May 3, 2024 Bowen Island Undercurrent

Upgrade timeline for Service Yard

The municipality is moving forward with plans to upgrade the Public Works Service Yard.

The Carter Road site became the focus of attention last year when several health and safety and environmental issues were highlighted at the location. These included the presence of rats and mold inside the main work building, and contaminated soil and groundwater in the yard itself.

“As you are aware the current service yard is not adequate. It’s well past the end of its life and doesn’t meet operational needs,” said director of engineering Patrick Graham at the April 22 council meeting while presenting a report on next steps.

“The most pressing occupational health and safety issues have been addressed by putting a temporary trailer on the site for lunch room and office space, so that staff don’t have to spend their time in an infested space. So that’s good,” he added. The service yard is home to 10 full-time employees and an additional two in the summer.

Events

AllCouncilmeetingsareopen tothepublictoattendin personorelectronically,unless notedotherwise.

May 13, 2024 1:00 pm RegularCouncilMeeting

May 20, 2024

MunicipalHallclosedforstat holiday.

PublicNotice

2024ParcelTaxRollReviewPanel

MunicipalHall,CouncilChambers Wednesday,May8,2024at2:00PM 981ArtisanLane,BowenIsland,BC V0N1G2

TheParcelTaxRollReviewPanel,inaccordancewithSection204of theCommunityCharter,S.B.C.2003,c.26willconsideranddealwith theParcelTaxRoll,andislimitedtoareviewandcorrectionofthe AssessmentRollsasto:

• Anerrororomissionrespectinganameoraddressontheparcel taxroll;

• Anerrororomissionrespectingtheinclusionofaparcel;

• Anerrororomissionrespectingthetaxableareaorthetaxable frontageofaparcel;and/or

• Anexemptionthathasbeenimproperlyallowedordisallowed.

TheParcelTaxRollReviewPanelwillnothearanappealunlesswritten noticehasbeenmadetotheCollectoratleastforty-eight(48)hours beforethetimesetforthefirstsittingoftheReviewPanel,nolaterthan 2:00PMonMonday,May6,2024.Ifnorequestsforcorrectionsare received,thepanelwillnotmeet.

The2024ParcelTaxRollandLocalAreaServiceTaxRollswillbe availableforinspectionatMunicipalHallduringregularofficehours of8:30amto4:30pm,MondaytoFriday,commencingApril24,2024or uponwrittenrequesttobim@bimbc.ca

LocalServiceTaxBylaws:

• BowenIslandMunicipalityBluewaterParkParcelTaxBylaw641, 2024

• BowenIslandMunicipalitySnugCoveSewerParcelTaxBylaw No.642,2024

Requestscanbemadebymail,handdelivery,emailorfaxto:

KristenWatson,Collector BowenIslandMunicipality 981ArtisanLane,BowenIsland,BC,V0N1G2 Email:bim@bimbc.ca Tel:604-947-4255x8 Fax:6049470193

SnugCove Water Interruption

Monday,May6,8:00pmtomidnight

Crewswillbeperformingnighttimemaintenanceworkonthewater supplylinesinSnugCoveandnearbyareasonMonday,May6 between8:00pmandmidnight.Mosthouseholdsandbusinesseswill experiencetemporarydropsinwaterpressurebutinsomeareasthe pressuremaydropcompletely.Weapologizeforanyinconvenience thismaycauseandthankyouforyourpatience.

Pleasesetasideenoughdrinkingwaterforurgentusetolastforthe durationofthewateroutage.

Questions?PleasecontactPublicWorksat604-947-4255ext4 www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/snug-cove-water-interruption/

TUP20240041at1612JoanAudreyLane RegularCouncilMeeting 1:00pmonMonday,May13,2024

PROJECTDESCRIPTION:Councilwillbeconsidering anapplication toenablethepropertyat1612JoanAudreyLanetobeoperatedasa ResidentialGuestAccommodation(RGA)businessinthehousefora three-yearterm.

Thezoneforthisproperty(Area1ofComprehensiveDevelopment18ArbutusRidge)doesnotpermittheRGAuse,andsoaTUPisnecessary topermitthetemporaryuse

Theapplicantsintendtocontinuetouse1612JoanAudreyLaneastheir principalresidence,buttomaketheentiredwellingavailableasashorttermrentalwhentheyareawayfromtheirhome.

MOREINFORMATION: Seeourwebsiteformoreinformationat: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning

YOURCOMMENTSAREWELCOME:

Pleaseforwardanycommentsorquestionsby11:00amMay13,2024to MayorandCouncil@bimbc.caormailtoBowenIslandMunicipality,981 ArtisanLn,BowenIslandV0N1G2,orattendtheCouncilMeetingat1:00 pmMay11,2024toprovidecommentinperson.

Allcommentsreceivedwillformpartofthepublicrecordandwillbe consideredbyCouncilintheirdeliberations

Questions?ContactDanielMartin,ManagerofPlanningand Development,byemailatdmartin@bimbc.caorbycalling 604-947-4255ext230.

Water Restrictions

AsofMay1,Stage1oftheWaterConservationGuidelinesis recommendedformostMunicipalwatersystems.Severalwater systemshavebeenfacingcriticalshortagesandareundergoing improvementworks.Inthemeantime,moreadvancedstagesare recommendedforBluewaterPark(Stage3),KingEdwardBay(Stage2) andEagleCliff(Stage2)watersystems

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/water-conservation/

March RCMP Stats $3 million yard project

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Long-term however the site will need to be fixed and enhanced for full operations to continue Graham explained the current location is the best place to do this, highlighting its central location, correct zoning, and existing connection to all utilities Other areas explored – the secondary Public Works Service Yard on Salal Road or the Old Fire Hall – lacked several important components, such as utilities or yard space.

Graham’s ask of council was to approve $27,612 to obtain the design and value engineering necessary to create a full design and build proposal (DB proposal) for the project. This work will be carried out by Liberty Contract Management (LCM) – known on Bowen for their construction of the New Fire Hall – with the goal to retain LCM for the final build as well.

The project will involve

building a new works building and garage, along with cleanup of the contaminants at the site. LCM has estimated the work to cost somewhere around $3 million, give-or-take $150,000 on either end depending on certain details of the structure’s layout.

“This is a project that has to get done,” said mayor Andrew Leonard, noting that capital renewal and replacement costs are expected to almost double over the next five years. “A lot of those roadworks and public works projects are going to happen out of that service yard, which right now is falling apart.”

Council unanimously decided to move ahead with the design and value engineering stage. A decision on the much larger project amount could return to council this summer, and if approved would see the upgrade likely begin in 2025.

BOWEN ISLAND RCMP

Bowen Island responded to 53 calls for service in the month of March:

Abandoned 911

2 abandoned 911 calls.

Assault

2 reports of assault.

Missing Person

5 missing person investigations The people were found safe.

Cause a Disturbance

3 reports of causing a disturbance.

Property Lost and Found

1 Found backpack; returned to owner

Traffic

2 reports of erratic drivers.

1 expired driver’s licence.

1 vehicle collision; minor injuries.

1 suspected impaired driver

2 impaired driving investigations; charges laid.

Theft

1 Report of theft.

Provincial HousingBill44

Land Use Amendment Bylaw No. 653, 2024

RegularCouncilMeeting

1:00pmonMonday,May13,2024

CouncilwillbeconsideringaFirstReadingtoconsiderAmendmentBylawNo.653,2024.

WHATISTHISAMENDMENTABOUT?

AsrequiredundertheProvincialBill44:HousingStatutes(ResidentialDevelopment) AmendmentAct,2023,themunicipalityisamendingtheLandUseBylawtopermit secondarysuitesinanyzonethatpermitsadwelling.BylawNo.653wouldpermit secondarysuitesintwelvedifferentzones.Theamendmentisalsotoincreasethe maximumsizeofattachedsecondarysuitetobeconsistentwiththemaximumsizeof detachedsecondarysuites.

MOREINFORMATIONATMUNICIPALHALL:

TheapplicationmaybeviewedatMunicipalHallbetween8:30AMand4:30PM,Monday throughFriday(excludingstatutoryholidays)orontheMunicipalwebsiteat www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning

YOURCOMMENTSAREWELCOME:

WrittensubmissionsmaybedeliveredtoMunicipalHallby11:00amonthemeetingdate inperson,bymail,byfaxorbyemailtomayorandcouncil@bimbc.ca VerbalsubmissionsmaybemadetoMayorandCouncilatthemeeting.

TheCouncilMeetingwillbeheldinpersoninCouncilChambersandonlineviaZoom.

Questions?PleasecontactDrewBakken,IslandCommunityPlanner,bycalling 604-947-4255ext233orbyemailatdbakken@bimbc.ca

Suspicious occurrences

1 strobe light floating in the water off of September Morn Beach; deemed to have fallen overboard from a cargo ship. No one was missing.

2 abandoned vehicles; owners identified and contacted.

Fraud

3 fraud reports; phone scams.

Mental Health

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

Animal call

1 report of person getting bitten by off-leash dog.

1 vehicle struck a deer.

Assist Court

Assist with service of subpoena.

Criminal Records Processed 5 applications for criminal record checks.

Liquor and Cannabis Licensing

1 liquor licence issued.

IN LOVING MEMORYOF

MAY26| 2024 |2 P M JANICE SKEELS

60 0R IV EN DEL LD R

We will be gathering to sharesomefavourite memories &stories, to laugh, to cry &toremember abeautiful personwho is dearlymissed.

VIEWPOINTS

#102–495 BowenTrunk Road, PO Box130, BowenIsland BC,V0N1G0

Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148

to PO Box

All Advertising and newscopycontent arecopyrightof the Undercurrent Newspaper.All editorial contentsubmittedtothe Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication. TheUndercurrent is not responsiblefor unsolicited manuscripts,art work and photographs.

National NewsMedia Council.

TheUndercurrent is amember of the National NewsMedia Council of Canada, which is an independentorganization establishedtodeal withacceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour.Ifyou have concerns about editorial content, please emaileditor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com or call604-947-2442. If youare not satisfied with the response and wishtofile a formal complaint, visit the websiteatmediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 foradditional information

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REV. LORRAINE ASHDOWN

Bowen Island United Church

What a wonderful evening we had on Saturday, April 20 as we gathered to pay tribute to our apple tree and raised funds to help in caring for the tree’s past and future.

Thank you to everyone who came out and gave generously of your hard earned cash.

Thank you to the performers: Bob Doucet, featured here, along with:

Jude Neale (read by Yours Truly);

Church Apple Tree says Thank You Community Choir Spring Concert

The Threshold Singers - Suzanne Allan, Soorya Ray Resels, Kathy Clarke, Julie Rogers, Liz Watson, Lorraine Ashdown, Erica Thiessen, Jack Resels; Colleen Addison; Suzanne Allan; The Chillbillies (missing our beloved mando player, Dyan Spear); Bruce Steele; Ellen’s Ensemble - Julie Rogers, Anita Schuller, Suzanne Allan, Susan Munro, Wendy Alexander, Diane Sutherland, Lorraine Ashdown; Ellen Macintosh; Laurie Beesting; Peter Clarke;

Peter McLean.

And thank you to Lynn Williams, Helen Wallwork and Sheila McCall for holding down the concession; to folks who brought amazing treats and goodies; to Liz Watson, MaryAnn Zakreski and other anonymous donors who gave to the silent auction; to Wendy Alexander who was at the door receiving your generous donations.

And to the audience!

You were fabulous and attentive and it was a joy to be with you for a few hours on a Saturday night.

A special thank you goes out to Heather Coulthart who spearheaded all details related to our tree’s past, present and future. Heather arranged for babies of the tree to hopefully flourish and be planted next year and she donated a lovely tree for the auction. Thank you Heather. None of this could have happened without your steadfast efforts and eye for detail.

Thank you all for your generosity. I am thrilled to say that we raised approximately $2,000. What an awesome tally! If you still feel moved to donate to our Tree Fund, you can easily do so by sending an etransfer to biucfund@gmail.com

We are blessed to live in this generous, big hearted Community.

JANET ROSS

Bowen Island Community Choir

Spring has sprung! And the Bowen Island Community Choir is springing back into joyous vocal action at their concerts again!

After months of practice polishing their repertoire, they are ready to share a fun program that will celebrate the return of light and warmth to our lives.

Come out on Saturday, May 11 at Cates Hill Chapel to hear your Bowen friends and neigbours (and perhaps Kermit?) perform a variety of of classics, jazz, pop and retro arrangements, directed by Ellen MacIntosh, accompanied by Sheilagh Sparks, and guest musicians, Cam Stevens, Peter Clarke, and Angela Rudden. You won’t regret it!

Tickets are available at Cates Pharmacy. for performances at 2 and 7 pm.

Bob Doucet entertains a full house at Collins Hall. / Lorraine Ashdown photo

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Judi Gedye April Open House

JUDITH GEDYE

Bowen Island Municipal Councillor

I usually write my reports of the discussions at my Open House right after the meeting, but as Georgia Nichols explains, Mercury’s been retrograde for a month or more, and that’s the only explanation I can think of for my endless computer malfunctions.

Jeremy Valeriote came to my Open House on April 6 to meet with Bowen islanders He is the Green Party candidate for the Sea to Sky riding in the upcoming Provincial election (October 19, 2024). He is an engineer by training, lives in Whistler, and was on council in Gibsons. Ten years ago, when he became a parent to twins, one of whom became seriously ill, he focused his passion on a healthy environment.

He was a candidate in the last election, when Jordan Sturdy won by a tiny majority, after a recount. This time he hopes to narrow the gap and get to the Provincial legislature. He has started campaigning early so that he can visit more people, have more discussions and learn more about the issues of importance to this riding.

He was asked about Woodfibre LNG and highlighted the recent news of U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to pause approvals of new LNG projects in the U.S. because of the health impacts on communities near these facilities. The under-reporting of “fugitive” methane gases creating worse pollution than carbon dioxide; expensive public subsidies that could be better spent; and concerns over the environmental impacts of tanker traffic in Howe Sound were the focus of some of the comments.

A conversation about Crown land and the health of our forests was next. Bowen remains on logging industry maps but there is no long term plan - either from the Province or locally - which considers large scale logging on Bowen. It was suggested that we need to create a Bowen specific plan and work to convince the Province to have us removed from any clear-cut scenarios.

A “community forest” management plan might be a possibility, although there are constraints and complications. As an island, we are a contained ecosystem with forests in the middle and surrounding us, compared to other areas with “outbacks” inhabited by wildlife. Similarly, while we are part of the Islands Trust’s “preserve and protect” mandate, that level of government cannot override any provincial mandate. “Community forest” plans typically do not change “allowable cut” numbers, and industry standards do not encourage selective or low impact logging.

We need more research on our water management needs; a detailed inventory of areas of old-growth, windfall and more dangerous fuel “clutter” that could be cleaned up to reduce wildfire spread; and areas with the greatest impact on tourism. Previous work on this subject could be updated and discussions encouraged - not a simple yes/ no discussion but needing to reflect today’s more complex parameters: the overarching issue of unceded territory and First Nation land claims; Firesmart improvements; increasing drought conditions and general forest health; time and resources necessary to do any work.

Other communities are grappling

with the same issues, finding interesting solutions and are worth researching (Squamish, Mission) If not a “community forest” plan, are there other models or one unique to Bowen or the Islands Trust which could be developed? Like many conversations on Bowen, there were strong opinions shared and special thanks to Chris Arnold-Forster for keeping that conversation on an even keel. I sincerely hope we, as a community, can dig into this subject area in depth. There was a suggestion that it might be a topic explored in the upcoming Official Community Plan review process.

There was a short question about Provincial housing legislation and the implications of Bill 44. However, since there were four councilors at the meeting, which amounts to a quorum, there was a shuffling of chairs and Alex Jurgensen stepped out while Sue Ellen Fast and I explained our Motion for council to consider asking the Province to keep us on the same footing as other islands in the Trust (i.e. exempt) and Tim Wake explained what he understood the implications of the increased density intentions of the legislation meant for Bowen. There has been a letter to the Minister asking if, as the only Municipality in the Trust, our separation from the other islands, and the Trust mandate, had been considered.

Questions about council business continued, and Sue Ellen offering to leave and for Alex to return, to keep the meeting informal. The questions were about the increasing expenses for both the Snug Cove sewage treatment and Cove Bay water treatment.

Future planning and maintenance of our basic infrastructure needs (water and sewage) in all parts of the island are under intense scrutiny and while we have all enjoyed the “affordability” of Bowen until now, there are upgrades and repairs - many considered urgent and very expensive - that need to be examined.

Our commercial village and surrounding neighbourhoods are particularly hard hit, and overall there are increasing reports of lack of affordability and average income earners moving off. Again, it was hoped these capacity issues would be carefully considered in the OCP review process.

The issue of capacity triggered mention of Lions Gate Hospital and the growing population it is expected to serve.

Jeremy Valeriote’s campaign manager, Jatinder Sidhu, was also at the meeting, and mentioned that his wife’s view as a family physician on the North Shore is that adequate funding for primary care, and an emphasis on disease prevention, would relieve pressure on acute care (hospitals) and save money. [Bowen’s new health centre is poised to help with those issues].

There was general mention of the need to document problems as they arise and bring them to the attention of the Minister of Health, Adrian Dix, and to raise the issue as an election priority.

An hour passes so quickly, and by the time you read this it will be time for the next: May 4 at 3 pm at Collins Hall. Everyone welcome and there will be cake - you can help me celebrate 76, as in trombones leading the big parade! See you all then.

Queen vs. Green Folk Festival back to usher in Spring

MICAELE FLORENDO

Contributor

Spring is a time of lingering crisp nights and morning frost mixed with flower buds beginning to form; it’s known for mixed weather: sleet or rain-showers couped with the returning sun’s warmth with increasingly longer days.

One can almost feel the sense of community optimism in-bloom as the weather improves… but how can we truly know that the winter is behind us? The age-old battle of the Winter Queen and Spring Green, of course!

The Green Man festival was a uniquely Bowen-quirky, old-British-Isles-folk-inspired local tradition that was brought to this island originally by the beloved Reverend Shelagh MacKinnon and brought to life by a large crew of local volunteers. The Green Man festival ran in various formats and with a variety of elements for several years in various iterations throughout the Cove.

This festival was remembered fondly by many youth of Bowen Island, who, last year

decided to reimagine, reinvent, and reintroduce the festival to Bowen Island!

The return of the event was proposed by a group of local youth with Archer (Hannah) F. in the lead. When Archer and friends were discussing what their favourite pre-pandemic Bowen memories were, many of them said it was the Green Man festival; they strongly feel that bringing back this community event is a way to bring back the sense of community spirit, as well as instill community involvement in the next generation.

By taking the lead role in this event, the youth want to rebuild community connections within their generation and celebrate in a way that uniquely reflects the community they live in. Simply put they want to bring back a sense of joy for the youth and to share it with the whole community in an inclusive, accessible, no-charge, free and fun fashion.

The have renamed the festival: Queen vs. Green, to highlight the key feature of the interactive play: the battle between the armies of Spring green and Winter icicles. Mark Saturday, May 18, 11 am to 1 pm-ish

There were lots of memorable scenes at last year’s Green Man Festival, including the age-old battle between Ice Queen and Green Man, with appearences from the May Queen and Town Crier. A Maypole dance was also part of the fun. / Alex Kurial photos

on your calendar to experience the Queen vs. Green reimagined: a festival by youth, for youth.

The event is an all-ages interactive theatre event with community participation and activity stations for youth that can accommodate around 100 youth and adults to jump in and participate in the day in a play with a set cast and helpers. The core crew is approximately 10 teens to provide the structure as the Buds of Spring battle the Icicles of Winter followed by a traditional Maypole dance!

To bring this traditional folk tradition back, there is a need for a few more volunteer youth to help, especially with decorations, activity stations, face-painting, set-up, and for people in the community to dress up in their best medieval/folk attire, to don wreaths of ivy and flowers and come down to the new stage beside the Hearth Gallery and Bowen Island Public Library. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Archer’s mum by email at

mmaddison@hotmail.com

Both the Bowen Island Public Library and the Hearth are supporting this event, as well as funding from the Bowen Island Community Foundation, community contributions, and a passel of supportive adults including Shirley Wrinch, Liz Nankin, musicians, and various former Green Man festival organizers who are acting as support and mentors.

“The Hearth Arts on Bowen supports the return of the Green Man Festival - a wonderful community event from and for our local youth. This festival brings art in all its forms to our community, celebrating our cultural identity on Bowen Island. And provides mentoring for the youth organizing this event, enabling them experience in planning a large festival,” says Jami Scheffer, executive director of the Hearth.

So, Bowen Island: which team are you on? Show up in blues and whites, or greens and flowers on May 18 at the new stage in the Cove.

FASTPITCH

Brewingupabig win

THANK YOUFOR RECYCLINGTHIS NEWSPAPER.

ShortstopRandyPoulinand CatcherIishan Cruz had plentyofsmoothswingsinthe Brewers 10-2 win over theTwins. Randyhit a2-run home run and reached base twice, while Iishanracked up a4-hit outing and reachedbase in all 5plate appearances.Cruz also tallied 2RBI’s and 2runs.

PlacesofWorship

BOWEN ISLAND UNITEDCHURCH

Mass at 9.30 Contact AngelaPowell604-947-2515

Tuesday night’s matchup featuredthe Brewers for the second week in a row, this time goingup against the Twins at Snug Cove Field. It was also the second week in arow the game overlapped with the Canucksplayoff game, with bothTuesdays now resulting in losses for the home hockeyteam. Hopefullythereisnever a crucial Game 7onthis day of the week

Whilethings didn’t go greatacrossthe waterat Rogers Arena, on thisside of thesound thenight belongedtothe Brewers, who hit double digits in a 10-2victory over the Twins. Thesquad gotouttoa 1-0 lead in the 1stinning when James Strang broughthome Iishan Cruz,and held the lead throughout the game. Next inning it wasthe bottom of the order continuallycrossinghomeplate as Patrick, Pete,and Calvin touchedall the basesto increase the Brewerslead to 4-0. Pete Scottwas also the startingpitcher forthe Brewers, and went 4total inningsgivingupjust1run, 3hits, no walks, and 2strike-

DEPART BOWENISLAND 5:20 am -exceptSundays 6:20 am 7:30 am 8:35 am 9:40 am 10:50am 12:00pm 1:10 pm 2:55 pm 4:00 pm -exceptWednesdays 5:10 pm 6:15 pm 7:25 pm -exceptSaturdays 8:30 pm 9:30 pm 10:30pm

outs,including back to back inningswithoutallowing a baserunnertoclose outhis nightonthe mound.

Connor McLeod took over pitchingduties followingPete’sdeparture and enjoyedsimilar success. He allowed just 1run over the final3innings and gave up only 3hitsand 2walks. Back at the plate, the Brewersreallyblew things open in the 5thinning when RandyPoulin sent a SteveBaskerville pitch over the fenceincenterfield to scorehimself and James. Nowwith 8runs through 5, the team addedanother runineachofthe final innings to hit 10, the double digit scorecomingona single by Calvin to bringhome Pete,who hadreached on atriple

We’renow about2weeks into the youngseason, with action taking place every Tuesdaythrough Friday nightinthe Cove.The days ahead featureCruisersvs. Twins on May3,Diggers vs. BrewersonMay 7, Shakers vs.CruisersonMay 8, and Twins vs.Diggers on May9.All gamesstartat 6:30 pm

DEPARTHORSESHOE BAY 5:50 am 6:50 am 8:00 am 9:05 am -except Wednesdays. 10:15 am 11:25 am 12:35 pm 2:20 pm 3:30 pm 4:35 pm 5:45 pm 6:50 pm 8:00 pm -except Saturdays 9:00 pm 10:00 pm

Squamishcouncildefeats WLNG floatelTUP —for now

ANDREW HUGHES

TheSquamish Chief

Squamish council defeated the temporary use permit application for Woodfibre LNG’s worker accommodation dubbed the floatel, though it doesn’t seem quite overjustyet.

Aweek after apublic hearing at Brennan Park Recreation Centre that saw at least 200 attendees, Squamish council ultimately defeated issuing aoneyear temporary use permit (TUP) with anoption for renewal for the floatel from Woodfibre LNG (WLNG) by avote of 3-4. Councillors Lauren Greenlaw, Chris Pettingill, Jenna Stoner and Andrew Hamilton were the votes in opposition at the April 30 meeting.

However, the process wasn’t so simple, anditwas noted several times thatvia the procedurebylaw, any of those who voted in the majority of the motion or the mayor may return amotion for reconsideration within 30 days.

About 25 people were in attendance at the meeting, some holding signs denouncing the WLNG project and several WLNG representatives. The floatel is arefurbished ship,the MV Isabelle,thatwould house approximately 600 workers. It was proposed to be moored at the WLNG site inHowe

CABINET

Sound,about seven kilometres away from Squamish’s downtown.

At the startofthe meeting, amotionto reject theTUP application was brought forward. Thoseoncouncil ultimately defeated themotiontoreject by avoteof3-4, with Mayor ArmandHurford andcouncillors John French, Andrew Hamilton,and Eric Andersenopposed.

Duringthis motion,Greenlaw said she still had too many concernstoapprove thefloatel.

“I stillhavesignificant concerns pertaining to thefloatel thatmustbeaddressed prior to anyconsideration of issuance in the interest of communitysafety,” she said.

Stoner said therewas notenough information to supportthe permit application as is

Hamiltonnoted thathewanted to hear from colleagues beforemakinga decision, andalso relayedsomeconcerns.

Ultimately, thevote to reject the applicationfailed.

Notably, within the TUP, WLNGwould have been required to pay a$2million security deposit.Hamilton asked if they could increase that amount to $10 million, but the senior director of community development,Jonas Velaniskis, said doing so would trigger the application togoback to apublichearing, and therefore, they

could not simply change that amountat this time.

Next, amotion was brought forwardto issue aone-year TUP with an option to renew foruptothree years.

Hurfordsaid thatthis option wouldallow a trialperiod of sorts, wheremore informationwould be understood andtosee the plans from WLNG implemented. By only issuingfor oneyear, he said councilcould ultimately decide not to keep using the floatel, if needed.

“Trust needs to be earned,” he said of WLNG.

In support, French reiterated that the project is currentlyunderconstruction and hasthe approvalofthe Squamish Nation, and federal and provincialgovernments.

“Denying this permit is not going to stopthe project that’s currently under construction,” he said

When comments came back around to Hamilton,hesaid the current security deposit wastoo lowfor his approval.

“The size of the security depositisaconcern to me.I thinkwehavea responsibility to ensure some accountability for our community,” he said.

Themotion to issueaone-yearTUP subsequently failed.

The failureofthe one-yearTUP motion means the application wasdefeated.

HANK

It was notedthatthose in majority vote Greenlaw,Pettingill, Stoner and Hamilton —orMayor Hurford could bring the motion back for reconsideration within30days via the procedure bylaw. There was some backand-forthbetweenDistrict of Squamish staff and council about what thatmeant,but no furthermotions were offered on April 30 on the matter.

Pettingillasked if stickingwiththe decision prevented the council from having a committeediscussionabout asolution,and Hurford said theywould be allowed to have such ameeting

Hurford said council was “likelytohear more about” the matter going forward.

The Squamish Chief askedthe WLNG representatives who were in attendance at the meeting for acomment, but theydid not offer one.

Tracey Saxby, the executive directorof My SeatoSky,anorganizationthathas campaigned against the project for years, commended the council forits decision, though she said she was still processing what happened.

“I’mreally pleasedthatcouncilhas taken the time to reconsider thisapplicationand recognize that alot more information is required before thisfloatelTUP can be approved,” she told The Squamish Chief afterthe meeting.

Meet Hank!This gentle giantgets aton of double takes and compliments for what ahandsomefella he is! Hank came into theclinic to get support forsuspected seasonal allergies that weremaking lifemore difficultthan it needed to be. Tisthe season forpollen!Ifyour pet seemstobehaving allergy symptomsgiveusa call to book in with oneof ourVeterinarians to explore howwecan support your furrybuddy back to feeling liketheir bestself.

CALENDAR

Friday, May 3

Canucks vs Predators Game 6

The Canucks faceoff against the Predators in Nashville with a 3-2 series lead and a chance to clinch the first round matchup Vancouver won both Games 3 & 4 in Nashville Start time TBD. If Nashville wins, Game 7 will be on Sunday in Vancouver. Watch with fans at either the Bowen Pub, Bowen Legion, or Doc Morgan’s, all showing the games.

Friday, May 3

Ladies Madrigals Sping Concert

Cates Hill Chapel at 7:30 pm Lynn Williams will direct the Ladies Madrigals choir in a selection of seasonal songs.

Saturday, May 4

SKY Mahjong

Come play Mahjong at Seniors Cottage on Cardena Drive from 1 to 3 pm. RVSP to info@skyonbowenisland.ca to reserve a seat at the table Beginners welcome!

Saturday, May 4

Artist Reception at Catching Stars

May’s Feature Artist Jilly Watson will be at Catching Stars Gallery. From 2 to 4 pm, on the patio w/ light refreshments.

Saturday, May 4

Judi Gedye Open House

Join Councillor Judith Gedye for discussion and treats at Collins Hall at 3 pm. Find out more on Page 6.

Saturday, May 4

As I Roved Out

Bronwyn Churcher visits Bowen as the Bardesse to take the audience on a musical journey through time At Tir-nanOg Theatre at 7:30 pm, tickets available on eventbrite.ca or at the door on performance night.

Sunday, May 5

Book Donation Day at the Library

Starts at 10 am and runs until volunteers’ bins are full (no later than 12 pm). A volunteer will pre-screen your donations while you wait and will accept those that meet donation guidelines Donors will need to take back any items that do not meet the guidelines. bipl.ca/donatebooks

Sunday, May 5 (& other dates)

SKY Hangouts

Drop in at the Cottage on Cardena Drive: 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 3 pm Hangouts also May 7, 8, & 10, same time and place.

Monday, May 6

SKY Stretch & Strength

From 9 to 9:45 am at Bowen Court. Everyone 55+ welcome, no speaker this week

Tuesday, May 7

SKY Musical Movement

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

Wednesday, May 8 & Friday, May 10

SKY Walks

Meet at the Golf Course on Beach Drive at 10:30 am.

Thursday, May 9

SKY Annual General Meeting

Come to the SKY AGM at Bowen Court (1070 Miller Road) at 9:30 am Email info@skyonbowenisland.ca for more info

Saturday, May 11

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 bipl.ca/French

Saturday, May 11

Community Choir Concert

The Bowen Island

Community Choir will perform their Spring Concert at Cates Hill Chapel, with two chances to catch the show! Performances are at 2 and 7 pm. Tickets at Cates Pharmacy or at the door, $25 or $15 for seniors and kids under 12 years old.

Sunday, May 12

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 bipl.ca/byobook

Saturday, May 18

Queen vs. Green Festival

Experience the traditional folk battle between the forces of Winter & Spring, reimagined by Bowen youth. From 11 am to 1 pm, check Page 7 for full details

WEDNESDAYS

Storytime at the Library

A free, drop-in program of stories and songs for 2-4 yearolds and their caregivers! Runs from 10:30 to 11 am Runs through June 5. 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

Every Wednesday night from 7 to 8 pm. Please contact John at 604-506-7197 for more details

THURSDAYS

Babytime at the Library

A free, 1/2 hr drop-in program of songs, books, & rhymes for babies 0-18 months & their caregivers! Starts 11:30 am, join us afterwards, at 12 pm, for a casual baby & caregiver social hour bipl.ca/babytime

Community Arts CoordinatoronBowen Island

Fulltimeposition: includes weekends and some evenings MidJune to MidAugust.

Application deadline: May24that5 pm

Please forwardcovering letter and resumebyemailto hello@thehearthartsonbowen.ca

Canada SummerJobs program:

Must be between 15 and 30 years of age,isa Canadian Citizen, permanent resident or person on whom refugee protection has been confirmed.The Hearth supportsthe EmploymentEquityAct.