CHRISTMAS MAGIC AT ENDSWELL FARM PAGE 5
$1.50
inc. GST
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2024
VOL. 50 NO. 49
BIUndercurrent
BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com
COOKIE CREATORS PAGE 6
Muni eyes tax to aid Tourism & Housing ALEX KURIAL Editor
NOT A DAY OVER 25 It’s been a quarter-century since Bowen Island decided to set off on its own as a municipality. Council celebrated the birthday with a post-meeting cake - from local bakery Shura Good Cake - on Monday. (L-R) Alison Morse (who has been with the municipality since the beginning), John Saunders, Judith Gedye, Tim Wake, Sue Ellen Fast, & (front) Mayor Andrew Leonard were in attendance to celebrate 25 years of the Island’s adventures in self-determination. / Kristen Watson photo
The municipality is beginning the process of adopting a new tax method meant to encourage tourism and affordable housing initiatives on the island. The Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) was introduced by the province 37 years ago with the intention of boosting the tourism economy in B.C. communities. In 2018 guidelines were added allowing money collected from the tax to also be used for affordable housing measures. The tax is collected from short-term accommodation providers in a municipality or region, which is levied at a rate of up to three per cent of income from their business. The MRDT has been widely adopted across B.C. including regionally in North Vancouver, Squamish, and Whistler at three per cent, and the Sunshine Coast at two per cent. Bowen previously attempted to adopt the MRDT in 2020 but the project stalled for multiple reasons including opposition from short-term rental providers and a constrained timeline to complete the application process. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
1293 WESTSIDE ROAD
$2,985,000
This is one of Bowen’s most stunning, one-of-a-kind properties. This 5.8 acre, fully-fenced property at the end of a quiet road has 2 gated entrances and plenty of level and terraced land. Wind-up the front driveway past a huge pond, flowing streams and pool to the main 3-story home with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, with room to extend. That pond features an inner island and floating dock with pedal and row boats. Just a short walk to the back of the property, a detached 2-story, 2 bath studio sits above a 3-bay garage and workshop. Surrounding the studio is an irrigated garden, greenhouse and plenty of space for a hobby farm. Other features include storage sheds, 3 deep water wells, high-speed internet, and local Mt Gardner trail access.
FRAZER B. ELLIOTT Personal Real Estate Corporation
604.910.3401
Bowen’s Top Producing REALTOR® for 2021 & 2022* *based on reported MLS sales
felliottbowen@gmail.com | bowenhomes.ca Specializing in BOWEN ISLAND and HOWE SOUND
2020-2022
Top 10% of Realtors in the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver