THURSDAY APRIL 26, 2018 VOL. 44, NO. 16
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HOMES THAT FLOAT
USSC Marina says its floating home for staff addresses a critical business need
BOWEN SWIMS
Mary Letson feels compelled to help others who are coping with cancer
WHAT SENIORS TEACH US
Teens would do well to listen to the insights of people who have spent a lifetime learning
Bowen man killed in dirt bike fall CHANTAL EUSTACE EDITOR
The island is mourning the tragic loss of a young man who died in a fatal dirt bike accident Tuesday morning in a fall off Satellite Hill. “Around 11:30 a.m. this morning, we received a call of a dirt bike that had gone off an embankment, between 70 to 150 feet,” said Cpl. Paulo Arreaga of the Bowen Island RCMP, speaking with The Undercurrent on Tuesday afternoon. “It looks like they fell down the hill,” he said of the circumstances around
the crash at Satellite Hill, located off Cowan Point Drive. Emergency crews — including fire, ambulance and police — were all called to the scene. Air ambulance was also called out to see if they could assist, he said. The young man died at the scene, said Arreaga, who confirmed Wednesday the victim is from Bowen Island. The young man’s name had not yet been released at press time but Arreaga said the victim’s family had been contacted and were together. “They’re here and all together.”
Council asked to lease Lot 3 for housing plan CHANTAL EUSTACE EDITOR
Robyn Fenton of Bowen Island Resilient Community Housing, or BIRCH, presented council with a proposal to help tackle the island’s housing crunch on Monday. It went well. When council voted to have staff review the proposal — and to include Fenton, representing BIRCH, in upcoming discussions with BC Housing — there was even a good deal of applause. “It was great to have so many people show up to support our proposal and write letters,” she told The Undercurrent of the response. “And yes, of course, a room full of people applauding is always great to hear. Makes you feel all the work to date has been worthwhile.” The proposal asks council to lease
Bowen Building Centre
the municipality’s Lot 3 — just under an acre or so — for 90 years, at a “nominal rate.” She said this type of project is important to ensure more diversity on the island. “We all want Bowen to be a vibrant, diverse community, with people of all ages, income and interests — it’s stated clearly in our official community plan. And to achieve a diverse community, you need diverse housing,” she said. “We think the best way to achieve having a variety of housing — that can be permanently affordable — is to have it developed and owned by a non-profit, such as BIRCH.” We asked her to share more on this proposal. Here’s what she had to say. Undercurrent: At council, the mayor asked you how “locked in” you were for the location, or Lot 3, or if you would be open to another area. Continued page 6
After 153 days in hibernation, Bella and Coola enjoy being outside their den at Grouse Mountain. They have called the mountain home since 2001.
Grouse bears end their winter nap MARIA SPITALE-LIESK NORTH SHORE NEWS
Who needs groundhogs when you have a couple of massive grizzly bears to signal the start of spring? To the delight of gathered visitors, Grouse Mountain’s resident grizzlies, Grinder and Coola, emerged from their den Tuesday morning after a 153-day nap and slid around in the snow. Beautiful spring weather greeted the 17-year-old bears who have called the mountain home since 2001 when they were rescued after being orphaned during separate incidents in Bella Coola and Invermere. Their recent hibernation period has earned a tie for the longest since their arrival at Grouse Mountain’s Refuge for Endangered Wildlife. While Grinder and Coola snoozed, staff monitored the bears via an infrared camera placed in their hibernation den and the live feed was shared with the public on Grouse Mountain’s website. “We’re pleased to welcome Grinder and Coola
DIG IN!
Seasoil, manure, large ceramic pots & planters, gardening tools and more are back at the Bowen Building Centre!
Bowen Building Centre 604.947.9622 STORE HOURS Monday thru Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed - Sunday
out of hibernation and watch them playfully explore their habitat,” stated Dr. Ken Macquisten, refuge director and veterinarian, in a release. “Hibernation through the winter is a natural way for grizzlies to conserve energy during a time of low food availability.” Grouse Mountain visitors can watch Grinder and Coola playing and exploring their habitat through the warmer months.