WELCOME TO 2026 BOWEN!
$1.50
inc. GST
FRIDAY, JANUARY 2, 2026
VOL. 52 NO. 01
BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com
A YEAR TO REMEMBER Memorable scenes took place all over Bowen last year as Islanders kept busy making lasting impressions on this place we call home. We’ve gathered up that history in the pages ahead with the 2025 Year in Review! / Alex Kurial & James Pelletier photos Mary Lynn is excited to announce a new real estate collaboration
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TOP of all Realtors 2022-2024* 10% in GVREB *per GVREB MLS reported sales
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Friday, January 2, 2026
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Christmas Tree Recycling
Garbage Collection Schedule
Bowen Waste Solutions will be providing a bin for christmas tree chipping from December 28, 2025 to January 10, 2026. The bin will be located in the parking lot out the front of the Recycling Depot.
Events
A copy of the 2026 Garbage Collections Schedule can be picked up at BIRD or Municipal Hall. It can also be found on our website at: bowenislandmunicipality.ca/garbage-collection-schedule/
Trees must be completely free of all decorations to be dropped off. Questions? Contact Bowen Waste Solutions at 604-947-2255.
All Council meetings are open to the public to attend in person or electronically, unless noted otherwise. January 12, 2026 1:00 pm Regular Council Meeting
A Downed Power Line is an Emergency. Call 911. A reminder that a downed power line is an emergency. If you come across a downed power line, stay back and call 911 immediately. Always assume that a downed, sagging, low-hanging, or damaged power line is live, even if it’s not sparking or making any sound. Never touch or try to move a downed power line.
See flashing hazard lights behind you?
If you encounter a downed or damaged line, follow these steps:
It’s a volunteer firefighter on their way to a callout.
- Stay back at least 10m (33 ft), about the length of a city bus.
On Bowen, volunteer firefighters use their personal vehicles to get to the Fire Hall to respond to an emergency. They use their hazard lights to let you know. Please pull over when it’s safe and let them pass. Yielding could save someone’s life.
Contact Bowen Island Municipality PAID ADVERTISEMENT January 2, 2026
Phone: 604-947-4255 Bowen Island Municipal Hall Fax: 604-947-0193 580 Bowen Island Trunk Road 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
- Dial 911 and report that a power line has fallen or is damaged. - Keep others in the area at least a bus-length away. Questions? Contact Bowen Island Fire Rescue’s non-emergency line at 604-947-9324 or email fire@bimbc.ca.
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Friday, January 2, 2026
January - 01 Two Bowen beaches received new Squamish names, Crayola Beach in Bluewater becoming Xéla7an – ‘marked/ coloured on the cheek/side’ – and Pebble/ Roger Curtis Beach at Cape Roger Curtis renamed to Smí7mant Áyalhkw – ‘place of pebbles’. The decision was sparked by a Bowen Island Parks Plan recommendation for collaboration with Squamish Nation. “It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of this process for the wonderful locals of Bowen Island, and to be able to have a small piece of our identity in the eye of the dear locals of Bowen Island,” said Aaron Williams, language specialist with Squamish Nation. A new 11-car gravel parking lot was decided for Grafton Lake. Location benefits included a completed environmental and engineering assessment and the site being on flat land owned by the municipality. Five alternative locations – three on Forster Road and one on Harding and Trout Lake Road – all lacked such assessments, and posed other difficulties including terrain, land ownership, and conflict with residents. We learned more about Miller’s Meatcraft, Bowen’s own butcher shop in Village Square. “Planning a butcher shop actually started when I first came to Bowen Island,” explains owner and founder Erik Miller. “I
February - 02
The month started in dramatic fashion when the Queen of Capilano crashed in Snug Cove early on the morning of Feb. 2. Videos showed the 7:30 am sailing departing from Bowen collide with a moored boat at the Bowen Island Marina dock after setting sail. The boat subsequently slammed into the dock causing significant damage. After completing several morning runs following the collision, the ferry was later pulled from service for more than eight hours. The Grand Banks yacht ‘Kowloon’, owned by Islander and business owner Brittany Yu and her family, bore the brunt of the collision as the Queen of Capilano crashed through the cabin while shattering doors, railings and windows. We just bought the boat last year, we actually bought it off really close friends. They sold it to us knowing it was staying in the family because we’re so close,” explains Yu. “We are on our boat a lot in the summer, we sleep on the boat, we do big trips, we spend a ton of time on our boat. I certainly don’t feel safe in that spot anymore, and we’ll be looking into alternative spaces where that’s not a risk factor,” she says. A Transportation Safety Board investigation found “The passenger ferry... reported touching the wooden dock structure and docked pleasure craft, while departing the
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A3 started putting those manifestations out to be like, how can I make this happen?” With the shop off to a strong start, Erik hopes to influence the overall food economy of the island too. He’d like to see “ways that we can raise food and then a sustainable place to take it, and then absolutely we can put it into the (butcher) shop.”
Island Pacific School students began a basketball team and concluded their season with a banquet featuring a visit from Invictus Games Team Canada athlete Lealand Muller. You’ll find the smiling and helpful faces of Erik Miller (above, right) & James Pelletier behind the counter at Miller’s Meatcraft. (Alex Kurial photos) And the Health Centre had a retirement party at the Legion for the long-serving and much adored Dr. Matt Blackwood. (Submitted photo) ferry terminal at Snug Cove, Bowen Island, B.C. due to high wind gusts and issues with the control of the azimuth thrusters.” The ferry disruptions were far from over as the next night a powerful storm damaged Snug Cove Ferry Terminal. All sailings were cancelled on Tuesday and Wednesday before repair crews returned the ferry to service on Thursday night. “I think us Islanders are resilient by nature. We see that resiliency when we have power outages for multiple days and neighbours checking on neighbours… We saw some really strong resiliency during the pandemic when neighbourhoods and Islanders were helping each other out. I feel like this is much the same,” said mayor Andrew Leonard.
Kelly Woods joined the Bowen Island Public Library as a Children and Youth Services Coordinator. (Tina Nielsen photo) The West Vancouver Thunder U11 A1 team - featuring Islanders Lochlan Stevenson & Eli Montgomery - won Gold at the CAN/AM Hockey Tournament in Seattle. (Submitted photo) And the island suffered a series of ferry incidents in quick succession after a crash by the Queen of Capilano was followed by storm damage to the island terminal on back-to-back days. Crews worked hard to restore sailings ahead of schedule. (Alex Kurial photos)
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March - 03
A series of cougar sightings, including one where the big cat strolled through a family’s yard in Cowan Point, prompted a response from the Conservation Officer Service. “Over the weekend, the COS received a report of a cougar on a residential deck, which is concerning behaviour,” said Insp. Simon Gravel. He explained that while there have been several sightings of the animal, the cougar has kept largely out of sight. People are asked to be familiar with precautions in case of cougar encounters. COS advises people not to give cougars an opportunity to linger in an area and become comfortable with the “presence of people.” “Conservation officers will continue to monitor cougar reports on Bowen Island and respond as necessary to ensure public safety,” said Gravel. The municipality announced the dissolution of nine advisory committees, citing the desire for a more efficient system of governing. Work carried out by these former committees was redistributed to council, staff, or partner organizations. The nine committees discontinued were the
April - 04
April was highlighted by the much anticipated opening of the Community Centre. A ribbon cutting and cedar brushing ceremony took place at the facility to recognize the accomplishment and welcome the community inside the new building on Bowen Island Trunk Road. “Some folks here in the audience have been working at bringing this project to fruition for decades,” said mayor Andrew Leonard to the gathered crowd. “Before some of us in the front rows here were even born (noting the many BICS students up front) this was a conversation that was happening in the community. Community members were getting involved. They were raising money, they were pushing council. They were trying to find a site to get this built.” Jamie Nesbitt, board chair of the Hearth Arts on Bowen, had special thank yous for members of the Hearth, ‘Old Bowen’ figures who were instrumental in moving the project along, and the municipality for being a welcoming partner in the push. “We ventured up the hill,
Friday, January 2, 2026 Community Centre Select Steering Community Centre Select Steering Committee, Community Grants Committee, Community Grants Advisory Committee, Finance Advisory Advisory Committee, Finance Advisory Committee, Heritage Commission, Committee, Heritage Commission, Housing Advisory Committee, Public Housing Advisory Committee, Public Art Advisory Committee, Recreation Art Advisory Committee, Recreation and Community Services Commission, and Community Services Commission, Snug Cove Sewer Local Advisory Snug Cove Sewer Local Advisory Committee, and the Transportation Committee, and the Transportation Advisory Committee. Ten municipal Advisory Committee. Ten municipal committees remain. committees remain. The community got a look at future The community got a look at future plans for a portion of the Community plans for a portion of the Community Lands, a 21-acre space just west of Lands, a 21-acre space just west of Snug Cove. Lot 1, located along Mount Snug Cove. Lot 1, located along Mount Gardener Road and measuring 5.5 Gardener Road and measuring 5.5 acres, is being eyed for approximately acres, is being eyed for approximately 100 units of housing with some retail 100 units of housing with some retail space. The homes would be a combispace. The homes would be a combination of townhomes and an apartnation of townhomes and an apartment building. The municipality is ment building. The municipality is working with Bowen Island Resilient working with Bowen Island Resilient Community Housing (BIRCH) and Community Housing (BIRCH) and Vancouver real estate company Tomo Vancouver real estate company Tomo Spaces to implement the plan. Spaces to implement the plan.
Bowen Island Football Club spent a special day training with the EA Sports FC Futures program in Burnaby. (BIFC photo) The cast of The Tempest delivered fun and fury during the annual Bard on the Rock Shakespeare play. (Lorraine Ashdown photo) Grade 6/7 students from Bowen Island Community School (BICS) visited the Fire Department for a career exploration day. BICS kids also put on a school-wide performance of 101 Dalmatians. (Alex Kurial photos) And the local Cougar made several appearances on island surveillance cameras. (Submitted photo) we met you here in this very real and tangible space. And it’s been emotional. It’s been powerful… We know the real work lies ahead, but at the Hearth we’re absolutely committed to making this relationship thrive.” “This space could be so much more than a building we spent a lot of money on. It can be a place where we gather, where we plan, create, celebrate, and even love,” said Nesbitt. The centre includes a theatre which can double as a multi-purpose room, workout and fitness rooms, a courtyard, and various multi-use rooms and communal spaces. It’s also the new home of Municipal Hall following the municipality’s move from their previous Artisan Lane location. Property tax increases remained at 9.5 per cent during budget discussions. Efforts to lower them were ultimately dropped in favour of maintaining municipal services. “I would be very opposed to lowering tax increases just to get a percentage down given the very high number of infrastructure costs that we’re going to be dealing with and our inability to take care of it from a budget and borrowing standpoint,” said Leonard.
A ribbon cutting ceremony marked the official opening of the Bowen Island Community Centre. It was a big month at the ball field too as a new scoreboard was raised into action (Alex Kurial photos) and an eager cleanup crew got the grounds all ready for a new year of action. (Andrea Layzell photo) Island Coach and athlete Kian Bristowe won the BC Men’s Gymnastics Level 3 Provincial All Around Championship in Surrey. (Submitted photo)
Friday, January 2, 2026
May - 05
Incumbent Liberal MP Patrick Weiler held his seat in West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country riding during the federal election, making history as the first Liberal to be elected back-toback-to-back in the riding. While the results initially flipped back and forth between blue and red, as time went on Weiler pulled ahead of his main competitor, Conservative Party’s Keith Roy, and other candidates. “The vibe was incredible, it was packed. Everybody is really happy with results in the riding and across the country. It was a touching moment to see family and friends here, and those who’ve become my friends and family,” Weiler said when asked how the evening went at his campaign headquarters. Nationally the Liberal Party pulled off a victory which looked highly unlikely as 2024 drew to a close. But a leadership change from Justin Trudeau to Mark Carney saved the party’s fortunes. “Six months ago everything looked very different but I never lost faith in our party,” said Weiler. “I knew
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A5 we were the party with the best chances to deal with what we are in now. Mark Carney is the best leader and we have a plan. I knew this wasn’t going to be easy. This riding is diverse, it’s huge, but we put together an incredible group of people and you can see the results.” A review of Bowen’s Official Community Plan (OCP) began. It’s the first review since 2011 for the document which serves as the building blocks for all planning decisions on the island, from environmental preservation to rezonings, density and commercial placements, and much more. “We want to make sure that through this process that council hears from everyone on Bowen to try to determine what is the vision for Bowen going forward,” said manager of planning Daniel Martin. “It guides everything from what land use changes could be in your neighborhood or not? What’s the future of your neighborhood? What’s the future of Bowen? Where do we want to go? So we encourage everyone to participate.” Staff are hoping to bring the OCP review to council early in 2026 with the goal of adopting it during the Summer.
Patrick Weiler won his third term as Liberal MP. (David Buzzard photo) Dancing at Lughnasa was the debut play at the new Bowen Theatre in the Community Centre after rehearsals at Collins Hall (Frazer Elliott photo) The Tailgators joined the Bowen Island SloPitch League as a new expansion team, ready to to play, learn, cheer one another on, and maybe remember the score. Maybe. Come for the game, stay for the tailgate. (Submitted photo) Here’s Bowen Arts Tour marked Year 2 of the festival with more than 135 artists including Bonnie & Curtis Wright at a bustling Riley’s Cidery. (Darryl Deegan photo)
June - 06
A report by the Raincoast Conservancy Foundation’s raised concerns about the amount of substances in Grafton Lake. Readings found high levels of several human-consumed substances including caffeine, cocaine, benzoylecgonine (a cocaine metabolite) and sucralose. “There are human users that are inadvertently releasing human waste into the lake. Possibly the recreational users, but more likely driven by septic overflows, septic failures or lack of septic maintenance,” said Dr. Peter Ross with Raincoast. Importantly though, testing of the water shows it does not exceed any established drinking or environmental quality guidelines. Lake water is currently chlorinated to eliminate pathogens, and is expected to undergo enhanced treatment once the long-delayed Cove Bay Water Treatment Plant is finally brought fully online. “I think that the data tell us that we can be better custodians, better homeowners, better business operators, better stewards… To me, the opportunity lies in how can we engage with those sources and activities that are polluting Grafton Lake,” said Ross. The municipality BIM partnered with the International Sustainability Education Foundation and the Squamish Ocean
Bowen Grads including the senior class at Rockridge Secondary sailed into the next chapter of their lives. (Samantha Adkins photo) The second Bowen Pride Festival built on its robust 2024 debut and drew hundreds of participants to events throughout the day. And the Round Bowen Race had more than 100 sailboats line up for the mass start event. (Alex Kurial photos) Canoe Family to take part in the Paddles Across Canada program, which bolsters cultural connections with local Indigenous communities. During the course of several months participants attended workshops which included traditional blessings, storytelling, knowledge and meal sharing, and crafting a paddle from start to finish. This includes hand carving, sanding, painting, and in Bowen’s case, making sure the paddles are designed to cut through the thick kelp which can be found in the waters of the Salish Sea. “It’s been a highly satisfying and enriching experience,” says Tess Taylor, emergency program coordinator with BIM.
3-4PM Saturday Jan. 3rd | Collins Hall A monthly open house sponsored by Judi Gedye, BIM councillor and Islands Trustee.
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Friday, January 2, 2026
July - 07
A new apartment building in Snug Cove will add 27 units to Bowen’s housing landscape. The municipality partnered with Lookout Housing and Health Society to move forward with the complex to be known as Hemlock Hill Village at 1033 Miller Road, between the Health Centre and Crippen Park. Bowen Island Resilient Community Housing Society will assist with tenant selection for the rental units, with priority for Bowen residents and former Islanders who moved away but are now seeking to come back home. “We know that there’s a dramatic need for folks for affordable housing… so we want to make sure those are the folks that are getting into this residence,” said Megan Kriger from Lookout. “Also, there are folks who are residents of Bowen Island who couldn’t afford to live here at the time, and may be wanting to get back to their home community.” Bowen council agreed to support a ferry camera project in collaboration with a trio of local residents. The project aims to establish a camera on the Community Centre aimed at Bowen Island Trunk Road. This would give people a look at
the latter portions of the vehicle ferry lineup, particularly past the crest of the hill where vehicle cutoffs generally start to take place, and help them decide if they should try and make the current sailing or hang back until the next boat. “We started this a year ago, responding to ongoing community needs and observations of what other island communities have done regarding ferry lineup monitoring,” said Dee Elliott, one of the three community members behind the project. “We thought this would be a slam dunk but it became a much bigger process than anticipated. But so far we’ve not given up,” she added. SwimBowen raised more than $50,000 for the Cancer Care Fund during their annual Tunstall Bay plunge, supporting Islanders and their families going through cancer treatment. “There is something empowering about making a positive change in the face of a disease that can make us feel so utterly powerless,” wrote SwimBowen’s Mary Letson. “It is an extraordinary celebration of community from near and far attracting both elite athletes and beginner ocean swimmers all bubbling with enthusiasm and generosity.”
Bowen Recreation hosted a variety of activities during Canada Day Reimagined on July 1. (Bowen Rec photo) The Bowen Island Lumberjack Show gathered the best logger sports talent from Bowen Island to the Sea to Sky to the Sunshine Coast and beyond at Veterans Park. (James Pelletier photo) Patti-Jo Weiss & Jen Henrichsen were two of the many participants who made last weekend’s SwimBowen another rousing success. (Scott Robarts photo) And our own Ron Woodall celebrated his 90th birthday in style with wife Heather, daughter Jamie, and many more family and friends during a party at the Community Centre. (Charles McNeill photo)
Places of Worship Welcome You BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH FOOD BANK DROP-OFF
778-688-2061
OFFICE HOURS WEDNESDAY 10-4 OR BY APPOINTMENT
ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Sunday Mass at 10:00
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CATES HILL CHAPEL
www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.)
Sunday Worship 10:00 SHIRAT HAYAM (Song of the Sea) BOWEN’S JEWISH COMMUNITY Shabbat Gatherings ~ Holidays Contact aryana.rayne@gmail.com • www.shirathayam.ca
SCHEDULE UNTIL MARCH 23 2026
DEPART BOWEN ISLAND
www.biuc.ca | 1122 Miller Road
Sunday Worship 10:30 am Rev. Lorraine Ashdown
QUEEN OF CAPILANO FERRY DEPART HORSESHOE BAY
5:15 am except Sundays 5:45 am except 6:15 am except 6:50 am except 7:30 am except 8:05 am 8:45 am 9:20 am - except Wednesdays 10:00 am 10:35 am 11:15 am 11:55 am 12:35 pm 1:10 pm 1:55 pm 2:35 pm 3:15 pm 3:55 pm 4:40 pm - except Wednesdays 5:20 pm 6:00 pm 6:35 pm 7:15 pm 7:50 pm 8:25 pm - except Saturdays 8:55 pm - except Saturdays 9:30 pm 10:00 pm 10:30 pm 11:00 pm 11:30 pm Where’s the ferry right now? - live updates at www.bowenferry.ca
Schedule changes on statutory holidays. Stay up to date at www.bcferries.com
Friday, January 2, 2026
August - 08 Steve Edwards was named Citizen of the Year, well known as one of the forward facing members of the Bowen Island Fire Department. “I had no idea what to expect… the department here on Bowen was so well established and tight knit,” recalls Steve on when he first joined. “They took a fairly big leap of faith taking me on as a volunteer and letting me into their family. So I was pretty honoured by that and also a little terrified all at the same time. But I did it, and I’ve never looked back.” In addition to the valuable experience Edwards brought to day-to-day firefighting operations, he’s also made a heavy push toward expanding the force’s profile in the community. These include an annual presence at Canada Day festivities (best popularized by a fire hose spray down to wrap up the event) and the highly popular Hot Summer Nights, where families stop by to explore fire trucks and equipment, and of
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A7 course have a turn spraying the big hose. “When you move someplace that’s a little bit smaller, little things can make difference. They’re very noticeable. And I’ve had a lot of success with that, and a lot of pretty rewarding times,” says Edwards. The Firemen battled to the top of the Fastpitch Tournament to claim their third championship in the past five years. They scored a thrilling 10-5 win over the Diggers in the final, a team they had battled and been evenly matched with all year long. “To me the key to our recent success is we are all having fun. We have great veteran leadership with Rick Sinke and Mark Koontz and a tight knit group of guys who are all playing for each other,” said team member Adam Franklin. “The entire season and tournament we were playing for Burns Jennings. He was and always will be a massive part of the Firemen family and we felt him alongside us throughout the season and tournament. His two sons, Cole and Dallen, are now a big part of the team and are shaping into fantastic baseball players and young men, just like their dad,” said Franklin.
Bowfest was heavy on the highlights this summer as the festival celebrated Sacred Creatures Across Cultures. Dallas was chosen as Dog of the Year, appearing in the parade with parents Erik Miller and Sarah Kraatz. Next year will be the 50th edition of the event. (Alex Kurial, Chelsea Strang & Margaret Gray photos) On the ball diamond the Firemen cemented their dynasty status by beating the Diggers in the Fastpitch Tournament final to claim their 3rd title in the past 5 years. (Diana Jennings photo) SIGN UP
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Friday, January 2, 2026
September - 09 Bowen was joined by other ferry dependent communities in calling for “urgent action” to address chronic issues with BC Ferries service. Ferries are an essential service for our residents, this is their road home,” says Leonard. “Local governments shouldn’t be left to absorb the operational and financial fallout of system-wide issues. We need BC Ferries at the table now with a formal, ongoing consultation framework that leads to real decisions and tangible improvements,” read the letter on behalf of B.C. coastal communities. It was delivered to BC Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez. Our communities have participated in consultation exercises for years, but the system-level problems have only intensified,” says Leonard. “We’re asking for immediate, structured engagement with local governments and First Nations, backed by timelines, accountability, and action,”
October - 10
The Cougar returned to the forefront of island debate as duelling petitions over the animal’s fate emerged. While no serious incidents have taken place between the cougar and humans since its arrival in July 2024, the big cat’s presence has left many human residents unsettled. “It is out of place on our apex predator-free, small, highly-populated Island,” said Bruce Russell, speaking on behalf of Concerned Citizens for the Removal of the Cougar, during a delegation to council. “It does not belong here and should be in a habitat in which cougars are the norm and it can possibly find a mate,” he added, also pointing to a petition which at the time had 229 signatures asking for the cougar to be removed. The cougar enjoys plenty of support as well though, evidenced by a con-
said Bowen mayor Andrew Leonard. Bowen Island FC held their first ever co-ed adult soccer tournament over Labour Day weekend. “There’s been an ambition within the club (for a tourney)... You look at the success of what goes on with some of the other sports on Bowen - baseball in particular - it felt like there was a huge opportunity there,” says board member Andy Gillooley. The competition attracted six teams total, four from off-island, with a Bowen squad taking home the trophy when all was said and done. The first version went great, it really couldn’t have gone much better… All of the teams that played this year are interested in coming back,” says Gillooley. “The whole tournament had a focus on really bringing people together and expanding the eyes on Bowen Island Football Club. It definitely did that, a huge thanks to the Pub and everybody that helped us out to elevate it.”
trasting collection of letters and public comments asking to leave the animal alone. These included a counter-petition in favour of coexistence with the cougar which also claims signatures in the hundreds. Mayor Andrew Leonard reiterated that the Conservation Officer Service (COS) has jurisdiction over wildlife in B.C. and municipalities aren’t legislated to move or remove wild animals. The COS position since the cougar’s arrival has focused on education on how to co-exist safely with the animal. The organization has been consistent in saying the cougar has demonstrated normal behaviour for its species. The municipality is looking to have new measures in place by next summer to combat local ferry issues. “It necessitates a stronger response from the municipality if BC Ferries is not
The Loggers won the Slo-Pitch Tournament and used the opportunity to party extra hard with their championship. Another trophy was handed out on the soccer field where Bowen Black dispatched the competition to win the first tourney hosted by BIFC. (Submitted photos) At the RCMP Detachment long-time Islander John Yamashita joined the Bowen force as a new constable. (Alex Kurial photo) The Knick Knack Nook Fashion Show raised more than $11,000 towards the construction of a new building for the re-use it store. (Aryana Rayne photo) Islanders Pam Matthews & Adam Vanner claimed top spots in Masters categories at the Handloggers Half Marathon. (Imogen Hayes photos)
Nic Lendvoy restored the Haunted House at Integrated Health, with help from Island Pacific School students. Cohen & Dave Hocking began a new Judo Club on the island, and Bowen recongized National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. (Alex Kurial photos) going to take responsibility for their Snug Cove operations. This isn’t what we see in other small communities where BC Ferries has their own land, marshalling area and staff. There seems to be what feels like an outright refusal to provide that to Bowen Island,” said Leonard. Staff will examine series of measures which could be enacted on the municipal side to recoup
BC Ferries-based costs Leonard says are falling to the municipality. These include requiring business licences for land-based ferry operations, permits and fees for use of municipal roads - along with roadway restrictions – the introduction of parking fees with residential and non-residential rates, and possibly acquiring new land in Snug Cove to help with ferry traffic. 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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Friday, January 2, 2026
November - 11 We got to know our new RCMP Corporal Brad Savage who arrived on Bowen from Fort Nelson earlier in the Fall. “Community based policing is a really big and important thing for me, so when I got offered the job I jumped right in,” says Savage. “I really love that wherever I move becomes my home. It’s not just where I happen to work for a little bit and then I’m gone, so it has a bit more buy-in for me. And I get to know community members a lot better as well.” “It really says something when the previous two corporals (Robert Notari and Adam Koehle) both extended and stayed longer than the commitment. It really speaks to the island and I really love it here. My kids are enjoying their time here, and I really look forward to it.” The Food Bank received strong support from Islanders this year on all fronts including volunteers and food and financial donations. One of these donations from Bowen Fire & Rescue allowed for the purchase of a new fridge and freezer. “This year showed, with remarkable clarity, how deeply Bowen Islanders care for one another. We are entirely volunteer-run and community-funded, and every win is a direct result of your support,” writes Margaret Gray. “The Bowen Island Food Bank exists because of you. It is run by Islanders, funded by Islanders, and sustained by the ongoing kindness of this community. Thank you for keeping
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A9 the people who rely on the food bank in your hearts, and for helping ensure that anyone who needs support can receive it with dignity, privacy, and care,” says Gray. The Food Bank is open 24/7, fully anonymous, and located in the entrance to the United Church at 1122 Miller Road.
Brad Savage joined the Bowen Island RCMP as the new Corporal. Crowds came out in force for the Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Cenotaph in Snug Cove. Halloween scenes included World Series watching in between trick-or-treat stops as the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers went back and forth in an epic 7 game series. (Alex Kurial photos) And the Light Up Bowen team got busy bringing the festive spirit to the Cove ahead of the Christmas and holiday season. (Murray Atherton photo)
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Friday, January 2, 2026
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Health and Wellness on Bowen DR. GLORIA CHAO FAMILY DENTIST
FRIDAY 9-4 PM AT ARTISAN SQUARE
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Friday, January 2, 2026
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A11
BOWEN BOW WEN HOME SERVICES
llove ove tthe he llife ife yyou ou live
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available at the Dog Ranch Thursday thru Sunday
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BOWEN ROT REPAIR & CARPENTRY GOT
Contact our professional groomer grooming@bowendogranch.com
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A12 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Friday, January 2, 2026
December - 12 Les Cornell retired after serving as the devoted Bowen Island Community School (BICS) custodian since 1999. Staff and students of BICS could all tell you one time Les has helped them out. The BICS students and staff say thank you, Les, from all of us for your dedication to keeping our school clean and safe all these years. We appreciate you! Craft Fair Season arrived in force with several opportunities for artisans and vendors to help folks make their holiday shopping decisions. This year featured a new market at Endswell Farm, the second year of the Artisan Square Market, and the established favourites at the Little Red Church, the Legion, and BICS, each with their own special flair and holiday cheer. And it was once again time for Light Up Bowen and Santa’s arrival to the island. The skies were so clear that the organizers were able to introduce a bit of movie magic and welcome a scenic holiday ‘snowfall’ as the Santa Parade made its way down the USSC Marina boardwalk. After departing their sleigh Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived at the Hearth Gallery for a party with the community and the opportunity to fulfill one of their most important roles of the year - taking Christmas wishes from kids and adults alike (plus some pets too). And that’s the year! 2025 is out after providing many wonderful memories which will last well past December 31. We now have the
Les Cornell retired as BICS custodian after a distinguished 26 years of service. (Submitted photo) And Bowen got into the Christmas and spirit with a series of festivals and fairs including the famous and fan favourite Light Up Bowen & Santa Claus arrival. (Alex Kurial & Chris Wilson photos)
opportunity to see what 2026 has in store and create some new unforgettable moments. Wishing everybody a safe, momentous and outstanding year ahead!
Planning an island gathering for 2026? A wedding, family reunion, best friends weekend? ......
Find all of the island resources you need to host an event in the Bowen Island Event Planner!
2026/27 edition publishing this spring