Bowen’s resident cougar has been active around the island lately The big cat has avoided any hostile confrontations with residents, but some of its recent behaviour has the Conservation Officer Service concerned As of late Wednesday afternoon the Grafton Lake Trail had been temporarily closed after a cougar cache was found in the area. You can read more about what the cougar has been up to and hear from people who have encountered the animal on Page 12 / Submitted video
ALEX KURIAL Editor
The pursuit of non-market housing on a portion of the Community Lands is moving ahead, with anticipated move-in dates for residents in 2028.
The Lot 1 Community Lands Plan is borne out of a 2021 decision by the municipality to develop an area of land just west of Snug Cove. Roughly it includes just more than 21 acres of land stretching from south of Mt. Gardner Road west of Bowen Island Community School, wrapping around the Public Works Yard where it joins up with Carter Road, and then bordering to the west of Mt. Gardner Road as the road curves to the north past the Recycling Depot
Bowen Island Resilient Community Housing (BIRCH) –best known locally for their efforts to bring an apartment building to Miller Road – were chosen as an organization to implement the plan along with Tomo Spaces, a realestate company from Vancouver
CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
INSPIRED BY FRANK LLOYDWRIGHT
The secluded 2.5 acreproperty backs onto Crown Land that’sadjacenttothe 1000-acreEcological Reserve. Architectureinperfect harmony with nature.
With 3300+ sf, this custom home features amyriad of spaces for the whole family to lounge, play,create, and work.
By this pointit’slikelythat everyone living on the island knows we have acougarneighbour, and alsolikelyeveryone hasanopiniononthe cat too. Formanymonthsnow we’velived in relativeharmonywith the animal, as many communities around the province do, andpersonallyIhopethis arrangementcan continue withus, ourpets, and the cougar stayingsafe. Thatsaid, it’s not as if nothinghas changed and as you mayhaveseenorwill read this week there’sbeenseveral humanencounters with the animal. While they haven’t resulted in harm not all of theseare welcome, such as a cougar walkingacrossyourdeckorone of our mostpopular island trails needingtobeclosed for atime.Ihopeinstances such as theseprove to be the exception and we cangobacktocoexistingwith ournew neighbour.Itisa beautiful beingand an importantpartofthe ecosystem; Ihopeour time together playsout peacefully.
Ialsoencourageeveryonetoreadthe submission from the BowenIslandConservancy laterinthe paperabout recentactivityatCape RogerCurtis.Withoutdivingintothe dynamics of tree cuttingingeneral, Ithink we canall agree it’s not righttochop downtrees which arenot yours,and further whichare onlands which have been prioritized fornatural preservation. It wasalongfight whichengulfedthis island to have thoselands end up protected, so let’s work to keep it that way. Besides,there isnoshortage of people offeringupfirewood for sale (sometimes for free!) over on thelocal socialmedia page
And speaking of nature, checkout the calendarasthereisstill time to take part in aNature Club workshop this weekend. Have ideas for Bowfest? Thefestival AGMistakingplace next weektoo.Come shareyourthoughtsonwhat should be includedinour Summer sendoff!
-AlexKurial, Editor
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2 Animal Files – Deer struck and a dog on the loose.
6 Assist other Agencies Files - Assisted Osoyoos RCMP with an arrest; Bylaws with a noise complaint; IHIT; Coastal Health for a check wellbeing; Municipality for Water taxi management; Parole Board.
3 Check Wellbeing – Requested by relatives, resolved.
2 Motor Vehicle Incidents – 1 with minor damage, 1 serious single vehicle collision due to a medical event.
5 Harassments - Landlord/Tenant issues, Unwanted Guests, Family Law.
2 Provincial Permits – Both for ATV’s required for snow plowing.
4 Property Found – 3 Wallets and prescription eyeglasses.
4 Property Lost – 2 Phones, 2 wallets
(neither of the above).
1 Suspicious Situation – Kitchen knife found near the roadway, not criminal in nature.
4 Speed Enforcement Days - Afternoon at Bowen Island Community School.
2 ‘Bowen Island Trunk Road’ U-turn ‘Blitz’s’ - Tickets issued.
2 Driving Complaints – Speeding towards the Ferry Lineup.
1 Ferry Collision – Ferry vs Dock/Boat.
1 Theft – Found to be misplaced tools.
1 Fraud – Investment/Stock Market related.
1Assault – Issue resolved without charges. Aggressor left the Island voluntarily.
1 Trespass Act – Vehicle on Nature trails.
March Forecast:
Bowen Island RCMP will be presenting the year end report to the Mayor and Council this month.
Speedwatch volunteers have been identified and are currently being screened. Expect to see them on the road with their mobile electronic sign board soon!
BurnsJennings
Son, brother, father, nephew, cousin, partner, andfriend. There is not one word nor one title that could define aperson, and certainly nota man as wellloved as BurnsJennings.
From hisearliest days in theYukon,tohis formative yearsinVancouver andVictoria, to ultimately his time here on Bowen, Burns was aforce. His mischievousgrin that did nothing to hide the actualmischief, gave us all areason to smile.
He grabbed on to life andcaptured its beauty in film, photography, wood working, and furniturethat so many of us treasure in our homes. Many of us cannot open ourdoors norhave ameal without appreciating Burns’ artistry andskill.
He left an indelible mark on everyone he met, withsomanypowerful friendships as atestament. Hiscommunity was an extension of this,and can be seen through hiscontribution in founding BowenIsland FC and his extensivecoaching of the players as well as his time spent with the juniorsquads of theCanadian Soccer Association where Burns formed hearts and mindswhilehoning theirskills.Healso nevermisseda summer playinginthe BowenFastpitch league since1991, and enjoyed playing with hissonsand nephew forthe past fewyears.
He didn’t limithis impact to us locals though, as his travels took him to distant lands where he notonly liftedothers, but wasalso able to share with so manythe imagery that would’ve made any NatGeo photographergreen with envy. Under thewaves, across the plains, through theair -hemissednothing. Thenatural world was his to conquer,and yethechoseto marvel in it and with it. Shredding powder, hanging ten, landing fish, summiting peaks, leaping from cliffs,hitting homers, and sinking putts; there truly was notmuch Burns couldnot, or did not, do
Never onetobestagnant, andalways looking forhis next challenge, Burns shifted his artistic flair from the darkroom to the woodshop to the kitchen. Crafting culinary masterpieces that left mouth watering while fillingbellies andsouls.
His family was paramount to himand none more so thanhis sons who bothembody his strength, ingenuity, athleticism,vivacity, and simple intrinsicgoodness. They are the embodiment of the bestofBurns and will bring their ownspirits into his legacy.
Our heartsache without Burns’ physical presence,and yetwecan feel him with us still.The sharingofstoriesand honouring of his life is something each of us will do for therest of our days.
Celebration of life to be announced.
Caring forNature: Photo of the MonthGolden JewelBeetle
Thanks so much Nova Ponfor submitting this fascinating photo to last year’s Bowen IslandConservancy’s2024 Bowen Biodiversity Photo Contest
Hereissome interestinginformation aboutthis helpful little insect
Thegolden jewel beetle is oneof our most beautiful insect neighbours. Its metallic green body withgold-coloured highlights sparkle in sunlightgladesand glow in thedeep shade of the forest.
As you walk through Bowen forests between May and October, agolden jewel beetle may blunder into you as it flies slowly among the treesorfallright onto your lap as you sit quietly in the forest. Youwillnotice that they havehard bullet-shapedbodies. This protects them from birdsand predatory insects. These beetlesare aboutaslongasthe first jointofyour baby finger (20 mm) andhavea fascinating life story.
In spring and early summer female golden jewel beetles scour the forest using their amazingly sensitive antennae to smell out and locate dead or dying trees. They prefer Douglas firs, but will also seek out western hemlock and red cedar trees. The females then lay their eggs in crevices or gashes in the bark. Theydonot lay eggs onhealthy trees.
The rest of the beetle’s life cycle ishidden,and very busy. The tiny larvae hatch and chew through thebark andtunnel
intothe sap wood locatedjust below the bark. But jewel beetlelarvaecannot digestwood without thehelp of bacteria and fungi so to help them, themother beetle carried spores of yeasts, bacteria, and wood-rottingfungi on her body from the rotting tree that she grew up in,tothe dead trees where she laysher eggs
Most larvae spend between two to four years eating and growing up to almost as long as your babyfinger (40 mm). Their feeding activity creates tunnels uptofive metres long. The tunnelling larvae begin and speed up decomposition by spreading decaying organisms throughout the dead tree.
Nextthe larvaechange to thepupal stage that restsquietly
Places ofWorship WelcomeYou
BOWENISLAND UNITED CHURCH
until it is time forthe adultbeetletochew throughthe bark andfly away in the spring. Thisentire busy life process plays an important role in recycling deadtrees intosoils, providing food forfuture forest plants.
So keep your eyes peeledfor aglimpse of these living jewels, partofa myriad of oursmall neighbours working togethertomaintain healthy forestsonBowen Island.
This is amonthly series of photographs submittedfor the Bowen IslandConservancy’s 2024 Bowen Biodiversity Photo Contest. The Bowen IslandConservancyisa land trust and registeredcharity, thatworks to protect andpreserve the natural environment of the island—from endangeredcoastal bluffs, to inland lakes, to wetlands andfens.
Sunday Mass at 9.30 Contact Angela Powell 604-947-2515
CATES HILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.)
SHIRAT HAYAM (Song of the Sea)
BOWEN’S JEWISH COMMUNITY Shabbat Gatherings ~ Holidays Sunday Worship 10:30 am Rev Lorraine Ashdown www.biuc.ca | 1122 Miller Road 778-688-2061 OFFICE HOURSWEDNESDAY10-4ORBYAPPOINTMENT
DEPART BOWENISLAND 5:20 am -exceptSundays 6:20 am 7:30 am 8:35 am 9:40 am 10:50am 12:00pm 1:10 pm 2:55 pm 4:00 pm -exceptWednesdays 5:10 pm 6:15 pm 7:25 pm -exceptSaturdays 8:30 pm 9:30 pm 10:30pm DEPART HORSESHOEBAY 5:50 am 6:50 am 8:00 am 9:05 am -exceptWednesdays. 10:15am 11:25am 12:35pm 2:20 pm 3:30 pm 4:35 pm 5:45 pm 6:50 pm 8:00 pm -exceptSaturdays 9:00 pm 10:00pm
100 housing units envisioned along Mt. Gardner Road
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
The entire area was subsequently divided into four smaller areas, with essentially all development planned for Areas 1 and 2. Areas 3 and 4 are due to be left alone due to geographical realities Area 1 – the easternmost portion – was highlighted as the best choice to start development. It was the focus of an update from the two organizations on the project in February, presented by Robyn Fenton from BIRCH and Mark Shieh from Tomo
Area 1, measuring 5.5 acres, is zoned for residential and commercial use in addition to light industry, although there are currently no plans to pursue the latter Instead the groups are looking to build around 100 units of housing on the land along with some retail space The housing units would be anchored by a four-storey apartment building containing approximately 50 homes Eight blocks of five connected townhomes are also envisioned for the space, along with a limited number of townhouses located above retail stores
Fenton explained the residences above the shops would be similar to how buildings in Artisan Square are setup, but noted that Area 1 and Artisan Square shouldn’t be compared directly as the Community Lands space would be much more heavily geared toward residential space. The 100 homes would be constructed in a phased approach, likely starting off in the 25 to 50 home range.
Early estimates for Area 1 project costs are around $37 million from start to finish Fenton and Shieh explained they are estimating a loan around $20 million which would leave $15 to 20 million remaining. The pair said they are not expecting the municipality – who will retain ownership of the land but not carry out day-to-day operation of the project – to fund the remaining amount, and will be exploring grant opportunities moving ahead.
The priority for filling the units will be people who work or live on Bowen. The two groups are still discussing whether the homes will take a rental or co-op style of operation, but will not be available for sale as the goal is to make them available to the local workforce To cover the loan, and estimating a net income of $980,000 a year, rents are currently projected to be $1,300 for a bachelor unit, $1,800 for a one-bedroom, $2,400 for a two-bedroom, and $3,200 for a three-bedroom.
Project goals for this year include coming up with design drawings, more detailed budget and funding plans, deciding on delivery options for the units, and leasing the land from the municipality. Fenton and Shieh told council it would cost $80,000 to $120,000 to fund these initial steps, a request which was sent to this year’s ongoing budget process for consideration. In the meantime municipal staff will work with BIRCH to lock down a land lease agreement.
Map showing the Community Lands (left), primarily bordering Mt. Gardner Road, along with the four areas the overall plot has been divided into. Area 1 has been chosen as the intial focus for development, with plans to build 100 units of housing plus some commercial space. A draft of Area 1 (above) shows a combination of retail space, townhomes and an apartment building.
www.tippys.ca
Conservancy concern over chopped down Cape tree
PEOPLE ALSO ASKED NOT TO REMOVE FALLEN TREES
BOWEN ISLAND CONSERVANCY
Amidst the chaos of the world, science reveals a simple truth: stepping into a forest and taking a deep breath can elevate your spirits. Spring is in the air and the forest is bursting with life, but it’s more than that.
Studies indicate that the microbes thriving in healthy soil emit a fragrance akin to an antidepressant for those fortunate enough to inhale the aroma of nutrient-rich earth. This rich soil, teeming with those enchanting microbes, is born from the natural decay of plant and animal life, which nourishes other species and enhances moisture in our local ecosystem
Moreover, the scent of a thriving forest floor serves as a much-needed mood enhancer for many of us.
Regrettably, not all the news is uplifting. The land at Cape Roger Curtis, saved by the Bowen Island Conservancy after significant destruction, was struck another blow by someone who hacked down a tree and cut up another snapped tree, selfishly stealing what could have transformed into a vital nurse log, supporting countless species
VOTE
before eventually enriching the soil.
At the Conservancy Protected Land, nature has a chance to recover and anyone who harms the forest whether through tree cutting or reckless riding over its delicate terrain may face legal consequences. It is illegal to cut down trees or take the wood of fallen trees on Bowen Island Conservancy property. It is, after all, private property shared with the public.
The Conservancy is a local group working toward what they hope can eventually grow into an old-growth forest, rich in plant and animal biodiversity that will serve generations to come. It is private land, but as a gift, is open for the public. Many volunteers are working tirelessly to find the best ways to help mend the damaged web of life at the Cape.
It already takes one’s breath away to see so much healing taking place - from the feel-good smell of the soil to the baby eagles expected this spring, the arbutus sprouting out of rocks and the nurse logs infused with fruiting fungi. This land is a precious gift that is part of a reciprocal but imbalanced exchange between the protectors of nature and all the wild things - from the tiny
SHEELAH DONAHUE
SCHOOL TRUSTEE
Passionate advocate for public education in Bowen Island, Lions Bay and West Vancouver since 2014 Visitwww.sheelahdonahue.comtolearnmoreaboutSheelah orcalltohaveachat
Despite protective covenants on Conservancy land at Cape Roger Curtis, there’s been recent incidents of tree cutting & harvesting. / Alex Kurial photo
microbes in the soil to the giant trees that help regulate our water cycles. Any more deliberate destruction of this invaluable ecosystem would be indefensible.
With all the difficult events happening in the world, this is a great time to go take a deep breath and experience what the smell of the healthy soil in the forest can do.
While you’re at it, the Bowen Island
Conservancy is inviting visitors to please email any observations that you think are worth sharing with the Conservancy. Please send your observations and comments, whether it is your wonder at the beauty of nature in the protected lands or to report an incident that you’d like to share with the Conservancy volunteers at: crc-reports@ bowenislandconservancy.org
woodfibrelng.ca@woodfibreLNG
NOTICE OF 2025 BY-ELECTION
2025 By-Election: TheCorporation Of TheDistrict Of West Vancouver &School District 45 (WestVancouver Schools).
PUBLIC NOTICE is given to the electorsofWestVancouver Schoolsthat a by-election by voting is necessary forthe OfficeofSchool Trustee (one to be elected) foratermending October,2026.
Forthe OfficeofSchool Trustee
• DONAHUE, Sheelah 6805 Hycroft Road, West Vancouver
• JENSEN,Neil 168 Stevens Drive, West Vancouver
• NURPEISSOV,Roman 401-6697 Nelson Avenue, WestVancouver
General Voting DayisSaturday, April 5, 2025. Voting places areas followsand all areopen from 8a.m. to 8p.m. at:
• West Vancouver CommunityCentre,Lily LeeRoom, 2121 Marine Drive
• BowenIsland CommunitySchool, Community Use Room, 1041Mt. Gardner Road, BowenIsland Wheelchair access and curbside votingare available.
NOTICE OF ADVANCE VOTING OPPORTUNITIES
Forthose who areunable to vote on general voting day, advance voting opportunities will be held atWest Vancouver Municipal Hall at 75017th Street, West Vancouver,BCfrom8a.m. to 8p.m. on the following days:
• Wednesday, March 26 and Monday, March 31
MAIL BALLOT VOTING
Electorsmay apply to the Chief ElectionOfficer to receiveamailballot package. The Application to Vote by MailBallotisavailable on the District’s website at westvancouver.ca/election and at the West Vancouver Municipal Hall. Mail ballot packages will be provided to qualified applicants. To receiveamail ballot packagebymail, an Application to Vote by MailBallot must be submitted no later than 4p.m. on March 17,2025toallowsufficient timefor apackagetobe mailed to youand returned. To receivea mailballot packageinperson (pick-up atMunicipal Hall), an Application to Vote by Mail Ballot maybesubmitted up until 4p.m. April 5, 2025. Completed mail ballots must be received by the Chief Election Officer at West Vancouver Municipal Hall before8p.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025 in order to be counted forthe election.
REGISTERING TO VOTE
Electorswhose names arenot on the list of registered electors mayregister at the time of voting by completing the required applicationform available at the voting placeand providing required identification.
Resident Electors:
Aresident elector must meet the following requirements:
• age18orolder on the dayofregistration or on general votingday;
• Canadian citizen;
• resident of British Columbia foratleast 6monthsimmediately beforethe dayofregistration;
• aresident of School District 45;and
• not disqualified by anyenactment from voting in an election or otherwise disqualified by law.
To register,residentelectorswill be required to producetwo pieces of identification (at least one with asignature; photo identification is unnecessary)toprove both residency and identity.
Non-Resident Property Electors:
Anon-resident property elector must meet the following requirements:
• age18orolder on the dayofregistration or on general voting day;
• Canadian citizen;
• resident of British Columbia foratleast 6months immediately beforethe day of registration,
• registeredowner of real property in School District 45 foratleast 30 days immediately beforethe dayofregistration;
• not entitledtoregister as aresident elector in School District 45;
• not disqualified by anyenactment from voting in an election or otherwise disqualified by law;
• not registeredasanon-resident property elector in relation to anyother parcel of real property in School District 45;
• if thereismorethanone registered owner of the property,only one of those individuals may, withthe written consent of the majorityofthe owners, registerasanon-resident property elector; and
• the only persons who areregistered ownersofthe real property,either as joint tenants or tenants in common, areindividualswho arenot holding the property intrust foracorporation or another trust.
To register, non-resident property electorswillberequired to producetwo pieces ofidentification (at least one with asignature; photoidentification is unnecessary), AND proofthat theyare entitledtoregister in relation to the property,and if applicable, written consent from theother property owners. Aproperty tax notice/ certificate,aproperty assessment noticefromBCAssessment, aStateofTitle Certificate, Title Search, or CertificateofIndefeasible Title areacceptableforms of proof of property ownership
No corporation is entitledtoberegistered as an elector or have arepresentative registeredasanelector and no corporation is entitled to vote,and permanent residents of Canada (landed immigrants) who have not yetbecome Canadian citizens arenot entitled to vote.
CONTACTTHE ELECTION OFFICE Forenquiries or moreinformation: LegislativeServices, West Vancouver Municipal Hall 75017th Street, West Vancouver BC 604-925-7004 | election@westvancouver.ca MondaytoFriday, 8:30a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
FURTHER INFORMATION: Visit westvancouver.ca/election or contact the Chief Election Officer or DeputyChief Election Officer at 604-925-7004.
Thisisimportant information. Please have someone translateitfor you.
Hope Dallas, Chief Election Officer, March 10,2025
NDP candidate wants to give youth a voice at the federal level
SANDRA THOMAS Coast Reporter
Having grown up on the Sunshine Coast, 18-year-old Jäger Rosenberg says he’s very much aware of the issues residents are facing in these uncertain political times.
And, as the recently acclaimed federal NDP candidate for West VancouverSunshine Coast-Sea to Sky, Rosenberg says he’s ready to tackle them at the federal level.
“I think the environment is always a big issue here. We have such beautiful landscape, we have such beautiful water, it’s always going to be a problem with littering, and fires and floods,” said Rosenberg during a phone interview with Coast Reporter on March 11.
“And obviously the water issue is always such a big thing. The cost of living is a huge problem, and housing. We’ve seen the price of housing skyrocket here because of the lack of supply in Vancouver, moving the prices up here as well.”
He noted the increasing cost of living combined with the housing crisis should be bringing young people and seniors together to fight for a common goal, rather than pitting them against each other He says while seniors on fixed incomes are struggling to buy food and keep a roof over their head, young people can’t afford to move out of their parents’ homes.
“But it’s not the older generation’s fault, it’s greedy CEOs and greedy corporations artificially jacking up prices and buying all the homes so we have to pay excess amounts of rent,” said Rosenberg. “We’re really united on all the major issues and if we are able to come together and recognize that and work together, we can finally fix things and put the wealthy CEOs back in their box so they stop destroying everything for the rest of us.”
To do that, Rosenberg said, the NDP has a plan to build more homes, while cap-
ping some housing prices and property tax assessments, which often over-inflate the worth of an actual home.
“The NDP is coming up with more policies every day,” said Rosenberg. “We’re looking at that as a big priority for the NDP as a whole and I’m just waiting to get more information about what we’re doing with that.”
Rosenberg notes that while he’s just 18, he does have life experience, which makes him mature beyond his years. He says during the pandemic, his parents lost some business for several years, so he got a full-time job at just 14 to help pay the bills. His first job was a paper route for Coast Reporter when he was 10.
He’s continued to work two or three jobs at the same time ever since, even while completing high school, which he graduated from a year early. He also held both a full-time and part-time job when he started his provincial campaign for the NDP in 2024.
“So, I know what it’s like for people struggling to pay the bills because I am too… So, I want to try and focus on reducing costs for people and giving people a voice. Because a lot of people, a lot of young people like me, who are struggling the most, are the most underrepresented in politics.”
Rosenberg added that another issue close to his heart is the need for more mental health supports, particularly for youth. Having recently graduated from high school, he said he knows first-hand, just how precarious the mental health is of many teens living on the Coast. He added the Sunshine Coast is in dire need of more mental health counsellors and community centres where people can gather He notes it’s important to destigmatize talking about issues such as anxiety and depression.
Rosenberg says as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, he was bullied badly in school, so knows first-hand how tough that can be on a person’s mental health. He says it doesn’t help watching
Jäger Rosenberg will be the NDP’s candidate for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky in the upcoming federal election. / Submitted photo
right-wing politicians attempting to roll back trans and gay rights.
“Because when I came out [as bisexual] first things were generally pretty good, you know, there was occasional comments, but nothing bad. And then the Republicans in America, and then later the right here began wanting to walk back on trans rights and then walk back on gay rights,” says Rosenberg.
“And I saw immediately the change and I was bullied very hard in high school, and I had mental health struggles too. And I saw how people around me were having mental health struggles with similar and different
issues, and that motivated me to try and fix it, not fix it all on my own, but use the voice I have to try and change things so it’s better for people like me, who should never have to switch schools because they’re getting beat up just for who they love.”
Other confirmed candidates for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country include Conservative Party candidate Keith Roy, who secured his party’s nomination a year ago, incumbent Liberal MP Patrick Weiler, People’s Party of Canada candidate Peyman Askari and Animal Protection Party of Canada candidate Sanaz Mani.
Bigupgrades comingtoHorseshoe BayFerryTerminal
NICK LABA North Shore News
Big changes are set to finally come tothe Horseshoe BayFerry Terminal.
BC Ferries has announced asignificant infrastructure renewal program to improve operations at the nearly 65-year-old hub –works that were previously planned but stalleddue to the economic slowdownatthe onsetofthe COVID-19 pandemic
Over the next several years the terminal will undergo aseries of “essential” improvements to improve on-timeperformance, enhance the customer experience and ensure continued safe and reliableoperation, the province-owned corporation said in anews release.
Planned projects at the terminalinclude upgrading or replacing the three berths, relocating the control tower, upgrading aging elevated structures andenhancing seismic resilience,reads the release.
The changes aim to streamline trafficflow and allow abroader range of vessels tooperate within the constraints of the existing site, BCFerries said.
The total cost of the Horseshoe Bay terminal renewal is estimated in the “hun-
dreds of millions,” the corporation said, adding that some projects arealready in the planning stages.
“A dedicated team is in place to deliver these projectsontimeand on budget, ensuring cost-effective investmentsinthe terminal’sfuture,” BC Ferriessaid.
Changestoterminal accesstobegin as earlyasfall2025
Horseshoe Bay is one of theprovince’s oldestand busiest terminals,saidStephen Jones, vice-president of engineering.
“And, like many similar infrastructure projects fromthat era,many of its componentsare due to bereplaced or upgraded,” he said.
“Thisextensive work is another exampleofthe growingnumber of significant capital investments necessary to keep our terminals and vessels in their best working condition to ensure theyoperate safely,reliably and efficientlyaswekeep millions of customers moving each year,” Jones said.
Whilemuch of theworkwon’t be visible tostart,changes to how customers travel throughthe terminal willstartasearly as fall 2025, said MelanieLucia, vice-president of customer experience
“Minimizing any impacts on both our
customers and staffasmuch as possiblewill continue to be apriority as planning for the projectscontinues,” shesaid.
Plans to overhaulthe agingterminal were first announced in 2019.Atthe time, BC Ferriesput forward an ambitious plan with
aprojected cost of $250 million. But in August 2020, the corporation saidit lost $130 million in expected revenue from a plummet in ridership due to pandemic lockdown and reduced sailings,putting terminal upgrades in limbo
HorseshoeBay FerryTerminal has arelativelysmallberthing area compared to other high-traffic terminalsinthe province. /PaulMcGrathphoto
‘Concerning behaviour’: Cougar struts across Bowen family’s deck
ALANNA KELLY Glacier Media
A cougar living on Bowen Island is making its presence known and one recent encounter has conservation officers concerned.
In just 28 hours, two people had close encounters with the cougar in the Cowan Point area.
Surveillance video captured the large cat strutting across a family’s deck and through their fenced property on 3:15 pm on March 7.
The day before, a woman was walking her dog near Forest Ridge Road around noon when the cougar caught their attention
She managed to film a video of the cougar balancing motionless on a tree branch.
“Wow, that’s a cougar,” the woman can be heard saying in the video.
The Conservation Officer Service (COS) are aware of the recent cougar activity on Bowen Island and understands that it can cause people to be concerned
Insp. Simon Gravel says COS has not received any reports of a cougar showing aggression towards people or pets.
“Over the weekend, the COS received a report of a cougar on a residential deck, which is concerning behaviour,” said Gravel.
“This was not initially reported to the RAPP line.”
Back on Feb. 24, Gravel said the cougar had not done anything to warrant removal from the island.
Gravel explained that while there have been several sightings of the animal, the cougar has kept largely out of sight. Gravel did not directly answer questions on whether or not the recent encounters change this statement.
According to Gravel, the last report to RAPP of a verified cougar sighting was back in November.
Watching the cougar grow
Cordell Wynne has lived on Bowen Island for 25 years and believes it is a privilege to
have such a “gorgeous animal” around.
“I’m not concerned... I feel kind of privileged,” he said. “So far, it has displayed no aggressive tendencies whatsoever, pets or children or anything,” he told Glacier Media.
He has had two encounters with the animal, both times on his driveway, and the most recent one about two weeks ago.
“This time was a little bit more unsettling, because I was actually walking down the driveway, and it cut in front of me into some bushes,” Wynne recalled. “Because there was the sheer cliff there, it couldn’t go anywhere. So it was just like 12 feet away from my driveway.”
Wynne has watched the big cat grow from roughly 80 pounds to 100 pounds.
“My observation is that he looks way bigger now than he did two months ago,” he said. “It’s so well fed here, it’s pretty crazy.”
He decided to install a trail camera on his property and managed to capture video of the cougar.
“When you see it come in and sit down, it’s got some gravitas,” he said. “That’s impressive.”
Wynne works at the local beer and wine store and has had an opportunity to chat with lots of people about the cougar. He understands that people are divided on the animal with some being cautious on walks or runs
“This is kind of the price we pay for living in a wilderness area.”
One night back in January, resident Joshua Young was walking toward Bowen Island Trunk Road when he had a run-in with the cougar.
He wrote into the Bowen Island Undercurrent about his encounter saying he was less than 15 feet away from it.
“It was just the two of us, just me and what I personally consider to be the island’s only apex predator, face to face on one of the darkest nights of the month,” he wrote.
At first, he thought it was a lost dog but as he got closer the gigantic tail, long body
The Cougar was seen on surveillance video on March 7 walking through a family’s yard in Cowan Point. / Submitted video
and feline face unmistakably identified it as a cougar.
He managed to walk calmly by the animal without incident.
“We are lucky to have this one, it seems to have proven to be one of the good ones,” he said. “I’m grateful for the experience.”
Report cougar sightings
People are asked to be familiar with precautions in case of cougar encounters.
COS advises people not to give cougars an opportunity to linger in an area and become comfortable with the “presence of people.”
“Conservation officers will continue to
monitor cougar reports on Bowen Island and respond as necessary to ensure public safety,” said Gravel.
Backyard chickens can also be an attractant for cougars and people should make sure pets are on a leash.
“Cougars prey on deer, which are abundant on coastal islands,” said Gravel.
He’s reminding people that accurate and timely RAPP reports are important, as they help conservation officers determine the best course of action.
Cougar “conflicts” or aggressive behaviour can be reported to the RAPP hotline at 1-877-952-7277.
Paintings & Piano Show at the Hearth Gallery
THE CONFLUENCE OF VISUAL ART AND MUSIC
THE HEARTH GALLERY
The Hearth Gallery invites you to immerse yourselves in the synergy of paintings and piano.
Three Bowen Island artists are collaborating in a colourful and lively exhibition, open from March 12 to 31. The show features paintings by Denise Pugash, Gregg Simpson, and live performances of original music composed by Nicole Thomas Zyczynski.
The Artist pARTy at the Hearth Gallery is on Saturday, March 15 from 6 to 8 pm.
All three artists explore the interweaving of visual art and music. Gregg’s art is improvised, and expresses visually how sound and colour relate to create landscape forms He credits his past career as a jazz drummer for his development as an artist: “I played a lot of improvised free jazz, which influenced my concept of abstraction.”
His works are called Soundscapes. These are moving landscape forms, representing shapes of colour which create their own music.
Denise Pugash paints landscapes on Bowen Island and the south of France. “I
see specific colours when I listen to music. I listen to the combinations of colours in a painting. I try to create a specific mood and emotional impact in a painting.”
“The outcome may be harmonious or contain an unexpected clash. In music, discordance creates tension in a piece, and these moments of imperfection and resolution communicate emotion.”
Nicole, as a composer, writes and performs original music that is conceived by her innate response and interpretation of Denise’s paintings.
“Denise’s paintings were a new inspiration for me. Each painting and its colours triggered in me a unique melody, motif, harmony, rhythmic pulse and mood. It has been a true delight to see how well the two parallel art forms marry and serve as inspiration to each other.”
During the exhibition, the artists will be present on selected days at the Hearth Gallery, and will provide interactive demonstrations of their collaboration. For further information and the artist schedule, please visit thehearth. ca or contact the Hearth Gallery during opening hours.
Paintings & Piano art show at Hearth Gallery featuring Denise Pugash, Gregg Simpson & Nicole Thomas Zyczynski. / Submitted photo
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Saturday, March 15
French Conncections 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 French speakers with beginner and intermediate conversational skills bipl.ca/French
Saturday, March 15
Bowen Nature Club Workshop
Join naturalist Sue Ellen Fast for a workshop on how to use iNaturalist as a tool for identifying Bowen plants, fungi and animals, and how to make contributions to the knowledge of the island’s biodiversity In preparation download the iNaturalist app to your mobile device from the App Store or Google Play Register at bowennatureclub@gmail.com
Saturday, March 15
Community Choir Coffee House
Join the Bowen Island Community Choir for an evening of music, fun and friends. Starts 7 pm at Cates Hill Chapel, tickets $25 at the door
Monday, March 17 (& 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 Hangouts also March 18, 19 & 21, all 1 to 3 pm All four hangouts feature a guest speaker.
Tuesday, March 18
Bowfest AGM
Join the Bowfest Committee’s Annual General Meeting at 6 pm in the downstairs area of Doc Morgan’s. All Islanders are welcome to join and share their opinion about this year’s festival.
Wednesday, March 19 & Friday, March 21
SKY Walks
Walks begin at 10:30 am. Both starting across from the Gas Station on Mt Gardner Road.
Saturday, March 22
Meditation Course
Death and Dying from a Buddhist Perspective. A Talk and Meditations with Denise Fitzgerald. At Collins Hall from 2 to 5 pm $25 register with Kadampa Meditation Vancouver, e-transfer to denisefitzgerald23@gmail.com, or at the door with credit card or cash
Tuesday, March 25
CRA Presentation at the Library
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) presentation on benefits and credits you may be eligible for that’s money in your pocket! Starts at 10:30 am, stay afterward until 2 pm to get one-on-one drop-in help with a CRA specialist, Service Canada agent, WorkBC Career Advisor, or Community Integration Specialist. Come get your questions answered. Find out more at bipl.ca/get-help
Tuesday, March 25
Community & Career Services at the Library
Drop in to see an Community Integration Service specialist and/or a WorkBC Career Advisor at the Bowen Library. 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. Both available from 11 am to 2 pm Find out more at bipl.ca/get-help
Sunday, March 30
Meditation Sessions
Amrita, long time certified hatha yoga teacher is offering a two hour meditation, ball rolling, yoga class in the space next door to Movement (582 Artisan Square). Takes place from 4 to 6 pm and she would love it if you could come Space is limited to 6, suggested donation of $15-20 towards the Pamoja foundation. Please email Amrita at movementglobal@gmail.com to register.
WEDNESDAYS
Storytime at the Library
A free, drop-in program of stories and songs for 2-4 yearolds and their caregivers! 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 9:30 am to 12:30 pm For further information please contact shannonrondeau@shaw.ca
Babytime at the Library
A free, 30-minute 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. bipl.ca/babytime
Scottish Country Dancing at Tir-na-nOg
Come try out Scotland’s social dancing. Beginners welcome, runs 7 to 9 pm. Contact alison.imbriaco@gmail.com
SATURDAYS
SKY Mahjong
Come and play Mahjong at the Seniors Cottage on Cardena Drive 1 to 3 pm, RSVP info@skyonbowenisland.ca
