Bowen Island Undercurrent September 21 2023

TOP BARKS: It was all about the pups at the Dog Days Resurgence on Sept 10. The festival, originally planned for August but postponed, was finally able to go ahead to the delight of dozens of dogs and their owners The beloved pets competed in a range of categories, from longest tail to best trick to biggest bark. To see more of these four-legged stars, check out Pages 20 & 21. / Alex Kurial photo

BI Conservancy pursues partnership with Municipality

ALEX KURIAL Editor

The Bowen Island Conservancy presented their plans to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bowen Island Municipality (BIM) last week.

Conservancy president Owen Plowman outlined the proposed MOU during a delegation to council on Sept 11. The group, which performs a range of conservation work on the island including managing the Wild Coast Nature Refuge at the Cape, as well as the Fairy Fen and Singing Woods Nature Reserves for Islands Trust, reached out to BIM earlier this year with the idea of a more formal working relationship

“We are doing work together, but we also recognize that the current board won’t be around for perpetuity, and neither will this council. So we would like to ensure that we have some sort of written document which provides the framework for working together as we go forward, just so everybody remembers it,” explained Plowman on why an MOU was preferable to the current informal partnership between the Conservancy and BIM.

Some of the main exchanges of work would include the Conservancy acting as advisors for covenants or rezoning applications, or performing hands-on work through trail maintenance BIM meanwhile would help with issues on Conservancy land such as signs, bylaw enforcement, or parking and bike racks, and also consider some of these lands for property tax exemptions.

BIM expressed their support for signing the MOU “The Conservancy and BIM’s interests are well-aligned. An MOU will formalize our collaborative relationship and create an understanding of how each party can support the other to achieve our shared goals,” wrote manager of environment and parks Carla Skuce Council voted unanimously to enter into the agreement

Events

AllCouncilmeetingsareopen tothepublictoattendin personorelectronically,unless notedotherwise

September 25, 2023

1:00 pm

RegularCouncilMeeting

Traffic Notice

RoadClosure: WoodsRd

September25-29

8:00am-5:00pm

Paving: MtGardnerRd

September25-29

7:30am-5:00pm

wwwbowenislandmunicipality ca/alerts/

Work with us

FacilityManager

Newpositiontooverseethe openingandoperationsofthe CommunityCentre

AdminAssistant

BIMhasavacancyfor atemporarypart-time AdministrativeAssistantinour frontoffice.

Roads&ParksCrew

BIMhasanimmediateopening foratemporaryRoadsand

ParksOperationsCrewperson

Formoreinformationandpay rate:

www.bowenislandmunicipality. ca/work-with-us

Metro Vancouver: Solid Waste Management Plan Update

MetroVancouverisupdatingthesolidwastemanagementplanandare engagingthepublictohelpbuildavisionandguidingprinciplesforthe newplan

MetroVancouverisresponsibleforwastereduction,recyclingplanning, andtheoperationofmultiplesolidwastefacilitiesintheregion

https://metrovancouverorg/services/solid-waste/solid-wastemanagement-plan-update

Don’t get caught on the wrong side of a road closure

It’stheseasonforroadworksonBowenIsland Don’tgetcaughtonthe wrongsideofaroadclosure GetnotifificationsthroughAlertableso youcan planahead.

BIMcommunicatesabouttrafficnoticesinseveralways:

• Alertable-downloadtheAlertableapponyourdevice,andmake surethatyoursettingsallowadvisorynotifications Thisisthemain waythatwecommunicatetrafficnotices.

• Checkout“alerts”onourwebpage

• Socialmedia:FollowusonFacebook

• Contractorsgodoortodoorwithprintedflyersforentireroad closures

Questions?ContactPublicWorksbyemailatpublicworks@bimbccaor call604-947-4255ext3

wwwbowenislandmunicipalityca/road-closure-notifications/

Get

Fall Clean-Up

BowenWasteSolutionsisofferingaFallSpecialClean-Upserviceanda HazardousMaterialsandPaintRecyclingday

FallClean-UpwillbebyappointmentonlyOct2-Oct7

Herearethesteps:

1 BuyadumpticketfromtheGeneralStorebySep27

2 CallBowenWastetobookyourappointmentbySep29

3. Dropoffyourmaterialsattheappointedtime

wwwbowenislandmunicipalityca/clean-up-days/

Capital Project Update:

Cove Bay Water Treatment Plant

BIMstaffhavecontinuedrigoroustestingoftheCoveBayWater TreatmentPlantaspartofthecommissioningprocessoverthesummer Staffencounteredhighturbidityreadingsanddeterminedthatthese readingswerenottheresultofinstrumentation,butthatbothfilter modulesarenotworkingasexpected. Itwasdeterminedthatthereare manufacturingdefectswithseveraloftheceramictubesthatmakeup thetwofiltermodules Purificswillbereplacingalltheceramictubesin bothfiltermodulesunderwarranty,andtheyexpectthatitwilltaketwo tothreemonthstocomplete

Inthemeantime,staffwillcontinuetoseekasolutionthatallowsthe watertreatmentplanttobeputintoservicesooner,withonefilter moduleonly,withoutcompromisingthedrinkingwaterqualitystandard requiredbyVancouverCoastalHealthandislandresidents.

wwwbowenislandmunicipalityca/capital-projects/

We’re hiring:

Facility Manager for the Community Centre

TheFacilityManagerisanet-newpositionatBowenIslandMunicipality, taskedwithoverseeingthesuccessfulopeningandoperationsofthe newBowenIslandCommunityCentrefacility

Thesuccessfulincumbentwillbringahighlevelofprofessionalism, technicalexpertise,demonstratedleadershipandinterpersonalskills, andpracticalexperienceinsimilarorrelatedroles

Basedonoperationalneedsandcapacity,thisrolemayexpandto provideadditionaloversighttoothermunicipallyownedandoperated facilitiesinthefuture

Theworkisvariedandinvolvesflexibleworkinghoursincluding weekendsandeveningsandtheManagerisrequiredtowork35hours perweek.

Formoreinformationreadthefulljobdescription:

wwwbowenislandmunicipalityca/work-with-us

Toapplyforthisposition,pleasesubmityourresumeandcoverletterto theattentionof:

KatStephens HumanResourcesCoordinator

Email:hr@bimbcca

Phone:604-947-4255ext.226

Mail/in-person:981ArtisanLane,BowenIslandBCV0N1G2

Thepositionwillbeadvertiseduntilitisfilled.

ISLAND NEWS Council plans meet withTrust Executive Committee

ISLANDS TRUST EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER SOCIAL IMPACTS OF CAMPGROUND

ALEX KURIAL Editor

Bowen Island council will meet with the Islands Trust Executive Committee prior to Oct 24 to discuss the group ’ s assessment of the proposed Cape Roger Curtis park bylaw amendments

The bylaw application by Metro Vancouver is required to allow overnight camping at their newly-purchased 97 hectares of land at the Cape, and requires amendments to both Bowen’s Official Community Plan (OCP) and Land Use Bylaw (LUB). During their Aug. 25 meeting the Islands Trust Executive Committee (ITEC) identified 10 parts of the potential bylaw changes which ran contrary to the group ’ s policy statement

In a response letter to the ITEC, Mayor Andrew Leonard wrote he “largely agrees with many of their comments and concerns, ” saying the issues raised are ones Bowen’s council has been discussing amongst themselves and with Metro Vancouver. Though the mayor added that “What I didn’t see at the ITEC was a cou-

ple of things: one was a consideration of the work that this council has already done between the drafting of first reading and the July 10 Committee of the Whole” This includes a list of additional conditions chosen at that meeting the municipality would like to see MetroVan fulfill as part of their application. MetroVan recently responded to the list, which will be discussed at Bowen’s next council meeting on Monday

The ITEC was particularly concerned over the social impacts a campground could have on the island. Leonard pointed out that many other islands under the Islands Trust umbrella have their own campsites and other recreation amenities “How are high versus low-use recreational facilities and their associated social impacts determined?” was another question the mayor felt the ITEC needed to address in more detail.

The mayor said he hopes the yet-to-be scheduled meeting can take place in-person, adding council has already been trying to meet with the ITEC for several months on other matters including the opinion poll in last year ’ s municipal election Manager of planning and develop-

ment Daniel Martin said he feels some of the ITEC’s concerns could be addressed during that meeting, but others are more challenging “The ITEC reviewed the referral and viewed that a campground that allows 460 campers changes the character of the community. That’s the ITEC determination that it doesn’t meet their policy statement, so it’s challenging to address without changing the scale of the development proposal,” he pointed out as one example

While looking forward to the meeting, Leonard says he doesn’t want council and

staff to be doing all the work on the application. “We’ve spent a lot of time on this, and I don’t know how much more time we can spend on this before some kind of resolution is had. But what I do not want us to be getting in the middle of is really what the Islands Trust says is non-compliant and then working on behalf of an applicant (MetroVan) – who we still don’t know what their intentions are – to make something compliant,” said Leonard, stating the Islands Trust or MetroVan need to figure out what would make the bylaw application compliant

NOTICE OF 2023 TAX SALE

Pursuanttosection645oftheLocalGovernmentAct,thefollowingproperties willbeofferedforsalebypublicauctiontobeheldat10:00amintheCouncil ChambersatBowenIslandMunicipalHall,981ArtisanLane,BowenIsland,BC onMonday,September25,2023.

ThefollowingpropertieswillbeincludedintheSaleunlessdelinquenttaxes, plusinterest,aresoonerpaid:

*Pursuanttos.646oftheLocalGovernmentAct,Councilhasapprovedthreereadings ofabylawtoexempttheseCrownownedpropertiesfromtheAnnualTaxSale.Itis expectedthatCouncilwilladoptthebylawinadvanceofthetaxsale,andthese propertieswillnotbeincludedinthe2023TaxSale.

NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS

Anypersonuponbeingdeclaredthesuccessfulbiddermustimmediatelypaybycash orcertifiedchequeaminimumofnotlessthantheupsetprice.Failuretopaythis amountwillresultinthepropertypromptlybeingofferedforsaleagain.

Anybalancemustbepaidbycashorcertifiedchequeby4:00pmthesameday.Failure topaythebalancewillresultinthepropertybeingofferedforsaleagainat10:00amthe followingday.

BowenIslandMunicipalitymakesnorepresentationexpressorimpliedastothe conditionorqualityofthepropertiesbeingofferedforsale.Prospectivepurchasersare urgedtoinspectthepropertiesandmakeallnecessaryinquiriestomunicipalandother governmentdepartments,andinthecaseofstratalotstothestratacorporation,to determinetheexistenceofanybylaws,restrictions,chargesorotherconditionswhich mayaffectthevalueorsuitabilityoftheproperty

Purchasersarefurtheradvisedthatpropertiessoldattaxsalearesubjecttoa redemptionperiodofoneyearwherebytheregisteredpropertyownerorregistered chargeholdermayredeemtheirpropertysoldattaxsalebypayingtheupsetpriceplus applicableinterest.

ThepurchaseofataxsalepropertyissubjecttotaxunderthePropertyTransferTax Actonthefairmarketvalueoftheproperty

Questions?Emailfinance@bimbc.caorcall604-947-4255ext.8

EDITORIAL

VIEWPOINTS A+ Feedback

Thank you everybody, as always, for your great response to our Island-Wide paper callout We received a flurry of great submissions, from an important art sale at the Nook, to a new Food Fest starting on Friday, and some racquet action too. See it all in the pages this week! It is always cool to see such a wide range of activities on the island, with many taking advantage of the final few days of the official summer season to squeeze in the fun

Saturday, September 30 is Truth and Reconciliation Day, an important time to learn and reflect on the devastating impact of Residential Schools on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples over the course of Canada’s history, and also discover more about the cultures of these groups and what you can do to contribute to reconciliation moving forward. There are many ways to work toward this goal, both big and small

Some local opportunities here on Bowen include the return of the hummingbird silkscreen print as part of a ReconciliACTION event at the Library on Sept 30 Local artist Simon Winadzi James will give opening remarks at 10 am, followed by an opportunity to learn more about the 94 Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, a detailed way to become involved in the work ahead. Later on at Meadowbrook Market a ceremony recognizing the day will take place after the conclusion of the Apple Harvest Festival, around 2 pm You can also find many more avenues to pursue the other 364 days of the year, with resources such as the Library a perfect place to learn more Take a look and see which course of action is right for you

Have a great week everyone, and see you next Thursday for our final issue of September!

- Alex Kurial, Editor

#102–495 BowenTrunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC,V0N 1G0 Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148 bowenislandundercurrent com

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 Bowen Island Trunk Road, 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

National NewsMedia Council.

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

PUBLISHER Matt Blair publisher@bowenisland undercurrent

CARTOONIST Ron Woodall

ADVERTISING Tracey Wait ads@bowenisland undercurrent com

EDITOR Alex Kurial editor@bowenisland

VIEWPOINTS

Too Many Letters

Who knew Bowen folks were such prolific letter writers!?

An avalanche of studies, confusing protocols, deceptive engagement sessions, and ferry disasters has plagued Bowen residents this past summer As each fiasco unfolds, yes – we write another heartfelt letter. Multiple copies of letters accrue, attached to referrals as they make their way from Council out to committees, and back to Council, with copies to Metro Parks and Islands Trust The tail gets longer with each step

More than one Council member has mentioned the LETTERS that cause Agenda packets to run well beyond a hundred pages We feel your pain. We Citizens are reading those packets too And worrying that we ’ ve written so many letters and yet nothing has changed. Government is slow. Protocols need to be followed. Studies parsed. Due process given.

With the Cape Roger Curtis episode playing out across three bureaucracies, it’s beginning to line up like a mythic drama featuring Metro Vancouver (the protagonist), Bowen Municipality (the underdog,) and Islands Trust (the Knight Errant) wait what?? Make that Islands Trust (the Sage) and the generous donors of Bowen Conservancy the (Knights Errant!)

Meanwhile, our community rode the gong show that was this summer. We attend-

A Long History of Camping

ed “Engagement sessions” and watched Council meetings We wore “I’m in the NO Camp” buttons and sported bumper stickers We signed the “I’m in the No Camp” petition, and yes – we wrote letters “This can’t be our future!” is what Bowen residents say in so many different ways

Is a letter, even a form letter, such a bad thing? We see a polarized outside world where mainstreaming of far-right ideologies and politics has changed the way people talk to each other And believe that we are fortunate to live on an island where we care about each other and feel safe enough to express our point of view, regardless of the platform Isn’t writing letters of all kinds, petitions and just “showing up ” a fundamental aspect of democratic participation that allows us to voice our concerns, hold leaders accountable, influence policy decisions, and actively engage in the political process?

Let’s celebrate our passionate and caring community by reading their letters when we have time and writing one too if we have something to contribute We can choose to value letters that help us see community challenges in different ways from our own view, alert us to events we might have missed, and highlight news that we can all celebrate Yeah, for letters!

- Betty Morton & Don Shafer

Bowen Island has been a transient campground for thousands of years Most times properly managed, and beneficial to all concerned. The recent attempt by an off-island entity to force camping in the most careless of ways, ignoring the establish traditions and functionality of proper planning needs to be addressed. Fortunately there is a simple solution that will benefit the whole island community!

A couple of thousand years ago the waters around the island were frequented by the First Peoples of the coast The land we now call Bowen was used as a seasonal meeting place, a campground, a place to resolve issues and plan territories and alliances amongst the Coastal Nations

At the turn of the last century and about halfway through it, Bowen continued to be a place to camp and recreate as the various landholders developed overnight camping and cottages for the working people of Vancouver All this development happened

in and around Snug Cove The traditional camping ground on the island.

Metro Vancouver’s attempts to dictate camping terms and conditions to the far side of the island is inappropriate Metro’s overall fit with the island community must be re-visited. It could look like this:

- Metro turns over all land holdings on Bowen to BIM

- BIM in conjunction with the Coast Salish People develop Snug Cove based camping in the fields and orchards currently sitting empty

- Snug Cove infrastructure be improved and fortified to accommodate users of active transportation (e-charge stations) and solar showers and green campsites

By utilizing the Snug Cove Hub as the camping center on Bowen, almost all the contentious issues brought up by the failed Metro plan will fall to the wayside.

- Michael Chapman Former resident/Seniors Tent City Occupant

Trish McGeer

October 26, 1926 - August 21, 2023

Irene Patricia McGeer (nee Rogers), known as ‘Trish”, age 96 years, passed away at her lovely home by the sea in Ambleside, West Vancouver on Monday, August 21st, 2023 Born on October 30, 1926 to Ernest and Irene Rogers in Vancouver, Trish married Michael McGeer in 1949 Mother, Grandmother, Great-grandmother, she was the epicenter of the family, bringing her boundless energy, positive outlook and loving spirit to every one of us She was cherished.

Mum will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by every member of her family: children Michael (Carole), Nancy (Philip), Tim (Monique) and Julie; her thirteen grandchildren Melissa, Chris (Pam), Will (Becky), Eric (Megan), Rosie (Dan), Emma (Jon), Angus, Connor, Kiah, Ava, Sophie, Evan, Fee and Kate, and her eight greatgrandchildren Eli, Brody, Chloe, Lily, Henry, Quinn, Billy and Wesley, as wel as many nieces, nephews and cousins in her extensive family

RESCUE MISSION: Katherine Wolters and I were paddling around Bowyer on Saturday, September 16. On the eastern side of Bowyer Island, we saw a little jay struggling in the water - obviously very water logged and not able to fly and about to drown. Katherine scooped it up in her gloved hands and held it, shivering and frightened, and then paddled to shore while it sat quietly as a “navigator” on her spray skirt Once on shore, we heard what we hoped was its parent calling and we left it to dry in the sunshine, hoping it would be OK.

- Nerys Poole

She was pre-deceased by her husband Mike and daughter Teal (Gary), as well as sisters Lailey Johnstone and Maggie Cumming and brothers John and Ted Rogers. Mum was a person of many interests and pursuits, including tennis, travel and teaching, politics and puppetry, language, music and literature. She will leave behind a w de network of friends who will miss her sunny presence, her delight in conversation and great sense of fun.

We will remember her enjoying her time at her beloved summer home Peter Pan on Bowen Island, reading, visiting with family and relaxing by the sea

A Celebration of Life honoring Trish will be held at St Christophers Anglican Church

1068 Inglewood Avenue, West Vancouver, V7T 1Y3 on Saturday, October 7th at 2pm

Reception to follow

VIEWS

withgratitude withgratitude

VISIONARY

$100,000 - $199,999

Smooth Stones Foundation FOUNDATION

$25,000 - $99,999

Beals Family BUILDER

$10,000 - $24,999

Bake Family

Cooke Family

Honing Family

MacLeod/Desaulniers Family CARPENTER

$5,000 - $9,999

2022 Grade 9 Legacy Gift

Bowen Island Community Foundation - Community Impact Grant

Double Dare Design

Herrington Family

Florendo Family

Gao/Chen Family

Raghavendra/Murphy Family

Wang/Qichang Family

Wood Family (in memory of Thomas and Sheena Smith)

DONATE NOW

FRAMER

$1,000 - $4,999

Bowen Island Muncipality - Community Grant

Hamill Creek Timber Homes

Heffelfinger Family

Henrichsen Family

Hooge Family

McCaig Family

Shieh Family

Willington/Hagglund Family

COMMUNITY

<$1,000

Bingham Family

Bowen Island Projects

Carolyn B Petersson

Donna Lawrence

Degner Family

Elizabeth Nankin

Frazer Elliott

James/Nasooti Family

Jared May

Lorraine Ashdown

McGrath/Stiver Family

Matthews/Hooper Family

Szabo/Zimmerman Family

van Lidth de Jeude/Calli Family

Vela-Martinez Family

Watson Family

Climate Care

Dear Editor,

The headlines this summer have been relentless Everyday, I am reading about unprecedented heatwaves, fires, smoke, floods, and storms Lives are being lost, homes are being destroyed, communities are being displaced. The time for denying, delaying, or equivocating is long gone. The time for action is overdue.

To stop these catastrophes from worsening year after year, we need our federal government to stand up to Big Oil and make polluters pay. For too long, they have allowed the fossil fuel sector to rake in record profits while endangering our futures

Enough is enough Stop funding the companies that are responsible for the crises we are facing, kick Big Oil influence out of our politics, and make these culprits pay for the damage they’ve done Trudeau says that he cares about the climate, and it’s time to act like it

- Monique Dauchot

$ 229,332.27 RAISED TO DATE

COLIN RULOFF COMMUNITY FIELD HOUSE Pumpkin

$ 370,667.73 NEEDED TO REACH OUR GOAL: $600,000.00

Bowen resident Stephen Kiraly (checkered shirt) took part in the Fridays for Future Global Climate Strike last Friday in Vancouver Several medical groups took part including the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, the Canadian Association of Nurses for the Environment, and Doctors for Planetary Health. /

Submitted photo

Community Foundation looking for fresh ideas

RICHARD SMITH Bowen Island Community Foundation

We lead busy lives We work hard and sometimes commute long distances We have families to care for and errands to run Who has time to connect with neighbours?

The benefits of connecting with one ’ s community are significant; when neighbours know and trust each other, people are healthier and happier, our children do better in school and in their social development, and community members support and look out for one another in times of stress or emergency.

Your Bowen Island Community Foundation’s Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) program is based on a simple but powerful idea that everyone is a valuable member of the community and that we all have something to share. NSG empowers community members to put their ideas into action by providing

grants up to $500 for projects that make neighbourhoods better places to live

Some examples of our NSGs from this past year: the Josephine Lake Butterflyway by Cindyl Arnold, Regenerative Community Gardening for Seniors by Elaine Cameron, an Eaglecliff Neighbourhood Beach Party by Shelley Koke, the Tilting Tunstall Totem by Raf Izdebski, and a Little Free Library by MJ Davey

See these and others at https://bowenfoundation com/r-nsg-project-stories-and-photos/

A neighbourhood is so much more than a geographically localized area. It is the place we call home, where our children play, and where we have the most invested financially and emotionally.

Building community increases our health and happiness, reduces social isolation, and builds networks of care for people who could use our help

Do you have a great idea that will connect and engage neighbours? How about a

neighbourhood block party?

A beach clean-up? Skills and knowledge sharing?

Art or music lessons? A sustainable gardening workshop? Storytelling sessions?

A celebration of diversity? An event to connect to Indigenous culture/communities? An ethnic cooking night to prepare and share? A neighbourhood

walking tour? A showcase of local history?

The deadline for applications is Nov. 30. Learn more and apply now at: https://bowenfoundation.com/neighbourhood-small-grants/ Have any questions? Contact Martina at nsg@ bowenfoundation com, or 778-233-9631.

Chopping comfrey for the Regenerative

C o m m u n i t y Gardening for Seniors project (above)

Chess Mates by Turo

Callewaert was a popular NSG project in 2022 (left) / Submitted photos

JUST PASSING BY: Competitors in a weekend sail race cross paths off Fairweather Point on Bowen’s south side The crew of the white sailboat seem particularly pleased with their outing. / Haig Farris photo

Thank you to the Bowen Island Conservancy

and your supporters for opening the door to an amazing potential outcome for the Cape Roger Curtis lands.

On behalf of grateful Bowen residents, the flora and fauna who do not have a voice in this conversation and future generations, we welcome and applaud your collaborative stewardship

This beautiful legacy vision invites us all to share in preserving and protecting in a way that resonates with Islanders’ passion for Bowen’s natural environment.

Inquiries

News from the Knick Knack Nook

JOHN LAWRENCE Knick Knack Nook

The volunteers at the Nook have donated the proceeds of two Silent Auctions to the Health Centre Foundation. It is our belief that the Centre will become an important part of the Bowen community providing services for all Islanders, services which currently, many of us can only find by crossing the moat

In addition, a team is working on an event which will bring together donated artwork from established Island artists and many other pieces generously gifted by Bowen families The team has met several times over the last few months to clean, reframe, and matte some of the work in preparation for a major sale to be held at the Health Centre in the near future

Recent visitors to the Nook will have seen some of this artwork on display on the centre table, and on a purple wall hanging by the counter. Proceeds from the sale of these items will go to the Health Centre Foundation. They provide a foretaste of things to come!

Ultimately it is hoped to have a collection of work featuring upwards of 80 pieces from across the artistic spectrum: oils, water colours, prints, sculptures, etc Knowledgeable researchers will provide, where possible, details of the provenance of each work and its value

We hope to make this a special occasion for the community, an opportunity to find exciting pieces to enlarge private collections and gifts for the extended family, especially with holidays just around the corner

Two of the featured works at the Nook’s art fundraiser for the new Health Centre, by Elizabeth Leach (above) and Georgina Farrah (left).

Without question - one of the best views on Bowen!

While away the hours on Whitesails while you soak up the intoxicating view from this spectacular Tunstall Bay log home. Airy yet cozy, like a sky chalet above the beach. Inside features vaulted ceilings, two bedrooms on the main, a lofted primary bedroom above, and workshop/rec room below Wrapped on three sides by nearly 2,400 sf of sundecks. Renovated and well-maintained, with a fenced-in yard. Right near the path down to Tunstall Bay Beach and the Club Housecomplete with dock, pool, kayak/SUP storage and tennis/pickleball courts.

Valhalla Place View at Twilight

Average sale price increase over 2 consecutive months

REPORT FOR JULY AND AUGUST 2023

TIM RHODES

Contributor

The YoY Average and Median Sale Price showed an increase over two consecutive months for the first time since April 2022

From June 2023 to August 2023 the Average Sale increased 2 6 per cent and the Median Sale increased 3 6 per cent, despite downward pressure on prices due to high inventory There are 86 properties, 44 lots and 42 residences, for sale at this writing Land prices range from a low of $350,000 for a 83 acre off-grid water access lot to $7,988,000 for a waterfront lot on the west side. There are 26 lots under $1.0 million and 6 lots over $2 0 million The lowest price on MLS for a residence is $899,900 for a 1250 square foot, 3-bedroom, 2-bath home on a quarteracre lot, and the highest is $6,900,000 for a 4750 square foot, 3-bedroom, 5-bath home on 5 acres

Eight residences sold in July and August with prices ranging from $898,000 to $2,105,000

while there was only one sale of vacant land, a 118-acre property at sold for $2 2 million

At $40,469,199, the dollar volume of sales year-to-date (YtD) is down 48 per cent from the same period in 2022 and the volume of sales year-over-year (YoY) is down 54 per cent from $109,503,707 in 2022 to $64,128,217 in 2023

TheBankofCanadahelditsrateinSeptember but reports of 4 per cent inflation in August have raised the likelihood of another rate increase on October 25th If the BoC does increase the rate, the brief upward trajectory of the past 2 months may not continue into the fall

Buyers will be watching the Bank of Canada rate but with continued high inventory and the average days on market for listings increasing, the downward pressure on sales prices will be to their advantage Sellers entering the market will need to be very pragmatic about their pricing if they want their property to move quickly

July & August – Sales vs New Listings – YtD at 31 August

PICTURE PERFECT!

571 Roocroft Lane, Bowen Island

$1,395,000 Sign

Timothy Rhodes, REALTOR® tim@rhodesonbowen com

Justlisted

1558 Mount Gardener Road

Check out this STUNNING & RARE 3.3 Acre LOW BANK WATERFRONT Property in one of the FEW PRIVATE PROTECTED BAYS on Bowen, GALBRAITH BAY An amazing outlook to Hutt Island and beyond, it feels like your a Million Miles away from the Big City, but it’s only an hour or so. Steps down to a Great Swimming Beach !! Existing older home, but needs renos or rebuild. $2,675,000

946 SPYGLASS RD

$1,498,000

Gorgeous 4 bedroom custom built 3,600 sq ft home situated on a private property close to beaches and trails

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Featuring this 3 bedroom 1/2 duplex located just minutes away from the ferry terminal includes an extended warranty and the ease of lock & go or to rent.

Whittall Real Estate is a trusted Team known for producing results! By working with us as a buyer or seller, we’ll ensure that all your real estate needs are met.

Kim and Sean offer their clients unique insights and unparalleled knowledge of Bowen Island, Metro Vancouver & the North Shore.

August’s top home sales on Bowen

ALEX KURIAL

Editor

Seven properties sold on the island last month, with all but one of them closing for more than seven figures. A threeacre private island also sold off Bowen’s west coast

August’s top sale on Bowen was the only one without a house on the land. Strata Lot 19 on Smugglers Cove Road, a sweeping 118-acre property on Bowen’s north side, sold for $2.2 million. There was no rush to sell the lot, the original listing going up in December 2021.

The lot is part of the Hood Point West strata which allows access to community amenities such as playgrounds and tennis courts. While mostly forested, a gravel road network enables travel throughout the large property.

The month’s highest home sale was a waterfront property on Bowen’s east side 843 Hummingbird Lane, a 2,716 square foot home on 0 5-acres of land, closed for $2 105 million just shy of 300 days on the market

The 19 year-old two-storey home has two bedrooms and three bathrooms, along with an unfinished basement Two beaches fall within the property, with room for a mooring buoy as well. The cottage-style home also has multiple decks with ocean views, plus an outdoor garden area.

Next up is a Bowen Bay home billed as “the epitome of Scandinavian minimal-

ism” The four-bed, three-bath home at 1565 Douglas Road sold for $1.955 million after one month of listing

Completed just last year, the house is 2,057 square feet and sits on a 0.75acre plot of land. There are three-stories to this aesthetically unique home, and a view of the sea is available from the elevated property

And in the ‘Lenora Loop’ was the third-highest sale of the month where a four-bedroom two-bathroom home sold for $1 469 million The listing at 1101 Lenora Road flew off the market after just five days

The 1976-built two-storey house is 2,097 square feet on 0 2-acres of property Bedrooms are split between the upstairs and main floor, and the yards and deck offer lots of entertainment and gardening space.

Sitting about 2.5 km west of King Edward Bay, and just north of Pasley Island, lies Silver Island. As of last month the private island has a new owner, transferring hands for $4.2 million following a brief 11 days of listing

Silver Island is reachable by personal boat or water taxi via the island’s own dock While the three-acres of land are described as ideal for a new build, in the meantime there’s a 643 square foot one-bedroom cottage plus a pair of smaller structures equipped for sleeping dotted around the island. While currently off-grid, the sale comes with a spot in a Bowen Island marina to ensure access to amenities.

1091 COWAN POINT DRIVE

$2,149,000

Perched high amongst the trees, this quintessential Bowen Island property boasts breathtaking views spanning Mt. Baker to the Gulf Islands and downtown Vancouver/UBC. 2.6 acres of private estate backs onto Crown land and was custom-built by renowned architect Michael Lightbody. Featuring reclaimed timber frame/exposed beams and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light. Entertainer’s kitchen, relaxing master suite and media room (cut into natural bed-rock) ground the home beautifully in an outdoor oasis of expansive decks, gardens, rock bluffs and grassed areas Separate entrance pottery studio with 1BR suite offers opportunities to creatives/investors alike. The perfect retreat for quiet-seekers.

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY September 24 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

For all details please visit: www.1091CowanPointDrive.com

The top home sale on Bowen last month was for $2 105 million at 843 Hummingbird Lane (above). August also saw the nearby private Silver Island sell for $4 2 million (below) / Zealtyca photos

Peter Nowicki from North Vancouver and Nanna Kruse from Vancouver were the fastest man and woman in the Handloggers Half Marathon earlier this month The top three in the male category were rounded out by #2 Cameron Cook (North Vancouver) and #3 Adrian Lambert (Edmonton), while women’s second place was Bowen Island’s own Emily Osborne followed by #3 India Taylor (Australia). / Vanessa Ramirez-Jasso photos

Meet Koda! This good boy came in for his annual wellness. In the past he has suffered from allergies, but is now doing really well thanks to his owner ensuring he stays on the right medication and food. We look forward to seeing you next year, Koda!

Field Day at IPS

The Colin Ruloff Community Field House held its first official gathering last week in the form of Island Pacific School’s Annual General Meeting. The building has been under construction for the past few months, and while there are still elements to complete the venue is now ready to hold community events. IPS is continuing to fundraise the remaining costs for the Field House, and will be holding events throughout the upcoming school year including the Monsoon Madness Mudder at the start of November. / Alex Kurial photo

Passing theTorch

SWIMBOWEN LOOKING FOR NEW EVENT DIRECTOR

MARY LETSON SwimBowen

Some of the best choices are the most difficult to make and stepping down as SwimBowen’s event director is exactly that: a good but hard decision.

With SwimBowen’s foundation firmly in place, along with incredible, wide reaching support, the timing is perfect to pass the torch. We are looking for a new event director to carry this project forward.

For the last 6 years the SwimBowen Society team has fine tuned the event structure and flow, working to produce the best possible experience for not only the swimmers but the volunteers, spectators, donors and sponsors too There is always more to do But the event has excellent bone structure, and moving forward from here will be well supported.

We have a solid home in our hard working (and beautiful) website - thanks to Rob Severin of Rainforest Digital And our well organized Google drive (thank you Jillian Walker and Deb Thomson) ensures all event details are at our fingertips. Thanks in part to the support from the Bowen Island Municipality Community Grants In Aid Program, we have gradually built out our larger, event day equipment purchases (branded buoys, flags, banners etc) And our event platform for registration, volunteers, sponsors and donors has been worked and reworked to ensure excellent communication between the SwimBowen team and users

But mostly what gets our team up in the

morning is the intangible strength of the SwimBowen community. We seem to have struck a chord in the dual world of ocean swimming and fundraising. We are humbled by the remarkable enthusiasm for this tiny community event supporting friends and neighbours enduring the long haul of cancer treatment

I think it’s what we are all hungry for I think this event feeds our need to find real time agency in the face of a disease that can make us feel so utterly powerless Take that cancer

As for me, I will stay on as the SwimBowen Society Chair and will be fully available to mentor the next director through the

2024 event

My dream is to be a registrant in next year ’ s event To experience SwimBowen from the other side and to reach, roll, pull, exhale with all the other participants in our beloved Salish Sea for the Cancer Care Fund.

But really my biggest dream is to see SwimBowen embraced by a new leader, someone to float this beautiful creature on future July tides. A new leader to breathe their own brand of wonderful

into SwimBowen and watch how amazing things happen when you put together good people, ocean swimming and grassroots fundraising

It’s like throwing the best party ever It’s like the northern lights in the middle of the day Impossibly, beautifully awe inspiring.

For more information on becoming SwimBowen’s next event director, please reach out to me, Mary Letson at swimbowensociety@gmail.com, or call 604-947-9601.

TunstallTennisTournaments

RICHARD SCOTT

Contributor

The Tunstall Tennis Tourneys are over for another year. Our apologies to any tennis fans not getting word of our island-wide tournament fun. Next year will be different!

The Mens Doubles tourney was played on Sunday, with Peter Kearney and Henry Campbell the victors We played a round robin tournament with different partners for a change The draw was tricky, but rallies enthralling, as five rounds were played before the finals.

A different format occurred with the Mixed Doubles tourney a fortnight ago. Points within a round robin held out fun for all, with Margarita Hofer and Jackie Minns taking the ladies trophies and Peter Kearney

and Court Brousson as bridesmaids Peter brings a deft volley and keen eye to take the double - congratulations Peter

Once again, our enormous thanks to Tunstall Bay Community Association (TBCA) for providing a stellar location, from the tennis cabana and deck overlooking two beautiful tennis courts. Thanks also to Court Brousson for organizing food, drinks, and tourney schedules, and all those willing assistants that made the days fun!

Please do reach out to TBCA if you’re interested in playing tennis, or especially if any kids are keen to learn the game or share the fun that our game has to offer There’s nothing like a crisp volley, down the line winner, or deft drop shot And sharing all this with others

See you next year!

The Mens Doubles final was contested between (L-R) Rick Bulich and Sean Delaney, who put up a strong fight, but were bested by Peter Kearney and Henry Campbell. Post-game celebrations were held at the Tunstall Bay Community Association. / Richard Scott photos

Bowen Food Fest: Supporting Local Growers, Makers, Producers, and Island Businesses

TOURISM BOWEN ISLAND

As we shift into autumn, now is the perfect time to enjoy the best of the harvest season and to support the island’s growers, makers, producers and small independent businesses Gather your family and friends to sip, savour, shop and try something new. Bowen Food Fest (BFF) is a month-long celebration – September 22 to October 22 – of food, beverages, events and special offers

Tourism Bowen Island Association is excited to launch this inaugural food-centric and support-local campaign in partnership with local businesses and non-profits With inflation and other challenges, we ’ re all feeling the pinch these days Buying local is more important than ever

Each time we shop local we ’ re supporting fellow Bowen Islanders, creating local jobs and strengthening our community. A new study shows that for every $1 spent at a local small business, 66¢ stays in the community versus only 11¢ when purchasing from a multinational (source LOCO BC) Shopping local also has a smaller carbon footprint

Local chefs and producers are crafting new seasonal foods and BFF showcases a variety of special offerings and events Learn about regenerative growing when you attend the open garden tour at Grafton Commons Community Garden on Sunday, September 24. Freshly-picked champagne grapes, green beans, squash and styrian pumpkins will be on sale, too

Alderwood Farm is creating a variety of specialty food packs to make your life easier and tastier, featuring take & bake entrées, dips, desserts and snacks Grab a Happy Hour or a Movie/Game Night pack for your next Nexflix night.

Apple Harvest Fest, Saturday, September 30, is a family-friendly event including a makers & farmers market, orchard tours, cider samples and in the evening a Harvest Fest Long Table Dinner featuring asado roast pig and lamb, local produce and cider pairings Reserve your tickets at Meadowbrook Market before the dinner sells out

Cocoa West Chocolatier is creating a trio of seasonal pie chocolates for BFF – apple, pumpkin and pecan. Yummy!

Back by popular demand, Barcelona Tapas & Wine Bar is presenting Paella Sundays and a new seasonal dish Fideos con Merguez with house-made merguez (lamb sausage)

Visit Tosh Home & Garden to sample local specialty foods and learn new creative recipes

If you want to hone your culinary skills, Chef Erik at Meadowbrook Market is offering two hands-on Whole Butchery workshops in October, including a sausage-making workshop where you’ll take home 10 pounds of links

These are just few of the events and special offerings during BFF We suggest that you go to the Bowen Food Fest webpage to view all listings and vendors. There’s a Bowen Food Fest Contest, too, that you can

enter each time you visit a participating BFF vendor Thank you for buying and supporting Bowen’s growers, makers, producers and small businesses

For more information visit Tourism Bowen

Island’s website www.tourismbowenisland. com You’ll find the Bowen Food Fest webpage in the top menu. If you have a question, email info@tourismbowenisland.com Bon appétit everyone!

(Clockwise from top) Alderwood Farms, Tosh Home & Garden, and the Grafton Commons Community Garden are some of the businesses taking part in Food Fest over the next month / Submitted photos

Thursday, September 21, 2023 A28 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

CALENDAR

Saturday, September 23

French Connections at the Library

Drop in and join us to practice your conversational French, and get to know other French speakers on Bowen Island! The focus is on beginner and intermediate speakers, but all levels are welcome. We meet 10:30 to 11:30 am on these Saturdays, but participants are welcome to stay longer!

Saturday, September 23

Teen Advisory Group (TAG) at the Library

TAG is for teens who want to make the Library better for themselves and for other teens, and get volunteer hours too! This TAG session, we’ll be planning a movie showing for late October Drop in and bring your ideas for how we can make this a great event! 1:30 to 3 pm bipl.ca/tag

Sunday, September 24

Book Donation Day at the Library

At the Library Annex from 10 am until volunteers’ bins are full (no later than 12 pm). Volunteers are especially looking for fiction and kids books

Sunday, September 24

Grafton Commons Garden Tour

Come join the community garden in celebration of the Bowen Island Food Fest. Garden tour with squash, green beans, styrian pumpkin, and champagne grapes for sale. Enjoy a cup of local herbal tea Runs 10 am till Noon.

Monday, September 25

Threshold Singers at Bowen Court

SKY welcomes smooth sounds of the Threshold Singers Don’t miss this opportunity to hear these amazing and UNIQUE voices Everyone 55+ welcome 10:30 to 11:30 am

Monday, September 25

Rotary Speaker Series at Artisan Eats

Our Guest Speaker is Brian Finley, Chair of Rotary District 5040 End Polio Now Committee, who will be talking about polio eradication. When Rotary International and the WHO launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988 it seemed like a fanciful goal. Today there are only two countries with wild Poliovirus cases. Brian will describe the strat-

egies to this end, and how we all can help Doors open about 7 pm and the meeting starts at 7:30.

To September 25

Strange Attractors at the Hearth Gallery

The group show Strange Attractors wraps up on Monday. Come by to see the artists’ work!

Thursday, September 28

Watercolour Workshop

Join this fun event and explore Watercolour painting Free for TAG members, $10 for non-members (supplies will be provided unless you have your own). At Collins Hall. To register for the Watercolour workshop please contact Shannonrondeau@shaw.ca or marie@marieneys.com

Friday, September 29

Legion Dinner

Lauren and Dominic will be making an Octoberfest Dinner Ticket presales Thursday at 4 pm at the Legion, $13 for members and $15 for non-members. Note* Dinner this Friday, September 22 has been cancelled.

Saturday, September 30

ReconciliACTION at the Library

Be a Hummingbird and Do What You Can, at the Bowen Island Library, co-presented by the Social Echoes Join us in the Annex for opening words by artist Simon Winadzi James Stay to silkscreen your own little hummingbird flag to take home, and reflect on and commit to one of the 94 Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. Find more resources, links, booklists, and event details at bipl.ca/ndtr

Saturday, September 30

Apple Harvest Festival at Meadowbrook Market

Hosted by Bowen Cider House and Meadowbrook Market

Featuring orchard tours, cider samples, lawn games, Bowen Makers Market, and a Long Table Dinner hosted by chefs Jody Peck and Erik Miller.

To September 30

September collection ‘Into the Woods’ at Catching Stars

Featuring works by Janet Esseiva, Joel Weise, John Topham, Jean, Bradbury, Kathleen Ainscough and Nicole Green. Learn more at www.catchingstarsgallery.com

Thursday, October 5

Skincare Social at Sweat The Technique Studio

With Three Ships Beauty, the Canadian-based effective, transparent, and natural skincare brand that is gaining popularity for a reason! Join us for a fun evening of how to take care of your skin and what products work best for you! Runs 7 to 8 pm, tickets $26. Space is limited so register now! sweatthetechniquestudio.com

TUESDAYS

Chair Yoga

Starts Sept 5 at Collins Hall. Drop-in from 1 to 2:15 pm Classes are $20 or by donation. Contact Jackie Minns for more info, 604-220-9092, or jackie.minns@gmail.com

WEDNESDAYS

Bowen Bridge

1:30 to 4:30 pm at Bowen Court Fee $6 per person per session. Your place must be arranged by email no later than 6 pm on Monday. To make your booking or to seek more information, please email bowcates04@gmail.com

THURSDAYS

Babytime at the Library

A free, 1/2 hr drop-in program of songs, books, and rhymes for babies 0-18 months and their caregivers! Starts at 11:30 am. Join us afterwards, at 12 pm, for a casual baby & caregiver social hour in the Annex. Runs through Oct. 19

WEEKENDS

Saturday Farmers Market at BICS

Annual market at Bowen Island Community School Browse food, crafts, snacks, and more! 10 am to Noon.

Yoga on the Pier

Saturday/Sunday, 10:15 to 11:15 am Join the Nectar Yoga team for a relaxing yoga session at Snug Cove North Dock (left of the ferry ramp). Bring a yoga mat, water, and sunscreen Sessions weather permitting Pre-registration recommended, drop-ins possible Sign up at nectaryoga.ca

Run Bowen Training Clinic

Hey there Bowen Runners! Bowen Runs clinic will start meeting Saturdays at 8:30 am for a 12 week training clinic. The clinic is geared toward 10 km distance. As always we are offering multiple levels in the program, which concludes with a Fun Run in December Sign up with Bowen Rec

Adult/Teen Gymnastics

FALL CLEAN-UP 2023

Fall Clean-up Days

Drop off will be done by appointment ONLY.

Once you have picked up your decal, you can call Bowen Waste Solutions @ 604-947-2255 to book an appointment.

The final day for booking appointments will be Friday, Sept. 29th at 3:00 PM.

A limited number of appointments will be made available.

Drop off of materials will be inside the BIRD yard from Monday, Oct. 2nd to Saturday, Oct. 7th ONLY.

Note: 1 decal per household only

ABSOLUTELY NO

Paint, Hazardous Waste or Drywall

QUESTIONS?

Large

Load: $125

Mattress

7 pm Friday nights, BI Gymnastics website to learn more

Hazardous Waste and Paint Recycling

Paints

Hazardous

Flammable Liquids

• Liquids only

• Paint thinners, other solvents, camp fuels or liquid adhesives with the flammable symbol

Pesticides

• Consumer pesticides with the poisonous (skull & crossbones) symbol AND “Pest Control Product” registration number

• Products that cannot be identified

• Products that are leaking or improperly sealed

• Empty containers

• Commercial, industrial, or agricultural products

• Cosmetics, health and beauty aids

• Insect repellants, disinfectants, and pet products

• Diesel, propane, and butane fuels

• Caulking tubes

• Fertilizer