June 26, 2026

WE’VE GOT MORE GRADS! PAGE 6

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FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2026

VOL. 52 NO. 26

BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

BOWEN COUPLE BIDS FAREWELL

PAGE 5

GO CANADA GO! Some of the most boisterous fans at the Pub for Canada’s final World Cup Group Stage game on Wednesday were also the youngest. Stanley, Jake, William & Taylor dipped into an unlimited cheering reserve throughout the match, which would determine the winner of Group B and was viewed by a packed house. The host side mounted a furious comeback after falling behind two goals, but despite some prime chances at the end they fell just short as Switzerland took the game 2-1, and with it the group. It was still great news for Canada though as they finished second in the group and with it earned a trip to their first ever Knockout Stages at the tournament. They’ll be back on the field soon too - Canada play the first Round of 32 game this Sunday, June 28 at Noon (their opponent will be decided in the June 24 night games). Make sure you’ve got a plan to cheer on the team! / Alex Kurial photo pm en 12-3 o p u s eE 28 • H o. JUN

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Bowen Collective

Friday, June 26, 2026

A2 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

See Something That Needs Fixing?

Whether it’s a pothole, drainage issue, or damaged sign, reporting it through BIM’s new Service Request Portal helps us respond faster.

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

July 13, 2026 1:00 pm Regular Council Meeting July 27, 2026 1:00 pm Regular Council Meeting

Property Taxes Due July 2, 2026 Property taxes must be paid by 4:30 PM on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

Remember to claim your Home Owner Grant!

Your grant must be claimed every year by the property owner.

Apply using the QR code or visit: gov.bc.ca/gov/content/taxes/property-taxes/annualproperty-tax/home-owner-grant/apply To avoid penalties and interest, your Home Owner Grant application must be received by the Province before the tax deadline.

A 10% penalty will be added to any unpaid taxes, including unclaimed grants, after 4:30 PM on July 2, 2026.

Reporting an issue is simple: 1. Create an account 2. Submit your request (roads, water, parks & more) 3. Track it online from start to finish The forms are easy to complete and you can even upload photos. Most importantly, it fast tracks your request directly to the person responsible whilst providing greater accountability and transparency than ever before.

The portal is conveniently located on the homepage of BIM’s website, just click the big green button that says Service Requests: https:// bowenislandmunicipality.ca/ Or you can find the portal here: https://citywideportal.com/auth/login Questions? Contact Public Works at 604-947-4255 ext. 3 or email roads@bimbc.ca.

Need help? If you require access to a computer or assistance applying, call 604-947-4255 ext. 8 and we’ll be happy to assist.

The Fire Danger Rating on Bowen Island is now set to HIGH By order of the Fire Chief, the Fire Danger Rating on Bowen Island is now set to HIGH. Campfires (including beach fires) are prohibited on all public property. Campfires may still be allowed on private property but must be no larger than 0.5 m in height and 0.5 m in width, and must be made from clean, dry wood for the purpose of cooking or warmth.

BBQs on public property are limited to propane only. All BBQ types are permitted on private property.

The use of a chainsaw, as well as blasting and excavating, is allowed; however, extra precautions should be taken due to the serious risk of fire on Bowen Island at this time.

If you smell smoke nearby or are concerned about a fire, please dial 911 immediately.

Questions? Contact Bowen Island Fire Rescue’s nonemergency number at 604-947-9324 or email fire@bimbc.ca.

Contact Bowen Island Municipality PAID ADVERTISEMENT June 26, 2026

Phone: 604-947-4255 Bowen Island Municipal Hall Fax: 604-947-0193 580 Bowen Island Trunk Rd 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

2026 Community Grants We are now accepting applications for 2026 Community Grants.

Applications close at 4:30 pm on Friday, July 3, 2026.

The Community Grants program is intended to assist and encourage Bowen Island community groups and organizations within the terms of the Community Charter. Bowen Island community groups and organizations are defined as those where the majority of the members reside within the Municipality.

Read more and find the application details by using the QR code or visiting: bowenislandmunicipality.ca/community-grants/

Find us on Facebook Subscribe to our mailing list Bowen Island Municipality

bowenislandmunicipality.ca/subscribe

Friday, June 26, 2026

And the Bowfest theme is…

Bowen Island!

MARGARET GRAY Bowfest For 50 years, Bowfest has brought our island together in the most Bowen way possible: with music, laughter, costumes, creativity, community spirit, and memories that somehow manage to get better with age.

If rumour is true, what started as an across Bowen horse race and buried pig roast in 1976 has evolved across generations of families, a pandemic and more to reach this year, and the celebration of Bowfest’s 50th anniversary. In honour of this impressive milestone this year’s theme is simple, meaningful, and close to home: Bowen Island.

In many years past, Bowfest has invited the community to vote on the annual theme.

But for this special anniversary, we wanted to choose something that felt especially personal and unique to the place that has shaped Bowfest from the very beginning.

After all, Bowfest is not just an event on Bowen Island. It is an expression of Bowen Island: the people, families, artists, volunteers, performers, kids, neighbours, businesses, and longtime community members who have made it what it is.

So this year we want to see floats celebrating everything you love about this island.

Your favourite people, places, neighbourhoods, and characters, or even your favourite era of “Bowen”. Let’s see some slugs racing down the hill, Bowen in the 80’s or maybe a bear (or three?)!

In place of the community vote there is a very special way for the community to be involved.

For the 50th anniversary celebration, Bowfest is launching a community memory project and inviting people to submit

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A3 short videos, photos, and stories about their favourite Bowfest memories over the decades. We want to hear from kids, parents, grandparents, neighbours, longtime volunteers, performers, former residents, first-time attendees, and anyone who has a Bowfest story or memory to share.

Maybe your favourite recollection from the parade, or a performance, costume, band, game, volunteer shift, or a special moment with friends. Maybe you have an old photo, program, keepsake, or momento from decades ago. We would love you to share it!

Participants can upload photos, record themselves sharing a memory, or interview a family member, friend, neighbour, teacher, or longtime community member. The submitted videos and photos may be edited into anniversary videos, shared on Bowfest’s website and social media, screened at Bowfest if possible, and submitted to the Bowen Island Museum & Archives as part of a community history collection.

This is one of the ways we as a community hope to honour 50 years of Bowfest memories while making room for new ones. It is also just the beginning! There are more special 50th anniversary surprises still to come!

To submit a video or photo, please visit our website at bowfest.org Submissions are open until July 15.

Help us celebrate 50 years of Bowfest by sharing the stories, faces, and moments that make this island community so special. And we’ll see you Saturday, August 29 for the big day!

P.S. We’re still looking for sponsors and volunteers. Want to help out? Visit bowfest. org for more info.

Bringing the Welcome Figure to Bowen Island PAULINE LE BEL Contributor Knowing Our Place is moving ahead with the Welcome Figure project. We have commissioned Squamish master carver, Xwalacktun, to carve a traditional figure that will offer hospitality and connection to all. Thanks to the generous donation of $10,000 from the First Credit Union and the Islanders who have contributed.

I wanted to find out why they thought the welcome figure would have meaning for our island. Many of them commented on the aspect of community building. For Emily van Lidth de Jeude, she “loved the fact that its creation requires connection and engagement from various parts of our community. This coming together is what makes us a strong and resilient community. A community with soul!”

They also commented on the importance of reconciliation. Krista Hennebury donated because she wanted to “recognize the important and ongoing reconciliation work of the Knowing Our Place initiative.” She hoped “the figure will be a reminder for residents and visitors alike, of our privilege to be here on unceded territory, and our shared responsibility to care for our beautiful home of Bowen Island.”

Paul Fast, who is also a strong supporter of reconciliation, appreciated that “the welcome figure will strengthen the relationship and interactions between Islanders and Squamish Nation.”

“The tradition of welcoming visitors with a Welcome Figure is a beautiful and meaningful practice,” said Soorya Resels, “one that enriches all who travel to, dwell upon,

or pass through these lands today. It is my hope that our donation helps support the creation of this offering of welcome, remembrance, and connection.”

In a letter from Caitlin Bryant of the First Credit Union, she wrote: “This project represents a meaningful and visible act of reconciliation — one that acknowledges the Squamish Nation as the original stewards of this land and extends a spirit of welcome, respect, and relationship to all who live on and visit the island.”

“The creation of a Squamish Welcome Figure is both symbolic and practical: it creates space for cultural recognition, learning, and ongoing dialogue, while grounding the community in a shared understanding of place and history.”

Last word to David Cameron. He and Jackie Minns, donated a significant amount of the proceeds from their King Baby production of their hilarious play, “The View.”

He told me he was responding to “the now obligatory acknowledgment that ‘we are performing on unceded land speech’ that is given at every arts event.

“I personally find it an empty and effectively meaningless incantation and so I think, if it has to be said, it should cost something… and hearing about a fundraiser for a Native carving, I thought it was an excellent way to pay a little rent on the unceded lands.”

Our fundraising continues. Every dollar counts. Come visit us at our booth on Canada Day at the Community Centre from 11 am to 2 pm.

If you can’t make it, you can donate online and receive a tax receipt.

For more information and to make a donation, please visit the ‘My Charitable Impact’ website and search ‘Welcome Figure Project for Bowen Island (Nexwlélexwm).

A4 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Friday, June 26, 2026

VIEWPOINTS

Letter: A Determined Island JOHN SBRAGIA Letter Writer Dear Editor,

Thank you to Peter Frinton, who has lived on Bowen Island for 55 years, for his useful and informative contribution in last week’s Undercurrent regarding our island, our Official Community Plan (OCP) and the survey that has been part of the process for reviewing and updating the plan.

In particular, his concluding emphasis on the continuing need for democratic community participation in that overall process cannot be overstated. As a fellow Islander who has been a property owner for 51 years, I have had the opportunity to witness the extent to which our island way of life and our sustainable development policies have been shaped and upheld by that democratic participation.

In the mid 70s, our grass roots democracy on Bowen was born in a baptism of fire. When our OCP was first created prior to lifting the 10 acre freeze on land development, there were over a dozen developers who came forward with their proposals, one of whom touted the basic subdivision bylaw that governed the city of Surrey. They were faced with 350 to 400 of us on Bowen, most of whom were galvanized into ensuring that every democratic tool is utilized so that our community plan reflects the will of the people. And they were primarily spurred into action because of their great love for this sublimely beautiful island.

The story of Bowen Island, a small community a short distance from the third largest city in Canada, is not only the story of rising up as a people and claiming the dream of creating a better world, it is a testament to the power of love - a love so great that its only desire is to ensure that the world it has nurtured will continue to flourish.

- John Sbragia THE WRITE STUFF. The Undercurrent encourages reader participation in your community newspaper. You must include your full name and a daytime phone number (for verification only).

The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity, legality, brevity and taste. Please limit to under 500 words. HERE’S HOW: To submit a letter to the editor, fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to PO Box 130, Bowen Island, BC, V0N 1G0 or email editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com All Advertising and news copy content are copyright of the Undercurrent Newspaper. All editorial content submitted to the Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication. The Undercurrent is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, art work and photographs.

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EDITOR Alex Kurial editor@bowenisland undercurrent.com

ADVERTISING Tracey Wait ads@bowenisland undercurrent.com

CARTOONIST Ron Woodall

PUBLISHER Sarah Strother publisher@bowenisland undercurrent.com 2011 CCNA

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2011

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.

Friday, June 26, 2026

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A5

VIEWPOINTS

Goodbye, & Thank You Bowen Island

MURRAY ATHERTON Contributor / Bowen Citizen of the Year Recipient Thank you Bowen Island!

By the time this issue of the Undercurrent is released, Anna-Marie and I will be unpacking in our condo in Victoria’s James Bay. We have been spoiled with good wishes, parties and even a movie of the first play we ever saw on Bowen 25 years ago.

We have had such an amazing experience living here since the fall of 2000. What a place! From the first week when we moved here full time we were getting involved. There are so many opportunities on Bowen for anyone to be involved… just look at pages 45 through 48 to see the groups looking for volunteers.

And if you can’t find a group of your liking but have an interest… go to Bowen social media pages and you’ll find someone with similar interests.

Whether you have three hours for an odd shift at the Hearth or a few hours a week to sing in the Community Choir, you can be involved. Bowen thrives on volunteers!

We leave this awesome community with pride in

a few of our accomplishments. The Credit Union, Bowen Foundation, Friends of the Library’s Book Sales, Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Bowen, Fibre Arts Guild, the Olympic Torch Run, and just plain enjoying that wonderful Golf Course with the best driving range in Metro Vancouver and the Shed (expecially Friday Pizza).

The most important and the one thing we are going to miss the most are the people! I worked in a hotel that had the motto: “People make the difference”. Bowen is such a special place - there are rich, poor, in-between, from all areas of the world who are all so very special.

Bowen is an epitome of six steps of separation.

No matter who you are or where you are, it’s one of the only places I know of where someone can live a 20 minute drive away and still be classified as a neighbour.

We’ve loved you all. Bowen has been part of my life and Anna-Marie has enjoyed it for our 58 years together. We thank you all for your friendship, support and camaraderie. We hope to see you on the big island.

The next chapter begins!

- Murray Atherton

Good luck on your next adventures Murray & Anna-Marie, Bowen Island will miss you!

Bowen Island Gymnastics Club presents: National Gymnaestrada Performance

Sunday, June 28, 2026 in the BICS Gym

Join us for a magical journey inspired by the beauty of Bowen Island. Follow the spirit of a humpback whale as our gymnasts bring the ocean, forests, and winds of Howe Sound to life through movement, music, and imagination.

Enjoy a BBQ and concession stand.

Meet our giant whale puppet, performers, and

Doors Open: 1:15 PM Performance Begins: 1:30 PM

characters after the show.

Admission: $15 Adults | $5 Children Cash at the door

A6 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Friday, June 26, 2026

Finnean(Finn)Morissette

Addyson Purdy Addyson Purdy is graduating from Rockridge Secondary School and is looking ahead to an exciting next chapter! This summer she will continue competing in show jumping while working as a groom for her coach as well as teaching riding lessons on Bowen. In the winter, Addy will head to Europe for six months to gain experience working in professional show barns. September 2027, she plans to attend University of Guelph to study psychology, with the goal of becoming a sport psychologist in the equine industry. Her family is incredibly proud of her hard work, dedication and ambition, and looks forward to watching her future unfold.

Congratulations Finn on your graduation from Rockridge! What an epic year full of fun events, academic achievements, multiple university offers, and likely your fav - winning Spy vs Spy! You created an interesting high school experience by joining the FAST Academy, Economics Strategies Program, the Ultimate and Rugby teams. It is wonderful to see you diving into life, balancing it with great friends and adventures.

Looking forward to seeing what is next and where you decide to go - Gap Year, travels, new business ventures, UVic… Whatever you choose, you’ll tackle it with the same confidence, humour, and determination you’ve shown over the past few years. Love you & thx for not breaking a bone in Rugby XOXOXOXO

Eilidh McDonald Hewlett

Cohen Van Strien

You were due on December 25th. We said nope and asked you to arrive at least three weeks early, and you did. We think that was the last time you truly listened to us.

Since then, you have brought us joy, laughter, entertainment, frustration, and kept us on our toes. We’ll be lost without you telling us where to go, how much we owe, and how to dress more stylishly.

We couldn’t be prouder of the kind, determined, headstrong person you’ve become, it is a privilege to be your parents. Go fly and enjoy every adventure at Queen’s. We’re always here for you, please just leave the credit card behind.

Congratulations Cohen on graduating high school and being awarded MVP for Rockridge Rugby team 2026. Here’s to so many new adventures and opportunities out there waiting for you to discover!

Robert Windeler Robert, We feel lucky to have had front row seats watching you grow into yourself. We are proud of your empathetic heart, sense of humour, love of life, and the way you show up for others. We are your biggest fans and advocates, and we cannot wait to see what comes next.

Love, Mom and Dad

Friday, June 26, 2026

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A7

VIEWPOINTS Canada Day on Bowen Island A LIVING PAINTING IN WORDS JUDE NEALE Poet Laureate, Bowen Island On Nexwlélexwm, morning arrives by ferry.

The ramp lowers with a groan of metal, and Bowen Island opens itself to the day, green and salt-bright, waiting.

Children spill onto the dock with paper flags in their hands, red and white flickering like small flames against the blue harbour air.

Their laughter rises first, light as gulls, carried over the water and caught in the cedar branches.

Strawberries come next, stacked in cardboard trays, ripe and shining, little summer lanterns held carefully between two hands.

Along the shoreline, the day gathers colour.

Coffee steam curls above paper cups.

Dogs nose the grass and shake seawater from their coats.

Voices drift between picnic blankets, folding chairs, coolers, bicycles, the soft shade of trees.

Families settle on the grass.

Friends wave from across the field.

Someone makes room at a table.

Someone pours lemonade.

Someone laughs and calls a neighbour over.

And Canada appears, quietly.

Not only in the anthem, not only in speeches or flags,

but in the ordinary grace of people making space for one another.

In a shared plate of berries.

In a hand offered on the dock.

In stories carried here from prairie towns, northern rivers, Atlantic kitchens, Pacific rain, and all the long roads between.

It is there in many voices, many histories, many ways of belonging.

It is there in courage.

In care.

In the work of welcome.

In the hope that a country can keep learning how to hold its people well.

Above this small island, the summer sky opens wide.

Far beyond it, the north remembers its green fire, aurora ribbons loosening across the dark.

The prairies breathe gold.

The mountains keep their snow.

The Atlantic throws light against stone.

And here, on Bowen, the sea folds all of it into one shining afternoon.

A child pauses at the harbour’s edge.

Her flag flutters softly in the breeze, a red maple leaf against summer green.

For one still moment, the island seems to hold its breath.

The ferry waits.

The water glimmers.

The cedars stand tall.

And through this small bright scene, the whole country seems to shine.

What’s happening at Snug Cove House?

SENIORS HOUSING PROJECT AIMS TO OPEN DOORS NEXT YEAR GRAHAM RITCHIE Snug Cove House Society In case you’re wondering what’s going on at Snug Cove House, the big construction project on Miller Road near the village….

Fire resistant insulation put into the building’s south wall - intended to resist spread of a fire during construction to nearby buildings - was not dense enough to comply fully with the project’s Construction Fire Safety Plan, and work was stopped by the municipality until the installation of denser material.

This had to be specially manufactured, which took

eight weeks. It’s now installed, and crews are back working on plumbing, roofing and concrete skimcoats for the wood floors.

Snug Cove House is a supportive residence for seniors, with 24 rental suites for couples or singles. Services will include meals, housekeeping, recreational programs.and 24-hour emergency response.

It’s being built by Snug Cove House Society, a Bowen volunteer charity dedicated to helping island seniors. It will be opening its doors to residents in Fall, 2027.

- Graham Ritchie, for Snug Cove House Society

SIGN UP

A8 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Friday, June 26, 2026

Bowen Gymnastics takes their show on the road LISA BROUGHAM Bowen Island Gymnastics Club The Bowen Island Gymnastics Club Performance Team has been selected to participate in the 2026 National Gymnaestrada in Regina, Saskatchewan from July 1 to 4.

We will join teams from across Canada for Gymnaestrada which is an inclusive, non-competitive, performance-based event that celebrates creativity, collaboration, and the joy of movement.

Our Bowen Island Performance Team brings together 40 performers, aged 11 to 77, in a powerful multi-generational production inspired by Canada’s Wild West Coast. Through ocean, land, and sky, the performance weaves a magical journey of swimmers, wildlife, and coastal life — guided by the spirit of the humpback whale and the winds of Howe Sound / Átl’ka7tsem UNESCO Biosphere Region.

Rooted in community and connection, this piece celebrates belonging, storytelling, and the place we call home: Bowen Island.

The team includes dedicated Competitive and Advanced Recreational gymnasts who have achieved success at the provincial level and have performed group routines throughout British Columbia, alongside recreational adult participants and performers. Several members have also had the honour of representing Canada at previous World Gymnaestrada events in 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023.

The team heads to Nationals with hopes of qualifying for the 2027 World Gymnaestrada in Portugal.

Join us for a community performance and celebration of our Magical Ocean Journey! Meet the whale, cast, and characters following the performance.

An onsite BBQ and concession will also be available The event is taking place this Sunday, June 28 from 1:15 to 2:30 pm at the Bowen Island Community School Gymnasium. Tickets are available at the door, $15 for adults and $5 for children.

A huge thank you to all of the community artists, businesses, and supporters whose creativity, generosity, and dedication helped bring this performance to life: Nancy Lee, Krista Hennebury, Sarah Wellman, Gail Lotenberg, Jordy Walker, Bowen Island Municipality, Bowen Island Community School, Bowen Island Community Foundation, Bowen Building Centre, Cormorant Marine, Taz Dunsmuir, Daryl Deegan / Bowen Beer and Wine, The General Store, Mist, Art by Di, Knick Knack Nook and the engaging Whale Presentation of Tobin Sparling who donated his knowledge and time for our Whale Tale Fundraiser A very, very special thank you to the incredible Bowen Puppeteer Team for bringing the extraordinary whale to life: Paul Hooson, Blair Hayashi, Rose Marsolais and Liz Nankin.

Special recognition also goes to the passion and dedication of Liz Nankin, who spent countless hours not only creating the whale, but also designing the ocean waves, wind effects, the SS Bowen sail, and lumberjack maple syrup props that help bring our story to life.

We hope to see you there and celebrate this magical journey together!

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The Bowen Island U11 Blue Jays captured gold at the Mission River Rush Tournament, held May 22 to 24. The team played five games over the course of the tournament, finishing with an impressive record of four wins and one tie. Demonstrating grit, determination, and outstanding teamwork throughout the weekend, the Blue Jays brought positive energy to every game and earned a well-deserved championship victory. / Amanda Towne submission

Friday, June 26, 2026

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A9

It’s Christmas in July with Film Society MICHAEL NANKIN Bowen Island Film Society Great wealth can bring great power but in the hands of Preston Sturges, it brings bedlam.

Sturges burned brightly in a miraculous four-year explosion of creativity, making seven comedy masterpieces, including Sullivan’s Travels, The Lady Eve, The Palm Beach Story and The Great McGinty, before his star dimmed. He opened the gates for generations of future filmmakers by becoming the first screenwriter to establish himself as a film director. In the process, he made himself one of the most celebrated figures of the 1940s.

But his star, which had burned so brightly, fell almost as quickly as it had risen.

To this day, this man who introduced irony to American screen comedy remains an enigmatic and contradictory personality: a lowbrow aristocrat and a melancholy wiseguy, he reaped the rewards and paid the price for being a brilliant American dreamer.

Sturges was no stranger to fortunes won and lost, to dreams fulfilled and then snatched away. It’s tempting to say that income inequality is the concern of

Christmas in July, to put it in modern terms, but the film is more generous than that. The two young lovers who long to strike it rich so that they will have enough money to get married and support their aging, widowed mothers, go on a mad shopping spree (the titular “Christmas”) to buy gifts for everyone in their tenement neighborhood when they are fooled into thinking they have won a sweepstakes.

The main concern of the film is faith, not the religious kind, but faith in one’s own abilities and in the intrinsic value of others.

The sudden appearance of wealth twists everyone’s thinking and challenges their humanity when suddenly the only way to measure things is in terms of dollars.

The goofball machinations of the corporate overlords are particularly rewarding. The characters of this 1940 romp face challenges that are familiar to a modern audience but face them with a certain charm and innocence that we wish we could recapture.

Christmas in July screens at the Community Centre Theatre on Friday, July 3 at 6:30 pm, courtesy of the Bowen Island Film Society, Bowen Recreation and the Bowen Municipality.

Tickets are available through the Bowen Rec website or at the door, and cost $10.

Bowen Island FC kicked off the World Cup festivities with a festive watch party and BBQ at the Tunstall Bay Clubhouse earlier this month. This upcoming Wednesday, July 1, the club (BIFC) will be celebrating all things Canadian at this year’s Canada Day Reimagined celebrations at BICS. BIFC will have some fun skill games on the turf field as well as a chance for youngsters to design and make their own soccer kits. Come to Bowen Island Community School from 11 am to 2 pm to check out all the fun!

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A10 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

YourCommunity Community Your

BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH www.biuc.ca | 1122 Miller Road

FOOD BANK

Sunday Worship 10:30 am Rev. Lorraine Ashdown

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ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Sunday Mass at 10:00

Contact Angela Powell 604-947-2515

CATES HILL CHAPEL

Sunday Worship 10:00 www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.)

office@cateshillchapel.com SHIRAT HAYAM (Song of the Sea) BOWEN’S JEWISH COMMUNITY Shabbat Gatherings ~ Holidays Contact aryana.rayne@gmail.com • www.shirathayam.ca

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Friday, June 26, 2026

bowenislandundercurrent.com • A11

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A12 • bowenislandundercurrent.com

Friday, June 26, 2026

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Thursday, June 25 Writers’ Feedback Group at the Library Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, all ages and types of writer are welcome to share and give constructive feedback on each other’s writing in this positive and supportive environment. Free, from 4:30 to 6 pm.

Registration required - sign up at bipl.ca/write Thursday, June 25 Museum & Archives AGM BI Museum & Archives Annual General Meeting via Zoom at 7 pm. Get the link by emailing robforbes@shaw.ca Friday, June 26 Teen Night with Bowen Rec School’s Out for Summer! Time to relax, have fun and kick off the holiday. Teens can come hang out at the Community Centre for a hot dog BBQ, and wrap up the night with a water fight outside - bring dry clothes! From 6 to 8:30 pm.

Saturday, June 27 Eco-Integrated Regenerative Food Garden Tour Emily & Markus share challenges, solutions, and inspirations of growing food in harmony with our ecology. Email wildart@emilyartist.ca to register (free). 10 am to Noon.

Saturday, June 27 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, June 27 Catching Stars Anniversary Party The gallery is turning 8! Celebrate at gallery 2 to 4 pm.

Saturday, June 27

Every Year After Screenings Public screenings of the TV series Every Year After, shot primarily on Bowen Island. Free entry, at the Community Centre. First two episodes screening at 2 pm, and again at 5 pm. Series available now on Amazon Prime.

Saturday, June 27 & Sunday, June 28 Carmina Bowena present Celestial Harmonies.

With special young guests, pianist Anoushka Sarkar & baritone Louw Verwey. At Tir-na-nOg Theatre, Saturday 7:30 pm, Sunday 2:30 pm. Kids under 12 free on Sunday. Tickets $30 at Cates Pharmacy and carminabowena.ca Sunday, June 28 Canada vs. TBD Canada has made it to the knockout rounds in the World Cup! They play the first game of the Round of 32 at Noon on Sunday, against an opponent yet to be determined (South Korea, Czech Republic or South Africa). Enjoy the game at your favourite Bowen Island watch spot & go Canada!

Sunday, June 28 Open Garden Tour The Bowen Island Garden Club is visiting the Jlonka Bally-Brown Garden at 1055 Harding Road. From 2 to 4 pm, $5 for non-members.

Sunday, June 28 Kirtan / Chanting at Nectar Yoga Come join us to chant, sing & open your hearts to the sound of your soul. Everyone is welcome, suggested donation $10. From 7 to 9 pm, 720 Gardner Lane.

Wednesday, July 1 Canada Day Reimagined with Bowen Rec Celebrate Canada Day at the Community Centre and

the Bowen Island Community School grass field. Events include Indigenous film screenings and reads, Bowen Island Football Club, Project Hummingbird, field games, trivia, & much more! Finishes off with the traditional Fire Truck Spray Down at 1:50 pm. Events run 11 am to 2 pm.

Thursday, July 2 Lego Launch Party at the Library All Ages Join us for the 3rd Annual Summer Reading Club Lego Launch Party! Build a masterpiece to display at the library’s Under the Sea LEGO art show! Drop in between 1 to 3 pm. All ages, no registration required. See all Summer Reading Club events at bipl.ca/SRCevents Friday, July 3 Movie Night with the Film Society Bowen Film Society is screening Christmas in July at the Community Centre. 6:30 pm start, full details on Page 9.

Saturday, July 4 Judi Gedye Open House Chat w/ Councillor Judi Gedye, Collins Hall 3 to 4 pm.

SUNDAYS Ping Pong at the Community Centre Come by the Flex Room between 1 and 5 pm for open ping pong. All equipment provided and everybody welcome!

TUESDAYS Bowen Celtic Music Group All instruments & levels welcome. We start slow & can share music in advance. Doc Morgan’s from 7 to 9 pm.

SATURDAYS Farmers Market The annual Farmers Market returns with a new home at Davies Orchard. From 10 am to Noon.

Plan the perfect party Download our free 2026 Event Planner and celebrate on island time.

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