bowenislandundercurrent.com
OUR GIFT OF TIME: gorgeous photos of a summer like no other
Thursday, August 27, 2020 • A1
$1.50
PAGE 13
inc. GST
THURSDAY, AUG. 27, 2020 WAXING OPTIONS
VOL. 46 NO.34
BIUndercurrent
Peach Fuzz offers on-island hair removal PAGE 3
BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com
The coffers are alright
BIM CFO GIVES MID-YEAR REVIEW
BRONWYN BEAIRSTO
Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
UNDERCURRENT PHOTO
TIME TO DANCE: Kelly Konno leads a Tuesday evening Dance Workout in the Woods at Veteran’s Park. Konno
started the by-donation classes in the park after the pandemic forced her to temporarily close her dance studio in Artisan Square. Now with dance classes restarting and the studio in need of constant disinfecting, Konno and partner Thomas Newman have branched into a new business venture: cleaning. See the story on p. 8
NEW LISTING
Despite a global pandemic, Bowen Island Municipality is, so far, essentially on budget for 2020. “We’re at approximately 46 per cent of budget,” chief financial officer Raj Hayre told the Finance Advisory Committee in his mid-year review. “Some of the difference is due to timing when expenditures take place and some of the variances are due to funding activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” The municipality saw savings where staff and council weren’t travelling and training due to the pandemic, in recreation administration as there was less time rented at the school gym and in parks when it came to curtailed contract services. There were increased expenditures in emergency services due to the pandemic but funding from the provincial government and the Bowen Island Community Foundation is offsetting some of these costs. While BIM lost recreation programming revenues, it didn’t have many of the costs associated with putting on programming as much was cancelled due to the pandemic. Capital project spending is so far light as COVID-19 delayed work, said Hayre’s staff report but is expected to ramp up in the second half of 2020. When it comes to taxation revenue, as of the middle of August, the municipality was down 31 deferments over last year Hayre told the committee, however as there was a change in how deferments are handled (they now go through the province, not the municipality) he expects to see more between now and the end of the year. CONTINUED ON P. 9.
729 Minnows Lane
$1,620,000
Step into nature in this idyllic park-like property. Watch as a speckled fawn learns from its attentive mom; listen to the surrounding sounds of the Barred Owl’s soft echo through the woods or the chorus of the frogs filling the quiet spring dusk. Take a moment at your private pond to watch the Dragon Flies dip and the silvery fish slip through the water; celebrate the arrival of spring with the tiny yellow goslings waddling across the lawn or wake up to a summer visit from a Great Blue Heron. Close out the day on your patio overlooking the pond, the west coast forest beyond and the gentle babble of your brook. If you have to be indoors, a south facing exposure filters light in through numerous french doors and expansive windows. This exceptionally private and serene property is within minutes of Snug Cove. Live a world away but a stone’s throw to Vancouver. TOP PRODUCING REALTOR on Bowen Island since 2009
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A2 • Thursday, August 27, 2020
Events September 2, 2020 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Municipal Referendum Advance Voting Day @ Municipal Hall
September 12, 2020 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Municipal Referendum Voting Day @ BICS
All meetings are online via Zoom and
open to the public, unless noted otherwise.
Help slow the spread of COVID-19:
bowenislandundercurrent.com
Fire Extinguisher Inspection Day Saturday, August 29, 2020 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Fire Hall #2 1421 Adams Rd Bowen Island Fire Rescue is hosting a free fire extinguisher servicing and inspection day. There will be a drop off and pick up system for the fire extinguishers. Drop off hours are from 9am to 1:30pm. You will receive a call when your extinguisher is ready for pick up. Pick up before 3pm. Fire extinguishers will also be available for purchase. Cash preferred.
Community Centre Outdoor Info Booth Bring the kids and come on down to BICS to learn about the Community Centre at our outdoor info booth. We’ll have info boards, experts to answer your questions and fun activities for the kids! Safe physical distancing and hand sanitization will be required, and masks are encouraged. Outdoor info booth at BICS Saturday, August 29, 2020 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Bowen Island Community School
www.ourislandplace.com
6 year service 2.5lb extinguisher $19 6 year service 5lb extinguisher $24 2.5lb new $40 5lb new $65 Hydro testing $51
Climate Conversations
Lifesavers First Aid Training will be selling first aid kits and supplies. Products range from keychain face barriers to 4 person family disaster kits and everything in between. Payment can be made by cash, e-transfer, credit card or cheque. Questions? Please contact Merissa Bakos mbakos@bimbc.ca
Climate Conversation: Nature and Ecosystems Wednesday September 2, 2020, 4 pm to 6 pm. Climate Conversation: Transportation Wednesday September 16, 2020, 4 pm to 6 pm. Join members of the Bowen Island Municipality Environment and Climate Action Advisory Committee for two Climate Conversations. Metro Vancouver has produced a series of Discussion Papers to gain public input on its Climate Change Strategy. Two of these papers relate specifically to Bowen Island: Nature and Ecosystems, and Transportation.
Business Continuity Planning 5:00 PM on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 or 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 12, 2020
Clean your hands frequently 2 m or 6 feet
Keep a safe physical distance
Wear a mask in spaces where you can’t safely distance
Bowen Island businesses can sign up for free Business Continuity Planning workshops. Build resiliency in your business as you create, review, or update your Business Continuity Plan (BCP). A BCP is a document that proactively defines what procedures and arrangements will be in place were there to be a disruptive incident or disaster (such as earthquake, interface fire, winter storm, or pandemic) so that at the time of the event businesses are better prepared for incidents they may be facing. Business continuity planning is particularly important for critical service providers as the community depends on them.
604-947-4255 604-947-0193 bim@bimbc.ca
The Transportation paper looks at how to reduce emissions, improve air quality and increase climate resilience for transportation in the Metro Vancouver region. At each climate conversation event, Metro Vancouver staff will present the key elements of the Discussion Paper and seek feedback through discussion and questions from participants.
RSVP for a workshop: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/rsvp This initiative is funded in part by the Community Foundation’s Resiliency Fund. We are also offering free, confidential, one-on-one support at a later date with the workshop facilitator, Lisa Benini, to ensure completion of your final plan. These one on one sessions will be booked at your convenience directly with the facilitator.
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/news/releases/ climate-conversation
Questions? Please email Stef Shortt at sshortt@bimbc.ca
Contact Us Phone: Fax: Email:
The Nature and Ecosystems paper looks at how nature-based solutions can be a focus for climate action, and how ecosystem services can be incorporated into government decisions to ensure our actions today don’t compromise nature’s ability to provide services for future generations.
Find us on Facebook Bowen Island Municipal Hall 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday to Friday Closed statutory holidays August 27, 2020
Bowen Island Municipality
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Thursday, August 27, 2020 • A3
‘It’s hard enough for us already’: waxing no longer a ferry ride away ISLANDER ALEX MCNEILL LAUNCHES NEW WAXING SERVICE, PEACH FUZZ
BRONWYN BEAIRSTO
Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
By necessity, Alex McNeill has been waxing herself for years. Now, she’s started a waxing business, Peach Fuzz, so other islanders won’t have to do the same. “My husband I moved here because we wanted to grow old in a small community,” explained McNeill. “With people that you almost forcibly have to be close to.” “We both came here with our own businesses, and life happens, things change. And then COVID happened and I had to reinvent myself.” As McNeill considered ventures she could pursue, she started looking at what was missing for her as a woman on Bowen Island: hair removal. “I thought, ‘Wow, my girlfriends have to take a ferry to get this self-care service,’” she said. “That’s a bit ridiculous.” “I think it’s hard enough for us already, especially such a personal service. “I only trusted one woman to wax me a long time ago. And when she stopped doing it, I was lost.” On Bowen there are services for hair, eyelashes, nails, massage, but none for facials and none for hair removal.
UNDERCURRENT PHOTO
Alex McNeill has started a new waxing business, Peach Fuzz, from her Miller Landing home.
Inspired, McNeill got to work. She took an accredited waxing course by distance (attending a school with the ferry and COVID-19 wasn’t feasible) and got set up in her Miller Rd. home. McNeill got her certification June 20 and within hours she had appointments lined up. “It’s a very intimate process but I abso-
d e k s a Get M PHOTO CONTEST
Wearing a mask keeps you and those around you safe, and helps everyone feel part of a ‘community team’ of heroes battling Covid-19! Take a selfie wearing your funny, unusual or self-made mask and send it to us! Every week starting Aug. 27, we’ll pick a “Mask of the Week” winner and post their photo on our Facebook page. Each winner will receive a great prize! Email your photo to editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com (put “Get Masked” in the subject line) and be sure to include your name and phone number. Have fun and thanks for being a masked crusader in the fight against Covid-19! CoNTEST RULES: one entry per person, all ages can enter. By entering the contest and submitting your photo, you agree to have your photo published on our Facebook page.
EMAIL YOUR PHOTO TO: editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
lutely love it,” she said. “And I’m really good at it.” Women as well as men are McNeill’s clients. She’ll do all sorts of hair removal –– eyebrows, under arms, face, full Brazilian, legs, back, butt. McNeill also works in insurance and at the pub, but with this business, it’s all hers. “I’m a very tactile person. So COVID has
Th
been terrible for me, not being able to even shake hands, let alone hug someone.” While she’s been waxing herself for years, the transition to waxing other people was interesting. “For me to get certain areas and to hold my skin taut to create the least amount of pain was challenging,” she said. “So working on someone else, I’m like, ‘This is great. I have both hands available and I can just work in whatever direction I need to.’” COVID has naturally shaped the beginning of the business. “Luxuries are no longer a thing for people around times of COVID,” said McNeill. “But some people budget to take care of themselves and they put me in that budget. And that’s pretty special.” There’s also the extra cleaning and mask precautions. “I’m very, very careful, not just because of COVID though,” said McNeill. “I’m dealing with intimate areas of your body, dealing with open follicles and I know how my body has reacted to not being absolutely pristine with that.” With a facials course on the go, McNeill hopes that will be the next addition to her passion project, though it’s not in place yet. For now, Peach Fuzz is by appointment, which potential clients can set up by texting or calling 604-612-5226 (though texting is preferred). “I’m shamelessly talking to everyone about their body hair and when can I take it off,” said McNeill. “And promising them peach fuzz in the end.”
A4 • Thursday, August 27, 2020
bowenislandundercurrent.com
VIEWPOINTS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Check for ticks
DEAR EDITOR: Thanks for another great Undercurrent edition. At a safe gardening distance our neighbourhood buzzed with the possibilities of so many deeply sought community aspirations coming together. Write a letter to support Snug Cove House and urge everyone to get out and vote in the community centre referendum Sept. 12. The insightful walking adventures of Steve and Chris was really inspiring, thank you. I am not surprised they were plagued by ticks on the south side of Bowen; a recent guide from Eastern Canada indicates that the Blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis and I. pacificus) is exploding across North America with warmer winters. Fully 33 percent of ticks on the east side of Toronto (Rouge Park) are carrying Lyme disease and must feed on animals or humans during four instars in a two-year life cycle, secreting an anesthetic to mask the bite, often remaining undetectable until the host victim starts to gets drowsy and disoriented with unexplained joint pain and mobility issues. Check carefully for ticks after outdoor activities and remove carefully, including the head. Emergency rooms can do this safely and then send the tick for testing. Have a continuing safe and happy summer. Bill Granger
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Fuelling islanders We need somewehere to gather: community centre DEAR EDITOR: How many of us enjoy the convenience of our only gas station, which may also deliver our oil and other fuels? It is for sale now to anyone on or off island. Would we like an off-islander buying it and making it “more personally profitable?” Perhaps it would make much more sense for the municipality or a group of Bowen Islanders to buy it and operate it as a non-profit or low profit employing our own family members. It seems we can raise millions for terrific amenities on our island. How about our necessity? Fuel. Respectfully, MaryAnn Smith
DEAR EDITOR: Since moving to Bowen 22 years ago I’ve seen the need for a community center. I’ve attended various events over the years and often felt they would be so much more enjoyable if they were in an appropriate setting. I’ve watched plays at the Legion with a pillar blocking my view, gone to concerts at Cates Chapel sitting in uncomfortable folding chairs with limited views and
attended large community events at BICS gym with my ears, eyes and seat assaulted. Even the new library annex doesn’t have good sound quality. So what’s a performing artist to do on an island filled with creative potential but no appropriate place to present their talent. We have the Hearth for visual art and Tirna-nOg for youth studying theatre. Don’t we deserve a community center where community members can gather under
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
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one roof for all community events: plays, concerts, dances, recreation and such? We are one of the few communities without such a gathering place. Some may think it’s expensive, but most of the money has already been raised and it would be such a loss not to go the final distance. The remaining amount is estimated to cost taxpayers around .27 cents per day. Isn’t that worth it? I think so! Gini Grey
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, August 27, 2020 • A5
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Why I am voting yes In support of the community centre
DEAR EDITOR: In my work one of the joys is when we manage to put together a deal where we can place a family in to a home that they own for the first time. Gone are all the uncertainties of renting and what comes is the opportunity to earn equity and increases in it that are calculated not on what portion they actually own, but the entire value of the property. It is the becoming a master of your destiny with a financial upside. When I moved to Bowen in 2005 I was taken aback to learn that we rented our municipal offices and that we did not even have a modest community centre of any sort. Of course, back then we were only six years in to our existence as a municipality so perhaps the lack of a hall we owned was understandable but no community centre was a hard one to get my head around. I did take some solace however in the fact a majority of my fellow islanders voted yes in a borrowing referendum that same year to purchase 38 acres of land around Snug Cove. Looking at what it would cost to acquire today I am extremely grateful for all the forward thinking people who voted yes. What a dire and bleak place we would be in as a municipality if we had voted no in that referendum. Those same lands today would be unaffordable and we would have no resources to gain control over things that matter to a community like a health centre, fire hall and housing diversity so all walks of life can call Bowen home. What a great deal for us that was. So here we are 15 years later and we are presented with another wonderful opportunity like the aforementioned bargain sale on valuable lands. We now have a chance to utilize a $7.9M cash injection in to our community to build our gathering place, our living room and our cultural and fitness centre. One we own and control, a community asset and amenity that will increase property values and make island life more whole and healthy. And, instead of renting our hall and never knowing our future there, we will be paying down the debt on our own and be in full control of it. The current rent we pay can now go toward us and our own things and not a land owner. Not unlike my example of the new homeowner, we become masters of our destiny with a financial upside. If we as a community were a young family and had the opportunity to stop renting and build upon land we already owned and some outside force was going to finance nearly two thirds of the cost, would you advise them to turn it down? Call me a banker if you will, but 1000 times out of 1000 I am going to say yes to this proposition. Kevin Manning
DEAR EDITOR: As a long-time resident of Bowen Island, I am writing this letter in support of the proposed Bowen Island Community Centre initiative. Over the past 21 years I have used the recreation facilities to participate in health and fitness programs and workshops and appreciate having these high quality programs available in my community. In addition to participating in recreation programs, I also facilitate after school arts programing for youth. For me, a purpose-built community centre will provide a place where I can better facilitate arts programming in an inspiring setting. Currently the programs I facilitate are held in the Bowen Island Community School classrooms. While I am grateful to BICS that this space has been made available and to the
teachers who have welcomed me into their classrooms, it’s not an ideal environment for an after-school program: the physical space limits the type of programming offered, limits the timing of programs and makes it harder for children to unwind after a busy day of school learning. The community centre would provide a destination away from the school but still be close enough to easily access after school and would be more inclusive of arts programming for youth and adults alike. A community centre would be an asset to the whole community; it has the potential to adapt to community programming needs more effectively than it currently can and is worthy of community support. Sincerely, Tracy McLachlan
DEAR EDITOR: We at Kingbaby Theatre are thrilled by the opportunity before us to finally realize a dedicated space for the performing arts on Bowen Island. We have spent over 25 years on Bowen producing and creating live shows here and while it is deeply satisfying to perform for the community that we love, it has always been difficult trying to scrabble an adequate venue out of a church hall, a living room or an outdoor field to the point that it has crippled our output as well as
the work of others. I have heard some say that such a space is not necessary because the Tir Na Nog theatre exists. This space is a private theatre school that occasionally allows outside use in a limited fashion, for which we have been grateful, however it is not an adequate public venue. Voting YES for the community centre is a vote of support for the long and strong tradition of performing arts on Bowen Island and will finally offer a home in which we can flourish. Jackie Minns, David Cameron
Still time to send Snug Cove House Society letters
DEAR EDITOR: Snug Cove House Society sends out a huge thanks to all of you who have written letters in support of the application to BC Housing for funding of our supportive residence. You’ve sent us more than one hundred letters -- a wonderful testimony to a caring community. There’s still time to send more. Every letter we can send with our application strengthens our case that our seniors are important to us and that the community as a whole benefits from their continued presence amongst us. Thank you, and please address your letter to “To Whom It May Concern” and e-mail it to graham_ritchie@telus.net. With gratitude, the board of Snug Cove House Society: John Barr, Carol MacKinnon , Tamsin Miley, Susan Munro, Pernille Nielsen, Andy Powell-Williams, Graham Ritchie PHOTO COURTESY OF BICR
Bowen Island Community Recreation campers knew how to have fun, even with activities adapted to COVID conditions.
Time for a change? Let's chat.
SHANA RICHMOND SHANA@SHANARICHMOND.COM
604.338.3072
A6 • Thursday, August 27, 2020
bowenislandundercurrent.com
BICR celebrates a summer to remember KAT STEPHENS AND SHEANA STEVENSON
Bowen Island Community Recreation
At Bowen Island Community Recreation (BICR) we work really hard to ensure all of our programs are of an exceptional quality, create lasting positive memories and are interesting, and fun for participants (and staff). This year our mission was no different from past years but of course, we had some added considerations. If someone had said, before the pandemic, that we would be training staff to become hand washing, no-face-touching, physical distancing, mask-wearing, constant cleaning experts, we wouldn’t have believed it. Nor would we have believed that these would become central to camp safety, in addition to all the other daily considerations. Yet, here we are, ending the summer after all that. This year we had a significantly different summer on Bowen for programs at BICR. Gone were the beloved pro-
2020
REFERENDUM
grams like LEGO Town, swimming and Aquafit. Our 2020 activities included summer camps, Playcare, tennis lessons and adult fitness with some significant changes to be able to continue on with new COVID considerations. Summer camps stayed on-island, decreased in number of participants, registration was by week versus by day, and the campers were combined to make one big cohort rather than two age-divided camps. The games were either brand new or altered to include physical distancing and no shared equipment. And the camp Leaders, Ryley McLeod; Chloe MacKinnon; Sarah MacKinnon; and Sienna Vallee received all new training and experience in germ transmission reduction. Our amazing volunteer LITs, Nikko Yamashita; Finn Schwenning; Louw Verwey; Hadley Shannon; Maya Gauvin; and Obi Son rose beautifully to the challenge of supporting the camp leaders while role modelling all of our health and
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR SCRUTINEERS
On Saturday, September 12th, 2020 qualified electors within Bowen Island Municipality will be voting on the following question: “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?” Any persons entitled to vote as electors within Bowen Island Municipality, who are not election officials, are entitled to act as scrutineers. Scrutineers for and against the question must be appointed by the Chief or Deputy Chief Election Officer, if sufficient applications are received from persons who wish to volunteer for the positions. Scrutineer applications are being received for the following voting opportunities: • • •
Wednesday, September 2, 2020 ADVANCED VOTING 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday, September 12, 2020 GENERAL VOTING DAY 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday, September 12, 2020 BALLOT COUNT & RESULTS (approx. 4 hours between 8:00 PM and Midnight)
An equal number of scrutineers “in favour” and “opposed to” the question will be appointed for each of these opportunities (up to a maximum of 3 scrutineers for each side of the question). If more applications are received than positions available, the Chief or Deputy Chief Election Officer will determine the appointments “by lot” as outlined in the Local Government Act. One scrutineer for and one scrutineer against the question will be appointed for each voting opportunity, as well as the ballot count and determination of the results. Please note that the application is also a solemn declaration attesting to the applicant’s elector eligibility and whether they are “in favour” or “opposed to” to the question. The signature of the applicant must be witnessed, in person, by the Chief or Deputy Chief Election Officer. A copy of the application is available on the Municipal website or by contacting Municipal Hall during regular business hours 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM Monday to Friday.
safety protocols, and they did an incredible job of making sure the campers had lots of fun. Looking back, summer camps were an ambitious endeavour to embark on but the leaders were flexible, adaptive and creative and made it work to their (and the campers’) advantages! Playcare saw smaller numbers, increased cleaning protocols, more outdoor emphasis and fewer shared toys. The youngsters (and parents) were thrilled thanks to the talented and fabulous Playcare supervisor, Sharon Sluggett and her kind, caring and enthusiastic summer staff Casey Wright, Sadie Duffield, Maesy Hartwick and Bless Wishlow. Tennis lessons this year were conducted privately (no groups) for households and bubbles only. Bowen was very lucky to have the patient and skillful instruction of Goran Milosevic leading our tennis hopefuls through on the courts. Adult fitness classes resumed in June and after three months of going without any in-person rec classes, the community responded with enthusiasm. We moved classes outside and participants were able to enjoy a variety of open-air fitness like Body Sculpt, Jazzercise, chair Yoga, and even a little bit of pickleball. Huge thanks to our intrepid instructors Jane Holland, Susanne Herrington, and Jackie Minns for stepping up and adapting their programs. Summer may be coming to a close but the memories from adventures on Bowen with old and new friends, while challenging ourselves and growing as individuals and a community, will last lifetimes. We are fortunate to have exceptional staff, facilitators, and volunteers in our community who are willing to contribute to making this island a better place to live, work, play and grow up. Thanks to all the participants who have joined us for these active, prosocial (and physically distanced) programs and to the parents who sign your children up for programs and let us get to know them. Lastly, many kudos to all of Bowen’s brave, talented, kind and adventurous children, you impress us and make our jobs fun and rewarding every day. Thank you to everyone, for all you do.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, please contact:
MARK BROWN
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HOPE DALLAS
Deputy Chief Election Officer
Bowen Island Municipality 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, B.C V0N 1G2 Tel: 604-947-4255 E-Mail: Referendum2020@bimbc.ca
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2020
Thursday, August 27, 2020 • A7
NOTICE OF ASSENT VOTING
REFERENDUM
(Community Centre Project Bylaw No.477, 2019)
PUBLIC NOTICE is given to the electors of Bowen Island Municipality that a vote will be held on the following question: “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?”
VOTING DATES & LOCATIONS
GENERAL VOTING DAY
ADVANCED VOTING DAY
Saturday, September 12, 2020 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Bowen Island Community School 1041 Mt Gardner Rd, Bowen Island, BC
Wednesday, September 2, 2020 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Bowen Island Municipal Hall 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC
ELECTOR REGISTRATION
MAIL BALLOT VOTING
There is no need to pre-register to vote as the registration of all electors will take place at the time of voting, however voters may find that pre-registration will save time on voting day. You will be required to make a declaration that you meet the following requirements: • 18 years of age or older on general voting day • Canadian Citizen • Resident of BC for at least 6 months immediately preceding the day of registration • Resident of OR registered owner of real property in the Bowen Island Municipality for at least 30 days immediately preceding the day of registration, and • Not disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting. Resident Electors must produce 2 pieces of identification (at least one with a signature). Picture identification is not necessary. The identification must prove both residency and identity. Non-Resident Property Electors must produce 2 pieces of identification (at least one with a signature) to prove identity, proof that they are entitled to register in relation to the property, and, if there is more than one owner, written consent from a majority of the property owners to appoint one owner voting. A person may only register as a non-resident property elector in relation to one parcel of real property in a jurisdiction. Only those individuals who own property may register as non-resident property electors – corporations do not have the right to vote.
Mail ballot packages are available from Municipal Hall (contact information below). Electors may vote by mail if they: • •
Have a physical disability, illness or injury that affects their ability to vote at another voting opportunity OR Expect to be absent on general voting day and on advanced voting day.
If either of the above apply, you must complete an Application to Vote by Mail Ballot and submit it no later than 4:00 PM on Friday, September 11, 2020, to Bowen Island Municipality by hand, mail, fax, or email to: Bowen Island Municipality Attention Chief Election Officer 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 Fax: 604-947-0193 Email: Referendum2020@bimbc.ca For more information on how to receive a Mail Ballot package, visit our website: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/referendum-2020. To be counted, your mail ballot must be received by the Chief Election Officer no later than 8:00 PM on Saturday, September 12, 2020 (General Voting Day).
To check if you are on the voters list, contact Municipal Hall during regular business hours Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM or email Referendum2020@bimbc.ca.
SYNOPSIS OF PROPOSED BYLAW BYLAW NO. 477, 2019 cited as “Bowen Island Municipality Loan Authorization (Community Centre Project) Bylaw No. 477, 2019” provides for the following: Empowers and authorizes Bowen Island Municipal Council to undertake and carry out or cause to be carried out the construction of the Community Centre generally in accordance with general plans on file in the municipal hall and to do all things necessary in connection therewith and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing: 1. To borrow upon the credit of the Municipality a sum not to exceed $4,040,000; 2. To acquire all such real property, easements, rights of way, licenses, rights or authorities as may be requisite or desirable for or in connection with the construction of the Community Centre; 3. Site preparation, environmental site remediation, installation of all ancillary road works, on-site and off-site services and utilities for use in connection with the construction of the Community Centre. The term for which debentures may be issued to secure the debt created by this bylaw is thirty (30) years. TAKE NOTICE that the above is a synopsis of the proposed bylaw and that this synopsis is not intended to be and is not to be understood as an interpretation of Bylaw No. 477, 2019. The full bylaw may be inspected at the Bowen Island Municipal Hall, 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, B.C. during regular office hours, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday. If you have any questions or require further information regarding the referendum, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned: MARK BROWN
Chief Election Officer
HOPE DALLAS
Deputy Chief Election Officer
Bowen Island Municipality 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, B.C V0N 1G2 Tel: 604-947-4255 E-Mail: Referendum2020@bimbc.ca
A8 • Thursday, August 27, 2020
bowenislandundercurrent.com
COVID spins Kelly Konno Studio into the cleaning business COVID-19 HAS MEANT A SUMMER OF INNOVATION FOR BOWEN’S DANCE STUDIO
BRONWYN BEAIRSTO
Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
As islanders and their businesses have adapted to COVID-19 conditions, many are finding innovative ways to keep their spaces clean and their costs lean. For Kelly Konno and Thomas Newman, this has lead to an entirely new business venture. Before closures hit in true in the Lower Mainland, Kelly Konno made the decision to close the dance studio just before spring break. Since then, she and Newman have ridden the waves of hope and hopelessness that the pandemic has wrought. “It’s been a crazy ride because we’ve experienced the closure of our pride and joy,” said Konno. “What defines me as a person is dance and to not have that anymore…yeah, that was tough.” For the first month Konno grieved, then she got down to busi-
ness looking at how a reopened studio might look. In June, she started outdoor classes in Veteran’s Park. “I don’t know whether I would have ever come to this conclusion to offer these outside and it’s been the best,” she said. In other years the studio would be largely empty in the summer months. “Nobody wants to be inside a dark, hot studio,” added Konno. Now dozens of well-spaced people are dancing to the tunes of Billie Eilish and Lady Gaga in the park. “It’s a little bit of income that we can make to towards getting back on our feet and not having to fully shut our doors for good,” said Konno. But with the winter deluges looming, Konno and Newman needed a way of keeping the studio clean. The cleaning required between each class would’ve almost required another employee, which, after five months closed, would be a further financial burden. That’s when the couple found the chlorine dioxide cleaner Vital Oxide. Chlorine dioxide is the chemical compound frequently added to drinking water and is a known
UNDERCURRENT PHOTO
Kelly Konno leads a dance workout in the woods class.
disinfectant. The product, Vital Oxide, offers a formula that can be applied through fogging (which is exactly what it sounds like). “It’s considered a hospital grade surface disinfectant,” said
Newman. Health Canada lists the product on its list of disinfectants with evidence against COVID-19. “We just launched [Vital Fogging] really just because we
were looking for ‘how are we going to do this?’” Said Konno. “We need it ourselves,” added Newman. Between every class, the studio will be fogged (the Vital Fogging website says that the product dries on most surfaces within 10 minutes). “It’s going to save us money and it’s going to disinfect and get rid of germs everywhere because we’ve got a lot of germs going through that studio,” said Konno. “By keeping our studio disinfected and clean, we feel like it’s helping not only us, but the community,” said Newman. “And if anybody else uses [Vital Fogging], then great. That’s just one more person that’s protected [and] that’s protecting us ultimately.” Islanders can find more information or book Vital Fogging at kellykonnostudio.com/welcome-to-vital-fogging/. Newman adds that Vital Oxide deals too with odour, mildew and mold and is applicable to more than COVID19 prevention. “It’s exciting to try something new,” added Konno. “I know we’re all looking for, in general, things, businesses that we can create or things to do that can keep us on island.”
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CALENDAR
UNTIL SEPT. 14
Surfacing Gallery at Cove Commons
THURSDAY AUG. 27
Bowen Island Library seniors’ hours 10 a.m. - noon
Open Mic Night Rustique Bistro 7 pm Hosted by Amber Mae & Randy Francis; Drink & dinner specials; Every second and last Thursday of the month
FRIDAY AUG. 28
Outdoor storytime Bowen Island Library 11-11:30 a.m. For 2-4 year-olds. Preregistration required. Space limited. More info: bowenlibrary.ca/ for-you/kids/storytime/ Ultra happy hour Bowen Island Pub 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Live music on the patio & half-price appetizers Registration opens for virtual Handloggers Half Marathon Opens just before midnight “A no frills fund raiser with the opportunity to stay connected through our social media pages” the run can be completed anywhere in the world between Aug. 29 and Sept. 7. More information: raceroster.com/ events/2020/33369/2020handloggers-half-marathon-
virtual-event
SATURDAY AUG. 29
Bowfest (virtual) Secret parade, Facebook country fair, livestreamed concert, details in the Bow Fest group on Facebook 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 Community centre outdoor info booth BICS grounds 10 a.m. - noon BAA Farmers’ Market Lower BICS parking lot 10 a.m. to noon Hosted by Bowen Agricultural Alliance Fire extinguisher servicing and inspection day Fire Hall 2 at 1421 Adams Rd. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Inspections free (drop off from 9 a.m. -1:30 p.m.) and extinguishers available for purchase (cash prefered). Lifesavers First Aid Training selling first aid kits & supplies
SUNDAY AUG. 30
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.
SUNDAY AUG. 31
Neighbourhoods Small Grants Bowen Island deadline More information: bowenfoundation.com/ responsive-neighbourhoodsmall-grants/
WEDNESDAY SEPT. 2
Climate Conversation: Nature and Ecosystems Zoom 4-6 p.m. “Metro Vancouver staff will present the key elements of the Discussion Paper and seek feedback through discussion and questions from participants.” Advance voting day Community centre referendum. Vote at Bowen Island Municipality
THURSDAY SEPT. 3
Bowen Island Library seniors’ hours 10 a.m. - noon
SAT. SEPT. 12
General voting day Community Centre Referendum. Vote at BICS Do you have events for the community calendar (virtual or in person)? Email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent. com.
Some non-COVID related expenditures over budget CONTINUED FROM P. 1
In non-COVID related expenditures, fire and emergency is “trending unfavourable to budget due to severance payments incurred in early 2020,” said Hayre’s staff report. “Approximately $47k of the unfavourable variance at June 30 is offset by a favourable variance reflected in revenues. This is due the carry forward of the 2019 budget for the Fire Core Services review to 2020.” Corporate services is also trending over-
budget as the interim chief administrative officer position was extended into May (at which time current CAO Liam Edwards took over). Hayre told the committee that the third quarter review would have a forecast of expenditures to the year end and will provide “a stronger indication of entities debated expenditures to year end in comparison to budget.”
The Izdebski boys have a plan up their sleeves... “My brothers and I think it’s about time To replace the crayon at Crayola Beach as the current one is falling apart,” writes Raf Izdebski. “What better way to honour our late father than keep the now familiar Crayola Crayon marker going as it has forever changed the name of Bluewater Beach.” This is the ‘before picture.’
Thursday, August 27, 2020 • A9 PO Box 211, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 604.947.2454 www.thehearth.ca
Dear fellow residents of Bowen Island: We have been fortunate to receive approximately $8 M from the federal and provincial governments to construct a Community Centre for Bowen Island! This, plus private donations, means that over 70% of the capital cost is covered. The Municipality will be holding a referendum to borrow the remaining amount needed to meet the $14.5 M budget. The cost of this borrowing translates to an increase in annual property taxes of approximately $50 on an average assessed household. We, the undersigned members and supporters of recreation, arts and culture on Bowen Island, strongly believe it’s now or never. If after all this work the referendum fails, we may never have another chance to build a publicly-owned facility that includes space for recreation, performance and community activities. We are very much aware that there are other demands on our municipal budget and that the pandemic has created an additional level of economic uncertainty for all of us. We believe that these multiple demands can be affordably balanced, and that despite uncertainty, now is the best opportunity to build this important communityowned facility. The referendum question will be: “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?”
Please VOTE “YES” to the referendum on September 12. An advanced poll is set for September 2 and mail-in ballots are available. Bowen Island may never have an opportunity like this again! Sincerely, Board of Directors of the Hearth and the following additional signatures: Alison Morse Allegra Nesbitt-Jerman Allie Drake Amanda Szabo Amrita Sondhi Andrew Stone Andrew Todd Anne Laroye Ann Ramsay Aubin Van Berckel Bastien Desfriches Doria Bernice Lever Bert Painter Betsy Hodgins Beverley Lindsey Bill Granger Bill van Luven Birch Nesbitt-Jerman Bob Doucett Bob Kerr Bowen Island Community Foundation Brenda Reid Brian Thomas-Peter Bruce Chutka Bruce Culver Caitlin Frost Calder Stewart Carole Goldsmith Carolyn Nesbitt Catherine Patterson Cathy Buchanan Charmaine Heffelfinger Chris Pollard Christie Grace Callister Claire Weeks Claudia Shaeffer
Colleen O’Neil Connie Wright Cynthia van Hoof Barthel Darcie Buzzelle Dave Pollard David Cameron David Graff David Hocking David Riddell Debbie Benson Deborah Bramm Debra Stringfellow Diane Marshall Dirk Giggling Donna Scorer Dyan Spear Edward Wachtman Ellen Coburn Frazer Elliott Gary Ander Georgina Farah Graham Ritchie Gregg Simpson Greta Smith Hans-Christian Behm Helen Wallwork Holly Graff Ines Giggling Isabel Otter Jack Resels Jackie Minns Jacqueline M. Massey Jami Scheffer Jane Kellett Jennifer Hall Jessica Tichenor Jlonka Bally-Brown
Joe Lewicki Joanne Gassman John Givins John Jerman Jude Neale Judi Gedye Judy Christensen Julie Cree Karen Wristen Karl Heinzelman Kat Stephens Kate Coffey Kate Thomas-Peter Kathleen Ainscough Kendra McEown Kevin Manning Laura Ruloff Laurel Bailey Lea Allen Liz Watson Lorraine Ashdown Louise Painter M.P. Jasper Shore Martin Clarke Mary Bentley Maryon Adelaar Maureen Nicholson Murray Atherton Nancy Cox Neil Boyd Nerys Poole Pam Culver Park Heffelfinger Pat Elliott Patti Desante Paul Hooson Pauline Le Bel
Pernille Nielsen Peter Moir Peter Robinson Peter Vaisbord Peter Williamson Peter Wing Reidun Van Kervel Rob Bailey Rob Gloor Robin Culter Roger Neal Ross Allan Ross Patterson Shari Ulrich Sheree Johnson Silvaine Zimmermann Soorya Ray Resels Stephen Barker Steven Allen Sue Ritchie Susan Allan Susan Munro Suzan Philippe Tamsin Miley Ted Benson Ted Spear Tim Rhodes Tim Scorer Tina Overbury Tom McComb Tracey Lee Hearst Tracy McLachlan Trish Keating Virginie A. Lamarche Wade Davis Walt Ruloff Wendy Holm
A10 • Thursday, August 27, 2020
bowenislandundercurrent.com
935 Rivendell Drive
1142 Miller Road
1288 Eaglecliff Road
LISTED • $1,325,000 SOLD • $1,325,000
LISTED • $828,000 SOLD • $828,000
LISTED • $899,000 SOLD • $885,000
8 days on the market
sold as Buyer’s Agent
1211 Oceanview Road
1484 Eagle Cliff Road
LISTED • $1,270,000
LISTED • $885,000
after 5 days on the market
after 5 days on the market
1537 Whitesails Drive
1328 Oceanview Road
1349 Eaglecliff Road
LISTED • $979,000 SOLD • $962,500
LISTED • $830,000 SOLD • $830,000
LISTED • $859,000 SOLD • $820,000
multiple offers
Lots of demand but very little supply. You know what that means. The Bowen Island real estate market is in favour of the Seller 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.
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bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, August 27, 2020 • A11
What would a‘no’vote mean? And other answers from community centre Q&A Editor
In just over two weeks, islanders will decide whether or not to authorize the municipality to borrow up to $4 million to cover the remaining funds needed to build a community centre. Proponents have been busy answering islanders’ many questions, including in a virtual open house last week (the entire video is available on the BIM YouTube page) and open house at Cove Commons Wednesday. The final of three information sessions is Saturday outside at BICS. In last week’s virtual open house, project architect (and islander) Drew Rose walked through the design and operation of the 16,000 sq. ft. single-level centre with four wings: The government will reside in the west wing. Municipal offices will have reception desks distinct from those of the ‘community’ section of the building. There’s the long sought after large performance-multipurpose space with 180 retractable chairs, blackout curtains, backstage space and storage space. There’s the community living room, “the major socializing space within the building,” said Rose. Finally, there’s the recreation wing. (The community centre Facbook page clarified that the proposed fitness space is about the same square footage as the current fitness space in the community school. In his presentation, Rose pointed out the amount of glass and natural light in the new space.) A courtyard on the east side of the building holds the potential for outdoor activities, Rose said. Liam Edwards, BIM’s chief administrative officer, addressed some proposal nuts and bolts and frequently asked questions. The $7.96 million federal-provincial infrastructure grant BIM received was granted for this specific project. “We can’t simply just
reallocate the funds to something different,” said Edwards. “Using the grant funding wisely, does also set us up for success for future funding,” said Edwards, drawing in his previous experience working for the provincial government (among other duties, he ran funding programs that included this one). While failing to proceed with the project wouldn’t mean BIM wouldn’t get grants in the future, successful delivery is looked upon favourably by funders, provincial and otherwise, was Edwards’ gist. Should the referendum fail, BIM would have some reckoning with the funders to convince them that it can gain electors’ support, said Edwards. “When a referendum does not pass for a project that has received funding, it gets the funders quite concerned,” said Edwards to a follow-up question. “And it introduces a level of risk they’re not very comfortable with.” “It’s not a carte blanche, you lose the funding, game over,” said Edwards. “But it does mean you’ve got to put a very concerted effort to rebuild the trust of those funders.” Operating expenses: It currently costs $270,000 to operate BIM’s rented facilities Edwards said, and this is expected to rise by $111,000 should the centre be built. While recreation fees, grants and interest from the community centre endowment fund should cover at least 45 per cent of the operating costs, this would leave the average Bowen property tax payer with a $47 increase on their bill, BIM estimates. Is municipal hall necessary: On the inclusion of the municipal hall, Edwards pointed to saving money from economy of scale. “[By] bringing the municipal hall into that same building envelope, we’re just naturally going to save on the operating costs… from a utility perspective and also possibly
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Pastor: Phil adkins
all of B.C.’s municipalities (as deputy inspector of municipalities) was $10 million. “But building this community center on time and on budget, with the funding that we received...we’ll actually build competence with those funding agencies and other agencies,” he said. “That can become a catalyst for future ideas and future expansions.” Should the referendum not pass, the project wouldn’t move forward and there will be a “full rescoping and regrouping” and understanding why, said Edwards. An alternative is also community fundraising to amass the $4 million needed. Time is of the essence Edwards also implied. “When our project was announced, it was announced alongside 96 other similar projects and all of those projects are going to be vying for the construction market to secure tenders and to secure contracts,” he said. “I want to get to market quickly to try to ensure that we secure that that bid quickly.” “If the electorate thinks that this is worthy of pausing, then that’s perfect, that’s public’s perspective, and then we’ll have to take that pause. But that will cost us time and money.” Other tidbits: On the topic of youth programs, BIM will still rent the teen centre from Bowen Children’s Centre. The building will be built to step three of the STEP code (the provincial energy efficiency standard). Net zero buildings are step five of the code. The project has a $2 million contingency. While this week was a regurgitation of the open house, next week the Undercurrent will delve into the history of the community centre project. How did we get here? Why did the 1997 referendum fail? What do oldtimers and newtimers think? We’ll also look deeper into some of the project opposition: tax burden, consultation questions and do we already have these spaces on-island?
Schedule in Effect: August 5, 2020 to September 7, 2020
▼
BOWEN ISLAND Snug Cove 5:20 am* 6:20 am 7:20 am 8:35 am 9:35 am 10:40 am 12:05 pm 1:15 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 12:40 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
from a staffing perspective.” “It also creates an opportunity for more community use of spaces on either end of the municipal hall,” said Edwards. “That’s a really unique aspect to this project that I think helped receive the funding from the province, because we really did highlight the multi-use functionality of this space.” When asked if the muni portion could be removed, Edwards said that while it’s an option, there would be significant costs involved as components of municipal multiuse spaces are factored into the funding. “It would be a fairly significant redesign to actually use that space in a different way.” Edwards also clarified that not every room is created equal spending wise––office space is cheap in design and construction compared to the larger community spaces. Is there enough parking: Edwards said that the proposed 36 stalls exceed the requirement under BIM’s Land Use Bylaw and pointed to overflow parking at BICS and in other places in the cove. He said they would work with BICS to try to make sure big events aren’t happening at the same time. They’ll also encourage islanders to take alternative modes of transit. Expansion potential? This centre would take up all of the buildable land on the community centre lot, said Edwards. However, should parking be considered less of a need, some of that space could be used, also council could choose to designate more of the community lands for the centre. (The community centre lot is on a corner of Lot 2). Why isn’t there a pool? Edwards was firm. “A pool is just not affordable for a community of our size,” he said. “Even if we could afford to build the pool, the cost of operating the pool is extraordinarily expensive.” In response to a later question, Edwards said that the cheapest pool he saw built over his 15 years with the province and working with
Leave Snug Cove
BRONWYN BEAIRSTO
Crossing Time: 20 minutes Distance: 3 nautical miles Note: This is a non-reservable route * exCepT SuN aND SepT 7
> exCepT SaT
< exCepT WeD are (DC) DaNgerouS Cargo SailiNgS. No oTher paSSeNgerS permiTTeD.
A12 • Thursday, August 27, 2020
bowenislandundercurrent.com
BOWEN BEAT
‘Surfacing’at the Hearth
Surfacing, a very moving show, by artists inspired by their time in isolation, is on until September 14. Participating artists include: Diane Buchanan, Jane Dunfield, Vanessa HallPatch, Kathleen Ainscough, Jacqeline Massey, Emily van Lidth de Jeude, Andrea Klann, Marc Baur.
At the opening reception, music provided by DJ Yeshe (Jamie Woodall), inspired lots of movement on a beautiful, warm summer evening. It was an evening of fun and great discussions! KATHLEEN AINSCOUGH, THE HEARTH
on Bowen Island
Interested in learning to play piano? How to read and understand music symbols? How to understand rhythm basics? Join Nicole and a group of curious open minded people each week in exploring the language of Music, on Zoom. Multiple class times available. Please inquire at 778-926-4286 or ntzharmonium@mac.com to register. Starts September.
Looking for solid instrumental players interested in traditional Celtic, European and Canadian folk tunes. Large Covid safe rehearsal space available. Please inquire. Nicole 778 -926-4286 or ntzharmonium@mac.com
bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, August 27, 2020 • A13 Mary Davey with her daughter Harper and son Rhys.
Bowen photographer documents COVID summer
While it’s not the summer anyone expected, it’s the summer we got and Mary Davey is making the best of it. The local mother and photographer has built a blog of her family’s COVID experience-- ‘Our Gift of Time.’ “The time that we have right now is really a gift,” says Davey. She’s snapped the activities of her two young children as they’ve navigated the COVID landscape together. A portait, fashion and beauty photographer, Davey hasn’t been working for the past few years as she’s been at home with her children. Now that her children are a little older, Davey’s had a little free time on her hands. In school she’d trained in photojournalism. “Because I shoot beauty and fashion, I have never really explored that part of me that I love, telling stories through pictures. That’s why I’m a photographer.” So these days she’s carrying around her point-and-shoot camera. “So every time something inspires me, I just take a photo.” And then Davey’s updates her online chronicle––something that she hopes will also be meaningful for her children when they grow older. “I will keep adding to these images and then when they grow up, they can look at it.” “I think I created something special for them.” See more of Davey’s images at ourgiftoftime.com. PHOTOS BY MARY DAVEY
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A14 • Thursday, August 27, 2020
bowenislandundercurrent.com
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Recruiting for NERP
UNDERCURRENT PHOTO
Don Youngson, Edward Wachtman and Karen Wristen at the NERP table Aug. 18.
It’s the unofficial understanding of small town life that one helps out her neighbour. This group just makes that a little easier. Some of these helpers, sporting their high-vis vests, set up a table in Village Square last week to recruit potential new Neighbourhood Emergency Response Program (NERP) members. NERP is a municipally run program of volunteers dedicated to increasing individuals’ and neighbourhoods’ preparedness for emergencies (wildfire, earthquake, extended power outage, pandemic). “We’re coming into the fall––there’s some question about what the fall is going to look like in terms of COVID,” said Edward Wachtman, lead coordinator for NERP. “We do know that the fall sometimes brings inclement weather so we’re just trying to get people to be aware of NERP and to encourage them to join up.” “The more volunteers we have, the better the island is covered,” he said.
Thursday, August 27, 2020 • A15
Hand-outs included a list of grab-and-go bag rudimentary contents––Wachtman stressed that everyone, even children, should have their own such bag. Islanders should have three weeks of provisions (food, water, medicine, pet food, diapers, toilet paper and the like) said Wachtman. “In the event of a major emergency, we may be isolated for a good period of time.” In the first two hours of the booth, eight new people had signed up for NERP. Wachtman noted that the house fire at Seven Hills the week before may have prompted some increased interest in the program. The fire certainly piqued islanders’ interest in the municipality’s emergency notification system, BowENS, which sends voice and text alerts to phones and email addresses. The system was used during Seven Hills house fire to notify that the fire department was responding to a fire and that Miller Rd. was closed. “In the event of an emergency, we’re going to be on our own and the unit of [resiliency]…will be the neighborhood,” said Wachtman.
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