October 3, 2025 by Bowen Island Undercurrent

Events

AllCouncilmeetingsareopen tothepublictoattendin personorelectronically,unless notedotherwise

October 6, 2025 10:00 am OfﬁcialCommunityPlan SteeringCommitteeMeeting

October 14, 2025 1:00 pm RegularCouncilMeeting

New Water ConservationBylaw: Tell Us WhatYou Think

BowenIslandMunicipalityisseekingpublicinputontheDraft WaterConservationBylawNo.695,2025andStaffReportthatwas presentedattheCommitteeoftheWholeMeetingheldonJuly21, 2025.

Thepurposeofthisbylawistopromote responsiblewateruseandprovide Municipalstaffwiththeauthorityto enforcecompliancewithstagedwater conservationmeasuresduringthe warmer,driermonthsoftheyear.

Visithttps://bowenislandmunicipality ca/new-water-conservation-bylaw-tellus-what-you-think/orusetheQRcode togetinvolved

TheFireDanger Rating isLOW

Campfiresandbeachfiresareonceagainpermitted. Pleaseuse onlydrywoodtominimizesmokeandensurethatthesizeofthe fireisnomorethan0.5mx0.5m.

CampﬁresaroundManionBayareprohibitedyearround.

OpenburningisprohibiteduntilOctober15.

Questions?ContactBowenIslandFireRescue’snon-emergency lineat604-947-9324.

Bike Park Closure:October 8-10

Pleasebeadvisedthattreeworkatthebikeparkisscheduledfor October8th,9thand10th,2025.Thebikeparkandsurrounding trails,includingfromtheBICSparkinglottoCrippenParkandthe “DuneBuggy”trailwillbeclosedduringthattime

Therewillbebarrierssetupattrailheadsandseveralpeopleonthe groundtoensurenopedestriansentertheworkareabutplease avoidthearea.

Questions?PleasecallPublicWorkson604-947-4255ext.3.

Apply Now: 97th BritishColumbia Youth Parliament

Areyouayoungpersonaged16–21withapassionforleadership, publicservice,orpolitics?Applynowtobepartofthe97thBritish ColumbiaYouthParliament(BCYP),takingplacethisDecemberat theProvincialLegislativeChambersinVictoria.

BCYPisanon-partisan,province-wideprogramthatbringstogether youthfromacrossB.C.todebateintheLegislatureandparticipate incommunityserviceyear-round.Nopoliticalexperienceis needed,justawillingnesstolearnandserve.

SessionDates:December27-31,2025

Location:Victoria,BC RegistrationFee:$545(includingtravel,accommodation&meals) Deadlinetoapply:October31,2025

Financialsupportandbursariesareavailable

Applyonlineatbcyp.org/applying

Learnmoreatbcyp.org

Bowen’s Budget: 2026Edition Survey

BowenIslandMunicipalityisplanningfor2026,andwewanttohear fromyou.

Howsatisﬁedareyouwiththeservicesweprovide?Howshouldour taxdollarsbespent?Wherecouldwemakesomecuts?Whatareyour prioritiesfor2026?

Let’sbuildabudgetthatreflectstheneeds andvaluesofourcommunity

FollowtheQRcodeorcompletethesurvey here:www.surveymonkey.com/r/LC5Y6T8

Choosing one of the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and committing to work on it going forward was at the heart of Bowen’s activities to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the Sp’ákw’us Gathering Stage on Tuesday, September 30. / Alex Kurial photo

Youth paddle together for Truth & Reconciliation Day

INA PACE

Squamish Chief / Local Journalism Initiative

A day of reconciliation means working in unison, quite literally.

Foundry Sea to Sky collaborated with Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and the RCMP to share first-hand knowledge of teamwork and community spirit with young people, in co-ordinating a group canoe pull at Alice Lake Provincial Park.

The canoe pull this year marked the event’s fifth anniversary at Alice Lake. RCMP Const. Kelly Dean, of the Integrated First Nations Policing Unit, described to participants and onlookers how the pull was literally a transfer of energy from the paddle to the water, and that a successful canoe pull relied on the synchronization of the paddles and this energy, in other words, successful teamwork.

Dean led three canoe pulls in a loop around Alice Lake on Tuesday, Sept. 30, taking on board 12 to 13 participants at a time. Dean asked permission from Nation members to come ashore, as per tradition.

Dean explained that the pull started out with community support services in the Sea to Sky originally conducting workshops for youth on how to paddle carve, which led to the youth using the paddles they created. The event has increased in popularity over the years, according to Dean and RCMP Sgt. Gareth Bradley.

This year’s pull took place in the RCMP’s own Little Thunderbird, a plastic canoe rather than a traditional wooden one, though the groups honoured the spirit of the canoe all the same.

They introduced themselves as they got into it, much like introducing yourself as a guest in one’s house, Dean explained.

The participants and onlookers gathered from 10 am at Alice Lake, where the Nation conducted a ceremony, with coffee and doughnuts on hand.

VIEWPOINTS

EDITORIAL

Applefest(s)

Thankstoeverybodywho helped putour localTruth and Reconciliation eventonthis week.While ourisland is small in size that just meantthe gatheringencapsulatedthe message of the Little Hummingbirdevenmore-that all of us doingwhat we canwillslowlyhavea tangible and positiveimpact on the important Reconciliation journey.

Meanwhile,welcometoOctober! Thanksgivingisjustaround thecorner,and so areapair of festivals that weekend to celebratethe Harvestseason. BowenCiderHouse returns with their three-day Applefestatthe cidery whichissuretodelight. Andthe Bowen Island Heritage PreservationAssociationis bringingbacktheir Applefest too. TheBIHPA event hasbeenawayfor abit now,but Ihave heardverypositivethings aboutthe eventfrom when it wasinits heydey.Ifyou like applesthis will be the weekend for you! Find outmorein the Calendar.

Beforethat, this weekend the NightMarket is comingbacktoBowen Island Community School. Therewas afun NightMarketafew yearsago and this one should be equallyentertaining. It’s hostedbythe FarmersMarketand therewill be food,vendors,music andmore. A greatway to spend aSaturdaynight!

Aquicknotefor oursubscribers regarding deliveries.Due to the currentpostalstrike, as of writingthis (October 1) thereisnomail (unaddressedoraddressed) beingdelivered.Please call ouroffice at 604-947-2442 and we will arrange to have acopyavailable forpickup, or you canfind complimentarycopies at various buildings and businessesinthe Cove.Thanks to all of oursubscribers, advertisers, readers, contributors, and all typesofsupportersaswe navigatethesechanges!

-AlexKurial, Editor

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TheUndercurrent is amember of the National NewsMedia Council of Canada, which is an independentorganization establishedtodeal withacceptable 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 foradditionalinformation.

Charges laid in killing of Grizzly Bear on Texada Island

PAIR CHARGED WITH FAILING TO REPORT KILLING OF GRIZZLY

COAST REPORTER STAFF

Two residents of Texada Island are facing charges in connection with the killing of a grizzly bear that had previously drawn widespread attention across the Sunshine Coast.

The BC Conservation Officer Service (COS) confirmed that Crown counsel has approved charges against the individuals for failing to promptly report the wounding or killing of a grizzly bear, a violation under Section 75(2) of the BC Wildlife Act.

The pair are scheduled to appear in Powell River Provincial Court on October 14.

The bear in question, a four-year-old male nicknamed “Tex” by locals, had been the subject of multiple relocation efforts in 2024 after being spotted in Gibsons and Sechelt, including near schools and residential areas. Conservation officers,

with support from provincial biologists and the shíshálh Nation, relocated the bear twice that year first from Gibsons to Vancouver Bay, and then from Sechelt to the far end of Jervis Inlet. Despite these efforts, the bear returned to populated areas within weeks.

In May 2025, the grizzly swam to Texada Island, where it was seen stalking residents and livestock. The COS had deemed the bear unsuitable for further relocation due to its history of conflict and aggressive behaviour.

However, a new plan was being developed in partnership with First Nations to move the bear to a remote area up the coast. That plan was cut short when the bear was found shot and killed in the Van Anda area on July 14.

The COS has stated that no further details will be released while the matter is before the courts.

HEDDA DUNTZ(1947–2025)

We aresad to announce thepassing of Hedda Duntz,age 78. Shepassedawaypeacefully on September23, 2025, surrounded by herfamily. Shewill be missed by herhusband,Wolfgang; hersister-in-law Tamara;her threechildren Scarlett, Geeritt,and Christian;her grandsons Calem, Gage,Henry,and Liam;and herdogs Maddieand Benny.

Acelebration of herlifewill be announcedinthe comingweeks.

Hedda requestedthat, in lieuofﬂowers, please consider donating to theKnick KnackNook on BowenIsland.

The Grizzly at Shehtekwahn Bay on Texada Island. The bear swam from Powell River on the Sunshine Coast, according to authorities / Mark Robert photo

BowenIslandFilm Societylaunches newscreening series

ROSEMARY’SBABYTHIS HALLOWEEN

BOWEN ISLAND FILM SOCIETY

After five successfulmonthsofFridaynight screenings, theBowen Island Film Society willbelaunchinga new additional screening seriescalled “The Vault”

The original Friday series will continue to show family-friendly vintage films with shorts andcartoons of the period, along with popcorn andsodas. The Vault screenings will concentrate on important films of the past that have somethingtosay to a modern audience.

Films that are lesser-known, adult-themedand more challenging. It willalso feature Canadian cinema and world cinema.

The Vault screenings will be astripped-downversion of theFriday screenings: no kids, no cartoons,noconcessions. The Vault will present simplya screeningand discussion of theways in which cinema shapes ourworld.

Both screening series willhavethe samegoal: to create ashared experienceof films that examine the human experience.

The Vault will have atest run onOctober 29 at 6:30 pm, screening Rosemary’sBaby(1968) justintime for Halloween.A film that, on the surface,isabout witches and devils, but is really telling astory of woman’sstruggle for power in apatriarchy thatwants to control her reproductive rights.

The Vault will begin regular screenings every third Tuesday of themonth starting in January.

Everygreat stage performance requires acollaborativeeffort, and the upcoming productionofTom Stoppard’s‘Rough Crossing’ is no different. DirectorCalder Stewart (above,left)works withIsland musicians Marc Gawthorp(middle) and ShaelWrinch(right) on the show’s musical numbers, whichwill be performed by actors (below, L-R) Doug Elliott,Annie Arbuckle and Adrian vanLidth de Jeude.Frazer Elliott andKat Stepens also starinthe show,which runs Oct. 17, 18, 24 &25atthe BowenIslandTheatre

Places of Worship WelcomeYou

BOWEN ISLANDUNITED CHURCH

CATES HILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661Carter Rd.)

Worship 10:30 am Rev.Lorraine Ashdown www.biuc ca| 1122MillerRoad 778-688-2061 OFFICE HOURS WEDNESDAY10-4 ORBYAPPOINTMENT Contact aryana.rayne@gmail.com •www.shirathayam.ca

Sunday Worship10:00

DEPART BOWENISLAND 5:15 am -exceptSundays 6:15 am 7:30 am 8:45 am 10:00am 11:15am 12:35pm 1:55 pm 3:15 pm 4:40 pm -exceptWednesdays 6:00 pm 7:15 pm 8:25 pm -exceptSaturdays 9:30 pm 10:30pm 11:30pm DEPART HORSESHOEBAY 5:45 am 6:50 am 8:05 am 9:20 am -exceptWednesdays 10:35am 11:55am 1:10 pm 2:35 pm 3:55 pm 5:20 pm 6:35 pm 7:50 pm 8:55 pm -exceptSaturdays 10:00pm 11:00pm

Where’sthe ferry rightnow?- liveupdatesatwww.bowenferry.ca Schedule changesonstatutory holidays. Stay up to date at www.bcferries.com

Squamish Nation elects new council, chairperson and band manager

NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS BEGIN THEIR TERM THURSDAY

ABBY LUCIANO

North Shore News / Local Journalism Initiative

Ballots have been counted for the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) general election, with new and incumbent councillors picked for the upcoming term.

On Sunday, Nation members elected 15 councillors, one chairperson and one band manager to hold office for the next four years. The new team is double the size of the previous council, which had seven councillors and one chairperson.

Former councillor Sxwíxwtn (Wilson Williams) has been elected council chairperson by acclamation as he was the only one who ran for the position. This now marks his fourth term in office.

“We are a dynamic Nation with a bright future, and I am extremely excited and energized about the new term ahead,” Williams said in a news release. “Thank you to all the candidates who ran in this election. I look forward to working with our new band manager and council as we collectively create new pathways and opportunities for our Nation.”

The chairperson leads the council, co-ordinates its activities and internal processes, and advocates with other governments.

Williams replaces previous chairperson Khelsilem, who did not run in this election.

Squamish Nation councillors Shayla Jacobs and Syexwaliya (Ann Whonnock) were re-elected, while 13 new general councillors were elected for council. The new

councillors are Alroy (Bucky) Baker, Anthony Joseph, Sandy Lafontaine (Douglas), Amanda Williams, Jody Broomfield, Faye Halls, Kalkalilh (Deanna Lewis), Jonah Trevon Chase Gonzales, Yul Baker, Jonny Williams, Bertha Joseph, Matthew Houghton and Sxwchálten (Kevin Rivers).

Bianca Cameron (Joseph) was disqualified due to a new electoral law, which limits council positions to one immediate family member. Her sister, Lafontaine, received more votes and was elected.

According to the Nation, unofficial vote count shows that 1,317 Squamish people voted in this election between Sept. 15 and 28, representing 41 per cent of eligible voters. This marks a new record as the highest voter turnout for a general election, according to the Nation. The previous council was elected Sept. 26, 2021.

Thirty-two people ran for 16 councillor positions. Two candidates ran for band manager, where Tsunaxen Willie was elected.

The large council and new chairperson are part of changes made by the Nation earlier this year to amend the Squamish Nation Election and Referendum Law, increasing the number of councillors and chairperson from the previous eight to 16.

The number 16 is intentional, reflecting to when “16 Squamish families decided they would be stronger together and amalgamated in 1923,” the press release said.

Specific seats for the North Shore, Squamish Valley and outside the region were also removed, as the Nation shifted to electing general councillors.

The new council, chairperson and band manager will start their four-year term Thursday after a swearingin ceremony.

Sxwíxwtn (Wilson Williams) has been acclaimed as council chairperson for the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) following elections held Sept. 28, 2025. / Nick Laba photo

Cellular:604-250-2630

Telephone: 604-947-2243

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email: cormorantmarine@telus.net web: cormorantwatertaxi.com

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TheWoodfibreLNG site is taking shape.Onland,crews are progressing on foundations afterplacing the pipe rack modules.Offshore, piling hasbegun forthe first permanent supportsfor the floating storage tank —amajor step in marine construction.

Allmarine work is supportedbymarine mammal observers and hydroacoustic monitoring.These safeguardspausework if underwater sound nears regulatory limits or if marine mammals enterexclusionzones.

We’reproud to be building the world’sfirst net zero LNG exportfacilitysafely,responsibly,and under the oversightof the Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) —follow us to see howit’staking shape righthereinSquamish.

Members of the T90 Orca Family made a visit to Snug Cove this week / Lisa Brougham photo

Honouring ourPets

REV.LORRAINE ASHDOWN

Bowen Island United Church

This Sunday, October 5, our annualPet Blessing Service will take place at Bowen Island United Church.

This is aservice that happens every year on or near October 4whichistheFeast Day ofSt. FrancisofAssisi-thepatron saint of animals andecology.

St. Francis of Assisi is beloved and revered for his compassion toward animals andnature, andhis legacy lives on through pet blessing services held around the worldinhis honour. He believed animals were his brothers and sisters, and he often preached to birds and caredfor sick animals.

You don’t have to be amember of our church -orany church -tobringyour belovedpet to this unique service. Your

dogs, cats,birds, hamsters, gerbils, turtlesand creatures of all kinds willbewelcomed with open armsatthe church and theywillreceive ablessing andtold how muchwelove andappreciate all they do forus.

This is awonderful opportunitytobless ouranimalcompanions and to thank them forall theygive to us.Itisrecommended that cats be in carrier cases and dogs be on leashes.

Theblessing service takes placeat10:30 am on Sunday, October 5atthe Bowen Island United Churchat1022 MillerRoad. If your pet is no longer with us,feelfreeto bring aphoto to be shared with us all Ilookforwardtoseeing you and your animal companionsonSunday.

In Love,

Rev.LorraineAshdown

AN AFTERNOONCONCERT FEATURING

EAST VAN SAXQUARTET

Sunday,Oct.

5, 2025

COLLINS HALL 1P M$ 22

The East VanSax Quartethas beenplaying together in one form or since 2007. They’ll be performing aprogram of music d forsax quartet, includingclassical,jazz, tango,ragtime, standards.

availableonline: https://evsqcollinshall.bpt.me another arrange andpop

Tickets

IN LOVING MEMORYOF JEMMA

In lovingmemory of Jemma—a truly special soul whosegentle spirittouched everyone she met. Aloyal companion and thesweetest patient,she faced each vet visitwith grace and quiet strength.Her warm eyes and unwavering trust brought comfort and joy to all who knew her. Though shemay no longer be by our side, Jemma’s love lives on in thememories we holdclose. Shewill always be remembered withdeep affection and gratitude

REGULAR HOURS

CONTACT Mon-Fri 9-5 Closed Sat &Sun

reception@bowenvet.com 604.947.9247

604-653-7851 Call

604-653-7851

classifieds@van.net

ahogan@glaciermedia.ca

nmather@glaciermedia.ca

CALENDAR

Saturday, October 4

Men’s Shed Gathering

Come hang out and get to know other men. All ages welcome. This week is a pancake breakfast starting at 9:30 am. By donation, includes coffee/tea and great company! At the Sea-Can Shed behind Island Pacific School.

Saturday, October 4

French Connections at the Library

Drop in and join us to practice your French and get to know other French speakers on Bowen! The focus is on conversing in French, with beginner and intermediate speakers welcome. All ages! Free, drop-in, 10:30 to 11:30 am.

Saturday, October 4

Catching Stars Artist Reception

Reception for Bowen artist Thiago Ramirez and his Ybyra Designs. At Catching Stars Gallery from 2 to 4 pm

Saturday, October 4

Indian Takeaway Night at Tippy’s

Chef Muhammad puts on his first takeout night of the Fall. Pre-order online at www.tippys.ca

Saturday, October 4

Bowen Island Night Market

Come on down for some yummy food and craft vendors! Live music and line dancing! Please bring cash for vendors.

Decals will be available for sale at the Snug Cove General Store from Oct 6th to 16th ONLY.

Drop off will be done by appointment ONLY.

Once youhave picked up your decal, you can call Bowen Waste Solutions @604-947-2255 to book an appointment.

The final day for booking appointments will be Friday,Oct 17th at 3:00 PM.

Alimited number of appointments will be made available.

Drop offofmaterials will be inside the BIRD yard from Monday,Oct. 20th to Saturday Oct. 25th

Note: 1decal per household only.

ABSOLUTELYNO, Paint, Hazardous Waste, Tires or Drywall

Check out

www.bowenwastesolutions.com www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca

Waste Solutions

At Bowen Island Community School from 6 to 8 pm

Sunday, October 5

Book Donation Mornings

Friends of the Library are looking for your gently loved books. 10 am to Noon, more at bipl.ca/guidelines

Sunday, October 5

Miller’s Meatcraft 1 Year Anniversary

Bowen’s butcher is throwing an Oktoberfest themed party to celebrate 1 year of bustling business. The celebration is at the Bowen Pub upper patio, from Noon until all smokeout supplies are fully sold out!

Sunday, October 5

Pet Blessings at the United Church

Annual Pet Blessing service to honour the special members of our family. 10:30 am, full details on Page 9.

Sunday, October 5

East Van Sax Quartet

Program of jazz, classical, tango, ragtime and pop. Collins Hall at 1 pm, tickets at https://evsqcollinshall.bpt.me/

Sunday, October 5

Meet & Greet with MLA Jeremy Valeriote

Talk to Jeremy Valeriote, your member of the BC Legislative Assembly for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky. Bring your questions and comments. No need to register in advance, open to all ages. 1:30 to 3 pm, learn more at bipl.ca/meet

Saturday, October 11

BIHPA Applefest

FALL CLEAN-UP 2025

Bowen Island Heritage Preservation Association is bringing back the island tradition of Applefest. At Davies Orchard in Snug Cove from 11 am to 1 pm. Apple pies for sale, pie contest, Museum Cottage tours and more.

Saturday, October 11 to Monday, October 13

Bowen Cider House Applefest

Come celebrate the Harvest with Bowen Cider House. Orchard tours, apple displays, apple pressing and more. Find the full schedule at www.bowenciderhouse.ca

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 in the Annex until 11:30 am to socialize, read books and hang out!

FRIDAYS

Baby Connections at Family Place

A free drop-in program for families with babies 0-12 months. Runs from 11 am to 1 pm. Chat with other new parents while enjoying some tea, coffee & treats. This week is Stories-on-the-Go with Library staff! For more info - contactcoordinator@bowenislandfamilyplace.com

SATURDAYS

Bowen Island Farmers Market

The Bowen Island Farmers Market season is underway! Come to Bowen Island Community School from 10 am to 12:30 pm to check out all of the vendors and special events.

Hazardous Waste NOT Accepted: