FRIDAY FEB. 22, 2013 VOL. 38, NO. 40
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Ready, set, learn
Three and four-year-olds can try their hands at kindergarten activities
Opera on Bowen
Gearing up for spring break?
Classical Concert Series returns with impressive line-up
Check out the recreation office’s line-up of programs
No to NAPTEP Council does not consider Natural Areas Protection Tax Exemption Program an option for Bowen SUSANNE MARTIN EDITOR
T
he Natural Areas Protection Tax Exemption Program (NAPTEP) aims to give Gulf Island landowners in the Sunshine Coast and Capital Regional Districts a tool to permanently protect natural and cultural features of their land and receive a 65 per cent exemption on property taxes on the protected portion of their land. It has been active in all the Trust’s islands except those that fall within the jurisdiction of the Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD). Islands Trust and MVRD staff are currently drafting a report for Metro Vancouver to consider enabling the program on Bowen, Boyer and Passage Island. But at the February 18 meeting of the Bowen Island Council, mayor Jack Adelaar made it clear that he doesn’t welcome the initiative. “We were very specific in September [at the Islands Trust meeting] that we are not interested in NAPTEP,” Adelaar said. “We can barely afford paying the Islands Trust. We can’t afford another program. The Islands Trust is dealing with Metro Vancouver knowing that [NAPTEP] is not on our agenda.” He added that the program would cost the municipality money and, in addition, affect its tax base. “We would lose twice,” he said. CAO Kathy Lalonde has inquired about the status of the program on Bowen and said, “I spoke to Lisa Gordon at the Islands Trust and she made it clear that the process to [expand NAPTEP into the Metro Vancouver area] was pushed by Gambier and Boyer. It would enable NAPTEP on Bowen if we desire to enter into it. But that requires council’s approval.” continued, PAGE 3
Heritage Week continues through this weekend with a guided Jane’s Walk through Snug Cove and three open houses that include the newly renovated Seaside Cottage where caretaker Michael Chapman will welcome visitors. Story on page 8. Susanne Martin photo
Bowen Chamber representatives will dress for success SUSANNE MARTIN EDITOR
O
n March 2 and 3, Pernille Nielsen will don a period dress and Maria Steernberg, manager of the Bowen Island Chamber of Commerce, will get into a 1920s bathing suit, complete with bloomers and a cap. Decked out in clothing provided by Shirley Wrinch, Bowen’s costume designer extraordinaire, the duo will represent local businesses by hosting a booth at the 2013 Vancouver Outdoor Adventure & Travel
Show at the Vancouver Convention Centre. “We’ll portray the fun of Bowen Island and I think, in our outfits, people will notice us. It’s like being on stage,” Steernberg said, bustling with excitement over the fact that last year’s Vancouver Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show saw 42,000 people in two days. “This is the first time that the Chamber as a group has been part of a trade show and this is such a busy show,” says Steernberg, who speaks from personal experience as she has attended trade and boating shows in the past. “It sees more people per day than
the Vancouver Trade Show that gets 25,000 in five days and the Seattle show that gets 40,000 in 10 days.” Steernberg’s goal is to leave an impression on as many visitors as possible. Together with Nielsen, she promises to promote Bowen as a “green getaway,” “jewel of Howe Sound” and encourage people to “escape to Bowen - a historical island within reach and beyond comparison.” continued, PAGE 2
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