Bowen Island Undercurrent February 1 2018

THURSDAY FEB 1, 2018

VOL. 44, NO. 04

$1

including GST

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Creature feature

Experts weigh in on local critters and whales

Bowen hockey scene

When there’s no rink, hit the gym

Bowen by numbers

A changing community, as demonstrated by the numbers

Bob Baker, BICS’ unofficial cultural liaison from the Squamish Nation spent last Thursday at the school teaching students the Squamish language song Spawkus Slolem, the Eagle’s Song. Principal Scott Slater says he hopes that with practice, the students will be able to sing the song alongside Oh Canada at special events.

Meribeth Deen, photo

Legion asks for changes to “Good Neighbour Agreement” MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

When the Bowen Island Legion started up in the 1940s, only three cottages made up its surrounding neighbourhood. Today, the area is one of Bowen’s most densely populated neighbourhoods. In 2007, the Legion entered into an agreement with the municipality that restricts noise levels, the number of amplified events and requiring the 80% approval of such events from local residents. The Legion is now asking for a re-negotiation of that “Good Neighbour Agreement,” (GNA) but neighbours to the Legion have expressed their opposition to proposed changes.

There are four changes that the Legion wants to make to the GNA: they would like to be able to host 12 amplified events per year as opposed to 10, they would like to be able to hold some amplified events without getting a Noise Exemption Permit, they would like a “blanket Noise Exemption” for a

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number of events planned well in advance - to create less work for volunteers canvassing the local neighbourhood, and they would like the level of approval for noise exemptions from neighbours to go from 80% to 70%.

Richard Best, a direct neighbour to the Legion, presented a letter to council stating the opposition of 21 neighbours to this plan. He said the number of complaints about the Legion to the municipality has been low since 2012 because most neighbours have tried to deal directly with the Legion about concerns and also because many of the new people living in the area don’t know about the GNA in the first place.

Best read segments of the letter describing neighbours’ experiences of trying to call the Legion to ask them to turn down the noise but not getting an answer “because they couldn’t hear the phone” and people going over to the Legion to shut the doors themselves.

Another neighbour speaking at council pointed to the Legion’s request to have bingo calling being made exempt from

the noise.

“I think what they were really asking for was not bingo calling, but the axe-throwing in the parking lot, being allowed to have the announcers speak out their names and tell how close they were to a bulls-eye, to which I have the pleasure of listening to for hours on end on a Thursday afternoon...”

In considering both the Legion’s requests and the public comments made on the issue, members of council agreed that the Legion should be asked to hold an open-house on the Good Neighbour Agreement and their requests. Councillors Gary Ander and Alison Morse stated their belief that The Legion should cover the costs of this process.

Councillor Sue Ellen Fast stated her disagreement on this point.

“I have a vision of the Legion as being a part of our decentralized sort of community centre, it is a volunteer group and as we all know, Legion’s across Canada are all facing challenges,” she said. “And would we really like to charge a volunteer group for coming before council?” continued p9

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2 • THURSDAY FEBRUARY 1 2018

Meeting Calendar February 05, 2018 1:15pm Special Council

February 09, 2018 9:30am Economic Development Committee Meeting All meetings are held in Council Chambers unless otherwise noted.

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hiring NoticeWeofare public hearing

Queen of Capilano returns

Planner I Permanent full-time position

The Queen of Capilano returns this week after undergoing a month -long planned maintenance refit including an elevator upgrade, inspection and upgrade of safety equipment, engine overhauls and full repainting.

Bowen Island Municipality is looking for a permanent full-time Planner I to join our team. The position offers an opportunity for you to work on a variety of projects and initiatives relevant to guiding the growth and direction of a community-focused municipality.

Under the direction of the Manager of Planning and Development, the Planner I is responsible for select development applications, planning inquiries and supporting role to the Manager of Planning and Development.

The salary range for this position is competitive and includes a full range of benefits. The application deadline for this position is 4:00 p.m., Friday February 2, 2018.

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/jobs

EDC seeks volunteers Islands Trust seeking budget input The Islands Trust Council welcomes your comments on its 2018-2019 budget proposal. Deadline for comments is Monday, February 12, 2018.

Visit their website www.islandstrust.bc.ca to view the budget proposal. Please forward comments and questions to our Island Trustees Sue Ellen Fast (sefast@bimbc.ca) and Alison Morse (amorse@ bimbc.ca).

Bowen Island Municipality’s Economic Development Committee, the volunteer group that brought the Bowen Island Community Brand to life, is looking for volunteers.

We are a committee appointed by Council to advise on all things economic on Bowen– but we also really dig in and like to get things done! In addition to committee responsibilities such as completing action items for monthly meetings, EDC members work on subcommittees such as the “Business Licensing Task Force” and the “Business Retention and Expansion Subcommittee”.

Trust Council will consider your views before approving the budget at its quarterly meeting March 13-15, 2018 on Salt Spring Island.

Our volunteer fire department is recruiting

If you are interested in joining the EDC “work party”, please download an application form from www.bowenislandmunicipality. ca and submit it to Stef Shortt, EDC Liaison at sshortt@bimbc.ca by February 5, 2018.

Emergency Support Services receives grant Our Emergency Support Services program has been awarded a grant in the amount of $23,841.91 from the Union of BC Municipalities. This money will go towards funding ESS volunteer training, as well as equipment and supplies for emergency communication, reception centres and group lodging facilities. For more information on Emergency Support Services, visit :

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/ess

General Enquiries

Contact Us

Phone: Fax: Email:

Bowen Island Municipal Hall 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2

604-947-4255 604-947-0193 bim@bimbc.ca

Applicants must: • be 19 years of age or older • live and work on Bowen Island • have a valid BC driver’s license • be willing to undergo a criminal background check • be available and willing to be called out at any time • be willing to undergo training for first responder medical situations, in addition to firefighting Email bim@bimbc.ca for more information and an application form or pick one up from Municipal Hall. Closing date for applications is Thursday, February 15 at 4:30pm.

Find us on Facebook Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday, excluding statutory holidays

Bowen Island Municipality

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

The qualities we are looking for in our volunteers include: •Willingness to put in time on projects and working groups in addition to monthly EDC meetings •Willingness to take leadership roles and be creative in solving community issues •Specific areas of experience that will contribute to a range of skills and interests within the group such as business, economics, research and analysis, sustainability, community building, graphic design, marketing, writing, etc.

Join our mailing list bowenislandmunicipality.ca

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THURSDAY FEBRUARY 1 2018 • 3 THURSDAY FEBRUARY 1 2018 • 3

The whales in our waters Skunks dominate conversation Islanders hear from cetacean sightings network at pest control workshop MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

Jessica Torode, coordinator of the BC Cetacean Sightings Network, helped Bowen Islanders deepen their knowledge of the cetacean population on the weekend with a presentation at Collins Hall on Saturday.

Attendees at the event learned the identifying features of the 8 most common cetacean species found in the coastal waters of British Columbia (harbour porpoise, dall’s porpoise, Pacific white-sided dolphins, killer whales, minke whales, grey

whales, humpback whales, and fin whales), and learned about the species more specific to Howe Sound and the Straight of Georgia.

“We’ve only had five sightings of Pacific white-sided dolphins in Howe Sound in 2017,” said Torode. “There was a real spike of sightings in 2010, which may have been due to a slight increase in herring numbers in Howe Sound during that time.”

Humpbacks have made a remarkable recovery since commercial whaling decimated the population in the early 1900s. Their return to Howe Sound is likely due to the restoration of forage fish habitat

Five sightings of Pacific white-sided dophins were reported in 2017.

BC Cetacean Sightings Network

in the past decade. However, Torode says increased human activity and plans for industrial development in the area are concerning. Humpbacks are the most commonly struck cetacean in BC, due to their unpredictable surfacing behaviour and their tendency to feed and rest at the surface of the water.

“More vessel traffic in the area could put these animals at risk for death or injury due to ship strike,” says Torode.

“It’s very important for boaters to remember-See A Blow, Go Slow!”

Researchers along the coast are continuing to monitor humpback populations, but unfortunately, there are very few positive ids on Bowen’s local humpbacks.

“We don’t have enough fluke photos of the humpbacks that frequent Howe Sound,” says Torode. “It is tricky to get the photos we need. In order to get an identification photo, you need to take a photo of the unique scarring and pigmentation on the underside of a humpback’s tail fluke-so it’s a matter of being in the right place at the right time, and at the right angle.” continued P9

MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

Last Sunday, Bowen Islanders floated their questions on skunks, rats and other critters by pest control expert Carl Nielsen at Collins Hall. Skunks, and how to deal with them, dominated a good part of the conversation.

Neilson said he has been coming to Bowen to deal with local pests almost monthly for 40 years, and his observation confirmed the belief that they are relative newcomers to the island, as well as theories about how they got here.

Bowen Island’s Manager of Parks and Environment, Bonny Brokenshire, was in attendance and mentioned that she is currently working on a report on the local skunk problem for the Municipality. From her research, she said it appears that skunks have been on-island since roughly 2006. She went on to ask Neilson whether it could be true that pest control specialists from off-island dropped skunks off here on Bowen.

“I contacted several pest control companies on the mainland,” said Brokenshire. “And they told me that it is possible that someone saw their employees releasing skunks on Bowen Island, but only if the pest control specialist captured a skunk on Blue Water for example, and released it at Hood Point.”

Neilson said that pest control specialist may well be responsible for bringing skunks to Bowen Island.

“There used to be some pretty strong rules about where you could release them,” he said.

“But I figure, some pest control worker was probably looking to release a few skunks and not go too far out of his way, and didn’t have

direct instructions from a supervisor about where they should be released.”

Neilson says that lately, most of his business on Bowen Island involves dealing with rats, and he has only been called over once to deal with a skunk.

Bowen Island Pest Facts: •

•

•

skunks are great mousers, better than cats, says Carl Nielson. They won’t attack adult rats, but they will destroy rats nests and eat the babies. on Bowen, we have Norway Rats.

These are often mistaken for black rats because of their colour, but they have longer tails. Norway rats can jump up to a height of five feet. if you capture a live mouse and want to relocate it, know that you don’t have to relocate it very far from their house as mice rarely stray more than 30 feet from where they are born

Carl Neilson on rat poison: Outdoor rat poisons available in Canada have an embittering agent in them, which makes the substance unpalatable to creatures other than rats. These poisons have also been shown to have no secondary poisoning, so are not dangerous to other animals that might eat a poisoned rat. Rat poisons purchased in the US do not have this assurance. Indoor rat poisons are not safe for animals up the food chain. “If a rat ingests indoor poison and then goes out for a drink of water and is eaten by an eagle, the eagle will die,” says Nielson.

THE TIME HAS COME TO MAKE DECISIONS It appears that our quest to explore options for constructing new homes with modular building methods will conclude soon. Most of what we have learned looks positive.

port modular construction, and to reserve artistic/custom tradespeople for special projects out of respect for them.

Our research also shows that the highest benefits from modular construc-

We are certain that modular construction is a good and solid way to build

tion are generated by constructing two- to three-storey buildings and other

homes. However, there is no escape from drawbacks that come with a switch

densified building forms. It does not take a genius to predict that the times

from conventional to modular construction. The drawbacks have less to do

of low-rise, detached, single-family homes are rapidly coming to an end —

with the method of construction, than with the marginal cost benefits when

except, perhaps, for projects where the bottom line is a lower priority.

it comes to low-volume production. In other words, the number of homes we will build each year is not high enough to generate monetary savings by modular construction — but the benefits still seem to outweigh the drawbacks.

The next challenge is to come to terms with the style, size, and layout of the homes, for which we will eventually invite public input.

Best regards, Wolfgang

One significant benefit of modular construction is that it resolves our concern about a growing inability to secure qualified construction capacity. We (and this may also apply to other construction on Bowen) believe that we are better off to use the existing construcDESIGN CONCEPT

tion capacity to facilitate and sup-

Since 1988, building communities where people love to live

4 • THURSDAY FEBRUARY 1 2018

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viewpoint

The supermoon and changing tides on Bowen Island We kicked the month off with a Super Wolf Moon, and are ending it with a Super Blue Blood Moon Lunar eclipse. And if the news is supposed to reflect what people are talking about, well in these parts, it’s the moon (and, ahhh... everything to do with the ferry).

Referencing Tim Rhodes’ statistical analysis in last week’s paper, this community has gained 278 people since 2011.

I count myself among them. This change is unquestionably drastic, given Bowen Island’s historically slow growth.

Between 2006 and 2011 the island welcomed 37 new residents, and then - BOOM. I appreciate Rhodes’ analysis as I feel like it serves to highlight current realities and perhaps banish a few misconceptions. Less than one-quarter of Bowen Islanders say they commute to work, and the number of them getting to work by transit is on the rise. Sounds like positive change on Bowen Island to me.

The fear of growth on Bowen Island is real, and it has both quantitative and qualitative aspects. On the quantitative side: if too many people move here, some say, our water reserves will run dry. On the qualitative side: a growing Bowen risks becoming too urban, and our sense of community will be the first sacrifice.

Rhodes’ statistical analysis is less helpful when it comes to measuring the qualitative aspects of community change. Many have pointed to the level of volunteerism (which I am told, has plummeted drastically) as the measure of this. Or, we could look to the drastic decrease in brawls breaking out at council as a positive sign (this could also be a sign of waning engagement in municipal matters). Or we could look to how the community copes when faced with a common challenge - like a smaller ferry sailing on Route 8.

On Facebook, Councillor Maureen Nicholson asked members of the community why this re-fit period has seemed so challenging in comparison to past re-fit periods. The answers were both qualitative and quantitative. Ultimately we were assured that this won’t happen again, when the Bowen Queen sails off for the last time on February 4th, we’ll be saying goodbye for good.

Inconvenience aside, it’s too bad I think. Small hardships like this give us the opportunity to test our community resilience, our ability to be patient, kind and understanding with one another even when we’re feeling annoyed. It brings out the best and the worst in us, both of which are important to see.

Also, it gives us something to talk about.

In any case, it’s almost all over so when nothing notable happens up at council, there’s always news about the moon.

Four and a half years ago when I started this job, I didn’t hear much talk about the latest goings-on with the moon. Maybe this recent chatter is indicative of our increasing connection to nature, the emergence of feminine power in the world, or the rise of pseudoscience and astrology? You tell me...

The Write Stuff.

The Undercurrent encourages reader participation in your community newspaper. You must include your full name and a daytime phone number (for verification only). The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity, legality, brevity and taste.

Here’s how.

To submit a letter to the editor, fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to #102, 495 Government Rd., PO Box 130, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 or email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com.

National NewsMedia Council.

The Undercurrent is a member of the National NewsMedia Council of Canada, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com or call 604-947-2442.

If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the website at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

All Advertising and news copy content are copyright of the Undercurrent Newspaper. All editorial content submitted to the Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication.

The undercurrent is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, art work and photographs. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Your editor: Meribeth editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

Long live the Undercurrent Dear Bowen Island, As I have always been a subscriber of The Undercurrent, I would very much miss our informative weekly if it was forced to discontinue. I encourage the community-at-large to take heed of publisher Peter Kvarnstrom’s comments/plea in his frontpage article, “Community journalism matters”, in the January 25th issue.

While some Islanders have been known to complain about the paper, a lack of perfection is far better than no weekly paper. I personally find it infor-

#102–495 Bowen Trunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC, V0N 1G0 Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148 Deadline for all advertising and editorial: Monday, 4:00p.m.

Correction:

mative and entertaining, and a great way to learn of community initiatives, be they business, volunteer organizations or social. I consider myself reasonably informed and to a noticeable degree thank our little weekly. There are so many undertakings the paper has served well from conception to becoming a reality, with our community golf course being a fine example. They covered us all the way and now serve us well as an advertising medium. Thank you!

For the mere promotion price ($33) of a couple bottles of wine, from anoth-

er local advertiser, we can all subscribe and help retain an important member of the community for as Joni Mitchell suggested in a song, “you don’t know what you’ve got ‘till it’s gone”. That, is a very small price to pay to be entertained by Ron Woodall’s weekly, editorial cartoon!

Sincerely, Bruce Russell

In the story “Emergency shelter plan approved by BC Housing” published in the Jan. 26 edition of the Undercurrent we said Lookout would provide Bowen with minimal barrier housing. At this time Lookout Housing and Health Society is only working on a plan to bring 12 emergency weather response beds in a safe place and offer a meal and social supports.

Editor

Advertising

Cartoonist

Publisher

Meribeth Deen

Tracey Wait

Ron Woodall

Peter Kvarnstrom

www.bowenislandundercurrent.com Bowen Island Undercurrent Subscription Rates: Mailed 1 year subscription on Bowen Island: $45, including GST. Within Canada: $65 including GST Newsstand (Single Copy)$1 per copy, including GST

editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com

pkvarnstrom@glaciermedia.com

2011 CCNA

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2011

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THURSDAY FEBRUARY 1 2018 • 5

To help Howe Sound: be curious, and appreciate its gifts YouTube for “Bob Turner Howe Sound Ballet”) where it joins 10 other short movies I have made on the wild places and nature of Howe Sound / Atl’kitsem.

My great discovery after retiring in 2014 has been my I love for making movies about Wild Howe Sound. It started with a flick of the dial on the back of a small camera. I had just retired, and was about to take my first step on a backpacking trip with my brother Tim in Utah. On impulse, I flicked the camera setting to video. I had never shot a video before, only photographs. It changed everything. Suddenly my eye was looking for movement, for action, for a story.

Later I tried the iMovie editing software. It was so intuitive to use. I was hooked!

But it was Howe Sound that gave my storytelling a purpose.

Shortly after we got back to Bob Turner in his kayak, heading off on a Howe Sound adventure.

Howe Sound (Tim lives in Gibsons), we headed over to BOB TURNER Gambier Island to hike into Gambier Lake. We spent the day walking forest glades, lying CONTRIBUTOR back in deep moss, swimming crystal pools. I took video as we went. We got back to find that we had spent the entire day in an Something happened in early January that still thrills me. area proposed for woodlot logging. We were stunned. This was I am out for a paddle in my kayak on Deep Bay and spy a a place of such beauty, so wild, and in the very heart of Howe flock of wheeling gulls just off of Pebbly Beach. So, I quietSound. Conservationists were alarmed, but few others knew ly approach and tie up to a mooring buoy about 10 metres about it. So we made a video of our hike to show the place, to away. A frenzy of shrieking gulls float, hover, and dive into wonder aloud why log such beauty, and posted it on YouTube. the water. Seal heads pop up among the gulls; cormorants and The video, and another that followed, helped galvanize opposimergansers dive. Slowly the chaos moves my way until it is tion. In the end, the Province withdrew the logging plans. all around me. It is overwhelming. The gulls shriek, rise and The Gambier logging fight taught me a lot. Video can give dive. The water is crystal clear. Just below my boat, seals flash a voice to beautiful but little known places threatened by by. Thousands of small fish glimmer just a foot down. I lower development. When a gravel mining operation was proposed my underwater camera on its 4 foot pole into the fray. for McNab Creek estuary, I went with Tim and John Rich to What my camera sees seems too remarkable to be hapexplore and record its beauty and rhetorically ask whether pening in Deep Bay, Bowen’s ocean front yard. A great silHowe Sound was the right place for a new mine. Again, the very swirl of anchovy explodes like fireworks as a seal sweeps video galvanized community opposition. upwards. The anchovy regroup. Then scatter again as a seal But, at heart, I am not a fighter. My deep instincts are to fires in from the left. Above, the surface is cut by plunging celebrate and encourage. gulls, wings pulled tight, bills piercing downwards to snag a So other movies evolved: a kayak trip and the new marine fish. Then the sea lion appears. Driving on wing beats of its trail through Howe Sound, salmon runs, anchovy schools, great flippers, it arches up through the fleeing anchovy.

Tim’s wild orca experience, and now this anchovy feeding Hunter and hunted, yet movements full of grace akin to balfrenzy. Some I plan, others just happen. let. It goes on until I give up. Evening is falling. I reluctantly go.

For 30 years I have explored Wild Howe Sound and now I have posted this video on my YouTube channel (search movies give me a vehicle to share its stories. The time is right. Over the last 5 years there has been a remarkable surge of community will to work on behalf of the health of Howe Sound; a sophistication of talent and effort I have not seen before. Into this energetic and fast moving mix I want to give a voice to Wild Nature, to remind us all who are our wild neighbours, the blessings they offer, and the responsibilities we bear.

My hunch is that the greatest asset Howe Sound/Atl’kitsem could have, is to be populated by folks attentive to its magic and its beauty.

A seal floats along the water’s surface, waiting with the gulls to dive under and grab some anchovies.

So Meribeth asked me the question “What can people do?” to help Howe Sound.

What first comes to mind is to just “Pay attention.” Living here is a gift – take a moment to savour it whenever you can – in your backyard, on a forest walk, during your next ride on the ferry or water taxi. The beautiful and the curious is everywhere. My hunch is that the greatest asset Howe Sound/ Atl’kitsem could have, is to be populated by folks attentive to its magic and its beauty.

Collectively, we have damaged Howe Sound/Atl’kitsem through thousands of actions, some small, some large, some careless, some accidental. These go on today. But Nature is resilient. Recovery is underway. The way forward will require that we pay attention to what damages, and offset those with thousands of acts of repair, restoration and reconciliation, through creativity, collaboration and hard work, and also celebration and enjoyment.

I am inspired by what many of my island neighbours are

doing. For example, Stephen Foster is the Howe Sound lead for the David Suzuki Foundation, organizing workshops to pull together knowledge holders, hosting the travelling Great Howe Sound Recovery film night, developing Camp Suzuki with Squamish Nation, and promoting consideration of a National Park on Gambier Island. Kiley Redhead and Baz Cardinal are organizing their 3rd annual Bowen Island Adventure Film Festival for this May, urging us to get outside and explore.

Bruce and Alex Steele and other water taxi drivers are out on Howe Sound waters all the time and have stories to tell about what they see. Waterfront owners, paddlers, and recreational fishers are other eyes on the water and have stories. Peter Ross leads the Coastal Ocean Research Institute for Vancouver Aquarium that released the Howe Sound Ocean Watch Report (and website) in 2016 that is a remarkable summary of what’s up in Howe Sound. The BICS Outdoor 45 class is always out and about – listen to what they see. Trisha and Ross Beaty fund, through their Sitka Foundation, many good works in Howe Sound by David Suzuki Foundation and Vancouver Aquarium. Anton van Walraven and the Concerned Citizens of Bowen inform us on the Woodfibre LNG and Burnco Gravel Mine projects. Will Husby and the Bowen Nature Club run hikes and walks around Bowen, exploring forests and shores. Richard Wing organizes Bowen’s annual Christmas Bird Count; corner Billi Gowans or Ben Keen if you have seen a bird you want identified. Tom Raphael has put effort into bringing a UNESCO Biosphere Region designation to Howe Sound/Atl’kitsem. Adam Taylor dives with others off Bowen

The view from below: a sea lion in the school of anchovies. shores to document and protect marine life, including our now famous glass sponge reefs. Tim Pardee and the volunteers of the Bowen Fish and Wildlife Club operate the fish hatchery and annually release baby salmon into our streams. Pauline Le Bel has written an inspiring book about Howe Sound, “Whale In The Door”. Chris Corrigan has close links, like Pauline, with Squamish Nation members, and his blog reflects on our community, reconciliation, and his work convening conversations. Everhard van Lidth de Jeude and the Bowen Island Conservancy have built new trails to Ferry Fen and Singing Woods Nature Reserves; take a walk! Robert Ballantyne and the Rotary Club have produced a great map of hiking trails for Bowen. Alicia Hoppenrath and the new Bowen Island Trails Society provide energy and muscle to maintain these island trails. Peter Scott and Billi Behm just might convince you to don a wetsuit and swim the ocean around us; who knows what that might lead to! And there are so many others. Our collective knowledge and effort is rich and broad.

We live at a remarkable time and in a remarkable place.

Howe Sound/Atl’kitsem is in recovery. That such a wild geography lies just around the corner from the giant city of Vancouver is astonishing. It is a piece of geographic and historic luck that we still have so much natural vigour to savour and protect. There are so many ways to help. Have fun!

6 THURSDAY FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 1 1 2018 2018 6 •• THURSDAY

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Mini-Gala celebrates grand opening of Gallery Sign up today for A thrilled crowd at last year’s Mini-Gala event.

This year, the paintings will stay small but the party will be bigger -given the new and larger space to celebrate at the Cove Commons.

Bowen Island Arts Council, photo

the new Greenman Festival Dance Troupe!

The Greenman Dance Troupe for youth and youthful dancers of all ages is now being formed with three super-simple folk dances being taught by Sarah Haxby and Tess Taylor that will be performed at the Greenman Festival in May. We will learn one Morris dance, one English Country Folk Dance and a simple May pole ribbon dance.

Beginners with no dance experience are welcome. There is no charge to participants, but they need to be able to attend all the practices and the final performance. With the help of local volunteer costumers we will make medieval-ish green tabbards with gold sashes. Practices: April 21, 28, May 5, May 12, 10am-11am at Collins Hall. There is no cost to participate due to support from the Greenman festival and community volunteers.

The Troupe will perform at the Greenman festival on May 19th.

We can teach up to 12 youth and 12 adults. For more information or to save your spot please email: shaxby@hotmail. com. Please put GREEN in the subject heading.

-Sarah Haxby

JACKIE HAAS SUBMISSION

Come and be a part of Bowen Island history: The first annual Mini Gala Fundraiser and Exhibition to be held in the Gallery’s spectacular new home at the Cove Commons.

The Bowen Island Arts Council is thrilled to be opening the doors with this first exhibit, to run from Friday, February 16 until Saturday, February 24, the night of our annual festive event. The fun-filled evening will not only be unveiling the gorgeous new space but will also showcase the incredible talent of more than 50 local artists. Special thanks to Opus Framing for once again providing canvasses and frames for the

mini-masterpieces.

Join in the excitement of the live auction with the remarkable and hilarious David Cameron. All bidding starts at $125, a steal of a deal for an original piece from one of our much celebrated artists or up-and-coming new talent. There will be delicious nibbles, cash wine bar and delightful live entertainment provided by master musician, Marc Gawthrop.

Tickets are available to purchase for $20 at Phoenix or online at www.biac.ca/mini-gala.php. Avoid disappointment and act fast as tickets to this fabulous evening sell out in a blink of an eye. The Gallery @ the Cove Commons will be open Friday - Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm. For more information, please call 604.947.2454.

Gordon Rex Selman December 4, 1927 – January 24, 2018

As a committed adult educator, Gordon contributed to the development of adult education in Canada as a social movement with a focus on citizenship and preparing people to take an active role in shaping their communities and their country.

A quiet and reserved man, he had a number of passionate interests, many of which were lifelong. These include the novels of Joseph Conrad, Shakespeare, anything to do with Oliver Cromwell, the music of Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, and many other jazz musicians, as well as spending time with family and friends on Bowen Island which was a centre for family life for almost 60 years.

His family including his wife Mary, his children Mark, Jan and Julia, their spouses, five grandchildren and four great grandchildren, like many others he came in contact with, have been deeply shaped

by Gordon’s values and the example he set in terms of thoughtful engagement and quiet commitment to the causes he cared about.

His quiet warmth and deep affection was felt by all.

Children dance around the May Pole.

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THURSDAY FEBRUARY 1 2018 • 7

BOWEN BEAT No arena? No problem.

Lake Josephine stayed wet this winter, so most little islanders that felt inclined to skate needed to convince their parents to take a trip off-island. A handful of five and six year-olds have had the chance to work on their skating skills under the tutelage of BICS teacher Sarah Bristow, on Mondays after school.

“Pretty much all we do is skating drills,” says Bristow. “A few of the kids have never been on skates before so the first day we spent a lot of time practicing falling and getting back up again - the new gym floor is particularly good for falling.”

The group has moved on to learning how to stop by using their “sticks as steering wheels” and leaning into them as they turn in a circle.

“Basically, I do this because most Bowen kids don’t get much opportunity to skate, and what they learn on roller-blades is highly transferable to ice skates,” says Bristow, who coached roller hockey in the past, but took a break from it while her sons were little. “I used to work with older kids, and they would now be in about grade 11. A number of them have gone on to play ice hockey.”

This session of roller-hockey is something of a test, says Bristow, but so far it seems the kids are loving it.

Older kids take over the gym right after the roller hockey sessions on Mondays for floor hockey, coached by Tyler Jacquet.

FAR LEFT: Andy takes a break TOP RIGHT: River is 100% focused on the ball.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Bowen is down, but not for long.

On the left, young hockey players crowd around coach Bristow in anticipation of their cheer. At right, Liam, Holt and Keen listen to coach Jaquette before delving into a game of floor hockey.

Meribeth Deen, photos

Bowen Island Undercurrent is seeking an editor.

This is a full time opportunity working on Bowen Island.

Qualifications required Reporting, photography and column writing. Familiarity with InDesign for pagination and layout of our weekly newspaper.

The successful applicant will have a deep commitment to community and be able to truly reflect our community in the pages of our paper and our websites.

Please submit your application to publisher@bowenislandundercurrent.com

8 THURSDAY FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 1 1 2018 2018 8 •• THURSDAY

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

A statistical perspective on Bowen Island People always talk about how much Bowen is changing. Realtor Tim Rhodes decided to dive right into the latest census data to find out how.

Continued from last week’s paper.

INCOME SHIFTS The 2016 median household after-tax income exceeded 2006 pre-tax income.

During the decade, the median pre-tax household income on Bowen Island increased from $72,990 to $89,856 (23 per cent) while median after-tax income was up from $60,918 to $76,617 (26 per cent).

The number of households with annual pre-tax income less than $10,000 increased

slightly (1.5 per cent) and 54 per cent of households have income of $80,000 or greater.

Going forward, unless the island provides more rental and diversity of housing (attached, multi-family), most new residents to Bowen Island will need household incomes of $100,000 or more to qualify for a mortgage.

While this may create an appealing customer base for Bowen businesses, it also creates significant problems when the businesses are looking for on-island employees.

HOUSING The number of private dwellings increased by 275 over the decade.

Two hundred and seventy-five homes (17 per cent of dwellings) were built between 2006 and 2016, and 11 per cent were constructed prior to 1960. The 2016 Census reported the mean value of dwellings on Bowen Island at $798,887 and the average value at $942,977, and values have increased since the census.

Fifty-four per cent of households are supported with a single-earner income and 45 per cent with a two-earner income.

Eighty-two per cent of households are occupied by owners and 18 per cent are rented, an increase of 1 per cent for renter-occupied dwellings over 2006. In Metro Vancouver, where the housing crisis is in the news daily, 36 per cent of households are occupied by renters.

In conclusion...

Islanders’ median age is older, we are more educated, and earn more than a decade ago.

Our rate of population growth during the last half of the decade was 1.4 times that of Metro Vancouver, and our rate of increase in property values tracked that of Metro.

Given the pressures the mainland brings to bear and the resulting demographic shift it drives, the Island will need enlightened development and growth management going forward to maintain our historic socio-economic diversity.

BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH Shelagh Mackinnon Rev.Rev. Shelagh MacKinnon

Helan Wallwork Minister of Music: Lynn Williams

FOOD BANK

FOOD DROP-OFF BANK DROP-OFF

BOWEN ISLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH Pastor Clinton Neal ST. GERARD’S ROMAN 1070 Miller Road 604-947-0384 Service 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School 11:00 a.m.

CATHOLIC CHURCH

Sunday Mass: 10:30 a.m.

ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Administration Office: 604-682-6774 Mass: 10:30 a.m. Priest: Father James Comey

604-988-6304

CATES HILL CHAPEL

www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 CATES HILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.)

10:00 a.m.

W 10:00 a.m. Worship

(661 Carter Rd.)

10:00 a.m. Worship • Sunday School: Tots to Teens Sunday School: Tots to Teens

Pastor: Dr. James B. Krohn

Pastor: Phil Adkins

▼

5:20 am^> 6:20 am 7:30 am# 8:35 am 9:40 am 10:50 am 12:00 pm 1:10 pm 2:55 pm 4:00 pm† 5:10 pm* 6:15 pm 7:25 pm* 8:30 pm# 9:30 pm 10:30 pm

VANCOUVER Horseshoe Bay 5:50 am 6:50 am# 8:00 am 9:05 am† 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* 9:00 pm# 10:00 pm

Distance: 3 NAUTICAL MILES Crossing Time: 20 MINUTES

Leave Horseshoe Bay

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

Service and Sunday School 10:30 am Collins Hall Bookings: Helen Wallwork MinisterCollins of Music: Williams HallLynn Bookings:

BOWEN ISLAND Snug Cove

Leave Snug Cove

Places of Worship Welcome You

BC Ferries REGULAR SCHEDULE January 2, 2018 to March 31, 2018

* DAILY EXCEPT SATURDAYS # DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAYS ^ DAILY EXCEPT SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS † WEDNESDAY SAILINGS WILL BE REPLACED

BY DANGEROUS CARGO SAILINGS. NO OTHER PASSENGERS PERMITTED. > DAILY EXCEPT FEB 12 & MAR 30

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Cetaceans in the Sound from P3 Torode encourages anyone who spends time on the water and has a tele-photo lens to send their pictures into the Sightings Network, especially if you can get a good identification photo. For humpbacks, that would be the underside of the tail fluke right before a dive. For killer whales, it would be the whale’s left side, their saddle patch and dorsal fin.

These photos contribute to identification catalogues and help researchers monitor the habitat use and life histories of cetaceans in our local waters.

In 2016, there were 103 reported sightings of killer whales in Howe Sound. Most of the confirmed sightings are of Transients, otherwise known as Bigg’s, and they’re here for the seals.

“More than 50 percent of their diet is harbour seals,” says Torode about the local population of Bigg’s killer whales.

When you spot one in Howe Sound, it may well be a member of the T123 matri-line, made up of a male known as T123A (“Stanley”), who was born in the year 2000, his sister and his mom. Five confirmed sightings of these whales were reported in Howe Sound this summer, including one sighting that turned into a viral video.

In April, a boater named Elliot Funt was on the water near Bowyer Island caught footage of orcas hunting a sea-lion, which eventually used the boat next to his as a shield. After the killer whales gave up the chase, the boat drove close to land, giving the sea-lion a chance to escape.

Torode says incidents like this are increasingly common.

“A similar incident occurred with kayakers caught in the middle of a group of Bigg’s killer whales hunting a harbour seal,” she says. “One of the killer whales almost breached on top of the kayakers, so obviously it can be very dangerous to humans. It is also detrimental to the whales, because they are expending all this energy and might not end up getting the food they need.”

Of course, she adds, there might not be much you can do once a seal is using your boat as a shield – beyond keeping an appropriate distance from whales in the first place. As of this spring, new whale-wise regulations will require boaters to stay at least 200 metres from killer whales.

To report your whale sightings, use the WhaleReport app, send an email or call 1-866-I-SAW-ONE (1-866-472-9663). Go to wildwhales.org to download the app and to find out more.

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 1 2018 • 9

We’d like your feedback

on the 2018–2019 budget proposal

You can find it online at islandstrust.bc.ca/budget or request a printed copy by calling us at 250-405-5151.

Your comments will help the Islands Trust Council set its 2018–2019 budget at the public meeting on Salt Spring Island, March 13–15.

Please send your comments by February 12th in the following ways: " Take our survey at islandstrust.bc.ca/budget ! 200–1627 Fort Street, Victoria, BC V8R 1H8 # budget@islandstrust.bc.ca

The Islands Trust preserves the communities, culture and environment of islands in the Salish Sea. Learn more about what we do at islandstrust.bc.ca.

The Legion and noise control from P1

Council decided, in the end, not to lay the cost of the process on the Legion.

Yvonne McSkimming, current President of the Legion Board says that the outcome of this process could make an impact on the Legion’s future.

“We are not given money by the larger organization of Legions, in fact, we have to send money to that organization.

We have to make money to stay open,” she says. “And if we can’t make money, we can’t stay open. The current rules of the GNA are really prohibitive of us and it has been challenging for us to throw any event in the past year, including bingo or Friday night dinners, without a complaint. This is all extremely problematic given how much everyone on the island uses the Legion: it is the emergency hub for that side of the island, and almost all the local non-profits use it for fundraising - and we don’t charge them. Personally, I value the Legion for it’s history and the fact that it has been a bedrock on the island for so long. But if the community is okay with it no longer being a Legion - so be it.”

Meet Abby. She came in to the clinic not eating and vomiting. After taking x rays and ultrasounds we discovered she had eaten a tennis ball.

For the 4th time! She had exploratory surgery and is on the mend.

10 • THURSDAY FEBRUARY 1 2018

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Your Community

MARKETPLACE Or call to place your ad at

604-630-3300

Email: classifieds@van.net

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

+&!0& '$0$"*)

,*%9/)/". /""%951/9( *5/4 #0::%*1 #(*9/!(# -%* &7 3(5*#$ "4 42,+.# ,4.,+4 $/'1 ! %!)/4'# .3 )!/+ !05 /05&(')/!+ (-/++(*

",,24-/ 1,( 9 (3/%09( '8635%037 ,!-3('64+ ,++,(&%-4&43' 9-5 8,.+3&4&4#3 !9/3') $,-'453( $9-5,* '%*( 125" 5 ;%<$ +2/"6 !5*((*$ +2/"6 %8"(*#2/:$

$#!#" .,"(-0,$%/.-#

ANSWERS

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online training you need from an employer trusted program.Visit:CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-7683362 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

FOR SALE - MISC COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE: $0.99/each for a box of 180 ($178.20). Also full range of tree, shrub, and berry seedlings. Free shipping most of Canada. Growth guarantee.

1-866-873-3846 or TreeTime.ca SAWMILLS from only $4,397 Make money & save money with your own band mill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT 1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT

One Call Does It All 604.630.3300

HIP OR KNEE REPLACEMENT? Arthritic Conditions, COPD? Restrictions in Walking/Dressing? Disability Tax Credit $2,000 Tax Credit $20,000 Refund. Apply Today For Assistance 1-844-453-5372

HEALTH & BEAUTY GET UP to $50,000 from the Government of Canada. Do you or someone you know have any of these Conditions? ADHD, Anxiety, Asthma, Arthritis, Cancer, COPD, Depression, Diabetes, Difficulty Walking, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowels, Overweight, Trouble Dressing & Hundreds more. All Ages & Medical Conditions Qualify. Call the Benefits Program 1-800-211-3550

LEGAL SERVICES

ADVERTISING POLICIES

All advertising published in this newspaper is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services offered are accurately described and willingly sold to buyers at the advertised prices. Advertisers are aware of these conditions. Advertising that does not conform to these standards or that is deceptive or misleading, is never knowingly accepted. If any reader encounters non-compliance with these standards we ask that you inform the Publisher of this newspaper and The Advertising Standards Council of B.C. OMISSION AND ERROR: The publishers do not guarantee the insertion of a particular advertisement on a specified date, or at all, although every effort will be made to meet the wishes of the advertisers.

Further, the publishers do not accept liability for any loss of damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of an advertisement beyond the amount paid for the space actually occupied by the portion of the advertisement in which the error occurred. Any corrections of changes will be made in the next available issue. The Bowen Island Undercurrent will be responsible for only one incorrect insertion with liability limited to that portion of the advertisement affected by the error. Request for adjustments or corrections on charges must be made within 30 days of the ad’s expiration.

For best results please check your ad for accuracy the first day it appears. Refunds made only after 7 business days notice!

CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer Employment/Licensing loss? Travel/Business opportunities? Be embarrassed?

Think: Criminal Pardon. US Entry Waiver. Record Purge.

File Destruction. Free Consultation 1-800-347-2540, accesslegalmjf.com

TODAY'S PUZZ

HEALTH & WELLNESS Dr. Susanne Schloegl

604-947-9755 EXT #1 At entrance to Artisan Square Suite #597

Appointments Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, 9am - 5pm ECG and HOLTER now available.

Artisan Square

Tues - 6:45 - 8 a.m.

Thurs. - 6:45 - 8:45 a.m.

Dr. Dana Barton

Naturopathic Physician 596 B. Artisan Square

604-730-1174

Located in Artisan Square

Online Booking: www.birchwellness.com

Dr. Alea Bell, ND

604-947-9986

Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Utah Zandy 604-947-9830

Courtney Morris, R.Ac

CALL FOR APPOINTMENT OPEN TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS

778-891-0370

Registered Acupuncturist, Homeopath, Doula

604-338-5001

Mary Coleman, MSW, RSW Compassion minded counselling

778-233-4425

Julie Hughes, RPC

For routine lab tests.

Specialized tests & children may be referred to the mainland.

Natural Family Medicine

BODY VITALITY MASSAGE THERAPY

Dr. Gloria Chao

NexGen Hearing

Artisan Square 604-947-0734

Call us at

604-281-3691

Alternate Fridays 10am - 4:30pm

FREE

James Goldfarb RMT BC#05279 Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon Call 604-288-2860 text 250-726-8080 www.bodyvitality.ca

Family Dentist

Horseshoe Bay 604-921-8522 www.bowenislanddental.com

BOWEN ISLAND

MASSAGE THERAPY

M.D.

Lifelabs Dr. Zandy’s Office

SPROTTSHAW.COM

SUDOKU

BC WIDE CLASSIFIEDS GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

PRACTICAL NURSING

Phone Hours: Mon to Fri 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Office Hours: 9 am to 5 pm

Counselling

778-858-2669

Hearing Testing On Bowen Island @ Caring Circle West Vancouver

CATHERINE SHAW Dr. Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncturist

@ Artisan Square

MARY MCDONAGH RMT

❦

HARMONY SHIRE RMT

RMT, DCH Registered Massage Therapist

ALICIA HOPPENRATH RMT

SANDY LOGAN

KIM HOWDEN RMT

MARY MCDONAGH

❦

Registered Physiotherapist

❦

HEIDI MATHER

Acupuncturist Registered Nutritionist

Psychologist Dr. Carolyn Nesbitt PhD, R.Psych #1484

604-376-9801 www.CarolynNesbitt.com

Celebrating 29 years Community Healthcare

Bowen Island Chiropractic

Dr. Tracy Leach, D.C. Certified provider of Active Release Techniques Artisan Square Tues. & Fri.

778-828-5681

www.drtracyleach.ca

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THURSDAY FEBRUARY 1 2018 • 11

BOWEN HOME SERVICES love the life you live AQUA TERRA EAVESTROUGHS & RAIN WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS LTD.

A T

Spring Cleanup - Garden Prep Deer Fencing - Garden Design Hardscape Mini Excavator

-Gutter systems installations and repairs.

-Manufacturing seamless 5” & 6” K gutter profile.

-Supply & install of Half Round gutter systems.

-Supply & install of Debris Shields & Downspouts.

We are a full service company providing rentals for parties & events. We also can plan & coordinate your special day.

Noah, Corrina, and Rosie An island family run business for over ten years.

A BOWEN ISLAND FAMILY COMPANY

Paul & Basia Lieske Phone: 604-947-0640 E: boweneventrentals@gmail.com W: boweneventrentals.com

rosie@homefarm.ca • 604-947-6995

CNC ROUTER WORKSHOP

Pernille Nielsen

-Supply & install of Snow Stoppers & Snow Bars.

-Manufacturing custom & seamless metal roof panels in a variety of profiles.

Christopher J. Zwanenburg (604) 947-2025

info@aquaterraeavestroughs.ca

www.aquaterraeavestroughs.ca

en on Bow

What do you need made?

Craig 604-366-2229 • seatoskycnc@gmail.com

AT SHED we:

Notary Public

Real Estate Purchase & Sale Documentation Mortgages - Refinances Wills and Powers of Attorney Notarizations Serving Bowen since 2002 #27 Seabreeze Building P. O. Box 19 Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0

Phone: 604-947-2210 Fax: 604-947-2008 Email: pnielsen@shawbiz.ca

shed wood works Paul & Basia Lieske 604-947-0640 Email: basialieske@gmail.com

~ Design & build furniture, home accessories, sheds and small cottages ~ Build custom cabinets & furniture pieces to suit ~ Cottage Style using reclaimed wood & pine ~ Available for small home renovations

Window Blinds RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL “Wet Basements Made Dry”

Hot Water Tanks • Industrial • Commercial Residential • Video inspections • Hydro Jetting • Drain Tiles Sewer lines • Water lines

604-947-0284

604.349.7402 info@bowenconcrete.ca

BOWEN ISLAND SPECIALISTS! QUALITY SERVICE GUARANTEED! Keep Calm and Call Econo

604.980.3333

991 West First Street, North Vancouver, BC www.economovingandstorage.com

On Bowen 778-995-1902

Bowen Island Septic Services is a Bowen-based, owner-operated company.

Scott Stevenson is a fully accredited expert in the installation and repairs of on-site wastewater systems (commonly known as septic systems). We also offer landscaping and excavation services to further enhance your property.

Call 604-929-4515 for a free estimate. • www.bowenislandseptic.com

FOR ALL YOUR

CONCRETE NEEDS We Dig it, Form it, Mix it, Pump it

live the life you love To reserve a spot on this page, contact us at 604-947-2442 or ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com

12 • THURSDAY FEBRUARY 1 2018

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On the calendar Thursday February 1 Duplicate Bridge, 6:45 - 10pm at Bowen Court. For more information, please call Irene at 2955.

Friday, February 2 Library Storytime, 10:30am

What’s the big idea? Or the small idea?

We’re hoping you can tell us.

The Bowen Island Community Foundation has $35,000 to grant for projects that improve our community.

We need two things from you (in addition to your great idea): a 500 word proposal and that you be partnered with (or just be) a charitable organization.

The detailed application package is available on the Foundation’s home page: bowenfoundation.com. You might want to have a look at our 2017 Vital Conversations report to see the issues that our community is interested in addressing.

In addition to our own granting program, the Foundation will also continue to manage the Knick Knack Nook Small Grants Program – returning yet another $30,000 to the community to support “good ideas”. To learn more, visit their website here: http://www.knickknacknook.org/small-grants-programme.html Applications are due February 12th before 5pm.

Applicants must email their proposal to grants@bowenfoundation.com.

Successful applicants will be announced at the Bowen Island Community Foundation Annual Meeting on May 4, 2018.

Dinner at the Legion Doors open at 5:30, dinner at 6:30 Prime Rib and Jazz at the Pub, 7 -9pm

Sunday, February 4 Parent & Tot Gym time, 10am. $3 per child Superbowl Party at Doc Morgan’s, starting at 3:30 Community Meditation Circle 7:30 at the Seabreeze building, right above the Barber Shop

Monday, February 5 Family Services of the North Shore’s Family Support Counsellor Kim Laforest will be on site offering parents support at Family Place, 9:30am SKY: exercise at 9:00, coffee at 9:45, Speaker Will Husby discussing bugs at 10:00, yoga at 11:00.

Island Village Song Circle 7 -9pm at Collins Hall

Tuesday February 6 Bowen Island AA - 7:15 Collins Hall Thursday February 8 Grade 5 - 7 Dance at the BICS gym, 7 - 9pm, $5 Saturday, February 10 Community Labyrinth Walk will take place in the BICS gym Seedy Saturday and Veg talk hosted by Bowen Agricultural Alliance, 12 -2pm in the BICS multi-purpose room

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