PRIDE ON THE PIER The Bowen Island Pride Society says ‘Everyone is Welcome under the Rainbowen’, and that looked to be a quite literal statement as Saturday morning’s annual Pride Festival started off with a downpour. But in quite magical timing the sun came out for the start of the Pride Parade & held through the newly introduced Pride Pier Party too. Check out more pics inside! / Alex Kurial photo
ALEX KURIAL Editor
An RCMP investigation resulted in the arrest of Bowen Island man Michael Scoretz on Thursday, June 4. The federal investigation, led by the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET), has produced 13 charges against Scoretz. Six of these counts are for Unauthorized Communication of Special Operational Information contrary to the Security of Information Act (SOIA), and a further seven counts are for breach of trust.
Scoretz, 47, is a former RCMP officer who was a member of INSET. It is alleged work-related materials were found at his home and that he shared protected and/or classified materials with a person he was in a relationship with These offences are alleged to have taken place between August 2020 and February 2023 while Scoretz was a member of the INSET team. As an INSET officer he was bound to secrecy under the SOIA Scoretz retired from the RCMP in 2025 after a 16-year career
Three-time world champion hoop dancer to perform at Bowen Theatre
ALEX WELLS PREPARES FOR JUNE 14 PERFORMANCE
HEATHER CHEN
Contributor
For Alex Wells, a three time world champion hoop dancer, sharing First Nations culture through song and dance is a way to keep generations of stories alive
In the last few decades, he’s performed all over the world, sharing the tradition and technical wonder of hoop dancing to audiences across borders. On Sunday, he’ll add another destination to his archive Bowen Island. The acclaimed First Nations dancer will take the stage at the Bowen Theatre as part of the Hearth Arts on Bowen’s performing arts series.
“I’ve seen the gift I have to bring laughter and to bring cultural awareness through dance,” Wells told the Undercurrent. Hoop dance is a storytelling tradition upheld by First Nations across North America. Dancers dressed in special regalia manipulate hoops in dazzling visual displays to tell stories.
As a member of the Lil’wat Nation, Wells first began hoop dancing at age 12. He later joined a professional dance group, Red Thunder, based out of Calgary, Alberta. In 2001, Wells competed at the world championships for hoop dance and was crowned world champion. He’d go on to win the title, which dancers across North America compete for, two more times
Gail Lotenberg, chair of the Performing Arts Committee for the Hearth Arts on Bowen, first discovered Wells through Dance West Network, an organization that connects British Columbia dancers with local communities Lotenberg was excited to see a local Indigenous performer featured on the Dance West Network, and reached out to invite Wells to Bowen.
From there, Samantha Brett, production and programming manager for the Hearth Arts on Bowen, connected with Wells and began producing the event. With Wells performing on Bowen during National Indigenous History Month, Brett sees the event as an opportunity for the community to come together and continue its conversation and engagement with reconciliation.
“We live on an island that doesn’t have too many Indigenous artists who are not in the visual arts form,” Lotenberg told the Undercurrent. “I think it’s really important, when you’re thinking as a programming committee, to bring acts that we think are going to elevate our community.” As an Indigenous performing artist, Wells brings a different type of art form to Bowen.
“It’s very important to me to promote culture,” Wells said. “In times of need, we always revert back to our culture. I’ve seen what it has done for First Nations people all across North America.”
Wells will perform at the Bowen Theatre on Sunday, June 14, from 3 to 4:15 pm. He will be joined by Vancouver-based
drummer Pavel Desjarlais from the Cree Nation during his performance.
Bowen Theatre doors open at 2:30 pm, and attendees are encouraged to carpool. The performance is free for the community, and tickets can be reserved on EventBrite.
take place Sunday June 14th, between 11 AM and2 PM at theTerminalCreek Salmon Hatchery in CrippenPark. Parking is availableacrossfromthe Public WorksYard andgas
World champion hoop dancer Alex Wells
VIEWPOINTS
Grab those caps & gowns!
Major congrats to the Bowen Island Pride Society who pulled off yet another amazing festival this year. The classic elements delivered as always, including a Parade that gets more exuberant by the year, and the new Pier Party was an electric atmosphere, and hopefully here to stay on festival day.
Next week we have an Island Wide issue, and it’s not just any issue it is the Grad Issue! We’ve got some really wonderful submissions so far highlighting some really wonderful Bowen grads! There are definitely more out there so be sure to send yours along to my email at the bottom of the page ~100 words about your Grad’s achievements and a photo is what we’re looking for by Monday, June 15. Don’t hesitate to send any questions along too!
- Alex Kurial, Editor
Coho Bon Voyage!
TIM PARDEE
Bowen Fish & Wildlife Club
The Bowen Community, especially children, are invited to help Bowen Island Fish & Wildlife Club volunteers release coho fry raised at the hatchery into nearby Terminal Creek during the annual Coho Bon Voyage. This is an opportunity to learn about creepy, crawly bugs in our creeks, the salmon life cycle, and the importance of protecting creeks and riparian habitat on Bowen Island.
Fun for all so please join in. The event takes place at the Hatchery (1051 Mount Gardner Road) this Sunday, June 14 from 11 am to 2 pm
Thank you,
- Tim Pardee
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BOWEN ISLAND PRIDE
Citizen of the Year Nominations
BOWEN ISLAND MUSEUM & ARCHIVES
It’s time for the community to put forward nominations for “Citizen of the Year”. Is there someone special that really deserves to be recognized in the community?
Please submit the name of the person you want to nominate for recognition of service to our community, with as detailed as possible reasons why you believe they deserve the honour, to bihistorians@ telus.net
Community involvement could take place in any of the following categories: Volunteer Community Service; Community Events; Arts & Culture; Environment; Improving the visual attractiveness of the community; Local Sports; Improved enjoyment of life for local citizens
A committee of Bowen Islanders, representing a diverse cross-section of the community and including former Citizens of the Year, makes the final decision based on established criteria Committee will favour those nominees that provide volunteer work with no monetary gain or personal benefit
Longevity of Service should be favored in decision. This is not a popularity contest You can only win Citizen of the Year once Submit your nomination by email to bihistorians@telus.net
Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, July 15.
And do you know someone with a Classic Convertible Vehicle for the Citizen of the Year to ride in the Bowfest parade? Please forward contact information to the Bowen Island Museum & Archives
The third annual Bowen Pride Festival was another roaring success, from the Parade to the Pier to the Pub as the party spanned from morning until late into the night. Check back next week for more photos! / Alex Kurial photos
Film Society double bill for Pride Month
MICHAEL NANKIN
Bowen Island Film Society
Bowen Island Film Society is celebrating Pride Month with two wildly different films
Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Strangers on a Train’ (1951) is a crackerjack thriller and one of Hitchcock’s most entertaining. It is also famously drenched in homoerotic subtext and classic 1950’s repression.
Based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith (The Talented Mr Ripley), it’s not certain where the source of Hitchcock’s fascination with gay themes lies (three years earlier he made another film, ‘Rope’ , with similar thinly veiled queer tension) but both films are eloquent of a straight society’s dread of homosexuality
Everything is couched and hidden and suggested. Two men fall into an illicit relationship (involvement in a secret murder, a Hollywood-friendly metaphoric stand-in for gay sex) that can’t be revealed or even named, forcing them to live in shadows and evasion.
‘The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’ (1994), on the other hand, made a
mere 43 years later, is a celebration of acceptance and validation of the human spirit no matter what form it takes This is a movie in which nothing is hidden (other than temporarily between an estranged father and son) and all queer, trans, drag queen marvelousness is on joyful display from the first moment.
The film is the very emblem of pride and a passion play about how far we’ve come. Priscilla was not only the first mainstream film to introduce a transgender woman in a leading role, but also the first one to make her a hero.
In keeping with the theme of the Hearth Gallery’s Queer Art Show, these films examine how joy and beauty can be found in a hard history and, through courage, we can discover that we were always enough
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert screens on Friday, June 12 and Strangers on a Train screens on Tuesday, June 16. Both films start at 6:30 pm and are presented in association with the Queer Art Show at the Hearth Gallery. Tickets available at Bowen Recreation or at the door.
VIEWPOINTS
Judi GedyeJune Open House
JUDITH GEDYE
BowenIslandMunicipalityCouncillor
Thedraft new Official Community Plan (OCP) wasour focus. BettyMortonfromthe OCPSteeringCommittee(OCPSC) helped us reconnoiter that 120+ page document. It wasclear that onlya few of us had read it.It maybea challenge,but it is important. It is intendedtoguide all development onBowen for severalyears (our last revision was2011). Thereisa“discussion” summary available on the municipal website. Start there and if somethingsparks your interest, read more. TheOCPSC hasbeenworking on this for morethanayearand want your feedback –especiallyifyou disagreewith thecontent.
It is areference document, not anovel, but thereisplenty to interest you. Pick a topic and consider that, andmoreif you can. Also, thereisanonline survey forcomments. Please find time to complete that.
ThisOCP contains “bigideas”and we were askedifthereisanythingmissing, or unclear? Theland usemap is of particular importance,and Bettysuggestedwefind our home on the mapand considerwhatwould be allowedinthat vicinity, and what,ifanything, would change
Thereare twonew island-wide “develop-
mentpermit areas” for fire risk andwater protection.And an extension of foreshore areaaroundBowen.The OCPSC“grappled with”whetherSnugCoveshouldbethe only “village” zone andthereare morecommercialdesignations across the island.
It wassuggesteditwould be helpfulto knowhow differentthis draft is from the current OCP, andthere is achart that shows thechanges.Another question washow this documentwould helpaddressreconciliation:one “guidingprinciple”cites reconciliation as fundamental.Similarly with biodiversity, it is considered essentialand somethingthat wouldneed to be discussed witheachrezoningproposal.
Therewas considerable discussion about projectedlocal andregionalpopulation increases. Does this OCPcontrol growthor is theregeneral acceptance we cangrow without limits? Thecommunity seemssplit. Ultimately, we need to decide if we want to bea playground,a suburb or arural area, or some mix? That’s the original and ongoingtensionfor the Islands Trust–todevelop ornot,andeither way, livewith the results. Islandshavestrict limitations, specifically with resources(foremostwater and land capable of septicdisposal, butschools,fire protection,and roads) to supportgrowth.
Butour limitations arenot well-documented– water, in particular.One person
Places ofWorship WelcomeYou
BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH
USSCDonatesaSweet Endingto a Season of HardWork
Division 3atBowen Island CommunitySchool would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to agenerous local businessfor donatingice cream as theprize forarecentreading challenge.Their kindness helped turn our students’ dedication and love of reading into atruly memorable celebration. We aresograteful forthis thoughtful (anddelicious!)contribution and for helping us to inspire young readers! Thankyou Union Steamship Company! / Cindyl Arnoldsubmission
describedhow theyinstalledamonitor on their deep well to make sure theyare not drawing toomuch, especiallyduringa drought, and theycollect rainwaterfor their garden. Woulditbepossibleto have widespread well monitoring? Butdeepwells, as opposed to surface watersources,vary widelyastheyare drilledintoindependent waterpocketsinbedrock fissures. When awell is first drilled, it gets registeredwith the Province,includingits flow-
rate.In1992, all available information of drilledwells wascollected.Itwould be interesting to update that information. Onepersonsaid this draft OCPwas well-executedbut there wasstill disparity betweenwonderful ideas and reality. It is aspirationalwithbroad land-useprinciple If you addedupall the potential“units” to arrive at a“built-out” number,itcould provide aprobable limittopopulationgrowth.
QUEEN OF CAPILANO FERRY SCHEDULE UNTILMARCH2027
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Contact AngelaPowell 604-947-2515
SundayWorship 10:30 am Rev.Lorraine Ashdown www.biuc.ca |1122 Miller Road 778-688-2061 OFFICE HOURS WEDNESDAY10-4 OR BYAPPOINTMENT Contact aryana.rayne@gmail.com •www.shirathayam.ca
BANK DROP-OFF Sunday Mass at10:00 Sunday Worship10:00 www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.) office@cateshillchapel.com
DEPARTBOWEN ISLAND 5:15 am -exceptSundays 6:15 am 7:30 am 8:45 am 10:00 am 11:15 am 12:35 pm 1:55 pm -exceptWed 3:15 pm 4:40 pm 6:00 pm 7:15 pm 8:25 pm -exceptSaturdays 9:30 pm 10:30 pm 11:30pm nesdays DEPART HORSESHOEBAY 5:45 am 6:50 am 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 10:00 pm 11:00 pm
Where’sthe ferry rightnow?- live updatesatwww.bowenferry.ca SCHEDULE CHANGESONSTATUTORY HOLIDAYS.STAYUPTODATEATWWW.BCFERRIES.COM
Bowen Island launches new Poet Laureate
JAMI SCHEFFER Hearth Gallery
Jude Neale is a Canadian poet, vocalist, spoken word performer, mentor, photographer, visual artist, and classically trained opera singer who has lived on Bowen Island for 40 years. She is the author of 14 books, with work published by Canadian presses including Ekstasis Editions and Guernica Editions Her poetry has been recognized in national and international competitions, and her work is known for its emotional clarity, musicality, and deep attention to the human experience
A former teacher of 30 years at Bowen Island Community School, Jude brings to the Poet Laureate role a lifelong commitment to language, creativity, and community She has taught countless writing workshops locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally, including a 10-week online writing workshop for teens through Outschool.
She has also worked with women’s groups and seniors, and is especially interested in intergenerational workshops that bring seniors and teens together through poetry, story, and shared experience
Jude’s life and work are deeply rooted in Bowen Island. Over four decades, she has been part of the island’s creative and community life, including singing for many years with the community choir. As Bowen Island’s inaugural Poet Laureate, she hopes to offer poetry as a welcoming place for the community to gather.
Through workshops, public readings, original poems, civic appearances, and collaborations with the Hearth Arts on Bowen, the Library, and community organizations, her goal is to make poetry accessible, alive, and rooted in the daily life of Bowen a way of paying attention, deepening connection, and celebrating the shared life of the island.
The event launch recognizing Neale will take place on Friday, June 26 at 7 pm, at the Bowen Public Library Annex.
NOTICE
AMENDMENTBYLAW 200
ISLANDSTRUST COUNCIL
NOTICE OF INTENTIONTOAMEND ISLANDSTRUST COUNCILPROCEDURE BYLAW
TAKE NOTICE that theIslands TrustCouncil intendstoconsiderpassing abylaw to amendIslands Trust Council Meetings Procedures Bylaw, 2004, as amended.
PURPOSEOFTHE AMENDMENT
Thegeneral intent of theproposedIslands TrustCouncil Bylaw200, citedas“IslandsTrust Council MeetingProceduresBylaw,2004, AmendmentBylaw No.2,2025”is to:
•Amend thedateofthe first meetingofIslands TrustCouncil followinga generallocal election to allow themeetingtooccur before theend of November.
• 4– 121McPhillipsAvenue, Salt Spring Island,BC- Mon- Fri(excl.statutory holidays), 8:30 a.m.4:00p.m
Scan theQRcodetoviewthe bylawmaterials online or visit https://islandstrust.bc.ca/about-us/governance/bylaws/
DavidMarlor, Secretary
Breaking ground at Hemlock Hill
ALEX KURIAL Editor
Groundbreaking took place recently at the upcoming Hemlock Hill Village housing development.
The apartment building is set to be constructed at 1033 Miller Road, behind the Community Health Centre The 25-unit development will be all rentals, consisting of a mix of market rent, low income, and subsidy units Priority for the units will be given to people living on Bowen or former residents looking to return to the island.
“There were days when I was quite certain a celebration like this was never going to happen,” said David McCullum, board chair of Bowen Island Resilient Community Housing (BIRCH), during the groundbreaking ceremony on May 29. The island organization signed a lease agreement with the municipality (BIM) seven years ago and has dedicated their attempts since to make the ‘BIRCH project’ a reality.
McCullum recalled the competitive nature of multiple applications to secure funding from BC Housing, who eventually came through to the tune of $4.3 million in support. He noted the tides began
to turn in a positive way after partnering with the Lookout Society four years ago, a Vancouver-based organization who are active in the supporting housing sector and had performed previous work on the island.
“Today we’re here because of our partners: without the involvement of the Lookout Society, this would not happen… So I am eternally grateful for that, and also for the way that Lookout has said you’re (BIRCH) a part of this project,” said McCullum, also reserving praise for the rest of the BIRCH board and longtime housing advocate Robyn Fenton in particular.
“We want there to be more places to live than there used to be,” he added.
Once complete, the development will be operated by Lookout. They will work together with BIRCH on selecting applications for the units. The 25 spaces will cover a range of studios to three-bedroom apartments
“What I find the most inspiring about a project like this is that a two-dozen unit affordable housing development on Bowen - because of our small community rural feel - feels a bit like a skyscraper,” said mayor Andrew Leonard at the groundbreaking ceremony.
“It is so important to our housing mix here on the island: with the change we’ve seen in
Former RCMP officer faces 13 counts
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
The incident began last Thursday morning as federal RCMP officers arrived on Bowen off a morning ferry. They proceeded to the Buchanan Road area where the arrest ultimately took place Traffic around the Adams and Grafton Road corner was heavily impacted during the morning, but returned to normal after the operation concluded in the early afternoon. There was no danger to the public and the event was contained to a single residence
“It is deeply troubling when a member of law enforcement is drawn into any kind of criminal allegations It is unsettling for the public and for fellow law enforcement officers. However, the results of this investigation show a deep commitment by our investigators to hold individuals’ accountable no matter their employment or background,” said Inspector Bryan Pyatt of Pacific Region INSET
the region and here on Bowen and our reliance on single-family detached housing - it’s truly a necessity,” said the mayor.
Leonard also pointed out the many years of work and obstacles overcome by BIRCH to keep the project alive. “BIRCH believed that it was possible, stuck with the vision, and reframed and edited that vision to bring
RCMP say the charges against Scoretz do not involve current investigations, and that no investigations were compromised as a result
RCMP vehicles arrive the morning of June 4. / Marlon Strang photo
it to this date today. The work and the belief and the hope and faith it took to do that has been huge.”
“This has been the proving ground of BIRCH really coming into its own on the island,” said Leonard, adding he is looking forward to working with them more on future projects
Yourstory starts here
Fundraiserfor former BICS student detained in Georgia
ALEX KURIAL
Editor
ACanadian familyisworking forthe safe return of their familymemberarrestedoverseas.
Simon Rovensky wasdetainedat theend of Aprilasheand afriend attemptedtoenter the countryofGeorgia,situatedbetween Russia and Turkey on the BlackSea,while travelling. Border officials took issuewith medication whichSimon, 22-years oldand aformerBowen Island CommunitySchool studentwho hasfond memories of playing soccer and making friends on the island, takestotreat ADHD
Themedication, legalinCanadaand prescribedbyadoctor, faces much tightercontrols in Georgiawhereit’sclassifiedas a narcotic and barred from import.Visitors areonlyallowedaone-month supplyand must alsocarry aprescription translated into Georgian.
Unawareoftheserules,Simon didn’t declare the medication when landingin the countryand wasdetainedatthe airport followingasearch. Hisfriend wasreleased after severalhours,but Simonhas been held ever since at the high-profile Gldani Prison
in thecapital Tbilisi.
Simon wassubsequentlycharged with smugglingand possession charges, which couldcarry yearsinprisonifconvicted. Rovensky’s nextcourt date is scheduledfor June 25.Alawyerwho hasbeenassisting with thecasesaysfines for similarcases in the past rangefrom$30,000 to $45,000 USD. Paymentofthe finecan result in releaseand deportationfromthe country.
ForSimon’smother Anna Bond,the ordeal hasbeenexhaustingemotionally Anna, whoraised Simonand his twosisters as asinglemotherafter their father passed away 12 yearsago,saysshe hasnot slept well sinceSimonwas detained. The11-hour time zone differencemakes for delayed communication,and conversationswith prisoners areextremelylimitedingeneral. Exchanges with Simon have onlycomethrough the lawyer and infrequent checks by Canadian andTurkish diplomats.
AGoFundMecampaignorganized by Simon’ssister, Nika,has quicklyraised more than $42,000 sincebeingcreated at the start of June.All funds will be used toward legal costs and the fine expected to be imposed laterthismonth.The fundraiser canbe foundunder thetitle ‘Simon:A Canadian Imprisoned Abroad for HisADHD’.
sister./Submitted
Annasaysshe is amazed at theoutpouring of supportfromIslandersfor the fundraiser. Amazed, and grateful, butnot shocked, as she remembershow theisland rallied
around herafter herhusband’s passing. “Therewereverygoodpeoplearound me duringthattimeonBowen Island,”says Anna.“Irememberthis in my heart.”
This week’sPatientofthe Week is theadorableMig!Mig has quickly become astaff favorite thanks to her sweet personality,bright eyes, and affectionatenature. She’s been full of energy during her visits andalways keepsussmiling.
Simon Rovensky withhis mother and
photo
Carmina Bowena showcasing young musicians at upcoming concerts
JENNIFER HATFIELD
Carmina Bowena
Mozart, Vivaldi, Chopin, Beethoven and Billy Joel are some of the offerings at this year’s Celestial Harmonies Summer Concert. Carmina Bowena is thrilled to be profiling remarkable young artists Anoushka Sarkar, piano and Louw Verwey, baritone
Please mark your calendars for June 27 (evening) and 28 (matinee) concerts at Tir-na-nOg.
It has been a busy year for the choir. Director Nicole Zyczynski attended the prestigious Canadian Renaissance Summer School in Vancouver This intensive program for advanced singers was led by a former member of the Tallis Scholars, Greg Skidmore. The choir has benefited so much from being exposed to these global influences.
Sola Musica provided instrumental pieces and Bowen harpist Grace Wickes enhanced the Winter concert with her beautiful voice and virtuoso performances on harp and guitar. There were rave reviews in February for the Contemplative Concert at Cates Hill Chapel in aid of the Food Bank In March, St. Patrick’s Day was a chance for a rousing concert at the Legion and in May
the choir performed at the Hearth for the Bowen Art Tour
The upcoming summer performances will be very special. Sharing four centuries of music, the choir will join with two bright and talented young musicians
Louw Verwey is back on Bowen having completed his first year of study in music at the University of Manitoba. He recently performed a vocal recital with director Nicole entitled Over all the Hilltops. It was exciting to enjoy these wonderful musicians on our Community Centre stage.
He shared that Nicole and Carmina Bowena have been instrumental in nurturing a passion for Renaissance and Baroque music. “Choral music is a huge area of interest and my real passion; I love the poetry. Preparing these solo pieces is a labour of love.”
You can find Louw working at Bowen eBikes when he is not practicing and diving deep into the history of the music he adores Anoushka Sarka is a Grade 10 student who has been studying piano with Nicole since she was seven years old. She has her sights on achieving level 8 of the Royal Conservatory of Music examinations
At the upcoming Celestial Harmonies concert, she will be performing pieces by Beethoven and Chopin. In a recent con-
versation she shared that the secret to her success is having a teacher who allows her to follow her interests.
“Nicole always focused on fun rather than perfection. She allowed me to follow my interests and to explore my feelings. I was able to move between classical and popular music.”
“I picked the pieces for the concert because I had heard them so many times and loved them so much. It seemed an unat-
tainable goal to play them but it is a goal I have achieved,” says Anoushka.
Carmina Bowena and these special young guests will offer a program of beautiful music from the past four centuries that is sure to move, uplift and inspire.
Please mark your calendars! Shows are June 27 at 7:30 pm and June 28 at 2:30 pm at Tir-na-nOg. Tickets are available online at carminabowena.ca, at Cates Pharmacy, or at the door.
Young musicians Louw Verwey & Anoushka Sarkar will feature at Carmina Bowena’s ‘Celestial Harmonies’ concerts later this month
Nature Needs Your Voice
particularly high and/or vulnerable.
Biodiversity Plan
SHEREE JOHNSON & EDWARD WACHTMAN Bowen Island Conservancy
More than 15 years ago, we started researching a simple question: what connects people to Bowen Island?
Again and again, the answer came back clearly. Nature is at the heart of Bowen’s emotional life The forests, birds, air after rain, and quiet green edges of ordinary days are part of what makes this island feel like home
Now nature needs your voice.
Bowen is updating its Official Community Plan. The draft OCP will guide where growth goes, how water and sensitive ecosystems are protected, and how Bowen balances housing, infrastructure, climate, transportation, and conservation.
The draft gives nature considerable weight. It directs growth toward developed areas, supports infill over sprawl, recognizes ecological limits, addresses water resilience, supports ecological corridors, and proposes a Tree and Forest Retention Bylaw.
It also includes a map based on the 2026 Bowen Island Biodiversity Plan and uses it to identify areas where natural values are
That is meaningful progress
The Biodiversity Plan gives Bowen something new: island-wide information showing conservation values, freshwater habitats, ecological intactness, development pressure, and connections among important habitats. It shows how one piece of land connects to nearby forests, wetlands, streams, and wildlife routes
The OCP can help ensure this information is considered early enough to improve decisions and minimize costly conflicts and delays. Once roads, lots, building sites, and servicing have been laid out, some of the best options for protecting nature may already be gone
Used early in planning and design, the information could help cluster a subdivision on the less sensitive part of a site, leaving a wetland, mature forest, or wildlife route intact. A road or drainage project could avoid cutting through an important habitat connection.
A covenant or park dedication could protect the part of a site with the greatest value for water and wildlife. All while allowing needed work to proceed without undercutting Nature.
As residents review the OCP, we hope they will support three clear directions from the
First, use the maps, data, and best available science when land-use and infrastructure decisions are being shaped The draft has begun to do this for rezoning. The same information could also guide subdivisions, roads, drainage, parks, municipal lands, Development Permit Areas, and future rules for trees, water, shorelines, and land use.
Second, support greater protection of high-value Crown lands when opportunities arise, especially where protection could enlarge or strengthen existing parks and preserves. The Municipality cannot make these decisions alone, but it can use the Biodiversity Plan to set priorities and work with the Squamish Nation and the Province Third, maintain and where possible restore the natural connections among protected areas. Parks and reserves are more valuable when wildlife, seeds, and spores can move between them The Plan can show where forests, wetlands, waterways, and ridges remain connected, where gaps are appearing, and where cooperation with landowners could help.
These recommendations would not make biodiversity the only consideration.
Housing, water, safety, infrastructure, transportation, property rights, and other community needs still matter. The point is to plan for the future with a clearer understanding of what might be lost, protected, restored, or reconnected while there is still time to improve the outcome
The OCP already contains many of the policies and tools needed to begin. The opportunity now is to make the commitment clearer: use the information early, act where it points to important opportunities, and keep Bowen’s protected places connected
Please read the draft OCP and the Bowen Island Biodiversity Plan, then take part in the public comment process before the June 22 deadline
If nature is one reason you came to Bowen, stayed, or still feel grateful to wake up here, this is the moment to say so Nature needs your voice.
Abby Walters photo
VIEWPOINTS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6
However, it is more important that the OCP and the Land Use Bylaw be aligned. While the question of rural depends on density, our 50 per cent for nature principle will help, if we enforce it While there is no consideration of air quality, that will be a major consideration once Woodfibre LNG starts up
There does seem to be an assumption we can expand on everything. One example, describes “cluster” neighbourhoods as a solution to housing demands, while costs are not the primary consideration. Another issue is the number of part-time residences and tourist accommodations and how those skew water statistics
The mention of tourism and over-use drew a mention of the capacity of the Snug Cove sewage system – most of Dorman Point suffers from the smell of an overworked system following every weekend. Betty reminded us that if you have comments like these, it is very important to voice your concerns. Commenting on how far you think land should be subdivided is important input. More on water. Our forested areas, particularly Mount Gardner, give considerable advantage to our water resources and need protection. It was asked if cisterns
could become mandatory. Some anecdotal comments were that even where they are installed, people choose not to use them We wondered why.
The high cost of infrastructure was coupled to a question whether an OCP could create reserves. There might be demands made on developers for utilities but the Municipal budget process determines whether a reserve gets created.
Another aspect of the underlying tension between development and status quo is our desire for small population amenities that cost more than our population can afford (a swimming pool was mentioned!).
“Affordable” housing is a variable notion. Comments were that if such a community amenity was part of a rezoning application it should be enforced “Cost creep” in a project can be as a result of changes, but typically labour and supply costs always rise, such that delay is not a reasonable excuse
North Vancouver insisted on having community amenities built first before any income producing units Sometimes what happens with grant funding is requirements change with increased costs but not funding. One comment was that it was unreasonable to get rezoned with one plan and come back later with a different plan, but a devel-
For the second year in a row, two teams of golfers represented the Bowen Island Golf Course in Toronto at the Golf Canada National Golf League championship finals. After qualifying through a six round competition on Bowen, Bob Kerr & Dave Bellringer (left) and Larry Oliver & Mark Pennington (right) placed in the top three at the NGL regional play downs at Mayfair Lakes, earning a trip to the national finals on June 6. Both teams came up a bit short but represented Bowen and the Club well! The two teams are seen posing with the Canadian Open trophy, which the PGA pros will be competing for June 11-14 in Toronto. / Paul Welsh submission
oper can apply multiple times for rezoning, and each application must be considered on its merits
There is a fairly recent report on housing needs which formed part of the research required by the province in response to legislated changes to build for projected population increases. Bowen has sufficient
zoning now for the fairly high anticipated regional population increases, but there is no guarantee that any of those lots would be built to be “affordable”.
The time passed quickly and we ended on a reminder to take the OCP survey!
Next Open House will be Saturday, July 4 at 3 pm at Collins Hall. Everyone welcome
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Friday, June 12
Canada vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina
Our World Cup journey gets underway with Canada’s first game in Toronto. Noon kickoff.
Friday, June 12
Movie Night at the Bowen Theatre
Bowen Island Film Society presents a screening of ‘Pricilla, Queen of the Desert’. Starts 6:30 pm at the Community Centre, more on Page 5.
Saturday, June 13
Strawberry Tea
Silent auction, BBQ, sandwiches & strawberry shortcake Cash/debit at the door. United Church from 10 am to 3 pm.
Saturday, June 13
Round Bowen Race
Keep an eye out for 100+ sailing ships in the Navis Round Bowen Race! 10 am to 5:30 pm) Or join us, details and crew bank at biyc.bc.ca. Direction around Bowen TBD the morning of. BBQ to follow on the USSC lawn with Black Molly!
Saturday, June 13
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, June 13
Skwxwú7mesh History Book Club at the Library
In this friendly book club, we’ll be discussing part two of Tiná7 Cht Ti Temíxw: We Come From This Land: a Walk Through the History of the Squamish People (2024), by the Squamish Nation. Coffee and snacks provided! Free, from 11:30 am to 1 pm Find out more and register at bipl.ca/2026
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Saturday, June 13
Summer Social Tea
Join us for an afternoon tea with music, refreshments & good company. Presented by Seniors Keeping Young (SKY), at the Museum & Archives from 1 to 4 pm. All ages welcome!
Saturday, June 13
BIFC World Cup Launch Party
Bowen Island Football Club kicks off their World Cup festivities at Tunstall Bay Clubhouse. Doors open at Noon for Switzerland vs. Qatar. BBQ and soccer challenges during the day. Runs thru 5 pm, Brazil vs Morocco starts 3 pm BIFC has partnered with the Pub to show every World Cup match.
Sunday, June 14
Coho Bon Voyage
Help release coho fry into Terminal Creek! 11 am to 2 pm at the Hatchery (1051 Mount Gardner Road. More on Page 4.
Sunday, June 14
Alex Wells at the Bowen Theatre
World champion hoop dancer Alex Wells shares First Nations culture through song and dance at the Bowen Theatre. Free event, from 3 to 4:15 pm. Full details on Page 3.
Tuesday, June 16
Movie Night at the Bowen Theatre
The Film Society is back again with ‘Strangers on a Train’ , starts 6:30 pm at Community Centre Full details on Page 5.
Thursday, June 18
Canada vs. Qatar
The host nation shifts to Vancouver for their second group stage game Kickoff at 3 pm
Saturday, June 20
Fire Department Open House
Come tour the Fire Hall, ride the firetrucks, spray the hose, learn CPR and more! Everybody welcome, at Fire Hall #1 (1045 Miller Road) from 10 am to 2 pm
Sunday, June 21
All Wheels Skate Day
Ramps, rails, boxes and obstacles for all skill levels! Presented by the All Wheels Society, hosted by Island Pacific School. Free event, runs 2 to 4 pm, helmets mandatory.
SATURDAYS
Farmers Market
The annual Farmers Market returns with a new home at Davies Orchard. Come see all your favourite food, arts & craft vendors. From 10 am to Noon.
MONDAYS
Happy Mondays!
Meditations & Buddhist teachings on “Inspiring Solutions for Difficulties”. $12/class, everyone welcome. Community Centre from 7 to 8 pm. Runs thru June 22.
TUESDAYS
Bowen Celtic Music Group
All instruments & levels welcome We start slow & can share music in advance. Doc Morgan’s from 7 to 9 pm.
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 until 11:30 to hangout!
OCP Engagement Opportunities
Learn more about the Official Community Plan Review and how you can contribute: June 20 - Bowen Island Fire Department Open House; June 21 - All Wheels Skate Day
