BOWEN SOUNDS OFF: Extended Viewpoints section PAGES 4-8
$1.50
inc. GST
THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2023
DOG DAYS ARE BACK BOWEN
VOL. 48 NO. 12
BIUndercurrent
Festival in August
BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com
PAGE 19
Five-year financial plan draft stage gets underway PROPERTY TAX RAISE OPENS AT 13.3% WITH CAPITAL COSTS DUE ALEX KURIAL Editor
DR. LYNN BEATTIE, C.M. - Bowen’s own Dr. Lynn Beattie travelled to Ottawa in November to receive the Order of Canada for her distinguished career in geriatric medicine. She was presented the honour by former Governor General Michaëlle Jean, with her daughter, son, and grandson in attendance. Beattie’s achievement was announced in 2020, but as she tells us it was important to wait to attend the Rideau Hall ceremony in person. Highlights of the ceremony and Beattie’s career can be found in our story on Page 21. / Alex Kurial photo Open House
Residents got an early glimpse at the municipality’s financial five-year plan earlier this week. Chief financial officer Kristen Watson presented the course Bowen could expect to chart economically over the next half-decade. But, she was sure to note the draft is in its early stages, and likely to undergo a series of changes before its official submission in May. The number home owners are most likely focused on is the property tax, which starts negotiations set for a rise of 13.3 per cent this year. This jump from last year’s budget – which settled on a 7.8 per cent increase – wasn’t unexpected. Reducing the property tax from double to single digits last year came with an estimate that the 2023 jump would be at least 12 per cent. Using an average Bowen home value of $1,486,000, this means the average payment will be $347. This number will drop a bit though due to non-market changes – new construction plus changes to property status. The $25.7 million expected to be added through this method will effectively make the property tax increase 12.5 per cent, for an average payment of $327. The double digit property tax hike is predicted to drop dramatically in the years to come: 2024’s increase is expected at 5.8 per cent, with the 2025-27 rises estimated at 3.4, 6.8, and 3.5 per cent respectively. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
Sat & Sun • MAR 25 & 26 • 12-3pm
3 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • 2023 sf • 0.25 acres
Bike riding, road hockey, and climbing trees are a few favourite activities that make this neighbourhood one of the best locations on the island for families to live and grow.
310 creek road
$1,168,000
FRESH AND BRIGHT FARMHOUSE STYLE FAMILY HOME ON A FLAT 1/4 ACRE LOT More details inside.
604.220.7085 buyonbowen.com
MARY LYNN MACHADO PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION
TOP 10% of all Realtors in 2022
REBGV MLS Medallion Club Member