FRIDAY SEPT. 7 2012 VOL. 39, NO. 18
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Start the week with SKY
Regatta results
Steaming on
Stimulating Mondy program offered by Seniors Keeping Young
A record number of Bowen kids competed in Commodore’s Cup race
Stunning piece of Chigiri-e art up for auction to support local festival
Finding efficiencies B.C. government engages consulting firm to look at connections of coastal communities SUSANNE MARTIN EDITOR
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says Plowman, adding that the hikers will have to cross private land and that the Conservancy has obtained permission from the landowners. “There is no easy access in,” Plowman said. “So this is an opportunity for people who don’t have a boat or kayak that allows them to get there under their own power.” The trip will also offer a glimpse of the park for people with mobility issues. “If you want to stay on the boat, you can,” Plowman said.
here are changes on the horizon for BC Ferries and Bowen Island representatives followed the proceedings at the corporation’s annual general meeting on August 24 and 25 with interest to find out how local ferry users may be affected. Councillor and member of the Bowen Island Municipality Ferry Advisory Committee Alison Morse was in attendance and said, “We had a good discussion with [representatives of BC Ferries] that revolved around the new contract that was signed at the end of June.” Morse explained that the BC government increased funding for BC Ferries with the provision that efficiencies in operation will be found. “BC Ferries is supposed to find $30 million worth of service adjustments,” Morse said. “That means adjusting routes and numbers of sailings and finding direct operational efficiencies.” Morse added that a $4 million cost reduction was identified by cutting back the number of sailing on major routes (in total, 98 sailings will be cut back on the Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay, Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen, and Duke Point Tsawwassen runs) but the remaining $26 million may come from major and minor routes. As part of the coastal ferries community engagement program, the BC government has hired Kirk & Co Consulting Ltd. to conduct a consultation process that includes on-line and in-person activities, according to a ministry of transportation press release that states: “The contract is part of the government’s commitment to seek public input on strategies to support a long-term vision of connecting coastal communities in an affordable, efficient and sustainable manner.”
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Going back to school can be exciting but also a bit scary, sort of like going down a tube slide. There was a bustling of activity on the BICS playground on Tuesday, the first day of school. More photos on page 12. Debra Stringfellow photo
An opportunity to visit Apodaca Park SUSANNE MARTIN EDITOR
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n September 16, members of the community will have a chance to explore Apodaca Park without having to hike in or approach the park on water. The Bowen Island Conservancy is partnering with B.C. Parks to host a trip that is part of a getting to know local parks program. Owen Plowman, president of the Bowen Island Conservancy, explained, “Apodaca Park is the only provincial park on Bowen
and some people don’t know it. We want to offer them a chance to see the park that is usually only accessible by water. The outing is partially funded by B.C. Parks – the Conservancy contributes the other portion of the cost.” Apodaca Park covers eight acres on the central eastern shoreline of Bowen Island and there will be two options of getting to the park on September 16. One group will hike, another will be taken to the park by boat. “The limit for going by boat is 35 people and we can probably take 30 to 40 people on foot,”
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