SEA TO SKY THREE-PEAT
Newly re-elected West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky
Country MP Patrick Weiler, claiming nearly 60% of riding votes, makes a victory speech to supporters at his West Vancouver campaign headquarters on election night. / David Buzzard photo, davidbuzzard.com
LIZ MCDONALD
Whistler Pique
Incumbent Liberal MP Patrick Weiler held his seat in West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country riding on election day, April 28, sticking to polling predictions from 338 Canada and making history as the first Liberal to be elected back-to-back-to-back in the riding.
While the results initially flipped back and forth between blue and red, as time went on, Weiler pulled ahead of his main competitor, the Conservative Party’s Keith Roy, and all other names on the ballot
Pique reached him by phone at his campaign headquarters in West Vancouver shortly after the results came in.
“I’m over the moon about the results,” Weiler said. “The trust and faith people in this riding have put in me is humbling and I couldn’t be more excited to serve the riding.”
Weiler is the first-ever Liberal re-elected in the riding, and the first to be elected three times in a row.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
AllCouncilmeetingsareopen tothepublictoattendin personorelectronically,unless notedotherwise.
May 12, 2025 1:00 pm
May 20,
Dropinforthepresentationsyouwanttoattend.Everyonewelcome!
Sunday,May4,2025
Doorsopenat10:00am FireHall#1onMillerRoad
10:30am–FireSmart&WildfirePreparednessChecklist
11:00am– Evacuations–whatyouneedtoknow
11:30am –EmergencykitvsGrab&Go
12:00pm –Generators
1:00pm–FireSmart&WildfirePreparednessChecklist
1:30pm–Evacuations–whatyouneedtoknow
2:00pm–4:00pm: FreeCPRandAEDWorkshopbyAmanda Ockeloen(pleaseemailTessTayloratttaylor@bimbc.cafor registration).
Stage1WaterConservationGuidelinescommenceonMay1,2025.
BowenIslandMunicipality’sWaterConservationGuidelinesarebased ontheMetroVancouverDrinkingWaterConservationplaninorderto encouragewaterconservationandpromoteawareness.
Lawnwateringisallowedonemorningperweek.Flowerandvegetable gardenscanbewateredwithsprinklersfrom5a.m.to9a.m.,or anytimeusinghandwatering,soakerhoses,ordripirrigation.Carand boatwashingisrestrictedtousingaspring-loadedshut-offnozzle. Surfaceandpowerwashingareallowed,whilefillingpools,hottubs, fountains,orpondsislimitedtotoppinguponly.
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/water-conservation/
WanttospendyoursummerbeingpaidtobeoutdoorsonBowen’s beautifulbeachesandtrails?
We’rehiringSummerRoads&ParksCrewAssistants!
Thistemporary,summerpositionsupportstheRoadsandParksCrew inthemaintenance,repairandoperationofthemunicipalpark,beach andtrailsystem.Thispositionwillalsoassistinminorconstructionand labouringtasksassociatedwiththemaintenanceofdocks,municipal buildings,parksinfrastructure,roadsanddrainageworks
bowenislandmunicipality.ca/2025/04/29/were-hiring-summer-roadsparks-crew-assistants/
InvasiveSpeciesActionVolunteerEvent
ScotchBroomistakingoverthe playground,letsworktogethertotakeit back!
Saturday,May10,2025from10am-3pm WestsidePlayground(JoanAudreyLane)
Toolsandlightrefreshmentswillbe providedbutfeelfreetobringyour favoriteloppersorahandsaw.Please bringyourwaterbottle,sturdyshoes, energy,andenthusiasm!
It’s almostproperty tax time! Has your addresschanged in thepast 12 months?
2025TaxNoticeswillbesentoutverysoon.Itiseachhomeowner’s responsibilitytoensurethatwehavethecorrectmailingaddresson filetoavoidanydelaysorpenalties
Werequirenotificationofachangeofaddressinwriting.Followthese instructionstochangeyourmailingaddressforyourpropertytaxand utilityaccount:
1.Completethechangeofmailingaddressform.
2.SubmityourformattheCommunityCentreinperson,bymail,orby e-mailtofinance@bimbc.ca.
3.Wewillchangeyouraddressinoursystem,andalsoforwarditto BCAssessment.
Thechangeofmailingaddressformcanbefoundhere: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/update-your-address/
TheOCPisapolicydocumentrequiredbytheProvincethatactsasourroadmap forthefutureofBowen.ThePlanguidestheMunicipalitytobuildadiverseand resilientcommunity,supportstronginfrastructureandassetmanagement,and responsiblyprotectourlocalecosystems.Theupdatewillhelpmakesureour OCPreflectscurrenthousingneedsandthecommunity’sgoalsforresponsible economicdevelopmentandsustainablegrowth,andmeetProvincialhousing requirements
Learnmoreabouttheprojectandupcomingengagementopportunitiesonour projectengagementhuborstaytunedforprojectupdatesonoursocialmedia channels@bowenislandmunicipality!
ProjectStoryhub Site (Engagementhub)
maps.mcelhanney.com/Vertisee/BowenIslandOCP/index.html
Haveyou ever heard of aJane’s Walk?
AJane’sWalk-namedafterurbanistandactivistJaneJacobs-isafree,slow movementeventledbycommunitymemberstoexploreneighbourhoodsthrough theeyesofresidentswhosharestories,discussurbanplanning,andengagein dialogueabouthowourcommunitycanbemorelivable,inclusive,andconnected.
JoinBowenIslandStaffandvolunteersforafreeJane’sWalkaroundSnugCove Wewelcomeallmodesofmobilityasweheartheuniquestoriesandexperiences ofcommunitymembers.Thiseventisaninsightfulopportunitytogatherinput directlyfromcommunitymembersfortheOCPupdate
Allwelcometothisfreeevent!
Thursday,May22,2025 6:00pm-7:00pm
BowenIslandMunicipalityisupdatingourOfficialCommunityPlan(OCP)-a roadmapforhowtheMunicipalitywillgrow,live,andplanforourcommunityover thelong-term.ThisOCPupdateisanimportantsteptowardbuildingaresilient, inclusive,andthrivingcommunityforgenerationstocome.Publicengagementis centraltomakingthatvisionareality.
Accessibilityshouldneverbeabarriertoshapingthefutureofyourcommunity BowenIslandMunicipalityiscommittedtoensuringeveryBowenIslandercan participateintheOfficialCommunityPlanprocess.Ifyourequireassistance completingasurveyorotherwisegivingyourfeedbackduringtheOfficial CommunityPlanengagementprocess,pleasecallAccessBowenIslandat604947-9021,extension123,orwritetoAlexJurgensen,BowenIslandMunicipality’ AccessibilityAdvisoryCommitteeChairbyemailatajurgensen@bimbc.caorby textat778-512-4721.
YourinputwillhelpBowenStaffinformanupdatedOCPVisionStatement,guiding principles,andpolicydirectionsthatreflectchangingcommunityneedsandhelp shapethefuturewewantforBowen.Asecondroundofengagementwilltake placelaterin2025thatwilldiveintoamoredetailedpolicydiscussion.
JoinusonSaturday,May10,2025,from:
10:00am-12:00pm
BowenIslandFarmer’sMarket 1041MountGardnerTrunkRoad BowenIsland,BC,V0N1G1
2:00pm-6:00pm
BowenIslandPublicLibrary 430BowenIslandTrunkRoad BowenIsland,BC,V0N1G0
We were all shockedand saddenedto seethe terrible events whichtookplace inVancouver on Saturdaynight at the Lapu Lapu Festival. It is hard to make senseofsuchatragedy and there is goingtobea longroadofquestions and answers and investigationstocome.In the meantime it’s importantfor anyone affectedbythe eventtoseekout help if they need it.Thereare some resources at theend of the relatedstory laterinthis paper, and(courtesy of alistcompliedbythe BowenPublic Library) youcan alsofind Community Support attr.ee/VanFilEmergencyoron-island grief supportatthe BowenHealthCentrebyvisiting bowenhealthcentre.com/resources
Please don’t hesitate to reachout to these or otherresources if you need to,and pleasekeep all of the victims and their families and friends inyourthoughts
-AlexKurial, Editor
Followingthe Constitution and Society rules, we hereby givenotice of the disbandmentofthe Community School Association (theCSA).
We will hold afinal Annual GeneralMeeting (dateto-be-announced) to formally bring to a closethe association that for 50 years provided service to the Community schooland to the Bowencommunity.
If anyone in the community has outstanding invoices, please inform the board by May 15.
Thank you,
-Deb Blenkhorn, Kalindi Soni, Pernille Neilsen, SarahWinny &Helen Wallwork
THE WRITESTUFF. TheUndercurrent encourages reader participation in your communitynewspaper.You must include your full name and adaytime phone number (for verification only). The editor reservesthe righttoeditfor clarity, legality, brevityand taste. Please limit to under 500 words. HERE’S HOW:Tosubmit alettertothe editor,fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to PO Box 130, BowenIsland,BC, V0N 1G0 or emaileditor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
#102–495 BowenTrunk Road, PO Box130, BowenIslandBC,V0N 1G0
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TheUndercurrent is amember of theNational NewsMedia Council of Canada, which is an independentorganization established todeal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour.Ifyou have concerns about editorial content, please email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com or call604-947-2442. If youare not satisfied with the response and wishtofile a formal complaint, visit the websiteatmediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 foradditional information.
DEB BLENKHORN Contributor
“Did you hear the one about…?” words that would ring out across a waiting room full of foot passengers in Horseshoe Bay. You knew it was Jason.
Who else had a joke at the ready? And not just any joke, but a real groaner. Why did the nurse want the red crayon? To draw blood, his recent, oft repeated go-to, Shelley tells me.
Jason was a wonderful and unique mix of a humble, unassuming guy and a tall, handsome charmer who often had young and old in stitches with his self-proclaimed “dad jokes.” It’s no exaggeration to say that
everyone loved Jason, even as they groaned in response to his latest quip.
Those of us who never saw him teaching in his pre-teen classroom can well imagine what a great rapport he must have had with students.
It must have been a particularly rich and resonant time for Jay as his daughter Susan grew to the age of his students and beyond. His connection with young people was treasured by all those in Susan’s friend group, and he was the always-there dad; the reliable driver, the funny entertainer that they all looked up to from day to day, month to month, year to year
The loss of Jason to his family is unimaginable, and no doubt he leaves a powerful legacy as an educator, but,
believe me, Bowen kids who knew and loved him are feeling a loss as well. Jason was one of the great fraternity of dads who would do anything to help if you needed him, and all the kids - and all the parents - knew it.
Both Jason and Shelley, Bluewater residents, were honoured guests at our Deep Bay Halloween parties, where they would happily sit on my front porch and hand out candy so they could congratulate the local urchins on their costumes. Sadly, by the time last Halloween came, Jason had received his cancer diagnosis and was already heroically fighting so much pain that he was unable to attend.
Jason and Shelley were also set to become
a formidable team on the euchre circuit, and he’ll be sorely missed in our neighbourhood games group as well.
Sitting on the Mortons’ back deck now, as April draws to a close, we share laughter and tears as we remember all the times we shared with this amazing human being who touched so many lives. Sunny days camping and hiking on Hornby Island, weekends spent cheering on soccer: may those days sustain us through the years to come.
Hey…
Did you hear the one about the dad of all dad jokes? His name was Jason Morton, and he will live and laugh in our hearts forever. Jason, it was an honour and a pleasure to know you.
Aremarkable person, an inclusive and influential educator,an outstanding father,and a beloved husband, Jason Andrewdied suddenly in the midst of his battle with cancer on Monday, April 14, 2025. Our deepest gratitude goes out to his team of doctorsatthe BC Cancer Agency.Heleaves behind his wife Shelley, daughter Susan, and an enormously supportive extended family,all of whom he is sure to visit often. He grewinto the man he waswith his mother Louise, father Bill (d.), sister Susan (d.) and brother Bill at his side.
Aservice in memoryofJason will takeplace on Saturday, June 21 at 2:00 at Boal Chapel and Memorial Gardens in North Vancouver.
Donations in Jay’smemorycan be made to the BC Cancer Foundation: donate.bccancerfoundation.com/goto/JAM
Dear friends and neighbours,
If you’ve ever chatted with a friend in the ferry lineup, swapped garden seedlings at the Commons, or stepped onto a moss-soft trail and felt time slow down, you know Bowen Island is more than a pin on the map - it’s a shared way of life
Over the past decade that life has been changing fast: more young families, a tighter rental market, busier trails, heavier ferry loads, bigger climate worries With so much shifting under our feet, it’s time to pause, look one another in the eye, and ask: Where do we want Bowen to go next, and what do we want to keep just the way it is?
That big-picture conversation is exactly what an Official Community Plan (OCP) is for Think of the OCP as our collective compass that captures the island’s values, identifies its challenges, and sets the course Council will use when it decides on zoning, housing, transportation, parks, climate action, and more.
The current plan dates back to 2011; since then we’ve built and grown, watching our population climb by nearly 25 per cent. We’ve witnessed major change in the regional and global contexts that we’re nestled in. An update isn’t just advisable, it’s critical if we’re going to chart a path that
reflects who we are now and who we hope to become for the next generation. How we’ll do this together
Council struck a volunteer OCP Steering Committee last year and asked it to design a process that is transparent, welcoming, and rooted in Bowen’s collaborative spirit. With the committee’s guidance, and support from planning firm McElhanney, we’re about to begin Round One of community engagement, running May 8 to June 8. Here’s what’s coming:
• Kick-off survey (online or paper): 10 minutes, big impact.
• Pop-up booths: look for us at the ferry terminal, Snug Cove weekends, the Saturday market, Artisan Square, and local events
• Community Centre drop-in table: weekdays 9 am to 4 pm; maps, posters, and staff on hand to answer any questions
• Online Mapping: Show us on a map the places that matter to you on Bowen.
Everything (reports, meeting videos, schedules, surveys) is posted at bowenislandmunicipality.ca/ocp-update
When Rounds Two and Three arrive (late 2025 and early 2026) you’ll see draft policies, then a full draft plan, before Council considers adoption.
We arecurrently searching forastaffperson to join our team at the Hearth Gallerytoassist in administration,art sales,marketing and general operations.Agreat position to add to your resume!
Fulltime position: includes weekends and some evenings. June 2nd to MidAugust.
Application deadline: May12th at 4pm
Please forwardcovering letter and resumebyemail to hello@thehearthartsonbowen.ca
Canada Summer Jobs program:
Must be between 15 and 30 years of age,isaCanadian Citizen, permanentresidentorperson on whom refugee protectionhas been confirmed.The Hearth supports the EmploymentEquityAct.
An OCP only works if it hears the full chorus: lifelong Islanders and newcomers, renters and owners, artists and entrepreneurs, commuters and stay-at-home parents, Elders and youth Maybe you’re worried about housing your adult kids, or protecting our greenspaces, or keeping our rural character while supporting local business. Whatever you care about, this is the moment to put it on the map, literally, in some of our pop-up exercises!
We invite you to participate
Bowen’s magic has always come from the way we tackle challenges face-to-face, with candour, kindness, and enthusiastic passion. Let’s bring that same spirit to the OCP update Mark May 8 on your calendar, take the survey, stop by a booth, and invite a neighbour to do the same.
Together we can honour what makes Bowen special, discern the identity we want to carry forward, and draft a plan that lets future generations feel as lucky as we do to call this island home
With gratitude and anticipation,
- Andrew Leonard Mayor, Bowen Island Municipality - James Crandles & David McCullum Co-Chairs, OCP Steering Committee
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
“The vibe was incredible, it was packed. Everybody is really happy with results in the riding and across the country. It was a touching moment to see family and friends here, and those who’ve become my friends and family,” Weiler said when asked how the evening went at his campaign headquarters.
Nationally, Weiler’s Liberals are projected to form a minority government, with Prime Minister Mark Carney at the helm, elected in 169 ridings to the Conservative Party’s 144, the Bloc Quebecois’s 22, the NDP’s seven and the Green Party’s one
The national results were unexpected six months ago, a fact not lost on Weiler
“Six months ago everything looked very different but I never lost faith in our party,” he said. “I knew we were the party with the best chances to deal with what we are in now Mark Carney is the best leader and we have a plan. I knew this wasn’t going to be easy This riding is diverse, it’s huge, but we put together an incredible group of people and you can see the results.”
His first steps for his third term are to focus on the issues that matter to voters here.
No 1 is making sure to focus on issues important to people in our riding, ensuring we get “more housing, affordable housing in our riding, build a really strong economy so people don’t get let behind and make sure we have the strongest defence for whats coming south of the border, whether that’s provincial trade barriers or diversifying economy, that’s critical,” Weiler said. “I look forward to working with Mark Carney and our team to make that happen.”
And while not every ballot cast had his name checked, Weiler also took a moment to say he hears the issues that matter to all residents of West Vancouver-Sunshine CoastSea to Sky Country.
“Whether people voted for me or didn’t, I’ll be their member of Parliament and be their voice I take to heart the issues other parties ran on and I will do everything in my power to represent them,” he said.
“This is an incredible, humbling experience I couldn’t be more excited by it.”
The final count showed Weiler defeating Roy 38,361 to 21,124. The Green Party’s Lauren Greenlaw was third with 2,205 votes, followed by the NDP’s Jäger Rosenberg with 2,077, the PPC’s Peyman Askari with 308, and the Rhino Party’s Gordon Jeffrey with 100.
“I would like to congratulate Patrick Weiler on his victory and I would like to thank the over 20,000 people who put their trust in me and the Conservative Party,” Roy wrote over text
On the environment, Indigenous rights and electoral reform
Greenlaw congratulated Weiler but felt the election could have gone another way.
“I hope he knows that he won this off of the backs of the Greens, because the number of people who told me that they have a green heart or that they bleed green, but they’re voting liberal because he’s green Liberal, which is not a thing. With those votes, I would have won this election.”
“And this election was run on just the temperature of fear. It was a strong fear about tariffs, fear about the conservatives, and also hate, a lot of hate towards people and that was a really difficult thing to experience,” she said, shortly after the win was called for Weiler.
She added the short election campaign “completely benefits the large parties and the incumbents.”
She also pointed out that the environment and Indigenous rights did not have a focus in the campaign.
“Last night, as I was driving home from the Earth Day Festival in Roberts Creek, which was so beautiful and amazing, I saw my first ever forest fire in our foothills. And that was the last day of this campaign, a campaign where nobody cared about climate change,” Greenlaw said.
She also said it became more clear to her during the campaign how much Canada needs electoral reform.
“This election, like I said, was driven by fear and by hate,” Greenlaw said. “You either fear the Conservatives, which I think is fair, or you hate the Liberals because they’ve lied, which I think is fair, and if we had electoral reform, we would potentially be able to feed these young parties and feed these small parties so that they have voices.”
She pointed out that Weiler said in the Squamish debate that he would advocate for electoral reform, so that is her expectation.
Green Party co-leader Elizabeth May was declared winner of her riding, Saanich–Gulf Islands, with 39.1 per cent of the vote, defeating David Beckham of the Liberals with 31,152 votes to 25,353.
Greenlaw was relieved to see the win.
“I was reading the polls this morning, and it’s very vague how these polls are put together But I was really worried that we wouldn’t even have one seat... because it was looking like we were all going to lose,” she said.
“It did not look good for Elizabeth May. So I’m very thankful [she kept her seat] because in this election, it’s been completely dictated by people voting Conservative because they hate the liberals, and people voting Liberal because they’re scared of Conservatives and the Greens are in there offering an alternative voice.”
Green Party co-leader Jonathan Pedneault was, however, declared defeated in the Montreal riding of Outremont. Liberal cabinet minister Rachel Bendayan won that seat for the fourth time.
- Indigo Lemay-Conway
NDP loses official party status
As NDP leader Jagmeet Singh lost his seat in Burnaby Central, coming in third in his riding with 18.2 per cent of the vote and conceding not only the election but stepping down as party leader Monday night, Gibsons-raised Rosenberg says he was standing behind him
“Our party’s continuing on. We’re really good at rebuilding and I think, sometimes you need to get punched a little bit to figure out your stuff,” said Rosenberg, talking from NDP headquarters in Burnaby. “And I think we’re going to rebuild and build back stronger.”
The first-time federal candidate finished in fourth place in West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country, with 3.2 per cent of the vote Rosenberg called the result “definitely disappointing.”
“It wasn’t the result we were hoping for But I mean, given the situation of the race, I’m still quite happy with the campaign I ran.
“I’m 18 years old. I know a lot of people kind of get caught up on that, but when I had the opportunity to connect with voters directly, I think there was a real like of what I was having to say. It’s just with such a short campaign, we didn’t really have time to connect with most voters, so they ended up voting for a Prime Minister instead of a local candidate.”
www.tippys.ca
ALEX KURIAL Editor
Mayor Andrew Leonard began Monday’s council meeting by acknowledging the tragedy at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver over the weekend.
“Before we get into our meeting today I’d like to extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those affected by the shocking tragic act at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival on Saturday, hosted by the FilipinoCanadian community in Vancouver.”
Eleven people, aged five to 65, were killed Saturday, and more than two dozen others were injured when a man drove a black Audi SUV into a crowd of people celebrating Filipino culture and heritage at the Lapu Lapu Day festival, near Fraser Street on East 43rd Avenue in south Vancouver.
“Lapu Lapu Day honours the memory of an inspirational Indigenous hero who stood against Spanish colonization. The day is a powerful reminder of resilience, courage and the enduring spirit,” said Leonard.
Lapu Lapu Day is named after a 16th century Indigenous leader in Mactan,
Philippines. This year’s festival was the second annual Lapu Lapu Day block party.
“We are saddened that this vibrant celebration of culture and heritage was marred by such senseless violence, and our thoughts are with the Filipino-Canadian community at this time,” concluded Leonard.
Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, of Vancouver, has been arrested and charged with eight counts of second-degree murder. Police have previously noted that the suspect has had previous interactions with police and medical professionals related to mental health. Police anticipate additional charges will be laid in the coming days or weeks.
“This is the darkest day in our city,” said Vancouver Police Department interim chief Steve Rai. “It is impossible to overstate how many lives have been impacted forever by this lone individual.”
Family members and friends have shared the identity of the 11 people killed and created fundraisers for them. Resources are available through the VPD Victim Services Unit: 604-717-2737 and VictimLinkBC: call or text 1-800-563-0808, or email 211-victimlinkbc@uwbc.ca
- with files from Alanna Kelly
ALEX KURIAL Editor
Mayors of two coastal communities are hoping a letter to BC Ferries will spark some positive change regarding local ferry service.
Bowen Island mayor Andrew Leonard and Gibsons mayor Silas White from the Sunshine Coast sent the letter to B.C. premier David Eby last Friday. In it they outline both historical and recent challenges with the routes to Bowen Island and Langdale which originate at the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal. The letter also laments what they describe as a lack of accountability, communication, and engagement with BC Ferries (BCF), and concludes with a list of action items they wish to see take place over the next few weeks.
“We cannot go through another season like this, with boats that are decades old and breaking down and running into and destroying our docks in Snug Cove,” said Leonard during Bowen’s council on Monday. “It’s utterly unacceptable and something needs to change.”
Bowen’s ferry challenges, particularly in recent years and especially during summer months, are well documented and often experienced by both residents and visitors
Operational issues include frequent overloads, a lack of ferry marshalling in Snug Cove, wide variances between the ferry schedule and actual sailing times, and even occasional sailing cancellations when crew cannot be sourced for the Bowen runs. In February this year the Queen of Capilano crashed into boats at the Bowen Island Marina, heavily damaging the vessels along with the dock itself
Issues on both routes were once again highlighted during the Easter long weekend this month after the Queen of Coquitlam servicing the Sunshine Coast broke down. The ferry had to be assisted back to Horseshoe Bay by tugboats, and the resulting backlog disrupted Bowen sailings and caused long vehicle lineups at the terminal.
“Given what felt like a disastrous first long weekend of the season, it feels very ominous for what’s to come,” said Leonard.
The mayors did not limit their criticism to the operations side of things either, reserving space for the engagement and governance side of BC Ferries too.
“The conversations that I had with mayor White were initially somewhat positively optimistic about this new engagement regime that BC Ferries was putting forward,” the mayor explained to council. “However that seems to have dried up.”
BC Ferries made the decision to disband their Ferry Advisory Committees late last year. Earlier this month council resolved to send a separate letter to BCF expressing their “disappointment” that there was no engagement on the new ferry schedule for the island set to be implemented on May 15 and lasting until March 2026.
Council also awaits an answer to another ask of BCF. “This also comes on the heels of this council requesting $150,000 in annual funding to deal with ferry marshalling and infrastructure upgrades in Snug Cove,” said Leonard.
“We said if you (BCF) don’t want to take responsibility for your marshalling and investing responsibilities here in Snug Cove - fine. We’ll do it. But we can’t do it on the back of property taxes in a community of 4,200. To date we haven’t had a response.”
In addition, the letter called into question the governance structure of BC Ferries – comprised of the province, BCF Commissioner, BCF Authority, and BCF Board and Management.
“Each organization can and often does point to another for the reason that something cannot be done. Meanwhile, our residents face real-world consequences: lost wages, foregone medical care, cancelled recreation, and escalating costs of doing
business,” read the letter.
“Our council brought this up with the Minister of Transportation saying the ministry is claiming BCF is a private entity, BCF Authority and the Ferries Commissioner say they don’t have operational control, and the BCF Board and Management say they don’t have the money to do anything… as a result there’s this circular unaccountability from all of the governance structures,” added Leonard on Monday.
Broadly, the letter called for focus on four main areas (with specifics contained within each) – an accountable governance table, transparent operational data, immediate reliability measures for the Bowen Island and Langdale/Sunshine Coast routes, and a restoration of meaningful community engagement. Leonard and White requested a written answer to how these four issues would be addressed by the end of May, and a meeting with the premier and transportation minister Mike Farnworth before the start of this summer’s peak season.
The mayors letter was copied to numerous provincial and local politicians along with BC Ferries executives Leonard also thanked the many residents of Bowen and the Sunshine Coast who’ve sent in their own letters and urged them to continue doing so, saying they do indeed have an impact.
GAIL LOTENBERG
Contributor
Theupcomingpresentation ofPaper Mountainsat the new BowenTheatre on May10isaclassic Bowen story. It starts with achild from ourisland who has emergedtobecome oneofVancouver’s mostcelebrated young choreographers.
Anya Saugstad’s work entitledPaper Mountains soon will be the first dance piece to grace thestage of theBowen Theatre. Thepiece will take your breath away.But howit endeduphereistotallyBowen.
It began in early 2021 (duringthe pandemic)whenI was sittinginatheatre to seemyfirst dance performance in nearly ayear. Suddenlyascreenappearedonstage anda dance film wasprojected.Two dancers performedbut one dancer utterlycaptivated me
Shewas exceptional, full of powerand thrillingabandon. Iwas rivetedand when the credits rolled, there it was: “AnyaSaugstad”appearedboldlyonthe screen. With a jolt,Irealized that shewas that mesmerizingdancer,and shehad been the girlIknewasa youngdance studenton
BowenIsland and then thedeterminedteenwho trekked off Bowenfor yearstoattend Arts Umbrella forthe full-day dance program.
Since that film,Anyahas hadmyattention (and my support)asshe haswon awards forher excellence as achoreographer.And as adancer,Anyahas toured with some of Vancouver’s mostprestigious dance companies,treating audiences to hersignature styleofvigourand grace.You will notsoonforgether movement, her language
NowAnyaSaugstadiscomingbacktoBowen Island with hermostcelebrated choreographic work to date.Her company of fivedancerswillperformPaper Mountainsatthe new BowenTheatre on May10at7:30 pm.Tickets and information areavailable at thehearthartsonbowen.ca
And if you have ayoung dancer in your world(who is old enough to focusfor 70 minuteswithoutintermission) bringthem to theshow. It is importantthat they seesome dreamersdream bigenoughtomakeitthrough to theworld of professional arts
And Bowentoday mayhavemanykids,likeAnya, who make it through,thankstothe excellence of theKelly Konno Studio to givethem the rightheadstart. Seeyou at the show.
NDP could still be an importantfactorinOttawa
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Rosenbergcongratulated Weiler. “He hasalot of work to do and he hassome high expectationstoserve,but Ihopehe does it knowhis heart’sinthe rightplace,evenifwedon’t agreeoneverything. So Ihopehedoesa goodjob as MP.” Rosenbergsaid he’s consideringrunning foroffice in the future (eventeasing amunicipal run).“I’mnot goinganywhereeither way. I’mgoingtokeepbeing active, andI’m goingtokeepadvocatingfor importantissues likeenvironment and mental health that really need strong advocates becausethey’resooften under-covered.”
Though theNDP haslostparty status (whichrequires12 seatsinthe HouseofCommons), its sevenMPs stand to play a keyroleina possible minority government. Askedwhat he’ll be lookingfor from his colleagues headingtoOttawa, Rosenbergsaid, electoral reform
“Weneedtoreallyhavehardballwhen it comestoelectoralreform, becausethe Liberals arenever goingto do it on their own,”said Rosenberg. “We’ve seen with this election howeasyitcan be to getstuck in atwo-party system,and once that happens,democracy is doomed.
“Weneedtoreallypushthatforward,soall votescount
BOWEN ISLANDUNITED CHURCH
www.biuc.ca | 1122 Miller Road 778-688-2061 OFFICE HOURS WEDNESDAY10-4ORBYAPPOINTMENT
Sunday Worship 10:30 am Rev Lorraine Ashdown
CATES HILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661Carter Rd.) ST.GERARD’SROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
Sunday Mass at 9.30
Contact Angela Powell 604-947-2515
SHIRAT HAYAM (Song of the Sea) BOWEN’S JEWISH COMMUNITY Shabbat Gatherings ~ Holidays
Contact aryana.rayne@gmail.com •www.shirathayam.ca
equally,and so peoplearen’t forcedtovoteout of fear,and they canvotefor who theywant.”
“It’sgoing to be ahardfight to rebuildthe party, butI’m optimistic aboutthe futureofthe party,”said Rosenberg. “I think we need acompleterebrand and maybeevenaname change,and we need to look into workingwiththe Greens more closely. Butweoutperformedexpectations. We held together,and we have some really good MPsthat aregoing back to Ottawa,and we need to make sure that we appreciateCanadians’votes,and we can’t ever takeitfor granted.”
-Bronwyn Beairsto
QUEEN OF CAPILANO FERRY SCHEDULE APRIL1 2025 TO MAY142025
BOWEN ISLAND exceptSundays& April21
DEPART B 5:20 am - e 6:20 am 7:30 am 8:35 am 9:40 am 10:50am 12:00pm 1:10 pm 2:55 pm 4:00 pm -exceptWednesdays 5:10 pm 6:15 pm 7:25 pm -exceptSaturdays 8:30 pm 9:30 pm 10:30pm DEPART HORSESHOEBAY 5:50 am 6:50 am 8:00 am 9:05 am -exceptWednesdays 10:15 am 11:25 am 12:35 pm 2:20 pm 3:30 pm 4:35 pm 5:45 pm 6:50 pm 8:00 pm -exceptSaturdays 9:00 pm 10:00 pm
Where’sthe ferry rightnow?- checkwww.bowenferry.ca Scheduleschangeonstatutory holidays. Stay up to date at www.bcferries.com
A rookie crew member has been welcomed into the Bowen Island Fire Department - a brand new Engine 32. The fleet vehicle was built by Fort Garry Fire Trucks in Winnipeg and was recently driven to its new home at the local Fire Hall by members of the Fire Department. The truck features upgraded equipment, better safety, and the ability to fully tackle Bowen’s steep terrain. It has even seen some action already and performed impressively. New Engine 32 takes the place of Old Engine 32, which after 46 years of admirable service will now roll off to enjoy a well-earned retirement / Alex Kurial photo
Decals will be available for sale at the Snug Cove General Store from May 6th to 14th ONLY.
Drop offwill be done by appointment ONLY.
Once youhave picked upyour decal, you can call Bowen Waste Solutions @604-947-2255 to book an appointment.
The final day for booking appointments will be Friday,May 16th at 3:00 PM.
Alimited number of appointments will be made available.
Drop offofmaterials will be inside theBIRD yard from Monday, May 26th -Saturday,May 31st
Note: 1decal per household only.
ABSOLUTELYNO, Paint, Hazardous Waste, Tires or Drywall
Check out Hazardous Waste NOT Accepted:
Solutions www.bowenwastesolutions.com www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca
Away From Open Flame or Spark
This news is censored by US social mediagiants, but you can find it at www.syrupsocial.com. Syrup is asocial newsfeed supportedbyCanadian journalists.
Athrilling matchup between theCruisers and Firemenendedin unconventional fashion on Tuesdaynight. Theteamstraded leads before Erik Hunter-James (#20) hit athree-run home run to centre field in the 4th inning whichgavethe Cruiserssome separation up 9-6. Laterup10-6inthe final inning,the Firemen orchestrateda furious rally to come back and tie the game courtesy of fivestraight hits to lead thingsoff.Unfazed though, the Cruisers respondedbyloading the basesinthe bottom of the 7th. BenWelsh stepped to theplate looking to be the herowith abig hit. But instead he playedherovia hit by pitchasCorby Bernard’s toss from the moundgot away from him. Jacob Sims (#87) trotted home from 3rdfor thewinningrun in the 11-10 victory.Cruisers legendEddie Weismiller (representedinthe team’s logo)was on hand to watchhis team capturethe big win./ Alex Kurial photo
TheFix-ItFair andRegenerativeBowen Island Societyhad somecompanyat this Spring’sevent -the BowenIsland Trail Society! Thetwo groups combined to host Gear Up! -featuring all the classichelpers of the Fix-It Fair plus new opportunitiestobuy,sell andrepair outdoor gear.The twogroupshad a strong showingand fun Saturday at the Legion,and arehoping the new traditionisone which willcontinue down the road./AlexKurial photo
Woodfibre LNGhouses non-local workersona floatel, reducingpressure onlocal housinginSquamish.
MeetTansi,thissmall, sunshine-loving brownpup with acoatthatpractically glowsinthe light—like a little toastedmarshmallow recently came to us for possible allergies. He’s got abig personality packed into atinybody,and his favorite hobby?Soaking up thesun like it’s his full-time joband taking beefliver treats from the staff. Thankyou for being thebestboy Tansi! woodfibrelng.ca@woodfibreLNG
reception@bowenvet.com 604.947.9247
Mon-Fri 9-5
604-653-7851 nmather@glaciermedia.ca 604-653-7851
Friday, May 2
Movie Night at the Community Centre
The Bowen Island Film Society is holding its debut screening, featuring the film Captains Courageous Doors at 6 pm, film starts 6:30 and evening runs until around 9 pm Tickets are available on the Bowen Rec website ($10) or at the door.
Friday, May 2
Ladies Madrigal Singers Spring Concert
Come watch Ladies Madrigal perform at Cates Hill Chapel 7 pm start, tickets $25 at Pharmacy or door (7 & under free).
Saturday, May 3
Men’s Shed Meetup
Drop-in between 10:30 am and Noon at Island Pacific School. All ages of men and those who identify as such are welcome to attend. Find out what the Men’s Shed has been up to and are planning. Coffee/Tea and cookies available, no charge but please bring your reusable cup.
Saturday, May 3
Conversational Italian at the Library
Come explore Parliamo Insieme: a Conversational Italian Group Drop in and join us to practice your Italian, and get to know other Italian speakers on Bowen Island! All ages of adults and youth welcome! 11 am to Noon. bipl.ca/Italian
Saturday, May 3
Judi Gedye Open House
Come chat about Island issues with Bowen Municipal Councillor Judith Gedye. At Collins Hall from 3 to 4 pm
Sunday, May 4
Red Cross Babysitting Course with Bowen Rec
This course offers basic first aid and caregiving skills for youth aged 11-15 (completing at least Grade 5 this year).
At the Community Centre from 9 am to 4:30 pm Find full details and register on the Bowen Rec website.
Tuesday, May 6 & Friday, May 9
SKY Hangouts
Drop in at the Seniors Cottage on Cardena Drive. We will be offering a welcoming place to stop in for a drink & visit with friends Both hangouts from 1 to 3 pm All hangouts feature a guest speaker.
Saturday, May 10
Farmers Market Opening Day
The Bowen Island Farmers Market season gets underway! Come to Bowen Island Community School from 10 am to Noon to check out all of the vendors and special events
Saturday, May 10
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, May 10
Men’s Health Talk at the Library
On Men’s Health & Emotional Well-Being: A Bowen Island Gathering. Join Dr Shahar Rabi and three local panelists Andrew Leonard, Miles Rubin, and Ricken Patel, for a conversation about loneliness, isolation, connection, self-expression, and building meaningful, purposeful lives. It will be followed by small group discussions, guided reflection, and time to meet and connect with others. Attendees will walk away with new insights, friendships, and the possibility of forming ongo-
ing men’s circles. Event runs 1 to 2:30 pm, find out more at bipl.ca/men
Sunday, May 11
Meet an Illustrator at the Library
Family Read-Along & Drawing Exercises with Emma FitzGerald. Ever wanted to meet a book illustrator? Children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to read along and ask questions with illustrator Emma FitzGerald as she reads and shows her pictures from her book EveryBody’s Different on EveryBody Street She will then lead families in a simple illustration exercise, using blind contouring to draw portraits. Free, starts at 1 pm. Register to save your spot and find out more at bipl.ca/Emma
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
THURSDAYS
Thursday Art Group
Join the Thursday Art Group (TAG) at Collins Hall to see what’s new. Meetings from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. For further information please contact shannonrondeau@shaw.ca
Babytime at the Library
A free, 30-minute drop-in program of songs, books, and rhymes for babies 0-24 months and their caregivers! Starts at 11:30 am. Join us afterwards, at 12 pm, for a casual baby & caregiver social hour in the Annex bipl.ca/babytime
SATURDAYS
SKY Mahjong
Come and play Mahjong at the Seniors Cottage on Cardena Drive. 1 to 3 pm, RSVP info@skyonbowenisland.ca
