Bowen Island Undercurrent January 19 2023

Bowen property assessments go up in 2023

ALEX KURIAL Editor

It wasn’t the dramatic 25 per cent rise homeowners saw last year, but property valuations still went up on Bowen in 2022.

In the annual release from BC Assessment earlier this month, the numbers show Bowen residential property value grew seven per cent from the year before. This brought 2022’s mark of $1.271 million up by nearly $100,000, to $1.363 million. The number represents a median value, which means half of Bowen homes fall on each side of the 2023 number.

Last year ’ s release featured a scorching rise as every municipality in the Lower Mainland saw residential property values rise by double digits. This year was much tamer, with a mix of single digit and low to mid double digit growth in the region.

The largest riser in the area was Pemberton at 16 per cent, while the University Endowment Lands didn’t experience any growth. The latter is already by far home to the most valued properties on the list however, at $5.466 million. Across the water in West Vancouver, growth was four per cent as the median value rose to $3.111 million.

“Despite the real estate market peaking last spring and showing signs of cooling down by summer, homes were still selling notably higher around July 1, 2022 compared to the previous year, ” said Bryan Murao, assessor for BC Assessment, in this year ’ s release.

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Four Bowen homes stand out above the rest

“For both single family homes and condos in Greater Vancouver, most homeowners can expect about a 9 per cent rise in values whereas the Fraser Valley will be a bit higher at about 10 per cent for houses and 15 per cent for condos and townhomes,” added Murao

The rise in property value can also come with a jump in property taxes As a general rule, if your value change was less than the average (in Bowen’s case plus seven per cent), your property tax will likely decrease If you had an assessment change similar to the average your property taxes should remain the same, and if your assessment went higher than the average taxes will likely go up

Just like last year, four island properties have landed in the annual listing of most valuable in the province, once again equalling the most Bowen has ever had on the list But, while the value of each home has gone up slightly, they’ve all dropped a bit in the rankings as properties around B C saw their assessments shoot up during the past year

Leading the charge once again was 1840 Lighthouse Lane, located at the end of the Cape Roger Curtis road featuring some of Bowen’s most photographed scenes between the lighthouse and signature tree Coming in at $13,882,000, the assessment is up $102,000 from last year While it was 317th overall in 2022, this year it ranks 342nd.

The island’s second ranked property is a hop over to the north coast at 370 Smugglers Cove Road. Its 2023 value comes in at $13,568,000, up $20,000 from the year before. Rankings wise the house went from 339th in the province to 371st.

The 536 Eves Road residence remains Bowen’s third-highest assessment with $12,923,000 in value The 100 acre property was the highest gainer of the group after adding $432,000 since 2022. But with values rocketing up across B.C., it fell slightly from 419th overall to 427th this year

Also gaining six-figures worth of value is Bowen’s final entry on the list at 1400 Southshore The 111 acre piece of land leapt up $232,000 to a new year total of $12,628,000 Despite the financial gain it slides into the final 50 entries of the top 500, claiming the 457th spot after ranking 430th in 2022

Top 15 Valued Properties in B.C

1) 3085 Point Grey Road, Vancouver - $74,089,000

2) 4707 Belmont Avenue, Vancouver - $66,964,000

3) James Island, Gulf Islands - $61,239,000

4) 4743 Belmont Avenue, Vancouver - $42,257,000

5) 4719 Belmont Avenue, Vancouver - $40,716,000

6) 2815 Point Grey Road, Vancouver - $39,423,000

7) 4838 Belmont Avenue, Vancouver - $38,969,000

8) 1450 Blanca Street, Vancouver - $38,095,000

9) 4773 Belmont Avenue, Vancouver - $35,539,000

10) 2999 Point Grey Road, Vancouver - $35,356,000

11) 4857 Belmont Avenue, Vancouver - $34,101,000

12) 3330 Radcliffe Avenue, West Vancouver - $33,206,000

13) 5432 Stonebridge Drive, Whistler - $32,961,000

14) 3489 Osler Street, Vancouver - $32,263,000

15) 4888 Belmont Avenue, Vancouver - $31,134,000

Residents of Belmont Avenue in Vancouver find themselves in good shape with 7 of the 15 most valuable properties in the province Vancouver as a whole claims 12 of the 15 spots More North Shore assessment news can be found on Page 9.

A sampling of BC Assessment property assessments.

Where’s my gondola?

Hey everybody, hope we are all doing well as the new year rolls along As I write this I see the sun beginning to finally peek out, though I’ve also seen colder temperatures are coming in the days ahead I’ve found that a SAD lamp I received as a lovely Christmas gift has been doing a nice job of bringing some light to these dark days. If like me you ’ re feeling it’s a bit too gloomy out there lately, I highly recommend using one!

Somehow next week’s issue is already the last one of January, and that means it is island wide time yet again. These are always some of my favourite issues because we always get a large sampling of stories and topics from around the community. They are great reads!

It will also mark one year since my first island wide issue which went out at the end of last January. A memorable article from Henry Campbell still stands out to me about a proposed “Snug Cove Gondola” which apparently was in the works Extremely fresh to the Bowen scene (and perhaps not reading the submission closely enough) I believed this to be a real endeavour, and was rather excited to glide up to Artisan Square each day Not to be however at least not in the immediate future, and without some very creative engineering Nevertheless, it was still a lovely submission, and I hope to see some more fun stories next week!

- Alex Kurial, Editor

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Petitioning for a better consultation process

very “democratic”

This begs the question of why our municipal staff even goes through the motions of community meetings and committee of the whole meetings to allegedly listen to feedback and ideas when they have already made the decision Heck, it doesn’t even look like they even listened to the changes council agreed to at the Dec 12 council meeting because the “public notice of intent” and the information on the webpage it refers to does NOT reflect those changes!

(Who’s calling the shots here?)

I’d far prefer if our local government was up front and just told us “this is how it’s going to be” so residents didn’t waste any time, energy, or angst on the matter it can be frustrating and divisive as we are currently seeing with the Blue Water Park water improvement proposal

- Dennis Vetter

g water & sewage systems)

The process is called a “subject to petition against” in which our local government may proceed unless more than half of the landowners representing at least 50 per cent of the assessed value petition against what’s being proposed As such, this process balances the scales heavily in favour of what the municipal staff wants to do and doesn’t seem

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

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

Opening up a New Year

JUDITH GEDYE

Bowen Island Councillor / Islands Trust Trustee

I held another Open House this past Saturday and, as always, the topics were interesting and varied. Councilor Tim Wake and five others joined me - small enough that we could all be heard and have our interests shared and big enough that we filled the hour easily.

One topic, recently discussed by Council, was the number of committees on Bowen that provide citizen input on diverse topics that are on our work agendas The large number of committees results in a massive amount of time for staff and councilors with multiple assignments, but overall there’s thought to be considerable value with our volunteers’ levels of interest and involvement

The discussion was in the context of the proposed park on Cape Roger Curtis, and the need to involve everyone in the discussions and decisions that we want to have Applications for committee work was seen to need more personalization, and there was a suggestion to have more single issue events in addition to committees to get input from people who don’t have time for a long-term commit-

Acting acceptably?

Climate change is here, and we know we must stop building new fossil fuel projects But Woodfibre LNG is doing exactly the opposite The company pushes ahead with construction (on its Squamish facility) possibly starting next month It does so, as it has continued to get non-support resolutions from Municipal Councils within the Atl’Ka7tsem/ Howe Sound Biosphere Reserve Bowen Municipal Council adopted its non-support resolution July 11 last year

Since then, the company has simply continued going as if nothing is wrong It applied for changes to the conditions that are an integral part of the Federal approval of the project Yes, the conditions that were the selling points of the federal Government when it approved the project, and those the company committed to in 2016

At that point, the public trust in the environmental review process was rock bottom. This forced the Canadian Government to enter into a review of environmental reviews later that year. Canadians were promised stronger environmental regulation, and an overhaul of the environmental review process. But that’s partially what happened.

The oil and gas industry intensely lobbied Ottawa to ensure that it would get what it wanted, and what that was, we are finding out now. Under the new 2019 Environmental Review Act, conditions can be added, changed or removed, something the 2012 Act didn’t accommodate for. And

ment, and more explanation and outreach to let people know what opportunities exist.

And, in the context of making difficult decisions where there are two or more strongly held positions, one person described her work with hospitals and a process known as ethical decision-making. That’s a process where you begin by establishing the values that are important that can be agreed on, and at the same time identify the differences, and then the steps that can be agreed to when exploring the pros and cons

She was encouraged to make a formal presentation to council so that as a group we can consider if we could apply the process in the many difficult decisions that are persistently brought to council for resolution If it works well for difficult medical situations, it is worth considering

That model of decision-making was of interest to another person who described problems with the budget process He thought there was little time spent considering the fundamental values we want to protect and reflect in our spending, and without that sort of foundation we keep responding to crises and appearing to be reactionary when we need to be more visionary and focused on the principles we want to follow, eg how to keep from evolving into

a wealthy enclave.

Another topic was the huge amount of styrofoam debris that was floating all around Bowen following the recent “king” tides and winter storms. The problem with styrofoam, in particular, is how quickly it breaks up and how damaging it is to marine life

If you are out in your boat and can pull any of this plastic out of the ocean before it disintegrates, I’m going to follow up and see if we can collect and dispose of it somewhere other than our foreshore Pictures have already been sent to our environment department head.

That’s it for January 2023. As always, these conversations are good for me I get ideas and energy from you in a setting that is friendly and relaxed, with more time than what’s available at business meetings, and with more people contributing – a dialogue

And, I get to try out new baking recipes This month I tried Ottolenghi’s coffee/cardamom bundt cake with an incredible coffee icing: definitely a hit I’ve had a couple of comments recently about spending my “extra” salary: the hall rental and the baking supplies are coming out of that, so thank-you all taxpayers once again.

Next Open House is Saturday, February 4 Everybody’s welcome DonationsarecollectedfortheIslandsTrustConservancy

construction rewritten to only include human health, not the protection of aquatic life Not a good idea, as this is an old pulp site, and so the risk of the pile driving remobilizing legacy pulp mill chemical contaminants in the sea-floor is pretty much a given.

conveniently, approvals under the 2012 Act are now “deemed to be” approvals under the 2019 Act

So now we find ourselves in a situation, when we were asked in 2016 to trust the approval of the project because of firm conditions, to now submit our input about changing them

The public input process was called by the federal environmental review agency last November, but was done so poorly that we found out four days before the December 19 deadline Together with My Sea to Sky, we demanded an extension, which was given to the public to the end of this month, Monday January 30.

As Concerned Citizens Bowen, we stand on the position, that when we were asked to trust an approval because of conditions, those conditions cannot be changed after the fact. It is what we put our trust in, and we don’t buy it that an approval under the 2012 Act is now “deemed” the same as one under the 2019 Act.

We are further strengthened in our position when we see what the proposed changes are.

Woodfibre LNG wants a 99 per cent reduction of the underwater noise safety precautions for sea-lions and seals. Not really acceptable in a recovering Atl’Ka7tsem/ Howe Sound Biosphere Reserve

Woodfibre LNG also wants a condition for fresh and marine water quality monitoring and mitigation during

Please take this opportunity to show your continued support to protect what makes Atl’Ka7tsem/ Howe Sound so special. It’s nature, wildlife and people!

You can send your comment(s) to the IAAC (Impact Assessment Agency of Canada) on their Woodfibre LNG page: https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/80060 or use the link on our website: https://ccbowen.ca

On behalf of Concerned Citizens Bowen,

- Anton van Walraven

Birch (dog) keeps on eye on a pair of paddlers during a (somewhat) sunny Saturday at Cape Roger Curtis. / Anne Boa photo

Beach volleyball seeking space in Bowen’s athletic landscape

ALEX KURIAL

Editor

A local volleyball advocate is looking to serve up a new sporting option for Bowen recreationists

Terri Dewar spoke to the Parks, Trails and Greenways Advisory Committee (PTGAC) on Tuesday night about her vision for a beach volleyball court at Sandy Beach She says the project is in line with several of the municipality’s stated goals, including the Bowen Island Parks Plan and Community Recreation Plan.

But it may be awhile before the first spike is scored on the island – there’s plenty still to be worked out before the netting could be raised.

Dewar identified Sandy Beach on Mannion Bay as the ideal location for the court, specifically an approximate 1800 square metre space on the west side of the beach which currently isn’t being put to any use. Dewar says following a visit to the beach, all she found in that area was logs, branches, and a mix of invasive and non-invasive plants. There’s also a large pile of fill which would need to be removed

The specifications of a 60 metre by 30 metre court mean construction wouldn’t affect the nearby bank to the south leading up to Cardena Road. The west side of the court would border an existing retaining wall for the neighbouring property, with beach to the north and east

Dewar says the proposed location of the court is above the high tide line, though the PTGAC advised this should be investigated further following the recent king tides in the area. She also pointed out the beach already has several existing facilities including parking and washrooms, and is easy to get to via bus and ferry.

Like many projects one of the major hurdles to clear is the financial one. Dewar’s initial estimate for building the court – including removal of existing vegetation/fill, delivery of sand, and the netting itself – would cost around $20,000 Maintenance costs would be on top of that

Dewar and the PTGAC discussed a number of possible fundraising sources The committee advised it may take some time to put together all the necessary information to ensure a grant or donation pitch is successful, but they voiced their support for the idea and plan to work with Dewar moving forward, starting with a site visit to the beach

“I think there should be great support in the community to try and see this happen,” said committee member Phil Osborne Alternative sites were also discussed, such as the Bowfest Field, but Dewar said Metro Parks explained they weren’t interested in the project when she contacted them The committee said they’d follow up with Metro Parks to find out more Coun. Sue Ellen Fast also noted Metro Vancouver is working on redevelopment plans for the Davies Orchard, and that perhaps this could include a beach volleyball court

bowenfoundation.com/community-impact-fund/

The proposed Sandy Beach site for a beach volleyball court, in both sketch and photo form. / Terri Dewar photos

The editor came across this cool tree while exploring Seymour Bay Beach for the first time last week While it’s likely not new to most readers, he still felt the need to share a photo of it / Alex Kurial photo

Tesla‘suddenly accelerates’into BC Ferries ramp, breaks in two

THE WEST VANCOUVER POLICE DEPARTMENT IS INVESTIGATING THE CAUSE OF A ONE-VEHICLE CRASH AT A HORSESHOE

BAY FERRY

GRAEME WOOD Glacier Media

RAMP THAT TOOK TWO PEOPLE TO HOSPITAL

“There was no vessel in the berth at the time of the incident The vehicle was not attempting to board a ferry Due to damage to the gate, the berth was closed for the remainder of the day,” said Marshall.

West Vancouver police are investigating the sudden acceleration of a Tesla that resulted in the vehicle slamming into a BC Ferries ramp at Horseshoe Bay terminal, causing it to break in two last Saturday.

Sgt Mark McLean, a spokesperson for West Vancouver Police Department, told Glacier Media the driver and passenger were both taken to hospital for non-life threatening injuries and are cooperating with the investigation.

“It looks like it was trying to board a ferry and suddenly accelerated into the gate, basically destroying the Tesla,” said McLean.

“We don’t know what caused it to happen,” said McLean, adding police are initially looking at either a mechanical issue, or a matter concerning the driver, which may have caused the sudden acceleration

“It doesn’t appear alcohol was involved at all,” said McLean.

“An investigation will determine driver error or mechanical,” he added.

A photo of the aftermath shows the Tesla on an upper car ramp but split in two pieces, with its front left wheel detached and airbags deployed.

BC Ferries spokesperson Deborah Marshall said the incident occurred at a closed gate at one of the berths Paramedics arrived at the scene and took the passengers to the hospital, she said.

“Our thoughts are with the driver and passenger We are fully supporting the West Vancouver Police investigation into the incident as they determine the cause, ” said Marshall.

Typically, in order for a vehicle to get to the ferry ramps it would have to have been authorized to board a ferry, so it remains unclear if the vehicle was intending to board at another ramp but ended up accelerating toward one that had no ferry.

In January 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration concluded an investigation of sudden accelerations of Tesla vehicles, finding driver error to be the source

“More than 200 incidents involving Teslas unexpectedly accelerating and crashing were the fault of drivers confusing their brake and accelerator pedals, not a defect with the electric vehicles,” reported the Washington Post

This Tesla snapped in two following a one-vehicle crash at the BC Ferries terminal at Horseshoe Bay on Jan. 14, 2023. / Handout

If you build it, they will come

HOLLY GRAFF Chair / Bowen Island Community Foundation

You know what it is The thing that Bowen doesn’t have but you sorely wish it did Every day it gnaws at you a little more until you just can’t stand it

The Bowen Island Community Foundation understands gnawing feelings and we want to help you get rid of them. We do this with “Community Impact Grants” This is a fancy way of saying: “we help people build things that make Bowen better”

In 2019, we helped Sam Nosek The thing that gnawed at him was disc golf Sam loved disc golf with a fiery passion, but there was nowhere on Island to chuck the ‘bee’

All he wanted to do was unleash monster bombs into baskets but he didn’t want to cross the ocean to do it So Sam decided to build a disc golf course

He asked around and had some meetings. He talked to the Bowen Island Municipality. He talked to his friends. He started a Facebook group

Pretty soon, he found a lot of other people who wanted to unleash ‘bee bombs on baskets’ But he needed a bit of money to help complete the project So he applied for a Community Impact Grant

He needed a few things to do this First, a charity to partner with This was a bit tricky. Sam reached out to a few registered charities on the island (for a list, look at Canada Revenue Agency’s online search tool - we have a link on our website).

Eventually, the Bowen Island Municipality agreed to partner with him on this project (and also helped him secure the land). We know that this is an annoying requirement, but the BICF has to give the money to a charity for tax reasons Sam still used all the money the Foundation gave him to help build the disc golf course

Now that he had a partner, he needed a plan… and he needed to be able to complete the plan within a year from the date he received the grant

He submitted a 500-word summary of his idea and his application and had a meeting with the grants committee (reducing gnawing requires a lot of meetings sorry about that).

Then he, and many hardworking friends, built the disc golf course Now he chucks monster bombs anytime he pleases And the gnawing sensation? Long gone

Want to be like Sam? Submit a 500-word summary of your idea here: https://bowenfoundation.com/grants/grant-application/

DEADLINE: 5 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. Please send questions to: grants@bowenfoundation.com

HARRIS PROPERTIES LTD. DAVID BERGER DEBORAH BRAMM DEE ELLIOT DEREK ING DIE GOLDSCHMIEDE

MORGAN'S DON SHAFER DR. CAROLYN NESBITT DR.

Thank you to all of the businesses & organizations who keep

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE ON BOWEN?

North Shore property assessments also enjoy overall rise over past year

CHANGES TO ASSESSED VALUES WERE MORE MODEST THIS YEAR, BUT SOME PROPERTIES IN NORTH SHORE NEIGHBOURHOODS WERE STILL UP – OR DOWN – MORE THAN THE“AVERAGE”

JANE SEYD North Shore News

What a difference a year makes.

In January 2022, homeowners were gasping at assessed values of property in some North Shore neighbourhoods that had risen by 30 and even 40 per cent in one turn of the calendar

This year, not so much

Assessed values are still up – by an average of 6.6 per cent for single-family homes and close to 10 per cent for condos

But even digging into the numbers for which neighbourhoods are up more or less than “ average ” shows far fewer over-the-top differences compared to last year

Among single-family homes, the neighbourhoods with the biggest increases were up between 10 and 14 per cent this year. They included Fromme, Lynn Valley, Deep Cove, Dollarton, Hamilton North and new homes in Tempe Heights in North Vancouver

In West Vancouver, the same kinds of increases were evident in the eastern part of the British Properties, with Altamont just below that

Perhaps not surprisingly, single family homes in areas that saw stratospheric increases in assessed value last year were among the neighbourhoods with the smaller increases this year They included Grouse Woods, Delbrook, Capilano and Lower Lonsdale in North Vancouver which all clocked in with increases under five per cent and Lynnmour, where assessed values even decreased.

Similarly in West Vancouver, areas where detached homes saw the smallest changes included Cedardale, Caulfeild and some parts of Ambleside, with the latter two decreasing in value

Assessed values of condos were up more than detached homes in most neighbourhoods, including Lynn Valley, Dollarton, Seymour Heights and Lonsdale – where

assessed values were up between 10 and 14 per cent

Real estate agents have pointed out some of those changes are a result of new condos being sold that are generally more expensive than older units

One extreme example in that category was Horseshoe Bay, where high-end condos in the new waterfront development on the former Sewell’s property meant the number of condos in the neighbourhood catapulted from 23 in 2021 to 179 in 2022 and “ average ” values more than doubled – from $929,000 in July 2021 to almost $2 million in July 2022

But real estate agents also caution that assessed values as of the snapshot in July 2022 may have little to do with values of properties now, six months later

While the first half of 2022 started off with a strong real estate market, by the second quarter of last year, that had already peaked and was rapidly falling

“The market was just starting to slow down July 1,” said Calvin Lindberg, a Realtor with Angell, Hasman and Associates in West Vancouver.

As interest rates rose sharply, “we had a couple of months where they were probably the slowest months in 10 years, ” said Lindberg That trend continues

Assessed values have never been an exact science, Lindberg said “Assessed values have always struggled to be able to peg where the value is I very seldom pull out the assessed value They’re always behind ”

Sometimes very specific factors can influence value – like whether a property looks out on to the inner harbour to out to the ocean, which commands a higher value –even if those houses are on the same street. Properties that are closer to central amenities also tend to have higher assessed values than properties that are farther out And some, like Edgemont Village, are just perennially popular, Lindberg said.

Percentage

Percentage

1, 2022.

Undercurrent going. And thank you to the islanders who keep them going.

change in average assessed valued of detached homes and condos in West Vancouver neighbourhoods between July 1, 2021 and July 1, 2022. | Birgit Brunner graphic / North Shore News

change in average assessed valued of detached homes and condos in North Vancouver neighbourhoods between July 1, 2021 and July

| Birgit Brunner graphic / North Shore News

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Friday, January 20

Dinner at the Legion

Melanie from Bowen Island Pizza is making vegetarian Greek food! Doors open starting at 5:30 pm Dinner at 6:30 pm $13 for members, $15 for non-members

Friday, January 20

Karaoke 2 at the Legion

Come and entertain the crowd with your favourite songs! From 8 pm to late

Saturday, January 21

Saturday Night Blues at the Pub

Snug Cove Blues Band with special guest Mike Kenney will be entertaining the crowd with a mix of blues, funk, reggae and soul from 8 to 11 pm.

Sunday, January 22

Gather for Games with SKY (Seniors Keeping Young)

At the Bowen Library. Drop in for fun and friendly games in the cozy Library Annex Anyone aged 55+ can come enjoy cards, chess, Scrabble, Yahtzee, UNO, Rummikub, Boggle, and more, along with tea and coffee Free (SKY membership not required).

Join us on any of our winter dates: Thursdays, Feb 9, Mar 9 from 10:30 am-12:30 pm; Sundays, Jan. 22, Feb 26, Mar 26 from 12:30-2:30 pm

January 22-28

Family Literacy Week at Bowen Library

Find out more about this week’s library programs and resources to nurture literacy (and numeracy!) from a young age onward, by going to bipl.link/FLW

Monday, January 23

Regular Council Meeting

In-person at Municipal Hall and streamed live on the municipality’s YouTube page Begins at 6:15 pm Tuesday, January 24

Drop in to see a Career Advisor at the Bowen Library 11 am to 2 pm. Come get one-on-one help with resumes, cover letters, interviewing, job searches, insights on the job market, career and education advice, and more from Janice, the friendly WorkBC Career Advisor Winter/ spring dates are Jan 24, Feb 28, Mar 28, Apr 25, May 23, June 27

Thursday, January 26

Babytime at Bowen Library

11:30 am to Noon (12 pm) Join us for a special Family Literacy Week Babytime ”Make it Count!” numbers edition! Babytime is a free, 1/2 hr drop-in program of songs, books, and rhymes for babies 0-18 months and their caregivers

Thursday, January 26

Game Night! At the Bowen Library

Drop in for all ages, family-friendly games, including cards & board games, Chess, Uno, Snakes & Ladders, Scrabble, Boggle, puzzles, Keva blocks, Lego, Jenga, Yahtzee, Catan, Monopoly, and more! Feel free to also bring your own games

Bring family or friends, or drop in and make new friends here Thursdays, Jan 26, Feb 9 & 23, and Mar 9, 5 to 7:30 pm

Saturday, January 28

BIHORA AGM

Bowen Island Horse Owners and Riders Association is hosting their annual general meeting from 2 to 4 pm at the Bowen Cider House at 1125 Grafton Road Everybody is welcome to attend!

Saturday, January 28

Crafternoon Collages at Bowen Library 2:30 to 3:30 pm Drop in and join us in making art and word collages! We’ll have old magazines, books, and craft supplies for you to create a picture or word-based masterpiece All-ages program, organized by the Teen Advisory Group (TAG)

Saturday, January 28

Bingo Bash at Doc Morgan’s Doc’s is hosting an evening of fun with the Unstoppable Mz. Conni Smudge. The evening of entertainment begins at 6:30 pm and tickets are $15. Mz. Conni returns to Doc’s the next morning for a Recovery Brunch on Sunday, Jan. 29 at 11 am.

Sunday, January 29

French Connections: Fun and friendly conversation practice in French 1 pm at the Bowen Island Library. Drop in and join us to practice your French, and get to know other French speakers on Bowen Island! Focus is on beginner and intermediate speakers, but all levels welcome Join us Sundays, Jan.

29, Feb 12, Mar 5, 19, Apr 2, 16, 30

Thursday, February 2

Black History Month Film Night at Bowen Library

Join us for a screening “Summer of Soul” directed by Questlove Drop in, no registration required. Film starts promptly at 6 pm, and runs 118 minutes Rated PG (Ontario). Summer of Soul is a documentary music film about the Harlem Cultural Festival.

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

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

WEDNESDAYS

Storytime at Bowen Library

10:30 to 11 am A free drop-in program of stories and songs for 2 to 4 year-olds and their caregivers! Runs every Wednesday to March 8

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

Jan 19 & 26, 9:30 to 11:30 am (Collins Hall) - join the Thursday Art Group (TAG). We meet to create in Acrylics, Oils, Watercolour, pencils and more... if you want to connect with other like minded creatives... join the fun! $30 per month helps pay for Hall rental and other club costs We also host workshops and other events Contact Shannonrondeau@shaw ca or marie@marieneys com

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

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