Bowen Island Undercurrent, March 14, 2014

FRIDAY MAR 14 2014 VOL. 41, NO. 10

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Screening saves lives

Accident in the Cove

The new chief

TV ad featuring locals reflects on the proven importance of mammograms

Eye-witness accounts describe a major traffic accident in Snug Cove last week

The Municipality names Bowen’s new fire chief

No need for a master plan The Economic Development Committee presents its achievements MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

Following a brief presentation about the achievements of Bowen Island’s Economic Development Committee (EDC) in the past year by committee chair Gordon Ganong, council debated the idea of creating an “economic development master plan.” The purpose of such a document, it was decided, would be to enshrine the principles of economic development into the community fabric, and hold future councils accountable to those principles. However, Ganong told council that this action was unnecessary as the committee’s work aimed to learn Pippa and Emily Surtees stood on Norma’s dock with protest signs and their mom, Melanie, last Wednesday as cars boarded and departed on the 3:30pm ferry. The Surtees clan is planning on about economic development and catching the 11:30 ferry this Saturday, to participate in a locally organized protest against BC Ferries. put the building blocks in, bit Meribeth Deen, photo by bit, so that the foundation for growth would be firmly in place no matter what.

At a more extensive presentation by the EDC on Tuesday to members of the public, Ganong explained that success in the realm of economic development on Bowen requires both a sense MERIBETH DEEN ment of support for the people who will gather this of urgency and patience, and that coming Saturday at the ferry terminal in Horseshoe EDITOR uncertainty needs to be removed Bay to protest cuts to the ferry service and the raisamong business community, and be “Maybe you’ve heard about it, but BC Ferries is ing of fares. replaced by a sense of optimism. messing with our lives,” Richard Goth told members Mayor Jack Adelaar told Goth that he believed the Committee member Jacqueline of Bowen’s municipal council this week. “I’m kind planned protest was a good idea, but reassured him Massey went on to describe their of getting hit a second time, when I turned 21 they that MLA Jordan Sturdy is on Bowen Island’s side. work as, “scheming to build a lowered the drinking age to 19, and now that I’m Adelaar also justified council’s relative silence on the vibrant economic community that almost old enough to get a senior’s discount, they’re ferries issue. will reflect the unique nature of messing with my perk!” our home.”

Goth asked council for an official acknowledg-

Council supports public protest against changes proposed by BC Ferries

EDC member Murray Atherton pointed to concrete achievements made in the past year.

“First of all, improvements to Snug Cove. Members of our committee have walked the Cove individually and made note of doable improvements that can be made in the short term. One big part of that is the ‘Welcome’ sign at the ferry dock that was just sitting in someone’s yard for months because they didn’t have the money to finish it or the means to put it up.”

Atherton said one of the first major issues for the EDC to deal with, after forming last year, was to work out issues regarding vacation rentals.

Following the meeting, Atherton explained that complaints about the behaviour of people staying in a high-end bed and breakfast on the west side of Bowen led to conflict over the existence of shortterm rentals all over the island.

“There is a portion of the OCP that says you’re not allowed to have vacation rentals outside of the Cove,” says Atherton. “But there are a plethora of vacation rentals all over the island. When the complaint was brought to council, the idea of enforcing this regulation came up. The EDC acted as something of a liaison between council and the Bowen Accommodations Association.”

continued, PAGE 9

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MER IBET ration H DEEN s will be prothose detail EDITO tal assessmentby the R cted the environmen it is condu Howe Soun cial govR ish cess, whether d is a place EDITO Bowen is nment, Provin wher mill near Squam one Federal gover A former pulp shores of Howe erning this of five governing e watersheds and both. boundarie West ernment or Ngo says Woodfibre s converge. estry distri region are the Islan municipalities on on the North a chance at a secHow cts, First get However, to provide Elected offici Nations, as ds Trusts, three regio e Sound. Also Sound may Liquefied Natural Gas y, the ting BC Hydro ress govexpec a well nal als is as comp facilit t districts, from the as provi Sound have ond life needed to three forssing and expor been meet communities whosncial and federal form (the gas the power est, they come (LNG) proce National Energy Board governmen ing for a into liquid e watersheds ximately adecade to natural gas ts. together unde feed into Forum. At now that the the company’s applic cooled to appro the r the bann discuss issues of their last needs to be Celcius). common palities, regio er meeting, has approved t LNG. The Canadian es interthe eleven of the Howe Soun represeny -160 degre together to nal governments d Communi n, Bowen’s signees (whic tion to expor Assessment Agenc Peter Frinto to Sky Clean Air ntal ty h include coordinate urge the federal andand the Squamish Environme for public comment Sea conmuni the is y to Natio cid tative n) agreed 14th, they strategy for the Sounprovincial gover is now asking federal environmen n while the Societ to work nments to are hopin a Society, says the re-industrializatio d. At their to give to help build g to hear on whether is required, and next use about d the the what highe meeting, a ce cerne al in general, on r levels of tal assessmentrequest by the Provin Bowen muniprocess. y governmen January d for the annu of Howe Sound cipal coun of power largel ct the meeting as whether the t are willin as a source zed bia to condu of Howe Soun a representa cillor Wolfgang g should be of hydro concerns about locali illy waters Trust. of British Colum Dunt tive of Bowe the chilly tal assessment, alleviates n but also z will be attending mers brave environmen “Part of this as a truste water)! Swim air pollution. need to know the spee from the rd, wanted to the reason I ran as approved. inside (the uka, photo Islands t goes forwa a trustee change the I think if “We really Baby it’s cold with the Islan focused on If the projec 3-4 tankers – each fact that Frinton, “butal gas to dip. Kami Kanets ely cifics,” says Polar Bear “And I can the issues just affectthe organization was ds Trust is becau approximat and a half times the burning natur se I tell you that ing the speci so inward they were plant they would likely the roughly one Ferries Coastal Class looking, so region is fic Gulf Islan From seeing an that has changed drast power their opposition.

The “thre size of a BC the ferries that ically in theds,” says Duntz. a lot more as ats” Dunt avalanche of threa , I am a lot face and (such ective bay past he z ts.”

Ferry persp says peop points to year as now en Horseshoe the big picmy personal years ago. le in the Southern include shellfish travel betwe will pass by Bowen rned about and in the farm Gulf Islan more conce comes to air quality, ds were relati ing, whose impa “After a numb Nanaimo) month. Propelled by the paramedics it gas ct directly to ture when vely naive er of these does to the say, greenhouse Island every diesel as a the patient about five the ambulance. proje thee age of questions about d through the natuger seats of emergency, we call the ” natural gas and using e-hulled debris and landscape and they cts have gone throu create ge, an the doubl iver and passenpaged forKare dama s don’t like driver gh, people emissions try as a whole.” ed the messa get it,” Duntz says ge that gets left back-up fuel,carry 2.1 million tonne n receivhes we “When we n-based behind whenhe says. “And they see what it lance, DEEN new prop ral gas indus m that we’veethHug and geoducks, , the Bowe a few to China the ambu tankers will osals for see all the MER IBETH her to confir n weMerib they close get into Deen which is entire ispatccher natural gas Merran Smith Energy with dispat simil photo cher as it of her ied “hom will mean ies” at the of liquef hue. “Whe R was to Clean ly new to ar projects (inclu down.” by the dispat of 225 Dono or ted thing n tanke EDITO ays says the direct comcollec Statio ding the region), end ofofthe rs shipp e through the ation every year. a, says that that it is a Year’s eve lance Servic plus indus the farming of scho the manager ed softal olTides area have ing, coal, oil and liquid get the inform day Canad trial plans he BC Ambu in the lead up to New LNG is Marion Ngo, Woodfibre Natur at “Before we raised the offer is updat lance says that ” about BICS not in. hue s natur ber that busy . does with Dono come alarm al gas will make judge remem an system unusually . tion,” says es the ambu munications the project is still in be going edic Brend ber 29th ments on Dunt What the new system that ensur locations. fossil fuel. these thing this year. Paramen midnight on Decem PAGE 2 GPS to four The island z.

MER route emergency l, this is Gas Ltd., says s of planning, so eles, we need continued, ware for the the most directIBET H DEEN shift betwe ber 30th, he responded lly engimore infor that could s in Howe Soun the early phase Colleen O’Nei during his E D I T inator d face madrastically ing technology,projects g the typica on Decem drivers take Circle coord OR change the a whole other set ments regard and midnighthe says, is unusual durinto those calls in the ts of the For Caring region’s lands of projects , 2 neering and impac a rn. a com- a large hotel hue drove On the last whole other proposals calls, which cape: ued, PAGE a major conce equipped with r season. Dono -marina of school Hughes said daycontin - a gravel Hughes saidstory.” slow winte ambulance, which is . This device relays befor mine in McNcomplex in Gibso goodbye ) system - the Woo threats were she learned quick n’s landing one disto her ‘home Christmas, Karen Her homi station’s new dfibre LNG ab Creek dispatch (CAD gh the teleph not the answ ly that, for ies.’ every day, es are the kids she the a prop “I is puter-aided ation collected throu of emergency, and mass it her remember er. osal yetat least, ive and some broke when she told gets to school and diseases, and - the Sea-t waterfront re-develop homies were one rainy ocular all the inform as the address, the type them she back eye occurs o-Sky Gond osed afternoon early down and parti ment in the Dry such -diagn er, cular says. was the n under a “The -on cried ola proposed patch leaving side of the wild. most city of Squa Bowde nI . e the I pulled the e when r”ly Dr. the road, Docto is one of the mish back from cried too, and cried -a massive ski resort at Garib and see Eye peoplbusmistak turned aroun over ‘Who the Disease (DED) patientscalm the tears. Many go said,their to nt Eyewhol d and looke a consta want -the addit housing developme aldi need s ytoof qualit way drivi She says she school,” says “Dry whyng walk! d at themEye, ity .or Hughes. on ereason down Youralleyes ion of 25 ’ They quant t ed rain”. loves the most Thenjust Dry of the 15 comm “eyest her circumsta percent of nt in South Britta off the shutthis e. Inand the correc one littleocular surfacup, perce bus ations nia nces have kids andeyes not produce she do hisor condit loves stop and t the kindergartthe ity and -a run of nt that are alrea Gambier’s lands to job three to ic to climat the job, chan when asked and protec dy being ged. Whe oms getting years ago, walk. river active loggi e in en quant buties, notget to for allerg I had maintain chang when actively n she starte days was a to resultinin ame ng (on top sympt he e enough McNab Creek. power project that allowed was going perfect. Now,part-time dry eye “tear film”— d the s can expla r provid gig to no longe will impa logged) walk… gland called the that actua higher pay got betear to a summ the steadierof with can him when ct three creek tears— thatyou your eye’s er the willinag tear of he’s holi-health oftothe film layer empl make threage lly s that run what she that goes with drivi in to follow oymees Hugh lead toadama chang nt to results throu t, you’vg,e scratchy “We need to make into es says can needs. and make. This lyingn’s ng Bowe gh This under know on burnin ward,” says it.” g, decisions and stage e of your eye. ing the kids as; stingin She’ll keep tearsit you thetrans s bus is to the surfac suchaccording , but t lenses. DED recreation Duntz. “We need about the region one full day driving the schooquality of even bette helps of Dry Eye to their g contac as a whol to ingculty al r. oms know sympt t or protection lead to the l bus two a week until lty wearin hmen e, movi fi them all as indiv pen by accid areas, residential decide what we want a prolonged difficu she’s afternoons for ages “I know if eyes, and diffi can a replanouris areas, and focusingidual Ave ent.”

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North Vancouver wheelchair athlete flag-bearer at Sochi NIALL SHANNON NORTH SHORE NEWS

Sonja Gaudet, Canada's flag-bearer at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games, serves as an ambassador for the Rick Hansen Foundation.

CNW Group/Canadian Paralympic Committee

North Vancouver native Sonja Gaudet has been named the official flagbearer for Team Canada in the Sochi Paralympics.

Gaudet is “the world’s most decorated wheelchair curler” according to her biography on the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s website, taking home gold medals from the 2006 Paralympics in Turin, Italy and the 2010 Games in Vancouver.

The veteran curler is to lead 54 fellow Canadian athletes into the Fisht Olympic Stadium tonight for the opening ceremony of the 2014 Paralympics.

“It carries a lot of purpose for me,” said Gaudet in a press release announcing the nomination on Wednesday.

Gaudet expressed on her personal Twitter account how honoured she felt to be chosen and proud to represent Canada. “(The Paralympics) sends a big global message as well about looking past the wheelchair, looking past the visual impairment, looking past the missing limb and really focusing on the person and focusing on what’s there.”

Gaudet may not stay for the entire opening ceremonies, however, due to an early start for the first game on Saturday against Great Britain.

“We do have some strategies,” said Gaudet in a press

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

BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY PARCEL TAX REVIEW PANEL HEARING 2014 Please be advised that the Parcel Tax Review Panel is scheduled to sit on:

THURSDAY, MARCH 27 AT 2:00PM LOCATION: COUNCIL CHAMBERS 981 ARTISAN LANE BOWEN ISLAND, BC The Parcel Tax Review Panel is a statutory municipal body that sits once a year to hear complaints from taxpayers regarding the validity of the parcel tax roll.

Per Section 205 of the Community Charter, a person may make a complaint to the parcel tax review panel on one or more of the following grounds: a) there is an error or omission respecting a name or address on the parcel tax roll; b) there is an error or omission respecting the inclusion of a parcel; c) there is an error or omission respecting the taxable area or the taxable frontage of a parcel; d) an exemption has been improperly allowed or disallowed.

Persons wishing to be heard are required to submit notice in writing at least 48 hours before the scheduled sitting of the panel. If no such written notice is received, the panel will not meet.

Written submissions should be directed to: Kristen Watson Manager of Finance Bowen Island Municipality 604-947-4255

release. “Our priority is to be ready for Game 1. It’s a big game for us and we’re certainly going to make sure that we are (ready). (Carrying the flag is) just going to give us a little more purpose and create a really positive atmosphere to compete in.”

Gaudet earned her nickname “The Brain” for her invention of the “balance post,” a lightweight aluminium stick that is attached to her wheelchair and clamps directly to the stone to allow for greater accuracy.

John Sims, the Canadian Paralympic media attaché for wheelchair curling praised Gaudet in her roles as an athlete and as a role model.

“She is a true leader and loved greatly by athletes in all of the paralympic sports as witnessed by the hugs and smiles she got yesterday when we travelled to the athletes village,” said Sims.

The 47-year-old, who now resides in Vernon with her husband and two children, sustained a spinal cord injury in her late 20s after falling off a horse. She was inspired to get into adaptive sports after talking to fellow Paralympian Rick Hansen about his own experiences overcoming injury.

Gaudet serves as an ambassador for the Rick Hansen Foundation as well as the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

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

REMINDER DRIVEWAY ACCESS MAINTENANCE It is the responsibility of ALL property owners to ensure driveways and driveway ditches are maintained to avoid putting water, gravel or debris onto the road.

Driveway culverts must be kept free of debris and cannot block the flow of ditch water.

These conditions can cause dangerous situations on the roads during heavy rainfall or in freezing weather.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 604-947-4255

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

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

Please be advised that there is a special Council meeting scheduled to review the proposed

2014 – 2018 Five Year Financial Plan on:

Monday, March 17, 2014 at 6:15 pm Location: Council Chambers 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC This meeting will provide an overview of the 2014‐2018 Five Year Financial Plan and will allow members of the public to make comments or ask questions.

For more information please contact: Kristen Watson, Manager of Finance Bowen Island Municipality 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 FAX: 604‐947‐0193 e‐mail: kwatson@bimbc.ca

sports, entertainment, lifestyles, community links

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BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY 2014 – 2018 FINANCIAL PLAN BUDGET CONSULTATION MEETING

For news,

PUBLIC NOTICE — PROCEDURE BYLAW On March 10, 2014, Bowen Island Municipal Council gave first reading to “Bowen Island Municipal Council Procedure Bylaw No. 355, 2014”.

The purpose of this bylaw is to amend Bowen Island Municipal Procedure Bylaw to reflect that Council shall establish by resolution in December of each year, the annual schedule of dates and times of Council meetings for the subsequent year.

Per the Community Charter Council must not amend, repeal or replace its Procedure bylaw without first giving public notice. A copy of the “Bowen Island Municipal Council Procedure Bylaw No. 111, 2004 Amendment Bylaw No. 355, 2014” is available at Municipal Hall or on the municipal website at www.bimbc.ca Please direct any comments regarding this proposed bylaw in writing via mail, e-mail or fax by Monday, March 24, 2014 by 1:00 p.m. to: Casey Grundy, Legislative Clerk Bowen Island Municipality 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 FAX: 604-947-0193 e-mail: cgrundy@bimbc.ca

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 604-947-4255

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FRIDAY MARCH 14 2014 • 3

“Mamography is how we are not dead�

Local women stand as proof of effectiveness of breast cancer screening tool

From left: Sam Knowles, Mary Letson, Cathryn Robertson and Colleen O’Neil Meribeth Deen, photo

MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

When the BC Cancer agency approached Colleen O’Neil to get her friends together to film a commercial about mammograms, she responded positively, and invited her friends to meet her at Diane’s Lingerie shop in Vancouver.

The premise was a party to support women who’d lived through breast cancer and surgery, the camera crew was an add-on, and supposed to be a surprise. “I wasn’t entirely on-board with surprising my friends about such a serious topic,� says O’Neil. “But I think it’s important to emphasize the importance of mammograms.�

Islanders who saw the commercial on television may have recognized O’Neil, as well as Shari Ulrich and Jane Kellett. However, O’Neil said she wanted to shelter her friends, especially those who had personally experience breast cancer, and another group of women provided the focus for the commercial. Still she says the topic needs to be broached because mammograms save lives, and a routine mammogram at age 53 saved hers. “When it came to breast cancer I felt bullet proof, I had no family history. It’s recommended that women over 50 get mammograms every two years, so that’s what I did.

When they found cancer in my breast, there were already three lumps and I had to have the whole breast removed.

I often wonder, if I had not skipped a year between mam-

mograms, maybe I could’ve gotten away with a lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy.�

O’Neil says what did appear in her mammogram looked like grains of sand, and would never have been detected through a breast exam.

O’Neil is just one of a handful of women on Bowen who have survived breast cancer, and who were diagnosed because of mammograms. O’Neil and three others gathered at Caring Circle to talk about their experiences.

Mary Letson says that because she had a family history of breast cancer she was diligent about getting mammograms every year after the age of 45. “For my first three mammograms, I wasn’t afraid. But I’d heard about a number of friends who had been diagnosed recently and when I went last year to the mobile screening clinic set up in Dr. Zandy’s office, I felt something very different.�

Letson, who was diagnosed last August at age fourtynine. “The cancer might have been in my breast when I’d had the previous year’s mammogram, but it wasn’t detected. By the time it did appear, it was already in my lymph nodes which is why I needed to go through chemotherapy.�

Despite the fact that the cancer had advanced beyond her breast, Mary says there’s no way she could’ve felt any kind of lump.

Sam Knowles was 43 when a routine mammography

T IDES

REGULAR SCHEDULE

In Effect December 30, 2013-March 31, 2014

Leave Snug Cove

5:30 am # 6:30 am** 7:30 am** 8:30 am 9:30 am 10:30 am 11:30 am 12:30 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm †5:00 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm * 8:00 pm 9:00 pm 10:00 pm

VANCOUVER Horseshoe Bay

6:00 am** 7:00 am** 8:00 am 9:00 am †10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 2:25 pm 3:30 pm 4:30 pm 5:30 pm 6:30 pm 7:30 pm * 8:30 pm 9:35 pm

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â–ź

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Distance: 3 NAUTICAL MILES Crossing Time: 20 MINUTES

HIGH FEET Fri.

#

DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND STATUTORY HOLIDAYS

*

DAILY EXCEPT SATURDAYS

**

DAILY EXCEPT JAN 1

â€

THE WEDNESDAY SAILINGS WILL BE REPLACED

BY DANGEROUS CARGO SAILINGS. NO OTHER PASSENGERS PERMITTED.

H:10 L: 8

0548 1720 Sat. 0614 1803 Sun. 0638 1845 Mon. 0701 1928 Tue. 0726 2021 Wed. 0753 2101 Thurs. 0822 2155

14.1 12.5 14.1 13.1 14.1 13.5 14.1 13.5 14.1 13.8 14.1 13.8 14.1 13.5

LOW FEET 1151 2342 1222

8.2 5.2 7.5

0016 1254 0050 1327 0124 1402 0159 1438 0238 1518

5.6 6.6 5.9 5.9 6.6 5.2 7.5 4.6 8.2 3.9

showed a few “areas of concern.� Further tests, an ultrasound and a biopsy, revealed pre-cancerous cells in her breast. The removal of those areas of Sam’s breast, and the pathology that followed, revealed ductal carcinoma in situ, the most common and most treatable form of breast cancer. While this form of cancer is usually treated by lumpectomies and radiation, Sam ultimately required a full mastectomy. “I would never say to someone that you have to go get a mammogram, but if you do have breast cancer and get a mammogram, you might not have to go through treatment that’s as invasive, and I’m living proof of that,� says Knowles, adding that while the cancer had spread to her whole breast it did not spread to her lymph nodes so she did not have to endure chemotherapy.

Cathryn Robertson had already lived through the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in her right breast when, eight years later, a routine mammogram highlighted an area of concern in her left breast.

Robertson’s doctor sent her for an ultrasound to follow up the mammogram, which did not turn up anything. “The doctor’s said, don’t worry about it, and then, six months later I could feel a small lump, and that progressed to a burning sensation in my arm. The doctor sent me for an ultrasound which revealed a tumor they said was one centimeter, but when they went in to remove it they found out that it was actually five centimeters!�

After two lumpectomies, there was still cancer in Robertson’s left breast and she was told that she would need a mastectomy. That surgery revealed that the cancer had spread into her lymph nodes, and led to the diagnosis of “stage three cancer� treated with chemotherapy.

Robertson says that if she were to go back in time, she would’ve demanded a biopsy following her “false positive� mammogram. “It’s important to trust your caregivers,� she says, “but you also have to be your own advocate. There are people who say you shouldn’t get a mammogram because they turn up false positives are not looking at things the right way. Take the false positive as a gift, someone is looking at your breast and is concerned. It’s an opportunity for you to take care of yourself, and if the result is in fact false, then it is a very good thing.�

The anxiety caused by mammogram results considered to be “false positives� is one of the reasons for revisions to mammography guidelines in British Columbia that recommend women under 40 who have an “average� risk of breast cancer only need to be screened every two years.

While experts are split over whether or not this change is for the better (O’Neil points to two of Vancouver radiologists who treated her, and have differing opinions on the matter) what is not disputed, and what hasn’t changed, is that mammograms have cut death rates from breast cancer by about one-third. Colleen O’Neil, Mary Letson, Sam Knowles and Cathryn Robertson all insist, that the benefits delivered by mammograms outweigh the risks and fears that go with them. continued, PAGE 8

Places of Worship Welcome You BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH Rev. Shelagh MacKinnon

Service and Sunday School: 10:30 a.m.

Collins Hall Bookings: Helen Wallwork 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

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

(661 Carter Rd.)

B N 8PSTIJQ r 4VOEBZ 4DIPPM 5PUT UP 5FFOT 1BTUPS Dr. James B. Krohn

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viewpoint

The people’s message to The Province

Which fish to fry?

Dear Editor

Although I respect those who are inflamed about the CRC docks I think we have bigger fish to fry here on Bowen. Perhaps I am wrong about this, but after living on Bowen for many years, I can feel the effects of wood smoke for the first time. Perhaps our good friends might review their priorities and focus on issues that affect us all.

Even though humans have burned wood for thousands of years, scientists have only recently discovered just how hazardous wood smoke pollution is to our health.

Hundreds of studies have now documented the harmful health effects of wood smoke pollution. Yet many people remain unaware of the facts or refuse to accept them.

The current situation is similar to the way we used to treat second-hand tobacco smoke. By the time the public finally accepted just how hazardous second-hand smoke was, there had already been incalculable damage to human life.

There’s good reason to be even more concerned about wood smoke pollution than about second-hand tobacco smoke, since it is more hazardous: according to the US EPA, the lifetime cancer risk from wood smoke is estimated to be 12 times greater than from a similar amount of cigarette smoke.

The time has come for all of us to acknowledge the real dangers of burning wood.

Lary Waldman

Dear Editor & Community, On March 11th, I joined more than 2,000 other people from Island and Coastal Communities on the steps of our Provincial Legislature to protest increasing fares and changes to our ferry service.

The crowd and speakers were firm, vigilant and respectful. Islands Trust Chair Sheila Malcolmson was among the speakers, as was Greg Moore, Chair of Metro Vancouver, who spoke directly on behalf of Bowen Islanders.

Their message was clear: the economic impact of ferry schedule reductions is going to have a significant impact on our communities and BC’s tourism industry in general.

Standing in the crowd, the feeling of pride among islanders was palpable. None of us are going to take this lying down. I’m glad I could attend and I am sure the other Boweners who were there feel the same way.

Hopefully, the Province is now listening with more empathy and a better understanding of larger impact to the Coastal Region of BC. Sincerely, Andrew Stone, Councillor

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Mini Gala a big success Dear Editor, The Gallery @ Artisan Square’s 2014 Mini Gala was a roaring success. Over 100 guests braved the torrential rain and wind to attend the sold out event. Over $6,500 was raised for the Gallery thanks to the incredible contribution of our artists, volunteers, sponsors and guests. You have our grateful appreciation and thanks.

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 1-888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org.

Thanks!

Janet Esseiva

What it takes to grow farmed salmon Dear Editor, I appreciate Anton van Walraven’s thoughtful piece in a recent edition of The Undercurrent (March 6th, 2014). He raises issues that have challenged me since before I was an MP, a challenge that became even more focused when I took my seat on the House of Commons Fisheries Committee. Is aquaculture safe for the environment? How does it affect wild salmon? How can we produce the protein we need? How valuable are the aquaculture industry jobs in challenging economic times? How valuable are the revenues to the Government that arise from aquaculture?

No one has all the answers to these questions but I would like to share this with you; according to BCSalmonFacts.ca, It actually takes about 1.2 pounds of forage fish to grow one pound of farmed salmon. This is very efficient, more so than growing beef, pork and chicken, which also use fishmeal and fish oil made from forage fish as a protein source in feed.

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Buoyed by the encouragement and interest of people like Mr. Van Walraven, I have taken steps as part of a Government that has to wrestle with these issues, not just on a local level, but on a nationwide one.

A group of volunteers, ardent fisheries advocates, have at my invitation formed around me in a group called the Sea to Sky Fisheries Roundtable. This group, which included Bowen Islanders, has both contributed intelligent commentary and challenged the Government on policies and laws. Like the discussion of aquaculture, the conversation involving this group will not likely ever end; I hope it will remain as a useful, independent mechanism to make our fisheries policies continually responsive to the questions raised above, and others.

As one of nine Fisheries Committee members, I have pushed successfully for a study of aquaculture, and, with direct input from constituents and others, got the Committee unanimously to agree on a report, published last June. It’s available on our

website. Among its six recommendations is one that has real promise for Mr. Van Walraven and others – it calls for the creation of a centre of excellence for closed-containment salmon aquaculture.

I continue to press for the creation of such a centre of excellence, and am pleased to report considerable interest has arisen to achieve such a centre, in our riding. Who knows where the results could take us if Canada became the international leader in closed-containment aquaculture?

In sum, we should avoid absolutist answers to the complex questions of the day, all the while maintaining interest and focus on the key question. My approach won’t satisfy everyone, but, working with people who are open-minded and caring about our environment and economy, I’m confident we may improve both continuously.

John Weston, M.P. West Vancouver, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky Country

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This week in Undercurrent history MAUREEN SAWASY UNDERCURRENT HISTORIAN

20 years ago in The Undercurrent •

•

The Orchard Cottage tenants faced a steep rent increase of around 25 percent. The increase in revenue would be used to repair the 10 remaining cottages (four of which had at the time been uninhabited for 4 years). The current rental agreement saw tenants paying low rents, with the understanding that they were responsible for all repairs and maintenance of the cottages. Worry was the tenants, some of whom had invested thousands of dollars in the cottages would be evicted to make way for the cottages to be used as something other than long-term rentals (weekend rentals, interpretive cabins etc).

The GVRD insisted that this wouldn’t happen for a few years. Bowen Island Heritage Preservation Association said an agreement was being worked out by the district, the Association and B.C. Heritage Trust to restore the cottages.

Hunting on Bowen Island was a topic of discussion at the last GVRD meeting. Director Ross Carter said that almost everyone at the meeting wanted present bow and arrow hunting stopped. They raised concerns about human safety and animal cruelty. Other people at the meeting expressed concern over how the deer population would be controlled if hunting was banned altogether.

15 years ago in The Undercurrent •

•

The Undercurrent announced that mini-buses would be rolling through Snug Cove by June 1. The winning bid to run the service on Bowen was Bowen Island Community Transit, operated by Peter King.

Tunstall Bay resident, Rebecca Bing-Tunnacliffe was selected as the first executive director for the University Women’s Club in Vancouver.

10 years ago in The Undercurrent •

•

The Undercurrent reported that Bowen Island could reach it’s buildout capacity in 12 years. The report described a scenario where in 2016, the Cove’s population was more than 1,000 and people lived in high density row-houses, duplexes or single family homes sharing land with commercial industries while the south side remained the forest backdrop. A Snug Cove planning meeting was held to discuss everything in the Cove from parking and housing to power and water.

Facilitors suggested that the “time to get it right was now.”

Bowen’s Abbeyfield house announced that it had received the title to the property on Miller’s Road by Bowen Court. Abbeyfield house is to be an on-island residence dedicated to housing Bowen seniors.

5 years ago in The Undercurrent •

A special Committee of the Whole meeting was held to provide an update on the Official Community Plan Steering Committee’s actions. The first of five phases was underway,“Getting Started”. This was to involved selection eight islanders to be a part of the Steering Committee. The second phase was to take place in the summer and fall. Called the, “Community Input” phase it would centre around public engagement. No timeline had been set for the subsequent phases, “Analysis”, “Draft Scenarios” and “Draft Update”.

Bowen Islander Alfred Rahn at this week’s protest against BC Ferries in Victoria.

Andrew Stone, photo

FRIDAY MARCH 14 2014 • 5

Had I my druthers, I’d be running B.C. Ferries MARCUS HONDRO THE SLOW LANE

Had I my druthers, if such a thing came to pass, and I got to say who the BC Ferries president would be, and name the two main vice-presidents (they have numerous vice-presidents) I sincerely believe I could come up with people who’d do a great job at a lower rate of pay than those currently doing the gig.

I think our current councillors, Cro Lucas, Alison Morse, Wolfgang Duntz, Andrew Stone, all of them, would do well at it. So would former councillors like Doug Hooper and Peter Frinton.

Peter’s a real detail man, a minutia guy, and he’d be great at looking at charts and such. If you are able to handle handling Bowen’s affairs, by comparison a ferry service would be easy.

Consider this declarative statement: the remuneration our ferry guys get is too great. Here is a quote from my story on Digital Journal on Ferry Corp. exec. salaries in 2012: “CEO Michael Corrigan...wound up the year at $563,000. Two vice-presidents, Robert Clarke and Glen Schwartz, made $492,207 and $491,643 respectively.” With easily achieved bonuses they actually made more (Canadian Press reported that Corrigan wound up getting $915,000 for 2012).

Doesn’t that seem a trifle excessive?

Adding the proverbial insult to our real injury, you may have heard that the guy who heads the ferry service in Washington State makes $170,000 per annum (no bonuses). The difference between the ferry bosses, at least in 2012 ($915,000 to $170,000) was $745,000, or $475,000 over and above the $270,000 figure they seek to save with the cuts planned for our route.

You likely know that when the B.C. government created the Coastal Ferry Act in 2003 they turned BC Ferries into a hybrid public/private corporation, accent on private. This gives the Liberals the excuse to stand back and claim there’s nothing they can do to alter the decisions made by B.C. Ferries because, thanks to their own legislation, it is no longer under their, under our, bailiwick.

That was clever. Only it has them abrogating the very job they’re supposed to be doing, leaving it up to guys who, well, would pay themselves $915,000 a year. And still muck it up! Were there

hordes and hordes of us living on islands the government might listen to us, but there ain’t, so they don’t. What they lack in integrity they make up for in gall.

But that’s politics, no?

At any rate, I could list someone else who would do a good job and work for less. Me. I’d concentrate as hard as I could, even for just $170,000. I’d listen to my department heads and make informed decisions based on their reports, most of which I’d read, most of. And I could handle all the meetings required, after all as a reporter I’ve sat through many council meetings and, save one or perhaps two times, stayed awake the entire time. Did my concentration slip? Yes, it did, but, again, I wouldn’t be asking for the $915,000 salary.

The $170,000 salary would do.

Here’s this though: it’s hard to imagine the people of BC care much about our plight (“Hey, Bub, you’re the one decided to move to an island”) and they don’t consider that the cuts cause less passengers and ultimately less revenue, nor would they note that our taxes pay for their highways and bridges whether we use them or not. So while I admire those protesting ferry cuts it’s hard to imagine that mainland citizens, or Todd Stone, the minister for transportation and infrastructure, give much of a hoot about it all.

Indeed, here’s what Todd said about ferry cuts after Tuesday’s protest rally in Victoria: “These are tough decisions, very tough decisions, but at the end of the day we have said consistently, actually before the election, during the election and ever since, certainly in the eight months I’ve been minister, that we’re going to do everything in our power to get ferries to a place of affordability and sustainability. That means making some tough decisions on service levels.”

There is another protest, this on Saturday, March 15, the Coastal Communities protest. It will be citizens from areas whose economies, and day to day life, will be impacted by the cuts, protesting in their own communities. My understanding is Bowen protestors will get on the 11:30 ferry and peacefully protest and hand out handbills in Horseshoe Bay from noon until 1pm.

Root around Facebook for more information.

Had I my druthers, Todd Stone would listen to them but, well, I ain’t so sure he will. Are you?

BIMTAC meeting with BC Ferries, March 6, 2014 Dear Editor, On Thursday March 6, the Bowen Island Municipality Transportation Committee (BIMTAC) met with BC Ferries (BCF) staff about the proposed changes in the number of Route 8 (Bowen Island) weekend sailings and the consequent schedule changes.

The change in the number of sailings was mandated by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI). After an expensive and flawed consultation process conducted by the province, BCF is meeting with each individual Ferry Advisory Committee from the affected routes to review the schedules. BCF prepared an alternative schedule, based on the MOTI requirement to reduce the number of sailings, and posted it and the MOTI schedule on their website, while they ran an on-line questionnaire. The survey period ended February 21st and the posting is no longer on the BCF website.

Respondents to the on-line questionnaire, a concurrent random phone survey of Bowen Islanders and a similar survey of a panel of non-Bowen respondents revealed overwhelming support for the BCF version. The respondents also submitted comments that offered suggestions for ways to improve the BCF schedule. BCF reviewed the responses to the survey and prepared a revised schedule which they presented to the meeting

on March 6th. The new BCF version appears to be workable and provides for an early morning (6:30am) sailing from Bowen and a late evening (9:30pm) sailing from Horseshoe Bay. While the final schedule will not be released until March 31st the BCF draft schedule reflects the following: • The schedule changes affect only the weekend runs • The weekend schedule changes will most likely be the same all year; • There will be some fine tuning to avoid congestion at Horseshoe Bay • The early morning and last late night runs are protected • There will be fewer sailings Sat and Sun mornings, thus a longer time between the earlier sailings • The midday break will be a little longer and one less evening sailing BCF expects these changes will achieve the $135,000 per year cost savings demanded by the province but was unable to give BIMTAC any details as to how the labour and fuel savings were calculated as the province considers this confidential information.

And, no this is no April Fool’s joke: everyone’s fares will rise by 4% on April 1st.

Adam Holbrook, BIMTAC

6 • FRIDAY MARCH 14 2014

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Through the kitchen window: Amrita Sondhi MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

There are so many people on Bowen who not only love to eat, but love to cook. While some our foodie friends kindly offer us the opportunity to taste their food by opening up restaurants, there are so many others whose food-lives are unknown to us. This column is an attempt to pry open the kitchen windows of our local friends and neighAmrita Sondhi is the owner of Movement Global Fashions...

1. What’s your favourite kitchen utensil?

A very sharp knife.

2. What’s your comfort food?

Kitchari with vegetables 3. If you could only have one cook book…

My own cookbooks! The Tastes of Ayurveda (2012) and The Modern Ayurvedic Cookbook (2006) 4. Who’s your biggest culinary influence, and what did they teach you?

My mother, how to be creative and use the 5 senses and to be excited by international food and ingredients.

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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE is hereby given that Bowen Island Municipal Council will hold a public hearing for the purpose of allowing the public to make representations on the following proposed bylaw: • Bylaw No. 345, 2013 cited as “Bowen Island Municipality Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 Amendment Bylaw No. 345, 2013” The Public Hearing will be held on:

Monday, March 24, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Municipal Hall, 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC. At the public hearing, all persons who believe that their interest in property is affected by the proposed bylaw shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be heard or to present written submissions respecting matters contained in the proposed bylaw.

Subject Property: Purpose: The purpose of Bylaw No. 345, 2013 is to amend Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 by changing the zoning for the lands shown outlined in a solid black line on Schedule A of this Bylaw from Rural Residential (RR1) to Industrial Commercial (a) – IC (a). Use exception (a) would prohibit the sale of propane under the IC zone on this site.

A copy of the proposed bylaw and any background material that may be considered by Bowen Island Municipal Council in respect of the proposed bylaw, may be inspected at Bowen Island Municipal Hall, 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, inclusive, excluding statutory holidays, or on the BIM website at www.bimbc.ca commencing Friday, March 7, 2014.

Written submissions may be delivered to: • Bowen Island Municipal Hall in person or by mail to 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC, V0N 1G2 or by fax: 604947-0193 prior to 11:00 a.m. , Monday, March 24, 2014; or • to Bowen Island Municipal Council at the Public Hearing at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 24, 2014.

Inquiries regarding the proposed bylaw may be directed to Judy McLeod, Planning Consultant at 604-947-4255 or by email at jmcleod@bimbc.ca.

NO REPRESENTATIONS WILL BE RECEIVED BY THE BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC HEARING.

bours who have a passion for cooking. Some of them are trained chefs, some of them make a living from cooking, and others are self-taught, excellent, passionate home-cooks.

If you have a foodie friend who might make a great feature, please contact: editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

5. When did you realize you loved to cook?

When I was a child and had been given a children’s cookbook. Probably age 9 or 10.

6. Tell me about a culinary challenge, and how you overcame it. (ie: when you had to adapt to a particular diet or allergy. Or learning a totally new cooking style.)

When I had trouble with my health I really began following Ayurveda and eating for my body type, the season and the time of day.

7. How has living on Bowen influenced your cooking?

Bowen puts us in touch with Nature and our senses. It is a very artistic and creative community so it inspires me to continously use my creativity in the kitchen. Here I can create more healthy healing recipes that I love to share and test out on well travelled, appreciative community and friends.

8. What are you cooking/eating lately?

Today I made a delicious bok choy, mixed vegetable, tofu stir fry with soy bean sprouts and basmati rice for lunch that I shared with Vicky, the owner of the Juniper Gallery.

Amrita’s comfort food, Kitchari ¼ cup split mung dal ½ cup basmati rice 2 cups water Salt to taste 2 tsp Flax or hemp oil (or ghee or butter)

In a medium pot on high heat, combine all ingredients, except oil, and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to simmer, cover with lid and cook for 25-30 minutes. Drizzle with oil before serving.

Makes 2 -3 servings.

CONTINUED, PAGE 7

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FRIDAY MARCH 14 2014 • 7

Postcard from San Miguel de Allende KAMI KANETSUKA SPECIAL TO THE UNDERCURRENT

Kami Kanetsuka buying paper flowers at the time of carnival in the main square of San Miguel de Allende.

When Kami went to the square to look for someone to photograph her, she found Edye Hanon, the former editor of the Undercurrent.

Edythe Hanon, photo

Hello from San Miguel, the heart of Mexico and land of winter sun. This heritage town has so many things happening that one can be occupied every minute of the day and much of the night too – and so I have. It is also a place one can become completely part of on arrival and if you have ever visited before you already have a set of friends living here.

For the third time I volunteered at the San Miguel Writers Conf. & Festival, where there always is at least one Canadian keynote speaker. This year it was Yann Martel of Life of Pi fame. He gave a wonderful talk on his book, What is Prime Minister Stephen Harper Reading. For two years Martell sent the PM a book and a long letter giving reasons for reading the book.

The books and the letters were never acknowledged.

Martell says Harper is not a well read or well traveled man, both things that create an open mind. I heard that his talk upset some Canadians in the audience but I thought it rather good that an audience of 900 should hear this fact.

During the six days of the conference when I had some free time I took great pleasure watching Martell, whose family came with him, frolicking with his three little kids in the pool or playing with them in the garden of the hotel where the conference was held. His wife, British-born Alice Kuipers, gave a workshop on writing for children.

Mexican Laura Esqivel, known for her magical realism book and film Like Water for Chocolate was also a keynote speaker who was rather political as well as spiritual. A beautiful and deeply passionate woman, she talked about the transformative capacity of human beings and her deep faith in love.

Unfortunately for me, this is not the best place to be working on a memoir, as there are far too many

Amrita Sondhi holds tumeric root for her healing tea.

Meribeth Deen, photo

from page 6

Amrita’s healing tea This tea is great for busting a sore throat or cold before it settles in. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and a natural antibiotic.

1/4 tsp turmeric 1/8th tsp cayenne (optional) 1/2 a lemon 1 stick cinammon 1 slice of fresh ginger root (if you have it) 1 tsp unpasteurized or raw honey (optional) 1 and 1/2 cups boiling water

distractions. On Saturdays there is Zumba, a dance exercise, in lovely little Juarez Park where for three weeks in February there is a great spring festival, where flowers, exotic plants and seeds are sold. After Zumba I go to the Saturday organic market and pick up my veggies for the week. Everyone lingers for hours, for as well as food one can buy jewelry, clothing, cards. Small kitchens are set up and we all eat at long communal tables. I walk in the botanical gardens once a week, surrounded by many cactuses of all shapes and sizes. Here I get away from the masses in this inspirational place. On Tuesday there is a large market a little way out of town, where one can find anything. There are tables and tables of clothing, ten-fold the amount of Bowen’s spring sale, where one can even find designer clothes for several dollars.

There is live theatre, music, dancing in the street and fireworks. In the Jardine, the main square, people linger, kids breakdance, couples kiss and there are always several Mariachi bands around for the sound effects. Now considered one of the best cities in the world it does feel like at some point everyone visits, and I have run into several Bowen Island couples and people from Vancouver.

And oh yes! This is the place for catching up on movies. There are two small intimate theatres, both at the back of bars, where the latest movies are shown. One, run by a Frenchman Daniel, also shows old classics. Here I recently saw a hilarious vintage British comedy with Maggie Smith and Michael Palin, A Public Function. The nominal entry price includes one alcoholic drink and a bag of popcorn.

All the Oscar winning films will be played over the next few weeks. Here in the evenings with Margarita in hand, I ponder if this could ever happen on Bowen.

I apologize if I have made you envious but this hedonistic life does seem a little too good to be true. Pretty soon even I will come back down to earth and deal with my own unruly backyard and probably rain, glorious rain.

8 • FRIDAY MARCH 14 2014

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Lives saved by mammograms from PAGE 3 “Mammography is how we are not dead,” says Colleen O’Neil. “There is one study from 30 years ago, that was flawed to start with, that keeps getting resurrected and publicized, diminishing the importance of mammography.

But the fact is simple: early detection leads to cures.”

While Knowles says she would never tell someone that they have to get a mammogram, when she hears that mammograms are risky, or don’t work, it makes her angry.

“We’ve lost too many women to breast cancer on this island already,” she says.

All the women agree, that the journey through diagnosis and treatment is terrifying. The women also agree that, iving on Bowen, they were able to find the support and resources they needed to help get them through, and they say they hope other women facing breast cancer will reach out and find them.

Accident highlights ferry marshalling concerns

Foundations of economic development from PAGE 1 The solution that seemed most reasonable involved the development of a contract to explain to people renting vacation accommodations that they are in residential neighbourhoods, and certain behaviours are not appropriate. The Bowen Island Accommodations Association implemented this and other measures in order to resolve the conflict.

“There are a lot of people who have the opportunity to make money through this sort of set-up, and some who derive a significant portion of their income from it. We would not want to see that disappear,” says Atherton.

Another achievement that came up involved improvements to connectivity and wireless access on Bowen.

“The EDC has learned that inconsistent service throughout the island can be a major hindrance to people working from home, and home-based businesses,” says Gordon Ganong. “And improvements to it are critical for the development of our tourist sector as well.”

The EDC drafted a letter explaining the problems to be sent by Mayor Adelaar to the presidents of the major telecommunications companies.

“We saw movement on this issue from Telus, Shaw and Rogers,” says Ganong.

In recent weeks Telus has put relay stations on every second hydro pole in the Cove to improve service, Shaw has guaranteed wireless service anywhere in the Cove, and Rogers has started working on plans to bring 4G LTE service to Bowen.

Ganong told the audience gathered to hear about the EDC’s achievements this past year that branding Bowen is likely to be the committee’s biggest job in 2014, but also that success in executing strategies for economic growth will only be successful with support from both the community and council.

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Last Wednesday’s accident, as viewed from the Bowen Island Tech Shop.

Alan Mills, photo

MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

Last Wednesday afternoon, as he waited for the 3:30 ferry to unload so he could turn onto Cardena Road, Steve Bayley says he was startled by a loud banging noise.

“And then I saw this Mercedes come flying off the ferry toward me at what looked like 100 miles an hour. For a second I thought the car was going to hit my truck but then it zipped past. I looked in my rearview mirror and saw him swerve to the left into the ferry marshalling lane and hit the Bowen Freight truck.”

Ryan McCormick turned from the marina parking lot onto Bowen Island Trunk Road just before the Mercedes sped off the ferry.

“I heard what sounded like a scooter accelerating and then I saw the Mercedes come behind me, on my right, and veer left into what would be oncoming traffic.”

McCormick says he was shocked by what he saw.

“If the Bowen Freight Truck hadn’t been

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there, we definitely would’ve seen some high school kids get injured.”

Just as the Mercedes veered, Bowen Freight employee Peter Garcia was helping a passenger out of the Bowen Freight truck. The Mercedes crashed, at high speeds into the truck and might have crushed Garcia and the passenger he was assisting, but the open truck door jammed against the parked car in the right-hand lane.

Alan Mills, owner of Bowen Freight, says that Garcia is fine, but took the next day off to recover.

“I think in this accident we got off lucky,” says Mills. “The way the Mercedes flew off the ferry, we’re just lucky none of the high school kids unloading got hurt, and Peter Garcia is lucky for the door that saved his life, not to mention that dangerous cargo was about to load onto the ferry.

This definitely highlights the need to improve safety in the Cove.”

The Undercurrent contacted the RCMP for further details on the accident, but did not receive a response.

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FRIDAY MARCH 14 2014 • 9

Bowen team dazzles at the Fire department Outdoor Adventure Show welcomes new chief BRUCE RUSSELL SUBMISSION

As the name implies, the Vancouver Outdoor Adventure Show, held under the sails at the Convention Centre, provided an opportunity for show patrons (some 20,000+) to obtain information on the A to Z of places to go and things to do with their travel/tourist, recreation and outdoor entertainment dollars. Not to be outdone, a group of spirited and caring Bowen Islanders made a first-class effort to dazzle and inform the show patrons as to how they need not go any farther than just beyond their own backyards for great outdoor value. They were either dazzled by one of our Bowen Boosters, entertained by our video or took literature for a number of businesses.

The 2014 Experience Bowen Island booklet was a particular hit including the Layar App, which many suggested “helped keep our island clean, green and beautiful”!

While our defunct Chamber of Commerce sponsored and organized our community booth in the past, with its recent demise the Bowen business community had two choices; pass up on the show or come together to represent the island, the latter of which they did in spades thanks to the leadership of many of the Steamship Days “movers and shakers”. My letter last week acknowledged that effort.

Last year our Steamship Days volunteers, dressed up in period costumes, did such an outstanding job in representing our communi-

ty our booth was dubbed as the most enthusiastic one in the show! I suspect this year was no different. Kudos to all those businesses who donated money for the booth rental and those who donated items for not one, but six raffle prize baskets and a special thanks to the dozen volunteers who worked the eight-hour shifts last Saturday and Sunday promoting everything our island has to offer. It never ceases to amaze our Bowen ambassadors as to how many lower mainlanders have never been to our island.

Many of us incorrectly assume because they are so close they must have crossed the pond to see what we are all about. Not! By the same token, it was reassuring to hear that most of those who had visited, enjoyed it.

While our community is blessed with so much natural beauty and is in close proximity to the Lower Mainland, that unto itself will not attract tourists that we love and need so much. Nothing can be taken for granted in this highly competitive industry in which there is an abundance of choices for the consumer’s dollar, hence the importance of this great team effort. As space does not permit me to list all of the supporters please go to the Bowen Island Golf Club website (www.bowengolf.com) and click on Team Effort Promotes Bowen Island. Again, kudos to everyone who made it all possible.

Ian Thompson, Bowen Island’s new Fire Chief.

Debra Stringfellow, photo

Ferry protest

from PAGE 1 “If we’ve been silent, it’s because we’re negotiating, and you can’t negotiate out in public.”

Councillor Wolfgang Duntz said that as a representative to the Islands Trust, he found the silence of Bowen’s Council difficult to justify.

“In my laymen’s understanding, I explained that as we are in a Liberal riding we are better off using quiet diplomacy to deal with the issue. Only time will tell if that’s the correct way or not.”

Richard Goth’s request to council was followed up by a similar plea by Gordon Ganong, chair of Bowen Island’s Economic Development Committee.

“I would like to see you councillors join in with Bowen Islanders at the protest on Saturday,” said Ganong. “And I would like to see you pass a resolution reinforcing the letters that council has sent supporting home-porting and the exchange of the Queen of Capilano with the Island Sky. ” Later in the meeting, when the issues of ferries came up again, Councillor Tim Rhodes brought up the idea of designating an official liaison to the Coastal-Mainland Coalition. This led to further discussion about making support for Bowen Islanders protesting against BC Ferries official.

Led by Alison Morse, council crafted, moved and seconded the following statement of support: Council strongly supports the work of the Bowen community in respectful protest of the service cuts, fare increases and diminishing discounts for seniors; and that Council wishes to express its extreme disappointment with the Province’s disregard for the social and economic impact to Bowen Island and other ferry-dependent communities as a result of their actions with BC Ferries’ service and fare levels.

Richard Goth says that he is pleased with this resolution.

“It’s a good statement,” he said following council.

Goth also elaborated on a story he told to council, of a very successful protest by Bowen Islanders against BC Ferries in 1997.

MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

“BC Ferries raised the rates, literally, overnight,” says Goth. “At the time we were buying books of tickets at the General Store, and BC Ferries called the General Store with the new rate so we couldn’t even buy those books at the old price over the weekend, before the official date when the change was to take place. Well, a few of us were sitting at the Snug and said, ‘We have to do something!’

Word of our plans, to protest on Friday afternoon in Horseshoe Bay, spread like wildfire. We believe there were close to 600 Bowen Islanders in attendance. Our protest was followed, one week later, by a similar one by users of the Langdale ferry.

That was November, by December, the government had rolled back the ferry rates 33 percent, to their previous price.”

Goth says that he is particularly upset about the changes to seniors’ fares, but would be more than happy to see BC’s ferries become a bare-bones service, as it once was.

“The whole system is bloated,” he says. “They need to focus on vessels and crew, navigation and safety equipment and that’s it. Back when we had the Howe Sound Queen, there were hard benches on the upper level and barely even a washroom, but it was functional. But to jack up the rates so people question whether or not to even take the ferry, and cut back the service? They’re going about this all wrong.”

Goth says that he and his wife have made a conscious decision to ride the ferry less in order to save money, and now go to town once per month to do their shopping, instead of every two weeks.

As of Wednesday, March 12, the group Bowen Islanders for Ferry Fairness had 50 confirmed participants for the upcoming protest, as well as support from businesses in Horseshoe Bay. Their hope is that 100 protesters from Bowen will join them to walk on the ferry this Saturday at 11:30 and rally outside the Horseshoe Bay Terminal.

On Tuesday, the Bowen Island Municipality announced its decision to hire Ian Thompson as the new chief of the island’s volunteer fire department.

Former chief Brian Biddlecombe announced plans for his retirement last year.

Thompson says his new position comes as something of a surprise to him.

“I’ve been working as a volunteer with the Fire Department for eight years now, and for the past four years I’ve been the Department’s training officer.

So that has put me in more of a leadership role,” says Thompson. “I am very comfortable working in a hands-on capacity, but I look forward to the new challenges that come with this job.”

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An action-packed Spring Break on Bowen DEBRA STRINGFELLOW CONTRIBUTOR

Children’s Vision Vision and Learning It is estimated that 80% of learning comes from vision. Many children struggle in school and vision-related learning difficulties often go undetected even when eyesight is found to be 20/20. In fact, one out of six children diagnosed with a learning disability actually has a correctable vision problem! A routine eye assessment by an eye doctor can detect these conditions and correct them, usually through corrective lenese or vision therapy.

“I can’t remember what I read.”

Wondering what to do with the kids over Spring Break? Whether you need child care because of work or just want your kids entertained for a day or two, the Bowen Community Recreation office is offering a fantastic line-up of day camps for the week of March 17th.

For youngsters ages 5-7 yrs, Mini Club provides well balanced days on-island making crafts and playing games with experienced and caring leaders. On-island day trips will be arranged allowing these kids to enjoy all that Bowen has to offer.

Camps for kids ages 8-11 offer activities both on and off island. Each day brings something a little different and exciting for this age group.

On Monday, March 17th instructor Carrie Thiel will demonstrate safe techniques of stage combat. Kids will be able to role-play, and act out their favorite fight scenes in a controlled environment. They’ll also have the opportunity to make their own weapons to take home.

Tuesday’s camp offers the kids a guided tour and scavenger hunt at the BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum located at BC Place Stadium. A perfect day for any young sports enthusiast.

On Wednesday March 19, instructor Sarah Bristow will lead a day of roller-hockey in the BICS gymnasium. Kids will enjoy fun and games, fitness and ball handling techniques. Without a doubt one of the most popular day camps, hockey

fills up fast so don’t wait to register, all levels are welcome.

On Thursday the kids are scheduled to go offisland for a more interactive play at Laserdome Plus. Playing laser tag and rock climbing will challenge the kids in a fun and active way.

Lastly, Friday caters to the creative people: kids can go off island to discover new and fun ways to express themselves through art classes with the 4Cats Art Studio.

Available to older kids ages 10 to 13 yrs, is 3D Basketball. On Friday March 21st 3D Basketball will provide top notch coaching on the game using these three principles - discipline, dedication and determination. An excellent introduction to the sport for those who wish to improve their skills and a great way to encourage team participation - all levels are welcome.

The second week of Spring Break is all about biking with the famed Dan Cowan! The 2 hour camps will be held on March 24, 26, and 28th.

Little Rippers (6-8 year olds) will be in the morning from 9:30-11:30 and the Biking Barbarians (9-11 year olds) will be in the afternoon from 1:00pm-3:00pm.

Spaces are still available on certain days however these camps fill up fast so don’t miss out and register today at www.bowencommunityrecreation.com or call the office at 604-947- 2216.

Your Child’s Eye Exam An eye exam by a doctor of Optometry does more than just determine the ability to see - it’s a vital part of overall health and development. Since children may not know how they should see or be able to tell you about their vision, it’s important to have their eyes examined well before they enter school.

Children’s Eye Exams • Exams for children are fully covered by MSP • Exams are about 20 minutes • A Child doesn’t have to read to have an eye exam • Eye exams are fun After the eye exam, the parent will know: • If your child’s eyes are working together and are healthy • If your child has good depth and colour perception • If your child’s eyes can see and focus well • If your child requires optical correction (glasses or contact lenses) or vision therapy Welcoming children from Bowen Island.

For more information on this or other topics, please visit our websiteL www.optomeyes.ca Find us on Facebook: Optomeyes Eyecare Squamish and West Vancouver WEST VANCOUVER OFFICE LOCATION 210-1555 Marine Dr. West Vancouver BC V7V 1H9 Phone: (604) 922-0413 Fax: (604) 922-7065

Debra Stringfellow, photo

The Count Down has started for the Bowen Children’s Centre 13th Annual Clothing Sale BOWEN ISLAND CHILDREN’S CENTRE SUBMISSION

Yes, this is the big one!

An extravaganza that’s practical, environmentally friendly, supports two island charities, and is a fun opportunity to find some great treasures. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, May 10th at Cates Chapel. Proceeds from the sale will benefit Bowen Children’s Centre, the non-profit Society that is home to Bowen Island Preschool, the Community Daycare, and the Afterschool Club. Admittance to the Sale will be by donation of cash or non-perishable food items to the Bowen Island Food Bank.

We are accepting gently used adult and teen clothing and accessories. So get a jump on your spring-cleaning, and purge those closets! All donations can be dropped at the Children’s Centre (650 Carter Road) between Monday and Friday.

Bowen Island, mark your calendars for May 10th and let’s go shopping!