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REGULATING STRS: rentals bylaws go to public hearing
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THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020
BOWEN COFFEE
VOL. 46, NO. 22
BIUndercurrent
the Bowen Island Espresso Hut is closed for good but the coffee lives on PAGE 5
BIUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com
BIM’s new CAO arrives
DURING A PANDEMIC NO LESS, BIM’S NEW BOSS STARTS HIS JOB
BRONWYN BEAIRSTO
Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
UNDERCURRENT PHOTO
CREATIVE THROUGH COVID: Rapper Lady Pace was visiting Vancouver from Malawi to learn about a music
therapy program that she hoped to bring home. When COVID struck, her plans were derailed, but instead of sitting idle, Pace pivoted. She released a new track last week and has co-created a campaign to connect Malawi and Canada during COVID with friend and Bowen Islander Patti DeSante. Read Pace’s story on p. 8.
If one thought Bowen Island Municipality’s outgoing interim chief administrative officer Dennis Back arrived in tumultuous times (during the firefighters dispute and the absence of long-time CAO Kathy Lalonde), Liam Edwards perhaps did Back one better. BIM’s new top bureaucrat started work May 25 while municipal hall remains mostly closed to the public (islanders can make an appointment but BIM is encouraging distance at this time) and as the municipality adapts to ever-changing pandemic protocols. Mayor Gary Ander bid thank you and goodbye to Back at Monday evening’s council meeting, Back’s last. “Dennis came to us in a very tough time in the municipality,” said Ander. “He’s done such an incredible job of just fitting into the operation here. “And just really becoming a Bowen Islander over the last six-seven months. Not quite long enough, but I’d certainly consider him a Bowen Islander. “On behalf of the municipality and the community at large, thank you for what you’ve given us.” Ander also welcomed Edwards. “He’s going to have a really jammed week. If you see him out there, wave to him from across the parking lot,” said Ander. “Pretty easy to get along with and I think he’s going to be a terrific fit for Bowen Island.” Edwards has been the executive director of infrastructure and finance in the Local Government Division of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs as well as deputy inspector of municipalities, said a BIM press release. “His experience in overseeing major capital projects around the province will serve the Bowen Island Municipality well as there are a number of major capital projects that are ready to launch,” said the release. “During the past 14 years, Liam has had extensive experience working across all levels of government and gained an in-depth understanding of the current and emerging landscape of local, provincial and federal government processes,” said the release. CONTINUED ON P. 6
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