Bowen Island Undercurrent March 3 2022

HAZARDOUS PERMIT AREAS DENIED: Public opposes plan PAGE 10

$1.50

inc.

GST

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

FRIENDS OF THE TRAILS

VOL. 48 NO. 07

BIUndercurrent

BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

Bryn Elliott PAGE 24

Second grant application for Eagle Cliff water upgrades

MUNICIPALITY HOPING TO COVER AROUND 3/4 OF THE NEARLY $5 MILLION PROJECT THROUGH GRANT ALEX KURIAL Editor

PHOTO KICKER:

The Bowen Island Fibre Arts Guild held a workshop last weekend to work on a community quilt to support survivors of residential schools. The project, which originated in Ontario, is being taken on by the guild to support the local community. The guild hopes next month’s workshop will will include the local art community. They’re planning to distribute two or three quilts at the Library/Art Gallery dedication on June 21. All community members welcome to join this project. (Left to right) Pam Miller, Anna-Marie Atherton, Heather Stephens, Kate Thomas-Peters / Krista Hennebury photo

The municipality is hoping the second time’s the charm to secure a large grant to help cover costs of upcoming water supply upgrades at Eagle Cliff.

The neighbourhood is in need of an improved water supply, and steps to creating their own are too numerous to overcome. The main holdup would be rehabilitating the existing surface water reservoir, which has fallen into disrepair.

As a result consultations between Eagle Cliff and Cove Bay local advisory committees (LAC) determined the best alternative was a hookup to the Cove Bay water system. 110 Eagle Cliff properties are set to join once the connections are made.

The properties will come on board as part of a larger three-phase project involving several neighbourhoods. In addition to the Eagle Cliff water hookups, a new reservoir tank serving the neighbourhood and the high zone of Cove Bay would be installed. Further connection of the loop to about the Scarborough system would also take place.

The total price tag for the project is $4.859 million, a number the municipality has tried to offset with grant funding before. A 2021 application to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) – under the Rural and Northern Communities stream – was rejected.

Engineering director Patrick Graham says the ICIP was seeking more advanced designs and estimates, as well as an updated Water Conservation Plan within the past five years. The grant was also oversubscribed by nine times.

But Graham is more confident this time around. The grant application is still through ICIP, but under the Environmental Quality stream, a more traditional path for water projects.

Sincere Gratitude I began my real estate career in 2017 after on almost 30 year career in Visual Effects and Computer Animation for film & tv. The real estate market was very busy at that time, and I was fortunate to be invited to work alongside Dee & Frazer Elliott. It was a fantastic way to learn the ropes and get some professional experience with the niche market here on Bowen.

In 2019 I began working on building my own business - ‘Buy On Bowen’. When COVID came along my business took off, and thanks to several new clients I hod a very successful year in 2020.

2021 also ended up a good year despite the lock of listings and record low inventory. I was thrilled to get the news recently that for the 2nd year in a row I was one of the top producing Realtors at Macdonald Realty, and was presented with on Award of Excellence. I am both honoured and humbled.

I could not hove done this without those Buyers and Sellers who put their trust in me. Working as a Realtor is not simple - every transaction is different whether it be the individual client’s situation, or the property, or a host of other things. Each deal requires a unique approach, and there’s of lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. Just like it does when you make a film.

My sincere gratitude goes out to all the local Realtors who hove been on the ‘other side’ of making a deal come together. And to all of you who I got to know personally and helped with your real estate needs, it hos been a pleasure!

And now to see what the rest of 2022 brings.

buyonbowen.com 604.220.7085

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

A2 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Proposed Changes to Council Procedure Bylaw

Events March 3, 2022 1:00 pm Snug Cove Sewer Local Management Committee Meeting March 7, 2022 3:00 pm Finance Advisory Committee Meeting March 14, 2022 6:15 pm Regular Council Meeting

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.

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:

• • • •

Wear a mask in indoor public spaces

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.

The property has an active subdivision application which Meeting details are available on the Municipal website: www. would create a total of 4 residential properties. bowenislandmunicipality.ca/council-meetings.

ADVERTISEMENT March 3, 2022

Phone: Fax: Email: Website:

The application is to allow accessory residential use on the property, which would permit all four future lots to each have either an attached or detached secondary suite.

Bowen Island Fire Rescue Open House Firehall #2, 1421 Adams Rd Saturday, March 5, 2022 10 am to 2 pm • New firehall information booth • FireSmart information and home assessment signup • Neighbourhood Emergency Response Program information and signup • Emergency Support Servicess information and signup • AED and basic CPR demonstration by Lifesavers at 10:30 and 12:30 • Pastries, coffee and prizes

Contact Bowen Island Municipality PAID

The applicant is hosting a virtual open house to provide information and receive input from the public regarding this application. All members of the public are invited to attend.

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

Get vaccinated - everyone 5 years and older is eligible.

Stay home if you’re sick

Thursday, March 10, 2022 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm via Zoom Bowen Island Council is considering changes to the Land Use Bylaw at 1676 Malkin Creek Road. This is a 4 hectare (10 acre) parcel located on Malkin Creek Road as shown on the map below.

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

•

Help stop COVID-19:

Virtual Public Open House

1676 Malkin Creek - Arbutus Ridge Subdivision RZ-03-2020

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

Proposed Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 562, 2022 would change the designation of this property from Area 1 to a newly created Area 4 of the Comprehensive Development 18 – Arbutus Ridge Zone, with the additional accessory residential use permitted as an accessory use.

For information on the proposed bylaws, or for information on how to participate in the virtual open house, please contact Daniel Martin at 604-947-4255 ext 230 or by email at dmartin@bimbc.ca

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning

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Thursday, March 3, 2022

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A3

ISLAND NEWS

Eagle Cliff residents would pay around $8,000 each with full grant funding CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“It’s our best chance of success. It’s a project that ticks the most boxes in terms of essentially providing a level of service that many properties on the island should have but don’t, in terms of access to a reliable source of clean water,” says Graham on why this project was selected for the grant application.

Graham acknowledged “there’s substantial needs in other water systems... If we were further advanced in the consultation with those communities and the planning and design for system improvements, a project there might make sense to apply for a future grant opportunity. But at this time it’s (Eagle Cliff ) one of the biggest needs on the island.”

The grant could be approved in full or in stages. “We’re hoping that even if we’re not able to get the full amount for all project phases, they would consider funding at least Phase 1,” says Graham.

Phase 1 consists of installing 1.3 km of new water main to connect Eagle Cliff to the Cove Bay system, and then decommissioning the existing water reservoir. The total cost of this phase is $2.283 million.

If successful, the ICIP grant would cover 73 per cent of the cost, leaving $608,876 for the homeowners to pay. This works out to about $3,928 each between the 110 Eagle Cliff properties and anticipated 45 new home connections.

Phase 2 is a new 750 cubic metre reservoir tank to replace the existing 160 cubic metre one. This would expand storage

capability and help with potential firefighting efforts. The $310,172 price tag (assuming grant funding) would also be split among the previous 155 properties and six homes in the high zone of Cove Bay, for an individual cost of $981.

Finally Phase 3 consists of an Eagle Cliff water main upgrade and a connection to the Scarborough system, both to allow for new hookups and to improve water flushing by creating a looped system. The main upgrade of $248,165 would cost each Eagle Cliff property $2,256, and the Scarborough tie-in cost of $116,415 would be $751 between the Eagle Cliff and new connection properties.

Overall, factoring in full grant funding of $3.563 million, total payments would be $7,916 for each of the 110 Eagle Cliff properties, $5,660 for each of the anticipated 45 new connections, and $981 for the Cove Bay properties.

Prices remain estimates, and will likely be more when factors such as interest are considered.

Without any grant funding Phase 1 runs $2.283 million, Phase 2 costs $1.163 million and Phase 3 is $1.413 million, equalling the $4.859 million total.

Further discussion will be needed with the LAC’s once the grant application’s results are known to work out the borrowing terms. Graham says he expects at least a fiveyear loan, but residents could opt for lower payments over a longer period of time. The process could also be subject to a local referendum.

“So far there’s been quite a strong agreement in support from the Eagle Cliff LAC,” says Liam Edwards, chief administrative officer. “So we can choose to go for an alternative approval process if we feel there’s great confidence in the project, or move to a referendum if we felt that was a better approach. We would probably promote longer-term borrowing. The opportunity for one-time payment could be there for individuals if they were to choose to do that.”

Edwards adds ICIP grant decisions are slow going, and this one likely won’t be made until fall or winter at the earliest.

Another key component to the grant is municipal commitment to an updated Water Conservation Plan. Council recommended five main steps to ensure this, including reviewing the progressive rate structure implemented by the Tunstall Bay water system in 2017, and using the results to develop similar rate structures in other LAC’s.

Other measures include individual property readings compared to other users, updating the Grafton Lake water model, and reviewing the Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw to determine future water use based on development.

Edwards says Bowen Island is already doing well in many of these categories, with average consumption below the regional and provincial averages. But he says an endorsement of further concrete steps will reinforce Bowen’s efforts to the ICIP.

Limited Bowen financial support for ‘Freedom Convoy” ELEVEN LOCALS DONATED TO THE CAUSE VIA ONLINE PLATFORM

ALEX KURIAL Editor Bowen Island residents donated just under $1,000 to participants of the recent demonstrations across the country, most notably in Ottawa and at border crossings in Windsor and Alberta.

The contributions were made through the American website GiveSendGo (GSG). The group stepped in to fill the void caused by the suspension of a prior GoFundMe campaign, which had raised over $10 million for the convoy.

GiveSendGo donors proceeded to raise more than $8 million in response, about half of which came from Canadians.

Last month a data hack by the Distributed Denial of Secrets group, known for past data and information leaks, obtained the list of donors to the GSG fundraiser and shared them with journalists. Locations were confirmed by matching postal and ZIP codes provided by donors to the website.

RHODES ON BOWEN

On Bowen there were 11 individual donors who gave $943 total. The top two donations were for $200 each. Five of the contributions were for $100 or more.

Messages of support were also included for the ‘Freedom Convoy’ cause. One local donor wrote “You give people around the world hope! We must save our democracy before it’s too late. Reading comments each morning on the previous funding site, I was happy to see so many are awake to what’s been going on. I hope that more are now seeing through the false, hateful and divisive narrative.

Beautiful to see the unity of the diversity Canadians as you crossed the country to our capital. Thank you!”

“God grant everyone safety and His protection and His success. This is our last chance before total darkness closes in,” said another donor, while one writes “Truckers, you are our biggest hope! Blessings!”

Participants in the Ottawa convoy were finally removed from the capital in mid-February after occupying the city for

899 RUSSELL LANE

three weeks. As of March 2, organizers Pat King and Tamara Lich remain in jail awaiting trial and a bail decision, respectively, on mischief and other charges. Fellow organizer Chris Barber was released on $100,000 bail and ordered to leave the province of Ontario pending trial for mischief.

While the main events were in Ontario and Alberta, B.C. had convoy participants of their own. This one was lined up for the ferry to Victoria over Family Day weekend. / Alex Kurial photo

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Just under a half-acre with a flat building site, the potential of this lot is limited only by your imagination.

A4 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, March 3, 2022

VIEWPOINTS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

REFLECTIONS ON THEWET’SUWET’EN AND THE PIPELINE Recently, we’ve been discussing the Wet’suwet’en people’s defense of their unceded land and water against the incursion of Coastal GasLink. We’ve asked ourselves if or how their opposition to the pipeline running through their territory relates to Reconciliation, to food resilience, to climate change, and to us here on Bowen.

The Coastal GasLink pipeline is designed to carry ‘natural’ gas from Alberta to Kitimat, crossing most of the major watersheds in Northern British Columbia and running through 190 km of Wet’suwet’en territory, which remains unceded land.

Despite Wet’suwet’en opposition to the pipeline and the damage it is doing to their land and water, and despite both the Canadian and BC governments’ committing to the implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the RCMP Community-Industry Response Group has used heavy machinery, dogs, assault weapons, and arrests to support Coastal GasLink. We see this as a far cry from acts of Reconciliation.

In a submission to the United Nations on February 7, 2022, the Wet’suwet’en Nation states that the RCMP and Coastal GasLink “operated together to bulldoze and burn down our buildings and desecrate our ceremonial spaces. In violation of Article 26 of the UNDRIP, the RCMP also implemented unlawful exclusion zones on Wet’suwet’en territory, blocking the movement and access of Indigenous peoples, media, legal observers, food, and medicines.”

The Wet’suwet’en (“People of the Wa Dzun Kwuh River”) are adamant that they have a responsibility to protect the land and the pristine waters of the Morice River. Salmon has been a primary source of food for the Wet’suwet’en for countless generations and continues to be today. For them, the pipeline is very much a food resilience issue. Chief Na’moks (John Ridsdale) expressed it this way: “The river itself is the lifeline of the Wet’suwet’en because it nourishes the land, the animals, the plants; it nourishes us. We have to look after this river.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Disinformation in our mailboxes To the Editor - Re: The Epoch Times

We recently found a copy of The Epoch Times newspaper in our mailbox. Presumably Canada Post was paid to deliver this to all the houses on Bowen. Islanders should be aware that this paper is a far-right publication that the New York Times has called “a global-scale misinformation machine.”

The paper and Epoch Media Group’s other “news” operations are an offshoot of the Falun Gong religious organization, whose mission is to destroy the Chinese Communist Party. That might be a goal many would support. But they believe Donald Trump is a kind of messiah in this anti-communist fight, and have promoted the various 2020 election fraud conspiracy theories, QAnon, and anti-vaccine misinformation to support Trump and his

extreme wing of the US Republican Party. In the same spirit, they have also promoted far-right politicians in France and Germany, and now the so-called “Freedom Convoy” here.

Legitimate journalism organizations have investigated Epoch Media and found that their ‘journalists’ often have no training or education in the field, and take their information from other sources without fact-checking or independent verification.

Whether it’s legitimate for Canada Post to be distributing this kind of paper or not is probably a debate about free speech. But recipients should be forewarned about its nature and the unreliability of its content.

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

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

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

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

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

ISSN 7819-5040

- Terence McKeown Bowen Island

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, March 3, 2022

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A5

VIEWPOINTS

Being OK with yourself - and others Dear Alex,

Thank you for your recent article on allowing constructive and civil debate on Bowen when it comes to the many polarizing issues surrounding covid. For starters, I want to acknowledge how complex this issue is. I don’t think it’s as simple as you’re in this camp or that camp. For the last 2 years the whole world has been in a heightened state of stress and many have experienced complex trauma as a result of the many cascading impacts from covid 19. I know this as I work as a therapist and have seen a dramatic rise in mental health issues since the start of the pandemic. For some it’s the increased anxiety around health and safety and the very real threat of a dangerous virus that has grave impacts on those most vulnerable. For others it’s the loss of employment, or the breakdown of relationships from the stress of covid and the impact that has had on the family unit as a whole. For some it’s experiencing the devastating loss of a loved one and having to grieve in isolation, disconnected from extended family and community. The losses we’ve endured over the last 2 years are numerous and some of them have gone largely unknown because they happen in private, outside of the public sphere.

However I am fortunate enough in the work I do to be allowed into people’s private lives as a result I see the toll these last 2 years have had on people. I’ve worked with families torn apart from the vaccine issue and it’s quite frankly devastating.

One of the by-products of a crisis is that we can collectively become very hyper focused on one singular event. For example - we all need to do our part and get vaccinated and fight this virus and that will lead to the desired outcome we all want - to be free from the mandates and the constrictions that covid 19 has caused to our society.

The problem with this approach is that we are heightened in a threat response and all our energy goes to fighting said threat, this is inevitable. It’s how our nervous systems work when confronted with perceived danger. The problem with living in this more heightened threat response is that we quite literally cannot see the forest for the trees.

Our thinking becomes rigid and our synapsis are wired to notice anything that may threaten our desired outcome - safety.

So for these reasons I think it has been extremely difficult to have any reasonable discourse on the subject and to not feel threatened by someone who’s beliefs, approach to health, or political ideology does not coincide with our own. We enter

See you at the show! March 8 atTir-na-nOg

I love bringing Bluegrass to Bowen Island, knowing how many players and fans we have on the island. The Slocan Ramblers came to me via the same fellow who manages John Reischman and The Fretless so he clearly knows what’s great in the world of bluegrass!

The Slocan Ramblers (2020 IBMA Momentum Award “Band of the Year” Winner & 2019 Juno Award Nominee) are rooted in tradition, fearlessly creative and possessing a bold, dynamic sound, The

into very black and white territory and us vs. them thinking. It’s no one’s fault, the conditions have been preset by the original health crisis and subsequent emergency that followed.

My hope is that now that we are entering a new stage of covid becoming more endemic and quite literally dying down in terms of its viral mutations and the decreasing health threat they pose, that we as a community can relax into our knowing that the threat is no longer quite as present. Our brains and bodies may begin to relax because it can tell that the tiger has stopped chasing us and our nervous system can finally let go and find its way back to some normal baseline.

From this place, we physiologically develop more flexibility in our nervous systems, more space to breathe, ground ourselves and our thinking becomes less fixed and we begin to see more than one possibility, more than one desired outcome of pure survival. We can hold contrasting beliefs and differing viewpoints and not feel like they endanger us or alienate us. But first we need to orient to what feels good, what feels safe - our ventral vagus nerve needs to kick in and we need to find connection again with those around us. To know that we’ve made it through and that there are others around to support us and that we aren’t alone.

My question to the community then becomes what are you doing to settle your nervous system after having lived through a highly activating experience? How are you finding peace and calm and connection again? What is it that you need to re-establish a sense of safety and all being well in the world? Because until we can find our baseline again, we will continue to contract and live with fear and concern that we and our loved one’s aren’t safe. We will continue to turn on our neighbours for not complying, or for having too many people over, or for being too rigid and the cycle of “war-mentality”, perpetuated by the trauma of living under heightened stress will continue.

Look outside, notice the coming of spring and all that it promises. Watch the birds and the deer and the trees as they prepare for the coming growth of the season ahead. The animals aren’t worried, they are trusting in something bigger, some flow, some universal law of nature. How can we learn from that which is right in front of us now that the Tiger has gone and we are OK, now that we can pause and stop to smell the roses and re-establish what it means to be OK with ourselves and each other once again.

- Julie Hughes, RPC Ramblers have become a leading light of today’s acoustic music scene with a reputation for energetic live shows, impeccable musicianship and an uncanny ability to convert anyone within earshot into a lifelong fan. Their unique blend of bluegrass, oldtime and folk with deep song-writing, lightning fast instrumentals and sawdust-thick vocals brings us roots music without pretension. Music to make you feel something – say hello to your new favourite band.

- Shari Ulrich

It is with great sadness I share with you the passing of our Dad Mike Meal, loving husband of 52 years to Diane, protective an amazing father to Jake (Faye), Tara (Ian), Angie (Bob) and Sadie. Grandpa to Courtney, Justin, Jamie, Michael, Nicole, and Charlee, Great Grandpa to Owen and Luke and Brother to Gwen, Ruth, and Steph.

It is not easy to try and sum up 75 years of our Dad’s legendary and accomplished life – but here it goes.

He was the quiet rock of our entire family and never skipped a beat when it came to putting his family first.

Mom and Dad settled on Bowen in 1970 and our family grew fast with four kids and as many animals as humanly possible! Dad made his mark on Bowen Island building hundreds of homes over the decades and was a valued member of the Bowen Island Fire Department for over 20 years.

After us kids grew up and moved out Mom and Dad thoroughly enjoyed their winters at their beautiful house on the East Cape in Mexico and summers at their cabin in Cook Bay on Texada Island. Dad had it figured out as both destinations were great for fishing and ongoing projects. Dad loved to fish and would happily jump at any chance to be out on the water, no matter what the weather. He passed down all of his fishing and boating knowledge to his kids and grandkids. Our memories run deep from those times.

He loved his country music. Just the other day he said to my Mom he regretted that he never accomplished becoming a country western singer! Mom thought that was pretty funny because he often sang in his sleep. His favorite song among many was I will Always Love You by Dolly Parton. It was never hard find Dad - you just had to follow the sweet sound of his country music radio; it was always playing.

His work ethic and drive were second to none. He was a tough boss but his hard working ways were a true testament to everything he accomplished in his life. He had boundless energy and was never idle. Not only was he an extraordinary and highly competent builder but a beautiful artist as well. Working with his hands was his passion and this definitely showed up in all of his creations. From his newly built houses, woodcarvings and his amazing concrete fish art just to name a few.

Dad was a lover of the sun and animals. In his later years he could most often be found snuggled up by a nice warm fire at their beautiful home on Texada or a drinking a cold Cerveza in the sun in Mexico and both occasions would have a loving rescue dog at his feet.

I asked my son Justin what comes to mind when he thinks of Grandpa and the first thing he said was grandpa always showed me how to do something instead of just telling me. A great example was watching the two of them in Dad‘s little aluminum boat going around and around in circles while Dad taught his six-year-old Grandson how to row a boat for the first time!

One other short story about my dads selflessness acts that I will always hold so close to my heart: it was on one of our many trips down to their house in Mexico, and on our last day before we had to fly home we had just rescued a lovely little beach dog who we absolutely knew was meant to be a part of our family, but there wasn’t space on our flight, dad without a question said “no problem I’ll bring him home for you guys when I drive home next month”. Knowing full well this little dog Buck had never been in a car and for the 5 day drive home from los Cabos to Bowen he puked in my dads truck the entire drive! I’ll never forget the day they arrived back on Bowen dad came directly to our house and said “here’s your dog” with a bit of a Mike Meal grin!

We all had so many great adventures with Dad over the years like going rock picking and cactus finding were among these. In the desert and arroyos of Mexico the grandkids learned very quickly what a lever right rock was (leave her right there) I hope this Astro travelling is the best one yet Dad! You are so missed but we are forever blessed with all you taught us, we will carry your greatness within us all always and forever!

This is not goodbye; we’ll catch you later Dad. Love: Tara

A6 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, March 3, 2022

BETTER AT HOME on Bowen Invites you to attend our Info Expo or, as we like to call it, afternoon tea with a purpose. Join us for a cup of tea or coffee with baked treats and swap your Better at Home stories with others or just come along to find out what we’re all about.

SUNDAY, MARCH 6th At Village Baker Cafe 2 - 4 PM

PROGRAM INFORMATION The Better at Home program supports independence and social connections by providing seniors with the following non-medical services in their own home.

Are you a senior that needs help with: • Minor home repairs • Light yardwork / gardening and snow shovelling • Transportation • Light housekeeping

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION Are you a kind, considerate soul who likes to make a difference in someone’s life? Everyone has skills they can share and you can commit to 2 hours or 30 hours a month it’s totally up to you. There’s never any pressure to donate outrageous amounts of time. Just give what you can.

For more information contact

Kim Sinclair (236) 988-9704 kim.sinclair@ncsr.ca

Thursday, March 3, 2022

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A7

1569 WHITESAILS DRIVE - $1,569,000

REMAINDER DL 3042 - $2,999,000

Welcome to this wonderful westside three bedroom home in idyllic Tunstall Bay. Large living/dining room/kitchen above, and an extensive rec room/studio downstairs – perfect for artistic people looking for an out-of-the-way place to paint or make music.

Views off the top floor towards the sunsets. Just renovated, with new metal roof, extensive landscaping, windows, rainwater harvesting and more. Reduce your power bills and laugh in the face of power outages with the new 9.38 kW solar array and Tesla Powerwall. Enjoy potential membership to the Tunstall Bay Community Association and access to its club house, pool, and watercraft storage.

47 acres in Bluewater. One of the few remaining undeveloped large acreage parcels of privately-held land on Bowen. Subdivision potential, or could be an exceptional private forest estate. Features view points and trails, and close to Clipper and Crayola Beaches, as well as trails up and around Mount Gardner.

LOT 6 FORSTER LANE - $600,000

949 ARBUTUS BAY LANE - $4,050,000

One of the last available lots at the Lakelands. Lot 6 is 0.35 acres, and features spectacular views of Mt Gardner and Grafton Lake, and lots of room for veggies gardens. Just a few minutes from the Cove – also on the bus route. GST and building scheme applicable.

This exceptional and exclusive 1.45 acre estate is a rare opportunity on Bowen. Manicured gardens flank the driveway that welcomes you upon entry and leads to the main home – a 5725 sf marvel that features an exquisite living room with stunning beams and a high vaulted ceiling, four bedrooms, home theatre, covered/heated outdoor dining, a chef’s kitchen, and a southern ocean view. An additional 543 sf office/conference room sits above one of the double garages, and a two bedroom, 865 sf guest suite rests above the other. Designed to be as self-sufficient as possible – includes a generator, irrigation well, and water storage cisterns. Within quick and easy walking distance of Alder Cove.

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A8 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Reconciliation and resilience

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

So-called natural gas is brought to the surface by hydraulic fracturing – blasting a mixture of water, chemicals, and sand deep into the earth to release oil or gas deposits. Fracted gas consists primarily of methane, a greenhouse gas 80 times more potent at warming than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. If methane is converted into equivalent CO2 impacts, a report from the Environmental Assessment Office of BC says that at full operational capacity the project is estimated to release up to 3.517 mega tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year. So, there is nothing neutral about this project in terms of the climate emergency, no matter how ‘natural’ you call the gas and no matter how much effort the federal and provincial governments put into ignoring this reality.

As we have learned, our food systems – globally and here on Bowen Island – are threatened by climate change and the forces that compel climate change. The use and procurement of fossil fuels continues to propel us further into a climate emergency and therefore closer to a food emergency. In Canada, the epicentre of the struggle against fossil fuel exploration and dependency is in the central interior of British Columbia – on Wet’suwet’en territory.

Thursday, March 3, 2022

VIEWPOINTS Recognizing the Wet’suwet’en Nation’s right to steward their land is part of recognizing that we “settlers” have not done a good job of looking after the environment. The climate emergency is demanding that we change our ways, and that we, like the Wet’suwet’en, take care of the land, so it can nourish and feed us.

Some people might see defense of the Wet’suwet’en as outside a concern for creating a resilient food system on Bowen. However, we feel that these two seemingly disparate topics are connected in a “big picture” way. Being an island doesn’t protect us from what happens around us. Achieving food resilience on Bowen will not be possible if the surrounding environment is degraded and access to sources of healthy food is reduced for others.

As well, we believe that Reconciliation is the responsibility of all non-Indigenous people in Canada and that acting on that belief involves supporting Indigenous peoples’ rights to their land. Further, we believe the Wet’suwet’en fight against the pipeline is an important one for moving away from fossil fuel dependency. We have chosen to personally act on these beliefs by writing this public letter, sending letters of support, attending demonstrations, and/or making donations to the Wet’suwet’en.

If you are interested in further information on this issue, this link offers more explanation and further resources. https://canadians.org/analysis/five-things-you-shouldknow-about-wetsuwetens-fight-their-rights; https://thenarwhal.ca/to-understand-b-c-s-push-for-the-coastal-gaslinkpipeline-think-fracking-lng-canada-and-the-site-c-dam/; https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/wet-suwet-en-what-s-thedifference-between-the-elected-band-council-and-hereditary-chiefs-1.4811453 We invite you to do further investigation on the Wet’suwet’en and the pipeline and to develop your own understanding of how it relates to the climate emergency, food resilience, Reconciliation, and your family.

(likely small) portion of the $1.6M cost of Phase I. As Mayor Ander stated in his January 19 public message, the project will also “bring overall upgrades that will benefit the entire system.” The vast majority of existing system usage and expected near-term growth is private residences and businesses, and those users should bear the cost of the system.

I was also disturbed to learn that this is not the first time the rest of Bowen has been asked to bail out the Snug Cove wastewater treatment plant, with Council in 2010 having appropriated $721,000 for upgrades. The $1.6 million Phase I project won’t be the last upgrade for the plant, with Phase II expected to cost around $6 million. There are also the various water system local area services on the island, with their own funding needs — will Council stick the rest of Bowen with the bill for those as well? Council may find itself awash in petitions for new local area services from residents who are tired of paying for their own well and septic, and want their own bailout. Without a fair, principled, and consistent approach to funding local area services, the situation could become destabilized and financially untenable.

I urge Council to consider a fairer means of funding any needed upgrades that is more in line with the spirit and principles of the Community Charter’s rules for local area services. Both former Public Works Superintendent Brad Hawthorn and former Councillor Nerys Poole have pointed out that the municipality could loan any necessary funds to the Snug Cove Sewer System, to eventually be repaid by its users. Additionally, the municipality could cover a fraction of the upgrade costs proportional to the “community benefit” usage; per the 2020 Urban Systems report, of the 222 person-equivalent near term growth expected in the WWTP catchment area, 10% is due to community projects (Health Center, Fire Hall, Community Centre). Council should also prevent this situation from recurring by adjusting local area service fees and parcel taxes to ensure they are sufficient to cover costs.

Snug Cove sewage concerns persist Dear Mayor, Council members, and fellow residents of Bowen,

I’ve been following the story of the Snug Cove sewage system, and empathized with the property owners whose homebuilding plans were put on hold by the capacity issues. However we got into this situation, it seems we need to address any capacity issues quickly.

That said, I was shocked that the rest of the island is being asked to pay for the entirety of the Phase I upgrade of the Snug Cove wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). If my own septic system needed work — regardless of why — I would be stuck with a bill of tens of thousands of dollars. I wouldn’t expect my neighbors or the municipality to bail me out; dealing with unexpected repairs is part of being a property owner.

I understand an argument was made in the recent Finance Advisory Committee (FAC) meeting that the situation was created in part by Council waiving sewage connection fees for certain projects (e.g. the Health Centre) that benefit the entire Bowen community. This is a legitimate point, but — as was noted by Councillor Moore — only accounts for a

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bowenislandundercurrent.com • A9

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A10 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Community feedback sinks new development permit areas ALEX KURIAL Editor A Hazardous Areas Development Permit Area plan was put to bed after receiving minimal public support.

The idea would have regulated development and setback rules in areas deemed ‘hazardous’. The Bowen proposal qualified these areas in four categories based on various risks: lakes and wetlands (flooding), coastal erosion and flooding areas (sea rise), steep slopes (landslides), and stream erosion and flooding areas (bank erosion, flooding, debris flow).

Each category would have had specific situations requiring further review of any development, in addition to general rules for all of them. One of the main goals of Development Permit Areas (DPA) is to protect sensitive environmental locations.

But the public consultation process showed there was little appetite for this type of regulation. While people did express concern about these issues, particularly mudslides, the majority of respondents took issue with a combination of the situations that would trigger a review, the map used to select the four areas, and the proposed review process.

“Council should come back to earth and deal with the more mundane jobs of fixing roads and water systems and not try to create more layers of red tape,” was the feedback from one resident.

“If the municipality and those that need to enforce these bylaws are looking for a fight, proceed with caution as any interference with my use and enjoyment of my land will be responded to as I feel necessary,” said a particularly flustered respondent.

Even among residents who were supportive, their feedback indicated every area of the proposal would need more refinement before establishing the hazardous areas.

Based on this staff recommended the hazardous areas plan be shelved. “One of the things that staff really heard back from people is essentially, what’s the need for this?” says Daniel Martin, manager of planning and development.

He noted that even without a hazardous areas permit, the municipality still has the ability to regulate development in locations falling under the four zones of concern through other DPA’s or bylaws.

“I’m glad you’ve gone down this road, there was a lot of pushback,” says Mayor Gary Ander on the recommendation to put the idea aside. “It was going to be a lot of work to get that through.”

Councillor Sue Ellen Fast hoped the proposal could be reworked to make it more attractive to the public, citing potential climate change hazards coming in the future. But she was the lone opposing vote as council decided to scrap the project.

An alternative was provided though in the form of a site alteration bylaw, available through the B.C. Community Charter. This would allow the municipality to control any property changes involving “the removal of soil and the deposit of soil or other material.”

A draft is still some time off, but staff will be focusing on grade alteration and soil removal, soil compaction, tree and vegetation removal, and rock blasting as their primary categories. Martin says about 20 per cent of land use bylaw complaints received are related to these situations.

He also adds the bylaw would be meant to cover larger projects, and not impact “smallscale work such as landscaping and garden creation.”

Council consensus was that they look forward to the proposed site alteration bylaw, but don’t envy the task of crafting a document to pass the public approval process.

Return of the Fix-it Fair!

SHASTA MARTINUK Contributor

Regenerative Bowen Island (formerly known as Bowen in Transition) is delighted to announce the return of a beloved community event, the Fix-it Fair, on Sunday April 24th from 11 am to 2 pm. After a hiatus of over two years due to the pandemic, we are looking forward to once again welcoming our fellow islanders and their computers, lawn mowers, bicycles, toys, clothing, small appliances, and any other household items in need of repair. Fix-it Fair 2.0 will be at the BICS gym with plenty of space for lots of fixers and customers.

If you have a talent for fixing electronics, general machinery, clothing or bicycles, and would like to donate a few hours of your time helping fellow islanders keep things out of the landfill, please contact shastamartinuk@gmail.com to volunteer.

NEW Listing - 1529 Whitesails Drive 3/4 bed 2 bath Tunstall Bay home $1,475,000

If you’d like to volunteer in a capacity other than fixing things (greeting people at the door, serving tea and cookies, etc.)

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Thursday, March 3, 2022

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A11

You have ideas!

Don't be disappointed ~ Book your Bowen Contractor for spring or summer now.

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A12 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, March 3, 2022

You have ideas!

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Thursday, March 3, 2022

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A13

You have ideas!

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A14 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Join the team at the Hearth Gallery! Guaranteed interesting and fun!

JAMI SCHEFFER Executive Director / The Hearth Gallery Be part of the Bowen Island art and culture scene by joining the volunteer team at the Hearth Gallery. Volunteer at the Hearth, connect with the creative community, artists, and other volunteers. We have several openings for a variety of roles – something for everyone depending on what your interest is, time commitment and area of expertise.

The Volunteer Coordinator is a paid position. This renewed and refreshed role is a key position with the Hearth. We are looking for a friendly, energetic, and positive person to lead our volunteer program. This involves working with the volunteers to recognize their skills, plan social events, schedule gallery shifts and more.

Gallery Volunteers are needed, we are looking for people who enjoy working in a social artistic setting. Shifts are 3 hours per week (or more if you want) during gallery hours. These volunteers enjoy meeting and discussing art with the public, art sales and basic administration tasks.

The Visual Arts Committee, a group that supports the planning and operations of the gallery, is looking to fill three positions. Included in this support role is gallery scheduling, jury selection process, and social/fundraising events. The time commitment includes monthly meetings and an average of 5-6 hours per month for various tasks.

If you are interested in learning more about these important roles with the Hearth Gallery, please visit our website at www. thehearth.ca or give us a call at 604 947-2454.

Now Serving: soups, sandwiches, baked goods and treats, coffee and espresso drinks, tea, hot chocolate, and local matcha 7 days a week!

Enjoy a Free Coffee or Tea at our in-store café!

Offer valid March 1st - 31st 2022 for a regular coffee or tea at our coffee bar in store only.

Cannot be combined with any other offer.

One coupon per person. No cash value.

Our Coffee Bar is Open Everyday from 11am-4pm

Bowen Island Legion Friday night dinners MAUREEN SAWASY Bowen Island Legion Did you know for that over 20 years the Legion has been hosting Friday dinners for members and non-members? It’s been our goal to bring together many different community members to share an affordable, tasty dinner while enjoying the amenities of the Legion such as pool, darts and foosball. The funds raised from the dinner go towards supporting the Legion, keeping the building heated and the lights on. Did you know though, that the Legion receives gaming money every year and that half that money goes to charities on the island such as Seniors Keeping Young (SKY), the BI food bank and the Christmas Hamper fund? The Legion also has a family assistance fund that is kept topped up by donating directly through attending the Legion and dropping cash in our fund jar.

Would you like to cook a Friday night dinner? We’d love to have you show us your culinary skills! Volunteer cooks get a budget of $350 and access to the Legion kitchen. Dinners are at 5:30 Friday evening.

Please get in touch with our manager Maureen Sawasy to enquire about volunteering to cook a Friday night dinner!

Rcl150manager@gmail.com The Legion is also looking for volunteer bartenders. Free dinners on Friday night dinner night! Please get in touch with Maureen if you want to be a volunteer bartender.

IT'SWORLD WILDLIFE DAY AND SQUIRREL'S BACK

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Volunteer at the Hearth, connect with the creative community, artists and other volunteers.

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For details on these roles, visit our website or give us a call

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Thursday, March 3, 2022

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A15

Bowen Island Gateway Mural Project e-book now available online!

A LOOK AT THE FACES BEHIND THE MURAL

SARAH HAXBY Contributor The Bowen Island Gateway Mural project e-book is now available online: https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/259158 The e-book offers more information and stories that go with the finished mural, which is rich with references to local heritage, culture and ecology.

FAQ: To get the richness of colour, some areas were painted up to five times!

Paula Love, Di and Sarah Haxby ALL painted and worked on each of the panels.

We all carried, moved, planned, and collaborated on every part of the panels. We discussed what we each love about art and what parts we each wanted to take the lead on.

To have a consistency to the sixteen panels and Di designed the background, Paula designed the majority of the animals and Sarah worked with the community, the kids, the scheduling and wrote the e-book, which is now live on the municipal website!

Different artists and community guest artists worked on completing the many “jewels in the panels” completing various parts of the panel that were generally prepared for them in white silhouettes.

These photos provide a look behind the making of the mural and a peek at some of the process, community engagement and inclusivity.

Liz Watson - ferry Frankie - fish Hanna F. - Octopus Danuta Z. - heron silhouette Kate P. - sunflower Janet E. - grassland Sangre De Fruta employees - painting outside Sarah Haxby photos

A16 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, March 3, 2022

It’s seed season at the Library BOWEN ISLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY The Bowen Island Seed Library has come out of winter dormancy, and is freshly-stocked and ready to welcome spring! This particular Bowen Library collection doesn’t require a library card, but like all library collections it encourages returning what is borrowed. Now in its second year, the Seed Library has had an infusion of “returned” seed from those who “borrowed” last year, as individuals and groups have begun donating back seeds they’ve collected from plants they grew successfully—making this a truly collaborative community collection!

For instance, you’ll find over a hundred beautifully-decorated seed packets containing seeds gathered and packaged by young volunteers in the Bowen Island Community School Student Garden Club, who are regular contributors to the collection. Collins’ family farm heritage kale seeds, wild (perennial) arugula, hollyhock, lettuce, and pumpkin seeds are some of the seeds they grew, gathered, and returned for others to enjoy.

Jillian Rushton of the Bowen Gardeners Facebook groups (an active pair of discussion and buy/sell/trade groups for garden enthusiasts) also came by the Library with an assortment of saved and purchased seed.

This year we also received generous donations from West Coast Seeds and Salt Spring Seeds, as well as two copies of the book “Saving Seeds” by Dan Jason of Salt Spring Seeds, now in the Bowen Library collection.

Many growers are planning their gardens now, and may not be thinking of seed saving just yet. However, those hardy winter-crop biennials that grew last summer and (hopefully) survived all that snow (kale and broccoli, for instance) will soon be putting out new leaves and then seeds this spring. When planning your garden for spring and summer annuals like lettuce, beans, and tomatoes, think about leaving a few strong plants in the soil to develop seed for saving in the summer and fall.

If you’re new to growing and saving seed, there are some great free local resources online, which you’ll find links to at bowenlibrary.ca/seedlibrary. While saving and re-donating seed is not a requirement of using the Seed Library, it’s an excellent opportunity to learn first-hand about food resiliency and sustainability. It also strengthens our seed stock on Bowen/ Nexwlélexwm when growers save seeds from plants that survived our local weather, growing challenges, and wild friends (e.g. slugs, snails, and other hungry critters). And what’s more empowering and fuzzy-feeling-inducing than sharing hundreds of seeds you saved from just one lettuce plant?

Do you already have seeds to donate?

Starting a new garden? Come by the Seed Library. It is made possible thanks to a collaboration between the Bowen Island Public Library and volunteers from Bowen Agricultural Alliance, the Bowen Island Community School Student Garden Club, and the Bowen Gardeners Facebook group—and of course thanks to the generous seed-saving gardeners of the island!

Student volunteers from the Bowen Island Community School Garden Club show the decorated packages of seeds they collected from plants they grew last year, which they’ve donated to the Seed Library / Sarah Haxby photo

Comfort food with a mexican twist.

This April at Bowen Golf we invite you to try our new food concept all fresh all "made from scratch”.

www.mexican-ish.com

www.bowengolf.com

Thursday, March 3, 2022

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A17

Preview of Spring

ApruningdemonstrationonSaturday,February26,sponsoredbyBowenIslandFood Resilience with a grant from the Bowen Island Garden Club. Bowen horticulturist Matthew Ramsay led a demonstration in dormant pruning for members of both groups. Left to right: Christopher Pollard, Matthew Ramsay, Tamsin Miley, Virginia Penny, Philip Dion, Martin Clarke (seated) / Susan Swift photo

But it’s not here yet...

COMING SOON 10 New Lots at Seymour Bay Drive Perched above Seymour Bay and the neighbourhood of Seymour Shores, these homes will enjoy stunning sunrises and the serene view of the Strait of Georgia, Vancouver and Mt. Baker. This south Bowen location is becoming increasingly sought after with its year-round sunshine and its proximity to the Bowen Golf Club.

Snowfall just last week reminded us we are still in the winter season. / Alex Kurial photo

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Re: Dignified Debate, and Gratitude

I, too, am grateful for Bowen’s rational discourse. It’s an island— of civility—in this day and age.

My sister lives in Ottawa. She has felt cut off from the world, since the pandemic, as she is clinically vulnerable. Those three weeks in Ottawa with horns blaring, inconsiderate people feeling unleashed to stomp on the rights of others, and the knowledge that her city taxes will be earmarked for police and clean-up for some time, have taken their toll.

My experience of the pandemic has been as an immunizer in the Covid vaccine campaign, and I had the honour of immunizing some of my neighbours, here on Bowen. Each dose rendered another person a little more protected. And the response I received from the folks at my station, over the last year, was almost universally gratitude.

There are two outstanding images in my mind: The beautiful poem we received from a Bowen lady, thanking us for immunizing her older husband, the week before, stating how relieved she was, to know he was safer.

The other is a montage of young men, turbans on their heads, over the course of the last six months, with tears in their eyes, as they thanked me and Canada for the privilege of getting vaccinated.

THAT my friends, is freedom. Not honking horns and bullying.

- Meribeth Fleetham, RN

These fully-serviced view lots are planned to be released for presale in early 2022.

For priority information as it becomes available, please email us at info@bowenislandproperties.ca or call 604-947-0000.

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

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

Bowen Island Properties LP Since 1988, building communities where people love to live

www.bowenislandproperties.ca

info@bowenislandproperties.ca

604-947-0000

@ @BowUndercurrent

A18 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Bowen Island Sea Kayaking: New Owners at the Helm

Thursday, March 3, 2022

THERE WILL BE SOME NEW FACES - HUMAN AND CANINE - IN CHARGE OF THE KAYAK SHOP WHEN IT OPENS NEXT MONTH SUSAN SWIFT Contributor Starting this week, Steve Mather and his wife Josie will be running the island’s busy kayak tour and rental shop on the Pier, which has been in operation since 1996.

After eight years at the helm, Brent O’Malley acknowledged that “running the shop has been one of the most satisfying endeavors I have undertaken.” Admitting that “it is with mixed emotions that I will be moving on,” he said that among the best things about owning the business since 2014 was providing jobs and mentoring to many Bowen youth.

Last year’s COVID advisories didn’t seem to deter tourists and student groups who were looking for a safe, outdoor adventure on the water. Surprisingly, BISK’s 2021 season was its most successful financially.

According to O’Malley, BISK’s 25-years of success is in large part due to the strong foundation laid by his predecessor, Martin Clarke.

The Mathers are no strangers to Howe Sound having moved to Horseshoe Bay in 2011. Steve has been paddling the waters of Átl’ka7tsem, since he first arrived, as an antidote to his job in global banking. After a 30-year career behind a desk, Steve decid-

ed it was time to follow his dream of running his own business, doing something he loves. Josie has worked with children for many years and also has office management experience. She looks forward to helping with the marketing and administrative side of the business.

With two children who have graduated from Rockridge School, the whole family has friends on Bowen Island. They cannot wait to deepen their connections to the community.

And, while change is afoot, you can expect popular programs like Summer Kayak Camp and Full Moon Tours to continue. In fact, if you have an outstanding gift certificate, that’s a great excuse to come in and meet Steve and Josie in person.

As in years past, BISK’s season officially opens Saturday, April 2, 2022. Until then, the shop door may be locked but you can still book online (www.bowenislandkayaking.com).

Also, there will likely be a few openings for dock hands, a great first job for high school students who enjoy teamwork and being outside.

As for O’Malley, he will be around during the transition helping as a part-time instructor and guide. But there is also a summer holiday on his calendar, something he had almost forgotten existed.

Meet Nola, the new dog at Bowen Island Sea Kayaking. She is accompanied by incoming owners, Josie and Steve Mather and former owner Brent O’Malley (right) / Susan Swift photo

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WE ARE HIRING! Full or Part Time Year Around or Seasonal Positions No Experience Needed, We Train!

Competitive Wage Benefits Package Contact us for more information email resume to office@ussc.ca Stop by The Company Store for application

BOOK A TOUR or A STUDENT VISIT FOR THE DAY 604-947-9311

Middle School on Bowen Island

islandpacific.org

your community

bowenislandundercurre rent.com t co

Thursday, March 3, 2022

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A19

bowenEbikes.ca 778-956-7946

EDITOR’S NOTE  PRAYERS FOR UKRAINE

Lisa Brougham captured the sky lit up in Ukrainian colours last week. The country continues its brave resistance against the Russian invasion which began a week ago. We are hoping for an end to the occupation and suffering as soon as possible, and for the Ukrainian people to prevail and return to peace. You can find ways to help on the Undercurrent website by searching the article “5 things British Columbians can do right now to support Ukraine.” Слава Україні! Slava Ukraini! - Alex

Patient of the Week DUSTY

Meet sweet Dusty. Dusty paid us a visit after her owner had noticed some weight loss and mats in her fur. We sedated Dusty, cleaned her up, and she went home on some medication.

Its really important that if you have a rabbit and you notice changes like weight loss and decreased appetite, to consult a vet right away. They are highly sensitive animals! Dusty is recovering well at home.

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

More than just rentals

Join our

growing network! facebook.com/BIUndercurrent

FOR SALE BY OWNER

2 BDRM 1-1/2 BATH $725,000 Belterra Cohousing Enjoy community and island living

in an energy-efficient home surround ded by forests and within walking distance of cafes, schools, stores, a marina and the ferry. Built in 2015, this 2-storey, 1036 sf home boasts modern stainless appliances, an open plan design with walk-in pantry, extra storage and 9 ceilings throughout.

Join us for a ZOOM Open House Saturday, March 19 at 1:00 pm. For a link to the Zoom, a sales brochure, or to request a COVID-safe viewing of #419 email: info@belterracohousing.ca For photos and more info see: belterracohousing.ca

A20 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, March 3, 2022

If Onion Island’s Rockin,’Don’t Come A Knockin’…

JEN RITCHIE Bowen Nature Club Many locals are familiar with tiny rocky Onion Island, directly off Sealeigh Park Beach and adjacent to Tunstall Bay. It’s a popular destination and resting spot for swimmers, boaters, and paddle boarders, who love exploring its tide pools, eating a rustic picnic, and even foraging for wild onions. However, it might be time to reconsider our habits around this lovely islet… at least when the local lovebirds are active!

Easily spotted in the intertidal areas, pairs of distinctive Black Oystercatchers with bright orange bills mate and raise their young on these rocks from May to mid-August. However, it is quite easy to overlook their tiny nests, barely more than scrapes in the beach.

Monogamous pairs of Black Oystercatchers will often collect little shell fragments or small stones to outline their shallow one inch nests, within which they lay 2-3 spotted eggs.

A month later, little hatchlings emerge and are taught to forage the rocky shores for (you guessed it!) oysters, and other tasty bivalves like clams. Sometimes, a second brood is attempted, if the first fails.

Smaller than a footprint, these nests are very easy to miss, and once disturbed, will be abandoned by the parents, even if the eggs are left intact. Great news for predators like eagles and otters… not so great for the next generation of Black Oystercatchers.

Black Oystercatchers are found throughout the Salish Sea, however, there are a very limited number of specific types of locations where they breed. Almost all the nests are on tiny uninhabited rocky islands. Nesting locations near Bowen Island include Pam

Rocks, the Pasley Islands, and of course, our little Onion Island.

Most nesting areas are protected by conservation groups and have restricted access, but Onion Island has been left pretty much to its own devices, until recently, when Bowen Island was named a UNESCO Biosphere Region, due in part to the Oystercatcher breeding grounds, which is listed as an Important Bird Area (IBA).

Unfortunately, recognition on paper hasn’t necessarily translated into awareness or protection on the ground. Few people realize the large and disastrous impact that a little recreational stopover on Onion Island could have for these nesting birds.

Over the last ten years, recreational use of the island has increased, and the Black Oystercatchers who nest there have been struggling valiantly to produce chicks.

Success rate has been very low. When compounded with climate change, circumstances are not in their favour.

It would be terrible to lose our brightly billed local friends, for the sake of a quick recreational romp. Black Oystercatchers already no longer nest in the Southern Gulf islands, due to human activity and development. Let’s make an effort to protect those who can’t protect themselves.

A small groundswell of activism has begun, with local residents coordinating with the Muni, the Conservancy, and Birds Canada to raise awareness about our local treasure.

Watch for signage which will soon be appearing on the beaches near Onion Island, explaining about Black Oystercatchers nesting seasons, and requesting that people give the birds some space during their romantic interludes… Sometimes all a bird wants is a little privacy to slurp their oysters and get in the mood.

Onion Island is one of the rare nesting grounds for Black Oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani). They have a better chance if you admire them from afar, so please keep a safe distance this mating season. / Photos: Raf Izdebski (above), John Bakes (below)

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

W

(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, March 3, 2022

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A21

The fence is up and the trees are beginning to fall at the site of the future Community Centre. Once the trees are cleared excavation and blasting will begin, though this is likely a few weeks away. Bowen CAO Liam Edwards says salvagable lumber will be taken off-island for pulp, and it’s possible firewood may be available if costs can be kept down. Plans for the resulting wood chips are also being investigated. The building permit fee of around $290,000 was waived for the project, along with the driveway access fee / Alex Kurial photo

Last call!

The Mini Art Works show finale party was held last Saturday at the Hearth. Each of the more than 85 art pieces received bids. Guests were treated to food and music and, following some frantic final bids up to the 6 pm deadline, departed home to find a spot for their new pieces. / Alex Kurial photos

WorkBC connects people to opportunities.

Find a job or train for a new career at WorkBC.ca/FindYourPlace Plus, get one-on-one job support at your local WorkBC Centre.

A22 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, March 3, 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

COMMUNITY SUPPORT WORKER

SPROTTSHAW.COM

SUDOKU

BC WIDE CLASSIFIEDS MOVING

2 Guys With A Truck Moving & Storage 604-628-7136

.$)3" +2- &20 0'(+(!#3% .$#/ 3',/1)1'0*

ANSWERS

@BowUndercurrent

To advertise call:

604-653-7851

@bowenislandundercurrent.com

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, March 3, 2022

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A23

COMMUNITY CALENDAR MARCH 321

Communion: New paintings by Natalie Schuler and Shannon Harvey www.thehearthartsonbowen.ca 604-947-2454 Open daily 11 - 5 pm (closed Tues, Wed)

SATURDAY MARCH 5

Bowen Island Fire Rescue Open House - 10 AM to 2 PM Firehall #2, 1421 Adams Road New firehall information booth, FireSmart information and home assessment signup, Neighbourhood Emergency Response Program information and signup, Emergency Support Services information and signup, AED and basic CPR demonstration by Lifesavers at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm, pastries, coffee and prizes.

SATURDAY MARCH 5

Artist Party at the Hearth - 6 to 8 PM Music by DJ Yeshe, Bar Service All are welcome!

TUESDAY MARCH 8

Shari Ulrich’s “Trust Me” Series presents award winning Bluegrass group The Slocan Ramblers on at Tir-na-nOg Theatre - 7 PM Tickets $25 at Phoenix and https://trustme-slocanramblers. eventbrite.com

MONDAY MARCH 14

Bowen Island Municipal Council, 6:15 PM The meeting will be streamed live on the BIM YouTube page and will remain up for viewing after it’s finished.

Please contact the municipality if you wish to speak or enter a written submission.

SUNDAY, MARCH 20

Drive-In Movie in the Bowen Library Annex - 12:30 PM Come craft a box into a car to ‘drive’ to our screening of Rio (2011).

Check bowenlibrary.ca for more info. Please call (604) 9479788 to register or visit us in-person to register.

SATURDAY, MARCH 26

TAG Meeting in the Bowen Library Annex - 2 PM A place for teens, 13-18 years old, to share opinions on what books the library should buy and earn volunteer hours! Visit bipl.link/TAG for more info.

SUNDAY APRIL 24

Fix-It Fair - 11 AM to 2 PM If you have would like to volunteer for the event, either by fixing things or greeting or food work, please contact Shasta Martinuk at shastamartinuk@gmail.com, or 604-314-9097.

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

Vehicles • Construction Equipment Sea-Can Containers • Tiny Homes Bowen Island • Greater Vancouver Vancouver Island • Sunshine Coast

BOWEN ISLAND SPECIALISTS! QUALITY SERVICE GUARANTEED! Keep Calm and Call Econo

604.980.3333

Michael Bingham • 604 947 1717 ianditowhaul@gmail.com

991 West First Street, North Vancouver, BC www.economovingandstorage.com NEW CONSTRUCTION

BOWEN ISLAND ROOFING ROOFING & REPAIRS

604-987-7663

Trade ticket certified #00012-RO-96

RENOVATIONS RESTORATION ADDITIONS SECONDARY STRUCTURES UNIQUE OUTDOOR SPACES SUB CONTRACT WORK

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

Window Blinds On Bowen 778-995-1902 Landscape Lighting Irrigation

Seascape Bruce Culver

Office: 604-947-9686

Cell: 604-329-3045

A24 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, March 3, 2022

BITS presents: Friends of the Trail - with Bryn Elliott I grew up on Bowen, and as a kid, I first started mountain biking on the old logging roads down to the Cape before it was developed, eventually exploring my way up to Radar Hill.

After moving away to Ontario for university in 2005, I eventually rediscovered mountain biking (albeit cross country) at a fantastic little club in Kingston.

I moved back to BC with my wife in 2018, and with the North Shore trails just up the road, my love for the sport flourished.

We eventually made our way back to Bowen in the summer of 2020, rediscovering the trails and enjoying the island life again with our new child.

What is your favorite trail?

Mt. Gardner SW Ridge for both hiking and biking.

What is the most interesting person/ animal or thing you’ve come across out on trails?

Probably my dog!

What is your favorite post-trail snack/treat?

Definitely Brownies from the Snug! They are also mandatory fuel during long rides too. Come summer I’ll add Riley’s Cidery to the post-ride list.

Learn about the

“WONDERS OF THE SALISH SEA”

Mondays, April 4, 11, 25 and May 2, 7 to 9PM, via Zoom Ages 16+, $25 for the series, or by donation.

More information at wondersoft fthesalishsea.com. t Hosted by Transition Salt Spring

Bowen eBikes Is Hiring Interact with visitors and Be a great ambassador for the Island Please setup an appointment beforehand rentals@bowenebikes.ca or 778-956-7946 If you want to learn how to communicate effectively, run a business, and set yourself up for success, then this is the job for you.

Hiring Front of House, Managers, Sales Staff.

TUESDAY, MARCH 8th 7:00 pm Tir-na-nOg Theatre 585 Rivendell Dr., Bowen Island

Tickets at Phoenix & Eventbrite