Bowen Island Undercurrent August 10 2023

DOCK DANCERS

Bowen danced the night away

PAGE 3

Bowen drinking water infrastructure to improve with $2.1 million project

WORK WILL HELP THE EAGLE CLIFF AREA, WHERE RESIDENTS EXPERIENCE SEASONAL SHORTAGES

NICK LABA

North Shore News

Residents living in the water-sparse Eagle Cliff area are set for an anticipated infrastructure upgrade

On August 3, officials from local and senior levels of government gathered at municipal hall on Bowen Island to announce joint spending of $2 1 million for a project designed to secure high-quality drinking water

The work will connect the existing Eagle Cliff water system to the Cove Bay water system, along with replacing culverts, installing new fire hydrants and service connections, and around 1,300 metres of water main to join the two systems

FUTURE

SLUGGERS:

Following a game at Snug Cove Field on July 28 these young islanders kept up a decades old Bowen tradition, that of kids running about the ball field once the adult game is over. After a mini-game of their own, from left to right, Charlie, Dylan, Max, Levi, Wesley, William and Livia agreed to stand (kinda) still long enough for a photo op The Bowen Fastpitch League’s 37th regular season wrapped up earlier this month and Glen McGregor, Noah Pryce-Jones, Charlie Welsh, the Durrant boys, Doug and Jesse, and the rest of the Shakers finished in first. They got the better draw for this weekend’s season ending tourney and play in Game One on Friday night, August 11 against the Brewers (formerly the Celtics) Games go Friday thru Sunday and the tourney features large and enthusiastic crowds along with a food and beer tent. For the final standings and full schedule of this weekend’s games, check out Page 7 / Marcus Hondro photo

Over the past couple years, the municipality has been seeking to upgrade the water supply at Eagle Cliff, where residents face recurring seasonal water shortages. The funding secured in last week’s announcement will go toward Phase 1 of a larger project, which has been costed at around $4.9 million.

As of July 31, Eagle Cliff moved to Stage 4 drinking water guidelines, which restricts garden watering to fruits and vegetables, and vehicle washing to windows, mirrors and licence plates for safety purposes.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Events

AllCouncilmeetingsareopen tothepublictoattendin personorelectronically,unless notedotherwise

Yard Waste Changes Coming

StartingthefirstWednesdayinSeptember,2023,organicwastelimits arechangingasfollows:

KitchenWaste:Onecontainerperweek

YardWaste:Threecontainersorbagsperweek

• Pickupstartsat8:00amonWednesdays

• Allcontainersmusthavelids,bagsshouldnotbeoverfilled

• Nocontainer/bag/bundleshallweighmorethan40lbsor18kgsas perWCBregulations

• Norocks,sodorsoil

Jobs Planner1

BIMhasavacancyfor apermanentfull-time Planner1,duetoaninternal advancement

Roads&ParksCrew

BIMhasimmediateopenings fortwotemporaryRoadsand ParksOperationsCrew

Formoreinformationandpay rate:

www

bowenislandmunicipality ca/work-with-us

Carl

Urgentlyseeking informationregardingthe whereaboutsof:

CarlMartinGilbert

Pleasecontact BowenIslandMunicipalityat 604-947-4255ext8 ifyouhaveinformationor knowhowtheycanbe reached

Thankyou, KristenWatson,Collector kwatson@bimbcca

Seeking Expr

ssions of Interest Blue Cottage at 431 Cardena

BowenIslandMunicipalityisconsideringExpressionsofInterest(EOI) fromeligiblecommunityorganizationsforuseofaportionoftheBlue Cottagespacelocatedat431CardenaRd

Thespaceisapproximately30m2,hasadedicatedaccessdoorfrom therearofthebuildingandhasaccesstoawashroomandsinkfacility thatissharedwithTourismBowen

ThespaceisexpectedtobeavailablebytheendofOctober, howeverthetimingisnotguaranteedandapplicantsshouldhave someflexibilityregardingpossessiondate

ApplicationsshouldbereceivedbytheMunicipalitynolaterthan Friday,September15,2023andshouldbesenttotheattentionof KristenWatson,ChiefFinancialOfficerbyemailtofinance@bimbcca

Questions?CallKristenWatson,ChiefFinancialOfficer,at604-9474255extension256oremailfinance@bimbc.ca

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/eoi-blue-cottage/

Drought on Bowen

wwwbowenwastesolutionscom/updated-green-waste-guidelineshtml

Have you seen the crab team?

EuropeanGreenCrab(Carcinusmaenas)isahighlydestructive invasivespecieswithanaggressivetemperamentandapentagonshapedshell

Takinganearlydetection,rapidresponseapproach,ourvolunteers aremonitoringforEGCincollaborationwithBowenIslandFishand WildlifeClub,FisheriesandOceansCanada,SeatoSkyInvasive SpeciesCouncil,andtheÁtl’ka7tsem/HoweSoundUNESCO BiosphereRegion

Findoutmoreaboutidentification,volunteeringandreporting: wwwbowenislandmunicipalityca/have-you-seen-the-crab-team/

BCisexperiencingseveredroughtconditions TheSouthCoastofBC isatdroughtlevel4of5 Level4meansthatadverseimpactstosocioeconomicorecosystemvaluesarelikely

TheProvinceisrequestingthatallwaterusersvoluntarilyconserve waterandreducewithdrawalsfromsurfacewaterandgroundwater sourcesuntiltheendoftheseason

Waterconservationiseveryone’sresponsibility,especiallyduring drought Helpusprotectournaturalresources

wwwbowenislandmunicipalityca/conserve-water/

Fire Ban

ThereisatotalFIREBANinplaceforBowenIslandasperBC’sCoastal FireCentre Absolutelynofirespermittedanywhereatanytime wwwbowenislandmunicipalityca/alerts/

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ISLAND NEWS

Federal, provincial, and municipal funding for new water infrastructure

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Last August, the drinking water became increasingly discoloured for weeks on end, but the municipality deemed it was still safe for consumption

In 2017, Bowen Island received $3 9 million in funding to build a new water treatment plant in Cove Bay That construction effort was slated to wrap up last year, but faced delays

To fund the project, the federal government is contributing $841,000, with $701,000 from the province and $561,000 from the Bowen Island municipality

A target completion date hasn’t been set yet

Bowen Island residents value resilience and self-reliance, says Mayor Andrew Leonard, but are quickly outgrowing current infrastructure needs

“This funding will go a long way to connect the Eagle Cliff Water System community to a sustainable water source, off-

setting a significant infrastructure cost for them,” he said in a statement

Securing safe and reliable drinking water is essential to support the growing community needs on Bowen, said Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea to Sky Country

“The Government of Canada will continue to invest in projects like these that contribute to building healthier, more resilient, and vibrant communities for everyone, ” he said.

Apart from being its own strong community, Municipal Affairs Minister Anne Kang noted that Bowen Island also serves as a popular tourist destination for people looking to connect with nature

“By connecting water systems at Eagle Cliff and Cove Bay, my ministry is helping to ensure residents and tourists have clean drinking water while also helping to preserve this beautiful island for all to enjoy,” she said

Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea to Sky Country, announces funding for a water infrastructure project at Bowen Island Municipal Hall onThursday, August 3 / Office of PatrickWeiler MP photo

Christina Thompson captured the lights and magic of Dock Dance, plus one of the final ferries of the evening, during last Saturday’s annual celebration The Bowen tradition, which serves as a fundraiser for the Bowen Island Fire Department, went well into the night, and was enjoyed by hundreds Until next year!

VIEWPOINTS Back At It

Hope everybody has had a nice start to August! It looks like things were pretty calm during the past week, which is always much appreciated during a vacation week I’d like to thank my North Shore News colleague Nick Laba for covering the Patrick Weiler visit and Eagle Cliff water news while I was away. Having the support network of our sister paper so close by is a very comforting feeling

I was lucky enough to spend the week with family in sunny San Diego, greatly enjoying the 30 degree weather and many activities this beautiful city has to offer As a kid I would spend every summer there, and even after all this time I still always find many new things to do - in addition to the classics like the Harbor and Embarcadero, the Zoo, and the endless stretch of gorgeous Pacific Ocean beaches If you are thinking of a trip to California I would highly recommend this gem, which along with my hometown (Vancouver) are my favorite cities in the world.

A successful vacation complete, now it is back to business on Bowen, and the first order of business this weekend is baseball! The big tourney starts Friday, and based on last year ’ s edition it’s going to be an awesome time You can find all the details a little later in this paper Then it’s on to Dog Days and Bowfest (plus plenty else in-between), so be sure to check our calendar for all the fun!

It’s also the last week to submit your feedback to Metro Vancouver for Phase 2 engagement of the proposed Cape Roger Curtis park The next two pages have several letters which may help to inform your view, so give them a read (and check out all the other information and resources available too) and be sure to have your say on what will be a massive decision for the future of Cape Roger Curtis and the island as a whole

I’ll leave you with a picture of what I think is the most majestic, and my favorite, animal in the world - the Elephant - snapped during my trip to the San Diego Zoo. Their empathetic and caring nature inspires me always.

- Alex Kurial, Editor

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

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

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

EDITOR Alex Kurial editor@bowenisland undercurrent com

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CARTOONIST Ron Woodall

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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

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No Second Reading for Cape Roger Curtis park

Dear Mayor and Council,

Today (July 31) I signed the No Camping petition.

To date, I have expressed support for the park, and support for limited camping on a probationary basis This had been predicated on a meaningful engagement with Metro Vancouver

It takes two to tango, and it is now clear that MV never really stepped onto the dance floor. I won’t detail MV’s shortcomings here; these have been detailed by many in public fora, and members of Council have been articulate on these points

There will be a park You, however, have full authority to determine whether there will be camping or not You should have no compunction in concluding this process without a second hearing MV purchased the park with inadequate due diligence; that’s on them, not on us I cannot see that BIM will be taken any more seriously by

An ExcitingVision:The Nexwlélexwm Ecological Learning Reserve

MV if we prolong this process without a sea change in approach on MV’s part If you see such, please communicate this to the community.

I urge you to exercise your powers decisively.

I would support negotiation of the finer details with a party that would diligently meet us mid-way. Sadly, this does not appear to be in the works

I feel no rancour for MV, or the MV Board members who unwaveringly assert ‘up to 100 campsites.’ They are doing their job.

I urge you to exercise the same level of steadfastness in relative to your constituents

I have a great deal of regard for your hard work, the long hours, and your engagement with our community – thank you.

Respectfully,

- Ian Thomson

Reader supports locally crafted park proposal

Dear Editor,

With innovative thinking and courage, on July 10, Mayor and Council unanimously carried a resolution “That Council direct staff to request a meeting with Metro Vancouver staff to explore a collaborative approach whereby BIM and Metro Vancouver staff and, if available, Squamish Nation staff meet together around one table to share aspirations, concerns and perspectives on the extensive list of issues raised in the materials presented at the July 10th meeting of Bowen Island Council.”

In those materials was the proposal for Nexwlélexwm Ecospiritual Regional Peace Park: Restoring, Regenerating and Rewilding Nature for Present and Future

Generations presented by Ellen Hayakawa as a delegation that evening. I’m pleased that the Mayor and Council are listening to our community’s voices and considering an exciting alternative to Metro Vancouver’s current proposal.

Leaving London, England, I yearned for a profound connection to a wild and tran-

quil wilderness In Europe, wild spaces have largely disappeared. Now, I’m privileged to live by dramatic mountains, towering trees, iconic animals like bears, orcas, and eagles To ensure our survival, it’s vital to inspire others to reconnect their relationship to Mother Earth and all that walk on her and to live in reciprocity.

Although the park will serve people of all ages, as a mother, I’m so passionate about the proposal because there is a special focus on education for children and youth in schools and giving them equitable access to Nature

I too suggest that we welcome school children, some of whom may not be as fortunate as us to have such a close connection with nature Their families may not have the financial means to camp or come here for even a day. All visitors will play a role in regenerating and rewilding Nature The proposal provides so many solutions for problems identified by our community about MV’s current proposal

I recently participated in both the

Dear Editor,

We’ve been discussing an alternative vision for the Cape Something very different from 100 campsites, and something other than just “ no ” Other islanders, like Ellen Hayakawa, have also been giving this some thought

On the lands at Cape Roger Curtis (CRC), Metro Vancouver Parks (MVP) is missing a unique opportunity. Not to develop one more traditional recreational regional park, but instead, create a collaborative model for restoring, rewilding, and researching damaged ecosystems and degraded landscapes and provide a world-class learning and research reserve in the Howe Sound Biosphere Region.

MVP has successfully worked collaboratively in the past toward a shared vision with local governments, local organizations, non-profits operating under license, higher levels of government, the Parks Foundation, private donors, and others Why not now? Why not, with Cape Roger Curtis, turn their most expensive land acquisition into a potentially world-changing centre for education and research?

British Columbia is home to many renowned land and marine research institutions and foundations including UBC, SFU, UVic, BCIT, Hakai Institute, Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, Raincoast Conservation Foundation, Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions These organizations all contribute significantly to the understanding and preservation of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, as well as the diverse species that inhabit them. They also play critical roles in educating the public and influencing policy on environmental conservation and management

Let’s collectively expand the vision of Cape Roger Curtis, work collaboratively together with some of these respected orga-

recent Metro Parks Vancouver consultations because I wanted to talk about and support the Nexwlélexwm Ecospiritual Regional Peace Park proposal The events were positive, with many community members I spoke to expressing support for the vision The Metro Vancouver staff I spoke to were also receptive to the ideas presented

lt is an inspiring vision to create a new type of park that serves us in these times of climate change and will inspire and teach future generations how to cherish and protect our planet My hope is that we can come together as an island and use this incredible opportunity to protect the Cape

nizations, and have a much larger impact on the region, the country, and the world than simply providing overnight campsites

In the heart of nature, nestled amidst the tranquility of Bowen Island, exists a visionary endeavour – the Nexwlélexwm Ecological Learning Reserve This profound beacon of education and environmental restoration and preservation stands as an immersive testimony to human potential and symbiotic living Visitors to the Nexwlélexwm Reserve will contribute to a new model that puts respect for nature and local cultures at its core.

By encouraging the flow of new ideas between Nature, Metro Vancouver, Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw, the Bowen Island community, and land and marine research institutions and foundations, the Reserve will stimulate innovative, collaborative approaches to environmental conservation and education.

This Reserve is more than just a physical space; it is a place for learning, where children and youth can immerse themselves in nature, understanding its wonders and our essential role in its preservation. Educational programs at the Learning Reserve focus on areas where visitors will learn valuable life lessons of respect, responsibility, and the importance of sustainable living

The Nexwlélexwm Ecological Learning Reserve is not merely a vision it’s an embodiment of our commitment to sustainable coexistence

By reimagining the use of the CRC lands, MVP can create a powerful legacy of environmental stewardship for generations to come. The Nexwlélexwm Ecological Learning Reserve can be a world-class, innovative model for public land use. Let’s not miss this opportunity.

- Sheree Johnson & Edward Wachtman

To ensure the success of this vision, Nexwlélexwm Ecospiritual Regional Peace Park: Restoring, Regenerating and Rewilding Nature for Present and Future Generations, I’m inviting people in our community to inform themselves about the proposal Please take action so that there is a steady stream of letters sent to Metro Vancouver staff, and the Regional Parks Committee expressing our support and enthusiasm as well as to Mayor and Council. Please feel free to contact me if you’d like to read and learn how to support the proposal

- Anja Jane Sheriden

VIEWS Smokey says: Only you can decide Park fate

Dear Editor,

I was very encouraged by the three public consultations organized by Metro Vancouver last week on the proposed park at Cape Roger Curtis where we saw open and respectful discussions and debates among Bowen citizens with widely divergent points of view. We also heard compelling new information and plans from MetroVan to prevent fires and limit traffic to the park that showed they have been listening to us.

The paid advertisement in the July 27 Undercurrent entitled ‘Only You Can Stop Camping’ has inaccuracies particularly with respect to fire risk, water supply and managing emergencies – that must be corrected to support the kind of healthy community discourse on the park we need.

Useful and accurate information is easily available at the “Park at CRC” link on the BIM website where the “Technical Water Study Analysis Results” , the “Emergency Management Overview” and other valuable information is located.

There we can see that an independent analysis of water supply at the Cape by Water Street Engineering shows that peak use for all camping and day visitors is projected to be 25,400 litres per day, a tiny fraction of the daily yield of 209,700 litres from wells already drilled in the park

We also see from the Emergency Management Overview on the BIM website - and we learned from the consultations last week - that MetroVan has very substantial fire suppression capacity and a solid track record. Park staff will be fully competent in bylaw enforcement, first aid, emergency management and wildfire response. No fires will ever be allowed in the park, with staff 24/7 to enforce this, and there will be ded-

icated pumps, water storage and other fire suppression equipment on site In addition, Metro Vancouver has a highly trained fire crew on-call at all times with a helicopter in Lynn Valley ready to respond. Personally, I am very sensitive to fire risks because I lost my own home to a tragic fire some years ago and I believe we will all be much safer under MetroVan management of the Cape than under the current situation.

We learned from the reports and the consultations that Metro Vancouver will maintain stores of emergency supplies on site to handle worst case scenarios, including first aid, backup generators, fuel and food, with detailed plans and capacity to deal with evacuation if ever necessary.

We all agree that transportation to the park needs to be handled carefully and well and I was encouraged by Metro Van’s plans to strictly limit traffic to the park with shuttle, bicycle facilities and other management strategies The ad’s assertion the park will increase traffic overlooks the fact that Tunstall Bay will face additional traffic whether the Cape becomes a park or a major development site for 24 new homes

The ferry is already over-stretched and unreliable We need to solve this problem in any case and foot passenger service directly downtown, such as proposed by Greenline Ferries, could be an excellent solution for commuters and park visitors

The planned park at the Cape is a rare and invaluable opportunity to protect a unique natural area and provide Bowen residents and visitors with a deep connection to nature To be successful and to ensure local issues are properly addressed we need an authentic island-wide conversation that is based on facts and good faith

Respectfully,

- Charles McNeill

Dear Editor,

Having attended Metro Vancouver’s Phase Two Public Engagement August 2 open house, I was pleasantly surprised and encouraged to learn that camping at MV’s regional park at the Cape was not one of the public’s noted top four activity choices, while transportation (aka major ferry issues) and on-island traffic (Whitesails Drive) were identified as two of the top concerns by local residents, the latter being the individuals who will be most negatively impacted by the massive influx of non-local park visitors

Those foregoing MV poster observations provided a natural segue for my discussion, and many other attendees, with the Metro Vancouver open house representatives, who us Bowen residents understood were there to “further listen and learn” We could not have had a better backdrop to inform and update them on Bowen’s No Camping at Metro Vancouver’s Regional Park at Cape Roger Cutris petition and its success to date with 1,594 signatures, and growing

Sadly and surprisingly, some of the MV representatives were not aware of the petition, or at least they did not admit to it Others were aware and while they chose not to comment on it, by body language alone they certainly gave the impression, “ wow, that certainly is a very significant number of locals opposed to camping” On that point I suggested it was inconsiderate of MV to dispense with the opposition, which they have been aware of from the outset, as “typical for a small community” While our community may be small, our opposition is very loud, wide, persistent and should not be taken lightly, as in, please “listen and learn”

In addition to mentioning the petition

(more signatures are welcome) I made the suggestion the MV display board comment that: “the use of shuttle buses was a solution to our local resident’s concerns for transportation (ferry)” was shortsighted and totally inappropriate as the occupants on the shuttle buses still will have to use, and further overload, our challenged ferry system, which would only serve to make a bad situation even worse! My message, and that of many others was very clear, “ any camping at the Regional Park at the Cape is not a welcome use, or said another way, there is widespread local resident’s opposition to it” .

On a happier note, I was very touched by a lady, whom I had never met before, because of the manner in which she showed her support for the No Camping Coalition. After introducing herself, she thanked the group for our full-page Smokey The Bear ad in the July 27 Undercurrent issue She then asked if she could make a financial donation to help cover the cost of that “ awareness initiative” As if that was not enough, on responding, “we would appreciate any and all financial support, no matter how big or small” , she trotted out to her vehicle, emptied her purse, returned to Cates Chapel to give a fellow No Camping Coalition member $80.

Her gesture was greatly appreciated, an excellent show of support and definitely a further indication of the broad range of opposition to a camping use at the Cape, which begs the obvious question, “Metro Vancouver, are you really listening, learning and incorporating in your concept planning what you hear in a meaningful, respectful and representative manner”?

- Bruce Russell Spokesperson for Smokey The Bear

Dan Guillon (#17) and Paul Whitecotton (#71) helped the Diggers knock off the Cruisers by double digits to win the final game of July. Guillon was 2/2 at the plate, also reaching base on an error He had 4 RBI and a run to help his cause, as he was also the pitcher. Dan went the full 5 innings on the mound, 4 of them scoreless, while striking out 3 Whitecotton also smacked in 4 RBI while going 1/2 and also reaching on an error. Paul scored 2 runs too. The pair will be a key duo as the Diggers look to defend their 2022 crown during this weekend’s tournament

TOURNEY SCHEDULE

Friday, August 11

Brewers vs. Shakers - 6:30 pm

Saturday, August 12

Diggers vs. Twins - 9 am

Firemen vs. Cruisers - 10:45 am

Diggers vs. Shakers - 12:30 pm

Firemen vs. Twins - 2:15 pm

Brewers vs. Cruisers - 4 pm

Twins vs. Shakers - 5:45 pm

Sunday, August 13

Firemen vs. Brewers - 9 am

Cruisers vs. Diggers - 10:45 am

Semifinal #1 - 12:30 pm

Semifinal #2 - 2:30 pm

Championship Game - 4:30 pm

It’s tourney time! All the regular season games have been played, and now it’s up to our 6 teams to decide their 2023 destiny.

The year ’ s most impressive team so far have been the Shakers, who won 70% of their games to finish with the top record in the league They’ll be the team everybody is gunning for, and they’ll have the chance to show their stuff in the very first game of the tournament on Friday night against the Brewers

The Firemen and Diggers were not far behind first, finishing within a half game of each other The Firemen grabbed 2nd place with an explosive offence, while the Diggers used the best pitching and defence in the league to claim 3rd. The Diggers start their title defence off on Saturday morning against the Twins, with the Firemen taking the field afterwards versus the Cruisers

The Cruisers strung together a series of wins late in the season to jump from last place into 4th, and if they can keep their runs against down they can be a dangerous dark horse, as they possess the most potent offense on the island. The Brewers and Twins had a tough go during the season, but did score some memorable wins And given the format of 3 Round Robin games

to decide the Final Four, just one upset can launch an underdog into the coveted knockout rounds of Sunday afternoon.

While the Shakers are top team so far this year, the defending champs are the Diggers, and they will be no slouches once the first pitch is thrown. They put their potential on full display during one of the final games of the year, forcing a mercy against the Cruisers to the tune of 13-3. It was the most efficient game possible under league rules, called after 4.5 innings and just 1 hour and 11 minutes of play. The Diggers opened up a 10-0 lead after 3 innings, with 4 RBI each from Paul Whitecotton and Dan Guillon. Each of them added another RBI in the 4th, and Guillon struck out the final Cruisers batter in the top of the 5th to make sure the night ended early. The two sides will get another crack at each other in the tourney when they do battle in the final game of the Round Robin on Sunday morning

This was a super fun weekend last year, and is bound to be again. In addition to plenty of action at the ball field, there’s nightly fun at the Pub too Check it out in our calendar, and see you out at the ball game! - Reporting from Kat, Cheri, George, & Alex

Dirt Road Opera Returns To Bowen

ROBERT BAILEY

Contributor

Kelowna-based roots/alt country/ Americana ensemble Dirt Road Opera is returning to Bowen Island for a concert at Tir-na-nOg Theater on Friday, August 25 at 7:30 pm

With most of their songs written by Juno nominee Barry Mathers, this quartet brings their unique blend of soaring vocal harmonies, acoustic and electric accompaniment, and stellar musicianship to Tir-na-nOg, reprising their successful concert last year. The band’s other Juno Nominee, vocalist and bassist Rachel Matkin, has been performing on stages across Canada since she was a little girl, and together with veteran guitarist and singer Barry Mathers, they formed Dirt Road Opera 5 years ago after years of being friends and working on each other ’ s projects Their live vocal blend must be heard to be believed!

With songs reminiscent of the best of artists like Lucinda Williams, Steve

Earle, John Prine, and Gillian Welch, Dirt Road Opera puts on a great show filled with laughs, great music, and amazing singing. The band is touring in support of their recent album “Nowheresville”, and they recently won 6 Gonzo People’s Choice awards, winning every category they were nominated in: Favourite Album for Nowherersville, Favourite Country Group, Favourite Folk/Roots Group, Favourite Single for Seven Shells, Favourite Music Video for Tell the Truth, and Favourite Songwriter, won by the band’s founder Barry Mathers

The band is rounded out by multi-instrumentalists Mike Brown (guitar, mandolin, vocals) and myself, Bowen resident Robert Bailey (pedal steel, acoustic guitar, lap steel, banjo, bass, and keyboards).

Dirt Road Opera has spent the last year playing festivals and concert venues all over BC, and last year ’ s show at Tir-nanOg was one of the band’s very favourite venues, due to its intimate size and cozy atmosphere Don’t miss this event!

Tickets for the show are $35 and can be purchased online at EventBrite

ManyBowenathletesbravedthesummerferriesfortheWhitecapsFCFootballcampinWestVancouverlastweek Lots of keen players who have a future in the game, according to Sheana Stevenson. / Rebecca Ander photo

Thursday, August 10, 2023

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Thursday, August 10

Design Fortune Tellers and A Modern Art Piece

1 to 2:30 pm at the Bowen Island Library Ages 5 to 7 Have fun making fortune tellers and your own modern art piece at the library Register: bipl link/fortune-tellers

Friday, August 11

Vegan Potluck

All are welcome, non-vegans included! Bring a vegan dish to share and meet some friendly folks. Starts at 5:30 pm, we eat around 6:15 Email us at bowenvegans@gmail com and we’ll send you the address details Sign up for our potluck email list at bowenvegans weebly com and never miss a potluck invite!

August 11-13

Fastpitch Tournament

Bowen’s six Fastpitch teams face off for the glory at Snug Cove Field Starts Friday night, with the title game on Sunday Will the Diggers repeat as champions? Or will the Shakers, Firemen, Brewers, Cruisers, or Twins dethrone them? We’ll see over the three days of action! See the full tournament schedule on Page 7

August 11-13

Ball Parties at the Pub

Trio of evenings at the Pub to celebrate the Fastpitch Tournament Friday, August 11: Monty & Kosta at 7 pm, no cover Saturday, August 12: Big Shiny Band at 9 pm, tickets $20 Sunday, August 13: Tourney Wrap-Up Party, starts after the Wrap-Up Ceremony at the ball field

Saturday, August 12

Make Retro Glasses and A Modern Art Piece

1 to 2:30 pm at the Bowen Island Library Ages 8-10 Enjoy designing a pair of retro glasses, and create your own modern art piece! Register: bipl link/retro

Thursday, August 17

Letters for the Future and Crazy Creatures

1 to 2:30 pm at the Bowen Island Library Ages 5 to 7 Create a crazy creature and write a letter to your future self at the library! Register: bipl link/future

Friday, August 18

Pea Pot Decorating

1 to 2:30 pm at the Bowen Island Library. Ages 8 to 10. Have fun decorating a clay pot for your pea plant and designing a building for a model cityscape! Register: bipl.link/pea-pot

Saturday, August 19

Year End Celebration

1 to 2:30 pm at the Bowen Island Library All ages Celebrate the end of the summer reading club! If you ’ ve finished all 50 days of the challenge, come to claim your medal at the medal ceremony! This year we have special guest Mayor Andrew Leonard to hand our awards If you haven’t finished, come for fun art activities! Register: bipl link/SRC-celebration

Sunday, August 20

Dog Days Resurgence

One of Bowen’s most popular festivals is returning thanks to the efforts of CAWES, USSC Marina, and Doc Morgan’s. Ms. Connie Smudge to MC. Dog of the Year is back!

Sunday, August 20

Turkish Meze Night

Farm to table dinner featuring vegeterian cold meze from the Turkish west coast Local produce and cider from Riley’s From Julika Volkmann. Endswell Farm, from 4 to 9 pm Tickets $75, contact julikasevents@gmail.com

Thursday, August 24

Hot Summer Nights

Come meet the Bowen Island firefighters! Spray the big hose and take a tour of the fire truck 6:30 to 8 pm at BICS

Friday, August 25

Dirt Road Opera at Tir-na-nOg

The ensemble band returns to Bowen for a show. More info to the left on Page 8. Tickets $35 at eventbrite.com

Saturday, August 26

Rotary Run for Rwanda

Annual benefit run, featuring 5K and 10K runs, 5K walk, and 1.5K kids walk. Learn more at rotaryrunforrwanda.com

Saturday, August 26

Bowfest!

The annual summer festival gets going at 1:15 pm with the traditional parade, before transitioning over to the Bowfest Field for a full day of fun.

To August 26

Curiosities and Oddities at the Museum

Bowen Island Museum and Archives is proud to present Curiosities and Oddities, an exhibit containing only the most baffling artifacts in our collection. Come on by, and let your imagination run wild!

WEDNESDAYS

Bowen Bridge

We meet from 1:30 to 4:30 pm at Bowen Court on Wednesdays. Fee is $6 per person per session. Your place at the table must be arranged - by email - no later than 6 pm on the Monday before. To make your booking or to seek more information, please email bowcates04@gmail.com We look forward to seeing you.

WEEKENDS

Saturday Farmers Market at BICS

Annual market at Bowen Island Community School

Browse food, crafts, snacks, and more! 10 am to Noon

Yoga on the Pier

Saturday & Sunday from 10:15 to 11:15 am Join the Nectar Yoga team for a relaxing yoga session at the Snug Cove North Dock (left of the ferry ramp) Bring a yoga mat, water, and sunscreen Sessions are weather permitting Pre-registration is recommended, but dropping in can be accomodated if space allows. Find more details and sign up at nectaryoga.ca

Saturday, August 26, 2:00 - 8:00 pm

Admission by donation (cash only)

Bowfest Parade - 1:15 pm

Fun for All!

Hamster Ball races

Old school photo booth

World Famous Slug Races Build a mini Go-Kart Wet T-shirt with a Twist contest!

Live Music

The Irish Pipe Band

Tumbleweeds

Natascha Borromeo & Xtras

Black Molly

Queer as Funk

Volunteers still needed - sign up here https://slotted co/m523tuhw

Still time to enter the parade! visit www.bowfest.org to get details

You’re going to lose access to local news on Facebook and Google.

Dear readers,

Your access to local, provincial and national news is going to be revoked on Google, Facebook and Instagram

And it’s not because of anything we’ve done.

Recently, Canada passed the Online News Act, also known as Bill C-18, which has led to a standoff between the government, Google and Meta the parent company behind Facebook and Instagram

Both Google and Meta have said they plan to cut ties with the news industry in Canada as a result.

This means Meta will block the posting and sharing of our news articles on Facebook and Instagram. Google will also remove links to our sites and articles in Google News, Discover and search results. They’ll also cancel significant content licensing agreements already in place with our parent company, Glacier Media.

Undoubtedly, this will have a huge impact not solely on us but, more importantly, on people like yourself who may use these platforms to discover what’s happening in your community and to get context to events happening in your own backyard

We’re not planning on going anywhere, but here’s how you can help:

1. Sign up for our free daily newsletter by scanning the QR code. (And encourage your family and friends to do the same.)

2. Follow us on Twitter

3. Bookmark our website as the homepage on your devices.

4. Consider becoming a member if you aren’t already. Your support will help us continue to cover local stories, by locals.

5 If you own/operate a local business, consider supporting local by placing ads with 100% Canadian-owned media outlets, like us.

With your help, more people will be able to get their local news from a trusted source In today’s age of misinformation, that’s more important than ever.

Thank you. We appreciate you.

Sincerely,

The Bowen Island Undercurrent team