Bowen Island Undercurrent February 23 2023

WE CAN FIX THAT SNOW PROBLEM: Realizingwinterisfarfromover,MichaelSidelman(left)

ARTS SCENE

Mini Gala, Tir-nanOg, New Exhibit PAGE 11

Snug Cove House hopes to clear financial hurdle

ALEX KURIAL Editor

The society in charge of trying to bring a seniors’ residence to Bowen say they’re closer than ever to making the long-envisioned Snug Cove House a reality.

But the next few months will be the deciding timeframe in seeing if the housing project – in the planning stages for decades now – can finally break ground this year. The Snug Cove House Society (SCHS) has recently been granted a loan worth $11.6 million. Along with $3.6 million raised by SCHS over time, they’re just $2.4 million short of the $17.6 million total price tag for the building

“We’ve never been so close I mean we are so close It’s the last mile,” says SCHS board chair Graham Ritchie

The sizeable portion SCHS is able to contribute has been collected over many years thanks to strong community support for the project Memorably in 2004 the society fundraised enough money to buy the $150,000 plot of land along Miller Road where they hope the residences will one day sit

“It’s been a long time but the community support has been relentless You have the stalwart givers like Knick Knack Nook and the Legion… and we have individual donors who have been keeping us going,” says Ritchie

“The community wants it We had 178 letters from the community in support just fantastic We’ve done our own surveys where two-thirds of the respondents said yes, we would consider going into a residence like this, and yes we can afford to pay what you’re asking,” he adds

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

broughthissnowblowertolastweekend’sFix-ItFairforsomeattention.Therightpersonforthejobwason-hand,as Steve Elves (right) worked his magic to fill the BICS gym with the roar of the machine And just in time too - snow hit theislandmid-week,withmoreanticipatedthisweekend Toseemoreoftheitemssavedatthefair,aswellasmany of the handy helpers, check out our Photo Gallery on Page 12. / Alex Kurial photo

“WE’VE NEVER BEEN SO CLOSE”

Events

AllCouncilmeetingsareopen tothepublictoattendin personorelectronically, unlessnotedotherwise.

February 27, 2023

12:30 pm

CommitteeoftheWhole

February 27, 2023

6:15 pm

RegularCouncilMeeting

Proposed Metro Vancouver Park at Cape Roger Curtis Seeking Public Comment

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

CommitteeoftheWholeMeeting

12:30pmonMonday,February27,2023

inCouncilChambersorviaZoom

PROJECTDESCRIPTION:

BowenIslandMunicipalityhasreceivedanapplicationfromMetro VancouvertoamendtheLandUseBylawandtheOfficialCommunity PlantocreateanewRegionalParkThepreliminaryprogramfor 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

Phone: 604-947-4255

Fax: 604-947-0193

February23,2023

Email: bim@bimbc.ca

Website:

BowenIslandMunicipalHall

981ArtisanLane

BowenIsland,BC V0N1G2

wwwbowenislandmunicipalityca

Hours:8:30am-4:30pm

MondaytoFriday

Closedstatutoryholidays

engagementopportunities

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: wwwmetrovancouverorg/services/parks/learn/projects-andinitiatives/Cape-Roger-Curtis/Pages/default.aspx

YOURCOMMENTSAREWELCOME:

WrittensubmissionsmaybedeliveredtoMunicipalHallinperson,by mail,byfax,orbyemailtomayorandcouncil@bimbccaSubmissions mayalsobemadetoMayorandCouncilatthemeeting

AttendinCouncilChambers,MunicipalHallORVirtuallyviaZoom–seewwwbowenislandmunicipalityca/council-meetingsfordetails

ShouldCouncilproceedwiththisapplication,therewillbefurther opportunitytoshareyourcommentsontheapplication,and wewouldshareadditionalinformationonhowtoprovideyour comments.

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

ISLAND NEWS

Snug Cove House could be constructed by end of 2024 if fundraising push proves successful

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

But, like many projects, costs have skyrocketed in the last few years A 2021 estimate of the building’s cost stood at $12 million – an amount which would have been easily covered between the recent loan and SCHS’ own funds But after a jump of over $5 million since, due to a combination of inflation and the all-too-familiar ballooning construction costs of the pandemic era, the group finds themselves short

“We did not expect to have to fundraise, frankly. This is kind of a last minute deal,” explains Ritchie “The last major ask was for the land. And this major ask is for the last mile”

The society is hoping the community will be able to rally once again to see the residence over the finish line, while acknowledging they’re joining an already crowded fundraising landscape with several other island projects also seeking donor support One area of emphasis for SCHS will be the realities of time in their pursuit

One of the loan conditions for the $11.6 million sum (SCHS cannot publicly name the group yet due to the terms of the deal) expresses a desire for work to begin within four months of approval. This deadline is coming up early in April. Ritchie says he’s unsure what the prospects of an extension past that point are.

As the group has emphasized for years, SCHS says the residence could be life changing for Bowen’s elder population. “We call it a community within a community. This is not going to be a warehouse for seniors This is going to be an integral part of the community, and reflect the fact that our

seniors are part of the fabric of our community,” says Ritchie SCHS estimates several Islanders are forced to leave Bowen each year due to a need to shift accommodations. Ritchie says he knows several seniors in this situation who had to seek suitable care off-island.

“Leaving your friends, neighbours and memories behind is tough. So this is why we exist. SCHS exists to try and prevent those individual tragedies,” says Ritchie.

But that could all change if Snug Cove House enters the playing field. Eligibility would be for independent seniors who SCHS says mainly want to stay on the island, but would also like some help with tasks such as shopping, meal prep, or the opportunity for more socializing Ritchie stresses it’s not meant to be viewed as a care home, but the building is being constructed to the standards necessary for assisted living accreditation if that’s a path which garners interest in the future

“It’s a fantastic community, and people don’t want to leave The fervor of the community to want to stay kind of overwhelms some of the market weakness, which is that it’s a small market,” says Ritchie, noting one of the obstacles in securing large amount of funding for projects in small towns But he says if the residence was completed at the end of next year, there would be no shortage of Boweners ready to move in.

More information on building details, history of the project, and ways to donate, can be found on the SCHS website at www.snugcovehouse.com

Seeking Public Comment

DVP2022-0376

1666TunstallBlvd

TunstallBayCommunityAssociation

RegularCouncilMeeting

6:15pmonMonday,February27,2023

PROJECTDESCRIPTION:

Councilwillbeintroducedtoadevelopmentvariancepermitapplicationto reducetheminimumrequiredsetbackforaswimmingpoolfromthenatural boundaryoftheseafrom30mto15m,inordertoconstructthereplacement swimmingpoolinthesamelocationastheexistingone.Partofthisworkwill includetheconstructionofanaccessorybuildingwithchangeroomsand washrooms,whichwillalsobelocatedwithintheminimum30msetbackfrom thenaturalboundaryofthesea,requiringavarianceto21m.

AtthemeetingCouncilwilldecidetosetadatetoconsiderissuingthepermit, ormaychoosetonotproceedfurtherwiththeapplication.

MOREINFORMATION:

Moreinformationcanbefoundonourwebsite,atMunicipalHallorbycalling

DrewBakken,Planner1, 604-947-4255ext.233oremailingdbakken@bimbc.ca

duringofficehoursbetween8:30amand4:30pm,MondaythroughFriday (excludingstatutoryholidays).

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning

YOURCOMMENTSAREWELCOME:

WrittensubmissionsmaybedeliveredtoMunicipalHallby4:00pmon February27,2023,inperson,bymail,byfaxorbyemailto mayorandcouncil@bimbc.ca

VerbalsubmissionsmaybemadetoMayorandCouncilatthemeeting:

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/council-meetings

Artistic renderings of the residence and its location along Miller Road and Foxglove Lane. / SCHS photos

Engaging Times

You’ve no doubt seen by now the public engagment opportunities available for Bowen Island’s hottest topic, the Metro Vancouver park and campground proposal at Cape Roger Curtis. Phase One has now begun and runs for another month, including a pair of open houses in March.

Next Monday is certainly an engagement day to take note of when a Committee of the Whole meeting focusing on the proposal will be held, with representatives from Metro Vancouver There’salsoaregularcouncilmeetingthatnight, providing a pair of chances to express yourself in-person

And while you have engagement on the brain, Tourism Bowen Island is holding their own (separate) series of consultations regarding the future of visitors to the island, and how this will affect residents of all sorts The first session is this Sunday, with more information about the entire process available on TBI’s website Sessions like these are very important to be involved with to ensure the best outcomes moving forward No matter what your position it’s also important to enter them with an open mind Keep an eye on both Metro Van and TBI meeting dates in the year ahead to help make informed decisions about Bowen’s future

- Alex Kurial, Editor

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Bowen’s Zócalo

The walls are going up and the roof trusses are reshaping the skyline above Snug Cove Bowen Island is beginning to see a hub take shape to house the energies and events that will amplify the spirit of Bowen Islanders

I am so proud to see this community centre finally making its presence known Though controversies were obstacles along the way, I have no doubt that soon Bowen Islanders will not be able to imagine life on our island without this centre

I am so eager to see the building on the horizon because a cultural hub is what our community needs When I moved to Bowen Island in 2006 I thought it would be only years before a proper meeting place and cultural space was built on this island

Yet I have raised a child here, and now she has fledged the nest During these nearly two decades there was never a place for Bowen Islanders to gather properly, and I am thrilled for the next generation of parents that this will not

be true for you and your children

A community needs a Zócalo, a Piazza, a Central Square This is where culture thrives for all age groups, and Bowen has never had one Now we are building it and all of you will come to it over and over again

You can call me eager but I’m throwing down lots of support for this place I already donated to name a seat in the performing arts auditorium, not in my own name but in the name of two elders who I love and respect for defining this island for over a century And now I am choreographing a dance piece to have it ready for the opening of the new stage

My career as a contemporary dance artist peaked and receded while living on Bowen Island with nearly no opportunities to show my touring work in my own community, though I was travelling across Canada, to the US and Europe

with my dance projects

In tribute to the courageous leadership of the last council to “finally get this done,” I am working with my fellow-Bowen-Island-performing-artist friend, Ruby Rowat, to create a dance piece for the new centre when it opens I will even dance in this little offering because I want my community to know that I am fully in support of our cultural hub

Bowen Island should have a Zócalo, a Piazza, a community centre where culture thrives, to parallel the vitality of our Island’s forests and shorelines I hope you are getting excited too as you see the skyline changing on the horizon

- Gail Lotenberg

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

#102–495 BowenTrunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC,V0N 1G0

Phone: 604 947 2442 Fax: 604 947 0148 bowenislandundercurrent.com

DEADLINE for advertising Monday, 4 p m DEADLINE for editorial Tuesday 5 p m

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

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Metro Vancouver wants to hear from you on Cape Roger Curtis park proposal

JOHN MCEWEN

Metro Vancouver Board of Directors

On the rugged west side of Bowen Island is a landscape that hosts some of the rarest and most ecologically sensitive terrain in the region.

The shoreline, bluffs and forests of Cape Roger Curtis offer so much to see and experience unique plant communities dominated by arbutus, shore pine, Douglas fir, and maritime juniper; the ephemeral Huszar Creek, and a stunning rocky foreshore where, with some luck, one might glimpse an orca or humpback whale

Every time I visit this place, I am astounded that we still have the opportunity to preserve and protect such an area, while letting residents from Bowen Island and the mainland experience and appreciate its many charms

As chair of Metro Vancouver’s Regional Parks Committee, I am passionate about adding more land into our park system so that it can be protected and enjoyed for generations to come

Metro Vancouver is proposing to establish a new regional park at Cape Roger Curtis that would take nearly 100 hectares of land out of private ownership, connect it with neighbouring protected areas and nature trails, and provide people with a truly unique place to reap the many mental and physical benefits of connecting with nature.

We know that Bowen Islanders are passionately protective of the incredible island they call home, and have heard concerns about overnight use, transportation, fire protection, and park management. We know Cape Roger Curtis holds a special place in the heart of the community, and we are here to listen and work with the community to shape the vision for the proposed park.

The first of three phases of public engagement is now underway and will last until March 20. The feedback we receive during this time will be incorporated at each step in the park development and rezoning processes I encourage

you to participate

Metro Vancouver has a proven track record of over five decades of responsible park planning, natural resource management, and operations at our 23 regional parks, five greenways, two ecological conservancy areas, and two regional park reserves This includes Crippen Regional Park on Bowen Island, and we would bring our wealth of experience and resources to ensure the proposed park receives the highest level of care and stewardship

Metro Vancouver has an extensive history with campgrounds, too, which are available at six regional parks and are an invaluable way to immerse young people, families, and others in nature The initial vision for the proposed park includes both day and overnight use, and we will work with the community to determine the number, type, and location of overnight facilities within the park

Recreational vehicle and trailer camping would not be allowed, and open fires would be prohibited. If a fire did break out, our parks staff are trained and equipped to respond and would be supported by Metro Vancouver’s seasoned team of watershed firefighters who regularly work with BC Wildfire Service and are highly experienced with wildfire in the region and across the province

Accessing nature without a vehicle can be a major barrier and an equity issue The proposed park at Cape Roger Curtis provides an opportunity for residents of Metro Vancouver to access, closer to home, a landscape usually only found on the Gulf Islands or southern Vancouver Island. Our focus will be on getting people to the park using sustainable transportation and public transit Metro Vancouver will work with TransLink to see how bus service can be extended directly to the site, and will also consider shuttle buses like those already in place for other regional parks We are also speaking with BC Ferries regarding ferry capacity

The prospects for Cape Roger Curtis are exciting and inspiring, but we are still very early in the planning process. There remains much consultation and technical study left to do, to make sure we strike the balance of protecting natural

areas while connecting people to nature

Participating in the public engagement will help us understand the wants and needs of your community, and will help shape the proposed park concept

Cape Roger Curtis is an incredible opportunity for us all, and I welcome your input as we work to conserve this glorious natural area, for Bowen Islanders and residents of the wider region alike, in perpetuity.

John McEwen is the vice chair of Metro Vancouver’s Board of Directors, chair of the Regional Parks Committee, and mayor of the Village of Anmore

Looking south from Cape Roger Curtis. / Metro Vancouver photo

VIEWPOINTS

A Big Idea Coloured by a‘Mainland’Context

Metro Vancouver staff say ballooning popularity of its parks is leading to public safety incidents that stretch resources thin. Colourful reports of frustrated visitors deploying bear spray during parking lot brawls illuminate Metro’s new focus on reservation systems and public transit. Social media culture is singled out for transforming visitor conventions as rescue services raise alarm about “ill-prepared, selfie-seeking hikers who inevitably run into trouble.” Metro parks are not alone in these challenges.

Bowen Island also receives increasing numbers of visitors, that weigh on ferry capacityandalimitedtaxpayerbasetoshoulder services and infrastructure Recently, Bowen’s Xenia sanctuary explained why they were closing public access “ it has become a TikTok and Instagram tourist attraction bringing people every day and on weekends, by the droves ” To weigh the benefits and drawbacks of Metro‘s proposed camping development, it is critical to acknowledge that an island is unlike the mainland in its unique ecology and conditions for water, transportation, and access to services

Bowen residents juggle multiple identities as a municipality within the unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh and within the Islands Trust, and collaborative partners in the UNESCO Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere and Metro Vancouver Regional District What unites us is the common theme of “Preserve and Protect”

As residents on unceded territories, we have a duty to learn from Indigenous knowledges historically marginalized by Western processes Skwxwú7mesh values described by the Xay Temíxw/Land Use Plan prescribe natural places to “heal, recover and re-connect with the land; clean air, clean water, and healthy rivers and streams; wildlife and wildlife habitat ” Beyond place naming, early and authentic Skwxwú7mesh consultation can ensure that preservation and spiritual values are embedded in the plan

Let’s Leave an Invaluable Legacy for Our Children

Metro Vancouver’s inspirational 2050 Vision to “plan for compact, complete communities that are foundational to enabling low carbon solutions, ” emphasizes preservation but the Bowen campground development proposal is counter-indicative New Metro campgrounds would logically be located within Metro Vancouver’s fastest growing areas in order to promote equity and reduce climate impacts

The Islands Trust mandate to “ preserve and protect” aligns with Bowen’s UNESCO Biosphere status and the Municipality’s Official Community Plan Supporting Bylaw 299 identifies coastal bluff, inland bluff, mature forest, old forest, wetland and freshwater ecosystems, and critical wildlife habitat as environmentally sensitive areas In this regard, a park affords opportunity for protection of the Cape or potential to damage unique ecology by introducing invasive species, trampling fragile organisms and disrupting wildlife

Recent history of the Cape can be told as a series of real estate development proposals for land that deserves to be preserved met by opposition to population density Unfortunately, the proposed campground development is another densification plan that prompts us to ask: What could possibly go wrong? Loss of spiritual connection to the land? Water drawdown, devastating fire, untenable demand on stressed services?

Together, we need to evaluate the proposal using data-based impact studies and viable commitments for land and sea transportation The omnibus “camping park” needs to be evaluated by separate components “Camping” should be envisioned for purpose, type, and where? Then field-tested until the footprint fits the island Otherwise, the development is a big idea coloured by a ‘mainland’ context With care, we can create a plan that honours our commonly held values

- Betty Morton

I am very grateful that Bowen now has the opportunity to bring 240 acres of the unique and precious lands at Cape Roger Curtis into the public domain to be protected and enjoyed for generations to come This a far better outcome than an extensive development there that would forever exclude Islanders from enjoying that remarkable nature

My motivation to protect that land comes from my good fortune to have had grandparents who came to Bowen in 1916, enabling me to enjoy this island since the 1950s It is here on Bowen that my life was immensely enriched by a deep connection to the plants, animals, land and ocean that inspired my entire 30-year career with the United Nations, where I have focused on forest conservation and climate change mitigation in developing countries

We now have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect those 240 acres to the adjacent 32 acres of the Wild Coast Nature Refuge, to Fairy Fen Nature Reserve, and to Crown Land, creating a truly substantial conservation area for us to preserve and enjoy

I also fully understand there are serious concerns related to ferries, traffic and camping that need to be addressed to protect the special quality of life that we so cherish here

But I think we all need to confront the fact that, without a park, we will not continue to have the kind of ‘informal’ access to those 240 acres of private land that we currently have Except for a few trails along existing property lines, once developed, the public will no longer be allowed to trespass on these 240 acres And we will surely not have access to the 900 meters of spectacular south-facing coastal shore that would be a priceless gem of the park

And from my reading of the 179 pages of bylaws, current residential zoning allows owners of each of those 10-acre lots to construct up to 48,438 square feet of buildable area Within this area, there can be a primary residence plus 20 secondary structures that can each be up to three storeys high This would be a far cry from the ‘wild nature’ we value so highly

So how can we protect Bowen’s precious way of life while protecting the Cape?

Here are some possible ways to address concerns we have:

Let’s support work on the electric passenger ferry for hikers and bikers from Vancouver to Snug Cove or Seymour Bay with shuttle buses to the park

Let’s apply for the significant existing BC and federal funds to develop our Cross Island Greenway for bikes and scooters to reduce traffic on our roads

Let’s explore whether local Bowen residents can have priority access to ferries

Since residents of Whitesails and Tunstall Boulevard understandably don’t want excessive traffic, let’s seriously explore by-pass route options to the Cape to reduce traffic through those neighborhoods

Let’s work with MetroVan to use permits to set daily limits on numbers of visitors to the park so the peace and solitude we all want in such a park is preserved I have seen this done successfully all over the world

Let’s create with MetroVan a carefully phased plan for camping to avoid the potential downsides many of us are concerned about: a plan in which camping sites are only opened up when we are confident it will work

Let’s recognize that no RVs or fires would be allowed and all camping would be carefully monitored and managed 24/7, as MetroVan does in other regional parks That is already an improvement over the unregulated camping (and garbage dumping!) that currently happens on that land

I am convinced we can reach an agreement with each other and MetroVan on a park that balances the needs of all the stakeholders while also protecting our own special quality of life on Bowen

And I feel strongly that we owe it to our children and the generations to come to hold this land in the public trust so that it will forever be a source of inspiration, learning and enjoyment

Let’s not miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for this to be our legacy

- Charles McNeill

Pair of property sales in January

ALEX KURIAL Editor

Real estate sales were back on the menu in January with a pair of properties swapping owners

While far from a busy month, the sales mark a return to action following a close to 2022 where no properties were sold in December – one of the few times that’s happened in recent memory

The January home sale that made up this pairing – the other was a vacant lot –is a two-bed, two-bathroom house at 202 Highland Trail, a small street shooting off of Eagle Cliff Road The house went for just a shade under seven figures, clocking in at $999,900 as a final price

The sale was wrapped up quickly, the property lasting just three days on the market before the deal was closed The final offer was down just a touch from the original ask of $1,050,000

The 1,269 square foot home sitting on 0 2 acres was built in 1995 The treehouse style architecture is spread out over two stories, as well as a basement An ocean view is included, along with a conveniently located path to Eagle Cliff Beach right across the street

As for last month’s other sale, while there may not be a home on the property yet the vacant lot at 604 Grafton Road sold for $384,000. The 0.57 acre plot spent a little more than five months before finding a

buyer, who closed for more than $100,000 less than the original $498,000 ask

Billed as the “last oversize lot close to the Cove” , the space is also advertised for its flexible potential to one day be rezoned to accommodate residential, multi-unit, or light commercial structures It’s currently zoned as Comprehensive Development Note* Dates based off day of reported sale

It requires a little trek up, but the views from 202 Highland Trail are rewarding once you get there / Zealtyca photo

Objects of Reflection: A Delicate Exploration of Simple Things

to artistic photography

The Hearth is hosting a new collective exhibit from February 22 to March 12 where paper-cuts, paintings, and photographs meet each other to explore the perceived value of simple objects and matter

Three artists with three very different ways of working, highlight the beauty of everyday items and share their interest in the transformation of humble materials into a more profound experience

Heather Stephens is a long-term Bowen Island resident and a former teacher from BICS. A talented quilter and sewer, she has been working with painting as her new medium since she retired. What she loves the most is to stay at home and make things; to be a “Homebody” , like she says In this exhibit, she presents her most recent body of work where she observes ordinary objects found in the kitchen - a place she calls the Heart of the Home - and represents them in a simplistic style Her adorable folk art still life subjects as well as her more abstract paintings invite us to pause a moment and to reflect on the objects and textures embedded in our daily lives

Adrian Duchateau is a Vancouver-based professional photographer originally from Mexico His aesthetic and narrative interests made him shift his practice from commercial

His artistic research emphasizes the narrative force of photography through the juxtaposition of found discarded objects within a still frame In his series of pictures, he explores the value of objects commonly seen as valueless. Collecting single-use artifacts and leftover bits of our overconsumption, he creates compositions from which new stories and dialogues emerge. In reconfiguring meaningless trash into pristine miniatures, Adrian’s work invites the viewer to shift their perspective about what we cherish as individuals, and as a society

Rachael Ashe is a Vancouver-based multidisciplinary artist, photographer, and maker

Curious to see how far a simple piece of paper can be sculpted and reformed and how patterns can be mixed together, she creates colorful hand-cut artworks and collage compositions from paper, inspired by textiles’ designs and especially quilt-making Repetitive and meticulous actions are the core of her artistic process She sees them as a form of meditative and devotional labor in which tiny actions become part of a larger whole; a metaphor for the repetition of modest acts and events of our regular lives Rachael’s delicate paper work invites the viewers to pause again, this time in a place of quietness and contemplation

The Artist pARTy is on Saturday, February 25 from 6 to 8 pm with the presence of the artists, DJ Yeshe, bar service, and snacks

We’re hiring – Weekend Library Supervisor

Bowen Library is hiring a permanent part-time Supervisor to provide outstanding customer service and to take responsibility for the management of the library on weekends.

Working collaboratively with the team, the Supervisor creates a welcoming, customer centered experience through the delivery of responsive services, and programs. The Weekend Supervisor responsibilities include opening and closing the library; supervising weekend staff; dealing with any facilities issues, and presenting and enforcing the library’s services and policies to the public.

The successful candidate will have:

• A minimum of two years supervisory experience in a public service role

• Demonstrated proficiency in customer service skills

• Demonstrated proficiency and interest in using of a variety of technologies

• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills

Desirable training or experience:

• Library specific training or experience is preferred.

• Valid B.C. Driver’s License

A criminal records check is required.

To find out more about the position, read the full job description on our website www.bowenlibrary.ca/about-us/library-information/job-opportunities/

We will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to:

Tina Nielsen, Chief Librarian info@bowenlibrary.ca 604-947-9788

We thank all applicants but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

MATHILDE ROHR

Cultural Connector / The Hearth Gallery

Bronwyn Churcher brought her solo show The Maiden’s Lament to Tir-nanOg on Sunday night, sharing songs and stories of love and loss during an engaging performance Here Churcher plays the Devil’s Violin during a story highlighting the pros and cons of a Faustian bargain. / Alex Kurial photo

Liz Nankin, Lawrence Hill, Muranda Hill, Michael Nankin, and Lisa Arthur took in the Mini Gala at the Hearth Gallery Saturday night. The polka dotted event capped off the annual Mini Art Works show / Basia Lieske photo

A Fair Day’s Work

Regenerative Bowen Island hosted their winter Fix-It Fair on Saturday afternoon, providing a second chance to dozens of items which came through the Bowen Island Community School doors

Bowen Agricultural Alliance joined the event with a seed sharing table, and the fair was also a stop on Bowen Recreation’s Family Day Weekend Heritage Hunt, as the Fix-It Fairies pulled double duty by helping with answers to participants’ scavenger hunt questions

Visitors left satisfied with many mended items, along with some tasty drinks and snacks

Alex Kurial photo gallery

Matt Brennan was, quite literally, on the clock as he worked to repair this antique knick knack

Carmen McKay and Kelly Woods were on the Heritage Hunt, and found plenty of assistance from Janet Ross at her sewing station

Atom Brooke gets an‘A’for his guitar-fixing efforts.

Ivan Jensen was doing his best to make sure this machine did not become toast.

Damion Grant-Carroll could get you back on two wheels at his bike repair station.

Erica Thiessen had a full workload of clothing to patch up This included a well used pair of the Editor’s pants, which she mended expertly. Thanks Erica!

Thursday, February 23, 2023

CALENDAR

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

Friday, February 24

Dinner at the Legion

Grandma Bobbie’s spaghetti & meatballs are on tap this week With caesar salad and chocolate brownie Veg option available Doors at 5:30 pm, dinner at 6:30.

February 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 for the final two shows!

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

Monday, February 27

Rotary Speaker Series

Our guest speaker is Bowen Island’s champion for the PEKA Orphanage in Lesotho, Matthew Harrison. Since he last reported the land has been secured and the site is ready for the campus to be developed. Hear the current story and the plans for the future. Meeting by Zoom at 7:30 pm, check website Feb. 27 for access details.

TUESDAYS

February 28

Paint Starry Night

Join the fun of creating Vincent Van Gogh’s 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 Tuesdays 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 Aging with Grace

Easy yoga for mobility, 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

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CLINICAL STAFF POSITIONS

BOWEN ISLAND COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE

The Bowen Island Community Health Centre is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2023 and operations to commence in late August/early September 2023.

The Bowen Island Community Health Centre is seeking qualified candidates for the following positions pending funding from the Ministry of Health.

Have your say!

10:30 to 11 am

A free drop-in program of stories and songs for 2 to 4 year-olds and their caregivers! Every Wednesday to March 8

Bowen Bridge

We meet from 1:30 to 4:30 pm at Bowen Court on Wednesdays 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

Intro 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

Thursday Art Group

We meet every Thursday at Collins Hall (9:30 to 11:30 am) to paint, sketch, draw, etc

Contact Marie@marieneys com or MarieNeys.com for both TAG and Acrylics

• Medical Office Assistants

• Primary Care Nurses (RNs and LPNs)

• Social Worker1

• Mental Health Counsellor1

• Community Health Worker/Patient Navigator

Please submit your CV including your experience and education and a cover letter expressing your interest to recruitment@bowenhealthcentre com by March 31, 2023

The Bowen Island Community Health Centre has active postings for the Family Physicians (VCHA- 3403) and Nurse Practitioners (VCHA-4696) on the Health Match BC website: healthmatchbc.org

For more about the Bowen Island Community Health Centre: www bowenhealthcentre com

Contact: Suzanne Saatchi, Executive Director suzannesaatchi@bowenhealthcentre com | 778-990 4636

1 Social work and mental health positions can be combined

Please join us at a public open house or webinar about the proposed regional park This will be an opportunity to meet with staff from Metro Vancouver, provide your input, and learn more about the project

Public Open Houses (Bowen Island Community School)

• Saturday, March 4, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

• Wednesday, March 8, 4:00 – 7:30 pm

Webinars

• Thursday, March 9, 5:00 – 7:00 pm

• Friday, March 10, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

To register for a webinar, complete a feedback form, and learn more about the proposed park, scan the QR code or go to metrovancouver.org and search “Cape Roger Curtis ”

Contact us

BowenIslandParkPlanning@metrovancouver org

604-224-5739

BURGER

This good boy had a mass removal surgery the other week and has been recovering so well. As we are now able to run cytology tests in house we get results back the same day and can start the treatment faster If you notice any lumps on your pet it’s always a good idea to get them checked out by a doctor

Live-In Caretaker Camp Potlatch

CampPotlatchisseekinganenergetic,organized,and self-directed person or couple with a positive attitude for the position of a year-round live-in caretaker. The camp is located in Howe Sound between Vancouver/ Squamishandisaccessiblebyboatonly Thecaretaker position includes residency in a self-contained house on the beach-front The Camp actively runs 6 months of the year. The other 6 months, while no one else is on site, is used for regular maintenance

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Routine maintenance checks/repair work on diesel generators, water purification system, incinerator, propane tanks, alarm and sprinkler systems, and boat engine

• Keeping buildings well-maintained/repaired, secure and clean

• Maintaining grounds, removing debris/windfall, snow/ice and other hazards from the premises to ensure overall safety

If you are mechanically inclined, have 3-5 years handyman or custodian experience or equivalence, please send your application to camp@bgcbc.ca. For more details, check our website at www.bgcbc.ca

You Can Make It Happen!

Snug Cove House Is Almost Ready

✓Registered Charity: 890207970RR0001

✓Project Manager: SiFo Construction

✓Architect: Wheeler Crawford and Sons

✓Construction Manager: Kindred

✓Appraiser: Westbridge Group

✓Market Study: Lumina Seniors’ Housing

✓Auditor: MacCormac and Company

✓Freehold Serviced Land 1082 Miller Road

✓Plans for 24-unit Residence

✓Rezoning, Development Permit

✓Development Variance Permit

✓Building Permit (ready in March)

✓Society Assets: $3,600,000

✓Construction Loan: $11,600,000

Can You Help Us

Check the Last Box?

StillNeeded: $2,400,000

Everything’s in Place

to start building Snug Cove House, the supportive residence for Bowen seniors

24 one-bedroom Apartments

Large Balconies

Close to Snug Cove Village

Protected vehicle Parking

Surrounding Parkland

Commercial Kitchen

Spacious Dining Room

Top floor view Lounge

Weekly Laundry & Cleaning

Personal Care Services

Social and health Activities

Shopping & Leisure Trips

Community Events

Attentive Staff

Experienced Management

Except

Still Needed: $2,400,000 in interest rate increases and inflationary price increases for materials, labour and insurance

We have 88% of our Construction Budget

Construction Cost: $17,300,000

We have: $15,200 000

We need: $2,400,000

That’s a lot of money, $1,400 for every Bowen household, but anything you can contribute will help, even to show other potential funders that every Bowen household cares and contributed something

And please do it now A condition of our funding is that we must raise the remaining 12% with a very tight deadline-- April 7th That’s only six weeks.

Your contribution is as a pledge, redeemable only when we have enough for construction

I pledge a gift of $ to the construction of Snug Cove House (Pledge is redeemable only if we raise enough to begin construction )

Signature: Date Signed: