Bowen Island Undercurrent July 9 2020

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RACISM & THE FOOD SYSTEM: BIFS discusses migrant labour

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THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

FARM TO TABLE

VOL. 46, NO. 28

BIUndercurrent

We talk to one of the figures behind the Bowen eatery, Orbaek

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PAGE 9

Community centre gets $7.96 million THE LONG-AWAITED GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT ARRIVES

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

Miller.

Murray and Janice Skeels started Artisan Office in the late ‘90s across the street from its current location and Margaret Miller bought the business in 2013. Heather took over managing Artisan Office a year ago.

The business today encompasses delivery services, office services and a community-wide newsletter (the Bulletin).

It was a wait worthy of Godot, but unlike in the famed play, it arrived.

Buried in a slew of federal and provincial grant announcements last Friday was news of $7.96 million coming to Bowen Island for a community centre. The announcement draws the decades-long endeavour to build a dedicated community facility one large step closer to fruition.

Following a local fundraising and awareness campaign, Bowen Island Municipality applied for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program in January 2019. Friday morning, the community centre was among 92 projects that the federal and B.C. governments announced would receive funding.

“Local infrastructure is the bedrock of any community,” said West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country MP Patrick Weiler in a press release. “The Bowen Island Community Centre Project will build a top-notch facility that will serve as a hub for the community and provide access to recreational and arts activities on the island.”

“We are pleased that senior levels of government have recognized the value of investing in our community,” said Mayor Gary Ander in a press release. “This will enable us to achieve the long-term goal of a dedicated public building for Bowen Islanders.”

That’s not to say that the work is done for community centre proponents. The infrastructure grant is to cover half of the estimated $14.5 million needed to construct the multi-use facility––a Bowen Island Municipality and Hearth partnership. With this project funding, reserves and donations, there’s still a $4 million shortfall.

To that end, BIM will hold a referendum to ask for approval from electors to borrow up to $4 million (the referendum was initially scheduled for spring 2019 but was put off until the funding was announced. The new referendum date isn’t yet set.)

CONTINUED ON P. 7

CONTINUED ON P. 7

UNDERCURRENT PHOTO

IT’S A LOVE STORY:

Bowen’s newest business comes from the partnership of Angela Saunders and Brendan Robertson of Bowen eBikes, an e-bike rental company. What’s driven the couple to start a tourism business during a pandemic? See the story on p.12.

Pandemic fallout claims longstanding business AMONG OTHER FACTORS, COVID-19 FORCES THE CLOSURE OF BOWEN’S ARTISAN OFFICE

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

After 22 years, one of the long-time businesses of Artisan Square will print its last page and deliver its last package later this month.

Artisan Office Services Ltd. and Artisan Express is ceasing operations July 15 and

permanently closing July 31.

“There were a lot of different factors involved,” said manager Heather Miller.

“And then COVID just kind of came along and took things sideways and made it impossible to plan or to resolve some of the other issues that we face.”

The lease was expiring, putting further pressure on coming to a decision said

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2 • Thursday, July 9, 2020

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Event Calendar July 9, 2020 1:00 pm Community Centre Select Steering Committee

July 13, 2020 6:15 pm

We’re hiring:

Seeking Public Comment

for DVP-13-2019 (1742 Bowen Bay Rd) PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A Development Variance Permit application has been submitted for 1742 Bowen Bay Rd (shown on map) to vary the setback from the sea to 7.5m and the side setback to 1.80m.

The proposed permit would allow the applicant to demolish the existing dwelling and build a new 2-level home on nearly the same footprint of a similar size, including the deck. It also involves the demolition of a shed and the construction of a new garage.

Regular Council meeting

July 14, 2020 6:15 pm Public Hearing re: 720 Gardner Lane

Parks Operations Worker Bowen Island Municipality seeks a Permanent Full-Time Parks Operations Worker. This is a 35 hour/week position during the hours of 8:00am-3:30pm Monday-Friday, with occasional weekend work as required.

The position will primarily be responsible for the operations, minor repairs, maintenance and inventory of the municipal parks, beaches, trail systems and facilities. The position will also undertake labouring and horticultural tasks associated with the aesthetics of streetscapes and minor maintenance duties associated with Municipal buildings in Snug Cove and Municipal Docks in Snug Cove. Additional labour tasks may include assisting other staff within the Municipality.

The position requires the individual to be comfortable working outside under varying weather conditions, have the ability to work independently and within a team, interact in a courteous manner with the public and hold a valid class 5 drivers’ license.

Related experience will be considered an asset.

All meetings are online via Zoom and open to the public.

Apply by 4:00 pm on Friday, July 10, 2020 (see below).

Help slow the spread of COVID-19:

Fire Department Administrative Assistant Bowen Island Municipality Fire Department is hiring a full-time temporary Administrative Assistant – 35 hrs/week. Monday to Friday 8:30am-4:30pm. Start date to be determined.

Stay home if you’re sick

MORE INFORMATION: The application may be viewed on the municipal website at

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning TIMELINE:

The Administrative Assistant works under the direction of the Fire Chief. This will be a full time, temporary contract until December 31, 2020. The Administrative Assistant performs a wide variety of professional administrative and analytical duties in support of assigned functions, operations, and programs of the Fire Department. Main functions include resource coordination, research, records keeping, reporting and data entry.

Apply by 4:00 pm on Monday, July 13, 2020 (see below) Job descriptions for these postions are available on our website at:

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME:

2 m or 6 feet

Keep a safe physical distance

Written submissions may be delivered by 4:00 PM, Thursday July 23, 2020 to Municipal Hall (contact information below): • In person at the mail drop-off box • By mail • By email to mayorandcouncil@bimbc.ca Submissions may also be made to Mayor and Council at the meeting:

6:15 PM on Monday, July 27, 2020 Online via Zoom

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

Raj Hayre, Human Resources Coordinator 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 Email: hr@bimbc.ca Fax: 604-947-0193

2019 Annual Report

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/council-meetings To ensure a fair process, written submissions cannot be accepted after the meeting has begun.

How to apply: Send your your covering letter and resume via e-mail, fax or mail:

For instructions on how to submit comment at the meeting, go to:

Consider wearing a mask to protect others in spaces where you can’t distance

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/jobs

The 2019 Annual Report will be presented to Council at its regular meeting on Monday, July 27, 2020. We invite you to review the Annual Report and to provide your comments and questions in writing or in person at the meeting. It will be available on our website as of July 13, 2020.

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/reports-publications

Find us on Facebook Municipal Hall open for tax payments ONLY. Mon-Fri 9:30 am - 2:30 pm July 9, 2020

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Knick Knack Nook reopens BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor

What a time David Wrinch chose to take the helm of one of Bowen’s institutions.

In January, Wrinch became chair of the Knick Knack Nook.

While he’d never worked in the shop, he was a municipal councillor when he helped convince council to give the nook land.

He took over from former chair of eight years (of the nook’s tenyear existence) Donna Scorer.

But soon after Wrinch’s tenure started, everything came to a screeching halt due to COVID. The nook was one of the local organizations that waited until July to ease open its doors. As Wrinch explained in a letter to the editor a few weeks ago, much of the volunteer base and clientele are among those vulnerable to the virus. The Nook reopened with reduced hours and extensive pandemic precautions July 3.

Among the Nook’s procedures are that donations are received and stored outside for three days and donations are limited to two boxes or bags per household (the organizations that usually take the Nook’s excess aren’t accepting donations at this time said Wrinch a few weeks ago). The Nook isn’t accepting books and toys, large items, and large fabric. Inside the store there are no children allowed and no toys will be on the shelves.

Entry is through the back and exit through the front, only four customers will be allowed in at once and each must use hand sanitizer upon entry. There will be no designated prices for the time being––donations only at this point––and the bathroom is closed. See more of the procedures at http://www.knickknacknook.org.

The hours are Friday through Monday, noon to 2:20 p.m.

Managing tourism: what’s up at the visitor’s centre BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor

It’s been two weeks since B.C. opened up to non-essential travel so the Undercurrent dropped by Tourism Bowen Island’s Cardena Rd. Office to see what greets our off-island visitors.

The messaging starts before people visit the island. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has recommended tourists call ahead before visiting towns––to make sure they’re welcoming visitors (some aren’t) and what the protocols are. On the COVID-19 alerts and updates page of the tourism website is a note that BC Ferries and several island businesses request or require masks and when people email Tourism Bowen Island about visiting the island, they’re reminded of that fact said Jody Lorenz of Tourism Bowen Island.

On the ground in Snug Cove, “When we’re talking to people, we’re wearing a mask so we’re modeling the protocol,” said Lorenz. They have hand sanitizer at the centre and signs up about distancing. When they do a group talk, they make sure people are well spaced apart, said Lorenz. “So it’s definitely different. We have to approach things slightly differently.”

“We’re very much trying to make sure that people are aware that of course, as Dr. Henry says, when you travel, you take your travel manners with you that you abide by what you’ve been doing at home when you go elsewhere,” she said.

The staff are trying to stay on top of local businesses’ hours and protocols and share that with visitors said Lorenz (though sometimes these can change quickly. Often people are coming to the island for its outdoors options so the tourism office shares short walk options as well as longer treks such as up Mt. Gardner. “Our nature experience is the big draw,” said Lorenz.

While it’s early days, the visitor centre only opened June 27, Lorenz said the island is getting visitors. “We are finding that with the nice weather as it has always been…people are coming. “They want to get out of dodge and go get some fresh air, so Bowen, we’ve got that kind of nice little escape for people to come here.”

However, numbers may be down from the average July weekends. “I have not looked at what was last year, none of that stuff, but just looking, to me it is down,” said Lorenz. “Will that continue? I don’t know. I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

“It’s always weather dependent,” she noted.

“COVID has made so many people very nervous and in many ways, rightly so,” said Lorenz. “I do want to make sure that residents are aware that we are taking our role as helping to promote COVID health safety [seriously].

“I just want to I really want to make sure that we do what we can with the people that we talk to.”

“The people that we’re generally seeing are aware, and we’re just trying to reinforce that.”

Thursday, July 9, 2020 • 3

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICAELE FLORENDO

NOOK GOES INTERGALACTIC:

Abbie and Hannah Florendo spent a couple of days last week on this out-of-this-world painting on one of the new tents in the Nook yard put up as part of the pandemic precaution efforts.

Notice of Public Hearing HAVE YOUR SAY. Public Hearing July 14 6:15 pm

Online Meeting via Zoom

Questions?

Contact Daniel Martin, Manager of Planning & Development

Bylaw Amendments to the Official Community Plan and Land Use Bylaw for 720 Gardner Lane

Amendment Bylaws No. 498 and 499, 2019 What are these amendments about?

Proposed Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 498, 2019 would change the designation of the south-east portion of the lot to RC – Retreat Centre, and the western portion of the lot to P – Municipal Park.

Proposed Land Use Bylaw No. 499, 2019 would rezone the south-east portion of the lot Rural Commercial 2 (Retreat Centre), rezone the western portion of the lot P1 – Passive Park, and rezone the middle of the lot RR3(c) – to reduce the minimum lot size required to 1 hectare. This would allow for the future subdivision of two residential lots, currently permitted under the zoning. Bylaw No. 499 would also make minor amendments to the retreat centre regulations to restrict the amount of staff accommodation.

How do I learn more?

Visit the municipal website to view the information package on these amendments: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning

Ways you can Have Your Say: •

Speak at the Public Hearing: July 14, 2020 at 6:15 pm: 1. Email the Corporate Officer (hdallas@bimbc.ca) BEFORE the start of hearing to register for the speakers list: • Subject line: “Public Hearing - Verbal Submission 720 Gardner Lane” • Your full name, address and phone number 2. Join via Zoom and wait for your name to be called out.

Get the Zoom meeting details at: bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning

604-947-4255

dmartin @bimbc.ca

•

Write to the attention of Mayor and Council: E-mail: mayorandcouncil@bimbc.ca Mail: 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC, V0N 1G2

bowenisland municipality.ca /planning

To ensure a fair process, written submissions are accepted up until the end of the public hearing.

Council cannot consider any submissions received after the Public Hearing has ended. If your written submission is received after the public hearing has ended your submission will be circulated to staff for information.

4 • Thursday, July 9, 2020

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VIEWPOINT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

An anti-racism variety show

DEAR EDITOR: For the past month and a bit, I’ve been a part of a committee of artists, activists and academics across Canada who self-identify as LGBTQ2S+ (lesbian-gay-bisexual-trans-queer-2Spirit) and POC (People of Colour) to create an event that will help to raise awareness about ongoing systemic racism across Turtle Island (Canada and the U.S.). This online performance event is also a fundraiser and all proceeds will go directly to organizations selected by the committee that do critical anti-racist and anti-violence legal justice work that support BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour). Please join us and stand in solidarity with BIPOC across Turtle Island by attending our online performance event: RAAAAR! Radical Activists and Artists Against Racism!

A variety show taking place July 18 at 5 p.m.

PST. Tickets for the online event can be purchased at eventbrite.ca/e/raaaar-radical-artists-and-activists-against-racism-a-varietyshow-tickets-111330021090.

Participating artists include: Kait Angus, Ashli St. Armant, Cartel Madras, DeVery Bess, Janelle Cooper, Dallas Hayes-Sparks, Miranda Martini and Tony Snow. Through art and stories we hope to enhance awareness about the experience of BIPOC and the impacts of systemic racism. Alone we may feel disempowered but collectively we hope to make a concrete difference through fund-raising while also showcasing a diverse and talented group of BIPOC artists.

The proceeds will be split evenly across three organisations: Black Legal Action Centre (Canada) (blacklegalactioncentre. ca); RAVEN Trust (Canada) (raventrust. com); NAACP (USA) (naacpldf.org).

If you care deeply about anti-racism work and have some disposable income, please let us know if you would like to be a sponsor for this event by emailing one of the organizers Mai Yasue (maiyasue@gmail.com.)

Finally, even if you cannot attend the event, we would be so grateful if you could still donate and purchase a ticket to support this important cause. Please be as generous as your budget allows. All of the money you donate will help support legal advocacy for BIPOC. From police violence, to pipelines, to illegal occupation of land, legal advocacy is critical to racial justice. Monetary donations to these effective and nimble organizations are a valuable way to contribute. Join us for a variety show of radical art by radical artists for a radical cause. RAAAAR! We’re mad as hell and we’re making art about it!

Kind regards, Mai Yasue on behalf of the committee: (Kate Reid [former Bowen Islander, katereid.net/], Miranda Martini [soundcloud.com/ mirandamartini] , Pam Rocker [pamrocker. com] and Stephane Youdom )

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

On the rental housing project and community (formerly surplus) lands DEAR EDITOR: Along with all the happy faces in the cover photo June 11, I too was happy to see the shovels touching the ground for the rental housing project.

I was not only happy to see that rental housing stock was being taken seriously, but also to see the first sale of a piece of the community (formerly called surplus) lands.

The non-market rental housing will probably need to rent on the order of $2.25 per square foot per month, and the four market rental units around $3.50 per square foot per month, so for the non-market units a small-

ish apartment of 500 square feet would rent for $1125. It will be interesting to see how a developer can make such a project pay in today’s market. As for the floodgates opening on the sale of community lands, I am encouraged as over the 15 years since we borrowed the $2,000,000 to buy the lands, we have paid interest only of about $1,000 per week on that debt. We are getting close to $800,000 in accrued interest. The land sold for $875,000, so if that sale money is applied to the debt, all we have to do is sell off $2,000,000 more to be out of debt on the lands.

Up until the 2018 property tax year, there

Food service resumes: For those who rely on coffee or a snack on their morning (or evening) commutes to town, you’re in luck. BC Ferries

announced July 8 that it’s resuming food service on the Queen of Capilano. Cafes and cafeterias had been closed system-wide earlier this year as a pandemic precaution and then BC Ferries started reintroducing services last month.

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 4 p.m. Monday. Deadline for all editorial 5 p.m. Tuesday.

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was a line item on our taxes called ‘debt on surplus lands’. This line item has vanished without taking the debt with it, so it was probably just absorbed into general government what-have-you.

I am hopeful that, given this is the first sale of community lands, we are on track to eliminating this long-standing debt, however, it wouldn’t be the end of the world if the money went into some needed infrastructure. I’d just hate to see it squandered on other things.

Kudos to mayor and council for this important step.

Richard Best

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.

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Thursday, July 9, 2020 • 5

Migrant labour: exposing systemic racism on Canadian farms BOWEN ISLAND FOODRESILIENCE SOCIETY HAS BEEN TALKING AND THINKING ABOUT RACIAL INJUSTICE IN OUR FOOD SYSTEM

ELAINE CAMERON

Bowen Island FoodResilience Society Canadians have been witnessing, talking about, and maybe even participating in the demonstrations about race and inequality that have been rocking the globe.

On Bowen, the compassionate meditation fundraiser held by The Well was one such supportive reaction to this worldwide upheaval. Within Bowen Island FoodResilience Society, we’ve been talking and thinking about racial injustice in the food system.

Many white Canadians have believed that racism isn’t really a big issue in our country, not like in the U.S. That illusion has been disintegrating as Indigenous peoples have continued to push systemic injustices into the light. The false, sanitized narrative of Canada’s past and present has been further exposed as the voices of Black Lives Matter and their allies echo throughout the country.

Systemic racism means that the way we function as a society isn’t

just touched by inequality and injustice, it means we depend on it. The use of migrant labour in Canadian agriculture is one example of this systemic racism.

The facts speak to how essential this labour is in the Canadian food system.

Over half of Canada’s paid agricultural workforce are migrant workers, according to the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council.

These workers are called “temporary foreign workers” but the word “temporary” hides the long-term and structural importance of these workers to Canadian agriculture.

It also hides that many of these workers return year after year, some for decades and they may spend more than eight months a year in Canada. So, while the word “foreign” makes these workers “them,” not “us,” Canada is hardly foreign to people spending more time here than in their country of origin.

Approximately 55,000 migrant agricultural workers came to Canada in 2018 – 90 per cent of them from Mexico, Guatemala and Jamaica.

Most work on large farms in Ontario

and Quebec, but more than 9,000 equal to Canadian agricultural workcame to BC. ers, it is difficult, if not impossible, The skills and for them to insist that experience they their rights are respectbring play a critied. And while some cal role in Canadian “Workers are called work for good employagriculture from bee- “temporary foreign ers, some do not. The keeping in Ontario fact that they canto berry farms in workers” but the not leave an employer British Columbia. without risking deporBut, despite how word “temporary” tation or becoming an essential migrants “undocumented illehides the longare to farming in our gal” puts them at risk of country, they have term and structural exploitation. no pathway to perCOVID-19 has highimportance of manent residency or lighted the vulnerability citizenship. of migrant farm labourthese workers The only thing ers in Canada. More permanent about than 1,000 agriculturto Canadian their situation is al workers have been insecurity.

Their agriculture.” diagnosed with COVIDvisas tie them to 19 in Ontario since the –Elaine Cameron one employer in one start of the pandemic, location; if they leave according to the advoan employer or are cacy group Justice for fired, their visas are invalid.

Migrant Workers.

This reliance on the good will Federal Health Minister Patty of their employers creates a power Hajdu said that the stories she imbalance that leaves migrants has heard about the treatment of susceptible to exploitation with- migrant workers on some farms “is out recourse. While migrant work- a national disgrace.” Forty people ers have some rights, such as wages sharing a single shower, healthy and

ill people living together in overcrowded bunkhouses and no quarantine pay are a few such stories.

The Migrant Rights Network, a cross-Canada alliance formed to combat racism and fight for migrant justice, speaks of the role of government in maintaining systemic racism. “Government policies polarize and divide us,” its website says. “We are given different rights on the basis of the places of our birth, the colour of our skin, the accents we have, and the bodies we inhabit.

“We are denied labour protections, decent healthcare, the ability to change jobs, and to be with our families.

“We reject these categories of migrant, irregular, refugee, undocumented, citizen. We assert our humanity.”

The work of migrants in Canada is essential to the food on our tables.

We need to support their demands for fair and equal treatment, including the right for a path to citizenship.

And we need to dig deep and transform our food system from one that depends on systemic racism to one that values the lives and labour of those who contribute to it.

Islanders can take advantage of Better Meals deliveries on Bowen Better Meals is a company in Burnaby that serves much of the Lower Mainland. They have an extensive menu of reasonably priced flash frozen and some fresh items. For 25 years Snug Cove House, as a service to the community and to help seniors age in place, offers free delivery of ordered food to Bowen residents. The service is available to all. Volunteers pick up the food from town. Menus are available online and at the Pharmacy. The prices are all-inclusive. Orders can be placed through Sue Ritchie 604-947-0225. ––Sue Ritchie, Better Meals

LOST KEYS BMW key fob and keys lost on Bowen.

If found, please text Robyn

on Bowen Island

604-369-4453

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

▼

5:20 am* 6:20 am 7:20 am 8:35 am 9:35 am 10:40 am 12:15 pm 1:20 pm 2:40 pm 4:00 pm< 5:10 pm 6:15 pm 7:20 pm> 8:50 pm 9:50 pm 10:50 pm

VANCOUVER Horseshoe Bay 5:50 am 6:50 am 8:00 am 9:05 am< 10:10 am 11:15 am 12:45 pm 1:55 pm 3:20 pm 4:40 pm 5:45 pm 6:50 pm 7:50 pm> 9:20 pm 10:20 pm

Leave Horseshoe Bay

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

BOWEN ISLAND Snug Cove Leave Snug Cove

Places of Worship Welcome You

Schedule in Effect: July 2, 2020 to September 7, 2020 Crossing Time: 20 minutes Distance: 3 nautical miles Note: This is a non-reservable route * exCepT SuN aND aug 3 & SepT 7 > exCepT SaT < exCepT WeD are (DC) DaNgerouS Cargo SailiNgS. No oTher paSSeNgerS permiTTeD.

6 • Thursday, July 9, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Seeking Public Comment DVP-05-2020 (816 Valhalla Place)

Seeking Public Comment DVP-06-2020 (221 Eagle Rock Lane)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

A Development Variance Permit application has been submitted for 816 Valhalla Ln (shown on map) for reduction of the front setback. Variance will enable construction of an addition to the north side of the house.

A Development Variance Permit application has been submitted for 221 Eagle Rock Ln (shown on map) to increase allowed projection into setbacks for an unenclosed porch and roof overhang. Variance will enable construction of a new porch.

TIMELINE:

TIMELINE:

MORE INFORMATION:

MORE INFORMATION:

The application may be viewed on the municipal website at

The application may be viewed on the municipal website at

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning

Written submissions may be delivered by 4:30 PM, Friday July 10th to Municipal Hall (contact information below): • In person at the mail drop-off box • By mail • By email to mayorandcouncil@bimbc.ca Submissions may also be made to Mayor and Council at the meeting:

6:15 PM on Monday, July 13, 2020 Online via Zoom

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME: Written submissions may be delivered by 4:30 PM, Friday July 10th to Municipal Hall (contact information below): • In person at the mail drop-off box • By mail • By email to mayorandcouncil@bimbc.ca Submissions may also be made to Mayor and Council at the meeting:

6:15 PM on Monday, July 13, 2020 Online via Zoom

For instructions on how to submit comment at the meeting, go to:

For instructions on how to submit comment at the meeting, go to:

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/council-meetings To ensure a fair process, written submissions cannot be accepted after the meeting has begun.

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/council-meetings To ensure a fair process, written submissions cannot be accepted after the meeting has begun.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME:

Questions? Please contact Emma Chow, Island Community Planner at Questions? Please contact Emma Chow, Island Community Planner at echow@bimbc.ca or 604-947-4255. echow@bimbc.ca or 604-947-4255.

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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Thursday, July 9, 2020 • 7

Community centre passes to referendum Of the $4 million needed, $2 million is “tax neutral” as the rent money the municipality pays (it doesn’t own any of its spaces) would be redirected to financing the hall. Borrowing the other $2 million would result in a two per cent rise in property taxes BIM staffers estimated in 2019.

To start construction, all the funding first needs to be in place but the designs and permits are in place.

The grant money needs to be spent by 2025 said project manager Shauna Jennings (who with former Hearth executive director Jacqueline Massey put together the grant proposal last January). “Everybody’s ramping back up,” she said. “So the project is gaining momentum again.”

“It’s super exciting,” said Jennings. “I’ve always been a big proponent of having community centers. I think they’re a real heart of a community.

“Getting that funding brings us one step closer to having it as a reality.”

In Friday’s press release, BIM poised the project as an “economic stimulus…creating jobs in an uncertain economy, bringing traffic to local businesses, and ultimately creating our own facility that will develop community

resiliency over the long term.”

In the economy of a year and a half ago, there were community members and councillors raising concerns about the number of capital projects the municipality is taking on, including the water treatment plant now under construction and the proposed fire hall on Lot 3 of the Community Lands.

A community centre has long been a topic of local attention: as far back as 1993 islanders were trying to build a community and performing arts centre. Municipal council set aside a slice of Lot 2 of the Community Lands (beside the BICS soccer field) for a community centre in 2006. BIM issued the building permit for the now “shovel-ready” project in 2018.

“This is excellent news for our community,” said Rob Gloor, chair of the Hearth. “We are now very close to realizing our dream of a place where the entire community can gather and re-connect in a myriad of ways.”

The facility design is 16,000 sq. ft. and includes municipal offices, council chambers, multi-use rooms, a fitness room and recreation and arts space.

BIM is still collecting donations for the community centre––donations that’ve included million-dollar pledges in the past––through the project website.

‘It’s been a real pleasure’: Artisan Office manager CONTINUED FROM P. 1

Faxing (a number of items still need to be faxed these days noted Miller) and scanning documents and being Bowen’s FedEx retailer were among Artisan Office’s unique services. It would also take documents to in-town accountants and lawyers, bring in bank deposits and whatever else. “So that people…can have their life on Bowen,” said Miller. “They don’t have to give up a day’s work on Bowen to

go into town to take care of business.”

Miller said she’s going to miss Artisan Office life.

“It’s been a real pleasure just working with and interacting with so many people every day,” said Miller. “And feeling that we are helping them and supporting them in all sorts of ways but also just seeing them and hearing what’s going on.”

“I will miss that every day.”

Express the very best of what it means to be human.

DI SC OV ER U S

MIDDLE SCHOOL

CELEBRATING YEARS

CONTINUED FROM P. 1

MATTERS

ISLAND PACIFIC SCHOOL Accepting Applications for 2020-21 and Beyond

islandpacific.org

Patient of the Week BOWIE This is Bowie. An adorable puppy who was recently adopted to an amazing home on Bowen. Bowie has been coming to us to receive his puppy vaccinations. Bowie recently was given his last round of vaccines and is now able to go play with other dogs at the dog park.

Bordetella is a good vaccine to consider as “kennel cough” can be transmitted in dog parks and not just in kennels.

NEW COVID HOURS effective JULY 8th OPEN: 9 - 5 pm every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday* OPEN: 9 - 1 pm every second Saturday (closed Sat. July 11th) *Please note: Friday medical appointments will be available on alternate weeks. The clinic will be open for prescriptions and food pick up only on those Fridays as of July 10th.

To schedule appointments, please call

604.947.9247

or email reception@bowenvet.com

8 • Thursday, July 9, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Bowen Island Arts Council Is looking to hire for the role of

Cultural Connector 2020 Season

Full-time/seasonal - July to September The Hearth - Arts on Bowen operates the Gallery @ Cove Commons, home to the local Bowen Island Arts Council supports the art scene on Bowen Island, BC. We are currently looking for a Full-time/seasonal Cultural Connector to assist the Executive Director, Gallery Curator & Programmer in administrative matters, marketing and gallery operations.

Hours of work: Full-time up to 35 hours per week, will include weekends and some evenings. Rate of pay: Depending on experience.

Please visit our website for more details.

Requirements: Interest in arts an asset. Business experience necessary. Mature, responsible and quick-thinking. Computer literate with strong skills with Microsoft Office, Google Drive and Creative Cloud applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator & Indesign. Some heavy lifting necessary. Strong minded individual but willing to learn and accept directions. As part of the requirements of the Canada Summer Jobs grant, the employee must be between 15 and 30 does not need to be a student.

Sense of humor a must!

Thank you for your consideration!!

Application deadline: Thu July 9th, 2020 - 5 pm Please forward covering letter & resume by email:

Bowen Island Arts Council Jami Scheffer - Executive Director Email: executivedirector@thehearth.ca Website: thehearth.ca

Paramedic partners spend decades saving lives BRENT RICHTER

North Shore News

For more than 30 years, North Vancouver residents Randy Block and Dave Marklund have ridden to the rescue, side by side, as partner paramedics.

It is exceedingly rare in B.C. Emergency Health Services to have the same partner on the road for so long. From chest pains to gunshot wounds, they’ve seen it all and it’s likely anyone who rode in the back of their ambulance benefited from the friendship.

“You always work in twos so your partnership is everything. How good your partnership is sets the tone for how well the call goes, sets the tone for life after the call,” Block said. “You have to be able to get along with the person and obviously we did. We were just very good together. We honed our craft together.”

The two first met in 1987 when Block was working as a scuba instructor and Marklund was getting into the sport. They became fast friends, and in doing so, learned they both had aspirations to become paramedics.

Block was the first one to land a job in Whistler. Marklund joined him soon after.

“I was on a different career path. But a few months after hearing that he was doing well up there, I decided to come up and have a talk with the boss at the time, and then I got hired,” he said. “That man quickly learned that Randy and I would commute together. On our time off, we would exercise together. We were pretty much joined at the hip. So then we were scheduled together,” Marklund said.

Because Block was slightly ahead in seniority, he was always the first up for a new position closer to home in North Vancouver, where both men wanted to return. As their careers advanced, Block never had to wait more than a few months before Marklund would catch up with him and they’d be partners again.

Then 17 years ago, they both landed plum jobs on the North Shore, assigned to the same ambulance on the same day, which was “extremely rare” in emergency health services.

“Our management said that ‘This never happens, but you guys are moving together to start in West Vancouver,’” Marklund said.

The two would regularly debrief after a call, analyzing how it went and what they could learn to make the next one better.

Marklund was always the more serious member of the pair while Block characterized himself as easier going. But they had similar senses of humour, which would only strengthen their bond. “We would sit back and laugh our heads off – laugh to tears sometimes, and just sit and enjoy the moment and relax for a little bit until it was time for us to return to duty and get into the next event,” Marklund said.

Together, they’ve hit the lights and sirens 26,268 times. Marklund had been counting. And over 30 years, they’ve seen it all, to the point that memories of calls tend to blur together.

When the 1994 Vancouver Stanley Cup riot happened, Marklund and Block were on the scene so fast, other emergency health services members joked they may have been the ones to start it.

Marklund announced his retirement in May. It means Block has had to adjust to having someone new at his side. “Dave will downplay this, but there’s no question in my mind. He’s one of the finest paramedics that our service has,” Block said. “Our friendship, you know, is locked in for life.”

Marklund agreed, at least about the friendship part.

“We joke that when we get old enough to live in a retirement facility, we’ll get a room together – put our beds in there and get a PlayStation and Xbox and play video games, and just laugh our heads off,” he said.

LOCAL from lemonade to lumber please support our Bowen businesses

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, July 9, 2020 • 9

Rooted in history and home: Orbaek

A FARM-TO-TABLE FOOD LOUNGE QUIETLY OPENED AT MEADOWBROOK CORNER LAST YEAR BUT DUE TO COVID-19 ORBAEK FARM TO TABLE TAKEAWAY & MEATS LOOKS A LITTLE DIFFERENT THIS YEAR BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor

Matt Matheson isn’t far from where he grew up, in a manner of speaking.

The chef was raised behind a deli counter (his mother ran Springfield Meats and Sausage in Kelowna) and grew up foraging with his mother. So perhaps his path was inevitable.

Matheson is one of three men behind Orbaek Farm to Table Takeaway & Meats. Along with head chef Jak Hedley and salumist (maker of charcuterie and sausages) Dylan Ricci, Matheson operates the food lounge at Meadowbrook Corner.

(Orbaek is not a restaurant as it’s on provincially designated agricultural land reserve and therefore under certain restrictions).

Last June, Orbaek opened as a reservation-only, word-of-mouth dining lounge for groups of between eight and 25 people. “We were going to build the brand from there,” said Matheson, “And then COVID happens.”

The hours-long sit-down Scandanavian-style meals of last year didn’t suit the COVID environment so Orbaek pivoted to Japanese-Danish fusion take-out.

“Which is bizarre to think about,” said Matheson. “But it actually works really well because they’re two very similar cuisines when you look at the aesthetic of the food.”

“The two cuisines, the two aesthetics of the people, how they live their lives, how they set the table, how they view food, how they view family…the Danes and the Japanese have a lot of similarities,” said Matheson. “For us, it was just a natural combination.”

The team also wanted to make sure that Orbaek’s new model

SARAH HAXBY PHOTO

Chefs Jak Hedley and Matt Matheson are two-thirds of the trio that make up Orbaek Farm to Table Takeway & Meats. would suit whatever’s to follow with COVID-19. “We thought about that for a while and were like, ‘Hey, let’s just do some fun food really easily.’

“Quickly prepared… but it’s all fresh made.”

One can either order from Orbaek online or in person at the Grafton Rd. property.

“Our ideas to give people a lot of options so they don’t have to go to the cove if they just want to grab a few things for dinner,” said Matheson.

There’s the fresh menu with five different rice bowls and three sal-

ads (including an octopus seaweed salad), there are sourdough breads from a rotation of local bakers, broths and “comforting Danish-style” desserts (which are Matheson’s specialty). There’s a selection of meats from Ricci, which in the right season includes lamb raised on the property.

“We’re just going to develop the menu as it goes along,” explained Matheson.

Most of the greens are grown on the Meadowbrook property or sourced from local farms. “It’s as local as it can get,” said Matheson.

“It’s very farm to table.”

Also featured (when in season) are wild mushrooms and wild strawberries.

“I was raised in a very traditional Danish household so food was such a big deal and foraging wild goods,” said Matheson. (Matheson was out in a chanterelle patch with his young daughter when we chatted.) “It’s just part of my lifestyle,” he said. “And then I just work it into putting stuff on the menu.”

“Orbaek” as a word is Matheson’s Danish clan name––a name that dates back to the 10th century. It’s

also a long-standing family tradition to name businesses Orbaek.

Matheson’s grandfather Ove Orbaek Larsen was a well-known furniture maker in Vancouver in the 1950s.

His shop on Hastings Street? Orbaek Designs.

“It’s very much my homage to my heritage,” said Matheson. “I was taking the whole history of everything and just presenting it in a culinary way and giving people a taste of what my upbringing was.”

In that vein, the lounge space features family heirlooms, paintings from Matheson’s grandfather and dishware from Denmark.

Accompanying his Danish upbringing, Matheson was classically trained as a chef and has for years also run Vine & Garden Catering (which he started as a project in school. “It was a passion project,” he said. “It was my romanticism of what I wanted to do with food.”)

With the three partners, Matheson and Hedley work the weekends (desserts and salads are Matheson’s domain and the rest is Hedley’s) and Ricci prepares the meats during the week. “It’s just magical what we actually created here,” said Matheson. “Jak is very much the art of the projects, I guess I would be the romanticist…Dylan has the mastery of the meats.”

Orbaek also just became one of a handful of non-deli or meat producers in Metro Vancouver to hold a charcuterie ticket said Matheson.

As for what the future holds, later this summer there could be opportunity for more dining for little groups on the patio and for future years, this isn’t the last of what’s to come on Meadowbrook Corner.

Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

More information at orbaek.com.

BOWEN WASTE SOLUTIONS INC. New Pay Parking in Effect!

Precise Park Link will be managing the USSC parking lot (including pay parking & enforcement).

Hazardous Waste and Paint recycling day

If you are eating at Doc Morgan’s please present your parking receipt to your server for $5 off your bill of $10 or more!

July 18, 2020 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

The new pay parking meter accepts debit & credit.

Bowen Island Recycling Depot No fees to drop off hazardous waste or paint.

Limit for all products is 10 containers per visit.

For details please check our website bowenwastesolutions.com 604-947-2055

10 • Thursday, July 9, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Bowen Island Community

MARKETPLACE PRACTICAL NURSING

Call to place your ad:

604-630-3300 604-444-3000

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All advertising published in this newspaper is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services offered are accurately described and willingly sold to buyers at the advertised prices. Advertisers are aware of these conditions. Advertising that does not conform to these standards or that is deceptive or misleading, is never knowingly accepted. If any reader encounters non-compliance with these standards we ask that you inform the Publisher of this newspaper and The Advertising Standards Council of B.C. OMISSION AND ERROR: The publishers do not guarantee the insertion of a particular advertisement on a specified date, or at all, although every effort will be made to meet the wishes of the advertisers.

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!

@bowenislandundercurrent.com

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

Virtual visits available

Hours will vary due to

COVID-19

604-947-9986

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

604-376-9801 www.CarolynNesbitt.com

Naturopathic Physician 596 B. Artisan Square

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

SHIATSU NexGen Hearing Shiatsu massage therapy follows traditional Chinese medicine to restore your body’s health with flow and relaxation.

Vicky Frederiksen

Certified Shiatsu Practitioner.

778-881-9012 call or text email: v.gathe@gmail.com

At entrance to Artisan Square Suite #597

CATHERINE SHAW Dr. Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncturist

❦

Artisan Square

Dr. Dana Barton

BOWEN ISLAND WELLNESS CENTRE 604-947-9755

Call us at

604-281-3691

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MARY MCDONAGH RMT, DCH Registered Massage Therapist

Located in Artisan Square

Book online for in person and virtual appointments at https://birchwellness.janeapp.com/

Dr. Alea Bell, ND Naturopathic Doctor

778-891-0370

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Courtney Morris, R.Ac

Registered Physiotherapist

604-338-5001

SANDY LOGAN

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HEIDI MATHER

Registered Acupuncturist Registered Nutritionist Book online bowenislandwellnesscentre.ca

Registered Acupuncturist, Homeopath, Doula

Mary Coleman, MSW, RSW Compassion minded counselling

778-233-4425

Julie Hughes, RPC Counselling

778-858-2669

Bowen Island Chiropractic

Dr. Tracy Leach, D.C. Relief from a variety of painful muscle and joint conditions.

Artisan Square

778-828-5681 or book online: www.drtracyleach.ca

lifelabs

Tues - 6:45 - 8:45 a.m. • Thurs. - 6:45 - 8:45 a.m.

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

located at Bowen Island Integrated Health #101-495 Bowen Island, Trunk Road

bowenislandundercurrent.com

FICTION CORNER Editor’s note: the following is the ninth 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

Gwennie emerged from the hole in the trunk of the tree as though she was pushed, with her hands tied behind her back.

“I’ll never forgive you Peter!” she called behind her. “How dare you!” and she burst into tears. Hook looked astonished.

“Sacrificing maidens now, Pan?” he taunted. “You are even less of a gentleman then I

am!”

“No,” replied Peter’s voice from seemingly everywhere. “You are more of an idiotic codfish than I thought you were!” And Gwennie severed her bonds with her knife and jumped into the huddle of pirates with a yell. She had been enhanced with fairy dust so when she jumped into the pirate bundle, she was propelled up and she came down, with a smash on not one but two pirate faces, her feet firmly aimed and planted on their fragile noses.

With a whoop and a crowing from Peter,

the lost boys and Peter emerged from the forest. The pirates, now distracted with Gwennie kicking them in the face and stabbing them with her dagger, did not see the lost boys emerge from the forest, but Gwennie did, and despite all the warnings that Peter had given her, she stopped what she was doing and stared. The pirate she was attacking took his chance and brought his cutlass to her throat.

Peter, meanwhile, was engaging with Hook while James and Slightly were going at an older pirate with small round spectacles who Gwennie guessed was Smee, and Annie was ruthlessly beating a very tall, back-haired pirate (who Gwennie realised was the pirate who had captured her on the ship) with a teddy bear she had smuggled to Neverland in her nightgown.

The pirate who had grabbed Gwennie called

Thursday, July 9, 2020 • 11

out “Got ‘er cap’n! What shall do wit’ ‘er now?

Chop off ‘er ‘ead?”

“No!” yelled James.

“Don’t do it, Hook.” begged Slightly. “She’s just a lady. Don’t hurt her, please!”

“Yes,” purred Hook. “Do what ye want with her, Drudge, just get her out of my sight!”

Peter stepped forward, bent down and placed his knife on the ground.

“Hook,” he said quietly. “Release Gwennie and I will go with you willingly. It’s me you want after all.”

Hook could not believe his luck. “Alright, Pan,” he growled. “But no tricks, mind.”

“No tricks.” replied Peter quietly. “Just give me one last chance to speak with the lady.”

“Granted.” said Hook.

To be continued...

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Thursday, July 9, 2020 • 12

The dreamer and the pragmatist: the story of Bowen eBikes

NEWLYWEDS ANGELA SAUNDERS AND BRENDAN ROBERTSON LAUNCHED THEIR NEW E-BIKE RENTAL BUSINESS LAST WEEK

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor

It’s probably not the honeymoon they envisioned.

Bowen’s latest business owners are not only starting their marriage during a global pandemic but a tourism-based business. So as one might expect, this is a love story.

Angela Saunders and Brendan Robertson opened their e-bike rental company, Bowen eBikes, from their Cates Hill Home last week.

“E-bikes was always a thought for us that would make Bowen quite a bit more accessible to anyone,” said Saunders. “That coupled with COVID, as people get concerned about tourists coming back onto Bowen and all the tourists end up getting stuck at the Snug because without a vehicle you’re not really going too far out there.” There was also the bonus that biking can be a socially distanced activity.

Neither has a background in tourism: Saunders works for a tech company that makes software for designing custom prosthetics and orthotics––which she’s usually travelling around the world to promote and sell and seeing what clinics and patients need. Robertson runs a small web shop on the island.

But both have a background in cycling: they’re triathletes who’ve competed at multiple world championships, which is where they met.

“We kept missing each other year after year after year,” said Robertson.

They’d heard rumours of one another and had at least one friend in common but hadn’t yet crossed paths.

“So many races that we both competed at and never met,” said Saunders.

But after missing one another at world championships three times, they finally met in London in 2013 and exchanged information.

Two years ago the couple moved to Bowen –– “We came over for just a weekend and we were like, yep, this is where we need to be,” said Saunders.

“We are not in the same shape as we once were but we still enjoy community races here and there,” said Saunders. “Obviously the race season is completely shut down this year so we are just enjoying trying to do our training outside and to make

PHOTO: DAVE AND JENNAH PARK OF WEARETHEPARKS.CO

It was just a few weeks ago that Robertson and Saunders tied the knot ot their Bowen home. the most of our own backyard.”

Robertson also for a while had a YouTube channel to try to help people get into triathalon and for a time was a triathalon coach at UBC. “I think that whole notion of how to help people get outside and get physical is part of who you are,” Saunders told her new husband, noting that he was being humble in listing his credentials.

While both used to be e-bike skeptics, they have since recanted their no pedal assist stances.

For Saunders it was watching fellow commuters pedaling out to UBC or South Vancouver instead of driving. For Robertson it was jealousy.

“As an athlete you can get to be very competitive,” he laughs recalling other people on e-bikes passing his non-motorized but long-training self. “A little bit like, ‘…that’s cheating; that shouldn’t be allowed!’”

“Then of course then we get them and we try them out and it’s like,

PHOTO: UNDERCURRENT

And now the couple is starting their new married life and their new business together.

‘ooh, but I love cheating.”

“I love being one of those guys with the e-bikes passing everybody.

It feels good in a bad way.”

E-bikes also deal with the post-winter hurdle of getting back on the bike and out training noted Saunders. “It’s just about you know, getting people back outside and in whatever weather conditions you know, and with these bikes you have to pedal to engage,” she said. “You do have to pedal up the hill, you’re just getting that little boost to help you up there.”

“You see families of older generations or younger generations trying to figure out what they would do all together and e-bikes are a great way to normalize that,” said Saunders.

Another bonus for the couple is that it’s a car alternative.

“That’s thing that drew us to cycling in the first place,” said Saunders. “It’s human powered.”

To say that Bowen eBikes is some-

thing new in the Saunders and Robertsons’ lives could be an understatement.

It was two weeks ago that Saunders was in London Drugs when she overheard someone say that there was a good price on e-bikes. Sparing a glance at the bikes, she agreed that they were a good price.

A few days later the couple had four bikes and a few days after that they had eight.

Last weekend they had their first group out on the bikes.

“Everyone has been so supportive,” said Saunders. “They’re just like, this is really something that Bowen could use.”

The e-bikes are class one, meaning they have pedal assist, so you have to pedal to enable them, but there’s no throttle. Each is rented out with a charger, lock and panier.

Customers can come to the couple’s home or they can also drop-off bikes. But everyone needs to bring a

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helmet for COVID-19 safety reasons.

As the business is new, they’re working out some details––such as how to do bike drop-off in the cove.

“The main thing is just to provide a different way for people to be out and social distance too,” said Saunders.

“The nice thing with the e-bikes is you don’t have to have a driver’s license so we can offer it to youths,” she said. They don’t currently have child-sized e-bikes.

“I think it’s evolving a little bit because of what the feedback that we are getting from different people that are renting,” said Robertson.

The bikes aren’t just for tourists noted Robertson, there’s also the potential for locals to rent them.

And the couple has already met the pandemic head on: they’d been set to get married on June 20.

“We had this really grand plan,” said Saunders. But with the virus, they pivoted. Just their immediate family came to the wedding at their home on Cates Hill and they sourced on-island help for event rentals, flowers, food, invitations and music.

“It was so nice to just be in the backyard,” she said. “And then it was so perfect because when we finished the ceremony, we peaked around the corner and a whole bunch of neighbors had gathered to watch.”

“You have to kind of adapt to vthings as you as you go along not everything is just how you think it would be,” said Saunders. “It’s the same with our wedding and it turned out really great.”

Though that was their wedding, they’ll still have a celebration when the spectre of COVID lifts.

“It’s a year-and-a-half long delayed reception,” laughed Robertson.

The roles of Robertson and Saunders in the business are quite clear: “He’s the dreamer, I’m the pragmatist,” laughed Saunders.

(Robertson spent much of the interview bouncing with new ideas–– Saunders spent much of the interview reigning in expectations.)

That’s not to say Robertson can’t be pragmatic: he added at the end of the interview a note that those renting bikes should pack a lunch.

Bowen eBikes is online at bowenebikes.ca and on Facebook @ bowenebikes. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily though are negotiable and prices start at $40 for two hours.