THREE CAR PILEUP: No major injuries in Monday crash PAGE 8
$1.50
inc. GST
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022
OPENING DAY!
VOL. 48 NO. 18
BIUndercurrent
BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com
New Farmers Market season underway PAGE 1213
Housing committee says at least 30 rental units needed immediately ALEX KURIAL Editor
BOWEN BUCCANEERS: Despite their guide sporting an eye patch, the crew of the Minuet were in good hands for their Sunday morning sail during Bowen Island Yacht Club’s opening day. The group held their first sail past in 15 years as boats fully embraced the pirate theme chosen for the event. After returning to shore, the gang set off for the after party at Doc’s, complete with pirate poetry and a costume contest. You can find more swashbuckling scenes in our photo gallery on Page 5, and in our video section on our website. / Alex Kurial photo 1122 LENORA ROAD
$1,702,900
NEW LISTING
Thirty new homes are needed to satisfy the demand for people currently looking to rent on Bowen Island, according to estimates from the Housing Advisory Committee (HAC). And that number is a low estimate, the group adds. Anecdotally speaking they say this is likely a minimum, a position backed up by conversations in the community and posts on local online groups which show many people are currently looking for a place to rent. By 2026 they estimate the number of necessary new units to grow to 45, jumping to 60 by 2030. The rental topic is top of the list on the group’s Housing Targets Report (HTR), which identifies eight areas of recommendation to address various housing issues on Bowen. Robyn Fenton, HAC chair, told council May 9 that along with temporary worker housing, these are the two most pressing areas in the report. A pilot project underway in Ucluelet which involves loosening the rules around living in RV’s or trailers is being investigated to address the temporary worker issue. As for rentals, the demand is immediate but the supply is not. This isn’t a new problem either. Much of the HAC’s report was guided by a 2020 Housing Needs Report (HNR), which outlined similar issues back in 2016. The Undercurrent ran a story that year which highlighted 26 people competing for one rental unit. This year, in conversations HAC had with Rob Purdy, one of the owners of the new apartment complex, he estimated another 30 to 50 apartments could be filled by prospective renters. This number is on top of the 27 units in the current building. CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
973 CAPTAIN CATES WALK $1,598,000
1601 JOAN AUDREY LANE $799,000
NEW LISTING
NEW LISTING
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
A2 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Have your say on the Site Alteration Bylaw
Property Taxes
Events All Council meetings are open to the public to attend inperson or electronically, unless noted otherwise. May 24, 2022 4:00 pm Public Hearing 1676 Malkin Creek & 815 Smith Road May 24, 2022 6:15 pm Regular Council Meeting
The 2022-2026 Financial Plan has received Council approval. Property tax notices will be mailed out before the end of May. Please watch your mail for the notice, and contact the property tax department at 604-947-4255 ext 0 if not received by June 10th.
Do you own property on Bowen Island and plan to do any blasting or other land clearing?
Are you thinking about purchasing property to develop? Property tax payments must be received before 4:30pm on Monday, We want to know what you think about a new bylaw to regulate site July 4, 2022. Payments not received by this date will be subject to a alteration across Bowen Island - specifically the removal or deposit of 10% late payment penalty. soil and the clearing of land. If eligible to claim the homeowner grant, or to submit an application We’re starting work on a new Site Alteration Bylaw that would or renewal for the Property Tax Deferral Program, please apply establish different levels of permits required for site alteration, with directly on the Province of BC website before the property tax due escalating permit fees and application requirements based on the date or follow the QR Codes below: extent of site alteration proposed. The bylaw would also exempt site alteration activities below a set threshold. Apply for your Home Owner Grant: This is your chance to get involved in the development of new regulations on site alteration that may affect you, your neighbours and future developers. We’re holding public open houses in May so you can get all of the information about the proposed regulations, ask questions, and provide your feedback. Your input helps us form fair and reasonable policies that recognize the rights and responsibilities of property owners while protecting the natural environment.
May 25, 2022 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Virtual Public Open House via Zoom May 26, 2022 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm In Person Public Open House at Municipal Hall
Virtual Public Open House Online via Zoom 2:30pm – 4:30pm Wednesday, May 25, 2022
gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant
Holiday Monday
In Person Public Open House Municipal Hall 2:00 pm – 5:00pm Thursday, May 26, 2022
Printed Information will also be available at the Municipal Hall the week of May 23-27. For more information on this project, please visit
Property Tax Deferral Application or Renewal:
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/SiteAlteration Questions? Please contact Daniel Martin at 604-947-4255 or dmartin@bimbc.ca
Ferry marshal reporting for duty Municipal Hall is closed on Monday, May 23, 2022 for the long weekend.
Recylcing Depot 9:30 am - 2:20 pm Open Thursday Open Friday Open Saturday Open Sunday Closed holiday Monday Closed Tuesday Closed Wednesday
gov.bc.ca/propertytaxdeferment Payment may be made by cheque, cash or through telephone or on-line banking. Please do not use Interac e-transfer to pay property taxes, as it is not a secure method of payment. The municipality will not accept an Interac E-Transfer receipt as proof of payment. If your mortgage company pays your taxes, please ensure that payment is received before 4:30pm on the due date, July 4, 2022.
ADVERTISEMENT May 19, 2022
Phone: Fax: Email: Website:
A ferry marshal will be on duty at peak times after the long weekend.
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-taxes Questions? Email bim@bimbc.ca or call 604-947-4255 x 0
Contact Bowen Island Municipality PAID
BIM hires ferry marshals on busy weekends to help keep traffic in the ferry line running smoothly.
604-947-4255 604-947-0193 bim@bimbc.ca
Bowen Island Municipal Hall 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday to Friday Closed statutory holidays
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/ferry-guide
Find us on Facebook Bowen Island Municipality
Subscribe to our mailing list bowenislandmunicipality.ca/subscribe
Thursday, May 19, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A3
Notice of Public Hearing HAVEYOURSAY. Public Hearing 4:00 pm
Tuesday, May 24 Council Chambers Municipal Hall 981 Artisan Lane OR Online via Zoom Meeting ID: 849 5040 3282 Passcode: 649035
Questions? Contact Daniel Martin, Manager of Planning and Development
1676 Malkin Creek Road Amendment Bylaw No. 562, 2022
815 Smith Road Amendment Bylaw No. 564, 2022
What is this amendment about?
What is this amendment about?
Proposed Land Use Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 562, 2022 would make a series of changes to the Comprehensive Development (CD) 18 - Arbutus Ridge zoning regulations. The proposed bylaw would place 1676 Malkin Creek Road in a newly created “Area 4” within the larger CD 18 zone. The amendment would permit “Area 4” to have accessory residential use as a permitted accessory use. This would allow properties in Area 4 to construct either a detached secondary suite or an attached secondary suite, in addition to an already permitted single family house.
Proposed Land Use Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 564, 2022 is proposed to permit an already constructed detached secondary suite at 815 Smith Road. The proposed amendment bylaw would allow this by placing the property into a zone variation Rural Residential 3 (e) that would contain two variations to the Rural Residential 3 zone as follows. First, the maximum floor area for a detached secondary suite would be increased from the current 115 sq. m. to a maximum of 132 sq. m. Second, the minimum setback from the east property line would be reduced from 7.5 metres to 3 metres for a detached secondary suite.
Amendment Bylaw No. 562 would then additionally: (1) reduce the permitted lot coverage; (2) permit an additional 40 sq. m. floor area for the provision of an accessory residential unit; and (3) make minor border adjustments throughout the CD 18 zone to reflect current property boundaries.
As a condition of the rezoning, a restrictive covenant would be placed on the property such that, in the event the existing detached secondary suite is destroyed, any new detached secondary suite would conform to the general Land Use Bylaw regulations. As part of the application the applicant is providing an amenity contribution of $50,000 towards the Municipal Affordable Housing Reserve.
604-947-4255
dmartin @bimbc.ca
Ways you can Have Your Say Speak at the Public Hearing: May 24 at 4:00 pm: If attending in person, register your name, address, and phone number on the speaker’s list, located in Council Chambers. Wait to be addressed by the Mayor.
bowenisland municipality.ca /planning
If attending by Zoom, email the Corporate Officer (hdallas@bimbc.ca) up to 4:00 PM to pre-register for the speakers list. 1. Email the Corporate Officer and include the subject line: “Public Hearing - Verbal Submission” and your full name, address and phone number. 2. Join the meeting via the Zoom link provided in the agenda and wait to be addressed by the Mayor.
Please note, there is an opportunity for those who are not registered to speak during the Public Hearing. Raise your hand (in person or electronically, via Zoom) and wait to be addressed by the Mayor. • Write to the attention of Mayor and Council: E-mail: mayorandcouncil@bimbc.ca To ensure a fair process, written submissions are accepted up until the end of the public hearing. Council cannot consider any submissions received after the Public Hearing has ended. If your written submission is received after the public hearing has ended your submission will be circulated to staff for information.
A4 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, May 19, 2022
VIEWPOINTS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Heartfelt thanks
Thank you to the Bowen Community for helping us celebrate our Teun - the love, the laughs, and the tears. A special thank you to those who financially contributed to make the Celebration of Life possible. Teun would be beyond grateful to see how the community has come together to support his three girls. We continue to feel a strong sense of comfort as we work to find our footing. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you. - Marianne, Lisa, and Roos
Knick Knack Nook Student Scholarships
Graduating students pay attention! Throughout the pandemic a small core of dedicated volunteers has continued to operate the thrift store, albeit under reduced hours; and with careful precautions to avoid infection of visitors and of ourselves. It should be noted that the volunteers, an elderly component of the Island population, constitute a significantly vulnerable part of the community. The Nook has always made the financing of student scholarships a top priority and despite reduced sales during the pandemic has still provided scholarships in amounts of $1,000 to $4,000 to upwards of a dozen students every year. This year will be no exceptions. Interested students should file their applications on or before July 5th. Full details can be found on the Bowen Community Foundation website. The Scholarship committee will be looking for students who have made contributions to their school and Island communities. We are particularly interested in applications that reflect carefully articulated interests in the fields of environmental and/or social sustainability, however defined. A strong report card will certainly be an asset. Please note that the deadline is non negotiable. - John Lawrence Knick Knack Nook
EDITORIAL
Coming to a mailbox near you! Hey friends, it’s that time of month where I come calling for your article, letter and photo submissions ahead of our May island wide edition next week (May 26 publication). The quality of submissions we receive in any given week is excellent. In this issue alone our contributors take us for a history lesson, inside an artist party, and along to see the local sea lion population. I’m always excited to see what the community has in store for us, and I believe a Bowen wide audeince is the best bet for people to see what you have in store as well.
So hit us up with your long weekend vacation pics, summer announcements, municipal musings, or neighbourhood gossip (entries in this last category may not run, but I’m always interested!) Your enthusiasm for the Undercurrent is extremely inspiring to this new editor (who promises he will try and write more actual editorials as he gets more comfortable with Bowen comings and goings). Talk soon!
Correction* In last week’s ‘Muni Morsels’ re: Development fee waived, the opening line: “A request to waive a $900 charge for a development permit fee was unanimously approved” was incorrect. The correct outcome of the vote was found in the final line: “Council determined this a unique situation, and voted 6-1 to waive the fee with Coun. Sue Ellen Fast opposing.” - Alex THE WRITE STUFF. The Undercurrent encourages reader participation in your community newspaper. You must include your full name and a daytime phone number (for verification only). The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity, legality, brevity and taste. Please limit to under 500 words. HERE’S HOW: To submit a letter to the editor, fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to #102, 495 Government Rd., PO Box 130, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 or email editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com. All Advertising and news copy content are copyright of the Undercurrent Newspaper. All editorial content submitted to the Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication. The Undercurrent is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, art work and photographs.
#102–495 Bowen Trunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC, V0N 1G0 Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148 bowenislandundercurrent.com DEADLINE for advertising Monday, 4 p.m. DEADLINE for editorial Tuesday 5 p.m. Bowen Island Undercurrent Subscription Rates: Mailed 1 year subscription on Bowen Island: $55, including GST. Within Canada: $85 including GST Newsstand (Single Copy) $1.50 per copy, including GST
ISSN 7819-5040
- Alex
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
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, May 19, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A5
Pirates of Mannion Bay BOWEN YACHT CLUB SHOWED OFF ITS SWAGGER ON PIRATE THEMED OPENING DAY
ALEX KURIAL Editor The Bowen Island Yacht Club opened their new season in style as a fleet of buccaneers took to the seas Sunday morning. Both sailors and boats were dressed and decorated in their best pirate outfits to kick things off. First up was a sail past around Mannion Bay, where the nine boats paraded around the NautiNess, captained by BIYC Commodore Simon Fowler. Following the greetings, which included lots of ‘Arrrrrs’, the boats returned to the marina for an after party at Doc’s. Festivities included costume and poetry contests, each of which brought out many colourful submissions. BIYC will now turn their attention toward the Round Bowen Race on June 11. The event traditionally boasts more than 100 boats, and is one of the largest mass start races on the west coast. You can find video from BIYC’s opening day on the Undercurrent website.
Alex Kurial photos
Nine boats took part in the sail past of BIYC Commodore Simon Fowler and his crew aboard the NautiNess.
Neve Fowler and Harper Dowdeswell cast a pair of menacing figures in their pirate costumes, with the props to match.
BIYC’s flagship Brigadier swashbuckling spirit.
was
in
the
The McGuire family - Allie, Hamish, Cooper, and Clementine - took part in the post-sail revelry at Doc’s.
BIYC Commodore and Pirate Simon Fowler reaches an accord with Royal Marine members Rhys and Jason Dowdeswell.
The Queen of Capilano chose not to hoist a Jolly Roger flag, but passengers still cheered on the pirate flotilla.
The Minuet returns after a morning of buccaneering.
A6 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Come join us for the Opening at Cape Roger Curtis May 29, 1 - 3 pm Enjoy a guided walk Opening May 29th! The Bowen Island Conservancy is excited to announce with local biologists Entrance at the upcoming opening of WILD COAST NATURE REFUGE Huszar Creek Lane
TERRITORY: Obtrusion at the Hearth
Sarah Ronald and Molly Gray are the artists behind the TERRITORY: Obtrustion gallery, on now at the Hearth Gallery. The exhibit serves to ‘explore the boundaries of human impact on wild animals and their fragile habitats.’ Ronald and Gray (below) were among the attendees at an artist party for the exhibit, which runs until May 23. More info can be found in the Calendar on Page 15.
www.bowenislandconservancy.org We all love our dogs but we ask that you respect this as a nature refuge and not walk your pets in this small, special place. Thanks!
B.I. Garden Club
ANNUAL PLANT SALE
Saturday, May 28th THE LEGION 10–NOON
Queen of Capilano Ferry Schedule APRIL 9 - JUNE 22
Places of Worship Welcome You BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH
PART BOWEN ISLAND DEP
DEPART HORSESHOE BAY
5:20 0 am except Sundays 6:20 0 am 7:30 0 am 8:35 5 am 9:40 0 am 10:5 50 am 12:0 00 pm 1:10 0 pm 2:55 5 pm 4:00 0 pm - except Wednesdays 5:10 pm 6:15 pm 7:25 pm - except Saturdays 8:30 pm 9:30 pm 10:30 pm
5:50 am m 6:50 am m 8:00 am m 9:05 am m - except Wednesdays 10:15 am 11:25 am 12:35 pm 2:20 pm m 3:30 pm m 4:35 pm 5:45 pm 6:50 pm 8:00 pm - except Saturdays 9:00 pm 10:00 pm
Note: Schedules subject to change without notice
Please check BCFERRIES.COM Schedule changes on statutory holidays
www.biuc.ca | 1122 Miller Road
FOOD BANK
Sunday Worship 10:30 am Rev. Lorraine Ashdown
DROP-OFF
ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Sunday Mass at 9.30
Contact Angela Powell 604-947-2515
CATES HILL CHAPEL
www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.)
Sunday Worship 10:00 Services offered in-person or online via Zoom. Link available on website. Rev. Phil Adkins
SHIRAT HAYAM (Song of the Sea) BOWEN’S JEWISH COMMUNITY Shabbat Gatherings ~ Holidays Contact aryana.rayne@gmail.com
Thursday, May 19, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A7
A historic moment for Bowen Island as Conservancy opens the new Wild Coast Nature Refuge REFUGE OPENS TO THE PUBLIC MAY 29 LOUISE LOIK Bowen Island Conservancy The trails on lands purchased by the Bowen Island Conservancy are about to open. The Wild Coast Nature Refuge at Cape Roger Curtis is opening with a kickoff on site, on Sunday, May 29th; from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Biologists will be on hand at various locations in the refuge to explain the special qualities that make the property a treasure for the community and for the UNESCO Howe Sound Biosphere Region. To get to this much anticipated day, it took the generosity of financial donors and a team of dedicated volunteers who gave endless hours to figure out everything needed to acquire and conserve the area and open the trails. They took on operational minutiae, the labour and coordination involved in the new welcome sign, location, design and construction of trails, the creation of a management plan, research and report writing on species like bats, nest sites, invasive species and the impact of various usages, including dog walking.
It’s been a lot of effort, but for this team, it’s so very worthwhile. Restoring and conserving the wild places while supporting thoughtful immersion in nature is a conservancy focus -and one that the organization takes seriously. The Wild Coast Nature Refuge is a unique public, pet-free, wild place, set aside exclusively for nature and for people to enjoy the natural environment while maintaining as little impact as possible on plants and wildlife. Going against a growing extractive mentality where the goal is to find as many ways as possible to exploit nature, the Bowen Island Conservancy is instead, on a mission to nurture nature. With ecosystems and species in peril all over the island the establishment of a nature refuge for us and for future generations to enjoy, is a remarkable achievement. The Conservancy invites you to come and learn about this remarkable, wild and recovering place, Sunday, May 29th, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, entrance off Huszar Creek Lane. Look for the new welcome sign and meet some of the volunteers that helped make it all happen.
Bowen Island Conservancy volunteers, Mark Edmonds, Allie Drake and Nerys Pool at the new welcome sign to the Wild Coast Nature Refuge. / Louise Loik photo
Can a 14 year old conduct a public presentation similar to a TED talk? Island Pacific School Grade 9’s have been doing so for over 27 years. 5 fun facts about masterworks:
1. Two Words: Ted Talk 2. Self-directed, Self-selected and Self-presented 3. A Graduation Milestone 4. Expert Support 5. Project Diversity
Patients of the Week STELLA & PLUCKER
Join Us at Island Pacific School June 13-16 Presentation Schedules @ islandpacific.org/masterworks
Meet Stella and Plucker! These friends visited us recently to both get their vaccines. Plucker is just a 3 month old puppy, and at his age, he has a immature immune system, meaning he hasn’t had all his vaccines yet. With this, visiting dogs and dog parks is of high risk and can be dangerous. Having a friend like Stella who is fully vaccinated allows him to socialize safely. Stella is able to show him the ropes with keeping him happy and healthy.
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
A8 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, May 19, 2022
ISLAND NEWS
Both availability and affordability working against renters CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Candy Ho, CEO of The Cape on Bowen, also gave an estimate of 30 new units necessary to meet demand. According to the HAC, around 81 rental units – including detached and secondary suites along with the apartments – have come available on Bowen since 2016. But this has failed to keep up with the amount of people searching for a home. The report also found most employed people who rent on Bowen – around two-thirds – also work on Bowen, outlining the group most in need of rental units. HAC found the opposite true for employed island homeowners – two-thirds of this group works off-island. “The conversation tonight tracks the dichotomy,” said Coun. Michael Kaile following Fenton’s presentation. “We’ve talked somewhat exhaustively; we’re going to support, enable, incentivize, conduct further, identify… (that) doesn’t provide homes for 35 groups of people who are urgently looking for accommodation.” “Sleeping rough in the woods is not part of the official community plan either.” “There’s just too many words which suggest another meeting. Anybody listening to us with an urgent problem which starts in August would just raise their hands in despair,” says Kaile.
Coun. Sue Ellen Fast added the official community plan approach to housing issues may need reviewing. And even when and if homes become available, affordability remains a major barrier. “Rental housing is so expensive,” says Mayor Gary Ander. “People can’t afford to be paying $2,200 for a one bedroom.” Ander says the high rents are a combination of the high costs of building on Bowen, and owners’ knowledge that they can get market value on Bowen Island. Fenton says the affordability factor is one the HAC hopes to address by pursuing a goal of 50 per cent of new rentals at below market value. Data in the HNR showed in 2016, 120 renters (45 per cent of Bowen’s rental total) were spending more than 30 per cent of income on rent, and 15 renters were over 50 per cent. Council accepted the target of 30 new rental units for this year, as well as the other seven recommends in the report, unanimously. The task now turns to implementing them in a timely fashion. Some preliminary suggestions included looking at trailer options, or talking to owners of unused or underutilized spaces to see if they may be interested in renting their properties.
Minor injuries after car crash THREE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN DORMAN ROAD ACCIDENT
ALEX KURIAL Editor Emergency crews attended a three-vehicle collision outside the pub late in the afternoon on May 9. RCMP at the scene said the driver of a red car, a woman, had a medical emergency and hit two other cars along the side of Dorman Road. The woman was taken to hospital with minor injuries. Nobody else was hurt. The road was open shortly before 5 pm while tow trucks continued to remove the damaged vehicles.
Alex Kurial photo
online success for your business here, there and everywhere
CALL TRACEY AT THE UNDERCURRENT 604-947-2442
Thursday, May 19, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A9
It was a great week for animal shots as Bowen’s wildlife came out to strut their stuff. Lisa Brougham paddled out to find this ‘May Motley Crew’, a group of Sea Lions who have taken up residence on a floating dock. It’s unlikely anyone will shake this entourage from their perch until they’re good and ready to go.
Nook Volunteers Needed! Volunteers needed for a variety of 3 hour morning or afternoon shifts. Meet Bowen Islanders Support Sustainability Have Fun Give back to the community Volunteer Registration Form available at the store or online www.knickknacknook.org 1063 Mt Gardener Rd 604 947 NOOK The local editor managed to snap some neat shots as well, especially at the Marina where a family of Canada Geese were taking their Goslings out for a stroll, and a hungry Heron was hunting breakfast. We also need to show some love for one of our Bowen mascots, the Slug, who was out for a (slow) sunny afternoon slide in Village Square. / Alex Kurial photos
A10 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Investigation under way after gas leak at Howe Sound Pulp and Paper Mill UNIFOR LOCAL 1119’S PRESIDENT DON RHEAUME SAYS HE WAS ‘IMPRESSED’ BY HOW WELL PROCEDURE WAS FOLLOWED DURING THE MAY 12 INCIDENT THAT SENT SEVERAL PEOPLE TO THE HOSPITAL AS A PRECAUTION KEILI BARTLETT Coast Reporter An investigation into what caused a leak of combined condensates on May 12 at Howe Sound Pulp & Paper Mill (HSPP) is now under way. Last Thursday, several workers were taken to the hospital after combined condensates leaked past a valve and down a drain piper, Unifor Local 1119’s president Don Rheaume said. Rheaume, who was at the Port Mellon mill the day of the incident, told Coast Reporter the release was found by the operations group, who put on self-contained breathing apparatuses to find the cause right away. “Quite frankly, I’m very impressed with how fast and professional our operations group and our crews reacted to this, in the first aid department as well as our emergency response teams,” Rheaume said. “Once the odour was detected a full mill evacuation was triggered… The investigation will show what happened later on. For me, that’s the most important thing is that we didn’t hesitate to get everyone out of the mill.”
BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) confirmed six people had been transported to the hospital in stable condition. Rheaume said the condensates can cause nausea and an upset stomach. “I’ve worked at the mill for over 40 years, and you never get used to a smell like that. Combined condensate is very, very stinky.” The workers who had been taken to the hospital were all able to return to work the next day, he said. Everyone was evacuated into the marshalling areas for about two hours as a sweep was conducted. “It was a cold wet day, so they [the workers] were kind of cranky about standing out in the rain for two hours but it’s not debatable. It’s part of our emergency response plan that we put in place after 2017.” In October 2017, two HSPP employees were sent to hospital after exposure to a gas leak. WorkSafe issued an order to the company to bring in “suitably qualified occupational hygiene expertise to work with HSPP personnel to identify hazardous substances, assess exposure risks, conduct air sampling as necessary and determine appropriate exposure controls,” and HSPP confirmed they had adopted measures to reduce the risk of gas exposure on
Spring and Strawberries RABIA WILCOX Bowen Island Food Resilience Society Well, it’s that time again when we start planting seeds and seedling starts into the moist, warming-up spring soil. Here on Bowen at Grafton Agricultural Commons (The Commons) members of Bowen Island Food Resilience Society (BIFS) and garden volunteers are witnessing an abundance of hardy and healthy strawberry plants. As Jennifer Cole in edible magazine (No. 83 May/ June 2022) writes, “Part of the rose family, strawberries grow wild in the temperate coastal and woodland areas of North and South America. Indigenous populations have traditionally harvested the berry as a fresh food source or used it as a part of a medicinal tea to soothe sore throats.” Wild strawberries have been enjoyed as part of diets at least as far back as the Neolithic Age, and their popularity has continued around the world. Legend has it that they were first paired with cream in 1509 in a dish prepared for King Henry VIII, and in the 19th century, cultivated strawberries with cream were considered a luxurious des-
sert in Europe. Local strawberry-growing season is typically short. The cultivated plants we ‘inherited’ at The Commons produce big, bright red, and oh-so juicy strawberries -- delicious picked fresh and eaten right out of your hand. They can also be easily frozen and eaten yearround. Aww yes, the power of strawberries… known as heart berries because of their shape, and representing peace and forgiveness. We can all use a little bit more of that. We invite you to come by the Farmers Market at BICS on Saturday, May 21st between 10am and 12 noon to enjoy producers offering locally grown, made and baked foods, and purchase some of these beautiful strawberry plants to place in your own garden. Check out our community garden and other BIFS initiatives at: www.bowenfoodresilience.ca Volunteers are welcome, and you can always just drop by the garden to have a tour.
Phil Gregory, Jackie Bradley and Rabia Wilcox selling strawberry seedling starts, organic straw, and books about Regenerative Agriculture at the Bowen Island Farmers Market.
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!
site, Coast Reporter reported at the time. “From my perspective, our procedures were all followed,” Rheaume said of the May 12 incident. “The mill evacuation was paramount. The problem was found and isolated, very quickly. First aid followed their procedures,” which included providing oxygen. “You never want to certainly downplay anything like this at all. But they were sent to the hospital as part of our protocol, because it’s the right thing to do in this situation,” he said. “It’s always unsettling, and it’s always scary, but we’re thankful that nobody was seriously hurt.” WorkSafeBC was notified of the incident shortly after 3 p.m. on May 12, a WorkSafeBC media relations person told Coast Reporter via email. The employer is required to complete an investigation within 30 days of the incident, in order to determine why the incident happened and what can be done to prevent similar situations in the future, WorkSafeBC’s rep said. Just before 5 p.m. on May 12, HSPP released a statement on social media that “The mill stopped the leak this morning, is putting a solution in place to avoid recurrence, and is returning to normal operations.”
Thursday, May 19, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A11
Nature Matters
with the Bowen Island Nature Club
Long Ago, Bowen was a Little Bigger BOB TURNER This article was first published in the Undercurrent on December 18, 1992. In 1983, Roy Bolton was having a shallow well dug on his land up the hill from Killarney Lake when his son Bob came across a large bone embedded in a blue clay layer about a metre below the surface. Roy had the bone sent to Bill Matthews, a geology professor at UBC who had it identified as the femur of a sea lion. The bone and marine shells that occur with the bone, were dated by radiocarbon method at the Geological Survey of Canada at 12,500 years old. Roy Bolton’s land is over a kilometre from the closest shoreline and 85 metres above present sea level. As sea lions never come farther on land than shoreline rocks, two possibilities exist. One is that part of a dead sea lion carcass was carried inland, possibly by a bear or early Native peoples. However, that explanation doesn’t account for the abundance of marine shells in the clay. Instead, it is more likely that the position of the shoreline on Bowen Island has fallen hundreds of feet in the past 12,500 years (i.e. Roy Bolton’s land was once waterfront property). There is other evidence that suggests an elevated sea level in the past. Compact bluish-grey sandy to pebbly clays that contain scattered marine fossils such as clams, barnacles and mussels are wide-spread below the soil layer in many low lying parts of the island (less than 100-
Bob Turner and Will Husby map 150 metre elevation.) Just north of Lions Bay, a thick gravel delta deposit is found at 150 metre elevation (visible just above Highway 99). This indicates that a stream entered the ocean at that elevation sometime in the past. The evidence suggests that in the past, probably about 12,000 years ago, the parts of present Bowen Island less than 150 metres above present sea level has fallen dramatically. By outlining the 150 metre contour on a topographic map of Bowen Island, we can get a feeling for where the old shoreline was (see figure). Instead of a single Bowen Island, there were the Bowen Islands, a cluster of three islands and several islets. The present three peaks of Bowen Island would have been
Grads, we're looking for your pics and bios for our annual grad edition publishing June 16th Please email Alex editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com your grad pic and bio (100 words max.) by June 10th 4 pm. And, if you have any school memories or pics to share, please email those too, thanks!
each an island (Gardner, Apodaca and Collins Islands?) separated by narrow straits of water that flooded the valleys of Killarney and Grafton lakes. These valley areas were a sea bottom on which clays, silts and scattered marine shells accumulated. Today, these sediments commonly occur below the soil layer. Where very clay-rich, they are impermeable and thus poor for septic fields. The septic effluent instead of seeping into the ground flows along the top of the clays. A clay layer is well developed in the Deep Bay area and a factory that excavated clay for brick making operated along the shores of the present day lagoon in the 1890s. Many old brick buildings in Vancouver are built from Bowen Island clay.
Write on Bowen, in partnership with the Hearth Gallerry and the Bowen Island Public Library are pleased to pressent
August 6 & 7, 2022 Cove Commons
Eight stelllar work ksh hops in four time sllots are off ffered ff d over two days, along with a Luncheon Panel and Festival Gala featuring an impressive line-up of local and off-island authors.
Registration Now Open Discounted Early-Bird Passes Available only until June 1 To view the Festival Schedule, Line-Up and Full Details, please visit:
www.writeonbowen.com
A12 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Opening day at the Bowen Farmers Market MARKET WILL RUN EACH SATURDAY FOR 22 WEEKS
ALEX KURIAL Editor Despite some drizzly conditions, the 2022 season of the Bowen Farmers’ Market enjoyed a successful opening day last weekend. Organized by the Bowen Agricultural Alliance, May 14
marked the first of 22 straight weeks vendors will set up shop at the Bowen Island Community School to sell their wares. About 15 stands offering a wide range of products were in operation, including food, fabrics, crafts, artwork, and more. The Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday at BICS from 10 am to Noon, up to the final market on Oct. 8.
Andrea Stevenson of Flora Shamana Blooms had her fresh cut flowers on display.
Bowen Island family caregiver support group Learn about dementia and community resources. Connect with other family members on the dementia journey. For more information, call the First Link® Dementia Helpline: 1-800-936-6033
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Thursday, May 19, 2022
Jody Peck had lots of food tips for visitors to the Home Farm stand.
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A13
It’s a family venture at the Barking Raven stop, where David and Lucy Griffiths sell eggs and vegetables.
Christine Hardie and Anna Bryan kept people refreshed at the Riley’s Cidery stand.
Lots of crocheted clothing for kids and adults Cailey McCormack had the positive energy at her alike was available from Freda Deale, of Freda’s Cailey’s Crystals stand. She shares the space with Home Industry. Sarah Kraatz, the artist behind Frayed Macrame.
The Artisan Eats stand made sure market-goers stayed well fueled with caffeine and pastries.
The Community Supported Agriculture program, operated by the Home Farm, prepared Harvest Boxes for its members. Participants Jen Mc is certainly in the running for most pick up a new box each week during the Farmers Market season. colourful stand of the market.
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Alex Kurial photos
A14 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, May 19, 2022
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bowenislandundercurrent.com • A15
COMMUNITY CALENDAR SATURDAY, MAY 21
BookFest 2022 @ BICS gym - 10 AM to 4 PM Giant sale of quality used books and media.
SUNDAY, MAY 22
BookFest 2022 @ BICS gym - 10 AM to 2 PM Book sale - Bring your own box – any size $10.
MONDAY, MAY 23
BookFest 2022 @ BICS gym - 10 AM to Noon Book sale - take home as many treasures as you want. Rotary speaker Manusha Janakiram, senior producer of CBC’s popular ‘What on Earth’ - 7:30 PM Everyone is welcome. Zoom info in the bowenrotary.com calendar.
TO MAY 23
SATURDAY, MAY 28
TERRITORY: Obtrusion In this two-person exhibition, artists Sarah Ronald and Molly Gray explore the boundaries of human impact on wild animals and their fragile habitats. Show dates: May 5 - 23 Gallery hours: 11 - 5 pm daily (closed Tues, Wed) www.hearthartsonbowen.ca
Teen Advisory Group - 2 PM to 3:30 PM Library Annex - We’ll have games and activities, discuss our favourite books, and spend some time planning a Bad Art Night event for June. Teens are welcome to register with us via email at info@bowenlibrary.ca or drop in to any TAG dates.
TUESDAY, MAY 24
Casual Tuesdays Book Club @ Bowen Island Library 11:30 AM Library Annex. Bring one or more books you love and join us for coffee/tea and conversation. Share your favourites, meet other book lovers, and find your next great read! A welcoming drop-in book club for adults and seniors. Future dates: June 28
Municipal Council - 6:15 PM People can attend in-person, on Zoom, or watch onYouTube. Presentation by Woodfibre LNG. *Note day change, council is on Tuesday instead of Monday due to Victoria Day holiday.
TUESDAY, MAY 31
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A16 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, May 19, 2022
GET RUDDY
FANTASTIC NEW PRODUCTS TO TRY OUT!
GREAT DEALS EACH WEEK!
FOR SUMMER! ROMAINE HEARTS ORGANIC $4.79 each*
Produce Specials!
BBQ SAUCE - STUBBS $5.99 450ml (asstd)*
BC Grown! WATERMELON ORG. $1.39 / lb*
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MARINATED CHICKEN
BREAST SKEWERS ROSSDOWN FARMS
$12.99 400g*
BEEFSTEAK TOMATOES ORG.
$3.59 / lb*
HOT DOG BUNS - DEMPSTERS SAVE 10% $5.49 x 12pck*
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STEAK - VERY GOOD BUTCHER SAVE $4.50! $12.99 400g* NON ALC. COCKTAILS MOCKTAILS
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TEQUILA PALOMA GIN BRAMBLE FOUNDER'S $5.50 each*
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CINCO $21.00 - 4 x 355ml*
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