Bowen Island Undercurrent February 16 2023

Development bylaw changes pass first reading

INCLUDES INCREASED PUBLIC NOTICE STEPS FOR APPLICATIONS

ALEX KURIAL Editor

Changes to Bowen’s development procedure bylaws are in the works with the goal of increasing the public’s awareness of local projects

Concerns were raised last year that people were not becoming informed of potential neighbourhood changes until application processes were well underway. These include rezonings and temporary use permits. The Bowen Cider House’s lounge application and Bowen Island Properties’ light manufacturing facility were proposals receiving particular scrutiny from neighbours regarding when they were consulted.

One of the key changes, outlined by manager of planning and development Daniel Martin at Monday’s council meeting, will be introducing an extra notification step for applications Under current rules neighbours are notified via mailouts from the municipality between the time an application is introduced to council and when a final decision is made A new provision would introduce a municipal mailout prior to council hearing applications for the first time.

Council suggested both mailout phases be conducted 10 days in advance of a council meeting

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

WINTER IS COMING: Ian Davidson and Graham Ritchie are two of the helpers assisting the Bard with preparing Cates Hill Chapel to host The Winter’s Tale starting Friday. William Shakespeare’s play is making a much anticipated return to the island after it was unfortunately cancelled last year You can see more of the Bard’s eager stagehands on Page 8, and find show information on Page 7 / Bruce Steele photo

Events

AllCouncilmeetingsareopen tothepublictoattendin personorelectronically, unlessnotedotherwise.

February 27, 2023

12:30 pm

CommitteeoftheWhole

February 27, 2023

6:15 pm

RegularCouncilMeeting

Seeking Public Comment

ADVERTISEMENT

February16,2023

wwwbowenislandmunicipalityca/regional-park-at-cape-roger-curtis/

CommitteeoftheWholeMeeting

12:30pmonMonday,February27,2023

PROJECTDESCRIPTION:

BowenIslandMunicipalityhasreceivedanapplicationfromMetro VancouvertoamendtheLandUseBylawandtheOfficialCommunity PlantocreateanewRegionalPark.Thepreliminaryprogramfor theproposed97hectareparkincludesday-usepicnicareas,trails, viewpoints,accesstothebeach,andovernighttentcampingareas MunicipalstaffarepreparingtointroducetheapplicationtoCouncil ataCommitteeoftheWholeMeetingonMonday,February27,2023

AtthatmeetingCouncilwillheardetailsoftheapplicationandrefer theapplicationtoadvisorycommittees,agenciesandtoaninitial engagementperiod

TIMELINE:

Atimelineoftherezoningprocessisavailableonthemunicipal website.Themeetingonthe27thwouldaimtostarttheMunicipal rezoningprocess,whichwillinvolvemultipleCouncilmeetingsand engagementopportunities.

MOREINFORMATIONATMUNICIPALHALLANDONLINE:

Theapplicationandanybackgroundinformationmaybeviewed atMunicipalHallbetween8:30AMand4:30PM,Mondaythrough Friday(excludingstatutoryholidays)orontheMunicipalwebsite

METROVANCOUVERENGAGEMENT:

MetroVancouverhasscheduledaseriesofinpersonandonline engagementopportunities.

Phone: 604-947-4255

Fax: 604-947-0193

Email: bim@bimbc.ca

Website:

BowenIslandMunicipalHall 981ArtisanLane

BowenIsland,BC V0N1G2

InPersonOpenHouseatBowenIslandCommunitySchool

Saturday,March4,10:00am–2:00pm Wednesday,March8,4:00pm–7:30pm

OnlineWebinars

Thursday,March9,5:00pm–7:00pm Friday,March10,10:00amto12:00pm

Thereisalsoafeedbackformontheirwebsite,andmorebackground informationavailableat:

www.metrovancouver.org/services/parks/learn/projects-andinitiatives/Cape-Roger-Curtis/Pages/defaultaspx

YOURCOMMENTSAREWELCOME:

WrittensubmissionsmaybedeliveredtoMunicipalHallinperson,by mail,byfax,orbyemailtomayorandcouncil@bimbccaSubmissions mayalsobemadetoMayorandCouncilatthemeeting

AttendinCouncilChambers,MunicipalHallORVirtuallyviaZoom–seewww.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/council-meetingsfordetails ShouldCouncilproceedwiththisapplication,therewillbefurther opportunitytoshareyourcommentsontheapplication,and wewouldshareadditionalinformationonhowtoprovideyour comments

QUESTIONS?PleasecontactDanielMartin,ManagerofPlanningand Developmentat604-947-4255orbyemailatdmartin@bimbcca

Hours:8:30am-4:30pm

MondaytoFriday

Closedstatutoryholidays

Proposed Metro Vancouver Park at Cape Roger Curtis

Muni Morsels: Fitness, Budget, and Cape happenings

BITE-SIZED BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL’S FEBRUARY 13 MEETING

ALEX KURIAL Editor

Positively Fit for Business

The boutique fitness studio on Miller Road will be able to stay open after being granted a temporary use permit Monday night

Mary Letson, owner of Positively Fit, had to apply for a TUP and development variance permit in order to receive a business licence since the commercial nature of the studio ran contrary to the area ’ s zoning of ‘Village Residential’ While Positively Fit had operated at the location for many years, the introduction of business licences by the munici-

Giving your two weeks notice

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Earlier signage posting is also a goal of the amendments

Right now applicants are required to post a sign on the property 10 days before a decision on the application is made New rules would require a sign erected within 14 days of submitting a completed application, with updates made to the wording as the process plays out

Other amendment suggestions include changes to board of variance bylaws to require application mailouts to all properties within 100 metres instead of just adjacent properties, and advertisement of the plans in back to back issues of an area newspaper.

Fees would also be introduced for contiguous parcel applications, where multiple properties involved in a project combine to submit one development application. Instead of costing nothing, each property involved will pay 50 per cent of the application fee (in addition to that fee in the first place).

And all applications to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch would also be referred for public notice moving forward, with a 30-day notice period.

Second and third readings are expected sometime during Spring, meaning the amendments would likely be made official later this year

pality in 2020 made the studio non-compliant

“Hopefully after tonight’s meeting I can walk away with permits approved and clutching a shiny new business licence,” said Letson during public comments

And she did, thanks in part to overwhelming public support including more than 70 letters in favour of her applications The TUP will allow Positively Fit to operate for three years, while the DVP waives the six-parking space minimum requirement down to two, which the studio has

“Given the high number of support letters and the fact that Positively Fit brings a wealth of community benefit to the island, and that the municipality has not received a complaint over parking – and of course reiterating that this is the only immediate solution to gain compliance for the business licencing piece – staff are recommending the issuing of the TUP along with the issuance of the DVP,” said island community planner Natasha Cheong

Council added they may look at a larger rezoning approach to the area in the future focusing on a mix of residential and commercial, so that Positively Fit and other future businesses don’t have to continually use TUP’s to stay open.

Budget Days

The final deadline may be three months away, but scheduling to hash out the municipality’s 2023 budget already has some set dates.

Chief financial officer Kristen Watson laid out the process, including what needs to be done and key dates for public engagement. Bowen needs to have its final budget, with a FiveYear Plan and annual tax rate bylaw, submitted by May 15.

A public open house will be held virtually on March 20. Two days later on March 22 a Committee of the Whole meeting will be held to discuss the property tax ratio. Watson told council they may wish to consider the various ratios among different types of properties, including the island’s longstanding 1:1 tax rate between commercial and residential spaces

Park proposal update

“We’ve known that for island residents this was going to be contentious, and will have lots of passionate feedback,” said Mayor Andrew Leonard during an update on Metro Vancouver business, where Leonard also sits as a director

“It is a piece of land and an area that has a historical significance on Bowen and an ecological significance for the region that’s just so important – which I think is in part what fuels this passion,” he added, acknowledging the strong commentary that has quickly become a staple of the park debate, particularly online

But the mayor says there will be plenty of time for

Positively Fit can get back to business for now It will be interesting to see what the area’s zoning situation looks like in 2026 when the studio would have to apply for another TUP. / Alex Kurial photo

residents to have their voices and concerns aired while the decision process plays out. This includes a Committee of the Whole meeting on Feb 27 with council and Metro Vancouver staff

“The community will have their opportunity to have everybody lined up and have their questions answered. I think this council and our staff are very committed to ensuring that the community has the answers and the information they need on this project, where it’s going, what the impacts are, and having those concerns addressed in as fair and transparent and open a way as possible,” said Leonard.

He added this will be a lengthy discussion, with the first reading of Metro Vancouver’s rezoning application not expected until April. Leonard says there’s been no pressure by the organization to speed up the process

“Given that Bowen Island has just received the application, there’s work for our planning department and for our staff to do on our end before it comes to council… That rezoning process and that first reading and the public hearings that result will happen once staff has done their work with it,” said the mayor

VIEWPOINTS Happy Family Day Weekend

Happy Holiday weekend everyone! I hope relaxation is on the schedule, whether you ’ re spending time with family, friends, pets, books, movies, or anything or anyone else you ’ re a fan of and makes you happy.

If you are looking for scheduled events, well there is no shortage of them here over the coming week. We have many performances on the arts and entertainment front, including Blues Music at the Pub, Shakespeare performances at Cates Hill Chapel, folk songs and stories at Tirna-nOg, and even a little mountain music For families Bowen Rec has designed a weekend of adventure for kids, and for those of us looking to inject some life (or possibly even bring back to life) those everyday items around the house, there’s the Fix-It Fair this Friday too You’ll find all the ways to get out and have some fun this weekend in our calendar

Be sure to keep an eye on the calendar too in the weeks and months ahead, as a mix of new - and returning - events make their arrival on Bowen

On the sports front, I must say we enjoyed a very fine Super Bowl on Sunday, an instant classic between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles As readers of our Sunday newsletter may remember, I predicted the Chiefs to have a slight edge on account of their MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes And the always reliable Mahomes ended up churning out a Super Bowl MVP performance to help the Chiefs win by the narrowest of margins with a very late field goal I am now hoping to manifest this moment of football savant into predicting a Green Bay Packers Super Bowl win in 2024 We’ll check back in a year to see how things went for the Cheeseheads

And a big shoutout to the very friendly dog greeting visitors to the Recycle Depot last week!

- Alex Kurial, Editor

*Note: In our February 2 issue, the story about composting methods references a “Hot Rod” equipment system several times An alert reader pointed out it is actually called the “Hot Rot” A good reminder not to always rely on audio cues alone, as many words sound the same And in last week’s story about IDLC’s Artist in the Classroom, Rosa Quintana wishes to point out she worked for Bill Reid and Ben Davidson on their projects, rather than as partners with them

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 Bowen Island Trunk Road , 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 BowenTrunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC,V0N 1G0 Phone: 604 947 2442 Fax: 604 947 0148 bowenislandundercurrent.com

EDITOR Alex Kurial editor@bowenisland undercurrent com

ADVERTISING Tracey Wait ads@bowenisland undercurrent com

CARTOONIST Ron Woodall

PUBLISHER Matt Blair publisher@bowenisland undercurrent com

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

Rise and Shine! A new day begins with a sunny start in beautiful Metro Vancouver. / Haig Farris photo

VIEWPOINTS

Readers ask to keep Bowen rural

Dear Mayor and Council,

My husband and I know that you are busy people, so we will try to make this short and sweet

We are asking you, as our government representatives, to please reconsider the proposal for a park in the Cape Roger Curtis lands We are not against a new park We voted for the last park What we have very grave concerns about is the proposed 90 site campsite

We live in Tunstall Bay and our house is right on the corner where the road curves onto Whitesails While there have always been tourists that come to the west side of island to enjoy the beaches, that tourist traffic has grown exponentially since COVID

There is a constant stream of cars, bikes, e-bikes, and electric scooters going up and down both Tunstall Boulevard and Whitesails since COVID Add to that the constant stream of traffic from both big machines and pickups involved in the developments at the Cape and what was once a quiet and peaceful neighbourhood has turned into something akin to living next to Seymour Parkway

We understand that changes need to made to the Official Community Plan that would allow for both the park and campsites Please, please, please DO NOT make any chang-

es that would allow for the development of camping on the island We moved to Bowen Island for its rural nature, which includes quiet, peace, and low traffic

We realize that the current influx of tourists might be good for local business, but Bowen is now at the saturation point Increasing that influx by offering campsites, will create a tipping point where Bowen is no longer a quiet island full of interesting neighbourhoods Rather Bowen will be become a tourist destination akin to Banff, where the local population is there to service the tourists and not much else

While we understand that there are multiple other reasons for why our esteemed council and mayor should not change the OCP to accommodate Metro Vancouver’s proposal for the new park with campsites, we feel it is important that our local politicians know and understand the impact that decision will have on the very nature of Bowen Island Please represent the best interests of the local community and NOT the best interests of a local developer and Metro Vancouver

Sincerely,

- Susan Redmond/Doug Fleetham

Snug CoveWasteWaterTreatment Plant Revisited

Dear Editor,

The Office of the Ombudsperson is all about fairness and accountability.

They will listen to complaints about municipalities if members of the public feel that they have been treated unfairly and will investigate concerns about substantive fairness of a dubious decision, procedural fairness of how a decision was made and equitable fairness as to how people and interest groups have been treated in the process.

The case of the funding model for the $1.64 Million emergency band-aid for the Snug Cove Wastewater Treatment Plant (SCWWTP) in 2022 provides plenty of reasons why the Office of the Ombudsperson opened a file and investigated the unfairness of Bowen Island Municipality’s (BIM) decision and how it was justified.

To those who have kept up with the SCWWTP story, the findings of the Ombudsperson come as no surprise: Effectively, since BIM pinched money from the general surplus reserves for the treatment plant the municipality has acted in violation of the SCWWTP establishment bylaw. This bylaw supports the “ user pays ” principal and requires that cost recovery for the service shall be by user fees, and parcel taxes as defined by bylaw, to be recovered solely from the properties included in the Local Service Area (LSA)

Still, when the story broke in the Undercurrent (Jan 6, 2023) CAO Liam Edwards says the Ombuds investigation came as a surprise to him Really? Bowen Island residents were very vocal about the discrepancies between the establishment bylaw and the chosen funding method from the start Councillor Alison Morse is on record having opposed these measures at several occasions in 2022 and CFO Kristen Watson tabled an amendment proposal to the establishment bylaw suggesting removing the word “solely” and declaring the SCWWTP an asset of island-wide strategic significance in an attempt to avoid the legal discrepancies

Bottom line, a municipality cannot run its business in contravention of its own bylaws

The result of the investigation appears to have hit home CAO Edwards said he’s supportive of the Ombudsperson’s

suggestion “to ensure that the bylaws are in alignment with the financing methodology that we use ” , and the amendment matter will be brought forward to council in the new year

Conversely, CAO Edwards also implied that the required bylaw amendment process may not warrant a high level of public consultation Why not? Given that a vast majority of islanders will be impacted by the outcome of this process, the idea that this matter will be cleared up without a proper public consultation process is absurd

Could there be a plot to replace public engagement with a few committees and decisions made by a handful of folks with a vested interest in the outcome (such as we saw last year when the Snug Cove Sewer System Local Advisory Committee voted in favour of the funding model, benefitting the business interests of committee members)?

The Ombudsperson is confident that the municipality will do what it must What remains open is how the municipality will tackle the challenge Will BIM set out to align the funding methodology with the terms and conditions of the establishment bylaw? Or will they attempt to muddle the establishment bylaw to defend their funding model?

The former approach will lead to repayment of the “misappropriated” cash into the general reserve fund The latter will set a significant precedence that undermines the “ user pay ” principal and would enable more unfair money grabs whenever a local area reserve fund is inadequate to pay for local infrastructure

One thing is certain: Bowen Islanders will need to stay tuned on this file Bylaw amendment, repeal and conversion requirements and related processes are captured by the Local Government Act Let your voices be heard and let’s hold our municipality accountable for proper process, procedures and the required level of public consultation

And ultimately, let’s ensure a fair and equitable outcome Nothing less will do

- Richard Wiefelspuett

OVERBYE, John

February 12, 1959 - February 4, 2023

John Overbye, long-time resident of Bowen Island, BC passed away peacefully on February 4, 2023 in Courtenay, BC at age 63 with his mother, brother Robin and s ster-in-law by his side after a long battle with mesothelioma (asbestos cancer).

John was born in Denmark and moved to BC when he was 8 years old with his family He grew up in Horseshoe Bay and attended school at Glen Eagles Elementary & West Vancouver High School.

He enjoyed boating, trave ling, riding his Harley, listening to music and hanging out with the friends he loved He was a talented cabinet maker and carpenter who enjoyed working with his hands. His trip to Indonesia, along with his numerous motorbike trips with his buddies down to California and back, were the high ights of his life Several photo albums were kept with all his adventures including boating and camping trips.

He is survived by his parents, Eric and Elisabeth (Elly) Overbye; brothers Carl (Debbie) and Robin (Shawna); nephews Noah, Caleb, Jason, Justin and his numerous great-n eces and nephews; and his Bowen Island friends.

Thanks to Dr Jonathan Reggler and the severa doctors and nurses who assisted John throughout his battle

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the BC Cancer Agency

Please raise a glass to John in his memory

HaveYour Say: BalancingTourism and CommunityWellbeing

RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO SHARE THOUGHTS AND SUGGESTIONS THAT WILL INFORM A NEW COMMUNITYBASED RESPONSIBLE TOURISM PLAN

TOURISM BOWEN ISLAND

We’ve all heard the saying, “timing is everything ” Thanks to a recent grant, Tourism Bowen Island Association (TBI) is hoping that timing will benefit and enrich a new tourism plan

TBI is embarking on the development of a community-based responsible tourism plan for the island and is asking residents to share experiences, concerns, ideas and visions for a more sustainable future

Though it’s purely coincidence that TBI’s project is starting during Metro Vancouver’s park engagement, it feels rather apropos

The heightened awareness and questions about the park can lead to a more in-depth and wholistic conversation about balancing tourism with community wellbeing on Bowen Island

How do we manage and balance tourism with community and environmental wellbeing? What vision and values do we want to guide us forward? These are some of the questions that Tourism Bowen Island invites residents to explore and reflect upon during a series of engagement opportunities over the next few weeks As a community, we have the ability to dialogue, build consensus and, potentially, have more agency to shape the future

TBIisworkingwithanexperiencedteamof consultants to assess the island’s current tourism ecosystem, including the problems, gaps and challenges, as well as the benefits and opportunities This assessment will form a baseline and community input will help to develop a vision and feasible plan for the

future

Over the next few weeks, the consulting team will be hosting opportunities for residents to share their experiences, concerns and suggestions There will be an online survey and two public community sessions –February 26 and March 6 Residents may also submit written comments via email or arrange an in-person meeting or telephone call

We want to ensure that all residents have an opportunity to provide feedback and engage in meaningful dialogue Please visit Tourism Bowen Island’s website for links to the survey, engagement dates and additional information

“As a community, we have an opportunity to make conscious decisions for the health of this island,” says Elizabeth Nankin, Chair, Tourism Bowen Island “We’re part of Átl’ka7tsem / Howe Sound, Canada’s 19th UNESCO Biosphere Region and many new people may be drawn to visit”

“Tourism is a complex social, cultural and economic phenomenon that touches and integrates virtually all aspects of our lives Like most things, there are positive and negative aspects, tourism can bring both benefits and challenges We’re all part of tourism in one way or another Whether we travel for vacations, recreational pursuits, business trips, visiting family and friends, or for other reasons, we are all visitors many times over Reconciliation, environmentalism and how we support and create our humanity are collectively all in our community values,” suggests Nankin

Bowen Island residents are encouraged to participate in the creation of a community-based tourism vision that’s feasible, balanced, responsible and supports wellbeing

Queen of Capilano Ferry Schedule

and sustainability We hope you’ll join the conversation

Visit Tourism Bowen Island’s website to learn more about the responsible tourism plan, to take the survey, and to register one of the Community Sessions on February 26 or March 6

Good to know:

Please note: this community engagement process and tourism plan is not associated with Metro Vancouver or Bowen Island

Municipality

Tourism Bowen Island Association (TBI) is a small member-based non-profit organization, established in 2015, and managed by a volunteer board of directors

TBI is the central body for local tourism, providing destination management, visitor services and community economic development through tourism TBI operates the Visitor Information Centre on behalf of the Municipality, but is not a municipal body

pm

pm - except Saturdays

Note: Schedules subject to change without notice

check

Tourism Bowen Island’s information/welcome kiosks are a familiar site when stepping off the ferry in the summer. / TBI photo

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Thursday, February 16

Bowfest Meeting

Come help plan this year ’ s festival 7 pm at BICS

Friday, February 17 to Monday, February 20

Choose Your Own Adventure

Family Day Weekend event with Bowen Recreation Bring your family together to attempt a series of fun challenges, gaining points along the way Challenges include family fitness, community engagement, intergenerational and neighbourly connections, eco and art activities, a heritage hunt, random acts of kindness and much, MUCH more!

The fun will be capped off with a Family Party on Monday at the Legion Check the Bowen Rec website for the different times each day Registration required for adventuring part

Friday, February 17

Dinner at the Legion

Alex Jurgensen and his crew will be cooking a butter chicken dinner Doors at 5:30 pm, dinner at 6:30

February 17, 18, 24, 25

The Winter’s Tale

Bard on the Rock presentation At Cates Hill Chapel, doors at 7 pm and performance begins at 7:15 Tickets $25 by cash or cheque at Cates Pharmacy Look forward to seeing you there!

Saturday, February 18

Fix-It Fair at BICS

Come bring your broken things to the talented Fix-It Fairies Clothes, electronics, and more From Noon to 3 pm

Saturday, February 18

Live Music at the Pub

Snug Cove Blues Band performs from 8 to 11 pm.

Sunday, February 19

The Maiden’s Lament

Bronwyn Churcher brings her evening of folk-influenced storytelling and singing to Tir-na-nOg for the finale perfor-

mance of her new show 6 pm, tickets online at Eventbrite

Sunday, February 19 to Saturday, February 25

Freedom to Read Week

Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom, which is guaranteed them under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms See what banned and challenged books we have at the Bowen Library, and place a hold from our catalogue

Tuesday, February 21

Shari Ulrich’s ‘Trust Me’ Series

The Wardens will be performing at Tir-na-nOg 7:30 pm

The Wardens stories and mountain music rise from the very land they’ve protected as Canadian national park wardens collectively for over 50 years Tickets are available online at Eventbrite

Wednesday, February 22

Getting to Know Dementia Workshop

1 to 3 pm at the Bowen Library Register for this free workshop where you’ll learn basic information about dementia and support services available. Pre-registration is required; to register, please call the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033. This is a Bowen Library Supported program, presented by Alzheimer Society of BC.

Thursday, February 23

Game Night! At the Bowen Library

5 to 7:30 pm. Drop in for all ages, family-friendly games, including cards & board games. Bring your own games too.

TUESDAYS

February 21 & 28

Paint Starry Night

Join the fun of creating Vincent Van Gogh’ classic masterpiece Starry Night! No experience necessary! 1:30 to 3:30 pm. For details marieneys.com or marie@marieneys.com

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

Tuesdaysfrom1to2pm AgingwithGrace Easyyogaformobility, flexibility, strength, balance and stress reduction for Body and Mind $15 e-transfer or cash Drop in welcome 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

Bowen Bridge

After a three year absence, duplicate bridge has returned to Bowen! New members are welcome. We meet from 1:30 to 4:30 pm at Bowen Court on Wednesdays, starting February 1. Fee is $5 per person per session. Your place at the table must be arranged - by email - no later than 6 pm on the Monday before. To make your booking or to seek more information, please email bowcates@yahoo.ca. We look forward to seeing you.

THURSDAYS

February 23 & March 2

Into to Acrylic Painting

Learn how to paint in a stress free, fun environment. 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. No experience necessary. Small class size. Contact Marie@marieneys.com or MarieNeys.com

Thursday Art Group

We meet every Thursday at Collins Hall (9:30 to 11:30am) to paint, sketch, draw, etc If you want to connect with other like minded creatives join the fun! $30 per month - which covers Hall rental and other club costs We also hold workshops and will have an Art Sale in May Contact Marie@ marieneys com or shannonrondeau@shaw ca

Have

New Bowen Children’s Fair: get ready and set for family fun!

SARAH HAXBY Contributor

Families with children age 0 to 5, as well as siblings and caregivers, are invited to the new Children’s Fair Day at Bowen Island Community School in the gym on Sunday Feb. 26, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.

The event is hosted by West Vancouver Schools and is supported by staff, volunteers and local community partners including local child services, Vancouver Coastal Health, Bowen Island Public Library and Bowen Community Recreation and Services. This event is made possible thanks to financial support from the province of BC through the Ministry of Education and Childcare.

The Children’s Fair is a fun event that features music and cultural presentations that begin with a welcome circle with S7aplek Bob Baker, who is a well-known Squamish

cultural educator, spokesperson, and musician.

Another highlight of the event is a concert with the family-favourite kid’s musician Katie Brock from 11 am to Noon. Katie Brock inspires children to get involved musically and with movement while she performs her joyful, high-energy, fun-loving original songs.

As well as the cultural presentations and music, there are over half a dozen game and activity stations for families and children to explore at their own pace. These stations include book and activity giveaways, programs and resource materials for families as well as interactive games, a building station, a complimentary snack station with food and beverages, and the chance to gather in the gym to build community and have fun together

Mark your calendars and don’t miss out on this entirely free, fun, family event Sunday Feb 26, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at BICS

Cates Hill Chapel undergoes Winterization

The Winter’s Tale makes its return on Friday night, thanks to the the hard work of many trusty stagehands this week. These includeKatStephensandThomas Newman literally making sure the stage is set (left) and Adrian van Lidth de Jeude keeping the ladder steady for Frazer Elliott as he works on higher ground. The Bard on the Rock performance is showing Feb. 17, 18, 24, and 25. More information on tickets can be found in the calendar. / Bruce Steele photos

Katie Brock will be one of the performers at Children’s Fair Day, playing energetic family friendly music for kids / Submitted photo

Happy Birthday Barb!

DANY

This sweet girl came in last week and cuddled right up to all staff members treating her. She was a great patient and we wish her a speedy recovery.

BCFerriesisfortunatetobeabletoworkwith13FerryAdvisoryCommittees(FAC) locatedincommunitiesupanddownthecoastofBritishColumbia Ferry AdvisoryCommitteesplayafundamentalroleinfacilitatinginformationsharing betweencommunitiesandBCFerries Thecommitteesprovideimportantadvice andinsightthathelpinformday-to-dayoperations,terminalandvessel improvements,schedulechanges,andotherinitiatives

8-12members

Committeesaremadeupof8-12 volunteersfromthecommunitythat representadiversegroupof ferryusers

2yearterms

Attheendofeach2yearterm,the membershipisreviewedincluding thepossibilityofstayingontheFAC foranewterm

WhodoFACmembersrepresent?

Ferry Advisory Committees represent diverse community perspectives, and provide a broad knowledge base that may include the voice of residents,families,localbusinesses,students,Indigenouscommunitiesand manyothers

Tofindouthowtobecomeamember,contactbowenfac@gmail.com

BarbWeismillercelebratedher94thbirthdayattheLegionlastFriday,surrounded by plenty of friends and family. The guests included past Legion president Tim Hausch who, according to witnesses, “got all dressed up but could not get to eat!” Which is a shame, as party attendees were treated to Chinese food from Horseshoe Bay See you at 95 Barb! / Murray Atherton photos

Polka Dot Yourself for the Hearth’s Mini Gala!

MATHILDE ROHR

Cultural Connector / The Hearth Gallery

Polka dot yourself is this year ’ s theme of the Hearth’s Mini Gala A fundraiser that the arts organization put together each year and which gathers mini artworks of professional, emerging, and amateur artists

Each year, art lovers and party goers come out in droves to attend the gala and live auction in anticipation of taking home a mini masterpiece After a two-year break, the gala finally returns on February 18 with a new auctioneer, Alex McNeill, who you might already know from the Pub

Thanks to the donations of Opus Art Supplies and of 88 artists, this fundraiser helps the Bowen Island Arts Council to keep the doors of the Gallery open as well as to promote local artists and to keep offering artistic and cultural events to the community.

The Hearth team is waiting for you this Saturday, February 18 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm with a red carpet, photo booth, food, refreshments, and the dancing vibes of DJ Yeshe!

Tickets are available online or at the Hearth Gallery for the price of $20. So, put your dots on and come have fun with us while supporting the arts!

New views at the Health Centre

Progress continues to be made on the construction front at the future Health Centre along Miller Road Photo taker Bruce Russell quips that while the process has been ‘pain-free’ so far (on the injury-front anyway), the addition of several windows last week means this isn’t exactly the case any longer

It’s a Double Rainbow!

Travellers on the afternoon ferry back to Bowen on Monday were treated to not one, but two rainbows over Howe Sound, making for a very scenic voyage following some earlier precipitation. / Alex Kurial photo