New names chosen for Bowen beaches
ALEX KURIAL Editor
A pair of Bowen beaches will be receiving new names in the coming months.
The two destinations set to change names are Crayola Beach in the Bluewater neighbourhood and Pebble Beach at Cape Roger Curtis. They’ll be known as Xéla7an and Smí7mant Áyalhkw respectively going forward, drawing their new names from the Squamish language The initiative is a result of a Bowen Island Parks Plan recommendation for collaboration with Squamish Nation, and a means to clear up some practical issues with the current names.
Aaron Williams, a language specialist with Squamish Nation, provided the guidance for the new names. Joined by his mother and cousin, the three came to Bowen last fall and met with manager of environment and parks planning Carla Skuce to explore the beaches in question. They first went to Pebble Beach, also referred to as Roger Curtis Beach, on the southwest side of the island. CONTINUED ON PAGE
Events
AllCouncilmeetingsareopen tothepublictoattendin personorelectronically,unless notedotherwise.
January 20, 2025 1:00 pm CommitteeoftheWhole Meetingre2025Budget
January 27,2025 1:00 pm RegularCouncilMeeting
2025 Property Assessments
2025PropertyAssessmentsarenowavailableonline.Allyouneedisa propertyaddresstolookupthevalue.Todisputeyourpropertyvalue, pleasecontactBCAssessmentbeforeJanuary31,2025.
www.bcassessment.ca
CapitalProjectUpdate: Community Centre
ProgressontheCommunityCentreiscomingalong,slowlybutsurely! Pavingofthefrontofthedrivewaywasrecentlycompleted,and occupancyinspectionsareongoing.Weanticipatethatwewillbeable tomoveinsometimeinFebruary,butthatiscontingentonpassing severalcriticalinspectionsincludingfireandlifesafetysystems Wewanttomakesurethisimportantassetofthecommunityisfully completedtooursatisfaction,evenifthatmeansfurtherdelaysto movingin.Weknowthattheongoingdelaysareasourceoffrustration–andwefeelittoo!Butwearesoexcitedandoptimisticforwhenwecan finallyopenthedoorstothecommunityandprovidebright,modern andfunctionalspacesforarts,recreationandculturalprogramming www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/community-centre-project/
SeekingPublicComment
BOV-2024-0198for840Captain’sWay 11:30amonWednesday,January29,2025 BoardofVarianceMeeting
PROJECTDESCRIPTION:
ABoardofVarianceapplicationhasbeensubmittedfor840Captain’s Way(shownonfigure)toreducetheminimumrearsetbackfrom7.5m to0m,andtoreducetheminimumsetbackfromthenaturalboundary oftheseafrom24.1mto20.4m,toallowforaresidencetoberebuiltin thesamelocation.
YOURCOMMENTSAREWELCOME: WrittensubmissionsmaybedeliveredtoMunicipalHallbefore 12:00pmonTuesday,January28,2025:
• ByE-mailtomayyorandcouncil@@bimbc.ca,
• inperson,
• bymailto981ArtisanLane,BowenIsland,BC,V0N1G2or
• byfax604-947-0193
Toensureafairprocess,writtensubmissionscannotbeacceptedafter thedeadline
VerbalsubmissionscanbemadetotheBoardatthemeeting.
MOREINFORMATION:
MoreinformationavailableonourwebsiteorbycontactingthePlanning Departmentduringofficehours.
Questions?PleasecontactDrewBakken,IslandCommunityPlanner,at 604-947-4255ext233orbyemailatdbakkane@@bimbc.ca
www.bowenislandmunicippalityy.ca/pplanningg/
We’rehiring -Planner 1
BIMishiringafull-timepermanentPlanner1tofillanupcomingvacancy ThePlanner1isresponsibleforselectdevelopmentapplications, planningenquiries,andsupportingtheManagerofPlanningand Development.
www.bowenislandmunicippalityy.ca/work-with-us
Beach names draw from unique natural elements
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
“One of the main things we noticed at this beach is that there were lots of little pebbles, it was like somebody went in there and dumped tons and tons of tiny little pebbles, and you could tell they were all rounded from the ocean… that was a very huge indicator for this name,” said Williams as he presented the new names to council last month
“It was very striking to see that… this indicated this beach was very untouched and unscathed from development, which was very beautiful to see,” added Williams. As a result he felt Smí7mant Áyalhkw – translated to ‘place of pebbles’ – appropriately reflected the setting of the beach, a “reference to the wonderful state and condition that the beach is in ”
Further north on Bowen’s west side the group visited Crayola Beach, occasionally known as Bluewater Beach. Aaron’s mother Vanessa noticed red markings left by water tides on rock banks and bluffs. This brought forward memories of petroglyphs, a form of communication where messages are created through a technique of marking rocks.
“It was something that really stood out to her, and reminded her of our old way of educating the future
through the petroglyphs,” explained Aaron. This led to the name Xéla7an, which means ‘marked/ coloured on the cheek/side’.
In addition to the collaborative element, the municipality said new names will resolve some current issues with the beaches. These were explained as Pebble Beach bearing too close a resemblance to Pebbly Beach at Mannion Bay which created confusion, and disagreements among residents on whether Crayola Beach or Bluewater Beach was the historically accurate name of the location.
“My heart is full hearing the words of your travel to the island and to those beaches, and hearing the experience of your Mom there as well,” said Mayor Andrew Leonard to Williams.
“I’m really struck by what feels like a deep reverence to soaking in and embodying the place as a means to have the name emerge from it in your considerations. It touches me in a deeply respectful way and I feel a full body of gratitude in receiving those names,” the mayor added.
“It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of this process for the wonderful locals of Bowen Island, and to be able to have a small piece of our identity in the eye of the dear locals of Bowen Island,” said Williams.
Curtis Beach (left) will became known as Smí7mant Áyalhkw, while Crayola/Bluewater Beach (above, including the crayon-style posts which sparked its current name) will take the name of Xéla7an. / Alex Kurial photos
editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
Pebble/Roger
VIEWPOINTS
Ourresidentcartoonist RonWoodallhas informed us thatthisweek’s cartoon marksthe 1000thhe’screated forthe pagesofthe Undercurrent. Thanks Ron forhelping us celebratethe manywonderous quirks of island livingall theseyears!Alongwith thisweek’s millenial cartoon on the right(sure to resonate with Deep Bayhomeowners,and perhaps one in particular), on the leftweflashback to cartoon #1 which starteditall (Cat Days arelong overdueinmyopinion.) Ronhas no plans of stopping ofcourse,and we all look forwardtomanymorecartoon milestones to come
THE WRITE STUFF. TheUndercurrent encourages reader participationinyourcommunity newspaper.You must include your fullname and adaytimephone number (for verification only). The editor reservesthe righttoedit forclarity,legality,brevity and taste. Please limit to under 500 words. HERE’S HOW:Tosubmit alettertothe editor,fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to PO Box 130,Bowen Island,BC, V0N 1G0 oremail editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
#102–495 BowenTrunk Road, PO Box130, BowenIsland BC,V0N 1G0
Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148
$85 including GST Newsstand (Single Copy)$1.50 per copy,includingGST ISSN 7819-5040
All Advertising and newscopycontent are copyrightof the Undercurrent Newspaper.All editorialcontent submittedtothe Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication. TheUndercurrent is not responsiblefor unsolicited manuscripts,art work and photographs
National NewsMedia Council.
TheUndercurrent is amember of theNational NewsMedia Council of Canada, which is an independentorganization established to dealwithacceptable journalisticpractices and ethical behaviour.Ifyou have concerns about editorial content, please emaileditor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com or call 604-947-2442. If youare not satisfied withthe response and wishtofile a formalcomplaint, visit the websiteatmediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 foradditional information.
CARTOONIST
VIEWPOINTS
WRAPPING UP THE DAY Aconstant on BowenIsland isthe skyscape’s abilitytodeliverstunningsunsets no matter whattime of year.While it mayhappen earlier than some ofuswould like, there is something to be said forwatching the sun disappearinthe cold air early on awinter’sevening.Be sure to take in afew chilly goldenhoursbeforethe longerdaysstart to return./ LisaBrougham photos
NERP Tip- Generator Maintenance
If you have agasoline fuelledgenerator, make sure you addgas stabilizer to help preventfuel deterioration over time andprotect yourengine fromdamage.
Besuretokeep your generatorand fuel in goodworking order this winter. / ASphotowed photo, GettyImages
ANOTE FROM BRIAN
No dog had abetterlife than Idid. My dad, Chuck, rescued me. He brought me to Bowen Island where Iwheeledaround the cove, and Union Steamship Marina, where Imade lots of friends. Ilovedboating and going to the Pub. Every day was fulloffun and happiness for me. Ioften forgot Iwas in a wheelchair.Thanks to all of you for agreat life.I’ll miss you all, especially my dad. Brian -Died peacefully,in his best friend’sarms on January 2nd, 2025.
reception@bowenvet.com 604.947.9247
NavigatingWomen’s Health withKim Vopni, The VaginaCoach
MATT SMITH
Community Health Coordinator/BIHealth Centre
It seems like we’re given more guidance for how to maintain our cars than we are for our ownbodies. Have you ever wished youhad a manual, explaining what to expect from yours?
Kim Vopni, The Vagina Coach, wants you to understand your body like amechanic understands cars. Through education and cultivating insight, Kim, apelvic health coachand menopause support practitioner, works to remove the shameand stigma that many womenfeel about their bodies sothey canage powerfully and live life to thefullest.
On Saturday, February 1, Kim willbe on Bowen to deliver an enlighteningworkshop designedtoeducate participants about important aspects of pelvic health, hormonal changes, and menopause. The talk will cover arange of topics, including hormones, menopause and perimenopause, urinary incontinence, prolapse prevention, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, and solutions,includinghormone therapy.
Pelvic health is often overlooked,but it plays acritical role in overall well-being. Kim’s workshop will delve into whythe
pelvic floor deserves much more attention than it gets. You will learnwhy conditions like incontinence and prolapse occur, and whatyou can do to preventormanage these challenges.Kim will discuss genitourinary syndrome ofmenopause as wellashelpful therapies that eliminate the sufferingthat affectsupwards of 80 percentofwomen.
Kim –also apersonal trainer –will introduce movement strategies to supportyour bones, your heart, and your balance, and will reveal lifestyle hacksand discuss hormonetherapy research to ensureyour body has what itneeds to thrive.Whether you areexperiencing or haveexperienced the changesofmenopause, or simply want to understand your body better,Kim’s workshop willprovide valuable toolstohelp you become more empoweredand in touchwith your body
This free eventispresentedinpartnership by the BowenIsland Community Health Centre and theBowen Island Public Library, with financial support from the Bowen Island Literacy Task Group. Coffeeand muffinswillbeserved. Peopleofall ages and genders are welcometojoininthe learning. Registration is required. Space is limited andfillingupfast. Please visit bipl.ca/vag for details andregistration.
QUEEN OF CAPILANOFERRY SCHEDULE
BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH Sunday Mass at 9.30 Contact Angela Powell 604-947-2515
CATESHILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.)
SHIRAT HAYAM (Songofthe Sea)
BOWEN’S JEWISH COMMUNITY Shabbat Gatherings ~Holidays Sunday Worship 10:30am Rev.Lorraine Ashdown www.biuc.ca |1122 MillerRoad 778-688-2061 OFFICEHOURS WEDNESDAY 10-4ORBYAPPOINTMENT
Contact aryana.rayne@gmail.com •www.shirathayam.ca FOOD BANK DROP-OFF Sunday Worship 10:00 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 -exceptSaturdays 9:00 pm 10:00pm
KimVopni willvisit BowenIslandonSaturday, February1./Submitted photo
December’s top home sales on Bowen
ALEX KURIAL Editor
There was no holiday slowdown for local real estate as six properties on Bowen sold in the final month of 2024.
Tops among the December sales is a sizeable six-bedroom and four-bathroom home at 1605 Whitesails Drive. The 3,389 square foot house consisting of two stories and a basement sits on 0.93 acres of land, and sold for $1.655 million.
Inside the 30-year old home is an open layout well suited for entertaining. Guests will also enjoy the swim spa pool outside on the deck, which also features views west over Tunstall Bay and to the Sunshine Coast. Part of the home can be utilized as a separate suite if desired.
The second and third-highest selling homes of last month are a stone’s throw away from each other in Deep Bay, starting at 1113 Lenora Road. The three-bed, two-bath home spanning two stories and a basement closed for $1,351,500 The house measures 2,727 square feet and is on 0.18 acres of land.
The 1980 build calls back to its roots with a sunken liv-
ing room, warmed by a fireplace. Skylights throughout the house keep the interior well lit. Each level has its own outdoor deck which offer views across Deep Bay, and there are large gardens in both the front and back yards
Two doors down you’ll find 1117 Lenora Road which sold just a few weeks after its neighbour for $1.23 million. This home has five bedrooms and three bathrooms spread among three stories. The 2,784 square foot home is 43 years old and sits on a 0.27 acre lot
Stretching out behind the home is a two-bedroom guest suite with accompanying workshop space, it can be accessed through a stairway corridor or on its own outside. There’s also a loft space above the dining room, and venturing outside leads to a hot tub under a covered deck.
And it was back to mid-island for the fourth-highest sale of December with the four-bed, two-bath home at 1167 Adams Road. The two-storey coach house, measuring 3,890 square feet on 0.9 acres, closed for $1.075 million.
The outdoor space on the property provides plenty of potential for all sorts of growing possibilities, and already boasts a range of flower bushes and fruit trees. There’s also a creek running through the lot. Two levels of studio space are also available to be turned into a separate living area.
December’s top selling home was 1605 Whitesails Drive (above) at $1.655 million, followed by 1113 Lenora Road (below) for $1,351,500. / Zealty.ca photos
THINGS Winter
Marie@marieneys.com MarieNeys.com
Organ Sustai Clothi mena Artisa move
We meet every Thursday at CollinsHall-9:30to12:30 to paint,sketch, draw... if you want to connectwithother like mindedcreatives...join thefun! $30 monthly or $10 drop-in that to helpspay forHall rentaland other club costs. We also host workshops andother events. Contact Marie@marieneys.com or Shannonrondeau@shaw.ca ic+ Eco Friendly+ nable +Versatile Bamboo ng:West Coast Style for ndwomen designed locally. n Square and 24/7 at mentglobal.com
End of Year Q&A with MP Patrick Weiler
ALEX KURIAL Editor
As 2024 drew to a close we talked with Member of Parliament Patrick Weiler, serving West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea to Sky Country and of course within that riding, Bowen Island. Ahead are his answers on some of the most talked about Bowen issues over the past year and into the future.
Q: You were on Bowen this year announcing funding through the Housing Accelerator Fund. How will it help Bowen, and what else are you following with regard to housing?
A: That was one of the big ones earlier this year. There’s housing challenges everywhere, but Bowen is very unique. Bowen’s growing very quickly, the cost of housing is going up, and we need to make sure that we can build more homes generally to bring down the cost, but also to build more affordable homes I’m very excited to be working closely with Bowen Island and Mayor Andrew Leonard on that project. It’s going to make a big difference in speeding up the approval of housing on the island and help meet the need and the demand that’s there, which in turn will also lower the costs of housing as well
Then there’s lots of lots of great affordable housing projects that are in the works, one that’s already opened the doors with the affordable rental project. And then I’m really excited to see the progress of BIRCH which will really help provide some low cost housing. We’re always trying to find any opportunities here and there to work with non-profits and other developers to get lower cost housing built. That’s been a really big one, and we’ve got a good partnership with Bowen and Mayor Leonard on that. I’m looking forward to seeing how that funding is going to roll out to meet the targets that are set on that, which are an additional 114 units over the next 10 years of additional housing than what was already going to get built
Q: What can the federal government’s role be assisting communities with extensive infrastructure projects but small tax bases?
A: Over the last 10 years the federal government’s made historic investments in infrastructure right across the country. And I’d say parts of the country where that investment is most needed is in smaller and rural communities, where so much of the infrastructure is built 50 or more years ago. A lot of it needs to be replaced, or you have communities that are growing quickly and you need to build that additional capacity to service it. Bowen is no exception. Even though it is part of Metro Vancouver, it’s not connected to the same infrastructure that way. So there is an additional need to build infrastructure specific for Bowen. Whether that’s transportation infrastructure, whether that’s water infrastructure, the federal government’s made a number of big investments in the last few years. And there’s additional challenges on Bowen, given that there’s a lot of parts of the island that are fairly spread out where you need to have your own infrastructure or more localized infrastructure. We have a number of programs, including the investing in Canada infrastructure program to do just that. Eagle Cliff infrastructure upgrades are an example of that.
And then there’s a lot of infrastructure investments made over the last five years that are hopefully completing or completed. That could be water infrastructure or the Community Centre, which hopefully will be opening its doors pretty soon… that one will be a game changer for the island as well. And I just think it’s really important for the federal government and the provincial government to step up and support smaller communities, because oftentimes you don’t have access to the same kind of tax base to build out that infrastructure. It’s very difficult if you’re just going to do that on property taxes alone.
Q: How can the federal government assist with Bowen’s chronic ferry issues?
I was on Bowen for an event this summer, and I had intended to go from Bowen to the Sunshine Coast for an event. And the ferry was two hours late, so I wasn’t able to make it to that event. And that’s just a small microcosm of a lot of the frustrations that Bowen islanders have been having all year. This was a particularly bad year for BC Ferries, consistently having the ferries not be on time, and that’s incredibly frustrating and there’s a cost associated with that too. I’ve had a chance to speak multiple times in the last year with the CEO of BC Ferries, Nicholas Jimenez, about what can be done to improve that, and I know Mayor Leonard has as well. They have a lot of major challenges similar to a lot of communities, where you have older infrastructure and it’s breaking down and then you also have additional demand. The federal government doesn’t operate BC Ferries, but we provide funding to BC Ferries to the effect of it being part of the Trans Canada Highway System. And we also have provided some financing this year for BC Ferries to procure more ferries. The Canada infrastructure bank provided financing for $75 million to procure some more Island class ferries that are going to be diesel electric hybrid. It’s a big challenge for BC Ferries because they’re running these older ships, they don’t necessarily have access to the funding that they need to procure more ships, and they’re also limited by the province in terms of how much they can charge for fees. I definitely sympathize with BC Ferries that in some ways they’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. But I’m always finding ways and chatting with BC ferries on where they might be able to improve their service, and where they’re not able to improve their service trying to find other ways for Islanders to get to and from the island.
I’ve been working very closely with a private developer to establish an electric passenger ferry. That one would be a game changer and potentially connect Islanders to downtown Vancouver from another part of the island. I’ve been hearing very promising things and doing what I can to support those discussions so that people have better access to and from the island, as well as better transit on the island and the ability
to get across the island as well. That could be through the Multi-Use Path or trying to find ways of reviving the on-demand transit service that Bowen had. I think these are very key because there’s a lot of frustration, and rightly so, for the challenges of getting around. I think we can do better on that. And I know that there’s wide ranging agreement on some of the best pathways of how to do that.
Q: How do you envision positive tourism management and tourism economy?
I co-chair the all party Parliamentary Tourism Caucus The tourism sector is maybe the biggest economic sector in the riding, whether that’s Bowen where it’s sometimes a little bit more seasonal with tourism activity or somewhere like Whistler where it’s busy almost all year round. It’s an important part of the economy and important for communities as a huge job creator. But it’s very important that tourism is done right and contributes to the vitality and well being of these communities. I know that’s very much top of mind for Bowen Island tourism.
How do you have regenerative tourism that contributes locally but doesn’t become a burden for residents? There’s ways of doing that. I’ve had discussions for a couple years now hearing about Bowen considering being part of the Municipal and Regional District Tax, that’s a way to ensure that tourism contributes locally. Federally we do support the tourism sector in different ways, whether that’s through our destination marketing organization, Destination Canada. We also worked very closely and have funded groups like Tourism Bowen before on some of their projects, for instance the Tourism Relief Fund. So the way I see it, there’s so many things that are connected to tourism - we just talked about transportation is right at the top of the list - and there’s a role for the federal government to support there. As well, helping to be able to market what Bowen has to offer, and to be able to amplify the efforts of organizations like Tourism Bowen Island. I’m always looking to where we could partner on things like that and ensure that the tourism sector is going to be a strong contributor to life on the island.
We blew throughour 1.5 degreeClimate goal –Now what?
CHARLES MCNEILL
Contributor
Last week we got the very bad news that in 2024 ourplanet had the hottest yearin recorded history –surpassing the1.5 degree Celsius warming goal the world community has been trying to keep below since the2015 Paris Climate Conference. Nowdisasters like the Los Angeles fires arehappeningone afteranother -and every tiny increment above1.5 degrees could mean the difference between aworld with rainforests andcoral reefs and one without.
My talk last Sunday forBowen Island Food Resilience Society (BIFS) at the Bowen Island Public Library addressed actions we can take in our own lives and communities to address this intensifying climate crisis.
We discussed how our food systemgenerates nearly1/3 of all greenhousegas (GHG) emissions, drives 80-90 percentoftropical deforestation and loss of species, uses up 70 percentofall freshwater –and is damaging our health with 1in3people overweightor obese while 735 million people go to bed hungry eachnight.
Perversely, among many other problems, our food system inflates the cost of healthy organic vegetables and fruitsrelativeto
highly subsidizedjunk food andindustrial meat anddairyproducts.
We drilleddown intothe three key solutionstotransform the food system: 1) More sustainable foodproduction; 2) Adietary shifttomoreplantsand fewer animals;3) Reduction of foodlossand waste.
Although most focusontackling climate change is on ‘clean energy’ solutions –withoutaction on the Food System’s outsize emissions,wecan’t stop the unfolding catastrophe we arewitnessing. Only 4per centofglobal climate finance is currently allocated to food systems, althoughthey accountfor some 30 percentofemissions. This mustchange.
Plants providecalories and protein far moreefficiently(and often in amore healthy form) than animal-sourcefoods.For example, beef production requires 20 times more land andemits 20 times more GHGsper unit of edibleprotein than plant-based protein sources such as beans, peas and lentils.
Canadians arestill among the highest per capita consumers of beef butfortunately, beefconsumption in Canada has declined by nearly40per centover the past 40 years. However, if everyoneinthe world adopted Canada’s current food consumption patternsby2050 we would need4.5 planets to feedus, so we should reduce further
Arecent study shows that investing in aplant-richfood system offers ahistoric opportunity to reduce GHG emissions –and in fact, would generate more than 5times the emissions reduction from the sameinvestmentinRenewable Energy and 4times the reduction from Electric Vehicles
We also discussed the appalling fact that huge amounts of public funds arebeing used to destroy nature rather than protect it and how urgent it is to reduce or redirect the colossal “environmentally harmful subsidies” paid to the farming,fisheries, forestry, fossilfuels,and water sectors. Fortunately, this mismatch is gaining increasingattention among policymakers and needs to result in major reformssoon.The good news is that funds to protect ourenvironment are available, butthey arebeing spent on the wrongthings.
We talked aboutthe difference national policy can make and the remarkable example ofCanada’s Dietary Guidelines (made possiblebyour ownBowen neighbor, Dr. HasanHutchinson!) and Denmark’s comprehensive and promising new agriculture and climate policy thattaxesGHG emissions from livestockproduction, restores nature and pays farmers to reduce nitrogen pollution.
We explored thepromising potential
of reducingmeat anddairy consumption through ‘AlternativeProteins’ (plantbased or cultivatedmeat)and their strong advantages in reducingenvironmental impacts and animal suffering and alleviatingrisks from anti-microbialresistance and pandemics.
Moving from afoodsystemthatexploits the planet to onethatcan feed the 10 billion people expected by 2050 within planetary boundarieswilltake widespread, multi-sector, multi-levelaction. Each of us has arole to play –three times aday.
CharlesMcNeill spokeabout food systems at the BowenPublicLibrary on Sunday. /Hyunjoo Leephoto
Carmina Bowena returns for another Season
RENAISSANCE CHOIR ON BOWEN
MICHAEL EPP
Carmina Bowena
One of only two Renaissance Choirs in the Lower Mainland, Carmina Bowena is back for another season, right here on Bowen Island.
What makes our choir’s offerings unique is that they originate mostly from the period 1450-1600, are sung a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment) and in many different languages, as the repertoire originates from countries all across Europe. Other works are liturgical and are usually sung in Latin.
Those of you who attended our Christmas concert at Tir-na-nOg last December will know that in addition to our traditional song list, we premiered two original works by our director, Nicole Thomas Zyczynski, and an original Ave Maria by our youngest member, Louw Verwey.
Currently we are starting to prepare for our spring concert, which will take place in late April. The choir meets on Monday evenings at our director’s house, from 7 to 9 pm. We always welcome new voices to join us.
For more information on the choir or to enquire about joining our merry band of vocal pranksters, go to our website at carminabowena.ca or contact our director, Nicole, by email at ntzharmonium@mac.com
Search andcompare property assessmentinformation at bcassessment.ca
If you’re among BC’s approximately 2million property owners, visit bcassessment.catofindyourupdatedpropertyassessmentinformation The 2025 assessmentsare based on market valueasofJuly1,2024. Have questions or want moreinformation? Visitusonlineat bcassessment.ca or contactusat1-866-valueBC. Thedeadline to fileanappeal foryourassessment is January31, 2025.
Carmina Bowena, led by NicoleThomas Zyczynski (fourth from right), held a pop-up singing performance during the CSA Christmas Craft Fair in 2023. / Katlyn Corrigan photo
Greens’ Valeriote says shares in oil and gas company an ‘oversight’
SEA TO SKY MLA COMMITS TO DIVESTING $172 WORTH OF SHARES
SAYS WAS LEFTOVER DIVIDEND FROM RETIREMENT INVESTMENT
BRANDON BARRETT
Pique Newsmagazine
Sea to Sky MLA Jeremy Valeriote, whose election campaign was defined by his opposition to a liquefied natural gas facility in Squamish, said he plans to divest his remaining shares in an Alberta oil and gas company after a media report this week brought the investment to light.
On Monday, Jan. 6, The Tyee reported on the “surprising” financial holdings of some BC MLAs, based on the disclosure statements all candidates are required to complete, and found the BC Greens’ Valeriote owns shares in PraireSky Royalty Ltd., a Calgary-based company with crude oil and natural gas interests across Western Canada. The company reportedly holds interest in approximately 9.7 million acres of land with petroleum and/or natural gas rights, plus gross overriding royalty interests in another 8.5 million acres.
“I appreciate The Tyee for bringing this to my attention. This was an oversight which I am taking action to resolve,” Valeriote said in a statement to Pique. “The $172.08 I have
in PrairieSky shares is a leftover dividend from past retirement investments in fossil fuels, which I have been actively divesting from over the years. While this highlights the systemic challenges of transitioning pensions away from oil and gas investments, I am committed to leading by example as the representative for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky and will be removing this investment immediately.”
Valeriote’s historic campaign centred around his fierce opposition to the Woodfibre LNG facility being constructed on Howe Sound, which helped make him the Greens’ first-ever candidate elected on the B.C. mainland. Last month, he told The Squamish Chief it was “tremendously disappointing” the NDP wouldn’t agree to cancel the controversial project as part of its power-sharing agreement with the Greens.
The Greens’ 2024 election platform promised no new LNG projects, no permits for new fracking wells or pipelines, and vowed to set a date to begin phasing out gas production in the province.
Valeriote’s disclosure lists other investments, including shares in companies dedi-
Jeremy Valeriote (second from left) with members of Frack Free BC protesting oil-and-gas industry practices outside of the Fairmont Chateau Whistler in July. / Liz McDonald photo
cated to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. They include wind power company Innergex, electric and hybrid vehicle producer Azure Dynamics, and Foremost Lithium Resource and Technology.
The MLA also invests in the telecommunications giant, Telus Corp.; plane and snow-
mobile manufacturer, Bombardier; cybersecurity and software provider, BlackBerry; Toronto-Dominion Bank; water management consultants Paradigm Environmental Technologies; drug developer Arbutus Biopharma; and IM Cannabis Corp., among others.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Saturday, January 18
Men’s Shed Coffee Meeting
The Bowen Island Men’s Shed is hosting a coffee meet between 10 and 11 am at the Blue Cottage (behind Tourism Bowen at 432 Cardena Drive). Men of all ages welcome No charge. Get to know other guys and talk about how we can help each other and our community.
Saturday, January 18
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 Runs 10:30 to 11:30 am bipl.ca/French
Sunday, January 19
Baseball Workshop: Hitting with Bowen Rec
Join Dr. Nic Lendvoy to master the art of hitting. In this clinic, participants will learn essential techniques to improve their hitting. Bowen Island Community School Gym from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, costs $40. For ages 10-18.
Tuesday, January 21 (& other dates)
SKY Hangouts
Drop in at the Seniors Cottage on Cardena Drive. We will be offering a welcoming place to stop in for a drink & visit with friends. Hangouts also Jan. 22 & 24. All from 1 to 3 pm.
Wednesday, January 22
Community Choir Sign-Up
Our spring session is starting, we hope to see many of you there! Please arrive at 7 for registration and a 7:15 pm practice start.
Thursday, January 23
Movie Night at the Library
Showing Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (2022). Comedy. Runs 1 hour, 48 minutes Rated TV-14/PG-13. Drop in, no registration required, starts 6 pm. “Explores every facet of Yankovic’s life, from his meteoric rise to fame with early hits like ‘Eat It’ and ‘Like a Surgeon’ to his torrid celebrity love affairs and famously depraved lifestyle.” Spot the cameos and decide what’s true in this hilarious parody of the biopic. Starring Daniel Radcliffe and Evan Rachel Wood
Sunday, January 26
Baseball Workshop: Throwing with Bowen Rec
Join Dr. Nic Lendvoy to master the art of throwing. In this clinic, participants will learn throwing mechanics and improve arm strength, accuracy and fielding. Bowen Island Community School Gym from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, costs $40. For ages 10-18.
Sunday, January 26
Cider House Orchard Wassail
Come to the Bowen Cider House to toast the apple trees & usher in the new harvest: bonfire, live music, children’s activities, and full lounge menu. From 1 to 6 pm, more info at bowenciderhouse.ca
January 26 to February 2
Family Literacy Week at the Library
This year’s Family Literacy Week theme is “Learn to be Green, Together!” Come play Be Green Family Bingo and our Critter Scavenger Hunt at the Library this month, and find out more about Family Literacy Week at bipl.ca/flw
Tuesday, January 28
Community & Career Advisors at the Library
Drop in to see a Community Integration Service specialist and/or aWorkBC Career Advisor 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 Find out more at bipl.ca/workbc & bipl.ca/CIS
Friday, January 31
Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED Level C Course
Blended online & in-person first aid course offering lifesaving first aid & cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills for the workplace or home 9 am to 1:30 pm at Municipal Hall, costs $115. Online course completion necessary prior to in-class work, will take around 3-4 hours to complete.
Saturday, February 1
Health Talk with Health Centre & Library
Kim Vopni, The Vagina Coach, is coming to Bowen Island to talk with you about vaginas Free event at Cates Hill Chapel from 10 am to 1 pm. Register at bipl.ca/vag or send questions to healthservices@bowenhealthcentre.com. Find full event details in this paper on Page 6.
MONDAYS
Meditation Mondays
Happy Mondays! Buddhist teachings and meditations to awaken the heart. Your journey to inner peace begins here! 7 to 8 pm at the Library Annex, side door direct from car park Runs through February 10. Payment by cash ($12 drop in) or online: meditateinvancouver.org/bowen-island
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
