SPIDEY’S AT SEA The BowenIsland YachtClubseasonisunderway, the group kickingthingsoff infunfashionwiththeirannual Sail Pastlast Saturday Always choosinganengagingtheme forthe event, this yearpittedSuperheroesagainst Villainsasthe twosidesskirmished(via waterguns) on thehigh seasof MannionBay. Participantsincluded Thursday’s Child andits crew,all decked outand ready to fight crimeas yourfriendlyneighbourhood Spider-Man Checknext week for more photos! / Alex Kurial photo
ALEXKURIAL Editor
This week sawabig stepforward in theOfficial Community Plan Reviewprocessasadraft version of the island’s guidingdocument wasunveiled.
UpdatingtheOfficial Community Plan(OCP) has been a significantundertakingofthe municipality(BIM)during the past year. The last reviewofthe plan took place15 years agoin2011.An OCPisaformative documentwhich informsallplanningdecisionsinacommunity,including rezonings,commercialplacements, environmental protected areasandmore.
Thedraft OCPfocuseson six overarching topics,entitled: Island Wide, Environmental Stewardshipand Resource Management, Housing forAll, Resilient andCircular Economy, SustainableTransportationand Mobility,and Community Vitality.
Withintheselie six keydirections, specificareaswhere the currentdraft OCPdiffersfromthe2011 version.
OCP Steering Committeeeager for upcoming draftengagement
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Generally,theseconsistofcontinuing reconciliationand collaborationefforts with Squamish Nation,newandupdated Development PermitAreas, supportingabroader mixof housing types, making sure these new developmentsfactor in theisland’s environmental capacity,focusingnewgrowth inareas withexistinginfrastructurewhilelimitinggrowth in new areas, andcementingthe ‘natureneeds half’ approach to development(maintaining halfofaproperty inits natural state).
Speaking to members of the OCP Steering Committeethegroup responsiblefor gatheringfeedback andpreparing thedraft- at councilon Monday, mayorAndrew Leonard expressed his “appreciationfortheamount of effortthat it’s taken.Iknowthere’s beena large numberofmeetings, alotof wordsmithingandalotoffiguringoutwhat goes in here. It’s very appreciated.” Thecommitteeincludes nine members ofthe public, twocouncilmembers anda BIM staffmember.
The work isfarfrom overthough,asnoted by committee co-chair David McCullum at themeeting. “Weliveinacommunitythat loves to providefeedback, sowe would be crazy to sayit’s ready to go,” he joked. “I’m reallylookingforward to theengagementthroughthe summer, and I’dhopethat members ofcouncil would reallydrive people to that and helpus to identify potentialengagementopportunities.”
Phase2engagementforthe OCP Review beginsnext week on May22, lastingamonthuntil June22. Currently scheduledelementsofthefeedback period include anonline
survey,openhouseand workshop session, pop-up events, and more. Fulldetails,along withthenewdraft OCP, can be foundonthe municipal website.
2026 ANNUAL MEETING
Join usatour2026 Annual Meetingtolearnmore about theBowen Island Community Foundationand theimpactofcommunity givingon BowenIsland.
We arepleased to award $100,000 in community grantsthis year—our largestgrantingtotal to date—and to recognize thesupportthat makesthis work possible.
We hope to raiseaglass withyou in celebrationof community!
Friday,May 22,2026 6:30 pm
CatesHill Chapel 661 Carter Road
IN LOVING MEMORY OF MarkPullen
DECEMBER 2, 1954 -APRIL 28,2026
Mark Pullenpassed away on April28, 2026,at theage of 71, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Mark will be remembered as acompassionate, talented,and deeply generous manwhosewarmth, humour,and musicbrought joytoeveryone aroundhim. Agiftedmusicianand natural entertainer, he filledcountless gatherings with laughter,song,and lastingmemories.
Aproud anddedicated firefighter, Mark served with TheCityofBurnaby Fire Department, retiring as Captainofthe Training Division. He foundedthe BurnabyUrban Search andRescue team (USAR) andthe K9 unit,takingpartin internationalvolunteer deploymentstoassist communities in crisis.Hisleadership,courage,and commitmenttoservice leavebehindan extraordinarylegacy.
At home, Mark built alifegroundedinloveand partnershipwithhis belovedwifeof52years, Maureen. Together,theycreated awelcoming homefilledwithmusic,laughter, and lifelong friendships.
CelebrationofLife
Date:Sunday, June 7th, 2026
Starttime: 2PM
Location: OperatingEngineers' Hall 4333 Ledger Ave.,Burnaby,V5G3T3 RSVP by May27th
Email: Celebrate.MarkP@yahoo.com
Scan theQRcode to RSVP oremailusat info@bowenfoundation.com
Thefamily wouldbegratefulfor Donations to BurnabyUrban Search andRescue(USAR)in Mark's memory.
https://burnabyusar.ca/about
‘The Crimson Tableofthe Woods’
CARING FORNATUREPHOTO OFTHE MONTH
WILLHUSBY & SHEREEJOHNSON Bowen Island Conservancy
PHOTO BY KWANSEONKIM
The robin has been caughtmid-meal— headtilted, beakopen,onebright red huckleberry waiting just ahead.
At first glance, Kwanseon Kim’s photo capturesafamiliarforestmoment: a bird taking a berry. Buttheimageopensintoa much larger story. Thisisnot just a robin feeding. It isaglimpseinto oneofthequiet mutually beneficialexchangesthat keeps Bowen’sforestsalive.
Red huckleberryis part oftheforest understory, beneaththetalltreesinconifer andmixed conifer-mapleforests. In early summer,the berries ripen;thecrimsontable opensfor business.
Robins,thrushes, towhees,grouse,and small mammalsalldrop by fora snack. For the birds, each berry is part ofa nutritious meal. Forthe huckleberry, each berryis part ofa packagethat setsupthenext generation of huckleberry bushes.
Inside each fruitare several tiny seeds. Whenabird eatsthe berry,the seeds pass throughitsdigestive systemand is dropped elsewhereintheforest, wrapped inasmall packageof naturalfertilizer. Thebird gets fed. The huckleberryplant getsdispersed. Part oftheforest gets renewed.
In spring, beforethe berries appear, red huckleberryisoneofthefirst understory plants to bloom. Itstinypinkishgreen urnshapedflowers are easy to miss – butnot by bumblebeequeens.Aftertheirlong winter ofhibernationthequeensneed food urgently The huckleberryflowers providethem
with pollen and nectarwhenfewotherforestflowersare available.
A maturered huckleberry bush cangrow almostastallasaone-storey house, though mostare closer to person-height. Dense patchesareidealplacesfor many speciesof forest bird to nest andhide frompredators Black-taileddeerbrowse huckleberry stems andshoots,especially in fall and winter whenothergreensare scarce.
Withfew predators, the numberofdeer on Bowenis so greatthat in many partsof theisland where huckleberry bushesonce thrived asadenseunderstory,onlysmall, clumps remain,mostlyinthick patches perchedhighon stumpsandlogswherethe deer can’t reachthem.
Andthereis stillanotherexchange happeningunderground. Red huckleberry partners with soilfungi. Thefungidraw water andmineralsfromthe soil;theplanttrades back sugars madefrom sunlight. Beneath ourfeet, rootandfungus meetina partnershipthat helpsthe plant and fungus thrive together.
A robin,a berry,a bee, a fungus,a seed, a rotting stump, ashaded forestunderstory —noneofthese standsalone. Biodiversity isnot just the numberof speciesin a place. It includesthe webof relationships among them.
That iswhat makes Kwanseon’sphoto so compelling.The huckleberryisnot background. It isfood,shelter, pollinator support, seed source, and soil partner. For many ecologists, red huckleberry hasthequalitiesofa keystone species:amodest-looking plantwhoseflowers, berries, structure, and underground relationships support many otherlivesaroundit.
Thenexttime you walkthrougha Bowen
forest, lookfor red huckleberry. Notice its freshgreenbranches, itsdelicate spring flowers,oritssmallbright berriesin early summer. Tasteafewif you like, butleave mostforthebirdsandothercreatureswho rely onthem.
Then pause before youmove on. The forest maylook still, butallaround you, exchangesareunderway. Somewhere nearby,another robin may be waitingforits turn at thecrimsontableofthe woods.
The Bowen Island Conservancyis a landtrust and registered charity that works to protectandpreserve theisland’s naturalenvironment, from endangered coastalbluffs to inland lakes, wetlands, andfens. Thisarticleis part ofamonthly seriesfeaturingphotographs submitted to the Bowen Island Conservancy’s Biodiversity Photo Contest. To seethe latest submissionsand winners, visitthe Conservancy website.
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All Advertisingandnews copy contentare copyrightof theUndercurrent Newspaper. Alleditorial content submitted to theUndercurrent becomes theproperty ofthepublication. TheUndercurrent isnot responsible forunsolicited manuscripts,art work andphotographs.
National NewsMedia Council.
TheUndercurrent isamemberoftheNational NewsMedia Councilof Canada,whichisanindependentorganizationestablished to dealwithacceptable journalisticpracticesandethicalbehaviour. If youhave concernsabouteditorial content, pleaseemaileditor@ bowenislandundercurrent.comorcall604-947-2442. If youarenotsatisfiedwiththe responseandwish to file a formal complaint, visit the website at mediacouncil.caorcall toll-free1-844-877-1163 foradditionalinformation.
PUBLISHER
CARTOONIST
The Farmers Marketopeningday at DaviesOrchard on May9 wasa greatsuccess! Parkingis availableinthe Bowfestfieldlot; thetrailfromthefield takes you right to thepastorallocation. Themarketis nowonevery Saturdayfrom10am to Noon. / Rabia Wilcox (left) & Marcus Hondro(right) photos
‘Bowen’s Own’ Art Show celebrateslocalcreativity
JAMISCHEFFER
Hearth Gallery
This spring,the Hearth Galleryinvites thecommunity to experiencethe richness oflocalcreativity with ‘Bowen’s Own’,a newthree-weekexhibition runningfrom May13 to June1.
Designed asaninclusiveand supportive platform, Bowen’s Ownshinesa spotlight onartistswho maynot have hadtheopportunity to exhibitinaprofessional gallery setting. Whetheremerging, returning to theirpractice,or simply ready to sharea pieceor two, thisexhibition creates space forartists at all stagesoftheir journey.
Thisshowcelebratesall Bowen Island artistsacrossalldisciplines—including visualart, sculpture, andliterary works theshow reflectsthediversity anddepthof creativeexpression withinthecommunity.
The public willexperienceartistswho have not been represented at the Hearth Galleryinthe past five years, helping to ensure new voicesand perspectives are broughtforward.
Artson Bowencontinuesitscommitment to nurturinglocaltalent by creating opportunitiesforartists to exhibit,connect, andgrow. Visitors canexpectavibrant and varied exhibitionthat celebratesthe uniquecreative spiritof Bowen Island.
Forthosewho have been waitingforthe rightmoment to visitthe Hearth Gallery to experiencethediversity andtalentof ourisland’s creativecommunity…nowis thetime.
Kumquots by JennyGrisdale. The showrunsthruJune1withan Artist pARTy withartistson Saturday, May 16from6 to 8pm.
Make yourhome &garden theultimatesanctuary this summer andyou won'twanttoleave.
When you’re paintingon your ownit’s easy to startdoing somethingelseand tell yourselfthat you’re too busy to paint. The weekly Thursday ArtGroup (TAG) sessions with fellow self-directedartistsprovidesaframework anda supportivefoundationforme to paint regularly.
I’m Leslie StubbsandI becamea member of TAGin2023,findingthislovely groupwho paintedina varietyofmediumsandshared their skillsandknowledge freely. They welcomed meandencouraged me toparticipate intheirupcomingartshowandI wasmotivated to push myself beyond what I’d ever done with my art before. It was wonderful, discovering theexperienceandexpertise of thegroupmembers,andI wasintroduced to newmediumsand techniquesthrough several TAG workshops.
Thegroup gotmethinkingdifferently about my paintings,for instancegiving mealocalcontactthat couldphotograph my work withanexceptional cameraand provideme with highqualitydigitalfiles Icould sendthefiles to any professional printerandutilizethemforartprints, my photo cardsand onlinepromotion. That
NOTICE OF ANNUALGENERAL MEETING of theEagle CliffCommunity Association (ECCA)
Saturday, May30,2026 at CollinsHall, 1120Miller Road
11:00a.m.Annual General Meetingincluding electionofBoard members Refreshmentswillbe provided.
ECCA welcomeseveryone wholives in EagleCliff, includinglong-term renters, to join.Pleasecometoour Annual General Meetingifyou wouldliketolearnmore aboutECCA,what we do,and what is going on in our neighbourhood.
Questions?Contact us ateccabowenisland@gmail.com
stephelped me to evolve my art to the nextlevel.
Whenthefirst BowenArts Tourin2024 wasannounced,IknewI wanted to be a part of it. Forthis year’s Art Tour I will have oil paintings,printsandphoto cards, along with somedecorativeceramicpiecesfor sale.
Fourartistsfromthe Thursday Art Group areexcited to host Hub7 at Collins Hall for The BowenArts Tourtakingplace Saturday, May23& Sunday, May24from11am to 4 pm. Thereisalot happening at Collins Hall. The FibreArts Guild joins TAGand will have tablesinthe hallfilled witha varietyoffibre artistrycreated by theirmembers for sale, andthey will be showingtheir magnificent quiltsoffinthe Little Red Church nextdoor. TAG willalso have acoupleof Community Canvases available at the hallfor you to contribute your painting skills to.
A recentaddition to TAG is Tanya Voormeijde Zwart, whobringshertinydioramasinto the halland paintstheminisculefigures with finebrushesand magnifyingglasses. A seat is savedforherunderthebrightestlighting, close to the windowswhereshe works referencingphotosoftheanimalsshe’s painting whileshe painstakingly rendersprecise paint jobsonthesmallfigures, sometimesadding feathersandflocking.
Shop at Movement GlobalDesign at ARTISANSQUARE oronline 24/7at movementglobal.com
SwimBowen’s Cancer Care Fund: Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask
MARY LETSON SwimBowen Society
Just when we thoughtthat everyoneknew aboutthe Cancer Care Fund, SwimBowen boardmembers stumble across random Bowen Islanderswho haven’theardofit,or have heard ofit butdon’tknowhow to apply,orareunsure ofeligibility.
It isa reminderforus to stay onit, keepthe conversation goingand work harderon keepingthe conversationfront of mindforthe Bowen Islandcommunity.
Establishedin2018, ourannualopen water eventtakingplacethis year at 10 amon July 11 at Tunstall Bayis afundraiserforthe Cancer Care Fund supportingany Bowen Island residentinactive cancertreatment with financialgifts rangingfrom$1,500 to $3,000. Thanks to the stunning generosityofallinvolved, we are happy to report that todate we have gifted $160,000 to Islandersin cancertreatment.
Topthings to note aboutthe Cancer Care Fund:there is noneed to provefinancialneed - we onlyneed verification ofactive cancertreatmentfrom yourhealth care practitioner. Theconfidential applicationprocessis absolutely straight forward We know you have enoughon yourplate
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Tanya will be demonstrating herprocessfor creatingfascinatingtinydioramasduringtheArt Tour both days from 12:30 to 1:30pm. Thetinydioramasand someofher cheeky cardsandinnovative jewelry will be for sale during the tour.
Tanyafoundher way to TAGin January2026. Usually workingaloneinherhome studio,coming toCollins Hall on Thursday mornings Tanyafindsthat, “I like having peoplepresentasithelpsme to get started on my projects It’s inspiring to work withothers. Ienjoythecompany.”
Thisisthefirst timeinthe BowenArts Tour forTracy McLachlanwhoimpresses withher realisticacrylic paintingsoflocal wildlifeandanimalsfrom SouthernAfrica. She hasdoneotherartshowson Bowen outoftheArts Pacific GalleryinArtisan Squareandgroupshowsinthe gallery that isnowthe Hearth.
Originallyfrom SouthAfrica, Tracy haslived on Bowenfor 27 yearsandvisits SouthernAfrica regularly, touringareas where she canphotographanimalsintheir natural habitats. Her realistic renderingsofallanimals,localorexotic, should not be missed.
Whenasked aboutherinvolvement withthe Thursday ArtGroupTracy said, “I’vefoundthat being part ofagroup oflike-mindedcreativesisinspiring, supportiveand social.” Shecontinued, “although we work ina varietyofmediums andaremoved by different subjects,it’s these variationsthat make for such a rich experience. We shareideas, talk about ourprocessandprogress,andgiveand receive supportand discovernewtipsfrom each other.”
“I usuallylike to create in solitude,” Tracymentions, “and the socialaspectof TAGgivesmea welcome,once-a-week breakfrom workinginisolation.” It also giveshera reason to bakedelicioustreatsforus to share. Tracy will be showing and sellingheracrylic paintingsduringtheArt Tour.
Afamiliarfaceintheartscommunity, Jilly Watsonisa
without having to jump anymore hoops.Afamilymemberorfriend cancompletethe applicationon behalfof the applicant.
Cananindividual applyformorethanonegift? Yes, dependingonthe situation, second applicationsare accepted Applicantsonlyneed to submittheir application withanoteexplainingtheir situation.
What ifan applicantis choosing analternativetreatment? Noproblem. Thisfundisherefor you. What if an applicant is palliative? Youareeligible. We arehere to helpin every situation.
Perhapsthetrickiest part to thewhole SwimBowen Cancer Care Fund applicationprocessisensuringthat all levelsoffinancialneed areaddressed. The application walks you throughthis,askingyourlevelof need ona scaleof1 to 10. We adjust thegiftamount basedonthis. Stepping away from work formonthsonendisabigdeal. We getit. The Cancer Care Fund has your back.
Are youintreatment? Do you know someone who is? Applications can be found at swimbowen.com,followthe Cancer Care Fundlink.Oremail swimbowencancercare@ gmail.com
Applications canalso be found at Cates Pharmacy andthe Bowen Island Health Clinic. Thanksforhelpingus spread the word!
well-known islandartist workinginbright acrylics. Her bold, colourful paintingsofflowers andforest trailsand pathways are very popular. Jilly wasamemberofthe TuesdayArt Workshopgroupinthe early2000swhentheymet at Bowen Courtand participated in severalartshows withthem.
Jilly hasalso beenamemberofthe North ShoreArtists’ Guildfor many years, takingtheopportunity to learn from their membershipof12 to 15artists,andshowing and sellingher work duringtheir regularshows on the North Shore. Currentlyafeaturedartist at the Catching Stars Galleryin Snug Cove, Jilly’s work will be ondisplay there at Hub3as well.
Jilly re-joined TAGin September2025, seekingthe company oflocal paintersto work withasshedoesherbrilliant, colourfulacrylic paintings. “I alwaysfindwhenI go to the Thursday group, that I paintmore at home.Agroup to paint with keepsme going.”
“For meforestsare magicalplaces, butthey’renot static –theyvibrate withenergy and movement.” Jilly illustratesthat feeling withher paintings. She will have many paintingsas wellasprintsand cardsfor saleduringthe tour,and Jilly has been kindenough to donateacolourful8”x8” canvasofher work forafree draw Thedraw entry ballots will be available to allwhovisit Collins Hall.
Whenaskedforacomment aboutthe Thursday Art Group, Jilly said, “TAG isgreatfor peoplewho want to do art. They will getalotof positive reinforcement. If you’ve just come to Bowenand want to meetartistic peopleand be encouraged in yourartendeavors, come to TAG.”
Join Jilly,Tracy, Tanyaand myself at Hub7 at Collins Hallforthe BowenArts Tourandconsider joining TAG to painton Thursday mornings. There will be cookies! TAG will be back painting togetherinthe hall thefirst weekof Septemberaftera summerhiatus Forfurtherinformation contact Shannon Rondeau at shannonrondeau@shaw.ca
SKY Summer Social Tea
MIMISCORETZ
Seniors Keeping Young
On Saturday, June13the Bowen Island Museum&Archives willcome alive with laughter, music, andthe familiar clinkof teacupsas residents gatherforthefourthannual Summer Social Tea.
This much-anticipated eventoffers a chanceforcommunitymembers to connect andcelebrate togetherinthe museum’s buildingand garden.
Jointlyhosted by Seniors Keeping Young(SKY)andthe Museum & Archives, the afternoonpromises a happy atmospherefilled withconversationandcommunity spirit Attendees willenjoy deliciousfood generouslydonated by local eateries, whilelive music performed by young musicians willprovidea joyful backdropforthe gathering.
Ahighlightofthis year’s Summer Social Tea will be a specialtribute to
Marc Gawthorpand Tina Nielsen, two long-timeisland residents recognized fortheirdedicated community service. Marc has beena steadfast presence at SKY’s “Musical Movements” sessionson Tuesdays,playingpiano andinspiring seniors to embrace dancingashealthymovement.
Tina,as Chief Librarian at Bowen Island Public Library, has championed initiativesfor older adults that promotelearning, health,and safety. Tina spearheadedthe100th Anniversaryofthe General Storeprojectincollaboration withheritage and culturalorganizationsontheisland, including the Museum&Archives.
The Summer Social Tea welcomes participantsofall ages. Itsmissionis to bridge generationsand reinforce theideathat community knowsno age limits. Joining togetherinshared activitiesiswhat keeps everyone young at heart.Allareinvited fora delightfulafternoonon June13from 1 to 4pm at the Museum&Archives.
Thereis somethingquietlyenduring about The Best Yearsof our Lives, a filmthat moves withthe patienceofa returningtideandleaves behindthe sort oftruthsthat donot sit easily.
Thoughit was madein1946,its gaze onto ordinary people–mencominghomefrom war, women adjusting to absence turnedpresence–feels less likea relicthanamirror. The world,afterall, has neverquite stopped sendingits young away or welcomingthem back changed.
What thefilmunderstands, witha gentleinsistence,isthat thegrand eventsofhistory are finally measured insmalldomestic reckonings:a hand that hesitates beforeopeningadoor,aconversationthat falters at thethresholdofhonesty, the peculiarloneliness of beingamong thosewho expect you to be the person you were.
Thefilm,directed by William Wyler, aboutthree returning soldiersfrom World WarII, terrified of getting what they’ve beendreaming aboutforfour years, woneightacademy awards,including best
picture, and wasthehighestgrossing film of its time.Fredrick March muses, ashistaxi pullsup to the swankyhomeandfamilyhe’s longedfor, “I feel like I’m goingin to hita beach.”
Shotindeep-focus magnificence by Gregg Toland,thefilmisdesignedin layers with Toland’s foreground,middle-groundand background actingas markersforthe soldiers’ past,present andfuture.
For today’s audience,accustomed tonoiseand spectacle,thefilmoffersthemodestcourageof attention. It remindsusthat reintegration–whetherfrom war, hardship,orthequieterdislocations ofmodernlife–isneither swiftnortidy. Thefilm proposesthat empathyis anactofimagination, that every neighbor carriesahistory we cannot see, andthat healing must be foughtfor,like territory in anew kindof war.
The Best Years of our Livesispresented by the Bowen Island Film Societyin partnership with Bowen Municipality and Bowen Recreationon Tuesday, May19, at 6:30pmsharp. Runningtimeis close to three hours, so planaccordingly. Thefilm shows at the Community Centre Theatre.
Attheendofa windingdrivewayon AdamsRoad, there’s aplace thatfeelsasthoughitwasborrowedfroma storybook.Set on 3+flat,sun-filledacres,thisisthekindofpropertywhereafamily cantrulyputdownroots.
Morningsbeginwithbarefeetinthe grassandsunlightpouring acrossopenfields.Thegardenhumswithlifemature- fruit trees readyforpicking,berry bushes forsummer-stainedfingers, roses climbinglazilybeside lavenderandwisteria.Andjustbeyond the gardengate,familiarvisitors appear:thedeer,knownbyname, quietly makingtheirroundsasif partofthehousehold.
Thisis Bowen Island living at its mosttimeless- quiet,connected,andunmistakably magical.
Bowenmarket holds firm
SALESRISEANDBENCHMARK PRICES EASEMODESTLY
TIMRHODES
Contributor
Bowen Island’s detached homemarket continued to demonstrate remarkable resiliencein April2026. While benchmark prices edgedmodestlyloweroverthe past year, thebroaderindicators tellthe storyof amarketthat remainsactive, balanced,and fundamentally healthy. Salesareup,homes areselling slightlyfaster, and both averageand median saleprices continue to trendhigher.
Because Bowenisamicro-marketwith relativelyfewtransactions, month-to-month results can be heavilyinfluencedbyjustone or twounusual sales.A waterfrontestate orasmallercottage canshift thenumbers significantly. Forthat reason,themost reliable way to understandthemarketis tofocuson rolling twelve-month data,whichsmoothsout short-termvolatilityandoffersa clearerpicture ofunderlyingtrends.
Overthe last twelvemonths,58detached homessoldon Bowen Island,upfrom53 duringtheprevious twelve-month period Newlistingsincreasedfrom149 to 160homes, givingbuyersmore optionswhilepreserving healthymarketactivity.
At the sametime, average days onmarket dropped from81 to 65 days,anearly 20 per cent improvement. In practical terms,wellpricedhomesareattractingbuyersmore quicklythantheywereayearago.
Saleprices remain strong.The average sale priceoverthe past year rose to $1.662million,
upfrom$1.502million,whilethemedian sale price increased10.8 percent to approximately $1.518million. These gains suggest buyers continue to placeapremiumon Bowen’s lifestyle,limited housing supply,andthe island’s enduringappeal.
Againstthese positiveindicators, theMLS® HomePrice Index(HPI)or benchmark price—which measures the valueofa“typical” detached home—declined 3.2 percentover the last twelvemonths,from $1.473million in April2025 to $1.426million in April 2026. That isa relativelymodestadjustment,especially consideringthe substantial gains posted in previousyears. The benchmarkprice has drifted lowergradually,and April’s monthover-month change wasjust-0.1 percent, suggestingthatprices have largely stabilized.
This slightdeclinealsolooksquitemodest whencompared with other Metro Vancouver municipalities. Bowen posted the lowest decline,with many markets posting larger benchmarkpricedeclines. North Delta(-10.2 percent),LangleyCity(-8.9 percent), Surrey (-7.3 percent), Vancouver(-7.1 percent),and West Vancouver(-6.3 percent)all sawmore pronounceddecreases.
Outside Metro Vancouver, Squamish(+8.5 percent),outperformed Bowenona change in benchmarkpricewhilethe Sunshine Coast posted a slightly largerdeclineat-3.9 percent.
Overall, Bowen Island remainsone of Metro Vancouver’smore stableand resilient housingmarkets. Inventory isimproving,
AverageandMedian Sale Priceand MLS® Home PriceIndex LTM (Last TwelveMonths)
salesareincreasing,andhomesaremoving morequickly. Whilethe benchmarkprice has softenedmodestly,theadjustmenthas beengradualandmeasured ratherthan abrupt. For buyersandsellersalike, the April 2026 data suggestamarketthatis steady well-balanced,andcontinuing to perform with quiet strength.
At the topoflastmonth’slistsits 1759ArbutusPointRoadinBowen Bay.Thethree-bed,four-bathhome closedfor$2.7million,makingitthe highest-sellinghomeontheisland sofarthis year The 49-year old homemeasures2,645-squarefeet, whilethewaterfrontpropertyis 0.95-acres.
Theproperty’svaluereliesheavily onitslocation,bordering Bowen Bay tothesouthwithaclearviewtothe beachandacrossthebay.Furtherto this point,thelistingadvertisedthe opportunityfor“theperfectcanvas todesignandbuildatrulyexceptionalcoastalhome.”
1759 Arbutus Point Road(above) wasthe topsaleof April-andthe yearsofar- at $2.7 million. Alsosurpassing$2million wasthesecond-highestsaleofthemonth at 1675 WhitesailsDrive(below),closing at $2.375million./ Zealty.ca photos
BowenIslandGymnasticsClubmadea“bigsplash” withtheirappearance at BC Gymnaestrada at the RichmondOlympic Ovalearlierin May. Aided by a 12-footlongHumpbackwhalepuppet, dozensof youth&adultgymnasts performeda routine they hope to takeallthe way to WorldGymnaestrada next yearin Portugal./Submittedphotos
WoodfibreLNGisproud to be recognizedas one of EnvironmentJournal’sTop25
RemediationProjects —a milestonethat reflects years of carefulplanning,collaboration, andenvironmentalresponsibility.
The Bowen Island Food Bank will have freshfood fortheforeseeablefuturefollowinga successfulfundraiser.
Thefinaltallyfromthe ‘Feed’ Em Fresh’ softball tournament eventwhich took placeinmid-April hasgrown to $10,000. Forthelocal Food Bank, the recipient of thefunds,thismeans twofull yearsof freshfood are in store. Theamountisdoublewhat organizers were originallyhoping to achieve
“Being able to double our goal wasonly made possibledue to the support ofthe communitycoming outand purchasing concessions,other teamscomingfrom out of town to supportthe tournament,and ofcourse the supportofthe sponsors who donated to thisfundraising tournament,” says Jacqueline Strong, oneofthe tournamentorganizers.
The weekend tournament wasfirst thoughtup by JaredBrown of Phoenix Books, expandingonaone-off annual friendly game between teamsfrom Bowen and Vancouver. This yearitexpanded to
include two teams each from Bowenand Vancouver,and evena teamtravellingfrom Vancouver Island. Givenhow welltheinaugural event went, the tournament– set to be known as ‘Slugfest’ –isnowplanned to be a yearlysight, witha slogan representingthe benefitting charity.
Funds were raised throughacombination of sponsors, concession sales at the fieldduring the weekend,anda Saturday night party at the Legion.Alloperations were performed by volunteers, including theorganizingcommittee ofBrown, Strong, Seanna Strubin, Calvin Hull, Jesse Lyon and Shannon Farley
Strong says allthecredit goes to the volunteers and sponsorswho madethe weekend possible,eitherthroughdonationsof funds, equipmentortimeandeffort. In particularshenotes: Weismiller Excavation, Bowen Island RealEstate Group(Remax), Milcon Construction, Bowen IslandFreight, Madrona Fine Homes, Bowen Island SloPitch League, Miller’s Meatcraft, Twin Island Excavating, Doc Morgan’s Restaurant, USSC Marina, Bowen Waste Solutions, TheOrchard, LegionBranch150, Hoyne Brewing, Ruddy Potato andAnchorage Roasting Company.
Volunteer organizersoftheSlugfest‘Feed’ Em Fresh’ softball tournamentin supportofthe BowenIsland FoodBank were (L-R) JaredBrown,Jesse Lyon, Jax Strong, CalvinHull, Seanna Strubin&Shannon Farley./ Submittedphoto
BeingBritish,thisreporterhasbeenthere:confused about Canadianpoliticsandgovernmentstructure likethe bestof us.“Federal”and“general”elections,for instance,have quitedifferentmeaningsintheU.K.tothoseinCanada.
ButbacktoB.C.,andfocusingonlocalgovernmentelections,(thisyearsetforOct.17),everyonehastheopportunitytovotefortheircommunity’snewmayor, new council andnewregionaldistrictdirectors,aswellasschooltrustees,justliketheydoeveryfouryears.
Sowhatdothesetermsmean,andwhat do thesepeople do? Howdothey affectyou,andwhat canyou doaboutit? Let’sdigin.
Municipalcouncils
Firstly,let’sclarify“municipality;” thismeansanydefined administrativeareaoflocalgovernment,andthatcould be acity,atownorasmallvillage.Thereare161municipalities acrossB.C.
Aswellasamunicipalcouncil,therearealsoregional districts,27ofwhichoperateacrossB.C.Theregional districtfor Bowen Island,forexample,isthe Metro Vancouver RegionalDistrict(the MVRD).
Regionaldistrictsarefederationscomposedofmunicipalities,electoralareas(areaswhichdon’thavetheirown municipalities), andsometimesTreatyFirstNationcommunities.The MVRD has23members including21 municipalities rangingfrom Bowen Island toLangley, Tsawwassen First Nation,andanelectoralarea Bowenisalsoamemberofthe IslandsTrustprovincialorganization.
Regionaldistrictsoverseeandprovide services foreach areawithintheirregion,bringingrepresentativesfromeach communitytogetheronaboard. They areentirelyseparate entitiesfrommunicipalitieswithsomedifferentrules.
Municipalitiesvs.regionaldistricts
Accordingtotheprovince,regionaldistrictswere created asaresultofdevelopmentintourbanareasinthe1950s, withresidentscommutingtourbancentresforwork.
Hurford, who alsoservesonthe Squamish-Lillooet RegionalDistrict(SLRD),helpedtoexplaintheirdifferences aswellastheiroverlap.
“InthecontextoftheSLRD,therearethreeseatsfrom Squamishcouncilontheregionaldistrictboard.It really is aboutprovidingalotofmunicipalservicesinthoseareas that arenotinsideamunicipality,ordon’thavealotofpopulation,”hesaid.
On Bowen Islandmeanwhile, mayorAndrew Leonardis oneof41members ofthe MVRD board.
Furthermore,Hurfordsaidthat,againfromhisexperience,if“constrained”areasgovernedbyregionaldistricts (suchasthosewithlowpopulationswhicharevastlyspread out)havesimilarexpectationsfortheirservicesasaless “constrained”area,itcanbecomplicatedtodeliver on.
Generallocalelections
Each local government is responsible for runningitsowngeneral localelection,meaningitis responsibleforrunningthevoting,counting,reportingresultsandacceptingcandidate nominations. ElectionsBCisresponsibleforadministeringthecampaign financingandelectionadvertisingrules.
Moreinformationabouthowtovotecanbefound on the ElectionsBCwebsite.
Thisstorywaspartofacollaborativefeature by Lodestar Media publications in an election yearto highlight the importanceoflocalgovernmentduringLocal Government AwarenessWeek.
It wasaparty forthe Diggersonthe field and in thedugoutonMonday night as they dispatchedtheBrewers 8-4. Thefireworks startedearlyas Tom Woodward(#21)hit atwo-runhome runasthe second batter of thegame. TheDiggersscored3inthe inningand aftertheBrewers respondedwith2 in their halfofthe1stitlookedlike we’d have ahighflyingaffair upon us.But it wasjustaboutallpitchingafterthatasAdam Woodwardallowedjust three baserunnersoverthenext 4innings.Tom Woodwardhelpedthecause in the 2ndbycappingoff a double playbythrowingfromcatcher to third base whereDaveHilborn(#69)madethe grab.SpeakingofHillbornhewasalso deliveringattheplate.AftertheDiggerswereheldscoreless forthreeinning themselves,Davesentasolo homerunoverthe fenceasthe leadoffman in the 5thinning.Hehadthreehits overallinthegame with 2runsbattedinand 2runsofhis own. It wasabignightfor the Hilborn family as brotherJacob (#71) entered thegame in the4thand proceeded to displaysome standout defense inleftfield -including anotable catchright backtothe fence- to make sure theDiggerspreservedtheir lead.ItwasalsoJacob’s birthday on Monday-a boisterous renditionofHappyBirthday rang outfromthedugout followingthe victory, alongwith the awarding of the team’s noveltyhat.
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strangbrothers@gmail.com
MeetBernie,ourPatient ofthe Week!Thissweet pupcameinforhisvery firstpuppyappointment andquicklystoleour hearts.Berniemaybea littleshyatfirst,butonce hewarmsup,he’san absolutesweetheart. He loves toplayandenjoys goingsailingandhiking withhisfamily,especially hismorningwalks. We can’twaittowatchBernie growintoanadventurous andhappycompanion!
‘Waves& Wilderness’ camp for ages5-8. Focus will be on getting kids outsideastheytackleanall-day scavenger hunt. From9am to 4 pm,fulldetails& signupon Rec website.
Saturday, May16
FrenchConnectionsattheLibrary
Dropinand joinus to practice your conversational French,and get to knowotherFrench language learners on Bowen Island!Free,10:30 to 11:30am. bipl.ca/French
Saturday, May16
FeatureArtist Receptionat Catching Stars Gallery
Cynthia Sharp will readher poemsin relation to this month’s featureartist Jilly Watson’sart There will be light refreshments. At Catching Starsfrom 2 to 4 pm. The gallery is also recognizingmotherswhoareartists allmonthlong with the ‘Mothersin May’celebration event.
Saturday, May16
ArtistpARTy atthe Hearth Gallery
Islandartistsfromthe ‘Bowen’s Own’exhibit will be at the galleryfrom6 to 8pm. Show runs to June1.
Saturday, May16
BigShiny Partyatthe Legion
Live musicfromthe ‘Big Shiny Band’ at the Legionforthis 90sthemed party.19+ event, doors open at 7:30pm. Tickets available at thebigshinyband.com
Tuesday, May19
Film Society Movie Night
Screeningof ‘The Best Years of Our Lives’- part ofthe Film Society ‘Vault’ series. Film begins6:30pm sharp at the Bowen Theatre. Fulldetailson Page 8.
Thursday, May21
Writers’ Feedback Groupatthe Library
Whether you’rea seasonedwriteror just startingout, all agesand typesof writer are welcome to shareandgive constructivefeedback on each other’s writinginthis positiveand supportiveenvironment. Free,from4:30 to 6pm. Registration required - signup at bipl.ca/write
Saturday, May23& Sunday, May24
BowenArts Tour
Thethird BowenArts Tour runsall weekend,featuring paintings, sculptures, poems, music & morefrom130artists across19 studiosand hubs. Self-guided tourfrom11am to 4 pm eachday. Fulldetailsinthe BowenArts Guide, available forfree at storesandonlineonthe Undercurrent website.
Sunday, May24
RedCross BabysittingCourse
Course offers basicfirst aidand caregiving skillsfor youth ages5 to 11. Youthlearn to care forall agesof kids.From9 am to 4pm at the Community Centre. Register&findfull detailson the Bowen Recreation website.
Sunday, May24
AllWheels Skate Day
Ramps, rails, boxesandobstaclesfor all skilllevels! Presented by theAll Wheels Society,hosted by Island Pacific School.Free event, runs2 to 4pm,helmets mandatory.
Sunday, May24
Kirtan / Chanting at Nectar Yoga
Come joinus to chant, sing &open yourhearts to the soundof your soul. Everyoneis welcome, suggesteddonation$10.From7 to 9pm,720 GardnerLane. Saturday, May30
YouthPride PartyattheLibrary
For teensandpre-teens age11+. Get ready forPride with crafts,pizza, snacks,andmore! Hosted by the Libraryand BowenPride, begins at 1pm. Register at bipl.ca/ypp
Saturday, May30
GardenClub AGM& Open Garden
Bowen Island Garden Club welcomes you to theirAnnual General Meeting, heldintandem withanOpen Garden. Taking place at 331 JosephineDrivefrom2 to 4pm.If raining check Garden Club website.
SATURDAYS
Farmers Market
Theannual Farmers Market returns withanewhome at DaviesOrchard. Come seeall yourfavouritefood,arts& craft vendors. From 10am to Noon.
