ROOKIES OF THE YEAR The Island Pacific School basketball team is set to wrap up a successful season - the school’s first ever on the court - under the guidance of coach Dylan Gromen (right). Head over to Page 3 to read more about everything this spirited group achieved during the year, and find out about the special guest speaker who will talk to them and the community next week / Alex Kurial photo
ALEX KURIAL Editor
Construction of the Multi-Use Path along Grafton Lake will include the addition of a new parking lot.
The municipality entered into a Collaborative Projects Services Agreement with Island Garden Estates, the developer in charge of constructing the Grafton Lake subdivision, for creation of the two elements. The Multi-Use Path (MUP) portion of the agreement stems from the original 2018 rezoning of the lake area, where Island Garden Estates agreed to pay for a portion of the path along Grafton Road ending across from the entrance to the Agricultural Commons
The idea of a gravel parking lot was suggested by the developer as a way to attract people to the newly established Art Rennison Nature Park, dedicated in 2023 after they transferred 166 acres of land to the municipality under another part of the rezoning conditions
In September 2023 council referred the proposal to several committees and the Bowen Island Conservancy. CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
AllCouncilmeetingsareopen tothepublictoattendin personorelectronically,unless notedotherwise.
January 27,2025 1:00 pm RegularCouncilMeeting
February 18, 2025 1:00 pm CommitteeoftheWhole MeetingreWaterandSewer Systems
February 20,2025
1:00 pm BudgetOpenHouseviaZoom
February 27,2025 6:00 pm
BudgetOpenHouseviaZoom
Thewaterfiltrationequipmentdidnotfunctionproperlywhenitwas returnedfromthe“factoryreset”atthePurificsfactoryinSeptember 2024. PurificscametositeinDecember2024andreplacedall36of theceramicfiltertubesinoneofthetwofiltermodules. Thisrepaired moduleappearstobeachievingwaterqualityobjectives,butturbidity isstillhighinthefiltratefromtheothermodule,whichwouldpointto defectiveceramicfiltersasbeingthelikelycause. Purificshasindicated thattheyhaveorderedreplacementceramicfiltersforthesecond module,andonJanuary15th,2025,theyprovidedanestimateof30-60 daysfordeliveryofthereplacementceramics.Furthertestingofwater qualitywilltakeplacewhentheremainingceramicfiltersarereplaced.
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/water-treatment-plant-project/
BIMispreparingforthe2025budget.Letusknowwhatmattersmostto you.
YouwillhaveopportunitiestoengagewithstaffandCounciltotellus whatyouthinkoftheproposedbudget,howmuchtheMunicipality shouldspendorsave,andtohaveyourquestionsanswered
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www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/2025-budget/
BOV-2024-0198for840Captain’sWay 11:30amonWednesday,January29,2025 BoardofVarianceMeeting
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ALEX KURIAL Editor
Island Pacific School fielded their first ever basketball team this year Formed just last month, the group has been hard at work since pursuing their own definition of success on the court.
Dylan Gromen is coach of the squad, and just like the team it’s his first year at IPS too. Gromen teaches physical education and design, arriving on Bowen with his partner Alison Sturrock (a fellow IPS teacher) after the pair worked in several countries over several years. An avid sports fan, naturally Gromen was the right person to seek out when students became interested in forming a team.
“One of the students came up to me and said that they were super into basketball… Can we get some games?” recalls Dylan. He reached out to BC School Sports who said they’d need seven players. Before long (boosted by several Grade 9 signups) an eight-student strong co-ed basketball team had formed. The team began play against mainland opponents early in December.
New teams in any sport always face challenges in their rookie year, one being a large experience gap against their veteran opponents. To help level the playing field the kids volunteered to add morning practices to their existing sessions after school. Gromen says the payoff for their enthusiasm is evident.
“When I think back to where they were about a month ago compared to where they are now, the growth has been astronomical. They started at a low part of this very steep curve against these other teams and competitors, and they’re climbing up a steep hill. But the important part is they want to make the climb, and that’s what’s building a lot of their resilience and a lot of their grit too,” he says.
A good dose of that grit is courtesy of their own practice facility at the Colin Ruloff Community Field House. Though covered, the building lies open to the elements on all four sides. It’s where the hoops are though, so for December and January the students have bravely shown up each day in winter temperatures to continue honing their skills. This includes last Friday, a chilly practice which Dylan was especially pleased with
“That is definitely some of the best basketball we’ve played all year,” he commented following the session. “I think the most powerful thing is seeing them come together as one and really trusting each other and believing in each other. And that’s kind of what we’re going for.”
“It doesn’t matter if we win the game or if we lose the game It matters what we learn from the game and what we’re learning from each other and about ourselves. They’ve blown me away with their compassion for each other, and I’m honoured to be able to take them to a game and show up with them at practice and support them, because they’re doing something that not a lot of kids this age would do,” says Dylan.
As the final games on the schedule play out at the end of this month, Gromen felt the team deserved a celebration both for stepping up to play and for all they’ve achieved since. He spoke to head of school Brad Carter who suggested a keynote speaker. As chance would have it, Gromen received an email from Lyn Duke, a community engagement coordinator with the Invictus Games –an international sporting competition comprised of athletes who have been injured while serving their country.
After some discussion a plan was hatched. Lealand Muller, a retired corporal and wheelchair basketball player who competed for Team Canada at the 2023 Invictus Games in Germany, is coming to IPS to speak to the team next week.
Please email your listing to Alex by Tuesday 5p.m.for that week's edition. editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
“I think it’s going to be a really powerful thing for the kids to be able to hear from somebody who has had to overcome such adversity in their life, and be able to talk about that journey and what resilience looks like, and plays basketball too just like them,” says Gromen. “It’s not just going to be for the players there, it’s going to be for everybody in that room.”
In order to amplify the message the event for the basketball team has now grown into a banquet evening to take place Tuesday, January 28, with both the IPS community and the Bowen community at-large invited. Dylan, along with Muller and Duke, hope to bring people out both to celebrate the team and hear Muller’s message of perseverance. The event takes place at Cates Hill Chapel opening to the public around 6:15 pm, and is by donation.
Every day at practice the team talks though their five focal points: being here and now; intention and attention; doing our
best; not worrying about the outcome; and Hakuna Matata – the phrase made popular in The Lion King which means ‘no worries’. All of these have guided the team’s growth over the past several weeks, but the last one especially has resonated beyond the court. Gromen recalls a discussion with a player about how it helped shift perspective on a range of topics
“I really have taken Hakuna Matata to heart a lot more, and I’m forgiving myself a lot more,” explained the student. “I used to be a lot harder on myself when I miss a pass, miss a shot, turn the ball over. But I told myself Hakuna Matata, and now I’ve learned how to forgive myself.”
For Dylan, this is worth more than any box score will ever be. “I’m glad that it’s helped connect that basketball has life lessons you can apply to so many things in the future… Yeah you’re going to make mistakes - don’t worry about it. Let’s use that as an opportunity for you to grow.”
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ANTON VAN WALRAVEN Letter Writer
With fires still raging in California, Canadian media and government attention seemed to have moved on. Why? Are they unwilling to face the facts that building more oil and gas projects are harder and harder propositions when we can see floods all over the planet, and whole Los Angeles neighbourhoods lost to hurricane wind force spread fires? All events having the fingerprints of climate change all over them.
Telling was a conversation I had with federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Canada, Jonathan Wilkinson, just before the provincial election last year, at a joined meet-‘n-greet thrown by BC NDP candidate Jen Ford, and federal Liberal Minister Wilkinson at our local pub. I didn’t want to let that opportunity pass me by.
So on the day, I entered the small sunken arena at our local pub. And after having grilled Ford on the ridiculousness of continuing in a climate crisis with BC LNG and Woodfibre LNG - I was warmed up to discuss a few issues with the Minister
It just so happened that the night before, I had listed videos of major flooding events posted by someone in Manchester, UK - handle @volcaholic1 on Twitter (X). Swiping and scrolling are like opening a tap; you don’t get a sense of the total amount.
But once I was done listing, I stared in disbelieve at two pages full of major flood events, over 60 in total, and it was just for one month, September 2024. Since June last year, it had been flood after flood, and except for the European Union and North Americans ones - hardly any reporting on them by mainstream media.
While I showed Mr. Wilkinson the list, he acknowledged the dire situation, but when it came to how Canada would act on it, things turned incomprehensible quickly. Take the 100 per cent tariff on Chinese EVs that Prime Minister Trudeau had announced days earlier.
Why protect Canadian and US carmakers who have seriously screwed up, ignoring EVs and making ever bigger gas guzzling SUVs and pickup trucks, and instead, punish Chinese carmakers who did their homework and made the right decisions?
And do Canadian, and US governments really think they can slow down technological developments, when well made Chinese EVs are rolling out of factories by the millions? Good luck with that!
Wilkinson fired back that China is subsidizing its car makers [as if Canada doesn’t], and that China has poor environmental standards. The latter is true. China does have major mining problems as it holds a 95 per cent global market share of rare earth metal mining and processing
“But is trying to block Chinese EVs the right response?” was my reply: “Why not offer Canada’s experience in applying higher labour and environmental standards. Offer those technologies and practices, in return for China helping Canada speed up the process of making small, and midsize affordable fast charging electric vehicles with a sufficient range. Cars many Canadians would buy tomorrow, if only they were available here. Work together and not always see things as economic cultural battles.”
Wilkinson looked for words, as we both understood that as a high government representative he could not go there, and so had to fall into political platitudes. I thanked him for having made the effort to come to Bowen Island, we had a laugh over something else and parted ways. I hope a seed was planted.
I cannot stress enough, that Canada nor the US can afford to sit back on phasing out oil and gas, and transitioning into green societies. Sitting back is falling back, from which at one point it will be very very costly to come back.
Both for the new US president, and who ever will win the upcoming Canadian federal elections, this is a reality they cannot ignore. And if they do, all of us will lose greatly. I am sure that is not the “making great” some of us have in mind.
JOHN SBRAGIA Letter Writer
Dear Editor,
People should not be surprised that Donald Trump covets sovereign lands like Canada and Greenland. As we have seen throughout history, e.g. Mussolini, etc., that is what power hungry, fascist bullies do.
Despite the warnings, America has elected a self serving criminal who will proceed to create a plutocratic dictatorship that will trample the American constitution and democracy, and will seek retribution against those with the courage to stand up for the truth in exposing a treasonous, sociopathic madman who has unleashed the forces of darkness in our midst
In stark contrast, our Bowen Island community is a blessed beacon of light that was founded on the solid principles of democracy that are reflected in our Official Community Plan and the building blocks of our stalwart Canadian community.
As I have mentioned a number of times since I became an island resident in 1975, the democratic foundations upon which our community was built did not fall out of the sky. They were created and cemented into the fabric of our community because the people of Bowen Island rose up in unison and seized the democratic power that is always theirs, just as Gandhi advised people to do. And, along with Gandhi, we Bowen Islanders showed the world that when the people lead, the leaders will follow.
It is important for Islanders, especially for newcomers, to read letters such as mine that tell our story, so they can know and understand the roots of who we truly are as a people. Having coordinated the valiant democratic efforts of over 100 volunteers at the height of our good fight to preserve our island way of life, I have often wished that Islanders could see who we are as a community though my eyes, eyes that have often seen the strength, beauty and resilience of the human spirit at the heart of our island community.
The name “Bowen” can mean son of the noble, young and victorious one - yes indeed, nobly born in the youthful and victorious, shining light of democracy. May Bowen Islanders always hold that flame high, and may we pass it on to our children and our children’s children.
I take this opportunity to wish my fellow Islanders every blessing for the New Year.
AFOND FAREWELL TheBowen IslandCommunityHealth Centre (CHC)celebrated the retirementofDr. Matt Blackwood with aspecial lunch at the BowenLegiononSaturday, January18. At the event, they presentedhim with afarewell gift:a paintingofthe clinic,which opened lastspring.Dr. Blackwoodcan be seenhere receiving his gift,surrounded by clinical and administrativestaff from the CHC. TheCentre, BowenIsland Health Centre Foundation and communityare extremelygrateful to Dr.Blackwood forhis years of serviceand dedication. We wish him well in hisfuture endeavors! /CommunityHealth Centre submission
BRENT RICHTER North Shore News
West Vancouver and BowenIsland residents willgotothe polls on April 5toelect anew school board trustee afterformertrustee LynneBlock resignedtotake her seat inthe B.C.Legislature.
Block was elected as West VancouverCapilano’s new B.C.ConservativeMLA on Oct. 19 and she resignedfromthe West Vancouver Schoolsboard of educationa monthlater Under theSchoolAct, school boards must fill any vacated seats unlessthe seatbecame vacant after Jan. 1inageneral election year.The next localgovernmentand school boardgeneral elections aredue in 2026, meaning the person elected as trustee will havejust under two yearsinoffice.
District of West Vancouver council members metfor a special meetingonJan. 16 to appoint thedistrict’s senior manager oflegislativeservices Hope Dallas as chiefelection officer and schedule theelection for April5.
The legislation states thatthe election must be held on aSaturday within 80 days of theelection officer’s appointment. Hope toldcouncil they were choosing April5soastonot havethe vote fall on March break whenmanyfamilies may be outoftown.
District staff are estimating thebyelection will cost $75,000 to $80,000, which legislation requires
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the schoolboardtoreimburse to the municipality outofits ownbudget.
“All efforts are being made to keep costs down for the school district, for example, by using in-house staff, notusing voting machines, andlimiting the voting locations,” saidWest VancouverspokespersonCarrieGadsby in astatement.
The nominationperiod opens on Tuesday, Feb. 18 and closesat4pmonFriday, Feb. 28.
The base salaryfor aSchoolDistrict No.45 trustee is $27,101 per year.
Nominationpackagesare available at municipal hall or at westvancouver.ca/election.
Voter turnout for school board byelections tends to be paltry.When the NorthVancouver School District held abyelection in 2021 to fill a vacant seat, five candidates ran but only 2.04 per cent of eligible voters cast aballot.
At the time, the district estimatedthe cost of the byelection was $80,000.
The previous byelection fora NorthVancouver school boardseatin2009 saw4.75 per cent turnout.
There willbetwo days of advance voting opportunities– Wednesday, March 26 and Monday, March 31, from 8amto8pmatWest Vancouvermunicipal hall. On the day of the byelection,polls will be openatthe West Vancouver Community Centre’s Lily LeeRoom and Bowen Island Community School from 8amto8pm.
Lou is a1.5-year-old bundle of chaos and charm. Herjourney began in Mexico,whereshe and hertwo buddies were abandoned outside afactory Luckily, arescueswoopedin, bringing herto LA beforeshe made herbig move toCanada. We think Lou is aChihuahua mix. She’sgot aflair for the dramatic, especially at the vet.Lou came to see us at BowenVet recently to pick up her prescription for Interceptorto help her stay safe andfreefrom health-hazards like heartworm, hookwormand other types of worms.
Her favorite hobbies includedestroying squeaky toys with unmatchedpassion and making friends with everyperson and pup she meets.
reception@bowenvet.com 604.947.9247
REGULAR HOURS Mon. to Fri. 9-5 Closed Sat &Sun
The Province of British Columbia has officially proclaimed Family Literacy Week as January 26 to February 2, 2025, an annual campaign celebrating the vital role of literacy for families of all configurations.
This week-long event includes the nationally recognized Family Literacy Day, held every year on January 27, and organized by ABC Life Literacy Canada. This year’s theme, “Learn to Be Green, Together”, encourages families to embrace eco-friendly habits while strengthening connections and learning together.
Bowen Island is definitely getting into the act, with the Bowen Island Literacy Task Group (BILTG) coordinating a number of earth-friendly events, inviting Islanders of all ages to celebrate throughout Family Literacy Week.
Pick up a beautifully illustrated colouring sheet, created by local artist Eleanor Rosenberg, to learn about the fascinating path of electricity. These colouring sheets will be available from January 27 onward at several locations, including the Bowen Island Public Library, the Hearth, Arts on Bowen, the Bowen Island Museum and Archives, Bowen Island Children’s Centre and the Bowen Island Health Centre.
For those eager to engage in eco-themed fun, the Bowen Island Public Library has prepared a “Green Family Bingo” activity. Families can challenge themselves to check off as many eco-friendly activities as possible from the bingo sheet while enjoying time together. Additionally, nature enthusiasts can take part in a Critter Scavenger Hunt, also hosted by the Bowen Library, where participants explore and learn more about the local environment.
On Monday, January 27, the Bowen Island Children’s Centre and Family Place will host an exciting lineup of events. “Raven Speaks”, focusing on traditional
Indigenous wisdom teachings, gets underway at 10 am, running until Noon. Sessions will be led by First Nation artist and storyteller Simon James, who will share tales and lead an art-based project. To round off the morning, participants will enjoy a traditional First Nations snack.
From 1 to 2:30 pm families are invited to tune in for a screening of selected episodes of the award-winning animated TV series Raven Tales. This is an opportunity for children and adults of all ages to experience Indigenous storytelling in an engaging, modern format. Please note that this event is not a drop-off program; children must be accompanied by an adult.
On Sunday, February 2, at 10:30 am the week’s celebrations will conclude with a guided tour of the newly acquired Cape Roger Curtis conservation area. In collaboration with the Bowen Island Conservancy, attendees will join Owen Plowman for an exclusive exploration of this remarkable natural landscape. The tour offers an inside look into the ecological significance of the site, which was recently secured to ensure its preservation for future generations. Spaces for this tour are limited, and registration is required to participate. To register, please email bowenliteracytaskgroup@gmail.com
The Bowen Island Literacy Task Group is a coalition of representatives of key community groups, including the Bowen Island Public Library, Bowen Children’s Centre, Bowen Island Community School, Bowen Island Community Recreation, Bowen Island Community Health Centre, The Hearth, Arts on Bowen, and Bowen Island Museum and Archives.
The BILTG is dedicated to promoting literacy and fostering education on Bowen Island. It is appreciative of and acknowledges the support of Decoda Literacy Solutions, who provide funding to support local initiatives. For more information, please contact bowenliteracytaskgroup@gmail.com.
SHARI ULRICH
Contributor
Award winning Canadian, world travelling singer songwriter Scott Cook will be making his first visit to Bowen Island next week as part of the “Trust Me” series
He’ll be joined by partner Pamela Rae on acoustic bass and vocals. I first became aware of Scott while jurying a songwriting award and being utterly gobsmacked by the song “Pass it Along” which you can find on Spotify or Apple Music. You can learn more about him on his website as well at scottcook.net
Almost 20 years ago Alberta born Cook quit his job teaching kindergarten in Taiwan and moved into a minivan to embark on his life as a troubadour. Since then he has tirelessly toured across Canada, the USA, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and beyond, averaging 150 shows and a dozen summer festivals a year, and releasing seven albums of keenly observant well-crafted songs along the way.
His latest collection Tangle of Souls comes packaged in a cloth-bound, 240-page hardcover book of road stories and ruminations, equal parts introspection and insurrection. Among many accolades, the music earned him a Canadian Folk Music Award nomination for English Songwriter of the Year; the second most-played song of 2020 on Folk Alliance International’s folk radio charts; and top honours in both the 2020 UK Songwriting Competition and the 2020 Great American Song Contest.
He’s been back on the road full-time since January of 2022, living in a campervan named Roadetta with his sweetheart Pamela Mae on upright bass and vocals, visiting 43 states and 8 Canadian provinces, and broadcasting solar-powered livestreams from the back of the van. We are so fortunate that they can make Bowen Island one of those stops.
The show takes place on Tuesday, January 28 at 7:30 pm at Tir-na-nOg Theatre. Tickets are $25 at Phoenix Books (with cash) and on Scott’s website (no fees) and at the door, though as I always say, we do like to know how many cookies to bake! Hope to see you there!
www.tippys.ca
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
The Advisory Planning Committee, Transportation Advisory Committee, Environment and Climate Action Advisory Committee, andCoveBay Water System Local Advisory Committee reported back in favour of the staff recommendation ofan 11-car gravel parking lot off of Grafton Road. The Parks Trails and Greenways Advisory Committee andConservancy meanwhile expressed their desire for alternative sites aroundthe lake to be pursued.
During council on Jan. 13 manager of planning Daniel Martin reiterated staff support for the Grafton Roadsite as the most preferable for the parking lot. He explained the location alreadyhas acompletedenvironmental and engineering assessment, and is on flat land ownedbythe municipality. Five alternative locations –three on Forster Road and oneonHarding and Trout Lake Road –all lack such assessments, and posed other difficulties including terrain, land ownership, and conflict with residents.
Much like the committees, councilwas alsosplit on the parkinglot. Coun.Sue Ellen Fast felt the proposed lot conflicted with themission of theMUP and the park itself. “I think the priority should be on the Greenways corridor for wildlife andseeds and biodiversity connectivity between the areas of Crown land… puttinga parking lot in the middle of that is an error inpriority of what is anature reserve,” shesaid.
“The second disconnectIsee is thepurpose of the MUP. It has climate reasonsand reasons of active transportation to move
bicyclesand pedestrians.Ifthat’s thepriorityofthe MUP, whywould we be putting vehicle infrastructurethere instead of bicycle andhuman infrastructuresuitabletoa MUP?”added Fast
Speaking in favourofthe parkinglot, Coun. John Saunders brought up accessibility concerns with theNaturePark. “My experience withthe outdoors is that we want tomakeitasaccessible as we can –I’m certainly happy to walk to GraftonLake from whereI live, but alot of people can’t.” He says whilethe MUP willhelp those travelling to theparkwithout avehicle, “itdoesn’t open up theoutdoors to as many people aswepossiblycould, which is the goalof anypark.”
Coun. Tim Wake agreed with prioritizing accessibility,and said thepark itself will draw visitorswhether there’s aparking lot ornot. “I think the impact of this parking lot isbeing overstated…Wewantpeople to use that park and we wantthem to use it safely.”
“The impact that we’regoing to get from parking 11 carsthereisnot alot different than theimpact we havefrom fiveorsix cars parkingonthe shoulder right now… The carsare already coming,” added Wake.
Council approved both partsofthe agreementina 5-2 vote, with Coun Fast and Judith Gedye opposed. Theoverall cost of theparking lotwillbearound$40,000, which will be covered by the developer. Thecurrentparking spots along theside of GraftonRoad acrossfrom theAgricultural Commonswill eventuallybereplaced by the MUP.
BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH
Sunday Worship 10:30 am Rev. LorraineAshdown www.biuc.ca| 1122 MillerRoad 778-688-2061 OFFICE HOURSWEDNESDAY10-4ORBYAPPOINTMENT
Sunday Mass at 9.30
Contact Angela Powell 604-947-2515
CATESHILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661Carter Rd.)
Sunday Worship10:00
SHIRAT HAYAM(Songofthe Sea)
BOWEN’S JEWISHCOMMUNITY
Shabbat Gatherings ~Holidays
Contact aryana.rayne@gmail.com •www.shirathayam.ca
Adetailed design of theproposed parking lot (above, BIMmap)along with its approximate location alongGrafton Road (greyarea-not to scale,Bowmap).
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 QUEEN OF CAPILANOFERRY SCHEDULE OCTOBER152024TOMARCH 31
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
ALEX KURIAL Editor
A new remuneration policy will be in effect for Bowen Island’s next council.
A raise in both mayoral and councillor pay was approved this month to take effect for the council term beginning in 2026 Currently a Bowen mayor makes $34,649 per year, with councillors earning half of that at $17,300. The new compensation plan will see the mayor earn $57,445 and councillors $28,723
One major priority of the change is an effort to recognize the large amount of work councillors undertake. “Bowen, despite us being a small size, is quite a bit more complex to administer and govern than many other municipalities our size,” said chief financial officer Kristen Watson, pointing out that in addition to local matters council members also deal with regional governments in Metro Vancouver and Islands Trust, along with BC Ferries too.
“When you combine that with our proximity to Metro Vancouver and the added cost of living in the lower mainland, it is reasonable that council may want to consider a new compensation policy,” says Watson.
There’s also a hope that a higher salary might encourage more people to throw their hats in the election ring. “In the past most of our councillors are people that tend to have other secondary sources of income. So there is an argument that increasing the compensation would make it more accessible for other people without that secondary source of income to consider running for office,” said Watson.
Coun Sue Ellen Fast agreed this could expand the election field. “My concern is that we do attract a diversity of voices to sit around the table for the good discussions that we have and for good decision making in
general. I think in order to do that we should be compensating people for the time it takes to do the thinking and work,” she said.
Council passed the new policy 6-1 with Coun. Alison Morse opposed. The new mayoral salary was calculated at 40 per cent of the average salary of all 21 Metro Vancouver municipality mayors, with the new council salary set at half that amount. Overall the changes will add approximately $68,000 to the annual budget
2023 mayor (left) & council salaries of Metro Van municipalities. / BIM chart
TransportCanada’sNavigationProtectionProgramadministerstheCanadianNavigableWatersAct.
InaccordancewithrequirementsoftheCanadianNavigableWatersAct,BowenIslandMunicipalitygives noticethatithassubmittedanapplicationtotheMinisterofTransportforthefollowingworks
Common ProjectRegistry Number Navigation ProtectionProgram (NPP)FileNumber
11086 2024-513882
Howtosendcomments:
email:
Theexistingsanitaryeffluent(sewer) outfallservicingBowenIsland Municipalityistobereplacedwithanew outfallpipelinewhichwilllayon/under theseabed.
ThroughSnugCove,and terminatingatapproximately N49.3813,W123.3231
CommentsaboutthepotentialeffectofthisworkmustbereceivedbyFebruary20,2025.
WeinviteyoutosubmitcommentsonlinethroughtheCommonProjectSearchsiteat: https://common-project-search.canada.ca/.Todoso,entertheregistrynumberindicatedaboveinthe searchbox,andfollowtheinstructions.Alternatively,commentscanbemailedoremailedto:
NavigationProtectionProgram–TransportCanada 820-800BurrardStreet
VancouverBC
V6Z2J8
NPPPAC-PPNPAC@tc.gc.ca
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PostedinSnugCove,BowenIsland, onJanuary21,2025 www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/snug-cove-outfall-replacement-project/
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 on Page 7, and 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. Both run from 11 am to 2 pm. Find out more at bipl.ca/workbc & bipl.ca/CIS
Tuesday, January 28 (& other dates)
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. 29 & 31. All from 1 to 3 pm.
Tuesday, January 28
Invictus Games Speaker at Island Pacific School
Athlete and veteran Lealand Muller will hold a talk open to the public at Cates Hill Chapel. Begins around 6:15 pm, admission by donation. Find out more on Page 3.
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
Saturday, February 1
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
Saturday, February 1
Judi Gedye Open House
Join Councillor Judith Gedye at Collins Hall to talk about
We need twothings fromyou (in addition to your great idea): a500 word proposal andthat youbepartnered with(or justbe) acharitableorganization. Thedetailed application packageisavailableon theFoundation’shomepage: bowenfoundation.com
If you’relooking for ideas, the 2023Vital Conversations reportoutlines opportunitiesfor improvement on Bowen Island.
Email your proposal to grants@bowenfoundation.com.
local issues. Chat goes from 3 to 4 pm.
Sunday, February 2
Self-Defense Workshop with Bowen Rec
Learn self-defense and street safety for real life scenarios. Individual sign-ups or families, parents and youth welcome to register together At Bowen Island Community School gym from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, $40 cost.
Thursday, February 13
Valentine’s Art with TAG
Join the Thursday Art Group and discover the fun of collage Must register. Free for regular paid members $15 for all others. RSVP to marie@marieneys.com, limit of 10 participants. Runs 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
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
Babytime at the Library
Starting Feburary 6. A free, 30-minute drop-in program of songs, books, and rhymes for babies 0-24 months and their caregivers! Starts at 11:30 am Join us afterwards, at 12 pm, for a casual baby & caregiver social hour in the Annex. bipl.ca/babytime
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
