BIKE BARN BOOST: New storage stalls installed PAGE 3
$1.50
inc. GST
THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023
U-13 SOCCER SEASON WRAPS
VOL. 49 NO. 14
BIUndercurrent
BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com
Kids take on Parents PAGE 9
More investment needed in capital reserves, say staff CFO AND ENGINEERING DIRECTOR MAKE CASE FOR INCREASED LONGTERM FINANCIAL PLANNING ALEX KURIAL Editor
EWE CAN’T HELP BUT SMILE: Jonah Di Michele (L) and Stefan Myers (R) show off two of the nine lambs born last month at Endswell Farm.Turn over to Page 8 to see more of the new flock. / Marcus Hondro photo
Greater attention must be paid to future financing of capital projects for the municipality to keep up with work demands, council heard last week. “I think we’ve known for many years that there would be future liabilities that we faced from the risk of climate change, from failing infrastructure, all of the equipment and assets that we have to look after,” said chief financial officer Kristen Watson during a Committee of the Whole on March 27. The meeting was held as part of this year’s municipal (BIM) budget consultation process, which wrapped up last Friday. Results from the public consultation, including individuals and committees, will be discussed at the upcoming April 11 council meeting. Watson says BIM needs to begin contributing to a variety of capital reserve funds through annual contributions, typically over the course of 10 years. She explained this was an approach used by past councils, but one which expired in 2021. Engineering director Patrick Graham joined Watson for the presentation and detailed some of the capital work in the years ahead which will make setting aside money today necessary. He explained not every project will be taking place imminently, but that even those happening beyond five years need attention now. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Make the most of spring with outdoor products from BBC. In our garden centre, you'll find everything to keep your outdoor space fully stocked. PLANTS & SEEDS Discover the satisfaction of growing your own herbs and vegetables. We have a wide selection of seeds for grass and garden plants. GARDENING & LANDSCAPING TOOLS We carry a variety of hand tools as well as gas and electric power tools from companies such as Worx. Our selection includes: Shovels, Rakes, Hoes, Mowers, Trimmers, Edgers PATIO & GRILL We carry a full range of outdoor furniture for your lawn or patio, including propane grills from Broil King, so you can grill like a champ. We also sell propane tanks and accessories— and we are the only place on the island that offers propane refill services.
BOWEN BUILDING CENTRE
OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8 - 5 PM CLOSED SATURDAY & SUNDAY
onday M r te s a E n e p We're o
1013 GRAFTON ROAD • 604 - 947- 9622
Helping islanders since 1972