SOUTH BEACH STYLE The Bowen Island Yacht Club celebrated Opening Day of their sailing season with a Miami Vice themed party on Saturday, complete with outfits that would have made Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs proud. Activities included a parade of vessels conducting a Sailpast of club Commodore Simon Fowler (far left) and his crew aboard NautiNess, followed by a party back at the USSC Marina. We’ll have more photos of the nautical fun in next week’s Island Wide paper. / Alex Kurial photo
OCP public engagement period is now open
ALEX
KURIAL Editor
The foundational piece of the island’s planning vision is getting a refresh
A review of Bowen’s Official Community Plan (OCP) begins this week. The document serves as the building blocks for all planning decisions on the island, from environmental preservation to rezonings, density and commercial placements, and much more. Council discussion on local projects frequently reference one or more OCP points as rationale for or against a decision.
“It can be used to show where future growth should go, and then people could apply to rezone their properties to match the OCP. The OCP can even provide guidance of what types of rezonings you’d want to see,” says the municipality’s manager of planning Daniel Martin.
“So not only is this where growth could happen, but we want these types of growth to occur, or to this level, or whatever that vision is.”
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EDITORIAL
Island Wide Ahoy
Hi everyone! Aheads up that this month’s Island Wide issuewill be goingout nextFriday, May16. It’s alittleearlier than mostofour Island Wide deliveries which take placenear the endofthe month,soifyouhavesomething you want everybodyonBowen to seenow is the time!We’ve gotsome neat stuffready to go already butthereisalwaysroomfor much more. So be sure to reachout to me or Tracey if you’vehad an editorialoradsubmission on yourmind!
If you’reintoplantsand gardening thenthis weekend is for you.First off it is the openingof our very popularFarmersMarketonSaturday morning. Themarkettakesplace at Bowen Island CommunitySchool(BICS)from10am to Noon and will runthrough until October. Localvendorshavelots of food favourites on hand and there’sa lot elsetocheck out too with variouscrafts,wares,infobooths (including discussion aboutthe Official Community Planreview this week), musicand moreto see! OpeningDay alsofeaturesa seedling sale And if you’relooking to grow your plant collection you’ll have to juggle your time as the Garden Club is hostingtheir annual plant sale on Saturdaymorningatthe same time. Thankfullythe Legion (host site)and BICSare not toofar apartifyou’rehopingtomakeboth events. TheGarden Club is not done there either, they’ve gotanOpenGardentour of one ofour lovely Bowengardens laterinthe afternoon (details in the Calendar)
There’salsoapair of greateventstaking placeatthe Librarythis weekend -a Men’s Health talk and Illustrator activitiesforkids. Plus it’s openingday of theBowen Island SloPitch League on Saturdaywith four games takingplace throughout the day. Don’t missout!
-AlexKurial, Editor
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Online & In-Person activities during OCP engagement
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Martin points to the apartment building on Bowen Island Trunk Road and the future Bowen Island Resilient Community Housing project on Miller Road as examples of structures which were successful through multiple points of the current OCP – particularly the need for affordable housing and a preference to focus density and development in Snug Cove.
The last municipal OCP review took place in 2011, and Martin is curious to see how the changes the island has undergone since then will impact the new version. “We know Bowen’s had a big population turnover the last few census periods… We’ve had a lot of growth on Bowen, and everyone encountered the pandemic and all the changes that brought,” he says
While a new cohort of Islanders certainly has the potential to usher in change, Martin expects some of the main tenets of the last document to remain “One of the key visions of the 2011 OCP was care for the environment. People move to Bowen because they want to be in nature and close to nature, and they care about nature. I would fully expect that those will continue with the same vision and same goals of our OCP – how do we live and care for the natural environment?”
The process of answering these questions starts Thursday, May 8 with the first phase of public engagement. This stage involves a broad look at ideas people have for the island and combines a number of online and in-person events. “It’s looking at the vision and goals of that 2011 OCP and reaching out to the community to see, are these still the same goals? Are these still what the vision of the community has for the next 20 years?” explains Martin.
Online feedback includes a survey and a mapping exercise where people can pinpoint different neighbourhoods and areas of Bowen and explain what they would like to see happen there, such as housing, amenities or environmental preservation.
In-person engagements begin Saturday, May 10 where the consulting team McElhanney – who the municipality is working with on the OCP review – will have a stand at opening day of the Farmers Market – taking place at Bowen Island Community School from 10 am to Noon Later in the day the consultants will be at the Bowen Island Public Library from 2 to 6 pm
There’s also a Jane’s Walk taking place on Thursday, May 22 which constitutes a walking tour of Snug Cove. The public is invited to attend and point out things they would like to see happen throughout Bowen’s central hub as they walk by them. The tour starts at the Library and takes place from 6 to 7 pm
Expected to be present at the in-person events in May – and those throughout the process – are members of the OCP Steering Committee. The group was formed last year in anticipation of the review process and includes several members of the community along with council and staff liaisons. The Steering Committee (OCPSC) is co-chaired by James Crandles and David McCullum.
“They are providing the overall guidance of the whole process,” says Martin of the OCPSC. “We had an amazing array of people volunteer… They have been key for us in terms of getting to know the background of the OCP, reviewing the current OCP, and hiring the consultants.”
More information on the OCPSC, including members, agendas, and minutes from past meetings, can be found on the municipal website. People are welcome to attend the committee’s public meetings which take place approximately once a month.
The first round of public consultation runs until Monday, June 9. “We will take the feedback – the surveys and people we talk to through various engagement – and come back to council with a report and initial direction, saying this is the engagement we’ve heard, this is where we think it’s going to go. And from that we then work on actual policy work,” explains Martin.
After that a second, more detailed round of engagement will take place this fall. “We’ve heard that the community wants to move in this direction, and so this is what we propose Or we’ve heard that the community strongly reaffirms the visions of the 2011 OCP, and so we’d be moving with that same vision in mind,” Martin lists as possible directions for that stage depending on what feedback is received.
Staff are hoping to bring the OCP review to council early next year with the goal of adopting it in Summer 2026.
Before 2011, the last OCP review took place in 1996. By the time the results of the new review are implemented it will be 2026, marking 15 years between each revision. With the opportunity to influence such an impactful document coming around fairly infrequently, Martin says it’s very important as many people as possible contribute to shaping the island’s future.
“We want to make sure that through this process that council hears from everyone on Bowen to try to determine what is the vision for Bowen going forward,” said Martin. “We’re trying to hear from people as early as possible what to do.”
“It guides everything from what land use changes could be in your neighborhood or not? What’s the future of your neighborhood? What’s the future of Bowen? Where do we want to go? So we encourage everyone to participate.”
Island Wide Undercurrent next week... to submit astory, article, andorpics pleaseemailAlex at editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
April RCMP Stats on Bowen Island
BOWEN ISLAND RCMP
There were 50 files in April.
1 Fraud – Credit Card.
6 Animal Calls – Vehicles vs Deer, Found Dog, Animal carcass found.
10 Assist other Agencies – Assist Bylaws, Conservation, Fire Department, Emergency Health Services, Bowen Island Community School, Island Discovery School
6 Property Lost/Found/Seized – Found phone, lost keys, lost purse, lost wallets.
1 Alarm – Residential, false.
11 Traffic Files – Speed enforcement of Whitesails/ Seymour Bay/BICS, erratic drivers, No Insurance.
7 Assist Public – Keep the Peace request, harassing communication, Landlord/Tenant disputes.
Share your thoughts on howthe upcoming IslandsTrust budgetfor 2026-27can best supportthe IslandsTrust’s work to preserve andprotect theuniqueamenities and environmentofthe TrustArea.
Learnmoreabout thebudget processand complete theonlinesurveybyscanningthe QR code,orvisit www.islandstrust.bc.ca/budget
You canalsoshare your commentsbyphone or pick up apaper copy of thesurveyatany IslandsTrust office.
6 Check Wellbeing – Requests by community members, friends and family.
2 Vehicle Collisions – Minor in nature.
April Message:
Police attended an incident where two dogs chased, caught and injured a deer. The injuries to the deer required for police to destroy it on scene. Two tickets under the Wildlife Act were issued to the dog owner.
Residents are reminded that it is a violation under the Wildlife Act ($460) for your dogs to chase deer or other animals, regardless if they catch the animal.
March Home Sales on Bowen Island
ALEX KURIAL Editor
Three homes sold on Bowen in March, with the two highest sales taking place on the same street.
That street is Elrond’s Court, part of the Lord of the Rings inspired area of the island which also includes Rivendell Drive. The first of these was at 917 Elrond’s Court where a three-bed, threebath home sold for $2.25 million
The 2014-build measures 3,342 square feet and sits on .28-acres of land.
The two-storey home includes outdoor decks which run across the back length of the home on both levels. A two-sided fireplace separates the upstairs living and dining rooms, and the bottom floor has the potential to be split into a separate twobedroom suite.
At the end of the road sits 923 Elrond’s Court which closed for
$1.5 million. The two-storey home is 1,860 square feet on a property of .37-acres, and was built in 2011. Inside the distinctive red house are four bedrooms, one with a walk-in closet, and two bathrooms. The yard includes several raised garden beds and wide-ranging views east over the water and to the mountains.
The final sale of the month took place a ways to the west at 1570 Whitesails Drive. The 51-year old house sold for $1,282,500. Size wise the home measures 2,688 square feet and is located on 0.36acres of land.
This rancher sees both of its bathrooms and three of its four bedrooms located on the main floor. The remaining bedroom lies in the equally-sized basement, which also has a rec room and can be accessed externally. The lot has several senior Birch tress along with a Blue Spruce, and further includes a 300-square foot bunk house for visitors.
The home at 917 Elrond’s Court (above) was the top sale of March at $2.25 million. On the same road, 923 Elrond’s Court (below) sold for $1.5 million. / Zealty.ca photos
Bowen Island ferry capacity rising by 150 people on some sailings
BC FERRIES’HORSESHOE BAY-NANAIMO SAILINGS TO BECOME RESERVATION-ONLY
BRONWYN BEAIRSTO
Coast Reporter
BC Ferries is introducing changes to two of its routes out of Horseshoe Bay in coming months in anticipation of terminal reconstruction set to start this fall.
With “major reconstruction activities” to decrease vehicle space inside the terminal by about 25 per cent, BC Ferries says it’s introducing changes “to support smoother travel this summer and to prepare for upcoming construction.”
Reservation-only in one direction
For the Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay (Nanaimo) route, it will be reservation-only in the island-bound direction starting in the fall. There will be no options to drive up, though some space will be available for Medical Assured Loading and emergency responders, says BC Ferries.
The change is only in one direction, and is “designed to prevent traffic from backing up onto the highway.” Foot passengers will still be able to travel in both directions without bookings.
“Because of the small footprint at Horseshoe Bay, and that reduction in size that will inevitably come with some of those construction projects, it’s just going to be safer and more efficient to move to that reservation model,” Sonia Lowe, senior communications advisor for BC Ferries, told Coast Reporter.
Noting that the changes don’t come until likely October, Lowe says advising communities now “gives people a few months to really get used to the idea and gives us time to figure out all of those details on our end.”
Bowen Island passenger capacity
For Bowen Island, the changes mean the ferry will be licensed to carry up to 600 passengers and crew on “select sailings,” start-
ing in mid-May (Lowe suggested it could be May 15). The Queen of Capilano’s current capacity, according to the BC Ferries website, is 457. Crew numbers also affect licensing, but the details of that Lowe didn’t have on hand.
“They’ve been waiting for this licence from Transport Canada for a while,” said Lowe “That’ll go a long way, I think, for Bowen Island and just being able to transport more passengers during their busy peak periods.”
Another change is coming - but it’s not to Horseshoe Bay. Out of its Tsawwassen terminal, BC Ferries is introducing a daily 4:30 pm sailing to Departure Bay starting June 19. (Boats out of Tsawwassen usually go to Duke Point outside of Nanaimo rather than the downtown Departure Bay.)
More details about the changes are in development and are to include “targeted engagement” through BC Ferries’ “Let’s Connect” engagement framework, said the news release, also highlighting the Easter weekend highway lineups as evidence that, “The need for change is clear.”
Lowe said their external engagement team has been in touch with interested parties in the region - Nanaimo, Bowen Island, Langdale, ahead of the release so as to give them a heads up
BC Ferries says it’s developing a technology to simulate traffic movement through Horseshoe Bay during the construction phases so as to “allow the team to test different scenarios, plan effectively, and make informed decisions that help maintain a smooth and safe customer experience throughout the project.”
Horseshoe Bay redevelopment
BC Ferries announced its resuscitated Horseshoe Bay renewal program in February. Previously announced plans for the nearly 65-year-old terminal’s redevelopment were put on hold during the
The Queen of Capilano, seen here ready to set sail from Snug Cove with a sizeable load last Saturday, will soon be able to accomodate 150 more passengers on certain sailings thanks to a new licence. / Alex Kurial photo
COVID-19 pandemic
Planned at the terminal over coming years include upgrading or replacing the three berths, relocating the control tower, upgrading aging elevated structures and enhancing seismic resilience, BC Ferries said in February. The changes aim to streamline traffic flow and allow a broader range of vessels to operate within the constraints of the existing site
The total cost of the Horseshoe Bay terminal renewal is estimated in the “hundreds of millions,” the corporation said at the time – with files from Nick Laba
FASTPITCH
TheCruisers and Brewersfacedoff against each other on Monday night,and while the game startedoff closebythe end thefinal tallyresembledmoreofa football score.
TheBrewers gotoff to ahot startin the topofthe 1stastheysaw three of their teammates crosshome plate. Twoofthemscored with Wilson Dives at the plateashealertly sidestepped awildpitch allowingRandy Poulin and Brad ‘Ripper’Rypientoscore.
Brewers pitcher James Strang waskeeping things in checkonthe mound toodelivering ascoreless1st inningand allowing his team topreservea3-2 lead after 3. Butthe valiant effortofthe shorthandedBrewers (who had just the minimum of 9players)came undone startinginthe 4th inningwhen the Cruiserstooka5-3 lead. Things gotout of hand after that as the Cruisersscored 4, 5,
and6 runs in the final innings to hit the20 markasthe game closed out, quadrupling theBrewers total of 5.
Thestarofthe game wasundoubtedly Robbie Watson whohit three total home runs,two of them clearing the fenceand oneofthem sending an echo throughout theCoveasitsmacked into the Woodward’s deck.JamieWeismilleraddedaninsidethe-parkhomerun of his own, and Peter Blomberg hadanice nightatthe plategoing 3/4 with 2runsand 3runsbattedin.
On Tuesdaynight the Shakers beat the Diggers6-3 to continue their impressive starttothe season winning3of4 games. This Friday nightwehaveTwins vs Cruisers on tap, with Firemen vs Diggers on Monday. All gamesstartat6:30 pm.See youthere!
-AlexKurial, Scorekeeper
League Standings forgames playedthruTuesday, May6.
Robbie Watson (#51) wasthe star ofthe show on Monday nightashis Cruisers beatthe Brewers20-5. Watson was4/5 with an incredible3home runs as he helped runup thescore with5 runs batted in.Robbie also had 4runshimself and pitched theopening2 innings.Jamie Weismiller (left) also roundedall thebases in the 6th inning as hishit deep into the outfieldcould not be dealt with beforehereached home.Jamie also pulled off the rare feat of hittingfor thecycle thanks to histriple in the final inning. He finished 4/5 with 3runs and 4runs batted in.Ifthatwasn’t enough Weismiller also cameinonthe mound to pickupthe pitching win, going 3innings and allowingjust 2runs.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
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. Opening Day activities include the seedling sale!
Saturday, May 10
Garden Club Plant Sale
The big annual plant sale is taking place at the Bowen Legion parking lot, rain or shine. Check out a vibrant selection of beautiful plants, all donated with care by our dedicated club members From 10 am to Noon.
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. 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 ongoing men’s circles. Event runs 1 to 2:30 pm, find out more at bipl.ca/men
Saturday, May 10
Garden Club Open Garden
Explore one of our beautiful Island gardens at this Open Garden. Hosted by Mary Pottier and Warren Franklin at 1645 Old Eagle Cliff Road from 2 to 4 pm. $5 fee, members free.
Saturday, May 10
Nature Club Outing
Join naturalist Melissa Harrison as you stalk, catch, and release pond creatures, such as tadpoles, water tigers, dragonfly nymphs, and pond skaters. Please register by writing bowennatureclub@gmail.com for time and location.
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
Wednesday, May 14
SKY Trek
Seniors Keeping Young are going to Benedictine Monastery in Mission. Meeting at Ferry Terminal at 8:15 am, write to info@skyonbowenisland.ca to register.
Thursday, May 15
Tween Night: Buffy and Blood Candles with Bowen Rec
An ink and ‘blood’ candle painting workshop followed by a screening of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Popcorn and
or subscribe please call our subscription line at 604-947-2426
on allthings
art supplies provided Ages 10-13, at the Bowen Island Community School Multi-Purpose Room from 6:30 to 9 pm
Friday, May 16
SKY Hangout
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 1 to 3 pm Stitches with Linda and friends
Saturday, May 17
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
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
We arecurrently searching forastaff person to join our team at the Hearth Gallerytoassistinadministration, artsales,marketing and general operations.Agreat position to add to your resume!
Full timeposition: includes weekends and some evenings. June 2nd to MidAugust.
Application deadline: May12th at 4pm
Please forwardcovering letter and resume by email to hello@thehearthartsonbowen.ca
Canada Summer Jobs program:
Must be between 15 and 30 years of age,isa Canadian Citizen, permanentresidentorperson on whom refugee protection has been confirmed. TheHearth supports the EmploymentEquityAct.
