Bowen Island Undercurrent July 15 2021

Fire ban in effect: no beach fires, no camp fires

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BOWFEST? Volunteers need help to make the festival happen

$1.50

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Thursday, July 15, 2021 • A1 inc.

GST

THURSDAY, JULY 15 , 2021

FOR THE REEFS

VOL. 47 NO.29

BIUndercurrent

BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

A Vancouverite is swimming around all the Howe Sound islands PAGE 6

Rezoning pot CHANGES TO POT SALE REGS, LOCK-BLOCK WALL ART AWARDED

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

quate consultation with communities and First Nations, overreaching jurisdiction, prescriptive language, format, and more. A petition of more than 700 signatures called for a pause in the process.

The following are briefs from the Bowen Island Municipality regular council meeting July 12: Cannabis capacity: Back in 2018, in anticipation of the legalization of cannabis in Canada, Bowen Island Municipality imposed an island-wide prohibition on cannabis retail. The idea was that dispensaries – like Happy Isle Cannabis Company – could get temporary use permits and rezonings to allow their specific existences. Now that Happy Isle (opened under a TUP in 2019) is applying for a rezoning, council is considering removing the outright prohibition, instead allowing cannabis retail in zones that list “retail” as a principal use (there are eight such zones on Bowen). This wouldn’t mean pot could be sold just anywhere. Any dispensary needs licensing from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (which has its own regulations) and LCRB can only give a licence if the local government gives the store a positive recommendation.

BIM is also looking at adopting a cannabis policy to guide how it would deal with such requests for recommendations (looking at proximity to schools, parks, other dispensaries and so on).

Council unanimously passed second reading of the bylaw and referred it to public hearing.

Community art: The future is decided for the ugliest stretch of Snug Cove.

Council awarded Sarah Haxby, Paula Love and Di the lock-block wall project – a mural over 16 panels to be installed on the stretch of painted concrete.

A proposal from the three experienced artists won out over 11 other submissions received in response to BIM’s May open call.

CONTINUED ON P. 9

CONTINUED ON. P3

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARIE NEYS

After a full year of creating art, both at the Hearth and via Zoom, the Tuesday Art Group (TAG) was able to kick off summer holidays (and summer hiatus) with lunch and a show and share. Pictured are (left to right) Shannon Rondeau, Greta Smith, Sylvia Shaw and Daphne Shaw. See more on p. 8

Trust policy statement deferred TRUST RESIDENTS CALL FOR MORE CONSULTATION

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

At its special council meeting July 8, Islands Trust Council put off first reading of its draft policy statement until

December.

The Trust-guiding document, adopted in 1994, is in the midst of a multiyear revision. The draft policy statement roused controversy within the member islands with questions of ade-

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A2 • Thursday, July 15, 2021

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We’re hiring: Island Community Planner

Events July 26, 2021 6:15 pm

Seeking Public Comment Council will be considering an application for a Development Variance Permit at its meeting on:

Bowen Island Municipality has a vacancy for an Island Community Planner. We’re looking for a dynamic, self-motivated professional to join our team. This is a permanent full-time position at 35 hours per week.

Regular Council Meeting

July 29, 2021 7:00 pm

Regular Council Meeting 6:15 PM on Monday, July 26, 2021 Online via Zoom

Reporting to the Manager of Planning & Development, you will:

Climate Conversation: Water Conservation Innovation

•

All meetings are online via Zoom and

•

open to the public, unless noted otherwise.

• • •

Identify and research issues related to the management of land use and the orderly development of Bowen Island.

Formulate policy and the preparation of regulations relative to the Official Community Plan and the Land Use Bylaw.

Process development applications and prepare development agreements, reports and bylaws relative to the Municipality’s planning policies.

Communicate with diverse audiences utilizing a variety of formats.

Provide excellent customer service to internal and external agencies and groups.

974 Windjammer (DVP-20210045) A Development Variance Permit application has been submitted for 974 Windjammer (shown on plan below) to reduce the required setback to the rear property line and the required setback to the sea. The owners wish to replace an existing house with a new house at the same location. The previous house was built prior to the current required setbacks.

You are a member in good standing with the Canadian Institute of Planners/Planning Institute of British Columbia, or eligible for membership; you hold a Degree in Land Use Planning, Urban Planning or a closely related field; and, you have a minimum of three years’ experience in municipal or regional planning.

A job description is available on our website at bowenislandmunicipality.ca/jobs We thank all applicants, but advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please submit your The application may be viewed on the municipal website at covering letter and resume via e-mail or mail by Thursday, bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning, or at Municipal Hall July 22, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. to:

Help stop COVID-19:

between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday (excluding statutory holidays).

Kat Stephens, Human Resources Coordinator Bowen Island Municipality 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 EMAIL: hr@bimbc.ca PHONE: 604-947-4255

Get vaccinated - everyone over 12 is eligible

Climate Conversation: Water Conservation Innovation Save the date! The next Climate Conversation is presented in collaboration with the Bowen Island Garden Club and will feature Bowen’s own Kim Stephens from the Partnership for Water Sustainability. Please join us for a conversation about water conservation innovation on:

Stay home if you’re sick

Consider wearing a mask in indoor public spaces

Thursday, July 29, 2021, 7:00pm – 8:30pm Online via Zoom

Contact Bowen Island Municipality PAID ADVERTISEMENT July 15, 2021

Phone: Fax: Email: Website:

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

Bowen Island Municipal Hall 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday to Friday Closed statutory holidays

Written submissions may be delivered to Bowen Island Municipality: • By email to mayorandcouncil@bimbc.ca • In person at Municipal Hall • By mail to 981 Artisan Lane • By fax to 604-947-0193 Verbal submissions may be made to Mayor and Council at the meeting. For instructions on how to submit comment, go to: bowenislandmunicipality.ca/council-meetings To ensure a fair process, submissions cannot be accepted once the meeting is underway and the Public Comment section of the meeting has concluded. Questions? Please contact Daniel Martin at 604-947-4255 ext 230 or dmartin@bimbc.ca.

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Writers’fest pens Bowen Barber its next chapter returns to her JACQUELINE MASSEY

Write on Bowen Committee

It’s back! After a 10-year hiatus, Write on Bowen, a festival for readers and writers, is returning to the island. In 2021, as we navigate through (hopefully) the final stages of the global pandemic, the twoday event offering live workshops and presentations will take place on August 7 and 8.

Aubin and David van Berckel have generously agreed to host the outdoor festival at their gorgeous property on Bowen. The organizers, the WOB committee in partnership with the Hearth and the Bowen Island Library, are planning a small-scale version presenting local authors, poets, playwrights, bloggers and other talented islanders, with plans to once again build the festival into an annual attraction.

On both Saturday and Sunday, participants are invited to sign-up for interactive writing workshops, choosing one from three different options each day, scheduled to run from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Then, from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., attendees enjoy a reception and presentation that includes (depending upon the afternoon): book readings, spoken word, poetry and theatrical performances.

The cost to attend the festival is $30 for one day or $50 for a twoday pass. Following government restrictions, attendance at the festival is limited to 30 people per day. A COVID-19 safety plan will be implemented as per orders of the Provincial Health Officer.

For the full line-up, and to register, please visit: writeonbowen. com Please note that the location of the festival features areas of uneven ground and is not wheelchair accessible.

For more information, please contact writeonbowen@gmail. com.

Help Bowfest 2021 SHEANA STEVENSON

Bowfest Committee

roots

SHEILA HUNTER TUBIC

Bowen Barber

Life is a winding road! It was a career change for me when I first opened the Barber Shop in 1997.

I sold the business to Barb Murphy in 2000 and moved to California, returning in 2001 to open the 4th and Alma Barber Shop. After three years at Alma, I married and settled in White Rock for 15 years with my husband and daughter. I continued barbering throughout this time at Frank’s Barber Shop at 11th and Granville.

I am so grateful to Jeanette Wrenshall for giving me the opportunity to purchase the Bowen Barber Shop. I wish her success and happiness in her new endeavour.

At the moment I am doing spring cleaning, painting and some redecorating. While get-

JOSIE FARRELL PHOTO

Sheila Hunter Tubic returns to the Bowen Barber Shop this month. ting the shop ready, it’s been so heartwarming and welcoming to see old familiar faces passing by. I want to let everyone know that, even though I am not taking appointments yet, the phone number for the Barber Shop has not changed: 947-2239. I will return your calls and texts as soon as possible to book your appointments, and look forward to serving you soon.

The target date for reopening is July 29.

Thank you, Bowen Island, for your patience and understanding during this month of July while we are closed, and I apologize for any inconvenience this might cause.

I want to thank you for your friendship and support, and can’t wait to open my doors at the end of the month.

Muni Morsels: Community planner, Emma Chow, leaving the municipality CONTINUED FROM P. 1

The winning entry sees a series of Bowen scenes: Howe Sound, Snug Cove, Mannion Bay, Collins’ Farm, Davies Orchard, the Meadow, Killarney Lake, Tunstall Bay and more.

While the artists will design the overall work, they propose “an interactive community-engagement artwork, with contributions from artists of all ages,” including a “paint-by-number” style background and unique individual elements (for example an orca of preschoolers’ hand prints).

“The goal is to create a welcoming and inviting entrance to Bowen Island that is naturebased as well as celebrating our local heritage, culture and community spirit,” said the proposal.

Thursday, July 15, 2021 • A3

A BIM staff report noted the quality of submissions to the open call and potential for more public art.

The lock-block wall beautification project did receive some community pushback over the durability and suitability of a mural over the wall.

Coun. Maureen Nicholson assured council that the durability was top of mind for the Public Art Advisory Committee (which issued the open call and selected the artwork) and the panels are made of the same material the province uses for highway signs.

The project budget is just under $20,000 with a $15,000 donation coming in from Sangre de Fruta Botanicals.

Centre out to tender: BIM CAO Liam Edwards made note

that the community centre project was sent out for tender in mid June and is set to close in coming weeks.

Goodbye Emma: Edwards also made note that community planner Emma Chow, who joined the municipality back in 2015, is leaving BIM next week.

“We’re going to miss Emma a lot,” said Edwards, noting the planner’s work on on-island transportation and the multiuse path.

“She was really very, very important in moving forward with so many of the transportation initiatives, including our transportation strategy,” said Coun. David Hocking.

“Congratulations on moving to a more senior position, and with City of North Van, that’s great, but very, very sad to lose her.”

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With B.C.’s Restart Plan in place, allowing outdoor fairs and festivals of up to 5,000 people, your volunteer Bowfest committee is reaching out to Bowen partners, sponsors and community members to offer a mini-Bowfest to the community on the usual date, Saturday, August 28.

It will be a different experience than previous Bowfests, but a fun, engaging and uplifting community event nonetheless!

Please stay tuned for more details…in the meantime, save the date and time (2 p.m. to 8 p.m.) as we work to solidify plans.

If you would like to join this fun-loving, productive and awesome volunteer committee, we are looking for a graphic designer/social media coordinator, stage assistant, and food/beverage coordinator immediately (yesterday). The pay is out of this world (extreme fun and gratitude)! Please contact bowfestonbowen@gmail. com or call 778-875-1727.

No new COVID-19 cases on Bowen For the 5,000-odd people of Bowen-Lions Bay area, BCCDC data shows that: • For the third week running, July 6 to July 12, the average daily case rate was zero; • 83 per cent of people 12+ have at least one vaccine dose as of July 12; • 84 per cent of people 18+ have at least one vaccine dose as of July 12; • 79 per cent of adults 18 to 49 have had one vaccine dose as of July 12; • 88 per cent of people 50 and over have at least one vaccine dose as of July 12.

There are no Bowen vaccination clinics listed on the VCH site.

A4 • Thursday, July 15, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

VIEWPOINTS EDITORIAL

Hello from the North

Two weeks ago today, I flew to the Yukon. I’ve been isolating up here (folks who don’t have both vaccine doses have to isolate upon arrival in the territory) while plugging away at the paper.

It’s been an interesting challenge, trying to be in the Bowen mindset while a whole host of other problems (notably a huge COVID-19 outbreak and record flooding) plague the territory.

On the other hand, one locale gets to be the escape from the other. It’s funny, in a 2021 kind of way.

I’ll be back in August after spending some time with my family. (They’ll be quite glad to send me South by that point.)

But, I’m in full Bowen mode in the week ahead as next week is our annual July island-wide villagers and cottagers edition.

I have some fun stories up my sleeve (and some not so fun stories) and if anyone has stories, letters, photos they’d like to share in what’s sure to be a jam-packed edition, please send them in before Monday (July 19.)

We have some islanders leaving, or who have left already, so if folks have goodbye (or hello!) notes they’d like to send in, please do so: editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com.

Bronwyn Beairsto, editor

Paying it forward from a late-night stranded hitchhiker

A water taxi sped by the last ferry of the night before Canada Day, slowly landing at Snug Cove. I hesitated, and stopped for a person hoping for a ride. To Bluewater? Sorry I am off to Miller’s Landing. A hundred bucks? Sorry not interested, I want to go home. Ready to drive away, in the mirror, all darkness.

Last car off. OK, no problem. I phoned home. Yes, off for a midnight drive. I learned that Cameron, is into high-tech and drones. Really little drones I asked, or…Really big ones he replied, Big enough to lift a truck. But, sadly no drone available that late night for pick-up and drop-off at Bluewater. More discussion of interest, and suddenly we arrived at Malkin Creek. In the darkness of the car Cameron stuffed a few bills in my hand, and insisted. Absolutely not, it is my pleasure, I do not need, or want money. You make me feel bad. Some people absolutely do insist. Driving back, I stopped at Bowen Beach. Shoot, five banking-machine-fresh twenty dollar bills straight out of the wall. My hitchhiker missed the last ferry, found parking, ran to a banking machine, to a taxi on water, and then hoped for one on land. What to do with money both of us did not want?

Arriving at Millers Landing, I decided to donate Cameron bills at our neighbours, the Butlers, for the Rotary Run for Rwanda 2021, happening this summer right on Bowen Island, Saturday August 27. Try 5 km, or loop twice for the full 10 km. Run all out, jog a little, or whistle and walk. From the ferry dock to Killarney Lake and back. I expect that both Cameron and I are now content with the destination of the five 20-dollar bills. To run, jog, whistle, or just to donate: komeracanada.ca Frits de Vries

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Using tax dollars to demolish Cottage #12 DEAR EDITOR: The July 1 Undercurrent reported that Metro Parks intends to demolish Cottage#12 in the Davies Orchard.

Since 2018 four of the last ten surviving cottages have already gone and now another one.

For decades countless individuals and groups have tried to work with Metro Parks, formerly GVRD, to protect the last vestiges of the Union Steamships’ vast hotel, picnic sites and cottage park – Bowen Island’s once glorious past as Vancouver’s summer and weekend paradise.

In 2018, the Bowen Island Heritage Preservation Association collected more than 560 signatures

on a petition to Metro to save the Cottages and 27 trades people signed up to offer their time and expertise as their donation to this rescue mission.

Metro voted it down and our own council has ignored the Heritage Commission – it’s own creation Metro’s method is to let the cottages rot until they are declared beyond repair.

The very governmental bodies, our municipal council and Metro, which should be the custodians of our common heritage are betraying us.

To add insult to injury: with our tax dollars!

HC Behm

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

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

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

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EDITOR Bronwyn Beairsto editor@bowenisland undercurrent.com

ADVERTISING Tracey Wait ads@bowenisland undercurrent.com

CARTOONIST Ron Woodall

PUBLISHER Peter Kvarnstrom publisher@bowenisland undercurrent.com 2011 CCNA

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2011

SPECIAL THANK-YOU Audrey Grescoe

The Undercurrent is a member of the National NewsMedia Council of Canada, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please email editor@bowenislandundercurrent. com or call 604-947-2442.

If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the website at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Islands Trust policy déjà vu

DEAR EDITOR: Back in the early 1990s, two simultaneous revisions of Official Community Plan were occurring. On Jan. 11, 1991, 126 Bowen islanders gathered at Bowen Island Community School to begin the process of updating our Bowen OCP. Concurrently, with much less fanfare, Trust Council was beginning revision of the overarching Islands Trust Policy document (finished in 1994, still in use).

“Less fanfare” until people saw that the intent of the Island Trust policy statement was to defang individual islands’ OCPs. In the 90s Trust Policy document bylaws, “should” would frequently have been replaced with “must.” That meant the work of the 126 Bowen Islanders creating our local OCP bylaws, was to be subservient to the a Trust-wide policy document. It stirred a backlash in the ’90s, as it has today. Because of the ’90s backlash, “should” found its way back into many ’94 Trust policy sections.

Local community input, local OCPs, won that round.

Saturna Trustee Paul Brent

writes in the Driftwood, the issue of “should, shall, must” phrasings is back.

He writes, “The significant changes to the (current) policy statement being proposed by Trust staff will make major changes to our OCPs, particularly as the existing draft policy statement moves to directing that which must be, rather than that which should be. And that is but one of many elements the draft policy statement is changing.

“Saturna’s [and Bowen’s] OCPs were arduously crafted through huge community efforts over years.

The current OCP will change if the Trust has its way, and in a process that negates the early and meaningful consultation we all have come to expect for even the most minimal of bylaw changes.”

Your “should” might be my “must.” Fair debate. The bigger issue of defanging local OCPs in order to have every island under the same bylaws is the biggest best debate.

Respectfully, Brian Hodgins Member of ’91 OCP steering committee

Thursday, July 15, 2021 • A5

First Jazz Vespers service this Sunday

It is predicted to be another warm July afternoon this Sunday, July 18. What could be better than to sit under the shade of an old, treasured apple tree and listen to live jazz? After a long time of being distanced and separate from one another, Bowen Island United Church invites you to their very first outdoor Jazz Vespers service. The theme, Where Melody Meets Spirit will be animated by five of Bowen’s finest musicians: John Stiver; Teun Schut; Rob Bailey; Mary Kastle and Buff Allen.

Jazz Vespers services can be found around Vancouver at St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church; Golden Ears United Church; St. Stephens Anglican Church and more. The concept of Jazz Vespers began in New York City in the 1960s. John Geisel, the Pastor of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in New York City was a friend of many a musician in the big town. He designed a ser-

vice of prayer and jazz for folks who couldn’t make it to Sunday morning services after playing late-night gigs on Saturday night.

Following this tradition, Jazz Vespers are designed for people who are not comfortable in a regular Sunday morning church worship service.

If you have never experienced a Jazz Vespers service, this is what you can expect: tunes and songs will alternate with readings, reflections, meditations and prayers which will be led by myself, Rev. Lorraine Ashdown, the minister at Bowen Island United Church. There is even some silence built into the hour.

We are very grateful that we can pay each musician through a ProVision Grant from the United Church allowing us not to charge a “ticket price.” Therefore, a voluntary offering is collected during the service (suggested donation of $10 per person) to help support this new ministry

which we do hope will be ongoing. After the service all are welcome to stay, visit and enjoy a cool glass of lemonade.

It has been a long time since we have gathered to share live music together. Bowen Island United Church is thrilled to have these five amazing musicians join us so we can discover together, where the Spirit meets the Melody.

As we say every week in our Sunday morning services–no matter who you are; no matter who you love; no matter the colour of your skin; no matter where you are on your faith journey, you are welcome here.

We hope to see you soon. The Jazz Vespers service will begin at 4 p.m. and our regular service is held at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday morning.

In love and hope, Rev Lorraine Ashdown Bowen Island United Church lorraineashdown@gmail.com

Please rethink public places bylaw

DEAR EDITOR: I must say with the utmost respect to our hard working public officials that Bylaw 537 needs a total pause and rethink; urgently. I would think that the poorly worded, broadly applied laws to Bowen will only create more paperwork, division and acrimonious response on our island, where we need more love and cooperation after these trying times.

This new bylaw in its entirety, might be more applicable if we were a small town strained by rampant poverty, the First Credit Union gave free guns for signing up with a new account, everyone on the island had a garage full of four-wheelers and

there was a local yearly competition for whoever could breed the most aggressive Pit-Bulls.

Back to reality, if 537 is adopted, the only way that I will be safe from fines in the Cove or in the local “public lands “ will be to leave my dog at home, find a park bench (careful not to tarnish the paint) and sit on my hands, giving only a polite nod to passersby.

With respect, please put a pause on this poorly thought out bill and let’s have a re-draft from a solutionsbased perspective, not a punitive shotgun style approach.

Best regards, Jayeson Hendyrsan PHOTO COURTESY OF LIZ WATSON

Dock comment period extended

DEAR EDITOR: The Friends of Ecclestone Public Beach had a call at 4:30 p.m. Monday afternoon from the province. This was in response to a request from the ‘Friends’ to have the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNROD)’s public comment period about the private dock application on Ecclestone Beach extended until at least July 26. Our request for an extension was granted, so people now have until July 26 to get their letters in to the province.

Here’s the link to the portal at FLNRORD to make your comments in the box provided, or upload your letter as an attachment. Please put the Crown land file number: 2412347

at the top of your letter: comment. nrs.gov.bc.ca/applications?id=5f7f7f50a1194d00214d084e#details If people are having trouble navigating the FLNROD portal, here’s an alternative email address you can use. Make sure you put Crown land file number: 2412347 in the subject line in your email: AuthorizingAgency.

SurreyLandManage@gov.bc.ca If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to get your letter in to the province, there’s still time. It’s our letters that will make the difference!

Thank you, Gillian Darling and Heather Hodson Friends of Ecclestone Public Beach

Kids and adults playing together at the new Tunstall Bay courts, which opened July 1. The gargantuan effort by board and other volunteers saw a complete overhaul of the half-century-old facilities.

BravoTBCA: thank you for newTunstall Bay facilities

DEAR EDITOR: The opening of the Tunstall Bay tennis courts on July 1 (also the opening day of Wimbledon) saw players aged seven to 76 enjoying the new facility. A big thank you to the Tunstall Bay Community Association Board of Directors and the many volunteers who not only had the courts rebuilt, but went one better – adding pickleball, foursquare

and a basketball hoop. Even the old tennis shed got spruced up for players. It is amazing to see the place being used again as a wonderful recreational gathering place. The old courts had fallen into disrepair to the point that the brave souls who dared to play called their game “Extreme Tennis” because they risked turning their ankles, tripping or worse.

The Tunstall Bay tennis group was creative and resourceful in finding funding for the project and hope to create a vibrant youth tennis programme for the island. It took years, but they persevered in their vision, and we, our kids and grandkids are grateful.

Ross McDonald and Susan Alexander, Tunstall Bay residents

We have a newsletter! It comes every Sunday morning to your email box. Get just a bit more of the context behind the week’s events and a peak into the week ahead. (I also preview what’s coming up at council in a given week, for those interested in such briefs. Or you can skip over that section.)

Sign up at: bowenislandundercurrent.com/account/mailinglist.

–Bronwyn

A6 • Thursday, July 15, 2021

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‘Swimming the surface to protect the depth’ MARATHON SWIMMER TAKES ON CHALLENGE OF CIRCUMNAVIGATING ALL ÁTL’ḴA7TSEM/HOWE SOUND ISLANDS TO RAISE AWARENESS OF GLASS SPONGE REEFS

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor

On floor of Howe Sound, cities of silica teeming with life filter through billions of litres of water every day.

That is, until a prawn trap, a crab trap, an anchor punches through their delicate skeletons.

It’s in the waters breathed through the centuries-old structures, marathon swimmer Jessi Harewicz takes on her latest challenge – “swimming the surface to protect the depth.”

Harewicz is circumnavigating all of the Átl’ḵa7tsem/Howe Sound islands (or island groups) to build awareness of glass sponge reefs and their need for protection.

The channel swimmer – the third Canadian to achieve the triple crown of open water swimming – takes to the water wearing just a bathing suit, cap, goggles and a ton of sunscreen (and with a support boat nearby). In 2018, the Vancouverite swam around Bowen with the quiet hope of someday swimming all of the Sound islands.

COVID-19 and the cancellation of other swims provided the space and time for the project.

She started with the Defence Islands in early May, then in late May, Harewicz swam the 12.9 km around Keats. At the beginning of June, she swam 10.8 km around the Pasleys, and then the 18.2 km of Lhaxwm/Anvil on June 10 and the 36.1 km of Cha7élkwnech/ Gambier on June 23.

When the waters cool in the fall, Harewicz plans on finishing the Sound – Bowyer and Passage Islands.

For several of the circumnavigations, this was the first logged swim.

Harewicz also swam right over at least two glass sponge reefs and will swim over a third in the fall, said Glen Dennison. He would know. For decades, the Marine Life Sanctuaries Society director has been at the forefront of discovering and advocating for the glass sponge reefs.

Though the animals are pre-Cretaceous, they were thought extinct until the 1980s, when scientists discovered live ones off the B.C. coast. And the Howe Sound reefs, 11 of which are protected under Department of Fisheries and Oceans (most, if not all, discovered by MLSS and its volunteers),

are the healthiest in the world, according to Dennison.

He described them as an alien world. “You drop through this jet black water and all of a sudden, the bottom starts to light up everywhere.”

“You can see the undulations and fields of sponge, as the bottom contours change,” he said.

“They stand sometimes almost two and a half metres tall down there. And they look like Dr. Seuss figures.”

For Dennison, partnering with Harewicz allows the opportunity to bring the deep sea creatures further into public light. “This was a good way to build awareness for people who don’t really know a lot about it and are continuing to do contact fishing on the reefs.”

There are marine refuges scattered throughout the sound, created to protect known reefs by banning prawn and crab traps, shrimp and groundfish trawls, groundfish hook and line, and the use of downrigger gear but at least five DFO-acknowledged living reefs in the sound remain unprotected.

Though the reefs are exceedingly rare, they still see damage from bottom contact fishing – like the

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

FOOD BANK DROP-OFF

ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Sunday Mass at 9.30 (limited seating due to Covid 19) Contact Angela Powell 604-947-2515

CATES HILL CHAPEL

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

Now offering worship services via Zoom.

A link available on website.

Pastor: Phil Adkins

PHOTO COURTESY OF JESSI HAREWICZ

A support boat glides alongside Jessi Harewicz (though she’s not allowed to touch it) during the Átl’ḵa7tsem/Howe Sound Swimming Project. reef off Dorman Point. “One time I went over top of it and it had a four-by-four cookie-cutter hole in the sponge that was deep enough you could actually descend into it as a diver,” recounted Dennison.

The crushed sponge at the bottom of the crater was “white, beautiful live sponge.”

“A year later, when I went back, it was a 20 foot soft slope crater that was black,” he said.

“This is why it’s really important to keep those traps off there.

Because it’s out of sight, it’s out of mind.”

Glass sponge reefs can remove organic carbon at rates similar to kelp forests and old growth forests, according to a 2020 DFO report and grow between one and nine centimetres a year, making recovery rates low.

While cold water is necessary for sponge reefs and their inhabitants, it’s also necessary for marathon swimming. “I was so ill at Gambier, it was one of the hottest

swims I think I’ve ever done,” said Harewicz. “And it’s really sad when you know that all this heat, and all of these other factors, are affecting the water that you’re physically touching and seeing and smelling and tasting.

“It’s hard when you submerse yourself into water, and smell and taste things that only few people I think have done,” she said.

But she also wants to build awareness of the low-impact recreational potential of Howe Sound.

“You can take it in sections,” she suggested. “I know people, even on Bowen, and I’m like, ‘Hey, we should go and swim next to the cedar logs in the back end of Gambier – do you know, it actually smells amazing.”

For more information about MLSS and Harewicz’ Átl’ḵa7tsem/ Howe Sound Swimming Project visit mlssbc.com.

With files from Brent Richter / North Shore News; Sophie Woodrooffe / Coast Reporter

Queen of Capilano Ferry Schedule June 25 to September 6 2021

EN ISLAND DEPART BOWE

DE EPART HORSESHOE BAY

5:20 am except Su undays 6:20 am 7:20 am 8:35 am 9:35 am 10:40 am 12:05 pm 1:15 pm 2:40 pm 4:00 pm except Wednesdays 5:10 pm 6:15 pm 7:20 pm except Saturdays 8:50 pm 9:50 pm 10:50 pm

5:50 am 6:50 am 8:00 am 9:05 am except Wednesdays 10:10 am 11:15 am 12:40 pm 1:55 pm 3:20 pm 4:40 pm 5:45 pm 6:50 pm 7:50 pm except Saturdays 9:20 pm 10:20 pm

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

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, July 15, 2021 • A7

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Anna fits in her swim distance during her canoe portaging trip last week.

She, along with SwimBowen friends, are swimming a total 32 km to raise awareness and funds for SwimBowen.

Rooted in a dream: SwimBowen DREAM BIG, LISTEN WELL FOR GOOD THINGS TO HAPPEN

MARY LETSON

SwimBowen founder

This summer, a few friends and I are logging our ocean swims to reach 32km (the distance around Bowen Island) to raise awareness and funds for the SwimBowen Cancer Care Fund.

Our finale swim is Saturday July 17 at 5:30 p.m. from Tunstall Bay to Bowen Bay. Sound daunting? So overwhelming that you might decide not to bother? In fact it’s been entirely achievable and would you believe even fun (in a Mary kind of way). It’s that magic combination for achieving a big project: set a specific goal, break said goal into bite-sized pieces and then schedule the commitment, sense of satisfaction and joy over a manageable period of time with like-minded buddies. I likely wouldn’t have bothered squeezing into my wetsuit and tromping down through the chill to get my swims in on those rainy afternoons in early May if I didn’t have buddies counting on me to show up.

Like anything, there have been many turns in the road to arrive at this summer’s 32km swim goal and I’ve learned so much along the way. I remember the day eight years ago when I suggested to my family that I put on a swim event to raise funds for Bowen Islanders in cancer treatment.

I had finished my chemotherapy and was feeling triumphant and relieved knowing that I had made it through the toughest part. Only radiation to go – woot – woot!

It is a remarkable human condition that allows our mind to stretch, grow, and imagine when our physical body is less willing.

My mind whirled with the possibilities of donors sponsoring a swim event that took us around the entire Bowen coastline in sections. I pondered this epic project and realized that building an event so close to my recovery was perhaps not the wisest move.

That perhaps resting and rebuilding my own personal project was the priority, not just for me – but for my family too. Five years went by, and with my strength and resilience back

on deck, I continued to dip my toe into the big “Round Bowen Swim” idea, pitching to anyone willing to listen. A pragmatic friend suggested I switch gears and make it a oneday event in Tunstall Bay. It could raise as much money or more, allow for a great gathering and sense of togetherness to celebrate ocean swimming all while supporting wellness for our community. Brilliant. Why hadn’t I thought of that? One swim on one day. We could make that happen.

And indeed we did, creating a bigger and better event over two years than I could have dreamed.

Like last summer, we find ourselves again unable to host an official SwimBowen event, so I went back to the Round Bowen Swim idea to complete with a few friends. We started to hammer out a plan for safe and accessible entry and exits along the coastline, how to coordinate safety marshals and their paddleboards and kayaks, and how to align swimmer and tide schedules all while considering variable weather conditions. It was feeling very complicated. Again, I wasn’t sure. Thankfully Michelle Johnson, another pragmatic colleague and SwimBowen Cancer Care Fund director, suggested we simplify the event by logging our swims over the course of the summer with the goal of reaching 32km – the total distance around Bowen. Brilliant! Why hadn’t I thought of that?

My swim friends and I are close to reaching that 32km mark, in fact a few of us have surpassed the goal! Join us on the beach as we culminate our “Round Bowen Swim Unevent” with a 1,600 metre jaunt from Tunstall to Bowen Bay on Saturday July 17, departing from Tunstall Bay at 5:30 p.m., arriving at Bowen Bay approximately 40 minutes later to celebrate our swim, our donors, sponsors and ultimately supporting Bowen Islanders going through cancer treatment. SwimBowen keeps showing me that most anything is possible if you dream big, listen well, and trust that with your heart in the right place good things will happen.

Only 10 Racquet Sport Memberships left!

Tunstall Bay Community Association is welcoming 10 additional Racquet Sport memberships for the season. We are currently 70% sold out—first come, first served!

Come see our brand new court facilities: *2 Tennis Courts *2 Pickleball Courts *1 Basketball court *2 Four-square courts We welcome new members from all over the island. Available spaces will fill quickly —contact us today! www.tunstallbay.org “Members” or email membership@tunstallbay.org

A8 • Thursday, July 15, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

BOWEN BEAT

BAA Farmers’Market

Catch it at BICS, 10 a.m. to noon every Saturday! Now that we are in step 3 of B.C.’s Restart Plan, the market is able to have youth vendors back. There’s Justin’s baking (right) and EllaRose’s coffee (left) and more new vendors. The market can also now serve samples and expand to include more artisans such as Jessy’s cedar planter boxes (below)!

PHOTOS BY SARAH HAXBY

TAG painting

For more than 50 years, the Tuesday Art Group has been meeting and painting together. Some of the members pictured here have been attending TAG and painting together for more than 20 years.

After a COVID-19 year of Zoom and Hearth meetings, the group was able to gather recently to have a lunch, show and share.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARIE NEYS

DEPARTS SUN to THURS FRI & SA. ed SNUG COVE 11:15PM ns suspend5AM u r ter HORSESHOE BAY 12:30AM ommu

dc

ight anAfternoon Commuter Runs S Late n Mon - Fri Horseshoe Bay - Snug Cove

Susie Proctor

Mae Hall

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Back row left to right: Marilyn Cote-Dupuis, Marie Neys, Carolyn Nesbitt, Daphne Shaw, Sylvia Shaw & Greta Smith. Front row left to right : Mae Hall, Susie Proctor and Shannon Rondeau

Too big, too confusing BOWEN ISLANDERS SOUND OFF ON PROPOSED LAND USE BYLAW AMENDMENTS IN PUBLIC HEARING

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor

A number of Bowen Islanders are asking Bowen Island Munciipality to rethink parts of its Land Use Bylaw amendment, which came up for a public hearing Monday afternoon.

The scope of what’s been termed a “housekeeping bylaw,” (though the branding’s since changed) is to amend the LUB to “streamline and clarify” the document “while not changing permitted uses on properties on Bowen,” according to an October staff report. It’s the first substantial review of the document since adoption in 2002.

Amendments range from changing building calculations (grade, lot coverage and so on), to deleting and adding definitions, to moving around zoning definitions.

The bylaw, which has passed second reading, received 14 in-person and 75 written comments.

Many comments centred on the complexity of the 187-page document and the lack of time islanders had to review it – the track changes version with staff annotations came public at the end of June.

Jennifer Burns wanted to see the bylaw broken into smaller parts. “[The amendments are] too big and too numerous, in my opinion, for a reasonable person to really understand all of the implications,” she said.

“I ask you, council, how many of you can say with absolute confidence, you understand each of these hundreds of changes in their entirety and all the potential impacts and feel 100 per cent confident that there’s no unintended consequences?”

Among the concerns for Burns was that in collapsing “artisan” and “cottage” industries, the bylaw apparently allows a whole new set of activities in at least one zone where they weren’t previously allowed.

Richard Wiefelspuett concurred with the overwhelming size of the document. “It is simply too big and there’s not enough time to appraise all proposed changes and the wider impact of these changes,” he said.

A number of commenters were further frustrated that the public hearing, the last chance for public comment, was held at 4:30 p.m. on a mid-summer Monday over Zoom, rather than waiting until council reconvenes – perhaps in person – in the fall.

The deletion, addition and combining of definitions did not add clarity for Margaret Underhill. “Definition should be very specific, based on historical understanding and clearly worded so that there cannot be multiple interpretations,” she said. “The combination of definitions on the whole does not contribute to clarity as too much is being jammed into such combo definitions.”

The proposed deletion of the Cape Roger Curtis development permit area in the LUB as there’s no such area designated in the Official Community Plan (and it’s therefore not enforceable) was another hot-button topic. Rosemary Knight credited the exclusion of the designation in the 2011 OCP amendment to a mistake rather than an intentional change and urged council to

restore the development permit area in the OCP rather than removing it in the LUB. “The intent of this island has consistently been – CRC is to be protected,” said Knight.

Lesley Gaunt too wanted to see the cape designations restored in the OCP. “The section contains sensible setback restrictions for water courses, steep slope regulations for building septic fields, wetland and water, forest protection measures, erosion control measures, and other environmental mitigation procedures,” she said, “a reasonable framework, presumably designed to protect and preserve the unique biodiversity of Cape Roger Curtis.

“Citing a technicality to cut out this entire section ignores the importance of this Section 7.1 for Cape Roger Curtis and for all of Bowen.”

It was moving “domestic agriculture” from principal use to accessory use that had Peter Williamson concerned. “To be able to do domestic agriculture, you will have to establish your principal use, which in most cases will be dwelling,” he said. Williamson has a lot, with no dwelling, on which he grows things for personal consumption. But, should this amendment pass, that would become technically illegal, he said. He also pointed to the OCP, which says that domestic agriculture is acceptable on any property.

Williamson acknowledged that the planner told him there’s concern that if one establishes a principal use (like domestic agriculture now) they can then conduct an accessory use (like portable sawmill on some properties), but said there are other ways to fix that.

Several people voiced concern at the potential for the amendments to limit car enthusiasts under the same restrictions meant to restrict commercial auto repair.

Hobbyists have also noted that the definition of “derelict vehicle” (in the existing LUB as not drivable or unlicensed for 12 months) captures show cars or cars waiting for parts (which, for an 80-year-old car, can take years).

A group of hobbyists proposed alternative amendments of their own. “Environmental controls that would not only cover people like myself that are collectors that have garages, but just people that work in their driveways,” said Brad Hawthorn.

Then there’s the change to the home occupation section of the bylaw, restricting maintenance to a maximum of one car per month per property (unless zoned for vehicle repair). At least one business on island operates under a loophole allowing one car to be maintained on a property at a time.

BIM received several letters in support of the business and against the proposed amendment. On the other hand, BIM also received a letter from the only zoned vehicle repair garage on-island noting the environmental controls and licences it had to go through to operate, and the incongruity with home occupation vehicle repair.

Comment to council is now closed for this bylaw, though BIM staff said any further public comments are forwarded to staff (rather than mayor and council). The bylaw will now be considered for third reading.

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, July 15, 2021 • A9

More engagement in theTrust policy statement future CONTINUED FROM P. 1

The new draft statement draws on three pillars – reconciliation, climate change and affordable housing – things that cannot wait, according to Galiano trustee Tahirih Rockafella, who moved that council give first reading. “Now is the time for governments, us included, to be stepping up to the plate, to be listening to all those people that haven’t written us to listen to the environment,” she said. The motion was defeated sixteen to six (Bowen trustees were split – Trustee Sue Ellen Fast for and Trustee Michael Kaile against).

Council opted instead to receive the draft document and refer it out for further consultations.

“Between now and September, trustees will share the draft new Policy Statement with their communities and ask for feedback to be provided to Islands2050@ islandstrust.bc.ca. At the same time, staff will revise plans for the Islands 2050 for-

mal public engagement process, which will include online and in-person events and webinars,” said an Islands Trust press release.

Trust Council also added $75,000 to the consultation budget.

Bowen Island councillors briefly discussed the draft document at their own council meeting Monday – the effects the changes could have on Bowen and threw around the possibility of throughly discussing the document in a Bowen council meeting in coming months.

“What I didn’t like about it was that the fact that they treated Bowen as if it was every other island in the Trust, and we are different, there’s no question,” commented Mayor Gary Ander. “So the impact is going to be much different on Bowen than it is somewhere else.”

See the draft policy statement at: https:// bit.ly/3k3eIa4.

HAIG FARRIS PHOTO

Haig Farris sent in this stunning dragon fly photo recently.

In Loving Memory of Duke DUKE 2007 - 2021 Don’t Cry For Me When I Am Gone: So, though I give you all my heart The time will come when we must part But all around you, you will see Creatures that speak to you of me.

Pity-and help-I know you will And somehow, I will be with you still And I shall know, although I am gone The love I gave you lingers on.

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A10 • Thursday, July 15, 2021

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A12 • Thursday, July 15, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Tips from local emergency services:

AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) locations: Is there one in your neighbourhood? See this page on the municipal website for information and some instructional links: bowenislandmunicipality.ca/aed. Also consider downloading the PulsePoint AED app from the Apple store or Google Play From BCEHS – BC Emergency Health Services aka the Ambulance Service

Get to know your neighbour

CALENDAR JULY 8 - AUG. 2

Art for Sea to Sky – new paintings from Di Hearth Gallery

THURSDAY JULY 15

NEXT IN THE SERIES: BYRON POSCHWATTA

When did you arrive on Bowen Island?

My wife Clare and I moved here in the spring of 2018.

How did you come to be on Bowen?

We were inspired by a trip up the Sunshine Coast and started researching Bowen shortly afterwards. We felt it could provide a great balance of proximity to the city while still being surrounded by ocean and nature.

That has proven true and beyond that we were happy to discover the island is a great community.

Where on Bowen do you live?

Cates Hill. We love being able to walk to restaurants and the ferry, but sometimes I pine for those west side sunsets.

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

Fill unless it appears to be overloaded. Or better yet, bypass the lineup as a foot passenger or cyclist whenever possible!

PHOTO PROVIDED

Clare and Byron moved to Cates Hill in 2018.

What’s your favourite Bowen fact or story?

Some favourite moments of 2021 so far include: seeing orcas for the first time just this past week, witnessing an albatross at the beautiful Bowen Island Golf Club, and keeping the January 1st Polar Bear Swim tradition alive despite COVID-19.

What is something Bowen Islanders have in common?

A desire for Bowen to remain a great place to live and share with friends and family.

What’s been keeping you going during COVID-19?

Getting outside on the trails and working in our yard/garden. Golf and soccer too once they opened up again.

Rotary Club talk: Colleen O'Neil of Caring Circle and Kim Sinclair of Better at Home Online 7:30 pm Check bowenrotary.ca a day ahead for Zoom information. All are welcome.

Summer Reading Club: Meet the author 11 am - noon Through B.I. Public Library. Sing along with Pete the Cat’s original author Eric Litwin (All Ages).

Virtual Event. Registration is required

SATURDAY JULY 17

BAA Farmers' Market BICS 10 am - noon

SUNDAY JULY 18 Jazz Vespers Service Bowen Island United Church 4 pm Bowen Island beach clean-up Bowen Bay 2-4 pm "Please come and help us with the efforts to keep our Bowen Beaches clean! Bring reusable gloves and a smile, we provide the pickers & buckets, and we take all the litter we found.

TUESDAY JULY 20

Summer Reading Club: Meet the author 11 am - noon Through B.I. Public Library. Discover Marisol Rainey, an illustrated book series by Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly (Ages 8+).

Virtual Event. Registration is required.

Having an event?

Listings are always free in our weekly community calendar.

Undercurrent Summer island-wide edition Thursday July 22

Got a story or summer event listing?

Email editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

Please email your listing to Bronwyn by Tuesday 5 p.m. for that week's edition. editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

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