SEPTEMBER RCMP STATS PAGE 8
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2025
VOL. 51 NO. 41
APPLEFEST ENJOYS TASTY RETURN PAGE 10
BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com
Viewpoints split over local Cougar PETITIONS OVER ANIMAL’S FATE ALEX KURIAL Editor
ENTER IF YOU DARE! Full-scale frights are coming to the Integrated Health Haunted House experience this Halloween, in collaboration with Island Pacific School. Dr. Nic Lendvoy has been hard at work decorating the centre along with his trusty helpers, kids Woods and Dru. The Haunted House is roaring to life next weekend, and you can read all about it inside on Page 7! / Alex Kurial photo
Debate continued at council this week regarding the future of one Island resident. Bowen’s local cougar, which was first confirmed to be on the island last July, has been a consistent subject in community discourse since arriving. While those 15 months haven’t resulted in any serious incidents between the cougar and humans, the big cat’s presence has left many human residents unsettled. “It is out of place on our apex predator-free, small, highly-populated Island,” said Bruce Russell, speaking on behalf of Concerned Citizens for the Removal of the Cougar, during a delegation to council on Monday. “It does not belong here and should be in a habitat in which cougars are the norm and it can possibly find a mate.” Russell pointed to a petition printed in the Undercurrent in August which collected 229 signatures asking for the cougar’s removal. He added the group was also willing to cover the costs of doing so. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
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