COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE UPDATE: Part 2 of the series PAGE 10
$1.50
inc. GST
THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022
REMEMBERING A BOWEN LEGEND
VOL. 48 NO. 11
BIUndercurrent
BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com
Brian Biddlecombe PAGE 19
Snug Cove residents to pay nearly half of Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades ALEX KURIAL Editor
MAKING A SPLASH: Delahan Verinumbe touches down in Snug Cove as he prepares to go on a hunt for underwater waste. Saturday’s ‘Dive Against Debris’ event turned up more than 1,100 pounds of discarded items, and was made possible by a number of divers and volunteers up on land. For photos and the story, check out Pages 6-7. And for video of the event, take a look at the Undercurrent website. / Alex Kurial photo
Muni Morsels: Ambulance update and Snug Cove House sewage quest ALEX KURIAL Editor Ambulance situation better, but far from fixed Chief administrative officer Liam Edwards said the municipality had a “quite positive and very productive” meeting with the BC
Ambulance Service (BCAS) on Monday, including the director for the North Shore region, regarding the vacant shifts on Bowen. While still not fully staffed, communication mix-ups meant Bowen was not absent as many shifts as first thought. Reports earlier this month said nearly 30 shifts would be missed, but Edwards said some of them were filled after receiving this information. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
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A new payment plan will see property owners directly benefitting from upgrades at the Snug Cove Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) take on more of the costs. The $1.6 million project was approved by council at the end of January, with $1 million coming from Capital Renewal and Replacement Reserves and the remaining $640,000 from Unappropriated Surplus. The underlying rationale for using general funds was upgrading the WWTP benefits the entire island, since most businesses and services operate out of Snug Cove. But following two months of public pushback, and the hiring of a new chief financial officer, Kristen Watson, the municipality reconsidered their position earlier this month. Watson explained at the March 14 council meeting that “Snug Cove is home to the services and to the amenities that our community relies on. So I think it is fair and reasonable that some of the cost of the upgrade be attributed to all taxpayers.” “But I also think it’s fair and reasonable that as a local service area (LSA), property owners within that LSA should be attributed directly with a share of the costs,” the CFO continued. “Bowen Island has always funded all of its LSA on a self funded principle,” said Watson upon returning with a new payment plan at the March 28 council meeting, pointing out projects in Eagle Cliff, Tunstall Bay, Bluewater, and Cove Bay didn’t receive general funds. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
A2 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, March 31, 2022
Sponsor a seat in the Community Centre
Events All meetings are online via Zoom and
open to the public, unless noted otherwise.
March 31, 2022 1:00 pm Snug Cove Sewer Local Management Committee Meeting 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
The Community Centre will have a Large MultiPurpose and Performing Arts Room with 180 retractable seats. These seats will host our community for years to come at theatrical performances, all kinds of concerts, movies, cultural events, conference lectures, graduations, town halls, and the list goes on. As part of the capital fundraising campaign, you now have an opportunity to purchase a seat and have your name forever etched in the legacy this facility will bring to our community. That’s right, yours. Forever.
Public Notice In person Council meetings resume April 11, 2022 As of April 11, 2022, Council will be returning to in-person meetings. All open Council meetings will be held in Council Chambers at Municipal Hall, 981 Artisan Lane, and broadcasted live via Zoom for electronic participation. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we get used to using new technology that allows for a hybrid meeting format. There are three options to watch or participate at a Council meeting: • • •
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/council-meetings
For a $2500 donation you will get a seat with an engraved name plate attached. The plate can include your name, or a dedication to someone else. Read more: www.ourislandplace.com/seats
Community Recreation Drop In programs are back
April 1, 2022 11:00 am Tunstall Bay Local Advisory Committee Meeting
Watch the livestream on our YouTube Channel Join the Zoom meeting (instructions are on the agenda) At Municipal Hall, 981 Artisan Lane
Municipal Water Main Flushing The Municipality will be flushing water mains in all municipal water systems beginning Saturday, April 9th and continuing for 6-8 weeks. Snug Cove, Cates Hill, and Village Square, including BICS, BCC, and IPS, will be flushed early in the morning of Saturday, April 9th. Some properties on Seven Hills may be affected.
April 11, 2022 6:15 pm Regular Council Meeting Attend in person or via Zoom
Artisan Square will be flushed on Monday, April 11th & possibly continue to Tuesday, April 12th. This procedure is necessary to remove sediments that gradually build up in the pipes. It will not pose a health hazard. During the flushing process you may experience: • •
periods of low water pressure and temporary water interruptions some turbidity and higher than normal chlorine concentrations. Running your tap briefly should clear this up.
Questions? Please contact Public Works by phone 604-947-4255 ext. 4 or by email publicworks@bimbc.ca
www.bowencommunityrecreation.com Contact Bowen Island Municipality PAID ADVERTISEMENT March 31, 2022
Phone: Fax: Email: Website:
604-947-4255 604-947-0193 bim@bimbc.ca
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Thursday, March 31, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A3
ISLAND NEWS
Parcel taxes and user fees will be Snug Cove payment options CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
The CFO’s proposal is for Snug Cove residents to pay approximately 44 per cent, or $718,677, of the $1.6 million upgrade bill. Island-wide property owners will split the remaining $921,323. The formula was determined by examining projects between 2015 to 2021 that both matched council’s strategic priorities, and will benefit from the WWTP upgrades. Four made the list: the new apartment building on Area 1, Lot 2; the Foxglove properties, due to their relationship with the Snug Cove House; the new fire hall; and the library, since it needed to be connected to the sewer after fire hall construction erased their septic field. Each of their share of the plant upgrade costs: apartments ($629,765); Foxglove ($233,246); library ($34,987); and fire hall ($23,325), add up to the $921,323. Watson says since these projects benefit the whole island, they can be split Island-wide. The remaining $718,677 would be repaid by members of
MUNI MORSELS - MARCH 28 COUNCIL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
“So the good news is that the amount of days that Bowen has been without service or reduced service is far fewer than what we had been led to believe,” he explained. “The challenging bit is that we still need to improve communications, so that when we get a glimpse of gaps in their shifts, that we are then informed that those gaps have actually been filled.” The search to fill the two full-time roles continues, though Edwards hinted there may be some local leads. “I want to be clear that we’re not fully staffed and fully serviced yet. But they (BCAS) were abundantly aware and keen to do what they can to try and help rectify the situation,” he says. “They’ve got real big problems they’re dealing with too, and
the Snug Cove LSA over the course of the next seven years. This will be a combination of a 75 per cent parcel tax and 25 per cent user fees. For the average residential user, this is estimated to mean about a $664 parcel tax each of the next seven years, along with an approximate $117 raise in user rates. Commercial and multi-family properties will pay the same parcel tax, along with applicable user rates. “I think it strikes a balance, ensuring those who use more, pay more,” says Watson. “But it also provides an opportunity to defer a portion of the amount through the property tax deferral program if the property owner is eligible.” Watson explains the seven year plan, while more expensive per year than the 10 year option, was chosen because “we’re looking at preserving our reserve fund balances right now. I think the sooner the money gets repaid into our reserve funds, the better financial position the municipality will be in.” Properties which will one day benefit from the WWTP upgrades, but aren’t currently connected, can also be exempt-
I think they’re doing the best they can to get through them. But it doesn’t mean we’re going to ease off them at all,” added Mayor Gary Ander. Society seeking sewage Snug Cove House Society (SCHS) wrote a letter to council expressing the urgency of finding a sewage solution to continue work on their namesake house. An application to BC HousingHub for a construction mortgage hinges on proof of a fully serviced lot, including sewage. With a connection to the Snug Cove Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) out of thequestion anytimesoon,“thesociety isextremely concerned that this will quite possibly fatally compromise its application,” wrote chair of the SCHS board Graham Ritchie. SCHS requested they be allowed to inspect the municipally owned land north of 1082 Miller Road to see if it’s suitable for
ed from the parcel tax until they are hooked up. Coun. Alison Morse expressed her wish that the cost attributable to Snug Cove residents be higher, and questioned whether the apartments and Foxglove should have been included in the equation. But Coun. Sue Ellen Fast says both housing complexes benefit all of Bowen. “They are private lots to enable us to provide rental housing island-wide… This is to benefit Islanders island-wide who may be in need of rental housing at some point in their lives, or workers,” says Fast. Regarding Foxglove, she notes while they are private lots, “these were private lots that were sold by the charity that was trying to bring supportive housing for seniors. Which we don’t have anywhere else on Bowen.” Mayor Gary Ander agreed, saying “Snug Cove House would not be going ahead if it wasn’t for those lots being sold at Foxglove. So it was part and parcel of the same deal.” In the end Morse, noting she did so “reluctantly”, joined Fast and the rest of council – minus Coun. David Hocking who wasn’t present – in approving the new payment plan. The $718,677 will go into the general funds as accumulated operating surplus. In order to approve the parcel tax before the May 15 budget deadline, next steps will be to prepare the parcel tax roll, notify property owners, and perform a parcel tax review panel. a septic field until they can be hooked up to the WWTP in the future. This was unanimously agreed to. A related motion from Coun. Alison Morse asked that, following the original inspection, any additional septic field space be considered for the unserviced lots on Foxglove Lane. “We’ve just offered to pay for the fixing up of the sewer so that the other lots in Foxglove can hook up. So we’ve got to treat the other ones equally,” said Morse. Coun. Sue Ellen Fast joined the rest of council in voting ‘yes’, but wanted to make sure Snug Cove House remained the focus. “Priority wise, council’s priority has been the supported seniors housing and that’s what SCHS is all about,” she said. Mayor Gary Ander reinforced the house is the priority. “We’ll be very conscious of the priorities there… If there isn’t enough of a field there, you know who’s going to get it first.”
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A4 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, March 31, 2022
VIEWPOINTS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Bowen bus drivers are working hard Dear Editor & Bowen Community Transit Riders, I am writing in response to the personal attack on Bowen Transit Drivers penned by a reader in last week’s paper. First off; I’m not sure why this letter was even published in your paper as it appears to be a complaint that should have been called into First Transit head office... not aired in a local paper. But since it was, here you go. As a 4 1/2 year Bowen Bus Driver that has lived 13 out of 15 years on the Lenora Loop in Deep Bay (not Deep Cove which is a long way away); I feel qualified to address anyone who thinks there is merit to this ridiculous complaint. I usually drive Thursday and Friday afternoon shifts but was not working that Friday, March 11th as I had to go to the Mainland for personal reasons. I can tell you that on that afternoon the Langdale Ferry brokedown in Horseshoe Bay for over 4 hours and reduced the capacity to one working ferry dock. The line for Bowen Island was all the way to the highway with confusion in the parking lot like no other I have witnessed ever before. So my shift was covered by a relief driver that might not be as used to the schedule as me. But that really is not the point. Whenever the ferry schedule is disrupted (which is all the time lately) all bets are off for when the bus leaves or comes through... anywhere. Maybe it should also be pointed out that there are no toilets in our outlining “lavish layovers” and that where the fellows can easily find a tree our female drivers do not have the luxury of having a ‘Nature Bathroom break’ and that after sitting in Eaglecliff for 20-40 minutes a bathroom is more important than swinging through Deep Bay (the most dangerously congested route) where people can easily stroll 7 minutes to all amenities in Snug Cove. As for our “misperceived highly developed sense of entitlement”; you really struck a cord there! This Island’s dedicated team of bus drivers get up at 3 am to be on their ‘crack of day’ routes at 4:15 in the morning, plus a lot of shifts are over 9 hours with no guaranteed meal break. We haven’t had a raise in over 4 1/2 years although we were told we would get the same pay as our co-drivers at the Langley office, (which took place last November). I currently make less than a high school kid with a shovel in
hand at a construction site on the island ! I’m not very “Smug” about that but I am pissed off ! In closing; if anyone thinks Bowen Transit should run more like the TransLink buses on the Mainland... that’s where you should live. Not in a small island town like Bowen! P.S. “Right Here!” is NOT a bus stop.... pick a street name, landmark or even an address, we will get you there safely. Sincerely, - Greg Pollard Deep Bay resident P/T Bowen Bus Driver
Snug Cove septic concerns remain Dear Mayor Ander and Council, I read your “Gary’s Corner” newsletter in this week’s Undercurrent. I’ve shared this message with the Editor of the Undercurrent - to recognise the importance of their role in the community. There is a lot of debate going on around the recent Snug Cove septic system and the upgrade plans. Every step of the septic system upgrade has been frustrating. I appreciate the Undercurrent’s coverage of the situation. I’ve watched some of the council meetings (recorded sessions), but the more
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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.
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I read, the more concerned I become, the more concerned I become the more I discuss it with others, and.... the more angry I become. I find myself questioning the decision making capacity of the Mayor and the Municipality. I appreciate it’s a difficult job, and it comes with responsibility, but that is the job that you hold at this time, that is the job we elected you to do and others have been hired to do, and I sincerely ask you to carry through until your term concludes. It’s a responsibility and a privilege to hold a job on the island.
National NewsMedia Council.
EDITOR Alex Kurial editor@bowenisland undercurrent.com
ADVERTISING Tracey Wait ads@bowenisland undercurrent.com
PUBLISHER Peter Kvarnstrom publisher@bowenisland undercurrent.com
CARTOONIST Ron Woodall
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.
Thursday, March 31, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A5
VIEWPOINTS Former Mayor offers thoughts The Snug Cove wastewater treatment plant has a capacity of over 50,000 gallons per day. On an average day a little over 20,000 gallons go through the plant. The latest engineer’s report says we have about 470 people on the system in the summer and less in winter. That means each person generates about 40 gallons of volume. So based on average use we could safely add about 700 people. Peak volumes are the issue. Our engineering department has said repeatedly that the treatment plant has reached capacity and no additional connections can be accommodated. This implies that our peak volume is approaching the 50,000-gallon mark. Peak volume occurs when we get heavy rainfall. The manholes on Cates Hill have concrete liners piled on top of each other. During really big storms water builds up around the outside of the liners and when the pressure gets high enough it floods into the manholes and eventually into the treatment plant. With climate change we have seen incredible increases in rainfall; just think back to the flooding last November. There may also be other entry points. These have to be found and repaired. Each new home connection adds about 2.5 people equalling 100 gallons per day. However, to reach capacity a major rainstorm would be adding something over 30,000 gallons per day. Whether we add another 100 connections or not won’t make enough difference to tip any scales. But we do have to significantly reduce the infiltration on Cates Hill. With any luck the work already done and in progress will get things under control.
Which brings us to the $1.6 million upgrade to the treatment plant. A large part of that is to rip out tertiary treatment equipment we haven’t used yet and replacing it with a bloody huge tank to hold more rainwater. The problem with this is that the provincial regulations specifically state that while “The discharger must ensure that an overflow does not occur during storm events with less than a 5-year return event.” It also states “the discharger may not use storage …to reduce the amount of inflow and infiltration reduction required.” In fairness, the plant may need some improvements in monitoring and automating so spending some money on it does make sense, just not $1.6 million. Once the water tank and associated work is taken out of the price it makes sense for the users of the system to pay for the work. If the Muni lifted its moratorium on building permits the connection charges and annual fees from new users would spread the costs nicely. It almost feels like a squeeze play. Withholding building permits is a very draconian decision. Now that Muni is working on the inflow problem and has approved the first phase of work on the treatment plant one would expect them to approve some new connections but they aren’t. They say they’ll look at it after the work is done. But nobody will know how well the work went until after the rainy season. In a recent statement the Mayor said that phase 2 of the wastewater treatment plant would be in next year’s budget. It would be something like $7 million and serve us for twenty years. I know many are disheartened by the massive amount of construction currently going on in Snug Cove and may see withholding building permits as a way of slowing things down. And some may love the idea that Snug Cove is booming and see an enlarged treatment plant as the key to more development. But that is a debate for another day. Right now we have members of our community being subjected to considerable hardship for reasons that simply don’t stand up to close scrutiny. - Murray Skeels
Richard Labonte 1949-2022 BRIAN BIDDLECOMBE Richard Labonte died at home in the arms of his spouse, Asa Liles, on March 20, after battling stomach cancer since last summer. Richard was well known on Bowen as a staff member at the Orchard and volunteer at the Bowen library. The bus drivers all knew him as a frequent passenger between Snug Cove and Hood Point where he and Asa lived with longtime friend Heather Hudson. Richard was also a reporter, writer, editor and bookstore manager. He worked for the Ottawa Citizen, then moved to the U.S. to help establish bookstores in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York, before returning to Canada, where he was a member of a co-operative farm with Heather Hudson and several others near Calabogie, Ontario. Nearly 17 years ago, he and Asa moved west to share Heather Hudson’s house at Hood Point. Always a prolific reader, he continued his career on Bowen as a reviewer and editor, and consultant on film scripts. Richard was known as a kind and gentle person and mentor to many, but his influence and reputation stretched far beyond Bowen Island – and Canada. In the early years of the AIDS epidemic. Richard took a lead in fighting for recognition of the epidemic affecting gay communities across the world, raising tens of thousands of dollars for victims at a time when the stigma of AIDS was a powerful deterrent to community support. He was also one of the most influential advocates of gay culture and literature in North America. From the 1990s until recently, Richard edited more than 40 anthologies, wrote over a thousand reviews, and received three Lambda Literary Awards. At Richard’s request, there will be no memorial service. A celebration of his life will be held later this year in Ontario.
Sadly, our dad took his last boat ride on March 2, 2022. Surrounded by loved ones, he passed away peacefully at home. Brian was born in 1945 in Vancouver, but his real life adventures started when he first came to Bowen in 1950. Bowen was a favorite place for him all through his childhood summers and became his permanent home when he moved his young family over in 1977. Commuting to his 9-5 job at BC. TEL only lasted a short time before the idea of taking over the water-taxi business happened and Cormorant Marine was born. Dad wore many hats throughout his life including brother, husband, father, grandfather, friend, Captain, Boss, Fire Chief, photographer, king of the dance floor, and great community supporter. His passion for traveling took him on many adventures, by plane, train and automobile. Not always having a destination in mind, but having a blast getting there, and always a funny story to share. We hope everyone can remember Brian with a smile on their face and have a good laugh in honor of his contagious (somewhat twisted) sense of humor. We will miss you more than words can say. See you later, love your family. By request, there will be no formal service. A private family gathering will be held at a later date. “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, cigar in one hand, favorite beverage in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming WOO HOO - what a ride!”
A6 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, March 31, 2022
Bowen dives against debris ALEX KURIAL Editor Bowen waters got a spring clean over the weekend as half a tonne of waste was hauled out of Snug Cove. The ‘Dive Against Debris’ event saw divers and shore volunteers head down to Union Steamship Company Marina to remove junk and debris from the water. All told there were 1,139 pounds lifted ashore during the day. The cast-aside junk came in all shapes and sizes. A wheelbarrow, tires, lawn chairs, and umbrellas were some of the larger items, while electronics, beer bottles and a wide variety of plastics added plenty of their own weight to the total. Organizer Amber Spitkovski, who joined her fellow divers for the clean, explained why plastics in particular are especially dangerous. “Much of the debris in the ocean is plastic in nature, which never fully degrades. Alternatively, over time through photodegradation (sunlight) and water movement, plastics breakdown into small particles, even as small as nanoplastics,” says Spitkovski. “During this process toxic additives in the plastics are also released (flame retardants, antimicrobials, PCB’s, etc) into the environment.” Spitkovski says this “impacts the food
chain in deadly ways, particularly when biomagnification intensifies the negative effects. Adding to all this, the debris can cause animals to become tangled and result in suffocation and cause damage to boats, like when rope becomes wrapped around propellors, or anchors are unable to be recovered because they are caught in debris.” There’s many ways people can prevent waste from entering the water, including not littering or cleaning litter when you see it, securing items to your boat or water home, cutting down on disposable items or recycling them when necessary, and organizing or volunteering for similar cleanup events. Spitkovski also spoke about the global impact when sea waste builds up, and why any and all cleanup efforts help. “First and foremost, I think it is important out of basic respect. Respect for the environment, for the animals that live in it, and for each other. Without the oceans we would not be alive!” “So I think it is imperative we contribute to its vitality by caring for it, which includes reversing the damage already done, including the active removal of garbage accumulated.” “Another important reason to remove debris from the ocean is literally in order to maintain life on this planet. The ocean plays
a large role in removing carbon dioxide from our atmosphere and supplies the earth with 50 to 80 per cent of its oxygen. Without a healthy marine ecosystem the ocean will die,” says Spitkovski. She suggests theoceancleanup.com as a good resource to see the work being done to
cleanup the millions of tonnes of ocean waste on a global scale. USSC Marina, Bowen Waste, and the Bowen Municipality also assisted with the event. The Bowen Island Yacht Club donated $100 to help with ferry and gas costs for divers who came from off-island.
Thursday, March 31, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A7
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Thursday, March 31, 2022
A8 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Requests for council
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
YES: Yes, we’re a community and we need to support each other. Support isn’t one sided. Yes, I use the Cove businesses and we’ve supported them and appreciated them all through the pandemic. I understand some of them have had a tough time and some of them have had their best income years ever. Yes, I’m supportive of the new health clinic and of affordable housing. I’ve donated to the former and will continue to do so. Yes, I feel for those that bought serviced lots and received planning permission to build. HOWEVER: I’m not supportive of unilateral decisions to be made for a small part of the island’s community with funds put aside from municipal taxes designated as beneficial to the entire community. I’m not supportive of paying for septic for a small group of neighbours when me and my neighbours are solely responsible for paying for our own septic - (which has needed $4,0008,000 per year in maintenance and repairs for the last 2 years alone, on top of regular service, and will likely be a $50,000 job within 6-8 years). MY REQUEST: 1. Do not use the ‘Capital Renewal and Replacement fund” and ‘accumulated surplus’ to
VIEWPOINTS
fund the whole upgrade. Great, I read that this is now the councils position - the funds will be used to ‘pay a portion’. 2. Provide transparency via a full account of the plan and justification, in the Undercurrent (numbers included). 3. Ensure you incorporate procedures for accountability to the Financial Advisory Board (external guidance). 4. Yours and the Council’s decisions and actions are now in question because you’ve maintained what you do is out of fairness however it appears to be out of pressure and poor planning. Getting to a “Fair” position is something that took people raising the UNFAIRNESS of your original decision. Transparency is fair. Accountability is fair. Thank you for your service and I look forward to greater transparency and fairness in the Council’s future decisions. Sincerely,
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The Bowen Golf Women’s League is gearing up for a great year. Join us Thursday April 14, 9:30am at the Golf Course Clubhouse for complimentary coffee and muffins. Say hi to friends old and new, and hear about league play and all the fun we are looking forward to this year.
ALL LEVELS AND ABILITIES ARE WELCOME. April 21 is opening day and play is every Thursday on a weekly sign up basis With tee times between 9-11 Most choose to stay for lunch or a beverage after play.
Hope to see you Inquiries can be directed to Bowen Golf Women’s League bowenwomensgolf@gmail.com RSVP for the coffee on April 14
Information about course and location can be found at Bowengolf.com
Thursday, March 31, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A9
Go Local – Supporting Bowen Together TOURISM BOWEN ISLAND
Thank you to all the locals and businesses who participated in the recent #bowenisawesome contest. The contest successfully generated a lot of positive comments about Bowen’s small businesses and raised awareness about the importance of supporting local. Even though the contest is over, we want to keep the good vibes going and encourage residents to think and support local first. To help you do this, look for your free copy of the Go Local booklet as part of this week’s Undercurrent islandwide distribution. The Go Local booklet is a handy resource and we hope you’ll enjoy reading the stories, information and, perhaps, learning something new about this island – there’s lots of good pics, too! The goal of the booklet is to build community connections, inform and encourage locals to support locals. Where you spend your money matters. Each purchase you make at a local business recirculates in the community through wages, purchases, taxes and donations. When you shop locally you’re helping to create a vibrant, diverse, livable and more resilient community – you’re helping to create this place that we proudly call home. Bowen is known as a welcoming and caring community, a place where neighbours rally behind neighbours with a helping hand or volunteer countless hours to improve the community and build projects,
such as the new health centre. The various grassroots fundraisers for the Ukraine are just one recent example of Bowen Islanders rallying together to support others in need. We are a community that cares, both at home and afar. The Go Local booklet offers many simple ways to become a Bowen Champion. And we encourage you to take the 10 per cent challenge. A recent provincial study estimates that a 10 per cent shift to shopping locally creates 14,150 jobs and $4.3 billion for BC’s economy. Another recent study showed that buying locally-made products from a local brick & mortar store has up to 107 times more of an impact than buying non-local products online from a non-local business (only 0.3 per cent benefit). Also, your local purchases reduce greenhouse gases by up to 66 per cent (LOCO BC, Vancity, Nov. 2021). Can you take the 10 per cent challenge? Let’s support Bowen together by shopping locally whenever and wherever we can. And get your friends and family to support Bowen businesses, too! The next time they want to give a gift, encourage them to buy or order locally. All Bowen shops and restaurants have gift cards, welcome long-distance orders and many have online shops. Pick up your free Support Bowen Together pin from a local business. If you didn’t receive a Go Local booklet or would like another copy, send us an email info@tourismbowenisland.com. Many local businesses will have extra booklets, too. This Go Local booklet and the recent
Patient of the Week NELL
Meet Nell! Nell is a super sweet girl who visited us recently for a check up on her teeth. Oral health is a super important aspect of our animals lives. Dental diets, brushing teeth and oral chews are all good ways to try and prevent any gingivitis of starting.
REGULAR HOURS Tuesday to Friday 9- 5 Saturday 9- 1 Closed Sunday and Monday
To schedule appointments, please call
604.947.9247
or email reception@bowenvet.com
#bowenisawesome contest were brought to you by the Tourism Bowen Island Association and funded by the Government of Canada’s Strategic Activities Program, administered by the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Industry and delivered through the BC
Chamber of Commerce. Congratulations to the winners of the #bowenisawesome contest: Holly Graff, Tanya Voormeij-de Zwart, Vera Keogh, Brayden Alexander and Brie Merkel. Let’s keep the positive vibes alive and let’s make Bowen even more awesome.
A10 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, March 31, 2022
Bowen Island Community Health Centre to offer a range of on-island primary health care services PART 2 OF A 6 PART SERIES ON THE BOWEN ISLAND HEALTH CENTRE BOWEN ISLAND COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE Many Islanders have been working hard to bring the vision of the Bowen Island Community Health Centre to life. To date, the focus has been on researching the health needs of residents, fundraising, community collaboration, planning, and now construction. As excitement and momentum builds, it’s a good time to remind Bowen Islanders of the services people will be able to access when the new health centre opens for patients in spring 2023, as well as those we hope to offer as the facility grows and matures. The Bowen Island Community Health Centre is built on the Community Health Centre (CHC) model outlined in the Ministry of Health Primary Care Strategy announced in 2018. We are seeking new capital and operational funding for our facility within the scope of that policy. Our case for funding under this policy is that Bowen is designated a rural community, that we have obvious geographic barriers in accessing healthcare, and that we have particular challenges overcoming those barriers to care because of vulnerabilities arising from ageing, mental health, disability and social disadvantage. In 2015 a health care survey of Bowen revealed 41 percent of residents thought their health to be at risk because they lived on Bowen; 51 per cent delayed seeking care because we are poorly resourced and 45 per cent thought delaying care made things worse; and 25 per cent of respondents had considered moving off island for better access to primary care.
All of this adds up to significant challenges accessing health care. The Bowen Island Community Health Centre is being developed in response to these needs and concerns, while also working to connect Bowen Island residents to on-island health professionals. Seventy-eight per cent of Bowen Islanders are either registered with physicians off island or are “unattached” and go off island for health care. This is, in part, because Bowen has the equivalent of only one family practitioner. In any case, the majority do not have access to health care when it is needed. This picture contrasts with what our neighbours enjoy. Gabriola Island, with a similar population and ferry distance to a general hospital, has a highly successful communityhealthcentre,whichincludesalabservicefivedays a week. Salt Spring Island, albeit more than twice as large in population than Bowen, has a community hospital and health centre, and currently family practitioners there are advertising to receive new patients. Bowen Islanders should not have to go off island to access primary care. The Bowen Island Community Health Centre aims to ensure health security for everyone, and to allow those with increasing and complex health needs associated with aging to age in place. To meet the needs of our population, to fill the current service gaps and to make Bowen attractive to new health care professionals, the Bowen Island Community Health Centre is planning to offer a range of health care services, the majority of which will be covered by MSP. They are: An integrated multi-disciplinary primary care team with 2-3 additional family practitioners, including family
physicians and nurse practitioners. A primary care services that would have capacity for walkin, same day urgent care and after hours on-call support – for all people on island – regardless of whether they are attached to the primary care practice or not. Allied health supports including in-practice nursing. Social work/ mental health counselling. A full-service dental practice. A point of care lab collection service. Community space to host health education and visiting specialists. Space for other complementary practitioners. Not all these services will be available on opening day but as time goes on, this is the vision for expanded and enhanced service delivery the health centre hopes to provide. By co-locating the health professionals who manage complex problems under one roof, the goal is to create a better patient experience. The patient will come to see the health centre as a single point of health care access, with one door leading to various professions, all of whom talk and coordinate with each other as needed and when appropriate. The service we aspire to provide at the new health centre will offer residents a “Medical Home”. The care they receive will be accessible, timely, and comprehensive. It will be there for those with acute and chronic conditions, those with physical and psychological challenges, young and old. Please continue to follow our progress on Facebook and on our web site (www.bowenhealthcentre.com). Next Month: Meet our Board — the Bowen residents volunteering a wide range of professional skills and experience to make this vision a reality.
WG O N IRIN H
Where
K R O W u o Y Makes a Difference
Find out why we’ve been named a BC Top Employer at firstcu.ca/careers
Caitlin, Social Impact Specialist
Powell River | Courtenay | Cumberland | Union Bay | Bowser | Bowen Island | Texada Island | Hornby Island
Thursday, March 31, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A11
• SPRING 2022 •
BOWEN ISLAND REAL ESTATE GUIDE • WHAT SOLD WHAT’S NEXT
779 Taylor Road
FRAZER ELLIOTT Realtor®
Bowen’s Top Producing REALTOR® for 2021* *based on reported MLS sales
604.910.3401 felliottbowen@gmail.com bowenhomes.ca Specializing in BOWEN ISLAND and HOWE SOUND
2020-2021
Top 10% of Realtors in the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver
A12 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, March 31, 2022
LOT 11 FORSTER LANE - $1,400,000
779 TAYLOR ROAD - $3,650,000 This is a special opportunity to purchase your very own Bowen beach side escape. On a private and secluded acre – and close to Snug Cove and Crippen Park – this estate-style home sits directly above the south end of September Morn Beach and features a path down to the water below. Two levels of decks overlook the entrance of Howe Sound, with views of Lighthouse Park, Passage Island and UBC from the hot tub and more. Inside boasts five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, plenty of storage, and office spaces. Finely-appointed throughout, and immaculately maintained. Furnishings negotiable.
Lot 11 is the premier offering and one of the last opportunities to buy a bare property - in the first phase of The Lakelands. Nearly three-and-a-half acres, with plenty of flat, sunny spaces and a stunning, panoramic view overlooking Grafton Lake and towards both the ecological reserve and Mount Gardner. Build up to a 4,900 sf home. Full serviced, with power, water and communications at the lot line. Close to trails around the new Art Rennison Nature Reserve, and close to Snug Cove. Developer’s Disclosure Statement available upon request, and GST applicable.
921 FORECASTLE WAY - $2,200,000
1562 EAGLECLIFF ROAD - $600,000
Very charming Panabode cottage on 2.28 potentially-subdividable acres of waterfront in Bluewater. 180 degree view from the Pasley Islands south to Tantalus and Gambier to the north. Total privacy, with multiple potential build sites for an additional home. Directly above Crayola Beach, and close to Clipper Beach as well.
This sunny 0.43 acre building lot in Eaglecliff features views looking out to Howe Sound and the North Shore Mountains. Septic field already installed. Close to the trail to hidden away Baker Beach, and directly on the bus route.
1308 HILLCREST ROAD
SOLD IN TWO DAYS! FRAZER ELLIOTT Realtor®
Bowen’s Top Producing REALTOR® for 2021*
*based on reported MLS sales
604.910.3401
felliottbowen@gmail.com | bowenhomes.ca Specializing in BOWEN ISLAND and HOWE SOUND
2020-2021
Top 10% of Realtors in the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver
Thursday, March 31, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A13
Enthusiastic.
Responsive.
Personable.
Knowledgeable.
Macdonald Realty AWARD of EXCELLENCE 2021 & 2020
604.220.7085
buyonbowen.com
Recent Sold Listings based on MLS sales statistics
4 bedrooms • 3 bathrooms • 2471 sf Extensively Renovated • Ocean Views
1125 LENORA ROAD • $1,835,000
SOLD over List Price in 6 days • Multiple Offers SOLD March 21, 2022
5 bedrooms • 2.5 bathrooms • 2724 sf plus Detached Cottage
590 COWAN ROAD • $1,575,000
SOLD over List Price in 7 days • Multiple Offers SOLD March 7, 2022
3 bedrooms • 2.5 bathrooms • 2182 sf Custom & Modern with Urban Flare
1288 OCEANVIEW ROAD • $1,250,000
SOLD over List Price in 8 days • Multiple Offers SOLD February 22, 2022
Recent Sales with Buyers based on MLS sales statistics
3 bedrooms • 2.5 bathrooms • 1925 sf plus Coach House
Old Timer
1160 COWAN POINT ROAD $2,790,000
1264 SCARBOROUGH ROAD $649,000
SOLD over List Price in 0 days Multiple Offers
SOLD in 11 days Multiple Offers
SOLD March 17, 2022
SOLD February 25, 2022
3 bedrooms • 1 bathroom • 1000 sf
A14 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, March 31, 2022
Having an event? Listings are always free in our weekly community calendar. Please email your listing to Alex by Tuesday 5 p.m. for that week's edition. editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thank you!
Life’
s
Better
1106 Lenora Rd. $1,199,000
on
Bowen BETTERONBOWEN.COM
Vau ne
Ko l b e r
Bowen Island Realtor ®
kolber@ dexterrealty.com
604-506-7534
Just ed! t s i L
Sporty 2-bedroom charmer in the loop Head into summer in this charming two-bedroom home in the Deep Bay loop! Start your Bowen Island adventure in this family friendly neighbourhood, walking distance to the Cove, Crippen Park and Killarney Lake. Includes a bonus studio/office/storage building.
Open house by appointment: Saturday and Sunday, April 2nd and 3rd, 12:00-4 pm.
Thursday, March 31, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A15
COMING SOON!
SUNNY WEST SIDE ACREAGE WITH 2 HOUSES AND FILTERED OCEAN VIEWS ACTIVE LISTING
NEW PRICE STRATA LOT 6 - RARE 5 ACRE PARCEL PRIVATE WITH VIEW POTENTIAL ! NOW $899,000
SOLDS! 272 SMUGGLERS COVE ROAD $2,790,000
1264 SCARBOROUGH ROAD $649,000
884 SUNSET LANE $1,369,000
958 WINDJAMMER ROAD $1,599,0000
1160 COWAN POINT DRIVE 000 $2,789,0
1125 LEN NORA ROAD $1,835,000
FRANCES S FROST Top 10% of all Greater
LOCAL knowledge
Vancouver Realtors 2021
GLOBAL reach
Personal Real Estate Corporation bowenislandr realestateinfo
604.94 47.9090 RE/MAX CREST REA ALTY BOWEN ISLAND
A16 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, March 31, 2022
House prices expected to continue upward trend INFLATION, INTEREST RATE, SUPPLY CHAIN, FUEL COST, LABOUR SHORTAGE, UKRAINE WAR
Sold Price Categories YoY
TIM RHODES Contributor On March 2nd the Bank of Canada raised interest rates by 0.50 per cent and indicated more increases are to come. “With inflation serially overshooting expectations, and with economic slack having disappeared, […] [the] only question remaining is how high will rates go within this normalization cycle?”1 Many homeowners with new mortgages or mortgages renewed in 2018 or later were required to undergo the Canadian Mortgage Stress Test (the higher of 5.25% and your mortgage rate plus 2%) and will have a buffer as interest rates climb. The Bowen market saw no dramatic change from January to February 2022, and all metrics saw YoY (year-over-year) increases except for inventory and number of sales. Bowen Island continued to lead Metro Vancouver in percentage increase in the MLS® Home Price Index compared to 2019. At the end of February, the MLS® HPI was $1,423,967 YoY—a 33 per cent increase —while the Median Sale increased by 16 per cent and the Average Sale by 32 per cent. In other words, business as usual. Over the past year, the number of properties sold for under $1 million accounted for only 10% of sales versus 58 per cent during the same period in 2020, while properties sold between $1 million and $3 million increased from 42 per cent to
85 per cent. This is already having a very real impact on the demographics of the Island— who is moving here and who is moving away. Inflation, fuel costs, rising interest rates, ongoing supply chain issues, and labour shortages, exacerbated by the invasion of Ukraine, are already having an impact on the cost and supply of new construction, and low inventory of new housing is a contributor to rising resale prices. In addition, BC plans to introduce a “Homebuyer Protection Period” in real estate transactions, a move the BCREA (BC Real Estate Association) is concerned “could have unintended consequences, such as [...] driving home prices higher.”2 In response to the government’s plans, the Association outlined its concerns and recommendations with the white paper, A better way home: Strengthening Consumer Protection in BC Real Estate. (February 28, 2022).3 Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver predicts 13 per cent increase in detached home prices by the end of 2022.4 Bowen will continue in a sellers’ market over the next few months.
5-Year YoY Percentage Change Meediaan Pricce | Aveeraage Pricce | MLSS® HPI
1 go.td.com/3Nz8N9a 2 bit.ly/02-2022-2 3 bit.ly/02-2022-3 4 bit.ly/02-2022-4 BOWEN STATS: bit.ly/bowenstats-02022 Timothy Rhodes, REALTOR® tim@rhodesonbowen.com rhodesonbowen.com
Personal Real Estate Corporation
1302 ADAMS ROAD, BOWEN ISLAND
$2,295,000
SOLD BY BARRY
3 BED / 2 BATH / 5.52 Acres
Bring your dreams to life on this 5.52 acre westside property. Zoned RR3 allowing for a number of land use options (Agriculture, Horticulture, Stable, Kennel, Mini-Storage, Residential Guest Accommodation, Home Based Business). The principal residence has been nicely updated, well maintained and perfectly positioned on the property. Auxiliary structures lend themselves to a variety of uses. Forested trails and structures are buffered from the main road providing complete security and privacy. An incredible opportunity to own acreage on Bowen Island.
Personal Real Estate Corporation
604 803 0012
(mobile)
590 COWAN ROAD*
1650 EVERGREEN LANE
921 VALHALLA PLACE*
PRIVATE SALE *
* Buyers Agent
Thursday, March 31, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A17
Dig into something new at the Burrow! ALEX KURIAL Editor Some fresh artistic classes are coming to Bowen this weekend as the Burrow prepares for its grand opening. The Artisan Square studio – formerly Cloudflower Clayworks until Jeanne Sarich retired at the end of last year – is ready to fire up the kiln once again and offer pottery classes, along with many other crafting outlets. Sara Skuce is the owner/operator behind the new studio, and says when the opportunity arose to grab one of the prime spaces available on the island, she had to take it. The venture won’t be full-time to start – Skuce is in school for the next year at the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute. The initial offerings will take place after school for kids, and a series of pottery classes covering all ages on Sunday with local artist Catherine Epps. “We’ll be doing lots of pottery. I’m doing kids classes, some fun after-school crafting. And
then also some open studio,” says Skuce, who says she’s excited to have a focus on kids art classes to begin. “And then I’m hoping to get other artists to come in and teach classes as well to youth and adults,” she adds. This could range from one day workshops to month-long classes, with the goal of hiring artists “who want to share what they do with the community.” Skuce is pursuing her Graduate Studies in Art Therapy, and plans to run her practice out of the Burrow space after graduating. While this will be her full-time job, Skuce still plans to run the art studio after school and into the evenings. During the next year, Skuce also plans to offer a limited number of free art therapy sessions at the studio. In the immediate future, Saturday’s open house will take place from Noon to 2 pm, and introduce everyone to the space. There will be some sample crafts to do, all kids get a crayon pack, and there’s a draw for a $100 gift card to one of the Burrow’s classes.
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A18 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, March 31, 2022
SwimBowen Registration Opens April 1st! MARY LETSON SwimBowen After a two year hiatus, we are stoked to announce that registration opens April 1st for SwimBowen’s 1500 and 750 metre swim event 10:00 am Saturday July 16th, 2022. We are working hard on hosting the best event ever with a great swim complete with amazing on-water support followed by delicious refreshments and an awards ceremony bursting with fabulous prizes. This year’s event is open to 60 swimmers only – so register early as we will definitely sell out. Once registered, every participant has an online page where they can invite friends and family to sponsor their swim. All funds raised support the Cancer Care Fund assisting Bowen Island residents in active cancer treatment. Thanks to everyone’s incredible generosity since our inception in 2018, the SwimBowen Society has gifted $43,800 to date to those doing the hard work of treatment. The backbone of the event is the legion of volunteers that come together to ensure a safe and fun event. If you are keen to help out on the day – go to the link offered below to sign up. We would love it! The legs of the event are our generous sponsors who keep us running in the most beautiful way. Oceans of gratitude to our sponsors to date offering corporate as well as in-kind support: Artisan Eats, Vancouver Diving Locker, Team Aquatics, SwimBuddy, Ratcliffe LLP, Positively Fit, Rainforest Digital, Tuscany, Cocoa West, Mary Lynn Machado Realtor, Barry Thomas Realtor, Brian Smallwood (Mr California!), and Gord Wolters. The heart of the event is of course all the swimmers that come from near and far, putting their best strokes forward at the greatest little event in the Salish Sea. We can’t wait to see you all back and ready to dive into SwimBowen. Love what we do and want to volunteer, be a sponsor or donate? We would adore it. Go to swimbowen.com and follow the links to make it happen. For more information, please email swimbowensociety@gmail.com.
With fast times and big smiles at the 2019 finish line: (L-R) David Bellringer and Scott Curry. / Bronwyn Beairsto photo
Demonstrating for Peace
A feast fit for a Hummingbird
Hearing the call put out by Ukrainian President Zelensky, Bowen Islanders gathered to spread a message of peace for Ukraine. The small group met after a quick message via Facebook and text from Rev. Lorraine Ashdown from Bowen Island United Church and Rev. Phil Adkins from Cates Hill Chapel. The group took a reflective walk through Bowen Island Memorial Park, gathered to sing and share words of peace and hope, and ended their demonstration at the ferry dock. / Samantha Adkins caption and photo
This is Pulmonaria, or Lungwort in my Deep Bay garden, an old plant divided many times and always producing cheerful blooms that range from pink to blue for the early returning hummingbirds to feast from. / Bill Granger caption and photo
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Thursday, March 31, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A19
Remembering Brian Biddlecombe
Dear Editor;
A letter to the editor:
It’s been a few weeks now since the passing of Brian Biddlecombe. I can’t get that tragic loss off my mind. Memories of Brian over the years, his charisma, his community spirit and huge contributions to the fabric of Bowen Island keep drifting through my thoughts. Those of you that have been here for awhile won’t need a refresher course on all that Brian has contributed to our Island over the years but I’m thinking that the way we roll here is what has attracted so many new people that have come to be part of, what it is to live here. Brian was an anchor to me in this regard. Right out of the gate in 1980 what a thrill it was, as a young couple from the city, to come home after concerts or parties in town, on “The Cabrini” (water taxi). Seems to me there was a smelly furnace in the bottom of the boat we huddled around, while the boat rolled and pitched as the Squamish wind howled outside. Brian at the helm making it all happen, and he continued to make it happen for our family, for the next 42 years. There were early morning commutes for my husband when the ferry broke down, family picnics up Howe Sound so meaningful to my 80 year old father (he lived there after the war), trips with Boy scouts, garden clubs and conservation groups to mention a very few. Years later when I was a Paramedic on Bowen, Brian myself and others, transferred so many of our community members mid night, pelting rain freezing ramps to navigate at low tide into a water taxi for the trip to HSB and onto a waiting Ambulance from Lions Bay. I can’t even imagine the impact that must have had on his life and sleep (as well as his wife’s, Leanne) over the years. And ...this was just his day (and half the night) job. Brian was also the Fire Chief and Emergency Program Coordinator. After talking me into becoming the Emergency Social Services Director we worked together for about 15 years in that capacity. Brian was a huge support to our program and attended many of our meetings to be part of what the volunteers were doing. I often tried to imagine what he would do in a disaster situation, (think earthquake) as the three roles he was responsible for, would all be the most important to the Island. Fire Chief, Emergency Program Coordinator and the water taxi and barge service to get folks (and animals) to and from the disaster if the Ferries were down. In recent years Brian and I were both on the Executive Committee for the Emergency Program. It was such a comfort to have him on that committee with his knowledge of the Island and the history he was part of, in the building of that program as it is today. Honestly, I could go on and on but I think you get the idea of how much Brian contributed over the years. I would be remiss not to mention what a large part Brian played in our son Ivor’s life as well. They were partners in Cormorant Tug and Barge but that didn’t happen over night. Ivor trained as a deck hand with Brian while still in high school and went on the get his Captains ticket, and various licences thanks to Brian and Leanne’s support. They were good friends and I know Ivor will miss Brian, as we all do. He really was, such great guy.
Over the last 40 years, marine ambulance operator Brian Biddlecombe has responded to countless 911 emergency calls on Bowen Island – likely more than any single BCEHS paramedic on this Island, ever. Of the hundreds of paramedics who have passed through the doors of Station 225 – Bowen Island, not a single one will forget Brian. We are all extremely fortunate for the opportunity to have worked alongside him as both Fire Chief, and Captain of our primary transport to the Mainland. Brian’s dedication to the safety and well being of the Bowen Island community was evident on every call, and every trip. He shared his experience, insight, and knowledge with our paramedic crews at every scene to ensure the best possible outcome for patients. He made us all better. Cormorant Marine and Bowen Island, are among the very first in the province to utilize a specifically designed and dedicated water taxi to transport BCEHS patients off island. Designing and building this boat was no small task, and only made possible by Brian’s commitment to his community and passion for its residents. For us, the Bowen Responder will live on as Brian’s legacy. We are grateful to have worked alongside him, to have learned from him, and to have known him. We will miss you Brian, you can turn off your pager and stand down. Sincere condolences,
My first recollection of Brian was a cheerful one. He was getting signatures from the neighbourhood approving the Firefighter’s annual fundraiser - the Dock Dance which was then held at the Dallas marina. My husband, Bob, and I were happy to attend and support the effort. Little did we know then that we would have to rely heavily upon their services, because, ultimately, Bob would be confined to a wheelchair for many years. Bowen’s emergency personnel were ever ready to offer their efficient, prompt and caring responses in the face of many stressful occasions, some of which entailed transport by water taxi and helicopter to the hospital. Both Leanne and Brian, in his capacity as Fire Chief, and as neighbours, never failed to be in attendance, and we came to appreciate Brian’s quiet strength. Despite the many times I required assistance, Leanne and Brian never implied that my requests were burdensome. A pivotal memory of Brian’s graciousness and caring will ever remain with my family. Having received a call from the hospital to tell me that my husband may die, I phoned Brian to ask I could be taken to Horseshoe Bay. He arranged, without hesitation, and for no fee, for the water taxi to make an extra run on my behalf despite being past its last run of the night. Ultimately, it was Brian’s boat, with Brian at the helm, that took the family out to Cape Roger Curtis, where Bob’s ashes were scattered in a serene and tranquil observance. I am sure mine is not the only story of Brian’s compassion and dedication. I join with the community to mourn his passing and to celebrate his quiet, gentle strength and service.
- Reidun van Kervel
- Patricia Adams
One of many reminiscences of Brian… I was compelled to relate this tale, if only to bring a smile to Brian’s many knowing friends and family, and selfishly to help assuage my own grief at the passing of this island legend. It was Bowfest Day, and as I rode my bicycle up Government Road after the parade was over, (stopping for yet another rest break), a red blur blew past me. It was Brian at the wheel of a tiny Shriners mini-car, looking like a child’s push-pedal car! His hair streamed out
A Tribute to Brian Biddlecombe,
behind him as he sped along, giving me a jaunty wave as he tore by me. By the time I reached Artisan turnoff, it was to witness this cartoon vision of a tiny vehicle, and its joyous boy-like driver take that sharp corner on 2 wheels and roar up the hill. He was in a hurry to return the wee car to its Shriner owner after gassing the car up (and forgetting the gas cap!) All was well, and there were no repurcussions, but someone had a BALL! With respect, and Love, - Maggie Davidson
- BC Emergency Health Services and the Bowen Island crews
Brian and Ivor Kerr, along with trusty dockhand Shauny, aboard ‘The Barney Mac’ (above); Brian serving in his role as Fire Chief with Assistant Fire Chief Bob Clark (below)
A20 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, March 31, 2022
Islanders warned to prepare for imminent Mt. Gardner eruption ROB WRIGHT Bowen Geologists Early on Tuesday March 29th, some Bowen Islanders awoke to what felt like a series of minor earthquakes, all registering less than 2.0 on the Richter scale according to the BC Geological Survey. Shortly afterwards, a cloud of ash and gas was released near the peak from the flank of Mount Gardner, with residents on the west side flooding municipal hall and emergency services with calls. Ian Thomson, resident of Tunstall Bay, reported waking to a shaking house at 4 am and noticing a cloud of ash in the early dawn light. “I assumed this was just another minor earthquake until I saw the plume above Gardner,” said Thomson, “I had no idea Gardner was a volcano, so was shocked to see it. We’re lucky it was only a small release. The ash cloud moved southwest and my garden even got a light dusting.” Volcanologist and former mayor, Bob Turner, was quick to assess the situation, “The minor tremors and ash eruption are clear indicators that the volcano is active. The magma is shifting in the chamber below the island and is likely to erupt in the next days or weeks. The activity this past Tuesday was a warning.” Mount Gardner is one of a series of semi-dormant volcanoes within the Garibaldi Volcanic Belt that stretches from Mt. Garibaldi near Squamish, BC to Mt. Hood in Oregon State. Mount St. Helens, located in southern Washington State, is an active stratovolcano in the system, erupting with a catastrophic explosion on May 18, 1980 that killed 57 people. “St. Helens is exactly what we’re dealing with here,” said Turner, “Gardner is waking up, just like St. Helens did before blowing the top off the mountain two months later. We need to prepare for the worst.”
The municipality wasted no time in scrambling emergency personnel to ready Bowen Island for the likely eruption. Mayor Gary Ander summed up the steps council has already taken, “You know, we more or less considered this when we approved the stateof-the-art firehall on Millers Road. We’re going to move the fire personnel in there immediately and point the trucks out the front and back doors so they can deploy quickly to the site. We’ve ordered thousands of feet of new hoses and pumps and plans are in place to douse any lava flows with water from Grafton and Killarney lakes.” The BC Government is also actively adopting emergency measures. Premier John Horgan stated, “We carefully considered whether to issue an evacuation order, but think that is premature. Islanders are reportedly still sitting on 2-3 years of toilet paper, fresh water, and canned supplies that they hoarded during the pandemic, so we think locals are in very good shape to hunker down. The important thing is we’ve put all BC Ferry personnel on Marsec Level 5 status – you can’t beat that.” BC Ferry spokesperson, Deborah Marshall, confirmed that they will have evacuation-ready ships at the docks “within minutes, or maybe a couple hours if staff have slept in.” Marshall was not able to confirm whether the larger vessels could even dock in Snug Cove, noting, “we’ll just have to give it a go and see if it works.” Some residents expressed concern that not enough was being done, while others claimed it was ‘fake news’ reducing local social media platforms to a melee full of contrarian discourse too hot for even Jen McC to handle. Owen Plowman with the Bowen Conservancy shared their concerns, “You can’t just drain our two big lakes without killing fish and frogs and probably newts and other stuff. We care about them.” For others, economic impacts were central
Queen of Capilano Ferry Schedule to March 31, 2022
DEPART BO OWEN IS SLAND
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
Mount Gardner ejects ash, gas, and steam March 29, 2022. / Aryu Kidding photo issues. Murray Atherton reflected that, “If we go full-Pompeii here, our only tourists will be archeologists. And they won’t be Buying on Bowen!” Rod Nym, head of the Free Riders association expressed concerns about the cancellation of their weekend ‘Rip it Up’ dirt bike race up Mount Gardner, declaring, “We ain’t afraid of no lava! Our riders are all stocked up and raring to go, we’ll make Bowen great again.” Mi Phurst, head of the developer-backed Bowen Residents Interested in Building Everything association, summed it up this way, “Council needs to
step it up here and ban any volcanic activity outright. And floods. And droughts. And plagues.” She continued, “Enough already, we have important things to accomplish. Indeed, we need to up our game, future-proof our building designs, and build, baby, build!” Here at the Undercurrent, we’re confident that whatever the future of Mount Gardner and even Bowen Island itself holds, the resilience and community spirit of Bowen Islanders will get us through. Cartoonist Ron Woodall captured the spirit, saying, “unprecedented, we’re all in this together.”
Thursday, March 31, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A21
The War in Ukraine: A Learning Moment for the Global Climate Crisis CHARLES MCNEILL Contributor I spoke to Bowen’s Rotary Club this week (28 March) about two monumentally important – and intimately related -- events that happened within days of each other just one month ago: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the release of the newest, most shocking UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report (https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ ar6/wg2/). My colleague, former Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, Christiana Figueres, describes perfectly the link between these events: “The atrocities in Ukraine have been financed by our addiction to oil and gas. We can and must tackle both the acute and the chronic crises together.” I argued to the Rotary Club that this is not a time, as Canadians, to double down on extracting more dirty oil and deepen our, and the world’s, fossil fuel addiction but an inflection point to transition away from it. The IPCC Report could not be any clearer: the science is unequivocal, delayed action risks triggering impacts so catastrophic that our world will become unrecognizable. We have a very narrow window to realize a livable future. Governments, civil society and business must all step up together. There is no alternative. UN Secretary General António Guterres said about this report: “I have seen many scientific reports in my time, but nothing like this. Today’s IPCC report is an atlas of human suffering and a damning indictment of failed climate leadership. … the world’s biggest polluters are guilty of arson of our only home.” The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) predicts that we could see a billion climate refugees over the next decades. As we watch the suffering and disruption of more than 3 million Ukrainian refugees right now, try to imagine the impact on our world of 300 times that number.
Decals will be available for sale at the Snug Cove General Store from April 7th to April 15th ONLY.
And let’s not forget that in 2020, fossil fuel pollution killed three times as many people around the world as COVID did. With what all of us here on Bowen and in British Columbia have seen over the past year of fires, floods, extreme heat and cold, we shouldn’t need another reason to act. But if we did, this war in Ukraine provides even more compelling motivation to transition away from fossil fuels. The fact that Vladimir Putin has financed this war with the oil and gas sales that account for 60% of Russia’s export earnings reinforces this conclusion. Canada’s Environment Minister, Steven Guilbeault, has been exactly right in advocating the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy as fast as possible. Fortunately, as 350.org founder, Bill McKibben lays out this week in The New Yorker magazine, the price of renewable energy has dropped by 90% over the past decade making it the cheapest power on the planet. Credible studies show we could transition away from fossil fuels quickly enough to even meet the critical 1.5 degree C target set in the 2015 Paris climate agreement. Although Canada has enormous reserves of oil in Alberta’s tar sands - some 173 billion barrels - it is also true that exploiting that oil would heat the planet nearly half a degree Celsius. That would be a ‘game over’ scenario for most life on the planet caused by Canadians, who comprise only 0.5% of the world’s population. We just can’t do that to every other country and species on Earth. Canada’s fossil fuel reserves total 167,000 trillion watts, but Canada also has 71,000 trillion watts each year of potential renewable energy from wind and solar power alone. This doesn’t even include BC’s vast hydropower. That means that in less than two and a half years, Canada can produce more energy from renewable sources than the total amount of energy in Alberta’s tar sands. There is simply no alternative to taking this difficult decision now to shift from dirty oil to clean solar, wind and hydro. Canada and the U.S. showed during World Wars I and II
Fees Small Load: $25
Drop off of materials will be inside the BIRD yard from Monday, April 25th to Saturday, April 30th ONLY. Note: 1 decal per household only. ABSOLUTELY NO Paint, Hazardous Waste or Drywall
NOT Accepted:
April 30, 2022 • 9:30 am - 3:00 pm @Bowen Island Recycling Depot No fees to drop off hazardous waste or paint. Limit for all products is 10 containers per visit.
Paints and stains Approximately 5 garbage bags
Medium Load: $50
Flammable Liquids Or container says Keep Away From Open Flame or Spark
Approximately 10 garbage bags
• •
Large LEVEL Load: $100
Liquids only Paint thinners, other solvents, camp fuels or liquid adhesives with the flammable symbol Max container size: Kerosene 9L Other liquids 10L
Domestic Pesticides Only/no commercial The contents of a level pick-up truck load
Mattress or Appliance: $35
•
Consumer pesticides with the poisonous (skull & crossbones) symbol AND “Pest Control Product” registration number (REG #12345 PCP ACT) Max container size: 10L
Gasoline
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca
Wastte Solluttions www.bowenwastesolutions.com
Hazardous Waste
Hazardous Waste and Paint Recycling
Spring Clean-up Days
The final day for booking appointments will be Friday, April 22 at 3:00 PM. A limited number of appointments will be made available.
they could massively reconfigure and transform their industrial production to win those wars. Canada must now step up to be a global leader in solar and wind energy and not exploit this situation by simply replacing Russia’s oil, like a drug dealer to sustain the addiction of others. Learning from this war in Ukraine to turn away from fossil fuels once and for all would be one way to support and honor the courage and sacrifice of the Ukrainian people.
SPRING CLEAN-UP 2O22
Drop off will be done by appointment ONLY. Once you have picked up your decal, you can call Bowen Waste Solutions @ 604-947-2255 to book an appointment.
Charles McNeill presents to the Rotary Club of Bowen Island at Artisan Eats, March 28. / Submitted photo
Per mattress or appliance
• In approved ULC original containers only Max container size: 25L
PLEASE NOTE: • 1 Decal per household only • Non-complying loads are subject to refusal
•
Products that cannot be identified
•
Products that are leaking or improperly sealed
•
Empty containers
•
Commercial, industrial, or agricultural products
•
Cosmetics, health and beauty aids
•
Insect repellants, disinfectants, and pet products
•
Diesel, propane, and butane fuels
•
Caulking tubes
•
Fertilizer
For items not found on this list, please call BC Recycling Hotline 604-732-9253 Burnaby Ecco Center 4855 Still Creek Drive 604-294-7972
Questions?
Please call Bowen Waste Solutions
604-947-2255
A22 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, March 31, 2022
Your Community
MARKETPLACE bowenislandundercurrent.com
Call or email to place your ad, Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm
604-444-3000 • 604-653-7851 classifieds@van.net
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BC WIDE CLASSIFIEDS ANSWERS
GNOME MATTER WHAT HAT IT IS...
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People love a bargain!
HEALTH & WELLNESS BOWEN ISLAND WELLNESS CENTRE 604-947-9755
To advertise here please call 604-9472442
at the entrance to Artisan Square Suite 597 7
Book online at bowenislandwellnesscentre.ca
or email ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, March 31, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A23
COMMUNITY CALENDAR THURSDAY, MARCH 31
APRIL 2 & 3
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.
Rotary ShelterBox fundraiser for Ukraine - 10 AM to 2 PM In Snug Cove.
ALL APRIL
Planting Seeds of Hope for the Ukraine 828 Hummingbird Lane, from 10 to 2 each day Bring: Your sunflower seeds; your family and friends. Together we will plant our sunflower seeds in small peat pellets, so we can get those seeds of hope strong, before planting them outdoors.
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 Spring Session is now open at Bowen Island Gymnastics Parkour for boys, Mini - Ninja Parkour, Tiny Tumblers and Girls Gym Stars. Please email bowengymnastics@gmail. com to register, website: www.bowenislandgymnastics.com
FRIDAY APRIL 1
Jazz Night @ the Bowen Island Pub - 6 to 9 PM With Stephen Fisk, Buff Allen, Geordie Hart, and John Stiver.
APRIL 23
I have lots of peat pellets; so bring lots of seeds, and a small flat container to bring them home. Can’t wait to see endless sunflowers across Nexwlélexwm, swaying in the winds of change for a fresh new day in the Ukraine.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6
Monthly Coffee with Island Pacific School Connect with Head of School, Scott Herrington. 8:30 AM @ Tell Your Friends Cafe on the Pier in Snug Cove
TUESDAY, APRIL 12
Growing Food, Biodiversity, and Managing Mammal Pests: A ZOOM FORUM FOR BOWEN ISLANDERS How do we restore balance with nature and harvest more food? Please bring your questions and best ideas. Hosted by Bowen Island Food Resilience and Bowen Agricultural Alliance. The Forum will include remarks by Bonny Brokenshire, Manager, Bylaw Services, Bowen Island Municipality; Jennifer Rae Pierce, Political Ecologist, Urban Planner and PhD student; Kim Sinclair, Executive Director Coast Animal Welfare & Education Society (C.A.W.E.S.) To register and get a link write to us: bowenfoodresilience@gmail.com
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20
Fabric At Play Join the Fibre Arts Guild in making a quilt block that will be pieced into a quilt of comfort for a residential school surviver. No sewing skills required. All materials provided and mentors available. 2 sessions: 2 to 4 or 7 to 9. Register @ 604-947-2454 or hello@thehearthartsonbowen.ca.
BOWEN HOME SERVICES love the life you live NEW CONSTRUCTION RENOVATIONS RESTORATION ADDITIONS SECONDARY STRUCTURES UNIQUE OUTDOOR SPACES
BOWEN ISLAND SPECIALISTS! QUALITY SERVICE GUARANTEED!
SUB CONTRACT WORK
BUILT GREEN BC BUILDER
Keep Calm and Call Econo
604.980.3333
CONTACT US FOR A FREE QUOTATION
991 West First Street, North Vancouver, BC www.economovingandstorage.com
Landscape Lighting Irrigation
Seascape Bruce Culver
Office: 604-947-9686
I&I TOWING HAULING LTD
Cell: 604-329-3045
Vehicles • Construction Equipment Sea-Can Containers • Tiny Homes Bowen Island • Greater Vancouver Vancouver Island • Sunshine Coast
Michael Bingham • 604 947 1717 ianditowhaul@gmail.com
WWW.WHITEHART.CA ADDRESS 302-566 ARTISAN LANE BOWEN ISLAND, BC PHONE 1 (778) 999-3434
Window Blinds On Bowen
BOWEN ISLAND ROOFING ROOFING & REPAIRS
778-995-1902
604-987-7663
Trade ticket certified #00012-RO-96
live the life you love To reserve a spot on this page, contact us at 604-947-2442 or ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com
A24 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, March 31, 2022
ShelterBox fundraiser for Ukraine, organized by Bowen Rotary HILARY BUTLER Rotary Club of Bowen Island The Ukraine crisis has touched everyone around the world. We have all been invited to contribute to the effort, whether by donating online, by volunteering to house refugees or by creating a fundraiser. Congratulations to Lorraine Ashdown and her team for raising substantial funds to send to Red Cross. The Board of the Rotary Club of Bowen Island has met to
discuss what we could do in response to the pleas for support for Ukraine. For Rotarians, there is the option to donate to the Rotary International Disaster Response Fund, but we decided to do something more substantial: a ShelterBox fundraiser on the weekend of April 2nd and 3rd. What is ShelterBox, you may ask. It is a multi-national partner of Rotary International (website: www.shelterbox.org) that responds to worldwide disasters, supplying family-size tents, mattresses, medical supplies and household goods to areas in distress. Here is their mission: We provide shelter,
essential items and technical assistance to help some of the world’s most vulnerable people recover and rebuild their homes after disaster. We listen and adapt our support to the needs of each community, working together with those affected by disaster, alongside our supporters and partners. In the past ten years, our club has supported the Japanese tsunami crisis and the Philippines flood crisis by erecting ShelterBox tents outside the Snug café and raising significant funds to send to these areas in distress. We are doing it again during the weekend of April 2nd and 3rd, outside the Snug Café. Visitors to the tent will be able to see the sturdy set-up and some of the equipment that ShelterBox will be able to provide to victims of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A ShelterBox team is already on site in Ukraine, organizing relief so we feel that this is a hands-on way to donate to the crisis. Please come by between 10 and 2 on either Saturday or Sunday, with cash, cheques or credit cards to support our fundraiser. Donors of $25 and over will receive charitable tax receipts.
Fundraiser in Japan. / Submitted photo
Bowen Rotary ShelterBox fundraiser for Ukraine at the Snug, Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 2. Bring your donations! Ukraine Easter Egg demonstration on Saturday!
Bowen eBikes Is Hiring Interact with visitors and Be a great ambassador for the Island Please setup an appointment beforehand rentals@bowenebikes.ca or 778-956-7946 If you want to learn how to communicate effectively, run a business, and set yourself up for success, then this is the job for you. Hiring Front of House, Managers, Sales Staff.