Experience the sophistication of amid-century home with extraordinary views, in this
Walls of windows flood the interior with natural light year round. The hotel-inspired primary suite on the main floor,with glass-enclosed marble ensuite, provides a tranquil retreat with aprivate garden patio.
Indoor/outdoor living is at its finest with a gracious English garden, lush lawn, and flagstone patios that offer space to relax or entertain both in the sun and shade.
3 Frauds – Crypto Fraud (Lost $52,000), other attempts.
30 Assist Public – Lost hikers, attempted fraud, family services resources, relinquished firearms and ammo, insecure premises, harassment, Mental Health.
8 Assist Police/Agencies – Ministry of Children and Family Development, Bowen Island Fire Department, Richmond RCMP, Emergency Health Services, Vancouver Police Department.
10 Bylaw – Foot patrols of ferry lineup, vehicles parked in cross-hatch.
6 Check Wellbeing – Called in by family, neighbours, employers.
6 Property – Found cards, bikes, passports
Proposed Seymour Bay development taking OCP route
ALEX KURIAL Editor
A Seymour Bay development proposal has returned to council, this time via an Official Community Plan amendment process.
Bowen Island Properties is seeking to increase the number of homes permitted in the Cowan Point Comprehensive Development Area (CDA) from the currently allowed 161 to a new total of 312. In addition to the 151 new residential units - which would consist of density-focused housing such as townhouses and multiplexes - the application also seeks the ability to allow expanded commercial and recreational uses in the area.
The rezoning application previously came before council last summer as a simpler Land Use Bylaw Amendment. Citing staff recommendations and public comments, council determined a more thorough Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment should be the way forward. Two main additional elements in an OCP amendment include holding a public hearing and requiring Islands Trust to approve the plan
The next steps involve review of three main elements of the rezoning plan: water availability, affordable housing allocation, and conservation development Water would be operated by the Cowan Point Utility Company and is proposed to be sourced from Josephine Lake. A capacity analysis of the lake water will be reviewed by the municipality (BIM) and the provincial Comptroller of Water Rights.
The BIM Affordable Housing Policy also has provisions for development projects with three-plus units including
allocating 15 per cent of the gross floor space as non-market affordable housing In this context, affordable housing is defined as “non-market residential dwelling units that may only be owned or rented under the terms of housing covenants registered on title in favour of BIM).” Alternatively the developer can make an equivalent financial contribution to a municipal housing fund.
Conservation development goals typically call for projects outside of Snug Cove to dedicate 50 per cent of the land to nature protection. While this isn’t possible with the specific land in question, projects can be viewed in a larger context. In this case that would include the contribution of already dedicated conservation areas such as Veterans Park, Seymour Bay Park, the Golf Course, and a trail network as an overall result of CDA development.
The Bowen Island Properties application now heads to several municipal committees for feedback, plus Bowen Island Resilient Community Housing (BIRCH) for a recommendation on the affordable housing portion of the plan.
The development would see new residential, commercial & recreational spaces centred around Seymour Bay Drive (highlighted portions of map).
3 Special Event – “Light Up Bowen”, Polar Bear Swim, New Years Night.
1 Marine Incident – Boater called 911 requesting assistance navigating due to heavy fog while not being equipped. Member liaised with Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue to assist.
11 Suspicious Circumstances – Insecure School bus, unwanted patrons.
Police File of Note:
Police received a call from a homeowner stating that they let in an intoxicated person who was asking for help and now wished for him to be removed. The person was found to be American/Russian, to have an expired passport, and to have entered Canada illegally via the water.
Person was arrested under the Immigration Act and returned via the nearest port of entry by Canada Border Services Agency.
HaroldRobert (Hal) deGrace
Harold Robert (Hal)deGrace passed away peacefullywithfamily present at Lions Gate Hospital, NorthVancouver,onNovember 28, 2025, at the age of 86. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen (McNaught, Findlay) deGrace; Mary Ellen’sthree children, Norahand Robert (Bob) on the NorthShoreand Lesley Findlay in Montreal;six grandchildren;and hisbrother George of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Originally moving to BC to teach skiing in Whistler,hewentontoguide Canadian skiers through Europe and worked as an educator for Shoppers Drug Mart’sheadoffice, before returningtotourism with Mary Ellen and Sail Secord. He enjoyed20years sharing and teaching sailing and BC historyastours on Secord, primarily in Haida Gwaii. They became very close to the Haida people. Finally,Hal drove the BowenIsland busfor several years until his retirement
AMemorial will be held at alater date, and his ashes will be cast offseaward on an ebb tide in hisfavoured sailingwaters, those of coastal SuperNatural BritishColumbia.
VIEWPOINTS
EDITORIAL
Welcome to February! The sun has been shining almost enough lately to make you think winter is behind us, but we will see if the season has any last words over the month ahead. Meanwhile there’s plenty taking place over the next several days and you will want to check the calendar for a full rundown The Skwxwú7mesh History Book Club gets going at the Library on Saturday, and next week there’s back to back speaker nights with the Rotary and Speak the Spark.
Sunday is also of course the Super Bowl! The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots face each other in the big game, which is being shown at many Bowen establishments if you are looking to watch the gridiron game with some company. After a long wait we’ve also cycled back into Olympics season with the Winter Games underway in Italy. It’s always fun to see the many different and creative snow sports on display, and it’s a competition where Canada is always in the discussion thanks to our northern nature. Italy sits nine hours ahead of us so the next two weeks will provide plenty of athletic action to get you up and at ‘em in the morning!
- 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 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
National NewsMedia Council.
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.
VIEWPOINTS
Letter: TheMyth of Ownership
DON SHAFER
Letter Writer
Bowen Island is facingahousing crisis. Young families,seniors, and essential workersare being priced out of the market, and most residents agree we need smaller, more attainable homes. But urgency shouldnot push usinto accepting solutions thatpromise affordability while quietly delivering something else.
Many residentshave writtenabout Westside Village.Iunderstand theappeal Asmall-home community marketed as “ownership withinreach” speaks directlytothe pressurespeopleare feeling, andthat is precisely whyitdeserves careful scrutiny.
Westside Village is being promoted as a pathway to homeownership. In practice, it offersneither ownership as most people understand it,nor long-term affordability in anymeaningful sense.
NorthShoreCommunity Resources Marks50Yearsof Service and Community Impact
KIM SINCLAIR
NorthShoreCommunity Resources
North Shore CommunityResources (NSCR) is celebrating amilestone this year: 50 years of supporting individuals and families across the North Shore and seniors on Bowen Island, withprograms rooted in inclusion, dignity, and community connection.
Founded in 1976, NSCR began as asmall grassrootsorganization responding to the needs ofindividuals and their families at a time when supports were limited andoften inaccessible.Half acentury later,the organization has grown into acornerstone of the community, offeringawiderange ofservicesthat help people of all ages livefuller, moreindependent lives.
Reaching 50 years is not just about longevity; it is about the thousands oflives touched, the barriers reduced, andthe community partnerships that made this work possible.
Over the decades, NSCR has expanded itsprograms to include individualized support services, family and caregiverresources,and community engagement initiatives. Whilethe scope of its work has evolved, the organization’smission has remainedconsistent: to foster inclusion andcreateopportunitiesfor people to thrive.
Community members, staff, and vol-
Under theproposal, residents would purchase adwellingwhile renting the land beneath it. That distinction matters. Owning astructure without owning the land is not homeownership. It meansassuming thecostsand responsibilities of ownership whileremaining subject to padrents, limitedtenure security, and fewer legalprotections than eitherrenters or traditional homeowners.
Financing can also be more difficult, as lenders often treathomes on leasedland as higher-risk, depreciatingassetsrather than real estate. In this model, the homeowner carries the capital risk,while thelandowner controls thestructuralpower.
Buyers investinanasset that typically losesvalue while continuingtopay rent on landthey willnever own, with increases in taxesoroperating costs passed directly through padrents. Across British Columbia, residents in similar arrangements have faced rising pad rents, difficulty sellingtheir homes, and disputes with landownersand park managers.
These outcomes are not hypothetical; they are structural to themodel itself,and not astepping stonetostability. It is housingprecarity dressed up as opportunity. If we want to romanticizethe idea of a tiny-home community, then we should
get seriousabouthow it’s structured. Cooperativeorstrata-based models can offer shared land ownership, clear governance, and real security, not ownership language layered over rented land. Bowen deserves solutions builtondurability, not branding.
Westside Village also raises broader questionsabout planning and fit. The proposal would introduce adense, privately managed enclave outsideBowen’s traditional ownership and governance structures, at atime whenthe Official Community Plan is under review and key questions about water supplyand servicing remainunresolved.
Bowen absolutely needs more housing, but it needs the right kind of housing.Real affordability isnot justabout smallerunits or clever marketing.Itisabout long-term security, transparency, and housing modelsthatbuild shared resilience rather than shiftingriskontothose leastable to absorb it.
The choiceswemakenow will shape not only who can live on Bowen, but what kind of community Bowen choosestobe.
-Don Shafer
unteers point to NSCR’s person-centered approachasadefining feature of its success. Rather than aone-size-fits-all model, services are shaped around thestrengths, goals, andvoices of thepeople they support. On Bowen Island we take that just alittlefurther as we are such aclose-knit communitythat genuinely does look out for each other, and we make theprogram work “Bowen Island Style”.
Sincecreatingthe Better at Homeprogram on our beautifulisland home, Ihave encounteredmany wonderful people both asparticipants in the program and as volunteers, andof course the staff at NSCR
The 50th anniversary is being marked here on Bowen with aheightened recruitment drivefor volunteers and an open invitation to allonBowen Island whomay have lovedones in needofour services. Ican alwaysbereached at 604-982-3323 or at kim.sinclair@nscr.ca
Or do it the “Bowen Island way”, over a coffee orinthe lineat theGeneral Store.It all works on our island home.
North Shore CommunityResources’ anniversarystands as areminder of thepower of community-driven action and the lasting impactoforganizationsbuilt on compassion and collaboration. Get involved. Become avolunteer and help us keep this wonderfulprogram aliveonBowen Island
Thank you,
-Kim Sinclair
This week’s Patientofthe Week title goes to Bob, a trulymagnificentgentleman whose goodlooks are matched by hisenthusiasm forsnacks. Bobrecently came in to see us to begin hisweight-loss journey, andhonestly? He is alreadywinning hearts(and probably negotiating for treats). Bobisabeautiful boywithacalmdemeanor andundeniable charm.We can’twaittocheerBob on!
How do weloveyou Bowen: letus count theways.
POSITIVELYFIT
We arecelebrating your heart!Join Positively FitbeforeFebruary 28thand enjoy acomplimentary30minute fitnessprogram design.Enjoy a beautiful, private space to buildyour strength. positivelyfit.ca
FRANCES FROST JADE WEISMILLER
“Loving where we live, Lovingwhat we do” Happy ValentinesDay BowenIsland!
Frances Frost Personal Real Estate Corporation. Jade Weismiller, Realtor. TheBowen Island Real estateGroup, RemaxMasters,Bowen Island
BOWENCIDER HOUSE
Bowen CiderHouseis thankful forall of theBowen Islanders who support local!
THEBOWEN ISLAND PUB
TheBowen Island Pubhas been serving this communityfor over 39 yearsand we areproudtohavebeen blessedwith the opportunity to run it for the last 14 of thoseyears. We love Bowen Island andall the wonderfulpeoplewho make us feel at home here.Thank youtoall of you.
COCOA WEST CHOCOLATIER
ThelittleIsland that could Supportinga world classchocolate shop for24years. Whoknew? Iknew. Ibelievednot only in us,but theincrediblecommunityofBowen Island.Many, many thanks.' Happy Valentine's Day!
BOWENISLAND COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE
SWIMBOWEN
9thAnnual SwimBowen is Saturday July 11,10am.Registrationopens April1 10am. Come celebratethe bestlittle eventinthe SalishSea. Proceeds support the Cancer Care Fund SwimBowen.com
TOSH HOME &GARDEN
Warm aheart,support local
DOCMORGAN’S
Ourguests andstaff arethe heartof everything we do, andthat’s why we aresoexcitedtowelcome Tommy McGarrell as ournew manager.We areproud to grow togetherwith our staffand community!
UNION STEAMSHIP COMPANY MARINA
BowenIslandhas always beenaboutfamily connection,and community.The Dike family is proudtohaveservedand worked alongsideBowen Island.Wishing everyone a warm andwonderful Family Day!
CATES PHARMASAVE
Simin& Team @Cates Pharmasave
THE CAPE ON
We arehonoured to have aroleinthe supportive and caring Bowen community. Thank you for placing your trustinusand making this islandsuch awonderfulplace for to live and work.
Tosh curating pretty things that Ithink you will love foryourhome &garden,as well as unique giftsand baby clothing and decor. Everyday Iget to sharemyloveof theIsland with residents andvisitors. your home gardenfamily Bowen
THE DIVESTEAMPETER&CARMENDIVES
BOWEN ISLAND FREIGHT& COURIERSERVICES
BOWEN ISLAND FREIGHT & COURIER IE
We have hadthe privilege of serving BowenIslandsince 1984 -fromthe slandto the continent andback again-wenow offer Courierand moving servicesand lookforward to takingcareofall yourtransportation needsinto thefuture!
Bowen Island, thank you. For over 50 yearsthis community hasoffered friendship, support, andbelonging. It’s an honour to raise our family here and serve you as your realtors with care andintegrity.
Sotheby's International Realty Canada
SQUIRREL ON BOWEN
Spring is in the air, newarrivals in the mail. Let smake space!! FAB FEB sale. Between Doc'sand Tippy's. Thursday toMonday 11-5 pm and Wednesday 12 -3 pm 604816 0830 ww.squirrelonbowen.com
BOWEN ISLAND FC
We love this island andour wonderfulcommunity of soccer players. What aspecial placefor boysand girls of allages to enjoy playingasa team
BOWENISLAND GYMNASTICS CLUB
is asmall gymnasticsclub with abig heart. BIGC has preschool -World Gymnaestrada gymnasticsprogramsand our nationally certifiedgymnasticcoacheshave taught thousands of kids/youth/adults Gymnastics and Parkour programs forover 25 yearsina fun, safe and encouragingenvironment.
BOWENISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Caring forour neighbours on Bowen Island is aprivilege. We offerfriendly advice, medicationreviews,and practicalsupporttohelpyou get the most from your health. Ourincredible team is the heartofour pharmacy makingrealconnections every day. Thank youfor trustinguswith your care, alwaysherefor you alltogether.”
BETTER AT HOME ON BOWEN
So muchlovefor ourseniors on Bowen Island thatmywonderful volunteers, amazing staff (Helen and Mary) areabletoassist with their goal of aging in place.
With gratitude to BowenIslanders: yourgenerosity morethandoubled our 2025 Giving Season goal with $63K raised forthe Community ImpactFund and$141K overall, supporting vitallocal projects. We love community—togetherwethrive!
Thank you, Bowen,for being an inspirationfor the world by howwe showupand care for each otherevery day.AsThe Cape completesasa development, Iamheretostay, to steward theland in loving devotion.
We love BowenIsland forhow it holds its children—for theway the community,the forest, and thesea togethercreateasense of carethat is bothsteadyand spacious, acare felt equally by those kids whocallthe island home andthose whocross the water from the mainlandtojoin us everyschoolday.Thank youBowen
+VersatileBamboo
:West CoastStyle for
andwomen designed locally. Artisan Square and24/7at movementglobal.com
BOWEN
ISLAND PACIFIC SCHOOL
MP Patrick Weiler quits X over deepfake child exploitation concerns
LUKE FAULKS
Pique Newsmagazine
West Vancouver - Sea to Sky MP Patrick Weiler is quitting X, formerly known as Twitter, citing the proliferation of “non-consensual, sexualized deepfakes” including content involving minors and the platform’s inaction in the face of mounting public concern
“Over the past several weeks, constituents have contacted our office alarmed by ongoing reports of non-consensual, sexualized deepfakes circulating on X, including content involving children,” Weiler wrote in a statement on Feb. 2.
“That should stop every one of us in our tracks. This is not about one isolated incident It reflects a broader pattern of neglect by a platform and by companies that profit from engagement while failing to protect people.”
Weiler’s departure comes as other Canadian politicians have abandoned the platform following Elon Musk’s acquisition of the company on Oct. 27, 2022, which precipitated widespread staff layoffs, a loosening of content moderation policies and subsequent explosion in hate speech
Former NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, Green Party leader Elizabeth May, and the Bloc Quebecois’ Yves-Franois
Blanchet have also sharply criticized the platform’s direction, while multiple provincial and municipal politicians across Canada have reduced or abandoned their presence altogether
More recently, however, the focus of criticism has shifted from political toxicity to platform safety particularly the rise of AI-generated child sexual abuse material(CSAM) that groups like the Canadian Centre for Child Protection warn is growing faster than platforms can respond. The RCMP has acknowledged the increasing role of AI-generated CSAM, predicting “more to come” in the years ahead.
Weiler’s post echoes those concerns: “Deepfake sexual abuse is harm. It is exploitation. And it demands clear safeguards, accountability, and action,” he wrote. “After repeated concerns and unanswered warnings, this latest development was the final straw.”
He emphasized his continued advocacy for stronger regulation: “I will keep pressing for stronger rules, real accountability, and clear consequences so that online spaces do not enable abuse or put children and vulnerable people at risk.”
Weiler’s statement confirmed he will continue posting on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
The joys of Bringing up Baby
MICHAEL NANKIN
Bowen Island Film Society
There’s only one thing to do in times of treachery and danger: have a good laugh.
1938 was a time of bleak economic apocalypse with war looming on the horizon (something we may find hard to imagine in 2026) but at least there were effervescent and charming screwball comedies like Bringing Up Baby, directed by the great Howard Hawks. This was the golden age of movies, of delightful escapism, something to temper the dread and hand-wringing of the real world.
Cary Grant plays an uptight paleontologist on the eve of his wedding. The only thing wrong with his life is that
the dinosaur skeleton he’s assembling is missing the rare “intercostal clavicle” – and that his sexless fiancé doesn’t seem to like him. Coming to his rescue is Katherine Hepburn, an agent of pure disorder, in one of her absolute best roles as a lovesick human tornado with boundary issues.
Bringing Up Baby is a cinematic pinball machine about a man who doesn’t know a good thing when it bulldozes into his life, and a woman who knows exactly what she wants. Cars are stolen, dinosaur bones are lost, there’s a surprisingly docile pet leopard named Baby, and if you think there’s a single line of dialogue that isn’t about sex, you haven’t figured out the joke.
So take a break from the breathless wait for world war and the release of the Epstein files, and spend an evening in another kind of chaos, the kind that makes you feel good.
“After repeated concerns and unanswered warnings, this latest development was the final straw,” said MP Patrick Wieler on his departure from social media platform X. / File photo
Islander takes turn hoisting Olympic Flame
TORCH RELAY COVERED 12,000 KM AHEAD OF MILANO-CORTINA GAMES
ALEX KURIAL Editor
Peter Boronkay realized a long-time dream at the end of January with his selection as a torchbearer for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Italy.
“To celebrate the athletes, recognize the power of sport to unite people, and share the Olympic spirit leading up to Milano-Cortina 26 by being a torchbearer and ambassador for the games was an honour and exceeded expectations,” says Boronkay.
Peter is no stranger to the Olympic Games with an extensive history of volunteer and director work at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Calgary, Torino, Beijing and Vancouver. He even took part in the closing ceremony during Vancouver’s hosting duties in 2010. But he says it’s been a decades-long goal to take part in one of the most
iconic sporting traditions – the journey of the Olympic flame.
“I especially love how the Olympic torch with its energy and light symbolizes transcending boundaries, athletic strength and focus,” says the Bowen resident.
Boronkay’s section of the relay took place in the town of Legnago in the province of Verona. Peter was the anchor for the stretch, which concluded at the Salieri Theatre, named after the famous composer who hails from the town. A celebration followed with Legnago’s mayor and residents, plus several of Peter’s family in attendance.
“To have family be here to celebrate together was outstanding,” says Boronkay.
The Milano-Cortina torch relay began in Olympia, Greece in November and covered all of Italy’s 110 provinces before arriving at the San Siro stadium in Milan for the opening ceremony on February 6. The Winter Olympic Games run until February 22.
Olympic
for his stretch of the torch relay in
at the end of January.
and the other torchbearers on this leg of the journey ran through the town of Legnago in northern Italy. The flame ultimately arrived at the Games’ opening ceremony on February 6.
Peter Boronkay (left) receives the
Flame
Verona
Boronkay
bowenislandundercurrent.com
PlacesofWorship WelcomeYou
Friday,February6,2026
Call or email to place your ad, Monday throughFriday 8:30am to 4:30pm 236-889-6595
ahogan@lodestarmedia.ca
QUEEN OF CAPILANOFERRY
SCHEDULE UNTILMARCH 23 2026
BOWEN ISLANDUNITED CHURCH
Sunday Worship 10:30 am Rev.LorraineAshdown
www.biuc.ca |1122 Miller Road 778-688-2061
ST.GERARD’SROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
Contact Angela Powell 604-947-2515
CATES HILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.)
FOOD BANK DROP-OFF Sunday Worship10:00 SundayMassat10:00
DEPART BOWENISLAND 5:15 am except Sundays 6:15 am except 7:30 am except 8:45 am 10:00am 11:15am 12:35 pm 1:55 pm 3:15 pm 4:40 pm -exceptWednesdays 6:00 pm 7:15 pm 8:25 pm -exceptSaturdays 9:30 pm 10:30pm 11:30pm
DEPART HORSESHOEBAY 5:45 am except 6:50 am except 8:05 am 9:20 am -exceptWednesdays 10:35 am 11:55 am 1:10 pm 2:35 pm 3:55 pm 5:20 pm 6:35 pm 7:50 pm 8:55 pm -exceptSaturdays 10:00pm 11:00pm
Where’sthe ferry rightnow?- live updatesatwww.bowenferry.ca Schedulechanges on statutoryholidays. Stay up to date at www.bcferries.com
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Friday, February 6
Movie Night at the Community Centre
‘Bringing Up Baby follows a straight-laced paleontologist whose quiet orderly life is turned upside down when he crosses paths with an eccentric heiress. Presented by the Bowen Island Film Society. Tickets $10, doors at 6 pm with the movie starting at 6:30. More info on Page 8.
Saturday, February 7
Men’s Shed Gathering
Bowen Island Men’s Shed will be gathering for coffee/tea & goodies and great company. Men of all ages welcome, at the Men’s Shed “sea can” behind Island Pacific School at 671 Carter Road.
Saturday, February 7
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! Free, 10:30 to 11:30 am. bipl.ca/French
Saturday, February 7
Skwxwú7mesh History Book Club at the Library
In this friendly book club, we’ll be discussing part one of Tiná7 Cht Ti Temíxw: We Come From This Land: a Walk Through the History of the Squamish People (2024), by the Squamish Nation. Coffee and snacks provided! Borrow a copy from the library. Free, runs 11:30 am to 1 pm. Find out more and register at bipl.ca/2026
Saturday, February 7
Judi Gedye Open House
Come chat about local issues with Bowen councillor Judith Gedye. Everyone welcome, 3 to 4 pm at Collins Hall.
Sunday, February 8
"The secret ingredient is always love." —Anonymous
Book Donation Morning at the Library
Friends of the Library welcome your donations of clean, good condition used books They’re especially seeking novels and kids books From 10 am until bins full (Noon latest).
Monday, February 9
Rotary Speaker Series
Katie Smith Milway will be presenting from her new book “One Hen and Then...” on teaching youth about microfinancing and an introduction to a global social entrepreneurship program, One Hen Academy. At Artisan Eats Cafe starting at 7:30 pm. All community members welcome.
Tuesday, February 10
Speak the Spark
A night of storytelling with your Island neighbours. At the Bowen Library at 7 pm, doors at 6:45. Evening is by donation. This month’s theme is ‘Hidden/Found’.
Friday, February 13
Pro-D Day Camps with Bowen Rec
Fun activities this Friday the 13th! Kids ages 5-8 will take part in ‘Ferry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone’ where campers will embark on a series of Harry Potter inspired magical challenges. Ages 8-12 head to the city to skate at Robson Square and then visit the Vancouver Art Gallery. Both begin at Community Centre at 9 am, older kids return on the 3:55 pm ferry. Full details and registration on Bowen Rec website.
Friday, February 13
Pro-D Day STEAM Club at the Library
Learn new skills, make something new! We’ll explore a new STEAM activity every session, with time to practice and explore science, arts & technology. From 10:30 to 11:30 am, ages 6-10. Please register at: bipl.ca/steam
Saturday, February 14
Garden Fair and Community Swap with Bowen Rec
Come check out Seedy Saturday! Join local garden enthusiasts for a relaxed, community-driven day celebrating all things gardening. The Community Centre will be the host site for discussions, workshops, seed and tool swaps, kids activities, and more! From 10 am to 1 pm
Saturday, February 21
Nature Club Beach Cleanup
Let’s make Seymour Bay Beach wild and clean again! Then enjoy a hot drink together. Led by naturalist Charlotte Gruneau Email bowennatureclub@gmail.com to register Runs from Noon to 3 pm
TUESDAYS
Bowen Celtic Music Group
All instruments and levels welcome – we start slow, call out the songs in advance, and can send out a digital songbook as a PDF if you’d prefer sheet music, chords, or guitar tabs. Takes place at Bowen Court on Seniors Road from 7 to 9 pm. Suggested donation of $5 per session.
WEDNESDAYS
Family Storytime at the Library
A free 30-minute drop-in program of stories, rhymes, and songs for children age 0-6 and their caregivers! From 10:30 to 11 am, families are welcome to stay after until 11:30 and socialize in the cozy Annex, read books, and hang out!
THURSDAYS
Thursday Art Group
Join the Thursday Art Group (TAG) at Collins Hall from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm to paint and create together. $30 per month or $10 drop-in. Info at shannonrondeau@shaw.ca
