Bowen Island Undercurrent

A fast and heavy snowfall on Sunday evening quickly left most of the island without power overnight and into the following morning

And for many residents the power outages did not end there. While BC Hydro crews arrived on Bowen overnight to begin repairs, and continued to arrive over the next few days, the lights didn’t come back on for many until Monday afternoon and in some cases even until Tuesday or Wednesday. By late afternoon on Wednesday there were no active outages on the island.

The first wave of outages hit shortly before 7 pm on Sunday, with many neighbourhoods and streets losing their power in rapid succession after that. Only the Snug Cove area and small pockets outside of it managed to avoid the disruption completely.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Events

AllCouncilmeetingsareopen tothepublictoattendin personorelectronically,unless notedotherwise.

March 11, 2024

1:00 pm

RegularCouncilMeeting

March8,2024

DVP20240038(SnugCoveHouse)

RegularCouncilMeeting

1:00pmonMonday,March11,2024

PROJECTDESCRIPTION:

SnugCoveHousehasappliedforadevelopmentvariancepermitto enablethedevelopmentofa24-unitseniorshousingdevelopmentat 1082MillerRoad

BIMstaffarepreparingtointroducetheapplicationtoCouncilatthe March11thmeeting Atthattime,Councilmaychoosetosetaformal datetoconsiderissuanceoftheDevelopmentVariancePermit Additionalnoticewouldbesentadvertisingthedecisiondate

Theapplicationseeksavarietyofvariances,includingtothetotallot coverage,requiredsetbacks,heightofretainingwalls,andareduction ofrequiredparkingspacesfrom14to13

MOREINFORMATIONATMUNICIPALHALL:

InformationavailableatMunicipalHallbycalling604-947-4255ext 230oremaildmartin@bimbc.caandmakinganappointmenttospeak toDanielMartin,ManagerofPlanningandDevelopment OfficeHoursareMondaytoFriday,8:30amto4:30pm,excluding statutoryholidays.Moreinformationavailableonourwebiste: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning

YOURCOMMENTSAREWELCOME:

WrittensubmissionsmaybedeliveredtoMunicipalHallby11:00 amonthemeetingdateinperson,bymail,byfaxorbyemailto mayorandcouncil@bimbcca

VerbalsubmissionsmaybemadetoMayorandCouncilatthemeeting

TUP20240033(604GraftonRd)

RegularCouncilMeeting

1:00pmonMonday,March11,2024

PROJECTDESCRIPTION:

BIMhasreceivedaTemporaryUsePermitApplicationat604Grafton Road BowenIslandstaffarereviewingtheapplicationandpreparing tointroducetheapplicationtoCouncilattheirMarch11,2024meeting Atthatmeeting,Councilmaychoosetosetaformaldatetoconsider issuanceoftheTemporaryUsePermit Additionalnoticewouldbesent advertisingthedecisiondate

KiwiInnovationCPMhasappliedforatemporaryusepermitfortheuse ofthepropertyat604GraftonRoadasaHomePrefabricationFacility.

KiwiInnovationwishtoconstructatemporarybuildingapproximately 220sq m (2,400sq ft)inareatobeusedfortheconstructionof prefabricatedhomepanels,comprisingofwoodframingandblownin cellulose Thepanelsareintendedtosupportconstructionofnetzero homestructures

MOREINFORMATIONATMUNICIPALHALL:

InformationavailableatMunicipalHallbycalling604-947-4255ext 230oremaildmartin@bimbc.caandmakinganappointmenttospeak toDanielMartin,ManagerofPlanningandDevelopment. OfficeHoursareMondaytoFriday,8:30amto4:30pm,excluding statutoryholidays.Moreinformationavailableonourwebiste:

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning

YOURCOMMENTSAREWELCOME:

WrittensubmissionsmaybedeliveredtoMunicipalHallby11:00amon themeetingdate:

• Inperson

• Bymail

• Byfax

• Byemailtomayorandcouncil@bimbcca

VerbalsubmissionsmaybemadetoMayorandCouncilatthemeeting

ISLAND NEWS

Fallen trees responsible for many outages

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

And though repairs were underway, the days after the storm even featured several subsequent power outages of their own due largely to trees falling across wires after being damaged by the snow.

Many roads, both main and isolated, were also rendered impassable by the storm But between the work of Bowen’s snow plow drivers and people clearing trees and debris, by Tuesday travel around the island was generally safe again.

The snowfall took down many trees across the island, and also dragged power lines very close to the ground. / Paul Winny photos

This outage map shows that very few parts of the island woke up with their power on Monday morning. / BC Hydro map

VIEWPOINTS

EDITORIAL

Winter’s Last Blast

Just when I was quite sure we’d seen the last of the winter storms for the year, Sunday came in with a vengeance on the snow front. Seeing the cross-island power outages surely made this the most impactful snowfall of the year, and from hearing the responses of veteran Islanders one of the biggest ever too. Sitting here on Wednesday things seem to be a lot nicer outside, and hopefully plan to stay that way as I think everyone has probably had enough of snowstorm season after the last few days.

Big kudos go out to the road and plow crews who worked through the conditions, and the BC Hydro teams who continually cycled over here to eventually restore everybody’s power And to all the individuals who helped shovel, clear debris, cut and remove fallen trees, and anything else to help people impacted by the storm. The offers to assist with supplies or shelter for those who entered a second night without power were very heartwarming to see, and a wonderful reflection of the Bowen spirit when times are tough

Now that we are mostly back to business as usual, a reminder that this Saturday is the last of the scheduled full-day BC Ferries cancellations to accomodate the repair work being done at the Snug Cove Ferry Terminal. No vehicles will be going back and forth, but the water taxi will be running for foot passengers (you can find the schedule on Page 8). The overall project is now scheduled to run into early April, but after Saturday it looks like we are in the home stretch of the work being completed and all of our scheduled sailings returning Be sure to give the calendar a look early as there are some neat events happening on Friday and Saturday this week, including a music concert, storytelling workshop, and choir performance A chance for some fun escapes following a challenging couple of days to start off March Stay safe out there everyone and see you next week!

- Alex Kurial, Editor

#102–495

DEADLINE

is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, art work and photographs

National NewsMedia Council.

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

VIEWS

March Open House

JUDITH GEDYE

Bowen Island Municipality Councillor

This month’s Open House drew about 20 people with questions, mostly about the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) delegation at our council meeting. It’s important, so if you missed it there is a recording of the meeting on BIM YouTube (February 26 Meeting) and Alex Kurial’s write-up in the Undercurrent (March 1, 2024) is a good summary.

Dr. Alex Choi and two of her colleagues discussed the current state of all our water “systems” (two or more hook-ups sharing the same water) and described problems, if any, with each VCH came and spoke directly about their concerns and steps they could take if remedies are not sorted out soon. One big concern was adequate notice to tourists of the health risks with the drinking water in Snug Cove

Questions started with what was the significance of the VCH presentation? First, VCH emphasized that they were a regulator,

monitoring sample test results and issuing licences and permits, and specifically not engineers or land-use planners They have powers to require increased testing, more warnings to be posted in public areas, and to withhold permits for more hook-ups They could issue a boil-water order, but that was described as a “drastic” step

My question to the VCH delegation was about water quality in Grafton Lake and what we needed to do to protect that source. Dr. Choi agreed that was a fundamental question, but it was a community responsibility rather than a VCH enforcement issue.

I mentioned that since the council meeting, I had been told of studies about chemical changes in lakes experiencing low water levels from droughts and over-consumption, with more and longer exposure of mudflats, which led to more oxidation, concentration of chemicals and changing bacterial activity, leading to swampy acidic lakes – potentially changing Grafton to Killarney.

[Note: My information is three or four steps removed from the source and I have no

idea of the validity of the original. This is not intended as scare-mongering but a point for further and better research].

One person was concerned about adding more hook-ups to Grafton Lake with both the Grafton development and Eagle Cliff One comment from Dr Choi had been that VCH could require a functioning treatment plant before allowing additional hook-ups

One person commented that the Islands Trust webinars about their groundwater research were helpful. They suggested developing a water “budget” , starting by accumulating information about existing users and attempting to “map” the size of the aquifer VCH only monitors “systems” (two or more users of the same source) and there are many more single/private wells on Bowen While the underground aquifer likely is the same source for all, it is difficult to monitor total consumption without knowing the draw from those private wells

Ultimately, sharing a finite resource is a world-wide problem with controversy over ownership, equitable distribution and how to regulate. [Note: I’m currently reading Maude Barlow’s “Blue Future” , published 11 years ago and still relevant].

Another question was about the comment VCH made about our many small water districts. Why was that considered a problem? From a community-wide perspec-

tive, with increased droughts, fire risks and increased tourism, there are Island-wide conservation issues.

From an administrative perspective there is considerable repetition and staff time spent working with seven different groups, with changing memberships and varying skill-sets. From a consumer perspective, local knowledge is of huge value BIM staff is working on a proposal for how we might streamline our present system without losing what we value

An over-arching concern is our island’s capacity and our next-in-line major project of an Official Community Plan review was thought to be the occasion where this issue should be discussed When the Islands Trust commissioned a Governance Review one of the consultants was a senior planner who had looked at their land-use planning procedures He stated that while there were on-going, seemingly never-ending, OCP reviews on several islands, both baseline and up-to-date data on capacity was often missing.

Such information was fundamental to good planning – water resources and sewage capacity were primary and other issues around housing density, wildlife protection, infrastructure costs and supports, roads, schools, fire protection would follow CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Barbara Joan (Hendry) Strange born November 8th, 1936, daughter of Charles and Isabel Hendry, passed away peacefully after a long illness on November 12th, 2023.

Devoted and loving, wife to Ron, mother to Michael (Katherine), Anne and Kerri, grandmother to Eric, Tyler, Rachael, Harrison and Morgan, and great grandmother to Jasmine and Lily.

Barbara was a gentle soul who dedicated her life to caring. From her early days working with disabled children, to counselling prison inmates, to strangers on the subway, Barbara always took time to listen and genuinely cared about what others had to say.

From her birthplace in Chicago to NYC and places in between, Toronto, Montreal, Nassau and finally Bowen Island, Barbara adapted and always created warm and welcoming homes, above all else she valued the personal connections she made along the way Barbara’s way of seeing, loving and being was a precious gift for us all.

In celebration of International Women’s Day (March 8) Louise Loik photographed the women of the Bowen Island Conservancy. The group includes (L-R) Nerys Poole, Allie Drake, Ellen Coburn, Joyce Ganong, & Jennifer Hall Loik is also a member of the Conservancy, along with Paula Hay.

Bowen Island Garden Club Presents:

Fred Nilsen on Gardening with Fall and Winter Flowering Plants

Saturday, March 16th

@ 4:30 PM (Doors open at 4:00)

Fred Nilsen, retired director of the Hoyt Arboretum in Portland, Oregon, inspires as he shares examples of fall and winter plants that provide seasonal interest with colorful blooms, foliage, and bark Under Nilsen’s leadership, Hoyt Arboretum significantly expanded its tree collections and removed invasive species, and together with Friends of Trees volunteers, thousands of trees were planted

Bowen Island Library, Annie Woods Annex

430 Bowen Island Trunk Road

Free to club members, $5 admission to all others

Membership info: bowenislandgardenclub.ca

VIEWS Helping Hands

Dear Editor,

Since the fall of 2022, Andrew Leonard has shown himself to be a very fine mayor, a good leader of our very fine council, thoughtful, engaged, asking the right questions before suggesting a way forward.

He’s also a hands-on person, as shown in this photo. Andrew happened to be in my neighbourhood on that Magnificent Frosty Monday Morning (take that Ron Woodall!). I watched with gratitude as Andrew shovelled a hefty load of the white stuff from my front steps

Well, the power was out and my little house chilly, but the sunshine and this act of kindness made the day seem warm

- Pauline Le Bel

Water, Capital Projects, & OCP’s

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

There was a question whether rainwater collection could be mandated for watering gardens, and whether rainwater could be used for other household needs. Collecting water for gardening is each household’s decision and should be encouraged, and a bylaw requiring engineered plans for private filtration systems for drinking water have been approved in other parts of the province (Capital Region, West Van(?)) and BIM could follow suit, but we have not done so, yet

People asked for an update on the Cove Bay Water Treatment plant Much of what council has discussed has been in closed meetings so there is not a lot that can be shared What has been publicly discussed is, first, that the Purifics system is “proprietary” – so it is difficult to bring in another company to correct problems

hands that may have touched the filters during delivery.

Council and staff are discussing the situation in detail with the primary goal to get the system to work. Once working, the Purifics system is designed to treat Grafton Lake water for all the problems described by VCH.

Some pegs at Grafton Lake’s proposed parking lot had changed recently but there were no updates for council to consider on that application. Similarly, there were no reports of any changes to Metro Vancouver’s rezoning application for Cape Roger Curtis

Our OCP review needs broad community attention and Tim Wake reported there were several good applicants for that work One person asked that the process be speedy so that the product not be obsolete before it was adopted. Another suggested developing a process for constant review and updates

There was a question about the recent addition of a large orange tarp on the roof of the Community Centre Tim Wake reported that an independent inspection of the blue membrane on the roof had identified possible water ingress and that the underlying insulation needed to be tested before the final roofing material could be installed.

There was a positive comment about the aesthetics of the siding. I commented that discussions about aesthetics were always wide-ranging

We ended with my observation that Bowen had started the 21st century with more big capital projects (Firehalls 1 and 2 plus new equipment, Health Centre (not a BIM project), Library Annex, Community Centre, Water Treatment Plant) than at any other time since the resort build-out 100 years ago

www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

The Purifics system has two large metal containers with multiple long ceramic filters fitted inside The first installation resulted in damage to the ceramic filters When a second shipment of the filters arrived, there was visible damage to some.

Negotiations have been strenuous and ongoing – but with everyone pointing fingers at someone else – the designing engineer, the product manufacturer, the installers, the many

ommunity

New provincial legislation requires OCP updates every five years The Islands Trust has a project for universal clauses for all Trust area OCPs which might be considered.

There was a question of how we will involve the Squamish Nation in our OCP review process I believe Mayor Leonard has started meetings with the Chief of the Squamish Nation to find ways for meaningful involvement.

We have made huge strides but now we are struggling with keeping up the pace, particularly post-pandemic and with all the economic changes the world has faced Someone commented that it again came down to capacity, this time the financial burden on a residential tax base.

Finally, there was a mix of sadness and thanks that the composting project did not fall to public funding.

Mayor Andrew Leonard clearing a path for Pauline Le Bel following Sunday’s snowfall. / Rebecca Hurst photo

The team at The Inspiring Artist (ages 6-9) collaborated to co-write and co-illustrate a one panel comic. The children infused a fresh perspective into a classic joke, drawing inspiration from the vibrant world of pop art - Sasha Buchanan, Bowen Recreation

NENA

Meet Nena, this beautiful girl always puts a smile on everyone’s face when she comes into the vet. Nena has been visiting us weekly for her Laser therapy Please give us a call if you are interested in our laser therapy treatments for arthritis and pain management.

With plans disrupted by the Sunday snow, Chela Davison used the Monday snow day to get creative and sculpt ‘Grandmother Medicine’. / Rebecca Hurst photo

Amaryllis Bulb Saving Tips from BICS Student Garden Club

SARAH HAXBY

Community School Coordinator / Garden Club Lead

Waxed amaryllis bulbs were a very popular gift item this year during the fall and winter Now that the blooms have faded, many people wonder what to do with the bulbs.

The Bowen Island Community School Garden Club found a few bulbs in the compost and wondered if the bulbs really should be composted? Or could the bulbs be re-used? Under the thick wax students found that the large bulbs were put in a stretchy plastic wrapper that might have been a balloon, they also had a metal wire base pushed into the bottom so the bulbs could rest on a tabletop.

Some of the waxed bulbs also had paint or glitter on them The instruction tag on the waxed amaryllis bulb stated that the bulbs should be composted after blooming.

BICS Garden Club students studied the discarded bulbs and learned that an if an amaryllis bulb is given what it needs (light, some soil, water and nutrients,) that it will follow the lifecycle of most bulbs, providing lovely greenery* and then it will re-grow, and it will rebloom The average lifespan of a bulb is about 25 years, though some families report that they have been growing the same bulbs for 50 years or more!

It is easy to care for, so: don’t compost it! If you don’t want your decorative amaryllis bulbs anymore, then give them to someone

who likes to grow plants at home, so it can be the gift that keeps on giving

How to plant: Start by cutting off the old flower stalks. If a seed pod is forming, that will take more energy away from the bulb Garden Club students started with 3 cm of rocks, 3-5 cm of soil, and pots that weren’t more than 2-3 cm of soil around the bulb

Plant the bulb so the top inch or so sticks up out of the soil. Fill in around the bulb with potting soil, firming it gently. Plant a bulb in a pot that isn’t too big, with potting mix and just a little potting soil on the bottom Water just enough to fully moisten and settle the soil.

For best results, grow your amaryllis in a relatively cool room (60-65 F°) with bright, indirect light. Expert tip: Rotating the pot every few days will help keep the stems straight You don’t need to rotate when they are in the leaf-only stage.

*Some amaryllis will naturally go dormant and lose their leaves, don’t worry, it will come back to life. Some keep their leaves year-round. You can put an amaryllis outside during the warm summer months, but don’t forget to bring them in at the end of summer!

One of the bulbs that the garden club students planted in a pot is now so happy, it is putting up another bud stalk and will bloom again soon! So the BICS Garden Clubs students say: “Don’t throw that beautiful amaryllis bulb away, plant it and let it grow for another day... and possibly for years and years ”

BICS Garden Club Students recently learned about amazing Amaryllis bulbs!

/ Sarah Haxby photo

Muni Morsels: Feb. 26 Meeting

ALEX KURIAL Editor

Covenant Changes

The owners of the Bowen Island Lodge have expressed interest in reenvisioning use of the space, but face an uphill climb to make this a reality.

The property along Cardena Road on Mannion Bay came up for discussion following a meeting between the owners and neighbourhood members late last year During this meeting the owners explained the changes they were seeking would be related to commercial use of the property. Current covenants on the Lodge and all Snug Point properties prohibit the operation of commercial activities

The owners also shared their intentions with mayor Andrew Leonard and chief administrative officer Liam Edwards.

“They presented information that felt very preliminary with a notion they would be talking to the community to potentially – what they termed – reimagine the terms of the covenant on that property,” said Leonard.

“My comments to them were substantially… that the property does have covenants on it, those covenants are about a century old, that the property was purchased with those covenants in place, and it would really be up to them to gain the support of the community and work with their existing partners on the site to figure out a path forward. Barring that, I said the pathway to success on that would be questionable,” explained

the mayor.

No official plan for redevelopment or rezoning has been brought forward to council yet.

Islands Trust Tax Levy

Bowen Island’s required payment to the Islands Trust has once again dropped as the organization continues to finalize their 2024/25 budget.

Early February estimates put the Bowen tax levy at $411,000, an increase of around $65,000 or 18.7 per cent from last year. But by the end of the month Coun. Sue Ellen Fast, a Trustee with Islands Trust, reported the total number had been worked down to $387,000, representing a $41,000 or 11.9 per cent raise.

“It seems like a big number, but it’s a small amount,” noted Fast, explaining Bowen’s tax levy represents less than five per cent of the Islands Trust’s approximately $11 million budget.

Septic Success

A septic covenant has been approved to service the future site of the Bowen Island Community Health Centre on Miller Road. There currently is not capacity for the building in the Snug Cove Sewer System, making the addition of a septic field next to the centre a necessity.

The septic field will be in use until capacity in the sewer system opens up, at which time it will be decommissioned.

In the meantime, the septic covenant will allow the Health Centre to continue moving forward with plans to occupy the space The current estimate for occupancy is later this month

Fairweather flowers still stood tall even after a barrage of snow on Sunday. / Haig Farris photo

CALENDAR

Friday, March 8

Chamber Music Concert

Join the members of La Modestine (Marc Destrubé, Natalie Mackie, Marco Vitale) for an evening of 17th Century Italian style modern music Tickets are $30 each (or whatever you can reasonably afford), payable by e-transfer to destrube@telus net, or cash at the door Please reserve by writing destrube@telus.net with the number of seats required. I will confirm within a day by return email. Show starts at 7:30 pm at the Bowen Public Library Annex

Friday, March 8

Adult Gymnastics Class

Come try out your gymnastics skills for free at the Bowen Island Community School gym. From 7 to 8:15 pm.

Saturday, March 9

Storytelling Workshop

Speak the Spark is hosting a free storytelling workshop at Evergreen Hall, 464 Melmore Street, from 10 am to 1 pm Have a story that’s asking to be told? Come and try it out with us! Please RSVP to main.cat22@gmail.com

Saturday, March 9

SKY Mahjong

At the Senior’s Cottage on Cardena Drive from 1 to 3 pm. RVSP info@skyonbowenisland.ca to reserve a seat at the table. Beginners welcome!

Saturday, March 9

Teen Advisory Group at the Library

TAG is for teens who want to make the Library better for themselves and for other teens, and get volunteer hours too! Drop in from 1:30 to 3 pm bipl.ca/tag

Saturday, March 9

Coffee House/Talent Show

Hosted by the Bowen Island Community Choir, at Cates Hill Chapel at 7 pm.

Sunday, March 10

Book Donation Day at the Library

10 am until volunteers’ bins are full (no later than 12 pm). Please bring good conditioned books to the Library Annex Find out more at bipl.ca/donatebooks

Sunday, March 10

Book Club at the Library

Join us for a casual book club with a twist! Come 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. Noon to 1 pm.

Sunday, March 10

SKY Hangouts

Drop in at the Cottage on Cardena: we will be offering a warm place to stop in for a coffee, tea and a treat while visiting with fellow seniors or friends. From 1 to 2:30 pm. Hangouts also taking place Tuesday, March 12 and Friday, March 15, all at same time and place

Monday, March 11

SKY Strech & Strength

At Bowen Court from 9 to 9:45 am, everyone 55+ welcome. No guest speakers during March!

Monday, March 11

Regular Council Meeting

At Municipal Hall and live on Bowen Island Municipality YouTube channel starting at 1 pm

Tuesday, March 12

Nowruz Scavenger Hunt at the Library

Come play our Nowruz Scavenger Hunt at Bowen Library! Find pictures of Haft-Seen items hidden in the children’s section to discover what they symbolize 10 am to 5 pm

Tuesday, March 12

SKY Musical Movement

Friday,

Free for 55+ at Bowen Court with Marc Gawthrop playing on piano. Runs from 10 to 11 am.

Wednesday, March 13 & Friday, March 15

SKY Walks

Meeting at the Golf Course at 10:30 am. Friday walk at same time and place

Thursday, March 14

SKY Yoga

Yoga with Diana at Bowen Court ($5 fee for non-members free for SKY members) from 10 to 11 am.

Saturday, March 16

Garden Club Speaker Series

Fred Nilsen, retired director of the Hoyt Arboretum in Portland, Oregon, inspires as he shares examples of fall and winter plants that provide seasonal interest with colorful blooms, foliage, and bark. Bowen Public Library Annex, doors at 4 pm and talk at 4:30. Club members free, or $5.

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 relaxation. Sliding scale $15-20, drop-in or pay for the month in advance Email jackie.minns@gmail.com for more info

WEDNESDAYS

Storytime at the Library

A free, drop-in program of stories and songs for 2-4 yearolds and their caregivers! From 10:30 to 11 am Runs to March 13. bipl.ca/storytime

Bowen Bridge

1:30 to 4:30 pm at Bowen Court Fee $5 per person per session. Book by email (bowcates04@gmail.com) no later than 6 pm on Monday. Also email for more information.

Meditation Evenings