Bowen Island Undercurrent April 5, 2024

New principal residence rule for STR operators

Property owners will now have to live at their Bowen residences if they wish to offer them as short-term rentals.

In a split vote at their March 25 meeting, municipal council decided to opt-in to provincial Bill 35, dubbed the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act. The legislation passed last fall was enacted with the goal of creating more long-term rental options for local residents. The new provisions, including a primary residency condition for operating short-term rentals (STR), applied automatically to towns of 10,000 people or more, with the option for smaller municipalities to sign-on if desired.

With a March 31 deadline to opt-in – and enforcement of the new rules beginning Nov. 1 – earlier this year the question was referred to the Community Economic Development Committee (CEDC) and Housing Advisory Committee (HAC) for feedback. A public survey was also conducted and three open houses held.

AllCouncilmeetingsareopen tothepublictoattendin personorelectronically,unless notedotherwise. April8,2024 1:00pm RegularCouncilMeeting

SeekingPublicComment

DVP20240038(SnugCoveHouse) RegularCouncilMeeting 1:00pmonMonday,April8,2024

PROJECTDESCRIPTION:

CouncilwillbeconsideringissuingDevelopmentVariancePermit DVP-2024-0038attheirApril8,2024CouncilMeeting.ADevelopment VariancePermitapplicationhasbeensubmittedfor1082MillerRoad (shownonmap)tovaryanumberofregulationstofacilitatethe developmentofa24-unitseniorshousingcomplex.

Theapplicationseeksavarietyofvariances,including:

• increasethetotallotcoveragefrom55%to72%,

• reducetherequiredsetbackstopermittheundergroundparking area,roofoverhang,elevatorshaft,andcedartrellistoextendinto thesetbacks,

• toincreasetheheightofretainingwallsandfencewithinthe setbacks,and

• reducetherequirednumberparkingspacesfrom14to13.

Varianceshavepreviouslybeenissuedforthispropertyin2020and 2021forasimilarproposal.Asthosepermitswerevalidforaperiodof twoyearstheyhavenowexpired.

MOREINFORMATIONATMUNICIPALHALL:

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

YOURCOMMENTSAREWELCOME:

WrittensubmissionsmaybedeliveredtoMunicipalHallby11:00amon April8,2024,inperson,bymail,byfaxorbyemailtomayorandcouncil@ bimbc.ca VerbalsubmissionsmaybemadetoMayorandCouncilatthemeeting.

Questions?ContactDanielMartin,ManagerofPlanning andDevelopment,byemailatdmartin@bimbc.caor bycalling604-947-4255ext230

TUP20240033(604GraftonRd)

RegularCouncilMeeting

1:00pmonMonday,April8,2024

PROJECTDESCRIPTION:

CouncilwillbeconsideringanapplicationatitsApril8,2024meetingfor atemporaryusepermitfor604GraftonRoad.

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

Theproposedtemporaryusepermitwouldpermitthisuseasalight manufacturinguseforathree-yearterm.ConditionsontheTUP wouldincludethepropertyowner’sundertakingtoremovebuildingat expiryofTUPandcompliancewithenvironmentalconditionsduring construction.

MOREINFORMATIONATMUNICIPALHALL:

MoreinformationavailableatMunicipalHallbycalling604-947-4255 ext230oremaildmartin@bimbc.caandmakinganappointmentto speaktoDanielMartin,ManagerofPlanningandDevelopment.

OfficeHoursareMondaytoFriday,8:30amto4:30pm,excluding statutoryholidays

Additionalinformationavailableonourwebiste:

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning

YOURCOMMENTSAREWELCOME:

WrittensubmissionsmaybedeliveredtoMunicipalHallby11:00amon April8,2024:

• Inperson

• Bymail

• Byfax

• Byemailtomayorandcouncil@bimbc.ca

VerbalsubmissionsmaybemadetoMayorandCouncilatthemeeting.

PublicNoticeofIntent

ToborrowfundstofinancetheSnugCoveWastewaterTreatmentOutfall,subjecttopetitionagainst

Thisisapublicnoticeundersections213and217oftheCommunityCharter.Themarinewastewateroutfallpipe oftheSnugCoveWastewaterTreatmentPlantisdamagedbeyondrepairandrequiresreplacement.Replacingthe outfallpipewillensurethattreatedeffluentwillbedischargedinaccordancewithBIM’spermittodischargeandwill notcompromisethemarineenvironment.ThereareinsufficientfundsavailableintheSnugCoveSewerReserveto fundthereplacement,andthereforetheprojectmustbefundedthroughtheuseofborrowedfunds

Weintendtoborrowupto$1,200,000fromtheMunicipalFinanceAuthoritywitha20-yearmaximumrepayment termtofundthiscapitalimprovement.Theloanwouldberepaidbyacombinationoflocalservicetaxanduserrates IfyourpropertyiswithintheSnugCoveSewerLocalServiceAreaANDisconnectedtoorhaspermissionto connecttotheSnugCoveSewerSystem,youwillbesubjecttoalocalservicetaxforthenext20years.

Theparceltaxperpropertyisallocatedasfollows:

• $850/year

Councilmayproceedwiththisborrowingplanunlessmorethanhalfofthelandownersrepresentingatleast50%of theassessedvalueofthelandandimprovementsthatwouldbesubjecttothelocalservicetax,petitionagainstthe servicebyMay6,2024.

Apetitionagainstisavotingsystembasedonobjection.Ifyouareinfavour,noactionisnecessary.Ifyoudisagree withthisproposal,youneedto“petitionagainst”itbysubmittingaPetitionAgainstResponseForm.Propertyowners subjecttothelocalservicetaxwillhavereceivedaPetitionAgainstResponseFormwiththenotice,viamail.

YoucangetmoreinformationaboutSnugCoveSewerOutfallReplacementLoanAuthorizationBylawNo.626,2024, thefinancingplanandtheOutfallReplacementProjectontheMunicipalwebsite www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/snug-cove-sewer-outfall-replacement-project/ oratMunicipalHall,981ArtisanLane,BowenIsland.

Howtorespondtothisnotice

Ifyouareinfavourofthefinancingplanforthisproject,noactionisnecessary

Ifyouarenotinfavour,youmaypetitionagainstthisfinancingplan:

1. ConfirmyourpropertyiswithinthelocalservicesareaANDisconnected/permittedtoconnecttotheSnugCoveSewerService

2. CompleteaPetitionAgainstResponseForm

3. SubmittheformtotheCorporateOfficerby4:00pmonMay6,2024.

InpersonorbymailtoMunicipalHall,981ArtisanLane,BowenIsland,BCV0N1G2orbye-mailtobim@bimbc.ca

ThisnoticehasbeenmaileddirectlytoallpropertiesintheSnugCoveSewerLocalServiceAreathatareconnectedtotheSewerService,andpubliclypostedasofMarch27,2024. Questions?PleasecontactHopeDallas,CorporateOfficer,at604-947-4255ext229orbim@bimbc.ca.

SeekingPublicComment

TUP20240041(1612JoanAudreyLane) RegularCouncilMeeting

PROJECTDESCRIPTION:

1:00pmonMonday,April8,2024

BIMhasreceivedaTemporaryUsePermit(TUP)Applicationat1612JoanAudreyLane.BIM staffarepreparingtointroducetheapplicationtoCouncilattheirApril8,2024meeting. CouncilmaychoosetosetaformaldatetoconsiderissuanceoftheTemporaryUse Permit.Additionalnoticewouldbesentadvertisingthedecisiondate.

KirstinaMichaux&ConnorLowerhaveappliedforatemporaryusepermittoenable themtooperateaResidentialGuestAccommodation(RGA)businessintheirhouseon thepropertyforathree-yearterm.TheRGAbusinesswouldoccupythewholehouse, foramaximumof120dayspercalendaryear.Thezoneforthisproperty(Area1of ComprehensiveDevelopment18–ArbutusRidge)doesnotpermittheRGAuse,andsoa TUPisnecessarytopermitthetemporaryuse.Councilmayplaceadditionalconditionsor termsontheTUPpriortoissuance

MOREINFORMATIONATMUNICIPALHALL:

InformationavailableatMunicipalHallbycalling604-947-4255ext230oremail dmartin@bimbc.caandmakinganappointmenttospeaktoDanielMartin,Managerof PlanningandDevelopment.

OfficeHoursareMondayto Friday,8:30amto4:30pm, excludingstatutoryholidays

Moreinformationavailable onourwebiste:www bowenislandmunicipality.ca/ planning

YOURCOMMENTSARE WELCOME:

Writtensubmissionsmaybe deliveredtoMunicipalHall by11:00amonApril8,2024,in person,bymail,byfaxorby emailtomayorandcouncil@ bimbc.ca

VIEWPOINTS

EDITORIAL

April Arrives

Hope everyone hadalovelyEasterbreak! It wasgreat to unwind for abit,and basedonthe ferry lineupsoverthe weekend it looked like manypeople choseBowen as the place to do just that. Notabig suprise, given that ourisland wasshininginall its glory, and the ferries were even runningatfull schedule

That’s abouttobethe case permanently again soon, butbesuretonotethatthere’s one morefullday of closures this Saturday, April 6. Then it’s back to ourregular scheduledprogrammingwith afreshlyupgradedterminal.

Aprilhas alot elseinstore aside from a fullferry schedule.Opening dayfor thelocal Fastpitch League takes place on Sunday,April 21with atriple-header of games down at Snug Cove Field. It’s the startofa questfor the Bowentitle,and alsoimportantly whichMVP’s will seetheir pictureinthe papereachweek.

If you liketodance,Johnnyand June Cash will beatthe Legion this month.How theyfound themselves on Bowenisa questionyou’ll need to head theretoanswer. There’salsoa communityCeilidh this SaturdayatCatesHillChapel if folk singingand dancingisupyouralley

Fromevery dance-relatedevent I’ve been to on Bowen, it’s clearfolksgiveittheir all when given the opportunitytobustamove.

Thereismuchmoreinthe weeksahead too, whichwe’ll be sure to keep you updatedon in ourcalendar.Includingthe opening of new retaurantTippy’swhichwe’ll have more on soon, and whichyou’veprobablyseenonits journeytocompletion (nowalmost finished) inthe Cove.Likethe return of BowenSushi, it’s greattohaveever-increasingdiningoptions hereonthe island.

That’s all for nowfolks. Thankyou againto everybodywho submittedand read ourIslandWidepaper and EventPlanner last week.There aresomanyofyou who make thesesubstantial projects possible,and knowing that community supportisthereeachtimetheycomearound isahugesourceof comfortfor

Pope Francis Continues to Support Indigenous Peoples in VaticanConference

Just aweek before Easter, Iwas deeply inspired by being with His HolinessPope Francisinthe Vatican and to witnesshis profound commitmenttoprotecting the climate, natureand the rights and dignity of Indigenous peoples aroundthe world.

Pope Francis’ conference entitled: “Indigenous Peoples’ Knowledge and Sciences –Innovations forResilience to Address Climate Change, BiodiversityLoss, Food Security, and Health”was held March 14-15 in the Vatican’s Pontifical Academy of Sciences –where he personally met with and honored the Indigenous leadersand otherparticipants.

Pope Francis has told us “We should listentoIndigenous Peoples more andlearn from their wayoflife… The contribution of Indigenous Peoples is fundamental in the fightagainst climate change… Iask governments torecognize the Indigenous Peoples of the whole world, with their cultures, languages, traditions and spirituality, andto respect their dignity and their rights.”

In his opening statement to theconference Pope Francisoffered away forward for ourfractured world:“God… calls us today to live outand bear witness to our human call to universal fraternity, freedom, justice, dialogue…love and peace, and to avoid fueling hatred, resentment, division, violenceand

war. Godhas made us stewards,not masters of the planet:all of us are called to… acommitment tosaving our common home…”

Pope Francis’fullstatement and anews article about the conference can be found at press.vatican.va

My ownstatement during the workshop was entitled: “The CriticalRole of IndigenousPeoples in Addressingthe Twin Crises of ClimateChangeand Loss of Nature: How Powerful New Partnerships Between Indigenous Peoples, Faith Communities andScience to ProtectForests CanTurn the Tide”.

This conferencewas just one of many very significant and far-reachingactions Pope Francishas taken during his 11-year termto respectand empower Indigenous peoples

The conclusions ofmyown talk were: Indigenous knowledge, culture,traditions andspirituality are key to avoiding cataclysmic outcomes from the climate and biodiversity crisesand the evidencebasefor this is growingevery year

Securing Indigenous Peoples rights to their lands and resources is essentialfor Indigenous ways of life to be sustained.

This understanding, along with the allocation of substantial support and resources toIndigenous Peoples, has beengrowing stronglyover the past three decades since

the Rio Earth Summit– along with powerful new partnerships among Indigenous Peoples, the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, scientists, philanthropies and governments– and mostrecently: with Religious Communities.

Thisstrengthening of Indigenous peoples constitutes one of the mosthopeful and “game-changing” movements today to generate effectiveactiononclimate and

biodiversity

We can all learn from, and be inspiredby, the visionand courage of Pope Francisand of Indigenous Peoples throughout the world in our collective struggle to protectlifeon our planet.

-Charles McNeill Senior Advisor, United Nations DevelopmentProgramme on Forestsand Climate

Pope Francis addesses Indigenous leadersand manyothers at the‘Indigenous Peoples’Knowledge and Sciences’conference at the Vatican last month. / Vatican photo

If you are heading out to Quarry Park watch out for some new obstacles on the trails. Several trees have gone down along the paths (and even across a bridge too), likely due to the snowstorm at the beginning of last month which was responsible for knocking down trees across the island. Keep an eye out and tread carefully until trail cleanup is complete! / Alex Kurial photos

CowanPointUtility CompanyLtd.

Notice of ApplicAtioN to the comptroller of WAter rights UNder the Water Utilityact ANdthe Utilitiescommission act

NOTICE is hereby givenbyCowan PointUtilityCompanyLtd that an application hasbeenmade to the Comptrollerof WaterRightstoamend the Utility’sCertificateofPublic Convenience and Necessityfor theproposed construction and operationofanextension to the waterworksdistribution system to serve residentsinProposed Lot1 of partofDistrictLot 2448 except PlansEPP55410 and EPP55411, Group 1, NWD as shown on Plan EPP55410 and EPP55411 (west side of ShoreLane)

Anyone wishing further informationabout thisapplication shouldapply directlyto: CowanPoint UtilityCompanyLtd at P.O. Box228, Suite201 –475Bowen Island Trunk Road,Bowen Island,BCV0N 1G0.

Anyobjectionstothisapplicationare to be forwarded to theSecretaryto the DeputyComptrollerofWater Rights by mail to PO Box9340 STN PROV GOVT, Victoria,B.C.V8W 9M1(or by email to Chris.McMillan@gov.bc.ca) andshouldbereceivedin that office on or beforemay 7, 2024.

Is your neighbourhood stilla mess afterlast month’ssurprise snowstorm?

Take advantageofthisone-timespecial funding to help clean up stormdebris in your neighbourhood whilepromoting communityspiritand collaboration amongneighbours. Applyfor agrant of $500 to payfor wood chipping services forstorm debris on private properties

What youneedtoknow:

• 2people perneighbourhood requiredtoact as main points of contactand to organize thechipper andclean-up

• $500grantsavailable on afirst-come, first-served basis

• Amaximum of 2grantsper NERP Zone

• Applications dueby April15

LEARNMOREAT: https://bowenfoundation.com/nsg-spring-cleanup

Emailyourapplication to: nsg@bowenfoundation.com

Bowen looked very different from the early March snow to the late March sun. It will be exciting to see what April holds in store for us. / Lisa Brougham photo (sunset) & Haig Farris photo (snowfall)

February RCMP Stats on Bowen Island

PROTECTING YOURSELF AGAINST POPULAR CELL PHONE SCAMS

BOWEN ISLAND RCMP

Bowen Island responded to 49 calls for service in the month of February:

Abandoned 911

4 Abandoned 911 calls; ranging from pocket dials and children playing with the phone.

Domestic Disputes

Police investigated a domestic dispute.

Missing Person

2 missing person investigation The people were found safe.

Cause a Disturbance

1 report of causing a disturbance. Provided guidance on better life choices. Alcohol was a factor.

Harassment

1 report of harassment.

Property Lost and Found

4 reports of found personal items. Owners

were identified and items were returned to them.

1 Found car key. Unable to identify owner.

1 lost licence plate. Location unknown

1 lost document. Location unknown.

Traffic

2 reports of erratic drivers. Both drivers located and given a warning.

1 report of a collision with injuries. Theft

3 Reports of stolen items. Suspect was identified, arrested and charged.

Suspicious person

1 person wondering, looking for shelter. Assisted and provided support strategy

1 person trespassing at night. Identified and spoken to.

Fraud

3 fraud reports.

Mental Health

6 people reported to be in a mental health crisis. All located and provided with support.

Assist Court

Assist BC Sheriff Services with an arrest warrant.

Assist with service of protection order.

Criminal Records

Processed 3 applications for criminal record checks.

Liquor and Cannabis Licensing

6 liquor licences issued.

Falling victim to Emergency Scams over the phone or by text.

Emergency frauds take advantage of your emotions to rob you of your money. The caller will pretend to know you and go on to say that they are in trouble: car accident, getting locked up in jail, trouble returning home from a foreign country or that they damaged their phone and they need money immediately.

They will also swear you to secrecy, saying that they are embarrassed and don’t want other people to find out what happened. Variations of this ploy features the scammer pretending to be a lawyer or police detective speaking on behalf of your loved one, a neighbour or a family friend in trouble.

Tips to protect yourself:

- Take time to verify the story;

- Do not give in to the pressure to act quickly; If they are asking for your money, they can wait until you verify their identity;

- scammers are counting on you wanting to quickly help your loved one in an emergency;

- ask the person on the phone questions that only your loved one would be able to answer and verify their identity before taking steps to help;

- call the child, their parents or friends to find out their whereabouts;

- never give out personal information to the caller;

- never send money to anyone you do not know or trust.

Whether you’ve been scammed or targeted by a fraudster, you should always report it. By reporting the scam, authorities may be able to warn other people and alert the media to minimize the chances of the scam spreading further. You should always warn your friends and family of any scams you come across.

Bowen Island RCMP: 604-947-0516

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Center: 1-888495-8501

Amonthly open house sponsored by Judi Gedye, BIM councillor and Islands Trustee.

MarriageCommissioner

TheVital StatisticsAgency, Ministry of Health,islooking foranindividualtoserve as aMarriageCommissionerfor BowenIsland. Theindividualwillperform civil marriageswithintheir communityonbehalfofthe Agency. Applicants must reside on BowenIslandinorder to be considered forthisposition.

Forinformation andanapplication form please visit: gov.bc.ca/becoming-a-marriage-commissioner

Housing & Tourism at heart of Bill 35 debate

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Weeks of debate and discussion culminated in last Monday’s meeting, which began with several of the off-island operators making their case against opting-in during public comments. On Bowen, Bill 35 will affect around 32 properties whose owners live elsewhere The bill won’t impact the 44 residential guest accommodations (RGA, a type of STR) where the owners live at the property, or the 58 bed and breakfasts (B&B, another type of STR) on the island. Primary residency is defined by the owner living at the home more than half of the year.

The CEDC advised that Bowen wait a year before considering opting-in, while the HAC advised against it. It was later discovered though that a member of the HAC involved in this decision works as an STR manager on the island, prompting staff to advise council to disregard the committee’s motion. Of the 48 letters included in the March 25 agenda, 30 expressed a desire to opt-in while 18 were opposed.

Manager of planning and development Daniel Martin presented four options to council, including staff’s recommendation of opting into Bill 35. In addition to the principal residency requirement, adopting the bill would also mean the province takes over registration, data tracking, and enforcement of the STR rules – all tasks currently performed by the municipality.

Other options included waiting to see how the new rules play out in other communities and opting-in next year, making their own changes at the municipal level without provincial involvement, or leaving the current STR rules as they are.

Coun. Sue Ellen Fast provided her rea-

sons for opting-in to the bill. “I think this is a one-time chance to gain some control over tourism on Bowen If we don’t opt-in then we’ve got another year of people deciding whether they want to invest or create shortterm vacation rentals on Bowen, when they can’t do it anymore in communities around us.” Nearby small communities including Squamish, Sechelt and Gibsons are included in Bill 35.

“We should be thinking about communities first, not individuals What we heard in the Official Community Plan last time we updated it was that affordable housing was one of the dominant community themes… and that was before the short-term vacation rentals of principal residences came in,” said Fast

Coun. Judith Gedye cited the conduct of some visitors to STR properties when an owner is not on-site, including loud parties and disputes with neighbours. “There’s some very good, responsible operators, and there’s a couple of bad apples. That’s always the situation where the regulations start to kick in,” she said.

One of the major arguments against opting-in was the potential loss of tourist revenue, with many of the owners saying they wouldn’t rent out their properties long-term. Gedye said she doesn’t believe the potential loss of the 32 properties to visitors would have a drastic impact “I don’t accept the idea that if we opt-in we’re going to destroy the economy,” said Gedye.

The councillor added she also doesn’t believe the new rules will force all the off-island owners to sell their properties, addressing another concern expressed by owners should they lose their STR revenue.

A look at how short-term rentals are permitted in other small and large B.C. communities (prior to Bowen opting-in to Bill 35). / BIM chart

“I don’t know that we’re necessarily creating that level of hardship, and I think that’s salesmanship in terms of that argument.”

Favour toward opting-in wasn’t shared around the table though. “I think the people who frequent the STR’s contribute to the viability of businesses on Bowen,” said Coun. Alison Morse, adding she didn’t believe many of the properties in question were suitable for long-term rental use.

Coun. John Saunders said he’d like to see a local solution to Bowen’s rental housing shortage. “I have a lot of confidence that the options that could be considered (by municipal staff)… would be well-considered, and probably really fruitful and useful to us,” he said, expressing his desire to wait until next year’s opt-in period to revisit the topic.

Mayor Andrew Leonard says if Bowen did not opt-in he fears the island will become a destination for off-island investors as one of the last towns in the area without a principal residency requirement for STR use. “While I think our current policy is a good one, it is also less restrictive than many of the other communities that are feeling the pressures of tourism and use of on-island infrastructure.”

The mayor also supported the idea of the province taking work off the hands of municipal staff by conducting registration

and enforcement of STR’s moving forward. Regarding the property owners who would be impacted, Leonard pointed out that more than three-quarters of Bowen’s 136 STR’s would remain unaffected, and that the 32 properties in question have received certain advantages over time.

“I am sympathetic to non-residents who are operating RGA’s in their homes currently. I believe some of my comments in public so far are that those properties are already exempt from the speculation and vacancy tax. Many of those properties don’t carry mortgages, they have appreciated in value incredibly over the last number of decades, and there are mechanisms to offset the cost of carrying those properties that simply aren’t available to folks who don’t have a home to begin with,” said Leonard.

“I think the need is to balance the needs of residents, future residents, and current residents who are being forced to move off the island, with the needs of tourism. I believe this strikes that balance,” concluded the mayor.

Leonard was joined by Fast, Gedye, and Coun. Alex Jurgensen in voting to opt-in. Morse and Saunders were the opposition in the 4-2 vote. Coun. Tim Wake had recused himself from the discussion and vote due to his role as operator of an STR.

CALENDAR

Saturday, April 6

Meditation with Laura

Afree, monthlysittinggroup,Saturdayat10:30 am (please notetime change from the usual 10 am)atBowen Court. Guidedmeditation for 40 minutes,followed by 20 minutes of discussion for thosewho wish to stay.All levels welcome. Laura Quilici hasbeenpracticingmindfulness meditation for over 20 yearsand currentlyservesasBoard Chairofthe BC InsightMeditation Society. Formoreinformation email Lauraatlauq@shaw.ca

Saturday, April 6

FibreArts Guild Fundraiser

BowenIsland FibreArts Guild will be hostingaCleanup Sale and Fundraiser at Collins Hallfrom11amto1pm. Featuring“Fill aBag”and individual pricingoffabric, wool, magazines/books,buttons,felt and much more! Youwon’t be disappointed–wehaveitall!

Saturday,April 6

SKY Mahjong

At the SeniorsCottage on CardenaDrive.RVSPinfo@skyonbowenisland.ca to reserveaseatatthe table. Beginners welcome! 1to3:30 pm

Saturday, April 6

Teen Advisory Group at theLibrary

TAG(Teen AdvisoryGroup) is for teenswho want to make the Librarybetterfor themselves and forotherteens,and get volunteer hourstoo!Dropinfrom1:30 to 3pm. bipl.ca/tag

Saturday, April 6

Judi GedyeOpenHouse

Open housewith BowenCouncillor Judi Gedye. Jeremy Valeriote, GreenParty candidatefor ourridinginthe upcomingprovincial election, askedand Iagreedfor him

to be aspecial guest. Please come and meet him,help him know more aboutBowen, askhim questionsabout his priorities,and howhewould work to representour interestsin Victoria.Collins Hall at 3pm. Everyone welcome.

Sunday,April7

Book Donation Dayatthe Library

Starts at 10 am and runs until volunteers’binsare full (nolater than 12 pm).A volunteerwillpre-screenyour donationswhileyou wait and will accept thosethatmeet donation guidelines.Donorswillneedtotakebackany itemsthatdonot meet the guidelines.Find outmoreat bipl.ca/donatebooks

Sunday,April7

SKYHangouts

Drop inatthe CottageonCardenaDrive:Wewillbe offeringawarmplace to stop in for a coffee, tea and a treat whilevisiting with fellowseniors or friends.From1 to 3pm. HangoutsalsoApril8,9,12, &14, same timeand place.

Monday,April8

SKYMorningsatBowen Court

Stretch&Strength from 9to9:45 am,everyone 55+ welcome. Followed by speaker Carmen Dives, realtor, on Practical Advice on SellingYourHomefrom10:30 to Noon.

Tuesday, April 9

SKY MusicalMovementatBowen Court

With Marc Gawthrop on piano. 10 to 11 am,freefor 55+.

Wednesday, April 10 &Friday,April 12

SKY Walks

Meet at Catholic Church (1111 Miller Road) at 10:30 am.

Saturday,April 13

French Connections at theLibrary

Drop in and join us to practice your conversational French, and gettoknowother Frenchlanguagelearnerson BowenIsland! Thefocus is on beginner and intermediate speakers.Meets 10:30 to 11:30 am.bipl.ca/French

Saturday, April13

MAGGIE

Johnny&June’sRockin’ Roadhouse

Live musicaltribute to JohnnyCash& June Carter Cash

With the BC ThreeatBowen Island Legion from TIME Tickets $25, available at the Legion.

Sunday, April14

Bring Your OwnBookClub at theLibrary

Acasual book club to discuss books you’veread—old andnew, lovedorhated.Get recommendations and meet other book-lovinglocals! Allagesofadults and youth welcome to drop in from Noon to 1pm. bipl.ca/byobook

Friday,April19

Dementia Workshop at theLibrary

Dementia Workshop: DementiaFriends.Weall have a part to play!Small,everydayactions canhelpbuild acommunitythat is inclusive, supportive of and safe forpeople livingwith dementia. Free foreveryone. Registration is required.Pleasecall the FirstLink®DementiaHelpline at 1-800-936-6033 to register to attend. At the BowenLibrary. PresentedbyAlzheimerSociety of BC,withsupportfrom BowenIsland PublicLibrary.

WEDNESDAYS

Storytimeatthe Library

Afree, drop-in programofstories and songsfor 2-4 yearolds and their caregivers!Runs from 10:30 to 11 am.Returns on April10and runs through June 5. bipl.ca/storytime

BowenBridge

1:30 to 4:30 pm at BowenCourt.Fee $5 perpersonper session.Bookbyemail (bowcates04@gmail.com) no laterthan 6pmonMonday. Also email formoreinformation.

Meditation Evenings

EveryWednesday nightfrom7to8pm. Please contact John at 604-506-7197 formoredetails.

SUNDAYS

Open MicNight at Doc’s

Come down to DocMorgan’sand show offyourmusical talents! Allinstruments &singing styles welcome.5to8pm.

ticks being veryactive!