The municipality’s 2025 draft budget includes a 9.5 per cent raise in local property taxes.
The property tax raise is the same as last year’s jump, and is also predicted to be the same next year according to the Five-Year Financial Plan. There’s expected to be a significant decrease after that, with five per cent raises forecast between 2027-29. Overall the municipality expects to generate just more than $787,000 in revenue from the increase, bringing the overall operating budget to approximately $9.03 million.
The effective rate of the tax increase will be lessened though by a little more than $100,000 of revenue which came as a result of non-market changes to the assessment roll. This includes added value from new homes being built, reclassification of properties, or new rolls entirely from subdivision of properties. This essentially makes the property tax increase eight per cent for 2025. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
To translate this into real dollars per household the value of an average residential property on Bowen is calculated, which this year comes out to $1.596 million, up $11,000 from last year. This results in an average property tax bill of $3,831, a jump of about $284 from last year when factoring in the eight per cent effective tax increase.
Following the release of the Five-Year Financial Plan during last week’s Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting, the public consultation period for the budget is now underway. There will be a virtual open house to discuss the budget on February 20 at 1 pm, with an update presented to council on February 24. Another virtual open house takes place February 27 at 6 pm ahead of the end of public consultation on March 7 A final draft is expected to be presented later that month, with adoption in April.
Last week’s COW detailing the draft budget focused on general funds which every property pays, and did not include discussions about water or utilities charges. A COW meeting will take place on February 18 to discuss the utilities budget.
Stay tuned for a closer look at capital projects and what each municipal department has planned for the year ahead.
A look at the operating expenses and revenues portion of the municipality’s Five-Year Financial Plan. The island is currently in the second year of successive 9.5 per cent tax raises, a number which is expected to alleviate beginning in 2027. This year’s effective rate dropped to 8 per cent though due to non-market changes.
We areofficiallyone month into 2025 and Ihopethe new year hasgottenoff to agood startfor all of you. As the calendarturns over to February, we’vegot one moreissue herethis monthand thankstoall of yoursubmissions it is anothersuccessful Island-Wide edition There’slots to digintothis week rangingfrom helpful services to hearthealth,sportsand science,and avisit to ourseasfroma northern neighbour.Thankstoeveryonewho sent in pictures too! Whether it’s sceneryoranevent theyalwaysdowonderstotell astory and brighten up the pages.
Iwould alsourgeeveryonetoreadthe lettersubmittedbyour localHealth Centre on Page 7, and taketime to considerthe message within. That facilityis, and will continue to be, agame changerfor ourisland, and it’simportanttosupportthe people who work thereby fostering apositiveatmospherewhileutilizing thenew space.Suzanne of course says it best, so pleasedoreadand considerher note,and alwaysrememberthat ultimatelythese are humanbeings (in this case ourfriends and neighbours) who you areinteractingwith
We arestartingtosee moreand moreevents as the year rolls along, severalofwhichtake placeoverthe nextweekand abit.Thisincludes afair bit of activityfor the rapidlyapproaching SuperBowlSunday,soifyou’regoingtobe on Bowenbesuretocheck thecalendar. A quicklocal sports note, it wasveryinspiringto hear one of Canada’s Invictus Gamesathletes, Lealand Muller,speak to thecommunityat Island Pacific School last night, about hisjourneywith sport. ThankstoLealand forcoming out, and congratstothe rookie IPSbasketball teamtoo who were deservedlyrecognized with theirown Athletics Banquetfor their efforts.
Andspeakingofnew years, HappyLunar NewYearaswell! HopefullythisYearof the Snakewill be prosperous for us all.
-AlexKurial, Editor
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VIEWPOINTS
On the importance of Public Art
EMILY VAN LIDTH DE JEUDE Letter Writer
I write in response to the voiced concern about our municipal “art fund”. This relatively small fund is an essential aspect of our community’s future prosperity.
First of all, to get the obvious out of the way, the commonly-held belief that artists should volunteer their time (and often materials) to produce public art is absurd, for the same reason we’d never expect contractors to build our public buildings without pay, and donate supplies. Artists have bodies and families that need to be fed and housed just like the other contractors who build our infrastructure.
Secondly, and most importantly, art needs to be recognized as essential to our community prosperity. The aesthetics of any community space greatly affect the way it is used Is it practical? Is it comfortable? Is it conducive to peaceful community gathering, and a feeling of safety for users? Does it represent the community we want to build, both visually and aurally? If we want the whole community to feel not only welcome in the space, but also represented by the space, then great thought needs to be put into the way the space speaks to visitors, and that thought is the professional practice of public artists... who deserve to be paid for their work.
Consider Mt. Pleasant. When my mother ran the Playbus there, in the 70s, it was a destitute neighbourhood full of hungry wandering children, who she would welcome onto her big bus, that was outfitted inside like a preschool, and provide some song, story, crafts, snacks, and safety to. She was just one preschool teacher, but a glimmer of creative hope in what was at the time, a bleak, impoverished community.
If you go to Mt. Pleasant, today, you’ll find a much happier neighbourhood that is not only bustling with people, but vibrant, partly due to the many gorgeous murals that cover its once-sad-looking buildings. Art changes a community. It gives it hope.
Lastly, I want to speak about engagement. When a diversity of community members is engaged in creating the spaces we share, we feel ownership. We feel a desire to keep it up; to appreciate and celebrate it - and us. If you walk down to the ferry you can pass the work of a whole diversity of local artists - on the same wall that previously was adorned with the work of our children, who, as they grew up, walked by their childhood art pieces, and felt a sense of belonging in this community
Bowen Island Community School also once had a mural program, where students painted the walls of the under-cover area, and various artists have gone into BICS over the last 45 years to engage with the students in creating part of their space to be theirs. The crosswalk-art competition is another great example of community-engaged public art. Our island already has a history of doing this work.
This is a kind of work I am personally familiar with, as I’ve led such programs in the Netherlands and Burnaby When you give people the agency to design and beautify the spaces they share with the rest of their community, you give them connection to their home, and a reason to maintain and celebrate it. Every community needs the engagement of its citizens of all ages and backgrounds, if it is to prosper We all need to look around as we go through our daily activities and feel proud to call this our home. Public art is how we make that happen.
Nexwlélexwem/Bowen Island is a community of artists, having at one point in recent history the second-highest number of artists per capita in Canada. We have every opportunity to not only celebrate that fact, but to use our tremendous creative resource to make our community a beautiful place where we all can feel safe, seen, and supported. The small annual contribution to the public art fund (and the eventual use of the fund to create joyful, community-led public art that unites our population) is a crucial part of our island’s prosperity-building.
Sure, there will be people who do not understand this. So we can educate! Spread the word about the benefits to be had from public art, and get these people involved in
Bowen and her four-legged hiking companion pause and enjoy the scenery during a late afternoon visit to tucked away
making it. I implore all of you responsible for the decisions that govern our community to use this money wisely, and hold us together in prosperity.
Maureen
Konichi Bay.
604.6
Weismiller, Realtor
604-992-4468
1293 Oceanview
Newlyrenovated family home includingmortgage helper.4bedrooms,plusa 1bedroom legalsuite.
$1,299,000
857 Forster Lane
Buildinglot with architectural plansinplace. Access to acresoftrails and views of Grafton Lake.
$599,000
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687 Windjammer Road
Privateacreage,justa few minuteswalktoBowen BayBeach.3bedrooms plus 2detached bunkies.
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1288 OceanviewRoad
Turnkeypropertytucked away down aquiet road, includes3 bedroomsand a detachedofficepod.
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845Valhalla Place
West Coast style4bedroom home with amazing views and close to 3000 sf of wrap around decks.
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342 Creek Road
Sunny4 bedroom family home with views of CypressMountain and Howe Sound.
Executive Director / Bowen Island Community Health Centre
To the Bowen Island Community,
The Bowen Island Community Health Centre is less than a year old, and in that time, we have worked hard to grow and meet the needs of our residents. To continue providing quality care, we need the support of all Bowen Islanders in ensuring a respectful workplace for our team.
We are striving to achieve many things at once:
Attaching patients Connecting individuals with a designated family doctor or nurse practitioner who will oversee their ongoing medical care. An attached provider ensures better management of chronic conditions, preventive care, and continuity of treatment, rather than seeking care on a visit-by-visit basis. On Island, many patients have delayed addressing health concerns for years, making their care more complex.
Maintaining capacity for same-day urgent care
Ensuring that Bowen residents with time-sensitive medical issues can be seen when they need immediate attention
Recruiting physicians and staff who live on the island
Providing stability and reducing disruptions caused by commuting staff.
Retaining our entire team Including physicians, our nurse practitioner, nurses, and administrative staff, all of whom play a crucial role in delivering consistent,
high-quality care.
We understand that accessing healthcare can be stressful and, at times, frustrating. However, in recent months, our team has faced an increasing amount of anger and verbal abuse from patients, often making them feel unsafe.
The reality is that we do not yet have the staffing levels to meet all the island’s demands, and we cannot serve everyone’s needs all the time. Additionally, we are not an emergency room some cases will require referral to the mainland when they exceed what we can safely manage at our facility.
As we continue to grow, it will take time not only to build our team but also to refine our patient schedules to better balance the needs of the community. We are working hard to improve, but this process requires patience and understanding from everyone.
At this time, the biggest threat to retention of our team is how our team is being treated. We cannot retain our physicians, nurse practitioner, nurses, and administrative staff if they continue to face hostility and abuse. Abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.
Our team is committed to providing the best care possible, and we ask for your kindness, cooperation, and respect in return. We are here to help, and we need your support to continue doing so.
Let’s work together to build a health centre that will serve Bowen Island for years to come.
Sincerely, Suzanne Saatchi
Chinese Year of the Wood Snake
HEIDI MATHER
Contributor
After the new moon on January 29, 2025, we will be moving into the Chinese New Year of the Wood Snake.
As we reflect on the outgoing year of the Wood Dragon, it seems it certainly delivered – unpredictable, global and permanent changes. There is no going back So what does the year of the Wood Snake have in store for us?
Well, the first thing that snake teaches us is how to shed our skin, and renew ourselves, so that we might grow. What a gift to be able to let go of outdated ways And in these times we must transform, lest venom does it for us
Snake further teaches us to be swift, so once spring is fully
A pod of Orcas swims past Bowen’s southern shores on Tuesday night. To read (and see) more about Orca activity in the area, head on over to Page 19. / Haig Farris photo
www.tippys.ca
sprung and snake emerges, we can expect rapid opportunities for change. Snake also shows us how to weather a storm - to gather in community. Together they don’t just survive, they thrive.
So what impact will the wood element have on this snake year? The dragon year was also a wood year, but THAT wood drew on our water (reserves) for growth. THIS wood year we will see the wood feeding fire. The fire element in Chinese Medicine is expressed through creativity, compassion, community, boundaries and communication.
So these are key areas where we can expect to see the opportunities for renewal and transformation. My sense is that this will be at a grass roots level (snake’s terrain). So be the change that you want to see in this world.
Citizen Scientists play important role in protecting our environment
PAM MATTHEWS
Island Pacific School
One of our recent Wednesday programs featured a fascinating presentation from Bob Turner and Sue Ellen Fast, members of the Bowen Island Conservancy’s Caring for Nature initiative. They shared the vital importance of biodiversity and outlined efforts to nurture and protect it on Bowen Island.
One key way to get involved is through iNaturalist, an app that allows users to observe and document species in their environment By contributing data, participants become citizen scientists everyday people who gather and share scientific information to advance research and conservation efforts.
The app’s mission is to foster a world where everyone can appreciate and care for nature through the practice of observing and sharing information about wildlife. You can learn more at iNaturalist.org
After a hands-on tutorial on using iNaturalist, we headed outdoors to discover our natural neighbors. Students photographed various species, uploaded their observations to the Bowen Biodiversity
Their contributions provide valuable data that supports community understanding and informs decisions about the health of our local ecosystems.
Being an active part of initiatives like this reflects our school’s commitment to playing a meaningful role in the Bowen Island community. By participating in local projects, students not only learn about their environment but also contribute to the collective efforts of caring for the natural world around us. This hands-on engagement is one way we bring our values to life and demonstrate our connection to the community we are so proud to call home.
Throughout the year, IPS students and their families will continue using iNaturalist to track biodiversity on Bowen Island.
On Bowen, the Caring for Nature initiative is using iNaturalist data, among other sources, to map ecosystems and species locations. You can learn more about their important work by visiting inaturalist.org
A huge thank you to Bob Turner and Sue Ellen Fast for inspiring us with their knowledge and passion for protecting the natural world!
Sue Ellen Fast & Bob Turner made a presentation to Island Pacific School this month about the Conservancy’s Caring for Nature initiative. / Submitted photos
Furstenau steps down as B.C. Green leader
GREEN MLA JEREMY VALERIOTE WILL BECOME INTERIM LEADER
CINDY E. HARNETT Times
Colonist
Sonia Furstenau stepped down as B.C. Green Party leader on Tuesday, three months after failing to win a seat in the fall provincial election.
Green MLA Jeremy Valeriote, representing VancouverSea to Sky, will become interim leader until a leadership race set to take place in September.
Furstenau, 54, an MLA since 2017 and party leader since 2020, made the announcement at the Inn at Laurel Point in James Bay.
“My transition is full of joy and love and I am deeply committed to the success of the party,” said Furstenau, adding she has no plans to re-enter politics but may return to teaching in the future.
“I feel like I gave it everything I had and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished and I’m very comfortable with moving back into private life.”
Furstenau, who had represented the riding of Cowichan Valley before moving to Victoria for family reasons, ran in Victoria-Beacon Hill in the Oct. 19, 2024, provincial election, but lost to incumbent NDP cabinet minister Grace Lore.
Just two Green MLAs were elected newcomers Jeremy Valeriote, a geological engineer and former Gibsons councillor, and retired lawyer Rob Botterell, representing Saanich North and the Islands.
Both MLAs said Tuesday they do not intend to run in the leadership race, meaning the next leader will not have a seat in the legislature until possibly the next provincial election or unless a byelection occurs.
Furstenau stayed on to assist with the transition and to help negotiate a four-year co-operation agreement with the NDP, which won the election with a slim majority of 47 seats to the B.C. Conservative Party’s 44 seats.
The agreement talks about expanded mental-health care coverage, more community health centres, more non-profit housing, updating the Clean B.C. climate plan and strengthening protection for old-growth forests.
“Did we get everything we wanted, for example our whole platform, nope,” said Furstenau. “But considering the circumstances that we were negotiating with the party with a bare majority, but a majority nonetheless, I’m very proud of the commitments in the agreement.”
Furstenau said she’s confident that Valeriote and Botterell will hold government to its word.
She rejected the idea Tuesday that the B.C Greens have stalled and said the party despite only electing five MLAs over the last decade has demonstrated the value of a third party in the B.C. legislature that is focused on finding solutions and working across party lines.
“We’ve shown that politics doesn’t have to be a binary choice,” said Furstenau. “I think we’ve really demonstrated how critical and how essential the B.C. Greens are.”
Furstenau thanked a long list of volunteers and constituency and legislature staff, campaign and leadership teams and more “To all of these teams, to everybody along the way, please know my heart bursts with love for all of you,” she said
Molly McKay, the B.C. Green Party’s interim executive director, said the rules for the upcoming leadership contest will be released in February, applications will be
/ Adrian Lam
open until May and voting is expected to occur in mid to late September.
The Speech from the Throne is scheduled for Feb. 18 and the legislature resumes sitting the following day, with the provincial budget set for March 4.
Furstenau was raised in Edmonton where her parents moved from Victoria so her father could pursue his master’s degree and PhD but spent summers on Vancouver Island and returned by age 20 to attend the University of Victoria. She earned her teaching degree in 2009 and taught at various Victoria schools.
The married mother of a blended family of five later took a teaching job in Shawnigan Lake.
While there, she successfully fought, over several years, for the cancellation of a waste-discharge permit that allowed a quarry upstream from Shawnigan Lake to store contaminated soil.
“I never aspired to be an elected official,” said Furstenau. “[But] 11 years ago I felt no choice but to do all that I could to try to protect Shawnigan Lake’s drinking water.”
Furstenau said she and Mary Polak, the B.C. Liberal environment minister at that time, became close friends an example of working across party lines.
Furstenau became a Cowichan Valley Regional District director, and months after the environmental permit was pulled in 2017, she was elected as a Green MLA for Cowichan Valley, alongside Adam Olsen in Saanich North and the Islands.
The two joined then B.C. Green leader Andrew Weaver, and the trio became king makers in signing a confidence-and-supply agreement, effectively propping up the John Horgan-led NDP and toppling the governing B.C. Liberals after a 16-year run.
In 2020, Weaver stepped down and Furstenau became leader. The NDP blindsided the B.C. Greens with a snap election and won a majority.
Olsen, who attended the announcement on Tuesday and who Furstenau referred to as being like a brother, announced prior to the fall provincial election that he would not be running again, citing family reasons.
Furstenau, who became a grandmother in early December, lives in Victoria with her family, all of whom she thanked for their love and support, especially husband Blaise Salmon.
“My family is my bedrock,” she said.
MLAs Rob Botterell & Jeremy Valeriote (middle) listen as Sonia Furstenau announces her plan to step down as leader of the B.C. Green Party on Tuesday. Valeriote has been named interim leader.
photo
Bowenwears Redfor Women’s HeartHealth
CANADIAN WOMEN’S HEARTHEALTHALLIANCE,
SHARED BY BOWEN ISLAND VOLUNTEER ZOË ROSE
Heart disease is the number onekiller of women worldwide, yetwomen remain underdiagnosed,undertreated, and understudied.
Bowen Island residents will wear red onThursday, February 13 in recognition of Wear RedCanada,a country-wide initiative to promote women’s heartand vascularhealth. As part ofthe 2025 campaign,severalvirtual events and activities are being held. Canadians are encouraged to take pictureswith friends,family andcolleagues donningred clothing and are invited to share their images onsocial media using the hashtags #WearRedCanada and #HerHeartMatters
Wear Red Canada, now in its seventhyear, is run by the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Alliance (CWHHA), a group of clinicians, scientists, allied healthcare providers, and persons with lived experience with heart diseasefrom across Canada. The CWHHA is powered by theCanadian Women’s Heart Health Centre (CWHHC).
Heart diseaseis the #1 cause ofdeath forwomenworldwideand affects women of all ages. One inthree womenwill dieasaresult of heart disease or stroke.Despite this, women areunderdiagnosed, undertreated, and understudiedwhen it comestoheart disease. Female patients and their health careproviders are also undereducated abouttheir riskfactors andthe common signs and symptoms of heart disease inwomen. This is why it is incredibly important to educate ourselves and our loved ones about women’shearthealth. To learn more about women’s heart health, Wear Red Canada,and how to getinvolved,please visit WearRedCanada.ca
Animals gather on their rockyperches to take in alateJanuarysunset over the SalishSea./Lisa Broughamphoto
DEPART HORSESHOEBAY 5:50 am 6:50 am 8:00 am 9:05 am -except Wednesdays. 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
UpcomingLibrarypresentationsfocus on accessing government services
SERVICE CANADA,CRA MATTERS &MORE
BOWEN ISLAND PUBLICLIBRARY
Are you lookingfor help with finances, housing, yourcareer,accessing government benefits, credits, and other supports? Don’t want to leavethe island to getthat help? Avarietyofgovernmentservice helpers arecomingfrom off-island to the Bowen Island Library to give informative talks and offer one-on-onedrop-insupport.We encourage you to come get your questions answeredand your needs met.
On Tuesday,February 25, at 10:30 am at theLibrary, afederal representative from Service Canada willbepresenting on how Service Canada can assist you,witha focus on Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS), butother topics will include the new Canadian DentalCare Plan(CDCP), Social Insurance Numbers (SIN),EmploymentInsurance (EI), and “My Service Canada Account”.
Onemonthlater,onTuesday,March 25, at 10:30 am at the Library, another special talk is offered by aCanada RevenueAgency (CRA)representative, called “Get Your Benefits &Credits!” She’ll talk about tax benefitsand credits such as Canada Child Benefit (CCB), GST/HSTCredit,Disability Tax Credit(DTC), andCanada Worker’s Benefit (CWB). She’llalso cover howtokeep your informationuptodate, waystodoyour taxes, CRA services and tools,and scam awareness. You maybeeligible forbenefits and credits youdidn’tknowof–thatcould bemoneyinyour pocket!
These two talks willrun up to an hour, and theService Canada representative and the CRA representative willbothbehereon February25and March 25 for one-on-one help after theirtalks and until 2pm
When you drop in to talk tothe Service Canada agent, this is similar to visiting aregular Service Canada Centre, (the nearestone being on EsplanadeinNorth Vancouver). He can help with transactionsand applications relating to allthe programsand benefitsthey provide. (Sorry, he willnot be taking Passport applications.)
The CRA representative can help with tax questions, and may be available to help file simple tax returns (tobeconfirmed).Both theService Canada and CRAhelpersmay needtosee yourgovernmentIDinorder to assistyou, so be sure to bring this foroneon-one help.
And as always, our wonderful WorkBC Career Advisor and the Community
IntegrationServices specialist arealso here on the fourth Tuesdayofthe month, January throughJune, from 11 am to 2pm, fordropin one-on-onehelp.
The Community IntegrationSpecialist, who works forthe provincial government, can help with cultural,health,and communitysupports, support during critical transitionpoints, such as leaving amedical or corrections facility,assistanceapplying for income and disabilityassistance, funding forurgent needs, such as food or clothing, housing support referrals, and health support referrals.
Did all thisinformation, dates, and times just make you go cross-eyed? It’s alot of different help available, and alot to keep track of!See all the datesatbipl.ca/get-help or see thishandy summary:
• NEW Service Canada: Special Presentation on February 25, and one-on-one help February25& March 25
• NEW Canada Revenue Agency: Special PresentationonMarch 25, and one-on-onehelp February 25 & March 25
We hope anyone who needs alittle extra help with government supportscomes to make best useofthese special on-island services and presentations at the Bowen Island Library.Find out more at bipl.ca/get-help
Covenant added to Cape lands
ALEX KURIAL Editor
Further steps have been taken to ensure the Conservancy’s newly acquired lands at Cape Roger Curtis are protected for the foreseeable future.
The municipality (BIM) entered into a covenant with the Bowen Island Conservancy, who purchased 65 hectares of Cape land from Metro Vancouver in October. The $30.5 million sale included 16 of the 24 lots Metro originally purchased from the Cape on Bowen, with the intention to turn the area into a park and campground.
Now, future development is firmly off the table as the covenant places tight restrictions on what can be done with the land. This includes all structures and dwellings, aside from those designed to encourage responsible use of the space by the public such as boardwalks and toilets. It also establishes guidelines protecting trees and vegetation, and prohibits pesticide use and soil disturbance.
The covenant follows those already in place between the two partners at the Wild Coast Nature Refuge (which now borders the Conservancy’s Cape lands) and at the Armstrong Lands located south of Dorman Road, across the street from Crippen Park
The agreement also fulfills a condition of the Memorandum of Understanding the Conservancy and BIM signed in 2023 for the municipality to assist with establishing and enforcing covenants.
The covenant also aims to assist the Conservancy with reducing the assessed value of the land in the eyes of BC Assessment. Since BIM has already designated the lands as having tax exempt status this will have no effect on potential revenue collected by the municipality.
The covenant covers the 16 lots owned by the Conservancy at Cape Roger Curtis / BI Conservancy map
I&.ITOWING
LTD• AUNGLTD•
ORCHARD WASSAIL
This past Sunday we gathered with Alastair Johnstone and Jeanette Langmann and our Bowen Island community in their apple orchard at Meadowbrook Corner to “bless” the trees to produce a good crop this season. Alastair brought the wassail bowl filled with his best Bowen Cider House cider and went about the trees pouring it over their roots. The rest of us hung slices of toast on branches Everyone made lots of noise, singing, banging sticks and blowing whistles to scare away any malignant spirits. Blair Hayashi read out a traditional Wassail song to end the orchard possession. It was so
much fun and the weather was perfect.
Here’s to thee, old apple tree
Here’s to thee, old apple tree
Well mayest thou bud, And well mayest thou blow, And well mayest thou bear Of apples enow!
Hats full, caps full, Good bushel sacks full, My pockets too. Hurrah! Wassail!
Good idea?
Bowen Island Community Foundation supports
We need twothings fromyou (inadditiontoyour great idea): a500 word proposal andthat youbepartnered with (or just be) acharitableorganization. Thedetailed application package isavailable on the Foundation’shome page: bowenfoundation.com
If you’re lookingfor ideas, the2023Vital Conversations reportoutlines opportunitiesfor improvement on Bowen Island.
Email your proposal to grants@bowenfoundation.com
Give us a crop Of good apples ripe, Red and well-rounded The good juicy type.
Here is our ale, Now drink of it well, And give us good apples Of which we can tell
Anew mural will be coming to the Bike Barn in Snug Cove.
The Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC) signalled their support for the artwork to be hung along the wall of the bike shelter on the Ferry Terminal Dock. The piece will measure 16 feet by 8feetspreadout across four panels, and portray agraffiti style representation of the word ‘Bowen’ along with the island’s deer mascot.
Bowen resident Simeon Doytchinovisthe artist behind theproject and approached the PAAC last year with his idea. In his proposal, Doytchinov wrote he aims to “add a unique and vibrant artistic element to akey public space while reflecting BowenIsland’scultural
heritagethroughits aesthetics.” Through his work healso hopes to address someofthecultural stigmas which surround graffiti based artwork.
The artist’s idea found widespread support aroundthe counciltable during their meeting earlier this week. “This fellow took the initiative to come and approach everybody hehad to approach to get it done. Iadmire that gumption and Ithink we should reward it,” said Coun
John Saunders. Coun. Sue Ellen Fast felta keystone piece of artcould also promote use of the transit space. “Itencourages and supportsour active transportation plan in terms of highlighting that location and the functionbeing importantand inspiring for everybody to explore,” she said.
The project is estimated to cost around $1,000, and willbecovered withfunds fromthe municipality’s Public Arts Reserve.
An artist rendition by Simeon Doytchinovofthe mural he planstopaintand hangatthe Bike Barn.
MeetBelinda, the regal guardian of the backyard throne. Originallyfrom South Korea, this is her second spring on Bowen Island, where she loves strolling the Crippen Park trails and embracing the fresh island air. Aside from herregularhealth-checks, Belinda came to us at Bowen Vettohave some bloodworkand urinarytests to outrulea UTI infection, whichcan bea causefor dogs drinking more water than usual. Happily, she received the green light of goodtest-results,and sincethenhas resumed her joyful leaps in the grass! We at Bowen Veterinary Services are gladtobea welcomingand warmspace for your beloved pets’ health and healing.
reception@bowenvet.com 604.947.9247
NOTICEOFNOMINATIONPERIOD
2025
By-Election:The CorporationOf TheDistrict Of West Vancouver &School District 45 (WestVancouverSchools).
PublicNoticeisgiven to theelectorsofWestVancouver Schools thata by-electionwill be held on Saturday,April 5, 2025. Nominationsfor theofficeof:
School Trustee(one to be elected)
fora term ending October, 2026 will be received by the chiefelection officerordeputychief electionofficerasfollows:
WHEN: 9a.m., February18, 2025 to 4p.m., February 28,2025 (excludingstatutory holidaysand weekends)
WHERE: LegislativeServices,Municipal Hall 75017th Street, West VancouverBCV7V 3T3
HOW: Nomination documents maybedelivered by hand, by mail or by other delivery service, or by faxoremail,with originals to follow. Thedeadlinefor receiving originalsofnomination documents is 4:30 p.m.,March 7, 2025
Nomination documents areavailable in LegislativeServices, Municipal Hall, 75017thStreet, West Vancouver BC V7V3T3 during regular office hours(8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,MondaytoFriday, excludingstatutory holidays and weekends) throughout the nominationperiod(9a.m., February 18, 2025 to 4p.m.February 28,2025) and arealso posted on westvancouver.ca/election
QUALIFICATIONS FOROFFICE:
Aperson is qualifiedtobenominated, elected, andtoholdoffice as a member of local governmentiftheymeet the following criteria:
• CanadianCitizen;
• 18 yearsofage or older on general voting dayApril 5, 2025;
• ResidentofBritishColumbiafor at least sixmonthsimmediately beforethe daynominationpapersare filed;
• not disqualifiedunder the LocalGovernmentAct or anyother enactment from being nominatedfor,being elected to or holding office,orbeotherwisedisqualified by law.
CAMPAIGNEXPENSE ANDTHIRD PARTYADVERTISING LIMITS
The expense limit forcandidates established by Elections BC for the 2025 school trustee by-electionis$19,070.70.The third party advertising limitis$953.54.
FURTHERINFORMATION:
Visit westvancouver.ca/election or contactthe chief election officer or deputychief election officer at 604-925-7004.
2025 By-Election: TheCorporation of the District of West Vancouver (The District) & School District 45 (WestVancouver Schools).
LISTOFREGISTERED ELECTORS
West VancouverSchools uses the ProvinceofBritishColumbiaVoters
List as the List of RegisteredElectors.Ifyour nameisnot on the current list, andyou areaneligible elector, youmay register at one of the advance voting opportunitiesor on generalvoting dayApril 5, 2025 by completing an “Applicationfor Registration” form andproviding twopiecesof appropriateidentification.Registrationinadvanceofthe by-election is not required.
Beginning February18, 2025untilthe close of general voting forthe by-election on April 5, 2025, a copyofthe list of registered electors will be availablefor publicinspection at theWestVancouver Legislative Services Department duringregular office hours(8:30 a.m.to 4:30 p.m., MondaytoFriday, excluding statutoryholidays). Before inspecting the list, aperson mustsignastatement that they will not inspect the list oruse the informationincluded in thelist except forelection purposes (LocalGovernment Act,Part3–Electorsand Elections).
REQUESTTOOMIT PERSONAL INFORMATION
An electormay request that their addressorotherinformation about them be omitted from,orobscured on, thelist of registeredelectors inorder to protecttheirprivacy or security. Writtenrequests must be receivedby4:30 p.m. February11, 2025 by the chief election officer at the DistrictofWestVancouver,750 17th Street,WestVancouver BCV7V 3T3.
OBJECTION TO REGISTRATION OF AN ELECTOR
Anobjectiontothe registrationofa person whose nameappearson the list of registered electorsmaybemade in accordance with the Local GovernmentAct until 4p.m.onFebruary 28, 2025. An objection must bemadeinwriting andmay only be made by aperson entitled to be registeredasanelector of School District45and can only be made on the basis that aperson whosenameappearsonthe list of electors has diedorthata personwhosenameappearsonthe list ofelectors is not qualifiedtoberegisteredasanelector of School District 45
ELECTOR QUALIFICATIONS
Resident Electors:
• 18 yearsof ageorolderongeneralvoting dayfor the election; and
• aCanadian citizen; and
• aresident of British Columbia foratleast six months immediately beforethe dayofregistration;
• aresident of School District 45; and
• not disqualified under the LocalGovernment Act or anyother enactment from votinginanelection and not otherwise disqualified by law.
Non-Resident Property Electors:
• 18 yearsof ageorolderongeneral voting dayfor the election; and
• aCanadian citizen; and
• aresident of British Columbia foratleast six months immediately beforethe dayofregistration; and
• aregistered owner of real property in School District 45 foratleast 30 days immediatelybeforethe dayofregistration; and
• theonlypersons who areregistered ownersofthe property,either as joint tenantsortenants in common, areindividuals who arenot holding the property in trustfor acorporation or another trust; and
• not entitledtoregister as aresident elector; and
• not disqualified under the LocalGovernment Act or anyother enactment from voting in an election and nototherwise disqualified bylaw;and
• not registered as anon-resident property elector in relation to any other parcelofreal property in School District 45; and
• if thereismorethan one registeredownerofthe property, onlyone of those individualsmay,with the written consent of the majorityof theowners, register as anon-resident property elector
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Visit westvancouver.ca/election or contact the chief election officer or deputychief electionofficerat604-925-7004.
Island Pacific School welcomed Lealand Muller to speak at Cates Hill Chapel on Tuesday night. The former corporal talked about his life, service, and athletic endeavors, along with his recovery efforts after being injured Muller went on to compete in three sports for Team Canada at the 2023 Invictus Games - open to injured service members of any nation - including wheelchair basketball. With the 2025 Invictus Games set to start in Whistler on Feb. 8, for this edition of the competition Lealand has been working in the resort village to make sure all elemnts of the experience are as accessible for everyone as possible Muller’s talk was part of an Athletics Banquet that IPS held to celebrate their first ever basketball team after the squad finished their inaugural season of play. Each student athlete received a Certificate of Excellence for their role in getting the team off the ground and making it a success Members of the team presented Muller with one of their game balls to conclude the evening. / Casey James & Alex Kurial photos
Belly-rubbing Northern Resident killer whales return to Howe Sound
VISITING WHALES INCLUDE A NEW CALF REPORTED TO BELONG TO A88
COAST REPORTER STAFF
The beaches of Gibsons and surrounds have been unseasonably busy of late, as residents gather to watch some northern visitors.
The Northern Resident Killer Whales A5 pod has been visiting the Howe Sound area, as it has done around this time in recent years, according to the Centre for Whale Research.
Last week, researchers spotted a mix of individuals from the A23, A25 and A42 matrilines, including a new calf reported to belong to A88, in Howe Sound, said an update from the centre. A69 of the A24 matriline was also among the visitors. (You can find a map of 2025 encounters on the centre’s website.)
The researchers found the whales in the Pasley-Keats Islands area and over along the Gibsons coastline during the Jan. 21 encounter, and several orcas appeared to be rubbing their bellies at Secret Beach Park, said the centre’s update.
Posts on the Sunshine Coast
Whale and Dolphin Sightings Facebook page share photos of the whales up in the Roberts Creek and Sechelt areas in recent days as well.
When the whales visited in 2022, Coast Reporter talked with Gary Sutton, a whale research technician with Ocean Wise.
The Southern Resident Killer Whalespods J, K and L - are more common around the Salish Sea, but the northern population is the only one known to engage in beach rubbing behaviour, Sutton said at the time.
Beach rubbing, when animals swim close to shore to rub their bellies on smooth pebbles, is thought to help scrape off dead skin, strengthen family bonds and - yes - provide a massagelike feeling.
This year, Sutton has shared more photos and context of the whales’ southern visit on his Instagram.
The sightings come the same week as environmental groups filed legal action against two federal ministers over a delay in issuing an emergency-order recommendation to protect B.C.’s endangered killer whale population.
- With files from Keili Bartlett
Sunset shots of whales in the Mission Point area of Sechelt on January 26. / Ken McCann photos
Coast Mountain Film Festival
Join us in celebratinglocal filmmakers as they showcase their work to hometown audiences
The secondannualCoast MountainFilm Festival will play host to more than 20 films,many of whichhaveaNorthShoreconnection.
While many of these films have been screened at prestigious festivalsaround theworld, this event offers ourfilmmakers achanceto celebrate their work with thecommunityinwhich it was made Reserve your tickets beforethey’regone.
BIG MOUNTAIN NIGHT
FRIDAY,FEB 7•7:30PM
British Pacific Properties presents our firstever Big Mountainnight!Inaddition to showing, THE HARVEST,alocal skifilm shot largley in Whistler’sbackcountry,your evening willinclude ascreening of theskifilm of theyear; CALM BENEATH CASTLES.
• Calm Beneath Castles
•The Harvest
•Prize Giveaways from North ShoreSki and Boardand Vancouver Island Brewing
LOCAL FILM CELEBRATION MATINEE
SATURDAY, FEB 8• 4:00PM
An intimateopportunity to meet filmmakers who callthe NorthShore home and celebrate their work alongside their castand crews
• The ThirdPerson (Comedy)
•Chat4U(Comedy)
•Dear May(Dramaw/Animation)
•Jackie’s Haven (Drama w/Animation)
•Milk Loser(Comedy)
•Tumbleweed(Comedy)
•Gaby(Documentary)
ADVENTURE NIGHT
SATURDAY, FEB 8•7:30PM
In addition to ashort film showcasing athletes exploringthe SeatoSky region’soutdoors, our featurefilm, CIRCLE OF MADNESS,features star athletesMarkusEder (ski) &Victor de Le Rue (snowboard) returningone moretimetothe legendary spine walls of Haines, Alaska.
• Circle of Madness
•Skookumchuck Narrows: Surf& Kayak the TidalRapids with Dylan Graves
ENVIROMATINEE
SUNDAY, FEB 9•4:00PM
Pacific SalmonFoundation presents several short films, shot locally,that encourage us tothink more deeply about what we can do at theindividual level to protectour forests, create awareness about waste and think more critically about our dailychoices. Follow surfers, mountainbikers and fisherman as they share theirpersonaljourneys for agreener world..
• The Squamish Poacher
•Emerald Edge
•Revolutions: AFilm on Bike Waste
•Beyond the Green Veil
ENDURANCE NIGHT
SUNDAY, FEB 9•7:30PM
EnduranceNight delves into feats of absolute courage, testing thelimits or what our bodies and minds can achieve. Whether it is pushing tocomplete 15 Grouse Grinds in one day, or grappling with blindness while backcountry skiing, this evening will provide insight into how we overcome thechallenges we set for ourselves.
• Feel it All
•SnowBlind
•Fifteen: AMulti Grouse Grind Story
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
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 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.
Sunday, February 2
Meat Bingo at the Legion
Come on down and play Meat Bingo, doors open at 1:30 pm Games run from 2 to 4 pm with meat prizes from Miller’s Meatcraft
To February 2
Family Literacy Week at the Library
This year’s Family Literacy Week theme is “Learn to be Green, Together!” Find out more about Family Literacy Week at bipl.ca/flw
Tuesday, February 4 (& 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 Feb. 5 & 7. All from 1 to 3 pm
Sunday, February 9
Flag Football Game with Bowen Rec
Kick off your Super Bowl Sunday by hitting the field for some gridiron action. Bowen Flag Football kicks off under the lights of the Bowen Island Community School gym at 11:30 am Ages 15+, $5 to play
Sunday, February 9
Food Matters Talk at the Library
Dr Hyunjoo Lee speaks about Your Everyday Meal: A Recipe for Health and the Environment. Starts 1:30 pm, Library event in partnership with BI Food Resilience Society.
Sunday, February 9
Super Bowl Party at the Legion
Come watch the big game on multiple screens starting at 3 pm Enjoy regional dishes from the two sides - Sticky Ribs & Fries or Philly Cheesesteaks - and watch the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles battle it out for football supremacy. 19+ event, open till late
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
FRIDAYS
Dinners at the Legion
A new dinner each week. Members can purchase dinners starting 5 pm Thursday nights. Any remaining dinners will be sold at the door on Friday at 5:30 pm to both members and non-members The next two dinners will be prepared by Erik Miller of Miller’s Meatcraft
