Bowen Island Undercurrent March 10 2022

PESTICIDE BYLAW PASSED: Bowen bans harmful chemicals PAGE 3

$1.50

inc.

GST

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

MOURNING A LOSS

VOL. 48 NO. 08

BIUndercurrent

BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

Mammoth goes extinct PAGE 6

Snug Cove sewage funding revisited after repeated calls

LOCAL SEWAGE COMMITTEE HOLDS FIRST MEETING SINCE 2019

ALEX KURIAL Editor

B.A.D. NEWS:

The Bowen Adult Dance team, under the direction of Kelly Konno (right), rehearses at Cates Hill Chapel in anticipation of a festival performance on the mainland next month. Read more about their routines, the competition, and dancing in the time of COVID, on Page 9. / Alex Kurial photo

Regarding one of the most hotly debated island issues of the young year, there may be a compromise in store.

The Snug Cove Sewer Local Management Committee (SCSLMC) met for the first time in three years last week to discuss sewage upgrades at the Snug Cove Wastewater Treatment Plant. The first phase of the work, which will run $1.64 million, is underway. The plant has reached sewage capacity and needs a series of upgrades to relieve current pressure and allow for future hookups to the system.

The source of this funding has been a source of discontent for many Bowen residents living outside Snug Cove. At the end of January council decided it could be paid for through the municipality’s general funds, specifically $1 million from the Capital Renewal and Replacement Reserve (CRRR) and $640,000 from Unappropriated Surplus. Typically utilities work benefitting a local service area is paid for by residents of that area, however in this case the unique nature of Snug Cove was used to justify levying costs against every taxpayer on the island.

“Snug Cove is more than a local service area, we all use the shops and the restaurants and the pub and so on. So it seems reasonable for us to be paying to some degree,” said Coun. David Hocking.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

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Thursday, March 10, 2022

We’re Hiring - Financial Accountant

Events March 10, 2022 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Virtual Public Open House 1676 Malkin Creek Road March 14, 2022 6:15 pm Regular Council Meeting

Condolences for Brian Biddlecombe

The Bowen Island Municipality Finance & Administration department has an immediate opening for a permanent fulltime Financial Accountant.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the position will be responsible for: •

Assisting with maintenance and improvement to the financial accounting system • Analyzing and interpreting financial and budget information • Oversight and support for the payroll and pensions system • Analysis and reconciliation of various accounts • Statutory remittances, and government reporting including quarterly GST Rebate Claims • Providing accounting support and recommendations to various municipal departments • Ensuring timely processing of accounts payable, cash receipts, bank reconciliations investment reporting and journal entries • Preparing year end working papers and assisting with preparation of financial statements It is with heavy hearts that we express our condolences to • Liaison to external auditors the Biddlecombe/Laudrum family upon the passing of Brian • Oversight of property taxation function Biddlecombe last week. As Fire Chief, Brian served the Bowen Island community for over 11 years. He was a leader and a friend The preferred candidate will possess considerable knowledge in the Bowen Island Fire Rescue community. He spearheaded of Public Sector Accounting Standards, the basic principles the building of Fire Hall No. 2 on Adams Road to improve and standards of municipal accounting, and rules and access to the west side of the island and provide additional regulations which govern departmental activities. storage space and training area. He procured Engine 30, which remains the BIFR’s main truck apparatus. Brian was a long For more information, to read the complete job description serving member of the Fire Hall Facilities Steering Committee, and to apply: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/jobs and was a champion of the new Fire Hall that is currently under construction on Miller Road. He would have been so happy to see his many years of work come to fruition when it opens its doors to the community for the first time, and he will be in our thoughts and hearts when it does.

We’re looking for some fresh new Brian contributed so much to Bowen Island, both in his role as photos of Bowen Fire Chief and as owner of Cormorant Marine, which provides Island to feature on an important service with its water taxi and ambulance our website, social transport. We are saddened to have lost such a pillar of the media and print community, but we know that his legacy will live on. Rest in materials. peace, Brian, and thank you for everything.

Send us your fave Bowen photos

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If you’d like to donate your photos and see them featured online or in print, please get in touch with us.

In particular, we’re interested in: • • •

Sustainable Community Grants Do you need support for a project that increases climate resiliency through community action or environmental protection?

iconic images of Bowen Island landmarks community events imagery of the beautiful nature that surrounds us

Read more: bowenislandmunicipality.ca/submit-photos

Contact Bowen Island Municipality PAID ADVERTISEMENT March 10, 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

BIM is investing in climate action through the Sustainable Community Grant Program. Many different types of projects may be supported, please refer to the grant criteria for details, and be innovative! We are accepting applications until April 15th at 4:30pm. www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/grants-for-the-community

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Thursday, March 10, 2022

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A3

ISLAND NEWS

CFO to propose Snug Cove residents pay extra to replenish general reserves CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Chief administrative officer Liam Edwards added past decisions have forced the current council’s hand.

“Perhaps the most pressing reason is that capacity that was once there was given away to projects that were deemed to be strategically important to the island, but there was never any funding identified to fill in that capacity that was given away.”

“So here we are at the day that we have next to no capacity left, and inadequate funding in the Snug Cove Sewer Reserve. So then the question is, ‘who is responsible to pay?’” asked Edwards at last month’s council meeting.

Edwards added he consulted the municipality’s legal counsel and a Ministry of Finance officer and was assured the funding approach was legal. Council voted to approve the project with Coun. Alison Morse the lone objecting member.

But at the SCSLMC meeting March 3, Bowen’s new chief financial officer Kristen Watson voiced her opinion on the use of general funds for the project.

“I was a little bit surprised by the decision… given our history and how we’ve always self-financed utilities of local service areas. We’ve just finished a very significant infrastruc-

ture project in Cove Bay – another area that has significance island-wide, but that was attributed 100 per cent to the local service area. It just surprised me that it was a departure from previous policy,” says Watson.

“There is some sentiment out in the community that perhaps part of the costs should be attributed or assigned to the local service area. So I think it’s fair to move forward with council with a proposal for some kind of cost allocation to see what we could determine could be attributed to existing users versus future users, and kind of divide up the costs a little bit,” she says.

Watson says these extra payments from Snug Cove residents could come in the form of a parcel tax, user rates, or a combination of both. She’ll present her plan to council March 14, where it will be up to them to decide if they wish to pursue repayment from the local service area, or leave the funding plan as is.

Edwards pointed out that either way the $1.64 million for Phase 1 will be coming from the municipality’s general funds. But if council approves Watson’s plan, the additional payment from Snug Cove residents will go toward restoring those reserves.

“Will that be repaid entirely by all the taxpayers on Bowen, or will the local service area have a dedicated charge, either

through a parcel tax or user fees or something, to help contribute a little more than all the other taxpayers. In the same way that every other utility on the island is effectively asked to pay for their upgrades within their service area,” summed up Edwards.

The SCSLMC also heard about where the $6.57 million needed for Phase 2 upgrades to the treatment plant will come from. In addition to the traditional parcel taxes, user fees and latecomer agreements, development charges will be the important number to nail down to see where the municipality stands. Edwards says discussions are taking place with the development community to get a sense of what projects are expected in the future.

The meeting adjourned with chair Glenn Cormier observing the group should not wait three years until their next meeting. He suggested getting together every six months instead.

The committee also put a call out to Snug Cove residents interested in volunteering, as the SCSLMC currently only has three members and would like to reach five. The group is also exploring changing from a management committee to an advisory committee.

Round up those chemicals BOWEN BANS PESTICIDES AFTER PUBLIC PUSH

ALEX KURIAL Editor It’s a win for environmental groups on the island as pesticide use has now been banned on all private and public lands.

This includes using them on any tree, shrub, flower, ornamental garden or plant, or turf setting.

The idea gained steam with council last November, and a public consultation on the matter was scheduled. Attendees at this January event heard presentations from the municipality and the Bowen Island Food Resilience (BIFS) group about the harms pesticides can cause, both to vegetation and living beings when their chemicals spread past the intended usage area.

The bylaw will not apply to farmland, Crippen Park, or areas zoned for commer-

cial, industrial or institutional use.

“I like the nature friendly approach,” says Coun. Sue Ellen Fast on the new rule.

Manager of environment and parks planning Bonny Brokenshire says feedback has been overwhelmingly positive for the move.

She says one person was concerned they might not be able to treat blackberries on their property, but pointed out there are exceptions for invasive species.

“We realize that invasive plants are a problem, and this bylaw is not designed to negate the ability for people to treat problematic species,” says Brokenshire.

A permit will need to be obtained for these exceptions though. The fine for using pesticides without permission is $500.

The municipality lists several alternatives to pesticides, including pest traps, physical removal, insecticidal soaps, or general prevention.

Amanda Ockeloen gave a demonstration of life-saving measures, including proper CPR and defibrilation techniques, at the Volunteer Fire Rescue open house last Saturday at Fire Hall #2.

Guests also explored booths where they learned more about the Neighbourhood Emergency Response Program (NERP), fire safety and home assessments, and available emergency support services. / Alex Kurial photo

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A4 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, March 10, 2022

VIEWPOINTS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The road back to normal

I do not agree with sentiments expressed recently on Bowen equating Canada’s vaccine cards with the onset of a fascist regime. I have a completely opposite reading. I see vaccine cards as safeguarding the rights of vaccine-adverse citizens to posit a different public health solution to the Covid pandemic.

Vaccines have offered a faster road back to the social, economic and cultural engagement many people seek. But a slower, more wholistic approach is also available to Canadians. For the people who prefer not to get vaccinated and to stay further apart for a longer period of time as a way to address a real public health emergency, they have been protected in that human right in Canada. I think this safeguard is something we should notice and take comfort in.

The vaccine card is a manifestation of two approaches that are both allowed within our democratic society. One is faster, giving people who choose vaccinations the ability to engage sooner, by starting to attend non-essential, public events only a year and a quarter after the onset of the pandemic in Canada. But in complying with the roll out of vaccines and the required proof of vaccination, this population has tacitly accepted health risks that could be associated with getting vaccinated.

Yet others opted not to get vaccinated, and they must embrace the idea that they have chosen a slower road. Complaining that the vaccine card imposes limits on unvaccinated people to attend certain events, is incongruous with free choice and the responsibility that comes with it. Individual health choices inevitably form part of a public health reality, and the unvaccinated have chosen a road not accelerated by modern medicine.

Soon everyone in Canada will likely re-gain access to non-essential, public events; it’s just a matter of time, which is really the foundational currency of our divergent approaches.

Allowing time to pass more quickly or more slowly.

Canada has preserved its citizens’ human rights with the introduction of the vaccine card, even if it is not nuanced to every possible situation. It is a way of holding people accountable to the public health solution they have, de facto, posited and supported.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

мир Peace I stand here, head in hands holding the image of war in a country so long forgotten.

Who takes a gun and fires its load at a child

Who takes liberty and grinds it to dust In the name of freedom?

I can do nothing but watch the brutality dished out like mush, into the screaming mouths of a proud people.

We all bear witness to the dismantling of a nation—

and still thinks they are human,

saying, no more, dear god,

in the right,

no more.

blessed by his people, and anointed hero?

Yet our pleas speak to no one.

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

who long for medals.

Ukrainian mothers, who lived for summer days and quiet picnics with their mamas and babes leaning toward each other in photos,smiles caught like a shimmer of minnows, in this ancient book of endings.

- Jude Neale from her upcoming book, The Flaw

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.

Not the victims of this genocide or the Russian generals ,

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 10, 2022

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A5

VIEWPOINTS But who’s going to pay for it?

Dear Editor: Re: Snug Cove Sewage Costs should be borne by sewer users More on this topic, especially after the Snug Cove Sewer Local Management Committee finally met March 3, 2022 for the first time in three years. The meeting can be viewed on the BIM website. Acting Chair Glenn Cormier and Acting Vice-Chair David Belringer asserted that the Phase 1 improvements must proceed immediately, even though the entire 1.64 million dollar cost is to be paid from Municipal Capital Renewal and Replacement fund ($1 million) and Unallocated Surplus ($640,000), essentially draining those Reserve funds.

A staff presentation by Patrick Graham, Director of Engineering, showed that the existing Sewage Treatment plant capacity has been exceeded on a number of occasions, overflowing during high rainfalls )into Snug Cove) and that significant load increases have occurred since October 202 with the addition of new residences at Foxglove Lane, Rivendale Court and the new apartment complex.

The sewer outflow is also not operating in the correct location and requires an upgrade to meet Provincial standards.

No funds were collected for a Sewer Reserve from any of these developments, in fact no Development Cost Charges have ever been collected on Bowen Island for sewer, water, roads or park development. A new DCC was added and approved by Council in 2021 requested by Metro Vancouver for Park improvements. A DCC for sewer improvements will be considered as part of Phase 2 of the Snug Cove Sewer Treatment Plant upgrades in 2023 or later.

Many residents believe that the utilities should be

self-funding, Each of seven water systems pays it’s own way through a combination of Parcel taxes and User fees, and so should the sewer system. An opinion has been advanced that the sewer is a Bowen-wide benefit, but the same argument could have applied to the Cove Bay Water system. All costs for the recent Water Treatment plant and even for last-minute replacement of a section of water main necessitated by the Cardena Road upgrades (for the benefit of all Bowen commuters) was assessed solely to the users of the Cover Bay Water System, to be repaid with interest for ten to thirty years through Parcel tax and user fees.

The next scheduled meeting of the Snug Cove Sewage Local Management Committee is at 1 pm Thursday, March 31. The public can watch via Zoom.

In the meantime, the new Chief Financial Officer must prepare a Five-Year Financial Plan for consideration by Council and adoption before May 1st. How the missing Capital Reserves will be re-budgeted remains to be seen; with approximately $5 Million annual municipal expenditure on Bowen every one percent budget increase will only net $50,000 in new operating or capital revenue.

Replacement of the $1.6 million in one year would mean a local property tax increase for all property owners of 32% for this one item alone.

Even without extraordinary expenditures approved by Council such as the Snug Cove Sewer Phase 1 improvements, we have seen the municipal share of our property taxes escalate by 6 to 7.5% every year for the past seven years. This is simply not sustainable for most homeowners, certainly not for older residents on fixed incomes.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

#bowenisawesome

The Correction Corner*

Sewage fees not waived at Health Centre

Last week’s letter titled “Snug Cove sewage concerns persist” stated that the Health Centre’s sewage connection fee was waived by municipal council.

This was incorrect. Covenant fees were waived for the Health Centre, but not the far more expensive sewage connection fee. Our apologies for missing the error and any confusion it may have caused. - Alex

Patient of the Week WILLIAM Meet William!

This handsome guy got a visit in the comfort of his own home

by Dr. Sandra Madden. He was due for all vaccines and got a full check up. If you have a pet that tends to get stressed in the clinic, we highly recommend a home visit by Dr. Madden, who has joined our team at Bowen Vet.

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A6 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, March 10, 2022

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.

Roaming Bowen in Spirit An open letter regarding the mastodon from the artist,

The mastodon is gone. I disassembled and removed it earlier this week. I want to thank everyone who embraced this art installation. I was surprised and humbled by the appreciation and respect shown by the community for this unique project.

I loved hearing stories from people stumbling upon it for the first time, and from those young and old who created their own connection to this piece.

“Mourn” was a sculpture of an American mastodon, the first species that scientists recognized as having gone extinct.

They are fundamental to our understanding of extinction. This

art installation was a message of conservation. Let its loss be a reminder of the species that are in peril today, and an opportunity for reflection on how to protect our natural world.

“Mourn” was never meant to last forever; I’m happy that I made it and that people enjoyed it, but it was time. I am at peace with this decision and I hope the community can be too.

Keep on exploring: you never know what you might stumble upon.

- Guthrie Gloag Chris Turzak photo

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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

Cancelled on Saturday March 19 and April 2, 9, 2022: 8:30 pm departing Snug Cove 9:00 pm departing Horseshoe Bay Note: Schedules subject to change without notice

Please check BCFERRIES.COM Schedule changes on statutory holidays

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Sunday Worship 10:30 am Rev. Lorraine Ashdown

DROP-OFF

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

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Pastor: Phil Adkins

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Thursday, March 10, 2022

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A7

Researchers ask public for help protecting BC’s bats DANIELLE DAGENAIS Regional Bat Coordinator / Community Bat Programs of BC The province’s bats are threatened by disease and researchers are asking the public for help.

The BC Community Bat Program, in collaboration with the Province of BC, are asking the public for help in the effort to detect and prevent the spread of White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) in BC’s bats. Residents are asked to report any bat activity observed in winter, when they should be hibernating, and any sick or dead bats found before May 31st.

WNS is a fungal disease that is harmless to humans but has devastated North American bat populations. The fungus attacks bats while they are hibernating. Bats often wake to clean the fungus from their skin. This uses valuable energy, and finally the bats die from hypothermia and starvation. Two species present in BC—Little Brown and Northern Bats—are now listed as Endangered under federal Species at Risk legislation. As a key predator for many invertebrate species, bats are essential parts of BC’s ecosystems, and they provide billions of dollars of economic benefit to North America by helping control agricultural, forest, and urban pests. Please visit https://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/ to learn more about the disease.

“Bat reports may also alert researchers to regions with unusual activity and can provide data on when bats return to the landscape and become active in a region” says Danielle Dagenais, Vancouver regional coordinator for the program. Bat reports over the years have indicated that the silver-haired bat often chooses to hibernate in wood piles in the southern BC. These sleeping bats should be left alone, when possible, please consider taking wood from another pile and allowing the bat to hibernate on your property. If you find a hibernating or roosting bat on your property, keep your distance, inform family members, snap a photo, and report it to the BC Community Bat Program

for advice. Never touch a bat with your bare hands; if you or your pet has been in direct contact with the bat you will need further information regarding the risk of rabies.

As the climate is milder in the Greater Vancouver area, bat activity is expected sooner than colder BC regions. With Spring around the corner and nicer weather coming to our region, the program is encouraging the public to look up to the skies on nice nights around sunset and look for bat activity. Please report any bat sightings and dead bats to the BC Community Bat Program; bat carcasses are very important as they can be tested for WNS” says Dagenais. Reports can be made online at www.bcbats.ca , via email at vancouver@bcbats.ca or by calling 1-855-922-2287 ext. 11 (1-855-GOT-BATS).

In partnership with the BC Ministry of Environment, and funded by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Forest Enhancement Society of BC, Habitat Stewardship Program, and local funders, the BC Community Bat Program provides information and promotes local stewardship and citizen science.

You can find out more about the BC Community Bat Program and options for helping local bat populations at www.bcbats.ca, info@bcbats.ca, or 1-855-922-2287.

(Above) White-nose syndrome occurrence map – by year (2022).

Available at https://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/where-is-wns (Below left) Dead bats can contribute important information on disease spread. Always wear gloves when handling dead animals. / Submitted photo (Below right) Sleeping bat – reporting sleeping bats helps researchers learn what is “normal”, such as this Silver-haired Bat hibernating in a woodpile. / Submitted photo

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A8 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Phase 2 ahead

Thursday, March 10, 2022

VIEWPOINTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

I have witnessed many of my friends reaching the difficult decision to sell and move to a more stable community (Vancouver Island, the Interior, Alberta among other destinations) and many more will surely feel forced to go if we are to take on the extra burden of paying not only for the services we use but for the sewer system as well.

Phase 2 of that project is roughly estimated at $5.8 million, with some faint promise of a development Cost Charge adopted by Council to pay for the new services required by

new development. In the meantime, a development freeze is in place for all properties within the Snug Cove Sewage System area. The missing municipal Capital Renewal and Replacement Reserve funds as well as Unallocated Surplus Reserve funds are not available for the next infrastructure emergency.

The Sewer users should be paying the entire cost of the sewer system, in my view, just as the rest of us pay the entire capital and operating costs for our own septic system, plus our share of potable water costs and other utilities delivered

to our properties, The next Municipal election is October 15th this year.

Each candidate coming forward for re-election or election needs to develop a clear position on controlling costs while delivering necessary services.

Yours truly, - Bill Granger

All About Feet

Feet glorious feet – what would we do without them.

Wouldn’t it be amazing to remember everywhere our feet have taken us and how many miles they have traveled?

It is important to have happy feet -- sadly I do not. I was born when everything was rationed and was crammed into shoes that were too small. Then as a teenager I wore dangerously high-heeled shoes with pointed toes, the latest from Italy, (for that I blame myself.) Recently I was happy to meet Carolyn Wray who specialises in non-invasive foot care on Bowen Island. After a friendly chat she started to tell me many foot facts. She says as Spring approaches and we peel off winter layers it is good to include shoes and socks. It’s time to let the feet breathe, and walk on grass or sand. She also offered some amazing facts such as: The average person, who doesn’t drive everywhere in a car, takes 5,000-10,000 steps each day. That adds up to approximately 115,000 miles in a typical lifetime—the equivalent to circling the globe more than four times!

Your feet have about 250,000 sweat glands which produce up to half a pint of perspiration each day.

Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails—approximately 1 mm per month. It takes 12-18 months to grown an entirely new toenail.

Babies’ feet grow rapidly. By age one, most have reached nearly half of their adult size Rarely are two feet on a person the same size.

As well as giving me many interesting facts she mentioned the importance of giving our feet a little TLC too, with every day maintenance. But maybe the most important fact is to wear good fitting shoes, and to get advice and treatment for any problems as soon as they appear.

No longer a practicing medical podiatrist, Carolyn now focuses on non-invasive care of the feet. Her treatments are tailored for diabetic patients, arthritis sufferers, performers, athletes, those who spend a lot of time on their feet, are in discomfort or have unsightly problems such as: Thickened toe nails, corns, calluses, dry or cracked heels, fungal nail or skin infections, Verrucae, Athlete’s foot, ingrown or overgrown toenails, etc.

Carolyn has joined the Bowen Island Integrative Health Group and can be contacted at 604-947-2270. She also does home visits. Time to put our best feet forward.

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‘An imperfect solution’

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

Finally, I would like to say that equating Canada’s vaccine cards with the Third Reich’s yellow-star arm bands--a popular claim of vaccine card opponents—is a seriously flawed comparison. Vaccine cards prohibit people from dining indoors and attending movies, whereas yellow-star arm bands granted SA officers and aligned citizens of the Third Reich permission to humiliate, rape, beat up, shoot or in any other way maim human beings in broad daylight, while also permitting the destruction of their property with impunity.

From my vantage point, not only is the analogy disproportionate and flawed, but also unkind.

I say we consider vaccine cards to be an imperfect solution to allowing divergent views to live side-by-side in relative peace, not lawlessness.

– Gail Lotenberg

Thursday, March 10, 2022

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A9

Talking ‘bout the B.A.D. girls ALEX KURIAL Editor The Cates Hill Chapel has been buzzing this month as members of the B.A.D. team prepare for an upcoming special event.

The 14 women who make up the Bowen Adult Dance team, along with their professional dancer coach Kelly Konno, are rehearsing for an appearance at the SHINE Dance Festival next month in Burnaby. It will be the first off-island dance routine for the team and, because of COVID restrictions, only their second live performance since forming four years ago.

“We were robbed of our season two, and then our season three had to be filmed inside the studio due to the pandemic. So they haven’t been able to perform live,” explains Konno. Normally the B.A.D. team, along with the rest of Konno’s studio, take part in a summer showcase at BICS. “It’s cool that we’ve ridden this wave together and now the current restrictions are lifted and we’re all able to come back together in the same room and compete,” says Konno.

It wasn’t this way for much of the pandemic. In fact, many of the moves for the team’s current set of songs was originally taught virtually.

“I set the studio up in a way where they could see me at the front of the room and I would teach them choreography over Zoom,” says Konno. “Then when restrictions would lift a little bit, we were able to do low intensity adult classes. I would have to split the team into two groups of seven so we could be in the studio together… I had to get really creative with the choreography and figure out how I was going to do it.”

“I just taught them all the choreo and then when we were able to be all together, that’s

when I knocked out formations and stuff like that. So it’s been a work in progress. They’ve been waiting to perform,” she says.

The team will compete in the ‘Just For Fun’ category in the festival, on April 1 at the Michael J. Fox Theatre. They’ll perform a pair of numbers, the first a combination of Pink’s ‘Walk Me Home’ and ‘Hurts 2B Human’, also by Pink and featuring Khalid.

“It’s all about the craziness of what’s going on in the world and how we need to band together. It still makes sense, even more so today. It carried us through the pandemic.

It’s a more emotional song for the ladies to dance to,” explains Konno of the choice.

The second half of the act dials back to the disco era with – appropriate given the team’s name – Donna Summer’s ‘Bad Girls’. A team wardrobe change into classic 1970s style fully completes the shift.

“We were like okay let’s switch it up, and I wanted to do a fast jazz routine, which turned into disco-inspired. Because I just wanted the ladies to have fun, like we’re going out for an evening on the town,” says Konno.

She says the songs provide “completely two different vibes – they can party in one and emote in the other.”

The ‘Just For Fun’ category will have an overall winner, and Konno says there is plenty of competitive spirit in the team.

But no matter the result she says she’s most proud of how the group has progressed and persevered over the past four years.

“These are women that just do dance for fun and they’ve all of a sudden turned into pretty decent dancers,” says Konno.

“To pick up choreography and be able to pull off a three minute routine, it’s inspiring to me.”

After the festival, the B.A.D. squad will begin work on a new number in preparation for the summer show - featuring Konno’s entire studio - scheduled for the end of May.

Kelly Konno and her team of B.A.D. dancers are practicing hard to make sure their pair of performances are ready for the SHINE Dance Festival in Burnaby next month. / Alex Kurial photos

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bowenislandundercurrent.com • A11

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 12

Bring Your Own Book Club, 12-1 pm For Bowen Islanders 18-35 years old, at the Bowen Library Annex.

A welcoming drop-in group where you can rave (or rant!) about a book you’ve read, find your next great read, and meet other young book lovers.

MONDAY MARCH 14

Committee of the Whole Meeting, 1 PM Re: Islands 2050: Islands Trust Policy Statement Amendment Project 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.

THURSDAY, MARCH 31

Movie: Hidden Figures (rated PG) - 6 PM Library Annex. Part of Black History Film Series at Bowen Library.

Registration required. Call (604) 947-9788 to register.

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.

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Thursday, March 10, 2022

‘Tragic accident’kills skier at Cypress Mountain Resort CHARLIE CAREY North Shore News / Local Journalism Initiative The BC Coroners Service is investigating after a 50-year-old Delta man died from a skiing accident at Cypress Mountain Resort in West Vancouver on March 5.

West Vancouver Police Department confirmed that just after 10:30 am, officers responded to a call after reports of an injured skier. The BC Ambulance Service and Cypress Mountain ski

patrol were tending to the injured skier; however, the man was later pronounced dead at the scene.

“Early indications are that this appears to have been as a result of a tragic accident,” WVPD Const. Kevin Goodmurphy said.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased.”

BC Emergency Health Services said it responded to the report of the injury with multiple paramedics, which included two ground ambulances and one air ambulance.

Goodmurphy said the police department is now helping the coroner with its investigation.

In a statement to the North Shore News, Cypress Mountain Resort said “witnesses who observed the incident from a chairlift reported that one of the man’s skis released, causing him to lose control and collide with a tree on the side of the run.”

“Cypress Mountain Resort Ski Patrol, and the entire Resort team extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends for their tragic loss”, said President Russell Chamberlain. “We thank the EHS responders, the West Vancouver Fire Department, and West Vancouver Police, for assisting in the emergency response.”

Cates Hill theft investigation The Bowen Island RCMP are currently investigating the theft of some jewelry from a residence on Cates Hill late in February. The missing items included rings, necklaces, watches and earrings. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the local detachment at 604-947-0516 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Thank you, Corporal Adam Koehle 000148528/53606 Bowen Island RCMP

Lisa Brougham managed to capture another stunning sunset while out paddling. Bowen sunsets truly never fail to deliver.