STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE A hearty force of volunteers took to Snug Cove Field on Sunday to cleanup any and all hazards or blemishes on Bowen’s baseball diamond Now looking pristine, there’s lots the community can do to help keep the field safe & fun for all of our ball players, kids & adults, during the season ahead. Find out more on Page 8, and see you at the ball park! / Andrea Layzell photo
BRENT RICHTER
North Shore News
West Vancouver, Bowen Island and Lions Bay residents have elected Sheelah Donahue as their new West Vancouver School District trustee.
Donahue topped the polls in a byelection held Saturday to replace former trustee/current West Vancouver-Capilano Conservative MLA Lynn Block. Donahue finished with 577 votes, or 66.7 per cent overall. Roman Nurpeissov came in second with 194 votes (22.4 per cent) and Neil Jensen finished third with 93 (10.7 per cent).
Donahue, who already served on the school board from 2014 to 2022, said residents in the district can know they’ve elected someone who’s singular priority is student achievement.
“I’m glad to be back to the trustee world and getting back to work soon,” she said. “Having been a trustee for eight years, I can get right back to work with very little orientation. That means less disruption to staff and we just carry on,” she said.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
AllCouncilmeetingsareopen tothepublictoattendin personorelectronically,unless notedotherwise
April 14, 2025
1:00 pm RegularCouncilMeeting
April 18, 2025
MunicipalHallclosedforstat holiday
April 21, 2025
MunicipalHallclosedforstat holiday.
April 24, 2025
4:00 pm
2025ParcelTaxRollReview Panel
Thursday,April24,2025at4:00PM,viaZoom
ZoomMeetinglinkscanbefoundhere:bowenislandmunicipality ca/2025/04/08/notice-of-parcel-tax-roll-review-panel-april-24-2025/
TheParcelTaxRollReviewPanel,inaccordancewithSection204and 205oftheCommunityCharter,S.B.C.2003,c.26willmeettoconsider andapprovethe2025KingEdwardBayParcelTaxRollandaddress complaintsrelatedtoanyotherMunicipalParcelTaxRolls
Complaintsorrequestsforcorrectionmayonlybemadeonthebasis of:
• Anerrororomissionrespectinganameoraddressontheparcel taxroll;
• Anerrororomissionrespectingtheinclusionofaparcel;
• Anerrororomissionrespectingthetaxableareaorthetaxable frontageofaparcel;and/or
• Anexemptionthathasbeenimproperlyallowedordisallowed.
TheParcelTaxRollReviewPanelwillnothearanappealunlesswritten noticehasbeenmadetotheCollectoratleastforty-eight(48)hours beforethetimesetforthefirstsittingoftheReviewPanel,nolaterthan 4:00PMonTuesday,April22,2025.
The2025ParcelTaxRollsareavailableforinspectionatMunicipalHall duringregularofficehoursof8:30amto4:30pm,MondaytoFriday, commencingApril10,2025.
Complaintscanbemadebymail,handdelivery,emailorfaxto:
KristenWatson,Collector
BowenIslandMunicipality
580BowenIslandTrunkRoad
BowenIsland,BC,V0N1G2
Email:bim@bimbc.ca
Tel:604-947-4255x8
Fax:6049470193
Becomingavolunteerfirefighterand/orvolunteer firstrespondertakestime,effortanddedication. Howeverthebenefitsofsavinglivesandmaking BowenIslandasaferplacearewortheveryminute andeveryounceofeffort.
Interested?Visitusat:bowenislandmunicipality.ca/apply-fire-fighter/
We Have Moved!
Followingourbigmove,BowenIslandMunicipalityisnowoperatingas usualfromournewlocationatthebrand-newBowenIslandCommunity Centre,locatedat580BowenIslandTrunkRoad.Municipalhoursare MondaytoFriday,8:30am-4:30pm,exceptstatutoryholidays.
THURSDAY 17 APRIL
FromSeptemberBowenIslan Taekwondohasanewhome theCommunityCentre. ComeTryIt! FREE!
TAEKWONDO AGES6-9 -4:00PM
TAEKWONDO AGES10-14-4:45PM
TAEKWONDO AGES15+ -5:30PM
FITNESSKICKBOXING 15+-6:15PM
nd at M
AreminderthatBurnSeasonendsonApril15,2025,whichmeans openburningwillbeprohibiteduntilitreopensonOctober15, 2025.
Ifyouhaveasafetyconcernaboutanopenburn,youcancall BowenIslandFire-Rescueat604-947-9324andleaveamessage. Thenumberismonitoredandmessagesrequiringaresponsewill beanswered
Ifyourconcernisaboutairquality,pleasemakeanairquality complainttoMetroVancouverat604-436-6777.
ReportingtotheBylawServicesSupervisor,FerryTrafficMarshals performtrafficflaggingdutiesonBowenIsland.
Thistemporarypositionhasregularshiftsonweekendsand holidaysstartingatEasterandrunningthroughuntilThanksgiving. Availabilityonweekendsandholidaysismandatory.
Trainingwillbeprovidedandwearelookingforpeopletostart ASAP
BIMhasmultipleopeningsforcustodiansatthenewCommunity Centrefacility.Applicationswillbeacceptedonanongoingbasis.
JointheBowenRecreationSummerDreamTeam!Wearenow acceptingapplicationsforSummerDaycampLeadersand Assistants.
Applynow!Don’tmissoutontheopportunitytobecomean inspiringrolemodeltoBowen’syouthandmakearealdifference thissummer.
bowenislandmunicipality.ca/work-with-us
There were 56 files in March:
4 Fraud – Crypto Investment, Forgery, Scam calls, Identity.
1 Assault – Youth related. Report forwarded to Crown Counsel for review
6 Assist other Agencies – BC Integrated Child Exploitation Team, Surrey Police Service, Bowen Island Fire Department, Bylaws, Conservation, Nova Scotia RCMP
6 Property Lost/Found/Seized – Licence plates, Relinquished Firearms, Ammo, Wallets.
10 Alarms/Accidental 911 Calls – False Residential and Commercial alarms. Pocket dials.
2 Collisions involving Alcohol – Tickets and Driving Prohibitions issued to Drivers.
11 Assist Public – Dead deer, unwanted guests, cougar sightings, name changes, film crew, online harassment, TikTok harassment.
4 Check Wellbeing – Requested by family members, friends, passerby’s and other agencies.
2 Vehicle Collisions - Minor in nature, no injuries.
9 Suspicious Circumstances – Person walking up driveways (located), intoxicated pedestrians, drunk driving intel, people arguing loudly.
1 No Insurance Ticket
April Forecast:
Dedicated Speedwatch volunteers have been identified. Expect to see them on the road with their portable radar and electronic speed board soon! This program will provide valuable data for both speed enforcement and awareness. Volunteers are still needed, please contact the detachment (604947-0516) for further details.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Donahue said her campaign strategy largely focused on networking with parents who have kids in the school system. That included campaigning in Lions Bay and Bowen Island.
Voter turnout in the byelection, however, was low, with just 864 votes from of an eligible 37,002 voters in the three communities –2.3 per cent.
Donahue said she wasn’t surprised to see the numbers so low, given that school boards don’t draw as much attention as other levels of government. And the campaign period occurred at a time when many parents were out of town, she added.
“I think it’s very much under the radar. If there had been somebody running for council or the mayor’s spot, that would have been a different ballgame. But one spot, one trustee, spring break – I think all of those things combined together to encourage a low turnout,” she said.
Donahue will be sworn in on April 15.
The District of West Vancouver estimated the byelection would cost $75,000 to $80,000, which legislation requires the school board to reimburse to the municipality out of its own budget.
Sheelah Donahue won the weekend byelection in SD45. / Submitted photo
It is finallyhere! After much debate and some (thoroughlydiscussed)delays, the new CommunityCentreisfinally open. It’s goingtobeexcitingto explore all the new buildinghas to offer, and that includes agrand openingevent this
coming Tuesday, April15. BobBaker andthe Squamish Eagle Song Dancerswill be performinga cedarbrushingceremony as part of the occasion, one whichthe communityhas been waitingonfor alongtime.Things getgoingat11, look forwardtoseeingyou there!
-AlexKurial, Editor
GROUNDS CREWS It took afairbit of hauling,digging,hoisting, cementpouring&more, but adedicatedcrewtook careofbusiness last weekend to install the new scoreboardatSnug Cove Field.Check out theirworkonthe next page! (AlexKurial photo, above)/Later that weekend volunteers spenttheir time cleaning up the field& readyingit for thenew year.You’veprobably seen some of these helpers on the front page,&you can find manymorelater on!(AndreaLayzell photo, below)
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TheUndercurrent is amember of theNational NewsMedia Council of Canada, whichisanindependentorganization establishedtodeal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour.Ifyou have concernsabout editorial content,please email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com or call 604-947-2442. If youare not satisfied with the response andwishtofile a formal complaint, visit the websiteatmediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 foradditional information.
JUDITH GEDYE
Bowen Island Municipality Councillor
The weather was beautiful and the group was small – there’s an obvious correlation, but I wonder if energy for casual discussions is waning
I believe it is important for community-building that there be an opportunity to ask and answer questions about whatever is bubbling up to or under the surface
I also find that whenever I am bummed out about local, national or international politics, it helps to meet with neighbours and have some conversations about issues important to some or all of us. Regular town halls are becoming rare but Bowen is doing well with our ability to talk to each other
This month’s topics covered the multi-use path, some aspects of the budget, the new BC Ferries schedule and passenger capacity, and septic pump-out rates and sewage treatment costs.
Bowen Island Municipality (BIM) has received funding for the difficult corner of the multi-use path on Grafton Road at Charlie’s Lane. It’s very steep on both sides and most likely will require blasting and realignment of the road I am not sure if our latest budget has taken the Municipal share into account but there is another meeting on the budget and it will be considered
Another budget question was about an expense for the Teen/Youth Centre. Space that has been rented at the Bowen Island Children’s Centre is being renovated for an expanded toddler area and the Teen Centre is slated to move into the Health Centre. The question was, “Why not dedicated space in the new Community Centre?”
Again, it’s a good question but none of the three councillors at this Open House had a ready answer Once the dust settles from last week’s move, we’ll have a better answer. One question was whether teens would prefer to use the new Community Centre or the basement of the Health Foundation My friends and I always chose basements, but that was a long time ago!
Another budget comment was that while we’ve been cutting back on expenditures, the tax increase is likely to remain the same in an effort to increase savings. The reason is that our infrastructure costs are increas-
ing quickly and 1) it is hard to keep up with tariffs and labour costs, and 2) there’s been a new road assessment indicating $17 million in estimated costs for urgent repairs needed for roads and culverts.
That “sticker shock” segued into the estimated cost to upgrade the existing sewer treatment plant that has risen from $7 to $12 million and is affecting development in Snug Cove, and that segued into mention that dumping fees for septic waste that gets trucked to Metro’s Annacis Island treatment plant are predicted to triple in the near future Septic tank health and expansion of our sewage treatment will be topics we’ll need to consider in much more detail. Future budgets will need to focus, maybe exclusively, on needs over wants
There was a question about visual art for the new Community Centre and its expanses of bare walls The hallway beside the Bowen Theatre will be curated by the Hearth, but the long hallway leading to the north side of the building is as yet “unclaimed” and continues to be discussed by several interested parties
It is a large space and curating a possible permanent, or rotating, or fundraising collection, and a hanging system to display art along that wall, is not yet decided and will depend on future staffing and revenue. Regardless, the building’s blank walls are gorgeous, so we can be proud however we decide to use those spaces.
There was mention of BC Ferries’ new schedule and problems predicted with the afternoon runs, the negative effects of cuts in service at busy times, and a likely increase in walk-on passengers this summer There was a suggestion for signs at the crosswalk at the Cenotaph asking people to wait for the cars to unload before, seemingly one at a time, crossing the road
One person remembered a news item from February when crews had extra training to handle a possible 50 per cebt increase in passenger capacity That raised considerable concerns about congestion in Snug Cove in the summer. Stayat-home vacations and increased US visitors are likely to increase Several locations around the world are responding to similar over-crowding, and a visitor tax seems obvious but BC Ferries is not willing to collect it
We need direction from the Province
Snug Cove Field welcomed an exciting addition over the weekend in the form of a brand new scoreboard. The board will be in action for the fast approaching baseball seasons, including Fast Pitch, Slo Pitch & Little League. Whether it reduces the number of people asking the scorekeeper about the state of the game remains to be seen. Check out Page 4 to see the hardworking installation crew / Alex Kurial photo
for such a revenue source, which is of great interest to several communities in the “Rural Island Economic Partnership” group Bowen’s physical capacity is of great concern and whether our water, sewage and roads will be able to support such seasonal numbers, along with affordable housing, emergency services and alternate transportation.
In addition to our discussion, I’ve been told that BIM’s application for funding for planning for increased bus services was not successful. I don’t know the details yet, but wonder if there is any “citizen science” we can conduct to help with a pitch to Translink Secondly, BIM has budgeted for increased ferry marshalling in the Cove for the most congested weekends (not all sailings) and hope to negotiate financial help from BC Ferries to expand the service.
There was brief mention of wanting to
keep Bowen green and rural. Rainwater collection was mentioned. There was interest at the last “Caring For Nature” meeting where the work of an Islands Trust Conservancy staff person who is mapping freshwater assets within the Islands Trust is of interest
We ended on a positive note: the Official Community Plan Steering Committee is at the point of planning public engagement opportunities over the summer Background material they’ve referred to will be available soon.
Planning for the future is important for all of us, and I strongly urge you to think about what you would want or need in order to enjoy Bowen for years into the future, and then please be prepared to talk about your ideas when they have their public sessions
Don’t forget to vote on April 28 We’ll celebrate or commiserate at the next Open House on May 3.
JEFF BALLOU Letter Writer
BC Ferries has previously signaled its reluctance to engage in meaningful consultation with local communities by dismissing community Ferry AdvisoryCommittees,but it has now shown complete disregard of the commuting needsofour communityinits revisedferry schedule that runs from May 15, 2025 to March 31, 2026.
As discussed by Mayor and Council (reported in the April 4Undercurrent) at no time did BC ferries consult withthem or the community at large in regardtothe revised schedule. Likely, they have not consulted with TransLink, the School District and othersaffected by their revision.Those within the current NDPgovernment that oversees BC Ferries should be concerned, also ashamed, atthe lack of community engagement.
So why the concern about the new schedule? It does maintain 15 roundtrip sailings per day, thus satisfying the lax oversight of the BC Ferry Commissioners Office. However, it shifts sailing times to the detrimentofstudents commutingto and from high schools(addinganother25 minutes of hanging around HorseshoeBay
fromMay 15 to March2026), and it shifts asailing from high demand times to low demand times.
For instance, during the high demand timeofreturning to homes on Bowen between 2and 8pmthe oldschedule provided for6 roundtrips. The revised schedule only provides 5round trips. Thisrepresents a loss of 100 vehicles and 462 passengers’ capacityatatime when workersare trying to return to their families.
Consider what this will do to overloads in Horseshoe Bay terminal and your commute home.Also consider the correspondingoverloads in Snug Cove. During the relatively low demand time from 8pmto endofdaily schedule, the current schedule has 2round trips; the revised schedule provides3
Overall, BC Ferrieshas shifted asailing from ahighdemand time tolater in the evening –toalikelyunder-utilized 11 pm sailing fromHorseshoe Bay and an equally under-utilized 11:30 pm sailing from Snug Cove.
Iacknowledge that during the summer months the schedule is aspirational, at best, but this is due to many factors, includingthe added sailings on the other routes serviced by Horseshoe Bay. It has always been the case that BC Ferries has abias in servicing tourists over the needs of local
BILL GRANGER Letter Writer
LastFridayevening, abeautifulearly Spring event was graciously hosted by Mayor,Council and staff of Bowen IslandMunicipality, the Board and staff of theHearth Gallery, and the Bowen IslandCommunity Foundation to celebratethe donation of seat names in the spectacular new theatre at the Bowen Island Community Centre.
Thosefortunate enough to donatea seatfor the new theatre space were treatedtoatour of the accessible, bright and airy new Community living room, excellent gym and childcare spaces, outdoor patios, thenew Municipal Hall and Council Chamber/ communi-
communities, and abias in favour of the major routes.
The sacrifice of theBowen runtothe service of theHorseshoeBay to Nanaimo runs are aprime example. Itistime toanalyze all thefactors that contribute to delayed Bowen Island sailingsasopposed tosimplydepriving Bowen residentsofservice during key times of theday
There are many unanswered questions including the costsofcoordinating TransLink services on both sides, costs of coordination of school buses and the costs accruing to theBowen route due to staffing
ty board room and especially the sight and great acoustics of the wonderful new Performing Arts space!
The Community Centre has been a long and hardeffortfor many to bring to fruition, now it is completed and very well done, with millwork and furnishings for the living room generously providedbythe BowenIsland Community Foundation, programming and artsby theHearth,and many contributions by the public, including agenerous Investing in Canada Infrastructure grant and COVID Re-Start funds.
Free opening events are planned forthe weeksofApril 11 to 17 with aribbon cutting and Cedar blessing April 15. The newBowen Island CommunityCentreisaplace to be proud of,toshare and to enjoy!
-BillGranger
an elongatedday.
AlthoughBCFerrieshave proven themselves tone-deaf when listening to community feedback,Istill encourageBowen residents to voice their concerns regarding BC Ferrieslack of communityengagement and, particular, the revised schedule, to BC Ferries (customer.relations@bcferries.com),the NDP government (premier@ gov.bc.ca), and theBCFerry Commissioner (info@bcferrycommission.ca) with copies to Mayor and Council (mayorandcouncil@ bimbc.ca)
-JeffBallou
QUEEN OF CAPILANO FERRY
APRIL 12025 TO MAY142025
BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH Sunday Massat9.30 Contact Angela Powell604-947-2515
CATES HILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661Carter Rd.) ST.GERARD’SROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
SHIRAT HAYAM(Song of theSea) BOWEN’SJEWISHCOMMUNITY ShabbatGatherings~ Holidays Sunday Worship 10:30 am Rev.Lorraine Ashdown www.biuc.ca |1122 MillerRoad 778-688-2061 OFFICE HOURS WEDNESDAY10-4ORBYAPPOINTMENT Contact aryana.rayne@gmail.com• www.shirathayam.ca
FOOD BANK DROP-OFF Sunday Worship10:00
DEPART B 5:20 am - e 6:20 am 7:30 am 8:35 am 9:40 am 10:50am 12:00pm 1:10 pm 2:55 pm 4:00 pm -exceptWednesdays 5:10 pm 6:15 pm 7:25 pm -exceptSaturdays 8:30 pm 9:30 pm 10:30pm
BOWEN ISLAND exceptSundays& April21
DEPART HORSESHOEBAY 5:50 am 6:50 am 8:00 am 9:05 am -exceptWednesdays 10:15 am 11:25 am 12:35 pm 2:20 pm 3:30 pm 4:35 pm 5:45 pm 6:50 pm 8:00 pm -exceptSaturdays 9:00 pm 10:00 pm
Where’sthe ferry rightnow?- checkwww.bowenferry.ca Scheduleschangeonstatutory holidays. Stay up to date at www.bcferries.com
ALEX KURIAL Editor
One Bowen resident is hoping to drag people to the polls this federal election.
Not physically of course, but rather by encouraging folks in the 2SLGBTQ+ community to get out and vote. Drag the Vote is a non-partisan campaign spurred by more than 100 drag performers across Canada who are looking to make an impact in this month’s election. The efforts are backed by Momentum Canada, a national queer advocacy society.
“The goal is to encourage the 2SLGBTQ+ community and their allies to educate themselves on the candidates in their ridings and to vote for the candidates that are allied the closest with the community,” says Breanna Himmelright, who lives on Bowen and participates in drag performances under the stage name Lavender Flame.
“There are a couple issues that are universal to the queer community and everyone in Canada: affordable housing, tackling the affordability crisis, health care,” explains Breanna. “But the overarching theme is protecting the human rights and dignity of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and upholding Canada’s status worldwide as a country that has been progressive on queer issues and queer rights. Because we’ve enjoyed that reputation for a very long time.”
Himmelright notes Canada decriminalized homosexuality in 1969, and in the past two decades the country legalized same-sex marriage, recognized transgender rights under Bill C-16, and banned conversion therapy in all provinces and territories
“We’ve made incredible strides in upholding the rights of the queer community, and what Momentum Canada and Drag the Vote want to ensure is that we keep that momentum going.”
Because, Himmelright explains, despite these advances there continue to be examples of discrimination against 2SLGBTQ+ people in Canada. “We’ve seen protests at drag storytimes, we’ve seen incredibly vile rhetoric on the subject of gender affirming care and on transgender people in everyday life.”
Drag the Vote is therefore emphasizing a close look at candidates’ statements and actions regarding these issues in order to elect officials who will work to reduce incidents of homophobia and transphobia going forward, and certainly to stop these cases from growing. “We want to encourage high voter turnout within the queer community, because those voices are very important,” says Himmelright.
Breanna’s inspiration to participate in Drag the Vote was also inspired by being involved with the Vancouver drag community for the past year-and-a-half, performing on-stage as Lavender Flame.
“The queer community in Vancouver, but the drag community especially, is incredibly creative and I firmly believe Vancouver has some of the best drag in Canada Everyone I’ve worked with in that community has been so welcoming and has taught me so much,” says Breanna.
“I feel like I can be the most myself that I’ve been in a long time, and I want to make sure that the joy and the
Lavender Flame is participating in the Drag the Vote campaign this election season, hoping to motivate a high voter turnout among the queer community at the polls / Alex Kurial photo
warmth that I felt being a part of drag remains available to everyone.”
Himmelright has been busy promoting Drag the Vote through poster and sticker drives on Bowen and in Horseshoe Bay, through her social media profiles (@lavenderflame.ypk), and at performances. A drag show organized by the Dogwood Monarchist Society featuring Lavender and other Drag the Vote ambassadors is scheduled to take place in Vancouver on April 27, the day before the election.
Ultimately the payoff will be seen at the polls. Breanna hopes to convince even those without politics at the front of their minds to come out and have their voice be heard.
“It’s so incredibly important for people to know who their candidates are and know what they stand for. I know there are some people who might think of politics as being kind of boring, or maybe they just don’t want to get involved. But when your life and your overall happiness depend on who gets into office, you don’t always have the option to just disengage,” says Himmelright.
“You have to be informed, you have to know who you’re dealing with, and you have to be able to make the choice accordingly.”
ANDREA LAYZELL Contributor
Dear Islanders,
Today a group of awesome people pitched in to clean up our only ball diamond to get it ready for five kids teams, eight Slo Pitch teams and six Fast Pitch teams So much love is going into this community space including upgrades, repairs and an amazing scoreboard! All thanks to those who love the game and this vibrant ball community
We need your help - please!
We need dogs to stay off the field. There are signs at every gate There are many holes in the grass, piles of poo and chewed up sticks which all pose serious safety hazards for the players.
For the safety of all who use it and to help us build up the grass, please use the other natural spaces available on Bowen for your pooch.
This is not a dog park - this is a ball field.
Please help us keep the gates closed too, that also helps communicate that it’s not a dog park. If you can share this message with our island’s guests, it would be appreciated. Kindly,
The Ball Community
The Squamish Chief
WoodfibreLNG hasreceiveda warning letterfromthe provincial Environmental AssessmentOffice (EAO)after it wasfound to be outofcompliance with certain conditions duringaninspection in late February.
Theletterand inspection report were publishedonthe Environmental Assessment Office website, as is customary.
“A re-inspectionofthe construction site on Feb. 24, 2025, found the company continues to be outofcompliancewith requirements of its environmental assessmentcertificaterelated to storinghazardousmaterials,” an April2 post on thegovernmentsitereads.“Anotice of non-compliance wasissuedafter an inspection on Nov. 7, 2024 found aminor issue with hazardous materials with batteries and oil stored in an unsecured area with no secondarycontainment.The re-inspection found hazardous materials stored in open buckets,missing lids, broken containers and missing labels.”
TheEAO is aregulatoryagencythatmanages environmental assessments of major projects,likethe Woodfibre LNGexport facilitythatiscurrently beingbuiltonthe western shoreofHoweSound. Theprojectrequired an Environmental Assessment Certificate beforeitcould receiveother permits to startconstruction.
TheEAO alsoensures theconditions on whichthe certificate wasgiven are met nowthat the projectisapprovedand under construction.
Thecompany’s recentnon-compliance wastodowith Condition 21 of its Environmental AssessmentCertificate, whichrelates to the managementand storageofhazardous waste.
In particular,“containersmustbelabelled
with theshippingnameofthe hazardous wasteit contains andstored, handled, and transportedinwaysthatavoid leakageor rupture.”
Further,“containersofhazardous waste must be kept closed at all times duringstorageortransport except when beingfilled oremptied.”
Aspokespersonfor Woodfibre LNGtold TheSquamish Chief late last week that the issue hassince been resolved
TheEAO warningletterstatesthat the maximumpenaltyfor failureto complywith an Environmental AssessmentCertificate is$1million. Anysubsequentconviction could lead to afineofupto$2million.
“TheEnvironmental AssessmentOffice Compliance and EnforcementBranchwill continue to monitor this issueand mayfollowupwith further inspectionsasrequired Futureorcontinuing non-compliance may result in additional enforcementaction as warranted,”the letterstates.
The Februaryinspection report also notes non-compliance with afew other issues.
“Compliance and enforcementofficers alsonoted issues relatingtoconstruction lightingbeingleft on unnecessarily and directedintosensitivemarine areasand incompletecontentsfor emergencyspill kits,” reads the EAOsite.
However, thereportand EAOsitealso note that Woodfibre LNGwas complianton mostofthe itemsthat were checkedduring theinspection.
“The projectmet requirements for water sampling, safetyfencingfor amphibians, managingstandingwater,and storageand management of materials and machinery used with concrete,”the EAOsitestates. “Officers also determinedthatthe project had acurrent public websiteasrequired and agendersafetyadvisorycommitteehas been meetinginaccordance with theproject’s gender and cultural safetyplan. “
TheVillage BakerCaféon BowenIsland is forsale. After24successful years, this thriving family-run businessisavailableasan assetfor $120,000.
https://villagebaker.squarespace.com https://www.facebook.com/villagebakerbowen/ villagebakerbowen@gmail.com
Meet Buttercup and Willow,two adorable kitties that shareaspecial bondasbest friends. We recently had thepleasure of seeing them bothfor dental cleaning.Both kitties were excellentpatients andare right on track fora healthyhappy life. We look forward to seeing them bothagain.
Saturday, April 12 & Sunday, April 13
Bowen Island Gymnastics Invitational
Island gymnasts will be in action at Bowen Island Community School over the weekend, welcoming 6 visiting gymnastics teams as well. Events are Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm
Saturday, April 12
French Conncections at the Library
Drop in and join us to practice your conversational French, and get to know other French language learners on Bowen Island! Runs 10:30 to 11:30 am. The focus is on French speakers with beginner and intermediate conversational skills bipl.ca/French
Saturday, April 12
Grafton Commons Season Opener
Come see what is going on in the community garden! Check out the box garden, visit the pop-up market, meet up with volunteers, and enjoy light refreshments Straw bales will be on sale. From 1 to 3 pm, across from Grafton Lake.
Sunday, April 13
Celebration of Spring Egg Hunt with Bowen Rec Bowen families with young children are invited to hop on over to the Community Centre for an Egg Hunt, featuring an appearnace from the Easter Bunny! Bring your own basket and be on the lookout for the Golden Egg The fun starts at 10 am and runs till Noon, for ages 2 to 8. Registration is required, please visit the Bowen Rec website to sign up
Monday, April 14 (& other dates)
SKY Hangouts
Drop in at the Seniors Cottage on Cardena Drive. We will be offering a welcoming place to stop in for a drink & visit with friends. Hangouts also April 15, 16 & 18, all 1 to 3 pm. All hangouts feature a guest speaker.
Monday, April 14
Meditation Monday
Happy Monday! Buddhist teachings and meditations to awaken the heart. Your journey to inner peace begins here! At Collins Hall from 7 to 8 pm, $12 drop-in. Also on April 28. Find out more at meditateinvancouver.org/bowen-island Monday, April 14
Rotary Club Speaker Series
Meeting at Artisan Eats Cafe at 7:30 pm Our guest speaker is Ian Mackenzie, a Bowen resident who is a linguist, ethnographer, filmmaker and photographer He has been doing fieldwork with the forest-dwelling Penan nomads of central Borneo for the past 34 years, written a dictionary of their language, and collected and translated thousands of pages of their myths and oral history. He has published several books and has traveled the world. All are welcome to attend.
Tuesday, April 15
SKY Musical Movement
Come dance and get moving with Marc Gawthrop on piano. At Bowen Court from 10 to 11 am.
Tuesday, April 15
Speak the Spark Story Night
Bowen’s own storytelling night, where Islanders come to tell and listen to each other’s stories The stories must be true, about the storyteller and 10 minutes max! Each night has it’s own theme, tonight’s is ‘Back to Life’. Bring a drink or
snack to share if you like. These evenings are by donation. Starts 7 pm at Evergreen Hall, 464 Melmore Road.
Wednesday, April 16 & Friday, April 18
SKY Walks
Both walks start at the Catholic Church on Miller Road, meet at 10:30 am.
Saturday, April 19
Conversational Italian at the Library
Come explore Parliamo Insieme: a Conversational Italian Group. Drop in and join us to practice your Italian, and get to know other Italian speakers on Bowen Island! All ages of adults and youth welcome! 11 am to Noon. Find out more at bipl.ca/Italian
WEDNESDAYS
Storytime at the Library
A free, drop-in program of stories and songs for 2-4 yearolds and their caregivers! 10:30 to 11 am. bipl.ca/storytime
THURSDAYS
Thursday Art Group
Join the Thursday Art Group (TAG) at Collins Hall to see what’s new. Meetings from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm For further information please contact shannonrondeau@shaw.ca
Babytime at the Library
A free, 30-minute drop-in program of songs, books, and rhymes for babies 0-24 months and their caregivers! Starts at 11:30 am Join us afterwards, at 12 pm, for a casual baby & caregiver social hour in the Annex bipl.ca/babytime
SATURDAYS
SKY Mahjong
Come and play Mahjong at the Seniors Cottage on Cardena Drive. 1 to 3 pm, RSVP info@skyonbowenisland.ca
