There’s four Farmers Markets left this year, and if you haven’t been to the Saturday morning spectacle there’s still plenty of time to stop by. Once Thanksgiving weekend is over, the electric centre of commerce and socializing will head into hibernation until next May. Turn over to Pages 8-9 to find some of the folks who week after week have made this year another success for Bowen’s biggest little market. / Jenni Griffiths photo
PARTY & RIBBON CUTTING TAKES PLACE ON SATURDAY EVENING
ALEX KURIAL Editor
Seniors Keeping Young has plenty of reason to celebrate as they mark three decades of operation and the opening of their new home on Saturday.
The Bowen organization advocates and holds events for seniors (defined as age 55 and up) and has seen a resurgence following the easing of pandemic restrictions. In the last two years membership in Seniors Keeping Young (SKY) has grown from around 30 members to today’s roster of about 140.
“Our mission is the original mission – to improve the mental and physical well being of seniors,” says SKY president Lichen Tilley. “Because there are seniors who are isolated… there are lots of people who need social connection. To make a complete community you need to have seniors involved,” she adds.
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AllCouncilmeetingsareopen tothepublictoattendin personorelectronically,unless notedotherwise.
September23, 2024 1:00 pm RegularCouncilMeeting
PublicWorkswillbepavingthebackyardareasoftheBowenIsland RecyclingDepot(BIRD).ThismeansthatBIRDwillbeclosedfrom Monday,September23toSaturday,September28tobothNookand Recyclingaccess
Garbageandorganicwastewillbepickedupasusualduringthat week.
BIRDwillreopenforonedayonSunday,September29,followedbya closureonMonday,September30forthestatutoryholiday.Recycling resumesasusualonThursday,October3.
Theadministrativeofficewillbeclosedduringthistime.Phone messagesandemailswillbecheckedperiodically
Questions?ContactPublicWorksbycalling604-947-4255ext3or emailingpublicworks@bimbc.ca
BIMhasavacancyforacasualpart-timePlaycareAssistant, supportingoneofBowen’slongest-runningandmostbelovedchildmindingprograms.
Thisjob-sharepositionisapproximatelyeighthoursperweek, withadditionalshiftsavailablefromtimetotime.Readthefulljob descriptiononourwebsiteformoreinformation
Interestedapplicantsareencouragedtosendacoverletterand resumetoKatStephens,HRCoordinator,athr@bimbc.caorin-person atMunicipalHall,981ArtisanLane.
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/work-with-us
TherehavebeennumeroussightingsofacougaronBowenIsland.The ProvincialConservationOfficerhasbeencontactedandtheyadvise takingthefollowingprecautionstopreventhumanwildlifeconflict andkeepourcommunitysafe:
• Childrenshouldplayingroupsandstayinsidefrombeforedusk untilafterdawn.
• Don’tleavesmallchildrenunsupervisedandteacholderchildren whattodoiftheyencounteracougar.
• Keeppetsinsidefromduskthroughdawnandwalkdogsona leash.
• Secureyourgarbageandkeeppetfoodinsidetoavoidattracting preyanimals.
• Hikeingroups,makenoiseandbeawareofyoursurroundings
Reviewmoresafetytipsandwhattodoifyouencounteracougarat: https://wildsafebc.com/species/cougar/
Conflictswithwildlifewherepublicsafetymaybeatriskshouldbe reportedtotheConservationOfficerhotlineon1-877-952-7277.
FireSmartassessmentapplicationsarenowopen
BowenIslandresidentscanapplyforafreeFireSmartassessmentfor theirproperty.Onlyalimitednumberofassessmentsareavailable, andpreferencewillbegiventopropertyownerswhohaven’thadan assessmentbefore.
Onceyou’vereceivedtheassessment,andhavecompletedthework prescribedtoFireSmartyourproperty,youmayqualifyforarebateof upto50%ofeligiblecoststoamaximumof$1000.
TheFireSmartprogramisdesignedtoencouragelocal,self-organized groupsofneighbourstoimplementsolutionsforwildfiresafetyby engagingandsupportinghomeowners,communityleadersandothers insharedeffortstoprotectpeopleandpropertyfromwildfire.
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/fire-smart/
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Tilley attributes some of the rise in popularity to the wide range of programming SKY has undertaken recently. Weekly events now include speaker sessions, yoga, exercising, musical performances, and walks. There’s also been a pair of social teas at the Museum & Archives which have drawn dozens of visitors from all over the community to enjoy food, music and socializing.
Occasional treks, which Lichen calls the “crown jewel” of SKY events, have also seen day trips to Steveston, Granville Island, Fort Langley, and more. This week the group went to Whistler to visit the village and go to the Audain Art Museum. High demand meant that the planned 38-person bus had to be swapped out for a 52-seater.
Linda Hurlburt, now vice president of SKY, is a long-time resident of the island and originally began coming to Monday sessions which involved a speaker, tea, and yoga all on a Monday morning. “I just thought it was the best deal going,” she says.
In addition to organizing their slate of activities and events, SKY is also involved with advocating for seniors needs in the community. This is what originally inspired Tilley to become involved following a discussion of what accessible parking and transportation options would be available to access the new Community Centre.
“I thought I’m going to make sure that seniors have a presence in this community, and this is what we’ve been trying to do,” says Tilley. “We’re trying to help seniors and advocate for them and provide things that they want. And I think we’re being fairly successful in doing that.”
One of those recent successes is the establishment of a new home in the back of the Blue Cottage on Cardena Drive – residents likely know the front of the building as the street-facing home of Tourism Bowen Island. While the space is small, SKY has been hard at work making it their own and hosting gatherings. The group recently scored a success at council by having the municipality, who own the building, approve a plan to renovate their patio and add a pathway.
“You need a lot of publicity, because we’re doing a lot of things and still some people don’t realize that we’re there and we’re a driving force… we’re going to start having a bit of a non-political, political component,” says Tilley. In addition to more council endeavours, she says this will also include an increased involvement with Bowen’s current Official Community Plan review.
For this weekend though it’s a celebration on Saturday evening, running from 5:30 to 8:30 pm and split between the Blue Cottage and next-door Library Annex. Mayor Andrew Leonard will be present to cut the ribbon, and there will be music and a cash bar. SKY is hoping that in addition to having fun, being able to show off their history and a new home will usher in a new wave of membership.
“We’re getting there. People are saying ‘Oh this is great’ when we have the events like the tea,” says Tilley. “Hopefully at the celebration people will come out and say ‘Oh I haven’t seen you for ages.’ It’s this connection that’s really necessary for everybody on Bowen Island but particularly for seniors.”
ALEX KURIAL Editor
An upcoming portion of the Multi-Use Path is proving to be an engineering challenge as the pathway continues to progress across the island.
The Multi-Use Path (MUP) currently runs from its origin point at Trunk Road and Cardena Drive to about 60 metres beyond the entrance to Artisan Lane on the north side of Grafton Road. For the next section up to Charlie’s Lane about 300 metres is set for construction, and needs to start in the next few months to take advantage of available grants, explained engineering director Patrick Graham. Beyond that though the path runs into some geographic issues because of nearby Terminal Creek.
“The rest of the way really can’t be built
on the north side of Grafton Road because of the terrain, it can’t be built through the ravine,” said Graham last week about the path’s current trajectory. “So we do need to realign Grafton Road, that requires some rock removal on the south side of the road and requires more funding than we currently have,” he told council. This work would involve the road being widened by about three metres on the south side to make enough room for the MUP to progress as planned.
Councillors Tim Wake and Alison Morse expressed concern about disruption and cost that this next stretch could produce. Graham said an alternative route had been explored via Connolly Creek and the Cove Bay Water Treatment Plant, but it didn’t turn out to be feasible for several reasons.
“You need to get past the ravine in any case,” he added.
Hi everyone! Hopefully Septemberhas been treatingyou well as we continue to flyalong through the month.Nextweekisour last paper of the month and that means it’s an IslandWide issue. So that alsomeans we hope to once again seeall of yourwonderfulstories,photos, letters, or anythingelseyou think Bowenneeds to knowabout.Calendar entries arealways welcome toosothat people don’t missany of theisland’s hottest events!
Another reminder toothatwehaveaprovincial election comingupinabout amonth Early in Octoberthe Undercurrent will have acandidateprofile feature, similar to the municipal one we ranwith mayor, council, and school boardcandidates in 2022.If youhavesome Bowen-specific questions you’d liketosee ourthree nominees tackle as theyseekthe West Vancouver -Sea toSky seat, pleasefeelfreetosharethem and we’ll work on includingthem in the questionnaire. (I suspecttheremay be one or twolocal questionsabout howthe winner would addresscurrent issues with BC Ferries...) If youare keen on the environmentand have some time to zip over to Squamish in afew weeks, the trio is also meetingfor adebateonthat topic,and is invitingdistrict residents to come by.You canreadmoreabout that eventonPage6
It’s afull calendar for the week ahead too, so be sure not to missthe back page of this issue.You’veprobablyalready read aboutthe SKYfestivities takingplace Saturday night, and the nextweekalsoincludesa coupleof speakerevents, the opening of thenew dental centre, and thereturn of severalfall programsatthe Library. If you pickthe paper up beforeFridaynight, there’sseveral youth eventstakingplace on the 20th whichyourkid (and some adults too) mightbeinterestedin. Checkemout!
Seeyou nextweek, and lookingforward to what everybodyisuptoas weheadintofall!
-AlexKurial, Editor
THE WRITE STUFF. TheUndercurrent encourages reader participation in your community newspaper.You must include your fullname and adaytime phone number (for verification only). Theeditorreservesthe righttoeditfor clarity,legality, brevityand taste.Pleaselimit tounder 500 words. HERE’S HOW:Tosubmit aletter to the editor,fax 604-947-0148 or mailittoPOBox 130, BowenIsland,BC, V0N1G0 or email editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
Canada: $85 including GST Newsstand (Single Copy)$1.50 per copy,includingGST ISSN 7819-5040
All Advertising and newscopycontent arecopyrightof the Undercurrent Newspaper.All editorial contentsubmittedtothe Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication. TheUndercurrent is not responsible forunsolicited manuscripts,art work and photographs.
National NewsMedia Council.
TheUndercurrent is amember of theNational NewsMedia Council of Canada, whichisanindependentorganizationestablishedtodeal withacceptable journalisticpractices and ethical behaviour.Ifyou have concerns about editorial content, please email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com or call 604-947-2442. 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.
Sunday featured perfect weather to take part in one of Canada’s proudest traditions, the Terry Fox Run. This year was the 44th edition of the run and participants on Bowen - including local RCMP Officer Paul Towne - took on a 2 km trail starting at Collins Hall. Inspired by Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope, the run has raised more than $900 million toward fighting cancer since its inception. / Pam Matthews photos | Elsewhere on Sunday, Ron Paley captured a glistening shot of the USSC Marina following a hike of Dorman Point Trail.
LAUDRUM, Mathew James December 5, 1984 -August 6, 2024
Mathew James Laudrum passed away peacefully at NorthShore Hospice in the early morning of August 6th, 2024, after along, hard-fought battle withabrain tumour.Matt is survived by his mother, SandraLaudrum (Brady McNamara),twin brother MichaelLaudrum (Rebecca Laudrum),brother Jaseon Laudrum (BrigitteLaudrum), partner Moira Steward, aunt LeanneLaudrum and his many nephewsand cousins.
Matt grewuponBowen Island and started at a youngage workingwith George Helanius as an excavator operator,perfecting his craft and going in to contribute tothe Sea toSky Highway Improvement Project and Port Mann Bridge project and spent the final years of his career working forTwin Island Excavation. He volunteered with theBowen IslandFire Department forjust over 10 years and heldthe title of SafetyOfficer before taking leave due tohis illness. He took great pride in all the work he did.
We thank everyone who supported Mattthrough the years with donations tothe GoFundMe organized in 2021 by Basia Lieske and through the Credit Union.A special thank you to Moira, who supported him through the hardest of times, caring for him at home and staying withhim every day during his last two weeks in hospice. Thankyou also tohis doctors and nurses and his many friends who werealways there tohelp.
Acelebration of life willbeheldatthe Bowen Island Legion on September 28th from 12:30pm -4:00pm. Light snacks will be provided. We welcome you to join us in remembering the joy Matt brought to our lives.
JEN FORD FROM BC NDP,JEREMY VALERIOTE FROM BC GREEN PARTY, AND YURI FULMER FROM THECONSERVATIVE PARTYOF BC WILL SHARETHEIR VIEWSON KEYENVIRONMENTALISSUES
INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY
Squamish Chief
Aprovincial election candidate debate focused onthe environmentiscoming up, and Sea to Sky voters are invited toattend.
Voters in theWest Vancouver-Sea to Skyriding,which includes BowenIsland, are invited totake part in anature and climate candidate debate on Oct.7,hostedbyCanadian Parks andWilderness Society, British Columbia (CPAWSBC).
Held at the Eagle Eye Community Theatre at HoweSound Secondary School in Squamish, thedebatewill seecandidates JenFordfromBCNDP,Jeremy Valeriote from theBC Green Partyand Yuri Fulmer from the ConservativeParty of BC sharetheir views on key environmental issues
The meeting will not be live-streamed.
“Polling reaffirms that theresidentsofthe Sea toSky valuestrong environmental policies that will expand pro-
Jeremy Valeriote, JenFordand Yuri Fulmer (L-R) are all running to be the next MLA forWest VancouverSeatoSky,and willall be togetherfor adebateinSquamish on October7./File photos
tected areas, addressclimate change and ensure sustainable managementofnatural resources to safeguardour shared futures,” CPAWS-BC conservation director ToriBall said in apress release
YouthfromtheCPAWS-BCYoungLeadersinConservation Programwill be developing and asking specific questionsto candidates. Therewill be timeallottedfor audiencequestionstoward theend of the panel.
“Itisreally inspiring to see youth taking an activeinterest in ourlocal elections, as it is the youth thatwillbring thecourage, innovation, leadershipand drive to create the futurethat we envision for ourselves,” program participant Hailey Boehner said.
“A healthyand resilient environment thatis protected for future generations and supportsbothcommunitiesand localbiodiversity, is imperative to this future,” she said.
Fellow program participant EllikaCairns said it was an exciting opportunityfor youthinthe region to engage directly with candidates
“I know many young people have concerns about environmental and climatepolicies, and howtheywillimpact our future,” Cairns saidinthe release
“Here in the Sea toSky,weare directly impacted by rising sea levels, wildfires,flooding, severe weather events, and other effects of climate change. Strong environmental policies that aim tomitigate and adapt tothesepressures are imperative to ahealthyfuturefor all of us.”
Doorswillopenat6pmand the event will begin at 6:30 Food from Luz Tacoswillbeprovidedfollowing the debate. Attendees are encouraged to reserve aseat viaEventbrite,asonly alimited number of seats will be held for walk-ins.
BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH Sunday Mass at 9.30 Contact Angela Powell 604-947-2515
CATESHILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661Carter Rd.)
SHIRATHAYAM (Songofthe Sea) BOWEN’SJEWISHCOMMUNITY Shabbat Gatherings ~Holidays Sunday Worship10:30 am Rev.Lorraine Ashdown www.biuc.ca |1122 MillerRoad 778-688-2061 OFFICEHOURS WEDNESDAY10-4ORBYAPPOINTMENT Contactaryana.rayne@gmail.com •www.shirathayam.ca
JOYCE GANONG
Contributor
My Mother’s Quilt is a treasure; each stitch a commemoration and celebration of Canada in 1967, Canada’s Centennial Year.
It was designed and created by the St. David’s A.C.W. Quilters’ Guild in Powell River, along with a friend from Burnaby. They entered their quilt in the PNE Fair It won first prize. The Centennial theme was the designated entry theme, “Canada from Sea to Sea”. The legend for their quilt reads:
CENTERED IN THE BLUE PRAIRIE SKY A BLAZING SUN EXTENDS ITS RAYS ACROSS FLOWERING MEADOWS, ROLLING HILLS, FORESTED SLOPES AND SNOW CAPPED MOUNTAINS –TO INCLUDE FOAM TIPPED OCEAN WAVES –IN CANADA OF 1967
Doreen Sprague, a member of the quilting group, expressed the design of the quilt in her poem:
From Sea to Sea
From sea to sea let it be known How great our Canada has grown. The forests tall, the valleys low Majestic mountains topped with snow. Her rolling hills, her fertile plains, ‘O Canada, we sing again.
British Columbia’s dogwood white, Alberta’s wild rose bright, Saskatchewan’s orange lily bold, Manitoba’s crocus now unfold, In gay profusion let them reign: ‘O Canada, we sing again.
Ontario’s white trillium fair, Quebec’s madonna lily there, Prince Edward Island’s lady slipper pink, New Brunswick’s violet, Nova Scotia’s mayflower link, Newfoundland’s pitcher plant remains: O’ Canada, we sing again.
The Northwest Territory’s aven seed, The Yukon’s flaming fire weed; Our Maple Leaf forever flies Beneath our free Canadian skies.
One hundred years we have attained: O’ Canada, our wide domain.
Imagine the tight fabric of friendship that was woven as the women gathered around their king-size quilting frame, hand quilting and hand embroidering with such exquisite stitches. Their conversation would have reflected their lives spanning from birth in the early 1900’s through two wars and a depression, to the hopefulness brought by peace and the birth of their children.
Strong women, every one of them; the backbone of Canada, and they honoured my mother with the gift of their quilt along with their lifelong friendship.
The Quilters’ names as embroidered on a separate cloth:
Margaret McKnight, Dorothy Merifield, Doreen Coe, Jean Blank, Ruth Large, Joan Patrick, Bette Baxter, Edith Slade, Margaret Clark, Florence Pelly, Eilleen Galloway, Elizabeth Northey, Lorna Harvey, Lilian Bond, Amy Fleury, Marion Crooks, Bella Oliver, Anne Rourke, Esther Lowe, Mary McKnight, Amy Bull, Mabel Steeda, Betty Vernon, Dorothy Bond, Mary Carlson, Jessie Morgan, Mary Ladner, Marge Belyea, Eunice Harper, Edith Pickard, Elsie Allsopp, Chris Marchant, Gladys Embree, Doreen Sprague, Joan Shemming, Nora Berry, Lina Chambers, Isabel Faulks (my mother), Winifred Bell, Molly McLaren.
Ganong with
Saturday mornings at Bowen Island Community School have been bustling with activity for the past few months thanks to the Bowen Island Farmers Market. From food and drink to music and of course all of the vendors and visitors, it’s been a hive of community gathering and creativity as residents, and lots of visitors too, explore the wide range of crops and crafts from talented Islanders The last market of 2024 is coming up on Saturday, October 12, and will feature some special items including cider and the always favourite pumpkin pies Be sure to check one of the markets out before they pack up for the year, and in the meantime enjoy some of the many friendly faces who have helped to make the event a hit all season long. / Farmers Market photos
c o z y u p co zy up
Meet the lovelyJamie!Jamie is thesweetest little thing! She adoresher Dad and always greets him withlotsofloveand affection when he gets home from work.Jamie recently cameintoBowen Veterinary Services aftershowing signs of discomfort and the teamwas morethanhappytosupport her so thatshe can getback to being herbest self!Don’t hesitatetobook in withone of our Veterinarians if your furry-baby is in needofsome extrasupport
Friday, September 20
SK8 Day
Bowen Recreation breaks out the ramps, rails, boxes, and wedges at Fire Hall #2 (West Side). Get your shred on! All ages welcome but kids under 10 need an adult with them Helmets are mandatory. From Noon to 2:30 pm
Friday, September 20
Island Pacific School Homecoming
New event to welcome our students back to school and to invite the broader communities of Bowen and the North Shore. We’ll be trying to encourage our alumni students and families back each year, but particularly this year which is our 30th year! Drop by IPS between 4 to 7 pm
Friday, September 20
Youth Equinox Party
Get together at the Youth Centre to celebrate the Fall Equinox. Food, music and fun will be had. This is a great opportunity for younger and older youth to be introduced to the Youth Centre and what it has to offer. Free event from 4 to 9:30 pm, more info at bowencommunityrecreation.com
Saturday, September 21
Garden Club Speaker Series
Bowen Island Garden Club presents Will Husby who will be speaking about the Bowen Island Conservancy’s Caring for Nature Initiative. Talk from 1 to 3 pm, doors at 12:30. Collins Hall, free for club members otherwise $5.
Saturday, September 21
SKY 30 Year Anniversary
Come celebrate with SKY! SKY’s 30th anniversary party and official opening of the Seniors Cottage - the community is invited to an exceptional evening with ribbon cutting by
our Mayor, plus convivial conversation with friends, melodic music, ambrosial appetizers and a curated cash bar! From 5:30 to 8:30 pm at the Blue Cottage and Library Annex
Sunday, September 22
Tree Guilds Workshop
Help your fruit trees to thrive Free workshop with Lisa Holland, Permaculture Designer at Grafton Commons Garden (across from Grafton Lake). Runs from 10 am to Noon. Register at bowenfoodresilience.ca
Sunday, September 22
Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED Course
A blended online and in-person First Aid course offering lifesaving first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills for the workplace or home Participants must complete an online course prior to the in-class session on Sept 22. The interactive online class will take an average of 3-4 hours Runs 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at Bowen Island Community School. More info online on Bowen Rec website.
Sunday, September 22
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. bipl.ca/byobook
Sunday, September 22 (& other dates)
SKY Hangouts
Drop in at the Cottage on Cardena Drive. We will be offering a welcoming 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 Sept 23, 24, 25, 27.
Monday, September 23
Rotary Speaker Series
Edward Wachtman, head of the Neighbourhood Emergency Response Program, on the history of the NERP on Bowen Island and future plans At Artisan Eats at
7:30 pm Everyone is welcome See bowenrotary.com for more information.
To Monday, September 23
All the Pretty Colours at the Hearth
Art exhibit featuring oil paintings from Michael Epp. Tuesday, September 24
Community Integration & Career Services at Library
Drop in to see an Community Integration Service specialist and/or a WorkBC Career Advisor. Community Integration specialists help people access financial, housing, and health supports, government programs, disability assistance, and more. The Career Advisor helps with resumes, cover letters, interviewing, job searches, job market and education advice. From 11 am to 2 pm. bipl.ca/workbc & bipl.ca/CIS
Saturday, September 28
Bowen Island Dentist Open House
Come see the new Bowen Island Dental office and meet the wonderful team from 1:30 to 3 pm. Located in Suite 101 - the ground floor of Bowen Health Centre at 1037 Miller Road. Light refreshments will be served.
WEDNESDAYS
Storytime at the Library
A free, drop-in program of stories and songs for 2-4 yearolds and their caregivers! Starts September 25 and runs through December 11. bipl.ca/storytime
THURSDAYS
Join the Thursday Art Group (TAG) at Collins Hall to see what’s new. Meetings from 9 am to Noon. For further information contact Shannonrondeau@shaw.ca
SATURDAYS
Farmers Market
The Bowen Island Farmers Market runs 10 am to Noon Come say hi to all the vendors and check out all the food, crafts, clothes, & more at Bowen Island Community School.
