NO STOPPING
SQUAD Members of the Bowen Island Gymnastics Club had plenty of reason to smile last weekend after a series of strong performances at all stations during the island’s invitational competition at BICS. The Bowen girls were joined by athletes from Surrey, Pemberton, Vancouver, and Squamish throughout the day-long event Take a look at Page 12 for more photos, and check out our website later this week for many more shots from the April 29 event / Alex Kurial photo
ANNA-MARIE ATHERTON Friends of the Library
A much anticipated spring time tradition is almost here – BookFest! This event, sponsored by the Friends of the Bowen Island Library, is held annually in the Bowen Island Community School gym – this year from May 20 to 22. We also sponsor the Mini Bookstore inside the Library, providing near new books at very reasonable prices, in case you can’t wait until the May long weekend!
Who are the Friends? This society was created in 1978 to develop and nurture a public library – prior to this there was no continuing public library on Bowen! Since those early years, the Society has provided ongoing funds to the library for programs and projects not otherwise funded in their regular operating budget
The Friends have supported projects such as the construction of the Cove Commons, as well the purchase of software, furniture, and equipment. They have been annual supporters of the vital kids Summer Reading Program since 1987
As Chief Librarian Tina Nielsen notes, “The Friends have been here longer than the library itself Their support makes it possible to pilot services and respond to opportunities outside of our regular budget cycle They are an invaluable support to the library ”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
THIS
AllCouncilmeetingsareopen tothepublictoattendin personorelectronically,unless notedotherwise
May 8, 2023
6:15 pm
RegularCouncilMeeting
DVP-2023-0065
6:15pmonMonday,May8,2023
RegularCouncilMeeting
PROJECTDESCRIPTION:ADevelopmentVariancePermit applicationhasbeensubmittedfor1461MountGardner Road(shownonmap)toincreasethemaximumallowablelot coverageaswellasthemaximumallowablesizeofadetached secondarysuite
Theapplicantswishtolegalizeexistingagriculturalbuildings andtoaddanewdwelling Therequestistoincreasethe maximumlotcoveragefrom1500sqmto2880sqm They alsowishtodesignateanexistingresidenceasaDetached SecondarySuite,andbecauseitexceedsthemaximum allowablesize,itrequiresavariancetoincreasethemaximum floorareaofaDetachedSecondarySuitefrom140sqmto188 sqm.
PROJECTDESCRIPTION:BowenIslandMunicipality(BIM) isdevelopingtheirfirsteverActiveTransportationNetwork Plan(ATNP)tofurtherimprovetheIsland’sexistingactive transportationnetworkandidentifypriorityareasforfuture investment.
Tohelpuslearnmoreaboutyourthoughtson,andexperience usingBowenIsland’sactivetransportationnetwork,please completethisshortanonymoussurvey wwwsurveymonkeyca/r/XQ2ZYWL
Questions?PleasecontactNatashaCheong,IslandCommunity Planner,at604-947-4255ext6orbyemailat planning@bimbcca
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/ATNP/
Ifyoukeepyourboatonthebeach,completethespring checklistbyJune1st
YOURCOMMENTSAREWELCOME:
WrittensubmissionsmaybedeliveredtoMunicipalHallbefore 4:00pmonMonday,May8,2023:
• ByE-mailtomayorandcouncil@bimbc.ca
• Inperson
• Bymailto981ArtisanLane,BowenIsland,BC,V0N1G2
• Byfaxto604-947-0193
Toensureafairprocess,writtensubmissionscannotbe acceptedafterthedeadline
VerbalsubmissionsmaybemadetoMayorandCouncilatthe meeting
Questions?PleasecontactDrewBakken,Planner1,at 604-947-4255ext233orbyemailatdbakken@bimbcca
wwwbowenislandmunicipalityca/planning/
May4,2023
Phone: 604-947-4255
Fax: 604-947-0193
Email: bim@bimbc.ca
Website:
BowenIslandMunicipalHall 981ArtisanLane BowenIsland,BC V0N1G2
Whoseboatisit?
• Yourboatisclearlylabelledwithyournameandphone number
Don’tbeabeachhog
• Nocollections.Onlyonesmallself-propelledboatper person
• Noabandonedhobbies.(Ifyouhaven’tusedyourboat sincelockdown,makeroomforsomeoneelse!)
• Nobrokenboats,paddles,etc.
Boatsthatareunlabeled,unseaworthy,ornotactivelybeing usedmayberemovedafterJune1,2023 Ownerswillneedto payrecoverexpenses
wwwbowenislandmunicipalityca/spring-beach-checklist/
Hours:8:30am-4:30pm
MondaytoFriday Closedstatutoryholidays
Ten Emergency Support Services (ESS) volunteers gathered at the new Bowen Island Fire Hall last month to participate in setting up a reception centre as an emergency response exercise.
This exercise provided a crucial training opportunity for ESS volunteers who are prepared to help residents, that have been evacuated from their homes due to fire, earthquake or other disasters This preparation serves to minimize the confusion and disorganization that can follow an emergency or disaster
In an actual emergency, evacuated families would be provided with desperately needed food, clothing, and lodging at emergency reception centres, as designated by the Bowen Island Emergency Program Emergency Support Services are made available through the Bowen Island ESS team. We have a strong base of dedicated volunteers, however since people sometimes move or their family obligations change, there is always a need for more energetic and enthusiastic individuals to join the ESS team
If you are interested in becom-
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
ing a volunteer, the Bowen Island ESS team would like to hear from you Call Carolyn at 604-803-3130 or email boweness@bimbc ca
More information can be found on the Bowen Island Municipality Website
Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) is also taking place next week, from May 7 to 13. A national event supported by Public Safety Canada, working closely with provincial and territorial emergency management organizations, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations, and private sector organizations who support activities at the local level. The event has taken place annually for over 25 years.
The future of the Friends BookFest is now in jeopardy! Our current year-round sorting facility lease expires June 30 and unless new premises are secured, we will not be able to collect book donations Consequently, this may be our last book sale!
We are seeking approximately 500 square feet of space, with level entry and preferably with heat If you
have space or know of space available, please contact myself, Anna-Marie, at: auntieama@shaw ca
In the meantime, our annual sale will continue as usual with excellent quality used books The sale runs for three days, but the best selection is on Saturday, May 20 - you are sure to find some great reads! Come join us at the BICS gym on May 20, 21, and 22.
Seeking
DVP-2022-0282
1104&1108FoxgloveLane
6:15pmonMonday,May8,2023
RegularCouncilMeeting
PROJECTDESCRIPTION:BIMhasreceivedanapplicationforaDevelopmentVariance Permittoallowforincreasedfloorareaanddwellingsizeandreducedfrontyard setbackstothesetwolotstobeconsolidatedandafourplextobebuiltonthesite
MunicipalstaffarepreparingtointroducetheapplicationtoCouncilattheMay8, 2023RegularCouncilMeeting.AtthatmeetingCouncilwilldecidetoeithersetadate toformallyconsiderissuingthepermit(andissueadditionalnoticetoneighbours informingyouofthatdate)ormaychoosetonotproceedfurtherwiththeapplication
Theapplicantwantstoincreasethemaximumfloorareaonthesitefromamaximumof 465sq.m.toamaximumof729sq.m.(throughincreasingtheFloorSquareRatiofrom 0.85to1.34),increasingthemaximum dwellingsizefrom140sq.m.to182 sq.m.anddecreasingthefrontyard setbackfrom3.0metresto2.1metres
MoreinformationatMunicipalHall between8:30amand4:30pm, MondaythroughFriday(excluding statutoryholidays).
Questions?ContactDaniel Martin,ManagerofPlanningand Development,byemailat dmartin@bimbc.caorcall 604-947-4255ext230.
Yourcommentsarewelcome WrittensubmissionsmaybedeliveredtoMunicipal Hallby4:00pmonthemeetingdateinperson,bymail,byfax,orbyemailto mayorandcouncil@bimbc.ca.VervalsubmissionsmayalsobemadetoMayorand Councilatthemeeting. www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning/
BIM’sStrategicPlanisanannual publicationthatoutlinesCouncil’s strategiccommitmentsfortheterm.We inviteyoutoperuseCouncil’sprioritiesfor the2023-2026period.
Pleaseprovidefeedbackto mayorandcouncil@bimbc.ca
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/councilstrategic-plan-2023-2026/
YellowflagIrisonyourproperty?Handdiggingshouldbedonecarefully,asleftoverand droppedrootfragmentscanfurtherthespread.
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/invasive-plant-species/
The spirit of folk traditions is still alive on Bowen Island!
On May 1 a (very) small group representing the Bowen Island Black Sheep Morris Dancers gathered before dawn at the Causeway with hats, and bells, ragged jackets, a wicker sheep, flowers and ivy to keep the May Day tradition alive.
Watch for more possible folk-activities and information in the upcoming weeks, including the revival, reinvention and re-naming of the old Greenman Festival by a group of local youth, which they are holding on May 20. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details and a story about this special upcoming event soon!
- Sarah HaxbyTHE WRITE STUFF. The Undercurrent encourages reader participation in your community newspaper You must include your full name and a daytime phone number (for verification only). The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity, legality, brevity and taste. Please limit to under 500 words HERE’S HOW: To submit a letter to the editor, fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to #102, 495 Government Rd , PO Box 130, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 or email editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com.
All Advertising and news copy content are copyright of the Undercurrent Newspaper All editorial content submitted to the Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication The Undercurrent is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, art work and photographs
BowenTrunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC,V0N 1G0 Phone: 604 947 2442 Fax: 604 947 0148 bowenislandundercurrent.com
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
Our community today seems strongly polarized and that is neither healthy nor helpful. Please know that in spite of emotions reaching a high pitch, council is NOT rushing headlong into giving Metro everything they want First reading is merely the start and nowhere close to the end, of the process That was said but does not appear to have been heard.
On April 3, Bowen Council had a tour of our works yard, and although that is a local concern that deserves far more attention, like so much else it was overshadowed by Metro’s park proposal I was told there was heavy politicking among Metro mayors and a strong possibility that Metro would not complete the purchase of Cape Roger Curtis
The Metro Park Committee was meeting on the April 19 and to be a delegate at that meeting you had to apply before April 5 Tim Wake and I agreed to apply to speak. Unbeknownst to us, Sue Ellen Fast also applied. We agreed that because Council had not discussed any “position” , we could only voice personal opinions In particular, I was told that my “Bowen Bumpkins” letter was being used against us and I wanted that reaction off the table: no punishment of Bowen for my opinions I believed an apology would defuse that weapon.
At our April 11 meeting, Bowen Council
agreed, in a very carefully worded letter, to write to Metro Parks for the limited purpose of encouraging them to complete the purchase We had one day for that letter to make it into the agenda package of the Park Committee on April 19. We believed then that many people, not just the “yes” contingent, did not want to lose our second chance to have the land become public property. As an additional show of “good faith” , council directed staff to return at our next available meeting with a first draft of bylaws to start the legislative process.
At the Metro Park meeting, councillors were all grilled about the community’s lack of support for the park I assumed they knew I had campaigned from a “No, unless ” position, and affirmed there were considerable, serious concerns, but, bottom line, I believed there was agreement to preserve the site and it was too soon to kill the deal Tim and Sue Ellen had their own messages, but I feel they were very careful in their language, not promising any final positions, but they are inherently more positive and trusting of Metro than I am
Other delegates from Bowen were John Dowler, Shari Ulrich, David Hocking, and Charles McNeill They are all strong “yes” supporters Until the park agenda was published, I had no knowledge of who else would be speaking. None of the councillors gave previews prior to the meeting and the committee went into a closed session immediately after. None of us had any idea what effect our submissions might have had until the end of the full Metro Board a week later on April 21 with their decision to continue with the purchase
Back on Bowen, on April 24, staff present-
To Mayor and Council:
In accordance with the definition of “development permit area ” (DPA) in the Local Government Act, DPA is an important tool used in the development process to protect the natural environment, to protect development from hazardous conditions, to guide the form and character of development, to promote energy or water conservation, or to promote reduction of greenhouse gas emissions A map in the Official Community Plan indicates where the DPA is designated and text of the DPA indicates for what types of development permit is required
In 2021 Council directed staff to align the Official Community Plan (OCP) with the stipulations of the then amended Land Use Bylaw, Section 7 1, which provides DPA terms and conditions for Cape Roger Curtis
Since protection and preservation of the Cape’s unique nature and ecological features appear to be a widely accepted goal for the area, it is difficult to understand why the related Council Resolution #21-350 has still not been implemented.
The Regular Council Meeting (24 April 2023) received additional letters and a public comment, reminding Council of this out-
standing resolution and the necessity for implementation During the ensuing discussion between staff and Council, staff appeared to be strangely reluctant to follow through with this assigned task
The argument that Metro Vancouver’s preservation and protection standards would protect the environment of the Cape much better than an amended OCP is alarming. Even if this was the case, BIM’s related responsibilities for the preservation and protection of the Cape cannot simply be referred to a third party.
While a potential park development may benefit from the allegedly superior standards of MV Parks, what about the remaining area of Cape Roger Curtis?
The 240 acres for the park and the 30 acres under protection of the Conservancy leave more than 300 acres of CRC’s 600 acres still unprotected.
Independent of any developments of the MV Park proposal for the Cape, it is high time that Resolution #21-350 be carried out and that the OCP is amended without further deferral to ensure any development on Cape Roger Curtis is subject to the guidelines in the Land Use Bylaw.
- Lesley Gaunted, at first reading, draft bylaws for amendments necessary for overnight camping I had hoped we could agree to send the first draft back to staff to wait, at least, for all the reports that are supposed to be coming Instead, there was a long session of “wordsmithing” on something we were told would be subject to considerable change once reports were received, and local committees would again be asked to respond, plus outside agencies might be heard from for the first time.
Was this merely an exercise to continue to assuage Metro until their deal is complete? Is mollifying Metro becoming too familiar and too easy for both staff and council? I don’t know, but apparently we are still not ready to have any discussion of the larger issues and a narrow window was opened I can see how it is worrying but it’s only the start of the process and we are months away from any final decisions about camping
Meanwhile, Facebook postings and letters have become more frantic and polarizing One recently casually asked about a full recall of the whole council Other community leaders are quoting partial sentences, missing or ignoring nuance, wittingly or not, riling people up to receive compliments about how brilliant they are in their condemnation. I returned from a very interesting, refreshing conference and was energized to write several comments about referenda and participatory and loss of control and they have all disappeared or been drowned out with subsequent long repetitious comments and rants Surviving this, truly does seems to require getting off that platform and find some other way of
And most importantly, there is no question Bowen, as a carefully nurtured green sanctuary, has been “discovered” thanks to many factors: Metro’s advertising, our good and bad ability to make headlines, all the TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and billions of shared views And we are not prepared for any of this surge of interest
Some of our problems are common to world economics (housing), and the climate crisis (stay-cations), the entire BC coast (BCF), and regional crises (drug deaths, unliveable cities, and camping in only two of Metro’s parks and a 7 million population that clearly wants more), all in addition to our many local problems: neglected infrastructure, resulting questions of affordability, and now a community that is getting rocked to its core with anger and destructiveness
Together we must sort this all out, but the SCREAMING, demanding belligerence, and constant repetitive tirades are not helping I’ve clearly been spoiled with rational arguments from well prepared counsel representing clients according to established rules in our courtrooms With no exaggeration, I now feel like I’ve entered a potentially dangerous mob scene Help make that scenario go away.
My next Open House is scheduled for May 6 at 3 pm at Collins Hall and you are all invited. I will be baking cookies and making tea We will sit in a circle and everyone will get a chance to speak I sincerely hope we can have a discussion and I leave that meeting with renewed respect for the ability of my community to work collectively on solutions to difficult problems.
It may have been a rainy Earth day weekend but the little red church was lit up by guest musicians Dawn Pemberton (left) and Karla Mundy (right). The Vespers organized by the Reverend Lorraine Ashdown, who also gave us some potent Mary Oliver poems created a welcoming ambience in the crowded, spring flower filled church A warm welcome to spring
- Kami Kanetsuka
While in some jurisdictions across the country our national police force, aka RCMP, are subject to unfortunate controversy from time-to-time, those who have been residents of our community for many decades can attest to the fact the RCMP officers that have served us have done so in a highly professional, community-minded manner For that reason, a few old-timers thought it appropriate to express our appreciation and thanks by way of hosting Cple./Capt. Adam Koehle for a casual lunch.
What a great lunch it was, with all of us getting the know the other side of Adam, who is not only the consummate, professional police officer, but a wonderful individual and another fine resident of our community.
Dear Mayor and Councillors,
I write to you again in what feels to me to be the 11th hour of a critical time for Bowen Island. If Metro Vancouver is not allowed to have our Official Community Plan changed I am hoping that will persuade them not to purchase the available land at the Cape I am hopeful for this because then that beautiful land will still be available to residents and non-residents alike in the areas provided by the developer as agreed in their permit for development. The beautiful board walk, the beach at the Cape, and the lighthouse are all ours to enjoy spontaneously without paying for reservations.
The homesights will indeed be built upon and their privacy will include areas that we now trespass on Although years ago I voted for a federal park, I am now glad that too never happened. Bowen is a relatively small community within one ferry ride to Canada’s third-larg-
est metropolis It is already the case that tourists come looking for campsites and after finding none they camp wherever they find space
That trend will only increase if camping is legal Once one travels to an island it is very awkward to go back As a community we have always benefitted and struggled with the various aspects of our close relationship to Vancouver. A large park with camping facilities will only compound that struggle.
The largest cost may be the destruction of our once very close community in favour of a thriving tourist destination. At the very least we deserve a referendum This is not an issue that can be determined by six councilors and a mayor behind closed doors
Please give everyone a voice in the decision before it’s too late
Sincerely,
- Lyn van Lidth de JeudeDating back to one of the first RCMP officers (Lance “Boots” Boutillier) who I can remember, our community has been blessed with a great number of officers who have done a first-class job encouraging us to abide by the law, while at the same time, as fellow residents they have been very community minded, often being involved in a wide variety of volunteer community endeavours.
At the risk of omitting the names of many, a few come to mind, such as: “Boots” , who was the driving force behind the development of Bowen’s equivalent to Yankee Stadium, our baseball field adjacent to Davies Orchard, which is the home of the very active and popular Bowen Island Fastpitch and Softball Leagues; Dan Guilfoyle, who was an active
player in the League during his stint as Corporal, circa 2005 – 2008, and of course Cst Mike Reid (circa 2005 – 2008) who introduced our community to the Cops for Cancer Ride (C4C) event, and put Bowen Island in the C4C record book in September 2005 for raising the most money per capita, and on an absolute basis in the province, by way of the first ever tournament/ event at our newly completed community golf course.
As the course was not officially opened for play until May 2006, it can truthfully be said that because of Mike’s need for a golf course to host his fundraising tournament, the Bowen Island Golf Association had an additional reason, not to mention added pressure, to complete
this much needed community amenity, on time! Under the leadership of Cple Reid, the 2005 C4C tournament raised a net $30,000 and just to prove that was not “beginner’s luck,” Mike and his dedicated committee had the same success in 2006, by raising a further $31,000.
Indeed, our community is, and has been, in good hands with the RCMP officers who have been assigned to Bowen Island since the days they had to walk the beat, or ride horses So, on behalf of the community-at-large, I thank Cple./Capt Koehle for his leadership and as the representative for all those officers who have served us before his time
- Bruce RussellNote: Schedules subject to change without notice Please check
Sometimes it feels in life there are winners and there are losers With the Cape Roger Curtis park process there doesn’t have to be
The two main concerns over the park are transportation and ecology. The park may help solve the first and well, the latter, it goes without saying. I have spent much of my solo career as an architect trying to figure out how to make Bowen better Many of my plans never were realized, some still may, and some are built, including three buildings in Snug Cove
While I reside in Gibsons now, Bowen is never far from my heart, and my daughter and much of my work is on Bowen. When you love something or someone it often stays in your life.
I have worked with many councils since my move to Bowen in 2005, and this council has done something extraordinary. They have made important decisions in the midst of many distractions, being completely transparent, and I know as a planner that they have your interests in sight and front and centre In particular you have a young new Mayor, relatively new to Bowen, who has skillfully navigated his constituents interests with the professional voices of his staff at BIM and Metro Vancouver
Anything can be destroyed, but try to save something
That’s hard work Now is the time to build great things and not to tear then down. Now is the time to collaborate with higher levels of government to help solve affordability and transportations issues. Metro owns Crippen Park. Crippen park engulfs your village which is rich in heritage yet short on land. Why not work with Metro now to build more build-
ings in Snug Cove that can be mixed use like the Bowen Island Pub, and like Glenn Cormier’s visonary project also contain Bowen Island’s much needed adoptable housing
Why not work now through Metro with Translink to find subsidies for the passenger ferry service already being planned for Bowen and Gibsons.
As a community you can build up your leaders and trust them and enable them to do great things Or you can choose to tear them down in disagreement with what they believe to be decisions made with wisdom and with the wise counsel of their professional staff
If ever there was a time we need to show leadership for our youth, it is today. Right now. We need to show them we care for them We care about their future and we can solve our problems through collaboration rather than conflict Through forgiveness rather than blame
To the commuters I feel your pain every single day. I’ve commuted onto Bowen, off of Bowen. I’ve commuted from the valley and I’ve commuted from the Sunshine Coast Trust your leaders. They want to be your champions for better ferry service and they will use the park as leverage to get you better service
BC Ferries can and will add more capacity. They always do If you look to Scandinavia you will see similar communities using smaller ferries on more frequent intervals That is the solution. Like the Seabus And BCF is adding new state of the art ferries already to its other Gulf Island routes.
When I did the Snug Cove transportation studies in 2010/11 I was told the same thing BCF was at capacity. And that Sung Cove and Horseshoe Bay was at capacity for
The Magnolias are beginning to bloom at Bill Granger’s home in Deep Bay. Perhaps he will find even more for his garden at the upcoming plant sale (see the calendar)
And Haig Farris found this White-crowned Sparrow voicing its feelings on the island’s hottest topic, the park. Haig says the Sparrow is opposed, we are working on confirming with the source
staging vehicle traffic
It was impossible to move more cars
I was told BCF would never ever give Bowen Island more vehicle capacity without building the loop road. Within one year after they added the upper decks to the Queen of Capilano All the skeptics were proven wrong
If anything coming from someone who dreams for a living, I urge you to look forward to the future and not fear it I don’t think your fears will come true And I do think your children and your grandchildren and those who come later will thank all of us for the Cape Roger Curtis Park
- James TuerCorina Hanson is a Vancouver-based painter and mixed media artist From May 3 to 15, she is, for the first time, presenting her new series of abstract paintings at the Hearth
This solo show presents enthusiastic, vivacious and intuitive artworks. Corina’s artistic journey began in fashion. She worked as a professional designer for 15 years, led community public art projects, and taught. She has been exploring a diverse range of art practices including site specific installations, socially engaged art, painting, glass mosaic, and mixed media techniques.
For the past three years, Corina has been re-examining her path as an artist Her love for abstract expressionism and her interest in self-reflection through the process of art-making, has drawn her towards a raw, energetic, and tumultuous type of expression Abstract expressionism combines dramatic color with vigorous and spontaneous painting techniques to portray emotions and feelings
With this series, she has pushed through boundaries, re-examined her truth, and affirmed the need to live each moment, however fleeting, of beauty and light
“I paint in the moment with a playful sense of freedom This allows me to work without expectations, boundaries, or pre-
LUIS
This sweet boy had been limping for a bit and his owner brought him into the clinic to figure out what’s going on. We had a look at Luis and also did some x-rays that we sent in to a specialist. We hope Luis heals quickly
conceptions To paint with my heart is the most fulfilling thing I can ask for and that’s when the magic happens,” she says Her work implies a lot of layering and texture that reveals themselves the closer you get to the art The gestural abstraction of line creates an arena in which beauty and harmony negotiate with chaos Her art is an invitation to meditate on our lives and to re-examine what’s important in times when we cannot find proper answers or solutions
To RE-examine is on at the Hearth from May 3 to May 15th Artist pARTy on May 6 from 6 to 8 pm with bar service, snacks, and DJ
Yeshe
Repair work at the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal means one-way loading and unloading of vehicle lanes for the remainder of the week.
Concrete repairs are taking place on the transfer deck through Friday, May 5, according to a Sunday release from BC Ferries. Some of these fixes are taking place over one of the regular exit lanes, which will result in longer loading and offloading of vehicle traffic on the ferries until the
terminal repairs are complete.
The work affects Berths 2 and 3, so will impact passengers travelling along all three routes – Bowen Island (Snug Cove), Sunshine Coast (Langdale), and Nanaimo (Departure Bay)
Other work taking place at the terminal this week includes repairs to the stairway outside Waiting Room A It will be closed starting Thursday, May 4 and reopening next week on Thursday, May 11
During that week, walk-on passengers will either need to use the stairway outside Waiting Room B or the elevator for boardings taking place via the main vehicle deck
Island Community Choir
We have come through a long, rainy and somewhat chilly winter and it’s time to celebrate Spring. The Bowen Island Community Choir is very pleased to present our Spring Concert on May 13 at Cates Hill Chapel, at 2 and 7:30 pm
This year we have some incredible special guests We welcome our local Juno Award winning musician Buff Allen on percussion; Vancouver musician Bill Runge on saxophone; our very own Laurie Beesting on recorder, and also our own snazzy Peter Clarke on bass Oh, and then there is the mixed choir of 40 voices
Directed by the remarkable Ellen
Saturday May 13 2pm + 7:30pm
REGULAR HOURS
Mon-Thur 9-5 Fri 9-1
Closed Sat & Sun CONTACT reception@bowenvet com
604 947 9247
MacIntosh and accompanied by the equally fabulous Sheilagh Sparks, this will be a concert guaranteed to make you smile - maybe shed a tear - and perhaps even want to dance Our repertoire includes folk music, sacred music, jazz, and more Ellen has been directing the choir for over 20 years and Sheilagh has been the backbone to our sound for many years as well
The choir has worked hard to learn a program filled with diversity and fun We hope you will join us to hear and see what we have created
Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for youth and seniors They are available at Cates Pharmacy and at the door We are expecting a hearty crowd, so you may want to get your tickets in advance
DIRECTED BY Ellen Macintosh ACCOMPANIST SheilaghSparksThe final installment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 6th Assessment Report was just released on March 20: an eight-year, 8,000 page undertaking, providing the most comprehensive scientific assessment of climate change yet.
I spoke about the implications of this report at the Bowen Island Food Resilience Society and Bowen Island Public Library event last Saturday.
The report makes uncomfortable reading showing how already with 1.1. degrees Celsius of global temperature rise, changes to the climate system not seen for thousands of years are now happening all over the world. CO2 levels are higher than in 2 million years, and the last decade was warmer than any period for the past 125,000 years Since 2008, extreme floods and storms have forced over 20 million people from their homes every year
So what can we do about it?
Fortunately, there is a lot we can do in our own lives
Believe it or not, changing our diet to eat more plants and less meat is one of the most powerful and effective things we can do for the climate – as well for the planet’s biodiversity and our own health
Let me explain.
Of course we need to rapidly shift away from burning fossil fuels – the number one
cause of the climate crisis. And this is why the proposed LNG plant in Howe Sound (and burning primary forests for electricity in BC for that matter) are such bad ideas and should be stopped.
But the report told us that the transformation of our Food System is also needed to avoid cataclysmic impacts
The way we produce and consume food today is broken. Why?
(I) Diets are the single largest driver of ill health and premature mortality, with more than 2 billion people overweight and over 800 million hungry on the planet Medical evidence shows that a plant-based diet can: reduce risks of Type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, certain cancers, and mortality rates
(II) The food system is responsible for 1/3 of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, and if not transformed will, by itself, push us over the far too dangerous 2 degrees C threshold
(III) Agriculture – especially livestock production - is responsible for 60-80% of all biodiversity loss, driving at least ¾ of all tropical forest loss And beef, by itself, causes 80% of the deforestation in the Amazon.
Four big shifts are needed to fix the food system:
• Shift our diets to more plants and less meat
• Slash food loss and waste
• Shift to regenerative, organic, nature-positive, carbon sequestering food production - no more industrialized meat production
• Secure fair, equitable livelihoods for food producers and food workers
The first ‘shift’ is one we can each do three times a day by reducing meat and dairy products that generally emit far more greenhouse gases, use up much more land and freshwater, and cause more pollution than plant-based foods For example, to produce 100 grams of protein from beef requires 75 times more land than the same amount of protein from tofu!
Since meat and dairy are a major contributor to the carbon footprint of a typical Canadian lifestyle, switching to plants is an effective way to reduce food related emissions by up to 85%.
A vast and growing body of medical evidence confirms that a plantbased diet is a powerful way to achieve good health, and Canada’s Dietary Guidelines supports this: “Vegetables,
fruit, whole grains, and protein foods should be consumed regularly. Among protein foods, consume plant-based more often.“ (Bowen resident, Dr. Hasan Hutchinson, led the production of these progressive guidelines )
In other words, science confirms that the foods we should eat for our own personal health are the same foods we should eat for the planet’s health! A very fortunate confluence that gives me hope for the future of life on this planet, including our own.
To summarize, transforming our food system, notably by shifting our diets to more plants, can help us achieve our global climate and biodiversity goals for a viable planet and improve the health and well-being of millions of people
Surely this is action we can all take
[Note: See slides and video of my talk on this topic at bipl.link/CMTalk ]
Editor
Both of Bowen’s home sales in March went for over $1.35 million, marking the second month in a row island properties have landed in seven figures
The top sale of $1 545 million was the highest since October of last year when a Crag’s End Road home closed for $1.575 million. March was also the second straight month that a property has sold on neighbouring Keats Island.
Like October, last month’s – and now this year ’ s – top
Saturday, May 13, 2023 at Collins Hall, 1120 Miller Road
10:45 a.m. Doors open for membership sign-up and renewal
11:00 a.m Annual General Meeting including election of Board members
Refreshments will be provided
ECCA welcomes everyone who lives in Eagle Cliff, including long-term renters, to join Please come to our Annual General Meeting if you would like to learn more about ECCA, what we do, and what is going on in our neighbourhood
Questions? Contact us at eccabowenisland@gmail.com
seller is on the west side of the island at 882 Captains Way Road. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom rancher came down only $50,000 from the original $1.595 million ask after spending 23 days on the market
The four-decade old house is 2,244 square feet, and does include a basement for a second level. The lot is 0.36 acres and features westward views to the Sunshine Coast The home also has a pair of fireplaces, garden space, and nearby trails and beaches It all adds up to, as advertised, “setting the stage for a curated island lifestyle”
Bowen’s other sale last month was substantial as well, going for just $2,000 under the year ’ s previous top sale on Miller Road in February The three-bedroom, two-bath house is located south of the Cove at 845 Petersen Road. The property sold for $1.358 million, keeping the 32 year-old
home within $100,000 of the original $1.45 million ask after being listed for 110 days
There’s 2,485 square feet of space to work with at the east side home, and 0.54 acres of total property. Like its cross-island counterpart Howe Sound views were a key selling point, and its south-facing direction offers another geographic advantage for anyone fond of gardening While the house is two storeys, all of the living, dining, bed, bathrooms, and the kitchen are located on the top floor The lower level is advertised as a possible guest suite Keats Island saw its second property sale in as many months, after a vacant lot on Esplanade Road sold in February. This time the lot came with a two-bed, one-bath cabin at 286 Meek Road, closing for almost exactly the asking price (minus $5,000) at $420,000.
The 1,175 square foot cabin spent 34 days on the market It comes fully furnished and includes a wrap-around deck As for the cabin’s age, its listing’s description as “Old Timer” perhaps answers that question best
Last week got underway with the Shakers keeping their hot bats going in a 14-11 win over the Brewers It looked like this one would be over much earlier when the Brewers fell behind 14-3. But a flurry of runs in the final two innings not only
saved the Brewers from a mercy but made the game downright close Several Shakers players attempted to persuade the Firemen umpires to call the game on account of darkness as the Brewers comeback charge mounted But the game
kept going, well past the setting of the sun, and only the close-out skills of Doug Durrant on the mound got the Shakers out of a 7th inning jam as the Brewers brought the tying run to the plate
Other action last week included the Firemen edging out the Diggers in a close game 9-8, and the Twins scoring their second win in a row with a 9-7 defeat of
FINAL SCORES
Wednesday, April 26
Shakers (14) vs. Brewers (11)
Thursday, April 27
Firemen (9) vs. Diggers (8)
Friday, April 28
Brewers (7) vs. Twins (9)
Tuesday, May 2
Cruisers (14) vs. Shakers (1)
Wednesday, May 3
Brewers vs. Firemen
Grady Huskisson (#3) and Erik HunterJames (#20) were the big bats behind the Cruisers commanding win over the Shakers 14-1 on Tuesday night Grady went 4/4 at the plate with two doubles, 4 RBI’s, and capping things off with a 2-run home run in the 5th. Erik had a 3-runhomerunearlierinthegame,and went 3/4 with 6 RBI’s overall
the Brewers Tuesday night saw the last undefeated team take the field, but unfortunately for the Shakers they were very shorthanded The Cruisers took full advantage, the league’s highest powered offense again hitting double digit runs with a 14-1 win. The Brewers go for their first win of the year Wednesday.
- Reporting from Kat, Cheri, George, & Alex
UPCOMING GAMES (All starttimes6:30pm)
Thursday, May 4
Twins vs. Diggers
Friday, May 5
Firemen vs. Shakers
Tuesday, May 9
Diggers vs. Cruisers
Wednesday, May 10 Twins vs. Firemen
WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, ARE OPPOSED TO ALL OVERNIGHT CAMPING AT METRO VANCOUVER’S PROPOSED REGIONAL PARK AT CAPE ROGER CURTIS, BOWEN ISLAND
904
Shepherd Greg 905 Shorter Steph 906 S daway Stephen 907 S lberman,Ann
S ms, Ethan
S ms Evan
S ms, Greg
S ms Jacob
S ms, Janet
S ncla r Kim
S nke Derek
Skee s, Murray
Sk nner Susan
917
919
S ater Scott
S uggett Sharon
Sm th Denise
Sm th Gary
Sm th Janet
Sm th Jessica
Sm th Kel y
Sm th Marguerita
Sm th
888 Schwenning, Kel y 889 Sear H Kim 890 Sear,Trevor 891 Sehrbrock Joach m 892 Se ody, Kim 893 Semeniuk Robert 894 Seward-Magee, Jeanie 895 Shatford Wi l 896 Shaw, Connie 897 Shaw Nicholas 898 Sheppard Stephen 899 S mpson Gregg 900 Shannon, M ke 901 Shannon Wendy 902 Sharp, Kather ne 903 Shatford Wi l 999 Toth,Angeline 1000 Tourand, Cheryl 1001 Tower M chae 1002 Tremb ay R chard 1003 Tunnacl ffe Rebecca 1004 Turnbu l Colin 1005 Turnbu l Maria 1006 Tweten, Jul a P 1007 Tucker Lor 1008 Turner, John 1009 Underdown Chantal 1010 Underhi l Margaret 1011 Urvea Karmyn 1012 Usm an Sonia 1013 Valentine Dan el a 1014 Valentine, David 1015 Val , Barry 1016 VanderGruyssen, Sylv e 1017 VanL dth deJeude Emily 1018 VanL dth deJeude Lyn 1019 VanReness Monica 1020 Vaugeo s, Just ne 1021 Vaziri, Barash 1022 Vekter s, Krist n 1023 Venter Chr stiaan 1024 Vetter Denn s 1025 Vetter Shei a 1026 V k B orn 1027 V k, Finn 1028 V k, Ju ie 1029 Voyer, Joel 1030 Voyer, Kel ey 1031 Waa wijk Astrid 1032 Waddel Duff 1033 Wade Shei a 1034 Walek Marek 1035 Walker, Leah 1036 Wal , Justyn 1037 Wal , Megan 1038 Wal Sadie 1039 Wal ey-Beckett Mo ra 1040 Wal is Corey 1041 Walker James L 1042 Walters Ann 1043 Walters, Peter 1044 Walters, Soph e 1045 Wank, Sandra 1046 Wanv g Wendy 1047 Warren Has na 1048 Warren R ck 1049 Watson Ian 1050 Watson Kelsey 1051 Watson, Keith 1052 Watson, L z 1053 Weld, Rob n 1054 Weldon A l son 1055 Wheatles Justin 1056 Wh te Jay 1057 Wh te Si as 1058 Wh tear Heather 1059 Wh tear,Thomas 1060 Whyte, Scott 1061 Whyte, Seth 1062 W cox Da e 1063 W d Elle 1064 W d Shei a 1065 W l am Sue 1066 W l ams, Jason 1067 W l ams, Pene ope 1068 W l ams, Susan 1069 W l ams Tarrn e 1070 W l amson Peter 1071 W l s Karen 1072 W son Sarah 1073 W ng Joanna 1074 W nkler, Peter 1075 W nton, M chae 1076 Wray, Caro ine 1077 Wright Bonn e 1078 Wright Cooper 1079 Wright Curtis 1080 Wright Jessica 1081 Wright Teresa 1082 Wrinch, Dav d 1083 Wrinch, Lisa 1084 Wrinch, Shael 1085 Wrinch Shirley 1086 Wood James 1087 Wood Phi 1088 Wood Tania 1089 Wooda l Ron 1090 Woodward, Deborah 1091 Woodward, Ian 1092 Wool ey, Rowan 1093 Yawney Ruta 1094 York Ju ie 1095 Young C 1096 Young S 1097 Youngson Don 1098 Youngson, Jo Ann 1099 Zazueta X omara 1100 Zelezen, Sindy 1101 (to be continued)
If you would like to add your name to this petition, please email julie@julievik.com or phone 947-2345 bowenislandundercurrent com • A11 Thursday, May 4, 2023
Bowen gymnasts took part in a day of games on Saturday during the Gymnastics Club’s annual event. They were joined by teams from the Lower Mainland and Sea to Sky.
Gold on the Uneven Bars. The“Golden Girls” , as coach Lisa Brougham dubs them, are all headed to the World Gymnaestrada in Holland later this year The four are also junior coaches, and training to be coaches in the recreational gymnastics program.
Thursday, May 4
TaKeTiNa Full MOon Journey
Newbies most welcome No experience necessary; each journey is different Please bring a spare warm layer, as you may like to lie down at the end; it’s a good idea to bring a blanket. Please arrive by 6:50 pm, starts at 7. $10 to $20 suggested but free or bartering is fine as well Come regardless!
Friday, May 5 & Wednesday, May 10
SKY Walks
For residents 55+. Walks are held at various trails weekly on Wednesdays and Fridays On May 5, meet at Bowfest Field picnic shelters, and May 10 at Catholic Church parking lot on Miller Road. Aim for 10:30 am, all walks start promptly at 10:45 am Walks are more fun with friends!
Friday, May 5
Dinner at the Legion
Erik Miller from Meadowbrook Market will be cooking up a storm this week. It’s a whole hog dinner, with BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders. Served on buns from Artisan Eats. Doors at 5:30 pm, dinner at 6:30. $13 members, $15 non-members
Saturday, May 6
Bowen Island Yacht Club Opening Day
Begins at 11 am as boats leave USSC Marina for His Majesty’s Secret Service Sailpast in Mannion Bay Followed by post-sail libations at USSC from 1 to 4 pm All welcome for afternoon events which include spy games and a costume contest Awards for: Best James Bond (or other spy), Best Casino Royale (evening wear) and Best Kids Spy
Saturday, May 6
Judi Gedye Open House
Open House with Councillor Judith Gedye at Collins Hall. Starts at 3 pm. Bring whatever is on your mind. There will be treats as well.
Saturday, May 6
Ladies Madrigal Spring Concert
7 pm at Cates Hill Chapel. Graham Ritchie is host, and there will be several special guests Directed by Lynn Williams Tickets $20 at the door or Cates Pharmacy, kids are free
To May 7
Star Wars Scavenger Hunt at the Library
Come try our Star Wars Day Kids’ Scavenger Hunt! Find the letters hidden in the Children’s Section that match each picture to discover the answer to the riddle. May the Force be with you!
It was a full house for Boozy Bingo at the Legion on Saturday night. Hosted by Alex McNeill, with musical accompaniment from Marc Gawthrop, the crowd was treated to an entertaining evening of dinner, games, tunes, and of course plenty of liquid prizes / Sasha Buchanan & Alex Kurial photos
Monday, May 8
SKY Annual General Meeting
11:00 am SKY’s AGM being held in the Multi-Purpose room at Bowen Court, 1070 Miller Road. Coffee, Tea & Cookies will be served for a social visit following the AGM
Monday, May 8
Regular Council Meeting
Starts at 6:15 pm. Attend in-person at Municipal Hall, or watch live or later on the municipality’s YouTube page
Tuesday, May 9
Community Quilt Project
At the Hearth Gallery. Free, no sewing experience required – mentors & sewing machine provided. Two sessions: 2-4 pm or 7-9 pm Register at hello@thehearthartsonbowen.ca or 604-947-2454.
Wednesday, May 10
Gather for Games with SKY and the Library
10:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Library Choose to play cards or board games Free and open to all levels of players 55+
Thursday, May 11
Swimwear Pop Up!
Left on Friday Swimwear Pop Up! @ Sweat the Technique Studio 7 to 9 pm
Saturday, May 13
Farmers Market Opening Day
First Farmers Market of the season. 10 am to Noon at Bowen Island Community School.
Saturday, May 13
Diet and Sleep Workshop
The Relationship Between Diet & Sleep Workshop, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm Register for the workshop (& May 11 Swimwear Pop Up) at www.sweatthetechniquestudio.com
Saturday, May 13
Garden Club Plant Sale
It’s time once again for our fabulous Plant Sale Start your seedlings and divide overgrown plants Taking place at the Legion from 10 am to Noon.
Saturday, May 13
Tech Tutor Talk
12:30 to 1:30 pm Drop in at the Bowen Library for a Tech Tutor Talk! Leo Pedersen, one of our Bowen Library Tech Tutors, will discuss basic internet security and how to safely navigate internet services for new and intermediate computer users Talk will be followed by a Q&A session.
Saturday, May 13
Community Choir Spring Concert
Two showings, 2 and 7 pm at Cates Hill Chapel. Find out more details on Page 8.
Saturday, May 20
TAG Art Exhibit
Thursday Art Group is having an art exhibit/sale at Collins Hall from 11:30 am to 4 pm. Please join in the fun! It’s free to come and partake. Door prize. Hope to see you there! Look for posters around town for details and an ad will be in the May 18 Undercurrent!
TUESDAYS
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
Tuesdaysfrom1to2pm AgingwithGrace Easyyogaformobility, flexibility, strength, balance and stress reduction for Body and Mind $15 e-transfer or cash Drop in welcome Email jackie minns@gmail com or call 604-220-9092
WEDNESDAYS
Storytime at the Library
10:30 to 11 am. A free drop-in program of stories and songs for 2-4 year-olds and their caregivers! Runs to June 14
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
SKY Writing Workshops on Zoom with Diana Jewel Attend as many as you wish but space is limited so RSVP to SKYonBowen@outlook.com Every Thursday from 1 to 2 pm, until June 8.
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 Spring Book Club
At Sweat the Technique Studio until May 4. Come discuss the book ‘Breath’ by James Nestor 7:15 to 8:15 pm Register at sweatthetechniquestudio.com
