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PAGE 8
Islands Trust public engagement sessions on Bowen this weekend
ORGANIZATION SEEKING INPUT FROM ALL ISLAND COMMUNITIES ALEX KURIAL Editor
ЩЕ НЕ ВМЕРЛА УКРАЇНИ І СЛАВА, І ВОЛЯ: Ylonka Lupenec performed a moving rendition of the Ukrainian national anthem at last Saturday’s Ukraine fundraiser at Cates Hill Chapel. The concert and auction raised more than $17,000, which will be donated to the Red Cross to aid victims of the war being waged by Russia on the nation. For more photos, and a message from the organizers, check out Pages 5, 8 and 9. / Alex Kurial photo
A pair of in-person information sessions on the Islands Trust 2050 plan will take place on Bowen Island this weekend. The sessions are part of Islands Trust’s continuing efforts gathering feedback to help update the organization’s policy statement and outline objectives for the next 30 years. The last time major changes were made to the document was 1994. Issues being focused on include those stated in the “preserve and protect” mandate Islands Trust is guided by, along with areas not covered in the old agreement. Some of these include climate change, reconciliation with First Nations groups, forests and agriculture, and affordable housing. A draft statement is now available to the public, and a detailed description of potential changes can be found here. The group is now in its third phase of engagement efforts. Phase 1, which began back in 2019, consisted of open houses and information booths and displays on the many member islands. An online discussion space existed as well. Feedback was used to shape engagement for Phase 2 in 2021, which shifted almost entirely online due to the COVID pandemic, and involved a virtual open house and online survey. Now, with restrictions lifting, Islands Trust is returning to in-person events for their third and final phase of public feedback. Two are scheduled for Bowen on Sunday, March 27: one from 11 am to 3 pm at an event booth outside USSC, and an evening session from 6:30 to 8 pm at the library. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
A2 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, March 24, 2022
Recreation Summer Camp Job Postings
Events March 28, 2022 12:30 pm Eagle Cliff Water System Local Advisory Committee Meeting March 28, 2022 6:15 pm Regular Council Meeting
Bowen Island Municipality is pleased to accept applications for four (4) full-time summer camp positions. Hours and approximate weeks of work: Daycamp Leaders (2) 40 hours/week, Monday – Friday. June 6 – August 30, 2022. Daycamp Assistants (2) 40 hours/week, Monday – Friday. June 20 – August 30, 2022.
March 30, 2022 2:00 pm Hood Point Water System Local Advisory Committee Meeting
For more information on how to apply: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/jobs
March 30, 2022 6:00 pm Cove Bay Water System Local Advisory Committee Meeting
Municipal Water System Local Advisory Committee meetings will run from Monday, March 28, 2022 until Friday, April 1, 2022.
March 31, 2022 1:00 pm Snug Cove Sewer Local Management Committee Meeting
Residents are encouraged to contact their LAC ahead of the meeting for concerns they would like addressed. Residents will be able to watch the meeting, however participation will be limited.
Upcoming water meetings
March 31, 2022 5:00 pm Bluewater Park Local Advisory Committee Meeting March 31, 2022 7:00 pm Bowen Bay Local Advisory Committee Meeting April 1, 2022 9:00 am King Edward Bay Local Advisory Committee Meeting April 1, 2022 11:00 am Tunstall Bay Local Advisory Committee Meeting
Best wishes to Sandi Laudrum We would like to extend our sincere appreciation for the 22 years Sandi Laudrum has given to the community at Bowen Island Municipality. As our longest serving employee, hired at incorporation, Sandi has seen our small government grow from a couple of staff and elected officials in 1999 to the highly functioning organization it is today. Here is a collection of stories shared by Sandi’s co-workers: “Sandi has the respect of the community, in particular the builders on the Island. She was kind to everyone who came into the building department and went out of her way to provide information. She was the go-to person for staff to obtain historical information about any property (she had lived in or next to many of the properties).” “Sandi has the best outfits and always wears the most fabulous footwear. I remember she came to work the day before Canada day in white patent leather boots with a red maple leaf on them and I thought that was so cool.” “Sandi loved her Jeep Cherokee. She loved that Jeep so much that when she had the chance to buy Mayor Jack’s newer silver grey model, she bought that too!!” “Sandi is a very thoughtful person to work with. She’s always willing to help, even when she was juggling many different tasks. Thank you for sharing your experience, Sandi. I enjoyed working with you.”
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/water-and-sewer
Use of Pesticides
“Retirement will give Sandi time to pursue a new career in personal shopping (if the word gets out – the queue will form from the ferry terminal to the Hall) – she sure knows how to find the best deals!” “Sandi was such an integral part of the department. Her historical knowledge was invaluable and yes! Her outfits were the best! She is missed.”
Council adopted Pesticide Use Control Bylaw No. 556, 2021 on March “On my very first day starting work at the municipality, I was being introduced to everyone and, as small towns go, we were all trying to 14th, 2022. figure out how and if we knew each other already. Sandi said “you must know me, I’m the one with the twin boys”. As I have two boys The pesticide bylaw was developed because residents were myself, I related to her instantly. I think about that exchange warmly, concerned about the risks that pesticides pose to the health and her motherly love and pride, every time I see her. They are as lucky to well-being of the community and the environment. This affects pesticide use on outdoor trees, shurbs, flowers, ornamental gardens have her as we were to work with her.” and plants, and turf on public or private lands within Bowen Island Sandi has been with us through thick and thin, and as things change Municipality. and evolve, she always represented BIM with friendliness and efficiency. We know that many in our community will miss doing The bylaw applies to properties used for residential purposes and business with her at the building desk, and we will miss her warm municipally-owned public lands. It does not apply to: smile. lands used for agriculture, forestry, transportation or public utilities; From all of us at Bowen Island Municipality, Sandi, we wish you all the lands zoned commercial, industrial or institutional, and; very best in your retirement. Provincial and Metro Vancouver lands. www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/pesticides
Contact Bowen Island Municipality PAID ADVERTISEMENT March 24, 2022
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Thursday, March 24, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A3
ISLAND NEWS
Bowen eBikes Is Hiring Interact with visitors and Be a great ambassador for the Island
Questions about IslandsTrust survey composition CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
There’s also a pair of virtual meetings via Zoom. The first was held Tuesday, March 22, and there’s another Tuesday, March 29 at 6 pm. Registration info can be found on the Islands Trust website. Bowen feedback so far shows locals are most interested in ‘connection to nature’ and ‘ecosystem protection’, categories determined by Islands Trust. More specifically this included ocean and water protection, preventing deforestation, and protecting shorelines and other vulnerable areas. Phase 3 also contains an online survey, though some councillors expressed issues with this method at a Committee of the Whole meeting last week. “I thought many of the questions were not just double-barrelled, but quadrupole-barrelled,” said Coun. Maureen Nicholson. “There was a lot of content in single questions. And as a result my responses were often frankly not meaningful. At the end of the survey I really wasn’t certain what I had conveyed.” Coun. David Hocking says there were “questions that clumped things together, like forestry and agriculture… I have different opinions about forestry versus agriculture… You had questions about water, whether we should do rainwater capture, but only for secondary water use rather than primary water use.” “I felt you tried to do too much in each question… I would agree with one part but not the other part,” said Hocking. Mayor Gary Ander added the survey is “not user friendly.”
Project manager Kirsty Neill with ISL Engineering, who are conducting much of the engagement, says questions were grouped into the same blocks as they appear in the draft policy statement. She says she’ll raise survey concerns with staff. “We’re definitely hearing people say ‘yes, I’m having challenges here.’ But you are also getting really quality, actionable feedback so far,” says Neill. “Islanders so far have been really up to the challenge.” Coun. Michael Kaile, who also serves as a trustee on Islands Trust, called attention to the “Herculean effort” necessary to revise a nearly 30 year-old document. “It really is a very challenging and daunting task.” Fellow Islands Trust trustee, Coun. Sue Ellen Fast, says she’s happy the policy statement is receiving the long-awaited refresh, and that people’s submissions do help shape the process. “Especially with topics like climate change, reconciliation and housing, these are all hot issues with crisis language around them. So there’s a lot of people with strong ideas, and that’s what we’re trying to capture here,” says Fast. “There’s a lot of interest, and even regional districts are different… So I’m not surprised at the amount, and the vehemence of people’s ideas and visions of the future, and their wanting to have their say,” she adds. Phase 3 consultation runs until April 17. Results will become public in May.
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$9 million Islands Trust budget given green light SURVEY ANSWERS SHOW OVERWHELMING DISPLEASURE TOWARD ORGANIZATION ALEX KURIAL Editor The Islands Trust budget was approved by trustees at the organization’s quarterly meeting in Nanaimo earlier this month. The $9.1 million final total will carry Islands Trust through the next year. $768,500 will come through grants, a new record for the organization. Bowen will be contributing $323,769, up $12,581 or four per cent from last year. Three-quarters of this will come from taxpayers, with the other quarter via taxes on new development and construction on the island. Bowen’s municipal levy has risen nearly six figures in the past nine years, from a 2013/14 total of $225,614. The budget that year was $6.9 million. Islands Trust says Bowen “contributes to regional programs and Conservancy costs (not land use planning) based on their proportional share of Trust Area property values. Bowen Island taxpayers contribute to regional programs and Conservancy costs to almost the same extent as other island taxpayers.” Bowen-focused areas of the budget include a groundwater sustainability science program, with specific attention to mapping recharge potential. Another mapping project, for heritage preservation, is also planned. A further emphasis will be the development of an affordable housing model bylaw for consideration by the municipality. Islands Trust trustee Michael Kaile, who was largely skeptical of the original draft budget, says conversations he had at the quarterly meeting brought him on board. “We couldn’t have done this if we were all on Zoom,” said Kaile, explaining trustees and staff conversed together into the night before returning with a proposal acceptable to nearly everybody the next day. “If you’re dealing with very difficult and complex situations, it’s a darn sight better to do it in person than it is
remotely,” said Kaile. Survey results conducted during the budget process though paint a largely dissatisfied local picture among respondents. 56 of 59 comments specifically mentioning Bowen Island expressed a negative viewpoint of Islands Trust, ranging from it being a financial drain, to claims of mandate and bureaucratic overreach, to calling for an expulsion of the organization altogether. A sampling of people’s thoughts: “Bowen Island costs should be significantly reduced - no need for same level of support/services as other islands that are not supported by a municipality.” “The expenses are too high, especially for Bowen Island, which does not need another local government competing with the Bowen Island Municipality government.” “The Islands Trust serves no purpose for the Bowen Island Community. They are a redundant legacy that constitutes a cash drain to the residents of Bowen with no benefit.” “I was of the view that the Islands Trust initially provided a useful function for Bowen Island, but no longer does as Bowen Island is now a municipality. BIM is the only municipality in the Islands Trust and it provides the same functions as the Islands Trust. Over the past 4 years, Bowen Island has provided tax revenues of $1,283,000 to the Islands Trust. These monies could have been more usefully used by BIM to fund other programmes including water, affordable housing, etc. Bowen Island is presently governed by 4 levels of government: the Province, The Islands Trust, Metro Vancouver and BIM. This is an unnecessary and wasteful use of public monies, and the Islands Trust is the worst example of this.” “Bowen needs water, sewer, building permits, road repairs - not the Islands Trust.” “Bowen Island municipality urgently needs to preserve funding for our own local priorities. Islands Trust is a drain on our finances for programs of highly questionable value.” “No presence on Bowen Island except when it’s time to collect tax dollars. Have lived here 30 years and can’t think of any pro-active policy or program that has been implemented.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
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A4 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, March 24, 2022
VIEWPOINTS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Ukraine benefit
Just over two weeks ago, I got a call from Ellen MacIntosh. She said “Hey Lorraine. What is happening in Ukraine is devastating. Should we pull together a fundraiser?” And so we did. Yes was the word of the day. Everyone we asked to participate said “Yes.” The musicians, the volunteers, and the artists and donors to the Silent Auction. We had 51 items in the Silent Auction. Most of the donors contacted us- we did not need to contact them. Offers where made of artwork, clothing, flowers, a guitar, hand knit baby blankets, skin and beauty products and much, much more. So thank you to Bowen Island. Over 100 people came out on Saturday night and the Spirit in the air was one of gratitude, some sorrow, a collective sigh that we could all be together and a deep longing for peace. As of Tuesday evening, we raised just over $17,000. Thank you to all who participated. Thank you Kathy Clarke and her angels for pulling together the auction. Thank you Julie Saxton, Martin Beckett, Phil Adkins, Alfred and Laura Rahn, Dyan and Ted Spear, Earl Jenkins and Peter McLean for setting up the stage and the space. Thank you David Cameron for your humour and tenderness as our MC. Thank you Tracey Lee Hearst, Leanne Romak, Hobey Walker, Damian and Rosemarie Leverton for pulling together the goodies and for managing the door. Thank you Anita Schuler for creating over 100 packets of sunflower seeds to be planted and tended to over the coming years. Thank you Tanya Voormej de Zwart for creating the beautiful poster and helping to spread the word. Thank you Keona Hammond for being our constant mic sanitizer. Thank you Cates Hill Chapel and Island Pacific School for granting us your space. Thank you Andrew Stone and BIMA for making everyone sound good. To all of the performers: you brought your heart to every song. Thank you. To all of the auction donors- your generosity was noted and commented on by so many. Thank you. And finally, thank you to Bowen Island. Thank you to those who filled the room with love and hope and to those of you who sent donations knowing you could not be at the event. Our hearts remain with the people of Ukraine. We wait for peace in this complex world. We are very proud and honoured to be part of this beautiful community with such a large, open and generous heart. - Lorraine Ashdown Ellen MacIntosh
Editorial Hi folks,
It was wonderful to see the massive support Saturday night for the Ukraine benefit concert and silent auction. So many people came out, bid on items, donated online and at the door, and got behind a wonderful cause. Those lucky enough to be in attendance were treated to some pretty wonderful music as well! The songs, while mostly soulful and reflective, still managed to paint a picture of optimism and hope at times, that a peaceful resolution may come of this horrid war. Ruta Yawney’s haunting notes on the bandura, and Ylonka Lupenec’s emotional performance of
the Ukrainian national anthem were certainly highlights of the evening. Hearty congratulations to Lorraine Ashdown and Ellen MacIntosh for putting together and pulling off such a special event! A reminder there are several other upcoming events where Bowen residents can make an impact here on the island. This Saturday a group of amphibious folks will be diving down into the waters of Snug Cove to give the sea floor a sprucing up. And on Sunday there’s a pair of Islands Trust meetings at USSC and the library. It’s clear that Boweners have strong opinions on the organization... so this is your chance to get out and see what’s going on with the much-discussed institution. There’s also another screening in the Black History Film Series at the library next Thursday, March 31. Last month’s film, ‘Just Mercy’, examined civil rights issues, the death penalty, wrongful incarceration, and
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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more. This month, ‘Hidden Figures’ dives into the largely untold story of the Black women behind one of America’s greatest space achievements. The movie starts at 6, come check it out! And a quick reminder that despite our current ambulance issues (which there are rumors will be resolved soon) there is always the option in an emergency to reach the mainland by the Bowen Responder, operated by Cormorant Marine. This option can be coordinated with a traditional 911 call. There’s also the helicopter ambulance, so options do remain in the most serious of circumstances. Finally, next week is an island-wide issue for the Undercurrent. So as always, if you have something you’re dying for your neighbour or the island at large to see, send it to our email! Take care everyone, - Alex Kurial, editor
National NewsMedia Council.
EDITOR Alex Kurial 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
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Thursday, March 24, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A5
VIEWPOINTS
Checking the schedule... I’m a lifelong transit-user – from Manhattan to Jerusalem to Moose Jaw and Bowen; it’s the result of respecting the environment by eliminating one less motor vehicle from the road, parking lot or ferry, with less carbon monoxide discharge. So when transit on Bowen Island betrays its passengers – it really hurts. This occurred to me twice on the same day, Friday, March 11: in the late afternoon needing to convey a time-sensitive document to Canada Post by their 4 pm pre-dispatch deadline, I waited in the Deep Bay neighbourhood for transit to arrive, only to see the driver sail right past Melmore without even turning in to that portion of the route. I rushed to the post office on foot and just made the cut-off. Later, I walked to the timing point at Snug Cove in plenty of time to catch the 5:05 pm transit departure for Deep Bay, standing there for over one half hour, with no arrival of either transit route, while gradually realizing B.C. Ferries had eliminated the daily 4:55 pm arrival on the island. The afternoon was cold, quite damp and raining (all good reasons for using transit!) – dismal, it could have been late November rather than mid-March; there
was no choice but to talk back to Deep Cove in the chilling rain. Ironically, just the previous evening, a transit driver told a Deep Cove passenger that the bus must travel up and down Melmore because ‘it’s the law’, ergo I felt assured waiting for my bus on Melmore next day. Bowen transit operators misperceive their highly developed sense of entitlement when they elect to drop entire trips and drop guaranteed portions of fixed-route routing in exchange for lavishly long layovers listening to the national broadcaster or fiddling with their electronic devices all the while passengers find themselves out standing in the rain indefinitely. The island transit network is autonomous: on one hand, it works closely with ferry schedules, on the other, its mandate is to operate its routes as per its own published schedules to enable passengers to transit between point A and point B whom are not even utilizing the ferries. I hereby dub the harbour village ‘Smug Cove’ to honour island transit operators… - Réal Saint Laurent
Poll results
Gary’s Corner
Your Mayoral newsletter March 18, 2022 - Hello, Bowen Island. I’ve been speaking with many of you recently about current issues at the Municipality, so I thought it might be helpful for a wider audience in the community to hear from me directly. Thus, I’ll be writing to you occasionally with something along the lines of a Mayoral newsletter. I, along with my colleagues on Council and the staff at Bowen Island Municipality, want to do our best to make sure you have accessible and up-to-date information about issues that affect you. I hope that you will find Gary’s Corner informative and useful. Snug Cove sewer. In January, I released a video message talking about the challenges we’re currently facing, so I wanted to give an update on this situation. The system is at capacity and at risk of overflow, and in January we were in the very difficult position of putting a moratorium on issuing building permits to properties that wanted to connect to the sewer. Since then, we’ve been working on a priority basis to come up with a solution that will serve in the short-term and the longer term to address the capacity issue. Efforts have been made to reduce the amount of stormwater and groundwater entering the sewer collection system by rehabilitating the points that staff have been able to identify. The upgrades to the sewer system can happen in two phases. Phase 1 will include increasing the equalization storage in the wastewater treatment plant and will enable the plant to operate at its full capacity. In reviewing the Phase 1 upgrades, we determined that the five residential properties that were awaiting their building permits can begin their builds and connect to the sewer as planned. Once Phase 1 upgrades are completed, we will conduct a review to determine how much capacity there is in the system to see if we can accommodate additional connections from existing properties, such as those in the Fox Glove Lane and Cates Hill area. We can start looking at Phase 2 around this time next year. Phase 2 will advance the sewer system capacity to accommodate any additional anticipated development over the next 20 years.
A great response to this week’s poll, with 111 votes. The results are pretty even, with almost half of people saying they’re through with the face coverings while just over a third of voters say they’ll be keeping it up for awhile. Around 20 per cent of people will be basing things on the situation they find themselves in. No matter what your answer or practice, please be respectful to everyone’s different approaches as we are all at different comfort levels more than two years into this pandemic, and can all use each other’s support and kindness more than ever. And most importantly, stay safe out there! - Alex
On fallen trees Dear Editor,
My garden looks out onto Senior Road, (which is really a lane) where huge trucks and backhoe loaders have been working for months. First with the apartments on the corner and now with the dismantling of the ridge that leads to the school. There was once a lovely trail that I walked to get to the school, (a big shortcut). That was the first area to be dismantled, and I heard every tree being cut down, which was very distressing. I assumed this was connected with the Community Centre, which seems to be going ahead. I then heard it said that it was for housing? I really do not know why everything is being cut down. It was once usual to inform houses that would be affected by very
disruptive work that starts early in the morning and to say what it was for. I was totally unaware of this latest work. It’s disturbing to see that there appears to be no true understanding of how important nature is. I know it would be difficult to cut the trees the way Indigenous people once did, with prayers before and gratitude after, but there seems to be total unawareness of the importance of nature or of the people in the surrounding area. (Maybe it’s time to learn something from First Nations people.) I was compelled to write this after reading a Mary Oliver poem on trees. Saddened by global horrors, mutilation of the earth adds more misery. - Kami Kanetsuka
Now for the financing. In January, we approved $1.6 million to fund Phase 1, and this will come from our Capital Renewal and Replacement Fund as well as Accumulated Surplus. Now, this is a decision we did not take lightly. Generally, these funds are used for assets that benefit the entire community and not just a local utility area. But we feel this was the right thing to do, because these upgrades are necessary - not just for the new properties who want to connect to the sewer, but to ensure we remain within our permit under Municipal wastewater regulations. This work must go ahead, and it is proceeding without delay. The sewer system is integral to many of Council’s priorities for Snug Cove, and it’s the home for many of the amenities and public services that the community relies upon. It’s fair that some of the costs to upgrade the system be attributed to all taxpayers, but it’s also fair that the property owners within the service area that receive the direct benefit of the service, should pay a portion.
Continue reading at bowenislandmunicipality.ca
Mayor Gary Ander
A6 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, March 24, 2022
A special evening: Bowen Ukraine fundraiser brings in over $17,000 It was a full house at Cates Hill Chapel on Saturday, March 19 in support of the fundraising concert and silent auction for Ukraine. More than 100 people attended and a little over $17,000 was raised for the Red Cross. Many talented Bowen performers took the stage, including (clockwise from top left): The Chillbillies, featuring event co-organizer Lorraine Ashdown, Liz Watson and Dyan Spear; Shasta Martinuk and event co-organizer Ellen MacIntosh; Dave Cameron keeping the crowd entertained as MC; Peter Clarke; Neil Hammond; Shari Ulrich; Mary Letson; Contraband, featuring Ellen MacIntosh, Rory MacIntosh, Kellie Burnett, Will Husby and Sue Ellen Fast; and Ted Spear (below). / Alex Kurial 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
604 988
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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OWEN IS SLAND DEPART BO
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 Saturdays 8:55 pm ....... on Sat. 8:30 pm 10:00 pm ...... on Sat. 9:30 pm 11:00pm ...... on Sat.10:30 pm
5:50 0 am 6:50 0 am 8:00 0 am 9:05 5 am except Wednesdays 10:1 15 am 11:2 25 am 12:3 35 pm 2:20 0 pm 3:3 30 pm 4:35 pm 5:45 pm 6:50 pm 8:20 pm - except Saturdays 9:30pm ....... on Sat. 9:00 pm 10:30pm ......on Sat. 10:00 pm
Cancelled on Saturday March 19 and April 2, 9, 2022: 8:30 pm departing Snug Cove 9:00 pm departing Horseshoe Bay Note: Schedules subject to change without notice
Please check BCFERRIES.COM Schedule changes on statutory holidays
Thursday, March 24, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A7
More than 50 items donated for silent auction
A silent auction down the path at Island Pacific School was generously supported by community members. More performers included (clockwise from top left): Peter McLean; Earl Jenkins; Alison and Darryl Nixon; and Ruta Yawney playing the bandura with vocals by Donna Dutchak (above). At the end of the evening Ted Spear gathered all the musicians on stage for a finale. / Alex Kurial photos; Murray Atherton group photo
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Patients of the Week BRUCE & WALTER Meet Bruce and Walter. Both of these handsome guys are rescues from Texas. When they were first adopted, they both were positive for heartworm. Bruce was treated and became negative about a year ago, and we recently were able to test and get the good news that Walter is now negative as well! Whenever you adopt a dog from a heartworm prone area, it is very important to get them tested and treated as soon as possible!
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A8 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, March 24, 2022
Ribbons for Ukraine
FORMER REFUGEE WANTS TO EXPRESS SUPPORT FOR THOSE SUFFERING THE SAME CURRENT FATE
ALEX KURIAL Editor Crises often spur people into wondering what they can do to help. And even if the gesture may seem small, every bit can add up to make a difference. That’s the attitude of one long-time Bowen resident, Ise Duffek, who was inspired to action when she saw what was happening with those displaced by the war in Ukraine, particularly the millions of refugees forced to flee their homes. “I know exactly what those poor Ukrainians have to go through now. And I thought, what can I do?” says Duffek, shortly before celebrating her 96th birthday this past weekend with her family. Duffek, who came to Bowen in 1981, is originally from Germany. Her departure from the country was not a scheduled one. As the Soviets bore down on the country at the end of World War II, the teenage Duffek fled along with her mother and two younger brothers. “Somebody picked us up by bus in the middle of the night… We each had our suitcases, and hopped on the bus… and managed to get on the boat,” she recalls. After finding many German cities already occupied by refugees fleeing Soviet advancement, the boat set sail north for Denmark.
Duffek and her family were given residence in a refugee camp vacated by retreating German forces. It would be their home for the next two-and-a-half years. “It was an awful time. When we left our city the Russians were already coming and we heard guns. So I know what it’s like, and I’ll never forget it… We just escaped in time.” “When it says they’re hoping for just a few months, I’m sure the few months will turn into years. Because it’s just horrible to leave everything that all the generations have built up, and just take a suitcase of a few shirts and socks and jackets with you, and that’s all that’s left,” she says. Duffek is a member of the Bowen Island SKY (Senior’s Keeping Young) Club. She decided to put her crochet skills to use, and made yellow and blue ribbons – representing the Ukrainian flag – for fellow members to wear on their walks around the island. “I wanted them to think about our friends far away in Europe, with that little bit of a ribbon we can put on… it keeps us in touch somehow with them… Every little bit will help,” says Duffek. She says she hopes anyone who sees the ribbons will think about Ukrainian refugees forced to flee their homes, and talk about the situation with their friends and families to see what they can do. “That was my main idea, to make peo-
Ise Duffek has crocheted about 15 ribbons in the colors of the Ukrainian flag to raise awareness for refugees and victims of the war. She was kind enough to drop off a pair for the local newspaper editor this week. / Alex Kurial photo ple think about these people. We live far away from danger… Everybody was safe and sound here on Bowen Island and in Canada,” says Duffek, calling the island she eventually settled on with her husband “one of the most peaceful places right now, and safe.” Duffek has made about 15 ribbons so far…
only stopping when she finally ran out of yellow and blue yarn. She says people are welcome to make their own, or come up with any other ideas to raise awareness and support. “I only wish that the wise guys who were meeting, the heads of state, would think of a solution to prevent another war,” Duffek says of those actually in charge.
Together, we’re building a In good times and tough times, British Columbians take care of each other. The BC Government is taking action to build a StrongerBC together. Budget 2022 includes new investments to support people by: ▪ Lowering child care fees by 50% for kids under six ▪ Reducing surgical wait times ▪ Expanding access to training for jobs in health care, technology and skilled trades ▪ Fighting climate change with over $1 billion in new funding for CleanBC
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Thursday, March 24, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A9
Review of Wings of the Wild Bird, by Kathi Bentall and Margaret McAvity PAULINE LE BEL Contributor Rivendell Retreat Centre has had a special place in my heart for many years. The ringing of the 5 o’clock bell calling one to prayer, the gatherings at Christmas, and, especially, the silent retreats I’ve attended have all contributed to my spiritual life. When Kathi Bentall spoke to me about the book she and Margaret McAvity were writing to explain their retreat process, I knew I wanted to read Wings of the Wild Bird. Rivendell opened its doors in 2002, and Kathi and Margaret felt summoned to offer silent retreats to journey into the unknown. “A time,” they write, “where we can breathe more deeply, where our sense of wonder is awakened, where we can face our own discomfort, and transform it so that we can become more fully our authentic selves.” They wanted to provide a safe and welcoming space for retreatants, “following an emergent design process that invites us to take risks and discern along the way.” “Emergent design,” as they explain, “weaves the individual experience into the collective.” It is a creative process that recognizes that groups are dynamic, and community is always evolving. “Each community gathering can inform the individual journey, and at the same time, the whole community can be enriched by each individual’s
insights.” Reading Wings of the Wild Bird, stirred in me poignant memories of Rivendell retreats. Days of gradual deepening into silence, time for self-reflection, leading to moments of clarity, my entire world slowing down. I gratefully recall the uplifting music, the provocative poetry, the beauty of the centre table, and the dramatic storytelling as Kathi and Margaret followed the evolving themes that arose from the gathered community. “The book is not a how-to manual in retreat leadership,” they write, “but rather an invitation to trust the emergent design process.” They describe how this creative approach works, with examples from particular retreats, as well as some of the challenges involved in the planning process, stories of transformational experiences, and an abundance of helpful resources. Many thanks to Kathi and Margaret for writing Wings of a Wild Bird. I highly recommend the book for anyone designing sacred gatherings and wishing to understand the process of emergent design. Although these retreats are based in Christian theology, there is room for all kinds of spiritual thought and experience. From the beautiful cover of the book to the images inside, we are reminded of the familiar V-formation of wild geese heading south. “The flapping of each bird’s wings creates an uplift for those who are following,” giving the geese a far greater range than a bird flying on its own.
“We are more likely to stay aloft if we do not try to fly alone.”
Wings of the Wild Bird is available at Rivendell, Phoenix and The Hearth.
Islands 2050
Policy Statement Amendment Project
Join the Conversation on Bowen Island!
MONTHLY COFFEE WITH island pacific school START YOUR DAY WITH A COFFEE ON US!
Event Booth: Sunday, March 27, 2022 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on grass next to Union Steamship Company Marina Drop-in Event: Sunday, March 27, 2022 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Bowen Island Library Annex Visit our webpage to learn more and complete the online survey: islandstrust.bc.ca/programs/islands-2050/ Or pick-up a copy of our Community Discussion Guide at: Bowen Island Municipality 981 Artisan Ln, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2
Bowen Island Public Library 430 Bowen Trunk Rd, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0
Connect with Head of School, Scott Herrington IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO START PLANNING YOUR CHILD’S MIDDLE SCHOOL EDUCATION First Wednesday of the month
MEET US NEXT ON APRIL 6TH 8:30 AM @Tell Your Friends Cafe on the Pier in Snug Cove
Middle School on Bowen Island
islandpacific.org
A10 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, March 24, 2022
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bowenislandundercurrent.com • A11
COMMUNITY CALENDAR MONDAY, MARCH 28
SATURDAY, MARCH 26
Dive Against Debris: Operation Snug Cove - 10 AM to 3 PM Volunteers needed! Divers, free divers and shore crew are needed to help clean garbage from the ocean and shoreline around Union Steamship Company Marina. To participate contact underwaterangel@hotmail.com TAG Meeting in the Bowen Library Annex - 2 PM A place for teens, 13-18 years old, to share opinions on what books the library should buy and earn volunteer hours! Visit bipl.link/TAG for more info.
SUNDAY, MARCH 27
Islands 2050 Policy Statement Amendment Project Event Booth: 11 AM to 3 PM on grass next to Union Steamship Company Marina; Drop-in Event: 6:30 to 8:30 PM at Bowen Island Library Annex.
Rotary Club of Bowen Island at Artisan Eats - 7:30 PM Speaker: Dr. Charles McNeill, Senior Advisor, Forests & Climate to UN Environmental Programme. Topic: ‘Implications of the recent Glasgow Climate Conference and the current war in Ukraine on the Global Climate Crisis: A Perspective from Bowen Island.’ See bowenrotary.com for further details.
TO MARCH 29
Make Some Waves: New Works by Marie Neys Inspired by the Salish Sea! At the Catching Stars Gallery. CatchingStarsGallery.com / Unit 1-479 Bowen Island Trunk Rd, Bowen Island, BC / (778) 956-9991. Open daily 11 - 5
THURSDAY, MARCH 31
Movie: Hidden Figures (rated PG) - 6 PM Library Annex. Part of Black History Film Series at Bowen Library. Registration required. Call (604) 947-9788 to register.
ALL APRIL
Bowen Trail Society 30X30 We are challenging you to get outside for a minimum of 30 min every day in April. You can hike, run, bike, golf, garden, swim, paddle, ride a horse, or even walk your goats.... as long as you do it outside! Learn more at www. bowenislandtrailsociety.ca
FRIDAY APRIL 1
Jazz Night @ the Bowen Island Pub - 6 to 9 PM With Stephen Fisk, Buff Allen, Geordie Hart, and John Stiver.
APRIL 2 & 3
Rotary ShelterBox fundraiser for Ukraine - 10 AM to 2 PM In Snug Cove.
SUNDAY APRIL 24
Fix-It Fair - 11 AM to 2 PM If you’d like to volunteer for the event please contact Shasta Martinuk at shastamartinuk@gmail.com, or 604-314-9097.
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A12 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, March 24, 2022
Budget survey used to air IslandsTrust grievances CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
“Please understand that Bowen Island has its own governance structure and does not need another over reaching, expensive with no benefits government body. Please leave our island as you are neither needed or wanted.” “We believe a question should be asked every year if Bowen Island should continue to be a member. Bowen is experiencing major cost increases dealing with infrastructure and every $320,000 counts.” And it appears Bowen is not alone in questioning the role of the organization, and certainly how much money it costs
to be part of it. Of the 1,107 people from all islands who answered “What budget principles do you support?” nearly half, 543 (49%) said services should be reduced. The next highest answer was to maintain services at the current rate, with 220 votes (20%). Decreased funding was the highest answer to other general budget questions such as regional programs and services (58%), Islands Trust conservancy (47%). Again both were followed by maintain current spending. Out of 10 specific categories Islands Trust is involved in, the only one voters said should receive more attention was
addressing housing equity and workforce housing shortages. Salt Spring Islands residents seemed especially opposed to new Islands Trust costs. 182 of 238 (77%) said they oppose a special property tax requisition to fund coordination initiatives to preserve and protect freshwater, while 152 of 239 (52%) said a $75,000 charge is too much to develop a strategy to protect watersheds and preserve drinking water. The next highest answer was 38 (16%) who didn’t know. And while not applicable to Bowen Island, 522 of 993 (53%) of people said they support decreased funding for local land planning services in the Islands Trust region.
Strolling Seymour Bay
Ron Paley was out for a walk with his dog Bea on Saturday afternoon. He spotted the big city in the distance, and even met some new feathered friends. / Ron Paley photos