The Firemen emerged victorious following a thrilling weekend of action at the Bowen Fastpitch League Tournament. Their bats were alive and defense locked in as the red hot squad and new Island dynasty secured their 3rd Championship in the past 5 years. Read all about it and hear from the team on their extra special victory on Pages 10-11.
The Firemen team members (not in pictured order) include Rick Sinke, Mark Koontz, Liam Zahara, Adam Franklin, Johnny Franklin, Sam Franklin, Corby Bernard, Ewan McEachern, Cole Jennings, Dallen Jennings, Sam Jennings, Kurt Stuart, Kevin Harding, Dan Williams, Marty Greyall, Aidan Holland, Brennen Fahy
BOWEN RESIDENTS URGE IMMEDIATE RELOCATION OF COUGAR.
OPENLETTER
As recently as August 13th thecougar that has been roamingBowen Islandfor overayearwas seen in theHood Point community. Within in thelast 10 days aresident witnessed thekillingofadoe adjacent to herbackyard. It alsohad astand-off with twoyoungpeople walking their dog near thecommunity’smain dock. Luckily,noone was hurt.OnJuly 28th thecougar wasalsoseen on video at Hood Point draggingadeer on atrail that leadstoawharf used by residents. The deer’s remains were cleanedupbylocal residents. On August 7, a mountain biker waspursued andattackedbyacougar in Squamish as reportedbyCTV news
Cougarsare wide-ranging,territorial animals that requireexpansive habitats to thrive. Their ideal environment includes large tracts of wilderness with sufficient prey,minimal human disturbance, and access to mates andnatural migration corridors.Unfortunately, Bowendoes notmeet these conditions. Islands, by their very nature, aregeographically limited andisolated, restrictingthe cougar’s natural behavior,movement,and long-term survival. Given the heightened activityofthese predatorsnearbyand on BowenIsland, itisnow timefor theBowenIslandCouncil to urgently takethe necessarysteps required to safely relocatethe animal. The“wait and see” period is over.
While theMayor andCouncil insistthat removalofthe cougar is notwithin their mandate, surely thesafetyofBowen residents and visitorsiswell within thescope of their responsibilities. It makes the most sense forthe municipality, on behalf of its residents, to work with theBCConservation Officer Servicetoact immediately to relocatethis animal beforethere is atragedy.
Sincerely,
RosemaryAnderson; Hugh Freeman;Haig Farris; David Lyall; Braden Jolly;Bob Moles; KarenMoles; WayneJohnstone; Tarrnie Williams; PennyWilliams; Ryan Russell; LarryOliver;RickCoulthard; MauriceMcGregor;LauraMcGregor;DianeSt. John; BruceSt. John; Annabel St. John;Georgia St.John; Jack St.John; Hunter MacKay;Hamish MacKay;Jill Purdy;Steve Hoffar;Sue Hoffar;Bill Brown; Doug MacDougall; Jan MacDougall; Tanis Layzell; Adam Jolly;TaraGeortz; David Geortz; Norna Waters;Braeden Waters;Louise Waters;Ross Waters;Tasha Jolly; Jeff Jolly;Karen Carmichael;Sophie Carmichael; GeoffreyLegg; Graham Ritchie; Sue Ritchie; Brenda McAllister;MurrayAtherton; Anna Marie Atherton; GaryAnder;Larry Schmidt; UnoLangman; DianeLangman; Chris Catliff;Kym Catliff;John Catliff;Joyce Catliff;Sarah Catliff;Geoff Catliff;Shannon Kellington; Luke Catliff;Jono Catliff;Kevin Catliff;CJCatliff;Andrea Kavanagh; StuartSmith; LizMorrison; Jim Wright; Tara Meal; Brian Hodgins; VanceHackett;John Fleetham; Rebecca PoncedeLeon; BruceChutka; JoanneGassman; GaryWalsh; AndyPowell-Williams; Dale Hewitt; LarryLunn; Maureen Lunn; Conn Hewitt; Paul McGillivary; Courtni McGillivray; DarrenSeed; Eric Andrew; AnneAndrew; Dale Edwards; TomEdwards; RichAnderson; CroLucas; Susan Lucas; Chip Lyall; Jillian Lyall; StanleyLyall; Alison Gillard; Chris Gillard; Isla Gillard; Michael Lyall; Caleb Donzleman; FrancineIles; Bill Iles; FrancesMcDonald; Dan McDonald; MattGray; JakeKerr; Judy Kerr; SusannahWalker;Joe Walker;Lola Martin; Rob Obst; Kate Bell; RubyObst; Molly Bell; Gillian Smith; Barbara Henning; Helen Wright; Brenda McAllister;DianeGreig; Jennifer Harris; KenHallat; Barbara Hallat; Chris Baldwin; ElaineBaldwin; JacquellineRussell; Jason Williams; Shannon Williams; Joanna Williams; Tarrnie Williams Jr.; Griffin Williams; KeiraWilliams; Ania Williams; Emmanuelle Williams; Fraser Hesby; Marsha Hesby; StuartHesby; Angus Hesby; Mitch Ellis; KarenDavis; TomRafael; WendyLehman Moss; Sally Lehman; EverettMoss; McKenna Moss; KellyMoss; Heather Hudson; BrockSmith; Claudia Smith;BertSherlock; KathySherlock; Brian Markinson; Nancy Kerr;EvanMarkinson; Issac Markinson; JaneTreasure; Michael Bull; Keith Chambers; Robyn Corney;Sandra Miller;Bob Miller;George Lyttle; TerryBoss; Sylvia Boss; Tim Kerr; RickBurrows;Ruth Openshaw; Bill Openshaw; AmyDank; KarenDrexel; SabineThoering; GregoryWallace;SpencerWallace;Andee Wallace;Ann Lonergan; MikeCorney; FrancesCorney; Barbara Clarke;Marcia Sauder;Leslie Churchland; MarkChurchland; LizO’Malley; David Manson; Ainslie Manson; Tyler Jacquet; Joanna Urbanska; Patricia Churchland; Sarah Bell; Sean Corney;Gina Corney;DarrylGrigg; Ingrid Hauss; BruceRussell;DoreneRussell; ClaireWright; James Wright; Will Wright; FrancesWright; HenryWright; Heather Wright; Andrew Bull; Hayley Gusola; Katie Cooper;AlexGusola; Joan Gusola; Charles Cooper;KathyBellringer;Tracy Roberts; CameronRae;MackenzieAddison; Jennifer Foley; Tyler Foley; Kathleen Outerbridge; Doug Rae; Kelly Rae; Colin Kerr;PatrickCorney; Leah Hatton; Alastair Johnstone; Jeanette Langmann.
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CARTOONIST
Slow Lane Chronicles revisited: Bowfest
MARCUS HONDRO
Contributor
Bowfest and the parade go on Saturday, Aug. 23, with the Bowfest gates open from 11 to 9 p.m. and the parade going after the 11:15 a.m. ferry leaves This year Bowfest features music from The Sixties Band and others and fun stuff like Slug Races, Best Lego Build and the Biggest Zucchini contest, along with Lip Sync and Hot Legs competitions. Below, to help islanders get into the spirit, we reprise a Slow Lane Chronicle, a column by islander Marcus Hondro that appeared regularly in The Undercurrent for many years. The reprise is from Bowfest 2013 and includes photographs the author took of the parade
As the Bowfest Parade gets ready to roll up at the school I stand on Government Rd near Cardena, writing this column in my mind, to be recorded later. It’s not new territory for the Lane, I wrote a column in my mind way back on March 5, 2010 while acting in ‘Under Milk Wood’ at the United Church.
No notebook, just brainpower…yikes!
It is August 24, 2013 and I see Bowen in all her glory, reflected in her citizens assembled in a haphazard manner along the curbsides The kids are galloping about like wee Shetland ponies, the adults laughing and commiserating. A great many of us are here, many hundreds surely, and I consider how organizers spent time making calls, sending emails and getting together for meetings, all on our behalf
“Thank-you very much,” is what I think.
The connection to celebrations all over Canada and the world is something easy to love about Bowfest. In Gibsons there’s The Sea Cavalcade, in Vernon it’s The Sunshine Festival and in Kamsack, Saskatchewan their celebration is called Culture Days Fest. In far away Sibiu, Romania, where islanders Alex and Dana Torok are from, they have The Medieval Festival.
People celebrating community.
As a child in Victoria my family went to the parade but I sometimes got bored and I wished we might go home early. As an adult I’ve shown even less tolerance for parades and yet have never missed this one. It’s not just any parade, of course – it is our parade
“Oh God I can’t believe Bowfest is here already,” I hear a woman say.
“I can’t believe the summer is almost over,” another adds
“Here they come!”
The2013BowfestParadehasindeedbegun, crossing Miller now, a line-up of marchers and floats, of mirth-makers. They’ve made contact with the upper-reaches of the crowd and I am on the move, hustling forward, dodging urchins, snapping photos. In crowd
This year’s theme for the Bowfest Parade is “Sacred Creatures Across Cultures,” chosen by the BICS student council. Back at Bowfest 2013, the theme was Island Paradise and the presentation from the amusing employees of the USSC Marina included a banjo-playing Ali Stone with cohorts (l.to r.) Ella Rand, Josie Huskisson and Canaan Purcell. Below, Basia Lieske is chased by logger Beau Bennet as she does her animated best to save a tree. / Marcus Hondro photos
shots I get most everyone there.
I may even get you.
Everywhere there are children, Dylan and her athletic brother Jagger, the Morissette siblings, sisters Kylee and Jo-Jo Lightbody, Kayla King and young actor Thomas DeZwart. I spot brothers Hudson, Caius and Vale, brothers Atom and Raiden and brothers Eli and Jakey Pearse. Isabella (a.k.a. Coco) is here, as is Myah Grundy, Aiden Maxwell and soccer stars Mait Davis and Spencer Beatty
Adults include Joanna Journet, the bashful Donna Bottay, Carol Petersen, Edye Hanen, Reg Lucas, Bailey Faragher and our Island’s 2009 citizen of the year, Nairn Knipe. Elsbeth and Peter Van Wingerden (Anna’s grandparents) are here, as is Lynda Phillips, Jim DeZwart, the affable Sam Greenspoon, yogaman Wade Morissette, Judy De Pfyffer, horseman Sonny Johnson and the athletic Mary Boyle.
Bowen is here.
The parade is closing in upon me, upon us, and is a potpourri of movement, colour and sound, with the regal RCMP Cpl. Nancy Joyce leading the charge Hooray for Bowen! I see Juggler Paul Stewart and there’s Christine Miller and BIHORA with their wonderful horses. Here comes the youthful and highly-amusing story-teller, Raia Landry, firmly grasping a sign announcing Evergreen Acres.
Our warm-hearted 2013 ‘Citizens of the Year,’ Diane and Don Marshall, flash by, waving with big smiles Is that Michael Epp dancing? It is He looks like a young Fred Astaire, or an old Justin Bieber. The Belterra
float interpreted this year’s parade theme of ‘Island Paradise’ with a Gilligan’s Island float and Cam Hayduk sings the familiar theme song with élan.
The USSC Marina misread the memo and produced ‘Island Pair-a-Dice.’ Erin Meeres and Chelsea Denholm zip about so quickly I cannot get a picture. James Dunn is ladylike in a Polynesian skirt and bra and carries a sign reading on one side: ‘Ooops, Wrong Island’ while the other side reads: ‘Wrong Parade’. The nod to the recent Vancouver Pride Parade surely had members of the LGBT community smiling.
Moving on, and the parade is forever moving on, is the SKY float, Seniors Keeping Fit, doing so on this day by partying on a bus. Let’s
include a random-people-seen department: I see pianist Ali Stone (today she is playing the banjo!), Emily Carlington, Sam Hayduk, Benjamin Kerr, Samantha Kerr, Ryan Kerr, Katarina-Katarina Kerr, Pam Culver, the affable Mattias Blomberg and Jodie Huskisson.
They do not have the dictates of a ferry schedule in Gibsons, in Vernon or Kamsack or in Sibiu, and so it is that our parade must always end a little early, at least it seems a little early to me. But it’s time to get to the Bowfest Field and besides, it’s good form to leave ‘em wanting more and there shall be more…more to come in 2014 and 2015 and on and on from there.
Let’s all meet here again then and thereafter.
The pleasures of the trail…
HANDLOGGERS HALF MARATHON IS COMING UP SUNDAY, AUG. 30
PHIL OSBORNE
Handloggers Half Marathon
Many of you may think there can be nothing pleasurable about the idea of running (not walking) a little more than 21 km on Bowen Island’s trail network on a warm summer weekend, but clearly there are at least 200 people out there, some of whom are willing to travel half way around the world, just to experience the pleasures of running in the Handloggers Half Marathon
The race is a fantastic way to experience some of the island’s best trails and to take part in a community-hosted event that features some incredible forest scenery with glimpses here and there of Howe Sound and the Salish Sea, the surrounding coastal mountains and two of our island lakes, Killarney and Grafton, along the way.
Some of my personal favourite sections include the soft mossy section of Handloggers Trail up near
the trail high point – it’s a welcome flattish section with a refreshing shady splash of green after the grueling Skid Trail climb that takes runners up the backside of Mount Gardner, before the crazy but cruisy downhills that lead to the Laura Road aid station known locally as the “Dine n Dash”.
Over the years it has been fun to tweak the course route with the pleasure of the trail runner in mind to make the best of what nature has to offer
Recently, we added the loop that includes the Art Rennison Nature Park that takes in Grafton Lake and the surrounding wetlands Runner feedback indicates an increase in “pleasure factor.”
Aside from the fabulous natural setting, much of the real delight comes from the sense of community, the collective spirit of the runners and their excitement of completing a challenge, and engaging a large group of dedicated volunteers More than 40 people from
Bowen Island volunteer to support the race each year and are focused on making the race a safe and pleasurable experience for all involved The race is great for spectators too with lots of opportunity to access the course and cheer on the runners.
This year’s race will be on Saturday, Aug. 30 from 9 a.m. until about 1 p.m. and the event is once again a sellout Some of our loyal racers have had the pleasure of completing the course more than 10 times There will also be many newcomers experiencing the race for the first time.
This year, our runners will come from all across Canada, the U.S., the U.K. and Europe We are extremely grateful for the ongoing support from the volunteer team, our dedicated trail running community, the trail stewards including the Bowen Island Trail Society who keep the trails in their beautiful condition, and the support of many sponsors that make our event so special.
André Chollat
Born in France on March13, 1942
Died on Bowen Island June 2, 2025
Andre’s Celebration of Life needs chairs. Could you please bring your own chair along with nibbles.
Thank you
SUNDAY AUGUST 24 2-4PM TH Le Jardin aux grenouilles
The Froggy Garden
Zarah Hofer photos
Watch for Cpl. Robert Notari (above) and Const. Paul Towne (below) when you’re out about town as they are in their last month with Bowen Island RCMP. Thank you both Cpl. Notari and Const. Towne for your service to Bowen Island and best of luck as you move on to other assignments don’t forget us!
RCMP’s July update
IT’S CPL. NOTARI AND CONST. TOWNE’S LAST MONTH ON BOWEN
CONST. BRYAN
CUTHBERTSON
Bowen Island RCMP
There were 70 files in July:
• Five abandoned 911/ Alarms – residential and business. All false.
• Five animal calls – cougar encounters, injured deers.
• One assault - stranger assault suspect arrested and released with conditions/ court date off-island.
• Four assist public –Illegal oyster pickers, neighbour disputes.
• Four assist other aagencies – assisted DFO, BIFD
• Six check wellbeings –called in by employers, family, passerbys, neighbours
• Four disturbances – ferry lineup disputes, civil eviction notices
• Five domestics – family related and intimate partner disputes. No arrests.
• One fraud – fraudulent credit card opened in victim’s name
• One harassment – inti-
mate partner related.
• One mischief – vandalism to house
• One missing children – located near house unharmed.
• One intoxicated in public place – person unable to care for themselves, transported to Squamish RCMP cells
• Seven property – lost purses, licence plates Found bear spray, wallets
• Two special events –Logger Sports
• Six mental health – two apprehended under Mental Health Act, brought hospital. Four other assessments done
• Five suspicious circumstances – suspicious people acting strangely.
• Eleven traffic – seven written warnings mailed via info from Speedwatch Police monthly message: It is Corporal Robert Notari and Constable Paul Towne’s last month with the Bowen Island RCMP If you see them around the Island, please take the time to say goodbye!
SEYMOUR LANDING
Bowen Island Properties Limited Partnership (BIP) is pleased to announce that we have submitted an application to amend theLand Use Bylaw (LUB)for aportion of SeymourLanding. In essence, theproposal seeks permission for additional residentialdevelopment to directly respond tothe ongoing and well-documentedhousing needsofour Island community,and to add some economic driversbyway of small scale, neighbourhood commercial and hospitalityuses.
With agrowing recognition of theneed for housing options that better servearange of residents—including agingadults, young families and ourlocal workforce –diverse housing supply on Bowen can no longer beignored. Thereare decades-longIsland conversationsabouthow to addressthe limited supply ofdiverse housing, theriskofdisplacement of localswho cannot affordasingle-family homeorwho cannot find suitable rental accommodation,and those stressing theimportance of planning that supports livability,sustainability,inclusion andfiscalpossibility.
Our application seekstobetter address thatbypermitting a greater diversityofmorecompacthousing,specifically:ground-oriented attached forms liketownhouses and multiplexes. Themajorityofthe current residential zoning within Cowan Point has been developed, andwhatremains only allow1+acre sizedlots, themajorityof which arenot owned by BIP. TheBIP proposal seeks to enable more compact, infill housing including independent/supportive living, and rental and staffhousing in area 9D as defined in CD6 and illustrated in the map at right
thesite today –projectready.
Clarifying Context and Size...
OCP:Cowan Point Comprehensive Development Area (CDA-1)
Land Use Bylaw: Cowan Point CD Zone (CD6)
Proposed CD6 Area 9D
Proposed CD6 Area 9E
Simply put: our current planning permissions in Area 9D haverun out and we believethere is good reason -and ample room -todomore.
Our applicationisaligned with theobjectivesofthe Bowen Island
OfficialCommunityPlan, including Objective 65 “Tocomprehensively plan and implement theCowan Point phased developmentina manner that fostersasense of communitythrough aclustered settlement pattern with diverse housing types that arelocated on lots of assorted size”. In addition, Area 9D is located on afully-serviced site with public road access and excess capacitywithin theCowan Point utilities for potable water,fire protection and sanitarytreatment and disposal
Area9Dislimited to a“footprint” of ~11acres of land. Forrough comparison, that’sroughly twice thesizeofthe Bowen Island CommunitySchool parcel. Assuming total build out, residential “density” –intotal floorarea– is roughly equivalent to six Snug Cove Apartment buildings (i.e. thenew rental building adjacentthe community centre), but in townhouses and multiplexes. Commercial use permissions areless than aquarter of what’spermitted at Artisan Square.
SEYMOUR BAY
CowanPointDr
In thecontext of an area already designated for “comprehensive development,” and with theinfrastructurebackbone already in place, it is logical to provide for housing choice and neighbourhood services. This location is perfect for both.Bynomeans or measureisthis sprawl, it’squitethe opposite. This is about doing “morewith less”, utilizing our limited land resources to addressour Island-communityneeds thoughtfully, without densifying to an unrecognizable island scale.
To address some confusionwith respect to housing “units” and their specific location, theabove table seeks to clarify: in simplest terms, the application asksfor 151additional units These aretobeclustered in Area9Dastownhouses and multiplexes and not inthe formof2,500 ft2 single family homes.
Theproposed LUB amendment seeks an increase in thepermitted number of homes –and supportive communityuses (like independent supportive living, commercial services, workers housing and indoor/ outdoor recreational uses) –with thespecific intent to increase choices and supports for people as their life-stages and needs shift.
The scale and material content of this application is aimed to reflecta sensitivitytocommunityneed, apractical understanding of “what fits” theland… and proposes aminimum unit allowance to supportproject viabilityand fiscal reality.
CommunityConversations and What We’veHeard
In communityconversationsto date –including public information sessions at Collins Hall –we’ve been reassured by enthusiasm for this idea, especially with respecttohousing that supportsaging in place and local-serving businessesthat supportcommunityconnection and year-round economic resilience.
understanding our proposal
In thewords of anumber of residents: “Whencan we move in?”
That’safair question. This application is an opportunitytomove beyond general policy goalsand guidance –upon which we can all agree –to tangible housing options for real people in arelatively shorttime frame compared to alternatives.
Council can most effectively and decisively address this question by moving to a rezoning process, wherethe substance of this proposal, and itsmeasurable merits, mightbefullyunpacked, negotiated and refined.
ForMoreInformation...
This letter –asthe first inaseries– hopestoclarify“thenumbers” contained withinthe application (including current, proposed andthe rationale for the“ask”).
Our next summarywill focus on howthe application proposes tangible amenities and community benefits —aquestion highlighted by membersofCouncilatthe July 14th meeting. Subsequent featureswill explorecritical themes related to housing, infrastructure, economic development, transportation and process among others.
In addition to publishing further information,weintend to hold additional in-person information sessions andsmall group discussions as this rezoning process unfolds.
FASTPITCH
Firemencontinue Fastpitchdominance
STELLAR FIREMEN TEAM TAKES HOME ITSTHIRD BOWEN ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIP IN THEPASTFIVESEASONS
ALEX KURIAL Editor
As the sunset for thefirst time in August and the final time in the 2025 Fastpitch RegularSeason––Snug Cove Field wasawash in asea of grey as the Diggerscelebrated the best recordinthe league.
Tied for the best recordtechnically, at 13-7, butahead of the Firemen on rundifferential tiebreaker. An 8-5 Diggerswin in extra innings over those very Firemen a few minutes beforecappeda late season Diggersdash to swoop into topspot.
TheFiremen coulddonothing butregroup andlooktowards the tournamentthe following weekend, determinedtoatone for the slip and eagerfor one morechance to battle their evenlymatched (and friendly)rivals
It wasclear the team in red (and occasionallyHawaiian shirts) kept their focusastheykickedoff the tourneywith scorchingwins againstthe Shakers, 13-1, and Twins,14-3. Theearly Saturday results meanttheir semifinal spot the nextday wasassured,earning them some well earnedrestand time to preparethe tent forthe traditional eveningball party. (Rave reviews followedthe bash.)
The Diggers were rollingalong too, defeating the Brewers12-3 and Shakers8-6.Landinginthe oppo-
site semi it seemedlikedestiny this year morethanever that the two powerhouseswould decide things in the final. AFiremen win11-5
Please call our subscription direct line at 604-947-2426 for $62.50 per
over Cruisersand Diggers14-7 victory over Twins made that the case
In 2023 the Firemen bested the Diggers12-8 in the final, and on
Sunday theymanaged to comeout on the winningsideonce again. The10-5 winshowcased all the team’s strengths: another double digit performance featuringtimely homeruns, combinedwith stifling pitchingand defensewhich managed to keep the bigrally at bay. In their four mostimportant games of the tournamentthe Firemen scored 48 runs while allowing amere14. Threetitles in the past fiveseasons placesthe Firemeninfirm dynastyterritory.Wetalked to team memberAdamFranklin aboutthis past weekend and what makesthis squadsospecial and enduringon and off the field.
Q: Youopenedupwith twomassive offensiveperformances,what wasworking so well andhow much didthose performances setthe tone forthe crucialSundaygames?
A: Kurt Stuart startedoff both games with lead off hits and really setthe tone for us both games.He was4for 4 in thefirst game and was adrivingforce for us all tourney. We hadcontributions throughoutthe lineup in everygameand always and hadsomeone hitting the ball hard
Q:The Firemen ledmuchofthe regularseasonbut the Diggerstook
FASTPITCH
Last year’s Champions the Diggers gavea valianteffortasthey attempted to pull off the repeat, butfelljustshortintheir quest as they ranintoan unstoppable Firemen squad.Don’t be surprisedifyou see them rightbackin thefinal next year as they attemptto reclaimthe leaguecrown.
over in the very last game Didyou expect to seethem again in the tourneyinabig game, andwhatwentdifferentthistime around in the matchup
A: TheDiggers have been apowerhouseinthis league forthe past 10 seasons with and we alwaysenjoy the friendlyrivalry we have with them.The last regular season game came down to extrainnings to decide the league title and helped setthe tone for the tournament. We were hopingto get another chance to play them in the tournamentand lucky enough we gottosee them in the final. Thereisnot alot separatingusand the final
result came down to afew plays to decide thetournamentchampions.
Q: That’s threetitlesin the last fiveseasons forthe Firemen,whatgives the team such asteadyand consistent championshippresence over the last half decade
A:Tomethe keyto our recentsuccess is we areall havingfun.Wehavegreat veteranleadershipwith Rick Sinkeand Mark Koontz and atight knit groupofguys who are all playingfor each other
Q:Whatwereafew key plays from the final which stoodout to you? Andwas it toughtoplaythe semifinal andfinal back to back
Having an event?
A:Therewereseveral great plays throughout the tournament buta fewplays in the finalstood outfor sure.First wasKurtStuartcatchinga would-behome runthat would have tied the game Instead,itwas the 3rdout of the inningand we were back on the bats with momentum. Secondgreat play was Kevin Hardingleapinginto the fenceand making acatch that took away extrabases andshiftedmomentum again. On the bats whenSam Jennings launcheda3run homerun in the 5th inning that putthe Firemenupby 6runs gave us some much needed insurance as we all knowhow hot the Diggers
Listings arealways free in ourweekly community calendar
Pleaseemail yourlisting to Alex by Tuesday5 p.m. forthatweek's edition.
editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
TheBrewers didn’t quitehavethe tournamentthey hoped foronthe field but there’snodoubt this tight-knit team knowshow to have agood time.Hang aroundafter their games one nightduring the season andyou maybelucky enough to be on the receiving end of one of Milty’sgourmet BBQ dishes
bats canget
AndI can’t forgetthe pitchingperformance by tournament MVPCorby Bernard. 11 inningspitched on Sunday including6in the final wasthe backbone of ourteamthroughout the semisand final. Playinginbacktoback gameswas tough, especially in the heat, butwewere able to dig deep and, fueled by beer,Gatorades and hot dogs,wefound enough energy to getthrough all 5 gamesoverthe weekend.
Q: What wasitlikerunning the beer tentand dance partythisyear!
A: It wasa lot of fun! I won’tlie it wasalot of work
to organizeand runthroughoutthe weekend butI think it helped us takeour minds off of playingand mayhave worked in ourfavour. Iam not sure thelasttime ateam who hostedthe beer garden wonthe tournamentbut beingable to do both sure made for aspecial weekend!
Q: Finalseasonreflections or peopletothank in the extendedFiremen family
A: Theentireseasonand tournamentwewereplaying for BurnsJennings.Hewas and alwayswill be amassive part of theFiremen familyand we felt him alongside us throughout theseason and tournament. His2sons, Cole and Dallen, arenow a
bigpartofthe team and are shapingintofantastic baseball playersand youngmen, just liketheirdad. Firemen roster:
Rick Sinke
Mark Koontz
Liam Zahara
Adam Franklin
JohnnyFranklin
SamFranklin
CorbyBernard
Ewan McEachern
Cole Jennings
Dallen Jennings
SamJennings
Kurt Stuart
Kevin Harding
DanWilliams
MartyGreyall
AidanHolland
Brennen Fahy
Bowfest fun startswith amorning RotaryRun
HILARYBUTLER
Rotary Club of BowenIsland
Heykids! Next Saturday is Bowfest, your favouriteday of the year! And that morning, thereis the BowenIsland RotaryRun.
If you areyounger than 10 years old,you canregisterfor the run that goesfromthe ferry dock
through the park up to Miller Road andback–areallyeasy1.5K.Your registrationfor therun costs only $10 and ifyou like,one of your parentsgets to runorwalk with you,for free.This idea is greatfor younger brothersand sisters-last year we hadacouple of two-yearolds!
Therun starts at 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 23 butyou need to getthere
BOWEN ISLANDUNITED CHURCH
earlier so that youare readytogo! At the end of the run, youget a greatmedal,then juice, fruitand muffins to reward youfor allthat hard work;what’s more, the first boyand the first girlhomewin excellentprizes, and at the prize givingat10:15 a.m.,you maywin a draw prizeaswell. If youare areallygood runner, you coulddothe 5k runwith your
parentsorfriends or on yourown
In fact,the whole familycan run or walk,and it costs only $60 for the whole gang:you,yoursisteror brother,yourparents,yourgrandma or grandpaand the dog. What adeal!
Butfor that price,you need to registeronlineatkomeracanada.
ca
If by anychance,you forget to
getyourregistrationdonebefore Saturday, youcan do it at the last moment, butthat’s abit of arush and you will need to sign up on the Librarylawnwellbefore 8:30 a.m. By the way, we have some really cool T-shirts in exchange fora donationtoKomera Canada.So come outand join us.Your$10 helps to educateyoung girls in Rwanda.
QUEEN OF CAPILANO FERRY
CATES HILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel com 604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.) ST.GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
Contact Angela Powell 604-947-2515
SHIRAT HAYAM (Song of the Sea)
Contact aryana.rayne@gmail.com •www.shirathayam.ca FOOD BANK DROP-OFF Sunday Worship10:00 Sunday Mass at10:00 DEPART BOWENISLAND 5:15 am -except Sundays 6:15 am 7:30 am 8:45 am 10:00am 11:15am 12:35pm 1:55 pm 3:15 pm 4:40 pm -except Wednesdays 6:00 pm 7:15 pm 8:25 pm -except Saturdays 9:30 pm 10:30pm 11:30pm DEPART HORSESHOEBAY 5:45 am 6:50 am 8:05 am 9:20 am -exceptWednesdays 10:35am 11:55am 1:10 pm 2:35 pm 3:55 pm 5:20 pm 6:35 pm 7:50 pm 8:55 pm -exceptSaturdays 10:00pm 11:00pm
BOWEN’S JEWISH COMMUNITY Shabbat Gatherings ~ Holidays Sunday Worship 10:30 am Rev Lorraine Ashdown www biuc ca | 1122 Miller Road 778-688-2061 OFFICE HOURS WEDNESDAY10-4ORBYAPPOINTMENT
Where’s theferry rightnow?- liveupdatesatwww.bowenferry.ca Schedule changesonstatutory holidays. Stay up to date at www.bcferries.com
Construction costs for the WoodfibreLNG project near Squamish,B.C.have increasedpartlydue to permittingdelays, stakeholder Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB; NYSE:ENB) reported Friday.
TheCanadian pipeline company holds a30per cent stakeinthe project. Enbridge updatedits shareofcapital costs to US$2.9 billion from the previously committed US$1.5 billion duringits second-quarter2025 earnings call last week
“We’ve hadsome changes in buildingcodes and permit-
ting delays—nota newissue for mostjurisdictions,” said Matthew Akman, Enbridge’s executive vice-presidentof corporate strategy andpresidentofpower,duringthe call.
He addedthatthe project is addingadditional flotilla housing—otherwiseknown as floatels—toaccommodate about900moreworkers during construction, which hasalsocontributed to the rising costs.
Despitethe cost increase, Enbridge still expects to earn areturn of more than 10 percentonits investment, according to Akman.
facilitywith 250,000 cubic metres of floatingstorage capacity.
Pacific Energy Corporation Ltd. owns the remaining70 percentstake in the facility near Squamish.The two companies announcedan agreementtojointlyinvestin the construction and operationofthe Woodfibre LNG projectin2022.
Theproject is expectedto be completed by2027.
“Our partner,whichowns 70 percentofthe project… theydo take capitalcostrisk, buttheyget thebenefit of sellingthe LNGcommodity,” said Akman.
“SoIthink it’s areallygood balance of interest there.”
BC Ferries is making tweaks to its Horseshoe Bayroutesinanticipationof majorconstruction at the terminal starting this fall. BC Ferries expectsthe vehicle stagingspace to decrease by 25 percentduring the multi-yearconstruction period
Thebiggest change previously announced––isthatthe HorseshoeBay to Nanaimo section of Route2will be reservation-onlyfor vehicles, includingmotorcycles,starting Oct. 15. Thereturn direction (Nanaimo to HorseshoeBay)willstill allow drive-up travel.
Thebig change forthe Sunshine Coast is that the 5:30 p.m. commuterrun from HorseshoeBay will be replacedwith a6:10 p.m. sailing, BC Ferries says,“to helpreduce terminal congestion and improveon-time performance.”
“Minor schedule adjustments”are also comingfor the Earls Cove-Powell Riverand the Gambier-Keats-Langdale routes.Bowen Island, however, isn’t facing schedulechanges.(It waspreviously announcedthatthe Bowenferry’s passengercapacitywould be increasedfor select sailings.)
ExclusivetoRoute 2(HorseshoeBayNanaimo),BCFerries is introducingtools that will let customerssubscribeto email notificationstoalertthem when space comes
available on previously sold-out sailings,and will introduce awaitlistcapability. It will be available for both directions of Route2 Forthe HorseshoeBay to Nanaimo direction, customerswillchoose betweenprepaid and saverfares,with saverfareavailabilityrisingto40per centofall fares on thosesailings betweenOct.15and March 31. Commercial vehicles’farestructures and paymentprocesseswillremain the same,but theytoo will need to book in advance
During the fall transition period,fromOct. 15 to Nov. 30, the ferrycorporation is waiving change fees for travel betweenHorseshoe Bayand Nanaimo.
“Weunderstand this is abig change,and for aterminal that already haslimited space, it mayfeelfrustratingatfirst,” said Melanie Lucia, BC Ferries vice presidentofcustomer experience in an email.“No onewants to be turnedawaywhen they’vemade the trip to the terminal. By requiringadvance bookings, we’regivingcustomersmorecertainty and a better chance of securing their spot,especiallyasspace becomes even tighterduring construction. It alsohelps ourcrews manage the terminal moresmoothly and safely,so theycan focusongettingeveryonewhere they need to go.”
–Coast Reporter
DAISY XIONG
604-653-7851
604-653-7851
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Thursday, Aug. 14
More Wildlife Mysteries with Metro Parks at the Library
Nature has many stories to tell. Get curious with Metro Vancouver park interpreters and learn about the mysterious lives of island wildlife through fun activities, games and stories. For ages 5-12 from 1 to 2:30 pm in the Library Annex. Please register at: bipl.ca/ SRCevents
Thursday, Aug. 14
Writers Feedback Group at the Library
Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, all ages and types of writer are welcome to share and give constructive feedback on each other’s writing in this positive and supportive environment. From 5 to 6:30 pm. Registration
required – please register at bipl.ca/write
Friday, August 15
Movie Night with Bowen Film Society
The Bowen Island Film Society visits 1953 with Roman Holiday, starring Gregory Peck & Audrey Hepburn. Preview cartoon is Duck Amuck. Starts 6:30 pm at the Bowen Theatre, tickets available through Bowen Recreation.
Saturday, August 16
Bowen Nature Club Hike
This year we will go to the summit of Mt. Apodaca, hiking almost entirely off trail. Pack a lunch and water. Dress for the weather and dense vegetation (long pants and sturdy footwear are recommended). No dogs please. The hike is open to all Nature
Club members, registration required Day memberships available. For safety, participation will be limited to 12 registrants (plus two leaders). Confirmation and meet-up details will be e-mailed to registered participants before the event. Please note new date, hike 10 am to 4 pm.
To register, please contact bowennatureclub@gmail. com
Sunday, August 17
Leif David the Magician at the Library
Experience the wonder and excitement of a magical performance right in the Library Annex at 2 pm! This 45-minute-long children’s magic show is packed with amazing magic and comedy. All Ages. Parents and guardians must attend with children. Register all attend-
ees at bipl.ca/SRCevents
Monday, August 18 (& other dates)
SKY Swimming
Seniors Keeping Young pool swimming at Tunstall Bay. At TBCA Clubhouse. Also August 20 & 23. Times vary, full details and RSVP by writing info@skyonbowenisland.ca
Thursday, Aug. 21
Medal Ceremony & Party at the Library
Celebrate your reading achievements this summer with a special Summer Reading Club medal ceremony and party! Mayor Andrew Leonard will be giving out medals! 1 to 3 pm at the Library Stage. All Ages - Guardians encouraged to attend. Register your child at bipl.ca/SRCevents
Friday August 22
‘Nutrition, the Gut and Brain Health’ SKY Talk at the Bowen Community Centre. 10 am start, 9:30 am for help with hearing accessibility technology.
Saturday, August 23
Bowfest
Bowen’s summer festival!
Visit the Bowfest website for more on the all-day party and sign up to volunteer!
SATURDAYS
Bowen Island Farmers Market
The Bowen Island Farmers Market season is underway! Come to Bowen Island Community School from 10 am to 12:30 pm to check out all of the vendors and special events.
SKY Mahjong Come and play Mahjong
at the Seniors Cottage on Cardena Drive. 1 to 3 p.m., RSVP info@skyonbowenisland.ca.
WEDNESDAYS
Family Storytime at the Library
Drop in for a free program of stories and songs. 10:3011am in the Library Annex. Ages 2-6 with caregivers. No registration required. See all Summer Reading Club events at bipl.ca/SRCevents
DAILY
Beyond Braille at the Museum & Archives
Collaborative exhibition between Camp Bowen and VocalEye Descriptive Arts Society. Experience history through touch, sounds and inclusive design - where everyone belongs. Open daily through the end of August.
