An increased ferry marshal presence is expected in Snug Cove this summer under a new pilot program.
Bylaw services supervisor Doug Woods says he is looking to hire a pair of ferry marshals for the upcoming tourist season with a $46,000 Small Community Grant Fund the municipality received from the province at the end of last year The marshals would work around seven hours total on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays beginning with the May long weekend and running through Thanksgiving. The project would be assessed at the end of the year to determine if it should be brought back in the future.
Duties for the marshals would include speaking to people parked in the cross-hatch sections of the lineup, making sure traffic lanes stay clear, and keeping an eye out for people trying to jump into the lineup while the ferry is loading. While the marshals won’t have the power to issue tickets for any infractions, they can either alert bylaw officers to attend the scene or document illegal activity so a ticket can be issued retroactively.
Municipality hopes BC Ferries helps with cost of Ferry Marshal pilot program
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Previous ferry marshal work during the summer has been conducted by a Bowen contractor for several years, along with various flaggers However last year the contractor said they wouldn’t be continuing in the role going forward, leaving the island without any marshal service In explaining his case to fund the positions Woods explained ferry marshals are an essential service to the island, and that contracting out these roles to private companies returned much more expensive estimates between $82,000 and $131,000 (albeit with more coverage, about 12 hours per day).
Woods added that while the municipality (BIM) can fund the program, he hopes BC Ferries ends up covering at least half of the costs Funding for past marshal and flagging service was split evenly between BIM and BC Ferries, and last year totalled around $9,000.
Mayor Andrew Leonard expressed his support for the program but stressed that BC Ferries should be picking up the full tab. “I continue to be incredibly disappointed that BC Ferries has not come to the table to fund this at all,” he said following Woods’ presentation to council.
“As it stands I think this is still a stop-gap measure. Seven hours a day on weekends, I
anticipate, is not going to be enough It does seem like the ferry corporation is starting to get the message they need to make changes… but this is part of their operational domain.”
Council unanimously approved the inclusion of $46,000 in this year’s budget to hire the two marshals, and approved a letter to BC Ferries expressing their desire for financial assistance. If BC Ferries does return with an offer to fund some or all of the project, it’s yet to be determined whether that would free up the provincial grant money to be used elsewhere, or if the amount of service provided by the marshals (ie hours or days covered) would be expanded.
Leonard added that BIM is already using other municipal funds for ferry related costs, including Major Road Network funding from TransLink going toward repainting markings in the ferry lineup. “We’re doing BC Ferries’ jobs for them in terms of everything from wayfinding to signage to lane markings and now ferry marshaling, which does not happen in any other community in the province Which is absolutely ridiculous.”
“For a community with a tax base of 4,200 people that has to do its own ferry marshaling… it’s a jurisdictional issue that does not seem to be sinking in,” said the mayor.
POWER OUTAGE Repair crews were busy replacing a power pole at Bowen Island Trunk Road and Miller Road on Wednesday morning Power was knocked out to a large chunk of northeast Bowen and Snug Cove on Tuesday night after a vehicle crashed into the pole. The road was closed as a result, with estimates for both road reopening and power restoration to take place late Wednesday afternoon. / Alex
to PO Box 130, BowenIsland,BC, V0N 1G0 or emaileditor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
#102–495 BowenTrunk Road, PO Box130, BowenIslandBC,V0N 1G0
Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148
All Advertising and newscopycontent arecopyrightof the Undercurrent Newspaper.All editorial contentsubmittedtothe Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication. TheUndercurrent is not responsiblefor unsolicited manuscripts,art work and photographs.
National NewsMedia Council.
TheUndercurrent is amember of theNational NewsMedia Council of Canada, which is an independentorganization established to deal withacceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If youhave concerns about editorial content, please email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.comorcall 604-947-2442. If youare not satisfied withthe response and wishtofile a formal complaint, visit the websiteatmediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 foradditional information.
CARTOONIST
Opening Night Art Festivities
MARCUS HONDRO
Special Contributor
A unique and engaging art exhibit arrived at the Hearth Gallery in Snug Cove on Wednesday, March 12 and was officially heralded-in last Saturday with an opening night ‘artist pARTy.’
Paintings & Piano combines work by two island painters, Denise Pugash and Gregg Simpson, along with musician and composer, Nicole Thomas Zyczynski Over 40 people enjoyed the hors d’oeuvres, colourful art and expressive music.
The Pugash paintings - she paints her landscapes on our Happy Isle and in the south of France - were the inspiration for the Thomas Zyczynski compositions. The music plays as visitors view the paintings; music will sometimes be heard in recordings, other times the musician will perform live, as she did opening night.
The idea for this uniting of visual art and music came about when Pugash, who last year left a full-time job to pursue her art, showed some of her paintings to Thomas Zyczynski.
She was rewarded with immediate results
“Nicole composed five pieces for piano the same night,” Pugash told the Undercurrent. “I was astonished. It was really interesting to hear her interpretation of the paintings, from the sonority of church bells from the cathedral, to the sounds of dragonflies dancing around lily pads Nicole’s music really resonated with me.”
That combining of their art sparked ideas in both artists.
“Nicole and I started talking about the nuances of her pieces, which led to a discussion of colours in music. It occurred to me that we should present my paintings along with Nicole’s compositions We submitted a joint proposal to the Hearth.”
Pugash said she and Thomas Zyczynski wanted to “illustrate the confluence of visual art and music” and the gallery, excited by the results, gave the show the green light.
The gallery added Simpson, an abstract and surrealist, who has worked in other forms. He’s had solo and group exhibitions the world over, for decades While joining after the collaboration of the others, Simpson’s work meshes nicely as each artist does not use colour sparingly and the music’s rhythms and tones evoke feelings of colour
The Artists in Canada website has said that Simpson’s work has “… a somewhat lyrical quality to it” and his Celtic heritage “… evoked a mystical folklore within his imagery.” You can learn more about his paintings at greggsimpsonart.com
An opening night treat was island choir Carmina Bowena, lead by Thomas Zyczynski, who sing mostly Renaissance songs, a-cappella. Choir members include Michael Epp, Jack Callister, Gillian Haley, Gail Percy, Louw Verwey, Chris Corrigan, Sarah Jane Milroy, Richard Dohmeier, Aaron Davison and David van Berckel.
The works Carmina Bowena (Songs of Bowen) performed included If Ye Love Me, circa 1548, a motet from English composer Thomas Tallis The piece, and the choir, gave the artist pARTy an extra splash of joy, joy felt by visitors and the artists alike.
Gregg Simpson, one of the artists showing at the Paintings & Piano exhibit, visits with friend and fellow island artist, Diane Buchanan, at the exhibit’s opening. For over five decades Simpson’s work has been shown the world over, in exhibitions in New York, London, Berlin, Rome, Paris, Toronto, Montreal, in Australia, China, Chile and other countries and cities, including multiple showings in BC and on Bowen Island. / Marcus Hondro photo
“I was absolutely thrilled to feel so supported by the arts community on Bowen Island, and especially by Jami Scheffer, the Hearth’s executive director,” Pugash said. “I felt such energy in the room. I was immensely grateful and honoured that so many people interested in art, and who support the arts, were there on a cold, rainy evening.”
During exhibition days the artists themselves will often be there, sometimes music and painter together The schedule is available for viewing at thehearthartsonbowen.ca.
Paintings & Piano is at The Hearth Gallery in Snug Cove until March 31. Next up for the gallery will be Human & Nature, featuring photographers Cosmo Campbell, Marty Levenson and Dane Murner, with ceramic artist Russell Hackney; that exhibit focuses on environmental and endangered species themes and runs from April 2 to 21.
Nicole Thomas Zyczynski, who sits at a piano at The Hearth Gallery at the opening of the Paintings & Piano exhibit, shares a laugh with Christina Parsons, a pianist herself Parsons ferried over from Vancouver to attend the opening, which combined landscape and absurdist paintings with music from Thomas Zyczynski that was inspired by some of the pieces on display. / Marcus Hondro photo
Fresh off her recognition as Citizen of the Year,Bowen residentColleen O’Neil is once again beinghonouredfor her tireless work in the worldofislandhealthcare with anomination for the YWCA WomenofDistinctionAward.
AreleasefromYWCAMetroVancouver said O’Neil was beingrecognized for her morethanthree decadesofwork on BowenincludingatFamilyPlace,the Caring Circle, andofcourseher tirelesseffortstobring theBowen Island CommunityHealth Centre to life,a keystone facilityin the communitywhereO’Neilcontinues her work as the communityhealth coordinator
We askedColleen abouther nomination,and alsoto reflect on her career whichhas seen health care accesson Bowenleapforward by many magnitudes
Q: Howdid you findout aboutthe nomination andhow diditfeel?
A: Iknew the applicationwas in theworksbecause the person being nominated has to be awillingparticipant. And Megan Smith (one of our CommunityHealthWorkers)spent quite abit of time interviewing me and then writingwhat was apretty long application. Then after amonth or two…I got apersonal call from one of the Chairs of theWomenof DistinctionAward Team to letmeknowI wasselected as one of thenominees in the CommunityChampioncategory.
Iwas touched and proud andthen later frankly alittle embarrassed. The imposter syndrome kicked in because of courseall of the projects I’ve been involvedinonBowen wouldn’thave come to fruition withoutateam of others making it happen.ThenIre-read thecategorycriteria and thesentence “harness the time, talent and capacityofothers”.I was then able to comfortably sit and beproud to be acknowledged in this area.
Q: Could you talk about theimportanceoffounding both FamilyPlace andCaring Circle?
A: Family Place –When Imoved here in 1987 there weren’t alot of opportunities to meet other young parents whowere at homewith their children. Family Placebrought togetherall of thenew young familiesand anetwork of dynamicwomen andmen whostatedconstructing acommunityfor themselves when Ithink previously we feltalittle isolated. Iknow that thehusbands of thewomen whomet at Family Place also foundtheir socialnetworks expanding. It really wasall aboutbuilding asense of community, asense of belonging. FamilyPlace on Bowen has beenwhereso manydecades long friendships started.
Caring Circle- Ithink havinghad breast cancer alerted me to the many gaps in health services at least in 2005. It wasa frustratingtimewhen there didn’t seem to be acoordinated response to my diagnosis. Iwas havingtodolotsofresearch myself andbeonhigh alertwhen things got missed. So once I washealthy again it occurred to me that health navigation might be aservicethat people needonBowen.Given that Iworkedasaregisterednurse on Bowen, and at Lions Gate Hospitaland Vancouver GeneralHospital andhavinggone throughayear long breast cancer ordeal, Ithought Imight havesomething tooffer theCommunityespeciallygiven we were so underserved with regard to primary caregiven we only had onegeneralpractitioner for quite anumber of years. So Ivolunteeredfor ayearand then we foundfunds to pay for ahealth navigator. Thatworkover 10 yearsinformed the work of theHealth CentreFoundation.
Q: Howdid thosetwo groups grow over theyearsand howimportantweretheytothe community?
A: Ithink FamilyPlace continuestoconnect familieson Bowenand is where so many friendships start in that space at the Children’sCentre. And how thehealth of ourlittle ones get thecare they needwith the education Family Place provides.FamilyPlace is pivotal to the healthofthiscommunity, both thehealth of theparents and thehealth of the children. Iconsider it oneofthe most importantorganizations on Bowen.
Ithink CaringCirclewas incredibly importanttothe
Communityasreflected in ouryearlystats. We offeredone to onesupport to hundreds forrequests forsupport,we sponsoredmany educational opportunitiesover the years andtook aleadershiprole in healthrelated concerns on Bowen.CaringCirclewas the catalystfor the creationofa Board to look at buildingaHealth Centre on Bowen. And that turned outpretty well forBowen.
Q: Howdid it feel to seethe Health Centre reachcompletionand what hasitmeant to this island?
Iorganized the firstmeeting in 2013 to discuss the possibility of buildingahealth centre on Bowen so it’s been a long haul and alot of volunteerhours.Sowhen you askme howitfelt to seeitreach completion…Iwas thrilled andI’ve been excited every day since opening when Iwalk into work. Iwalk in the front doorand continue to be gobsmacked that we did thisasacommunity. Iwas skeptical from the start (unlikeTim Rhodes)asitwas aroad with alot of bumps along the way
When I’m at work Iget to hear all day long…“Thank you so much Doctor/ thank you foryourcare /I’m so grateful you’re here /thank you again/ I’m so relieved.”The things that Ilove to hearthe most are situationsthatwould take allday in town fora family.Now they’re in and out of the Health Centre in 30 minutes and back home with the antibiotics that were needed fortheir little one.
TheCommunityChampion category searches forpeople who “havepersonallyidentified alocal community need or issueand initiated meaningful change,dedicatingtheir owntimeand resources to champion their cause. They have made asignificantand sustaineddifference in Metro Vancouver while beingrecognizedasasourceofstrength andheart in their communitiesand areable to harnessthe time,talentand capacityofothers.”
TheYWCAWomen of Distinction AwardsGalatakes place in Vancouver on April28. ACommunityChampion Award, where anomineeischosen by votesfromthe public, will also be awardedwith$10,000 goingtothe winner’s home community.People canvoteatywcavan.org/CCA-vote
QUEEN OF CAPILANOFERRY SCHEDULE
BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH Sunday Massat9.30 Contact AngelaPowell604-947-2515
CATES HILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.) ST.GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
SHIRAT HAYAM(Song of the Sea) BOWEN’SJEWISHCOMMUNITY ShabbatGatherings ~Holidays Sunday Worship 10:30 am Rev.Lorraine Ashdown www.biuc.ca| 1122 Miller Road 778-688-2061 OFFICE HOURS WEDNESDAY10-4ORBYAPPOINTMENT
Contact aryana.rayne@gmail.com• www.shirathayam.ca FOOD BANK DROP-OFF Sunday Worship10:00 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 DEPARTHORSESHOE BAY 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
MUP construction moving to easier ground, for now
ALEX KURIAL Editor
Construction of the Multi-Use Path will move ahead to an easier portion of the trail before returning to one of the more challenging areas of the project.
The completed portion of the Multi-Use Path (MUP) currently runs from its origin at Cardena Drive following Bowen Island Trunk Road and Grafton Road to Artisan Lane where it proceeds 80 metres past the intersection. The portion of MUP under construction – estimated to be completed in April – will add another 300 metres to the trail While the cost of this current stretch is $1.22 million, various grants and funding left the municipality with just $17,102 to cover.
Once finished, a number of terrain difficulties make the next segments of the MUP difficult to tackle Steep and deep ravines on the north side of Grafton Road won’t allow for an off-road path to be built, or the road to be widened. Director of engineering Patrick Graham explained the road will instead need to be widened on the south side, both before and after it curves at Charlie’s Lane A large amount of rock removal will be involved in this process, though Graham did say it will have the positive effect of moving the majority of traffic further south and away from the ravines where the road is becoming less stable.
Other issues remain along the MUP’s path on Grafton Road which make progress difficult A failed culvert near the intersection with Cates Hill Road is causing erosion and needs replacing. Crossing Terminal Creek near Connolly Road will also require some road realignment in order for the path to pass over the relatively new culvert there.
For these reasons Graham proposed shifting the next stretch of work further west to the portion of path between Connolly Road and Forster Lane. In addition to being the easiest upcoming part of the path to construct, it would also allow the municipality (BIM) to take advantage of a BC Active Transportation (BCAT) grant of $500,000 which must
be used by the end of March 2026. The cost to BIM for this segment would be $236,000.
Council deliberated on approving the $236,000 in this year’s budget, as well as supporting a grant application to Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) to help fund the part of the MUP which requires major road realignment along Grafton Road. This portion is estimated to cost $2 million with the grant covering 60 per cent, leaving $800,000 for BIM to pay. Graham says he’s optimistic the municipality can secure another BCAT grant of the same amount as the current one, reducing that cost to $300,000.
“This seems like a good use of taxpayer dollars, to leverage it (MUP plan) to get higher amounts of money from granting organizations that benefit life on Bowen Island and safety on the road,” said Coun. Sue Ellen Fast.
Some councillors felt the focus for current BIM spending needed to lie elsewhere. “I’m on record as thinking we need to deal with hard infrastructure, things like roads and getting water and wastewater dealt with, in a manner that contributes to other things like being able to add the homes that we’re talking about,” said Coun. John Saunders. “In my mind it’s tough to be spending money on this path right now.”
Council voted to refer the $236,000 spending on the next phase of the MUP to this year’s budget process, where it is currently included as of the second draft of the Five-Year Financial Plan. An application for the HICC grant was also approved to help fund the MUP when work returns to the S-curve portion of Grafton Road.
The MUP path from Forster Lane to Harding Road will be the responsibility of the Lakelands development project in the Grafton Lake area. Graham says the timeline on this portion is unclear as it’s based on when the project begins construction on the south side of Grafton Road, which is subsequently based on securing a water source. Design work for far future segments of the MUP beyond Harding Road has been put on hold until appropriate grant sources can be found.
A 300 metre stretch of Multi-Use Path is currently under construction along Grafton Road (dotted green line, top right). Once complete, work is scheduled to shift to the portion between Connolly Road & Forster Lane (dotted pink line). Construction will then return to connect these two segments by completing road realignment & culvert work on Grafton Road (dotted yellow & blue lines). / BIM map
VIEWS
Calling all Bowen Hams
KEITH CAMPDEN Bowen Ham
Are you an amateur radio operator? If so there is a new monthly net for you to join
It is scheduled for 8pm local time on the second Wednesday of every month using the VE7BNV repeater that is located on Bowen Island. This will be a directed net with net control.
VE7BNV details:
146.720MHz, -600, tone 100Hz
This net has been initiated by volunteers in the Bowen Emergency Communications Team that operates as part of the Municipality Emergency Management Program. However, the monthly net is intended as an informal mechanism to provide a local Bowen focused setting for all Bowen Hams
If you would like to get involved with the Bowen Emergency Communications Team then please get in touch at keithcampden@yahoo.com to find out more about what we do
We look forward to hearing you on-air.
Keith Campden
VE7KCX
Complacency versus Cougar
DAVINA HAISELL Contributor
Last June, nobody would have believed that Riley the cougar, as I’ve named him, would still be on Bowen nine months later. I was in the camp of, “This is a ticking timebomb,” because our island is small and well-populated, but mostly because of complacency.
Being prepared, not fear-driven, is key. So, I bought bear spray. Some may chuckle about this, and say that the cougar isn’t a threat. That’s not why I bought it. This is the same as putting on your seatbelt You’re not doing it because you fear getting into an accident It’s just a precaution.
We’re not his prey. There are no cubs to protect. Just stay aware, away from his cache, and don’t run if your paths cross. Recently, I saw a young woman running along a wooded sideroad where Riley was sighted last year Her focus was on catching the ferry, nothing else. I found myself scanning the trees, just in case
It’s good to avoid the element of surprise. Keeping an eye on the trail ahead, and occasionally glancing behind and to each side, is a good habit You’ll see more of Bowen on trails where you commonly stroll with your head bent over your phone, or watching your dog, or your child. It’s amazing the things that are missed when we’re on autopilot.
In the March 14 Bowen Island Undercurrent, it was writ-
ten that the “COS advises people not to give cougars an opportunity to linger in an area and become comfortable with the ‘presence of people.’” Well, that ship has sailed, no pun intended. After nine months, Riley has had numerous encounters with people
If he were removed from Bowen now, since he’s conditioned to us he may be drawn to another community, and surprise an unsuspecting resident. We’re aware of him He couldn’t be in a safer place, if we stay aware.
It’s possible he’ll be with us through the summer According to WildSafeBC, “… in western Canada there is an increase in mating and birthing between May and October …” It’s been reported that he’s a young cougar, and if so, he may not be ready to mate until three years of age.
With spring approaching, more nature lovers will be on the trails. People will be enjoying their backyards, barbecuing, watching sunsets, tending gardens, and walking their dogs Enticing aromas will be wafting through open kitchen windows, organics bins will be baking in the sunshine
But after nine months, we’re aware. Guests and tourists may not be Riley has been sighted during daylight hours, in backyards, on patios, and in the Cove Anybody could meet him. So, educate. Exercise awareness, not complacency. The slugs will certainly appreciate your keen eye, too.
Visit WildSafeBC.com for more information about cougar preparedness.
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
Lauren Greenlaw joins federal race as Green Party MP candidate
JENNIFER THUNCHER
Squamish Chief
As Canadians collectively wait for the federal election to be called, another candidate has stepped forward to represent the West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country riding.
Squamish councillor Lauren Greenlaw is the candidate for the Green Party of Canada.
The Squamish Chief caught up with Greenlaw for a conversation about why she is running, what she believes and what she hopes to accomplish.
Q: What made you want to run to be our MP?
A: I’m an earth scientist, so I have a pretty good sense of where we are environmentally and I’m also a mother, and frankly, our federal government is simply not doing enough to address the very serious environmental issues that we are currently facing. There’s just been too much, I’m going to call it, corporate welfare. Effectively, it is the subsidizing of large industrial projects that are not beneficial to individuals at a time when we simply cannot afford to give away our public assets like this.
We have people, especially in this riding, who don’t have housing security. They’re worried about getting food on the table. We have an affordability crisis. Our federal government has no business giving away billions of dollars a year in industry subsidies at a time when we should really be allocating those funds to build heavily subsidized affordable housing, which we’ve been lagging on for, I think, 40 years now. Also, health-care funding is lagging. Our hospital in Squamish is serving 270,000 people with a 22-bed facility.
Q: What can you do as an MP that you can’t do as a sitting councillor?
A: One of the big things is those systemic pieces, like trying to get transparency around lobbyists in governance Advocating for electoral reform. Those are pieces that
can’t happen locally. Same with advocating for cutting fossil fuel subsidies, for instance, and bringing that money back to the community.
I enter these roles to help people. It’s been really difficult for me to be on a municipal front and really just not have the tools accessible because they’re being held by higher levels of government.
The other piece that I really want to do through this role is to connect up and down the entire riding, with small businesses, individuals, nonprofits and chambers of commerce to create a strong network of businesses so that we can facilitate [more] buying locally. So, facilitating producers and agriculture businesses and small businesses, facilitating them getting their products to market, facilitating a network so that people can find who’s out there to buy things from. I want to do this regardless of whether or not I get elected because I think it’s an important piece for our community
Q: With MLA Jeremy Valeriote being elected provincially, we have seen the power the two Green Party members can have. But on the flip side, we’ve also seen the limitation of being two people. What can you actually accomplish as a small party federally?
A: For me, the biggest thing is to start conversations. One of the things that has been reflected to me, even in my role on council, is you change conversations just by being there. So, bringing representation, bringing the conversation around these issues, making sure climate change remains on the forefront, making sure gender equity remains at the forefront. Another piece is, if I do get elected, you look at Jeremy and the Green Party provincially and it has a surprising amount of power in that legislature So that could potentially happen on a federal level as well, because we are likely going to have a minority government situation, where, let’s say five Green MPs let’s be optimistic can still actually be influential
Squamish councillor Lauren Greenlaw is running for the Green Party in Sea to Sky Country in the upcoming federal election. / Submitted photo
Q: You previously mentioned housing. As a councillor, you have voted against some housing projects. What could the federal government do that would make councillor Greenlaw feel comfortable voting for housing?
A: In the book Broken City, Patrick Condon argues not all density is created equal. Just continuing to increase supply will not meet the demand, and it certainly won’t meet the demand for affordability. And what he proposes is to add density, yes, but make sure that half of it is affordable. That’s kind of where I’m coming from. And I feel strongly that every, area has a carrying capacity, right? And there’s liveability. Can you get a doctor? Can you get a childcare space? Do you have teachers at your school? Can your teachers and doctors afford to live in your town?
So getting federal support for increasing the carrying capacity of this area. That’s one piece that I would like to see move forward. But also, again, investing in heavily subsidized affordable housing.
Q: You’re on the inside, politically, being on council, and now running federally. Currently, parliament is 70% men and 30% women. Can you see the barriers from where you are sitting?
A: These roles are very difficult to access if you don’t have a supportive family and community. With the MP positions specifically, it’s about 120 days sitting in Ottawa. That makes this role pretty inaccessible to most mothers, frankly. Our kids are under 10 and, emotionally, that’s a strain, but also that’s not realistic for a lot of women.
Another piece from my personal experience through my career in geology, and this is true in a lot of fields, women often experience not only a massive gender pay gap that widens drastically after they have children, but they’re also effectively pushed out of their careers, which makes it very difficult to re-enter careers.
If I were in another position, I would probably quit my job to campaign for this role. When you’re talking about affordability and financial viability, that’s a pretty risky situation to put yourself in.
SCOOTER
(Francoise Janssens photo)
The Soul of Bowen: How Nature Shapes Our Hearts, Minds, and Stories
SHEREE JOHNSON & EDWARD WACHTMAN Contributors
Step onto a quiet trail and let the hush of the forest settle around you. Pause at the ocean’s edge, where the salt breeze kisses your skin. Look up at a towering cedar, its branches whispering in the wind. On Bowen Island, nature is not just scenery it is life itself, shaping our emotions, grounding our spirits, and connecting us to something greater than ourselves.
For over a decade through our various research activities about life on Bowen, we have listened to the stories of Bowen Islanders. These personal narratives consistently reveal a deep and abiding truth: nature is not just where we live it is how we live. It shapes our moods, our decisions, and our sense of belonging
Bowen Islanders understand that nature heals. We feel it in a winter’s full moon, in the quiet certainty of the changing seasons, in the rhythmic rise and fall of the tides. Here, nature does not simply exist it embraces, soothes, and restores. It makes us better.
Empirical research echoes these feelings. Time in nature reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and clears the mind. The simple act of walking through a forest rewires the brain for clarity and calm The Japanese call it shinrin-yoku –forest bathing.
One of the most striking themes we’ve encountered in the hundreds of Bowen stories is the seamless connection between human life and the wild. A beaver dozing undisturbed on a trail. The graceful arc of a humpback’s tail slic-
ing through the water. A doe suckling her fawn in the golden light of dawn. These encounters remind us of an essential truth: we are not merely visitors We belong here, just as the creatures who share this island with us. This connection fosters wonder and awe, but it also reminds us of our responsibility. When we live so intimately with nature, respect for its diversity becomes second nature. The more we notice the small miracles around us, the more we are compelled to protect them.
As development pressures rise and climate change threatens biodiversity, the responsibility to safeguard Bowen’s natural spaces falls to each of us. Our experience of nature does not just inspire us, it must lead us to action. By protecting nature, we protect our own well-being. Here’s how you can help:
Get involved – Join the Bowen Island Conservancy to help protect the island’s ecosystems. Or get involved with other groups, such as the Bowen Island Nature Club and the Bowen Island Garden Club, which offer opportunities to deepen your understanding of nature and contribute.
Practice mindful stewardship – The smallest acts respecting wildlife, keeping trails pristine, reducing waste create lasting impacts.
Advocate for protection – Support policies and initiatives that prioritize environmental sustainability and conservation on Bowen.
Bowen’s nature is not just a beautiful backdrop; it is a force that nurtures, heals, and connects us. By protecting it, we protect our own well-being and the stories yet to be written.
What will your next story in nature be?
PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR HOUSE IS
Beautiful scenery presents itself across the island, such as here at Quarry Park. / Alex Kurial photo
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
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
Tuesday, March 25 (& 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 26 & 28, all 1 to 3 pm All three hangouts feature a guest speaker.
Thursday, March 27
Bowen Island FC AGM
Annual General Meeting for Bowen Island Football Club
Come see what the club is all about, meeting starts 5:30 pm at Doc Morgan’s. Online link will also be available.
Thursday, March 27
Movie Night at the Library
Come watch the newly released movie, Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story (2024), in honour of International Transgender Day of Visibility this month. Documentary, runs for 1 hour & 38 minutes Rated 14+ Executive Producer: Elliott Page Drop in, no registration required Watch the trailer and find out more at bipl.ca/movies
Saturday, March 29
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! Runs 10:30 to 11:30 am. The focus is on French speakers with beginner and intermediate conversational skills bipl.ca/French
Saturday, March 29
Garden Club Talk
Bowen Island Garden Club presents: A Painter’s Garden by Dante Baies who worked at Monet’s Giverny Garden for 4 years. The presentation provides an overview of what shaped the gardens he created there and how those gardens were restored in the late 1970s At Collins Hall from 1 to 2:30 pm, $5 or free for Garden Club members
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
