It was an emotional return to the ballpark on Sunday as the Bowen Island Fastpitch League started a season without league legend Eddie Weismiller. Teams held a moment of silence before each game of the Opening Day tripleheader and league veterans recounted stories of Eddie’s selflessness and devotion towards the league and its members, including Glen McGregor (seen above) prior to the first game between the Shakers and Brewers. Further tributes include a Cruisers flag bearing Eddie’s likeness hanging above home plate, a banner with Weismiller’s #10 in the outfield, and a special Cruisers tribute in their dugout. Check out more from Opening Day on Page 8. / Alex Kurial photo
Muni proposes BC Ferries fee payment
ALEX KURIAL Editor
The municipality is pursuing the implementation of a significant fee bylaw aimed at BC Ferries.
The proposal, which unanimously passed a first reading at council on Monday, would enact an annual charge of $150,000 to BC Ferries payable to the municipality (BIM). The goal of the bylaw is to recapture costs BIM says it incurs each year related to ferry operations, including marshalling, road maintenance, signage and more. Much of this is due to Bowen’s unique ferry lineup which is located on municipal roads running through Snug Cove rather than at a BC Ferries terminal.
Outlining the bylaw to council, chief administrative officer (CAO) Kirn Dhillon explained the fee would be used to offset municipal costs related to the ferry, and would go into a new ferry services reserve fund dedicated to operations and infrastructure. He said the basis for the bylaw includes BIM’s responsibilities under the Community Charter to regulate highways, provide services and impose fees, among others.
It’sour 20thanniversaryand we arecelebrating with 2006 prices andpromotionsthroughoutthe day.
2006prices on publicgreen feesand cartrentals
2006prices on anniversary smashburgers andhotdogs
2006prices on select anniversary beerandwine
Custom May13 anniversary daymerch
BowenGolf is ourown recreational miracle, righthereathome. Opentoall (you don’thave tobea member to play), we offerFREEunlimited golf forjuniors 18 andunder.Top tier coaching, teaching andfun at ourindoorTKPerformance Centre.And thebestfood (and view!)onthe island at TheSHED—includingour legendaryPizza Fridays.
The construction of ouraward-winning 9-hole golf course wouldnot have been possible without the vision and support of ourfounders, CharterMembers andthe community. Thank youfor thegiftthatkeepsongiving!
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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VIEWPOINTS
All’s Well That Ends Well
GRAHAM RITCHIE
Bard on the Rock
Bowen’s Bard on the Rock has just wrapped its 11th annual production. Thanks to everybody who came to see their talented neighbours playing the noble, evil, weak, strong, vivacious or steadfast characters of All’s Well at the Community Centre theatre the last two weekends.
The shows would not have been possible without the steady hands of producer Frazer Elliott and stage manager Keith Davidson, lighting honcho Ian Davidson, and sound
impresario Alex Kurial. Costumes came from the collection of the wondrous Shirley Wrinch, more than ably assisted by Judi Gedye, Wendy Alexander and Liz Nankin
The evocative music was composed, performed and recorded by the ever-creative Neil Hammond. Thanks to Theatre on the Isle for promotion and constant support, the Hearth for insurance and the ever-wonderful Collins Hall for rehearsal space.
There’s so much talent and dedication stuffed into our tiny population. Hooray for Bowen!
- Graham Ritchie
The Bowen Arts Tour ‘Mix & Mingle’ at the Bowen Cider House on April 23 was chock full of artists. The event gave some 130 artists from 19 art hubs a chance to party ahead of the May 23 & 24 arts tour / Marcus Hondro photos
2SLGBTQIA+ Storytelling Workshop and Speak the Spark: Pride Edition
KATHY LIDDLE Contributor
If you’ve ever been to Speak the Spark, you know the vibe. People sharing 10-minute true stories about their lives. A rapt audience, listening with generosity and care. Magical evenings filled with laughter, tears, hugs, and conversation.
Created by the Playful Void – an artist collective comprising Chela Davison, Dominique Lando, and Cat Main – the events create opportunities for the Bowen community to share and connect.
Aspiring storytellers from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community are invited to a special workshop as part of the Pride celebrations, supported by Arts on Bowen and Bowen Island Pride Society. It will be held on Saturday, May 9 from 1 to 5 pm at Evergreen Hall (464 Melmore Rd).
This is an opportunity to have guidance, support, and feedback as you shape a story from your life. You might never want to tell it publicly – or maybe you will! Either way, it will be a chance to get to know yourself, your voice and your story
more deeply. Both adults and teenagers who identify as part of the queer community are welcome, in hopes of creating an intergenerational experience.
The workshop is by donation and will be co-facilitated by Chela Davison and Kathy Liddle. Let us know if you are planning to attend at: https://tinyurl.com/3pfj3tp3
Everyone on Bowen is invited to attend Speak the Spark: Pride Edition on Tuesday, June 9 at 7 pm at the Bowen Public Library Annex, also supported by Arts on Bowen and Bowen Island Pride Society. The theme will be “Out of the Blue” and will feature storytellers from the Bowen 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Admission is by donation and proceeds will be donated to the Two-Spirit Collective of the Urban Native Youth Association as part of Speak the Spark’s commitment to reconciliation.
These will be the last Speak the Spark events until the fall, so please come out to hear the voices of your 2SLGBTQIA+ neighbours and celebrate the end of another exciting year. Whether you are a teller or an audience member, the Playful Void looks forward to welcoming you!
A hesitant love story set in 1950’s Venice
Bowen Island Gymnastics Club welcomed more than 100 athletes from Sea to Sky, Pemberton, Whistler, Squamish & Surrey for a great day of award winning gymnastics last Saturday. Next up the island gymnasts head to the Richmond Olympic Oval this weekend for BC Gymnaestrada. / Lisa Brougham photos
In Summertime, director David Lean (best known for epics like Lawrence of Arabia and Dr Zhivago, here tending gently to a fragile love story) introduces us to Jane Hudson (Katherine Hepburn) who moves through Venice like a careful guest at her own life.
She is a woman who has practiced solitude until it fits her as neatly as her traveling suit, yet beneath that tidy surface, there stirs a small, persistent hope. Jane longs for a romance and passion and a letting go – this is why she has come to of all places, Venice - but these are also the things she fears most. The worst thing that can happen to her is that she gets what she wants.
When she meets Renato (Rossano Brazzi) she does not fall so much as lean toward the warmth of his attention. Jane’s heart behaves like a shy animal at the edge of a clearing; it ventures forward, pauses, and retreats at the slightest sound. And yet, when she allows herself to, however briefly, step into that clearing, there is a quiet radiance about her, as if she has remembered something essential.
Generation Z or X might believe that a story about people almost too broken to love is a recent invention, created from their trepidation about the state of the world. But Lean and writers Arthur Laurents and H. E. Bates plowed that field 70 years ago, and they weren’t the first.
Summertime (1955) screens at the Community Centre on May 1 at 6:30 pm sharp. Presented by the BI Film Society in partnership with the Municipality and BI Community Recreation. Tickets available on the Bowen Rec website.
MICHAEL NANKIN
Bowen Island Film Society
Testing time for Bowen Fire Rescue
MARCUS HONDRO
Contributor
Bowen Island Fire Rescue will be conducting tests on Tuesday, May 12 at Fire Hall 2 on Adams Road. Fire Chief Aaron Hanen told the Undercurrent that during tests they will be shuttling water from Forester Road and that both lights and sirens may be in use.
The tests are to achieve the Accredited Superior Tanker Shuttle Service In an email, Hanen said the certification “… evaluates a fire department’s ability to deliver a sustained water flow of at least 200 imperial gallons per minute within five minutes of arrival and maintain that flow for two hours.”
He said they conduct the test by shuttling water from a remote source, in this case from Grafton Lake off Forester Road, in order “to simulate fighting fire in an area without fire hydrants.”
Bowen Fire Rescue has been looking to achieve this certification for some years and new equipment is helping them to do so That equipment includes a transfer device to move water between tanks, a 1,000-gallon collapsible water tank and an Engine 32 water pumper
Hanen stressed that they were already capable of fighting fires in areas without fire hydrant coverage but the equipment added, along with associated training, “substantially improves” their “efficiency, water handling, and sustained flow capability in those environments.”
There may be other benefits to certification.
“Achieving this certification can allow insurers to recognize areas beyond typical hydrant coverage (generally 300 metres) as having a comparable level of fire protection,” Hanen said. “Which may help reduce insurance
costs for residents on the island who do not currently have hydrants.”
The May 12 tests will take place between 6 and 8 pm.
In related news, the fire department was busy training volunteers at Grafton Lake on Sunday, April 26. On that day many volunteer firefighters were engaged in pump operator training. Hanen said that there are 30 firefighting volunteers, that number has remained stable over several years, and that most volunteers take the pump operator training.
The fire chief also pointed out that general open burning season is now closed. Campfires continue to be permitted but island residents must follow applicable fire bans and “pay close attention to current fire danger ratings.”
Finally, Fire Hall 2 continues to provide a bin for the free disposal of Wildfire Hazard Vegetation. The service is for wildfire vegetation only and there are a number of limits (e.g no plastics, no commercial products) and those limits are listed on the municipal website.
Bowen firefighters (L-R) Steve Edwards, Mike Laudrum, Jessie Perry, Scott Begg & Eric Michener were busy with pump operator training at Grafton Lake this week. / Marcus Hondro photo
Muni bylaw would seek to recover ferry costs
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
“We are doing something, dare I say, innovative,” said Dhillon of the proposed bylaw, which appears to be the firstof-its-kind in the province.
If eventually adopted, it remains to be seen how or if the bylaw could be enforced should BC Ferries not agree to pay the fee. When asked by Coun. John Saunders what recourse measures BIM would have if this was the case, Dhillon said those would be discussed in a closed meeting with legal counsel.
But for now, there was a noticeable enthusiasm around the table by starting the new project. “I could not be more thrilled to see this bylaw coming to the table,” said mayor Andrew Leonard. “It’s the result of a lot of work, discussion, and figuring out what our options are as a result of having felt powerless against the congestion and traffic issues of the last few years, and even public safety issues that have occurred as a result of BC Ferries operations and a lack of resources on the municipality’s end to work through those issues.”
Leonard said a move of this nature is far from sudden, and stems from a lengthy history of conversations and pleas for assistance with BC Ferries which he says have gone unanswered. The mayor especially pointed to the transportation company declining to renew the $50,000 provided last year for ferry marshalling, a cost now borne by BIM.
“The most concerning fact for me after meeting with BC Ferries senior leadership at the start of April was even the
walking back of existing funding that we’ve received,” said Leonard on this point.
“To not have any dedicated infrastructure on this side, or any plan to build it out or help the municipality out in dealing with the traffic congestion and ferry marshalling, or having dedicated staff here on island, is in my mind absolutely unacceptable for the taxpayers of Bowen to be wholly funding,” added the mayor.
“As a result BC Ferries does need to contribute to that pot of money, and I believe this bylaw is the first step in getting us there so that our residents can use Snug Cove in the summer, and that visitors who come to the island feel comfortable in finding their way on and off the ferry.”
In a related item earlier in the meeting, council also unanimously endorsed a phased approach regarding work to help relieve some of the current ferry issues
The plan ranges from pursuing short-term goals such as addressing signage, marshalling and data collection, to long-term projects including dedicated lineup lanes or ticketing options.
Many of the short-term options are already being planned or underway, such as lane marking and the municipal ferry camera. Phase 2 of the approach is scheduled for later this year and focuses on policy options such as carpooling and BC Ferries fare and boarding policies Phase 3 topics such as a separate lineup area, nuisance bylaws and traffic regulations will likely begin more detailed exploration next summer.
FASTPITCH
Eddie Weismiller’s baseball collection was displayed prominently in the Cruisers dugout during their Opening Day game against the Firemen on Sunday afternoon. Visitors to the ballpark over the last several decades are likely to remember seeing Eddie sporting his gear, including his trademark jacket and chain, as a player and later coach during his lengthy career with the Cruisers, along with being an instrumental member of the league overall The Cruisers proceeded to swing away on Sunday, leaving no doubt to the result with an 18-8 win.
The Brewers have some new faces on their team this year as they chase the title, though they’ll be familiar to followers of the league. Mike Vertlieb (left, above), long-time Shakers member, is wearing Brewers white this year. In the very first game of the season, against the Shakers no less, he went 2/3 with 2 runs batted in (RBI) & a run, including a clutch single in the 3rd inning which scored a pair. Derek Sinke (#3) is back in the league too, returning with a bang by smashing a solo home run in the 4th. Going 2/3 overall, with 2 runs and 2 RBI, both Brewers newcomers were key to the team scoring a 9-6 victory. And let’s not forget the Diggers, who are the only team at 2-0 (as of press time) following a 7-4 Opening Day win over the Twins and adding a 12-5 victory over the Shakers on Tuesday night. In the midweek game, Dan Guillon (left, #17) was dealing on the mound registering 7 strikeouts for the win. Dan Cowper (#10) had some timely at bats, going 2/4 with 4 RBI including a triple in the 7th which brought home two and put the game firmly out of reach.
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Heritage Committeeunveils Places That Matter project
QUEST TO DOCUMENT ISLAND HERITAGESITES
PETER VAISBORD Heritage Committee
What makesaplace matter? Is it the view, the building, the people who lived there, or the stories that still linger?
Anewly formedHeritage Committeeofthe BowenIsland Museum &Archives (BIM&A) is settingout to explorethose questionsthrough Places That Matter,the first comprehensive,island-wide inventoryof heritage sites.
TheCommittee, reconstituted from the former Municipal Heritage Commission, along with annual municipalfunding, reportstothe BIM&ABoard and will carryforward the 2021 Heritage Strategic Plan with afocus on public education, mappingand
communityengagement.
Theworkwill unfoldneighbourhood by neighbourhood over the coming years, as Committee members connect with residents who canshare the history of the places we know, and help us with the tucked-awayplaces we don’t knowabout
Fromwell-known landmarks to quieter,lessvisible sites, the aim is to build afullerand moregrounded picture of BowenIsland’s rich past.
Youmay starttosee Committee members outwalking,mapping, asking questions,and listening. Feel free to sayhi! If you have astory,a photograph,oraplace you think matters, theywould liketohear fromyou.
Don’t hesitate to contactthe Museum &Archives at bihistorians@ telus.net
NERP
Tipof the Month -Having an Evacuation Plan
As fireseason approaches,reviewthe Evacuation Guidewith your familymembers. Make sureeveryone knowswhattodointhe eventofanevacuation.The plan contains importantsteps to take before, during,and afterapotential evacuation.Available on the Municipal websitebyfollowing the tabs: Services >Emergency Program>Evacuation
Offeredfor thefirst time in 65 years, this rare Union Steamships cottage is atruepiece of BowenIsland history.
Thoughtfully restored,thislegacyproperty features acharming2-bedroom main cottageplusa detached 2-bedroom coachhouse with bath &garage. Enjoy expansiveocean views, privacy, and easy access to Snug Cove,shops,restaurants, ferry,and Crippen Park
Dasher visited us thisweek for his neuterand did such a great job! He wascalm, sweet, and handled his procedure like apro.While he was here, Dasher made quitethe impression—he made his rounds snuggling allthe girls in theoffice and soaking up as much attention as possible. Hisenergetic personality and adorableface definitely made him astaff favoritefor the day. We’resoproud of you, Dasher!Wishingyou a smooth recoveryand lotsmore cuddles at home.
Mon-Fri 9-5 ClosedSat &Sun
MARKETPLACE Your Community MARKETPLACE Your Community
QUEEN OF CAPILANO FERRY
APRIL- MARCH31, 2027
5:15 am6:15 am 7:30 am 8:45 am 10:00am 11:15 am 12:35 pm 1:55
BOWENISLAND except Sundays
DEPART HORSESHOEBAY 5:45 am 6:50 am 8:05 am
Where’sthe ferry rightnow?- live updatesatwww.bowenferry.ca Schedulechanges on statutoryholidays. Stay up to date at www.bcferries.com
Call or email to place your ad, Monday throughFriday 8:30am to 4:30pm 236-889-6595 ahogan@lodestarmedia.ca
www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.) office@cateshillchapel.com DEPART
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Thursday, April 30
Country Line Dancing with Bowen Rec
Grab your boots & hats for a night of line dancing! No experience or partner needed. Western flair encouraged! Community Centre at 6 pm, register on Bowen Rec website.
Friday, May 1
Film Society Screening
Bowen Island Film Society presents Summertime (1955) at the Community Centre. 6:30 pm start, full details Page 6. Saturday, May 2
Men’s Shed Meetup
Bowen Men’s Shed gathering at Island Pacific School (behind the school) from 10:30 am to Noon. All ages of men welcome Complimentary coffee/tea and great company!
Saturday, May 2
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, May 2
Sandy Beach Buoy Celebration
A Neighbourhood Small Grant has secured a new buoy for Sandy Beach. Come celebrate with games, guests, ribbon-cutting & see the buoy in action. From 2 to 4 pm.
Saturday, May 2
Judi Gedye Open House
Come talk about local issues with BIM Councillor Judith Gedye. Everyone welcome, from 3 to 4 pm at Collins Hall.
Sunday, May 3
Library Book Sale
Friends of the Library Society is holding their Spring sale!
Come by the Library Annex from Noon to 4 pm to shop fiction, children’s books & more. All funds support the Library.
Sunday, May 3
Garden Club Open Garden
Explore the beautiful garden of 835 Hummingbird Lane. From 3 to 5 pm, members free, non-members $5.
Monday, May 4
Seniors Keeping Young Talk
SKY seminar explores age-friendly natural environments on Bowen. 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Community Centre. More info available at skyonbowen.ca
Monday, May 4
Happy Mondays!
Meditations & Buddhist teachings on “Inspiring Solutions for Difficulties”. $12 per class. Everyone is welcome.” Bowen Island Community Centre from 7 to 8 pm.
Friday, May 8
Circuit Lab Teen Night with Bowen Rec
Teens will explore the basics of LED lights and simple circuits and build a project to take home Grades 7+, includes pizza. From 6 to 8:30 pm, sign up on Bowen Rec website.
Saturday, May 9
Garden Club Plant Sale
Come stock up on your favourite plants from the Garden Club Legion from 10 am to Noon, cash/e-transfer/cheque
Saturday, May 9
Emergency Preparedness Week Event
Presentations from local groups including NERP and ESS. From 10 am to 3 pm at the Fire Hall on Miller Road.
Saturday, May 9
Speak the Spark Storytelling Workshop
The Playful Void is hosting a by-donation 2SLGBTQIA+ storytelling workshop from 1 to 5 pm at Evergreen Hall. Learn the craft of telling a story from your own life with us –what you do with your story is up to you! More info on Page 6. Please RSVP at: https://tinyurl.com/3pfj3tp3
Saturday, May 9
Bowen Island Community Choir Concert
Spring concerts at Cates Hill Chapel, two performances at 2 & 7:30 pm Tickets at Cates Pharmacy (cash only) or at the door. $25 adults, $20 youth (12-18), under 12 free.
Saturday, May 9
Logger Sports Show Fundraiser
Everyone welcome to come support the annual Bowen Island Logger Sports Show From 4 to 10 pm at the Bowen Cider House, with live music from Jeep
Saturday, May 9
Island Pacific School Bursary Fund BBQ & Concert
Straightup Sevenhills with Special Guest: School of Rock Community Centre from 5:30 to 9 pm. Tickets online or at the door, $30 w/ kids under 12 by donation.
Sunday, May 10
Mother’s Day Dinner at Bowen Cider House
Join us at 5 pm for a special Cordon Bleu dinner accompanied by a performance by Bowen’s very own talented Quartet! Call to reserve a table.
Wednesday, May 13
Concerned Citizens Bowen Public Meeting
Special guest Tracey Saxby from My Sea to Sky and the group will discuss flaring, tunnelling, wastewater, Woodfibre LNG, tanker traffic and more. Bring your questions. Starts at 7 pm Info online ccbowen.ca/triple
