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REGULATING STRS: rentals bylaws go to public hearing
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THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020
BOWEN COFFEE
VOL. 46, NO. 22
BIUndercurrent
the Bowen Island Espresso Hut is closed for good but the coffee lives on PAGE 5
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BIM’s new CAO arrives
DURING A PANDEMIC NO LESS, BIM’S NEW BOSS STARTS HIS JOB
BRONWYN BEAIRSTO
Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
UNDERCURRENT PHOTO
CREATIVE THROUGH COVID: Rapper Lady Pace was visiting Vancouver from Malawi to learn about a music
therapy program that she hoped to bring home. When COVID struck, her plans were derailed, but instead of sitting idle, Pace pivoted. She released a new track last week and has co-created a campaign to connect Malawi and Canada during COVID with friend and Bowen Islander Patti DeSante. Read Pace’s story on p. 8.
If one thought Bowen Island Municipality’s outgoing interim chief administrative officer Dennis Back arrived in tumultuous times (during the firefighters dispute and the absence of long-time CAO Kathy Lalonde), Liam Edwards perhaps did Back one better. BIM’s new top bureaucrat started work May 25 while municipal hall remains mostly closed to the public (islanders can make an appointment but BIM is encouraging distance at this time) and as the municipality adapts to ever-changing pandemic protocols. Mayor Gary Ander bid thank you and goodbye to Back at Monday evening’s council meeting, Back’s last. “Dennis came to us in a very tough time in the municipality,” said Ander. “He’s done such an incredible job of just fitting into the operation here. “And just really becoming a Bowen Islander over the last six-seven months. Not quite long enough, but I’d certainly consider him a Bowen Islander. “On behalf of the municipality and the community at large, thank you for what you’ve given us.” Ander also welcomed Edwards. “He’s going to have a really jammed week. If you see him out there, wave to him from across the parking lot,” said Ander. “Pretty easy to get along with and I think he’s going to be a terrific fit for Bowen Island.” Edwards has been the executive director of infrastructure and finance in the Local Government Division of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs as well as deputy inspector of municipalities, said a BIM press release. “His experience in overseeing major capital projects around the province will serve the Bowen Island Municipality well as there are a number of major capital projects that are ready to launch,” said the release. “During the past 14 years, Liam has had extensive experience working across all levels of government and gained an in-depth understanding of the current and emerging landscape of local, provincial and federal government processes,” said the release. CONTINUED ON P. 6
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Event Calendar May 27 2020 5:00 pm
Property taxes due July 2, 2020 Property tax notices were mailed to Bowen Island property owners on May 21, 2020. If you have not received your tax notice by early June, please contact us at 604-947-4255 or bim@bimbc.ca.
Community Lands
Property tax payments, deferments and home owner grant claims are due by Thursday, July 2, 2020 at 4:30 pm.
June 3, 2020 5:00 pm
If your property taxes are paid through your mortgage company, you still have to claim your Home Owner Grant by the due date. You can complete your application online on our website.
Mayor’s Standing Committee on
Environment and Climate Action Committee Municipal Hall is closed to the public. All meetings are on Zoom and open to the public.
For those who do not qualify for the deferral program and are experiencing challenges paying their property tax by July 2 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the penalty schedule has been amended to give some relief. Please visit our website for more information.
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-taxes
STAY CLOSE TO HOME
WASH YOUR HANDS
BIM welcomes new CAO We are pleased to welcome Liam Edwards, the new Chief Administrative Officer for Bowen Island Municipality. Liam began work on May 25, 2020. Liam has had extensive experience working across all levels of government and gained an in-depth understanding of the current and emerging landscape of local, provincial and federal government processes. In his previous role as Senior Deputy Inspector of Municipalities for the provincial government, Liam regularly engaged in multiple challenging issues faced by local governments. He has also worked closely with multiple governing boards that support local government operations, which are made up of publicly elected officials and appointed expert members, for both public and private sector organizations. In his previous role, Liam had oversight for local government financial legislation and policy framework, as well as a statutory approval position of ensuring local governments remain fiscally robust to deliver sustainable services. “Liam’s innovative, collaborative and integrity-based leadership style will be very helpful in finding solutions to some of the Municipality’s more challenging issues.” said Mayor Gary Ander, “We are so very pleased to welcome him to the team.”
STAY 6 FEET APART
Have questions about what financial support programs are available to you? Unclear about your business options? Wondering what ‘open for business’ means now? Generously funded by the Bowen Island Community Foundation, the BIM Community Economic Development Committee is offering free, one-to-one consultations to local businesses to help navigate the wide range of government and community resources available during COVID-19.
Please note, BIM no longer processes deferral applications or renewals. You can apply for this online at: gov.bc.ca/propertytaxdeferment
Questions? Please contact us or go to our website at:
Stop the spread of COVID-19
Get help with Business Navigators
We would like to express our most sincere thanks to Dennis Back, who served as Interim CAO for the past seven months. His leadership, support and wisdom provided for a smooth transition following the departure of the former CAO, and was integral to managing the Municipality’s response to the unprecented challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. We will miss you, Dennis. Thank you for everything you have done for Bowen Island Municipality.
Business Navigators are now available to help our local economy thrive in a “new normal”. Schedule an appointment to speak to a Navigator for help and advice by emailing bowenbusinessnavigator@gmail.com with your questions. Right now, more than ever, as a small business owner, you need to make the best possible decisions to get you through this difficult period. Get help today through the new Community Economic Sustainability Assistance Project.
Have you taken the COVID-19 survey? BC COVID-19 SPEAK: Your story, our future is a population health survey to elicit citizen experience, knowledge and actions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This survey is the first of several activities that will strengthen the provincial pandemic response and understanding the impacts of COVID-19 to date (social, economic, mental wellness and community wellness). At the end of the survey, you will be asked about participating in two important initiatives: • A serology survey (blood testing) to help determine immunity across the population • Planning for future waves in which identifying, containing and tracing are substantially strengthened through technology tools to enable integrated and coordinated information sharing Take the online survey by May 31, 2020 at:
www.bccdc.ca
Stage 1 Water Conservation As of May 1, all Municipal water systems are at Stage 1 of the Water Conservation Guidelines. That means limiting lawn watering, washing cars and boats with spring loaded nozzles only, and topping up pools and hot tubs only. We hope that water users on the island will voluntarily follow these guidelines.
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/water-conservation
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
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STR regulations advance, BIM restart plan adopted BRONWYN BEAIRSTO Editor
The following are briefs from the Bowen Island Municipal Council’s regular meeting May 25. Turmultuous: Short term rental regulations are one reading closer to adoption. The council and community-dividing regulations would make short term rentals legal on the island’s residential lots (which they’re currently not) but with restrictions in place, most notably a 120 day limit for STRs. (If this seems like déjà vu, council passed an STR policy last November and BIM is now putting in the legal framework). Community Planner Emma Chow told council that on the spectrum of regulatory approaches, this one is considered “permissive.” Chow said that among the concerns raised at last week’s STR open house, which had 31 participants, were: that the regulations are too restrictive, that they could limit tourism growth and limit income, that they penalize the entire island, that BIM needs more data and that the licencing fee seems high. The majority of councillors wanted to pass the readings so as to move the matter onto public hearing. “The feedback that we have been receiving on this largely to date has come from people who are actively involved in short term rentals,” said Coun. Maureen Nicholson. “I’m eager to see this go to public hearing so that we can hear from the much, much larger proportion of the population that is not involved in short term rental.” On that point Chow noted that while there’s not a high count of formal complaints about short term rentals, working in the planning department, she gets a lot of phone calls from people who do not want to lodge a formal complaint. “These are the residents of the neighbourhoods, members of the community, that aren’t running short term rentals but are impacted by them and they have strong concerns,” said Chow. “…They don’t want to be known as that neighbour that complains against their neighbour and they understand that there is no other recourse right now since short term rentals are not permitted. “They don’t want to be the cause of having their neighbour’s business shut down.” Chow said during community engagement last year, she got a lot of comments from neighbours who didn’t want to go on record. Coun. Alison Morse and Coun. Michael Kaile wanted to defer the matter for two weeks to allow time for councillors to see or read more thorough feedback from the open house. The two have also been staunchly opposed to the 120 day limit, arguing that it would force all the business into the summer months rather than spreading it over the year. Kaile also said that there needn’t be urgency on this matter. “Given the industry is being brought to a standstill, I really think also it’s very unfortunate and very unsympathetic to… push this through right now.” Ander said that STRs are a complicated issue. “We are not going to get it right the first time,” he said. “There’s going to be adjustments. And the big key here I think is that we move forward, we get something going.” The details: The amendments to the Land Use Bylaw, business licence bylaw and noise enforcement bylaw would permit “residential guest accommodation” (short term rentals) on all residential lots, including those with suites, but impose a 120 days per year limit on this use. (The intent here is that beyond 120 days is a commercial use and so would go to rezon-
ing.) Rooms would be limited to two guests and require one parking space per room. The business licence cost would be set at $300, so as to cover staff time to licence the accommodation providers and enforce the regulations. There’s also a provision that there must be a designated contact available 24 hours a day to respond to any nuisance complaint about the rental within two hours. The definition of bed and breakfasts in the Land Use Bylaw is also revised to allow for limited kitchen facilities.
Can we hit restart on 2020 too: Council adopted the municipality’s COVID restart plan. The phase two plans (which started May 19) include: • Snug Cove Wharf opens • Firehall access and limited firefighter training and practices restored with enhanced protocols • Potential for limited access to library for public computer use only • No use of volunteers at the library • Council, committee, public hearing and open house meetings remain online • Muni Hall open by appointment only • Remote work for half of BIM’s staff • Bylaw parking enforcement resumes • Community Recreation altering events (eg. Canada Day) and in-person programming outside only The phase three plan, set for June through Sept. if the curve stays flattened allows for BIM’s facilities to reopen and kids camps to go ahead. Once more: Council voted to reiterate its stance against the Woodfibre LNG project Monday evening (in 2015 the previous council came out against the project slated to begin on Squamish shores). The move came after the province asked BIM’s interim manager for the environment, Bonny Brokenshire, to comment on an environmental assessment certificate extension for the project as the project hadn’t yet had a “substantial start.” Brokenshire’s ninepage response to the extension referral lists several issues with granting the request including that there have been legislative changes in the sound over the past five years, ensuring sound communities’ safety when it comes to LNG tanker traffic and the island’s and country’s climate emergency declarations. BIM isn’t the only community raising concerns. The District of Squamish voted 4 to 3 last week not to support Woodfibre’s extension request unless it met Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change targets for its operation within the district to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 and 100% by 2050. ––with files from Stephen Chua, Squamish Chief Mountain sides: While council voted unanimously last month to request that the province ban motorized use of Mt. Gardner, the letter to district recreation officer Tom Blackbird hasn’t been sent yet, and won’t be until Bowen Trail Riders Association has its say. The association is presenting at the next council meeting. However, councillors noted that they’ve had an onslaught of letters asking for the prohibition of motorized use. The matter came forward as Coun. Sue Ellen Fast wanted to request Islands Trust support in the matter. On this point, council opted to wait until the BTRA presentation. Other tidbits: The Nectar Yoga rezoning was deferred until the next meeting. Council adopted the audited financial statements for 2019––more on this next week. Acting fire chief Aaron Hanen brought forward the department’s core services review implementation plan.
2020 Masterworks Presentations Can a 14-year-old be expected to conduct a public presentation similar to a TED talk? IPS students have been doing so for over 20 years through a program called Masterworks.
Grade 9 students at IPS will be publicly presenting via
LIVE STREAM June 8 -11 The public is welcome to attend. Live stream links available at
islandpacific.org/masterworks
time
presenter
presentation
faculty advisor
external advisors
June 8, 9:00am
Indra SokolSnyder
The Identity Problems of Adoptees
Jen Zdril
Martha Mendoza, Andrea Bastin
June 8, 10:00am
Logan Clarke
How to Save the World by Saving the Bees
Amanda Szabo
Magali Chemali
June 8, 11:00am
Jay Graham
Amanda Szabo
Liz Watson, Bob Doucette
June 8, 1:00pm
Leila Nabavi
Howe Sound - Atl'ka7tsen Marine Ecosystem
Megan McPhee
Bob Turner
June 8, 2:00pm
Danae Jan
Born this Way or Made this Way?
Pam Matthews
Karen Snyder
June 9, 9:00am
Jada Madeline Scott
Teaching French as a Second Language
Kari Marentette
June 9, 10:00am
Hunter StefaniThompson
The Future of Medicine
Pam Matthews
Dr Hugh Black, Dr. William Black
June 9, 11:00am
Rose Willis
Undecided- Making Good Decisions
Jen Henrichsen
Andrea Rayment, Karla Saruk
June 9, 1:00pm
Tobin Fayle
Wolves in North America
Kari Marentette
Sophie May Watts
June 9, 2:00pm
Colin McLean
Catching Light - Evolutions in Chemistry
Adrian van Lidth de Jeude
Harry Ross
June 10, 9:00am
Teagan Avery
Fairy Tales - Their Place in our Culture and in Child Development
Andrea Earle
Katalina Bernards, Simon James
June 10, 10:00am
Sam Stringfellow
Taking a Bite out of the Apple Empire
Jason English
David McCullum, Rick Stringfellow, Richard Kemble
June 10, 11:00am
Trevor Hagglund
Forming Social Bonds through Magic the Gathering
Jason English
Adam Ovenell-Carter
June 10, 1:00pm
Georgia Carter
Anxiety in Teens
Jen Henrichsen
Andrea McLennan, Sharon Selby
June 11, 9:00am
Jacob Wiebe
A Journey through West Coast Modern Architecture
Jen Henrichsen
Chris Lee
June 11, 10:00am
Franny
The Evolution of Style
Adrian van Lidth de Jeude
Caroline Hurd, Liz Nankin
June 11, 11:00am
Nicko Olson
The Evolution of Sound in Film
Scott Herrington
Justin Aucoin, Adrian Juric
June 11, 1:00pm
Ailsa Ross
Exploring the Process of Writing a Fantasy Novella
Andrea Earle
Deb Blenkhorn
around the World
Get the Live Stream links at islandpacific.org/masterworks
MIDDLE SCHOOL
MATTERS
ISLAND PACIFIC SCHOOL
Laura Meagher
DISC OVE R US CELEBRATING YEARS
MUNI MORSELS
Thursday, May 28, 2020 • 3
islandpacific.org
4 • Thursday, May 28, 2020
bowenislandundercurrent.com
VIEWPOINT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Less than a trip to the mainland: health centre donations
DEAR EDITOR: We all love our island. But living on Bowen isn’t without its challenges –especially when it comes to health services. With limited on-island health services, we, our loved ones, our children, our parents, seniors, are all at some degree of frustration, financial burden and even risk. Whether you’re a full-time resident or only come to Bowen on weekends or in the summer, you never know when you might need medical attention and be forced to go to the Mainland to find assistance. At that point, you will be grateful for the donation you’re about to make. Because going off-island for medical help can be a quite literally a pain in your a** -that being your wallet. If you calculate the costs, the ferry ride, the hours spent often away from work, the hassles, the stress...what’s that worth to you? A single visit could easily amount to hundreds and hundreds of dollars if not more. Much more if you have to stay overnight on the mainland in a hotel. For some neighbors, going off-island with a sick child or elderly parent is not an option. For them even a minor accident, injury or illness, can develop into a far greater threat if left untreated. Such risks don’t need to happen. You as a Bowen Island resident deserve better care. And that better care is within sight. The Bowen Island Health Centre Foundation has done an amazing job of raising funds for a new community health centre that will benefit all of us – over 80 percent of the $6M capital budget target has been raised so far. HUGE success. The health centre will provide services and benefits for all residents for a healthier community. The centre will be community-owned. Communitygoverned. If every household on Bowen were to kick in $38 a month for 24 months we would, as a community, raise the remaining needed funds. I’m going through my own financial transition, but 38 dollars a month is absolutely doable. It’s not even per resident; it’s per household. While still on the phone with one of the Health Centre Foundation directors, I went to their website (https://bowenhealthcentre.com/donate-online/) and within a minute or two had signed up to pledge $40 a month. Support your own health and that of the community by donating what you can. Monthly donations are an easy way to do that. Make a donation. Right now. It will feel great and you’ll be glad you did it. Easy. Painless. Done. And, far less costly than a trip to the mainland. Thanks for your consideration. To our health, —David J Adams The deadline for the grad edition of the Undercurrent is June 21.
w j
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On academic scholarships from the Knick Knack Nook To High School Graduates, College students, and their cash strapped parents: Every year now, the Knick Knack Nook Re-use- it Society has offered scholarships to students committed to environmental and social sustainability. This year will be no exception despite the pandemic and the
closure of the Nook . Details of the application procedures can be found on the KKN website or with the Bowen Island Foundation. The Foundation manages the process, the KKN finds the cash. The deadline for submitting the paperwork is midnight on July 5.
Our past experience shows that students, for whatever reason, often fail to apply until the 11th hour, or not at all. Concerned parents please get involved and give a helping hand to get junior in motion. John Lawrence Knick Knack Nook
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.
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 4 p.m. Monday. Deadline for all editorial 5 p.m. Tuesday. Bowen Island Undercurrent Subscription Rates: Mailed 1 year subscription on Bowen Island: $55, including GST. Within Canada: $85 including GST Newsstand (Single Copy) $1.50 per copy, including GST ISSN 7819-5040
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.
bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, May 28, 2020 • 5
Espresso Hut closed but the roasting continues Recognizing our
essential workers
BRONWYN BEAIRSTO
Contributor
When Bowen Island Espresso Hut closed its doors in mid-March as the threat of COVID grew in B.C., Chiara Perin didn’t know it was for the last time. Perin had closed as a pandemic precaution after talking to her sister in Italy when the country was at the pandemic’s peak. “The way that she depicted the situation ––I knew that we had to close,” recalled Perin. Within days of Perin’s decision, most other business on the island shuttered. But unlike some that continued with take-out or that are now starting to reopen, the hut’s situation became permanent. Before COVID, Perin had been trying to sell the hut business, but after the pandemic hit, unable to see profit through the lack of tourism and the months’ rent while closed, she made the decision to let it go. Hope isn’t lost, however, for those who can’t go without their Bowen cup of joe. Perin kept the roasting business she operates in the space behind the hut (it’s a separate unit). “I’m still figuring out how it’s doing,” she said. “I’m afloat. I’m going to be able to pay the rent.” And while letting the hut go is sad, it’s not the first time Perin’s been through such an ordeal. The islander sees the economic parallels with the 2008 market crash, when she was a home and business owner in California. At the time, Perin and her then-husband ran a small computer animation company and had projects lined up for five years, and then everything collapsed. “It all went dry,” she said. “There were millions of homes that got foreclosed,” said Perin. “One was mine.” The family moved to Canada in a bid to save their home—a battle that involved litigation against the bank and that affected both Perin and her children’s mental and physical health. “We decided to, to let it go,” said Perin. “It was our life,” said Perin, “but it wasn’t worth our health.” In L.A. the family had lived in Topanga Canyon for more than two decades, so moving to a city was undesirable, but it was
The last of the public-sphere workers to receive $100 in recognition of their work during the pandemic is Geoff McKay of Cormorant Marine
Chiara Perin has closed the Bowen Island Espresso Hut but is continuing Bowen Island Roasting Company with the help of the roaster she affectionately calls Satan. Island Discovery Learning Community attracted Perin specifically to Bowen. “I was homeschooling the boys not knowing if we were going to move, just so that I didn’t have to pull them out of school in the middle of the school year,” she said. To continue with semi-homeschooling, they chose IDLC. “[Allan Saugstad] had the perfect program and the community there was just the right choice.” “It worked out really well and it was really healing for all of us,” she said. “The first few years I felt like I was licking my wounds the corner.” Perin bought the espresso hut from the Rutiglianos nearly three years ago. Subsequent to acquiring the dock-adjacent business, the family lost the house they’d had and so Perin and her two boys have moved four times in the years since. A struggle for housing that continues today. But when it comes to the businesses, Perin prefers pragmatism. “Losing the front––it’s ok,” she shrugged. Perin said the hut was fun to do––to have her kids involved, to work with her employee Suzanne, to meet people. “There’s true value there. Aside from the money, there’s a there’s a value of learning something that I had never done before.” “I knew the I was risk taking and I knew it was a risk that I could absorb.”
For her business that remains, Perin said she’s lost some roasting revenue from Doc Morgan’s closure (the restaurant went to take-out only), but she wasn’t supplying any of the other cafes or restaurants with coffee, so their closures didn’t affect her bottom line. She’s selling wholesale and has quite a few customers on the island. To be able to expand and continue the roasting business, Perin’s thinking of perhaps taking on a partner or an employee. But nothing’s set in stone. “I’m trying to make plans that are no longer than six months because I don’t think I can make long term plans right now,” she said, noting the economic uncertainty that echoes what she saw a decade ago. But Perin is looking for what comes next for the community. She remembers the societal trauma of 2008 and before that, 2001. “How do we keep supporting everybody, each other, and all that so you know for work and for business and for the community,” she asks. “What does that look like?” The ambiguity with reopenings and regulations has her concerned about what happens when the adrenaline’s faded. “This is almost tougher than it was back in March, as far as decisions and organizations in the community and how do we work now together.”
For the past five weeks, thanks to an anonymous donor, we’ve had the opportunity to recognize a tiny percentage of those who worked through the pandemic to keep our society going. The individuals recognized were Cheryl Evans, Chris Leigh, Jenny Lee, Jessica Blackbourn and now Geoff McKay but there are so many more people out there who have worked harder than they ever have before and in situations more dangerous than they appear. Through this pandemic, we’ve learned just how important and yet undervalued jobs like stocking shelves or delivering milk are and just how many people it takes to keep us safe and fed. To every person who went to work, knowing they would or may have to interact with people over these past months, thank you. We need to continue thanking people and recognizing their contributions as the pandemic drags on. We need to hold on to the gratefulness and the lessons. We may need them again soon. (And we’d love any thank-you letters islanders would like to share!) Finally, a thank you to the anonymous donor who gave us the opportunity to step back and say thank you. It’s people like you who bring out the best in us all. Bronwyn Beairsto, Editor
PHOTO COURTESY OF JESSICA BLACKBOURN
Last week, Jessica Blacbourn, an emergency room nurse at St. Paul’s Hospital, received the $100. The beautiful scrub cap Jessica’s sporting too has an island connection –– Caroline Hurd of Modern Mending made it!
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6 • Thursday, May 28, 2020
bowenislandundercurrent.com
Late-night ferry sailing dropped for June CAO has lots of government experience BRONWYN BEAIRSTO
Editor
If you’re planning on taking the ferry next week, best double check the schedule. As of June 3, Bowen’s schedule is changing and the summer staple late-night runs (10:20 p.m. from Horseshoe Bay and 10:50 p.m. from Bowen Island) are cancelled. The last run of the night will be 10 p.m. from Bowen Island. The late-night runs are back on the schedule for July through September. BC Ferries said that the schedule change is to reduce the possibility of berth congestion as it is reinstating the Horseshoe Bay – Nanaimo route as of June 3. Darin Guenette of BC Ferries said that ferry
traffic is down substantially, putting financial and operational stress on the system and that BC Ferries is still losing approximately $1 million a day due to the effects of COVID-19. “Costs associated with the current schedule are higher than the one coming into effect in June,” said Guenette. “As such, we are making some schedule adjustments on various routes, including this one.” As per current Transport Canada regulations, the passenger capacity of the Queen of Capilano is half of what it usually is. Only 229 people are allowed on board under current restrictions. See service notices and the new schedule on the BC Ferries website: bcferries.com/bcfservicenotice.
Bowen Island Arts Council Is looking to hire for the role of
Cultural Connector 2020 Season
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
“In his role as Senior Deputy Inspector of Municipalities, Liam regularly engaged in multiple challenging issues faced by local governments,” it said. “He also worked closely with multiple governing boards that support local government operations, which are made up of publicly elected officials and appointed expert members, for both public and private sector organizations.
“Liam has also played a lead role in negotiating the provincial position for various bilateral and tri-lateral funding agreements between I provincial, federal and local governments. “In most recent role, Liam had oversight for the local government financial legislation and policy framework, as well as a statutoryd approval position of ensuring local govern-e ments remain fiscally robust to deliver sus-C tainable services,” said the release. B c a e p e one still has to claim the home owner grantc by July 2. t “Please note, BIM no longer processesr deferral applications or renewals. You cana apply for this online,” said the release. “Fori those who do not qualify for the deferral program and are experiencing challenges payingp their property tax by July 2 due to the COVID-t 19 pandemic, the penalty schedule has beenn amended.” a a
BIM has sent out tax notices If you haven’t visited your mailbox lately, expect your tax notice. BIM said in a news release that the notices were mailed out last week. “If you have not received your tax notice by early June, please contact us at 604-947-4255 or bim@bimbc.ca,” said a release. Payments, deferments and homeowner grants are due by July 2 at 4:30 p.m. and if taxes are paid through a mortgage company,
Full-time/seasonal – June to September The Hearth - Arts on Bowen operates the Gallery @ Cove Commons, home to the local Bowen Island Arts Council supports the art scene on Bowen Island, BC
We are currently looking for a Full-time/seasonal Cultural Connector to assist the Executive Director, Gallery Curator & Programmer in administrative matters, marketing and gallery operations. Hours of work: full-time up to 35 hours per week, will include weekends and some evenings. Rate of pay: Depending on experience. Please visit our website for more details Website: thehearth.ca
We're looking for your stories, pics and bios for our annual grad edition publishing June 25th Please email Bronwyn editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com your grad pic and bio (100 words max.) by June 22 4 pm. EMMETT SPARLING PHOTO
And, if you have any school memories or pics to share, please email those too, thanks!
Bowen travel photographer Emmett Sparling was in the right place at the right time last week. “The sun decided to poke through the clouds over Bowen. For a brief few minutes, it was sunny and rainy at the same time... which means there’s going to be a rainbow,” wrote Sparling. “I didn’t have my camera unfortunately as I ran down to the dock and took this shot on my iPhone. What a beautiful place we live. “ The magical photo has since gone viral in Bowen circles and been picked up by several local outlets. Those who experienced the Bowen Queen’s reign earlier this year may agree that the on Bowen Island Queen of Capilano is indeed the gold at the end of the rainbow.
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Thursday, May 28, 2020 • 7
E-commerce site for islanders of B.C. launches
DEIRDRE ROWLAND
IslandCOMEBACK
Bowen Island has joined a pandemic economic response and recovery initiative called Island COMBACK. Created by a diverse cross-section of B.C.’s rural islanders, this grassroots gift certificate and donation program will assist our most vulnerable businesses and community groups during the pandemic and beyond. Rural islanders are interconnected, strong, and caring. Island COMEBACK’s goal is to help each island be better able to recover from the current crisis. There are 18 rural islands taking part including Bowen. Island COMEBACK is both a people-first, e-commerce site designed to promote and sell island created non-perishable and durable goods and services, and a donation platform allowing Bowen community groups and organizations to receive funds to assist with their immediate needs. It calls upon our local community, and the world, to support the recovery of our rural island culture, and economy by purchasing a gift certificate, making a donation or by doing both. Bowen Island Councillor Maureen Nicholson says response locally has been positive, “Islanders take pride in our uniqueness and in reaching out to local organizations and businesses about this important initiative, everyone understands the benefit of being part of a recovery program that has
been created by islanders for islanders.” Nicholson adds, “It will also promote connections within each community and across each island, something we can all be proud of.” Island businesses and organizations can sign up and register for free to generate immediate funds. Those who benefit, include small sector businesses, artisans, craft food and beverage makers, farmers, restaurants, and wellness providers, as well as community service organizations. Businesses can also accept donations if there is a current need, while also offering gift certificates if they choose. This response and recovery initiative has been developed and sponsored by the Rural Islands Economic Partnership (RIEP) along with rural island partners. RIEP’s long-term mission is to build economic resiliency for BC’s rural islands and to “keep the island vibe alive.” The rural islands of BC participating in Island COMEBACK include Bowen, Cormorant, Cortes, Denman, Gabriola, Galiano, Gambier, Hornby, Lasqueti, Malcolm, Mayne, Pender, Quadra, Salt Spring, Saturna, Pender, Texada, Thetis, including Broughton Archipelago, as well as Indigenous communities with traditional or reserve lands on these islands. To learn more, please visit: islandcomeback.ca and to register visit: islandcomeback.ca/register. Now is the time to come together; together we can make a comeback.
RAEF GROHNE PHOTO
Keen-eyed islanders passing Raef Grohne’s property beside the satellite fire hall may have spotted this cheerful sign in recent weeks. Grohne was inspired to put up the 10’x2’ backlit sign after passing over the Georgia Viaduct every day and seeing a building-wide neon sign on Bob Rooney’s building that says “everything’s gonna be alright.” Grohne calls this his “hippy-dippy” island version.
Recognizing the helpers: Every day, in the Bowen Island Flatten the Curve Facebook page, administrator Maureen Nicholson puts out a call for people who can help and people who need help. Every day, Sharon Boone comments, “Available for delivery of groceries and essentials anywhere on island. Pls DM with details.” The Undercurrent checked in with the islander:
Patient of the Week O
. y t
SPARROW Sparrow came to us after she had ingested a copious amount of chocolate. As delicious as chocolate is for us humans, it can be very toxic for our furry friends. Luckily Sparrows owners brought her in quickly and we were able to induce vomiting before too much of the chocolate was absorbed, causing potential organ damage. She was also given activated charcoal which helps absorb any remaining toxins. We hope Sparrow has learned her lesson to not eat anymore chocolate!
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“Maureen’s daily posts indicated that there’s a need in the community, and since I’m unemployed, I felt it was something I could do to help,” explained Boone in a message. “As long as Maureen posts, I will as well.” “I can say there is a need in these challenging circumstances.” While she’s helped islanders, Boone said she’d happily be busier, so don’t hesitate to reach out!
8 • Thursday, May 28, 2020
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Meet the Malawian music star isolating on Bowen Island LADY PACE HOPED TO BRING THE MUSIC HEALS PROGRAM BACK TO MALAWI BUT COVID GOT IN THE WAY
BRONWYN BEAIRSTO
The life-long musician has been learning the piano, guitar, how to produce music and make beats under the guidance of some local musicians. “It’s been so great meeting people, new people,” laughs Pace. “I have friends now.”
Editor
Lady Pace’s first trip to Canada didn’t go as planned. Mwayi Mphande, 24, who goes by the stage name Lady Pace, was the first Malawian woman to release a hip hop album (2017’s Nkazi Moto). She had come to Vancouver learn about the Music Heals music therapy program, so that she could launch something similar in her home country. But then COVID hit. So the Malawian music star has had to isolate on Bowen Island for the past few months with her friend, local gender rights activist Patti DeSante. Yet, while in isolation, Pace is finding new ways to connect her home and Canada. Lady Pace loved music from the beginning. Born and raised the northern part of Malawi, Pace started playing music at 10 years old and a few years later started to get into recording. In the decade since, her star’s risen in the Malawian music scene, but it wasn’t an easy path. “The northern part of Malawi does not have a lot of musicians so I was literally the first lady to come up as a musician,” said Pace. “[In] Malawi, basically the music scene is not that big because all the people don’t want to invest in music.” “With our condition of living, they feel like it’s a waste of time. They’d rather see us in school and then just concentrate on the usual…be a lawyer, be nurse, be an engineer.” While Pace’s father was against music early in her career, he ran out of money to send her to school. (In Malawi, primary school is free but secondary school is not.) “The only option I had was music,” said Pace. Through music, Pace paid her way through high school and then a business management diploma. Her father eventually came around, and her two younger brothers have since become a musician and music producer respectively. “The two are totally into music and they have it the easy way because my dad is into it now,” laughs Pace. “So they have no problem. They get all the support!” A few years ago, Pace met DeSante and the two became fast friends. “When I met her and she was like ‘you can actually do something with your music.’ I was like ‘Yes! Finally someone was giving me direction for the first time’,” said Pace. The two met renowned Malawian Chief Theresa Kachindamoto, of the Dezda District, who has annulled hundreds, if not thousands, of child marriages. (Malawi is thought to have among the highest rates of child marriage in the world.) “She actually strips [children] off, like from their home like, ‘Okay, no, not we’re not doing this,’” said Pace. “I met her and I was super inspired from that day. I realized…I can actually just talk about how powerful women are.” “And so all my music has been, ‘okay, don’t mess with me.’ “Like let’s just live life and you should understand that
UNDERCURRENT PHOTO
Malawian rapper Lady Pace hopes to bring music therapy back to her home country. women are really powerful.” Pace met with several of the children who had been married, who were by then back in school. “They were super excited to meet me,” said Pace––noting that several of the youth wanted to be musicians. “You can follow your dreams,” Pace told the former child brides. “No one has to put you in a corner, say you have to go to school and be this and be that and get married.” Pace’s album Nkazi Moto was about the famous chief and the girls whose marriages Kachindamoto terminated. This year, as DeSante had been visiting the Southeastern African country for years, it was Pace’s turn to come to Canada. The plan was to scout out the Music Heals program that supports music therapy for “patients in children’s hospitals, seniors centres, palliative care, AIDS & HIV programs, at-risk youth, rehabilitation, and bereavement support.” (According to the Music Heals website). The idea came after DeSante had to have an operation in Malawi and couldn’t get painkillers––not even topical freezing. “That’s how we do [it],” said Pace. To help Malawians with pain relief, Pace and DeSante couldn’t go the direct route. “We’re not bringing meds because…there’s a lot of corruption and everyone just wants to make their way through,” says Pace. “So even if people donate stuff like medicine and all that, there’s some people that are just gonna take them and go start their own pharmacy. “But music, no one can steal music.” The idea was to learn about the program here, and then have therapists go over to Malawi to demonstrate and train musicians. The hope is too to get Lady Pace a scholarship at the University of Capilano so that she may formally train. However, soon after Pace’s arrival in Canada, COVID struck, throwing all of her plans into disarray. But that’s not to say Pace is taking a break.
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Earlier this month, Pace released “Mutuvwa Cha,” which in her home language of Tonga means “you don’t listen, you’re not paying attention,” said Pace. The song acknowledges her roots in northern Malawi, as many assume she’s from elsewhere. “The song speaks to how people lost in society’s standards, judgements and concept of, “What’s normal,” project their opinions on you based on the way you look, what you do and even where you come from,” says the press release for the song. The other project that Pace and DeSante have embarked on in the COVID era is the Brighter Days Campaign to connect their two countries. “It’s almost like trying to see the strength of Malawi and trying to see the strength of Canada and how best they can serve each other in this pandemic time,” said Pace. In the first phase of the campaign DeSante sewed masks and sold them to make money to send to Malawi (DeSante still has masks for sale). The second phase is issuing creative challenges in Malawi –– seeing what people are doing right now and putting it on Facebook to show Canadians. “Because in Malawi, it’s super different,” says Pace. “I know people are on lockdown [here], but in Malawi it cannot happen. “ “As much as you would want to, it can’t happen because you go out to hustle for food for that day, and then you come home. When they tell you, you’re on lock down––it’s totally impossible. “People would die of starvation before they even die of COVID,” said Pace. “So I think that’s what really prompted the campaign.” The first challenge is to be called “pitch black COVID.” The challenge is to be in a room, switch off the light, try to do something creative in the dark and then switch the light back on. For context, Pace explained that in Malawi there are a lot of power outages. “That’s almost like a metaphor for life in Malawi,” said Pace. “We’re always in dark times…real life is tough there.” “It’s like you’re just walking blindly but then at the end of the day, just the fact that you were able to walk in that darkness.” “So the whole challenge is reflecting that part of Malawi but then we just want to make it more fun and see what people can actually do,” said Pace. “Yes, it’s gonna be awesome.” But ultimately, Pace’s goal is still to bring in a Music Heals Malawi. “I’m hoping after this COVID, I can still go on and make my dream come true.”
Places of Worship Welcome You BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH Now offering a youtube channel of reflections and hymn/songs with Reverend Lorraine Ashdown and Lynn Williams. youtubewatch?v=tejV7Y6jo
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ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Masses are live streamed every day. Times posted at holyrosarycathedral.org
Administration Office: 604-682-6774
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bowenislandundercurrent.com PAUL MCGRATH / NORTH SHORE NEWS PHOTO
Teacher Julie deLaplante teaches grade 3 and 4 students at Hollyburn Elementary’s essential worker school May 19.
Half of students in West Van School District expected to return in June JANE SEYD
North Shore News
About half the students in West Vancouver will be heading back to school next week as many kids return to the classroom for the first time in two and a half months. Attending school will be voluntary, part-time and only a small portion of kids will attend each class at the same time. But for returning students, it will be an important way for kids to connect with their teachers and with classmates faceto-face, said Chris Kennedy, superintendent of West Vancouver schools. Students in kindergarten to Grade 5 will attend school either Monday and Tuesday or Thursday and Friday, while students from Grade 6 to high school will attend one day a week. To make sure there aren’t too many kids in one place, there will be staggered school start, end and lunch times, he added. Most classes will have only six or seven students attending at one time, said Kennedy. “It’s not as though there will be 22 kids running around together.” Also, “A lot of our classes will be outside. That’s one of our goals – to get kids outside and active.” Kennedy said for students who aren’t returning to the classroom, there will still be support for online learning but “obviously it won’t be to the level it has been.” Kennedy said the vast majority of teachers – now designated essential service workers – are expected to return to the classroom next week. Similar plans for a return to school are in the works in North Vancouver, although information about how many students are expected to return in June wasn’t available before press time. As schools gear up renewed classroom teaching, medical health officers said this week there appears to be very little risk of children contracting COVID-19, getting sick from the virus or transmitting it to others. “It’s clear around the world that [children] are less likely to be infected with COVID-19 than adults,” said provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry on Monday, adding that’s proved true for B.C. as well. In B.C. as a whole, 26 cases – or one per cent of all COVID19 cases – have been in children under 10, according to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control. In older children and teens between 10 and 19, there have been 47 cases – or two per cent of the COVID-19 cases – in the province. In Vancouver Coastal Health, which includes the North Shore, there have been only five cases of children under 10 testing positive for the virus, said Dr. Mark Lysyshyn, medical health officer for the North Shore area. Henry said doctors are aware of a rare new post-infection syndrome that has been observed in children who have had COVID-19 in places like New York. Doctors at BC Children’s Hospital are investigating six potential cases, she said Monday, but added, “None has yet been confirmed to be related to COVID-19.”
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FICTION CORNER Editor’s note: the following the fifth in a series of segments from Island Pacific School student Hannah Florendo’s short story continuation of Peter Pan.
Gwennie goes to Neverland HANNAH FLORENDO
Contributor
“Slow down, Gwennie!” called Peter. Gwennie was flying much faster than he ever imagined was possible. She was far ahead and getting farther away by the second. Gwennie stopped and was hovering by a tall chestnut tree when they reached her. She had a dazed, faraway look in her eyes and she was mumbling something incoherent. “What was your happy thought anyway?”
asked James. “You looked like it was something really good, then you just zoomed off.” Gwennie blushed. “Oh, it was nothing.” she murmured, hoping Peter couldn’t tell she was embarrassed. Peter didn’t. He was too busy staring out at the night sky before them. “Come on,” he said. “we need to get a move on. If we are not there by dawn, we will get stuck in the InBetween and not be able to get out until twilight. “Head toward the second star to the right,
then straight on ‘til morning.” he addressed to the dazed Gwennie. “If you are going to shoot off again you need to know where we are going.” “’kay.” said Gwennie. She made a mental note to herself to fly slower so Peter, James and Annie could keep up. “Let’s be off, then.” said an impatient James. And off they flew. After a loop around the moon and a game of tag on Cassiopia’s throne, they reached a piece of the sky that had a large island floating in it. Seawater poured off the edge a few miles offshore and dissipated into raindrops as it reached the atmosphere. The island was surrounded on three sides—South, East and West—by a large fluffy cloud that enveloped the island as if it was a large coat the island had put on, then left unzipped.
Thursday, May 28, 2020 • 11
As they breached the cloud, Annie felt a blast of air go whizzing by her ear and they all heard something explode behind them. Gwennie whipped around and flew as fast as she could to soothe Annie, who had burst into tears. James called out to Peter to stop, as Peter was flying in the lead and turned around as well. What they all saw, was the burst of light and noise as they felt another one whoosh by. “Those pirates,” said Peter sadly. “They discovered the lost boys’ hidden stash of fireworks again. Which means they’ve got the lost boys as hostages again too. Sorry, I have to go rescue them,” he turned Gwennie, Annie and James. “It’s me they want after all.” “No, Peter!” Gwennie said. “What if you get hurt? O-or killed?”
To be continued...
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