Bowen Island Undercurrent by Bowen Island Undercurrent

COMMUNITY CHOIR CALLOUTS PAGE 7

$1.50

inc. GST

FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2024

BLOCK WORK

VOL. 50 NO. 02

BIUndercurrent

BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

Community Quilting PAGE 6

Short-term rental choice due this Spring ALEX KURIAL Editor

SNOW DAY After what has largely been an absence of snow this winter, Bowen finally got its first big snowfall on Monday as the island was blanketed in white. As always the snow made for some beautiful scenes, including here at Island Pacific School. By Tuesday rain had washed much of the snow away, and it’s unknown when it will come again. But what is expected this weekend are temperatures dropping into the negative double digits, so be sure to bundle up out there! / Kirsten Degner photo NEW LISTING

Bowen’s decision on whether to opt-in to a new provincial law regarding short-term rentals will come in the next few months. Last fall the provincial government passed Bill 35, known as the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act, which created rules meant to transition more properties from short to long-term rental options. This included a section which would ban the use of homes as short-term rentals if the house isn’t the primary residence of the owner. The bill applies automatically to towns with 10,000 people and up, but smaller communities can decide to opt-in to following it before March 31 this year. That’s the question the Bowen Island Municipality will be discussing over the next few months, with potential restriction of short-term rentals (STR) beginning this November. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

1743 BOWEN BAY ROAD

$1,849,000

This stunning property is mere steps from one of Bowen’s best beaches. Soaks up the west side sun and sunsets on this verdant ~ 0.7 acre gardeners’ paradise. The home sits surrounded by a gorgeous garden planted with pride, featuring a greenhouse, multiple veggie beds, roses, pathways and more. Enter onto the main floor, where the LR/DR/Kitchen wraps around a central staircase. Picture windows look out to the bay below. Upstairs features a spacious primary suite, and a large rec room sits beside a further two bedrooms below. Across a courtyard is a two bed, one bath coach house - perfect for visiting friends and family - that also comes equipped with a fun sleeping loft. A must see! Directly on the bus route, and close to Riley’s Cidery, many hiking trails, and the west-side playground.

FRAZER B. ELLIOTT Personal Real Estate Corporation

604.910.3401

Bowen’s Top Producing REALTOR® for 2021 & 2022* *based on reported MLS sales

felliottbowen@gmail.com | bowenhomes.ca Specializing in BOWEN ISLAND and HOWE SOUND

2020-2022

Top 10% of Realtors in the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver

Friday, January 12, 2024

A2 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Events All Council meetings are open to the public to attend in person or electronically, unless noted otherwise. January 18, 2024 1:00 pm Budget Info Session on Zoom

Seeking Public Comment

DVP 2023 0300 (1673 Evergreen Lane)

DVP 2023 0244 (211 Highland Trail)

Regular Council Meeting 1:00 pm on Monday, January 22, 2024

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A Development Variance Permit application has been submitted for 1673 Evergreen Lane (shown on map) to reassign side and rear lot line setbacks for a new single family dwelling.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A Development Variance Permit application has been submitted for 211 Highland Trail (shown on map) to legalize several non-conforming accessory buildings.

The applicants wish to construct a single family dwelling within a required rear setback area. The request is to reduce the minimum rear setback from 7.5 m to 3.0 m. The minimum side setback will be increased from 3.0 m to 7.5 m. Staff will introduce the application to Council at the January 22, 2024 Council Meeting. At that meeting Council will decide to set a date to consider issuing the permit, or may choose to not proceed further with the application.

The applicants wish to legalize two storage sheds and a deck constructed within a side setback area by a previous owner. The request is to reduce the minimum side setback from 3 m to 0.25 m.

January 22, 2024 1:00 pm Regular Council Meeting January 25, 2024 6:30 pm Budget Info Session on Zoom

MORE INFORMATION AT MUNICIPAL HALL: More information available at Municipal Hall by calling 604-947-4255 ext 233 or email dbakken@bimbc.ca and making an appointment to speak to Drew Bakken, Island Community Planner. Ofﬁce Hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, excluding statutory holidays. www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME: Written submissions may be delivered to Municipal Hall by 11:00 am on the meeting date (contact information below): • In person • By mail • By fax • By email to mayorandcouncil@bimbc.ca Verbal submissions may be made to Mayor and Council at the meeting:

Questions? Contact Drew Bakken, Island Community Planner, by email at dbakken@bimbc.ca or call 604-947-4255 ext 233 or

Contact Bowen Island Municipality PAID ADVERTISEMENT January 12, 2024

Phone: 604-947-4255 Bowen Island Municipal Hall Fax: 604-947-0193 981 Artisan Lane Email: bim@bimbc.ca Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 Website: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday to Friday Closed statutory holidays

Questions? Contact Drew Bakken, Island Community Planner, by email at dbakken@bimbc.ca or call 604-947-4255 ext 233 or

Find us on Facebook Bowen Island Municipality

Subscribe to our mailing list bowenislandmunicipality.ca/subscribe

Friday, January 12, 2024

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A3

Staff aiming for summer repair of bridge over Carter Road ALEX KURIAL Editor Replacement of the Carter Road Bridge will take place this July and August if all goes to plan. The approximately $1.36 million project was approved for tender during council on Jan. 8. Director of engineering Patrick Graham said it’s important to finalize designs and secure a contractor early in the year before the busy summer season begins and workers become more scarce. Replacing the bridge, which has reached the end of its lifespan, will take around two months. July and August were chosen as the desired months because many of the bridge’s most frequent users – students

The Carter Road Bridge is set for replacement, with a goal of completing the work this summer. Vehicles will need to use an unpaved access road while repairs are taking place. / Alex Kurial photo and staff of Island Pacific School – will be away on summer break. Residents of Belterra Cohousing also reside beyond the bridge, along with attendees to Cates Hill Chapel. These users will have to traverse the unpaved portion of Carter Road which runs down from the intersection with Belterra Road and connects down the hill near the gas station and public works yard. Graham said his department is exploring some type

Apply to be a volunteer Firefighter or First Responder

of traffic control, such as a lights system, to help vehicles going in opposite directions navigate the narrow gravel road. Once complete the new bridge will be able to support all types of vehicles, including ones that are currently too heavy including fire trucks. While no vehicles will be making their way through during the replacement, the repair site is expected to accommodate pedestrian access during the two months.

Artist Call Art for safety markings for glass areas at the Community Centre

Bowen Island’s volunteer Fire Rescue service is accepting applications for volunteer firefighters and first responders.

BIM’s Public Art Advisory Committee is calling for a digital design to be applied to glass areas at the Community Centre. The design will be reproduced in adhesive vinyl to be applied directly to glass panels in order to meet safety requirements for visability.

Applicants may apply to be volunteer first responders only. Volunteer firefighters are expected to undergo both firefighter and first responder training.

This opportunity is suitable for artists who have experience in producing artworks in a professional capacity, who are from Bowen Island, and who are available to meet the project timeline.

Applicants must: • be 19 years of age or older • live on Bowen Island • have a valid BC driver’s license • be willing to undergo a criminal background check • be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination status

This commission is for new work. Up to two (2) artwork/designs will be selected. Each selected artwork/design will be awarded an artist fee of $750.00. All production expenses and installation of the selected artwork/design will be covered by others and are not the responsibility of the artist. Each artist is allowed to submit up to two (2) artwork/designs in digital format (PC compatible TIF, JPG or PDF, maximum ﬁle size of 2MB each). Each artwork/design must: be contained within a single four-inch circle format (to be repeated in a line across the window sections); be a single solid colour to suit the die-cut graphic process; have no elements being less than 1/8” wide to allow for proper cutting procedures. Exact colour options will be limited to supplier availability.

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/apply-ﬁre-ﬁghter/

For more information and instructions on how to submit go to: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/artist-call-for-digital-art/

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Becoming a volunteer firefighter or volunteer first responder takes time, effort and dedication. However, the benefits of saving lives and making Bowen Island a safer place is worth every minute and every ounce of effort. Please review the information below to learn about becoming a volunteer firefighter or volunteer first responder. Apply if you want The deadline for submissions is Sunday, February 11, 2024. to dedicate your time, skills, and physical ability to helping your community. Questions? Email PublicArt@bimbc.ca

A4 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Friday, January 12, 2024

VIEWPOINTS

EDITORIAL

Let It Snow

Well we finally got our taste of Winter Wonderland (albeit briefly) as the snow came down in bunches on Monday. A big thank you to the snow plow teams who kept vehicles moving across the island, and the many people shovelling and salting various driveways and walkways so we could all keep moving safely throughout the day. The snow didn’t last long, but it was nice to get even a brief taste of winter after a rather grey close to 2023. Aside from the weather (stay warm this weekend!) there’s a couple matters on-island you’ll want to keep an eye on in the coming weeks. One of them will be the public consultation regarding whether or not Bowen should sign onto a new provincial law regarding shortterm rentals. You can read more about the details of this in our front page story, but already we can see it’s generating a good deal of feedback and will have a big impact on the rental and housing situation on the island. This will probably be one of the more consequential decisions made by council this year, so attending the open house or certainly taking a few minutes to fill out the coming survey will be well worth your time. It’s budget season too! There’s a public consultation period on right now, with open houses coming up via Zoom this Thursday, January 18 at 1 pm, and Thursday, January 25 at 6:30 pm. The draft budget is out for perusal, so give it a look and share any thoughts or questions you might have. And to end on a fun note, Doc Morgan’s has begun weekly open mic nights on Sunday nights, starting at 5 pm. They’re open to anybody, and started off with a bang last week as several talented local musicians took the stage. Original songs or covers are welcome, and I highly recommend checking it out! - 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 All Advertising and news copy content are copyright of the Undercurrent Newspaper. All editorial content submitted to the Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication. The Undercurrent is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, art work and photographs.

#102–495 Bowen Trunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC, V0N 1G0 Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148 bowenislandundercurrent.com DEADLINE for advertising Monday, 4 p.m. DEADLINE for editorial Tuesday 5 p.m. Bowen Island Undercurrent Subscription Rates: Mailed 1 year subscription on Bowen Island: $55, including GST. Within Canada: $85 including GST Newsstand (Single Copy) $1.50 per copy, including GST

ISSN 7819-5040

National NewsMedia Council.

EDITOR Alex Kurial editor@bowenisland undercurrent.com

ADVERTISING Tracey Wait ads@bowenisland undercurrent.com

PUBLISHER Matt Blair publisher@bowenisland undercurrent.com

CARTOONIST Ron Woodall

2011 CCNA

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2011

The Undercurrent is a member of the National NewsMedia Council of Canada, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com or call 604-947-2442. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the website at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

Friday, January 12, 2024

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A5

VIEWPOINTS

January Open House

JUDITH GEDYE Bowen Island Municipality Councillor There was a crowd this past week with about 40 people in attendance. Unfortunately, my cookie bake was a disaster. There were some store bought replacements but it seems one New Year’s resolution was for fewer such treats. We started discussions with a mention that the “Active Transportation Plan” is going to be discussed at a Committee of the Whole (“COW”) meeting on January 15. And while it is not necessarily entertaining reading, you are encouraged to read and comment to council. “Active” transportation emphasizes walking and biking (fewer cars and more exercise) with significant budget considerations for more and safer infrastructure to encourage it (paved Multi-Use Path, lighting, intersection improvements). Most of the discussion focused on housing. Cam Rolfe had asked if he could present his idea of a “tiny home village” to the meeting. I welcome all points of view and agreed. He advertised his presentation and I think that brought out the majority of people at the gathering. Cam had conducted a survey on Facebook and felt he received overwhelming support for the idea. [NOTE: details of his survey were provided to Council and were attached to the agenda for the January 8 meeting]. Broadly, everyone can agree there is a need for “affordable” housing. What is “affordable” varies widely. Cam’s plan is in a very early stage of suggestion and feedback, but he is thinking of small, prefabricated homes on a rental space, with shared water and septic services. His plan would require an Official Community Plan amendment and rezoning. In light of Council’s decision to start an OCP review, the timeline for such a project would not

be quick, although all agreed the need is urgent. This project would have the most appeal to people with some capital to build but not necessarily enough to buy land – people downsizing or starting out - and wanting a close community. However, the greatest need is for renters with minimum wage or pension income and a suggested maximum budget of $1,000/month for housing. Without some form of subsidy, it is unlikely that anyone could buy land and build new for that amount. But, renting a pad or moorage is not necessarily affordable either, depending on all the other expenses linked to such arrangements. An existing policy allows increased density but is limited to areas close to the Cove to reduce the need for private vehicles. Local not-for-profit groups and the Housing Advisory Committee have been working hard on options. Studies and projects now underway include a study on “cluster” zoning to increase density, whether Lot #1 of municipally owned lands has capacity for increased density, Snug Cove House viability [with their successful application for scarce Provincial funding], and BIRCH’s design for a building on municipal land behind the new Health Centre and their application for funding. There is an urgent need now, but solutions are expensive and complicated. There is a wish to “cut red tape” but still protect other interests. The question of secondary suites and bed-andbreakfast operations using housing stock was raised but only briefly as a whole other complicated question. We were reminded that while the federal and provincial governments in the past have generously funded housing, for several years both senior levels of government have downloaded responsibility to municipalities which have very limited means of income (property taxes and

permit fees versus income, sales, import, etc. taxes). This is a national problem and every community is vying for what limited funds there are. The other main topic was composting. Discussion started with a concern about the proposed site for a composting facility (near the recycling depot) and the obvious high water table in that area (marshy ground). The possible risk of leakage from the composting would pollute the fish-bearing creek and hatchery which are very close. The discussion expanded to composting in general. We were told that Bowen leads most other communities in B.C. in terms of pick-up, sorting and recycling and that our system is 98 per cent efficient, but overall there is still too much waste. Many communities are facing the same problem: how to reduce volume, and they are monitoring our

experience closely. With overflowing landfills and greatly increased fees for all dumping, plus the costs to truck waste off-island, there is need for improvements. New technology is available but there is no perfect answer to meet our needs. Our problems are mostly seasonal and the wide range of materials (from meat, dairy and kitchen scraps to invasives and woody branches). The difficulty of instituting behavioral changes (less volume) and the pressure of grant-funding top-up at a time when there are other infrastructure needs are also considerations. Our one hour was over and although many lingered to continue their discussions this Open House ended with an invitation to the next on Saturday, February 3 at 3 pm at Collins Hall.

Congratulations,

COLIN BROWN!

Recipient of the 2023 Prime Minister’s Award For Teaching Excellence

A6 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Supporting your Community Block by Block

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER.

ANNA-MARIE ATHERTON Bowen Island Fibre Arts Guild Wow, hard to believe it is 2024 and time to start the creative juices going again! We at the Bowen Island Fibre Arts Guild are always planning new projects to involve our community. In 2022, we made three quilts to support Residential School Survivors and in 2023, our big Queen size quilt helped raise funds for the Colin Ruloff Field House project. Both of these projects involved the community participants making blocks to be incorporated into the quilt. This year, we would again like to make some

Places of Worship Welcome You BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH www.biuc.ca | 1122 Miller Road

FOOD BANK

Sunday Worship 10:30 am Rev. Lorraine Ashdown

DROP-OFF

778-688-2061

OFFICE HOURS WEDNESDAY 10-4 OR BY APPOINTMENT

ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Sunday Mass at 9.30

Contact Angela Powell 604-947-2515

CATES HILL CHAPEL

www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.)

Sunday Worship 10:00 Rev. Phil Adkins SHIRAT HAYAM (Song of the Sea) BOWEN’S JEWISH COMMUNITY Shabbat Gatherings ~ Holidays Contact aryana.rayne@gmail.com • www.shirathayam.ca

Friday, January 12, 2024

small quilts for Bowen families in distress from fire, illness, or other personal hardships. Our next planned community “sew in” is set up January 24 and 25 at the Hearth from 10 am to 1 pm. We will again be making colourful blocks for the quilts - fabric, sewing supplies and machines are provided. All level of sewers are welcome from beginner to expert - guild members are on hand to mentor participants. Come for one session or both! Registration is through the Hearth and cost is by donation (to support the Hearth for their space). Please come to support your Community and to have some fun!

Queen of Capilano Ferry Schedule

NEW SCHEDULE IN EFFECT - JANUARY 8 - MARCH 2024 BCFERRIES.COM DEPART BOWEN ISLAND DEPART HORSESHOE BAY 5:20 am Mon (except Mon Feb 19) Tue - Fri. 5:50 am Mon - Sun Water Taxi Service Only: Saturday 6:50 am Mon - Sun 6:20 am Mon - Sun 8:00 am Mon - Sun FULL BERTH CLOSURES 7:30 am Mon - Sun 9:05 am Thu Fri Sat, Sun, Mon, Tue WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE 8:35 am Mon - Sun FOLLOWING DATES: 9:05 am Weds: Dangerous goods 9:40 am Mon - Sun only No passengers. • Saturday, January 20 (full 10:50 am Mon - Sun 10:15 am Mon - Sun day) 12:00 pm Mon - Sun 11:25 am Mon - Sun • Saturday, February 3 1:10 pm Mon - Sun and Sunday, February 4 (full 12:35 pm Mon - Sun 2:55 pm Mon - Sun 2:20 pm Mon - Sun days) 4:00 pm • Saturday, March 9 (full day) 3:30 pm Mon - Sun Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, Tue 4:35 pm Mon - Sun Water taxi service will be 4:00 pm Weds: 5:45 pm Mon - Sun provided during berth Dangerous goods only 6:50 pm Mon - Sun closures and will follow the No passengers. 8:20 pm Mon - Sun regular sailing schedule. 5:10 pm Mon - Sun No vehicle traffic is available 9:30 pm Mon, Fri, Satt 6:15 pm Mon - Sun Water Taxi Service Only: on these dates. 7:40 pm Mon - Sun Tues. Wed. Thurs. and Sunday 8:55 pm Mon - Sun 10:30 pm Mon. Water Taxi Service 10:00 pm Mon, Fri, Sat Water Taxi Service Only: Only: Tuesday thru Sunday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday and Sunday except Jan 19, Feb 2, & Mar 8 it’s 11:00 pm Mon. Water Taxi Service Only: Tues. thru the ferry! Sunday except Jan 19, Feb 2, & Mar 8 it’s the ferry!

Friday, January 12, 2024

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A7

Community Choir seeking new sign-ups JANET ROSS Bowen Island Community Choir

With the busy holiday season now in the rear view mirror, we’ve had a few days to catch our breath and consider what 2024 will bring. For the fabulous Bowen Island Community Choir, we are eager to gear up for the spring season, crack open the new music program and warm up our vocal chords in unison. Much more fun than a gym membership! If you’ve ever sung in the shower, at karaoke, in your car, on a road trip, or even attended a BICC show and thought, “I could do that!” please join us as the BICC starts up again with registration on both Wednesday, January 17 and January 24 at Cates Hill Chapel. Please note that for the two nights of registration, our start time

is 7 pm. Ordinarily, we begin our practices at 7:15. BICC is a 45-voice choir, made up of s oprano, alto, tenor and bass singers. There are no auditions and reading music is not a pre-requisite but it helps. The choir

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has been directed by the fabulous Ellen MacIntosh for over 20 years. And Sheilagh Sparks has been our steadfast accompanist for almost as long. If you are new to the choir there are many folks around

to support you, along with Ellen, and help you get used to how things flow within this group of islanders who love to gather and sing. Come and join us as we make an ever joyful sound!

A8 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Friday, January 12, 2024

WHY BUY LOCAL?

Ron Paley was inspired to grab a picture of the docks, Howe Sound, and beyond to the North Shore during a sunny day in Snug Cove.

WE VALUE BC

If you’re among BC’s approximately 2 million property owners, you should receive your 2024 property assessment in the mail early in January. If you haven’t, call us toll-free at 1-866-valueBC. Access and compare property assessment information using our free assessment search service at bcassessment.ca. REGULAR HOURS

The 2024 assessments are based on market value as of July 1, 2023. If you have questions or want more information, contact us at 1-866-valueBC or online at bcassessment.ca. For more property information and assessment highlights, visit bcassessment.ca

The deadline to ﬁle an appeal for your assessment is January 31, 2024.

HOBBS & OSCAR Meet Hobbs and Oscar! These two recently found their forever home here on Bowen and came to us for a visit. They were both given a deworming pill and went home with full bellies after many treats during their appointment! To ensure a fear free experience for all, we always have treats and toys for both cats and dogs to create a welcoming and calm environment. We hope Hobbs and Oscar enjoyed their visit!

Mon-Fri 9-5

CONTACT reception@bowenvet.com

604.947.9247

Closed Sat & Sun

Friday, January 12, 2024

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A9

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Sunday, January 14 Winter Sowing experiment Join Jackie Bradley in a hands-on experiment in ‘Winter Sowing.’ Winter sowing promises to produce more resilient seedlings - no grow lights needed! Take home a pot of winter-sowed seeds. Contact Jackie at jacksbee@hotmail. com if you would like to participate. Takes place at Grafton Commons (undercover) starting at 11 am. Runs till Noon or 1 pm depending on weather. By donation (suggested $10). Sunday, January 14 Bring Your Own Book Club at the Library A casual book club to discuss books you’ve read — old and new, loved or hated. Get recommendations and meet other book-loving locals! All ages of adults and youth welcome to drop in from Noon to 1 pm. Also on February 11 and March 10. bipl.ca/byobook Monday, January 15 SKY Events SKY Stretch & Strength returns, exercises for ages 55+ from 9:15 to 10 am at Bowen Court (1070 Miller Road). Followed by SKY Speaker Series 10:30 am to Noon. Speaker is Occupational Therapist, Ruby Rowat, speaking about “Balance for Falls Risk Prevention”. Everyone 55+ welcome. Tuesday, January 16 SKY Musical Movement 10 to 11 am at Bowen Court. Ages 55+ at Bowen Court. Wednesday, January 17/Friday, January 19 SKY Walks Meet at the Blue cottage at 432 Cardena Drive at 10:30 am. Wednesday & Friday walks each at same time and place.

Thursday, January 18 SKY Yoga with Diana Sit-Stand Yoga with Diana returns. From 10 to 11 am at Bowen Court, everyone 55+ welcome. Saturday, January 20 French Connections at the Library Drop in and join us to practice your conversational French, and get to know other French language learners on Bowen Island! The focus is on beginner and intermediate speakers. Meets from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Future dates are February 3 & 17, and March 2, 16, & 30. bipl.ca/French January 21-28 Family Literacy Week at the Library Come do our Critter Scavenger Hunt and Family Activity Bingo all week, and join us for a Family Party on Saturday, January 27, from 12:30 to 1:30 pm in the Annex. Find out more at bipl.ca/flw Thursday, January 25 Movie Night at the Library This month’s movie is Rosie (2022). Set in 1980’s Montréal, Rosie is an orphaned Indigenous girl who must live with her reluctant, street-smart artist Aunty Fred and her two best friends who refuse to be confined by gender, finding what they need in a chosen family of glittering outsiders. In English (with some French/English subtitles). Drop-in. Runs 92 minutes. Rated 14-A. bipl.ca/movies TUESDAYS Chair Yoga with Jackie Join Jackie from 1 to 2 pm at Collins Hall for a gentle approach to stretch, breath, alignment, balance, and relax-

ation. Sliding scale $15-20, drop-in or pay for the month in advance. Email jackie.minns@gmail.com for more info. Pizza at the Legion Brought to you by Melanie and Bowen Island Pizza Co. Come enjoy pizza from 5 to 7 pm. Guests & kids welcome! WEDNESDAYS Storytime at the Library A free, drop-in program of stories and songs for 2-4 year-olds and their caregivers! From 10:30 to 11 am. Starts January 17, runs to March 13. bipl.ca/storytime Study Club at the Library A free one-hour drop-in program of quiet study time for high school students. At the Library from 4 to 5 pm. Runs to February 8. bipl.ca/studyclub Bowen Bridge 1:30 to 4:30 pm at Bowen Court. Fee $5 per person per session. Your place must be arranged by email no later than 6 pm on Monday. To make your booking or to seek more information, please email bowcates04@gmail.com Meditation Evenings Every Wednesday night from 7 to 8 pm. Please contact John at 604-506-7197 for more details. FRIDAYS Legion Dinners Dinners held every Friday except for long weekends. $13 for members and $15 for non-members. Doors open at 5:30 pm, with dinner at 6:30 pm. Tickets available for Legion members on Thursdays (purchase at Legion) and at the doors on Friday if tickets remaining.

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Friday, January 12, 2024

A10 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Your Community

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Friday, January 12, 2024

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A11

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A12 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Friday, January 12, 2024

New STR rules would establish primary residence condition CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The municipality currently permits two types of STR use, bed and breakfasts (B&B) which can operate yearround, and residential guest accommodations (RGA) which allows rentals for less than 30 days up to a maximum of 120 days per year. These STR rules were adopted in 2020 in an attempt to regulate an increasing number of short-term rentals on the island. In 2023 Bowen issued 58 licences for B&B and 78 for RGA for a total of 136 STR. This is up from a total of 40 in 2021, with a jump of 57 RGA’s in two years. B&B’s wouldn’t be affected by Bill 35 since someone must live there to operate the business, but RGA’s would be subject to the new rules about primary residences (defined as the owner living there more than half the year). Of these 78 RGA’s the municipality concluded that 44 of them currently serve as the owner’s primary residence, which means they could continue to operate as normal. But 32 are owned and operated by people who primarily live somewhere else, meaning they’d have to cease operation of their RGA activities if Bowen adopted Bill 35. Two properties are in the process of being verified whether the owner lives there or not. During their meeting on Monday council decided to seek recommendations from the Housing Advisory Committee and Community Economic Development Committee, and hold an open house and conduct a public survey before making a decision prior to the endof-March deadline. Based on letters to council received

by Jan. 8, initial response to opting-in to the provincial plan was unfavourable with 13 of 15 letters expressing opposition to the idea. “Just to dispel any consternation in the community, our council doesn’t have any decision on the matter. That’s why we’re looking to go to public engagement and seek public comment on this,” said Mayor Andrew Leonard during Monday’s meeting. “We’re at a place where the STR policy (Bowen’s) as it stands now is up for review.” “My understanding as a community member at a time when that policy first came in is that it was never intended to be the be-all, end-all… policy that would exist for STR. I think we have the benefit now of a couple years of operation, we have the benefit of getting some data, and part of the policy framework as it was established was that there would be a review period, which is what we’re in,” said the mayor. “That review period coincides with what we see from the province, which is taking strong action and has made some strong decisions on housing in the province. It’s consistent with what we’re seeing from the federal government and their language on housing. What this leads to I think is a very good and robust time to have a conversation about what short-term vacation rentals look like on the island, what is it that the community wants to see, what is it that our residents want to see, what is it that our businesses want to see, and what is it that our operators want to see,” continued the mayor. Leonard also clarified the impact opting into Bill 35 would

have, after some letters expressed their opposition to a blanket ban on short-term rentals, which isn’t being proposed. “The province is not looking to ban short-term rentals across the board. The major change that would impact Bowen Island with the provincial legislation is the ability to opt-in to some enforcement and data tools, but also it would impose a principal residence requirement for any RGA on Bowen Island,” he said. “Maybe that doesn’t work for Bowen, maybe it’s a tweak of our existing policy, or maybe our existing policy is fine. But that’s the conversation we’d like to have with the community. We know for a fact that short-term vacation rentals impact housing. To what degree and what direction the community wants to go in, that’s what’s up for debate,” says Leonard. Coun. Tim Wake also commented on some of the early feedback from the community. “One of the things that I’m picking up on in the letters we’re getting is a sense that none of these residential guest accommodations could possibly work as long-term rentals. I hope that the discussion in the survey and in the openhouse is robust enough to look at some of the options. Because for decades a lot of these places have worked as long-term rentals,” he said. “A lot of letters are suggesting business is going to hurt on Bowen if we don’t have these (RGA). Well business is also going to hurt if we don’t have housing for the employees for those businesses. Many of those businesses would be interested in renting… for their staff,” said Wake.

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