Bowen Island Undercurrent

MUNI MORSELS: BITS & BITES FROM COUNCIL PAGE 11

$1.50

inc.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2024

VOL. 50 NO. 07

BIUndercurrent

BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

GYMNASTS TAKE ON MAINLAND

PAGES 8-9

Composting facility shelved indefinitely ALEX KURIAL Editor

YES WE’RE OPEN! The front of the old Snug Cove General Store, as seen in the 1960s. The building, now the home of the Public Library, has been home to a variety of hosts since its construction in 1924 - 100 years ago. To celebrate the building’s centennial, as well as Heritage Week (February 19-25) you can find articles exploring the history and significance of this iconic Bowen setting on Pages 10 & 12. / Bowen Island Museum & Archives photo OPEN HOUSE

W NE

The planned On-Island Compost Facility has been scrapped following concerns over its cost and choice of operating equipment.

The long-discussed facility (OICF) was originally sparked more than a decade ago in a 2011 report prepared by the Knick Knack Nook. Various community groups and organizations have worked on making the project a reality since, including the OICF Working Group in 2015. A feasibility study in 2020 was followed by the awarding of a Clean BC Organics Infrastructure Grant worth just over $1 million a year later. The Nook also pledged $100,000 toward the project.

The OICF, which would have been built behind the Bowen Island Recycling Depot, first explored using a ‘Hot Rot’ composting system to process the organic waste.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

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Friday, February 16, 2024

A2 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

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

February 21, 2024 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm Open House on Short Term Rentals @ Municipal Hall

Seeking Public Comment

Seeking Public Comment

DVP 2023 0300 (1673 Evergreen Lane)

DVP 2022 0282 (1104 & 1108 Foxglove Lane)

Regular Council Meeting 1:00 pm on Monday, February 26, 2024

Regular Council Meeting 1:00 pm on Monday, February 26, 2024

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A Development Variance Permit application has been submitted for 1673 Evergreen Lane (shown on map) to reassign side and rear lot line setbacks for a new single family dwelling.

The applicants wish to construct a single family dwelling within a required rear setback area. The request is to reduce the minimum rear setback from 7.5 m to 3.0 m. The minimum side setback will be increased from 3.0 m to 7.5 m. Staff introduced the application to Council at the January 22, 2024 Council Meeting.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: BIM has received an application for a Development Variance Permit to allow for increased floor area to two lots to be consolidated and a fourplex to be built on the site. The current amended application would seek an increase in the Floor Space Ratio (FSR) permitted in the zone from the allowed 0.85 to a maximum of 1.022 FSR. This application was originally introduced to Council at the May 8, 2023 Regular Council Meeting. The applicant has subsequently amended their application to reduce the scope of the variance requested.

Municipal staff introduced the amended application to Council at the January 22nd, 2024 meeting.

February 22, 2024 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Open House on Short Term Rentals via Zoom February 22, 2024 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Open House on Short Term Rentals via Zoom February 26, 2024 1:00 pm Regular Council Meeting

MORE INFORMATION AT MUNICIPAL HALL: More information available at Municipal Hall by calling 604-947-4255 ext 233 or email dbakken@bimbc.ca and making an appointment to speak to Drew Bakken, Island Community Planner.

Office Hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, excluding statutory holidays. www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME: Written submissions may be delivered to Municipal Hall by 11:00 am on the meeting date: • In person • By mail • By fax • By email to mayorandcouncil@bimbc.ca

MORE INFORMATION AT MUNICIPAL HALL: More information available at Municipal Hall by calling 604-947-4255 ext 230 or email dmartin@bimbc.ca and making an appointment to speak to Daniel Martin, Manager of Planning and Development.

Office Hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, excluding statutory holidays. www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME: Written submissions may be delivered to Municipal Hall by 11:00 am on the meeting date: • In person • By mail • By fax By email to mayorandcouncil@bimbc.ca Verbal submissions may be made to Mayor and Council at the meeting. • Verbal submissions may be made to Mayor and Council at the meeting.

Questions? Contact Drew Bakken, Island Community Planner, by email at dbakken@bimbc.ca or by calling 604-947-4255 ext 233

BIRD closed for Family Day Monday, February 19, 2024 Bowen Island Recycling Depot (BIRD) will be closed on Monday, February 19, 2024 for the stat holiday.

Contact Bowen Island Municipality PAID ADVERTISEMENT February 16, 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

Questions? Contact Daniel Martin, Manager of Planning and Development, by email at dmartin@bimbc.ca or by calling 604-947-4255 ext 230

Municipal Hall closed for Family Day Monday, February 19, 2024 Municipal Hall will be closed on Monday, February 19, 2024 for the stat holiday.

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Friday, February 16, 2024

Support for compost facility falls off CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

But updated estimates last year showed the island is producing more organic waste than expected. Manager of environment and parks planning Carla Skuce advised switching to an ‘Earth Flow’ system made by Green Mountain Technologies which could process enough waste to meet the island’s needs.

The Earth Flow processes food scraps and yard trimmings into soil, which Skuce said the municipality would sell to help offset costs. The facility would also keep the entire composting process on-island which would save on tipping fees (money paid to send waste elsewhere) and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Using the new technology and factoring in the provincial grant, the municipal contribution would be $520,000 on the approximate $1.64 million price tag. Skuce estimated that the facility would cost around $43,000 to operate over the first five years, transitioning to savings of $70,000 a year following that. This would largely be through the saving of tipping fees, which have been increasing lately, along with labour costs.

Monday was decision day for the facility, as the capital project hadn’t yet been included in the 2024 budget. As the municipality deals with several other capital costs and a property tax increase hovering around 10 per cent, oncestrong support around the table for the OICF – including approving $5,000 last year to develop design plans – was far more muted during the nearly hour-long discussion on the topic.

“I have been so supportive of this whole idea pretty much all the time I’ve been on Bowen… I really want this to hap-

pen, and you add on the idea that we have a $1 million grant that we probably won’t get again if we don’t go ahead now,” said Coun. Tim Wake. “At the same time, I share all the concerns and the last thing I want to do is be raising taxes even more than we’ve already committed to.”

Hesitation to take on more projects was a shared theme among the councillors. “One of the things that we did in our strategic plan was to make the decision that we were going to try and get through a lot of problems that already existed before we started getting into something new,” said Coun. Judith Gedye. “I’m feeling like this is on the edge of being experimental,” she added, while also pondering if people would actually buy the soil produced by the facility.

The lack of widespread Earth Flow use across the province also gave councillors pause, with little evidence of it being employed in other municipalities around B.C. The technology was used in Powell River until recently, but its use was discontinued after residents expressed fear that further use of the system could create unwanted smells.

“From my standpoint this feels like a project that is mired in risk… in a capital works program where we already have a lot of risk,” said Mayor Andrew Leonard, citing current capital projects such as the Cove Bay Water Treatment Plant or Community Centre which have seen financial and time commitments increase from their original predictions.

“I don’t believe operational contingencies have been accounted for, knowing what it takes to start up something that we don’t have any experience in right now,” added Leonard, while also pointing out the

SHORT-TERM RENTALS OPEN HOUSES Council is considering whether or not to adopt Provincial legislation to restrict Short-Term Rentals (STR) to principal residences.

BIM is offering several Open Houses to help residents understand what this involves and for staff to better understand the concerns of residents. Residents will have the opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns and interact with staff.

In-Person Open House @ Bowen Island Municipal Hall Wednesday, February 21, 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm On-line Open House via Zoom Wednesday, February 22, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm On-line Open House via Zoom Wednesday, February 22, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Have you completed the Online Survey yet?

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A3

An example of the Earth Flow composting system in action at another location. / BIM photo municipality’s contract with Bowen Waste Solutions will be due for renewal shortly after the OICF would be completed and funds will need to be dedicated toward the renegotiation process.

“I’m concerned that the labour cost on this may not be captured accurately, particularly for these first couple years, or even if we can find labour to do this… Given the financial challenges that we have in the municipality, given the risk of what is effectively taking over our own green waste operation and adding a compost sale operation to it as well strikes me as problematic, to put it charitably,” concluded the mayor.

Leonard, Gedye, and Wake were joined by Coun. John Saunders and Alex Jurgensen in voting against moving forward any further with the facility. Chief administrative officer Liam Edwards thanked Skuce and the Knick Knack Nook for their efforts, and said he hopes one day in the future the OICF idea could be resurrected. In the meantime the grant will be returned to the province.

JOIN THE OCP COMMITTEE Be a member of the Official Community Plan (OCP) Steering Committee You asked us to review the Official Community Plan (OCP). We heard you.

BIM is embarking on a multi-year process to review and update the Official Community Plan (OCP). This process will include extensive engagement and consultation with members of the public, Committees, Council and BIM staff. The OCP is a comprehensive plan that defines public policy in terms of transportation, utilities, land use, recreation, housing, business, environment and more.

Council is seeking members of the community that reflect the diversity of Bowen Island to serve in a volunteer capacity on the OCP Steering Committee. Time commitment will include monthly meetings along with break-out Working Group sessions and other task work. It’s an important job and Council will need hands on, sleeves rolled up participation.

Ready to apply? Complete an online application form on our website or pickup a paper copy at Municipal Hall.

Questions?

Contact Stef Shortt by email to sshortt@bimbc.ca or by phone at 604-947-4255 ext 253.

Questions? Contact the Planning and Development team by calling 604-947-4255 ext 6 or emailing planning@bimbc.ca

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/join-ocp-committee/

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/str

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Provide your feedback via an online survey. Paper copies available at Municipal Hall.

A4 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Friday, February 16, 2024

VIEWPOINTS EDITORIAL

History & Heritage

It’s time for a long weekend folks! Family Day is on Monday and hopefully you’ll have the opportunity to spend some time with those close to you. It’s also the start of Heritage Week, which you will see later in the paper is the theme of some deep dive submissions into the history of the Bowen Island Public Library aka General Store aka Post Office... and many other roles over its now 100 years of existence.

This includes its near destruction too, which thankfully was avoided thanks to the hard work of many Islanders (you can see some of them below). Thanks to everyone who contributed stories this week to celebrate the building’s impressive run! You can learn more about Heritage Week at www.heritagebc.ca There’s lots more of Bowen’s history to explore too, including this building, so perhaps a trip to the Museum & Archives will be on your list for next week. Have a great holiday!

- Alex Kurial, Editor

Photograph is of men and women sitting and standing under a shelter. They are the crew who renovated the old Union Steamship Store in 1983. In the foreground are (L-R) George Proudlock, unidentified, Scott Helenius, and Les Cornell. / Museum & Archives photo

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 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.

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EDITOR Alex Kurial editor@bowenisland undercurrent.com

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CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2011

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Friday, February 16, 2024

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A5

VIEWPOINTS

February Open House

JUDITH GEDYE Bowen Island Municipality Councillor It was a rare sunny day and I am always impressed that Boweners come to ask good questions about what concerns them, and ask them in ways that encourage deeper understanding.

We are the envy of other small communities and the bane of larger interests. Saturday’s gathering was small with some new people who joined my monthly tea and conversation. I start each meeting with the question: what brings you here today?

We started with an update on Metro’s camping proposal for Cape Roger Curtis.

First, Metro does not have the power to over-

There is still time to bid and purchase your ticket to the annual Hearth Arts on Bowen annual fundraiser, the Mini Gala event on Saturday, February 24.

Swing by the Hearth Gallery or purchase online at thehearth.ca / Kathleen Ainscough photo

ride a Bowen council decision on rezoning, as long as we have followed a fair process that the courts would uphold. In December, there was a report from their Parks Manager to Metro’s Park committee. I believe the report was simply received for information and there has been no in-depth discussion.

Similarly, there has been no public discussion of the Conservancy offers.

Their manager’s report described how he had sent Metro’s original proposal back to both Bowen Council and Islands Trust, asking what specific changes would make it acceptable. Even if somehow it was the responsibility of local governments to

redraft proposals, neither Bowen nor the Trust has staff to do that. But, importantly, Metro is adamant that their original camping proposal remain unchanged. We are at an impasse.

It is not clear if there is a deadline for any next steps. Meanwhile, the value of the building lots has been removed from our tax rolls: Metro owns a “passive park”. If, for example, the assessed value as building lots brought income of $60,000 to our budget planning, unless our expenses are cut, that amount is absorbed by other property owners.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Brita Lonnquist captured a visiting Hummingbird, which she named Josephine, during last month’s snowfall.

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A6 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Friday, February 16, 2024

VIEWS

Camping, Composting, Housing, & Cookies CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

Next was a question about the terms of reference for an Official Community Plan (OCP) review. This council needs help from community members to update our OCP. It is a great deal of work and it is overdue. Camping, short-term rentals, escalating infrastructure expenses, density in Snug Cove, climate crises are some of the policies for all of us to think about what we want for our collective future.

It seems a perfect time: open and engaged council, heightened awareness of island wide issues, increased citizen involvement and dramatic budget constraints. I recommend Don Shafer’s recent interview with Mayor Andrew Leonard as an overview of local government and the issues facing Bowen.

There was a question about whether there

BELINDA Meet Belinda, this fun loving sweet girl came in for her annual wellness exam and vaccines.

It is always important to have your furry friend up to date on their vaccines, if you want to know when your pet is due for vaccines give us a call and we can help you out.

REGULAR HOURS

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604.947.9247

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was council support for a new composting facility? Years ago, the Knick Knack Nook budgeted a generous donation to encourage a composting facility. A provincial grant application was successful, but with the need for local funding beyond the Knick’s donation. During the pandemic, our green waste increased three-fold and the mechanics in the original proposal would not meet our new demand. The technology is relatively new and, I think, this Council is a little shy of experimental projects.

There were questions about the proposed location in the vicinity of the fish hatchery and a fish-bearing stream.

And there was a comment that not all “green” waste is garden-friendly.

Processed foods, invasives, pesticides and herbicides are considerations, but in essence, “throwing away” means we

really need to think differently about “away”. [NOTE: The proposal was rejected at the February 12 meeting of council. See: Bowen Municipality February 12 Council on YouTube from the 1:45 to 2:45 marks in the time counter].

We had a brief discussion about our past failure to collect reserves, our extensive current infrastructure needs, our limited sources of revenue (only property taxes), and worries about borrowing long into the future. There was a comment that grants and donations are not necessarily “free” money, when complexities and responsibilities arise.

I wonder if one of the weaknesses of a municipal government is relaxing our need for champions. Is there some other way to get this composting project to completion?

There was some discussion of the sewage system in the Cove. Again, no rainyday reserves, miscalculated capacity, suspension of all building permits, substantial extra costs for septic systems in the service area: it’s a mess! And now the outflow pipe needs replacing.

Many neighbourhoods have issues, but businesses in the Cove, in particular, are facing multiple challenges. Larger discussions are necessary about the financial burdens of local service areas. Staff have, on their ever-expanding list of priorities, a request for a draft policy for island-wide shared

costs, which, when it comes, will be vigorously debated.

Housing and short term rentals were also discussed. There are timelines to consider.

The Provincial government has imposed March 31 as a deadline to “opt-in” on their new policy on short-term rentals. The previous council created a local policy which was due for review a year ago, but we got sidetracked by camping. There have been letters to council both pro and con.

Financial arguments are that the income helps to maintain and pay expenses.

Community concerns are mostly about absentee owners who are not paying attention to parking, noise, water and other neighbourhood concerns. An increased capacity to house tourists is counterbalanced with a lack of housing for service staff.

“Empty home” taxes are not available and there is no “tourist” tax, but if there were such revenues, would they balance the disadvantages? These issues are being studied by staff for council’s decision before March 31.

That’s it. I had a great new oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe I’d first made as a gift to a young neighbour who shoveled snow for me – my hero! I’m not sure yet what I will bake for my next Open House to be held March 2 at 3 to 4 pm in Collins Hall. I’m thinking brownies!

Everyone welcome.

Friday, February 16, 2024

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A7

GEORGE TAYLOR

November 2, 1934 – January 23, 2024

We are very sad to be letting you know of George’s passing. He was a legendary fixture of the Bowen community for so many years and in so many ways. He was a descendant of one of Bowen’s first settler families, the Dormans, and was the last of his generation in our family. George was preceded by his 3 sisters: Helen, Hazel and Eileen, and his beloved twin brother Bill. George leaves behind his 3 children and their families: Adam - Matt, Theresa, Stef and Nicki - Michelle, Ian, and Joe. As well as several cousins, nieces and nephews, many still on Bowen.

George wore many hats during his life: Husband, father, grandfather, boater, printer, volunteer fireman, hunter, wildlife conservationist, land developer, machine operator, salvage DIY and creative artist to name a few. Some of these may sound contradictory but they were not as he managed them.

George loved his family before all else. My mother Gail was the light of his life and willing partner in every way. She was taken from him far too soon. He was an exceptionally giving father and taught us all the old school things kids today don’t typically learn: how to fish, shoot, cut and stack firewood, build a proper fire, change a tire, care for livestock and garden. He was always there for us as children, patiently sitting with us drawing pictures and making crafts, if we could think it up he would help us make it. He never missed a school play or sports day, always helped make our Halloween costumes and would take us to work with him to get us out of mom’s hair even if it meant sitting alongside him in the bulldozer or backhoe. He built us the most amazing playground and oddly shaped swimming pool that all the local kids loved.

George had a great sense of humour, even if somewhat dirty at times. He was fond of pranks and would entertain us with stories of pranking escapades from his youth, usually perpetrated in the company of his twin brother Bill, and often at the expense of their best friend Earl. One of my favourites was when they painted a few grapefruits to look like softballs and had them pitched to Eddie back in the mid 70’s. Or the time my dad put a chain and padlock on our fridge to stop my friend Robin from pilfering the best snacks every time she came over.

He loved music and could still recall most of the lyrics of his favourite songs, tapping his foot along to the beat even from his hospital bed. His favourite genres were Motown, 70’s folk and soft rock and country, though he was also a closet ABBA fan. He was a baseball player in his youth, recalling memories of playing on the field which is now an alder patch behind what is now the library. He loved his Tofino fishing trips with my brothers, they became the highlight of his year when he could no longer go out

on a boat of his own.

George had an affinity for all animals but had a particular interest in birds. Our garden was filled with ponds and aviaries. Over the years it was home to black and white swans, several varieties of geese and ducks, peacocks, pheasants, quail, pigeons, doves and of course chickens. I remember when a new RCMP officer showed up at our house one day, he had just moved in a few houses down the street, he thought our peacocks calling to each other were someone calling for help and came to investigate.

George was a founding member of the local Rod and Gun Club which later became the more aptly renamed Fish and Wildlife Club. He had a great appreciation for the natural environment on Bowen and passed that on to his children. He introduced us to all the creatures in the ocean, tide pools, creeks, and forest and would take us on evening walks to look for owls and bats.

He was one of the first on the scene when there was an awful oil spill that affected the cove in 1974, he brought several oil-soaked birds home and spent days cleaning them up and preparing to release them. He spearheaded the wood duck rehabilitation on Bowen, raising ducklings in our yard, building the nest boxes in his workshop and placing them strategically in the lakes around the island. One of my fondest memories is rowing around the lakes with him checking and recording egg counts and other nest box activities. Next time you see a wood duck please think of George.

He had a second chance at love when he met Pam Marak. Together they created and sold many pieces of art on Bowen and in the city.

She was renowned for her quirky dolls and he for his upcycled and driftwood garden art pieces. Sadly, she was also taken from him too soon. They loved setting up at the summer weekend markets in the cove. Dad especially enjoyed chatting with people, many who would come down just to see him and say hi and often bring him a treat, he had the biggest sweet tooth imaginable. He would often find broken shovels and other tools and bits locals would leave at the top of his driveway in hopes he could make use of them in one of his creations, and he always did. When the Nook and recycling depot opened it was nirvana for him. He would make regular trips on the lookout for any interesting things he could rework into something new. He lived the embodiment of “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” He was also always on the lookout to see what had washed ashore at the beach in front of his house. And there were so many treasures! When we were settling him in at Creekstone Care Center I asked him what he wanted me to bring to decorate his room, he asked for a nice big piece of driftwood, typical George.

Our mother was a dedicated gardener, so the crown jewel of his upcycling was the massive greenhouse he built her. He would proudly tell people how he only bought the water pipe coiled in the slab, the concrete, and the nails. The rest of the materials were salvaged over the years from island landmarks; Wood boiler, radiators and insulation panels from the Old General Store, beams from the ferry dock and windows and doors from the old Elementary School.

He spent many years operating machinery, building roads and other infrastructure on Bowen. He was born deaf in his right ear and it was an amusing sight to see him wearing his hard hat but with just one earmuff. If you live on the end parts of Hummingbird Lane, Taylor Road or Queen Charlotte Heights and beyond you can thank George (unless of course you ended up with one of his famous ‘goat path’ driveways. His old backhoe in particular played a big part in our childhood. He would use it to lift my mom up to wash our house’s second story windows and take us for rides in the scoop, he liked pretending he was going to dump my brothers and their friends out of the scoop off the dock in the cove. During his last hospital stay I told him I had to dig a foot of snow off my driveway and he said next time it snowed he’d bring his backhoe over to clear it. He was a bit groggy for a while and thought he was operating the hoe and digging out a tree stump from a new driveway he was making. I’m glad he was doing what he loved in his last hours.

We all want to thank my brother Adam for staying with him through Covid and allowing him to remain in his home longer than he otherwise would have been able to do on his own. George’s last couple of years were a bit of a struggle health wise but he lived an amazing, adventurous life surrounded by people he loved who loved him in return.

I could go on and on, this really just scrapes the surface, but those who knew him will hopefully remember many other great aspects of his life, the joy he brought to others and his contributions to Bowen. He will be missed.

I think my only regret when it comes to my dad was not keeping and framing his orange terry cloth short shorts. If you ever came to our house on a hot summer day between 1975 and 1990 you will remember those shorts!

Rest peacefully dad, you deserve it.

We will be having a celebration of George’s life at the Legion on March 16, 2-4.

Please come share your memories with us.

A8 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Friday, February 16, 2024

It doesn’t need to cost too much to be great.

Split the bill and share the love.

Here at JJ’s we love to see friends and families come together and enjoy great time.

So call those friend couples you haven’t seen in while and come and join us for live music Wednesdays from 6 to 9pm.

Table of 4: share appetizers platter for 4 and a bottle of wine $120 ( $30 per person) Table of 6: $190 appetizers platter for 6 and 2 bottles of wine.

Table of 8 or more: $25 per person for appetizers platter and a glass of wine.

JJ’s Kitchen and Bar

High School gymnasts show off their skills

LISA BROUGHAM Bowen Island Gymnastics

Bowen Island Gymnasts successfully competed in the High School Sea to Sky Championships at Argyle Secondary School with over 100 gymnasts competing from West Vancouver and North Shore High Schools and at Vancouver Zone Championships in Richmond earlier this month.

The High School gymnasts train on Bowen on Friday nights and Saturdays and

5775 Marine Drive

(across from the Thunderbird Marine)

604-926-4523 • jjskitchen.ca

Having an event?

Listings are always free in our weekly community calendar.

represented their schools: Island Pacific School, Rockridge, and Kitsilano High School, qualifying for the High School Provincial Championships in Prince George at the end of February.

Congratulations to our High School Gymnasts!

Results: Sea to Sky High School Gymnastics Championships: Level 1 Junior: Juha Park representing Island Pacific School 10th place on Vault, 21st All Around *More results on the next page

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

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Bowen gymnasts (L-R) Juha Park, Sophia Toews & Mischa LaRoche had impressive showings at the Sea to Sky High School Gymnastics Championships. / Lisa Brougham photos

Friday, February 16, 2024

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A9 Results: Level 2 Junior: Mischa LaRoche representing Island Pacific School 5th place on Vault, 6th place on Bars, 5th place on Beam, 9th place on Floor 9th Place AA Level 2 Junior: Sophia Toews representing Rockridge 3rd place on Vault, 4th place on Bars, 4th place on Beam, 5th Place on Floor 5th Place All Around Vancouver Z one High Scho ol Gymnastics Championships Level 2 Junior: Clara Patterson representing Kitsilano High School 1st Place Bars, 1st place Beam, 1st Place All Around

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

QUEEN OF CAPILANO FERRY SCHEDULE

NEW SCHEDULE IN EFFECT - JANUARY 8 - MARCH 2024 BCFERRIES.COM DEPART BOWEN ISLAND DEPART HORSESHOE BAY 5:20 am Mon (except Mon Feb 19) Tue - Fri. 5:50 am Mon - Sun Water Taxi Service Only: Saturday 6:50 am Mon - Sun 6:20 am Mon - Sun FULL BERTH CLOSURE 8:00 am Mon - Sun 7:30 am Mon - Sun • Saturday, March 9 9:05 am Thu Fri Sat, Sun, Mon, Tue 8:35 am Mon - Sun (full day) 9:05 am Weds: Dangerous goods 9:40 am Mon - Sun only No passengers.

10:50 am Mon - Sun Water taxi service will be 10:15 am Mon - Sun 12:00 pm Mon - Sun 1:10 pm Mon - Sun provided during berth 11:25 am Mon - Sun 2:55 pm Mon - Sun closure and will follow 12:35 pm Mon - Sun 4:00 pm the Queen of Cap regular 2:20 pm Mon - Sun Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, Tue sailing schedule. n 3:30 pm Mon - Sun 4:00 pm Weds: n 4:35 pm Mon - Sun No vehicle traffic is Dangerous goods only n 5:45 pm Mon - Sun available on this date.

No passengers. n 6:50 pm Mon - Sun 5:10 pm Mon - Sun n 8:20 pm Mon - Sun 6:15 pm Mon - Sun 9:30 pm Mon, Fri, Sat 7:40 pm Mon - Sun Water Taxi Service Only: 8:55 pm Mon - Sun Tues. Wed. Thurs. and Sunday 10:00 pm Mon, Fri, Sat Water Taxi Service Only: 10:30 pm Mon. Water Taxi Service Tuesday Wednesday Thursday and Sunday Only: Tuesday thru Sunday 11:00 pm Mon. Water Taxi Service Only: Tues. thru except Mar 8 it’s the ferry!

Sunday except Mar 8 it’s the ferry!

MCDONALD, Ross Ross McDonald died in Vancouver in the company of his family on January 19th, 2024.

He leaves behind his wife Susan Alexander, his daughters Cassidy (Cameron Chell) and Hannah (Luc Bregg), his son Christian and his grandchildren Harper, Wyatt, Cash and Carter Chell, and Waylon and Frances Bregg.

The number of people positively influenced by their interactions with Ross and saddened by his death is vast as he was forever a mentor and friend to the many who came to him seeking wise and honest counsel. He was as comfortable in the company of prime ministers as he was helping people find the strength to deal with their personal challenges.

Ross McDonald was born to Don and Colleen McDonald in Edmonton on April 4th, 1945, and predeceased by his father, mother and his father’s second wife, Myrna.

Educated at the University of Utah, Simon Fraser University and the University of BC, Ross lived most of his adult life in Vancouver and on Bowen Island.

Ross was a kind man, blessed with a puckish sense of humour, who led many lives.

He was a jock. He loved football, racing cars and tennis, and was learning to tolerate golf. He was a Simon Fraser University Charter Student and on the first student council.

He was a radical, an early member of Greenpeace and one of the primary movers behind the 1976 United Nations Habitat Forum on Vancouver’s Jericho lands. He was a businessman, developing properties in British Columbia and California. He was a working board member serving Turning Point, Pacifica, United We Can, Brentwood College, the Paraplegics Foundation to name only a few. Most recently he helped Tunstall Bay on Bowen Island replace their tennis courts and add pickle ball.

While his material achievements were significant and far reaching, he dedicated his life to quietly helping others. Ross valued his privacy and that of the many that he helped. Much of his giving was anonymous. His passion was building up young people, especially in their journeys to sobriety. The last years of Ross’ life were especially joyful as he and Susan were able to live near his beloved daughters and participate in the lives of his grandchildren.

His memorial service will be held at 1 pm on Friday, March 1st at the West Vancouver United Church, 2062 Esquimalt Avenue, West Vancouver, BC. “And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”

And he replied: “Go into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”

Ross McDonald, you are so greatly valued and so truly missed. Our thanks to you for a life well lived.

A10 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Friday, February 16, 2024

Youth Curators explore layers of Old General Store history!

SARAH HAXBY Bowen Island Community School The Bowen Island Community School Youth Curator Program was created approximately 15 years ago to help students learn about the island’s history.

Students develop research skills and curiosity through experiential learning that includes going on field trips as well as looking at historic places, photos and artifacts. Youth Curators investigate a topic that excites them and then create a by-youth, for-youth exhibit in the BICS upper foyer that explores, shares and celebrates our local heritage during BC Heritage Week.

This year’s theme is: Layers; the many layers of the Old General Store and its rich history.

Some of the ideas that the Youth Curators are exploring include learning more about: how the Old General Store was moved and saved; how it was the original site of the Bowen Island gas station; how after the General Store use of the building ended, the site was used for many community events including plays, haunted houses, as a post office, library, coffee houses, BIAC Art Festivals, and more.

Students will select a topic, research it and

create something written and/or visual or media-based to be installed in an exhibit in the BICS display case to celebrate Heritage Week and to share what they learned. We’re also visiting the Museum and Archives, and the Higgins’ Cottage over the next few weeks to learn even more about local history, the skills of curating an exhibit, and what stories and artifacts connect us to the history of Bowen Island.

Rather than take students to an exhibit created by adults for youth to view, it is exciting to see an exhibit created by youth, for youth and to see the reaction and level of engagement by all the classes from Kindergarten to Grade 7 when they get to see an exhibit created for them by their fellow BICS students.

The Youth Curators’ exhibit will be open for student viewing during the school day and outside of school time for the general public to see in the upper foyer at BICS from March 1 to 15, and we can’t wait to see this year’s exhibit!

Special thanks to the community volunteers who participated in interviews, to the Youth Curators, and the Bowen Museum and Archives, Bowen Heritage Preservation Association, Decoda Literacy Solutions and The Bowen Island Literacy Task Group for their ongoing support of this program connecting youth to local history.

Some of the Youth Curators gathered at the Archives. / Sarah Haxby photo

Layer by Layer – the Setting of Bowen Library OWEN RAYBOULD Bowen Island Heritage Commission What we understand and value about historic buildings can often include more than the fabric, the architecture, its associations and history. The location and

position of the building, known as its ‘setting’, can add to what we value about it.

Was this building located at this particular spot on purpose? Defining setting can help us to understand its development through time, how it may have functioned for those who originally built and used it, and how this may differ to how the

building is used today.

The library certainly has to boast one of the most desirable spots on Bowen Island, being the first building that you see once disembarking from the ferry.

The library welcomes all who come to Bowen this way. It is perhaps no surprise to learn that the building was

originally built in 1924 for the Union Steamship Company (USSC) of BC. The public face of the company in architectural form, to welcome visitors arriving to Bowen on one of their ships is the precise reason that the building is situated where it is.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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Friday, February 16, 2024

Muni Morsels: Feb. 12 Meeting

ALEX KURIAL Editor Let’s Put a Roof on It Chief administrative officer Liam Edwards discussed the timeline to have the roof installed on the new Community Centre. While the building company says they’re moving as quickly as possible, parts of the roof will need examining to see if the insulation has become damp. If so, some or all of the roofing membrane may need to be cut to address the issue.

“While I’m frustrated with the length of time it’s taken to put a roof on, I am still confident that when we do get a roof on it will be done properly,” said Edwards.

The CAO added that inside construction is carrying on well including the installation of drywall. But Edwards added the opening date may well be pushed back a little from the current estimate of late April.

Islands Trust budget queries The draft budget for the Islands Trust 2024/25 fiscal year included a sizeable raise for Bowen Island’s contribution to the organization.

To help cover a $10.9 million overall budget, up from the 2023/24 total of $9.7 million, the Trust currently plans to increase Bowen’s tax levy by 18.7 per cent. This would raise the municipal contribution by just about $65,000 to $411,000. By comparison, last year’s payment of $345,989 went up $22,220, or 6.86 per cent, from 2022/23.

Coun. Alison Morse pointed out “We have had no real explanation as to why it’s more,” and asked when budget consultations would take place. Coun. Sue Ellen Fast, who along with Coun. Judith Gedye are Bowen Island’s Trustees with the Islands Trust, explained that Islands Trust reviewed their legislation and found they’re not legally required to hold budget consultations, so have stopped doing so.

Fast said she does expect the 18.7 number to come down before a final budget is adopted however. The current number, from a meeting of the Financial Planning Committee in late January, is already lower than the FPC’s initial proposed increase of 23.5 per cent in November.

Mayor Andrew Leonard asked the pair of trustees to see if they could gather more information on why the toal is going up. “Without explanation I think it’s going to lead to some

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bowenislandundercurrent.com • A11 questions in the community about value for money if it’s not explained clearly,” said Leonard. The Islands Trust FPC is scheduled to meet again on Feb. 21.

Heritage bridge not proceeding A proposed bridge restoration honouring JapaneseCanadians won’t be moving ahead after Metro Vancouver chose not to support the project.

The Japanese Canadian Legacies Society appeared before council last month offering to fund the reconstruction of a Japanese Bridge over Bridal Veil Falls which had originally been built in 1914. The project was intended to recognize the contributions of Japanese-Canadians to Bowen and remember the victims of Japanese Internment Camps during World War II. Council expressed their support for the project and sent the idea to the Heritage Commission and Parks, Trails

and Greenways Advisory Committee for recommendations. Both groups also showed desire to explore the restoration further.

The site of the restoration would be at Bridal Veil Falls in Crippen Park, so final say rests with the landowners in Metro Vancouver. Last Friday the organization indicated they wouldn’t be supporting the project due to environmental reasons.

“Killarney Creek is an active salmon bearing stream and the proposal would pose significant environmental impacts to this sensitive riparian area,” wrote Metro Vancouver to the municipality in a letter.

Council determined they’d respect Metro Vancouver’s jurisdiction over the land. There were suggestions the Heritage Commission could explore whether further signage recognizing Japanese-Canadians would be viable in the area.

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February 26 | 9:30am – 4:30pm

At the “Blue Cottage” on Cardena in the Cove

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Please call to book.

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Preserving and protecting over 450 islands and surrounding waters in the Salish Sea

A12 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Friday, February 16, 2024

The Bowen Library’s busy past HELEN WALLWORK Bowen Island Heritage Association

Preservation

Why do some people call the Library the Old General Store?

The Library has been referred to as the Union Steamship Company Store, the Big Store, the Company Store, Bowen Store, the Old General Store, the New Store, the Old Store...

In 1924 the Union Steamship Company built the Tudor style building to supply groceries and provisions to summer visitors as well as the small year-round community of about 150 people. An article in the Province newspaper, Sunday, July 19, 1925, describes the new store as a building that combines the picturesque appearance of a quaint Old Country Inn with the service facilities of today.

The store also had a Post Office and a single gas pump. Edythe Hanen wrote “In the early winter evenings, gas lamps illuminated the Ione Standard Oil gas pump outside.”

A recent addition to the Bowen Island Museum & Archives is a painting by Joan E.

Nicol titled the Bowen Island Store. A note on the back of the painting reads “General Store at Bowen Island where grandpa Percy Bird was the first manager and grandma Betty Bird was the first Post Mistress in 1925.

We lived upstairs. Grandma Birdy (Betty) went to the first grade of school there, in an eight grade, one room school house and Bowen Island. She was the only one in grade one. Auntie Barbara Kettle was born there.”

Betty DeRidder In 1927 Murray Hume and his wife took over and Mrs. Hume’s worked in the Post Office work while her husband tended the store. Mail was delivered daily, fresh produce was sold in bulk and weighed out at the counter and baked goods came by steamship. One of the regular helpers was George Ward, who later did most of the Post Office work. They hired more help in the summer when they sold ice cream and expanded the meat counter.

During the winter, the Store also served as cafe and social centre. Mrs. Douglas M. Harding, who ran the store for 15 years, recalled that in winter, when the island was quiet, people would just drop by and have cup of coffee and chat.

As the tourism industry ground to a halt

An Island Institution CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

It is noted that the original building, a store and post office for the USSC (the ‘Old General Store’), was originally parallel to the street, but was moved back during restorations in the 1970s, which created its open front garden.

The setting of the building has therefore changed over time and can be summarised as three ‘nested’ layers: The Garden: A public open space around the library, the garden provides a meeting point, somewhere close to the dock to watch the ferry come in or wait for a visitor.

This is the case today for the library as

it would have been when the building was used originally as the Old General Store, where friends would have met, caught up and socialised. This space has remained publicly accessible throughout the building’s many different iterations, as a café, social centre, preschool, theatre, and even a haunted house.

Today, there are benches in the garden and the lawn is kept trimmed, which is inviting in the summer to sit and watch the world go by. It is notable that the library garden is not fenced and has three entrances, allowing easy access from all directions, encouraging people in to the space. The

The original Bowen Store in 1924. A fence can be seen off to the side and the gas pump in front of the store. / Museum & Archives photo in 1956, the Union rented the building to a succession of tenants (Lloyd Walters, Tim MacKinnon and the Lock and Stansfield families) who continued to run it as a general store. In 1975 the grocery business moved into new premises further up Government Road.

The General Store was boarded up in 1975 and, looking distinctly shopworn quietly passed into the hands of Crippen Engineering Limited. Crippen announced in the fall of 1978 that they would demolish

the building the following January.

News of the demolition did not sit well with most of the islanders and the building was saved, renovated and moved and a cultural reuse of the building began. My recollection is that during this time the building was used as a Flea Market (the Fleam), office space for the GVRD, Family Place, Teen Centre, Theatre on the Isle productions, the Haunted House and for many other island events. And now it is the home of the Bowen Island Public Library.

shady deciduous tree to the front, c. 50 years old, was most likely planted when the building was moved back from the road in the 1970s.

The pathways are constructed of brick, more traditional than the asphalt that characterises the vast majority of the Cove, and the colour palette of which blends aesthetically with the clay colouring of the library building to create a rustic character. The car park, whilst not a particularly attractive addition, is a necessary and practical one.

The streetscape: To the side and to the rear of the library, the architecture of the Hearth Gallery compliments it, with its similar steeply pitched ‘mountain resort’ rooflines and matching wood-shingles. Beyond its own garden, the library contributes a

historic character to this end of Government Road (Bowen Island Trunk Road), the main commercial thoroughfare of the Cove, and providing an immediate impression off the ferry.

This relationship is reciprocal, with the busy street providing a suitable context for the library as a public building at the heart of an active community. The library is also intervisible with the war memorial.

Bowen Island: Beyond this immediate context, the Marina, Crippen Park, and the forests are all visible to various degrees in views both from within the library as well as from its garden, or on approach along the road. This allows for an appreciation that the library is not set in an urban situation, but on our island.

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Friday, February 16, 2024

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A13

CALENDAR

Saturday, February 17 French Connections as 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 10:30 to 11:30 am. bipl.ca/French Saturday, February 17 Garden Club Speaker Series Jack Oostenbrink will be talking about Pruning at the Legion, 1265 Scarborough Road. Doors open at 12:30 pm, with Jack speaking around 1. Free for club members, $5 admission for all others.

Tuesday, February 20 SKY Musical Movement & Writing Workshop 55+ at Bowen Court with Marc Gawthrop playing on piano. Runs from 10 to 11 am. Followed by Craft of Writing (fiction) with Carol Cram at the Seniors Cottage on Cardena Drive from 2 to 4 pm. RSVP info@skyonbowenisland.ca for this special Tuesday session Wednesday, February 21 SKY Trek A day trip to to the Vancouver Art Gallery, email info@skyonbowenisland.ca to reserve, chartered bus space is limited.

Thursday, February 22 SKY Yoga Yoga with Karolina at Bowen Court from 10 to 11 am.

Thursday, February 22 Movie Night at the Library This month’s movie is Chevalier (2022), based on the incredible true story of composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. The son of an African slave and a French plantation owner, Bologne rises to improbable heights in

French society as a celebrated violinist-composer and fencer, complete with an ill-fated love affair and a falling out with Marie Antoinette herself and her court. In English. Drop-in.

Runs 107 minutes. Rated PG. bipl.ca/movies Friday, February 23 SKY Walk Meet at Catholic Church parking area at 10:30 am, walk lasts till around Noon. Everyone welcome.

Friday, February 23 Twelfth Night Opening Night William Shakespeare’s comedy, directed by Graham Ritchie w/ Bowen actors. Shows also Feb. 24 & March 1-2, all 7:15 pm at Cates Hill Chapel. Tickets $25 at Cates Pharmacy.

Sunday, February 25 Book Donation Day at the Library 10 am until volunteers’ bins are full (no later than 12 pm).

A volunteer will pre-screen your donations while you wait and will accept those that meet donation guidelines. Donors will need to take back any items that do not meet the guidelines. Primarily looking for novels and children’s books. Find out more at bipl.ca/donatebooks Monday, February 26 Hearing Aid Clean & Check Come to the Blue Cottage on Cardena Drive in the Cove for this free SKY service, in partnership with Hearing Life.

9:30 am to 4:30 pm, call 604-281-3691 for an appointment.

Wednesday, February 28 Fibre Arts Guild Meeting Bowen Island Fibre Arts Guild meeting at Collins Hall from 10:30 am to Noon. Knitters, crocheters, stitchers, sewers, weavers of all levels welcome. Please bring Show & Tell.

TUESDAYS Chair Yoga with Jackie Join Jackie from 1 to 2 pm at Collins Hall for a gentle approach to stretch, breath, alignment, balance, and relax-

ation. Sliding scale $15-20, drop-in or pay for the month in advance. Email jackie.minns@gmail.com for more info.

Pizza at the Legion Brought to you by Melanie and Bowen Island Pizza Co. Come enjoy pizza and games from 5 to 7 pm. Guests & kids welcome! Also takes place Thursday (Adults 19+ only).

WEDNESDAYS Storytime at the Library A free, drop-in program of stories and songs for 2-4 yearolds and their caregivers! From 10:30 to 11 am. Runs to March 13. bipl.ca/storytime Bowen Bridge 1:30 to 4:30 pm at Bowen Court. Fee $5 per person per session. Book by email (bowcates04@gmail.com) no later than 6 pm on Monday. Also email for more information.

Meditation Evenings Every Wednesday night from 7 to 8 pm. Please contact John at 604-506-7197 for more details.

THURSDAYS Babytime at the Library A free, half-hour drop-in program of songs, books, and rhymes for babies 0-18 months and their caregivers! Starts at 11:30 am. Join us afterwards, at 12 pm, for a casual baby & caregiver social hour in the Annex. bipl.ca/babytime 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.

SUNDAYS Open Mic Night at Doc’s Come down to Doc Morgan’s and show off your musical talents! All instruments & singing styles welcome. 5 to 8 pm.

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Watch for the new Bowen Island Event Planner publishing this spring... to advertise contact ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com by March 1st

Friday, February 16, 2024

A14 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

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bowenislandundercurrent.com • A15

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Friday, February 16, 2024

Valentine’s with the Rotary FUNDRAISER DINNER SUPPORTING PEKA PROJECT

HILARY BUTLER Bowen Island Rotary Club Well, that was a blast! The Tunstall Bay Clubhouse last Saturday was crammed with enthusiastic Rotarians, their friends and many supporters of Matthew Harrison’s Peka project in Lesotho.

We sipped delicious Margaritas and other bebidas, we were served a sumptuous Mexican dinner, we listened to Matthew and Peter Parkin entertain us, we participated in the silent auction, and chatted to friends and neighbours. Best of all, we raised funds for the orphanage in Lesotho that Matthew is vigorously supporting; he gave us all a fascinating update on his project between musical sets.

Many thanks for this enjoyable and successful evening are due not only to all the Rotary volunteers (particularly Carmen Dives, our organizer whose heart and soul

went into the preparation for this evening) but also to Rotary friends Basia Lieske, Louise Loik, Michelle our lovely server and her husband Amir.

We are very grateful to all our generous donors: Snug Cove General Store, Cates Pharmacy, Libellule Cottages, Catherine Epps and Kathryn Beals, Bowen Island Wine and Beer Cellar, Miss Billie’s Vintage, Cormorant Marine, Doug McGowan, The Pub, Karis Clayton, Karolina Massage and The Actors’ Foundry.

Thanks to these donors and to the Bowen Island community (did someone say we are losing our community spirit?!) who supported us by their presence and generosity, we are happy to report that the Peka Project in Lesotho will get a huge leg-up for the orphanage, as over $8,000 was raised at this event. Well done, everyone!

Check out our website bowenrotary.com for up-to-date news of this and other Bowen Rotary projects!

Guests at the Rotary’s Valentine’s Dinner at Tunstall Bay Clubhouse last weekend included (L-R) Basia Lieske, Erin Olson, Mike Zavaglia, & Cynthia van Hoof. / Robert Ballantyne photo

Snug Cove Terminal Life Extension Project Update

Hello again!

It has been a productive month and I want to share our appreciation of your ongoing patience and understanding.

I’ve been truly impressed by the adaptability you’ve shown in adjusting to this disruptive work. The crews on site have remarked about the hospitality they’ve received from your community since day one. So, a heartfelt thank you!

While we were initially slowed by the cold and wet weather, the crew has been making steady progress replacing floor beams. You can see the results in the new traffic surface and the freshly painted beams showing through. Once those are complete, next on the list is to install the new pedestrian walkway in its original location.

The two full-berth closures have proven especially valuable, and again, we really appreciate your patience during these periods. Most recently, our maintenance crews replaced numerous critical items responsible for lifting and lowering the ramp. The work was done to exacting standards, and always with an eye on the clock. I’m proud of our crews for their dedication and timely completion.

Unfortunately, the news isn’t all positive. Considering the slower start to our project because of the weather, we are now expecting the project completion will extend into early April. Rest assured though, we will continue to do our

Jesse Lightman

best to minimize any impacts you’ll experience and we are working diligently with our contractor to make up for the lost time.

I can confirm your long weekends will remain untouched, though the modified schedule will be extended. We’ll continue to provide transparent and timely updates to ensure you are well-informed and can plan your travel accurately. Visit our project page for the latest information: https://www.bcferriesprojects.ca/snug-cove-tp As we progress, you’ll continue seeing further improvements that I’m excited to highlight in my update next month.

Thanks for reading, Jesse Lightman