Bowen Island Undercurrent October 13 2023

SENIORS DROP-IN CENTRE GETS GREEN LIGHT PAGE 3

$1.50

inc.

GST

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023

RECIPE FOR A FRIEND

VOL. 49 NO. 40

BIUndercurrent

BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

A Favorite Fish Dish PAGE 8

Snug Cove Ferry Terminal work will move to next year ALEX KURIAL Editor

WEIR-D & UNNATURAL TALES The Weir is Theatre on the Isle’s latest undertaking, with the supernatural stories set to debut later this month. Part of the team, seen here rehearsing at Collins Hall, are (L-R) actor Thomas Newman, stage manager Helen Wallwork, and actors John Parker and Calder Stewart. To find out more about the play, and hear thoughts from director Martin Clarke, be sure to check out Page 9. / Frazer Elliott photo

Multi-award winning North Shore company, now building on Bowen.

We Live Here, We Build Here, We’re Proven Here.

604-988-2280 shakespearehomes.com

Scheduled repairs to the Snug Cove Ferry Terminal will now begin in 2024.

BC Ferries announced the three-month project in September, saying it would begin in mid-November and run into February. Several parts of the berth are in need of upgrades, including the ramp and walls. A full replacement of the terminal is planned for 2030.

Work will run overnight, and was originally scheduled to start after Remembrance Day. But BC Ferries says after conversations with the Bowen public, crews will now begin work in January instead. Going by the three-month timeframe, this would see the repairs completed in April.

“With the amount of feedback that we’ve gotten… our thought now is to ensure that we can properly account for and accommodate it (the feedback) as best we’re able, we’re going to actually delay our project,” said Jesse Lightman, project manger for BC Ferries, during Bowen’s Tuesday council meeting.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Friday, October 13, 2023

A2 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Permissive Tax Exemptions Pursuant to Section 224 of the Community Charter, Bowen Island Municipal Council intends to adopt a bylaw exempting from property taxation for up to 4 years (2024-2027) the lands and improvements or both that are owned or held by charitable, philanthropic or other not for profit organizations and that Council considers are used for a purpose that is directly related to the purposes of the Corporation. The properties being considered at the Council meetings of October 10th and 23rd, 2023, and the estimated total property taxes for all purposes that would be imposed if they were not exempt are: Estimated property taxes if not exempt (3% escalation)

Events All Council meetings are open to the public to attend in person or electronically, unless noted otherwise.

October 23, 2023 1:00 pm Regular Council Meeting

Work with us Facility Manager

New position to oversee the opening and operations of the Community Centre.

Roads & Parks Crew

BIM has an immediate opening for a temporary Roads and Parks Operations Crewperson.

For more information and pay rate: www.bowenislandmunicipality. ca/work-with-us

Owner/Occupier Rivendell Foundation

Roll #

2024

2025

2026

2027

03792.001

9,575

9,862

10,158

10,463

Rivendell Foundation

00010.400

21,581

22,228

22,895

23,582

Camp Bow Isle

03059.005

3,631

3,740

3,852

3,968

Camp Bow Isle

03060.000

8,013

8,253

8,501

8,756

Camp Bow Isle

03061.000

14,832

15,277

15,736

16,208

Camp Bow Isle

03080.000

8,635

8,894

9,161

9,435

Camp Bow Isle

05818.000

6,416

6,608

6,807

7,011

WCD Developments (Tir Na Nog)

00010.450

7,513

7,738

7,970

8,209

Seymour Bay Foundation (Bowen Island Golf Ass’n)

3795.005

2,090

2,152

2,217

2,283

Island Pacific School

10.112

1,876

1,932

1,990

2,049

Island Pacific School

10.113

9,185

9,461

9,745

10,037

Bowen Island Conservancy

4187200

657

677

697

718

Bowen Island Conservancy

4187205

888

915

942

971

Bowen Island Conservancy

4187210

885

911

939

967

Bowen Island Health Centre Foundation

11010

3,971

4,090

4,213

4,339

Bowen Island Legion

4452.000

3,167

3,262

3,359

3,460

Community Museum and Archives

0024.000

3,328

3,428

3,531

3,637

Bowen Children’s Centre

0010.172

5,586

5,754

5,926

6,104

Smooth Stones Foundation

10.111

4,343

4,474

4,608

4,746

The Roman Catholic Archbishop

0026.439

3,135

3,229

3,326

3,425

The United Church of Canada

04948.005

3,288

3,387

3,489

3,593

0954217 BC LTD Municipal Hall

00010.600

1,603

-

-

-

Bowen Island Municipality Library

00011.003

8,862

9,128

9,402

9,684

$133,060

$135,401

$139,463

$143,647

Total Estimated Exemption Value

Open Burning Open burning is using fire to dispose of piled materials and includes burn barrels, burn piles and machine burns. This is different from a campfire (50cm x 50cm) or indoor wood burning.

Open burning creates a significant amount of smoke that contributes to pollutants such as smog and ground-level ozone that can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation and congestion. Open burning is a significant environmental concern. Please consider other forms of disposal such as chipping, composting, grinding or the use of an air curtain burner before choosing open burning.

Open burning is permitted with municipal and regional permits that comply with Air Quality Management requirements from noon on Sunday, October 15, 2023 until Monday, April 15, 2024 on days allowed by Metro Vancouver’s ventilation index. In addition, Category 3 permits for land clearing or machine burning require a Provincial burn registration number. www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/burn-permits/

Contact Bowen Island Municipality PAID ADVERTISEMENT October 12, 2023

Phone: 604-947-4255 Bowen Island Municipal Hall Fax: 604-947-0193 981 Artisan Lane Email: bim@bimbc.ca Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 Website: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca

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

Find us on Facebook Bowen Island Municipality

Subscribe to our mailing list bowenislandmunicipality.ca/subscribe

Friday, October 13, 2023

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A3

Seniors KeepingYoung finds a Questions about how Bowen residents will get home at night permanent Home

ALEX KURIAL Editor

Seniors Keeping Young has been selected to take over the vacant space in the Blue Cottage.

The approximately 300-square foot room in the Cardena Road building behind the Library had previously been used by the Caring Circle. With that organization transforming into a new venture, the space became available for a new use.

The municipality put out a call earlier this summer asking for groups interested in moving in.

Three organizations responded with their plans, including Seniors Keeping Young (SKY) who have been searching for a place to establish a Drop-In Centre for seniors.

The centre would be a place for seniors to meet each other, as well as participate in group activities in a dedicated location.

Currently SKY offers gatherings at various locations including the Library and Bowen Court.

The other two applications were from the Friends of Bowen Island Library Society

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(FOBILS) and Theatre on the Isle (TOTI).

Both of the groups were looking to use the area as storage space, for books and costumes respectively. They also agreed to share the space, as there is enough room for all their materials.

“It comes down to a very difficult decision for council to have to make,” said Kristen Watson, chief financial officer, at the Oct. 10 council meeting. “All three of the organizations are definitely worthy, volunteer-driven organizations.”

Watson recommended that the space is best used by people, which is what SKY proposed. “It’s very centrally located (in Snug Cove) and very accessible by transit for people who don’t have access to cars… It really comes down to a choice between providing storage space for some community organizations versus expanding services to seniors and creating that space for a Drop-In Centre,” said the CFO. Council noted it was a difficult decision, but ultimately agreed with Watson. “I appreciate that all three of these organizations are valuable to the community and could use this space. Basically we have two applications for storage and one application for

4 bathrooms

•

4244 sf

•

REBGV MLS Medallion Club Member

actual use that’s going to involve a lot of people,” said Coun. Tim Wake.

“As much as I desperately want storage for both of those other organizations, I think that little Blue Cottage should be filled with people. I think it’s absolutely perfect for that,” said Coun. Judith Gedye, though

added the municipality should look into storage options for FOBILS and TOTI. “With seniors being a growing population, and with the infrastructure that’s connected to that space, as well as just having it populated, is probably the best use of the Blue Cottage,” added Mayor Andrew Leonard.

THE LAKELANDS

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Much of the evening concerns were due to Bowen’s transit service not running late at night, and no taxi or ride service available on the island. Suggestions included a dedicated shuttle bus for people arriving later at night.

For people who need their vehicles on the mainland, BC Ferries will offer discounted parking in the parkade on days when the two sailings are cancelled. On weekends where a full day or more of cancellations are necessary – currently planned for once a month – parking will be free. Water taxis will be contracted for foot passengers during the cancelled sailings.

Lightman says he’s hoping BC Ferries can provide a detailed plan of the January-April project, including which sailings will be cancelled and how transit issues on Bowen will be addressed, in mid-November.

865 FORSTER LANE

$1,899,000

An artist’s studio with walls of windows, a huge loft-like primary suite, a double garage, and a gym, are just a few of the features of this spacious custom home.

•

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

NEW LISTING!

SATURDAY OCT. 14 • 12-3pm

Valhalla Estates is known for having some of the best east side views on the island and this property is no exception.

5 bedrooms

“We’d like to give the community a chance to better plan for this project. Their personal lives are very important… Let us come back fresh in January after an unimpeded holiday season and get to work at that point,” says Lightman.

BC Ferries provided some details on resident feedback during the council meeting and a subsequent Ferry Advisory Committee meeting. A main concern involved navigating the two sailings which will need to be cancelled each day to allow for overnight work – either the first and last runs of the day or the final two runs in the evening. Issues raised included getting to work on time if the 5:20 am sailing was scrapped, and getting home at night if the last boat to leave Horseshoe Bay is at 8 pm.

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A4 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Friday, October 13, 2023

VIEWPOINTS EDITORIAL

Puck Drop

I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving last weekend! I always find it a wonderful time to reflect on all the positives there are in life, some obvious and some not.

Hopefully you all had a chance to do the same, it is a long list when you really think about it.

As I get ready to send this final page off to press, the new Vancouver Canucks season is just a tantalizing three hours away. We’re home at Rogers Arena to take on the Edmonton Oilers, whose overall fortunes have been much better than ours in recent years (though I note that despite having two of the best players in the NHL, their Cup total in the last three decades and a bit is the same as us).

Last year I was rather bullish on the Canucks and thought we would make playoffs, but sadly I was wrong and we did not. In fact we did a little worse than the year before. But I would not be a Canucks fan if I did not continue to have misplaced optimism in this team that I and so many others care deeply about. “This is our year!” I’ll say, and one day, whether near or far away, it will actually be true.

While a Cup run this year is probably not in the cards, I don’t think predicting at least a playoff spot is unreasonable. It will be interesting to see how things go with a full year of Rick Tocchet at the helm. While I love Bruce “There It Is” Boudreau, Tocchet brought a fair bit of stability to the team and for his portion of the season had a winning record. He also seemed to get the best out of J.T. Miller, who we’ll need at his best if we want to make moves this season. A fast start will be important too, with Elias Pettersson in the final year of his contract.

Petey is key to our future, and the team needs to show we have a successful path forward in place. I’m also excited for what will hopefully be a full season of Thatcher Demko (from San Diego) between the pipes.

So Go Canucks Go, and see you around for the next 82 games!

- Alex Kurial, Editor

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EDITOR Alex Kurial editor@bowenisland undercurrent.com

ADVERTISING Tracey Wait ads@bowenisland undercurrent.com

CARTOONIST Ron Woodall

PUBLISHER Matt Blair publisher@bowenisland undercurrent.com 2011 CCNA

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2011

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Friday, October 13, 2023

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A5

VIEWPOINTS On the Future of the Ferry, and more This isn’t a letter about the campground.

Yes, the campground would exacerbate problems we’re already facing, but the reality is that if growth continues at its current pace, our current infrastructure and essential services will be insufficient and overwhelmed. We’re already facing serious issues with the ferry, the Snug Cove sewage system, and with water on parts of the island, and our taxes are set to rise significantly just to keep up with maintenance (never mind expansion) of existing infrastructure.

I believe we should welcome as many people — to live or visit — to Bowen as we can without degrading the quality of life and natural beauty that make this island such a special place. This means that — as a community — we need to have a serious, deep conversation about if and how our infrastructure could be upgraded.

We also need to decide how to pay for it, as it won’t be cheap; my belief is those creating the need for increased infrastructure (through new housing development and tourism) should contribute the bulk of the cost.

A study by the municipality showed existing zoning rules would allow for the construction of hundreds of new homes on Bowen, meaning we don’t currently have any natural checks on growth. The

Haig Farris says this Heron is practicing its steps for opening night of the Bowen Ballet. / Haig Farris photo It may mean renewing our Official Community Plan. It means working with other agencies, such as BC Ferries, to develop joint solutions (e.g. we may need them to accelerate plans to upgrade our ferry service, and figure out a means to fund it

via higher fares for non-residents). We need to support and engage with our municipal government in doing this work, if Bowen is to have a positive future.

- Travis Beals

BU S YE O R’ L S D AG EN T

SE S LL O ER L S D AG EN T

Census shows Bowen’s population grew 16% from 2016-2021; if that rate continues, then by the end of the decade, our population could increase by 20%. I modeled a scenario of 20% growth in ferry traffic (assuming overload traffic carries over to the next sailing), and — if there are no increases in capacity or other mitigations — we’d be in for a world of pain, with even the final 10:20 pm sailing to Bowen overloaded at times during the peak period.

See bowenferry.com > Growth Scenarios for more details.

A moratorium on growth might seem appealing to some, but would also result in hardship, as we heard during the Snug Cove Sewer crisis from families that were stuck with their savings tied up in lots that they couldn’t build on. Moreover, if done without careful justification and deliberation, a moratorium might result in lawsuits and acrimony; Salt Spring Island (where I grew up) is currently mired in just such a mess.

The only real solution to our current predicament is to do the hard work as a community of figuring out a responsible, sustainable plan for growth. This will mean lots of detailed and, frankly, tedious discussions and debates about infrastructure, development cost charges, capital works budgets, and more.

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A6 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Friday, October 13, 2023

Places of Worship Welcome You BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH www.biuc.ca | 1122 Miller Road

VIEWPOINTS

FOOD BANK

Sunday Worship 10:30 am Rev. Lorraine Ashdown

DROP-OFF

778-688-2061

OFFICE HOURS WEDNESDAY 10-4 OR BY APPOINTMENT

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

Contact Angela Powell 604-947-2515

CATES HILL CHAPEL

www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.)

Sunday Worship 10:00 Rev. Phil Adkins SHIRAT HAYAM (Song of the Sea) BOWEN’S JEWISH COMMUNITY Shabbat Gatherings ~ Holidays Contact aryana.rayne@gmail.com • www.shirathayam.ca

Yvette DHONT

Yvette Dhont graced our world on March 3rd, 1962, right here in Vancouver.

On August 23, 2023, at 61 years young, she bid us farewell. She was a cherished mother to Charlie and Jesse, a beloved daughter of Yvonne andThijs, a caring sister to Michael, and a true friend to many. She also leaves behind her dear step-siblings Jay, Randy and Andrea and nieces Sydney and Alivia. A beacon of selflessness,Yvette wholeheartedly embraced a life devoted to the care of others, both personally and professionally as a Registered Nurse, earning honors at BCIT. Her roots were deeply woven with West Vancouver, the place of her upbringing and where she found her final home.

Bowen Island also held home to a significant part of Yvette’s life, spanning from carefree teenage days to the later joys of raising her children.

In these recent days, the outpouring of condolences stands as a testament to Yvette’s radiant spirit. What strikes a chord is the common theme of her limitless kindness, a remarkable trait that inspires us all. Her ability to see the good in everyone is a lesson worth remembering. With an infectious smile and a great sense of humour, she radiated beauty from the inside out.Yvette’s beauty extended beyond her appearance she truly had a heart of gold. She spoke fondly of all those who touched her life. Whether a childhood friend, a companion from Bowen, or however you were fortunate to know her, please know she sends her love and warm embrace from a better place.

In her honor, treasure the cherished memories and hold them close to your hearts. Please raise a glass to the laughter and experiences that definedYvette’s journey.The family will come together for an intimate celebration of her life.

Rest in peaceYvette, you are so very loved.

Please join us for an informal celebration of Yvette’s life.

All who loved Yvette are welcome. Feel free to bring photos and a snack if you like.

October 21, 4-7 pm at #150 - 1425 Marine Drive, West Vancouver

This Whale had a lot to spout off about, sending water high into the sky during a recent visit to Bowen Island. / Lisa Brougham photo

Queen of Capilano Ferry Schedule NEW OCTOBER 10 - MARCH 31 2024 DEPART BOWEN ISLAND

DEPART HORSESHOE BAY

5:50 am 5:20 am - except Sundays 6:50 am 6:20 am 8:00 am 7:30 am 9:05 am - except Wednesdays 8:35 am 10:15 am 9:40 am 11:25 am 10:50 am 12:35 pm 12:00 pm 2:20 pm 1:10 pm 3:30 pm 2:55 pm 4:35 pm 4:00 pm - except Wednesdays 5:45 pm 5:10 pm 6:50 pm 6:15 pm 8:00 pm - except Saturdays 7:25 pm - except Saturdays 9:00 pm 8:30 pm 10:00 pm 9:30pm 10:30 pm Note: Schedules subject to change without notice Schedule changes on statutory holidays. Please check BCFERRIES.COM

Friday, October 13, 2023

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A7

Reflections: Stories of Ukrainian Canadian Ancestors MATHILDE ROHR Cultural Connector / Hearth Gallery Until October 23, the Hearth presents an exhibition of paintings and drawings reflecting on ancestry, connections, and memories.

Leanne Romak, local artist, and Sonya Iwasiuk, based in Vancouver, have in common their Ukrainian heritage and their deep interest in the stories of the people who walked before them.

In 2010, Leanne Romak found old photographs in the attic of her father’s family farmhouse in Manitoba. These pictures were taken by her Ukrainian uncle in the 1940s. While the individual stories of her ancestors are mostly lost in time, these captured moments show them in the embrace of home and community.

These bits of past lives remain today for our own reflection and interpretation; everyone can find a personal story in what they see. Inspired by the narrative power of these printed memories, Leanne Romak decided to transform these momentos through her creative and artistic lens.

With a tint of nostalgia, she highlights the

social web that extends across people and time and the fact that we all take our turn as memory keepers.

“I am inspired by these photos and feel compelled to engage in the process to bring them to life as a series of images that bathe the viewer in nostalgia and delight,” says Romak.

Sonya Iwasiuk’s series, “You Are My Home”, speaks largely of connections to our past, people, and places. In her mixed media painting, she addresses the importance of shelter and a safe place to be.

Using words, symbols, and lines, she also illustrates the unseen emotional connections that we find to nurture our bonds while apart. Online spaces, for instance, are invisible ties that hold us together when physically separated; memories and legacies of the spirits who left us are other elements that can provide a sense of connection.

“I often intensely research the histories of people, places, and particular events. By revealing the past I have realized how strongly it speaks of the present,” says Iwasiuk.

Both Romak and Iwasiuk will be at the gallery for an Artist pARTy on October 14 from 6 to 8 pm.

REGULAR HOURS

BEAU Meet Beau, This adorable guy came to us for his monthly cytopoint injection in between hitting the slopes up in Whistler with his owner, there are many different medications to help with your furry friends allergies, if you notice your pet itching you can give us a call!

Mon-Fri 9-5

CONTACT

Closed Sat & Sun

reception@bowenvet.com

604.947.9247

Artworks by Leanne Romak (left) and Sonya Iwasiuk (right).

3-4PM Saturday Oct. 14th | Collins Hall A monthly open house sponsored by Judi Gedye, BIM councillor and Islands Trustee.

Plan an island-made event

A8 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Friday, October 13, 2023

Recipe of the Month - with Nancy Lee I love this time of year when I can make some comfort food. This recipe makes enough that I can always share.

I used to bring Charlie MacNeill meals when ever I had extra to have for his supper.

He would always bring back the container the next day and tell me it was just awful, but he would always have a twinkle in his eye and a smile from ear to ear.

I usually make this casserole with canned salmon. Well, I remember the first time I gave him a container from this recipe. The next day he didn’t tell me it was awful. He told me that he really liked white fish. It must have been because he was from the east coast.

So for Charlie I would make this recipe with canned tuna and he would tell me it was just awful.

Miss you Charlie xoxo - Nancy Lee Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Ingredients 250 g Italissima Gnocchi dry pasta or

macaroni noodles. (I love the gnocchi noodles as they are like little cups which hold the sauce) Cook the noodles according to the package, drain.

1 cup chopped celery, sauté lightly until just cooked 1 can of mushroom soup 3/4 can of milk (I use my can so I can get all the soup out) 1 cup frozen peas 2 cans of canned of tuna or salmon, drained 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper 3 cups grated cheese (cheddar or marbled cheddar) Topping 2 Tbs melted butter 1 cup crushed cornflakes In large bowl mix all ingredients. Pour into greased 9x13 baking dish.

Mix and sprinkle topping on the casserole.

Cover with tin foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Take the foil off for the last 5 minutes.

Charles Spurgeon MacNeill (December 22, 1916 - April 10, 2011) pictured here with his two great-grandsons during a Remembrance Day ceremony on Bowen Island. / Submitted photo

North Shore Rescue called out four times in one night over Thanksgiving weekend JANE SEYD North Shore News North Shore Rescue volunteers didn’t have a lot time for prepping the turkey after responding to four rescue calls on Saturday evening. Three of the four calls were for rescues taking place at the same time.

Rescue crews were first called out Saturday evening to help get an exhausted 55-year-old hiker off the BCMC trail on Grouse Mountain. District of the North Vancouver firefighters initially responded to the call about a hiker in distress who was experiencing leg cramps, and provided first aid. But the hiker was unable to walk, and firefighters decided “a stretcher carry was not in the cards,” said Stan Sovdat, North

Shore Rescue search manager. A North Shore Rescue crew responded with Talon Helicopters and hoisted the hiker out to a waiting ambulance.

Shortly after 7 p.m., the rescue team was called out to assist Port Alberni Search and Rescue to do a night hoist of a hiker with a fractured arm on Mt. Arrowsmith. The woman was hoisted into the helicopter and taken to hospital in Nanaimo.

In December of 2022, North Shore Rescue became the only civilian rescue team granted permission to use Talon Helicopters’ hoist rescue system at night.

Previously, night hoists had only been carried out by the military. Since then, the North Shore team has regularly responded to requests for help with night hoists from other rescue teams, including one as far away as Nelson.

On Saturday, after that helicopter crew was dispatched to Vancouver Island, the rescue team learned another hiker, a 71-year-old woman, was progressing very slowly up the BCMC trail. Every night, volunteers from the team do a sweep of the trail as darkness approaches, said Sovdat. In this case, the woman had recently had a hip replacement and had been on the trail for three hours. A ground team of two members was dispatched from the top of Grouse to give the hiker fluids and a headlamp and walked her out to the top.

Finally, a fourth call came in Saturday night for two hikers from Ukraine who had been caught in the dark near the Baden Powell Trail on Black Mountain in Cypress Provincial Park. The couple had done the hike before about a month ago,

said Sovdat, and had watched the sun set from Eagle Bluffs. “They just didn’t expect it to get that dark” so quickly, he said. Three North Shore Rescue team members accessed the area from a Whyte Lake service road and hiked up to find the pair and bring them out safely just after 11 p.m.

Sovdat noted it’s important for hikers to be aware of changing light conditions in the fall.

“There have been some real tragedies with people misjudging the amount of daylight,” he said, particularly around the time of next month’s switch back to Pacific standard time.

Hikers should also be alert for the potential of quickly changing weather conditions in the mountains, he said, including the possibility of snow at higher elevations.

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604-947-2442 ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com Thank you for your support of local journalism now and always.

Friday, October 13, 2023

Characters driveTheatre on the Isle’s new Supernatural Stage Offering ALEX KURIAL Editor A haunted tale is coming to the Bowen Island stage this Halloween season.

Theatre on the Isle (TOTI) has been busy rehearsing a production of The Weir, from Irish playwright Conor McPherson. The tale, which involves several stories of the spirit-world, was written in 1997 and instantly met with rave reviews across Ireland and the United Kingdom.

The Bowen version is directed by Martin Clarke, who is returning to the role for the first time in five years. When TOTI approached him to direct the play, he says the storytelling component was a major draw.

“It’s about how people’s lives change, and how we tell stories. There is an element of supernatural throughout the play,” says Clarke. “It’s also about the rural life of Western Ireland. It’s a play with great depth and understanding – the more we rehearse it, the more seems to want to come out.”

The tale is set in a pub in the rural Irish county of Leitrim.

It centres around five characters and the stories they tell – some real, some otherworldly, and some combining a bit of both. With each one the audience learns more about each character, culminating in a final story about a universally shared experience.

“I think when you see what Jack does in the end… the stories can bring out a great deal of people’s stories… compassion or fear or a variety of emotions come out of that,”

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A9

says Clarke.

‘Jack’ is played by John Parker, one of two relative newcomers to the stage in the five-person cast. “It’s a real good stretch for him, and he’ll do wonderfully well,” says Clarke of Parker.

Thomas Newman (‘Jim’) also arrives fairly fresh to theatre-work, but brings a long history of film experience with him.

The cast is rounded out by Island theatre veterans Frazer Elliott (‘Finbar Mack’), Calder Stewart (‘Brendan’), and Kat Stephens (‘Valerie’). Fellow long-time TOTI member Helen Wallwork is serving as stage manager.

Clarke notes that while the stories may involve ghosts and spirits, The Weir shouldn’t be seen as your typical Halloween story. “You talk about ghosts as being the ‘Boooo’ ghosts, but there’s also the ghosts that we live with inside us that come out,” says Clarke. He points out Stephens’ story in particular provokes “such interest and sadness about recent events in her life, and we now see maybe why she’s living here. That completely changes the dynamic in the house.” He adds it also triggers Parker to embark on the play’s final tale.

As for the title of the play, there is symbolism in that too.

Like the real-life weir allows for the flow of water across a river, each character’s story in The Weir flows into the next throughout the stormy evening of storytelling.

Opening night for the play is Friday, Oct. 20 at 7:30 pm. There are four additional evening shows Oct. 21, 26, 27, and the finale on Saturday, Oct. 28, all at 7:30 pm. A matineeshowrunsSunday,Oct.22at2pm.Ticketsare$25and available at Phoenix Books. All six shows are being held at Tir-na-nOg theatre.

wsletter e n r u o r o f p u n Sig

Theatre on the Isle members during rehearsal of The Weir at Collins Hall. The play is being directed by Martin Clarke (right). / Frazer Elliott photos

Friday, October 13, 2023

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CALENDAR

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 SKY Mornings with Keynote Speaker 9 am - SKY Stretch & Strength-chair-based exercises with Catherine, 10 am - Speaker Jayne McMillan on “Transitions”, 11 am to 12:30 pm - Mix & Mingle & Meet new people. All events at Bowen Court, SKY members free, $5 for all others 55+. Email info@skyonbowenisland.ca to learn more.

Monday, October 16 Rotary Speaker Series Bowen Rotary hosts Alexandra Morton, famous for her efforts to end closed-net salmon farms in BC, at 7:30 pm on Zoom. All are welcome. Please see bowenrotary.com for Zoom information.

Wednesday, October 18 SKY Walks Muster at 10:30 am at the Golf Club parking area, walking at 10:45 sharp. Same time and place for Friday, Oct. 20 walk.

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

Friday, October 13, 2023 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.

Sunday, October 22 Author Talk at the Library Join us for an Author Talk by local writer, Gérard Martinez, attheBowenIslandLibraryat1:30pm.Gérardwillbespeaking on his new book, Windows on a Sanctioned Country / Fenêtre sur l’embargo: Iraq 1997-1999. This presentation includes original photography by the author and others. Copies of the book will be available to purchase in French and English. bipl.ca/author Wednesday, October 25 SKY Trek to Steveston Bowen residents 55+ are invited to come out for a daytime SKY TREK to Steveston to tour the attractions of this historic fishing village, made possible through support from Bowen Island Community Foundation (BICF). No charge for transportation from HSB and return via coach bus; attendees pay their cost for any museum admission and/or lunch.

Contact: info@skyonbowenisland.ca to reserve and/or to get more details.

Saturday, October 28 Scary-oake at the Pub Dress up in your Halloween costumes and come sing karaoke with a live band! Hundreds of songs available with costume and performance prizes. Tickets $20, 9 pm start.

Saturday, October 28 Halloween Dance Party at the Legion Rocket Radio on the stage! Costume prizes for individual and groups. Tickets $20 at the Legion. Runs 8 to 11:30 pm.

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Musical Movement with SKY Marc Gawthrop brings the piano alive at Bowen Court, 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 FRIDAYS Legion Dinners Dinners held every Friday except for long weekends. $13 for members and $15 for non-members. Doors open at 5:30 pm, with dinner at 6:30 pm. Tickets on-sale at Legion on Thursday afternoon, and at door Friday if not sold out.

WEEKENDS 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