Bowen Island Undercurrent January 28 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

SCREENING GREEN: Why You Suck at Golf & its Bowen movie stars

Thursday, January 28, 2021 • A1

$1.50

PAGE 16

inc.

GST

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

JANI BUCKE PHOTO

RARE SIGHTING

VOL. 47 NO. 04

BIUndercurrent

BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

Blue jay & boreal owl spotted on Bowen PAGE 3

When will the community centre be built?

MINOR PROJECT REDESIGNS, DELAY FOR COMMUNITY CENTRE

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

UNDERCURRENT PHOTO

Claudia Schaefer has taken on one of Bowen’s longstanding institutions: the gold pages (also known as the Bowen Island Phone Book). Former publisher Barbara Wiltshire sold the business after more than 30 years of producing what one Facebook commenter called ‘the only phone book I read cover to cover.’ See the story on pages 17 and 18.

Summer 2023. If the modified community centre timeline comes to fruition, the long-anticipated building will open in two and a half years.

Bowen Island Municipality unveiled the slightly modified project and timeline at the council meeting Monday.

Codes and standards have changed since BIM issued the building permit for the community centre in fall 2018 and the design team had to reacquaint themselves with what had been a project in stasis, council heard.

“There’s been a lot of work rebooting the team and making sure that we’re going to be able to receive the grant funds,” said project manager Sam Collins, “and that this facility will be able to be complete [to] design and then turned into an operating facility.”

The revised design includes adapting the building to step three of the BC Energy Step Code (which BIM adopted in Oct. 2020), COVID-19 considerations in air circulation and space use and enhancing accessibility features. Wider corridors, vestibule modifications and refigurations in the municipal layout are among the changes. The 2018 design didn’t account for municipal staff consolidating under one roof (with the exception of outdoor public works staff ) or future growth said a press release. A “very modest increase” in space and considering shared workspaces and work-from-home schedules for the future are among BIM’s solutions.

CONTINUED ON P. 20

Vaune Kolber, Realtor® ~ Bowen’s Bridge to the City Ready to downsize? Whether staying on Bowen or moving to the Mainland, I can help.

BetteronBowen.com 604-506-7534 kolber@dexterrealty ty.com y

A2 • Thursday, January 28, 2021

Events February 8, 2021 6:15 pm Regular Council Meeting All meetings are online via Zoom and

open to the public, unless noted otherwise.

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Bowen Island Fire Rescue recruiting new members

Rebates for renovating and new builds

Apply to be a volunteer firefighter with Bowen Island Fire Rescue. Submit your application by 4:30pm on Tuesday, February 9, 2021.

Better Home BC is helping British Columbians find rebates that save energy and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Rebates are available for home renovations and new residential builds.

Applicants must: • be 19 years of age or older • live on Bowen Island • have a valid BC driver’s license • be willing to undergo a criminal background check • be available and willing to be called out at any time • be willing to undergo training for first responder medical situations, in addition to firefighting • be willing to do online firefighting knowledge courses • attend a minimum of 66% of training practices • attend a minimum of 25% of all calls

https://betterhomesbc.ca/

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/apply-fire-fighter

Stay home if you’re sick

Thursday, February 4, 2021 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm Please join us in updating Bowen Island’s Community Energy & Emissions Plan. Community members are welcome to attend the online event on Thursday February 4, 7-8:30pm, to learn about the process, key climate actions, and discuss local priorities.

For zoom meeting details:

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/news/releases/ community-energy-emissions-plan

Clean your hands frequently 2 m or 6 feet

Keep a safe physical distance

Water System Local Advisory Committees seeking volunteer members The Cove Bay and Bowen Bay Water System Local Advisory Committees are seeking volunteer members. These committees have advisory powers to Council regarding water system issues, and also review the operating and capital budgets for their utility.

They meet annually and members are expected to prepare for meeting discussion by reading the agenda package material in advance.

If you are interested in joining a committee, please contact Stef Shortt, Committee Clerk at sshortt@bimbc.ca or 604-947-4255 ext 253.

Wear a mask in indoor public spaces

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/committees

Contact Us Phone: Fax: Email:

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

Community Centre project moving forward to competitive tendering After a slight delay, the Community Centre project team is preparing to move forward to the market with a competitive tendering process.

Council received an update on the Community Centre project team at its meeting on January 25, 2021. Liam Edwards, Chief Administrative Officer presented a report on behalf of the project management team, outlining work completed to date and next steps in the project.

Since the referendum in September 2020, the project team has been busy preparing documents to be issued for the public competitive tendering process. This involved gathering the design team back together with mechanical, electrical and structural consultants to ensure the architectural design completed in 2018 aligns with more recent Building Code requirements and meets conditions within the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program grant.

As a result, the building will perform to a higher standing, with enhanced sustainability and accessibility features.

As of October 1, 2020, all new developments on Bowen Island must meet Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code, and the Community Centre is no exception. Therefore, the Building Permit issued in 2018 for the project must be revised and reissued with the final design drawings. The project was designed with accessibility in mind and the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program includes additional requirements to enhance accessibility throughout the building, resulting in a minor expansion to ensure the design meets or exceeds these requirements.

Read the full News Rlease on our website:

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/media

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 January 28, 2021

Bowen Island Municipality

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Help slow the spread of COVID-19:

Help us update Bowen Island’s Community Energy & Emissions Plan

Subscribe to our mailing list bowenislandmunicipality.ca/subscribe

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Thursday, January 28, 2021 • A3

Rare bird sighting & 73 species spotted in Christmas Bird Count MICAELE FLORENDO

Contributor

The National Audubon Society’s 121st Christmas Bird Count took place from Dec. 14 through Jan. 5 with Bowen Island participating on Jan. 1. Forty-one birders braved the downpour throughout the day and counted birds over much of the island on foot, by car and by boat. Seventy-three species with more than 2,600 individuals were detected over the course of the day.

The most notable observation was a blue jay, the first ever record of this species on Bowen Island, by Jani Bucke near Alder Cove.

Jani also observed a boreal owl the week prior to the count. While this species cannot be includ-

JANI BUCKE PHOTO

JANI BUCKE PHOTO

Not the familiar Steller’s jay but the first-ever blue jay which was sighted on island on Jan. The record-breaking sighting of a boreal owl in the Lower Mainland.

1 by Jani Bucke during the Christmas Bird Count Jan. 1.

ed in our Christmas Bird Count on account of its poor timing, it is of significance as it is the first record of this species in the Lower Mainland!

The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is a long-standing program of the National Audubon Society, with more than a century of community science involvement. It is an early-winter bird census, where thousands of volunteers across the U.S., Canada, and many coun-

tries in the Western Hemisphere go out over a 24-hour period on one calendar day to count birds.

Volunteers count every bird they see or hear all day through a designated 15-mile (24-km) diameter.

So, it’s not just a species tally—it’s a tally of all birds counted all day, giving an indication of the total number of birds in the circle that day! If you’re interested in reviewing some of the historical data, it’s available online at audubon.

org/conservation/where-have-allbirds-gone.

I would like to thank all the birders that took part in this year’s count.

We were successful in having enough volunteers to cover all of the zones on the island.

I would also like to extend special thanks to Brian Biddlecombe of Cormorant Marine who volunteered his boat and time to enable birders to count birds on

Worlcombe, Pasley and Ragged Islands.

Gratitude also goes out to those property owners that allowed birders to access their property to watch feeders, check in on significant bird habitat and otherwise enabled us to increase our count.

As there is a specific methodology to the Christmas Bird Count, if you’d like to participate next year, feel free to contact me at 604.838.2321.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS 2021 First Credit Union Board of Directors Election.

Are you who we’re looking for? First Credit Union is seeking dedicated, community minded members to join the Board of Directors. Directors are supported with a variety of sponsored training & development opportunities, and are provided with monthly remuneration.

Nomination information can be found at firstcu.ca or at your local branch.

604 947 2022 | 106-996 Dorman Road

A4 • Thursday, January 28, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

VIEWPOINTS EDITORIAL

This is our first island-wide edition of 2021. We’re reaching out to all of you as we’re facing our second year of the pandemic (and its financial, medical and emotional toll). The Undercurrent is still here beside you. Tell us what you want to see, what information you want, and we’ll do what we can to get it. Or just send us a phoro you’d like to see shared!

When we risk disconnection (I’ve been trying to work a phone line pun into this edition), finding what makes us ‘Bowen Islanders,’ drawing on that resilience can offer solace in this storm.

On another note, I’ve been asked about the province’s announcement last week that 172 communities will see vaccination clinics when more widespread vaccination is available (see p.11). I’m told it’s not yet clear if Bowen will be one of those communities.

Stay safe and send photos of your snow creations this week!

Bronwyn Beairsto, editor

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Soaked in parcel taxes

DEAR EDITOR: Thank you for your editorial advice to follow BIM’s 2021 budget process on-line.

The Facebook recording of Committee of the Whole meeting held Dec. 7 was long but interesting, with 6.6 per cent overall municipal budget increase selected by staff for public engagement.

This did not include costs for new Parcel Taxes (all 660 Cove Bay Water users) or estimates for the proposed eclectic composting machine at Bowen Island Recycling Depot. No time was left for general discussion about parcel taxes (applied to all properties as a flat rate not related to size, use or assessed value), and staff reported that assessments were not likely to go up in January. In fact, Bowen assessments went up by 12 per cent on average. If the mil rate (tax per $1,000 assessed value) stays the same, taxes will rise by the same amount plus any additional percentage adopted by council.

Unfortunately the information posted on the Citizen Lab platform was scant and the feedback process flawed (only accepted through the ‘ideas’ button), so only five members of the public managed to navigate through. Public comment was invited before Jan. 14.

Sometime Jan. 13, the Cove Bay Water System proposed charges were finally added to the Citizen Lab information (requested by several residents as feedback).

There was a bad windstorm during the night and many people were busy cleaning up. I looked at the Budget website that night and found the Cove Bay Water System charges had been added: a total $1,149 per connection.

Annual utility fee, $780. Loan payment from the Infrastructure Renewal and Replacement Reserve, $193. Plus, $176 per year for 30 years to the Municipal Finance Authority.

Last year’s cost for Cove Bay water was $725. There had been a $1 million reserve built up in the Cove Bay Water System, now drained. Of this, $50,000 was taken to replace a water line on Cardena Rd. that should have been part of the road and parking project budget, now added to the 30-year debt for the CBWS users.

All that new paving has left us with a hole in our water reserve and an annoying large pothole that fills with runoff water at the corner of Cardena and Government Trunk Rd., splashed up onto pedestrians by cars and trucks exiting the ferry.

Soaked. Not just once, but regularly.

Your truly, Bill Granger

Editor’s note: BIM has since clarified that islanders may comment on the budget on the Citizenlab platform, or directly by e-mail to Budget@bimbc.ca until Jan. 31 as a soft deadline and are always welcome to email mayorandcouncil@bimbc. ca.

THE WRITE STUFF. The Undercurrent encourages reader participation in your community newspaper. You must include your full name and a daytime phone number (for verification only). The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity, legality, brevity and taste. Please limit to under 500 words. HERE’S HOW: To submit a letter to the editor, fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to #102, 495 Government Rd., PO Box 130, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 or email editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com.

All Advertising and news copy content are copyright of the Undercurrent Newspaper. All editorial content submitted to the Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication.

The Undercurrent is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, art work and photographs.

#102–495 Bowen Trunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC, V0N 1G0 Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148 bowenislandundercurrent.com DEADLINE for advertising Monday, 4 p.m. DEADLINE for editorial Tuesday 5 p.m.

Bowen Island Undercurrent Subscription Rates: Mailed 1 year subscription on Bowen Island: $55, including GST. Within Canada: $85 including GST Newsstand (Single Copy) $1.50 per copy, including GST

ISSN 7819-5040

National NewsMedia Council.

EDITOR 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.

Feel Gnaw-seous?

A COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANT CAN HELP WITH THAT

HENRY CAMPBELL

B.I. Community Foundation

You know what it is. The thing that Bowen doesn’t have but you sorely wish it did. Every day it gnaws at you a little more... until you just can’t stand it. The Bowen Island Community Foundation understands gnawing feelings and we want to help you get rid of

them. We do this through Community Impact Grants.

This is a fancy way of saying: “We help people build things that make Bowen better.”

Two years ago, we helped Sam Nosek. The thing that gnawed at him was disc golf.

Sam loved disc golf with a fiery passion, but there was nowhere on island to chuck the ‘bee (frisbee). All he wanted to do was unleash

bowenislandundercurrent.com monster bombs into baskets but he didn’t want to cross the ocean to do it. So Sam decided to build a disc golf course.

He asked around and had some meetings. He talked to the Bowen Island Municipality. He talked to his friends. He started a Facebook group. Pretty soon, he found a lot of other people who wanted to unleash ‘bee bombs on baskets. But he needed a bit of money to help complete the project. So he applied for a Community Impact Grant.

He needed a few things to do this. First, a charity to partner with. This was a

bit tricky. Sam reached out to a few registered charities on the island (for a list, look at Canada Revenue Agency’s online search tool - we have a link on our website). Eventually, the Bowen Island Municipality agreed to partner with him on this project (and also helped him secure the land). We know that this is an annoying requirement but the BICF has to give the money to a charity for tax reasons.

Now that he had a partner, Sam needed a plan… and he needed to be able to complete the plan within a year from the date he received the grant. He sub-

Thursday, January 28, 2021 • A5

mitted a 500-word summary of his idea and his application and had a meeting with the grants committee (reducing gnawing requires a lot of meetings—sorry about that). Then he, and many hardworking friends, built the disc golf course at Veterans Park. Now he chucks monster bombs any-

time he pleases. And the gnawing sensation? Long gone.

Want to be like Sam? Submit a 500-word summary of your idea here: bowenfoundation.com/ grants/grant-application/ Deadline: Feb 15 at 5 p.m.

Send questions to: grants@ bowenfoundation.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAM NOSEK

4 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2021 REAL ESTATE MARKET

As a REALTOR®, I am regularly asked about what’s happening in the real estate market.

Should I sell? Should I buy? COVID-19 has added unprecedented uncertainties. It’s critical for buyers and sellers to be informed.

Here are the four things you need to know about the current real estate market.

Pent-up demand from both buyers and sellers led to December 2020 being “the strongest December on record throughout Greater Vancouver.”

Bowen itself was a leader in terms of actual growth.

We have such an under-supplied market. There’s a real lack of homes for sale and a community such as Bowen doesn't have a significant base of homes that can be offered for sale. Increased demand and a lack of supply will put pressure on prices.”Skipworth recommends that buyers be on top of the market and to “be prepared to move when you see something you like. Things will go quickly. Do research ahead of time and be fully prepared to move quickly.”

“Sellers need to understand that if they're looking to sell that they've got the attention of buyers.”

In terms of what’s coming next over the next months, it’s always impossible to predict for certain.

1) Observe the market cycles.

“It’s difficult in the best of times. With COVID-19, I spoke to Kevin Skipworth who is Partner/Managing these are really unusual circumstances.”

Broker & Chief Economist at Dexter Realty and a sought-after expert on Lower Mainland real estate “If somebody is asking, ‘Should I cash out now or trends. Skipworth has analyzed data from the until September?’ Prices are anticipated to Vancouver Real Estate Board over the last 25 years. wait keep rising towards September. But as we saw in last year, anything can happen. I've never “I think the thing that people need to understand March been one to say to somebody, ‘you know, this is the about the [current market] cycle is that cycles exact moment’ because we don't know.” happen. That's the biggest thing. We see that in equities markets; real estate is no different. There are 3) Key influencers on the market. cycles where we have confidence in the market and Currently, the low interest rates and the pandemic cycles when we don’t. We shouldn't panic because are the key drivers of the growth cycle. “Interest the market slows down [or vice versa]. It just part of rates are going to be going down for the next couple the cycle. of years. Likely, they'll fluctuate a bit, but not by any great degree go up. So, that will keep activity in the “Right now, we’re at the start of the growth phase. market going.”

Especially with low interest rates being at play that The pandemic has for many people focused more encourages buyers to be present in the market.” attention on the type of home they want to be in.

“We started to see that people made moves last year 2) It’s definitely a ‘seller’s market’. on wanting to be in a different home, wanting In almost all areas, other than perhaps downtown based space or more space, or a different location. I think apartments, it's a seller's market. Pent-up demand we'll continue to see that.” from both buyers and sellers led to December 2020 being “the strongest December on record throughout Given the move towards working from home, more Greater Vancouver.” Bowen itself was a leader in space, healthier environments, and getting out of terms of actual growth. urban areas, Bowen is attractive to buyers.

As a buyer, one “needs to be prepared to be With less opportunities to go out, travel, and attend competitive in the market; to understand one’s events, people are saving money. In Q2 there limitations and ability to spend; and that one will social was a 30 percent savings rate when five percent is probably be competing with a number of other the norm. Deposits were up 75 billion in Canadian buyers. accounts during the pandemic.

“There's a significant amount of savings that people have that they're going to use for big purchases. And home and housing are one of them.”

Trade is recovering. There is an expected increase in capital projects, as well as immigration, which drives housing needs. The vaccine is the most optimistic in terms of building confidence in the market.

“A COVID-19 vaccine has the potential to alter our current reality and have the biggest impact on various sectors of our life and economy. It provides the ability for everything else to happen. It's just all part and parcel of starting to recover and the need to have money flowing back into the economy, and people spending money.”

“So, if you're buying and waiting for the best possible moment, you may miss out. You may miss out on the best property for you. You may end up paying more in six months.”

4) Buy or sell according to your life needs, not speculation.

Whether you’re buying or selling, Skipworth recommends making decisions that are based on improving your lifestyle” –not on speculation.

“If you're making a decision based purely on the financial side of it, the speculative side, then you have to be prepared that things may not go the way you want them. If it's a lifestyle change, if it makes your life better, it makes for a different opportunity, or whatever the case, then do it if you can.”

Full data on the trends and statistics on the last 30 years is available by contacting Vaune. As “Bowen’s Bridge to the City,” Vaune is always available for a full discussion about what will benefit you and your specific needs given the current market conditions.

Vaune Kolber, REALTOR® ~ Bowen’s Bridge to the City BetteronBowen.com / 604.506.7534

A6 • Thursday, January 28, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Embracing differences, strengthening community

I&I TOWING HAULING LTD

DIVERSITY, INCLUSION SPECIALIST ALDEN HABACON OFFERING A FREE WORKSHOP FEB. 1

Vehicles • Construction Equipment Sea-Can Containers • Tiny Homes

MERIBETH DEEN

BICS Diversity Committee

Bowen Island • Greater Vancouver Vancouver Island • Sunshine Coast

We are a small and deeply interconnected community here on Bowen. With that, each one of us has the opportunity to make a positive and sometimes critical impact on the people within our sphere of influence whether that sphere exists within the home, our business or on the street.

This is why the Bowen Island Community School Diversity Committee is bringing Alden Habacon to deliver an online webinar for the whole community. This workshop relates to inclusivity and diversity on all levels including race, culture, sexual orientation, gender diversity and neurodiversity.

We don’t need a perfect understanding of every issue. However, we do need to learn how to respond to questions and situations that challenge us, and to do so in ways that create space, connection and contin-

Michael Bingham 604 947 1717 ianditowhaul@gmail.com

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Alden Habacon is offering an online webinar to Bowen Islanders on February 1.

ued communication. As one of Canada’s leading diversity educators, Habacon can help us build our skills to do just that.

We would like to encourage all parents, grandparents, educators, business people, community leaders and other community members to attend. By committing ourselves to this work, we are ensuring a better future for Bowen Island and the world beyond.

Alden Habacon’s webinar is scheduled for Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. This is a free event, thanks to the event sponsors and supporters including the Community School Association (CSA), the Smoothstones Foundation and the Bowen Literacy Task Group. Email BICS Principal Scott Slater for more information or to register (sslater@wvschools.ca).

The BICS Diversity Committee is made up of parents and educators who aim to ensure the school community is as welcoming and inclusive as possible.

carmendives@gmail.com

www.bowenislandproperties.com

Carmen Dives

1218 MILLER RD. • $1,291,000

604-802-8267

NEW 340 CREEK ROAD • $1,225,000 This craftsman style retreat is perched on an Eagles bluff with lovely trees and ocean views! Tranquil, private property surrounded in lush, mature foliage build around natural rock. Grand cathedral style windows in the living room with fireplace that open out onto an entertainment sized deck & the ocean views! Great kitchen layout with gas stove, island & eating area that flows into the formal dining room. Upstairs offers 2 bedrooms each with an ensuite & loft style family room that overlooks the living room! Fenced mature garden, green house, terraced veggie gardens, a shed for tools, plus lower level office/bedroom space & updated irrigation system! Ideal location only minutes to Snug Cove & all the amazing amenities that can only be Island living at its finest!

This superb contemporary 4 bedroom, 4 bathrooms home is, simply one of a kind.

The front stairs take you to a home that is truly unique, surrounded by mature grapevines, fig-trees, and many more well-established feature plants. Vegetable gardens and still space to develop in this usable 1/2 acre property.

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, gas oversize range, attractive and super-efficient Regency stand-alone wood stove for those cold winter nights.

You’ll be completely comfortable every day and on the occasional power outages as well. Walking distance to the ferry, stores, schools, beaches, trails, and on the bus route. Plus an in-law suite with its own driveway.

1156 SENATOR RD.

1096 FOXGLOVE LANE

SOLD

SOLD

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

Peter Dives 604-802-8559

peterpdives@gmail.com

www.bowenislandproperties.com

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, January 28, 2021 • A7

Enthusiastic. Responsive. Personable. Knowledgeable.

“Mary ry y Lynn made the sale of our home be as smooth as possible. She is professional, fun, devoted to her craft,

BUY ON BOWeN

and very ry y personable. Her marketing plan is impeccable, easily the best on the whole island. She is great at

MARY LYNN MACHADO REALTOR

following up and easily reachable ANY TIME!

®

We highly recommend her serv rvice v to those who are looking to buy or sell on Bowen.”

Macdonald Realty AWARD of EXCELLENCE 2020

-The Zwanenburgs

604.220.7085

buyonbowen.com

LISTINGS SOLD Average

Days on Market (excluding outliers) Average

Sale Price vs. List Price

5 -2%

based on MLS sales statistics

SOLD IN 2020

1285 Scarborough Rd.

$1,098,000

SOLD

7 days on the market

1288 Eagle Cliff Road

$899,000

SOLD

82 days on the market

935 Rivendell Drive

$1,325,000

SOLD

8 days on the market

SOLD

59 days on the market

1484 Eagle Cliff Road

SOLD

$1,270,000

SOLD

5 days on the market

$979,000

1537 Whitesails Drive

1211 Oceanview Rd.

$885,000

5 days on the market

457 Cowan Road

$950,000

SOLD

4 days on the market

1349 Eagle Cliff Road

SOLD

$859,000

7 days on the market

368 Creek Road

$1,225,000

SOLD

10 days on the market

$899,000

1516 Tunstall Blvd.

SOLD

2 days on the market

1328 Oceanview Road

SOLD

$830,000

6 days on the market

SALES WITH BUYERS

341 Aerie Tree Lane

$1,498,000

SOLD

971 Seaview Place $1,950,000 Where contemporary ry y elegance, functional family spaces, and ever-changing panoramic views combine for the best of the modern family lifestyle on Bowen Island.

4 bedrooms • 5 bathrooms • 3571 sf • built in 2017

1142 Miller Road

SOLD

$828,000

848 Windjammer Rd.

$489,000

SOLD

1098 Foxglove Lane

PRIVATE SALE

SOLD

A8 • Thursday, January 28, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Making the sun come out

IT MAY NOT BE ‘SEXY’ BUT GOOD HABIT BUILDING IS A SLOW BURN WRITES MARY LETSON

MARY LETSON

Contributor

I read an article recently supporting strength training reducing anxiety for young adults. Such a good read and so important to spread the word on this as we see our precious youth experiencing record high anxiety levels. But let’s be honest. Any regular exercise regime for any age group where you are working hard enough to feel your muscles working, your

breathing pattern deepen, and your core body temperature rise for a minimum 30 minutes per day (or if you are new to exercise, try 10 minutes a day to start) has proven to reduce anxiety, increase serotonin levels, reduce blood pressure and cortisol levels, reduce body fat, increase lean body mass and generally makes the sun come out regardless of what the weather is doing.

Sometimes I grow weary of the health industry’s obsession with

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Personal Trainer Rachel Canning demonstrating a pull up.

crediting one particular exercise regime, nutrition plan, or supplement to solve our wellness challenges. It would be wonderful if life was that simple, but it never is. Maybe it’s more effective to choose an array of options to stock our wellness pantry so we have a range of choices that suit our lifestyle and support our happiness.

Mixing and matching, experimenting with different combinations will help us find the best fit for whatever wellness routine we wish to change. There are no hard and fast rules. The trick (and admittedly the hardest part) is listening to how all the different options feel when we try them on, and then make a realistic choice from there. It’s easy to get caught up in the minutiae, the landslide of trends and the impossible barrage of wellness marketing so that we end up doing nothing, scrolling through the sea of images, peering at other people’s apparent successes while we remain immobilized. Like deer in the headlights.

Or we try something that doesn’t actually fit our lifestyle but we do it anyway because everybody else

Patient of the Week GOGO Gogo recently came in to have a fine needle aspirate from his tongue for what we thought might have been squamous cell carcinoma (bad cancer). Luckily, it was just an infection from probable trauma and he was sent home with antibiotics.

Gogo is almost fully healed and back to his normal self.

Happy Tails Gogo!

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

TOBYN ROSS PHOTO

Letson is a wellness coach, personal trainer and owner of Positively Fit.

is doing it and we want to look like the hot babe demonstrating said routine on our product packaging.

Sometimes I think we need to simply step back from our daily routine and grab some perspective, clear our lifestyle desk and chip away at one wellness thing at a time. Work on getting a better sleep, fit in any kind of exercise (because hey, something is so much better than nothing), add some fresh vegetables, maybe journal the new habits. See how change feels.

What truly, madly, deeply works is less sexy and hard to market. It’s the slow burn of good habit building: one thing at a time, find the right fit, listen to your body, build

a support team and (hardest of all) be patient with yourself. Honestly, I’m terrible at the patient part. It’s really hard. But it really works.

It’s the tiny, regular, good habit grooves that win us over every time if we create the space and time for it to happen.

I know — not earth shattering — and yes, a little ho-hum. But if that’s the difference between success or not, I’ll go with ho-hum any day. Because success to me is earth shatteringly joyful. Shake my booty kind of happy. And it makes my sun come out despite the darkness of this COVID-19 winter.

Mary Letson is a wellness coach and personal trainer and owner of Positively Fit.

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Get to know your neighbour

Bowen is and how forested – he loves trees. We completely lucked out. We were able to find a very modest house in soso condition and were able to afford to move. Our timing happened to be really good for the real estate market. Renos ensued and it was all good.

NEXT UP IN OUR NEW Q&A SERIES: SHEENA ASHDOWN

Where on Bowen do you live? We live in Bluewater.

A few weeks ago we launched our new Q&A “Get to know your Bowen Island neighbours” series with randomly selected Undercurrent subscribers. Third up is Sheena Ashdown When did you come to Bowen? We came in 2003.

How did you get here? We were living in White Rock, and [Dale – Sheena’s husband] is American and at that time, he was working in the States. And then

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHEENA ASHDOWN

September 11 happened and the border got just awful. Dale got really tired of that so he took early retirement and we started looking for another place to move to. We checked out the Fraser Valley, Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island. I was teaching at BCIT and if we moved to Bowen, I realized I would be able to keep my job. So that was a really big factor for me. And Dale is a down home country guy and really liked how rural

Fill the ferry lineup gap or don’t fill the gap? I don’t fill the gap.

Ever? I did once and my husband caught me.

What’s your favourite Bowen fact? This is going to sound kind of odd but it’s only 15 minutes away from the city by ferry. I think that’s pretty cool because you have access to the city in such a fast and easy way, if you don’t mind ferries.

And for me, that was a really big deal, because it meant I could keep my job.

When do you think some-

body can consider themselves a Bowen Islander (alternatively, what’s a Bowen Islander)? I have no idea. I don’t feel like one yet, so I couldn’t even tell you. But I was thinking about Bowen people in general. What really strikes me about Bowen is the people are very, very caring. A lot of people volunteer, they help their neighbours, they have fundraisers, and stuff like that.

Dale and I started a small project called the Africa Village Project and we adopted a village in Tanzania. In 2012, we did a big fundraiser on Bowen and you would not believe the support we got from the community. We made, I think it was about $10,000 from that event. It was just brilliant.

And so I think that people on Bowen, really do try and give back.

They care about big picture things, like income

Thursday, January 28, 2021 • A9

inequality and human rights and homelessness and all that stuff.

Also, I think people really appreciate how fortunate they are on Bowen. In the grand scheme of things, I think we’re just extraordinarily lucky. And I think many people on Bowen really realize that, which endears them to me. I think we should be having parties every night to celebrate our incredible good luck – socially distanced of course.

And what’s your favourite COVID-19 balm or activity?

I’m such a nerd. It’s reading.

Any recommendations?

One of the best books I’ve ever read in my life is a tome

by Steven Pinker. It’s about 700 pages, and it’s called the Better Angels of our Nature.

That book was just just breathtaking. It completely changed my life. I found it answered a ton of questions I had and made me appreciate how far humanity has come.

Most submissions ever in Hearth’s Mini Art show KATHLEEN AINSCOUGH

Indeed, everything these days is quite different from past years.

Keeping with that theme, we’ve added a new twist to the gallery’s biggest fundraiser of the year. This year, the mini artworks donated by close to 90 artists, our highest number of submissions ever, on canvases generously donated by Opus Arts Supplies, will be identified and proudly signed on the front.

We are blown away by the submissions and the heartfelt statements from the artists. This is really about connection and community so much more than fundraising – it’s the FUN raising we really need.

A huge thank you to all of the artists.

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

We have built a virtual gallery for those of you who may not be able to come or feel comfortable coming into the gallery. Aårtworks are always best appreciated in person but in these adaptive times we have added this option for your convenience and safety. The virtual gallery will be available on the Hearth’s website with all the artist’s details and a short statement about the inspiration for the artwork.

The silent auction will continue until Feb. 20, when the Hearth will host the PICK-UP Party on the patio. We will have three tiers of tickets available on that day at the door.

While you meet the artists, enjoy music by DJ Yeshe and refreshments on the patio from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

(Yes, we have a heater.) Bidders can enter the gallery to bid according to

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shop for men & women Eco fashion made locally

the ticket tier. Highest tier tickets get final option to bid. The auction ends at 4 p.m. and lucky bidders can take their artworks home.

First in line - $30 (only five tickets sold) from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Second in line - $25 (only five tickets sold) from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Third in line - $20 (only five tickets sold) from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Final bidding from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Stop by the Hearth Gallery and place your bids and enjoy the fresh look and lively ambiance of the very special gathering place our community helped to build! Hearth subscribers will receive advance viewing. Head to the website and click on the ‘sign up’ button in the footer and subscribe today: thehearthartsonbowen.ca.

To all Bowen drivers: Please pass wide and slow when passing an equine animal. Going too fast or too close can spook horses and cause injury to the horse and rider. To prevent serious injuries please pass slowly and give a safe distance between car and horse. Thank you, Sophia Toews, B.I. Horse Owners and Riders Association Youth Representative

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

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A10 • Thursday, January 28, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

New towing business launches on Bowen Island BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor

It’s not a job for just anyone, manoevering a large flatdeck tow truck through Bowen’s narrow roads, but Michael and Barb Bingham are up for the challenge.

The couple launched I&I Towing and Hauling Ltd. the first week of January.

Their medium duty Freightliner flat deck truck can tow vehicles but also haul containers, tiny homes, heavy materials, construction equipment, RVs. They’ll take things to Greater Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast or even Vancouver Island.

The couple was seeing the need for such a service on-island, especially as towing services have been coming from off Bowen.

“There’ve been towing services [on Bowen] but nobody’s ever had a flatbed truck,” said Barb.

For more than 30 years, Michael has been hauling islanders’ stuff off the island and for the past 20, he’s been with Bowen Waste Solutions, behind the wheel of the dump truck. (He’s still with BWS, just less these days).

The Binghams had a rubbish hauling ser-

vice on the mainland for 12 years – Junk R Us – but let it go a few years after moving to Bowen.

Recently, the pieces fell into place to once again be business owners. The right truck opportunity came along at the right time and the Binghams decided to leap.

I&I Towing doesn’t have set hours, rather call when you need them. “We get calls mostly during the day, sometimes we get some evening calls, but it’s not necessarily emergency calls at this point,” said Barb, though they anticipate some of those will come.

While starting up a business in the transit and trucking industry requires adhering to strict regulations and requirements, there are Bowen-specific issues the Binghams have to consider. There’s, for one, the ferry (and associated costs) and then, there are the steep and narrow roads and driveways of Bowen. Sometimes retrieving the item to be hauled takes improvisation and a mechanically-inclined mind.

“It’s not an easy thing to do,” said Michael, “I guess that’s why nobody’s ever done it on Bowen before.”

“There’s tricky situations to manoever and especially when you’re considering the

BARBARA BINGHAM PHOTO

Michael Bingham with I & I Towing’s new flat deck tow truck.

length and the manoeuvrability of that flat deck,” said Barb.

Through his years working on Bowen and on the mainland, Michael knows the roads well. “I know the ins and outs and places to go,” Michael laughed. “I think we’ve been building ourselves up to this.”

COVID-19 has also factored into the business, “We were thinking about getting away from being around a lot of people,” said Michael. “This is a way to do it.”

“We’ve had nothing but a lot of positive

feedback,” said Barb. “So I think other people are recognizing that there’s a need for the service.”

“That’s been really heartwarming,” she said. “It makes us feel good.”

“Even some of the other fellows that have been offering tow service in the past, but [are] kind of getting away from it – they’ve been really supportive and helpful and offering advice or information.”

Reach I&I Towing and Hauling at 604-9471717 or email ianditowhaul@gmail.com.

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bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, January 28, 2021 • A11

When, where and how you’ll get a COVID-19 vaccination in B.C. will depend mainly on your age JANE SEYD

North Shore News

Age remains the single biggest factor for serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. B.C. plans to vaccinate 4.3 million people by September. The vaccine plan is based on using the two vaccines already approved: Pfizer and Moderna. If more vaccines, like the AstraZeneca vaccine, get approved and are available, B.C. may be able to vaccinate more people earlier.

January-February

The focus is on high-risk populations.

Long-term care and assisted living residents, seniors waiting for a bed in care, staff of seniors’ homes and essential visitors, hospital staff who care for COVID patients and remote Indigenous communities have been first in line. Most first doses have now been completed.

February-March

Vaccines will be available for seniors over 80.

Information on how to register for an appointment will available in mid to late February for clinics starting in March.

Home support workers, hospital staff and doctors, people living in homeless shelters, prisoners and Indigenous people over 65 will also get vaccines.

April-June

Mass vaccination clinics will be set up

in school gyms and community centres.

People will be able to register for appointments online or over the phone two to four weeks in advance.

Those 70 to 79 will likely get a first shot starting in April.

Those 65 to 69 will get their first shot May or June.

Those 60 to 64 will get a first shot in June.

Vaccines will also be given to those deemed “extremely vulnerable” including people with specific cancers, those undergoing chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation, those with severe respiratory conditions and with significant developmental disabilities.

STAY SAFE STAY HOME

July–September

It’s expected anyone aged 40 to 59 will get a first shot in July.

Those 35 to 39 will get a first shot in July or August.

Those 25 to 34 will get a first shot in August and young adults 18 to 24 will get shots in September.

So far there are no vaccines approved for children, although health authorities are monitoring the situation.

On Monday, B.C. changed the timeline for when the second shot will be given, delaying it to 42 days after the first shot – because of slow-downs in supply.

Both changes to the second dose schedule and availability of vaccines could impact the projected schedule.

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

A12 • Thursday, January 28, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Top 10% of Realtors in the Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board

CONGRATULATIONS FRANCES FROST ON YOUR 2020 MEDALLION CLUB ACHIEVEMENT! Top 10% of realtors in the Greater Vancouver Area

NEW

ACTIVE

3 bed 2 bath + legal 2 bed suite

$1,460,000

3 bed 2 bath

View 1.5 acre building lot

881 RUSSELL LANE

1006 COWAN POINT DRIVE

$1,250,000

211 HIGHLAND TRAIL

RARE

ACTIVE

SOLD

$949,000

SOLD

118 Acres private parcel

3 bed 2 bath

3 bed 3 bath renovated home

STRATA LOT 19 SMUGGLERS COVE ROAD

413 CARDENA DRIVE

962 WINDJAMMER

$2,331,000

$999,900

FRANCES FROST & FELICITY BUSKARD

$1,149,000

bowenislandrealestate.info • 604.947.9090 RE/MAX Crest Realty - Bowen Island

2016/17/19/20

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thank you Bowen, my friends and my clients

for your support over the past 16 years while I worked as a Realtor on island. It was a wonderful and rewarding ‘late in life’ career choice for me, and one that I will treasure with fond memories. I wholeheartedly appreciate and am grateful for the tremendous support, loyalty and trust that clients had in me with the buying and selling of their homes.

I am grateful and appreciative to David Riddell (retired from Angell Hasman) and Frances Frost (Re/Max), who often guided, mentored and collaborated well with me along the way. They taught me invaluable lessons not only in real estate - but in life.

Thank you to Katrina Rose and Katherine Gish - my office assistants - who cajoled and put up with the demanding and difficult side of me through many office dramas over the years.

Mostly, I am grateful to Frazer Elliott who, for the past 6 years, worked side by side with me as a Realtor. I am in awe of his deep understanding of all aspects of the business, and - in his own right - has established a reputable, honorable, and successful career as a Bowen Island Realtor. He will continue to be forging his own path with me cheering from the sidelines.

And congratulations Frazer on becoming the #2 Top Producing Realtor on Bowen Island in 2020.

I will be retiring mid-February when my real estate licence expires, and I look forward to hiding in my garden and enjoying my favourite season this spring – something I have not done in a very long time.

Thanks again Bowen!

- Dee

DEE’S LISTINGS 970 Seaview

$1,349,000

Located in Cates Hill, with expansive & ever-changing views across Snug Cove and Howe Sound to the North Shore Mountains. Cozy in winter, with an open plan, kitchen, DR, LR & den - all warmed by the fireplace & a custom hearth. Antique stained-glass windows add a gorgeous touch & lighting between the hallway & den. In warmer months, the main floor opens to a large extended deck taking life outside. The upper level is a master suite including an office area, bedroom and master ensuite with combined shower/steamer. On the lower level 2bdrms and a FR opening to the garden area. Close to amenities of Snug Cove – near trails, Artisan Square and the school.

1531 Eaglecliff Road

$1,998,000

Enticing east south east-facing Eaglecliff waterfront estate on 1.75 acres. The main home features three bedrooms, Den, Family Room opening on to the kitchen and a sun-drenched deck with a sunken pool. The property has a stunning panoramic outlook towards Horseshoe Bay and Passage Island. Also included is a gorgeous Doug berry designed detached one-bedroom cottage – which is set away from the main house for total privacy. The main house and property needs some TLC, but is an excellent opportunity to snag a rare Bowen waterfront acreage.

Thursday, January 28, 2021 • A13

FRAZER’S LISTINGS

949 Arbutus Bay Lane

$3,990,000

Enter through the gates to one of Bowen’s most exclusive Estates.

Drive down to the house past two 2 car garages each with their own separate living/studio/ conference room space above.

Located on the sunny south end of Bowen on 1.45 acres with an expansive view over the Salish Sea to Vancouver Island. The main house features an exquisite living room with stunning beams and a high vaulted ceiling, plus gourmet kitchen. Four bedrooms and five bathrooms. Large deck off the main living floor provides a year entertainment area with a covered outdoor lounging area, stone surround fireplace and hot tub. Downstairs has a huge recreation room and gym, a media room, and a wine room. A short walk to Alder Cove Beach and across the street from the 2nd hole of the Bowen Island Golf Club.

1100 Foxglove Lane

$798,000

1296 Scarborough Road 1

$1,149,000

Fe eaturing a well-conceived and thoughtful layout, e in ncluding large bedrooms, a spa-like master ensuite, n and an office off the living room. Modern and minimalist in nterior finishing, with fir floors and brand new carpets. n Views of the snowy mountains and the ocean from V th he dining room, kitchen and upstairs. Below is a one h bedroom guest/in-law suite with either separate or inb house entry.

279 Jason Road 2

$499,000

360 Creek Road

$1,200,000

Secluded and set back in Scarborough, this home is charming, well cared-for, and perfect for those looking for a turn-key property in a family-friendly neighbourhood. Extensively renovated and recently updated with tasteful and high-end appointments throughout, including new flooring and a new walnut and silestone gourmet kitchen.

Remainder DL 3042

$3,500,000

The front half of a brand new duplex featuring three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, covered deck and own carport. Built by Bowen Island craftsmen with attention to details, and featuring

TThis 1/3rd acre building lot is largely flat, close to the

the new home 2-5-10 warranty. Pre-wired for solar panels, Metal

Cove, very private, and within quick walking distance C

roof, Hardwood flooring, 9′ ceilings on the main level and

of Miller’s Landing Beach. Views of the North Shore o

carefully designed for sound proofing. Engineered quartz counter

Mountains to the east, and a filtered view of the ocean M

tops and back splash and a a 5 year appliance warranty. New

tto the south. Needs septic approval.

home living within easy walking distance of everything – the school, ferry, stores, restaurants and Crippen Park’s tranquil trails.

47 acres in Bluewater. One of the few remaining undeveloped large acreage parcels of privately-held land on Bowen. Subdivision/development potential, or could be an exceptional private forest estate.

Features view points and trails, and close to Clipper and Crayola Beaches, as well as trails up and around Mount Gardner.

GST applicable. Built Green Gold status.

892 Schooner Lane

$699,000

DEE’S JANUARY SALES TO DATE:

207-726A Belterra 2

$479,000

SOLD - Lot 11 Foxglove Lane

Lot 11 Foxglove Lane (Buyers’ agent) This very special one of a kind home offers a unique Bowen experience and opportunity. Cute and cozy, this circular home is built like a yurt and is sited to take advantage of striking and expansive ocean and sunset views over Keats Island and the Sunshine Coast. The inside open plan is functional and fun. Use it while you build a new home or turn it into your own escape from the city.

240 Shore Lane (Buyers’ agent) 1096 Foxglove Lane (Sellers’ agent) 604 612 7798 604.612.7798

For more listings visit bowenhomes.ca

Small but smartly conceived, this bright studio apartment is thoughtfully appointed throughout, with high ceilings, infloor radiant heat, and a landscaped patio with views of the North Shore Mountains. Includes access to the Common Building - which features guest accommodation, a workshop, communal kitchen/ re ec areas and kids play rooms – as well as gardens, e parking and storage.

604.910.3401 FRAZER ELLIOTT felliottbowen@gmail.com REALTOR® www.bowenhomes.ca

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

13 years

Specializing in BOWEN ISLAND and HOWE SOUND

A14 • Thursday, January 28, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

2020 ends with record highs across most indicators 2021 OPENS AS A SELLERS’ MARKET ON BOWEN ISLAND TIMOTHY RHODES Contributor

YoY Dollar Volume

YoY Dollar Volume

YoY

Sold

0

25M

2020

50M 2019

75M 2018

100M

0

2020

40 2019

2018

60

80

Bowen Island YoY Percentage Change

Bowen Island YoY Percentage Change $1.4M

20

MLS® HPI / Median Sale / Average Sale at Dec 31

100

MLSS® HPI / Meediaan SaleAverage e / Aveeraag aSale ge SPrice ge ae ale d Sale l Price Median

MLS® HPI

50

$1.3M

0

$1.2M $1.1M

2015-16

$1.0M

2016-17 Inventory

2017-18 Sales

2018-19 2019-20 $/Sq.Ft.

Sold Price Categories YoY

$0.9M 30 $0.8M 20 $0.7M

10

$0.6M

0

$0.5M

2018

2019

2020

2020 <$1M

2018

2019 $1-1.5M

$1.5-3.0M

>3.0M

Have your Say! Islands 2050 Help set directions for Policy Statement changes: public survey

The YoY1 Bowen Island MLS® Home Price Index (benchmark price) for detached homes reached $1.0 million in November 2020 and ended the year at $1.025 million. Following a 15-month decline from April 2019 through June 2020, the 6 months from July through December 2020 saw an unanticipated market rally. The YoY MLS® HPI gained 8 per cent ($778,000) during this 6-moth period ended the year 6 per cent over 2019. With the exception of the YoY average sold price per square foot, 2020 ended with record highs across the market indicators.

Detached home sales almost doubled and the dollar volume of sales more than doubled.

YoY detached home sales numbered 81 in 2020 versus 45 in 2019 with 70 percent of 2020 sales occurring in the last 6 months. The dollar volume of sales increased from $45.2 million in 2019 to $110.6 million in 2020. Vacant lot sales also saw significant recovery. Nineteen lots sold in 2020 with a YoY average price per square foot of $10.15 compared with 6 lots at $3.23 in 2019. Waterfront and water-view lots accounted for half of the $11.4 million dollar volume in 2020.

The number of homes selling under $1.0 million represented a much smaller segment of the market than in 2019 (30 per cent in 2020 versus 60 per cent in 2019) and sales from $1.0 million to $1.5 million almost doubled (36 versus 19). No homes sold over $1.5 million in 2019 while nineteen homes sold for over $1.5 million in 2020, with three of these selling for over $3.0 million. Once the mainstay of the Bowen real estate market, detached homes

selling under $1.0 million represented only 30 per cent of the market this year compared to 59 per cent in 2015 and 69 per cent in 2010.

Comparing the YoY change in MLS® HPI with 20 other Metro Vancouver municipalities, Bowen ranked in the top 30 per cent in 2020 and, for the same period, outperformed YoY HPI for the REBGV, Sunshine Coast, and Whistler region.

The year ended with all but one indicator registering record YoY highs—previous highs were in 2018. The MLS® HPI was up 3 per cent from the previous high; the average sale price was up 19 per cent; the median sale price was up 25 per cent; dollar volume was up 46 per cent; and median price per square foot was up 5.9 per cent. The average price per square foot was down -0.9 per cent.

Brendan Ogmundson, Chief Economist for the British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA), predicts that BC can “expect considerable momentum heading into 2021.” Although the HPI on Bowen passed the $1.0 million mark, Bowen still has the 6th lowest benchmark price for Metro Vancouver municipalities, and with mortgage rates at record lows, inventory low (only 17 detached listings currently), and prices trending upwards, 2021 opens as a strong sellers’ market on Bowen Island.

1

YoY: Year-over-Year represents previous 12 months activity.

Timothy Rhodes, REALTOR® rhodesonbowen.com Angell Hasman & Associates Realty Ltd.

MLS® detached home data only at 10 January 2021. Data source © 2020 Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. All rights reserved. Data deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Bowen Island, what does the future of the Cape look like for you?

Your feedback will help decide whether or not a rezoning proposal is submitted to the Municipality.

" Open: January 18th–February 5th # ! Questions? islands2050@islandstrust.bc.ca

2021/2022 Budget Consultation Offer comments on the proposed budget: public survey " Open: January 22nd–February 7th # islandstrust.bc.ca/budget ! Questions? budget@islandstrust.bc.ca

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bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, January 28, 2021 • A15

Local volunteers recognized for contributions to Bowen BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor

The husband-wife powerhouse volunteering duo of Sheree Johnson and Edward Wachtman were among the inaugural recipients of West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky MP Patrick Weiler’s Unsung Heroes Awards for the riding Jan. 13.

“These awards are given out to volunteers who make our communities kinder, stronger and a better place for us all through their tireless and dedicated efforts,” said Weiler in a press release.

“Recipients are all nominated by fellow community members.”

“It was it was really nice,” said Sheree. “It’s always good when the government recognizes all the hard work that volunteers do.”

The couple has been on Bowen for 20 years (as of March 1) and for the first half, weren’t too involved in volunteer work. They had a wildly busy life with their consulting practice – StoryTellings, which counted Boeing, Ford and Proctor and Gamble among its clients – and travelled a lot. A few years back, the two started slowing their practice down.

In about 2014, the municipality was starting its branding project and Sheree and Edward

were approached to help out, the duo joining (what is now) the Community Economic Development Committee.

Then Bowen Island Community Foundation had the two facilitate its Vital Conversations exercise and soon Sheree joined the BICF board and then the B.I. Health Centre Foundation board.

Edward, who also sits on the Hearth board, is the coordinator for Bowen Island Municipality’s Neighbourhood Emergency Response Program (NERP), a volunteer program promoting neighbourhood emergency preparedness and resilience.

“We say we’re working harder and more hours now than we did when we were working but just not making any money,” laughed Sheree.

“But it is rewarding,” added Edward. “We’ve had a lot of fun and the community of volunteers on Bowen is an exceptional group of people.”

But these are also exceptional times and Sheree and Edward are two folks at the public forefront of Bowen’s COVID-19 support and relief effort.

Sheree has been involved with financial and programming aid through the organizations she

works with. “[COVID-19] has really put a spotlight on people who need help on Bowen,” said Sheree. “There’s an awful lot of people who need help.”

“COVID has just accentuated that and made everybody’s small issues, big issues,” she said.

“To be able to kind of rouse the funding to help our neighbours and our friends has been fantastic,” said Sheree.

Edward, with NERP, is not only dealing with the realities of COVID-19 but preparing for future emergencies.

“It’s neighbours helping neighbours – it’s basically looking out for each other,” he said. “Right now, it’s making sure that you keep in touch with some of the more house-bound people. You make sure they’ve got their groceries, their medication.

“NERP can’t do the door to door stuff that they would do in a normal emergency but it’s just keeping people aware that there are people in our community who are alone and who might need some moral support through this.”

NERP has also grown four-fold over the pandemic, said Edward.

“COVID has made people realize that in the event of an emergen-

DARCIE BUZZELLE PHOTO

Earlier this month, MP Patrick Weiler recognized Edward Wachtman and Sheree Johnson for their volunteer contributions to Bowen.

cy, an earthquake, wildfire, we’re pretty much on our own,” he said.

“So we have to look out for each other.”

Edward also, in typical Bowen manner, said he feels awkward about the award, and pointed to other volunteers “who probably do far more than I do.” Edward noted in particular the immense amount of work on the parts of Judi Gedye and Doug Nash in NERP’s neighbourhood kiosk project.

But steering away from the “who

does the most on this island” game, both Edward and Sheree dedicate many, many hours to making the island better.

“I think we both struggle with finding a volunteer life balance,” Sheree laughed. “But it’s also who we are.

“I think we both go to bed at night feeling like we’ve done some good.”

“That goes back to what Bowen is all about,” said Edward. “We look after each other.”

VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE + SCIENCE FAIR SHOWCASE Join Us Online

Wednesday, February 17th | 7-8 pm

RSVP & Get The Zoom Link

islandpacific.org/attend-an-event

The Small Business BC Awards are held every year to celebrate small business owners in British Columbia. This year, SBBC will honour entrepreneurs who were creative, determined and most of all, supported their communities in a challenging year.

Nominate or vote for a Bowen Island business you love for a 2021 SBBC Award at sbbc.co/nominate LEARNING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. INSPIRED TO MAKE WAVES.

CEDC

Community Economic Development Committee

A16 • Thursday, January 28, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Bowen Island Golf Course ascends to movie star status MUCH OF THE PANDEMIC PASSION PROJECT ‘WHY YOU SUCK AT GOLF’WAS FILMED AT THE BELOVED LOCAL AMENITY

ANDY PREST

North Shore News

Golf is a metaphor for life, the character Ray Wright explains in the movie Why You Suck at Golf.

“It should be easy,” the prickly golf pro explains in the film. “The ball is just sitting there.”

And yet, as anyone who has ever played the game knows, golf can be devilishly hard. So much so, that if you ask a random sampling of the population about the sport, many of them are very quick to reply that they “suck at golf.”

Life is very much the same, the philosophising golf pro says.

Fantastic lives are seemingly sitting there for us to take control of, and yet for so many of us, we often feel like we are always finding the bunker in the great game of life.

Metaphorically speaking, at least.

The movie itself, filmed entirely in the midst of a global pandemic, is a great example of the challenges and triumphs that we face in life. Why you Suck at Golf is a passion project driven by two West Vancouver friends – neither of whom has extensive experience in movie-making – who turned their shared loves of golf and storytelling into a 70-minute comedy that tells a charming little story while featuring some gorgeous shots of the North Shore and Bowen Island.

Clive Scarff, the teaching pro at Bowen Island Golf Course, wrote and directed the film and plays the part of Ray, while Jon Borrill produced the film and plays the role of Bogart (long for “Bogey”), an eternally cheerful golf nut whose life is in some turmoil as he goes through a divorce.

The film evolved from a series

of golf books and videos created by Scarff, including a successful instructional book that bears the same name as the film. Borrill was enlisted to play the bumbling Bogart in a short video promoting the book, and out of that small performance Scarff got the grand idea of writing a full-length film about the lovable Bogart and his struggles at golf and life.

“This is literally the definition of a passion project,” said Scarff.

“Literally no one received a dime making this, and it was why we were able to do it. I mean, if we had to pay people to make this movie, it never would have gotten made.”

Scarff wrote the script and showed it to Borrill, whose day jobs have included accounting and property development but who also has a long history as an MC and in live theatre.

“He wrote this incredible script, and as soon as I saw it, I said, that’s great, but who are you going to have as Bogart?” said Borrill with a laugh. Deep down Borrill surely knew what the answer was. “He said, ‘You.’ And that’s kind of how the whole thing got started.”

With script in hand the pair started calling friends and family members to see who wanted to volunteer their time to make the film.

The response was overwhelmingly positive – asking someone to be in a movie is not the worst thing you can do to a friend, said Scarff.

“I think it’s easier than asking them to help you move,” he said with a laugh. “You mention a movie, and then at the same time mention it’s a movie about golf, and you’re talking to people who are golf fans? It’s like, when do you need me? I’ll be there.”

Clive’s 15-year-old son CJ Scarff,

WITH

WITHOUT

who has some acting experience, stands out in a lead role as a young golf shop employee and the film’s narrator. The roles of two young female golfers – one of whom becomes the young lad’s love interest – were cast serendipitously when Borrill spotted a couple of high-level B.C. junior players at a golf show held at Pacific Coliseum.

Borrill boldly approached the girls’ parents, and then the girls themselves, to explain the idea, and before long the roles were filled.

Annalise Stolzenberg plays Lisa, a lead part, while Ella Scabar features prominently as well as Lisa’s friend Sally.

“They just did an amazing job,” said Borrill. “We had no idea really about their acting skills, but when we got them on there and went through the rehearsals, they just became naturals. And then in the golfing scenes where we’re playing a bit of golf, they’ve got such fantastic swings. I can only envy the way they hit the ball.”

Other familiar faces Boweners should look out for include Murray Atherton, Clive Jones, Shana Richmond, Jennifer Harris and Frank Griffiths.

COVID-19 hit just as they were about to start filming, which forced them to delay a big town hall scene, but the pandemic had unexpected benefits as well. Much of the movie was filmed at Bowen Island Golf Club, and the course was closed for extra cleaning every Monday and Tuesday morning during the pandemic, providing a perfect window for filming.

In fact, so many parts of the film happened to fall into place – from finding their young actresses to navigating the COVID closures – that the two men in charge must

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLIVE SCARFF

Golf pro Ray (played by Clive Scarff ) remonstrates with the hapless Bogart (played by Jon Borrill) in Why You Suck at Golf: The Movie

have felt like they were in the middle of a perfect round of golf.

“Part of what’s been neat about this venture has been that it’s just flowed, right from the very beginning,” said Scarff. “Often we would say to each other like, this is going well. You’re used to obstacles, red flags, things coming up telling you that maybe you shouldn’t be doing this. And even with COVID, we just found that we were getting green lights all the way.”

The result is a neat little film that features some good laughs, a little bit of drama and social commentary, a few pretty decent golf tips, and some fantastic shots of the North Shore scenery.

North Shore landmarks such as Lions Gate Bridge, Ambleside Park and even former West Vancouver mayor Mark Sager make appearances in the film. Scarff said that making the North Shore look good was an important consideration

throughout the project. The end credits roll over some fantastic drone footage looking down the 18th fairway at the Bowen Island course, with West Vancouver shining in the background.

The film is obviously meant to make golf look good too, even for the many people who believe they suck at it. It’s a sport that often gets unfairly maligned, said Scarff.

“I think golf is wrongly associated as being with a small niche group,” he said. “In fact, it’s pretty universal. It goes back 500 years, it was first played by shepherds in fields tending their flocks. And it is deceptively difficult too. Even non-golfers can enjoy the movie because they get to laugh at golf, even if they’re not laughing with it.”

The film can be rented for $3.99 through Scarff’s One Minute Golf website. It is also available on Amazon Prime in the U.S. and U.K.

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, January 28, 2021 • A17

Bowen Island Phone Book turns to a new page

AFTER MORE THAN THREE DECADES, BARBARA WILTSHIRE LEAVES THE ICONIC PHONE BOOK BEHIND

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor

When Barbara Wiltshire took on the gold pages (named for the goldenrod-coloured paper of early editions according to Wiltshire) in the late 1980s, Bowen still had party lines. Cellphones of the day were so bulky they were usually car phones. And Bowen’s population was just under 1,500 people.

Decades later, the longtime publisher of the Bowen Island Phone Book is passing the torch. Bowener Claudia Schaefer has bought the business and is in the midst of compiling her first phone book.

For Wiltshire, who has sold her Deep Bay home and purchased a condo in Palm Desert, she’s letting go of a Bowen institution she’s nurtured from relative infancy.

Before coming to Bowen in 1986, Wiltshire was a TV reporter and anchor for the ABC network in Salt Lake City. She married a Canadian and wanted to start a family, so left behind the world-engulfing lifestyle of a TV reporter and moved to the island with her four-year-old and another baby on the way.

When she first arrived, Wiltshire made an unsuccessful bid to buy the Undercurrent from Larry Reid (it would later be sold to a mainland publisher). But Wiltshire worked with Reid for a bit on the paper. “That was a real cut and paste sort of operation back up there,” she recalled.

In those days, the (now defunct) Bowen chamber of commerce did the island phone book. After her predecessor’s computer crashed, Wiltshire took on the task. A BC Tel employee provided some information but there was no Bowen-

Personal Real Estate Corporation

specific database, so the edition had to be culled from other telephone books, said Wiltshire.

For a few years Wiltshire did the phone book with the chamber before cleaving from the organization, causing a bit of a scuffle.

“It became pretty clear that all the risk and liability was in my camp.

“The book was getting so big and so specified,” said Wiltshire. “That was not the main profession of any of the people on the Chamber of Commerce. It didn’t make sense for them to be doing it, it made sense for an individual business to be doing it.”

The famed artist Sam Black, who lived on Bowen, provided the cover art of Wiltshire’s first independently published edition.

“I think Betty [Black] brought the original over just as a show of support,” mused Wiltshire.

And it was no small task building an island-specific phone book.

Bowen’s phone book is more than a list of numbers. It includes local need-to-know information, a street map, blurbs about local organizations, tide tables, feature articles, as well as the usual phone numbers, addresses, emails and business advertising. One Facebook commentor called it “the only phonebook I read cover-to-cover.”

While reverse number look-up can confirm some phone numbers, often the only way to verify information is by calling someone.

“You literally you talk to everybody,” said Wiltshire.

Decades of phone books also means Wiltshire has decades of stories.

“There was one year when one contractor, who shall remain nameless, said ‘I don’t want to be

on the same page as another contractor,’” said Wiltshire. “It’s a fairly small book, so alphabetically, you can’t split them that far.”

There was the year someone accidentally got the number for Alcoholics Anonymous.

Advertising typos found their way through too – there was the year of Montessori preschool’s colour ad (years ago) that was supposed to say, “It’s a nurturing environment for two to four year olds.”

Wiltshire accidentally put “neutering environment for two to four year olds.”

But, “It kind of got easier,” said Wiltshire. “I have to say the last four or five years, there’ve been very few complaints.”

The other side of the business was Bowen OnLine, including the forum. “It was the tin can from house to house,” said Wiltshire.

“It was the only way people could communicate with each other on the island quickly.”

Road conditions, closures, the latest gossip, the forum was the place to go. “It was vital. It was great in its heyday.”

But some of the great controversies of recent Bowen history unfolded over the forum.

Wiltshire had to lay out guidelines for the threads of bickering neighbours.

“You have to tell your neighbours, ‘You just you simply can’t say that. You can’t say that about your neighbour on this venue.”

“I don’t know why people feel that they have more freedom online to slam their neighbours or talk about somebody’s cheating wife or whatever, which they wouldn’t do in person.”

Some islanders would tell

Wiltshire they wouldn’t go on the forum for fear of backlash. “I was always sad about that feeling about the forum, that people were afraid to participate.”

But, “Nobody ever came up to vilify me or anything like that,” she said. “They all went to the forum and looked at it, even if they didn’t participate.”

Though the popularity of the forum has waned, still some visit it as a Facebook alternative.

While the Facebook group Bowen Island Everything Else, Nexwlélexm fills a similar function these days, it doesn’t have the singularity of the forum.

Now, Wiltshire is retiring to the south. “I’m 72, I’m ready to I’m ready to do something else,” she said. She’s now near her kids and grandkids in the U.S. and plans on playing tennis and writing. But she urges Bowen Islanders to buy advertising and otherwise support Schaefer.

“It’s like everything on Bowen.

You have to support it or it’s going to disappear,” she said. “It has to be able to sustain itself.”

“It certainly is my legacy to the island. And I’m happy to have done it,” she said. “I felt really connected.”

TURN THE PAGE

BARBARA WILTSHIRE PHOTO

Barbara Wiltshire holds up her final Bowen Island Phone Book.

A18 • Thursday, January 28, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

The gold pages live on FROM PAGE 17

In her capacity as an artist, Claudia Schaefer holds the record of most Bowen phone book covers by one artist.

Schaefer met former phone book publisher Barbara Wiltshire more than a decade ago when Wiltshire contacted the artist about a cover photo and the two became friends. After a few years of casual discussion, Schaefer recently bought the business.

“It fit with what I’m looking for at this point in my life, which is to work really hard for a period of the year and then allow some time for my art and my art career pursuing those goals.” “[The phone book’s] been dear to my heart since I moved here,” said Schaefer, who arrived on Bowen in 1999. “It’s such a wealth of information and a snapshot in time.”

“There’s so many people who tell me that they collect them every year – they have a stack,” said Schaefer. “They want that memory of what Bowen was like each year.”

When Schaefer talked to an accountant about buying a phone book, they were rather incredulous, (“Like a paper phone book?”)

“I think that’s what’s neat about Bowen is we like to do things a little differently over here,” she said.

But when asked if it’s a lot of pressure, Schaefer said it is. “[The phone

book] is such a staple and it’s become iconic,” she said. “I don’t want people to be disappointed, now that Barbara is not doing it anymore.

“I have to live up to her standards at least and hopefully put my own mark on it.”

For the first year Schaefer expects the phone book will look much like its predecessors, the sheer learning curve eating up a lot of time.

With a masters and 30 years’ experience in botany (and the scientific data management needed for that) and years as an artist and professional photographer, Schaefer’s skills lend themselves well to managing a phone book.

But there’s still a lot to learn when taking on a phone book – there’s the publishing software and then there’s calling basically everyone on the island to verify information.

“I like the fact that although it’s COVID times I’m going to be getting to talk to so many people and meet new people,” said Schaefer. “Even if it’s just by phone.”

A phone number, physical address and email address per person is free.

And all of the information is voluntary.

Islanders may too notice a decline in 947 numbers, “People want to add their cellphones instead of their home phones they’ve given up,” said Schaefer. If one has let go of their landline, let Schaefer know and she’ll take it

SNOW PHOTOS FROM FACEBOOK!

UNDERCURRENT PHOTO

Boweners may know Schaefer as an artist or a botanist, now they can add phone book publisher to that list.

out of the book.

The deadline to provide Schaefer with phone number, street address and email address (or a combination thereof) is the end of February.

There are also plenty of advertising options for businesses of any size.

The phonebook is mailed out free to the entire island, generally in March, with extra copies sold at some local businesses.

Schaefer is also open to new categories in the listings. She hopes to have a separate section for artists: painters, sculptors, ceramic artists, musicians, performers, photographers and beyond – artists can contact Schaefer to be included for free.

Email bowenphonebook@gmail. com for inclusion in the 2021 phone book.

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bowenislandundercurrent.com

Muni Morsels Community centre design team remobilized CONTINUED FROM P. 1

The perimeter of the building has bulged in places, said Collins. He acknowledged a larger building footprint could affect cost but that this presentation wasn’t asking council for a budget change.

The design review has also included looking for cost savings. CAO Liam Edwards said that they had found almost a million dollars in savings, particularly in the lower public-use (municipal office) spaces. “We’re maintaining the integrity of the project,” said Edwards. “We’re not compromising on the highest public use spaces.”

BIM is expecting the project to go to tender in May (the thought had been they’d go to tender right after the referendum – that didn’t happen) with construction to start in early fall, should the bids come in on budget.

Should the bids come in over budget and require a rescoping of the project, Edwards said in the press release that the project integrity would be maintained. “The functionality of the community spaces, based on established programming needs of the community, will not be compromised.”

The community centre committee is also in the process of calling in pledges for the centre and they’ve so far received the funds of 57 per cent of pledges.

Short-term rental bylaw tested

The municipality’s new short-term rental policy faced its first test Monday.

In a six-to-one vote, council rejected a temporary use permit application to extend the number of days a Dorman Point short-term rental is allowed to operate.

Under bylaw, adopted last July, residential guest accommodations are limited to renting 120 days in a calendar year – the idea is keeping short-term renting an accessory use and encourage long-term renting. The applicants (who live elsewhere in B.C.) had applied to be allowed to rent 275 days out of the year – enough to financially maintain the property until they retire to the property.

“The owners stay at the property intermittently and have

struggled with fitting long-term rentals into their schedule,” explains a staff report. “They have no wish to permanently rezone the property for commercial use but are rather seeking a temporary extension of the time limit.”

Coun. Maureen Nicholson pointed to how new the shortterm rental bylaw is. “It’s been six months. This kind of scenario was anticipated – people’s desire to rent for a longer period,” she said. “The decision was made at that time that we would put in place a set of regulations that would not allow this.”

While Coun. Michael Kaile opposed the short-term bylaw when it came to council – the 120-day limit being his sticking point – he said he was feeling uncomfortable with the application. “Whether I approved or voted for that [short-term rental] bylaw, I still own it, as part of council,” he said.

The possibility of precedent setting concerned councillors as well. “There’s no really good, valid reason to extend these days, except for a convenience,” said Mayor Gary Ander.

“And I can guarantee you that there’d be six or eight applications next week if this went through.”

The possibility of the property being long-term rental housing, which the short-term rental bylaw is intended to protect, councillors also noted. “There are a lot of people right now who are displaced on this island, and particularly a home like this would provide a place,” said Nicholson.

Coun. Alison Morse was the lone vote against rejecting the application – she argued against the 120-day limitation throughout the bylaw process and has advocated for pulling non-compliant business licences (or TUPs) as a more effective way of regulating short-term rentals.

Fruitful endeavour? Seeking funding for on-island composting

The on-island composting facility is inching forward.

Council authorized BIM applying for a CleanBC grant that would cover $1.1 million of the HotRot facility. A further $100,000 Knick Knack Nook grant would leave BIM with a $404,500 difference to be borrowed from the Municipal Finance Authority of BC. (It would be equipment financing, which, so long as the muni intends to pay it off within five years, doesn’t require a referendum.) The cost of the project has risen some due to a need for phase three power, increase in site preparation at Bowen Island Recycling Depot (the chosen site) and the price of steel, indicated manager of Environment and Parks Planning, Bonny Brokenshire.

Councillors generally voiced appreciation that this was

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Multi-use path prep progressing

The cross-island multi-use path project could be likened to the children’s game red light-green light in recent years.

While BIM had been set to build a phase of the pathway around the Charlie’s Lane bend a couple of years back, that endeavour proved more expensive and complicated than expected. With grant expiries looming, and more grant opportunities in the wings, the Public Works department is looking at more easterly path sections.

The pathway section between Carter Rd. and Mt. Gardner Rd. is set to go to tender in the next few weeks council heard and BIM is applying for funding for the section between Senior Rd. and Cardena Dr. Public Works is also eyeing TransLink funding for a Carter Rd. to Artisan Lane section.

Multi-use path prep progressing

The Islands Trust’s draft 2021 budget is open for comment until Feb. 7. The budget proposes a 4.78 per cent tax increase for Bowen Island (1.1 per cent is coming from new development and construction, according to a press release.)

The overall increase for the rest of the trust is 3.26 per cent.

For context, the tax requisition for Bowen Island decreased 8.1 per cent in 2020 while the rest of the trust saw an average zero per cent increase. The 2021 requisition is higher than previously expected, in part due to the rise in Bowen property assessments. (The Undercurrent will have more on this online.) Visit islandstrust.bc.ca/trust-council/budget/ to give feedback and to see the Islands Trust press release.

Camping ban

Council passed a resolution asking that staff create a bylaw to restrict camping or the creation of encampments on Bowen Island public places. While it’s a longstanding assumption of Bowen Islanders that camping is not allowed on-island, it’s not specifically addressed in bylaw, said Edwards.

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coming forward and acknowledged the work local volunteers and organizations have put into the initiative. (Hocking noted this issue was in his 2005 election brochure).

“Besides the clear objectives of reducing GHG emissions and closing our waste loop, the facility is expected to improve food security, air quality, and reduce plastic waste,” said the staff report.

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bowenislandundercurrent.com

SWIMBOWEN

Little things, big impact MERIBETH DEEN

SwimBowen

Small is beautiful. Surely, this is why many of us choose to live on this rock surrounded by saltwater where there is no anonymity. Our kids’ teachers are also our neighbours. We consider the person who picks up our garbage a personal friend. We know the names of all the dogs who frequent the offleash zone at the park.

We feel responsible for the well-being of our neighbours and acquaintances even when we don’t know them all that well.

When someone has a baby or loses a loved one, we step in to help or at least to make sure they have one less meal to cook. When someone gets sick we do the same. Looking back on 2017, when she went through cancer treatment, Katherine Wolters remembers, “I had a group of people who rallied around to help with my daughter, who was eight at the time. We had a shared Google calendar so everyone could ensure that she was always cared for after school, or on the days where she wasn’t in school.

It’s great to have this kind of social network but faced with a cancer diagnosis, not everyone is in the mood for reaching out. And that’s where the SwimBowen Cancer Care Fund steps up to the plate: the society’s nimble approach can pivot and respond more easily than a larger organization. No onerous application, proving income (some larger organizations’ applications request you prove you are at poverty level) and expenses in order to receive support. SwimBowen has

intentionally made the application process as straightforward as possible. A recipient need only to prove that he or she is in active cancer treatment. It’s hard enough to ask for help; proving you need that help can bring you to your knees.

“You are in shock, you are immobilized,” says Mary Letson, reflecting on her own diagnosis in 2012. “You might have to consider shutting your life down for a year. You might just want to dig yourself a hole and hide.”

There are decisions to make, and making those decisions requires energy and focus, which is really hard when you are facing a cancer diagnosis. “We’re all little snowflakes out there in the desert of dealing with cancer treatment,” says Mary. “Everyone needs something different to help them through what’s likely going to be the hardest full-time job they are ever going to have.”

For some people, that means massage or physiotherapy. For others, it’s getting nice lunches or special coffees on the days they need to go to the city for tests. Some people might use the money to help cover extra childcare costs. “(The Cancer Care Fund) is about more than self-care,” says Mary. “It’s for whatever you need, and you just need to fill out the form.”

If there is a “Bowen way” to do business, and a “Bowen way” to getting things done, SwimBowen might just epitomize the “Bowen way” of charitable giving. Ground your operations in trust and simplicity, in the plain fact that every individual here is connected in a tangible way. Remember that while it’s not always easy being small, the size of our community and our organizations makes it possible to be nimble and flexible – and to make an outsized impact.

Thursday, January 28, 2021 • A21

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A22 • Thursday, January 28, 2021

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ADVERTISING POLICIES

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

Further, the publishers do not accept liability for any loss of damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of an advertisement beyond the amount paid for the space actually occupied by the portion of the advertisement in which the error occurred. Any corrections of changes wil be made in the next available issue. The Bowen Island Undercurrent wil be responsible for only one incorrect insertion with liability limited to that portion of the advertisement affected by the error. Request for adjustments or corrections on charges must be made within 30 days of the ad’s expiration.

For best results please check your ad for accuracy the first day it appears. Refunds made only after 7 business days notice!

FLU SHOTS FOR OUR PATIENTS

Bowen Island Integrated Health Lifelabs at#101-495 Trunk Road Village Square

Tues - 6:45-8:45 am • Thurs - 6:45-8:45 am Book online at https://locations.lifelabs.com

Limited appointment availability Drop in available for all patients- arrive early

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, January 28, 2021 • A23

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ONGOING JAN. 2131

Kathy Clarke featured artist at Catching Stars “Jewellery Inspired by Nature, Board Out of My Mind - Hand-crafted Charcuterie & Cheese Boards; Artist in Residence: Jan. 28 & Jan. 29 11 - 5 pm”

UNTIL FEB. 5

Islands Trust policy statement survey open Visit islandstrust.bc.ca/ trust-council/projects/ islands-2050/

UNTIL FEB. 7

Islands Trust budget

feedback survey open Visit islandstrust.bc.ca/trustcouncil/budget/

JAN 28  FEB 20

Mini Art Works...with a TWIST exhibit begins The Hearth Gallery

THURSDAY JAN. 28

Rotary Club talk: Owen Plowman, Bowen Island Conservancy president Zoom 7:30 pm Check bowenrotary.com for the Zoom invitation.

MONDAY FEB. 1

Embracing differences & strenthening community webinar

Online 7-8:30 pm Hosted by BICS Diversity Committee, free and open to all. “How can we work together to create a more inclusive Bowen Island?” See more p. 6

TUESDAY FEB. 2

Agriculture – a focus on climate action impacts and solutions: Metro Van webinar 10:30-11:30 am Part of Climate Action in Metro Vancouver webinar series get more info/register bit. ly/2Mov52i

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 3

What is dementia?

Alzheimer Society webinar 2 pm “Learn how dementia affects the individual’s brain and behaviour, as well as the disease’s impact on family.”

To register or access free recorded webinars: alzbc. org/webinars.

MONDAY FEB. 8

Regular Council meeting Zoom 6:15 pm

TUESDAY FEB. 9

“Nature & Ecosystems – a focus on adaptation, land protection, urban trees and more: Metro Van

Webinar 10:30-11:30 am Part of Climate Action in Metro Vancouver webinar series get more info/register bit. ly/2Mov52i

THURSDAY FEB. 11

MARCH 11 13

Rotary Club talk: Matthew Harrison Zoom 7:30 pm Matthew Harrison talks about the Beautiful Gate Orphanage in Maseru, Lesotho. More information at bowenrotary. com

WEDNESDAY FEB. 20

Mini Art Works...with a

TWIST Pick-up Party Hearth patio 1-4 pm Final bidding and pick-up Mammogram screening van at Bowen Legion Call BBC Mammogram Screening number - 1-800663-9203 or 604-877-6187 to book an appointment.

Limited number of appointments - book well in advance Have an event for the calendar? Email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent. com

BOWEN HOME SERVICES love the life you live NEW CONSTRUCTION RENOVATIONS RESTORATION ADDITIONS SECONDARY STRUCTURES UNIQUE OUTDOOR SPACES

BOWEN ISLAND SPECIALISTS! QUALITY SERVICE GUARANTEED!

SUB CONTRACT WORK

BUILT GREEN BC BUILDER

Keep Calm and Call Econo

604.980.3333

CONTACT US FOR A FREE QUOTATION

991 West First Street, North Vancouver, BC www.economovingandstorage.com

WWW.WHITEHART.CA ADDRESS 302-566 ARTISAN LANE BOWEN ISLAND, BC PHONE 1 (778) 999-3434

Landscape Lighting Irrigation

Seascape Bruce Culver

Office: 604-947-9686

Cell: 604-329-3045

Window Blinds On Bowen 778-995-1902

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

A24 • Thursday, January 28, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

ADULT PROGRAMS

COVID-safe programming ALL program participants and facilitators must adhere to current COVID protocols. Please read protocols on our website before you attend your first class.

Pre-registration only, including weight room bookings.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

WEIGHTROOM 8:30 -4:30pm OUTDOOR JAZZERICSE 9:00 – 10:00am

MORNING HATHA 9:30 –10:45am

For the most up to date information and registration, please check our Facebook page or visit www.bowenrecreation.com www.bowenyouthcentre.com

TUESDAY

OUTDOOR COMMUTER SPIN 6:45-7:30am WEIGHTROOM 8:30 -6:00pm

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

WEIGHTROOM 8:30–4:30pm

WEIGHTROOM 8:30 -4:30pm

MORNING HATHA 9:30–10:45am

Jan 29– Road Hockey Skills Feb 5 – Ping Pong Tournament Feb 12 – Games Night Feb 19 – Basketball Skills Feb 26 – Air Hockey Tournament

WEIGHTROOM 8:30 -4:30pm

SPORTMED BC RUN CLINIC (FEB 27 START) 8:30-10:00am

OUTDOOR

CORE & MORE 5:00-6:00pm

SPINERVALS 14+

3:20-4:15 pm

OUTDOOR JAZZERCISE 6:15-7:15pm

4:15-5:15 pm

OUTDOOR JAZZERCISE STRENGTH 45 4:00-4:45pm

OUTDOOR SPIN WITH GINGER (MAR 2 START) 5:30–6:15pm

❶

Our office, school gymnasium, outdoor learning centre, community weight-room, tennis courts and turf field are located at 1041 Mount Gardner Rd.

❷

The Fitness Studio is located at 650 Carter Rd.

CHILD & YOUTH PROGRAMS SUNDAY

OUTDOOR SPIN & STRENGTH 10:00-10:45am

THE MOBILITY METHOD 5:45 – 6:45pm

– JANUARY 18 TO MARCH 19 2021

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

PLAYCARE 8:55-10:30am

PLAYCARE 8:55 -10:30am

PLAYCARE 8:55 –10:30am

PLAYCARE 8:55-10:30am

10:30 – 11:55am

10:30 –11:55am

10:30– 11:55am

10:30– 11:55am

FRIDAY

PLAYCARE 8:55-10:30am 10:30–11:55am PRO-D DAY PLAYERS (5-9YRS) JAN. 29 9:00-3:00pm

For the most up to date information and registration, please check our Facebook page or visit www.bowenrecreation.com www.bowenyouthcentre.com

AT THE YOUTH CENTRE:

SATURDAY OUTDOOR SPIN WITH GINGER (MAR 6 START) 8:30–8:45am

Pre-registration only.

604-947-2216 (Rec Office) 604-240-3467 (Teen Centre)

FRIDAY

OUTDOOR

(limited number available!)

ALL program participants and facilitators must adhere to current COVID protocols. Please read protocols on our website before you attend your first class.

MARCH 19 2021

THE MOBILITY METHOD 10:00 – 11:00am

FAMILY DAY WEEKEND!

COVID-safe programming

TO

SPINERVALS 14+

604-947-2216 (Rec Office) 604-240-3467 (Teen Centre)

Pick up a FREE family focused kit for your household at the recreation office from 8:30-4:30pm, Feb 8-12.

– JANUARY 18

SCHOLARSHIP SESSIONS (15-18YRS) FEB. 21 & 28 TBA

MOVEMENT MONDAYS (5 – 9YRS) 3:00 – 4:00pm HOCKEY

DRAMA TEAM (5 – 9 YRS) 3:15 – 4:15pm

WACKY WEDNESDAYS (5-9YRS) 3:00 – 4:00pm

CONDITIONING

(9-13YRS) 4:00-5:00pm

Our office, school gymnasium, outdoor learning centre, community weight-room, tennis courts and turf field are located at 1041 Mount Gardner Rd. All Children’s programs are located here. The Youth Centre is located at 650 Carter Rd.

YOUTH CENTRE (12-15 YRS) 4:00–9:30pm

SATURDAY