Bowen Island Undercurrent April 9 2020

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ANSWERING COVID QUESTIONS: town hall highlights PAGE 11

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THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2020

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VOL. 46, NO. 15

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COVID information and stories change hour by hour, keep checking our website for the latest

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Bowen’s ferry schedule so far unchanged

ANY FUTURE ROUTE CHANGES WILL BE IN CONSULTATION WITH FAC

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

ronment and the challenges faced by all sectors of the community, Council expressed it was necessary to reopen the budget in an effort to identify ways to reduce the projected tax increase for 2020,” says a staff report from chief financial officer Raj Hayre in the council agenda released Wed. afternoon.

After BC Ferries announced route closures, cancellations and temporary layoffs April 3 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bowen Islanders may be wondering what’s in store for route eight.

First off, no runs have been cut on the Bowen Island route to date.

For other details the Undercurrent talked with Bowen’s Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC) chair Melanie Mason.

Mason and other FAC chairs had a meeting with BC Ferries and a representative from the Ministry of Transportation just as Friday morning’s announcement was made.

“I think all the energy from BC Ferries and the province to date has been looking at putting in place the measures we saw [Friday],” said Mason. “Now I think they’ll start to look at the smaller routes on a case by case basis.”

“They are very mindful that with communities like ours, the ferry is our lifeline,” said Mason. She said that BC Ferries said that the FACs of these communities would be part of the conversation before any final decisions are made on these routes.

“They are aware that the ferries for small communities like ours transport to work essential workers ––the nurses, firefighters, police officers,” said Mason. “So they’ll be reaching out to the communities and to the health boards as well.”

Mason said that another consideration is ensuring there’s no negative effect on supply chains.

Mason also said that BC Ferries has stepped up communication––the FACs now get daily updates from the organization, a summary of what COVID-preventative steps that have been taken that day.

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PHOTO AND CAPTION: LEN GILDAY

BACK IN BUSINESS: The Bowen Island Recycling Depot reopened last week and Sean, Susan, and Bruce are advising

patrons of new limits and procedures aimed to protect staff and the public. Hours of operation are Thursday to Monday 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. A maximum of two vehicles will have access to the building at any one time, allowing for physical distancing. All recyclables must be clean and pre-sorted for efficiency. One person per vehicle can enter the building—children and pets must stay in the vehicle. Five minutes sorting time per vehicle. Maximum four containers per vehicle. No electronics and refundables can be accepted at this time.

Property taxes may only rise 4.7% BIM PROPOSES REDUCING THE PROPERTY TAX INCREASE FROM 7.6 TO 4.7 PER CENT

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

Given the COVID-19 financial landscape, Bowen Island Municipality is looking at reducing the 2020 tax

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increase from 7.6 per cent to 4.7 per cent.

The staff recommendation is coming before council at its April 14 regular council meeting.

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2 • THURSDAY APRIL 9. 2020

Event Calendar April 14, 2020 6:15 pm Regular Council Meeting

As Municipal Hall is closed to the public, we can only accept public comments in written submissions. www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/ council-meetings

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

Seeking Public Comment

Seeking Public Comment

Council will be considering the following application:

Council will be considering the following applications:

TUP-02-2019 (1034 Miller Road)

TUP-02-2020 & DVP-03-2020 (464 Melmore Road)

Regular Council meeting Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at 6:15 pm

Regular Council meeting Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at 6:15 pm

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A Temporary Use Permit application has been submitted for 1034 Miller Road (shown on map) to allow for office use.

The existing insurance offices on the premises have been onsite as a home occupation and are now seeking to continue onsite as a general services use.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Council is considering two permit applications to allow the Island Discovery Learning Community (IDLC) to operate out of a property at 464 Melmore Road (shown on map). These applications are for: A Temporary Use Permit application to permit • the school use as a principal use and assembly use as an accessory use; and • A Development Variance Permit application to reduce the required onsite parking from 32 to 6 spaces, subject to a traffic management plan.

Council consideration on these applications has been deferred until 6:15PM, Tuesday April 14th, 2020.

MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE:

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME: Written submissions on these applications may be delivered to Municipal Hall (contact information below): • By mail 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC, V0N 1G2 • By fax 604-947-0193 • By email to bim@bimbc.ca While Municipal staff are working on technological options for public comment, it will likely not be possible for in person comments to be made at the meeting. All comments should be submitted in writing no later than 3:30PM on Tuesday, April 14th, 2020. To ensure a fair process, submissions cannot be accepted once the meeting has ended.

Questions? Contact Jennifer Rae Pierce, Planner 1, by email at jpierce@bimbc.ca

MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE:

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning UPDATE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Municipal Hall is currently and will be closed to the public. The Council Meeting will take place virtually. The online meeting platform may change as municipal staff look into the best ways to keep Council meetings open and accessible to the public. Given the online setting, submissions will only be accepted in writing and must be made no later than 3:30PM on Tuesday April 14th, 2020.

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME: Written submissions on these applications may be delivered to Municipal Hall (contact information below): • By mail 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC, V0N 1G2 • By fax 604-947-0193 • By email to bim@bimbc.ca While Municipal staff are working on technological options for public comment, it will likely not be possible for in person comments to be made at the meeting. All comments should be submitted in writing no later than 3:30PM on Tuesday, April 14th, 2020. To ensure a fair process, submissions cannot be accepted once the meeting has ended.

Questions? Contact Daniel Martin, Manager of Planning and Development Services, by email at dmartin@bimbc.ca

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

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Bowen Island Municipality

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UPDATE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Municipal Hall is currently and will be closed to the public. The Council Meeting will take place virtually. The online meeting platform may change as municipal staff look into the best ways to keep Council meetings open and accessible to the public. Given the online setting, submissions will only be accepted in writing and must be made no later than 3:30PM on Tuesday April 14th, 2020.

Subscribe to our mailing list bowenislandmunicipality.ca/subscribe

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‘Stay home’Nancy Lee tells islanders after father’s death THE SNUG COVE GENERAL STORE MANAGER’S FATHER DIED AFTER CONTRACTING COVID-19

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

When Nancy Lee, manager of the Snug Cove General Store, asks you to stay home, she’s asking from a place of experience.

Her father died after testing positive for COVID-19.

Ming Ball Lee died at the Lynn Valley Care Centre March 14, just days after testing positive for COVID-19, said Nancy. He was two weeks short of his 90th birthday.

The Lynn Valley Care Centre has now been the location of at least 17 COVID-19-related deaths, including the first COVID-19 death in Canada on March 8.

Ming had lived at the care home for about six years, said Nancy, having moved there from Bowen Island.

While he lived on Bowen with Nancy and her husband, Ming was a familiar face along Miller and Scarborough roads.

“My dad, he was like clockwork,” said Nancy.

“Every morning, he would get up. He would get dressed. He would go to the bathroom. He would make one piece of whole wheat toast with maybe an eighth of a teaspoon of honey on it. He’d have like this teeny tiny little bowl of cornflakes with this little bit of milk.

“And between me going to work at nine o’clock and 12 o’clock, my dad would go for his walk,” said Nancy. “He was not a fast walker but he would go every day. He would go rain or shine.”

Ming would walk out to Hood Point, turn around, and walk back exactly the way he came––invariably walking with instead of against traffic in one direction.

“People would stop and the bus drivers were very kind and they would stop and talk to him for a little bit,” said Nancy.

“He had this quirkiness about him.”

STAY HOME

WASH YOUR HANDS

After Ming moved to the care home, Nancy would visit her father about every three weeks.

She’d bring him lunch and the two would spend an afternoon together. On March 7, she went to visit him like usual but was met with a sign at the door to her father’s floor that there was a case of COVID-19 and that they weren’t admitting visitors.

She received a phone call the following Tuesday that her father had a fever and on Wednesday that he’d tested positive for COVID19. “At that point in time, I was thinking, you know, what do I do, right?” Said Nancy.

“If I go to see my dad, I’m going to have to quarantine myself,” she said. “I wouldn’t be able to work.”

“But…I didn’t even get to make the choice

because he died at four o’clock in the morning Saturday.

“That’s what made it so real for me,” she said.

Nancy also said that in some ways, she’s lucky, if you can call it that. “I’m just glad that he went quickly and didn’t suffer because I would have been worried about him every day.

“There’s other people, their parents are in there still and it must be heart-wrenching to know that you can’t do anything.”

Nancy didn’t tell anyone other than some close friends of her father’s death for a few weeks and she says she doesn’t want people coming into the store to give their condolences.

“You know what? Stay home. That is what I need people to understand. They need to stay home.”

Drinking water advisory for people with compromised immune systems The Provincial Health Officer advises all British Columbians with compromised immune systems (such as HIV, organ or bone transplants, chemotherapy or medications that suppress the immune system) to avoid drinking water from any surface water or ground water that is under the influence of surface water, unless it has been boiled, filtered, distilled or treated with UV. Bowen Island and other areas in British Columbia use surface water sources (lakes, rivers, streams).

Grocery orders To order from Ruddy Potato: “Email orderdesk@ruddypotato.com, provide your shopping list (as much detail as possible please). Break your list down by category please, ie dairy, frozen, canned, fruit and veg, bread and baked goods, dry goods, meat, fish and frozen. Provide your contact info: phone number where we can reach you for sure, address and any special delivery instructions. Provide your payment info with the email leaving out the expiry date on the card. We will collect your order (fill as much as we can), and call you to finalize the order with your provided credit card info. Come on down and pick it up,” reads their website.

To order from General Store: Email scgs@telus.net and in the subject line put delivery and address, telephone number. In the subject line put “PICKUP,” “DELIVERY” or “COMPLETED,” telephone number, and best time for pick up. Have a detailed list in sections. An email will be sent to confirm order and the delivery day. If sent by noon pick-up is same-day except on Tuesdays and Sundays.

No deliveries on Tuesdays or Saturdays.

See more options and updates at bowenislandundercurrent.com

Reminder to maintain physical distance over the long weekend With the long weekend approaching and warm weather in the forecast, Bowen Island Municipality is reminding people who want to visit Bowen Island that now is not the time. We need you to stay home and avoid all non-essential travel.

It is imperative that friends and families celebrating holidays do so while maintaining physical distance, This is not a general boil-water advisory for the general public, which means staying home, as much as possible, but rather is directed only at people with compromised immune and not gathering with people from outside of your systems. If in doubt about your immune system status, please discuss this further with your physician. household. There are many virtual ways that we can connect and celebrate together, and we encourage you to use technologies to maintain that social connection - from a distance.

“I know the temptation to celebrate and visit with friends and family is strong at this time of year,” said Mayor Gary Ander, “but we have to remain committed to keeping our physical distance from each other.

This long weekend, and until we can flatten the curve, please stay home and avoid non-essential travel.”

We thank you for your understanding as we take unprecedented measures to protect our community at this very difficult time.

STAY 6 FEET APART

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

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Stop the spread of COVID-19

PHOTO COURTESY OF NANCY LEE

Nancy Lee with her father Ming Ball Lee. Ming Ball Lee died March 14 after testing positive from COVID-19

Thursday, April 9, 2020 • 3

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4 • Thursday, April 9, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

VIEWPOINT

EDITORIAL

We need some help

I want to start this column with a great big thank you to all our advertisers who have continued to run your ads. A second big call-out and thank youto the dozens of readers that have made a direct financial contribution over the past three days.

Every advertisement and donation, helps us not only from an operating cost perspective, but it also sends us a very direct message that what we do matters, everyday, and you are prepared to support our efforts. We remain 100% committed to keep our community updated at this critical time on all the regular community news, local initiatives to help our front line workers, seniors and other heroic acts of selflessness, and especially how the Covid19 pandemic is affecting us all locally and regionally.

Today we here at Bowen Island Undercurrent are facing unprecedented challenges, as you all are. We have taken drastic efforts to curtail our expenses and all of our staff have taken part in one way or the other.

Our operations have been heavily funded by the local and regional businesses that have been buying access to our audience for over 45 years. That model is terrifically challenged in today’s world. With nearly 50 per cent of all advertising, in Canada, now going to the duopoly of Facebook and Google. We, as an industry are challenged to keep the lights on and keep Canadian journalists employed and doing their jobs, telling the stories and providing the facts that you all rely on us for.

Community Newsmedia organizations like ours, truly are the conduit that binds us all together as a community.

Our news and content truly reflects the community that we call home.

We have now implemented an online donation mechanism on our website, bowenislandundercurrent.com, to make it easy for our supporters, readers and community members to support us with direct donations. Your contribution whether $5 a month or more significant will go to insure our ability to continue to serve our community, here on Bowen Island. Please consider the value that we add to your community and your own enjoyment of life here. We will continue to attend council meetings and tell compelling stories about your neighborhood and the incredible people that make our community so special.

It is time now for all of us to stop taking local news for granted, and step up today. I know I have, not only for the Undercurrent but for many other of my most appreciated and trusted Newsmedia outlets.

You will find a direct link to our donation page here: support.bowenislandundercurrent.com/account/support/signup If you prefer to drop a cheque in the mail or would like to discuss your contribution directly with me, please do. I’m at publisher@bowenislandundercurrent. com Finally, I want to finish by thanking you all for reading our stories in print and online, and creating that great value proposition for our advertisers. It is through our strong audience engagement that we create value for our advertisers and sponsors. However in today’s world we all need to do more to insure that news continues to be available, reliable and truthful. Please do your part.

––Peter Kvarnstrom Publisher, Bowen Island Undercurrent

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Letter to a stranger Dear man in the blue flannel shirt: Thank you for raising your eyes and seeing me. Our community is isolating and afraid of each other.I flee from post office to car, head down and watching my own feet.

I feel wrapped in cotton batting, unable to touch your shoulder, listening for a faint wheeze, suspicious.

But you looked me in the eye and smiled across the parking lot. Like a magic box of colours, your recognition, painted the shadows I had hidden in for weeks.

Peter’s said it all, but I’d like to throw my hat in to say, thank you Bowen, so much, for your kind support. Tracey and I have been overwhelmed by the kind notes from islanders concerned about this little paper. We’re still here and we’ll keep delivering the same news, the same stories until we can’t possibly continue (which is hopefully long, long in the future.) We don’t take your donations, ads, subscriptions and letters of support lightly and we’re throwing everything we’ve got into making sure this is the paper this community needs right now. Thank you. Bronwyn Beairsto, Editor

Your simple humanity is what I miss the most in this global lockdown.

If I were to die today would I regret losing the touch of my dear daughter or the sweet kiss from from my son?

What would weigh heavier? My safety or disconnection? My life is wrapped inextricably round the small screen of my phone, so I live with graphs and the hard rock of anxiety.

I want you to know I am strong. I will survive this shrinking world and come forth from the forge, a steel link in the human chain. We have seen

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 ISSN 7819-5040

––Jude Neale

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.

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.

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

turtles return to India to nest again.

Dolphins in Venice. Clear blue skies in LA. Is there any doubt we are just one part of the whole?

So hello stranger, one day soon, I’ll invite you to do the two step with me to celebrate the regeneration of our spirit. We will be reborn into this chastened world and our stories will be forever etched upon our bruised hearts.

Be safe. Take care.

National NewsMedia Council.

EDITOR BronwynBeairsto editor@bowenisland undercurrent.com

ADVERTISING Tracey Wait ads@bowenisland undercurrent.com

CARTOONIST Ron Woodall

PUBLISHER Peter Kvarnstrom publisher@bowenisland undercurrent.com

2011 CCNA

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2011

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.

bowenislandundercurrent.com

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Property tax increase too large for the financial reality of COVID-19

Editor’s note: council will consider reducing the property tax increase at its April 14 council meeting.

The following letter was sent to Bowen Island’s mayor and council and shared with the Undercurrent.

Dear Mayor and Council: It has come to my attention that there is a proposal under consideration to raise property taxes on Bowen Island by 7.6 per cent and continue with significant capital spending at the same time for the upcoming fiscal taxation year.

In this day and age , with so many people losing their employment as a result of COVID-19 and so with many small businesses potentially going bankrupt through lack of revenue I find this irresponsible and unwarranted.

Over 50 per cent of small businesses in BC report that their revenues have declined by 75 per cent this month over the same month last year, an unprecedented statistic.

As a comparison ,the city of Victoria has just announced a 3.35 per cent property tax increase for the coming year coupled with a complete cancellation of all their proposed capital spending .This is is a very responsible response , in the direction that most sensible people would feel comfortable with and likely Bowen Islanders could also accept this year if need be.

As an independent business person myself, who must also manage annual fiscal budgets , cash flow projections , capital spending programs coupled with corporate debt and an employer of many B.C. citizens,( some of whom are unfortunately on furlough ), I am extremely concerned

that the Bowen Island Municipal Council either doesn’t understand the economic situation that we find ourselves in, doesn’t have the necessary business experience on council to be able to make sound financial judgments for the long-term health of the community, or simply don’t care whether the increase is affordable or not by the citizens, or whether the increase causes a financial burden on the property owners that are forced to pay the additional property tax. This increase will also ultimately get passed along to Bowen Island renters so everyone on the Island (employed or not) will suffer needlessly. Once we’re managing COVID-19, the capital spending programs can easily be reinstated.

Also, there are a number of property owners on Bowen Island who are deferring their property taxes, but simply punting the problem down the road doesn’t solve the issue, and those citizens are eroding their equity in their homes at a faster pace than should be necessary.

I respectfully ask council to cancel the proposed capital spending budget for 2000 -2021 until we see a more normalized return of jobs and business revenues in addition to reducing spending on the operating side of the municipal budget to bring operating expenses closer to annual inflation of around a 3% maximum increase.

Thank you for serving on council , but please reconsider the uncertain times we find ourselves in , and be sympathetic to the majority of renters and property tax payers’ cash flow concerns on our beautiful island .

Ken Hallat

Something To Say

When I heard John Prine sing Souvenirs in the kitchen that day I cried on the chair Gulping great tears For he’d seen inside me Though I had nothing To say.

He could stroke the wrist Of the common man And turn his gaze to the heart Find the girl in the crowd At the diner alone, just after She’d fallen apart.

He could prod you to feel Her husbands blank stare Wasn’t directed at anyone there And he’d just given up And left her alone Not stroking her beautiful hair.

OP-ED

Dr. Bonnie Henry: No boundaries with COVID-19

Editor’s note: the following op-ed from provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry was sent out to B.C. news outlets April 5.

It addresses some longstanding questions among islanders so we chose to re-run it here.

When an outbreak hits a community, one of the most urgent things people want is information. This is human nature, as information allows us to protect ourselves, our families and our loved ones.

Information is at the heart of public health: knowing what our risks are, where they are coming from and who is affected.

One of the key ways we gather information is through active contact tracing, when public-health teams map the transmission, alert those at risk and close the circle to break the chain.

Public-health protocols also dictate that when the potential for transmission is unknown, we must immediately alert the public. From the very beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in B.C., we have been doing exactly that – alerting people to the risks within communities through regular briefings and connecting with individuals who are close contacts. When we cannot close the circle, we open the circle.

Public health is boots-on-the-ground health care, which means teams work to connect with each and every person who may be at risk of exposure to COVID-19. We do this to provide individual support and, equally important, to continue to follow the transmission trail.

Initially, public-health teams identified the source of transmission was from travellers. That is why our briefings listed travel locations and cruise ships. With that information known, we were able to put precautions in place.

However, as we have seen here in B.C.

and globally, once there is community transmission, there is no boundary to the spread of COVID-19. Simply put, the risk is everywhere.

It would be irresponsible to mention only a few communities and give people outside those areas a false sense that they are not susceptible or at lower risk. Every health region in British Columbia has people with COVID-19. Every community and home town – no matter how large or small – is at risk.

As we notify the public about COVID19 cases, we have been careful about how much we disclose about the personal details of people who were potentially exposed and the specific location of confirmed cases. This is because, as with many communicable diseases, there is still very much of a stigma associated with infection.

We want people who have symptoms to contact us and to feel safe contacting us, knowing their personal information will be protected. This is important to everyone. It allows public-health teams to do the work they need to do to keep all of us safe.

So, while I understand the desire to know and understand what the COVID-19 situation is in your community, I need to emphasize that knowing where the positive cases are does not protect you, your family or your community. The actions you take will do that.

No one is immune from this disease, but everyone can make a difference. Every British Columbian has a part to play to flatten the curve.

Wash your hands, do not touch your face, stay home if you are ill, and stay apart with physical distancing. Let’s all do the right thing.

Dr. Bonnie Henry is B.C.’s provincial health officer.

Crippen Park Swamp Lanterns

POETRY The following is a tribute to legendary American singer-songwriter John Prine who died of complications to do with COVID-19 on April 7.

Thursday, April 9, 2020 • 5

He’d say in that way that was his alone Things that weren’t found in the news He’d capture the sweetness of summer in the tune of his steelstringed Blues.

He could make you look deeply Into the eyes of the broken Who wait to be found In the night And there was no one to see And no one to care until John sang and switched on the light.

So let’s raise a glass to the wretched And one to the life we must lead For you plucked the heart strings Of the many, who sang along With your song and were freed.

–– Jude Neale

Congratulations Cormorant Marine on 42 years of service this week. Thank you to the entire Cormorant Marine crew for all your essential work.

it must be springtime in the bog the sun is warm upon my head my body stretches up and out of the cool shallow water around me sisters and brothers their yellow flames light up the forest seize the day from winter’s dark grip we are swamp lanterns heralds of the glory of spring we coax the robin come now it’s time build your nest sing your song we stir the hearts of winter weary islanders and their dogs as they stroll the paths of Crippen Park we are swamp lanterns let us delight your senses let us fill your nostrils with the pungent earthy scent of new life. we are swamp lanterns remember this we don’t take kindly to being called by that other name.

––Pauline Le Bel

Many people will remember seeing my dad Ming from his daily walks along Eaglecliff Road to Hood Point. Everyone could set their watch as they knew he would be walking and would need to avoid hitting him. I was told that he was safely facing traffic as he walked but I knew that really it was only fifty percent of the time. Unfortunately we were unable to celebrate his 90 birthday on March 28th as he passed away on March 14th after testing positive for COVID. The last time I saw my father, my husband and I had lunch with him at the Lynn Valley Care Center. He was happy when we left him as he was playing bingo. A very special thank you to Natasha who was so kind as they loved watching wrestling together and to all my friends who were so kind to him. In lieu of flowers please donate to our local food bank or the Union Gospel and STAY HOME.

Nancy Lee Snug Cove General Store

6 • Thursday, April 9, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Tips from a counselor for coping during a pandemic

‘DURING TIMES OF GREAT UNCERTAINTY IT IS IMPORTANT TO SLOW DOWN AND FOCUS INWARDS’ JULIE HUGHES

Contributor

The world has been forced to slow down and take heed over the last few weeks and months since this pandemic started. It’s a strange time to be alive.

In as much as we’re supposed to physically be at least two meters apart, there is a strong sense of connection as we navigate uncertain waters together.

For those of us who have experienced any type of trauma (which is most everyone in the Western World), these recent events can be very unsettling and even triggering from the level of the nervous system.

According to Harvard Medical School; “The sympathetic nervous system directs the body’s rapid involuntary response to dangerous or stressful situations. A flash flood of hormones boosts the body’s alertness and heart rate, sending extra blood to the muscles. Breathing quickens, delivering fresh oxygen to the brain, and an infusion of glucose is shot into the bloodstream for a quick energy boost. This response occurs so quickly that people often don’t realize it’s taken place.”

Another component of the nervous system is the parasympathetic response, which works to calm the body down after the stress response has been activated. These two systems work together to maintain the baseline and normal functioning of the body.

For many people who have experienced trauma, these natural rhythms can be greatly affected and the sympathetic

response can become “stuck” or can push beyond one’s limits and inhibit the ability to self-regulated (relax or self-soothe) causing an over-stimulated stress response where one can experience fear, anxiety, panic and restlessness on a daily basis. It can become bit of a viscous feedback loop.

Now throw in a global pandemic and a world population that has a lot of unprocessed trauma (from the level of the nervous system) and you get a recipe for the perfect storm.

If you are experiencing heightened fear, panic or worry and are feeling overwhelmed with the situation at hand, there are things that you can do.

For starters breathe. Science is telling us that the power of one extended breathe can have a direct calming effect on the stress hormones in the body. When we are in our sympathetic response (fear) we tend to take shallow, rapid breaths as a way for the body to conserve energy and remain “alert” to impending danger. This stress response can be greatly reduced by taking a few intentional “belly breaths” or by focusing on breathing from below the diaphragm area in an effort to slow everything down.

If that’s too difficult to do, then focus on extending your exhale. Take a normal breath and intentionally slow down the exhale. Do this a few times and notice the difference in your body. Some may feel slightly light headed while this increase in oxygen takes our bodies a few seconds to adjust, but notice what is happening in your chest area. Has your heart rate decreased?

Do you feel less constricted in the chest?

Has the anxious sensation or jittery feeling in your body reduced? To make this exercise more effective you can place one hand on your chest and one on your belly while you practice these slow, deep, intentional breaths. Connect to yourself, to your core and your heart and let the breath guide you to a place of deep calm and stillness.

During times of great uncertainty it is important to slow down and focus inwards.

If reading the news or going on social media is increasing your anxiety, take a break.

Challenge yourself to “unplug” for an hour at a time.

All is well, in this moment, you are safe.

We are all connected to one another and we all care deeply about the well-being of our loved ones, of strangers, of the planet and our fellow human beings.

We have survived much worse in our collective history before and we do have the resources and the resilience to get through this.

Julie Hughes is a Registered Professional Counselor with more than a decade of experience. This piece was originally posted at shift-counselling.com/, where you can also find Julie Hughes’ contact information.

Raf Izdebski of Bowen Life on Facebook and Instagram snapped this shot of a classic Bowen sunset.

Patient of the Week Grace was hospitalized for acute kidney failure of unknown cause.

While we don’t believe that this condition was related to any cleaning products, we would like to remind people to be extra cautious with household cleaning products that can be toxic to animals. Be sure to check labels and dilute products such as bleach while also keeping your pets off surfaces until dry.

Grace received some IV fluids during her stay and is doing well.

COVID HOURS:

Open - Tues, Thurs, Friday 9-5 and Saturdays 9-1 Closed - Wednesdays (except for food and prescription pick up) Closed - every other Saturday VISIT US

To schedule appointments, please call

604.947.9247

or email reception@bowenvet.com

MIDDLE SCHOOL

MATTERS

ISLAND PACIFIC SCHOOL

CELEBRATING YEARS

GRACE

islandpacific.org

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, April 9, 2020 • 7

Back when we were an island of 600 people ARCHIVIST CATHERINE BAYLY LOOKS AT THE QUIRKS AND COLUMNS OF BOWEN’S NEWSPAPER WHEN IT STARTED 45 YEARS AGO

CATHERINE BAYLY

Bowen Island Museum and Archives

The very first Undercurrent edition was published on March 28, 1975 for an island population of approximately six hundred people. Long before social media allowed for easy communication, editor Pat Weaver believed that Islanders deserved a community forum to announce Bowen events, interests, opinions and needs and the Undercurrent became the island’s main source of communication. Today, it is one of the most valuable resources in our community archives. Not only does it document island events but the letters to the editor clearly record island opinion. These early letters were often hilarious, sometimes obscure, periodically outlandish but mostly accurate and logical.

A look back at the first Undercurrent reveals community compassion, outrage, desires and needs, volunteerism, humour, politics and opinion. Ongoing columns included Season of Discontent, Sea New Political Voices, Sea What’s New, Seagull Graffiti, Sea For the People and many more.

The Johnathon Livingston Seagull Pendant award was initiated and given to the person who supplied the best or worst statement of the week. The first award went to the summer resident who asked, “What ever do you find to do on Bowen Island?”

Community events included Dad’s Day at Preschool, Bowen Island Improvement Association’s quarterly meeting, Bowen Island Recreation Commission Annual meeting.

An article in the “Sea Stimulus Response” column reveals strong feelings about dogs dog ownership and cows and pigs. “Do you deserve your dog? Does your dog deserve Bowen Island? Does your dog deserve dog nappers? Dog traps? Speeding cars? Did you move to Bowen for some freedom for your family pet? Think again… wasn’t town safer?… Under the Domestic Protection Animal Act what recourse does the resident have against cows destroying septic tanks? Against pigs tearing up gardens and flowerbeds? Aren’t they too your responsibility?”

And “They’re (the present owners of Union Steamships) not the ones who let dozens of cottages rot and decay in order that they could be torn down and removed from the tax rolls. Better to have them torn down and removed from the tax rolls then as, at present: to sit and rot further creating an eye sore, a fire hazard, a physical hazard for children, a welcome mat for vandals and overnight campers.

At least the old tradition was based upon the recycling of materials.”

Community compassion and support were found in birthday and get well wishes. Get well wishes in March 1975 went to Mr. J. Muirhead who was recuperating from a serious fall. Special birthday wishes “to one of Bowen’s most active, and loved, sixty-pluser Ellen Dorman. Who is the envy of us all after returning from Hawaii with a beautiful tan.” Birthday wishes went to “Alec Ross who has a birthday tomorrow and he’ll probably be sitting at Colins at the BIIA meeting, in which case maybe he’ll get a course of happy birthday to you, for he surely deserves it (not another birthday but a song).

What’s new? In March 1975 “Snug Cove General Store…. (same ole friendly faces but in a brand new store) Bowen Island Cablevision…. (Yep, just like across the water) Bowen Island taxi service call 947–XXXX for information Sea Input - Undercurrent: a current flowing beneath the surface; an underlying tendency, opinion……

Letters, coming events, information, opinions, swaps, poetry, stories, want ads, for sale…… Or what have you????

All submissions must bear authorship for publication and will be published as submitted, without editing.

Let’s keep the Undercurrent going for another forty-five years!

We will no doubt want to look back at how our community kept each other safe and protected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Great Bowen Bunny Search Contest Order before noon for same day order pick-up.

Email: scgs@telus.net

GROCERIES • FRESH MEAT • FRESH PRODUCE LIQUOR AGENCY Open 8 a.m - 8:30 p.m Opens at noon on Tuesdays 604-947-9619

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Visit the Bowen Island Community Recreation FB Page Identify the location of each photo Email your list to bicr@bimbc.ca and be entered to win the Grand Prize from Cocoa West!

Contest runs until midnight on Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Get hopping!

EMMETT SPARLING PHOTOGRAPHY

8 • Thursday, April 9, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

BOWEN BOOK REVIEW

The Kissing Fence from Bowen’s Brian Thomas-Peter NEW NOVEL DELVES INTO THE DOUKHOBOR EXPERIENCE IN THE ‘50S AND PRESENT DAY

JENNY PENBERTHY

Contributor

My neighbour in King Edward Bay, Brian Thomas-Peter, has written a deeply moving and engrossing historical novel, The Kissing Fence, published by Caitlin Press just last month.

The history that shapes The Kissing Fence is the Doukhobor experience in B.C., beginning in the 1950s and continuing to leave its mark on contemporary lives in Vancouver.

Brian recreates a pivotal moment in that history when the RCMP launches a raid on the resident Doukhobor community at Perry Siding in the Kootenays on Sept. 9, 1953.

Their crime was public nakedness, the tactic famously used by the Dukhobors to register their opposition to military service, to public schooling for their children, and many other pressures from the state. The Canadian government added public nudity to the criminal code in 1931 in reaction to a Doukhobor anti-conscription protest. The Doukhobors had fled religious persecution in Russia and come to Canada because they were promised by the government

Gerry Flanagan arrives: a cop with a conscience who is JACQUELINE MASSEY PHOTO appalled by the raid Author Brian Thomas-Peter. he is required to join. of the time the freedom to live In the commotion, he allows two according to their religious beliefs. children to escape to the forest.

In the course of the raid, the Throughout the novel, Flanagan is naked singing adults are brutal- the only humane official voice. His ly clubbed, arrested, and trans- instinctive resistance of the mindported to prison. Their children less oppression of the children is a are rounded up and taken to a relief from the inhumanity of his repurposed tuberculosis sanitori- counterparts. um in New Denver where they Nina, one of the children are schooled. The “kissing fence” Flanagan shields from a succesof the title is the chain-link fence sion of police round-ups, emerges through which Doukhobor par- as a key character. When finalents on rare visiting days could ly captured and sent to the New kiss their children.

Denver school, Nina is alienated Into this scene of violence, by her suspicious peers but she

wins their trust by her determined opposition to the school authorities. Her bravery is matched by Pawel’s, another child who emerges as a leader. Both characters have so much promise but their lives are disrupted by violence and divisiveness within and outside the Doukhobor community.

The historical sections of the novel are paralleled by scenes set in contemporary Vancouver.

William is a shifty character who runs a successful but marginally legal small business on the North Shore. His late-night cycle ride through Stanley Park to liaise with a shady business partner ends in an encounter with an owl and a trip to the ER. These parts of the

novel move at a brisk pace as William’s business ventures and personal morality spiral out of control. As the novel proceeds, the parallel sections gradually merge.

Small and not so small acts of resistance run through the novel – some of them life- and dignity-sustaining and some deeply destructive. The resistance always traces back to the rigid regulations and betrayals of local and federal governments.

Brian’s characters are amalgams of people he researched and heard about in his interviews with New Denver survivors. He says there is evidence to suggest that a small number of RCMP officers were sickened by their role in these events.

The Kissing Fence is a remarkably gripping novel. I was grateful to it for its moving depiction of a shameful and forgotten period in B.C. history and for its thriller-like pace that held my attention at a time when our unfolding daily news offers much to escape from.

See more information: caitlin-press.com/our-books/kissingfence-the/

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, April 9, 2020 • 9

CATES PHARMACY

B.C. Parks closes all provincial parks SEAN ECKFORD

Coast Reporter

k

BC Parks announced the immediate closure of all provincial parks April 8, just ahead of the Easter long weekend.

The BC Parks website entries for those parks now contain the notice of closure, specifying that it includes all associated y access such as trails and parking lots.

“This decision has been made to ensure the continued health and safety of BC Parks visitors, employees, park contractors, volunteers and partners, and to support efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” the notice says. g In a release announcing the move, BC Parks said, “While many people are observing the physical distancing requirements set by the provincial health officer, some continue to ignore the order, making enforcement in a wilderness setting challenging.”

The agency said the decision was “informed by continued feedback from RCMP, local government, First Nations, local search-and-rescue organizations and w the general public” and is also a response to federal and provincial directives that people should stay close to home to reduce COVID-19 transmission risk.”

“Because physical distancing works, it is critical that we take every action needed to restrict the spread of COVID-19,” said Environment Minister George Heyman. a “This applies to British Columbians and out-of-province visitors who were planning to visit or stay at our provincial parks. The t message is clear: stay home, avoid travel, do y not put yourself or others at risk,” Heyman said.

“We tried to provide safe space for people to get some exercise and fresh air in our beautiful parks. But it has proven too chal-

During this challenging time

SOPHIE WOODROOFFE PHOTO

Signs at Roberts Creek Provincial Park announcing its closure.

lenging to maintain safe distance between visitors. This action is difficult but necessary.”

The closure of provincial parks is the latest in a series of efforts to discourage non-essential travel. Local government leaders and Sunshine Coast Tourism have been telling visitors and people who own second properties on the Coast not to come, and BC Ferries has issued notices to passengers “to avoid non-essential travel at this time.”

In a joint statement following their April 7 briefing, Health Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry, the provincial health officer, said, “This long weekend, we need to stay home, to stay in our communities and to stay at a safe physical distance from others when outside. Avoiding unnecessary travel, particularly to smaller communities, where they may be unable to support you if you get sick and where they have fewer resources, is an important way we can protect ourselves and our loved ones.”

Henry has not, however, issued an outright order banning non-essential travel within the province.

Editor’s note: Crippen Park is a Metro Vancouver Regional Park and is open with exception of the picnic shelters in Bowfest field.

In addition to our usual

FULL PRESCRIPTION SERVICE

(including transfer of prescriptions from mainland pharmacies),

we are assisting, one customer at a time, with all of our usual FRONT STORE items.

To speed service, please consider phoning or emailing ahead.

Free Delivery is Available (thanks to Artisan Express)

We want to thank our customers and patients for their patience and support, and wish everyone the best possible outcome.

Cates Medicine Centre

Phone 604-947-0766 Fax 604-947-0736 cates@medicinecentre.com

Open Monday through Saturday 9:30 to 5:30

Saturday, April 11 and 18

Also hosted on the

COVID-19 TOWN HALL SATURDAY, APRIL 11 10:00 AM

SATURDAY, APRIL 18 10:00 AM

How is the municipality managing our COVID-19 response?

Keeping ourselves, our families and our children balanced in the time of COVID-19

Gary Ander Mayor, BIM Maureen Nicholson Councillor, BIM, Administrator of “Bowen Island Flatten the Curve” Facebook group Jennifer McGowan Emergency Program Coordinator, BIM

Dr. Gayle Goldstein Registered Psychologist Dr. Stephen Kiraly Psychiatrist Maureen Mackey Psychiatric Nurse

Zoom channel

Coping with anxiety and social isolation Calming and connecting exercises and Q&A with Dr. Carolyn Nesbitt, Psychologist Doug Elliott, Counsellor SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 19, & 26 7:00 PM Computer: bit.ly/CopingwithAnxiety Smartphone: Zoom Cloud Meeting app Telephone: 778-907-2071 Meeting ID: 611 564 414

A series of virtual Q&A forums on the BIHCF Zoom channel* • • •

Computer: https://bit.ly/BIHCF-TH Smartphone: Zoom Cloud Meeting app Meeting ID 635 941 026 Telephone: 778-907-2071 Meeting ID: 635 941 026 Email your questions in advance to townhall@bowenhealthcentre.com

PO Box 316, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G1

You’ll be able to ask questions during the town hall

Listen in, bring your questions, and help our community come together at a difficult time SATURDAY at 10 AM Please arrive 5 minutes early y *Please be sure you have downloaded Zoom (at zoom.us) or the Zoom app to access the call

info@bowenhealthcentre.com

www.bowenhealthcentre.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 22, & 29 8:30 AM Computer:

bit.ly/CopingwithAnxiety2

Smartphone: Zoom Cloud Meeting app Telephone: 778-907-2071 Meeting ID: 394 834 632

10 • Thursday, April 9, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

How to help the arts community during COVID-19

More generally JULIE MACLELLAN

Burnaby Now

If you’re an arts lover sitting at home wondering how to help, here are a few ideas: Make a donation This one’s an obvious one: For those who are financially positioned to do so, a donation to the arts group of your choice will be more welcome than ever.

Keep those tickets If you have tickets to a performance that’s been cancelled, why not hang onto them?

Rather than seeking your money back, you can check with the organization to ensure you can keep the tickets and use them for any future scheduled performances. Or, simply turn the cost of the tickets into a donation to the organization.

Buy gift certificates and subscriptions Although theatres have gone dark, it doesn’t mean you can’t buy tickets – for yourself, or as a gift. Many organizations (especially larger groups such as Arts Club Theatre Company and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra) offer subscription packages. You can buy now, and whenever shows are up and running again, you can enjoy the show.

Share the love Many arts groups and artists are still active on social media. Follow them, and interact with their posts. Amplify their voices by sharing their posts to your audiences on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Start discussions about theatre, about art, about music, about literature – keep favourite memories alive and share plans for the future.

Listen online

On Bowen

Love music? Search out a local performer’s YouTube channel and watch their videos.

Listen on Spotify. Better yet, buy an album.

Musicians will keep on making music – you can play your part as an audience member by encouraging them to do it. Then follow your favourites on social media and, as above, share the love.

View online Love visual arts? You don’t have to go to a gallery to find art. Search out artists online – and, if you can, buy a work of art.

Take part in fundraisers It’s early days yet, but as artists and arts groups organize to start fundraisers, it’s a great way to support the arts and enjoy some entertainment in the comfort of your own home.

We’ll continue to follow local fundraisers and will bring you details as we learn about them.

Play your part Help bring this whole COVID-19 pandemic to an end earlier rather than later by playing your part and observing all the now-familiar directives. Stay home. Go out for essentials only. When you must go out, be sure to preserve social distance by leaving at least two metres of space between you and other people. Wash your hands often and avoid touching your face. If you have any symptoms, stay home.

The sooner we can help to “bend the curve,” the sooner we’ll all be back to enjoying our local arts scene again.

This story has been edited from its original version, published at Burnabynow.com on March 31.

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor

Artists are part of Bowen’s lifeblood.

Here are just some tips from a couple of local galleries on helping fellow islanders.

Anne Boa of Arts Pacific Gallery encourages islanders to keep buying art. She sent along this list of their members still going strong from home studios and whose work you can see online. Artists include Micheline Meszaros (@michelineartwork on Instagram), Julie Rogers (EvenStarCreations on Facebook), Lisa Arthur (@lisagardnerart on Instagram, Anne Boa (@anneboa1 on Instagram), Jani Carroll (JaniCarroll on Facebook), Nicholas Jennings (NickJens on Facebook) and Peter McLean, Carol McNaughton, Becca Fairbairn, Jane Dunfield, Jeanne Sarich and Muriel Curtis through www. artspacificgallery.com.

Outgoing Hearth (Bowen Island Arts Council) executive director Jacqueline Massey noted in an email to the Undercurrent that a number of local artists and performers are sharing videos on Facebook and some are offering lessons.

“This is a great way to support artists, who like so many others, are being financially hard-hit by the need for isolation and cancellation of activities,” said Massey.

Massey noted that sites where artists can “perform” and possibly receive remuneration include weshowup.io and Arts BC and BC Museums Association’s soon-to-be-launched Cultureonline.ca (they’re inviting artists who would like to share content at this members.museum-

sassn.bc.ca/publicFr/form/index/b09fc0c46ea3655d41e54fe2389e8d14df3bd3e7).

“These unprecedented times serve as a reminder of how critical the arts and culture are to the health and vitality of our community,” read The Hearth’s recent call for entries for 2021 exhibitions. “The Hearth is moving forward with plans and continuing with ‘business as Unusual.’ We continue to support and foster the arts as we adapt to new technologies and ways of being.”

“The Hearth is exploring options to create online programming, supporting artists and facilitators, while at the same time ensuring that creative outlets are available for all of us social distancing during these difficult days,” said Massey.

“Stay tuned for details.”

For artists themselves, the Hearth’s program director Kathleen Ainscough said that Canadian Artist Resources (CARFAC) has many resources and has started weekly Thursday morning get-togethers over the video conferencing platform Zoom.

“We will be hosting weekly get-togethers using Zoom to provide a space for artists to connect, share what we have been working on, and talk through how we are managing our creative work and mental health during this time,” reads its latest newsletter (see the newsletter in full at shorturl.at/exPW4).

What creative ways are you seeing artists contribute to our COVID-19 society? Let us know: email editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com.

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, April 9, 2020 • 11

Answering Bowen’s COVID-19 questions: highlights of BIHCF’s first town hall BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

certainly can warrant at least a virtual call,” said Schloegl.

Despite a last-minute Zoom password change, more than 150 people tuned into the Bowen Island Health Centre Foundation’s COVID-19 town hall Saturday morning.

The first in a series of three Q&As about coping with the virus saw six panelists: Dr. Susanne Schloegl, Bowen’s primary care physician; Dr. Lloyd Purdy, a physician at a community health centre in Vancouver; registered psychologist Dr. Gayle Goldstein; registered physiotherapist Sandy Logan; Rod Marsh, chair of the Community Economic Development Committee (CEDC) and Colleen O’Neil program director of the Caring Circle. Foundation board member Steve Mitchell moderated the event.

The following are highlights from the hour-long discussion.

Reach out if experiencing increased anxiety or depression symptoms

Editor

Physicians move to virtual visits

When asked how her Artisan Square practice looks different nowadays, Schloegl said that she’s mostly doing virtual visits. “There’s very few situations where I’ve had to see people in person and I have done house calls on people who are housebound who needed to be seen but most things that need to be dealt with are being dealt with virtually.”

Schloegl said that people need to call ahead. “We need to be aware of who’s coming in and whether that’s appropriate and what kind of protection we need to have for them and for us.”

Among the things that don’t need to be done right now are routine screenings like pap smears and routine follow-ups like baby visits (but immunizations are still important.) Other things can be done virtually: medication renewals and test result follow-ups.

Chronic, unchanged issues can probably wait but “anything that’s acute and new and undiagnosed,

Goldstein encouraged people experiencing an increase in anxiety or depression symptoms to talk to their physician. “Under the current pandemic, I’m seeing a lot of people that have that have underlying mental health challenges having an increase in their symptoms or what we might call relapse,” said Goldstein. “Some of it is very just normal given this current situation, but it is an underlying factor that can make things worse.”

“It’s important for people to access help,” she said.

Dealing with dread

Mitchell asked how people can keep from being overwhelmed by feelings of dread.

Goldstein indicated that people should look to what they have control over. “What you do have control over is your daily routine.

You do have control over reaching out to other people, you do have control over modulating your sleep hygiene. You have control over what you eat,” she said.

“We need to keep reminding ourselves, as odd as it might seem, what has stayed the same,” she said. “And the more you can keep to similar rituals, the more grounded you will feel.”

“I think it is critical that everybody gets fresh air and moves,” said Goldstein. “All the time people are spending on the internet and the computer, our brain is getting overexposed to blue light, it’s getting overexposed to catastrophic information.

“We need to balance that off with positive messages,” said Goldstein. “That includes not just to other people, but also inside of our own head.”

Goldstein said that a very common anxiety-producing statement these days is “why am I not being

productive?”

“It’s very important to understand that the brain gets frozen with anxiety and so we need to create a frontal cortex that happens outside of us,” said Goldstein.

“Sometimes that means getting external triggers, setting little timers, 20 minutes of cleaning the kitchen, 20 minutes to start a paint job.

“It’s very important to prompt ourselves because initiation taking is the thing that’s impaired by anxiety and worry and dread.”

Concerns and optimism among businesses

Marsh and the CEDC have been holding Wednesday morning Zoom meetings with local businesses. “We’re hearing concerns but also optimism,” said Marsh.

He said businesses are adapting to the pandemic, albeit in some cases at a slower case. Marsh also said later in the meeting that if it’s possible and safe to continue contracts and work with local businesses, the optimism and financial support are much-needed.

Fear keeping people from reaching out to physicians

Purdy noted that fear is keeping people from reaching out for help from their physicians. “In a sense, it may even be easier to see a doctor now than it was before,” said Purdy. “If you’re concerned about your health, if you’re concerned about curbing symptoms, and you don’t know what to do, and get in touch with [your physician], they’ll be really happy to speak to you.”

Lots of offers of help

O’Neil said that while the Caring Circle’s doors are closed, she’s working from home. She’s lately not hearing so much with people requiring services but rather people wanting to help. “So that’s kind of sweet and nice.”

She noted local resources for staying connected while regular social events are cancelled ––

Schedule in Effect: April 1, 2020 to May 13, 2020 CHECK FOR SERVICE NOTICES

Leave Snug Cove

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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

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Crossing Time: 20 minutes Distance: 3 nautical miles Note: This is a non-reservable route *

the Flatten the Curve Facebook group, the NERP program, Chris Corrigan’s list of people who will talk to you, the virtual coffee shop and online exercise classes with local gyms and studios.

“I’m also working with the professional counselors on Bowen to see if we can figure out a way that they might offer their professional services maybe at a reduced rate or maybe a shorter appointment time, which might be less expensive for people,” said O’Neil.

Not currently testing the general population

When asked if people should or can report if they believe they’ve had COVID-19 and recovered, Purdy said that public health isn’t collecting that data at the moment.

“They really have shifted their strategy quite significantly in the last two weeks,” said Purdy. “From a strategy of testing to contain, where you identify any particular case, and then you contain that case and track down all of their contacts and contain all of their contacts…to mitigation strategy of just telling anybody with symptoms to isolate themselves, and putting all their resources and energy into the most vulnerable in society.”

“There’s lots and lots of work going on for long term-care facilities and there’s teams that are in the Downtown Eastside and we’re tracking down any clusters or outbreaks amongst the most vulnerable homeless population or those living in really less than satisfactory situations that can’t self-isolate.”

When asked who they can reach out to if they live on Bowen and don’t have a family doctor, Schloegl said anyone can call and talk to her office and they can arrange a virtual appointment, not just her patients.

While Schloegl’s office had been the site of on-island testing, they’re no longer testing the general public.

Purdy clarified that there are exceptions when it comes to people likely to be hospitalized or go to hospital: people with severe illnesses, pregnant women in their third trimester, those on hemodialysis and those with frequent contact with the hospital.

“If you get mild symptoms, they want to know,” said Purdy. “It’s not just to know for your case, but because of the fact your coming into the hospital, they need to protect the vulnerable patients in hospital.”

Schloegl said that while, in these cases, there is testing available through her office, it is slower than on the mainland. “I suppose somebody who is mobile and able to can present to one of the urgent primary care centers to have testing done there where the results would be available more quickly,” she said.

No data for Bowen COVID cases

When asked how many COVID cases there’s been on Bowen, Schloegl said that she doesn’t have the public health data for that.

“I don’t know that we have those numbers since we’re not testing the general public,” she said.

“Unless somebody has been hospitalized.”

“The best plan is to assume that anybody could be contagious and act accordingly.”

Coming up:

April 11 at 10 a.m. “How is the municipality managing our Covid19 response?”. Panelists Mayor Gary Ander, Councillor Maureen Nicholson, and BIM Emergency Program Coordinator Jennifer McGowan. People can join the call by going to bit.ly/BIHCF-TH Questions should be emailed to townhall@bowenhealthcentre. com.

April 18: “Keeping ourselves (and our families) balanced in the time of Covid” with psychologist Dr. Gayle Goldstein, psychiatric nurse Maureen Mackey and psychiatrist Dr. Stephen Kiraly.

Places of Worship Welcome You BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH Now offering a youtube channel of reflections and hymn/songs with Reverend Lorraine Ashdown and Lynn Williams. youtubewatch?v=tejV7Y6jo

FOOD BANK DROP-OFF

exCepT SuN aND apr 10 < exCepT WeD are (DC) > exCepT SaT † DC WeDNeSDay SailiNgS Will be replaCeD by DaNgerouS Cargo

ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 0 Masses are live streamed every day.

Times posted at holyrosarycathedral.org

Administration Office: 604-682-6774

CATES HILL CHAPEL

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

No oTher paSSeNgerS

Now offering worship services via Zoom.

A link available on website.

permiTTeD.

Pastor: Phil Adkins

SailiNgS.

12 • Thursday, April 9, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

ISLAND NEWS $155,000 cut from budget

CONTINUED FROM P. 1

“Council expressed that the contemplated increase is excessive in the current economic downturn, with businesses closed and some people losing their jobs.”

The new five-year financial plan (the budget) sees a total reduction of $155,000 from the previous plan. These changes are seen in removing the $50,000 for council strategic initiatives, eliminating two vacant positions ($50,000) and eliminating the CPI wage adjustment for staff and council ($55,000) says Hayre’s report.

The average Bowen property, assessed at just under $1.1 million, will see a $111 tax increase over the previous year said Hayre’s report.

Council passed first, second and third readings of the previous version of the budget (the one that proposed a 7.6 per cent property tax increase) at its March 23 council meeting in a six to one vote.

Fewer ferry seats to clean

CONTINUED FROM P. 1

Items that have been in the daily updates include why sections of seats on the ferry are now cordoned off.

“We don’t have as many passengers in the passenger lounges and so what they were trying to do was decrease the amount of area that their staff had to be constantly cleaning,” said Mason.

Other measures BC Ferries has taken include increased cleaning, recommending passengers stay in their vehicles, closure of overhead walkways, closure of food services, requiring electronic payment and putting in measures to separate employees from customers during necessary interactions (like at ticket booths).

on Bowen Island

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NERP still seeking volunteers March RCMP

In light of the continuing coronavirus pandemic, the Undercurrent asked Neighbourhood Emergency Response Program coordinator Edward Wachtman for an update.

“I am heartened by the way Bowen Islanders pull together in time like these,” said Wachtman over email.

“NERP volunteers continue to reach out to their neighborhoods to identify their neighbours who may need assistance during this health emergency. This includes the elderly, people living alone, people with limited transportation options, etc.” wrote Wachtman. “Establishing contact with as many islanders as possible is a priority.”

NERP’s are working with ad hoc neighbourhood groups in some neighbourhoods to make sure everyone who needs assistance is receiving it, said Wachtman.

“A number of islanders have come forward offering help and assistance, but who don’t want the fully responsibility of being a NERP volunteer,” said Wachtman. “We are compiling a list of this ‘auxiliary’ and are exploring a number of ways that they can be of service to the community.”

NERP is always looking for volunteers––ideally twice as many as they have now––as well as islanders who wish to be part of the ‘auxiliary.’ The Cates Hill neighbourhood and Southern Bowen, the Fairweather and golf course areas, especially need more volunteers.

Anyone wishing to volunteer, join the auxiliary or who may know of someone requiring assistance should contact Edward Wachtman at edward@bimbc.ca or at 604-377-9048.

Reminding visitors to stay away BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor

With the forecast calling for sunny skies and warm days for the Easter long weekend, Bowen Island Municipality issued a reminder Tuesday afternoon for visitors to stay away.

“I know the temptation to celebrate and visit with friends and family is strong at this time of year,” said Mayor Gary Ander in the press release, “but we have to remain committed to keeping our physical distance from each other. This long weekend and until we can flatten the curve, please stay home and avoid non-essential travel.”

“We thank you for your understanding as we take unprecedented measures to protect our community at this very difficult time,” said the press release.

BIM first issued its plea for visitors to stay away March 20.

BC Ferries has since asked customers to avoid non-essential travel, however, it still hasn’t been instructed by federal or provincial authorities

to confirm if customers are essential or resident travellers said Darin Guenette of BC Ferries in an email Tuesday.

As of noon April 6, ferry customers on longer crossings are asking Transport Canada-mandated questions to determine if they may be infected with COVID-19. As the Queen of Capilano’s crossing is shorter than 30 minutes, customers buying tickets for Bowen are not asked screening questions.

BIM joins a chorus of other small towns and tourist destinations asking visitors to stay away.

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) in conjunction with the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW ), District of Squamish, Village of Pemberton and District of Lillooet released a plea Tuesday for people to stay away. The area is seeing mid-summer levels of visitation, including an increasing number of campers on the beach and a lack of social distancing, said the press release from the SLRD. ––with files from the Pique

How’s physical distancing going?

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor

As of April 6, Bowen Island Municipality has had four official calls concerning people not physical distancing said BIM’s interim manager of bylaw services Bonny Brokenshire in an email.

On March 26, the province enabled bylaw officers to support enforcement of the provincial health officer’s orders, including physical distancing (keeping two metres between people when outside the home).

Mayor Gary Ander mentioned in his April 3 video address that BIM had been receiving and following up on reports of people gathering outside and not respecting physical distanc-

ing.

“With regards to [physical] distancing, we are encouraged with the low number of calls Bylaw Services has received and subsequently responded to over the past few weeks,” said Brokenshire.

“Bylaw Services Officers follow-up on calls of concern related to public health including social distancing issues. As mandated by the Province, Bylaw Services’ role is to gain compliance with public health orders through awareness and education,” said Brokenshire.

Brokenshire also said that BIM is helping with lineups at the General Store on delivery days and at with ensuring physical distancing at the post office.

statistics CPL. ADAM KOEHLE

Bowen RCMP

The Bowen Island RCMP responded to 47 calls for service in March of 2020: • 1 of those files was an impaired operation of a vessel investigation; • 10 of those files were traffic related incidents; • 2 of those files were fraud reports; • 6 of those files were reports of threats directed towards people or property; • 3 of those file were landlord/ tenant issues.

The Bowen Island RCMP would like to acknowledge all the local businesses that have provided assistance and service during this very trying time. The Copper Spirit Distillery, the Snug Cove General Store, the Ruddy Potato, the Bowen Island Pub, Cates Pharmacy, Canada Post, Artisan Express Courier and innumerable others have taken it upon themselves to find creative ways to provide services to the community. Those services have been invaluable, and have allowed people to stay safe and properly isolate.

Fire dept. core service review

BIM press release April 8: Bowen Island Municipal Council will receive the Fire Department Core Service Review at its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2020.

Consultants Dave Mitchell & Associates will present the report to Council at the meeting taking place on Zoom, an online video conference platform. Members of the public are welcome to watch the meeting and speak during the Public Comments section of the agenda.

Dave Mitchell & Associates, professional independent consultants specializing in fire department service reviews, was appointed by Council to undertake a review of the Bowen Island Fire Department in October of last year. The purpose of the review, carried out in phases with the cooperation of the volunteer firefighters and Bowen Island Municipality, is to: Assess the capabilities of the department. Confirm the level of service circumstances. Determine the apparatus and equipment requirements. Determine training requirements, cost and duration of training. Evaluate fulfilment of Provincial training regulations. Assess compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act of BC and its accompanying regulations. Review current compensation methods. Review the BC Fire Commissioner’s Inspection and Audit Checklists. Review the recommendations provided by the Fire Underwriter Survey (FUS).

Bowen Island Municipality would like to thank the firefighters for their cooperation and participation in the core services review.

bowenislandundercurrent.com

ANIMAL BEAT

Thursday, April 9, 2020 • 13

An epic battle

Residents on the south shore of Bowen Island and a few nearby fishing boats were treated to a rare show Tuesday evening. Haig Farris sent in these photos of a two-hour battle between a large sea lion and a pod of 10 or so orcas.

“It was terrifying, sad, exciting, tragic and powerful!” wrote Farris. “On occasion a large orca would throw the sea lion, like a wet rag, right out of the water.

Mostly the orcas swam into the sea lion at high speed. Other times smaller orcas including very young ones just swam along side the injured sea lion.

“After two hours of repeated pummelling, the sea lion slipped beneath the waves off our house never to be seen again: Nature in the raw!

“You wouldn’t want a pet orca!”

f d

f r

d e g e y s n e s

Lambing season

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROSIE MONTGOMERY OF HOME FARM GARDENS

e

The world may be in turmoil but life keeps going on a farm. Home Farm Gardens on Bowen has had added some extremely cute arrivals to its flock.

Thirteen new lambs had arrived as of last Friday.

Rosie Montgomery of Home Farm Gardens says that there are two sets of triplets and two sets of twins and three singles.

g

f The biggest lamb so far has been Goliath (right) at 15 lb. and his brother David (left) weighed in at 11 lb.

The ewe Beauty birthed the first lamb of the season, Jamie, at 14 lb.

Rosie Montgomery of Home Farm Garden holding one of the triplets.

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14 • THURSDAY APRIL 9. 2020

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For routine lab tests. Specialized tests & children may be referred to the mainland.

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, April 9, 2020 • 15

Easter surprise!

Catching Stars Gallery has decided to start giving back to the community starting with ‘surprise’ Easter gift bags for the entire team at the General Store,” said Catching Stars co-owner Marie Neys in an email. “We are donating gifts including such as Howe Sound Soaps to keep their hands clean and moisturized, bath fizz/salts to ease their aching bodies and coasters to hold their glass of wine to celebrate all of their efforts.”

“We hope to select different groups and courageous folks who keep our community going each week or so! It’s our way of supporting our community and giving back! “ PHOTO COURTESY OF MARIE NEYS

Catching Stars co-owner Marie Neys and Snug Cove General Store manager Nancy Lee.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARIE NEYS

Catching Stars co-owner Thiago Ramirez delivers gifts to the Gen. Store.

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16 • THURSDAY APRIL 9. 2020

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Even when we’re apart, we stand together.

While physical distancing is the right thing to do to defeat the COVID-19 virus, coming together to support one another is the most important thing we can do to keep our country strong. In these uncertain times, we need each other more than ever before.

That’s why we’ve created the RBC Client Relief Program. You’ve had many questions and will have many more as events evolve. We want you to know we are listening, and we’ll provide the support you need, especially if you are in challenging circumstances.

First, let me share what we’re doing to relieve some of the day-to-day pressure on your personal finances by: •

Deferring payments on mortgages, credit cards, installment loans and auto loans for up to six months;

•

Providing access to skipped payments through self-service online banking;

•

Ensuring credit scores are not impacted by deferred payments, and;

•

Waiving certain fees, like stop payment fees and ATM statement fees.

Second, we know many of our clients are facing additional pressure from lost employment, a major disruption in their business or unique family circumstances. Our employees are here to connect with you directly to create a personal plan to relieve the pressure you are facing. This may include reducing credit card interest charges by 50% for clients receiving credit card minimum payment deferrals. If you are experiencing more extreme financial hardship, please book a call with an advisor through our online appointment booking service.

Third, for our commercial and small business clients – key engines of the Canadian economy – you can count on RBC to provide immediate relief by enabling payment deferral and temporary limit increases where needed. We are also temporarily waiving setup fees for business client enrollment in electronic cash management and remote cheque processing solutions. We are working closely with government to implement their new programs for business, and our advisors are here to help you.

RBC has been serving Canadians for more than 150 years and we’ve seen a lot during that time.

The challenges may differ, but the resolve of our employees never wavers. I want to thank all our employees for their compassion and extraordinary dedication during this time.

The situation today is very fluid, and as events evolve so will our approach.

We stand together with you.

Sincerely,

Neil McLaughlin Group Head Personal & Commercial Banking RBC

For information on the RBC Client Relief Program, go to rbc.com/covid19 or book a call with an advisor at rbc.com/appointment.