FLYING SKY HIGH Seniors Keeping Young (SKY) celebrated their 30th Anniversary on Saturday night with a ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening of their new home at the Seniors Cottage on Cardena Drive. Mayor Andrew Leonard did the honours, and was joined by SKY members including President Lichen Tilley (middle) and many others who gathered for the occasion. The seniors organization has been going strong in recent years with programs, activities and outings, and now with a permanent home will continue to look at increasing both their offerings and memberships. / John Hazell photo
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Ferry performance focus of Bowen talks with province
ALEX KURIAL Editor
Bowen took its most pressing issues to the province last week during the Union of BC Municipalities.
The week-long annual event offers municipal governments the chance to have meetings with provincial ministries and organizations to explain issues and developments in their communities and, ideally, leave with a plan of action to address them. This year’s UBCM came with some uncertainty though since next month’s provincial election has the potential to upend the current government and replace key players at the discussion tables.
As expected, a leading topic at the meetings was the performance of the BC Ferries route between Snug Cove and Horseshoe Bay. A meeting with the Ministry of Transportation made clear that the now-common sailing delays on the Queen of Capilano are not going unnoticed. “The ministry said, in not so many words, that they believe Bowen Island is the worst ferry service in the system,” said Mayor Andrew Leonard at council this week.
Stunning sunset views over Pasley Island and beyond.
Two bed, two bath, 2,264 sf, 0.27 acre.
Events
All Council meetingsare open to the public to attend in person or electronically,unless notedotherwise.
September 30,2024
Statutoryholidayfor Day of Truth and Reconciliation
October 32024
BIM closedfor Emergency Preparedness Training
October 7, 2024
3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Snug Cove Design Guidelines Open House @Library Annex
Municipal Hall will be closedonMonday, September 30, 2024 for DayofTruth and Reconciliation andonThursday, October 3, 2024 for Emergency Preparedness Training.
Everyyear staffundergoin-person Emergency Operations Centre training to ensurewe’repreparedinthe event of an emergency event on the island. Thursday,October 3, will be an all day workshop and will befollowedbyahalf day table top exercise later in the month.
We’rehiring: PlaycareAssistant
BIMhas avacancy for acasual part-time Playcare Assistant, supporting one of Bowen’slongest running and most belovedchild minding programs
This jobshareposition is approximately eight hours perweek, with additional shiftsavailablefromtimetotime.Read the full job description on our websitefor moreinformation.
Interestedapplicantsare encouragedtosend acover letter and resume to KatStephens,HRCoordinator,at hr@bimbc.ca or in-person atMunicipal Hall, 981 ArtisanLane.
BIM’s Mayor,Counciland CAOattendedthe UnionofBritish ColumbiaMunicipalities AnnualConference last week. In additionto workshops,dialogue andpresentations, Council met withProvincial Ministers,Ministrystaffand external organizations, such as BC Ferries, to strategize,gain advice andadvance issues thatare important to islanders
Saturday CLOSEDfor paving Sunday OPEN9:30 am to 2:20 pm Monday CLOSEDfor statholiday
BowenIslandRecyclingDepot (BIRD) returns to regular hours from Thursday,October 3.
Tourism Bowen Island seeks financial help for Visitor Centre
ALEX KURIAL Editor
Tourism Bowen Island is asking for increased assistance in order to continue operating the Visitor Information Centre in the Cove.
The tourist association, working under the umbrella of the municipality, is a common sight in Snug Cove during the summer. Operating out of the Blue Cottage and a mobile kiosk, members of Tourism Bowen Island (TBI) meet visitors coming off the ferry and provide them with information, places to explore on the island, and answer questions about Bowen. The Visitor Centre is generally open from Victoria Day weekend through Labour Day weekend.
The Centre is funded by a fee-for-service agreement with the municipality which has provided $20,000 per year over the past five years for operating costs. But with minimum wages rising in the province and more visitors coming to the island each year, TBI says this benchmark isn’t enough.
“This agreement is unfortunately no longer viable for Tourism Bowen Island to function,” said TBI chair Liz Nankin during a presentation to council on Monday. Along
with executive director Jody Lorenz, the pair explained that many of the grants available during the pandemic are no more, and that the association needs to unlock new paths of revenue. Options included increased funding from the municipality, or the ability to draw money from the Municipal and Regional District Tax Program (MRDT) if Bowen were able to sign on to the program.
Mayor Andrew Leonard acknowledged the work of TBI as the frontline workers assisting tourists each summer, both on normal days or in emergencies such as when BC Ferries unexpectedly cancelled half-a-days worth of sailings on a long weekend last year. “I think one of the reasons why this discussion is so long and why discussions on tourism are so spicy in the fall is that we’ve just been through a heavy duty tourism season. We hear that from residents and everybody. It’s certainly exacerbated by BC Ferries and how they’ve been servicing the island,” said the mayor.
“I just want to appreciate Tourism Bowen Island’s role in managing the traffic down there… and honour the importance and value of that work to the municipality.”
Leonard said both increased funding for TBI in next year’s budget and pursuing the MRDT option were options which would be discussed further.
Tourism Bowen Island’s mobile kiosk is one of the first things visitors to Bowen see after disembarking at Snug Cove Terminal. / TBI photo
Following the ribbon cutting to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Seniors Keeping Young, guests headed inside to the Library Annex to enjoy some music, snacks, and socializing. / John Hazell photos
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Signs of a Bowen Election Season
BETTY MORTON Letter Writer
It’s election season and my email holds daily solicitations to post a candidate sign. This morning the Greens argue with earnest concern that their approach to political signs will be ecologically sound and encourage positive community discussions. Their idea to host a sign-making workshop using recycled materials and engaging kids and families. I give them points for creativity.
I remember my first election season on Bowen. It’s when I learned about the “no signs” convention. Each party was allotted one sign (possibly with a size restriction?) to be placed at four corners in the Cove.
Who told me about it? Is it in the Newcomers Guide? Was it a Bowen Forum discussion? Over the fence advice from a neighbour? Whatever the origins, today’s electoral parties are clearly flummoxed by Bowen’s “no signs” concept.
Why do campaigns engage so energetically in sign competitions? Are we meant to cheer for our party as we inch our way down
the Taylor Way chute on our city commute? Is the number of signs the indicator of popular sentiment that should convince me to jump on the train? A celebration of the party with the greatest financial means to slather our neighbourhoods with plastic portraits in party colours?
Are elections like hockey games? Each of us cheering for “our side” despite who the players are or what they stand for?
Whatever the roots of Bowen’s unusual political sign convention, it’s one of those controversial things like ferry marshalling and tourists that make this an interesting place to live.
When I first moved to Bowen, I was advised that all important conversations on the island happened at the Pub. The Bowen Forum was in full swing giving locals a virtual platform to organize, complain and advertise events and services.
Now, multiple interest-based Facebook groups allow us to enter conversations
according to our own schedules. Often there are markedly different opinions backed by passionate beliefs. Yet, we’re mostly self-moderating.
Curiously, I haven’t seen a BC election conversation yet on Bowen Everything Else. It strikes me that the “no signs” convention might reflect a deeper, commonly held thinking that exercising our right to vote is a personal choice of conviction, pragmatism or allegiance. Perhaps, as a community, we don’t embrace the need to turn choices about government leadership into a game of sparring titans?
I often hear that “Bowen is changing” and wonder how we would know that? One indicator might be the day we notice election signs popping up around our neighbourhoods. Until then, I’ll hold to the intuition that beneath our differences, “no signs” might reflect a commonly held sense of caring for the people that live here.
So far Bowen has avoided going the way of mainland municipalities, such as West Vancouver, when it comes to campaign signs. / Stewart Prest photo
A Heron takes in the final hours of summer earlier this week at Cape Roger Curtis. / Lisa Brougham photo
Pet Blessing Service for any and all animals
REV. LORRAINE ASHDOWN
Bowen Island United Church
Every year around this time, Bowen Island United Church invites the Community to join us for our Pet Blessing Service.
Please mark your calendars for Sunday, October 6 at 10:30 am. This is a chance to bring your dog - on leash; cat - in a carrier; bird - in a cage; or other beloved creature to receive a blessing and to be thanked for being such a loving and beautiful and loyal life companion. And, they will receive a
treat if it passes pet owner approval. Join us as we celebrate World Animal Day and we honour the Patron Saint of animals and the environment - St. Francis of Assisi.
We are at 1122 Miller Road. All are welcome. Always.
From poet Mary Olivers’ collection of poetry “Dog Songs”
Percy Percy, the Shakespearean retriever, thinks that the best part of the day is not the morning or afternoon,
EVERYVOTECOUNTS
— VOTEGRE EN FOR REAL CHANGE
In thelastelection(2020):
. Vote strategicallyand vote with your heart, vote BC Greens.
but the hour after supper when the humans sit around and talk and laugh and sometimes cry. He lies on the floor, ears alert, tail thumping gently, and listens. He doesn’t understand the words, but he knows the tones of sorrow, of joy, of dismay. He knows the sound of love. And when the talking stops and the humans rise to do the dishes or to stroll outside into the starry night Percy gets up, stretches, and follows.
For he knows that wherever they go he will be nearby to comfort them, or to share in their delight.
Pet Blessings at Bowen Island United Church have become an Autumn tradition. / Submitted photo
Community Foundation seeks fresh ideas for Neighbourhood Small Grants
RICHARD SMITH
Bowen Island Community Foundation
We lead busy lives. We work hard and sometimes commute long distances. We have families to care for and errands to run. Who has time to connect with neighbours?
The benefits of connecting with one’s community are significant; when neighbours know and trust each other, people are healthier and happier, our children do better in school and in their social development, and community members support and look out for one another in times of stress or emergency.
Your Bowen Island Community Foundation’s Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) program is based on a simple but powerful idea — that everyone is a valuable member of the community and that we all have something to share. NSG empowers community members to put their ideas into action by providing grants up to $500 for projects that make neighbourhoods better places to live.
Some examples of our NSGs from this past year: Bishop’s Hill Community Enhancement Bus Shelter Project by Laura FitzGerald; Spa Night/Offers and Needs Market (for Moms!) by Ashley Kwon; Support the Bees by Emiko Ando; Calming
Traffic on Miller Road by Nova Pon; Speak the Spark Storytelling Workshop by Catriona Main; Fruit and Nut Tree Pruning Workshops by Elaine Cameron.
See these and others at https://bowenfoundation.com/rnsg-project-stories-and-photos/
A neighbourhood is so much more than a geographically localized area. It is the place we call home, where our children play, and where we have the most invested financially and emotionally.
Building community increases our health and happiness, reduces social isolation, and builds networks of care for people who could use our help.
Do you have a great idea that will connect and engage neighbours? How about a neighbourhood block party? A beach clean-up? Skills and knowledge sharing? Art or music lessons? A sustainable gardening workshop? Storytelling sessions? A celebration of diversity? An event to connect to Indigenous culture/ communities? An ethnic cooking night to prepare and share? A neighbourhood walking tour? A showcase of local history?
The deadline for applications is Saturday, November 30. Learn more and apply now at: https://bowenfoundation. com/neighbourhood-small-grants/
Have any questions? Contact Martina at nsg@bowenfoundation.com, or 778-233-9631.
Beautification of the Bishop’s Hill bus shelter was made possible thanks to a fresh idea from Laura FitzGerald. / Submitted photo
www tippys.ca
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – A Call to Action on September 30
BRENDA MORRISON Contributor
Join us at the Bowen Island Public Library to affirm your commitment to truth and reconciliation in Canada.
September 30 is also known as Orange Shirt Day. Wearing an orange shirt is a way of affirming and honouring the children who attended residential school and their families.
The legacy of wearing an orange shirt is based on Phyllis Webstad’s experience of attending residential school. Her story now serves many. We will have her children’s book available for you to read. We may even host a reading circle.
The Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action will also be posted for you to read
and learn about. The invitation, echoing the words of TRC Commissioner Justice Sinclair, is to commit to one of the 94 Calls to Action. A way of honouring your commitment is to silk screen a hummingbird onto an orange flag. Come make a flag and take it home, to remember that every day is a day of Truth and Reconciliation.
The parable of the hummingbird, named Dukdukdiya, is an Indigenous teaching, illustrated by long-time islander, Michael Nicholl Yahgulanaas, in his 2008 book, Flight of the Hummingbird.
The story goes like this: a forest catches fire, all the animals flee - except for little Dukdukdiya, who takes drops of water to the fire. It is her Call to Action to save the place she calls home. When the bear asks, what are you doing? Dukdukdiya replies, I am doing what I can.
3-4PM Saturday Oct. 5th | Collins Hall
Islanders observe Truth and Reconciliation Day in 2022. / Alex Kurial photo
Attendees at Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30 will have the opportunity to make silk screen flags to observe Calls to Action. The practice is seen here during Canada Day Reimagined in 2022. / Alex Kurial photo
In a time when the troubles of the world seem to be continuously growing and compounding, the little hummingbird offers a way forward. The world may feel out of control, but we are all capable of contributing in some way. If each of us does what we can do – even offering a single drop of water – we are moving for -
ward. Like Phyllis, and Dukdukdiya, one single commitment can ripple out and serve many.
We welcome you to join us at the Eagle Gathering Stage outside the Library on Monday, September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, from 10 am to 3 pm.
PANCHO
Meet sweet Pancho who has travelled all the way from Mexico to call Bowen Island his home. He since has become a beloved and cherished member of his family Pancho was seen in the vet clinic after an injury and got to go home safely to curl up and be cozy in his blanket that same day.
REGULAR HOURS Mon-Fri 9-5 Closed Sat & Sun
CONTACT
reception@bowenvet.com 604.947.9247
Celebrating Over 20 Years of Literacy Advocacy on Bowen Island
JACQUELINE MASSEY
Bowen Island Literacy Task Group
For more than two decades, the Bowen Island Literacy Task Group (BILTG) has been dedicated to promoting literacy and fostering education on Bowen Island.
The BILTG is comprised of representatives from key community groups, including the Bowen Island Public Library, Bowen Children’s Centre, Bowen Island Community School, Bowen Island Community Recreation, Bowen Island Community Health Centre, The Hearth, Arts on Bowen, and Bowen Island Museum and Archives. This broad coalition ensures that a wide range of programs are offered, each designed to address the diverse needs of our community.
“The BILTG recognizes that literacy is the foundation for enriching lives, creating opportunities, and building a more inclusive and vibrant community,” says Ann Silberman, Executive Director of the BCC, who acts as steward of the literacy group.
“Through collaboration with various local organizations, the BILTG offers programs and events that engage community members of all ages, recognizing that literacy supports everyone from babies
to elders, individuals and families, and opens doors to career opportunities and stable employment,” says Silberman.
Funded by Decoda Literacy Solutions, an organization established by the provincial government, the BILTG is proud to have supported numerous initiatives in the past year. These include the first-ever public Pride Celebration on Bowen Island, Canada Day Reimagined on Canada Day, and Mother Goose, a social-emotional program aimed at supporting parenting literacy skills.
Members of the BILTG have helped organize fitness classes for seniors, Babytime at the Library, and a Craft and Culture series at the Bowen Island Museum & Archives.
In British Columbia September has been designated as Literacy Month, with this year’s theme, “Literacy: The Ripple Effect.”
“Improving literacy skills has a powerful ripple effect that positively impacts nearly every aspect of life at home, at work and in the community,” says Sandra Lee, Decoda’s executive director.
“When people have better literacy skills, the entire economy benefits. For example, a 1 per cent increase in literacy scores in Canada can boost labour productivity and raise income per capita by 3 per cent. This means that even small improvements in
literacy can lead to significant economic gains,” says Lee.
Raise-a-Reader, a fundraising and awareness campaign runs from September 20-27.
The BILTG encourages all community members to join in supporting local literacy efforts by making a donation at https:// www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/42475
For more information, please contact Jacqueline Massey, Literacy Outreach Coordinator at jacquelinemmassey@gmail.com.
LITERACY FACT SHEET
Provided by Decoda Literacy Solutions
The Ripple Effect of Literacy on: The economy: A 1% increase in Canadian literacy scores can lead to a 3% increase in labour productivity and income per capita.
Employment: Strong literacy skills are linked to better job opportunities and higher earnings.
Health: Literacy skills help us find, understand and use health information effectively.
Safety: Strong literacy skills contribute to safer working environments by helping employees understand safety protocols and procedures.
BILTG supported this year’s Canada Day Reimagined. / Alex Kurial photo
Children: Having books and reading aloud at home fosters children’s literacy skills, setting a foundation for lifelong learning.
Technology: Digital literacy enables people to fully participate in society, bridging the digital divide.
Crime: Educational programs for inmates can reduce recidivism by up to 30%.
B.C. Literacy Facts
More than 700,000 people in BC struggle with literacy challenges.
45% of British Columbians aged 16 to 65 may have difficulty understanding news-
papers, following instruction manuals, reading health information and other daily living tasks.
52% of British Columbians aged 16 to 65 may have difficulty calculating interest on a car loan, using information on a graph, calculating medicine dosage and other daily living tasks.
10.5% or 4,302 kindergarten children in all School Districts in BC were vulnerable on the Language & Cognitive Development scale of the Early Development Instrument in 2019-2022, and an additional 11% are at risk.
BILTG was also a key supporter of Bowen Island Pride. / Alex Kurial photo
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SEYMOURBAY DRIVE
Construction is underway at SeymourLanding’s newest subdivision. These sunny, southeast-facing properties arenestled into thecoastal bluffs aboveSeymour Bay, offeringviews of theStraitof Georgia, Vancouver, andMount Baker. Located just ashort walk from Bowen’s9-holepublicgolf course,the beach, andanextensive trailnetwork.
•Contact us forpricing detailsand completion date.
More BuildPackagesavailable at www.bowenislandproperties.ca
Bowen seeks to join ICET
While there’s no doubt there are problems with the Bowen ferry, it proves more difficult to pin down whose responsibility it is to fix them. “They (province) attempted to maintain that BC Ferries is an independent organization and separate from them,” said Leonard. “I think our council pressed them well on the fact that the Ministry of Transportation holds the performance contract, has significant influence over BC Ferries… and has a significant role to play in helping untangle the challenges that are not just seen on Bowen, but system wide.”
BC Ferries also met with Bowen during UBCM, which Leonard characterized as “possibly the spiciest meeting that we had throughout the whole week.” He expressed disappointment however that BC Ferries did not involve anyone from the planning or operations side of the organization, instead focusing on communications staff. The mayor explained that the municipality and its residents have already thoroughly expressed their views regarding performance of the local vessel.
“The case was made clear that we’re not interested in any more planning fixes, that Bowen Islanders are not interested in another engagement event where they’re asked what they think. We believe that our asks and requests to BC Ferries are very straightforward at this point,” said the mayor.
“In the absence of any capital funding or capacity investment, then our ask is that they look at operational solutions such as priority loading (for residents). We ask that they take responsibility for ferry marshalling in the Cove and for the infrastructure that runs off the ramp. We are interested in having a conversation about their ownership of operations in Snug Cove up the ferry lines,” added Leonard.
The meeting ended with the mayor posing a question to the transport organization’s staff. “If BC Ferries cannot commit and take accountability for fixing the schedule issues on what they term a minor route, how is that supposed to give confidence to any user riding the ferry in the rest of the system?” He added he believes they got the message, and expects to see some tangible action on the ferry situation by next summer.
Another main press of the municipality was the desire to be included in the Islands Coastal Economic Trust (ICET), a provincial economic development agency which covers more than half-a-million people across the Gulf Islands along with most of Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. Inclusion allows members to pursue funding opportunities in their communities in a wide range of sectors including transportation, tourism, and food security. West Vancouver – Sea to Sky MLA Jordan Sturdy, who is retiring and not seeking re-election, joined this meeting between Bowen and the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation to advocate for the island’s inclusion in the group.
Bowen is currently excluded from ICET due to being part of Metro Vancouver. Leonard explained the logic applied is that “we’re somehow deriving grant benefit from Metro Vancouver, which I would argue just isn’t true.” He added this example speaks to an even larger issue of how Bowen is viewed by higher levels of government.
“We also spoke to them about this identity crisis where… we see ourselves as rural, they (provincial and federal governments) don’t see us that way. And that makes it very difficult for us as a part of Metro Vancouver, but still having a rural character, to secure the grant funding that we need to build out the projects that are really crucial for us,” said Leonard.
Federal and BoC announcements encouraging
Recent federal announcements to raise the insured mortgage cap and expand 30-year amortizations combined with the Bank of Canada continued policy rate reductions1 likely to encourage buyers.
“Key measures include raising the insured mortgage limit to $1.5 million, which will expand access for Canadians in high-priced housing markets. That’s an increase from the current insured mortgage cap of $1 million.
Additionally, the government said it is also expanding access to 30-year amortizations to all first-time home buyers in order to help reduce monthly payments.”2
At the end of August 2024, the Bowen Island MLS® Home Price Index or Benchmark Price ($1,409,675) for the Last 12 Months (LTM) was -0.6 per cent compared to June 2023 and -0.3 per cent compared to the low of $1,414,483 in June 2024. Bowen was the only Metro Vancouver municipality where the LTM Benchmark Price decreased 2023-2024.
Other indicators tell a more encouraging story. The LTM Dollar Volume of Sales ($73,692,904) was up +14.9 per cent from 2023. Year-to-date (YtD) there were 44 sales of detached homes compared to 43 sales in 2023, and the 2024 YtD Dollar Volume of Sales ($55,906,904) was up over $15 million or +38.1 per cent from the same period in 2023.
New listings were up +31.3per cent YtD from 2023 and inventory on August 31, 2024, was 61 detached homes compared to 57 on June 30, 2024, which was the highest level since November 2014. The YtD Average number of Days on Market until a closed sale was 54 compared to 51 in 2023.
The LTM Average Sale Price ($1,674,139) was up 12.3 per cent, and the Average Number of Days on Market was 63, 18.9 per cent higher than 2023, but down 68 days in June 2024.
The highest sold price YtD for a detached home in July and August was $2,625,000 for a 3-bedroom, 4-bathroom, water view home on a 1.39-acre lot and the lowest sold price was $1,200,000 for a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, Panabode-style home on a 0.24 acres lot in Snug Cove. The LTM sale price averaged 94.3 per cent of list price compared to 96.5 per cent in 2023.
The relatively slow but stable market likely to continue into the fall while recent federal announcements and policy rate reductions will encourage increased activity in 2025.
August was an impressive month for home sales on Bowen, both in terms of number sold and average price. Five homes sold in total ranging from $1.2 million up. Three separated themselves from the pack by going for more than $2 million each.
Topping the list is the three-bedroom, four-bathroom home at 1004 Cowan Point Drive. The two-storey home closed for $2.625 million just shy of three months on the market. The 11-year old home is 3,357 square feet and sits on 1.39 acres of land.
The home is designed by Bowen architect James Tuer and features high ceilings, an open floor plan, and is strategically faced southward for views of the water, mainland, and Gulf Islands. The land itself has several raised garden beds, various pathways around the property, and covered patios along both the front and back of the house. Next up is another waterfront property albeit with different views on the west side of the island. The four-bed, three-bath home at 584 Holdings Road closed for $2.325 million after just 16 days of listing. The 32-year old build comes in at 2,690 square feet spanning across two-storeys and a basement, with a
total property size of 0.36 acres.
Inside the house are a fully windowed main floor to highlight views of the ocean, along with a wood burning fireplace and two-car garage. The lot is bordered on one side by a large rock formation, and slopes all the way down until it hits the beachfront. The waterfront-facing deck has a retractable awning, and there’s also an outdoor shower and workshop on the grounds.
Bowen’s east side was also in on the $2 million-plus sales thanks to the property at 824 Valhalla Place. The three-storey home sold for $2.19 million after four months on the market. The house measures 2,617 square feet sitting on a half-acre of land.
The 21-year old home has three bedrooms and four bathrooms, and like its fellow August sales emphasizes ocean views with large windows running across the back of the home. Decks on multiple levels provide plenty of room to roam outdoors, with one of them containing an outdoor fireplace. A two-car garage lines up with the main level of the home, and the master bedroom has an ensuite bathroom including a clawfoot bathtub.
And while not quite cracking Bowen’s top numbers, a substantial sale for Keats Island also took place last month. Lot 3 of Cotton Point, a narrow but expansive 3.98 acre lot
bordering the island’s north shore, sold for $1.3 million. The 1.5-storey home measuring 1,654 square feet sold following a brief 13 days of listing. The 27-year old build contains three bedrooms and two bathrooms. A past feature in cottaging magazines, a
1,050 square foot sundeck with hot tub provides views from the Sunshine Coast across the sea to Lions Bay. The waterfront portion of the property contains a beach and a dock, while the south stretches deep into the forest behind the home.
The home at 1004 Cowan Point Drive (above) was August’s top sale at $2.625 million, while 584 Holdings Road went for $2.325 million. / Zealty.ca photos
Magical Meanderings land at the Hearth Gallery
AIRIN MATHER
The Hearth Gallery
Jilly Watson and Katie Mainwaring are having a joint exhibition at the Hearth Gallery in Snug Cove from September 25 to October 14.
Come along and see how they express colorful, happy landscape paintings that are inspired by the beauty and magic of Bowen Island and Canada’s West Coast landscapes as well as the world of fantasy and magic.
Jilly Watson has always had a passion and interest in art;
most of her friends over the years have been artists. Jilly has a masters in early childhood education and her career was focused on teaching young children. After retiring in 2000 she decided to follow her love of art and concentrate on improving her painting skills.
Over the years Jilly has been in numerous shows here on Bowen Island and on the North Shore. She is also a member of the North Shore Artists Guild and an exhibiting member of the Federation of Canadian Artists and she is also currently exhibiting in the Catching Stars Gallery in the Cove.
She hopes the viewer feels uplifted and joyful when admiring her acrylic paintings. Both Katie and Jilly are inter-
BOWEN ISLAND CUSTOMER APPRECIATION BBQ EVENT!
OCTOBER 4, 2024 • 11 AM – 2
ested in expressing the magical energy felt in our beautiful forests.
Katie Mainwaring is having her first joint exhibition and just like Jilly, Katie has always been inspired by art, finding joy and passion in expression. Katie studied a variety of fine arts at Capilano College including sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, drawing and painting.
Using her acrylic painting as a form of liberating therapy, Katie loves being completely in control of what she is creating. She wants people to feel pulled into her paintings, to almost step into them, to experience the mood of that moment and deepen their sense of awe.
“Magical Meanderings” is a perfect tribute to our works as a whole, telling you a story and taking you on a journey through mossy forests, wild mountains and down the winding paths to the secret places of our imaginations.
An artist part with Jilly and Katie takes place Saturday, September 28 from 6 to 8 pm, and the pair returns for an artist demo on Saturday, October 5 from Noon to 3 pm.
TheBowen Island Proper tiesteamwould liketothank ever yone whoattended ourt wo public Open Houses in Septemberto shareyourthoughtsand questions about ourapproachtoa ‘spot’rezoning applicationatSeymour Landing.
We heardarange of questions andperspectives at both Open Houses.Overall, at tendees expressedsupport forthe principlesbehind theproject,with par ticular excitement about theneighbourhood-scaleamenities and housingoptions imagined. We received thoughtful questions aboutthe amount and type of housing, theconnectionstothe future (potential) passenger ferr y, andavailablecapacit yfor waterand sewer servicing.
With thesecommunity conversations in mind,weare now workingona rezoning applicationtosubmittoBowenIsland Municipalit y.
Please visit ht tps://rezoning.bowenislandproper ties.ca to see theInformationBoards (and comments) from thefirstround of engagement andstaytuned formoreproject updates, includinga“Frequently AskedQuestions”section coming soon.
Thankyou fortakingthe timeatCollinsHalltoshare your insights,hopesand questions– we enjoyed thediscussion.
TheBowen Island Proper tiesTeam
In the Cove it can be hard to tell when Summer ends and Fall begins, at least for the first few days of the new season... / Lisa Brougham photo
The early bird gets the worm, which in this case is
in Nanaimo. / Haig Farris photo
Summer sunsets took their final bow last week, however the Fall versions are equally picturesque when there’s a Bowen backdrop. / Wendy Hauner photo
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Another loss and a new dynamic in Ottawa, Patrick Weiler says voters sending a message
SCOTT TIBBALLS Pique Newsmagazine
With another poor byelection result behind his party, West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country MP, Patrick Weiler, said the result is disappointing and repeated concerns he raised three months prior in suggesting the prime minister reflect on the direction of government.
“It’s a riding that’s in downtown Montreal, so it very much should be a Liberal riding, and the fact we lost that is very disappointing,” he said of the Sept. 16 result in LaSalle— Émard—Verdun that saw the Liberal Party lose a riding it held with a 10,000-vote lead in the last federal election.
The Liberal candidate lost by only 248 votes to a Bloc Quebecois challenger—a result Weiler said echoed the similarly close Liberal loss of Toronto-St. Paul’s in June to the Conservatives.
Weiler said it wasn’t doom and gloom because of the nature of byelections, but added the government needs to listen more intently.
“While that’s very frustrating, it is very different than a general election because byelections are an opportunity to send a message to the government without risking changing what the government is,” he said.
“But those two results show that the message is being sent, and I don’t think it has fully sunk in yet. It’s the kind of result that should prompt that serious reflection because the voters of those two ridings are sending a message and it’s important the government listen.”
The comments echo what the local MP said in reaction to a byelection loss in Toronto-St. Paul’s, nearly three months prior.
The timing of the loss came only days after the party had wrapped up a caucus retreat in Nanaimo—which served as an opportunity for the caucus to come face to face with the Liberal leadership and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to push for more change.
“We had very frank conversations in Nanaimo,” Weiler said. “The substance of those conversations are meant to stay within the walls of those meetings, but it was the first time for us to have gotten together since the byelection in Toronto-St. Paul’s and the message was sent very clear by [MPs] about the kind of change they want to see based on what they are hearing in their own ridings.”
Weiler said he continues to hear frustrations from constituents on cost-of-living pressures.
“A lot of people lay that at the feet of government and with the prime minister, so people are looking for a change in their circumstances which is totally understandable,” he said, adding he is also hearing many government policies around childcare and housing are landing well in the community.
“The other thing that I’ve been hearing from a lot of people is fear of what a Conservative government might be, and what that might mean for our riding… So that message was definitely sent, and we had some frank conversations on that. I have some ideas on what to do moving forward, so it was really important we had that opportunity to have those conversations as we go into what will be a more turbulent fall session.”
On the fall session in Ottawa, Weiler said the retreat was a good opportunity to prepare for what he described as
a “very different dynamic” in Ottawa, with the NDP supply-and-confidence agreement with the Liberal government coming to an end.
“There’s a lot of intrigue right now happening in politics at all levels… But the one thing I was very frustrated to see recently was the NDP flip-flopping on carbon pricing, and really buy into the Conservative misinformation that somehow this makes life less affordable for working people... But it just shows me that the NDP is not serious about fighting climate change, and unfortunately, both this and the fact
they are ripping up the deal essentially is them succumbing to Conservative bullying tactics,” he said, explaining he believes much of the work both the Liberals and the NDP accomplished together was good for Canadians.
“So, very disappointed to see the NDP go down that road, but now we’re in a minority situation, we’ll on a caseby-case basis hopefully work with the NDP, hopefully at times work with the Bloc and maybe at times work with the Conservatives. But it’ll certainly be constantly changing, but it should make for an interesting fall.”
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Saturday, September 28
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. From 10:30 to 11:30 am. bipl.ca/French
Saturday, September 28
Film Screening at the Library
WaaPaKe (Tomorrow) documentary film showing in advance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. Stay for a discussion facilitated by members of Simon Fraser University’s Centre for Restorative Justice and the Social Echoes. Free, drop-in, 1 pm. bipl.ca/ndtr
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.
Sunday, September 29 (& 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. 30, Oct. 1, 2, 5.
Monday, September 30
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Come to the Eagle Gathering Stage (outside the Library) between 10 am and 3 pm to see the many different ways you can contribute to reconciliation in Canada.
Wednesday, October 2
Sweat the Technique’s Fall Book Club
A fascinating exploration of the intricacies of how we remember, why we forget, and what we can do to protect our memories, from the Harvard-trained neuroscientist and bestselling author Lisa Genova. Starts at 6 pm, register at sweatthetechniquestudio.com
Friday, October 4
Intro to Ecology Walk
Join this beginner level walk & talk as we explore seasonal biodiversity along a shaded forest trail. Focus on plants, this comfortable stroll will stop regularly for a closer look at local flora and fauna, a Culturally Modified Tree, discuss ecosystems and species interactions, and identify native ferns, trees, and more. Led by former VanDusen Botanical Garden Director of Education, Gillian Drake. 10:30 am to Noon.
Saturday, October 5
Judi Gedye Open House
Join Councillor Judith Gedye at Collins Hall for community conversations from 3 to 4 pm.
Sunday, October 6
Nature Club Hike
Join the Nature Club’s Aaron Rabinowitz, for a bushwhack/hike through a mature second growth forest at Bowen’s Ecological Reserve. This is an excellent opportunity to observe why this land has been set aside for protection and scientific study. This outing includes steep terrain and bushwhacking so consider bringing hiking poles. From 9:30 am to 1 pm, learn more and register by Oct. 4 by writing to bowennatureclub@gmail.com
Sunday, October 6
Pet Blessings
Come by the Bowen Island United Church with your pet (all welcome!) to receive a blessing. Starts at 10:30 am.
Monday, October 7
Meditation Mondays
Happy Mondays ($12 drop-in, 3 class pass $30) Payment by cash or cheque. Buddhist Teachings and meditations to awaken the heart. Your journey to inner peace begins here! The Library Annex, side door direct from car park. 7 to 8 pm.
WEDNESDAYS
Storytime at the Library
A free, drop-in program of stories and songs for 2-4 year-olds and their caregivers! Runs through December 11. 10:30 to 11 am. bipl.ca/storytime
THURSDAYS
Thursday Art Group
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
THURSDAYS
Babytime at the Library
A free, 1/2 hr drop-in program of songs, books, and rhymes for babies 0-18 months and their caregivers! Starts at 11:30 am. Join us afterwards, at 12 pm, for a casual baby & caregiver social hour in the Annex. Runs through November 7. bipl.ca/babytime
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.
