April 1, 2011 Undercurrent

friday april 1 2011 V o l . 3 8 , no . 8

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Konrad Jaschke retires

He was hired as temporary building inspector – 10 years ago

Alzheimer support

It’s tough enough coping with the disease; new group wants to help

Ask the candidates

There’s a federal election underway; what are the local issues?

Surplus lands spark debate SUSANNE MARTIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

W

hen municipal staff poured over Bowen Island maps to decide what land could be protected by Parks Canada, they marked suggested areas in purple but ended up raising red flags.

A full house at the regular council meeting on March 28 signaled intense public interest in those purple areas since some of them were surplus lands owned by the municipality.

Before hearing recommendations for the preliminary national park concept, council opened the floor to public comments. The first speaker, Paul Hooson, said, “In regard to the staff comment about the consideration to include additional municipal property in the national park it should be clear what [land] you are thinking about, so that you can reassure us, and there should be a bylaw about that. Please respect that the community lands are sacrosanct.”

Colleen O’Neil expressed a similar opinion. “I am worried about community lands being rolled into the park. Some community lands have been identified as potential park lands and I am concerned about the potential for development in Snug Cove and about things like affordable housing and recouping the cost of the $2 million loan.” continued, PAGE 11

Karin and Elsa Heath enjoy their time with Shadow at the equestrian ring. The adjoining meadow used to be part of a thriving farm and is now protected as Agricultural Land Reserve. In their reports to council, both the advisory planning committee and the greenways advisory commission urged for a preservation of this status should the meadow become part of the national park.

Susanne Martin photo.

Weston’s bill squeaks through Parliament MARTHA PERKINS E d itor

U

ntil last week, someone could be found with a press for making pills and all the ingredients for crystal meth or ecstasy without worrying too much about what would happen if a police officer walked into the room.

All the ingredients, and the pill press, are legal commodities.

But in the last remaining hours of the 40th Parliament, local MP John Weston was able to ensure that his legislation against

the production of these illegal drugs became law. His Bill-C-475, which was the first private member’s bill to receive unanimous support in the House of Commons, was the last bill to receive the Senate’s blessing before Prime Minister Stephen Harper called the federal election.

It was a huge relief for Weston, who has been working on the bill ever since a chance meeting on the Queen of Capilano two years ago.

Someone on the ferry introduced him to Bowen Islander Richard De Jong, a member of the RCMP’s drugs and organized crime

section. De Jong told Weston of the police officers’ frustration in being unable to stop the production of crystal meth and ecstasy.

Finding a way to support the police’s efforts and make it hard to produce the two drugs became Weston’s mission.

Bill C-475, now on its way to becoming law, criminalizes the possession of precursors to the production of crystal meth and ecstasy. “It was a very exciting culmination to the 40th Parliament. I’m humbled it made it through,” Weston says. continued, PAGE 2

2 • FRIDAY APRIL 1 2011

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Building inspector retires after 10 years

‘Preserve Crippen’ petition garners 1,021 signatures

O

LORRAINE ASHDOWN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I

n 2001, Konrad Jaschke was hired as the temporary building inspector for the newly formed Bowen Island Municipality. “I was hired for three months,� Jaschke says. “As of today it is 10 years.�

When Jaschke began working at BIM, Islands Trust planners were still in place. During his time as building inspector, Jaschke has revised bylaws and changed fee structures, doing his best to make the process of erecting new structures safe and as simple as possible. He has seen many changes in the field since he began with BIM, in particular more strict seismic requirements and building codes and regulations that are increasingly in line with the building of “green� homes and offices.

Safety has always been Jaschke’s bottom line. “On Bowen Island most people exceed the minimal safety requirements by far�, says the inspector. Good service is also important to

Joldine Lee is taking over as building inspector from Konrad Jaschke. Lorraine Ashdown photo Jaschke . He continues, “I basically took the approach to help people rather than hinder them. The whole idea in my mind is to know what is important - especially on an island - and know what doesn’t matter.�

As Jaschke has been winding down his duties at BIM, Joldine Lee has been preparing to step into his shoes.

Lee is a trained architect.

She worked for the district of North Vancouver for two years designing small houses and other multi-family buildings and commercial buildings. For the past year, Joldine has given generously of her time to BIM to work side by side with Konrad.

“�Once a week for the last year,� Jaschke says with a smile, “Joldine has volunteered here in order to learn the job. We really appreciate that. She is doing a fine job.�

Lee is excited about taking over the position. “Next year,� she says, “there is a new building code coming into place. It will require higher standards for energy efficiency.�

Seventy-five-year-old Jaschke has plans for his future. “I have loved my work here but it is time to move on.� He has a house in Vancouver and a house on Gabriola Island. “I also bought a motor-bike,� he smiles.

rganizers of the petition to keep Crippen Park as a regional park, outside of Parks Canada’s proposed national park reserve boundary, say that 1,021 eligible Bowen Island voters have signed the petition. “This is the largest, most successful petition drive in the Island’s history,� says Gayle Stephenson, who helped.

The petition reads, “We object to the federal government and Parks Canada taking over control and regulation of Crippen Park. We want to keep Crippen as a local regional park with its proven record of success and benefit for all of Bowen Island.� “We’re overwhelmed with the level of positive response to our grassroots, volunteer effort,� says

campaign captain John Greene. “Our petition makes a very straightforward statement. Regardless of their views on the national park proposal itself, people are saying they want to keep Crippen Park under local administration.�

David Smith, who spearheaded the campaign that resulted in creation of Crippen Park almost three decades ago, says, “The results of this petition are astonishing. Not just the huge number of people who signed but, more significantly, so many disparate voices reflecting a true cross section of the island.�

The Preserve Crippen campaign, jointly sponsored by the Bowen Island Improvement Association (BIIA) and BowenBEAT.net, continues throughout April.

Weston’s bill gets cross-party support continued, PAGE 1 “As a father of three kids, to hear reports of kids on these drugs I think it chills the blood of any parent. This was very much a personal mission as a parent to prevent kids from becoming addicted.�

De Jong says the passage of the bill “is very significant. Without it there hasn’t been any teeth if you have a room full of the chemicals to make crystal meth and ectasy. “[This bill] is not the be all and end all. It’s one more part of the puzzle. It speaks to the concerns the police have for our commu-

nity. These drugs are destroying our community.�

When passed through the House of Commons in June, Bill C-475 became the first private members bill to receive unanimous support. Upon its third reading in the Senate, the bill once again received no dissent.

Weston also worked with the justice critics from all three opposition parties in drafting the bill.

De Jong says, “The unanimity speaks to the heart of what governments want to do.�

With files from Sean Kolenko

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B O W E N I S L A N D M U N I C I PA L I T Y

Employment Opportunity for Full Time, Permanent Utility Operator Bowen Island Municipality seeks a full-time permanent Utility Operator.This position will join the existing Utility Crew and primarily be responsible for the operations and maintenance of the Municipality’s Utility Systems (water and sewer). Additional labour tasks will be required under this position such as roads maintenance and assisting other staff with the Municipality’s docks, and buildings.The position will require that the operator interact in a courteous manner with the public.

The Utility Operator will be comfortable working outside under varying weather conditions, have the ability to work under supervision on a task-oriented basis, and hold a valid class 5 drivers license. Related experience will be considered an asset.

A complete posting and job description is available on the Municipal website www.bimbc.ca, or from the Municipal Hall.

Please submit your cover letter, resume, references and driver’s licence abstract, available from ICBC (1-800-663-3051), via mail, facsimile, or email by Friday, April 8th, 2011 at 4:00 pm to: Bob Robinson, Superintendent of Utilities Bowen Island Municipality 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 Telephone: 604-947-4255 Facsimile: 604-947-0193 E-mail: bim@bimbc.ca

We wish to thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

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For Information Call 604-947-4255

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FRIDAY APRIL 1 2011 • 3

‘You lose a person bit by bit.’

Support group reaches out to those who care for family or friends afflicted by dementia SUSANNE MARTIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

S

uzanne Allan is sitting close to the fireplace cradling a beautiful book bound in handmade paper. The volume contains the photos and life stories of Allan’s parents. She opens a page with a woman smiling into the camera. Allan’s expression isn’t as carefree, yet the resemblance is unmistakable. This is a photo of her mother as a young woman.

“Mom still recognizes the family, but I know that day is coming when that will change,” Allan says with a little catch in her voice. “You lose a person bit by bit. It’s really hard that way.”

Allan’s mother has Alzheimer’s, and Allan has decided to reach out to other islanders who are in similar situations. She says, “You feel helpless because there is no cure. I wanted to come up with something that is positive, that is proactive. With a support group we can educate ourselves and the community, we can help to raise awareness.”

Together with Nicola Murray, Allan has recently taken a first step. She identified half a dozen friends who care for someone with dementia and invited them to a couple of informal meetings.

Allan noticed a change in her mother about seven or eight years ago. She says, “In Mom’s early 70s, I started to notice that her memory was not what it used to be. She was repeating things. We typically spent a week away at spring break, and on one of those trips I noticed that she was less able to do things like cook, or do things for other people. So I called her doctor.”

Allan explains that her father is “not a talker.”

He is of a generation of very independent men.

So she took matters into her own hands and decided to check it out. She was pleasantly surprised by the response of the family doctor who explained that he had already tested her mother and had prescribed Aricept. The drug does not cure dementia but it can slow down the process.

At the time, Allan’s in-laws were also dealing with serious health issues. Allan recalls, “We already had two sick parents and when my mother was diagnosed I decided to quit teaching to have more time to visit them and accompany them to doctor’s appointments. I am so glad that I had a choice, that I had the opportunity.”

Allan’s in-laws have since passed away and her mother’s condition has gradually deteriorated.

She says, “My dad is caring for Mom. She has gotten worse to the point where he is doing most of the household care. He is amazing. And he does all the stuff that my mom used to do for him. It’s lovely to see.”

Once a week, Allan drives to Vancouver’s west side to see her parents. She takes them out for lunch or for a walk and does things around the house. Her dad is now 82. He is slowing down but his biggest issue is isolation.

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Allan says, “The hard thing is that all the neighbours have moved away or died. Dad’s network of support is dwindling. His friends who are still around have their own health issues. Mom still has a group of friends from school and they meet regularly. She remembers them because she knows them from way back. She doesn’t remember anything that is new.”

One of the things Allan is worried about is that her dad could have an accident. She says, “He’s had vertigo and I worry that he could fall and hurt himself. If that were the case, mom would have to go into respite care.”

What happened to Nicola Murray’s father was similar. Murrays’s stepmother had to undergo an operation and couldn’t care for him. He went into respite care. Everyone thought it was a short-term arrangement but he ended up staying. The surgery forced a decision the family hadn’t been ready to make.

Producing the book of her parents’ life stories has helped Allan’s family tremendously. Thumbprint Books, a Bowen company, conducted interviews, scanned photos and delivered a beautiful volume. Allan says, “My mom was at a stage where she couldn’t tell her story any longer. She

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Suzanne Allan looks at the book of her parents’ photos and life stories that help her mother remember. Susanne Martin photo

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was maybe at half capacity. My dad had tons of great stories and I went over to help a couple of times. But in retrospect I would have liked to have done it two years earlier. When you have the diagnosis, get it done before you lose the stories.”

Allan’s mother loves to pick up the book.

Going through family photos is something that Nicola Murray does with her father as well. It helps to remember, if only for a moment. Allan says, “What I have come to understand is that the moment is important. That’s all my mother has. That’s all people with Alzheimer’s have. If they’re happy in the moment, that’s important.”

She recalls conversations with people who decided not to call or visit relatives who didn’t recognize them. And Allan understands that it can be difficult and emotionally draining to be with someone who doesn’t know who you are.

But in her opinion it is important to make an effort. She says, “The moment when they make a personal connection can be joyful, even if it only lasts five minutes. And then they forget, but so what?”

There are many in Allan’s circle of friends and acquaintances who are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. She said, “At least one grandparent in every family seems to have a form of dementia. Many families are touched by this.

And of course, if you observe it in someone you know, you get worried. Every time you forget something, you think, ‘oh no, it’s happening to me.’ That is why we want to focus on lifestyle choices in our group and explore things that give us better chances.”

Learning about the illness is one of the priorities for the Alzheimer support group.

Allan says, “Two years ago, I went to Vancouver and did four-week course that was offered by the Alzheimer Society. It was taught by Kerry Sutherland and I found it really helpful. I was able to pass on the information to my dad and we put some things in place, like power of attorney, that are really important.”

Allan has been in touch with Sutherland, the support and education coordinator of the Alzheimer Resource Centre for the North Shore and the Sunshine Coast to explore options of sharing resources. The centre has a wealth of information available and trains facilitators of support groups.

Allan feels very positive that the group will make a difference. She recalls, “The second time we met, a new member showed up. His mother was just diagnosed in the fall. The rest of us have been dealing with this for much longer, some of our parents are already in care facilities. So we were able to answer a few of his questions. It helps to know that you’re not alone.”

If you are interested in joining the Bowen support group for people caring for a family member or friend who is afflicted by dementia, please call Suzanne Allan at (604) 947-0352 or Nicola Murray at (604) 947-2508.

Places of Worship Welcome You BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH Rev. Shelagh MacKinnon Service and Sunday School: 10:30 a.m.

Evensong first Sunday of each month 5:00 p.m.

Minister of Music: Lynn Williams

FOOD BANK DROP-OFF

BOWEN ISLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH Pastor Clinton Neal 1070 Miller Road 604-947-0384 Service 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m.

ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Mass: 10:30 a.m. Priest: Father James Comey

604-988-6304 + DAILY EXCEPT WEDNESDAYS/ DANGEROUS CARGO, NO PASSENGERS

CATES HILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260

(661 Carter Rd.)

10:00 a.m. Worship • Sunday School: Tots to Teens Pastor: Dr. James B. Krohn

4 • FRIDAY APRIL 1 2011

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM Published & Printed by Black Press Ltd. at #102, 495 Government Road, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1GO

viewpoint

EDITORIAL

A question of politics O

n an island like Bowen, with so many people with a keen interest in politics and the world around them, the challenge at the Undercurrent will be to come up with questions of the candidates that will live up to readers’ expectations.

We tried this week by asking the four federal candidates what issues we’re facing on the North Shore. We thought it was a way of getting the candidates to steer away from their party platforms. Well, it didn’t work. All of the responses are in line with the candidates’ party policies.

It’s not that we can blame them for sticking to the program. It’s natural for them to do that since this is a party system. Especially on the federal level we tend to vote for ideologies because the federal government looks after the big picture – our health, our actions in the rest of the world, and how to spend the vast amount of money it raises through income taxes. (Maybe it’s not a good idea to have an election just a couple of days after

everyone tax returns are due. There’s a line on the tax return that clearly spells out how much of our income we give every year to the government. It begs the question of what they do with the money.)

But even if we vote nationally, we have to think locally at elections. The actions of the federal government do have an impact on Bowen Island. We are definitely not immune from the decisions made in Ottawa.

So this is a request to the readers of the Undercurrent to help us come up with some questions that will reveal more than they obfuscate.

What are your national concerns? What can one Member of Parliament do to make sure those concerns are addressed? What federal issues are affecting your life?

However, please do what we ask the candidates to do – stay away from the purely ideological. We’ll only get the party platform.

Let’s talk Bowen Island.

Martha Perkins

The Write Stuff.

The Undercurrent encourages reader participation in your community newspaper.

You must include your full name and a daytime phone number (for verification only). The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity, legality, brevity and taste.

To the Editor:

A

n hour ago I finished reading the preliminary national park reserve concept for Bowen Island. I was expecting a fairly dry document, and had my highlighter and pen in hand ready to mark it up and prepare my response to Parks Canada. Well I read it with a growing sense of “wow”, incredibly moved by what this document provides as a vision for a park on our island.

About 20 years ago, among a group of friends, we used to say: “There’s a planet to save, let’s get on with it.” But how best to do that? My hope for the future has always been firmly grounded in the belief that education is at the core of positive change in the world. And now, here on Bowen Island, Parks Canada provides a vision, not only for preserving and protecting the land that defines this island – our viewscape, our connection with nature, the ecosystems that ensure the quality and quantity of our water – but for using that land to educate. They have a vision of place-based educational programs, provided through partnerships with islanders and others, that would bring people into the park to experience and reconnect with nature, and to learn.

The hope is that people would leave the park with a new understanding of the importance of protected areas, and of our connection with the natural world.

I no longer worry about how the national park might change Bowen Island. I am inspired to think about how Bowen Island, in partnership with the National Park, might change the world.

There’s still a planet that needs saving.

Rosemary Knight

Crippen campaign could derail park proposal

Here’s how.

To submit a letter to the editor, fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to #102, 495 Government Rd., PO Box 130, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 or email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent. com.

B.C. Press Council.

The Undercurrent is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder.

If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council.

Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone 1-888687-2213 or go to www. bcpresscouncil.org.

National park document proves to be inspiring read

To the Editor:

I

Province manages Crown lands, it doesn’t protect them To the Editor:

A

s one of the co-chairs of the Crown lands meeting sponsored by the national park community advisory commitee and held on March 18, I would like to provide a couple of points of clarification to your article of March 25th.

Dunster and Associates’ report was a 120page report (plus extensive appendices) completed in 2000. This excellent report is a sciencebased inventory and assessment of the resources of Bowen Island’s Crown Lands. The report highlights the value and significance of Bowen’s Crown lands and identifies areas within those lands that do warrant protection. In my opinion, to quote from the report and then to add an editor’s note with a quote from a recent letter from Julian Dunster adds confusion to an already complex issue. This does a disservice to the valuable information from Crown Lands of Bowen: an Inventory and Assessment Report by comparing a scientifically-based report with a letter of opinion about federal control of Bowen’s Crown Lands.

Finally, I would like to clarify the following. The article states that “The province protects Crown lands and the provincial Ministry of Natural Resources will take direction from Bowen Island Municipality.”

This statement needs further clarification. On Bowen Island, with the exception of Apodaca Provincial Park and the Ecological Reserve, the province does not protect Bowen’s Crown lands.

The Ministry of Natural Resource Operations’s job is to manage those resources. Although they do have some protection measures in place such as community watersheds - these measures are limited to several island watersheds, not all of Bowen’s Crown lands. Further, they do not take “direction” from BIM but rather there is a process in which they consult and take under consideration BIM’s bylaws and policies before the lands are permitted (or not) with applicable resource use.

Ultimately, it is MNRO and BC Parks, not BIM, who decide what happens on these lands not the other way around.

DG Blair, M.Sc. Blair Whitehead & Associates

would like to respond to the half-page ad on Page 9 of the Undercurrent, March 25, 2011.

The ad is encouraging the residents of Bowen to join a campaign to preserve Crippen as a local regional park.

For anyone who has attended the Parks Canada information meetings, the question is a much bigger issue. Wayne Bourque, superintendent for Parks Canada, was asked directly about the implications of removing Crippen Park from the proposed national park on Bowen at that time. His reply was that it would be a deal-breaker and that it was unlikely that Parks Canada would pursue a national park on Bowen without Crippen Park.

This campaign is and will be a very effective but indirect way to derail the entire national park proposal. This is not stated in the ad but everyone who signs the petition or has signed the petition should realize that the implication of supporting this petition is to take a stand against a national park. This is not simply a grassroots concern about dog-leash regulations as has been suggested by some supporters; as someone is investing significant money and energy to wage a well-organized letter campaign and ad campaign and the implications reach much further than what agency manages Crippen Park.

I encourage everyone to consider this before supporting the Crippen Park petition and removing their signature from the petition if you are not in agreement with the implications of the campaign.

Ellen Coburn, Member of the board of Cape Roger Curtis Trust Society

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

Myths and omissions in Crippen petition are worrying The following letter was first sent to Bowen Island council.

T

his letter is in reference to a recently delivered flyer, in a petition form, that went out in a mailing to all members of the Bowen Island community claiming to speak for “Hundreds of Bowen Islanders.” On the map side of the flyer it is entitled, “Crippen Regional Park”. The flyer has been followed up by a petition sign-up blitz involving ferry commuters lined up in their cars, both in Snug Cove and Horseshoe Bay, and as well, any individuals on Bowen who are on foot. The blitz is presently ongoing.

Within the context of the flyer’s flip side, the many myths supporting the title, “Preserve Crippen as a Local Regional Park”, identify the critical word “preserve” in that title as the key concept. The myths and omissions are in regard to the map’s boundaries; the claim of having preserved Crippen Park since 1983; that the federal government is in the act of a “takeover” attempt; and finally, that the authors of the petition are “wanting to keep CP as a local Regional PARK. People who don’t have a history of the pressures upon the park for development, or even if they do, are happy to sign a document that sounds so positively environmentally focused, and pictorially shows that all of the parkland, as it presently exists, will be protected if we will only just keep it as a regional park and sign the petition!

There is an additional concern. The fact that this community is, and has been, engaged in a process whereby 31 community representatives, acting as a liaison group with our elected council, and with Parks Canada, and the Bowen Island community, have diligently been giving of their time to reach all residents on the island for their input. They have been encouraging all to express their questions and concerns through a variety of opportunities consisting of surveys, an open space forum, and kitchen table discussions

Is a $10,000 vote the most democratic possibility or could it be combined with election?

To the Editor:

I

read in the March 18 Undercurrent that we get to pay $10,000 to vote on the national park option at the beginning of summer.

I wonder if this is the most democratic possibility. Obviously, Parks Canada is eager to pursue the possibility, so the exact date of the vote is not all that critical. Many people, at that time will, no doubt, have their interest split between

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the HST vote and dreams of summer fun.

Might it not be more expedient to add the park vote to the ballot at the municipal election in November; maybe save a few bucks, get a better turn out and allay the speculations of those cynics who suggest that this is some councillor’s last-ditch attempt at leaving a legacy?

Richard Best

The Memorial Garden Needs Volunteers to Help

UPGRADE THE GARDEN Bring your spade and hand tools!

We also need a couple of wheel barrows.

Hopefully the weather will co-operate!

SATURDAY, APRIL 16 @ 9:30 AM

The doing of no thing; go ahead, write my column

O

ne of the things I like to do best in the world is ‘no’ thing. Like nothing.

Naturally, my doing of no thing can be a source of vexation for my wife and historically was a challenge for my mother, but it’s always a most pleasant pastime for me; Bowen is, of course, a great place to do no thing upon.

From that thought came this following thought (and from it came this week’s offering): “There must be a way,” reasoned I, “to combine the doing of no thing and the doing of the Slow Lane and yet still produce the requisite amount of words.”

Initially it seemed a brainteaser of Rubik’s cube proportions, fatiguing even to think about.

So after a nap and a sit down to watch a Canuck game and then leaning back and looking out the skylight for a bit before taking a siesta – I felt it was time to think about it.

Well, one misguided and childish thought upon the next and I had it – get others to write the column for me. It would not only improve the quality but all that I’d have to do is make up questions for islanders to answer. But questions on what? Not on the national park and how I would loathe being bossed about by the feds while thousands of pushy tourists joined us on the Queen of Cap. No, best to remain impartial on that.

I tried making up random questions but they were either not likely to solicit more than a yes or no – like “are you going to go see Michael Epp in the new Tir-nanOg play?” – or they were odd, such as “did you know that Mayor Bob Turner is a really good swimmer?”

Finally the decision was made to just ask people to write whatever they want. So it was that on the 3:30 sailing on March 29, 2011 that I approached Kat Hayduk, whose boy, The Sam Man, is a most excellent fellow. I gave her a piece of paper, explained, and she

slow lane

Marcus Hondro

To Mayor Turner and honorable Councilors:

with accompanying feedback forms, and with a public forum scheduled to present all of the findings on May 14, 2011.

Many islanders have participated at all the workshops, public meetings, and through many and varied other forms of interaction provided

by Parks Canada, and as well as through those avenues provided by the concentrated efforts of the 31-member National Park Community Advisory Committee. The objective of that committee has been to assist members of the community in exploring the pros and cons of a national park on Bowen and enable those forming personal perspectives to be better prepared to make an educated vote on the feasibility assessment at the end of June.

People got involved because this opportunity for being guided by a community process, affording participation by all, was put in place.

Many have believed in that process, and it is with dismay that there is now the possibility it has been upended. It is hoped that Parks Canada will not withdraw due to a petition that contains misinformation thereby making the sign-up results highly suspect.

As well, it is with real concern that this opportunity for islanders to consider national park status is being presented by the petition as a “takeover” threat, and thus to be most strenuously prevented. Casting the community of Bowen as being victimized in this way is reprehensible, as is the inadvertent discounting of all the work of the NPCAC who have been reaching out to the rest of the community to get us to state objections through due process. In addition, it has the effect of discounting all those members of the community who have been thus participating respectfully.

There are so many residents on Bowen who have welcomed the opportunity to have this special island considered for environmental protection under the National Park umbrella, and it is important therefore, for Parks Canada to be convinced of that fact, and to not give up on us just yet.

Edna Thomson

FRIDAY APRIL 1 2011 • 5

newsroom@bowenislandundercurrent.com

obliged wonderfully. This is what she wrote: “I met someone today at a bus stop in West Van who was a paramedic on Bowen during the Union Steamship era. It was a little brush with living local history.”

Outstanding. Got me thinking of a woman I met two weeks ago named Liz who grew up on Bowen but has not been back in 20 years. Perhaps it might get you to think of some foolish human who voluntarily left our fair Isle and how much we all of us cherish staying. So, thank you to Kat. On the same crossing I asked Abbey-Jane McGrath, whose son Hudson I saw make a great save playing goal in a hockey game at West Van, and she, too, was good enough to write my column for me. Abbey-Jane wrote this: “This past weekend felt like that time of year that can make you forget the long winter commutes – kids swinging on tire swings, running from house to house and neighbours coming out of the woodwork.”

This made me think of the Boy and his pal, young Olie Sven, playing hockey on the road in front of our place. And of Mike and Carmen doing stuff in their yard and Jackson Hogan peeking out his fence and sending to us robust greetings as we go by. A wonderful time of year and thanks to Abbey-Jane for bringing positive, Spring energy to the Lane.

Okay, so now admittedly it took a lot of the Lane’s limited space to set this up so the following day I found myself already needing someone to write something that would take us home, so to speak. Happily I ran into one of the legions of kindly Ruddy Potato employees and he, too, was willing to write my column for me.

This is what he wrote: “My name is Neil Hutcheson.

I have lived on Bowen for about six years and thoroughly enjoy the friendly atmosphere this Island has. Very happy to have moved here.”

There could be no better ending and so, finally, I shall indeed, do no thing.

Done.

STILL LOOKING GOOD!

Happy

65

TH

Murray!

6 • FRIDAY APRIL 1 2011

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

Coastal Patterns Gallery

Show strives to avert, offers taste of Mediterranean on Bowen convert and subvert

A

Path to the Mountain is part of Gregg Simpson’s inaugural exhibition at Coastal Patterns Gallery in Artisan Square.

vibrant, sun-drenched exhibition of work by Bowen Island artist Gregg Simpson treats viewers to a taste of the Mediterranean at Coastal Patterns Gallery in Artisan Square. Called A New Arcadia, the inaugural exhibition opens on Sunday, April 3 with a reception from noon to 5 p.m.

A prolific painter for almost five decades, Simpson will share an amazing collection of paintings and drawings. “We plan to feature a different exhibition every three or four weeks from now until September,” says Carol Cram, Gregg’s partner in life and in their new venture.

“The first exhibition is called A New Arcadia and features paintings and drawings inspired by family trips to France, Spain, and Italy over the past 20 years.”

Simpson describes Arcadia as the ancient Greek vision of paradise - a utopia where the world was pastoral and welcoming. A New Arcadia refers to the landscape of the New World, specifically our little part of

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it out on the west coast of British Columbia. Old World and the New World are joined through the power of the landscape to heal and inspire.

Many of Simpson’s titles provide clues to the locations where he created them: Garden in Provence, Antibes Plage, Bathers Near Juanles Pins, In the Midi, A la Plage all speak of long hot days lazing in the sun overlooking the blue Mediterranean. One of the signature pieces in the exhibition is Path to the Mountain. The painting draws the viewer into a green and lavender landscape along a curving red road.

Far away the peak of a mountain appears sleek and inviting in bands of color-lavender, palest Spring green, and finally the light yellow that reflects the strong southern sun.

A New Arcadia at Coastal Patterns Gallery runs until April 23. For a perfect Bowen Sunday, enjoy a gourmet brunch, grab an ice cream cone, and then stroll from gallery to gallery to enjoy the wealth of creativity the island inspires.

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T

he Gallery @ Artisan Square will be showing the work of David Luksha in an exhibition entitled Avert Convert Subvert, April 1 to April 24.

David Luksha has shown his work extensively throughout Canada, as well as in Belgium and New York.

All the paintings are created using oil, glazing and wax. The paint and wax are applied and altered in various ways - brushing, pouring, melting and torching. Both opaque and transparent paint are used.

The finished image contains material that may be embedded or suspended in wax or that lies on the sur-

face, each layer of material affecting the others.

Luksha says, “The resultant images, formed by what is on the surface, in the surface and beneath the surface, are meant to trace visual memory, devoid of or refusing mimetic form.”

These paintings are the product of a personal exploration of

ideas and materials, “a natural consequence of the process followed, not an adherence to modernistic concepts surrounding non-objective ainting.”

The artist reception will be held on Sunday, April 3 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Gallery hours are Friday to Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.

CLUBHOUSE UPDATE We THANK the following individuals who, as of March 29th, have donated $143,650 (89%) towards our revised $161,200 fundraising goal for the upgraded clubhouse. The second grouping of names have come on board since the announced upgrades with those individuals who have chosen to “top up” their donations noted by way of an asterisk (*).

• Bruce & Dorene Russell • Mardy Duncan • Bill & Helen Brown • David & Janice Podmore • Jake & Judy Kerr • Dale & Conn Hewitt • Jill Purdy • Kevin Butler • Larry Oliver & Alison • Ken & Barbara Hallat • Ron & Gael Booth • George Zawadzki • Bob & Belle Sangster • Haig & Mary Farris • Jean Cleator • Cro & Sue Lucas • Mary Selman • Dave & Marg Witty • Peter Boronkay • David & Lis Hazlewood • Bob Miller (Irly Bird) • Garth & Midge Meeres • Michael Cornelissen & Gayle Stevenson • Neil Boyd • John & Anne Ayre • Terry Rollins • Dick van Aelst & Barbara Wallis • Peter Ross • Maurice & Doreen Anderson • Dan Vasiga & Cheryl Bailie • Murray & Anna Marie Atherton • Marilyn Harris • Doug MacDonald • Maryon & Jack Adelaar • Gary & Teal Ander • Jane Kellett & Charles Perrin • Mark Groen • Spencer & Casey Grundy • Bill & Nancy Edmonds • Pauline LeBel • John & Margo Anthony • Gerry Kirk • Primex Investments • Don & Chris Duncan • Richard Anderson & Carolyn Edy • Brian & Betsy Hodgins • Colin & Dale Forbes • Colleen O’Neil & Peter Moir • Harold Fraser & Barbara Reid • Herb & Emilie Paterson • Cape on Bowen • Ken & Audrey Shirley • Rick & Nancy Jones • Jim Walker • Michael & Joyce Catliff • Keith & Alice Ewart • John Pearkes • David Smith • Tony Grieve • Kathy Leishman • Steve Bellringer • Kenneth & Sheila McArthur • George Lyttle • Sunset Marina • Erwen Smith • Ian Henley • John Clarke • Ron Anderson • Tarrnie Williams • Peter K. Automotive • Gitte Kristensen • Tom & Dale Edwards • Gillian Telford • Terry & Sylvia Boss • Gord Campbell & Wendy Bower • Alan & Alison Morse • Paul & Beverley Webster • Alister Taylor • Clar & Sharon Dickson • Josephine & John Riley • Hugh & Jocelyn MacNeil • Bud & Penny Moul • Bill & Lael Hamilton • Hugh & Sally Freeman • Steve & Sue Hoffar • Tim & Jennifer Pardee • Dr. James Hogg & Dr. Wan Cheng Tan • Paula Hepburn • Hugh & Mary Matthews • George Bernard • Navroz & Mumtaz Bandali • Ted Benson • Shannon Rondeau • Braden & Norna Jolly • Gordon & Helen Thom • Mike & Mary Shields • Caroline Orr • David Riddell Personal Real Estate Corporation • Cathy Buchanan & David Riddell • Dr. B. Lynn Beattie McArthur • Ed & Lorna Podavin • G.Robert Adams & Patricia Adams • Linda Hargrave • James Barton • Don Henfrey • Alice Jennings Family • Tim Kerr • Ken & Barb Hallat* • Alan Davidson • Ron Anderson* • Gerry Kirk* • Gary Anderson • Rob Telfer • Derek Tretheway (Bowen Island Lodge) • Al Hetherington • Mel Turner • Howie Rankin • Dave & Gail Roddan • Brad Newell (King of Floors) • Gordon Orlikow • Lawrence Turner • Ken Downie • Phil Cunningham. ngham.

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WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

FRIDAY APRIL 1 2011 • 7 Every week leading up to the May 2 election, the Undercurrent is asking the candidates three questions. This week’s questions are 1. What are the main issues facing the North Shore? 2. How will you ensure that these issues will be addressed?

3. How would you explain politics to your 8or 9-year-old niece or nephew?

Terry Platt, NDP

John Weston, Conservative

Dan Veniez, Liberal

1. Local employment, affordable housing and seniors’ healthcare.

2. If I am elected to Parliament, the needs and concerns of the people in the riding will be my priority. It will be what I am elected to do, my job. Right now, my main duty is to be the face of the NDP to the voters of West Vancouver, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky. If elected, I will be the face of the people of West Vancouver, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky in the House.

3. Running for office should not be a popularity contest. It is a matter of the people deciding who would be the best person to do the job of looking out for the best interests of everyone. Sometimes leaders do not make popular decisions when it comes to tough issues, but the leaders do their best and take full responsibility for the choices they make. A good leader thinks about others before themselves and will often do without so that his/ her people can benefit. Good leaders work hard and discipline themselves to be good example to others.

1. The main issue we face is why we’re having an election at a time when Canada is leading the developed world in emerging from the recession. You and I who (unlike two of the candidates) live in the riding, have witnessed six straight quarters of economic growth; 480,000 new jobs nationally arising from 26,000 timely, targeted investments in projects that reflected local priorities and updated our infrastructure. Stephen Harper and I have the plan for Phase II of the economic recovery - it’s called the 2011 budget.

2. Our Conservative Government has modeled “listening� as a theme in the way we have served the Canadian people. I have worked diligently to collaborate with local, provincial, and Aboriginal leaders to ensure that what Ottawa heard was what the people here deemed to be important. The results have been an unprecedented amount of federal investment in our community.

3. My young children are a big part of what I do and why I do it. They understand increasingly the virtue of seeking common ground and pursuing goals in accordance with key values. They’ve seen me work closely with opposition party members.

They are learning how to disagree agreeably, and to get things done they could never do on their own.

1.Accountability and trust must be the bedrock of all good government, and that is why I am running. No matter what promises or decisions a government makes, if our current elected officials hide facts from the public, deny information that citizens need to make informed decisions, and act in contempt of Parliament and our democratic values, then all else falls by the wayside. I am running to reclaim democracy and restore trust in elected government 2. The quality of government is a reflection of the people we elect, and I am passionate about my role being a spokesperson and advocate of my constituents, not merely a mouthpiece of Ottawa telling citizens to like what they get. I am here to put the public back in public policy, and ensure that Ottawa is accountable to our needs.

3. Politics is how people come together to make decisions that are fair to all. If you don’t take part in politics, then your needs aren’t known, and if you are lucky enough to live in a country where your voice is heard, I believe you have the responsibility to speak for those who need you to be helped.

Politics is not just about ensuring you get what you want, but ensuring that all your neighbours get what they need, and that everyone is treated fairly, with compassion, and honesty.

Have a question that you’d like to ask the federal candidates for West Vancouver-Sea-toSky? Email it to editor@bowenisland undercurrent.com.

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Brennan Wauters, Green 1. The main single issue facing the residents of the entire North Shore is the economy. This issue is mirrored in the Canadian national consciousness. A healthy economy depends on a healthy environment.

Having a healthy environment is like money in the bank - you can retain confidence in your capabilities to adjust and be flexible with unexpected changes in your life.

2. Ensuring that these issues will be addressed at the federal level is like managing an election campaign – you conduct research and outreach, you seek consultation from as wide a range of divergent interests as possible, you phone up your friends and supporters and seek strategic connections to gain information and judge where best to apply limited resources to convince the wider public and stakeholders (who “lever pull�) to consider advantageous action for your cause by getting them to think their actions are their own volition.

3. The primary motivation I and my supporters insist upon is to ensure that we leave a liveable planet to our children and children’s children. I tend to agree with Gabor Mate, children are still in cognitive development well into adolescence, so keep it short and simple: “Politics is the way we make friends.�

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Path to the Mountain acrylic on canvas Gregg Simpson

Opening Reception Sunday, April 3 from Noon to 5

8 • FRIDAY APRIL 1 2011

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Weston’s commitment lauded No April fools fore golfers To the Editor:

To the Editor:

A

chance meeting between Cpl. Richard De Jong of the RCMP’s drugs and organized crime section and MP John Weston on our Bowen ferry led to the current private member’s bill C-475 that passed into law unanimously on March 25, 2011. This bill is only the 15th private member’s bill that has become law since Confederation.

Weston was invited to visit Bowen Island’s Orchard Recovery Centre, where some patients voluntarily shared their life stories with him. Our Member of Parliament, along with his assistant, Josh Peters, son of Alan and Cathy Peters, shepherded Bill C-475 through Parliament and the Senate for over a year.

Bill C-475 criminalizes the possession of precursors to the synthetic drugs Crystal Meth and Ecstasy.

The Bill states that no person shall possess, produce, sell or import anything knowingly that will be used to produce or traffic in a substance referred to in {the relevant sections of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act].

W

Richard and Carrie De Jong, John Weston and Josh Peters. Maryann Smith photo One of the witnesses who appeared before the Senate was Bowen’s Carrie De Jong, an addictions counselor at the Orchard Recovery Centre. Carrie says, “John Weston has been untiring in his commitment to see this much needed amendment to the criminal code be enacted into law. Bill C-475 has provided another tool in limiting the production and trafficking of these devastating drugs.”

Maryann Smith

PUBLIC AUCTION A large wholesaler of fine Persian & Oriental carpets is now insolvent.

Their assets are ordered to be sold by auction.

All items are guaranteed as hand woven, or hand-made with natural fibres. Consignments for liquidation from various cancelled exhibitions have been added to this auction.

VALUABLE CONNOISSEUR HEIRLOOM PERSIAN: ORIENTAL CARPETS LARGE WOOL AND SILKS

hile I was very tempted for Friday, April 1, to prepare a less-thanserious April Fool’s article, the seriousness and importance of our clubhouse initiative got the best of me.

I am pleased to report good progress has been made on the fundraising for the upgrades.

To simplify matters, forget all previous references to Phase I, II and III as the directors have committed to complete the clubhouse to the highest level of exterior finish which will be a win-win for everyone. All are in agreement, our modest facility will look so much better.

We have set April 8 as our deadline to reach our new fundraising goal of $161,200 which covers the cost of all of the upgrades. As of March 29 we were 89 per cent of the way there, having raised $143,650. Our track

record suggests we will reach our goal. We are in full GO mode (no fooling), subject to receiving our development and building permits in quick order from the municipality.

Any member who has yet to support this important and very exciting initiative, and wishes to get on board, can simply email the club at proshop@bowengolf.com or log onto our website. We thank all those who are already on board (see accompanying display ad).

Together we can and will do it, even better.

On a less serious but nonetheless important matter, we thank BC Ferries for agreeing to replace the historic photo of Powell River with one of the Bowen Island golf course which is now on the wall of the refurbished Queen of Capilano. The Queen never looked so good!

Bruce Russell President & Director

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regarding the draft Watershed, Aquifer and Stream Protection Development Area Bylaw

Wednesday, April 13, 2011 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm at Bowen Island Municipal Hall A presentation will be made regarding the Bylaw, and questions from the public will be taken. The draft bylaw can be view at: www.bimbc.ca/files/embedded/Draft%20Watershed%20and%20Stream%20Bylaw.pdf www.bimbc.ca/files/embedded/Schedule%20B-3%20Watershed%20%20Stream%20Bylaw.pdf

BOWEN ISLAND COMMUNITY SCHOOL 1041 MOUNT GARDNER RD., BOWEN ISLAND

Terms: Cash, Visa, MC, Amex, and certified cheques. 15% Buyers premium plus HST in effect. Some items in advertisement are subject to prior sales/error/omissions. All sales are final. For more info call 604.229.1800. Licensed auctioneers.

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For information call: 604-947-4255

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On the Calendar MONDAY, APRIL 4

• Legion Dinner: Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Members and guests welcome.

• Calling everyone with left feet: Community Recreation’s East Coast Swing dance lessons start Monday April 4, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. East Coast Swing is a versatile dance that can be danced to a variety of music styles. For those with more experience, try the intermediate refresher course (7:30 – 8:30) for review and chance to dance Country Two Step (two weeks), Cha Cha Cha (two weeks), Salsa (two weeks) and West Coast Swing (two weeks).

We supply dance partners. Register at the recreation office at BICS, or call 947-2216.

• Youth Centre: 6 to 10:30 p.m. Free food, free movies. Drop in.

SAT., APRIL 2 • Radim Zenkl: World-class mandolin and flute player hosts workshop for all melodic instruments, 2 to 4:30 p.m. followed by concert with Teun Schut at the home of Kathleen Sullivan and Clive Jones at 7:30 p.m. Great jazz, swing, bluegrass, Eastern European music and original compositions.

Workshop $40, concert $20. Call 2980 or email schloegl2004@yahoo.ca to reserve a spot.

• The Texture of Fairness: art by Luisa Milan, by the water in Crippen Park from 9 a.m. Luisa will be on site at 11 am to discuss the installation.

The piece was commissioned by the Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies at UBC, as part of a Public Forum on CREATING NEW LANDSCAPES IN NOTIONS OF FAIRNESS. • Dancing with Dessert: Fundraiser for Bowen Island’s Performance Arts Studio dancers, who will perform throughout the evening. Silent and live auctions. Cates Hill Chapel from 7 – 9 p.m. $25 SUNDAY, APRIL 3 • National Parks Reserve Feasability Assessment for Bowen Island: deadline for submitting comments.

• SKY: 9 a.m. line dancing, 9:45 a.m. exercises, 10:30 a.m. singing and refreshments, 11 a.m.

Silent Spring - Rachael Carson speaks about the environmental movement.

• Bowen Island Community Museum & Archives: Open Sun. and Mon., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Tues. and Thurs., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or by appt. For appt. call 947-9526 or 947-2440.

• Legion: Open from 4 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Drop by for socializing, pool, darts and shuffleboard.

• AA Meetings: Open Meetings, 7:15 p.m.

Collins Hall/United Church. 434-3933.

• Bowen Island Library: Library hours: Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Wed. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Now open Sun. Closed Mon. WED., APRIL 6 • Drop-in knitting group: Every Weds., from 2-5 p.m., in the lounge at Bowen Court.

All levels welcome.

• Weight Watchers: Collins Hall. 6:15-7:15 p.m. Info: Angie 9472880.

• Family Place: For parents, caregivers and children 0-6 years.

Mon., Tues., Thurs., 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 947-6976.

Lower Artisan Square.

THURSDAY, APRIL 7

• AA Meeting: Women’s: 9:15 a.m., Collins Hall.

• Bridge Club: 7 p.m. at Bowen Court.

• Bowen Children’s Centre: Community Daycare, and Bowen Island Preschool.

Programs run Mon.-Fri. 947-9626.

• Youth Centre: 4 to 6 p.m. Practise with your band or listen to music.

Free food.

• Rotary Club: 7:30 to 9 p.m., Rivendell Retreat Centre. Wine and cheese reception for members, their families and others interested in learning more. All welcome.

BC Mortgage Connection Corp.

We work for you, not the banks!

Sound Mortgage Advice for Today’s Economy.

$

Rod Sinn 604 947 9025

rsinn@bcmortgageconnection.com

www.bcmortgageconnection.com

Residential Mortgage Specialists Serving Bowen Island since 2001

Doug Jamieson Ph: 604-947-9434 Cell: 604-690-3328 Allan Pedley Ph: 604-307-0423 Fax: 604-947-2323

BOWEN ISLAND GENERAL

HOUSE & HOME

CONTRACTORS

New Homes - Additions - Renovations Quality Craftsmanship - Foundations to Finishing Experienced - Certified - Guaranteed

To advertise TOM ROOCROFT EXCAVATING INC. Rock Walls Landscaping Clearing Grading Site Preparation Large and Small Machines Available

TOM ROOCROFT EXCAVATION ARTIST Phone: 604.947.0812 Cell: 604.916.TREX (8739) CHRISTINE ROOCROFT Gardener Cell: 604.319.8739

in

Weeding Weedeating Mowing Pruning Hedging

Lower Mainland and beyond.

The presenters are professional writers, editors, or publishers who will help new and experienced writers to improve their writing, increase their chances of getting published, and inspire them.

Space in all workshops is limited to just 15 spots per workshop. Take advantage of the early bird registration to reserve your spot.

You save over $50 on a full festival pass if you register before June 1. Registration for individual workshops opens on June 1.

Write on Bowen is sponsored by the Bowen Island Arts Council. To register, visit www. writeonbowen.com or contact Carol Cram, Artistic Director of Write on Bowen at carolcram@gmail.com

experience

life in their shoes The Hero In You® education program offers a series of FREE curriculum-linked lesson plans (grades 4-7) aimed to motivate children to find the champion within themselves.

In addition, teachers can request a FREE classroom presentation delivered in-person by a Hall of Fame athlete!

Attention Teachers:

If you are a principal, teacher or parent and would like to book a presentation for your classroom, call Michael Markowsky (604) 647-7449 or visit www.heroinyou.ca to download lesson plans.

Call us to review your mortgage.

We could save you thousands!

BIG

• Parent and Tot Drop-In: 9:45-11:15 a.m. in BICS gym.

• Drop-in Meditation Circle Sundays, 7:15 p.m. in the yurt at 903 Windjammer. No cost.

Call Lisa Shatzky 9472246.

TUESDAY, APRIL 5

T

he Write on Bowen website is now accepting registrations for the Write on Bowen Festival of Writers and Readers from July 8 to 10 in Artisan Square.

This year, Write on Bowen is thrilled to welcome two very special guests to open the Festival. On June 8 at 7:30 p.m., awardwinning authors Annabel Lyon (The Golden Mean) and Timothy Taylor (Stanley Park) will read at the Gallery @ Artisan Square. Timothy Taylor will also facilitate a workshop on July 9.

The full festival package includes admission to opening night along with four intensive, interactive writing workshops, two panel presentations, a special Saturday dinner and writing event, lunches and snacks, and the chance to meet and mingle with writers from the

House & Home

Yard Maintenance

call

604-947-2442

• Baby Connections: For new and expecting parents and babies 0-12 months. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Family Place 9476976.

• Narcotics Anonymous: Open meeting, 7:15 p.m. Cates Hill Chapel.

Write on Bowen registration goes live

To post your free listing here, send a one-paragraph description to news@bowenislandundercurrent.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 1

FRIDAY APRIL 1 2011 • 9

Brannon Brothers roofing & sheet metal

Call Mike at

604-338-2516 THE

PAINTER Professional Interiors & Exteriors

CALL ROGER

604-947-0078

Tip of the Week: Add to your kit: • First aid kit • Special items such as prescription medications, infant formula and equipment for people with disabilities

Is your family prepared?

An amazing opportunity awaits you...

Advertising Representative The Bowen Island Undercurrent newspaper has an outstanding opportunity to develop a rewarding career in advertising and marketing.

The candidate must have the ability to build relationships with clients and offer superior customer service.

The successful candidate will have sales experience - preferably in the advertising or retail industry. You are a team player and will be called upon to grow an existing account list. Good interpersonal skills are a must and experience is an asset. The position requires a highly creative individual with an ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment.

The Bowen Island Undercurrent is part of Black Press, Canada’s largest independent print media company with more than 170 community, daily and urban newspapers across Canada and the United States.

Please submit your resume with cover letter

by April 29th, 2011.

To: Ad Manager, North Shore Outlook admanager@northshoreoutlook.com fax 604 903-1001 #104 – 980 West 1st Street North Vancouver, B.C. V7P 3N4

10 Friday April 1 2011

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS 21

COMING EVENTS

3rd AUTISM VANCOUVER BIENNIAL Congress, April 7-9 2011, Early Bird Rates! Learn from 18 renowned autism experts presenting new information that can help immediately! www.AutismVancouver.com ARTS AND CULTURE WEEK is coming! Celebrate the arts by attending gallery walks, performances and exhibitions in your community from April 10-16. www.bcartsweek.org.

33

INFORMATION

50% OFF and FREE PICK-UP COLTON Sewing Machine Repair 14 locations CALL 604-808-4999

041

PERSONALS

DATING SERVICE. LongTerm/Short-Term Relationships, CALL NOW. 1-877-297-9883. Exchange voice messages, voice mailboxes. 1-888-534-6984. Live adult casual conversations-1on1, 1866-311-9640, Meet on chat-lines.

Local Single Ladies.1-877-8045381. (18+).

Gay Phone Chat. FREE TRIAL. 1877-501-1012 Talk to or meet desirable guys in your area 24/7.

Where private, confidential fantasies come true! 1-877-501-1012_ GayLiveNetwork.com 18+

TRAVEL 74

TIMESHARE

CANCEL YOUR TIMESHARE No Risk Program. STOP Mortgage & Maintenance Payments Today.

100% Money Back Guarantee. Free Consultation. Call Us Now. We Can Help! 1-888-356-5248 SELL/RENT YOUR TIMESHARE FOR CASH!!! Our Guaranteed Services will Sell/ Rent Your Unused Timeshare for CASH! Over $95 Million Dollars offered in 2010! www.sellatimeshare.com (800)6406886

75

TRAVEL

SUNNY WINTER Specials. At Florida’s Best Beach-New Smyrna Beach. Stay a week or longer. Plan a beach wedding or family reunion. www.NSBFLA.com or 1-800-541-9621.

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION 114

DRIVERS/COURIER/ TRUCKING

DRIVER - Fraser Valley based heavy haul trucking company has opening for one qualified class 1 driver. Must have min 2yrs exp., be bondable and able to cross the border. Fax resume & abstract to 604-852-4112 . No phone calls PLS

NEW PAY RATES Expanding BC/Alberta Lane Immediate Positions Available

Owner Operators: $1.74/mile* *includes base rate, fuel subsidy, safety bonus and elog bonus We offer; • Paid Fuel subsidy • Tridem Sunsidy • Safety Incentives • Paid Waiting Time • Paid Drops, excluding first drop • Steady Miles w/ Home Time • Same Rate Load or Empty • Comprehensive Benefit Package • Company Supplied Fuel Cards • Highest Fleet Insurance Discounts

Line Haul Company Drivers also wanted for the same lane.

“Bringing agility to the supply chain” Call Today: 604.214.3161 or 1.800.667.1271 TRANSX HIRING CLASS 1 Drivers B.C-AB. Exciting NEW RATES PH: 1-877-914-0001

115

EDUCATION

DGS CANADA 2 DAY FORKLIFT WEEKEND COURSE Every Saturday at 8:30am #215, 19358-96 Ave. Surrey NO reservations: 604-888-3008 www.dgscanada.ca Ask about our other Courses... *Stand up Reach *Fall Protection *Aerial Lift *RoughTerrain Forklift *Bobcat *WHMIS & much more.

“Preferred by Employers

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION 108 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Coke & Candy Vending Route. Local Hi-Traffic Locations.Earn $40+ per year. Fast & Safe Investment Return. Secure Your Future- Be the Boss! Factory Direct Pricing 1888-570-0892 Must Sell FAMILIES EARNING MORE. Work from home part or full-time. No selling. No inventory. No parties. No large investment or risk. Visit www.familiesearningmore.com.

Great additional income. Operate a mini-office outlet at home. Free online training, flex. hrs, great income. www.miniofficeoutlets.com/cmw HOMEWORKERS Get paid daily!

Now Accepting: Simple Full/Part Time Data Entry & Online Computer Related Work is available. No fees or charges to participate. Start Today, www.BCWOC.com

109 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Cisco Certification (CCNA/CCNP/ CCIE) training by a CCIE-flexible schedule, 1:1, low cost. 604-4680551/ www.hd3networks.com LOVE ANIMALS? Love a career as an Animal Health Technologist.

GPRC Fairview Campus. Accredited program well known to veterinarians. On-campus farm and residences. Work with large and small animals.

1-888-999-7882; www.gprc.ab.ca/fairview.

SOUTH ROCK LTD. is hiring for all positions. Milling personnel, Paving personnel, Safety Advisor. Experience with asphalt preferred. Valid drivers licence required. Send resume: Attention: Tamara; careers@southrock.ca. Fax 403568-1327; www.southrock.ca.

114

DRIVERS/COURIER/ TRUCKING

DELIVER RV Trailers for Pay! Successful RV transport company seeking pickup owners to deliver RV’s from US to Canada. Paying top rates! www.horizontransport.com/Canada.

124

FARM WORKERS

FARM WORKERS required at Heppell’s Potato Corp. Surrey, BC for approx. 30 weeks starting June 2011. Main duties are planting, weeding and harvesting field crops, heavy lifting, packaging & general cleanup. Skills required are ability to work among others, no experience needed. Hourly rate of $9.28.

48-55 hrs/week, 6 days a week, 1 day off. Fax resume to: 604-5740553 or email: info@heppells. ca

130

HELP WANTED

ACCOUNTING & PAYROLL Trainees Needed now! Large & Small Firms Seeking Certified A&P Staff Now. No Experience? Need Training? Career Training & Job Placement Available. 1-888-424-9417 FLAGGERS NEEDED If not certified, training available for a fee. Call 604-575-3944

LOG TRUCK drivers for Kurt Leroy Trucking LTD. F/T, benefits included, to start immediately. Campbell River.

Fax resume to 250-287-9914.

MEDICAL OFFICE Trainees Needed! Hospitals & Dr’s Need Medical Office & Medical Admin staff! No Experience? Need Training? Local Career Training & Job Placement also Available! 1-888-778-0459 OUR COMPANY seeks a customer service representative. We provide an excellent salary and benefits.

Email resume to: tinthr@msn.com

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION 130

HELP WANTED

TIMBER! LEMARE is accepting resumes of certified coastal contract fallers. Minimum 5 years coastal experience. Must be able to assess and control hazards while maintaining production. Please email resume to office@lemare.ca. or fax 250-956-4888.

160

TRADES, TECHNICAL

Brammy Bros. Painting & Restoration Ltd. 1332 Franklin Street, Vancouver, Exterior Plasterer (Noc. 7284), Permanent, F/T, 40hrs p/wk, 3 to 5 yrs exp. Must be fluent in English, exp. in Lathers. Main Duties: Apply level & smooth coast of plaster using trowels, floats, brushes & spray equipment. Lather Perform. prepare wall, install the metal stud framing and furning to interior drywall or plaster walls and ceilings.

Resume: jonh@brammybros.com Busy truck body manufacturer/equip. installer requires exp. fabricator/truck equipment rig-out specialists. Competitive wages & benefits. PTO, hydraulic, & electrical exp. necessary. Dayshift. Email: dawn@fortfabrication.com

HEAVY DUTY MECHANIC F/T position available for heavy duty mechanic to maintain fleet of street sweepers. Hydraulic and welding experience preferred.

Must have valid drivers license and own tools. Please email resume to: jobs@atlasg.net or fax to 604-294-5988.

TRUCK DRIVER, Class 1. Amix Recycling, A Schnitzer Company Chilliwack BC. We are growing and expanding and require exp.drivers with clean driving records. You must possess skills in hauling equipment, flat deck, step deck, super b and strapping/chaining lge loads in all conditions. You must have mountain driving exp. as most loads originate in Northern and Central BC and AB. Our progressive co. offers a great extended medical and dental pkg. A pre-employment drug screen and a respirator fit test are mandatory. Apply with a current NSC abstract at www.amix.ca

PERSONAL SERVICES 173E

HEALTH PRODUCTS

PERSONAL SERVICES 182

FINANCIAL SERVICES

AVOID BANKRUPTCY - SAVE UP TO 70% Of Your Debt. One affordable monthly payment, interest free.

For debt restructuring on YOUR terms, not your creditors.

Call 1-866-690-3328 or see web site: www.4pillars.ca GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877987-1420. www.pioneerwest.com If you own a home or real estate, ALPINE CREDITS will lend you money: It’s That Simple. Your Credit / Age / Income is NOT an issue.

1.800.587.2161.

NEED A LOAN - BAD CREDIT? Has your credit prevented you from getting a loan? Buying a home or having your own business? We can help you get up to 1 million business or mortgage loan and up to 200K personal loan with interest rates starting at 2.9% APR. Bad credit ok.

Apply now at: www.ontariolend.com or call 1-877-500-4030

NEED CASH TODAY?

Get Mortgage Money Fast!

Quick, Easy, Confidential No credit or income required 1st, 2nd, 3rd mortgages

Call 604-328-6409 Origin Home Financial Partners Matt Sadler - www.mattsadler.ca

190

MEDICAL HEALTH

“FEATHERWEIGHT/ DELUXE MOTORIZED WHEELCHAIRS” Absolutely at no cost to you if eligible!!

Back Braces, arthritis pumps.

Medicare, HMO’s & private insurance accepted. 1-800-693-8896

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

317

FINANCIAL SERVICES

DEBT CONSOLIDATION PROGRAM Helping Canadians repay debts, reduce or eliminate interest, regardless of your credit.

Steady Income? You may qualify for instant help. Considering Bankruptcy? Call 1-877-220-3328 FREE Consultation Government Approved, BBB Member $500 LOAN, NO CREDIT REFUSED. Fast, Easy and Secure. 1877-776-1660 www.moneyprovider.com

New Roofs, Re-Roof, Repairs. Free Est. Refs. * WCB * Fully Insured.

10% DISCOUNT !

Simar 778-892-1266

356

RUBBISH REMOVAL

JUNK REMOVAL EARTH FRIENDLY RECYCLE-IT!

604.587.5865 www.recycle-it-now.com

PETS 477

PETS

Own A home? Need Money?

180

182

SAVE ON ROOFING

604-777-5046

YOUR ELECTRICIAN $29 Service Call Lic #89402 Same day guarn’td We love small jobs! 604-568-1899

AIRLINES ARE HIRING- Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program.

Financial aid if qualified - Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (877)818-0783 A PA R T M E N T / C O N D O M I N I U M MANAGERS (CRM) home study course. Many jobs registered with us across Canada! Thousands of grads working! Government certified.

30 years of success! www.RMTI.ca or 1-800-665-8339, 604-681-5456.

EXCLUSIVE FINNING/Caterpillar Mechanic training. GPRC Fairview Campus. $1000. entrance scholarship. Paid practicum with Finning.

High school diploma, grade 12 Math, Science, English, mechanical aptitude required. Write apprenticeship exams.

1-888-999-7882; gprc.ab.ca/fairview.

LEARN FROM HOME EARN FROM HOME CanScribe Career College offers online courses: Medical Transcription and Computers.

Great work at-home opportunities.

Enrol today! 1-800-466-1535 www.canscribe.com info@canscribe.com MEDICAL OFFICE Trainees needed! Hospitals & doctors need. Medical office & medical admin staff! No experience? Need training? Career training & job placement available!

1-888-748-4126.

353 ROOFING & SKYLIGHTS

✓ Do you Own a Car? ✓ Borrow up to $20000.00 ✓ No Credit Checks! ✓ Cash same day, local office www.REALCARCASH.com

ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get a FREE Talking Meter and diabetic supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery!

Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 888449-1321

EDUCATION/TUTORING

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

260

ELECTRICAL

MISC SERVICES

GET RESULTS! Post a classified in 123 newspapers in just a few clicks.

Reach nearly 2 million people for only $395 a week - only $3.22 per newspaper. Choose your province or all across Canada. Best value.

Save over 85% compared to booking individually. www.communityclassifieds.ca or 1-866-669-9222.

329 PAINTING & DECORATING

A-TECH Services 604-230-3539 Running this ad for 7yrs

PAINT SPECIAL 3 rooms for $269, 2 coats (Ceiling & Trim extra) Price incls Cloverdale Premium quality paint.

NO PAYMENT until Job is completed. Ask us about our Laminate Flooring & Maid Services. www.paintspecial.com MILANO PAINTING. Int./Ext. Prof.

Painters. Free Est. Written Guar.

Bonded & Insured. 604-551-6510

332

PAVING/SEAL COATING

ALLAN Const. & Asphalt. Brick, conc, drainage, found. & membrane repair. 604-618-2304; 820-2187.

353 ROOFING & SKYLIGHTS GL ROOFING. Cedar shakes, Asphalt Shingles, Flat roofs BBB, WCB $2m Liability. Clean Gutters $80. 24 hrs. 7dys/wk. 604-240-5362

Boston Terrier pups, 1M, vet checked, 1st shots, dewrmd, $1,000. 604-868-0446, 814-5014 CATS GALORE, TLC has for adoption spayed & neutered adult cats. 604-309-5388 / 604-856-4866 CKC Reg.soft coated Wheaten Terrier pups, hypo-allergenic. Guarntd.

Vet ✓ $1200. Call 604-533-8992 DOG MALE American pitbull x, dogo, 1 yr. old. Only $200. All shots microchipped. 604-614-4721.

GERMAN Rottie pups, P.B. no papers. Born Feb.3.1stshots, dewrmd, 4 M. 2 F. $750. Call 604-588-2975.

GERMAN SHEPHERD PUP. 1 female. $750. 1st shots & dewormed.

Call 778-863-6332.

GERMAN Shepherd pups & young adults. Quality German & Czech bloodlines Reg/Guar. 604-856-8161 JACK RUSSELL PUPPY’S. 2 Female one male. Short legs, smooth coat. Dew claws done. Born Feb 5th. $450. 778-883-6049 NEED A GOOD HOME for a good dog or a good dog for a good home? We adopt dogs! Call 604856-3647 or www.856-dogs.com NEWFOUNDLAND pup, P/B. Ready in Apr. $1000 (604)819-1466 No Sunday calls P.B. LAB pups, 10-14 weeks. $400.

Vet ✔, dewormed, shots, have papers. (604)796-3669 PUGS, fawn, 3 male, 1 females. family raised, vet chk’d, shots. $500. (604)796-2727/799-2911 ROTTI PUPS large German stock, exc temp, protective, parents to view, 1st shots $700. 604-799-8858 SHIH TZU Bichon pups. 1st shots, dewormed M/$500 F/$550. 604552-4415 or 604-763-7473.

SHIH TZU pups,adorable,1st shot, Vet ✓ health guar. hypo-allergenic, nonshed. $495. Call 604-533-8992 VIZSLA PUPS, reg’d, shots, guaranteed. $850. ph, 604-819-2115 or email: vizsla@telus.net YELLOW LAB pups. 8 weeks old, ready to go. Vet checked, 1st. shots. Parents on site. $500.

604-852-6176 Abbts

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE 518

BUILDING SUPPLIES

DO-IT-YOURSELF Steel Buildings Priced for Spring Clearance - Ask about Free Delivery to most areas!

Call for Quick Quote and Free Brochure - 1-800-668-5111 ext. 170.

SAWMILLS - Band/Chainsaw SPRING SALE - Cut lumber any dimension, anytime. MAKE MONEY and SAVE MONEY In stock ready to ship. Starting at $1,195.00. www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT 1-800-566-6899 Ext.400OT

560

MISC. FOR SALE

100% Guaranteed Omaha Steaks SAVE 64% on the Family Value Collection. NOW ONLY $49.99 Plus 3 FREE GIFTS & right-to-the-door delivery in a reusable cooler, ORDER Today. 1-888-702-4489 mention code 45069SVD or www.OmahaSteaks.com/family23 A FREE TELEPHONE SERVICE Get Your First Month Free. Bad Credit, Don’t Sweat It. No Deposits.

No Credit Checks. Call Freedom Phone Lines Today Toll-Free 1866-884-7464.

CAN’T Get Up Your Stairs? Acorn Stairlifts can help. Call Acorn Stairlifts now! Mention this ad and get 10% off your new Stairlift! Call 1-866-981-5991.

DISCONNECTED PHONE? Phone Factory Home Phone Service. No One Refused! Low Monthly Rate!

Calling Features and Unlimited Long Distance Available. Call Phone Factory Today! 1-877-3362274. www.phonefactory.ca GARAGE DOOR REVOLUTION. The amazing rolling garage door is now available in Canada. Quiet.

Safe. Attractive. Space Saving. And competitively priced. Check it out at garador.ca or call 1-877-765-2367.

Mention “Community” and receive an automatic 10% off.

HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com Personalized All-In-One Easter Basket- OVER 50% OFF! Regular Price $32.99 YOU PAY $15.99. Includes Personalization; Plush Bunny, Chocolate; Candy and Peeps® Visit www.PersonalCreations.com/ Always or Call 1-888-903-0973

566 MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS COLLECTORS SAXOPHONES Soprano Buecher Silver 80 yrs old, excellent condition $3000. Picelo $250, Bongo Drums-perfect cond. $275 Call 604-534-2997 FOR SALE 6 piano accordions, from $140 to $500. 2 violins $150.

ITS. 604-853-7879.

559

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

696

OTHER AREAS

BIG BEAUTIFUL AZ LAND $99/mo. $0 down, $0 interest, Golf Course, Nat’l Parks. 1 hour from Tucson Int’l Airport Guaranteed Financing, No Credit Checks. Pre-recorded msg.

(800) 631-8164 code 4057 www.sunsiteslandrush.com OWN 20 ACRES-$0 Down $99/mo.

ONLY $12,900 Near Growing El Paso, Texas Money Back Guarantee, No Credit Checks, Owner Financing, Free Color Brochure 1800-343-9444 www.20acreranches.com

RENTALS 750

SUITES, LOWER

2 BDRM PLUS DEN, upper level suite on Adams Road. Shared laundry. $1450 including utilities.

NS & NP. Call: Geoff Degner (604)202-7799.

LANGLEY, Large 2 bedroom,open, farm setting, gated property,private entrance, private laundry, uts incl. $980.00. 604-230-2808

757

WANTED TO RENT

4th yr UVic Co-op student looking for shared apart/house on Bowen May-Aug. Friendly, respectful, clean,responsible,from Cortes Island,n/s n/p,enjoy active lifestyle, crafts, gardening. (250)514-2485 kate_masri@hotmail.com

RESPECTFUL, CLEAN, and responsible, from Cortes Island.

N/S, N/P, enjoy active lifestyle, crafts, gardening, and look forward to meeting other Island people :) (250)514-2485 kate_masri@hotmail.com

TRANSPORTATION 810

AUTO FINANCING

818

CARS - DOMESTIC

572 PLANTS/NURSERY STOCK

8-10 FT DOGWOOD & JAPANESE MAPLES

$10 ea 8069 Nelson St. Mission

604-826-8988 REAL ESTATE 627

HOMES WANTED WE BUY HOUSES

Older Home? Damaged Home?

Need Repairs? Behind on Payments? Quick CASH! Call Us First! 604.657.9422

630

LOTS

BIG BEAUTIFUL ARIZONA LAND $99/mo. $0 down, $0 interest, Golf Course, Nat’l Parks. 1 hour from Tucson Int’l Airport Guaranteed Financing,No Credit Checks. Pre-recorded msg. 1-800-631-8164 Code 4001 www.sunsiteslandrush.com

633 MOBILE HOMES & PARKS WHOLESALE FACTORY DIRECT. Manufactured, Modular & Park models.

Tremendous savings.

Luxurious 1512 sq. ft home including delivery and installation only $ 109,950. Many other plans available.

877-976-3737 or 250814-3788 www.hbmodular.com

636

MORTGAGES

Mortgage Help! Beat bank rates for purchases and refinances, immediate debt consolidation, foreclosure relief, and equity loans. Free, fast, friendly, private consultations.

Call 1888-711-8818 www.mountaincitymortgage.ca

660 LANGLEY/ALDERGROVE HOMES FOR SALE-SUPER BUYS

www.dannyevans.ca

Homelife Benchmark Realty Corp. Langley

CAN’T GET UP YOUR Stairs?

Acorn Stairlifts can help. Call Acorn Stairlifts now! Mention this ad and get 10% off your new Stairlift. Call 1-866-981-6591.

REAL ESTATE

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

696

OTHER AREAS

REGISTER NOW Saskatoon_55Plus Active Adult Large Ground Level Townhomes www.diamondplace.ca

1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO Sport.

Bought New - Don’t Need Two! Low km’s, economical V6 auto, full power group. AirCared til July 2012.

Reduced! $4175. 778-888-6805 or Mon-Fri 10am-2pm: 778-837-6577 2000 PONTIAC GRAND AM, 4 dr, fully loaded, auto, AirCared, $2250.

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Friday April 1 2011 11

Islanders ask for clarity on surplus lands potential for green energy production should be identified and reserved for such future use.

Councillor Peter Frinton said, “The strip of land north of Government Road is already on our radar... And it is good to see the issue of ALR land use addressed.”

Councillor Nerys Poole said, “I want to make a point about the community land concept. The parcel of land in question is so tiny that it has never been my understanding that this land has been considered [by Parks Canada].”

Sue Ellen Fast, chair of the greenways advisory committee, said, “Our support for the national park is a general one as it fits within the Official Community Plan. We think that the Crown lands are relatively unprotected and at risk and we think the national park is really worth pursuing.”

Fast said, “It would be good to have more clarity what kind of compensation or financial arrangement can be expected for the transfer of lands.”

A focal point for the greenways committee was protecting marine areas. Fast said, “Considering that we are an island, we have a number of marine ideas that we would like to put forward for consideration.” The committee suggested that Parks Canada consider acquiring a beach. As none of the public beaches are large enough for this purpose, the report recommended looking at the south coast, possibly the Cape Roger Curtis lands.

Other considerations were maintaining and expanding the trail system and wildlife corridors, protecting ALR land designation and looking for possible alternative energy production sites. Fast said, “André Chollat has identified some places where the wind is high that might be explored for wind energy.

Green living is what people are interested in.”

The greenways committee’s report lists

continued from PAGE 1 Mayor Bob Turner replied that the staff report stood in contradiction to the report from the advisory commission. He said, “Council will need to get some advice on the contradiction.”

Turner said, “We are in decision-making phase on preliminary response on park.

Committees and staff will present their reports. The national parks committee will compile a report and then we will bring it back to council next week. There will be a few more steps before we can clarify what our response will be to Parks Canada.”

Paul Tennant, chair of the advisory planning commission, began his presentation by thanking his group for the joint effort with a special acknowledgment of James Glave who he called “the youngest and most committed member.” In general, the commission endorsed Parks Canada’s national park reserve concept because of the potential in protecting the island’s ecosystems and the acknowledgment and preservation of cultural heritage. A central point of the commission’s recommendation was the integration of the walkable village concept.

Tennant said, “We believe that key commercial and residential growth should be focused in the Snug Cove area. A keystone element must include the land on the north side of Government Road, between the library and the crossroads. Only then can a vital neighbourhood develop. That strip of land is essential.”

Tennant added, “We also believe that present ALR [agricultural land reserve] lands should have the same protection as they have now.” The commission’s report states that Parks Canada must address park-related transportation issues and that areas with the 821 CARS - SPORTS & IMPORTS 2000 PORSCHE 911 Carrara 2- 2 dr. coupe, sun roof, loaded, leather, auto tiptronic, Bi-Xenon head lights, & more. $19,995 / 604-328-1883

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about the community lands. The advisory planning commission recommends that the community lands should be excluded, those are the strategic lands around Snug Cove and planning is already under way. Is there opposition to that at council table?”

Frinton replied, “This is probably a more complex discussion than who is for or against it.”

Poole agreed, “It is not as simple as saying we exclude this land but we wouldn’t consider doing anything without full compensation or without considering community need.”

Councillor Allison Morse had prepared a detailed and extensive response to the staff report in advance of the council meeting.

“These [areas] were purchased by the community for much-needed community land and are ideal for community uses such as civic facilities and affordable housing. None of the community lands should be considered.... Why would we be talking about them if Parks Canada hasn’t expressed any interest in them?”

Councillor Doug Hooper added, “At this stage, we are jumping ahead. The parks concept doesn’t include [these lands]. On April 11, we will have a formal response to Parks Canada and we can move on adjusting the boundaries.”

Both the advisory planning commission and the greenways advisory committee take a long view and recommend measures for building a sustainable community.

They lobby for local energy and food production and look at ways to work with Parks Canada to enhance Bowen’s resilience as an island community in natural, social and financial aspects.

As to what lands will be suitable for inclusion in a park, it is clear that the community will not be denied input.

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recommendations for various areas. Poole cautioned that some of the lands are not up for grabs, “The nature preserves are owned by the Islands Trust Fund Board. From what I know, the board has not been contacted about transferring the lands and the wishes of the donor land owners are always respected.”

Fast added, “I’d like to speak about the area around the old general store and the Bowen Island Community School. I’m speaking as consultant, not on behalf of the committee. For both the library and the school, we didn’t want them to be isolated from the park, so this is why I suggest keeping green space around those facilities. If people think that all education happens inside a building, this is not best practices. BICS currently uses the forest for all kinds of learning activities.”

The staff report was presented by CAO Brent Mahood. The staff report identified areas that had not been adequately addressed such as ferry overcrowding, increased costs and fees, fire hazards, demands on services and infrastructure, and social and financial implications.

The most controversial part of the report was an attachment that listed municipal lands considered for inclusion in the proposed national park. Mahood said, “We did look at municipal lands like the library, Sandy Beach and Seymour Bay. We generated a list of lands that could be of possible interest [to Parks Canada] to start a discussion.”

When asked about the areas behind the school and in Snug Cove, Mahood said, “There is no recommendation that the community lands should be sold.”

Turner said, “Concerns have been raised around the council table and in community.

Tonight is the night to receive information and it would be good to clarify the decision

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I have creations on Bowen that go back over 20 years. Let me work on your favorite, older pieces. Basic costs of labor, material and overhead paid in advance.

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58

UNCLASSIFIED Friends of the Library’s Bookfest.

May 29 & 30 at BICS. Get those book donations in soon!

Come to Cocoa West and donate to CAWES for your chance to win a easy care family of chocolate bunnies.

Come see for yourself!

Raffle closes April 23.

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10 • FRIDAY APRIL 1 2011

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Happy birthday, Dr. Suzuki BICS students celebrate by talking a mindful walk through the forest SCOTT SLATER BICS VICE-PRINCIPAL

B

ICS students from all grades celebrated David Suzuki’s 75th birthday as one large group this week. On Tuesday, classes went on a nature walk paired with their buddy class and on Wednesday, students watched a webinar with Dr. Suzuki broadcast live to 200 schools across Canada.

Living in a world where even

our smallest actions such as what to eat for a recess snack have global consequences, celebrating the life of not just a great Canadian but a great global citizen was a worthy purpose. A further purpose was to celebrate BICS’ own history of environmental education and to emphasize the reality that despite the immense fortune of having the extraordinary backyard of BICS, we must be deliberate and mindful about actually enjoying and

BICS students took part in a celebration of noted Canadian environmentalist David Suzuki’s 75th birthday. A day after taking a walk through the forest paying attention special attention to their senses, they hooked up to a nation-wide ‘webinar’ and were able to ask questions and communicate with Dr. Suzuki about their walks and the environment. Marcus Hondro photo connecting with nature to develop our understanding of how nature affects us and how we affect nature.

These are the words that came to mind when students were asked to describe nature. The bigger the word, the more students who used it.

BICS teachers created a lesson plan that all students could appreciate. On the nature walk, students were asked to stop and participate in an activity that encouraged them to become more mindful of their senses.

Activities encouraged thoughts of what nature smells like, sounds like, its textures and sights, and the emotions nature allows us to feel when we switch from humans doing to humans being.

Thanks to former BICS teacher and now UBC instructor Cynthia Nicholson, our school was fortunate to have the support of 36 teacher candidates from UBC to help lead the groups. After each activity, students shared a word that came to mind as to what nature feels like which they shared with their group leader from. The responses were compiled into several Wordles which demonstrate the most common

Technology and students in newsrooms across BC

responses in the largest fonts.

Throughout the activities, students showed the virtues of joyfulness, demonstrating that one’s enjoyment of activities is more dependent upon their attitude than the weather or even the activity itself, and creativity, by not picking the first word that came to mind to describe nature, but instead searching for the best word they could think of.

The simplest lessons in life are often the most important and there are many lessons that lend themselves well to learners of all ages, from kindergartners to Grade 7s, to adults of all ages.

More, now than ever, even on an island with many parks and other natural spaces, we must be deliberate about going outside, about being mindful when we’re there as to what we see, hear, touch, smell, and most importantly feel, and cherish the gifts that the beyond human world privileges us with.

David Suzuki has said, “We are the environment,” a simple lesson and a fundamental truth, and one that we must be deliberate about learning and remembering.

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Our paper is part of a province-wide job experience in support of the Year of Science. Grade 11 and 12 students across BC have signed up for a one-day job shadow at their local Black Press newspaper over Spring Break.

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For more information on the Year of Science job shadowing project go to http://www.asttbc.org/careers/yos

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