Bowen Island Undercurrent May 11 2023

FROM BOWEN WITH LOVE:

Tunstall residents want area traffic issues addressed

ALEX KURIAL Editor

A west side community group is speaking out on the state of the traffic situation in their neighbourhood.

The Tunstall Bay Neighbourhood Group (TBNG) presented a delegation to council on Monday night outlining their concerns over Metro Vancouver’s proposed park and campground at Cape Roger Curtis, particularly on the vehicle front Led by resident Liz Watson, the members discussed potential impacts to the island including those on ferry and emergency services

The major focus of the group though surrounds access to the Cape, specifically along Whitesails Drive which is currently the only road to Cape Drive, and perhaps the future park TBNG says the 30 km/h road, with no sidewalks on either side, is already hazardous even without the estimated tens of thousands of visitors a park would add each year

“There had been a growing concern about the increasing traffic on our roads So it was galvanizing when they announced the park,” says Watson, a Whitesails resident She says her and other neighbours have used radar detectors to track vehicles, including logging and construction trucks along with normal vehicle traffic, travelling sometimes double the speed limit along the narrow road.

Watson says this isn’t a new problem either, and has been going on for more than a decade Efforts to quell the speeds, including a past petition from fellow delegation member Susan Alexander, haven’t resulted in significant traffic calming measures says the group

The crew of Brigadier were in true Sail Past spirit last Saturday as the Bowen Island Yacht Club kicked off the sailing season with their annual celebration. The tour around club Commodore Simon Fowler, who was captaining the NautiNess, was followed by a James Bond themed after-party at Doc Morgan’s. You can find all the photos on Page 12. /

Alex Kurial photo

Events

AllCouncilmeetingsareopen tothepublictoattendin personorelectronically,unless notedotherwise

May 12, 2023

11:00 am

SpecialCouncilMeetingwith MPPatrickWeiler

May 23, 2023

6:15 pm

RegularCouncilMeeting

Seeking feedback on our Strategic Plan

BIM’sStrategicPlanisanannual publicationthatoutlinesCouncil’s strategiccommitmentsfortheterm. WeinviteyoutoperuseCouncil’s prioritiesforthe2023-2026period.

Pleaseprovidefeedbackto mayorandcouncil@bimbcca

wwwbowenislandmunicipalityca/council-strategic-plan-2023-2026/

Community Grant Applications

BIMisacceptingCommunityGrantapplicationsuntil4:00pmon Friday,June9,2023

TheCommunityGrantprogramassistsBowenIslandcommunity groupsandorganizationsthatbenefitBowenIslandresidents wwwbowenislandmunicipalityca/community-grants/

Fancy a game of chess?

Haveyounoticedthetwopicnictablesonthegrassymoundon theferryhill?Theyhavechessandcheckerspiecesinwaterproof containers Itcouldbeagamechangerforferrylineups

Emergency Program

BIM’sEmergencyProgramisfundedthroughtheProvince.Since2018, we’vereceived$236,377ingrantfunding Thishasgonetowards:

• PurchaseandinstallationofaradiorepeateronMt Gardnerto increaseradiocommunicationcapabilitiesforfirstresponders andmunicipalstaff

• EvacuationRoutePlanning

• PurchaseoftwotrailerstosupportESSdisasterresponse capabilitiesonboththeEastandWestsidesoftheisland

• ReceptionCenterandGroupLodgingsuppliestoaidindisaster responseandrelief

• Trainingopportunitiesformunicipalstaffandfirstresponders aroundcoordinatingeffortsduringaregionalorlocalevent

• Creationofafullyfunctional,stateoftheartEmergency OperationsCenterlocatedwiththenewFirehallonMillerRoad

Emergency Preparedness Week

Dump Week coming soon

May29-June3

Instructionsonhowtodump:

1 BuyadecalfromSnugCoveGeneralStoreMay8-May16

2 CallBowenWasteSolutionstobookyourappointment

3 Dropoffyourmaterialsatyourappointedtime

Nowyoucan’tjustdumpanything,anyoldhow Therearerulesand BowenWasteSolutionshastherighttorefusenon-complyingloads

Forcosts,deadlines,andalistofwhatyoucanandcan’tdump: wwwbowenislandmunicipalityca/clean-up-days/

May7-13isEmergencyPreparednessWeek Emergenciescanhappenatanytime,andtherearestepseachofus cantaketoreducetheimpact

1 Knowthehazardsinyourcommunity Earthquakesandwildfiresarethemainhazardsforourcommunityon Bowen Thishelpsusfocusourprepartations,navigatedisruptionsand getbackupandrunningsooner.

2.Buildyouremergencykitandgrab-and-gobag Afteradisaster,youmayneedto:

• Stayathomewithanemergencykitor

• Leaveimmediatelywithagrab-and-gobag Createabasicsupplylistforyou,yourfamilyandyourpets

3 Makeyouremergencyplan

Emergenciescanbestressful Anemergencyplanisaguidetohelp youandthepeopleyoulivewith,respondmorecalmly Knowingwhat todowillreduceanxietyandhelpkeepyoufocusedandsafe

SignupforemergencynotificationsthroughAlertableifyouhaven’t alreadydoneso

DownloadafreeBowenIslandEmergencyGuideonourwebsiteor pickupafreecopyatMunicipalHall

wwwbowenislandmunicipalityca/emergency-preparedness-week/

ISLAND NEWS

Neighbourhood wants alternate access routes to Cape

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“It just got to the point where enough was enough,” said Watson of this most recent push for the municipality to take another look at the road. “We’re no closer to an alternate access to the Cape after 14 years than we were when we started… It’s unbelievable that our road remains the sole entrance and exit.”

“To me it’s just completely irresponsible planning to come this far and now to be considering a huge development of a park out there without another access, ” adds Watson, pointing out if Whitesails Drive ever became impassable in an emergency there would be no traditional road access out of the Cape

Fellow TBNG member Matthew McDonagh says he hasn’t seen any studies to suggest the access issue has been addressed. “We haven’t seen any reliable data with respect to anticipated traffic impacts or demands from the proposed park and campground,” he said.

Metro Vancouver is carrying out a Transportation Demand Management Plan and Transportation Impact Assessment, but neither has been completed yet and neither currently includes a traffic count along Whitesails Drive Chief administrative officer Liam Edwards says he is working to have Metro Vancouver include this count in their studies Following the delegation council directed staff will prepare a report on the feasibility of conducting their own traffic feasibility study in the Tunstall Bay neighbourhood this summer

TBNG made it clear during their delegation that a solution would involve a second access route to the Cape They sug-

gested several possible paths spanning various parts of the island to help take the pressure off Whitesails “A big ask that we have is that we turn up the heat on exploring the feasibility of an alternative access route,” says McDonagh

“It’s actually not our job, it’s actually the job of the municipality” says Watson of trying to find a solution to the traffic problems “But there’s been so little action and interaction on this we ’ re forced into the position of going, okay well we’ll go walk that and figure it out”

Each potential path TBNG suggested, or another unsuggested route, would include its own issues to overcome, but the group is hopeful that these can be addressed both from an engineering and personal standpoint “A lot of the conversation to date has been organizations coming out and just saying, no we don’t support this There might be credible reasons for that, but we haven’t seen them It’s always easier to say no, it’s harder to come up with solutions,” says McDonagh

Watson and McDonagh are personally opposed to the prospect of camping at the Cape given the current access situation, and while they note they don’t speak for all TBNG members they say many others in the group are too. TBNG delivered a mailout to all island homes last week detailing what they say are many remaining unknowns about the project.

“There are just too many concerns regarding camping –and these are concerns that affect everyone on the island – but we would be the neighbour in this area so that is our position on it,” says Watson. McDonagh said if another access route was constructed to the Cape it could spark

The TBNG delegation included several pictures in their presentation to council showing how close vehicle traffic comes to pedestrians on the side of the road Larger trucks often find themselves straddling or even crossing the centre line /TBNG photo

a new conversation among the group on this view, but stressed that whether the park becomes a reality or not the problem still needs addressing TBNG is planning future meetings with Mayor Andrew Leonard and other council members to continue discussing concerns over traffic issues along Whitesails Drive and in Tunstall Bay.

Proposed Regional Park at Cape Roger Curtis: Frequently Asked Questions.

Cantheparkbestopped?

Aparkcanbecreatedonanyresidentialproperty Thezoningofthepropertydoes notneedtochangetocreateapark.OnceMetroVancouverownstheproperty,they arefreetocreatearegionalparkwithdayuseamenitiesmuchastheyhavedonewith CrippenPark.ThefinaldecisionrestswithMetroVancouver

Cancampingbestopped?

CampingcanbestoppedifCouncilchoosesnottosupporttherezoningapplication. Thisisadecisionthatmustbesupportedbyafairandrobustprocessthatconsidersall perspectives,positiveandnegative Defeatoftherezoningamendmentbylawswould meanthatnoovernightcampingispermitted

WhydidCouncilgivefirstreadingtoanOCP(OfficialCommunityPlan) amendmentbylawandanamendmenttotheLUB(LandUseBylaw)toallow camping?

Afirstreadingofabylawisanintroductionorinitialtabling.Givingtherezoningbylaw firstreading,allowsCounciltotakeadditionalexploratorysteps,requestinformation andassurancesfromtheproponent,andmakereferrals,suchastoIslandsTrust. Thebylawadoptionprocessislegislatedbytheprovince. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/local-governments/governancepowers/bylaws/bylaw-adoption-process

What’sthetimeline?

FollowingFirstReading,April24th,Councildidnotsendthebylawsforpubliccomment. Councilinsteadrequestedmoreinformationontherezoning.StaffwillreturntoCouncil withafurtherreportwithmoreinformationbeforethebylawsarereferredtomore comment.Thisdatehasnotyetbeendetermined

Inotherwords,we’relikelyacoupleofmonthsawayfromasecondreading.Council usuallytakesabreakinAugust,sowe’relookingattheprocessunfoldingslowlyand

steadily,ensuringthatCouncildoesitsduediligencecarefullyconsideringallissues

Whydoesn’tCounciljustsay“no”tocamping?

Thepark/campingsubjectisnotassimpleasyesorno Ifwesay“no”now,we’velost anopportunitytoexploretheissues,collectinformation,widenourunderstanding,and havebroaderdiscussionsaboutalltheissuesthathavebeenidentifiedbycommittees, individualsandcouncil,andthepossiblyofnegotiatingsolutionsthatcouldenrichour island.Ifwesay“no”now,Councilwillnothavedonetheirduediligenceasresponsible leadersinmakinganinformeddecisionabouttheislandthatweallliveon.

Willwehaveareferendum?

Abindingreferendumoralternateapprovalprocessisrequiredforcertainmunicipal actionssuchastakingonnewdebt,andwasusedforthecommunitycentreandthe newfirehall,butisnotrequiredinarezoningprocess.Fromtimetotime,community opinionpollsareusedtomeasuretheamountofcommunitysupportforaproposed initiative,andwasusedin2011withregardstotheNationalPark.

Withoutmoreinformationregardingtheproposeddevelopmentofthecampsite, andexpectedcommunityimpacts,itwouldbeprematuretoaskthecommunityfora definitiveyes/noansweratthistime

Councilcoulddecideatanytimeduringthisprocesstocanvasthecommunityfor opinionthroughavote,anopinionpoll,anonlinesurvey,oranyothermechanism

HowdoIsignthepetition?Howmuchrevenuewillwelosefromproperty taxes?Whataboutinfrastructure?What’stheimpactontransportation?

FormoreinformationandotherFAQssee

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/regional-park-at-cape-roger-curtis/

VIEWPOINTS

May Days

Hope everybody is having a good May so far! While it got off to a slow start it looks like sunny skies ahead, especially this weekend Do take care as it is supposed to get very hot, but it should also be a good opportunity to go enjoy some time outside, perhaps even at the beach which is where I’m hoping to plant myself for a good chunk of the weekend

As you can tell from this issue, the local events are heating up too Last weekend the Yacht Club got things underway with their Sail Past and Party, and this weekend alone we have the Farmers Market opening and the Garden Club’s annual plant sale, and then next weekend a mythical festival returns to the island Check it all out inside!

May also brings us another Undercurrent island-wide issue, so if there’s anything you want to talk about (any big issues going on around here right now?) send those letters in! Articles are always welcome as well

And a Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms out there! You do an amazing job each and every day and we love you very much

- Alex Kurial, Editor

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Cast your Bowfest ballot!

Well it’s that time of the year to pick our theme for this year ’ s Bowfest Parade

We want to thank the students at Bowen Island Community School for once again picking 3 themes for us to vote on.

You can vote at the General Store where we have set up a voting box.

So, here are our themes for 2023!

• Bowen History

• Go Carts!

• Kawaii (Japanese for culture of cute: eg. Hello Kitty)

We will keep the voting box there until the end of June and announce the winning theme.

- Rob Wynen

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

Bowfest parades are always a colourful and well-attended affair here on the island, including 2015 (left) and 2016 (right).

VIEWPOINTS

Civil and productive discussion prevails at May Open House

JUDITH GEDYE Bowen Island Municipality Councillor

There were about 30 people at my Open House on May 6 It was a great discussion and pretty well everyone contributed, if not in words, certainly with their attention Thanks to those who came out You’ve renewed my faith in our community’s ability to discuss complex problems

I started by asking if there were any questions about anything other than the park, and there were comments about the MultiUse Path There’s too much asphalt, and one wondered if there were alternatives with more permeability The width and blankness were also mentioned

I’ve heard from others that the entrance to Bowen is now 6 lanes of tarmac Cyclists commented that in the Cove, it was much safer to get cyclists off the road once cars started to unload, but that there are other surfaces that could work as well In hindsight, I’m wondering if this could be referred to the Advisory Design Committee, since we have one!

The remainder of the Open House was devoted to Metro’s Cape Roger Curtis proposal Transportation is a major concern There was discussion about the need for BC Ferries to provide passenger-only ferries ASAP I gave a brief description of what I’d recently learned about the 4 levels of the BCF bureaucracy and how Bowen might get more involved Also that there were funding problems for research and development,

but we plan to pitch the concern to M P Patrick Weiler when he visits (soon)

There was a question about whether this council was bound by the actions of the last council and whether camping was a “done deal” The only thing that is about to be finalized is a contract between the purchaser and the seller There is nothing Bowen can do about that agreement other than encourage or discourage A few weeks ago we thought Metro might walk away from the contract, so some of us decided to encourage We believe there is a common interest in preserving the land, but beyond that, we are unable, and some of us are unwilling, to promise anything

There were subsequent closed meetings and no detailed information beyond the decision to complete the purchase Every elected government has the right, and in some cases the obligation, to conduct limited kinds of business in closed meetings Open discussions could give unfair advantages, or disclose confidential legal advice that could jeopardize enforcement, or hiring, firing or promotion discussions could disclose private information

Firstreadingofarezoningbylawwasraised Metro applied in late January for rezoning to allow for camping and that application was referred to several of our committees, which have all asked for more and better information In addition, our staff wrote a FIRST DRAFT of a bylaw, which BEGINS a process However, that process is on hold until we get more information from Metro

Please Take Your Time

Mayor and Council,

I’m writing regarding the proposed park at Cape Roger Curtis

I’ve read many of the letters submitted with their various points of view and believe the park has become a significant distraction from important work the municipality needs to be doing It has likely done more to polarize our community than anything I’ve seen in my short time living on Bowen I ask you to consider the health of our community

The surprise of the park and its predictable reaction is damaging relationships between individuals, families, and our community Our island is reacting with anger, hostility, and mistrust which can have a significant impact on our health I believe

that allowing these conditions to continue challenges our ability to work together to find common ground on important issues

I believe that our community needs assurance that the second reading of the proposed bylaw won’t proceed until BIM receives a four-season comprehensive environmental and conservation assessment, and the viable transportation options needed in order to create a sensible park plan These assessments will take a full year or more to assemble

Delaying the second reading would allow Council to focus on the many issues it inherited, delay camping and the inherent problems that come with it, and enable our community to come together Instead of focusing on what divides us, we could take advantage of this pause and focus on what can be done

Corina Hanson’s solo exhibit is on at the Hearth until Monday, May 15 Don’t miss her abstract and vibrant paintings, and come meet the artist on Sunday, May 14 from 1 to 3 pm

Bowen residents and our council have made it clear to Metro that there are a number of significant problems that must be addressed The current zoning allows Metro to use the land as a “passive park” – the same as Crippen (trails, signs) There was a question about tax revenue from a park, and there is none There was mention of 4 different categories of park with #4 having the least traffic, and a question if CRC could be rezoned to that designation I had not heard of the different categories and was unable to comment, but will try to find out more

There was considerable discussion about the lack of emergency resources, preparation and planning by both Metro and Bowen, given the interest that has already been generated It is anticipated that next week, Metro will issue a press release with a welcoming message and there’s nothing in place to help or protect Bowen this summer We need to figure out ways to recalibrate visitor expectations

One resident described how his life’s work had been to help multiple stakeholders with complex problems find ways to deal with uncertainty and effectively collaborate First and foremost would be to agree on a common purpose and agree to proceed incrementally, but not with any “final” plan as the goal So much was unknown and could easily change or need to change Rather small steps with testing, learning and adapting, as some steps became successful A fundamental goal would be to build trust

A former council member emphasized

to bring us together, working on positive initiatives like our Official Community Plan (OCP), which is sadly out of date

By building a shared vision, I’m confident that much of the toxicity and tension will be reduced, allowing us to take advantage of that time to come together as a community I’m confident that if we can create that

that being able to talk to each other is also fundamental We were asked if there was evidence that Metro was willing to engage with Bowen Tim Wake replied that he was encouraged with considerable responses from Metro A referendum was discussed briefly: it is still an option but carefully designing a clear question, timing, cost, and campaigning make it far from a simple resource

There was a comment that local discussions are not focusing enough on the environment and we need more baseline information I said that I believe that is one of Metro’s strengths and we should encourage their research and staffing for a detailed inventory

Fire is a serious, existential threat to Bowen, especially on the south shore, and there was a worry that Metro may plan to “chip away ” at resistance or wait for a more sympathetic council, and we need to come together and stipulate how to build in much stronger protective measures Metro’s responses to date are woefully insufficient Overall, we need to more effectively manage visitors, and in particular, there is little information or planning about day visitors which has already become a noticeable problem

We ended with the idea that while Bowen needed to be “hard-nosed” when negotiating with Metro, at the same time we must be respectful of each other

Next Open House is June 3, 2023 at 3 pm at Collins Hall

vision for Bowen, we can create a park that we can all be proud of

Thank you for your consideration and for taking the time to represent our community’s best interest

Respectfully,

- Don Shafer

VIEWPOINTS

Having a Say inWhat Happens

This past weekend marked my eighth year living on Bowen. Like others, I came here to enjoy the easy closeness to nature I marked the occasion by doing what I do most mornings – walking in one of the island’s parks Saturday’s walk was my very favorite type: I didn’t meet another soul

Eight years living here full-time still makes me a relative newcomer in some people’s eyes, but it’s long enough to have seen many changes The Cove, for instance, looks very different than it did when I first moved here I’ve talked with people who’ve lived here for decades longer than I have, and with others who were born and raised here To varying degrees, they seem wistful about the former days when community meant you pretty much knew everyone and much less of the island was a built environment

However long we ’ ve been here, we are all privileged to enjoy the island and the deep nurturing that living close to nature provides It’s well established that experiences in nature promote psychological wellbeing We are right to

Choose a Public Park over Private Development

Dear Council,

I’m a resident of Bowen Island and would just like to express my support for the creation of the park given the rather vocal opposition.

More than anything, I believe in the importance of camping as a way for people to connect with nature and a cultural trait of being Canadian. I often find it strange that there’s no place on Bowen where I can go camping with my family beyond my backyard. And equally, for residents of metro Vancouver, the idea of a camping site that is accessible by

want to be careful with what we have, to want to preserve its beauty as well as – to whatever extent possible – what remains of its tranquility.

But what’s possible? Although we live on an island, our proximity to a large urban centre means we’re not isolated. What will the future look like with the pressures of the estimated one-million more people who will be living in the Lower Mainland by 2050? Already many of us avoid the Cove during the crush of the tourist season; the future is not going to bring fewer people

And do we have the right to exclude others from the advantages of time in nature? We already know the benefits we ’ ve experienced living in such a beautiful place; we have the chance to include others in a way that will contribute to their mental health too The world is a crazy place, and it will get crazier as the climate emergency deepens We need as many mentally healthy people as we can get, not just here on this small island, but everywhere

While it might not be exactly the future each of us wants,

public transit or bicycle just makes sense

I also find that the opposition views this as a debate between a camping site and not camping site, when in fact it is about creating public space versus private development While I fully appreciate and share concerns over access to the ferry in the summertime for residents, I’m not convinced the construction of multiple large houses won’t use up a lot of ferry capacity in their own right

I also feel like it’s unfair to fully link our ferry capacity struggles with the campsite By the same logic, are we against all activities that will increase tourism on Bowen like new cideries, wedding venues, etc Would the goal be to make Bowen an unattractive place to live so that we don’t have as many ferry capacity issues?

I appreciate that this is surely a challenging time for Council given how polarizing this campsite has become and I trust that you will do what is best for our island. I simply

the park proposal for Cape Roger Curtis gives us a chance to have some say in what happens At the public meeting I attended, it was clear to me that those who spoke on behalf of Regional Parks were aware of the many concerns expressed by Bowen residents and were interested in creatively addressing them The proposal offers us the considerable expertise of Metro Vancouver Regional Parks to protect the remaining natural areas and rewild areas that have been disturbed. Working with Regional Parks also gives us a lot more clout in addressing ferry and traffic issues that are so critical. The phased-in nature of the planned park will provide further opportunity for identifying problems and developing solutions.

Without the park and the support of Metro Vancouver Regional Parks, we will still have more visitors – many, many more visitors in the future – but without the added weight of Metro Vancouver in dealing with increased car and ferry traffic We will have mega-houses, less protection of the rare coastal ecosystem, and less access to a natural environment I just can’t see that being the better outcome for those who need more access to nature or for those of us already living on Bowen.

- Elaine Cameron

wanted to voice my support so that you appreciate both perspectives

Sincerely,

- Khalil Baker

VIEWPOINTS

Reader asks for a halt to proceedings

Fellow Bowen Islanders,

I did not vote for most of the previous council, but I did vote for most of you. I did so by listening to many of you discuss your views on this issue To my knowledge, none of you came out as proponents of this project, yet here we are having to rein you in and ask that you reconsider approval of the project forthwith

We are not equipped to handle the infrastructure stresses this is likely to cause I am unaware of any public (as in Bowen Island citizenry) desire ever being expressed to encourage your actions in any way.

I will not go into the numerous impacts a

Thinking about the Ecology Factor

I am writing once again to voice my opposition to the proposed park and camping at Cape Roger Curtis

project such as this will have on the fabric of the community. I will add my voice to the many who have spoken to the ferry concerns, the impact of traffic on quiet neighbourhood streets (I am not on an affected street, but I sympathize with those who are), and the almost certain increase in property crime and fire risks We would be forced to live with these issues or pay heavily to mitigate them For whose benefit?

I am strongly against approval for this project and feel that most of my fellow Islanders agree Stop the project now.

- Evan Clow

Referendum or No Deal

As there appears to be some question regarding the validity of a signed online petition(s), I would like to make it very clear that I am opposed to enabling any form of camping at the proposed park at Cape Roger Curtis

I also believe strongly in the democratic process of determining what those affected by a seismic change to their community (ie all Bowen Island residents and businesses) which in today’s environment can

only be accurately determined by holding a referendum- easily done, cost effective and definitive

Why not?

In the likely event that a referendum will not be held, please add this letter to the ‘No camping at Cape Roger Curtis’ pile

Thank you,

- Tarrnie Williams

I do not believe that Metro Vancouver, or anyone else, has the ability to manage the many thousands of people that will come through the ferry system with and without cars, which will adversely impact our community, changing the fabric of this island forever. I have made various points on this many times.

I understand that those in favour of the park with or without camping are concerned about saving the ecology of this land. I should say “the remaining ecology,” because anyone who has been to the land in question will notice that what was once a pristine wilderness has been destroyed by the development of roads and driveways to access 24 cleared lots If left alone, this land could recover, but with the proposed development, it will not be allowed to recover, as it will be walked (and driven) over by hundreds of people every day.

What of the truly delicate areas that remain those in protected areas dotted about the property? When I spoke with Lydia Mynott at the Metro Open House in March, she said that those areas would be fenced. When I asked her about the ground, which is rough with loose large rocks, roots and deadfall, she said they would probably build boardwalks When I asked about the shoreline near the proposed “walkin tenting area ” (now clear-cut, flattened

and covered in crushed-rock), she didn’t know how that would be handled, but recognized it would be hazardous for people attempting to enter the water from there. In the same area is a large, blasted rock face which is already crumbling into the road and will have to be contained either with fencing or concrete.

So with fences, boardwalks and clearings for campgrounds, all trodden by people who neither own the land nor live in the community, but just want to have some fun, what remains of this ecosystem that people so desperately want to protect?

I would suggest that you have been sold a dream that is not based in reality. It is a fantasy, just like the “electric passenger ferry” is a fantasy. You are attempting to save land by inviting thousands of people onto it, just as you are attempting to help solve ferry and transportation problems by inviting thousands more people through it

I urge our Mayor and Council to really think about this community of people, the ecology of the CRC land, and the ecosytem humans included of this fragile island we live on. I urge you not to change our Official Community Plan to allow camping, but instead take the time with it to bring it more in line with preservation and protection of our land, our water, and our people, now and into the future

Sincerely,

- Marian Bantjes

is back to grabbing sunset photos while out on her regular paddles aroundtheisland.ShesaystherewereSeaLionspresent,thoughnotinthispicture.If youlookcloselythoughyoucanseeafishtakingamomentaryvisitabovethesurface Theremightbesomegoodchancestoseesunsetsthisweekendastemperaturesare predictedtohitthehigh20s.Peoplemaybeflockingtothebeachtoescapetheheat, with similar temperatures expected into next week / Lisa

Anne Boa informs us that as soon as the rafts returned to the walkways at the Cape, the Sea Lions quickly made themselves at home - “with much hoopla” she adds Annecontends“Theyweresurelydiscussingthecolour,pompandceremonyofKing Charles’Coronation!”which had taken place earlier that morning / Anne Boa photo

Lisa Brougham

Brougham photo

So many reasons for Celebrating Mother’s Day at Catching Stars Gallery!

ARTISTS WHO ARE MOTHERS, FEATURED ARTIST GREGG SIMPSON, FIFTH ANNIVERSARY PARTY AND MORE!

lection. Gregg Simpson is an internationally exhibited and recognized artist with roots in surrealism and abstraction. Join us for an Artist Reception on Saturday, May 13tfrom 1:30 to 3:30 pm where you can meet Gregg Simpson and hear stories of his creative journey. All are welcome

He is influenced by the forested landscape surrounding his home on Bowen Island and by impressions gathered while travelling in Europe

Victoria Murray - Paper & Posie Jewellery designs

Alys Williams - Fine Arts Photography on metal and fine art paper

Debra Stringfellow – Gemstone Jewellery

Kathleen Ainscough - Mixed Media Paintings and limited-edition prints and cards

Mary Rose Drescher – Original oil paintings

Jilly Watson - Paintings, prints and cards

Celebrate Mothers near and far with gifts as unique and special as she is! Choose from self-care products, candles, jewellery, ceramics, textiles, glass art, fine art, prints and cards, garden art and more! Stop in and check out the featured artists’ creations!

We have a new opportunity for artists to be featured for one month on our feature wall and Gregg Simpson is our featured artist for the month of May, with original paintings and prints available to add to your col-

Decals will be available for sale at the Snug Cove General Store from May 8th to May 16th ONLY

Dro·p off will be done by appointment ONLY

Once you have picked up your decal, you can call Bowen Waste Solutions @ 604-947-2255 to book an appointment

The final day for booking appointments will be Tuesday, May 23 at 3:00 PM.

A limited number of appointments will be made available.

Drop off of materials will be inside the BIRD yard from Monday May 29th to Saturday, June 3rd ONLY

Gregg is known for his colourful, abstract works, many inspired by surrealist traditions His work has been included in hundreds of solo and group exhibitions starting in the 1960s and including museums and galleries in Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America Numerous academic studies, art history books and journals published in Canada, Europe and Australia feature his work. Simpson is also included in several historical surveys on surrealism. Save the Date! It’s our Fifth Anniversary at Catching Stars Gallery and we’re having a party on Saturday June 24 from 2 to 4 pm at the Gallery to celebrate Join us on the patio and enjoy our signature cocktail, the Blue Mermaid. Toast to five amazing years of creativity and connection at the Gallery We will have prizes and some fun giveaways Everyone welcome!

We are excited to welcome Nicole Green and her Eco-Light sculptures to

Join us for an Artist Reception for Gregg Simpson this Saturday, May 13 from 1:303:30 at Catching Stars Gallery. / Submitted photo

Catching Stars Gallery! Nicole Green is an artist who uses elements of nature to create light sculptures that resemble a variety of flora and fauna. Her Eco-Light Sculptures are more abstract than purely representational, but they incorporate some of the essential shapes and structures found in nature, such as hives, webs, and shells

Also new on our shelves is Trillium Soaps and Candles, hand-made with love using ingredients that are ethically and sustainably sourced. Candles use kosher, vegan soy wax, and lead-free cotton wicks

Introducing Curators Selection! This is an exciting new initiative, spearheaded by Marie Neys, beginning on May 15, where each bi-weekly newsletter will present five pieces of art (that are not in the gallery, but inventory from the art-

SPRING CLEAN-UP 2O23

ist’s studio) and will provide an opportunity for purchasing large scale and higher end artworks! If you haven’t already, subscribe to our newsletter by contacting us at info@catchingstarsgallery.com

Along with over 30 weddings planned for this season, new homes and expanding families, graduations, birthdays and just because, there is something for every celebration.

We are open daily and the online store is open anytime at catchingstarsgallery com so you can purchase gifts for your loved ones from the comfort of your home The gallery ships world-wide and we also offer free delivery on-island! Gift certificates are a great choice too! Check out the work of over 50 amazing Canadian artists represented in our Cooperative Gallery!

Spring Hazardous Waste NOT Accepted:

Days Fees

Load:

5 garbage bags

Large LEVEL Load: $125

contents of a level pick-up truck load

• Liquids only

• Paint thinners, other solvents, camp fuels or liquid adhesives with the flammable symbol

Max container size:

Kerosene 9L

Other liquids 10L

Domestic Pesticides Only

• Consumer pesticides with the poisonous (skull & crossbones) symbol AND “Pest Control Product” registration number (REG #12345 PCP Act) In original containers only

Max container size: 10L

Per

PLEASE

•

Max container size: 25L Gasoline

• Cosmetics, health and beauty aids

• Insect repellants, disinfectants, and pet products

• Diesel, propane, and butane fuels

• Caulking tubes

• Fertilizer

For items not found on this list, please call BC Recycling Hotline 604-732-9253

Farmers Market opening day Saturday

MOIRA GREAVEN

Bowen Agricultural Alliance

“It takes a community to grow a market”

So, let’s come out to support the Bowen Island Farmers Market which is held every Saturday at Bowen Island Community School from 10 am to Noon, and which opens this season on Saturday, May 13, the day before Mother’s Day!

We know that the cost of food, especially produce, is expensive now, but the droughts, floods and wildfires in California and other states from which we import so much produce, will impact food prices And the U S may not have as much available to export after they have met their national needs!

We know we are lucky to still be able to buy whatever we want, whenever we want, but for those products we import (either because we can’t grow them or not in season for us) you may have noticed that more and more are coming from further and further afield, e g , Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia, Asia That’s a BIG carbon footprint!

In these times of supply chain issues, and having to import more produce from further afield than California, we can choose to support our growers, be they national, provincial and/or local in order to ensure as much of our food security as possible We can try as much as possible to eat seasonally We can buy local when homegrown produce is in season For those of us who are able, we can preserve fruits and vegetables when they are in season, by canning/bottling or freezing, to have them for the

FREE HEARING AID CLEAN+CHECK

MAY 15 | 9:30am – 4:30pm

AT THE CARING CIRCLE, SNUG COVE

By appointment only Please call to book.

604-281-3691

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

of the Eagle Cliff Community Association (ECCA)

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

winter months

Our island farmers grow a wonderful selection of vegetables, fruits, and flowers, and make jams, jellies, fruit leathers, pies, and baked goodies, which they sell at the Farmers Market Yet, our farmers sometimes go home with unsold produce! As anyone who has tried to grow veggies knows, it’s not easy!

Even if you are growing some of your own produce, come to the Market to see what’s available We get to support our farmers who have spent the time and energy to cultivate their soil to be able to grow homegrown produce for our consumption With climate change impacts affecting food production everywhere, we need our farmers to keep growing as they are able

Nothing is cheap any more, but we haven’t ever paid the real price for our produce, whether imported or not Buy Canadian, buy local, buy seasonal, and yes, it might be more expensive than what you pay at chain grocery stores, but it’s supporting our self sufficiency, our food security, and those few of us who toil the soil to keep us fed!

Come visit the Market, see what is Bowen grown (the selection of produce changes over the season so come often!) and crafted, meet the vendors and enjoy their selection of produce, preserves, baking, cut flowers, indoor and outdoor plants, artwork, and clothing!

To those of you do come, especially the regulars, thank you We always look forward to seeing you! If you have ideas as to what might encourage more of you to come to the Farmers Market, let us know a different day, different hours ?

It takes a community to grow a market!

(And you don’t have to take a ferry to get to the Market!)

FASTPITCH LEAGUE

The week began with the Brewers seeking their first win of the season against the Firemen They looked close at times but in the end the sun set (literally) on their chances and the game ended in a 10-10 tie, leaving everybody going home a little let down since ties are an antithesis of the sport of baseball

The next night had anoth-

er close game but thankfully no ties as the Diggers managed a 1-run win over the Twins People expecting baseball fun on Friday night were disappointed that the game was rained out, which means the Shakers and Firemen have played one less game than the rest of the league through Tuesday night’s game

And what a game it

was, with the Diggers and Cruisers going at it

The Cruisers scored first but then the Diggers bats got going, especially Ted Duffield and Tom Woodward who worked a pair of RBI’s each to put their team up 7-3 after 4 innings

The Cruisers rally began with an RBI double by Erik Hunter-James in the 5th, and he hit another double in the 6th to tie the game The highest scoring team in the league then loaded the bases with two outs, bringing Keelan Hondro to

FINAL SCORES

Wednesday, May 3

Brewers (10) vs Firemen (10)

Thursday, May 4

Twins (9) vs Diggers (10)

Friday, May 5

Firemen vs Shakers (Rainout)

Tuesday, May 9

Diggers (10) vs Cruisers (11)

Wednesday, May 10

Twins vs Firemen

Keelan Hondro (left) was awarded the gold chain by theCruisersafterTuesdaynight’sgamebysmackinga grand slam home run in the 6th inning to put his side ahead for good. It was his first hit of the game, and he finished with 4 RBI’s Peter Blomberg (right) was called in to pitch after just 1 1/3 innings and took the Cruisers all the way to the finish line on the mound, including 3 scoreless innings and throwing to 1st baseonthegames’finalout Peteralsomixedin3hits

the plate On a 1-1 count Hondro sent the pitch towering over the fence in right field for a grand slam to completely flip the game on its head and give the Cruisers an 11-7 lead

The Diggers fought hard to grab the game back by putting up 3 runs in the final inning But Peter Blomberg, who’d entered the game in relief in the 2nd inning, got a final groundout with two runners on to secure a memorable comeback win - Reporting from Kat, Cheri, George, & Alex

UPCOMING GAMES (All starttimes6:30pm)

Thursday, May 11

Cruisers vs Brewers

Friday, May 12 Shakers vs Diggers

Tuesday, May 16

Firemen vs Cruisers

Wednesday, May 17

Brewers vs Diggers

Scenes from Farmers Market Opening Day 2022 at Bowen Island Community School / Alex Kurial photos

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Thursday, May 11

Swimwear Pop Up!

Left on Friday Swimwear Pop Up! @ Sweat the Technique Studio 7 to 9 pm

Friday, May 12

Special Council Meeting

Sea to Sky MP Patrick Weiler joins council at 11 am People can attend at Municipal Hall or watch on the municipality’s YouTube channel.

Friday, May 12

Dinner at the Legion

This week Lynne and Patricia are teaming up to bring you chicken with cranberries and brie, green beans and potatoes Dessert is butter tarts! Doors at 5:30 pm, dinner at 6:30. $13 members, $15 non-members

Saturday, May 13

Farmers Market Opening Day

First Farmers Market of the season 10 am to Noon at Bowen Island Community School. More info on Page 10.

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

Artist Reception at Catching Stars Gallery

Come meet Gregg Simpson and see his featured artworks at the gallery. 1:30 to 3:30 pm

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 Potporri Art Show

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!

Saturday, May 20

Green Man Festival returns

The Ice Queen is ready to do battle against Team Green after several years. Who will prevail? Find out much more on Page 13. 11 am to 1 pm.

Saturday, June 3

Mini Pride Parade and Crafting at the Library

Come craft a mini float or flag at 1 pm, then at 2 pm we’ll parade them around the library and have a Pride Season kickoff celebration with snacks provided by the General Store & the Ruddy Potato All ages/families/everyone welcome/drop-in. Presented by the Library & our Teen Advisory Group More info at bipl.link/pride

TUESDAYS

Babytime at the Library

A free, 1/2 hr drop-in program of songs, books, and rhymes for babies 0-18 months and their caregivers! 11:30 am Runs to June 27.

SUNNY

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

Legion Tuesdays - New!

The Legion is giving a trial run to Tuesday openings from 4:30 to 6:30 pm This day will be 19+ entry, come enjoy our FREE pool, shuffleboard, foosball and weather permitting, cornhole games See Thursday entry too

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 Legion Thursdays - New!

“Open to minors with parental supervision” day. There will be a limited menu for sale to allow this under our license The pool and shuffleboard tables must be supervised by a parent (this is not a daycare). Weather permitting, basketball, cornhole and hockey fun outside See Tuesday entry too

This sweet old girl came to us after having some diarrhea over the weekend. She was the perfect patient for a blood draw, and she also received some medication, probiotics, and gastrointestinal food to go home with to help with her recovery We hope she enjoys the sunshine this week!

Suave start to Sailing Season

Members of the Bowen Island Yacht Club took to Mannion Bay on a grey Saturday morning on May 6 to take part in the traditional Sail Past of the club Commodore that marks the start of the club’s season. Seven boats took part in the ceremony, waving and saluting to Simon Fowler aboard the NautiNess, who had managed to find a good spot in Mannion Bay despite operating with a relatively rookie sea crew.

After the boats returned from the bay it was off to Doc’s for a spy-themed party. Most participants donned outfits based off the world’s most famous spy, the legendary James Bond himself, and enjoyed games and costume contests organized by the club Now that the season is underway, BIYC turns its attention toward their biggest event of the year, the Round Bowen Race, which takes place Saturday, June 10.

Alex Kurial photo gallery

Club Commodore Simon Fowler cut a suave figure in his 007-inspired evening wear He’s joined here by Margit Brenner (right) and Sandi Gough, who fashioned an interpretive Pussy Galore costume for the occasion

Tara Morin and ColinTurnbull in signature spy style.

Georgia Brown, Harper Dowdeswell, and Neve Fowler are ready to tackle their next assignment.

Espionage runs in the Dowdeswell family - Jay, Harper, and Rhys

ColinTurnbullandMarleneMurrayintheirbestspylooks

The youngest 007 recruit Rhys Dowdeswell is ready for employment in Her Majesty’s Secret Service

Ye Olde Bowen Island Greenman Community Event Reimagined and Relaunched by Bowen Youth

SARAH HAXBY Contributor

Spring is a time of lingering morning frost and flower buds beginning to form; it’s known for mixed weather, rain-showers and the sun’s warmth returning One can almost feel the sense of community optimism in-bloom as the weather improves but how can we know that winter is truly behind us and that the winter queen will be defeated by spring green?

The Green Man festival was a uniquely Bowen-quirky, old-British-Isles-folk-inspired local tradition that was brought to this island originally by the beloved Reverend Shelagh MacKinnon and brought to life by a large crew of local volunteers. The Green Man Festival ran in various formats, and with a variety of elements for several years, in various iterations throughout the Cove… but although ye olde Bowen Island Green Man Festival has not been held on Bowen Island for several years, it is still remembered fondly by many youth of Bowen Island and now they are bringing it back in a reimagined format!

The youth are starting by reviving the key elements of the return of the festival and have given it a new name: Queen versus Green, to highlight the key feature of the interactive play: the battle between the armies of Spring green and Winter icicles Mark May 20, 11 am to 1 pm-ish on your calendar to experience the reinvention of an old Bowen tradition.

The return of the event was proposed by a group of local youth with Hannah F. at the lead. When Hannah and friends were discussing what their favourite pre-pandemic Bowen memories were, many of them said it was the Green Man Festival and they strongly feel that bringing back this community event is a way to bring back the sense of community spirit and to instill community involvement in the next generation.

The youth, by taking the lead role in this event, want to rebuild community connections within their generation and

celebrate in a way that uniquely reflects the community they live in Simply put they want to bring back a sense of joy for the youth and to share it with the whole community in an inclusive, accessible, no-charge, free and fun fashion

Held on May 20, on the Saturday of the Victoria Day long weekend, the event is an all-ages interactive theatre event with community participation and activity stations for youth The theatre event can accommodate around 100 youth and adults to jump in and participate in the day in a play with a set cast and helpers. The core crew is approximately 12 people to provide the structure as the buds of spring battle the icicles of winter and, not to give anything away, but the buds of Spring Green win, which is followed by a traditional Maypole dance

To bring this traditional folk tradition back, there is a need for a few more volunteer youth to help, especially with decorations, activity stations, face-painting, set-up, and for people in the community to dress up in their best medieval/folk attire, to don wreaths of ivy and flowers, and come down to the new stage beside the Hearth and Bowen Island Public Library.

Both the Bowen Island Public Library and the Hearth are supporting this event, as well as funding from the Bowen Island Community Foundation, community contributions, and a passel of supportive adults including Shirley Wrinch, Liz Nankin, Bowen Taekwondo, Youth musicians, Alison Nixon, and various former Green Man Festival organizers who are acting as support and mentors

“The Hearth Arts on Bowen supports the return of the Green Man Festival - a wonderful community event from and for our local youth This festival brings art in all its forms to our community, celebrating our cultural identity on Bowen Island And provides mentoring for the youth organizing this event, enabling them experience in planning a festival,” says Jami Scheffer, executive director at the Hearth.

So, Bowen Island: which team are you on? Show up in blues and whites, or greens and flowers at 11 am at the new stage in the Cove and bring a wand-sized stick

IciclesandbudsgatheredroundtheQueenofMay(BevRapley)towatchherusherin spring at Bowen Island’s first ever Green Man Festival in 2014 / Meribeth Deen photo

The Ice Queen (Tina Nielson) freezes her green opponents. / Meribeth Deen photo

Bob Doucet and James McConnan provided some festival music for the inaugural Green Man Festival. / Meribeth Deen photo