THURSDAY MAY 10, 2018 VOL. 44, NO. 17
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MY MOTHER SAID...
Islanders share the wisdom and the love of the women who made them who they are
FOUNDATION CHANGES
David Podmore praises his predecessor’s accomplishments at community foundation
THANK YOU, KONRAD
BIM’s retiring building inspector known for his respect of people’s needs while ensuring rules were followed
Hundreds gather to remember Colin Ruloff BRONWYN BEAIRSTO It was like a warm embrace for a grieving community. More than a thousand people gathered Saturday afternoon at the Bowen Island Lodge to celebrate the life of Colin Ruloff. Twenty-three-year-old Colin died on April 24 in a dirt bike accident on the island. With cloudless skies and a warm sun, family, friends, classmates, fellow musicians, former teachers and community members remembered an adventurous, caring man with a wide smile and musical heart. The hall was full, and people wrapped themselves around the outside of the building, peering in through the windows and lined up six deep in some areas. Colin came to Bowen at the age of three months with his parents Walt and Laura, and grew up alongside three younger brothers: Chad, Andrew and Charlie. He went to school on the island all the way through Grade 9, nurturing a knack for both visual arts and music. Cates Hill Chapel pastor Phil Adkins led the service, where friends and family spoke of a gentle soul who pushed himself from a young age, determined to make it on his own, but always willing to help out a friend. Story continues page 6
HANGING OUT IN NEW STUDIO SPACE Scott Massey gets ready for Saturday’s opening of his exhibit in Artisan Square. When the space, called Terminal Creek Contemporary, is not being used as his studio, he will host other artists’ works. Story page 8. Bronwyn Beairsto photo
Island groups take the lead on local trails BRONWYN BEAIRSTO More than half a decade ago, 12-year-old Sophie Walters’ class got lost on Mt. Gardner. “When there was a look-out point, there were three to five different trails to go on,” the Undercurrent reported Walters saying back in 2014. “There were even some trails that lead you all the way to the bottom of the hike.” When the Rotary Club asked local youth how to make Bowen a
better place, Walters spoke up. Signs, the trails needed proper signs, she told the Rotary Club. But, until last Thursday, locals weren’t technically allowed to modify the trails or their signage. Much of the land on Bowen Island is Crown land, including Mt. Gardner, and on this land, the province had to look after all trail modifications. On May 3, three local organizations — Bowen Island Trail Society (BITS), Bowen Trail Riders Association (BTRA) and Bowen
Island Horse Owners and Riders Association (BIHORA) — signed a partnership agreement with the province that allows them to work on the Bowen Crown lands. “There’s a lot of work that needs to be done and with three organizations coming together, that’s going to make it easier,” said BTRA president Kevan Bernards at the signing. He and representatives from the other groups gathered in the municipal council chambers to ratify the deal. “It is a really exciting day and it’s
been a long time coming,” said BITS president Alicia Hoppenrath. Tom Blackbird, the recreation officer for forests, lands and natural resources, was there representing the Crown. After congratulating the groups on having reached this milestone, he explained that this agreement would last for two years. This short committal period would allow for all parties to see if the agreement worked for them. After that it could be extended by five or 10 years. Story continued page 8
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