Bowen Island Undercurrent January 5 2024

LIBRARY PROGRAMMING TO START THE NEW YEAR PAGE 8

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Title for Bowen golfers PAGE 12

Drafting stage begins for 2024 Bowen budget ALEX KURIAL Editor

DIVING INTO 2024 About 100 participants launched themselves into Bowen Bay on New Year’s Day for the 2024 Polar Bear Plunge. This included baby Grady who attended his first plunge, along with Kate Hartle (right) and Kelly Miller (left), who has now been running the event for 14 years (and says she has no plans to stop!) You can see more plunge photos inside on Page 6. / Kelyn Coutts photo

The draft budget process is underway for the 2024 financial year and beyond.

Council held a Committee of the Whole meeting on Dec. 13 to preview the five-year financial plan from 20242028. The draft budget is the first step of a multi-month undertaking where each department in the municipality outlines their objectives for the coming years. The next step is a public consultation period which starts next week on Jan. 9 and runs through the end of the month.

One of the most discussed numbers each year is the change to property tax collections. The draft showed an increase this year – and the two years following – of 9.5 per cent. In 2027 this number is forecast to dip to a 4 per cent rise. Chief financial officer Kristen Watson said the many infrastructure repairs and upgrades required around the island were a main driver of the increase.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

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A2 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

2024 Council Meeting Schedule The 2024 Council Meeting schedule is available online on on website at

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/council-meetings/

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

2024 Bowen Waste Services schedule 2024 waste collection schedules are now available. Download your own copy from the website or pickup a copy at BIRD, Municipal Hall or the Library.

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/garbage-collection-schedule/

January 8, 2024 1:00 pm Regular Council Meeting

BC Ferries schedule changes start January 8 January 8, 2024 - March 31, 2024 Sailing schedules will be amended for Tuesday - Sunday sailings, and include evening cancellations. Both first and last ferries will be cancelled on Saturdays.

There are four full day cancellations planned for Saturday, January 20, Saturday, February 3, Sunday February 4 and Saturday, March 9.

Read more about water taxi service, parking accomodations and onisland shuttle to assist commuters.

www.bcferriesprojects.ca/snug-cove-tp

BC Building Code changes coming March 8, 2024 The BC Codes 2024 will come into effect on March 8, 2024, and will apply to building permits applied for on or after that date. Buildings with permits in place under the BC Codes 2018 will generally not be affected by the new BC Codes.

The effective date for the new adaptable dwellings and earthquake design changes will be deferred to March 10, 2025, to allow additional engagement and sufficient training to enable low or no-cost design solutions.

Christmas tree disposal Thursday, December 28, 2023 – Monday, January 8, 2024 Bowen Waste Services will once again provide a bin for the disposal of Christmas trees at the Recycling Depot. Trees will be chipped.

• • • •

This measured approach aims to balance accessibility and housing supply priorities and considers human rights, equity for all people, accessibility engagement feedback, product availability and affordability, and moderate-to-minimal impacts for industry.

www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/construction-industry/ building-codes-standards/bc-codes/2024-bc-codes

Trees must be all natural No decorations or wreaths No artificial trees No garden waste

Business Licence Renewals Business licence renewal notices were sent out this week.

All payments are due by January 31, 2024.

Questions? Please contact Maureen Sawasy, Business Licence Inspector, by email at businesslicence@bimbc.ca or by phone at 604-947-4255 ext. 236.

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/business-licence-renewal/

Contact Bowen Island Municipality PAID ADVERTISEMENT January 05, 2024

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

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bowenislandundercurrent.com • A3

ISLAND NEWS

Infrastructure fixes major focus of next 5 years CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The 9.5 per cent number will also jump a bit due to changes to assessment rolls. New construction is forecast to add $38 million to the tax roll, but at the same time $54 million will be lost now that the 24 lots purchased by Metro Vancouver at Cape Roger Curtis are exempt. The $16 million dollar difference adds nearly a half-per cent to the increase, making it effectively 9.93 per cent. Factoring everything in, the effective property tax increase will be around $310 on a property worth $1.5 million (average house value on Bowen).

The public works department has a bevy of projects slated for the new year including an approximate $1.36 million repair to the Carter Road bridge leading to Island Pacific School, Cates Hill Chapel, and Belterra Cohousing.

Work on the current section of the Multi-Use Path from Artisan Lane to Charlie’s Lane will also continue at costs of $886,000 in 2024 and $834,000 in 2025. About $1.459 million of that $1.72 million is expected to be covered by grants.

Director of engineering Patrick Graham explained roads and culverts are an area needing major attention. All Bowen roads would cost $46 million to rehabilitate, so the department is proposing $500,000 a year in 2024 and increasing this amount by $50,000 each year after.

Culvert costs in specific neighbourhoods alone coming up are $353,000 this year in Bluewater and Eagle Cliff, with another $785,000 budgeted for Bluewater next year. Total culvert replacement costs across the island would be $22.4 million, with $5.7 million of this work on ones which are significantly deteriorated. Graham estimates $1 million worth of culvert repairs a year between 2026-2028.

Other 2024 priorities include $130,000 for slope stabilization along Smugglers Cove Road, $50,000 to seal a storm drain under the Library, and $100,000 to replace a work truck. Two pressure reducing valve replacements are necessary, one in Tunstall Bay and one in Cove Bay, at $250,000 each. And a pair of water main replacements along Miller Road ($200,000) and Whitesails Drive ($150,000) are on the docket for the new year.

Looking ahead, the Snug Cove Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) continues to factor heavily into any financial

planning. Currently an outfall pipe needs replacing after repeated failures during the summer, a task estimated at $1.2 million. Going forward the planned Phase 2 upgrades for the WWTP will cost $6 million, but no timeline or funding source has been finalized for this yet.

A revamping of the public works yard is also in the cards after several health and safety concerns were found in the existing building and the grounds last year. Construction of a new building will be around $3 million and is expected to take place in 2025. A temporary trailer is currently on-site for workers to use until the new building is complete.

Graham added the municipality could also use some new equipment in order to take on certain jobs themselves. The director pointed out there’s nothing currently available to sweep and plow the Multi-Use Path, and that a Multihog vehicle could help accomplish this and other tasks. The continued quest to acquire an excavator is also on the wish list, which would allow staff to conduct their own ditch cleaning and underground infrastructure repairs.

The fire department will be seeing some new adds this year via $232,000 in grant funding. The majority of this, $150,000, is going to develop a disaster risk mitigation plan.

Bowen’s Emergency Support Services will see $30,000 come their way, and $42,000 will be used for capacity building and GIS mapping technology.

Equipment is a big part of the department’s budget this year as many of the life-saving items need addressing. This includes replacement of the self-contained breathing apparatus gear, a job which needs to be done in full since all members of the volunteer department need to be familiar with using the same equipment. This cost will be around $250,000, with another $20,000 budgeted for turnout gear which needs replacing.

On the recreation and community services front the big focus for 2024 will be the transition to the new Community Centre, which is expected to be open in April.

The department is planning on $200,000 for startup costs, and $10,000 each for new software to accommodate room bookings and a bike shed. Another $20,000 will go to renovating the space above the Library into a new location for the Youth Centre.

Overall the Community Centre still needs $2 million to

be fully paid off. The municipality is looking at using grant funding through the Growing Communities Fund if fundraising doesn’t turn up the deficit.

The environment and parks planning department is also looking at some significant 2024 costs. These include $100,000 to repair the Headwaters Park boardwalk, $45,000 for the Maggie’s Walk bridges, a pit toilet at the Art Rennison Nature Park for $25,000, and $19,000 to replace garbage cans around Snug Cove.

Beach improvements are part of future work planned, including infrastructure at Scarborough and Clipper Beaches and overall shoreline protection to guard against climate impacts. Various stairways on Cates Hill are also in need of fixes.

The new On-Island Compost Facility will also have municipal costs of about $460,000 after factoring in $1 million in grant money and a $100,000 contribution from the Knick Knack Nook. This number isn’t included in the budget yet, and will need to come from either additional borrowing or dipping into the accumulated surplus fund.

Administrative costs will jump to $893,728 in 2024 from $724,070 last year. Part of this is a $20,000 consulting cost to help with a long overdue task of organizing municipal records. General government costs will drop to $383,500 from $442,000 due to savings on rent after moving operations into the Community Centre.

IT upgrades including a new server are also being planned at a cost of $55,000, along with $15,000 to the municipal website to allow for online payments.

The planning department is anticipating about $100,000 in 2024 for the Official Community Plan renewal project, and $50,000 on a consultant for assistance in implementing the new Municipal and Regional District Tax. Overall, the municipality’s expected operations budget is expected to go up 12.5 per cent in 2024 to $8,801,571 from the 2023 total of $7,820,472.

Several parts of the budget still need to be ironed out, including the Library budget, operations costs at the Community Centre, and water and sewer budgets. Following this month’s public consultation process, a second draft of the budget will be presented in February. Following assessment by the Finance Advisory Committee, final adoption is planned for late April.

Having an event?

Listings are always free in our weekly community calendar.

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

Thank you!

3-4PM Saturday Jan. 6th | Collins Hall A monthly open house sponsored by Judi Gedye, BIM councillor and Islands Trustee.

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Friday, January 5, 2024

VIEWPOINTS

EDITORIAL

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2024 everyone! Hopefully everyone had a relaxing holidays and we’re all rested and ready for the new year. Nobody knows just what the next 12 months might hold, but we can probably all agree that Bowen and its community is a good place to spend them.

One thing we do know that’s coming are repairs to the Snug Cove Ferry Terminal starting on Monday. These will be fairly impactful, especially on the four days of full ferry cancellations including this month on January 20.

You can check out our story from November for more details, or visit the BC Ferries webpage dedicated to the project. The work is scheduled to take about three months, so be sure to plan accordingly for the rest of winter!

One of the best parts of the Museum’s Outdoor Winter Exhibit for me is Canucks Teddy. It’s even better this year since (as of Wednesday) the Canucks are in first place in the West with their best season in over a decade. If the team keeps this up for the next few months, the Museum will have to strongly consider bringing the bear back out on display for the playoff run.

Have a great 2024, and see you next week!

- Alex Kurial, Editor

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Friday, January 5, 2024

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A5

Lisa Brougham wasted no time tackling 2024 by heading to the top of Mount Gardner (with pups) to take in the first sunrise of the new year. Later that night at Tunstall Bay this seal she spotted this seal scampering along the sand. Hopefully 2024 will be a full year of sunrises and animal sightings.

HAPPY NEW YEAR BOWEN Never miss a story in 2024!

SINKINSON, EILEEN CLARE November 22, 1936 – December 22, 2023

Born in London England to Kathleen and Bernard Bird, youngest sister to Maureen, Sheila & Patricia. Eileen was a nurse and midwife who immigrated to Vancouver in 1965 and married the love of her life, Douglas in 1967. Doug and Eileen raised their children Kathleen (Mike Jessop) and James (Cathy & Donovan) in North Vancouver, spending weekends and summers at the cabin on Bowen Island, hiking, reading, gardening, and hosting ‘happy hours’ on the deck overlooking the ocean.

Eileen was extremely proud of her grandchildren Wesley and Sarah whom she loved deeply.

Eileen volunteered at the Vancouver Aquarium for over 35 years, she was a gifted educator to the school groups she led through the galleries.

She loved to walk, was an avid reader and lifelong learner. She and Doug traveled extensively, exploring BC and countries around the world. Mum continued to travel after Dad’s passing in 2006. She lived a full life and is now at peace with Doug at her side.

Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, North Vancouver Thursday January 11, 2024 10am officiated by Rev. Lucio Choi. Burial to follow at Gardens of Gethsemani.

ROWLES, Sharon Rosemary (nee Wilson) Sharon was born February 17, 1958 in Christchurch, New Zealand and passed away suddenly in her sleep December 16, 2023 in Vancouver. She is survived by her loving husband Don; three sisters Marilyn (Robert), Sus (Chris), and Trish (Norman); and her two step daughters Alison (Steve) and Caroline (Lisa). Shari also held dear her many nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as a wonderful array of friends from across the globe and especially here on Bowen.

Many may remember her as the proprietress of the Silver Fern where Shari was able to share her passion for gardening and floral design. In recent years, Shari split her time between New Zealand and Canada. She and Don loved nothing more than cruising back and forth between the two countries searching for an endless summer. Shari’s ashes will be laid to rest in New Zealand alongside her parents Hugh and Daphne. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Riding for the Disabled Association in Shari’s name.

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Friday, January 5, 2024

Bowen Polar Plunges

Bowen kicked off 2024 in chilly tradition on Monday by diving into the waters of Bowen Bay for the annual Polar Bear Plunge. Hosted by Kelly Miller, the 100 participants received clear skies for the event as snowfall has not fully hit the island yet this year. Jami Scheffer and Liz Nankin were two of the plunge participants, seen here shortly before diving in. (Kami Kanetsuka photo, right) Prior to plunging, volunteers helped with setup including Miller, Kate Hartle, and Kelyn Coutts at the event tent and Matt Dean, Brad MacDonald, and Kevan Bernard making sure a warm fire was burning. It was then time to dive in, a scene captured from out in the bay. (Kelly Miller photos, above/below)

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Friday, January 5, 2024

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A7

WLNG, FortisBC public feedback events to be finalized in 2024 SQUAMISH COUNCIL RECEIVED PROJECT UPDATES FOR THE WOODFIBRE LNG AND FORTISBC PROJECTS AT ITS FINAL 2023 MEETING; NO DATE WAS GIVEN FOR PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT EVENTS YET ANDREW HUGHES Squamish Chief Squamish council received project updates for the Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC projects and discussed details on what public engagement may look like, although no 2024 meeting date was set.

O n D e c . 1 9 a t a re g u l a r b u s i n e s s m e e t i n g , District of Squamish council members unanim ou s l y vo t e d t o re c e i ve t h e l a st 2 0 2 3 q u a r t e rl y u p d at e f o r t h e W L N G nat u ra l ga s l i q u e f a ct i o n f a c i l i t y a n d t h e Fo r t i s B C E ag l e Mou nt a i n Wo o d f i b re Ga s P i p e l i n e.

Additionally, there was a short discussion about what the public engagement may look like for these projects, as both still have temporary use permit applications currently being assessed by the District’s staff for the associated WLNG floatel and FortisBC’s work camp and laydown yard.

Mayor Armand Hurford said that after staff indicate the application is ready for discussion, there will be public engagement “very akin” to a public hearing.

“A vote would happen shortly thereafter, like the following week or perhaps two weeks,” Hurford said of council’s steps after the event.

Hurford said there would be lots of advanced promotion before the event and staff are anticipating they will

need to use a larger facility than council chambers to hold the event.

When asked, municipal planner Vrish Prahalad said they were still unsure about the exact date for the engagement “due to staff capacity and reviewing the reports to get them to an adequate level to come forward to council with a recommendation.”

Council was also informed that staff were planning to ask the BC Energy Regulator (BCER) for an extension on the 30-day public comment period for the effluent discharge permit application from FortisBC for the pipeline. This was, in part, due to the 30 days commencing on Nov. 30, when some staff will be taking a break from work.

If that extension is granted, council unanimously voted to review the staff’s feedback for endorsement before submission.

“The timing of these opportunities to provide feedback is incredibly challenging. And even though this process has had an extension, it wasn’t a very useful one,” said Hurford. “It’s wholly appropriate we ask for that extension and should that be granted, as I believe it should, I look forward to… formalizing our feedback as a group.”

Coun. Chris Pettingill informed the other council members that he has corresponded with those at the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region and they told

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him that they plan to provide feedback to the BCER about the discharge.

These project updates come just a few weeks after the province’s Environmental Assessment Office approved the worker accommodations with the stipulation that both companies need to have a gender and cultural safety plan for the work camps.

With the camps set to bring up to 1,200 workers to town, The Squamish Chief asked the companies involved about their plans so far to handle waste.

Sean Beardow, communications director for Woodfibre LNG told The Chief sewage would be treated on board the floatel and transported to receiving facilities outside of Squamish.

In terms of how sewage will be handled for the FortisBC camp, the company says it will be stored, and disposed of in accordance with the BC Environmental Protection Act. “It is anticipated that sanitary waste will be collected in above-ground sewage holding tanks and hauled by sewage tanker trucks provided by a carrier to an authorized receiving facility. The lodge operator will secure a service agreement between the sewage hauler and the receiving facility,” wrote Jessica Skjeveland, corporate communications advisor for the company. ~With a file from Jennifer Thuncher/The Squamish Chief

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Friday, January 5, 2024

New year & new programs at the Bowen Library MARYSIA MCGILVRAY Bowen Island Public Library A new year is upon us! Some of us feel like hermiting with a good book after the holidays, and for others it’s about jumping into the new year and resolutions head-first.

Either way, Bowen Island Library has got you covered — not only with new books, DVDs, and learning resources, but with events and programs to get individuals and families learning, engaging, and connecting.

Looking for some family fun this month? We’ll have a scavenger hunt, family activity bingo, and a special Storytime and family party happening during Family Literacy Week, from January 21-28.

The 2024 theme “Let’s have a Family Party” invites families to consider activities that foster family bonds and cultural connections, promote discussion and social skills, and learning through play. Find out how you can participate at bipl.ca/flw Did you read some great (or terrible) books over the holidays and are looking for more titles for 2024? Let others know what you thought and get recommendations at Bring Your Own Book Club, a monthly club for adults and youth starting on Sunday, January 14 at 12 pm.

We discuss any and all books you’ve read or listened to, and compile a monthly booklist of the titles

Folks enjoying conversation and laughs in French at the Bowen Library’s regular French Connections program. / Bowen Library photo (minus the stinkers) for others to enjoy. Bring a coffee, meet other book-lovers, and let loose with your reviews!

Movie Nights return with a showing of Rosie (2022) on Thursday, January 25 at 6 pm. Set in 1980’s Montréal, Rosie is an orphaned Indigenous girl who must live with her reluctant, street-smart artist Aunty Fred and her two best friends who refuse to be confined by gender, finding what they need in a chosen family of glittering outsiders.

Drop in for this film that serves equal parts laughs and warm fuzzies. We’ll also be showing Chevalier (2022) on February 22. Find out more at bipl.ca/movies On Wednesday afternoons from 4-5 pm we’ve dedicated a space for Study Club, a time for high school students to get some mid-week homework done in a quiet place.

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

We’re looking for volunteer peer tutors for this program, so please let us know if you’re a teen interested in getting volunteer hours.

We also continue our popular French Connections meetup for French language learners, starting on Saturday, January 20, at 10:30 am; Storytime for 2-4 year-olds on Wednesdays at 10:30 am starting January 17; and Thursday Babytimes starting January 25 at 11:30 am. The friendly WorkBC Career Advisor will be here waiting to help you with all your drop-in job-related questions on Tuesday, January 23 from 11 am-2 pm as well.

Whatever vibe you’re feeling this January, the Bowen Library’s free programs and events are here for you. Find out more and add them to your calendar by visiting bipl.ca/ calendar. We look forward to seeing and serving you in the Library this new year!

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, January 5, 2024

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A9

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Saturday, January 6 Judi Gedye Open House Open House with Bowen Island Municipality Councillor Judith Gedye. From 3 to 4 pm at Collins Hall. Come by and share your thoughts and ideas about the community.

Monday, January 8 SKY Events SKY Stretch & Strength returns, exercises for ages 55+ from 9:15 to 10 am at Bowen Court (1070 Miller Road).

Followed by SKY Speaker Series from 10:30 am to Noon.

Topic is “Cardena Forum”, everyone 55+ is welcome to provide input at this forum on seniors’ activity planning.

Monday, January 8 Regular Council Meeting Starts at 1 pm at Municipal Hall. You can also follow along live on the Bowen Island Municipality YouTube page.

Tuesday, January 9 SKY Musical Movement 10 to 11 am at Bowen Court. Ages 55+ at Bowen Court.

Wednesday, January 10/Friday, January 12 SKY Walks Meet at the Harding Road entrance to Grafton at 10:30 am. Wednesday & Friday walks each at same time and place.

Sunday, January 14 Winter Sowing experiment Join Jackie Bradley in a hands-on experiment in ‘Winter Sowing.’ Winter sowing promises to produce more resilient seedlings - no grow lights needed! Take home a pot of winter-sowed seeds. Contact Jackie at jacksbee@hotmail. com if you would like to participate. Takes place at Grafton

Commons (undercover) starting at 11 am. Runs till Noon or 1 pm depending on weather. By donation (suggested $10).

Sunday, January 14 Bring Your Own Book Club at the Library A casual book club to discuss books you’ve read — old and new, loved or hated. Get recommendations and meet other book-loving locals! All ages of adults and youth welcome to drop in from Noon to 1 pm. Also on February 11 and March 10. bipl.ca/byobook Saturday, January 20 French Connections at the Library Drop in and join us to practice your conversational French, and get to know other French language learners on Bowen Island! The focus is on beginner and intermediate speakers. Meets from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Future dates are February 3 & 17, and March 2, 16, & 30. bipl.ca/French WEDNESDAYS Storytime at the Library A free, drop-in program of stories and songs for 2-4 year-olds and their caregivers! From 10:30 to 11 am. Starts January 17, runs to March 13. bipl.ca/storytime Study Club at the Library A free one-hour drop-in program of quiet study time for high school students. At the Library from 4 to 5 pm. Runs to February 8. bipl.ca/studyclub 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

WHY BUY LOCAL?

bowcates04@gmail.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 available for Legion members on Thursdays (purchase at Legion) and at the doors on Friday if tickets remaining.

The Museum & Archives had their Winter Magic Outdoor Exhibit all lit up over the holidays.

GUS Meet Gus, this cutie pie is currently eating a Purina Puppy diet from our clinic to help with his nutritional needs as he grows! Ordering food is now easier through our online store at www.bowenvet.com, If you have any questions about online orders or getting your account set up don’t hesitate to reach out.

REGULAR HOURS

Mon-Fri 9-5

CONTACT

Closed Sat & Sun

reception@bowenvet.com

604.947.9247

Friday, January 5, 2024

A10 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

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A12 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Friday, January 5, 2024

Women’s Golf League swings past Zone 4 competition ALEX KURIAL Editor The Bowen Island Golf Club Women’s League scored a major victory on the links last year by claiming the B.C. Zone 4 Interclub Team Match Play title.

Zone 4 is made up of 12 teams spanning 36 golf courses across Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Delta, North and West Vancouver, Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, the lower Sunshine Coast, Bowen Island, and Point Roberts. The Bowen squad wrapped up the year with 169.5 points, clearing second place by a whole five points.

“Participating in this fun format offers

friendly competition, a chance to travel to local courses, and of course to host teams coming to Bowen, friendship and laughs are guaranteed,” says team member Liz Morrison.

Womens’ League members include Ruth Openshaw, Annabelle Pykalo, Karen Moles, Jane Skipsey, Colleen O’Neil, Liz Morrison, Kathy Clarke, Jennifer Harris, Cheryl Bailie, Jane Kellett, Alice Jennings, Sheila McArthur, Joanne Gassman, Colleen Huskisson, Sarah Graham, Laura McGregor, Susan Alexander, and Kathy Thom.

The new season starts in April, and anyone encouraged in joining the Women’s League is encouraged to reach out to a member or the golf club to learn more.

The Bowen Golf Women’s League celebrated a year of achievements with a celebratory lunch at the course in the fall. / Alex Kurial photos

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