WHAT’S ALL DOWN THERE? Volunteers in the sea and on the shore participated in the Dive For Debris cleanup in Snug Cove on Sunday. Together the group hauled, sorted and disposed of a staggering 487 pounds of garbage from the ocean floor. We’ll have more coverage of the ecologically helpful event for our local waters in next week’s issue. / Submitted photo
QUEEN OF CUMBERLAND WILL TAKE OVER UNTIL DECEMBER
ALEX KURIAL Editor
The Queen of Cumberland is returning to service the Snug Cove to Horseshoe Bay ferry route for the next two months.
The usual vessel, Queen of Capilano, will be undergoing a refit during that time. Its last one took place two years ago when the ferry was away for nearly six weeks in October and November. This year the local vessel will make way for the Queen of Cumberland for nearly two months starting October 15 and lasting until December 7.
Cumberland’s overall capacity is about 15 vehicles less than Capilano. BC Ferries is introducing a pair of temporary measures to attempt and offset the smaller sailings.
One is assured loading for vehicles with four or more people in them during three weekday sailings from Horseshoe Bay; the 4:35, 5:45, and 6:50 pm crossings.
Events
All Council meetingsare open to the public to attend in person or electronically,unless notedotherwise.
October 14, 2024 Municipal Hall closedfor Thanksgiving
October 15, 2024
1:00 pm Regular Council Meeting
Seeking PublicComment
DVP2024-0133 for 1600 BartonRoad
Regular Council Meeting
1:00 pm on Tuesday, October15, 2024
ADevelopmentVariance Permitapplicationhas been submittedfor 1600 BartonRoad(shownonmap)topermita newaccessorybuilding within theminimum setback from the natural boundaryofthe sea.
The applicants wishtoconstruct anew DetachedSecondary Suite on the property. Their application requests areduction of the minimum setbackfromthe natural boundary of the sea from 30 mto23.11 m for the DetachedSecondarySuite,and from 30 mto18.85 mfor an attacheddeck.
MORE INFORMATION AT MUNICIPAL HALL:
Theapplicationmay be viewedonlineat www bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning/ or at Municipal Hall by appointment between8:30 am and4:30 pm, Monday to Friday,excluding statutoryholidays
Call 604-947-4255 ext 6oremail planning @bimbc.ca to make an appointment.
YOUR COMMENTSARE WELCOME:
Writtensubmissions may be delivered to MunicipalHall before11:00 am on Tuesday,October 15,2024:
• Byemail to mayorandcouncil@bimbc.ca
• In person
• By mail to 981 Artisan Lane,BowenIsland, BC V0N 1G2
• By fax to 604-947-0193
To ensure afair process,written submissions cannot be accepted afterthe deadline.
Verbal submissions may be made to Mayor and Councilatthe meeting.
Questions?
Contact Drew Bakken, Island Community Planner,bycalling 604-947-4255 extension 233 or by emailing dbakken@bimbc.ca
Principal Residence Declaration: Short-Term Rentals
At the March25, 2024 Regular Council Meeting, Council votedtooptin to the PrincipalResidence Requirements outlined in the Provincial Bill 35 Short-Term RentalAccomodations Act.
As of November 1, 2024, anyone on BowenIsland runningaShort-Term Rental (STR), including B&Bhosts, mustsubmit aPrincipal Residence Declaration Form confirming thatthe rentalistheir principal residence in order to qualify for abusiness license from BowenIsland Municipality.
PrincipalResidence Declaration Forms were emailedtoall STR hosts thisweek. This form mustbecompleted andreturnedtoBIM beforeNovember 1, 2024. Failuretodosowill invalidate STR business licences andmay resultinpenalties anddenial of licence renewals in 2025.
Our ferryisundergoing arefit from October15-December 7.
TheQueen of Cumberlandwill provide service on the HorseshoeBay –Snug Cove routewhile the Queen of Capilano undergoesarefit
As the vehiclecapacityonthe Queen of Cumberland is lowerthan the QueenofCapilano(approximately 15 vehicles less), BC Ferries is offering some temporarydiscountedparkinginHorseshoe Bay and priority loading.
www.bcferriesprojects.ca/bowen-island
Chevron drillinginthe cove
October 15 -October 25
Cardena Rd &TrunkRdIntersection
Chevron Corporation is conducting asoilsamplingprogram in the area surrounding the corner of BowenIslandTrunk Road andCardena Drive as part of environmentalremediation on landthatwas previously used as afuelstoragefacility.
To continue thisprocess,drilling will take place at severallocations around theintersectionfromOctober15-25. Flaggers will be on site to direct traffic. Work will be done betweensailings so as not to impact ferrytrafficloading and unloading.
Community Foundation Gives Thanks for Bowen’s Generosity
ISLAND PROJECTS WERE FLOURISHING THIS YEAR
GREG GIBSON
Bowen Island Community Foundation
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a time to reflect on the abundance of things we enjoy here on Bowen Island.
Our vibrant arts and culture scene, the close-knit nature of our small-town life, and the safety we feel while raising our children are just a few of the many things that make our island home so special. Islanders come together in countless ways — from work parties to maintain trails to Fix-It Fairs and knowledge-sharing workshops — demonstrating time and again that this is a place where people look out for one another.
Whether it’s our shared commitment to protecting our spectacular natural environment or the simple act of neighbours helping neighbours, Bowen is a place that fosters community connection.
At the Bowen Island Community Foundation, we are deeply thankful for the generosity of our donors. Thanks to the incredible contributions of both individuals and organizations. The Community Impact Fund, which has been at the heart of the Foundation for two decades, continues to make a meaningful impact across the island.
Built by small and large donations, this fund is designed to be responsive, addressing the evolving needs of Bowen Island. Guided by Vital Conversations — a facilitated community engagement process — the Foundation’s board
of directors identifies areas of greatest need, distributing grants that range from $2,500 to $25,000 for projects that benefit everyone.
In 2024 alone, $75,000 in Community Impact Grants were awarded to the following initiatives:
Snug Cove House: $25,000 for accessibility upgrades, including handrails, alarm lights, and bathtub grab bars;
The Hearth: $6,000 for the Authentically Indigenous Festival;
Archer Florendo: $3,000 for the Queen vs Green Festival; Bowen Golf: $17,000 towards an artificial turf project to expand inclusive youth programming;
BIRCH (Bowen Island Resilient Community Housing): $5,000 for a phased development plan for Lot 1 on Mount Gardner Road;
BICS (Bowen Island Community School): $4,000 for grounds upgrades, including a communications board for the playground to support non-verbal, neurodiverse, and blind community members;
SKY (Seniors Keeping Young): $15,000 to expand programs for seniors.
As we give thanks this season, we invite you to consider contributing to the Community Impact Fund. Your donation for any amount will help ensure that the Foundation can continue to support projects like these that make Bowen Island the place we all love to live.
Assured loading & parking discounts during ferry refit
For more information or to make a gift, visit bowenfoundation.com CONTINUED
There will be a maximum of 10 assured loading vehicles for each sailing, based on who arrives first. There will also be discounted daily and monthly parking at Horseshoe Bay Terminal during the refit. The daily rate will be $10 for 24 hours and the monthly rate - available only to island residents who have a Bowen Island address on their driver’s licence - is $100 per month.
Open Burning starts October 15 with changes to the application process
Metro Vancouver introduced changes to Open Burning Bylaws in 2022. Bowen Island Municipality (BIM) aligned our Bylaws earlier this year with the passing of Bylaw 650, 2024. This means the authorization process has changed significantly and includes increased cost of permits, minimum distance from neighbouring houses and school property lines, and the mandatory requirement of registering your property with Metro Vancouver before you can apply for a BIM Burn Permit.
All fees are non-refundable, so please ensure your burn application complies with all requirements prior to paying.
The Queen vs. Green Festival in May was aided by the Community Foundation. / Alex Kurial photo
VIEWPOINTS
EDITORIAL
Happy Thanksgiving!
Well done everyone, we have made it to Thanksgiving! It’s now time for a well deserved rest and lots and lots of food, family and friends. That food may even include Nancy’s Pumpkin Pie, which there is a recipe for on the next page and which she was kind enough to share a piece of with me. It’s two enthusiastic thumps up on my end, and you will no doubt feel the same if you give it a go this weekend.
While Provincial Election Day is not until next week, if you are feeling eager to head out and vote (and have already made up your mind) there is advance voting this Saturday at Bowen Island Community School from 8 am to 8 pm. This is the only advance voting day on Bowen. If you’re undecided or just want to participate in the excitement of Election Day, voting will happen at the same hours and location on Saturday, October 19.
On Page 8 of this issue you’ll find answers to a questionnaire we sent out to the candidates for our West Vancouver - Sea to Sky riding. We’ve included all of the responses we received by our press deadline.
This week was also National Newspaper Week, so I’d like to thank all of you for everything you do each week to make this paper possible. That of course includes reading it, both the physical version, on our website, and through our newsletter, but also the substantial amount of contributions which come from the community each week. There are so many stories on this island worth telling, and thanks to you sending tips, photos, and articles we’re able to put as many of them as possible into these pages each week. Communities our size face extra challenges with regards to operating their own newspaper, and in many towns this small it is not a reality. Thanks to you the Undercurrent is in grand shape as we approach our 50th Anniversary next year!
- Alex Kurial, Editor
THE WRITE STUFF. The Undercurrent encourages reader participation in your
and
number (for verification only). The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity, legality, brevity and taste. Please limit to under 500 words. HERE’S HOW: To submit a letter to the editor, fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to PO Box 130, Bowen Island, BC, V0N 1G0 or email editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
All Advertising and news copy content are copyright of the Undercurrent Newspaper. All editorial content submitted to the Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication. The Undercurrent is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, art work and photographs.
National NewsMedia Council.
The Undercurrent is a member of the National NewsMedia Council of Canada, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com or call 604-947-2442. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the website at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.
VIEWS
Pumpkin Pie for the Family
NANCY LEE
Contributor / Baking Enthusiast
I love this simple recipe for pie crust that my friend taught me years ago. I have shared it with a few people and they love it too.
This recipe makes 4 single pie crusts which I use for both sweet and savory. I freeze the extra ones which I can easily pull out and thaw in the fridge whenever I need it. You will need a large bowl, mine is 12” in diameter, a pastry cutter, rolling pin and box grater.
1 box of vegetable shortening (I always keep a box in my fridge) cut into smaller 1” chunks
Judi Gedye October Open House
JUDITH GEDYE
Bowen Island Municipality Councillor
It was a small, interesting group with two other councilors and two new attendees.
On October 2, BC Ferries announced that in less than two weeks the Queen of Capilano will be replaced with a smaller boat from October 15 to December 7 for her annual refit. The short notice and limited advertising belies BCF’s professed intentions to improve communications. That prompted a description of some meetings at UBCM.
The UBCM conference is a gathering of most BC politicians and many staff, where we ask questions, pitch requests, outline problems and meet with and hear about how others are coping, or not. Bowen council met with the Minister of Transportation, Rob Fleming, and he comment-
1/3 cup butter, grated on the coarse setting 4 cups of flour
1 cup of ice water
I get my measuring cup with water and then add ice cubes first and set it aside. Place the flour into the big bowl and then add the shortening chunks and the grated butter into the flour. Cut with a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Measure out 1 cup of the ice water and add it all into the flour mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula till it comes together. Dust your counter top with flour and now you can knead the dough until it forms a ball. Now roll out the dough to approximately 12”x 21” rectangle (the size of the unfolded Undercurrent).
Fold in thirds so it is now 7”x12”. Roll again till it is 12”x21”. Repeat this at least two more times. Dust with a little flour if it is sticky but try not to add too much. This helps to distribute the shortening and butter in the crust. Form into a ball, put it into a bowl, cover and let rest in fridge for 1 hour before using it. Divide into 4 balls. The extra dough can be formed into a flat disk, popped into a freezer bag and then into the freezer for late use.
My family loves pumpkin pie with just whipping cream on top. I have given up trying to make it fancy because they just like straight up pumpkin pie. This recipe makes 2 pies as they love it so much that one pie is never enough. Prepare your pie crust, flute the edges and pop it into the fridge while you make the filling. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
ed that he was aware of problems with our route this summer [thank-you for all the great letters and persistent pressure] and he characterized it as the “worst” performance in the entire system.
The letters had also generated an earlier meeting between our Mayor and BCF’s CEO, and that meeting led to an invitation to meet with BCF representatives at UBCM. Mayor Leonard invited Councillor Tim Wake & I (representing Bowen’s Transportation Advisory Committee) to join him to meet three members of BCF’s “executive team”. They invited us to meet, kept us waiting 15 minutes and without apologizing for the wait, introduced themselves and espoused how eager they were to listen to us, and then chattered for 30 minutes about the wonderful work they intend to accomplish.
We hadn’t planned to play “good cop/bad cop” but I was crotchety with having to wait, plus it was a lot of blather at the end of a long day, and when it was my turn, eventually, asked why we were only meeting with “spin doctors” and how it was consistent with executives at BCF to blame others
4 eggs
1 cup brown sugar firmly packed
1 can 796ml pure pumpkin
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger (I also like adding finely grated fresh ginger as well)
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (fresh grated whole nutmeg on a micro plane is better)
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cup evaporated milk
Lightly beat eggs, add brown sugar and mix. Add all of the other ingredients and combine throughly. Pour pie filling equally into prepared pie crust and bake at 425 for 15 minutes. I do use pie crust shield that I put on after about 5 minutes so the crust does not get too brown. Reduce the heat to 350 and bake 35 to 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted 1” from the crust comes out clean and the filling is almost set in the centre. Let cool for 1 hour before serving.
and not commit to in-depth problem solving (that’s a political decision, that’s operations, that’s the terminal manager’s, etc). They announced they were forming a task force to examine problems with the Horseshoe Bay terminal and had asked the chair of our Ferry Advisory Committee to join. He commented later at our BIMTAC meeting, that he’d been invited but there’d been no follow-up.
Meanwhile, BCF is negotiating a new license (federal) for our run. BCF’s focus is on increasing passenger capacity, and it is unclear if there’d be any improvements to our schedule. One problem with the existing license is that when they schedule more runs than the license requires, and a run is cancelled, they are still within their license, and they do not have to report the cancellation to the Commissioner, who is supposed to be overseeing operations. Bowen has no input into the license negotiations. If we were to have a conversation about creating a reliable schedule, I think we would have to consider fewer runs.
Are You Ready for Some Football?
BOWEN ISLAND RECREATION
Bowen Rec is pleased to announce the launch of Flag Football Programming this spring!
The programming will include adult and youth drop-in sessions, weekly kids’ programming, as well as weekend tournaments. Plus, flag football will now be a regular feature at our summer camps and community events.
The new programming is being made possible thanks to a generous donation of flag football gear from Jim Mullin, the outgoing President of Football Canada and current Secretary General of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), the international governing body for gridiron football.
The donation will equip four new teams, providing young athletes — both boys and girls — with the opportunity to learn and enjoy the game in a safe and accessible format. The introduction of flag football marks a significant expansion of the island’s recreational offerings and reflects a growing interest in the sport both nationally and internationally.
“As my tenure with Football Canada comes to a close, I wanted to give back to the community that has been my home and support system,” said Jim Mullin. “Introducing flag football to Bowen Island is a meaningful way to inspire our youth, promote physical activity, and foster a sense of teamwork and community spirit. What’s especially exciting is that flag football is a sport where boys and girls can play together on equal footing.”
Flag football has seen exponential growth in participation worldwide in recent years. According to IFAF, millions of players across the globe have embraced the sport due to its accessibility and emphasis on speed, agility, and strategy without the physical contact of traditional tackle football. This surge in popularity has led to its official approval as a new sport for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.
“In my role with IFAF, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible growth of flag football on a global scale,” Mullin added. “With its inclusion in the 2028 Olympics, we’re entering an exciting new era for the sport. Bringing this dynamic and inclusive game to Bowen Island gives our young athletes the chance to be part of something truly special.”
The International Olympic Committee’s approval of flag football for the 2028 Games has energized communities worldwide to develop grassroots programs, making Bowen Island’s new initiative both timely and significant. The sport’s co-ed nature allows boys and girls to compete together, promoting inclusivity and teamwork across gender. The new program aims to make football accessible to all children, regardless of their prior experience with the sport.
Parents and guardians interested in registering their children for the flag football program can visit the Bowen Island Community Recreation website at bowencommunityrecreation.com or contact their offices directly for more information.
QUEEN OF CAPILANO FERRYSCHEDULE
5:50 am 6:50 am 8:00 am 9:05 am -exceptWednesdays. 10:10 am 11:15 am 12:40 pm 1:55 pm 3:30 pm 4:40 pm 5:45 pm 6:50 pm
Start working on those touchdown dances because Flag Football is landing on Bowen next year! Sasha Buchanan, Jim Mullin, & Gillian Drake are all looking forward to seeing you out on the gridiron. / Dee Elliott photo
Heritage Association eyes Applefest return next year
SARAH HAXBY
Bowen Island Heritage Preservation Association
Alas! No BIHPA heritage apple pie sale this year, but BIHPA prepares for the return of Applefest and the annual pie sale for 2025!
The Bowen Island Heritage Preservation Association (BIHPA) has been a registered charitable association since 1991, and its roots go even further back in time. With a mandate to preserve, educate and celebrate Davies Orchard’s cottages, heritage orchard and site, BIHPA has always been comprised of a small number of volunteers committed to creating events such as Applefest, tea and exhibits in Cottage 20, picnics in the orchard, and keeping the Museum Cottage 10 open to the public so they can they can ‘step back in time’ to see what life was like in the cottages from the 1920s-50s.
One of BIHPA’s main annual fundraisers is hand-making approximately 60 pies, using locally grown apples and a delicious, old-fashioned recipe, which are usually sold the Thanksgiving weekend at Applefest in Davies Orchard, or at the last Farmers Market of the year.
However, alas! We don’t have the apples this year, the volunteers, or access to Davies Orchard due to the ongoing renovations, so there will not be pies or Applefest this year. We really hope to bring back these traditions next year, and hope to move back into the orchard soon to set up in Cottage 10 and 20 once again and be able to welcome the public back to the newly renovated orchard and to have more accessible spaces thanks to the work by Metro parks.
We are exploring new and ongoing partnerships with the Museum and Archives, the BIM Heritage Commission, Bowen Agricultural Alliance, and Low Hanging Fruit, to work together to envision a bright future to keep history alive.
If you are passionate about local heritage, traditions and keeping the cottages and trees and Davies Orchard site a wonderful place for locals and visitors alike, please consider joining BIHPA as a member or joining the board.
Join us at the BIHPA Annual General Meeting which will be held Saturday, November 2 at Collins Hall at 1 pm.
Life Cycle focus of Bowen author’s new book
CATHERINE SHAW
Contributor
Bowen’s own Pauline Le Bel, prolific singer songwriter and award winning author, has just published another collection of poems entitled Becoming the Harvest.
In this most recent collection, Pauline shares her musings on aging and death, that “slow, gentle, unstoppable force for change” (p. 16) through her observations of nature, journeys with, and memories of, beloved friends and family, and her own personal experience of becoming an elder in her body and in her community.
Throughout the book we find recurring themes of death as part of the natural cycle of life, and of life, including death, as a treasure to embrace and experience to the fullest. Pauline includes a story of her experience of accompanying her sister, with whom she shared an “ability to be outrageous and silly,” (p. 59) as a caregiver through Suzanne’s diagnosis of ALS to her death some 18 months later. I find the piece tender and tenderly amusing as I witness these two elderly women savouring as much humour and richness as they can from life right to the very end.
In her Acknowledgements at the end of her book, Pauline gratefully acknowledges that “It takes a village to raise an elder” (p. 68). Many of her poems in this delightful collection give nod to, and express gratitude for, those who have gifted her over the years with pearls of wisdom.
She includes the natural world around her her as a val-
ued source of teachings and inspiration. In If I Should Write an Anthem for Old Age, she acknowledges that “we exist because of others” (p. 37). In Teachings of the Chinese Lantern in My Garden, that we become “seed for the next generation” (p. 10).
I did laugh out loud, maybe even guffaw, at her “worry about turkeys” (p. 15) in At the Salon. And in her poem Avoiding the “D” Word, (p. 44) where she pokes fun at our euphemisms for death. Pauline considers and offers up in her thoughtful and witty way some refreshing choices in how she might approach her own aging and dying. Sometimes reverent, bowing down her “aging back greeting the morning with gratitude” (p. 12).
Wonderfully hopeful, questioning “who knows what deep inside me is still waiting to bloom” (p. 11). And feisty to the end, keeping on “raising hell until Heaven is in sight” (p. 39).
What I have learned from these writings is that while aging and dying are natural stages of life, I do have choices about how I envision and value these stages. And a combination of gratitude and humour goes a long way to making the whole experience more enjoyable.
Pauline will be at the Bowen Island Library to celebrate the launch of Becoming the Harvest on Sunday, October 27 at 1 pm. The event is free to attend and all are welcome. Unable to attend the launch? Becoming the Harvest is available to order from all Canadian bookstores and directly from Caitlin Press.
www.tippys.ca
BIHPA board & supporters: Back (L-R) Deb D, Suzan P, Arthur D; Front (L-R) Rika, Helen W & Sarah H; absent from photo: Theresa E, Daphne F, Pernille N - new BIHPA treasurer). / Submitted photo
Meet the Candidates: West Vancouver - Sea to Sky
Yuri FulmerConservative Party
Professional/political background?
I have been self employed for almost 30 years. I started as a cashier in the drive thru of an A&W in North Vancouver and have been fortunate to have built a business that includes investments in some of the most sustainable and progressive companies in Canada, including Goodly Foods and Intelligent City. I am also the Chancellor of Capilano University, Global Chair of United Way, and was previously the Chair of BC Ferries. This is my very first venture into politics.
Top priorities for Bowen during the upcoming term?
I know Bowen Islanders are understandably frustrated with the ferry service. As a former Board Chair of BC Ferries I know what is needed to get this fixed. When I was on the Board, the Bowen Island route was the most on-time route in the system, and it can be again. There are relatively simple fixes – it just needs someone who understands how the ferry system works.
Affordability is the other issue I hear. Our policies are designed to put money back in everyone’s pockets.
What steps will you take to address the current state of the Bowen ferry route?
I know this file intimately and understand how to solve it. Bowen Islanders need to rely on the ferry. Locals should be able to reserve the ferry and should have priority when
traveling to work or for medical appointments. We need marshalling on the Bowen side to ensure that visitors understand the system, and to enforce the priority for locals. We need to cap the number of day trippers who walk on the ferry and jam up the system. These are some Common Sense changes we can make immediately.
How would you tackle lack of affordable housing and rental housing on Bowen?
The Conservative Party is committed to making existing housing more affordable with the Rustad Rebate, where your mortgage or rent becomes tax deductible. We need to reduce the barriers to permitting so that people can add additional units on their property for rentals. Permit times need to be sped up dramatically. This will increase the supply of housing on the Island which will help bring workers onto the Island.
Plans to address climate change, especially for island and coastal communities?
Our riding (West VancouverSea to Sky) is by far the most beautiful in the province, and we need to keep it that way. We need to ensure that our communities thrive, while reducing our environmental footprint. British Columbians need to be able to afford rent and put food on their tables, while balancing our need to protect our environment for future generations.
What will your approach to tourism on Bowen be?
We need to prioritize Bowen Islanders and make sure that the ferry, as well as infrastructure and services serve the residents of Bowen first. Where there is additional capacity, we need to welcome tourists to support our local businesses.
Staying engaged with Bowen if elected?
As a resident of West Vancouver I am a short ferry ride away. My kids and I love Bowen Island, and I have been a grateful visitor for over 20 years. I will be first and foremost your MLA and will work hard to listen regularly and action the needs of Bowen Islanders.
*Full candidate Q&A’s about Bowen are available on our website.
Jeremy ValerioteGreen Party
Professional/political background?
I trained as a geological engineer at UBC and have worked for over 20 years in environmental consulting (in the mining, environmental management and impact assessment sectors), as well as 10 years in local government. I was a Councillor for the Town of Gibsons 2014-2018, completed a Masters in Leadership Studies at Royal Roads 2018-2020, ran for the BC Greens in 2020 and then worked in the Squamish Mayor’s office 20212023. For the past year, I have dedicated myself to this MLA candidacy after coming so close to being elected last time.
Top priorities for Bowen during the upcoming term?
Infrastructure challenges (water, sewer, roads, transit); Affordable non-market housing, including purpose-built rental, co-ops, and housing non-profits; Ferry service; Protection of public land; Climate change and wildfire risk mitigation.
What steps will you take to address the current state of the Bowen ferry route?
Working directly and in partnership with BC Ferries and the Province to improve ferry service. Specifically, exploring solutions to provide better marshalling at the Snug Cove Terminal, solving challenges to declining on-time performance, exploring resident assured loading at Horseshoe Bay for a portion of the Queen of Capilano’s capacity, and helping to secure the Greenline ferry direct to downtown Vancouver. I have served on the southern Sunshine Coast ferry advisory committee in the past and understand how to ‘unstick’ some of these issues at the BC Ferries, provincial and local level. We need a new vision for Bowen Islanders including more passenger ferries, more focus on this essential service for commuters and local residents, and open
lines of communication between BC Ferries and the community it serves.
How would you tackle lack of affordable housing and rental housing on Bowen?
I will support and assist with on-Island efforts already underway to create non-market rental and co-op housing for local families, employees and retirees. Our BC Green platform includes vacancy control, a cap on rent increases between tenancies by tying rent control to the unit rather than the tenant. This would also require annual rent increases to allow property owners to cover their costs in the case of increasing utility or interest rates, but would eliminate the 50-100% increases in rent that we have seen between tenancies, and remove the fear of moving to more suitable housing as life circumstances change for people and families.
Plans to address climate change, especially for island and coastal communities?
In our election platform, a vision for the future of our province, the BC Greens commit to stop permitting new fracking wells, set a date to phase out gas production in the province, prohibit new LNG projects, and to stop permitting new pipelines. This includes an immediate directive to the BC Environmental Assessment Office to allow the 2014 environmental certificate for the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline to expire. As with Woodfibre LNG, we have learned much about the climate and human health impacts of methane gas export plants since permitting in 2015. Woodfibre is a project that should have its permits cancelled as we chart a course to a low-carbon energy future.
Also, BC Greens are now the only provincial party proposing to stay the course with a transparent, strate-
gic, predictable price on carbon pollution. This price on emissions is accepted by experts and most developed economies as the most effective, least invasive tool we have to transition our economy, and it is proven to work as intended, and returns a rebate to a large majority of families. We would remove the annual emissions exemptions for industry, established under the output-based pricing system. Every tonne of carbon pollution emitted will be subject to the same fee regime. Carbon pricing sends a signal to the economy that it has to transition - that is government’s role in fighting the climate crisis. What will your approach to tourism on Bowen be? We need to focus on destination management, such as the ‘Don’t Love it to Death’ campaign. Tourism should be an educational experience, where people are exposed to natural environments they then want to protect and cherish. To pay for these initiatives, there needs to be a revenue stream attached to tourism, so that visitors pay a fair share for their impact.This could be structured similarly to the MRDT (hotel tax but for day visitors) or the Resort Municipality Initiative that currently benefits Whistler, for example.
Staying engaged with Bowen if elected?
I will commit to regular stakeholder meetings and annual town hall meetings to hear from residents. I will maintain a close connection with your elected Council and other community leaders, to capture innovative ideas, chronic concerns and suggestions for continuous improvement. I will work as hard as I ever have to represent you, and for as long as I continue to earn your trust. I hope to earn your vote and your ongoing support in keeping Bowen one of the best places to live on this Earth!
There have been multiple user surveys regarding which runs are essential and why, but regardless, they also need to sort out loading and berthing priorities. Councillor Wake pointed out that during the refit, there will be a trial of assured loading. Details are available on the website under “service notices” – parking rate reductions and assured loading for up to 10 cars with four or more people on the three busiest commuter runs.
The subject changed to a description of a close neighbour destroying the night sky ambience by installing floodlights and a long string of patio lights which illuminated the interior next door, enough to read. BIM has a bylaw requiring all lighting on municipal or institutional buildings to be designed to limit or eliminate “light trespass” or “…pollution”. There has been a recent proposal from Trustee Morrison on North Pender Island to create a policy for all of the Islands Trust area, which was recently endorsed by Bowen council.
That will take some time, assuming it gets enough support at Trust Council. While the preamble to our Night Sky bylaw reads beautifully, there was clear frustration that it did not apply to private property. Since the neighbour with the lights is operating
a B&B, the person who attended this meeting was encouraged to talk to BIM staff about bylaw enforcement or business license options, and encouraged to write to council if he wanted the broader community wide issue discussed by council.
We were asked for an update on the Cove Bay Water Treatment plant, from the perspective of an Eagle Cliff water user. While the Eagle Cliff reservoir needs to be decommissioned because of the condition of its dam, plus increased build-out and limited capacity, there are plans to link the homes in Eagle Cliff to the Cove Bay system, but that work depends on North Shore Health approving the treatment plant. While commissioning the Cove Bay Treatment plant is long delayed, water quality has not improved and the person asked if we thought a temporary treatment plant for the neighbourhood might be an alternative.
We suggested contacting Snug Cove House as they have a similar predicament. Councillor Wake reported that the representative of Purifics, the filtration provider, is still overdue to witness the installation of the recently overhauled unit, but the system was installed successfully… except there was some other, different, problem and there is yet another delay. We were asked if we had considered liti-
gation. Of course we have. Personally, I enjoy litigation, it was my life’s work, but I also appreciate it is expensive and complicated. Those are discussions that happen in closed meetings, and everyone is still hoping we will have a working system very soon.
Finally, there was a comment about the new wood burning regulations that have come into force. We didn’t spend much time on this, but there was grumbling. Instructions about how to burn with minimal emissions is patronizing, even for those who’ve never had a wood stove. And the whole scheme was government overreach. In defense of BIM, it is a different and serious air quality problem for most of the rest of the Vancouver region, and there are many exemptions for Bowen: sole source of heating, during power outages, small open fires for warmth or cooking, and others. A flyer went out to every mailbox and the new regulations are published in the Undercurrent. If you have questions, contact BIM.
Before we got cleaned up, a Mom was hauling in cupcakes, blue and white balloons were bobbing around, and there was one very excited threeyear old helping set-up his birthday party. Gotta love Collins Hall! Next Open House is Saturday, November 2 immediately after the Conservancy event at the Bowen Public Library.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Saturday, October 12
Farmers Market Finale
The Bowen Island Farmers Market hosts its last event of the year from 10 am to Noon. Come say one last hi to all the vendors and check out all the food, crafts, clothes, & more at Bowen Island Community School.
Saturday, October 12
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, October 12 to Monday, October 14
Apple Harvest Festival
Come by the Bowen Cider House over Thanksgiving weekend for a fun festival. Each day from 11 am to 5 pm. Saturday, October 13
Christie Grace Studio Grand Opening
Visit Christie Grace: Silver, Song & Soul-smith Jewelry Studio at Harborview Cove Cottage, 789 Dorman Road. Explore handcrafted artisan jewelry, repairs, custom designs, and more! For more info: 778-888-1478 or visit www.christiegrace.com
Saturday, October 12
All About Feet Workshop
Learn Fundamental exercises for your feet and how to feel them make a huge difference in how your body perceives the ground beneath you! From 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, $60. You can register at sweatthetechniquestudio.com
To Monday, October 14
Magical Meanderings Art Exhibit
Come see works by Katie Mainwaring & Jilly Watson in this joint exhibition at the Hearth Gallery. Tuesday, October 15 (& other dates)
SKY Hangouts
Drop in at the Seniors Cottage on Cardena Drive. We will be offering a welcoming place to stop in for a drink & visit with friends. From 1 to 3 pm. Hangouts also Oct. 16 & 18. Wednesday, October 16 & Friday, October 18
SKY Walks
Meet at the Golf Course at 10:30 am (both days) for a walk. Friday, October 18 (& other dates)
Theatre on the Isle Show
TOTI presents The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again]. Tickets $25, available on Eventbrite or the Phoenix. Shows also Oct. 19, 20, 24, 25, 26. All shows 7:30 pm except Oct. 20 at 2 pm.
Saturday, October 19
Let’s Chat in English! at the Library
A Drop-In Conversation Club for English Learners. Come meet with other English language learners and practice your conversational English in this friendly space. All levels of learners welcome. This one-hour session is led by a volunteer with experience teaching English to new speakers. Free, drop-in starting at 10:30 am. bipl.ca/English
Saturday, October 19
Pumpkinfest at IPS
Drop by Island Pacific School for a new Autumn community event! Pumpkin carving, games, hot chocolate & more! From 2 to 4 pm at Colin Ruloff Community Field House. Sunday, October 20
Mushroom Discovery Walk
QUEEN OF CAPILANO FERRY SCHEDULE
OCTOBER 15* 2024 TO MARCH 31 2025
DEPART BOWEN ISLAND
5:20 am - except Sundays 6:20 am 7:30 am 8:35 am 9:40 am 10:50 am 12:00 pm 1:10 pm 2:55 pm 4:00 pm - except Wednesdays 5:10 pm 6:15 pm
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
*NOTE: THIS SCHEDULE BEGINS TUES. OCT.15 AFTER THANKSGIVING MON. OCT. 14
Schedules change on statutory holidays. Stay up to date at bcferries.com
Join naturalist Sue Ellen Fast and step gently into the magical fungi kingdom to investigate fragrances, colours and invisible threads as we seek out these amazing life forms. Focus is on outdoor curiosity and spore lore, not foraging. Dress for walking off trail and for mushroom weather! Mushrooms love the rain. This activity is limited to 12 people. Register by email at bowennatureclub@gmail.com
Sunday, October 20
Fall Colour Open Garden
Open Garden at 903 Hummingbird Lane, home of Jacquie and Dave Walsh. This property was part of a parcel homesteaded dating back to 1908 when Dave’s great-grandparents Sarah and Jacob Dorman purchased it. From 2 to 4 pm, members free, non-members $5.
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 please contact shannonrondeau@shaw.ca
THURSDAYS
Babytime at the Library
A free, 1/2 hr drop-in program of songs, books, and rhymes for babies 0-24 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
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