Here are some issues to get heated up about

JUDI GEDYE Bowen Island Councillor

This month’s open house treat was a Nanaimo bar with a layer of fresh raspberries over the custard and under the melted chocolate I’m calling it Deep Bay bar They are fantastic More importantly, our conversation started with why cars idle in the ferry line-up How about a school art contest for banners to advertise our ban on idling? But then there’s enforcement – sigh! If you roll up your car windows to avoid the ocean breeze and burn gas to cool off, will you understand a ban on idling? Where to start? And are there already too many signs?

Next we talked about various Fire Smart lessons An ember from another fire smoldered in an open field for two days before turning to flame A jogger noticed the smoke and our firefighters got it extinguished quickly The combination of alert passersby and prompt professional help was praised What about if there were a larger fire and we had to evacuate? Where do we find information?

First, sign up for “Alertable”(alertable ca) BIM has a booklet with excellent information: bowenislandmunicipality ca/services/emergency-program/emergency-preparedness-week And the blue/white NERP kiosks have good information –organizing your own evacuation plan, what’s in your emergency kit, your closest muster point There is an evacuation plan for Bowen with localized maps of where to go if you need to evacuate As the ferry docks and visitors arrive, BC Ferries is announcing a total ban on fires More signs along all park trails for increased awareness would be helpful There’s a bright yellow one with a hand and a cigarette which admonishes: “Don’t be a flicking idiot” . We agreed a little fear is good, but not to be paralyzed by it: spend time now to be prepared so that if you need to act fast you will be ready.

I’m reading John Vaillant’s newest book, Fire Weather

It focuses on the 2016 apocalyptic fire that wiped out Fort McMurray: the climate crisis worsening with drier winters and warmer, earlier summers and the human folly of ignoring vital signs Fire is our 21st Century nemesis and we need to smarten up – a lot!

Updates on capital projects: the water treatment plant – had it passed inspection and gone “ on stream”? And the Cove’s sewage treatment – what’s happening there? I didn’t have answers There is a wider policy issue about sharing costs island-wide that needs work, possibly in the fall Funding gaps and constantly increasing costs for both the health centre and the community centre were worries I sincerely hope we can find ways to finish both as they will add so much to our community, but I’ve only just been gifted a magic wand (thank you, Bonnie) and have yet to test it

The last question was when the review of short-term rentals would happen We mentioned pros and cons with general agreement that we need to be careful not to demonize but work on the problems A tourism tax to contribute to increased infrastructure costs should be considered

Finally, a person living beside the provincial park on Cortez –we couldn’t not talk about parks – reported that a full-time, livein ranger made a huge difference to enforcing their strict fire ban Today’s theme was clearly about fire and how important it is to be well-informed and ready for such an emergency Take note: each of us is responsible for our own preparation

There are no council meetings in August so there will probably not be an open house If that changes, I’ll put an ad in the Undercurrent and on Facebook Most likely, the next will be in September

Judi Gedye is a Bowen Island councillor and Islands Trust trustee She regularly hosts open houses for anyone wanting to enjoy home-baked treats while sharing their views on the issues facing Bowen Island

One of SwimBowen’s favourite and best-dressed participants

Anne Chollat received a prize at last year’s event (pictured). Anne is again a top fundraiser this year with $2,834 raised to date for the Cancer Care Fund. Come see everyone in action this Saturday, July 15, with 10:30 start Tunstall Bay Photo by Scott Robart

SwimBowen reaches the $36,000 fundraising mark

MARY LETSON

SwimBowen

Hey SwimBowen community! So far we have raised $36,007 for the Cancer Care Fund... Holy Toledo! Nice work everyone! Swimmers, please carefully visit the website, swimbowen.com for important details for the 5th Annual SwimBowen on Saturday July 15, 10:30 start.

This year we have registered massage therapist Jenni Griffiths providing complimentary 15-minute treatments from 9 to 11:30 a.m.. Please consider making a small contribution to the massage donation jar as all proceeds benefit the Cancer Care Fund

As always, there will be delicious refreshments, cold drinks and fresh coffee for swimmers Friends and family are welcome, too, with a suggested $5 donation per person

Schedule

9 – 10 a m Swimmer check in, Tunstall Bay Beach

Please be on time; the event kicks off at 10:30am sharp You must check in yourself and can’t do so for a friend Failure to check-in during above times will result in entry being cancelled There will be no race day registration available

Please note that race start time is approximate and may be delayed There is a swim cut-off time of one hour

10:30am 1500m Wave 1: Red Cap faster swimmers

10:35am 1500m Wave 2: Yellow Cap slower swimmers

10:40am 750m: Pink Cap self-seeded; faster swimmers in front, slower swimmers in back