Bowen Island Undercurrent October 6 2023

Phase 2 feedback highlights Island/ Mainland park split

ALEX KURIAL Editor

Results from Phase Two of Metro Vancouver’s public engagement on the Cape Roger Curtis park shows a stark divide between how the current proposal is viewed on and off-island.

The second of three engagement sessions regarding how to proceed with Metro Vancouver’s 97-hectares of recently purchased space at the Cape took place from July 29 to Aug 16. It consisted of two in-person open houses, two virtual webinars, and the opportunity to provide feedback online or via email.

In a summary of the results released in late September, Metro Vancouver said around 1,350 people provided feedback through the different methods, with the vast majority coming through the online feedback form (1,100).

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Events

AllCouncilmeetingsareopen tothepublictoattendin personorelectronically,unless notedotherwise.

October 10, 2023

1:00 pm

RegularCouncilMeeting

Monday, October 9 Stat Holiday

MunicipalHallwill beclosedforthestat holiday.

RecyclingDepotwill beclosedforthestat holiday.

Work with us

FacilityManager

Newpositiontooverseethe openingandoperationsofthe CommunityCentre

Roads&ParksCrew BIMhasanimmediateopening foratemporaryRoadsand

ParksOperationsCrewperson

Formoreinformationandpay rate:

wwwbowenislandmunicipality ca/work-with-us

Capital Project Update: Community Centre Project

Dreamscomingtrue:Asthebuildingprogresses,representativesofuser groupsareseeingthemselvesinthenewcommunityfacility.

TheexcitementwaspalpableasthePlaycarestaffcheckedoutthe smallermulti-purposeroomandexclaimedoverhowmuchnatural lightpoursintothelargespace Theyimaginedthechatteringchildren comingin,hanginguptheircolorfullittlejacketsandbackpacksinthe cubbies,enjoyingasnack,takingouttoysandsuppliestoplay,draw,and makecraftsandthencuddlingupforstorytime

Theairsung,literally,asactors,singersandotherperformerssampled theperformingartsspace Theymarveledatthehighceilings,strode fromthewingsofthestage,brokeoutinmonologueorsong.They choreographedimpromptuswordfightswithdramaticendings andburnedupthedancefloor.Theyscrutinizedthebackstage accommodationswherethey’llbeapplyingmakeupandchanging costumes.

Ourbuildinginspector,GregCormier,visitedtoenvisionseveral projectsthathisWestVancouverHighSchoolwoodworkingstudents couldtakeon Theywillusewoodfromtreescutdownonthefirehall siteandthepossibilitiesincludemultiplebenchesforseatingoutside themainentrance,abikebarnforbikesandscootersattheback entrance,andpicnictablesinthegardencourtyardontheeastsideof thebuilding

OthergroupsincludemembersfromtheCommunityChoir,SKY, theGardenClub,theConservancyandBICS.TheGardenClubwas interestedinthelargemulti-purposeroom(performingartsspace)as theyhavealargemembershipandcanimaginehavingspecialinterest talksandscreeningsinthatspace.TheCommunityChoirimagined practicingandperformingintheperformingartsspace.Allthegroups surveyedthesmallercommunityroombesidethekitchenthatcan accommodatescreeningpresentationsorstreamingonlinemeetings andthelargercommunityroomthatwilldoubleasCouncilChambers TheCommunityLoungeincludesapianoandcomfortableseatingfor easylistening Thepianocanbeeasilymovedintotheperformingarts spaceformusicalevents

Fitnessinstructorswerefastoutofthegate,examiningtheworkout space,howandwherebarre,mirrorsandotherequipmentwouldbe placed,andwereexcitedabouttakingclassesoutsideontotheback courtyardasweatherallows.

It’sfinallyhappeningforallthesegroups:thedreamofhavingacentral communityspaceiscomingtrue.

Readmoreabouttheconstructionupdateat:

wwwbowenislandmunicipalityca/community-centre-project/

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:

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/work-with-us

Snug Cove Terminal Project Ferry Cancellations

BCFerriesislookingforfeedbackonupcomingservicedisruptions duringtheSnugCoveberthandmarinestructuresupgrade Mostof theconstructionwillhappenatnight,however,someaspectsrequirea longertimelinebecauseofthecomplexityoftheconstructionandfor safety,andtherewillbeplannedferrycancellations

Workwilltakeplaceatnight,NovembertoFebruary,exceptoverthe winterholidays,9:00pm-5:00am However,therewillbethreefull berthclosuresof1-2days,overdesignatedweekends

Therewillbewatertaxiserviceduringsailingcancellations,andparking accommodationinHorseshoeBay

RespondbyOctober9,2023.www.bcferriesprojects.ca/snug-cove-tp

Seeking Heritage Commission Members

ThereareexcitingthingshappeninginHeritageonBowenIsland!The DaviesOrchardrevitalization,100-yearanniversaryoftheOldGeneral Store,CounciladoptionoftheHeritageStrategicPlanwhichprovides aroadmapofactivitiesincludingbuildingontheCommunityHeritage Registry,planningthe2023HeritageWeekcelebration BowenIsland MunicipalHeritageCommissionisseekingvolunteerstoparticipatein theseactivities!

TheHeritiageCommissionmeetsaroundfourtimesayeartoplanand executeideas.Readmore:

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/seeking-heritage-commissionmembers/

Island support for proposal lands at just 25%

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Of those online participants, nearly half (48%) of them were from Bown Island. Vancouver-based respondents were the next highest group participating at 22 per cent

Like Phase One, answers were separated between Bowen Island and the rest of Metro Vancouver In terms of overall views toward the proposal, just a quarter of Bowen residents expressed support or strong support, compared to almost triple this amount (68%) from off-island On the flipside, nearly three-quarters of island respondents said they either opposed or strongly opposed the plan (71%), with the same response at 24 per cent from Metro Van residents.

Unsurprisingly the element with the most variance between the two groups related to overnight camping

The most contentious part of the proposal so far, when asked about the current number of suggested overnight sites the category receiving the highest approval rate from Bowen residents was walk-in/bike/shuttle camping with 15 per cent, with another eight per cent saying they’d like to see more of these sites High numbers of opposed ranged from 78 per cent saying the total

number of walk-in/bike/shuttle sites were too many, to 93 per cent voicing opposition to the number of drive-in sites

Among Metro Van residents support for the walk/bike/ shuttle total was 38 per cent, with another 25 per cent saying they’d like to see more Vehicle sites received 41 per cent support with eight per cent saying they’d like more, though the majority of answers (51%) said there were too many proposed. Group camping also reached 51 per cent opposition, with 48% saying they liked the current amount or wanted more

Metro Vancouver’s draft vision of the park received 33 per cent support from Boweners, and 59 per cent objection, compared to 73 per cent from off-island The organization’s guiding principles notched similar numbers, with 37 per cent in support from Bowen (46% opposed), and 75 per cent support from the rest of the region.

A day-use parking system has been explored as a way to limit vehicles coming onto the island during peak times such as the summer or weekends The idea garnered 40 per cent support among Bowen residents with 46 per cent opposed Fifty-six per cent of answers from Metro

Vancouver liked the sound of that system, compared to 25 per cent against.

One area which did find support across the sound was Metro Vancouver’s plans for ecosystem protection and restoration, gathering 60 per cent support from Bowen and 82 per cent from the mainland. Twenty-seven per cent of Boweners were against this part of the proposal.

In a summation of the numbers, Metro Vancouver wrote “Those who support the concept expressed that having access to a park and/or camping near the Lower Mainland is a great opportunity to access nature and provide environmental education. There is acknowledgement that further technical studies on transportation, infrastructure, and habitats should be conducted prior to implementing the park and/or campground. Additionally, there is suggestion to include direct passenger ferry and water access to the cape to minimize strain on the ferry and local roads”

Regarding opposition, Metro Van wrote “Participants opposing this concept expressed that it does not align with protecting and restoring the environment, citing issues with the question as they supported protecting and restoring the environment but opposed overnight site use. There was broad concern about the feasibility of the concept as current infrastructure (e.g., water supply, emergency services), and transportation (ferry access, road access) cannot support park or overnight use

West-Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky electoral boundaries changed

JANE SEYD

North Shore News

The heart of West Vancouver is now officially part of North Vancouver – at least where federal elections are concerned.

Changes to electoral boundaries on the North Shore that carve out the main business district of West Vancouver and plunk it in the North Vancouver riding became official Sept 22, according to Elections Canada Any elections called after April 22, 2024 will be conducted under the new boundaries.

Under the change, announced in February this year, the easternmost part of West Vancouver – including Park Royal, Sentinel Hill and all of Ambleside (everything east of 21st Street) – has been cut from the West Vancouver electoral district and added to the North Vancouver riding. (A previous plan had recommended adding half of Ambleside, from 15th Street east, to the neighbouring riding.)

The change was made by an independent commission charged with re-drawing Canada’s electoral map to make the population of ridings across the country more equal

in size

But it also came in the face of significant community opposition.

Patrick Weiler, the Liberal MP currently representing the West Vancouver riding, described the plan last year as “cutting the heart out of West Vancouver to add it as an appendage to another riding”

Weiler said when he went door-to-door in the area impacted by the change, most people weren’t aware the change was being considered, and those who were aware were opposed to it.

John Weston, the former Conservative MP for the riding, also opposed the change, as did residents of West Vancouver.

But those objections weren’t enough to change the commission’s recommendation. In a report, the commission wrote it was aware of public concerns but said the existing riding of West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sky to Sky represents too great a population, and that dividing West Vancouver was “the only fair and appropriate resolution to the electoral district’s high population”

The redrawn electoral map, which would push boundaries of all three North Shore ridings north and west, is part

of a larger jigsaw puzzle considered by the electoral boundaries commission as it added one riding to the province of B.C. The additional riding is needed because of population growth in the province But the creation of a new riding in the southern Interior had a domino effect of boundary alterations in other areas of the province, including several ridings in the Lower Mainland.

Under the riding changes, all West Vancouver between Burrard Inlet and Highway 1 east of 21st Street has been added to the North Vancouver riding, which will be known as Capilano-North Vancouver. The name of the West Van riding will also change to Howe Sound-West Vancouver

Chunks of Lynn Valley previously in the North Vancouver riding–including much of the area to the south of Lynn Valley Road and upper Lynn Valley to the east of Mountain Highway, as well as Capilano University–have also be added to the Burnaby-North Seymour riding. That riding is itself a product of an earlier redrawing of the election map that created a riding spanning Burrard Inlet

Politically, removing Ambleside from the West Vancouver riding wouldn’t necessarily benefit either Liberals or Conservatives, as the area tends to split its votes between those parties.

VIEWPOINTS

EDITORIAL

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you ’ re all looking forward to the upcoming long weekend, and getting set to take part in several days of full bellies and full homes while celebrating Thanksgiving Turkey is always my go-to, not only tasting great coming out of the oven, but also providing sandwich meat for days and days to come following dinner All side dishes are delicious although stuffing is an absolute must

This week was National Newspaper Week in Canada, and is the perfect time to thank you all again for your support of the Undercurrent As you know we underwent some changes last week, but we are very happy to be able to continue to cover this special community, especially in what has been a difficult couple of years for small-town news At nearly 50 years of operating (our big anniversary is in 2025) that means that many different generations of Islanders have been behind this paper ’ s success. So to everyone since 1975 who has read a copy, written a story, taken a photo, subscribed to the newsletter, given the staff a kind word, or just generally supported the paper in their own way, thank you very much!

As for the past long weekend, it was great to see so much orange on display for Truth and Reconciliation Day. Whether this was at the Library, around town, at Yoga on the Pier, or even on the ferry, it is important to take this day to recognize the effects Residential Schools had on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, and still do to this day. It was clear from looking around town that there’s awareness of this, which is encouraging for reconciliation efforts on Bowen and beyond.

- Alex Kurial, Editor

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

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VIEWS

Preservation & Protection

Dear Editor,

The September 7 issue of Bowen’s Undercurrent published a letter to the Islands Trust Executive committee signed by Nicholas Belluk, John Dowler, Jennifer Hall, David Hocking, Charles McNeill, Michelle Pentz and Shari Ulrich This is a respected group, self described as being “committed to the preservation and protection of the fragile ecosystems on the Islands in the Salish Sea” as is the Islands Trust. This is a fact, not unlike the opinion of most of the resident population, and the reason many have chosen to live on Bowen Island.

This letter stated that some Islanders have “promoted fears as facts” This may be partially true, as unfortunately we have not received any clear and critical answers from Metro Vancouver to many of our major concerns. The focus of this purchase seems to have been solely on preserving and protecting the proposed Park and its 97 hectares What seems to be ignored, downplayed, or overlooked is the impact that this decision is having on the remaining 5,163 hectares of Bowen Island as our home, place we work, and place we play.

Park Access: Whitesails has been disrupted, changed and destroyed by the development of the Cape and access through the once quiet and peaceful neighbourhood. We have long been opposed to this access, but our voice has been ignored. With the announcement of the proposed Park there has been a steady increase in vehicular, bicycle, motorcycle and scooter traffic. A large percentage of

All About Access

Dear Editor, Great to hear that BIM is supporting a partnership between Metro and the Conservancy It really does feel like a win-win.

Speaking of feelings, I feel like Metro is playing the bully here in the face of valid questions from Islands Trust and the push-

this traffic has been disrespectful of the attempt to manage speed. This road was not built as a thoroughfare

Fire Hazard: This is a well documented concern raised continuously by many opponents to the Park/Camp proposal. The recent fire at the Cape exacerbated this concern. Our full volunteer fire department was called to attend a small, but out of control beach fire The need for the pumper trucks to hook up to the neighbourhood water supply caused a breach in the aging infrastructure of the primary artery of the Tunstall Bay Water System. Water broke through the roadway and ran like a river down Whitesails. This severely compromised the water supply as well as the fire fighting capabilities

Ferries and Snug Cove: Who hasn’t had very discouraging ferry travel experiences this past summer? The ferry system has been inadequate for some time with long waits, cancelled sailings and with huge run overloads Our ferry terminus in Snug Cove is another huge hurdle. Snug Cove is a small, congested village with the ferry line running right down the middle of our commercial center. How is the added attraction of the Park/Camping going to alleviate any of this? This question has not been adequately addressed.

I fervently hope and expect that this municipal council, in conjunction with Islands Trust and Metro Vancouver, will handle this situation with care, consideration and considerable planning to ease the burden that has been and will be imposed on our Island and lifestyle that this Park decision has created. I can’t imagine there are many people that are not in favour of preserving and protecting the Cape from further development, but the implications of doing so have great potential of ruining many other aspects of the life on Bowen that we treasure

Please listen to the many concerned voices of Bowen with substantial concerns going way beyond the few I have mentioned.

- Dee Elliott

back against camping by Bowenians And speaking of Bowenians, I feel two priorities that we should focus on are improved bus service to allow visitors who can’t use the path to access without driving themselves and to keep ferry traffic down; secondly, to develop a second access road into the area from the west Fairweather region or Quarry Park, maybe picking up Fairy Fen along the way. Let’s give Whitesails Drive a break!

- Jerry Kaehne

RAY, Doug

July 9, 1937 - August 22, 2023

Doug Ray, raised in a log cabin in the middle of what s now known as Wels Gray Park, loved to share stories of his chidhood The son of a trapper named John Bunyan Ray and his homesteading wife Aice (nee Ludtke), he grew up deep in the forest with hs oder sster Nancy and younger brother Bob

Now a Natonal Heritage Site, the Ray Farm was eft behind when John died and the rest of the family moved to Blackpool, BC, where Doug became a star athete and pupil at Cearwater Hgh Although he received a scholarship at UBC to study geology, he had to delay the move to Vancouver as he had no money and had been supporting hmsef snce he was 13 Always a hard worker, once at UBC he excelled agan, but despte hs soated upbringing, the work up North proved to be too remote and he soon packed his bags to enter the first MBA class offered at the University of Toronto

In Toronto he met Jeanne Blair and they had a son named Robert Blair After Jeanne, Doug married Connie Clayson, who would become hs wife untl she passed n 2017 Whle he gained experience within the financial distrcts of Montreal and Toronto, Doug and Connie began raising two chldren, David and Diana

In 1974, after missing the West Coast and wshng for a change, Doug moved his famly to Vancouver and eventualy purchased The Impera Samon House, a gambe that proved to be a brilliant career decision A itte time ater, he and Connie opened up a retal outlet for the smoked salmon busness (Smokehouse Foods) in the newly developed Granvile Isand Publc Market A few years ater they expanded again by openng Imperial Gourmet Foods at Robson Publc Market

Through t all, Doug had a good life enjoying the fruits of hs labour al the whle dabbing in other busness ventures and investments before retiring in his late 50s He had a wonderful sense of humour and nsight, which was reflected in hs many writings and n his poetry He loved words in al forms, from crossword puzzes to limericks He enjoyed hikng, stamp colecting, watching sports, musc and film, great food, readng and, of course, traveing the word Doug thrived when discussing current events and cred when saying goodbye to his beloved pets He was aways true to hmsef He greaty nfluenced al who he encountered through his creatvity, intelect, understandng and independence He touched many ives: his family, hs buddies at Eldercolege, hs social circles and friends (the Greek Six!) and even his chidren’s frends who remember the famly home as being a safe and supportive place back in the day, with Doug on hand to pay for mysterious pizzas or to just be there Famiy and friends were everything to Doug and he was at his best when surrounded by loved ones; often regaling them with stories of hs life and his traves whie enjoying a fine bottle of wine, or a cheap bottle of port

He is survived by his brother Bob (Carol), hs chidren Davd and Diana (Andrew Rainsley), daughterin-law Angeline Proudhon (wdow of Robert Blar who passed in 2011) and grandchildren Annie and Fnn Family in hs ater years broadened to incude the patient and loving aides who cared for him, most especaly Teresa Avelino

Doug Ray passed away peacefuly at Ingewood Care Centre, and the family is immensely gratefu for the care that he was given Shorty before he died, when asked where his happy place was Doug responded wthout hestation that it was a large black em tree by that log cabin n Wells Gray Park, where he would sit on a branch and talk for hours with his brother and sister This s the spot where we ntend to scatter his ashes n the spring

Please join us for a ceebration of hs lfe at Boal Chape in North Vancouver on May 11, 2024 at 2pm In lieu of flowers, pease consder a donaton to his favorite charity, Operation Smile

Bowen author completes history of Butternut Island

ALEX KURIAL Editor

It’s been an accomplished few years for Bowen author Patricia Bowles, who recently completed her Butternut Island trilogy of children’s books

Originally tackled as a pandemic project, the series of books set on Butternut (aka Bowen) Island published its final installment this year. Bowles wrote the first of the series, Butternut Island Irish, in 2020, drawing inspiration from the various people, places, and most importantly, animals, around the island (and some from beyond it). With the 2023 release of Butternut Island Max Bowles has bookended her stories, ones she says both kids and parents can draw enjoyment from.

“I just wrote one, and then I sat there for a year. And then I thought I think I’ll write another one, ” says Bowles on the origin of the books three years ago This sparked a world inhabited by the creatures of Butternut Island, including protagonists such as Rose the deer, Irish the wolfhound and Max the eagle. Throughout the tales they spar with the Hooples, a gang of winged adversaries including crows, woodpeckers and hawks, as well as the nefarious coyotes of the Church of the Flying Macaroni Monster (a play on the real-life and similarly

pasta-named church).

Each book deals with a different set of themes, as experienced by the residents of Butternut Island. For example the middle edition, Butternut Island Rose, “is partly to educate kids about what it’s like to be different, and how you need help in the community to help you be different and live safely,” explains Bowles. “It’s all about societal prejudice, and it’s meant to be a teaching tool for kids”

And, while technically fictional, Bowles says the books’ storylines are largely drawn from current events These include Rose’s search for a safe place in Irish, reflecting the early pandemic quarantine measures when the book was written. The coyotes and their spreading of misinformation is based on former U.S President Donald Trump says Bowles, while in the finale the importance of negotiating peace is the focus – a reference to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine While a peace treaty has been elusive in that real-world conflict, in the series finale the residents of Butternut Island are able to establish one

But of course, the book’s settings (including Mount Guardian and Smug Cove) are all-Bowen. Bowles says many of her ideas for local references came from long walks near her home in Sealeigh Park, particularly Bowen Bay Beach These strolls would typically lead to some post-meal production.

Queen of Capilano Ferry Schedule

“My process is I sit down and I just write, it comes in big spurts,” says Bowles. “Usually it’s after dinner and I’ll sit down and I’ll write five pages, just because I’ve been thinking about it.”

The author discovered something else during the past three years “I found it easier to write about animals and birds and give them dialogue than I did for people I love good dialogue, but I couldn’t seem to do it for people But when they were rabbits and deer I found it really easy And other people might find that, because it releases you from being a real person, ” says Bowles She adds her love for animals in novels stems from Richard Adams’ iconic Watership Down, a fantasy book

about the adventures of rabbits “I love the idea that you could have animals with their own world,” says Bowles.

The self-published series has now been accepted into the North Shore Authors Collection, a peer-review group of fellow area authors This ensures its placement in libraries in West and North Vancouver, and they are also available at the Bowen Island Public Library.

Now at the end of the writing journey, for this series anyway, Bowles says she truly enjoyed the experience – and hopes others do too “I hope the parents enjoy reading them out-loud. They’re fun to read and I’ve written them to be read out-loud… It was lots of fun, and I would encourage other people to have that kind of fun,” she says

Note: Schedules subject to change without notice

Schedule changes on statutory holidays. Please check BCFERRIES.COM

Patricia Bowles with the three books of her Butternut Island series - Irish, Rose, and Max - backdropped by the real-life island which inspired the stories. / Alex Kurial photo

VIEWS Bowen Island as a Whole

Dear Editor,

As I understand, the Bowen Island Conservancy is offering to buy the parcel of land that is at the centre of the Metro Vancouver park proposal. I think that is a bad idea, and I will explain to you why.

MV has painted itself into a corner with its ill conceived $40 million proposal which is not supported by our community It is their problem. We have zero responsibility in their financial and public relations blundering. We have zero reason to appease to soften their financial pain. So let’s keep that $30 million of the table and first draw up our own plan and act from a position of strength Without our community support MV’s park proposal is a no-go

What we need is a longterm plan for the whole island, including all lands, waters, wildlife, human habitation and human economics

The reason why we are at this point of trying to fend off something thrown at us is because we lack such a plan.

What we have is the Official Community Plan, which spreads human habitation all over the island with ever-longer transportation and energy routes, resulting in a growing maintenance burden on our municipal coffers It is unsustainable without some ideas to better our financial position We also have the Islands Trust’s provisions, which came to rescue recently, even for some who have been propagating against the island’s inclusion in the Trust Not to rub it in, but to show that we all have more in common than previously thought

In essence the OCP only explains where we allow residential and economical activity, the Islands Trust provisions are about preservation, but together they

don’t talk about what the role of the island on the doorstep of a metropolitan area is, in a rapidly changing world

With the effects of climate change becoming increasingly serious, mitigation measures will become so too The MV park proposal is a sign of this When we discourage recreational air travel, there is a growing need in MV for local recreation options When we encourage public transportation within MV, there is a growing need for local recreation options The whole of the biosphere reserve will have to play a role in this

So what will the role of this island be?

Clearly, the MV proposal for a campground has set off a process, one of resistance. Not necessarily bad, it is always good to know what you don’t want But, it doesn’t tell us how we see the island 20 years from now

To me it also doesn’t make sense to spend money on land in a location that will be the first to fall victim to the effects of climate change What makes more sense is to focus on the whole island. Only its totality, all its watersheds can sustain us in the long term

So can the island’s “Crown land” effectively First Nations’ land be bought? Or better, can the money be used as a donation and operational fund to enter into a stewardship agreement with those First Nations?

I bring up stewardship, because what we see is an exploitative model the province is using for the lands. For an example: When walking in our forests I see too much deadwood = fuel for forest fires = a massive risk especially during drought periods

What can this island be in 20 to 30 years without being crushed under too much tourism? Can we do camping on the island, and where would that be done best? Can we provide employment opportunities in stewardship of the forests? Can we offer silviculture vacation – work in the forestpackages?

- Anton van Walraven

The Conservancy Vision

Dear Alex,

In his letter to the Undercurrent (see left), Anton van Walraven raised several points about a vision for Bowen within this ever-changing world of ours We appreciate his commitment to the future of Bowen, the protection of its natural heritage, and his urging that our community needs a vision for where we want to be in a decade or two

Anton writes that “Without our community support Metro Parks’ park proposal is a no-go ” Whether that is true or not remains to be seen. The Conservancy believes that dealing with the current situation in alignment with our objectives and those of our generous donors and engaging with Metro Vancouver now rather than later, will lead to the best possible outcome for the lands and the island.

Anton’s letter provides an opportune moment for the Bowen Island Conservancy to share with the community our vision, structure, and progress

The Conservancy is committed to protecting and preserving the natural environment of the island; from endangered coastal bluffs, to inland

lakes, wetlands and fens. Through our work and advocacy we offer a hopeful future for future generations, and for the amazing diversity of plant, animal and fungi species with whom we share this extraordinary island.

As set out in our constitution, the Conservancy has 9 purposes, which establish its eligibility as a charitable organization These purposes guide our activities, building on the underlying principle of knowledge-based decision making

In essence, the Conservancy has three mandates:

• To own and manage land to allow nature to thrive;

• To facilitate the study of the diversity of plant and wildlife on Bowen; and

• To encourage the public to experience Nature in a way that spreads awareness and stewardship of this natural heritage.

Since our inception in 1996, we have worked toward these goals, and now:

• We manage the Fairy Fen and Singing Woods nature reserves on behalf of Islands Trust.

• We own and manage the 32-acre Wild Coast Nature Refuge at Cape Roger Curtis.

• We are a participant in the Federal Government’s Ecogift program, which assists Bowen landowners to donate lands of conservation merit.

• Wehavecreatededucationalpublications such as the Nexwlélexwm/ Bowen Island Marine Atlas that highlights the natural world of our shores, and the Beasts of Bowen Island, a guide to our island amphibians and reptiles.

• We have been advocates for no motorized use of the Mt Gardner trails and other conservation issues on the island.

Of particular note in relation to Anton’s comments about the Official Community Plan and the need for a vision for our future, the Conservancy is currently engaged in a study of our island’s Nature and biodiversity We intend to use the results of this study in the work of the Conservancy but we anticipate that it could be of value as the community engages in its OCP review.

Whether or not the Conservancy has success in expanding its conservation initiatives at the Cape, all its work will continue to be in support of its founding principles

Sincerely,

- Owen Plowman President, Bowen Island Conservancy

A robust turnout of Bowen Island SKY members gathered for an informative session led by dedicated volunteers Carolyn McDonald and Jayne McMillan from Bowen’s Emergency Support Services on a Tuesday morning. The session included a tour of the fire hall and an overview of ESS supplies. Drawing from her two decades of volunteer experience, Carolyn emphasized the vital role of volunteers, while Jayne shared insights into the recent McDougal Creek Fire in North Kelowna, highlighting the challenges faced by senior evacuees and the invaluable assistance provided by ESS and the provincial government throughout the alert, evacuation, and return home processes. Both volunteers stressed the importance of preparedness, offering handouts and examples of essential items to pack for emergencies ESS identified potential crises that could occur on Bowen Island and provided valuable tips on handling forced evacuations / Lichen Tilley caption, Jeanine Ziolkoski photo

SnugCoveTerminalUpgrade

Final Farmers Market runs this Saturday

We’relookingforyourinput!

We’reupgradingtheberthandmarinestructuresatSnugCoveto keepferriesrunningsafelyandefficiently Constructionwillrequire somesailingcancellationsandberthclosuresandwe’reaskingfor yourhelpinplanningfortheseservicedisruptions.

Helpuswith:

• Understandingwhichsailingcancellationsandberthclosure timeswillcreatetheleastdisruptiontothecommunity

• Planningtomitigatetheimpactonyourtravel

• Planningforcommunicationbeforeandduringthedisruptions

Visitwww.bcferriesprojects.ca/snug-cove-tptoprovideyourfeedback andlearnmoreabouttheproject

EngagementisopenuntilOctober9.

ScantheQRcodeformoreinformation.

bcferries.com

Apples from trees that are over a century old, are certainly a community’s treasure, in green, red and gold!

On Saturday, Oct 7, from 10 am to Noon at Bowen Island Community School, at the last Farmers Market of the 2023 season, BIHPA (the Bowen Island Heritage Preservation Association) will feature the annual apple pie sale, with pies made from local heritage apples including Wolf River, Winter Banana and what we have been calling ‘the Snug Cove Russet’ (see Page 9).

Some of the apple trees that BIHPA harvests have been growing in Davies Orchard since 1887 It is amazing that these over cen-

tury-old trees are still producing fruit; as are the next generations of trees which were created by graftingas that is one of the only ways to truly keep an apple variety alive

(If you grow an apple tree from a seed, it will have the genetics of the original and the pollinating apple trees, so it will produce a different variety each time To preserve apple trees, you need to graft them, or inspire a cutting to produce roots… both of these are challenges for the old branches from old fruit trees!)

Keeping local heritage apple varieties alive is part of what the Bowen Island Heritage Preservation Association works towards, as well as all aspects of preserving and celebrating and educating about the Davies Orchard site

Unfortunately, due to the renovations in Davies

Orchard, the beloved Applefest in the Cove cannot happen in the Cove again this year, but the spirit of Applefest lives on in many ways, especially with the annual pie sale on the Thanksgiving weekend at the Farmers’ Market, (please bring cash or cheques).

BIHPA keeps going thanks to the enthusiasm of the core group of volunteers who support local heritage in many important and fun ways including Annabelle Coon’s creative orchard character: https://youtu.be/ W4evfnrEQK8

If you’d like to learn more about what BIHPA is planning in the future and to help keep our past alive in the present, please join us at our AGM from 11 am to 12:30 pm on Saturday, Nov 4, at Collins Hall Light refreshment will be served.

SARAH HAXBY Co-President / Bowen Island Heritage Preservation Association

Community Lunches return to Legion

LORRAINE ASHDOWN

Bowen Island United Church / Snug Cove House

Fall brings changes of lifestyle - and of menus.

The summer days of barbecues and long, tall drinks are done for now as we move inside to enjoy thick, warm soups and stews Once again, sponsored by The Caring Circle, The Community Lunches are set to resume at the Legion beginning Tuesday, Oct 10

The lunches are provided on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, beginning at 11:30 am and ending at 1 pm That means there will be a lunch on Oct. 10; Oct 24; Nov 14; Nov 28, and a special Christmas Lunch on Dec 12 Head soup maker, Millie Hogan, with help from her Mum, Cheryl, create delicious soups with bread, dessert, tea and coffee all for $10 Simply the best deal in town.

The lunches are aimed at the elders in our community, providing a chance for people to visit with one another, enjoy an affordable meal and meet some new friends The meals started a few years ago as a collaboration between Caring Circle and SKY (Seniors Keeping Young).

Caring Circle, SKY, Bowen Island Legion,

La Belle Pomme

Snug Cove House, and Bowen Island United Church take turns hosting the lunches and providing volunteers. For the first lunch on Oct 10, your hosts will be the good people of the Legion The program has also received support from the Municipality and the Knick Knack Nook

Our winters here can be long, dark and somewhat isolating for some of our seniors. These lunch times are excellent opportunities to break the spell of loneliness and to gather in Community. Although the original design was for Seniors on Bowen, of courseall are welcome yet the program is offered for adults only.

Please join us as we begin our new season of soup slurping! With huge thanks to Mille and Cheryl, and the many volunteers, I see many full and happy tummies in the future

SARAH HAXBY Co-President / Bowen Island Heritage Preservation Association

The Snug Cove Russet went for genetic testing thanks to the help of local pomology enthusiast Nancy Leonard who also took cuttings and has grafted many of our local heritage varieties to keep the heritage apple tree varieties going

The Snug Cove Russet was tested due to its delicious flavour both as an eating and cooking apple, and because the red-tinged beautiful, bountiful blossoms it produces every spring are as large as a toonie, and make it a special tree to have year-round!

Here’s what the test results came back with:

“I tested the “Heritage Russet” The first thing I found was that ‘Heritage Russet’(HR) is a genetic match for your ‘Golden Reinette’(GR) Is HR actually GR? Well, probably not, because the next thing I found is that your HR and GR match another cultivar already in our database: ‘Boskoop’ (also known as ‘Belle de Boskoop’) Apparently, one of the synonyms for Boskoop is ‘Gold Reinette’ (not ‘Golden Reinette’ , which is a separate cultivar).

orchard (O’Keefe Grange) and it matched the genotype for ‘Boskoop’ published by the National Fruit Collection in the UK.

All of this leads me to the conclusion that the ‘Bowen Heritage Russet’ is a ‘Boskoop’ , and your ‘Golden Reinette’ is also a mislabelled ‘Boskoop’ , possibly because it was originally labelled a ‘Gold Reinette’ .

Further support for this identification comes from the fact that your trees are triploids, as ‘Boskoop’ is known to be, ‘Golden Reinette’ is a diploid. https://pomiferous com/applebyname/belle-de-boskoopid-637 describes it as “Large, round conic in shape, sometimes tending to be lumpy. Very lightly ribbed on the sides and at the crown” , all of which seems to fit your fruit quite well.”

So, there we go, the “Snug Cove Russet” is now confirmed as a “Belle de Boskoop”! Thank you to Nancy, the genetic testers and everyone who is keen to support local apples and Bowen heritage

I have considered my genotype for ‘Boskoop’ to be a reliable one, because I tested a ‘Boskoop’ from Bill

O’Keefe’s

The Community Lunch crew: (L-R) Cheryl Evans, Hazel,Violet, Millie Hogan.

CALENDAR

Saturday, October 7

Pop-Up Photo Show

Kami Kanetsuka’s photo show. Framed photographs from several decades of travel, priced to sell There will be background stories. On show in circular stage, between the Hearth Gallery and Library, 12 to 4 pm Rain or Shine

Saturday, October 7

Integrating Nonviolent Communication Workshop

JoinMatthewRamsayforthisfreeone-hourintroductionto an embodied approach to Compassionate Communication (aka Nonviolent Communication) starting at 4:30 pm at the Bowen Library Annex Register at the event or https://compassionateresolutions.as.me/? (Public Talks & Webinars)

Sunday, October 8

Experiential Group Process Workshop

Matthew Ramsay gives a free one-hour introduction to the Spiral of The Work that Reconnects, an experiential group process based on principles from Buddhism, Deep Ecology, wisdom traditions, and systems theory. Starts at 4:30 pm at the Bowen Library Annex, register via Oct 7 calendar link

Wednesday, October 11

Finding Clarity in Changing Times Workshop

A Joyful Inspired Living Workshop and online class to guide participants to move from anxiety triggered by the uncertainty of the future to calm clarity. 9 am to Noon, $64. Learn more at https://joyfulinspiredliving.com/workshop

Wednesday, October 11

Investigating Your Family History with SKY

Danae Tilley has been collecting dead relatives for over 40 years She has found the saints , the sinners, the prayed, the paupers and kings and is pleased to share her methods

in discovering your ancestry and finding stories within facts and dates. 7 to 8:30 pm via Zoom. $5 per session, SKY members free RSVP to: SKYonBowen@outlook.com

Saturday, October 14

Judi Gedye Open House

Will be held the second Saturday of October due to Thanksgiving long weekend. 3 pm at Collins Hall.

Sunday, October 15

Poet Talk at the Library

Join us for a Poet Talk by local poet, Emily Osborne, at the Bowen Island Library at 1:30 pm Emily Osborne will be reading from her new book of poetry, Safety Razor, published by Gordon Hill Press (2023). bipl.ca/author

Monday, October 16

Rotary Speaker Series

The Rotary Club of Bowen Island is hosting Alexandra Morton on Zoom, at 7:30 pm Alex Morton is extremely well known for her research on dolphins and Orca, and more recently in her fight to close the farm salmon industry in the Broughton Archipelago in BC The title of her presentation is ‘Salmon are Talking – What Happens When We Listen’ . All are welcome to this Zoom event

Thursday, October 19

Eat, Drink, Paint

A Here’s Bowen Arts! Tour 2024 Fundraiser Join Janet Esseiva to enjoy painting, Charcuterie and a glass of vino at Doc Morgan’s 6 to 9 pm Register at bowenartstour.com

Friday, October 20

Q&A for Here’s Bowen Arts! Tour 2024

7 pm, Q&A for artists wishing to join next year ’ s tour on May 25-26. Registration at bowenartstour.com, or call Marie at 780-720-5268. Join the Tour and showcase your artworks

TUESDAYS

Musical Movement with SKY

Marc Gawthrop brings the piano alive at Bowen Court,

Friday,

open to all 55+, SKY members free or $5 session. 10 to 11 am

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

Bowen Bridge

1:30 to 4:30 pm at Bowen Court Fee $5 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

Exploring Insight Meditation with SKY

With facilitator Laura Quilici. No charge for SKY members, non-members $5, 55+. 11 am to 12:30 pm, runs thruough Nov 2. Register at SKYonBowen@outlook.com

WEEKENDS

Saturday Farmers Market at BICS

Annual market at Bowen Island Community School Browse food, crafts, snacks, and more! 10 am to Noon. This Saturday, October 7 is the final Farmers Market of the year!

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