Vaughn, Avery, Tavish and Owen rushed to the rescue earlier this month when a water main broke open on Lenora Road While on a Sunday morning bike ride the four boys saw the gushing water and subsequent flooding of properties. They quickly knocked on doors to alert neighbours and then helped shovel gravel to help redirect the water. According to fellow Loop resident Judi Gedye (middle) - the boys worked “the whole time with humour and great energy”. A big thank you from the neighbours and the whole island to these boys for all of their help! / Submitted photo
SEEKINGEXPRESSIONSOFINTEREST FOR:
New RCMP head relishes a small town posting
ALEX KURIAL Editor
Brad Savage feels right at home in a town Bowen’s sizein fact the island’s population of just 4,200 is much larger than some of his former posts.
Savage is the new corporal at the Bowen Island RCMP Detachment, taking over from departing Cpl. Robert Notari. He began in the position at the start of September after arriving from his previous post in Fort Nelson. A friend helped sell him on moving to the other end of the province
“I had a whole bunch of postings that I was willing to come to A friend of mine said Bowen was a really nice spot and really community based,” says Savage. “Community based policing is a really big and important thing for me, so when I got offered the job I jumped right in.”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
HELP SHAPEA BOWENLEGACY
Thismemorialand interpretive sitewill recognize howBowen Islanders were impactedbythe forced removal and incarcerationofCanadians of Japanese ancestryin1942.The designwillreflect Japanesearchitecturalprinciples.
To contribute or learnmore: info@bowenislandmuseum.ca www.bowenislandmuseum.ca
The Ladies Madrigal Choir welcome Christmas with Song
LORRAINE ASHDOWN
Choir Member
It’s unstoppable! Christmas is coming, and the Cove is already sparkling with festive decorations. To usher in the season, Lynn Williams and her women’s choir, The Ladies Madrigal Singers (affectionately known as The Madz), invite the community to gather for an evening of music that celebrates the joy, love, and mystery of Christmas.
Hosted by Chris Corrigan, the program features accompanist Sheilagh Sparks and a talented roster of guest musicians: Christiaan Venter on clarinet, Nova Pon on flute, Leo Pedersen on guitar, Grace Wickes on harp, Sophie Walters on violin, and a special appearance by the Men’s Ensemble Together, they promise a performance that will stir the heart and lift the spirit.
With more than 20 voices, this long-standing women’s choir has become a cherished part of Bowen’s holiday traditions. This is an invitation to dive into Christmas spirit and to get set for all of the musical and magical events that this fabulous com-
munity offers. Their concert takes place at Cates Hill Chapel on Friday, November 28 at 7 pm Tickets are $25, and children under 9 are free
Tickets can be purchased with cash at Cates Pharmacy, or at the door with cash, credit, or debit
Lynn and the Madz are looking forward to welcoming you and to singing you a joyful and moving Christmas show.
Lenora Neighbours & Muni rush to reduce water main break damage
BILL GRANGER Contributor
Only a week after Halloween festivities filled the Lenora Loop with happy laughter, the water main on the flat part of Lenora Road burst open Sunday, Nov. 9, sending a gush of water into the air and a torrent down the street and into adjacent properties.
A large group of Bowen adults and kids rushed out with shovels and planks to try to divert the flood into ditches but a large amount of water and silt got into private properties and finished basements Without the quick neighbour response the damage would have been much worse.
Thank you to all my Bowen neighbours and to the Bowen Island Municipality Utilities staff for your prompt help, which is greatly appreciated.
The Ladies Madrigal Choir are preparing their Christmas show. / Submitted photo
The busted water main on Lenora was fixed thanks to quick acting neighbours and municipal workers. / Bill Granger photo
VIEWPOINTS
EDITORIAL
Lighting It Up
If you’ve been through the Cove this week you cantell that things aregettinglit! TheLight Up Bowenteamhas been hitting thestreets with apassion and theresults areevidenteveninthe firstfew days of decorating. Ourcentral coreisturninginto its annual cheery self,and abig thankyou goesout to all the organizersand volunteers who aremakingit happen. Looking forward to seeingwhat thenextcouple weekshaveinstore!
While the calendar page maynot turn nextweekend the Christmasand holiday events arealready beginning, including craft fairsand concerts.We’ve gota fewof them in ourcalendar this week,and next week will be the releaseofour colourful andthorough Holiday Guide whichhas everythingyou need to plan for the season aheadonBowen -includingsome recipes! Be sure to grab one to seeall thewinter magic ourisland hastooffer
Next week is alsoour November IslandWide issue, so submissions areverywelcome if you’vegot some news to spread Have agreat week!
-AlexKurial, Editor
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VIEWPOINTS
Letter: Cougar Responsibilities
PENNY WILLIAMS Letter Writer
Dear
Mayor Leonard,
Thank you for your response to my post on Bowen Island Everything Else
However, since 2010 the records of the BC Conservation Office (COS) show that their sharpshooters have shot 1,039 cougars after close interactions with humans We need not wonder any longer why there have been so few people killed by cougars in B.C.
Their policy is to kill not relocate Maybe they should rename themselves as the ‘Cougar Extermination Office’. Records also indicate that few relocations have been attempted in British Columbia and no record of survival rates are available. We have been mislead and misinformed.
Research in New Mexico indicates that in excess of 30 per cent of cougars do survive relocation and that would include many animals far weaker, older and feebler than the Bowen cougar - who is a young, well muscled, healthy animal. So, the information we have received from COS stating that 90 per cent of relocated cougars die is, again, incorrect and
misleading. Relocated or native, an average cougar’s life span is eight years.
The average hunting range of a cougar is 50 to 200 square miles, Bowen Island is less than 20 square miles and it is heavily populated, increasingly so every year with advancing development and tourism
A female cougar weighing 90 to 110 pounds can regularly kill 800 pound elk The cougar is so athletic it makes lions and tigers look like clumsy oafs A cougar can leap 40 to 45 feet in one bound and it can leap 18 feet vertically from a sitting position. Bear spray won’t help, having only a max range of 35 feet
I am a cat lover and I know that no cat can resist a chase. Your chances of surviving a close encounter with a cougar are slim if you stand your ground and probably non existent if you run. Many deer kills on Bowen happen on people’s driveways or open spaces where children play Our neighbours had a kill on their driveway last summer and the doe tried to leap over their dutch door (bottom closed, top open) in her panic to escape What if their children were out?
If you want this cougar to have a chance to live please consider letting it be relocated. A close encounter will happen. Do we need to see some family devastated to understand that we need to get this cougar off this island?
I have acknowledged to you, Mayor Leonard, that you and your council do not have the power alone to remove the cougar from the island. But, you do have the power and the responsibility to send a letter to the COS asking them to relocate the cougar. You, the mayor and your council have been repeatedly asked to send this letter.
If the council does not send a letter to the COS requesting the cougar be removed then you, Mayor Leonard, and your entire council will be held responsible, forever, when an attack takes place, and it will take place It is bewildering to me and many others why you choose to sit on the fence on this issue and be left holding the bag.
Please, Mayor Leonard and council, send the letter requesting that the COS relocate this animal and give the responsibility for the inevitable consequences to the Conservation Office where it belongs.
I would like to thank Isabel Otter for much of the excellent research that she had done on what information COS has and doesn’t have, which I have used in this letter along with information from the internet and from the recent PBS program on cougars. I have not used personal experience although I do have some with a cougar and I lived to tell about it
Audrey
Louise
Shirley Oct. 3, 1935 - Nov.13, 2025
What an amazing lady! She packed a lot of living into her 90-year life. The number of lives she touched while on this planet is truly remarkable! Born Audrey Louise Sinkinson to Frank and Phyllis Sinkinson, and younger sibling to brother, Doug She was married to Ken Shirley for 54 years (predeceased 2011). She leaves behind three children: Tricia (Francis), Brian (Joanne), David (Pat). The grandchildren parade started with Tyler, Jason, Matthew, Jennifer, Robert, Scott, and Lauren with ten more great-grandchildren.
Audrey grew up in the Marpole area of Vancouver. Summers were spent on Bowen Island for her entire life. Fall and winters were spent in her Kerrisdale and Delta communities
Audrey enjoyed everything from volunteering to skiing, curling, card playing, square dancing, golfing, swimming and loved being with her family and friends. Audrey and Ken would become fierce advocates for bringing the Bowen Island Golf Course to fruition They were some of the first members of the golf course and enjoyed its use on an annual basis. Their love and legacy of Bowen would be passed on to three more generations.
In July of 2022 Audrey went into care at Kopernick Lodge. Many thanks to all the staff members for taking such good care of Mom during this time and in typical Audrey fashion she made herself a whole new group of good friends. Even with the Alzheimer’s disease she never lost that incredible lovable personality of hers! Mom passed peacefully on November 13, 2025. She will be dearly missed by all who touched her.
A service and reception is planned to be held in the new year, date to be forthcoming. If you are considering making a donation in Audrey’s name, the family suggest either the Alzheimer’s Society, or the MS Society.
Tuesday night’s sunset at Tunstall Bay. / Ron Paley photo
VIEWPOINTS
Judi GedyeOpen House -November
JUDITH GEDYE
Bowen Island Municipality Councillor
Off topic butfirst,Iwould like to senda hearty thank you to severalBowen youth. On Sunday,November9,there wasa nasty waterline breakthat some boys on bikes noticed. They raised the alarmand stuck around to help shovelgraveltoredirectthe water. Public Works(more heroes)showed up on their dayoff,repaired thebreak and pumped waterout of asubmergeddriveway.
Then, on the 10th,adozen Grade 7students and twoteachersfrom Island Pacific School showedupatthe MemorialGarden to cleanupbeforethe Remembrance Day ceremony. They gotaday’s work done in less than an hour and were so cheerful aboutit, all for very little reward -our appreciation and acookie! Bowen“yutes”are fabulous! Nowtothe November 8OpenHouse Therewereonly10people and stillthe discussion wasinteresting. First, an inflammatoryletterwas sent to both council andthe OCPsteeringcommittee(OCPSC).Ithas promptedalargerdiscussionabout what screeningtoapplytounsolicited letters when thewriterisunknown and no address is provided: it’s hard to know if human or how connected to Bowen.
Thecontent wasangry,erratic,mislead-
ing, andunrealisticallydemanding. There wasmorediscussion abouthow to managecorrespondencesothata varietyof views canbeconsidered without anyharm. Andtherewas mentionhow thepeople in this groupvaluethe workoftheBowen Conservancy.
TheOCPSC is discussingfuturedevelopmentonBowen and amemberofthe OCPSCasked what wethought aboutzoning forcommercialspace in the southorwest sideofthe island. Effortstoprovide simple provisions mid-island, so that people do nottraveltothe Cove if theyhaveforgottenthings,isoften mentioned as adesirableamenitybut variouslocal effortshave notworked out: oddhours when needed, licensing forthings notmade inthe home, keepingstock fresh,and alimitedclientele Coun.Alex Jurgenson wasasked about hisinterestinrebuilding aDavies’Orchard cottage.Helikes the descriptions abouttheir “livability”and community and would like to exploreifaheritage designcould be replicated.I described howCyHarding, who managed Davies Orchardfor many years, wasverycareful aboutwho he allowed to rent acottage,ashewantedafriendlycommunitywithfew disagreements
Iasked CamRolfe if he hadconsidered anymanagementrules forhis Westside Road project. He hasseveral ideas buthas
notdecidedifthere shouldbemanyorfew rules.Hewould like to have 100 percent Bowen peopleinthe project, butthe more difficultquestionnow is howtobalance densitywith affordability.
He is planningon34small one or two-bedroomhouses, plus aclubhouseand existinghousing, for atotal of 38 units. Thewater table onthe site wasmentioned and howsuch wetlands filter waterfeeding Grafton Lake. Protecting such wetlands to safeguardwater sources is one focusinthe new Islands Trust policy statement.
Thecurrentcouncil wascomplimented as beingbalancedand receptivesothat everyone feelstheyhaveequal opportunity to be heard. It is definitelyanadvantage, especially when workingthrough multiple complex interests, whichisnot commonto all localgovernments.Weshouldconsider ourselves lucky.
Therewas areminder that weneedto startthinkingabout the nextelection in October2026, especiallyif“rage-baiting” lettersbecome morecommon. We need peoplewho can help all membersofthe community understand theissues anddiscuss them reasonably and rationally.
Therewas mention of some workbythe Conservancyorganizing the largenumber of protective covenantsonawide rangeof propertiesonBowen. Such covenants, while initiatedtoprotect variousaspects of aproperty,frequentlyare notregisteredontitle, typicallyare unenforceable, coveravariety of concerns,and have been very difficultto research.With aquantityofmaterialcollected over the years, theConservancyusedAI to tryto organizeand determine if adirectory or data bank couldbecreated forfuture research and planning.
Next wasa question aboutMetro Vancouver’s recentideafor campingin allregional parksand groupcamping in Crippen Park.The ideahas only just been introducedata Parksmeeting and Metro staff hasbeenasked to research allpossibilities. Ourcurrent OCPstill hasanocampingclausewhichmeans Metrowould have to applyand go through the same process as their applicationtorezoneCapeRoger Curtis.
MayorAndrewLeonard reported at the November10council meeting that he did notexpectmuchofadesirewithin Metroto repeat the process. Neverthelessitisearly days,there is pressure within Metrofor more campsites, and Bowenhas been mentioned. Lastbut notleast,there wasaquestion whetherthere wasinterestinexploring the ideaofacommunityforest agreementwith the Province.There areopenhousesscheduled in the nextfew weeksinSquamish and Pemberton to discusstheir projects.With considerablechanges in legislation, there is some interest inexploringiflocal management mightbeaviableoption forthe large tracts of forest on Bowen. Theideawill be followedupata future meeting.
Finally, the nextOpenHouse will be December6at3pminCollins Hall Everyone iswelcome.Asanaddedbonus, an RCMP officer approached me after the Remembrance DayMemorialtoask if they couldattendand answerquestions.Iam very happytoinclude them.
Idid notask if theyhaveapresentation in mind, butitseems to me you mighthave questionsabout what happensifyou get stopped forimpaired drivingoverthe holidays,and what will change whenour population reaches5,000. Thank you all.
ferry rightnow?- liveupdatesatwww.bowenferry.ca Schedule changesonstatutory holidays. Stay up to date at www.bcferries.com
Community policing & mental health prime focuses for new Corporal
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Savage’s father was an RCMP officer, but as a kid Brad was put off by the constant moving around the country. He says once he hit high school and after graduating though his thoughts on the subject changed. “Now I can’t imagine living in one spot,” says Savage.
And he hasn’t, with career postings including Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, Fort Good Hope and Fort Providence in the Northwest Territories, and a pair of stints in Fort Nelson in the far north of B.C. Working in these small towns has allowed Savage to focus on his favourite part of the jobcommunity based policing.
“It’s getting to know the community first Not just, this is my job and I’m here to arrest people. I’m here to get involved in the community, to volunteer and play sports And to get to know the kids at a level where they can see me in uniform, but also see me out of uniform. I’m not some superhuman person, I’m a regular guy with a family And to give them that experience of policing as an option in life,” says Savage
The new corporal says he really fell in love with this policing angle while in Fort Good Hope, a town of about 500 people A majority Indigenous population, community activities were rooted in the local culture and included drum dances, on-the-land hunting and Northern Lights viewings.
“I really love that wherever I move becomes my home. It’s not just where I happen to work for a little bit and then I’m gone, so it has a bit more buy-in for me,” says Brad. “And I get to know community members a lot better as well.”
Savage is also passionate about mental health awareness on the job, something he says has progressed substantially since he first became an officer “When I first started policing in 2009 nobody talked about mental health, no one talked about seeing a psychologist. We still have a long ways to go, but the curve has already started in the sense of, it’s okay to talk about seeing a therapist, or if I’m not having a good day today I don’t think my co-workers are suddenly going to think I’m weak and can’t do my job,” he explains.
Brad has discussed the topic on podcasts and during mental health talks with local community groups It’s work he plans to continue, especially since becoming a corporal during his most recent post in Fort Nelson. “I’m also responsible for John (Yamashita) and Bryan (Cuthbertson) on the island. Not only is my well-being important, but it’s also making sure that they’re okay,” he says of the two constables who round out the officer portion of the local police force.
From a local policing standpoint, two main issues have been raised the most since Savage arrived - impaired driving and speeding. The corporal explains the first of these is a constant challenge in small communities, especially one such as Bowen with no ride-share service or late-night bus routes “The easy excuse is, well how else am I going to get home? There’s no cab so I can’t plan ahead, and so this is my only choice,” says Savage on the most common argument.
“A big part of that for me is education, and just making sure community members are aware that if they see somebody at one of the drinking establishments on the island and that it’s a concern that they call it in. And not just think, oh well it’s not a big deal. Especially with how small and connected the island is, my goal is that somebody isn’t injured or killed from a drunk driver while being here.”
“If you don’t have a ride then maybe that’s not your night to drink, or stay somewhere else or with a friend that’s local,”
says Brad.
On the speeding front, Savage says that while many locals might have memorized Bowen’s roads by now, there are always unexpected obstacles you can’t plan for. “If there’s suddenly a tourist on the side of the road or a deer that’s why the speed limits are as low as they are. Enforcement is a big thing that John is really active in, and I’m starting to get into as well. At the end of the day, you making it to a ferry or being two minutes late isn’t worth the person that might get hit or the crash that might happen.”
In the community Brad has always found a home in sports, and that’s no different here as he’s already become involved in the local soccer leagues and plans to try basketball and softball too. Savage and his wife are also out on the local trails each day with their three-year old, the youngest of the four kids they have together Now approaching three months on-island, which included taking part in a storied Bowen Halloween at the Loop, the family has quickly warmed up to the community.
“It really says something when the previous two corporals (Notari and Adam Koehle) both extended and stayed longer than the commitment. It really speaks to the island and I really love it here. My kids are enjoying their time here, and I really look forward to it.”
And while Brad no doubt loves a small town, after years of remote postings where day trips were necessary to shop at a major store, proximity to a big city is not something he’s complaining about. “The idea of getting on a 20 minute ferry and being in a major city is a nice treat.”
Brad Savage began as corporal with the Bowen Island RCMP in September. / Alex Kurial photo
Local band heading straight up to new stage
ALEX KURIAL Editor
Straightup Sevenhills are set to add a new stop to their long list of concert venues when they play the Bowen Theatre for the first time on Saturday.
The Bowen rock band released an EP recently entitled ‘Mile After Mile’. The tracks were recorded here on the island at Treehouse Studio, home of sound engineer Winston Hauschild who works on shows at the Pub and the Theatre, among others.
“It was quite a pleasant revelation for us to realize that we could get to the studio in about two minutes,” says band member Jon Siddal on not only learning about the studio but Hauschild as well. “It’s funny how long it can take to meet the people that you think you should meet on Bowen… it was really great to meet him and work with him.”
Recording began last winter with the EP releasing in the spring. “The idea of journey is the key theme,” explains Jon, who plays guitar, keyboard and mandolin in the band. In some cases it’s about a romantic journey,
in some cases it’s about a physical journey, such as going travelling. We tried to touch on a number of those ideas.”
Siddal explains that while Straightup Sevenhills is not primarily a dance band (though adds they know how to get people onto the dance floor) they often play more upbeat songs at performances such as the Pub or weddings. Now preparing to play a show at the sitdown Bowen Theatre, the band - which also consists of Tobyn Ross, Chris Barnett, Peter Robinson and Mike McKoryk - will be able to dive into another avenue of their catalogue.
“We have these songs that are ballads or quieter and more introspective, and it’s been hard to find occasions when we can use those songs,” says Siddal. He explains that Mile After Mile features more of these tracks, and the band now has the right venue to feature them.
“When we were making the record we had in the back of our mind that the Bowen Theatre was going to be opening fairly soon. We thought this is exactly the kind of place on Bowen that this kind of repertoire is well-suited for.
Saturday Nov29th: AnnualGeneral Meeting -1-3pm.
Location: CollinsHall
Agenda:
1:00pm: Formal businessmeeting
1:50pm: Break
2:00pm: Speaker: Dr Wendy Palenwilltalkabout the Caring forNatureinitiativeand thedata, maps, andmodelsthathavebeendevelopedto support howweconsiderbiodiversityinmaking decisions aboutthe future of BowenIsland.
3:00pm:Closing remarks.
Siddal says the new theatre is exciting not just for the band, but for Bowen’s cultural life as a whole, especially after the pandemic. “It was a setback culturally and socially for the island, because we were all isolating ourselves and we got separated from each other… I think that this Community Centre in general, and definitely the theatre, has offered a way for people to get back in touch and see each other while enjoying themselves and going to a nice show.”
Now Straightup Sevenhills is eager to
add their name to the list of performers at the stage.
“We really are so excited to share this unplugged, more intimate side to the band with people… We think that will be a fun new way to experience our music,” says Siddal.
The concert, which includes special guest and fellow local musician Cindy Fairbank, takes place this Saturday night at 7 pm. Tickets are available on the Simpli Events website.
Funky fusion at the Bowen Theatre
CAMERON STEPHENS Contributor
The Hearth Arts on Bowen is thrilled to present an evening of funk/jazz fusion at the bustling new Bowen Theatre on Friday, November 28.
Prepare for a sonic journey with the Mary Ancheta Quartet, led by the acclaimed Canadian Filipina keyboardist and composer Mary Ancheta.
Everyone welcome! Find outwho we are, what we do, andhow youcan help!
The show starts at 7:30 pm and tickets can be purchased through the Hearth website
I recently chatted with Mary and she had the following message to deliver: “I am excited to bring our brand of funk, electro-jazz, fusion, hip-hop and more for the first time to the Bowen Theatre. We will bring some music we performed in Japan this summer at the World Expo at the Canada Pavilion. You can expect some story-telling influenced from my film scoring as well as some of our new material that will be on the upcoming album.”
“It’s going to be a funky good time with Dominic Conway on the tenor saxophone, Matt Reid on bass, and Paul Clark on drums. I can’t wait to perform at this world class
venue and get to play the beautiful Yamaha C7 piano I have heard so much about!” says Ancheta
Get ready for a night of music drawing inspiration from a wide spectrum of artists including Squarepusher, the Meters, and Prince. You will be grooving in your (incredibly comfy) seat - you don’t want to miss this night of funky music!
Mary Ancheta brings her sounds to Bowen at the end of the month.
Straightup Sevenhills will play songs from their new EP ‘Mile After Mile’ at their concert at the Bowen Theatre this weekend. / Submitted photo
Woodfibre LNG takes District of Squamish to court
JENNIFER THUNCHER & LIZ MCDONALD
The Squamish Chief
Woodfibre LNG is suing the District of Squamish over what the company alleges is a biased handling of approval processes for its liquefied natural gas export project.
Woodfibre LNG General Partner filed a notice of civil claim seeking damages on Nov. 6 in B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver. The notice of claim names only the District as a defendant, but accuses the District, mayor, and some members of council of “intentionally misusing the District’s powers for the improper purpose of delaying and/or stopping the project, despite the project having obtained all requisite approvals.”
It says the motivation for this is “based on the personal animus,” or hostility, of members of council and other municipally authorized representatives towards the project and/or Woodfifibre LNG. The allegations in Woodfibre LNG’s claim have not yet been tested in court. Once served, the District has 21 days to file a response to the claim It had not done so as of Nov. 13. In response to a request to comment from The Squamish Chief, a District spokesperson said “the District does not comment on matters in litigation.”
In its notice of civil claim, Woodfibre LNG alleges the District has applied “an illegal” major industry tax rate in 2025, which only applies to Woodfibre LNG. BC Assessment classified certain Woodfibre LNG properties as Major Industry (Port) and Major Industry for the first time in 2025.
Among other items discussed in the claim, Woodfibre LNG points to council meetings where elected officials discussed increasing the tax revenue received from the major
industry tax and transferring the revenue to a reserve to fund four additional RCMP officers, at $1.05 million. The officers were deemed necessary due to a perceived public safety risk caused by the Woodfibre LNG and associated FortisBC Eagle Mountain-Woodfibre Gas Pipeline Project, the claim states.
“In discussing the 2025 Tax Rate Bylaw, District Council and Staff made several comments confirming that the District would use the property tax from Woodfibre LNG to fund four additional RCMP officers that the District purportedly deemed necessary as a result of the Project,” the claim reads. “Further comments were made, including by District Council members, regarding the very high Major Industry Rate as a way to ‘finally [see] some level of benefit from this project entering into [the] community.’”
According to the claim, the total property taxes Woodfibre LNG is required to pay to the District in 2025 for all of its properties is $1,855,182.53, attributable mostly to its Major Industry Properties.
“The property taxes the Project faces for 2025 and any future property taxes imposed under Major Industry tax rates as high as the 2025 Major Industry Rate will adversely impact the Project while it remains under construction and is not generating any revenue,” the document states.
Other allegations of “misconduct” in the exercise of District powers in the civil claim include that the District delayed the issuance of, and then refused to issue, a temporary use permit for the first floating worker accommodation.
Woodfibre LNG says that, with all other levels of government approvals in place, the company had the floatel docked in Nanaimo, waiting to come to Squamish, incurring approximately $100,000 a day to anchor the floatel, while
using interim workcamp accommodations for construction crews building the facility. The temporary workcamp allegedly cost the company about $65,000 per day.
“Most of the workforce required for the current construction activities were being housed at a temporary land camp located at Port Mellon and transported by water to the Project Site for each shift. The roundtrip travel time for the workers was approximately 2.5 hours.”
Ultimately, the claim states, in June of 2024 the provincial Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) ordered Woodfibre LNG to stop housing workers in an unauthorized way. The company says it then withdrew its application for a temporary use permit at the District and, citing the EAO order, moved the ship into position at the site on June 21, 2024, where it has sat ever since. The claim states that District council approved two temporary use permits for both floatels in July of this year. The second floatel is being moved into position at the site in the coming weeks.
The claim alleges the District delayed granting and issuing building permits for temporary modular trailer structures required during the construction phase of the project for over 600 days.
Further, the claim alleges the municipality delayed issuing building permits for permanent buildings by “impermissibly” requiring landslide assessments that the company argues are not required under the District’s Official Community Plan and associated bylaws.
“This unlawful misuse of District Powers has adversely impacted Woodfibre LNG and the Project, which is under construction (and is not generating any revenue) and will continue to have an impact once the Project enters into the operations phase,” the claim reads, citing the 2025 Major Industry Rate, which it argues is “unsustainable.”
The USD$8.8 billion construction of the LNG export facility is slated to be completed in 2027.
JASPER
Meet Jasper,our cheerful Patient of theWeek! This sweet Husky cameinafter helping himselftoanentire box of chocolategranola bars, but thanks to his quickthinking owners, he made it to theclinicintimefor an induced vomit to keep him safe. Even after hissnacktime misadventure, Jasper kept everyone smilingwith hisbright blue eyes,big personality, and nonstoptail wags.Hehandled hisvisit like achampand wasback to hishappy, mischievous selfinnotime!
CALENDAR
Thursday, November 20
Writers Feedback Group at the Library
Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, all ages and types of writer are welcome to share and give constructive feedback on each other’s writing in this positive and supportive environment. From 5 to 6:30 pm Registration required – please register at bipl.ca/write
Friday, November 21
Tween Night with Bowen Rec
Kick off the season by making your own holiday ornaments and then cozy up to watch the comedy classic Elf in the Bowen Theatre. Hot chocolate and cookies served! Ages 10-13 from 6:30 to 9 pm. Register on Bowen Rec website.
Saturday, November 22
Snug Cove House AGM
A community within a community Come see what’s happening with the new Seniors Home at 10:30 am at Collins Hall. Refreshments will be provided.
Saturday, November 22
Bowen Nature Club AGM
Nature Club Annual General Meeting with a talk by Charlotte Gruneau on her work following elusive Northern Saw-whet Owls on Bowen. Everyone welcome; come find out about the Bowen Nature Club and how to join Starts 2 pm at Collins Hall.
Sunday, November 23
Open Studio & Art Sale
Come for a cup of tea and a chat at Emily’s studio; and maybe go home with art, books, or inspiration! Wear waterproof shoes; the studio is across a lawn From 11 am to 3 pm
at 602 Collins Road.
Tuesday, November 25
Career and Community Advisors at the Library
Drop in for one-on-one help with a WorkBC Career Advisor (10 am to 3 pm), get help with resumes, cover letters, interviewing, job searches, job market & education advice You can also see a Community Integration Specialist (11 am to 2 pm) who helps people access financial, housing, and health supports, government programs, disability assistance & more. Find out more about all these at bipl.ca/get-help
Wednesday, November 26
Fibre Arts Guild Event
Slide presentation on a trip to Shetland Wool Week. All fibre enthusiasts welcome, members free, guests $5. Bring show and tell! 10:30 am at Collins Hall.
Wednesday, November 26
Contra Dancing at the Legion
Free admission, but donations appreciated. Beginners welcome! From 7 to 9 pm Becky Liddle calls this combination of English country and square dancing.
Friday, November 28
Ladies Madrigal Choir Concert
The Christmas Concert starts at 7 pm at Cates Hill Chapel. Tickets $25, kids 9 & under free. More info on Page 3.
Saturday, November 29
Artisan Square Holiday Market
The 2nd annual outdoor Holiday Market from 10 am to 5 pm Visit the shops and shop the curated local gift market Food, live music, popcorn bar, and cozy firepits.
Saturday, November 29
Holiday Cartoons with Bowen Rec
Bring a bowl and spoon and enjoy Saturday Morning Cartoons at the Community Centre! All ages from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, tickets and full details on Bowen Rec website.
Saturday, November 29
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! From 10:30 to 11:30 am bipl.ca/French
Saturday, November 29
Lantern Making Workshop with Bowen Rec
Come design your own lantern to use during Light Up Bowen & to decorate your home! All ages event, kids under 7 must have adult From 2 to 4 pm at Community Centre
Sunday, November 30
Book Donation Mornings at the Library
From 10 am until volunteers’ bins are full (no later than Noon). A volunteer will pre-screen your donations with you there, and will accept those that meet donation guidelines See the guidelines at bipl.ca/donatebooks
Sunday, November 30
Legion Christmas Craft Fair
The Bowen Island Legion’s popular fair! Local crafts, festive treats and festivities! From 11 am to 3 pm.
Sunday, November 30
Rivendell Lodge Open House
Stay for a treat and a hot drink. From 2 to 5 pm, we’ll gather around the tree at 4 for a short reflection. All are welcome!
WEDNESDAYS
Family Storytime at the Library
A free 30-minute drop-in program of stories, rhymes and songs for children age 0-6 and their caregivers! Starts 10:30 am in the Library Annex. Families are welcome to stay until 11:30 am to socialize, read books and hang out!
THURSDAYS
TAG Gatherings
Thursday Art Group is at Collins Hall from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Membership is $30 per month, or $10 drop-in, newcomers first drop-in free. More info at shannonondeau@shaw.ca
