Bowen Island Undercurrent February 24 2022

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE HEALTH CENTRE?: Part 1 of a monthly series PAGE 9

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

LAST CALL TO SCORE MINI ART

VOL. 48 NO. 06

BIUndercurrent

BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

Finale on Saturday PAGE 8

Snug Cove Gateway Mural comes alive MUCH ANTICIPATED PROJECT REVEALED ON FAMILY DAY

ALEX KURIAL Editor

LEGACY MURAL COMPLETE: Sarah Haxby, Di, and Paula Love were the lead artists on the Gateway Mural project which now hangs along the lock block wall at the ferry terminal. Dozens of artists also added their artistic touches to the art piece along with many installation helpers. For more photos check out Pages 6-7. / Alex Kurial photo COMING SOON SHOWINGS BY APPOINTMENT

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Driving off the ferry just got a lot more colourful with the unveiling of the Snug Cove Gateway Mural.

The 16 panels along the lock block wall, headed by artists Di, Sarah Haxby, and Paula Love, were seen by the public for the first time at the Family Day ceremony, which drew well over 100 people. There was also music and activity tables, and a shining sun.

It was the culmination of a project months in the works, starting last summer when the trio of artists began soliciting ideas of what people wanted to see along the wall. 150 people responded, leading to the wide array of plant and animal life represented, along with notable island locations.

The task wasn’t without its challenges though. “We painted through heat – so hot that the paint was drying on the brushes as we were dragging it across the panels,” says Haxby. “We painted through the wildfire smoke, and we had to move from our outdoor location to another location. This wasn’t the first time or the last time that we have to move the 16 – very heavy – 4 X 8 panels.”

“We also were dealing with a little bit of a pandemic, and that made the scheduling challenging,” Haxby added.

“By September and October we had cold, wet rain to paint in as well. So it was an adventure.”

The project saw dozens of Bowen artists, ranging from the island’s youngest painters to seasoned vets, chip in to complete various sections of the mural.

Key backers of the project included the Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC), Sangre de Fruta Botanical, and the province. Scott Massey, PAAC chair, says community responses were incredibly key to the mural’s success.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

A2 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Public Notice

Events February 28, 2022 4:00 pm Committee of the Whole Meeting - Hazardous Areas Development February 28, 2022 6:15 pm Regular Council Meeting

Meet Bowen’s newest mascot!

Proposed Changes to Council Procedure Bylaw A Procedure Bylaw is a is a regulatory bylaw required by the Community Charter to establish general procedures to be followed by Council and Council Committees in conducting their business.

Council received a staff report at its February 14th Regular Council meeting with proposed changes to its Council Procedure Bylaw. To view the report, visit the website www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/news/releases The Community Charter requires a local government to provide notice of the proposed changes in general terms. The proposed changes, in alignment with recent legislative changes to the Community Charter, include: • • • • •

Help stop COVID-19:

Get vaccinated - everyone 5 years and older is eligible.

Transparency requirements for providing public notice for participation at electronic meetings.

Definitions for electronic meetings, electronic participation, and hybrid meetings.

Provisions for conducting meetings electronically.

Provisions for conducting hybrid meetings.

New section to address when the Inaugural Council meeting will be held following a general local election.

Council will be considering an amending bylaw that include the above noted changes at its March 14th Regular Council meeting for consideration of readings.

If you have any questions or comments relating to the proposed changes, please submit them in writing up until 4:00 PM on March 14th or speak under Public Comment at the Council meeting.

Thank you to Rethink Communications for volunteering the design of the barred owl at the request of the Heritage Commission.

Bowen gets its first public electric vehicle charging stations Bowen Island has taken one small but important step towards promoting alternative transportation options by installing two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for public use in Snug Cove.

Located in the parking lot next to the Library on Bowen Island Trunk Rd, the Core+ Level 2 charging stations will offer convenient access for people to charge their electric vehicles while shopping, using the trails, dining or otherwise accessing services in the Cove.

Please stay tuned for an announcement of when the Core+ charging stations will be operational and available for use.

Meeting details are available on the Municipal website: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/council-meetings.

Contact: Stay home if you’re sick

Wear a mask in indoor public spaces

Hope Dallas Corporate Officer Bowen Island Municipality 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 Email: hdallas@bimbc.ca

Contact Bowen Island Municipality PAID ADVERTISEMENT February 24, 2022

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

Find us on Facebook Bowen Island Municipality

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Thursday, February 24, 2022

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A3

ISLAND NEWS

Through rain, and heat, and smoke... the Mural prevails CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“The main focus of the call was obviously a celebration of the place that is Bowen Island with a particular emphasis on our local flora and fauna. I think you will all agree that the mural artists kind of nailed that one... But even more importantly the Gateway Mural tells a story through all of the incredible details of our community,” says Massey.

“It’s really special to have had the opportunity to help bring everyone together on this project and incorporate so many different artists and kids and kind of be the backbone that holds up this community art project,” says Di. “That’s really special to have been able to help with that.”

In addition to the prominent characters there are also many hidden local references scattered along the 128 feet of art. From Keystone the Cat, to the Black Sheep, to a contribution from the Undercurrent’s own Ron Woodall, there is something new to find with each viewing.

“I’m very grateful to have worked with Sarah and Di, it was an incredible and beautiful journey,” says Love. And also the participation of the community. That was our main goal, to do something where everyone can put their input and participate and represent different parts of the community… Every panel represents an area of the island, and is important and

tells you something about this important place.”

Bob Baker and the Squamish Eagle Dancers blessed the mural with cedar boughs to close the ceremony. “When we come together as families like we’re gathered here today, we want to ensure that we’re going to be moving forward in a good way altogether. So we have a ceremony to neutralize negativity and any heaviness that might have found its way to our gathering, and in particular to that beautiful mural, then we want to erase that and put a protection on it,” explained Baker.

“And the ancestors will keep an eye on it for us. And to let it know that we are appreciative of what it represents.”

Mayor Gary Ander also spoke about what the artwork means to the island community.

“This amazing mural is not only a beautiful work of art, but also a celebration of our unique identity and sense of place. It demonstrates our appreciation of the natural and cultural heritage of our island, and the joy and peace we absorb from this place,” he says.

“It defines the community. For the visitors to our island it says: This is what we’re all about. Please tread lightly.”

Bowen gets its first public electric vehicle charging stations BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY

Many hands shot up when people were asked to say if they contributed to the mural, through either artwork, installation or planning. / Alex Kurial photo

Bowen Island has taken one small but important step towards promoting alternative transportation options by installing two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for public use in Snug Cove.

Located in the parking lot next to the Library on Bowen Island Trunk Rd, the Core+ Level 2 charging stations will offer convenient access for people to charge their electric vehicles while shopping, using the trails, dining or otherwise accessing services in the Cove. The location was selected with feedback from local business owners and community organizations.

The Library lot is close to electrical servicing, visible to ferry traffic and easily accessed from the main road.

Bowen Island Municipality received funding in 2018 from

BC Hydro as part of their rehabilitation efforts from a completed construction project. Promoting the use of alternative transportation options such as electric vehicles is noted in the Official Community Plan, Community Energy and Emissions Plan and the Transportation Plan.

The decision to install EV charging stations was made in 2019 in line with this established community priority. The project was put on hold in a lower priority partly due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and until hydro installation at the site was available.

Along with the advancement of the cross island Multi-Use Path, this is one of the ways Bowen Island is moving towards a greener future by making access to alternative transportation easier for people on the move.

Please stay tuned for an announcement of when the Core+ charging stations will be operational and available for use.

Ellen White 604-764-9275

www.presentmomentsefl.com presentmomentsefl@gmail.com

Spring Break Program - Introduction to Horses Day Workshop 10:30-3:30 pm, March 17th and 24th

Includes:

◆ Build and decorate a hobby horse ◆ Learn about the language of the horse ◆ Groom and lead out the ponies ◆ Lunch ◆ Build a showjumping course ◆ Take our hobby horses out to jump the course ◆ Finish with cupcakes and juice Maximum of 6 kids aged 6-12, $75 per child.

Gramma’s Afterschool Pony Club Every Tuesday and Thursday 3-4pm

◆ Tuesdays are Stable Management Day, learning to take care of our equines, we learn about our horses environment, nutrition, health, first aid and lots of crafts!! ◆ Thursdays are hands on horsemanship, grooming, mucking out, working with our ponies on the ground (no riding) doing liberty work and on the lead line. ◆ Through all of this, we will also learn about self regulation, confidence building, listening to our body and relationship.

The horses teaches us this and what a fun way to learn!

For kids Grade 2 to 7 $250 plus GST on a subscription basis.

Starting March 1st. Limited space available.

MARCH 3RD IS WORLD WILDLIFE DAY, WATCH OUT FOR SQUIRRELS JUST SAYIN' ........

IN THE COVE

A4 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, February 24, 2022

VIEWPOINTS EDITORIAL

Dignified Debate

After observing the events of the past few weeks in Ottawa and across the country, as well as the past two years of COVID, it is fairly clear that much of our national discourse has devolved incredibly.

Why that is belongs to a larger conversation, so for now I’d like to narrow it down to Bowen, where thankfully I haven’t noticed the vitriol that accompanies these debates in much of the rest of Canada.

Take last week’s letter section for instance, featuring a pair of largely different viewpoints.

Mr. van Walraven decries the far-right elements that gave rise to the Ottawa occupation, while Mr. Wynne believes the removing of his posters from local phone poles could send the country on an Augusto Pinochet-style descent into fascism. It is unlikely the pair of contributors line up on the ideological scale.

But, rather than park their truck, honk their horns, or yell at each other in the street, both writers – and everyone else who has sent in letters since I’ve been here – has taken their beliefs to this public forum where the possibility of serious debate still exists.

If you follow me on Twitter (don’t worry you’re not missing much if you don’t) you’ll know which side of the convoy issue I side with.

I believe the participants conducted themselves in a disgraceful and dangerous manner, particularly in Ottawa where they occupied and bullied residents of the city for three weeks. This included journalists, including close friends of mine, who were subject to threats and verbal abuse as they attempted to report on the situation. I breathed a sigh of relief for their safety, and that of the city, when at long last, the members involved were finally removed and the last truck towed away.

But it doesn’t need to be this way. On Bowen I haven’t seen this anger, and even hate, for people who hold different viewpoints from each other.

I know the convoy and its ideals hold support among people here (though thankfully limited), and yet I haven’t been subject to a barrage of messages about fake news or spreading of lies.

(Only one so far!) Even Mr. Wynne, I suspect, knows I don’t agree with his stance on vaccine mandates. Yet all our conversations have been civil and there is a lot to be said for that, especially now.

In Southwest Ontario my drive to work took me by numerous houses featuring exple-

tive-laden flags and signs directed at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and others. This is not the vibe I get from Bowen (unless I’ve just been driving down the wrong streets). I hope things can remain this way, and to encourage that I welcome everyone to keep sending in their letters to the Undercurrent. We want to hear from you about anything (provided it is nothing discriminatory). I believe it’s important to know what people on the island are thinking, so that we can resolve our differences before a blockade of our ferry ever becomes necessary.

- Alex Kurial, Editor

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

A note of congratulations In the spirit of celebrating community, we would like to commend and congratulate everyone involved in the creation and installation of the new mural in Snug Cove. The mural is whimsical and delightful, and it honours all that we hold dear on Bowen Island – the ocean, mountains, flora, fauna, creatures and inhabitants of this beautiful place that we proudly call home. Thank

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

- Jennifer Hall

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.

you for finding the perfect language to communicate the beauty of our magical island, for visitors and locals alike.

What a feat of creativity, collaboration and community. Bravo and kudos to all On behalf of the Bowen Island Community Foundation,

National NewsMedia Council.

EDITOR Alex Kurial 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

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, February 24, 2022

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A5

VIEWPOINTS

Former councillor questions current counterparts Open Letter to Mayor and Council of Bowen Island Municipality Re: Use of general taxpayer funds for Snug Cove Sewer District I spoke during the public comments section at the February 14, 2022 Council meeting. I was very concerned about the resolution Council passed at the January 31, 2022 Council meeting in which they decided to take $1.6 million dollars from two municipal revenue sources, both funded by all taxpayers on Bowen Island, in order to pay for the upgrade to the Snug Cove sewer treatment plant. Tim Misko also spoke at that meeting, expressing the same concerns.

When we became a municipality in 1999, the water districts were flipped over to the municipality with the existing funding allotted to each district and budgets created for each district. Although now run and overseen by staff at the municipality, each water district pays its own way. The same goes for the Snug Cove Sewer District. In fact, the sewer bylaw is very clear about who pays for the sewer, stating that cost recovery for the sewer service in this area “is to be recovered solely from the properties as defined, i.e. those in the snug cove sewer area.” I understand Council’s concern when faced with a potential lawsuit from the property owners on Cates Hill who had already been issued building permits, only to discover

that the municipality was now telling them they could not hook up to the sewer. And I sympathize with those owners.

However, Council cannot dip into municipal funds that come from all the taxpayers of Bowen Island. There are other options – set up a loan from general revenue for Snug Cove sewer district to pay for the upgrade; pass a new bylaw that requires some or all of the Snug Cove sewer district to be paid by all. It makes sense for those of us outside the sewer district area to pay for some of the costs for this area – i.e. we all benefit from the fire hall, the medical clinic, the yet to be built community centre, etc.

However, Council must follow the procedure for amending the existing bylaw – they are not permitted to arbitrarily decide to access general revenue for a service that only benefits a small area of the island. For a very good reason – the rest of us pay for our own septic systems and will definitely have something to say if Council attempts to proceed with the January 31 resolution.

In 2010 (see April 6, 2010 Council minutes, Res 10-102) Council passed a resolution to obtain $721,000 from accumulated surplus (general revenue source) for the same SC sewer treatment plant. At the same time, Council directed staff to engage a consultant to develop a program to recover the costs associated with expanded service capacity provided in the sewer plant

upgrade, from the lands that will benefit from the excess capacity. The intention of council in 2010 was very clear – the taxpayers on Bowen were not to be on the hook for what was only benefitting one area of the island, as set out in the bylaw. If this $721,000 was never paid back to general revenue, the taxpayers of Bowen Island need to know this – and we need to know why we are now being asked to fund a further $1.6

million for this sewer system.

Council needs to rescind this bylaw and find an alternate solution. No one benefits from a lawsuit against the municipality, as we all end up paying, but dipping into general revenue is contrary to the bylaw and residents outside the sewer area know this.

Council, please do the right thing here.

Yours truly, - Nerys Poole

Visit the Gregg Simpson Studio Gallery Current exhibition:

Meditations on Modernism Works on canvas in the mid-century modernist tradition.

By appointment 897 Windjammer Rd. 604-947-9408 greggsimpson@shaw.ca

On the Rotary, Peka Project, and Stargate SG-1 To the Editor, I want to thank the Bowen Island Rotary Club for their truly inspiring fundraiser this past Saturday benefiting orphaned children ages 6 to 18 in Lesotho. Rotary’s desire to be of service to others and help this world be a better place came through splendidly.

It was also very noticeable how generous the people of Bowen Island are by helping make this initiative a reality. This past year, Bowen Rotary (with Matthew Harrison as Lead) have managed to raise $35,000.00 through fundraising, donations and a Rotary Grant to support an orphanage with children under the age of 6 start to build a working farm, school and orphanage to house both their charges and other children over the age of 6 who can get lost in a foster care system rampant in not protecting their children from abuse, sex and slave trafficking. The original Rotary funding helped build a fence and gate around the property in Lesotho.

This weekend’s successful objective was to secure funds for the drilling of a bore hole, well, pump and water tank for the property.

The fund raiser was both a tribute to the writing of John Patrick Stanley and to the generosity of multiple people donating their time, skills, expertise and money to a worthy cause.

The Gala fundraiser, over zoom, consisted of several scenes from Mr. Stanley’s movies, plays and writing that were acted out by volunteer actors after Matthew Harrison, as moderator, explained the background context and what was about to happen in the following vignette. As an audience, we were

not sure how it would all play out (on zoom) and were amazed to be drawn into the action by the 3rd or 4th lines spoken by an actor and actress sitting in their own homes acting to/ with each other over zoom. Just magical.

I can recall my past experiences attending plays (when I was much younger), with my Mom taking me to the Theatre in downtown Toronto (such as Alan Alda in Same Time Next Year). I found the experience just too intense and in my face and recall the feeling of wanting to hide behind my seat and peek over the top to watch the action on stage.

I was unsure if I wanted to actually sign in to the zoom performance on Saturday.

However, a favourite actor, Michal Shanks (Stargate SG1) was taking part so I worked up my courage to watch. It was an utterly amazing experience and I thank all the members of Bowen Rotary, Matthew, all the actors and all the background support crews for the great performances. I hope we can manage to have more of them. The next objective for the Beautiful Gate - Peka Project is to secure funding to bring electric power to the property. I believe donations can still be made through the Wayblaze site which you can find on the homepage (little house icon) of Bowen Island Rotary Club. There is an excellent video there about Beautiful Gate.

Sorry to those of you who missed an enchanting experience and Thank you to those of you who made it all happen and donated so generously. Bowen Island is just awesome.

- Lynn Krukowski

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A6 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, February 24, 2022

A day to remember: Gateway Mural lights up the Cove

The 16 panels - each measuring 4 X 8 feet - stretch for 39 metres along the lock block wall. The project was made possible in part by funding from Sangre de Fruta Botanical. Allison Weldon (left) and Hayley Bradley (right) from the local store, joined by Penny Gilloley, were on hand for the celebration, and to check out their artistic contributations to the mural.

PHOTO GALLERY BY ALEX KURIAL

Places of Worship Welcome You

Queen of Capilano Ferry Schedule to March 31, 2022

OWEN IS SLAND DEPART BO

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 Saturdays 8:55 pm ....... on Sat. 8:30 pm 10:00 pm ...... on Sat. 9:30 pm 11:00pm ...... on Sat.10:30 pm

5:50 0 am 6:50 0 am 8:00 0 am 9:05 5 am except Wednesdays 10:1 15 am 11:2 25 am 12:3 35 pm 2:20 0 pm 3:3 30 pm 4:35 pm 5:45 pm 6:50 pm 8:20 pm - except Saturdays 9:30pm ....... on Sat. 9:00 pm 10:30pm ......on Sat. 10:00 pm

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

BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH E v l M

www.biuc.ca | 1122 Miller Road

FOOD BANK

Sunday Worship 10:30 am Rev. Lorraine Ashdown

DROP-OFF

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

Contact Angela Powell 604-947-2515

CATES HILL CHAPEL

A

www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260

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(661 Carter Rd.)

Now offering worship services via Zoom. m S A link available on website.

Pastor: Phil Adkins

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

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Thursday, February 24, 2022

Bowen scores sunny day for celebration

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A7

Sarah Haxby put on her artist hat to talk to the crowd about the mural process, along with fellow lead artists Di and Paula Love. The nice weather was an exclamation point on the day, though it did require the shielding of eyes at times.

S7aplek and Spakwus Slolem (Bob Baker and the Squamish Eagle Song Dancers) performed a ceremonial blessing with cedar boughs to remove negativity and grant protection to the mural.

An unmistakable Ron Woodall character hitches a hide with an orca, one of the many hidden treats throughout the mural. Several pups took part in the event as well, including this trio making each other’s acquaintance.

Naturally, Keystone the Cat required an important place on the mural.

Can you find his lookout spot?

A8 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Grab Your Mini… Art Piece JAMI SCHEFFER Executive Director / The Hearth Art Gallery There is still a bit of time to bid on your favorite Mini Art piece at the Hearth Gallery. We are open 11 to 5 pm till Friday.

The final day to bid is Saturday, February 26th from 5 to 6 pm. But if you can’t live without THAT special piece, grab a ticket (at the Gallery) for exclusive entry to bid and take the art piece home before the doors open to the public. At

Thursday, February 24, 2022

the same time, enjoy some great food, drink and live music.

The Mini Art Works event is the Hearth’s major fundraiser of the year, celebrating our 18th year. There are over 85 pieces of mini art works donated by our talented artist community – a true mix of mediums, themes and imagination.

We are grateful to the artists, Opus Art Supplies, the Hearth volunteer team and the community who supports our organization and arts on Bowen.

To view images of the art pieces, visit our website at www. thehearth.ca. Or give us a call to find out more information at 604.947.2454.

Better At Home program welcomes new member

KIM SINCLAIR Program Coordinator / Better At Home on Bowen

In January 2021 the Better At Home (BAH) on Bowen Program came to our island home thanks to the tireless effort of Colleen O’Neill from the Caring Circle. She passed the baton to me and I became the Program Coordinator for this North Shore Community Resources’ program.

What an amazing group of people they are to work with!

Since then, the program has been growing in leaps and bounds. Volunteers have been able to assist many seniors with gardening and yard maintenance, rides to appointments and even some light home maintenance. BAH volunteers are selfless individuals who give back to our community time and time again.

Now, into our second year we are lucky to have been able to secure the services of a wonderful young woman, as a paid employee, to offer a cleaning service to seniors registered in the program. The cost of the cleaning program to the senior is on a sliding scale based on the senior’s income.

In many cases the program is free. Welcome Iskra Zamalloa to the BAH team.

You can meet the team and find out any information you need to help you decide to join the gang of volunteers or become a client at a special gathering next week. We are calling it the BAH Info Expo and it will be on Sunday, March 6th between 2 pm and 4 pm at the Village Baker café. There will be tea and baked treats along with an opportunity for seniors to share their stories, meet other like minded volunteers, and get involved.

We hope to see you.

WorkBC connects people to opportunities.

Find a job or train for a new career at WorkBC.ca/FindYourPlace

Treats are on the menu for BAH’s March 6 Info Expo. / Darryl Deegan photo

Plus, get one-on-one job support at your local WorkBC Centre.

Ron Paley documented some natural Bowen beauty while walking with loved ones this Family Day weekend, including this idyllic scene at Tunstall Bay. See more photos from Ron’s outings on Page 11.

Thursday, February 24, 2022

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A9

Bringing health care close to home: The Bowen Island Community Health Centre SUZANNE SAATCHI Executive Director / Bowen Island Community Health Centre Thankfully, more access to health care choices close to home is just around the corner. The Bowen Island Community Health Centre is no longer an idea — it’s happening. Construction has started, health professionals are being recruited, money continues to be raised, as we work towards opening the Bowen Island Community Health Centre sometime in late 2023.

This project is of critical importance to Bowen Island, full of promise and opportunity for all. So, once per month over the next six months, The Undercurrent will run an article about specific details of the Community Health Centre to help all residents — long timers and newcomers alike — gain a better understanding of what the Bowen Island Community Health Centre is and will be, and how we can all benefit from increased and better access to health care options.

This month: What is the Bowen Island Community Health Centre and how did we get here?

Limited on-island and difficult to access off-island healthcare services put Bowen Islanders at an extreme inconvenience and some risk. Our families and neighbours suffer from lack of immediate care and sufficient primary care when we need it. Too many of us with health issues delay seeking care because we don’t have enough services close to home, and the need continues to grow.

2021 Census data for Bowen Island shows that our population has grown by 16 percent, to more than 4,200 people, in the past five years. As more people choose Bowen to raise a family, work from home or retire, the need for on-island primary care — doctors, nurse practitioners, dentists, mental health professionals and more — becomes more urgent.

Because of these concerns, the Bowen Island Health Centre Foundation was formed with the goal of creating a

new community health centre on Bowen. In 2015, the group conducted a community-wide survey that confirmed that Bowen Island residents have difficulty with access to health care services. Many services taken for granted on the mainland — even something as common as stitches for a wound — are not available to most on the island, and access to services currently necessitates a ferry trip.

In 2018, Foundation launched a capital campaign with a target of $6 million to build and equip a new health centre as the hub for health care on Bowen. The campaign became the most successful fundraising drive in the history of Bowen Island. Community members from every income bracket responded generously with donations and pledges, allowing the Foundation to purchase land on Miller Road adjacent to the new fire station for the design and construction of a 10,000 square foot facility just steps from the Cove.

The new health centre will follow the Community Health Centre (CHC) model outlined by the BC Ministry of Health.

Community Health Centres are multi-sector not-for-profit or cooperative organizations providing a community with primary health care. CHCs bring physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and allied health workers together to work closely as an integrated health team to support social determinants of health. Under this model, the community will play a lead and active role in defining what we need and how best to make that happen.

The proposed service model could include expanded primary and rural urgent care; allied professionals such as physiotherapy and mental health; expanded lab testing and diagnostics; full-service dental practice; the Caring Circle (a local society offering personal health navigation for those having difficulty accessing the health services they need); other health services such as hearing and vision testing, and chronic disease management including clinics such as diabetic, COPD and asthma; and Vancouver Coastal Health programming such as immunization, nutrition, and early childhood clinics.

That’s the vision but not all these services will be in place

ThefoundationiscomingalongattheBowenIslandCommunity Health Centre on Miller Road. / Colleen O’Neill photo on day one. This service model will evolve over time as health care professionals and other tenants come on board.

The health centre will be owned and operated by the Foundation, whose board represents the Bowen community at large. The Foundation is currently in the application process to secure operational funding from the provincial Ministry of Health.

Today, the vision of a small group of inspired islanders has, with overwhelming community support become reality, but there is still work to be done. Our success relies on residents staying informed, continuing to provide generous donations for construction and, when the time comes, taking advantage of new Bowen-based health care services and professionals.

Please continue to follow our progress on Facebook and on our web site (www.bowenhealthcentre.com).

Next Month: Service Model at the Bowen Island Community Health Centre and addressing the health care gap.

Islands 2050 Policy Statement Amendment

Islands Trust is launching the third phase of engagement on its Policy Statement. It has not been substantively updated since 1994, and a lot has changed in the past 25 years.

In response to feedback, we have expanded engagement opportunities – we want to hear from as many people as possible.

Visit our website to learn more and to provide your input. islandstrust.bc.ca/programs/islands-2050/ Join the Conversation!

We need your input to help shape and inform changes to the Policy Statement!

Join us at one of our upcoming virtual events in March.

Complete the online survey between February 25 and April 17.

In-person opportunities for input will be shared on our website as bookings are confirmed.

Patient of the Week TIGER Tiger is one of our favourite frequent flyers! His Mum found him as a youngster running through the desert in the USA while she was working.

Luckily for Tiger, she brought him home with her to Canada.

Now Tiger comes in weekly for laser therapy to help with his arthritis. All our staff love seeing this sweet guy around the clinic.

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

A10 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Your Community

MARKETPLACE bowenislandundercurrent.com

Call or email to place your ad, Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm

604-444-3000 • 604-653-7851 classifieds@van.net

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THANK YOU FOR RECYCLING THIS NEWSPAPER.

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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

Book online at bowenislandwellnesscentre.ca

or email ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, February 24, 2022

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A11

COMMUNITY CALENDAR THURSDAY FEBRUARY 24

Black History Film Series: Bowen Island Library, 6 PM Registration required: please call (604) 947-9788 to register.

Black History Film Series: Just Mercy (rated PG). Just Mercy is a powerful and thought-provoking true story, which follows young lawyer Bryan Stevenson and his history-making battle for justice.

See Bowenlibrary.ca for info on our other films in this series.

The library belongs to teens as much as anyone else in the community and we want to know what you’d like the library to offer. Whether it’s books, programs you wish we ran or items in our library of things. Membership is open to anyone 13-18 years of age living on Bowen Island.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 26

Mini Art Works Exhibition/Auction Finale, 3:30 to 6 PM Ticketed final bidding event with appetizers by Flat Fusion Foods, bar service, music by DJ Yeshe. Final public bidding from 5:30 to 6 pm.

Teen Advisory Group (TAG) Meeting, 2 to 3:30 PM Bowen Island Library The Teen Advisory Group is for teens who want to make the library better for themselves and for other teens!

Bowen Island Committee of the Whole, 4 PM Bowen Island Municipal Council, 6:15 PM Both meetings will be streamed live on the BIM YouTube page and will remain up for viewing after the meeting is finished. Please contact the municipality if you wish to speak or enter a written submission.

BI Fibre Arts Guild – WORKSHOP, 9:30 AM to 3 PM Community quilt – Bowen Island Community School – Room 10. All welcome. For details call 604-947-0333.

MONDAY FEBRUARY 28

Gorgeous scenery is all over the island. Ron Paley found these beautiful scenes with his family on the White Sails Trail. What are your favourite spots to explore?

Community Story Callout!

Next week’s edition, running March 3, is an all-island issue, and will be delivered to every mailbox on Bowen. If you have a story you’d like to feature, a photo you’d like to show off, or a thought you’d like to share, please send them to editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com for publication.

Look forward to hearing from you! - Alex

BOWEN HOME SERVICES love the life you live Window Blinds

Landscape Lighting Irrigation

Seascape Bruce Culver

Office: 604-947-9686

I&I TOWING HAULING LTD

Cell: 604-329-3045

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BOWEN ISLAND ROOFING ROOFING & REPAIRS

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

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

A12 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Wildfires receive budget attention NELSON BENNETT Business In Vancouver The provincial government is planning to spend over half a billion dollars on new resources to prevent, manage and fight wildfires over the next three years, Finance Minister Selina Robinson announced Tuesday on budget day in Victoria.

“For the BC Wildfire Service, this marks a transition toward year-round firefighting and risk mitigation,” Robinson told the Legislative Assembly.

Prompted by one of the costliest wildfire seasons in B.C.

Thursday, February 24, 2022 history last summer, the government is stepping up measures to prevent future fires with $145 million in additional funding for the BC Wildfire Service and Emergency Management BC. “Funding will move the BC Wildfire Service from its current reactive model of wildfire response to a more proactive approach and allow it to work on all four pillars of emergency management (prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery),” stated the budget document.

“This funding will also improve Emergency Management BC’s ability to prepare and respond to climate-related events, ensure impacted communities are supported during and after events, improve the public alerting system, and help communities with emergency planning,” noted the government.

An additional $98 million over three years is also provided

to fund wildfire prevention work and projects and to maintain forest service roads to help the service respond to future forest fires. This will mean more permanent employees working for the service, which largely comprises of seasonal staff.

And $90 million is being injected into the FireSmart program aimed at improving “community and ecological resiliency.”

Finally, the government is increasing its existing annual firefighting budget from $136 million to $199 million, although the 10-year average annual cost has been $324 million.

Last year the province spent $801 million fighting wildfires, according to the updated budget. The season saw the catastrophic loss of the Village of Lytton due to a fire during record-breaking heat combined with drought conditions.

B.C.’s heat wave was widely attributed to climate change and the government states much of this new funding is in response to such changing weather conditions. It’s welcomed by experts, including Mike Flannigan, professor at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, a city besieged by wildfire smoke for most of last summer.

Flannigan expects the funding to support building “fuel breaks,” which are swaths of land cleared of brush and trees intended to stop a wildfire in its tracks. As well, firefighters will be able to conduct more prescribed burns to better manage the trajectory of future fires.

“Our climate is changing and we’re expecting more. On average, we’re going to see a lot more fires. We need to do a lot of prevention and mitigation,” said Flannigan.

The university’s research chair for Predictive Services, Emergency Management and Fire Science emphasized the need for better community planning. For example, he said towns can build sports fields along its forested boundaries.

And local governments can and should create enhanced early warning systems, he said.

Lori Daniels, professor in forest ecology at the University of B.C. Faculty of Forestry, also emphasized the need for better community planning, especially for remote, rural areas.

She too raised the need for more prescribed burns; her hope is the new funding rejuvenates local expertise in firefighting. But Daniels cautioned that fire breaks won’t be feasible everywhere given the size of the province and cost of building them. She says while B.C. has lost a lot of forest, there’s still so much more to protect.

The province has about 60 million hectares of forest. Last year, about 800,000 hectares burned. In 2017 and 2018, 1.2 million hectares and 1.4 million hectares burned, respectively.

The region saw a respite in 2020 and 2019 with roughly 36,000 hectares burned. And while about 5% of the province’s forests have burned in the past five years, creating some natural fire breaks, Daniels said, “I do think we’ll have years in the not so distant future where we burn another million hectares in B.C.” Both Flannigan and Daniels cautioned that the funding plan, while good, is no guarantee — especially with longer fire seasons becoming the norm, not the exception.

DEPARTS SNUG COVE HORSESHOE BAY

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

dc

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

We’re still here for essential services such as ambulance transport and we’re here for your private charter needs. Please feel free to call us with your questions as we chart these waters together.

Proudly Celebrating 42 Years of Trusted Transport for Bowen Island & Howe Sound Telephone: 604-947-2243 Cellular: 604-250-2630 Tug & Barge services Special Event Cruises PRIVATE CHARTERS AVAILABLE ANYTIME

email: cormorantmarine@telus.net web: cormorantwatertaxi.com

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