January 23, 2026

Events

AllCouncilmeetingsareopen tothepublictoattendin personorelectronically,unless notedotherwise

January 26, 2026 1:00 pm RegularCouncilMeeting

February 9, 2026 1:00 pm RegularCouncilMeeting

SeekingPublicComment

TemporaryUsePermitApplication 1710WhitesailsDrive TUP-2026-0004

1:00PMonMonday,January26,2026 IntheConferenceRoomattheCommunityCentre,ORviaZoom

ATemporaryUsePermitapplicationhasbeensubmittedfor1710 WhitesailsDrive(shownonmap)toallowtheapplicanttocontinueto havetemporaryworkeraccommodation.

ConditionsofthepermitareidenticaltoTUP-2022-0191.

TheapplicationmaybeviewedattheMunicipalOfficesattheBowen IslandCommunityCentrebetween8:30AMand4:30PM,Monday throughFriday(excludingstatutoryholidays)orontheMunicipal Website:https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning/

YourCommentsAreWelcome

WrittensubmissionsmaybedeliveredtotheMunicipalOfficesatthe BowenIslandCommunityCentreby11:00amonthemeetingdatein person,bymail,byfax,orbyemailtomayorandcouncil@bimbc.ca. SubmissionsmayalsobemadetoMayorandCouncilatthemeeting: Seewww.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/council-meetingsformore informationabouttheCouncilMeetingincludinghowtowatchthe meetingviaZoom.

ShouldCouncilproceedwiththisapplication,therewillbefurther opportunitytoshareyourcommentsontheapplication,andwewould shareadditionalinformationonhowtoprovideyourcomments.

QUESTIONS?

PleasecontactXerxesAu,Planner1at604-947-4255ext.247orby emailatxau@bimbc.caorvisit:

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning/

BowenIslandishometoawidevarietyofwildlife.Keepingwild animalsatasafedistancefrompeopleisoneofthemosteffective waystoprotectwildlife,residents,andourcommunity.

Wildlifeattractantsincludeanythingthatdrawsanimalstoward homesandpopulatedareas,suchasfoodsources,garbage,pet food,fallenfruit,orunsecuredcompost.Managingtheseattractants helpspreventpropertydamageandreducestheriskofdangerous interactions,keepingbothpeopleandanimalssafe.

Overthecomingweeks,we’llbesharingtipstomakeyourproperty wildliferesistant.Findmoreinformationandacompletelistoftips here:

https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/living-with-wildlife-on-bowen/

Conflictswithwildlifewherepublicsafetymaybeatriskshould bereportedtotheConservationOfficerhotlineat1-877-952-7277.

Phone:

Fax: 604-947-0193

January23,2026

Email: bim@bimbc.ca Website:

Court sides with municipality in old fire hall dispute

ALEX KURIAL Editor

The B.C. Supreme Court ruled in the municipality’s favour last year during an ownership dispute over the old fire hall.

The case stemmed from a claim by the estate of Munro Davies to the lot which houses the old fire hall on Grafton Road. The land was transferred from Davies to the Bowen Island Fire Protection District (BIFPD) in 1969 for an agreed fee of $1. The former fire hall was built within the following year one of the conditions of the transfer and remained operational until 2022 when the new fire hall opened on Miller Road

Since the beginning of 2023 the site had been leased by the municipality (BIM) to BC Hydro for storage and operations BIM assumed control of the property and building upon its creation in 1999 through the letters patent. Earlier this month, BC Hydro purchased the site permanently for $900,000.

That process had been put on hold following litigation by the Davies estate. It argued the BIFPD did not have the power to sell land, and that their interest regarding the property was ‘determinitative’ rather than ‘fee-simple.’ This, the estate claimed, would mean the land would return to the ownership of the Davies estate if it’s no longer being used as a fire hall.

BIM, acting as the defendant in the case, responded the

original transfer was fee-simple, and therefore gives the BIFPD a broad mandate to use the land to pursue firefighting interests as it sees fit in this case, selling the lot in order to buy a new fire truck.

Writing in his June 2025 decision, Supreme Court Justice Michael G. Thomas stated “I do not accept that one can read the legislation and letters patent as providing the BIFPD with the power to purchase land without the corresponding power to divest land. This is simply inconsistent with a liberal reading of the statutes and letters patent.”

Thomas added that since the land was now the property of the municipality, they were not bound by the same restrictions as the former BIFPD would have been. “In 1999, the property of the BIFPD, including the land, was transferred to the municipality. The municipality has no legislative restriction on what use can be made of the land… I have already determined that when the BIFPD received the land, it had the full power to purchase and sell the land.”

Thomas added the following comments in conclusion. “I also rely upon the following facts: Ms. Angus’ letters note that they presented Mr. Davies with a silver dollar because the parties had to make the deal legal; and that Mr. Davies, when asked if the BIFPD could obtain the land from him said, “for you and the good of Bowen Island, yes.” He then produced a bottle of rum and coke, and they had to drink to celebrate.”

“In my view, given the evidence surrounding the transaction, the specific words of the deed, and the fact that Mr. Davies executed the deal under seal, I am satisfied under the

principles of the sealed-contract rule that Mr. Davies signed the deed intending to make it a sealed contract, the effect of which is that Mr. Davies understood and intended the terms of the deed to be legally binding on him.”

“For these reasons, I dismiss Mr. Davies’ estates application for summary judgment. The action is dismissed,” ruled Thomas.

The old fire hall on Grafton Road was ruled to belong to Bowen Island Municipality in a court case between them and the Munro Davies estate. It has since been sold to utility company BC Hydro. / Alex Kurial photo

Support our Firefighters: Donate to Climb The Wall 2026

OnMarch1,2026,sixmembersofBowenIslandFireRescuewilltakepartin thisyear’sClimbtheWallfundraiserinsupportoftheBCLungFoundation. FirefightersfromcommunitiesacrossBritishColumbiaandbeyondwillclimb theSheratonVancouverWallCentretothe48thfloor,wearingfullturnoutgear andSCBA,toraisefundsforthiscriticalcause.

TheBCLungFoundationfundsvitalresearchandadvocatesforpolicies thatprotectairquality.OneinfiveBritishColumbiansisaffectedbyalung condition,includingasthma,COPD,pulmonaryfibrosis,andlungcancer. Firefightersfaceanincreasedriskoflungdiseaseandcancerdueto occupationalexposures,makingthiscauseespeciallyclosetohomeforour team

YoumayspotBowenIslandFireRescuememberstraining aroundtheislandinthecomingweeks.Feelfreetocheer themon,joinforafewlaps,orgiveafriendlyhonkas youpassby.Mostimportantly,pleaseconsidermakinga donationandhelpingsupportlunghealthforfirefighters andcommunitiesacrossBC.UsetheQRCodetodonate.

VIEWPOINTS

EDITORIAL

Hey folks, a heads up that next week is our January Island-Wide issue so we’re inviting the usual round of submissions from people eager to see their content in the paper! Nature photos are always a highlight of these entries, as are stories about local activities - especially during these dark months of January and February when spending time out of the house is more important than ever

On that note, this weekend sees the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival at the Community Centre and an Orchard Wassail / Magic Show at the Cider House if you’re looking to get out & about!

- Alex Kurial, Editor

Undercurrent

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

National NewsMedia Council.

The Undercurrent is a member of the National NewsMedia Council of Canada, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour If you have concerns about editorial content, please email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com or call 604-947-2442. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the website at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

Letter: Regarding Windthrow Damage

DON SHAFER Letter Writer

Mayor and Council, I am writing in response to the significant blowdown or windthrow damage along Grafton Road following the December windstorm.

I would ask Council to view this incident not as an isolated natural event, but as a foreseeable consequence of recent forest clearing associated with the Grafton Lake development, with direct and unplanned costs borne by the municipality. What is concerning is that this occurred adjacent to an active development site where extensive clearing altered wind dynamics and forest stability.

This wasn’t an unforeseeable act of nature, but the predictable outcome of removing forest buffers without adequate assessment of edge effects or windthrow risk. The relationship between clear-cutting, edge exposure, and windthrow risk is well established in forest management literature. In this case, the impacts extended beyond the forest itself, triggering service disruptions and requiring coordinated response: BC Hydro restored power, while municipal public works crews cleared the damage and reopened the road.

While access has been restored, the aftermath remains plainly visible to anyone driv-

ing by today the disturbed understory, exposed soils, and destabilized forest edge, conditions that increase surface fuel loads and elevate wildfire risk. Each time a development substantially alters forest structure, it creates new environmental conditions with consequences beyond the site boundary. When those consequences affect roads, access, and public safety, responsibility should not fall solely on the community.

This incident highlights the need for stronger development requirements, including clearer mitigation expectations and financial accountability for off-site impacts. More broadly, this event exposes a gap in Bowen Island’s Official Community Plan. Forests are not merely scenic or environmental amenities; they function as essential infrastructure, stabilizing soils, protecting roads and water systems, and supporting emergency access. When forest integrity is compromised, community resilience is weakened.

I urge Council to treat the Grafton Road blowdown as a warning and an opportunity to strengthen OCP policy so that forest continuity, buffers, cumulative impacts, and contingency planning are central and enforceable to development decisions, rather than secondary considerations Thank you for your consideration.

Warmly,

Letter: Questions yet to be Answered

BRIAN BUCKINGHAM

Letter Writer

To the Editor,

I have just read last week’s Undercurrent, which included a letter from Pat Buchanan headlined “A Foot in the Door”.

My wife and I have known Pat since we moved to our place on Westside Road in July 1991. We consider ourselves fortunate to finally be considered “old time Bowen”. Like Pat, we have been aware of many changes over the years and, like Pat, would hope to see young people be able to afford “a foot in the door” opening to the enjoyment, friendship and security we have felt for 35 years

Given the pressure from the provincial government on municipalities (for now, Bowen is exempt because of the current population) it is clearly incumbent on Mayor and Council to consider “smaller”, “affordable” options for land use. As presented by the developer, the “Westside Village” proposal, on its surface, would seem to deserve support.

Like any proposal, however, there are

- Don Shafer

often many more things below the surface, questions to be answered, and realities addressed before a specific proposal is determined to be the right “idea”.

The “Westside Village” proposal is a bad idea.

Plans for environmental infrastructure (water, septic discharge, hydro) proffered on paper by the developer require much more scrutiny. Groundwater drainage has been shown to potentially impact Grafton Lake.

Many other questions have been presented to Council and committees by members of the community about areas more appropriately zoned to support the requirements of affordable housing, including the question of whether “a foot in the door” at “Westside Village” could ever lead to longterm financial security.

To be sure, small affordable housing does have a place on Bowen, but it must be determined in a comprehensive overall plan, not because of a single for-profit commercial enterprise attempting to masquerade as a great community service.

- Brian Buckingham

July30, 1942 –January 6, 2026

BarbaraJeanAcheson (née Baird) passed away peacefullyonJanuary 6, 2026, in her 83rd year, at hercarehomeinWest Vancouver,following her finalbattle withAlzheimer’sdisease

Born in Amherst, Nova Scotia, Barbara grew up in Willowdale,Toronto, and attendedEarlHaig SecondarySchool. Herfirst son wasborninToronto in 1964. The family laterlivedinUganda, Africa, whereBarbara welcomedher second son andhelpedestablisha nursery school, andwhere she discovereda lifelong passionfor art.

Returning to Torontoin1972, Barbara focused on raising herchildren.A decade later, she built asuccessfulcareerinmedical office managementand,atage 40,founded Medi-Gen PlacementAgency. She later metthe love of her life, Dr.Stephen Kiraly,through work. In 1996,theysettled on BowenIsland, where Barbaraembracedislandlife,travel, andher art.

Knownaffectionately as Barb, Nani,Bibiand Mom, she wasalovingdaughter, mother,wife, stepmother, andgrandmother,with adeepappreciation for beauty in allthings

Barbaraissurvived by her husband Dr.Stephen Kiraly; herbrother David Baird; hersonsChristopher (Grace) andMichael (Suzana); herstepchildren Sarah, Rebecca (Morgan),and Michael; hergrandchildren Nevena, Logan, andPeiting; andher step-grandchildrenCohen andCarter.

Herlove, creativity, andgentlespirit will be deeplymissed.

Search and Rescue aids lost sailboat off Bowen Island

JORDAN COPP

Coast Reporter / Local Journalism Initiative

A Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR) crew from Gibsons (Station 14) spent four hours navigating zerovisibility conditions last Wednesday night to assist a disoriented sailor near the south end of Bowen Island.

The Jan. 14 incident began when a 33-foot sailboat placed a panpan call (international radio signal for an urgent situation that isn’t immediately life-threatening) through 911 after becoming lost in thick fog over Howe Sound.

The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre tasked RCMSAR Station 14 to respond, prompting a five-person team to launch into what Coxswain Morgan Beall described as a complete “whiteout.”

“As soon as we came out of the boathouse, it was just a wall,” Beall told Coast Reporter Operating without any visible horizon or navigation lights, the crew depended solely on radar, chart plotters, electronic systems and crossreferencing techniques to confirm their position.

“You rely entirely on training, crew, and systems, making deliberate decisions one step at a time.”

The crew Beall, Brent Barry, Conor Wollbaum, Max Howard and Mike Karda located the sailboat off Bowen Bay using their instruments. The vessel, operating with only a phonebased navigation app and no radar, was unable to return safely on its own.

RCMSAR established a slow, controlled tow back to Gibsons, moving through fogcovered channels while large commercial traffic transited the area

Beall said the conditions were disorienting even for trained volunteers. Current shifts, confined channels and the inability to visually detect other vessels made night operations particularly challenging. He noted the sailor made the right choice by calling for help before the situation worsened.

RCMSAR volunteers train year-round for scenarios like this, often heading out when most mariners are advised to remain at the dock.

“This is what our volunteers train for, and donations ensure we have the equipment and trained experience to go out when others can’t to bring people home safely,” Beall said.

All individuals returned without injury.

ACCESS2026PROPERTYVALUES

Searchandcomparepropertyassessmentinformationat bcassessment.ca

Ifyou’reamongBC’sapproximately2millionpropertyowners,visit bcassessment.catofindyourupdatedpropertyassessmentinformation The2026assessmentsarebasedonmarketvalueasofJuly1,2025

Havequestionsorwantmoreinformation?Visitusonlineat bcassessment.caorcontactusat1-866-valueBC.Thedeadlinetofile anappealforyourassessmentisFebruary2,2026.

Magic in the Wood double feature

ALEX KURIAL Editor

A magical experience is coming to the Bowen Cider House this weekend.

Eli Zysman is set to host ‘Magic in the Wood’ at the cidery on Sunday, a night which will feature art, music, and of course magic The island native has practiced the craft for many years - originally inspired after receiving a magic kit as a kid - and last year pivoted to make magic a full-time career

Zysman spent most of his childhood on Bowen and during a recent visit was introduced to the Cider House owners. Together they envisioned an on-island show, something Zysman had been hoping for after performing in Vancouver for several months

“The universe has been guiding me along my path as I’m becoming the magician I am today. It was amazing to be invited (to Bowen) while I was thinking of ways to make it work.,” he says.

Sunday’s event features two versions of Eli’s show, a kid-friendly offering at 3 pm followed by an ‘After Dark’ edition for adults at 6. “My inner child comes out for the matinee. Family friendly entertainment and wide eyed wonder for the kids. I save the adult humour for the late night shows It’s a little bit risque and it’s a lot of fun,” he explains.

In addition to the magic both shows feature the works of local artists and musicians - including a DJ - along with another magician. The theme of the evening is charity, benefitting BC Children’s Hospital and the Community Evolution organization.

“I like to have a multi-tiered experience My vision for magic isn’t ‘look at me I’m doing a trick.’ My vision for magic is to change the vibration of people so they’re happy, they’re in wonder and they’re in awe,” says Eli.

“That isn’t just done through tricks, it’s done through all sorts of experiences. I want the experience of my magic show to be something that leaves people feeling elated Music, art and mystery all signal that to me.”

One of these highlights will be the unveiling of a wood sculpture by Vancouver artist Anthony Kerr Crafted from a five-centuries old log, the work will be revealed through a series of illusions which explore the wood carving medium

“When I saw his sculpture from this 500-year old log it inspired me to create a show around it, and to put the show on Bowen and invite other local Bowen artists to come and showcase their work,” says Zysman.

Ticket info can be found by scanning the QR code on posters the magician has put up around the island. Zysman is hoping Sunday’s show will act as a springboard for a “larger artistic journey that will continue to unfold later this winter,” with more details on that adventure to come.

B.C. proposesAugust black bear hunt toprotect LowerMainlandcrops

STEFAN LABBÉ

Lodestar Media

TheB.C.governmentisproposing achangetothe Lower Mainland’s blackbearhunting season afterberry farmers said the animals areeatingtheircrops

Theproposedregulation would open up asummer bear huntingseasonthroughout August in management units spanningamassive area —extendingfromMetro Vancouver eastward to Hope,northward through Squamish, Whistler, andPemberton, and northwestbeyondPowellRiver to the Bute Inlet

Theproposals would onlyapply to huntingonprivate land and do not change prohibitionsonthe dischargeof firearms in coreurbanareas

“The proposal for ablack bear hunt on privatelandis shaped by requests from somefruit and vegetableproducers to extend blackbearhuntingseasons into August ”saida spokesperson for the MinistryofWater,Land andResource Stewardship

“This is an issuesurrounding FraserValley berry farms, as well as farms and gardens in thePemberton and Powell Riverareas.”

Thechanges,addedthe provincein anotice forpublic comment, could allowfarmersand hunterstocooperate andrelieve pressure on B.C.’s ConservationOfficer Service, the agencytaskedwith,among other things, managing large predatorswhen public safetyisthreatened.

Currentregulations allowhunters to bagtwo blackbears in seasons spanningSept.10 to Nov. 30 andApril 1toJune 15. Another bowhunting-onlywindow runs over the first nine days of September.

Should the changesgoahead, thoseseasonsand limits will remain in place,includingprohibitions on hunting blackbears under twoyears old.

Accordingtothe province,the changes wouldput the

LowerMainland huntingmanagementunits in linewith the Kootenay and Okanagan regions wherethe governmentsays thereare alsoconcerns relatedtocropdepredation

It would also provide further huntingopportunities, the MinistryofWater,Land and ResourceStewardship statementsaid.

Under the proposed changes, hunterswould be required to obtain permission from ownersprior to accessing their land.

Thepubliccommentperiodonthe proposed regulatory changesrunsuntil Feb. 13.

TheAugustblack bear hunt is among60proposedchanges to B.C.’s huntingand trappingregulations. They will be decidedthis spring and will remain in effectuntil mid-2028, the spokesperson said.

Blackbears have been knowntoaccessB.C.’sfruit and berryfarms foryears,and it’s notclear whyindustry and government areseeking to make changestothe hunting season now.

Theministryspokespersonsaid that whilehunters can “helpmitigateconcerns relatedtoagricultureand wildlife” thegovernmentalsosupports non-lethal bear deterrence strategies likeelimination of attractants,scare tactics and smallscale fencing.

“However,some of these tactics are not practical on largescale agricultural operationsorcan have negative unintendedconsequencesonother wildlifespecies,” the spokesperson said. “Fencingoflarge agricultural fields is very expensive, difficulttomaintain and must be electrified to deter bears.”

TheFur-Bearers,awildlife charitythat advocates for fur-bearinganimals, hasraised concerns that that theproposedchanges couldleadtomoreorphaned cubs and wouldopenuphuntingduringtimes when farm work and outdooractivities are at their peaks.

In apress release, thegroup suggestedother “proven options”like“properly builtelectricfencing” andother

PlacesofWorship WelcomeYou

BOWEN ISLANDUNITED CHURCH Contact Angela Powell 604-947-2515

attractantcontrolscould preventconflict.

“Killing a beardoesn’t solveattractants,” it added. “Where fruitand berriesare accessible,another bear canmovein. Prevention worksbetterwhenthe attractantissecured.”

QUEEN OF CAPILANOFERRY

SCHEDULE UNTILMARCH 23 2026

DEPART BOWENISLAND

SHIRAT HAYAM (Song of the Sea) BOWEN’S JEWISH COMMUNITY Shabbat Gatherings ~ Holidays Sunday Worship 10:30 am Rev Lorraine Ashdown www.biuc.ca | 1122 Miller Road 778-688-2061 OFFICE

ORBY APPOINTMENT Contact aryana.rayne@gmail.com •www.shirathayam.ca

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

Sunday Worship10:00

5:15 am except Sundays 6:15 am except 7:30 am except 8:45 am 10:00am 11:15am 12:35 pm 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 except 6:50 am except 8:05 am 9:20 am -exceptWednesdays 10:35 am 11:55 am 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’s theferry rightnow?- live updatesatwww.bowenferry.ca Schedule changesonstatutory holidays. Stay up to date at www.bcferries.com

VIEWS

Resistanceishere

JUDE NEALE Contributor

They do not fear weapons.

They fear voices that do not flinch. They fear teacherswho keep asking why.

They fear grandmotherswho remember.

They fear poets who refusetopraise kings.

They fear hands that reachacross borders and do not askpermission to care

They fear truth spoken plainly without costume, without apology, without kneeling.

They fear the word enough when it is said together

They fear refusal.

They fear laughterinthe face of threat.

They fear memory.

They fear the longview.

They fear workerswho stop working. They fear women who stop shrinking.

They fear menwho stop confusing dominance with strength.

They fear thechild whoasks, “Why does he gettodecide?”

They fear journalists who name thingsaccurately.

They fear judges whorememberthe lawisnot aweapon.

They fear soldierswho knowthe difference betweendefenseand obedience

They fear bordersdissolvinginto solidarity.

They fear Canada standingupright. They fear America waking up

They fear the worldcomparing notes. They fear this mostofall: that we recognizethe pattern. Becauseonce yousee it, you cannot unsee it

Thestrongmanisalwayssmall. Thebully always needsa crowd. The tyrant alwayscalls resistance chaos.

Butresistance isnot chaos

Resistance is remembering whowe are. It is refusingthe lie that cruelty is order,

that silence is peace, that fear is realism.

Resistance is choosing oneanother over comfort, over access, over safetypurchased with someone else’sdignity

It is standingwhentheyexpectus to sit.

It is speaking when theycount on exhaustion.

It is stayinghuman when power demands numbness.

They tell us to wait

They tell us to calm down

They tell us this is normal.

It is not

And we will not Notquietly. Notpolitely. Notlater Historydoesnot ask whetherwewerecareful. It asks whetherwewereawake. Resistance is not coming. Resistance is here.

Ourhouse in order

JOHN SBRAGIA Contributor

If we believeinour fundamental worthashuman beings,it is incumbentuponeachofustofearlesslydefend the truth that makesusfree, as we have done and continue to do in upholdingthe democratic foundations of ourisland community.

As most of us arewell aware, this challenge of maintaining afreeand democratic society hasbecome agreatly distressingand graveconcern forour American neighbours.

As is commonlyinterpreted in the text of hisprophecies, Nostradamustoldthe worldeverything we fundamentally need to know aboutthe currentpresident of the United States,whomhedescribed as “the greatshameless,audaciousbawler…the falsetrumpet concealingmadness”

As I’msureNostradamus would agreeifhewerestill alive, the time is long overdue to stop the haplessand foolhardy conjuringofill fitting clothes on aderanged, nakedemperor,and to stand up forthe truth. If ourworld failstodoso, it does at itsown peril.

Itakethis opportunitytowish my fellowislandersall the best in the new year.And Iwould simply add that thebest alwayscomes when we rememberthatthe ultimatetruth,for whichwemustalwaysstand,islove. And what better proof canwepresent to the worldthanthis mostbelovedisland and abig heartedway of life that we have bravelyand staunchly nurtured through countlessefforts over many years.

As exemplifiedbythe beaver,our humble andsteadfast national symbol, BowenIslandersand their fellowCanadians must keep strivingtoset their ownhouse in order,asthe future belongs to us in the creation of anew earth.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Thursday, January 22

Writers Feedback Group at the Library

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, all ages and types of writer are welcome to share and give constructive feedback on each other’s writing in this positive and supportive environment. Free, runs 5 to 6:30 pm

Registration required –register at bipl.ca/write

Friday, January 23

Tween Night: Skate. Art. Fashion.

Get ready for an evening all about skateboarding culture! This teen event celebrates skateboarding in all its forms - on the board, on-screen, and in style. From 6 to 9 pm at the Community Centre, register with Bowen Rec.

Saturday, January 24

Guide Dog Info Clinic

Learn about guide dogs, what they do and how to get one. Free from 9:30 to 11 am at the Community Centre.

Saturday, January 24

French Connections at the Library

Drop in and join us to practice your conversational French, and get to know other French language learners on Bowen Island! Free, 10:30 to 11:30 am bipl ca/French

Saturday, January 24 & Sunday, January 25

Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival

A two-day celebration of adventure, storytelling and the spirit of exploration. Come for Saturday, Sunday, or both Doors at 1:30 pm, films start at 3. More info on films and ticket details on Bowen Rec website.

Saturday, January 24 & Sunday, January 25

Orchard Wassail & Magic Show

Bowen Cider House invites all to toast the apple trees and

WE ARE HIRING WE ARE HIRING

scare away evil spirits to usher in the new harvest! Activites from 4 to 9 pm on Saturday. Sunday features ‘Magic in the Wood’ with Islander Eli the Magician. Shows at 3 and 6 pm, find out more on Page 7

Sunday, January 25

Family Snacks & Stories at the Library

Celebrate Family Literacy Week with Bowen Library! Try some new snacks and stories & explore the library’s cookbook collection. For families and their children of all ages 1 to 2:30 pm. Please register at bipl.ca/flw

Monday, January 26

Monday Menders

Anyone interested in mending with others is invited to the Community Centre from 7 to 9 pm Bring your own holey clothes & mending kit!

Tuesday, January 27

Community Integration Specialist at the Library

Drop in to see a Community Integration Specialist from 11 am to 2 pm. This specialist helps people access financial, housing, and health supports, government programs, disability assistance, and more. Learn more: bipl.ca/get-help

Wednesday, January 28

Fibre Arts Guild Meeting

The guild meets at Collins Hall from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. All fibre artists welcome, annual membership $20. Bring show & tell!

Wednesday, January 28 & Friday, January 30

SKY Walks

Seniors Keeping Young walks start at Catholic Church on Miller Road Jan. 28 & Grafton Lake Jan. 30. Both 10:30 am.

Friday, January 30

We’re seeking a positive, energetic After-School Club Coordinator to join our team

If you enjoy working with kids, adapt easily to changing needs, and bring enthusiasm to every day,you’ll fit right in. Help us create a safe, playful, and inspiring environment where children can unwind, explore, and grow

Wage: $22/hour starting wage based on education and experience Permanent, part-time position

Send Your resume asc@bowenchildrenscentre.ca

understands child supervision practicesand prioritizes safety at all times

CO Enjoys spending time outdoors and confidently supports active play,nature exploration, and fresh air activities. is passionate about supporting families and creating afun environment for kids after school. takes inititive, anticipates what needs to be done and adapts smoothly to the energy and needs of the children.

Pro-D Day STEAM Club at the Library

Learn new skills, make something new! We’ll explore a new STEAM activity every session, with time to practice and explore science, arts & technology From 10:30 to 11:30 am Ages 6-10. Please register at: bipl.ca/steam

Saturday, January 31 & Sunday, February 1

Carmina Bowena Concerts

The choir, along with their musical companions Sola Musica will take you on a “Musical Feast” , a musical voyage through Medieval, Renaissance and Modern Europe Show begins 7:30 pm Jan. 31 & 2 pm Feb. 1, both at Tir-na-nOg Theatre. Tickets $25 (kids under 16 free Feb. 1) available at Cates Pharmasave, at the door, or carminabowena.ca

TUESDAYS

Bowen Celtic Music Group

All instruments and levels welcome – we start slow, call out the songs in advance, and can send out a digital songbook as a PDF if you’d prefer sheet music, chords, or guitar tabs. Takes place at Bowen Court on Seniors Road from 7 to 9 pm Suggested donation of $5 per session.

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! From 10:30 to 11 am, families are welcome to stay after until 11:30 and socialize in the cozy Annex, read books, and hang out!

THURSDAYS

Thursday Art Group

Join the Thursday Art Group (TAG) at Collins Hall from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm to paint and create together. $30 per month or $10 drop-in. Info at shannonrondeau@shaw.ca