ENJOYING THE ELEMENTS: Outdoor Holiday Fun PAGE 8
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022
BOWEN TAKES THE PLUNGE
VOL. 47 NO. 52
BIUndercurrent
Starting 2022 off right PAGE 6
BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com
“Tired and confused”
HEALTH CENTRE FOUNDATION QUESTIONS MUNI SEWAGE COVENANT REQUIREMENT
ALEX KURIAL
Editor
the few on Bowen which still doesn’t allow this. But after lengthy discussion Monday council felt they weren’t ready to move ahead before existing area matters were settled.
A frustrated delegation appeared before Bowen council Monday, lamenting what they call a one-sided agreement that will drive up costs at the new health centre. The Bowen Island Health Centre Foundation appeared at the virtual meeting where Tim Rhodes, president, and several directors opposed the details of a sewage covenant being requested by the municipality in order to receive a building permit. The snag in the multi-million dollar project comes because the Snug Cove sewer system is at capacity. “We are currently in the position where we cannot be approving anymore connections to the system,” says CAO Liam Edwards. This problem isn’t expected to be solved anytime soon though. Edwards says staff will have plans for sewer expansion at the January 24 council meeting, but in the meantime will be telling developers there isn’t any current possibility of sewage connection in the Cove. With sewage hookup unavailable, the health centre now needs to create a septic field to service their building. But until these plans are developed a building permit can’t be issued. With time being of the essence, BIM offered to grant an exception if the foundation signs a septic covenant. The covenant would allow for the building permit but restrict the foundation from applying for an occupancy permit until they’ve presented a sewage plan. The wording of the municipal document wasn’t well received however.
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CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
SCULPTING, SNOW, AND SCALES: Tobin Sparling took full advantage of Bowen’s unusually heavy snowfall to turn his yard into a snow statue display, including this baby dragon. To see more of Tobin’s art flip over to page 3. EMMETT SPARLING PHOTO
Secondary dwellings on hold in Arbutus Ridge WATER CONCERNS PUT A PAUSE ON REZONING APPLICATION
ALEX KURIAL Editor
The west side of the island may see a bump in residencies one day, but local water issues will need to be sorted out
before that can happen. A rezoning application for Area 1 of CD Zone 18, more commonly known as Arbutus Ridge, would have allowed for construction of detached secondary suites for residential use on any of the nearly 40 properties in the area. The zone is one of
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A2 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Events January 18, 2022 7:00 pm Parks, Trails and Greenways Advisory Committee
Thursday, January 13, 2022
Drinking water notice for people with Save the date: Gateway Mural unveiling compromised immune systems The Snug Cove gateway mural will be unveiled on Family Day,
The Provincial Health Officer advises all British Columbians with compromised immune systems (such as HIV, organ or bone transplants, chemotherapy or medications that suppress the immune system) to avoid drinking water from any surface January 20, 2022 water or ground water that is under the influence of surface 7:00 pm Advisory Planning Commission water, unless it has been boiled, filtered, distilled or treated with UV. Bowen Island and other areas in British Columbia use surface water sources (lakes, rivers, streams). This is not a general boil-water advisory for the general public, but rather is directed only at persons with compromised immune systems. If in doubt about your immune system status, please discuss this further with your physician.
Development in hazardous areas: What do you think? Bowen Island Municipality is considering regulating development in hazardous areas on Bowen Island by establishing a future Hazardous Areas Development Permit Area. The establishment of a new Development Permit Area would require an amendment to Bowen Island Municipality Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002. Prior to preparing a draft bylaw amendment, staff are actively seeking public input. Information and an online survey are available on Citizenlab:
www.bowenisland.citizenlab.co
Help stop COVID-19:
Monday February 21, 2022! Mark your calendar and watch for more details outlining this exciting community event.
The Gateway Mural features highlights of the landscape, flora and fauna, whimsy and spirit of the island as well as references to some cultural and historical elements. Artists Di, Paula Love and Sarah Haxby invited community artists of all ages to create a mural that celebrates the community, people and place that make up Bowen Island, Nexwlelexwm, a jewel in Howe Sound.
We’re hiring: Community Recreation Programmer Bowen Island Municipality seeks a qualified permanent full-time Community Recreation Programmer. This is a 35 hour/week position; some weekend and evenings may be required. Total compensation for this rewarding, dynamic and community-focused role includes 3 weeks’ annual vacation, benefits package, and municipal pension plan enrollment. The Community Recreation Programmer is responsible for the development, coordination, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive suite of recreation programs in a variety of community facilities on Bowen Island. The applicant should have a strong knowledge of the philosophy and objectives of community recreation programming and the ability to organize, promote and direct others in the development and presentation of recreation programs for various ages and interest groups. Proficiency working with Word, Excel and Desktop Publishing is an asset.
Get vaccinated - everyone 5 years and older is eligible.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please submit cover letter and resume via mail, fax, or email to: Stay home if you’re sick
Wear a mask in indoor public spaces
The survey will be online January 23rd, 2022. Paper surveys and Kat Stephens, Human Resources Coordinator information materials are also available at Municipal Hall until 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 January 21st, 2022 (during regular business hours). Email: hr@bimbc.ca Fax: 604-947-0193 Questions? Please contact Daniel Martin at 604-947-4255 or by email at dmartin@bimbc.ca. The job description is available on our website at:
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/jobs
Contact Bowen Island Municipality PAID ADVERTISEMENT January 13, 2022
Phone: Fax: Email: Website:
604-947-4255 604-947-0193 bim@bimbc.ca
Bowen Island Municipal Hall 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2
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Thursday, January 13, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A3
ON THE ISLAND
Health centre must install septic system until sewage capacity is expanded CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
“The confused part is why at this very late hour, at the very last minute, and days before the holidays, we’ve been asked by staff to review and sign a covenant in relation to waste treatmentsforthehealthcentre in order to receive an urgently needed building permit,” says Greg Shepherd, a foundation director and CEO of Pharmasave Western Canada. “Given the trust we have built and the level of professionalism we have shown in all of our dealings, does anyone on council believe that we would advance this project to opening without proper waste treatment in place? Yet this is what the covenant purports to protect you from,” Shepherd continues. The foundation also expressed dismay at the additional costs involved with building a septic field and being forced to dismantle it once sewage capacity has been expanded and they can hook up to the system. The covenant reads this will all take place at the foundation’s expense. Shepherd says this would include “$125,000 for fees and capital contributions to connect to the municipal sewer system, a cost that jumps to almost a quarter of a million dollars when the cost to install and decommission a septic system is added. None of these costs were anticipated when we offered to purchase the land in 2019, nor would they be an issue now but for the delays caused by Council at the beginning of this term and the shocking news last year that the municipal sewer system
would not have capacity for the health centre.” Coun. David Hocking asked if the financial burden could be reduced if the health centre opted to use the septic system long-term, rather than connecting to the municipal system once it’s ready. Edwards responded the septic tank will actually be on municipal land and they may want to use it down the road. “There may be other opportunities for use of that land in the future that we wouldn’t want to be encumbered by a septic field that would be there for 30-plus years.” “So on the one hand a septic field could serve the facility for a long period of time. But on the other hand, is that the best use of that land for municipal interests?” says Edwards, explaining the covenant allows BIM the option to require the health centre to hook up to the Cove sewage system when possible. Edwards says the “covenant also ensures that the applicant will in fact develop a septic field, and not come back and identify that they should have the right to connect to a sewage treatment plant. I’m not implying that the medical centre would ever do such a thing, but for the municipality it’s important to get things confirmed in writing.” Rhodes and the foundation remained less than pleased with the development, however conceded they had little choice but to accept the offer. “If we have to sign this covenant to get our building permit, we will sign the covenant… because it’s absolutely urgent
to get the permit and keep things moving,” says Rhodes. “There are things about this covenant that we don’t like, but if that’s what we have to do to move this project forward we’ll do it.” “But with objections.” The foundation did score some concessions however, including greater leeway to negotiate fees and a threeyear timeframe to decommission the septic field once BIM requests they move onto the municipal sewer system. Council also unanimously voted to waive the covenant’s $2,500 fee. Council also passed a bylaw establishing the covenant option in question as standard procedure for any similar project situations in the future.
The future site of the new health centre on Miller Road, next to the new fire hall currently under onstruction.
Michelangel-snow
Plenty of self-created guests were invited to Tobin Sparling’s home over the holidays. Along with his baby dragon, Sparling sculpted a dog, frog and snowman. EMMETT SPARLING PHOTOS
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Thursday, January 13, 2022
VIEWPOINTS
Don’t blame the cats
Dear Editor, I object to Susan Swift’s article on Thursday the 6th, naming cats among the destroyers of crops. Surely cats have been domesticated as a very effective defence against all types of rodents, saving crops from destruction. Recently I saw an interesting BBC documentary on the mainly mysterious lives of cats allowed access to the outdoors. A team of scientists studied in great detail the lives of 50 domestic cats in a village in England. The cats were fitted with minute devises including cameras attached to their collars and thus their lives were recorded day and night for a month. The study shows that most cats kept within a fairly short distance from their homes and brought their prey as a present to their owners. This included mainly voles, mice and rats. Hardly any birds were killed, contrary to the accepted assertions that cats destroy millions of wild birds. Local farmers kept several cats as more efficient protection for their crops than traps, poison or dogs. So let’s be fair to our often maligned furry friends. I strongly recommend the mentioned BBC documentary for fascinating viewing. -Loredana May Brind
Lifelabs feedback
Dear Editor, There is a lot of discussion and speculation about LifeLabs service on the Island. Lifelabs is a private provider, contracted by Ministry of Health through Provincial Health Services Authority, to provide lab collection services to Bowen Island. As part of the vision and planning for the future community health centre, the Bowen Island Health Centre Foundation hopes to work with LifeLabs to bring them in as a tenant and design a level of service more in line with what the community needs. To make that happen, we need the community’s help. The Bowen Island Health Centre Foundation has been in discussions with LifeLabs and we have agreed to help them collect data about people’s experiences. They have had very little direct feedback from the Bowen community. They have agreed to use January to March 2022 as a data collection and test window, so the next three months are important for all of us. If you have a concern, complaint, or positive review, please make the effort to share these directly with LifeLabs. Please email ClientService@lifelabs.com or telephone604-507-5040todocumentyourexperience. It’s important you do, as this information will help LifeLabs better respond to patient concerns, and help us make the case for securing LifeLabs as a key member of the new Bowen Island Health Centre. - Suzanne Saatchi Executive Director Bowen Island (Nexwlélexwm) Health Centre
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Spozhmay’s story
Dear Nexwlélexwm, Thank you. You indeed gifted Spozhmay with a “Safe Place to Land.” Thank you, Meribeth, for writing such a beautiful piece that captured our hearts. Spozhmay’s journey here has connected people around the globe, working on a range of humanitarian efforts. For me, this journey began with another Islander, Tamara Pearl. While no longer living on Nexwlélexwm, her heart is con-
nected here in many ways. It was Tamara who reached out to me, and it was Tamara who was with Spozhmay when she was gifted the bag in the Christmas markets. Thank you Tamara, for bringing Spozhmay into all of our lives. Spozhmay has now settled into residence at SFU and begun her studies. And Islanders continue to be generous with the gifting of knitted socks, pans and tea kettles and so much more, as she settles into her new
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apartment. We have also started a fund raising campaign for Spozhmay and her family. I will post details on Bowen Island Everything Else. Thank you Tamara, thank you Nexwlélexwm, your spirit runs strong and deep around the world. - Brenda Morrison Associate Professor, SFU
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EDITOR Alex Kurial editor@bowenisland undercurrent.com
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CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2011
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Thursday, January 13, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A5
VIEWPOINTS
Wishing for resiliency in 2022 It’s not too late to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year. Last year I mentioned that 2020 was like Dickens “The Best of Times, the Worst of Times.” I had had so much kindness offered to me and learnt so much from Zoom groups and connecting with friends far and wide, despite feeling frustration with hardly traveling any further than Vancouver and not hugging anybody. There was a feeling that surely all those restrictions would end in 2021. After Christmas and the New Year spent alone for a second year, my feeling was somewhat different for welcoming 2022. Perhaps because on Boxing Day I woke up with frozen pipes and no water. I quickly found out I was not the only one. Then there was the thought that COVID and the environmental crisis is still with us.
My main feeling for 2022 is the need for resilience, to deal with what we do not know will come next. When I started to write this after a morning meditation, I switched on CBC and on the morning programme there was someone being interviewed on the importance of a daily meditation practice. Without a doubt this was one of the things that has kept me going this year. In the summer I gave meditations with instructions in my garden. Years of meditation retreats in silence and training to teach, seemed to fall into place with our new normal. Oh, how nice it would have been to have a Community Centre for when the weather is too bad for the garden. Yes, I know meditation is not for everyone, but taking up an art form, or really connecting with nature can also bring one to a more equanimous state of
mind, as meditation can do. Since March 2020 I have made it no secret that I have built up a tremendous relationship with trees. With travel difficulties and limitations on interacting with people, I have become slightly obsessed with trees. Those glorious creatures stand there ready to be hugged or leaned on. In late summer when the sun has gone from my garden, I take my tea to drink, sitting on stumps in the tree cemetery across the street from me, where the new Health Centre will go. In May of 2021 Suzanne Simard’s book ‘Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest,’ was published. Simard a UBC professor, grew up in the forest, and her grandfather was a horse logger, when only a few trees were cut at a time. She also worked as a forester and was appalled at how destructive it has become. Simard, at a
time that she was healing from cancer, became more involved in the life of trees. She tells us that they are societies, who take care of each other. The oldest are considered Mother trees. They connect underground and nourish each other. They are in fact a family and networks of underground fungi allow connected trees to share resources, such as water, nutrients and carbon. In many ways I see how folk on Bowen often act in a similar way to the trees. All the times I experienced difficulties over this holiday season, friends came by with water, food, an electric fire and even a comforting bottle of wine. Simard says about her book, “It’s not a book about how we can save the trees. It’s a book about how the trees may save us.” Simard’s book is so timely for those who for years have been protesting the cutting down of old growth forests. We
know about the terrible current destruction still going on and Fairy Creek in B.C. is an example. I was very sad that I could not be at the blockades trying to save one of the last stands of old growth forests. The RCMP violence towards protectors was inhuman, and the destruction of personal belongings and vehicles by the logging company would be too distressing. I do know that the artist Jean Bradbury of Bowen went there as a witness, and also made paintings of the devastation. Maybe my reason for feeling like resilience is what is needed for 2022, is that things are still quite rough. But maybe 2022 will surprise us with a more positive outcome – we can only hope. - Kami Kanetsuka
Beware big trees here on Bowen Reader advises steps can be taken to avoid catastrophe, following ‘tragic accident’ in Horseshoe Bay last week Dear Editor, May I start by first wishing my deep condolences to the Sharp family and especially Mike and Caroline’s son. It is sadly too often that some unusual tragic accident snaps us all awake to our own personal surroundings and makes you think; ‘My God, how easily could this happen to us?’ Well,livingonBowenIsland, quite possibly. You may have heard about the family living on Miller Road that had a similar experience last year that thankfully had a much less tragic outcome. In saying that, the falling tree luckily only clipped the corner of their house; but a foot inward would have been in the young daughter’s bedroom! I live in Deep Bay which is formerly known as Bowen Estates; and when the lots were being sold in the late 60’s and early 70’s they addressed such concerns by putting a ‘RESTRICTIVE COVENANT’ on each and every property. These covenants are still on our
legal land titles. Among a whole page of restrictions; Number 9 of the Schedule addresses such dangers and reads as this: 9). Allow trees, shrubs or other growth to grow upon or remain on the said premises in such a way or in such place as shall or may obstruct or interfere unduly with the view from other residences in the said Subdivision. Provided however that the Purchaser shall not without the consent in writing from the vendor cut down any tree presently growing on the said premises which shall be more than thirty (30) feet high or six (6) inches in diameter of the trunk measured four (4) feet from the ground. Provided further that the Purchaser shall be entitled, if in his opinion any tree is dangerous to person or property, to sever and remove not more than the top onethird of the height of such tree. In other words, if you have a tree(s) that is blocking your neighbour’s view or is over 30 feet tall or a tree trunk over
6 inches in diameter, 4 feet from the ground... it needs to be addressed. This is done on your nickel as well; and I urge all Deep Bay property owners to look up at their trees on their lots and realise that most of them were topped 50 years ago and need to be done yet again. And soon! Preferably before your neighbour has to ask you. I personally have a lovely Norwegian Spruce that needs a little off the top that I will be addressing . Hopefully this information will help prevent a similar tragedy from occurring in “Halloween Haven” and keep our community safe. Let us also not forget the other upside of less tall trees; returned ocean views, more sunlight and reduced roosts for the noisy murder of crows! Thank you to the Bowen Undercurrent for covering this important local news event. Sincerely, - Greg Pollard
Patient of the Week NOVA
Meet Nova! Nova is a handsome pup who made a trip over from his home on Pasley Island to visit us. We gave him some of his vaccines and he earned many treats for being such a good boy.
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A6 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, January 13, 2022
Polar Plunge!
There may not have been an offical event on New Year’s Day, but Boweners across the island still got together for the annual dip into freezing waters bright and early on January 1. More than a dozen gathered in Millers Landing, while Mila Konopa (bottom right) braved the cold at Bowen Bay Beach. SUBMITTED PHOTOS (JUDITH MCBRIDE - MILLERS LANDING PHOTOS)
T ha nk y ou t o a l l t he bus ines ses and orga n iz at i on s Akinakin Landwork and Homescapes Alderwood Farm Specialty Food Shop Angie Kirk Anne Boa Aqua Terra Eavetroughs Arbutus Point Property Management Art By Di Artisan Eats Cafe & Fine Foods Artisan Suites On Bowen Arts Pacific Gallery Barry Thomas Bark Pet Care Belterra Co-Housing Billi Behm 947 Swim B.I.R.C.H Birch Wellness Bowen Agricultural Alliance Blinds on Bowen Bowen Barber Shop Bowen Beer And Wine Cellar Bowen Building Centre Bowen Children's Centre Bowen Disc Golf Club Bowen E-bikes Bowen Fish And Wildlife Club Bowen In Transition Bowen Island Arts Council Bowen Island Community Choir Society Bowen Island Community Foundation Bowen Island Community School Bowen Island Heritage Preservation Bowen Island Community Recreation Bowen Island Community School Association Bowen Island Concrete Bowen Island Conservancy Bowen Island Dog Ranch Bowen Island Eco Alliance Bowen Island Event Rentals Bowen Island Fire Department Bowen Island Flower Shop Bowen Island Food Resilience Society Bowen Island Football Club Bowen Island Freight Bowen Island Garden Club Bowen Island Golf Association Bowen Island Gymnastics Club Bowen Island Health Centre Foundation Bowen Island Integrated Health Bowen Island Learning Centre Bowen Island Massage Therapy Bowen Island Montessori School Bowen Island Municipality Bowen Island Museum and Archives Bowen Island Pub Bowen Island Pet Supply Bowen Island Properties Ltd Bowen Island Public Library Bowen Island Rotary Bowen Island Sea Kayaking Bowen Island Roofing Bowen Island Septic Services Bowen Island Soap Co. Bowen Island Tattoo Shop Bowen Island Trail Society Bowen Island United Church Bowen Island Wellness Centre Bowen Island Yacht Club Bowen Sushi Bowen Towing Bowen Upholstery Bowen Veterinary Services Bowen Waste Solutions Inc. Bowenshire Branch on Bowen Canadian Doormaster Camp Bow-Isle Carmen Dives Carol Cram Catching Stars Gallery Cates Hill Chapel Cates Pharmacy Inc. Caulfeild Gallery CAWES CC's Chinese Restaurant Cindy May Photography Cloudflower Clayworks Cocoa West Chocolatier Connie Wright Original Knits Boutique Copper Spirit Distillery Ltd. Cormorant Marine Water Taxi Courtney Morris Creative Landscapes D.K. Harris Properties Ltd. Dee Elliot Die Goldschmiede Dr. Susanne Schloegl Dr. Carolyn Nesbitt Dr. Gloria Chao Dr. Tracy Leach Dr. Yvonne McSkimming Doc Morgan's Eagle Cliff Community Association Econo Moving & Storage Fabulous Finds on Bowen
Thursday, January 13, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A7
Staff told to expediate discussions with West Side water groups CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
The rezoning process began in the fall when an application was brought forward to consider the change. Council referred the question to several invested committees, who came back with differing views on the idea. The Housing Advisory Committee (HAC), Advisory Planning Commission and Environment and Climate Action Advisory Committee (ECAAC) were generally in favour of the proposal, with some suggestions. These included ensuring that steps be taken to address increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic, as well as determine rules around lot coverage. The Parks, Trails and Greenways Advisory Committees appeared more reluctant, citing “the impact of increased density on local trails and beaches in the area including increased foot traffic and beach visitation, parking, garbage, boat usage and the financial impacts due to increased staff maintenance that would come out of the BIM Parks budget.” Like
the ECAAC though they agreed to the plan if lot coverage was addressed. Currently structures in this zone – not including garages or accessory buildings – can cover up to 260 square metres, or almost 2,800 square feet. Council decided to include any secondary dwellings in this count, siding with the ECAAC and Parks committees. The HAC had requested new suites be part of a ‘bonus’ floor plan to incentivize building them. Council also determined any new residencewouldcountasoneofthetwo accessory structures allowed on a property. While there are 38 properties in the zone, the new rule wouldn’t immediately make all of them eligible due to a maximum lot coverage rule of 25 per cent. About 15 lots are big enough to accommodate a second unit while still falling under this number. But the proposal hit a sticking point with the King Edward Bay Water System Local Advisory Committee, whoarguedincreaseduserswouldput a strain on the system. Stating a mem-
orandum of understanding (MOU) with BIM “has not been signed, nor has any other form of progress been achieved,” the group unanimously voted against the rezoning. CAO Liam Edwards says the MOU with the West Side Water Systems is in the works but stalled in the fall due to Bluewater committee member concerns over what they called a lack of inclusive language. Council passed an additional resolution directing staff to revisit MOU discussions as soon as possible. Water wasn’t the only concern about the application though. Some councillors wondered whether it was a good idea to promote new housing so far from amenities. “We’re trying to prevent sprawl away from the Cove. We want to make sure that housing development is in easily serviceable areas, not on the other end of the island,” says Coun. Rob Wynen. “How does this fit into that plan of not wanting to see sprawl moving out
into the forest and across our island instead of trying to create strategically more growth in the Cove?” Coun. Sue Ellen Fast agreed. “I think rentals should be concentrated in Snug Cove as our official community plan (OCP) suggests. I wish I was seeing more reference to the OCP in these reports.” But Coun. Maureen Nicholson says increased density shouldn’t be limited to the Cove, calling that approach “not particularly practical, and rigid.” “If we have the potential to have a fairly significant number of rental homes in a decent area that has good roads and is going to have the utilities in place, then I’m all for that,” says Nicholson. Daniel Martin, manager of planning and development, added the Arbutus Ridge properties are being built no matter what, so allowing secondary dwellings there aren’t taking anything away from the Cove. Councillors did agree that the new units wouldn’t be allowed to operate
as short-term Airbnb-style rentals. But despite agreeing on much of the proposal, including the need for more housing on Bowen, councillors couldn’t come to terms on the water situation. “I’m concerned the local advisory committee couldn’t find support for it,” says Fast of King Edward’s objection. This caused a vote on the entire project to deadlock at 3-3 and fail. Coun. David Hocking had declared a conflict of interest and didn’t vote, saying he draws his water from the King Edward system. This prompted Fast to propose a diluted alternative for the meantime: proceed with the application minus the Area 1 properties that are on the King Edward tap. This left four lots on Malkin Creek Road, which council unanimously approved for rezoning. The rest of Arbutus Ridge will now need to wait until progress is made on an MOU with the local water advisory committees before the prospect of secondary dwellings is revisited.
B.C. recorded more overdose calls in 2021 than ever before EVERY HEALTH REGION IN B.C. SAW AN INCREASE IN OVERDOSE CALLS DURING 2021
DARREN HANDSCHUH
Castanet
There were more 911 overdose calls last year in B.C. than ever before. B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) received to close to 100 calls a day requiring paramedics to respond and, often, to bring patients back to life. BCEHS says that during the pandemic, the number
of overdose calls have steadily increased, and 2021 was another record-breaking year. Last year, paramedics responded to 35,525 overdoses – an increase of 31 per cent over the previous year. Surrey saw the most dramatic jump in calls, with an almost 50 per cent increase. Paramedics responded to 3,674 overdose calls in Surrey in 2021. “Overdoses are a regular part of every paramedic shift
in Surrey,” said unit chief Mike Topping. Every health region saw an increase in overdose calls during 2021. Fraser Health saw a 45 per centincrease,whiletheInterior Health (IH) region saw a 29 per cent jump. In IH, Kelowna led the way with 1,588 calls, Kamloops had 1,068, Penticton had 748, while Vernon recorded 457 calls. Northern Health, which saw a dramatic increase in
overdose calls in 2020, had the smallest increase in 2021. Also, Northern Health showed a 16 per cent increase, about half the provincial average. Vancouver Coastal: 11,204 (+24%) FraserHealth:10,573(+45%) Island Health: 5,917 (+32%) Interior Health: 5,417 (+29%) Northern Health: 2,414 (+16%) The Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Valley regions continue
to have the highest number of overdose calls as they include about 50 per cent of the province’s population. Vancouver, Surrey and Victoria remain the top communities for overdose calls. Vancouver: 9,993 (+23%) Surrey: 3,674 (+49%) Victoria: 1,952 (+24%) Almost every community in B.C. had more overdose patients in 2021 than the previous year – but some bucked the trend.
Courtenay: 127% increase; total overdoses 2021: 467 Cranbrook: 84% increase; total overdoses 2021: 191 Mission: 82% increase; total overdoses 2021: 397 Fort St. John: 22% decrease, total overdoses 2021: 97 Quesnel: 25% decrease, total overdoses 2021: 157 For a full list of community overdose call volumes, visit BCEHS online.
who keep our paper going and thank you for keeping them going. First Class Property Services Ltd First Credit Union Five Blossom Gatherings Flora Shamana Blooms Food On Bowen Frances Frost Felicity Buskard Frazer Elliott Friends Of The Library Gary Charette Roofing Inc Green Chair Recycling Greenbooks Greenscape Enterprises Greg Bosworth Handloggers Half Marathon Happy Isle Cannibis Company Hempcrete Natural Building Ltd. High Bar Contracting Ltd Home Farm Gardens Howe Sound Automotive I & I Towing and Hauling Ltd. Island Discovery Learning Community Island Pacific School Islands Trust Jason Dowdeswell (Studio Crew) Jen Harvey Jude Neale Julia Mcculloch Julio Montero JWT Architecture Knick Knack Nook Kim and Sean Whittall Landscaping by Steve Larry Schmidt Construction Leigh Automotive Ltd Liam Zahara Mary Lynn Machado Matthews I.T. Consulting Ltd McTaggart Water Systems Meribeth Deen Miki Tanaka Mil Con Custom Homes Monarch Paving Movement Global Design Inc Nelcan Electric Nexgen Hearing Nick Jennings Nicole Thomas Zyczynski OCASA Construction Ltd. Orchard Recovery Centre Ltd. Orbaek Takeaway & Meats Out Of The Blue Boutique Paradise Grill Park Royal Construction Peach Fuzz Wax Bar & Spa Pernille Nielsen Peter Dives Peter Winckler Phoenix Books Positively Fit Studio Present Moments Quickway Paint & Drywall Inc. RE-Uniting Productions Inc. Timothy B. Rhodes Riley's Cidery Rivendell Retreat Centre Robyn Fenton - Tectonic Architecture Royal Canadian Legion Branch 150 Rustique Bistro Sail Away Salon Calypso Sangre De Fruta Botanical Sarah Haxby Seascape Landscape Lighting Shana Richmond Shari Ulrich Small Seed Designs LTD. Snug Cafe Snug Cove General Store Snug Cove House St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church Stong's Market Squirrel On Bowen Sue Clarke Pottery SwimBowen Society & Cancer Care Fund Tell Your Friends Cafe The Cape on Bowen The Caring Circle The Real Rapunzel The Hearth Gallery The Lakelands The Ruddy on Bowen The Soup Fairy The Watering Can Supply Co. Theatre On The Isle Tir-Na-Nog Theatre School Tunstall Bay Community Association Tuscany Twin Island Excavating Underwater Angel Union Steamship Marina & Company Store Updynamic Vaune Kolber Vicky Frederiksen Vikki Fuller Art Village Baker Westcoast Micro Builds Whitehart Custom Home Builders Write on Bowen Festival Zoom Zoom Bowen
Happy new year Bowen
A8 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, January 13, 2022
Winter wonderland
While the rain is now returning, Bowen Island passed into the new year blanketed in snow, allowing for some magical end of year adventures and photo opportunities. Katrianna Skulsky spent New Year’s Eve with her group on Josephine Lake. Becca Fairbairn meanwhile went out for some mushing with her trusty pilots Rose and Meg. KATRIANNA SKULSKY - JOSEPHINE LAKE PHOTOS; JANI BUCKE - DOG SLED PHOTOS
Places of Worship Welcome You
Queen of Capilano Ferry Schedule to March 31, 2022
BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH E v l M
www.biuc.ca | 1122 Miller Road
FOOD BANK
Sunday Worship 10:30 am Rev. Lorraine Ashdown
DROP-OFF
ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 00 Sunday Mass at 9.30
Contact Angela Powell 604-947-2515
CATES HILL CHAPEL
A
www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260
W
(661 Carter Rd.)
Now offering worship services via Zoom. o A link available on website.
Pastor: Phil Adkins
SHIRAT HAYAM (Song of the Sea) BOWEN’S JEWISH COMMUNITY Shabbat Gatherings ~ Holidays Contact aryana.rayne@gmail.com
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DEPART BOWEN ISLAND
DEPART HORSESHOE BAY
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 7:40pm Except SAT 8:55 pm " - 8:30 pm 10:00 pm " - 9:30 pm 11:00pm " -10:30 pm
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 3:30 pm 4:35 pm 5:45 pm 6:50 pm 8:20 pm Except SAT 9:30pm " - 9:00 pm 10:30pm " - 10:00 pm
Please check bcferries.com for Saturday evening changes to January 15, 22, and 29 sailings Note: Schedules subject to change without notice:
Schedule changes on statutory holidays
Thursday, January 13, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A9
Cleanup continuing after king tides swamp West Vancouver waterfront Ambleside, Dundarave piers still closed after some pilings knocked out, Hollyburn Sailing Club also damaged JANE SEYD
North Shore News
Cleanup is continuing on West Vancouver’s waterfront this week after king tides of about 16 feet and a storm surge combined on Friday (Jan. 7) to swamp local parks, and wreak damage along the Centennial Seawalk. Crews worked all day over the weekend and were continuing on Monday and Tuesday to remove debris and reopen some areas of the Seawalk, said Donna Powers, spokesperson for the District of West Vancouver. Some parts of the Seawalk, between 19th and 25th streets in Dundarave, were found to be more significantly damaged than first thought after
debris was removed. “Logs, sand and garbage is still being removed and granite blocks need to be repositioned,” said Powers. Light standards were also damaged, and both the poles and wiring need to be repaired, she added. The municipality plans to clear debris and broken items before reopening the Seawalk, by Wednesday. There will be additional rolling closures of some sections over the coming weeks as repairs are done, said Powers. Ambleside, John Lawson and Dundarave piers all sustained damage and will remain closed for the foreseeable future, said Powers. “Engineering assessments will take place soon, but we
know they are structurally unsound and need repairs before they can be open to the public.” “You can just look at the piers and see that they’re missing pilings. Pilings being the things that hold them up,” she said. The fenced dog walk has also been badly damaged, and will remain closed, said Powers. The Ambleside section of the Seawalk is open with damaged areas marked with cones so that people can use the Seawalk and move around the damaged areas, she added. “It’s not as bad as the Vancouver Seawall images that you’ve seen, but it’s similar in that, the sea just got under the asphalt and it lifted it up and it’s tilted, it’s smashed. There’s still
a lot of debris to clean up, like sand and gravel has been dumped everywhere,” Powers said. The damage comes after much of the West Vancouver waterfront wasswampedbyhuge tides combined with high winds Friday morning. Residents described parks and parking lots as resem- A king tide and high winds combined to create flooding and damage on the West Vancouver bling lakes on Friday. waterfront Jan. 7. DISTRICT OF WEST VANCOUVER PHOTO
Hollyburn Sailing Club communications officer Mike The West Vancouver shoreline and Seawalk received significant Bretner surveys damage to the clubhouse from the Jan. damage from Friday’s storm surge. Logs and debris cover Dundarave Pier. PAUL MCGRATH / NORTH SHORE NEWS 7, 2021 windstorm. PAUL MCGRATH / NORTH SHORE NEWS
Garden Club Do You Know What Your Veggies Need? Speaker: Linda Gilkeson Date/time: January 17 at 7 p.m.
WE VALUE BC With concerns for our health, safety and finances, it has been a challenging time for us all. At BC Assessment, we know that your home matters. You can expect reliability and accuracy when you receive your 2022 property assessment, based on the market value as of July 1, 2021. If you haven’t received your assessment notice or you have concerns, we are here to help. Call us at 1-866-valueBC or visit bcassessment.ca. Access and compare property information using our free assessment search service at bcassessment.ca.
For more property information and assessment highlights, visit bcassessment.ca
The deadline to file an appeal of your assessment is January 31, 2022
Did you know it can be too hot for tomatoes? Is your soil too acidic for beets? Linda Gilkeson will give the Garden Club a Zoom presentation on Monday, January 17 at 7 p.m. which will cover how plants actually ‘work’, what stresses them and what they need, from nutrients and microbes in the soil to irrigation and protection from temperature extremes. You will learn what causes growth disorders and how to prevent them, including premature flowering, blossom end rot, button heads, sunscald and other problems caused by poor growing conditions. Linda Gilkeson, author of “Backyard Bounty: The Complete Guide to Year-Round Organic Gardening in the Pacific Northwest”, has a Ph.D. in Entomology from McGill University and is a keen organic gardener with over 30 years of gardening experience on the West Coast. She is a regular instructor in Master Gardener programs and gives courses and workshop on organic gardening and pest management. This is a Zoom presentation open only to members of the Bowen Island Garden Club. Membership info: bowenislandgardenclub.ca
See you on Zoom Monday January 17 at 7 pm bowenislandundercurrent.com
A10 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, January 13, 2022
Your Community
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HEALTH & WELLNESS BOWEN ISLAND WELLNESS CENTRE 604-947-9755
at the entrance to Artisan Square Suite 597 7
To advertise here please call 604947-2442
Book online at bowenislandwellnesscentre.ca
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Thursday, January 13, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A11
CALENDAR TO JANUARY 15
F i n e s f o r Fo o d C l e a r yo u r l i b r a r y f i n e s fo r h a l f t h e c o s t , w i t h a l l p ro c e e d s g o i n g t o t h e Fo o d B a n k fo r f re s h fo o d p u r c h a s e s E x . I f yo u h a v e $ 1 0 i n f i n e s , p a y $ 5 i n t o t h e Fo o d B a n k d o n a t i o n j a r, and your fines will be cleared Applies only to overdue fines, not for damaged or missing items
M O N D AY J A N U A R Y 1 7
Do You know what your veggies need? Zoom event with speaker Linda Gilkeson. Author of “Backyard Bounty : The Complete Guide to Ye a r - R o u n d O r g a n i c G a r d e n i n g i n t h e Pa c i f i c N o r t h w e s t ”, G i l k e s o n
h a s a P h . D. i n E n t o m o l o g y f r o m McGill University and is a keen organic gardener with over 30 years of gardening experience on t h e We s t C o a s t . 7 p m . Fo r g a r d e n club members. Membership info at b o w e n i s l a n d g a r d e n c l u b. c a
T H U R S D AY J A N U A R Y 2 0
Library Champions (New Immigrants Helping Other New Immigrants) Online Info Session via Zoom. Learn about Librar y Champions and how to help others in the c o m m u n i t y. T h i s i s a p r o g r a m for folks who are permanentresidents (but not Canadian citizens), to help gain volunteer
work experience, make connections, and help other new immigrants learn about the resources available to them via libraries and b e y o n d . Fi n d o u t m o r e at librar ychampions. ca and register for the Zoom info session at: tinyurl.com/3tr x6v2d
Eyes on the prize
This Red-Shouldered Hawk was spotted in the Fairweather neighbourhood seeking a late December lunch. After a few minutes of searching it made up its mind and took off in the direction of its selected meal. HAIG FARRIS PHOTO
JANUARY 2330
Family Literacy Week Come play Book Bingo at the Library and see how many different kinds of books you can read this month. We’ l l p o s t y o u r B i n g o s u c c e s s e s o n o u r Wa l l o f Fa m e ! P r i n t a t h o m e and find other literacy activities at: bipl.link/ F LW
BOWEN HOME SERVICES love the life you live Landscape Lighting Irrigation BOWEN ISLAND SPECIALISTS! QUALITY SERVICE GUARANTEED! Keep Calm and Call Econo
604.980.3333
991 West First Street, North Vancouver, BC www.economovingandstorage.com
I&I TOWING HAULING LTD
Vehicles • Construction Equipment Sea-Can Containers • Tiny Homes Bowen Island • Greater Vancouver Vancouver Island • Sunshine Coast
Seascape Bruce Culver
Office: 604-947-9686
Cell: 604-329-3045 NEW CONSTRUCTION RENOVATIONS RESTORATION ADDITIONS SECONDARY STRUCTURES UNIQUE OUTDOOR SPACES SUB CONTRACT WORK
BUILT GREEN BC BUILDER CONTACT US FOR A FREE QUOTATION WWW.WHITEHART.CA ADDRESS 302-566 ARTISAN LANE BOWEN ISLAND, BC PHONE 1 (778) 999-3434
Michael Bingham • 604 947 1717 ianditowhaul@gmail.com
Window Blinds On Bowen 778-995-1902
live the life you love To reserve a spot on this page, contact us at 604-947-2442 or ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com
A12 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, January 13, 2022
BC Ferries warns of potential service interruptions due to crew shortages Like many other transportation providers, BC Ferries is anticipating that a combination of issues may result in unplanned service disruptions on all routes, and particularly on inter-island routes, over the coming months. There is no single factor driving service interruptions. It is a combination including the Omicron variant’s potential to impact
employee wellness, regular cold and flu season, severe winter storms, vaccination policies that have reduced crew availability and the global shortage of professional mariners making it difficult to hire replacement staff. Crewing is a complex, logistical task that considers the individual’s qualifications and the number of skilled mariners required for the various roles onboard
each vessel, as well as where they live and work. Regulations require these positions to be filled with the appropriate crew, or the vessel cannot sail. Even a small number of crew that are unavailable to sail can have a significant impact on service if replacements are challenging to find. To mitigate this risk, BC Ferries relies on staffing pools with crew held in reserve, cross-training employees so they can be
redeployed from one location to another as required, and overtime pay for employees who cover gaps. In the event these mitigations are not successful, the company modifies service. BC Ferries’ goal is to avoid service disruptions wherever it can; to communicate service disruptions as soon as they become known; and to look for ways to minimize the impact these disruptions have on customers through the use of water taxis or other contracted marine service providers, where these services exist and are available. BC Ferries understands the importance of providing reliable ferry service, especially for ferry dependent communities and customers who use the ferry system to get to work, school, medical appointments, or to visit family and friends.
BC Ferries will do its utmost to avoid and minimize disruption to service, even when faced with a combination of factors. While a route may operate on a modified schedule, no route is expected to be suspended completely. BC Ferries thanks its customers for continuing to support the ferry system under these more trying times. The company acknowledges and thanks its employees for their willingness to work extra hours and move between positions to ensure the least number of sailings possible are affected. For the most up-to-date sailing information, visit BC Ferries’ website or follow @BCFerries on Twitter. To view the status of all routes at a glance, visit https://www. bcferries.com/routes-atglance.
Library Board appointed
Bowen Island council selected nine people to serve on the Public Library Board at their January 10 meeting. The chosen members are: Kelee Ngan Jeb Gutelius Rachelle Smalldon Sue Ellen Fast (Councillor) Manusha Janakiram Melissa Harrison Windy Dorresteyn Susan Munro Donald Heth
DEPARTS SNUG COVE HORSESHOE BAY
SUN to THURS FRI & SA. ed 11:15PM ns suspend5AM u r ter 12:30AM ommu
dc
ight anAfternoon Commuter Runs S Late n Mon - Fri Horseshoe Bay - Snug Cove
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 PRIVATE CHARTERS AVAILABLE ANYTIME
email: cormorantmarine@telus.net web: cormorantwatertaxi.com
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Since 1978