MERRY MARKET-GOERS These energetic and amusing Bowen youngsters were attendees at the very first Artisan Square Holiday Market on Saturday, December 14. The market was organized by Erin Sinclair and Michaela Rechtschaffner and, despite the blustery, wet weather, many Islanders turned out to shop and listen to guitarist Oleg Tkhoryk. Left to right are Rua, Zac, Waylon, Will, Tom, Fynn and Jethro. Take a turn over to Page 10 for more photos from the newest market in town / Marcus Hondro photo
ALEX KURIAL Editor
There’s been a number of Grinch sightings along Bowen Bay Road this holiday season, but Island residents need not fear as this notoriously grumpy character is spreading nothing but Christmas cheer.
Anyone who has passed by Bowen Bay Beach recently will have noticed the Dr. Suess character sneaking through the front yard of Gina and Tony Lazarowich’s property. He’s joined by Max the (Reindeer) Dog, and the residents of Whoville too. Tony, a special effects coordinator by trade, originally handdrew the extensive display when the couple debuted the iconic characters 20 years ago at their home on the North Shore. The rooftop display brought many passersby to a halt Now living on Bowen it’s the second time the couple have set up the display, with lots more lights and decorations included than their first go on the island last year
Well folks, with this issue we bringour volume of 2024Undercurrentnewspapers to a close. Once again there were no shortageof events to coverhereonBowen, the majority of whichdid not even involvethe Cougar.We will recapitall for you in ourupcoming Year in Review Issue, whichwill be ourfirst paper out in 2025 on January3.Myself and Traceywill be back at work on Monday,January6,ready to tackle all the new excitementon theisland that the new year is sure to bring.
It wasanother beautiful holiday season here on Bowen, and beingable to capturesomuch of it over the past month or soisalwaysa treat. As fun as all the events are, this timeofyear canbetryingfor many people formanydifferentreasons.But with so manypeopleworking hard to hold avarietyofcommunityevents, whetheritbeaparty,craft fair,musical performance,ormoments to be stilland reflecttoo, there’salmostcertainlyaspace foreveryoneto spend the holidayswith peoplein away they feelcomfortable,and that is pretty special.
Atheme in thepaper this week ispeople directingtheir holiday effortstowards supportingour localFoodBank.These arewonderfulinitiatives,and whether through these events or by other means aFood Bank donation (either food or amonetary gift)isone of themostmeaningful gifts youcan givethis time of year,and one whichwillhelp ourfellow communitymembers mostdirectly.
Beforewego, amassive thankyou to our readersand supporters for spendinganother year with us.2025 will mark the50thyearof the Undercurrent, and we areaimingto have some fun stuff lineduptocelebrate. Can’twait to seeyou then!
Fornow,wepassour closingmessage over to final wordsfromthe animated classic which features in ourpaper this week:“Christmas Daywill alwaysbe, just as longas we have we.” -AlexKurial, Editor
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Embracing the Dark Days of Winter
JULIE HUGHES Contributor
I find the darkness of these long nights deeply soothing. It reminds me of a time when people gathered more often around the fire, embracing slowness and deep rest Before the invention of electricity, our lives were shaped by the limits of natural light; we couldn’t work as much when daylight was scarce. Instead, people spent their evenings indoors, gathered around the hearth, telling stories or working with their hands perhaps darning socks or knitting mittens for the coming snow days.
In today’s world, I find it challenging to be productive at this time of year compared to spring, for example, when everything is sprouting and the energy feels alive and abundant. In winter, I like to give myself permission to rest more to nap in the middle of the day, to go to bed early, or to simply be without the added pressure of doing so much.
Somewhere along the way, we lost our connection to the seasons. The advent of electricity made it possible to extend light, enabling longer days of productivity and fewer opportunities for rest. But what would it be like if we learned to embrace the darkness once more? If, instead of pushing against it with endless productivity, we paused and gave ourselves permission to be still?
I often look to nature for inspiration. This time of year, plants are beginning to sleep, animals are preparing for their long slumber, and even my two outdoor cats spend more time indoors, snuggled under the Christmas tree. Stillness can be intimidating, though. When we pause and take stock of our physical, emotional, and mental well-being, we might feel things that heightened productivity would otherwise mask.
Stillness can be a powerful way to recalibrate, to
take inventory, and to allow ourselves to sit with the sensations and emotions that surface. It’s a time to notice our bodies tired, resting, seeking warmth. It’s also a time when feelings of loss or loneliness might arise. The holidays can amplify our awareness of those who are no longer with us. We feel the pressure of yet another busy season, filled with endless to-do lists and gift buying. Yet, if we pause and listen, we may discover that our greatest need in this season is for rest and connection.
I was struck by the turnout at the Little Red Church on Sunday, where we gathered to honor those who have passed. Hosted by Lorraine Ashdown and the hauntingly beautiful Threshold Choir, it felt like a necessary ritual to remember those no longer with us. The sting of their absence can feel particularly sharp this time of year If we don’t mark these moments with some sort of ritual, how will they remain in our living memory?
It was especially important for my kids to be there, too. They lost their grandpa this year and were deeply connected to his dying process. It’s not as hard as we think to involve children in death; we often fear they can’t handle it or that it’s too much for them. But children don’t carry the same heaviness or foresight that adults do, and they can often handle much more than we give them credit for.
My seven-year-old had endless questions after being with his grandpa in his final days: What happens to his body? Where does he go? Who’s there to meet him? I believe exposing children to aspects of dying normalizes the experience. It reduces their death anxiety and fosters what we might call “death literacy,” an under-valued skill in today’s society.
I intentionally expose my children to both the light and the darker aspects of life. For it is in the dark that mystery is born and without the mystery where would all the magic come from?
December Open House
JUDITH GEDYE Bowen Island Municipality Councillor
I postponed my regular first Saturday of the month and wondered if anyone would remember the change, but need not have worried. There were two other councillors, three regulars and some rare but familiar folk – small but interesting. Thanks to all who enjoy neighbourly discussions about local issues, and praise my baking: mince tarts. I’m interested in switching to home-made mince but I need to find a good recipe (hint).
First was a question about housing: co-op, strata, affordable and which or when they might be subsidized by taxes, or low interest, longer term mortgages, or fund-raising. Co-ops were popular in the 70’s when eligible for federal funding for construction. Problems followed when money was not set aside for maintenance. Affordable housing can mean many things, but one idea that has considerable traction is to combine federally funded low interest, 50 year mortgages which have reappeared, with prefab buildings, and municipal/ donated land. Coun. Tim Wake was able to explain both the BIRCH project and Snug Cove House, two projects advancing in Snug Cove.
Not surprisingly, there were questions about the Community Centre, specifically about alternatives to asphalt paving. Issues of gravel washing out, particularly on the hill down to the lower parking area, and pot-holing too easily, and convenience for plowing, were considered but short-term and long-term pollutants from asphalt are considerable.
There is also the issue of laying down asphalt now that the weather is cold and wet. I could not say if anything could be changed at this late date, and personally, I’m keen on completion more than anything, but agreed permeable blocks (like the turnaround near Leigh Auto) would be preferable.
There were more questions about the Islands Trust. Mayor Andrew Leonard’s presentation to the full Trust Council in early December was well-received: our Mayor is very good at meeting and asking questions of other politicians over meals and during breaks.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 17
Abundant, Creative & Courageous
BRAD CARTER
Head of School / Island Pacific School
There’s a common idea that giving is about filling a gap or meeting a need. But giving doesn’t begin with scarcity or obligation; it begins with abundance.
At its deepest level, giving is rooted in the recognition that we already have enough enough love, enough care, enough time and that from this fullness we can share freely with others Giving is not forced or measured; it’s generous and free-flowing. It’s not about duty, obligation, or even solving a problem; when we are full of love, gratitude, and joy, giving becomes inevitable.
Giving is also a deeply creative act. It is a belief in possibility. When we give, we are building something that didn’t exist before: a sense of connection, an opportunity for growth, a reprieve from suffering.
And it is a courageous act, too It is a brave thing to confront scarcity and pessimism and, the worst of all the limiting beliefs, cynicism. It’s a braver thing still to give authentically, which is to say with humility and vulnerability: “This is all I have to give.”
Schools are one of the great witnesses to this spirit of giving abundant, creative, and courageous being lived out in plain view. At their best, like here at Island Pacific School, schools are sustained by the collective generosity of all who work within them: teachers, support and administrative staff and volunteers alike.
That work is grounded in the profound generosity of spirit that offers more than just knowledge; it offers time, attention, and care to meet young people not with pretense or calculation, but with the authentic belief that something greater can be built through the act of teaching.
From Trash to Treasure: The Knick Knack Nook’s
Million-Dollar Impact
CATHERINE BAYLY
Knick Knack Nook
Who would have guessed that a modest secondhand shop, launched in 2009 by a team of passionate volunteers, would grow into a cornerstone of community giving? Yet that’s exactly the story of Bowen Island’s beloved Knick Knack Nook (KKN).
What began as a small operation to promote reusing and recycling has blossomed into a key pillar of local philanthropy. Over the years, this charming re-use-it store has contributed more than $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants to the community.
After swiftly repaying the loans used to build its current home, the Nook has channeled its earnings into much-appreciated scholarships for students and vital support for local organizations.
But now, the Knick Knack Nook is facing its biggest
challenge yet. The trusty Quonset hut that has served as its home for 15 years has reached the end of its lifespan. With leaks becoming an increasing problem and storage space too limited to meet the community’s needs, the time has come to build a new facility
To continue its mission of giving back and better serving Bowen, the KKN needs your help. Funds are now being raised to build a new, expanded space that will allow the store to safely house more donations, reduce waste, and make an even greater impact on the island.
The Nook’s success is a testament to the generosity and dedication of the Bowen Island community. Together, we can ensure this vital resource has a sturdy, sustainable home for years to come. Every donation and act of support counts toward helping the Nook take this exciting next step.
Here’s to the Nook and the incredible volunteers who’ve turned recycling into reinvesting in Bowen’s future let’s build a space worthy of their legacy!
SwimBowen Beginnings
MANY HELPING HANDS MADE ISLAND FUNDRAISER POSSIBLE
MARY LETSON Founder / SwimBowen
Launching an idea beyond the brainstorm stage can be a little bit like doing a watercolour in the rain. Looking back at SwimBowen’s beginnings, a multitude of excellent Bowen Islanders materialized at just the right time to help shape the idea beyond its initial inspiration.
My inspiration for SwimBowen is personal Cancer treatment is an endurance sport - once you are in it there is nothing else to do but focus and dig deep for the long haul. When I finished my treatment, I was struck by how the entirety of cancer fundraising was focused on finding a cure (for good reason). But what about those who were in the midst of the medical marathon?
Unemployed and miserable, how did they manage? I will start a fundraiser I declared. I will swim around Bowen Island and raise money for Islanders going through cancer treatment. My husband gently suggested that I hold off on any big projects and focus instead on regaining my health. What a good idea I said.
Over the next few years while I gathered my strength (and courage) to take on such a behemoth project I tossed around my fundraising event idea to some swimming friends - in particular Bowen Island’s swimming goddess: Billi Behm From day one, Billi said yes to everything Music to a founder’s ears.
Why don’t a few swimmers circumnavigate Bowen over the length of a summer? Absolutely, said Billi A little complex managing weather, tides, entries, exits and swimmer safety marshals – but surely we could manage I’m in, said Billi.
My daunting event proposal remained moth-balled, and the conversation continued for another four years until one day my friend Launette suggested a single day event, and
perhaps at Tunstall Bay. And instead of just a few swimmers, why not invite a bunch of swimmers thereby sharing the fundraising load. Simpler. With more impact. What a good idea I said.
I pitched a few more friends to cobble together a board of directors to create a society. This was trickier to sell as it contained the dreaded “c” word – commitment. I am thankful to SwimBowen’s first directors Cathryn Robertson (who had just finished her own cancer marathon) and Wendy Alexander who jumped in and said yes.
During the spring of 2018 the inaugural event was planned for July using my favourite swim route: out and back to Onion Island in Tunstall Bay. The tipping point came with just a few weeks to go before event day when a young couple new to the island (who turned out to be a powerhouse duo with the combined organizational skills to run a small country) offered their help.
I met Gillian and Elliott along with keener kayakers Andy and Bruce at Tunstall Bay to look at my course and event execution. Elliott, who just happened to be an elite long distance ocean swimmer with international experience (honestly - does it get better than that?) looked at my route and in moments pinpointed the complications and potential hazards.
He scratched out a new idea on the spot. Why not a triangle route straight out from the beach, he suggested. The longer distance participants could simply repeat the course twice. Clearer sight lines. Easier to manage swimmers. Simpler with more impact. What a good idea, I said.
With every fork in the road there was Bowen Islander with an excellent mind, a good ear and a better idea Because of this, we have flourished attracting both beginners and elite swimmers from near and far celebrating ocean swimming, our health and a fund that has to date gifted over $130,000 to Bowen Islanders in the endurance event of their life.
The Conservancy says thank you!
BOWEN ISLAND CONSERVANCY
We all know that good things don’t just happen. They happen because good people jump in and get the job done. And that is true when it comes to the conservation and protection of our natural world. The Bowen Island Conservancy would like to acknowledge and celebrate some of that inspired work. With the release of our new book Discovering Kwíl’akm - Life around Nexwlélexwm / Bowen Island’s Favorite Shore, our spotlight is on Mannion Bay/ Deep Bay. We are honouring several Islanders who have made significant contributions to the environmental health of this much-loved shore.
We honour and celebrate:
• Adam Taylor for his energetic educational, conservation, and clean-up efforts over many years in Mannion Bay/Deep Bay, including his beach interpretation educational events.
• Amber Spitkovski, for her good-spirited leadership of the Dive Against Debris underwater and shoreline clean up over the years that has brought divers, boaters, community groups and artists together to remove garbage from the Bay.
• Bonny Brokenshire, while Manager of Environment and Parks, Bowen Island Municipality, for her steady-handed implementation of sustainable moorage strategies and ecological protection, including eelgrass, in Mannion Bay/Deep Bay.
• Bruce Russell for his committed leadership of the Friends of Mannion Bay in its sustained advocacy
for the health of Mannion Bay/Deep Bay, setting an example for the island of what neighbourhood stewardship can accomplish.
• Fiona Beaty, for her inspired legacy of eelgrass restoration through the SeaChange Marine Conservation Society, both in Mannion Bay/Deep Bay and in Tunstall Bay.
The Conservancy recognizes each of these wonderful contributors with a copy of Discovering Kwíl’akm Our thanks to all of you. You inspire us!
Golf Course welcomes new President
Hi Bowen Island,
My name is Derek Puri and I’m the new President of the Bowen Island Golf Association. I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself, and more importantly invite the Bowen community to come visit us over this festive season.
While the golf course has been an important part of our community for the last 20 years - including offering tee times, club rentals, and other golf programs for free to our Island’s youth - a lot has changed in the last few years. We believe that our new and different facilities provide a fun place for the whole family to come and spend time.
This includes the TK Performance Centre, our new practice facility that features a full indoor golf simulator room, an outside driving range and new putting and chipping greens. Our friends in the golfing world tell us this is one of the best facilities for a community our size in all of Canada. Not much of a golfer? No problem! There’s a big screen to watch the game and lots of fun easy simulator games that anyone can play, even if you’ve never swung a club before.
Best of all, on top of regular, public access to the golf-related facilities, the TK Centre is available now for private event rentals. The TK Centre – also known as “The Acre” – is warm, dry, and has a great selection of seasonally appropriate beverages. We would love to host you and your group at the Acre this holiday season!
For more information about TK Centre availability and booking, please reach out to theacre@bowengolf.com
Warm regards,
Derek
P.S. Programming note: Thanks to everyone for supporting The Shed restaurant this past year. It will be closed for the season beginning this Saturday, December 21, and will re-open in March 2025.
Happy Holidays!
Diver Adam Taylor at a beach interpretation event on Bowen Island / Will Husby photo
MUSEUMMAGIC TheBowen Island Museum &Archivesisshowing off their annual Winter Magicexhibitthis month. Litupand available to view at anytime of the day(or even betteratnight), the exhibit is free to explore throughChristmas Eve, December 24at1014 Miller Road. /AlexKurialphotos
GEORGE
Meet George! George would like to help us wish you all a Happy Holiday season! Over the holidays, we have some adjusted hours so please take note.
December 24th: 9am-12pm
December 25th,26th,27th: CLOSED
December 30th: 9am-5pm
December 31st” 9am-12pm
January 1st: CLOSED We will reopen January 2nd to our regular hours.
e Wishing you allthe very best of th eason! supporting causes eryear d 26th st11-5 best this holidays Andmanythanksfor Squirreland our throughout anoth Closed Dec25than Open Dec27th-31
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
OPENING WITH A BANG
The first ever Artisan Square Holiday Market faced some strong weather last Saturday, but it forged ahead and proved a smashing success depsite the elements. The event featured the opportunity to shop for wares from the many talented vendors of Artisan Square, and there was some musical entertainment too. Organizers Michaela Rechtschaffner & Erin Sinclair say they are already excited to make the new market an annual part of the Bowen holiday season. / Michaela Rechtschaffner photos
FESTIVAL OF TREES If youhaven’t been down to the Christmas Tree Lawn in Snug Cove yet be sure to catchall the colourfully decorated trees as partofyour holidaydisplay tour!Each group and organization has put their ownunique and creative spinonthe Christmas tradition, organized byFamily Place. If you can, checkthem outafter darktosee them in all their glory! TheDriftwood Menorah is theretoo,and there’s agathering on Dec. 28 tolightaHanukkahCandle- full details in the Calendar./AlexKurial photos
Christmas Merry
& Happy New Yearfrom the BowenIslandRealEstateGroup
A Bowen Christmas Classic
ALEX KURIAL Editor
A Bowen Christmas tradition continues this year in support of the Food Bank.
Actor and director Martin Clarke is well known for being an integral part of the island theatre scene, including decades of appearing in local Shakespeare productions and being a cornerstone of the annual reading of a Christmas Carol come the holidays. Clarke has been behind another longstanding holiday event too – the December reading of A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas, which has now taken place for around 35 years.
The tale of a small town boy and his Christmas adventures had a humble beginning here on Bowen. Clarke would visit the Shaw Family for Christmas and read the story to everyone who gathered (he notes they were a large family so he had a good audience from the start.)
“We did that for several years and then later on I decided I’d really like to let the community know more about it,” says Clarke. He asked Joan Hayes of Snug Café if the popular coffee shop might be available for a nighttime reading. She was more than
happy to host the evening reading, also providing drinks for those who came to listen.
“It was very cozy. We used to cram people in, about 40 or more. I really enjoyed it there,” says Clarke.
Martin’s reading continued to prove quite popular and the audience continued to grow, so much so that the venue has recently shifted to the United Church and its more spacious pews. The new location has proved to be a good storytelling setting.
“I like reading in churches, it’s great because the whole setup is for reading and listening, for somebody out front and other people looking and listening,” explains Clarke of why he enjoys the reading’s new home.
This year A Child’s Christmas in Wales reading takes place on Sunday, December 22 at 7 pm. The event is free but a donation to help support the Bowen Island Food Bank is much appreciated.
“I thank all these people who have been so kind and generous and given me their places for doing the theatre,” says Clarke, also noting one-time venues such as the Museum and even a virtual performance during the pandemic
“Some people come every year for this, they really love it.”
This Grinch loves the Food Bank
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Gina says Tony, who she calls “Mr. Christmas” is responsible for most of the display, but she had an idea to make it even more special after seeing all the attention it was receiving.
“If people are coming by to see it, if they want to bring a can or bag of food we’ll leave this out,” says Gina, referencing a bin located on the road next to their display It’s for donations to the Bowen Island Food Bank, and last year they filled the bin right to the brim with supplies She says people can feel free to pull into the driveway for drop-offs (bearing in mind to watch for the ditch) or the property is located by the parking areas for the Bowen Bay mailboxes.
Tony says the display will stay lit around the clock until sometime in January. He plans to make it bigger and better each year, which will be a tall task given it’s already one of the more extensive decorations in town
“Ever since I was a kid I just loved
Christmas lights,” says Tony. “I love the fact that people get stopped in their tracks when they see Christmas lights and they reminisce about their childhood. Our favourite thing is when we see kids come by and they’re just in awe.” This includes a handwritten card dropped off by a young boy inscribed ‘Thank you for the Grinch. We love it so much in the neighbourhood.’ and a passing comment from a youngster stating “These people are Christmas crazy!”
“I thought that was perfect, that’s exactly what I want to hear,” says Tony.
“If you can spread a little joy even just driving by it’s so great,” says Gina “We find joy in it ourselves and we just hope we bring some joy to everybody else.”
The display – which along with the donation bin for the Food Bank is accessible at any time – can be found at 1724 Bowen Bay Road, on the left side of the road if traveling north. Just be cautious of traffic and other folks waiting to take a look!
The Grinch, Max, Town of Whoville, and a donation bin for the Bowen Island Food Bank too can all be found at 1724 Bowen Bay Road. / Gina Lazarowich photos
NO POWER? NO PROBLEM!
Embracing the holiday spirit of community and giving back, the annual Children’s Holiday Shopping event at the Knick Knack Nook went on without a hitch despite the power outage! The amazing, resilient volunteers donned festive hats and headlamps and assisted the children who were excited to find the perfect gifts for family and friends. Patient adults happily chatted outside with friends while enjoying festive hot cider, and waited patiently to be reunited with their satisfied shoppers. Adding to the cheerful environment were several Island Pacific School students who volunteered their time and energy. A truly unique Bowen experience! / Submitted photo
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Proudly Celebrating 46 YearsofTrusted Transport forBowen Island &HoweSound
Cellular: 604-250-2630
Telephone: 604-947-2243
•PRIVATECHARTERS AVAILABLE •SERVICE TO MANY LOCATIONS IN HOWE SOUND
Come celebrate at BowenCider Houseinour new lounge with home bakedChristmas treats,festiveappetizers,hot cider glögg,and new ChristmasHindbaer cider! 5to8pm.
Friday,December20
Customer Appreciation Dayatthe Building Centre
BowenBuildingCentreCustomer AppreciationDay from 11 am to 2pm. Stop by for festivetreatsand goodies
Friday,December20to Sunday,December22
Christmas MagicatEndswell Farm
TheMagic of ChristmasatEndswell Farm.Visit with Santa and Mrs.Claus,enjoy hotchocolate, hotapple cider marshmallow roasting, and treats under themagic of more than 60,000 lights!
Saturdays, December 21 &28
Daddyand Me
This eventisfor dads,uncles& grandads and their 1-6 year olds.We’ll have coffeeand treats on hand, free.10am to 12 pm at BowenIsland Children’sCentre(downstairs) Sunday, December22
Child’s Christmas in Wales
Martin Clarke’s annualreadingofa ‘A Child’sChristmas in Wales’ in the Little RedChurchat7pm. Afreeevent buta donation to theBowen Food Bank is welcome
To Tuesday, December 24
Winter Magicatthe Museum &Archives
Wander througha magical winter outdoorexhibitatthe BowenIsland Museum &Archives,at1014 Miller Road.
Friday,December27
EndofLife Conversation Group
All BowenIslanderswho are85+ and/or livingwith a life-limiting diagnosisare invited to join aconversation aboutlife,death,and dying. Health Centre from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.RSVPtopaulfast@shaw.ca
Saturday, December 28
Community MenorahLighting
BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH www.biuc.ca |1122 Miller Road
SundayWorship10:30 am ChristmasEve -5 pm Children’sService; 9pmTraditionallessons and carols. Rev. LorraineAshdown OFFICE HOURS WEDNESDAY 10-4 ORBYAPPOINTMENT. 778-688-2061
SundayMass at 9.30 •Christmas Mass December 25th 9.30 am Contact AngelaPowell604-947-2515
CATESHILL CHAPEL
SHIRATHAYAM (Song of theSea)
BOWEN’SJEWISH COMMUNITY
Please join us for the CommunityHanukkah Candle Lighting at 5pm. TheDriftwood Menorah is in Snug Cove. We’llbelightingthe 4th candle of the ancient 8day miracle of Hanukkah
To Saturday, December 28
December Art Market at theHearth
The5th annual DecemberArt Market at the Hearth gallery.Featuring gift itemsfromlocal artistsand artisans. More info canbefound at thehearthartsonbowen.ca
Tuesday, December 31
NewYear’sEve at theLegion
TheBowen Legion is holding the Early NewYear’sagain thisyear! Join hostsMargaretGrayand Marc Gawthorp for an afternoon of trivia and appetizers with atoast at 6:30 pm to welcomein2025. Membersand guests welcome. Tickets $20. Limitedseating so secure yourseatbye-transfering rcl150treasurer@gmail.com.Makesureyou tell us your name,how many tickets youare purchasing and the names of your guests.19+ event.
Tuesday, December 31
NewYear’sEve at thePub
Come enjoyHoneybear NewYear’satthe Pub. Featuring Funk,Soul& Rootsmusic from 8:30 pm to Midnight. Doors at 8for ticket holders.Tickets $20, fordinner reservations email info@bowenpub.com
Tuesday, December 31
NewYear’sEve at DocMorgan’s
Join us forNew Year’s Evedinner offeringour regular menu and specialfeaturesmenu! Kitchenopenuntil 9pm andbar until10pm!
Wednesday, January1
PolarBearPlunge
Chilly NewYeartraditiongoes2 pm at BowenBay Beach. Saturday, January4
Judi GedyeOpenHouse
Come chat with BIMCouncillorJudith Gedyeabout communityissuesatCollins Hall,starting at 3pm.
www.cateshillchapel.com• 604-947-4260 (661 CarterRd.) SundayWorship 10:00 Candle Light Christmas EveService 7pm. Everyone welcome. 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
Shabbat Gatherings ~Holidays Contactaryana.rayne@gmail.com •www.shirathayam ca
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
Islands Trust behaviour & a much anticipated BC Ferries visit
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
There was a question about my mention of the challenges of controlling angry behaviour at meetings. There are ongoing discussions about a Code of Conduct and whether there should be consequences attached to poor conduct, with considerable resistance from, no surprise, the usual miscreants.
The latest iteration involved using words typically reserved for recipients of verbal abuse: on a point of order, the speaker was stopped from discussing details of content from a closed meeting. He responded loudly, talked over the chair and when ruled against, said that he did not feel “safe” in voicing his opinions. His cry about safety caused laughter, but one result is that corrective actions are being escalated. That’s unfortunate for all.
Ongoing drama in meetings is an unnecessary distraction from other matters. For example, an “unrestricted” (for operations, not special projects) grant from the Province has been stalled at $118,000 for over a decade. The bulk of the balance is funded by local property taxes. The Trust is legislated to “preserve and protect… for the benefit of the residents of the Trust Area and of British Columbia”.
The recent census pegs the BC population at over five million, which equates to ~$.03 per person: it’s hard to live up to expectations with so little. Compare that to the accumulated assets of the Trust Conservancy, now the property of the Province, plus all the work accomplished by the Trust in order to continue to preserve and protect the whole area: of great value to the Province.
While in Victoria, during the closed meetings of Trust
Council, Andrew arranged a visit with BC Ferries. They have agreed to visit Bowen to be shown some of the problems we are experiencing. They were asked to time their visit for a 7:30 am scholars’ run, preferably on a Wednesday and we can keep them long enough to experience either the before or after of a dangerous cargo sailing. It is impossible to replicate the full extent of the summer chaos, but the point is for decision-makers to focus on operational changes, since capital is a non-starter.
The dissolution of all Ferry Advisory Committees has left a void, and while the corporation says it wants to work more closely with local governments rather than user groups, there is still no plan for how they propose to do that. There have been several recent hires of high level public relations personnel, but it is not clear how performance will improve.
The number of runs in our schedule is one issue. BCF’s license requires fewer runs and any excess allows for cancellations with no repercussions, and without regard for the users. If we could agree on fewer runs, that would allow more time for loading/unloading, possibly less time spent waiting for an empty berth in Horseshoe Bay, and some consequences for the corporation for what we see as poor performance
Marshalling in Snug Cove is another major issue. The argument is that the road beyond the ferry ramp is not BCF property so BCF employees have no authority. Charging rent for use of the roadway for marshalling, enough to pay to hire more people is one solution, but finding people willing to work with angry mobs driving tanks is another (universal) problem in bylaw enforcement! Mayor and council
are working to find solutions before the summer of 2025. In addition, we have filed a federal grant application with the Rural Transportation Solutions Fund to improve transit on Bowen.
What about a tourism tax? At council’s last meeting there was a staff report on a Municipal Regional District Tax which is collected by the Province and must be spent on affordable housing and/or tourism projects. Otherwise, it has been difficult to get BCF to collect a surcharge from non-residents. Such a fee could help pay for some of the local services used by tourists in the Cove - think flushing or marshalling.
There was a question about whether there was a limit on the size of a house being built.w On Sidney Island there is an upper limit of 8,000 square feet. On Bowen, house sizes are linked to lot sizes. None of us knew how Sidney Island would control sizes but ventured such authority would be embedded in the Official Community Plan (OCP) and the Land Use bylaw. Since we are in the beginning stages of our OCP review, anyone wishing to pursue such an idea should put together an argument for consideration by the OCP committee. Our discussion led to general comments about water supply and conservation, environmental covenants, and enforcement problems.
The next open house will be January 4, 2025. Home baked goodies might be displaced with clementines and other healthy choices while we recuperate from feasting while celebrating one, or more, of the many reasons to celebrate during this time of year: Happy Solstice, Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy New Year, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Orthodox/Ukranian Christmas and more!
BOWEN ISLAND FOOD BANK
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
SWIMBOWENCANCERCAREFUND
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
In person at the Library bycashorcheque to Bowen Island Public Library Foundation
BOWEN ISLAND CHRISTMAS
HAMPER DRIVE
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 RESILIENCESOCIETY
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
BOWEN ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
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
ISLAND PACIFICSCHOOL
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
COAST ANIMAL WELFARE &EDUCATION SOCIETY
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
