Bowen Island Undercurrent September 2 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, September 2, 2021 • A1 PHOTO COURTESY OF JULIO MONTERO

TUNSTALL BAY TANK: Water system users facing short-term costs PAGE 13

GST $1.50 inc.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 , 2021

LET’S SALSA

VOL. 47 NO. 35

BIUndercurrent

BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

Cuban salsa classes coming to Bowen this fall PAGE 10

Cutting costs COMMUNITY CENTRE BIDS COME IN OVER BUDGET – NOW WHAT? BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO / UNDERCURRENT PHOTO

SLIME YOUR OWN WAY: A slug makes a break for freedom during the annual slug races at Bowfest-ish’s

Country Fair Saturday afternoon. See coverage of the races (and plenty of other Bowfest fun) on pages 7 through 9. (Note that all slugs were safely returned to the forest after the race).

NEW LISTING

520 Collins Road

Bids for the community centre-municipal hall construction have come in a few million dollars over the project’s $14.5 million budget.

The lowest bid – from Golden Globe Construction Ltd. – put the project costs at $19.17 million, said a Bowen Island Municipality press release Wednesday.

“We’ve always been prepared for the real possibility of the bids coming in over budget,” said CAO Liam Edwards in the press release, “so we were very pleased to see bids that came within an acceptable range of the estimate.”

Now, the project management team is set to work with engineers and the construction firm over the next three months in a value engineering process – “reviewing costs line by line to identify elements that can be modified, removed or phased in over time, in order to reduce construction costs,” said the release. BIM is looking to value engineering, seeking more grant funding and fundraising to close the budget gap.

The intention is not to go for additional borrowing, said Gillian Drake, BIM’s manager of recreation and community services.

It wasn’t a surprise that the bids came in over budget, said Drake, and bids even came in lower than some expected.

“The market’s actually changed quite considerably since that original project budget,” she said. “There’s been market cost escalations, materials and various other pieces.

“Now, we know what we’re working with. We know what the industry is saying this would cost,” said Drake.

“We want to stay positive and see what we can do.”

CONTINUED ON P. 11

NEW LISTING

$1,075,000

6.94 Acres, 3 bed 2 bath home as is where is!

FRANCES FROST

Personal Real Estate Corporation

bowenislandrealestate.info

604.947.9090

RE/MAX Crest Realty - Bowen Island

1262 Millers Road

$1,299,000

Coveted Millers landing, Bohemian abode!

2 bed house, workshop and detached studio/office

A2 • Thursday, September 2, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Career Opportunity: Island Community Planner

Events September 9, 2021 4:00 pm Tunstall Bay Water System Local Advisory Committee Meeting

September 10, 2021 9:30 am

Request for Quotations: Website Redevelopment

Bowen Island Municipality is looking for a dynamic, self-motivated professional to join our team. This is a permanent full-time position at 35 hours per week, with an annual salary range of $72,809 to $79,560.

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

•

Housing Advisory Committee Meeting

•

September 13, 2021 5:30 pm

•

Public Hearing

•

September 27, 2021 6:15 pm

•

Regular Council Meeting 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.

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 full 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 covering letter and resume via e-mail or mail by Monday, September 20th, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. to:

Help stop COVID-19:

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

Wear a mask in indoor public spaces

ADVERTISEMENT September 2, 2021

Phone: Fax: Email: Website:

The closing date is September 19, 2021. Read the full RFQ on our website at bowenislandmunicipality.ca/rfps-and-tenders

Free parking is available in the parking lot next to the General Store.

3 hour parking is in the former pay parking lot in the section next to Bowen Island Trunk Road, and the back section of the parking lot is reserved for commuters and those who take public transit. Look for the signs indicating commuter parking.

6 year service 2.5lb extinguisher $19 6 year service 5lb extinguisher $24 2.5lb new $50 5lb new $70 Hydro testing $51

Emergency Support Services (ESS) will also be selling emergency kits and supplies.

Contact Bowen Island Municipality PAID

In addition to redeveloping and launching a new website, we are looking for ongoing hosting, maintenance and technical support.

The parking lot on Miller Road will be closed as of Tuesday, September 7 to make way for site preparation and construction on the Bowen Island Health Centre.

Fire Extinguisher Inspection Day

• • • • •

Our preference is to have the website rebuilt in an open-sourced Content Management System (CMS) (such as Wordpress), with customizable options for appearance and navigation that can be made easily by our staff internally.

Miller Road Parking Lot Closure

Bowen Island Fire Rescue is hosting a fire extinguisher servicing and inspection day on Saturday, September 11 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Bring your extinguishers to Fire Hall 2 located at 1421 Adams Road to be inspected and serviced. Inspections are free. Fire extinguishers will be available for purchase. Cash preferred.

Stay home if you’re sick

Bowen Island Municipality is seeking quotations to redevelop the Municipal website bowenislandmunicipality.ca. As part of this redevelopment, we wish to mostly maintain the current design and outward appearance while improving search functionality of the site and ease of use of the administrative backend.

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

Find us on Facebook Bowen Island Municipality

Subscribe to our mailing list bowenislandmunicipality.ca/subscribe

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, Septemeber 2, 2021 • A3

Neighbours suing over cidery TUP BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor

A petition to quash a temporary use permit which allowed Riley’s Cidery on Laura Road to begin operation earlier this summer will be heard in BC Supreme Court this fall, according to Bowen Island Municipality’s Chief Administrative Officer.

Filed in April, the petition lists Margaret Underhill, Brian Buckingham, Josephine Link and Steffen Link – neighbouring property owners – as petitioners and Bowen Island Municipality as respondent.

The petition for a judicial review alleges that Bowen Island Municipality failed to provide notice of council’s consideration of permitting apples grown and harvested offsite in the cider; that BIM “breached its duty of procedural fairness” by excluding a letter from two of the petitioners from the decisive March 22 council meeting agenda and that the adoption of the TUP is “unreasonable.”

The TUP consideration notice BIM posted in the Undercurrent and to residents within 300 metres of the orchard property said that 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 TUP, however, allows up to 75 per cent of apples used in the cider to be imported, states the petition.

The notice also listed a March 22 deadline for comment with a note that submissions could not be accepted once the council meeting that evening had ended. The Links sent in their comments at 4:40 p.m. on March 22 but their letter was not included in

that evening’s agenda. Instead it was included in the post-decision April 12 agenda, said the petition.

Under Bowen’s Official Community Plan, TUPs may be issued provided the use won’t have “an unacceptable negative impact” on environment or neighbourhood character.

“Council, however, failed to consider the potential impacts on the neighbourhood and the environment caused by the importing of apples to the property…” said the petition.

Bowen Island Municipality filed a response to the petition in June, which said that the council agendas contained detailed staff reports regarding the cidery proposal and the fruit that would be brought in from off-site. BIM’s response also said that the municipality received 124 written correspondences regarding the TUP and all but two items, which were received after 4 p.m. on March 22, were included on the agenda – “in keeping with Bowen’s stated deadlines for submission of correspondence to council.”

The percentage of off-site apples is a provision of the TUP rather than ‘in general terms, the purpose of the permit,’ said the response. It added that the notices “directed the public to the main elements of the permit and were sufficient to prompt a multitude of residents, including all four petitioners, to comment on the use of apples and juice from off-site prior to council’s decision to approve the TUP.” BIM asked that the petition be dismissed with costs.

The matter is to come to court Oct. 5, according to BIM’s CAO.

Painting, sculpting at the precipice

“ON THE EDGE OF BEAUTY” NEXT UP AT THE HEARTH In a theme turned this way and that – “On the edge of beauty” featuring sculptor Cathy Jenkins and painter Niina Chebry opens at the Hearth Gallery Sept. 1.

Cathy Jenkins grew up with stone dust all around her – her mother was a prospector and sculptor in Revelstoke. “She found some fabulous quarries of the most beautiful serpentine,” remembers Jenkins. The two were close and would go on to do exhibitions together when Jenkins’ mother moved to the coast in her later years.

Jenkins likes to work big – the part-time islander’s done 10,000 pound pieces in stone – but has moved more into bronze casting in recent years to ease some of the physical work of sculpting. “I love it. I love the smell of the dust and the whole thing, but it’s hard on the body.” (But great for toning the arms for arm wrestling, chimes in Chebry.)

Really well known for her big bears, Jenkins is featuring other creatures in this show – creatures she’s seen from her Fairweather property over the past five years, particularly river otters.

“I’m just trying to portray the essence of beauty in line and form in sculpture,” says Jenkins.

“When I work, because I’ve been at it for so long, I really have a deep understanding of my power tools,” she says. “I really know them – they’re just like an extension.” Paired with a deep understanding of her subjects, the creativity flows. “When that happens,

and the creativity is flowing through, I feel like I’m in exactly in the moment…I feel like I’m working on the edge of something.”

“I just love the double meaning,” says Niina Chebry, of the exhibition title. “In my work, I never want to be too literal. So, I’m always on the edge of abstraction.”

The Vancouver-based painter has had a studio at 1000 Parker for 21 years and it’s at the famous artist warehouse Chebry and Jenkins (who also has a studio there) became friends. (Jenkins describes Chebry as the “it girl” of that community.)

Chebry tends to deeply explore naturebased themes in a series of paintings – for the past three years, it’s been icebergs.

“Icebergs are beautiful – there’s an essence about them – but at the same time, there’s that edge because we know that we’re on the precipice.

“We know that they’re, we’re, in trouble.”

“It takes me a long while to delve into a subject matter,” says Chebry. “Something more than just a pretty picture on a wall.

“It has to have depth and I want people to see different things. If the person doesn’t see an iceberg right away, hooray!”

Also coming along to the Bowen exhibit is “Swayed” from Chebry’s tree series a few years ago and inspired by one of her hikes on Bowen Island.

“On the edge of beauty” is at the Hearth from Sept. 1 through Sept. 27.

Jim Aernout de Zwart

September 4th, 1973 ~ August 18th, 2021 Jim Aernout de Zwart. Jimmie. Poopsie. Woopie. Woopie-Woops. Liefie. Lieverdje. Papi. A man blessed with many terms of endearment and so profoundly, dearly loved. On August 18th, Jimmie slipped away very peacefully in our home while we gently held and caressed him, whispering words of comfort and love, accompanied by the songs of Chess—his favorite musical.

Jimmie loved musicals. He also loved sailing the Salish Sea, performing random acts of kindness, late-night nibbling on cheesy crackers, family road trips, Sushiman’s Box D, game nights, singing Fauré’s Requiem, Sandra Bullock, disco parties, corsets, and salty Dutch licorice. All in no particular order.

He loved standing in front of the stove, tossing frozen veggies and juicy shrimp into spicy stir fries, deep frying Dutch oliebollen (similar to doughnuts, dusted with powdered sugar) on New Year’s Eve, or popping his famous, yummy pizzas into the oven. He was known to experiment with his cooking, resulting in us having to endure some weird ingredient combos, but we must admit, many creations were surprisingly delicious!

Jimmie disliked cold water swims, our chocolate lab Toby’s slobbery advances, pulling all-nighters, bullies, the TV series Outlander (sadly), and needles. He was brave. He braved heavy storms in rough waters, 19 years of commuting to Burnaby, an unexpected diagnosis of metastatic cancer, and the stage, set for numerous theatrical productions. Oh, but he treasured the electric energy only an opening night can create, as he stood backstage, waiting with bated breath for the lights to come on.

He was gentle, generous, compassionate, and sensitive. He always left the seat down. He was both a talented web master and a master of corny jokes. A wonderful IT manager who relished any opportunity to mentor, problem solve, rescue damsels in computer distress, and troubleshoot his father-in-law’s PC. Repeatedly. His own father Jan de Zwart, Martin Luther King Jr., Tim Rice, and Andrew Lloyd Webber were among Jimmie’s heroes. And sweet Jim was a hero for his three children.

When Jim followed the call of the tide to embark on his next voyage, he left behind his wife and soulmate of 26 years, Tanya Voormeij-de Zwart, his sons Robin and Thomas, and his daughter Eva. Predeceased by his father Jan, Jim will be forever remembered by his mother Marijke, his sisters Sigrid and Inge (Adrie), his nephews Alexander and Johannes, his parents-in-law Peter (Mary) and Liane (Glen), his sisters-in-law Danae and Lisa (Brandon), his nieces Nina and Sadie, and many more loving family members in the Netherlands.

Our family is deeply grateful for the extraordinary care Jim received from dear Dr. Matt Blackwood and remarkable Dr. Jane McKay, from Dr. Puneet Bains, Dr. Donald Ginsberg, Dr. Shilo Lefresne, Dr. Andrew Woolfenden, Dr. Poupak Rahmani, lovely nurse Jane Henley, Gillian Sexsmith, and many other tenderhearted staff associated with Vancouver Coastal Health’s Home and Community Care program, Lions Gate Hospital’s Oncology Clinic and Palliative Care Unit, the BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver General Hospital’s Neurology Clinic, Cates Pharmacy, Dr. Susanne Schloegl’s office, and Bowen’s paramedics.

We will forever cherish the incredible love and support of our entire family, our beautiful friends (especially Heather and Mike, Lynn, Sam and Dan, Chiara, Susanne, Lois, Michelle and Matthew, Jane and Anton, Michelle and John, Sabine and Warren, Leila and Gord, Lorraine and Andrew, Frances and Tony, Dani, Niels, Monique, Bebe and Billy Harry, Wallie, Gary and Sheilagh, the Spear family, Chris and Reed, and all the kids’ dearest friends), the amazing Bowen Island community, including the magnificent Ladies Madrigals, both the Little Red Church and the Cates Hill Chapel congregation, the Bowen Island Legion, our dear neighbours, the Ruddy Potato, Jo and Glo, the Caring Circle, the SwimBowen Society, all our beloved MealTrain chefs, the almost 200 wondrous GoFundMe donors, as well as Jim’s employer, Hemlock Printers. The list is too long. Please know we love and appreciate every one of you. Toby wishes to sniff his besties Markl and Fig. Thank you, from our hearts.

A small, private service will be held on September 4th, Jim’s birthday, to be followed by a Blues Brothers themed Celebration of Life in the fall, as per his request. Don’t ask. Jimmie loved musicals, remember?

A4 • Thursday, September 2, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

VIEWPOINTS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Cidery story should have at least mentioned lawsuit

DEAR EDITOR: On April 21, 2021, a petition was filed with the BC Supreme Court requesting a judicial review of the TUP allowing the opening of Riley’s Cider. That petition has yet to be heard or decided judicially, and potentially the TUP may be quashed.

In last week’s Undercurrent you wrote and published a lengthy PR style profile of Riley’s Cider that did not advise of the legal situation.

In those circumstances, it seems incredible that the Undercurrent would publish an essentially advertorial piece promoting this business and describing the nature of this business touching precisely some of the issues in the petition to the courts.

At a minimum, to not identify that there was an outstanding legal case related to the operation of this business was a regrettable oversight, and one that needs to be redressed. Good practice should require either no story, or a story that fully and properly investigates the issues around this business, reflecting multiple, divergent points of view. Otherwise, the story as published is nothing other than partisan advocacy, Yours sincerely, Heather Miller Editor’s note: Please see, on page 3 of this edition, the Undercurrent’s coverage of the lawsuit.

Climate emergency most critical issue DEAR EDITOR:

For me, the most critical issue that will be affected by our choice of elected politicians is meaningful action to deal with the climate emergency. Within Canada, I believe the most critical issue is electoral reform. Trudeau’s Liberals have largely defaulted on the promises made prior to the last election. Why would anyone believe anything they say now? Why would anyone vote for them? The Greens might have done better but are in such disarray, it would be hard to support them. What’s a disgusted progressive voter to do?

Claire Weeks

Thank you, BC Ferries deckhand Paul Antazo

DEAR EDITOR: We islanders love to complain about BC Ferries and I’ve done my share of that, so it’s nice to have a reason to say thank you instead.

Last week, after the ship had literally sailed with me on it, I discovered that I’d left my cellphone behind in the Horseshoe Bay terminal. A Bowen ferry deckhand, Paul Antazo, went out of his way to quickly contact the terminal to have my phone retrieved and delivered to me, even going so far as to hand it to me personally just before he went off shift.

Thank you, Paul!

Emily McCullum

EDITORIAL

Get ready to vote, Bowen

Alrighty, nominations are closed and the 2021 candidates for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country are: Liberal incumbent Patrick Weiler; NDP’s Avi Lewis; Conservative Party’s John Weston; Green Party’s Mike Simpson; People’s Party’s Doug Bebb; Independent Chris MacGregor; Terry Grimwood with No affiliation; Rhinoceros Party’s Gordon Jeffrey (Grimwood, Jeffrey, Bebb and Weiler are facing off for the second time as they all ran in the last federal election).

If the climate emergency is your

top election issue, GreenPAC 100 Debates on the Environment is hosting an online debate for our riding’s candidates Sept. 7 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (pre-register at bit.ly/3BwXfw9).

There’s an all-candidates meeting in Whistler Sept. 8 (bit.ly/3BwXfw9); one in Sechelt Sept. 13 (bit. ly/3DHz0xa); and one in Squamish Sept. 16 (bit.ly/38vws74). Let me know if you hear of others.

The deadline to request a mail-in ballot from Elections Canada is Sept.

14 (bit.ly/3Bx18Bf ).

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 500 words. HERE’S HOW: To submit a letter to the editor, fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to #102, 495 Government Rd., PO Box 130, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 or email editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com.

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

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

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

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

ISSN 7819-5040

You can also vote by special ballot at any Elections Canada office before Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. The advance polls (where you vote from your assigned polling station) are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 10, 11, 12 and 13 (on Bowen, this is BICS).

Polls are open on election day, Sept. 20, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

And a final reminder: send in your questions for our own Bowen Island Q&A with candidates on or by Sept. 3. Email editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com.

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.

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, September 2, 2021 • A5

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Residential schools legacy continues in the foster care system: how you can help

DEAR EDITOR: As a Canadian, you have no doubt been horrified and distressed by the discovery of the graves of thousands of Indigenous children at residential school sites.

You have probably also learned more about the genocide perpetrated against Indigenous peoples in Canada.

What you may not know is that one of the most devastating effects of residential schools is the foster care system. The abuse that children suffered years ago at residential schools continues to affect some First Nations today. This suffering can lead to alcoholism, drug addiction, mental illness (especially complex PTSD) and at times, next-generation childhood abuse.

Children in these communities have been removed at an alarming rate and put into foster care.

Did you know that as of 2018, 63 per cent of foster kids in B.C. were Indigenous, although less than 10 per cent of B.C.’s population is Indigenous? That more than

40 per cent of youth experiencing homelessness in Canada have been involved with child welfare services? That the foster care system perpetuates the crime that the residential schools began of taking children away from their families?

This needs to stop.

I have worked on and off since 2012 advocating for improvements to the foster care system. Only a handful of people ever got involved over the years (including my sterling husband, Dale), and I do send my heartfelt thanks to these people. But in general, the foster-kids issue just did not appeal. I finally stopped my campaign in 2017 when the NDP formed B.C.’s government and John Horgan became premier. I was hopeful. But alas, they have not raised the age at which kids still qualify for financial support.

But I am hopeful that – now – with the heartbreaking school findings, the surge of interest in our damaging colonial history, and the desire to help the Indigenous

peoples, we will finally see the foster-kids situation as worthy of action and caring. And now we’re in a federal election.

Please help these kids. You will also be helping Indigenous peoples in many ways and making recompense for past injustices. Here are some things you can do:

Make it an election issue: demand that our next federal government take action. Contact Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at 613.922.4211, or justin.trudeau@ parl.gc.ca. Also MP Carolyn Bennett, Minister for Indigenous Affairs at 613.995.9666 or carolyn. bennett@parl.gc.ca. Also our local MP, Patrick Weiler, at 604.913.2660 or patrick.weiler@parl.gc.ca.

Their postal address is House of Commons, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0A6.

Request that the B.C. government stop taking so many Indigenous kids into foster care.

Ask them to use the money they save to instead provide immediate high-quality mental health ser-

vices to Indigenous communities and individuals, beginning with phone helplines. Tell them to fund basic infrastructure improvements (water, housing, etc.) to Indigenous communities to improve physical health and quality of life. Request they not waste money on lawyers, consultants, studies, conferences or unjustified salaries for officials. Contact Premier John Horgan at 250.837.1715, or premier@gov.bc.ca. Also Mitzi Dean, Minister of MCFD, at 250.952.5885, or mitzi.dean.mla@leg.bc.ca.

Also our MLA, Jordan Sturdy, at 604.922.1153, or jordan.sturdy. mla@leg.bc.ca.

Request that the B.C. government immediately raise the age of support for all aging-out foster kids. Contact Horgan, Dean, and Sturdy. Remind them that agingout kids without support are at high risk for homelessness, mental health issues, abuse, victimization, addiction and early death. Tell them that it would cost society $57 million to help the 1,000 foster kids

who age out every year until they become 24. If not, we the taxpayers will pay $250 million over the lifetimes of these same 1,000 kids as they struggle mightily to survive. Premier Horgan mentioned raising the age of support for foster kids during an all-candidates debate on television just before the 2017 election. He has since done nothing on this issue.

Remember that these are not one-off actions. Call each person back every month or so. Ask them what they have done. Request to get on their mailing list for updates. When contacting them, keep in mind that cards and letters have a much greater impact than emails or phone calls. Don’t forget to thank them for every corrective action they take. Also, be sure to tell all your friends, relatives, and acquaintances about this issue.

Ask them to get involved and take action too.

Thank you!

Sheena Ashdown

NDP’s Lewis offers political and climate clout

DEAR EDITOR: Avi Lewis is the NDP for our federal election riding. I supported Pam GoldsmithJones, our former LiberaI MP, in a previous election. And, now, I would prefer to elect the best available candidate as our representative. In our large riding with a limited election window (defined by the Liberal government), this will not be easy.

On Bowen, political signs have been traditionally discouraged. And, probably, with COVID-19 and the emerging Delta variant, groups gathering to hear candidates debate critical issues, hear and respond to our concerns will not happen, at least in person.

Why would anyone, especially traditional Liberal or Conservative voters, ever cast a ballot for this NDP candidate?

First, Avi Lewis comes from a Canadian family that has long worked for Canadians.

These included his father, Stephen Lewis, an NDP leader in Ontario, ultimately appointed as UN ambassador by the Conservative leader, Brian Mulroney, as well as his grandfather, David Lewis, a former federal NDP leader. His mother, Michele Landsberg, was an activist journalist focused on feminist issues. All were awarded the Order of Canada during Liberal or Conservative governments. This candidate’s genes and family “dinner table” have promoted his emergence as a modern-day Canadian activist.

Second, his own work as a journalist and film producer has shown that he has already long seriously considered the important issues of our time that now affect us. He produced documentary films, This Changes Everything and also co-authored The Leap

Manifesto focused on climate action and other issues threatening us directly as islanders. We witnessed first-hand in British Columbia over this past summer burning forests, home evacuations (including our own family) and the air we breathe filled with smoke. Most believe that climate change is occurring and we, as citizens, hopefully share the urgent need to respond rapidly with smart political leaders who understand the issues, climatic and economic.

Third, he recently produced an Emmynominated film Message from the Future with U.S. Representative Alexandria OcasioCortez based on life in the Green New Deal, cementing a common purpose and plan to address these issues. We must, as a community, give support to knowledgeable individuals rather than those from the traditional parties who have had an opportunity over many decades, but failed to effectively deliver. Their time has now passed. Now, we need to connect to a global movement.

Finally, Avi Lewis and his spouse, Naomi Klein, have recently been recruited to our UBC faculty in Vancouver. She is also well known for own work including The Shock Doctrine, and has been appointed as the new distinguished chair in Climate Justice.

This is huge. None of our other candidates can compare. We are very fortunate to have this opportunity to support Avi Lewis in our federal riding. Let’s do our best in this difficult time to continue to elect the best individuals, this time from the NDP. He will represent us well.

Dr. Hugh Freeman Professor of Medicine, UBC

FIRE DANGER Bowen Island Fire Rescue

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that Dusty passed away on August 24th. She was a brilliant and very special mare who lived a long and wonderful life. We took the best care of each other over many years and rarely did I miss a day or night at the barn (my church). Before Dusty retired we had many amazing rides where she taught me to ride the mountains and trails of Squamish. There are no words to express how much I will miss her.

She was loved by so many and brought joy to everyone that met her. Special thank you to Andrea Pearce for being there with me the day Dusty passed and doing what you do with a heart of gold. Thank you for loving her for so many years Bowen.

Rest in peace my Duster, you taught me so much that neither books nor humans could.

NO CAMPFIRES NO BEACH FIRES

A6 • Thursday, September 2, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

OPINION / ANALYSIS

The metrics of elections

Bowen Island

Contributor

Who to vote for in this election? I cannot help you with that, but I can help clarify some things about our riding of West Vancouver Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky country.

What are riding boundaries?

The riding has three distinct geographic sections: West Vancouver section includes the Squamish Nation Capilano reserve and the whole of West Vancouver. (34,440 registered voters in 2019).

Sunshine Coast section includes all communities south of Saltery Bay, plus the west side of Átl’k a7tsem/Howe Sound (25,752 registered voters in 2019).

Sea to Sky country section includes the east side of Atl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound, and the whole Sea to Sky area from Lions Bay all the way up to D’Arcy in the north. (34,751 registered voters in 2019).

Note: The boundaries of the provincial riding of West Vancouver – Sea to Sky are very different. They don’t include the Sunshine Coast or West Vancouver neighbourhoods east of the line parallel with 29th Street in West Van.

What affects results long-term?

Obviously boundary redraws are sudden changes with a long-term effect. The slower demographic changes, like population growth, will affect the vote mostly in two ways. Other

political priorities will show up in the vote, and the population growth itself will lead to boundary redraw over time.

The riding is due for a redraw as there is substantial growth in Sea to Sky and the Sunshine Coast section with young people, young families moving in. From the 2015 to the 2019 election, the number of registered voters in Sea to Sky section increased by 2,078, and in the Sunshine Coast by 1,625. The increase in West Vancouver: 861.

Election results 2015 and 2019

Election results are announced as whole riding totals. The 2019 election shows a big drop in the Liberal vote. The Conservative vote is very stable in both elections, even in actual numbers. Many Green and NDP voters voted strategically Liberal in 2015, and in 2019 they split the green-progressive vote: 22.4 % + 13.9 % = 36.3 % and would’ve carried the riding.

The graphs for the riding geographic sections show the voting differences between them.

West Vancouver votes predominantly Liberal or Conservative. Conservatives remained committed even in the 2015 Liberal landslide. An election that also shows where people voted strategically Liberal. The 2019 election was more even on the Sunshine Coast, with a fourhorse race, and Liberal and Green candidates competing in Sea to Sky.

The 2021 election

West Vancouver 47.9 %

67.9 %

WHAT’S IN A RIDING? ESPECIALLY ONE AS BIG AS WV-SC-STSC ANTON VAN WALRAVEN

Federal elecóon results by region

Federal elecóon results

Can you use previous election results to make predictions about the 2021 elections? Yes

2015 elecóon

42.0 %

2015 elecóon

15.7 % 5.5 %

4.4 % 6.4 %

10.6 % 0%

0%

10 %

20 %

30 %

40 %

50 %

20 %

30 %

12.8 %

40 %

50 %

38.8 %

2019 elecóon

39.4 %

2019 elecóon

10 %

60 %

41.7 % 6.7 % 11.1 %

54.5 %

1.3 %

13.1 % 32.9 %

share of the vote

54.5 %

Sunshine Coast

1.6 %

share of the vote

53.2 %

Voter turnout: 2015 - 77.7 % and 2019 - 73.7 % Data source: Elecóons Canada. Graph: Anton van Walraven

we can. The site 338canada.com uses previous election results combined with current daily polling. I was sceptical at first, but the vote projections for 2019 were surprisingly close to the actual results.

Note: Things have changed since Aug. 28, but it is clear that Liberals and Conservatives are competing for the win with an edge for the Conservative candidate, while the NDP and Greens are projected to split the vote, although their combined vote would carry the riding as it would have in 2019.

2015 elecóon

16.2 % 9.8 %

0%

10 %

20 %

30 %

40 %

50 %

29.3 % 20.7 %

2019

22.3 %

elecóon

25.1 %

54.5 %

1.8 % share of the vote

Sea to Sky country 61.5 %

2015 elecóon

Vote!

On Bowen Island, Gary Ander won the mayoral election receiving just two more votes than Melanie Mason. And we saw it again last year, when MLA Jordan Sturdy had just sixty votes more than Jeremy Valeriote.

Every vote counts.

So go out and vote on Sept. 20, or on the advance days from Sept 10 to Sept 13.

Or order your mail-in ballot like, right now.

20.1 %

15.7 % 10.4 % 11.6 %

0%

10 %

20 %

30 %

40 %

50 %

35.6 %

2019 elecóon

17.9 % 14.7 % 29.7 %

54.5 %

1.6 % share of the vote

Liberal Party

Conservaóve Party

New Democraóc Party

People’s Party

Green Party

JOIN OUR TEAM!

Hiring Dog Handlers & Dog Trainers Temporary shared accomodation available for the right applicant.

Full or part time, split shifts • Hiring Professional Dog Trainers We can train Junior Trainers & Dog Handlers • Must love dogs!

Patient of the Week RAY Meet Ray! Ray is a sweet guy who visited us recently at the clinic to update all his vaccines.

With the world opening back up again, we will be able to travel and many of us like to take our pets on our trips. It is very important to make sure they are healthy, and fully up-to-date on vaccines to keep them safe visiting new areas!

REGULAR HOURS Tuesday to Friday 9- 5 Saturday 9- 1 Closed Sunday and Monday

To schedule appointments, please call

604.947.9247

or email reception@bowenvet.com

The Bowen Island Dog Ranch is Metro Vancouver’s professional dog training and boarding destination.

bowendogranch.com #WeSpeakDog

Email your resume and letter of intent to: info@bowendogranch.com

bowenislandundercurrent.com

The community came back: our island’s Bowfest reunion SHEANA STEVENSON

Bowfest Organizing Committee co-chair 20182021

For one glorious afternoon in August, Bowen Island almost felt “normal” again. The weather was glorious, the food was delicious, the drinks were refreshing, the tunes were rocking, the kids were joyful and everyone was socializing with exuberance. This year’s Bowfest(ish) event was a different day from what we’re used to, but it’s what we could come up with in six weeks, and it was magical. It wasn’t so much about what was scheduled, the fun was in being together in the most beautiful place, laughing with old friends, making new friends and watching the kids run and play, like the last yearand-a-half never happened. Many a heart was re-filled.

It takes a special kind of person to sacrifice their personal time and effort and/or money and take a risk by creating something in the hopes of making our community an even better place to live. So many people came together to make this day happen and they all need to be acknowledged, so here goes: Jim and Michelle Gibson and staff from Par T Perfect who brought all the games; the bands: the Sixties, Black Molly, Jaguar and Andy Buxton the Tech; John O’Malley for helping with equipment delivery; Dylan, Jak, Alexis, Adam and Stirling from Orbaek Meats; Christine

Hardie, Danna Hardie, Mary Ann Purdy and Isaac Knowles Gruft from Riley’s Cidery; Sarah Haxby and Helen Wallwork at the Country Fair; Jan Chilvers and Eli Manning at the candy stand; Erik, Sarah, Renee and Zach from Tuk/Tuk and Tell your Friends; Meedu and his Rainbow ice cream truck; Pardeep, Charmaine, Nick, BeBe and Evan Wynen our event security; Martin Wedepohl who drove the Orchard’s safe ride home shuttle; Yvonne McSkimming; Sasha Buchanan and our wonderful RCMP. No event can come together or finish well without the bashful but always willing set-up and take down crews. Thanks to Scott Stevenson, Alex Grolmus and Ryan McLaren (from Ontario!), Al Vyner, Carlos Henriques, Lachlan and Jocelyn Huinink, Alex Elston, Tyler Jacquet, Eric Michener, Guthrie Gloag and our heroic Parks Guy, Erik Hunter-James.

Super special thanks to Hudson, Caius and Vale Henriques, Livea and Lochlan Stevenson and Parker and Brooke Huinink for being patient while your parents got stuff done!

In over 20 years of doing events, I’ve never seen volunteers choose to extend their shifts for the entirety of an event, but this year, not one, but many people did that. I can’t say why exactly that was, but my impression from speaking to a few people, was that everyone who came was so appreciative and encouraging that the fun factor was too high to leave!

And they are amazing, communi-

ty-minded people. Thanks to all our hard-working volunteers: Rebecca Lyne, Sue Fairburn, Susan Nelson, Eva Kepesova, Alix MacDonald, Bob Rains, Sophie Walters, Sheila Kerr, Elaine Loree, Murray and Janice Skeels, Sheryl McKercy and Cathy McKernan, Cicely Ashley, Rebecca Hurst, Nadine Mitchell, Jody Lorenz, Hudson Henriques, Sebastian and Sophia M., Rob and Marie Claire Wynen. We couldn’t have done it without you. A special thanks to our announcer, Jen Loree who kept our spirits high and the day flowing!

The day could never have happened if it wasn’t for the generosity of Bowen’s businesses, who willingly jumped on board to sponsor this year’s event (see them all on the back page of this edition!)

Lastly, when you see them around, please be sure to thank your 2021 Bowfest-ish Volunteer Organizing Committee who worked very hard to create a safe, fun event that everyone could enjoy! Joan Vyner (Co-Chair), Barry Pynn, Tony Beck, Courtney Morris, Tammy Brockmeyer, Natasha Currah and Robyn Fenton. Thanks for being a great team and for keeping the laughs coming!

Whatever the next year throws at us, we can hold on to the amazing memories from Bowfest-ish and the hope that we will be doing it again, next summer (August 27, 2022 – mark your calendars). Thank you to everyone who came out and for believing in each other.

June 25 to September 6 2021

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

Bowfes Volunteer Organizing Committee members Joan Vyner and Barry Pynn take a moment out of set-up Friday eve for a pic.

James Wray (9) and William Wray (7) in mid-slug race excitement!

Despite their faces they got an honourable mention, coming second place. The winner was the second fastest race slug ever! –Carolyn Ann Wray

The Sixties (not all pictured but it includes Peter Clarke, Peter McLean, David Graff and Terry McKeown) got the party rolling.

Places of Worship Welcome You

Queen of Capilano Ferry Schedule DEPART BOWE EN ISLAND

Thursday, September 2, 2021 • A7

BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH E BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH Mackinnon PK l channel of R Rev Sh Shelagh l Ma M Now offering youtube reflections and hymn/songs withm Reverend Lorraine Ashdown and Lynn Williams. youtubewatch?v=tejV7Y6jo

v l M

FOOD

FOOD BANK DROP-OFF

ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Sunday Mass at 9.30

Contact Angela Powell 604-947-2515

CATES HILL CHAPEL

A

6304

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

00 am W Now offering worship services via Zoom.

m

S

A link available on website.

Pastor: Phil Adkins

SHIRAT HAYAM (Song of the Sea) BOWEN’S JEWISH COMMUNITY Shabbat Gatherings ~ Holidays Contact aryana.rayne@gmail.com

A8 • Thursday, September 2, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

The Andersen family coming up to the finish line.

Ty Kenney races for the finish.

ROBERT BALLANTYNE PHOTO

ROBERT BALLANTYNE PHOTO

Some young competitors of the 2021 Rotary Run for Rwanda Saturday morning.

ROBERT BALLANTYNE PHOTO

Rotary Run for Rwanda HILARY BUTLER

Contributor

The first men headed to the finish line.

ROBERT BALLANTYNE PHOTO

It was an ideal Saturday for a run – sunny but not too hot – and the crowd that turned out to the Rotary Run for Rwanda was enthusiastic and competitive! Grandparents, sons and daughters, grandsons and daughters, friends and relatives and even a few dogs, everyone seemed to be having a great time. At the end, it was tough to sort out the serious runners from the others, but we managed to work out the winners in time for the prize-giving, with belated apologies to the Bentall and Kenney family.

We are very grateful to all our sponsors for their generous support: B.I. Properties, Frits de Vries Architects, Dr. Gloria Chao, Barbara Wahler Interior Design, McTaggart Water, Ruddy Potato, Artisan Eats, Snug Café, General Store, Savary

Island Pie Co., Phoenix, Union Steamship Co., Cates Pharmacy, and last but not least the Undercurrent for accepting our articles!

Winners are as follows:

Male: 1st Andre Blazhkevich (19:59); 2nd Zachary Kennedy (20:00); 3rd Kieren Bloomfield (20:02) Female: 1st Katie Brougham (20:35); 2nd Callie Brougham (21:12); 3rd Monica Arcadi (21:42) 14 & under male: lst Jack Bentall (25:01); 2nd Ty Kenney (26:15) 14 & under female: lst Mira Everaars (25:25); 2nd Katherine Kennedy (26:48) 10 & under male: lst (Rory Bentall (26:21); 2nd Will Butler (28:35) 10 & under female: lst Mabel Butler Gutelius (26:55); 2nd Dela Butler Gutelius (32:22) Find detailed results of the run on the komeracanada.ca or the bowenrotary.com websites.

Jen Madden and her son Rafferty at the finish line.

ROBERT BALLANTYNE PHOTO

Pam Matthews running to the end.

ROBERT BALLANTYNE PHOTO

Callie and Katie Brougham (first and second in the women’s run) with Margaret Butler LISA BROUGHAM PHOTO

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bowenislandundercurrent.com

Country fair

Thank you to all of the participants in this year’s mini Country Fair at Bowfest, which was made possible thanks to the event’s sponsors, the dedicated Bowfest organizers and the BAA Bowen Agricultural Alliance volunteers at the country fair tent: mother-daughter duo Sarah Haxby and Helen Wallwork.

This year’s Bowfest-ish Country Fair might have been mini, but it was a big hit with over a dozen monstrous squash vying for biggest zucchini and the slug races being so popular we added a fourth race, proving that one of the oldest Bowfest traditions is still alive and well. Over one hundred slug tattoos, as well as t-shirts were handed out and worn proudly at the festival.

Thirty-two slugs raced down the track and the slug-jockey race teams cheered on the leopard, banana and black slugs. Black slugs are one of the most plentiful of slugs to be found on Bowen and are also known as red or chocolate slugs. Black slugs are native to Europe and have been introduced to many countries through human activity, including Canada. Bo the banana slug is the mascot of Bowfest and he invites people to slow down to island time. The indigenous Pacific banana slug is the second-largest species of terrestrial slug in the world, growing up to 25 centimetres! There were several large banana slugs at the races including the mighty 16cm Professor Slughorn, a banana slug who won the first race by being furthest down the track at the end of the 20-minute race. The length of each race mirrors the length of a ferry ride to Bowen. In the third race we had a small 5cm leopard slug named Cheetah run the second fastest race in Bowfest Slug racing history. Cheetah crossed the finish line at 10 minutes and 41 seconds! Congratulations to all the participants. And please note, as always: all of the slugs at the slug races were carefully returned to the wilds of Bowen after the races, and that the races are all in fun.

Sarah Haxby

Thursday, September 2, 2021 • A9

Heaviest zucchini contest •

• •

1st Place Fenella and Jason Jacquet 10.5 lb 2nd Place Collins Farm 7.7lb 3rd Place Marysia McGilvray 4lb

Youth • • •

Sean and Patrick McKay

Participants (and friends) of the day’s second slug race

1st Place Oliver 8lb 2nd Place Livea 7lb 3rd Place Lochlan 5.5lb

Slug Race #1 • • •

1st Place Professor Slughorn raced by Jameson 2nd Place Racey raced

by Freja and Henning 3rd Place Cupcake raced

by Loch

Slug Race #2 •

• •

Kiera and Isabelle Headley

Chelsea Strang, her son William, and Ruby and a friend

1st Place Landon the Slug raced by Henry 2nd Place Roger raced

by Evin 3rd Place Snick-a-roo raced by Max and AJ

Slug Race #3 •

• •

1st Place Cheeta raced

by Olive and Avery *2nd fastest time across the line ever!

2nd Place Salty the Slug raced by Joey 3rd Place Muffin raced

by Ellen and Steve

Slug Race #4 •

Helen Wallwork (purple) at the Country Fair tent greets attendees.

Jameson Arnold won first in race #1 with Professor Slughorn. –Cindyl Karst

Ione with her dad Liam

1st Place Slimmey raced

by Ryan, Caitlin and George • 2nd Place Turbo, raced

by Tom and Fin • 3rd Place Jupiter raced

by Jordy and Tori Honorable mention to Andre de Grasse the slug, Bob, Thingamajig, Turbo, Sluggion, Rent-a-Slug, No-Name-ismy-name, Friendsteam, Bob Junior, Tug, King, Bowen Aero, Big B, Samay the Science Lion, Slowpoke, Sluggy, Speedy, Speedpants and all the other slugs that raced.

Ever thought about being in a choir?

Bowen has a particularly happy one.

We’re relaxed, informal and get together mostly to feel good.

Yes, it’s about music but even more about new friendships, and exhilaration you never knew you could have had so easily.

Th There h are no auditions because Ellen magically blends our voices.

That’s been the fun of it all!

Any y questions, email us at bowenislandcommunitychoir@gmail.com Or even better, drop by this year’s first get together!

It’s at Cates Hill Chapel SEPTEMBER 15th at 7 p.m.

Follow us on Facebook or at www.bowenislandcommunitychoir.ca

A10 • Thursday, September 2, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

A dancing connection: Cuban salsa classes starting up this fall BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor

If you ask Julio Montero, everyone could use a little more Cuban salsa in their lives.

The Vancouver-based salsa instructor is offering weekly salsa classes on Bowen this fall. The first class sold out immediately but there’s still space in the Monday evening classes starting at 8 p.m. at Cates Hill Chapel.

Bowen Islanders David Adams and Vaune Kolber were Montero’s students on the mainland and had the idea of classes on Bowen. “I was like, ‘I’d be happy to make a contribution to my fellow Islanders,’” says Montero.

“I am already programmed to start revolutions everywhere I go,” he jokes. “But this time we’re doing a cultural revolution.”

The classes start at the beginner level and the hope is to build a community of salsa dancers in the long-term, as Montero has done teaching salsa in Vancouver for nearly

20 years.

When it comes to Cuban salsa, people are signing up for a lifestyle, says Montero. “This is a dance that it’s actually a nation’s cultural legacy,” he says. “You go to Cuba, and you will find people dancing the way I teach the dance.”

Montero learned to dance in boarding school in Cuba. “In my school, if you didn’t know how to dance salsa, you were a nobody,” he says. The dance becomes very important in Cubans’ late teens, particularly for those attending boarding schools. “That’s when we start partying and that’s when you want to learn because you want to meet people and you want to have fun,” he says. “It’s a beautiful dance, but it’s very appealing, in many ways.”

Teaching dancing in Canadian high schools is a different experience. “It is difficult to get the kids encouraged to dance and they don’t want to hold hands,” Montero says. In this, the instructor sees something missing in social skills – a gap that social dancing could fill. “On top of that, internet, and social media and all these apps and stuff, they tend to pull us further apart from other people.

“As an immigrant, I’m very happy and proud to do this, because I think it’s a great contribution that I can make,” says Montero. “We have all of this material wealth. We are an affluent society, but we also need a wealth of spiritual things. Things of this sort, that enrich our lives in a non-material way.” “[Salsa] is also very popular dance around the world.

We Cubans, we are spread all over the world,” he says.

“Everywhere we go, we bring our culture and we get people dancing.”

It’s not a dance about acrobatics or flashy moves, says Montero. “It’s a dance form that is easily accessible to anyone, regardless of your age.” Even his elderly mother still dances.

“It’s like learning how to ride a bicycle. Once you learn it, you don’t forget. It is yours, and it’s yours for you to enjoy on your last day.

“That constant connection with people through dance will get even better as we get out of the COVID pandemic – it’s going to enhance the already good lifestyle of Bowen Islanders.”

The classes start with a $110 four-week beginners program Sept. 13 (so students commit to that series of classes) and then move onto beginner level two and intermediate and so on. There’ll also be a monthly dance social.

COVID-19 note: under provincial regulations, all participants must be vaccinated.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JULIO MONTERO

Salsa classes start Sept.

13 at Cates Hill Chapel.

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Get to know your neighbours

Community centre may or may not see delays

MEET: SOORYA RAY RESELS AND JACK RESELS

When did you arrive on Bowen Island?

We arrived March 2015 and stayed at an apartment in Village Square until July 2015, when our townhouse at Belterra Cohousing became available for occupancy.

How did you come to be on Bowen?

Soorya: Our first visit to Bowen was June 2011, for my birthday. We walked around Killarney Lake and had a meal at the Tuscany. Jack and I fell in love with Bowen’s charm.

Jack: A couple of years later, Vancouver friends told us about a new cohousing community on the island that was forming. We had already checked out several others. Living in a community where you know your neighbours was something we dreamed about. July 2013 we visited Belterra, became members, and by August we put down our deposit.

Where on Bowen do you live? Belterra Road in the Carter neighbourhood, with its wonderful views of the North Shore mountains. Beautiful in all weathers.

Where’s your favourite place on Bowen Island? Soorya: I can’t say really. I’m in love with the natural surroundings, the views, the village, the places we have explored and still have yet to explore. I love walking the flatter trails.

Jack: I have two favourite places on Bowen. I love walking in the forest, especially in Crippen Park between Miller

Road and Lake Killarney. I also love going out on a two person kayak with my friend Hasan, kayaking between Snug Cove and Cates Bay. What’s your favourite Bowen story?

Soorya: This is a story I wished I had told when it happened three years ago. Now is my chance. Haha. People here are truly unique. One day Jack and I were rushing to catch the ferry. We had stopped at the Bakery to have some coffee. When we got to the car, nearer the beginning of the lineup, I realized I’d left my purse back at the bakery. Jules was marshalling the ferry line up — she did this so very well.

She saw my alarm and asked me what had happened. Immediately, Jules took me in her truck to the Bakery to collect my purse and then drove me back to our car — just in the nick of time. She is one of the many heroes, good-hearted people, on Bowen Island. She made my day.

Jack: For me it’s the time I was sitting on a bench on Cape Roger Curtis, looking out west towards the Pasley Islands, when suddenly I noticed wave after wave of movement. I looked really closely.

There must have been hundreds of them — in the ocean — Pacific White-Sided Dolphins. Wow! What a thrill!!

What’s something Bowen Islanders have in common? Soorya: A keen sense of enjoying daily life on a smaller more intimate scale. And an appreciation for

Thursday, September 2, 2021 • A11

CONTINUED FROM P. 1

the larger community and for protecting the environment.

Jack: All of us travel to and from the island by ferry and, as far as I can tell, most people enjoy this relaxing ride.

What’s been keeping you going during the pandemic?

Soorya: At the beginning of Covid an idea took birth to offer a daily meditation online. The thought just popped up. I’ve been a meditator for almost 50 years.

Through word of mouth, a small community of people have gathered with me at 8 a.m. for half an hour. This has been like a rudder for me. It is the connection to others and the spirit of consistent practice of something I have valued for a lifetime that has kept me going with a sense of purpose.

Jack: Being in the forest and walking on the Bowen Trails, such as the Killarney Lake Loop Trail, the Dorman Point Lookout Trail and the Cape Roger Curtis Trail.

Regularly walking these trails and breathing in the fresh invigorating air has really kept me going during the pandemic.

FOR A

The community centre project timeline presented to municipal council in January slated opening for summer 2023. “With that timeline, though, we would have started construction this fall,” said Drake. “There’s the possibility that it’s a little bit later.”

That being said, Golden Globe Construction said they could do the project in a 70-week timeline, said Drake.

Bowen Islanders voted to borrow $4 million for the long-sought community amenity in a referendum last year and a federal-provincial grant is providing a further $7.9 million. The project has a further $2.5 million from community fundraising and reserves.

Gail Lotenberg holds up Collins Farm’s 7.7 pound second-place winning zucchini at the Bowfestish Country Fair. (Courtesy of Sarah Haxby)

CAWES

PRESENTED BY

CAWES

BOWEN VET

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL CAWES AT 604 947-2555 OR EMAIL INFO@CAWES.ORG

A12 • Thursday, September 2, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

COMING UP ON BOWEN

Upscaling recycling

Carmina Bowena a new vocal consort is auditioning now for Sept. 13 choir start date. Call Nicole to schedule your time 778-926-4286 or email ntzharmonium@mac. com

Contributors

AUDITION CALL

AUDITION CALL

Bowen’s Men on Rock choir will be back this September call Nicole for more information. 778-926 4286; ntzharmonium@mac.com or email ntzharmonium@mac. com Teen Advisory Group Bowen Island Public LibraryJoin the TAG and have a say in the library’s teen program and collection and earn volunteer hours! Sign-up at bill.link/TAG"

BAA Farmers' Market BICS 10 am - noon Made, grown, baked on Bowen.

Bring a mask and cash and please follow the signs Artist pARTy for On the Edge of Beauty Hearth Gallery 6-8 pm

SUNDAY SEPT. 5

Yoga on the Pier 9 - 10 am Pop-up classes $15 per class; space limited; weather permitting; book: nectaryoga.ca/yogaonthepier Outdoor Meditation Circle Meet at undercover entrance to Crippen 11 am More information: lisa.shatzky@ gmail.com

WED. SEPT. 8

SEPTEMBER 115

Catching Stars Gallery features paintings by Jilly Watson Jilly will be in the gallery on Monday, Sept. 6, 11 - 5 pm

SEPTEMBER 127

On the Edge of Beauty Hearth Gallery Cathryn Jenkins -Sculpture and Niina Chebry - Mixed Media

SEPTEMBER 35

Friends & Lovers: Art show in the garden 1160 Adams Rd. 11 am-3 pm Diane Buchanan, Gregory Cope, Jane Dunfield, William Gracie, Bob Kerr, Coral Louie, David Riddell, Darren Thompson, Reidun Van Kervel

SATURDAY SEPT. 4

am-noon Last FOBILS sale of the summer: fiction and art books

Friends of B.I. Library book sale Library front lawn 10

PHOTO COURTESY OF CORAL LOUIE

Diane Buchanan’s garden (pictured here with Diane and some of her works) is the setting for the “Friends & Lovers: Art in the Garden exhibition” this weekend. The show runs Sept. 3 to Sept. 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features the works of nine local artists (Gregory Cope, Jane Dunfield, William Gracie, Bob Kerr, Coral Louie, David Riddell, Darren Thompson, Reidun Van Kervel, and Diane herself.)

Paint it Forward with Marie Neys Fine Art Zoom 9:30-11:30 am "Recieve the class and materials for free with the intent to donate funds towards the next group of Budding Artists. Learn all about Acrylic Painting- no experience necessary. Details & Registion at marieneys.com under the Classes section.

THURSDAY SEPT. 9

Tunstall Bay Water System LAC meeting Zoom 4 pm

SATURDAY SEPT. 11

Fire extinguisher inspection day Satellite fire hall 10 am-2 pm hosted by BIFR. Inspections are free. Extinguishers will be available for purchase. Cash preferred.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNA-MARIE ATHERTON

It’s Friends of Bowen Island Library’s last book sale of the summer! Make like Diana Kaile, Pam Miller and Anna-Marie Atherton and pick up some new favourite fiction and art books. The event is Saturday Sept. 4 on the lawn if it’s fair weather and inside the annex if it’s raining. 10 a.m. to noon.

Email editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com for calendar listings.

IN YOUR HOME, ON OUR BEACHES

BRENDA MORRISON & MERIBETH DEEN

Circular Bowen will be hosting a series of neighbourhood pop-up recycling events to bring the love of recycling on Bowen Island to a new level. Their first stop is 828 Hummingbird Lane on Saturday, Sept. 18. Come and recycle what no longer serves you, or sparks joy (a la Marie Kondo); and stick around to refresh September Morn Beach, after a long summer where she refreshed you.

The past 18 months has been a time of “clearing out” – among other things – for many of us. We’ve sold stuff, donated to the Nook, taken to BIRD, and so on. But there are always other things... things that we just don’t quite know what to do with – and sadly, much of that stuff ends up in the landfill. Circular Bowen sees it as a thrilling challenge to recycle the hard stuff: from toothbrushes and potato bags to broken deck chairs and old summer coolers (yes, the one with the big crack), and those toys that have been loved so much that they now have fallen over with exhaustion.

We will be accepting plastics, including bread ties, broken or old containers, toys, toothbrushes, chip bags, net bags, buckets, garden hoses, bike tires/tubes, clothing, shoes, sleeping bags, towels, pillows, textiles, curtains, infant car seats ($25 each), helmets ($10 each), and more.

A suggested donation of $10/bag will be gratefully accepted, with donations supporting recycling and a local project that supports the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action.

While you’re doing your recycling, get a glimpse of the arts-based event to be hosted at the same location, 828 Hummingbird, for the first-ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This event will also be supported by Circular Bowen, and we will have information and activities to get you thinking about what you can do to respond to the TRC’s call to action.

We are looking forward to seeing you, rain or shine.

Recycle: September 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 828 Hummingbird Lane Refresh: September 18 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at September Morn Beach

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Thursday, September 2, 2021 • A13

Paying for Tunstall Bay’s new tank BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

The Bowen Island Municipality-run Tunstall Bay Water System is poised to get a new treated water reservoir tank but the project will dig into residents’ pocket books.

The (estimated) $620,000 five-year loan spread out over the water system’s 135 properties would come out to $950 a year per household, said a BIM alert.

The water system’s local advisory committee has requested the new tank for more water storage and for suffi-

cient water flow for fire protection.

BIM is recommending borrowing the funds for a 595 cubic metre, glass fused bolted steel tank to be placed beside the existing reservoir tank.

(The borrowing can happen through a short-term equipment financing loan, so it doesn’t need to get elector approval.)

The water system does have $270,000 in capital reserves but that’s below what should be in place for maintenance and replacement, said the alert.

The existing tank – apparently built in the 1980s – doesn’t look pretty but

it’s still usable, said BIM’s director of engineering Patrick Graham. They’re not planning on decommissioning it.

The new tank, about two and a half times the size of its predecessor, would “increase the water supply buffer resulting in a more resilient water system,” said the news alert.

Tender for the project closes in mid-September.

The local advisory committee is meeting to discuss the financing of the tank Sept. 9 at 4 p.m. over Zoom.

Find more information at bimbc.ca.

Notice of Public Hearing DARRYL DEEGAN PHOTO

Jack McGilvray and Olivia Curry with Timber the pony.

CAWES Kids Club

LOCAL ANIMAL WELFARE ORGANIZATION LAUNCHES EDUCATION PROGRAMMING

KIM SINCLAIR

CAWES executive director

There is a lot going on at CAWES these days and our next big adventure, that we plan to unveil at the Walk for a CAWES on Sept. 11, is the CAWES Kids Club!

We are working on educational programming for children and youth that builds on an initial interest in animals and inspires a lifelong passion to care about animals, both companion and wild. Tracy McLachlan (from Family Place) has taken on the role as the coordinator of the club. We are thrilled to have Tracy be a part of CAWES with all her knowledge and experience.

We plan to start with ages five to eight and then follow with nine to 12 and bring in the teenagers (13-16) once the club is well-established. The programming would be adapted to suit each age range.

CAWES wants our next generation of animal guardians to feel empowered to make a difference and contribute to projects in an age-appropriate capacity. Some examples are: • Determining issues • Conservation/environmental protection • Animal welfare (companion and wild) There will also be skill-building opportunities such as: • Hands-on animal care • Leadership • Fundraising • Community education Some preliminary activity/module ideas we are discussing include: • Wildlife rescue/relocation basics • Keeping wildlife wild • Wild animal counts…contributing to citizen science • Habitat preservation • Habitat clean-ups • Understanding the purpose/role of a true animal sanctuary • Worldview of conservation and how to make a difference For more information check out the website at: cawes.org or come along to the walk and speak with Tracy directly. We hope to see you at the Walk for a CAWES on Sept. 11.

HAVE YOUR SAY. Public Hearing Monday, September 13, 2021

5:30 pm

Online via Zoom

Questions?

Contact Daniel Martin, Manager of Planning and Development

Land use amendment for sale of retail Cannabis Bylaw No. 530, 2020

The owners of Happy Isle Cannabis Company, operating at 203-992 Dorman Road (shown on map), have applied to amend the zoning to permit their store, currently operating under a Temporary Use Permit, to have permanent zoning approval.

In response, Bowen Island Council is considering changes to the Land Use Bylaw to permit the sale of retail cannabis anywhere a retail use is permitted, subject to receiving a Provincial Licence. Land Use Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 530, 2020 was given First Reading at the January 11, 2021 Council Meeting to enact those changes. Bowen Island Council is also considering a policy that would provide items for Council to consider when reviewing an application for a retail cannabis store.

Council 1st Introduction Reading

September 2020

January 2021

Bylaw timeline

Open House

2nd Reading

Public Hearing

June 2021

July 2021

September 2021

3rd Reading

Bylaw Adoption

(Estimated) October 2021

How to get more information

604-947-4255

The proposed bylaw and background material, including staff reports, presentations, and explanatory material, may be viewed at Municipal Hall (Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30, closed on stat holidays) or on the Municipal website at www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning

Ways you can Have Your Say dmartin @bimbc.ca

bowenisland municipality.ca /planning

• Speak at the Public Hearing: September 13 at 5:30 pm: 1. Email the Corporate Officer (hdallas@bimbc.ca) BEFORE the start of the hearing to register for the speakers list: • Subject line: Public Hearing - Verbal Submission 2. Join via Zoom and wait for your name to be called out. Get the Zoom meeting details at: bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning • Write to the attention of Mayor and Council: E-mail: mayorandcouncil@bimbc.ca Mail: 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC, V0N1G2

To ensure a fair process, submissions are accepted up until the end of the public hearing. Council cannot consider any submissions received after the Public Hearing has ended. If your written submission is received after the public hearing has ended your submission will be circulated to staff for information.

A14 • Thursday, September 2, 2021

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Thursday, September 2, 2021 • A15

They pulled off a brilliant Bowfest in just six weeks – here’s (some of ) how they did it

The most difficult part of Bowfest-ish was trying to leave.

The giant community reunion – with about 2,000 attendees – was a truncated version of the decadesold festival. It had no parade, few booths, shortened hours and fewer activities than its pre-COVID predecessors. Yet, it was not lacking.

A mere six weeks ago, it looked like Bowfest would be yet another virtual affair, like 2020’s online country fair, streamed concert and pre-recorded parade. But with

B.C. reopening significantly at the beginning of July, the committee decided to organize a live event.

There were the health considerations to contend with. Up until the Monday before Bowfest – with provincial COVID-19 case numbers still rising and a provincial health officer announcement looming – organizers were poised to cancel or pivot.

“We really sat down and looked at the requirements from public health,” said committee co-chair

Joan Vyner. “That was really, really important to us.

“We want people to come and have fun, but be as safe as possible.

“That’s partly why we went with the ‘Bowfest-ish’ idea, because we wanted to make sure that the field was really open. So people could spread out.”

With the Bowfest-ish decision made, Vyner, other co-chair Sheana Stevenson, and their fellow committee members started making calls. “It was one of those

amazing series of events that made it work – that people would say yes and that everybody just jumped on board.

“The other thing that was really, really wonderful was the level of sponsorship that we got from the local businesses,” said Vyner.

“I think we tripled it from what we normally do.”

The level of sponsorship allowed the event to be by donation.

Vyner points to the committee as a whole for the event’s success.

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“It’s really one of the best volunteer committees I have ever worked with,” she said. “Dedicated, hard working, lots of fun, lots of talent…they’re a super, super group of people.”

As Stevenson’s going back to university, she won’t be heading up the Bowfest organizing next year, so the crew is looking for more volunteers to join the festival forming fun.

-Bronwyn Beairsto, editor

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A16 • Thursday, September 2, 2021

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