Bowen Island Undercurrent October 22 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

ELECTION EDITION: We ask local candidates about island issues PAGES 1214

Thursday, October 22, 2020 • A1

$1.50

inc.

GST

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020 CAPE PARK

VOL. 46 NO. 42

BIUndercurrent

B.I. Conservancy buys 32 acres to dedicate as parkland

BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

PAGE 3

No bells and whistles: fire hall proceeds

$3.6 MILLION PROPOSAL ACCEPTED BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

UNDERCURRENT PHOTO

PITCHING IN: Georgia Brown, Eva Weismiller, Peter Buitenhuis, Cillian Bird and Casten Helssen of Bowen Island

Football Club’s U8 program play a scrimmage on the brand new turf field at Bowen Island Community School Saturday afternoon. While the club had some programming over the summer, the majority of the programming returned last month.

Three years after the community agreed to borrow up to $3 million for a new fire hall and emergency operations centre, the project has taken a giant step forward.

In a closed meeting last week, Bowen Island Municipal Council approved hiring Liberty Contract Management for design-build services of the new fire hall based on Liberty’s $3.6 million proposal.

BIM initially tendered the project in 2019 but bids came in the $8 to $9 million range said BIM CAO Liam Edwards. That was untenable for the municipality, so it went back to the drawing board. Liberty came forward with a modified design and project.

“The actual look and feel of the facility is not all that much different [from the previous proposal],” said Edwards. “But it’s a much simpler facility…no bells and whistles type facility.”

“From a from an aesthetic point of view…it looks quite similar,” he said. “But then the inside, it’s really stripped down to the bare minimum.”

The new design has minimized pavement outside and stripped out the previously proposed ability to add a second floor. “Basically simplified the design, all while maximizing the performance of that facility,” said Edwards.

The facility is still a “post-disaster building,” designed to continue functioning after a disaster.

The 2017 referendum material estimated the annual taxpayer burden at $68 for the average property owner.

CONTINUED ON P. 9

Dee’s October SOLDS to date SOLD

SOLD

1221 Adams Plus 6 accepted offers pending.............

SOLD

351 Josephine

SOLD

1544 Eaglecliff

Lot 3 Douglas Road

Low interest rates, work from home opportunities and escaping the city make Bowen Island a hot fall real estate market. If you’re thinking of selling and want more information or a Comprehensive Market Report on your property call me.

TOP PRODUCING REALTOR on Bowen Island since 2009 President’s Club 2015, 2017 & 2018 for Top 1% of Realtors in the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver

12 years

604.612.7798

bowenhomes.ca

A2 • Thursday, October 22, 2020

Events October 26, 2020 6:15 pm Regular Council Meeting All meetings are online via Zoom and

open to the public, unless noted otherwise.

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Notice of Intent to Direct Award: FireHall and Emergency Operations Centre Building

Notice is hereby given by the Bowen Island Municipality of its intent to direct award a fixed price contract for the following service: Fire Hall and Emergency Operations Centre Building Work to be carried out by Liberty Contract Management Ltd. The anticipated term of the contract is from November 1, 2020 and is not to exceed $3,600,000 in total potential value.

Vendors wishing to object to this decision must contact the Bowen Island Municipality at bim@bimbc.ca on or before 2:00 PM (PST) on Monday, October 26, 2020 For more information:

Ice & Snow Removal Bowen Island Municipality seeks applications for interest in the following: Ice Patrol - Temperature Dependent Snow Removal - Weather Dependent Please provide a written response expressing interest in the On-Call position(s) by email before Friday, November 6, 2020 at 4:00 PM to: Rachel Pryce-Jones, Public Works Coordinator EMAIL: rpryce-jones@bimbc.ca Phone: 604-947-2255 Please contact ICBC (1-800-663-3051) to request a driver’s license abstract and ask ICBC to forward it directly to BIM by fax at 604-947-0193.

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/rfps-and-tenders

RFP: Community Economic Development Plan Help slow the spread of COVID-19:

Bowen Island Municipality is seeking a consultant or team of consultants to complete the project Creating a Resilient Bowen Island: A Community Economic Development Plan for Our Sustainable Future.

Closing Date: 4:00 PM on Monday, October 26, 2020 For more information:

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/rfps-and-tenders

Burn Permits are now online Stay home if you’re sick

“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 604-436-6777 to determine if open burning is allowed on each day that you plan to burn. This information is available daily after 8:30 am.

Clean your hands frequently

Apply for your burn permit online

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

2 m or 6 feet

Special Waste Clean-up Days Hazardous Waste Day

Saturday, October 24, 2020 9 am - 3 pm @ BIRD No Fee. No Appointment. Limit of 10 containers.

Dump Week

Monday, October 26 - Saturday, October 31

By Appointment Only. No Drop-ins.

Book your space: First, buy a decal from the Snug Cove General Store, October 19 - October 25.

Then, make an appointment by calling Bowen Waste Solutions at 604-947-2255 before 4 pm on Monday, October 26.

For more information on special waste clean-up days and on how to make your appointment:

Keep a safe physical distance

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/clean-up-days

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

Contact Us Phone: Fax: Email:

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

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 22, 2020

Bowen Island Municipality

Subscribe to our mailing list bowenislandmunicipality.ca/subscribe

B.I. Conservancy buys 32 acres at Cape Roger Curtis BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

Bowen Island Conservancy signed an agreement to purchase three waterfront lots on the south-facing side of Cape Roger Curtis last week. The 32 acres are to become a park for public use and conservation. The sale closes Dec. 16.

“We’re all extremely happy that we’ve reached agreement [and] that we’re able to make this park, a legacy for the residents and visitors to the island,” said Owen Plowman, president of the conservancy, a charity dedicated to protecting and preserving the island’s natural resources.

Making it happen

When news broke in February that an anonymous donor family was willing to fund the purchase of lots 20, 21 and 22 of the Cape (there were 35 unsold lots at the time), it seemed that the proposal was at a standstill. The developer had recently removed the parcels from market as they were to be part of a rezoning master plan. The conservancy said it was still planning to put together an offer for the shareholders but Cape on Bowen CEO Candy Ho said that her organization was looking at more ecologically significant land further east to conserve.

But Ho says, when it became apparent the conservancy wanted to not only conserve land but open it up for public use,

she decided the matter needed revisiting.

She also saw the hundreds of comments of disappointment on Facebook that the sale wouldn’t go ahead. “It became really clear I should reopen the conversation with the shareholders,” she said.

In March, the conservancy and Cape on Bowen let the community know negotiations were proceeding but had otherwise been quiet. Of course there was COVID and due diligence to deal with, slowing the process, but the conservancy presented its first offer in July said Ho. At one point negotiations were nearly dead in the water said Ho but last week, the two parties agreed on the median between the original offer and the original counter––$8.8 million. “I think it’s a meeting in the middle. If both parties really want to deliver the public park, I think it really does take some compromise on both sides to deliver the legacy,” said Ho.

Conservancy’s first acquisition

“It’s exciting for the Conservancy, because it’s our first land acquisition as well,” said Plowman. “And it happens to be a major amenity for the island.”

“We’ve not only accomplished something that we’ve planned for several years in acquiring land that we can use for conservation purposes and yet let people enjoy but it’s also a fantastic piece of land right on the water.

bowenislandundercurrent.com “It’s 32 acres that people really love.”

The conservancy has a lot of work ahead.

It needs to complete an environmental assessment and put a management plan in place. “I know right now that there are a couple of places where we have to be careful because there are very rare species… quote unquote blue-listed species of vegetation,” said Plowman.

“We’ve got to figure out how can we let people have access but how can we also be careful about where they tread,” he said.

Signage, benches, parking, and viewing platforms will all need to be addressed in the management plan.

The conservancy will also place a covenant on the title of the land to protect it from any future development and work to remediate sections that have seen development (such as driveways and building pads). While the donor provided funds to purchase the land, funding the park development will be up to the conservancy. Come January, after the sale closes, the conservancy will be asking the community for help said Plowman.

The potential for lot 23

The conservancy had hoped to also buy lot 23, just east of lot 22, to fill out the block between the last house and Huszar Creek but that lot is part of Ho’s rezoning master plan, which had already been redesigned to exclude the three previously discussed lots.

As lots 20 to 22 are relatively flat lands, they had played a significant role in the rezoning plan. “So we really [had] to redo the entire plan, all of the engineering assumptions were different in terms of community water system connection, pressure zones and road design.”

Thursday, October 22, 2020 • A3

When the conservancy asked about lot 23, the new draft plan had just come ready and Ho had begun reaching out to interested parties. There’s still the potential, should moving the currently planned uses of lot 23 prove viable and the community be interested, for the conservancy to acquire 23, said Ho. Ho also noted that there’s been some concern from residents of Whitesails about increased traffic in light of the new park and that that is a consideration in the new master plan designs.

When the news of the purchase reached Facebook, it was met with many dozens of gleeful comments and hundreds of likes.

“I’m really, really grateful for this outcome. And I’m really grateful to Owen,” said Ho. “This was a very contentious relationship in the past and…we’ve come to a midpoint.

“I think that’s a huge, huge win for everybody.”

Plowman said that the conservancy hopes not to stop with this Cape purchase. “We are very keen to find other ecologically significant parcels of land to acquire,” he said.

BOWEN ISLAND CONSERVANCY PHOTO

WhMaekresea YDifofeureBncae nk firstcu.ca (604) 947-2022

106-996 Dorman Rd

A4 • Thursday, October 22, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

VIEWPOINTS EDITORIAL

Please vote

I spent a few minutes looking at our past election editions as I was getting pages ready for this paper. I wasn’t prepared for the emotion of looking at the past couple of Octobers.

The election edition of 2019 featured a handshake on the front cover, the municipal election edition of the year before featured smiling faces at Applefest. But the photo that got me was an otherwise unremarkable one of people gathered in close quarters at the library, all smiles as they casually touch the backs of others’ chairs.

It’s been one heck of a year. The casual hugs of a year ago have disappeared and now we discuss favourite brands of hand sanitizer. Our socialization has transformed and likely so have our political priorities.

To that end, it’s been an election like no other. The pandemic has limited opportunities to meet, challenge and get to know our candidates––Zoom meetings don’t quite have the same effect as in-person all-candidates meetings.

To that end, for this edition we attempted to ask candidates a broad range of Bowenrelated questions and we gave them more space than in years past. We’re also sending this edition (like many in this exceptional year) to every mailbox on the island.

Get to know the three candidates for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky in pages 12 to 14.

I was lucky enough to attend a gorgeous wedding a few weeks ago where the officiant spoke of how marriage is an act of hope.

Watching people excited to exchange vows in a time where it’s too easy to throw up your hands, watching them create an event that had no shortage of love despite COVID restrictions, was a balm for some of the pessimism of late.

And no matter how we feel about the election being called, I see voting as an act of hope for our democracy and our future. It’s doing something. And it’s exciting. The sound of that piece of paper slipping through the slot of the cardboard box still sends a thrill through me.

So, Oct. 24, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at BICS, please vote. If you ordered a vote by mail ballot and haven’t sent it in yet, you can return it on voting day at BICS. See other options and more information at elections. bc.ca.

—Bronwyn Beairsto, editor

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Trail courtesy: horses are afraid of only two things

DEAR EDITOR: Horses are only afraid of two things: things that move and things that don’t move.

Yesterday I was out riding around Killarney Lake with Amelia when suddenly a man on a bike with a flashing light on his helmet came barrelling towards us, ringing his bike bell. What!

I couldn’t believe what was happening.

It was a narrow part of the trail and instead of him stopping and waiting for us, he kept coming towards us, ringing his bell to get us to move out of his way.

First of all, cyclists yield to hikers and horses. Hikers yield to horses.

Second of all, we are always blown away by how wonderful hikers are on the trail to let us pass and give us lots of space.

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

—Angelyn Toth

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.

This man, a local person, had absolutely no regard whatsoever for us, nor the awareness of how much more vulnerable one is on top of a horse than on a bike. Flashing lights and bells coming towards a horse along a narrow pathway is not good news.

Thanks to everyone for letting us and our horses share the trail with you.

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 22, 2020 • A5

Embracing nighttime darkness on Bowen Island WHILE SUBURBAN AREAS ARE BECOMING EVER MORE LIT AT NIGHT, ISLANDERS HAVE KEPT THEIR LIGHTS OFF

DEAR EDITOR: One of my favourite things about Bowen, along with the community and natural landscape, is the luxurious darkness that we enjoy here.

Darkness, dark skies and dark neighbourhoods are becoming very rare in suburban Canada.

I’m sure there are examples all over Bowen and I will share mine here.

In the 15 or so years that I’ve lived in Deep Bay, I have been surprised to see how, despite the relative density of this old neighbourhood, it remains remarkably dark at night. The people here have somehow been very conscious of keeping lighting to a minimum.

The walk from the Cove along the lagoon pathway and then into the various arteries of Deep Bay is wonderfully dark sometimes.

You may notice that people walking from the ferry may have their flashlights or headlamps on while

in the Cove but once they escape Bay you will notice households the flurry of traffic will often turn using low-intensity reflected or off their lamps to walk across the downward facing lighting – very lagoon causeway – just to expe- few exposed fittings casting light rience the twinkling into the street lights from the water or neighbours’ and silhouettes of the yards “The loss of night some (except mountains and starry festive sky, and to avoid shinlights in season). sky and dark ing light in the eyes of It really is a speneighbourhoods cial place in that approaching people trying to experience way. has been so the same. This is one of The previthose unspoken Bowen gradual that we’ve ous owners of customs of a few locals our home had and perhaps there are lost track of what built it with large other examples. flood lighting we’ve lost.”

Those familiar with all around the the pathway rising up exterior. If we –Richard Helm into Deep Bay through switched them the trees sometimes will on, we could make it without extra shatter the darklight on a dark night by searching ness for several hundred feet in for the gap in the canopy overhead, all directions. Even while set for or by knowing the slope of terrain motion detection they are very underfoot. And as you enter Deep intrusive, being triggered by all

KKN donations change Oops, we goofed. Donations on Sunday and Monday only have overwhelmed us and so we will return to accepting your generous donations from Friday to Monday, all the days we are open for shopping. Thank you again for your

sorts of harmless things. We taped off these powerful lights, which are never used. But the point is that, while we are very blessed in our neighbourhood, as many others are in theirs, it would only take one or two homes to substantially change this feature. And of course anyone would be entitled to do so without regulations in place.

I didn’t pay much attention to lighting until moving to Bowen and coming across www.darksky. org, which had resources to show what a difference household lighting can make to the surrounding area – the cumulative impact of each additional fitting or unblinded window or street lamp. Many people like me wouldn’t give it a second thought until coming across this information.

The loss of night sky and dark neighbourhoods has been so gradual that we’ve lost track of what we’ve lost. Especially with the

generosity.

Now the good news. A couple of our volunteers have offered to be at the Knick Knack Nook on Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This time will be for appointments only so that you may have a bit more time to shop and not have to stand in line in the cold and wet. Cathy and Cheryl will be

Annoucing our new online store! pop-up shop

Shop online from the comfort of home and we’ll take care of the shipping for you.

Grand Opening

catchingstarsgallery.com/shop

10am-3pm | Nov 1

Get a head start on your holiday shopping as Canada Post is expecting high volumes.

492 Crag’s End Road

Featuring: Bowen Island Soap Co. soaps & skincare

Check back often as we’re adding new items regularly.

We love visitors too! Open daily 11 - 5

Bowen Island Candle Co. sustainable soy wood wick candles

Oaktree & Maple jewellery

Online and In-person Shopping Available

development of low power consumption and very bright LED lighting, there is much more temptation to use more light more often and so this seems like a good time to share these resources below: The main principles of Dark Sky lighting are: Only be on when needed Only light the area that needs it Be no brighter than necessary Minimize blue light emissions Be fully shielded (pointing downward) Here are related links: • darksky.org • da rksky. org/our-w ork/ grassroots-advocacy/ resources/losing-the-dark/ • da rksky. org/ our-w ork/ lighting/lighting-for-citi z e n s / re s i d e n t i a l b u s i ness-lighting/

there for your convenience but you must make an appointment: call or preferably text Cheryl at 604-828-0560.

Bring your flashlight and the appointments are for 15 minutes. Masks are required as usual. This starts Oct. 29 and book early to avoid disappointment.

—David Wrinch, Knick Knack Nook

Are They Here?

Are They Here?

They are Here!

Our best-selling P2 Staple Pants are finally back in stock! Layer up with a Tank and our Roma Jacket shown in Heretic & Dark Shadow Shop online 24/7 at www.movementglobal.com Shop in store at ARTISAN SQUARE by appointment call Amrita at 778 863 7770 Curb side pickup and Gift Certificates available

www.bowenislandsoapco.com

Grab your face mask & join us!

Follow election day coverage at bowenislandundercurrent.com

—Richard Helm, Deep Bay

Eco fashion made locally

A6 • Thursday, October 22, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

OPINION

STAY SAFE STAY HOME

Analysing party platforms’ approaches to food security FROM OUR LIBERAL CANDIDATE’S FARMING BACKGROUND TO THE BC GREENS’ 11-POINT PLATFORM, BOWEN ISLAND FOODRESILIENCE SOCIETY DIGS INTO ITS BREAD AND BUTTER

MERIBETH DEEN

Bowen Island FoodResilience Society

LET US DELIVER YOUR GROCERIES TO YOUR DOORSTEP www.stongs.com

Members of Bowen Island FoodResilience Society (BIFS) have a close eye on food and agriculture issues in this province and we keep one ear to the ground. We’ve had a few chats and of course have sifted through party platforms and news on these issues in preparation for the upcoming election.

Last Tuesday, Phil Gregory and I sat as part of a panel of Bowen Islanders asking questions to West Vancouver Sea to Sky candidate, Jordan Sturdy. We were particularly keen to hear from him given the fact that he is an organic farmer. However, when asked about provincial policy he considers beneficial to farmers and local food systems, Sturdy raved about the Sea-to-Sky soils compost manufacturing plant just west of Pemberton. Facilities like this, he says, are critical to helping farmers fulfill their ongoing need for nutrients to add to the soil. He was not familiar with regenerative agricultural practices and their potential benefits to farmers and the environment. While Sturdy acknowledged the topic was complicated and warrants further discussion, we left the conversation with a sense that he hadn’t thought too deeply about these issues.

You will find a number of suggestions related to agriculture on BC Liberals’ election platform, most of which involve reversing NDP policies they describe as being “discriminatory” against farmers. The policy they are railing against is Bill 15, passed in 2019. In a press release, agriculture minister Lana Popham said: This new law will encourage farming and better protect farmland by banning mega-mansions.

When I asked Harold Steves, a fifth-generation farmer, Richmond city councillor and one of the original founders of B.C.’s

Agricultural Land Reserve about this government’s track record on agriculture, he offered Popham top marks on her work over the past few years, pointing to the final decisions on the ALR in particular.

“If you’re a young farmer in British Columbia,” said Steves, “there’s no way you’re going to be able to afford to buy a small piece of land if there are speculators bidding on it who have plans to double its value by building a monster home.”

Steves also points to Popham’s initiative on local meat production and efforts to decrease travel times to slaughter for smallscale meat producers as another win for farmers.

What Steves didn’t mention is the big issue he has been railing about for much of the past three years (and beyond): the Site C Dam. Its construction will result in the flooding of 6,469 hectares (15,985 acres) of land. The climate in that region is ideal for growing food, and so is much of the soil.

As Bowen Island-based agrologist and agro-economist Wendy Holm wrote in a recent article published in The Province, the land that will be flooded has the potential to feed one million people per year, in perpetuity. Flooding that land places our province’s energy needs (much of which will be consumed by the LNG industry) ahead of our food security needs. That’s my take.

Food security, farmland and agriculture barely make it onto the NDP’s official platform. However, the BC Greens have included an 11-point plan for food security in theirs. A brief reading of these points seems to indicate an understanding of agriculture as a critical part of our conversation on climate, that Indigenous knowledge needs to be valued as we shift our food system, that agro-ecological practices need to be incentivized and that small-scale farmers need support.

The outcome of this election is crucial to our well-being and to a healthy future for British Columbia. If you have yet to vote, please consider the health of local ecologies, economies and the universal right to healthy food when you cast your ballot on October 24.

We always welcome the conversation, so please do not hesitate to contact a BIFS member or email us at: hellobifs@gmail. com.

Fall clean up looks different: dump week

Good news from Bowen Waste Solutions Inc. After careful consideration and discussion, Bowen Waste Solutions will be moving forward in providing a fall clean up.

With the approval from Bowen Island Municipality and complying with the guidelines for health and safety, the fall clean up will look different this year.

Information will be made available through a community flyer, social media and the websites of Bowen Island Municipality

and Bowen Waste Solutions.

Decals will be available for sale at the Snug Cove General Store only from Oct. 19 to Oct. 25.

Drop off appointments must be made only by calling Bowen Waste Solutions office 604-947-2255 by 4 p.m. Oct. 26. A limited number of appointments will be made available for drop-off inside the BIRD yard Oct. 26 through to Oct. 31 only.

– Jan Seaman, Bowen Waste Solutions

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, October 22, 2020 • A7

ROTARY CLUB

Polio Pigs, bright at night and Zoom meetings continue OCTOBER UPDATE FROM OUR LOCAL ROTARIANS

HILARY BUTLER

Rotary Club of Bowen Island

Polio Pigs

The Polio Pigs are out and about in our community. Please consider donating your spare change to this Rotary fundraiser for End Polio Now. As you probably know, wild polio has disappeared from all countries of the world save Pakistan and Afghanistan, largely due to the work done by Rotary International in conjunction with other international organizations. The original goal was to eradicate polio worldwide by 2000. Of course, this goal was not totally realized by that date, but we are now so close that it squeaks! In August, for example, Africa was declared free of the wild polio virus.

On Nov. 12, Bowen Rotary will host a Zoom meeting with Gabor Gasztonyi, polio survivor and Polio Chair of Rotary District 5040. Gabor has travelled extensively in his documentation of the work done on vaccinating against this disease. Everyone is welcome to Zoom in on this presentation.

Please see bowenrotary.com for further information.

Bulb fundraiser

Our Rotary Club has recently completed a very successful fundraiser, thanks to the gardeners of our island. More than 60 islanders ordered spring bulbs, which meant that we raised more than $1,000 for the Health Centre Foundation. Sheila Webster, who championed this fundraiser, will present Tim Rhodes of the Health Foundation with a cheque.

Trailing guides

We hope that all Bowen Islanders received their Trails Guide in the mail earlier this month. Many hikers will note that not all trails that we use currently are in the guide.

This is because many trails on our island actually trespass on private property, so we publish only those trails that are on public property and also officially open at the date of publication.

Be bright at night

Early mornings and evenings are becoming darker so our Be Bright at Night on Bowen project will become active once again. We will be distributing triangle lights on local buses and on the ferries, as well as to local schools and any other organizations who contact us. Let’s stay safe for the next six months while walking or cycling on our local roads.

Defibrillators

Our AED and house numbers projects are in full swing. Please contact Allard Ockeloen if you would like some information on AEDs and send an email to sheilawebster@shaw. ca for house numbers.

All welcome at Zoom meetings

All Bowen Islanders are welcome at our Zoom meetings (unfortunately, most of our in-person meetings are cancelled at the moment).

Adam Taylor, one of our resident Howe Sound photographers, will be our guest on Oct. 29. His presentation is entitled Anemones, Octopus & Glass Sponge Reefs and explores the underwater realm of Atl’ka7tsem / Howe Sound.

We have several other interesting speakers lined up.

Please check our website bowenrotary. com for further information.

Stay warm and cozy, we’ll do that run to the cove for you!

Scan here for food delivery

or visit www.foodonbowen.com

Bowen Pub

from Tuesday to Saturday from 4:00 pm to 8:45 pm

Tuscany

from Wednesday to Saturday from 4:00 pm to 7:45 pm

Alderwood Farm

from Wednesday to Saturday d 4:00 pm

ORDER AHEAD ONLINE WWW.BRANCHONBOWEN.COM OR WITH QR CODE

INTRODUCING OUR WINTER MENU BURRITOS & RICE BOWLS NEW HOURS!! 11:30AM - 6:30PM 7 DAYS A WEEK

A8 • Thursday, October 22, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

The secrets we need to keep ‘HIDDEN GEM’ HELPING HAND FUND AND KICKING OFF THE ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN HENRY CAMPBELL

Director, Bowen Island Community Foundation

We have something important to tell you about the Bowen Island Community Foundation: we have secrets within our organization that we are unwilling to share with members of the public and not even with those in our own families. In most people’s minds, the Community Foundation must seem as far away from a secretive organization as you can get. You might ask: “Aren’t you helping seniors deal with isolation, the island with food resilience and building community in general? Isn’t secrecy a bit off brand for you?”

This is true. But our Helping Hand Fund (and its secrets) is an exception, and, to us, the hidden gem of our organization. A group of islanders with their ear to the community assesses applications for short-term support for islanders down on their luck and battling unforeseen adversity such as job loss or serious illness. I would love to tell you about all of the ways this fund has helped those families but that would be in violation of its most central tenets: anonymity and privacy. We never reveal the names of the recipients or the circumstances that have led to the fund’s involvement.

Fall Clean-Up will follow a different format this year.

Decals will be available for sale at the Snug Cove General Store from October 19 to October 25 ONLY.

Drop off this year will be done by appointment ONLY. Once you have picked up your decal, you can call Bowen Waste Solutions @ 604-947-2255 to book an appointment.

As we kick off our 2020 giving campaign, our public agenda is one of making Bowen’s ever-changing community stronger and more resilient in the face of a changing world. Though we, as directors, are very proud of all of the work done in relation to COVID-19 and the immediate relief provided to islanders via the Resiliency Fund (distributor of tens of thousands of dollars in aid) and the Responsive Neighbourhood Small Grants Program, we want to remind Islanders of our most effective and flexible fund: the Community Impact Fund.

The Community Impact Fund is responsible for everything from playground equipment at BICS, to marine atlases, to Community Gardens, to helping the Trail Society – well, you get the picture. The Community Impact Fund is incredibly versatile and has a long track record of helping groups on Bowen realize their visions. It has had the broadest impact of any organized charitable fund on island.

At times, 2020 feels like one big ask. There are many projects on island that are competing for your donations this year, not to mention your own struggles and challenges.

As the foundation does its best to answer the call of the challenges of 2020, we ask you to keep us in mind and help us continue our work for you.

A donation to the Community Impact Fund would be most appreciated; any amount would be wonderful.

Donations can be made through bowenfoundation.com.

FALL CLEAN-UP 2020

Fall Clean-up Days

Hazardous Waste and Paint Recycling

Fees Small Load: $15

Hazardous Waste NOT Accepted:

October 24, 2020 • 9:00 am - 3:00 pm @Bowen Island Recycling Depot No fees to drop off hazardous waste or paint.

Limit for all products is 10 containers per visit.

Paints and stains Approximately 10 garbage bags or the contents of trunk of a sedan type vehicle

Medium Load: $25

Flammable Liquids Or container says

The final day for booking appointments will be Monday, October 26 at 4:00 PM.

Keep Away From Open Flame or Spark

•

Liquids only

•

Products that cannot be identified

•

Products that are leaking or improperly sealed

•

Empty containers

•

Commercial, industrial, or agricultural products

QUESTIONS?

•

Cosmetics, health and beauty aids

Check out

•

Insect repellants, disinfectants, and pet products

•

Diesel, propane, and butane fuels

•

Caulking tubes

•

Fertilizer

•

Used oil & automotive products

A limited number of appointments will be made available.

Drop off of materials will be inside the BIRD yard from Monday, October 26 to Saturday, October 31 ONLY.

Approximately 20 garbage bags or the contents • Paint thinners, other solvents, camp fuels or of an SUV-type vehicle or minivan liquid adhesives with the flammable symbol

Large LEVEL Load: $35

Pesticides Approximately 30 garbage bags or the contents • Consumer pesticides with the poisonous (skull & of a level pick-up truck load crossbones) symbol AND “Pest Control Product”

Mattress or Appliance: $25

registration number (REG #12345 PCP ACT) Max container size: 10L

Gasoline

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca

Wastte Solluttions www.bowenwastesolutions.com

Max container size: Kerosene 9L Other liquids 10L

Per mattress or appliance

• In approved ULC containers only Max container size: 20L

P.O. Box 202, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0

604-947-2255

Questions?

Please call Bowen Waste Solutions

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Carving pumpkins BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor

Thursday, October 22, 2020 • A9

Fall 2021 estimated for fire hall completion CONTINUED FROM P. 1

While usually Bowen Island Integrated Health looks after people, next week it’ll be looking after something else entirely: Halloween spirit.

With so many regular Halloween activities modified due to the pandemic, BIIC is starting up its own pumpkin carving contest.

(Sarah Haxby’s usual contest out of Deep Bay isn’t happening this year.)

Those wishing to participate in Carve up the Cove are to drop off their pumpkins between Oct. 26 and 30 at the clinic, which is below the pharmacy. BIIC will post photos on its Facebook page and islanders will vote virtually.

“Stop by Halloween night to light your pumpkin and receive a spooky grab bag,” says the poster.

As there are several age groups, anyone can enter. “Even if your little ghoul isn’t ready to do their own carving yet, they can paint or design it and have someone else do the slicing and dicing,” it says.

There will be prizes from BIIC and other community organizations. For more information, visit bowenislandhealth.com.

More information about Bowen haunting Halloween activities will be in next week’s Undercurrent.

The original project had a budget of $3 million. The $3.6 million iteration is to be funded through the borrowing approved in the referendum (up to $3 million), the Fire Building Replacement Reserve Fund and the General Capital Renewal and Replacement Reserve Fund.

Council approved spending a further $125,000 on project exclusions, according to BIM’s council highlights newsletter. It also instructed staff to apply for a building permit for the fire hall and to prioritize the application.

BIM’s notice of intent to award the project closes Oct. 26, at which point the two parties can sign the contract and move onto finalizing preparations.

“I’ve got an on-site meeting this Friday with the team to make sure that we’re going to be doing the best we can to manage the construction on that site,” said Edwards.

The most contentious part of the project has long been its location on Lot 3 of the Community Lands, a rare flat stretch of land in the Cove, which many see as ideal for affordable housing. Lot 3 is still the chosen site of the new building.

The BIM website puts building occupancy as Fall 2021.

ROBERT SEMENIUK PHOTO

Dancers perform to the Police’s “Don’t Stand So Close to Me” in Artisan Square earlier this month. See the story on p. 22.

Tell Your Friends Cafe on the Pier is OPEN YEAR ROUND! FALL HOURS: 8:30am-2pm (weekdays) 8:30am-3pm (weekends) *closed Tuesdays + Thursdays*

Everything is made fresh and in-house.

Come in for a coffee, breakfast, lunch or a treat!

Mention this ad for a free drip coffee on us!

Patient of the Week MARA JADE Mara was 13 when she was surrendered to an Animal Shelter for a second time. Through Dogwood Rescue and Save-a-Mutt this lovely gal came into our hearts and pack, making it a complete canine family of 4, with parents Anna and Andrew. She is now healthy, happy, and living her best years on Bowen. Adopt a senior pet, the joy they and you receive is priceless. (visit elderdog.ca).

REGULAR HOURS Tuesday to Friday 9- 5 Saturday 9- 1 Closed Sunday and Monday

To schedule appointments, please call

604.947.9247

or email reception@bowenvet.com

A10 • Thursday, October 22, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

NEXT AT THE HEARTH

Taking on new dimensions: Transitions MONICA NOTARO

Contributor

Kristina Girke is here and happy.

Inspired by the abundance of natural beauty and thriving community of Bowen Island, it is the new baroque for her, where she can see space and time unfold and she can embrace life’s transitions with an expanded creative vocabulary. Kristina’s body of work is growing from humanbased historical, architectural and European cultural influences to the wide-open space, sea and sky that have welcomed her to explore and experience life differently.

Kristina Girke’s painting will be shown at The Hearth with the open reception Oct. 24 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The exhibit Transitions - From There to Here presents a short story of Kristina mapping her thoughts on the importance of a journey, of travel from one point to another.

Her willingness to dialogue on the immense and on the intimate is expressed in pieces like “Heaven and Earth” (79 x 106 in., oil and lacquer on canvas) and “Garnet” (42 x 34 in., oil on canvas). The former work boldly invites a full-body experience while the latter gently invites an intimate experience, a slow contemplation of the work.

The entire exhibit holds true to the artist’s characteristically emotional work expressed with

PHOTO: BERND BORCHARDT, BERLIN

Kristina Girke in her Berlin studio.

saturated colours, macro patterns and layers of texture. In that vein, Kristina’s physical labour defines each piece. She honours the roles of memory, symbolism and language in life’s transitions with images, blatant and hidden,

through singular inserted images and partial phrases.

Through it all, Kristina invites the viewer to reflect on the meaning of transition.

The dialogue is shifting for the artist. Her work is expanding with

her time on Bowen and she’s not waiting for time to pass to literally interpret what is happening.

Kristina credits Bowen Island for bringing herself and her painting directly into the moment.

Transition is taking on a new

dimension for Kristina and she has let go of the idea of reflecting after a certain amount of time has passed. Kristina is letting the immediacy of the natural world and her own personal transitions to be reflected now.

To do so, Kristina needs to create, to add new forms, new ways to emote, to experience life and to connect with the universe. The artist’s vocabulary is creating synonyms for emotion, colour, pattern and texture. “Garnet” is a calling card for her new body of work, it introduces a pared back use of symbolism and language.

The spiritual meaning of the garnet stone is an apt introduction to both artist and her new movement. It represents self-empowerment, strength and living in gratitude for the abundance laid out.

When speaking with Kristina, she is intent that her process appreciates the role of reduction as something new is created. She is committed to the physical process her painting demands and she is committed to the intimacy that Bowen provides her to connect with the greater whole.

Kristina is transitioned from the urbanism of Berlin to the root, rock, shores and sun of Bowen, relishing arriving and having taken root in this new existence.

The exhibit will run from Oct. 22 to Nov. 23. Hearth Gallery Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thurs. to Mon.

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Thursday, October 22, 2020 • A11

A12 • Thursday, October 22, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

BOWEN ISLAND ASKS We’re in a climate crisis, what’s your government’s plan for B.C. and for our riding?

Seventy per cent of the energy consumed in British Columbia is a function of burning fossil fuels. The remaining 30 per cent is mostly clean electricity generated by BC Hydro.

Forty-five per cent of our greenhouse gas emissions are tied to the transportation sector and initiatives to install more ZEV fuelling/charging infrastructure should be a priority.

Low-carbon fuel standards are important and BC Ferries must be incentivized to electrify their fleet as it is renewed.

Buildings are significant contributors and step code requirements adopted and energy efficiency retrofits incentivized.

Reforestation carbon sinks can help biodiversity and carbon sequestration as we transition away from fossil fuels.

Jordan Sturdy

BC Liberal

Email: Votejordansturdy@gmail.com Phone Number: (604) 849-4014 Age: 58 Town of residence: Pemberton Occupation: Agriculture Facebook page: JordanWestVanSeatoSky Twitter handle: @jordansturdy Website: votejordan.ca The following is a selection of questions from Bowen Islanders and the from the Undercurrent.

What do you see as the most pressing issue facing Bowen Islanders and what will you do to address it?

Bowen Island is under considerable financial and organizational capacity pressure. Water systems and sewer system replacements, road maintenance issues, capital projects such as the fire hall and the community center all put tremendous pressure on the municipal budget and the staff.

Bowen Island is a small community in a unique setting with the pressures and expectations of a larger place. Access to financial supports from senior governments is important in order to not overburden local taxpayers while providing the necessary services to support community health and safety. Access to rural community funding formulas and small community grants will reduce the burden on the taxpayer and allow community ambitions to better be realized.

BC Liberals also intend to make the biggest infrastructure investment in B.C. history, with a total investment of $30.9 billion over three years, including in transportation, hospitals, primary care clinics, seniors’ care homes, mental health treatment and affordable housing with benefits that will flow to small communities across B.C.

What is your position on Woodfibre LNG in Squamish?

How will your government ensure the safety of Bowen Island and Howe Sounders, particularly when it comes to tanker traffic?

The Environmental Assessment Office accepted an application from WoodfibreLNG for a five-year extension to the Environmental Assessment Certificate issued Oct.26, 2015 so a decision on that extension will be issued shortly by the Environmental Assessment Office. If constructed, Woodfibre LNG will be one of the cleanest LNG terminals in the world and is generally supported by the BC Liberals.

Navigation, shipping and international trade fall under federal jurisdiction, such that the applicable regulations are within the responsibility of federal authorities, including the Canada Energy Regulator, Transport Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada. Regardless, environmental and safety standards must be world leading.

What can Bowen Islanders expect in terms of affordable housing support from your party?

Housing affordability is largely a function of supply and demand. 60,000 people a year arrive in B.C. so we need to continually increase supply to meet demand. It is important to rethink housing forms to increase density which fits into community. BC Liberals would continue to support BC Housing, incentivize municipalities with policies that increase supply, work with municipalities to improve tax and permitting processes, change BC Assessment classifications to separate out rental housing, put in place a no-net loss rental policy for redevelopment and make more public land available for affordable housing, and replace the speculation tax with a “flipping” tax.

There’s been a light shone on the systemic racism in our institutions this year but our representative will be a white man. How will you work in the interests of Black, Indigenous and people of colour?

B.C. must be a place of opportunity and fairness for everyone. Every person should be free from discrimination based on age, gender, sexual orientation, religion or place of origin.

Governments and the institutions they represent must “up their game,” and put in place policies that ensure that fairness and equity are lenses through which all programs and legislation are examined. Governments could in essence adopt a version of the Rotary four-way test. Is it the truth?

Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Is it be beneficial to all concerned?

What do you see as the three most pressing issues facing First Nations in our riding and how will you support

them?

While all Aboriginal peoples in B.C. are likely to face racism and discrimination within the greater society, the Nations that reside in West Vancouver Sea to Sky all face unique challenges that are in part a function of the location of their territories. Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Lil’Wat, tend to benefit from economic opportunities associated with Whistler, Squamish and Vancouver while N’Quatqua, Samahquam, Skatin and Xa’xtsa in the northern parts of the riding and down the Lillooet River valley into Harrison Lake have very limited access to jobs, services, education and health care that puts tremendous stress on the communities.

How will your party support small businesses given the pandemic economy?

Small business is the fundamental to B.C.’s economy. Within 60 days, BC Liberals would implement a new Economic Response Plan to create new jobs and investment and put money back in the pockets of businesses, by eliminating for a year the PST and the small business tax entirely.

We would deliver emergency financing for B.C. businesses hardest hit by the pandemic, through a loan guarantee program for B.C.’s more than 19,000 hard-hit tourism and hospitality businesses. We will implement a short-term commercial-rent relief plan that flows directly to tenants, and supports small businesses unable to access current relief programs.

How will your party support youth and families in this time of high unemployment?

For families, access to childcare can limit opportunities and income. The BC Liberals will implement a $1.1 billion plan to bring $10-a-day child care to families with household incomes of up to $65,000, and $20 or $30-a-day care, based on household income up to $125,000. We also intend to increase access to child care by building an additional 10,000 new child care spaces all across B.C. Strengthening the small business environment will allow businesses to survive the current crisis and ultimately grow into the future which provides employment opportunities and increasing compensation to workers.

What’s your party’s specific commitment to coastal communities as COVID-19 bites into BC Ferries’ revenues?

BC Ferries is critical to the daily lives of coastal communities. BC Liberals would begin with a commitment to review ferry schedules with a goal of consistent hourly service on high-frequency routes. Over Performance Term 5, BC Ferries is on track to be losing money in the last two years of the term and will require additional funds to keep it whole.

Given the current passenger loads and the forecast of several years before full load recovery, capital upgrades beyond safety measures such as electrification and the “right sizing” of ships are on hold. More investment is needed.

In the event of a vote in the legislature where there is a conflict between your party’s position and that of your constituents, how will you decide how to vote?

BC Liberals caucus operates on the premise of “no surprises” and as such is not “whipped”.” We are independent voices who are expected to represent their constituencies.

When those interests are do not align with the consensus view of caucus, we simply need to inform our colleagues of our intentions.

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, October 22, 2020 • A13

B.C. VOTES 2020 cient; invest in carbon capture technologies; invest in public transportation – including regional public transportation on the Sea to Sky – to reduce vehicle emissions; move towards a net-zero emission bus fleet; phase-out single use plastics; provide rebates for electric vehicles; and, conduct a comprehensive review of all oil and natural gas royalty credits; amongst other initiatives.

What is your position on Woodfibre LNG in Squamish?

How will your government ensure the safety of Bowen Island and Howe Sounders, particularly when it comes to tanker traffic?

All developments in B.C., including Woodfibre LNG, must meet the province’s strict environmental standards and comply with our CleanBC plan which ensures we move towards net zero carbon emissions. Together we are reducing carbon pollution and building a cleaner, stronger future. Any project that does not meet those requirements will not be approved. The NDP understands that an accident with tankers will cause serious damage to our local ecosystem. That is why we opposed the expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline. While the Federal government unfortunately has a different view, we will continue to fight to protect our precious coastal environment.

Keith Murdoch

BC NDP

Email: keith.murdoch@bcndp.ca Age: 39 Website: keithmurdoch.bcndp.ca The following is a selection of questions from Bowen Islanders and the from the Undercurrent.

What do you see as the most pressing issue facing Bowen Islanders and what will you do to address it?

I have heard of several pressing issues from speaking with Bowen Islanders. One issue that has come up a few times is lack of access to on-island healthcare services. Many people are concerned about the limited healthcare services on Bowen Island and how difficult it is to access healthcare on the mainland, due to reliance on the ferries. This concern has been exacerbated by the pandemic. The BC NDP is planning to invest a record $2.3 billion more in healthcare over the next three years, more than twice as much as the Liberals or Greens. If elected, I will advocate for the need of a new provincially funded healthcare centre on Bowen Island.

We’re in a climate crisis, what’s your government’s plan for B.C. and for our riding?

The NDP passed the Climate Change Accountability Act to legally require government accountability on emission reduction targets and has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. To accomplish this goal, we will require new buildings and retrofits to be more energy effi-

What can Bowen Islanders expect in terms of affordable housing support from your party?

The NDP has built tens of thousands of affordable rental, co-op and supportive homes for people since 2017, and there is still much more work to do. We are committed to building more than 30,000 additional affordable homes across B.C. by 2022. The NDP tax on housing speculators has slowed skyrocketing housing prices, but we need to continue to partner with local communities to meet their affordability needs. Already we’ve turned thousands of empty homes into rental units and we will continue working with local governments and First Nations to find new opportunities to build housing that people can afford.

There’s been a light shone on the systemic racism in our institutions this year, but our representative will be a white man. How will you work in the interests of Black, Indigenous and people of colour?

As a white male, I recognize and acknowledge the privilege I have in present-day society. In my years working with communities of workers from around the world and facing all kinds of barriers in society, I have learned that the best way I can represent the interest of Black, Indigenous peoples, and people of colour is from a place of humility and from the intention of acting as an ally. I want to be a representative who listens and creates spaces for people to speak for themselves and contribute to finding solutions to the challenges we face, including systemic discrimination.

What do you see as the three most pressing issues facing First Nations in our riding and how will you support them?

We still have a long way to go on our path to reconciliation but I am committed to keep moving forward. Under the NDP, B.C. made history as the first province to adopt the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

We’ve signed a long-term agreement to guarantee 25 years of revenue sharing with First Nations, supported language revitalization, and we made B.C. the first and only province to fund on-reserve housing with 1,750 new homes both on

and off-reserve. These are issues that are important here and it’s important we take concrete steps to address them.

How will your party support small businesses given the pandemic economy?

Small businesses are critical to our communities and it’s been very tough times for them. The NDP’s Economic Recovery plan includes $300 million in recovery grants for small businesses, a 15 per cent refundable tax credit based on eligible new payroll, a 100 per cent PST rebate on machinery and equipment so people can invest in their business and specific support for hard-hit sectors like the tourism industry and restaurants. We will continue to listen to the needs of small business owners to make sure that critical supports remain available through the pandemic and will expand or enhance them as further needs are identified.

How will your party support youth and families in this time of high unemployment?

Now more than ever, we need to make sure that youth and families have the support they need. The BC NDP is supporting youth and families by reducing expenses such as BC Hydro, childcare and ICBC, and by eliminating MSP. We will provide a one-time $1,000 recovery benefit to families, or $500 for individuals, to help with expenses. We’re providing help for people with a rent freeze until 2021 and a renters’ rebate of up to $400 a year. And we’re making post-secondary education more affordable with grants up to $4,000 a year, more training spaces, and interest-free student loans.

What’s your party’s specific commitment to coastal communities as COVID-19 bites into BC Ferries’ revenues?

The BC Liberals cut ferry services, making life harder for people living in coastal and northern communities. We restored sailings and seniors discount and are working with BC Ferries to weather the pandemic and invest in service for the long term, including with cleaner hybrid ferries. To protect service levels during the pandemic and ensure they remain affordable, the BC NDP has matched federal restart funds to provide BC Ferries with an additional $308 million in emergency support. We are committed to investing in coastal communities and improving the basic infrastructure that people need to get around every day.

In the event of a vote in the legislature where there is a conflict between your party’s position and that of your constituents, how will you decide how to vote?

It depends on the issue. I believe the BC NDP platform aligns with the values of the people of this community. That said, having been a labour representative for years, I know the importance of listening to constituents and bringing their voices forward to those making decisions on their behalf.

There’s more!

BC Greens candidate Jeremy Valeriote answers our questions on the next page.

A14 • Thursday, October 22, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

B.C. VOTES 2020 including emergency planning in case of an accident.

What can Bowen Islanders expect in terms of affordable housing support from your party?

Our goal is that everyone has a home they can afford and that meets their needs.

Province-wide, we need to address skyrocketing rents and insurance rates. Locally, we need to listen to communities and local governments who know what is needed on the ground; as MLA I will advocate to BC Housing for these needs. The Greens will work on creative solutions and accelerate investment in a diversity of housing options, including co-op housing, affordable rentals, supportive and social housing and the “missing middle” of duplexes and triplexes.

And, we’ll close loopholes in bare trust and speculation tax.

Jeremy Valeriote

BC Greens

Email: Jeremy.valeriote@greenparty.bc.ca Phone Number: (604) 989-5965 Age: 46 Town of residence: Whistler Occupation: Environmental engineer Facebook page: facebook.com/JerValeriote Twitter handle: @JValeriote74 Website: bcgreens.ca/jeremy_valeriote The following is a selection of questions from Bowen Islanders and the from the Undercurrent.

What do you see as the most pressing issue facing Bowen Islanders and what will you do to address it?

As with many communities in B.C., housing seems to be at top of mind for Bowen Islanders. In its connection to other affordability and social fabric issues, the availability of affordable housing has impacts throughout the community. I was heartened when I visited Bowen on Monday and heard of promising new housing projects, and saw encouraging signs of a new health centre, fire hall and emergency operations centre. The BC Greens have a vision of everyone having a home they can afford and that meets their needs and will support the Bowen Island community in working towards this vision.

We’re in a climate crisis, what’s your government’s plan for B.C. and for our riding?

The BC Greens platform commits to carbon neutrality by 2045, to match California.

We will set an interim target for 2025 to ensure the government is on track for the 2030 objectives set out in the Clean BC plan, which was established with a strong Green influence. We will immediately end oil and gas subsidies and put that money toward spurring innovation and economic development and implement a moratorium on fracking. We’ll prioritize natural solutions to climate change, such as forest and wetland carbon sinks.

What is your position on Woodfibre LNG in Squamish? How will your government ensure the safety of Bowen Island and Howe Sounders, particularly when it comes to tanker traffic?

The BC Greens are the only provincial party who oppose Woodfibre LNG. Howe Sound is just beginning to recover from a century of damaging industrialization, and an export terminal to send a fossil fuel across the globe is not a carbon solution, nor is it moving toward the green economy of the future. The environmental assessment process must consider the safety of residents with regard to tanker traffic and require and enforce the highest standard of safety,

There’s been a light shone on the systemic racism in our institutions this year, but our representative will be a white man. How will you work in the interests of Black, Indigenous and people of colour?

My work as a white male is to recognize that I can’t understand the full impact and scope of systemic racism in our society.

What I can do, is make a daily practice of awareness of how my bias and the bias of others affects Black, Indigenous and people of colour. In dialogue with those affected by racism, I can apply myself to shifting my consciousness around this issue, and through my thoughts and actions promote equity and inclusion in my daily life.

What do you see as the three most pressing issues facing First Nations in our riding and how will you support them?

A respectful answer requires more consultation with First Nations than I have had the opportunity to do, due to the timing of this snap election. I understand from some conversations that housing and safety are at top of mind, and that there is disappointment that action on reconciliation with Indigenous peoples has not been more prominent in this election. If elected, I will continue a long-term dialogue in a good and humble way with First Nation leaders to find out how I can best support their communities.

How will your party support small businesses given the pandemic economy?

We will continue to support federal government wage subsidies using the best information available about their effectiveness. The BC Greens have pledged a $300 million, six-month commercial rent subsidy

for small business; retooling the provincial grant program for small tourism operators; a separate granting program for non-profits and cultural facilities; and, working with the federal government on a loan program for hospitality and tourism operators.

How will your party support youth and families in this time of high unemployment?

The BC Greens have a vision for youth and families that solves problems across multiple areas by recognizing how they are all interconnected: employment, childcare, education, mental health, work-life balance, housing and income. We will transition toward a basic income, provide free childcare for working parents with children under three and $500 a month for stayat-home parents, integrate early childhood education into the public school system, maintain funding for public education, invest $1 billion in mental health over four years and invest in a clean jobs program to help get people to work in the new economy.

What’s your party’s specific commitment to coastal communities as COVID19 bites into BC Ferries’ revenues?

BC Greens will restore BC Ferries as a Crown corporation. As a former resident of Gibsons, I sat on a Ferry Advisory Committee and understand ferries, which are essential in connecting people, promoting economic development and supporting quality of life. COVID-related challenges for BC Ferries must be addressed in a way that allows revenues to bounce back quickly as the economy recovers.

In the event of a vote in the legislature where there is a conflict between your party’s position and that of your constituents, how will you decide how to vote?

I will vote in the interests of my constituents, in the case of a difference of opinion. I am confident that doing politics differently means respecting these differences, and finding the common ground and creative solutions that can result from collaborative discussions about diverse perspectives.

Follow the election day excitement: bowenisland undercurrent. com

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Thursday, October 22, 2020 • A15

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bowenislandundercurrent.com

BOWEN ISLAND LEGION

Legion dealing with limited resources VOLUNTEERS ASK THAT ISLANDERS REFRAIN FROM LEAVING GARBAGE, BEER CANS AT THE HALL

YVONNE MCSKIMMING

President, Bowen Island Legion

UNDERCURRENT PHOTO

The 2020 Remembrance Day ceremony will be pre-recorded and shared online.

What’s happening for Remembrance Day YVONNE MCSKIMMING

President, Bowen Island Legion

This year the Legion will not host a public ceremony by the cenotaph to celebrate those who have served and still serve the country and their families and significant others. Because of COVID-19 public health regulations, we will be pre-taping and then presenting the ceremony for island residents to watch online. We know this will be very difficult for many island residents as Remembrance Day is one of the celebrations where over a one-third of islanders come out to show their support and appreciation.

We are asking organizations, businesses

and individuals who typically place a wreath at the cenotaph to contact Caroline Walker at 604-947-2278 to order and Lorraine Ashdown at 778-688-2061 to let us know if you want to be included in the wreath announcements. Also please make sure if people are bringing a wreath to the cenotaph, they do this either the evening of Nov. 10 or before 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 11. This is super important as we can’t have people beyond our approved numbers at the ceremony itself. In lieu of the typical sandwich and soup offering that would be provided at the ceremony, the Legion will host a drive-through dinner starting at 4 p.m. Pork loin, scallop potatoes, green beans and ginger-apple cake.

The Bowen Legion has been supporting the community of Bowen for more than 90 years. For many island residents, it acts as a “hub” for all kinds of community activities and events. Everything from dances to raise money for the Children’s Center, Christmas parties for the fire department, craft fairs for the community and beyond.

As a “hub,” the Legion is a central gathering place for all islanders to use and be apart of. It is this spirit of community connection that makes the Legion so special. Like other Legions, our activities and programs are created to not only support our membership but also the community at large. COVID-19 has hit everyone very hard. With our doors closed we too have been struggling but have remained optimistic about the future and what we are doing now to help those who need it i.e. we are hosting monthly free or by-donation drive-through dinners (which we are hoping to expand to twice a month and then also to implement a program just for seniors) and supporting other non-profit initiatives who are addressing COVID19 needs by opening the hall and kitchen for approved use etc. Our funding comes from...ourselves. Each branch is responsi-

ble for fundraising for the money they need to open, run programs, keep the building in safe condition, pay utility bills etc. No branch receives funding from the National Legion body unless the national body is helping to run that branch. In fact, every branch must financially contribute to the national body via providing a percentage of its membership fees and monies raised from poppy sales to support its efforts.

It is important that Bowen residents understand this so people don’t think the Legion has plenty of money and if we ever got stuck the national body would come to our rescue. This is not the case and it is why we work hard to build our membership and make sure residents are properly informed.

As we continue to do our work, we would like to ask the community to help us if possible.

This is not really a big ask but it is needed.

We would be very appreciative if folks could be mindful and not look to hang out in the back of the Legion or on the front porch, or bring cans of beer and cider and leave empty cans for us to pick up or fill our garbage and compost containers with their waste.

We are all volunteers at the Legion and we are not onsite as much as we were when we were allowed to be open, so leaving waste and garbage creates a big issue for us and more work.

If everyone could be sensitive to this and share this information with teenage daughters and sons, it would make the world of difference to our volunteers.

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, October 22, 2020 • A17

Life is good in the heart of Snug Cove 3 beds • 3 baths With a large, partially finished space that’s perfect fot a studio, home office, or potential mortgage helper

427 Cardena Drive

$1,490,000

SOLD as Buyer’s Agent

848 Windjammer Road • $489,000

457 Cowan Road

SOLD as Buyer’s Agent

SOLD as Buyer’s Agent 341 Aerie Tree Lane • $1,498,000

UNDER OFFER

1098 Foxglove Lane • private sale

$950,000

Thank you to all my clients who have put their trust in me.

When COVID hit I was wondering what would happen to real estate on Bowen Island.

Would anyone want to be buying or selling?

The answer was a resounding YES, and I’m thrilled to have been a part of so many successful transactions with Buyers and Sellers this year so far.

604.220.7085

buyonbowen.com

A18 • Thursday, October 22, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

1257 adams road $789,000

1324 catalina road $599,000

lot 11 foxglove lane $382,000

Three to four bedroom, 1945 sf versatile family home.

Nearly half an acre, with views of Mount Gardner.

A charming cottage sitting on a very usable 1/4 acre with a view. Being sold alongside neighbouring 1325 Oceanview.

Fully serviced duplex building lot close to the Cove.

A fantastic investment opportunity. Lots 3 and 4 also available.

lot 1 douglas road $725,000

207-726a Belterra road $479,000

rem. dl 3042 $3,500,000

A park like, private and quiet 4.94 acre forest property. Established access and build site, and walking distance to Bowen Bay Beach.

Specializing in BOWEN ISLAND and HOWE SOUND

A charming studio apartment. Views of the North Shore Mountains from the garden-encircled stone patio outside.

FRAZER ELLIOTT REALTORÂŽ

Co-listed with Dee Elliott Personal Real Estate Corporation Forty-seven acres of development potential in Bluewater - to the east of Schooner Lane.

604.910.3401 felliottbowen@gmail.com www.b bowenh homes.ca

bowenislandundercurrent.com

“

Thursday, October 22, 2020 • A19

Vaune Kolber - Bowen’s Bridge to the City

My family and I have lived on Bowen for over 60 years. If you are considering a realtor I recommend Vaune. City smart, Vaune loves living on the Island and cares about the people, the community, and its future.

As a Bowen resident, Vaune brings an expertise and professionalism to the table, infused by more than 30+ years of living and working in the City. She knows the markets, she knows the buyers. Vaune also has the backing and support of a highly respected Vancouver company (Dexter), with both international connections and roots on Bowen.

David Peerless, Managing Broker & Owner of Dexter Realty

”

Vaune Kolber, Realtor® BetteronBowen.com 604-506-7534 kolber@dexterrealty.com

A20 • Thursday, October 22, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

YoY Dollar Volume–30 September

YoY Dollar Volume–6 Months–Apr–Sep 2020 $63,,759,,767 $33,,342,,548

2020 2019 0

10M

91.3%

20M

30M

40M

50M

2019 60M

0

Sold Price Categories YoY YoY September 2020 30

25

27

0

2020 < $1.0M

0 10

3 $1.0-$1.5M

2

2019 $1.5-$3.0M

$1.3M

60M

80M

2019

2018 >$3.0M

+30.0%

$0.5M

Average Sale Price–Y0Y $1,,266,,663 $1,040,790

2020 1

0

40M

$1,,311,,265 $1,,008,,766

2020 19

9

10

20M

2019 18

67.0%

Averagge Sale Price–YtD

26

20

$79,,046,,267 $47,335,548

2020

0

$1.0M

+21.7% $0.5M

$1.0M

BOWEN ISLAND Averagge Sale Price, Median Sale Price, MLS® HPI YooY at 30 Septembber

$1.2M $1.1M $1.0M $0.9M $0.8M

Averagge Sale

$0.7M

Median Sale

$0.6M $0.5M 01-2010

SOLDS 1685 WhITESAILS 229 MoonwinkS

MLS® HPI 01-2011

01-2012

01-2013

01-2014

01-2015

01-2016

01-2017

01-2018

01-2019

01-2020

VBD - Bowen Island Detached (All) Each data point is 12 months of activity, Data is from October 13, 2020

ACTIVE 1218 Miller rd. • $1,291,000 984 Privateer

Carmen was recommended to my wife Lynsey and I for her extensive knowledge of Bowen Island by another Realtor on the Vancouver mainland with whom we had worked previously. From the outset it was clear to us that she was willing to put in the time and effort to ensure we had a successful outcome. Lynsey and I found our dream home on Bowen and the ever patient Carmen supported and advised us through the whole journey.

We cannot thank Carmen enough for her continued enthusiasm, integrity and professionalism through the process. Her knowledge of Bowen Island and its differing neighbourhoods was extremely useful to us in the beginning, helping shape and inform our search. Always available on short notice, no request was too much trouble.

This superb contemporary 4 bedroom, 4 bathrooms home is, simply put, one of a kind. As soon as you walk up the front stairs you feel as if you are in a home that is truly something unique, surrounded by grapevines, fig-trees, and many more well-established feature plants. From the welcoming solarium all the way to the bedrooms upstairs you find interesting details that make this home special. Super comfortable heated ceramic tile floors, sunken solarium, two master bedrooms each with a gorgeously finished ensuite bathroom. Vaulted ceilings, rough cedar, ceramic tiles, natural wood, and travertine throughout. High-end stainless steel appliances, attractive and super-efficient Regency stand-alone wood stove for those cold winter nights.

Walking distance to the ferry, stores, schools, beach, trails and bus.

ACTIVE 1156 Senator rd. • $985,000

Since moving, Carmen has continued to assist us in our transition to Bowen life and we now consider her and husband Peter friends here on the island.

We would not hesitate to work with Carmen again in future.

Sincerely, Neil & Lynsey.

Carmen Dives 604-802-8267

carmendives@gmail.com

www.bowenislandproperties.com

LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! This home is in a superb location w/magnificent ocean and mountain views. TLC is required and reflected in the price, although still very livable. Enjoy the sunrise from your living room sunsets reflected on the not so distant mountain ranges while you’re having a glass of wine with dinner. Two separate living spaces. The upstairs has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, The solarium doubles up as a music room and it is surrounded by beautiful mature trees. You don’t need a car, 3 mins away from pebbly beach and a short walk to the ferry, stores, schools, beaches and trails. Bonus! Complete separate in-law suite. The downstairs suite has two bedrooms and separate entrance. Make an appointment to view this special home.

If you are thinking of selling or buying a home Call Carmen for a Complimentary Market Analysis and friendly knowledgeable advice.

bowenislandundercurrent.com

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

Thursday, October 22, 2020 • A21

ACTIVE

Secluded retreat like property

3 bed 3 bath NEW HOME

Tunstall Bay View Acreage with Guest suite

$1,349,000 1693 MALKIN CREEK ROAD

$1,250,000 +GST 881 Russell Lane

$1,999,000 1663 Whitesails Drive

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

SOLD

Hood Point Waterfront custom home with acreage

10 acre waterfront building lot

Lakefront acreage with coach house

$3,099,000 1693 Old Eaglecliff Road

$3,580,000 1820 CAPE DRIVE

$1,349,000 351 JOSEPHINE DRIVE

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

0.79 acre oceanview building lot

Hood Point Waterfront building lot

$540,000 1620 EVERGREEN LANE

$869,000 214 Finisterre Road

$1,599,000 268 JASON ROAD

COMING SOON Renovated 3 bed 3 bath family home in Blue Water...steps from Crayola beach

FRANCES FROST & FELICITY BUSKARD

1.5 Acre south facing view building lot in Cowan Point bowenislandrealestate.info • 604.947.9090 RE/MAX Crest Realty - Bowen Island

2016/17/19

A22 • Thursday, October 22, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

BOWEN BEAT Our youngest reader, Leo, takes a break from perusing the Undercurrent.

(Photo: Danielle McQueen)

Marlie Behm, Kira Farah, Jasmine Farah, Twyla Frid, Wylie Stiver and MeiMei Szeto perform in Artisan Square.

PHOTOS BY ROBERT SEMENIUK

Don’t stand so close

Island Pacific School students help tidy the Memorial Garden last week. (Photo: Louise Carachelo Davis)

“Don’t stand, don’t stand so close to me,” the Police sang as six Bowen Island dancers distanced and linked by a plastic yellow harness moved through the island in Artisan Square last month.

The project comes from local choreographer Gail Lotenberg and can be seen in a new YouTube video: youtu.be/bylB1aW_ZmA. “I started to imagine this harness…back at the beginning of COVID,” explains Lotenberg. “They police the distance between people in a very overt way.”

Young people, especially teens, are being given a hard time, being told they’re behaving irresponsibly, says Lotenberg. “I don’t see that. I see them trying to navigate their youth in a very restrained environment.”

While the performance was one element of Lotenberg’s project, the video produced was the primary goal. “[The video is] reminding people to try and hold on to creativity,” she says. “The things that create happiness, and connection in our society are really critical right now.

“I think it’s important to holding onto our humanity and our perseverance,” she says.

The project is dedicated to Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry. “I feel that she epitomizes excellent leadership,” says Lotenberg. “She demonstrates how a feminine sensibility can provide leadership that is kind, that is collective, that is nuanced.”

Henry saw the video and said in an email to Lotenberg that it brought tears to her eyes. “I worry so much about how young people are doing through this but am constantly reminded so many are resilient and adaptable.”

It’s a great time to sell your home.

Let’s chat. m

SHANA RICHMOND SHANA@SHANARICHMOND.COM

604.338.3072

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, October 22, 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ A23

BOWEN BEAT

Ella Solin (coach), Ellis Schroder, Colton Rees-Skehar, Bowen Harper and Neve Fowler

Island Football Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s U8 players hard at play U8 and great Bowen on the brand new turf field Saturday afternoon.

Georgia Brown, Cillian Bird, Peter Buitenhuis, Lizzie Parker and Carsten Helssen.

Colton Rees-Skehar

Lizzie Parker, Cillian Bird and Neve Fowler

Peter Buitenhuis The Bowen Nature Club led a guided hike up Mt. Gardner via the Handloggers Trail last weekend. Alan Whitehead and Melissa Harrison led the group.

(Photo: Melissa Harrison)

Delivered to your mailbox!

Every week for $55 per year ($85 to off island addresses) 604-947-2442 ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thank you for your support of local journalism now and always.

If you are not sure if you have renewed, please call us to avoid disruption

A24 • Thursday, October 22, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Places of Worship Welcome You

Queen of Capilano Ferry Schedule October 13 to May 15 2021

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

FOOD BANK DROP-OFF

ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Sunday Mass at 9.30 (limited seating due to Covid 19)

Contact Angela Powell 604-947-2515

CATES HILL CHAPEL

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

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

DEPART BOWEN ISLAND

DEPART HORSESHOE BAY

5:20 am except Sundays 6:20 am 7:30 am 8:35 am 9:40 am 10:50 am 12:00 pm 1:10 pm 2:55 pm 4:00 pm except Wednesdays 5:10 pm 6:15 pm 7:25 pm Mon Wed Th Fri 7:26 pm Tue Sun 8:30 pm 9:30 pm 10:30 pm

5:50 am 6:50 am 8:00 am 9:05 am except Wednesdays 10:15 am 11:25 am 12:35 pm 2:20 pm 3:30 pm 4:35 pm 5:45 pm 6:50 pm 8:00 pm except Saturdays 9:00 pm 10:00 pm

Note: Schedules subject to change without notice

Pastor: Phil adkins

Please check BCFERRIES.COM

If you’re looking for more than work.

We’ve got your back.

Project openings: Concrete Labourers General Labourers Underground Labourers

At LiUNA Local 1611, we fight for higher wag ges, safer sites, full pensions, and real benefits so that you’re building a career instead of simply doin ng a job.

Right now, we’re recruiting for positions at major infrastructure projects across British Columbiia.

Apply today for a better future liuna1611.org

Russell Heritage Member, LiUNA Local 1611

Follow election day coverage at bowenislandundercurrent.com

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, October 22, 2020 • A25

Together in 2017, we came close to electing a Green MLA. This time, let’s elect an MLA who lives in our community and will stand up for what matters in West Vancouver – Sea to Sky. On October 24th, vote for real solutions to build back stronger.

VOTE BC GREENS WEST VANCOUVER – SEA TO SKY

JEREMY VALERIOTE WWW.BCGREENS.CA/JEREMY_VALERIOTE

Authorized by Paul Dorland, Financial Agent 1-416-917-4115

Choose from over 30 designs inspired by Vancouver | Use the discount code BECAUSE2020 at bcisawesome.com

A26 • Thursday, October 22, 2020

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Your Community ty

Call or email to place your ad, Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm

MARKETPLACE M L

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!%$&$$$&"%%% # !%$&!"%&""%% classifieds@van.net

BC WIDE CLASSIFIEDS AUCTIONS

Land Act: Notice of intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land

ROOFING

David Rd

Robert Rd

Reed Rd

@BowUndercurrent MILLERS LANDING

One Call Does It All 604.630.3300

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conversation at

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Free inventor’s guide!

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HEALTH & WELLNESS Cardena St

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SNUG COVE

Ca

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1.800.218.2909 or visit us at inventing.davison.com/BC

Join the

Le no r

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SPROTTSHAW.COM

Mil le Rd r

Collins Farm Rd

604-240-5362

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EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Deer Walk

Eagles Nest Rd

New Roofing & Repairs.

Gutter Cleaning • $80 Free Est. • GLRoofing.ca

INVENTORS! Ideas wanted!

ew

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Ecclestone Rd

LIVE & ONLINE AUCTION in ARMSTRONG BC on OCT. 31st. Valley Auction in conj. with Active Auction Mart. FARM EQUIPMENT, INDUSTRIAL RELATED, BAILIFF SEIZED GOODS PLUS OTHERS. Lots incl. John Deere/Kubota & Ford Tractors, Trucks, Livestock Trailers, Lumber, Welding Equip, Farms Supplies & More. CONSIGNMENTS ACCEPTED until Oct. 29. - Call Valley Auction @250-546-9420 to consign & view in person. Lots added daily.

VIEWLOTS & BID ONLINE AT WWW.ACTIVEAUCTIONMART.COM. Auction closes on Oct. 31

Take notice that Timothy Klauke and Rosemary Toye, Business People, of 1160 Ecclestone Road Bowen Island, BC, have applied to the Ministry of Forest, Lands, and Natural Resources Operations, Surrey Office, for a Permission for Residential Private Moorage situated on Provincial Crown Land located at ALL THAT UNSURVEYED FORESHORE OF CROWN LAND BEING PART OF THE BED OF MANNION BAY, BOWEN ISLAND, GROUP 1, NEW WESTMINSTER DISCTRICT, CONTAINING .042 HECTARES MORE OR LESS. The Lands File Number for this application is 2412347. Comments concerning this application should be directed to the Project Manager at 200-10428 153rd Street, Surrey, BC V3R 1E1.

Comments will be received by the Ministry of Forest Lands and Natural Resource Operations until November 28, 2020. Ministry of Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations may not consider comments received after this date. Please visit the Applications, Comments & Reasons for Decision at https://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ for more information.

Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record.

For information, contact Information Access Operations at the Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services in Victoria at: www.gov.bc.ca/citz/iao/.

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Due to space restrictions, there is no puzzle this issue.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

FLU SHOTS FOR OUR PATIENTS

Q&A with a first-time voter Taliesin van Lidth de Jeude Roemer recently turned 18 and as such cast his first ballot in this election. We thought we’d get some of the youth perspective on this election: Q: To start, how did it feel casting your first ballot!

A: It feels great to finally have a say in what goes on in our province! It was quite frustrating in past elections when I couldn’t vote yet, because I always cared a lot about climate change and social issues like racism, sexism and poverty.

Q: What did you do to prepare for voting?

A: Mostly watching debates, now as well as in the past for the other elections.

Q: How closely did you follow coverage?

A: I watched the general debate and the smaller climate debate on Zoom, which both

bowenislandundercurrent.com

served to strengthen my impression that the Green party is the only one with effective plans to move us towards a sustainable future.

Q: What issues are most important to you in this election?

A: For me, the most important issue in this and any election is the climate. I think a lot of politicians are afraid to take the necessary drastic steps to counteract climate change because of the possible short term cost to our economy but I say it’s worth it to ensure that we have a safe, livable future for us and our families going on into the future. The economy can recover, but the world can’t really, and a healthy environment is essential if you want anything else to succeed.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

A: Nope.

Thursday, October 22, 2020 • A27

EMILY VAN LIDTH DE JEUDE PHOTO

As Taliesin van Lidth de Jeude Roemer cast his first ballot this year, the climate was on his mind.

BOWEN HOME SERVICES love the life you live NEW CONSTRUCTION

Window Blinds

RENOVATIONS RESTORATION ADDITIONS SECONDARY STRUCTURES

On Bowen 778-995-1902

UNIQUE OUTDOOR SPACES SUB CONTRACT WORK

BUILT GREEN BC BUILDER CONTACT US FOR A FREE QUOTATION WWW.WHITEHART.CA ADDRESS 302-566 ARTISAN LANE BOWEN ISLAND, BC PHONE 1 (778) 999-3434

Join our

growing network!

Bowen Island sPeCIalIsTs! QUalITY seRVICe GUaRanTeed!

Keep Calm and Call econo

facebook.com/BIUndercurrent

604.980.3333

991 west First street, north Vancouver, BC www.economovingandstorage.com

live the life you love To reserve a spot on this page, contact us at 604-947-2442 or ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com

A28 • Thursday, October 22, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR on Bowen Island

FRIDAY OCT. 23

Jazzercise dance party for Breast Cancer Awareness Month Outside BICS, 7-8 p.m., “Grab your friends and family and join us outside at BICS for a dance party to raise awareness for a cause that affects so many.”

Event is free but is also a fundraiser for B.I. Health Centre Foundation. Register through BICR

SATURDAY OCT. 24

General Voting Day 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. polls open at BICS

grooming@bowendogranch.com

www.bowendogranch.com

bowen island soap co

plant based

planet friendly

people kind

www.bowenislandsoapco.com @BOWENISLANDSOAPCO hello@bowenislandsoapco.com

feel good ~ inside and out

Book your complimentary meet & greet and first walk or drop in. Rates are $25 for group hikes and start at $15 for drop-ins.

Dog Walking Group Hikes Individual Walks Socialization

778 898 5950 |

Cat Care

Home Visits Litter Maintenance Playtime

www.barkpetcare.ca

Hazardous waste and paint recycling BIRD 9 a.m.-4 p.m. “No Fees.

No appointment. Limit of 10 containers Questions? Call Bowen Waste Solutions at 604-947-2255” 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” Transitions: From here to there artist party Hearth Gallery 6-8 p.m.

Celebrate the opening of Kristina Girke’s exhibit Transitions, music by DJ Yeshe

SUNDAY OCT. 25

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

MONDAY OCT. 26

Regular Council Meeting 6:15 pm

register: bipl.link/workshops

Carve up the Cove Pumpkin contest hosted

by Bowen Island Integrated Health drop-off starts, drop off until Oct. 30

Lynda virtual workshop Zoom 6-7 pm Hosted by Bowen Library; More info/ register: bipl.link/workshops

Dump week starts BIRD Drop-off by appointment only; Call Bowen Waste Solutions 604-947-2255 to book your appointment by 4 p.m. Oct. 26.

TUESDAY OCT. 27

Ecosystem-based Adaptation webinar Zoom 6:30-8 p.m. Hosted

by Islands Trust. Ecosystembased Adaptation Specialists Ruth Waldick and Tine Rossing presenting. More info: bowenisland.civicweb. net/document/229502.

Register: https://bit. ly/2Z7Ggjw

WEDNESDAY OCT. 28

On the Light Side Zoom 7-8 p.m. Enjoy the light side of award winning poet Jude Neale’s captivating verse. Join on Facebook for the live stream or message Jude for the Zoom link.

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

Hosted by Bowen Library “Meet Lynda! This popular, expert-led video learning database has a wide selection of courses to help you gain skills for your career and life. Learn how to access topics about business skills, personal development, and more.” More info/

THURSDAY OCT. 29

Octopus & Glass Sponge Reefs; exploring the underwater realm of Atl’ka7tsem / Howe Sound Zoom 7:30 pm Adam Taylor presents at Rotary Zoom meeting

FRIDAY OCT. 30

Discs in the dark: Bowen Youth Centre Veterans Park Disc Golf Course 5-8 p.m. $11 preregistration only (bowencommunityrecreation. com). For youth 12-18 yrs old

SATURDAY OCT. 31

Halloween Stay tuned for details of a safe Halloween. No Fireworks from the B.I. Fire Dept.

Winter market Little Red Church 10 a.m.noon

SUNDAY NOV. 1 Outdoor Meditation Circle Meet at the undercover area in Crippen Park 11 am Every Sunday; no charge

WEDNESDAY NOV. 4

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

Hosted by Bowen Library “Access world-class instruction through selfpaced video lessons from Grammy Awardwinning music and artistic

professionals.” More info/ register: bipl.link/workshops

THURSDAY NOV. 5

Artistworks virtual workshop Zoom 6-7 p.m. Hosted

by Bowen Library “Access world-class instruction through self-paced video lessons from Grammy Award-winning music and artistic professionals.” More info/register: bipl.link/ workshops

SATURDAY NOV. 7

Winter market Little Red Church 10 a.m.noon Legion Fall Supper (drivethrough) Legion 3-5 p.m. pick-up All tickets $15; full turkey dinner & pumpkin pie (no vegetarian option)’; Advanced ticket sales online, e-transfer msmccall@telus. net specifying Fall Supper.

Or look at the Ruddy on Oct. 24 & 31. Advanced purchase guarantees a meal.

SUNDAY NOV. 8

Legion Fall Supper (drivethrough) Legion 3-5 p.m. pick-up All tickets $15; full turkey dinner & pumpkin pie (no vegetarian option)’; Advanced ticket sales online, e-transfer msmccall@telus. net specifying Fall Supper.

Or look at the Ruddy on Oct. 24 & 31. Advanced purchase guarantees a meal.

Have an event for the calendar? editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com