The 49th annual Bowfest takes place this Saturday as the Cove transforms itself for the summer sendoff. One of the staple events of the festival is the Bowfest Parade, which has seen thousands of creative costumes and floats over the decades. This includes the residents of Bluewater neighbourhood, seen here in the 1981 parade, dressed up in their mining finest - ‘Miners dig it!’ and ‘Try the Bluewater Special, It’s Dynamite’ among their messages You can find more Bowfest throwback photos inside this issue, and be sure to check our special Bowfest section for a detailed breakdown of all the fun & entertainment happening at this year’s event! / BI Museum & Archives photo
Citizen of the Year quickly embraced new community
STEVE EDWARDS HONOURED FOR HIS EXTENSIVE FIRST RESPONDER WORK
ALEX KURIAL Editor
The newest citizen of the year proves you can make a large impact on a community in a relatively short amount of time.
Steve Edwards is this year’s selection, well known as one of the forward facing members of the Bowen Island Fire Department. Though he’s been on Bowen less than a decade, his deep involvement in one of the island’s most important institutions have already made him an important pillar of the community.
“The community itself, the feel that I get from people, and the fact that I can stand in front of my house and have a half-hour conversation with my neighbor and we have time for that,” answers Edwards on what he finds so endearing about the island.
Fire Department’s friendly face earns Citizen of the Year
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
“We live in a special place where we’re surrounded by this beauty and the people just seem to have a different attitude… it’s that Bowen Island Way,” he says
For his part Edwards quickly got to work inserting himself into the community after arriving here from Squamish in 2018. A volunteer firefighter for a decade with their department, he was eager to join up with the Bowen Island force. He did so just a year later, first fulfilling a promise to restore the home he and his wife purchased before tackling any new challenges.
“I had no idea what to expect… the department here on Bowen was so well established and tight knit,” recalls Steve. “They took a fairly big leap of faith taking me on as a volunteer and letting me into their family. So I was pretty honoured by that and also a little terrified all at the same time But I did it, and I’ve never looked back.”
In addition to the valuable experience Edwards brought to day-to-day firefighting operations, he’s also made a heavy push toward expanding the force’s profile in the community. These include an annual presence at Canada Day festivities (best popularized by a fire hose spray down to wrap up the event) and the highly popular Hot Summer Nights, where families stop by to explore fire trucks and equipment, and of course have a turn spraying the big hose.
“When we go to a fire or medical event it’s all hands on deck. Everybody has a job to do and there’s not a lot of time to have a conversation with somebody,” Edwards explains about the usual job duties. But during special events, “I get to stand and have a conversation with people about whatever they’re interested in, and I can tell them what I’m interested in, and we can share stories and showcase what we do as a fire department.”
“It’s a unique setting because it allows us the opportunity to do something that we all want to do, but we can’t normally do because the time doesn’t permit They’re really fun events and they’re what a fire department should do,” he says.
Edwards speaks passionately about chemistry among the firefighters, and the strong support from team leaders. “We have a fantastic team at the top with Aaron Hanen, Ian Thompson and Mike Hartwick supporting us. I don’t think
there’s been one of these ideas that I’ve gone to Aaron with and he said we’re not going to do that… He’s been so supportive of everything.” This also includes a weekly strength and conditioning class at the Fire Hall for team members.
As for those team members, “Camaraderie wise it’s like no other job… you’re relying on these people not just as co-workers, but the situations can get quite tense and emotional at times depending on the kind of call that you’re on. To be able to lean on these people and rely on these people in those moments is like no other experience,” says Edwards.
Steve’s role on the Bowen Island fire scene expanded this Spring when he added the position of FireSmart Coordinator to his resume. He describes the experience as “drinking from the fire hose of knowledge.”
“I feel like I’m still climbing, I don’t feel like I’ve comfortably plateaued yet… but we’ve made some pretty significant moves in terms of wildfire resiliency here on Bowen in a pretty short period of time,” he explains.
Initiatives already completed include a new green waste collection available free for Island residents at the Fire Hall on Adams Road, and dozens of Home Ignition Zone Assessments completed so far this year “I’ve been working pretty diligently within the framework of the FireSmart program to bring this to Bowen and have some really meaningful conversations with the people that live here.”
Outside of the fire department Edwards holds a deep passion for the outdoors. He quickly became embedded with local running enthusiasts and clubs. Ultimately this led to Steve’s involvement in one of Bowen’s biggest annual races, the Handloggers Half Marathon.
Introduced to the event by race director Phil Osborne, the 21-km mountain trail race which takes place over Labour Day weekend is about to host its 12th edition. Edwards is now on the organizing committee for the competition which attracts hundreds of runners from Bowen, BC, and beyond.
“It seems to grow a little bit every single year. People like coming here for it and I think it’s also a way to showcase Bowen Island to people that come from off-island,” says Steve. “We get people to travel from out of the country to come to this race now so it really puts Bowen and the beauty of this place on the map.”
Reflecting on his Bowen Island home, Edwards says he sees just how much impact one person can have in a small town. “I think the biggest difference between living on Bowen and where I grew up in North Vancouver is that you can feel like a very small part of a very huge machine. When you live in the city if you want to affect some change or make a difference you can do it, but it’s going to be a lot of work,” he explains.
“When you move someplace that’s a little bit smaller, little things can make a difference. They’re very noticeable. And I’ve had a lot of success with that, and a lot of pretty rewarding times.”
Steve says he sees this impact all the time on the island. He mentions a recent incident where he came across a motorist who had got their car stuck in a ditch. Before he knew it several cars had stopped to help. “The way that people rally… to be a part of that and live in a community where that happens is pretty special.”
“That’s probably the most special piece to me. And to be able to do stuff within a community like that and call that my home is second to none,” says Edwards.
Keep an eye out for Steve in the Bowfest Parade on Saturday, and at the First Aid tent at the Bowfest Field throughout the afternoon.
Citizen of the Year
Steve Edwards shows off tricks of the trade at Hot Summer Nights. / Alex Kurial photo
VIEWPOINTS
EDITORIAL
Bowfest is back!
Thebig weekend is here! Bowfest#49 is rollingintotownthis Saturday andyou’ll want to make sure youhaveagood spot forall the fun.That of course includes the always joyousparade down Trunk Road in themorning. This year’s creativetheme of Sacred Creatures Across Cultures is sure to add many inspirational and imaginativeentries into Bowfest Parade lore.
TheBowfestField is the place to be afterthe floatsdisperse, with alineupofactivities that takes place into the night-including theworld famousSlug Races!Takealookatour Bowfest specialsection laterinthe papersoyou can plan outyourday and not missany of thebig events -singing, dancing, food andmore! Seeyou on Saturday!
-AlexKurial, Editor
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CARTOONIST
Lisa Brougham photo
VIEWPOINTS
Letter: We need Bold Solutions for the OCP
BOB TURNER & ROSEMARY KNIGHT Letter Writers
With the Official Community Plan (OCP) update underway on Bowen, it is revealing to hear the summary of community opinions in the Phase 1 Engagement - What We Heard Report prepared by McElhanney consultants. We are heartened by the resounding priority that Bowen Islanders placed on protection of our island’s nature.
When asked to choose themes from the current OCP Vision statement that accurately represents Bowen, our community’s leading answer (69%) was “well-protected natural ecosystems and green spaces”. When asked to choose the three most important sustainability challenges, the top choice was “Nature Conservation” (64%) When asked “Should the OCP create policies that encourage nature-based infrastructure and green development?”, 78% said yes.
The consultants interpret key insights from this public engagement (Section 4. How Phase 1 Informs the OCP Update) and suggest maintaining “the core of the existing OCP’s vision with expanded emphasis on protection of natural ecosystems, supporting a diverse population, and a resilient local economy”. We agree with this interpretation wholeheartedly.
If protection of our natural environment is the community priority, how do we accomplish this? Based on the questions asked in the survey, the consultants identified three areas as environmental priorities. The first relates to guiding sustainable tourism such that it protects community values and environmental integrity. The second relates to limiting new subdivisions to protect rural character, reduce infrastructure strain, and preserve ecological and agricultural lands. The third is to concentrate future growth in Snug Cove and Seymour Bay.
With each of these priorities, nature protection is to be achieved through mitigation of human activities; a “do less damage” approach. However, these steps alone cannot come close to achieving the community’s highest priority of nature protection. Can we not be bolder? Bowen’s nature faces unprecedented challenges from a rapidly heating climate coupled with proximity to a growing population of 2.5 million people.
What environmental priorities would we suggest?
First, aggressively protect fresh water supplies, both surface waters and groundwater
Dwindling freshwater compromises both human and Nature’s well-being, while increasing wildfire risk and response capabilities. We need an island freshwater strategy that assesses, monitors and proactively protects the supply (quantity and quality) of water to streams, wetlands,
lakes and groundwater. Technical mapping of high groundwater recharge areas is available for Bowen; we need to use it Recent work by Raincoast Conservation Foundation has highlighted contaminants in Grafton Lake water supply; other untested surface water supplies may also be compromised. Strategic protection of water supply quality must be a key priority.
Second, the land base for wild nature on our island must be protected. Research by Simon Fraser University indicates that the highest biodiversity on Bowen occurs in lowland areas, particularly near streams, wetlands and lakes. Protection of Crown Land uplands on Mount Gardner and the Ecological Reserve is not enough. The municipality has a conservation development policy that requires new rezoning development to be clustered and 50% of lands to be left in their natural state. This policy needs to be embraced in the OCP. It is only by permanently removing lands from the development land base that rich lowland forests will be protected through the next 50 years.
It is important to note that the proactive protection of both water and nature were the priorities of the Bowen Island Conservancy in their recent submission to the OCP steering committee.
Bowen is at a generational inflection point – we are charting a new path into a complex future. We need boldness as we take on these challenges.
- Bob Turner & Rosemary Knight
VIEWPOINTS
Letter: Future Housing Options on Bowen
BOB MCGILVRAY Letter Writer
The Municipality is currently updating its Official Community Plan (OCP), we have some in-progress developments (Grafton Lake Lands, Evergreen 3, others), some anticipated rezonings for micro homes, the BIRCH project soon to move ahead, as well as the expectable on going construction of new single family houses in our now $1 million-plus market.
I suggest that the revised OCP needs to seriously consider what types of future housing the Island wants and needs and build into the revised OCP text incentives, regulations, and other planning tools to shape our future housing spectrum to insure housing available to the various groups who make Bowen a functional and interesting place.
In addition to the higher cost single family market housing, we need dwellings that address local working people, young families, seniors wishing to down size, etc. We also need to consider how types of housing foster healthy neighbourhoods and a sense of community
I suggest that the Municipal Planning Department, the OCP Update Committee, and any other interested people look at a couple of precedents that offer some healthy and relatively affordable housing options.
Orcas Island, just south of us in Washington State, has long had an organization ( O.P.A.L. or Of People and Land) successfully addressing the creation and maintenance of affordable rental and for sale housing for year round residents in order to retain its varied residents. This includes workers, teachers, nurses, servers, builders, trades people, artists, and others, etc. that the Island depends upon and who would otherwise be pushed out as the summer/ part-time property ownership trends toward Seattle residents and others. I suggest you explore OPAL Community Land Trust.
There is also an architect, Ross Chapin, based in Langley, Washington State (Whidbey Island), who for decades has championed residential developments that create communities of smaller sized dwellings that share open space, shops, etc. and seem to be very successful in terms of fostering socially healthy neighbourhoods and communities. I suggest you explore his many web sites including Pocket Neighbourhoods.
If the revisions currently being considered for our Bowen Island Official Community Plan can include mechanisms to foster and direct new residential development in general alignment with some of the principles discussed above, I believe Bowen will continue to grow as the diverse, interesting, and healthy community we all wish it to continue to be.
- Bob McGilvray
The Fawns are out and about! Keep an eye out for these baby Deer around Bowen, and be especially keen when driving around! / Haig Farris photo
VIEWS
Letter: Ferry Loading embraces Creative Turns
ERIC PUGASH Letter Writer
Dear Editor,
Ferry loading was confused, chaotic, and potentially hazardous in the early evening of Sunday, August 10, as hordes of summer visitors tried to return to the mainland.
Drivers had established a second line of ferry marshalling in the roadway along the commercial strip and, at the top of the hill, cars were packed into the school parking lot and in the turnoff for Mount Gardner Road
My wife and I were there from 7:15 pm and there appeared to be no one to guide drivers and maintain order.
The boarding for the 8:25 pm ferry saw many creative manoeuvres as some drivers sought to gain advantage over others. Is it too much to expect that a proper municipality in a so-called rich country cannot manage to help ratepayers board a ferry in orderly fashion?
I despair of our authorities ever managing to solve vastly more complex problems.
- Eric Pugash
EDITOR’S NOTE* This map appearing in the July 26 issue of the Undercurrent included a caption which stated a rezoning proposal by Bowen Island Properties would permit 312 total units of housing in the highlighted areas of the Seymour Bay neighbourhood. If successful the number of units allowed by the rezoning application in the highlighted portions (1-6) would actually be 151, consisting of townhouses and multiplexes. The 312 number includes the total of all housing units which would then be allowed in the Cowan Point Comprehensive Development Area, which currently consists of 161 already permitted units located outside of the highlighted portions of this map and paramaters of the current rezoning.
|candy.ho@thecapeonbowen.ca
Inaugural BowenGolf LegendsClassic andfundraiser
OnJuly27, more than120golferscameout forthe firstBowenGolf LegendsClassic andfundraiser. The club inducted ourfirst classofBowen Golf Legends: BruceRussell (Builder); CroLucas (Builder); Bob Sangster (Builder); MardyDuncan(Volunteer);Colleen O’Neil (Player);Bob Kerr (Player).Proceeds from theevent will supportgolfcourseoperationsand theBowen Golf Junior Program. Thankyou to everyonewho participated,our volunteers andtothe BowenGolfOperations, Maintenance, andFood and Beverage teams. Theevent wasa huge success thanks to your efforts.
Thank-you to allsponsors, auctiondonorsand contributors
Adam Grieder
Alan &AlisonMorse
AnchorageRoastingCompany
ArtisanEatsCafe
BarbaraRendell &Bob Miller
BeereBrewing
Bellwater Island Treatment
BFLCanada
BigShucker
Bill Brown
Bill &CaroleHayes
BowenBuildingCentre
BowenE-bikes
BowenGolfWomen's League
BowenIntegratedHealth
BowenIslandFishing Charters
BowenIslandRealEstateGroup
BowenPet Supply
BowenPub
Branch on Bowen
Bruce& Dorene Russell
BruceChutka& Joanne Gassman
ButchBatchelor
Carter Lavers
CocoaWestChocolatier
ColinLavers
Cro& SusanLucas
Dale Hewitt
DanGuilfoyle &MarshaLong
Dave Bellringer
DavidG.Nelson
Edward Jones
EmikoAndo
EnerproSystems Corp
Fabulous Finds
FirstTee
FrostHomes
Fuelex
G& GBrands
GregorySchaepper
Gulf PacificPropertyManagement
Haig Farris
HappyIsleCannabis
Haywood Golf
Hugh Freeman
Jamie& Liis Kerr
Jane Kellett &Charles Perrin
Jeff Mulberry
Jeanie Seward-Magee
JimElliott
John Fleetham
John Wilmot
Josh Young
Kara Lavers
KarenLegg
KathyClarkeJewelry
KenHallat
Ken& Sheila McArthur
LeighAutomotiveLtd
LesMeszaros
LizMorrison
LizWatson
MarilynMcDonald
Mary AnnZakreski
Mary Farris
Mary Lynn Machado
Matt &Steve’s
Maurice& LauraMcGregor
McTavish Family
Men’sSaturdayOld Buzzards
Michael& DianaKaile
Murray Atherton
Northlands Golf Course
Nude Beverages
Paul Welsh
Peroni CapriBeer
PhoenixBooks
Real Rapunzel
Riley’sCider
Sauder/Robinson
SitkaPropertyServices
Soren& ElizabethHammerberg
Squamish Golf Course
Strang Brothers Electric
Stylewell
Sweatthe Technique
SyscoCanada
Terry &SylviaBoss
ThePatersinghs
TheRuddy
TheSnug
Thea JPajamas
Tippy’sRestaurant
Tosh Home andGarden
University Golf Course
Vance& StephanieHackett
Westland Insurance
WorkingDog Company
Yellow DogBrewing
What’s happening on the Conservancy protected land at the Cape?
PETER WILLIAMSON
Bowen Island Conservancy
It is now 10 months since the Bowen Island Conservancy bought 16 ten-acre lots at Cape Roger Curtis from Metro Vancouver. This added to the three lots which the Conservancy already owned at the Cape and which form the Wild Coast Nature Refuge. So, what has happened since last October?
One lot - to the east of the Wild Coast Nature Refuge - has become part of the Nature Refuge, expanding it to the west bank of Huszar Creek and increasing its size to 40 acres. The Nature Refuge protects the forest, shoreline and the precious coastal bluffs above the water and will continue to be managed as before.
The Conservancy’s primary mandate is nature conservation and so we are conducting studies to find out more about the biodiversity on our new lands - everything from mammals to lichens. This requires time, making observations in different seasons Once we have a good understanding of what is there, what is most precious, what is at most risk and how best to protect it, we will draw up a management plan for the remaining 150 acres.
It will spell out priorities for the control of invasive species, areas requiring special protection or attention, and the restoration of areas that were disturbed by the building of driveways and housing pads and the logging of the forest to create views from the house sites.
The plan will also balance the impact of visitors. While we welcome people to the land, including the Wild Coast Nature Refuge, we do ask you to respect our conservation efforts. This means abiding by requests to keep dogs on leash or - as in the Nature Refuge - not to bring in dogs at all.
There are some existing public trails which continue to be open to the public. We hope you’ll recognize that some places where the public have been walking, such as along existing driveways, are now closed for recovery and study. Trail management will also be part of the management plan.
Meanwhile the land must be monitored and protected. We have a long list of matters requiring ongoing attention. To give you some idea of what we are dealing with there are camping and fires, property taxes, rezoning, protection of delicate/sensitive features and areas, increased visitation and public access, graffiti, unauthorized tree cutting and theft of logs, dumping of garbage, toilet facilities, roaming dogs, trails, and signs.
There are many more items, and probably some which we don’t yet even know about, but which will become evident as we move forward.
Dogs are an ongoing issue, but, on the whole, people have been respectful and other problems have been manageable Nevertheless, the task of caring for the land, drawing up plans and creating a new protected area is an enormous amount of work The Conservancy has no paid staff, but we have engaged Bowen biologist Claudia Schaefer to conduct an environmental assessment and advise us on a management plan.
We are also fortunate to have dedicated volunteers, such as Mark Edmonds, who says that one of his biggest tasks is monitoring and removing invasive species from the Nature Refuge. Mark says that he and other volunteers have successfully removed the English ivy, yellow flag iris and pampas grass which were in the Refuge
Other species such as Himalayan blackberry and English holly have gained a foothold: “It is a slow process which we are picking away at, and slowly, over time, we will regain those areas,” says Edmonds.
You will notice new signage restricting some access points. As we balance conservation priorities with other demands on the land, we will employ “adaptive management,” respond to issues as they arise, and implement or remove restrictions as warranted.
As one member said, “This is a long-term project. The foreshore and the forest will be here long after we have gone. Large trees will grow back and, with care, the wildlife will flourish. We are doing this project for the generations to come.” Small steps have been taken, but it is a start.
We always welcome new members and volunteers. Contact details are available on our website at www.bowenislandconservancy.org
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Progress on Snug Cove House is getting more and more tangible. On Tuesday, the future Seniors’ Home on Miller Road was receiving preparations for concrete pouring of the first floor of the building. Once complete, the housing residence will contain 24 one-bedroom units. / Submitted photo
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GetReady forBowfest 2025:A Full DayofFun,Music,and CommunitySpirit!
Mark your calendarsfor Saturday,August23rd becauseBowfest 2025 is almost here! This belovedcommunity traditionisbackfor its49thyear, offering aday packed with music, games, food,and activities forall ages.Whether you’re alifelongislanderor new to Bowen, Bowfestisthe perfectway to wrap up summerwithfriends,family, and neighbours
Theday kicksoff with ourmuch-lovedparade, starting rightafter the11:15 ferry departs.Ifyou’rewatching, grab your favouriteviewing spot early. If you’re participating,beready to line up at theschool by 10:30AM. If theferry is very off schedule,wemay startthe parade as earlyas11oraslateas11:45.Thisyear’stheme is Sacred CreaturesAcrossCultures, so expect colour,creativity, andplentyof communitypride
11:45 AM –LiveMusic Begins
Enjoymusic allafternoon andevening,witha stellar lineup of performers to keep you dancing rightthrough to closingtime. IncludingDJMAYOR MCCHEESEtostart the day,followedbyJEEP @1pm-ish andkidsbandQUEENSOFCOLOUR@2pm-ish. The Bagpipers arealsobacktoopenthe fest soon afterthe completion of theparade, and roamingthe groundsduringand afterthe parade TheVancouver MorrrisMen will be performing.Keep your eyes peeled forthishigh-energy group!
12:30–2:30PM– CountryFair
Test your skills or just cheeralong in theseclassicBowfest competitions: Best LEGO Build BiggestZucchini Best VegetableLegs Slug Races Best Jam
2:30–3:00PM– Kids’Field Games
Old-fashioned funfor theyounger crowd.
Around 2:45 PM –Announcements& LipSyncContest
We’llannounce theParadeand CountryFairwinners,share afew otherimportant updates,and then launch into theever-popularLip Sync Contest.
5:00–6:00 PM –Adult Games Light-heartedchallenges andcompetition,justfor thegrown-ups
6:30–8:00 PM –Headliner:CocoJafro
Getready to dancetotheir irresistible blendoffunk, soul,and global rhythms.
8:00–9:00 PM –DJMayor McCheese
Onelastset to closeout thenight before thegates closeat9:00PM.
Bands& Music
Jeep –Local favourites with acrowd-pleasingsetlist
Queen of Colour –A vibrant, high-energyperformance to getyou moving
SixtiesBand –All your retrohitsfor afeel-good singalong.
Coco Jafro –Funk, soul,and global rhythms.
DJ MayorMcCheese –Kicks things offearly in theday andclosesout the nightwitha finaldance party.
Food &Beverages
Bringyourappetite, this year’s food lineup is mouth-watering:
This is a not-for-profit event,& ticket salescover thecosts of bringing Bowfesttolife.
Adults:$15
Teens: $5
Kids (0–12):Free
Newthisyear! NorthGatenow offers tap-to-pay forentry,but it’s always a goodideatobring cash in case vendorsdon’t have card readers.
Tips forthe Day
Bringa picnic blanket forrelaxing andwatchingthe bands. Sunscreenand water aremusthaves, it’s afullday outdoors. No dogs,smoking,vaping, or outsidealcoholallowed.
Plan your Safe Ride Home:free ridescourtesyofthe Orchard Recovery Center,leaving from the Dorman parkinglot
ThankYou to OurVolunteers Bowfest is entirely volunteer-run, and it simply wouldn’t happen withoutthe amazingpeoplewho give theirtime andenergy. From set-uptoclean-up, gamestoticketgates—you make Bowfestmagical.Thank you!
ThankYou to OurSponsors
We’redeeply grateful to oursponsors fortheir generosity andcommitment to keepingBowfest thriving.Your supportmakes this special day possiblefor theentirecommunity.
Bowen’s Magical Fair
Vans were all the rage during Bowfest 1988, dubbed the ‘Magical Fair’. This included (clockwise from above) the Bowen Seniors blue bus (‘Have Bus, Will Travel’) decorated with destinations the group had visited, and the ‘Seein Eye Bee’ bus. The parade included several sharp dressed horses and riders in uniform, and later on featured musical performances from Lyn van Lidth de Jeude, Jude Neale & Paul Hoosen. / BI Museum & Archives photos
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Bordering parks on two sides and forested crown land on athird, this property and home exude privacy.Nonstrata, 3.38 acres, and built in 2023. The 1,500 sf home sits just above Aaron’sField, and features areverse floor plan, sun-soaked deck off the open plan LR/DR/kitchen,and arough in for an elevator.The fenced-in veggie garden features fire pit, pizza oven, green house and water collection into alarge storage tank. There is a cleared, 2nd build site for another potential home up at the top of the property,and plenty of potential for hobby farming and living off the land. Close to trails down to Bowen Bay beach, up Mt Gardner,and more.
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Welcome to your own private oasis in the midst of popular and family-friendly Deep Bay.Fully-fenced, featuring amature garden, outdoor dining, room to run and plenty of charm. This home has been renovated and updated, with two bedrooms above and two below,recreational spaces, agorgeous sundeck off the living room with a covered patio below,and plenty of storage. Downstairs has suite potential with separate access. New heat pump also offerslow cost heatingand air-conditioning. Septic installed in 2019.Just around the corner from the trail down to the lagoon, Pebbly/Mother’sbeaches, and the ferrydock and Snug Cove.
Parade Pickups
Children from the play ‘Intergalactic Medicine Show’ pile into the bed of a pickup truck during Bowfest 1981 (top right). Kids piling into and on top of trucks was a theme during the parade, which also featured a jam-packed entry from the ‘Hood Point Orphanage’ (right) and logging truck ‘Old Yellar’ (bottom right). Endswell Farm brought a donkey who stated ‘Every ass loves Bacon & Eggs’while a banner reads ‘All’s well at Endswell’(above). Cy Harding was the Bowen Island Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year (below). / BI Museum & Archives photos
Inold Norsemythology youwilldiscoverRatatoskr,a mischievoussquirrelwho scurries up and downYggdrasil,the greatworld tree,passing messagesbetween theeagle at thetop of thetree and theserpent Nidhoggatthe bottom.Thiscraftysquirrelwitha cheekyglint in itseye,stirs up trouble between thetwo of them sowing discordand maintainingbalance at thesametime.
ENJOYBOWFEST!!! This cunningsquirrelhas aone week sale kickingoff on Bowfestsocomeand checkitout
High Seas &Anniversaries
FRANCES
FASTPITCH
2025 Year-End Batting &Pitching Stats
Batting Average
1) JoeLalonde .643
2) JohnnyFranklin .630
3) SamFranklin .575
4) Adam Woodward .571
5) ShawnOhler .528
6) DanCowper.519
7) Aaron Johnstone .512
8) Kurt Stuart.500
9)RoryBehm.500
10) Erik Hunter-James .500
Home Runs
1) JohnnyFranklin 15
2) Ewan McEachern 11
3) Adam Franklin 10
4) Robbie Watson 9
5) Matthias Behm 6
6) SamJennings 6
7) Doug Durrant6
Runs Batted In (RBI)
1) Ewan McEachern 34
2) JohnnyFranklin 33
3) Matthias Behm 27
4)DougDurrant 27
5) RobbieWatson25
6) DanCowper23
7) Adam Franklin 23
8)Tom Woodward 23
9) RandyPoulin 22
10) PeterBlomberg 21
Stolen Bases
1) RileyCulver9
2) Rory Behm 7
3) Scotty Cooke7
4) Tyler Jacquet 5
5) StaceyShannon 5
Wins
1) Jamie Weismiller 6
2) Adam Woodward 5
3) JohnnyFranklin 5
4) Kurt Stuart 5
5) Noah Pryce-Jones 5
Strikeouts
1) Milt Michael 46
2) Adam Woodward 44
3) Doug Durrant35
4) James Strang 32
5) DanGuillon 30
InningsPitched
1) DanGuillon 63
2) Milt Michael 56
3) Noah Pryce-Jones 54
4) James Strang 51
5) Kurt Stuart 50
Congratulations onceagain to the Firemen oncapturing the 2025 Bowen Island Fastpitch Leaguecrown!Asisevidentfromthe statsabove they’rea wellrounded squad with plenty of weaponson allsides of theplate.Each squad had anumber of shiningstars throughout theyear,and thatgoesfor the fans toowho showedupto theball field game aftergame.Including these Cruisers faithfulwho wereall deckedout and made their voices heard during the tournament!Thanks to everybody involved in theleague for making it anothermemorable season, and can’t wait to seeyou next year!
Paris comes to Bowen with the Nook Fashion Show
NEXT MONTH’S EVENT WILL RAISE FUNDS FOR A NEW NOOK BUILDING
KNICK KNACK NOOK
Who could have dreamt that all the glitter, charm and costly elegance of Parisian haute couture might walk down the runways of our own community theatre?
Well, it’s happening soon, and everyone has an opportunity to take part. There’s no need to rush into urban boutiques in search of a new outfit for the occasion; instead, we much prefer that you wear something found on the racks and shelves of the Knick Knack Nook.
On Friday, September 5, the Nook is hosting our own fashion show, a fundraiser for a badly needed new building to replace the present one which can’t keep up structurally and functionally
The fashionista can be anyone who wants to model clothing bought from the Nook.
Outfits can be glamourous, sporty, casual, suitable for summer, winter, or any season. Also, we encourage all ages to enter as there will be a special children’s section.
Take a look at our plans for the new building as you sip a glass of wine. Visit the silent auction to bid on unique and wonderful items.
There are two categories of tickets, either audience or participant. They can be purchased on our website at knickknacknook.org
Some tickets will be available to buy at the Nook.
And, whether you come to watch or to strut, we want you to show off your Nook look!
The Knick Knack Nook is in deep need of a new building to operate out of. September’s Fashion Show will take great strides towards achieving that goal.
PlacesofWorship WelcomeYou
BOWEN ISLANDUNITED CHURCH
Contact Angela Powell 604-947-2515
CATES HILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.)
DEPART BOWENISLAND 5:15 am -exceptSundays 6:15 am 7:30 am 8:45 am 10:00am 11:15am 12:35pm 1:55 pm 3:15 pm 4:40 pm -exceptWednesdays 6:00 pm 7:15 pm 8:25 pm -exceptSaturdays 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
Where’sthe ferry rightnow?- liveupdatesatwww.bowenferry.ca Schedule changesonstatutory holidays. Stay up to date at www.bcferries.com
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Thursday, August 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
SKY Talk at the Community Centre
‘Nutrition, the Gut and Brain Health’ are on the agenda in this talk from Seniors Keeping Young. Bowen Community Centre starting at 10 am, 9:30 for assistance 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! And see the Bowfest special spread in this week’s paper!
Saturday, August 23
Bowen Nature Club Outing
New date! Join Aaron Rabinowitz and longtime volunteer warden, Alan Whitehead, for a 5–6 hour expedition through Bowen’s Ecological Reserve. This is a trip into the wild heart of Bowen Island, mostly off trail. Begins at 10 am. Contact bowennatureclub@gmail.com for membership options and registration.
Saturday, August 23
Bowfest After-Party at the Pub
Come enjoy Rear View Mirror following Bowfest. They’ll be rocking all the classics at the Pub starting at 9 pm Tickets $15 before show start, $20 afterwards.
Monday, August 25 (& other dates)
SKY Swimming
Seniors Keeping Young pool swimming at Tunstall Bay At TBCA Clubhouse. Also daily August 26-30. Times vary, full details and RSVP by writing info@skyonbowenisland.ca
Wednesday, August 27 & Friday, August 30
SKY Walks
Seniors Keeping Young meeting at St. Gerard’s Catholic Church on Miller Road. Both walks start at 9:30 am
Thursday, August 28
Hot Summer Nights with the Fire Department
Come meet the Bowen Island firefighters, take a tour of a fire truck, and spray a real fire hose! Bowen Island Community School parking lot from 6:30 to 8 pm
Sunday, August 31
Great Canadian Smoke Out
Come enjoy barbecue from Miller’s Meatcraft on the Pub patio during Sundays this summer. This one is a beef smokeout! From Noon until all BBQ is sold out!
Tuesday, September 2 to Sunday, September 7
Slo-Pitch Tournament
The eight teams of the Bowen Slo-Pitch League battle it out in the year-end tournament at Snug Cove Field! Games nightly at 6:30 pm during the week with all-day games Saturday and Sunday Final takes places Sunday at 5 pm. Friday, September 5
Knick Knack Nook Fundraiser
Fashion Show Fundraiser at the Bowen Island Community Centre! Come enjoy live music, beer & wine bar, catered food, silent auction and more. From 5:30 to 8 pm Register for the catwalk and get tickets on the Nook’s website at
knickknacknook.org
Saturday, September 6
Men’s Shed Gathering
Meet up for a coffee or tea, get to know other guys and find out what your Bowen Island Men’s Shed has been up to! Gathering from 10:30 am to Noon at Island Pacific School
Wednesday, September 10
Community Choir Registration
Registration and first practice with the Bowen Island Community Choir 7 pm at Cates Hill Chapel. New members welcome, no audition.
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 pm, 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.
