Bowen Island Undercurrent April 13 2023

Cape Roger Curtis park proposal headed off for first reading

APRIL WILL BE A CRUCIAL MONTH FOR THE PROJECT’S FUTURE

ALEX KURIAL Editor

A date for one of the key checkpoints in Metro Vancouver’s park proposal at the Cape has been set for later this month

In two weeks council will receive draft bylaws from staff which would amend Bowen’s Official Community Plan (OCP) and Land Use Bylaw (LUB) to allow for overnight camping on the 97-hectare site The land – currently zoned Rural Residential 1 – is ready to accommodate a park, but needs sign-off from the municipality (BIM) to reclassify it as Park zoning, which would permit the camping component

It’s this element of Metro Vancouver’s proposal which has become the main sticking point in the project, and has led to fierce debate at the local level. An online petition opposing any overnight camping has gathered more than 1,300 signatures, and survey results from Phase 1 of Metro Van’s engagement process showed 57 per cent of Bowen respondents (590/1,029) do not support the project as it stands Supporters in the same survey totalled 198 (19%), with 152 (15%) saying they needed more information and 89 (9%) stating they were neutral.

These numbers were vastly different from survey respondents outside of Bowen, with 85 per cent (592/696) in support of the park proposal. Opponents numbered 71 (10%), undecided 15 (2%), and neutrals were 18 (3%).

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Events

Tunstal

AttheLocalAdvisoryCommitteeMeetingforTunstallBay Water,staffwereaskedtofindalternativesforrepaymentof theshort-termloanthatwouldextendtherepaymentterms beyondfiveyearsandresultinareductionoftheannualparcel taxof$848.

Staffhavedeterminedthatthroughtheuseofinterimfinancing, theloancanbeextendedtonineyears Thiswouldresultina reductionoftheannualparceltaxfrom$848to$565andbein placefornineyears

ThisrecommendationisgoingtoCouncilonApril24,2023as partofthe2023-2027FiveYearFinancialPlan

Questions?Feedback?Pleaseemailbudget@bimbcca

wwwbowenislandmunicipalityca/tunstall-bay-parcel-tax/ Prop

Ride Hailing Ageement

In2020CouncilenteredintoanInterMunicipalBusiness LicenceAgreementwithothermunicipalitiesacrossMetro Vancouver,sothatride-hailingcompaniescouldoperate acrossboundarieswithasinglebusinesslicence.Councilwill nowbeconsideringanamendmenttoexpandthisAgreement toincludethemunicipalitiesofHope,MissionandKent.

StaffwillbepresentingtheproposedchangeattheRegular CouncilMeetingonApril24,2023intheformofamendment BylawsNo 600,2023andNo 601,2023

Yourcommentsarewelcome

wwwbowenislandmunicipalityca/inter-municipal-ride-hailingagreement-changes/

Building Inspector needed for July & August

BIMhasavacancyfortemporary,part-timeCertifiedor QualifiedBuildingInspectorinourPlanningDepartment startingJuly,2023.

Thepositionisresponsiblefortheadministration, interpretationandenforcementoftheBCBuildingCodeand municipalregulationsandbylaws

wwwbowenislandmunicipalityca/work-with-us

Drinking water conservation starts May 1

StartingMay1,allMunicipalWaterSystems,exceptfor BluewaterPark,willbeatStage1ofthedrinkingwater conservationguidelinestomanagethedemandfordrinking waterduringthesummermonths:

• rainfallisloweranddemandishigherinthesummer

• climatechangeisaffectingrainfallfrequencyandintensity

• storagecapacityislimited

• watershortagesmayresultfromunforeseenemergency situationssuchasearthquakes

Bluewater Park at Stage 3 on May 1

WhileplansfortheBluewaterParkwatersystemreplacement andthewestsidewellupgradeprojectareadvancing,asolution fortheBluewaterParksupplyshortageisnotfeasiblebefore thesummerof2024.Watersupplyissuesareanticipatedfor theupcomingsummermonths Thismeansamoreproactive approachtowaterconservation.BluewaterParkwillgostraight toWaterConservationStage3asofMay1,2023

Stage3means:

• nolawnwatering

• handwateringofvegetablegardensbyspring-loadedshutoffnozzleonly

• carandboatwashingforsafetyonly,iewindows,mirrors andlicenseplates

• powerwashingforsafetyorpaintingpreponly

• fillingpools,hottubs,fountainsorpondsisnotpermitted BluewaterParkresidentsshouldrefrainfromimplementing plansfornewlandscapingorwaterfeatureandpoolprojects thatrequiremunicipalwaterduringthespring/summer2023.

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/water-conservation/

Proposed Park at CRC - Next Steps

• Apr24:RegularCouncilMeeting-Considerationof1st Reading

• DateTBD:CouncilMeetingtoreceiveadditional informationandreferbylawstoCommittees,Agenciesand PublicEngagement

• DateTBD:RegularCouncilMeeting-Considerationof2nd Reading

• DateTBD:PublicHearing

Moreinformation:

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/regional-park-at-caperoger-curtis/

Councillors show desire to continue Cape project

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Tuesday was a major decision day for the park’s future, and began with a Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting where Daniel Martin presented project feedback from Bowen’s various committees While all groups submitted feedback specific to their focus, several shared themes emerged among all committees

Support was strong overall for the park aspect of the plan, but the number of campsites – up to 100, with around 35 envisioned for drive-in – was identified as a major concern. Traffic issues were also raised, including the effect on the site’s lone entry point via the residential Whitesails Drive Ferry capacity was discussed too, especially in the wake of last year ’ s summer season which featured frequently overloaded sailings Committees also expressed the desire for more details on financial implications from losing tax revenue from the 24 lots, emergency preparedness planning, and a better grasp of Metro Vancouver’s management plan for operating the park

Because of the many questions still needing answers, and what committees all agreed was the magnitude of the project, director of planning Daniel Martin recommended a first reading date be established to hear the draft bylaws, but that the typical concurrent referral to committees be held off for now.

“The committees have given this great discussion… Going back to them without more information seems like it’s not the most productive use of their time It’s better to go back to them when we have bylaws and also the information they’ve requested so that they’re in better shape to make a recommendation,” explained Martin.

Councillors also expressed they needed more information from Metro Vancouver, and for clarification on a trio of submissions by the organization An Ecological Background Report – identifying ecological communities and species at risk, and provides operating measures for the park – was generally well received, but the two other reports received more scrutiny from the elected members.

One of these is a Trip Generation Report prepared by engineering consultant company Bunt & Associates estimating traffic levels if campsites are approved. Martin says he expects revisions to this report given staff questions over the numbers used for the estimations. The report also said a Transportation Demand Management Plan and Transportation Impact Assessment should be conducted.

Metro Vancouver also developed a phased implementation plan where their vision for the park would be rolled

out over three stages in 2025, 2027, and 2029. Park offerings would be increased each stage, and the estimated 100 campsites introduced one-third at a time.

The report also contained estimates for annual visitors through the first seven years of operation, with annual overnight camping numbers ranging from 3,372 to 10,116 over that period, and total visits rising from 27,802 to 83,407 over the same time. Metro Vancouver used visitors to the Killarney Lake area of Crippen Park to create these estimates

“I’m feeling like some of these reports are more marketing than research If we’re trying to get information to help us all decide to whether or not, and how, to implement this, I think we really need good, reliable information and research,” said Coun. Judith Gedye, noting that the Transportation Advisory Committee felt much of the information in the Trip Generation Report was unreliable

“Some of those basic assumptions were quite unrealistic,” added Gedye

Coun. Tim Wake also had reservations over the Bunt report “I think what we’re missing here in the Bunt report, or any report on traffic volumes, assumes it’s just going to be business as usual moving forward… I don’t understand how we can forecast any numbers when we haven’t first figured out what we’d like to have The numbers of people coming to the park, and the number of cars coming to the park, are the big issues”

While council was in consensus much more information is needed, they were also unanimous in agreement that

they didn’t want the project to fizzle out at this stage. Metro Vancouver has a pair of meetings later this month where the future of the park will be discussed.

“Looking at the information that’s been provided to us of late, and in particular I’m looking at the phased-in approach that they’re suggesting – which at one point we were told point blank is not going to happen… they’re making an effort,” said Coun. John Saunders about Metro Vancouver’s recent work

“At some point there’s got to be good faith on both parties if we’re going to make something happen here There’s a ways to go for sure, but Metro has shown the good faith in the sense that they’ve listened at least to some of the things we ’ ve said… If we’re going to move ahead at all, we ’ ve got to decide within the next week or so, and make a strong signal to them that yes we do intend to move ahead and we care about this,” said Saunders

Following the recommendation at the COW, later that night council voted unanimously to send the OCP and LUB bylaw amendments for first reading at their April 24 meeting Another unanimous vote passed for council to write a letter to the Metro Vancouver board expressing their desire to move ahead with the Cape Roger Curtis park project

But the decision to advance the project shouldn’t be seen as a guarantee of the rezoning application.

“I don’t feel that we’re anywhere close to consensus There’s a strong ‘yes’ , and there’s a strong ‘ no ’ , and there’s everything in between,” said Gedye

Metro Vancouver’s timeline for a phased-in approach of park amenities. / BIM slide

One of my favourite things to do on Bowen is explore new places, and over Easter weekend - thanks to a tip-off from a source - I became aware of this very nice beach tucked away on the island It took a little bit of searching to arrive there, and there’s not much in the way of signage to guide you But it is well worth the effort given this view! Plus the many forms of aquatic life to check out once you arrive I highly recommend a visit, as long as you know where to look

- Alex Kurial, Editor

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Closer and Closer...

To the Editor,

The community of Bowen Island is made up of just over 1,700 households

If most of those households contributed something, just something, a few dollars, anything, we could build an amazing building that would look after our elderly and keep the community whole.

Because big donors foundations and generous high net worth individuals – will look at the number of households who gave something and say, wow, this community really cares and really wants this to happen, and we’ll help them make it happen.

So please make every household count, and join with the households who have already promised more than $300,000 in just seven weeks. Send the sentence “I pledge $ towards the construction of Snug Cove House” to info@snugcovehouse.com or drop it off at the pharmacy.

We will only ask you to turn your pledge into money when we ’ ve enough to start construction - With gratitude, the board of directors of Snug Cove House Society, Martine Sampath, Pernille Nielsen, Cindy Macleod, Graham Ritchie, Rev Lorraine Ashdown, Holly Mackintosh, Andy PowellWilliams, Sheilagh Sparks

One Year Down... Many More To Go!

It’s been a whole year of fun, wonder and creativity at The Burrow!

To help us celebrate, please stop by on Saturday, April 15 from 1 to 3:30 pm for some free crafts, activities, and cookies by Shura Good Cake. Enter to win one of our draws!

The Burrow also has a ton of new classes and workshops coming up this spring. Debbie Hungle is returning with her fused and stained glass workshops, Lynn Krukowski is leading a workshop on Pysanky - traditional Ukrainian Egg Decorating,

and Caroline Hurd is teaching beginner sewing! We also have new sessions of beginner wheel, The Creative Pencil and Media Mix Up.

And, don’t forget to send submissions and birthday announcements to info@theburrowbowen.com

We hope to see you soon!

- Sara Skuce

THE WRITE STUFF. The Undercurrent encourages reader participation in your community newspaper You must include your full name and a daytime phone number (for verification only). The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity, legality, brevity and taste. Please limit to under 500 words HERE’S HOW: To submit a letter to the editor, fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to #102, 495 Government Rd , PO Box 130, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 or email editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com.

All

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

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

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

VIEWPOINTS

The Backbone of Bowen

Where would we be without our volunteers? Volunteering is just one of the backbones of our community and with apologies for organisations not mentioned, just think of the Knick Knack Nook, Garden Club, Hearth Art Gallery, Rotary, Bowen Community Foundation and the Food Bank Weekly events such as Tuesday’s Community Lunches and Seniors Keeping Young (SKY), the annual book sale, the run for Rwanda, and Bowfest, all supported by those giving of their time

Without a dedicated, hard working and enthusiastic group of people working towards a common goal these groups could not function Volunteering gives so much back, an opportunity to connect with others, meeting new people, and in the process

making new friends

What is a volunteer? A person willing to undertake a service to offer something with no monetary gain or recognition, to make a difference in the community in which one lives Bowen is such a special place, we are so blessed to live amongst nature and enjoy a nurturing environment, volunteering is only one aspect of what it means to be a part of a strong, caring and kind community

April 16 to 23 is Volunteer Week, consider stepping forward and giving a helping hand, it could be two hours a week, or once a month, or whatever you can spare

- Diana Kaile

MetroVancouver’s park initiatives

Metro Vancouver recently purchased the peninsula at the east point of Crippen Park’s Dorman Point, and now provides pedestrian access to the amazing beauty of the whole lower waterfront area Metro Vancouver has done an excellent job in providing a greatly enhanced Dorman Point Park experience, to be enjoyed by islanders and visitors alike

Visitors may arrive by bicycle, or on foot using public transport This accomplishment provides significant benefits to Bowen Islanders and the public at large, while minimizing adverse neighbourhood and island impact

Earlier, the creation of Crippen Park and Bowen Island’s opportunity to purchase the

Community Lands are both a result of Metro Vancouver’s continuing interest in Bowen Island The Community Lands now provide low cost land for a Fire Hall, Health Centre, Municipal Hall, Community Centre, and affordable housing

Unlike other municipalities Bowen Island is blessed to own lots of community land to build a variety of forms of housing, and everything else the community may need, all at walking distance from Snug Cove, for years to come Together with Metro Vancouver a village in the park has been created

The current park proposal at Cape Roger Curtis is in the interest of Metro Vancouver’s residents as well as islanders, but also

Spring Cleaning for Bowen’s OCP

In the midst of the current discussion about a potential park/campsite at Cape Roger Curtis, all sides seem to agree at least on one thing: Cape Roger Curtis is an environmentally sensitive area and we have an obligation to protect and preserve the unique biodiversity of the Cape

At this hour, nobody knows which way the park/campsite decision will go Many valid concerns have been raised by the Bowen community and municipal committees related to the current proposal The park/ campsite may or may not happen, but our responsibility to protect and preserve the Cape will remain.

Section 7.1 of our current Land Use Bylaw contains sensible set back restrictions from watercourses, steep slope regulations for buildings and septic fields, wetland and watercourse protection measures, erosion control measures and other environmental mitigation procedures; a reasonable framework, designed to protect and preserve the unique biodiversity of Cape Roger Curtis.

To become effective, our Official Community Plan needs to be revised in

accordance with Section 7 1 to create a Development Permit Area for Cape Roger Curtis At the meeting of September 27, 2021, more than 20 months ago, staff were directed by Resolution #21-350: “ to begin the process to amend the Official Community Plan to create a Development Permit Area for Cape Roger Curtis to protect the natural environment, its ecosystems and biological diversity”

It remains to be done I believe it is urgent, if not mandatory that this is done as soon as possible to protect and preserve the Cape

The Metro Vancouver parks project, the future build-out of 24 residences on 10 acre lots, or other future rezoning applications at Cape Roger Curtis will be required to respect these development permit guidelines to preserve and protect

Let’s direct our energy and resources to the things we can control, the things we can influence Let’s border, protect, respect, and preserve the Cape and implement Resolution #21-350

- Lesley Gaunt

creates neighbourhood and island wide concerns to be addressed.

Together, Bowen Island, Squamish Nation, and our friends at Metro Vancouver could develop a shared vision for island living, working and recreation, while creating one amazing, island-wide park system that includes all Bowen Island’s Crown Lands, existing parks, and other environmentally significant areas.

A park that will benefit a growing Metro Vancouver area and islanders alike for centuries to come. A shared vision provides clarity how a park at Cape Roger Curtis enriches the island’s park system and how Bowen Island fits in the UNESCO Howe Sound Biosphere region.

Removing logging leases and mining claims from Crown Lands provides time and space for nature to do its wonder. It creates biodiversity, and certainty that a tree can grow peacefully for hundreds of years, for generations to experience.

A pedestrian-bicycle ferry service, and an island wide trail system would be secured to access Snug Cove Village, Seymour Bay, all neighbourhoods, and one amazing park system. An inclusive experience, providing car access for those who need it.

Bowen Island, a wonderful place to live. A wonderful place to visit. Now and hundreds of years into the future.

ourparents say

“Our children LOVE Island Pacific School! We have been very happy with the experience, particularly as the transition to junior high/ middle school can be quite difficult for some students. They feel confident, challenged, and part of a community We can not thank the school enough for the experience and we would not hesitate to recommend the school to other families”

Bonnie Scorer, Parent

Small by Design: An IB World Middle School | Grades 6-9 ONLY A FEW SPOTS LEFT IN GRADES 6 AND 8 APPLY TODAY | islandpacific.org

Members of the Bowen Island Garden Club recently volunteered to tidy up the garden at the local Legion / Submitted photo

- Frits de Vries

VIEWPOINTS

Not the Time or the Place

I’ve been pretty active on the subject of the proposed Park and Campground, because I am deeply concerned about the effect that such a park would have on our community, which is already experiencing trouble on several fronts that I need not remind us all of

There is a misconception that pressure can be put upon BC Ferries to “do something,” but considering that in the summer the ferry terminal is overflowing, the ferries are overflowing, Horseshoe Bay is overflowing, the ferry schedules are full with ferries sometimes jockeying for position in the terminal, there is no more room to expand the terminal, and there’s no room on our side to fit a bigger ferry, I fail to see what anyone can “do” about that

Meanwhile, there is another misconception that “ someone ” can run a passenger ferry for the potential visitors, but the most likely and most experienced someone is Mike Shannon, who has made it very clear (including in direct conversation with Metro) that it would need to be subsidized at a very expensive rate, for him to even break even The numbers he mentioned to them were way out of their budget

He has also said, in no uncertain terms, that taking people directly to the Cape would be extremely difficult and unwise, due to the wind conditions out there, and even to Seymour Bay would require the building of a breakwater and other expensive structures. If some other person were to take this on, it is extremely likely they would go broke within a year, and we would once again be without a passenger ferry.

Let’sVoteYES for Nature and the Park

We need to take a potential passenger ferry out of the equation

I would also like to address the idea that Metro will help us with the MUP, the roads, ferry marshalling, potential land for a new ferry line-up system, and God knows what else

From other municipalities’ perspective Metro is spending $40 million in this tiny community, and to develop the park and campground will cost them some millions more. I do not think that those municipalities will be keen on Metro funding Bowen’s infrastructure to the tune of many millions more, for years to come. At some point and some point soon they will say NO, we need that funding in our own communities.

If this park and campground development goes ahead, even close to what Metro wants from it, I truly believe it will destroy the Community that already hangs so precariously in the balance. One single summer of extreme ferry overloads would cause the commuters of this island, and those who regularly visit the mainland for medical and other appointments, to leave. Our community would lose the citizens who bring such diversity to this island, leaving it a tourist-centric island.

I am aware that our ferry problems will continue. I think as the pressures continue to slowly increase Boweners will be very motivated to return to car-pooling and public transit (which all fell aside due to Covid). I think with awareness and on-island pressure and advocacy for solutions Bowen can manage its traffic problem in-house by

As Cape residents, we went into the Metro Vancouver Regional Parks (MVRP) Open House with a certain trepidation The idea of a public park on the Cape bringing masses of people, traffic, noise, garbage, and the potential of forest fires honestly sent shivers up our spines and considerable anxiety

To our surprise and relief, the Open House put our concerns at ease and we are now excited about the prospect!

This Open House was one of the most friendly and informative that we have attended The MVRP team was knowledgeable, approachable, open to all feedback, and simply outstanding With each concern we brought up, they responded in a manner that conveyed extensive experience in park development and management (over 50 years) and thoughtfulness

We had many concerns but to list only a few:

1) Fire - A significant fire on our Island would be devastating to all of us The park would bring greater firefighting resources to protect the park

2) Traffic/Ferries/Parking - MVRP would discourage car travel to the park,

reducing traffic, not finding expensive ways to expand the system.

But people are not going to make sacrifices just to accommodate more tourists. And the most important part is the rate of change. We’re already struggling in the summer; the opening of a park (say, next year) will cause a sudden on-rush that many people will not be prepared for (because they weren’t paying attention or believed everything will be fine), and that will cause people to say, not ‘ we have to car pool’ but ‘ we can’t live here any more. ’ I could go on, but I won’t.

I oppose the development of this park

promoting other options such as public transit, park shuttle from Snug Cove, bike travel, etc There would be very limited parking at the Cape with clear road signage, fines, and potentially towing

3) Overnight Camping - MVRP would provide 24/7 supervision by dedicated experienced staff to control unruly behaviour, loud noise/music, vandalism, garbage, etc There will be no open fires allowed

We must all do our part in reaching the ambitious goal of protecting 30% of our land by 2030 Having a park that protects nearly 250 acres of precious coastal dry forest for everyone to enjoy is a far better option than the alternative of further private development and forest degradation

The benefits to us as an Island community far outweigh the inconveniences that may come with Park status should it hopefully be approved immersion in nature with the smallest footprint and a program to educate people about the wonders around us

Let’s vote Yes for Nature and the Park Kind Regards,

- Ian and Debbie Dunn

and campground because it is, sadly, not the right place or the right time.

I urge Andrew Leonard, as our Mayor and Metro Vancouver representative, to speak to the mayors and representatives of distant municipalities such as Surrey, Langley, Delta, White Rock et. al. to find an agreeable way to relocate this park to one of the desired mainland locations that can better serve the people who need it most.

I sincerely believe this can be a win-win for everyone.

- Marian Bantjes

Queen of Capilano Ferry Schedule

Earth MonthTalks at the Bowen Library

FIRST UP WILL BE PHIL GREGORY ON HELPING TO BUILD A RESILIENT FOOD SYSTEM

ELAINE CAMERON

Contributor

Dr. Phil Gregory used to research extrasolar planets, but in recent years, he’s turned his scientific gaze from the heavens to planet Earth, and more specifically, to the ground beneath our feet.

He is convinced that if humans want to continue eating, it’s imperative that we pay attention to “the magic of soil.” Phil will be sharing this magic and its application to the Grafton Commons garden at his upcoming Earth Day presentation at the Bowen Island Public Library.

Phil was motivated to focus on soil when he heard that in 2014, a senior United Nations official predicted that, at the current rate of soil degradation, all the world’s topsoil could be gone in 60 years. After hearing this shocking statement, Phil felt compelled to investigate the looming problem of our future food supply.

He dove into the science of soil and became convinced that there is a solution While some have turned to technology and lab-grown foods, Phil thinks there is a better way, one that can address climate change and doesn’t lend itself so easily to corporate control

“We need to stop working against nature, and start working with it,” he says

Where does the magic come in? Picture billions of microbes in every teaspoon of healthy soil – bacteria, fungi, and a host of tiny predators Gregory explains that these microscopic beings “ run extensive mining and recycling operations” They have evolved with plants in mutually beneficial relationships and our current ‘conventional’ agriculture interrupts those natural processes and turns healthy soil into dirt

For decades, agriculture has relied on synthetic nitrogen fertilizer to boost production But there is a growing awareness that this offers only temporary benefits

A vicious cycle starts: nitrogen fertilizer leads to loss of soil carbon and organic matter, which leads to an increased need for synthetic nitrogen fertilization, which further interrupts the natural processes, which leads to more environmental degradation and increased food insecurity And there is mounting evidence for a decline in nutrients in our basic food stocks

Additionally, such soil is much less capable of absorbing and holding water This is a serious issue in our changing, droughtprone climates In contrast, healthy soil is a “carbon sponge ” Phil gives the example of a bed of tomatoes and squashes at Grafton Commons – a Bowen community garden using regenerative methods – that flourished without needing to be watered during most of the heat dome of 2021 And this ability of healthy soil to retain water also means

less soil erosion over time

But the magic of healthy soil doesn’t stop there Regenerative growing helps combat climate change Conventional agriculture releases additional CO2 from the soil and throws it up into the atmosphere along with nitrous oxide, another potent greenhouse gas

In the soil, carbon is a good thing “Regenerative agriculture is capable of sequestering significant amounts of atmospheric carbon in the soil where it’s beneficial,” Gregory says This is nature’s own carbon capture and storage, no fancy technology needed

Of course, there is more to creating healthy soil than steering clear of pesticides and synthetic chemicals, as Gregory is keen to explain The key lies in mimicking nature In his upcoming talk, Gregory will be explaining more about growing food regeneratively and how this is being done by volunteers at Bowen’s Grafton Commons

The principles of regenerative agriculture can be applied to any garden by any grower interested in learning

Join Dr Phil Gregory, UBC professor emeritus, for his talk: “Resilient Bowen Island: Helping to Build a Resilient Food System” to learn more The talk is jointly presented by the Bowen Island Public Library and Bowen Island Food Resilience Society, and will be held at the Library Annex at 2 pm on April 22

Dr Gregory’s is the first of two Earth Month Talks On April 29, Dr Charles McNeill, a Bowen resident and Senior Advisor on Forests and Climate for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will present “Climate Change, Biodiversity, and the Future of Food: A Global Perspective to Inform Local Action.” Those who are interested can find out more about these talks on the Bowen Library’s website, at bipl.link/earth

NoticeofMeetingofParcelTaxReviewPanel2023

PleasebeadvisedthattheParcelTaxReviewPanelisscheduledtomeeton: Friday,April21,2023at4:00pm onlineviaZoom

TheParcelTaxReviewPanelisastatutorymunicipalbodythatsitsonceayearto hearcomplaintsfromtaxpayersregardingthevalidityoftheparceltaxroll.

Persection205oftheCommunityCharter,apersonmaymakeacomplainttothe parceltaxreviewpanelononeormoreofthefollowinggrounds:

1 Thereisanomissionrespectinganameoraddressontheparceltaxroll;

2 Thereisanerrororomissionrespectingtheinclusionofaparcel;

3 Thereisanerrororomissionrespectingthetaxableareaorthetaxablefrontage ofaparcel;

4 Anexemptionhasbeenimproperlyallowedordisallowed

BENNY

Everyone at the clinic has fallen in love with Benny! How could you not with that cute face?! These guys often have a bad reputation but he was just the biggest, gentlest teddy bear for us.

Mon-Thur 9-5 Fri 9-1 Closed Sat & Sun CONTACT reception@bowenvet com

604 947 9247

Personswishingtobeheardarerequiredtosubmitnoticeinwritingatleast48 hoursbeforethescheduledsittingofthepanel.Ifnosuchwrittennoticeis receivedthepanelwillnotmeet

Writtensubmissionsshouldbedirectedto:

KristenWatson

ChiefFinancialOfficer

Questions?Call604-947-4255ext.256oremailfinance@bimbc.ca

ParcelTaxRollsareavailableforpublicinspectionbetween8:30amand4:30pm MondaythroughFriday(excludingstatutoryholidays)

wwwbowenislandmunicipality.ca/2023-parcel-tax-review-panel/

Grafton Commons community garden on Bowen Island. / Submitted photo

Cultivating Creativity on a Night to Remember

JULIA MCCAIG Director of Community Engagement / Island Pacific School

There were stars in the sky, setting suns, moons over mountains, and many other truly stunning images surrounding the excited bidders in the room

Last week’s fundraiser supporting our Student Bursary Program was an overwhelming success! The night kicked off with Emmett Sparling, @emmett_sparling, taking us on his travels around the world, through the lens of his camera

Auctioness Alex McNeill provided lively and hilarious commentary as Sparling told the story behind them It felt as though we were there beside him, hiking up the mountain, diving deep into the ocean with whales or dancing and feasting with his Indigenous hosts

Not only did we raise over $15,000 towards student bursaries, but we brought our alumni, families, and supporters together in an intimate gathering of community to celebrate our distinctly different middle school Volunteers as always are the heartbeat of Island Pacific School so we send a huge shout out to students Mischa, Jenna,

Piper, Cole S., Adam W., Anne, Ambar, and Charlotte, and parents Scarlett Duntz and Katherine Wolters, who, under the watchful eye of Basia Lieske, prepared a wonderful array of edibles and served them with panache

The show wouldn’t have gone on without Friedemann Huettner (better known as Kirsten’s dad!) for assembling the myriad of easels, and alumni parents Matthew Harrison and Pete Parkin from the Howe Sounds were just perfect for the crowd! Basia of Bowen Events is the queen of events and did an incredible job putting together all of the delicious food, working with our volunteers and always being a star Island Pacific School Ambassador!

The BC wines from Artisan Wine Shop were superb! And the ciders from Riley’s Cidery were a perfect addition to the event Thank you to our print and framing partner, Opus Art Supplies, for your continuous support and partnership

And the fundraising doesn’t stop here! Our Print Shop featuring Emmett Sparling’s stunning photography is now open! Make sure not to miss out on these beautiful prints that are brag-worthy starting at $95. Visit the shop on our website here: https://islandpacific org/emmett-sparlingprint-shop/

Emmett

talks about his world travels and photographic endeavours during last week’s fundraiser at Island Pacific School / Submitted photo

StillTime to Drop By

Still Life in Motion 2 - Hearth on the Wild Side is on until April 17! Come see the outcome of the Live Art Event that took place on April 4 while shopping for beautiful plants from the Bowen Island Flower Shop and stop by our art stations to explore your own creativity Participating artists this year are: Denise Pugash, Emily van Lidth de Jeude, Heather Stephens, Lisa Arthur, Jenny Anstey, Kathleen Ainscough, Lea Allen, Mary Rose Drescher, Raghavendra Rao K.V, and Vanessa Ramirez Jasso. The Hearth would like to thank the Bowen Island Flower Shop, Liz Nankin (left, neon jello and all), John Crowdis, Abi Howell, Mike Arthur, and Andy Powell-Williams for their help in making this community event happen / Submitted photos

Sparling

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Thursday, April 13

SKY’s Sit-Stand Yoga with Diana Kaile

Starts Thursday, April 13 from 10 to 11 am in Bowen Court’s Multi-Purpose Room A small contribution to cover SKY’s operating cost is always appreciated but optional Open to anyone 55+ *Note: This replaces Monday Chair Yoga

Thursday, April 13

Gather For Games with SKY

Fun and friendly games for 55+ Drop in at the Bowen Library Annex from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm Free to attend (SKY membership not required) Join us for tea/coffee & casual games: Bridge, chess, cards, May Jong, UNO, Boggle, Yahtzee, Scrabble, Rummikub, brain games, and more! Good for your brain, great for your soul!

Thursday, April 13

ChessMates+ at the Library

Calling all chess lovers! Drop in for casual chess at the Library–all experience levels welcome (though it helps if you know the basics). We also have lots of other games available: Catan, Scrabble, Monopoly, Jenga, Mah Jong, cards, blocks, and more! Runs from 6 to 7:30 pm

Friday, April 14 & Wednesday, April 19

SKY Walks around Bowen

For members 55+ Walks are held at various trails weekly on Fridays and Wednesdays On April 14, meet at the parking area by the Catholic Church at 10:30 am; walk starts promptly at 10:45 am On April 19, meet at Harding Road for Grafton Lake trail Walk starts promptly at 10:45am Enjoy the outdoors and meet new friends!

Friday, April 14

Dinner at the Legion

An authentic Persian dinner Flat breads with dip, Khoresht Khalal Beef and Slivered Almond Stew, with Saffron rice and a Persian dessert Doors at 5:30 pm, dinner at 6:30. $13 members, $15 non-members

Saturday, April 15

Burrow 1-Year Anniversary

1 to 3:30 pm Drop by the studio in Artisan Square for cookies, crafts, and more! Enter draws, and check out events ahead in Year 2

Saturday, April 15

Teen Advisory Group Meeting - Bowen Library Annex Joining TAG gives you a voice in what happens at the Library! Drop-in from 2 to 3:30 pm to make suggestions and earn volunteer hours! Visit bipl.link/TAG for more info.

Saturday, April 15

Raghu’s Indian Kitchen Pop-Up

5:30 pm at Tell Your Friends. Menu is Dosa (rice and lentil savory crepe) with potato filling, which can either be Vegan or Black Pepper Lamb. Also Coconut Cutney, Tomato Chutney, and Sambar (veggie and lentil soup), all of which are Vegan Grab to go or dine on the dock Available until orders run out!

Saturday, April 15

Wild West Yellowstone Concert

Fundraiser for the Gymnastics trip to Amsterdam for World Gymnaestrada Black Molly plays 8 pm at the Legion, tickets $30 at Phoenix and Cates Pharmacy.

Saturday, April 15

Saturday Night Blues at the Pub

Blues, Funk, Reggae, and Soul with the Snug Cove Blues Band. Runs from 8 to 11 pm at the Bowen Island Pub

Monday, April 17th

SKY Workshop

Presented by Maureen Mackey, entitled “My Lifelong Learning Plan” From 1:30 to 3:30 pm, open to anyone 55+. Email SKYonBowen@outlook.com for details

Saturday, April 22,

Earth Month Talk at the Library

2 pm Local author and academic Dr Phil Gregory speaks at the Bowen Library for Earth Month Presented by Bowen

the print shop

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OPUS ART SUPPLIES

Bring the beauty of Howe Sound into your home. Limited Edition Prints by Island Pacific Alumni, Emmett Sparling (2013)

Emmett Sparling (@emmett_sparling) is a photographer and film director based out of Vancouver, Canada. His photography work covers a wide range of subjects from landscapes, wildlife, underwater, portraits, and the travel adventure content he shares every day on instagram.

Proceeds of the print shop support our Student Bursary Program

Island Food Resilience Society and the Bowen Island Public Library. Find out more on Page 7.

Saturday, April 22

Daniel Wesley at the Bowen Island Pub

7:30 pm at the Pub Daniel will be playing with special guests Cannery Row. Tickets $29, available on Eventbrite

Sunday, April 30

Bowen Children’s Fair

Rescheduled from earlier this year Parents and caregivers of kids aged 0-5 welcome at the BICS gym from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm Featuring children’s musician Katie Brock, and games, music, snacks, crafts, a drumming circle, and more

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 All April

Trail Society 30x30

Get outside for a minimum of 30 minutes every day in April. This event is FREE for BITS members. Registration for non-BITS members is $10. Sign up on email and we’ll send you a calendar with some featured group activities: bowenislandtrailsociety@gmail.com

Your Community

MARKETPLACE

bowenislandundercurrent com

classifieds@van.net

BC WIDE CLASSIFIEDS

REMEMBRANCES

Obituaries

DONNELLY, Eva (nee Schmidt)

July 28, 1927 - April 2, 2023

Donne ly, Eva, aged 95 years of Bowen Is and, Br t sh Co umb a passed away peaceful y at North Shore Hosp ce on Sunday, Apri 2, 2023 Eva wi l be ov ngly remembered by her s sters, Margaret (Howarth) and Anna (Chutka) and her nephews and nieces; Bruce (Joanne) Mark Ph lip (Debbie) Lorraine Larry (Ginny) Diane Talis (Alan) and many other re atives and fr ends She was predeceased by her husband Tom and her brothers Peter, Frank and Tommy

A ife wel l ved, Eva wi l be fond y remembered for her uncond tiona love of her fami y and her kindness to others and generosity to the many charities she supported over the years She was a wonderfu cook and loved large gather ngs of famiy and friends She wi l be profoundly m ssed by a l

The fami y would ike to thank Dr Blackwood for his compass onate and kind care There wi l be a celebration of l fe at a date to be determ ned and Eva wil be interred at Boal Chape and Memorial Garden North Vancouver B C next to her loving husband Tom

Bowen Dancers show off their Evolving Skillsets

ALEX KURIAL

Editor

Bowen dancers commanded the stage during a pair of mainland competitions last month

Three group performances and a pair of solo dancers from the Kelly Konno Studio in Artisan Square went to demonstrate their skills in a variety of different styles, and returned with plenty of accolades to show for it

The month began with the Hip Hop trio of Marlie Behm, Logan McCormick, and Wylie Stiver heading to the Michael J Fox Theatre in Burnaby for the Evolve Dance Competition Dancing to ‘Stir Fry’ , the young trio captured 1st Place in the High Gold category, and finished 3rd Place in the entire competition

Competition returned to the same venue to close out March, with two teams from Konno’s studio participating in the Shine Dance Festival One of them – the B A D Team – was taking place in the event for the third time, and used that experience to claim 3rd Place in the Platinum category

The crew danced to ‘Burnin’ Up’ , and were choreographed by Konno

New to the competition were the dancers in Konno’s Advanced Training Program (ATP). She says most of the team have been with the studio since its inaugural season in 2018, and have shown impressive dedication and training to the craft. Along with

Konno, Bowen instructors Tania Brossoit and Alejandra Brossoit have been guiding the team during their first season

Performing in two groups, the eight ATP dancers captured a 1st Place in Gold with the song ‘Replay’ , and a 1st Place Platinum, Top 10 Overall, and Judges Choice Award for ‘Fly Me To The Moon’

During the Shine Festival, Stiver switched gears from Hip Hop to deliver a captivating lyrical solo performance of ‘People Watching’ which earned her 1st Place in the Platinum range and 1st Place Overall

Fellow ATP dancer Eilidh McDonald also impressed in the same category, earning high marks for her rendition of ‘Everywhere, Everything’ She left Burnaby with a 1st Place in the Gold category and a Top 5 Overall finish

“This is our first season that we took our youth dancers to competition I felt that they were ready after years of training at the studio They earned the right to go to competition and they all did really well It was overall an awesome experience,” says Konno of her students’ accomplishments

Konno’s studio and its entire roster of dancers now have their sights set on their Year End Show, taking place Saturday, May 27 at Bowen Island Community School. There will be two chances to catch the 70-minute collection of performances, with a matinee at 1 pm and evening show at 6:15 pm.

Tickets go on sale May 1, and Konno says the entire community is welcome to attend.

The B A D Team - Chantal Underdown, Louise Loik, Deb Stringfellow, Annette Frischmann, Wendy Cellik, Emilie Irelan, Clare Poschwatta, Sue McIntyre, Carmen McKay, Keona Hammond, MJ Davey, Laurel Bailey, Billi Behm - were performing at the Shine Dance Festival for the third time. / Shine Festival photo

It was the first year of competition for the students in Konno’s Advanced Training Program Eden Currah, Eilidh McDonald, Beatrice Lapointe, Taya Moyls, Sydney Florin, Wylie Stiver, Eliane Lapointe, and Sophie Griffiths make up the ATP team. / Shine Festival photo

The Hip Hop Trio of Marlie Behm, Logan McCormick, and Wylie Stiver scored top marks at the Evolve Dance Competition earlier in March. / Evolve Dance photo

ATP teammates Eilidh McDonald (L) and Wylie Stiver (R) also performed solo dances at Shine, each earning high praise and top medals. / Shine Festival photo