Bowen Island Undercurrent November 24 2022

Howe Sound documentary charts course for Bowen

ALEX KURIAL

Editor

A new documentary exploring conservation and res toration efforts in Howe Sound is set for a community screening at the Bowen Island Public Library next week

Uncharted Waters, from director Molly Dennis and producer Hannah Siden, focuses on the work of several people actively working to improve life in Howe Sound for all living beings who call the area home Filming of the documentary began on the island last year, with the final edits completing late this summer

“It’s such a big topic of restoration and conservation in Howe Sound, and there’s so many ways to tell that story,” says Dennis, who is currently in the United Kingdom “So we tried to focus it on this new generation of stewards, this new generation who are carrying on the efforts”

Uncharted Waters’ highlighting of this new generation introduces viewers to four main characters leading the charge in this regard: Fiona Beaty, a marine ecologist, well-known Bowen artist Di, and Jonathan Williams and Nolan Rudkowsky from Squamish Nation.

While the four all have their own ways of tackling their goals, a common link among them all is the Howe Sound Marine Reference Guide, a project through the Marine Stewardship Initiative.

long awaited return of Canadian soccer to the World Cup stage has brought

Jennings, Angie Kirk, and Alice Jennings got the memoanddressedappropriatelyastheyjoineddozensoffansattheBowenPubonWednesdaytotakeinCanada’s

6.

Alex Kurial photo

Water Main Flushing

MunicipalWaterMainFlushingstartsinSnugCove,CatesHill andVillageSquare,includingBICS,BCC,andIPSearlyinthe morningofSaturday,November26 PropertiesonSevenHills maybeaffectedbyverylowwaterpressure.

ArtisanSquarewillbeflushedonMon,November28&possibly Tue,November29,2022

Flushingwilltakeplacesevendaysaweek,usuallyfrom8:30am to4:30pmandwillrotatethroughCoveBay,EagleCliff,Hood Point,andTunstallBayuntilmid December www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/alerts/ Questions?PleasecontactPublicWorksat604 947 4255ext.4 orpublicworks@bimbcca

Drinking

ISLAND NEWS

UnchartedWaters showcases the collaborative efforts of a new generation of Howe Sound stewards

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Beaty is a key spearheader of the guide, and instrumental in making sure it’s devel oped with community involvement This includes collaborating with artists like Di, who made the guide a theme of her ‘Art for Sea to Sky’ exhibit at the Hearth last year, and donated some proceeds to the project

The interactive map available at how esoundguide ca is an incredibly detailed look at hundreds of different life forms in the region and where they make their hab itats It also shows natural and man made influences which may impact these regions, including sewage systems, rail and shipping lanes, or moorages The ability to select and overlap any combination of natural, human, and general mapping zones leaves endless combinations of what the guide offers to discover.

“You can add a filter on and see just where Whales go in Howe Sound, or you can see just where Orcas go, or Herring. There’s so many things you can learn just from one object,” says Dennis.

“I thought that was really fascinating, and the future of conservation. If you can apply that to the whole world, or the whole of Canada, that would just be amazing. You could see exactly where ecology is, and exactly where industry is, and say to indus try well don’t go here because this is where there’s a really important ecological area, ” adds the director

Dennis says the guide also seeks to address some of the historical problems which have

impacted maps for centuries “I’ve always loved maps, but they can obviously be quite biased and quite political But this map acknowledges that, and purposefully had so many different layers and so many different languages, which you never see in maps It’s normally just very European language cen tric So the fact you had Squamish language (is important),” she says

While working on the map, Beaty felt it was important to branch out from the traditional ways that similar projects were created, so that everybody could have an input on it Fieldwork, lectures, artwork, and more were some of the ways she pur sued this, and attracted artists such as Di, or Williams and Rudkowsky, who performed extensive fieldwork with young Squamish Nation members

Dennis says this is another major focus of the documentary, “this idea of holistic con servation, that you don’t have to be a scien tist to understand it or get involved, you can be an artist, you can be interested, you can be a volunteer”

The film is already receiving praise, and has been selected to several festivals includ ing the BC Environmental Film Festival, Wildlife Conservation Film Festival, and Sustainable Stories Film Festival The film makers are planning community screenings around Howe Sound in the future, but felt Bowen was the right place to start things off

“We really wanted to do a community screening because Bowen was the inspi ration for the film, we filmed a lot of it on

Queen of Capilano back in service

Bowen, and it just felt the right place to have it,” says Dennis

The film runs about 25 minutes, which Dennis says is a short time to try and fit in all the encounters and interviews experienced during filming Ultimately, she hopes people will come away inspired by the progress the new generation has already made

“I hope it’s enjoyable And I hope that people can learn something, and see that if they are involved in this community effort, a bit of acknowledgement in their work and that it is having an impact and there is posi tive change going on That would be the best thing,” says Dennis

“And just showing off that it is a success story for Howe Sound there is tangible improvement you can see And that it should be celebrated,” she adds

The screening is taking place Wednesday, November 30 at 6:30 pm in the Library Annex Admission is free and no registration required Film members will be in attendance, along with messages from Dennis and Siden, and an opportunity to explore the Marine Reference Guide, and some glass sponges too

Bowen Island Municipality, the Marine Life Sanctuary Society, and Marine Reference Guide all helped make the documentary a reality, and are helping to present next week’s screening

George died at his home Bowen Island on November16th, 2022. He was 57 years old.

George is pre deceased by his father Ryszard of Warsaw, mother Zenobia of Pabianice, Poland, and brother Stefan He is survived by his family on Bowen; brother Eric and sister in law Yvonne, sister Ann and brother in law Michael, and Vernon; nephew John and Agnes and their children Vyctorya and Janusz.

George was born in Toronto where he attended school and moved to Etobicoke where he became a keen participant in baseball, football and hockey

He moved to Vancouver with his parents in 1981 where he completed the Vancouver Hotel and Tourism Management School and then completed the Vancouver Film School. He worked for Rogers Cable and played baseball for their team, of course. He also landed himself a side-gig as a Grey Cup Greeter, earning him entry into Canada’s biggest party in multiple cities

George moved to Bowen Island in 2003 to join his sister Ann and brother in law Mike Their mother arrived in 2005 and lived on Bowen until her death in 2014. His older brother Eric and wife Yvonne moved to Bowen Island in 2014.

George’s contributions to Bowen Island include creating and operating Bowen TV, running for Bowen municipal council twice and creating the Bowen Island Poker League He Directed, Produced and starred in Bowen Island’s inclusive film ‘Jacob TwoTwo and the Hooded Fang’ He was the best Light up the Cove’s Father Christmas ever He also created the Bowen Slopitch league, starring his beloved team the Sluggers

You are welcomed to a Celebration of Life at the Bowen Island Legion December 3rd between 2 and 5pm. Potluck. If you wish to donate, please consider the Christmas Hamper Fund

Di, and her impactful artwork, is one of the featured characters in the documentary. / Uncharted Waters

Much of the documentary was filmed on Bowen / Uncharted Waters

Many Islanders rejoiced as the Queen of Capilano returned to service last Saturday on the Bowen Horseshoe Bay route following a month long refit. The official handoff from the fill in Queen of Cumberland took place in the morning, and Bowen’s usual vessel was still going strong during a night cap that evening / Wayne Seaman (day) & Alex Kurial (night) photos

George John Zawadzki

EDITORIAL

Good job little boat

As the Queen of Capilano returns to ser vice, a farewell and applause to the Queen of Cumberland who has been ferrying us around for the past several weeks. Yes there were a few less vehicle spaces. And yes the castoff horn sounded like an exhausted trumpeter who just couldn’t quite hit the notes anymore. But she was always there in the dock and ready to take us where we needed to go. If we learned any thing from Cap’s Tuesday morning breakdown, it’s that newer and shinier is not always more reliable. So for everybody who feels they’re running at a bit of reduced capacity like our friend Cumby, give yourselves a hand becasue you are doing a great job!

Alex Kurial, Editor

Hard to explain...

I would like to express how delighted I was to attend a remarkable event at the Bowen Island Public Library on Sunday, November 20 Pauline Le Bel produced, “Way To Go! Poetry, Music, and Conversation on the End of Life”

In the lead up to 1:30 pm Matthew van der Giessen played his cello as about 40 Islanders arrived I expected it to be a somber session Somehow, it was seldom about grief, it was more about contemplating our own future and something that is as natural as birth

It was thoughtful, respectful, and some times serious because we all had the oppor tunity to think about our own end of life But with Pauline’s songs and powerful voice, and her often funny poetry, the mood remained positive and intrigued by the variety of perspectives

Chris Corrigan hosted the event, and skillful ly guided the assembled into small group ses sions where we explored questions such as how we wanted to talk about our own death, and who is the ancestor we think we will become?

Pauline had raised some support for this, and at the conclusion we were served savory food, including spanakopita and non alco holic mulled wine I left feeling hopeful about the time I have left, and with a greater appre ciation for the members of our Bowen Island community

I am going to find it difficult to explain to people who were not there what they missed Thanks to the Library, Pauline, Chris, Matthew, and the volunteers who facilitated this event

Robert J Ballantyne

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

A safe and compassionate space

Dear Neighbours,

I’d like to thank Pauline Le Bel and Chris Corrigan for leading Way To Go!, a won derful afternoon gathering at the Library on Sunday, November 20

Entering the space while Matthew van der Geissen played cello was comfortable and easy Pauline’s poignant and humor

ous poetry set the tone and Chris’ prompts set the intentions for small group sharing I enjoyed rich conversations with so many fellow Boweners (most of whom I’ve never met before as a rel ative newbie) I so appreciated the safe space, compassionate encour agement and willingness of everyone in attendance to share their experi

ence, wonder and hopes around death and dying

Having a space to talk about something we are all going to do one day, but rarely discuss openly, felt liberating I hope we will gather again

Krista Hennebury

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

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 manu scripts, art work and photographs

National NewsMedia Council.

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

VIEWPOINTS

Getting acquainted with Islands Trust

JUDITH GEDYE Islands Trust Trustee

I’ve just completed my first Trust Council meeting It felt like I was in a room full of Bob Turners! We are off to a good start. The first day I got issued a laptop [thank-you!] and that evening we all got sworn in.

The next morning started with a round table update. I was first up, but not knowing what was expected, I mentioned our opinion poll but failed to mention the whales returning to Howe Sound/Átl’ka7tsem. On the crossing to Nanaimo, BC Ferries slowed to a crawl twice, once off Cape Roger Curtis, while multiple spouts moved toward the ship. In the 40 odd years I have lived on Bowen, that was my first ever spotting of whales, and as portents go, that one was magnificent.

Other Trustees reported on their successes and challenges. Time and again they reported an urgent need for housing options on one island, someone living in a tent, and fearful of getting help, had died.

There are many national and global challenges, but small islands with fundamental limitations, are very much feeling the crises. Some good news was the Trust’s leading role in Reconciliation efforts: a draft new policy statement and a

Chopping lessons for the year

It seems like every year there is something to be learned in the quest to keep the house warm, above 16C, with wood. This is the third year writing about heating with wood and as in the past years I changed it up a bit and repeated, or am about to repeat, some of my past sins

The wood shed is looking a bit skimpy this year I ran out last year with a much fuller shed, hence the article on burning wet wood towards spring Not a fun situation to be in and I may be looking at resubmitting that one Not a lot of excuses for the state this year, it has been a pretty late summer, lots of time to scrounge up the wood. On the not to repeat list for next year is the ax to the shin move and the cut the downed tree without doing a full analysis of the contained stress loads

The latter necessitated a trip to the hospital and 10 staples to the head. Good thing I was wearing a helmet, but even with that I was knocked out, lucky my wife was home

After hauling the wood up to the shed, thanks Paul for helping me with your truck, I had a good couple of cords to split It was a good diameter Hemlock and after a couple of rounds I decided to try something new, something I had been avoiding, thought of as cheating I rented a log splitter from Curtis

$100 for the day, he dropped it off and picked it up I went through the pile with my son’s help in three hours vs three weeks At 51 years I’ve got to get a bit smarter and I doubt I will go back to axing it all by hand

Maybe I’m getting smarter with age (not sure about that), but it probably saved me from needing to go to the phys io Well worth the money, but if you are young, splitting by hand is still a touch more rewarding

I managed to collect all my starter wood this year from a friend who was replacing his deck I’m pretty sure the wood isn’t treated, we’ll keep our fingers crossed on that The lower than wood supply I will deal with as the season progresses

I got my eyes on some standing dead trees that I may need to conquer mid season. We’ll cross that bridge in a couple of months

Wishing all the wood heaters a warm winter

Cultural Heritage Mapping project are in the works, and there are active efforts to work more closely with the 33 dif ferent First Nations in the Trust Area

A regional freshwater strategy laying out a roadmap for the next 10 years was also welcomed. Several islands are working on reviews and revisions to their governance doc uments All agreed there is a need for more and better com munications about the federation, its work in conservation, and shared strategies for the effects of the climate crisis and species loss

The staff introduced their departments and their work plans and we started the budget process There were elections and we all signed up for one of four commit tees: Finance, Regional Planning, Trust Programs and Governance

There was much to be impressed with, but what I coveted most was their microphone system WOW! Everyone could hear each other, each person had to finish before another could speak, and there was a camera tracking the microphones as they lit up so that you could watch the screen for a close-up of the speaker

It’s probably far too expensive for our small muni, but it is brilliant Check out the system in any of the videos of the meetings

Stephen Bellringer 1946 - 2022

Stephen Terrence Bellringer, 76, of Vancouver and Bowen Island, BC passed away on November 9, 2022, following a lengthy, courageous battle with cancer He managed the last stage of life with humility and strength, endearing himself to those around him

In his own words, Stephen “had a heck of a run ” Appreciative, humble and a pragmatist, his life experiences gave him a trusted perspective. He was welcoming and generous in every sense of the word He listened attentively and offered restrained practical advice, often adding a touch of humour

Stephen was better known to many as Steve, Steve o, Dad, and Grandpa He was a devoted husband and father, compassionate friend, and accomplished napper. He was an avid reader, sun seeker, great euchre partner, all star dishwasher and terrible cook He was equal parts patient and impatient, in a mostly charming way

Steve spent his later years on Bowen Island, a place where he felt most comfortable His almost-daily “recycling runs” were just a cover to go and buy chocolate donuts from the Village Baker He looked forward to spending his mornings in Snug Cove, seeing who he might run into for a chat, or stopping by David & Lisa’s office just to hang out

His professional accomplishments included president and CEO of Cdn Hotel Income Properties REIT, Orca Bay Sports & Entertainment, BC Gas (Fortis), Trans Mountain Pipelines and Union Gas He served as chair of BC Hydro, Coast Appliances, Anthem Properties; as director for Quadreal Property and D K Harris Properties Ltd , Ballard Power, and others; and as alternate governor for the NHL and NBA He shared his time with non profits including in governance roles with the University of Windsor, Canadian Gas Association, BC Business Council, BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, Vancouver Board of Trade, and as advisory committee member for the Institute of Corporate Directors’ BC Chapter and Bowen Island Municipal Council

His proudest accomplishments, however, were as father and grandfather Steve adored his children and vice versa He was their biggest fan and he loved them unconditionally His encouragement and infinite support came in all forms He considered himself beyond lucky to have four incredible grandchildren

He was quick to say they were inspirations in his fight with illness, and he was a much-anticipated source of joy to each of them.

Stephen cherished the past decade spent living on Bowen Island He loved the community on Bowen Island, and that was evident in his ongoing support for community projects and involvement on municipal committees He was particularly fond of the Bowen Island Golf Course not just for taking the odd Old Buzzard’s honey pot for the friendships and memories it provided him and his family

Stephen leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Kathy; his son David (Merle) and grandchildren Lucy and Stanley; his daughter Kate (Dallyn) and grandchildren Foster and Monroe; his sisters Sheila (Mel) and Diana (Doug), his sisters Sheila and Diana; and an incredible group of people for whom he cherished the role of friend, uncle, colleague, mentor, and golf partner

Rob Wynen

Not in his nature to seek recognition, when asked how he wanted to be celebrated Steve asked that we simply support one another and move forward together In lieu of flowers, donations may be considered to the BC Cancer Foundation.

CANADA AT THE WORLD CUP

The Bowen Pub was packed with fans Wednesday morning as Canada kicked off their World Cup campaign against Belgium. It was all thumbs up from Bob Moles and Murray Atherton (top right), while the trio of Alice Jennings, Bev Lindsey, and Pat Adams were all decked out to enjoy front row seats to the projection screen. (top left). Stacey Shannon joined Colin Turnbull, who was sporting his Alphonso Davies #19 jersey (bottom left). The result was not what the gathered crowd was hoping for (save for a few brave Belgium fans in attendance), but it was a lively atmosphere worthy of Canada’s first World Cup game since the 1986 tournament / Alex Kurial photos

Belgium squeezes by Canada in World Cup opener

ALEX KURIAL Editor

The Canadian men ’ s national team put forward a valiant effort in their return to World Cup play, but ultimately fell just short in a 1 0 loss to Belgium in the first round of Group F action

The game, held at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, was conve niently scheduled for a start time of 11 am Pacific, meaning fans from coast to coast to coast had an opportunity to see Canada’s first game in the tournament in 36 years Bowen was no exception, with a high turn out at the Pub to take in the occasion

It was a promising start as Canada was gifted a golden opportunity for their first goal in World Cup history with an early penalty decision awarded their way But Alphonso Davies’ shot to the left side of

the goal was desperately saved by the out stretched hand of goalie Thibaut Courtois.

It proved to be a costly miss as just before the stroke of halftime Belgium delivered with a goal by Michy Batshuayi. A great run by the Fenerbahçe forward allowed him to get behind a pair of Canadian defenders and slam the ball into the right side of the net past a helpless Milan Borjan.

Canada showed some moments of pres sure in the second half but the Belgium defense managed to hang onto the one-goal margin, securing the win and the coveted three points. The other members of Group F, Croatia and Morocco, tied 0-0 earlier in the day, meaning Canada is at the bottom of the group after the first round of games.

A positive result will be crucial when Canada returns to the pitch Sunday, Nov. 27 against Croatia at 8 am. The Canadians close out the group stage versus Morocco on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7 am.

Bowen Islands Local Asphalt Paving Contractor

West Coast LNG project warns curious sea lions could slow construction

NATASHA BULOWSKI National Observer / Local Journalism Initiative

Construction on the Woodfibre liquefied natural gas project in Squamish, B.C., is set to take off in 2023, but the “curious and gregarious” nature of sea lions could make the construction “neither technically nor economically feasible”

Woodfibre LNG raised this concern with the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, which has published proposed changes that would create less stringent rules for construction activities impacting seals and sea lions

The Woodfibre LNG facility would be located seven kilometres southwest of Squamish on the northwestern shoreline of Howe Sound In January, Enbridge and Pacific Energy announced they would jointly invest in the con struction and operation of the 2 1 million tonne per year LNG export facility with 250,000 cubic metres of floating storage capacity

To protect marine mammals from underwater construc tion noise, the project conditions require work to be halted if marine mammals enter an underwater noise impact area which varies by construction activity. The 14-page document states that sea lions’ “ubiquitous presence ” in Howe Sound would cause “regular and prolonged full project shutdowns”

The proposed solution is to change the boundaries for seals and sea lions, allowing them to stray closer to construction before triggering a shutdown. The justification for relaxing the rules is that, unlike whales and dolphins, sea lions can raise their heads out of the water for an extended period of time or exit the water entirely to avoid acute

underwater noise, the document explains Woodfibre LNG also noted that Steller sea lion populations are stable and growing and harbour seal populations are stable in Howe Sound.

Woodfibre LNG is “trying to reduce their responsibility and eliminate some of the conditions that they have,” said Tracey Saxby, a co-founder of My Sea to Sky, a grassroots environmental organization focused on protecting Howe Sound.

“They’re trying to minimize the area that they need to manage, ” Saxby told Canada’s National Observer She stressed everything that lives underwater relies on sound, with impacts from top to bottom throughout the food chain.

As it stands, marine mammals would have to avoid a 7,322metre radius around impact pile installation, Woodfibre LNG said in its submission to the agency That will still be true for whales and similar creatures, but the changes would allow seals and sea lions at a distance of 125 metres, where underwater noise levels reach 190 decibels

Ocean Watch Canada warns underwater noise from shipping, construction, recreation and shoreline development has doubled in intensity every decade since the 1950s and impedes whales’ and other creatures’ ability to hunt, com municate, rest and breed.

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada wrote that modifying these conditions “would not increase the extent to which the effects of the project, as assessed during the environmental assessment, are adverse”

The agency announced the start of a public comment period on Nov 17. Canadians have one month to weigh in on the proposed changes and can do so on its website The short comment period and lack of advance notice will make

Sea Lions, like the ones seen here in

Sound earlier this year, frequent the area and would interrupt construction of theWoodfibre LNG project unless changes are made to the project conditions, the company says. / Lisa Brougham photo

WOODFIBRE LNG IS“TRYING TO REDUCE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY AND ELIMINATE SOME OF THE CONDITIONS THAT THEY HAVE,”SAID TRACEY SAXBY OF MY SEA TO SKY

it difficult for My Sea to Sky to hire experts to review the pro posed changes in order to make a detailed submission, said Saxby.

Howe

The Woodfibre LNG facility outside of Squamish should be finished by 2027 / Woodfibre LNG render

A Year’s Worth Of Knick Knacks Becomes 19 Semesters Of Post-Secondary Education

This year the BICF is:

• Helping 32 Bowen Island Post Secondary Students

• With scholarships, grants, and bur saries totaling $56,000

Thanks to your generous support of the Knick Knack Nook this year ’ s schol arship fund has been able to support 19 post secondary students from Bowen Island

This scholarship fund raised $42,000 that has been dispersed for the 2022 2023 school year The Bowen Island Community Foundation (BICF) would like to celebrate the students, their fami lies, and the community’s generosity for making this happen

• Generously supported by you!!

Thank you to our generous donors for making this possible and to the Knick Knack Nook Scholarship Fund and volun teers for making this possible.

PSST: If you ’ re a grade 12 student this year, you can start getting everything you need to apply ready now, ahead of the application deadline

https://bowenfoundation com/grants/ scholarship and bursary application/

LEAH GREGG

Bowen Island Community Foundation

First decline in MLS® Home Price Index in 30 months

In October the MLS® HPI registered the first YoY decline since April 2020. Although just a 0.03 per cent decline over September 2022, The HPI is beginning to react to downward pressure by buyers as the Bank of Canada increased its rate by 0.25, 0.50, 0.50, 1.00, 0.75, and 0.50 in March, April, June, July, September, and October respectively. Currently at 3.75 per cent, the Bank of Canada has the highest rate among the G& countries, and with another rate announcement due December 7th, market consensus is that the rate will peak at $.25 per cent in December or early 2023.

The YoY Average Sold Price in October was $1,350,000, 4 4 per cent or $62,700 below the List Price The YoY Average Sold Price for the past year was 2.6 per cent below list, for the last 5 years was 3 1 per cent below list, and for 2019 was 6 2% below list From March 1st to October 31, 2020, the average sold price was 3 4 per cent below list

There were 3 sales of detached homes in October. The highest price paid was $1.575 MM, -3.1 per cent below list and the lowest price paid was $1.078 MM, -7.2 per cent below list. Forty-seven homes have been sold since the Bank of Canada began rising the rate The highest price paid was $3.030 MM, the lowest was $490,000, and the average price paid was $1,660 MM

Sellers can expect to see continued

downward pressure as buyers react to uncertainty about inflation and interest rates. Rates are not anticipated to move down any time soon. Market consensus suggests it could be a year before buyers see any softening in the rate.

Sales remain slow with an average of 120 days on market Forty-seven homes are listed on MLS®: 5 listed over $4.00 MM, 14 between $2.0 -3.0 MM, 21 between $1.00-$2.00 MM, 7 under $1.00 MM. Sales remain slow with an average of 120 days on market. It remains a balanced market trending towards a buyers’ market with continued uncertainty going into 2023.

Timothy Rhodes, REALTOR® tim@rhodesonbowen com www.rhodesonbowen.com

You answered my questions and numerous calls on week ends and evenings any time basically You helped me really feel informed, you communicated well with the other Realtor® throughout the process, and especially while you pounded through a weekend [to get to an] accepted offer with lease agreement I had a fantastic experience working with you Amy, North Vancouver

I felt prioritized the entire way through this process. Your dedication to the sale of the house and your patience with us as we navigated the process was phenomenal and much appreciated. And your support during the sale and after was above and beyond. It was great working with you Tim, and I would do it again without question.

Christie Stashyn

TIM RHODES

Contributor

904-908 Connolly Road

$2,675,000

This three-acre property exudes charm, and is perfect for hobby farmers, horse riders and those looking for total privacy while still being close to the Cove. The three-or-four bedroom main home sits beside a pool, and the property slopes down from there to a carriage house, mini storage, horse field and barn below Virtual Tour available at bowenhomes.ca

2016 Mount Artaban Road

Gambier Island

$1,698,000

This stunning waterfront home and property overlooks Brigade Bay and features one of the best views on Gambier This two bed, two bath immaculate and beautifullyfinished Panabode sits on 6.1 acres, and comes with everything needed for comfortable year-round and full-time off-the-grid living.

241 Shore Lane

$1,398,000

This low bank waterfront building lot looks south across the entrance of Seymour Bay. Featuring a beautiful coastal peninsula, a cozy cove, and that famous south side all day sunshine This property also comes with a garage stall and storage already built, and a mooring buoy off the shore

October’s most (and least) expensive home sales on Bowen

THREE PROPERTIES WENT FOR $1.39 MILLION AND UP

ALEX KURIAL Editor

Bowen’s top three house sales last month took place in all different parts of the island, with a wide list of other varieties including size and age

Topping the list is the three bedroom, three bath property at 503 Crag’s End Road on the west side Built in 1985, the 3,562 square foot home on 0.3 acres went for $1 575 million, slightly under the $1 625 million asking price

It didn’t take too long for the property to be scooped up, at just three weeks on the market The four storey house features ocean views and open spaces, including French doors opening to the backyard. It sits about a 300 metre walk from the beach

Next up is a trip to the Cove, where 404 Venture Road sold for $1.4 million

The two storey home was built in 1945, and sits at 1,892 square feet on a 0.16

The cul de sac property came down a bit from the asking price of $1 425 million following 69 days on the mar ket The self described char acter home has three bed rooms and two baths, along with a solarium and kitchen nook. Several amenities are located nearby, including Sandy Beach, Crippen Park, the ferry, and Snug Cove commercial district.

And finally for a frac tion less, it’s up to 1311 Oceanview Road where a four bedroom, two bath rancher sold for $1.388 million after a just a brief eight days of being up for sale.

The 2,015 square foot home is nearing the century mark at 94 years old. Sitting on 0.25 acres, the final sale came down $100,000 from the original $1.488 million ask A large covered porch was one of the highlighted selling points, with sea and mountain views There’s also a lower level which can be used as a suite

On the (relatively) lower scale, two of October’s seven

property sales went for under $1 million. Second lowest was at 368 Eagle’s Nest Road where a three bed, three-bath home sold for asking price at $980,000.

The sale wrapped up quickly after the two sto ry home spent a mere three days on the market. The 1,910 square foot house is a relatively new build at just 21 years old, boasting a wood finish and room for outdoor creativity such as a rainwater catchment system

And finally, the least expensive property sold last month is a two-storey ½ duplex at 1112 Foxglove Lane This 1,465 square foot space also flew off the mar ket in three days, and also sold for its asking price of $949,000.

The brand new duplex is also the youngest on the list, and comes with three bedrooms and a pair of baths A sundeck features a “peekaboo” view of the mountains

The home is part of the area strata plan.

Note* Dates are based off the day of reported sale

acre lot

The property at 503 Crag’s End Road was the highest selling of October going for $1.575 million. / Zealty.ca photo

This 1/2 duplex at 1112 Foxglove Lane sold for $949,000, making it the least expensive home sold on the island last month. / Zealty.ca photo

ISLAND ARTS

It’s this time of the year where days are get ting shorter, we seek warmth and coziness, and the Holidays are just around the corner!

For its 3rd annual edition, the Hearth’s December Art Market will, once again, showcase an endless choice of art and craft made on Bowen.

From November 25 to December 31, this market is the perfect venue to shop hand-crafted gifts made with love and pas sion by the many local designers, writers, makers, crafters, and artists who have chosen Bowen Island as a home and as a source of inspiration.

So, forget about your Amazon order or save yourself a hectic trip to the shopping mall; instead, come by the Cove to support local talents and to find unique gifts for your

loved ones during the gift-giving season!

You might be amazed by the diversity of arts and crafts that our island gathers From ceramics, textile craft, art prints, to original paintings, wooden items, jewelry, ornaments, and others, there are options for all budgets, styles, and tastes

The Hearth’s December Art Market is a window on Bowen’s creativity and rep resents an important time for the participat ing artists and artisans It aims to provide a heartfelt community art marketplace, both for the artists to sell their art as well as for avid December shoppers

As part of the Light Up event, the gal lery will also host an Art Market pARTy on December 3 from 5 to 8 pm Everybody is invited to come browse, shop, and have a sip!

The December Art Market at the Hearth gallery is open daily, except Tuesdays, from November 25 to December 31 from 11 am to 5 pm and open until 8 pm on Friday nights.

MATHILDE ROHR

Cultural Connector / The Hearth Gallery

ISLAND ARTS

PutYour HeART into Art

THE HEARTH GALLERY

We have a thriving art scene on Bowen the beauty of this island inspires creativity The Hearth Arts on Bowen supports the arts by hosting art shows, live art, performance & literary art at the Gallery and patio space It’s what we love to do!

If you love the arts and want to be part of the scene, there are a few ways to support what we do The Hearth Arts on Bowen is holding its Annual General Meeting on Sunday, November 27 at 6 pm Everyone is welcome to attend and be part of the evening’s events

It is also the time of year for our Donation Campaign. This is an opportunity to ‘give’ so we can continue to support the arts Tax receipts for donations are provided.

January is the best time to renew or purchase your annual membership to the Hearth The benefits of being a member are simple your contribution directly supports the arts on Bowen, helping the Hearth continue to do what we love to do!!

For more information on donations, memberships and all the great things we do, please visit our website at www.thehearth.ca

Blind Sight Artist pARTy

Sarah Haxby and Alex Jurgensen, two of the artists behind the recent‘Blind Sight’exhibit at the Hearth, joined members of the public (including Jason Zahara, above) at the show’s Artist pARTy earlier this month. / Kathleen Ainscough photos

Jean Bradbury

New mental health unit opens at Lions Gate Hospital ER

NEW EIGHT-PATIENT UNIT TO PROVIDE SPECIALIZED EMERGENCY CARE

JANE SEYD North Shore News

Patients who show up to Lions Gate Hospital’s emergency depart ment who are dealing with addic tion or during a mental health crisis now have a dedicated space to receive medical care

The hospital’s new psychiatric emergency assessment and treatment unit opened this week, providing four single bed rooms in a specialized unit of the ER where dedicated mental health doctors and nurses can assess patients and determine next steps A waiting lounge and private consul tation room provides space for four more patients

Numbers of patients needing such specialized care varies, said Ira Roness, director of North Shore and Sea to Sky Mental Health and Substance Use, but the new ER unit has been built to accommodate average demand

Rooms in the unit, located in the northwest corner of the emergency department, are nec essarily sparse, containing just a stretcher bed, while medical equipment can be easily wheeled in and out when needed A cen

tral nursing station includes clear sight lines to all areas of the unit, as well as monitors to keep an eye on patients in crisis

The new unit is a quieter and more secure space than the regular emer gency department, said Roness

More than just the physical space, however, the unit comes with dedicat ed staff including two mental health and substance use nurses and one ER nurse, along with psychiatrists who specialize in addiction issues

In recent years, there has been a steady increase in both the number of people visiting the ER and those who show up with mental health and addiction issues. The severity of those problems has also grown more acute, said Roness.

“The opening of this unit is really timely,” he added.

The new mental health emergency unit is part of a $5 million revamp of the Lions Gate ER, which also includes a reconfiguring of the emergency department’s triage area and convert ing one waiting area into a space for patient treatment.

The new mental health ER has largely been made possible by a donation from the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation, which not only surpassed its initial goal of raising $3.8 million, but did so in just six months last year during the

pandemic.

“We raised close to $5 million,” said Judy Savage, president and chair of the LGH Foundation. “The community was very responsive.”

With some of the extra money raised, the foundation bought new patient monitors for the ER, at a cost of approximately $770,000, said Savage.

Construction on the unit started in the spring and wrapped up just this week.

According to Vancouver Coastal Health and the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation, the number of patients going through the emergency depart ment at Lions Gate is up 40 per cent since 2009 from 40,000 patients annually to 65,000.

Of those, about 3,500 need emer gency care for a mental health or sub stance use issue.

Judy Savage, president and CEO of the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation, and Ira Roness, director of North Shore and Sea to Sky Mental Health and Substance Use for Vancouver Coastal Health, check out one of the patient rooms in the new psychiatric emergency assessment and treatment area of Lions Gate Hospital’s ER / Jane Seyd photo

The Emergency Room at Lions Gate Hospital. / Mike Wakefield photo

16 female workers at BC Ferries file human rights complaint

JEREMY HAINSWORTH Vancouver Is Awesome

Sixteen female BC Ferries employees have filed a B.C Human Rights Tribunal complaint alleging a “climate of harassment and bullying of women” exists in the workplace

The complaint said women are singled out as different in the engine room, excluded in correspondence by being referred to as ‘gents,’ and lack changing space despite being required to change at work

The complaint also said they can be interrupted while they are changing, must pass through men ’ s changing spaces to access toilet or shower facilities, and have insufficient receptacles to dispose of feminine hygiene products

“The lack of facilities draws focus to their status as women, causes them to feel different, unwelcome, humiliat ed, and unsafe in the workplace,” the complaint said “Group members experience negative remarks about period-related mood changes, and about their separate status as women. For example, one chief engineer said, regarding a six-year employee group member, ‘I need to behave today because we have ‘company’ in the engine room ’”

The tribunal document noted women workers are routinely referred to as ‘girls’

The case is ongoing as BC Ferries has asked for further particulars, including more information on workplace climate allegations (like who was involved), when the alleged events happened, and what is alleged to have occurred It also asks for the names of the 16 women

Laurence Grey Spencer, the representative who’s bringing the complaint forward, says it’s a request that puts the group

in danger

“BC Ferries argues that it requires this information to know the case it must meet, and to properly respond to the complaint,” a Nov 15 decision by tribunal member Kathleen Smith said.

Spencer argued the requested information is not required for BC Ferries to respond to the complaint

Smith said five out of the seven allegations refer to specific alleged incidents of discrimination.

“I agree with BC Ferries that they are missing the basic facts of who was involved, when the event happened, and what happened,” she said. “For this reason, I am persuaded that additional details are required for BC Ferries to know the case it must meet and respond.”

The events are alleged to have occurred from December 2019 to December 2020 what Smith called alleged ongoing conduct

“It is both reasonable and necessary that, where available and known, the group members must provide the basic information about their allegations, including when and where the incident occurred, what happened, and who was involved,” Smith said.

She declined to order the disclosure of the names, being satisfied at this point with the description of the alleged vic tims being workers in the engineering department

The tribunal member said allegations of danger to the women, if they are named, are serious

“Mr Spencer, however, does not provide any evidentiary basis to support it It is my expectation that a party alleging exposure to danger will provide the necessary evidence for the tribunal to make a decision,” Smith said.

Spencer must provide the particulars by no later than Jan. 10. The response from BC Ferries is due 35 days later

NELSON BENNETT Business In Vancouver

Ottawa has committed another $1.2 billion to the Oceans Protection Plan, much of which is focused on enhancing protection of B.C coastal waters, including better marine oil and fuel spill prevention and response

The new funding covers 29 new and existing initiatives, including $890 million for 10 initiatives aimed at strengthening marine safety and spill prevention, and $337 million for initiatives involving coastal communities and First Nations “This investment will help us develop a more robust pollution response system to keep our waters clean,” said federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra in Vancouver last week

When first launched in 2016, the plan was at least in part a response to the planned expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline, which raised concerns about increased risks of an oil spill. Increased protection of whales on both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts was also a significant part of the plan.

“Through it, we ’ ve put in place measures to address abandoned vessels, protect coastal ecosystems and endangered whale species on both sides of this country, ensure that polluters pay the price for spills, increased accessed to maritime training for under represented groups, (and) advance reconciliation through engagement with Indigenous communities,” said Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson.

One of the initiatives funded under the plan was the creation of the Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary involving the Heiltsuk, Ahousaht and other coastal First Nations

“This all-volunteer organization comprises First Nations members who augment marine search and rescue capac ity in coastal waters,” said Fisheries and Oceans Minister Joyce Murray. “First Nations know these waters better than anyone, and this partnership has saved lives in British Columbia”

The plan under previous funding has provided vessels for search and rescue to 42 coastal First Nations Alghabra said the funding includes training for 750 students to help them find jobs in the marine industry. There is also funding for scientific research for dealing with oil spills

Photo Credit: Anne Mann

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24

ChessMates at the Bowen Library

Thursday evening chess at the Library! Drop in for all ag es, family friendly casual chess at the Library! All expe rience levels welcome, (though it helps if you know the basics) Our December 8 session will be a fun tournament Chess boards provided, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer!

Yoga Fundamental Workshop

With Andrea Clark 7:30 pm, registration $50, sign up at sweatthetechniquestudio com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25

Storytime at the Bowen Library A free drop in program of stories and songs for 2 4 year olds and their caregivers! Fridays at 10:30 to 11 am Runs on Friday’s through December 9

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26

Art Market begins at the Hearth Daily to December 31, from 11 am to 5 pm (closed Tuesdays) and Fridays till 8 pm Find out more at thehearthartsonbowen ca

Little Red Church Christmas Craft Fair Featuring local crafters and treats 10 am to 2 pm at Collins Hall

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27

Christmas Craft Fair at the Legion Local crafts, gift basket raffle, Pet Photos with Santa fundraiser for CAWES 11 am to 4 pm

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28

General Council Meeting 6:15 pm at Municipal Hall

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2

Ladies Madrigal Singers present ‘Sounds of Christmas’ Cates Hill Chapel at 7 pm. Tickets at the door.

Winter Open House

Sweat the Technique Studio, takes place Dec. 2 from 1:30 to 4:30 pm, and Dec. 3 & 4 from Noon to 4 pm

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

Camp Bow Isle Craft Fair 871 Green Road. For more info call 604 947 2500

Book Donations at the Library Annex

Friends of the Library volunteers are accepting donations of clean, good condition used books and DVDs Donations toward our book sales can be brought to the Library Annex starting at 1 pm until the volunteers’ bins are full (no later than 3 pm) The library cannot accept donations outside of this donation date and time Please do not leave donations outside the Library at any time

A volunteer will pre screen your donations while you wait and will accept those that meet donation guidelines Donors will need to take back any items that do not meet the guidelines. We thank everyone who donates books for their contribution your books help raise funds for the Library through book sales!

Open house/Open discussion with Coun. Judi Gedye

Everyone welcome. Sponsored by Judi Gedye, at Collins Hall from 3 to 4 pm

Light Up Bowen

Begins at 6 pm with the Lantern Parade. Later, the Cove Light Up, and visits with Santa at the Hearth!

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4

CSA Christmas Craft Fair An island tradition since 1984.

TO WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7

Fill the Fire Truck

Come to the Fire Hall and help fill up Engine 31 with a new unwrapped toy donation for kids newborn to 18 years old. Gift cards (min. $15) or cash donations also accepted. Drop offs open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm, with final dropoffs due Dec. 7 at 4 pm. All donations will go to local Bowen Island families.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9

The Magic of Christmas at Endswell Farm Lights, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, marshmellow roasting, and more.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11

Children’s Shopping Day at Knick Knack Nook

Calling all kids to the Nook between Noon and 2 pm.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15

Holiday Wonderland Exhibit at the Museum

Museum & Archives holiday exhibit. Indoor exhibit runs until December 18, outside exhibit to January 2, 2023.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18

Hanukkah Menorah lighting

Come down to the Cove at 4:30 pm for the second annu al celebration and lighting of the first Menorah candle. Takes place at the Festival of Trees.

TUESDAYS

Community Lunches at the Legion

2nd and 4th Tuesday’s of every month from 11:30 am to 1 pm. Adult only, drop in event. $10 for a full lunch. Next lunch: December 13

Yoga at Collins Hall

Tuesdays from 1 to 2 pm. All levels of experience welcome... Chair to Standing. $15 drop in. Email jackie.minns@gmail.com or call 604 220 9092

Marie Neys Fine Art

Nov. 29 or Nov. 30 Tuesday or Wednesday Open Classes. 9:30 to 11:30 am Do you paint in Acrylics but want to learn more and develop your skills … Join Marie Neys in the stu dio! marie@marieneys.com

THURSDAYS

Breath & Workspace @ Sweat The Technique Studio

Join this beginner movement class created to rebalance and prep the body for more active mobility 6 pm

Pre register weekly at sweatthetechniquestudio com

Thursday Art Group

Each week at Collins Hall, 9:30 to 11:30 am Members pay $30 per month to help pay the rent at the Hall Nov 10 we will be hosting a Live Model (clothed) drawing/sketching workshop Paid TAG members pay $5 Non Members who wish to join the fun pay $10 For enquiries please reach out to Marie@marieneys com or shannonrondeau@shaw ca

SATURDAYS

Men’s Mobility Circuit Class @ 9 am, Mobility Skills Class (All Levels) @ 10:15 am Sweat The Technique Studio. Pre register weekly at sweatthetechniquestudio com

Tunstall Bay Ocean Plunge

Saturdays at 11:45 am Free community activity Register at Sweatthetechniquestudio com

Book Review:The Flaw by Jude Neale

BARBARA MURRAY Author / Former Bowen Resident

Let’s start at the end. Let’s start with the line “ this is the time to reach out / and grab the scruff of the universe ” because to grab the scruff of the universe is an absolutely brilliant line

These words are from all is hazy, the last poem in Jude Neale’s new powerhouse of poetry, The Flaw (Ekstasis Editions, Victoria, BC). Words such as these must be shared and shared again. And so it goes with every page of The Flaw, Jude Neale’s 11th collection of poetry.

Let’s start in the middle with the laugh-out-loud: “To my brother on his birthday—I wish you dog pee on the carpet / and old eggs with pale yolks ” because Because, because, because

Let’s start The Flaw at its essence, “Choose Love” (How do you pack your life) Because love strides, limps, heaves, and courses through every one of Jude’s poems Be it fierce Or gentle Outrageous or protective Strong or weak Or flawed

What was Taken is limned with tattered love Protective instincts weep for the child and revolt against the perpetra tor “whose rough hands nudged her knees apart like a broken needle ”

You Hold the Mirror, “ an anthem of apology,” is heart breaking For the travesties against Indigenous children, Jude offers the words: “Your children are mine./ I rock emptiness back and forth./ This is an ache / we must learn from,/ nestled like a pit in furrowed soil.”

As you may have gathered, I don’t read a book of poetry from beginning to end, but randomly open it to any page I like the adventure, the not-knowing And, often, the synchronicity: I first opened The Flaw to Why Is It Always An Insult To Be Just Like Your Mum

I had just visited my 96-year-old mother in long-term care I cried while reading On and off, for hours It was one of those days as the daughter of a long-term care resident with dementia But tears help heal. As does poetry like Jude

Neale’s

I expected to find similar synchronicity when I hap pened upon Grandma’s Kitchen The title conjures memories In the first two lines, I was off and away, tilting into my grandmother’s kitchen, the smells, the warmth, the food

And then I wasn’t How, I asked myself, did we go from nurturing comfort and sustenance to “ helping singe her split ends ”? You will have to read the poem to find out!

But herein lies another aspect to Jude’s powerful writ ing: She is a magnificent storyteller Jude has honed her craft and will deftly guide you through each poem Sometimes for only a glimpse of the landscape Sometimes with detours into the unknown But always with signposts along the way

Her writing invites you in; it doesn’t keep you out It is accessible Each poem is an adventure in discovery, yet even in her most intricate poems, I was never left abandoned to navigate an esoteric maze

There is no better example of Jude’s prowess as a poet ic storyteller than The One That Got Away What begins with a fishing trip with her dad as little Jude jumps up and down in the rowboat, ends with: “I saved his pipe and his teeth ”

I cannot tell you what happened in between. That would ruin the story.

Jude Neale’s book of poetry, The Flaw, can be found online at http://www.ekstasiseditions.com/

BOWEN BEAT

Nature has been showing off on Bowen lately, not least of which in Fairweather where Haig Farris captured a group of Whales putting on an acrobatic show for residents of South Bowen Island. He also found an Eagle who was equally enraptured by the performance Lisa Brougham has been tackling Mount Gardner each day during November, and along with her pups has been rewarded for her efforts with some incredible cotton candy eque sunsets. And the Undercurrent Editor was taken with the snow on the mountains recently, and hopes some more of it makes its way over to the island soon. / Haig Farris, Lisa Brougham & Alex Kurial photos