Issuu

FRIDAY DECEMBER 25, 2015 VOL. 42, NO. 48

including GST

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YEAR IN REVIEW

The year’s top stories and photos start on page 3

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

Mayor Skeels wishes the community well on page 4

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

From all of us to all of you, have a Merry Christmas and see you in 2016!

Community’s the word when it comes to Bowen Results of resident survey for branding unveiled TIM SHOULTS CONTRIBUTOR

Storyteller Justyn Rees recounts the Christmas tale from a shepherd’s perspective, one of many personas he adopted during the performance of Christmas Tales at the Cates Hill Chapel Monday night (Dec. 21). Rees and musicians Russ Rosen, Brett Ziegler and Kenton Wiens performed tales and Christmas songs. Tim Shoults photo

No paper next week; see you in 2016!

’Twas the week after Christmas, and all through our office, Not a creature is stirring…’cause who’s got time off? Us! The Undercurrent is taking a long Christmas nap next week, making this the last issue of 2015. The office will be closed next week as well from Monday, Dec. 28 to Friday, Jan. 1. We will re-open for business on

Monday, Jan. 4, 2016 in time for our next edition on Friday, Jan. 8. In the mean time, enjoy a look back at the stories that made 2015 starting on page 3 of this issue. From all of us at the Undercurrent, best wishes for a happy, healthy and safe holiday season and all the best in the new year to come!

What words come to mind when you think about Bowen Island? Survey says: it’s all about community. Bowen’s Branding Working Group presented a survey of local residents to municipal council’s committee of the whole at its meeting last Tuesday (Dec. 15) as part of its ongoing branding initiative. The online survey of residents aged 15 years and older was conducted from Oct. 1 to Nov. 2 and was communicated through the Undercurrent, social media, personal invitations and canvassing of ferry lineups. Overall 339 residents started the survey, 214 provided useful stories and 197 completed the entire survey. “The vast majority of the stories were positive and rich in imagery and emotion,” the report says. “They were very insightful.” The survey was designed to discover insights about residents, the most memorable experiences they have had on Bowen and the emotional benefits they receive from living here, according to the report. It follows a similar survey of visitors conducted in 2014 and will be followed by a survey of local businesses to be released in February. The survey respondents skewed female (70 per cent) but the report saw no substantive differences in answer based on gender. Respondent were also mainly older, with 81 per cent of respondents aged 45 or older and only 3 per cent aged 34 or younger. Nearly 90 per cent of respondents were full-time residents. The survey consisted of five open-ended questions: • What three words come to mind when you think of Bowen Island? • Tell us about your most memorable experience on Bowen. • How did that experience make you feel? • Imagine you are writing a personal story about Bowen Island. What would be the title of your story? • What makes Bowen Island unique? The survey presented the most common words used in the replies as word clouds. “Community” showed up repeatedly as the most common word used when residents were asked what words came to mind when they thought about Bowen, when describing their most memorable experiences and how it made them feel, and what makes Bowen unique. “Home” and “paradise” were the most common words to show up when residents were asked the title of their personal story about Bowen Island. The survey indicates that residents appreciate Bowen’s proximity to the city, its natural beauty, its quiet and peaceful nature, its arts and culture scene, its small, rural and safe character and even its ferry service. Working from that and the stories submitted by residents, the working group came up with seven themes to describe what it calls “the emotional heart” of living on Bowen. Those themes, using residents’ own words, are: • “Magic of everyday: The simple but incredibly fulfilling pleasures of everyday life on Bowen”; • “Island of Peace: In a hectic, busy world, Bowen provides residents with a sense of calm, quiet and serenity”; • “Got your back: We genuinely care about each other. In times of need we can count on our friends and neighbours to be there for us”; • “First times: First encounters with Bowen Island and our community shape residents’ feelings and beliefs about the island”; • “Enveloped in community: The importance of people and the sense of belonging”;

continued PAGE 8

2 • FRIDAY DECEMBER 25 2015

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NEWS from

Municipal Hall MEETING CALENDAR January 11, 2016 7:15 pm Regular Council Meeting

January 12, 2016 7:15 pm Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting All meetings are held in BIM Council Chambers unless otherwise noted.

Ö BIM SUPPORTS

Ö CHRISTMAS TREE

30/30 PROJECT

DISPOSAL

On Monday November 23, 2015, Council unanimously supported the 30K/ 30Day project being undertaken by Bowen Island residents through St. Andrews Wesley Church in Vancouver and in collaboration with First Credit Union on Bowen Island. The project seeks to raise funds to aid Syrian refugee families who will be relocating to Vancouver. Funds may be donated through a special account set up at the First Credit Union on Bowen Island. For more information, please visit the 30/30 project facebook page https://www.facebook.com/30K30DAY

Bowen Waste will have a bin for your Christmas tree self-disposal located across from the gas station on Mount Gardner Road from December 29 until January 12. Please ensure that you remove all tinsel, garland and other decorations before putting your tree into the bin. Many thanks!

Ö WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A LOST DOG OVER THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS

Ö REMINDER: ICE PATROL & SNOW CLEARING

1. Do you recognize the dog? Can you take the dog to its home? Or call its owner?

During winter road maintenance operations, trucks fitted with ploughs and salt/sand dispensers need to be able to manoeuvre freely throughout the island roads. Please ensure that vehicles or other items are not parked on or blocking roadways and/or cul-desacs.

2. Look for tags on the collar, (sometimes a name and number are written directly on the collar) and call the number. It may take some time for the owner(s) to respond. 3. Ask some neighbours – they may have a visitor that owns the dog. 4. Try posting to some useful websites and pages:

Ö NERP & ESS

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

BIM is seeking volunteers for the “Neighborhood Emergency Response Program” (NERP) and for the Bowen Island “Emergency Social Services” (ESS). These programs are essential parts of our island life in times of emergencies and crisis, if you have previous experience in either program, or possess skills in data collection or IT, your help is urgently needed and appreciated. Inquiries for NERPs can be directed to binerps@gmail.com. Inquiries for the ESS program can be directed to bowenislandess@gmail.com. A short introduction to these important community programs will be emailed to you instantly. Thank You!

Ö COMMUNITY RECREATION

●

● ●

The Forum – you need to be able to log in, so you may need to ask a friend for help. Bowen Island Everything Else Facebook page, membership is required, but it is very quick and easy to become a member. Missing Pets in BC Facebook page.

5. If you are unable to keep the dog in the interim please ask a friend or neighbour to help. In our experience 90% of dogs are returned to owner within one hour. 6. If you are unable to keep the dog, and no one is available to help please call the Bylaw cell phone at 604-328-5499 for further instructions. 7. If all else fails and you require assistance please call the RCMP non-emergency phone at 604-947-0516.

Ö 2016 GARBAGE/ORGANICS COLLECTION SCHEDULE

The 2016 Garbage/Organics Collection Schedule has been mailed out to Bowen Island households. You can also download the schedule from www.bimbc.ca

Ö BIM HOLIDAY CLOSURE Bowen Island Municipal Hall will be closed for the holiday season from 12:00 noon on Friday, December 24, 2015 and will re-open at 8:30 am on Monday, January 4, 2016. Bowen Island Community Recreation WINTER PROGRAMS START JAN 4TH

PROGRAMS MAY BE ADDED OR CHANGES MADE AS WE MOVE THROUGH A SEASON. YOU WILL FIND MOST PROGRAMS IN THE FALL 2015/WINTER 2016 BROCHURE. THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS ARE ALSO BEING OFFERED THIS WINTER:

Wishing you and your families a very safe and happy holiday season!

NEWLY ADDED/ADJUSTED PROGRAMS

find us on facebook:

BASKETBALL COED 11-13YRS TABATA SPIN SPIN MASTERS IN TRAINING WOMEN 55+ SPIN & CROSS TRAINING 9-12YRS ROLLERHOCKEY BOYS 9-12YRS PRESCHOOL SOCCER 3-4YRS PARENT AND TOT GYMTIME FLOOR HOCKEY ADULT BASKETBALL BADMINTON PARTNER DANCE SALSA/2 STEP

Bowen Island Municipality

join our mailing list:

MONDAYS/THURSDAYS THURSDAYS FRIDAYS THURSDAYS THURSDAYS THURSDAYS SATURDAYS SATURDAYS THURSDAYS TUESDAYS MONDAYS MONDAYS

3:00-4:00PM 10:15-11:15AM 9:00-10:00AM 6:15-7:15PM 3:00-4:00PM 4:15-5:15PM 4:30-5:15PM 3:00-4:15PM 8:15-9:30PM 7:45-9:00PM 7:30-9:00PM 6:30-8:30PM

~ from Mayor Skeels, Council and staff ~

PLAY MORE IN 2016 WITH COMMUNITY RECREATION!

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General Enquiries

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday, excluding statutory holidays

Phone: Fax: Email:

604-947-4255 604-947-0193 bim@bimbc.ca

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FRIDAY DECEMBER 25 2015 • 3

2015: a look back at the year that was

JANUARY

After years of sitting in Long Bay, the 110 metre former warship, the HMCS Annapolis, has a sink date. The Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia issued a press release this week to announce that the ship will be towed to Halkett Bay on Jan. 13, and sunk on Jan. 17. ••• Bowen Islander Ken Simpson reminded Mayor and council this week of what he saw as one of the best ideas to come out of the 2014 election: the creation of better internet service to the island. Simpson proposed that Bowen, like the town of Olds Alberta, could create a community owned fibre optic network. ••• Nerys Poole, representing the Bowen Island Conservancy, congratulated council for making time to discuss the Natural Areas Protection Tax Exemption Program (NAPTEC) yet again. Back in 2011, council approved the program, which was set up and is administered by the Islands Trust, in principle. In 2013, Mayor Jack Adelaar stated his opposition to the program, saying it would cost the municipality money and affect Bowen’s tax base. In January, councilors reviewed the program and its feasibility on Bowen yet again, opening up the possibility for implementing it here.

FEBRUARY Bowen Island councillor Maureen Nicholson says she was pleased to see so many Bowen Islanders turn up for a Woodfibre LNG open house seeking information. She says the open house mirrored her experience at a seminar she and councillor Sue Ellen Fast attended in Squamish in December, in that the level of production was very professional – the difference, she says, is that the Bowen Island event industry representatives were willing to answer questions. ••• A municipal council meeting started with a plea to hold-off on a resolution made by councillor Sue Ellen Fast that recommends taking a position on the Woodfibre LNG project. Councillors learned that deadline for comments on the project’s environmental assesment has been extended by 15 days from the previous deadline of March 9. However, after a single presentation and some discussion, a majority of councillors voted to move with Coun. Fast’s suggestion, and draft a letter of concern about the proposed LNG export facility to be built near Squamish.

After a false start in January, the HMCS Annapolis finally went to the bottom of Halkett Bay in April Starting in June, Bowen Island will be connect- tom of the ocean for the purpose of becoming an artificial reef was a once-in a lifetime experience. ed to Howe Sound in a new way: the island will Biddlecomb says that he waited in his water offer one of five access points for the Sea to Sky Bowen-based businesses set-up displays in the taxi with a group of people who were eager to Marine Trail. Bowen Island Community School gym in order watch the event at the edge of a boom blocking The Marine Trail will connect to the 180 km to promote themselves at the first-ever Bowen off Halkett Bay for nearly two hours while more of terrestrial Sea to Sky trail stretching from Island Business Showcase, organized by the West than 100 other boats rallied for a spot along the Squamish to D’Arcy, and the Trans-Canada Trail, Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and Bowen edge of the Bay which stretches from coast to coast. Gordon Island Tourism. About 50 members of the pub••• McKeevor addressed council with information lic stopped by to check it out, but based on the On May 5, a revamped Queen of Capilano was about the planned network of launching points fact that they managed to sell all the table-spaces set to be back in action between Horseshoe Bay and camp sites for sea-kayakers looking to available for businesses, the event is likely to be and Snug Cove, with room for extra cars on deck. explore the Sound. put on again next year. Councillor Melanie Mason is hoping that those ••• ••• extra spots won’t actually be necessary, as efforts Mike Buda, the Interim Executive Director of Bowen Islanders were preparing to experito reduce travel by car as well as new options the Metro Vancouver Mayor’s Council, came to ence yet another increase in the cost of their becoming available will make this the less attraccouncil to explain his perspective on why Bowen ferry trips – this time, by 4.1 per cent. Many Islanders should vote in favour of creating a “con- tive choice for people travelling to the city. coastal communities are organizing protests and At council, Municipal Chief Administrative gestion improvement tax” that would create a 0.5 strategies to show their dissatisfaction with the percent regional sales tax to fund a transportation Officer Kathy Lalonde said that meetings with situation. Councillor Melanie Mason wants the that will accommodate 1 million new residents in TransLink yielded positive results for at least the Transportation Advisory Committee (BIMTAC) temporary continuation of the express bus that Greater Vancouver by 2040. to be offered some direction in terms of engaging takes commuters downtown and back. TransLink the community on this issue, and measuring the agreed temporarily transfer the Independent impact of this next round of fare increases. Transit Service (ITS) agreement to the service However, Councillor Alison Morse effectively until the end of June. For continuation after that, delayed the discussion of this matter until March an application will need to be made to the board For Brian Biddlecombe, owner of Bowen 23 by being the lone council-member to vote of TransLink. Island’s Cormorant Marine water taxi service, against putting the item on meeting’s agenda. watching the HMCS Annapolis sink to the bot••• continued PAGE 5

MARCH

APRIL

REGULAR SCHEDULE BC Ferries REGULAR SCHEDULE December 20 to December 29, 2015 In Effect May 15 to October 13, 2014

▼

5:30 am* 6:30 am%* 7:30 am* 8:35 am 9:35 am# 10:35 am 11:40 am 12:45 pm 3:10 pm 4:15 pm† 5:15 pm * 6:20 pm 7:20 pm* 8:15 pm# 9:10 pm 10:05 pm

VANCOUVER Horseshoe Bay 6:00 am% * 7:00 am* 8:00 am 9:05 am†# 10:05 am 11:05 am 12:10 pm 2:35 pm 3:45 pm 4:45 pm 5:50 pm* 6:50 pm 7:50 pm* 8:40 pm# 9:40 pm

Leave Horseshoe Bay

Leave Snug Cove

BOWEN ISLAND Snug Cove

Distance: 3 NAUTICAL MILES Crossing Time: 20 MINUTES *

DAILY EXCEPT SAT, SUN AND DEC 25 # DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAYS

DAILY EXCEPT SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS & DEC 25

† THE WEDNESDAY SAILINGS WILL BE REPLACED BY DANGEROUS CARGO SAILINGS. NO OTHER PASSENGERS PERMITTED. % DAILY EXCEPT DEC 25

SEEKING LITERACY COORDINATOR The Bowen Literacy Task Group seeks a Literacy Outreach Coordinator (LOC) to help develop and support the goals of the community’s annual literacy plan. The LOC will be responsible for researching funding opportunities, preparing grant and funding proposals, reporting to the Task Group and partnering with agencies or granting organizations as required. This is a one-year contract position for roughly 12 – 15 hours per month.

Qualifications include:

• Proven experience in grant and proposal writing • Knowledge and experience of literacy issues • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team • Solid time-management, self-motivation and priority-setting skills • Computer software competence, including Word, Excel, Power Point, and online communication and research

The full job description is posted on BICS website at www.westvancouverschools.ca/bowen (Click on “Community” in the menu bar and scroll down to news and announcements.)

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume via email to Sarah Haxby, Community School Coordinator: shaxby@wvschools.ca. Deadline for application is Wednesday, January 13, 2016.

The Bowen Literacy Task Group is represented by Bowen Island Community School, Bowen Island Public Library, Bowen Children’s Centre, Bowen Island Arts Council and The Caring Circle.

4 • FRIDAY DECEMBER 25 2015

viewpoint The Write Stuff. The Undercurrent encourages reader participation in your community newspaper. You must include your full name and a daytime phone number (for verification only). The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity, legality, brevity and taste. To submit a letter to the editor, fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to #102, 495 Government Rd., PO Box 130, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 or email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com. All Advertising and news copy content are copyright of the Undercurrent Newspaper. All editorial content submitted to the Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication. The undercurrent is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, art work and photographs. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

Christmas is for sharing

Christmas has arrived, decorations in Snug Cove and lights across the island emphasis our joy in celebrating the season. The Christmas concerts and community events have been great fun and drawn us closer together. But the thing that touches me most is the young people returning to the island. You see them on the ferry, happy and confident adults greeting and hugging lifelong friends who shared their childhoods and now share an annual pilgrimage to the community that nurtured their growth. The last year has been a time of growth and learning for your Municipal Council. Six of the seven of us were new to the job this time last year and I’m pleased to say I think we’ve risen to the occasion. But we haven’t done it alone. We really do have a fantastic municipal staff. Their interest in the welfare of the community and passion for their vocations creates a truly happy and positive environment for all of us. We are also blessed with citizens of extraordinary talents who have joined our committees and task forces to provide expertise combined with local knowledge that we simply couldn’t buy at any price. Council recognizes that a major part of our role is simply to facilitate the good work of our volunteers. So in the coming year I’m asking you to consider putting your name forward when the need arises for a volunteer with your skillset. Christmas is a time for sharing and Bowen Islanders have once again stepped up to support the Christmas hamper fund and food bank but this year we’ve added the “30k in 30 days” fundraising drive to support a Kurdish Syrian refugee family of five. I know your support will be generous because this is Bowen Island and it is our generosity of spirit that defines us. Merry Christmas! Mayor Murray Skeels

Hoping for a healthy Howe Sound in 2016

Dear Editor, What a year it has been! At the beginning of 2015, few, including myself, were familiar with Woodfibre LNG’s proposed facility for Howe Sound. A very different situation from where we are today. The last couple of weeks have been interesting for the campaign. At the local front, we went before Bowen Municipal Council and a motion was adopted. A letter was sent out to the Federal Minister of Environment, requesting a delay in the decision on the Environmental Assessment certificate for Woodfibre LNG and provide time

#102–495 Bowen Trunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC, V0N 1G0 Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148 Deadline for all advertising and editorial: Monday, 4:00p.m. www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

for a thorough review of the certificate process and decision. On initiative of My Sea To Sky, Vancouver Municipal Council sent out a similar request last week. Lions Bay and Squamish Municipal councils are approached to be next in line. Globally, the Paris climate agreement will have consequences for BC’s LNG plans. The leaking of methane from the fracking wells, the cooling of methane into LNG using large amounts of energy and the CO2 emission when BC methane is burned by the end-users, all add up and will make it impossible for BC

Interim Editor Louise Loik

to meet its Green House Gas reduction goals. On top of that, markets for LNG remain low, which keeps working in our favour. Woodfibre LNG is now talking about cutting costs on the project. Make no mistake here. Even if the price of LNG were to go up, beside their urgent need, renewable energy sources would get that extra economic edge to make them even more interesting. Last week also brought some very good news for Howe Sound. The possibility of garbage waste incinerators at Port Melon is not a possibility anymore. As you might have heard, the ‘waste’

recycling programs in Metro Vancouver are so successful that the need for burning garbage has evaporated. One down, two more to go! The proposal for the McNab creek gravel mine is stuck in pre-application and, in regards to Woodfibre LNG and the Howe Sound recovery, we will come out with new findings very soon. Hopefully 2016 will be a year in which we will be heading towards the protection of Howe Sound! On behalf of Concerned Citizens Bowen, Anton van Walraven

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2011 CCNA

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2011

McDONALD – Margaret Jeanne (MacRae) Early on December 10, my beloved wife, Trixie (Beatrice), quietly slipped away to her eternal peace. She was 79, and we had been married for almost 54 years. She is deeply mourned by her four children, six grandchildren, her brother and sister-in-law, and myself, and by the many other members of her extended family. During the last several years, she was the victim of the gradual, but relentless, mental and physical effects of Alzheimer’s disease. But to the extent possible, she fought those effects with characteristic fortitude and consideration of others. Trixie loved Bowen. She first came here in the summer of 1945 (she vividly recalled the fire bell ringing to signal the end of World War 2). That year, and for some ten years thereafter, her parents rented for July and August one of the hotel cottages along what is now Senator Road in Mannion/Deep Bay. One of the great joys of her life was learning to ride and to take care of the horses at the original Evergreen Stables (the concrete foundations and water trough can still be seen in the long grass just to the north of the riding ring in Crippen Park). Later, in her teens, she happily worked for two or three summers at the old general store, which now houses Bowen’s library. It was the sweet memories of those times that, four decades later, brought her back to Bowen - with myself in the baggage, happy to be where she was happy. Here she watched her family grow with the arrival of each new grandchild. And it was here that, with expert help from others, especially horticulturist Andre Chollat, she was able to give full vent to her lifelong love of gardening. Our little joke was that she had two passions, her family and her garden...and not necessarily in that order. In accordance with her wishes, her body has been donated to the UBC medical school. Bud Long

February 25, 1932 – December 19, 2015

It is with deepest regret that we announce the passing of Jeanne. She was born on February 25th, 1932. Jeanne was the eldest daughter of Donald Joseph McRae and Margaret Vivian (Lethbridge) McRae. She was pre-deceased by her sister, Heather (2005) and brother, Donald (2003). Margaret and Don changed the spelling of McRae on moving to British Columbia from Nova Scotia around 1930. Jeanne was a Corporal in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Regular Force, Photographer Group 3 and was Honorably Released in 1956. She loved photography and had her own darkroom. Jeanne married Malcolm Alexander McDonald at the RCAF Chapel in Rockcliffe, Ontario on September 24th, 1955. Jeanne and Malcolm invested in many properties and were residents of Bowen Island for 30 years and Surrey BC for 60 years. Jeanne loved to garden, she made glass lamps, played bridge, and she loved to read and to write poetry. Jeanne and Malcolm travelled to the Bahamas where they boarded a Russian Ice Breaker and travelled through the Panama Canal and from the West Coast of South America to Ushuaia, the Southernmost City in the world, travelling from the ship to the coast in Zodiacs. This was Jeanne and Malcolm’s trip of a lifetime. They flew to Buenos Aires and then back to Canada. They travelled to New Zealand, Vietnam, China and they drove across Canada a number of times. Jeanne was creative and willing to take risks. She could make a full course meal on two popcorn popper elements. She talked fondly of her youth in Sechelt and often still lived the dreams of her high school basketball games. Jeanne received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of British Columbia in 1984. Jeanne leaves her husband Malcolm to mourn her passing along with her sons: Gregory (Karen), Geoffrey, Wayne (pre-deceased 1992), Victor (Gayle) and daughter, Vivian (Peter Garcia/Isto), as well as her grandchildren, relatives and friends. A party including family and friends will be held sometime in the warmer months per Jeanne’s request.

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM continued from PAGE 3

MAY

Council declared that every resident of Bowen Island has the right to live in a healthy environment including the right to breath clean air, drink clean water, consume safe food, have access to nature, know about pollutants and contaminants released into the local environment and participate in decision making that effects the environment. The City of Richmond, Vancouver, Port Moody, Squamish and Port Coquitlam have all passed similar declarations, which will be brought forward to the province with the aim of enacting an Environmental Bill of Rights. ••• Council listened to Bowen Islanders and legal representatives of Bowen Island property owners express both their support and disagreement with the proposed Bylaw 381, 2015, to ban all future dock construction along the shoreline at Cape Roger Curtis. In the face of lawyers representing the Cape on Bowen and waterfront property owners, Bowen Islanders who support the measure urged mayor and council to act on behalf of the public and move forward with the Bylaw 381. ••• During the public comments period regarding proposed Bylaw 381, which effectively bans docks on the shoreline of Cape Roger Curtis, the Municipality received 102 comments in support of the bylaw, and 121 comments and signed petition letters against the bylaw. With this information in mind, councilors proceeded to express their own thoughts and sentiments on the bylaw, and then vote in favor of it by a margin of 4- 3.

JUNE

According to survey results released by Vancouver Coastal Health, Bowen Islanders eat

lots of fruit and vegetables, have high rates of physical activity and a low rate of sedentary activity in front of television or computer screens. However, the numbers in this survey are not all positive, and do not necessarily reflect the real challenges many Bowen Islanders face when trying to access healthcare services. Caring Circle Executive Director Colleen O’Neil says the result that surprised her most in the Bowen Island Community Health Profile is that 85 percent of Bowen Islanders have a family doctor. ••• “Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows, everything is wonderful on Bowen Island... thanks for the great ride home...” Ann McDow posted these words on the Bowen Island Bus Facebook page, and they seem to reflect the mood of the regulars om the express bus, or “super bus” run by Peter King to and from downtown Vancouver every weekday, especially those making use of the new water taxi service that takes people from Horseshoe Bay to Snug Cove at roughly 4:30 and 5:40 each evening. The water taxi service started operating a few weeks ago, when a commuter called Cormorant Marine Water Taxi Service from the bus pick-up location at Burrard and Georgia at 4:59 p.m. and asked for a water taxi to meet a group of passengers at Horseshoe Bay 20 minutes later.

JULY

The owner of lot 17 at the Cape on Bowen, Shu Lin Dong, filed a petition against the municipality of Bowen Island asking for a declaration by the courts that Bylaw No. 381, which prohibits dock construction along the Cape’s coastline, illegal. The petition says that the bylaw extends beyond the municipality’s legislative

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authority, is discriminatory, was adopted in bad faith, and was passed in breach of its duty of procedural fairness. ••• While everyone else in the Lower Mainland pondered why so many people voted No in the transit referendum, the opposite question is being asked here: why did so many Bowen Islanders go against the tide and vote Yes? Bowen Island topped the charts for the Yes side, with 62 per cent agreeing to the proposed 0.5 per cent surcharge on the provincial sales tax to pay for an expanded transit system and 38 per cent voting no — practically the reverse of the total tally. ••• Up to 40 boats, many from Bowen Island, blasted their horns in unison on North Side of Bowyer Island last weekend to protest the plans for the construction of a $1.7 billion dollar Liquid Natural Gas conversion facility at the former Woodfibre Pulp and Paper mill near Squamish. Bowen Islander and protest organizer, Anton Van Walraven says the event was planned to coincide with the flotilla traditionally organized by the Future of Howe Sound Society, but also, to come close to the release of the provincial Environmental Assessment results. This process, however, was put on hold since the Squamish First Nation conducted its own environmental review of the project, and has made 26 conditions to be met before the proj-

ect moves forward. ••• Paul Hooson stood before council yet again, offering a brief history of the committees struck and reports written in an effort to move forward plans for a community hall on Bowen. After wrapping up, he told council that this presentation would be his last.“I’m feeling resigned,” said Hooson in an interview following the meeting. “I’m not sure if that’s a stage of grief, but that’s where I’m at.” ••• According to the numbers, the housing market on Bowen was still hot – very hot. Since the beginning of January, 55 homes had sold, while in all of 2014, the total was 60.

continued PAGE 6

FRIDAY DECEMBER 25 2015 • 5

Notice The USSC Marina’s Boat launch Ramp will be available by pre-arrangement only during the construction of the new marina garages. The construction may last into early summer. There will be no trailer parking or storage during this period. To make arrangements call 604-947-0707 Thank you Union SteamShip Co. Marina

6 • FRIDAY DECEMBER 25 2015

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM continued from PAGE 5

AUGUST

HAPPY HOUR! Mon - Fri 3pm - 6pm SUNDAY - Caesar Sunday MONDAY - 2 for 1 Cod Fish & Chips TUESDAY - Closed WEDNESDAY - Closed THURSDAY - Kids Eat Free! (1 free kids meal with the purchase of

In his 30 years in the food and beverage industry, Glenn Cormier has learned how to do virtually every job in the business. As the owner of the Bowen Island Pub, that experience has come in very handy. The West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce gave Cormier a vote of confidence by choosing the Pub as the Small Business of the Year at its recent Excellence Awards. Like the other Bowen Island recipient, Andy Rainsley of Bowenshire Stoneworks and Landscaping, Cormier was totally taken aback by the win. ••• Bowen Island’s Kailey and Sam Spear were catapulted into a whole new universe of fandom after their film won the grand prize in The Storytellers: New Voices of the Twilight Saga. The Mary Alice Brandon File has been viewed more than three million times by Twilight fans (and, undoubtedly, every single person on Bowen Island.) Their screenplay is based on The Twilight Saga: The Official Illustrated Guide by Stephanie Meyer. ••• Out of all the wonderful Bowen individuals who have been granted the annual Citizen of the Year award, two couples had previously won: Ross and Lois MeyersCarter in 2007, and Don and Dianne Marshall in 2013. Among the flurry of submissions this year, another pair shone through: David and Shirley Wrinch. The couple, who have spent countless hours donating their time and costumes to previous Bowfest parades, would get to join the floats themselves. ••• Children on Bowen Island were learning a new safety skill — how to operate the island’s first traffic light. An energetic group of children took the solar-powered LED pedestrian crosswalk

The inaugural Loggers Show was a hit at this year’s Bowfest. near BICS through its inaugural paces. Push the button, wait for the crosswalk’s yellow lights to start flashing, look both ways and then cross Bowen Trunk Road once all the cars have stopped.

SEPTEMBER

As a tattoo artist, Kelly Miller has to have a steady hand and a keen eye. Who knew those skills would help her win the overall title in the axe-throwing contest in the Loggers Show at Bowfest? As the top point-earner among the women axe throwers, she beat the top man, Mark James, in the hotly contested event. (James, it should be noted, had out-thrown his two axe-wielding sons for the men’s title.) “It was awesome,” says organizer Gary Anderson of Metro Blasting, which sponsored the event. With less than a month to prepare everything — including the herculean job of embedding the poles for the pole-climbing event — Anderson also opened up his back yard so the lumberjacks and jills could axe throw like no one was watching in preparation for their Bowfest debut.

••• Property owners who want to permanently preserve naturally significant portions of their land will soon be rewarded. Bowen Island council agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding that will bring it into the fold of the Natural Area Protection Exemption Program. This allows eligible property owners to receive an exemption of up to 65 per cent of their property taxes in exchange for signing an Islands Trust conservation covenant. ••• Everything is on the table when it comes to a study into the possibility of a fixed link between the mainland and Sunshine Coast, says Jordan Sturdy. But the table can just as easily be cleared, the MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky said. “We may find out that the naysayers are right — [the Howe Sound] is too big, too deep, too whatever to even begin to consider any type of crossing but let’s get a little more information… about what’s potentially realistic and what’s not,” he told the Undercurrent.

1 adult meal) FRIDAY - Free Live Music! Prime Rib Dinner SATURDAY - Something New Every Saturday! Check our Facebook Page for Details! Stay tuned for more info

Merry

Christmas & Happy Holidays

on our New Years Eve Extravaganza

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FROM FRANCES & FELICITY www.BowenIslandRealEstate.info • 604.947.9090

continued PAGE 8

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FRIDAY DECEMBER 25 2015 • 7

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Seasons Greetings

8 • FRIDAY DECEMBER 25 2015 continued from PAGE 6

OCTOBER

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“Magnificent. Very positive. Very encouraging. Long overdue. Very much needed.” Do you get the sense that after years of frustration about problems caused by derelict boats and the behaviour of some people living on boats in Mannion Bay, Bruce Russell was one happy man? “I’m grateful for all the support,” he said after Bowen Island council passed a resolution that will see the municipality eventually take control of the bay (which is also called Deep Bay.) ••• The Liberal tide washed up and over our shores as former West Vancouver mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones beat incumbent Conservative MP John Weston in the federal election.

Goldsmith Jones took the riding with 55 per cent of the votes to Weston’s 26 per cent in the riding of West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country. Before cheering supporters amid a sea of red in West Vancouver, Goldsmith Jones called being elected “the greatest honour of my life” and “a tremendous responsibility.”

NOVEMBER

Film trucks rolled in to Bowen as 120 film crew personnel dispersed around the island for the filming of a pilot for a TV series called ‘Shooter.’ A waterfront home in Arbutus Point was staged as the home for the main character. At the house, an outdoor play-set and picnic table are set on the lawn with ocean views beyond. From around the woodshed a jeep squeals up to the

Places of Worship Welcome You BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH Rev. Shelagh MacKinnon

Service and Sunday School: 10:30 a.m. Collins Hall Bookings: HelenWallwork Minister of Music: Lynn Williams

FOOD BANK DROP-OFF

BOWEN ISLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH Pastor Clinton Neal 1070 Miller Road 604-947-0384 Service 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m.

ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Sunday Mass: 10:30 a.m.

Administration Office: 604-682-6774 CATES HILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com

604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.)

10:00 a.m. Worship • Sunday School: Tots to Teens Pastor: Phil Adkins

house with the main character, played by Ryan Phillippe at the wheel. ••• In an architectural slight of hand, a new building at the entrance of Snug Cove will camouflage one of the island’s less attractive features. Rondy Dike’s new two-storey building, which council approved, will be built in the parking lot of Union Steamship Marina parallel to the southern walkway leading to and from the ferry dock. Built in the same heritage style as his USSC Marina building, and painted with the same colours, one storey will be visible from the road while, from the parking lot, two stories will be visible. ••• Andrea Bastin collaborated with a group of four other islanders including Lizbeth Turner, to raise enough funds to sponsor a refugee family from Syria. The group set their sights on raising $30,000 in 30 days. ••• Word got out quickly. There had been a fire. Everyone was safe but there was smoke and water damage and a family without a home. Within hours a fund was set up on the internet to accept donations for the family. In 48 hours almost $15,000 had poured in. Julia Tweten finds it hard to hold back the tears when she describes the night that she and her girls Paige and Piper, watched her husband Shane fighting the chimney fire along with the rest of the fire-fighting team. The family had been renting the home a short time, since the summer, and it was just about to change owners when the chimney caught fire.

DECEMBER

Nancy Lee won top honours for fundraising for the Movember Foundation Great Canadian

Nancy Lee won top honours for fundraising at the Movember Foundation Great Canadian Fire Challenge. Fire Challenge. She raised $4,500 in a month for men’s health, beating out all the men competing on the island. While she says that she got a big chunk of change in donations for the shaving of Gary Ander’s moustache, the spunky woman says that she could still ”beat the boys,” at fundraising. ••• Bowen Island Municipality will look at turning part of its land on Cowan Point into a permanent home for Loggers Sports – if not quite as quickly as its creator might like. Gary Anderson, who created the inaugural Loggers Sports show during this past summer’s Bowfest celebrations, made an impassioned presentation to municipal council Monday night (Dec. 14), urging lawmakers to give him the go-ahead immediately so he could start work in January for next year’s show.

Business survey slated for February continued from PAGE 1

• “Connections: The deep relationship with nature, others, community

and self ”; • “I feel blessed: The genuine gratitude and good fortune residents feel living

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on Bowen”. Those core themes overlap strongly – a good sign, says the report. “When core themes are as interrelated as these, our experience strongly suggests that we have in fact captured the essence of our research,” the report says. “We have discovered what we’ve set out to find.” With the residents’ survey in place, the working group’s next steps are to finish its research with the business community and present it in February, with the goal of coming up with initial branding items, including visual concepts and a tagline, by June of 2016. “All the pieces are in place to articulate Bowen Island’s Community Brand – the people, the resources and the plan,” said Economid Development Committee chair Gordon Ganong. The EDC will be asking council to endorse the group’s timelines for the plan at its next regular meeting in January. The Branding Working Group consists of the EDC along with Owen Plowman, Chair of the Conservancy, Jan Stevens, Chair and founder of the Bowen Accommodation Association, David Shadbolt, Past Chair of Tourism Bowen and Chris Staples, Founding Partner of Rethink Canada, one of two local organizations that is contributing in-kind support to the branding exercise along with Storytellings, which provided the research.