NOT A DAY OVER 25
It’s been a quarter-century since Bowen Island decided to set off on its own as a municipality. Council celebrated the birthday with a post-meeting cake - from local bakery Shura Good Cake - on Monday. (L-R) Alison Morse (who has been with the municipality since the beginning), John Saunders, Judith Gedye, Tim Wake, Sue Ellen Fast, & (front) Mayor Andrew Leonard were in attendance to celebrate 25 years of the Island’s adventures in self-determination. / Kristen Watson photo
ALEX KURIAL Editor
The municipality is beginning the process of adopting a new tax method meant to encourage tourism and affordable housing initiatives on the island.
The Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) was introduced by the province 37 years ago with the intention of boosting the tourism economy in B.C. communities. In 2018 guidelines were added allowing money collected from the tax to also be used for affordable housing measures. The tax is collected from short-term accommodation providers in a municipality or region, which is levied at a rate of up to three per cent of income from their business.
The MRDT has been widely adopted across B.C. including regionally in North Vancouver, Squamish, and Whistler at three per cent, and the Sunshine Coast at two per cent. Bowen previously attempted to adopt the MRDT in 2020 but the project stalled for multiple reasons including opposition from short-term rental providers and a constrained timeline to complete the application process.
AllCouncilmeetingsareopen tothepublictoattendin personorelectronically,unless notedotherwise.
December 19,2024 7:00 pm CougarQ&AOnlineviaZoom
January 13,2025 1:00 pm RegularCouncilMeeting
Councilhassetitsmeetingschedulefor2025.Councilmeetings arescheduledat1:00pmonthesecondandfourthMondayofeach month,unlessastatutoryholidayfallsonthatMonday,inwhichcase themeetingisheldontheTuesdayfollowing.CommitteeoftheWhole meetingsareheldonthethirdMondayofeachmonth,unlessthey’re bumpedtotheTuesdaybyastatutoryholiday
TheCouncilAgendaispublishedby4:30pmsevencalendardaysprior tothemeeting.TheCouncilProcedureBylawregulatesproceduresto befollowedfortheconductofbusinessatmeetingsofCouncil.
Toseethe2025Councilmeetingschedule,pleaseseeourwebsite: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/2025-council-meeting-schedule/
Duetotheongoingpostalstrike,BIMisunabletomailoutstandingbill reminders
December31,2024isthedeadlineforpayingoutstandingproperty taxandutilitybalances.OnJanuary1,2025,outstandingbalances startaccruingdailyinterest.Outstandingutilitybillsaretransferredto propertytaxes,andaccruedailyinterestasoutstandingtaxes.
Questions?
Don’thesitate.Findoutifyou’repaidup. Contactusbycalling604-947-4255extension8oremailing finance@bimbc.ca
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/outstanding-bills/
OnJan.1,2025,transientmoorageratesatSnugCoveWharfwillbe increasing.
Dayvisitsupto4hours:
Boats25feetandunder: $5.00
Boatsover25feet: $10.00
Overnightberthage:$1.50/footpernight
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/government-docks/
PickupacopyatMunicipalHallordownloadyourown.
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/garbage-collection/
Thursday,December19,7:00pm
Learnmoreaboutcougarbehaviourandsafetyaroundcougarsfroma wildlifeexpertfromWildSafeBC.Getyourquestionsanswered.
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/cougar-qa-online/
CLR-01-2024-479BowenIslandTrunkRd
1:00pmonMonday,January13,2025 RegularCouncilMeeting
PROJECTDESCRIPTION:BIMhasreceivedareferralfromtheLiquor andCannabisRegulationBranch(LCRB)aboutanapplicationfrom theBowenIslandPub,at479BowenIslandTrunkRoadforaNew OutdoorPatio.ThereferralseeksforBIMtoprovideacommentonthe application.
TheBowenIslandPubreceivedtemporaryapprovalunderCOVID-era regulationstoconstructanewpatioextensionadjacenttotheexisting patio.Thisapplicationwouldmakethepermissionpermanent.
Thepatioextensiondoesnotincreasetheoveralllicencecapacityof theBowenIslandPub.Whenthepatioisinusethepubisrequiredto lessentheirinsidecapacitybyanequivalentamount.
StaffarepreparingtopresentthisapplicationattheRegularCouncil MeetingheldonJanuary13,2025.Inordertoprovideinputonthe referral,Councilmustgatherinputfromthecommunity.Staffwill recommendthatCouncildirectstafftogathercommunityinputto presentattheRegularCouncilMeetingheldonFebruary24,2025 Councilwillthenconsidermakingarecommendation.
WrittensubmissionsmaybedeliveredtoMunicipalHallbefore11:00 amonMonday,January13,2025: ByE-mailtomayorandcouncil@bimbc.ca,inperson,bymailto981 ArtisanLane,BowenIsland,BC,V0N1G2orbyfax604-947-0193
Toensureafairprocess,writtensubmissionscannotbeacceptedafter thedeadline
VerbalsubmissionscanbemadetoMayorandCouncilatthemeeting.
Questions?PleasecontactDanielMartin,ManagerofPlanningand Development,at604-947-4255ext230orbyemailat dmartin@bimbc.ca
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning/
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Now the municipality (BIM) is attempting the plan again, following direction in this year’s Strategic Plan Update to do so They’re beginning with the construction of a Five-Year Strategic Business Plan and an Affordable Housing Plan, two prerequisites on the application form’s lengthy checklist. The business plan will see assistance from the Community Economic Development Committee and Tourism Bowen Island, while the Housing Advisory Committee will assist with the housing plan.
A big part of the project’s success hinges on support from local accommodation
providers, especially those with larger operations. BIM must consult with the general community of providers but need to show specifically that of businesses with four or more rooms, at least 51 per cent of these providers representing at least 51 per cent of available rooms are in support. During the 2020 attempt at MRDT adoption there were seven businesses which fit this criteria on Bowen, and four of them opposed the plan while two were in support.
Four years ago that plan was to pursue the three per cent tax option and split revenue from the tax equally between tourism and affordable housing. Given this didn’t find
support among providers, councillors were cautious about accepting the staff suggestion that the current application once again begin with those same numbers.
“Advertising the three per cent, if that was one of the major stumbling blocks the last time then I think that we need to possibly be more flexible,” said Coun. Judith Gedye. “It seems to me if we want to get maximum buyin, and they (providers) told us the last time if it had been two per cent they would have, then I think we should consider some sort of flexibility with that particular number.”
Mayor Andrew Leonard said he would like to see some of the pending numbers shored up before committing to either a percentage or a specific revenue split. Details which still need to be finalized include a total count of all rooms available on the island, how many operators offer four rooms or more, and what the total annual revenue of shortterm accommodation businesses on Bowen Island is. Discrepancy in the numbers has estimated tax revenue from joining MRDT between $78,000 and $300,000, though staff noted this number will become much more specific as data is collected.
Council voted to revisit the percentage
and split between tourism and housing at a future meeting. Leonard did express optimism though that there could be more support for the three per cent figure this time around. “I’m in favor of the three per cent, I believe there’s a messaging campaign that can happen that would bring the community onside.”
“Two of the hottest button issues that we receive feedback on are the creation of affordable housing and the management of congested tourism, particularly in the Cove. The latter we’ve heard non-stop throughout the summer and peak season months that the current impact of tourism as experienced by congestion in Snug Cove and across the island is becoming untenable, as well as the stories of folks needing to move off the island or struggling to find affordable options for housing,” said the mayor.
The strategic and affordable housing plans are expected to be completed in the first half of next year, followed by consultation with the local tourism and accommodation industries in the latter half of 2025. An official submission in early 2026 could see the MRDT begin to be collected beginning at the start of 2027.
Anotherpaper is off to thepress,and with it therealization that nextweek’sissue willbe ourfinal paperof2024. Don’t worry, we will certainlybereturningin2025. Butif youhave anyfinal thoughts,contemplations, musings, reflections,orjustgenerallyanythingyou really wanted to sharethis year buthaven’tgotten around to puttingtogetheryet,now is thetime to do so if you’rehopingtoreach the Bowen audience beforethe clockstrikes midnight. Stories,letters,and of course photos arealways verywelcome! This one will be on thestands fortwo weeksuntil ournextissue on January 3, so Christmasand holiday submissions- stories of giving, recipies,favourite ornaments andmore-would definitelyfit the themeof theissue.
There’sstill alot happening before we reach the end though,especiallyonthe holiday circuit.Choir lovers in particular have some strong offerings over the nextcouple days, startingwith the CommunityChoir Concerts on Sunday followedbyCarminaBowena’s showing nextWednesday. And if you thought the BowenHoliday Markets hadall come and gone,anew market featuring Artisan Square vendorsistakingplace at the hillycommercialhub this Saturday.Westill have Children’s ShoppingDay at the Nook,Martini’s with Santa, aholiday movie nightatthe Library, and nextweekend thereturn of ChristmasMagic atEndswell Farm,whichour correspondent Marcus Hondrohas coveredthoroughlyonthe opposite page,includinga conversationwith Santahimself.Check it out, andfindall the othereventsinour calendar laterinthe paper, or ourHoliday Guide!
Take care and seeyou all for thebig finale issue next week!
-AlexKurial, Editor
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MARCUS HONDRO
Contributor
There are Holiday events in the big city our smallish community of Bowen cannot hold acandle to size-wise,but the annually held Christmas at Endswell Farmisn’t oneofthem The celebration now has north of 60,000 lights ondisplay, leaving most city yuletide gatherings behind in thedark.
This yearbeing held fromDecember20to22, the event, in one form or another, has been apartofthe islandfor some 15 years.Itbegan when Yvonne McSkimming gathered together Christmas lights and put on aglittering displayat her then-home on Captain’sWay. Overthe years it grew in size and ambition and she movedthe displaytothe Legion andthen the United Church.
McSkimming, acontributorto, andoften thecreator of,a host of island charitable events, hadtorelocatetoToronto to carefor her elderly mother, and so in 2021 needed to find someone to provide avenue for thedisplay andtakeover itsproduction.
Enter Endswell Farm owner Matt Sauder and Noah Pryce-Jones, manager of Home Farm Gardens, who stepped up jointly to take onthe event. Sauder, like McSkimming, has aphilanthropist’s heartand was happy to help to increase the Merry quotient for islanders, while Pryce-Jones is an ardent fan of Christmas and, afather himself, of Bowen kids.
The setting up of the lights and other elements of the celebration are done together by the Endswellteam and the Home Farmteam.Led by Pryce-Jones, aveteran pitcher in the Bowen Fastpitch League, they readythe property for the Christmas extravaganza. All proceeds from the merryevent gotothe Bowen Food Bank
“We do this to help increase the sense of community,” Pryce-Jones said about the event. “To help localfamilies access the magic and the wonder of Christmas,the magic that Ifelt as akid. It’s all aboutthe spirit of Christmas and the kids.”
Each year Sauder and Pryce-Jones have been adding more lights and other elements, like marshmallow roasting, free hotchocolate, free warmcider and take-
home Christmas treats. Further, despite abusy schedule at this time of year, there’s anightly visit fromSanta Claus himself.
Thisreporter talked with the cherubic fellowlast week at the SnugCafé.Dressedinoverallsand at-shirt,Santa did notcause astir, hislengthy beard had patrons thinking local EddieWeismiller had gained afew pounds. Santapraised Christmas at Endswelland said he canalways find time for charitable events.
“I enjoythe wondrous display of Christmas lights and lookforward to seeing the farm’s chickens, sheep and portly donkeys, Fredo and Sunny,” Santasaid. “And of all the children I visit on my travels around the globe, BowenIsland children truly arethe most amusing.I expect it’s all that fresh air!”
“Ho Ho Ho Ho!!!”
Christmas at Endswell Farm 2024 starts on Friday, December 20 and runs through Sunday,December22from 6to8pmeachnight.Admissionisbydonationbut $25 per person and $80 fora familyoffourisappreciated to assist our localFoodBank
60,000lightsthatmake
amuchanticipated partofthe
If you attended the Light Up Bowen Festival two weeks ago, there’s a good chance you tried some of the delicious cookies and sweet treats following the Santa Parade. They were baked and prepared by an eager team of volunteers working out of the local Legion. Their efforts were greatly appreciated by everyone in the crowd, and the cookies helped add to the evening’s festive atmosphere. And of course they were delicious too. Thanks everyone for your hard work! / Chela Davison photos
Following the success of last year’s event, the Bowen Island RCMP are returning for another session of Coffee With A Cop. The outreach initiative serves as an opportunity for people to informally talk to the local police force about issues they see in the community. Whether it’s a big or small issue, they are hoping to hear from residents about anything.
from Noon to 1 pm on Wednesday, December 18. /
In 2024, Bowen Island Food Resilience Society (BIFS) was hard at work Some initiatives have been:
The Bowen Island Farmers Market was welcomed under BIFS’ umbrella after 10 productive years with Bowen Agriculture Alliance; Grafton Commons community garden grew with new asparagus beds, beds for native pollinators, the start of a ‘food forest’ to mimic the patterns in nature, and the growing of hardy seedlings in the polytunnel (greenhouse).
Workshops were held in the garden such as compost extract to build healthy soil, fruit tree guilds, and swales (trenches to retain water). We held pop-up fruit and vegetable sales at the garden, and the Low Hanging Fruit project enjoyed its fourth year of community picking, sharing and selling Bowen fruit that would otherwise have fallen to the ground.
We to want thank our funders, the Neighbourhood
Small Grants and Community Foundation, and our projects were funded in part by the federal New Horizons for Seniors Program.
BIFS has a board of nine dedicated and hard-working volunteer members, and we are grateful for all the volunteers including students who came to pitch in at the garden, and to the Low Hanging Fruit pickers and donors. We are always on the lookout for volunteers so if you have a desire to get your hands dirty while enjoying fresh air, comradery and kindness in the garden, or would like to harvest fruit, or assist in boosting our social media presence, or sell our delicious produce at next years’ market, we’d love to hear from you.
Please email bowenfoodresilience@gmail.com if you are interested in any of the volunteer positions
Donations are always welcome. See our ad on the Giving On Bowen page for more details
Many thanks for such a bountiful growing and harvesting season!
The Bowen Island Food Resilience and Farmers Market collaboration this year took the local market experience to new heights. / Submitted photo
As we concludeanother eventful year on Bowen, we’rehappytoshare some exciting milestones and outline what’s on the horizon.This past year,Bowen Island Properties has beenworkinghardtobuild the newest neighbourhoods of Seymour Landing, andtoplan for itsfuturedevelopmentina waythatwill continue to support the community’sneeds intothe future.
This fall,wehosted community conversations to talk about our approach to a“spot”rezoning application at Seymour Landing. Thank youtoeveryone who came to Collins Hall to share your thoughts. We areworking on the rezoning application, and thetechnical studies to supportit, whichwe hope tosubmit to BowenIsland Municipalityinearly 2025. Stay tunedtolearn more aboutthe details of thisproposalinthe newyear.
Inthe meantime,youcan learnmoreabout the rezoning applicationhere: https://rezoning. bowenislandproperties.ca. If youwanttobeon ouremail list to receivenew informationwhen it is available, emailusat info@bowenislandproperties.ca or call us at 604-947-0099,extension 101.
Since 1988, building communities where people love to live
Ourlocal builders nowhave four newhomesunder construction on Seymour Bay Drive,our newest neighbourhoodin Seymour Landing. Some moreBuild Packageswill be offeredin2025. By next December this neighbourhood willsee itsfirst Christmas lights and holidaygatheringsinthesenew homesonSeymour Bay Drive.
Youalso have the opportunity to build your own custom home in Seymour Landing on the lastlot off Shore Lane—a truly one-of-a-kind waterviewproperty. To round out our offerings in 2025, three lots on McIntosh Lane with panoramic views,suitable for custom homes, willcome onto the market.
For more information aboutour currentofferings,visit our websiteat https://www.bowenislandproperties.ca/ real-estate-our-properties-for-sale
We wishyou all ahappy holiday season ,and we look forward to connecting with youinthe newyear!
ALEX KURIAL Editor
There were four home saleson the island in November,with one road proving especially popular for purchasing.
But before heading there, the top sale of last month took place on the east side of the islandat1484 Eagle Cliff Road. The one-storey, single-family home closed for $1.23 million. Just shy of six decades old, the house measures 1,477square feet and sits on .23 acres of land.
Highlightsofthe two-bed, twobath home –dubbed the ‘White Eagle’ –include views east over the waterand to the mountains, afenced wrap-around deck,electric vehicle plug-in, hot tub, and an empty lower level which could be developed to suit any practical or recreational needs. The house is also across the street from the walk down to Eagle CliffBeach.
Hoppingacross the islandwefind thesecond-highest sale of November at 944 WindjammerRoad,where a four-bed,three-bath home sold for $1,138,500. The 31-year old house consists of two storeys plus abasement, and sits on a.27 acre lot.
Inside the sizeable 2,492square foot Bluewater home are acovered deck, master bedroom with ensuite,
and aworkshop. The corner property has apair of different-leveled yards, and forfurther outdoor activities isinclose proximity to Crayola Beach and an extensive trail network which runs deep into the bordering forest.
And alittle waysdown the appealing road is where thethird saleoflastmonth took placeat879 Windjammer Road.The two-storey home,measuring 1,303 square feet and sitting on .36 acres of land, sold for $1,114,500 –both Windjammer propertiesgoing within two weeksof each other.
The60-yearold homeplays host to two bedroomsand two bathrooms andoffersocean viewsand sunsets inthe west. Outside on the property there are several decks, adetached suite, and even asmall barn to get creativewith.
Thefinal sale of the monthcomes in cottage-form at 1144 Miller Road, the two-bed, one-bath home closing for $770,000.
The home hasseenits share of history at 75 years old, but offers some modern updates including aheat pump. There’s also awood burningfireplace inside the 774 square footstructure.Outsideonthe .16 acresoflandavariety of flowers grow includingroses andhydrangeas,and behind thehouse astairway climbs into theforested backyard.
BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH www.biuc.ca|1122 Miller Road
QUEEN OF CAPILANO FERRY SCHEDULE OCTOBER152024 TO MARCH 31 2025
Sunday Worship10:30 am ChristmasEve -5 pm Children’sService; 9pmTraditional lessons and carols. Rev.LorraineAshdown OFFICE HOURS WEDNESDAY10-4 ORBYAPPOINTMENT 778-688-2061
ST.GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLICCHURCH
SundayMass at 9.30 •Christmas Mass December 25th9.30 am Contact AngelaPowell604-947-2515
CATESHILL CHAPEL
www.cateshillchapel.com• 604-947-4260 (661 CarterRd.) Sunday Worship10:00 Candle Light Christmas EveService 7pm. Everyone welcome.
SHIRATHAYAM (Songofthe Sea)
BOWEN’SJEWISHCOMMUNITY
Shabbat Gatherings~ Holidays Contact aryana.rayne@gmail.com •www.shirathayam.ca
DEPART BOWENISLAND 5:20 am -exceptSundays 6:20 am 7:30 am 8:35 am 9:40 am 10:50am 12:00pm 1:10 pm 2:55 pm 4:00 pm -exceptWednesdays 5:10 pm 6:15 pm 7:25 pm -exceptSaturdays 8:30 pm 9:30 pm 10:30pm
DEPARTHORSESHOE BAY 5:50 am 6:50 am 8:00 am 9:05 am -exceptWednesdays. 10:15am 11:25am 12:35pm 2:20 pm 3:30 pm 4:35 pm 5:45 pm 6:50 pm 8:00 pm -except Saturdays 9:00 pm 10:00pm
Community Economic Development Committee
The holiday season is agreat time to reflect onour consumer choices, and howit both impacts and benefits our community. As we make note of local eventsthis week from Shop Bowen Island to Makersand Bakers toChildren’s Shopping Day at the Nook our participation gives us the opportunity, ata neighbourhood level,tostrengthen our island’s circular economy
Buying local is just one part of transitioning from alinear to acirculareconomy.The goals of acircular economy includes reducing waste and pollution, including greenhouse gases, and attempts to keep productsand materials in circulation.
In short, it consists of embracing fivefamiliar consumer habits: reducing, reusing, refurbishing, repairing and recycling.
Shiftingtoa circulareconomyrequires a high level of collaboration between businesses, communities and government to ensure services and infrastructure exist to support projects designed to reduce waste operating in
Meet Romeo who is dreaming of asnow-white Christmas with his fluffy charm. We are celebrating the season with Romeo as he is feeling spritely and renewed after arecent visit to us at Bowen Veterinary Services where he was cared for with asenior annual wellness exam and adjustments to his daily medications. Since then, according to his human, he is acting like a“new cat” and ready for acozy,cheerful holiday with astocking full of treats and happiness. The doctors and staff at Bowen Veterinary Clinic are gladtocelebrate and share in the joy of recovered health and quality of life in our patients young and old!
Mon WedFri 9-5
Tues &Thurs 9-7
ClosedSat &Sun
reception@bowenvet.com
604.947.9247
the economy.
TheCommunity Economic Development Committee (CEDC) will be doing adeep dive intohow to grow our island’s circular economy at the next Business Summit scheduled in Spring 2025. The CEDC hopes to bring together businesses to raise awareness and take inventory ofthe resources, expertiseand goodswehave onisland, and then create anetwork to help identify synergies.
Howcan our local businessesworkbetter together to reduce wasteand grow localservices? How can we encourage the circulation of goods at the neighbourhood level? What does local government needtodotoensurewehavethe infrastructureand services needed to grow this new economy?
We do invite everyone this holiday season to consider howyourconsumer choices impact our community, and howshopping local is just the beginning. As you move forward with your holiday shoppingthis season, consider how your consumer habits can benefit our localeconomy.
TheCEDC looks forward to reachingout to local businesses in thenew year with more informationonour upcoming Business Summit
It wasn’t just the municipality celebrating a25year anniversarythis year -Alison Morsealso markedher 25th year of service as aBowen Island Councillor.Morse waselectedinBowen’s inauguralmunicipalelection in 1999 and has neverlooked back,with successful councilcampaigns in eight local electionsinarow.Morse has kept akeen eyeonall budgets andfinancial decisionsoverthe pasttwo-and-a-half decades,and is oftenthe source of an answer to anyquestion aboutahistorical Bowentopic.Congratulations Alison! /Kristen Watson photo
When youdonate to theBowen IslandCommunity Foundation, yousupportthe BowenIsland HorseOwners and Riders Association and dozens of otherworthwhileBowen causes! #CommunityGrowsHere #ForBowenForEver
CARLA WILSON Times Colonist
As B.C. Ferries seeks to renew its fleet, it’s looking at a cost to build new ferries that’s 40 per cent higher than it was in 2020, the company’s president told Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce members late last month.
“This puts huge pressure on our ability to deliver a service, particularly when we look at what is going to be needed down the road,” Nicolas Jimenez told more than 100 Chamber members at the Union Club.
B.C. Ferries has not said what it expects the new major vessels will cost, but in 2018, five new major vessels were estimated at $700 million to $1 billion.
The company earlier issued a call for qualified shipyards to build the vessels.
Some of B.C Ferries’ terminals and vessels date back to a time when John Diefenbaker was Canada’s prime minister, Dwight Eisenhower was in the White House and the Chevrolet Corvair was billed as the sexiest car on the market, Jimenez said.
He outlined challenges facing the company as it strives to meet public expectations, pay for new vessels, mitigate
environmental impacts, upgrade terminals and find ways to bridge a financial gap in its long-term plan that’s in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
B.C. Ferries’ capital costs are increasing at a faster rate than fares, he said.
“What we have today is essentially a need for this system to be affordable,” Jimenez said. “But we have a reality that the cost of running the system is increasing and that’s not because of anyone’s fault.
“Inflation is taking a real bite out of our business and the growth in ferry fares is not keeping pace.”
B.C. Ferries will submit its application this month to B.C Ferries Commissioner Eva Hage for approval to order five new major vessels, Jimenez said later.
It’s hoped the first will arrive in B.C. by 2029. Another two diesel-electric hybrid vessels would be added by about 2037.
Upgrades to the Queen of Oak Bay and Queen of Surrey are also planned.
The system is under a crunch now because the Queen of New Westminster is out of service for several months after its propeller fell off in September.
The vessel, which can carry 1,332 passengers and crew and hold 254 cars, has twice been lengthened and widened, Jimenez said. “So it’s not even the ship that it was when it
was first built in 1964.”
B.C. Ferries runs its ships between 50 and 60 years, while most other similar ferry operators are in the 30-year range, Jimenez said.
The company is planning 15 new vessels by the end of the 2030s, he said. Four electric Island-class ferries are currently being built in Romania, with plans to start bringing item into service in 2027.
Passenger and vehicle fares are capped at a 3.2 per cent increase per year for four years starting in April of this year.
The company was able to keep fare increases down after the province provided $500 million to ensure they did not move into double-digits.
As far as dealing with financial pressures, Jimenez said there are limits on what the company can do to bring in revenue under its current governance model.
“If we are to close this funding gap that I described, we’re going to need to pull every lever that we can. We’re going to have to get very creative and we’re going to have to balance the needs of the system around reliability and resilience with affordability.
“So without prejudging what that’s going to look like, I think we’re going to have to have all policy options on the table.”
Fridays, December 13 &20
Julefest HappyHour Fridays
Come celebrateatBowen Cider Housein ournew lounge with home bakedChristmas treats,festive appetizers, hot cider glögg, and new ChristmasHindbaer cider! 5to 8pm.
Saturday, December 14
Artisan SquareHoliday Market
An outdoorevent celebratinglocal BowenIslandbusinesses, and featuringa curatedselection of Artisansfrom the LowerMainland. At ArtisanSquare from 10 am to 5pm. Saturday, December 14
Children’sShopping Dayatthe Nook
Come to the KnickKnack Nook!Aday forchildren to shop for specialgifts on their ownorwith ahelpful volunteer. Ages 3to12. More info at www.knickknacknook.org
Saturday,December14
Judi GedyeOpenHouse
Chat w/ BIMCouncillor Judith GedyeatCollins Hall, 3pm
Saturday, December 14
‘Martinis with Santa’atDoc Morgan’s
An annual festiveevent featureslivemusic andthe Jolly OldElf himself.7to10pm. Adults only
Sunday, December 15
Bring Your OwnBookClubatthe Library
Acasual bookclub to discuss books you’veread—old andnew, lovedorhated.Get recommendationsand meet other book-loving locals! All ages of adults andyouth welcome to drop in, runs Noon to 1pm. bipl.ca/byobook
Sunday,December15
Community Choir Christmas Concert
‘Come All Ye’! to the BowenIsland Community Choir’s
seasonalconcertat2:30 and7pmatCates Hill Chapel. Tickets available at CatesPharmacy, $25 Adults,$15 Seniors and Youth(12-18), under 12 free.
Sunday,December15
Honour ALife
An interfaith gatheringtohonourthosewehaveloved and lost,and to acknowledge therolegrief mayplayatthis time of year.Takes place at 4pmatCollins Hall, with the Bowen Threshold Choir.Followedbyanoutdoor candlelight procession to theRemembering Tree
To Sunday,December15
Shop BowenIsland
Aweekoffestivecheer andsupport forour localbusinesses. Winweek-longgiveaways!See all thedetailsonline at shopbowenisland.com,and learn more aboutthe benefits andimportance of shoppinglocally on Page 11.
Tuesday, December 17
Makers andBakers
Takesplace from 3to4pm. Registertoshowand share yourbakingonbowenrecreation.com
Wednesday, December 18
HolidayWineTasting
Sixwinetasters accompaniedbycharcuterie from Artisan Eats hostedbysommelier KarenMooder.From6:30 to 9pm at ArtisanEatsCafe. Adults 19+, registration thruDecember 13. Visitbowenislandmunicipality.ca/recreation/ Wednesday,December18
Carmina Bowena Concert
BowenIsland’s acapellaconsort presents ARenaissance Christmas, with specialguestsSolaMusica. 7:30 pm at Tirna-nOgTheatre. Tickets available at CatesPharmacyor
online at carminabowena.ca
Thursday, December 19
MovieNight at theLibrary
Come seeABad Moms Christmas, starring Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, &Susan Sarandon. This comedy follows three under-appreciatedand over-burdenedwomen as theyrebel against the challenges and expectations of the SuperBowlfor moms:Christmas,all while hosting and entertainingtheir ownmothers.Free, drop in, come early and grab acomfy chair.Starts 6pm. Find outmoreat bipl.ca/movies
Friday,December20toSunday, December 22
Christmas MagicatEndswellFarm
TheMagic of ChristmasatEndswell Farm.Visit with Santa andMrs.Claus,enjoy hot chocolate, hotapple cider marshmallow roasting,and treats underthe magicof60,000+ lights!Find outmuchmoreonPage5.
Sunday, December 22
Child’s Christmas in Wales
Martin Clarke’s annual reading of a‘AChild’s Christmas in Wales’ in the Little RedChurchat7pm. Afreeevent buta donationtothe BowenFoodBank is welcome
To Tuesday, December 24
Winter Magicatthe Museum &Archives
Wanderthrough amagical winter outdoorexhibit at the Bowen Island Museum &Archives, at 1014 Miller Road.
To Saturday, December 28
December Art Market at theHearth
The5th annual DecemberArt Market at the Hearth gallery. Featuringgiftitems from localartists and artisans More info canbefound at thehearthartsonbowen.ca
availableatthe
Ruddy, General Store and businessesall over theisland
Supported entirelybythe generosityofdonations and volunteers, we provide nutritious, filling meals to Bowenfamilies withcare, dignity,and anonymity.
HOW TO GIVE e-transferemail:biucfoodbank@gmail.com
Drop chequesoff at:Little Red Church, 1122 MillerRd
Established in 2018, SwimBowen'sCancer Care Fund provides Bowen Island residents in needwith financial support during active cancer treatment. To date,SwimBowen hasgifted $130,300 in Cancer Carefunds. swimbowen.ca
HOW TO GIVE
onlineat: https://swimbowen.com/donate
The charitable fundraising armofthe Bowen Library, supportingpilot projects, funding specialone-timeactivities orevents, andproviding supplementalassistancein unforeseen circumstances. bipl.ca/foundation
HOWTOGIVE
Onlinebycredit cardatbipl.ca/donate
In person at the Library bycashorcheque to Bowen Island Public Library Foundation
The BowenIsland Christmas Hamper fund works to make certain any islanders in needare notforgotten atthistimeofyear.
HOWTOGIVE
e-transfer email:bowenchristmashamper@gmail.com
:
Bowen Island Food Resilience Society(BIFS)envisions athriving local food eco-systemonBowen/Nexwlélexwm,including Grafton Commons communitygarden, Bowen Island Farmers’ Market, andLow Hanging Fruit project.bowenfoodresilience.ca
HOWTOGIVE
e-transfer email: jacksbee@hotmail.comOrcall Jackie at 604-842-3828
BICF distributesthe interest earned on donations through grants, bursaries, and scholarships—meetingthe community’s unique needs andresponding to priorities setbyBowen Islanders. bowenfoundation.com
HOWTOGIVE
e-transfer email: admin@bowenfoundation.com
Dropcheques offat: First Credit Union, 996 Dorman Rd
The IslandPacific School bursaryprogram ensures access to exceptionaleducation, fostering inclusion, diversity,and opportunity while strengthening communityconnections and empowering young learnerstosucceed. islandpacific.org
HOWTOGIVE
E-transfer email: accounting@islandpacific.org
Todonate onlinevisit: https://islandpacific.org/annual-appeal/ Drop cheques offat: Island PacificSchool 671 CarterRoad, Bowen Island
CAWES is aregistered Bowen Island charityestablished in 2000, focusing on animal welfare.The society cares forabandoned domestic animalsand assistsinjured or distressed wildlifeand promotes educationonresponsible animal guardianship.cawes.org
HOW TO GIVE onlineathttps://www.cawes.org/donate