November 7, 2025

Page 1


An 800-metre stretch of Grafton Road has been chosen as the next portion of the Multi-Use Path to tackle. This part of the path would run from Forster Lane to about 100 metres north of Cates Hill Road. While this would leave a gap between the new section and where the Multi-Use Path (MUP) currently ends - about 300 metres past Artisan Lane - the availability of grant funding and less challenging terrain conditions would allow for this portion to be completed sooner than the looming Charlie’s Lane section.

Dubbed ‘Phase 4’, the section starting at Forster Lane and backtracking east toward the completed pathway is estimated to cost $2 million. Grant funding has been secured for more than half of that between $1 million from the provincial Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants (BCAT) and $233,000 from TransLink.

Events

AllCouncilmeetingsareopen tothepublictoattendin personorelectronically,unless notedotherwise

November 10,2025 1:00 pm RegularCouncilMeeting

November 24, 2025 1:00 pm RegularCouncilMeeting

Seeking PublicComment

DevelopmentVariancePermitApplication 1771ArbutusPointRoad DVP-2025-0143

1:00PMonMonday,November10,2025

InCouncilChambers,MunicipalHall,ORviaZoom

BowenIslandMunicipalityhasreceivedanapplicationfora DevelopmentVariancePermittoallowanincreaseinheightfora retainingwallfrom0.6mto1.16m.

Municipalstaffarepreparingtointroducetheapplicationto CouncilattheNovember10,2025RegularCouncilMeeting.At thatmeetingCouncilwilldecidetoeithersetadatetoformally considerissuingthepermit(andissueadditionalnoticeto neighboursinformingyouofthatdate)ormaychoosetonot proceedfurtherwiththeapplication.

YourCommentsAreWelcome

WrittensubmissionsmaybedeliveredtoMunicipalHallby11:00 amonthemeetingdateinperson,bymail,byfax,orbyemailto mayorandcouncil@bimbc.ca.Submissionsmayalsobemadeto MayorandCouncilatthemeeting:

Seewwwbowenislandmunicipality.ca/council-meetingsformore informationincludinghowtowatchthemeetingviaZoom.

ShouldCouncilproceedwiththisapplication,therewillbefurther opportunitytoshareyourcommentsontheapplication,andwe wouldshareadditionalinformationonhowtoprovideyour comments.

QUESTIONS?

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

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning/

ScanthisQRcodeoremailsshortt@bimbc.catoregister beforeNovember12

WhatisgoingtohappenattheBusiness Summit?

•ConnectwithotherBowenbusiness owners

•Shareyourexperienceandinsightwith Mayor,CouncilandBIMStaff

•LearnCircularEconomyprinciplesand howtheycouldworkonBowen

•MeetNanaimo’sBenGeselbracht,CircularEconomyExpert

•ParticipateinWorldCaféstyleworkshoppingcareoflocal facilitatorChrisCorrigan

•HaveadrinkandenjoysomeappiesandanIndianinspireddinner

When?Wednesday,November19,2025from4:00pm-9:00pm Where?BowenIslandCommunityCentre RSVP?ScantheQRCodeoremailsshortt@bimbc.catoregister

October RCMP Stats on Bowen

BOWEN ISLAND RCMP

There were 94 files in October:

Bowen Island RCMP conducted proactive traffic enforcement 32 times including but not limited to:

- Impaired driving (Roadblocks)

- Speed via Radar and Laser

- U Turn (Ferry Lineup)

Other calls for service:

2 Erratic Drivers – Registered owners spoken to, not enough evidence for tickets

5 Suspicious Circumstances – Unknown vehicles in neighbourhood, found boat parts

2 Impaired Driving Prohibitions – Police issued 90-day and 24-hour prohibitions as a result of Impaired Driving roadblocks

7 Liquor Act – Pub walkthroughs, no violations

2 Frauds - Both involving money requested to stop sharing of intimate images. Victims 16-years old and 65-years old. Accused likely out of country.

12 Assist Public – Flat tires, man down, landlord/tenancy assistance

12 Assist Police/Agencies – Assisted

ICBC, VPD, BIFD, Bylaws, BC Ferry, EHS

4 Animal – Injured deer, lost cat

5 Check Wellbeing – Called in by family, neighbours

4 Mischief – Damage to storefront, BC Ferries washrooms

6 Property – Found wallet, lost Licence Plates

1 Special Event – Police assisted with crowd control in the Melmore/Lenora Loop as part of Halloween festivities.

Police Monthly Message:

Police are reminding the public of the online crime reporting tool offered by the RCMP This service is an alternative way for you to report non-emergency crimes day and night without having to visit or call the detachment.

Your report is vital in assisting the RCMP with identifying crime trends in the community and deterring future crimes. An incident number will be included in a generated report that is emailed to you upon submission, as well as a police officer being assigned the file for review.

You can find the online tool at https:// report.rcmp.ca/en

Phase 4 MUP work scheduled for 2026

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Director of engineering Patrick Graham was seeking council approval last week to apply for an additional TransLink grant of $325,000 to help cover the remaining costs.

An unspent $200,000 from the municipal Climate Action Fund would also go towards Phase 4, along with a pledge to include $242,000 in the 2026 budget for the remaining amount. Graham explained taking advantage of grant funding when available provides the best opportunity to keep the MUP project on track.

Once Phase 4 is complete attention will turn to completing the approximately 264metre gap, known as ‘Phase 5’. This will involve significant work on Grafton Road at the Charlie’s Lane bend, including widening

the road on the south side, removing rocks and building retaining walls. While also estimated to cost $2 million, Graham reasoned that due to how much planning and execution would be involved it would be wise to return to this phase in 2027 after completing Phase 4 next year.

Beyond Phases 4 and 5, an 840-metre stretch of MUP from Forster Lane to just past Harding Road is scheduled to be built by The Lakelands once their development at Grafton Lake begins on the south side of Grafton Road. The remaining 2.7-kilometres to Bowen Bay Road will be discussed in the far future.

Council voted unanimously to focus on funding Phase 4 as the next portion of MUP to complete.

SUNDAY,November 16th • Noon #20 Davies Orchard Cottage

Please join us to celebrate the reopening of the cottages and Applefest, discuss plans for the future.

LIGHTUPBOWEN

KEYSTONE

Keystone,the friendly neighborhood cat knownfor hisconfident strolls and sunbathing sessionsonevery porch,cameinfor hisroutine wellness check and vaccines today. He charmed theclinic staffwithhis calmdemeanor and curious eyes, exploring theexam room like it was just another part of his territory. Keystone received aclean bill of health,along with hisupdated vaccinations to keep him safeduringhis outdoor adventures.

VIEWPOINTS

EDITORIAL

NovemberArrives

Welcome to November! Abig shout outtoeveryone who helped make sure Octoberwentout with abang. This includes everyone who worked hard at the Loop and all the folkswho came outfor the festivities.The nightbefore BowenRec and BowenPride hosteda boisterous showing of the RockyHorror Picture Show whichwas greatfun.Itwas averyspecial Halloween season!

Bonuspoints to houses around the Loopwith the WorldSeries game on so people could keep track! Theresult was aspooky one for Blue Jays fans butit wasstill amemorable scene to seefolks crowdaround the TV tentstocatch the bigmoments -and therewerelotsof them rightthrough to the very end! This upcomingTuesdayis Remembrance Dayand Bowenwillbe havingits traditional November 11 ceremonyatthe Cenotaphstartingat10:45 am.It’saveryspecial scene to watch somuchofthe island come outeach year to honour ourVeterans.Looking forward to seeing youthere, andinthe meantime youcan read moreabout one of ourown BowenVeterans and the day itself lateroninthe paper.

THE WRITE STUFF. TheUndercurrent encourages reader participation in your communitynewspaper.You must include your full name and adaytime phonenumber(forverification only). The editor reservesthe righttoeditfor clarity, legality, brevityand taste. Please limit to under500 words. HERE’S HOW:Tosubmit alettertothe editor,fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to PO Box 130,Bowen Island,BC, V0N 1G0 or emaileditor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

#102–495 BowenTrunk Road, PO Box130, BowenIslandBC,V0N 1G0

Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148

$85 including GST Newsstand (SingleCopy) $1.50 per copy,includingGST ISSN 7819-5040

All Advertising and newscopycontent arecopyrightof the Undercurrent Newspaper.All editorial contentsubmittedtothe Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication. TheUndercurrent is not responsiblefor unsolicited manuscripts,art work and photographs National NewsMediaCouncil.

TheUndercurrent is amember of theNational NewsMedia Council of Canada, which is an independentorganization established todeal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour.Ifyou have concerns about editorial content, please email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com or call604-947-2442. If youare not satisfied with the response and wishtofile a formal complaint, visit the websiteatmediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 foradditional information.

Bowen Business Summit to Explore Circular Economy

tools to materials

On November 19 the Community Economic Development Committee (CEDC) will be hosting a Business Summit, bringing together local businesses and community members to explore what makes a circular economy.

So, what is a circular economy? It’s an innovative approach to economic growth that reduces waste and keeps resources in use as long as possible—through sharing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling existing materials and products

Unlike the traditional “take-make-dispose” model, a circular economy reduces waste, supports supply chain resilience, and potentially creates new business opportunities by turning one company’s by-products or excess materials into another’s valuable resources.

For example, a local café might give its used coffee grounds to a nearby farmer who uses them as compost, while the farmer provides fresh produce back to the café— creating a simple but effective loop that reduces waste and keeps value within the community.

Consider a construction company donating leftover building materials to a local furniture maker, who repurposes the wood or metal into custom tables or shelving.

Whistler’s Re-Build-It Centre invites homeowners to donate and shop for DIY building needs from appliances to

These examples demonstrate how collaboration can extend the life of materials but could we do more to support supply chain gaps and generate new business opportunities? That’s the opportunity we want to imagine at this interactive and innovative business summit

Understanding Our Local Economy: Mapping Available and Needed Resources

As we move toward a circular economy we need to truly understand the full range of goods and services currently available, as well as those in demand but not available (or visible) on Bowen Island. Identifying these supply and demand resource gaps is important for building the connections and support systems necessary for a successful circular economy.

To support this effort, businesses registering for the summit will be asked to list three items they offer—such as products, materials, or services—and three items they would love to find on Bowen for their operations Sharing what we have and what we are missing at the summit will give us a clearer picture of local capacities and needs.

This Summit will also help uncover opportunities for collaboration, waste reduction, new business and strengthening economic ties within our community.

BIM and the CEDC have organized the agenda to prepare and inspire the attendees to find these opportunities:

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Saturday November 22, 2025 at 10:30a.m. at CollinsHall.

Saturday November 18th 10:30amCollins Hall Refreshmentsprovided The mee motion: Be it resol the Snug Cove House he bylaws ofthe Socie thatwritten noticetom members by way of electronic messages.

Keynote Speaker: Councillor Ben Geselbracht, City of Nanaimo

The CEDC is thrilled that Councillor Ben Geselbracht from the City of Nanaimo has agreed to be our keynote speaker. Councillor Geselbracht will share his insights and experiences on how coastal communities like Nanaimo are advancing their circular economy initiatives His presentation will highlight practical approaches to fostering sustainability, reducing waste, and building collaborative networks among local businesses.

World Café Dialogue with Chris Corrigan

Participants will have the chance to share ideas and identify both the challenges and opportunities of adopting more circular practices in our local economy. As the municipality has emphasised the importance of incorporating circular economy principles into the Official Community Plan (OCP), collecting this information will help the CEDC report to council following the summit

The CEDC encourages all local businesses, big and small, to come to the Business Summit, to enjoy the networking and good food, and explore how to build a strong, more sustainable community economy. To register please visit the CEDC page on the municipality website.

Honouringour Veterans

BOWEN ISLAND LEGION,BRANCH150

EveryyearonNovember11, the Bowen communitycomes together to recognize Remembrance Day. This year’s ceremony will seeusgather at theSnugCoveCenotaph, with astarttime of 10:45 am

Thissolemn occasion holdsdeepsignificance for the entirecountry andserves as apoignantreminder of the sacrifices made by ourveterans and theimportanceof preservingour shared history.

Originallyknown as Armistice Day, Remembrance Daycommemoratesthe end of WorldWar IonNovember11, 1918. It is a day to rememberand honor the bravemen and women who laid down their livesin the lineofdutytodefend ourcountry andthe values we hold dear.

Beyond honoring thosewho made the ultimatesacrifice,Remembrance Dayis an opportunitytopay tribute to ourliving veterans. Theseindividuals have served ournation with honor andcourage,often enduringsignificantphysicaland emotional hardships.Recognizingtheir contributions is away of expressing gratitude and support.

Remembrance Dayalsoplays avitalrole

BCChonorsall thosewho gave their livesfor peaceinthe past and thosewho standfor peace todaysothatour children may live in peacetomorrow.

in educatingyounger generations aboutthe historyofCanadaandthe world. It allowsus to teach children aboutthe impact of war, theimportance of peace,andthe need to worktogether to preventconflicts.

In adiverse societylikeCanada, Remembrance Dayservesasaunifying force. It brings peopleofall backgrounds andbeliefstogether to consider the values that bind us,and reflect on what it means to beCanadian.

Remembrance Dayemphasizesthe promotionofpeace,andensuringthatthe horrors ofwar arenever forgotten. By remembering the past,wehopetopreventthe repetition of themistakes and tragedies that havemarredhuman history.

As we gather at theCenotaph in Snug Cove this Remembrance Day, let us reflect on the gravityofthe occasion. Letus rememberour veterans’ sacrifices and show ourgratitude for their service.Let us educate ourselvesand thegenerationstocome about theimportanceofpeace and unity. Together, we canensurethatthe memories of those whogavetheir all for ourcountry are neverforgotten.

Theceremonyisfollowedby lunch at theLegion (1267 ScarboroughRoad) from 11:35 amto2:30 pm.All arewelcome.

WHITE POPPIESFOR WORLD PEACE! Please joinusin remembering andhonouringcivilian warvictims worldwidebywearing WhitePeacePoppies this month. Your donations will be usedtosupport peaceeducation in Canadianschools.Thisyear,Cates Pharmasave,The Hearth Galleryand Westland Insuranceare kindly offeringWhite Peace Poppies.Thankyou foryour support. -Ender Tanrikut

Lest we forget.

TheBoard,Familiesand EducatorsofBCC we remember

cific School ommunity in beringand gall those andprotect broad or in ies at home. age reminds membrance y about the alsoabout livetoday. Island Pa joinsour c remem honourin whoserve others a communit Theircour us that re is notonl past but howwe

We arethankfulfor the courageand sacrificeof thosewho have served to protect ourfreedom.

Remembering the service and sacrifice of the Danish Resistanceand Frank Nielsenwho was a memberofthe resistance.

With loving respect from Pernille Nielsen and family.

Community Stories: Roger Arndt, Remembering a Canadian Vietnam Volunteer

BOWEN ISLAND MUSEUM & ARCHIVES

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the community of Bowen Island gathers by the Cenotaph to pause, to reflect, and to remember The moment recalls the end of the First World War, but the act of remembrance has grown to encompass all who have served and all whose lives have been touched by war.

This year, the Bowen Island Museum & Archives’ annual exhibit “Bowen Remembers” invites visitors to explore the shared act of remembrance through community stories and personal histories. It honours those who served on the frontlines and those who carried the weight of war at home, while highlighting the enduring role of the Bowen Island Legion Branch 150 in preserving memory and fostering reflection

Among the stories featured this year is that of Roger Arndt, a Vietnam veteran, musician, and long-time Bowen Islander Arndt’s life reveals how remembrance can be both deeply personal and profoundly complex.

Born and raised in Vancouver, Arndt crossed the border in 1968 to enlist in the U.S. Army at a time when the Vietnam War was at its height. Though Canada did not send troops, thousands of Canadians made the same decision, motivated by conviction, adventure, or the pull of history. Arndt trained as a medic and served with the 11th Combat Aviation Battalion in Vietnam, later volunteering with the 159th Medical Company, Dustoff, (air ambulance).

When Roger returned to Canada, he brought with him the weight of an experience that wasn’t always easy to speak about, especially when opinions on Vietnam were deeply divided. Canada being home to both those who protested the war, and those who quietly crossed the border to fight in it Like many who served, he returned carrying memories that would shape his life in quiet ways

In later years, Arndt built a rich life defined by music, family, and community. He moved to Bowen

Island in the early 1990s, teaching banjo and guitar, co-founding Vancouver’s Mariachi Los Dorados, and performing as Don Rogelio. His creative spirit and warmth made him a beloved figure on the island.

Every November 11, he would stand solemnly among veterans at the Cenotaph. Wearing his uniform, he honoured those who had served before him, beside him, and after him

For Arndt, remembrance was not about politics or recognition. It was about presence A quiet acknowledgment of shared experience His life reminds us that remembrance is not simple, and that courage and conscience can take many forms.

The exhibit, which includes artifacts, photographs, and video on loan from Arndt’s partner Susan Hillman, encourages visitors to engage with that complexity. It does not glorify war but rather invites understanding of the individuals who lived through it and the legacies they leave behind.

Archival materials and student art deepen the experience Grade 6 and 7 students from Bowen Island Community School, Division 2, contribute poppy art. The poppy, a symbol of peace and remembrance since the First World War. Their work speaks to the importance of teaching reflection and empathy to the next generation.

The Bowen Island Legion Branch 150, founded in the 1930’s, continues to be the heart of remembrance on the island. The Cenotaph, built by Legion members in 1937, remains a public place for gathering and reflection.

As the community comes together this Remembrance Day, all are invited to join the ceremony at the Cenotaph, visit the Museum & Archives exhibit (11:30 am to 3 pm), and share in the Remembrance Day lunch at the Legion, a 50-year tradition that is open to everyone by donation (11:35 am to 2:30 pm).

Through these acts of standing together and remembering together, we honour those who served, those who endured, and those, like Roger Arndt, who remind us that remembrance is both collective and deeply personal.

Bowen resident Roger Arndt was a Veteran of the Vietnam War, where he served as a medic. / Museum & Archives photos

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

DEPART BOWENISLAND

5:15 am -exceptSundays 6:15 am 7:30 am 8:45 am 10:00am 11:15am 12:35pm 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 6:50 am 8:05 am 9:20 am -exceptWednesdays 10:35 am

After a deluge during the afternoon there was a cosmically-timed break from the rain on Halloween night right when trick-or-treaters and other costumed revellers descended on the Loop for all the spooky festivities Thanks to the pause everybody was able to show off the full potential of their impressive costumes and maximize their candy haul. Big thanks go out once again to all Loop residents (and those who donate) for making another memorable and magical Halloween possible! / Alex Kurial photos

bowenislandundercurrent.co

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Call or email to place your ad, Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm 236-889-6595

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604-653-7851

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Andy Rainsley:604-947-0674 •CELL778-231-7283 Bowenshirelandscaping.ca• info@bowenshirelandscaping.ca

CALENDAR

Thursday, November 6

Movie Night at the Library

We’ll show “Duty of Care: The Climate Trials”, a 1-hour documentary about a Dutch lawyer whose litigation against Shell led to a wave of successful climate cases. Stay after to discuss and connect with other locals interested in climate solutions. Drop in. Snacks provided. Part of Climate Action Week. Movie starts at 6 pm Learn more at bipl.ca/caw Friday, November 7

Film Society Screening

The Bowen Island Film Society showing ‘Marty’ at Bowen Theatre. Starts 6:30 pm, tickets on Bowen Rec website. Saturday, November 8

Intro to Emergency Support Services (ESS)

This free session is ideal for anyone wanting to know how ESS is prepared to support our community & for those who may be interested in helping evacuees in the case of a disaster. For info call 604-803-3130. No pre-registration needed for this course Fire Hall #1 (1045 Miller Road), 1 to 4 pm

Saturday, November 8

Judi Gedye Open House

Come chat with Bowen Councillor Judith Gedye about Island issues. From 3 to 4 pm at Collins Hall.

Tuesday, November 11

Remembrance Day Ceremony

The annual ceremony starts at 10:45 am at the Cenotaph in Snug Cove Visit the Museum & Archives after to see the Remembrance Day exhibit and stop by the Legion for lunch too. Find out more on Pages 6-7.

Wednesday, November 12 & Friday, November 14

SKY Walks

Seniors Keeping Young meets at Catholic Church (Miller Road) on Nov. 12 & Golf Course on Nov. 14. Both 10:30 am

Thursday, November 13

SKY Trek

Seniors Keeping Young is going to Granville Island. Please meet at the Snug Cove Ferry Terminal at 8:15 am. Write to info@skyonbowen.ca for more details

Friday, November 14

Stories-on-the-Go at Baby Connections

Library staff are guest speakers at Baby Connections! Drop in to Bowen Island Family Place for a short baby storytime and Q&A during Baby Connections. Chat with a librarian and learn some fun stories & songs with us! 11 am to Noon. For expecting & new parents and their babies 0-12 months.

Friday, November 14

Youth All Access with Bowen Rec

Grade 7 to 12 kids are invited to the Community Centre for a night of games, food, movies and fun! From 6 to 9 pm Full details and registration on Bowen Rec website.

Saturday, November 15

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! From 10:30 to 11:30 am bipl.ca/French

Saturday, November 15

Monsoon Madness Mudder at IPS

Come support community and local students at the muddy Island Pacific School Race. Starts 10 am IPS, find full details and register at the school website.

Saturday, November 15

Garden Club Speaker Series

Carla Skuce, BIM’s Manager of Environment & Park Planning. Carla will be speaking on controlling invasive plants. From 1 to 2:30 pm at Collins Hall, doors open at

We’rewrapping up our2025 year with the BIYC Annual GeneralMeeting, which will be held at Doc Morgan’s Downstairs. Sunday,November16, 2025 Social/Food@ 1pmwithMeetingstart @1:30pm Please RSVP to membershipbiyc@gmail.com to attend in person or forZoomlink. Come hear aboutour exciting year building a community of sailors and share thejourneymovingforward! With kind regards, SimonFowler, Commodore

12:30. Free for members, $5 for non-members.

Saturday, November 15

2000s Throwback Dance Party at the Legion

A Fundraiser for the Bowen All Wheels Society with DJ Big Rube Legion members and guests welcome! From 8 pm to Midnight, tickets $20 available at the Legion or Tell Your Friends. 19+ event. Throwback to the nostalgic sounds of Amy Winehouse, Justin Timberlake, Outkast, Missy Elliott, The Strokes, LCD Soundsystem, Daft Punk and more!

Sunday, November 16

Book Donation Mornings at the Library

From 10 am until volunteers’ bins are full (no later than Noon). A volunteer will pre-screen your donations with you there, and will accept those that meet donation guidelines

See the guidelines at bipl.ca/donatebooks

Sunday, November 16

Heritage Preservation Association AGM

Please join us to celebrate the reopening of the Cottages and Applefest, and to discuss plans for the future. Bowen Island Heritage Preservation Association (BIHPA) meets at Davies Orchard Cottage #20 at Noon. Please call Helen with any questions at 778-245-9951.

Sunday, November 16

Bowen Island Yacht Club AGM

Come learn about our exciting year building a community of sailors. Learn2Sail, S/V Brigadier, Round Bowen Race, and more! Social/Food at 1 pm with meeting start at 1:30. Doc Morgan’s Downstairs. RSVP to membershipbiyc@ gmail.com to attend in person or for Zoom link.

Saturday, November 22

Snug Cove House AGM

A community within a community. Come see what’s happening with the new Seniors Home at 10:30 am at Collins Hall. Refreshments will be provided.

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