bowenislandundercurrent.com
REAL ESTATE FEATURE: what’s for sale on Bowen
Thursday, July 23, 2020 • A1
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THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020
MONTY’S GARDEN
VOL. 46 NO. 30
BIUndercurrent
Meet the 3-year-old with a green thumb
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PAGE 8
Drone concern
WE ASKED A DRONE EXPERT ABOUT WHAT’S ALLOWED AND WHAT’S NOT BRONWYN BEAIRSTO
Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
Islanders have taken to Facebook in recent weeks, bringing up concerns of increased incidences of drones flying over their homes and hovering in their yards. Bowener Julie Vik has had a drone hovering near her bedroom window recently, she said. While a drone over your yard may be a nuisance, it’s not necessarily illegal according to Kate Klassen, vice president of operations for Coastal Drone Co and a director with Unmanned Systems Canada, the national group that represents all types of unmanned systems. “When it comes to airspace in Canada, there’s no private ownership over airspace, even if it’s over private property,” she said. Transport Canada owns the air space and delegates control to Nav Canada, which regulates the air space and provides permissions. There’s also been no judicial precedent set with drones and private property in Canada said Klassen. The closest was when a B.C. court concluded in 2016 that a crane occasionally overhanging a neighbouring property didn’t constitute trespass but did nuisance. “So the short answer is yes, you can have drones over your property without any prior notice,” said Klassen, noting that best practice in the industry is for drone pilots to notify anyone whose property their drones may be entering. “People always do better with the heads up than they do with an apology afterwards,” she said. Pilots should have permission from the owner of the property they’re using for take-off and landing said Klassen. “I think that the message needs to be that drone operators need to be respectful so that the rules don’t change to restrict access over private property,” she said.
BRONWYN BEAIRSTO, UNDERCURRENT PHOTO
A PLAN COMES TOGETHER:
Lysistrata (Amanda Szabo, right) lays out her plan for ending the Peloponnesian War in 411 B.C.E. Kalonike (Jackie Minns, left) and Myrrhine (Annabelle Coon, centre) react to the drastic move. Theatre on the Isle is presenting Aristophanes’ Lysistrata at Veteran’s Park next month. See the story p. 18.
CONTINUED ON P. 19
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A2 • Thursday, July 23, 2020
bowenislandundercurrent.com
We’re hiring: Public Works Superintendent
Events July 27, 2020 9:30 am
Bowen Island Municipality seeks a Permanent Full-Time
Community Economic Development Committee
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.
Municipal Hall closing early
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.
All meetings are online via Zoom and
A complete job description is available on our website at:
July 27, 2020 6:15 pm Regular Council meeting
July 29, 2020 1:00 pm
open to the public.
Help slow the spread of COVID-19:
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/jobs Apply by 4:00 pm on Friday, July 31, 2020. Send your your covering letter and resume via e-mail, fax or mail to: Raj Hayre, Human Resources Coordinator 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 Email: hr@bimbc.ca Fax: 604-947-0193
September 12, 2020 has been set as general voting day for the Community Centre referendum. Bowen Island Municipality submitted a grant application to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure program in January 2019, building a solid financial, economic, and social case for funding the project. We recently announced that the application was successful in securing $7.9 million in funding provided from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s Community, Culture and Recreation fund by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia to build the Community Centre. These funds, along with Municipal reserves and fundraising to date, bring the amount raised for the project to $10.5 million. An additional $4 million is needed before construction can begin and as envisioned from the beginning, the municipality is seeking public support to borrow that $4,040,000. Now, one big leap closer to achieving the goal of building this important community amenity, it will be up to the community to make it happen through a successful referendum on September 12, 2020. Fundraising will continue while construction is underway, with the intent of decreasing the amount that would ultimately need to be borrowed. Look for more information over the next months as we get closer to the referendum date.
COVID-19 and travel
Stay home if you’re sick
Community Centre vision is now an achievable plan
Travel in BC is different this summer. If you decide to travel, the precautions you take at home should also be taken when you are away.
Clean your hands frequently 2 m or 6 feet
• • • • •
If you are feeling sick, stay home. No exceptions. Wash your hands often. Practice safe distancing, 2 m. Spend time in small groups and open spaces. Clean spaces often.
Municipal Hall closing early
If symptoms develop while travelling, self-isolate immediately and contact 8-1-1 for guidance and testing.
Municipal Hall will close on Wednesday, July 29 at 1:00 pm for a staff team building exercise. We will re-open with regular business hours on Thursday, July 30 at 8:30 am.
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Keep a safe physical distance
Consider wearing a mask to protect others in spaces where you can’t distance
Contact Us Phone: Fax: Email:
604-947-4255 604-947-0193 bim@bimbc.ca
Find us on Facebook Bowen Island Municipal Hall 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2
Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Closed statutory holidays July 23, 2020
Bowen Island Municipality
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bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, July 23, 2020 • A3
Bowen Island Community Centre: Our Island Place. VOTE IN THE REFERENDUM
Why we need a Community Centre Most communities have a Community Centre. Bowen does not. For over 20 years, islanders have dreamed of a place to call our own. A place to learn, work and play together. Now, we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to make that dream a reality. “The Community Centre is a vital component of a healthy community. It draws people together and builds connections, support and friendships. Having a dedicated space for the island to gather, take classes and stay healthy would be an asset for our community. This is a muchneeded space!”
This is Our Island Place: a versatile, vibrant hive of community activity. Bowen Island Municipality has received a grant of $7.9 million from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of BC.
Saturday, September 12, 2020 Advanced voting and mail ballot voting will be available if you can’t vote on General Voting Day.
How the Community Centre will benefit our community. A new Community Centre will help Bowen Island... • • •
• • •
• •
Build Community Provide opportunities for social connections. Foster a sense of belonging. Bring everything under one roof - services, recreation, arts and culture - to create a hive of activity. Be Active for Life Create fun spaces that make physical activity fund and accessible for all. Inspire participation in fun programs. Motivate people to be accountable for their physical and mental well-being in an inspiring space. Live healthy lifestyles Encourage participation in events and activities to benefit physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. Foster volunteering opportunities to promote community social engagement to enhance other people’s experiences at the centre.
“We have an amazing community of artists here on Bowen, both professional and amateur, and the arts are the beating heart of the community. Bowen Island is a wonderful place to live, and deserves to have a central place for the community to gather to share our love of theatre and music.”
“When I’m new to a place, the first place I go is the local community centre as I know my kids are welcome there. Bowen would greatly benefit from the communal spaces and activities that will be offered.”
To learn more about the Community Centre project, please visit: www.ourislandplace.com Receiving this remarkable grant right now is a once in a lifetime opportunity to put the last few pieces of the funding together and finally build the Community Centre. While the pandemic is here for now, it won’t be here forever. By the time the Centre is built, we will be coming back together to rebuild our social connections and recover from periods of isolation. More than ever, we will need a community space where we can gather, share and reconnect - Our Island Place. The Community Centre, located on 1.6 acres east of Bowen Island Community School, will provide dedicated space for arts, culture and recreation. Over 16,000 sq. ft has been designed to reflect both the unique and shared needs of the community. 75% of the facility is exclusively devoted to community use with the remaining 25% becoming the home of Bowen Island Municipality. We need to borrow up to $4,040,000 to build your new Community Centre. For the average property, that works out to
about $50 a year in increased property taxes.
or contact us: 604-947-4255
ourislandplace@bimbc.ca
A4 • Thursday, July 23, 2020
bowenislandundercurrent.com
VIEWPOINTS EDITORIAL
Be like Batman
Welcome to our annual islanders and cottagers edition. While in the past this edition would’ve been jam-packed with what’s to come in the last month of summer, obviously this year is a bit different. But we at the Undercurrent are more grateful than ever to be here, bringing local news to Bowen. While I spend most of my time in my apartment, typing away or scrolling various news feeds, when I do venture out it’s not that unusual to find me fumbling around on the ground for my glasses. If I don’t properly hook the arms behind my mask, all it takes is one glance downward for the silly things to go flying. I’m glad they’re having so much fun with this all. Despite the risk of losing my glasses, when I’m out and about, even if I’m not going into a store or going to be within two metres of someone, I’m trying to make like a superhero and wear a mask. (Especially with this gorgeous weather beckoning more crowds to the cove). As Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry warns that B.C. could be on the cusp of explosive growth with the daily count of new cases in the 30s this week, normalization of mask wearing seems obvious, particularly for people in my age group. At 27, I’m not likely to die of COVID but very well could be contagious without knowing it. With normalized mask wearing, there’s the added bonus of having an excuse when you don’t recognize someone in the grocery store. Now, next week there won’t be a newspaper because Tracey and I are taking a week off. But, the week after that, our Aug. 6 edition, will be food themed. As food security has gained more and more prominence during the pandemic, we thought the time was ripe (so to speak) to explore our relationships with food. So get out your giant cabbages, pull out your best award-winning zucchini story, dig deep for your percolating food questions and email me at editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com. If I don’t respond promptly, it’s probably because I’m at the beach or caught up in a book or I decided not to open my laptop that day. But I will get back to you eventually! Happy summer. Have a great but safe and distant long weekend (on Aug. 3). Bronwyn Beairsto, Editor
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Paying debts needs to be priority for new BIM reserve fund
Editor’s note – this letter is referring to a matter that came before council in its July 13 council meeting. The report referenced can be found in the agenda for that meeting. This letter was addressed to Bowen Island Municipal Council and shared with the Undercurrent. A Land Opportunity Reserve Fund as described in a report from the Chief Financial Officer seems like a good way for the municipality to receive and conserve funds gained from the sale of municipally held lands. The funds anticipated in 2020 are directly from land sales of portions of Lots 2 and 3 of the Community Lands, purchased from Greater Vancouver Regional District as surplus parkland 15 years ago, but with no capital repayment on the $2
million dollar cost until conversion of the debt to long-term loan last year. This cost is now being paid slowly through general municipal taxation over thirty years. The report notes that: “Sec. 188(1)(e) of the Community Charter requires that money received from the sale of land and improvements must be placed to the credit of a reserve fund for the purposes of paying any debt remaining in relation to the property or of acquiring improvements and other assets of a capital nature.” This seems to ensure that capital funds from this reserve cannot be piecemeal allocated to operational or other capital needs as they arise, as has been the case with some of the water reserve funds in the past (capital costs for water main replacement
Cardena Road improvements, not included in project capital costs but charged to Cove Bay Water System Reserve). In my opinion, the capital funds gained from the Lot 2 and 3 land sales should be deposited to the Land Opportunity Reserve Fund, and then applied directly each year to the repayment of the longterm debt outstanding on these lands, with a reduction in the same amount allocated across each property tax portfolio. Otherwise, the intent of this statutory reserve is not being met, and Bowen taxpayers will bear the cost of the land purchase with no reciprocal benefit from the sale of portions of the land. Thank you for the opportunity to provide comment. Bill Granger
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. 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.
bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, July 23, 2020 • A5
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Galvanizing community centre support DEAR EDITOR: In this time of isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic, in a world threatened by conflict and division, the need for community and connection takes on dramatic new importance. Connection reassures us that we are not alone, and that we have friends and neighbours who care and can be depended on for support, no matter the challenge. Bowen Island, for all its quirky, sometimes polarized public engagement, has always been a beacon of community spirit in the face of need. We are a generous lot and pull together powerfully, when it is required. This is just such a moment, not on a global crisis level perhaps but certainly on a local “quality of life” level. The federal and provincial governments have just announced our successful application for a Canada infrastructure grant in the amount of $7.9 M, providing more than 50 per cent of required funding for a community centre and municipal hall. This project has been in gestation for over 30 years, and has been studied, planned, and passionately pursued endlessly. The need for a multi-purpose, fully publicly owned and accessible facility that accommodates municipal functions, soft recreation, performing arts, and a multitude of social events and gatherings is clear. We are virtually the only community in the province to have no such structure, despite the fact that we are a reasonably affluent and engaged population that embraces, values, and encourages a diversity of interests and activities. At long last, we have a way forward with real potential for success, but must grab the baton, firmly, so the opportunity doesn’t slip away for another generation. As a community, we have done exemplary work on this initiative over the years. The current plan
has been exhaustively vetted by community groups, stakeholders, and professionals, and meets a wide variety of public needs in a practical, modest, but effective manner. This one is truly worth supporting. The project particulars are available on the Community Centre site (ourislandplace.com), but in a nutshell, after factoring in grants, designated reserves, and public pledges, we are now $4 M away from the $14 M price tag for the project. $2 M of this will be net zero savings from not having to perpetually rent private spaces, so our practical shortfall is just $2 M. It was estimated in 2019 that this would require only a $50 municipal tax increase annually per resident. It may be possible to reduce this amount through ongoing public donations, but preferential borrowing by the municipality could be necessary. A referendum to approve such borrowing is now set for September 12. Actual application for a loan would only be invoked, should it be required. Repayment could be accelerated through future sales of Community Lands, the proceeds from which have historically been partially earmarked for capital projects like this. Operating costs will be shared amongst users, and there are various vehicles, such as a significant existing Community Centre Endowment Fund, to offset these expenses in the long term. In conclusion, I urge you to get informed on this initiative, and vote ‘yes’ in the referendum If you believe in a strong community, in the value of connection, and the importance of adequate gathering spaces to facilitate this, please consider a donation, volunteering, or just simply talking to your friends and neighbours to build awareness. The time is now, and we must not squander this golden opportunity. Paul Hooson
DEAR EDITOR: TOTI (Theatre on the Isle) is sponsoring a production of Lysistrata to be performed outdoors at Veterans’ Park at the end of August – no more than 50 people, everyone six feet apart. No matter the challenge! Bronwyn (editor Bronwyn, not director Bronwyn) showed up to take photos of a rehearsal but she cannot and will not take sides on a vote, so while she grabs your attention with her pictures, I’d like to pitch the referendum. As luck would have it, all performances will be just before our
referendum for the community centre. Bowen Island Municipality received a huge federal grant to help build the centre, but there is one catch: we need to vote “yes” on the referendum to pay for a share of the municipal asset we will be building. So, what has theatre people all excited? Our dream of a space that can be used as a theatre with permanent lighting, tiered seating, change rooms and a tech room. It can be used for theatre, music concerts, movies, meetings, lectures and such when the seats are pulled out from the walls, and pretty well
anything else (except basketball!) ––yoga, children’s programmes, dancing, painting classes––when the seats are pushed back. It is a major part of the “arts and culture” mandate that got this federal funding into our community. But it’s not just our faithful that need to get out and vote “yes” on September 12, talk to your friends, help identify any issues so they can be worked out, contribute if you can to keep the amount required as tax dollars minimized and as a community, let’s get our community centre!
‘BIM is no longer a child’: on Islands Trust DEAR EDITOR: I feel our BIM is no longer a child needing the adult, Islands Trust, holding our hands for a enormous cost of $303,000 in 2020. Maybe 45 years ago we needed the Islands Trust, however life and the world has changed a lot since then. Re: Russ Hotsenpiller’s comments, here are mine as detractor of Bowen Island continuing to be a member of the Islands Trust. 1. Background and present: Our muni has many excellent councillors and a good staff, who all love their island home and whose actions are, or should be, preserving and protecting our beautiful Bowen Island. 2. Policy statement: Bowen Islanders and their muni know their own unique needs for our environment and community. Most Bowen Islanders are fully aware of our worldwide sea level rise, know that some tourism is needed to support local businesses and as a resident living on Eagle Cliff, I am certainly fully aware of our water needs. 3. Mapping: Anyone can go to the MapIT Website, why not share the software for free for anyone living on this earth to use? There is also Google Earth for many mapping needs. 4. Reconciliation and First Nations:
doesn’t our provincial and federal governments have enough departments to give helpful advice and good assistance whenever needed? 5. Islands Trust Conservancy: surely every island can be responsible for its own reserves. Interestingly, I had never heard of David Otter, Fairy Fen or Singing Woods Reserves on Bowen Island, had to Google them to see where they were. However, with our large Bowen Island muni staff, surely BIM can “monitor and property manage” these small protected areas. Also there are many tree-hugging volunteers living on Bowen Island who I am sure would be more than happy to assist. 6. Education and public programs for Bowen Islanders: never in the 16 years of living here on Bowen have I seen or heard of any public programs offered by the Islands Trust. 7. Advocacy: really…two letters from June and July 2018 to government? 8. Planning: as stated, we have our own excellent Bowen Island Planning Department. So let’s use the $303,000 for Bowen Island’s benefit and not the Islands Trust’s bureaucracy. Maybe our Bowen Island full-time and part-time residents and the health center could use these extra monies? Jeanie Seward-Magee
“This is about health security for all of us who love Bowen” “When a health care team works together with a common vision, amazing things can happen” “I’m so grateful this is happening – because I never want to leave this island.” The Bowen Island Community Health Centre is committed to transforming health care access, delivery, and outcomes for everyone on Bowen with an integrated team of physicians and professionals in physical, mental, and social health and dentistry working together.
Invest in the health of your family, and your community – help bring this essential resource to Bowen!
DONATE TODAY! Go to www.bowenhealthcentre.com/pledge-now/ and choose an option to give now or call Colleen O’Neil 604-947-0232 or Bill Brown at 604-947-9012. Sheree Johnson and Ken McArthur of the BIHCF board add more fuel in the drive to reach‘lift off’. Huge thanks to all our health centre donors. >>>
Judi Gedye
Leo’s Landing On an island waking up A bubble boy is gently popped Calm and cautious mother strolls Neighbours lift heads boy spotted Gathering with distance boundaries respected Adult expressions turn silly clown faces Wide blue eyes meet laugh lines Forever friends have just been made Danielle McQueen Last month , Danielle McQueen sent in this poem she wrote about her newborn son and his first introduction to Bowen as the family very cautiously begins to open their circle.
A6 • Thursday, July 23, 2020
bowenislandundercurrent.com
Moving on from the Hearth Gallery KATHLEEN AINSCOUGH
The Hearth
Last week, the Hearth bid adieu to one of its much-respected team members. Emilie Kaplun is moving on from her role as curator for the organization, though she’s sticking around Bowen and will continue to be involved with the Hearth. Emilie has helmed 10 to 13 exhibitions a year since 2016, when she took over from Janet Esseiva as curator. When the Gallery moved to its new home at Cove Commons, Emilie continued to hold the bar high. Shows’ content and variety of artists have been exciting and not always without controversy. Some exhibitions prompted discussions and social awareness with educational components via school tours, panel discussions and artist talks. When asked, Emilie will tell you of her favorite shows, but like with your own children, they are all very special and memorable in their own way. The role of the curator has many facets: from creating calls for entry, assembling cohesive and engaging exhibitions, working collaboratively with staff, volunteers, guest curators and the artists themselves. Those who worked with her over these last four years recognize Emilie’s contributions as she brought her signature style to those shows. “It’s been such a treat to work with Emilie,” said Jacqueline Massey, former (long-time) executive director of the Hearth. “Her creative outlook, which obviously extends to everything she does, is inspiring and refreshing. “We’ve had a lot of fun over the years, but also I’ve had the good fortune to learn from her. As a colleague, she was a valued member of a team and a key contributor to the success of the Hearth.” “Emilie contributed fresh ideas, enthusiasm and creativity to her role as curator of the gallery,” said Greta Smith on behalf of the Visual Arts Committee. “Her ability to work with the various idiosyncrasies of artists and volunteers contributed to the success of the shows that have exhibited at the gallery. “Wishing her much success and happiness in her future endeavors. We will miss her,” said Smith.
BILL AITKENHEAD PHOTO
This Sam Black painting hung in Bill Aitkenhead’s home for years before Bill peaked behind the frame.
Behind the painting PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HEARTH
Emilie Kaplun gives a thank-you speech at the 2017 mini gala. The chair of the Hearth’s board of directors, Rob Gloor, noted Emilie’s eye for making a show come together. “Emilie brought a sense of clear and calm direction to the feel of the art shows in the Hearth Gallery,” said Gloor. “Combined with her style and innovative approach, she was able to display the art pieces in the best possible way to support and celebrate each artist. “The Hearth Gallery won’t be the same without her. We wish her well in her future adventures.” An opening reception or a special event such as the Mini Gala always inspired a reason to get dressed up and Emilie is no stranger to costume and her special flare for fashion and design is always inspiring. Emilie’s Fluevogs will be difficult to fill as the Hearth looks for someone to take on the role of curator. We wish Emilie much happiness and success in her creative pursuits in the art world and in the Bowen community.
Art often conveys stories and messages but perhaps not always so literally as in Bill Aitkenhead’s case. Part of a story hid behind a painting in his home for 20 years and he just discovered it this week. Aitkenhead bought the eight-by-six-inch seaside country watercolour scene in an art gallery in Glasgow, Scotland 20 years ago and hung it in his house with many other paintings. Two days ago, he removed the painting from its frame. “When I opened out the watercolour, I found it was actually folded and had a two-page letter hand-written by the artist to a friend,” said Aitkenhead. “It was dated June 1983 and his address was printed as ‘General Delivery Bowen Island.’” The letter, addressed to “Joyce,” in perfect script updated the recipient on the artist’s family including his four daughters: one teaching English at Van High School, one living in Victoria, one in Georgia and one in Toronto. The painting is signed by late Bowen Island artist Sam Black. Upon investigation, Aitkenhead discovered that Black was born in Scotland in 1913 and graduated from Glasgow School of Art in 1936. After serving in the Second World War (as a camouflage officer and working for the War Artists Advisory Committee) he moved to Canada and taught at UBC. In 1977 Black was elected to the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts and he retired from UBC in 1978. Black died in the late ’90s but Aitkenhead thought there may be a relative in B.C. who might like the letter or the painting and got in touch with the Undercurrent. “I would be pleased to post it to them,” said Aitkenhead.
on Bowen Island PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HEARTH
Emilie Kaplun with Arts Council founder Hans Behm and partner Kristin Krimmel.
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We are back to regular hours, with a refreshed indoor space, filled with flowers, indoor plants and gorgeous gifts! BUT we want to take this opportunity to say “Hell yeah Bowen” you are amazing. We operated our garden centre for 3 months on an honour system, where else in this world, could we do this? Truly grateful! 604-947-2278 bowenislandflowershop@shaw.ca
THE WATERING CAN SUPPLY
bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, July 23, 2020 • A7
‘Funny how things work out’ HIGH WINDS SAW A LAST-MINUTE CHANGE FOR SWIMBOWEN’S SMALL BUT MIGHTY ‘UNEVENT’––A REGULAR-SIZED RACE WOULD’VE LIKELY BEEN CANCELLED MARY LETSON
SwimBowen
Last Saturday, at the eleventh hour, SwimBowen’s Un -Event crew switched locations to the leeward side of the island as there were wind warnings in effect on Bowen’s west side. Good thing we didn’t have 75 swimmers and 40 volunteers to juggle that day––the event would likely have been cancelled if COVID-19 hadn’t beat us to it. Funny how things work out. Our 1.6 Km swim was delicious. We finished in 40 minutes and then huddled on the disappearing beach to share refreshments and swimming stories. A big high five to our support crew who guided us and kept us safe from unsuspecting power boaters: Billi Behm, Jo Quarry, Martin Clarke and Bruce McTaggart. A big “hell yeah!” to our donors, who have raised $3,900 for SwimBowen’s Cancer Care Fund. Brilliant! We are ever so grateful to our Un-Event corporate sponsors Living Bowen - Barry Thomas PREC*, First Credit Union, Bowen Building Centre, Ratcliffe & Co and the Ruddy Potato who stayed on board despite our event cancellation. Now that’s sponsorship going above and beyond. Together
KELSEY WATSON, SWIMBOWEN ASSISTANT EVENT DIRECTOR PHOTO
Billi Behm, Mary Letson, Sue Schloegl, Martin Clarke, Leah Cline, Jo Quarry, Leslie Zednai after the SwimBowen Un-Event 2020. with our donors and corporate sponsors we have raised $5,900 for the Cancer Care Fund, a stunning achievement considering SwimBowen was cancelled. There’s just no cancelling community spirit for an awesome cause. Take that COVID-19. The SwimBowen Society has to date sent 18 Cancer Care gifts totaling $24,500 to Bowen Islanders enduring the fulltime job of cancer treatment. Our focus to lift community
members during the hardest work of all is working. And that’s because of you. Mark your calendars for July 17, 2021. SwimBowen will be back next year in full force with new courses and all the bells and whistles that make us the greatest little event in paradise. Oceans of Gratitude from Mary and the SwimBowen
Patient of the Week Kaiser visited the clinic after his owner noticed one of his toes was swollen and irritated. We took a biopsy of his toe and it came back as cancer. However, thanks to his owner bringing him in quickly and Dr. Midge able to take quick action, his toe was amputated to prevent it from spreading anywhere. Kaiser recovered really well and is happily living life with one less toe!
NEW COVID HOURS effective JULY 8th OPEN: 9 - 5 pm every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday* OPEN: 9 - 1 pm every second Saturday (closed Sat. July 23) *Please note: Friday medical appointments will be available on alternate weeks. The clinic will be open for prescriptions and food pick up only on those Fridays as of July 10th.
To schedule appointments, please call
604.947.9247
or email reception@bowenvet.com
Express the very best of what it means to be human. DIS C OV ER US DI SC
MIDDLE SCHOOL
MATTERS
ISLAND PACIFIC SCHOOL Accepting Applications for 2020-21 and Beyond
CELEBRATING YEARS
KAISER
islandpacific.org
A8 • Thursday, July 23, 2020
bowenislandundercurrent.com
Monty’s Garden
Meditation in Action
AND CONNECTING WITH BOWEN NATURE
THE STORY OF ONE VERY FULL MILLER’S LANDING GARDEN AND ITS THREE-YEAR-OLD CARETAKER
KAMI KANETSUKA
Contributor
BRONWYN BEAIRSTO
Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
Every Thursday after preschool, three-year-old Monty Smith visits the Bowen Island Flower Shop to pick out a flower. “He doesn’t want ice cream, he doesn’t want toys or TV, he wants to go to the Flower Shop and get a flower and come home and plant it,” said mom Erin Perry. “It’s number one of the things he wants to do.” In his, now very full, 10 foot by 10 foot garden on Miller’s Landing, Monty diligently works away. “He climbs in there himself and he’s really careful not to step on anything,” said Perry. The youngster weeds, deadheads the flowers, waters and hunts for slugs. “He’s very dedicated and determined that everything’s done right,” said his mom. “He loves the colors and he loves that they grow and you can take care of them,” said Perry. Monty loves red flowers. His garden has had poppies, day lilies, rockroses, cosmos, echinacea and some perennials that he really likes including geraniums and petunias. Monty’s younger brother Julius (who’s turning two in August) too likes the garden but sometimes he picks the flowers when he’s not supposed to. “Because they’re so beautiful, which, I don’t blame him,” laughed Perry. Perry hadn’t been planning on doing a garden this year as the family had a lot of other house projects to get done. “But it became his passion,” said Perry. “You want to follow your kids’ passions and encourage them. “Also with the COVID, we suddenly had a lot of time on our hands and it was definitely a thing that was feeding our souls and also filling the time.” As COVID restrictions have loosened enough for Monty to return to Montessori, every week after class, the young gardener visits the Flower Shop (just down the street from
PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIN PERRY
Monty Smith is gleeful after picking out a flower for his garden from the Bowen Island Flower Shop. the preschool). He quizzes owner Caroline Walker and, as Monty knows the difference between a perennial and an annual, he’ll ask if the flowers will come back. “Caroline gives great recommendations so she has helped us choose the right ones that are easy to grow,” said Perry. “Everything that she’s helped us with is flourishing and doing well.” Monty comes by his gardening talent naturally: his grandmother is an award-winning gardener. While Monty spent some time last summer helping his grandmother water her plants and flowers, it wasn’t until this year that his green thumb blossomed. “He’ll have whole conversations with his grandma about gardening on the phone,” said Perry. “She’ll take him and show him her entire garden for 20 minutes and he’ll show her his garden for 20 minutes.” Monty’s grandmother, however, lives in Ontario. They used to see one another every two months, but now separated by distance, they’ve found another way to connect. “It’s a nice thing,” said Perry. “Even though we don’t get to see her, he gets to have this very special almost daily talk with her about flowers.”
Being creative in this strange time of COVID-19 on Bowen, has been less difficult than imagined. After offering a highly successful social distancing dance party on the Bowfest field, I wondered what else I could offer. For more than 40 years I’ve practiced Vipassana meditation and received teachings, both in India and the West. For many years I have given guided meditation sessions at the Orchard Recovery Centre. Recently, I gave a four-day meditation and writing retreat in Mexico. In 2017 I took a mindfulness teacher training course in Germany with one of my long-term Vipassana teachers to add some extra tools. This teacher always emphasized we are working on ourselves for the benefit of others. During this pandemic time when I have cut off much of my socializing, my consolation is communing with nature, and working in my garden. Every evening I walk amongst the trees. Sadly, I have to pass the wasteland across from my house where some of my favorite trees were butchered for the supposed fire hall, which many voted for. (Whatever happened to that idea.) My garden, sadly, at this time has become two thirds unwanted plants, and strangling vines. With need for a little help, this is my plan. I would like to offer a four-hour workshop starting with meditation and some guided instruction. Then an hour or so of garden work, removing unwanted weeds. This will be done mostly in silence to really connect with nature. Our awareness will help with the social distancing. During this time if any leaves, plentiful flowers, or weeds attract you, keep them in mind for the nature mandala, which we will create in the upper part of the garden as a culmination of the workshop. (You can also bring small things from nature with you.) My friend Vera, who has lived in Greece, will offer a gratitude exercise. There will be a lunch break and I will supply some finger snacks. Due to COVID rules, please bring what you would like to eat. The hours will be 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (I am flexible with hours.) My initial date is Saturday, Aug 15, which will be changed if weather wet. There is no cost for the workshop. Contact me either on Facebook or kanet@telus.net to discuss further details. Space is limited, if interested contact asap.
The Library is Open! 12 pm-3 pm Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat
Seniors’ Hours: Thurs 10 am-12 pm
bowenlibrary.ca (604) 947-9788 • info@bowenlibrary.ca
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Thursday, July 23, 2020 • A9
• SUMMER 2020 •
BOWEN ISLAND real estate guide • what sold what’s next
1749 Emily Lane, King Edward Bay
Personal Real Estate Corporation
A10 • Thursday, July 23, 2020
bowenislandundercurrent.com
Strong June sales hint at an atypical summer NUMBER OF SALES AND DOLLAR VOLUME UP
TIMOTHY RHODES Contributor The number and dollar volume of sales in June 2020 was up over the past three years. Dollar volume for the month was $17.35 million, a 124.5 per cent increase over June 2019. YtD (year to date) volume was $39.16 million, up 134.9 per cent from 2019 and only -7.4 per cent below 2018 at the height of the market. YoY (year over year) at $69.38 million was well above 2019 ($39.83) but -16.92 per cent below 2018. YtD and YoY, Median and average days on market YtD and YoY were down over 2019 -29.9 and -12.2 per cent respectively. New listings were up over the month of June 2019 and inventory was down in the same period. While June 2019 indicators were flat or down in every category compared to 2018, 2020 indicators have rallied, in some cases challenging those of 2018. The YoY average sale price was $1.16 million, -3.1 per cent below 2018. Another significant change in the Bowen market during June came from new listings priced at over $1.5 million, a market that has been mostly absent for the past year. Onethird of new listings were in this category. The resulting 50 per cent increase in the average sale price in June indicated stronger interest in this price category. Combined with the increase in new listings June over June, it underscores pent up demand to both sell and buy after the sluggish market of the past year. This strength of this rally during COVID was not anticipated nor was the confidence among
Personal Real Estate Corporation
sellers as demonstrated by 10 new listing to date in July. COVID and restrictions on travel have created a renewed interest in rural properties as people look leave urban congestion for more elbow room and a place to garden and raise chickens – to become more sustainable. Bowen is perfect for those who aspire to this but do not want to stray too far from the city. Predictions are difficult. A global pandemic (currently unchecked in the USA), the situation in China, the economy and COVID, and apprehensions about the USA election are all potential game changers. On Bowen, indications are that this increased interest and activity will carry us through the summer. In July 2020 we have already seen new listings and sales equal to the entire month of July 2019. Mortgage rates remain low and home sales and new listings are generally up across the lower mainland (although below pre-COVID numbers). The market remains balanced, perhaps favouring sellers slightly because of limited inventory and increased sales activity. Timothy Rhodes is a licensed REALTOR® on Bowen Island representing Angell Hasman & Associates Realty Ltd. Island.
MLS® detached home data only. Data source © 2020 BC Northern Real Estate Board, Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board, Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, and Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. All rights reserved. Data deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
bowenislandundercurrent.com
SOLD
SOLD
935 Rivendell Drive
1142 Miller Road
LISTED • $1,325,000
LISTED • $828,000
SOLD
SOLD
• $1,325,500
Thursday, July 23, 2020 • A11
8 days on the market
• $8 2 8 , 0 0 0
sold as Buyer’s Agent
aVaILaBLe 1288 Eaglecliff Road LISTED • $899,000 3 bed • 3 bath • 2699 sf • revenue potential
SOLD
1537 Whitesails Drive
SOLD
1328 Oceanview Road
SOLD
1349 Eaglecliff Road
LISTED • $979,000
LISTED • $830,000
LISTED • $859,000
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
• $962,500
• $830,000
• $820,000
multiple offers
It’s a Seller’s Market on Bowen right now. I am a proven Bowen Island real estate specialist who knows how to grab the attention of potential Buyers with a creative marketing plan. With my thorough research and detailed analysis, I will provide you with a professional report that will help guide you towards an appropriate listing price.
You can be confident that I’ll be by your side the entire journey. It might be a good time to have a chat.
A12 • Thursday, July 23, 2020
bowenislandundercurrent.com
1291 Fairweather Road
$3,500,000
Dramatic waterfront on Bowens south shore. This property is part of the 180 acre strata of Fairweather, located on the sunny southern shoreline of Bowen Island. Only18 waterfront lots and this is one of the most private and tranquille properties located at the far end of Fairweather Road. Unsurpassed sunrise to sunset views from the night lights of Vancouver, past UBC, the Gulf Islands and on to the lights of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Enjoy the ever changing view of ships, whales, sea lions, eagles and more. Three bedrooms, three bathrooms. Recently renovated and exquisitely appointed throughout. Gated/fenced level entrance to the courtyard garden and patio areas, plus a separate sunny garden for vegetables, kiwi and a small orchard. A five minute drive to the Bowen Island Golf Course.
1741 Bowen Bay Road
$1,598,000
Across the street from Bowen Bay, one of Bowen’s best summertime beaches and the scene of the popular Polar Bear swim each winter. Up a laneway, then behind a gate arriving to a total sense of reposeful privacy located on 1/2 acre.Fully renovated 5 bedroom,4 bath home built in the Country Craftsman style. Large outdoor partially covered decks for the best in summertime entertaining and to relax and watch the expansive sunset ocean views all year round. A generous lower level could be easily converted to a suite with its own separate entrance. Mature and well planned garden, outdoor shower, a rainwater collection and irrigation system, Childrens tree fort and playground and more make this the ideal Bowen get away.
949 Arbutus Bay Lane
$4,200,000
Enter through the gates to one of Bowen’s most exclusive Estates. Drive down to the house past two 2 car garages each with their own separate living/studio/ conference room space above. Located on the sunny south end of Bowen on 1.45 acres with an expansive view over the Salish Sea to Vancouver Island. The main house features an exquisite living room with stunning beams and a high vaulted ceiling, plus gourmet kitchen. Four bedrooms and five bathrooms. Large deck off the main living floor provides a year entertainment area with a covered outdoor lounging area, stone surround fireplace and hot tub. Downstairs has a huge recreation room and gym, a media room, and a wine room. A short walk to Alder Cove Beach and across the street from the 2nd hole of the Bowen Island Golf Club.
1221 Adams Road
$799,000
Josephine Ridge - a private partially fenced and family friendly home. Split level with the 3 bedrooms upstairs, a comfortable mid level with renovated kitchen , dining room and living room and a family room downstairs with a small nook for an office, hobby room or whatever you may need it to be. Level front yard for the kids to play and a newly created sun drenched back patio for summer time entertaining. Garden a little or garden a lot, this 1/2 acre property is waiting for your creative touch to make it your own.
1180 Miller
$848,000
(co-list with Frazer Elliott) Character and charm abound in this custom built west coast rustic home. Accessed by a winding stairway from the parking area, and perched on the top of a natural bluff on Seven Hills. Eagle nest views looking south across Deep Bay and beyond.Warm and bright light in the winter and cool breezes in the summer with front and back covered decks for whatever the time of year. Downstairs features a custom kitchen with new appliances, glass-covered decks, and a sunken living-room surrounding a free standing wood stove. Upstairs features a spacious master bedroom complete with private balcony. All backing onto private forest lands, and within walking distance to the Cove, the school, Pebbly Beach and Crippen Park.
604.612.7798 Dee Elliott
For more information on individual listings go to bowenhomes.ca
bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, July 23, 2020 • A13
Dee’s Sales during Covid - since March 15th, 2020
Despite Covid the real estate market is “HOT” on Bowen and we are up 35% year to date over last years sales to this date. Overall prices remain stable but as demand increases the prices may also start to edge upwards. To discuss market conditions please call or email me.
SOLD as a Listing Agent:
840 Hummingbird Lane
871 Valhalla
899 Rivendell Drive
1142 Miller Road
July 17
July 6
June 30
June 30
636 Cowan
464 Melmore Road
925 Elrond’s Court
1673 Woods
June 19
May 29
May 24
May 5
489 Melmore Road
1244 Miller Road
580 Dulcie Road Gambier
1517 Whitesails Drive
April 24
April 14
March 31
March 27
SOLD as a Buyers Agent:
1267 Fairweather
Lot 7 Douglas
Lot 2 Douglas
1349 Eaglecliff fff
June 19
June 18
May 30th
March 27
604.612.7798 Dee Elliott
For more information on individual listings go to bowenhomes.ca
A14 • Thursday, July 23, 2020
bowenislandundercurrent.com MY PROMISE TO YOU For many of us, buying and selling a home is one of the largest financial transactions we will make. It is also one of the most personal investments in family, memory, community, and legacy. I will ensure that your needs inform the process, provide the information and support you need to make timely decisions, put your interests first in negotiations, and find the best possible fit for you.
www.bowenislandproperties.com PRICE REDUCED
229 MoonwInks DRIvE 5 bed/4 bath • $1,545,000
CoMIng soon!
1685 whitesails Drive $1,689,000
Timothy Rhodes REALTOR® COMMUNITY, NATURALLY
MY PROMISE TO BOWEN ISLAND Perhaps the most important private initiative on the island today is the creation of a health centre. I am proud to be part of the team leading this initiative and, until the end of 2020, for every successful real estate transaction where I represent a buyer or a seller, I will contribute, in their name, $250 to the Bowen Island Health Centre Foundation.
604-341-9488
“ Spectacular custom built home located on a fabulous semi-waterfront lot w/the most amazing point of land as common property with access to the beach.
Magnificent Ocean and Island View home with 3 beds, 3 baths and separate 3 car garage with option to options for a suite above it.
www.rhodesonbowen.com
Trying to move is stressful. Trying to move during a pandemic is really stressful! Tim’s calm and informed approach and his knowledge of Bowen Island was invaluable and relieved a lot of our anxious moments. He took the time to really understand who we are and what we will need to be happy. He’s not just helping us buy a house, he’s helping us find a home and a place among the amazing Bowen Island community.”
tim@rhodesonbowen.com
“
Buying and selling property is inherently stressful. Tim is a terrific realtor; calm, creative, and consistent, a great listener and a clear thinker with remarkable attention to detail. Tim has represented us on both the buying and selling side of real estate. He backs up his work with reliable facts and figures to assist with these big decisions. It is so reassuring to have such a hardworking, trustworthy advocate!“
For all your Real Estate needs please call Carmen and/or Peter for a Friendly, ethical and knowledgeable approach. We’ll be happy to share our over 40 years of Real Estate experience and life on Bowen Island.
A lifelong career in Real Estate has brought me so much joy in assisting others with buying and selling a home. Passionate, knowledgeable, responsive and excited to be a part of your journey whether it’s a first time purchase, a final downsize or somewhere in between! Are you thinking of buying or selling a home? Give me a call and let's have a conversation about the process and how to get started.
ANGIE KIRK 6 0 4 - 9 1 6 - 3 4 2 9
www.angiekirkrealestate.com
bowenislandundercurrent.com
JUST LISTED!
Thursday, July 23, 2020 • A15
NEW LISTING!
JUST LISTED!
4 bed 3 bath cates Hill View home on 1.66 Acres
Incredible view home on the west side of Bowen - 3 bed 3 full bath + loft
New 1.42 acre waterfront listing Architecturally designed 2 bed 2.5 bath home in Prestigious Hood Point
Stay tuned for list price! 964 Village Drive
$1,099,000
$3,099,000 • MLS R2464321
984 Privateer Road
1693 Old Eagle Cliff Road
PRIVATE ESCAPE!
NEW LISTING!
WATERFRONT!
3 bed 2 bath tastefully renovated home
9th hole beauty! Brand new 3 bed 3 bath, golf course and beaches at your fingertips!
Spectacular waterfront building lot located in Hood Point. Build your dream home on this sunny perch!
$1,365,000 • MLS
$1,250,000 • MLS R2462508 881 Russell Lane
$869,000 • MLS R2337726 214 Finisterre Road
542 Rockmoyne Place 118 ACRES!
VIEW ACREAGE!
10 ACRE LOT!
10 acre waterfront build ready lot, access to gorgeous beaches and trails, glorious sunsets and room for the whole family, priced below assessed value at $3,580,000 • MLS R2392091
1820 Cape Drive
118 Acres of privacy and views! Rarely available large parcel of land in Hood Point West
Private view building lot! Large 2.5 acre gently sloping terrain allows for multiple building options
$2,600,000 • MLS R2384067 Lot 19 Smugglers Cove Road
$469,000 • MLS 2450254 390 Creek Road
FRANCES FROST & FELICITY BUSKARD
NEW PRICE!
Private & serene 2 bedroom home, guest house and meditation studio, steps from Bowen Bay Beach $1,395,000 • MLS R2429384
1693 Malkin Creek Road
bowenislandrealestate.info • 604.947.9090 RE/MAX Crest Realty - Bowen Island
2016/17/19
A16 • Thursday, July 23, 2020
bowenislandundercurrent.com
Lot 1 Douglas Road • $725,000
Lot A WF • $385,000
Want to advertise?
Email twait@bowenislandundercurrent.com
A park like, private and quiet 4.94 acres – a premier forest property. Features an established access and build site, drilled well, and power and communications to the lot line. Zoning allows for up to an 800 square foot detached accessory dwelling. Nearby walking/hiking paths tie in to the larger Bowen trail network, and just up the hill from Bowen Bay Beach.
Lot A WF is one of the rare waterfront building lots on the west side of Mount Gardner. 0.76 acres, off the grid and accessed by water, and facing west towards the sun setting over Keats and the Sunshine Coast. The property has a flat bench with a potential septic location. Colisted with Dee Elliott Personal Real Estate Corporation.
Got story ideas?
Email editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
Want to stay connected? Follow us on Facebook: @BIUndercurrent Twitter: @BowUndercurrent Or Instagram: @bowenislandundercurrent
Specializing in BOWEN ISLAND and HOWE SOUND
FRAZER ELLIOTT REALTOR®
604.910.3401 felliottbowen@gmail.com www.bowenhomes.ca
July 8-27
ONLY 5 DAYS LEFT TO WIN!
firstcu.ca
Makes a Difference (604) 947-2022
firstcu.ca | 106-996 Dorman Rd
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Thursday, July 23, 2020 • A17
ing beyond words by being aware that the poems themselves are not really what matters, rather, what actually matters most is what happens to us after we engage with the words and what that might inspire us to do. As the middle of the poem says: ...It was never about the words anyway, but only about the dance the chance the tears the fears the questions the endless burning turning churning questions you have been asking for a thousand years: who and what am I and why and can we walk together for a small while before we both disappear, and will you meet me where the road ends so we may touch the wonder and heartache of this place and try to make sense of all this twirling around the sun and have some way of holding on and say what we need to say how love and loss
walk hand in hand and how we must expose our naked hearts to be made whole again, and how we must remember the small things butterflies dragonflies fireflies hummingbirds bumblebees if we are to survive...” lisa shatzky
Q&A with Lisa Shatzky: A Thousand Ways to Kiss the Earth Lisa Shatzky talks her sixth book of poetry, AThousandWays to Kiss the Earth, coming in October from Black Moss Press
BIU: How would you describe A Thousand Ways to Kiss the Earth? LS: This is a collection of 35 poems that speak to the human condition as well as the fragile state of the planet and what it means to fall in love with the world again. These are poems about loss and longing, love and connection and the loneliness and alienation of our times. One of the central themes in this collection is the impact of witnessing and experiencing beauty in the world while being keenly aware of the destruction of this beauty’s source and the heartbreak this creates in our day-to-day lives. Another central theme is rising up out of the brokenness and finding ways to hold what is precious and still beautiful in the light that is everywhere. Where does this collection of poems come from ? They were inspired by some of what happened in the world in 2019, especially around climate change and the threat this creates to life as we know it in terms of our humanity and the other animals with whom we share this planet.
How do the poems depart from your other books? The poems tell a story. While the poems can be read as individual pieces, when read together they tell a larger story about how to live and love in a world surrounded by environmental crises. Each poem picks up an idea or phrase from the poem that comes before and carries it forward. The reader embarks upon an inner and outer journey about the interdependence of relationships in our lives and how psychologically connected we are to the plight of the planet and the animals around us. Now more than ever we must allow ourselves to fall in love with that which is bigger than us if we are to survive. How long have you been writing poetry? Since I was a little kid and could hold a pencil. But I gave it up when I got into university and only re-connected with writing poetry again in 2005. How has your relationship with the art changed since you began? That’s a very interesting question. My relationship to poetry has indeed changed. When I first got back into it in 2005, I felt something was calling and I had to respond. I had no idea how a huge door in my life would be blown open. What was once an
interesting thing to do (write) has thus become all encompassing, necessary, and even urgent. I write every day. It’s like breath to me. Like food. We’re in a new era today––how has COVID-19 affected your writing? Everything I write these days is about, or my sense of, what is happening in the present. So the poetry that I am writing in this time of coronavirus seems to be about the various losses and anxieties as well as hidden gifts of this time. I never plan ahead what I am going to write about. I just listen and wait and see what poem wants to come into being. So much about poetry is about listening. But indeed, my newest poems are born out of this time of uncertainty and deep change. Is there a line or a poem in A Thousand Ways to Kiss the Earth that you feel particularly connected to? Well, for sure the poem “Answer to Rumi” in this collection speaks to me since the title of this collection is borrowed from a phrase Rumi has used over time and the poem engages with that phrase in terms of what it might mean in our modern times. Also, the opening poem of this collection presents a kind of paradox ––it is called “ Beyond Words” and speaks to the necessity of mov-
ANDREW STONE PHOTO
Bowen Island United Church had an outdoor service July 19 with socially distanced chairs and masked congregants. “It was a hit and we will do it again in the near future,” said Rev. Lorraine Ashdown. Local musician Alison Nixon was a guest on the viola.
30+ YEARS IN BUSINESS FULLY INSURED WORKSAFE BC COVERAGE
all of our employees follow strict COViD-19 prevention protocols. feel free to ask us!
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Thanks to Sunshine Coast Youth Soccer Association.
Unit 124 - 1877 Field Rd., Wilson Creek. BC 59 Bewicke Ave, North Vancouver, BC 3115 Underhill Ave, Burnaby, BC
A18 • Thursday, July 23, 2020
bowenislandundercurrent.com
Aristophanes’smash-hit Lysistrata coming to Bowen BRONWYN BEAIRSTO
Editor
BRONWYN BEAIRSTO, UNDERCURRENT PHOTO
Lysistrata (Amanda Szabo, in foreground) makes her case for withholding sex from the men of warring city states in order to bring about peace. Kalonike (Jackie Minns, left), Myrrhine (Annabelle Coon, centre) and Lampito (Kat Stephens, left) are skeptical at first. Theatre on the Isle’s production of Lysistrata comes to Veteran’s Park Aug. 28 & 29 and Sept 4 & 5. played by men. “At the time, it was a huge joke that, ‘Haha, women are taking are taking power, this is ridiculous.’” But rather like the Athenians of 411 B.C.E., people of today are facing upheaval. “I think a lot of people really are in need of relief through laughter and comedy and bringing people together through that,” said Churcher. “It’s not the ideal time at all to do this but there’s ways of getting
around that,” she said. “There’s ways of us finally sharing this joint experience. “That is what theater is and what the power of theater can be.” The rehearsals and the performances are and will be socially distanced for actors and audience alike. “It’s been tough at times because characters would need to get close to each other but we’re also playing on that a little bit–– there’s some jokes in there,” said
Places of Worship Welcome You BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH
FOOD BANK DROP-OFF
ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Masses are live streamed every day. Times posted at holyrosarycathedral.org
Administration Office: 604-682-6774
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
▼
BOWEN ISLAND 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
Now offering a youtube channel of reflections and hymn/songs with Reverend Lorraine Ashdown and Lynn Williams. youtubewatch?v=tejV7Y6jo
Churcher. But the play was also originally performed outside, in the amphitheatres of Ancient Greece. “It was so big scale that the characters didn’t really need to get close to each other,” she said. Churcher, who grew up on Bowen and recently moved back, has been doing theatre since she began at Tir-na-nOg when she was 11 years old. This is her directorial debut. “It’s been really fun. I’ve
Schedule in Effect: July 2, 2020 to September 7, 2020
Leave Snug Cove
The giant poles in Veteran’s Park (installed for logger sports years ago) will set the stage for Theatre on the Isle’s upcoming production of Lysistrata. Ancient Athenian playwright Aristophanes wrote the anti-war gut-buster in about 411 B.C.E. At that point, Athenians were 21 years into Peloponnesian War, having suffered not only the Plague of Athens from 430 to 426 B.C.E. but devastating defeat during the Sicilian Expedition in 415 to 413 B.C.E. “Everybody was really fed up with war,” explained director Bronwyn Churcher. “There was a lot of unrest in the city at the time.” “[Aristophanes] was quite a political and social commentator,” explained Churcher. “So he wrote the play, sort of as a satire.” “I think the zeitgeist at the time was like, this was ridiculous and we need to stop it…how is a really ridiculous way to stop it?” The eponymous Lysistrata rallies the women of the warring cities to withhold sexual privileges from men until there’s peace, a treaty signed. “That leads them to having this power that they never would have thought,” said Churcher. While she acknowledges the play’s feminist significance, Churcher also noted that contemporary women’s power was limited and all the parts would’ve been
had a lot of support,” she said. “And I think we’ve got the cream of the crop in terms of the Bowen actors involved in this.” Amanda Szabo, Kat Stephens, Jackie Minns, Annabelle Coon, Doug Elliott, Frazer Elliott, Maggie MacDonald, Davin Killy, TOTI founder Martin Clarke, Heather Hodson, Silvaine Zimmerman, Aubin Van Berckel and Peter Frinton round out the cast. Judi Gedye and Maureen Sawasy are the stage managers and local artists are helping out with the stage and set design. Susanna Braund is helping with pronunciation. The backdrop will hang between the poles with the audience of no more than 35 per show placed with their ‘bubbles’ on the grass. There are shows Aug. 28, 29, Sept. 4 and 5. The Saturdays have matinee performances as well as evening shows and if any of the shows are cancelled due to weather, it’ll be rescheduled to Sept. 6. Tickets will be $20, sold online and will likely go on sale at the beginning of August. “We’re encouraging people to buy their tickets as soon as they go up because I think people really need this right now,” said Churcher. “That experience of sitting together and laughing at something that’s really, really ridiculous. “There’s a lot of double entendres, lots of body, sex jokes. It’s outrageous and it’s very funny.” (Naturally, it’s for mature audiences.)
Crossing Time: 20 minutes Distance: 3 nautical miles Note: This is a non-reservable route * exCepT SuN aND aug 3 & SepT 7 > exCepT SaT < exCepT WeD are (DC) DaNgerouS Cargo SailiNgS. No oTher paSSeNgerS permiTTeD.
bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, July 23, 2020 • A19
No, you can’t shoot a drone with a paintball gun: Klassen CONTINUED FROM P. 1
This being said, anyone operating a drone that weighs 250 grams or more needs to be certified by Transport Canada. (Though there’s now a best-selling drone that’s 249 grams with a body about the length of a cellphone and depth of two stacks of cards). “When you get into a level where there is certification, then there’s an opportunity to educate and talk about these best practices,” said Klassen. There are basic and advanced certifications with Transport Canada. The basic is an online test that allows for operations in uncontrolled airspace (like airports and heliports) and more than 100 feet away from other people horizontally and 30 feet vertically. With an advanced certification there’s an online test and an in-person assessment but one can potentially get closer to people and controlled airspace with a drone. Klassen also noted that residents concerned about drones may be able to find protections in reasonable expectation of privacy and that if anyone’s shooting commercial footage they need one’s permission before publishing. However, if one’s considering shooting a drone with a paintball gun or the like, Klassen advises one not. “That is something that is highly recommended against because drones are considered aircraft,” she said. “So that becomes [an indictable] offense.” Not only is there the danger of shooting or throwing something at the drone but the lithium polymer battery has the potential to start a fire if interfered with. “Most of [the
batteries] are very well protected against the normal operations that drones go through,” she said. “But if there is a big impact, like if it gets shot or if it falls from a really high elevation, then it can cause a fire. “It’s not something that we want to see happening over rural properties or hard-toaccess areas.” While islanders may be concerned about drone pilots’ intentions, Klassen said there are many reasons one might fly a drone (photos for real estate, wildlife survey, plant survey, insurance inspections). “I think it’s unfair to assume that the person flying it is doing so with a malicious intent,” she said. If one is concerned about a drone pilot being unsafe or putting wildlife at risk, Klassen recommends calling the police. “When the drone is flying, it’s really dangerous to approach the operator because they need to stay focused on flying the drone and keeping it within line of sight,” she said. For the most part, drones over 250 grams need to be in line of sight of the operator. Klassen highlighted not thinking the worst of people and looking to resources like Unmanned Systems Canada for understanding what’s allowed and what’s not. “There is a lot of misinformation that is available online, in Facebook groups and that sort of thing,” said Klassen. “I see a lot of people who are very confident in their misinformation.” She also noted that her organization is in close communication with Transport Canada. “If there are changes that need to happen, then we could be a group that brings those things forward,” she said.
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A20 • Thursday, July 23, 2020
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A tale of two pandemics: protecting glacier media special report | By Stefan LaBBé slabbe@tricitynews.com
t
est, trace, isolate. test, trace, isolate. it was the first week of march and Dr. michael schwandt and his team were in the midst of what would soon feel like an endless cycle. the outbreak control team was huddled in their Vancouver offices, poring over another case of coViD-19. but when those lab results came over the phone, everyone knew it was something different: sarscoV-2 positive. the novel coronavirus had made it into lynn Valley care centre. “there was a lot of concern, the knowledge that this could be a very serious situation,” said schwandt. “it was a feeling of going to work.” that work would balloon in the coming weeks, as the outbreak claimed the first coViD-19 death in canada –an 80-year-old resident – and morph into the health authority’s deadliest outbreak, taking 20 lives and infecting a further 59. the latest tallies find between 81% and 85% of deaths in canada occurred in seniors’ homes, compared to an organization for economic co-operation and Development (oecD) average of 42%. of the roughly 8,700 deaths due to coViD-19 in the country, about 7,000 have been i n sen iors’ homes. these are often the frailest of canadians, caught in a system experts say has long been neglected, where unregulated government transfers make up only two-thirds of the oecD average and often fail to ensure adequate care. “we failed long-term care in
High death toll in care facilities for
canada,” said Dr. samir sinha, director of geriatrics at toronto’s sinai Hospital. Four months into canada’s pandemic, just what went wrong in those early days and how b.c. turned around what looked to be an impending disaster serve as lessons. but b.c.’s window of relative calm also begs the more pressing question: are we doing enough to protect our seniors in the face of a second wave? ‘A lucky break’ not long after schwandt got the first lab results, it became clear the virus had been circulating in the population at lynn Valley for days. “you’re looking at not controlling one or two branches, but multiple branches all at once, which means at that point you’re playing catch-up,” he said. Fear over the new virus led many staff at lynn Valley care centre to abandon their posts in the early days of the outbreak. “ we we re h e lp i n g to g ive meals to residents and doing basic care for our own parents because nobody showed up to work that weekend,” said althea Gibb-carsley, whose mother-inlaw, 94-year-old isabelle mikhail, would later die of coViD-19 at lynn Valley. “we realized … that the help was not there. and so we made a decision to go every day. we took time off work and we realized we had to be in there.” t here was little communication, said family members, because nobody was even answering the phones at the nursing home. “b.c. had some of the same sins that all the other provinces had too: they had people who were being paid poorly working in
Brigitte Buermann waves to her husband Bernie, who suffers from vascular dementia and has spent four months under lockdown at a long-term care home in Port Coquitlam. Brigitte has window-visited every day since the pandemic began, and now that measures are slowly being lifted, she worries her 15 minutes a week won’t save him from forgetting her altogether. “If I could gown up, I would – I’d go in there,” she said | Stefan Labbé/the tri-City newS
these homes, and working between multiple homes to try and make ends meet,” said sinha, who in addition to his clinical work, also heads of the national institute on ageing think tank and advises the ontario government. at the time, some of the most emblematic images of the virus overseas were of the construction of a field hospital in wuhan and of an italian health system in free fall as icUs overflowed with patients unable to find a ventilator. “we d ra n k the Kool-a id,” sinha said. “we said, ‘let’s shore up our hospitals, let’s do everything we can, let’s buy ventilators.’ money was flowing like nobody’s business to make sure our hospitals were protected.” H e a d d e d , “ wa s t h e re a n
overemphasis around acute care? absolutely. we never figured out our systemic vulnerabilities.” in the weeks leading up to the first cases at lynn Valley, health officials in b.c. had been closely watching the rising death toll across the border at a care home in suburban seattle. so when the U.s. centers for Disease control and Prevention came out with a day-by-day study of the outbreak at the Kirkland home, schwandt and his colleagues took note. they were some of the first in north america to apply a playbook known outside of b.c. as the “iron ring” protocol, a set of outbreak measures first implemented in b.c. and designed to suffocate coViD-19 in a nursing home. Provincial health officer Dr.
LOCAL
bonnie Henry issued a b.c.-wide single-site work order, followed by bumps in pay for over 7,000 care aides to go along with strong infection control measures and universal masking for all frontline workers. the more the virus spread, the more infection control experts rea l ized coV i D-19 was l i ke nothing they had seen before. Unlike sars, it soon become clear that coV iD-19 was an asymptomatic predator, and a simple change of a bandage could spark a cluster. inside b.c.’s seniors’ homes, h e a l t h t e a m s w e re t e s t i n g residents and staff who seemed fine, and outbreaks went from dozens of deaths down to single digits or none at all. it’s what b.c. seniors advocate
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Thursday, July 23, 2020 • A21
seniors’ homes from the next wave the elderly has put spotlight on system’s deep vulnerabilities Isobel MacKenzie called “a lucky break” for British Columbians, whereas an unfortunately timed spring break led to a wave of infected spring breakers returning to Ontario and Quebec, driving caseloads which eventually filtered into homes. Or as Sinha put the jurisdictional divide, “Days matter with COVID [and] B.C. was able to take control and apply the evidence.” In Ontario, however, care facilities were left to fend for themselves, he said. Second wave Health officials and researchers largely agree that B.C.’s “Iron Ring” protocol established an effective emergency baseline in responding to outbreaks at seniors’ homes. It’s a strategy many say was aided by the province’s health authority system, offering a command and control structure that allowed it to quickly centralize the distribution of gowns and masks in the early stages of the pandemic. Health authorities continue to roll out widespread testing of asymptomatic patients, and in Fraser Health – the hardest hit health authority in the province – officials told Glacier Media that they’re recruiting and training a pool of new contact tracers to be ready for a resurgence of the virus in the fall. One of the biggest concerns, according to Schwandt, is the potential for a second wave of COVID-19 to overlap with an influenza season. “Right now if someone has a cough and a fever in B.C., we would say COV ID-19 is very high on your list of concerns as a clinician. With flu in the mix or other seasonal respiratory infections like the common cold,
The key is nobody has been taking stock of how much unpaid care was actually being provided in these settings
[]
Dr. Samir Sinha Director of geriatrics, sinai Hospital
Isabelle Mikhail, 94, was one of 20 residents of North Vancouver’s Lynn Valley Care Centre to die of COVID-19 | Submitted
it will become much more challenging,” he said, adding that his team is currently analyzing any gaps in testing capacity. Despite all the precautions, the strict emergency protocols that have protected many B.C. homes from the first wave of the virus have created unforeseen consequences, and some say those oversights are starting to catch up with staff and residents. Closing the gaps It wasn’t until the end of June that B.C.’s nursing homes fully implemented the protocol, something MacKenzie says speaks to the fragmentation of the system. Every health official and researcher interviewed for this story agreed federal and provincial governments need to work towa rds nationa l sta nda rds for care aide training, pay and oversight of the $1.3 billion in
government transfers made in B.C. every year to ensure quality care. “It doesn’t take a rocket scientist,” said MacKenzie. “We need to move towards offering full-time jobs at a decent salary. It requires training, not extensive training but some training. It absolutely requires a sense of responsibility.” But many doubt whether such an institutional shift can get off the ground in time for a second wave. Care aides make up roughly 70% of staff at long-term care homes, but there are others behind the scenes who say they’ve fallen through the cracks. “What sticks out the most to me was how support services – so laundry, housekeeping and dietary – are overlooked, and yet we are the grassroots of the facility. We hold this thing together,” said one worker who manages dozens
of kitchen and laundry staff serving over 500 residents in Fraser and Vancouver Coastal Health. The woman, who asked to have her name withheld because she feared repercussions at work, said she has been left shorthanded while health officials bolster the ranks of their care aid colleagues. “Fraser Health did not consider support services as essential as care, so we suffered quite a bit. When we got hit with COVID, I was a housekeeper, I helped out in laundry, I did dietary aid and I cooked – all in one day,” she said. “I was working 70 hours a week in order to make ends meet.” Part of the problem is a shadow workforce – made up of essential family visitors – that has been kept out of long-term care since the first lockdown at the Lynn Valley, said Sinha. “The key is nobody has been taking stock of how much unpaid care was actually being provided in these settings,” he said. The estimates are massive: 93% of Canadians receiving government-funded home care have a family caregiver involved, according to data from the National Institute on Ageing. “All that stopped overnight,”
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said Sinha. Now, as the province opens up care homes to family, Sinha is urging health officials to build a reserve family workforce for seniors’ homes, one that is trained in the use of masks and gowns and can support staff should the province be hit by a second wave of the pathogen. “The nuance is during an outbreak if there are family members who want to be partners in care and remain, how do you figure out what works,” he said. “This is not a way to cheap out on the nursing or the care that we provide. This is a ‘both ends’ approach.” For Dr. Schwandt, balancing the benefit of a family member’s presence with the risk of introducing the virus is something health officials will need to tread for many months or even years ahead. “We do need to find a way to walk that line.” •
B.C. seniors’ care crisis Glacier media’s in-depth look at the problems besetting care for the elderly in b.C. as the COVid-19 pandemic exposes deep weaknesses in the system. See also: • How did a long-term care crisis emerge? Pressure on funding and a move to for-profit care were prime reasons, experts agree. biv.com/article/2020/07/ seniors-care-bc-systemic-failures-left-facilities-unprepared-pandemic • How do we fix the problems in our long-term care facilities? Studies point to some solutions. biv.com/article/2020/07/ financialization-seniors-care-has-failed-bc-families-critics-say
A22 • Thursday, July 23, 2020
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Thursday, July 23, 2020 • A23
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WE'RE W E ' R E ON O N VACATION V A C A T I O N JULY J U L Y 30TH 30TH YOUR NEXT UNDERCURRENT WILL BE AUGUST 6TH Y OUR N EXT U NDERCURRENT W ILL B EA UGUST 6 TH To submit a story please email Bronwyn editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
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A24 • Thursday, July 23, 2020
bowenislandundercurrent.com
COMMUNITY CALENDAR JULY 8 TO AUG. 10
Saving Sea to Sky Gallery at Cove Commons
UNTIL THE END OF AUG.
Knick Knack Nook silent auction for Health Centre Stop by the Knick Knack Nook; scan the display of treasures that’ve been specially selected from recent donations and place your bid(s)
THURSDAY JULY 23
Bowen Island Library seniors’ hours 10 a.m. - noon
Bowen Island Recycling Depot closed The depot is getting a new roof so it’ll be closed to the public July 23-25
FRIDAY JULY 24
Drive-through Legion dinner Starts at 5 p.m. “Ribs with Coleslaw, Cornbread and Blueberry bars! Dinner is free but donations are
always appreciated.”
B.I.R.D. closed
B.I.R.D. closed
SUNDAY JULY 26
Friday after 5 p.m. special Bowen Island Sea Kayaking 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. 60% off 3-hour rentals of double or single kayaks. Call ahead to book (9266)
Sunday Patio Sessions: live music and DJs Bowen Island Pub 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Every Sunday afternoon. No cover. Benny brunch until 2:30 p.m.
Ultra happy hour Bowen Island Pub 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Live music on the patio; half-price appies, rotating drink specials
Regular Council Meeting Zoom 6:15 pm Visit bimbc.ca for more info
MONDAY JULY 27
WED. JULY 29
Yoga in the Park Crippen Park (behind baseball field) 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. Hosted by the Well. With Chantal Russell. Join class for $8-10 or use existing class pass. Pre-register only; bring own mat; physical distancing protocols followed
SATURDAY JULY 25
Yoga on the Pier Snug Cove Dock 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. Hosted by the Well. With Sarah Kraatz. Join class for $8-10 or use existing class pass. Pre-register only; bring own mat; physical distancing protocols followed
THURSDAY JULY 30
BAA Farmers’ Market Lower BICS parking lot 10 a.m. - noon. Hosted by Bowen Agricultural Alliance
Open Mic Night Rustique Bistro 7 pm Hosted by Amber Mae & Randy Francis; Drink & dinner specials; Every
648 Cliff Road
second and last Thursday of the month Bowen Island Library seniors’ hours 10 a.m. - noon
SATURDAY AUG. 1
BAA Farmers’ Market Lower BICS parking lot 10 a.m. to noon
SUNDAY AUG. 2
Outdoor Meditation Circle Meet at the undercover area in Crippen Park in Cove and walk to tree together. 11 a.m. No cost, just your presence. Meet first and third Sundays of the month until Autumn (and then weekly). For more info email lisa.shatzky@gmail. com.
SATURDAY AUG. 8
Outdoor meat bingo Doors open at 1:30 p.m. doors open at 2 p.m. “We will set up in the side yard of the hall so you can play in a safe, socially distanced manner. Wearing of a
Mask is encouraged. Limited seating”
THURSDAY AUG. 13
Open Mic Night Rustique Bistro 7 pm Hosted by Amber Mae & Randy Francis; Drink & dinner specials; Every second and last Thursday of the month
SAT. AUG. 29
Virtual Bowfest The theme this year is ‘bubbles.’ Watch for more information.
AUG. 28 & 29 SEPT. 4 & 5
Lysistrata: presented by Theatre on the Isle Outdoor theatre production at Veteran’s Park. Watch for more details coming soon.
SATURDAY SEPT. 12
General voting day Community Centre Referendum
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We’re still going to Run for Rwanda this year HILARY BUTLER
Rotary Run for Rwanda
Running, walking and hiking are Bowen Islanders’ favourite pastimes, so how could we cancel the annual Rotary Run for Rwanda, particularly as we are celebrating our tenth year of operation? The run is on again this year, but in a slightly different form. Like all other organizations, we have to tailor our event to fit the COVID circumstances, and we have decided on a virtual run or walk. So here is what will be happening this year. We are asking you to sign up for the run or walk at rotaryrunforrwanda.com, then to either walk or run on any day between August 22 and 29. You have a choice of a 10 Km or 5 Km run or a 5 Km walk wherever you like, whether it be the route that you have run or walked in previous years or any other place of your choice. And children up to nine years old can run 1.5 Km as well and join their families for a group photo. We have lots of Lululemon gifts to hand out as random draw prizes, so don’t forget to register. The young women we support in Rwanda need our help more than ever, particularly as hunger is a major concern when schools are closed. As in many countries, students rely on their school meals to survive, and with schools closed, starvation stares many in the face. Komera in Rwanda has been supplying meals or foodstuffs to their scholars and their families since March who rely upon them for help. So please help us to help them.
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