FRIDAY MAR 21, 2014 VOL. 41, NO. 11
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Mapping Gardner
Bowen bubbly
Spring at last
Rotarians work on plans to improve people’s experience on the mountain
The wonderful world of water kefir
Local happenings as the days grow longer
Protestors air ferry grievances with MLA
Protest at the Horsehoe Bay ferry terminal draws diverse crowd of Bowen Islanders MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
The Bowen Island Black Sheep and Black Lambs headed to the 10th Annual Celtic Fest in Vancouver on Sunday. The young lambs proved to be a crowd-favourite, and the whole troupe had a blast. Meribeth Deen, photo credit
Municipal Council, minus two MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
Councillors Wolfgang Duntz and Daron Jennings handed in letters of resignation to the Municipality on Friday, March 14th. The remaining members of council passed resolutions stating both the acceptance of those resignations and the decision not to hold by-elections in order to fill their spots on council. A third resolution appointed Councillor Alison Morse as Duntz’s replacement as the Municipal Trustee to the Islands Trust. The Municipality’s Chief Adminitrative Officer, Kathy Lalonde told council that according to the Community Charter, no by-election would be necessary to fill the now-empty council seats. “Comments have been made about the new size of Council,” said Lalonde. “I would like to point out that most communities of our size only have five members of council, four council members and a mayor and that’s
for any town or village within BC, a good example is Pemberton. We’re an exception to that size rule, I can’t really speak to why, but I do want to offer that.” Lalonde also told council that a by-election would require three months of preparation and cost between ten and fifteen thousand dollars. “It would probably cost closer to 15 thousand dollars, as we would need to hire an outside contractor to act as a Chief Election Officer. I would not have the time or capability to do it and prepare for a general election at the same time.” Council voted unanimously in favour of all three resolutions. In their letters of resignation, both Duntz and Jennings stated that the rezoning of public lands “may expose me to perceived or actual conflicts of interest.” continued, PAGE 2
Bowen Island 26 year resident. Living It. Loving It.
Dee Elliott
PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION
604-612-7798 dee_elliott@yahoo.com
Seniors, families, business-people, environmentalists and municipal counselors brought signs and umbrellas to the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal on Saturday to protest cuts to ferry services and increasing fares. A majority travelled as foot passengers on the 11:30am ferry from Snug Cove and returned on the 2:35 ferry. Protestors stood outside the terminal, in the rain, for most of this time. Sea to Sky MLA Jordan Sturdy came to the protest and heard the concerns of some protestors. “I told Mr. Sturdy, I know I don’t have all the facts, but I just don’t think BC Ferries is a very well-run coroporation,” says protestor Philip Evans. “This is our second go-around with BC Ferries making cuts and raising prices, and they’re running on what seems to me to be a flawed business-model. When you raise the rates you lose business, isn’t there a more creative solution than that?” Evans says he has secured parking in Horseshoe Bay so that he no longer has to drive on the ferry, and that his wife drives onto the ferry once a week or less. “My kids are grown and gone so I don’t need to take the ferry as much as I used to, but really, it’s just on principle at this point that I don’t drive over,” says Evans. “Mr. Sturdy mentioned the situation in Washington State, where they have far fewer managers and employees and the rates are much lower, and he said the regulatory situation is different. That may be, but I would like an independent auditor to have a look at the whole situation closely and offer an opinion.” Evans says he appreciated the chance to air his grievances with Mr. Sturdy, although he didn’t have much to offer in terms of a response. Jillian Darling told Jordan Sturdy that she is concerned about the hollowing-out of Bowen Island’s community, as a result of the increasing lack of affordability of the ferry service. continued, PAGE 2
961 Seaview $768,000 ED R G TUTIN A FE LIS
Cates Hill gem with panoramic views of the Howe Sound corridor. Watch the ferries come and go from Horseshoe Bay. A short drive/walk to the ferry and Snug Cove. Craftsman style home with open beamed ceiling and plenty of charm. Two Bedrooms, two baths, plus a den in the main house. Highly efficient and ambient wood burning fireplace for chilly winter nights. Large covered deck off the living and dining rooms to enhance your space for all day summer entertaining. Separate 320 sf self contained cottage to indulge your guests.
ING REALTOR SINCE 2009 C U D O OP PR T S ’ D N www.bowenhomes.ca BOWEN ISLA ACCREDITED ACC AC CREDITITED CRED ED BUYERS BUY UYEERS REPRESENTATIVE
6 YEARS