Bowen Island Undercurrent March 17 2022

CULTURAL CORNER ON THE WAY: Preview of the new space PAGE 6

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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

CATCHING A NEW MEMBER

VOL. 48 NO. 09

BIUndercurrent

BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

Gallery seeks recruit PAGE 9

Nearly 30 ambulance shifts on Bowen expected to be missed in March MUNI SAYS BC AMBULANCE SERVICE DOESN’T ALWAYS INFORM THEM PARAMEDICS AREN’T AVAILABLE ALEX KURIAL Editor

JUMP TO IT BOWEN! Are you up for the 30X30 challenge? The Bowen Island Trail Society wants to see you outside for half an hour each and every day in April. While the main benefit is your physical health, there’s also some cool prizes you can win for completing the task! Find out all the details on Page 8.

SHOWINGS BY APPOINTMENT (through Sunday March 20)

Bowen’s ambulance issues have become far more critical this month after it was discovered dozens of shifts are being left unfilled on the island.

Chief administrative officer (CAO) Liam Edwards told council Monday night BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) doesn’t expect to fill at least 28 shifts during March.

There’s been eight days without service so far this year, including four the first half of this month.

And Edwards said this information didn’t come willingly from BCAS, but rather through investigating by the local fire department. The CAO says fire chief Aaron Hanen heard from a source there would be eight unscheduled shifts in March. When Hanen contacted BCAS to confirm, he learned the actual total was expected to be 28.

“That was us having to reach out to them, and us hearing about it through other means,” says Edwards. He adds while BCAS technically does give advance notification most of the time, “it’s usually the night before or the day before.”

“This is an extremely serious situation,” says mayor Gary Ander. “Not only are they not giving us service, but they’re not notifying us that they’re not giving us service.”

Edwards says after just one day without full service in February, there was a hope the problem was near resolution. But the March numbers have left Bowen with less service than ever since BCAS adopted its new scheduling policies last fall.

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A2 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, March 17, 2022

We’re Hiring - Financial Accountant

Events March 28, 2022 12:30 pm Eagle Cliff Water System Local Advisory Committee Meeting March 28, 2022 6:15 pm Regular Council Meeting March 30, 2022 2:00 pm Hood Point Water System Local Advisory Committee Meeting March 30, 2022 6:00 pm Cove Bay Water System Local Advisory Committee Meeting March 31, 2022 1:00 pm Snug Cove Sewer Local Management Committee Meeting March 31, 2022 5:00 pm Bluewater Park Local Advisory Committee Meeting March 31, 2022 7:00 pm Bowen Bay Local Advisory Committee Meeting April 1, 2022 9:00 am King Edward Bay Local Advisory Committee Meeting April 1, 2022 11:00 am Tunstall Bay Local Advisory Committee Meeting

Bowen Island Municipality has an immediate opening for a permanent full-time Financial Accountant.

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

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

BIM is investing in climate action through the Sustainable Community Grant Program. Many different types • Assisting with maintenance and improvement to the of projects may be supported, please refer to the grant financial accounting system criteria for details, and be innovative! We are accepting • Analyzing and interpreting financial and budget information applications until April 15th at 4:30pm.

• Oversight and support for the payroll and pensions system • Analysis and reconciliation of various accounts www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/grants-for-the-community • 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 The Snug Cove Sewer System Local Management Committee preparation of financial statements reviews the operating and capital budgets for the utility.

• Liaison to external auditors • Oversight of property taxation function The committee meets approximately twice a year. It is seeking to appoint members that are business owners or residents of The preferred candidate will possess considerable knowledge the Snug Cove Sewer area. of Public Sector Accounting Standards, the basic principles and standards of municipal accounting, and rules and For more information and to apply: regulations which govern departmental activities.

Snug Cove Sewer System Local Management Committee seeking members

For more information, to read the complete job description and to apply: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/jobs

Recreation Summer Camp Job Postings Bowen Island Municipality is pleased to accept applications for four (4) full-time summer camp positions.

Hours and approximate weeks of work: Daycamp Leaders (2) 40 hours/week, Monday – Friday. June 6 – August 30, 2022.

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/committees

Upcoming water meetings Municipal Water System Local Advisory Committee meetings will run from Monday, March 28, 2022 until Friday, April 1, 2022.

Residents are encouraged to contact their LAC ahead of the meeting for concerns they would like addressed. Residents will be able to watch the meeting, however participation will be limited. www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/water-and-sewer

Daycamp Assistants (2) 40 hours/week, Monday – Friday. June 20 – August 30, 2022.

The ideal candidates for these positions have previous experience working with groups of children, are enthusiastic, creative, able to work in a team environment, enjoy participating in a variety of activities, have excellent communication skills and are highly organized.

Lifeguarding certification is an asset for these positions. All positions require current First Aid and CPR certification and a valid criminal record check, which can be arranged with BIM. For more information on how to apply: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/jobs

Contact Bowen Island Municipality PAID ADVERTISEMENT March 17, 2022

Phone: Fax: Email: Website:

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

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

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca

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

Find us on Facebook Bowen Island Municipality

Subscribe to our mailing list bowenislandmunicipality.ca/subscribe

Thursday, March 17, 2022

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A3

ISLAND NEWS

“Major breakdown of an essential service”says councillor on absent ambulances CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The communication breakdown echoes one of the key problems between the municipality and BCAS from earlier in the year. It was only discovered there were missing shifts at all after Hanen enquired with BCAS after becoming aware of noticeable gaps in paramedic service.

Again on Monday, Edwards said communication from BCAS has been less than forthcoming. “It’s not the municipality’s job or responsibility to inform the public about this disruption in service… the ambulance service needs to figure out a better way to communicate,” he says.

Edwards adds Galiano Island has reached out to Bowen and expressed they’re dealing with the same service problems.

After hearing the news, council resolved to write a second, more urgent letter to BCAS, as the letter penned at the start of the year hasn’t resolved the issue.

“I’m just outraged this is going on again, I thought we had it settled with them,” says Ander.

Councillors expressed the same sentiment. “I think this is outrageous. The lack of service over that many days, and not notifying. And it’s up to them to solve it. It’s up to us to help push,” says Coun. Maureen Nicholson.

“I work at a community centre where I deal with a lot of emergencies. And even one day having that insecurity that it isn’t on-island, that is really concerning,” says Coun. Rob Wynen, pointing out that in medical emergencies such as strokes, minutes can be the

EV spots ready to charge... for a small fee THE PAIR OF SPOTS WILL USE A GRADUATED RATE SCALE, AND BE AVAILABLE FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES ONLY ALEX KURIAL Editor Drivers will be paying a few bucks to plug into Bowen’s new electric vehicle charging stations.

The pair of EV stations at the library are now connected to BC Hydro and ready to begin fueling – figuratively speaking. The final step before activation was to decide if they should be paid spots.

Natasha Cheong, Island community planner, presented council with the plan developed by staff and the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC). The proposal was for paid usage of the charging stations, starting at $1 an hour for the first two hours and escalating to $3 for the third and final hour.

The three hour time limit was chosen to mirror the existing limit in the library parking lot.

Cheong says using estimates of 20 hours of use a week, the municipality can expect to make about $1,260 profit a year. At the

Muni Morsels: Bite-Sized Bowen Business ALEX KURIAL Editor Council agrees to review of Snug Cove sewage funding Bowen’s chief financial officer got the go-ahead from council to develop a reworked payment plan for the Snug Cove Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades.

Kristen Watson first expressed her desire to address the contentious community issue earlier this month at a meeting of the Snug Cove Sewer Local Management Committee. The new CFO suggested rather than the original plan approved by council – where the entire $1.6 million costs of Phase 1 upgrades are split across the whole island – she’d like to see Snug Cove residents take on more of the bill.

“Snug Cove is home to the services and to the amenities that our community relies on. So I think it is fair and reasonable that some of the cost of the upgrade be attributed to all taxpayers,” says Watson.

“But I also think it’s fair and reasonable that as a local service area, property owners within that local service area (LSA) should be attributed directly with a share of the costs. I think that a shared cost model is

more consistent with the past practice of requiring that our LSA are self-funded. It’s also in line with some of the more recent utility projects that have been funded in whole by the LSA, including Tunstall Bay and the Cove Bay Water Treatment Plant,” says Watson.

Councillors agreed, and directed Watson to report back with a new payment plan. The use of general funds to pay for Phase 1 stays in place since it’s already been approved, but the increased costs for Snug Cove residents – likely though a parcel tax or user rates – will help replenish these reserves.

Time to hike up the hill again Council chambers will be hosting meetings again starting next month. With restrictions such as indoor mask wearing and capacity limits now gone, and the vaccine passport set to expire April 8, it was determined a return to in-person sessions was possible.

Technology installed during the pandemic means hybrid meetings where some councillors are remote are still an option, while also allowing for the public to watch proceedings online. Anyone can of course also attend in-person.

The April 11 council meeting was selected as the official return date.

difference in preventing permanent injuries or even death.

Council also resolved to demand a meeting with BCAS to have them explain the situation further.

Alternatives to weather the service gaps were brainstormed during the meeting, including a dedicated local paramedic unit, or scrapping BCAS altogether and using the money to train the fire department to assume Bowen’s medical emergency duties.

But Coun. Michael Kaile says the current focus should be entirely on restoring full-time ambulance service. “We have a major breakdown of an essential service, an essential service requiring qualified people 24/7. So anything else dilutes the conversation.”

“I think our focus is repairing something that is horribly broken, and not allow our conversations to go in a different direction and deviate from what we have to get done.

Which is simply, putting this service back at a level at which we need, and frankly… have every right to expect,” says Kaile.

The fire department is currently attending all emergency calls taking place while BCAS paramedics are unavailable. If a patient needs transportation to hospital on the mainland they’ll need to be transported on the ferry in a fire truck or by private vehicle. For severe injuries or emergencies there is also the option of the BCAS helicopter ambulance.

The Undercurrent asked BCAS about Edwards’ council report Tuesday morning, but did not receive any answers by press time. same rate, after a decade the charging stations will have generated more than $12,000, money which can be used to replace or upgrade them.

There was consensus the spots should be paid, but chief financial officer Kristen Watson said the fee could be increased. “$1 an hour is extraordinarily cheap.

Generally parking metres are $3 an hour and you don’t get electricity,” she says, pointing out the Village of Fruitvale in the Kootenay region charges $3 an hour.

Vancouver charges $2 an hour, while some areas of Metro Vancouver hit $5 after two hours.

“I think it’s easier to reduce it than it is to go higher once it’s there,” reasoned Watson.

“And it is an amenity that is available to the community - they could come from a power

outage at their house. It’s a fantastic amenity for people who live here, and it’s a fantastic amenity for visitors.”

After hearing from Watson, council decided to set the rate at $2 an hour for the first two hours, and $3 for the third hour.

The TAC had added their own recommendation that a 15 minute parking limit be available for all cars in the two spots, regardless of whether they’re electric or not. But council was soundly opposed to this.

“I think we should be promoting the use of electric vehicles and somebody’s who’s waiting down in the Cove for a charge probably needs it,” says Coun. Maureen Nicholson. “I think we have a lot of free parking in the Cove for other people to drive around and find.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Robert Hugh Wiltshire June 1, 1942 – February 24, 2022

Robert Hugh Wiltshire, 79, passed away on February 24, 2022, after battling cancer and Alzheimer’s. Bob was born in Burlington, Ontario, to parents Hugh O. & Caroline Wiltshire and spent his childhood in Ontario sledding, fishing, playing hockey, helping the community as a Boy Scout, and playing and gardening with his father in the backyard.

Bob had a gift for handiwork, as most on Bowen knew. His first job was in a hardware store, where he learned to enjoy working with his hands, building, and constructing. After graduating from Nelson High School, he went on to earn a 3-year Associate’s Degree in Engineering Technology from Hamilton Technical Institute.

As an adult, Bob held many careers, from working at Ford Motors to a door company, a portable housing manufacturer for the oil field, and eventually wastewater engineering.

After moving to Bowen Island in 1985, Bob came to own and manage BRS Water Services, a business which operated and maintained the island’s water systems. Bob could usually be found touring the island in his red Toyota FJ Cruiser or his white Volkswagen Vanagon, checking wells, treating water, and servicing fire hydrants, often with his children in tow. It was work like this that epitomized Bob’s character, humbly serving those around him with his actions and helping keep his loved ones out of trouble.

Bob was a quiet person, and his actions often spoke louder than his words. He was committed to the Bowen community, his four children, his then spouse Barbara and to his hobbies. His care was evident by his time spent getting his kids ready for school, shuttling them to baseball events all over B.C. and cultivating their work ethic.

Bob’s hobbies included anything with a motor. He was happiest when there were two or three cars in the driveway and a few boats in the water to tinker with.

After leaving Bowen in 2004, Bob continued his career in Texas before eventually settling in Eden, New York.

Bob is survived by his wife, Sandra; his four children: Brent (Deborah), Sheryn (Len), Mike (Alanna) and Cory (Stephanie); his seven grandchildren; Jessica, Arthur, Aurora, Landon, Wyatt, Morgan, and Zoe; his previous spouse Barbara, and numerous sisters- and brothers-in-law, and nieces and nephews.

A4 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, March 17, 2022

VIEWPOINTS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Motors & Mount Gardner Dear Editor,

Mount Gardner is the most prominent feature on Bowen Island, valued by islanders and visitors for the wilderness experience, the beauty and the quiet, that can be found walking its trails.

Protection of Mount Gardner and its use for low-impact, non-motorized recreation is supported by the official position of Bowen Island municipal council (Resolution #20-232 passed unanimously April 27, 2020), formal planning documents, and the overwhelming majority of individuals who have made their views known.

Yet the effort to secure non-motorized status for Mount Gardner has been going on for over two years without success. Now, finally, there is reason for hope.

The management of the trails on Mount Gardner has been the mandate of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, and handled by Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC).

The focus of this group, as its name states, is recreation. Unfortunately, the wants of a recreational group are not always in line with the needs of the natural environment.

I was delighted to read, in the release of British Columbia’s new budget, that RSTBC is being moved to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. When one considers the central position of Mount Gardner, not only geographically, but in the functioning of this island’s natural environment, surely an Environment Ministry will put in place the non-motorized status needed to provide longterm protection for Mount Gardner.

Sincerely, - Rosemary Knight

Poll results show Bowenians are wary of the population becoming too much larger, following a jump of 586 people in the last five years.

Hail to the Chief

It was with great sadness we were recently advised of Brian Biddlecombe’s passing. Our condolences to Leanne, his immediate family and his larger, volunteer Bowen firefighters family. Brian dearly loved and cherished Bowen Island in so many ways, which was evidenced by way of his extensive, never-ending service to the community and his participation and support for a wide range of groups, events and activities. His 11 years as Chief of our highly respected volunteer fire department is legendary, not to mention his many other years of service to that department.

As the owner of Cormorant Marine, his water taxi business was a lifeline to the community, in concert with BC Ferries, both for casual/business commutes to and from the mainland, but also for the often-needed medical emergencies, many of which occurred in the middle of the

night. And for bigger emergencies, we could always count on Cormorant’s barge service.

I cherished my dealings with Brian, who was always considerate, fair, honest and a delight with which to deal and consider as a friend. As a community we have a great deal to be thankful for and appreciate for him being amongst us.

Thank you Brian, may your kind, generous and good soul rest in peace.

- Bruce & Dorene Russell Do you have a memory of Brian Biddlecombe you’d like to share? Email us, or drop it off, and we’ll run it in our islandwide issue on March 31.

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

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 17, 2022

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A5

VIEWPOINTS

SPONSORED CONTENT

Failing the FOI test

PRIVACY CONCERNS CAN’T BE USED AS AN EXCUSE TO WITHHOLD PUBLIC INFORMATION TIM SHOULTS BC&YukonCommunityNewsMediaAssociation Ever studied for a test after taking it?

Of course not – it’s way too late.

Unfortunately, that’s what’s happening when it comes to freedom of information in B.C. Last fall, the provincial government passed Bill 22, amending the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and allowing the government to start charging a fee for FOI requests.

This month, the BC Legislative Assembly of BC’s Special Committee to Review the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act was holding hearings, as they are required to do by law every five years. With the amendment just passed, this committee was basically asked to study whether or not the barn door should be opened months after the horse had already busted right through it.

The group that represents this newspaper and more than 90 other ones like it across the province, the BC and Yukon Community NewsMedia Association, was asked to present to that committee. Here’s a version of what we told them: Our members have a combined print circulation of 1.5 million copies and adult readership of almost 2 million British Columbians every single week. Online they draw more than 11 million unique visitors and more than 33 million pageviews to their websites every month.

These media outlets deliver more than the news. The information we deliver, in print or online, provides readers with a sense of connection, of identity and of belonging to their community.

Between us, our members probably deal with more of the 2,900 organizations covered by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act than any other organization, from provincial ministries and Crown corporations to municipal governments, regional districts, health authorities, universities and school districts. In the vast majority of cases, our members are the only media covering those institutions in the communities they serve.

Freedom of Information requests are a critical tool for our members, who collectively file hundreds of requests per year for coverage which provides accountability for local institutions to our readers.

It isn’t easy work for community newsmedia reporters, who don’t have single beats to cover, or the luxury of spending weeks or even days on investigative work. Instead, stories like those come together in hundreds of stolen moments, pieces of downtime between attending council meetings, racing to take pictures or video at the local high school, covering minor hockey, laying out pages, editing copy and posting stories to websites and social media channels.

It becomes even more difficult when the FOI requests required to do that work become more challenging to file, more expensive and less productive.

With regard to fees, it goes almost without saying that in an era where traditional news media outlets, funded primarily by local advertising revenue, are competing not against other local media outlets, but against global giants like Facebook and Google, for advertising, any increase to costs is a damper on our ability to maintain the FOI requests we do make, let alone to make more.

But since the legislation is changed and those fees are in place, we’d like to focus on some other aspects of FOI. Our members’ experience has been that information – even relatively innocuous information like statistics from which it would not be possible to extrapolate anyone’s personal details – has been tightly controlled and guarded, particularly when it comes to attempting to gather information about the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years.

Our members find the complete government control of information and the narrative around the pandemic to be concerning.

Without raw facts, we have no way of knowing what we’re being told is the truth on issues of huge public importance.

Once in a while, a medical health officer will let slip a piece of information during an interview that is actually useful. But most requests funneled through media contacts simply fall into the abyss. It seems as if many people at such high levels are required to vet even the most basic request, and very little gets given out as a result, usually based on a directive from the PHO not to provide anyone’s “personal information.”

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy naturally go hand in hand – like freedom of expression or public health restrictions, they must seek a perpetual balance.

But what we are seeing is that protection of privacy is increasingly used as an excuse to curtail freedom of information even when that balance is not at risk, and that cannot stand.

We think that public information should be deemed to be public by default unless there is a compelling and truly privacy-based reason for it to be withheld.

I think Murray Rankin, a true champion of FOI in Canada and one of the fathers of B.C.’s Freedom of Information Act, said it best when he was a federal member of Parliament in 2017, speaking about changes to the federal Access to Information Act: “Information delayed is information denied.”

We’d love to hear what he thinks about what has become of FOI in B.C.’s today, but he has been a little tough to get a hold of on the subject. He is, of course, busy these as a cabinet minister in the provincial government that just imposed that new FOI charge.

If he weren’t bound by cabinet confidentiality, perhaps he might be leading the crusade to make sure freedom of information stays truly free.

We need to retake that test.

Tim Shoults is Vice-President of the BC and Yukon Community NewsMedia Association and Operations Manager of Aberdeen Publishing. He is based in Kamloops.

When Vladimir Putin triggered his invasion of Ukraine, he not only initiated an unprovoked war on the sovereign, democratic state of Ukraine, he issued a direct challenge to the peace and security of Europe, to liberal democracies, and the international rules-based system.

With the second largest diaspora of Ukrainians in the world, this is personal for many Canadians. As one of the over 1.3 million Canadians with roots in Ukraine, it is true for me as well. In the face of overwhelming odds, the world has been inspired by the courageous response of Ukrainians to the barbaric attack on their homeland. In the past few weeks, we have seen the Western World rally to support our Ukrainian friends in a show of solidarity not seen in decades.

Canada continues to play a leading role in this effort through financial, humanitarian, and military support, and most importantly, through punishing economic sanctions on Russia to deprive its ability to finance this illegal war.

Canada has provided $120 million in sovereign loans to support the Ukrainian economy in response to Russian aggression. A total of $150 million in humanitarian assistance has been sent to Ukraine, and we have matched every donation made by individual Canadians to the Canadian Red Cross.

Canada has provided rocket launchers, anti-tank weapons systems, ammunition, as well as rations, body armour, satellite capability, and much more. We are also bolstering our support for NATO, sending an additional 460 personnel to join the approximately 800 currently deployed in Europe.

Canada has closed its airspace, its waters, and ports to Russian vessels, banned imports of crude oil, and cancelled all export permits.

In coordination with our G7 allies, Russian banks have been removed from the SWIFT payment network, a critical part of the global financial system, and we have implemented restrictions against the Russian Central Bank and 27 key financial institutions.

Putin and Russian oligarchs have had assets frozen, and a bill is in the Senate that would allow redirection of their assets held in Canada.

We are also continuing to assist Ukrainian Canadians, their family members, and refugees with all immigration matters. Canada is waiving fees and prioritizing applications for Ukrainians who want to reunite or travel with family, study, work or start a new life in Canada. We also created the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel that will eliminate most of the normal visa requirements and allow Ukrainians to stay in Canada for up to two years with open work permits. A dedicated immigration service channel for Ukraine enquiries can be reached at 613-321-4243.

I have been heartened by the thousands of emails, calls, and messages I have received across our community standing in solidarity with Ukraine. I want to recognize Jaime Webbe from West Vancouver, head of the United Nations Association in Canada, who has organized a fundraising campaign to help Ukrainian refugees. Their work is an important part of Canada’s humanitarian efforts.

If you have the means to support one of the over two million Ukrainians who have fled their homeland, I encourage you to donate or visit our Sponsor a Refugee webpage.

As Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland put it, this is one of those times, and one of those places, where freedom confronts tyranny. We are determined that freedom will triumph, and it will.

Slava Ukraini.

MP Weiler attending a Solidary with Ukraine event with fellow MPs and staffers on Parliament Hill on Monday, Feb. 28, 2022

A6 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, March 17, 2022

Cultural Corner becoming reality

SHARED SPACE WILL OFFER MANY COMMUNITY PROGRAMS BETWEEN THE LIBRARY AND HEARTH

BOWEN ISLAND LIBRARY The Library and the Hearth Gallery will soon be swapping out orange fencing for sunny benches, a new plaza, and fresh landscaping. Work will begin shortly on the Snug Cove Cultural Corner, a project that expands the outdoor community space in the Cove, and provides a sheltered structure for Library and Hearth events such as art demonstrations, live performances, and author readings. South facing and with delightful views of Snug Cove Marina, the new space will be an aesthetically beautiful gathering place for all members of the community to relax, learn, share, and connect.

Designed by local Tectonic Architecture, the project features a covered programming area, new pathways and lighting, additional benches and seating areas, and landscape work around the Library Annex and Hearth Gallery to finish off the final phase of the Cove Commons project that began in 2018. In consultation with the Snug Cove Advisory Design Panel, the historical façade and front lawn of the library will remain the same, with some additional benches for folks to soak up the sun while they watch the ferry roll in.

The creation of outdoor public space has always been part of the shared Cove Commons plan for the Library and Arts Council. Both the 2017 Vital Conversations report from the Community Foundation and the renewed Cultural Plan from the Arts Council identified public priorities for cultural events and gathering spaces in Snug Cove. In response to these studies, and from additional community engage-

An artist rendition of the finished outdoor Cultural Corner outside the Library and Hearth. / Tectonic Architecture image ment during the Cove Commons planning, the idea for the Cultural Corner was born.

The Bowen Island Public Library Foundation, in partnership with the Bowen Island Arts Council, were successful in a provincial grant application which covers the entire project, from initial design to final planting. In the next few weeks construction will begin on the Cove Commons grounds, and is estimated to be completed by late spring.

The Library and the Hearth Gallery are thrilled to pro-

vide this community space, and appreciate the community’s patience while construction is underway. Access to the Library and Hearth will remain open for the duration of the work.

We are grateful for the support of Mayor and Council, and the many Municipal staff that have helped to make this project a reality. We look forward to the opportunity to provide space for Islanders to come together, attend events, and enjoy the beautiful place that we are so privileged to call home.

Together, we’re building a In good times and tough times, British Columbians take care of each other.

The BC Government is taking action to build a StrongerBC together.

Budget 2022 includes new investments to support people by: ▪ Lowering child care fees by 50% for kids under six ▪ Reducing surgical wait times ▪ Expanding access to training for jobs in health care, technology and skilled trades ▪ Fighting climate change with over $1 billion in new funding for CleanBC

Action today. A plan for tomorrow.

L E A R N M O R E AT *Terms and conditions apply

StrongerBC.ca

Thursday, March 17, 2022

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A7

VIEWPOINTS Bowen benefit for Ukraine

We are getting ready for a fabulous evening in support of the good people of Ukraine. On Saturday, March 19th at Cates Hill Chapel the show, studded with your favourite Bowen performers, starts at 7 and the Silent Auction opens at 6. You would not believe the amazing items we have for the auction… well, you would believe it because you know the size of the generous hearts of Bowen Islanders.

So come out. Enjoy amazing tunes; bring cash to buy yummy treats and to cover your donation at the door. Bring your check book, or you can etransfer your payment, for likely the Best Silent Auction you’ve wandered through in a while.

Entry to the event is by donation. All proceeds go to the Red Cross. If you have any questions, please contact Lorraine Ashdown at 778-688-2061 or Ellen MacIntosh at 778-227-1918. If you would care to etransfer a donation, you can send it to lorraineashdown@gmail.com and it will be deposited into a special account designated only for this particular fundraiser.

Although masks are no longer mandatory, we strongly recommend that they be worn. It will be a large crowd and

Won’t somebody think of the children?

Dear editor,

the purpose of a mask is to say, “I care about you and you care about me.”

Proof of vaccination will be required at the door. You can show us your paper copy or you can show us your QR code.

Either is acceptable.

Many thanks. Can’t wait to see you all. This is simply the Best Community. We know how to raise money for a good cause and we know how to have fun. A powerful combo.It will be so good to be together.

- Lorraine Ashdown Ellen MacIntosh

Do you have an idea that will enrich your neighbourhood and help connect people on Bowen

Small grants. Beautiful ideas.

$50 to $500 grants to bring your project to life.

I felt terrible as I watched the trees being cut down to make space for the community centre. I took a survey at my school, BICS, and found 2 things. One is that only one-third of the kids at my school want the community centre, the second one is that none of them had a choice.

My brother collected almost a hundred signatures from kids who disagree with cutting down the trees for the community centre. My proposal for future projects like this is that the kids be fully consulted. If we are not consulted, it will be our generation that bears the economical and environmental consequences.

Sincerely, - Max Beals, Grade 6 student at BICS

Low Hanging Fruit Project

Neighbourhood Basketball Hoop

The Menorah Project

The Bruces’ Garden Captains Way Colour

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.

Tunstall Bay Street Library

FAST TURNAROUND ON DECISIONS SO YOU CAN START YOUR PROJECT RIGHT AWAY.

APPLICATIONS OPEN MARCH 15, 2022 https://bowenfoundation.com/neighbourhood-small-grants/

Have any questions? Contact Lisa at nsg@bowenfoundation.com or 778-835-6802

A8 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, March 17, 2022

April 30 x 30 Outside Challenge is back!

BOWEN ISLAND TRAIL SOCIETY We are challenging you to get outside for a minimum of 30 min every day in April.

You can hike, run, bike, golf, garden, swim, paddle, ride a horse, or even walk your goats.... as long as you do it outside!

Weekly random draw prizes will be up for grabs no matter what the speed, distance, pace, or activity.

We will send you an April 30 X 30 calendar to keep track of your progress and you will be eligible for the weekly draw prizes.

Follow along on social (@bowenislandtrailsociety), and tag us #bitsapril30x30 New this Year: Wrap up Party for April 30 X 30 participants on May 1, 2022 at the Bowen Island Golf Course: featuring more draw prizes and a drink and sandwich special to celebrate @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm.

Sign up on email starting March 25, 2022 at bowenislandtrailsociety@gmail.com Participation in the challenge is free for Bowen Island Trail Society Members, which includes one of our new Bowen Trail Society hats, or $10 for non-members.

Membership details can be found on our website: www.bowenislandtrailsociety.ca See you outside and on the trails!

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

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 17, 2022

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A9

Join the Catching Stars Gallery Team!

KATHLEEN AINSCOUGH & EMILIE KAPLUN Catching Stars Gallery Are you passionate about the arts? Looking for a way to connect with like-minded people in a creative and stimulating environment? Love the idea of supporting the arts and artists in the community?

Catching Stars Gallery is seeking a new Member to join the team in fulfilling the vision of the cooperative.

The gallery will soon celebrate its fourth successful and profitable year of operation and has welcomed in many amazing artists during that time. Come and join Emilie Kaplun and Kathleen Ainscough as we embark on the fifth year of this amazing Gallery. The potential candidate would ideally possess a love and appreciation of the arts and a solid business foundation.

Members are the Owners and Directors of the Cooperative and take an active role in handling sales, sharing in the business management, shop maintenance and other related duties. Membership is for those who have an interest in becoming a shareholder, are responsible for the governance and administration of the Association, and to reap the benefits of helping to guide the Gallery forward. Members are eligible to receive year end profits, as well as retain a larger percentage of art sales.

The start of the year has brought some new beginnings and January and February have been stellar months despite this normally being the quieter time of the year. What a great way to start off the year! We are excited about the upcoming tourist season and a spring and summer full of art and social connection.

There are now over 50 artists represented at Catching Stars Gallery with most of them being from Bowen Island.

When you enter the gallery you will meet the Associates who work in the gallery and are the front line, lifeblood, and backbone of Catching Stars Gallery. Associates receive a larger percentage of their art sales in exchange for volun-

teering shifts in the gallery and having a dedicated space to display their work. This model allows the gallery to be open daily and gives locals and tourists alike the opportunity to meet the artists, purchase unique artworks and support the creative community.

New works by Marie Neys (who was one of the founding members of Catching Stars Gallery and is now an Associate), will be featured from March 15 to 29. These new designs are inspired by the Salish Sea and are in the form of paintings, prints, keepsake boxes and textiles. Marie will be in the gallery Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 18, 19 and 20 and will be happy to give you a guided tour!

Recently welcomed into the Catching Stars artist family are two artists: Maria Curcic is a Canadian Milliner based in Victoria who has been designing hats and headpieces since 1985. Paris born, with a strong European appreciation for fashion and style, Maria began creating hats for high end boutiques in Canada and the U.S. in the early 1990s. Today, Maria focuses her attention on custom creations, from everyday wear to hats for any occasion. Check out her amazing hats next time you’re in the Gallery or on the website.

Mitchell Bell of Clunk Art Manufacturing started with a passion for creating and crafting various home decor and small furniture items for family and friends. Since then, an idea for a Mother’s Day gift has evolved into one of Clunk Art’s signature pieces: a decorative wooden lamp with interchangeable slat designs for every season and mood. Clunk Art Manufacturing designs are inspired by the beautiful, natural West Coast of British Columbia and focus on sustainability and maximize the use of each piece of wood. Every item is mindfully handmade in Vancouver, BC. Choose from a selection of slats with seasonal and fun designs to customize your new Clunk Art lamp!

Interested in finding out more? We would love to hear from you. Check out the website submissions page at www.catchingstarsgallery.com or email us with your questions and to set up an appointment to meet with us at info@catchingstarsgallery.com

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

Have you wondered about how to create the best possible soil in your garden using research based methods to improve quality, promote movement of air and water and prevent compaction and deficiencies in plant nutrients?

“Sustainable Soils” will be the next Bowen Island Garden Club Guest Speaker presentation.

Dr Linda Chalker-Scott, Horticulturist, researcher, Faculty member at Washington State University and horticultural ‘Myth Buster’ will address myths associated with creating and maintaining sustainable soils. Linda is also the award-winning author of five books. Her latest book is an update of Art Kruckeberg’s Gardening with Native Plants of the Pacific Northwest (2019), which has won several national awards since its publication.

This is a Zoom presentation open only to members of the Bowen Island Garden Club.

Membership info: bowenislandgardenclub.ca

See you on Zoom Monday March 21 at 7 pm

Patient of the Week

FOR SALE BY OWNER

2 BDRM 1-1/2 BATH $725,000 Belterra Cohousing

Bowen Island Garden Club Presents: Sustainable Soils Speaker: Linda Chalker-Scott Date/time: Monday, March 21, 2022 at 7 pm via Zoom

BABS Meet Babs! Babs was recently adopted into a loving home on Bowen and is the sweetest girl. She came to Bowen Vet for a quick check and left with a clean bill of health. Getting health checks post-adoption is a great way to ensure you won’t run into any unexpected health issues with your new family member.

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

To schedule appointments, please call

604.947.9247

or email reception@bowenvet.com

A10 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, March 17, 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

PRACTICAL NURSING

SPROTTSHAW.COM

SUDOKU

BC WIDE CLASSIFIEDS MOVING

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

THANK YOU FOR RECYCLING THIS NEWSPAPER.

ANSWERS

@BowUndercurrent

@bowenislandundercurrent.com

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

To advertise here please call 604-9472442

at the entrance to Artisan Square Suite 597 7

Book online at bowenislandwellnesscentre.ca

or email ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, March 17, 2022

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A11

COMMUNITY CALENDAR FRIDAY, MARCH 18

MONDAY, MARCH 21

TO MARCH 29

Make Some Waves: New Works by Marie Neys Inspired by the Salish Sea! At the Catching Stars Gallery.

CatchingStarsGallery.com / Unit 1-479 Bowen Island Trunk Rd, Bowen Island, BC / (778) 956-9991. Open daily 11 - 5

Legion Dinner - 5:30 PM The Legion will be hosting a delicious meal of meat and vegetarian lasagna with salad and scrumptious chocolate caramel cake for dessert. This will be an in person, sit-down dinner served buffet style. See you there!

Bowen Island Garden Club Presents: Sustainable Soils Speaker: Linda Chalker-Scott, 7 pm via Zoom. Have you wondered about how to create the best possible soil in your garden using research based methods?

SATURDAY, MARCH 19

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.

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.

MONDAY, MARCH 28

Rotary ShelterBox fundraiser for Ukraine - 10 AM to 2 PM In Snug Cove.

Bowen Benefit for Ukraine Concert Cates Hill Chapel. Silent Auction at 6 followed by concert at 7. MC: David Cameron. Admission by donation, all proceeds go to Red Cross. See Page 7 for more details.

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

Rotary Club of Bowen Island at Artisan Eats - 7:30 PM Speaker: Dr. Charles McNeill, Senior Advisor, Forests & Climate to UN Environmental Programme. His topic is Climate Change. See bowenrotary.com for further details.

THURSDAY, MARCH 31

APRIL 2 & 3

SUNDAY APRIL 24

Fix-It Fair - 11 AM to 2 PM If you’d like to volunteer for the event please contact Shasta Martinuk at shastamartinuk@gmail.com, or 604-314-9097.

BOWEN HOME SERVICES love the life you live NEW CONSTRUCTION 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

Landscape Lighting Irrigation

Seascape Bruce Culver

Office: 604-947-9686

Cell: 604-329-3045

Window Blinds On Bowen 778-995-1902 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

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

BOWEN ISLAND ROOFING ROOFING & REPAIRS

604-987-7663

Trade ticket certified #00012-RO-96

Michael Bingham • 604 947 1717 ianditowhaul@gmail.com

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

A12 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, March 17, 2022

B.C. axes mask requirements; vax cards to go in April TYLER ORTON Business in Vancouver B.C. jumped on board with other provinces and lifted orders first thing March 11 requiring people to mask up in public spaces such as Canucks games, concerts and restaurants.

The province also revealed it plans to axe vaccine cards as of April 8.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry had hinted in the past few weeks such requirements might be loosened

after a review from health officials.

“Our approach has always been to only have the minimum necessary restrictions to keep people safe that prevent the transmission, particularly to those who are more susceptible to severe illness with COVID-19,” she said during a briefing March 10, adding British Columbians should be prepared for some of these measures to return if need be.

“I recognize the changes we’re announcing today will make some people very uncomfortable.”

Masks will still be required in health-care settings, physicians’ offices and patient contact areas.

But once students and staff return from spring break in their respective school districts in the coming weeks, they will have the option of choosing whether or not to wear a mask.

While mask requirements are also being lifted for transit services, Henry said she still planned to mask up while she’s on transit and encouraged other British Columbians to do so as well.

She acknowledged that organizations such as TransLink and BC Ferries could implement their own mask or vaccine card requirements if they so wished.

Bridgitte Anderson, CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, said the easing of these pandemic-era measures is “very welcome news” for the business community.

“Every workplace and individual will go at their own pace, and some businesses may decide to continue to utilize mask policies and the vaccine card longer than required by public health. It is critical that everyone exercises patience and compassion as we collectively navigate these changes,” she said in a statement.

The province is also doing away with capacity limits on faith gatherings and restrictions on overnight child and youth camps.

Long-term care visits will be restored March 18.

“Over the coming week, all the care-home operators will communicate with families around their plans,” Henry said.

“Some facilities will be ready tomorrow, others it may take a little bit longer to ramp up their ability to cope with larger numbers of visitors coming in.”

The B.C. vaccine card program had been slated to expire Jan. 31 but was instead extended that same month to June 30.

Henry had said repeatedly since January that the vaccine card program could be lifted prior to June if circumstances changed.

The loosening of such restrictions come amid falling COVID-19 cases in B.C. after the province experienced record highs leading into the holidays and beyond with the emergence of the highly contagious Omicron variant of COVID-19.

B.C. previously lifted mask requirements in June 2021 – a period during which far fewer British Columbians were vaccinated – amid declining cases. Those mask mandates were restored soon after amid growing case numbers last summer.

Meanwhile, hospitalizations have fallen for 25 consecutive data updates from the province, and more than 90 per cent of British Columbians 12 and older have received two vaccine doses as of March 9.

“Our risks now are much lower. They’re not zero and we’re not fully out of this yet,” Henry said.

She also revealed that deliveries of the recently approved Novavax vaccine have been delayed after telling British Columbians in early March those deliveries were expected to arrive within days.

Henry said the protein-based vaccine may not arrive until the end of March.

Last month the province said it would require all health professionals to be fully vaccinated by March 24 but Henry said it would now be taking a “more nuanced” approach to this mandate based on the type of professional.

Health professionals subject to that initial mandate ranged from dentists to massage therapists.

Henry said the province would be working with the health professional colleges to determine which specific workers would need to be fully vaccinated.

Electric vehicles only

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

“I don’t think that the 15 minute option is especially useful or enforceable,” says Coun. Maureen Nicholson, while Coun. Alison Morse added she’s “totally opposed to having them be used for anything other than charging.”

Coun. David Hocking, a member of the TAC, says the 15 minute idea came from concerns over the spot not being used.

“It’s a really prime parking spot... we just didn’t want to have that spot empty all the time and people saying ‘Oh my goodness, this whole thing is just silly’, because it’s taking up a good spot.”

But ultimately Hocking joined the rest of his colleagues in abandoning this idea. The spot therefore can only be used by electric vehicles who are actively charging.