Bowen Island Undercurrent December 9 2021

TO SAVE DIVERSITY, SAVE LAND: Ross Beaty wins award PAGE 3

$1.50

inc.

GST

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

CHRISTMAS AT ENDSWELL

VOL. 47 NO. 48

BIUndercurrent

The Cove exploded with holiday spirit on Saturday night as hundreds of people turned out for a pair of events to kick off the holiday season. The evening started with a menorah lighting before the trees and USSC Marina boardwalk were fully illuminated. Many costumed characters were

ALEX KURIAL

There’s big money going to waste on Bowen Island – literally.

Last Friday the province awarded a $1.2 million grant toward the island’s goal of a new organic composting facility. It was part of more than $12.5 million in funding

announced for 23 organic waste projects around the province.

On Bowen the money will cover about two-thirds of the project’s estimated $1.55 million pricetag.

The idea has been investigated for the past decade, gaining steam with the creation of the On-Island Composting Facility Working Group in 2015. But for several years low tipping fees –

the cost to transfer local waste to another facility, in Bowen’s case to Richmond – and a relatively low amount of organic material produced meant the facility wasn’t a priority.

Both these factors changed in the last few years though, according to numbers from the municipality.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

COMING SOON!

748 Channelview Drive 3 bed 2 bath view home on 1.14 acres with Garage and guest suite!

PAGE 13

also on hand to delight the children in attendance. Pandemic restrictions could still be felt - Santa did not arrive by boat for instance - but people still enjoyed being able to gather for the season.

For more photos turn to pages 11 and 12. ALEX KURIAL PHOTO

What’s composted on Bowen can soon stay on Bowen Editor

40,000 magic lights

BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

Vanier Cup championship anchored by‘Bowen edge’ ALEX KURIAL

Editor

The Western Mustangs’ triumph in Canada’s top college football game had a strong Bowen presence backing their effort.

Elliot Beamer is a member of the University of Western Ontario’s formidable offensive line and a team captain. With his help the

Mustangs gained nearly 500 yards of total offensive as they came back to defeat the University of Saskatchewan Huskies 27-21 in last Saturday’s title Vanier Cup game.

“The guys all knew what they had to do and that’s just what it comes down to, having everyone on the same page,” Beamer told the Undercurrent.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

COMING JANUARY 2022!

FRANCES FROST

Personal Real Estate Corporation

bowenislandrealestate.info

604.947.9090

RE/MAX Crest Realty - Bowen Island

1117 Miller Road Brand new custom home from Bowen’s own Kerr Residential. 3 bed + office, 2.5 bath.

A2 • Thursday, December 9, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Career Opportunity: Chief Financial Officer

Changes to Building Regulations coming in 2022

Reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a member of the senior management team and is responsible for the supervision, planning, organizing, direction and control of the Finance Department, and for the efficient and effective administration of all Municipal financial affairs. The CFO provides advice on financial matters to Council, the CAO, the senior management team and performs statutory duties required by the Community Charter, the Local Government Act and other relevant statutes.

Effective January 1, 2022, Bowen Island Municipality is changing how measurements are taken for Building Permit applications, including calculating lot coverage, floor area, and building height. Building Permit applications submitted in 2022 will be reviewed under the new definitions.

Events December 13, 2021 6:15 pm Regular Council Meeting All meetings are online via Zoom and

open to the public, unless noted otherwise.

You can watch all Regular Council meetings at Municipal Hall. You will be watching a livestream of the meeting on a television set up in Council Chambers.

Bowen Island Municipality will be closed from December 24 at noon until Tuesday, January 4, 2022 for the holidays.

Get vaccinated - everyone 5 years and older is eligible.

The CFO provides strategic leadership to a small department of dedicated professionals, collaborates across all departments, and engages with multiple community partners, stakeholders and the general public. The CFO supports the Finance Advisory Committee which provides financial advice to Council. The CFO has a close functional relationship with the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), assisting with the implementation of Council’s strategic direction and will at times be required to be the Acting CAO.

The CFO has strong team building skills and is recognized as a flexible, visionary leader, with excellent communication skills and sound political acumen. An emotionally intelligent, empathic leader, the CFO is able to harness existing capacity and resources within the team, collaboratively charting new paths toward more efficient and effective business practices.

Being a small municipality, the CFO possesses functional knowledge of all financial operational processes and is keen to pitch-in on all aspects of departmental work. A desire and intent to live on Bowen Island is preferred.

Qualified applicants may submit a cover letter and resume by 4:00 p.m. Friday December 17, 2021 to:

Stay home if you’re sick

Wear a mask in indoor public spaces

Liam Edwards, Chief Administrative Officer E-mail: ledwards@bimbc.ca Please include the following subject line: BIM CFO Application.

Applications that do not use the noted subject line may be omitted.

Contact Bowen Island Municipality ADVERTISEMENT December 9, 2021

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/building-renovating

The ideal candidate is a well respected financial professional, with a successful track record in senior financial management within a local government or similar public sector entity. As a Chartered Professional Accountant of Canada in good standing, the CFO requires exceptional knowledge of Public Sector Accounting Standards and the financial legislative framework for local governments in BC.

Help stop COVID-19:

PAID

If you are planning on submitting a building permit application, please visit our website for more information.

Phone: Fax: Email: Website:

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

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

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca

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

2022 Council meeting schedule Council has set its meeting scheule for 2022.Regular Council meetings are scheduled at 6:15 PM on the second and fourth Monday of each month, unless a statutory holiday falls on that Monday, in which case the meeting is held on the Tuesday following. The Council Agenda is published by 4:30 PM seven calendar days prior to the meeting. The Council Procedure Bylaw regulates procedures to be followed for the conduct of business at meetings of the Council.

To read the 2022 Council meeting schedule, please visit our website for more information.

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/council-meetings

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Thursday, December 9, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A3

Protect the land; protect biodiversity

Ross Beaty is committed to the spaces and species affected by climate change MARTHA PERKINS

Contributor

This past year we all became more painfully aware of climate change’s impact on this earth’s human inhabitants. Heat domes.

Towns destroyed by forest fires.

Communities evacuated because of flooding.w The recent conference on climate change in Glasgow brought the world together to try to hammer out solutions. Governments, NGOs, environmental groups, activists and everyday people are clamouring for real action.

Ross Beaty is very glad there are so many people fighting that good fight. It’s also strengthening his resolve to do more to protect the nonhuman victims of humancaused environmental damage.

“My big thing right now is to add more protected areas to British Columbia,” he says. “I’m chair of the BC Parks Foundation and we’re extremely active in land protection.

“We’ve got one of the still green, still beautiful, still rich in biodiversity corners of the world. And I just want to keep it that way for future generations.

“I love land protection because to me it’s the cleanest, simplest and most perfect way to protect biodiversity.”

The Bowen Island resident, who has already earned an Order

“To me land protection is the cleanest, simplest and most perfect way to protect biodiversity,” says Bowen Islander Ross Beaty. The screenshot is from the Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia video on Beaty as the 2021 C.J. Westerman Memorial Award winner. of Canada for his philanthropic work, was recently given the C.J. Westerman Memorial Award

by Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia.

The association wanted to recognize him as “a true ambassador for the geoscience profession.

His tireless vision, professional service, and philanthropic efforts have touched many in this province and brought incredible benefits to both British Columbia and the world.”

Beaty is gratified by the honour but says “it’s a shame that these awards can’t be given to a whole bunch of people who all make me look good.

“You don’t win these awards by yourself. You win them on behalf

of a whole bunch of people who all pull their weight and rarely to get recognized.”

In May, Beaty continued his slow transition towards full retirement. His awards bio notes he “founded Pan American Silver, which is now one of the world’s largest silver mining companies with 10 operating mines in the Americas, among 11 other mineral exploration companies and a renewable energy company that has become one of Canada’s largest independent power producers.

In 2018, Ross began Equinox Gold, which now operates eight mines in the Americas.”

His travels, including a recent trip to Brazil and Mexico, have exposed him to the environmental

Christmas Mini Parade Sunday December 12th ~ 1:30 pm in the COVE Santa and a few of his friends will be parading down our main street.

Starting at the Four Corners building and ending at the Hearth Gallery.

Santa with his North Pole friends will gather any letters or lists you have for him at the Hearth. All your North Pole favourites will be there ~ Frosty, Ginger, Rudolph, the Snow Queen & King and the Sugar Plum Fairy, as well as some new comers ~ Olaf, Elsa, Anna & Kristoff ~

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degradation that is occurring.

“I was just depressed and saddened by all of the loss of forest in not just Brazil, but also in Mexico, where every arable chunk of land is given over to human agriculture.

There’s just so little nature left, so few forests left.”

To counteract humankind’s destruction of the ecosystems which sustain a rich biodiversity, Beaty established the Sitka Foundation. It partners with Canadian and global organizations that share his desire to conserve and protect the environment.

As much has he’s been dismayed by what he’s witnessed, “I am inherently, by nature, a very optimistic person. And so I see optimism all over the place. I see

optimism in the fact that a tremendous number of people understand the crisis we’re in and are doing things to redress it, and to try to slow it down and turn it around. You see that in all of the global noise that’s happening with respect to climate change.

“The goons that denied the existence of climate change due to carbon pollution have been drowned out, thank heavens, and people know are focused on solutions.

“We are seeing real change in carbon pollution in the atmosphere. It’s slow and it’s not fast enough, but it’s still happening.

“On the biodiversity front, it’s more difficult because losing biodiversity is such a silent, invisible thing. Joni Mitchell’s lyrics were perfect: you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. It’s absolutely true with respect to nature.

“But I see a lot of people who are aware of it and who are trying to protect more lands. The federal government is on the page beautifully. They’re trying to have 25 per cent of Canada’s landmass protected by 2025; 30 per cent by 2030.

“Of course there are laggards. Of course there are deniers and people who just want to do things as they’ve always done.

“But in many places, those kinds of people are less important than they were in favour of people who are trying to have a balanced, more sustainable economy, life, livelihood, and trying to make things better for the next generation, which is what this is all about.

It’s not just about humans, but it’s all the species that we rely on to have clean water clean, clean food and everything else.”

Beaty explores his path to environmental sustainability and the protection of bioversity in a video on YouTube. Search for the C.J. Westerman Memorial Award.

A4 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, December 9, 2021

VIEWPOINTS EDITORIAL

Getting to know you Hello Bowen. This is Alex Kurial, your new editor of the Undercurrent. If you’re reading this it means another issue of the Undercurrent has successfully made it out the door…. No small task, as I’ve learned!

It has been an incredibly rewarding one, however. Our former steward, Bronwyn Beairsto, had given me the heads up about people’s passion for the paper and it’s already shown through welcome messages, visits to the office and people coming up to say hi at the many events we had this past weekend.

My reception has been a very warm one and I’ve had no shortage of people giving me advice on where to get things, places to see, or filling me in on Bowen’s history/gossip. I appreciate all the help and it’s made my landing here much easier.

This is something I realized even before landing, though; when I was still in Ontario and looking for a place to stay, I received many messages and offers. This taught me a lot about the community before I even arrived.

And speaking of events, what a nice time to arrive. Bowen’s holiday spirit, from Endswell Farm to the menorah lighting to the fully lit-up Cove, would make anyone’s spirit soar (especially someone who has been on the road for the past week with a cranky co-pilot meowing at him.)

My exploring so far has generally been limited to the Cove and a little bit around it. Unfortunately, with the current state of the sun beginning to leave us prior to 4 pm (and to my surprise, no streetlights on the island!), I haven’t ventured as far as I’d like. I’ve decided to set an upcoming weekend aside for an adventure to the fabled west side of Bowen.

I’m also slowly beginning to pick up on some of the island lexicon, most notably what qualifies as “going into town.” This does not, as I soon realized, mean going to the General Store or Snug Café, but rather involves a ferry ride over to the mainland. Interim editor Martha Perkins has also taught me about the Bowen whoosh for the ferry - when you gotta go you gotta go!

As for the paper, I hope to keep it up to the high standards that have been set out for me. To do this I encourage everybody to submit stories, tips or just general musings. They can break open great stories and also keep the community involved with the Undercurrent, which I think is a big reason for its success. (Submissions also help newcomers like me learn more about the place.)

Looking forward to meeting all of you and getting to experience everything Bowen has to offer!

Vaccination pop-up is December 18

Vancouver Coastal Health is offering a one-day vaccination clinic on Bowen Island. It is on Saturday, December 18 at BICS. For first and second doses, walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis dependent on vaccine availability.

For booster doses and kids 5-11, an appointment is required.

It’s from 10:30 am to 4 pm.

Register through the Get Vaccinated system to book an appointment.

Thank you to the Light Up elves!

Thank you to all our Bowen family that joined us at the Union Steamship Company Marina for Hannukah and lighting of the cove Christmas lights on Saturday night.

It was a beautiful clear, dry and crisp evening that brought out a few hundred folk of all ages. We were a little overwhelmed and under-prepared for such a large crowd but pleased to see so many smiling faces! The Christmas characters were so much fun and we appreciate those who donned a costume to entertain the children.

Big shout out to Jewal Maxwell, Hannah Florendo, Tim Rhodes & Darcy Buzzelle, the Dowdeswell family, Jeremy Church, Lise Cote, Karen Cowper and Michael and Liz Nankin. We are also very grateful to Brent Brennan for his contribution with the fog machines and

general help, the Florendos, whom at the last second served everyone apple cider, and of course a big thank you to Rondy and Dorothy Dike, Oydis Dike-Peterson and the USSC Marina elves for always helping and hosting to make Light Up Bowen special. We saw some very happy kids on Saturday night!

Of course there wouldn’t be any lights or decorations if we didn’t have help from a tribe of Christmas elves...

Thank you so much to Jewal Maxwell, Cathi Westrop, Kim Steer, Cindy Fairbank, Nancy Cox, Katherine, Dean Nickle, Hayley Mythen, Keith Ashley, Kyle de Connick, Leah Gregg, the Carlington’s, Heather Hodson, Hilary Butler, Jaime Ogden, James Stashyn and Denis Roker (for the use of his van).

Bowen Island Undercurrent Subscription Rates:

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.

National NewsMedia Council.

EDITOR

ADVERTISING

CARTOONIST

PUBLISHER

Alex Kurial

Tracey Wait

Ron Woodall

Peter Kvarnstrom 2011

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

Basia Lieske Volunteer coordinator

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 mail it to PO Box 130, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 or email editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com.

#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.

A couple of elves came along for the full ride and some a few hours here and there, whatever they could fit into their already busy schedules ~ it helped us immensely and produced a lovely Christmas Village. Thank you so much!

The donors who supplied us with funds to purchase lights, displays and decor items are being personally thanked in this week’s Undercurrent newspaper. Now we just need some kind of Christmas miracle to get the lights working again at the four corners. We also could use lots of sunshine this weekend for the Christmas Parade on Sunday.

I have to say it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

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.

Thursday, December 9, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A5

Rotary takes a local approach to thinking, and acting, globally MARTHA PERKINS

Contributor

It’s always said that you should think globally but act locally.

The Rotary Club believes in adding a third piece: act globally by giving local residents the opportunity to work together on a good cause.

“The more you get exposed to the bigger picture of everything that Rotary is involved with, the more engaging it is,” district governor Lorne Calder said during a recent visit to the island. “Most of our greatest work is done internationally.”

For instance, while it would be hard for anyone on Bowen to feel they could do much to help the situation in Afghanistan, Rotarians who live there have already met with the Taliban to discuss helping Rotary honour its pledge to help eradicate polio through a global vaccination program.

This latter project is being done in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the government of Canada.

“By collaborating we can come up with better solutions,” Calder says.

Bowen Island Rotary Club president Hilary Butler is well aware of how much more can be achieved when Rotary is involved. Several years ago, she and her husband Robin approached the Bowen club to ask for help in transforming the annual Run for the Ferry into the Run for Rwanda. The Butlers’ daughter was working in Rwanda and they wanted to help her raise money for girls’ education. As a couple, their efforts would be fairly limited; through Rotary they would be linked to a multitude of resources, including fellow volunteers.

The club president at the time was the late Piers Hayes. He not only said yes but he made it impossible for them to say no

to his invitation to join the fledgling Bowen Island club.

Today, the Bowen club is also involved in the Peka Project in Lesotho, a passion project of islander Matthew Harrison. The Bowen club raised $39,000 with the help of a $10,000 grant from the Rotary district. The money went to building a fence around the Beautiful Gate Orphanage, protecting the children from being targeted by sex traffickers.

Calder, who lives in Prince Rupert, appreciates that Rotary is apolitical and works with a variety of partners. Much has been done in recent years to break down barriers and make Rotary more inclusive. When Ardath Paxton-Mann joined Rotary in 1984, women weren’t even officially accepted.

(She had to get to the meeting through the restaurant’s kitchen.) The West Vancouver resident is now the district’s assistant governor.

The pandemic made weekly in-person meetings impossible for the first year but members quickly adapted. They also realized the benefits of online meetings, including being able to attract a wide range of guest speakers who could attend from wherever they were at the moment. One of those speakers was former islander Cathy Peters, who shocked Rotarians when she told them that human trafficking and sexual exploitation was a North Shore problem, not just a global one. That awareness motivates Rotarians to get even more involved with various projects.

The local club now has a hybrid model for its meetings on the second and fourth Monday night of the month. Meetings alternate between in-person at Artisan Eats and Zoom. It has 19 members and welcomes newcomers, whether they want to simply attend a meeting or join the club. For more details about the club, please visit BowenRotary.com.

Bowen Island Rotary Club president Hilary Butler welcomed district governor Lorne Calder of Prince Rupert and assistant governor Ardath Paxton-Mann of West Vancouver to the island in November. MARTHA PERKINS PHOTO

In Memory of

Kenneth Strachan Smith Ken passed away on December 3, 2021 at Evergreen House in North Vancouver.

Ken was born in Port Kells, B.C. in 1937. Soon after the family moved to Quesnel and established a business – Smith Transfer and Storage. This was a family run business so everyone was involved from an early age.

Ken started by driving trucks and eventually shifted in to running the office and keeping the books.

Ken and Greta were married in 1959 and for the first few years of married life resided over the offices of Smith Transfer. After the arrival of daughter Kelly and son Kevin a house was built and they finally had enough space for two active children, A few years later daughter Kathryn arrived.

When the family business was sold, Ken was hired by West Fraser Timber where he was encouraged to become a full fledged accountant. Five years later in 1973,while still working and helping to raise a family, he achieved this goal and in the process won the Gold Medal with the highest marks in British Columbia along with the distinction of being in the top ten graduates in Canada.

Ken continued to work for West Fraser and was transferred to head office in Vancouver as Corporate Accountant where he continued to work until his retirement.

Never totally adapting to city life or that of a corporate being, Ken rebelled at the suit and tie protocol and refused to comply except on special occasions. On retirement, Ken very happily relocated to Bowen Island where he became involved with the Bluewater water systems as Treasurer and the Bowen Island Legion as Treasurer.

Ken enjoyed developing small projects on the property in Bluewater and helping his two adult daughters with renovations on their respective homes. Travel played an important role in Ken and Greta’s lives, most particularly when son Kevin moved from Saudi Arabia to New Zealand.

Ken particularly took pleasure in spending time with his grandchildren located in Quesnel and New Zealand with regular trips to visit.

Ken is survived by wife Greta, Daughters Kelly – Bowen Island, Kathryn (Stephen) Ocean Park, Son Kevin (Tane) Red Beach, New Zealand. Granddaughter Jenn – Quesnel, Grandsons Caspian and Seth of New Zealand, Great Grandson Kolby of Quesnel.

He is also survived by two brothers George (Eileen) of Sherwood Park, Alberta, Tom (Sharon) of Nanaimo, B.C., one sister Norma of Quesnel, and numerous nieces and nephews.

NERP’s tip of the month: Keep an emergency supply of cash in or near your grab-and-go bag. In the event of an emergency, widespread power outages can limit the use of credit cards and render ATMs inoperable.

For the last few years, Alzheimer’s disease took over Ken’s life. Donations in his memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of British Columbia. No services will take place at this time.

A special thank you to the nurses, care aides and support staff of Evergreen House for all their kindness and thoughtfulness and caring.

Thursday, December 9, 2021

A6 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

ART STUDIO WANTED TO RENT Looking for a workshop/art studio space, happy to look at all possibilities and willing to pay $500 to $1000 a month.

Please call David 604-690-0616.

For Rent One bedroom Carriage House suite available January 1st. No dogs.

Please call 604-947-9752 for more details.

Garden Club Seasonal Social and “Snippets” December 13 at 7 pm via zoom

As Autumn is fading fast away and winter is nearly upon us it is time for us to gather to celebrate the Festive Season.

This year we will meet via zoom on December 13 at 7 pm. Settle in with your favourite beverage and festive treats, and enjoy a virtual visit to some of our members favourite plants and flowers.

We will relive together those long hot days of summer when our gardens were full of flowers and fruits and bees courtesy of Doug Elliott’s “Snippets”.

Open to members of the Bowen Island Garden Club.

Membership info: bowenislandgardenclub.ca

See you on Zoom Monday December 13 at 7 pm

www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

Bishop’s Hill provides great cardio workout for home training FROM PAGE 1

“And it feels really good to have everyone buy in like that. It doesn’t happen every year.”

The game was Western’s strongest challenge in months; they’d won eight games in a row all by 20 points or more.

But they found themselves down 12-10 to the Huskies at halftime.

The frigid Quebec City weather also was in full December force, dipping to -10°C by kickoff.

“Craziest thing I’ve ever played on…

It was like literally playing on an ice rink,” says Beamer.

“Before every play you had to figure out where the best spot to stand was to push off and then you had to dig your feet in.”

It was so slippery that both teams received new cleats the day before the game, as the traditional spikes had no chance of sticking to the frozen surface at Stade Telus on the Laval University campus.

“Watching the first half again we saw that we kind of had the edge on them a bit, but there were just certain plays, dropped balls, missed opportunities,” Beamer of coaches’ observations at halftime. “And then in the second half, it was just ‘Don’t make those mistakes.’”

And they didn’t. Two third-quarter touchdown passes from Evan Hillock put the Mustangs up for good and won them their second Vanier Cup in the past four competitions.

Beamer was also on the team during the 2017 title run, his rookie season, and adds a second championship ring to his collection.

Bowen born and raised boys Elliot Beamer, a Western Mustangs team captain and first-team all-Canadian, and Ben Welsh, a non-dressed reserve, celebrate the Mustangs’ Vanier Cup win.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY PAUL WELSH

It was touch-and-go whether the season would even finish this year. The 2020 campaign had been wiped out due to COVID and there was no certainty 2021 wouldn’t suffer the same fate.

So Beamer just focused on what he could control, right here at home.

“Bowen was a great place to prep. I think it gave me a bit of an edge. I built my own gym out of tires up at the Beamer ranch. And I was running up and down Bishop’s Hill for my cardio,” he says.

Beamer credits the work he and the rest of the offensive line put in to make

the Mustangs’ offensive one of the most explosive in the nation.

“It comes out of preparation. Over the offseason, physically we were all prepared. And we were meeting to make sure that we understood what to do.”

Beamer has the opportunity to return to the team next fall but he’s not sure yet if he’ll pursue Western’s title defence.

He’s scheduled to graduate from his history program in 2022, after which he’ll turn his focus to teachers’ college.

Beamer says he’ll make a decision next year.

Pent-up demand for travel leads people to BC Ferries

When British Columbians were told it was safe to travel again, many of them took to the seas.

BC Ferries is reporting that travellers returned in record numbers this past summer. With pent-up demand, and the land border to the U.S.A. still closed, the ferry service experienced a deluge of pent-up demand from the domestic market.

In the three months ending September 30, BC Ferries carried seven million pas-

sengers and three million vehicles. This is an increase of 28 per cent and 20 per cent respectively, compared to the same period in the prior year.

This is still down, however, from ridership levels before the pandemic.

When you compare the same three months in 2021 to 2019, this past summer’s numbers are nine per cent lower.

BC Ferries says advance-purchase Saver fares contributed to the rise in vehicle traffic on traditionally lower utilized

sailings while also enabling it to safely carry higher overall levels of vehicle traffic compared to previous summers.

“We were pleased to see strong traffic levels this quarter but we remain cautious about what the future will bring,” says CEO and president Mark Collins. “Summer is our high season so it’s challenging to predict with any certainty when conditions will return to pre-pandemic levels for the longer term.”

Thursday, December 9, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A7

Saving the planet one crayon at a time MARTHA PERKINS

Contributor

James Wray and his family had finished their meal at White Spot when the server started to remove everything on the table — including the free crayons that kids are given to pass the time creatively.

When James found out that the crayons were going to be thrown out, he asked if he could keep them.

“I wish we could recycle them,” the then-seven-year-old said. “I don’t want them to go in the garbage.”

That’s why James and his younger brother William, seven, are now “saving the planet one crayon at a time.”

With the help — and free labour — of their mother Carolyn, they’ve started a non-profit business called FireCones.

They dip pine cones into melted recycled crayons and sell them as brightly coloured fire starters.

That makes it sound easier than it is. First, there aren’t that many pine trees on the heavily forested island so they collect most of their cones from the Okanogan. The cones are dried out for two years and then Caroline heats them in the oven to kill off any bacteria and bugs.

Getting the paper off the crayons is also time-intensive.

Carolyn, who’s a doctor, has developed a double-boiler method to heat and sterilize the crayons until they’re the perfect consistency for dipping.

Crayons aren’t compostable. If the crayons had been thrown into the garbage, they would take 2,000 years to decompose. And, because they are made with petroleum,

William and James Wray are doing their bit to reduce pollution “so people and animals can live.” They gather used crayons and pine cones and turn them into fire starters that look almost too pretty to burn. MARTHA PERKINS PHOTO they create a sludge that can leach into water systems.

However, they are good for burning in a fire because they’ve been manufactured to make them safe enough for children to eat.

“It’s good for them to learn how to be stewards of the environment,” Carolyn says of the family activity. “Crayons are waste that damage the environment. We can completely completely change their use while creating something beautiful and useful.”

William and James have now started to collect candle

Patient of the Week WINNIE Winnie came in for her annual vaccines recently, she was a little nervous but being a lab, she was easily won over by some snacks.

She is exceptionally cute and we love when she comes to the clinic!

Also, a friendly reminder that we will be closed on the 24th of December through the holidays, and reopening on the 4th of January. Please make sure you have enough food and medication from our office to carry you through to the New Year!

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

To schedule appointments, please call

604.947.9247

or email reception@bowenvet.com

stubs from churches, as well.

Until the pandemic hit, the fire cones were sold at stores throughout the Lower Mainland. Those retail opportunities became as dry as a pine cone in August but the business is starting to heat up again. They retail for $15 for a box of 12 — and you can even burn the box.

The threesome is working on creating a variety of collection places for both pine cones and crayons. You can find out more at FireCones.ca or by emailing info@firecones.ca.

A8 • Thursday, December 9, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, December 9, 2021 • A9

Merry THINGS we love on Bowen UNION STEAMSHIP COMPANY STORE

B R A N C H O N B O W E N on the pier Chrisstmas Shoppin ng Rice Bowls and Bu urrito os Earnestt Ice e Cream Open Frriday – Tuesday 11 1:3 30 – 6::15pm Order ahead

BOWEN ISLAND PUB

in the cove

Making your days merry and bright all season long!

on the boardwalk

Shop p witth the Elves on Bowen th his seaso on.

Open n daily 10-5 pm m / Fri. & Sa at. to 6 pm

MIKI TANAKA JEWELRY

loower Artisan Square

Give e a gift thatt is desig gned and made in a Bo owen Issland worrkshop! Thurs - Sun 11am-5pm or by y appointment. www w.m mikitanaka.com

DOC MORGAN'S PUB & RESTAURANT

T H E R E A L R A P U N Z E L at Artisan Square

on the boardwalk

Enjoy drinks and dinner at Doc's.

The Real Rapunzel: Unique…? Cheeky…? Made in Canada…? Yes…!!! … and truckloads of joy in small things.

BOWEN BEER & WINE CELLAR

at Village Square COPPER SPIRIT DISTILLERY

RILEY'S CIDERY Open 2-4pm weekdays & 12-4pm weekends until Dec.19th Closed Dec.20-31st

in the coove

Ope en for tastings Fri-Su un 2-7 (closed 24th & 25th) Order online at copperspirit.ca Pickup and delivery available.

Chriistm mas gift boxes, Premiium wines, Expa anded craft beers, Gins & Fev ver ton n i cs, Scotch h, Dig gestives & Apertives

ARTS PACIFIC GALLERY

at Artisan Square

Cera amicss, Fibre Arts, Jewellry, Printts, Cards, Paintings.

BOWEN ISLAND FLOWER SHOP

at Artisan Square

Open 7 days a week until Christmas

FABULOUS FINDS ON BOWEN

in the cove

Gifts for everyone from deer kitchen towels to luxury soaps from Provence.

COCOA WEST CHOCOLATIER

at Artiisan Square THE RUDDY ON BOWEN

CONNIE WRIGHT ORIGINALS

at Village Square

MOVEMENT GLOBAL

att Artisan Square

Festive Fare at The Ruddy!

Shop local for all your grocery needs this season.

Shop online 24/7 movementglobal.com Eco- fa ashion made locally.

in the cove

SQUIRREL ON BOWEN

in the cove

Go nuts Thu to Sun 11- 5:30 pm Dec 16- 24 11 -5:30 every day Happy Christmas!

Cocoa West Choco olatiier,, a Bow wen n Island Holiday tra adition n for almost 20 0 years!

Closing out Sale! Deals & Discounts!

Happy Christmass!

THE WATERING CAN SUPPLY

at Artisan Square

merry-make local

Sustainable and lo ocallly curated household items an nd gifts forr all occasions.

A10 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, December 9, 2021

Hearth Gallery has strong year artistically and financially ALEX KURIAL

Editor

The Bowen Island Arts Council managed to enjoy success in another pandemic-affected year.

“Despite the ongoing impact of COVID-19 we had an enormously successful year, not only in the popularity of our programs but financially as well,” treasurer Dave Pollard said at the December 1 annual general meeting.

“This is really extraordinary; most of the arts councils in British Columbia have really struggled through the last year. Ours, by comparison, has absolutely thrived.”

The gallery’s net revenue went up nearly three times from 2020, mostly due to large boosts in fundraising, donations and sponsor-

ship along with securing a Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy grant.

Executive director Jamie Scheffer highlighted the past year’s activities. February’s Mini Art Works shows featured 80 artists and raised a record $18,000, including a record $1,000 on a single piece.

The Hearth is hoping to have another show next year, depending on pandemic restrictions.

Scheffer also showcased the many opportunities for kids art throughout the year.

Next year will focus on four major projects, and one of them will be among the first things people see when landing on the island.

The Bowen Island Gateway Mural will be installed along the lock-block wall at the ferry landing

to welcome people to the island.

The eight-foot by five-foot panels were created by three local artists in consultation with more than 50 Boweners.

“It will really add to the entrance for our beautiful island,” says Scheffer. The mural is expected to go up in February.

Meanwhile on the gallery grounds, plenty of additions are in the forecast. These include a storage building shared with the library and an open, covered programming space for art workshops, book readings and other events.

Scheffer says there’ll also be a “secret garden that will beautify that whole area.”

The centrepiece of the renovations is an elevated, covered per-

formance stage which will play host to live music, dramatic readings, artist demonstrations and more.

Scheffer says all the new additions will “create a buzz as you enter into this cove area of arts and culture,” and draw people to the island.

The arts council is hoping to have the outdoor space completed by June 21 to coincide with the opening with National Indigenous Peoples Day. The AGM concluded with the selection of board directors for the next year. Six returning directors were re-elected along with five new members.

Kate Thomas-Peter, who was re-elected, said the new members “will bring a wealth of experience

THANK YOU to all the donors

& volunteers for making this wintter season cheery & bright. We need t his!

light UP the cove

is a very special display that kids love & look forward to every Christmas

THANK YOU DONORS

Bowen Island Municipality, David Bellringer, Bowen Building Centre, Bowen Properties, Maria Neys Fine Art, Knick Knack Nook, Sangre de Fruta, Leigh Automotive & Mary ryy Leigh, MacDonald Realty (Frazer Elliot), Edward Jones(Ross McCorquodale), Barcelona Tapas & Wine Bar, Christie Stashyn, Howe Sound Automotive, Bowen Pet Supplies, Metro Blasting, Bowen General Store, Branch on the Pier, Connies Knits, Squirrel Gift Shop, Cocoa West, Nance Mosely, Fabulous Finds, Liz Nankin , the Union Steamship Company Marina & the Undercurrent for spreading the news!

BICS craft fair returns

BIG SHOUT OUT To all our HELPER

ELVES

After being cancelled last year due to the pandemic, the annual BICS CSA craft fair finally returned in 2021. Dozens of vendors and hundreds of browsers attended booths inside and outside of the school on December 5. Everyone in attendance expressed their delight at the fair’s return, and many people used it as an opportunity to catch up with each other. Top: Liz Watson (right) catches up with a patron at her card stand; Dianne Charette discusses which of her seaside soaps would be best for a customer.

ALEX KURIAL PHOTOS

in education, non-profit governance, tourism, and a variety of artistic disciplines.

They’ll also bring diversity to the board with age differences, stages of family life, and diverse cultural backgrounds.”

The new and returning members are: Returning: Rob Gloor (chair), Dave Pollard, Greta Smith, Kate Thomas-Peter, Judi Gedye and Edward Watchman.

New: Cindy Fairbank, Gail Lotenberg, Fei Shi, Jon Siddall and Paul Vallee.

Departing members Alfie Marsland and Nerys Poole were thanked for their time and contributions to the board.

Thursday, December 9, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A11

Scenes from Saturday night’s Light Up the Cove, clockwise from top left: an elf hands out Christmas treats; Hamish McGuire, 3, isn’t sure if he wants a high-five from the Snow Queen, Liz Nankin; Lise Cote donned the inflatable snowman costume; a curious child investigates the Christmas trees; Karen Cowper greets kids in her reindeer costume. ALEX KURIAL PHOTOS

Martinis with Santa

Put on your holiday best and join us for our great holiday tradition at Doc's. Your chance to give Santa your requests before it's too late! Saturday Dec 11 7:30 till late ADULT ONLY EVENT

UNIQUE DESIGNS HANDCRAFTED ON BOWEN ISLAND FROM STERLING SILVER AND COPPER, HIGHLIGHTING THE EARTH’S NATURAL TREASURES.

INSTAGRAM @KATHYCLARKEJEWELRY VIEW AT WWW.KATHYCLARKEJEWELRY.COM OR CATCHING STARS GALLERY

The e Bow wen Agricultu ural Alliance (BA AA)) is hosttin ng a

BAA Winter Market and Craft Fair

Bowen Islland d Commun nitty Sch hooll Sat. Dec.. 11tth, 10 0-12, BICS OUTS SIDE

Craft fte ters, sauces, ja ams, preserv ves, food, fruiit leatherr, kale, squas sh, Wiinter ve egetab bles, baked goods, see eds, artis sans and morre!

All ages welcome

A12 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, December 9, 2021

Matthew van der Giessen led the crowd in a series of songs and prayers as dozens of people gathered to witness the menorah lighting on December 4 at the USSC marina. ALEX KURIAL PHOTOS

It took a couple of hands, but in the end the seventh candle on the menorah built with local driftwood by Matthew van der Giessen was lit up.

Bowen Island lights its first Hanukkah menorah

Rebecca van der Giessen laid out treats following the ceremony. They were very popular with the crowd and all snapped up within a few minutes.

There were lots of spiritual songs during the menorah lighting, including several from a group of young performers. People were given music sheets so they could follow along and join the singing.

BEST NEIGHBOURHOOD BEST RESIDENTIAL DISPLAY BRIGHTEST DISPLAY BEST CHILDREN THEMED & BEST TREE DISPLAY If you would like to be a contestant please email: lightupbowen@gmail.com

Thursday, December 9, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A13

Christmas at Endswell More than 40,000 lights, and Santa Claus himself, brought Christmas spirit to Endswell Farm last weekend. Noah Pryce-Jones and Yvonne McSkimming were the primary elves in creating the winter wonderland. There was also a fire pit for roasing marshmallows, a pinecone decorating station, hot chocolate, and everyone went home with a box of sweet treats from Mrs. Claus. Clockwise from top left: Lennon Stubbe, 11, enjoys a freshly roasted marshmallow; Dela, 7, and Mabel, 9, ButlerGutelius make their case to Santa to deliver the presents on their lists; many of the children found the straw the most entertaining part of the evening; Harmony Davison (right) helps daughter Maple, 5, and son Onyx, 3, prepare a tasty treat over the marshmallow pit.

ALEX KURIAL PHOTOS

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A14 • Thursday, December 9, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

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HEALTH & WELLNESS BOWEN ISLAND WELLNESS CENTRE 604-947-9755

at the entrance to Artisan Square Suite 597 7

To advertise here please call 604947-2442 or email ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com

Book online at bowenislandwellnesscentre.ca

Thursday, December 9, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A15

Project avoids need to truck compost off-island CONTINUED FROM 1

Since 2016 tipping fees have gone up more than 40 per cent and green waste volumes increased more than 30 per cent.

The Richmond disposal option was also lost in 2018 when the Harvest Power plant shut down. Bowen’s organic waste now goes to Pemberton, increasing costs and emissions.

These developments led to a consensus that an on-island solution was economically and environmentally necessary to dispose of organic waste.

Last year the device being considered was Global Composting Solutions’ Hot Rot in-vessel composting system. It would be located at the recycling depot.

The municipality say they’ll be releasing more specifics, such as design and where the remaining $350,000 will come from, later this week.

Rivendell hosted its annual open house on December 5 allowing visitors the chance to explore the retreat. This included a story reading around the campfire. ALEX KURIAL PHOTO

BOWEN HOME SERVICES love the life you live I&I TOWING HAULING LTD

II

NEW CONSTRUCTION

Vehicles • Construction Equipment Sea-Can Containers • Tiny Homes

RENOVATIONS RESTORATION ADDITIONS

Bowen Island • Greater Vancouver Vancouver Island • Sunshine Coast

SECONDARY STRUCTURES UNIQUE OUTDOOR SPACES SUB CONTRACT WORK

BUILT GREEN BC BUILDER Michael Bingham • 604 947 1717 ianditowhaul@gmail.com

BOWEN ISLAND ROOFING ROOFING & REPAIRS

604-987-7663

Trade ticket certified #00012-RO-96

CONTACT US FOR A FREE QUOTATION WWW.WHITEHART.CA ADDRESS 302-566 ARTISAN LANE BOWEN ISLAND, BC PHONE 1 (778) 999-3434

Window Blinds On Bowen 778-995-1902

Landscape Lighting Irrigation

Seascape Bruce Culver

Office: 604-947-9686

Cell: 604-329-3045

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

A16 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, December 9, 2021

CALENDAR

SKY members and those interested in joining SKY, may be interested in knowing we are walking together on Wednesday afternoons. Please contact 778-886-3600

TO DECEMBER 26

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 Winter Market and Craft Fair 10 to noon, outdoors at BICS Crafters, sauces, jams, preserves, food, fruit leather, kale, squash, winter vegetables, baked goods, seeds, artisans and more

December Art Market Hearth Gallery: Gift items from local artists and artisans. 11 to 5 daily except Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

(Note: the gallery will be open every day until Christmas.)

Holiday Book Sale 10 to 2 at Bowen Library Annex Fiction, travel, DVDs and special gift books. Fundraiser

by Friends of the Library

FRIDAY DEC 10

End of online bidding CAWES Amazing Auction Gifts for everyone on your list can be found on the Fundraising for CAWES Facebook page

Martinis with Santa Doc Morgan’s 7:30 till late Put on your Holiday best and let Santa know what’s on your list.

Adult event

Friday night dinner at the Legion Doors open at 5:30. Dinner served at 6:30 Families welcomed Vaccine requirements in effect

SUNDAY DEC 12

SATURDAY DEC 11

Book Sale of fiction/travel books Bowen Library Annex 10 am-noon Bring Your Own Book Club Bowen Island Public Library Noon-1 pm For Bowen Islanders 18-35.

Christmas mini Parade.

See Santa and all his friends!

1:30 pm Starts at the four corners and ends with Santa at the Hearth Gallery where kids can give Santa their letters and lists.

Christmas Bingo at the Legion Doors at 1:30 Games start at 2 Must be 19+ Vaccine requirements in effect

A Christmas Carol 7:30 p.m., Collins Hall Dramatic reading of Charles Dickens’ enlightening tale featuring Tina Nielsen, Kat Stephens, Martin Clarke and Graham Ritchie. Only 50 tickets available; $25 available at the pharmacy.

Free Zoom livestreaming

by Theatre on the Isle but a donation to Snug Cove House Society welcome. Go to snugcovehouse.com for details.

MONDAY DEC 13

Garden Club Seasonal Social and “Snippets” 7 p.m. via Zoom Open to members of the Bowen Island Garden Club.

Membership info: bowenislandgardenclub.ca

SUNDAY DEC 19

Holiday Crafternoon 1-2 pm at the Bowen Library Annex. Learn the art of book folding. Simple ornament making and colouring pages available for younger patrons

Places of Worship Welcome You BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH E BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH

v Christmas Eve - 5 pm: A family Christmas l 9 pm: Lessons and Carols M

Rev. Lorraine Ashdown

FOOD

FOOD BANK DROP-OFF

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

Contact Angela Powell 604-947-2515

CATES HILL CHAPEL

6304

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

Friday December 24th 6 pm

Candle Light Christmas Eve service - everyone welcome!

Pastor: Phil Adkins

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

Here’s why Bowen Island’s Old Growth forests are vital Did you know that Bowen Island is home to some of the rarest ecosystems in British Columbia? One of the most varied and vibrant of these ecosystems is our old growth forests.

In this part of BC, old growth forest refers to ecosystems with trees that are 250 years or older while some interior forests are ‘old growth’ at only 140 years.

Roughly 23% of British Columbia’s forests are considered old growth, and only 1% of Bowen’s land base is old growth forest.

These sensitive ecosystems are fragile and are often home to at-risk and endangered species of plants and animals – birds in particular.

The fact that little old growth remains on Bowen makes it harder to find and visit, but we are fortunate that mature forests (80-250 years old) cover about 49% of the Island. Many of our oldest trees are hard to reach, like on the summits of Mount Gardner, or are on private property, like Opa at Xenia. However, if you are inclined to go exploring, there are some beauties to be found on the trails in Bluewater and Cape Roger Curtis and there’s even a big Douglas fir right behind Tuscany Restaurant.

In addition to the importance of the old growth to the ecosystems they support and to the cultural and spiritual fabric of our First Nations peoples, they also serve to mitigate climate change, reduce pollution and provide spaces for relaxation and contemplation for us all. I hope that you too

Lisa Holland and Nancy Cox admiring on Mt. Gardner, Bluewater trail. will fall in love with these increasingly rare grande dames of the forest and thereby be inspired to do what you can to protect them.

Parks, Trails and Greenways Advisory Committee

Queen of Capilano Ferry Schedule November 22, 2021 to March 31, 2022

DEPART BOWEN ISLAND

DEPART HORSESHOE BAY

5:20 am except Sundays 6:20 am 7:30 am 8:35 am 9:40 am 10:50 am 12:00 pm 1:10 pm 2:55 pm 4:00 pm except Wednesdays 5:10 pm 6:15 pm 7:40pm Except SAT 8:55 pm " - 8:30 pm 10:00 pm " - 9:30 pm 11:00pm " -10:30 pm

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

Note: Schedules subject to change without notice: Please check BCFERRIES.COM

Schedule changes on statutory holidays