Bowen Island Undercurrent October 20 2023

COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIPS: Local kids win inaugural awards PAGE 18

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GST

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023

NEW OFFICER

VOL. 49 NO. 41

BIUndercurrent

BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

Bowen RCMP adds their latest member PAGE 16

Council directs Metro Vancouver to amend Cape park proposal ALEX KURIAL Editor

4.9 AC LOT 1570 DOUGLAS RD

WATERFRONT 1771 ARBUTUS POINT RD

WATERVIEW 1546 WHITESAILS RD

LOT ZONED FOR DUPLEX 1116 FOXGLOVE LN

949,900 LISTED AT $9

LISTED AT $3,495,000

LISTED AT $1,550,000

OFFERED AT $500,000

RoB

RHODES ON BOWEN

going that extra mile www.rhodesonbowen.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

BU S YE O R’ L S D AG EN T

BU S YE O R’ L S D AG EN T

SE S LL O ER L S D AG EN T

OWL ON THE BOW This winged sailor hitched a ride at the front of Queen of Capilano Monday night as the ferry made its way into Snug Cove. Fellow passenger Rebecca Laudrum was on-hand to grab a shot of her sailing mate as they both headed home for the day. / Rebecca Laudrum photo

Bowen’s council has told Metro Vancouver changes will be necessary to its Cape Roger Curtis park proposal if it wants the project to continue successfully through the application process.

The unanimous decision from the municipality came following their Monday meeting with the Islands Trust Executive Committee. The virtual gathering was held to allow Islands Trust to explain their decision-making process during a meeting in August. The committee found bylaw amendments to Bowen’s Official Community Plan (OCP) necessary to accommodate Metro Vancouver’s current park proposal, specifically the overnight camping component, were in violation of 10 of their policy statements.

Tim Rhodes REALTOR® tim@rhodesonbowen.com 604.341.9488

PANORAMIC VIEWS OF NORTH SHORE & VANCOUVER 856 VALHALLA PLACE | OFFERED AT $2,750,000

4 BED | 3 1/2 BATH | 3,766 SF | DOUBLE GARAGE | 1.05 AC

Friday, October 20, 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 6:15 pm Regular Council Meeting

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

Work with us Facility Manager

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

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

Give a hoot about heritage: Join the Heritage Commission The Heritage Commission is seeking volunteer members. The Commission meets about four times a year to plan and execute various heritage initiatives island wide including Davies Orchard revitalization, 100 year anniversary of the library building (Old General Store), planning a Heritage Week celebration in 2024 and more.

For more information and to apply: www. bowenislandmunicipality.ca/seeking-heritage-commission-members/

Driveway runoff and culvert cleaning The rainy season is upon us and the leaves are falling. Dangerous road conditions can be created by the discharge of water, dirt, leaves, twigs and gravel from private property onto public roadways.

Property owners are responsible for keeping culverts clear of debris to reduce the risk of flooding. www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/driveway-runoff-and-culvert-cleaning/

Contact Bowen Island Municipality PAID ADVERTISEMENT October 19, 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 20, 2023

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A3

Second reading success hinges on willingness to amend park plan

“THERE NEEDS TO BE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES MADE TO THIS THAT ADDRESS THE IMPACTS OF THIS PROJECT” - MAYOR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

These covered a wide range of topics from water use to high versus low-impact recreational activities to overall social impacts on the island.

Under the Letters Patent, signed when Bowen became a municipality, any changes to the OCP must be reviewed by Islands Trust. Their Aug. 25 Executive Committee decision triggered Monday’s meeting, where the Trust provided rationale for their choices and heard responses from Bowen staff. While much of the joint discussion revolved around the technicalities of what points of municipal bylaw review were either applicable or not applicable when it comes to referral to Islands Trust, the decision at the end of the Oct. 16 meeting did signal a significant step forward in a process which has now spanned almost half-a-year since a successful first reading on April 24.

“I believe at this point the applicant needs to know some direction from us. If we’re not going to bring it to a second reading the applicant needs some feedback as to why, in a way that clearly and definitively puts it in their court,” said Mayor Andrew Leonard, who spurred selection of the choice to ask Metro Vancouver to make changes.

“My belief is that the application and the underlying concept at this point – from everything we’ve heard from the community, from our staff, and that I’ve experienced firsthand – is that there needs to be significant changes made to this that address the impacts of this project.Andthosehaven’tbeensufficientlyaddressed,”said the mayor.

While Monday’s decision revolves around the application’s issues with the Islands Trust’s policy statement, Leonard added that following a lengthy series of conditions regarding park changes the municipality crafted and presented to Metro Vancouver in the summer, “Ultimately it didn’t seem that there was a tremendous appetite, if any, to bring forward substantial changes to the application or the underlying park concept.”

In some areas it even appears initial collaborative efforts may be dialed back. “Reports received from the applicant (Metro Vancouver) early in their application had support to cost-share the Multi-Use Path. That has been significantly paired down,” said Manager of Planning Daniel Martin. “The latest submission in the report to their Parks Committee talks about providing letters of support for grant applications. So not nearly as robust as was initially envisioned.”

Metro Vancouver will now have the option to work with Bowen staff to bring their application into compliance with Islands Trust, or decide to continue with their current plan unamended. While council’s decision doesn’t mandate that Metro make changes, the mayor left little doubt he doesn’t see much of a path forward if the organization goes with the latter choice.

“There needs to be something clear sent to Metro Vancouver that says given the discussion that we’ve had so far… there’s changes that need to be made and need to be addressed, and those need to be brought forward by the applicant,” said Leonard. “This is the offer for them to make changes that would lead to a successful application.

UBCM Highlights UBCM Highlights provide a summary of meetings from the 2023 Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) conference held September 18-22, 2023 in Vancouver, BC. This annual convention provides an opportunity for local governments of all sizes and from all areas of the province to come together, share their experiences and take a united position. At the 2023 convention, BIM Council met with five Provincial Ministers and staff from four ministries to discuss items of significance for Bowen Island.

gradual cost impact than the current arrangement which requires local governments to contribute 70% of all policing costs when their population reaches 5,000.

BIM is proposing either increasing the population threshold or reduce the initial contribution amount to 50%.

Other meetings included Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, Minister of Jobs, Economoic Development and Innovation, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, as well as BC Hydro, BC Housing and Ministry staff, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure staff, Ministry of Municipal Affairs staff and Parliamentary Secretary for Environment.

Read more at: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/2023-ubcm-highlights/

Open burning and the environment Traditionally on Bowen, we love our bonfires and burn barrels in the fall. We create our burn piles all summer in readiness for burn season. However, open burning creates pollutants that can affect the health of islanders.

The smoke from open burning contributes to smog and ground-level ozone that can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation and congestion.

There are other ways to dispose of piled material that include chipping, composting, grinding or the use of an air curtain. Please consider them instead of 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. www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/burn-permits/

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land and Resources Stewardship MLA Jordan Sturdy joined Council members meeting with Minister Nathan Cullen (Water, Land and Resource Stewardship).

The purpose of the meeting was to: • Request funding and provincial support for a watershed protection plan, including elements of a water master plan to support drinking water sustainability while ensuring aquatic and forest ecological health is maintained and enhanced in the face of climate change.

• Request support for a comprehensive crown land use management plan to consider all four provincial crown blocks on Bowen – this work would be in support of the watershed sustainability plan and can also integrate with the fore coming Official Community Plan work.

Katrine Conroy, Minister of Finance Mayor and Council met with Minister of Finance, Katrine Conroy.

The purpose of the meeting was to: • Highlight the increasing cost of delivering services to residents and the need for the province to consider expanding the revenue options for local governments, as well as expanding the eligible project categories for infrastructure funding programs to include rolling stock (e.g. fire trucks) and other protective services infrastructure.

• Request that the Province amend the Police Services Agreement to a more

Or we would bring it to a second reading, which I have doubts at this point would be successful given what we’ve seen so far.”

Coun. Judith Gedye echoed the mayor’s comments. “If they’re not prepared to make any amendments then I wouldn’t be supporting this going to second reading… It’s just not going to fly with the community.”

“We’re at the point where if they need to be told that they have to make changes before it’s seriously going to be considered to move forward, then we have to find a way of wording that,” said Gedye.

That chosen wording was “That council direct staff to request the applicant, Metro Vancouver, amend their application to comply with the Islands Trust Policy Statement Directive Policies prior to consideration of second reading and to report back to council.” Council decided to go with a stronger resolution than simply referring Monday’s information to the organization after deciding progress needed to be made on the topic.

“Before we spend any more staff time, resources, or council time trying to figure out what is going to make this work for Metro Vancouver, I believe at this point we should refer it back to the applicant,” said Leonard. “If we just send them a link and say take a look at this… we’re not really advancing the process for them.”

Metro Vancouver’s Regional Parks Committee met Wednesday, Oct. 18. The park proposal was a topic of discussion, along with the Bowen Island Conservancy’s recent $30 million offer to buy the 97-hectares from Metro Vancouver.

A4 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Friday, October 20, 2023

VIEWPOINTS EDITORIAL

Community Content

Thank you everybody for the flurry of stories sent in for this week’s Island-Wide issue! We cruised into the double digits by reader submission count and as you will see throughout the paper that is what made these 24 pages possible (plus our many advertisers too!)

There were a lot of different topics covered, ranging from health - Rotary’s efforts to fight polio along with Health Centre news - to art the future Bowen Arts Tour plus a pair of local artists exhibiting their work - to upcoming events such as Climate Conversations with the Library, Halloween, or even the annual Pet Blessing (all two, four, or any other number of legged pets welcome). It is very comforting as an editor to always be able to count on such a broad array of community interests being covered so enthusiastically.

Speaking of Halloween, it is fast approaching so hopefully you and your family members (kids or adults) who plan to dress up have been busy working on your costumes. We’ll have more on that next week, but because our next issue won’t be out until Friday, be sure not to miss the Artisan Square trick or treat next Friday morning. It’s a fun way for kids to kick off Halloween early, and last year had a good turnout and good store participation. You can find the details on the back page in the calendar (plus a lot of other cool stuff too!)

- 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

All Advertising and news copy content are copyright of the Undercurrent Newspaper. All editorial content submitted to the Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication. The Undercurrent is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, art work and photographs.

#102–495 Bowen Trunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC, V0N 1G0 Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148 bowenislandundercurrent.com DEADLINE for advertising Monday, 4 p.m.

DEADLINE for editorial Tuesday 5 p.m.

Bowen Island Undercurrent Subscription Rates: Mailed 1 year subscription on Bowen Island: $55, including GST. Within Canada: $85 including GST Newsstand (Single Copy) $1.50 per copy, including GST

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National NewsMedia Council.

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

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.

Friday, October 20, 2023

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A5

VIEWPOINTS

Our Built In Motivational Tool When we look for inspiration to jump start our workouts, the fitness industry serves up images of perfect bodies in perfect outfits effortlessly spinning off a workout that may or may not be appropriate for us, or is simply out of reach for our body type or age group.

Despite this, we march off to our workouts with the best intentions to improve our waistline and muscle tone. Within a few weeks we start to run out of steam and

are left frustrated and regretful as the aesthetic changes we are hungry for are slow to show up.

There is a sad irony in drawing inspiration from a source that can leave us confounded before we have given ourselves a chance to find traction. Intellectually we know that those buff fitness models don’t reflect reality, but we still beat ourselves up when we haven’t achieved what we set out to do.

What if instead we found the glue to stick

to a regular fitness regime in how we want to feel rather than changing how we look?

What if our prime motivator to get to the gym was to feel engaged, in charge of our vessel, energized, clearer and more positive in our thoughts?

To me, this is the best part of my workout.

That burning sensation in my leg muscles after a set of squats actually helps to clear my head and improves my overall mood.

Somehow the world looks just a little bit brighter after a workout. As if by magic, expending energy gives me energy. That’s the kind of math you’ve got to love.

For me, a strength workout (which by the way can be done efficiently in a quick 30 minutes) feels a bit like polishing the silver.

It’s the physical equivalent of cleaning my house: everything in its place, feeling great and ready to go.

And sure, done regularly I enjoy the physical benefits of strong legs with better muscle tone. But the lasting motivational tool that gets me to gym is not how my legs will look. What gets me to the gym is how I feel after I finish my workout.

If you are rooting around for a spark to jump start your fitness, try turning your gaze inward and put yourself in the driver’s seat. Decide how you want to feel. Stronger.

Energized. With a positive glow.

The bonus is you don’t have to wait for any of these feel-good gifts. It’s our own built-in motivational tool, and if you are listening will show up with every workout.

The better muscle tone and all the other aesthetic results will show up too – and best of all without the frustration disappointment and regrets.

- Mary Letson

Revill Gerald (Gerry) Sear October 9, 1932 – October 1, 2023

Gerry Sear of Bowen Island, BC passed away peacefully at North Shore Hospice on Oct. 1, 2023 at the age of 90.

He was predeceased by April, his wife of 68 years in Oct 2021 & his grandson Mathew Jones (1990). He is survived by his 2 children, Kimberlee & Brent, his grandchildren Trevor (Alysha) & Karli (Matt), his sister, Leslie Anderson (Nigel), sisters-in-law Wendy Sear (Harry – deceased) & Karen Thorstenson (Ted – deceased) as well as many nieces & nephews.

Gerry graduated from Lord Byng High School in 1950 with several lifelong friends, many of whom he kept in touch with until very recently. After graduation, he attended UBC and played rugby with the Meralomas along with his younger brother, Harry. He loved the game, spending many days watching from the sidelines, rain or shine, while his grandson, Trevor played rugby.

Gerry & April loved travel & adventure. In 1961, they sold everything & sailed off to NZ with their 2 young children, Kim (3 years) & Brent (3 months). They enjoyed the NZ lifestyle & culture for over 8 years while Gerry worked for Burroughs Business Machines.

Upon arriving back in Vancouver, Gerry worked in commercial real estate with Macaulay Nicholls Maitland (Colliers) until he retired in 1992.

In 1992 he began to build their dream home in Tunstall Bay on Bowen Island. Gerry enjoyed island life & got involved in the community serving on the Tunstall Bay Water Advisory Committee for many years.

Final words from Karli – “We are so thankful that we had grandparents who were so constant in our lives from day one. We will keep each & every memory that we made with them close to our hearts forever.”

A small family service will be held sometime in the future.

SKEELS, Janice Christine In Loving Memory of Janice Christine Skeels Janice Christine Skeels, of Bowen Island, passed away on October 15, 2023, at the age of 70, in Vancouver, after battling Alzheimer’s.

Born on Christmas Day, 1952, in North Vancouver, she was the beloved only child of Marjorie (nee Hill) and Jack Newton.

Janice is survived by her loving husband of over 51 years, Murray Skeels, and their children, Melinda and Jared.

For many years, Janice connected directly with so many community members in her role running the Office at Artisan Square. She was a dedicated supporter of Bowen’s Christmas Hamper Fund, bringing needed cheer and sustenance to neighbours during the holiday season. Janice also volunteered at the North Shore Hospice Society, offering comfort and support to people during their final days.

Janice’s love for life was evident in her passions, which included a deep affection for travel and a keen eye for photography. Janice loved the long walks she took near daily with Murray, when they would enjoy nature and socialize with friends new and old. She was known to whistle tunelessly with great exuberance and loved a good-and even more so a really bad-pun much more than anyone else in her family.

The family deeply appreciates the compassion with which Bowen’s paramedics and staff at Lions Gate Hospital and Kopernick Lodge delivered care when it was most needed.

A celebration of Janice’s life will be held at a later date to allow family and friends to come together to honour her memory.

your community

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her memory to the Bowen Island Christmas Hamper Fund.

bowenislandundercurre rent.com t com

Rest in peace, dear Janice, and may your journey be as beautiful as the world you loved to explore.

A6 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Friday, October 20, 2023

VIEWPOINTS October Open House JUDITH GEDYE Bowen Island Municipality Councillor I’ve just come home from another open house at Collins Hall where a small group of neighbours gathered to discuss local politics.

The first question was what happened at the UBCM (Union of BC Municipalities) conference. A great start. UBCM is a gathering of ~2000 politicians from around the Province: municipal politicians, the Islands Trust, Provincial cabinet ministers, the Premier and the leaders of the two minority parties, and senior staff for all of the above. It is a weeklong series of meetings, workshops, lobbying, a busy tradeshow, business breakfasts, lunches & dinners every day, plenary sessions, keynote speeches, and debate on hundreds of resolutions.

It is a marathon, and a very deep and steep learning experience. All of our council and our CAO attended. I was surprised to hear more than one comment that it was refreshing to see a council get along with each other! But I also heard horror stories of behaviour in some other places.

Our collective takeaway is that we went into this inexperienced, learned a great deal, and plan to be much clearer next year and

subsequent years, and to make it easier for later councils to be better prepared. We had asked to meet with 10 Ministers and their senior staff, were given time with six, and met with senior staff for the other four.

It was an excellent conference and worth the effort.

Several people asked for an update about Metro’s proposal for camping at the Cape. Council is meeting this week with the Islands Trust (IT) Executive to discuss next steps, now that the IT has replied to our referral to them of Metro’s application. Both this council and IT indicated there are concerns outstanding that need replies from Metro, and our staff have reported that Metro is not considering amendments to their proposal. A new wrinkle is two offers from the Bowen Island Conservancy that have recently been made public and are scheduled to be discussed at the next Regional Park Committee meeting (October 18 - https://metrovancouver.org/ boards/Parks/PAR_2023-Oct-18_AGE.pdf, pages 129-188 is their staff report).

Metro’s response to these additional factors might result in some changes, making it very difficult to predict outcomes. There was fatigue expressed about the amount of time spent on the proposal (ain’t that the truth).

Regardless, reaction to the Conservancy proposals will be interesting.

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

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

Bowen artists Leanne Romak (left) and Sonya Iwasiuk discuss their artwork with visitors to the ‘Reflections: Stories of Ukrainian Canadian Ancestors at the Hearth Gallery. / Kathleen Ainscough photos It was noted that BC Ferries has been receptive to feedback from Bowen about their workplan for Snug Cove dock refurbishments and have delayed the project until the new year, with a revised plan coming back to us in November.

Someone noted there was a need for an Official Community Plan review and that discussions about park plans, climate change, emergency preparedness, infrastructure failures and tax increases make it seem that such overall planning discussions would be welcome.

Staff recently came to council asking for direction on how to start such a process – pick one area, or an overall review, or a complete re-write, and will be returning soon

with a work plan for an overall review. At the last council meeting, Kristen Watson (CFO), presented a rough draft of an asset inventory which is a precursor to an asset management plan which this council considers a priority. We have a “strategic planning” session October 20 when we hope to decide on priorities.

There was a brief discussion about the proposed parking lot at Grafton and that drifted into disposal of dog poo, but we did not end on that point! Consider that October 15 is the one year anniversary of our election – and what a year! Overall, we agreed we had much to be thankful for!

Note* Letter was written Saturday, October 14

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 20, 2023

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A7

Every day is spe ecial MONDAY MUSSEL SPECIALS $19 PER POUND Different Style every week

TUESDAY TACOS $5 (MIN.3) & NACHOS

WEDNESDAY WINGS 1LB. $12

THURSDAY HAPPY HOUR DRINKS ALL DAY FLATBREADS $15 Hi everyone! This is a friendly reminder from Deep Bay re Hallowe’en. We look forward to welcoming you all on Tuesday, October 31 for trick or treating!

If you plan to trick or treat with your family this year, please consider donating a box of candy to offset the costs for those on Lenora/Melmore/Senator who put effort in to creating magic for Bowen’s children this time of year! We had upwards of 400 children to our door last year between 5 and 8 pm!

Nancy has confirmed that the General

Store is happy to take donations for us (thank you Nancy!) Please have your donations in by midday October 30. Sarah Haxby has generously coordinated this in past years but has passed the torch for this year. As a result, I will be the pick up point for Deep Bay residents, who can message me or stop by to pick up the donated candy on the evening of October 30 at 1125 Lenora Road.

Thanks everyone! Looking forward to a spooky night!

- Courtney McLachlan

Happy Hour 3 to 6 pm every day!

FRIDAY PRIME RIB & FRESH SHEET SPECIALS

SATURDAY 947 BURGER &BEER (Locals Special) $19 12-4PM

SUNDAY SEAFOOD SUNDAY - $2 OYSTERS & MORE

MONSOON MADNESS MUDDER REGULAR HOURS

CHICA Meet Chica, This brave girl recently came into us for x-rays of her legs, if you ever notice your pet limping or expressing discomfort make sure to bring them in for a check up!

Mon-Fri 9-5

CONTACT reception@bowenvet.com

604.947.9247

Closed Sat & Sun

SPONSOR AN OBSTACLE! Calling all Bowen Island and North Shore businesses! If you are looking to sponsor a great cause and get your brand name out there, then you are in the right spot! Contact julia.mccaig@islandpacific.org for more info.

RAISING FUNDS TO SUPPORT OUR STUDENT BURSARY PROGRAM AND TO BUILD THE COLIN RULOFF COMMUNITY FIELD HOUSE

SATURDAY NOV 4TH | 10AM - 3PM

A8 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Bless this Pet REV. LORRAINE ASHDOWN Bowen Island United Church

Book early for your Holiday Parties and New Year Celebrations We look forward to helping you, your friends and your business celebrate the Holidays.

Email manager@docmorgans.ca

St. Francis of Assisi was an Italian Catholic friar who lived in the 12th and 13th century.

He is recognized as the one who founded the Franciscan Order, inspiring others to focus on poverty, humility and a love of nature and animals. The Franciscans encouraged practices of compassion and simplicity. After Francis’s death, he was canonized and named the patron Saint of Animals.

On Sunday, October 22 at Bowen Island United Church, we will have our annual Blessing of the Animals service. All ages and spiritual paths are welcome. You do not have to be a member of Bowen Island United Church or any church to bring your animal for a blessing. Our animals bring so

Friday, October 20, 2023

much to our lives and give so unselfishly to us. Let’s spend time with them, loving and caring for them and thanking them for all the light they bring to our lives. If you had a pet who has recently left this world, you are welcome to bring a photo of your beloved creature and we will bless his/her memory.

So who is welcome at this table? Dogs on leashes; cats in their own comfy carriers and held in their owners arms; birds in cages; horses - I will come outside if you would like to bring them to the churchyard. And goats - I know you are out there! All pets are welcome. Ferrets, hamsters… whatever creature it is that keeps you company.

St. Francis had a deep connection with nature and a passion for promoting peace, love and compassion toward all animals.

Come join us at 10:30 am on Sunday, October 22, at 1122 Miller Road, as we embrace that spirit and pass it on.

Gifting Made Easy!

Gifts for you:

Complete your Wish List with Tosh Tell friends & family to refer to your Wish List HOME & GARDEN

Gifts for them: the tosh-box – for any occasion

Located in Artisan Square 574 Artisan Lane

Pick your box Pick the contents – or we pick All wrapped & ready for pick up or delivery!

TINY OFFICE for sale $25,000 Included with purchase :

e: hello@toshdecor.ca t: 236-357-2777

96 SQFT. Framing and siding complete. Electrical panel installed, and electrical wiring roughed in. Ceiling is insulated.

- Insulation for walls - Ceiling fan - Efficient wood burning stove - Hardware for a Murphy bed

info@vivakiwi.com (778) 956-7274 Julie Rogers attending a Pet Blessing with Lucy. / Lorraine Ashdown photo

Friday, October 20, 2023

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A9

Bowen Island Community Health Centre to open in temporary location

SEYMOUR BAY Future Dock (Passenger Ferry to Vancouver) PARK

SHORE LN

10 9

7

5 3 2

8 Shared Driveway

Future Development

6* 4* 1* SEYMOUR BAY DR

McINTOSH LN

McIN

5

2

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Future Development SE Y MO U R LN BAY D H S O T R

BEAC H DR GOL F CO URS

RUS SE L L LN Trail

Future Development

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1

* These lots are currently not for sale.

Two new developments in the emerging community of SEYMOUR LANDING. Both revel in incredible ocean and city views and are just a short distance from the beach, hiking trails and Bowen’s popular 9-hole golf course.

SEYMOUR BAY DRIVE

McINTOSH LANE

This 10-lot subdivision is perfectly situated, with its southeast-facing location, to capture the magnificent views and sunrises. These lots have been designed with ease of living in mind.

Perched above Seymour Bay Drive, these 4 estate-style lots offer expansive views and provide an idyllic location, with ample space, to build your dream home.

LOT 2 3 5 7 8 9 10

SIZE 0.368 ac (1,490 m3) 0.309 ac (1,250 m3) 0.358 ac (1,450 m3) 0.341 ac (1,380 m3) 0.267 ac (1,080 m3) 0.197 ac (797 m3) 0.179 ac (725 m3)

LOT PRICES $1,225,000 + GST $955,000 + GST $955,000 + GST $955,000 + GST $955,000 + GST HOLD $885,000 + GST

Inquiries Cole Westersund

(Personal Real Estate Corporation) Cell: 604-360-0793 Email: cole@landquest.ca Website: www.landquest.com/realtors/cole-westersund October 2023.

This is not an offering for sale. Any such offering can only be made with the applicable disclosure statement. Prices & descriptions of real estate in this publication are subject to change without prior notice. E.&O.E.

Construction continues on the Health Centre, seen here late last month. / Paul Welsh photo

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*

Due to ongoing third party, supply and construction delays postponing the opening of the Bowen Island Community Health Centre in its new permanent location on Miller Road, the BICHC will begin operating in a temporary location in Dr. Susanne Schloegl’s former practice location at Artisan Square effective Monday, October 23, 2023.

Dr. Schloegl and Dr. Matt Blackwood — both of whom have joined the BICHC team — will see current patients as usual at Artisan Square and continue to see those patients at the new facility when it opens. Effective October 23, they will be joined at Artisan Square by Dr. Lindsay Downey and Nurse Practitioner Laura Fitzgerald.

Islanders who have signed up with GP Link will be contacted by BICHC staff in the coming days and weeks as the team begins to build out its patient lists.

“This isn’t our first choice,” says BICHC Executive Director Suzanne Saatchi. “But we have a team of practitioners in place and a list of patients looking to access care on the island, so we needed to find a creative solution to get things rolling.”

Funding for BICHC operations and the contracting of health practitioners is not directly linked to the building of the facility. With Dr. Schloegl’s Artisan Square lease coming due on October 31 in anticipation of her practice’s move to the new health centre, the BICHC Board took over a temporary lease in that location to ensure the continuity of care for residents.

Saatchi says the temporary location means not only uninterrupted access to primary care on Bowen, but also increased access to care thanks to the expanding BICHC team.

Currently, there remains no firm official opening date for the new BICHC facility on Miller Road.

Since 1988, building communities where people love to live

COWA N DR POINT

BOWEN ISLAND COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE

Bowen Island Properties LP

LOT 1 2 5 7

SIZE 1.03 ac (4,168 m3) 0.67 ac (2,711 m3) 0.64 ac (2,590 m3) 0.93 ac (3,764 m3)

LOT PRICES $1,025,000 + GST $975,000 + GST $995,000 + GST $1,025,000 + GST

HOME & LOT PACKAGES

Coming soon for Seymour Bay Drive

A10 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Friday, October 20, 2023

Polio Pigs help Rotary battle disease

W HALLO EEN dance

HILARY BUTLER Bowen Island Rotary Club

@ THE LEGION LIVE BAND

ROCKET RADIO Peter Clarke, Bert Clarke, Rob Weaver, & David Graf.

individual & group COSTUME PRIZE ES !!! saturday oct 28th 7:30 pm

TIX $2O TIX AVAILABLE TUES, WEDS, THURS, OR FRIDAY Y AT THE LEGION

members and guests welcome

Planning something spooky ?

World Polio Day is Tuesday, October 24. This coming Saturday, October 21, Bowen Rotary members will be setting up a table in front of the Ruddy Potato for a few hours in order to publicize Rotary International’s Campaign to End Polio Now, and to collect donations in one of our Polio Pigs.

Where will donations go? To fund people (vaccinators, supervisors, field coordinators and drivers); for equipment and for training sessions for vaccinators and their support staff.

What is polio? It is a virus, spread typically through contaminated water, and mainly to children and young adults. At its peak in the 1940s and 50s, polio paralyzed or killed over half-a-million people worldwide every year. Many of us remember friends and family members who suffered from this debilitating disease. Although there is no cure, there is an oral vaccine which has virtually served to eradicate polio in all but two countries of the world. Here are some interesting dates: 1749: First clinical description of polio, although it had been around for millennia 1908: It was discovered that polio was caused by a virus 1928: An artificial respirator called the iron lung was invented 1955: Injectable Polio vaccine created by Dr. Salk 1961: Oral vaccine replaced the Salk vaccine 1979: Rotary International started its polio campaign

1988: The Polio Eradication Initiative was formed by World Health Organization and Rotary, with the goal of eradicating polio worldwide. 350,000 cases were detected in 125 countries. This initiative has since been joined by other funders including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and UNICEF 2006: Polio is confined to only four countries – India, Nigeria, Afghanistan and Pakistan 2020: Only two (conflict) countries report cases of polio 2023: Only 7 cases of polio detected in Afghanistan and Pakistan Why are we so concerned about polio if it is all but eradicated around the world? It’s crucial to continue working to keep all countries polio-free. If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year.

In addition, as noted with detections of variant poliovirus around the world in several previously polio-free countries, including Canada, Israel, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, poliovirus anywhere is a threat to children (and indeed everyone) everywhere.

The word ‘Rotary’ is synonymous with ‘polio’ around the world, and the Rotary Club of Bowen Island urges you to help us with the fight against this disease, particularly in vulnerable areas of the world. We will be selling cookies on Saturday to help the cause. Please come out and support us!

In addition, our Polio Pigs will be placed in various local businesses including Cates Pharmacy, Ruddy Potato and the Beer and Wine Store for the next few weeks. If you would like further information on the fight against polio, access Rotary International (rotary.org)

Having an event?

Listings are always free in our weekly community calendar.

We can help you let everyone know email Alex at Alex@bowenislandundercurrent.com

Please email your listing to Alex by Tuesday 5 p.m. for that week's edition. editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thank you!

SUPPORTING

A

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BOOOTIFUL

BUSINESS

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Friday, October 20, 2023

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A11

FRAZER B. ELLIOTT Personal Real Estate Corporation

Bowen’s Top Producing REALTOR® for 2021 & 2022* *based on reported MLS sales

604.910.3401

felliottbowen@gmail.com | bowenhomes.ca

Specializing in BOWEN ISLAND and HOWE SOUND

2020-2022

Top 10% of Realtors in the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver

1505 WILLIAMS ROAD

$2,048,000

This 2022-built waterfront Bowen Home is perched with perfection upon the bluffs of Eaglecliff. The main portion of the home features 2-3 bedrooms, high ceilings, and an open plan LR/DR/Kitchen that opens out onto a beautiful patio complete with water feature and a stunning view of Howe Sound and the North Shore Mountains/Sea To Sky Highway. Downstairs is a one-bedroom legal suite, with separate entry, laundry, and covered patio with its own superb view. The flat front yard is ready for landscaping and has room for a garage/carport.

1581 WHITESAILS DRIVE

$1,529,000

This Tunstall Bay home is all about versatility. Featuring 3 bedrooms up – with a wrap around partially-covered deck with a sunset picture view out to the Pasley Islands and Van Isle beyond. A 2 bedroom/1 bath guest suite sits below, with separate access opening out into an incredibly private back yard. Keep as two units, or easily convert back into one large family home. In the midst of a very family-friendly neighbourhood, directly across the street from the school bus stop, and within walking distance of Tunstall Bay Beach and Community Association.

1390 EAGLECLIFF ROAD

$1,550,000

Peace and quiet awaits you in Eaglecliff as you sit alone on an acre amongst the treetops. Bordering Lieben – Bowen’s historical artists’ retreat and now crown land, this three bedroom home offers complete privacy. Two bedrooms on the main floor, with the living room/dining room sitting under an airy vaulted ceiling soaked with plenty of sunlight.

The primary bedroom and ensuite is in its own loft above.

Two levels of wrap-around sundecks off the main and downstairs. Suite potential downstairs, or more room for play spaces, rec room, workshop and storage.

D L SO 1570 Douglas Road 5 acres of forested paradise. List Price: $949,000 *Co-listed with Oakwyn Realty

D L SO 614 Smuggler’s Cove Road Off-grid, water-access. List Price $350,000

Friday, October 20, 2023

A12 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Enthusiastic.

Responsive.

Personable.

Friday, October 20, 2023

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A13

TOP 10% of all Realtors in the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver

Knowledgeable.

604.220.7085

BUY ON BOWeN

MARY LYNN MACHADO

buyonbowen.com

PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION *

MLS Medallion Club Member 2022

WATERFRONT HOMES AND LOTS

WATER VIEW LOTS KING EDWARD BAY

VALHALLA ESTATES

THE LAKELANDS

MILLER’S LANDING

BRAND NEW AT SEYMOUR SHORES

THE CAPE ON BOWEN

0.92 ACRES

0.59 ACRES

0.30 ACRES

0.35 ACRES

239 Shore Lane • $4,488,000

1830 Cape Drive • $3,490,000

1795 Emily Lane $1,795,000

801 Valhalla Place $1,250,000

865 Forster Lane $829,000

279 Jason Road

CATES HILL 951 Village Drive $1,448,000

1129 Lenora Road $1,480,000

974 Village Drive $1,599,000 BUYER’S AGENT

914 Schooner Lane $1,399,000 BUYER’S AGENT

EAGLE CLIFF

1.77 ACRES

1545 Eagle Cliff fff Road • $2,300,000

OCEAN VIEW HOMES 0.42 ACRES 1269 Adams Road $435,000

JUNE-AUGUST SALES 1565 Douglas Road $2,098,000

10 ACRES

$760,000

ALSO AVAILABLE 10 ACRES 1473 Adams Road $1,898,000

*

1576 Eagle Cliff fff Road $1,375,000 BUYER’S AGENT

941 Rivendell Drive $1,298,000 BUYER’S AGENT

VALHALLA ESTATES

DEEP BAY

BLUEWATER

EAGLE CLIFF

5 BEDS • 4 BATHS • 4244 SF

4 BEDS • 2 BATHS • 2033 SF

5 BEDS • 3 BATHS • 2400 SF

3 BEDS • 2 BATHS • 1603 SF

927 Valhalla Place • $1,899,000

1156 Senator Road • $1,599,000

983 Privateer Road • $1,599,000

1511 Eagle Cliff fff Rd. • $1,350,000

A14 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Friday, October 20, 2023

September home sales on Bowen ALEX KURIAL Editor While all four homes that sold on Bowen Island in September fetched seven figures, one broke away from the pack in terms of price and size.

The top sale of last month sits at 431 Sunset Road and features both a large house and large amount of land. The 5,768 square foot, two-storey home has seven bedrooms and six bathrooms, and sits on a 9.88-acre plot of land. The property sold for exactly $3 million after a brief nine days on the market.

The sheer size of the land makes it an attractive space for either a hobby farm or horse stable, according to the listing.

The 30-year old home also comes with a hot tub, wood stove, double ovens, and multiple decks.

Miller’s Landing is the site of the next highest sale, a five-bedroom, three-bathroom home which closed for $1.668 million. The two-storey home at 1294 Miller Road is just four-years old and was listed for 47 days.

The total size of the house is 2,030 square feet, with a lot size of 1.03 acres. Decks are located on the back and front of the wide property, with the east deck offering a view of the sea. The home is also a close walk to nearby Miller’s Landing Beach.

The third-highest sale is on the other side of the island at 946 Spyglass Road. It was a very short stay on the market – just six days – for this four-bed, three-bath home before it sold for $1.498 million.

The 2008-built three-storey house is 3,595 square feet, sitting on 0.48 acres of land. It also has a wood stove and hot tub, and the upstairs bathroom has been converted into a spa-like setting.

Finally it’s back across Bowen to Cates Hill and 941 Rivendell Drive, where a three-bedroom, three-bathroom half-duplex sold for $1.225 million. The five-year old build was available for just 19 days before the sale was finalized.

The house totals 1,956 square feet, and the property 0.19 acres. The back deck offers views to Snug Cove and across the sound to the mountains, and out the front door across the street is the Cates Hill Neighbourhood Park.

There was also one property sale on Gambier Island in September of a vacant 1.48 acre lot. The waterfront space at 1056 Taki-Te-Se Road closed for $842,056 after being listed for 11 days.

The land borders West Bay for approximately 300 feet and includes a deep-water wharf and 45-foot ramp. Two cabins are on-site for anyone looking to rough it until a house is built.

Note* Dates are based off day of reported sale

1091 COWAN POINT DRIVE

This seven-bedroom home on nearly 10 acres of land at 431 Sunset Road was September’s top sale on the island at $3 million. / Zealty.ca photo

1294 Miller Road was the second-highest sale on Bowen last month, for $1.668 million. / Zealty.ca photo

NEW PRICE $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.

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

Maria Kritikos 778-389-9195 Maria@KritikosRealEstate.com

Friday, October 20, 2023

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A15

BC Libraries Present: Conversations on Climate BOWEN ISLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY Public libraries are known as centres of dialogue on many important ideas in their communities.

To build upon that role, Public Library InterLINK has brought together many libraries, both big and small, to present a new virtual author series: “BC Libraries Present.”

Bowen Island Public Library is proud to help promote this virtual author series, which connects award-winning authors to library users across the province.

In this inaugural season for this series, the topic is Conversations on Climate. Climate touches everyone’s lives, homes, jobs, and even their reading choices, so it was a natural place to start. This series brings three compelling voices to present their recent climate-related works to a broad BC audience.

On November 8 (6:30 pm), author John Vaillant speaks on “Our New Fire Weather,” moderated by Fatima Syed, climate reporter at The Narwhal. Fire has changed communities across BC this year. After the most devastating wildfire season in recorded history, many are wondering how these fires got so big, what we can learn from our current responses, and whether we are prepared for an ever warming future.

John Vaillant’s book Fire Weather has become a de-facto guide on the new dangers posed by these fires supercharged by a warming planet.

On December 7 (6:30 pm), Brandi Morin will be in conversation with Karyn Pugliese, Editor-in-Chief of Canadaland.

Following the release of her 2022 memoir, Our Voice of Fire: A Memoir of a Warrior Rising, Brandi Morin will be speaking on the topic of “On the Frontlines of Indigenous Land Defence.”

Indigenous communities are on the frontlines of the most devastating climate catastrophes across the world. And they are also leading the most powerful movements to stop the expansion of the fossil fuel industry, major culprits of these disasters. Reporter Brandi Morin will share her experiences on what it’s like to report from protest movements, and how Indigenous activism is pushing towards a brighter climate future.

Viewers can also catch the first talk online under past events. Author of Ministry for the Future, Kim Stanley Robinson, was interviewed by Dorothy Woodend, culture editor for The Tyee. They spoke on “Imagining a Better Climate Future.”

BC Libraries Present: Conversations on Climate are live-streamed events. Viewers can register to attend at: bipl.ca/bclp BC Libraries Present is a project of BC’s public library federations, coordinated by Public Library InterLink, with the generous financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.

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

Small Grants. Beautiful Ideas.

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

DEADLINE TO APPLY IS NOVEMBER 30

https://bowenfoundation.com/neighbourhood-small-grants/ Have any questions? Contact Martina at 778-233-9631 or nsg@bowenfoundation.com

John Vaillant will be the speaker at the Nov. 8 Conversation on Climate, speaking about wildfires and his book ‘Our New Fire Weather’. / BIPL photo

A16 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Friday, October 20, 2023

Bowen RCMP welcomes new Constable to the island

work at Bowfest last year tilted the scales in the island’s favour. “I fell in love with the police work. That was a great festival to open my eyes up to the community,” he said, adding he could see it as a great place to raise a family.

As for the RCMP itself, Cuthbertson says there was some family inspiration behind that choice. “I’ve always had my eye on some type of first responder service. My family has a lot of firefighters,” he says. Cuthbertson put his own spin on things though. “I chose to be a bit different I guess. RCMP was my first choice and I was lucky enough to be accepted, and here we are.”

Cuthbertson’s role in North Vancouver involved many incidents of theft, which he acknowledges is a difficult crime to ever resolve. But given the challenge, successful investigations were the highlight of his time on the North Shore.

“The most satisfying (part of the job) to me was always recovering people’s stolen property and then returning it to them. It doesn’t happen too often unfortunately, it’s very difficult to do that,” he explains. “When people have their stuff stolen they kind of forget about it and just believe that it’s never going to come back. So those type of

ALEX KURIAL Editor You may have seen a new face driving around in one of Bowen’s RCMP vehicles the past few weeks.

Bryan Cuthbertson is the department’s new constable, serving his first day at the detachment on Sept. 26. Originally from Mission, he transferred from the RCMP in North Vancouver where he’d worked for the past seven years. During that time Cuthbertson focused on property crime and surveillance as part of the Crime Reduction Team, as well as a patrol supervisor.

Cuthbertson joined the three-person force following the departure of Cpl. Adam Koehle at the end of August, after Koehle reached his island term limit of four years.

Cuthbertson says he and his family – a wife and young daughter, plus Golden Retriever ‘Tonka’ – were looking for a quieter form of both policing and lifestyle.

“I was really pushing for it,” says Cuthbertson of the Bowen role, saying he was looking at small-town jobs around B.C. or even up in Nunavut. But coming over to

New Bowen RCMP Constable Bryan Cuthbertson began work at the island detachment in September. / Alex Kurial photo interactions I really loved, having that faceto-face with people and giving them the good news.”

On Bowen, Cuthbertson says the focus is definitely being present around town talking to people. “A lot of community policing, listening to what the community wants and reacting to that… It’s very much communicating with people in public and seeing what needs to happen,” he says, adding he’s been briefed on the importance of waving to passersby, a favourite pastime of his predecessor Koehle.

Since landing here last month the new

officer says Bowen has been very welcoming. “Just how friendly people are,” he says of his first impressions. “People are coming up and introducing themselves, and not just because I’m in uniform. People didn’t know I was a cop for at least a week… Everyone seems to be on the same team and pushing toward the same goals. And you can really sense that.”

When he’s not on the job, Cuthbertson says he’s looking forward to checking out Bowen’s many famed hikes and trails, along with taking part in as many sports as possible.

METRO BLASTING INC. 604-942-1564 • SLOPE STABILIZATION • ROCK SPLITTING • CONCRETE • BOULDERS • ANCHORS • BEDROCK • SCALING • STUMPS

New Requirements for Metro Vancouver’s Non-Road Diesel Emissions Bylaw 1329

Specializing in Controlled Blasting - Insured Gary Anderson 604-329-5794 metroblasting@hotmail.com

www.metroblasting.com

Metro Vancouver’s Non-Road Diesel Emission Regulation Bylaw 1329 was amended in October 2021. Some of the important changes that may impact your non-road diesel fleet are highlighted below.

Tier 2, 3, and 4 Registration You can now enter your Tier 2, 3, and 4 non-road diesel engines through Metro Vancouver’s online registration system.

Registration, operating periods, and machine labels are required for: • Tier 2 engines as of January 1, 2023 • Tier 3 engines starting January 1, 2024 • Tier 4 engines starting January 1, 2029

Surcharged Engines

love your island support a local haunt

Previously unregistered (prohibited) Tier 0 and 1 engines are eligible for registration.

These engines will be able to operate within Metro Vancouver with an additional 300% operating period fee surcharge.

What Do You Need to Do? Register your non-road diesel engine(s) now and machine labels will be mailed to you.

Purchase operating periods for any applicable non-road diesel engines when operating within Metro Vancouver.

For more information, scan the QR code, go to metrovancouver.org/nonroaddiesel, call 604-451-6655, or email nonroaddiesel@metrovancouver.org

Friday, October 20, 2023

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A17

A18 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Friday, October 20, 2023

Community Foundation expanding scholarships and minds GREG GIBSON Bowen Island Community Foundation The breadth of scholarships and bursaries available to learners of all ages and educational pursuits continues to grow at the Bowen Island Community Foundation (BICF), thanks to the generosity of our donors.

In July 2023, the Foundation announced the inaugural winners of three new scholarships.

The first winner of the Bowen Island Football Club Founders Award Scholarship — $1,000, to a former player pursuing post-secondary education or vocational training — is Dallen Jennings.

Dallen discovered his passion for football with Bowen Island FC, where he played from the moment he could run until he finished his U13 season. He moved on to play at a higher level in North Vancouver, and eventually earned his C-level coaching license to develop youth players. Dallen’s love of sport, com-

bined with his skill and experience both as a player and coach, led him to pursue a degree in kinesiology, which he is now completing at Dalhousie University in Halifax.

The Brian Biddlecombe Memorial Award is offered to members of the Bowen Island Volunteer Fire Department and their immediate families to pursue post-secondary education or vocational training. Biddlecombe gave 44 years of dedicated service to the Bowen Island Fire Department, 11 years as chief.

This $3,000 award in his memory recognizes his considerable legacy of community service and allows it to live on. Growing up and witnessing her uncle, father, and grandfather helping others and supporting their community as volunteers for the Bowen Island Fire Department inspired Olivia Harding to follow in their footsteps and dedicate herself to a life helping others.

Early experience as a youth leader on Bowen, who was responsible for the health and safety of children, set Olivia on a career path to healthcare and studies at Vancouver

Island University, where she is currently completing the final year of her BSc in nursing.

The $2,500 Logan Family Healthcare Scholarship, supported by a donation from Sandy Logan in honour of her family, has been made available for a student pursuing a career in healthcare, or for someone wishing to increase their knowledge or certification in a health care–related discipline.

With goals of post-secondary education and a medical career in mind, Dayna McMahon worked hard throughout high school to improve her grades and graduate with a competitive transcript.

Ultimately graduating from Rockridge Secondary with honours with distinction, she attributes her academic success to ongoing support from tutors in the Bowen community, who taught her study habits she brought with her to Vancouver Island University.

Now in her final year at VIU, Dayna looks forward to obtaining her BSC in nursing.

Post-graduation, she intends to continue working in an under-served area of medi-

cine that has been the focus of her recent undergraduate work — geriatric psychiatry — and aspires to become a nurse practitioner in this field.

In addition to these three new scholarships, totalling $6,500, the Bowen Island Community Foundation awarded $8,250 to five students via six other established scholarships and bursaries. The Foundation was also pleased to disperse $50,000 in Knick Knack Nook Scholarships to 21 students.

Are you a student who is training for a trade or completing a program at a technical school? The Foundation is still accepting applications for the $1,000 Trades & Training award — five of which are awarded annually on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible programs range from carpentry and mechanics to culinary arts, cosmetology, and health care services — and more!

See https ://bowenfoundation. c o m / g ra nt s / s c h o l a r s h i p - a n d - b u rsary-application/ for more information on applying.

The first winners of Bowen Island Community Foundation’s new scholarships were (L-R) Olivia Harding - Brian Biddlecombe Memorial Award, Dallen Jennings - Bowen Island Football Club Founders Award, and Dayna McMahon - Logan Family Healthcare Scholarship. / Submitted photos

Friday, October 20, 2023

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A19

Feds finance housing builds in Bowen Island, Whistler, Squamish BRADEN DUPUIS Pique Newsmagazine Housing projects in Whistler, Squamish and on Bowen Island are getting a boost from the federal government in the form of low-interest loans.

Officials made the announcement on Oct. 13 in Whistler’s Cheakamus Crossing neighbourhood.

In total, nearly $90 million is being made available through the Canadian Government’s Rental Construction Financing Initiative (RCFi) to help pay for four different housing projects: two in Whistler, and one each in Squamish and Bowen Island.

In Whistler, the announcement included $19.8 million in RCFi financing for 58 units at 1315 Cloudburst Drive. Completed in April, the project is overseen by the Whistler 2010 Sport Legacies Society, which contributed $8.7 million.

It also covers $15.2 million in financing for the Whistler Housing Authority’s 48-unit building at 1450 Mount Fee Road. The Resort Municipality of Whistler is contributing $1.5 million, and the WHA $3 million.

In Squamish, $45.7 million in RCFi will help pay for 105 units at 38115 Laurelwood Road.

Bosa Properties is kicking in $15.8 million.

And on Bowen Island, the government is providing $8.75 million and $30,000 in seed funding for 25 units at 510 Bowen Island Trunk Road. Bandon Holdings Ltd. is contributing $383,800.

“We know that people are struggling to find affordable housing, which is forcing them to live outside of the communities where they work. Through RCFi, our government is helping to increase the supply of new rental homes in Whistler, Squamish and Bowen,” said MP Patrick Weiler, in the release.

“All these projects will offer much-needed housing for families and individuals to grow and flourish in these beautiful communities.”

The RCFi provides fully repayable low-interest loans to encourage the construction of more purpose-built rental housing for middle income Canadians, creating a positive impact to the housing system at minimal cost to taxpayers.

It’s just one program included in the government’s National Housing Strategy, which aims to invest more than $82 billion over 10 years.

SUPPORT THE TEAM MAKING HEALTH CARE CLOSE TO HOME A REALITY The volunteer board of the Bowen Island Health Centre Foundation – the people who have worked tirelessly to make the new Bowen Island Community Health Centre happen – need some support. And (hopefully) your help.

We are looking for a Recording Secretary for the Foundation Board – a detailed, process-oriented person who can help build agendas, take minutes and keep the records so the Foundation’s documents are in order. You have an eye for detail, a seasoned ear and some understanding of board governance and minute-keeping. We are a relatively informal group, but need someone who can keep an eye on things to make sure the records are on point, up to date and provide the information we need to advance the Foundation’s work in support of the Community Health Centre.

If that sounds like you, we would love to have you join our team. It’s a volunteer role, one we think should take no more than 10 hours per month. Please indicate your interest by contacting us: Website: bowenhealthcentre.com/contact-us Mail: PO Box 316, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 eMail: info@bowenhealthcentre.com

wslett e n l i a m e r u o Sign up for

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A20 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Friday, October 20, 2023

Tourism Bowen Island among organizations receving federal boost MP PATRICK WEILER ALSO ANNOUNCED FUNDS TO INDIGENOUS TOURISM ASSOCIATION OF BC & BC PARKS FOUNDATION

ANDREW HUGHES Squamish Chief With a sunny and clear-skied backdrop atop the Sea to Sky Gondola, the federal government announced more funding for tourism in the province.

Member of Parliament for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country, Patrick Weiler, announced, at the news conference on Oct. 11 in Squamish, that over $1 million would be shared among the Indigenous Tourism Association of British Columbia (ITBC), BC Parks Foundation and Tourism Bowen Island.

“Canada has what the world wants to experience,” said Weiler. “We’ve got a world-class tourism destination with something for everyone.”

The projects supported by the investment vary.

About $500,000 will be allocated to the ITBC to develop the Invest in Iconics strategy to grow Indigenous tourism.

Another $360,000 will go to technology development for tours and information about B.C. Parks. Lastly, $158,000 will help develop a sustainable destination management plan for Bowen Island “In many cases, tourism is actually busier than before, so this gave us time to rethink what tourism should be in our communities,” said Weiler. “How does tourism not lead us to loving our trails too much? How do we make sure that tourism actually supports our communities?”

It was these questions that guided the development of the current tourism growth strategy, he continued.

“In fact, promoting sustainability was one of the most important things we heard in consultation during this strategy.”

All of the projects have an eye toward sustainability.

The Invest in Iconics strategy hopes to “increase tourism revenue and visitation responsibly and sustainably” across the province, according to ITBC’s website. This includes respect and support for Indigenous perspectives.

Andrew Day, the CEO of the BC Parks Foundation, said they also have sustainability in mind.

Although it is still in its testing stage, the development of discoverparks.ca already has some information to peruse.

Day said the site will help people find self-guided tours in B.C. Parks or programs put on by ambassadors.

It will also share information about the area, learn ways to take care of the environment and give back. Day said the goal is to connect people more meaningfully to the region.

“Sharing our values, sharing our stories, sharing our passion is what will enable residents and other visitors who enjoy these places to feel connected to them and to give back,” said Day. “It’s that reciprocity that will make the tourism industry more sustainable.”

Lastly, Weiler said the funding for Tourism Bowen Island is about ensuring that tourism supports the community.

All the funds came from the federal Tourism Relief Fund, which invested $500 million starting in 2021 to help tourism

MP Patrick Weiler (left) and Andrew Day, the CEO of the BC Parks Foundation, at the Sea to Sky Gondola announcement. / Andrew Hughes photo

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Friday, October 20, 2023

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A21

Call for Artists - Bowen ArtsTour 2024 JANET ESSEIVA Bowen Arts Tour A small group of dedicated volunteers is organizing a Bowen Island art tour on May 25 & 26, 2024 called “Here’s Bowen Arts”.

The website and logo are coming together. Marketing materials and signage are being designed. Sponsorship and fundraising are yielding great results, and artists are starting to register.

You can be part of this exciting weekend!

“Here’s Bowen Arts” is looking for visual artists to join the 2024 Bowen Arts Tour.

Register by November 1, 2023 to get early bird pricing and have your art showcased on our website, banners and brochure.

Costs for artists include registration fee, setup and cleanup. Artists keep 100% of sales revenue.

“Here’s Bowen Arts” provides all infrastructure planning, marketing material, signage direction to studios, galleries and hubs, website with links to registered artists, tour brochure detailing all registered artists, promotion and advertising both on and off island.

In addition events to share information and offer support artist-to-artist are planned.

This tour is to celebrate and promote visual, literary and performing artists. “Here’s Bowen Arts” will be showcasing painting, prints, photography, sculpture, ceramics, furniture, fibre art, jewellery, printmaking, illustration, books, music, and more. The committee is planning to make this an annual event.

Artists are encouraged to form hubs of two or more artists with differing art forms, to make their hub a more interesting destination. A hub can be one location with several artists participating, or a neighbourhood hub, where it’s easy to walk between locations. In addition, hubs must have parking, be accessible, and have a washroom.

All venues must be open both days, May 25 & 26, from 11 am to 4 pm. Artists who don’t have an accessible space for the public to visit can ask to be matched with a hub.

“Here’s Bowen Arts” is chaired by Marie Neys and Liz Nankin, and other committee members include Jean Bradbury, Julie Vik, Claudia Schaefer, Janet Esseiva, and Nick Jennings.

Questions?

Contact bowenartstour@gmail.com or go to our website www.bowenartstour.com for more information and to register.

Register for an event using the QR code, or go to metrovancouver.org and search “climate dialogues”.

To find more about Climate 2050, visit metrovancouver.org search ‘Climate 2050’ Questions?

Email us at Climate2050@metrovancouver.org or call 604-432-6200

A recent EatDrinkPaint fundraiser for the Arts Tour held at Doc Morgan’s. / Submitted photo

Friday, October 20, 2023

A22 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

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bowenislandundercurrent.com • A23

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A24 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

CALENDAR

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.

Saturday, October 21 French Connections at the Library Drop in and join us to practice your conversational French, and get to know other French speakers! The focus is on beginner and intermediate speakers, but all levels are welcome. We meet 10:30 to 11:30 am, but you’re welcome to stay longer if the conversation is still rolling! bipl.ca/French Saturday, October 21 Teen Advisory Group 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!

Drop in and bring your ideas! Runs 1:30 to 3 pm. bipl.ca/tag Saturday, October 21 Saturday Night Blues at the Pub Snug Cove Blues Band playing Blues, Funk, Reggae, and Soul. At the Pub from 8 to 11 pm.

Sunday, October 22 Author Talk at the Library Join us for an Author Talk by local writer, Gérard Martinez at 1:30 pm. Gérard will be speaking on his new book, Windows on a Sanctioned Country / Fenêtre sur l’embargo: Iraq 1997-1999. 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

Friday, October 20, 2023 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 for details/to reserve.

Thursday, October 26 SKY Gather for Games at the Library Fun and brain-stimulating games for 55+. Join us for games and boost your memory and cognitive health, while meeting new people! Coffee and tea available. Free, drop-in for all from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm. bipl.ca/skygames Friday, October 27 Trick or Treat at Artisan Square Bring your costumed kids 5 and under to Artisan Square to trick or treat at local shops! 10:45 am, meet in centre of square.

Saturday, October 28 Murder Mystery Movie Afternoon at the Library Join us for a showing of the film Death on the Nile (2022), based on the book by Agatha Christie. Drop in, no registration required. Come a little early and grab a comfy chair (seating is limited) — film starts promptly at 1:30 pm, runs 127 minutes. Rated PG (Ontario). Presented by the library Teen Advisory Group. bipl.ca/movies 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.

TUESDAYS

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 WEDNESDAYS Storytime at the Library A free, drop-in program of stories and songs for 2-4 yearolds and their caregivers! Runs to Dec. 13, from 10:30 to 11 am. bipl.ca/storytime THURSDAYS 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

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