The eager crew of the Stiletto was one of more than 100 boats (including Bowen sailboat Brigadier in the background) to take to the windy waters of Howe Sound and participate in the annual Martin Marine Round Bowen Race last Saturday. We’ll have many more pictures along with details of some impressive finishes by Island sailors in next week’s issue. / Alex Kurial photo
As summer weather begins to lap at your toes and you feel the need to soak up some salty fresh air and breathe in the scent of the forest, you may want to rush out to the Conservancy Protected Land at the Cape.
It’s a wonderful place to listen to the wind in the trees and enjoy the tranquility of nature. Do you know that the coastal Douglas-fir forest is a unique set of ecosystems found only on southeast Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and the southwest coast of BC?
It is rare, highly endangered and it doesn’t exist anywhere else in Canada. This kind of forest is known to have the highest diversity of plant species in BC, the highest diversity of over-wintering bird species in Canada, and the highest number of species-at-risk in BC, including 24 globally imperiled species.
Stewarding this place requires research on plants, animals, insects, waterflow and geology, all of which is underway. And, there are new signs around the Conservancy Protected Land, including some temporary restrictive signage in places, as a proactive measure to protect the land and its species in advance of summer stresses from a combination of increasing visitor traffic and drought.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
AllCouncilmeetingsareopen
The2024DraftAnnualReport forBowenIslandMunicipality willbepresentedtoCouncilat itsRegularmeetingonMonday, June23,2025.
Weinviteyoutoreviewthe draftAnnualReportandto provideyourcommentsand questionsinwritingorinperson atthemeeting.
The2024AnnualReportis availableonourwebsite:
www.bowenislandmunicipality. ca/reports-publications
orattheMunicipalOfficesduringregularbusinesshours
HowtocommentontheAnnualReport:
1.SpeakattheCouncilmeetingduringPublicComments
2.SubmityourwrittencommenttoMayorandCouncilat mayorandcouncil@bimbc.ca
Foryourwrittensubmissiontobeincludedintheagendapackage, pleasereviewthepublicsubmissiondeadlines: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/council-meetings
2025PropertyTaxesaredueonJuly2,2025.That’slessthantwo weeksaway!
Deferring?Ensurelastyear’staxesarepaidandclaimyourHome OwnerGrant.
Bankpayingyourtaxes?ConfirmpaymentisprocessedbyJuly2, 2025toavoida10%penalty.
HomeOwnerGrant?Mustbeclaimedannually, scantheQRcodetoclaimnow.
Questions?Weareheretohelp.Pleasecall 604-947-4255ext.8oremailfinance@bimbc.ca
Weknowyouhavebeenaskingforthisforawhile,andweare excitedtowelcomeIanandAnnetotheteam.Theywillbe workingonweekendsthroughoutthesummertodirecttraffic andensureeverythingflowssmoothlyandsafely.
Besuretosayhelloandgivethemawarmwelcomethenexttime youseethemoutandabout.
A beautiful day of sunshine, youthful music, delicious food, and a celebration of friendship marked the Third Annual Seniors Garden Party, sponsored by the Bowen Island Museum & Archives and Seniors Keeping Young (SKY) on June 7
This year, something “new” was added: a “Fascinator” competition, which was enjoyed by many. The winner for the ladies was Cecile Baril, and for the men, Gil Shaw. They were awarded gift certificates from Cocoa West Chocolatier.
As in previous years, a great delight were the musicians who played an excellent selection of music, some familiar to us, much of which was original to the musicians themselves, and all of which was enjoyed by their audience.
Led by Arthur Szabo from Bowen Island on guitars, he was accompanied by Aija on cello and voice, Drew, a female singer and Beck, a male singer. The happy musical connection among young and old was a credit to their talent and generosity. We are so grateful to these young musicians.
The food sponsors provided a wonderful array of savouries and sweets, including five fabulous pizzas from the Pub, a tray of savouries from the Snug Café, and a delicious frittata from the Barcelona. Tippy’s provided generous cookies, the Ruddy delightful chocolate brownies and Artisan Eats a tray of sweets.
There were generous amounts of fresh fruit, along with a selection of teas that were enjoyed by all. Special thanks go to the staff of the Museum & Archives, including Kathryn Gaitens, Catherine Bayly, and their assistants, Emilia and Sofia, who ensured that everything in the museum and outside it went smoothly and professionally.
SKY’s new president, Linda Hurlburt, welcomed our guests, among whom were Bowen Island Major, Andrew Leonard, and Municipal Councillor Alex Jurgensen. We thank them both for attending. SKY was pleased to thank our past president, Lichen Tilley, for her three years of extraordinary service to SKY and the island community.
It was a fine Senior’s Garden Party, a success for SKY and the Museum & Archives. We look forward to seeing old friends and new friends in 2026!
Submitted photos
The scourge of humanity
The unwanted
The accidental
The intentional They had no choice
Wrenched from their peaceful death
Under blankets of rock and earth
Heated and poured and processed
Smoothed and shaped and sold
Millions of years of unfathomable transformation
Sold for abuck fifty at the dollar store
They look wrong here, unsettling Their ghostswander, entangle, seek
Some kind of resting place
Ipick bits from the driftwood
Brightly coloured rope, entangled andclinging Itake them gently in my arms
And try to have sympathy
For the unfortunate fates of our long-dead relatives.
-Anonymous, age 16
An article in theMay 16 issueofthe paper stated the Bowen Island HealthCentrewas open MondaytoFriday from9amto 6 pm.In fact the operatinghours are9amto6pmon Monday,Wednesdayand Friday, and9amto8 pm on Tuesdayand Thursday
THE WRITE STUFF. TheUndercurrent encourages reader participation in your communitynewspaper.You mustinclude your fullname and adaytimephonenumber(forverification only). Theeditor reservesthe righttoeditfor clarity,legality,brevity and taste. Please limit to under 500 words. HERE’S HOW:Tosubmita lettertothe editor,fax 604-947-0148 or mailittoPOBox 130, BowenIsland,BC, V0N 1G0 or emaileditor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
#102–495 BowenTrunk Road, PO Box130, BowenIslandBC,V0N 1G0
Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148 bowenislandundercurrent.com
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Mailed 1year subscription on BowenIsland: $62.50, including GST.Within Canada: $85 including GST Newsstand (Single Copy)$1.50 per copy,includingGST ISSN 7819-5040
All Advertising and news copy contentare copyrightof the Undercurrent Newspaper.All editorial contentsubmittedtothe Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication. TheUndercurrent is not responsible forunsolicited manuscripts,art work and photographs.
NationalNewsMediaCouncil.
TheUndercurrent is amember of theNational NewsMedia Council of Canada, whichisanindependentorganization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour.Ifyou have concerns about editorial content, please email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com or call604-947-2442. If youare not satisfied with the response and wishtofile a formal complaint, visit the websiteatmediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 foradditional information.
DR. PETER S. ROSS
Raincoast Conservation Foundation
When we recently conducted a comprehensive ‘state of the water’ report on Grafton Lake – the source of drinking water for half of Bowen Island’s residents – we were disappointed but not surprised to find traces of cocaine, caffeine and sucralose, among other pollutants (as reported in the Undercurrent, June 13, 2025).
We routinely find these pollutants in water samples collected throughout southern BC, as part of Raincoast’s Healthy Waters program.
These compounds are not easily broken down in our bodies, and end up in human waste. Therefore they are useful tracers of human waste and are being widely used to assess wastewater impacts downstream of homes, communities, and businesses in Canada.
This appears to be the case in Grafton Lake, where their detection indicates that wastewater from upstream septic tanks, along with recreational use, is leaking into the drinking water source for many Bowen Island residents.
We also detected some pesticides, hydrocarbons and PCBs in Grafton Lake water, but at low concentrations and likely due to background pollution from atmospheric deposition.
Health officials may be reassured by the fact that there were no exceedances of Drinking Water Quality Guidelines, indicating that for many pollutants, the levels in Grafton Lake are deemed ‘safe’.
The new Cove Bay drinking water treatment plant will address some of the previous concerns about Grafton Lake water quality.
However, there are no guidelines available for 140 out of the 141 pharmaceuticals and personal care products measured in our study, or for many of the other pollutants. This suggests that our findings may not (yet) raise a ‘red flag’, but rather they serve as a warning of emerging water quality concerns in Grafton Lake. Human waste should simply not be getting into our drinking water supply.
Our hope is that this report provides a basis for community action.
After all, there is nothing more important than water.
Carmina Bowena and Sola Musica, BowenIsland’s vocal and instrumental consorts, arecelebrating the arrival of summer with an eclectic and unique programofsongs written from 1260 to as recently as 2025. Joining the acappella group of 14 Bowen Island singers areharpist Grace Wickes,flutist Chris Corrigan and clarinetist KathyLiddle as well as their director Nicole Thomas Zyczynskionaccordion. Tir-na-nOgTheatre 7:30 -9:00 PM Tix$25 at the door,CatesPharmacyand at www.carminabowena.ca
1974 -2025
Open House from11:30am on Monday,August4th at JonRitchie’s, 1253 MillerRoad
Youwill be welcomeata drop-in gatheringfor Ros’s family,friendsand acquaintances
Lunch availablefromnoon.
Celebratingthe life of BURNS
We hopeyou can join us as we celebrate Burnstogether ♥
SATURDAY,JUNE 21ST,12:45
BowenIslandCommunitySchool 1041 Mt Gardner Road
We arepleased to announce that SusanMcIntyrejoined asthe newBowen Island Community Health Centre ExecutiveDirectoronJune 2nd. Along-time Bowen resident,Sue hasa strong commitmenttoour community.Withextensive experience as amanagement consultant,she hasaided various organizations in strategic planning,operationalefficiencyand problemsolving.Sue is knownfor herconsultative approach, engaging staff, communityand partners effectively. She’s a collaborative leader whobuildsteams.We’re excitedto have heronboard.Pleasejoinusinwelcoming Sue!
Readmore: https://bowenhealthcentre.com/primary-care-team/
JENNIFER MARGISON Friends of the Gulf Islands Society / Letter Writer
The April 28 letter from the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs to Islands Trust Council Chair Laura Patrick is being selectively interpreted to the public by some trustees. Minister Kahlon’s letter refused the Trust’s request for a review of the Islands Trust Act, governance and structure.
In her Gulf islands Driftwood article recently, Chair Patrick omits one of the Minister’s clearest statements - that the Trust has an “ecological mandate.” Trustee Lisa Gauvreau goes further in her Galiano Active Page report, claiming the Minister declined to review the Trust Act because “the Province is focused on current housing priorities.” No doubt he is occupied with the housing file but the Minister made no such statement in his letter.
Both Gauvreau and Patrick disregard key directives from the Minister, including:
“It is my expectation that the Trust Council recognizes that this (land use planning) requires careful deliberation and con-
OLIVE TOURAND
Contributor
Bienvenue à Le Petit Café.
In Division 1 we are doing a project in French where we write and perform a skit completely in French about a restaurant, cafe, or bakery. My friend Mila and I are working together to create Le Petit Café. Baking has always been my passion,
EMILY SURTEES Contributor
We did it! It may have been cold and wet but Grade 6s and 7s powered through walking around Killarney.
It was very wet! For 9 km in the rain we giggled and laughed our way around the lake. We were under the big canopy of trees
sideration of perspectives to manage expectations of growth, development and local economies without exceeding the carrying capacity of local ecosystems and preserving unspoiled natural amenities.”
And:
“I will need Trust Council to take particular care to ensure their engagement with the public and First Nations on the bylaws put before me for approval, including amendments to Official Community Plans and the Trust Policy Statement, are undertaken in a manner that demonstrates mutual respect and builds towards consensus.”
By cherry-picking and spinning the Minister’s message while downplaying the Trust’s essential environmental mandate, one that will protect people and their communities, Patrick, Gauvreau, and others are undermining public trust and misusing public resources.
The entire text of the Minister’s letter can be found under “News” on our website - friendsofthegulfislands.ca
Sign our petition to support strong environmental policies that will protect communities, available under “Take Action” on our website.
so I was very excited about this project. We are allowed to bring food as props, so I am going to bring a chocolate cake for the performance.
In the skit there is a customer and a server. I’m going to be the server and Mila’s the customer.
I think that French class is very important because there are a lot of people that speak French in Canada, and I will probably need to speak it some day.
so we had big, wet dirty water droplets coming down on us.
A big thank you to Matthew’s dad, David, for making sure Matthew was part of the fun. We were gone the whole day. Travelling down to the meadow to play some games then continuing on.
We saw flipping flopping frogs and a black tailed deer. It was great to be outside. Next time, you’re bored, maybe try going on a walk; anywhere, anytime.
Olive, Emily & classmates in Victoria van Schouwen’s class at BICS have been busy studying the world of journalism this year They’ve used those skills to report on important happenings at their school, which we have in the paper this week and last week Thanks for sharing your stories and thank you to Victoria and the entire class for your interest in journalism! - Alex
Kingbaby Productions is thrilled to present their madefor-Bowen play The View in the new Bowen Theatre this summer.
Written by resident actor and playwright David Cameron, The View is a comedy about all things Bowen: Trees, deer, the ferry, power outages, old hippies, new money and the perpetual quest for a better view.
The play was first performed on Bowen Island in what seems now an impossibly long time ago in 2007 at the local Legion, but its themes of new neighbours and the challenges of living next door to them will never change.
What is new is the very nice recently opened performing space that promises a comfortable seat with no heads in your line of sight and designed specially for hearing and following the plot.
Also, while David Cameron and Jackie Minns will be reprising their roles as Angel and Zorg, this time the parts of Kenneth and Debra will be performed by the wonderful Katalina Stephens and Frazer Elliott.
Kingbaby Productions is a Bowen based family company that initially featured the work of David Cameron and Jackie Minns. As well as creating quality entertainments, they also produced a son: Andrew Cameron who has been working as a theatre professional for the past decade and has brought three well received shows to Bowen Island - Robin Hood, The Three Musketeers and True West.
This time he will direct The View, telling his parents where to go - be it stage right or stage left
Show dates are July 24, 25 & 26 as well as August 1 & 2 Tickets are available at Eventbrite.ca
The preview performance on Thursday, July 24 is a “pay what you can” where patrons have the opportunity to see the show for reduced pricing.
Beautiful bright 2bedroom south facingcornerunit. Amazingvalue in centralLonsdale. Close to allthe bestshoppingand minutesto downtown.Fri ndlybuildingwith proactive management.Callme today. ProudlyServing BowenIsland andNorth Shore e
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PAUL WELSH Contributor
The Bowen Island Golf Course was well-represented in Toronto atthe end of Mayatthe finals of theBDO/ Golf Canada National Golf League (NGL) played at TPC Toronto Osprey Valley— thesamecourse wherethe RBCCanadian Open was playedearlier this month
Bowen teams of Byron Poschwatta and Steven Reymond, and Rob Champoux and Paul Welsh,took part in the one-day 18 hole eventonSaturday May 31. Theyqualified forthe Toronto event by finishingatthe top of theBowen Golf NGL Men’s Nightcompetition
during the summer of 2024, and then by tying forsecond at theNGL regional qualifier last SeptemberatGreen Tee CountryClubTobiano in Kamloops.
Whileneitherteam brought homethe top prize, they represented Bowen well in challenging conditions (11 degrees and winds of 50 kmhwith gusts to 80). The all-expense paid tournament was played on aTPC Toronto Osprey Valley course set up in championship condition for whenPGA pros like RoryMcIlroy show upthis week to compete for the114th playing of the Canadian Open.
The 2025 NGLcompetition has started, so aremindertoall members that thereisstill timetotake part for their chance to win atriptonextyear’s national event
(L-R) ByronPoschwatta, Steven Reymond,Rob Champoux &Paul Welsh pose with the Canadian Open Trophyatthe National Golf LeaguetournamentinToronto at the endof May. /Submitted photo
Mr.Gustav,an18-year-old orange tabby living on Bowen Island, is abeloved fixture in his coastal community.His days revolve around his favoriteindulgences: long, blissful naps sprawled across his human, savoring tube treats with the precision of aseasoned connoisseur,and lounging on the heated bathroom floor like royaltyonawarmstone throne Despite his senior status, Marm remains sprightly in spirit, radiating calm and comfort to everyone around him.
ConstructionisunderwayatSeymourLanding’s newestsubdivision.Thesesunny,southeast-facing propertiesarenestledintothecoastalbluffs aboveSeymourBay,offeringviewsoftheStraitof Georgia,Vancouver,andMountBaker.Located justashortwalkfromBowen’s9-holepublicgolf course,thebeach,andanextensivetrailnetwork.
2,673 s.f., 2-storey home with:
•1,373s.f.mainfloorwith2bedrooms,1.5baths
•1,300 s.f.lower floor,withpotential for 1-bedroom suite(finish noworlater)
•2-car carport
•$2,110,000+GST (includescarport & unfinishedlower floor)OR
$2,280,000+GST (includescarport & finishedlower floor with 1-bedroomsuite)
Option to complete sale early, with potential savingson construction financing& transfer tax.
Cole Westersund
WesternLandGroup
(Personal Real Estate Corporation)
LandQuest® RealtyCorporation
Cell: 604-360-0793
Email: cole@landquest.com
Website: www.landquest.com/realtors/cole-westersund
TOTHE ISLAND PACIFIC SCHOOL CLASS OF 2025
CELEBRATING OUR GRADE 9’S —THEIR GROWTH, THEIR COURAGE, AND THEIR NEXT STEPS. Fromthe Staff &Friends of Island Pacific School SMALL BY DESIGN.BIG ONCHARACTER.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
We know that dogs have huge impacts as a predator species to all the creatures of the forest, even when on leash. Because of this, dogs are restricted from the Wild Coast Nature Refuge, where the rare and fragile bluffs include a newly expanded adjacent area to the east that includes an eagle’s nest with chicks!
Outside the Refuge, dogs should be on leash on Conservancy land, stay with their people on trails or roads, and leave no trace. As our understanding about the local ecosystems and species and their needs grows, over time existing trails may be rerouted.
What is known now is that the coastal bluffs are very fragile because the coastal mosses are easily dislodged, trampled and killed. Mosses, which take years to get established,are a growing media for many species of rare annual and perennial plants, fungi, insects, lichens and for other mosses. In addition, the bluffs are also home to a variety of seabirds and raptors, from eagles to oystercatchers, some of whom are easily disturbed even by human presence.
The Conservancy welcomes visitors to the land but asks that you respect the efforts and guidelines that will support the recovery and flourishing of nature in this wonderful, unique place. Enjoy!
At Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver
the land is barren rock from trampling, compared to thebiodiverserockyheadlandattheConservancy’s Cape lands (below). / Nerys Poole photos
Amassive congratulations to each and everyBowen graduate this year! Graduating from anypursuit is an incredible achievement, one whichyou spentyears of your life workingtoaccomplish.Whetherthat’s waking up earlytoheadtoBICS, taking a pair of ferries each daytogotohighschool on themainland, or exploring theendless
possibilitiesofpost-secondary education, each stageof life’s journeybringswith it unique challengesand fulfillingexperiences.Sobesuretocelebratebeforeyou take thenextstep, as youhavemorethanearned it!Congratulationsagain to allofthis year’s Grads,the wholeIslandisveryproud of you!
-AlexKurial, Editor
This year’s Grade 12s pictured five years ago during amuch earliergraduation from BowenIsland Community School./Ily Allen photo
Whether you’re pursuing adegree, certification, or specialized training, theBowen Island Community Foundation can help fundyour educational aspirations.Learnersofall ages with ties to Bowenareencouragedtoapply.
Lastyear,studentspursuingstudies in fields rangingfromthe performing arts to health careand environmentalscience received $81,000 in financial support through BICF scholarshipsand bursariesand theKnick Knack Nook Scholarshipsprogram. Applynow and fund your future!
bowenfoundation.com/grants/scholarship-and-bursary-application/
Congratulations to all the BowenIsland CommunitySchool graduates. We wish youall the best as youall head off on your newadventures in High School.“Youchange theworld by being yourself.” —Yoko Ono
The USSC Marina salutes the GraduationCrewof2025 with aspecial AHOY!
Congratulations!
Oceane Aguacil Gaiteis
Archer Florendo
EllenNicklefrom University of KingsCollege
MaxWild
LoganMcCormick
Seth Whyte
We will be watchingfrom theshore as you set sailintoyourfuture. “We cannot direct the wind but we can adjustthe sails”
Best Wishes from the Captain, the FirstMate &the Entire Crew of the USSC Marina and Doc Morgan’s.
Congratulations, Ewan! Your journey is just beginning. We wish you a long, happy life filled with love, happiness, and adventure. May you always stay curious and remember the greatest adventures lies ahead and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things you will do.
Graduated Grade 12 - January 2025
Sadie you are a formidable force and your thirst for adventure and fun is inspiring. You have proven you can do anything; finish Grade 12 in 4 months, 5 months travelling in South East Asia, and next Montreal and McGill University Your determination, ambition, kindness and grit are certain to be worthy guides in your pursuit of wisdom and adventure We admire you! Kid you move mountains!
Áine Corrigan-Frost, one of the original Island Discovery Learning Community kids, graduated from Capilano University with a B.A in Psychology After starting a degree in Jazz Performance and some years of work during the pandemic, she switched majors and never looked back! Congratulations Áine! With all our love, as your journey continues to unfold - Mom and Dad.
UBC Bachelor of Arts with High Distinction
Thank you. to my family, especially my grandparents, whose constant support made this dream a reality, and to my teachers - faculty and peers - who have inspired and enlightened me in so many ways I originally made the move to Vancouver for the opportunity to create my own path through the Interdisciplinary Studies program, blending arts and sciences and shifting paradigms through Indigenous knowledge systems While I certainly plan on continuing into graduate studies, I’ll be taking a bit of time off to focus on working, building my local business, and my community commitments, including Bowen Rotary and other projects Thank you to Nexwlélexwm for welcoming and supporting me, I count myself fortunate indeed to be an Islander.
No summer break for Nikko! He’s heading straight into the Architecture Construction and Engineering program at BCIT this July Alongside graduating high school, Nikko also earned his black belt in Tae Kwan Do, the result of years of dedication and hard work. Nikko, your talent, kindness, and perseverance are an inspiration. We are so proud to be by your side on this journey. The future is bright, and the world is lucky to have you in it Congratulations, Nikko!
Sheila H.
Bowen Barber Shop s,
Ben would like to thank all of the great teachers he had throughout his educational journey, from BCC to BICS to Rockridge. After a lot of hard work, he is graduating high school a year early and is off to the University of British Columbia in the Fall. Ben is excited for the next chapter and wishes to thank his mom, dad and sister, Claire, for all of the love and support.
Aviva enjoyed her time at West Van Secondary, particularly her involvement in the choirs and theater She is excited to go to UBC next year to study the arts Congratulations, Aviva!
The Wild family is pleased to announce the graduation of Max T. Wild a year early from Rockridge Secondary. Max has been accepted into law school in the UK but will be taking a gap year to play football/soccer in England. Or possibly he will run away and join the circus.
Congratulations to Archer Florendo on their graduation from West Vancouver Secondary School! As a theatre child through and through, Archer is excited to attend Capilano University’s School of Performing Arts Many thanks to those on Bowen Island that inspired, mentored, and supported their journey – Tir-na-nOg theatre school, Island Pacific School, Bowen Island Municipality, Bowen Island Community Foundation, the Hearth Arts on Bowen, Bowen Island Public Library, the community at large, their friends and family. We’re so PROUD OF YOU, ARCHER!
Levi Adkins graduated from Rockridge Secondary School. His family is very proud of his achievements in schooling but even more proud of his kindness and character. We couldn’t ask for a better son or brother Levi will attend UVic in the fall to study Engineering. Go Levi!
West Vancouver Secondary SchoolGrade 12 Graduation
Congratulations, Dylan. We couldn’t be more proud of you. You know your mind, and your passions, and are pretty good at taking apart a computer (sometimes even putting it back together). You truly are a cyber titan and we look forward to your future tech adventures at Langara and beyond. More importantly, you are a kind, curious and downright amazing human/ genius The world is your oyster, kid. Go shine!
Grade 9 students at Island Pacific School presented their Masterworks projects last week, the capstone academic achievement before their graduation from the Bowen middle school In addition to writing a paper on a topic of their choice, the immersive undertakings also include a presentation and question period with the school and community. Two of this year’s projects were Periods, Poverty, and Patriarchy: The Triple Threat to Girls’ Education in East Africa by Kiana Cooke (left) and A Closer Look: Exploring the Biology and Impact of Brain
by
CONGRATULATIONS 2025 BowenGrads! My,how you've grown! We aresoproud of youall! TheBoard,Staff andFamiliesofBCC
Congratulations, Sacha, for your graduation from Rockridge with Honours. We are so proud of your hard work and achievements, and look forward to seeing what you create in this next chapter. Stay curious and take risks. Step out of your comfort zone to try new things Follow your passions, stay true to your values and have fun along the way! “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” (Helen Keller) We love you! Mom, Maya, Nani and Baba.
Lewis graduates with pride after beginning high school in Rockridge and completing it in West Vancouver As he takes a gap year, he is ready to dive into adult life He plans to work hard, learn about compound interest and start exploring how he wants to spend the many working years ahead. He envisions a quiet rural life one day, with a partner and children. Now that high school is behind him, he is beginning to take steps toward that dream.
Friends and family are
We are so proud of Logan’s completion of the Work in Trades Program at Rockridge Secondary School in both Arborist Technician and Roofing. Logan plans on taking the next year to test the waters and see where his path leads. Whatever you choose Logan, we know you will be wonderful at it Love Mom, Dad and Chloe xox
Congratulations Caelan for graduating from WVSS Caelan you have lived a life already! With working full time as a programmer while completing high level courses, to travelling the globe in Grade 12 (your parents are so cool to allow this!) Your ability to think outside the box, combined with your emotional intelligence will provide you with unbelievable experiences in the future.
As you continue to pursue your business ventures and further education you are becoming a change maker! Thanks for being an amazing kid!
And we can’t wait to retire so if you could make those millions now that would be great!
Love ya! bruh (aka Mom and Dad)
Louw’s first words were “Go, Dog. Go!” and he’s been on the move ever since A West Vancouver Secondary grad, he is also a lucky alumnus of BCC, BICS, IPS, Bowen e-Bikes, Elaine Taylor’s studio, RCM, the VSO School of Music, and the Vancouver Youth Choir Louw is off to study music at the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Music this fall. Those who have seen him running and pedaling all over the Island won’t be surprised that Louw plans to cycle to Winnipeg solo (Be still his parents’ proud but fluttering hearts.) Thank you, Bowen, for supporting our boy and all of these amazing grads Go, Louw. Go! It’s Cold Duck Time! – Andrea and Pieter
Congratulations to Ryan Hanen, who has graduatedwith aBachelor of Management &Organizational Studies, specializing in Finance,fromHuron at Western University Ryan is currentlyworking forthe BowenIsland Municipalityand aspires to pursue acareerin the sports and entertainment industry.
BRAD CARTER Head of School/ Island Pacific School
Artificial intelligence isn’tjust changing theworld–it’schangingour kids’world. Andfast.
In thepast year alone, we’veseen AI tools become widely available,surprisingly powerful, and–for manyofus–deeply confusing.Someofthe conversation has leaned toward breathlessexcitement. Some of it toward panic. But much of thatnoise disappearsonce we actually understandwhat we’re dealingwith.
So here’s the short version: AI tools like ChatGPT don’t think.They don’t understand. Whatthey do is predict. These systems are trained on enormousamounts of text from the internet and other sources. Whenyou ask aquestion,they generate a response byguessing what word ismost likely to come next– one word at atime. That’s it. They’re not magical. But the can produce impressive results–essays, summaries, explanations –injust afew seconds.
And that’s exactly whyAIisforcing educators to rethink how schools work
If astudent can generate awritten response instantly, we needtothink carefullyabout what it means to assignthat kindoftask in the first place. That doesn’t meanessays areobsolete –hardly –or thatAIis some kindofmagic bullet.But it does mean we’re being asked to re-examine what teachinglooks like and how we assess learning –ata verydeep level.
This shift isunsettling, especiallywhen it’shappening faster than schools or familiescan adapt. We’re building the plane as wefly it.And when our kidsare on board, it’sonlynatural to feel some anxiety
Thatfear is valid. But we can’t respond by refusing to dealwith AI altogether.
AI is what’sknown as ageneral-purpose technology –something like electricity or the internet, which eventually reshapes almostevery sector it touches. It’s notgoing away. It willchangehow we work, how we communicate, how we organize ourlives –andhow we teach.
The best way to face thatchallenge is
together. Andthatmeans dialogue.
Schoolshave aresponsibilitytobecome well-informed, not because we have to have all the answers –noone does at thispoint –but because familiesdeserve credible, thoughtful perspectives. Andit’s schools –not the techindustry– thatare in the best position to provide good information on how AI might impact teaching and learning
At thisstage,being an “expert”means beingwilling to learn in public. It means asking better questions,not pretending to have it all figured out.
So here are some good questions to start with: What conversations is your school having about AI?How are youbeing invited intothose conversations? Whatvaluesare guiding the decisions beingmade?
We don’t yet know exactlywhat AI is good for– or how to useitwiselyinschools. That’sall the more reasontostaycurious, stay honest,and keep talking
If AIisgoing to shape the future of education, let’smake sure we all have asay in what thatfuture lookslike.
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Registration is open forBCSummer Reading Club (SRC) at Bowen Island Library. This year, we have summer reading fun for all ages: early years, school-aged, teens and adults, too!
School-aged kids (ages 5-12) can popinto the library to accept the 50-day reading challenge, pickupa reading recordand begin asummer of reading for fun!
Kids under 5can join theRead-to-Me Club. Little ones get their own reading record, complete with aspecialplace to collect weekly stickers.
Adults and Teens are also encouraged to join in the fun by picking up one of our Summer Book Bingo Cards. Get aBingo (5 in arow) and entertowin aprize.
This year’s SRC theme is “Colour Your Summer,” and events and activitiesare designed around the colours of therainbow! Join us forour kick-off event, theLego LaunchParty, on Wednesday,July2 from 1 to 3pm. This event is free,drop-in and open to allages.
Weekly specialeventsfor schoolagedkids(ages 5-12) includeimprov, writing and art workshops,aswell as visits from OWL (Orphaned Wildlife RehabilitationSociety), Metro Vancouver Parks, and LeifDavid the Magician. Special eventswill take place on Thursdays at the library, and registration is required. Register onlineat bipl.ca/srcevents
Families with younger children areinvited to attend Storytime Plus!,aweeklydropin storytime&craft/activity.Storytime Plus! runsonWednesdays, July 9, 16, 23, 30 at 10:30 am.
Be sure to visit the library allsummer long to collectweeklystickers, entertowin prizes, stockuponreading material, and see what activities we havegoingon. All Summer Reading Club events and activities are free.
75 kids have already registeredfor Summer Reading Club. Pleasejoinusin making this year our best yet!
For more information, contact Bowen Island Library at604-947-9788 or info@ bowenlibrary.ca
MARY LETSON SwimBowen
Swimmers! We are stoked to host you on Saturday July 12, 10 am at Tunstall Bay Beach. Full event details can be found at swimbowen.com
We trust your training is going swimmingly Need some inspiration to get your swims in?
1) Look at the next four weeks and use your favourite calendar method and schedule in your swims. The weather looks grand. No excuses.
2) Use the buddy system: coordinate with your swim buddies and make it happen
3) Envision how you want to feel on July 12 (strong, confident, happy) and know that regular swims between now and then will make that happen
4) Promise yourself a treat (other than feeling fabulous) when you complete points 1, 2, and 3. We promise you will ride the wave of joyful SwimBowen memories for the rest of the year.
How’s your fundraising going? Fire it up by sending your fundraising link to friends and family. Not sure how to do this? Registered swimmers will receive an email with tips on how to get this out to your community effectively.
Have you registered but can’t make the event? Please email swimbowensociety@gmail.com as we likely can fill your spot!
NEW COURSE! In honour of our swimmers barefeet, we have moved the course to the other side of
Tunstall Bay, the north side. It is nice and sandy! Swimmers, volunteers and spectators, Tunstall Bay Club House is kindly allowing us to walk around their property to get to the beach in front of the Club House.
You can also walk under the pier and around the rocks to get to the north beach. The new location map is in this week’s Undercurrent edition. It will be very well marked with volunteers ensuring you get to the right place!
SwimBowen’s famously amazing prizes are waiting for you including our stellar deluxe Whistler getaway package awarded to the top fundraiser: three nights at the Delta Suites, Whistler Blackcomb lift tickets for two, and $200 gift certificate to Il Caminetto Restaurant.
In classic SwimBowen style we have an ocean of amazing prizes to give away thanks to our incredibly generous corporate and community sponsors. In addition to random draws, categories include top finishers as well as oldest and youngest swimmers, swimmers from farthest away, and last swimmer in. Volunteers - have we mentioned lately how much we love you? We really, really do. All 40+ of you. Hosting a swim event is super fun and also super-duper volunteer intensive due to the mechanics involved ensuring a safe, seamless and fun event.
Keen to help out but not sure how? Please check out Volunteer Info under our Event Info tab at swimbowen.com - We will have a joyous job for you!
Founding SwimBowen board member and perennial event volunteer Wendy Alexander won the draw valued at $175 for signing up to volunteer before May 15. Includes gift certificates to The Ruddy, Phoenix, the Bowen Barber and Tosh. Hurray! / Submitted photo
REV. LORRAINE ASHDOWN Bowen Island United Church
Well, how do we say thank you? What a day we had at the annual Bowen Island United Church Strawberry Tea! Nice and cool with a thin cloud layer for Friday’s set up. Cool with increasing warmth and sunshine on Saturday. Divinely beautiful.
Thank you to all of you who came out to enjoy the day and to support the church. Thank you to all of the merchants, restaurants, artists, and more who donated items to our silent auction Word on the street is that this may have been our best auction total ever.
And, thank you to you, our beloved Bowen Community. It was a joy to see children playing in the playground, people visiting, enjoying the barbecue, the strawberry shortcake and the sandwiches. And it was a further joy to look out the window from Collins Hall and see people simply enjoying one another’s company - old friends and new - in one of the most peaceful and serene places we could imagine.
So thank you Bowen. A visitor asked me if we did this every week... I told her no - we’d love to - but... we shall see you next year.
With gratitude, Rev. Lorraine Ashdown
BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH
Contact AngelaPowell604-947-2515
SHIRAT HAYAM(Songofthe Sea)
BOWEN’S JEWISH COMMUNITY Shabbat Gatherings ~Holidays Sunday Worship 10:30 am Rev.LorraineAshdown
Worship10:00 SundayMassat10:00
CATES HILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661Carter Rd.)
Contact aryana.rayne@gmail.com •www.shirathayam.ca
DEPART BOWENISLAND 5:15 am -exceptSundays 6:15 am 7:30 am 8:45 am 10:00am 11:15am 12:35pm 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 5:45am 6:50am 8:05am 9:20am-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 10:00 pm 11:00 pm QUEEN OF CAPILANO FERRY
Where’sthe ferry rightnow?- liveupdatesatwww.bowenferry.ca Schedule changesonstatutory holidays. Stay up to date at www.bcferries.com
Saturday, June 21
For Girls, By Girls: Firefighter Training with Bowen Rec
Sound the alarm it’s time for some firefighter fun! This hands-on program gives girls a chance to step into the boots of a firefighter. Through fun activities, obstacle courses, & teamwork challenges, they’ll learn about fire safety, rescue basics, & what it takes to be a hero. No fire will be too big for these future firefighters. Free for girls ages 5-9, register on Bowen Rec website. 10:30 to 11:30 am, Miller Road Fire Hall. Saturday, June 21
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! Runs 10:30 to 11:30 am. The focus is on French speakers with beginner and intermediate conversational skills. bipl.ca/French
Saturday, June 21
Children’s Centre Grand Opening Celebration
Come celebrate the Bowen Children’s Centre’s new Infant & Toddler Space! Ribbon cutting, refreshments & cake, music & dancing. At 650 Carter Road from 3 to 5 pm
Saturday, June 21
Theatre of Fire at the Bowen Theatre
Dehcho: River Journey carries the audience on a musical journey along the Mackenzie River, from Virginia Falls in the south to the shores of the Arctic Ocean. Two hosts Dene poet Shaznay Waugh from Fort Simpson and Gwich’in writer Arlyn Charlie from Teetl’it Zheh (Fort McPherson) express the toll that climate change is taking on their land. June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. The performance starts at 7:30 pm at the Bowen Theatre, tickets avail-
able at thehearthartsonbowen.ca
Saturday, June 21 (& other dates)
SKY Swimming
Seniors Keeping Young pool swimming at Tunstall Bay. Meet at TBCA Clubhouse. Everyday June 21-28. Times vary, full details and RSVP by writing info@skyonbowenisland.ca
Sunday, June 22
BIYC Community Sailing Day
Join the Bowen Island Yacht Club for an opportunity for kids ages 7-16 to check out the world of sailing. Try out the sport/activity and meet our coaches too. Event takes place at Tunstall Bay from 11 am to 2 pm. Call 604-349-8566 or visit www.biyc.bc.ca for more information.
Sunday, June 22
Open Gardens with the Garden Club
A pair of Open Gardens brought to you by the Bowen Island Garden Club Dee Elliott hosts at 1641 Whitesails Drive and Raf & Diana Izdebski host at 1637 Whitesails Drive. Both 2 to 4 pm $5 or free for Garden Club members. Join Garden Club for $25/year at either Open Garden.
Sunday, June 22
Community Cannonball
Do you want to fight climate change, climate despair, and give young people hope for the future? Of course you do! Then come take part in the Community Cannonball, hosted by the Grade 6 class of IDLC to raise awareness of climate change People will gather at 3 pm and the cannonball will happen at 4 pm Treats and drinks for sale, and a 50/50 raffle to raise money for the Pender Harbour Ocean Discovery Station. Come motivate these kids to keep speaking out and fighting for the planet!
Tuesday, June 24
Community & Career Advisors at the Library
Drop in to see an Community Integration Service specialist and/or a WorkBC Career Advisor. Community Integration
specialists help people access financial, housing, and health supports, government programs, disability assistance, and more. The Career Advisor helps with resumes, cover letters, interviewing, job searches, job market and education advice 11 am to 2 pm Find out more at bipl.ca/get-help
Wednesday, June 25
Storytime at the Library
A free, drop-in program of stories and songs for 2-4 yearolds and their caregivers! 10:30 to 11 am. This is the last Storytime of the season! bipl.ca/storytime
Friday, June 27
Canada Day BBQ at the Building Centre
The Bowen Building Centre is hosting a Canada Day barbecue from 11 am to 1 pm Everyone welcome!
Saturday, June 28
Carmina Bowena Concert
Carmina Bowena and Sola Musica, Bowen Island’s vocal and instrumental consorts, are celebrating the arrival of summer with an eclectic and unique program of songs written from 1260 to as recently as 2025. At Tir-na-nOg Theatre from 7:30 to 9 pm. Tickets available at Cates Pharmacy or at www.carminabowena.ca
Sunday, June 29
Percussion Ensemble Performance at Tir-na-nOg
Feel the pulse of beautiful wooden music on exotic rosewood marimbas, as the dynamic 240 Northern Percussion Ensemble bring to life captivating arrangements, transcriptions, and electrifying contemporary works plus, fun audience participation for kids! Adults $20, Teens $5, Kids free. Visit 240northern.com, show starts at 2 pm
SATURDAYS
Bowen Island Farmers Market
The Bowen Island Farmers Market season is underway! Come to Bowen Island Community School from 10 am to 12:30 pm to check out all of the vendors and special events.
