Bowen Island Undercurrent January 30 2020

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

YOUTH INITIATIVE:

VOL. 46, NO. 05

BIUndercurrent

Islander Will McKnight’s electric project PAGE 17

BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

Mt. Gardner summit is staying ATVfree for now

A PROPOSED TWO-TRACK MOTORIZED VEHICLE TRAIL UP THE MOUNTAIN RECENTLY CREATED A COMMUNITY KERFUFFLE

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

sheet and hand it in to the library before Sunday, Feb. 2 at 4 p.m. Grab a sheet at the library or find one on our website to print at home. You can even drop it through our book drop slot when you’re finished. We’ll have a draw the following week—players have a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Phoenix on Bowen.

You can also drop in and be a kids’ section detective to learn about the library, the types of books in our children’s collection and how they are organized, through exploring, reading, and games.

A proposed two-track motorized vehicle trail up Mt. Gardner isn’t going ahead for now.

The provincial officer who oversees the Bowen Crown lands says that he’s asked the Bowen Island Trails Coalition remove the proposed project from its 2020 operations plan.

“That trail has caused enough of a disturbance that we need to do more consultation if that plan is even going to move forward,” said Tom Blackbird, district recreation officer for the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD) Tuesday evening.

The three member groups of the trails coalition (Bowen Trail Riders Association, Bowen Island Trail Society and Bowen Island Horse Owners and Riders Association) signed a two-year partnership agreement with the province in 2018. The agreement allows the groups to do trail improvements, maintenance and construction on the Mt. Gardner Crown lands with provincial guidance. The agreement is due for renewal in May. The Mt. Gardner proposal from the Trail Riders Association came to public attention in late 2019 when surveys circulated asking for public input for the idea of a two-track motorized vehicle route up the north ridge of the mountain.

While public reaction was mixed, there was a loud outcry against creating a route that could invite increased motorized usage of the mountain.

CONTINUED ON P. 12

CONTINUED ON P. 20

UNDERCURRENT PHOTO

BURNS SUPPER: Martin Clarke re-enacts his rendition of Address to a Haggis (for the camera) at the Legion’s Burns

Supper Jan. 24 as Clarke’s tablemate and frequent thespian collaborator Graham Ritchie (on the right) teases his longtime friend. For more photos of the annual celebration of Scottish poet Robbie Burns see p. 19.

Family Literacy Week fun continues PLAY BINGO, PLAY DETECTIVE AND MAKE MUSIC AS PART OF FAMILY LITERACY WEEK AT THE LIBRARY MARYSIA MCGILVRAY

Bowen Island Library

January is all about creating new habits and this year’s Family Literacy Week encourages families to get into the habit of reading and hopefully catch the reading bug!

“Let’s Read Together” is the theme this year for this annual Canada-wide event. At the Bowen Library from Jan. 28 to Feb. 2, we’ve got activities to

help you and your family engage with words and sounds together.

Book Bingo is a great way to get reading together. Individual readers or families can fill in a row by completing reading tasks like “read three poems,” “read aloud to a stuffed toy or pet,” or “draw a picture about a book you read.” With reading tasks geared to all ages of readers, including pre-readers and their families, participants fill in a line of reading tasks on the Bingo

Enthusiastic. Responsive. Personable. Knowledgeable.

The Bowen Island real estate market appears to be shifting out of a Buyer's Market and headed towards favouring the Seller.

If you have been sitting on the fence and thinking about putting your house on the market, now might be a good time for us to have a chat.

It's a big decision to sell the family home, so take the time to get a second opinion on what your house is worth. A market analysis doesn't cost you a thing.

2 • THURSDAY JANUARY 30. 2020

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Waste collection contract

Event Calendar

Bowen Island Municipality (BIM) and Bowen Waste Solutions Inc. (formerly Bowen Waste Services) are pleased to announce that a new seven year contract has been reached to continue with solid waste collection for the island. Bowen Waste Solutions (BWS) has been providing the service on island for 25 years, employs 16 people on island, and also serves the commercial and strata sectors privately.

February 4, 2020 7:00 pm Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting

February 10, 2020 4:00 pm Committee of the Whole Meeting: On-Island Composting Feasibility Study

February 10, 2020 6:15 pm Regular Council Meeting

February 12, 2020 9:30 am Housing Advisory Committee Meeting

February 12, 2020 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Budget Information Session

February 13, 2020 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Budget Information Session

February 13, 2020 6:00 pm Mayor’s Standing Committee on Community Lands Meeting

Bowen Island Municipality wants you to participate in the 2020 Budget process. The Community Charter requires that local governments approve a Five Year Financial Plan bylaw each year prior to the adoption of the annual property tax bylaw. The Financial Plan is also commonly referred to as “The Budget”.

Both curb-side pick-up and operation of the Bowen Island Recycling Depot (BIRD) will continue as you currently know it. We will also continue with Special Waste Days twice a year. While BIM is exploring options on how green waste and recycling may be handled in the future, conclusions on potential changes are not reached; therefore, no change in service is pending at this time.

The draft 2020 -2024 Budget will be available soon. This is a In Island Survey 2019, residents reported being “more than draft because Council has not approved the Budget yet. We satisfied” with the solid waste services they receive, and it’s will be seeking your feedback through our budget consultation our expectation that the high level of service from BWS will process in February. continue.

We will hold public Budget Information Sessions at Municipal In order to ensure a continued high level of service through the Hall on the following dates: life of the seven year contract, reinvestment in new equipment and facilities is required. This will result in an increase to the Wednesday, February 12, 2020 garbage parcel tax for solid waste services, which you will 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm see on your next property tax bill. The exact value has not yet Thursday, February 13, 2020 been calculated, however it’s estimated to be approximately 10:00 am - 12:00 pm $600 per property, per year; an increase from $421 in 2019.

In addition to reinvestment, servicing Bowen Island has Please go to our website for more information: greater challenges than in core areas of the mainland. Low development density, ferry considerations, challenging roads www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/2020-budget and accesses, and the need for manual emptying of cans into Questions? Please contact Raj Hayre, Chief Financial Officer, at garbage trucks all contribute to a higher cost of servicing our unique location.

604-947-4255 or rhayre@bimbc.ca

We look forward to our continued relationship with Bowen Waste Solutions, and continuing to provide excellent, Bowenbased services to our community.

Compost on Bowen?

Is a composting facility on Bowen Island an impossible dream or an inevitable future?

Can we stop exporting green waste, stop importing compost and close the green waste management loop?

Please join us to hear the answers in a presentation of the results of the On-Island Composting Feasibility Study:

All meetings are held in Council Chambers unless otherwise noted.

Monday, February 10, 2020 4:00 pm Council Chambers, Municipal Hall

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Council and Committee meetings are open to the public. We encourage you to attend in person or watch online.

Committee of the Whole meeting

General Enquiries

Contact Us

Phone: Fax: Email:

Bowen Island Municipal Hall 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2

604-947-4255 604-947-0193 bim@bimbc.ca

Find us on Facebook Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday, excluding statutory holidays January 30, 2020

Bowen Island Municipality

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THURSDAY JANUARY 30, 2020 • 3

ISLAND NEWS Welcome to Bowen Muni Morsels: Noise mitigation for Cates Hill, how much cove parking Meet the muni’s new do we need & is this truly the last of the Bowen Queen?

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor

The following are briefs from the Jan. 27 regular council meeting.

Sounding off

Metro Vancouver parks land, council voted to discuss possible Lot 2 accesses with Metro.

Mayor Gary Ander said that this is just opening the discussions and Coun. Maureen Nicholson noted that decisions move slowly with Metro Vancouver parks. Nicholson, who sits on the Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Committee, also said that when the topic of land access has been raised in the past, Parks representatives didn’t shut it down.

Coun. Sue Ellen Fast meanwhile raised the recreational and educational benefits of the lands behind the school for consideration when looking at in-roads.

Council voted to ask BIM staff to provide a report looking at all possible Lot 2 accesses.

If you’re planning an event in the cove that requires a noise exemption, plan to make a noise mitigation plan.

The new requirement comes as council addressed noise concerns from the Cates Hill Neighbourhood Association.

“Likely most people on Cates Hill are tolerant of some noise as it can be expected given the close proximity to services and to the ferry,” wrote association secretary Phil Adkins in a letter to council. “But the Cove and Cates Hill act like a natural amphitheatre…sound travels incredibly effectively up Cates Hill and it can often sound louder halfway up Cates Hill than at the source.”

Adkins’ letter was particularly concerned with days-long loggers show with its “phalanx of chainsaws” and the ball tournaments.

Some of the letter’s suggested measures included limiting amplification, encouraging non-noisy events and discouraging noisy events, considering event locations other than the cove and directing speakers toward the water not up the hill.

Council agreed to require that applicants create a mitigation plan (bylaw services is to provide examples of good plans or templates) and that staff include a calendar of summer cove events with exemption applications to council.

Council also voted to have staff review the noise control exemption policy.

The carbon benefits of cove parking once again proved controversial. Coun. David Hocking brought forward a resolution from the Transportation Advisory Committee suggesting BIM create more parking in the cove. The reasoning behind the request is that some of the current parking lots are planned development sites and because off-island transportation accounts for 40 per cent of islanders’ greenhouse gas emissions according to BIM’s 20-year transportation plan. Coun. Wynen gave an emphatic speech against increasing parking and for starting to curb demand, citing council’s recent climate emergency declaration. Coun. Nicholson on the other hand argued that having adequate cove parking is crucial for moving people out of cars when they cross to the mainland.

Hocking’s resolution didn’t go ahead as staff already has a resolution on the books to look at cove parking.

A good name gets you nowhere

Speak now on Islands Trust budget

Now nearing the halfway point of the Queen of Capilano refit, council is sending a letter to BC Ferries to confirm that the Bowen Queen would never again be the island’s replacement vessel, that we will instead get a boat with similar capacity to ol’ Cap.

Holding out hope

With the announcement of whether or not Bowen is getting a multi-million dollar grant for the community centre yet to come, BIM is going ahead with discussions of road access to the community school-adjacent site. As the much of the land surrounding the site is

Parking is always controversial

The Islands Trust is seeking comment on its draft 2020 budget. The draft budget comes in at just under $8.2 million and sees a 2.7 per cent projected increase to Bowen Island’s tax levy. Budget highlights listed in the Islands Trust press release include increased climate change mitigation and adaptation and the Trust Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

See the budget online at islandstrust.bc.ca/ trust-council/budget/. Surveys and public comment is open until Feb. 9.

Bowen Island’s own budget process is underway and public information sessions are scheduled for Feb. 12 and 13.

director of engineering BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor

Though it’s been decades since he’s lived on one, Patrick Graham is no stranger to islands.

Bowen Island Municipality’s new director of engineering is originally from St. John’s, NL. However, for the past couple of decades, as a fan of backcountry skiing, mountain biking and the like, Graham’s been living the West Coast life.

After grad school, Graham spent six years working with CH2M Hill, particularly in water management, before spending the last 14 years with Metro Vancouver Regional Parks. Most recently with parks Graham was the senior engineer responsible for the capital program (think asset maintenance and infrastructure development).

Graham started at BIM last week.

“There’s a lot of interesting, ambitious projects going on on the island,” he said. “A lot of challenges with ageing infrastructure to be addressed, so I’m just starting to get my head around all of that.”

Graham has some experience with small municipalities – his last project before joining Metro Vancouver was as a resident engineer at a water treatment plant construction in Creston. He also noted that the regional parks system has similar characteristics to Bowen in that there’s a lot of “dispersed infrastructure”: roads, water, sanitary, trails and bridges.

“So I knew coming in that there’s financial challenges that small municipalities face,” he said. “Especially, as I’m seeing here, for a small place there’s a lot of infrastructure per capita and it’s pretty old.”

He noted the number of capital and asset renewal projects that are in the works (the capital projects include water treatment plant, fire hall, community centre, cross-island path).

“There seemed to be, and that’s proven to be the case, a lot going on here.”

Part of the appeal of Bowen (apart from lifestyle, though he’s still a commuter) was also what had drawn Graham to parks.

UNDERCURRENT PHOTO

Patrick Graham joined BIM last week as director of engineering.

“[The] interests I have relating to how we can develop places without compromising those places,” he said (Graham’s SFU masters in resource and environmental management focused on low-impact development.)

As for how Bowen’s treating him a week in, he’s already made use of his long-time relationship with Metro in discussions with the regional district and is being treated to an island welcome.

“Everyone’s been very nice so far,” he said. “It seems like they care a lot too.”

Graham is taking over the director of engineering position from the interim director, Glen Shkurhan of Urban Systems.

The director of engineering role is just the first of three senior BIM positions to see turnover in 2020. BIM still needs to hire a new chief administrative officer and a new fire chief.

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4 • THURSDAY JANUARY 30. 2020

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VIEWPOINT EDITORIAL

Celebrating 45 years!

If you’re not a regular Undercurrent reader then hello! Here is is your tri-annual edition of the paper.

If you are a regular Undercurrent reader, thank you so much for your loyalty and support.

Every subscriber, every advertiser and every reader helps us.

This is our third year of regular full-island mailouts, every few months reminding everyone that we’re still kicking. The newspaper industry may be in crisis but we’re not going quiet into that good night!

Our team has remained the same for nearly two years: Tracey Wait as our ads manager, Peter Kvarnstrom as our publisher, Ron Woodall as our cartoonist, a magnificent slate of contributing islanders as our writers and columnists and me on whatever’s left over.

We’re digital: we have a website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and even TikTok (no, I haven’t yet posted an Undercurrent TikTok video, I’ll let everyone know when I do) but have a special place in our hearts for the printed word. If there’s breaking news, I do my best to have it up online asap and follow up with a print piece.

I love receiving submissions from islanders of all demographics (I’m holding out hope a six-year-old will one day write me a letter). As this is a community paper, we want to be as inclusive as possible. This does mean holding inappropriate behaviour to account, having difficult conversations but most of all being a meeting ground for seemingly irreconcilable views. We are not (or rather I am not) always successful in this respect and hope to nurture this side of the paper’s function.

We’re most of all accountable to our readers. If you think a story is one-sided or coverage on a topic is lacking, email me at editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com. I can’t do everything but I do my best to accommodate islanders’ wishes.

There is a tension between journalistic independence and community wants and needs –– that’s what makes this job never boring.

Now, 2020 is also special for the Undercurrent as we’re celebrating 45 years of Bowen news. I don’t have much more to say on the topic at the moment, other than that I overheard a conversation earlier this week where someone asked “there’s a newspaper on Bowen?”

Yes. Darn straight there is.

Help us keep a newspaper on Bowen and subscribe: email ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com, come into our office or visit bowenislandundercurrent.com/subscribe.

––Bronwyn Beairsto, Editor

Jewal Rocks!

DEAR EDITOR: A great big shout out to Jewal for doing such an awesome job with the constant ferry overloads. She keeps everyone informed, always with a smile on her face. Very stressful with people frustrated and angry.

Thank you, you really are a jewel!

––C. Wright THE WRITE STUFF. The Undercurrent encourages reader participation in your community newspaper. You must include your full name and a daytime phone number (for verification only). The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity, legality, brevity and taste.

HERE’S HOW: To submit a letter to the editor, fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to #102, 495 Government Rd., PO Box 130, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 or email editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Addressing Cape questions: Candy Ho DEAR EDITOR: My thanks to Bruce Steel for raising important questions in his letter of January 9.

No doubt, the history of The Cape has caused deep wounds. For that I apologize on behalf of The Cape on Bowen. It is why I am so committed to turning the story around.

Bruce asks if an aging in place community would basically be for wealthy people from off-island. We don’t want that either. We hope to attract residents who already live on the island among friends and family, who want to remain here and have care later in life. While the rent there can be higher, there is a lot included that one would otherwise pay for separately. So it may cost $6,000 and up to provide an apartment with three meals per day, activities, group shuttle buses, domestic support and other services. If through the rezoning process we find that few Bowen seniors want to live in an aging-in-

place community, then it won’t be part of the plan.

For details, I describe how an aging in place residence might work at envisionthecape.ca/aging-inplace.

Also, on Sat. April 4, from 2 to 5 p.m., I will host an aging in place seminar and general Q&A at The Well on Bowen.

Like you I deeply appreciate our volunteer firefighters. They have helped us many times, such as containing a fire last summer. At an aging-in-place community we would have at least one CPR-certified staff around the clock and also a 24/7 RN in licensed care. This should minimize impact on the BFD, especially compared with seniors living away from care.

I share people’s concern about affordability in general on the island. Any plan we bring forward will include lower cost housing, and we hope to include housing that is

All Advertising and news copy content are copyright of the Undercurrent Newspaper. All editorial content submitted to the Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication.

The Undercurrent is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, art work and photographs.

#102–495 Bowen Trunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC, V0N 1G0 Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148 bowenislandundercurrent.com DEADLINE for all advertising and editorial: Monday, 4:00 p.m.

Bowen Island Undercurrent Subscription Rates: Mailed 1 year subscription on Bowen Island: $45, including GST. Within Canada: $65 including GST

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within reach for workers of various income levels.

I agree with Bruce that Bowen residents should discuss the possible down sides of any changes at the Cape and development in general. We’ll listen to ideas and propose ways to mitigate or prevent negative outcomes. I hope people will consider the benefits as well, such as gaining the dedication of 160+ acres for conservation areas and public park; better public access to the coast; and social benefits such as aging in place and diverse housing.

Our goal is to create a plan that reflects the community’s desires. We encourage everyone to tell us how The Cape could play a positive role in the future of Bowen. (envisionthecape.ca) In the end, as they should, the community and council will decide what is best.

––Candy Ho Chief Executive Officer, The Cape on Bowen Community Development

National NewsMedia Council.

EDITOR BronwynBeairsto editor@bowenisland undercurrent.com

ADVERTISING Tracey Wait ads@bowenisland undercurrent.com

CARTOONIST Ron Woodall

PUBLISHER Peter Kvarnstrom publisher@bowenisland undercurrent.com

2011 CCNA

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2011

The Undercurrent is a member of the National NewsMedia Council of Canada, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please email editor@bowenislandundercurrent. com or call 604-947-2442.

If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the website at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

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THURSDAY JANUARY 30, 2020 • 5

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

What’s after Concerning parents and crumb rubber turf tent city?

DEAR EDITOR: Last fall a group of people whom were housing challenged on Bowen Island set up a tent city. We spent 44 nights outdoors in cold, wet Howe Sound. Record days of rainfall didn’t make it easy. Amazingly, the generous support from many in the community, be it hot meals, tents, blankets or kind words of support, made it survivable.

The support from PIVOT, a Vancouverbased social justice law organization helped to push back the bulls from Metro Vancouver, the current managers of some of the unceded lands we were camping on.

Did we achieve anything? Was it worth it?

How will this contribute to the acceleration of the required government response to the housing emergency currently tearing apart our communities?

The answers to some of those questions have yet to manifest. Regardless, the results of the amazing personal growth experienced by some of the campers and the strengthening of the social fabric within the community of Bowen points to yes!

One of the campers who has fought the disease of alcoholism for most of their life, hasn’t had a drink since we rolled up our tents some three months ago. Another has managed to quit smoking tobacco, something they were sucked into doing as a 12-year-old child, 44 years ago, by big tobacco, much like our children today are being hooked on blueberry flavoured nicotine vapes.

History repeats.

Unfortunately, since we broke camp and sought out our emergency survival situations, local, provincial and federal governments have done little to protect the most vulnerable, people known as the community of the refused.

Just as those triads of government have given hot air proclamations to the climate crisis, they have also failed to carry out effective, efficient and desperately required solutions, with their half-hearted and feeble attempts at doing as little as possible for the very people they so oratorically feign concern for, especially around election time.

We are still homeless. There are many more becoming so daily. Emergency shelters are not the answer, just as the temporary food banks we have had in our communities for more than 30 years to help bridge dietary needs haven’t worked.

When the cost of a simple home becomes affordable, our government coffers benefit greatly and the societal benefits smash any contrarian argument.

Housing First.

It really is that simple.

––Michael Chapman

DEAR EDITOR: Full disclosure here – I was on municipal council in the 2008 to 2011 term and, when the artificial turf field was first proposed, I was opposed to it. Having seen the use of the field over the last 10 years and the enjoyment many Bowen Islanders have received from this field, I am happy the majority won out and the field was built.

I read in last week’s Undercurrent a letter from Doug Nash that asks about disposal of the current artificial turf, as he is concerned about disposal of the crumb rubber. The current field is not crumb rubber. As a result of the protests and concerns at the time the artificial turf was

being proposed, a turf made of coconut crumbs was used instead of rubber tire crumbs. At the time, this was accepted by many as a good environmental alternative to the potential toxicity of the crumb rubber tires. Here we are almost 10 years later and looking at replacing the turf field and BIM Council is suggesting crumb rubber tires as it is cheaper.

I encourage those who care about the health of their children – and anyone else who uses the turf field – to do the research on the toxic chemicals released on the crumb rubber fields.

Some advice given to parents of children playing on crumb rubber fields includes having your young soccer play-

ers stand outside the house, remove their soccer cleats before entering the house, then have them immediately remove their clothes and put into the wash to ensure the crumb rubber particles are not breathed in and spread throughout the home. What is still a big unknown is the effect these toxic chemicals may have once these little soccer players are in their forties and fifties.

For those who wish to do more research on this, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has done a number of studies looking at the effects of crumb rubber tires used in artificial turf fields.

Sincerely, ––Nerys Poole

Ferry overloads affecting the home support workers we desperately need DEAR EDITOR: I cannot thank you enough for airing the difficulties with guaranteed boarding.

We need access to medical services, yet have to wait years to get them on Island.

We depend on help from the mainland.

As one of the many aging seniors, I rely on Lifelabs technicians who come over twice a week. I also rely on –– and am fortunate to have –– the support of North

Shore Home Support workers, without whose help I would have to move to the mainland into some sort of facility, possibly filling a much needed hospital bed while awaiting a suitable space.

There are only two individual Vancouver Coastal Health staff on island, the rest has to come from the mainland. Our community needs this support. Our municipality should, in cooperation with BC Ferries,

secure safe and prompt boarding for these needed helpers. It does not look as if this is happening.

After living here for more than 20 years, I and many others in my age group want and deserve to “age in place.” Yet this cannot happen without proper support of the workers we so desperately need here.

––Renate Williams Bowen Court

We and our (now) fine feeling feline had a great BowenVet experience

DEAR EDITOR: In my 30 years on Bowen, I have gone through the ups and downs with veterinary services on the island. I am thrilled with our current situation: Midge Ritchie and her wonderful team at Bowen Vet. Our cat become seriously ill over the holidays and Midge was so caring and supportive–– of our cat and me! My first stop at Bowen

Vet was just to pick up something I needed for our cat, who had just returned from an overnight stay at Mountainside Animal Hospital. Midge came out to advise on the purchase (ultimately convincing me I did not need to buy it) and spent 20 minutes discussing the situation. And then, as the vet was soon closing, Midge sent me home with her thermometer, so that I could

continue to monitor the cat’s temperature over the weekend. Midge and her team were incredibly responsive and helpful in the circuitous path to recovery; I cannot thank them enough. We are so very fortunate to have Dr. Midge Ritchie in our community. I encourage all of you to drop by Bowen Vet and meet Midge and her team.

––Rosemary Knight

Sweet sound of the sixties raised more than $1,100 for the food bank

DEAR EDITOR On Friday January 24, our band “The Sixties” played at the Bowen Island Pub. It was a full house, and with the help of Glenn Cormier and the Pub staff we collected over $1,100 (and some food) for the Bowen Island Food Bank. Many thanks to all who attended and contributed.

Your generosity is only rivalled by your ability to pack a dance floor.

––Peter Clarke, David Graff, Terry McKeown, Peter McLean

PHOTO COURTESY OF TERRY MCKEOWN

Editor’s note: we understand that it’s Peter Clarke’s birthday this week. Happy Birthday Peter! Keep rocking!

The Sixties perform at the pub last weekend.

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6 • THURSDAY JANUARY 30. 2020

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BowenWaste municipal contract renewed for 7 years

OPINION

Revolution justified: what gives me hope ANTON VAN WALRAVEN

SOPHIE IDSINGA

Contributor

Bowen Island Municipality (BIM) and Bowen Waste Solutions Inc. (formerly Bowen Waste Services) are pleased to announce that a new seven year contract has been reached to continue with solid waste collection for the island. Bowen Waste Solutions (BWS) has been providing the service on island for 25 years, employs 16 people on island and also serves the commercial and strata sectors privately.

Both curb-side pick-up and operation of the Bowen Island Recycling Depot (BIRD) will continue as you currently know it. We will also continue with special waste days twice a year. While BIM is exploring options on how green waste and recycling may be handled in the future, conclusions on potential changes are not reached; therefore, no change in service is pending at this time.

In Island Survey 2019, residents reported being “more than satisfied” with the solid waste services they receive, and it’s our expectation that the high level of service from BWS will continue.

In order to ensure a continued high level of service through the life of the seven-year contract, reinvestment in new equipment and facilities is required. This will result in an increase to the garbage parcel tax for solid waste services, which you will see on your next property tax bill.

The exact value has not yet been calculated, however it’s estimated to be approximately $600 per property, per year; an increase from $421 in 2019. In addition to reinvestment, servicing Bowen Island has greater challenges than in core areas of the mainland. Low development density, ferry considerations, challenging roads and accesses, and the need for manual emptying of cans into garbage trucks all contribute to a higher cost of servicing our unique location.

We look forward to our continued relationship with Bowen Waste Solutions, and continuing to provide excellent, Bowen-based services to our community.

If you have any questions, please contact us or visit the website of Bowen Waste Solutions at bowenwastesolutions. com.

“What do you think of Woodfibre LNG?” I am often asked. Not that I work for the company –– I am doing the opposite –– but folks know who ask me the question.

What do I think about of Woodfibre LNG? That it should never be built and that we should not have super-tankers filled with liquefied fracked fossil fuel gas sailing through Átl’k a7tsem / Howe Sound, passing close by NexwLelexwem / Bowen Island. This is what I thought in 2015 when I first heard about the project and that conviction has only grown stronger since.

Not surprising as we are witnessing the effects of global heating all over the world.

We have to bring down CO2 emissions a lot faster than is currently happening and definitely not be building any more new fossil fuel projects or pipelines. Colonially “approved” or not.

A question I am not asked often: “So what give you hope these days?”

What gives me hope is that more and more people get it that global heating is human-caused and that we have to keep the heating below 2 C. That gives me hope.

What gives me hope too is that a new generation is out on the streets demanding system change, not climate change. The 1970s, the years when we had the option of a slow energy transitions, are long gone.

What gives me hope is an attorney from the Netherlands who, after seeing An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore, thought about his kids’ future and got to work. What could be done using the law to force the Dutch government to follow through on its 1992 Rio Earth Summit commitments to reduce green house gas emissions?

His name is Roger Cox. He wrote a book, published in Dutch in 2011, in English in 2013 titled Revolution Justified. Then, in 2013, Cox represented Urgenda - an organization promoting and undertaking sustainability projects in the Netherlands - when it took the Dutch state to court. In 2015 the District court ruled in their favour.

The Dutch Government appealed but lost and then took it to the Dutch Supreme Court, which ruled on Dec.

Bowen Island Municipality

Where

nk Ba u Yo Makes a Difference www.firstcu.ca

(604) 947-2022 106-996 Dorman Rd

20, 2019.

Cox’s legal argument was upheld. They had won. The Dutch Government, although it aimed for 17 per cent reduction in greenhouse gasses by the end of 2020, must now cut back emissions by 25 per cent compared to 1990 levels by the end of this year.

What gives me hope is that more and more people are questioning colonialism in Canada. That they stand together with the Wet’suwet’en people protecting their unceded land from the building of a fossil gas pipeline.

What gives me hope is that more people understand the implications coming out of the Delgamuukw 1997 and Tsilhgot’in 2014 Canadian Supreme Court decisions. That, of course(!), Hereditary Chiefs have full standing when it comes to the unceded Indigenous territory they represent.

More people understand that the band councils are a construct from the colonial and racist Indian Act and is forced upon Indigenous nations and peoples. More about this in my column from 2019: “Before reconciliation, we need to acknowledge the truth.”

What gives me hope is that more and more people are questioning capitalism and how its religious pursuit of wealth in the almighty market destroys the natural world and life itself.

What gives me hope is that more people see the stranglehold oil, gas and chemical industries have on our governments whose responses are to provide more subsidies.

B.C. gave a green light to Site-C hydro dam but the costs are spiralling out of control while the unit prices for solar and wind energy continue to drop well below the level Site C can ever produce it for. On a federal level more climate credibility will be lost if the federal government approves the proposed biggest-ever tar sands mine.

What gives me hope is that people are taking notice and are speaking up. We cannot simply continue on the path we are on.

De-colonizing and transitioning away from fossil fuels will take everyone’s commitment.

We must reinvent how we do things, see it with our mind’s eye and make it reality. That’s what we humans are good at.

Let’s do it.

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THURSDAY JANUARY 30, 2020 • 7

Opinion: Ditch the turf field, let’s go with sand DOUG NASH

Contributor

I must confess that I am not a fan of artificial turf (AT). It tis plastic and we are already making a mess of our planet by over-consuming this stuff and chucking it about without a care. Our plastic recycling systems are a sham for the most part and only a small fraction of the plastics that make it into the recycling stream actually get made into something useful. The majority gets burned or landfilled as a recent CBC Marketplace expose revealed. This does not include the millions of tons of plastic that does not get into the recycling stream and artificial turf is part of that category.

Artificial turf play fields are subject to a lot of vigorous play, which is what we expect and design for, but this results in the plastic fibers breaking down at a rate of between five to 10 per cent per year. Even with moderate use, 50 per cent of the AT will disappear into the environment after 10 years.

This does not include the infill material which helps to hold the fiber erect.

The big scary issue with AT is microplastics that are shed from the field onto the players’ clothing and when it rains fthe fibers are washed into our streams and ultimately the ocean. University students in Japan demonstrated this when they found green plastic fibers in the ocean close to their home and traced it back to local soccer fields.

Closer to Bowen, a school in Oak Bay had their AT field replaced after three years when significant microplastic pollution from the field was discovered in adjacent streams.

The installation company responsible for the project says they had never seen this before.

This problem is being addressed in Europe where they have developed filtration systems to collect the plastic and infill but obviously a portion will still remain that is impossible to account for.

Then there’s the infill, which could be coconut fibers and this is what BICS play field is currently using. This is a safe and natural material but according to muni’s spec sheet, this is not desirable for a number of reasons. The most common infill is recycled crumb rubber, which is basically ground-up tires and contains lead and other heavy metals.

Vancouver health says it is safe enough for kids to play on but it still accumulates in the environment and affects the

health of our ecosystems. The other types of infill are made of different types of plastic and they are, well, plastic.

There is an alternative but it requires a complete re-think on Bowen Island of what we are trying to achieve.

We want our kids to play and develop physical skills and confidence but maybe we can also inspire some awareness of the environment at the same time. Sand Court or Beach soccer is that solution. It is recognized and regulated

by FIFA and was put forward as a potential Olympic sport.

It is very similar to regular soccer in the same way that Beach volleyball is similar to traditional volleyball. Beach tennis is also a new sport that is growing quickly and can be played on the same field. The difference here is the low carbon footprint. It is non-polluting, low-maintenance and sustainable. It’s just different but the goals remain the same. Kids play. The cost of building the field is less and we don’t have to throw it away every 10 years.

The AT installation companies quotation only mentions disposal, not recycling.

Recycling The AT is possible but my online inquiries indi- Specializing in BOWEN ISLAND and HOWE SOUND cate that it has to be trucked FRAZER ELLIOTT to Tennessee where it will REALTOR® be turned into plastic fence posts and skirting boards.

So we need to have a hard 604.910.3401 look at what we are doing felliottbowen@gmail.com www.bowenhomes.ca here. Are we going to throw the plastic turf field away every 10 years or are we going to think outside the box and *based on Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver MLS sales. learn some new sports?

Greta is waiting.

Bowen’s

Top Buyer’s Agent for 2019*

BOWEN ISLAND’S GEM OF A GYM (604) 947-9601

1044 SENIOR ROAD

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8 • THURSDAY JANUARY 30. 2020

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604 947 2872

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE ESTIMATE!

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GREG BOSWORTH REALTOR©

YOURBOWENHOME.CA 604 340 8056 GREGB@SUTTON.COM

Q&A:TheWatering Can Supply

MEET CASEY KENNEDY, OWNER OF A NEW BOWEN BUSINESS

The Watering Can Supply opened last Nov. on the lower road in Artisan Square. The Undercurrent got in touch with owner Casey Kennedy to find out what the business is all about.

What is The Watering Can Supply?

A refill and sustainable supply store with an emphasis on local Canadian products.

Why do you find it important to sell sustainable products and from mostly Canadian suppliers?

Now more than ever we need to look at our consumption practices and how they serve us, our environment and the world.

By choosing sustainable and local products, we are able to give directly back to our communities. I believe people are ready to make greener choices for their families but accessibility can sometimes get in the way.

One of my goals in creating The Watering Can Supply is to help make the change easier for people. By choosing eco-friendly products, we’re supporting our families, investing in our health and truly caring for our environment.

What do you refill?

The list keeps growing each week! We have a lot of cleaning and personal hygiene refills. This includes dish detergent, dish soap, laundry detergent, all-purpose cleaner, stain remover, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, dental floss, soap, cosmetic oils, floral waters, and lots more. We also carry other sustainable items that are not refillable but are definitely compostable or minimal waste. Things like bamboo toothbrushes, produce bags, baby wipes, cutlery and refillable candles.

What was your inspiration for opening the store?

CASEY KENNEDY PHOTO

Casey Kennedy opened The Watering Can Supply in November.

It’s personally very important to me to lower my environmental impact, support Canadian companies and support others in leading more sustainable lives. That coupled with a huge leap of faith and a supportive community led me to create The Watering Can Supply.

Why on Bowen?

Community-based living has always been a huge part of my life and I couldn’t imagine creating the store anywhere else. I love that The Watering Can Supply has allowed me to offer a much-needed service to the community but also provided me with an opportunity to support our neighbours and friends in choosing eco-friendly products.

What has the local response been?

The support I’ve received has been beyond amazing. I cannot put into words how grateful I am for the amount of love, support, and curiosity I have received.

From excitement and congratulations to product suggestions to a friendly hello, it’s truly been a warm welcome.

The Watering Can Supply is open Tuesday to Thursday 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 to 4 p.m. It’s located at #102 - 555 Prometheus Place.

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THURSDAY JANUARY 30, 2020 • 9

Seeking island projects for granting season: the Nook CATHERINE BAYLY

Knick Knack Nook

Do you have a wonderful project that would contribute to environmental sustainability on Bowen? This project must include one aspect of the following: principles of zerowaste, recycling, composting, food security, encouragement of minimal consumerism, and/or education regarding any of these goals. Or it can be a project that will contribute to the social sustainability of Bowen through: assistance to seniors, assistance to children, youth and families, encouragement of diversity and inclusiveness on Bowen, promotion of wellness and safety or education regarding any of these goals.

Some of last year’s grant recipients were: Bowen Island Conservancy ($1,000) to cover costs of outdoor events and public education sessions.

Bowen Island Preservation Association ($5,500) to support the weekly farmers market, events in Davies Orchard and heritage apple education.

Bowen Island Food Sovereignty ($5,000) to support a project outlining food system sustainability.

Bowen Island Community School ($6,300) for the ongoing development of the playground.

Bowen Island Arts Council ($1,500) for a Syrian art exhibit to help nurture connections, understanding, and empathy amongst Canadians and new immigrants.

Bowen Island Seniors Keeping Young ($3,800) to help foster health, emotional and physical well-being in our island seniors In 2019 the KKN awarded altogether $40,000 to social sustainability initiatives and environmental sustainability initiatives. This is why shopping at the Nook is good for the community. Applications are available online at knickknacknook.org and must be received by 5 p.m. Feb. 15.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Some of last year’s Knick Knack Nook grant recipients.

C

WANT TO GROW THAT SEED OF AN IDEA FOR BOWEN? Your Community Foundation is here to help!

Community Impact Grants deadline is Feb 15th www.bowenfoundation.com

Direct Billing - Online Booking Full Reception

Connie Wright Originals is filled with wonderful natural fibre clothing.

WINTER SALE ON NOW - NEW SPRING ARRIVALS

Open 11 - 5 pm Thursday - Sunday In the cove next to Squirrel and Doc’s

Registered Psychology Physiotherapy Chiropractic ICBC & Worksafe Registered Dietitian Sport Therapeutics Massage Therapy Kinesiology Speech Pathology Occupational Therapy www.bowenislandhealth.com 604-947-2270 101 - 495 Bowen Island Trunk Rd

10 • THURSDAY JANUARY 30. 2020

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FIRST CLASS PROPERTY SERVICES

Fundraising for Australian wildlife

ISLANDERS’ EFFORTS INCLUDE A SILENT AUCTION THIS WEEKEND AND SELLING LIMITED-EDITION KOALA PRINTS

CYRILLE SAURA ZELLWEGER

Contributor

Window Washing Gutter Cleaning & Cover Installations Roof Moss Control Pressure Washing

778-9 998-7 7873 Your On-Island Maintenance Experts

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includes all paint sundries

January 30 - February 10

Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm Saturday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

1013 Grafton Road • 604-947-9622

In B.C., and probably even more on beautiful islands such as Bowen, we are particularly concerned with the protection of our nature and wildlife. So it is not really a surprise that we feel so concerned about the tragedy that Australia now faces.

It is hard to fathom the extent of the destruction. On January 7, it was estimated that more than 32,000 square miles of land was burned, which is about 80 times the size of the area burned in California last summer. Already 1 billion of wild animals have perished. Many have been rescued but they will need long-term care and their future is very compromised with so much of their habitat destroyed. And the current forecasts anticipate that the existing bushfires will continues to burn at their current scale or higher until at least March 2020.

Our veterinarian Midge Ritchie and I have partnered to help raise money for the wildlife affected by the bushfires in Australia. While Midge is having an auction on Feb. 1 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., I have drawn this lovely Koala and a limited edition of 80 prints is for sale on my website (www.cyrillesaura.com). The proceeds will go to the Brad Pattinson Animal Rescue team who is going over to Australia to help.

They will use the money to buy bandages,

CYRILLE SAURA ZELLWEGER PHOTO

A limited number of koala prints are for sale to raise money for fire-affected wildlife in Aus.

cream and other products needed to take care of the wounded animals. Your help is greatly appreciated so visit my website and purchase a Koala print or stop anytime at the veterinarian office in Artisan square to make a donation. Thank you.

Did you know? The Bowen Island community shuttles have GPS tracking devices so islanders can monitor buses’ movements online. The service is available until July 30 but it could be extended if there’s lots of use. See the map: bowenisland.doublemap.com. If you have feedback contact BIM planner Emma Chow at echow@bimbc.ca or 604-947-4255.

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THURSDAY JANUARY 30, 2020 • 11

BIRCH update: housing project steadily progressing

How to place an order:

ROBYN FENTON

Bowen Island Resilient Community Housing

1. Go to www.foodonbowen.com check our menu and make your choice 2. Send us a message via Facebook or SMS text with your order and address and wait for a confirmation message 3. Choose your payment method (cash or e transfer), keep chilling and wait for your order.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID MCCULLUM

Jack Resels, David McCullum and Robyn Fenton of BIRCH met MP Patrick Weiler earlier this month.

OR YOU CAN TEXT US (236) 335-3959 The Bowen Pub Tuesday to Sunday from 5:00 pm to 9:45 pm Tuscany Wednesday to Sunday From 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm For Alderwood Farm orders please call

(604) 947-9434 Saturdays only (for now)

OUR FARES: Zone 1 - 5.95 - “The cove area” Artisan Square, Cates Hill Valhalla, Dorman point, Millers Landing and Mount Gardener Road before Green Rd. And Grafton Rd until the Fire Station.

Zone 2 - 9.95 - Eagle Cliff Hood Point, Grafton Bay Galbraith bay, Grafton Road after the Fire Station and Adams Road before the intersection with Sunset.

Zone 3 - 13.95 - Bluewater, Bowen Bay Adams Road after the Sunset intersection, Tunstall bay, Whitesails, Sunset Park States, The Cape on Bowen, Southshore, Fairweather and Cowan Point.

Stay Safe, Stay Cozy, Stay Home.

We Take Care.

G

O

ENISLA ND

W

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from BC Housing, we may also be able to include units for very-low income residents.

Additional goals include durable (low maintenance) construction, high energy efficiency, design that allows for lots of daylight and fresh air, adequate storage and space for social connection.

We continue to work closely with our design team to achieve as many of our goals as possible mindful of financial feasibility and government funding requirements.

With regards to community input, we continue to work with our community advisory committee: BARC. That group of volunteers met in January to discuss tenant selection requirements and process options. We will also be reviewing the building design and draft business plan with this group for their feedback to make sure we are on the right track. BARC’s next meeting is in March.

How can you be involved? The next BARC meeting is in March and we are looking for new members. BARC is a great opportunity to get involved and help shape this important project.

BIRCH continues to be very thankful for all the community support and our ongoing partnership with Bowen Island Municipality.

BO

Bowen Island Resilient Community Housing (BIRCH) is steadily advancing the community rental housing project on Lot 3 on Miller Rd. We have engaged Boni Maddison Architects (BMA) to design the building. BMA has extensive experience in community housing and is familiar with the funding programs we are aiming to apply for, so the project is in good hands.

Last week BIRCH executive director Robyn Fenton met on-site with project architects and our development consultants, CitySpaces, to see the site and discuss our community’s goals.

Earlier this month, board members David McCullum, and Jack Resels, along with Robyn Fenton met with our newly elected federal MP Patrick Weiler at an open house at his constituency office in Horseshoe Bay. We introduced our organisation and our project and he indicated he was in support of our project and would assist in any way he can with our funding applications, including writing a letter of support.

Our next steps in the coming three to four months are completing the schematic design with BMA and an updated feasibility report for the project with our development consultants. The subdivision of Lot 3 should be complete around the same time.

With these in hand, we will be applying for both BC Housing and Canadian Mortgage & Housing Corporation (CMHC) funding.

We will also finally have some plans and images of the building to share with the community.

We are aiming for plus or minus 25 units in a variety of sizes and rent levels to meet the needs of low to moderate income households. Dependent on funding

LF CLU

12 • THURSDAY JANUARY 30. 2020

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Music workshop & much more happening during Family Literacy week CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Artisan Suites on Bowen BOWEN ISLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY

This is a drop-in program for young readers (ages 5 and up) and their caregivers, happening on Thursday, Jan. 30, at 3 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 1, at 11:30 a.m.

Adults are invited to drop in to learn about the online, narrated and animated children’s books collection called TumbleBooks on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. in the Flex Room.

This collection is free to library card-holders and is a great resource for young readers, their parents and homeschoolers.

Literacy isn’t only about books, however, and our musical literacy event is sure to be a big “hit” (percussion joke there). Family Jam! Making Music Together with Shasta and Brian, on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 2 p.m. in the Library Annex will be a fantastically fun time, as Shasta Martinuk and Brian Hoover bring their music education expertise and percussion instruments to share, show, and play with. Instruments in hand, chil-

dren and their caregivers will join in guided rhythm games, call and response, playing with volume and more. It might get loud, however, so consider bringing ear protection for sensitive ears. This is a free, drop-in program, which will run about 45 min.

Meanwhile, enjoy our set-up of games and literacy activities in the annex, available for drop-in enjoyment by all library users during Family Literacy Week. Scrabble, Snakes & Ladders, puzzles, matching games, crosswords and more await patrons looking for a cozy activity. We also have literacy resources printed out for parents to take home available in the kids’ section. They have with ideas on how to engage soon-tobe-readers from birth to five years old.

So don’t miss out on these final few days of Family Literacy Week, there is lots going on! The Bowen Library thanks the Literacy Task Group for funding this week of programs for the community.

Connecting islanders to each other and to the world.

O N A N AV E R A G E D AY . . .

PEOPLE VISIT

98% agree the Library is a valuable resource!

to access our extensive collection of books and other resources and engage in a wide range of programming

ITEMS BORROWED

184 books, DVDs, periodicals, reference materials, medical equipment and specialized tools

NOTICE TO BOWEN ISLAND TRADES AND SUPPLIERS RE: MULTI-FAMILY RENTAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT – AREA 1, LOT 2

WE’RE GROWING

In anticipation of construction start-up in April 2020, we wish to invite interested Bowen Island tradespersons and suppliers to submit Expressions of Interest. Please include details and references for similar sub-contract work.

Visits up 51% Materials borrowed up 10% Questions answered up 30% Number of adult programs up 275% Number of kids’ programs up 47% New library members up 65%

THE LIBRARY ANNEX

Due to professional consultant liability, budget and financing, contracts will be stipulated price (CCDC 17) with associated terms. Contractors must have $2 million liability insurance and WorkSafe BC clearance standing.

a bright and welcoming new space for programming, individual study and community events

The tender drawings will be available mid-March 2020. Those who qualify will thereafter be contacted.

Based on firm specification documents, the lowest tender may or may not be accepted. A Bowen Island address is preferred.

Trades must also demonstrate: • adequate supervision; • available labour and equipment to coordinate/complete installations on an aggressive schedule; and • commitment to quality and safety foremost.

The site will be operating six days per week, including Saturdays.

We will also be employing directly (for 12-14 months): 1. One site superintendent, experienced in multi-family development construction; and 2. FAA Level 2/labour and rough carpenter.

Please address all detailed proposals to bowenproject@outlook.com as soon as possible.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: MARCH 1, 2020.

We hope to hear from you, David Bellringer Rob Purdy Peter Winckler P.O. Box 258 Bowen Island, BC, Canada V0N 1G0

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What I love about Bowen

THURSDAY JANUARY 30, 2020 • 13

Bowen Island Properties LP

LOCALS SHARE THEIR FAVOURITE THINGS ABOUT THE ISLAND

VAUNE KOLBER

Contributor

If you want to know why Bowen Island is such a fantastic place to live then you need to go to the source.

Harmony Shire & Aaron Davison

For us, the “source” is Harmony Shire, who was central to our moving to Bowen.

We are honoured to have Harmony Shire and her husband, Aaron Davison share their top five things they love about the island.

1) The Bowen Island ferry: although it can be the most frustrating thing in the world to miss the ferry, it’s is a huge piece of what makes Bowen. When you’re coming home, it feels like you’re already there once you board the ferry. It’s like an extension of the peace on island. All the stresses of the city just fall away. Besides that, the ferry, and the increased logistic complications it brings, are certainly a reason, if not the reason, many more people don’t move here. Not that I don’t want people to move here but the lower population is part of what makes it quaint and smalltown feeling.

2) The people: Most people who live on Bowen are lovely. It seems to take a certain kind of person to leave the city behind, and all its comforts, in favour of a life less complicated and (hopefully) less stressful.

The one thing that struck me most is that people smile and say “hi” when you walk past them, rather than pretend you’re not there. It’s like we’re all on the same team and everyone’s open to getting to know everyone else.

3) Nature: Nature is everywhere on Bowen. From the parks to the trails and hikes, if you love nature you don’t have to look very far. Having this much greenery around also makes the air smell sweeter and has the surroundings actually look beautiful when it rains, unlike the city which just looks gross.

4) Wildlife: There is so much wildlife around. From the deer that walk through our yard daily, to the eagles and seals and birds and whales. You almost start to get used to it. It’s wonderful to be able to take a pause and notice the majestic beauty of all the animals around.

5) Depth of relationships: This kind of dovetails with “the people,” but I believe it’s worth stating as a separate line. I’m not sure if it’s the type of people who find themselves on Bowen, or the fact that it doesn’t seem like people are too busy and distracted to be present and connect but it feels like relationships deepen quicker.

“There is an epidemic in the world of loneliness and feeling separated from people. Connection with others is the cure.

Being on Bowen feels like a long overdue solution for life itself.”––Harmony Shire & Aaron Davison

Lorraine & Rob McGregor

Friends are what make Bowen and we are grateful to have Lorraine and Rob McGregor, helping make the Island such an awesome place to live. Lorraine describes their “Bowen Story” as to why she and her husband, Rob, moved to the Island.

“My husband, Rob, and I moved to Bowen to find sanctuary from the noise and traffic of the mainland. Our roles in helping companies grow, as well as coaching in family businesses to work out roles, succession, conflict and selling the business, are intense.

“Yet what we’ve found here is community: people want to know us. They are ready to stop and talk in the midst of their walk, project, rumination on the beach,

or weighing what to buy in a store. People on Bowen want to connect. I find that so enormously moving that every time it happens I feel deeply grateful to my husband for pushing me to move to this island.”

Lorraine’s favourite five things about Bowen: 1) The Bowen Island ferry line is my time to think, write, read, call or just watch the world.

2) Our neighbours are there for us, to just drop by, lend a hand, or hang out.

3) Conversations are real, authentic, heartfelt, and fascinating.

4) Our views to Keats Island and Gibsons are endlessly changing and beautiful no matter what the weather.

5) We already live in the place that everyone wants to holiday in.

Joshua Keith Young

As the creative director and a bartender at The Bowen Island Pub, Joshua Keith Young, has a fantastic memory – rarely forgetting people’s names or what they like to drink. He is also one of those individuals who makes everyone feel at home and appreciated. The perfect person to have behind the bar at your local pub!

Joshua and his girlfriend moved to Bowen for three months...several years ago.

Joshua Keith Young’s top eight things about Bowen: 1) Seemingly every time I go to the General Store, I encounter at least one person I know. There’s usually more than a few perfect “hellos” and “how you doings” as I walk through the produce aisle... almost to the point that it feels like I’m on the Truman Show.

2) I would never break driving laws on Bowen Island...not for moral reasons, but for the fact that all the peace officers are my friends, and I don’t want to make things awkward the next time we see each other at the beach.

3) Every time I take the Bowen Island ferry from the Mainland back to Bowen, it feels like I’m taking a vacation.

I impatiently wait in a lineup, take a boat through a beautiful seascape, just to land on one of the most beautiful and unique islands in the world.

4) Surrounding a community by water has great social benefits. Suburbias that border each other on the Mainland tend to have dirty side effects, such as crime and graffiti. On an island, the sense of community is more about tolerating and getting along with each other than natural competition with someone across an imaginary line.

5) Bowen Island has a very diverse set of social demographics, all of which seem to get along with each other. There’s not a lot of places in this world where a hippie, a retiree, and a movie star will sit at the pub for a beer, socialize, and see each other as equals.

6) Single small businesses are respected and supported by committed citizens.

Trades and fair deals are reached on a person’s word, as opposed to strict contracts based on distrust.

7) Oddities are more respected than luxuries. An $80,000 Mercedes Benz won’t turn a single head, whereas a $200 beater car with a disgusting paint job is the bee’s knees.

8) Citizens of this small community, as many others, are conditioned to be comfortable with themselves as individuals.

Instead of always to impress and define themselves in front of new people, they have become comfortable with who they are. Their genuine demeanour is reflected as such.

LIVING & WORKING ON BOWEN By the time we settle into calling Bowen Island “home,” many of us have become aware of the “Bowen dream.” We live here, yes. Great. But what if we could also work here? There is a special glint in the eyes of people who have been freed from the daily grind of ferry commuting.

I was a former long-time commuter to Washington State, but have been living the “Bowen dream” for 30-plus years, and it feels like “heaven on earth.” Together with a dedicated team, we have worked hard during those years to enable that “dream” to become a reality for others.

What does it take for people to live and work here?

One example is Cates Hill. Prior to its development, there were about 260 acres of rugged, rocky hillsides that had been heavily logged. Those lands were difficult to access, and even more difficult to develop.

What hap ppened d? Th he “B Bowen dream” took over. A few enterprising individu uals, tired of co ommuting g, weent to work. It took hundreds of thousands of human- and machine-hours over the What if we could next 30 years (plus trusting lenders and patient also work here? parttners) to construct what we see today—the bu uildin ngs, roaads,, waater systeem, Snug Cove’s first sewage treatment plant, and d thee extensiv ve traiil network connecting the parts of Cates Hill.

Today it is diffi fficult to imagine a Snug Cove without the Cates Hill development. That would mean no Village Square with post office, pharmacy, Ruddy Potato, bakery, credit union, sushi, professional offices, many other retail shops, and the much appreciated apartments on the upper floors. There would be no Artisan Square with its variety of retail and artisan shops, restaurant, health care providers, professional offices, and their healthy assortment of rental apartments and privately owned dwellings. Further, it would mean no Children’s Centre on Carter Road, no Island Pacific School, no Cates Hill Chapel, no Rivendell Retreat at the top of Cates Hill, no Tir-na-nOg Theatre School, no family housing cluster above the Village Square with rents at 15% below the CMHC average for Metropolitan Vancouver, no Municipal Hall, and no auto repair shop. And let’s not forget the 180 to 200 households (approximately 450 to 500 people) on Cates Hill with their ongoing contributions to community life and the local economy.

Something similar happened to Bowen’s south side with the start and ongoing development of Cowan Point, including the much-loved public golf course.

And all the other substantial construction projects acrosss the island d.

It is no surprise, therefore, to learn that the combined d productiviity off Bowen Island’s building trades and related constructtion n Other services are the island’s number one economic driveconomic n—fo or er. Many of these contributors also live on Bowen drivers? them, the “Bowen dream” is a living reality.

Currently there are hardly any other economic driveers in siight that could even come close to this number one driver. The challenge and opportunity from here on will be to gradually and intelligently develop a vibrant and sophisticated local economy in tandem with, and parallel to, construction and development.

Upcoming rezoning proposals by Bowen Island Properties will emphasize the creation of more drivers toward a healthy local economy, and the opportunity for more people to enjoy the “Bowen dream.” There will be more about this in our coming publications. — Wolfgang Duntz

w

o

Since 1988, building communities where people love to live Office Phone: 604-947-0099 www.bowenislandproperties.ca PAID ADVERTISEMENT

14 • THURSDAY JANUARY 30. 2020

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Forecast for two per cent growth in detached home prices ALL BOWEN YEAR-OVER-YEAR REAL ESTATE PRICE METRICS FELL IN 2019

YOY SALES PRICE 2015–2019

2019 DETACHED SALES

TIMOTHY RHODES Contributor Bowen Island real estate saw declines in all metrics year-over-year (YoY) at 31 December 2019, including the largest percentage drop in the MLS® Home Price Index since 2013 (-2.3 and -3.9 per cent respectively), in the Average Sale Price since 2013 (-11.3 and -1.5 per cent respectively), and in Median Sale Price since 2011 (-0.3 and -1.7 per cent respectively).

The lowest annual number of sales YoY since 2010 (45 compared to 39) and annual dollar volume of sales since 2014 ($45.2 million compared to $44.3 million) were recorded in 2019; however, in the positive column, the Bowen market also saw a record YoY MLS® HPI high of $996,142 at 31 March 2019.

CHANGE IN SALES AND DOLLAR VOLUME

2018–2019

2017-2018

Price metrics were also down YoY from 31 December 2018 and, except for the MLS® HPI, down YoY from 2017; however, for buyers who purchased in 2016 or earlier, price metrics are up. Moving into 2020, most forecasters are projecting modest increases for detached homes.

The BC Real Estate Association forecast for the REBGV is for a 14.5 per cent increase in number of sales and a 1.9 per cent increase in average price.1 Central 1 Credit Union forecasts a 6.0 per cent increase in number of sales and a 6.3 per cent increase in median sales price for the Vancouver CMA.2 Mortgage Sandbox looked at a number of forecasts and predicts “a modest rise of 2% each of the next two years.”3 Not everyone is predicting recovery: BC Business’s Steve Saretsky writes, “All bets are off.” He worries about “a pullback of foreign investment, policy changes and indebted households […] and near-record totals for units under construction.”4 The Bowen Island market typically lags a few months behind Metro Vancouver; however, during 2019, the Island outperformed every Metro Vancouver municipality from March through December with respect to YoY percentage increase in MLS® HPI (or benchmark price) and was among the top four municipalities registering MLS® HPI percentage increases throughout 2018.

Current low interest rates, price points that appeal to buyers squeezed by the mortgage stress test, the best value proposition for detached homes in Metro Vancouver when comparing lot size, sense of community, quality of schools, and safety, no speculation tax, and a relatively easy commute to downtown Vancouver should see the Island’s market perform within the range of forecasts for the mainland.

With most forecasts for prices to creep up, albeit slowly, and with inventory at the beginning of January 2020 at historic lows—only 3 months in the past 10 years have had lower inventories— those who have been waiting for the market to stabilize to either buy or sell will see an opportunity to act in 2020.

A 2 per cent increase would see pricing metrics return to 2018 levels, the highest in history.

PER CENT

MLS® HPI PER CENT CHANGE

$ 45,158,548 8

BOWEN ISLAND 5-YEAR HIGHEST VALUES

1 https://www.bcrea.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/housingforecast.pdf 2 Census Metropolitan Area. Area codes 604 / 778 / 236 / 672 3 https://www.mortgagesandbox.com/vancouver-real-estate-forecast 4 https://www.bcbusiness.ca/Property-Watch-BCs-2020-real-estate- forecast-is-decidedly-cloudy

Data represents the MLS® detached home data only as at 30 November 2019. Data source © 2019 BC Northern Real Estate Board, Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board, Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, and Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. All rights reserved. Data deemed reliable but d

bowen queen?

email: editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com Deadline February 10th

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THURSDAY JANUARY 30, 2020 • 15

Land ahoy! Marine atlas publication planned for springtime THE PROJECT SEEKS TO FOSTER PUBLIC AWARENESS AND ENGAGEMENT WITH OUR LOCAL MARINE ENVIRONMENT

BOB TURNER

Marine Atlas Crew

Bowen’s marine atlas is on the home stretch.

The Bowen Island Conservancy is planning to publish the Atlas in the spring and we are currently pulling together the final edits.

We have a new title: Exploring Bowen’s Marine World, A Marine Atlas of Nex wlélex wem/Bowen Island. A wonderful part of this final process is writing our acknowledgements to the many islanders who have helped make the atlas happen. Our authors Len Gilday, Will Husby and myself along with our editor Susan Munro are now looking back over the past year and all the steps that got us to where we are now and we have so many to thank.

It all started back in January 2019, when the chair of the Conservancy Hornby Island came to Bowen to explain to us how they created their island’s marine atlas. That inspired us to get going on ours.

An advisory group of islanders jumped in right away. In May, the Bowen Island Community Foundation gave us a big vote of confidence with their grant of $5,000. We then received additional donations from the Ngan Page Family Fund and three private individuals. And the Sitka Foundation provided the remaining half of the funding for our

Exploring Bowen’s Marine World A Marine Atlas of Nexwlélexwem/Bowen Island

Bowen Island Conservancy

Len Gilday, Will Husby and Bob Turner

LEN GILDAY PHOTO

Exploring Bowen’s Marine World, A Marine Atlas of Nexwlélexwem/Bowen Island will be available in print and online. project and gave us the confidence that we would complete the project.

Engaging our public while we created the atlas was always a pri-

ority.

Eleven volunteers staffed the Bowfest display in August and another 21 at the marine atlas open house at Bowen Island

out of the blue boutique in the heart of the cove open 10 -6 everyday

Community School in October. In November, we met with the entire Island Pacific School student body to workshop the atlas content –– we got great input. As we wrote,

we got advice from knowledgeable islanders who read through various drafts. At the open house, we put a call out to the community to read our draft atlas and a number of community members gave us more comments.

For the past three months we have been pulling all that together and the enterprise has grown –– our original proposal of a 25-page Atlas has swelled to more than 50 pages.

Our current plan is to publish the atlas as a booklet as well as a free online PDF. Copies of the published atlas will be distributed free to local schools, organizations and to all who have helped along the way.

The atlas will also be sold by the Bowen Island Conservancy, with proceeds going to further island stewardship education and activities.

Publication of the marine atlas this spring will be an important milestone but it won’t be the conclusion of the project. We are only just starting. The project seeks to foster public awareness and engagement with our local marine environment, its conservation issues and to celebrate the recovery of our marine neighbourhood.

The atlas will be an important tool but there is much more to do. We plan to create a website to promote use of atlas content, and work with community partners.

Stay tuned!

16 • THURSDAY JANUARY 30. 2020

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You can’t buy happiness.

But you can buy local.

That’s sort of the same thing.

Community Economic Development Committee

Delivered to your mailbox!

Every week for $55 per year ($85 to off island addresses)

Until Feb 14 take $10 off a subscription when you shop local Just show us a receipt or a business card from one of our advertisers

604-947-2442 ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com

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THURSDAY JANUARY 30, 2020 • 17

Driving for a greener future: local university student builds an E.V.

WILL MCKNIGHT CONVERTED A 2003 MINI COOPER INTO AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE WHILE ATTENDING SCHOOL FULL-TIME

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor

When the first electric Mini Coopers drive onto U.S. showroom floors in March, Bowen Island’s McKnights can say they’ve already got one of their own.

It took two years, but local university student Will McKnight and his father Bob converted a 2003 Mini Cooper S. to an electric vehicle.

Will was in his second year of engineering at Simon Fraser University when the idea started percolating.

“I think it was the first time I saw Tesla or something like that,” he said. “I just thought was quite cool.”

But Will had no idea how to build an electric vehicle so it took months of research before he even sat down to plan out the project.

“Little did I know at the time actually how large this project actually was,” says Will.

“This was from the ground up, we didn’t buy a kit or something like that, Will bought components from all over the world,” says Bob. But before buying anything, Will had to calculate how much energy the car would need for the path he wanted it to drive on a single charge: from Bowen Island to Bob’s store in Vancouver and back.

Will got in contact with Randy Holmquist of Canadian Electric Vehicles Ltd., which sells compo-

nents and manuals for converting gas guzzlers into electric vehicles, and Holmquist helped with getting parts and instructions.

Bob found a 2003 Mini Cooper going cheap due to a blown clutch and Friday evenings after Bob’s work and Will’s school, father and son set to work, stripping out anything related to the internal combustion engine (which is a lot).

“At the time I was living in Port Moody and I had this teeny little basement,” says Will. “So a lot came out with that and the car took up pretty much the entire space.”

Eventually they moved the car to Bob’s garage on Bowen where they finished the project in about December 2018.

“Looking back I really treasure and cherish those moments. It’s nice obviously working with your father on such a large project,” recalls Will.

“But we also can get quite worked up so yeah, there’s great highs but there’s also massive lows,” he chuckles.

“At some points, I got so frustrated, I almost gave up,” says Bob. “I was just like…this thing’s never gonna work.”

The two would sort out their frustrations in short order.

“I was impressed with his ability to overcome these problems and sort them out one at a time,” says Bob. “Some of them were just nightmares.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF DIANNE RAMAGE

Will McKnight poses with a 2003 Mini Cooper he and his father spent two years converting into an electric vehicle.

But beyond skill and time, converting a car takes money.

“Economically, it makes zero sense,” says Will. “Especially if you aren’t set up for it. My father, he’s a tradesman…we have a shop and he’s accumulated tools.

Science Fair TOUR THE PROJECT S

MIDDLE SCHOOL

MATTERS

ISLAND PACIFIC SCHOOL

CELEBRATING YEARS

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 12 6:15-8:15

islandpacific.org

“I couldn’t imagine doing that project without a shop.”

Will estimates that they put $23,000 to $25,000 into the car.

Half the cost of building an electric vehicle is the battery adds Will. The McKnights were using

salvaged Tesla Model S batteries, the cost for which has dropped hundreds of dollars in the time since says Will.

Part of the cost was that Will wanted to use an alternating current (the industry norm) rather than a direct current motor–– something that hasn’t always been possible in the DIY world. Will says that a company (HPEVS) came out with a more affordable motor and controller pair that allows the conversion, though it’s still more expensive than sticking with DC. “At the time I was really psyched up about regenerative braking and AC motors give you that capability,” he explains.

Will was hoping for 100 km per charge but expecting 80 km. In drives last summer, the car made it 120 km (ish) on a single charge, more than enough to make it to and from Bob’s work (a journey it has done).

But for now, the car is parked on Bowen as Will is off at McMaster University working on a masters of engineering. His work is in a lab where the research revolves around power electronic design with respect to electric vehicles.

As for Bob, he’s impressed by the innovation of the younger generations––including his son.

“It’s inspirational. They’re saying the world may be [in peril], I don’t care. I’m going to the wall.

And I’m going to do what I can to try to help.”

Patient of the Week MEET GRACIE AND GUS This adorable duo came in for an annual check-up and vaccinations. Gracie will be back for a routine procedure to remove some of her pesky lumps. Perhaps, her companion, Gus, will accompany her and hold her paw for support!

HOURS: Tuesday through Friday from 9:00am – 5:00pm Saturdays from 9:00am – 1:00pm.

To schedule appointments, please call

604.947.9247

or email reception@bowenvet.com

18 • THURSDAY JANUARY 30. 2020

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR ONGOING JAN 28 - FEB 2

Family Literacy Week at Bowen Library Family Literacy Week @ Bowen Library. Drop in for activities & events like our Family Music Jam, Book Bingo + Phoenix gift certificate draw, Kids’ Section Detectives, reading games, cozy board games in the Annex, and more! The 2020 theme is “Let’s Read Together”. More details at bowenlibrary.ca

FEB 12 - FEB 29

Annual Mini Gala Exhibit Gallery at Cove Commons Over 50 Bowen artists create mini masterpieces to be auctioned at the Gala event Saturday Feb 29 proceeds go to support the Gallery at Cove Commons. View the mini works of art exhibit from Feb 12th Wednesday through Monday, 10 AM – 4 PM, closed Tuesdays.

THURSDAY JAN. 30

Duplicate Bridge Bowen Court 6:45 - 10 pm Info call Pat at 778-288-7090

FRIDAY JAN. 31

Friday Night Live at the Pub Bowen Island Pub 7 - 10 pm Live music, dinner specials, and no cover charge.

Legion Dinner Bowen Island Legion Doors open at 5:30 p.m. dinner at 6:30 p.m. Edward Malone cooking marinated flank steak with roast veggies, mashed yam and BBQ/ chipotle glaze.

SATURDAY FEB. 1

Trust Me Series: Lynn Miles Tir-na-nOg 7:30 pm Get tickets at brownpapertickets. com/event/4486604 Family Jam: Making Music Together Bowen Library Annex 2 pm As part of Family Literacy Week, Local music educators Shasta Martinuk & Brian Hoover lead a free, 45-minute, all-ages percussive music circle, with guided games and jams—instruments provided! (Participants may want to consider bringing ear protection for those with sensitive ears—it might get loud!). Find more Family Literacy Week event and activity details at bowenlibrary.ca Bowen Vet Australian wildfire fundraiser Bowen Vet in Artisan Square 3-6 p.m. Silent auction to raise funds for animals affected by the Australian wildfires Greenbeats: DJ Night at the Pub Bowen Island Pub 9 pm DJ’s Jan Tize, Roraven, and Leo Chan. Tix by donation ($10) in support of ancientforestalliance.org.

SUNDAY FEB 2

Outdoor Meditation Circle Meet at the picnic tables at the entrance to Crippen Park 11 am. No cost. More info at lisa.shatzky@gmail.com

Auction to Help

MONDAY FEB 3

Bowen Veterinary Services is having an auction to help raise money for the wildlife affected by the Australian Wildfires.

Proceeds will go to the Brad Pattison Animal Rescue team who is going over to Australia to help.

We will have a gathering on February 1st from 3-6 pm. Please join us for refreshments and bid on items for a good cause.

Bowen Island Veterinary Team

Ready, Set, Learn Bowen Island Community School 5-6:30 pm Doors open at 4:40 A fun parent-child activity and information night with various stations and displays to visit, as well as a special musical guest and story time. This is a free event for families with 3-5 year old children including siblings grandparents, aunts, uncles and caregivers.

SKY (Seniors Keeping Young) for those 55+ Exercise at 9 a.m., coffee at 9:45, Diane Charette from ESS Animal Rescue speaking at 10

Eco fashion designed on Bowen

WorkBC Career Advisor available for free dropin sessions. Come by any time from 2pm - 5pm with your questions for resume, interview, career etc. help.

and yoga at 11:15.

TUESDAY FEB 4

Bowen Island AA Collins Hall 7:15 pm

2020 Budget information session Bowen Island Municipality 6:30-8:30 Public information session about the draft 2020 Budget.

THURSDAY FEB 6

Duplicate Bridge Bowen Court 6:45 - 10 pm Info call Pat at 778-288-7090

FRIDAY FEB 7

Island Pacific School Science Fair 6:15 - 8:15 Everyone welcome to tour the projects of IPS Middle school students. islandpacific.org

Friday Night Live at the Pub Bowen Island Pub 7 - 10 pm Live music, dinner specials, and no cover charge.

SATURDAY FEB 8

Downward Facing Broad! : Comedy Tir-na-nOg Theatre 3 pm CBC Debaters and Winnipeg Comedy festival regular, award-winning story teller and playwright, Deborah Kimmett brings her show to Bowen. Evening show sold out. Matinee tickets at Brown Paper Tickets . bpt.me Eat. Drink. Paint! Emily Carr’s Red Cedars Gallery at Cove Commons Artist/teacher Kathleen Ainscough will lead a two-hour step-by-step acrylic painting class, at the end of which you will have a masterpiece to take home. Pre- register at bowencommunityrec.com No experience required! Doors open at 6:30.

THURSDAY FEB 13

Bentall Taylor Ulrich Tir-na-nOg 7:30 pm BTU Barney Bentall, Tom Taylor, and Shari Ulrich. Tickets $30 at Phoenix Books and online at BTUBowen. brownpapertickets.com 2020 budget information session Bowen Island Municipality 10 a.m.-noon Public information session about the draft 2020 Budget.

Duplicate Bridge Bowen Court 6:45 - 10 pm Info call Pat at 778-288-7090

FRIDAY FEB 14

Bowen Film Festival BICS Gym Doors 5:30 Locally made short films by youth and locals. By donation.

SUNDAY FEB 16

SUNDAY FEB 9

Outdoor Meditation Circle Meet at the picnic tables at the entrance to Crippen Park 11 am. No cost. More info at lisa.shatzky@gmail.com

TUESDAY FEB 11

Bowen Island AA Collins Hall 7:15 pm

Outdoor Meditation Circle Meet at the picnic tables at the entrance to Crippen Park 11 am. No cost. More info at lisa.shatzky@gmail.com

TUESDAY FEB 18

Bowen Island AA Collins Hall 7:15 pm

Regular Council meeting Bowen Island Municipality 6:15 pm

WEDNESDAY FEB 12

WorkBC Career Advisor Bowen Library Flex Room

Do you have events for the calendar?

Email ads@ Bowenislandundercurrent.com

Shari Ulrich’s “Trust Me” series presents

Sat. Feb. 1, 7:30

Tir-na-nOg Theatre

585 Rivendell Dr, Bowen Island

Artisan Square ww ww.movementglobal.com check website for hours

Tickets $25 online at trustme.bpt.me and at

lynnmilesmusic.ca

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THURSDAY JANUARY 30, 2020 • 19

BOWEN BEAT Fair fa’your honest, sonsie face...

The annual Burns Supper at the Legion Jan. 24 saw islanders celebrate Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. Legion president and the evening’s cook, Yvonne McSkimming, provided a “Great chieftain o’ the puddin-race,” (a haggis) which Martin Clarke addressed in Burnsian tradition.

PHOTOS BY BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

“The groaning trencher there ye fill,/Your hurdies like a distant hill.” Islanders await food.

Probably not the celebrated haggis.

The Henley family suitably clad in their family’s tartan.

Left: Linda Pfeiff and Louise McIntosh Above: Pat Pinch and her sister Iris

Above: John Miller, Beth Percey, Helen Ashmore, Donna Sinclair and Pam Miller.

Kat Stephens, Cam Stephens and Noah PryceJones serve food.

Justice, Yvonne McSkimming, Noah Pryce-Jones and Maya were on kitchen duty.

20 • THURSDAY JANUARY 30. 2020

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Pernille Nielsen

Trail groups working on new understandings

Notary Public

Real Estate Purchase & Sale Documentation Mortgages - Refinances Wills and Powers of Attorney - Notarizations Serving Bowen since 2002 #27 Seabreeze Building P. O. Box 19 Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

There were also concerns about community consultation. Earlier this month mayor and council sent a letter to Blackbird expressing concern about the proposal and asking for more information as BIM hadn’t yet had communications from the province about the trail.

At their Jan. 27 meeting, council heard that the trail wasn’t proceeding for now but councillors asked that they be informed of proposals affecting Crown lands on Bowen.

“We definitely have to get a bit more involved in what’s happening,” said Mayor Gary Ander at the meeting. “I don’t begrudge what they’re doing, the trails folks do such an amazing job but I think there’s a real pushback on motorized vehicles going up there.”

Ander asked if it’s possible to be included on the coalition’s mailing list.

Phone: 604-947-2210 Fax: 604-947-2008 Email: pnielsen@shawbiz.ca

DEPARTS SUN to THURS FRI & SAT SNUG COVE 11:15PM 12:15AM HORSESHOE BAY 11:30PM 12:30AM

Scheduled Afternoon Commuter Runs Mon - Fri Horseshoe Bay - Snug Cove

Proudly Celebrating Over 40 Years of Trusted Transport for Bowen Island & Howe Sound

The member groups of the Crown lands agreement met with Blackbird Tuesday evening.

“It seemed like one of the big sticking points that was holding up the group was they were feeling a lot of pressure from having to make decisions,” Blackbird told the Undercurrent after the meeting. “I clarified that the decision making process actually doesn’t rest with them.”

“It rests on my shoulders to make the decisions,” he said. “I want them to be able to share information back and forth and share it with the rest of the public and their stakeholders.”

Telephone: 604-947-2243 Cellular: 604-250-2630 Tug & Barge services Special Event Cruises

PRIVATE CHARTERS AVAILABLE ANYTIME email: cormorantmarine@telus.net web: cormorantwatertaxi.com

604-947-2243

Mt. Gardner two-track trail future

While the trail isn’t to proceed for now, it’s not necessarily dead. “Right now I think the focus is going to be on restructuring what the partnership agreement is going to look like and then at that point, we’d look at or not that’s an option of that trail even going forward,” said Blackbird.

He also reiterated that the decision as to whether or not the trail is built rests ultimately with him. If it’s a big project, he sends the proposal for a full referral, which can include archaeological assessment, species at risk, engineering assessment and community consultation.

“When they bring something to me, I don’t just make a decision based on their information. I still have to do my own background checks on it,” he said.

Bowen Adult Day Program gets funding for one-year pilot

Since 1978

SUZANNE ALLAN

Chair, B.I. ADP board

We are thrilled to announce that the Bowen Island Adult Day Program (ADP) one-year pilot project has received a grant from Vancouver Coastal Health. We are so thankful for these funds, which will enable us to offer this much-needed service on Bowen, for Bowen Islanders, at least for one year.

BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH

FOOD BANK DROP-OFF

ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Sunday Mass: 9:30 a.m.

Administration Office: 604-682-6774 www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.)

10:00 a.m. Worship Sunday School: Tots to Teens

Pastor: Phil Adkins

people consistently through the year, our hope is that Vancouver Coastal Health will take over the running of the program. We are aiming at opening in early April on Thursdays.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Mary Ellen De Grace at medegrace@shaw.ca.

Details regarding referrals and interviews will be available in the coming weeks as we are not yet ready to accept calls or emails.

Schedule in Effect: October 15, 2019 to March 31, 2020 On December 25, & January 1 service will begin with the 8:35 am sailing from Bowen Island and the 8:00 am sailing from Horseshoe Bay.

▼

BOWEN ISLAND Snug Cove

5:20 am^ 6:20 am< 7:30 am< 8:35 am 9:40 am 10:50 am 12:00 pm 1:10 pm 2:55 pm 4:00 pm† 5:10 pm 6:15 pm 7:25 pm* 8:30 pm 9:30 pm 10:30 pm

VANCOUVER Horseshoe Bay 5:50 am< 6:50 am< 8:00 am 9:05 am† 10:15 am 11:25 am 12:35 pm 2:20 pm 3:30 pm 4:35 pm 5:45 pm 6:50 pm 8:00 pm* 9:00 pm 10:00 pm

Distance: 3 NAUTICAL MILES Crossing Time: 20 MINUTES

Leave Horseshoe Bay

Reverend Lorraine Ashdown Service and Sunday School 10:30 am Collins Hall Bookings: Helen Wallwork Minister of Music: Lynn Williams

An ADP provides a day program for eligible seniors and adults with disabilities that offers a range of health, social stimulation, and therapeutic recreational programs in a supportive group setting. Services also include nursing supervision, assistance with personal care if needed, and respite for caregivers and families. Clients will be charged $10 a day for supplies, a meal and snacks. If our program is successful, i.e. has full occupancy of 10

Leave Snug Cove

Places of Worship Welcome You

CATES HILL CHAPEL

FILE PHOTO

D.R.O. Tom Blackbird signs the Crown lands partnership agreement in 2018.

Coalition members have previously said that group decisions need to be consensus-based but Blackbird said that was something they imposed on themselves, it wasn’t one of his requirements. “My requirement is just that you guys share information, I don’t need it to be consensus,” he told the group.

In a joint statement to the Undercurrent Wednesday morning, the three members of the current coalition said that they’ve agreed to work with Recreation Sites and Trails BC to develop an improved framework. The statement says that the framework is to replace the current coalition constitution and memorandum of understanding with the province. Ensuring robust public engagement and optimizing agreement holders’ interactions to save time and mitigate conflict number among the framework goals.

In conversation with the Undercurrent, Blackbird said that the

partnership agreement is between the group as a whole and the province.

Blackbird said that if an association were to decide to pull out of the partnership agreement, he would likely look for another group or two to take the spot. He also said that there’s room for new member groups as discussions for the partnership renewal proceed in coming months.

When asked about renewal, Blackbird said, “We will probably renew a partnership agreement –– what that’s going to look like to be based on the next couple months of discussions.”

* DAILY EXCEPT SATURDAYS

< EXCEPT DEC 25 & JAN 1 ^ EXCEPT SUN AND NOV 11, DEC 25, JAN 1 & FEB 17 † DC WEDNESDAY SAILINGS WILL BE REPLACED BY DANGEROUS CARGO SAILINGS. NO OTHER PASSENGERS PERMITTED.

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THURSDAY JANUARY 30, 2020 • 21

COURTESY OF OLENA DOMNIA

Jennifer Pierce, Glen Pierce and Olena Domnia on a recent Bowen Island Hikers group excursion. n

Act quickly! The Knick Knack Nook’s Small Grants Program has two Small Grants Programs available - Environmental Sustainability and Social Sustainability.

Applications are available online at knickknacknook.org and must be received by 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2020.

y m n y – f

Q&A: Bowen Island Hikers group

r t

Arts & Cultural Programming February 2020

A GROUP FOR ISLANDERS EAGER TO LACE UP THEIR BOOTS

d t For islanders who keep a pair of boots gstashed in their car for “hiking emergencies” the way some keep a spare chocolate bar in ntheir purse, Olena Domnia has a Facebook tgroup for you. She’s the administrator of the gBowen Island Hikers Facebook group. The aUndercurrent caught up with Olena to ask her some questions for those islanders itching to lace up their boots.

What is Bowen Island Hikers? A local community group for hikers of all levels to explore, connect, share, learn and preserve. n Why did you start the group? I have startyed the group to unite, support and share experiences for all Bowen Island hikers in exploring hiking trails locally as well as off island. As an accomplished long-distance hiker, I am passionate about inspiring and motivating others in enjoying the magical outdoors, educating about backcountry safety, leave no trace, respect for nature and lour land. f What sort of adventures have you gone on gso far? We have explored the Valhalla Ridge trail cross island, ending at the golf course as well as enjoyed the Mt. Gardiner trails tduring the first snowfall. As an introduction to new members we have a short meet and greet hike up to Dorman Point every Friday gmorning with a coffee social post-hike. t

What’s the level of difficulty for the hikes? From slow nature healing walks to adventurous Mount Gardener climbs. From locals to visitors – everyone is welcome.

What should participants bring? Basics for day hiking: daypack, water, snacks, headlamp, extra socks, hiking poles, dress in layers, wear comfortable hiking boots or runners. All other gear unique for each specific hike is listed in each event description. The most important is always: smiles and positive attitude.

Is there a cost? All events are free and run on a volunteer basis. Exception: hikes off island will be a normal ferry fee plus carpool share.

How frequent are the hikes? I try to have at least two to three hikes per week on a regular basis. Rain or shine, year around.

Are the hikes always on Bowen? The hikes are local as well as off island. Carpooling is a great affordable way to explore other beautiful hiking areas off-island.

If someone doesn’t have Facebook can they still participate in hikes? Most communications, event postings etc. are done through Facebook and Messenger. However, if people are interested in participating, I am happy to copy and email the information to everyone who is not on social media.

Donna Scorer

For your years of leadership of the Knick Knack Nook and your extraordinary passion for what you do!

EAT DRINK PAINT with Kathleen Ainscough Saturday February 8, 6:45 pm - 9:30 pm Gallery @ Cove Commons $55/person Register: bowencommunityrecreation.com CARO PIEROTTO performing with Brazil’s FAROFA Sunday, February 23, 2020 Cove Commons. Doors 7 pm; Concert 7:30 pm Tickets: $38 adults; $35 seniors & students; $33 Hearth members; $45 Door Tickets online: https://kaymeek.com/events or email: creative@thehearth.ca for paper tickets CO-PRESENTED BY KAY MEEK ARTS CENTRE & THE HEARTH

EAT DRINK WRITE: POSTCARDS & PROMPTS with Meribeth Deen & Tina Overbury Thursday, February 27, 7 pm – 9 pm Doc Morgan’s Restaurant (Lower Level) $45/person Register: bowencommunityrecreation.com Mini Gala 2020: The Mystery is in the Art. Exhibition: February 12 - February 29, 2020 Live Auction: February 29. Doors open 6:30 pm Tickets online now: https://bowen-island-artscouncil.square.site/mini-gala-tickets Auctioneer: Tim Hausch.

Live Music by Marc Gawthrop Costumes are strongly encouraged!

thehearth.ca

22 • THURSDAY JANUARY 30. 2020

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MARKETPLACE Call to place your ad at

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Appointments Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, 9am - 5pm ECG and HOLTER monitoring Artisan Square

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Dr. Tracy Leach, D.C. Certified provider of Active Release Techniques Artisan Square Tues. & Fri.

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Dr. Dana Barton

Naturopathic Physician 596 B. Artisan Square

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Dr. Gloria Chao Family Dentist

HOLISTIC COUNSELLING Brooke Evans, MSW, RSW 604-781-3987

brooke@becounselling.ca becounselling.ca

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Vicky Frederiksen

Certified Shiatsu Practitioner.

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BOWEN ISLAND WELLNESS CENTRE 604-947-9755 At entrance to Artisan Square Suite #597

CATHERINE SHAW Dr. Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncturist

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Courtney Morris, R.Ac Registered Acupuncturist, Homeopath, Doula

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MARY MCDONAGH RMT HARMONY SHIRE RMT ALICIA HOPPENRATH RMT KIM HOWDEN RMT

Celebrating 29 years Community Healthcare

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Psychologist Dr. Carolyn Nesbitt PhD, R.Psych #1484

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THURSDAY JANUARY 30, 2020 • 23

From the North Shore News: Uber makes ride-hailing debut in North Vancouver JANE SEYD

North Shore News

Editor’s note: while this decision means Uber and Lyft can apply for a business licence and operate on Bowen Island, the island is not currently part of the companys’ service areas.

Lauren Gargiulo missed the bus that would have taken her from Upper Lonsdale to her dentist’s office on West First Street Tuesday morning.

“The next bus wouldn’t have gotten me there on time,” she said.

So Gargiulo pulled out her phone and did something that wouldn’t have been possible in North Vancouver a week ago – she ordered an Uber. Five minutes later, the driver picked her up and got her to the appointment.

“It was great,” she said. The cost of the trip was roughly $12, said Gargiulo – a couple of dollars less than it would have been by taxi.

Her Uber driver told her he’s a landscaper, driving to make some extra cash in low season.

On Friday, ride-hailing official-

ly launched in Metro Vancouver, after years of debate and approval of regulatory details from B.C.’s Passenger Transportation Board.

Two companies, Uber and Lyft, have started ride-hailing operation in the Lower Mainland. But only one of those – Uber – is operating on the North Shore.

Currently, Uber’s service area for pickup includes North Vancouver and about half of West Vancouver.

That could expand as both the number of drivers and demand for service grows, the company said.

Lyft is currently only operating in the City of Vancouver.

Ride-hailing appeared to be slowly ramping up on the North Shore over the first few days in business.

Although neither company was sharing the number of people who have signed up to become ride-hailing drivers – who must have a Class 4 driver’s licence and a criminal record check – availability of drivers appeared to be an early stumbling block.

Several would-be riders said they’d tried to order an Uber car

through the app, only to be told no cars were available.

Nicole Elder said she had no luck when she tried to order one on the North Shore Saturday night. Eventually she gave up and used an app to call North Shore Taxi, which arrived in five minutes, she said.

North Vancouver-Seymour Liberal MLA Jane Thornthwaite had a similar experience when she tried to get an Uber car in Lynn Valley. The requirement for a Class 4 driver’s licence will limit the number of drivers – especially at first, she said.

But Thornthwaite said she’s happy to see ride-hailing finally go ahead in B.C. “I’ve been advocating for it for years,” she said.

Thornthwaite said while people in busy transit corridors are well served by buses, people who live farther out haven’t had many good transportation options – particularly late at night, and especially when trying to get home from downtown where taxi drivers often refuse fares that take them outside of their service area.

Gurdip Sahota, general manager of Sunshine Cabs in West Vancouver, said those regulations that limit where taxis can pick up customers and how many taxis can be on the road are just as frustrating for taxi companies.

Sahota said taxi operators remain bound by much more red tape than ride-hailing drivers, which is hurting business.

Sahota said he’s heard anecdotal reports in the first few days of ride-hailing that drivers have seen a drop-off in their call volumes, especially from taxis picking up at the airport. Shares in taxi licences that allow taxis to operate aren’t always owned by the person doing the driving. In the case of Sunshine Cabs, about half the drivers don’t own taxi licences but pay a monthly lease to the licence owner, said Sahota.

One of the concerns of taxi companies is that they may start losing their drivers to Uber and Lyft, he said.

On Monday, the Vancouver Taxi Association – representing nine taxi companies, including North

Shore Taxi – filed a lawsuit in B.C. Supreme Court, asking the court to impose an injunction on the Passenger Transportation Board’s ride-hailing approvals. That is expected to be heard in court this week.

Bowinn Ma, NDP MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale, said ride-hailing has been a very polarizing topic among her constituents. “I think a lot of people are happy about having different ways to get around,” she said. But Ma added others have concerns about the way ride-hailing services operate.

Ride-hailing has been shown to increase traffic congestion, she said – a big concern on the North Shore. Issues like low pay for “gig economy” workers is also a concern, she said.

“They are so dominant in their markets and so visible,” she said.

Ma said she hasn’t taken an Uber or Lyft car yet.

“I usually travel by bike or public transit.”

Read the original story online: https://bit.ly/2GvzsCq.

BOWEN HOME SERVICES love the life you live TOP PRODUCING REALTOR on Bowen Island since 2009 President’s Club 2015, 2017 & 2018 for Top 1% of Realtors in the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver

Accounting Bookkeeping Taxation Virtual CPA

Leila Swann, CPA, CA 604-318-5414 leila@greenbooks.ca www.greenbooks.ca

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Office: 604-947-9686

Cell: 604-329-3045

24 • THURSDAY JANUARY 30. 2020

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Bowen Island Logger Sports 2020 Save the Dates!

April 25th 2020 0 fo or a Hoedown Fundraiser @ the Legion

Silent Auctiion, Cowboy Dinner, Games, Country Music, Raffle Prize Draw

July 25th – 26th 202 20 for the Main Event@ Crippen Park (mid ddle fiield)

Traditional Logging Sports, Kiids Games, Gold Panning, Burgers ‘n’ Beer and more…

Mark Your Calendars and Enjoy the Fun, Excitement and Action for the Whole Family! www.bowenloggingsports.com www.facebook.com/Bowenislandloggersportssociety/

For Sponsorship and Vendor Opportunities: bowenislandloggersports@gmail.com

Islander’s ode to winter JAQUELINE BELL-IRVING PHOTO

JACQUELINE BELL-IRVING

Contributor

Winter is so diverse and theatrical it gives us magnificent views and incredible atmosphere.

The wind blows swirling snow directly in our faces down at the inlet, waves lash at the beach, crisscrossing the stones and grey sand, as we look at the snow-capped mountains beyond.

A storm arrives to blanket our surroundings and hush the world around us. The trees gather up the snowflakes and branches and boughs end up with beautiful lacy topcoats making our corner of the world a winter wonderland.

However, just as quickly, the wind blows again and the snow starts to fly off the trees in gossamer gusts leaving the trees bottle-green again.

Another winter day sees cloud formations hover over the Coast Mountains. The clouds are torn and shredded by the wind swirling at the peak of the mountains. Then, a golden beams of sunlight will appear breaking through the clouds.

The sky is turned a brilliant cerulean blue with white, puffy, clouds topped with a buttery gold reflection of the sun.

On other days, fog will surround us, floating gently in like soft cotton wool, wafting in and out, making ever-changing scenes for us to enjoy. It creates headless trees and disappearing roads to nowhere in greyish, white, foggy clouds that seem to tumble straight down from the sky.

Of course, we cannot forget about the torrents of winter rainfall we receive. Waterfalls and lakes are filled to bursting, giant puddles appear, and for those young at heart, with wellies, they are there to splash about in. Although we may moan about the amount of rainfall we get it does make our island such a green and pleasant land.

THANK YOU BOWEN ISLAND, Grateful to enter a second decade as Bowen Island’s top producing Realtor.

Dee

2019 SALES 1344 Eaglecliff * 1612 Whitesails 1101 Lenora 963 Seaview 693 Channelview * Lot 18 Douglas Bay 1106 Lenora 962 Windjammer

653 Cliff 1261 Scarborough * 960 Seaview 947 Village Drive 975 Village Drive * 1026 Miller 831 Taylor 1516 Tunstall

JANUARY 2020 SALES 1102 Lenora 1153 Senator * 1655 Evergreen Lot 5 Rivendell 1489 Williams 879 Windjammer

1652 Adams 1130 Miller 967 Captain Cates *

(* as Buyers agent)

The 2020 real estate market on Bowen is off to a good start in January despite the low inventory. If you are thinking of selling this year and would like a free comprehensive market report on your property and our local market please call or email me.

TOP PRODUCING REALTOR on Bowen Island since 2009 President’s Club 2015, 2017 & 2018 for Top 1% of Realtors in the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver

info@bowenhomes.ca 604.612.7798

12 years

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