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SWIMBOWEN: How the cancer fundraiser goes on
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THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020
LYFT ARRIVES
VOL. 46 NO. 29
BIUndercurrent
BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com
The ride hailing service launches on Bowen PAGE 3
Water trouble
EAGLE CLIFF IS UNDER STAGE 3 WATER RESTRICTIONS, MOVE TO STAGE 4 LIKELY IN COMING WEEKS
BRONWYN BEAIRSTO
Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
PHOTO AND CAPTION: LEN GILDAY
ARTISTS WITH A CAUSE: Bowen sculptor Cathryn Jenkins and her work “Heading to the Berry Patch”
carved in BC Serpentine Stone. The Gallery at Cove Commons launched its new exhibition “Saving Sea to Sky” with an opening celebration Saturday evening. Despite the damp weather, art lovers came out to celebrate the occasion, meet the artists, and appreciate (and purchase) the fine work. The reception was held mainly on the outside patio area. Visitors to the gallery were limited to six at a time. The gallery is open Thursday to Monday and the exhibit runs to Aug. 10. Story on page 12
NEW LISTING
341 Aerie Tree Lane, Bowen Island
$1,498,000
Personal Real Estate Corporation
Despite a wet summer, Eagle Cliff Water System users are under stage three water restrictions as of last week and likely see stage four in coming weeks. All other municipal water systems are at stage one. The problem lies with the reservoir itself, Bowen Island Municipality’s director of engineering Patrick Graham told residents in a letter last week. Unidentified leaks in the reservoir have caused “seriously low water levels” prompting a request that all system users “take all reasonable actions to reduce water consumption in order to conserve the remaining water in the reservoir.” “The problems that were experienced last summer likely to occur again,” said Graham told the Undercurrent. “So we’re getting prepared to address that.” Emergency measures to ensure the taps don’t run dry in the east side neighbourhood include opening the line connecting the Eagle Cliff and Hood Point Water Systems and installing two temporary 5000-gallon water tanks (likely in the Highland Trail area). While BIM knows the system is leaking, how to address it long-term is up in the air. The plan had been to install a reservoir liner but the project turned out to be cost-prohibitive indicated the letter. “We have a bunch of work to do to figure out what would make the most sense,” Graham told the Undercurrent. “Whether we’re joining water systems or upgrading the water system as a standalone system…we have to meet the basic needs and we need to do a lot of work before we can accomplish that.” The system’s other issues include turbidity, water capacity and water volume to meet firefighting requirements. CONTINUED ON P. 9
2 • Thursday, July 16, 2020
bowenislandundercurrent.com
Events July 21, 2020 7:00 pm Parks, Trails and Greenways Advisory Committee
July 27, 2020 9:30 am Community Economic Development
Seeking Public Comment
for DVP-13-2019 (1742 Bowen Bay Rd)
We’re hiring: Public Works Superintendent
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A Development Variance Permit application has been submitted for 1742 Bowen Bay Rd (shown on map) to vary the setback from the sea to 7.5m and the side setback to 1.80m.
Bowen Island Municipality seeks a Permanent Full-Time Superintendent of Public Works. This is a 35 hour/week position during the hours of 8:00am-3:30pm Monday-Friday, with occasional weekend work as required.
The proposed permit would allow the applicant to demolish the existing dwelling and build a new 2-level home on nearly the same footprint of a similar size, including the deck. It also involves the demolition of a shed and the construction of a new garage.
This position includes elements of administration, technical support, special projects and committee liaison. The incumbent will primarily be responsible for providing support to the Director of Engineering for public works and parks related issues. Key responsibility areas include infrastructure management principals and systems, construction activities for water, sewer, storm water and roads, and day to day supervision of Public Works staff.
Committee
July 27, 2020 6:15 pm
A complete job description is available on our website at:
Regular Council meeting
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/jobs
All meetings are online via Zoom and
Apply by 4:00 pm on Friday, July 31, 2020. Send your your covering letter and resume via e-mail, fax or mail to:
open to the public.
Raj Hayre, Human Resources Coordinator 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 Email: hr@bimbc.ca Fax: 604-947-0193
Help slow the spread of COVID-19: MORE INFORMATION: The application may be viewed on the municipal website at
2019 Annual Report
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning
The 2019 Annual Report will be presented to Council at its regular meeting on Monday, July 27, 2020. We invite you to review the Annual Report and to provide your comments and questions in writing or at the meeting.
TIMELINE: Stay home if you’re sick
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/reports-publications
YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME: Written submissions may be delivered by 4:00 PM, Thursday July 23, 2020 to Municipal Hall (contact information below):
Clean your hands frequently 2 m or 6 feet
Keep a safe physical distance
• • •
In person at the mail drop-off box By mail By email to mayorandcouncil@bimbc.ca
COVID-19 and masks Wearing a non-medical mask is an additional layer that can help protect others in spaces where a safe physical distance cannot be maintained. When wearing a mask, you should still practice the more effective safety measures: keep your distance, clean your hands frequently, don’t touch your face, and cover a cough or sneeze. For more info, please visit the BC Centre for Disease Control’s website: www.bccdc.ca
Submissions may also be made to Mayor and Council at the meeting:
6:15 PM on Monday, July 27, 2020 Online via Zoom For instructions on how to submit comment at the meeting, go to:
Consider wearing a mask to protect others in spaces where you can’t distance
To ensure a fair process, written submissions cannot be accepted after the meeting has begun. Questions? Please contact Jennifer Rae Pierce, Planner 1, at 604-947-4255 or by e-mail at jpierce@bimbc.ca.
Contact Us Phone: Fax: Email:
604-947-4255 604-947-0193 bim@bimbc.ca
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Thursday, July 16, 2020 • 3
ISLAND NEWS
Municipality working on equity policy LYFT COMES HOW ONE ISLANDER’S LETTER PROMPTED BIM TO ADDRESS A POLICY GAP BRONWYN BEAIRSTO
Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
Bowen Island Municipality is taking a step toward preparing a policy to address “diversity, inclusion, anti-racism and equity” following a letter to council from an islander. Satjeet Pandher penned a letter last month asking that council put forward an action plan to address issues of anti-racism, inclusion and diversity and mandate unconscious bias training for all council members and possibly municipal staff. The letter came before council July 13. “…We find ourselves at a time where statements and words alone are not sufficient enough,” said Pandher in the letter, referring to Mayor Gary Ander’s statement against racism last month. “Action is required by all of us. We all need to learn, grow, and be our best possible community members for Bowen Island and the greater planet we all live on. “It is particularly incumbent upon leaders of our community (Mayor and Council) to take action and set an example of some simple steps we can all take for the betterment of Bowen Island.” Pandher also pointed to a CBC story about Metro Vancouver municipalities’ anti-racism efforts that noted that while Bowen has dozens of committees, not one is dedicated to diversity issues. “We don’t have anything to address these issues in the municipality,” said at the council meeting. Ander noted that there is an urgency to putting something into place. “I think it’s a great time to look at developing such a policy,” said BIM chief administrative officer Liam Edwards, adding that he supports the initiative wholeheartedly and that the other organizations he’s worked for have had such policies. “I think that a lot of
these guiding principles are likely in practice where Pandher started to wonder the perbut it’s great to have it more formalized and son’s intention. “‘I just get the feeling you’re something we can point to.” not you’re not from here,’ I think is what she Coun. David Hocking, Bowen’s Metro said,” relayed Pandher. “I politely said no, Vancouver representative, told council that ‘Canadian––born and raised in Canada.’” the regional district is also “This was really the catalyst coming forward with forums for me,” said Pandher. “I was “We all need to and workshops on matters really like, ‘Whoa, okay. What is such as institutional racism. learn, grow, and be it about that question that sets Beyond unanimously me off?’ Because I was quite a our best possible quite upset about it.” requesting a policy, council also directed staff to “rec“I’m a first generation community ommend specific next step Canadian, who has, unfortuactions to respond to the nately been made to feel not at members for renewed sense of urgency to home, not Canadian,” he said. Bowen Island and “I’ve been back to ancestral address systemic racism.” lands. I am not that, as much as Pandher said that he was the greater planet I love it there.” driven to write the letter in “So then the question realwe all live on.” the aftermath of the police ly becomes…what is home and –Satjeet Pandher killing of George Floyd. “Just why am I operating from a negseeing that take place and ative space, right from the get then the aftermath in terms go, when it comes to where’s of seeing all the people marching and pro- home? Where are you from?” testing and the energy around that––it defiAnd today, Pandher is from Bowen Island, nitely captivated myself,” said Pandher (who “That’s where I’m at right now. So what can is a person of colour). “It made me, for the I do right now?” first time in a long time, maybe several years, As a big proponent of local governance reflect on my experiences of racism that I and as someone who’s had recent dealfaced growing up.” ings with the municipality (the Nectar Yoga But it was also a consideration of home rezoning), Pandher recognized the muni as that prompted Pandher to reach out to the a conduit, a filter, of what happens on the municipality. island (“In a good way,” he added). Pandher’s wife runs a bed and breakfast “I think a lot of people were saying, ‘Okay, on Bowen and about a month ago, when a what can I do?’” He said. “A lot of people did lot of the protests were happening, one of the different things.” guests asked where Pandher was from. Pandher wrote a letter. “As a person of color and a person with a “I’m really grateful that council has name that’s not necessarily common…I’ve responded the way they have in terms of takhad that question as many, many times,” he ing the time to put it on the agenda and dissaid. “I think many people who get asked cuss it in a meaningful way,” said Pandher. “It that question stumble with it the same way seems like they understand that the response because you’re not sure how that person to this, or whatever the next step is, should be wants you to answer. made mindfully. “Are they asking where I am right now? “It’s not just a checkbox.” where I grew up? Where my ancestors are “I think that having the conversation the from?” way that council did is great,” said Pandher. The guest pushed the question to the point “It’s a great start.”
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TO BOWEN BRONWYN BEAIRSTO
Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
Bowen joined the world of ride hailing on island time. The ride hailing service Lyft (not to be confused with the Bowen-based Linking Islanders through Friendly Transportation––Lift) went live on Bowen at 3 p.m. July 9, months after such services began in many other Metro Vancouver municipalities. With Lyft, a San Francisco-based company, one can order and pay for a ride using a mobile app. Lyft announced Thursday that it has expanded to offer its services across all Metro Vancouver municipalities including Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Belcarra, Langley, Lions Bay and Bowen, being the first such service to operate across the entire region. Ride hailing officially launched in Metro Vancouver back in January after years of will-they-won’t-they discussions. While Bowen was included in the Passenger Transportation Boardapproved operation areas and the inter-municipal ride hailing business licence (granted that passed during the height of the pandemic), no service started up here, until now. Lyft doesn’t release driver numbers but Thursday afternoon there was at least one car available for pick-ups in the Cove. While the other major ride hailing service Uber operates in other metro municipalities, it has yet to drive onto Bowen shores. Bowen’s only taxi service was suspended in March due to COVID-19. Thoughts? Email editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
4 • Thursday, July 16, 2020
bowenislandundercurrent.com
VIEWPOINTS EDITORIAL
Comet break
I’ve spent my evenings lately scrolling photos of the comet Neowise charting its cosmic path below the Big Dipper. Yet, I have yet to find a pair of binoculars to try and spot it myself above the northeast horizon. We have only known about this frozen ball of ice since March and it’ll soon be gone, not to return for more than 6,000 years. (Wouldn’t it be nice if COVID-19 did that.) The comet is a neat distraction from keeping one eye on the outbreaks south of the border and the other on the number of cases in B.C. (an uptick to between 18 and 25 new cases a day over the past week). All this to say, let me know if anyone gets a great photo from Bowen! There’s more to remember about this moment than a virus. But on the topic of viruses, it’s been a rather exhausting few months for everyone and looking after one’s self is important. So Tracey and I are going to take a week off for a bit of a break. We won’t be publishing the July 30 Undercurrent but will be back (and energized) for Aug. 6. To make up for leaving you newsless for a week, we will do an island-wide mail-out next week –– if there’s anything you’d like to see included, please send me an email (editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com). Finally, we’re so thankful for all the support we’ve received over the past months. Thank you Bowen. We’re grateful to be here and serving you. Bronwyn Beairsto Editor
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Feral cats potentially making a comeback DEAR EDITOR: We’re wondering, did you get our rat poison flyer in the post last month? Did you get the recent living with skunks flyer and our reminder not to leave your dog (and children please) in your car during these, soon to be, hot days of summer? Most of you, we hope, will know about C.A.W.E.S. and what we try to achieve. Coast Animal Welfare and Education Society was started in 2002
by Iris Carr and Carol McNaughton to get control of a burgeoning feral cat problem on Bowen Island. Since then it has morphed into other areas of animal welfare and education. We believe that feral cats are starting to make a comeback. C.A.W.E.S. will be focusing on this potential again in the coming months by starting monitored feeding stations in areas deemed to be of feral cat higher density.
We need volunteers to help with feeding stations or perhaps you would consider joining our board who continue to strive to help all animals on our lovely island. We would love to hear from you to volunteer, join our Board, or to give feedback about any feral cat sightings you may have. Deb, Carol and Melissa (C.A.W.E.S.) info@cawes.org
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. Please limit to under 500 words. 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.
Relaying IslandsTrust requsition information
DEAR EDITOR: As one of your Islands Trust Trustees I am asked frequently about the annual Island Trust “requisition” collected (since becoming a municipality in late 1999) with the annual property taxes, then remitted to the Trust. The sum collected on your behalf this year was $303,000. This amount will be forwarded to the Trust by your Municipality on or around the end of August. Opinions on the value of Bowen Island staying within the Trust are many and varied. So I decided to ask Russ Hotsenpiller their CAO for the official “summary of benefits” for Bowen Island’s Trust membership. I assured Russ I would pass on his comments unchanged and without bias. So whether a fan or a detractor, $303,000 is the bill and on the page opposite is the rationale… —Michael Kaile, Islands Trustee
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 advertising Monday, 4 p.m. DEADLINE for editorial Tuesday 5 p.m. 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.
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Letter: summary of benefits from inclusion in the Islands Trust Editor’s note: this letter is related to Coun. Michael Kaile’s letter on the page opposite. Background: At a meeting on March 4, I approached Trustee Kaile and offered that I, as the Islands Trust chief administrative officer, would provide my opinion about the value of the Islands Trust to Bowen. As such, I offer this briefing to highlight some benefits, tangible and intangible, but do not intend for this to be a comprehensive summary. Before providing additional detail below, it is important to highlight that by virtue of being included in the Islands Trust, Bowen Islanders are assured that their municipality will have regard for the preserve and protect object of the trust when adopting a bylaw or issuing a permit or license and their Official Community Plan bylaws will be reviewed for consistency with the values and policies expressed in the Islands Trust Policy Statement. Within the Islands Trust Area, the Province of B.C. has designed the land use governance system such that the regional growth strategies of nearby regional districts (e.g. Metro Vancouver) do not apply to land use planning so that islands can, instead, develop their bylaws to meet with the policies of the Policy Statement. This is an important asset for Bowen as the policy statement is developed specifically for island contexts and the unique needs of island environments and communities. An important distinction needs to be made: BIM is a local government, the Islands Trust is not.
The trust provides a regional governance function for Bowen that emphasizes shared regional responsibilities throughout the trust area. As such, the Islands Trust does not duplicate local government services that are the sole responsibility of Bowen Island. As an agency with a preserve and protect mandate, the ability to regulate and conserve land, and a governance system that supports island-based decision-making, Islands Trust is unique in the world. I suggest that there is significant value in Bowen Island being part of a well-respected 45-year-old federation of islands; there is the opportunity to share solutions and challenges, pool resources, learn lessons from each other, and speak with one voice on regionally important issues. I believe this will be increasingly important as time goes on and the region faces challenges such as sea level rise, tourism pressures and groundwater shortages. Islanders working together can accomplish much! All property owners in Islands Trust Area, including Bowen, contribute their taxes for non-land use planning services equitably per $100,000 of property value. It is a remarkable testament to the Trust that this year’s budget survey resulted in a high level of engagement with 745 responses and 33% indicated they want increased taxes to support services. At the operational level, Islands Trust offers services and programs that benefit Bowen. Some examples of these include: Mapping: Islands Trust offers Bowen mapping information to the public on our MapIT website. In addition, BIM staff and contractors use Islands Trust mapping software, which saves the municipality from purchasing its own. Reconciliation and First Nations: Bowen is situated within the territories of the Coast Salish Peoples. The Islands Trust seeks to create capacity, convene meaningful dialogue and understanding between the people of the Islands Trust Area, First Nations
BO LONNQUIST 1945 - 2020 It is with great sadness that the family of Bo Lonnquist announces his passing on Monday, June 29th at age 74 after a courageous, nine month battle with cancer. Lovingly remembered by his wife, Brita of 55 years, sons Jason (Sachiyo, deceased) and Ben and grandson, Kotaro. Will be forever missed by brother-in-law, Jerry (Jarmi) and nephews Josh (Jeanette), Jared (Aggie) and their children Maggie, Jacob & Michaela. Bo was predeceased by his parents and brother Par Lonnquist. Born in Helsinki, Finland, Bo immigrated to Canada July 1, 1967 together with his wife, Brita and as a proud Canadian, July 1st continued to be extremely meaningful to him. In 1975 Bo moved his family to his beloved Bowen Island where he commuted to North Vancouver shipyards until his retirement, after a 35 year career as a shipbuilding welder. The family sincerely thanks the members of Bowen’s Ambulance & Fire Services and the BI Water Taxi for their professional care & compassion. There will be a private family service and a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations in Bo’s memory may be made to The Missy Foundation on Bowen Island. info@missyfoundation.org
communities and governments, and our staff and Trustees. The Islands Trust’s Senior Intergovernmental Policy Advisor is available to support BIM Council and staff with questions and projects that relate to First Nations relations and referrals. Islands Trust Conservancy: As a regional land trust and conservation arm of the Islands Trust, the Islands Trust Conservancy protects in perpetuity ecologically significant and culturally sensitive places. The Conservancy protects more than 100 properties through the region. Bowen Islanders can be proud that they have supported the protection of nature and cultural areas throughout the region. The 29 nature reserves are worth more than $16 million. On Bowen, the conservancy manages the David Otter Nature Reserve, the Fairy Fen Nature Reserve, the Singing Woods Nature Reserve, and two conservation covenant areas. The nature reserves are assessed at almost $4 million. The Trust pays for annual monitoring and ongoing property management of these protected areas. The conservancy board is prepared to consider conservation proposals from Bowen at each meeting. Education and public programs: The Islands Trust offers regional programming that includes the Community Stewardship Awards Program which encourages, recognizes, and rewards leadership in the preservation, protection, and stewardship of the Islands Trust Area’s amenities, environment, and resources. In this term’s strategic plan, Trust Council has the objective of offering a stewardship education program, directed towards the public, industry and stakeholders in the trust area. BIM Council is welcome
Thursday, July 16, 2020 • 5
to suggest themes or activities for this program via the Trust Programs Committee. Advocacy: The Islands Trust Council has a robust advocacy program to influence change on important issues in the region. Over the last ten years, the Islands Trust has been a strong, effective advocate for regional issues such as improved oil spill preparedness and response, and funding for abandoned vessel removals. At any time, BIM Council can request that the Islands Trust Council or Executive Committee dedicate resources to an advocacy topic. Examples of letters from the chair directly relating to Bowen include: July 2018: Federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development re Western Economic Diversification Program Funding. June 2018: Premier of B.C. re-designate Islands Trust Area for Rural Dividend Program Funding. Finally, BIM also has the option of contracting with Islands Trust to provide land use planning services but chooses to hire its own planners. For years, we have invited and included Bowen planners at our professional development events and we appreciate the close and collaborate relationship. As a member of Islands Trust Bowen can request, through the Executive Committee, for Islands Trust staff support for any of the areas noted above. Having stated a few of the benefits Islands Trust offers to BIM, I wish to confirm that Bowen Island Municipality is a valued member of the Islands Trust family. —Russ Hotsenpiller Islands Trust chief administrative officer
LOCAL fi
m
from lemonade to lumber please support our Bowen businesses
6 • Thursday, July 16, 2020
bowenislandundercurrent.com
Exploring the exponential gifts of swim training MARY LETSON
Founder, SwimBowen
For the last four weeks rain or shine, long or short, energetic or dragging my butt, cold or not, with friends or solo - I’ve been training to swim 1.6 km this Saturday, July 18 from Tunstall Bay to Bowen Bay in lieu of the SwimBowen event that is cancelled due to COVID-19. You would think I would know this about myself by now, but the training has blossomed into so much more than a singular goal on a specific day. The rhythm of the reach, pull, roll and exhale has slowly strengthened with every workout. What tired me four weeks ago is now relatively effortless. The pure and straightforward benefit of physical improvement is beyond encouraging especially now with the rest of COVID life feeling difficult and fraught with uncertainty. Any self-propelled, positive change in my world is like gold. And I am banking it in the ocean. I’m also basking in the mental sunshine of swimming with friends; the camaraderie, laughing, encouragement, joy, the shared frustration of squishing into wet suits, more laughing, story-telling post swims and generally connecting over so much more than merely a swim. That’s happiness on a whole other level that is deeply restorative well after I am dried off and away from the beach. Like working my body, I am lifted with friendship for days afterward. Lastly, the ocean holds a place in my heart that is forever there, at once calming and energizing and always welcoming. However I feel before my swim, I always feel better once I
SUE SCHLOEGL PHOTO
Sue Schloegl, Anna Fenn, Mary Letson, Mary McDonagh doing Jun-uary swim training at Bowen Bay. step out of the sea. And those are odds I can count on when the rest of the world feels less reliable. Thank you SwimBowen for helping me find traction, for bringing me back to the salty goodness that is part of this west coast girl’s DNA. The gift that just keeps giving.
Schedule in Effect: July 2, 2020 to September 7, 2020
Leave Snug Cove
5:20 am* 6:20 am 7:20 am 8:35 am 9:35 am 10:40 am 12:15 pm 1:20 pm 2:40 pm 4:00 pm< 5:10 pm 6:15 pm 7:20 pm> 8:50 pm 9:50 pm 10:50 pm
VANCOUVER Horseshoe Bay 5:50 am 6:50 am 8:00 am 9:05 am< 10:10 am 11:15 am 12:45 pm 1:55 pm 3:20 pm 4:40 pm 5:45 pm 6:50 pm 7:50 pm> 9:20 pm 10:20 pm
Leave Horseshoe Bay
▼
BOWEN ISLAND Snug Cove
Crossing Time: 20 minutes Distance: 3 nautical miles Note: This is a non-reservable route * exCepT SuN aND aug 3 & SepT 7 >
On June 18 at 5:15, Dr Leah Cline, Dr Sue Schloegl, and a new friend and distance swimmer Leslie and I will swim from Tunstall Bay to Bowen Bay in honour of the SwimBowen’s 2020 “non -event.” Are you missing SwimBowen? Want to get involved? You can join the fun and sponsor our swim
with a donation to the SwimBowen Society (swimbowen.com). Or do your own personal swim, hike or bike ride and have friends and family sponsor you. Spread the word! Proceeds support Bowen Island residents enduring the hard work of cancer treatment. It will take more than a global pandemic to
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
FOOD BANK DROP-OFF
ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
exCepT SaT
Masses are live streamed every day. Times posted at holyrosarycathedral.org
<
Administration Office: 604-682-6774
exCepT WeD are (DC) DaNgerouS Cargo SailiNgS. No oTher paSSeNgerS permiTTeD.
CATES HILL CHAPEL
www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.)
now offering worship services via Zoom. a link available on website.
Pastor: Phil adkins
bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, July 16, 2020 • 7
Strengthening community pandemic response LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTING ISLANDERS MOST AFFECTED BY COVID-19
SHEREE JOHNSON
B.I. Community Foundation; Health Centre Foundation
B.I. Health Centre Foundation, B.I. Community Foundation and a number of other community organizations have come together to create new programs and services to help islanders most affected by COVID-19. The federal government recently established a $350 million Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) to help charities and non-profit organizations adapt and increase frontline services for vulnerable populations during the pandemic. The BI Community Foundation received $40,000 from the ECSF. The question was then how to put those funds to work. The Community Foundation approached the BI Health Centre Foundation, whose mandate includes developing and delivering programs to address the health care needs of the community. Even though the Health Centre Foundation is focused now on capital fundraising and construction planning, they welcomed this opportunity to begin doing the real work of the health centre. The foundation’s all-volunteer health services committee began soliciting ideas from potential partners. The end result of this unique community collaboration is a broad menu of services addressing the mental and physical challenges heightened by COVID. Over the next few months the following programs will be designed and delivered for Bowen Islanders in need. The Health Centre Foundation and the Bowen Island Public Library will be offering technology support for seniors
and other vulnerable populations. The need for physical distancing means that many seniors are isolated, unable to connect with their social group or family. For seniors with limited technology skills or equipment, their access to information and resources about COVID-19 has been limited. Other vulnerable populations on Bowen are also regular users of the library and have been unable to access computers and may be unaware of government support available to them or unable to apply for that support. This new program will provide special library hours for seniors plus the needed technical assistance to seniors and other vulnerable populations to find and use online resources that will support them during the pandemic and beyond, including accessing telehealth services. The Health Centre Foundation and Caring Circle will be partnering to provide financial subsidies for adult one-toone counseling sessions for those unduly impacted by the COVID pandemic. The program will help to alleviate the stress and anxiety due to crisis-related factors such as financial difficulties because of loss of work, family conflict due to isolation, child care concerns, fears of critical illness of loved ones, and complications when trying to work from home. Counsellors can give those receiving support the tools to deal with mental health issues that if left untreated might negatively impact their loved ones and colleagues. The Health Centre Foundation and the Bowen Island Municipality Recreation Department will be providing financial subsidies and support for recreation programming for families. This program will increase affordable access to programming for parents who are returning to work and require childcare, or parents who have been home with their children throughout the pandemic and may require some respite. It will provide much needed financial assistance in the aftermath of job loss or wage reductions experienced by families due to the pandemic.
The Health Centre Foundation will be partnering with Bowen Children’s Centre to address how children deal with the trauma of COVID-19. This program will provide two workshops for parents and teachers that will help adults understand how stress presents in children and learn proven strategies to help children deal with the trauma of COVID-19 in an age-appropriate and safe way. All of these programs are provided in partnership with the Bowen Island Health Centre Foundation and are supported by the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund, Community Foundations of Canada, and the Bowen Island Community Foundation. Watch for additional information about these programs in the future.
LEN GILDAY PHOTO
Cathryn Robertson with her oil painting “Howe Sound” in the Saving the Sea to Sky exhibit at the Gallery at Cove Commons. See the story on p. 12.
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8 • Thursday, July 16, 2020
bowenislandundercurrent.com
DOUBLE MUNI MORSELS
Walnut turf, STR regulations adopted, referendum set BRONWYN BEAIRSTO
Editor
It was a double-feature kind of week for council. A special council meeting July 8 and another July 13 ahead of the coming August break (there’s still one more council meeting in July) saw plenty of Zoom discussions and decisions. The following are briefs from the two Bowen Island Municipal council meetings:
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Changes: The numerous Air BnBs across the island, until now mostly illegal, have been legalized. Amendments to the Land Use Bylaw legalized short-term rental across the island but with limitations in number of days a year rented out (120) and occupancy (two people per room). Amendments to business licensing set the STR fee at $300 and require a designated person to respond to any complaints within two hours. Amendments to the bylaw notice enforcement bylaw set penalties at $150 for a first offence and $500 for every one thereafter. Council also voted to review the regulations in a year’s time. No councillors voiced complete satisfaction with the bylaws. “We’re not going to get it perfect in the first year,” said Mayor Gary Ander. “We’ve got to get this thing going and see what happens.” Coun. Maureen Nicholson noted that she’d prefer fewer allowed days for rental, a higher business licence fee, a requirement that the designated person to respond to concerns be on-island and more confidence in the capacity for enforcement, but was willing to accept the regulations as presented as compromises. Councillors David Hocking, Rob Wynen and Sue Ellen Fast voiced support for Nicholson’s sentiments. Nicholson also wanted the public to receive more information about the potential revenue for affordable housing from the Municipal & Regional District Tax (MRDT), which she described as a “modest contribution.” Back in April, BIM had been set to ask the province to impose a three per cent tax on short term rentals but the application requires 51 per cent support (based on units) from accommodation providers who have more than four units. The application received a response of 77 per cent against the proposal. Among the comments from the public listed in the planner’s April staff report are a desire for a two per cent tax rate instead and for more of the money to go toward affordable housing initiatives. With the three per cent rate, the estimated annual MRDT revenue was $42,300 to $58,500 a year. Tourism Bowen Island offered to work with the accommodation providers to come to a resolution. Coun. Michael Kaile, who has consistently voted against the STR bylaws, said that he wished the matter to be deferred. “I don’t think I have ever listened to a bylaw being discussed with so many reservations from all concerned,” he said. One of his concerns was the unintentional consequences of imposing the bylaws. “I think we’re short of some fundamental information we need. We have no plan for tourism on this island,” said Kaile. “We have no plan for one of the major segments of our business. It’s a rudderless ship.” Coun. Alison Morse supported Kaile’s perspective, reit-
erating accommodation providers’ consistent critique of the new bylaws that the 120 day limit would push rental availabilities into the summer months when space is at a premium. The bylaws passed adoption with Morse and Kaile against. But can you eat it?: Walnut shell infill will replace the coconut husk-cork currently in the turf field at Bowen Island Community School. Council voted unanimously to go with the organic option, which came out to be cheaper than the thermoplastic elastomer alternative at $304,000. The new infill will need to be topped up every four years (the current one is topped up with much more frequency) and has a life span of a decade (two if it’s reusable, though there’s uncertainty around this as it’s a relatively new product) said the BIM staff report. The current coconut husk infill was a compromise reached a decade ago following controversy over environmental impact concerns. However,the infill tended to break down easily creating a compacted playing surface, said a staff report in January, which also said that organic infills are no longer recommended for the South West Coast due to operational difficulties. The July staff report said that there’s no data regarding use of the use of this particular product in the Lower Mainland. The turf field is scheduled to reopen Sept. 1. Tubing season: Three culverts on municipal roads are getting replace at a cost of $383,341.20 plus GST. Missed opportunity: BIM is setting up a land opportunity reserve fund to place money that comes from selling land (as recently done on Seniors Lane and impending on Miller Rd.). Using any of the money would require council resolution and money could either be used for paying down debt from buying land or be used to purchase more land. The next time BIM could make a lump-sum payment on the Community Lands debt (BIM purchased the land for $2 million in 2005) is 2029 said Chief financial officer Raj Hayre. The debt transferred from short-term to long-term in 2019. Voting time: The referendum asking islanders if they consent to BIM borrowing up to $4 million to cover the remaining funding needed to build a community centre will be Sept. 12. The referendum comes after the announcement earlier this month that the community centre received a federal-provincial infrastructure grant to cover half of the project’s costs. The following question will be asked of islanders: “Bowen Island Municipality has received a one-time grant of $7.9 million towards funding the Community Centre project through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Are you in favour of enacting Bowen Island Municipality Loan Authorization Bylaw No.477, 2019, which authorizes the Bowen Island Municipality to borrow a sum of up to $4,040,000 to complete the funding required to construct a Community Centre for Bowen Island?”
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Thursday, July 16, 2020 • 9
Water levels dropping in Eagle Cliff, Hood Point and external tanks providing back-up CONTINUED FROM P. 1
The wet summer so far has been beneficial in terms of how much water Eagle Cliff residents are using but hasn’t resulted in improved reservoir water levels said BIM’s chief administrative officer, Liam Edwards. Water levels are still dropping. “We’re exploring options for a long-term viable solution for them,” said Edwards. “Last summer was a real scare,” said Edwards, so this year, BIM decided it needed the tanks as backup. The other backup is the Hood Point connection. While usually the two-inch line is opened in the winter when Hood Point’s line to its Honeymoon Lake reservoir freezes, the small connector
could prove a rescue for Eagle Cliff, though the small diameter of the line and lower water pressure of the Hood Point system could affect Eagle Cliff service, said Graham’s letter. It wouldn’t provide fire flows, he told the Undercurrent. BIM staff have met with the two local advisory committees in closed meetings over the past week to discuss options.
What happened last year
Over the course of a week in August last year, Eagle Cliff suddenly jumped from having never had strict water restrictions to stage four, shocking residents. “We knew that there was an issue of some sort, we weren’t sure what,”
said Tim Misko, chair of the Eagle liff Water System Local Advisory Committee. Over the winter they closely monitored the reservoir and discovered it was the source of the problem. “Not saying that we didn’t or don’t have any leaks through the distribution system, but the majority of the problem is the reservoir itself,” he said. An emergency repair to the spillway over the winter didn’t alleviate the system’s stress so the next thought was that the reservoir needs a liner, said Misko. But the cost of a fulsome project proved too great. The closing balance of Eagle Cliff’s reserve fund in 2019 was $243,904 (there’s a levy in the neighbourhood that feeds
the reserve balance while user fees cover operational costs said Misko). “The project quickly outstripped available cash,” he said. “In light of that…the [LAC] agrees with the approach to take a step back and look and see if there’s another or a better solution out there,” said Misko. “The muni is doing a good job at ensuring that there is a backup plan in place for Eagle Cliff,” he said. Misko said that the system itself has been in use in some form for probably 50 to 60 years though the last major work would’ve been done 25 to 30 years ago. While BIM installed an electronic data logger over the winter, Eagle Cliff residents are doing
their own monitoring of water levels (this can be as rudimentary as taking a stone or stick to mark the edge of the water and watching it day by day). “Last year, it hit us all by surprise––nobody was expecting it,” said Misko. “This year, because we’ve tracked it and monitored it, followed it closely and put out notices to residents…there’s an awareness of it.” “I don’t think anybody’s jumping up and down with glee, but there’s certainly understanding that the system has not seen a major capital injection of work or cash in 25-30 years,” said Misko. “And it’s now time to revisit what we have and what we need to do.” COURTESY OF SHEANA STEVENSON
Happy Campers: Bowen Island Community Recreation Summer Camps started up last week to the delight of Bowen children and parents!
Ways to Explore Metro Vancouver with Lyft this summer With one of the most beautiful regions in the world at their fingertips, Metro Vancouverites are rediscovering all the local treasures that the area has to offer.
Paid Communication
After months of being responsible and staying home, people are now looking for things to do and reliable ways to get there. On July 9th, Lyft became the first ridesharing company to serve all of Metro Vancouver and can now help everyone explore the region. To help get planning started, here is a round-up of fun local adventures you can have -- all within Lyft’s expanded operating area: On a hot summer day, what’s better than a cool dip? Take a Lyft ride to Alouette Lake in Golden Ears National Park or get a ride to your campsite! ›› Have a fun-filled day at Burnaby’s Central Park playing pitch and putt with a picnic. ›› Enjoy a night on the town in Vancouver and get a responsible ride home.
›› Head up on the Grouse Mountain Skyride and enjoy exciting activities, from the Ziplining tour to disc golf, then finish your day with delicious meals, drinks and a spectacular view.
Beach boardwalk - get dropped off and take a leisurely stroll, taking in the beautiful sites and great restaurants. ›› Take the kids to Playland at the PNE, which has opened just in time for summer.
›› Food trucks and breweries go As Metro Vancouverites hand-in-hand - check out the responsibly move around the delicious options in Port Moody. region this summer, Lyft has ›› Go on the famous dumpling tour implemented a Health Safety in Richmond and take a Lyft ride Program, which requires every from spot to spot as you eat the rider and driver to self-certify they will wear face masks throughout day away. the ride and are symptom-free, ›› Who says you need to go to among other requirements. While it the Okanagan for a wine may be a unique summer this year, tour? Make your way through we can all do our part to respect the wineries in Langley and each other’s health safety, move Aldergrove. around the region comfortably ›› Look for treasures at the and have lots of fun while we’re Cloverdale Flea Market every at it! Sunday.
›› Go on a paddlewheel boat tour from New Westminster for a romantic dinner on the Fraser ›› Take a Lyft ride from the nearest River and get home responsibly transit station to berry-picking in a Lyft ride. farms in Delta and stock up on blueberries, boysenberries, and ›› Don’t stress about finding a more! parking spot at the Crescent
For those riders referring friends to Lyft, invite them through the rider app to get free ride credit. Interested in driving with Lyft? Learn more at lyft.com/driver
10 • Thursday, July 16, 2020
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Thursday, July 16, 2020 • 11
Bowen RCMP detachment office reopens
The Bowen Island RCMP detachment reopened its doors to the public as of July 13. “Those seeking police assistance or questions are still encouraged to phone in complaints when possible in order to limit numbers in our front counter space and practice physical distancing,” said a press release last week. Front counter service ceased in March as a COVID precaution though other RMCP duties carried on as usual. Detachments aren’t offering finger printing services at this time said the release. Bowen’s detachment hours are Tuesdays to Thursdays 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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12 • Thursday, July 16, 2020
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Artists take on Saving Sea to Sky at the Gallery BRONWYN BEAIRSTO
Editor
Emilie Kaplun had just started as the Gallery curator for Bowen Island Arts Council when it put on the Sea to Sky art show in 2016 in collaboration with the Sea to Sky Arts Councils Alliance. It’s perhaps fitting then, that she’s ending her time as curator with that show’s successor: Saving Sea to Sky, showing at the Gallery at Cove Commons July 8 to Aug. 10. The homage to the spectacular corridor includes 23 artists from Bowen, Lions Bay and West Vancouver. “The idea is for artists to showcase the beauty of the region and for people to visually be able to see what inspires us all as artists in the area,” said Kaplun. “With the hope of preserving it and keeping it beautiful and safe.” “Each artist has such a different take,” she said. “A show like this you have one theme and everybody’s got a different viewpoint of what they see as beautiful in the area or what represents Sea to Sky for them.” Scenes range from a ferry crossing at dusk to waves crashing over the Bowen shore in a storm, to a close-up of a sea sponge, to a multi-panel whale, to a serpentine stone bear glancing up as it heads to a berry patch. The bear, prominent as one enters the gallery, is by Bowen artist Cathryn Jenkins. “Cathryn’s mother was a prospector and also a sculptor so that’s where she learned about where to find different stone and how to do sculpture,” said Kaplun. “Sadly her mother just passed away but obviously she’s left this amazing gift with her of sculpting.” A resin bowl with a sandy bottom, soft green jewellery, a familiar view from Bowen Bay beach, an anchovy dance inspired by Bob Turner’s videos and a special appearance of the Marine Atlas of Nexwlelexwem/Bowen Island too present
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PHOTO AND CAPTION LEN GILDAY
The Saving Sea to Sky exhibition aims to engage artists and the public in a discussion about the urgency and value of preserving and protecting this region. perspectives of the wonders of the region. The exhibit of 2016 travelled around the corridor, but the 2020 iteration is only at the newly reopened Gallery at Cove Commons. “We started it here in 2016. Because it went so well, they thought we’ll just do it on Bowen Island versus having to travel,” said Kaplun. That decision was made before COVID, though the pandemic perhaps affected the number of participant artists (lower than last time) said Kaplun. While Kaplun didn’t have a hand in naming the exhibit, she sees it as speaking to current regional concerns. “Four years ago it was just called Sea to Sky so to celebrate
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the beauty of our region,” said Kaplun. “I think Saving the Sea to Sky came in more as a bit of a commentary around the need to protect this area…with LNG, with different issues around keeping the whales, keeping our ecosystems healthy.” On this theme Kaplun pointed particularly to Susan Alexander’s poem “Canticle for Sea Lions in Howe Sound” (part of Alexander’s award-winning collection of poems Vigil and to be included in her upcoming book Nothing You Can Carry). “A commentary about industry that’s taking over or threatens to take over the region,” explained Kaplun. In the exhibit, the poem is set against a Kathleen Ainscough painting (and available as limited-edition prints). “So I think the word ‘saving’ Sea to Sky is just about preserving this region, keeping it safe for the marine life that inhabits the region,” she said. Some artists in the exhibit have chosen to donate the proceeds of their work to conservation causes, such as the Bowen Island Conservancy and the Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative. As for Kaplun herself, as this is her last week as an arts council employee (but she’s not leaving the island and is looking forward to drinking a glass of wine instead of serving it at the next exhibit reception), this was a bittersweet show to put together. “The original Sea to Sky was one of my favorite shows,” she said. “So it feels like a bit of a trip down memory lane.” “I love group shows because there’s so many different artists that you’re working with and seeing so many different styles and piecing it together is always a little bit more of a challenge,” she said. “You want everything to flow and complement each other in some way. “I feel excited about the show,” she said. “I think there’s been some really good feedback and some sales already.”
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