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NEW CAPERS?: IDLC hoping to move out to Cape Roger Curtis
Thursday, October 15, 2020 • A1
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2020 AN AWFUL TIME
VOL. 46 NO. 47
BIUndercurrent
Islander shares a new, terrible, on-island cycling route PAGE 3
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Sewage stress
SYSTEM NEEDS $7.6 MILLION LONGTERM OVERHAUL BRONWYN BEAIRSTO
Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
UNDERCURRENT PHOTO
MEMORIAL GARDEN CLEANUP: Anne Franc de Ferrière, André Chollat (who are in the same bubble),
Louise Davis and Jacqueline Bell-Irving, members of the Bowen Island Memorial Garden Society, hard at work tidying up the Memorial Garden in anticipation of Remembrance Day. Not pictured: Kevin Boggan, IPS students and Judi Gedye.
The Snug Cove Wastewater Treatment Plant is at capacity and is looking at a $3.6 million expansion to meet short-term needs. Bowen Island Municipality’s director of engineering Patrick Graham laid out the plight of the plant in a committee of the whole meeting Oct. 13. The system, built in 1999 and expanded in 2011, serves approximately 430 people (92 connections), likely to increase to 700 people in the short term, said Graham’s staff report. Like the municipal water systems, the sewage system is user-funded, so it’s separate from general municipal spending. In the short-term, the plant needs “additional off-line equalization storage capacity, a fourth bioreactor, a new screening vault with a second screen added, additional UV disinfection capacity, and potentially an increase in backup generator capacity,” says the staff report. It goes on to say that one of the three bioreactors has been used as off-line equalization storage since 2017 and as such has been running at 75 per cent capacity. More such storage is the most-pressing plant need. However, with more density planned and expected in the Cove and a population projections of up to 1,140, the cost of the long-term project is estimated at $7.6 million. BIM’s first step is to do preliminary design work, which is where council will need to make a decision: the cost for a short-term preliminary design would be about $170,000 whereas a long-term design would probably be twice that, said Graham. “There [are] some advantages to looking at a comprehensive design process that looks at the planning and phasing and design for the entire suite of upgrades that are going to be needed,” he said. But that’s not where the costs end. CONTINUED ON P. 11
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Events October 26, 2020 6:15 pm Regular Council Meeting All meetings are online via Zoom and
open to the public, unless noted otherwise.
bowenislandundercurrent.com
Burn Permits are now online
Request for Proposals: Community Economic Development Plan
“Open burning” is using fire to dispose of piled materials. Open burning is allowed by permit on Bowen Island from October 15 to April 15.
Bowen Island Municipality is seeking a consultant or team of consultants to complete the project Creating a Resilient Bowen Island: A Community Economic Development Plan for Our Sustainable Future. Funded by the provincial Rural Dividend Fund, this project is intended “to complete an Economic Development Plan that will examine short and long-term issues, needs and opportunities to enhance existing and new businesses and associated employment that is complementary to the objectives of the Bowen Island Municipality Official Community Plan”. The Community Economic Development Plan will help ensure a Bowen Island economy that is diverse, sustainable, and innovative, serving the needs of island residents, businesses and visitors. The project is structured in three phases: Phase 1: Review and Research Phase 2: Community Engagement Phase 3: Formal Plan Development
Help slow the spread of COVID-19:
COVID-19. This Request for Proposals (RFP) is to restart the project and to complete the work required between November 2020 and June 2021.
For more information:
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/rfps-and-tenders
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
604-947-4255 604-947-0193 bim@bimbc.ca
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/burn-permits Questions? Call the firehall at 604-947-9324
Grants to help economic recovery available
The application deadline is October 29, 2020. A Business BCeID account is required, which can take up to 15 business days to register. New users are encouraged to start the process as early as possible. Find more information at
www.gov.bc.ca/cerip
Questions? Please contact Stefania Shortt, Community Economic Development Committee Liaison at sshortt@bimbc.ca.
Special Waste Clean-up Days
Home Renovation Rebate Program
Hazardous Waste Day
For a limited time, the Home Renovation Rebate program is offering Double the Rebates! Between now and December 31st, 2020, homeowners can register for a promo code that would enable them to receive double the amount normally offered on eligible rebates, including: • Up to $4000 for heat pump space heaters • Up to $2000 for heat pump water heaters • Up to $4000 for Tier 2 windows and doors ($200 per window/door) • A bonus $200 for using a Program Registered Contractor (PRC) for their insulation installation
Saturday, October 24, 2020 9 am - 3 pm @ BIRD No Fee. No Appointment. Limit of 10 containers.
Dump Week
Monday, October 26 - Saturday, October 31
By Appointment Only. No Drop-ins.
Book your space: First, buy a decal from the Snug Cove General Store, October For more information: 19 - October 25. www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/news/releases/homeThen, make an appointment by calling Bowen Waste Solutions at 604-947-2255 before 4 pm on Monday, October renovation-rebate-program 26. For more information on special waste clean-up days and on how to make your appointment:
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/clean-up-days
Contact Us Phone: Fax: Email:
Apply for your burn permit online
The Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP) provides fully-funded provincial grants to support economic resilience, tourism, heritage, and urban and rural Phase 1 is complete. A findings report was received by Municipal economic development projects in communities impacted Council in April 2020. Work on Phases 2 and 3 was suspended, given by COVID-19.
Goal of the Project: Develop a comprehensive, easily understood, achievable and measurable CED plan for Bowen Island that advances our community’s ambition to be a viable, resilient, and sustainable Municipality within the Islands Trust and Metro Vancouver. Stay home if you’re sick
Only burn when Metro Vancouver’s Open Burning Advisory indicates that burning is allowed. You must call 604-4366777 to determine if open burning is allowed on each day that you plan to burn. This information is available daily after 8:30 am.
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 October 15, 2020
Bowen Island Municipality
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Thursday, October 15, 2020 • A3
Sign up for a horrendous experience: Bowen Island Man ‘SUFFER LIKE A DOG AND LEARN TO HATE CYCLING LIKE NEVER BEFORE’ TOUTS THE NEW ROUTE’S WEBSITE BRONWYN BEAIRSTO
Editor
Christoph Haase is embracing Bowen’s “awful” reputation. Haase is inviting cyclists to complete what he calls “Canada’s worst ride:” Bowen Island Man. (That’s the name of the route, like Ironman, but Bowen and just biking). The route: every paved section of Bowen road that’s not classified a driveway (though some roads look like glorified driveways), some 130 kilometres. “Unless it says no trespassing or private or whatnot, it’s a road,” says Haase. The islander of five years took on the challenge this summer. “It’s something I always wanted to do…ride every road on Bowen and see how that goes,” he says. After pushing back the date of the intimidating ride a few times, his family left for a few weeks of vacation and a friend accomplished a similar route, so Haase decided it was time to get into gear. At about six a.m. on the day in question this summer, Haase parked his car at BICS and headed down to the base of Trunk Road. The saying goes, if in a labyrinth
OPEn
BOWEN ISLAND MAN PHOTO
Water breaks are a must for the route that covers every paved road on Bowen Island.
you just keep turning right, eventually you’ll find the exit. Same thing applies when you’re trying to ride every paved road on the island. Starting out in the cove, Haase rode out to Miller’s Landing and Eaglecliff at a measured pace, back and then down to Mt. Gardner, then cycled out to the west side. “I was surprised at how many little side roads there are and how
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they add up,” said Haase. Half the roads were roads he knew, the other half were side roads he’d never been on. “Dipsy doodle roads that end up being longer than I thought they would be.” “All those climbs add up and every little steep bit just makes you burn another match and then you end up somewhere and you have no matches left. For me that was down at the golf course,” said
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Haase. But he knew he had to finish the course. The entire route took Haase seven and a half hours. As he polished off the switchback roads of Valhalla, the burger and beer reward kept him peddling. Unfortunately, the day Haase picked was the hottest day of the year. “It was as awful as it sounds,” he says. “That’s part of cycling, to kind of suffer through it sometimes,” says Haase. “And I figured other people should have that pleasure too.” Haase is inviting others to complete the truly miserable course. “I thought it would be fun to actually give [off-island riders] something to achieve here to put Bowen on the cycling map and have a little fun.” Distance versus steepness wise, the North Shore’s triple crown (Seymour, Grouse and Cyprus mountains in one ride) doesn’t come close to Bowen Island Man’s 4,000 metres of vertical gain, says Haase. He notes some of Bowen’s other challenges: lack of road shoulder, potholes and deer that dart out from nowhere. “Given all that, I would like to
see a ride that’s worse than this,” he says. “The difference on Bowen is that it is not enjoyable for a few reasons and that makes it enjoyable.” The name of the route, Bowen Island Man, didn’t start off as anything to do with cycling. In April 2019, Haase was out for a bbq with his family at the beach and saw the spectacular sight of whales chasing sea lions chasing seals, and had the presence of mind to film the encounter. The video got national media attention, where anchors referred to Haase as “Bowen Island man.” Haase thought this was funny and bought the domain name. It wasn’t until a year later the cycling route started percolating. One can download the Bowen Island Man route map at bowenislandman.com.
BOWEN ISLAND MAN PHOTO
The inclines add up to a brutal ride.
A4 • Thursday, October 15, 2020
bowenislandundercurrent.com
VIEWPOINTS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Building health centre support DEAR EDITOR: How blessed are we the 4,000 residents living in 1,600 homes on Bowen Island during these very strange and uncertain COVID times? How blessed are we that the Bowen Island Health Centre is now only $600,000 off its $6 million fundraising target? However, when talking with a group of friends today, I was very disappointed to learn that only 295 households out of the 1,600 homes on island have contributed to the health centre. Not too many of us or our families will be lucky enough to never have a need of some form of locally accessible health care. I think our community can do better... we’re almost there but we need everyone to support this project, even if it’s $25. It helps to generate other grants and government supports if the powers that be know that 75 per cent of the community donated to make this happen. If the 1,305 households who haven’t yet given a donation gave only $200 per family that would be $250,000 more in contributions. If every resident, gave only $100 each, that would be $400,000. If you buy one coffee a day for a year from either The Snug, Artisan Eats or Neil the Baker, it costs you over $1,000 per person per year. What price is your health? They say “health is wealth”. I hope my letter will rattle everyone’s conscience and you will all feel happy to contribute: bowenhealthcentre.com/pledge-now/ Stay calm, stay kind and stay well. — Jeanie Seward-Magee
Stay tuned for more Halloween details.
EDITORIAL
Advance voting begins Oct. 15
Advance voting for the provincial election runs Oct. 15 to Oct. 21. While islanders can vote at any polling station or electoral office in the province, advance voting will be available on-island this weekend: Oct. 17 and 18 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at BICS. (Not every polling station is open for the entire advance voting period an Elections BC representative let me know). General voting day is Oct. 24 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The candidates for West Vancouver-Sea
to Sky: Jordan Sturdy (incumbent) for the BC Liberal Party, Jeremy Valeriote for the BC Green Party and Keith Murdoch for the BC NDP. If you missed the provincial leaders debate Tuesday evening (because like me you were watching the council meeting), you can catch the highlights at bowenislandundercurrent.com/b-c-election2020-leaders-debate-1.24220013. Next week’s Undercurrent will feature our local candidates answering a selection of Bowen-related questions.
In an election that’s seen atypical distance between campaigning candidates and the electorate (physical distance, I mean), this edition will hopefully be a helpful resource as we head to the polls. For those curious about some of the all-candidates meetings held in other communities over the past few weeks, we’ve featured them on our website: bowenislsandundercurrent.com. Happy voting! Bronwyn Beairsto, editor
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.
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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, October 15, 2020 • A5
NEWS
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Deep partisanship is troubling COVID-19 numbers up almost 50% on North Shore in Sept. DEAR EDITOR What I find most troubling in any election? Deep partisanship. I was put off by an online comment that suggested that the B.C. greens had been working without a set of policies since 2017. Ludicrous of course. But anything goes, even a total lack of understanding of how democracy works, when it comes to putting down another party. But it was rather ironic that the critique came from someone who supports the BC NDP, whose party leadership called a snap election blindsiding the party that had given it its confidence, and had enabled it to form a minority government. Instead of gratitude, the party got attacks with wishes for it to be wiped out. This show of intolerance for a smaller party is curious as it is troubling. Why would someone question the existence of smaller parties in a democracy? Doesn’t that totally dismiss that renewal often comes from smaller parties. Don’t they do what small businesses do for the business world, provide innovation? To name one of the many: corporate and union donations became a thing of the past. The B.C. greens called it out and banned it from its fundraising seven months ahead of the 2017 election. The intolerance becomes alarming though when combined with a lust for a ‘majority’ for ‘their party.’ We know this is not a reflection of percentage of the vote. A largest minority of the vote is turned into a ‘majority’ by the distortion of the district election system. But, with every election, the only real majority are the people who have no representation as local candidates seldom win with more than fifty percent of the vote in their district.
And alarm turns to nausea when that lust is a wish for a temporary one-party-rule in the legislature. Some call this ‘stability,’ but it is effectively a situation in which one party dictates and can’t be meaningfully opposed. Gladly, the deep partisanship is mostly limited to the hardcore of the bigger parties. And I am glad, my parents never told us how to vote. And even if they had, they stopped voting for the liberal and conservative parties in the early 2000s when they realised that these parties weren’t offering the policies needed to tackle the problems that the country and humanity were increasingly facing: growing inequality within society and the increasingly poor outlooks because of climate change. My parents wanted the best for their grandchildren. So they changed their vote to a different party. Still we have to remain alert. We cannot let democracy become what some have started to take it for: a space for deep partisanship. That we should never allow. Democracy must always be a space for people and parties to cooperate on developing the policies their societies need for the four years ahead, and the longer term. Without question, these policies will be better with input from diverse viewpoints. That ideal is not unreachable. It simply requires some level of participation from the voters. Reading the platforms is a small price to pay for the freedoms we enjoy of living in a democracy. These days the CBC offers a vote compass making the process very easy. We must recognise that political stability comes from the willingness of parties to cooperate and make the best possible policies achievable under first past the post. The best way for voters to ensure that is to elect minority governments for a while to come. — Anton van Walraven
Queen of Capilano Ferry Schedule October 13 to May 15 2021 DEPART BOWEN ISLAND 5:20 am except Sundays 6:20 am 7:30 am 8:35 am 9:40 am 10:50 am 12:00 pm 1:10 pm 2:55 pm 4:00 pm except Wednesdays 5:10 pm 6:15 pm 7:25 pm Mon Wed Th Fri 7:26 pm Tue Sun 8:30 pm 9:30 pm 10:30 pm
DEPART HORSESHOE BAY 5:50 am 6:50 am 8:00 am 9:05 am except Wednesdays 10:15 am 11:25 am 12:35 pm 2:20 pm 4:35 pm 5:45 pm 6:50 pm 8:00 pm except Saturdays 9:00 pm 10:00 pm
Note: Schedules subject to change without notice Please check BCFERRIES.COM
BOWEN PART OF WEST VANCOUVER LOCAL HEALTH AREA JANE SEYD
North Shore News
The number of COVID-19 cases on the North Shore went up by almost 50 per cent in the month of September. That’s according to statistics released Thursday by B.C.’s Centre for Disease Control, giving more detailed breakdowns of case counts in local communities. The number of coronavirus cases reported on the North Shore since the beginning of the pandemic in January rose to 531 by Sept. 30, a 49 per cent increase over the 356 cases reported to the end of August. Cases in North Vancouver rose from 274 at the end of August to 406 by the end of September. The number of positive tests in West Vancouver went from 82 at the end of August to 125 at the end of September. The numbers point to the North Shore as one of the areas of the Lower Mainland with a relatively high incidence of COVID-19 cases, since the beginning of the pandemic. September was a month when Squamish Nation members fought to contain a cluster of cases among its members. A total of 43 nation members eventually tested positive for the virus. All of those people have now been cleared from isolation. COVID-19 exposures and some clusters of positive cases were also reported at six schools in West Vancouver during September after students returned to the classroom. Other Lower Mainland areas with a high incidence of COVID-19 cases per population include Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby,
Abbotsford and Mission. Surrey, one of the most highly populated areas of the Lower Mainland, reported 1,814 cases of coronavirus to the end of September. Richmond, with 277 cases, is one of the areas with the lowest incidence of the virus. The statistics showed cases increased in other areas of the North Shore-Coast Garibaldi health region, although numbers in more rural areas remained lower than in more populated areas. The Howe Sound area (including Whistler and Squamish) more than doubled its number of cases in September, going from 36 cases to 76. The lower Sunshine Coast went from 14 cases to 26, while Powell River went from just one reported case at the end of August to 39 by Sept. 30. According to B.C’s Centre for Disease Control, there had been 719 cases of COVID-19 reported in the North ShoreCoast Garibaldi health service area by Oct. 8. B.C. reached a sobering milestone this week, with over 10,000 cases of the virus reported. The number of active cases also increased slightly. Province wide, people ages 20 to 39 still account for the largest number of COVID-19 cases. A total of 952 children and teens under 20 had tested positive by Oct. 8 across B.C., but still made up only six per cent of total COVID-19 cases, while making up 19 per cent of the population. As of Wednesday, there had been 10,892 COVID-19 cases reported in B.C. with 1,496 active cases.
Places of Worship Welcome You BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH Now offering a youtube channel of reflections and hymn/songs with Reverend Lorraine Ashdown and Lynn Williams. youtubewatch?v=tejV7Y6jo
FOOD BANK DROP-OFF
ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 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
A6 • Thursday, October 15, 2020
bowenislandundercurrent.com
One for harnessing energy: Ewald Lieske AT 102 AND 11 MONTHS, THE ENTHUSIASTIC COMMUNITY MEMBER DIED LAST MONTH
BRONWYN BEAIRSTO
Editor
Ewald Lieske would’ve celebrated his 103rd birthday with his signature enthusiasm last week. The part-time islander of nearly a decade died in Arizona last month. From building big cardboard props for Bowfest to lunch with the ladies at the Village Baker every week after church, Ewald was an enthusiastic community member. “He’d always go to every single party, every single pub event, you name it,” said daughter-in-law Basia Lieske. “He loved people.” Ewald was a fixture at the grandfriends program at Bowen Island Community School, reading to kids and at the fix-it fair. On the weekends he’d be at every farmers’ market. Born in Saskatchewan, Ewald went to bible school in Winnipeg and theological school in Vancouver. As a pastor he worked
in Calgary and in rural B.C., notably creating Charis Camp in Chilliwack. He and his first wife Natalie had four kids and after her death he moved to the warmer regions of B.C. After his second wife died eight years ago, Ewald started spending summer and fall on Bowen (the other half of the year would be in Arizona), always being sure to stay long enough to celebrate his birthday on island. At 100, he’d fly unaccompanied, sometimes over to England to visit his daughter, and into his hundreds, one could find Ewald chopping wood. One of Ewald’s favourite places on Bowen was the Knick Knack Nook. “Every time we went to the recycling depot, we’d come home with more than what we took,” recalled Basia. “He was notorious for collecting stuff because he thought he can make things out of it.” “He had this knack of being able to fix things and of inventing things
PHOTO COURTESY OF BASIA LIESKE
Ewald Lieske with son Paul Liekse.
and making things out of nothing,” she said. A knack Ewald developed from growing up on a farm in Saskatchewan. Technology too was fascinating, Ewald would adopt early, from movie projectors and vehicles to iPads and Skype. “[He was] always, technologically way ahead of anybody else,” said Basia. Perhaps appropriate for some-
PHOTO COURTESY OF BASIA LIESKE
Ewald Lieske was always smiling.
one so energetic, Ewald was fascinated with harnessing energy. “Being from the prairies and Arizona and not being near an ocean, he was so intrigued with the tides here,” said Basia. “He thought somehow he could capture the tides and make energy. And so this was his big thing for the last 10 years.” He also wished to harness the
energy of the water that would come rushing down from Mt. Gardner after a rain. “He was the most positive human being I ever met. Never angry, never cross, never depressed, always smiling,” said Basia. “[He] loved people, loved singing and music.” “Very Peter Pan and childlike in a way.”
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Muni Morsel: School at the Cape? NECTAR YOGA REZONING PASSES, BIM REQUESTING ON-ISLAND TESTING
BRONWYN BEAIRSTO
Editor
As much of B.C. was settling down to watch the provincial leaders debate, Bowen Island councillors settled in to discuss civic matters at the Oct. 13 regular council meeting. While BIM had attempted hybrid in-person-Zoom council meetings in September, it abandoned the endeavour for a fully-virtual affair Tuesday. The following are briefs from that meeting: Second time’s a charm: Island Discovery Learning Community, which offers flexible learning opportunities and includes home-based and classroom components, is applying for a temporary use permit to operate out of a residence at Cape Roger Curtis. If this sounds familiar, last winter IDLC applied for a TUP to operate in Deep Bay. For several years, IDLC operated out of Cowan Pt. but but needed to move as of last spring. After local outcry, and a neighbour pointing out that BIM hadn’t explicitly designated a TUP area on-island (a requirement under the Local Government Act), council rejected the application and got to work closing the TUP loophole. In Tuesday’s consent agenda (where non-contentious or already debated to death, revised and decided matters are passed with no discussion) the entire island was designated an area where temporary use permits may be issued. (This was an Official Community Plan amendment that’s been before council several times.) Minutes later, IDLC’s entreaty came before council. “Unlike our last attempt, this is as far away from the Cove as possible. And it’s on a 10-acre property with absolutely no one around us,” IDLC principal Allan Saugstad told council in the public comments section. “We could be as loud as we wanted and nobody would ever hear us,” he joked. “It’s a wonderful place for kids to play and explore.”
IDLC is seeking a three-year TUP to include “school” as a principal use for the lot. The occupancy of the building would be capped at 30 people (the current daily average is 20 students said Saugstad) and the applicant is to provide all on-site parking. Manager of planning and development, Daniel Martin, told council that one of the concerns from neighbours is traffic on the semi-private DeeCee Rd, which the property borders. As such, there would be a condition on the TUP that the only school-use access would be through Cape Dr. Council voted to give notice that the TUP will be considered at its Nov. 9 meeting.
TUP two: Council gave notice that it would consider another TUP, this one to allow the Westland Insurance office behind the ambulance station to operate without being a home business. We want tests: Following up on local concerns, council voted to send a letter to Vancouver Coastal Health’s chief medical officer, Dr. Patricia Daly, requesting support for COVID-19 on Bowen. BIM will cc o the deputy medical officer and CAO of the Coastal Health Division on the letter. Coun. Alison Morse noted that Pemberton has a testing station, as does Whistler. “And time travel between Pemberton and Whistler is probably about the same as it is for us to get on a ferry and everything else to get to North Van,” she said. At Coun. Maureen Nicholson’s suggestion, the letter will note that B.I. Health Centre and Community Foundations have money to spend on COVID initiatives and Bowen potentially has financial support. Councillors also discussed including in the letter that BIM could provide or help find space for such an initiative.
Thursday, October 15, 2020 • A7
Dancing for breast cancer awareness SUSANNE HERRINGTON
Contributor
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Grab your friends and family and join us outside at Bowen Island Community School for a dance party to raise awareness for a cause that affects so many. While the Jazzercise class is free, it is a fundraiser for the Bowen Island Health Center Foundation. Getting our health center built will aid in early detection and prevention of this disease, as well as support those undergoing treatment and contribute to the overall health of the people in our community. Donations over $25 are eligible for a taxable receipt and a pink
PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSANNE HERRINGTON
These pink breast cancer awareness masks come with donations of more than $25.
mask, while supplies las. Put on your pink and come out and dance for a great cause. Registration is through the Bowen Island Community Recreation and necessary for contact tracing purposes. Friday, Oct. 23 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Bowen Island Fire Rescue statistics for September The following statistics are found in the Oct. 13 regular council meeting agenda Alarms, non residential: 1 Allergy/envenomations :1 Assist: 1 Burning complaint :3 Commercial alarms: 1 High angle rescue: 1 Investigation: 1 Lift assist: 2 Miscellaneous fire: 1
Motor vehicle accident: 1 Public assist: 1 Residential alarms: 2 Sinking boat:1 Wires down: 2 Total incidents: 19 Total incident hours:78 Total training hours: 296 Are these types of statistics something you’d like to see more? Let us know: editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com.
A couple of years later: The Nectar Yoga on Gardner Lane rezoning passed in the aforementioned consent agenda. The rezoning saw proponents agree to a riparian covenant area, park dedication, trail contribution and protective covenants to allow the existing bed and breakfast to expand into a retreat centre.
Bowen’s September RCMP statistics ADAM KOEHLE
Bowen RCMP
The Bowen Island RCMP responded to 73 calls for service in September of 2020: • 14 of those files were related to traffic complaints or enforcement; • 5 of those files were collisions; • 2 of those files were reports of identity fraud or intercepted e-transfers; • 5 of those files were false alarms at residences; • 1 of those files was a check of a US citizen to ensure that they were lawfully in Canada and following quarantine protocols. I would like to encourage anyone who has questions or input about what we are doing, or why, to contact me at the detachment. The phone number at the detachment is 604-9470516, or we are usually in attendance during the week. Bring your mask, come by and say hello!
BOWEN VET SUPPORT STAFF This week is Vet Tech appreciation week and here at Bowen Vet we are showing our appreciation for all of our support staff. Our support staff are integral members of our clinic and we are grateful for them every day. Feel free to stop by and say thanks to the team here at Bowen Vet!
REGULAR HOURS Tuesday to Friday 9-5 and Saturday 9-1pm.
To schedule appointments, please call
604.947.9247
or email reception@bowenvet.com
A8 • Thursday, October 15, 2020
bowenislandundercurrent.com
VOTE IN THE PROVINCIAL ELECTION Find where and when to vote below. We’re helping B.C. vote safely during the pandemic. Here’s what you can expect if you vote in person: • Physical distancing and capacity limits • Election officials wearing personal protective equipment (such as masks and face-visors)
You can vote in person or by mail. Vote in person Vote at a district electoral office – Find the office nearest you at elections.bc.ca/deo. Voting is available now during office hours.
• Frequent cleaning of voting stations and surfaces
Learn more at elections.bc.ca/safevoting.
• Your Where to Vote card. Look for it in the mail from Elections BC. It will make voting faster and easier. • Your own pen or pencil to mark your ballot, if you wish.
Vote on election day – Find voting places and the dates they are open below, or visit wheretovote.elections.bc.ca. Election day is Saturday, October 24, but there are lots of ways to vote before then.
• Election workers trained on safe workplace guidelines and pandemic protocols
If you are ill or self-isolating, do not visit a voting place. Contact Elections BC at 1-800-661-8683 to discuss your voting options.
• ID that shows your name and home address. See elections.bc.ca/id for the list of acceptable ID.
Vote at advance voting – Find advance voting places and the dates they are open below, or visit wheretovote.elections.bc.ca.
• Protective barriers and sanitization stations
Follow the instructions from election officials in the voting place to help maintain physical distancing. You will be asked to sanitize your hands before and after voting.
What should I bring if I vote in person?
• You may wear a mask in the voting place, if you wish. We encourage voters to wear a mask when they vote to protect others. You will not be asked to remove your mask to vote.
Vote by mail If you requested a vote-by-mail package from Elections BC, return it as soon as possible. Vote-by-mail packages must be received by Elections BC by 8 p.m. (Pacific time) on Saturday, October 24. Mail your completed package as soon as possible or return it in person so that it is received before the deadline. See elections.bc.ca for a list of in-person drop-off locations.
Voting Places for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky Advance Voting Places (open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time on the dates listed)
Open Dates Thur Oct. 15
Fri Oct. 16
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Bowen Island Comm School 1041 Mt Gardner Rd, Bowen Island, BC Gleneagles Golf Course Clubhouse 6190 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC Pemberton Sec School 1400 Oak St, Pemberton, BC Sea to Sky Hotel 40330 Tantalus Rd, Squamish, BC Telus Whistler Conf Centre 4010 Whistler Way, Whistler, BC The 55 Activity Centre - Great Room 1201 Village Green Way, Squamish, BC West Vancouver Presbyterian Church 2893 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC
Mon Oct. 19
Tues Oct. 20
Wed Oct. 21
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General Voting Places (open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific time on Saturday, October 24):
District Electoral Offices:
Bowen Island Comm School
Lions Bay Comm Hall
Telus Whistler Conf Centre
Don Ross Middle School
Pemberton Sec School
Totem Hall
1115 Industrial Way Squamish, BC (778) 572-4410
Garibaldi Highlands Elem School
Rockridge Sec School
Ts’Zil Learning Centre
Gleneagles Golf Course Clubhouse
Sea to Sky Hotel
West Vancouver Presbyterian Church
1041 Mt Gardner Rd, Bowen Island, BC 42091 Ross Rd, Squamish, BC 2590 Portree Way, Squamish, BC
6190 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC
400 Centre Rd, Lions Bay, BC 1400 Oak St, Pemberton, BC 5350 Headland Dr, West Vancouver, BC 40330 Tantalus Rd, Squamish, BC
elections.bc.ca / 1 - 8 0 0 - 6 6 1 - 8 6 8 3
4010 Whistler Way, Whistler, BC
1380 Stawamus Rd, Squamish, BC 125 Lillooet Lake Rd, Mount Currie, BC 2893 Marine St, West Vancouver, BC
@ElectionsBC
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, October 15, 2020 • A9
EDITORIAL
The power surge that killed my radio star EULOGY FOR AN UGLY HUNK OF PLASTIC AND WIRES
BRONWYN BEAIRSTO
Editor
Despite what I thought was a surge-protecting power bar, my hardy RCA two-band digital tuning clock radio died Tuesday morning with a resolute pop. It was the end of a beautiful friendship. In grade five, the brother I’d long shared a room with, was finally moved into the basement with our younger brother. I, as the eldest child and only girl, got my own abode, painted it lime green, and after pestering my parents for months, got a clock radio for my 11th birthday. I used to lie on my colourful rag rug, sandwiched between my bed and cinderblock-particleboard bookshelf and listen to 87.7 FM, CBC TV, as watching TV on the old living room set was a sure way to be enlisted into washing walls, vacuuming or dog poop duty. That radio, my radio, was a means of independent entertainment before internet was readily available. I’d listen to Stuart McLean on Sundays, switch over to the classical music on CBC 2 or tap through one of the other three stations offered in my home town. Taking on the Herculean feat of rousing
an obstinate not-morning person, this clock has woken me up for elementary school, high school, exams, graduations and work for 17 years. (Or tried to). The radio travelled with me from Whitehorse to Newfoundland for my undergraduate degree and Anthony Germain at the St. John’s Morning Show replaced CBC Yukon’s Sandi Coleman. The clock became the bane of any roommate as the letters of the off button had long ago worn away and unplugging the beast became its off-switch. It came with me to journalism school, tuning into Robyn Bresnahan with OttawaMorning. By that point my long-time roommate knew how to turn it off (we both started our graduate degrees in the capital the same year). By the time I got to Bowen, two of the clock’s digital lines spelling out numbers weren’t working but that didn’t impede function. The buttons were sticky, sometimes going backwards wasn’t possible and one would have to fast forward through the entire day to get to the right time. But it still worked. Even at my Bowen home, where reception is weak, Stephen Quinn’s voice found its way through the aged hunk of plastic and wires. It was over this same clock radio this year I listened to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s COVID addresses to a scared country, every morning at 8 a.m. for weeks, and Canada and the world plunged into a new era.
As I heard the sharp pop among the cacophony of beeps and screeches of unhappy appliances, the faint smell of burnt rubber an ominous sign, I’d hoped the dying sound was from something replaceable, like my computer (ok, I’m glad it wasn’t my computer). But my chunky, ugly clock radio had sounded its last alarm and relayed its last newscast. I dislike new for the sake of new. Like Bowen in Transition’s (pre-covid) fix-it fairs, I believe in sapping every ounce of use out of something. So naturally, I tried to take apart my radio to fix it (no, I don’t have experience
in fixing electronics. Yes, this was stupid). Using a combination of a pocket knife and slot head screw driver, I tried to pry it open. Long story short, my clock radio is (now) really and truly, forever broken. I’ll probably keep it on my shelf a while as a matter of interest, the insides are colourful and rather neat to look at. But my phone will easily slide into its place at my bedside and I’ll soon forget the red glow and familiar static of my radio. In a year of deep loss, this doesn’t even register. But, it is nice to remember in a disposable culture, the things that last.
BRONWYN BEAIRSTO PHOTO
After 17 years, my trusty RCA radio died this week.
VOTE IN THE PROVINCIAL ELECTION Candidates for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky Candidate’s Name:
Financial Agent:
Keith Murdoch BC NDP
Caitlin Pope 5799 Wales St, Vancouver BC, V5R 0E6 (604) 619-6633
Jordan Sturdy BC Liberal Party
Gabrielle Loren 1004-175 Victory Ship way, North Vancouver BC, V7L 0G1 (604) 926-3808
Jeremy Valeriote BC Green Party
C Paul Dorland 5524 Old Mill Lane, Whistler BC, V8E 0C4 (416) 917-4115
elections.bc.ca / 1 - 8 0 0 - 6 6 1 - 8 6 8 3
Official Agent:
@ElectionsBC
A10 • Thursday, October 15, 2020
bowenislandundercurrent.com
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Thursday, October 15, 2020 • A11
More equalization storage could be short-term solution for sewage plant DECISIONS WILL COME AFTER A PRELIMINARY DESIGN PROCESS; $350,000 NEEDED OVER COMING YEAR FOR PROJECT CONTINUED FROM P.1
With more people expected as regular system users, the plant will soon need to be registered under provincial and federal wastewater regulations (rather than the permit needed for its current size). This will require upgrades to the plant, said a report from consulting firm Urban Systems. The registration cost is $60,000 and a further $120,000 for the required environmental impact study. Graham estimates a need for at least $350,000 over the next year for the above assessment and design needs. The system doesn’t have money in its reserves so this project will need funding through internal or external borrowing. One of the short-term stopgaps may be an off-line equalization upgrade, which could see the Cove through the more immediate development pressures said Graham, but that would have to come through the preliminary design process.
“Typically, it’s better if you’re going to do a plant upgrade, to do it comprehensively as one integrated project,” Graham cautioned the committee. “When you start pulling out pieces, and doing them separately, it’s less cost effective and potentially not as good of a solution.” Graham said the question of the equalization storage will be posed to the consultants. To that end, he is working on a terms of reference and request for proposals for the project. Coun. Maureen Nicholson noted that if the upgrades are to address new growth, one of the options is to not do anything in the short run. “I could see some folks pointing to that,” she said. “I understand the pressures related to some of the projects are underway but that is an option.” Graham responded to Nicholson that that may be part of the approach taken but some upgrades are needed to address already approved development.
This news comes as BIM faces infrastructure challenges in Eagle Cliff and with the West side water systems, specifically with Blue Water Park, and as Cove Bay Water System users take on the cost of the new water treatment plant (the water system serves significantly more people than the sewer system). The Cove also has a number of developments under construction or in the works: the D.K. Harris rental housing project across from the museum, Snug Cove House, the community centre, the fire hall, the medical centre and Bowen Island Resilient Community Housing’s development. While a committee of the whole meeting is composed of members of council, it isn’t a council meeting. The report from Graham was received for information but no further decisions were made in open council.
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A12 • Thursday, October 15, 2020
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Don’t forget to vote! General election day is Oct. 24 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Advance voting is Oct. 17 and 18 at BICS 8 a.m .to 8 p.m. More information: elections.bc.ca
STOLEN BIKE
Women’s GIANT black and turquoise mountain bike stolen off front porch. Sentimental value. Reward.
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Book your complimentary meet & greet and first walk or drop in. Rates are $25 for group hikes and start at $15 for drop-ins. Group Hikes Individual Walks Socialization
Cat Care
Home Visits Litter Maintenance Playtime
778 898 5950 | www.barkpetcare.ca
on Bowen Island
DEPARTS SUN to THURS FRI & SA. ed SNUG COVE 11:15PM ns suspend5AM ter ru HORSESHOE BAY 12:30AM ommu
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We’re still here for essential services such as ambulance transport and we’re here for your private charter needs. Please feel free to call us with your questions as we chart these waters together.
Proudly Celebrating 42 Years of Trusted Transport for Bowen Island & Howe Sound Telephone: 604-947-2243 Cellular: 604-250-2630 Tug & Barge services Special Event Cruises
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AS A REFUGEE FROM EAST GERMANY, AND FORMER RESIDENT OF WEST GERMANY, H.C. BEHM CROSSED THE BORDER SEVERAL TIMES. HERE’S HIS STORY
HC BEHM
Contributor
604-880-6735
Dog Walking
Reflecting on the reunificaton of Germany 30 years ago
Since 1978
On October 3, 30 years ago, Germany celebrated its reunification. It was an event that gave Germany finally the peace treaty for the Second World War, ending an armistice that lasted 45 years. The country had been split into the West, consisting of the British, the American and the French occupation zones and became the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG). The Russian-controlled East became the German Democratic Republic (GDR). With the collapse of the USSR Empire (Russia), its satellites gained independence. All that began in November of 1989 with the fall of the “Berlin Wall.” After this short excursion into history, I want to tell you about my experience with the border and the wall. I was born in what became East Germany and fled to the English zone hours before the Russians closed the border at the end of April 1945. My teen summers were spent on my grandparents’ farm bordering on East Germany. On the West side, identifying the border would only be a red and white boom across a deserted road with a sign saying: Zonengrenze (zone border). Beyond, hidden by bushes and trees were three rows of electrified wire fences with spiral rolled barbed wire on top. The fence closest to the West was boobytrapped with land mines, the other one patrolled with dogs and raked to obscure footprints. Overlooking the fortification were armed towers with searchlights, all in sight of one another. East German propaganda proclaimed that this was done to protect its citizens from destructive capitalists trying to subvert the “workers’ and farmers’ state.” Total abuse of freedoms granted under international law and harsh economic conditions had already driven more than 1.2 million people out of a population of 17 million to flee through Berlin by 1961. Those who tried to go through the fence were killed, more than 1,000 people. The only place where the border was “soft” was in Berlin, the former capital city. In 1945, the Allies carved it up into four sectors. Until
THURSDAY OCT. 15
C A L E N D A R
Deadline to resgister for Grandfriend Pen Pals B.I. Library, Info: bipl.link/ penpals ShakeOut 10:15 am Earthquake preparation awareness more information https:// www.shakeoutbc.ca/ Tumblebooks virtual workshop Zoom, 6-7 pm, Hosted by Bowen Library “Explore this entertaining site for children. Learn how to navigate full colour
1961, the controls leaving the Russian sector were lax and thus it was used not only by East Germans but also by other Eastern block citizens as a gateway to the West. In the early morning hours of August 13, 1961 equipment and crews moved in to build a concrete brick wall, 3.5 metres high and about 150 km long, encircling all of West Berlin, because it lay inside East Germany. Between 1954 and 1959, I crossed the East German border four times. In the summer of 1955, my parents, my brother and I were invited by an uncle who was a medical specialist in the East, to spend two weeks in the exclusive Baltic Sea Resort Ahrenshoop. Our visas showed our destination, but not the invitation. We were asked to leave the train. My parents were interrogated separately and threatened with body search, since the border guards believed we were smuggling West German money. We were not allowed to leave until my father said: “Isn’t it possible that a citizen of the GDR is inviting his impoverished West German cousins for a holiday?” which triggered a phone call to our uncle and the verification. But my experience with “the Wall” happened in the summer of 1965. My fiancée and I visited friends in West Berlin. During that time we visited her uncle in East Berlin five times. He enjoyed a special status because he had prevented looting of the Pergamon Museum when the Russians stormed the city in 1945. He had a vast library containing copies of the earliest art show catalogues dating back to a few months after the capitulation in 1945. As a landed immigrant to Canada, I was directed to cross through “Checkpoint Charlie,” reserved for American military personel, diplomats and foreigners. It took me 20 minutes. As a West German citizen, my fiancée had to cross through the nearby Prinzenstrasse Checkpoint, which took sometimes an hour and a half out of ill will. In the evening, we could cross back into West Berlin together. Of course our papers were checked and any bags. Each night I carried a few of those East German catalogues and was prepared to pay for them. The women guard looked them over one by one and handed them back without charging me. By the third night, I always came to the same person, she saw more catalogues in the bag looked up and had a furtive smile. She did not check. By the fifth night I had an antique crystal vase and was prepared to pay export duties. As she saw me a wry smile slipped over her face and with her head motioned me to move on. Then it dawned on me that she believed I was smuggling East German propaganda. I’ll never forget the day the Berlin Wall went up. In Vancouver it was still August 12 and I had just immigrated.
eBooks for your family to read aloud and to read along with.”
local farmers and artisans”
members: $10 individual, $12 family”
Open burn season starts More information: bowenislandmunicipality. ca/burn-permits
Handloggers Trail Guided Hike 10 a.m.-3 p.m. “Hosted by Bowen Nature Club. Join Alan Whitehead and Melissa Harrison for a day-long hike up Mount Gardner via Handloggers trail. Bring a lunch, dress for the weather and wear sturdy hiking boots. To register: contact Alan Whitehead at alanjw@ telus.net. For BNC members: FREE For non-
SUNDAY OCT. 18
Outdoor Meditation Circle Meet at the undercover area in Crippen Park, 11 am Every Sunday; no charge
SATURDAY OCT. 17
Winter market Little Red Church 10 a.m.-noon “Make the weekends merrier with fresh produce, jams, sweets, baked goods, handcrafted items and more from your favourite
MONDAY OCT. 19
Are you decorating property for Halloween? Email bicr@bimbc.ca to have your house on the BI Community Recreation map of haunted homes Deadline is Oct. 19