Bowen Island Undercurrent October 8 2020

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SHAKEOUT: the annual earthquake drill is next week

Thursday, October 8, 2020 • A1

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020 CAWES CHANGES

VOL. 46 NO. 40

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Advocacy group gets a makeover PAGE 3

COVID testing quandary

WITH NO TESTING ON ISLAND, BOWENERS NEED TO TAKE A FERRY WHILE POTENTIALLY SICK

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

UNDERCURRENT PHOTO

FLU AWAY: Cates Pharmacy’s Shahrzad Mirsaeidi stands before the tent now covering the west wing of the Village

Square parking lot. As a COVID measure, the pharmacy is administering flu shots in the tent, at least during the initial rush over the coming two weeks. See more in the story below.

Pharmacy flu shots start this week BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

Flu season is on its way back and in a bid to hold off one of the viral menaces of winter, flu vaccines are once again available at Cates Pharmacy in Village

Square.

Islanders interested in getting vaccinated need to call 604-947-0766 to book an appointment.

COVID protocols are in place and as such, the first couple of weeks of shots will take place in the orange tent set up in the Village Square parking lot.

“Everything will be done outside, nobody’s coming into the pharmacy,” explains pharmacist Simin Mirpourzadeh.

Upon arrival to an appointment, one must wear a mask, pass a quick COVID screening and sign a consent form.

As it stands, Bowen Islanders are a ferry ride away from a COVID-19 test.

As the doctor’s office in Artisan Square stopped performing tests in September citing lack of space and courier service to bring the samples to the mainland in a timely manner, Vancouver Coastal Health directs islanders to the two testing facilities in North Vancouver.

The health authority has indicated to Bowen Island Municipality that there are no plans to open testing capacity on Bowen, said BIM’s emergency program coordinator Jennifer McGowan.

Kirsten Degner is one of the islanders voicing concern about the lack of COVID testing on Bowen.

“With the reopening of schools full time, our small little bubble that we would have to protect has now become gigantic,” said Degner. She travelled to the North Shore to bring a family member for a COVID-19 test last week and it took four hours to get through the lineup at the testing centre (the test turned out negative). The ferry commute adds at the very least an hour to the ordeal. “We’re expected to take people that are sick and potentially contagious onto the ferry sit with them in this vehicle for several hours,” said Degner.

“I think they need to make it easier on our community to get these tests done,” said Degner. “Or people just aren’t going to bother and or not going to bother until it’s too late.”

CONTINUED ON P. 11

ACCEPTED OFFER! 1308 Oceanview Road

A piece of Bowen history- charming Union Steamship cottage fully updated!

49,138 people reached 15 viewings 12 days 2 potential buyers 1 accepted offer It’s a great time to sell your home. Let’s chat.

SHANA RICHMOND

SHANA@SHANARICHMOND.COM 604.338.3072

CONTINUED ON P.11

Events October 13, 2020 6:15 pm Regular Council Meeting All meetings are online via Zoom and

open to the public, unless noted otherwise.

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Step 3 of BC Energy Step Code effective October 1, 2020

Planning Application Fees Amendment

Step 3 is the third step in the system, and involves modeling and testing the building’s energy use to demonstrate that the design and construction go beyond BC Building Code.

To comply with Step 3, builders need to create and adhere to a whole-building energy model, then test the building enclosure on the ground for air tightness. The building’s performance needs to exceed the Building Code by 20% (or no more than 45 kWh/m2 annual energy use).

Bowen Island Municipal Council is considering increasing the application fee for a Development Variance Permit (DVP) from $850 to $900. Council will be considering adopting the Bylaw No. 526, 2020 to make this change at the October 13, 2020 Council Meeting.

Questions? Please contact Daniel Martin, Manager of Planning and Development, at 604-947-4255 or dmartin@bimbc.ca

bowenislandmunicipality.ca/step-code

Grants to help economic recovery available

Help slow the spread of COVID-19:

Stay home if you’re sick

The Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP) provides fully-funded provincial grants to support economic resilience, tourism, heritage, and urban and rural economic development projects in communities impacted

by COVID-19. The projects will help communities and support B.C.’s post-pandemic economic recovery.

Eligible applicants can receive a one-time, 100% funded provincial grant to support four key streams: • Community Economic Resilience • Destination Development • Unique Heritage Infrastructure • Rural Economic Recovery The application deadline is October 29, 2020. A Business BCeID account is required, which can take up to 15 business days to register. New users are encouraged to start the process as early as possible.

Find more information at www.gov.bc.ca/cerip Questions? Please contact Stefania Shortt, Community Economic Development Committee Liaison at sshortt@bimbc.ca.

Clean your hands frequently 2 m or 6 feet

Keep a safe physical distance

Wear a mask in spaces where you can’t safely distance

Translink Development Cost Charges Translink Development Cost Charges (DCCs)are increasing as of January 1, 2021.

Development cost charges (DCCs) are applied to new developments in Metro Vancouver to help fund the construction or expansion of regional transportation projects by TransLink.

This new “Regional Transportation DCC” was introduced in 2018 to assist in paying for eligible projects of the Phase One and Phase Two Investment Plan.

www.translink.ca/About-Us/Taxes/DevelopmentCost-Charges.aspx

Contact Us Phone: Fax: Email:

604-947-4255 604-947-0193 bim@bimbc.ca

Free Ecosystem-based Adaptation Webinar The climate emergency requires new approaches to climate action that recognize the interconnectedness of humans, ecosystems, and species. Ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) is gaining traction internationally as a way to use nature-based approaches, which enhance human and ecosystem climate change resilience.

This webinar will provide community members, engaged in climate action work, with valuable information about practical EbA approaches that can be applied in their communities.

Presenters Tine Rossing and Ruth Waldick will profile the impacts of climate change on the Trust Area and show how EbA approaches can lead to stronger climate resilience for humans, other species, and ecosystems.

Tuesday, October 27, 2020, 6:30 - 8:00 pm Online via Zoom Videoconferencing Register here https://bit.ly/2Z7Ggjw This is the second in the series of three Climate Change Speaker Series presented by Islands Trust.

For more information please visit: www.islandstrust.bc.ca/trustcouncil/projects/stewardshipeducation-program/

Burn Permits are now online “Open burning” is using fire to dispose of piled materials.

Open burning is allowed by permit on Bowen Island from October 15 to April 15.

Only burn when Metro Vancouver’s Open Burning Advisory indicates that burning is allowed. You must call 604-4366777 to determine if open burning is allowed on each day that you plan to burn. This information is available daily after 8:30 am.

Apply for your burn permit online

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/burn-permits Questions? Call the firehall at 604-947-9324

Find us on Facebook Bowen Island Municipal Hall 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday to Friday Closed statutory holidays October 8, 2020

Bowen Island Municipality

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A2 • Thursday, October 8, 2020

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ISLAND NEWS Introducing the new face behind CAWES

Thursday, October 8, 2020 • A3

COMMUNITY UPDATES

Instead of Applefest

There’s no Applefest this year but to keep the spirit of the event alive, there will be a small assortment of pies, apple items and harvested local apples at the last farmer’s market of the year. It’s in the BICS parking lot Sat. Oct. 10, 10 a.m. to noon. Please bring a mask, cash and your social distancing best, as well as a box, bag or basket to shop with. This is the last market of the year, so be prepared to fill your pantries for the winter!

–Sarah Haxby

NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HIRED

DEBORAH FORTESCUE

CAWES president

For those of you who have not already heard, Coast Animal Welfare & Education Society (CAWES) is getting a makeover.

After Iris Carr, the co-founder and superhero of CAWES, passed in 2018, it became very obvious to the board that the group needed a dedicated and experienced, hands-on multi-talented organizer.

The board decided to create the position of executive director, better known as “chief cook and bottle washer” and persuaded Kim Sinclair to join our motley crew.

We are so delighted that Kim has agreed to join us as she comes to us with a plethora of experience in both the non-profit world and animal welfare. Otherwise known as “the chihuahua lady,” Kim’s overall love of animals, large and small, along with her business acumen, makes her the ideal person to take on this role. If you see her out in the community, say hi, introduce yourself and let it be known that you support our CAWES. Kim has big shoes to fill and a lot of catching up to do as the board has been regrouping and rethinking CAWES’ future since Iris passed. But Kim is embracing the role with much enthusiasm and gusto as she does with everything to which she commits herself.

CAWES has a new office in Artisan Square which has been donated to the CAWES and you will find Kim hanging out there most days as she works on creating an innovative fundraising programme and addresses animal related issues. Outside of 596B Artisan Lane (back of the dark blue building on the square level) Kim has placed a cute collection box for donations of cat food and the always needed cans of tuna. Tuna you say? Yes tuna, used to entice feral or lost cats into traps to be relocated, receive medical attention or be reunited with their families.

Having an office has been so amazing as CAWES now has a clear place in the community and somewhere for you to go for information or assistance, to drop off items or just have a quick check in with any animal welfare related issues you may have.

As a non-profit organization, we are always in need of something. Here is our wish list of what we need help with right now: dedicated volunteers, tuna, cat food of all kinds, dedicated vol-

DARRYL DEEGAN PHOTO

Kim Sinclair became CAWES’ executive director earlier this year.

unteers (yes, we said that already), cat beds, items to auction on the new Facebook site, dedicated volunteers (did we say that already?), graphic design help, new website and donations of new items and services to use in our raffles.

Speaking of raffles, CAWES has a fantastic raffle underway.

Talented artist Stuart Slind has donated a painting to raffle. And get this, it’s not just a specific painting, but it is just about any painting currently hanging in his studio. It is winner’s choice.

Tickets are only $10 and can be bought from Kim in the CAWES office, or in person and from any of the board members, or at Cates Pharmacy, or at Copper Spirit Distillery in the Cove. If you would like to help with sales of tickets please contact Kim at info@cawes.org and she will get some to you. Copper Spirit Distillery is partnering with CAWES and will display a selection of Stuart’s paintings while tickets are being sold.

And last but by no means least. Kim is setting up a monthly donation program where community members and friends can donate any amount they like on a monthly basis to assist with some of our capital costs. As an example, we have recently purchased much needed surveillance equipment to keep track of some of our older wandering kitties so we can get them any help they might need on a timely basis. Regular monthly donations will also help us with other similar high cost items if and when needed. And let’s not forget the ever present veterinary expenses for the abandoned and stray animals who cross our path, as well as the feral kitties. We all know how quickly they can get out of hand, especially if some health issues are not dealt with quickly and efficiently.

Stay tuned for more information about that as it unfolds.

Virtual Remembrance Day

The Legion board has worked out the replacement for our usual large community-attended ceremony. Our plan is to videotape the full ceremony at a special time without the audience.

The video will be broadcasted on many platforms around 11:30 a.m. on Remembrance Day. Once again, Caroline and Devon Walker of the Bowen Flower Shop have graciously offered to create their environmentally preferred wreaths. If you would like to have a wreath placed, please contact Caroline Walker 604-947-2278 to order and Lorraine Ashdown 778-688-2061 with the name you’d like announced. The Legion did not order any plastic wreaths from Dominion Command this year.

As we cannot host our traditional afternoon lunch at the Hall following the ceremony, Yvonne is planning a drive-through dinner for that evening, More info to follow on that.

–Royal Canadian Legion branch 150

Halloween at a distance

B.I. Community Recreation is creating a map for families to tour the island to view decorated houses up to and on the haunted night.

Houses planning to get into the Halloween spirit, please send your address to bicr@bimbc. ca by Oct. 19. Addresses will be confidential; just the areas on the map will be highlighted.

–B.I. Community Recreation

Cowan Point Utility Company Ltd. NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO THE COMPTROLLER OF WATER RIGHTS UNDER THE WATER UTILITY ACT AND THE UTILITIES COMMISSION ACT NOTICE is hereby given by Cowan Point Utility Company Ltd that an application has been made to the Comptroller of Water Rights to amend the Utility’s Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the proposed construction and operation of an extension to the waterworks distribution system to serve residents in the areas of: a) Proposed Strata Lots 1-3 of part of Lot 3, District Lots 1411 and1551, Plan BCP16187 except BCP36606, BCP46645, BCP51625, and b) District Lot 1411 except Plans 6372, 18015, Ref Plan 3514, SROW Plan 15104, BCP16179, BCP16182, BCP16186, BCP16187, BCP23955).

Any person wishing further information in connection with this application should apply directly to: Cowan Point Utility Company Ltd at P.O. Box 228, Suite 201 – 475 Bowen Island Trunk Road, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0.

Any objections to this application are to be forwarded to the Secretary to the Deputy Comptroller of Water Rights by mail to PO Box 9340 STN PROV GOVT, Victoria, B.C. V8W 9M1 (or by email to Chris.McMillan@gov.bc.ca) and should be received in that office on or before November 6, 2020.

A4 • Thursday, October 8, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

VIEWPOINTS

SPECIAL EDITORIAL

Caveat lector: how to be your own news champion IN HONOUR OF NATIONAL NEWSPAPER WEEK OCTOBER 4 TO 10

Know any Latin? Probably not – it is a dead language, after all.

But there’s one phrase you may have at least heard of: caveat emptor.

It means, literally, “let the buyer beware.” It’s become a staple of contract law; in short, it means that someone buying something needs to learn about the nature of what they’re buying – that it does what it should and that the seller is actually allowed to sell it.

But in 2020, perhaps we should switch it up for caveat lector – let the reader beware.

That’s because the digital and social media revolutions make it more possible than ever for us as readers to be fooled – with our own habits used against us.

It used to be a very expensive

enterprise to reach a mass audience. It took a massive investment in capital and staff to buy presses, radio stations, or TV licences, to run them and to distribute news to the public.

As a result, the craft of journalism – which began with pamphleteers and partisans spreading “news” that served their interests – had to become more neutral and more objective in order to gain as large an audience as possible.

Yes, the concept of objective journalism, high-minded as it sounds, was an economic decision.

But it had a benefit to the reader: credibility became an asset.

Messing with the truth came with a major price tag, which made it too big of a risk to take for most

publishers. fact-checkers and our own guides But now, when every person through the media landscape – has the world’s biggest printing caveat lector. press and worldwide The first, and distribution in their most important hand, there’s no cost lesson: know your “ Our credibility – and next to no risk sources. Look for – to publishing whatthe name above the is our strongest ever someone wishes, headline on your and making it look asset, and we seek Facebook feed. Do like a legitimate news you recognize it? If to protect it by source. you don’t, proceed And it goes well reporting the news with caution, and beyond that; the algolook for sources to the best of our you trust to corrobrithms that rule our digital world can trap orate what you’ve abilities” you in an echo-chamread. ber of your own readThankfully, –Tim Shoults ing choices, keeping there are tools that information from you can help you with that might otherwise that. In fact, you’re broaden your horizons, give you reading one right now. context, or change your mind.

Whether you’re reading these That means we, the reading words on a printed page, a laptop public, must become our own screen or scrolling on a phone,

you’re reading them from a community news source – a trusted news source.

What makes you know we can be trusted? Because we still have skin in the game. We are often the only people in the communities we serve who are paid to tell its stories, week in and week out.

Our credibility is our strongest asset, and we seek to protect it by reporting the news to the best of our abilities, and by holding ourselves accountable to our readers through bodies like the National NewsMedia Council (www.mediacouncil.ca for more).

So as you navigate this new digital world, take us along as your guide.

We won’t pretend to be your champion for truth; rather, we’ll help you become your own champion.

—Tim Shoults, Glacier Media

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. Please limit to under 500 words.

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 advertising Monday, 4 p.m. DEADLINE for editorial Tuesday 5 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

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, October 8, 2020 • A5

What we have in common: a Vital Exploration NEW REPORT FROM COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS ALONG THE SEA-TOSKY AND IN HOWE SOUND LOOKS AT COMMON CHALLENGES

SHEREE JOHNSON

B.I. Community Foundation

The Community Foundations of Bowen Island, Squamish, Sunshine Coast, West Vancouver and Whistler have been collaborating for the past few years to share learnings and look for ways to work together for the mutual benefit of the communities we serve. This year, the foundations collaborated to produce a report, A Vital Exploration, comparing the realities in each of our communities based on information from Vital Signs and Conversations learnings, the Canadian Census, and the BC Adolescent Health Survey.

The report can be downloaded by going to bit.ly/2EUJr7f.

In the introduction, the report recognizes: “The population centres of the Greater Sea to Sky and Howe Sound region differ significantly in size and demographic characteristics. However, the residents of the area share a strong connection to place and a common desire for a welcoming, livable community where everyone can thrive. Residents move throughout the region, for work, recreation, shopping, services, or visiting family and friends. Many government agencies, health, and social services, as well as arts and cultural organizations, span the region with their programs, services, and participants.

“Residents of the region also share pressures – incomes that don’t keep up with living costs, lack of housing diversity and affordability and concern about the effects of climate change. While the highway and ferries connect our communities, they also contribute to traffic congestion and affect

A VITAL EXPLORATION PHOTO

Percentage of owners and renters who are in core housing need.

air quality. And with limited public transportation options in the corridor, there are few alternatives to private vehicle use. Due to water and mountain barriers, the geography of the region also contributes to common challenges around emergency preparedness, with the potential to be isolated for a longer period in a natural or human-caused disaster.”

The recommendations of the report encourage service providers, community members, and all levels of government to look at these findings and consider how they could work together to address these challenges, in particular: • Break down barriers to ensure that vulnerable and marginalized populations are understood, involved in decision-making and have equal access to solutions

• Support those addressing housing needs through improved choices, partnerships and diversity within our communities • Help to find improved and dedicated health solutions for all ages, especially youth, young adults, and seniors.

• Support communities to address emergency preparedness, environmental protection, racial injustice, economic vitality, and sustainability • Help build the capacities of charities and non-profits in our communities • Advocate with government and others for improved transportation options connecting our communities, and progressive climate action initiatives and investments.

EDITORIAL

Elections and turkey While national and international events may be overshadowing the provincial election, we’re just over two weeks away from voting day. Nominations closed Friday and the three candidates for our West Vancouver-Sea to Sky riding are confirmed: Keith Murdoch for the BC NDP; Jordan Sturdy (incumbent) for the BC Liberal Party and Jeremy Valeriote for the BC Green Party.

We’ll ask each candidate a set of questions that concern islanders. To submit a question, please email me at editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com before Oct. 14.

On another note, Thanksgiving is upon us.

For me growing up, Thanksgiving was always marked with a gathering at a family friend’s cabin on Lake Laberge, just outside of Whitehorse. Starting at about 1 p.m.

anyone could show up with a dish and as many friends and kids in tow as they wished.

Gathering around the fire pit outside and woodstove inside, Yukoners aged 0 to 99 (ok, nearly 99) swapped stories and memories. Many of us only saw one another twice a year (there was a parallel event at Easter with an egg hunt) at the cabin.

I haven’t been to the cabin in years now though the event goes on with some of the same faces and a healthy batch of new ones.

We’ll be figuring out new ways to be together this year but it’s no less important to reach out to friends (virtually), to reconnect and to eat some really good food.

Happy Thanksgiving Bowen Island. I’m thankful you’re here!

Bronwyn Bearisto, editor

NICOLE THOMAS ZYCZYNSKI PHOTO

Men on the Rock sings in Crippen Park last Sunday.

Patient of the Week MAPLE AND FLORA Meet the Bearded Collie sisters, Maple and Flora. Flora came to see us after she developed some hotspots underneath her long hair. She is receiving some antibiotics and has to wear the cone of shame to stop her from itching. Her sister Maple also sports a cone for moral support! These two receive regular grooming to keep their coats tidy and keep an eye out for hot spots or other skin conditions.

NEW COVID HOURS OPEN: 9 - 5 pm every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday* OPEN: 9 - 1 pm every second Saturday (closed Sat. Oct 17) *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.

To schedule appointments, please call

604.947.9247

or email reception@bowenvet.com

A6 • Thursday, y, October 8,, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

We’re ducking under desks next week: ShakeOut 2020 PLANNING FOR EARTHQUAKES DOESN’T STOP FOR COVID

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor

PATRICK WEILER MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT WEST VANCOUVER-SUNSHINE COAST -SEA TO SKY COUNTRY

At 10:15 a.m. on October 15, you’ll find Bowen Island Municipality’s emergency program coordinator, Jennifer McGowan, under her desk.

While the pandemic rages on, thousands across B.C. and the world will prepare for a different kind of disaster during ShakeOut 2020.

The annual earthquake drill on the third Thursday of every October bids people to “drop, cover and hold on” as if they were in the middle of a major earthquake. Municipal hall is participating, even broadcasting a recording of earthquake sounds over the PA system to add to the realism.

“It’s really just about raising awareness, making sure people know what to do during an earthquake but also are prepared for the aftermath of an earthquake,” says McGowan.

“So it’s not just about being under the table but what comes next.”

Individuals, families, schools, workplaces and other organizations can and are encouraged to register for the drill that saw more than a million participants in 2019: shakeoutbc.ca/.

With Emergency Preparedness Week in May and ShakeOut in October, a number of islanders use the events to prompt twice annual personal emergency preparedness work says McGowan. Examples of preparedness work include checking the smoke

detector batteries, checking for expired food in the emergency kit, fastening the bookcase to the wall and registering for the emergency notification system.

“Maybe you want to take a COVID focus and say ‘Oh, I’m going to make sure that I have masks and gloves and hand sanitizer in my emergency kit, just in case there’s an earthquake during COVID,’” McGowan adds.

As someone who prepares for emergencies for a living, McGowan also has robust personal emergency planning. She has a generator with enough fuel to operate home essentials (the well pump for example) for a couple of days. There are emergency kits with enough food for the household (including pets) for three weeks. (Three days of food is the emergency preparedness rule of thumb but McGowan says if one can afford to maintain a longer supply, that’s probably a good idea.) She also has a satellite phone.

As McGowan’s spouse commutes, the two have a pretty detailed plan as to how they might communicate should cellphones be down for a few days. Such discussions are important for families to have she says.

McGowan also encourages islanders to join or get to know their local Neigbourhood Emergency Response Program volunteers.

“We know that there might not be any assistance coming to people for days post catastrophic earthquake,” says McGowan.

“The better you’re able to look after yourself in your home and in your neighborhood the better you’re going to fare.”

To learn who your local NERP is or to join, email Edward Wachtman at edward@ bimbc.ca or McGowan at JMcGowan@ bimbc.ca.

Places of Worship Welcome You BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH

@PatrickBWeiler

Happy H p y Thanksgiving T n sgivin Tha patrick.weiler@parl.gc.ca Tel.: 604-913-2660 Fax.: 604-913-2664

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

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

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, October 8, 2020 • A7

DOES YOUR ORGANIZATION HAVE IDEAS FOR SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY DURING COVID...

BUT LACK THE FUNDS TO DELIVER

?

FUNDING AVAILABLE

The Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) is a $350M investment from the Government of Canada to support charities and not-for-profit organizations serving affected populations as they manage the impacts of COVID-19. $70,000 of these funds have been made available through the Bowen Island Community Foundation and the Bowen Island Health Centre Foundation.

Successful new programs and services have already been established by The Caring Circle, Bowen Children’s Centre, BIM Recreation Department, Bowen Island Library, and 947Swim.

Successful applicants might offer new services or provide financial subsidies for existing programs.

ELIGIBLE PROJECTS WILL: Clearly address a pressing social, mental, or physical well-being need heightened by COVID-19 and be carried out in a short time frame with a reasonable budget, before March 31, 2021.

SERVICES PROVIDED THROUGH YOUR PROJECT MIGHT INCLUDE: • • • •

Financial wellness Food security Health & Hygiene Home care / personal support services

• • • •

Information and navigation Legal support Mental health & wellness Safety

• Shelter • Social inclusions & learning • Transportation

For examples of funded programs, visit: https://bit.ly/HelpBowen

If you have an idea to help Bowen during this emergency, please contact CovidPartnerships@bowenhealthcentre.com for more information.

A8• Thursday, October 8, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Talking to students about residential schools HOW BICS STUDENTS RECOGNIZED ORANGE SHIRT DAY SEPT. 30

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor

People across Canada donned orange shirts Sept. 30 to recognize the effects of residential schools and their enduring legacy of harm for First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples.

Orange Shirt Day began in 2013 as part of the St. Joseph Mission Residential School (1891-1981) Commemoration Project in Williams Lake. At the event, residential school survivor Phyllis (Jack) Webstad told the story of, at six-years-old, having the brandnew orange shirt her grandmother bought her taken away on the first day of school. The movement grew from there and Orange Shirt Day has since gained mainstream prominence, including in schools across the country. Webstad has since written three books for children about Orange Shirt Day.

“These are all complicated topics and lifelong learning for all Canadians, so we use and commit to the phrase ‘every child matters’ in schools to clarify and focus our intention,” said Bowen Island Community School principal Scott Slater in a video message sent out to parents Sept. 30. “To celebrate every child for who they are.”

The Undercurrent caught up with Slater and BICS grades fourfive teacher Kimberly Hicks to hear how Bowen elementary students learn about the tough subject.

While younger grades have lessons in and discussions on inclusion, specific discussion of residential schools starts in about grade four.

“Even though we don’t get into the worst aspects of residential schools…it’s still a heavy topic for everyone,” said Slater. “You need a level of maturity, grade four and up, to broach that subject.”

One of the tricky aspects of Orange Shirt Day is it comes so close to the beginning of the school year and creeps up on teachers. In the past BICS has started some of their planning the year before, with its Indigenous Education Committee (a committee of parents, guardians and BICS staff ded-

icated to supporting teachers in including the First Peoples principles in all students’ education) providing support and ideas for activities appropriate for the different grade levels.

Hicks broached the resdidential schools topic at the beginning of the school year (a few short weeks ago) reading her class Fatty Legs: A True Story by Christy JordanFenton and Margaret PokiakFenton, a memoir and story of resilience from a Inuit residential school survivor.

While often Orange Shirt Day has meant a school gathering, this year due to COVID-19, that wasn’t possible. Still, about 50 per cent of the school’s students wore orange shirts this year said Slater.

Instead of students gathering in person, there were online events.

Hicks signed her class up for a couple of online presentations.

A week before Orange Shirt Day Webstad, through UBC’s Learning Circle, read her books and did a question and answer session.

On the day, The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation held a Canada-wide virtual event with First Nations, Metis and Inuit survivors sharing their stories. More than 100,000 teachers signed up.

“It was phenomenal,” said Hicks.

“It was a really beautiful presentation with voices from all across Canada of all ages and it really resonated with the grade four-fives.

It was topics and things that they could really relate to.”

“What I really like about [Orange Shirt Day] is there’s an opportunity for me as a non-Indigenous person to provide authentic voice. And I think that’s really important.”

“It often brings up a lot of really big feelings. In years past I’ve had that I’ve had tears, I’ve had anger,” said Hicks. “They are very passionate about justice and making sure that children are treated properly and with care.”

As a school with an overwhelmingly white and non-Indigenous faculty, teachers aren’t in a place to share first-hand experiences.

However, the past decade has seen a ton of new resources available for teachers.

“There’s just been such a surge of material for educators to utilize and also a surge of drive,” said Slater. “We all know that this is something we need to do not just in grade four or five but throughout our children’s schooling experience.”

Hicks uses the First Nations

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OCTOBER 4-10TH, 2020

Education Steering Committee (FNESC) Indian Residential Schools and Reconciliation Teacher Guide for grade fives (there are also guides for grades 10 and 11/12).

Beyond this specific guide, the FNESC website has a catalogue of resources vetted and compiled by the First Nations-steered organization (notably the Authentic First Peoples Resources for Use in K-9 Classrooms).

“So there’s some tools available to settlers for finding authentic voice and being able to share it with students,” said Slater.

“But Orange Shirt Day is for all of us,” Slater said in his video to parents. He went on to list some of his personal actions: calling an Indigenous Education Committee meeting; considering parties’ platforms for the upcoming provincial election and their approaches to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; considering questions of privilege and inclusion at home.

“On this Orange Shirt Day, I hope families reflect on and engage in conversations about privilege, inclusion, the value of diversity and the impacts of colonization,” said Slater.

bowenislandundercurrent.com

October is Library Month in B.C. WHAT’S HAPPENING AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY AS WE HEAD INTO MONTH EIGHT OF THE PANDEMIC JORDYN ZIRK

B.I. Public Library

In recognition of the important role that libraries play to keep people connected, informed, and entertained during the COVID-19 pandemic, the BC provincial government has declared that October 2020 shall be known as “Library Month”.

The Bowen Island Public Library is proud to be part of a community of libraries that strive to foster lifelong learning and help people of all ages and backgrounds access the information and services they need.

The library’s goal to encourage reading as a valuable pastime seems even more relevant in our current world.

2020 has been a year unlike any other and the Bowen Island Public Library has been persisting through many new challenges.

The library closed in the spring to adjust the physical space to meet health and safety guidelines.

During this transition, online access was encouraged and takeout service was offered for library materials.

The library was able to reopen in July with limited hours, and staff continue to work to safely reintroduce services.

In addition to in-person browsing and online collections, available services include Tech Tutor help, printing, and computer access.

As everyone adjusts to the new normal, the Bowen Library is excited to be offering a variety of new programs this October.

Social distancing regulations have restricted

in-person programming and forced some creative alternatives.

An outdoor reading option for families is the StoryWalk, which is set up around the outside of the library. Families can read through a storybook as they move from station to station, following along with the directions for some fun movement activities.

The posted story will change throughout the fall months, so be sure to check it out the next time you are in Snug Cove.

Practicing physical distancing has also limited many of the community’s normal interactions. In order to overcome the loss of social connections, the library has partnered with the Bowen Island Community School to create the Grandfriends Pen Pal program. Older adults in the community are encouraged to volunteer to be a pen pal and exchange letters with BICS students throughout the year. Remaining active and creating new connections will contribute to Bowen’s vibrant, resilient and inclusive community.

Adjustments to daily routines have inspired an interest in online services, including library collections like eBooks, eAudiobooks, and online courses. The library’s free online resources allow you to borrow eBooks and eAudiobooks from anywhere and at any time.

Free workshops will be hosted on Zoom by library staff throughout the fall to help people discover and use the library’s large online collection. Anyone, near and far, can register to learn about Libby, TumbleBooks, Lynda, and Artistworks.

For more information about our programs or to register, go to our website and look for events on our home page, bowenlibrary.ca.

Be sure to check out our Instagram and Facebook pages for even more updates and library news, @bowenislandpubliclibrary.

Thursday, October 8, 2020 • A9

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A10 • Thursday, October 8, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

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Buy, Sell, Find, Promote, Celebrate.

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!

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bowenislandundercurrent.com

Vaccine appointments filled up for this week but still space next week CONTINUED FROM P. 1

The appointments are in 15 minute blocks (one must wait for 15 minutes after receiving the shot) though families can come together.

Mirpourzadeh also notes that people should wear something that will easily expose their shoulders. “So that they can go in and out pretty quickly and smoothly,” she says.

While this week’s appointments are filled up, next week still has some availabilities. After the initial rush has died down, the vaccinations could move inside.

While Mirpourzadeh recommends injected vaccinations, the pharmacy also has a limited number of the intranasal spray vaccine FluMist.

The vaccines are publicly funded and free for all.

Expected high demand A recent survey conducted by Insights West on behalf of London Drugs found that seven in 10 respondents (72%) said they will get a flu shot this year, up from 10% over last year.

(From the Squamish Chief).

Have you got any burning questions you’d like to ask a pharmacist? Once a month we’ll catch up with Cates Pharmacy to answer your most common queries. Email questions to cates@medicinecentre.com before the last Friday of every month.

Thursday, October 8, 2020 • A11

Guidelines for symptomatic travellers CONTINUED FROM P. 1

“We all want to be responsible community members and we all want to keep our community safe but our community is not making it very easy for us to do that.”

While BC Ferries does COVID screening on its routes and asks people with COVID symptoms not to travel, it acknowledges that some passengers may need to travel while either symptomatic or unsure if they may have been COVID-positive, said BC Ferries’ Darin Guenette. Those passengers are advised to follow these guidelines: • Travel by vehicle if possible, and remain in your vehicle • Wear face coverings at all times • Avoid unnecessary movements

on vessel and in the terminals Ensure two-metre safe distancing is maintained from all employees and other customers The two testing sites on the North Shore, as of Oct. 8, are Capilano Claim Centre at 255 Lloyd Ave., North Vancouver open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day (for ages four and up) and North Vancouver UPCC at 221 West Esplanade, Suite 200, 2nd floor, North Vancouver from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Monday to Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday (for all ages).

In the meantime, municipal councillor Maureen Nicholson is bringing forward a resolution at the regular council meeting Oct. 13 to formally request a testing site on Bowen.

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A12 • Thursday, October 8, 2020

C A L E N D A R

THURSDAY OCT. 8

Libby & Overdrive virtual workshop Zoom 6-7 p.m. Hosted

by Bowen Library “Learn how to download and listen to best selling and classic e-Books and e-AudioBooks 24/7 on your computer, smartphone, or tablet.

Demonstration of how to use the Libby app and OverDrive.” More

bowenislandundercurrent.com info/register: bipl.link/ workshops

FRIDAY OCT. 9

Legion Thanksgiving dinner drive-through Legion 4:30 p.m. “There will be turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, glazed vegetables and pumpkin pie! Our dinners are by donation. COVID protocols in place.”

SATURDAY OCT. 10

Last BAA Farmers’ Market BICS parking lot, 10 a.m.noon No Applefest this year but keep the spirit alive with the last Farmers’ Market of the year. Bring cash and a mask

SUNDAY OCT. 11

Thanksgiving Sunday Outdoor Meditation

Circle Meet at the undercover area in Crippen Park 11 am Every Sunday; no charge

MONDAY OCT. 12

Thanksgiving Monday

TUESDAY OCT. 13

Regular Council Meeting 6:15 pm

WEDNESDAY OCT. 14

Tumblebooks virtual workshop Zoom 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Hosted by Bowen Library “Explore this entertaining site for children. Learn how to navigate full colour eBooks for your family to read aloud and to read along with.” More info/ register: bipl.link/workshops

THURSDAY OCT. 15

Deadline to resgister for Grandfriend Pen Pals B.I. Library Info: bipl.link/ penpals Shake out 10:15 am Earthquake preparation awareness more information https:// www.shakeoutbc.ca/ Tumblebooks virtual workshop Zoom 6-7 pm Hosted by Bowen Library “Explore this entertaining site for children. Learn how to navigate full colour eBooks for your family to read aloud and to read along with.”

SATURDAY OCT. 17

Winter market Little Red Church 10 a.m.noon “Make the weekends merrier with fresh produce,

jams, sweets, baked goods, handcrafted items and more from your favourite local farmers and artisans”

SUNDAY OCT. 18

Handloggers Trail Guided Hike 10 a.m.-3 p.m. “Hosted by Bowen Nature Club. Join Alan Whitehead and Jen Lundin Ritchie for a day-long hike up Mount Gardner via Handloggers trail. Bring a lunch, dress for the weather and wear sturdy hiking boots. To register: contact Alan Whitehead at alanjw@ telus.net. For BNC members: FREE For non-members: $10 individual, $12 family” Outdoor Meditation Circle Meet at the undercover area in Crippen Park 11 am Every Sunday; no charge

MONDAY OCT. 19

Are you decorating property for Halloween?

Email bicr@bimbc.ca to have your house on the BI Community Recreation map of haunted homes Deadline is Oct. 19

SATURDAY OCT. 24

General Voting Day Provincial Election

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