A REVAMPED NOOK The Knick Knack Nook celebrates its Opening Day on November 8, 2009. This group of original volunteers who helped make the Nook a reality have been followed by many dedicated volunteers since. The re-use it store celebrated its 15th anniversary - and many happy visitorslast year, but going foward will need a new home as time has taken its toll on the current space next to the Recycle Depot. Check Page 12 to learn more and see how you can help out. / BI Museum & Archives photo
GOFUNDME SET UP FOR FAMILY, MEMORIAL AT FERRY TERMINAL
ABBY LUCIANO North Shore News / Local Journalism Initiative
Community members are coming together to mourn a loss and rally support for a family after a four-year-old boy died after being struck by a bus driver in Horseshoe Bay last week
West Vancouver police responded to a crash at Keith Road and Bay Street around 3:30 pm on Wednesday, May 28, where three pedestrians were reported “to be pinned beneath a transit bus,” according to a release from West Van police.
Firefighters and paramedics were on scene to provide life-saving efforts for the three individuals, police said in a statement last week. Four-year-old Leonardo Machado died on scene. His mother, Silvana Schramm, is still in the hospital but in stable condition. The second woman, who is believed to be a family friend, was also taken to the hospital and is in stable condition.
will take place Sunday June 8th,between 11 AM and2 PM atthe Terminal Creek Salmon Hatchery in CrippenPark. Parking is availableacrossfromthe Public WorksYard andgas stationonMount GardnerRoad.
Please joinustosee thesmilesonchildren’sfaces as they carryand releasesalmonfry into Terminal Creek. Everybodyiswelcome.
The arrival of June signals the final weeks of middle school for Island Pacific School’s Grade 9 cohort. With the year-end kayaking trip on the horizon, and beyond that high school, first up is the presentation of their Masterworks project, the crowning achievement of the students’ time at the school.
“Masterworks gives students a chance to take their curiosity seriously and to show the rest of us what 14-year-olds are actually capable of when we raise the bar instead of lowering it,” says IPS head of school Brad Carter. The project takes the form of a 15 to 25 page paper on a topic a student is keen on exploring, and also includes a 15 to 25 minute presentation to the school and even interested members of the public.
While six months is the suggested timeframe, for some students the project starts to take shape much earlier. This was the case for Kiana Cooke, whose Masterworks research was inspired by, among other factors, the school’s community service project which took place the year before. The work took her across the world to the East African nation of Tanzania where she began to learn about the many barriers in the way of girls
trying to go to school.
“My community service project really opened my eyes to all the struggles that girls face. That started my passion for Masterworks,” explains Kiana, who partnered with the Majengo Children’s Home in rural Tanzania and the African Children’s Book Box organization to put together period kits and distribute them to girls in Tanzanian schools.
Approximately 130 million girls are not enrolled in school globally. Reasons for this can include war and famine, while many girls are forced to miss out due to discriminatory views and practices surrounding menstruation, such as lack of supplies
“After learning about the barriers girls face in accessing education, I felt compelled to do more than just write - I wanted to take action,” writes Kiana when describing the origins of her project.
Cooke adds that her family and their work abroad were also major drivers. Her grandmother Anne Pearson was the founder of African Children’s Book Box, a role now taken on by her mother. Kiana’s aunt holds a position with the International Organization for Migration, a division of the United Nations. She is currently on assignment assisting refugees in Afghanistan.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
Kiana Cooke researched and aided the efforts to grant girls access to education in East Africa for her Masterworks project. / Submitted photo
VIEWPOINTS
EDITORIAL
Full Calendar
If you arelooking for apackedcalendarjust checkout the back page of this paper, as there aresomanyeventsbasically theentirespace istaken up by things this weekend alone! No doubtthereissomething foreverybody on the list, includingseveral BowenPride events beginningSaturdayat the FarmersMarket.
And speaking of the FarmersMarket, Iwas kindlyremindeditisnow runbyBowen Island Food Resilience Society(BIFS), rather than theBowen Agricultural Alliance listed in last week’s story. Thelatterdissolved andjoined theformer last year.BIFSand friends areready and waitingeachSaturdaytowelcome you with fresh food,crafts,music and more!
-AlexKurial, Editor
TheOCP Open House
JUDITH GEDYE
Bowen Island Municipality Councillor
If you have been thinking about coming to oneofmyopen house conversations, Iwould encourage you to attend this coming Saturday, June 7at3 pm at Collins Hall.
Two members of the OfficialCommunity Plan (OCP) Steering committeewillbepresent with information and seeking feedback. This is a topic that is very dear to my heart and Ithink themost important piece of legislation we may pass during our term in office.
Having aconversation with neighbours about the things you like and the thingsthat worryyou about development (planning) on Bowen for the near future is agood way to approach this very important step.
It’s only an hour and light refreshments,
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DANIELA GIFFORD
MAY2,1964-MARCH31, 2025
Daniela(Dani)Gifford (nee Fuchs) passedawayinMexicoonMarch 31, 2025 at theage of 60,survivedbyher loving husbandSteve Clippingdale andthe many friendsshe beheld like family
DaniGifford wasborninBern, Switzerlandtoa single mother.Though Danihad achallenging childhood, shewas grateful forher closeness withher grandmother. Dani movedwithher mother andmother’s partner to SouthAfricawhen shewas ten. In hertwentiesshe hada vibrantcareer thereinadvertising,enjoying connecting with people in a meaningful way. Dani movedfromSouth Africa to West Vancouver withher firsthusband.Ona trip to BowenIslandtovisit friends, she decided "thisiswhere Iwant to be.”
Dani wasa greatlover of animals, andonBowen shedevoted herselfto rescuingcats, ferrets,and dogs.She worked with localorganizations, andhousedand caredfor countlessanimals,manywithcomplicated medicalconditions. Shefound homesfor over 200catsoverthe 35+ years shelived on Bowen. Formanyyears Dani also ranher Cat Cottage catboarding business,connectingwithmanyfellow animal loversthrough caring fortheir pets
In 2018,Danimet SteveatBowen Sushi,and it wasloveatfirst sight. They made theirhometogetheronBowen andin Mexico,where Dani madea wholenew set of snowbird friendsand connectedwithanimal rescuegroups. Sheloved theMexican sunshine andmargaritas.
Dani struggledfor manyyears with what wasrevealedtobea rare, terminal braindisease;throughoutthe challengingprocess shestayed loving to hercore. Steveand Dani gotmarried in theirhomein November2024, oneofthe happiestdaysofher life.Steve andDani weresoulmates andcared for each into herfinal days. Dani lovedmusic,tolaugh,tomakefriends,and to celebratewith them.She touchedthe livesofmany, andinreturn, Daniwas very lovedand supported by thepeopleofBowen Island.
Therewillbea celebrationofher life andpotluck on Sunday, July 6, at 12pmatSteve andDani’shome. If youwould like to join us,please RSVP at bit.ly/dani0706
Anyone whowould like to make adonationtocommemorate Dani is encouraged to donate to theMissy Foundation (missyfoundation.org) or FriendsofMexican Animal Welfare(fomaw.org)
Rudolf KovanicofBowen Island,has died at theage 89. Rudi wasbornin Hradec Kralove(then Czechoslovakia)on December21,1935totheesteemedJewish doctor,Karel Kovanic, andhis German wife,LotteKovanicova. On July 31st,1939, with 67 otherCzech Jewish children,Rudi wasonthe last Kindertransporttrain the Nazisallowed to leavethe Prague train station forEngland.Thisnarrowescape, just weeksbeforethe outbreak of WWII, wasarrangedbySir Nicholas Winton,who waslater knighted forsavingthe livesof 669 CzechJewishchildren. Both of Rudi’s parentsand many otherfamilymembers perished in theHolocaust.
Withhis Englishfosterfamily, Rudi laterimmigrated to SouthAfrica. At 17, he ranawaytosea,roaming theworld as astateless deckhand with themerchant marine.AftercomingtoCanadain1959, Rudi beganfreelancing as acameraman. In 1962 he joinedthe Canadian BroadcastingCorporationand begana 33-threeyearcareer with theacclaimedscience series, TheNatureofThings with DavidSuzuki.
It wasanexciting timetomakedocumentaries.The introductionoflightweight, high-quality 16mmcameras made it possiblefor crewstocapture dramatic storiesaroundthe world. Rudi’s beat wasnatural history, anthropology,medicine, technology andthe environment. Fordecades he circledthe globe, documenting nature andthe effect humans have on it:the MendipeopleinHighlandNew Guinea;Dogon in Mali,Africa; temple elephantsinSri Lanka; Madagascar lemurs; and, in theAmazonrainforest, Rudi filmedthe Yanomami people defendingtheir traditional landsagainst an invasion of gold miners andcattle ranchers. He lived formonthsintents in Canada’s high Arctic, documenting itsmajestic wildlife and theimpactofincreasingnatural resource extraction. He filmedonthe wild West Coast: storiesabout FirstNations’ rights andopposition to loggingOld Growth forestsonHaida Gwaiiand theStein RiverValley.
Rudi said he wasprivilegedtoget hiseducationmeetingbrilliant people in extraordinaryplaces. Whobut Rudi couldspend summerlivingina tent on Ellesmere Island filming ArcticWolvesand winter in ahut on thebanks of the Amazon’s OrinocoRiver?
In 1989, Rudi wascinematographeronthe Gemini Award-winningwildlifefilm, Island of Whales producedbyhis wife-to-be,Gillian Darling, andfellowBowen Islander, Jack Silberman.Thatyear, Rudi purchaseda property on Bowen. RelocatingfromToronto,in1992/93 he andGillian builttheir Miller’s Landinghome. After leavingthe CBCin1995, throughtheir independentcompany,Tamarin Productions,theymadeseveral prize-winningdocumentaries includingthe wildlife special, Baboon Tales,shotinKenya,about thefirstrough andtumble year of infant OliveBaboons.Broadcast nationallyand internationally,itwon worldwideacclaim.
Orphaned at 3½,years old, Rudi ‘s life-longcomfort wasalwayshis dogs -in Africa,his RhodesianRidgeback,thena series of JackRussell Terriersfollowedby Deer Head Chihuahuas,including precious “Tina” whohelostquite recently Rudiissurvivedbyhis belovedwife, Gillian, andstep-son, Aran Darling.
Rudi’s abidingconcern hasalwaysbeenwithpeoplelessprivilegedthanhimself whoselives have beenrockedbywar anddisplacement. Fordecades he supported the inestimable contributionofvolunteersatDoctors WithoutBorders (MSF). Should youwish, in Rudi’s memory,pleaseconsidera donationtoMSF,orany organizationengaged in such work
Aheartfelt thanks to Rudi’s medicalteamincluding ‘DocsOnThe Bay’ and, of late,the outstandingcareprovidedbySt. Paul’s Hospital staff andhis MAiD team No Servicebyrequest
VIEWPOINTS
No end to Island activities
DIANA KAILE Letter Writer
Dear Editor,
Weekends on Bowen are packed, offering a variety of activities/events prompting me to consider “not what am I going to do this weekend, but how am I going to fit it all in!”
Two weekends ago we had the incredible Here’s Bowen Arts Tour featuring over 135 artisans showcasing their work. Such varied offerings on show from one of a kind pottery to unique artwork, stunning jewellery to handcrafted furniture, organised and executed by Marie Neys and her hard-working team. How blessed are we to live on an island with such talent.
In addition to the weekend there was Kelly Konno’s dance recital drawing on a huge crowd of parents, family members and friends. Also a hearing speech fair arranged by the Seniors Keeing Young group.
Let’s not forget the Farmers Market in the morning. In the evening the Community
Choir entertained us with a nautical theme concert of well loved sea shanties, a rousing performance by all.
Moving along to this past weekend, the first play to be performed at the new Community Centre, what a fabulous evening as the hugely talented actors, their producer and director played to a full house, a delightful Irish story called “Dancing at Lughnasa”.
Sunday saw us at the Community Centre again, this time to enjoy an outstanding classical program featuring world renowned concert pianist Ian Parker. A sold-out performance, he and his students received standing ovations from an appreciative audience. Who needs to get on a ferry when we have it all here? Special to see is the support from Bowen Islanders enjoying all that is offered, what would an artisan or actor do without an audience? Kudos to all who have made the last two weekends memorable, thank you for your hard work and dedication. A reminder that we are so fortunate to live on Bowen, an island that keeps on re-inventing itself and getting better and better.
Strawberry Tea & a Century mark
REV. LORRAINE ASHDOWN
Bowen Island United Church
On Friday, May 30, I was shopping at The Ruddy Potato and my heart skipped a beat as I eyed the baskets of fresh strawberries near the til. They are here!
This is great news for many of us berry lovers and even greater news for those of us who are preparing for the Strawberry Tea on Saturday, June 14 from 10 am to 3 pm. There will be strawberry shortcake, raffle baskets, a barbecue and a Silent Auction.
And as if we didn’t have enough to be grateful for, the United Church of Canada will just have celebrated our 100th anniversary and so we create a little bit of extra excitement around that. On June 10, 1925 the first United Church of Canada worship service was held in the Mutual St. Arena in Toronto as the Presbyterians, Methodists, and Congregationalists all came together to form the United Church of Canada.
Over the past year, leading up to this anniversary, there have been many services and gatherings across the country honouring the 100 years of this progressive, liberal minded, social justice focused United Church of ours. The celebration and the gratitude for
this United Church of ours will continue at the Strawberry Tea.
Each year, we gather together some fairly spectacular items to be included in our silent auction. This year is no different. We have not one, not two, but three original Sam Black paintings. Sam Black was born in Scotland and he came to Canada in 1957 and established himself as a painter and a fine arts educator. He is known for his watercolour paintings of boats, birds, nature of all sorts and life on the water.
Also available, among many other original pieces, is a beautiful silk tie titled ‘Eagle in Flight’ made by Indigenous artist Dorothy Grant. Dorothy is a world renowned Haida Fashion Designer (dorothygrant.com)
So plan on joining us. Plan on meeting up with friends old and new. Count on a wonderful community event that has existed over the decades.
Every year we look forward to welcoming the community, to offering some Bowen Island United Church hospitality, and this year is no different. Well, the only difference is that now we take debit as well as cash so you no longer need to worry about having cash on hand.
The berries are ripe. We plan on brilliant weather. Plans are made. All we need is you!
ATVSeries will be filming on Bowen Island this summer &isneeding Bowen Island residents who would like to be considered for work as paid background performers.
Filming will takeplace fromend of June until end of September,and people of all ages, diversity, ethnicity, &families areneeded!
Applicants must reside on Bowen Island and be able to legally work in Canada.
Note, this opportunity is not for full time employment.
Filming begins on June 24th and will take place on Bowen Tuesdays through Thursdays.
We will not be filming on Bowen every week through the summer and therewill be varying needs for Extras each day.
No previous acting experience needed!
Ifyou areinterested in being considered as an Extra you will need to create aprofile, with no fees or commissions, on our secureCasting Website at www.castingcollectivebga.com.
Any questions can be directed tosandra@xtracasting.com.
Disability and Healing Landscapes exhibit
RAGHAVENDRA RAO K.V.
Contributor
The central theme of my new set of work explores the experience of disability, and a disabled persons’ view of and engagement with the natural landscape, utilising a visual language that employs Installation, Painting and Drawing.
This new set of work under the project “Disability and Healing Landscapes,” funded by the generous grant from the Canada Council for the Arts for the year 2025, looks at the broken and the whole, the hurt and the healing: fallen trees in the landscape of Bowen Island, where I reside, to show how they give life to new vegetation, and thus continue to live.
Through these artworks I explore the life that comes through patterns of decay and transformation, through loss and through healing, through and with brokenness, not towards the “whole,” but towards the integration of that which is broken with that which is new.
Having lived on Nexwlélexwm, Bowen Island, for the last five years, I have cherished my experience of the natural landscape through the seasons, as it transforms. One sees how old, sick trees, once they fall, change the articulation of a space, its shape and scale. And after some time, new growth begins, interacting with what was lost I find this most interesting as a disabled person: the new alternatives and beginnings that surround us, the transformations from injury and destruction into different kinds and shapes of flourishing.
The project explores the idea of disability through these landscapes of fallen trees and broken branches amidst lush green and vibrant flora; fallen trees and broken branches act as a metaphor for disability and the lush green landscape provides a sense of hope and healing.
Overall, this project is a continuation of my exploration of my context, both immediate and general. This set of paintings that move out from pathos, into hope, and then into joy, to reflect the complexity of the process of healing and celebrate our embeddedness in the natural world.
Please visit the Hearth Gallery to view my new works from June 4 to 23. Open daily from 11 am to 5 pm (closed Tuesdays) or visit their website at www.thehearth.ca
Everyone is welcome to the Artist pARTy on Saturday, June 7 from 6 to 9 pm at the gallery.
Pianist and conductor Ian Parker played to a sellout crowd at the Bowen Theatre on Sunday. His performance included some very talented young musicians, including Michi Yu on violin (left) and Charles Lim on cello (right). / James Wilson photos
Caracaras chatter at the Library
BOWEN ISLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY
Bird lovers, nature enthusiasts, and fans of adventurous science writing are in for a treat on Sunday, June 15, at 1 pm at the Bowen Island Library.
Acclaimed author and musician Jonathan Meiburg, visiting us from Texas, will give a talk and multimedia presentation based on his celebrated book, A Most Remarkable Creature: The Hidden Life of the World’s Smartest Birds of Prey.
The talk promises to be a deep dive into the strange and fascinating world of caracaras a group of falcons so unlike their relatives that Charles Darwin himself was once baffled by them. These birds live mostly in South America but can range as far north as Vancouver Island, and they exhibit intelligence and behaviours more commonly associated with crows or even primates.
Meiburg, best known as the frontman of indie band Shearwater and as a member of Subpop recording artists Loma, brings a unique blend of artistic sensibility and scientific curiosity to the subject. His book, published by Knopf/Vintage, is part travelogue, part natural history, and part detec-
tive story tracing the mysterious lineage of caracaras from the windswept Falkland Islands to the lush forests of Guyana
In 1997, Jonathan Meiburg received a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship to travel to remote communities around the world, a year-long journey that sparked his enduring fascination with islands, birds, and the deep history of the living world. Since then, he’s written reviews, features, and interviews for print and online publications including The Believer, Talkhouse, and The Appendix on subjects ranging from a hidden exhibit hall at the American Museum of Natural History to the last long-form interview with author Peter Matthiessen.
Critics and fellow authors have praised A Most Remarkable Creature for its lyrical prose and interdisciplinary storytelling.
David Sibley, renowned bird expert, called it “a deft intertwining of natural and human history.” Author Margaret Atwood praised it as “a great book to read if you’re feeling cooped up.”
Attendees can expect an engaging presentation that includes slides, video, a reading from the book, and time for audience Q&A. Books will be available for purchase, with the opportunity for attendees to have their copies signed.
With his deep knowledge of the natural world, storytelling chops, and compelling multimedia approach, Meiburg’s appearance is sure to draw a crowd. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or simply curious about the secret lives of animals, this is an
event not to miss.
It’s free to attend, and no registration is required, just come by a little early to grab a seat. Find out more about this event online on the Community Calendar at bipl. ca/author.
BOWEN ROTREPAIR
Jonathan Meiburg says “it looks like I’m taking a dinner order from dozens of striated caracaras in the Falklands.” / Submitted photo
FASTPITCH
Alleyeswere on the Brewers and Diggers on Monday night, and while atight matchup wasanticipated the game shifted in one direction for good rightoff the jump.
TheBrewers came readytoplayand set the tone in the first at batofthe game when Iishan Cruz connected on atriple.Hewas broughthome by the nextbatterPeteScott and the runs cascadedfromthere. James Strang openedupthe lead with adouble drivingin2moreruns,and he waslater broughthome on asingle by Wilson Divesas theBrewCrewhit the inningmaximumof 5 runs.Theydid it on 5hits while sending all 9 batters to the plate.
While the scoringsettledover thenextfew innings it wasnoproblem as theBrewers looked to their veteranpitcher MiltMichael to keep the Diggersfromamassingruns. He
did just that,going4innings strong while allowingjust1 run, 2hitsand striking out2 ‘Milty’ allowed just 2batters to reachbase and closed outhis winningappearance with backtobackperfect innings
Given theirpitchingthe Brewersopening inning outburst wasmorethanenoughto secure themthe game.But Strangadded someinsurance in the 6th inningwhen he rocketed a2-run home runoverthe fence to send his team to double digitsrunsscored Strang also pitched thefinal 3innings after relieving Miltyand allowed just 1run while recordinga strikeouttomakesurethe Diggersnever gainedany momentum. The gameended10-2 in the Brewersfavour.
BrewersnextplayFridayvsTwins,with DiggersvsFiremen on Thursday night.
-AlexKurial, Scorekeeper
Standings forgames thru Monday,June 2. RF/RA -Runs For/ Runs Against
will take place Sunday June 8th, between 11 AM and2 PM atthe Terminal CreekSalmonHatcheryinCrippen Park. Parking is availableacrossfromthe Public WorksYard andgas stationonMount GardnerRoad.
Iishan Cruz (left) gotthe party startedfor the Brewers on Monday and kept thatmomentum goingthruthe game, finishing 3/4 withanRBI and2 runs. James Strang had the batworking forhim tooashewent2/4 with4RBI and 2 runs, including the 2-runblast in the 6th inningtoput the game on ice. James also pitched 3inningsof1-run ballwith astrikeout to quell anycomeback
ONLINE BOOKINGISNOW LIVE AT THEBOWEN ISLAND BARBER SHOP
Just google BowenIslandBarbershop clickthe “book online button”, chooseand you’re set! Prefer theold school wayyoucan still or text us at 604.947.2239 or drop by to book in person. we’reheretomakelookinggood even easier! WALK-INS WELCOME| ORCHARDLANE |SNUGCOVE
Investigation likely to take months
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
BOOK NOW
NOTICE OF ANNUALGENERAL MEETING of theEagle CliffCommunity Association (ECCA)
Saturday,June 7, 2025 at CollinsHall, 1120 MillerRoad 10:45 a.m. Doorsopenfor membership sign-upand renewal 11:00a.m.Annual GeneralMeetingincluding electionofBoard members Refreshments will be provided.
ECCA welcomes everyone wholives in Eagle Cliff, includinglong-term renters, to join.Pleasecometoour AnnualGeneral Meetingifyou wouldlike to learnmore about ECCA,whatwedo, andwhatisgoing on in our neighbourhood Questions? Contact us at eccabowenisland@gmail.com
BOWENGRADS
Theresa Morrison, a friend and co-worker of the boy’s father, launched a GoFundMe on Sunday to raise funds to help the family with funeral and transportation expenses and ongoing rehabilitation for the mother.
Morrison has been overwhelmed by how much support she is seeing from the community to help the family
“Just knowing how many people have been touched by this tragedy, I know… the message that [the father] has for everyone right now is that tragedies can and do bring people together, and tragedies can defeat you or you can succeed them,” Morrison said.
Morrison and her husband are owners of AJ’s Brooklyn Pizza Joint in Vancouver, where the boy’s father, Clineu Machado, has worked for the last four years.
The mother and son reportedly spent the day on Bowen Island before the tragic crash.
“On that beautiful Wednesday she wanted to adventure with Leonardo to Bowen Island for the day, as they loved to travel and see new things,” the GoFundMe post reads. “They had a wonderful day, sharing pictures with Leonardo’s father throughout.”
Leonardo’s parents are from Brazil but have been Canadian citizens and made Vancouver their home for many years. Now, the family is faced with the difficult decision to bring Leonardo home to Brazil for burial, if the mother can travel, or bring family members to Canada to say their final goodbyes.
As of Wednesday morning, nearly $140,000 had been raised to go towards the family, far surpassing their initial goal of $65,000.
“My team, the AJ family, they’re very close, a number of [employees] who’ve worked together for many years, and so this has certainly impacted them,” Morrison said. “We’re leaning on each other and supporting each other as best as we can.”
Support and mourning in West Vancouver community
one thing that’s special about Horseshoe Bay is how resilient our community is. We always unite together to make it through whatever the struggle might be.”
“I’m watching people put flowers down by the incident. You can just see that empathy and love and support the different members of the community are giving one another as they hold space for the family and the victims that witnessed the tragic incident,” she added.
Taste of the Bay will run Wednesday, June 11 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm Tickets will be sold at Blenz and Tolls, she said.
Police investigation continues
As the community helps raise funds, West Vancouver police are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash.
The local police department is working with Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (ICARS) and the Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) branch. The ICARS unit conducts forensic reconstruction of collisions that result in serious injury or death, from Pemberton to Boston Bar.
Police said last week while the investigation is in the early stages, speed was not a contributing factor. The bus was taken in for a mechanical inspection.
The bus driver was identified as a TransLink employee and is fully co-operating with investigators.
Sgt. Chris Bigland said that the investigation will likely be completed six months from now.
Support available
There are a number of support services available to help those affected by the tragedy.
Anyone who directly witnessed or was involved in last week’s incident can call West Vancouver police victim services line at 604-925-7468. The BC Mental Health & Crisis Response line is also available for those struggling with the aftermath of the event at 310-6789 (no area code needed).
West Vancouver police ask witnesses or those who were in the area and have footage to call their non-emergency line at 604-925-7300, quoting file number #25-5042.
Since the crash, the aftermath has been felt by people across the community.
A memorial has been growing on the Keith Road and Bay Street intersection with flowers and stuffed animals, steps away from where the fatal crash happened.
Please EMAIL your GRAD Picture and your 100 wo rd BIO(or les s) to Alex to be inc luded in the Undercurr ent’ s annual graduation iss ue ed itor@boweni slandu ndercurren t. com TH AN KY OU!
Don'tmissthe Undercurrent's GRAD issue!!!
MONDAY MONDAY JUNE 16 JUNE 16 JUNE
Last week, West Vancouver Mayor Mark Sager and municipal staff shared their condolences on the accident and thanked first responders for their efforts.
“The accident is a horrible tragedy and sad beyond all measure,” Sager said. “On behalf of all of council, I want to express that our heartfelt thoughts are with the families and all those impacted. I would also like to express gratitude to everyone helping at this very difficult and unthinkably sad time.”
The Horseshoe Bay Business Association is also pitching in to help, rescheduling their annual Taste of the Bay event with proceeds going to the family.
Originally set to take place on the day of the crash, the event features dozens of businesses and musicians in the commercial district of Horseshoe Bay, where people can walk around and explore.
Despite the heartbreaking incident, president of the business association Megan Sewell said she’s noticed how the community is uniting together to help those impacted.
“It was a very tragic event that impacted everyone here in Horseshoe Bay, whether they were physically here or not, it definitely hits home for a lot of people,” Sewell said. “The
- With files from Alanna Kelly
Mother Silvana Schramm with her four-yearold son Leonardo Machado. / Photo courtesy of Theresa Morrison
May RCMP Stats on Bowen
BOWEN ISLAND RCMP
There were 64 files in May:
5 Impaireds – 2 collisions involving impaired drivers. Both parties arrested with charges to be forwarded. Further proactive stops resulted in one 90-day suspension and two 3-day suspensions.
13 Assist Public – Vehicle ownership dispute, landlord/tenant disputes, neighbour disputes, assist parents with child, keep the peace.
7 Traffic – Erratic drivers, minor collision, Vehicle vs power pole.
5 Animal – Dead deers, dog fights, cougar sightings, goose struck by car, dog bites.
7 Property Lost/Found/Seized – Lost wallet, found wallets, found purses, lost kids toy.
6 Suspicious Person/Vehicle – Suspicious phone calls, smoking power line, people yelling at contractors, squatters in abandoned house.
3 Abandoned 911 – Residential, false.
1 Fraud – Facebook scam.
2 Bylaw Files – Boats trespassing.
3 Check Wellbeing – Requested by family, passerbys, other agencies.
5 Assist Other Agency – Assist West Vancouver Police Department, Hunting permits, ATV operation, Liquor Act, Fisheries and Oceans (Oyster Picking).
7 Traffic Enforcement projects –Roadblocks, Bowen Island Community School area, Windjammer, Village Drive.
Police Monthly Message:
Boating Season is upon us! Check your Personal Flotation Devices (PFD’s) for wear and tear. If equipped with inflation devices, check that your cartridges are secure and charged.
Be Weather-wise, check your local weather conditions before you go. Follow a Pre-Departure Checklist to ensure compliance with Transport Canada boating regulations.
Practise boating safety at all times by saving the alcohol for on land. The probability of being involved in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved, and studies have also shown that the affect of alcohol is exacerbated by external effects such as sun and wind.
With the improving spring weather, kids are now bringing their bikes out of storage after the winter months. Bowen Island RCMP saw this as an opportunity to ensure students participating in Bike to School Week would ride a bike that is road safe. The tune up event saw lots of Bowen Island Community School (BICS) students and parents receive a complimentary bike tune-up. The service was kindly donated by Brendan Robertson of Bowen eBikes, 431 Bowen Island Trunk Road Kiosk, who provided a bike mechanic for the two tune up sessions Bike to School Week (June 2-6) is an annual event which encourages students to bike, walk or roll to school. This initiative is part of a wider celebration of active school travel and cycling offering various benefits such as increased physical activity and reduced traffic congestion. BICS has been actively promoting Bike to School Week with initiatives like giant slug signs to encourage drivers to slow down. The RCMP will be providing extra speed enforcement during the week
The Linus Fund
Knick KnackNook reaching out forhelp
ALLIE DRAKE Contributor
Whenever you enter the Knick Knack Nook Re-Use It store, youare bound to see action.
People mingle and wander about the tables, racks and shelves filled withanything andeverything one couldneed or discover.Children play with thetoys or read books in their own section. There might be alineup at the tillwith customers, arms loaded with treasure, waiting to pay a few dollars.
Further back, behind another counter, volunteers are sorting out bags andboxes filled withdonations. There is chit-chatand laughter,occasionalgroans of dismay at the amount of work to be done. And, continually, peopleare entering through the back door to bringmore donations.
The concept of are-use it store began in early 2008, with asmallgroupofwomen who wereconcerned with the amountof articles ending up in the landfill. Their Mission Statement –toprovide awelcoming community service that fosters environmental responsibility through salesofused itemsingood condition.
The vision became reality. The municipality donated land, the Community Foundation provided start-up fees. Other grants anddonations accrued, buta major partofthe construction was the donation of labour, expertise and materials by local contractors and tradespeople.
It was awonderful community achieve-
ment andonthe Remembrance Day weekend, 2009, Mayor BobTurnercut the ribbon to declare thestore open!
And the Nook has given backtothe community... over $1 millionsofar.From the beginning, profitshave beenshared Over$200,000 hasbeengiven in environmental andsocial sustainability grants to many organizations and groups, $85,000 to theFood Bank,$56,000 to BowenIsland Recycling,a whopping $362,000 in scholarshipstoBowenIsland studentsentering university.The list goes on.
Surplus clothing and other articles go off-islandtodowntown eastside missions, to CovenantHouse for youth at risk, to projects onthe NorthShore working with homeless andmarginalized people, to the Salvation Army andother charitablegroups.
Even with the 2017 addition of a two-storey building, there is aneed for morestorage. And now, 15 years on, the Nook is feeling its age. Despite attention and repairs, moisture and condensation from the roof filters through, often onto the goods.
Thereare signsofmould. Renovation is not possible to thestructureofthe buildingand theBoard has decided itistimeto replaceit.
The new building planned will stayonthe samefootprint, attaching to the extension Though we have been able to put aside somemoney, we needtoraisefundsagain tomakeit a reality. This isatimefor the Bowen Island community to help so that the Nook cancontinuetobea beloved fixture on theisland.
QUEEN OF CAPILANO FERRY NEWSCHEDULE MAY15- MARCH232026
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 5:45 am 6:50 am 8:05 am 9:20 am -exceptWednesdays 10:35 am 11:55 am 1:10 pm 2:35 pm 3:55 pm 5:20 pm 6:35 pm 7:50 pm 8:55 pm -exceptSaturdays 10:00 pm 11:00 pm
Where’s theferry rightnow? -liveupdatesatwww.bowenferry.ca Schedulechanges on statutoryholidays. Stay up to date at www.bcferries.com
HILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661Carter Rd.)
Volunteersworking on theinsideofthe KnickKnackNook,including Gary Ander(left)&David Wrinch (middle)./BIMuseum & Archives photo
Many barriers prevent girls from attending school
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
Out of these experiences her Masterworks project was born – Periods, Poverty, and Patriarchy: The Triple Threat to Girls’ Education in East Africa. During the summer before her final year at IPS Cooke began planning a return trip to Tanzania as well as Kenya, which she recently completed during spring break.
In the Kibera neighbourhood of Kenya’s capital Nairobi –the largest informal settlement in all of Africa with a population estimated in the hundreds of thousands – she replicated the period kit project for girls. While this is a vitally important step in ensuring girls can attend school, this time Kiana wanted to take her work even further.
“African Book Box makes these book boxes which are little portable libraries with culturally relevant books, and they deliver them to schools. I did that, but with books for girls. So they were about periods and consent and mental health and empowerment,” she says.
She recalls one moment especially, while speaking with a group of teenage girls in Kibera, which highlighted the uphill climb faced by girls seeking to pursue their education. “We were talking and I was asking questions about what their lives were like living in an informal settlement and going to school and being a girl. I asked if any of them had friends who were married and who were their age. And
every single one of them raised their hand, when they were all 14 and 15 years old,” she says.
Though it can seem an overwhelming fight at times, Cooke says each little bit of progress towards helping girls access education is felt by someone, and over time will add up to dismantle the oppressive systems in place. “The challenges are immense, but I’ve learned that even the smallest action can spark lasting change… Talking about these issues, highlighting them so people can learn, encouraging people to help in whatever way they can, these things matter.”
“Big change doesn’t start big, it starts with a small spark, a quiet conversation, a single question asked by a girl who still believes there’s a reason to hope,” writes Kiana.
Throughout the Masterworks process students are guided by a teacher advisor from the school. Cooke’s advisor is Kari Marentette, who teaches Individuals & Societies and
IslandsTrust andBowen Island
BowenIslandhas been amember of Islands Trustsince itsinception in 1974,and is the only municipality within the island federation. When BowenIslandresidents votedtobecomea municipalityin1999,itwas contingent on remainingwithinIslands Trust. As aresult, BowenIsland continuestobenefitfromthe unique“preserve and protect” mandateset outinthe Islands Trust Act.Two municipaltrusteesrepresentBowen Island on the 26-memberIslands Trust Council, whichrepresents 12 localtrust committees across theSalishSea andBowen Island.Bowen Island remainsavaluedpartofthe federation.
Islands Trustensures that growth andland use changesare doneina manner thatrespectsthe preserve andprotectmandate.Toupholdthe mandate, the IslandsTrust ExecutiveCommittee reviewsall BowenIslandMunicipalityOfficial Community Plan (OCP)bylawsand amendments, and mayprovide comments on non-OCPbylaws referencingthe IslandsTrust Policy Statement. WhileBowen Island contributestothe costs of sharedIslands Trustservices, it does not fund IslandsTrust’s land useplanningorbylaw enforcementservices.
French. Kiana says while taking classes abroad last year Kari made an extra effort to ensure she was setup well for classwork, including tailoring assignments to the events and culture of Kiana’s temporary home.
“She was super supportive last year, so that’s when I knew that I wanted her to be my Masterworks advisor,” says Cooke.
While the sun is due to set on Masterworks and the Grade 9s time on Carter Road, Kiana says this is far from the end of her exploration and work pushing for education rights for girls “I’m really glad I did it. It’s definitely sparked a passion for something I might do in my future I don’t know what that’ll be yet, but it’s definitely going to impact my life somehow.”
Masterworks presentations take place from June 9 to 11 at Island Pacific School. A full schedule of all the consequential topics can be found on the school’s website.
IslandsTrust Programs &Resources
IslandTrust offersregion-wide programs and resources that includeeducationalworkshops, advocacy on keyissuesaffectingislandcommunities,ecosystemand groundwater mapping, andsupport for inter-governmental coordinationthroughinitiatives like the Howe Sound Community Forum. Islands Trustalsoadministers atax exemption programfor landowners protecting naturalareas,offers agrant program forhistory andheritageconservation, and, through the Islands TrustConservancy,conserves 115 protectedareas.OnBowen Island, the Islands TrustConservancy protects the DavidOtter Nature Reserve,the FairyFen Nature Reserve,and the SingingWoods Nature Reserve,and twoconservation covenants.
Learnmoreabout howIslands Trustsupports your community at islandstrust.bc.ca.
In 2025,Bowen Island taxpayers will contribute $460,000 to Islands Trust. This is a17.6% increase ($68,740)overthe previous year $1.584M
604-653-7851
604-653-7851 nmather@glaciermedia.ca
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Friday, June 6 & Saturday, June 7
Dancing at Lughnasa
Theatre on the Isle presents Dancing at Lughnasa at the Bowen Theatre. Show starts at 7 pm, June 7 Closing Night. Tickets $25, available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, June 7
Bowen Island Pride
The parade starts at Bowen Island Community School after the 11:15 am ferry leaves, followed by a picnic from Noon to 3 pm at the Bowfest Field, and an after-party at the Pub from 8 pm to late!
Saturday, June 7
Pride Family Storytime with the Library
At the Bowen Island Pride Picnic in the Bowfest Field, join us for a 30-minute program of songs, stories, and rhymes for children 0-6 years old and their caregivers. Find out more at bipl.ca/pfs. Presented by Bowen Island Library and Bowen Island Pride Society. Starts at 1:30 pm.
Saturday, June 7
French Connections at the Library
Drop in and join us to practice your conversational French, and get to know other French language learners on Bowen Island! Runs 10:30 to 11:30 am. The focus is on French speakers with beginner and intermediate conversational skills. bipl.ca/French
Saturday, June 7
Men’s Shed Gathering
At Island Pacific School from 10:30 am to Noon. All men are welcome to gather and get to know other guys Complimentary coffee or tea and great company!
Saturday, June 7
Garden Club AGM & Open Garden
This year’s AGM is generously being hosted by one of our board members Linda Carvajal and her husband John who live in the Cowan Point area. Free to members, $5 non-members. Sign up to become a member at the event, $25 for the year. At 923 Fairway Lane from 1 to 3 pm.
Saturday, June 7
SKY Social Tea
Join Seniors Keeping Young for the SKY Summer Social Tea, celebrating Seniors and honouring Elders. At the Museum & Archives from 1 to 4 pm.
Saturday, June 7
Judi Gedye Open House
Come join Bowen Councillor Judith Gedye for discussion about Island topics. This open house will have a special focus on the Official Community Plan (OCP) review which is underway. At Collins Hall starting at 3 pm.
Saturday, June 7
TBCA Jazz Night
Join friends and neighbours for an awesome evening of jazz with local musicians The Jim Hopson Groove Triofeaturing Cindy Fairbank, Buff Allen & Jim Hopson - by the ocean at Tunstall Bay. Find full details and get your tickets at www.tunstallbay.ca/schedules#events
Saturday, June 7 (& other dates)
SKY Swimming
Seniors Keeping Young takes to the waters of Tunstall Bay. Meet at TBCA Clubhouse, swims 8 to 11 am. Everyday June 7-15, times vary RSVP info@skyonbowenisland.ca
Sunday, June 8
Fruit Tree Workshop
927FAIRWAYLANE
$1,249,000
•PANORAMIC VIEWS
•GUESTSUITE
•3BEDROOMS
•4 BATHROOMS
•1865 SF
•0.3 ACRES (MOSTLYFLAT)
•BUILTIN2012
•ONSEWER 1565 WHITESAILS DR. $1,139,000
Join Lisa Holland, permaculture designer and Jackie Bradley, regenerative gardener for a free hands-on workshop on Fruit Tree Guilds. Grafton Gardens at 10:30 am.
Sunday, June 8
Coho Bon Voyage
Come release coho fry raised at the Hatchery into nearby Terminal Creek from 11 am to 2 pm.
Sunday, June 8
Bike Maintenance Kickoff
Come check out the new space at Bowen eBikes where Tier 1 maintenance can now take place Shop tours all day. The free BBQ gets lit at 11 am! Trunk Road kiosk by the ferry.
MONDAYS
Meditation Mondays
Happy Mondays! Buddhist teachings and meditations to awaken the heart. Your journey to inner peace begins here! From 7 to 8 pm at the Bowen Island Community Centre. $12 drop-in, meditateinvancouver.org/bowen-island
WEDNESDAYS
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. bipl.ca/storytime
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. This week is Bowen Island Pride!
SKY Mahjong
Come and play Mahjong at the Seniors Cottage on Cardena Drive. 1 to 3 pm, RSVP info@skyonbowenisland.ca
