Bowen Island Undercurrent February 11 2021

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SUPER BOWL: It wasn’t a historic win that had Bowen screaming at the TV PAGE 3

Thursday, February 11, 2021 • A1

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How Bowen Island Community Choir got to sing together Sunday PAGE 8

MUNI MORSELS

The Doug fir’s end

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

The following are briefs from Bowen Island Municipality’s Feb. 8 regular council meeting: The stately Douglas fir towering on the edge of the fire hall lot will soon fall.

With the Miller Rd. fire hall project moving along – site preparation starting in coming days – the BIM contractor has said that the tree (and a smaller cedar nearby) pose a safety risk for the new building and don’t align with fire smart principles. As a lone-standing Douglas fir (its neighbouring trees are much shorter) the tree is also more susceptible to wind storms, said corporate officer Hope Dallas.

Once felled, the valuable log will remain on site for the time being as the municipality decides what to do with it.

“We also understand there is some sensitivity around the removal of the large Douglas fir. It is a very beautiful, iconic tree,” said Dallas. “We’ll have public notice to let folks know that it will be removed.”

6.6% tax increase passes

SARAH HAXBY PHOTO

VALENTINE’S DAY: Bowen Island Community School students Eleanor and Natalie show off their Valentine’s

letters for their grandfriends.

Bowen’s municipal property taxes will rise 6.6 per cent this year as BIM seeks an additional $379,200 in 2021.

(This is very nearly the same amount proposed to council and that the Undercurrent reported in December.)

The average home, valued at $1.2 million, will pay an additional $164 per year, said staff.

Council passed first, second and third readings of the five-year financial plan (budget) Monday evening. After this budget is adopted (presumably at the next council meeting) BIM staff will bring the accompanying taxation bylaws to council.

CONTINUED ON P. 9

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A2 • Thursday, February 11, 2021

Events February 22, 2021 6:15 pm Regular Council Meeting All meetings are online via Zoom and

open to the public, unless noted otherwise.

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Miller Road parking lot closure February 15 - February 26 The parking lot at 1037 Miller Road, north of the RCMP detachment, will be closed from Monday, February 15 until Sunday, February 26, 2021.

Contractors will be clearing trees for the Bowen Island Health Centre Foundation.

The work will consist of tree felling and removal, stump removal and debris collection, loading and transporting of stumps and debris.

Alternate parking will be provided east of the General Store in the Rennison lot.

Any vehicle(s) parked on the Miller Road site during this time will be towed to prevent damage to the vehicle. Towing will be at the owner’s risk and expense.

Help slow the spread of COVID-19:

Questions?

Please contact Public Works at publicworks@bimbc.ca or 604-947-4255.

Fire Hall site preparation to begin next week Contractors will begin mobilizing on the site of the new Fire Hall and Emergency Operations Centre at 1045 Miller Road the week of February 16-19. Two large trees need to be removed from the site before construction can begin. Work will take place during the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, and will involve some noise from chainsaws and grinders.

Work should not affect traffic on Miller Road but there will be periodic turning of trucks into the Fire Hall site as well as the Health Centre property next door which is undergoing clearing works at the same time.

While the two trees were kept on the Fire Hall site when it was cleared in 2019, it has been determined through site planning that they need to be removed as they will be too close to the Fire Hall building and could be a hazard by falling branches or wildfire risk.

Logs from the trees will be stored on site until a good local use for the wood is determined.

Questions? Please contact Aaron Hanen, Fire Chief at 604947-9324

Heritage Inventory and Stories Collection

Clean your hands frequently 2 m or 6 feet

The Heritage Commission is pleased to announce the establishment of the Bowen Island Community Heritage Register, adopted by Council on January 25, 2021. This Register was developed in cooperation with the Bowen Island Heritage Preservation Association and the Bowen Island Museum and Archives, along with community members who provided feedback through this platform.

We are now seeking suggestions to build our heritage inventory, a list of places to consider as additions to the Register.

Please contribute your ideas, personal stories, and images to places suggested for the inventory on our Citizenlab platform. Your input is a vital part of the process of creating our Heritage Strategic Plan.

Please go to bowenisland.citizenlab.co to provide your input.

Bowen Island Municipality is working on an update of the Community Energy and Emissions Plan. We are exploring actions to reduce energy and emissions related to transportation, buildings, development, food, waste, and other activities. We would like to invite you to be a part of this exciting project by taking a survey to help us determine local priorities and what actions residents might take.

Keep a safe physical distance

Wear a mask in indoor public spaces

Take the survey: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/climate-action-program

Contact Us Phone: Fax: Email:

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

Climate Action Plan Survey

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 February 11, 2021

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Bowen Island’s Super Bowl surprise BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor

Bowen Islanders’ most exciting moment during Sunday’s Super Bowl had nothing to do with football.

Boweners got a thrill as island twins Wil and Daly Thompson, 23, popped up in a commercial for the Pepsiowned soft drink Bubly during the prestigious Super Bowl time slot, acting opposite Canadian singer Michael Bublé.

Canadian Super Bowl ads don’t have the same bank-breaking rates of their American counterparts (nor the viewership numbers) but the Super Bowl still sees an extra ad effort from companies.

Since 2019, Bublé has been, in a self-deprecating gimmick, “correcting” the pronunciation of “Bubly” during the Super Bowl time slot.

In the 2021 iteration, Bublé is delivering the pop and the twins open the door.

“New pineapple Bubly!” exclaims one twin.

“It’s Bublé,” the crooner tries to respond.

“And new peach Bubly!” They chorus.

Not being football fans (“We’re actors,” explains Daly) the twins weren’t watching the Super Bowl and missed their ad’s debut.

“We didn’t have any idea was coming out,” said Wil. “It was a surprise to us.”

But there’s been a roaring response on Bowen Island.

“It’s exciting,” said Wil. “It’s a little overwhelming.”

“It’s the best part,” added Daly.

“Just going to get a coffee, we’ll have like 10 people say something,” said Daly. “It’s nice having all these people

who we grew up with be like, ‘Hey, that was so exciting to me.’”

The twins, who caught the acting bug in 2017, have done a few projects so far, but nothing on this scale. “It’s our biggest project yet,” said Wil. “It wasn’t even really acting. We were just playing ourselves.”

While filming the ad back in November, the twins got to meet and act off of Bublé. “He’s a really nice guy,” said Wil. As for what’s coming next, within 12 hours of the ad airing the twins got a new audition and they’re hoping the ad will lead to more work.

They’re also working on writing some of their own stories and short films.

Meanwhile, the Undercurrent hasn’t checked in with local stores to see if on-island Bubly sales have gone up in the last four days. (Did you run out to try some Bubly? Sorry, Bublé.)

Here are the January RCMP statistics CPL. ADAM KOEHLE

Bowen Island RCMP

The Bowen Island RCMP responded to 63 calls for service in January of 2021: • 6 of those files were related to traffic complaints or enforcement; • 2 of those files were assaults involving a weapon; • 2 of those files were requests to check a person’s well-being; • 3 of those files were reports of theft; • 4 of those files were requests to assist injured wildlife; • 2 of those files were mischiefs to property; • 1 of those files was a report of a telephone fraud.

Most mornings, I have the opportunity to observe the chaos that ensues as students and commuters make their way through Snug Cove on their way to the 7:30 a.m. ferry. Although sometimes amusing (the traffic jam on the dock while people try to turn around reminds me of Austin Powers driving a golf cart) I let out a sigh of relief every time the boat leaves without any casualties.

Please don’t pull down to the dock to drop people off while the ferry is loading. Using the prescribed pedestrian drop-off locations across from the library along Cardena Rd. doesn’t impact the ferry line, and it only takes an able-bodied person a few seconds to travel from there to the terminal. Even less if they jog. If you’ind re running late for the sailing, please don’t speed

down Bowen Island Trunk Rd. It’s still dark in the mornings and it can be difficult to see pedestrians, most of whom are children on their way to school. It should go without saying, but never pass a school bus. Don’t do a U-turn in the intersection of Cardena Rd. and Bowen Island Trunk Rd., the round-a-bout is more effective and it won`t impact the rest of the vehicles or buses that are heading down to drop pedestrians.

I understand that the person you are dropping at the ferry is important to you. I understand that you want them to get there in a timely manner.

However, the other children and people waiting at the terminal are equally as important to their loved ones. Please be considerate and patient, and recognize that we all ride the boat together.

Relax, we`re on island time.

Breast cancer screening The mammogram screening van is on Bowen at the Legion March 11 to13. Call BBC Mammogram Screening number 1-800-663-9203 or 604-877-6187 to book an appointment. Limited number of appointments - book well in advance.

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

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

Thursday, February 11, 2021 • A3

A4 • Thursday, February 11, 2021

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VIEWPOINTS REVIEW

The River Answers is a tightly-woven tapestry BONNIE NISH

Contributor

Jude Neale’s ninth book of poetry, The River Answers, is a beautiful testament to the human spirit, the delicate relationships we form with friends and family, and our finding the humanness in one another when things go awry. Her language is evocative, drawing our attention beyond the obvious while at the same time asking us to stay with her in moments that are heartfelt and seemingly ordinary. An accomplished opera singer in another life, it is no surprise to find her words become lyrical rhythms beating out the essence we all are searching for in these difficult times.

Whether writing about family or the effects of the pandemic or the devastating aftermath of the destruction of a Palestinian hospital, Neale weaves her thoughts and feelings into tightly woven tapestries, a picture at a time. She invites us into her grandmother’s world through the lens of an adoring child, yet the language is anything but infantile.

Neale explains, “I would pin your memory/ to the river, Nana,/to make you stay.” An explanation? A Confession? The beginning of a beautiful dialogue between Neale and her reader as she explains her purpose, her dreams, desires and ultimately path as “The river remembers,/me standing behind you,/following your life like a map.” And so the journey begins as we weave in and out of story, sometimes a thought and time.

A small complaint? Perhaps giving one more thought and page to Trump but then it is a sign of the times we are in. “We shout at our TVs/And turn you off” writes Neale as she captures what most of us don’t want to admit to, how caught up in the whole affair we had become. We aren’t left here long as Neale returns to the quiet moments of family, and the tenderness of what it means to be seen.

Bonnie Nish is Executive Director of Word Vancouver and Pandora’s Collective Outreach Society. Bonnie has a Masters in Arts Education from Simon Fraser University and a PhD in Language and Literacy Education from UBC. Bonnie is also a faculty member at the Vancouver Expressive Arts Therapy School.

She has written Love and Bones, edited Concussion and Mild TBI: Not Just Another Headline and co-authored Cantata in Two Voices with Neale.

EDITORIAL

Season of love (just kidding, it’s the budget) Isn’t budget season fun?

Ok, I actually hate it (numbers – they don’t make sense to me).

In some ways, figuring out the budget is like figuring out the theory of relativity: lots of people sort of understand but all they did was watch Interstellar. Building a nuanced understanding of the pressures, priorities, the “wants” vs “needs” takes time, effort and more patience than many have. (But many islanders do have time and expertise and don’t feel shy

about writing in to share, much appreciated!) Yet, just like gravity – not understanding doesn’t mean it doesn’t affect us.

It also doesn’t help that budget comparisons are always imperfect – mainland cities’ income sources and tax bases are drastically different from Bowen’s and yet, we expect many of the same services.

This week’s coverage didn’t even start in on the water and sewer taxes, many of which will jump by 20 per cent this year

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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.

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

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as BIM plays catch-up on the improvement districts’ reserves. That’s another big story.

It seems that there’s a “living within our means” reckoning coming – as letters to the editor and comments by BIM staff have indicated. BIM staff are saying to maintain service levels, they need more money. But as the pandemic rages on, can Bowen Islanders pay?

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.

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Thursday, February 11, 2021 • A5

Letter: Policy statement update critical to mandate of the IslandsTrust

DEAR EDITOR: The following is a letter I recently submitted to the Islands Trust Council with regard to the Islands 2050 survey on the Islands Trust Policy Statement: My main concern in providing this submission is to address the fundamental issue that the policy statement must reflect a strong, legal position which is resilient to challenges in the long term, in consort with the provincial government.

I have been a property owner on Bowen Island since 1975. During a period of about 15 years, I was involved in various community projects and political campaigns. These activities included providing support for the creation and implementation of our Official Community Plan and political campaigns in which we successfully elected a number of Island Trustees, including two former chairs of the Islands Trust, as well as regional directors and Advisory Planning Commission members who strongly supported the Islands Trust and its mandate.

During those years, and subsequent years, these formative, pioneering efforts have established a strong foundation for a community dedicated to preserving its island way of life within the mandate of the Islands Trust. That foundation has remained strong through a mutually supportive relationship between our community and the Trust.

Given the unrelenting pressures faced by a small community next door to Canada’s third largest city, Bowen’s ongoing relationship with the Islands Trust is absolutely critical in preserving and protecting the unique island

amenities that are synonymous with our island way of life.

As well, given our specific, legal designation as an island municipality within the Islands Trust - which sets us apart from urban oriented municipalities in Metro Vancouver - Bowen’s relationship with the Islands Trust is also critical in maintaining the continued, long-term policies of sustainable, balanced and gradual growth within the OCP’s framework of comprehensive planning. That comprehensive planning, as reflected in our Official Community Plan, incorporates the consideration of all environmental factors, which is also aligned with the Islands Trust mandate of preserving and protecting the unique amenities of the islands within the Islands Trust.

In my personal experience since 1975, I have become acutely aware of the various political pressures, manifested both externally and internally, which have been exerted on the island over the years. Long-term islanders such as myself have witnessed attempts to weaken or sever Bowen’s affiliation with the Islands Trust, in conjunction with development proposals which have directly challenged the provisions of Bowen’s Official Community Plan. Given Bowen’s proximity to a large urban centre, I am only confirming occurrences, which come as no surprise to anyone.

The fundamental point I am making in my submission is that the process of updating a policy statement, which is greatly resilient to the above challenges, is critical to the fundamental mandate and integrity of our

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federation of islands. By its very nature, it is an ongoing project on various fronts that can permit the policy statement to reflect a legal structure that ensures an even greater resilience in the long term: 1. A process that necessitates a review in further strengthening a legal structure that ensures the continuity of the federation and its mandate within the province - so that it is more fully resilient and impervious to longterm changes in provincial politics.

2. A process that considers options for a form of overriding conservancy that protects the Islands Trust and its mandate in perpetuity, given that the unique amenities of the islands are being preserved and protected for the benefit of the entire province, the country and visitors from other nations.

Starting with the provincial jurisdiction, other options can also be explored at the national and international level.

3. A process that considers the manner in which any legal structures that further strengthen the Islands Trust and its mandate can be harmonized.

As the above requires foundational background work that considers the long-term future of the Islands Trust federation and its mandate, and which can then be reflected in an updated policy statement, I present it here as food for thought in charting a more resilient future for islands that need to be fully recognized and protected as unique gems of nature within the picturesque beauty of Canada’s west coast.

Stay safe and well, Islands Trust!

John Sbragia

KATE COFFEY PHOTO

Kate Coffey spotted Snug Cove House board chair Graham Ritchie putting in the Foxglove Ln. street sign in the Miller Rd. development last week.

The society has applied for a building permit and is seeking financing as it continues along the path of its decadeslong endeavour to build a supportive seniors residence on Bowen Island.

A6 • Thursday, February 11, 2021

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IPS students hosting a virtual science fair nextWednesday BARBARA BINGHAM

Island Pacific School

Have you ever wondered if different types of bread will go mouldy at different rates, or what activities can affect

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your sleep? Or which masks are the most effective at filtering viruses? IPS’s grade seven and eight students have and they’re on the case.

While the sevens and eights are conducting their experiments, the grade sixes will be creating Rube Goldberg machines, which they will present via videos at the virtual Science Fair Open House on Feb. 17.

While our Science Fair will look a little different this year, as it will be held remotely, families, friends and visitors will still be able to see all of the students’ presentations during the evening show.

We are all looking forward to celebrating the creativity and ingenuity of the students.

We will be offering two sessions so guests can see a few of the showcase presentations. Take a look at the topics and decide with your family which groups you’ll join during the two sessions. We will share the Google Meet links with everyone who RSVPs before the showcase starts. Join us between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Group 1: • Sam & Ethan – The story of spores: measuring the growth of bread mould.

• Matthias – Train of thought: investigating maglev trains.

Group 2: • Hannah & Lukas L. – Against the tide: a study of herd instincts in middle school children.

• Isaac and Cole – The good, the bad and the stressful: Stress and its effect on a skill-based task.

Group 3 : • Finnsson – Noisy kids: an investigation on how to reduce background noise for remote learners.

• Cyrus – Skiwaxing: studying ski wax performance on snow.

• Finn – Prrrfect experiment: Do cats affect human’s mood?

We

Group 4: • Arthur – Your attention span is worse than a goldfish: a deeper look at how focus can be trained.

• Oliver – I forgot my topic: investigating how sleep affects short-term memory.

• Chloe - You are not always right: Testing the accuracy of brain dominance tests.

Group 5: • Adam – A good night’s sleep: a deeper look into the factors affecting sleep.

• Max – Until it snaps: a duct tape experiment.

• Nicholas – Typical types of toilet paper: investigating the strength of toilet paper.

Group 6: • Kalan – the school’s dirty secret: investigating the effects of sanitizer on cleaning surfaces.

• Vera – Monsters vs monsters: The effect of energy drinks on children.

• Olivia – A new gas: a good alternative to a dirty gas.

Group 7: • Lukas H. – Have you acid seen the rain? A study of the best way to protect potted plants against acid rain.

• Hayden – Coughs for thought: examining the masks we wear today.

• Ela – A bubbling question: what makes the best lava lamp.

Group 8: • Jenny – Jamming with the plants: is plant growth affected by music?

• Anika – To dream or not to dream? Can someone learn to lucid dream?

• Eilidh – Hyper-focusing: investigating the effects of ADHD on task focus.

Register to watch the science fair at: islandpacific. org/2021/01/virtual-open-house-science-fair-showcase-wednesday-february-17-2021/

you for buying local.

Look for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift at a local place.

CEDC

Community Economic Development Committee

bowenislandundercurrent.com

For this week’s edition we asked for notes about and to folks you saw regularly before the pandemic.The acquaintances we don’t Zoom with or check up on through Facebook.

Bowenites sent in heartfelt notes: Cereal buddy

Dear Earl, Every morning I used to eat oatmeal with you on the ferry. It was my favourite morning routine. I stopped doing the morning commute and you moved away but I still think about you often and miss your cheerful presence!

-Levi

The camaraderie

I miss the opportunity to just bump into an old friend and sit down with them at the Pub or the Snug or outside the library and catch up. Perhaps we’ve worked together in the past at Family Place or the preschool or BICS or TOTI or the Community Foundation or babysat each other’s children many years ago and have lost touch.

We don’t linger anymore and chat with acquaintances.

We tend to duck into a place half-hidden by our masks and duck out again trying to remember all the social distancing and sanitation requirements.

Pondering the latest goings on on Bowen with someone you’ve bumped into at Artisan Eats doesn’t happen anymore.

I miss wandering around the patio at the golf course after a game on a sunny afternoon talking to everyone at every table. We’re not all the closest of friends but we all know each other and if we don’t we more often than not introduce ourselves.

I miss that kind of camaraderie that is so unique to small communities where you can find an interesting conversation just about anywhere…recycling, the ferry waiting room, the art gallery or yoga class. I can’t wait for us to un-mask, open our eyes, lift our heads and see each other again.

–Colleen O’Neil

Moving to music with you

To all of the wonderful women who have met on the Nia dance floor – in the Fitness Centre, the Gallery or Cates Hill Chapel: we miss moving to music with you! The dancing, laughing, sensing, conditioning, expressing and healing we do! We wish you well and eagerly await the time when we can once again share the joy of Nia – together!

–Deb and Carol

‘I MISS YOU’

Hiking together

I miss Steve and Sally’s hiking group. Every week, we’d go somewhere fabulous on Bowen (well, aren’t most places fabulous on Bowen). Every week, something kooky would happen. Lots of the same faces every week (Susan, Wendy, Pam, Cindy, Angelina) and often new faces we’d see only once. I haven’t seen these people in over a year now. That has not all been pandemic related (winters and injury also played a role) but the pandemic does make it hard to pick it up again.

I miss going into Artisan Eats for my croissant, and chatting with Leoni while she put together my order. I miss her trying to convince me to go for the mimosa with my Friday brunch (and yes, she often succeeded).

With some people, even though I have seen them a few times this year (at a safe distance), I miss what we used to do together. I miss going for a beer at the pub with Kiley after a long satisfying hike. I missed not being able to do turkey dinner with her and Baz this year. I miss my day trips to the nurseries and the foodie tours on the mainland with Holly. And I miss what could have been: plans we made for the year that we could not follow through on because of the pandemic.

-Jen Ritchie

Ferry Friends

I really miss the cafeteria staff on the ferry.

-Ellen McMahon

Water taxi bonding

...The wonderfully random conversations on the ferry and the water taxi!

I don’t miss commuting.

-Sue Fairburn

You

The person I miss the most is you…

The man on his phone, catching up on Facebook, Twitter or email, while we wait in line for our coffee.

The couple laughing over a shared private moment, I look over and see them sitting next to each other, locked in their time and space.

The child that runs past me as I see her parents following closely behind, with a smile that radiates love and joy.

I miss the dog park and chatting with a fellow dog parent about the ridiculous behaviour of their golden retriever.

I miss sharing a moment with a stranger at the grocery store, as we laugh over the most mundane things that bring us joy in that very moment.

I miss public gatherings, social events and IRL (in real life) moments. I miss the chatter, laughter, noise and familiar voices all around me.

But most of all, I miss the life we shared before this pandemic. I patiently wait to share more smiles, stories and moments with you one day soon.

-Tara Morin (Lazlo)

Thursday, February 11, 2021 • A7

All

I miss all of you Bowen Island…

-xx Carol Petersen & Pepper

Lois Meyers-Carter

Lois Meyers-Carter. This past weekend would have been her birthday. I had known her while being a “weekender” for so many years. She saw me at the Eaglecliff mailboxes shortly after we moved here full time and said, “Murray, I have some of the business people coming to the house tomorrow night, would you like to meet them?”

Since I really didn’t know anyone other than our neighbours, I went. Ninety minutes after arriving, I left as vice-president of the Bowen Island Chamber of Commerce.

Thus started a 20-year history of volunteering on the island.

Lois was a huge cheerleader of all things Bowen.

In her quiet demeanour she always got her point across (and her way!) ‘Island Neighbours’ column in the Undercurrent was the first place I looked to find out who was doing what on the island and who was having an upcoming birthday. Her work with the Historians was beyond compare. I do believe she also was the first librarian either at BICS or the Library and was a volunteer proof-reader for the Undercurrent for years.

Miss that lady!

-Murray Atherton

Cupid not COVID

Rather than attempting to list everyone and everything I miss during this past year, while COVID-19 has tried to relegate Cupid to the sidelines, I prefer instead to express my gratefulness for our family’s, friends’ and neighbours’ good fortunes, especially health, through the challenges of the pandemic.

That said, I do miss the “normal,” enjoyable life we had been so accustomed to and somewhat unknowingly taken for granted.

So, as a group let us not miss this opportunity to thank all the dedicated healthcare and emergency services workers who are trying so hard to help us through this ordeal while getting us back to normal, to whatever degree that might be.

Thanks as well to the businesses, local and off-island, who are struggling to survive while creating employment in order that we can somewhat remember what normal is like.

Here’s hoping the “vaccine corner” is the last one we must navigate in order to see and enjoy better days ahead.

As the health experts told us at the outset, the pandemic is a marathon, not a sprint – let us not ease up on our collective responsibilities prematurely. Let’s ensure we get over the finish line quickly but safely. The well-being and development of our youth, who are being denied some of the most formative and enjoyable years of their lives, deserve nothing less. (Not to mention the rest of us.) We can’t see the last of COVID-19 fast enough. It certainly will not be missed!

-Bruce Russell

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A8 • Thursday, February 11, 2021

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A choral treat

If anyone tuned into 88.5 FM in the Tir-na-nOg area last Sunday, they may have heard something lacking in recent months: Bowen voices singing together.

Bowen Island Commmunity Choir experimented with a car choir, where singers stayed in their cars with a mic wired into a sound board that then transmitted the choir’s voices over the FM radio.

The idea came last fall when members saw a CBC story about a professional choir in Calgary holding a car concert.

So the Bowen choir board got in touch with Caleb Nelson of Silver Studios in Edmonton, who had done the sound in Calgary and asked how he did it.

“Caleb not only freely told us how he did the sound but also sent drawings etc. to help us understand and the type of FM Transmitter necessary,” said board member Cheryl Hutton. “Without his helpful support we would not have been able to do what we did.”

BICC choir director Ellen MacIntosh and pianist Marc Gawthrop led the choir through a number of fun songs including Blue Bayou, Let Me Roll It and With a Little Help From My Friends, while choir members sang into hand-held mics in each of their cars. Folks in the cars could not only hear Ellen and Marc, but their fellow choirmates over the Cheryll Hutton ensures everyone has music sheets.

FM radio frequency.

BICC’s“sound guy”Doug Fleetham worked with the Calgary sound technician and Sunday mastered It took at least an hour to arrange the cars and number them, let alone make sure all the 16 channels running from the cars as well as the mics were working and everyone was on the right FM frequency to hear, before Choir director Ellen MacIntosh collects a mic from Sheilagh Sparks.

Ellen and Marc. the singing could start.

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

FOOD BANK DROP-OFF

Masses are live streamed everyday.

Times posted at holyrosarycathedral.org Contact Angela Powell 604-947-2515

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

Now offering worship services via Zoom.

A link available on website.

Pastor: Phil Adkins

October 13 to May 15 2021 DEPART BOWEN ISLAND DEPART HORSESHOE BAY

ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

CATES HILL CHAPEL

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

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

Note: Schedules subject to change without notice: Please check BCFERRIES.COM Schedule changes on statutory holidays

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MUNI MORSELS

Staff resources strained: CFO CONTINUED FROM P. 1

The tax increase breaks down as follows: • A 2 per cent increase ($114,200) for capital renewal and replacement (this money gets put aside for infrastructure needs); • A 2 per cent increase ($114,000) for services and supplies due to inflation; • A 1.8 per cent increase ($102,100) for BIM staff due to inflation in cost of living (a raise that wasn’t applied in 2020); • A 0.9 per cent increase ($54,000) for more staffing; • A 0.9 per cent increase ($50,000) for council strategic initiatives.

However, new construction revenue, homes added to the tax role, will cover about 1 per cent ($55,000) of the above increases, said a staff report.

Chief financial officer Raj Hayre described the budget as covering the “bare bone needs of the municipality.”

Hayre pointed to the difference between this and the first draft of the budget, which would’ve seen an 8.6 per cent increase for staffing alone, to, as he put it, “Sustainably

deliver the level of service as expected or for the most part currently being provided.”

Hayre cautioned that staff are strained trying to maintain current service levels. He described municipality staff working long, un-budgeted hours. “This is not sustainable in the long run,” said Hayre. “People are going to burn out. We’re going to end up losing staff to other places if we don’t have the resources to do the job we want to do – need to do.”

The 2021 budget is also seeing the weight of infrastructure projects – those already under way and those needed – with a $3.8 capital budget for 2021.

That’s not including the water and sewer systems (all of which will see tax rises above the 6.6 per cent decribed here).

While no councillor jumped with glee at raising taxes 6.6 per cent, there was general consensus that this was a needed rise.

“I like that we have everything on the table,” said Mayor Gary Ander. “We’ve certainly uncovered a lot of issues on the island that need to be attended to and unfortunately, we have to deal with them at this time.”

Coun. Michael Kaile defended the staffing levels increase.

“Because people love to throw eggs at us on how many staff we have,” he said. “This is to get the right people in our organization

doing the right things.”

Pointing to the money coming in from grants and the work produced by municipal staff, Kaile said that BIM staff are working “valiantly.”

“We don’t have some grisly bloat of people doing nothing and wasting our taxpayers’ money,” said Kaile. “And I think that’s hugely, hugely significant.”

Though noting his discomfort with the level of resources allocated to a new fire truck and fire hall, Coun. Rob Wynen also grudgingly supported the budget. “I just want to recognize that it is a significant increase,” said Wynen, sharing that his own tax increase will come out to the equivalent of an extra day’s work for him.

Coun. Alison Morse was the lone vote against passing the five-year plan. She later said she questioned how much BIM is putting into reseves “because it isn’t enough” and that she wanted more discussion about the budget generally and the trade-offs.

Guiding the Islands Trust to guide us Though the eye-drooping term “policy statement” may divert all but the most meticulous reader onto the next morsel, Islands Trust representatives presented to coun-

Thursday, February 11, 2021 • A9

cil a rich scene of the federation’s efforts to haul its decades-old guiding policy into the ’20s.

Where Bowen has the Official Community Plan (that envisions the future of our community – our density, our climate targets, our land use) the Islands Trust has the policy statement. The 30-page document guides decision making across the Trust area, including on Bowen Island. But, the current iteration is from 1994 (though there have been amendments).

The Trust is now in the drafting stage of the multi-year policy statement update process.

Taking their cues from Trust islanders’ feedback, policy drafters are looking at how the statement can reflect Trust-wide concerns.

Having adopted a reconciliation commitment in 2019, the federation is engaging with nations across the Trust area and providing capacity funding for nations to review the policy statement (the Trust operates in 33 nations’ lands), said Lisa Wilcox, senior intergovernmental policy advisor.

“This is going to be a really exciting opportunity for the Islands Trust to build that trust and to create a document that’s really reflective of the region,” said Wilcox.

Islands’ vulnerability as climate change looms is a Trust-wide concern, indicated Clare Frater, director of area services: safeguarding freshwater, protecting biodiversity,

mitigating wildfire risk and so on will be guiding the way as the new policy takes shape.

When it comes to affordable housing, there’s balancing freshwater scarcity and species and ecosystems at risk with meeting the housing needs of community members, the demand for vacation rentals and considering the need for ageing in place on these islands.

While the recently circulated policy statement survey is now closed, Frater said that those interested are still welcome to submit feedback to the Trust.

There’s an open house about the policy statement on March 2 and a full day of Trust council discussion on March 9.

Building potential

Amid caveats aplenty, manager of planning and development Daniel Martin estimated that there are more than 300 empty lots on Bowen that could see housing built on them and potentially 600 lots that could be created through subdivision, all without needing council approval.

CAO Liam Edwards echoed Martin’s caveats, “All that we see here may not ever come to fruition,” he said. “There’s a high likelihood that not all of it will ever, ever come to fruition in our lifetimes.”

The Bowen Island Health Centre Foundation invites

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Thursday, February 11, 2021 • A11

COMMUNITY CALENDAR THURSDAY FEB. 11

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 TOTI’s Love Letters Stream on YouTube and Zoom webinar 7:30 pm “An evening of poetry, letters and theatre shorts” from local authors, poets and actors. Visit theatreontheisle. wordpress.com/

FRIDAY FEB. 12

Drive-through Legion dinner Legion Starts at 4:30 pm Chicken teriyaki, rice, spinach salad and a yummy dessert. By donation

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Clean Energy - what’s the conversation in this region: Metro Van Webinar 10:30-11:30 am Part of Climate Action in Metro Vancouver webinar series - get more info/register bit. ly/2Mov52i

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IPS virtual open house and

science fair showcase 7-8 pm RSVP/Link: https:// islandpacific.org/2021/01/virtualopen-house-science-fair-showcasewednesday-february-17-2021/

FRIDAY FEB. 19

Then and Now: Shaping the future of Black Canadians through lessons of past and anti-racism 4-5:30 pm “Resilience BC AntiRacism Network event for Black History Month “This 90-minute event will focus on Black history in BC and the impact of anti-Black racism.”” To attend, register: bit.

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WEDNESDAY FEB. 20

Mini Art Works...with a TWIST Pick-up Party Hearth patio 1-4 pm Final bidding and pick-up

MONDAY FEB. 22

Regular Council meeting Zoom 6:15 pm

WEDNESDAY FEB. 24

The River Answers’ book launch Facebook Live 7 pm Jude Neale introduces her ninth published book of poetry to the world. The evening is also a book launch

for well-known B.C. poet Susan McCaslin. Watch for more details.

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Rotary Club talk: Tim Pardee Zoom 7:30 pm Tim Pardee from Bowen Island Fish and Wildlife Club talks the Terminal Creek Hatchery. More information at bowenrotary.com

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Get to know your neighbour

Sangre de Fruta donates $6,000 to Children’s Centre TRACY MCLACHLAN

BCC Program coordinator

Bowen Island Family Place is one of the jewels in the crown of the Bowen Children’s Centre programming.

Family Place programs build on the knowledge that supportive communities play a critical role in the growth and development of young children. During COVID-19, Family Place has played an important part in the wellness of Bowen Island families.

It is with much gratitude that Family Place would like to thank Sangre de Fruta Botanical for its very generous donation of $6,000. Allison Weldon, founder of Sangre de Fruta Botanical has shown a profound understanding of the value of building community, friendships, family bonds and family strengths, the essence of what our programs are all about.

We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us this year as we strive to fulfill our mission to support and enrich family life. This

MIA ISTO PHOTO

Sangre de Fruta’s Allison Weldon and BCC’s Tracy McLachlan.

heartfelt gift will allow us to continue to adapt and offer programs and services that families with young children in our community need.

Thank you Sangre de Fruta Botanical for your desire to see us continue supporting families in these uncertain times.

DEVELOPMENT OF A PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN (PMP) APPLICATION #: MOTI-SCM-PMP-2021/2026 Applicant: B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, South Coast Region, 310-1500 Woolridge Street, Coquitlam, B.C., V3K 0B8.

Agent: ADC Plant Science, 32 Falshire Terrace NE, Calgary, A.B., T3J 3B1, telephone: 1-833-852-3939, email: pmpconsultation@outlook.com.

The purpose of the proposed multi-agency PMP is to manage invasive alien plants and/or noxious weeds on Provincial public land in the South Coastal Mainland of B.C. The PMP applies to areas located in the Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley and Sunshine Coast Regional Districts, the southwest half of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, and a small area in the southwest region of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen.

The PMP applies to areas near the communities of Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Mission, Harrison Hot Springs, Richmond, Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Aldergrove, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Agassiz, Hope, Eastgate, Boston Bar, North Vancouver, Bowen Island, Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, Gibsons and Sechelt.

The pest management methods proposed for use include mechanical, cultural and biological control, and use of herbicides within the area to which the PMP applies. The active ingredients and examples of the trade names of herbicides proposed for use under this plan include: aminocyclopyrachlor (Truvist, Navius VM), aminopyralid (Milestone, Restore A, Clearview, Reclaim II A), chlorsulfuron (Truvist), clopyralid (Lontrel 360), dicamba (DyVel, Vanquish, Banvel II), diflufenzopyr (Overdrive), flazasulfuron (LongRun 25WG), flumioxazin and pyroxasulfone (Torpedo EZ), fluroxypyr (Starane, Pulsar, Sightline B), glyphosate (Roundup WeatherMAX, Vantage Plus MAX, Vantage XRT, VP480, Roundup Transorb HC), halosulfuron (Sandea WG), imazapyr (Arsenal, Arsenal Powerline, Habitat), indaziflam (Esplanade SC), MCPA (DyVel), mecoprop-p (Trillion, DyVel DSp), metsulfuron-methyl (Escort, Navius VM, Clearview, Reclaim II A), picloram (Tordon 22K, Grazon XC), rimsulfuron (Prism SG), triclopyr (Garlon XRT), 2,4-D (2,4-D Amine 600, Grazon XC, Restore B, Reclaim II B), and rinskor (Rinskor Active). Selective application methods include: backpack, handheld and vehicle mounted sprayers and wick/wipe on, cut surface and injection tool applications.

The proposed duration of the PMP is from June 1, 2021, to May 31, 2026.

A draft copy of the proposed PMP and a map of the proposed treatment area may be viewed at the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s South Coast Regional Office listed above, online at gov.bc.ca/plantpestmanagementplan, or by contacting the Agent listed above.

A person wishing to contribute information about a proposed treatment site, relevant to the development of the pest management plan, may send copies of the information to the Agent at the address above within 30 days of the publication of this notice.

NEXT UP IN OUR Q&A SERIES: LES MESZAROS

When did you come to Bowen? Five years ago – 2016.

How did you get here?

We’d been looking to relocate from West Van and had looked at several different spots throughout the Gulf Islands and the Sunshine Coast and settled here after we found our lot to build our home on.

Where do you live on Bowen? Sunny south Bowen where the tropical breezes blow through the coconut trees.

Fill the ferry lineup gap or don’t fill the gap? I love that question. It depends.

Winter, fill. Summer, relax.

What’s your favourite Bowen fact? I was unaware

that Morgan Quarry was the unofficial mayor of Bowen Island. (Editor’s note: Quarry and Meszaros are long-time friends.)

What’s a Bowen Islander?

Super friendly, big smiles loves the outdoors.

What’s your favourite COVID-19 balm or activity?

Planning dinner.

In terms of COVID activity, we’ve kept the golf course open. [Meszaros is general manager of the golf club.]

And so it’s a great place to come out get some exercise, some mental health, reengage with friends that you see at a distance. That’s been fantastic.

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