Bowen Island Undercurrent April 23 2020

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PEANUT DIES: the BIRD pup who knew all about distancing

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Thursday, April 23, 2020 • 1 inc.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020

KEEP UP TO DATE

VOL. 46, NO. 17

BIUndercurrent

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

BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

TransLink cuts Bowen buses TRANSLINK IS LOSING $75 MILLION A MONTH DUE TO COVID-19

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

LEN GILDAY PHOTO

IN FULL BLOOM: While we’re are isolating, the trees of Bowen Island are putting on quite a show. Len Gilday recently

sent in this shot of Summer and her mother under Scarborough cherry blossoms.

Come mid May, for the first time in 20 years, Bowen Island won’t have a bus service.

TransLink announced Monday that it expects to suspend service on several routes in early May, including all three of Bowen’s routes (Bluewater, Eaglecliff and Mt. Gardner), as a cost-saving measure. TransLink’s remaining routes (including the 250 and 257 buses) are expected to see reduced frequency said a press release.

TransLink’s ridership is down 83 per cent and it is losing $75 million a month said the press release. The company announced it is also temporarily laying off 1,492 employees.

According to TransLink, it is prioritizing routes that service hospitals and other health facilities. Routes being suspended are those that either duplicate other routes or are in areas with low ridership.

TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond said Monday the transit organization has done its best to cut costs through other means but has run out of options.

When it comes to Bowen Island: Richard Goth, lead hand for the Bowen Island buses, which are run through First Transit, said that they have seen ridership go down in recent weeks and he’s seen many former passengers getting dropped off in the Cove instead.

But Goth still sees the buses as an essential service.

“It is an important thing,” said Goth. “There’s a lot of people generally that do need to have this.

“We do move tradesmen around, we do move people with disabilities and such.”

“This is not a wheelchair friendly community,” said Goth. “We don’t have sidewalks really, except for some in the Cove and generally it’s a difficult place for people [with mobility restrictions].

“I’m very much encouraging people to express their opinions to the municipality and to TransLink,” said Goth.

CONTINUED ON P. 6

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10 • Thursday, April 23, 2020

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MENTAL HEALTH TIPS

Going from the fear zone to the growth zone

Rather than coming from fear, we have a choice to come from love, learning and growth – what does this mean in a practical sense?

DR. CAROLYN NESBITT

Contributor

Until January of this year, most people in my Bowen circles had never heard of Wuhan. For me, it’s different. I’ve been in Wuhan four times a year for the past five years teaching psychologists, counsellours, social workers and psychiatrists how to do advanced trauma therapy with their clients.

Last week, I hosted a Zoom call with more than 3000 Chinese participants. What I am witnessing is that the first phase of COVID19 brings with it a wave of high anxiety. As a country, we are still in this first phase right now. The second phase is identified by a trauma response— some individuals on Bowen are in this phase now, being triggered by past losses and traumatic events. The third

phase, I predict, will spiral into However, it is possible to stop an outpouring of loss, mourning anger midstream. We do it all the and grief. time. Imagine you are upset and We have a few members of our speaking in angry tones with a community who are in this phase family member. The phone rings. already, as they have In a sweet engaging experienced personal voice, you answer. loss early on.

“Hello? Oh, so nice “The average Statistically, we to hear from you!” know that 80 to 85 person is far more Then moments after per cent of us will go hanging up, you likely to suffer through COVID-19 return to your rant. with only mild sympIn the middle of from anxiety than toms. What is more anger or fear, we can impactful is living in COVID-19 itself.” step into the learna state of high anxing zone. Here I rec–Carolyn Nesbitt iety, which impacts ognize that we are all our health and our trying to do our best, immune systems. The including myself. average person is far I see the difference more likely to suffer from anxiety between what I can and cannot than COVID-19 itself. control. I focus on taking responThere is another way. sibility for my own emotions, my Rather than coming from fear, thoughts, words and behaviours. we have a choice to come from I stop consuming compulsivelove, learning and growth. On ly, everything from food to news. the surface, that sounds like psy- I stop forwarding every email cho-babble. What does this mean on protection from COVID-19, in a practical sense? because at this point, that actuIf I am living in the fear zone, it ally keeps fear levels high. So the may not show up as fear. Instead, learning zone is about personal my fight/flight response may responsibility. come out as easy anger. My temIn the growth zone, I actively per might be short, my respons- practice patience for others and es curt. I might blame it on the myself. And I tell people, “I really government, the inconsiderate appreciate you for…” I look for jerk in line at the grocery store, ways to be kind to others, to rejoice BC Ferries. Rude retorts abound in the beauty of this island, to have on Facebook’s Bowen Island gratitude for the life we are creatEverything Else. ing together. If I believe someone

I love is at risk, or I believe that I am, then it’s about fixing the relationships I have. What do I need to apologize for? What do I need to let go of? What am I grateful for? and can I tell them?

It’s not about dismissing other people’s pain, or your own. It is about dwelling more on the co-creation of a life connected to ourselves, each other and the planet.

We have essentially flattened the curve and delayed phase two.

Our best preparation now is to be

gentle with ourselves and each other.

Dr. Carolyn Nesbitt and Doug Elliott, RCC, are co-hosting a Zoom call at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday for help with Anxiety and Coping.

Type into your search bar: bit. ly/CopingwithAnxiety2 Dr. Carolyn Nesbitt is a registered clinical psychologist who has worked at BC Children’s Hospital, Riverview Psychiatric Hospital, and the Simon Fraser University Clinic as well as in her private practice for more than two decades.

RAF IZDEBSKI, BOWEN LIFE PHOTO

A cool day in the bay from Raf Izdebski of Bowen Life on Facebook and Instagram.

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Thursday, April 23, 2020 • 11

FROM SQUAMISH

Squamish blaze reclassified as‘under control’

Your Donation is Doubled – in the 40 for 80 Campaign!

STEVEN CHUA

A fundraising challenge to help rebuild and strengthen our community

Squamish Chief

With favourable weather conditions and ongoing efforts from crews, the District of Squamish has cancelled its state of local emergency in relation to the Upper Squamish Valley fire.

As of April 22, the blaze has been reclassified as “under control,” meaning that, barring any freak weather changes, authorities believe the fire will not spread.

“They are very confident it’s not going anywhere,” said Marg Drysdale, an information officer with the BC Wildfire Service.

Prior to District of Squamish cancelling its state of local emergency, the SquamishLillooet Regional District had rescinded its evacuation order for the area days ago.

However, the SLRD has not lifted an evacuation alert for the Squamish Valley Road, from the Pilchuck Bridge to the northern end of Squamish Valley Road, both sides,

and including all side roads in this area.

Drysdale, said that today, at most, the fire would reach a Rank 1, which describes smokey ground with no flames.

She said 35 firefighters would be working the fire today, even though there is some rain expected. It’s expected to be cloudy and rainy this week, with drier weather arriving on the weekend.

Crews will continue with mop-up work, which involves locating hot spots identified in thermal scans and snuffing them out.

However, due to the rain, they may be pulled away from sloping terrain, which becomes dangerous when wet.

Drysdale added that BC Hydro crews have mostly finished up their work on infrastructure in the area.

Tuesday, a checkpoint set up to keep non-residents out of the area was also lifted.

Regardless, Drysdale said it would still be best for people to avoid going to the valley unless essential, as crews are still working.

FICTION CORNER Editor’s note: the following the second in a series of segments from Island Pacific School student Hannah Florendo’s short story continuation of Peter Pan.

Gwennie goes to Neverland HANNAH FLORENDO

Contributor

Some time later, Gwennie and Peter were sitting on the edge of Gwennie’s bed and talking about their lives. Gwennie had heard all about Neverland from her parents but was astonished to hear about it from a person who had lived there.

“—and they have pirates and mermaids and elves and fairies.” said Peter excitedly. “There’s also me and my gang of boys who roam the island and hunt stuff. We live in and under the Wild Willow tree, and hunt and fish and gather berries and nuts. Once, Nibs caught a fish twice as big as he was! It made such a feast we had food for days!”

James stirred in his sleep, and Peter, unaware prattled on.

“I’ll take you there, if you like.” he said.

“To see the mermaids, elves and pirates and have great adventures.”

James sat bolt upright.

“Nobody’s taking my sister anywhere without telling me first or taking me with him,” he declared.

James’ loud announcement had woken Annie and she sat up in her cradle-bed and began to cry. Gwennie rushed over to com-

fort her and tripped on a small figure sitting on the rug.

“Shhh, Annie,” Gwennie said, picking herself up and dusting herself off. “It’s all right. Peter here was just telling us about a place called Neverland. There’s mermaids and fairies—oh! I do believe I just tripped on one.

“We are all thinking of going there—Peter James and I, that is— would you like to come too?”

Annie had stopped crying by now and was rubbing her eyes with her little fists and nodding her head vigorously.

“Alright!” Peter crowed. “We shall leave at once!” and he ran to the window, jumped out and disappeared. Gwennie rushed after him and was just in time to see him soaring off into the night with a small glowing light following him and ringing furiously.

“Oh,” said Gwennie sadly. “I guess he didn’t mean to take us with him.”

Annie started to cry and Gwennie tucked her back into bed.

James stretched, yawned and lay down in his bed again. Gwennie stood for a few minutes and watched out the window as the speck that was Peter disappeared into the night.

To be continued...

When the Community Resiliency Fund was barely an idea, Bowen residents and businesses raised their hands to contribute. And now we are fortunate to have a matching grant of $40,000 funded by some of our donors. So this is a challenge to Bowen to help us get to the $40,000 mark so that these matching funds will kick in. Our ultimate goal is to reach $100,000 for this timely and critical fund. With everyone’s help we can.

“Rebuilding takes leadership and trust. These are qualities that our BI Community Foundation has exhibited again and again. When we heard about the idea of the Community Resiliency Fund, we knew immediately, it was the right thing to do to help Bowen during this crisis.” Soren & Elizabeth Hammerberg “Government assistance and other relief programs simply won’t cover all of our community’s needs brought on by this pandemic. We must all do what we can to help bring solutions and funding to fill the gap.” Larry & Maureen Lunn “At a time like this when all societies, communities, families and individuals are challenged on several fronts, many in our local community face additional challenges emotionally, socially, financially, securing accommodation, obtaining adequate nutrition, or caring for their families and loved ones. Fortunately, we have witnessed many examples of those that can assist stepping forward - but the need for assistance is large and urgent. By contributing to the Bowen Island Resiliency Fund we are grateful to be able to help those in our community in need of support.” David & Janice Podmore We have seen the impacts of this pandemic up close and personal and its reaches are broad, indiscriminate and cut deeply. Our community will reel from the impact for months, if not years. For this reason we are proud to help kick off the fundraising for the Bowen Island Community Foundation’s Resiliency Fund with a 2500 dollar donation.

- Kevin Manning, First Credit Union.

This pandemic is a powerful reminder that we’re all in this together.

DONATE: bowenfoundation.com MORE INFORMATION: bowenfoundation.com/resiliency-fund

Patient of the Week HUCKLEBERRY Huckleberry was diagnosed as diabetic but his condition was complicated as he was in DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis).

Both dogs and cats can get diabetes mellitus and the most common clinical sign is drinking more water, urinating more and weight loss. The treatment for diabetes may differ between cats and dogs but both are often treated with insulin, just as it is in people.

If you pet is drinking an abnormally large amount of water it is a good idea to get some blood work done as it can be a sign of many serious illnesses.

Huckleberry was in the hospital for a few days and is now happy at home.

“As perennial a joy as I can imagine,” says Bill Granger of these magnolias.

BILL GRANGER PHOTO

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

To schedule appointments, please call

604.947.9247

or email reception@bowenvet.com

13 • THURSDAY APRIL 23. 2020

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HELP REDUCE THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 TAKE STEPS TO REDUCE THE SPREAD OF THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19):

Follow the advice of your local public health authority.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

SYMPTOMS

Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

Cough and sneeze into your sleeve and not your hands.

Stay home as much as possible and if you need to leave the house practice physical distancing (approximately 2 m).

IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of COVID-19 may be very mild or more serious and may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to the virus.

Isolate at home to avoid spreading illness to others.

Avoid visits with older adults, or those with medical conditions.

They are at higher risk of developing serious illness.

Call ahead before you visit a health care professional or call your local public health authority.

If your symptoms get worse, contact your health care provider or public health authority right away and follow their instructions.

FEVER (greater or equal to 38 °C)

COUGH

DIFFICULTY BREATHING

FOR INFORMATION ON COVID-19: 1-833-784-4397

canada.ca/coronavirus

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BICS seed library takes root The student garden glub is offering some of their seeds for free, in mini library seed packs, at the Ruddy Potato SARAH HAXBY

Community school coordinator

The Bowen Island Community School students and Student Garden Club students have enthusiastically stepped up to help create a new Bowen Island seed library as an extension of the school’s garden programs. The idea of having a seed library has been in the works for some time, with students learning how to plant, grow and then harvest seeds. A traditional seed library involves people going to a public library and signing out a package of seeds instead of a book.

The loan of the seeds is for approximately a year and a half; long enough for a gardeners to grow the plants, let some go to seed, save the seeds and then return the seeds to the seed library for the next person to check out.

Students hand coloured seed packages and many students took seeds home with them to start their own gardens, as well as creating packages of seeds to share with the community. It is important to encourage gardeners to learn to save seeds in order to keep locally-adapted plants as well as heritage varieties growing.

Students have been making community connections and learning about biomes, which has included learning about local agriculture and mapping out where we can grow food on Bowen Island. A few years ago students went on a walking field trip to the site of the old Collins farmhouse and met the daughters of the original pioneer farmers who grew up in the farmhouse. Students helped to harvest kale seeds from plants that have been grown successfully for over a century at Collinsia. This local heirloom seed stock is made possible thanks to the Collins family, and is a ‘Ragged Jack’ Brassica Oleracea type of kale that isn’t seen very often in grocery stores because it is a tender, soft-leafed kale that is best eaten fresh out of the garden. Small leaves can be treated like spinach and can be put directly in salad mixes, and larger leaves can be steamed, sautéed or cooked in a variety of ways. The buds and flowers are also delicious, and taste like their close relative: broccoli. The plants can often

survive our local winters, and can live for up to two years, producing many pounds of edible greens from a single seed. Often called ‘no fail kale’ the seed stock was collected from Collinsia Farm, where it has been grown successfully for over a century. This local heirloom seed stock is made possible thanks to the Collins family, and is a unique opportunity to grow some local heritage in your garden!

This project has been made possible thanks to a grant from the Knick Knack Nook Sustainability grant, as well as garden program funding from the BICS PAC and CSA to support community engagement in food sustainability issues. The BICS Garden Club has been in the process of growing open pollination plants and collecting the seeds to create a seed library which will, in the future, be located on a shelf at the Bowen Island Public Library (a very exciting project that we will complete in the future!)

In the meantime, the BICS student Garden Club wishes to offer the seeds from their seed library to the community for free, in the form of mini library seed packs, and to invite everyone to start growing food as well as plants for pollinators. We want to encourage everyone to learn how to grow and to save seeds!

The Ruddy has graciously volunteered to be the distribution point of the seed library.

The mini seed libraries will be handed out on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are approximately 50 mini seed library packages to give away. Each mini library features the Collinsia Ragged Jack Kale, and 2-3 other seed packages of easy to grow local seeds that were grown at BICS, and donated by Bowen Island Public library employee and keen gardener Marysia McGillvray.

Resources: How to grow and local planting guide and information: westcoastseeds.com/ blogs/how-to-grow How to save seeds: howtosaveseeds.com SARAH HAXBY PHOTO Local gardening tips and a regular email newsletter: To receive email gardening tips for south coastal British Columbia please email info@lindagilkeson.ca or check out http://www.lindagilkeson. ca/.

Lind has helped many beginner gardeners to understand the local conditions and to garden more successfully.

All-ages gardening activities: There are many resources in books and online, here is one that is local: ediblegardenproject.com/ monthlyactivities/

Thursday, April 23, 2020 • 13

Note: the BICS seed library is different from the seed exchange now beside the Bowen Island Flower Shop where islanders can drop off their extra seeds (veggies, flowers, herbs) labelled by variety and date in envelopes (or swap, or take what they need). That project is an initiative from the Bowen Island Flower Shop and Bowen Gardners Facebook group.

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Mother's Day

Does your mother have a few "comfort food" recipes up her sleeve?

We'll publish your favourite one in our May 7th edition Please email your mother's name and recipe to editor@undercurrent.com by y May y 4th 5 p.m.

SARAH HAXBY PHOTO

In October, kindergarten kids harvested and saved scarlet runner beans that are one of the many types of seeds in the mini seed library give-away.

14 • THURSDAY APRIL 23. 2020

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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!

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HEALTH & WELLNESS Dr. Schloegl Dr. Blackwood Open M - F

Virtual visits available

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

604-376-9801 www.CarolynNesbitt.com

Dr. Dana Barton

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604-730-1174 Natural Family Medicine

Dr. Gloria Chao Family Dentist

HOLISTIC COUNSELLING Brooke Evans, MSW, RSW 604-781-3987

brooke@becounselling.ca becounselling.ca

Artisan Square 604-947-0734 Alternate Fridays 10am - 4:30pm Horseshoe Bay 604-921-8522 www.bowenislanddental.com

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Book Virtual Consults at https://birchwellness.janeapp.com/

Dr. Alea Bell, ND

BOWEN ISLAND WELLNESS CENTRE 604-947-9755 At entrance to Artisan Square Suite #597

CATHERINE SHAW

778-891-0370 • Virtual consultations

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Julie Hughes, RPC Counselling

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For routine lab tests. Specialized tests & children may be referred to the mainland. #101 - 495 Bowen Island Trunk Road at Bowen Island Integrative Health

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THURSDAY APRIL 23, 2020 • 15

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BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH

FOOD BANK DROP-OFF

ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 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.)

now offering worship services via Zoom. a link available on website.

Pastor: Phil adkins

CHECK FOR SERVICE NOTICES

▼

BOWEN ISLAND Snug Cove 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

Leave Horseshoe Bay

Now offering a youtube channel of reflections and hymn/songs with Reverend Lorraine Ashdown and Lynn Williams. youtubewatch?v=tejV7Y6jo

A BOWEN ISLAND FAMILY COMPANY

Schedule in Effect: April 1, 2020 to May 13, 2020

Leave Snug Cove

Places of Worship Welcome You

AQUA TERRA EAVESTROUGHS

Crossing Time: 20 minutes Distance: 3 nautical miles Note: This is a non-reservable route * exCepT SuN aND apr 10 < exCepT WeD are (DC) > exCepT SaT † DC WeDNeSDay SailiNgS Will be replaCeD by DaNgerouS Cargo SailiNgS. No oTher paSSeNgerS permiTTeD.

16 • THURSDAY APRIL 23. 2020

ART BY

Di

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‘Copper Cove’ 2018 www.artbydi.ca @art_by_di

This colouring page made possible by First Credit Union & Art By Di

Stay up to date on our response to COVID-19.

Learn about temporary branch hours & changes we are making to best serve you during this time.

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2 • THURSDAY APRIL 23. 2020

Event Calendar April 27, 2020 9:30 am Community Economic Development Committee Meeting

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Fire Ban

Planning for potential transportation reductions

Open burning is not permitted by order of the province.

Camp fires on private property with dry wood only are permitted. Absolutely no leaves, wet wood or green waste may be burnt.

No beach fires.

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/fire-danger

April 27, 2020 6:15 pm

April 30, 2020 1:00 pm

EOC.APU@bimbc.ca

Finance Advisory Committee

the public.

TransLink to suspend Bowen Island bus service starting in May

Snug Cove wharf closed Snug Cove wharf is closed to visitors. Only emergency vessels are permitted. This is to stop day/overnight use of the dock for the duraiton of the COVID-19 pandemic. Vessels with existing long term moorage agreements may remain.

Stop the spread of COVID-19

Translink suspension of local bus service (please describe how you use the bus service and for what purpose) BC Ferries reduced schedule (Please note that there has been no indication from BC Ferries that service reductions to Bowen Island are being proposed, we are purely gathering information)

If either of the above would affect your ability to provide essential services, please provide your feedback to the EOC at

Meeting

All meetings are on Zoom and open to

• •

Regular Council Meeting

Municipal Hall is closed to the public.

The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Advanced Planning unit is looking for information about essential service workers who may be impacted by the following potential service reductions:

Questions? Contact Bylaw Services on 604-328-5499

With ridership down over 80% throughout the region due to COVID-19, TransLink has announced a series of cost-saving measures to preserve Metro Vancouver’s transit system along with a commitment from the Province to ensure near-regular service can be restored by September.

On Bowen Island, the 280 Bluewater, 281 Eagle Cliff and 282 Mt. Gardner bus service will be suspended in mid-May. TransLink will announce the exact date for suspension of these routes shortly.

STAY HOME

The main Horseshoe Bay routes (250 and 257 Express) will not be suspended, but service will be reduced.

WASH YOUR HANDS

Pack it in - Pack it out Please enjoy our trails, parks, beaches and disc golf course at a safe distance, but don’t leave your garbage and recycling for someone else to clean up.

BIM’s response to COVID-19 For information on the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), COVID-19, BIM’s response to the pandemic, FAQ’s and much more:

Subscribe to our mailling list for regular updates:

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/subscribe Connect with us:

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/connect

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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bowenislandundercurrent.com

No jump in food bank use Bowen Island hasn’t seen the increase in food bank usage that other communities have seen, said Sue Clarke, the main food bank volunteer.

“Until last Saturday it was a decrease,” said Clarke.

However, the use may not be representative of need.

For safety in the era of COVID-19, the food bank changed its operation. People instead request food by filling the form in the foyer of the food bank, emailing bowenislandunitedchurch@gmail.com or calling Clarke at 2364 instead of showing up at the antechamber of the United Church, which in normal times would be open with food for the taking. Those requesting food are to note the number of people to feed, any allergies and a means of contact.

The loss of anonymity (though the food bank maintains confidentiality) could be affecting usage Clarke agreed, though she still expects an uptick.

“It seems to [be increasing] everywhere else. So I really don’t know why we wouldn’t be different,” she said.

“I just hope people will come forward if they really need it,” said Clarke, adding that if people don’t feel comfortable filling out forms or emailing the church, they can just call her.

Donations have been good and the food bank is wellstocked said Clarke.

Food bank volunteers fill orders Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 11 a.m. to noon and if one can’t make it to the food bank, they will deliver.

BIRD’s beloved Peanut dies

Bowen Island Recycling Depot lost a beloved companion Saturday morning.

Peanut, the feral dog who appeared in a depot dumpster a decade ago and went on to win the hearts of depot staff and islanders alike, has died.

“Thankfully she did not die alone as I was with her as she took her last breaths,” said Sean Delaney of BIRD in an email. “She was known to many and touched the hearts of many and we will miss her.”

“I would like to thank the people who donated food and money for the care of peanut and a special thanks to the Missy Foundation who provided most of her food the last year and built her a beautiful-warm house,” said Delaney.

No one quite knew were Peanut came from or how old she was. She didn’t allow humans to touch her but she became a part of the BIRD family. The depot staff cared for her and islanders would donate food BRONWYN BEAIRSTO/UNDERCURRENT PHOTO for her.

BIRD staff fed and looked after the late Peanut, even though she “She’s loved and she knows it,” Delaney had told wouldn’t let humans near. the Undercurrent in 2018.

Legion holding NS fundraiser

The Bowen Island Legion is doing a by-donation pickup spaghetti and meatball dinner Friday between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. as a fundraiser for Portapique, NS where several people died in last weekend’s shootings. “[It’s] another small community,” said Lynn Hartle, treasurer for branch 150. “Costs will be outrageous for these families.”

“Yvonne [McSkimming, the branch president] just said let’s do this, it’s what we do,” said Hartle. “So it’s what we’re doing.”

The dinner will be the same setup as the Easter dinner: stay in your car and make your way slowly around the lot, entering through the south entrance. Volunteers be there in masks and gloves and ask how many dinners you’d like and they’ll pass them to you through the drivers’ side window. Cash or cheque donation bins will be in two locations in the lot. Cheques be made out to RCLegion Branch 150 with Portapique in the memo line or e-transferred to rcl150treasurer@gmail.com. The evening is first come, first serve.

The Legion’s Easter dinner a couple of weekends ago raised $1,600 for the food bank.

Lending no more: B.I. Library The Bowen Island Library is discontinuing its lending of library items during its closure to the public (with the exception of the medshed).

“In the absence of clear guidelines or protocols for the handling of library materials, it is best to reduce risks to patrons and staff whenever possible,” said a note from chief librarian Tina Nielsen in the library’s newsletter.

“The pilot pickup service was much appreciated and our hygiene protocols made it very low risk; however, as a non-essential service, we must heed the advice and recommendations of our health authorities and governments,” said the newsletter.

“We established good hygiene protocols and developed a workable plan for pickup service in the future and know that when the time is right we can reinstate this service as a first step towards a return to fully opening the library again.”

The online services still available during the library’s closure to the public are available here: bowenlibrary.ca/ pages/while-were-closed/.

To borrow from the medshed, place a hold in the online catalogue or contact the library and pick-up will be by appointment. No returns of medical equipment will be accepted until the library reopens. More information available here: bowenlibrary.ca/services-programs/ our-services/med-shed-medical-equipment-lending-program/ Note: this year’s BookFest book sale (usually held in May) is cancelled so Friends of the Library aren’t accepting book donations.

Thursday, April 23, 2020 • 3

Bowen Waste Solutions

Recycling depot to accept refundable containers and electronics Bowen Waste Solutions (BWS) is pleased to announce the collection of refundable containers and electronics at the Bowen Island Recycling Depot (BIRD) will be reinstated.

Refundable containers are glass or plastic soda, water, juice, wine, beer, and liquor containers that you pay a deposit on when purchasing.

After careful consideration and in compliance with health and safety requirements for both our staff and the community, procedures have been put into place for the safe collection of refundable containers and electronics.

The collection of these materials at BIRD will commence on Friday, April 24, 2020.

Upon entry to BIRD, vehicles will continue to be directed by staff for drop-off of recycling and/or refundables and electronics.

The refundable collection area will be located outside the building in the parking lot for BIRD. Electronics will continue to be collected inside BIRD in the usual location (DROP OFF ONLY).

A maximum of 2 vehicles will have access to the building and the new collection site for the refundables.

• • • •

All refundable containers will be CLEAN and PRE-SORTED. 1 person per vehicle. Please ensure children and pets remain in the vehicle.

5 minute drop off time per vehicle.

Maximum 2 shopping bags/boxes per vehicle.

BWS would like to thank Bowen Island residents for their patience, cooperation and support while we navigate these challenging times.

Please visit the updated BIRD website for NEW information and guidelines regarding garbage, organic and recycling service. www.bowenislandrecyclingdepot.com

BOWEN WASTE SOLUTIONS 604-947-2255

4 • Thursday, April 23, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

VIEWPOINT Correction Our April 16 edition story ‘Muni Morsels: taxx and turf’ incorrectly putt the 2020 Bowen Island ax Municipality property tax increase at 4.8 per cent.

The increase is in fact 4.7 per cent.

We regret the error.

A salute to the foresight of our branding committee

EDITORIAL

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Recognizing our front-line workers

We need some fiscal New bones to pick over turf field responsibility

A community member recently came to me with an idea: once a week for the next five weeks, recognize one Bowen Islander who is working the front line of COVID-19.

This person offered to contribute five $100 prizes.

So, once a week for the next five weeks we’ll draw at random someone who, by doing their job, risks exposure to the coronavirus. This could be anyone from health care workers, to grocery store workers, to restaurant workers, to freight workers, contractors, postal workers, essential store workers, couriers, foodbank volunteers, firefighters and anyone else putting themselves on the line. The chosen person each week will receive $100 (to be clear, the money is coming from the donor, not the Undercurrent).

We do need your help for this though! Are you or someone you know a front-line worker? Let us know at editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com (we need name and a means of contacting this person).

While we can only recognize a few individuals, islanders can also send notes of support for those on the front lines to the above email because there are so many people working to keep our society going through this crisis. Thank you all.

The first draw will be on April 28.

— Bronwyn Beairsto, editor

DEAR EDITOR: I read in the April 16 Undercurrent that council has decided to go for a 4.8 per cent tax increase in spite of current reality. [Editor’s note––this was a mistake on the reporter’s part, the increase is 4.7 per cent.]

Given the times we are in, where almost everyone is learning to manage on less, why would the municipality believe that any increase is justified.

Ken Hallat’s letter in the earlier edition (April 9) of the Undercurrent, clearly points out the reduced revenue from small business and the fact that Victoria City has cut all proposed capital expenditures, and will increase taxes by 3.35 per cent.

The municipality would be wise to overcome its sense of self importance at this time and cut back to essential services, as business is doing and make serious cuts.

Lay off all non-essential staff, while maintaining necessary infrastructure (bureaucratic busy work is not essential at this or any time) Hold back on that 1/3 million dollar donation to Island’s Trust. They have a buffer.

Cut wages to senior staff, Mayor and Council by at least 20 per cent.

Forget about proposed capital expenditures.

The prudent thing would be a tax reduction not a tax increase of any percentage!

––Richard Best

DEAR EDITOR: After reading last week’s Undercurrent report on the artificial turf infill selection I was almost resigned to the project going ahead in spite of it being Earth Day on April 22. They say you can’t fight City Hall but some things are worth the effort.

The decision came down to toxic rubber crumb infill being cast into the environment, food grade plastic or unrecyclable organic material. The final choice from council is yet to come.

Hopefully the turf will not find its way into the landfill or an incinerator. I have asked this question but so far have not received an answer. They have also not informed us as to whether the project will include a filtering system to collect the plastic grass and infill materials that will find their way into our storm drains and ultimately the ocean.

My guess is that the price tag is too high to include recycling and filtering (which I have recommended) and the planet will just have to take it on the chin. With that settled in my brain I thought it would be appropriate to go down and say goodbye to this poor, worn out, has been of an artificial turf field.

I have never paid much attention to this field because I consider it to be an abuse of the planet. An example of first-world self-indulgence. It looks great and I’m sure it works very well but like many creations, they wear

A thank you to first responders

A huge thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the first responders who came to my rescue on Sunday.

We are very fortunate on Bowen to have such a dedicated and professional fire and ambulance crew.

With love and gratitude ––Kelly Smith

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.

Bowen Island Undercurrent Subscription Rates: Mailed 1 year subscription on Bowen Island: $55, including GST. Within Canada: $85 including GST Newsstand (Single Copy) $1.50 per copy, including GST ISSN 7819-5040

out and have to be replaced.

I was shocked not to find the threadbare wreck that I expected. Instead I find what appears to be a perfectly sound playing surface. I’m sure there must be wear but the fibers seem to be very much intact and the feel was cushy underfoot. I carefully inspected the goal area for wear but I could not find any. Granted I am not an expert and I don’t play footy but this is certainly not an end of life soccer pitch.

So my question now is, why can we not get another three to five years out of what appears to be a perfectly good playing surface? Considering that it will cost almost $300,000 plus upkeep why are we doing this?

Are we not concerned that our Municipal budget is about to take a hit similar to Metro Vancouver due to the dramatic financial downturn caused by COVID-19? Are there not more pressing infrastructure repairs to be done on our island? I’m pretty sure that we all know the answer so I’m confused as to why we continue down this path.

I ask/invite you to go down to the the school and see for yourself what the condition of the field is and then if you agree, to email or phone our mayor and council and suggest that they reconsider this project until at least the next election cycle when we can have a proper airing of this subject.

––Doug Nash

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

Thursday, April 23, 2020 • 5

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Please act expeditiously on housing report Safety Net resources for [Editor’s note, the following was addressed to BIM’s grant funding for housing needs reports for municimayor and council and shared with the Undercurrent.] palities based on their population size and prioritizing As early as 2012 the Bowen Island Municipality communities without or with out-of-date housing needs received research data to recommend an update to our assessments. affordable housing needs assessment from 2007/08.

Municipalities across the province were legislated to In subsequent years, 2013 to 2020, there were several provide these housing reports as this information was further recommendations put forth to the mayor and not being collected or used to address housing shortcouncil, municipal planning and staff, and to local com- ages within B.C. communities. These were and are not munity housing groups and proponents to complete municipal initiatives. a new and current updated needs assessment for the Unfortunately, many B.C. municipalities have neglectisland. In other words, there was plenty of guidance and ed to collect basic housing data or they have not felt available insight to undertake a housing needs assess- compelled to follow through on collected data for deciment to provide data to inform decisions for action to sion making to address housing adversity in their localaddress and find solutions to our ongoing housing crisis. ities.

This delay in providing a policy tool to address housWhile it is good to finally see a draft housing needs ing on Bowen points to historical problems of dealing report, it will be far more interesting to see what actions with all aspects of Bowen’s outstanding issues and take place to make progressive change for housing on systemic concerns - avoid and delay or not deal with Bowen. Our last housing needs assessment collected them at all. This is not unusual to housing affordabil- dust for a variety reasons while the situation reached the ity – it is prevalent in many outstanding more pervasive and broadening crisis for issues including climate change, tourism, housing we face today. transportation, economic, and development All local political terms of office since “This health crisis debates, etc. the last housing needs assessment on Housing needs assessments are a key data Bowen Island have held the opportunity has highlighted source and policy tool in order to adequately to take action towards addressing ongoinequalities not provide and meet the housing needs of our ing and worsening problems for providcommunity. They are also central to strategic ing adequate and stable housing options only around the planning for housing in the long term and for islanders. are especially relevant to the development This report indicates what we already world but also and decision making of our community knew – housing here is challenging to find revealed once lands for affordable housing projects. More for most and unaffordable for many. It is crucially they provide an in-depth descripnot surprising to hear our local municiagain the same tion of what types of housing are necespal government leader’s response to the sary to meet the needs of our community inequalities here on report. Regardless of this knowledge over for housing and a contextual snapshot of a very long period of time little has been the current demographics, socio-economic accomplished to alleviate the housing Bowen.” conditions and a breakdown of present and crisis on the island particularly for those –Robin Burger future community need. These assessments most in need as outlined once again in attempt to explain and find gaps in housing the new housing needs report. provision locally and assist with access to Housing is one of the Canadian social other levels of government funding for housing projects determinants of health and this makes our efforts to and programs related to housing for our community. address our housing disparities more relevant at this Ideally, in the interest of fairness and in practice, hous- time of a public health crisis worldwide. This health ing projects should not be considered or brought for- crisis has highlighted inequalities not only around the ward without utilizing this essential policy tool. world but also revealed once again the same inequaliIn 2018, the provincial government passed legislation ties here on Bowen. Who knows what our measures to to require all municipalities in B.C. to provide an up-to- address our housing problems will mean when this pandate housing needs report by 2022 and every five years demic crisis subsides? thereafter. These legislative requirements took place Hopefully, despite the delays, the new housing needs in April, 2019 requiring local municipalities “to collect report will ultimately be interpreted responsibly and data, analyze trends and present reports that describe utilized more effectively and expeditiously than the last current and anticipated housing needs in B.C. commu- one. nities.” The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) offers ––Robin Burger

CALL FOR ARTISTS 2021

The Galllery @ Cove Commons is seeking applications from Visual Artists to exhibit in 2021

Drop Off fff Proposals: Monday, June 8, 2020, 3 - 7 pm www.thehearth.ca/gallery_artist_calls.php Contact Emilie Kaplun for more information Email: curator@thehearth.ca

THE HEARTH Bowen Island Arts Council 604-947-2454 thehearth.ca

families made available DEAR EDITOR: As a former elementary school teacher and principal, I have partnered with Community Safety Net for the last 23 years to provide children and families with quality safety resources covering relevant topics ranging from home fire safety to drug and internet safety.

Over the last five years many Bowen Island families have received Community Safety Net’s resources at no cost, thanks to generous support from local business partners and from the Rotary Club, as well.

During this season of the

COVID-19 pandemic I have arranged with Community Safety Net to make available six key family safety resources which are especially valuable for children and parents during this difficult time.

Simply visit www.promotesafety4life.com to freely access the “Safety 4 Life Resource Center”.

This webpage also includes a link to an excellent resource from UNICEF on how parents can speak to their children about COVID-19 in ways that promote understanding and calmness.

––Chuck Venhuizen

Thank you council for tax adjustment, though it’s still high [Editor’s note, this letter was submitted to the Undercurrent before last week’s council meeting and addressed to mayor and council.]

Thank you for requesting municipal staff to revise the proposed property tax increase downwards for calendar year 2020.

The current recommendation is a little more reasonable than 7.6 per cent, but still well above the annual Canadian cost of living allowance of 2.2 per cent.

Additional parcel tax increases for garbage and water/sewer across Bowen Island are extra tax impacts on all property owners as well. Letters from others [in the] agenda have pointed out the cumulative additional cost burden to all residents, including renters; many folks expressed real concerns to me about the ongoing property tax impact and need to control spiraling increases going forward.

I appreciate your actions and the work of staff in providing the recommendation before you.

May I wish the best for each of you and your families in these very difficult times.

Yours truly, ––Bill Granger

Have thoughts about something happening in the community? Send us a letter to the editor: editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

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6 • Thursday, April 23, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

ISLAND NEWS

on Bowen Island

Fire dept. needs better training documentation, fire inspection program: core service review

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

The core service review of the Bowen Island Fire Department came to council last week.

The municipality commissioned the review from Dave Mitchell and Associates in response to a dispute between the island’s volunteer firefighters and the former fire chief last fall. The 200-page report lists 36 recommendations in eight areas (regulatory, staff and training, occupational IDLC has a number of openings for Kindergarten health and safety, fire prevention, budget, strategic planfor next year. If you are interested in finding out ning, response analysis and hazard, risk and vulnerability assessment). more, please contact us!!

Mitchell told council that the problems BIFD faces echo You are also welcome to attend an informational those in departments across the province.

Zoom meeting on May 5th at 11:00 a.m.

Confirming firefighters’ training and qualifications is one of the priorities. The report says there’s evidence of a Contact us for more details. considerable amount of training on the part of firefighters but that there’s a lack of documentation to confirm said training. Suggested ways to address this include training assessments (requiring time and money) and administrative support to catch up on paper records, enter them into the new digital records management system and ensure future record keeping.

Under the provincial training standards (the playbook), firefighters’ qualifications must be documented and not meeting said standards opens the authority having jurisdiction (the municipality) to liability, said the report.

Under the playbook, there are three levels of fire operations: exterior, interior and full-service. Bowen is currently declared at an interior operations level, however 16 of the department’s 30 members are trained at the exterior level and five are trained to the higher interior level, though the report says that certificates from the Justice Institute are still needed to confirm this. Training and qualification Please call Allan Saugstad at 604 992 2370, testing to meet the interior operations competency would or email him at asaugstad@islanddiscovery.ca. require “significant commitment” from members over the next 18 to 24 months, said the report. The report notes that firefighters have said they felt stretched between work, family and the department and dedicating more time could be challenging.

The report suggests revisiting firefighters’ compensation and developing a more flexible system (noting other Have you ever wanted to be on a Board that meets just jurisdictions’ pay-for-training policies). once a month, where you get to contribute your great Given the department’s ideas to make a difference in the lives of others? And then current qualification unceryou get to go home knowing that our incredible Program tainties, the report says interior operations should be Director will make your ideas come to fruition. If you want formally restricted. to contribute to the Island’s well being without an onerous Acting fire chief Aaron Hanen (who has been hantime commitment, this opportunity is for you! dling the department following the departure of the The Board is made up of truly caring people with a variety former fire chief) said that of backgrounds who are passionate about the mental meeting an interior operations level for a fire today and social well being of our neighbours and thoroughly

An inspiring Kindergarten Program Where children flourish and spirits soar

opportunity to have fun while Contributing *Become a Caring Circle Board member*

enjoy working together in a synergistic, upbeat and collaborative manner.

The Caring Circle Board is based on sound governance, integrity, visioning, and laughter. We employ a Program Director who implements the Board’s vision; the Board provides the guidance. As such, we ensure that the work being done is relevant and true to our mandate, we examine our successes and vulnerabilities, we problem solve as issues arise and we explore the needs of our community and consider where Caring Circle can be of most use.

If you are interested in finding out more about being a Caring Circle Board Member, please call or send an email to Maureen Witney, Chair, at info@caringcircle.ca or call Maureen at (604) 947-2070.

would require all or nearly all of the five qualified firefighters showing up to a scene. However, part of the nature of a volunteer department is who shows up for which scene is uncertain.

Other recommendations include adding more firefighters to the department to ensure there are enough resources should there be multiple incidents or a single large one and establishing an occupational health and safety joint committee (as volunteers are considered BIM employees for compensation reasons, it’s BIM’s responsibility to meet safety regulation obligations).

As the island’s all-hazards department, dealing with a variety of incidents and emergencies, the report highlighted the need for investment in specialized training and maintenance of said training or entering into an aid agreement with mainland services, especially for specialized hazards (like a confined space rescue).

While the department is governed by bylaw, the bylaw predates the municipality (it’s from the old improvement district) and is in desperate need of replacement, said the report. As the province is in the midst of transitioning to a new fire act, BIM will have to decide whether to do this now or once the new act comes into effect, said the report.

The need for a municipal fire inspection program, a statutory duty under the Fire Services Act, as well as more diligence in fire investigations were significant points in the report. BIFD has not reported all of the fires covered by the Office of the Fire Commissioner guidelines or developed operational guidelines for dealing with fire investigations, said the report.

When compared with six benchmark communities (Gabriola Island, Gibsons, Grand Forks, Invermere, MacKenzie and Pender Island) Bowen’s department saw was below average funding on a per-capita basis ($101 compared to a $126 average) and the lowest actual amount.

Coun. Rob Wynen noted in the April 14 council meeting that the recommendations in the report involve a lot of money (more staff time, more training, reviewing compensation, new equipment and the new fire hall). Mitchell (and the report) noted that investment in the fire department is offset by lower insurance rates.

Hanen said that the response to the report he’s heard from the department so far is positive (they haven’t been meeting in person due to COVID-19 though some members are continuing online training).

“The fire department is on board and agree with the findings of the report,” said Hanen.

Hanen said they’ve got work started on about half of the recommendations.

When asked about the future of the department, acting chief administrative officer Dennis Back said he’s happy with how things are now going.

“There’s a sense of calm the department and there’s a strength in the leadership that Aaron is showing,” said Back.

“And that bodes well in terms of, you know, the situation is working very well.”

Back noted that COVID-19 has hampered some progress in fulfilling the report’s recommendations.

Back put the review’s total cost (including follow-up work if necessary) at $55,000.

Council received the report and directed staff to create a priority-based action plan and report back.

BIM looking at effects of bus cuts on essential services workers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

BIM doesn’t currently have a plan in place for what happens when the bus service stops but they’re looking into it said the municipality’s emergency program coordinator Jennifer McGowan Monday.

“One of our primary activities right now is trying to get a sense of the impact,” said McGowan.

BIM sent out a press release Wednesday from the emergency operations centre’s advanced planning unit, looking for information about essential services workers

who may be affected by TransLink’s decision or a potential reduced schedule from BC Ferries. (There’s been no indication from BC Ferries that reductions to Bowen are proposed, clarified the press release). If these could affect one’s ability to provide essential services, islanders are asked to contact EOC. APU@bimbc.ca The TransLink press release suggested service could return to near-regular operations in September.

––With files from Jane Seyd, North Shore News

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

THURSDAY APRIL 23, 2020 • 7

RESILIENCY FUND & NEIGHBOURHOOD SMALL GRANTS BI Community Foundation establishes new fund to help the community rebound

A “sweet” way to promote connection

By Katherine Gish On Easter weekend, the very first BICF Neighbourhood Small Grant (NSG) project was launched. The idea behind the NSG program is to connect neighbours, but how do you do this in these times of social distancing?Enter the Easter Bunny.

Due to the pandemic, Bowen Island Community Recreation cancelled the annual Great Bowen Egg Hunt, regularly attended by approximately 75 children and a great source of family fun on the Easter long weekend. After approaching BICR to utilize their connections with THE bunny and FB page with reach to many Bowen families, Sheana Stevenson applied to the Community Foundation for a grant to gain funds to support the Undercurrent with advertising, purchase prizes from Cocoa West, pay for gas money and provide a small honorarium for a local photographer to use his extensive talents to put together a photo album, in a very short timeline (think, less than a week!)

Emmett Sparling Photography came on board immediately and tackled the project lending his professionalism and talent to the photos and location selections. The result was an inspiring, hopeful, and beautiful array of photos of THE bunny in locations across our island as Bowen Islanders had the opportunity to submit their best guesses and be entered in the draw to win three Cocoa West gift certificates.

We noticed on Facebook that Quentin Beck and her son Beck Morissette, as well as others, decided to take the Easter Challenge a step further. We got in touch with Beck and he said “my mom and I decided to take this Easter Challenge to the next level. We took a picture at each location trying to recreate the pictures taken by Emmett Sparling. We love that this contest was made in these rough times. Thank you so much, this Easter contest was EGGcellent!”

The impact of COVID-19 is having an unprecedented impact on our community. But as is “the Bowen way,” help and assistance is coming from every corner of our wonderful island community. Counselors, psychologists, and pastors are offering an ear and advice to those of us particularly suffering from the imposed isolation.

Friends and neighbours are checking in and assisting our most vulnerable.

Increased monetary donations to the Food Bank are keeping our at-risk families and individuals fed. The wellness community has relocated online to keep our bodies moving and our hearts and minds calm. Businesses are rethinking their goods and services offerings to respond to the changing needs of residents.

The pandemic has placed a heavy burden on our existing charitable resources and will put pressure on our ability to meet current needs and what we can only anticipate will be the longterm effects on our community. To help respond to this crisis, the Bowen Island Community Foundation (BICF) has established the BICF Resiliency Fund.

Stay tuned as your Community Foundation will be announcing other Neighbourhood Small Grant recipients very soon! We are still accepting grant applications and look forward to hearing all about your great idea. The NSG application can be found at https://bowenfoundation.com/respon sive-neighbourhood-small-grants/ (Sheana Stevenson was the first recipient of the grant and in collaboration with many others (Katherine Gish, Lisa Wrinch, Emmett Sparling, Natasha Currah, Kat Stephens, and Shauna Jennings), the idea developed into the Great Bowen Bunny Search Contest.)

The purpose of the fund is to provide flexible grants to address key priority areas for the island through integrated and systemic solutions. The solutions should affect a broad spectrum of the Bowen population and not be redundant with other initiatives.

The priority areas are: • The availability of food, hygiene, or other basic needs (excluding housing and income benefits).

• The provision of relevant information to promote resiliency and mitigate fear and confusion.

• The mobilization of citizens to assist their vulnerable neighbours with the challenges they are facing from isolation.

Changes to Neighbourhood Small Grants Program What does community building look like during a pandemic? Public health orders to physically distance ourselves from others has had the unintended impact of creating more social isolation. But people are stepping up to counteract this. Many are already self-organizing online to support each other out of their own pockets.

Just a few weeks ago the Bowen Island Community Foundation announced the Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) program in partnership with Bowen Island Municipality and the Vancouver Foundation. Now, as the COVID-19 crisis continues to bring unprecedented change to our daily lives, the program has been relaunched as the

Responsive Neighbourhood Small Grants (R-NSG) program.

This new program will fund small-scale projects that reduce social isolation. R-NSG projects will adhere to physical distancing guidelines in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic and invite individuals to dream up creative projects that address the following areas: tackle and address social isolation; build community strength and resilience; and foster community creativity and wellbeing.

The R-NSG grant stream provides grants of up to $500 for projects that connect people socially or involve sharing skills or talents with each other.

These priorities are all areas where there is a gap in government assistance and other relief programs.

BICF hopes solutions implemented in response to this crisis will also provide a framework for responding to future emergencies as well.

BICF wants to move quickly to get these pandemic response funds in place. A number of generous donors have already offered to match the first $40,000 raised. Our ultimate goal is to reach $100,000 for this timely and critical fund.

Since Bowen Island Municipality already has in place an emergency organization structure to identify and address community needs, BICF has entered into a cooperative partnership with BIM for the purpose of responsibly directing proceeds from the BICF’s Resiliency Fund to emergency initiatives that directly address the priorities identified. These funds will specifically be applied to areas where government funding or reimbursement is not applicable.

The Bowen Island Community Foundation helps build a resilient community and strengthens Bowen Islanders sense of belonging by engaging citizens, organizations and local government to work together and contribute their money, time, ideas, expertise and energy to serve the community. Now...more than ever....our community needs each of us to step up to this challenge.

To donate to the BICF Resiliency Fund, go to: bowenfoundation.com For more information and to apply for a grant go to: bowenfoundation.com/resiliencyfund

This will keep our community resilient and able to recover sooner after the crisis.The bottom line is that we're flexible; we're eager to support inspiring ideas and creative projects. We want to use Responsive Neighbourhood Small Grants to strengthen community bonds, to keep us all connected.

Get more information on the Responsive Neighbourhood Small Grants and apply at https://bowenfoundation.com/respo nsive-neighbourhood-small-grants/.

There is no deadline and applications will be accepted until our 2020 budget is depleted. We will be accepting applications throughout Now more than ever, Bowen needs to stay connected with our neighbours and this crisis and funds can typically be distributed within two weeks of community members. applying.

Projects must comply with public health orders for physical distancing.

Examples of such projects are delivering care packages to elderly or immunocompromised people in the neighbourhood. Responsive NSG also supports projects that involve sharing skills or talents through online platforms.

Examples include hosting a webinar on a topic you know well, teaching an exercise class, or digital musical performance. Out of your entire project budget, you may spend up to $350 providing honorariums for those sharing skills. This includes yourself.

8 • Thursday, April 23, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

OTHER COVID-19 DEVELOPMENTS

Masks encouraged for ferry passengers SEAN ECKFORD

Coast Reporter

BC Ferries is now reminding passengers that Transport Canada recommends people use “face coverings to cover their mouth and nose during travel if they cannot maintain physical distance from others while on board.”

Federal Transportation Minister Marc Garneau announced last week that, as of April 20, Transport Canada would “encourage” the use of masks by passengers on boats, ferries, trains and buses, but they aren’t being made mandatory.

Deborah Marshall of BC Ferries said as well as updating its website to include the new information, the ferry company will be including it on its digital signs and in announcements.

While masks are only encouraged for fer-

ries, it is now mandatory for air travellers to carry one.

Travellers will not be allowed to board planes unless they can show they have a mask with them, although they will only have to wear the mask in situations where they cannot keep an appropriate distance from others, such as at screening points or on planes that are too full to allow passengers to be seated far enough apart.

“Canadians should continue to follow public health advice and stay at home if possible. However, if you need to travel, wearing a face covering is an additional measure you can take to protect others around you, especially in situations where physical distancing guidelines cannot be maintained,” Garneau said.

Up to date information for travellers on BC Ferries can be found at www.bcferries. com/about/projects/covid-19.html

Could youth sports return this summer?

ANDY PREST

North Shore News

British Columbia’s provincial health officer Tuesday opened the door to the possibility of youth sports leagues resuming play in the coming months, with the caveat that restrictions will need to be put in place to reduce the risk of transmitting the COVID19 virus.

In her daily media update Tuesday, Dr. Bonnie Henry did not give a specific timeline for when sports teams will be able to hit the field again. She did, however, say that getting people – young people in particular – back outside and taking part in physical activity was an important concern as the province begins loosening some restrictions in the coming months.

“I think it’s really important, and we know that it is less risky outside than inside,” she said. “We know how important it is to have physical exercise, particularly for young people, over the summer months and into the fall. I think there are ways – it can be done.”

She cautioned, however, that sporting events will not take the same format they did before the pandemic, at least for the upcoming season.

“We need to look at how do we do it safely so that we’re not sharing water bottles, sharing food … we’re respecting those safe distances but still being able to carry on,” said Henry. “We are also thinking about the numbers of people that are involved, and we may have to limit that for a period – for

this summer, for the coming year, so that we don’t have large crowds watching games for example.”

Henry said she will be able to give parameters for how sporting activities should be carried out when leagues do swing back into action, but added organizers will need to be heavily involved in making sure proper precautions are in place when practices and games fire up again.

“I need the people who are involved in setting up those types of team sports to think about how we can do it, in this new normal, for now, recognizing that it’s not going to be forever, but it is going to be for this next season,” she said. “We need to find ways to do it that allow, especially young people, to get out there and be physically active and be together.”

Last week Henry said that B.C. may consider starting to relax some restrictions put in to combat COVID-19 starting in May, but warned the lifting of those measures will be partial and gradual, and life in B.C. won’t go back to normal anytime soon. Henry said the lifting of pandemic measures might start with the resumption of some cancelled elective surgeries as well some students potentially going back to school – but that could involve only partial school days or partial classes at a time.

The NBA suspended play on March 11 after a player tested positive for COVID-19, and within a couple of days nearly every league across North America, professional and amateur alike, had suspended or cancelled their seasons.

COVID-19 testing eligibility expanded

The following are excerpts from Business in Vancouver’s April 20 story: B.C. workers at Alberta oil sands work camp test positive for COVID (coverage of Dr. Bonnie Henry’s daily briefings) by Nelson Bennett Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said that testing for COVID-19 is now being expanded to anyone who thinks he or she may have the virus. Until recently, testing has mainly targeted to people who are most at risk, like front-line health care workers.

“So, right now, anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 can now be assessed and tested, either through your family physician, your nurse practitioner, or a local community collection centre, and you can call 811 to find out where those are,” Henry said.

She added that anyone who has come into contact with someone known to have the virus, or who has been associated with an outbreak, can also ask for a test. *** Despite the progress B.C. has been mak-

ing in containing the spread of the virus, Henry reiterated that restrictions on large gatherings -- weddings, graduation ceremonies and concerts -- are not likely to be lifted this summer. She added restrictions on travel, within and outside of B.C., are also likely to remain in place for the summer.

Asked if there may be some way for restaurants to reopen, Henry said that as long as social distancing measures can be adhered to and gatherings are kept under 50 people, that is a distinct possibility.

“Yes, I do think there are options,” she said. “It’s not going to be back to what we were before, unfortunately, for a time. I think there’s lots of innovative ways that we can have in-restaurant dining that protects both the staff as well as people who are coming in. And I’m looking to industry to come up with those ideas of how this could work.”

KEEP# Asupport LIGHT ON local ARTS PACIFIC GALLERY LOCAL ARTISTS CREATING FOR YOU FROM HOME

Please contact us to view by appointment, or for more information: 604 947 - 0489 www.artspacific@gmail.com

MAISON SANKSKAR Virtual shopping tour by phone/text appointment contactless pickup delivery online eco fashion showroom virtual custom sizing gift certificates 604-833-6893 Closed temporarily. A global nomad's destination for unique fashion, tribal textiles, ethnographic art Organic hand woven baby bloomer sets (3-6 months).

Spring fashion, accessories.

Decorative textiles for home decor Indonesian ikat noblemen's mantles, embroidered jackets, carpets. Caftans, photography, signed books.

www.mainsonsanskar.com

CONNIE WRIGHT ORIGINALS

BRANCH ON BOWEN

Find me on Instagram Connie Wright Originals

Taco Kits & Earnest Ice Cream Every Tuesday & FridayDelivered to your door 4-6pm Order by Midnight the night before

Available for personal or FaceTime shopping Gift Certificates Phone 947-9691

Please stay safe everyone, Miss seeing you all!

We've created taco kits that are all prepped and ready to go you'll just need to warm the fresh corn tortillas, heat the already cooked portioned protein, add the toppings and enjoy! We also have double pints of Earnest Ice Cream that we deliver too! www.branchonbowen.com

SQUIRREL

MIKI TANAKA JEWELRY

To book a private Facetime or WhatsApp session caro@squirrelonbowen.ca or call/text 604-816-0830 Gift Certificates squirrelonbowen on FB and Instagram

Gift certificates Online Store Custom pieces (Wedding/Anniversary) Gift wrap/Local free delivery email: info@mikitanaka.com

You can still have some fun shopping at Squirrel! I can walk you through the store help you see if there's anything you need, take payment with a credit card over the phone or etransfer and prepare it for pickup, shipping or on Island delivery.

After all we can't forget MOTHERS DAY ON MAY 10TH sssssshhhhh

THE WATERING CAN SUPPLY Full access to refills & sustainable products Drop bin in front of shop/free pick up Delivery available Virtual tours Gift Certificates Ph: 604-341-2788 thewateringcansupply @gmail.com www.thewateringcansupply.com Refills & sustainable supplies with an emphasis on keeping it local. We’re still in business – it just looks a little different! Check out the website or use the contact info above to put your order in. Thank you for your support!

Solid silver, gold, bronze jewelry made by hand. Established 2001 in NYC. Studio/Store on Bowen Island Artisan Square since 2018. Store is closed for now, but I’m at the bench. Please contact if you are looking for a special gift for someone or yourself! www.mikitanaka.com @mikitanakajewelry

QUICKWAY PAINT & DRYWALL Exterior painting Drywall and repairs Floor refinishing 604-637-3987 rod@quickway.ca Call or email for a free estimate or some painting advice. We keep our distance during the pandemic.

Redecorating your commercial space - we can help. Thank you for supporting local! www.quickway.ca

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

THURSDAY APRIL 23, 2020 • 9

KEEP A LIGHT ON

Here are some ways we can support BOWEN businesses OUT OF THE BLUE

CATCHING STARS GALLERY

COPPER SPIRIT DISTILLERY

Gift certificates Book an appointment 778-661-4660

Virtual Shopping Tours Delivery, Pick Up, Shipping Gift Certificates Online Store (780)720-5268 info@catchingstarsgallery.com

Online Store Delivery and Pickup Gift Certificates Hand sanitizer Tip jar donation 778-895- 9622 hello@copperspirit.ca

Hello to my Bowen customers! Out of the Blue is temporarily closed.

You can always give us a call and we’ll be happy to book an appointment and assist you at a safe distance in the store, at your convenience. We have great fashions, and practical items like jeans, sport bras, socks so please give us a call.

Stay Safe !!! Stay Healthy !!! fb @outoftheblue.bowen

POSTIVELY FIT Flatten the Curve, Not Your Spirits!

The Positively Fit team has re-tooled our services to ensure Bowen Islanders stay fit (when we need it most), connected, and safe.

Join us for FREE zoomed strength classes, physically distanced outdoor fitness and weekly trail hikes. positivelyfit.ca/group-training/

Catching Stars Gallery is supporting its artists through our Mother’s Day promotion, and we will be featuring 3 Bowen mothers. We will happily deliver locally or ship artworks worldwide to celebrate Mother’s day.

Support our local business and celebrate Mothers! www.catchingstarsgallery.com

BOWEN PUB TAKE-OUT Thank you for supporting us during these challenging times!

We continue to remain open for take-out 7 days a week…

Monday-Friday from noon to 8:00pm and weekends from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. Full menu available online at www. bowenpub.com

We are your local craft distillery, using 100% organic grain and sustainable practices.All our products available online for pickup and delivery. Open from 12-5pm Tue-Sun.

SWIM BOWEN CANCER CARE FUND We are here to help!

We provide Bowen Islanders with financial support during active cancer treatment. During the COVID-19 crisis, eligibility is expanded to include those who have completed cancer treatment in the past 12 months. Friends and family may apply on behalf of a cancer patient. www.SwimBowen.com

www.copperspirit.ca

HAPPY ISLE Your one stop shop for both Stress and Boredom

Happy Isle Cannabis Company is a boutique cannabis retail store that services the adult use recreational market within our community of Bowen Island

happyislecannabis.com

DOC MORGAN’S PUB Take-out & Delivery Off Sales without food purchases! Daily 4 -8pm Daily Specials & Features Menu online NEW MENU IN MAY Gift Certificates available 604-947-0808 We are taking care to provide the best service and food during these unusual times. Our takeout menu will be new in May to give you new selections and is designed for travel.

We are taking all precautions advised by Provincial Health. www.docmorgans.ca

NOTARIES PUBLIC

TELL YOUR FRIENDS CAFE

RUDDY POTATO

BOWEN VET

Pernille Nielsen and Deidre Farah; Notaries Public Open by appointment only.

OPEN Wednesdays 10am-1pm for pick up or delivery. Menu changes weekly and is released every Monday (order by Tuesday night).

Open 7 days/week 9am t0 7:30pm A well stocked little grocery store!

OPEN: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays- 9-5 Every other Saturday- 9-5 CLOSED: Wednesdays (except food & prescription pick-ups)

Please call the office at 604-947-2210to arrange an appointment.

Social distancing protocols in place.

BOWEN PUB BULK BUYING Stay Local & Buy Local ..… with a little help from your Local Offering a full selection of high quality, large pack size food options at competitive prices.

Pre-order via email to glenn@bowenpub.com. Pick up at your pre-assigned time every Thursday. Delivery available. Pre payments ensure contactless transaction. www.bowenpub.com/bulkbuy/

Baked goods, specialty grocery iems, coffee beans, deli items, soups, healthy(ish) and house made goodies.

Instagram @tellyourfriendscafeFacebook: @ Tell Your Friends CafeContact: 778-929-7393 or tellyourfriendscafe@gmail .com

NEW ORDER DESK We will shop for you! http://www.ruddypotato.com/index .php/order-desk or email orderdesk@ruddypotato.com Orders ready for pick up outside the store.

Dinners from the RUDDY KITCHEN Arriving daily http://www.ruddypotato.com/index .php/kitchen/available-today-inthe-store

FOOD ON BOWEN

MOVEMENT GLOBAL

Great foods from local Bowen businesses delivered direct to your door

Online Store on website.

Amrita is also available to assist you virtually to browse the store online and arrange shipping Email movementglobal @gmail.com or call 778 863 7770

Partnered with the Bowen Island Pub, Food On Bowen is the islands only personal delivery service that operates seven days a week starting at 5:00pm. Guillermo will bring you your favourite foods in a safe and professional manner that ensures contactless transactions and guaranteed quality. Order online, through Facebook or message directly to (236) 335-3959 www.foodonbowen.com

Movement eco fashion. Perfect shelter in place clothing stylish, yet cozy,sustainable and naturally antibacterial made locally, designed globally proudly made in Canada.. www.movementglobal.com

We remain open to provide care for sick animals that need to be managed in person. We are able to do blood work, x-rays, essential surgeries and essential vaccines for puppies and kittens as well as euthanasia’s. We are also providing telemedicine appointments for minor issues. www.bowenvet.com

UNION STEAMSHIP MARINE RESORT Launch Ramp Open!

Chandlery Open 9-5 daily Company Store & Ice Cream 10 - 5 daily Laundromat Open 9 -8pm daily 604-947-0707 Union Steamship Marina is closed to guest moorage currently except Bowen Island residents. If you live on Bowen call for a reservation. Our Chandlery and Company Store both have shields at cash registers and are promoting social distancing and cleaning advised by Provincial Health www.ussc.ca