Bowen Island Undercurrent March 16 2023

Islands Trust passes nearly $10 million budget for upcoming year

BOWEN ISLAND’S CONTRIBUTION TO ISLANDS TRUST RISES ALMOST 7 PER CENT FROM LAST YEAR

ALEX KURIAL Editor

The provincial organization overseeing islands in the Salish Sea approved a budget just shy of eight figures for 2023/24

Islands Trust finalized the $9 7 million budget at their early March council meeting It’s an approximate $600,000 increase from last year ’ s $9 1 million total Most of this, $8 6 million, will go toward operations, with $651,296 designated for special projects and $134,300 to buy capital assets

External grants will cover $569,796, nearly six per cent of the budget Last year ’ s $768,500 in grant money was a record for the organization

Bowen Island contributes to the Islands Trust budget annually through a municipal property tax levy This year ’ s amount for the group ’ s lone municipality is $345,989, up from $323,769 in 2022/23 The additional $22,220 represents a 6 86 per cent jump, following a four per cent jump last year

While Bowen’s overall contribution is higher, much less of the total will be borne by island taxpayers this time around Just 0 3 per cent of the rise will be levied against residents CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

BAY WATCH Open House explores popular bay PAGE

BUZZ OFF JUNIOR: There was only room for one bird of prey on this perch, leading to a brief discussion between the pair of avians regarding who would claim the spot In the end it was the more senior of the two staying put, while the youngster set off for less occupied scenery. / Haig Farris photo

Events

AllCouncilmeetingsareopen tothepublictoattendin personorelectronically, unlessnotedotherwise.

March 20, 2023

6:30 pm

BudgetOpenHouse#1via Zoom

March 21, 2023

2:30 pm

CommitteeoftheWholeReviewPropertyTaxRatio

March 27, 2023

3:30 pm

CommitteeoftheWholeCapitalProgramOverview

March 27, 2023

6:15 pm RegularCouncilMeeting

March 30, 2023

2:00 pm

BudgetOpenHouse#2via Zoom

Seeking Public Comment

DVP2022-0376for1666TunstallBlvd TunstallBayCommunityAssociation

PROJECTDESCRIPTION:

ADevelopmentVariancePermitapplicationhasbeensubmittedfor 1666TunstallBlvdtoreducetheminimumsetbackfromthenatural boundaryofthesea.

Theapplicantswishtoreplacetheexistingcommunityswimming poolonthepropertyBecausethepooliswithintheminimum30m setbackfromthenaturalboundaryofthesea,theyhaverequested toreducethesetbackto15mforthenewpooland21mforan accessorychangeroom/washroom

Seeking Public Comment Five Year Financial Plan & Budget 2023

BIMwouldlikeyourfeedbackonthedraft2023-2027FinancialPlan, whichcontainsourproposedoperatingandcapitalbudgetsandthe proposedmunicipaltaxincreasefor2023.Thereareseveralwaysyou canfindoutmoreinformationandprovidefeedback

OpenHouseBudgetMeetingsviaZoom

Monday,March20,2023at6:30pm

Thursday,March30,2023at2:00pm

CommiteeoftheWholeMeetings

CommitteeoftheWhole–ReviewofPropertyTaxRatio

Tuesday,March21,2023at2:30pm

CommitteeoftheWhole–CapitalProgramOverview

Monday,March27,2023at3:30pm

Questions/Comments?PleasecontactKristenWatson,Chief FinancialOfficer,byemailatbudget@bimbc.caorcall604-947-4255 extension256

wwwbowenislandmunicipalityca/2023-budget/

MOREINFORMATION:

Viewtheapplicationonthemunicipalwebsiteat: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning/

oratMunicipalHallbetween8:30amand4:30pmMondaytoFriday (excludingstatutoryholidays)ContactDrewBakken,Planner1,by emaildbakken@bimbc.caorcall604-947-4255ext233.

TIMELINE:

Water System Local Advisory Committee Meetings

BIMwillbeholdingMunicipalWaterSystemLocalAdvisory CommitteeMeetingsfromMarch28toApril7toreviewthe2023 budgetforeachwatersystemResidentsarewelcometoattend Therearetwoopportunitiesforpublicinput:rightatthebeginningof themeetingduringpubliccomments,andduringquestionperiodat theendofthemeeting

AttendviaZoomorwatchthelivestreamonourYouTubechannel Allinformationaboutagendapublication,meetinglinksandmorecan befoundhere:

YOURCOMMENTSAREWELCOME:

WrittensubmissionsmaybedeliveredtoMunicipalHallby4:00pm onMarch27,2023:

• Inperson

• Bymail

• Byfax

• Byemailtomayorandcouncil@bimbcca

VerbalsubmissionsmaybemadetoMayorandCouncilatthe meeting:

6:15PMonMONDAY,March27,2023

inCouncilChambers,MunicipalHall,OR VirtuallyviaZoom www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/council-meetings

Phone: 604-947-4255

Fax: 604-947-0193

Email: bim@bimbc.ca

Website:

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/water-system-meetings/

Art Rennison Nature Park

Aftermanyyearsofplanning,welookforwardtothefirstdedication oflandsfortheArtRennisonNatureParkThelandsarepartofthe watershedsurroundingGraftonLake,ourlargestdrinkingwater reservoirAneventual230acreswillbededicatedandprotectedin perpetuityThisPark,andthewetlandswithinit,provideanessential ecosystemservicebyprotectingourdrinkingwaterqualityThePark willalsoprovideopportunitiesforrecreationwithanimprovedtrail systemthatcirclestheLake

wwwbowenislandmunicipalityca/art-rennison-nature-park/

Hours:8:30am-4:30pm

MondaytoFriday Closedstatutoryholidays

Open House profiles Marine Life in Bowen’s best known Bay

NATURAL WONDERS OF KWILÁKM WILL BE ON DISPLAY

BOB TURNER

Bowen Island Conservancy

Did you know that stickleback fish that thrive in our Lagoon build homes for themselves? Or that the thousands of oysters in the Bay by the Causeway filter enough ocean water each week to fill several Olympic-sized swimming pools?

Or that the sand flats offshore of Sandy Beach are home to thousands of ghost shrimp that eject sand from their burrows to form miniature sand volcanoes?

All these are inhabitants of Mannion Bay/ Deep Bay, known to the Squamish Nation peoples as Kwilákm, meaning “clam bay” .

On Sunday March 26, from 3 to 5 pm, the Bowen Island Conservancy, the Bowen Island Library, and Bowen Nature Club invite you to explore with us the natural wonders of Kwilákm at an afternoon Open House and Nature Walk at the Bowen Library Annex

The Conservancy’s team of Len Gilday, Will Husby, Susan Munro and Bob Turner completed the Nexwlélexwm/Bowen Island Marine Atlas in 2020, and our funding from the Sitka Foundation has made it possible to drill deeper into the ecology of one part of Bowen Island’s shore, to inspire a ‘marine learning lab’ and put a comprehensive website about it together

We considered various shore areas of Bowen, but none could compare to the combination of diverse habitats and public access available in Kwilákm As a learning lab, the Bay is close to Snug Cove and the ferry, and within walking distance from Bowen Island Community School and Island Pacific School, so easily available to residents, students and visitors.

The Causeway, Sandy Beach and Pebbly

IslandsTrust tax levy

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Beach each provide different points of view to the Bay And because the Causeway, Lagoon and Terminal Creek are all within Crippen Park, the natural transition from stream to ocean is on public display As well, the Bowen Island Fish and Wildlife Club’s hatchery is just upstream on Terminal Creek, and important community-based restoration and protection of eelgrass beds in the bay is underway.

But not only is Kwilákm Bowen’s best known and most visited bay, it is a biodiversity hotspot and home to wild species from juvenile salmon and anchovy and eelgrass, to oystercatcher, heron and merganser

What makes Kwilákm so biologically rich?

It’s an estuary—Bowen Island’s largest—a place where the stream waters of Terminal Creek, Bowen’s biggest stream mix with ocean. Stream sediments produce productive sand flats, and organic debris and nutrients carried by the stream feed life in the ocean.

At the Open House you can join Will Husby to examine tiny creatures with his big screen microscope, or take a virtual dive with underwater explorer Adam Taylor as he encounters octopus and crabs, and even the famous glass sponge reefs

Myself, Bob Turner, will take you on a movie snorkel tour, starting in Terminal Creek, swimming through the Lagoon, and out into the Bay. Then we’ll present the star of the show, a quick tour through our new Discovering Kwilákm website

And if you have a bit more time, Bowen Nature Club leaders will head out from the Open House for a short look at the Kwilákm shores.

We hope you join us. The open house is Sunday, March 26, 3 to 5 pm at the Bowen Library Annex.

Everyone is welcome. Bring your questions! Our special thanks to the Sitka Foundation for their support

The remaining 6.56 per cent will come from taxing new construction and development in the municipality. Last year taxpayers were responsible for three per cent of the four per cent increase.

The Bowen tax levy has now grown more than six figures in the past decade. The island paid $225,614 in 2013/14, or 3 27 per cent of the $6.9 million budget As a percentage of the total budget the number has stayed consistent though – this year ’ s $345,989 is 3.57 per cent of the $9.7 million total.

During October’s municipal election, an Opinion Poll asking Bowen voters if they’d like the municipality to renegotiate the formula used to decide how much money goes to Islands Trust received strong support, with the ‘Yes’ votes claiming 78.8 per cent of the vote No changes were enacted for this year ’ s calculation, but the renegotiation issue is expected to be visited later this year

On nearby Gambier Island, a comprehensive review of the island’s Official Community Plan and Land Use Bylaw will be taking place

“This was a challenging budget year as the Province of BC has approved new collective agreements that have resulted in salary increases outside of Trust Council’s control. Like island communities, Islands Trust is also affected by high inflation,” said Peter Luckham, council chair, in a news release

“To keep tax increases low, trustees made difficult choices and compromises as they prepared a budget to support the work to preserve and protect the Trust Area into the 2023/24 fiscal year, ” said Luckham

Some projects Islands Trust has budgeted for the year ahead include a species at risk protection program, support for regional groups such as the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Community Forum and Rural Islands Economic Partnership, and a stewardship education initiative. New governance and accessibility committees will also be created.

The Salt Spring Island Local Trust Area, which like Bowen Island pays its own tax levy, is contributing $43,500 to the budget. Upcoming projects on their island include a Village Area Plan, Watershed Protection Alliance, and review of their Official Community Plan and Land Use Bylaw.

Construction and development to bear most of Bowen’s

The extensive tidal flats of Kwilákm exposed during a summer low tide / Len Gilday photo

VIEWPOINTS

What’s

happening Bowen?

It’s that time again friends, for an IslandWide issue of the Undercurrent! These are always some of our most interesting issues for the many different types of stories - and contributors - that we get to feature I’m sure we’ll see that same variety this time around, even just based on some of the pieces lined up already

And, on that point, there’s still lots of time to send something along if you’d like to be featured It can be a written piece, or photos are certainly always welcome too Letters too, however, as I clairvoyantly predicted last week, we have indeed become flooded with residents’ thoughts on a certain high profile topic Which is great! But a fair warning, if your letter is about the proposed Cape park it is unlikely to run next week, as we work through the double digit amount sitting in waiting If something else around here is on your mind though the print possibility outlook is sunny!

And of course an advance thank you to everybody who sends stuff in for these They are big productions, and would be impossible without your help Thanks so much!

- Alex Kurial, Editor

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Progress made on the Snug Cove House front

To the Editor, Ninety-one Bowen households have so far pledged $182,840 towards the construction of Snug Cove House In just three weeks Three more weeks and 1,633 households to go

Please chip in Every dollar that comes from every household tells a story -- that Bowen Island is not a community that throws away its seniors just when they most need help Snug Cove House will be a haven for seniors that until now have had to leave the community they love to find supportive accommodation somewhere else It’s important enough that island volunteers have been working for 27 years to make it

happen

Now it’s really close It’s a good building, with good facilities, that will allow the most senior of our seniors to live actively in the community they’ve helped build

Please fill in the form on the back of this paper and bring Snug Cove House to life

With many thanks,

The board of directors of Snug Cove House Society - Martine Sampath, Pernille Nielsen, Cindy Macleod, Graham Ritchie, Susan Munro, Rev Lorraine Ashdown, Holly Mackintosh, Andy Powell-Williams

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 DEADLINE for advertising Monday,

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

Bea ponders what’s best for the future of Cape Roger Curtis while out for a recent walk with owner (and photo taker) Ron Paley at the south side location

Money & Numbers

JUDITH GEDYE BIM Councillor / Islands Trust Trustee

First, I’d like to report about Trust budget discussions, and second to share thoughts about wealth on Bowen and our approach/avoidance behaviour to it

Trust Council has just held three days of meetings, and while there was a 500 page agenda, primarily we worked on the budget for 2023-24 The election resulted in a turnover of Trustees, new Trustees on the Executive Committee and new volunteers for the Financial Planning Committee (FPC)

The detailed work of the staff and their diligence in answering questions and helping is phenomenal, and the new committee took to the spread sheets with equal diligence and detail What was presented to council was very helpful, but it is a difficult job to trim fat where there is none Foremost, to my mind, is that the provincial contribution is very small and has been the same for several years, with more and more pressure on our major source of revenue: property taxes

At the same time, most staff are BC General Employees’ Union members and cost of living allowance increases, plus rents and supplies, are increasing One notable result is that the FPC, with encouragement and support of the Governance Committee, of which I am chair, and broad support from all of Trust Council, has begun developing a “corporate plan” to help prioritize projects and expenses

For example, it is one thing to have a budget for a worthy project, but if staff have too many projects on their worklists, and not everything can or will get done, as a council, we need to do the difficult work to prioritize, not overload staff and our budget with great ideas, and a fair method

Work Party

ALEX JURGENSEN Camp Bowen

Dear Bowen Island community, Spring is here and summer will be here before we know it and, with summer, comes summer camps, marshmallow roasting, and summer break

In preparation for welcoming the 2023 summer camp campers to Camp Bowen, the Canadian Organization of the Blind and DeafBlind: Camp Bowen Division is holding a work party to clean up the grounds and facilities at Camp Bowen on Saturday March 18, with a second one planned for Saturday, March 25, dependent on volunteer availability on March 18

We invite our fellow islanders to come down to Camp Bowen from 10 am to 4 pm to help us get the site ready for this years blind, DeafBlind, and low vision campers. The day will involve cleaning up the grounds and facilities and include food for volunteers. No prior experience on work parties or in the trades is necessary. We’re looking for people who can help with yard clean up and interior organizing/cleaning.

If you do have some trades experience, we do have some small tasks above and beyond those in the work party we’d love some help with.

To participate, please either call myself, Alex, at +1 (604) 947-9021, extension 102, or email the Canadian Organization of the Blind and DeafBlind’s Bowen Community Mailbox at BowenIsland@cobd ca

Together, we can make the 60th year of Camp Bowen the best year ever for blind, DeafBlind, and low vision children, teens and adults from across Canada

Warm regards,

to do so

The combination of talented and dedicated staff, plus members of the FPC who are experienced and adept at detailed analysis, bodes well for future planning The objective is to have that in place before the next budget cycle For now, the budget is the best we can recommend to the Minister for 2023-2024 and we accomplished that recommendation I am pleased to report that Bowen has been spared the increase in planning, mostly bylaw enforcement expenses, that all the other islands in the federation must contend with, and other than the fixed expenses mentioned above, Bowen can expect about a 1% increase (sorry but I can’t find the exact number as I write this)

And, although we do not pay directly, we benefit from the programmes and materials created by other members of the Trust (eg. an archeological project on Lasqueti, rainwater conservation and freshwater projects on Saltspring, bylaw enforcement policies Trust wide).

The second idea that has been keeping me up has to do with comments I heard at Metro’s open house at BICS last Saturday, which went like this: instead of a park, would you rather have 24 massive houses, with dozens of service vehicles racing on/off during the 10 year build out, and a minimum three cars per family thereafter, with gates and fences and limited public access?

While I have serious concerns about the masses who will be encouraged to visit a regional park in vehicles that need to get through Horseshoe Bay on pretty well any day of the year, and then onto the ferry, through Snug Cove and over to the Cape, and while camping raises even more issues: potable water, sewage, fire protection and garbage, and while, fairly, I may be accused of demonizing the masses, it is equally unfair to demonize our wealthy neighbours

When I moved to Bowen there was an us/them dynamic

Forever is a Long Time

Mayor & Council,

I recently submitted my response to Metro Vancouver’s (“MV’s”) follow up questionnaire with the strong message of the need for them to listen closely to the concerns of all property owners/taxpayers, especially as to traffic & transportation (“T&T”) issues. I consider this email as an “interim report card” on the overall regional park planning process.

MV’s suggestion to date, of adding more shuttle buses, is a non-starter as to fully and properly addressing T&T concerns. It greatly concerns me their continued focus may only be on a transportation solution which includes more shuttle buses, and continuing to use our already overcrowded ferry, while I have heard it suggested by some MV representatives, “the access to the park will be via Whitesails Drive!”

That does not seem very open-minded to me, especially in light of the fact MV’s professional T&T study has not been completed, has it? This is a regional park, for which substantial regional (as in off-island) demands will be placed on our already over crowded, single means of transportation to & from the mainland, THE FERRY It is a broadly accepted fact, an alternative means of transportation to/from the island was recognized as being needed long BEFORE the change of zoning to the subject 24 Cape lots was a consideration/requested, likely even in the Vendor’s mind and certainly BIM’s, while I doubt Metro Vancouver was even on the radar screen!

The demands of a REGIONAL PARK, WITH 100% REGIONAL OFF-ISLAND VISITORS/USERS, further confirms the need for a creative, effective and likely very expensive alternate means of transportation to & from our quaint, quiet little island community, which will unquestionably subject us islanders to a substantial increase in on-island traffic

with Hood Point and a very unfortunate opinion piece in a national magazine about how ridiculous our choice of Citizen of the Year was, someone who’d helped create our recycling programme, written by someone who enjoyed our hospitality every summer, but nevertheless parodied our choices

As we ’ ve shared more, that attitude has largely disappeared to the point that I am mindful of how much we relied on the generosity of our “major donors” when we raised funds for The Hearth and Library’s shared annex, the Health Foundation building and when there’s continuing fundraising for Snug Cove House and the Community Centre.

It is very unfortunate to approach our wealthy neighbours with our hands out, asking for contributions to much needed and desirable projects, while sniffing about the size of their homes on waterfront lots. I promise to lay off fear-mongering against the toiling masses stuck in their tiny apartments in Surrey if you (whomever) will do the same for our more fortunate potential long-term community members The necessary analysis is more complex than either simplistic portrayal Deal?

- Judith Gedye

- Alex Jurgensen

Everything, Everywhere All At The Same Time VIEWPOINTS

Perhaps Bowen Islanders might consider outlining their own choice of identity as opposed to only fighting proposals forced on us by outside cultures like Metro Vancouver. Why does everyplace, everywhere in BC need to accommodate every kind of activity, every kind of person and every kind of accommodation all at once?

For those of us who consider Metro Vancouver’s park expansion plan with 100 camp sites unworkable without massive infrastructure changes, and, on the other hand, essentially destructive to our country island with massive infrastructure, perhaps we need to consider some options that serve Bowen Island’s needs, and, at the same time, also provide greater access to the island for the greater, outside community.

We could pursue a different course and actively create our own plan, our own identity, one that does not overwhelm ferries, leave school children stranded after school because of excess foot passengers, make commuting basically impossible, and fatigue our roadways and village with excess traffic

Could we not create a new identity as a ‘Day Visitors Sanctuary Island’ in which we could focus on expanding passenger service

A Major Chance for Community Gain

(designate one ferry for instance, 10:15 am for passenger only) in addition to more bus options on island to transport bikers, hikers, walkers, bird watchers to the areas of the island they wish to explore?

Tourists are what make our businesses possible We can’t stop all change, but we could direct that change in a way that serves the interests of more people with a unique island that is accessible (20 minute ferry) where Country, Unspoiled Nature and Unplugged Roadways still exist

We would be a day experience where many, many, serious nature lovers could explore their passions in a real wilderness and at the same time support our local, country restaurants and businesses along the way. We would be an Island Sanctuary, accessible to everyone but not overrun.

You can’t be everything to everyone all the same time without spoiling it for everyone most of the time You can’t be everything, everywhere all at the same time Women have tried it and it doesn’t work

Are we Master of our destiny or not?

- Penny Williams

Save the Date! - with BICC

Quite a few Bowen events have found their feet again after a pandemic pause

For the first time in three years, Bowen island Community Choir will present a Coffee House filled with local talent. From singers, to actors to poets, come and be entertained by your Bowen neigh-

bours and help raise money for our wonderful choir of 40 voices

Save the date; Saturday, March 25. The show is at 7:30 pm at Cates Hill Chapel. Tickets are $20 and available at the door. There will be tea, coffee and homemade treats. We hope to see many of

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

Contrary to what many would hope, or have us believe, the increased off-island “traffic” will not be all pedestrian-only, cyclists or kayakers!

I also reiterated my concern, and that of many others, for the loss of an immediate $104,000 in property tax revenues, which is NOT a “one-and-done” loss, it is a loss in PERPETUTIY, which due to inflation will grow, and grow How is that to be replaced is a good question?

FURTHER, it is important that EVERYONE, especially Metro Vancouver, realizes the loss of tax revenue is a SUBSTANTIAL financial contribution by BIM, for a regional initiative that our municipality did not initiate Like it or not, it is an unavoidable contribution, that should be acknowledged by MV and earmarked for off-site improvements, with the most important being TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION.

At the expense of being harsh, but factual, as BIM did not request the change of use/status from residential to a regional park, there should be no need for BIM to make any financial contribution to this initiative, but we will be forced to by way of the loss of tax revenue, revenue our small community can ill-afford to lose A very expensive and “short-of-funds” Community Centre comes to mind, both as to the construction and operating bud-

you there

We promise that you will smile, tap your toes and maybe even shed a tear Please join us for this wonderful and

gets! The list of other capital needs for the community is very long and need not be noted.

While I acknowledge there is a large contingent of former Cape Roger Curtis Trust Society members who will be delighted with the change of use, proper care must be taken so as not to severely compromise the community’s well-being and quality of life, by council not being very firm with MV in addressing their demands and expectations for their rezoning

If the municipality cannot get what we want and need, MV should not get what they want and need, it is that simple!!

My two (2) take-aways from the recent regional park COTW meeting and the March 4 MV open house were: (1) slow down the process, us taxpayers need much more information and satisfaction on our demands and expectations, and (2) “balance” , as between what is good both for the environment and property owners must prevail

As a community we have only one (1) chance to get it right That chance is NOW The loss of tax revenue in perpetuity is bad enough, having to live with a band aid solution to T&T, when major surgery is required, will be intolerable because FOREVER, is a long time!

- Bruce Russell

lively variety show

- Lorraine Ashdown On Behalf of the BICC

Sampler event serves an evening of creativity

SAM ADKINS

Contributor

Author Samantha Adkins, composer and musician Cindy Fairbank, and textile and visual artist Sarah Haxby are preparing a special evening of readings, music, and art on Saturday, March 25 from 7 to 9 pm at the Hearth Gallery with the generous support of The Hearth Gallery and Bowen Island Municipality. The event is called: Sampler, and will be an evening of bite-sized music, stories & stitchery shared by the trio of talented Bowen Islanders

Samantha will be reading from her recently published novel, Enough, an historical fiction work written in parallel narratives telling the stories of Elrica Braun, a painter and pastor’s wife living through the Depression and World War II, and her granddaughter Caroline Williams, a pianist and pastor’s wife living in 2018 The novel explores the importance of creativity While writing her novel, Adkins dreamed of releasing her work in the company of other artists

Artist-Teacher Cindy Fairbank moved to Bowen Island from Toronto, Ontario with her family in 2014. Cindy received

her degree in Jazz Performance (piano) at McGill University, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto, and is currently working towards her master’s degree in arts education at Simon Fraser University. Cindy has shared her love of music, band, and choir with the students of Bowen Island Community School for the last eight years while pursuing her own performance, recording, and creative projects including collaborations with local Canadian musicians Shari Ulrich, David Graff, Christie Grace, Buff Allen, and John Stiver, and her Jazz Album, Imaginaries

Sarah Haxby received a BA at Emily Carr University and a Master’s Degree in Art and Art History from the University of Wales and is a talented multi-media visual artist, writer, and is a community school coordinator. She will be presenting textiles inspired by historical practices as well as other art collections. “My work is hand-drawn on to the surface of the canvas using vintage, new and reclaimed threads. I juxtapose and overlap ideas of high and low brow art by placing needlework in the realm of fine art and the traditional painted surface - with a sense of humor and detail... that is best conveyed by experiencing the work in person. My work seeks to be wry in a Canadian fashion,” and every artwork has a story behind it.

The three artists all find inspiration in their family

WorkBC connects people to opportunities and helps people with disabilities overcome barriers.

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histories They plan to weave their individual music, written and textile story threads together throughout the evening with a special surprise collaboration at the end.

The trio of talents are calling their event Sampler: a small decorative piece of needlework, a collection, or assortment. There is no charge to attend this event.

Bowen H₂O: Youths Explore Sense of Belonging and Local Ecology Through Art

ROHR Cultural Connector / The Hearth Gallery

Primary Colours: Art from the Kids on the Rock is now on at the Hearth Gallery until April 1. The annual youth art exhibit is this year called Bowen H₂O, a collection of BICS students’ artworks that is informed and inspired by local ecology.

Put together by the Bowen Island Community School, the Community School Association and the Hearth, this art show aims to celebrate youthful creativity and our community.

This new exhibit showcases artworks that explore one ’ s sense of belonging and connection to place, self, and others, as well as youth’s reflections on local ecology through art

A large, bright, inclusive, and fun exhibit that gathers multi-media artworks from talented and diverse classes, including paintings, dioramas, digital work, clay and more

This year, a large 8’x16’ whale mural made of 300 tiles was created by BICS students under the guidance and initiative of Sarah Haxby, Community School Coordinator, and Susan Hillmann, local artist and Professor Emeritus at ECUAD

For this Sense of Belonging project, every BICS student painted one tile of the mural Its design was inspired by the school’s yew yews - orca in Squamishlogo, which was designed by Xwalacktun, Rick Harry Through this project, students learned about the history of abstract painting, and about patterns and mark-making with paint as a way to express joyful memories

When all the individual canvas pieces are put together, the big picture is revealed Every individual painting has its own stories and inspiration; though, together, it shows how we all belong together The individual images connect to form one big

mural to illustrate how every student as an individual is a part of the big picture: the community that is within the school, and our island community!

“You are an individual with your own stories. You are part of a class, that class is part of the school, and the school is part of a community. You are one part of a big picture. A community is like a quilt, each piece connected by kindness, caring, respect and curiosity.” - Sarah

Haxby

Additionally, students have been invited to create art about their experience, knowledge, and connection to local ecology, and most specifically, to Bowen Island’s streams of water Ocean, lakes, waterways, rain, snow, all things H₂O!

Local books, maps, and images have been an important part of the learning process and inspiration for this youth art show, some of them will be displayed in the gallery among the art as well.

For this colorful and inspiring show, the Community School Association will host a Fool’s Closing pARTy on April 1 at the Hearth from 11 am to 1 pm: coffee, donuts, and hot chocolate Bring your jokes!

MATHILDE

(L-R) Sam Adkins, Sarah Haxby, & Cindy Fairbank will be hosting an evening showcasing their various art works on March 25. / Submitted photo

Friday, March 17

St. Paddy’s Day at the Legion

Dinner is a Beef and Guinness Stew with garlic mash, and chocolate cream cake with Bailey’s for dessert There will be live fiddle music from 5:30 to 6:30 pm Pub Quiz and 50/50 draw following dinner. Anyone caught not wearing green will be pinched!

Saturday, March 18

Community Cleanup at Camp Bowen

Join Alex Jurgensen and other volunteers to help Camp Bowen prepare for summer campers. 10 am to 4 pm. More information in Alex’s letter on Page 5.

Saturday, March 18

Saturday Night Blues

Snug Cove Blues Band live at the Pub from 8 to 11 pm

Sunday, March 19

Book Donation Day

Friends of the Library volunteers are accepting donations of clean, good condition used books and DVDs Donations toward our book sales can be brought to the Library Annex starting at 10:30 am until the volunteers’ bins are full (no later than 12:30 pm) We thank everyone who donates books for their contribution—your books help raise funds for the Library through book sales!

Sunday, March 19

French Connections at the Library

Drop in and join us to practice your conversational French, and get to know other French speakers on Bowen Island! The focus will be on beginner and intermediate speakers, but all levels welcome 1 to 2:30 pm

Monday, March 20

SKY Workshop Part 1

Did you just call me an old lady? Did you just call me an old man? Resisting ageism (myths of aging, stress of

aging, change and loss, claiming your wisdom). Hosted by Maureen Mackey, at 1:30 pm Register by emailing Seniors Keeping Young at SKYonBowen@outlook.com

Saturday, March 25

Teen Advisory Group meeting

The Teen Advisory Group is for teens who want to make the Library better for themselves and for other teens! Joining TAG gives you a voice in what happens at the Library! 2 to 3:30 pm, drop-ins welcome.

Saturday, March 25

‘Sampler’ Evening of Art

Join a trio of Bowen artists as they share their art, music, and literature Sam Adkins, Sarah Haxby, and Cindy Fairbank will be at the Hearth Gallery from 7 to 9 pm Read about each of their works in Mathilde Rohr’s story next door on Page 8.

Sunday, March 26

Gather for Games with SKY at the Library

Seniors Keeping Young and the Bowen Library invite you for fun and friendly games for those 55+ Drop in at the Bowen Library Annex Free to attend (SKY membership not required) Tea/coffee & casual games Good for your brain, great for your soul!

Sunday, March 26

Open House with Bowen Island Conservancy

Conservancy, Nature Club, and Library members will be teaching visitors about the many forms of life which call Kwilákm (Mannion Bay) home Event runs from 3 to 5 pm, and includes a short nature walk of the bay for those interested in seeing its biological richness up close See Page 3 for more details

Saturday, April 1

Poet Talk: Jane Munro

Join us starting at 2:30 pm with a Poet Talk and Q&A with

Jane Munro, at the Bowen Library Jane Munro is a Canadian poet, writer, and educator, with several published books Blue Sonoma won the 2015 Griffin Poetry Prize. Munro’s newest poetry collection is False Creek.

To April 1

‘Primary Colours’ Kids Art Show

Works from Bowen’s youngest artists on display at the Hearth. See more about what the kids are up to on Page 8.

TUESDAYS

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

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

Bowen Bridge

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

Fee is $6 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

Thursday Art Group

The Thursday Art Group (TAG) meets every Thursday at Collins Hall from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm to create, paint, sketch and enjoy meeting like minded souls if you think this group might be for you... pop by and see what we are all about March 16 we will be setting up simple still life’s to challenge ourselves (PS We all chip in $30 per month to rent the hall For further info contact shannonrondeau@ shaw.ca, or marie@marieneys.com... or just show up and visit to see what we do.)

After some tests and treatment he is doing better. Reminder: if you find blood in your pets vomit, poop or discharge call your vet right away to make an appointment

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?

Still Needed: $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: $17,600,000

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 three 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: Name: Address: Phone: