Bowen Island Undercurrent March 18 2021

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CIDERY TEMPORARY USE PERMIT: The debate continues

Thursday, March 18, 2021 • A1

$1.50

PAGE 5

inc.

GST

THURSDAY, MARCH 18 , 2021 SCOURGE OF HOLLY

VOL. 47 NO. 11

BIUndercurrent

Why the admittedly pretty plant doesn’t belong on Bowen

BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

PAGE 9

The new path

WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH THE MULTI-USE PATH

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

UNDERCURRENT PHOTO

When COVID-19 hit, all of artist Simon Daniel James (Winadzi)’s jobs dried up. But then came along his two biggest -ever artistic commissions, including these two totem poles James carved from his home on Bowen Island. See the story on page 3.

Traffic has been stop and go along the base of Grafton Road in recent days as tree clearing and site preparation began for B.I. Municipality’s multi-use path project. There have been delays along Grafton Road between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. (One can also circumvent the construction by going the Cates Hill Road-Village Drive route to the Cove.)

The first phase of the three-metre wide paved path is to run between Bowen Island Community School and Carter Road. BIM is aiming for the section to be done before June 1.

While the tree clearing so far has been on the south side of the road (the side of the hill that leads up to Artisan Square), the path will run along the north side (closest to BICS). The road needs widening in order to accommodate the new path so construction crews will cut into the south slope and straighten the road that way, indicated BIM’s director of engineering Patrick Graham. “There’ll be better sightlines through there as well because the road will be straightened,” he said.

Intersection improvement at the meeting of Mount Gardner and Grafton Roads is also part of the project.

Two more phases of the project could happen this year – contingent on grant funding – a section between Carter Road and Artisan Lane and a section between Senior Road and Cardena Drive (while straightforward contstruction-wise, the section crosses two private properties and Metro Parks land.)

The cross-island multi-use path has been called the “backbone” of BIM’s 20-year transportation plan, passed in 2018, which calls for more active transportation infrastructure on island. Ultimately, the path is to end in Tunstall Bay, but not for another 15 to 20 years (under the current plan).

Graham says they’re still looking at route and style of path past Artisan Lane where the path becomes more technically difficult, particularly in the Charlie’s Lane S-bend area. “It’s going to be very difficult and costly to build a path along Grafton Road through that section,” he said.

“Hopefully we can build some momentum from the first phases and get support behind it and grant funding,” he said. “There’s a lot of grant funding opportunities for this type of project.”

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A2 • Thursday, March 18, 2021

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

open to the public, unless noted otherwise.

bowenislandundercurrent.com

We’re hiring: Human Resources Coordinator BIM is looking for permanent part-time Human Resources Coordinator to join our team. This is a half-time (17.5 hours per week) position. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the HR Coordinator is responsible for developing, implementing and overseeing the organization’s human resources strategy. The ideal candidate is a competent leader with strong emotional intelligence, excellent communication skills and comfortable working with staff across all municipal departments.

Emergency Program Coordinator

Help slow the spread of COVID-19:

BIM is looking for permanent part-time Emergency Program Coordinator (EPC) to join our team. This is a 15 hour per week position. Reporting to the Fire Chief, the EPC is responsible for developing, overseeing and coordinating the community’s emergency management program.

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/jobs

Seeking Public Comment For TUP-2021-0017

620 Laura Road Cidery Council Meeting via Zoom 6:15 PM on Monday, March 22, 2021 PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

A Temporary Use Permit application has been submitted for 620 Laura Road to permit a cidery.

The proposed cidery will utilize the existing apple orchards on site to produce cider for sale on site or through the Liquor Distribution Branch. The cidery will be permitted to produce cider, provide on-site sales, and provide tours of the cidery and associated orchard. A picnic area is proposed to be located adjacent to the cidery.

MORE INFORMATION AT MUNICIPAL HALL:

Clean your hands frequently 2 m or 6 feet

Keep a safe physical distance

Wear a mask in indoor public spaces

Register for a vaccine when it’s your turn

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/ens

Help us build a sustainable, local economic development plan There are 14 concepts being discussed in a questionnaire open to all Bowen Islanders to help us build a Community Economic Development Plan. The concepts include health care, local food, arts and culture, the knowledge sector, construction, strategic tourism, industrial land, housing, environmental stewardship, youth employment and entrepreneurship, commuting, economic leakage, a showcase of sustainable initiatives and a unique economy for a unique island. What’s missing? Is this too little, too much or just right? We want to hear from you. Please head over to Citizenlab to share your thoughts, ideas and comments and to complete the questionnaire.

https://bowenisland.citizenlab.co/en/projects/ced

Contact Us Phone: Fax: Email:

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

The application may be viewed at Municipal Hall between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday (excluding statutory holidays) or on our website

bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning TIMELINE:

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME:

Written submissions may be delivered to Municipal Hall (contact information below): • In person • By mail • By fax • By email to bim@bimbc.ca Submissions may also be made to Mayor and Council at the meeting: 6:15 PM on Monday, March 22, 2021 Online via Zoom For instructions on how to submit comment, go to:

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/council-meetings

To ensure a fair process, submissions cannot be accepted once the meeting has ended.

Questions? Please contact Daniel Martin, Manager of Planning and Development, at 604-947-4255 ext 230 or by email at dmartin@bimbc.ca

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

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday to Friday Closed statutory holidays March 18, 2021

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‘A wonderful roller coaster ride’

Thursday, March 18, 2021 • A3

WHEN COVID-19 HIT, ARTIST SIMON DANIEL JAMES LOST ALL OF HIS JOBS, BUT THEN TWO OF HIS BIGGEST COMMISSIONS EVER CAME THROUGH, ALL IN THE SAME YEAR

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor

It was March 15, 2020 when the schools closed and all of the jobs artist Simon Daniel James (Winadzi) had lined up fell through.

“I went into panic mode,” he said. “I was desperate.”

Luckily, the Kwakwaka’wakw artist – who has lived on Bowen since 2007 – had one major job come through: panels for the exterior of a low income housing building in Gibsons. “It’s a feel good project for me,” he said. The panels depict the creation story of Raven releasing the sun.

While working on the panels last summer, James got a call from a friend saying there’s this client building a house on a neighbouring island and the client wants him to carve something. “I honestly thought it was going to be a mask or a panel or something small.” The commission wasn’t small. “Two totem poles, side by side, with a beam that goes across. Twenty feet high and 24 feet wide.

“I was so excited.”

The Gibsons panel project was the largest commission of James’ art life – this was the second largest. “Both of them in the same year,” said James. “And I never turn down a job, I just figure it out.”

James hired some family who were unemployed due to the pandemic and they went to work starting last September.

His immediate family was also fully involved. “My wife and my stepmom started peeling logs with me and my children were sweeping up every day and filling up bags,” said James. For sustainability reasons, the logs are second growth.

While James’ eight-year-old daughter is happy to run around helping – she wants to be an artist – his 10-year-old son however is a negotiator. James wound up paying his kids $7.50 an hour to help out, the price of an ice cream at USSC Marina. “It’s just such a feel good project because my whole family is involved,” he said.

“It was just an amazing thing to happen.”

But then James’ health started going downhill. He burst a tendon in his leg and then about two months later, he was sitting at home after

PHOTO COURTESY OF SIMON DANIEL JAMES

Simon Daniel James’ panels in Gibsons show the creation story of Raven releasing the sun.

making breakfast for his children when the room started to spin. “It felt like I was being flushed down the toilet in the middle of the room.

“I spoke at the United Nations, I speak in public, I’m a storyteller and I was having difficulty calling 911 and telling them who I am, where I am and what’s going on,” said James. He was diagnosed with vertigo, likely from all the stress.

“But I had to keep going. I had to keep my family employed. I had to PHOTO COURTESY OF SIMON DANIEL JAMES keep the bills paid. I had to keep my children going,” he said. “My wife, The birds of the totem poles as they were she stepped up so big and supported me through all of this. being moved. James’ family moved from “It’s been a wonderful roller coaster ride.”

The panels are mid-installation in Gibsons and James hopes he’s the Cove to the west side of the island about three weeks away from completing the totem poles (“It’s diffi- this month and, as they weren’t quite done, the poles had to move too. cult to paint when it’s three degrees!”)

The totem poles’ story comes from James’ ancestors – it’s a story his father told him.

“The beam represents a serpent and this transformer – I just decided to do it in a serpent way – came to one of my ancestors, and said, ‘I know who you are,’ and told him his name.

[The ancestor] said, ‘Well, I’ll take your word for it, because I don’t know who I am. I woke up this Bowen Island morning not knowing.’

Garden Club Presents And the transformer came to him and pointed his finger at his forehead and shot a lightning bolt Everything You right through his skull. This man turned around Need to Know about and pointed at the transformer and did the same Apples with Harry thing – returned the favour.

And then the transformer said ‘You are the man Burton of Apple that I’m looking for.’

Luscious Organic And four times the transformer came back. And Orchard [the ancestor] was sitting there still. He burned his body in a fire, he drowned him in the ocean, and on Harry Burton is the owner of Apple Luscious Organic the fourth time he came, he said, ‘you are definitely Orchard on Salt Spring Island. He is dedicated to the man I’ve been looking for.’ And so he brought growing healthy apple trees organically, without spray of him a canoe filled with treasures and wrapped any kind. His love of red fleshed apples has grown into around the canoe was a design of a serpent. A douan orchard of hundreds of trees. Harry’s orchard ble headed serpent. And he told him, ‘All you have is a learning tool open to the public and he is delighted to do is think about where you want to go, touch to share his knowledge with our garden club. In this the paddle to the water and be transported there presentation he will discuss the why and how of immediately.’” scion grafting of apple trees including a whip/tongue The design depicts that story. The 24-foot beam grafting demonstration. with the spiral totem poles on either side – an eagle on one side, a raven on the other. “Because it’s a This Zoom presentation is available to all BIGC members transformer – he transformed into different creaMarch 22, 7pm tures.”

Not a member? Go to bowenislandgardenclub.ca and “In this little story, he transforms into an eagle, a click on Membership. raven, a bear and a wolf, and then transforms back into serpents again at the bottom.”

The serpents spiral in different directions and at Everything You Need to Know the bottom face one another “kind of as guardians to the entrance of this house.” about Apples “And I just wanted to make the client feel safe by Zoom at 7pm on Monday March 22 having guardians, so that’s what this is.”

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A4 • Thursday, March 18, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

VIEWPOINTS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

‘War against nature’

DEAR EDITOR: I am deeply concerned by a pattern of municipal undertakings which have the appearance of an aggressive war against nature. It emerged recently with the utterly unnecessary felling of the old growth Douglas fir on the fire hall site, something which had been explicitly marked and promised for retention.

Now clearing is under way for the trail along Grafton Road. Just who thought it would be a grand idea to do this, when there is a perfectly good trail on the other side of the road that meanders through the woods, at least somewhat beyond Carter Road?

The scale of work, with large machinery, creating an oversize footprint along a steep slope with no apparent regard for hydrology or land slippage, is completely out of proportion to the intended result. Again, large well-established trees have been removed, reducing the grove between Artisan Lane and Grafton to a mere fringe. It is easy to imagine now a row of buildings along that area with the complete removal of any trees left behind.

Something seems more than amiss. There is almost no corporate memory going back to our incorporation, 21 years ago.

The ‘preserve and protect’ mantra of the Islands Trust has been subsumed to other values. With property values up 34.4 per cent in one year, and a giddy turnover of properties, we are rapidly becoming a combo of Whistler and West Vancouver Lite. It is interesting to me that some people bitterly complain about the Islands Trust cost, but are not so concerned that the salaries of our CAO/CFO combined come in at around $400,000 if one includes corporate benefits.

We still do not have a comprehensive suite of land regulatory bylaws including hazardous slope, environmental site assessments or forest retention. No move has been made to guide large lot subdivisions such as what happened on Sunset or Cape Roger Curtis. Though having nice ten-acre acreages is pretty desirable, our recent history is this land use is unstable, with applicants coming back with more ‘kicks at the can.’

I am pleased to hear that a site alteration bylaw is in the works but only last week council pretty much rejected any consideration of a foreshore protection development permit area. As a community, we are currently far more focussed on building new facilities than tending to the backlog of undone legislation, including a much needed updating of our Land Use Bylaw, which still equates a studio apartment with a sprawling residence.

For a year there have been suspended public programs.

Library hours are way cut back, there is no front desk service at Municipal Hall but there have not been commensurate furloughs. To the contrary, BIM is actively hiring, from a planning clerk to emergency and HR personnel. It is easy to imagine that the community centre might be reconfigured to accommodate yet more municipal workers at the expense of public spaces.

It is time to take a deep breath, and closer align the public sentiments around preserving our island ambience with the myriad new developments and projects either in process or within the near horizon.

Peter Frinton Retired local/regional politician

EDITORIAL

Who hasn’t left the island in a year?

Thank you to everyone who wrote in letters to the editor this week. My goal every week is to include everyone and anyone who wants to write into the Undercurrent (sometimes it takes some creativity with space and editing). This paper can and should be a forum for (moderated) discussion. So thank you to our contributors for enlivening these pages.

Now, next week is our pandemic anniversary edition. We’re a bit behind the trend (island time?) but as the first on-island mass vaccina-

tions take place Friday (for the over 80 crowd) it’s important to commemorate the past year.

So we invite anyone (everyone!) to write in about their experiences. For example, Rosemary Knight hasn’t left the island once all year and she wants to know if she’s the only one (is she?)

Another reader wonders what advice would you give your pre-pandemic self (besides load up on toilet paper and buy Zoom stocks)?

Who have you lost and who have you found this year? What’s it like

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.

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moving to Bowen during a pandemic? What’s it like starting a business during a pandemic?

Email submissions (of anywhere between 5 and 300 words) on any pandemic topic to editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com by March 22 at 5 p.m.

Also, this will hopefully be among our last “COVID information” papers – if there’s information you’d like to see in this edition, please let me know by email or by calling 604-314-3004.

Bronwyn Beairsto, editor

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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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

No rural commercial rezoning in the picture: cidery applicants DEAR EDITOR: We’re writing in response to the two letters to the editor published in the March 11 edition of the Undercurrent.

We are the owners of the property and the proposed cidery.

We have been involved in this project for nearly three and a half years. Our goal all along has been to preserve the incredible heritage orchard that John and Josephine have established over a period of nearly 30 years. We spent two years working with the previous owners learning the proper care for the orchard before it was transitioned to us.

This takes a significant amount of time and money and the cidery is our way to support this.

We have two goals with the cidery, to support community and to promote biodiversity.

We applied for a temporary use permit for the cidery, not a rezoning, that will allow us to use fruit from other orchards.

One of the letters to the editor references a rezoning to rural commercial, we are not doing this. The other letter mentions tourist commercial and a specific OCP reference to the term “destination attraction.” This is a very narrow and selective reading of the OCP. We are not seeking a tourist commercial zoning. Rural residential zoning, which we are, allows for several commercial uses – these include agriculture, horticulture, domestic agriculture, stable, kennel, home occupation, portable saw mill, mini storage, accessory residential use and residential guest accommodation. These lots are not purely residential. We feel it’s important to clarify this misinformation.

Rob Purdy and Christine Hardie

TUP application process ‘inherently flawed’

DEAR EDITOR: We have lived on Westside Road for almost 30 years and are firmly opposed to the current TUP application to allow for a cidery at 620 Laura Road.

We encourage Bowen residents to go to the March 22 council meeting agenda on the municipal website and review submissions made by us and our neighbours so that they may understand the depth of our concerns. We sincerely hope that mayor and council will also carefully read these submissions.

The TUP application process is inherently flawed in cases of this nature – allowing minimal time for consideration of applications, notification of affected neighbours, response from affected parties, and final consideration of the application. In addition, there seems to be no requirement for any of the rigorous environmental reports and assessments that would be required in any rezoning application process and no provision

to demand that any of this oversight takes place before the application is considered by council.

The TUP applicants have indicated that they plan to apply for rezoning in the future. We feel strongly that council should reject their application for a TUP, as the applicants’ desired use of their property under the proposed TUP is anything but temporary. A full rezoning application process would allow sufficient time for all relevant information to be presented to the public, and would allow for a full consideration of such rezoning in the context of a public hearing.

While a cidery on Bowen may be a desired feature, the suggested location on Laura Road flies in the face of OCP objectives and policies and presents a number of severe potential environmental impacts. This is not the appropriate location for a commercial manufacturing enterprise of this nature.

Margaret Underhill and Brian Buckingham

Cidery would be a welcome addition to the island DEAR EDITOR: I’m writing in response to letters opposing the temporary use permit application for a cidery on Bowen. I was surprised to see this opposition. A cidery sounds like a very Bowen kind of business to me. My wife and I have visited a number of cideries around the province, and they have all been quiet, pleasant places to spend a little time and sample (and often buy) some local products.

That there is alcohol in cider is somewhat inconsequential.

I’ve never seen anyone looking tipsy, let alone drunk, at a cidery. In my experience, people who drink to excess generally aren’t seeking out apple cider. And to refer to these cideries as “destination attractions” would be more than a little misleading. These are generally small family-run businesses. We visited them because we were already in the area.

I had a look at the BIM staff briefing notes on the muni’s website. It includes options for council to limit hours and future expansion of the business. And the staff included the following definition regarding the acceptable use of the property (edited by me for brevity, but available in full on the muni website):

“AGRICULTURE” means the use of land, buildings or structures for the growing, rearing, producing or harvesting of crops…and includes the processing and sale of products harvested, reared, or produced on that lot…but excludes intensive agriculture, horticulture and vineyard.

Many farms on Bowen sell their products. Alderwood Farm is perhaps the best example of how a farm-based business can be done very well in a rural residential area. And, of course, it isn’t possible to put an orchard and cidery in the Cove or Artisan Square.

The argument that the previous owners of the property would not approve of a cidery is surprising. I doubt any of us would govern the use of our homes based on whether the previous owner might disapprove. And it’s hard to believe that anyone would sell an apple orchard without considering that the buyer might someday want to make cider.

I hope council can solve any legitimate concerns of the property’s neighbours with regard to traffic and hours of operation and then approve this application. A cidery would be a welcome addition to the island.

Terence McKeown

Crying need for cottage businesses outside the Cove

DEAR EDITOR: We are in support of the cidery temporary use permit. We are at a loss to understand the opposition for at least the “temporary use.” What is the long-term risk when embracing the use on a conservative, gradual basis? Our community has a crying need for novel, natural cottage-type businesses in locations other than in the Cove or Artisan Square.

Having had the pleasure of touring John and Josephine Riley’s unique apple orchard on many occasions we are very familiar with the property and location. We consider an apple cidery a natural and environmentally safe extension of the present use of the property. The use gives the property owner all the more reason to retain the apple orchard with the same love, care and attention as did the orchard creators. What a wonderful complement to Applefest when life returns to normal.

Just as many communities have cottage businesses located outside their commercial cores, there is no reason why Bowen should be afraid to embrace this natural business extension, at least on a temporary basis.

We see little difference between the property owners opening their property for a tour of their unique apple orchard, which John and Josephine often did, or an apple cidery. An attraction such as the one in question, on the far side of the island, is a wholesome reason for locals and tourists alike to venture to the other side. What a great destination for cyclists.

The subject use is environmentally friendly and certainly not offensive by any reasonable assessment. As to the concern for traffic and parking on Laura Road, I think that is a concern without merit as we recall the property being large enough for ample on-site parking. The road impact should be minimal as to activity, noise, safety and parking.

The Bowen Island Brewery was wonderful and a source of community pride, while it lasted at Artisan Square while the winery at Larry and Elena’s the Orchard was a great idea but “hardly got off the vine.” So, long live the Bowen Island Apple Cidery. Let’s give this family business a reasonable chance to succeed and find a second great use for their apples.

Bruce and Dorene Russell

Thursday, March 18, 2021 • A5

TUP not the right process for adding a cidery on Laura Rd.

DEAR EDITOR: I wish to express my opposition to the issuance of a temporary use permit for the proposed cidery at 620 Laura Road.

My opposition is not to the idea of a cidery on Bowen – which may be a good addition to the economy of our island, after a full consideration of the proper location for such an industry. That full consideration is through a rezoning application, not by using the temporary use permit application which is basically doing an end run around the required steps for a rezoning.

Various dictionaries define “temporary” as: “lasting for only a limited period of time; not permanent,” “not lasting or needed for very long,” “lasting for a limited time.” What the cidery applicants are proposing is hardly a temporary use. They state themselves they intend to apply for rezoning, once the permit expires after three years. The steps for both the TUP and the rezoning applications are described in flow charts on the BIM website: nine steps for a rezoning, five steps for a TUP, with much less opportunity in a TUP application for public input. One costs $850; the other costs $4,000, which is possibly why the applicants are choosing the TUP route.

Given the impact this proposed cidery could have on this location, with respect to customer traffic, excess noise (open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.) and a complete change from the Rural Residential type zoning existing in the neighbourhood, I urge council to reject the TUP and to tell the applicants that the rezoning process is the way to go. This is the only way the public can obtain all the information about such a proposal and for the public to have sufficient opportunity to comment on the proposed rezoning.

TUPs are intended for temporary use, not as a trial run for a rezoning, and then becoming a fait accompli.

Nor should they be used to embed a new definition – i.e. that of a “cidery” in what is likely to then become at a later date the definition for the Land Use Bylaw.

There are no wineries or cideries allowed on Bowen Island at the moment. Perhaps they should be allowed as an adjunct to agricultural land. But the place for this debate is in an amendment to the Land Use Bylaw, i.e. through a rezoning application that then allows for a public hearing and full opportunity for public input, which is not part of the TUP process.

Nerys Poole

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A6 • Thursday, March 18, 2021

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In this bi-weekly workshop, we will explore the nature of dreams from a variety of perspectives including but not limited to: • Contemporary scientific research on dreaming • Lucid dreaming and dream yoga • Dream interpretation/analysis Due to the intimate nature of what will be shared in these groups, applicants will be screened for suitability.

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DEAR EDITOR: I write to comment on the March 8 BIM council discussion of a recommendation from the Parks Trails and Greenways Advisory Committee (PTGAC) about the possibility of creating a development permit area to protect Bowen’s coastal areas.

There is a lot to unpack.

Let’s start with the positives.

It was heartening to learn that ecosystem protection and identifying tools to protect ecosystems are being considered for the next Island Plan. A shoreline DPA fits these aspirations perfectly.

Kudos to Coun. Rob Wynen for recognizing the validity of the process of the recommendation coming from the PTGAC. Kudos also, for recognizing that Bowen’s shorelines are part of the system of coastal greenways of Howe Sound – that our decisions do not just have consequences for the environment of Bowen but to the larger environment.

Of course, thanks to Coun. Sue Ellen Fast – whom I sometimes forget because I do not doubt her prioritizing and defending our natural assets – keep up the good work.

To those who stop her on the trails asking her why she isn’t “saving the trees,” I would say your complaints are directed at the wrong councillor.

Ok, Kumbaya time is over as this discussion was deeply disturbing on many levels.

Not for the first time, the mayor disrespected the PTGAC with allegations of acting outside of their terms of reference, of not knowing their business. This recommendation is within the ToR and it must be remembered that council asked for it. Council asked

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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

staff. The recommendation states, as do all such recommendations from advisory committees state, that “Council direct staff.” It is always up to council to direct staff. It is up to council to support or deny a committee’s recommendation.

Coun. Nicholson also contends that the committee was aware of an irregularity at what it was doing. I would agree, although I believe the irregularity was not in the legitimacy of the recommendation but in its reception and in a lack of understanding from some council members as to what constitutes a legitimate recommendation.

These members showed real courage at moving forward with something they strongly believe in, even in the face of certain ridicule and disdain. These people should be commended Finally, concerns regarding staff time. This is a completely legitimate concern. As a former muni employee, I know how overworked and under-supported some departments are. Further, as the former chair of the PTGAC, I can guarantee that an informal discussion about staff time, along with knowledge that the upcoming Island Plan would likely address this issue would have avoided this unsavory episode.

Use these knowledgeable and passionate people to alleviate the demands on staff. There was talk of researching the shoreline protection tools of other jurisdictions, use them. Treat those on the PTGAC with a little regard, faith and a semblance of respect and council will find a knowledgeable and realistic group willing to work together. That would be leadership.

Mark Edmonds Former chair, PTGAC

Queen of Capilano Ferry Schedule October 13 to May 15 2021 DEPART BOWEN ISLAND DEPART HORSESHOE BAY

ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

CATES HILL CHAPEL

the PTGAC to comment on the 1710 Cape Drive development variance permit issue, where damage within the 30-metre setback from the sea had already occurred. Perhaps it would be helpful for the mayor to offer his reasons as to why he thinks this recommendation is outside the ToR of the PTGAC. That would be much more constructive than disrespecting the members of the PTGAC in a public forum. That would be leadership.

Even more concerning is the mayor’s continued contention that the 30-metre setback to the sea is protection. This shows an ignorance. This setback only applies to buildings. It does nothing to prevent alteration and damage to the shoreline – as the community planner and other members of staff, members of the PTGAC and other councillors have repeatedly pointed out. To quote the community planner at the Nov. 23 council meeting regarding the 1710 Cape Drive issue – “…the proposed building site has already been blasted, cleared, and graded…this is all done without any need for permits…”

Finally, the mayor “doesn’t see the urgency.” We are in a climate crisis and part of the climate crisis is the loss of species and critical habitat. Bowen’s coastal greenways are rare and critical habitat. That in and of itself is cause for urgency. That we are continually losing our shoreline greenways makes the matter even more urgent because once gone, we do not get them back.

Next, I’d like to address a couple of comments from Coun. Maureen Nicholson.

First was the concern with the process. Presumably, Coun. Nicholson believes the PTGAC was trying to direct

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

LETTER:Tense times at theTrust

DEAR EDITOR: Thankfully, the three-day Zoom meeting for all 26 Islands Trust trustees – who waded through a meeting package of more than 900 pages – is behind us. Three full days of Zoom meetings is enough to create tension in and of itself; nevertheless, on day two the temperature level rose noticeably.

What could cause such tension? The issue was the “independent consultants review of Islands Trust governance, management and operations.”

To give some background: a group of eight or so trustees in September 2020 decided the best approach given their numerous and different concerns, combined with a genuine wish to see the Islands Trust improved to better achieve its mandate, was to have the Trust conduct a totally impartial review.

The concept had been agreed a year earlier with the review to be done by the Auditor General of Local Government. This review did not take place given that office was disbanded.

The group worked from September 2020 to present their proposal in the form of a formal motion last December. The

Trustees endorsed the motion 14 votes to 12.

However, sometimes things do not always run to plan – and a move arose to “defund” this review by those opposed at last week’s Trustees meeting.

The pro-reviewers rallied to the challenge, fighting back. Firstly, they had to confront an attempt to have the review removed from the Strategic Plan, which was followed by a recommendation from the Finance Committee to have the necessary $75,000 funding removed. Tense times prevailed as battle lines were drawn, arguments and counterarguments presented. High noon at the Trust corral!

In the end, with thanks to my fellow Trustees, we voted to approve this review, this time with a more substantial and irrefutable majority. So, I am delighted to report that we will now proceed. To quote (with his permission) Trustee colleague Cameron Thorn from South Pender Island – “Let in the light.”

More to follow on a budget that this year will see the Islands Trust receive $311,188 in Bowen Island taxes.

Michael Kaile, Bowen Island Islands Trustee

Thank you for supporting Matt Laudrum Thank you supportive friends, family and the Bowen Island community for your kindness and generosity of spirit these past five months. Thank you for donating to the Help Matt Laudrum Fight Brain Cancer Fund.

It has been challenging. Matt started his second round of new chemo treatments several weeks ago and is very fatigued and experiences seizures. Bills and expenses keep piling up and this can cause a lot of unneeded stress for Matt. Your generosity helps immensely and allows Matt to concentrate on beating this. He is truly

blessed, and the security and comfort you are extending to Matt has been amazing.

He feels love and profound appreciation.

Prayers are much now needed for pain relief and Matt’s healing.

Thank you for wanting to help Matt pull through this and beat brain cancer. Donations are still accepted on the Gofundme page https://gofund. me/357a5e39 or at the First Credit Union where Matt has an account.

We are grateful, blessed, together.

Basia & Paul Lieske

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, March 18, 2021 • A7

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A8 • Thursday, March 18, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

A family that trains together, stays together

SWIMBOWEN IS A FAMILY AFFAIR FOR DAXTON, SCOTT & ROYCE MERIBETH DEEN

SwimBowen

In the spring of 2019, SwimBowen received registrations from two sons and a father.

Event organizers were intrigued: there must be a story there, they thought. Sure enough, there was.

Daxton Curry is the older brother and as a Bowen Island resident he was the one who brought up the idea of participating in SwimBowen. Daxton and his siblings swam competitively at the local YMCA as kids. As he tells it, his younger siblings Scott and Samantha were more competitive than he was. As a teenager, their dad, Royce, was the provincial swim champion in the province of Bay of Plenty, in New Zealand.

Royce’s brother took his swimming career to Oregon State University, and went on to become an elite swimming coach himself - eventually acting as the head of development for the Canadian Olympic

Swimming Team.

Competition is obviously a strong thread in the Curry family’s story. It is almost as strong as swimming. These days, however, the thing that really stands out about the Curry clan is how they support one another to stay fit and keep laughing.

After a decades-long break from any kind of competitive swimming, Scott started competing in triathlons.

“I started swimming about 20k per week when I started doing triathlons,” says Scott. “I also started running, and racing, as part of my training regime. I would run a 10k or a half marathon almost every week, and I encouraged my Dad to join me, even if he just wanted to walk the race. I figured I could help him get back in shape and we could spend time together, maybe grab a beer together afterwards.”

Before long, Royce started setting goals for himself.

“Dad needed a pacer,” says

Scott. “That became Daxton’s job.”

Royce, Daxton and Scott trained together. As a trio, they entered eleven half-marathons.

“Scott would be suggesting crazy things like warming up for a race by running a quick 5k,” says Daxton. “Meanwhile Dad and I were making plans to sneak off for brunch.”

And while Daxton’s official job was to be his dad’s pacer, the two ended up keeping one another motivated.

“One race I’d be struggling to finish and the next Dad would feel like he didn’t have enough,” says Daxton. “But we’d always fuel each other just enough to get over the finish line. I’d say we went fast enough to break a sweat, but slow enough that he could provide me with life advice along the way.”

When Daxton suggested they participate in SwimBowen, Scott said “yes” right away. Royce did not join the first year (2018), but did take the leap in 2019. When

DAXTON CURRY PHOTO

Daxton Curry (left) with his brother, Scott, and father, Royce, after completing the Tough Mudder event in Whistler.

he did, Royce was shocked by the temperature of the water, but still managed to complete the event.

“By the time Dad and I finished,” recalls Daxton, looking back on the 2019 race. “They were handing out prizes to the winners.”

Royce, Daxton and Scott were all disappointed to not be able to participate in SwimBowen the summer of 2020. The pandemic has shifted their ability to train together, but they’re doing the best they can on their own.

Scott is finding creative ways to stay in shape so that he can participate in the Boston Marathon, the Ironman Canada event and

Ironman International events - which he’s hoping will happen this summer. Daxton’s goal is to get up and down Mount Gardiner in an afternoon, so that he can pick up his daughters from school.

Meanwhile, Royce enjoys running through Porpoise Bay Park near his home on the Sunshine Coast.

“When you’re in your 80s, it is important to stay fit,” says Royce.

“And a healthy lifestyle is something I always worked hard to impart upon my kids. That, and supporting others.”

It seems he’s succeeded.

Royce Curry will turn 82 in May.

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, March 18, 2021 • A9

HAIG FARRIS PHOTO

OPINION

It’s time to vanquish holly ROSS BEATY

Contributor

I have recently developed a weird obsession: a hatred of holly. Nearly everywhere I hike on Bowen Island these days, I see holly trees and bushes. This invasive plant is becoming a serious menace to our island’s botanical endowment. It doesn’t belong here, and it needs to be eradicated!

English Holly was originally brought to Bowen Island by settlers for its jolly red berries and bright green leaves – so perfect for Christmas wreaths and decorations.

But its dark side is little known. It spreads easily when birds eat the berries and cast seed-infested droppings far and wide. It also propagates through its roots, creating holly thickets from an original plant and outcompeting many other native species. It’s a water hog, preventing native plants from hydrating especially in summer. It’s inedible to deer and other forest animals because of its prickly leaves and toxic berries. It’s evergreen so grows year-round in Bowen’s temperate climate, enabling its spread in all seasons. And its trees and bushes are impossible to penetrate by humans due to their prickles, while its berries cause vomiting and diarrhea when eaten, even death.

In short, even though it’s pretty to some,

English Holly is a nasty piece of botanical work that needs to be eliminated from Bowen or it will spread even further, crowding out native plants and making Bowen forests more and more inhospitable. And that’s why I can be seen on Bowen trails and byways pulling up smaller holly plants by their roots with my thick gloves, cutting holly saplings with my pruning shears and even sawing down larger holly trees with my handsaw and, gasp, chainsaw.

By the way, for those with fireplaces on Bowen, did you know that holly makes the very best firewood of all wood species? It’s the densest of all woods found in North America – even denser than hickory or maple – and so its heat capacity per dry volume is greater than all other wood varieties.

When fully dried, it burns hot, slowly and nearly smoke-free and its thin bark is so full of oil that it can even be lit without kindling or paper starter. Holly’s highest and greatest use is to be cut down and burnt.

Holly has no place on Bowen, along with Scotch broom, gorse and Himalayan blackberry. Okay, I give up on blackberry, it’s here for good but at least we can make jams and pies from the berries! Holly has overstayed its welcome – it’s time to get rid of it on Bowen. Please help me satisfy my obsession by aiding me in vanquishing it from our island!

Here are the February RCMP statistics CPL. ADAM KOEHLE

Bowen Island RCMP

The Bowen Island RCMP responded to 45 calls for service in February 2021; • 8 of those files were related to traffic complaints or enforcement; • 2 of those files were drivers licence suspensions for impaired driving; • 1 of those files was a request to check a person’s well being; • 4 of those files were reports of theft; 1 of those files was a request to assist • injured wildlife; • 2 of those files were reports of a telephone fraud.

As of late, there seems to have been an increase in the number of fraudulent or scam phone calls that people are receiving.

I personally receive several calls a day from someone claiming to be an employee of the CRA or Service Canada. The caller advises me that they will arrest me unless I send them money and then they ask for my name.

This seems strange, so I tend to engage the caller in conversation about music, popular culture, geography, the anatomy of certain

animals, whatever I find interesting at that moment. After several minutes, they tend to hang up. To date, no one from the CRA or Service Canada has come to arrest me.

If you receive a call from someone claiming to be with the CRA, Service Canada, or any other government organization, and they threaten to arrest you, please don’t give them access to your banking information and don’t provide them with any of your personal information. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be your grandchild or a casual acquaintance, and they tell you they’re in trouble, please don’t send them any money or bitcoin. Don’t open emails from people that you don’t know, and don’t download anything unless you’re certain of its origin. If you receive these types of calls or emails please take down the phone number or email address and report the issue to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or toll free at 1-888-495-8501. If you ever have concerns about calls or emails you receive, you can also contact the RCMP at 604-947-0516 to confirm their validity.

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A10 • Thursday, March 18, 2021

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

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bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, March 18, 2021 • A11

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ONGOING FEB. 25MARCH 22

You Are Here Art Show The Hearth, Thurs -Mon, 11 am-4 pm Original art works from the North Shore Culture Compass 2021 calendar. More: thehearthartsonbowen.ca

MARCH 11 TO 21

Catching Stars Gallery Featured Artist Katie Mainwaring Also artist in residence March 20

SATURDAY MARCH 20

For Garden Club members: Master gardener, author, and media celebrity Brian Minter

presents ‘What’s New in Edible Gardening’ Zoom 7 pm For more info or a membership visit bowenislandgardenclub.ca

MONDAY MARCH 22

BIM regular council meeting YouTube/Zoom 6:15 pm See the agenda at bimbc.ca For Garden Club members: Everything You Need to Know about Apples with Harry Burton of Apple Luscious Organic Orchard Zoom 7 pm For more

info or a membership visit bowenislandgardenclub.ca

WEDNESDAY MARCH 24

Storytime with Aubin Live on Zoom from the Bowen Island Public Library 10:30-11am Register at bipl.link/storytime

THURSDAY MARCH 25

Rotary Club talk: Emily van Lidth de Jeude Zoom 7:30 pm Check bowenrotary. com for Zoom invite. Emily van Lidthe de Jeude spent most of her childhood exploring the forests around her home, this led to a life long passion of connecting

to nature.Today as an artist, explorative learning consultant and lifelong environmentalist, Emily works to help others feel empowered and engaged in their own ecosystems. Emily will be speaking about the delights of foraging locally and finding your own food source.”

WEDNESDAY MARCH 31

Storytime with Aubin Live on Zoom from the Bowen Island Public Library 10:30-11:00 am Register at bipl.link/storytime

THURSDAY APRIL 1

TOTI Presents: A Day of Fools

YouTube and Zoom Webinar 7:30 pm “We’re bringing back the court jesters, the commedia characters and the class clown for a special night of tomfoolery.”

TUESDAY MAY 4

TOTI Presents: A New Hope by William Shakespeare YouTube and Zoom Webinar 7:30 pm What if the bard had written Star Wars? A Star Wars Day special And, why cook in pandemic when there’s Bowen take-out eats and drinks for every day of the week!

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A12 • Thursday, March 18, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Get to know your neighbour

Fill the ferry lineup gap or don’t fill the gap? I just filled a gap just prior to your call.

But I wouldn’t do it if I thought there was going to be an overload. I am cognizant of that but I am a gap filler.

NEXT UP IN OUR NEW Q&A SERIES: DOUG LEISHMAN

For our weekly Q&A series with a randomly selected Bowen Islanders we spoke with Doug Leishman: When did you come to Bowen? I purchased my house in ’03 and was here for two years part-time, just on the weekends. I came permanently in mid-’05.

How did you come to be on Bowen? I’d been in Vancouver about 13 years or so and had been looking around for a weekend place. I’d checked out Vancouver Island, east and west, Sunshine Coast and I was familiar with Okanagan. I came over here with a friend who was visiting her aunt in Bowen Court. Because she’d been with me looking at some of these other places,

PHOTO COURTESY OF DOUG LEISHMAN

she said, ‘Why don’t you just look around Bowen Island?’ It was a May long weekend.

And it was just gorgeous. I drove around and started looking at places not going in – I had the MLS listings. I realized it was the same price range as Sunshine Coast or even Vancouver Island. Plus, I’m a geologist.

There’s a lot of geologists here.

The next question is where on Bowen do you live? Cates Hill

What’s your favourite Bowen fact or story?

I’ve had a number of dogs. My last dog just passed away a few months ago. But one of my other dogs, Bo, he was advanced in age and he was getting a little mixed up.

Every now and then he’d wander off and at different times I had people call me – he’s in Artisan square, or down in the Cove with the baker or something like that. But one day, he disappeared. And I walked into the municipal hall. I said, ‘Have you seen a golden retriever in here?’ And one of the women said, ‘We saw a dog – a dog just walked down the hall.’ She pointed me just down the hall to the left. So I walked down and ended up in the bylaw officer’s office and there was Bo asleep under the desk.

I also like Bowen just because I can walk out the door and breathe fresh air. I have a beautiful view. And I can get coffee early in

the morning and talk to people if I wish and if I don’t wish I could just wander off into the forest.

What’s a Bowen Islander? When I first moved here, I did sort of take some of the politics kind of seriously. And I did have a couple of letters to the editor where I took sides in certain issues. Which I think a lot of early Bowen Islanders might. But then after a while, the last couple of years, I just said to [heck] with it. I’m just going to live here and just ignore all the noise around me.

What’s your favourite COVID-19 balm or activity? I miss travelling to a certain extent but the longer the pandemic goes on, the less time I spend in town and I’m just comfortable on Bowen Island. I know that there’ll be some tremendous changes over the next year or so but I have a few friends and we have suppers together every now and then. I’m pretty fortunate. I’m quite content to stay at home reading. I read a lot.

I read a lot more related to current affairs as opposed to books.

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APPOINTMENT BOOKINGS Call the VCH vaccine appointment booking line at 1-877-587-5767 based on your age group.

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