants enjoyed a dynamic afternoon of learning and sharing.
Visitors flocked to eight interactive stations showcasing the richness of Bowen’s ecosystems Highlights included live demonstrations of microscopic life, breathtaking videos of Bowen’s wildlife by Bob Turner, and maps where Islanders marked their cherished nature spots and conservation concerns.
“It’s amazing to see how much knowledge and passion this community has for nature,” shared one attendee Another added “I never realized how much biodiver-
sity we have right here on Bowen it’s truly eye-opening.”
The event’s collaborative spirit was infectious Island Pacific School students presented their nature-themed film and joined in with insightful questions Conversations flowed freely, from iNaturalist tips to visions for a Community Forest.
“It felt like a true partnership between the Conservancy and the community,” said a long-time resident. “This wasn’t just an event; it was a movement.”
If you missed it, you missed an inspiring day of discovery, connection, and hope. But don’t worry Bowen’s biodiversity journey continues, and there’s always room for you to join in!
The Bowen Island Conservancy is a land trust and registered charity, that works to protect and preserve the natural environment of the island from endangered coastal bluffs, to inland lakes, to wetlands and fens.
For more information on the Bowen Island Conservancy’s Caring for Nature initiative, visit https://bowenislandconservancy.org/biodiversity/
There was lots to explore at the Bowen Island Conservancy’s Caring for Nature Open House last weekend at BICS. / Submitted photos
Whoisthe Hearth??
The Hearth Arts on Bowen is the local arts council. We support all forms of artistic expression by Bowen artists,orvisitingprofessional artists,aspiring youth, and community groups, either at the Hearth Gallery's beautifulpurpose-built spaceinthe Cove Commons in Snug Cove or elsewhere on the island.And the Hearth will also be supporting artisticuse of the performance spaceatthe new Community Centre.
The Board -who we are looking for
As we navigate through exciting times,weseek passionateand experienced individualstohelp guide our strategicvision and make alasting impact. We are looking for board memberswith diverse backgrounds, skills and experience. The Hearth commits to upholdingthe values of diversity,equality and inclusion, and we welcome interest from those with both long standing and more recentconnections to Bowen.
Artistic experience is welcome butnot aprerequisite. One of our guiding principles is ‘We are all artistshere’
Contact details
If youare enthusiastic about supportingthe arts on Bowen and would consider taking arole on our Board, please expressyour interestinanemail to hr@thehearthartsonbowen.ca and includeyour contact details.Alternately visit us at www.thehearth.caand followthe link ‘Become aBoard Member and complete the form. ABoard member will followupyour expression of interest for an informal discussion
If youare interested in hearing more about our organization, please plantoattend our annual AGM on Wednesday December 4th from 7to830 pm at the Hearth Gallery.
CALENDAR
Saturday, November 23
French Connections at the Library
Drop in and join us to practice your conversational French, and get to know other French language learners on Bowen Island! The focus is on beginner and intermediate speakers. From 10:30 to 11:30 am. bipl.ca/French
Sunday, November 24
Legion Christmas Craft Fair
Bowen Island Legion presents their annual Christmas Craft Fair Local crafts, festive treats and festivities are all part of the fun. Runs from 10 am to 2 pm.
Sunday, November 24
Tumbling with Santa Claus
Bowen Island Gymnastics Club hosts Tumbling with Santa at Parent & Tot classes, 10 to 11:30 am. Register for the event at bowenrecreation.com
Sunday, November 24
Pet Photos with Santa Claus
Santa makes his way to Bowen Veterinary Services at Artisan Square for pet photos. From 12 to 2 pm, photos by donation with all donations going to the Linus Fund
Monday, November 25
Meditation Mondays
Happy Mondays ($12 drop-in). Payment by cash or cheque Buddhist Teachings and meditations to awaken the heart. Your journey to inner peace begins here! The Library Annex, side door direct from car park 7 to 8 pm. To learn more write to allisonearlx2@gmail.com
Monday, November 25
Rotary Speaker Series
Sarah McNally will be talking about her experience work-
ing for Doctors Without Borders. Please join us at 7:30 pm at Artisan Eats. Free to all, find out more on Page 6.
Tuesday, November 26
Career & Community Help at the Library
Drop in to see an Community Integration Service specialist and/or a WorkBC Career Advisor at the Library. Community Integration specialists help people access financial, housing, and health supports, government programs, disability assistance, and more. The Career Advisor helps with resumes, cover letters, interviewing, job searches, job market and education advice At the Library Flex Room from 11 am to 2 pm bipl.ca/workbc & bipl.ca/CIS
Thursday, November 28
Movie Night at the Library
Come see Limbo (2023) directed by Ivan Sen. Drop in for this Australian mystery about a jaded detective who arrives in a small outback city to research a 20-year-old unsolved homicide of a neighborhood Aboriginal lady. Forming bonds with the sufferer’s fractured household, Travis unravels a collection of arduous truths, highlighting the complexities of loss and injustice suffered by First Nations Australians. Free, starts at 6 pm More at bipl.ca/movies
Friday, November 29
Ladies Madrigal Singers Concert
Ring in the season with the Ladies Madrigal Singers at their ‘Sounds of Christmas’ concert. Takes place 7 pm at Cates Hill Chapel. Tickets available at Cates Pharmasave.
Saturday, November 30
Let’s Chat in English! at the Library
A Drop-In Conversation Club for English Learners. Come meet with other English language learners and practice your conversational English in this friendly space All levels of learners welcome. This one-hour session is led by a volunteer with experience teaching English to new speakers Free, drop-in. Starts at 10:30 am. bipl.ca/English
Light UP BOWEN
SANTAPARADE on the USSC BOARDWALK It allstarts ...Carol singing with CatesHill Chapel, Family Places'FESTIVALofTREES followedby SANTAand hisNorth Pole Friends HOLIDAYPARTY at theHEARTH Visitwith Santa. Enjoywarmbeverages &treats. THANK YOUtoall our businessdonors: MarieNeys Fine Art, Bowen Cider House, Bowen Building Center,Orchard Recovery Centre, Leigh Automotive&Mary Leigh,Cocoa West Chocolatier,ToshHome &Garden, Village Sq/DKHarris Properties,Bandon Holdings,Fabulous Finds, Bowen Island Properties,EdwardJones-RossMcCorquodale, Tuscany,Barcelona, Squirrel, Copper Spirit Distillery, Tippys Cookhouse, Bowen Ebikes,Metro Blasting&the Undercurrent
Saturday, November 30
Little Red Church Christmas Craft Fair
Annual Christmas Craft Fair at the Little Red Church featuring local artisans and festive treats At Bowen Island United Church from 10 am to 2 pm.
Saturday, November 30
Wild Coast Nature Refuge Visit
Join Will Husby and Mark Edmonds, for a walk along the refuge’s trails and viewpoints From 1 to 2:30 pm, register by Friday, Nov. 29 at bowennatureclub@gmail.com
Saturday, November 30
Light Up Bowen
The fun starts at 6 pm at the USSC Marina boardwalk with a Santa parade, Carol singing. Festival of Trees, Cove light up, and party with Santa at the Hearth!
Sunday, December 1
CSA Christmas Craft Fair
An Island Tradition since 1984! At Bowen Island Community School from 10 am to 3 pm, with the Youth Craft Fair upstairs from 10 am to Noon. Presented by the Community School Association.
Sunday, December 1
Rivendell Lodge Open House
Come drop by Rivendell from 2 to 5 pm, with a gathering around the tree at 4. All are welcome! 600 Rivendell Road
WEDNESDAYS
Storytime at the Library
A free, drop-in program of stories and songs for 2-4 year-olds and their caregivers! Runs through December 11. 10:30 to 11 am. bipl.ca/storytime
THURSDAYS
Thursday Art Group
Join the Thursday Art Group (TAG) at Collins Hall to see what’s new. Meetings from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm For further information please contact shannonrondeau@shaw.ca
