A friend reminds us –Democracy dies in silence

Dear Editor,

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News delivered via a Freedom of Information request documents a year of facilitation by Council’s Metro Vancouver representatives in order to achieve a purchase of the Cape on Bowen for the purpose of a camping park Whether we believe the park or the camping are a net benefit or a disaster, our modern expectations of democracy involve citizen consultation as a constitutional right to Good Government

The ” cover ” for undemocratic behavior has been justified by the private nature of a real estate agreement between Metro Vancouver and the Cape on Bowen And therein lies evidence of a over politicalized Metro governance model. As Canadians, we are more than familiar with the deceptive strategies that claim economic significance pre-empts substantial costs to ecosystems and communities.

The too familiar modus operandi is to get approvals as quickly as possible before the public has time to get organized The implied assumption is that the project is too far along in the approval process for revision

Now we confront the same dynamic on our tiny rock in the UNESCO Biosphere Does Metro truly require these tactics just to develop a “recreational project?” It makes me wonder whether the proponents knew this was a bad plan for Bowen and applied the time tested strategy of pre-emption against us?

But why? That is an interesting question Bowen residents are remarkable for their active participation in government at all levels. We take participatory democracy seriously and engage with intelligence and constructive energy through our letters, presentations to Council and service on Advisory Committees.

Metro is now caught in a maelstrom of their own political making and it needs a clean-up.

- Betty Morton

Thursday, March 9 & Friday, March 10

Metro Vancouver public engagement sessions

Virtual webinars will include a presentation and opportunity to ask questions and talk to the Metro Van team about the proposed park at Cape Roger Curtis. Registration info available on the Metro Vancouver website. The March 9 session is from 5 to 7 pm, and the March 10 session from 10 am to Noon (12 pm)

Thursday, March 9 & Friday, March 10

IPS presents ‘Nailed It’

An evening of satirical shorts. 6:30 to 8:30 pm, doors open at 6. Free shuttle bus leaves Snug Cove at 6:15 pm and returns at 9 pm. Cates Hill Chapel, tickets $15. All ages show.

Thursday, March 9

Game Night! At the Bowen Library

5 to 7:30 pm Drop in for all ages, family-friendly games, including cards & board games Bring your own games too

Friday, March 10

Dinner at the Legion

Legion royalty comes to the kitchen with Kelsey KnipeHagert and her chicken enchiladas Vegetarion option available though it is limited Doors at 5:30 pm, dinner at 6:30

Friday, March 10

Karaoke 3 at the Legion

Warm up those vocal cords and get set for a night of singing and fun. The show starts at 8 and goes until late

Monday, March 13

Regular Council Meeting

Starting at 6:15 pm Attend in person at Municipal Hall or follow the livestream on the municipality’s YouTube page

Monday, March 13

Rotary Speaker Series

Our guest speaker is RCMP Cpl. Adam Koehle Cpl Koehle took charge of the Bowen Island RCMP detachment