Bowen Island Undercurrent December 17 2020

LIGHT UP BOWEN CHALLENGE: We have the winners!

Thursday, December 17, 2020 • A1

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

BRUCE STEELE PHOTO

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VOL. 46 NO. 50

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Bowen got a special visit from the Coast Guard last week PAGE 3

Still waiting for testing

POSSIBLE PROGRESS: COVID-19

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

MARY DAVEY PHOTO

LETTERS TO SANTA: Santa Claus visited Bowen Island’s neighbourhoods Saturday afternoon. Rudolph was off-

duty so Santa had to make do in a convertible. While kids couldn’t sit on Santa’s knee, they had lots of letters for him.

What’s the plan for the Cape?

WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE DRAFT MASTER PLAN BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

Come April, the Cape on Bowen is planning to submit a rezoning plan for its 320 unsold acres on the southwest

arm of the island.

The draft master plan proposes moving from the current zoning density of 32 ten-acre estates to about 430 living units (estimated at 750 to 850 people) with more than half of the land dedicated as park sp pace.

The draft plan, available at envisionthecape.ca, comes after more than a year of community consultation from Cape on Bowen CEO Candy Ho and her team.

Last month, Ho sat down with the Undercurrent (over Zoom) to discuss the plan.

CONTINUED ON P. 8

SHANA RICHMOND

SHANA@SHANARICHMOND.COM

604.338.3072

Though there are no solid commitments for on-island COVID-19 testing, a recent provincial allowance for community paramedics to administer tests could prove fruitful, BIM emergency program coordinator Jennifer McGowan conveyed at the Dec. 14 regular council meeting. Bowen Islanders currently are served by two North Vancouver testing sites.

For the past month, McGowan has been working with local and regional physicians, health authorities and organizations to find a solution for Bowen’s lack of testing.

“Health professionals qualified to perform this screening are limited, changing regularly, and vary depending on the level of direct supervision being provided on-site,” McGowan said in her report to council.

“Specimens are considered dangerous goods and must be transported in accordance with Transport Canada requirements by a registered carrier.”

While local physicians don’t have the capacity to perform testing (as they did earlier in the pandemic), community paramedics may now perform nasopharyngeal swabs after training and competency assessments.

These assessments could take place as early as this month said McGowan.

“It is not yet clear what support might be required from the municipality to facilitate this screening, if any,” she said.

On this note, BIM announced a couple of weeks ago that those going for COVID-19 tests in North Vancouver are eligible for the Travel Assistance Program (TAP) to cover their return ferry cost.

SEE MORE MUNI MORSELS ON P. 9

A2 • Thursday, December 17, 2020

Events January 11, 2021 6:15 pm Regular Council Meeting

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Municipal Hall Holiday Hours Bowen Island Municipality will be closed from Thursday, December 24th at 12:00 pm until January 1, 2021.

We will be open for regular business hours on Monday, January 4, 2021.

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

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

All meetings are online via Zoom and

open to the public, unless noted otherwise.

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

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

2021 Garbage Collection Schedule The 2021 Garbage Collection Schedule is now available.

Check your mail box or pick up a copy from Bowen Waste or Municipal Hall.

Help slow the spread of COVID-19:

View and print your own copy here:

Christmas Tree disposal

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/garbage-collection

Wednesday, December 30 - Saturday, January 8

Stay home if you’re sick

Clean your hands frequently

Keep a safe physical distance

Wear a mask in indoor public spaces

A green bin for Christmas Tree disposal will be available outside the Recycling Depot from Wednesday, December 30 until Saturday, January 8.

Bowen Island Tree Service will be providing a chipping service by donation, with donations going to the Bowen Island Health Centre Foundation.

Questions? Please email Bowen Waste Solutions at info@bowenwastesolutions.com or call 604-947-2255

Contact Us Phone: Fax: Email:

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

Questions? Please email Bowen Waste Solutions at info@bowenwastesolutions.com or call 604-947-2255

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 December 17, 2020

Bowen Island Municipality

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Look what rumbled into Snug Cove last week

Thursday, December 17, 2020 • A3

BOWEN GOT A VISIT FROM THE CCGH SIYAY FOR A BCEHS TRAINING EXERCISE FRIDAY

The app that could save lives: PulsePoint

Contributor

Community paramedic, B.I. BCEHS

Canadian Coast Guard Hovercraft Siyay was part of a medical evacuation exercise organized here on Bowen at the request of the BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) on Dec. 11.

The exercise was to review important processes and protocols for the potential task of transporting critically injured patients on Bowen Island to medical services on the mainland in extreme weather.

The vessel was deployed from its homeport at the Sea Island Terminal in Richmond and proceeded to the Tunstall Bay boat ramp as well as the Snug Cove beach.

The Siyay is an air cushion vehicle (ACV), which operates in high winds and rough waters, as well as on somewhat smooth land such as beaches and grass, riding a fan-generated cushion of air escaping from beneath a flexible inflated skirt. During the exercise, this hovercraft landed safely and relatively easily on both beaches proving it could be deployed here on Bowen if necessary.

Forward propulsion is provided by two variable pitch propellers on the stern.

The two hovercraft serving our region, the Siyay and Moytel, have hydraulic cranes for salvage work, which, when removed, allows a total payload of 25,000kg on the forward deck.

In the exercise scenario a BC Ambulance was its cargo with a patient being transported safely within, protected from inclement weather.

This particular ACV model was launched in 1998 and built in Wheatly, ON. The top speed is 48 knots or 89 kph with fuel capacity of 18,920 litres. The operational time is determined by many factors related to speed, distance and weather. It’s powered by four

More than 45,000 Canadians suffer sudden cardiac arrests each year.

Sudden cardiac arrest is just that – it’s sudden, unassuming and leaves patients unresponsive.

For every minute that passes without help, a person’s chance of surviving a cardiac arrest drops by about 10%.

Quick bystander CPR, along with the use of a portable automated external defibrillator (AED), can more than double a person’s chance of survival.

So how can you help?

BC Emergency Health Services urges the public to know the signs of a sudden cardiac arrest, call 9-1-1, begin CPR and use an AED. CPR can be done by anyone who has had basic training or is being coached by someone who is trained, such as a BC Ambulance dispatcher.

If you are CPR-trained, there’s also an app you can download to your smart phone that alerts you if someone is experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest within 400 metres of your location in BC. It’s called PulsePoint. Once you receive the alert and find the patient, you can perform hands-on CPR, and use an AED if one’s available, until paramedics arrive.

You can be at this person’s side and start CPR in those first critical minutes before paramedics arrive. Every minute is a life-saving minute. You have the power to help your neighbour.

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” –Coretta Scott King

BRUCE STEELE

BRUCE STEELE PHOTO

CCGH Siyay beached on Bowen last week. Luckily it was just a training exercise – the Siyay would visit Bowen to transport critically inujured patients to the mainland in extreme weather.

V-12 Caterpillar diesels, producing a total of 2818kw or 3779hp. Its length overall is 28.5 m by 12 m wide.

The Siyay has a total crew of seven, consisting of two pilots and five crew with search and rescue and diver training. It can also operate as a mobile hospital, with medical space housed within the deck level forward cabin and crew’s quarters. Each crew member is trained for the many critical, life-threatening situations they could be tasked to perform.

The ACV’s duties also include search and rescue, aids to navigation maintenance, pollution response, fisheries patrol and enforcement and many other tasks as required by first responder agencies delivering services

Queen of Capilano Ferry Schedule October 13 to May 15 2021 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: Please check BCFERRIES.COM Schedule changes on statutory holidays

to islands such as ours and the southwest coast-Pacific region.

This exercise was very successful and many lessons were learned by the various emergency response personnel of Bowen who participated. Our first responders may call upon the hovercraft to provide this invaluable service to human life in the future when the weather or a unique situation requires it.

Many thanks to the captain of the Siyay and the knowledgeable deck crew for their attendance and the logistical information provided.

And a special thanks to Gale Lyttle from our BC Ambulance Station 225 here on Bowen for organizing the exercise event.

KRISTINE KUMAR

Places of Worship Welcome You 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 Masses are live streamed everyday.

Times posted at holyrosarycathedral.org 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.

Pastor: Phil Adkins

A4 • Thursday, December 17, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

VIEWPOINTS EDITORIAL

A year to review

Next week is our last newspaper of the yeaar and as usual (in an unusual year) I’m plan nning our annual “Bowen’s yearbook” edition n.

This is an edition that summarizes ou ur accomplishments over the past year and I know there have been many. Albums, bookks, big articles, significant life events – we wan nt to hear what you (or someone you know w) accomplished! In this edition we also wan nt to welcome new Bowen Islanders – who haas moved to the island in the past year?

Email submissions to editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com by 4 p.m. Mondaay, Dec. 21. We’re going to press a day early, so no extensions. Submissions can range from a lin ne up to 250 words.

In a year of loss like this one, I also want to offer the opportunity for islanders to send in na line or two - up to 25 words – about someon ne they’re missing this holiday season. No explaanations of why or how are necessary, it’s justt a space for those thoughts.

Bronwyn Beairsto, editor

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Any tax increase after a year like this one is unreasonable

DEAR EDITOR: Many things come to mind when I look at the thorough and excellent Undercurrent article about “Tax options.” The first thing is “who on earth are these people who think a 6.6% tax increase is reasonable and do they live in the real world or talk to regular folks.”

Many people have suffered huge financial difficulties during the pandemic. Why is the municipality not looking at laying people off if they don’t have enough money to meet their budget? I was laid off when the pandemic hit from my salaried job for three months and now am getting only a fraction of the hours. I closed my bed and breakfast when it was clear that the island was not welcoming visitors. My third job in which I am self-employed, lost about 60% to 70% of the normal income since late March. My income is down approximately 60%. This is not just my story—some

others have been hurt even more. It is absurd, insensitive and immoral for the municipality to be contemplating any increases in property taxes.

Why are municipal employees getting a 1.8% wage increase this year? Most people in private industry have taken huge income losses. My salaried job went from an average of 30 hours per week to 10.5 hours. In order to try to keep my self-employment business going, I took a 5% hourly pay cut and agreed to this for the next three years and my hours are severely reduced.

No new municipal employees should be hired. Why on earth is another bylaw officer needed? The island is virtually shut down. My recent contact with a bylaw officer was to receive an email this summer saying they would like me to pay a licensing fee for my shutdown bed and breakfast.

I wrote back to say it was shutdown due to the pandemic and I then got an email back saying something akin to “well, when you manage to be earning a few dollars again cleaning toilets and washing floors, please let us know so that we can come and pick your pocket.”

Bowen Island Municipality may have a lower staff per capita ratio than neighbouring communities but many of the homeowners here are not full-time and therefore not requiring as many services. Also one of the lovely things about Bowen is that we were not like other communities and didn’t have to get the municipality’s permission for every

tiny thing.

I fear that we are getting so over-regulated that soon we will be told what colour we are allowed to paint our homes.

Most of us care about our neighbours and so we behave in a civilized way. We don’t need babysitters—we are adults, good citizens and we have volunteers.

There are some wealthy people on Bowen who can afford unreasonable property tax increases and perhaps want more municipal services. If this is the case, perhaps homes over $2 million for example should be taxed at a higher rate.

There is definitely a lot of fat that could and should be trimmed such as resigning from Islands Trust. This is not a necessity and, as far as I can tell, is of no value to Bowen especially since we have very little in common with most of the other islands.

Please consider the average person who has had year after year of tax increases recently and this year, has probably suffered losses. Make do with the number of employees we have and look for ways to belt tighten and cut back. Bowen is feeling less and less like the welcoming, fair and caring community it once was and instead seems to be looking for ways to provide unnecessary laws and services and become like a “big city,” the very thing that most people came here to escape.

Sincerely, Joan Beals

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.

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EDITOR Bronwyn Beairsto 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

SPECIAL THANK-YOU Audrey Grescoe

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Islands Trustees vote for an external review

DEAR EDITOR: Two years ago I was elected to represent Bowen Island as a trustee of the Islands Trust. I am pleased to report on a truly significant day in the life of the Trust. A group of nine Trustees from other islands who share various concerns, representing North and South Pender, Saturna, Denman, and Gabriola Islands with myself for Bowen, have worked to present the following motion at the Islands Trust meeting of Trustees held this Dec. 3: “That Trust Council approve the entering into a contract with a management consultant firm (certified by the Canadian Association of Management Consultants) to undertake a comprehensive performance review of the Islands Trust’s governance, management and operations, in accordance with the Terms of Reference attached as Appendix 1 to this Request for Decision using reserve funds from fiscal 2020/21 to a maximum of $75,000. This work will be overseen by an ad hoc Steering Committee of Trust Council identified in the Terms of Reference Document attached as Appendix 1.”

The motion was considered during the last morning of the meeting with the full complement of 26 Trustees present by Zoom. Following an hour of tense discussion the vote was taken and the motion passed by 14 votes for and 12 against.

I believe Dec. 3 represents a significant moment

in the history of Islands Trust - the day will be long remembered by all those involved. I will represent Bowen Island on the steering group set up in the terms of reference.

Regardless of whether one is a supporter of the Islands Trust or not, there is no doubt in my mind that the organization and importantly, its members, will benefit enormously from an independent review of its governance, management, and operations. With the Island Trust having its beginnings approaching 50 years ago, this initiative is timely, if not long overdue.

Importantly, the decision to hold a review comes with the endorsement of a majority of its Trustees.

I took as my mandate, a focus on the ever-increasing amount of the “annual requisition” levied on Bowen by the Islands Trust and found considerable support for this cause among fellow Islanders. But, going forward, it became clear that any adjustment to the funding formula would be a nebulous prospect given that Islands Trust overhead and operations have evolved since the 1970s without any truly independent formal scrutiny and analysis. Thus, there is no baseline information from which to determine whether this annual levy is justified or excessive.

At this point, Bowen now faces the next “annual requisition” for 2021 anticipated to be just under $300,000, slightly less than last year, this amount collected annually through your property tax notice submitted by the municipality, then remitted directly to Islands Trust. This brings the total amount paid since 2000 to $4,000,000 – a considerable sum relative to Bowen’s financial capacity with no commensurate change in services received by Bowen. By way of comparison, Islands Trust expenditures have increased from $3,79,880 in 2000/1 to $8,194,811 proposed on 2020/1.

I shall keep you informed as to the review’s progress.

Michael Kaile Municipal councillor and Islands Trustee

Thursday, December 17, 2020 • A5

BASIA LIESKE PHOTO

The Little Red Church and the Cove have seen unprecidented levels of decorating this year.

Thank you for the lights!

DEAR EDITOR: We all know that Christmas 2020 will not be quite the same as usual, however around Bowen the elves selflessly have been busy bringing joy and light into our lives. Namely Basia and her elves for creating a magical cove atmosphere, with prancing reindeers, teddy bears, clocks, snowmen, giant sized lollipops, lanterns etc., we all need something uplifting right now and this fits the bill perfectly. Bringing out the child in us all as we cruise the streets at night to enjoy the festival of lights Bowen style A huge thanks goes also to Noah from Home Farm Gardens who with his mighty elves has turned the Little Red Church and grounds into a spectacular grotto of colours and lights. Every fence, every tree has been covered and it is indeed a spectacle to feast on, which we need during these dark and short days - light to see us through as we inch slowly towards the shortest day.

Kudos and a huge thank you Noah and Basia, who with your helpers bring so much enjoyment at a time when we are all experiencing challenges as we manoeuvre our way through the prospect for many of being apart from family this year. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel so get in your cars with the kids, drive around our beautiful island and experience the festival of lights!

Diana Kaile

Eat. Drink. Shop. Local.

Patient of the Week ROYAL AND HER NEW SIBLING

This year, keep your holiday activities small, safe and local.

CEDC

Community Economic Development Committee

Royal has been a patient of Bowen Vet for a while and recently became a big sister. She is taking her role very seriously!

Royal is getting on in years so her parents bring her for regular check ups to make sure she will be around for her new little human! Congratulations to Royal and her family.

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

A6 • Thursday, December 17, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

‘Acting’no more: new fire chief HE’S BEEN AT THE JOB A YEAR BUT AARON HANEN CAN NOW DROP THE ‘ACTING’ FROM HIS TITLE BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor

Though he’s now been on the job in an ‘acting’ capacity for a year, Aaron Hanen is now officially Bowen Island’s fire chief.

“We are ecstatic to bring him on officially, and look forward to seeing more of his success to improve safety and increase Bowen Island’s resiliency,” said Mayor Gary Ander in a statement.

The born-and-raised Bowen Islander was deputy fire chief for five years before taking over from former fire chief Derek Dickson in late 2019.

But Hanen’s history with the department goes back even further – he started as a volunteer firefighter in 1995.

Hanen found out he had the job just a few days ago.

“It’s super exciting,” he said. “I’m really excited to be the chief of the department.”

That being said, Hanen had never planned to one day be fire chief.

“It was never really on my radar, but when it happened, I was happy to go with it.”

Hanen became acting fire chief at a difficult point in the department’s history, in the midst of a dispute involving the volunteer firefighters, the then fire chief and the municipality.

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

@PatrickBWeiler

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patrick.weiler@parl.gc.ca Tel.: 604-913-2660 Fax.: 604-913-2664

“Of all of the time I’ve been in the department, that was the low point for sure,” said Hanen. “I think it was for a lot of people.

“But, in some ways, I guess it makes it easier. You can only go up from there, right?”

The past year has seen a lot of work and a lot of effort, said Hanen. “But without the volunteers, we would be nowhere,” he said.

“It’s really them that make it all happen.”

But beyond taking over in the middle of a municipal crisis, Hanen has navigated an international crisis in his first year on the job: COVID-19.

Training was suspended at the beginning of the pandemic and picked up as the province opened up. Training has once again slowed, as COVID-19 prevents gathering, so there’s online learning but very little in-person.

However, as COVID-19 cases peak, the volunteer firefighters are still attending calls.

“It’s always a concern when the pager goes off for a sick person call or something like that. Now we have to wear extra PPE for every call that we’re attending,” said Hanen.

“When we come back, the apparatus has to be disinfected. So there’s a lot more time that needs to be put in by the volunteers to keep everything going.”

“So far we’re getting through it,” he said.

“We haven’t had a lot of those sick person calls, which is good.”

Another notable aspect of Hanen’s new job title is that there’s something of a role switch in the department as former fire chief Ian Thompson is now acting deputy fire chief.

bowenislandundercurrent.com

SANTA BEAT Light Up Bowen’s Santa parade See more photos at bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, December 17, 2020 • A7

Bowen’s 2020 yearbook!

Submit your (or your loved ones’) accomplishments from 2020. Did you climb that mountain? Publish that book? Run that mile? Email editor@bowenislandundercurrent. com by 4 p.m. Dec. 21. Max: 250 words.

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on Bowen Island

Santa and his mascot helpers visited the neighbourhoods of Bowen Island Saturday afternoon as there was no giant Light Up Bowen gathering this year. While he started out in Eddie Weismiller’s convertible, after some troubles with the car Santa moved into a pick-up truck.

One and only upholstery Christmas Special Turn of the century sofa with hand carved show wood trim all around. Complete overhaul. Follow our

The Harrisons (Photo: Tara F.)

progress on Facebook. Purchaser gets to participate in the outcome. Your choice of fabric or leather not included in sale price. $11,000 Christian/David 604908-0950.

Find us on Facebook

(Photo Phil Kemp)

Santa assured kids that despite COVID-19, they can still leave out cookies, milk and a carrot for the reindeer (who will be back on duty Christmas Eve).

Make cheques payable to B.I. Christmas Hamper Fund mail to PO Box 19 Bowen Island TAX RECEIPTS WILL BE PROVIDED Infformation: Linda Pffeifff (9625)), Janice Skeels (952 24)), Pernille Nielsen (2210), or Ian Thompson (329-8097)

The elves (Photo: Jessica Harper)

While the entire tour took several hours, islanders could track Santa’s progress on Google Maps (just like NORAD) and meet up at his next stop. Kids couldn’t sit on Santa’s knee but they could hand him letters.

p

(Photo Mary Davey)

Bowen Island Christmas Hamper Drive

A8 • Thursday, December 17, 2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Skimming the Cape plan CONTINUED FROM P. 1

The background

The rezoning proposal comes as the four investors of the Cape on Bowen are hoping to sell their shares. “They don’t want to leave without securing something that they are proud of, for the community,” said Candy Ho. “They’re doing this plan as a way of ensuring that whoever takes on this project will do what we are proposing here.”

The alternative is sticking with the tenacre lots and selling as-is.

While the investors include Candy’s father, Don Ho, who has a small, non-controlling share, they do not include Candy herself.

“What we’re delivering, it’s pretty unusual,” said Candy Ho. “It’s not the highest return – the story of my work for the last 20 years,” she laughed.

“When you don’t come up with something that is not the normal standard industry return, you’re not going to have an easy time finding that new capital and new investments.”

The entire Cape is zoned Rural Residential 1 under the Land Use Bylaw. You’re allowed to have low-density housing there and that’s about it. A rezoning would change the uses allowed in certain areas, essentially setting up a new owner with a map of how to develop the land with much of the community engagement work already done.

Throughout the consultation process, Candy Ho has acknowledged the painful

local history of the Cape – the failed rezoning attempt of 2008, the docks controversy and leaked prospectus ahead of the 2018 municipal election – and is working on rebuilding community trust.

Ho has formed a community working group of local experts, leaders and members to examine and provide feedback on the draft rezoning plan. “They’re looking at our plan very deeply,” said Ho. They’ll have access to environmental and engineering reports, traffic and hydrogeology information and Ho has also invited the group to look at the financial performa with her.

While the draft plan puts a timeline of 15 to 20 years on the development, Ho calls that extremely aggressive given the pieces that need to fall into place: rezoning, new investment, infrastructure building, subdivision, sub-developers in the individual projects (ageing in place would need a different developer than a school), development permits, building permits and construction.

The plan

The idea is to put in about $35 million in infrastructure (this includes a water system with firefighting capacity) for a neighbourhood with a variety of housing forms. These include: • Private estates with covenants to prevent development on swaths of the estate (including tree cutting).

As planner Edward Porter explains on the Envision the Cape website, covenanted greenspace over private

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property would maintain continuous forest (or whatever ecotype is there).

• Single-family cottages • Multiplexes that Ho hopes will not be “cookie cutter.” The number and size are yet to be determined.

• Row homes, which would be more cookie cutter as they’re next to the school, clubhouse and commercial area. These would be the most affordable homes, said Ho, though she adds it’s not a good use for return for a developer – the row homes’ inclusion is to add housing diversity.

• Ageing in place – assisted living, long-term care, with wellness and recreational amenities. This is the one housing development that would have a view, said Ho. And while the rest of the properties would cater to a lower to mid-range end of middle income, this one would likely be higher end mid-level income, she said.

• Long-term rentals Other institutional and community amenities in the draft plan include: • A school • A neighbourhood clubhouse – public or something more along the lines of the Tunstall Bay Clubhouse • A pedestrian-friendly almost European-style commercial core that could serve the west side of the island, “something like an Artisan Square.” The idea is to encourage different modes of transportation while limiting vehicular traffic, designating a parking area outside of the core.

• Public trails throughout the development, a mix of walking and multi-

use, and a public waterfront along that entire south coastline. Some of these trails also pass through the private estates • An eco-spiritual leadership retreat abutting the B.I. Conservancy’s new park on the waterfront • A regenerative farm – as food resilience has gained prominence, the plan sets aside an estimated 15 acres for farm land. The Cape planner has a background in farming and conservancy, Ho noted.

There’s also the possibility of giving chunks of the land outside of the Cape’s serviceable area (due to water pressure capacity) to the municipality.

Community feedback

One of the large concerns is from the residents of Whitesails Drive, who are seeing more vehicles on their street as the Cape has opened up. The residents are particularly interested in traffic management. Ho has a traffic consultant looking at strategies.

Over the process of developing the plan and then workshopping it, Ho has spoken with many, many Bowen Islanders, offering walk-throughs and detailed Zoom sessions.

But, she wants to hear from more people.

“Right now, this draft plan is not very prescriptive. It’s very conceptual,” said Ho. The details are open to input. While Ho and the planner can draw from their professional and personal experiences for ideas, Ho wants to hear the island’s ideas.

“I hope that people will, even if they don’t want to participate, at least be aware of what’s happening,” she said. “That if they don’t give comments, [they] at least take a look at it and know what’s going on.”

CINDY MAY PHOTOGRAPHY

BOWEN ISLAND PUB

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604-947-BPUB (2782) www.bowenpub.com Offering…Takeout & Dine In - seven days a week for lunch and dinner (closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day) Delivery - FOOD ON BOWEN (Tuesday to Saturday evenings) Bulk Food Online Food Store

THE HEARTH - ARTS ON BOWEN 430 BOWEN ISLAND TRUNK ROAD 604-947-2454 www.thehearthartosonbowen.ca Facebook: @hearthartsonbowen Instagram: hearth_artsonbowen Open Thursday - Monday 12 - 6 pm.

Visit in person, or arrange a virtual tour. One-of-a-kind creations at the December Art Market.

MOVEMENT GLOBAL ARTISAN SQUARE Shop online 24/7 www. movementglobal.com Shop in store by appointment please call Amrita 778-863-7770 Curbside pickup, Gift Certificates

MIKI TANAKA JEWELRY 585 PROMETHEUS PLACE (LOWER ARTISAN SQUARE) nfo@mikitanaka.com instagram: @mikitanakajewelry Store hours: Thurs.-Sun. 11am-5pm, Curbside pickup/Delivery available Online shop www.mikitanaka.com KNICK KNACK NOOK 1063 MT GARDNER ROAD OPEN Friday, Dec 11 until Dec 21 Thursday nights by appointment Fri. to Mon. 12 to 2:20 PM 604-947-6665

Did you find a unique Bowen gift or indulge in some amazing local treats & eats?

Share your experience with the Undercurrent email Bronwyn at editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

Add a little bit o

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Muni Morsels TOURISM, FIRE, LAND USE BYLAW UPDATES

CONTINUED FROM P. 1

Briefs from the last regular council meeting of 2020 on Dec. 14:

Tourism down

Closing out a tough year, Tourism Bowen Island gave its year-end report to council.

The visitors’ centre opened in late June, once B.C. started opening up, and employees conveyed local COVID-19 safety and awareness information. While administrator Jody Lorenz had conversations with locals who mentioned they’d never seen so many people on Bowen, the centre saw lower visitation this year over the previous year.

While there weren’t the usual number of international and national travellers in 2020, there were many visitors from Metro Vancouver. “And they were doing what the B.C. government told them, which was to go outside, to socialize outside,” said Lorenz.

While they don’t have Experience Card-separated data, BC Ferries saw monthly traffic declines of between 13% (Sept.) and 67% (April) this year.

Tourism Bowen Island also surveyed local businesses to see how they’d been affected by the pandemic. Of the 18 respondents, all except the real estate agents had seen a decrease in revenue and all said that they were receiving a

provincial or federal support.

“Moving forward into 2021, of course, the concern continues to be COVID,” said Lorenz. “The uncertainty, what it will mean, solvency for the businesses – they’re concerned about winter, which is typically slow.

“A lot of people [noticed] that tourism was reduced this past summer and they’re concerned if that will continue into the new year.”

Lorenz also said that the organization hopes to work with BIM to adjust Tourism Bowen Island’s fee for service agreement.

Fire dept. long service awards

Fire chief Aaron Hanen gave his biannual update to council, reporting on how the recommendations of the department’s core services review are progressing.

B.I. Fire Rescue hired a part-time training officer, who has extensive training and experience, in July. The BIFR paid team also includes the deputy fire chief who completes local fire inspections and is responsible for the FireSmart course and a temporary administrative assistant, who is also a trained firefighter.

Up to Nov. 18, the department has seen 1,776 training hours and 1,150 call hours (over 137 calls) in 2020.

Earlier this year, BIFR entered into a mutual aid agreement with the District of West Vancouver, allowing the two to share resources as needed.

The report also lists several long service awards department employees and

volunteers are receiving including from the federal government: one 40-year bar, two 30-year bars and one 20-year medal.

From the provincial government, Hanen himself is receiving a 25-year medal along with a department captain.

In the details

The Land Use Bylaw is getting a minor make over. A housekeeping bylaw that sees minor changes and tweaks throughout passed first reading.

While some of the changes are changing a word here or there, some changes are more significant, like changing part of the roof height calculation (determining where the bottom of the building is isn’t as simple as it sounds), or the lot coverage calculation (no more cantilevering more area because it’s not technically footprint), or the lot line definition (a front setback is different from a side setback).

The bylaw now passes to a public open house. One can see all of the proposed changes at bowenisland.civicweb.net/ document/235946.

Other morsels Given the capacity issues with the Snug Cove Sewer System, council rejected a rezoning application to allow the construction of eight rental units on properties along Miller Road.

Coun. Michael Kaile also announced that the Islands Trust would be conducting an independent review. See his letter to the editor on p. 5 for his statement.

Thursday, December 17, 2020 • A9

Light Up Bowen Challenge

Bowen Island houses and businesses glittered and shined with the glow of the season making the first Light Up Bowen Challenge a great success. I really want to thank everyone involved for lighting up our island and for bringing joy to our neighbours.

Over the past couple of weeks a panel of judges have been busy adjudicating the entries. “It was a challenge to rate the light displays as they were all different and everyone had good points. I really enjoyed the creativity and simplicity of some of the designs,” said Paul Lieske.

THE 2020 WINNERS

Best overall neighbourhood: Tunstall Bay (a must see!). Second place: Bluewater. Third place: Scarborough.

Best residential display: Laurie MacDonald, (1231 Scarborough Road) Brightest home: Tanis Braraten (1304 Hillcrest Road). Second place: Chris Brown on Windjammer (very sweet as well as bright!). Third place: Diane Charette (847 Windjammer).

Best children themed: Kerr Family, Grafton Rd. Second place: Kelly and Eddie Harper (1272 Scarborough Road). Third place: Old MacDonald Farm (998 Harding Road).

Best tree display: Jones’ tree on Scarborough Rd. Second place: Kathleen Sullivan (pond tree, Sunset Rd.) Third place: the giant Christmas tree on Arbutus Place Road.

Honourable mentions: Boaters at the USSC Marina, The Little Red Church, The Hearth, The USSC Marina boardwalk and Adam & Tara Grieder’s arrow.

Congratulations! You all receive sweet bragging rights and maybe something from Santa if you are very nice!

–Basia Lieske

2020 LIGHTS ON BOWEN SNUG COVE

THE VALLEY

USSC Marina & Boats 416 Venture Road Davies Road BI Museum

Fire Hall Kerr Hill-Grafton Rd Harding Road 998 Harding Road 1233 Adams Road 1652 Adams Road

DEEP BAY 479 Melmore

MILLER ROAD Little Red Church 1294 Miller Road

SCARBOROUGH 1224 Scarborough Rd 1231 Scarborough Rd 1260 Scarborough Rd 1272 Scarborough Rd 1304 Hillcrest Rd

EAGLE CLIFF 1344 Eagle Cliff Rd Highland Tail

Merry Christmas

Bowen Island

n n

n

COWANS POINT 1047 Annette Court

n

TUNSTALL BAY 1494 White Sails 1525 White Sails 1633 White Sails 1637 White Sails

BLUE WATER Arbutus Place 847 Windjammer 879 Windjammer 958 Windjammer 1597 Isleview

n

n n n n WINNERS of LIGHT UP CHALLENGE

ANNOUNCED THIS WEEK IN THE UNDERCURRENT

n

A10 • Thursday, December 17, 2020

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C A L E N D A R

60,000 Christmas lights at the Little Red Church A Santa donation box for monetary donations for the food bank is in front of the display.

SUNDAY DEC. 20

Thursday, December 17, 2020 • A11

WEDNESDAY DEC. 23

Mad Mabel’s Christmas Zoom 7:30 pm

By David Cameron. Presented by Theatre on the Isle.

A NOTE ON THE THEATRE ON THE ISLE PRODUCTIONS

A Child’s Christmas in Wales Zoom 7:30 pm

See more information at theatreontheisle.wordpress.com

A virtual evening of storytelling, live reading and music. With Martin Clarke, Allice Bernards and Bob Doucet. Presented by Theatre on the Isle.

Legion Christmas dinner Starts at 4:30 p.m. Yvonne is cooking – meat or veggie lasagna with a Christmas treat for dessert in support this worthwhile charity. Dinners by donation. This season’s dinners have been a partnership between Synergy Collective Society and the Legion.

“This has allowed us to serve more people who are financially struggling and providing a meal for free,” said Legion president Yvonne McSkimming.

You do not need to have your own Zoom account in order to watch.

The live link to watch each performance will be published and shared on the actual performance date.

When it’s a few minutes before showtime, you just need to click the link and allow Zoom to download and run on your device – it’s free! (Each production has causes they suggest donating to in lieu of admission).

Approximately 30 minutes before showtime the performance links are shared on TOTI’s webpage and Facebook page but the link is not available until the day of the show.

Subscribers to TOTI’s e-newsletter will always receive the link first, via email, a few hours before the show is scheduled to begin. One can subscribe to the TOTI newsletter at theatreontheisle.wordpress.com.

TUESDAY DEC. 22

Mad Mabel’s Christmas Zoom 7:30 pm By David Cameron. Presented by Theatre on the Isle.

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A12 • Thursday, December 17, 2020

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Joy to You and Yours

Village Square