Bowen Island Undercurrent September 16 2021

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ELECTION EDITION: Hear from the candidates

Thursday, September 16, 2021 • A1

$1.50

PAGES 6  9

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

inc.

GST

BISK AT 25

PAGE 11

REAL ESTATE

STARTS PAGE 13

DEADLY NEWTS

PAGE 23

VOL. 47 NO. 36

BIUndercurrent

BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

COMMODORE’S CUP PAGE 27

A global nod ÁTL’KA7TSEM / HOWE SOUND DESIGNATED A UNESCO BIOSPHERE REGION

STEVEN CHUA

steven@squamishchief.com

UNDERCURRENT PHOTO

NOT HAMPERED BY RAIN: Volunteers at Pebbly Beach helped SeaChange Marine Conservation Society

prepare 1,184 shoots of eelgrass for transplant in Mannion (Deep Bay). Prepared grass shoots – with washers attached to their base –are seen at the water’s edge and the diving boat is in the distance with more hampers. Why the operation? See p. 3.

Slopitch 2021: The Slugger Redemption TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP DROUGHT ENDS

HENRY CAMPBELL

Contributor

The drizzling rain proved to be no match for the fire in the hearts of the

Bowen Island Slopitch League (BISL) players as they readied themselves for last Saturday’s final tournament.

A fleet-footed executive, headed by President Lee Vincent, dodged numerous COVID-related bullets to pull off

a truncated regular season marked by unprecedented league parity. A mere three wins separated the first and fifth place teams. Going into the playoffs only one thing was certain: anyone could win it all.

CONTINUED ON P. 28

Bowen Island Gymnastics is Back!

Fall 2021 Session: classes start Friday, Sept 24/Sat Sept 25, 2021 Offering multi-movement Gymnastics and Parkour classes starting at 12 months to teens that promote physical literacy development with the emphasis on FUN - FITNESS & FUNDAMENTALS *Nationally Certified coaches*

Please visit our Website: www.bowengymnastics.com for class details Email: bowengymnastics@gmail.com to register

A five-year long quest has finally paid off.

The Howe Sound area, (Átl’ka7tsem), has been given worldwide recognition as an area of importance by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

On Sept. 15, the region was at long last recognized as Canada’s 19th biosphere region by UNESCO, according to a news release from the Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative.

This means that the international organization has deemed this place a zone of global ecological significance.

For the head of the Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society, which was responsible for making this project a reality, it’s been a happy conclusion to years of hard work.

“It’s really gratifying and it’s almost surreal,” Ruth Simons told The Squamish Chief.

“Certainly, when we looked at the nomination documents, the blank template, it was quite daunting. And so it’s just really satisfying to know that all the great work that everybody collectively put in towards this project has been recognized by this prestigious international body.”

While this title does not create a park or grant any legal authority, the international designation does carry prestige and can be a point of leverage for environmental advocates.

Simons added that some people are under the impression that the UNESCO designation will mean another layer of bureaucracy in decision-making.

CONTINUED ON P. 25

A2 • Thursday, September 16, 2021

Request for Quotations: Website Redevelopment

Career Opportunity: Island Community Planner

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.

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.

Events September 22, 2021 5:00 pm Heritage Commission

September 23, 2021 11:00 am Public Art Advisory Committee

September 27, 2021 6:15 pm

bowenislandundercurrent.com

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.

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

Regular Council Meeting All meetings are online via Zoom and

open to the public, unless noted

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

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

• • • •

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

Free Green Shores® Training Level 1

Help stop COVID-19:

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

November 4, 2021 Get vaccinated - everyone over 12 is eligible

Stay home if you’re sick

Wear a mask in indoor public spaces

Max 20 participants Open to homeowners, shoreline professionals, or anyone who has a general interest in shoreline protection, this workshop introduces participants to basic shoreline ecosystem principles and management practices, with emphasis on the purpose and application of the Green Shores rating systems.

Phone: Fax: ADVERTISEMENT Email: September 16, 2021 Website:

Snug Cove gateway mural artists Di, Paula Love and Sarah Haxby have been crafting together a mural that encompasses and reflects the wishes of our community. Follow Bowen Island Municipality on Facebook to watch progress of the mural as it unfolds!

Topics covered include an overview of shoreline ecology including threats and improvements, an overview of shoreline governance, and an introduction to the Green Shores program. A visit to local shorelines will allow participants to consider the concepts in a practical setting. The workshop will conclude with a guided group discussion around how to implement key concepts and put new learning into practice.

Register at http://ow.ly/OCrL50G9hlO or search “Green Shores” on the Uvic Continuing Studies website: continuingstudies.uvic.ca

Contact Bowen Island Municipality PAID

Snug Cove gateway mural progress!

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, September 16, 2021 • A3

Rooting for carbon sequestration: transplanted eelgrass growing in Deep Bay BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as eelgrass sod.

Luckily, volunteers were on hand Tuesday morning to tie washers to the bottom of eelgrass shoots for transplanting in Mannion Bay, just south of Pebbly Beach.

It was a year ago that a pilot project launched to ultimately try to coax the fragmented eelgrass near the Terminal Creek outflow into a continuous meadow throughout the bay. The 600-odd eelgrass shoots transplanted last year have grown outward, encouraging the SeaChange Marine Conservation Society-funded Salish Sea Nearshore Habitat Recovery Project to transplant nearly 1,200 more shoots this year, said the project’s Howe Sound/Átl’ka7tsem regional director, Fiona Beaty.

Divers harvested eelgrass for transplanting from the healthy meadows in the north part of the bay (on the left as you look out toward the mountains) on Monday. Two heats of a dozenish volunteers donned their rain gear and headed to Pebbly Beach Tuesday morning and affixed a washer to each grass shoot (to anchor the grass in the sediment) and then tied shoots into groups of 10. “It’s like forests, if there’s a single tree, it’s more likely to blow down. But if you have clusters of them, it’s a little bit more resilient to the wave energy,” explained Beaty. Divers then took the laundry baskets full of washered eelgrass and planted one cluster per metre on the floor of Mannion Bay. Hundreds of species of fish, invertebrates and birds depend on eelgrass meadows for habitat and food – including juvenile salmon leaving their freshwater creek hatching grounds. Eelgrass can help with shoreline erosion, blades attenuating wave energy a little, and sequester carbon, storing it in the roots and sediments they’re also stabilizing.

(Eelgrass evolved from land so it has roots, unlike seaweed.

While it’s a perennial plant, it stores carbon in the sediment it roots into, making for longer-term carbon storage, explained Beaty.)

Bowen Island Municipality established a voluntary no anchoring zone around the transplant area earlier this year (the first zone of its kind on the Canadian side of the Salish Sea) to help protect the recovering eelgrass. “It’s not a formal designation. There’s no fines involved. It’s just asking people to respect where eelgrass is growing and not anchor there,” said Beaty. “It really does rely on community members here to help encourage boaters and build that awareness.”

They also installed a midline float on one of the mooring buoys in the area. The float is a new design that lifts the mooring chain off the seafloor so it doesn’t scour the bottom. SeaChange is monitoring the eelgrass around the test buoy, to see whether the design works in these waters, said Beaty. “And it seems to be doing pretty well.”

Since last year’s transplanted grass grew well, it seems whatever pressures lead to reduced eelgrass growth in the past have lessened. (Possible pressures include a high number of people dropping anchor, untreated sewage emptied into the bay and climate change.)

The transplants are only possible because of the work BIM and other local groups have done in the bay, said

Beaty. “Because it’s so active, SeaChange originally looked at Mannion, and was like, ‘Nah, there’s too much stuff going on here.’” There was no guarantee of transplant success.

“Once we learned about the work that previous groups have been doing and leading – [that] there’s a lot of goodwill, and there’s political will – then that showed us that it would be more likely to be successful.”

UNDERCURRENT PHOTO

Volunteers affixed washers to the bottom of shoots and then tied the shoots together in series of 10.

“Patrick has been a terrific MP. His position on climate is strong, and in just two years his legislative influence on everything frrom Net Zero Emissions to wild salmon protection has been remarkable. We share a vision of a

RE-ELECT

Patrick Weiler

West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country

knowledge-based economy in BC that will reduce our dependence e on resource extraction."

Wade Davis, Author and Anthropologist “I think Patricck has the potential to become one of Canada’s env vironmental policy stars, supporting green economic grrowth, land conservation and restoration of BC’s wild salmon, all while tirelessly representing the people in Weest Vancouver, the Coast and Sea to Sky Country.”

Ross Beaty, Cleantech Entrepreneur nt for Patrick Weiler Authorized by the Official Agen

reelectpatrickweiler.com

@patrickbweiler

236-317-3055

Vote September 20th

A4 • Thursday, September 16, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

VIEWPOINTS LETTER TO THE EDITOR

It’s a system problem

DEAR EDITOR: Maybe we took a wrong turn and need to go back to the map.

Recently municipal councillor Maureen Nicholson posted the earnest question: “I have one more year on municipal council. What accomplishment would make that worthwhile? Not just for me but for the 2018-2022 council.”

The bulk of the responses had a taste of dissatisfaction, but many also expressed gratitude to Maureen for her efforts.

Good people run in our municipal elections in sincere hope of making changes and improvements. And yet do we see the amount of change and improvement we hope for? Are we just a bunch of dissatisfied whining Canadians or are we trying to make changes and improvements in a system that doesn’t allow much latitude for those things?

I recall, not the issue, but the frustrated response of the Mayor when he said: “We have done everything we can.” At first I thought it a cop out, but later realized that the truth was deeper. Everything that could be done had been done within this limited system.

It seems to me to be a top-heavy system that is designed to expand itself. When last I took a look at the municipal budget, I found the of the $9 million revenue, approx 2/3 went to governance and planning and 1/3 to concrete stuff. I thought that perhaps that should be the other way around, and I wondered what our municipal structure does apart from creating some well paying but thankless jobs, with benefits.

When the idea of incorporation as a municipality came up, the majority of voters went for it thinking that this was our little community taking a step to maturity. But I also wonder if we haven’t made a mistake and should consider a hard look at disincorporation and what that would mean.

I’m just not sure that in a year, I can take another round of hopeful fresh candidates, looking to do a better job in what may well be a dysfunctional system. What is that saying about continually doing the same thing yet hoping for a different outcome?

Richard Best

60 years later...

Cartoonist Ron Woodall dropped into casual conversation Monday that Heather and his 60th wedding anniversary was last week – Sept. 6 – and they only realized it a few days later.

And he gave a verbal shrug – “We’ve forgotten most of them.”

They have often been travelling in September, Ron explained, and so anniversaries often went uncelebrated.

Well. I think this is a good time to celebrate these two animal-loving, humour-spreading islanders!

Happy belated 60th anniversary Heather and Ron! –Bronwyn

EDITORIAL Welcome to another island-wide mailout edition of the Undercurrent!

If we haven’t met or emailed or nodded from across the street, I’m Bronwyn, this weekly newspaper’s editor of the past three years and co-worker to ad extraordinaire Tracey Wait.

We do several of these sorts of editions a year, and different occasions can trigger these special issues.

Sometimes it’s the world shutting down because of a pandemic, sometimes it’s to infuse a little hope into our lives (the silver linings edition of

May 2020), sometimes it’s to reach our summer community (the annual villagers and cottagers edition in July). During elections, we do these special editions with a series of Q&As with candidates, digging into the issues that matter specifically to islanders – we need to keep Bowen on the minds of prospective MPs! Week to week, we try to keep on top of the news (sometimes just slightly under current) and importantly, be a means of community connection.

Thank you to our longtime readers,

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

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

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

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

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

ISSN 7819-5040

to our new readers, to our occasional readers, our once in a year readers, and those who buy the paper so that they have fire starter. You keep us going.

As Peter outlines on the page opposite, our industry has its challenges.

But, in weeks like these, where we get to bring your questions to the person who will go to Ottawa to represent us, we feel particularly priviledged to be serving Bowen (at least I do – and Tracey’s an even bigger local news champion). Thank you.

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 16, 2021 • A5

EDITORIAL

Forging a viable future for local news: what we face THE UNDERCURRENT’S PUBLISHER REFLECTS ON THE NEWS BIZ ON BOWEN,18 MONTHS INTO THE PANDEMIC

Readers ask me everyday, “how are you doing”? After a moments deliberation on my personal situation and the endless protocols and compromises that our family and friends have had to endure, I realize quickly, our readers interest is really in “how our local news organization is doing”?

Nearly 18 months ago, pre-co, our local newspaper and its associated online platform, were struggling to find the balance between our audience’s voracious appetite for local news and our declining advertising support from national and local businesses. So really, not much has changed?

Oh to the contrary. While we continue to see strong growth in our audience’s engagement with our content, both in print and online, we continue to see the dominance of the online platforms in the advertising market. Simply put, we don’t have an audience problem, but our advertisers simply have many more choices today.

We are seeing stronger pick-up of our paper from our boxes, retailers and subscriptions are holding well. Today, as always, we provide a strong opportunity for local businesses and organizations to connect with their customers, potential customers and constituents through our paper, but also very much through our online audi-

ence. The demographics of that online audience are terribly similar to the one that the paper delivers. You just come visit more often, and find our offering updated on a daily basis with strong local and regional news, views, sports and hopefully again one day, entertainment.

If you are not signed up for our newsletter program, you really are missing out. Bronwyn, our editor, hand-curates a weekly newsletter that is simply “not to miss!”

Delivered directly to your inbox every Sunday morning, Bronwyn’s newsletter takes you through the week’s stories, highlighting the most important and most interesting local news, stories and people.

We look forward to increasing the frequency of our newsletter program over the months and years ahead as it is a very effective way for us to remain connected directly with all of you, our readers and for you to stay connected to everything Bowen.

I know that many of you still love the tactile nature of the paper.

We appreciate that and hope to be able to keep that going for a long time. But we are not really in the news “paper” business. We are in the business of collecting and disseminating essential local information. It is the work that Bronwyn and our other journalists do that

we value. The method of delivery is simply a distribution tactic.

Our online newsletter boasts the highest open rate of any of our peers’ efforts. Find out what you are missing.

As a subscriber to our “free” newsletter program, we will ask you to join us as a member. It is not at all required, but if you value the work done by Bronwyn and our other journalists, we ask you to consider a monthly membership, that will go directly to insuring the future of local journalism on Bowen. If “we” want a local news organization on our island, we must all do our bit to ensure its ongoing viability.

You may have heard about several big promises from our federal government that would help “save local news.” While temporary help during the pandemic is critical and much appreciated, the underlying issues remain. The big online platforms (you know who they are), continue to sell advertising to national and local businesses without investing in local markets.

They employ no one in our area, they don’t spend with our local businesses, don’t pay taxes locally or in Canada and they don’t have any reporters.

While our corporate owners have negotiated a strong and very important deal with Google and

Facebook, to support local journalism, it simply is not enough on its own. These mega platforms’ direct financial contributions help train and support us in finding our way in the digital world, and are so much appreciated, but on their own won’t save local reporting.

All of the major political parties have recognized the dire situation for local news and are promising to help. However promises are just that without strong legislation and a code of conduct to regulate the online platforms and to “level the playing field.” We are hopeful that whichever party forms the next government will quickly move to introduce legislation in the first session of the new Parliament.

In the meantime, we are left to our own to uphold our tradition of strong local news. That “we” is all of us. Consider the significant importance of supporting local businesses. Those businesses make Bowen the wonderfully charming place that we call home.

They provide jobs, pay taxes and often choose their local news organization at the Undercurrent for their marketing investments. In turn we employ local residents, pay rent and taxes here and spend our paycheques right here on the Island. Support local!

Simply put, we are in this together. Much has changed, but much

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Parsing through climate strategy

DEAR EDITOR: I’m writing to share some observations for those intending their vote to count in standing up for climate action. My perspectives are based on over 15 years working on behalf of the clean fuels sector with federal and provincial governments (and many stakeholders) on climate and energy policies, fuel regulations, carbon pricing systems, clean energy programs and tax policies, and sustainability and fuel quality standards.

Bottom line – the Liberal climate plan is far more effective than the others. The Liberals have had six years to get things rolling, and they have a fair bit ready to implement from their December 2020 climate plan and April 2021 budget. The Liberals are, however, dragging along a lot of fossil fuel baggage (e.g. TMX, LNG, subsidies) and the touted clean fuel standard needs to be put on life support. The Conservative climate plan represents a legitimate effort this time around to tackle emissions, but the ambition is still too weak, too delayed and, in places, too vague – it’s a step backwards for Canada in 2021. The NDP and Greens have the biggest emission reduction targets, but their plans don’t pencil out the details or properly think through the technical feasibility and economic costs to realize their goals.

Climate change presents a wicked problem for democratic nations. Climate policies have been slow to develop, prone to too much compromise, and fraught with political risk – all things that make it hard to attract the billions of

dollars of new investments needed to build a low carbon economy, let alone actually reduce emissions. The civil service, who by the way I greatly admire and applaud for their skill and effort, and elected governments of all stripes have moved the needle on climate action, but not enough. In my work, I’m devoutly non-partisan since we work directly with elected members of all parties; I say this to frame my next comments not as partisan, but pragmatic and necessary.

We have three exceptional climate candidates running in our riding (thank you Avi Lewis, Mike Simpson, and Patrick Weiler), and one who (bizarrely) chose to duck out on the climate debates (John Weston). This time around I’m not voting for a party, a platform, or their leader – I’m voting for the person Canada needs in Ottawa. A person that has deep passion and climate expertise and can hold an honest conversation with fellow parliamentarians and Canadians to focus on results. That person is Avi Lewis.

Polls are saying we’re likely to have a minority government. The balance of power will probably be held by the Bloc or NDP; let’s assume it will be the NDP again. That will put Avi right where we need him – at the centre of the climate action debate. We need to reframe how governments tackle climate change and motivate a new form of political collaboration and will. Avi Lewis is the one – and only - candidate who can make this happen.

Doug Hooper

stays the same.

Support local is a theme to stay, and it includes all businesses and organizations here on Bowen.

Money spent on Bowen, stays on Bowen!

We are simply stronger together.

So as we look ahead at a time when the pandemic has waned in its intensity (po-co), take time to connect with your neighbours and community at large.

Let us be that connection that helps, in a small way, to build that future that we all want for our wonderful community. Whether you read us in print or not, make sure you book mark our website and visit often: bowenislandundercurrent.com And don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter, right on the top right corner of our home page.

This is the future of local news.

When we provide compelling reasons to become a member, just do it!

The small monthly investment will help us remain your source for local news for year to come.

Feel free to reach out with your questions or comments. I’d be delighted to hear from you.

Sincerely, Peter Kvarnstrom, Publisher Publisher@bowenislandundercurrent.com

Watch bowenislandundercurrent.com/canadavotes2021 for local election night news, Sept. 20.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather and

loving

family

man

David Charles Stalker. David passed

away

peacefully

September 8, 2021 at the age of 75. David was born on September 8, 1946 in Revelstoke, BC. He lived throughout the Okanagan area, Victoria BC and finally settled on Bowen Island.

David loved singing in his choir and spending time with family and his ‘coffee klatch’ and travelling to Mexico where the warm sun always made him happy! David is survived by his daughters Shawn Stalker (David) in Victoria, BC, Leah Hibbert (Peter) in Okotoks, AB, his grandchildren Jaryd Hibbert, Brie Hibbert and other loving family members.

A celebration of life will be held at The Little Red Church Saturday September 25 at 2PM with refreshments

to

follow.

If

desired,

memorial

donations can be made in David’s memory to the Canuck House.

A6 • Thursday, September 16, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

West Vancouver Sunshine Coast Sea to Sky Country

The candidates Federal election 2021 The following three pages have a series of Q&As with six of our riding’s eight candidates. We

Avi Lewis, NDP Age: 54 Occupation: Journalist and filmmaker Residence: Halfmoon Bay Website: avilewis.ca

Mike Simpson Green Party Age: 56 Occupation: ED of the British Columbia Council for International Cooperation Residence: Gibsons Website: mikesimpson.ca

Patrick Weiler Liberal Party Age: 35 Occupation: Environmental and Aboriginal lawyer and international development professional, MP Website: patrickweiler. liberal.ca

John Weston Conservative Party Age: 63 Website: johnweston4mp. ca (No answers in Q&A)

Gordon Jeffrey Rhino Party Age: 34 Occupation: Future member of parliament Residence: Whistler Facebook: @bcrhinoparty

Chris MacGregor Independent Age: 62 Occupation: Hospital maintenance worker Residence: Sechelt Facebook: Vote MacGregor

Doug Bebb People’s Party Age: 64 Occupation: Engineer Residence: Whistler Website: bebbppc.ca Twitter: @DougBebb

Terry Grimwood Independent Age: 69 (No answers in Q&A)

sourced questions from islanders and our reporter.

Conservative Party candidate John Weston opted not to do the questionnaire. Independent candidate Terry Grimwood did not respond to the Undercurrent’s emails.

Election day is Sept. 20

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West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky

Federal Election 2021 Avi Lewis, NDP In the context of our riding and of 2021, what does reconciliation mean for you? Canada cannot confront the big

overlapping crises we face without Truth and Reconciliation. The colonial mindset that claimed a God-given right to steal children, land and resources was the same logic that built an economy based on limitless extraction and consumption, creating the climate catastrophe. It is urgent that we need to see these connections clearly. We need transformative change in this country and we need a new story of Canada. For more than 150 years, settlers have taken the riches of this stolen land and turned them into money. In the 21st century, we simply can no longer afford this 19th century thinking. Canada needs to build a new economy - and a new relationship with Indigenous peoples - in a hurry. As akista xaxanak told me, “we have to stop the legal and political maneuvering and stop minimizing the damages towards Indigenous Peoples in Canada.” We need a new relationship with nature–one of respect and humility, valuing the natural world as our life support system, not merely as a storehouse of commodities to plunder. And we need a new relationship with Indigenous communities who have long understood these truths.

What concrete and specific actions will you take immediately after the election to combat climate change?

Canada urgently needs a managed decline of the fossil fuel sector. And this transition needs to take care of workers and communities, and hold the hugely profitable fossil corporations and their bosses to account. To start, I will speak up at every opportunity about the fiscal imprudence of nationalizing a money-losing pipeline and the damage this project is doing to Canada’s climate plan and relations with Indigenous peoples. The NDP is also committing to immediately ending fossil fuel subsidies by 2022. We plan to invest heavily in Indigenous-led climate solutions: this includes $500 million dollars to expand the Indigenous Guardians, which supports Indigenous-led land-use planning, restoration and stewardship to protect the land, water and forests, including old growth.

How will your climate policies and actions involve Bowen Islanders? I

will work with the local community and mobilize federal resources to prepare for more frequent and severe climate change emergencies. Improving our regional transportation system is a key priority, reducing congestion and wait-times and providing more low-carbon options for getting to and from the island.

Where do you stand on LNG in Howe Sound and what actions will you and your party take to that end?:

I firmly oppose the construction of any new fossil fuel infrastructure, including fracked gas export terminals. I will speak up in caucus and in public about how the growing urgency of the climate crisis leaves no

Thursday, September 16, 2021 • A7 Visit our Canada Votes 2021 page online for more responses from candidates

Gordon Jeffrey, Rhino Party room in Canada’s carbon budget for new infrastructure.

What can Bowen Islanders expect in terms of affordable housing support from you as well as from a government formed by your party? We

are the only party that isn’t relying on market incentives to address the housing crisis.

We will create at least 500,000 units of quality, affordable housing in the next ten years, with half of that done within five years. This will be achieved with the right mix of effective measures that work in partnership with provinces and municipalities, build capacity for social, community, and affordable housing providers, to provide rental support for co-ops, and meet environmental energy efficiency goals. We will also provide up to $5000 annually for families struggling to afford rent in otherwise suitable housing.

How do you reconcile our constitutional right to bodily autonomy and mobility with vaccine passport mandates? The NDP has taken a sci-

ence-based stand on vaccine passports and the vaccination requirement for federal workers. That said, the Liberal government mishandled communicating this and we all need more compassion. It is understandable that people are suspicious of big pharma companies and government health orders, especially Indigenous peoples. Government has an obligation to protect public health. While I respectfully differ with those who oppose the policy I emphasize with peoples’ legitimate concerns with its rollout and will continue to dialogue and listen.

Bowen has water infrastructure needs in the millions – if elected our MP, what kind of support could you or a government formed by your party offer? I’m running for federal office because that is where the money and resources are to solve big problems. We have the opportunity to create local jobs and solve our local water problems, if federal money can be mobilized.

The current provincial and federal governments have made significant financial commitments to help protect and restore wild Pacific salmon.

If elected our MP, what will you do to support wild salmon? In order to

In the context of our riding and of 2021, what does reconciliation mean for you?

Making up for every transgression of the past is impossible. We need to unify Canada and forge a shared future together. That being said, there is work to do to gain the trust necessary to forge that future. Many of the residential school tragedies are in our recent past, and aggressively pursuing whatever justice is possible for survivors is critical. We need to pressure the Catholic Church to take ownership and issue an official apology. I also think a formal separation from the British Empire would be a great gesture to say we are serious about building a unified Canada with all Canadians. First and foremost, we need to improve living conditions for so many Indigenous communities. The Liberal government hasn’t even been able to match its pledge to provide clean drinking water to all communities by 2021, so until we actually follow through on the promises previous governments have already made toward reconciliation we can expect well-justified cynicism from Indigenous communities.

What concrete and specific actions will you take immediately after the election to combat climate change?

a) I would propose to cut all oil subsidies (and most subsidies in general). If an industry can’t survive on its own profitability and it is bad for the environment, why on earth would we support it? b) Canada is a huge country and it takes massive amounts of energy to bring goods here and ship them across the country. I want to use tax rebates to drive a mass shift to home garden plots instead of empty lawns to reduce the amount of food coming from abroad. c) Our recycling programs need an overhaul, and single-use plastics need to be phased out starting with an immediate ban on production and importation of them (it makes sense to use what we already have, we don’t want to dump them into landfills unused).

How will your climate policies and actions involve Bowen Islanders?

They will involve everyone in the riding directly.

Where do you stand on LNG in Howe Sound and what actions will you and your party take to that end?

What can Bowen Islanders expect in terms of affordable housing support from you as well as from a government formed by your party?

In addition to a first-time buyers tax credit as mentioned below, I would change the taxation structure to encourage developers to build affordable housing. The current structure actively encourages builders to make luxury vacation homes by taxing affordable housing more aggressively. I also support increasing the foreign-buyer’s tax so fewer homes sit empty as foreign investments or money laundering sinks.

How do you reconcile our constitutional right to bodily autonomy and mobility with vaccine passport mandates?

I can’t reconcile vaccine passport mandates with our constitution, which is why I firmly oppose them. I am pro-vaccination technology, but believe restricting freedoms is the wrong way to encourage vaccination. I think individual businesses should have the option of requiring passports or not. I also think that those who are afraid of contracting the virus should get vaccinated themselves or wear an N95 mask to protect themselves, rather than try to force everyone else to get vaccinated. You can’t bubble-wrap the world, but you can and should protect yourself.

Bowen has water infrastructure needs in the millions – if elected our MP, what kind of support could you or a government formed by your party offer?

This type of infrastructure investment is overdue in many places across the country.

I’m sure the federal government can afford it, even it means a few less jewel-encrusted ivory back-scratchers for Trudeau’s buddies.

The current provincial and federal governments have made significant financial commitments to help protect and restore wild Pacific salmon.

If elected our MP, what will you do to support wild salmon? The government

failing to properly regulate fishing has gotten us into this mess. Financial commitments are great, but policy change is equally important. Banning ocean-based fish farms and a moratorium on commercial salmon fishing is a great start. Once it returns, we need to encourage practices with less ecological impact.

protect wild salmon on the Pacific coast, I will be focused on protecting and restoring critical habitat. I’ll work to fully implement the recommendations of the Cohen Commission and work with the province of British Columbia and First Nations to support the transition to land-based closed-containment systems.

Exposing the unique biodiversity of the Howe Sound to increased environmental risk after barely recovering from previous environmental abuse seems tragic. That being said, after already getting approval at every level of government, I’m not sure what can be done to stop it unless WoodfibreLNG decides it’s not worth it.

our overlapping crises - climate, inequality, affordability, mental health, long-term care -- are all connected. We can only solve them with big, transformational solutions -- not tinkering around the edges. We need to build a new economy.

Follow the action on election night at bowenislandundercurrent.com/canadavotes2021

What’s an issue you wish we talked about more in this election? How

What’s an issue you wish we talked about more in this election?

Indigenous relations. There are more questions on the subject in this questionnaire than I have heard in the rest of the election combined.

A8• Thursday, September 16, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky

Federal Election 2021 Mike Simpson, Green Party In the context of our riding and of 2021, what does reconciliation mean for you? Reconciliation is about building a

relationship that follows none of our colonial patterns, but addresses the fact that we all, with the exception of local First Nations, live on unceded territory. I helped host the Longhouse Dialogues at the world’s largest conference of women, which was held on Squamish territory. This was an exciting step forward, but there are 94 recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, and we need to act on them all. Many of these actions, like empowering Indigenous communities to participate in clean energy solutions, will help address climate change. We need to listen to and learn from Indigenous ecosystem knowledge, and let them take the lead in concepts they’ve understood far longer than we have – concepts like habitat restoration and environmental stewardship. We may be multiple nations, but when we can learn to live as one with the land, the winners will be all our children.

What concrete and specific actions will you take immediately after the election to combat climate change?

On a personal level, I will continue to take steps to further reduce my carbon footprint.

In my working capacity, my next steps will depend on whether or not I’m elected. If elected, I will seek out and meet with MPs in every party who are possible partners on future legislation to counter, mitigate and reverse climate change. I will listen to their ideas, and I will present my own. I will invite climate scientists to these meetings to better inform our discussions, then I will work with these partners to craft practical measures that can be implemented through Parliamentary action. These include further greening the grid and expanding it to handle more green energy to power more electric vehicles, expanded electrification of high BB trains, and the increasing demands of high-tech industries like data storage. I would seek to support small-scale organic and regenerative farming, and to build partnerships with Indigenous people for guidance on restoring our lands, waters and forests to the pristine state they enjoyed before our arrival as colonists. If I am a private citizen, I’ll seek to accomplish as many of these goals as I can on my own and with others through NGOs.

How will your climate policies and actions involve Bowen Islanders? Energy retrofitting and public transit expansion.

Where do you stand on LNG in Howe Sound and what actions will you and your party take to that end?

I am categorically opposed to LNG. The Green Party would immediately ban fracking and stop new fossil fuel infrastructure, both of which would render Woodfibre LNG dead in the water.

What can Bowen Islanders expect in terms of affordable housing support

from you as well as from a government formed by your party? Housing

prices in our riding have gone crazy. People who work here can’t afford to live here, and that’s the opposite of the sustainable world we’re trying to create. A Green government will declare housing affordability and homelessness a national emergency. We will invest serious federal money into building quality, energy-efficient solutions so that everyone can afford a good, safe place to live. Co-op, rental, supportive and social housing, as well as multi-income projects that mix demographics and increase density, would give buyers and renters alike affordable options to choose from.

How do you reconcile our constitutional right to bodily autonomy and mobility with vaccine passport mandates? I don’t think this is a decision for

politicians to make. The Green Party has always listened to scientists before forming our policy, and in this case, I would take my direction from medical experts. I agree that bodily autonomy is essential, and vaccine status should not impede access to health care, education, or any essential services.

But if skyrocketing COVID numbers force the choice between either a complete shutdown for public safety or a carefully considered partial shut-down that wreaks less economic havoc, I would take the latter, if the medical community advises it.

Bowen has water infrastructure needs in the millions – if elected our MP, what kind of support could you or a government formed by your party offer? Infrastructure issues like water supply, power outages and damage from increasingly strong storms are all things that can be addressed by a holistic approach to climate policy. Working to develop local energy storage and expand water treatment and recycling potentials would be a very good start.

The current provincial and federal governments have made significant financial commitments to help protect and restore wild Pacific salmon.

If elected our MP, what will you do to support wild salmon? Salmon habitats

must be restored. Right now. My daughter won’t eat fish because she’s worried about microplastics. A Green government would expand the list of banned plastics and support the ban on single-use plastics. We would also support a moratorium on deep seabed mining until at least 2030.

What’s an issue you wish we talked about more in this election? Electoral reform. Our current system doesn’t give voters confidence to make their first voice heard, because they’re often more concerned with making sure the guy they hate gets voted out. It’s time to make sure Canadians elect their real choice.

Visit our Canada Votes 2021 page online for more responses from candidates

Chris MacGregor, Independent In the context of our riding and of 2021, what does reconciliation mean for you?

All people are equal and should not be segregated against. This is the fundamental rights for a free society. The divisions created by putting people in different groups is eroding core values in our riding. We must listen to all sides and promote peace.

What concrete and specific actions will you take immediately after the election to combat climate change?

Fund alternative methods that take us away from dependence on oil and gas industry. Electric is a start but produces waste that will take centuries to break down. I suggest biofuels as an alternative and hemp production as a way to reduce our carbon footprint.

How will your climate policies and actions involve Bowen Islanders?

This Island is ripe to grow hemp for manufacturing.

Where do you stand on LNG in Howe Sound and what actions will you and your party take to that end?

OH you mean the giant bomb that could destroy our communities. That’s simple get rid of the tankers from access to this preserved area. Tell LNG producers to find a suitable area away from populated areas.

What can Bowen Islanders expect in terms of affordable housing support from you as well as from a government formed by your party?

There are already organizations that produce affordable homes. I would give tax incentives for these organizations, like Habitat for Humanity or Tiny Home manufacturers. My party will not form government because I’m an Independant and that is good because I am free to do what the voters want and not the interests of a party.

How do you reconcile our constitutional right to bodily autonomy and mobility with vaccine passport mandates?

I support a humans rights period. To choose what to put in their bodies is personal and should be respected. It is our right as citizens of a free country to travel unhampered and speak our minds without fear of repercussions. Last time I checked Canada is a free democratic country.

Bowen has water infrastructure needs in the millions – if elected our MP, what kind of support could you or a government formed by your party offer?

Water is a right of all people. Bowen Island and the Sunshine Coast face water restrictions because a crumbling old system that desperately need upgrades. I would ask for monies to change the current infrastructure to upgrade to modern. Protection of watershed areas is also crucial to maintain healthy water.

The current provincial and federal governments have made significant financial commitments to help protect and restore wild Pacific salmon.

If elected our MP, what will you do to support wild salmon?

Continue with status quo financially and aid in the growth of habitat preservation so the spry will have a great start to life thus increasing the chance of species survival.

What’s an issue you wish we talked about more in this election?

Mental health and addictions desperately need funding to build treatment centers, detox and mental health buildings. After the loss of our son one year ago, this subject is the most important to me and my wife.

Mother’s Stop the Harm is a great resource

What do you see as the most pressing issue facing Bowen Islanders and what will you do to address it?

Housing is always first on peoples’ minds because it’s hard to have employees if they can’t afford to live where they work. I spoke earlier about working with Habitat for Humanity and Tiny Home builders to find solutions to this problem.

We asked candidates a number of questions that couldn’t fit in our print edition, including: • Will your government make it easier for first time buyers to purchase a home? If so, how?

• Will a government formed by your party change the restrictive mortgage stress test rules, which are preventing first-time homebuyers access to home ownership in our high priced market, and also offer exemption from it for individuals lowering their existing debt load – such as selling a detached house to buy a condo or townhouse at a lower price/mortgage?

• There’s been a light shone on the systemic racism in our institutions recently, but our MP will be a white man. How will you work in the interests of Black, Indigenous and other people of colour?

• What is your stance on fish farms?

• Canadian policy officially opposes Israel’s illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. However, we still allow the free-flow of goods from these settlements into Canada. Do you support a ban on imported goods and services from Israel’s illegal settlements?

• What do you see as the most pressing issue facing Bowen Islanders and what will you do to address it?

For all of the answers, please visit: bowenislandundercurrent.com/canadavotes2021/ local-news/climate-change-salmon-housing-bowens-federal-candidates-answer-yourquestions-4328688

bowenislandundercurrent.com

West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky

Federal Election 2021

Thursday, September 16, 2021 • A9 Visit our Canada Votes 2021 page online for more responses from candidates

Patrick Weiler, Liberal Party

Doug Bebb, People’s Party

In the context of our riding and of 2021, what does reconciliation mean for you? As a lawyer who has practiced

In the context of our riding and of 2021, what does reconciliation mean for you? In any context, reconciliation is

incumbent

aboriginal law and represented First Nations in BC, I am fully committed to reconciliation. Reconciliation is a journey that starts with a promise to acknowledge the centuries-long oppression of Indignous Peoples in Canada, and the trauma that exists to this day. With shared knowledge and understanding, we can chart an Indigenous-led path forward. That means: a) Revitalizing Indigenous languages and cultures. b) Acting on the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, 80% of which in federal jurisdiction are completed or in progress. Notably, we’ve passed legislation to affirm that the UNDRIP has application in Canadian law. c) Reconciling Canadian and Indigenous law, and moving out of the constraints of the Indian Act towards new self-governance agreements. The Shishalh Nation has done this, unlocking new opportunities for Indigenous Peoples in the economy and society. d) Closing the infrastructure and service gap that Indigenous people continue to face. Budget 2021 includes $18 billion to this effect, including for projects that will start this year.

I have developed trusted relationships with leadership from all four First Nations in our riding. We meet regularly so that I can assist them advance the interests of their Nations.

What concrete and specific actions will you take immediately after the election to combat climate change?

a) I helped the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson draft the Net-Zero Accountability Act, which binds all future Canadian governments to both setting and achieving science-aligned climate goals. This is what our riding gets when we elect a member of the governing party: a direct line to Cabinet. b) If re-elected, I would continue to implement our strengthened climate plan, one of the most comprehensive and ambitious plans in the world, to ensure we meet our 2030 target of 40-45% below 2005 GHG levels. I would also focus on capitalizing on the economic opportunity of climate change, creating good, local green jobs. c) I will immediately work to legislate the cap on emissions from the oil and gas sector, and hold a riding-specific consultation on our Just Transition Plan to incorporate our riding’s expertise to ensure no worker is left behind in our energy transformation. I will work to finalize our Clean Fuel Standard and tax benefit for clean tech to ensure Canadian companies can scale and create the jobs of the future d) I will work to work with donors and the provincial government to protect our last intact remaining Old Growth rainforest by signing a nature agreement.

How will your climate policies and actions involve islanders? Bowen is

home to many of our climate leaders - several of whom, including Wade Davis and Ross Beaty, have endorsed me. The multi-use path on Bowen has been funded by a fed-

eral investment, while home energy retrofit grants and loans, EV rebates and charging infrastructure will allow islanders to play their part.

What can islanders expect in terms of affordable housing support from you as well as from a government formed by your party? I will continue to

proactively support our housing non-profits like BIRCH on Bowen to ensure we have more purpose-built affordable housing on the Island. I will also work with affordable housing finance experts like Rob Purdy to seize opportunities. We have a $72 billion National Housing Fund through which we’ve built affordable homes for almost 500 people in the last two years in the sea-tosky. This money helps affordable housing providers buy land and buildings, build and preserve more units, and repair more units on Bowen. I’m eager to make this a reality.

How do you reconcile our constitutional right to bodily autonomy and mobility with vaccine passport mandates? Everyone has the right to not get

vaccinated. But individual freedoms must be limited when they encroach on the freedoms of all Canadians – or when they pose a public health risk. Some Canadians may choose not to get the COVID-19 vaccine, but that decision should not impede those who do – or those who can’t – from safely partaking in society. We only reach herd immunity if everyone who can get vaccinated, does so. So for me, it’s simple: get the shot if you can, so that society can get back to normal.

If you don’t, you don’t get to put vaccinated people at risk.

Bowen has water infrastructure needs in the millions – if elected our MP, what kind of support could you or a government formed by your party offer? My predecessor and I have both

worked with BIM, since they were awarded $3.8m in 2017 for a full-scale water treatment plant. This will result in clean, clear drinking water for over 600 properties. If re-elected, I will continue to drive federal funding into our communities.

The current provincial and federal governments have made significant financial commitments to help protect and restore wild Pacific salmon.

If elected our MP, what will you do to support wild salmon?

As the chair of the BC Caucus, I secured a $647 million package to restore salmon in our waters. This is the largest investment in species protection in our country’s history.

If re-elected, I will continue to restore wild salmon to traditional levels of abundance.

What’s an issue you wish we talked about more in this election?

Economic growth. I’m thrilled that climate change is top of the agenda, but not enough people are talking about the economic side of it. Canada has the intellectual capital, natural resource wealth, and entrepreneurial ecosystem to lead the world’s green economy. Our party is the only one with a plan to seize it.

the process whereby two parties make peace with and co-exist amicably with each other.

The People’s Party holds that we are all members of one human family and we are required to treat each other with respect and fairness. Anchored in these values, the unique traditions, worldviews and languages represented in our riding add richness to our collective lives. Let it be known that the PPC honours cultural diversity and firmly opposes racism and segregation in all its manifestations. In addition, our government will promote fruitful relations with all the Indigenous First Nation communities in our riding, including shíshálh Nation, the Stl’atl’imx Nation communities and Squamish Nation. They are our brothers and sisters and we have much to gain from learning about their ancestral wisdom and social structures. Our party will promote the rejuvenation of their first languages and cultural / spiritual traditions. We predict that our economic policies will help spawn more self-sustaining small business enterprises within each Indigenous community. Unlike the Liberals’ segregationist vaccine policies, our emphasis on uniting Canadians will also promote unity with our local Indigenous peoples. When we embrace goodwill towards one another the spirit of reconciliation will remain strong.

What concrete and specific actions will you take immediately after the election to combat climate change?

Here is a credible statement - the Paris Agreement is an unscientific and failed agreement. It significantly weakens Canada economically and does nothing to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, especially given that giant emitters like China and India are not required to scale back emissions as rapidly. Instead, our government will create conditions to incentivize companies to develop and adopt clean-burning fossil fuel technologies. Also, let’s be clear that at issue is a perceived fear that the world’s mean temperature is rising quickly, the polar ice caps are rapidly melting and the ocean levels will rise and many coastal cities will be deluged. Unfortunately, these predictions are based on computer-generated models biased towards a pre-determined outcome.

By no means do they have unanimous expert endorsement. As well, governmental and globalist institutions are leveraging these models to advance agendas which impose economic hardship and rights-stripping mandates on a wide swath of humanity. It is far better to accurately determine a sustainable CO2 level, clearly identify the sources of CO2 emissions and find ways to calibrate them with the ideal level. The PPC believes that we can find ways to both maintain the balance between a thriving economy and a stable climate.

Where do you stand on LNG in Howe Sound and what actions will you and your party take to that end? Any eco-

nomic project, especially of the Howe Sound LNG magnitude, must show that it will not harm essential elements of our environment. So if this project has met the criteria for environmental impact from an independent review board, then it should proceed.

What can Bowen Islanders expect in terms of affordable housing support from you as well as from a government formed by your party? Our

party stands for smaller government and free enterprise, so our government would allow market variables to play out freely.

Unlike the Liberals and other legacy parties, our non-interventionist economic policies would foster healthy economic growth, leading to greater wealth generation. More people would then have the necessary funds to purchase or rent a dwelling. The current government’s spending is out of control and cannot afford to subsidize anything, in our opinion. The PPC will end the current “nanny state” mentality which has been exacerbated by the Liberals’ intrusive policies.

How do you reconcile our constitutional right to bodily autonomy and mobility with vaccine passport mandates? Vaccine passports are being

foisted on Canadians through a draconian Liberal agenda. They violate each citizen’s inalienable rights and freedoms as enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. They violate the Genetic Non-Discrimination Act of Canada. They produce great angst, turning neighbour against neighbour, family against family.

They are the slippery slope of tyranny, driven by falsehoods, unsupported by science, questioned by experts and protested by the masses. Vaccine passports are antithetical to the essence of Canada. A People’s Party government will ban them immediately.

Permanently.

Bowen has water infrastructure needs in the millions – if elected our MP, what kind of support could you or a government formed by your party offer? It is our understanding that BIM has

already received grant funds to upgrade its water treatment facility. We would expect that with proper fiscal management the debt incurred would be retired within a reasonable timeframe.

If elected our MP, what will you do to support wild salmon? No solution

is possible until the issue of over-fishing is addressed. Expansion of fish farming is one possibility. There is a tradeoff between quantity and genetic quality of fish stocks. Until this issue has been adequately addressed by scientists we will continue with the status quo in terms of hatchery operations.

What’s an issue you wish we talked about more in this election? Debate

about the loss of our essential freedoms that the coercive Covid protocols and vaccine passports have wrought upon us. Only the People’s Party is sounding the alarm about Big Government’s grab for power in the name of public safety. Why is that?

A10 • Thursday, September 16, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

EDITORIAL

A third of Bowen voters already voted

WHY REST OF US SHOULD TOO

When I voted in the 2019 federal election on Bowen, I think some folks thought it was my first time voting because as I shoved the ballot into the box, the room broke out into applause. It was mildly embarrassing but the embarrassment was tempered by the thrill of voting – even a decade after I cast my first government ballot. (Obviously the crowd was excited too?)

Some journalists don’t vote in elections (the whole not forming biases thing) but not voting is too great a cost for me.

My first hometown – Old Crow, Yukon – has seen two territorial elections decided by a draw. On Bowen, one vote cast for Gary Ander made the difference in the 2018 election. It was the mail-in vote that flipped a Green Party win in our provincial riding to a Liberal Party win by 60 votes, just last year.

The votes of our little island count.

It seems that Bowen Islanders know this too: there were 1,004 ballots cast in the advance polls on Bowen from Sept. 10 to 13, Marcus Hondro – information officer for the advance polls – tells me. In the 2019 election, 877 people voted in the advance polls and 1,412 voted on election day. (So a total of 2,289 out of 3,105 registered electors voted that year).

Also to keep in mind, the West VancouverSunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country had the 14th highest number of voters requesting special ballots in the country with 7,158

mail-in ballots issued as of Tuesday morning and 3,887 of those ballots returned, reports the North Shore News.

Where does this leave the votes to come?

Basically, chances are a good bunch of those reading this have already voted. But, there’s a solid contigent of us who havent.

For those of us who will be standing in line at BICS Monday, there are breakdowns of the all-candidates meetings held in our riding at bowenislandundercurrent.com/canadavotes2021 and as well as issue-specific analyses of platforms on the national level.

How to vote

On a different note, Elections Canada opted not to advertise election information in our paper this year as it has in years past and instead we saw Instagram and Facebook ads interrupt our doomscrolling (Google it).

Spending, advertising, local is important!

Because they didn’t deign to let you know in these pages, here’s what you need to vote: Election day is Sept. 20 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at BICS. Voters are asked to bring: Voter information cards Accepted ID (Option 1: driver’s licence or any government issued ID with photo, name and current address. Option 2: Two pieces of ID with name and at least one with current address eg. voter information card and bank statement or utility bill and student ID card. Option 3: If one has no ID, someone can vouch for them. See more information at elections.ca.)

Pen or pencil to mark their ballot (single-use pencils will be available).

Voters must don masks (but proof of vaccination is not required).

Bronwyn Beairsto, editor

A People’s Party government will: PROTECT FREEDOMS The Liberals’ COVID-19 measures are destroying our Charter rights and freedoms. We will honour our Charter by rescinding all federal lockdown and vaccine mandates.

UNIFY CANADA The Liberals have infuriated the West and are now segregating us with vaccine passports. We will respect and act on the needs of each region. We will ban vaccine passports.

ENSURE SOVEREIGNTY The Liberals are slavishly following the globalist agendas of the WHO and the UN. We will fire Chief PHO Teresa Tam. We will withdraw from the Paris Agreement.

END CENSORSHIP The Liberals have enacted laws that restrict the right to criticize certain groups and ideas. We will repeal laws that curtail the freedoms of religion, thought, opinion and expression.

Doug Bebb

Candidate West Vancouver Sunshine Coast Sea to Sky Country

Maxime Bernier Party Leader

CLEAN OTTAWA The Prime Minister has been found guilty of violating the ethics rules numerous times. We will model the highest standards of truthfulness and fidelity to our public office.

On Sept 20th To donate or volunteer please visit www.bebbppc.ca Authorized by the Official Agent for Robert (Doug) Bebb

INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM • RESPONSIBILITY • FAIRNESS • RESPECT

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Bowen Island Sea Kayaking turns 25

Thursday, September 16, 2021 • A11

AT THE MOUTH OF A STUNNING FJORD AND AS ONE OF TWO KAYAK SHOPS IN THE LOWER MAINLAND, BISK WELCOMES VISTORS FROM BOWEN & AROUND THE WORLD

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

It started as a few boats out at the Mount Gardner Dock in 1996. Today, it’s a bustling seasonal business overlooking Snug Cove from the end of the Bowen Island Marina (“Norma’s”) Dock.

Bowen Island Sea Kayaking celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, and welcomed visitors and locals alike to paddle their pandemic blues away.

Brent O’Malley bought the business from Martin Clarke back in 2014 after moving to Bowen from California. (Clarke had started out as a BISK employee but bought the business from founder Greg Phillips in 2000.)

“I bought a well-established business that was run well, and I think well respected in the community,” said O’Malley.

“I was able to just walk in and pick things up where they were and operated a completely normal first season. And then I’ve just been tweaking it ever since.”

From about 10 staff when he took over to about 15 at the peak of summer these days, O’Malley’s expanded the business. “I’ve pretty much expanded to the limits of my abilities [at the shop]. I don’t have more room for more boats,” he said.

BISK rents sea kayaks and stand up paddleboards and O’Malley is considering getting sit-on-top kayaks in the future. “Sit-on-tops are a lot safer, a lot easier to get back on top of if you flip over.”

There are group paddle options, Paddle Canada certified lessons and tours ranging from three hours to several days, sometimes with a twist (for example, last weekend there was a three-day kayak and yoga retreat).

Multi-day trips are an O’Malley era addition to BISK. “There are really only two kayak shops in the Lower Mainland right now,” said O’Malley. “We are the only ones that are offering multi-day trips in an area that is stunningly gorgeous, right in people’s backyard.”

They take advantage of the Sea to Sky Marine Trail established as part of TransCanada Trail and the BC Marine Trails Network in 2015.

“So people don’t need to travel up into northern B.C. to go on a multi-day trip,” said O’Malley.

Kids camps have always been a part of the business, but for the first time this summer, O’Malley ran six weeks of kids camps and two weeks of junior skills camps.

The Round Bowen Challenge – the annual self-propelled

MERIBETH DEEN / UNDERCURRENT PHOTO

Former BISK owner Martin Clarke and current owner Brent O’Malley back in 2014 when O’Malley took over the business.

boat race around the island – was one thing O’Malley couldn’t wrangle enthusiasm for. “I’m not a racer. It was always kind of hard for me to get behind. It was a ton of organizing. It was right leading up to my really busy season,” he said. “I tried my hardest for the first five years and then [stepped] away.”

O’Malley hosted the 18th annual challenge in 2018 and then left the race to other paddlers to organize – and a couple of Round Bowen Challenge-ish races have taken place in the years since.

To celebrate 25 years, BISK had a number of specials over the summer months as well as group paddles on Sunday evenings (“It’s such a beautiful time to be on the water I’m just trying to do just trying to encourage people to get out at that time of the day.”) BISK also donated a portion of proceeds from each tour to My Sea to Sky – an organization formed in 2014 to “defend, protect, and restore Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound.”

When asked if he’s found a favourite part of the sound, O’Malley points to the McNabb Creek area and the channel around the northern part of Gambier Island. “It’s just spectacular paddling up there.”

All in all?

“I’m just grateful for the opportunity to be able to run a small business in such a great community,” said O’Malley.

“Every day, I feel pretty lucky to be here.

“My office is pretty amazing.”

BISK is now on fall hours – open Wednesday through Sunday.

Editor’s note: The Undercurrent spoke with O’Malley in July.

Public comment closes on cannabis retail rezoning with little ado BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

It wasn’t quite crickets at Bowen Island Municipality’s virtual public hearing Sept. 13 but there were no public speakers for a proposed cannabis retail rezoning. Staff said that they had received a total of three public comments on the bylaw, which has passed second reading.

The context: Before cannabis was legalized in Canada, BIM banned pot shops on Bowen (and folks could apply for spot rezonings or temporary use permits if they wanted to sell cannabis). Happy Isle Cannabis Co., est. 2019, is operating under a temporary use permit but needs to go through a rezoning to allow the store to continue. But, as Happy Isle’s existence has seen little, if any, local resistance, BIM suggested lifting the retail prohibition island-wide. (This does not mean you can open a pot shop in your garage or tree house, stores would be limited to specific zones and the industry is highly regulated by higher levels of government.)

Only one member of the public attended the rezoning’s open house in June. They were supportive of the rezoning and wanted a policy to see that retail cannabis shops don’t proliferate on Bowen, indicated a June staff report.

Over Happy Isle’s two and a half years, co-owners Glenn Cormier and David Bellringer have watched the Canadian

cannabis industry maturing. “The pricing has come down, the quality has come up,” Cormier told the Undercurrent last week. “People are embracing the industry as something that’s normal – the stigma is going away. And we’ve enjoyed seeing our revenues reflect that.”

“When we see the revenues continue to grow in the legal store, it just tells us that slowly the black market is shrinking,” he added.

Possible Horseshoe Bay expansion

This rezoning isn’t the only Happy Isle news – the business could expand to the mainland in the next while.

Cormier and Bellringer have an application in with the District of West Vancouver to open a Horseshoe Bay store on Royal Avenue.

West Vancouver only adopted an interim cannabis retail policy in May (before that the district didn’t allow cannabis stores at all). Only one retail cannabis outlet per commercial district will be allowed for a total of four shops across West Van (including one in Horseshoe Bay).

“There’s one other application that’s been submitted [for a Horseshoe Bay location] but we feel quite confident in our position,” Cormier said. “With us having a better location and the fact that we are proven operators – we’re feeling fairly confident.”

They likely won’t hear back until October, said Cormier, but are ready to move on it if/when they get the go-ahead.

Fall Fashion Now in Stock!

A12 • Thursday, September 16, 2021 CAWES board of directors and I, as executive director, would like to thank all of the volunteers, sponsors and donors that made the first annual Walk for a CAWES such a success. We are still receiving donations and sponsor cheques even after the walk. The generosity of the community has been outstanding. Although final accounting has not been completed at the time of writing, it is assured that we have raised over $5,000 for CAWES. As soon as all donations have been banked and expenses accounted for, CAWES will post the final figure.

Special mention to Beatrice Rose, Jacqueline Rey, Jane Holland and Zac Murray who collected the largest amount of pledges. And of course to Leonie Hallam and all the staff at Bowen Vet who were partnered with us in the event. The walk was originally the brainchild of Dr. Midge and we collaborated as if we had been working together forever.

The 50/50 draw raised $2880 thanks largely in part to Darryl Deegan’s and Jlonka Bally-Brown’s amazing ticket selling skills. The winner of the $1,440 prize (who wished to remain anonymous but was outed by her husband on Facebook) was a Bowen Island icon and huge supporter of animal rescue/ welfare. This amazingly generous woman donated the whole amount right back to CAWES. Bowen Island Community at its best. Just like the old days.

Kim Sinclair Executive director, CAWES

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Linus won the prize for most adorable and definitely fashionforward dog.

Pumpkin, the French Mastiff came to hang out.

Brenda Addison Jones and Boo registered, walked and won a beautiful prize from Sanga De Fruta.

Walk for a CAWES PHOTOS BY DARRYL DEEGAN

Zac collected and donated his allowance

Beatrice Rose raised $270 in pledges and won a two-night stay at English Rose B&B with an equine therapy session. Pictured with Kim Sinclair.

Thinking of Building a Home On Bowen?

Ask about our construction mortgages.

We’ve helped our members build homes on Bowen since 2007, let us help you!

Call us today to discuss your options.

106-996 Dorman Rd | 604.947.2022

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, September 16, 2021 • A13

• FALL 202 1 •

BOWEN ISLAND REAL ESTATE GUIDE • WHAT SOLD WHAT’S NEXT

PHASE ONE SELLING SOON Frazer Elliott | Macdonald Realty Ltd. felliottbowen@gmail.com I 604.910.3401

A new neighbourhood vision coming to the centre of Bowen Island.

See inside for more details.

A14 • Thursday, September 16, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

ACTIVE

NEW

NEW PRICE

Stunning new 3 bed 3 bath home with gorgeous views on 2.5 acres!

5 bed 5 bath waterfront home on 1.17 Acres south facing with suite.

6 bed 4 bath double garage and suite potential, 0.43 acres

390 CREEK ROAD • $1,699,000

335 ROBINSON ROAD • $2,680,000

958 WINDJAMMER ROAD • $1,599,000

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

NEW PRICE

Custom 3 bed 4 bath timber frame home with stunning ocean views on 0.55 acres

0.51 acre waterfront building lot - water access only!

5.58 acres - view potential, mature timbers and well in place. a private escape to build your dreams!

687 CHANNELVIEW DRIVE • $1,899,000

1268 WF • $319,000

STRATA LOT 6 GRAFTON ROAD • $929,000

ACTIVE

SOLD

118 ACRES!

10 acre SW facing waterfront building lot at the Cape!

Water access or hike in only 1.39 acre building lot

Smugglers cove road - Hood point West -Privacy, nature, a sense of spiritualism, and spectacular views all come together in this unique offering.

1820 CAPE DRIVE • $3,580,000

DISTRICT LOT 2375 • $299,000

STRATA LOT 19 • $2,331,000

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

2 bed 1 bath with studio and workshop on .38 acres

3 bed 3 bath home on 6.94 acres

4 bed 3 bath 564 Holdings Road is a walk out waterfront retreat featuring a gorgeous modern timber frame design.

1262 MILLER ROAD • $1,299,000

520 COLLINS ROAD • $1,075,000

564 HOLDINGS ROAD • $5,850,000

FRANCES FROST PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

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

2016/17/19

bowenislandundercurrent.com We had been watching the Bowen market for months

Thursday, September 16, 2021 • A15

Enthusiastic. Responsive. Personable. Knowledgeable.

try rying y to time the right time to list our property - when my husband and I saw a good opportunity to sell, we contacted Mary ryy Lynn based on rave reviews from other locals on the island.

She had our property on the market within 24 hours of connecting with her and held an open house a few days

Macdonald Realty AWARD of EXCELLENCE 2020

later with all the marketing materials at the ready. The open house had a big turnout and our home was sold

604.220.7085

within the week!

LISTINGS SOLD

Mary ryy Lynn was very ryy professional and practical in her advice and I’m thankful to have had her work with us on such a huge international move. I strongly recommend

SINCE THE BEGINNING OF COVID IN 2020

anyone who wants to buy/sell on Bowen to connect with

based on MLS sales statistics

Mary ryy Lynn/Buy on Bowen - wildly creative, tech/social

Average Days

savv vvy vy and simply knows her stuff!f!!

(excluding outliers)

- Katie & Harry ryy

971 Seaview Place •

$1,950,000

1285 Scarborough Rd. •

$1,098,000

1288 Eagle Cliff Road •

$899,000

buyonbowen.com

$1,179,000

989 Dorman Road •

368 Creek Road •

$1,225,000

1484 Eagle Cliff Road •

$885,000

6

Average Sale

Price vs. List Price

$1,349,000

1313 Oceanview Road •

$879,000

on Market

963 Village Drive •

(excluding outliers)

935 Rivendell Drive •

$1,325,000

457 Cowan Road •

$950,000

1211 Oceanview Rd. •

$1,270,000

1349 Eagle Cliff Road •

99%

1236 Miller Road •

$1,275,000

off market sale

1516 Tunstall Blvd. •

$859,000

$899,000

1328 Oceanview Road •

$830,000

Inventory ryy remains at an all time low for Single Family Homes. If selling your property has crossed your mind, feel free to get in touch.

A market analysis report doesn’t cost you a thing, and getting more than one opinion on what your home is worth is always a good idea.

SALES WITH BUYERS SINCE THE BEGINNING OF COVID IN 2020

1134 Miller Road •

848 Windjammer Rd. •

$749,000

$489,000

1142 Miller Road •

1455 Tunstall Blvd. •

$299,900

$828,000

341 Aerie Tree Lane •

207-726 Belterra Rd. •

$449,000

$1,498,000

427 Cardena Drive •

1098 Foxglove Ln. • PRIVATE SALE

$1,699,000

Lot 4 Foxglove Ln. •

202 Highland Trail •

$326,000

$929,000

Lot 10 Foxglove Ln. •

$395,000

A16 • Thursday, September 16, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

740 MINNOWS LANE

$1,699,000

987 SEAVIEW PLACE

SOLD

1654 WHITESAILS DRIVE

SOLD

1486 CROMIE ROAD

SOLD

279 JASON ROAD

SOLD

This country home sits on a lush and incredibly-private and quiet 2.55 acres – wrapped on three sides by a babbling brook that meanders through the forest.

Inside features an Aga stove which is the centrepiece of a fantastic kitchen, four bedrooms, a double garage, and a rec room above the garage that could also be a suite, music/art studio or more. A trail winds down from the house, through the woods to a large lawn below. Perfect for those looking for solitude or an imaginative place for kids to grow up in.

1625 WHITESAILS DRIVE

$1,699,000

This family-friendly home sits high up on the one-acre property, with ocean views out to Pasley Island and angled towards those famous west-side sunsets. Upstairs features a semi-lofted bedroom, with two beds on the main and a rec room below. A sunroom/covered deck sits just off the kitchen – perfect for morning coffee.

Below the home is a hill-side selection of prize trees and shrubs, with trails that wind their way down to an expansive and flat garden/yard where kids can play. Fully fenced to keep the deer out, with plenty of storage and parking, and the potential for a detached 2nd dwelling.

FRAZER ELLIOTT Realtor®

604.910.3401

Specializing in BOWEN ISLAND and HOWE SOUND

felliottbowen@gmail.com | bowenhomes.ca Top 10% of Realtors in the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver

Personal Real Estate Corporation

2020

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, September 16, 2021 • A17

A new neighbourhood vision coming to Bowen Island.

Phase 1b

↑ Mount Gardner

Future Phase

Phase 1

Art Rennison Nature Reserve

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11 Home Sites

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8

7 4

11

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Year-Round Sun

2 1

Viewing Platform

Orchard

grafton lake

lti - U Future Mu

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PHASEs 2 & 3 Diverse Housing Opportunities

Bowen Island Ecological Reserve

N

0

100 meters

km

1

PHASE ONE SELLING THIS FALL • • •

0.3 - 3.5 acre home sites overlooking Grafton Lake Cleared and serviced with utility, communications and municipal water connections Properties benefit from untouchable views and year-round sun

For more details contact Frazer Elliott | Macdonald Realty Ltd. felliottbowen@gmail.com I 604.910.3401

Register today thelakelandsbowen.com Follow us @thelakelandsbowen

The developer reserves the right to modify the information contained herein should it be necessary. This is not an offering for sale. Any such offerings may only be made with a Disclosure Statement. Availability, rates, sizes, specifications, layouts and materials are approximate only and are subject to change without notice. E.&O.E.

A18 • Thursday, September 16, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

The next quarter

Can politicians solve the housing crisis?

INVENTORY AND DOLLAR VOLUME OF SALES DOWN

TIM RHODES Contributor Coming out of the slowest July and August since 2012, the third quarter of 2021 is shaping up to be the slowest in 9 years, and without new inventory, the 4th quarter will follow this trend.

Property sales were slow with just 2 sales for the month; however, the year-over-year (YoY) MLS® Home Price Index, Average Sale Price, and Median Sale Price increased by 31.6, 27.8, and 23.6 per cent respectively. Total inventory was down from the 5-year average for August and YoY inventory numbers were down -44 per cent.

Properties under $1.0 million accounted for 60 per cent of sales YoY ending August 2019, 40 per cent in 2020, and 21 per cent in 2021. At the time of this writing, the least expensive residential detached listing is $1,329,000. It is one of only four properties under $1.5 million.

YoY Bowen Island’s MLS® Home Price Index or benchmark price was $1,268,242, similar to the median sales price for Metro Vancouver, 25 per cent greater than Maple Ridge (most affordable) and -57 per cent lower than West Vancouver.

Over the last 10 years, 60 per cent of sales on Bowen Island occurred in the 2nd and 3rd quarter of the year. The 10-year average for the 4th quarter is 22 per cent of annual sales and 15 per cent of annual new listings. Half of current inventory would have to be sold in September to achieve the average for the quarter.

YoY market indicators for Q4 will remain relatively stable with slight increases likely, except for Number of Sales and the Dollar Volume of Sales, which showed decreases for July and August.

All bets are off depending on the actions of the government we elect on Monday.

Sold Price Categories Y0Y

Inventory Month of August

50

20 0 37

For Sale

48 8 36 6

0 2021 < $1 MM

2020 $1 - $1.5 MM

2019 $1.5 - $3.0 MM

0

>$3.0 MM

20 2021

2020

40 2019

2018

Three of the four national party platforms mention taxing foreign buyers as one of their solutions for housing. BC has already traveled this road, introducing a foreign buyers’ tax and increasing the Property Transfer Tax (PTT) in 2016 and increasing both again in 2018.

The results for the detached home market have been underwhelming except for the highend luxury properties, which saw dramatic decreases April 2018 through March 2020.

Five years after the foreign buyers’ tax and

will be in another election before most of the parties solutions begin to have an impact.

The problem is better addressed by community groups ‘on the ground’ that are familiar with the local issues and able to more effectively influence local/municipal policies and actions. For example: If Bowen Island Municipality removed the restriction on manufactured home neighbourhoods and provided municipal land—perhaps on the somewhat flat area above Bowen Court—on a

REBGV* Change in MLS® HPI & Average Sale PReice comparted to Apr 2016 +8.9%

1 500k

1 000k

+24.6%

15% Foreign Buyer's Tax PTT +3% over $2 MM

+10.8%

+11.8%

+6.1%

+30.9%

+0.9%

+25.3%

+26.9%

+17.1%

20% Foreign Buyer's Tax PTT +2% over $3 MM

COVID Restictions

500k Apr/2016

Apr/2017

% Change from 2016

Apr/2018 MLS® HPI

Apr/2019 Average Sale

Apr/2020

Apr/2021

% Change from 2016

*REBGV - Metro Vancouver, Sunshine Coast, Squamish, and Whistler

PTT increases were first imposed, Metro Vancouver prices had increased between 9.7 and 25.7 per cent in the high-end market and between 64.8 and 75.8 per cent in the affordable markets of Langley, Surrey, Maple Ridge, Langley City, Pitt Meadows, and Bowen Island. Bowen Island’s MLS® HPI had increased 74.7 per cent. (More detail at rhodesonbowen.com/blog-and-stats-report) Senior governments are hampered by partisan opposition, encumbered by bureaucracy, and not well equipped to deal with expedient housing solutions. Canada

long-term lease to an operator/developer, the island could have more affordable housing much sooner than through traditional approaches, additional properties to share the cost of the new Cove Bay Water Treatment Plant, and in the future, the expansion of the Snug Cove Sewer System.

Affordable housing is essential for the health of the economy, the community, and the individual.

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

Having an event?

Listings are always free in our weekly community calendar.

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

227 Highland Trail $1,329,000 Imagine enjoying glorious sunrises and breathtaking views from this cozy, custom built home.

This charming abode is nestled in on a beautiful private and gated property with mature gardens giving it a private and protected feel. The South East facing view can be enjoyed from almost every room as well as from the two expansive decks. This peaceful home is located only steps from Eagle Cliff beach and minutes from the ferry.

Call and make an appointment to view today!

editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thank you!

604-916-3429 angiekirkrealtor.ca

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, September 16, 2021 • A19

722 CHANNELVIEW DRIVE 4 BED | 3-1/2 BATH | 3,311 SQ. FT. | GARAGE | $1,970,000 NEVER MISS A SUNRISE. Lovingly maintained with views over the Queen Charlotte Channel from every room. Fully finished lower level easily converted to a suite. Detached artist’s studio with a view, just minutes to the ferry, and no lawn to cut!

rhodesonbowen.com tim@rhodesonbowen.com

Timothy Rhodes REALTOR® 604-341-9488 A LEGACY PROPERTY for timeless family memories, this private, peaceful setting includes an acre of wooded hillside, a 2-bedroom cottage, and lots of room for a pickup baseball game. A short stroll to the beach, restaurants, shops, schools, the marina, and the ferry.

4 BED | 6 BATH | 6,717 SF | 4 ACRES | $4,890,000

FOR SALE

527 COLLINS ROAD

899 Russell Lane

$712,000 + GST

Located above the 9th fairway and positioned to capture year-round sun, this fully-serviced lot is almost a half-acre in size. There is plenty of space to build a spacious home and accessory buildings.

897 Cowan Point Drive

JUST SOLD

This sunny corner lot is just under half an acre and offers partial ocean view and ample space for development. Its rocky bluffs are a natural fit for a terraced garden or additional accessory buildings.

BOWEN YOUR

Prices & descriptions of real estate in this publication are subject to change without prior notice. E.&O.E.

HOME

COMING SOON 10 New Lots at Seymour Bay Drive

Perched above Seymour Bay and the neighbourhood of Seymour Shores, the homes that will soon occupy these 10 new lots will not only revel in the ever-changing sunrise but also the serene view of the Strait of Georgia, Vancouver and Mt. Baker.

Currently in the planning and development stage, these fully-serviced view lots should be ready for pre-sales in the latter part of 2021.

This is not an offering for sale. Any such offering can only be made with the applicable disclosure statement.

Prices & descriptions of real estate in this publication are subject to change without prior notice. E.&O.E.

Bowen Island Properties LP Since 1988, building communities where people love to live www.bowenislandproperties.ca

info@bowenislandproperties.ca

604-947-0000

A20• Thursday, September 16, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com HEATHER DUNN PHOTO

In the Red Bull Outliers extreme endurance dirtbiking competition last month, islanders Kevan Bernards and Liam Scrivens gave it their all in the Alberta badlands – up steep climbs and along knife-edge trails, down white-knuckle descents and navigating sink holes.

An‘unbelievable experience’

BOWEN DIRTBIKERS RETURN FROM ENDURANCE RACE IN THE ALBERTA BADLANDS

KEVAN BERNARDS

Contributor

The Red Bull Outliers was an unbelievable experience!

We headed out on Thursday afternoon from Kamloops, B.C. with dog and dirt bikes in tow. We made it to Canmore, AB by midnight where we spent the night in our trucks in a McDonald’s parking lot. The next day we completed the drive to Steveville, AB arriving mid-day to check in at the race site and walk the course.

The event was extreme, increasing in difficulty as each Outlier obstacle was opened up. The course designers (Shane Cuthbertson and his crew from RAD 2.0) utilized the best of what the badlands had to offer picking a challenging 10km loop.

The course included steep climbs (basically

Patients of the Week FRANKIE AND MINERVA Meet Frankie and Minerva! Frankie was recently promoted to big brother when his parents adopted sweet Minerva.

One important part of bringing new animals into your homes is making sure your other animals are up-to-date on vaccinations. Young animals have immature immune systems and we don’t want to risk getting them sick!

We’ve seen both Frankie and Minerva for vaccines recently to keep them nice and healthy.

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

To schedule appointments, please call

604.947.9247

cliffs), descents that make a mountain goat cringe, sink holes that would easily swallow a bike and rider and crumbly knife edge trail features to keep you on your toes. Just to finish a lap was an incredible challenge!

Canada’s own Trystan Hart from Invermere, B.C. (who has been making a name for himself on the Hard Enduro world stage) came away with the win in the pro class completing an impressive seven laps and 32 Outliers!

Bowen riders Liam Scrivens (who broke his handle bars falling off a cliff during the qualifier) competing in the amateur class and I competing in the veteran class completed the race placing 13th and 11th respectively. We both plan on heading back to the badlands next year to challenge the course again!

See the results: redbull.com/ca-en/ events/Red-Bull-Outliers/results.

All Summer Clothing and Shoes FREE! Event starts Thurs. evening Sept. 16, 5:30 to 7:30 pm and continues Fri., Sat., Sun., and Mon. 12-2:20 pm each day.

or email reception@bowenvet.com

http://www.knickknacknook.org

bowenislandundercurrent.com Jilly Watson was the featured artist at Catching Stars for the first half of September.

This is her painting ‘Sharing the Trail.’

Acrylic on canvas 24 x 30.

Thursday, September 16, 2021 • A21

INTRODUCING SAXX. THIS JUST IN: THE SEASON'S HOTTEST STYLES.

New season, new beginnings CATCHING STARS WELCOMES NEW ARTISTS AND BUNDLES UP FOR FALL KATHLEEN AINSCOUGH

Catching Stars Gallery

September is known as a time for transition and new beginnings and at Catching Stars Gallery. We are embracing the familiar feeling of letting go of summer and welcoming fall with fresh artist features and a refreshed website.

Thanks to the support of a provincial grant we were able to revamp and improve our website and online store with professional photography (by our own Joseph Wu and Gloria Chan, aka Jo & Glo), website and online store development and an advertising budget. Our online shop is an important addition to the physical gallery, and another way to promote our artists especially during these uncertain times.

As we move into the cooler months and yet another wave of the pandemic, it is very important to us to connect with our clients, friends and family who live farther away and to be able to support the business and our artists through online sales leading up to the holidays and for any occasion.

Off-island visitors have been coming in good numbers over the last few months and we are grateful to those visitors and our local patrons for the continued support.

Over the summer we have welcomed three more amazing artists to the Catching Stars family; Mumtaz Bandali with her deliciously textured mixed media paintings, and Roxsane Tiernan, an award-winning British

Columbia artist, who works in the technique of Chigiri-e, Japanese art form in which the primary technique uses coloured paper that is torn to create images.

We welcome Michael Trevillion as an associate member. Michael is a life-long artist who works in oils and creates dream like landscapes that invite you into a zen experience. Next month we are excited to welcome back Eleanor Rosenberg as an associate member as well, so stop in and say hi when they are on shift!

Our featured artist for the first half of September has been Jilly Watson, with her signature sunny palette and joyful compositions of local scenes. Many of Jilly’s works are inspired by Vincent Van Gogh and Emily Carr and capture the energy and movement that surrounds us.

From Sept. 16 to Sept. 30 we feature photographic prints by Cindy May, who offers photo sessions as well, where her artistry with the camera can turn memories into fine art to be treasured for generations.

There is no denying that art is healing, whether creating, giving or receiving it, and now more than ever, the joy that it brings to us all is as welcome as a cozy sweater on a crisp autumn day.

You can stay in the loop by subscribing to our e-newsletter and following us on social media too. Stop in for a dose of art and joy in person or online at catchingstarsgallery. com.

notice of

Annual General Meeting: Saturday, October 2nd 1:30 - 2:00 pm at Collins Hall

BRIEFS

A multi-pack of short plays

Join us for an

OPEN HOUSE

Sat & Sun Oct 2 & 3, 2pm - 5pm

Interested in collaborating with us? Please attend and share your talents!

COMING SOON!

Open auditions for new actors: scripts available to read with us - give it a try!

Planning for the Community Centre: fundraising support welcome!

Other volunteer interests? Let's talk!

Vibe, Volt, Quest, Ultra & Platinum in stock now.

BELOW THE PUB IN THE COVE

BOOKKEEPER WANTED The Bowen Island Health Centre Foundation is looking for Part Time Bookkeeping Services Payroll (1 employee), Payables and Receivables, Bank Reconciliation, Monthly Financial Report, Annual Financial Report, GST and CRA Filings Experience in QuickBooks® For more information please email info@bowenhealthcentre.com

HOLD THE DATE! Tuesday, September 28, 2021 Land Blessing & Ground Breaking Ceremony

1037 Miller Road - Bowen Island Health Centre Site Time to be determined

To receive notice of the ceremony time and other information, please email info@bowenhealthcentre.com

Reserved Ad filler

A22 • Thursday, September 16, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

50 ways to leave inertia in the days of pandemic past

HEALTH COACH MARY LETSON HAS SOME TIPS FOR THOSE OF US HAVING TROUBLE GETTING MOVING MARY LETSON

Personal trainer and health coach

Ok, maybe not 50, but here’s some strategies to get your good health habit train out of the station.

As you read through, remember all the other parts of your life that are in full swing and not suffering from inertia – like your role at work, or your parenting skills or your studies at school. If taking care of your health is lagging behind, all is not lost! You have all the tools to turn it around. And full disclosure, I’ve been meaning to write this post for about six months - so Inertia and I have our issues too!

Slip out the back, Jack

Our over-analyzing brains can freeze us in a quagmire of indecision. Try disengaging with all the self-talk about why you can’t start that new healthy thing. Embrace a single-minded determination, a one task at a time focus (multi-

tasking is overrated) and quietly bag one day of that new, better behaviour. Do a happy dance when you do (maybe work up a sweat while doing it) and then do it again the next day. Bag seven days of slipping out the back Jack, then revisit your inner dialogue and I bet that conversation will have shifted to a more helpful, supportive voice worth listening to.

Make a new plan, Sam

Repeating the same behaviour and expecting different results is a nasty loop that drags us down and keeps us there if we don’t shake the rut. When something is not working for me and stands between me and feeling awesome, I try and brainstorm a different approach that nails the results I’m looking for - like a good sleep for example.

As a 58-year-old woman, sleep and I have a solidly fickle relationship (thank you menopause). If I diverge from what I know is my

sleep-friendly routine (can’t stand the term sleep hygiene), it’s guaranteed that I’ll be flip-flopping in the night. What works for me is: no wine, (one beer with dinner seems to be fine) as it wakes me up precisely at 3 a.m., small dinner portions otherwise I’m awake at 2 a.m. digesting, and a maximum of two cups of morning coffee otherwise I’m awake at 4 a.m. trying to solve all life’s challenges. Sure, sometimes I flip the bird at some of these no-no’s and indulge. Who doesn’t like a lovely glass or two of wine with dinner? But when I do, I resign myself to the possibilities of a crap sleep that night, and then get back on track the next day.

You don’t need to be coy, Roy

Have an honest, straight forward conversation with your work mates, life mate and or besties about your desire to leave Inertia for a healthier you. Enlist their

TRISTAN DEGGAN PHOTO

Mary Letson is owner and operator of Positively Fit Studio on Bowen. support and make them part of your dream team for forging ahead and making lifestyle choices that work for you.

Just drop off the key, Lee

Eliminate triggers that set you off on that self-sabotaging train and work on removing them from your fridge, schedule, and or social set. My weak spot is cookies. Just can’t have them on the shelf! I don’t buy them, if given to me I re-gift them (sorry friends!) and will only make them if said cookies

have a specific destination other than my shelf (like my hard working, calorie burning machine of a son).

Set yourself free: try one of these strategies and see how it feels. Give yourself a week (or two or three) to acclimatize to the new habit, then layer on another strategy. Build the momentum slowly, give yourself the attention and care you so deserve and watch how Inertia’s debilitating grip melts away. Then hop on the bus Gus, and set yourself free.

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, September 16, 2021 • A23

BOWEN NATURE CLUB

Deadly poisonous cuties: rough-skinned newts

THERE IS JUST ONE PREDATOR THAT CAN SURVIVE EATING THIS NEWT JEN RITCHIE

Bowen Nature Club

Meet the rough-skinned newt.

It’s an innocuous Bowen resident who actually packs a punch!

At less than 10 centimetres long, this timid little creature can be spotted all over Bowen. They like dark damp areas with ponds, fallen logs and leaves, so the mid-island trail, Killarney Lake, Fairy Fen, and up in the Bonanza Mines on Mt Gardner are great places to find them.

They can also be a welcome visitor to any (fishless) backyard pond, as they hunt slugs and snails in your garden, but also will eat small fish – and can fall prey to bigger fish.

Despite their appeal to larger fish, there is only one predator who can actually survive eating a rough-skinned newt. Newts contain a toxic poison called tetrodo-

toxin (TTX), that even the newts themselves cannot digest! This is the same toxin found in puffer fish.

Garter snakes that live in the same geographic area as newts have evolved to be able to prey on those newts without being affected by the toxin. Garter snakes outside of the newt’s home range do not possess this protection. We have quite a few garter snakes on Bowen.

Both garter snakes and newts are not venomous, meaning they won’t poison you by biting you.

Newts don’t bite humans and all, and are actually pretty friendly.

The poison resides in the newt’s skin, so humans must be very careful when handling newts, must wash their hands after handling them, and must certainly not ingest them.

It’s almost irresistible to pick up one of these little cuties, especially once one spies their bright yellow

or orange undersides, which they will present when they feel threatened. Fortunately, the toxin is an oral toxin, so it must be ingested to have an effect. However, it is easy enough to touch one’s face after handling a newt, so handling them is not recommended.

It also means they can present a very real danger to children and pets, who tend to grab things up before we even notice, and pop them into their mouths. They are also not so great at washing their hands immediately after touching things. There is certainly enough poison in a newt to kill a child or pet. It can kill a pet within four to six hours of ingestion, so if you find your pet eating or even playing with a newt, rush to the vet.

In the fall, newts are easy to spot on land, even during the day. They move slowly and are often out in the open. In late winter, newts will head to ponds, and change their

JEN RITCHIE PHOTO

Rough-skinned newt in hand on the Mid Island Trail. Note: these newts’ dangerous poison resides on their skin, so humans must be very careful to wash their hands if they’ve handled such a newt.

shape and skin texture to become lithe swimmers. In spring, they mate, with up to a dozen males mobbing a single female in a giant “mating ball” for up to an hour.

Eventually, males deposit a spermatophore into the water, and the female will collect many of them to fertilize her eggs, which she deposits in masses near the water. The young hang around the water for about three months, before resuming life on land in the autumn.

While humans should be respectfully cautious of this little creature, we are also sadly, its big-

gest threat. Many newts are killed by cars, as they cross roads in their attempt to travel between the forest and water sources. Destruction of their habitat via deforestation and development also sadly reduces their numbers.

So if you see one, don’t panic, and simply admire them from afar.

They are an integral part of the ecosystem, as they feed snakes, which in turn feed raptors like eagles. If nothing else, I’m happy something is eating up all the slugs in my yard!

DENTAL CLEANING On Bowen Island

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smiles.in.van.dental.hygiene info@SmilesInVan.ca

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A24 • Thursday, September 16, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

THE CALENDAR SEPT. STORYWALK®

Bowen Library; A free selfguided family activity! Read pages of a story as you stroll around the library grounds, use your imagination to complete the activities and search for the next page in

the story. Find the first page outside the front of the library. September’s book is Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak.

PHONOFUN VIDEO & ACTIVITY

Released every Saturday for September Literacy Month at Bowenlibrary.ca and pickup in the Library. We guide you through playing simple sound games with your prereading child. Bowenlibrary. ca/phonofun

UNTIL SEPT 27

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

SEPT. 1630

Catching Stars Gallery features Photography by Cindy May; Open daily 11 am - 5 pm catchingstarsgallery.com

THURSDAY SEPT 16

In the Style of Lawren Harris- Mountain Light painting class with Marie Neys Fine Art Zoom 9:30-11:30 am Designed for those with a beginner understanding of acrylics. Enjoy expanding your knowledge. Details & Registion at marieneys.com under the Classes section.

Robyn Fenton of BIRCH: Rotary speaker Zoom 7:30 pm; Robyn Fenton of BIRCH, speaker at Rotary Club’s Zoom meeting. Zoom details at bowenrotary.com on September 15.

SATURDAY SEPT 18

Bring Your Own Book Club Bowen Library Noon - 1 pm For Bowen Islanders 18-35 years old. A welcoming drop-in group where you can rave (or rant!) about a book you’ve read, find your next great read, and meet other young book lovers. Questions? info@ bowenlibrary.ca BAA Farmers’ Market BICS 10 am - noon Made, grown, baked on Bowen.

Bring a mask and cash and please follow the signs Pop-up recycling event 828 Hummingbird Lane; 10 am - 2 pm “Hosted by Circular Bowen: 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. Suggested $10/bag Beach cleanup September Morn Beach 2-4 pm Help clean up the beach!

SUNDAY SEPT 19

Yoga on the Pier 9 am - 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 Terry Fox Run Virtual; more info: terryfox. org or email pmatthews@ go.islandpacific.org

MONDAY SEPT 20

Election Day BICS 7 am - 7 pm More info: elections.ca/ Paint Tall Trees with Marie

Neys Fine Art Zoom 1:30-3:30 “Blended backgrounds and use of layering along with Colour Theory will be reviewed.

Details & Registion at marieneys.com under the Classes section.

TUESDAY SEPT 21

Tuesday Art Group (TAG) Zoom 9:30-11:30 am Will be painting an ocean wave on Zoom. Contact Marie@marieneys.com for details

WEDNESDAY SEPT 22

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. Info: marieneys.com

THURSDAY SEPT 23 In the Style of Lawren Harris- Mountain Light painting class with Marie Neys Fine Art Zoom 9:30-11:30 am Designed for those with a beginner understanding of acrylics. Enjoy expanding your knowledge. Details & Registion at marieneys.com under the Classes section.

SATURDAY SEPT 25

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

Bring a mask and cash and please follow the signs Teen Advisory Group Bowen Island Public Library; 2 pm Join the TAG and have a say in the library’s teen program and collection and earn volunteer hours! Signup at bill.link/TAG ; Drop-ins welcome.

Mosaic Art Workshop On Bowen 2-5 pm Transform your old dishes into art with artist Mariana Gassman. Materials included, no experience required.

For one class: $70; for 2 classes $135; for 3 classes $200. More info / to register email: BowenMosaic@ marianartstudio.com

SUNDAY SEPT 26

Yoga on the Pier 9 am - 10 am Pop-up classes - $15 per class; space limited; weather permitting; book: nectaryoga.ca/ yogaonthepier

MONDAY SEPT. 27

Regular Council meeting Zoom 6:15 pm Got calendar submissions?

They’re free! Email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, September 16, 2021 • A25

Locals must demonstrate every decade sound is living up to standards of UNESCO biosphere CONTINUED FROM P. 1

This, she said, is not true.

“It’s not a mechanism to stop development — it is a framework under which all the authorities come together and have a holistic plan,” said Simons.

The hope is that this designation will encourage sustainable development, she said.

“The biosphere regions actually are places for learning, for science, for research and restoration. And the more we know, the more we make better decisions,” Simons said.

“So I think for developers coming into the region that hopefully with the tools and more data and more information, then we make better decisions.”

This newfound title is not a given — it will have to be maintained. Locals must demonstrate to the organization every 10 years that the location is living up to the standards of a UNESCO biosphere, or Howe Sound will lose its status.

“I think the ultimate game plan is...healthy clean air, healthy waters, healthy soil,” said Simons.

“The game plan is ultimately that we have [a] collective vision and plan and everybody putting their efforts towards ensuring that this is a healthy environment for people and keeps people connected to nature. That we really help stem the curve of biodiversity loss and stem the curve of impacts of climate change.”

The newly-designated biosphere region covers 218,723 hectares of land and sea, encompassing the entire Howe Sound watershed.

Its boundaries begin near Point Atkinson in West Vancouver, running north to Black Tusk near Whistler, and as far west as Gower Point on the Sunshine Coast.

The core protected area traverses five B.C. Provincial Parks, one B.C. Provincial Conservancy, and several marine refuges.

The region includes several iconic landmarks, such as Mt. Garibaldi (Nch’ḵay̓ ), a diamond-shaped peak towering over the Squamish landscape. Within the last two decades, the area has seen a substantial recovery after more than a century of environmental degradation.

The news of the biosphere designation also earned praise from a Squamish Nation official involved in the biosphere effort.

“My hope is that it will effectively bring all communities in Átl’ka7tsem [Howe Sound] together for effective decision making but also to help people get out on the land. Building that connection, to the territory and the land, will help people better honour and to respect the environment but also the life that lives in that environment,” said Joyce Williams, Squamish Nation councillor and co-chair of Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society Board, in the news release. “Átl’ka7tsem is really about beauty and hope, as much as it is about sustainable development.”

Tourism Squamish also told The Chief in an emailed statement the UNESCO title was a positive outcome.

“This designation will help us protect and promote the critical ecosystem, ecological and recreational values of the Howe Sound region,” wrote the society’s executive director, Lesley Weeks.

“Tourism Squamish is passionate about preserving and protecting our access to our natural assets. Having this incredible place we call home recognized as an area of global ecological significance will inspire a positive future for people and nature.”

Squamish’s mayor also heralded the development as a significant milestone.

“The designation of Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound fills me with optimism, providing new momentum to continue our work together to create a sustainable future for the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound region. It also represents the collaborative and tireless efforts of individuals, organizations, governments and First Nations,” said Mayor Karen Elliott in the news release.

“The climate emergency is one of our greatest challenges and the Alt’ka7tsem/Howe Sound biosphere region designation will help us work with partners regionally to develop the solutions we need. The designation also amplifies the significance of our local environment and showcases to the world our region’s incredible beauty, biodiversity and cul-

tural richness. Biosphere regions have the unique ability to bring people together through common ground, based on a shared vision and goal. I look forward to Squamish playing an active role in the collaborative effort to create a sustainable future for the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound region.”

Bowen perspective

Bob Turner, a local filmmaker, retired geologist and former mayor, sat on the Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society from 2015 until last year.

“The biosphere just raises the bar for all of us,” said Turner. “It brings a view of the world, which is just richer than the one we currently live in.”

The commitment to biodiversity particularly matters to Turner – “[It] is the cornerstone of life. And it’s easy to overlook.

“We’re lucky here in Átl’ka7tsem / Howe Sound because

we lost a lot of it for a long time. And then we got it back.

“There’s not anything, like getting a little bit of it back to realize just how beautiful it is.”

“It helps us see ourselves as a community. We’re not an obvious community. Think about it, Gibson, West Vancouver, Bowen, Squamish, Lions Bay, separated by water, some of it connected by roads,” he mused. “And yet, we are sort of called together because of sort of this shared love for this place, this glacier carved fjord that we all live around.”

When Turner retired from the board he recruited fellow Bowen Islander Hasan Hutchinson to step into his place.

Bowen’s wealth of talent means it’s got a lot to offer the larger community, said Turner. “We need to be a big player in the biosphere as it goes forward.

“I think too, we need to see ourselves as part of something bigger than Bowen Island.”

“Let’s make a difference together!”

Need Help with your Home Recycling? Or are you doing a house clean up and want to donate items?

We can come to you with our truck, and pick up all your items that can be Recycled, or Donated to be reused, repurposed & refurbished!

We offer single time pickups for special items, as well as regular weekly, biweekly, or monthly pick-ups.

Special Event:

For a quote, please contact us at CircularBowen@gmail.com Or call 604-806-0680 Thank you for considering us with your waste diversion efforts!

Come meet us for our first pop-up recycling on Saturday September 18, from 10am-2pm. Rain or Shine!

Come bring your materials $10 / bag Address: 828 Hummingbird Lane Contact us if you want to have a pop-up recycling event in your neighborhood!

Join our Facebook page at CircularBowen!

A26 • Thursday, September 16, 2021

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Fishing derby There was great excitement (and there were great fish) on the Bowen Island Marina dock last weekend as th Davies family revitalized the iconic Minnow Davies Annual Fishing Derby.

Shawn Davies came out with the winning catch (below).

PHOTOS BY ADELE TURNER Artists Niina Chebry, Cathy Jenkins and Cathy’s daughter Ciara at On the Edge of Beauty opening.

On the Edge of Beauty Hearth Gallery’s latest show from multimedia artist Niina Chebry and sculptor Cathy Jenkins was well celebrated with a pARTy Sept. 4.

“The exhibition features both sculpture and painting which expands and challenges the concept of ‘beauty’ in the natural world,” explains the Hearth website. “Whereas these oeuvres may be pleasing in design, colour or shape - an eagle, iceberg or bear also remind us of powerful natural forms which demand respect.“ Nancy Lee The show runs until Sept. 27.

PHOTOS BY KATHLEEN AINSCOUGH

The PPC’s West VanSunshine Coast-Sea to Sky EDA demands that the Liberal Government of Canada answer the following question without delay: Why are you not enabling, through Health Canada, the rapid deployment of SaNOtize, a highly effective anti-viral spray that prevents and mitigates respiratory viral infections, including COVID-19?

This is a Canadian product developed by scientists and is approved for use in Israel and the EU. Visit sanotize.com/enovid for details.

Authorized by the Official Agent for Robert (Doug) Bebb Phone: 604-772-2428 • www.bebbppc.ca

DJ Yeshe (Jamie Woodall)

Autumn becomes you Shop in store at ARTISAN SQUARE by appointment call Amrita at 778 863 7770 Curb side pickup & Gift Certificates Shop online 24/7 movementglobal.com

Eco fashion made locally

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, September 16, 2021 • A27

RONDY DIKE PHOTO

The new Cove Bay Water Treatment Plant had been set to come online in May, activation was delayed due to defective equipment .

When will the water flow?

The Learn2Sail crew at the end of the Commodore’s Cup Regatta Sept. 2 (Melissa Harrison photo)

Learn2Sail at Commodore’s Cup

Thirteen Bowen Island Yacht Club Learn2Sail sailors and five coaches went to the Commodore’s Cup Regatta Aug. 30 to Sept. 2. The Commodore’s Cup is an introductory regatta for kids from summer sailing programs and is hosted by Royal Vancouver Yacht Club each year (except last year).

Optimist sailors from BIYC Oskar Oben

Gavin Champoux William Tunnacliffe Uma Ratcliffe

RS Feva sailors Ronan Ramsey Jacob Lang Turo Callewaert Liam McNolty Laser sailors Ezra Harrison Jonah Harrison Noah Callewaert Elena Facer Matthew Buda Coaches Mait Davis Anika Prinsen Ellie Walters

Miranda Berry Ryan Champoux

Matthew Buda was awarded first place in Laser 4.7 class.

Noah Callewaert 6th place in Laser Radial class.

MARGO OSINSKI PHOTO

Optimist sailors and coaches on day one.

COVID-19 numbers for Bowen

Turo Callewaert and Liam McNolty 9th place in RS Feva class.

All Opti sailors sailed in Green Fleet where they are not scored.

Margo Osinski Learn2Sail Program

MARGO OSINSKI PHOTO

RS Feva sailors and coaches on day one.

Places of Worship Welcome You BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH E BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH Sunday Worship 10:30 am v l Rev. Lorraine Ashdown M Lynn Williams - Minister of Music.

Helen Wallwork leads Sunday School.

FOOD

FOOD BANK DROP-OFF

ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 00 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.

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

There’s still no certainty as to when the Cove Bay Water Treatment Plant will come online. “We have had some problems with the filtration equipment supplied

by Purifics,” Bowen Island Municipality’s director of engineering, Patrick Graham, wrote in an email to stakeholders earlier this week. “These problems have now been resolved. Commissioning is recommencing this week, and we are hopeful this will go well and we can be sending water from the new treatment plant to distribution before the end of September. I am not able to provide a firm date, it is a priority to get the plant running and provide higher quality water to the Cove Bay Water System.”

The multi-million dollar filtration plant for Bowen’s biggest water system had been set to come online in midMay until the heater that heats up the water at the start of the filter cleaning cycle proved defective.

o

BC CDC data shows that for the 5,000-odd people of Bowen-Lions Bay: • There were no new cases between Sept. 7 and Sept. 13 • 82 per cent of people 12 and over are fully vaccinated as of Sept. 13 • 75 per cent of people 12 to 17 are fully vaccinated as of Sept. 13 • 83 per cent pf people 18 and over are fully vaccinated as of Sept. 13

Queen of Capilano Ferry Schedule September 7 to October 11 2021

DEPART BOWEN ISLAND

DEPART HORSESHOE BAY

5:20 am except Sundays & Oct 11 5:50 am 6:20 am 6:50 am 7:30 am 8:00 am 8:35 am 9:05 am except Wednesdays 9:40 am 10:15 am 10:50 am 11:25 am m 12:35 pm 12:00 pm m 2:35 pm 1:10 pm 3:45 pm 3:10 pm 4:50 pm 4:15 pm except Wednesdays 5:55 pm 5:20 pm 7:10 pm 6:30 pm 8:20 pm except Saturdays 7:45 pm except Saturdays 9:20 pm 8:50 pm 10:20 pm 9:50 pm 10:50 pm Note: Schedules subject to change without notice: Please check BCFERRIES.COM Schedule changes on statutory holidays

A28 • Thursday, September 16, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Phoenix denied a three-peat NOTHING SLOW ABOUT THE SLUGGERS LAST WEEKEND

CONTINUED FROM P. 1

The first game of the day saw the fourth-place Basecombers take on the fifth-place Loggers.

The Basecombers, the newest addition to the BISL, were keen to make their presence known—but the Loggers, lead

by Duy Son and Courtney Morris, are always contenders and are known to be both highly-skilled and highly-rowdy—a deadly combination on the slopitch diamond.

After a few blistering back and forth innings, the Basecombers prevailed by a score of 22-12 and the Loggers took to the bleachers to provide good-humoured heckling for the duration of the tourney.

Iain Mitchell’s sixth-place Blu’s started the year with an impressive 3-0 record but then found wins hard to come by, finishing the regular season 4-1-10. As they faced off against the third-place Mad Batters, the Blu’s had their work cut out for them. Lead by Jay Cottrell, the ‘Batters were last season’s runners-up and took the field determined to claw their way back to the finals and take home the trophy that they had come within two runs of winning.

In a stunning upset, the Blu’s sauntered to a 21-12 win in a game that featured brazen baserunning and white hot bats. The ‘Batters nursed their first ever first round exit by taking up residence beside the Loggers and making storied contributions to the already colourful heckling.

The Sluggers secured their fourth regular season title in the last five seasons, giving them a bye to the second round.

But despite their great regular season play, playoff success has consistently eluded the Sluggers. Would this finally be their year or would they be left scratching their heads and looking for answers?

The Sluggers played their first game against the warmed-up Basecombers. Coached by a combination of Andrea Layzell, Mike McKoryk and Henry Campbell the ‘Combers looked ready to take them on.

Never short on guile, the Sluggers made more than a few shrewd off-season moves, most notably nabbing Most Valuable Player Cyndl Arnold. Cyndl and the Sluggers wasted no time in treating the Basecombers to a three up, three down inning followed by piling up four runs.

But the Basecombers would not be discarded like so much Fukuyama flotsam and jetsam.

They battled back, forcing the Sluggers back to the bats in the bottom of the final inning down by three. As the winning run was driven in by Casey Grundy, the Slugger’s bench exploded in jubilation. Onlookers remarked that it looked like a scene from Cocoon. The final tally was 15-14.

Head coach of the Phoenix Jared Brown’s contribution to the BISL cannot be overstated.

While the Phoenix team has existed for years (winning the last two championships), this season Brown, also a member of the league executive, took on an almost entirely new roster to ensure that everyone who wanted to play in the league could play. The BISL gives a “Superstar” award to those demonstrating an exceptional devotion to the league and a pure love of the game. It was no surprise that Brown was a recipient of a 2021 League Superstar Award.

But despite his selflessness, Brown is not adverse to winning.

He took the new-look Phoenix to a second overall regular season league finish—priming the Phoenix for a potential threepeat. The Phoenix played their

first game of the post-season against the upstart Blu’s.

While tight for the first three innings, the Phoenix bats proved to be too much.

Iain Mitchell’s squad was dispatched 19-10, but you can bet that they’ll be back with a vengeance next year.

The final game pitted the defending champion Phoenix against the Sluggers. Though the Phoenix battled hard, and Player’s Choice award winner Daniel McGregor blasted a beautiful RBI, the Sluggers were simply too much to handle.

They lifted the pennant with a 13-4 win in a game that featured impromptu commentating by Basecomber rookie Leah Gregg (who brought her own karaoke machine to the diamond).

The Sluggers were giddy with the win. Brad “Ripper” Rypien put it best: “[A]fter finishing first [almost] every year and losing in the first round, it feels pretty… good.” The Sluggers immediately began demonstrating the value of veteran experience in celebrating life’s great moments.

The after party at Doc Morgan’s was all smiles. A particularly touching moment featured President Lee Vincent giving a League Superstar Award to past President George Zawadzki. Zawadzki is one of the founders of the BISL and received a standing ovation from those in attendance.

As the celebrating escalated at least one arm-wrestling match broke out, as well as a dance party and some heartfelt renditions of pop favourites.

The players said their goodbyes and safely made their way home—but one couldn’t help but feel a bit sad that the season was all over.

But, of course, that’s why they invented “next season.”

VICTORIA JAY PHOTO

Ian Mitchell, Tania Webb, Jessie Perry, Peter Scott, Dean Nickle (the Blu’s looking at the camera).

VICTORIA JAY PHOTO

Christie Lea & Tim Charter .

VICTORIA JAY PHOTO

The umpires.

VICTORIA JAY PHOTO

The fans in the stands were no passive audience.

online success for your business here, there and everywhere

call Tracey at the Undercurrent 604-947-2442

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, September 16, 2021 • A29

CLAUDIA SCHAEFER PHOTO

After four years of regular season titles, the Sluggers secured a tournament win.

Slopitch Players’ Choice Awards:

CLAUDIA SCHAEFER PHOTO

There was no shortage of silliness at the baseball diamond over the tournament weekend.

STEF SHORTT PHOTO

Kevin Manning celebrates the Sluggers’ win as Seanna Strubin looks on.

Most improved players • Ted Duffield (Loggers) • Kristen Helssen (Mad Batters) Most dedicated players • Casey Grundy (Sluggers) • Jason Jacquet (Loggers) Most outstanding outfielders • Kelly Harper (Mad Batters) • Mike McKoryk (Basecombers) Most outstanding infielders • Cyndl Arnold (Sluggers) • Peter Blomberg (Loggers) Most outstanding utility players • Randi Topp (Sluggers) • Zack Riley (Loggers) Most outstanding baserunners • Fenella Jacquet (Loggers) • Lee Cooper (Basecombers) • Team/League Spirit • Stef Shortt (Sluggers) • Jason Jacquet (Loggers) Most outstanding catcher • Daniel McGregor (Phoenix) Most outstanding pitcher • Scott Stevenson (Loggers) Most outstanding player 50+ • Gillian Drake (Mad Batters) Coach of the Year • Duy, Courtney (Loggers) Rookies of the year • Ky Hasledine (Phoenix) • James Nesbitt (Basecombers) Most valuable players • Cyndl Arnold (Sluggers) • Peter Blomberg (Loggers)

Kids watch a the Herring and Humpback Story with Treasure Box Puppet Theatre at the the Whales on the Wharf Art Jam last weekend. Hosted by Simon Winadzi James, the event featured whale stories, art making, the puppet show and Aztec-Mexica Earth Dance.

PHOTO & CAPTION: MURRAY ATHERTON

Thanks to the Bowen Island Community Foundation’s Small Grants Program, the Cowan Point Homeowners received funds to landscape the circle at the base of Sunset Drive (between holes 1 and 2).

The Monday Morning Golf Club’s volunteer gardeners group took on the challenge.

(Pictured: Sue Stollen, Linda Elliott, Nancy Edmonds, Elizabeth Hammerberg, Joanne Gassman, Anna-Marie Atherton, Kathy Leishman, Ailve Mcnestry.)

Last Monday was the start with major weeding, a couple of Magnolia Trees, a maple tree and replanting some rhododendrons. There’s still more to be done over the next month.

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Here is where you need (and don’t need) vaccine passports JANE SEYD

North Shore News

Starting Sept. 13, you’ll have to show a vaccine passport proving you’ve received at least one dose of vaccine to access some non-essential services in B.C. The vaccine passport is required to access: restaurants, bars and pubs which have a liquor license, including both indoor and outdoor seating areas; nightclubs;

movie theatres; casinos; gyms, fitness centres and weight training rooms; indoor fitness and sports activities at public and private recreation facilities for anyone 22 and older. These include pilates, yoga, personal training, spin cycling, zumba, dance, hockey, indoor soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton, billiards, pickleball and table tennis; indoor events, including competitions, games or practices with over 50 people; indoor ticketed events for more than 50

Landscape Lighting Irrigation

Seascape Bruce Culver

Office: 604-947-9686

Cell: 604-329-3045

Now serving Bowen Island Free estimates nelcan.ca 604.428.1119

people including sports activities, concerts, theatrical productions, dance or symphony performances; indoor festivals, conventions, trade fairs, home shows or workshops for more than 50 people; indoor wedding receptions, funeral receptions and ticketed parties for more than 50 people.

The vaccine passport won’t be required to access: grocery and liquor stores; pharmacies; fast food restaurants and food courts; hair salons; hotels; banks; retail stores;

food banks or shelters; schools; to vote in the federal election; local libraries and community centres in North and West Vancouver; local seniors centres; rehabilitation programs; to swim at local aquatic centres; youth fitness and sports activities if you 21 or younger; parents dropping off children and picking them up from youth sports activities; school, including K-12 and post-secondary programs; to attend work; to attend court; to use a fitness facility that is part of a hotel; worship services;

On Bowen 778-995-1902 I&I TOWING HAULING LTD

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to attend a meeting of a local government council or school board.

Until Sept. 26, the yellow and blue immunization record card will be accepted as temporary proof when presented with government-issued identification.

After that, the province’s official vaccine passport with QR code will be required, in either electronic or paper form. As of Oct. 24, proof of two doses of vaccine will be required. More info: www2. gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.html or call 1-833 838 2323 for a mailed copy.

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Thursday, September 16, 2021 • A31

Home Renovations & General Contracting Water ingress • Dry rot • Mould removal Decks • Docks • Ramps

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

A32 • Thursday, September 16, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Get to know your neighbours

Have you been following our weekly Get to Know Your Neighbours series?

OUR WEEKLY SERIES CONTINUES: BEA ANDERSON & DOUG NASH

When did you come to Bowen?

We came to Bowen from North Van in 1996 with our toddler.

How did you come to be here?

Bea had a colleague who had lived here for many years and who suggested we have a look when we were ready to buy a house.

On our first foray, we walked onto the causeway and suddenly an otter whipped up the fish ladder, lumbered across the pavement and disappeared into the lagoon. We looked at each other and decided that this place had promise.

Later, when we came to look at houses, we saw teens hitchhiking and young children frolicking at the side of the road, with no adults in sight. It was like stepping back in time and that was very appealing.

In the first issue of the Undercurrent we read, someone was pleading for the person who “borrowed” their moonlights to return them.

We love the slow pace of change , the failed experiments (such as the ill-conceived double ferry lanes up the main drag) and the endless wrangling over the official community plan and pools, community centres and ferry marshalling.

All these have been issues for 25 years.

Where on Bowen do you live?

Be Wise

We live in the area of Miller’s Landing called Timber Groves.

What’s your favourite place on Bowen?

We always take family and friends around the lake and over the cross island trail.

What’s your favourite fact or story?

In 2010, island dogs and cats started disappearing, including one of ours. It turned out that someone brought a young female wolf here who was eating them, presumably because they were easier and smaller prey than the deer. A trapper was eventually called in when it was seen close to a farm with sheep.

And another story: When we first moved here, houses were being built in the area known as Valhalla. At the corner of Miller Road, was a sign that read “Valhalla” and pointed toward Dorman Road.

One morning, we found that there were a number of signs, all pointing in different directions that read “Neverland” and “Itchykoo Park” “Penny Lane” and other fictitious destinations.

This may have been the same wag who changed the sign that used to be at the ferry which said “Carry chains in bad weather” to “ Wear chains and black leather”.

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

This series came out of a Facebook comment from an islander and a desire to connect during the pandemic.

Gap filling is not automatic. It depends on how far back the line goes, where the gaps are and how busy the sailing is likely to be. Ferry crimes have always been the subject of controversy here.

What’s something Bowen Islanders have in common?

Bowen Islanders have in common a love for nature and spending time outdoors.

What do you do for fun these days?

These days we spend way too much time trying to keep the skunks and squirrels from eating our tomatoes!

Cannabis and Older Adults

Facts about cannabis Cannabis and the law

Order or download your FREE booklet at www.activeagingcanada.ca or call toll-free 1-800-549-9799 and leave a message with your full mailing address.

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Thank you for reading!

Older Canadians and cannabis use

Be Wise, Cannabis and Older Adults is factual information about cannabis for older adults.

Easy to understand, written in clear language, the Be Wise booklet is meant to help older adults make wise decisions about cannabis use.

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If you’re interested in being a neighbour, email Bronwyn (see all of our email addresses in the page four masthead). If you have question suggestions, we’d love to hear those too.

Therapeutic benefits Side-effects and risks Aging and cannabis Talking to your doctor Dosing and your health condition

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