October 31, 2025

Page 1


WITCHES’BREW Contrary to traditional tales,these Witchesconjureduppositive vibes &golden skies during the annual Halloween WitchesPaddle at Tunstall Bayon Sunday. /LisaBroughamphoto

NEW –MILLER’SLANDING

Charming,calm, and full of light Aplacetolivesimply,beautifully,and well Agarden, aworkshop, and room to breathe

OPEN HOUSE

Saturday,November 1, 1:00-3:00 PM Sunday, November 2, 1:00-3:00 PM

Push continues

enhanced ferry management

Themunicipalityislooking to have newmeasuresin place by next summer to combat localferry issues.

Thedirection comes following anothersummer of problemswiththe island route, many of themmanifestingon the Bowenside in Snug Cove.Mayor Andrew Leonard says these consist of altercationsinthe ferrylineup, overwhelmedstaff includinglocal marshals,and frequent misuse of the lineup itself includingpeople who useitfor parking. With visitors to the island increasing, especiallyin the summer,these concernsaren’t settogoaway.

“Thisiscreatinganincrease in public safetyconcern,” said Leonard. Themayor said efforts by the municipality(BIM) to work with BC Ferriestoaddressthese issues,includingmeetingwith leadershipand having themvisit the island, or sendingletters,haven’t garnereda constructiveresponse.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Events

AllCouncilmeetingsareopen tothepublictoattendin personorelectronically,unless notedotherwise

November 10,2025 1:00 pm RegularCouncilMeeting

November 24, 2025 1:00 pm RegularCouncilMeeting

Seeking Public Comment

DevelopmentVariancePermitApplication 1771ArbutusPointRoad DVP-2025-0143

1:00PMonMonday,November10,2025

InCouncilChambers,MunicipalHall,ORviaZoom

BowenIslandMunicipalityhasreceivedanapplicationfora DevelopmentVariancePermittoallowanincreaseinheightfor aretainingwallfrom0.6mto1.16m.

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

YourCommentsAreWelcome

WrittensubmissionsmaybedeliveredtoMunicipalHallby 11:00amonthemeetingdateinperson,bymail,byfax,orby emailtomayorandcouncil@bimbc.ca.Submissionsmayalsobe madetoMayorandCouncilatthemeeting:

Seewwwbowenislandmunicipality.ca/council-meetingsfor moreinformationincludinghowtowatchthemeetingvia Zoom.

ShouldCouncilproceedwiththisapplication,therewillbe furtheropportunitytoshareyourcommentsontheapplication, andwewouldshareadditionalinformationonhowtoprovide yourcomments

QUESTIONS?

PleasecontactXerxesAu,Planner1at604-947-4255ext.247or byemailatxau@bimbc.caorvisit:

wwwbowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning/

Do YouRun aBusinessonBowen? The BusinessSummit is foryou.

TheCommunityEconomicDevelopmentCommittee(CEDC) inviteslocalbusinessownerstothe2025BusinessSummit:a dynamiceveningofinsight,inspiration,andconnection.

Thisisafreeeventthatincludesdinnerandabeverage.

Thisyear’stheme,“BuildingaCircularEconomy,”exploreshow localbusinessescanthrivebycollaborating,reusingresources, furtheradoptingsustainablevalues,andreducingwasteright hereinourcommunity

We’rethrilledtowelcomeCityofNanaimoCouncillorBen Geselbrachtasourkeynotespeaker,sharinghisexperiencein advancingcirculareconomyinitiativesthatdriveinnovationand communityresilience.Wearealsoexcitedtowelcomeback BowenIsland’sownChrisCorrigan,FacilitatorofStrategic Conversations,whowillguideusthroughaninteractiveWorld Cafesession.

Enjoyaneveningofmeaningfuldiscussion,networking, beverages,heartyappetizers,andanIndianinspireddinnerinthe BowenTheatreandCommunityLivingRoomaswecome togethertoshapeasustainableeconomicfutureforBowen Island.

Thiseventisfreeofchargeandis intendedtohonourlocalbusinesses ItisopentoallBowenIsland business,butspaceislimited,so thankyouforregisteringearly Councilwantstohearfromyou.

UsetheQRcodetoregisteror contactStefShorttat: sshortt@bimbc.caor604-947-4255 ext.253.

Bike BarnClean-Up

TheBikeBarnneedsaclean-up!

OnOctober17,2025,anybikesintheBikeBarnthatappearedto havebeenabandonedweretaggedforremoval.

OnNovember21,2025,anytaggedbikesthatremainintheBike Barnwillberemovedandstoredfor30days,afterwhichtheywill bedisposedoforrecycled.

Questions?ContactBylawServicesat604-947-4255ext.2or bylaw@bimbc.ca.

Municipality will strategize how to recover ferry costs

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Leonard added BIM has even felt obstructed at times, providing efforts to establish a ferry marshal program this summer as an example

“I cannot think of another community in the province that funds their own ferry marshalls,” said Leonard, recalling this summer’s pilot program. The mayor added even with two marshalls the pair often found themselves overwhelmed.

“It necessitates a stronger response from the municipality if BC Ferries is not going to take responsibility for their Snug Cove operations This isn’t what we see in other small communities where BC Ferries has their own land, marshalling area and staff. There seems to be what feels like an outright refusal to provide that to Bowen Island,” said Leonard.

The Horseshoe Bay to Bowen Island route ferries more than 1.3 million people per year explained Leonard, making it the most travelled of any minor route in the province. “Not having a BC Ferries staff and infrastructure presence on the island is making it a de facto

municipal responsibility to solve… It feels like we’re here on our own,” the mayor said.

Hoping to avoid raising property taxes, Leonard proposed a series of measures which could potentially be enacted on the municipal side to recoup BC Ferries-based costs he says are falling to the municipality. These include requiring business licences for land-based ferry operations, permits and fees for use of municipal roads - along with roadway restrictions – the introduction of parking fees with residential and non-residential rates, and possibly acquiring new land in Snug Cove to help with ferry traffic

Council voted 5-1, with Coun. Alison Morse opposed, to send the recommendations to strategic planning meetings to see which can be realistically implemented before a target date of May 2026.

Chief administrative officer Kirn Dhillon said staff are already working on scenarios such as altering land at the end of the current ferry lineup in order to extend the space to accommodate 10 to 20 more vehicles.

The Carve Up the Cove contest with Integrated Health produced some clever and chilling designs as we approach Halloween night. Perhaps most frightening to many fans north of the border was the Los Angeles Dodgers inspired submission, particularly after they won two in a row to take the series lead over the Toronto Blue Jays. The Canadian squad battled back on Tuesday night though, which means Halloween night will feature a potential World Series clinching game for one of the two remaining teams. Be sure to add it to your busy Oct. 31 events calendar! / BI Integrated Health photos

April18th, 1947 -October 14th, 2025

on behalf of ourfamily Iwishtothank theamazing first respondersonour wee Island.

Theirprofessionalism, care and compassion were greatlyappreciatedby ourfamily ..

To allour friendsand neighbours thank youfor thebeautiful bouquets, tasty savouriesand sweets,heartfelt hugs and cards..Thank you.

Therewill be no serviceasper Ron’sinstructions...The family will gather from farand near at alater date..

We askthatyou enjoya sunset ,hug your lovedonesand revel in theamazing surroundings andcommunity that we live in Wallworkand Haxbyfamily

VIEWPOINTS

EDITORIAL

HappyHalloween!

Thebig dayishere! Have agreat Halloween everybody, and make sure to have fun and stay safe no matter what formofeveningentertainment you getinto. I’ll likelysee many of you onthe Loop in what is alwaysaphoto gallery-worthycostume spectacle.It will involvesome multi-taskingasa decidingWorld Series game will be takingplace at the same time!Looking forwardtoafull nightahead!

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All Advertising and newscopycontent arecopyrightof the Undercurrent Newspaper.All editorial contentsubmittedto the Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication TheUndercurrent is not responsible forunsolicited manuscripts,art work and photographs.

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TheUndercurrent is amember of the National NewsMedia Council of Canada, whichisanindependentorganization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If youhave concerns about editorial content, please email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com or call 604-947-2442. If youare not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the websiteatmediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 foradditional information.

VIEWPOINTS

Letter: Council’s Cougar Preference

After a 14+ month concerted effort, with the support of now well over 229 like-minded, concerned residents, I regret to advise that prolonged, collective effort was no match for the obstinance of both the COS (Conservation Officer Services) and our council It was unsuccessful.

We were unable to convince COS to remove the out-ofplace apex predator, the only authority with the jurisdiction to remove it, and nor could we convince council to send COS a letter requesting it be immediately removed for the priority safety, well-being and peace of mind of residents and visitors.

As cougars are territorial by nature, statistics suggest it is not practical for the humane removal/relocation as the relocated cougar, suggested to be a male, will most likely be killed by the male cougar into whose domain the cougar is relocated. The alternative of shooting it for removal is not an acceptable option to COS or council, at

this time, and likely not until such time as a more serious stalking incident than the one in Bluewater on October 13 occurs with the potential of injury or death to a resident or visitor

Council’s reluctance to send the requested removal letter to COS is most perplexing, clearly confirming they, like the conservation officer, consider the safety and well-being of the cougar to be more important than that of us residents

Being forced to “learn how to live with the cougar” is unreasonable and totally disregards the daily fear and trauma many residents experience every day they choose to enjoy our great outdoors and walking trails, not to mention our private properties while now having to look over their shoulder with each step they take!

Some 9,000+ summer residents having to change the way they have traditionally enjoyed our worry-free way of life on the island for one misplaced cougar is flawed logic

The killing and consumption of deer on resident’s property and in close proximity to their family homes

goes well beyond the conservation officer’s dismissive suggestion that, “we have nothing to worry about, that is simply the cougar doing what cougars do naturally!”

On such a small, highly populated, heretofore, cougar-free island, who is increasingly becoming more bold and comfortable sharing our properties rather than “doing his thing” in the deep of the forest. This is far from acceptable, as is the officer’s and council’s total lack of concern for our reputation of being an apex predator-free island.

Contrary to what those two authorities suggest, along with the group of residents who suggest the cougar has an equal right to be on our island, one is far too many, while God forbid if/when a mate swims to our shores.

Bruce

Concerned Citizens For The Removal Of The Cougar

VIEWPOINTS Requiem for an Island

Sheltered in the calm, navy depths of the Howe Sound is a windswept land enveloped by trees: Bowen Island.

The quaint harbour of Horseshoe Bay a bit past the limitless forest that encapsulates Stanley Park and the great metallic dragon of the Lions Gate Bridge houses an enticing offer. For $20 and a half-hour ferry ride on the rollicking Queen of Capilano, one can soon find oneself planted on the grounds of Snug Cove, Bowen Island.

This is not, despite what initial impressions may indicate, where the magic is. Though one may occasionally find something of value in Snug Cove, enrobed by hemlocks and cedars, the rare treasure seems to be overcompensated by dated fashionista clothing and coffee much too expensive to enjoy; adorable in their imitation of small-town aesthetic, but lacking in their substance of communal-orientated goods. No, the magic is not in Snug Cove

Yet, as soon as one sets foot to earth and looks beyond the Cove, the incantatory essence of the island is felt. Where the magic can be seen is in the sway of

the trees, the fresh and earthy wind, the swell of the ocean, the morning sky scattered with clouds, the night sky sealed with stars, the island emanating a profound loneliness a profound isolation from the constant shift of the rest of the world. It is as if the ever-moving time that haunts bustling cityscapes had been suspended, and all that remained in its suspension was the island and the self

Somewhere deep in the windblown nature of Bowen Island is a house: purple and large, an acre-long field located at the front, its short grass offering an ample meal to deer as they weave in and out of the area, leaping back to the creek that hugs the left side of the house in its trickling water and unkempt soil.

This is The Purple House. It is where my family and I have lived for the past 21 years. I won’t bore with details about the layout or memories of the house. I won’t bore about how my brothers and I would build a castle of blanket and pillow above the stairs that overlook the entrance and spy on visitors from behind the glass; or how we would play hide and seek and spend hours searching; or how I went in the woods to go dragon-hunting, a stick (which I fancied as a sword) waving high in the air; or the many beach walks and evening strolls with our dog Kip, now passed away; or how my

family spent each and every Christmas that disgustingly superficial, brilliantly intimate occasion huddled close to an embracing fire, playing Monopoly after opening gifts until night fell.

None of this is of importance; none of it matters. What matters is memory itself. If we didn’t feel attached to something, there would be no issue with leaving it

But when we craft memories with that thing, we are allowing it to enter our universes, and, in turn, we enter into theirs.

We each give a piece of ourselves we can never reclaim, and when leaving a thing, place, or human, that part of ourselves is abandoned: vulnerable, missing, alone That is the great risk that accompanies affection. But I am glad to have made so many painful, beautiful memories with this island over two decades

My family’s house on Bowen Island: that friendly purple sanctuary, was sold on April 18, 2025. And even though we will be leaving, Bowen Island always finds ways of gifting a part of its lustre to the people who experienced it

The magic of the island will linger in my family, as it does in many others, so, in a hysterically clichéd way, we may leave the island, but the island will never leave us and that is the greatest consolation one can hope for

ThankYou...

There is a75year historyofthiscommunity's interest in havinga community hall. In the1950's, when theUnionSteamship Companysoldtheir property, theOld General Store (now thelibrary)becamethe hub of communitylife. In 1964, CollinsHallandthe LegionHallwerebuilt andquickly were filledwitha varietyofevents. During the 70's, Evergreen Hall wasavailableand apopular venue: Theatre on theIsle'sfirstplaywas in Evergreen.In1978, with apopulationoflessthan800, residentspaidanextra $150,000tothe school district to increasethe size of theschool beingbuilt to include afull-sizedgym,a library anda multi-useroom, anditbecamea"community"school Inthe early1980's, thecommunity fundraisedtobuya grandpiano that wasstored, on itsside, at theschooland pulledout andtransported to variousprivate homes, and tuned up each time,for concerts.Thatpiano,withits lid lovinglyinscribedwiththe namesofall thedonors, still residesonBowen providingprivate pianolessons.In1988 theBowen Island Arts Council wasincorporatedand renteda housenexttothe parkinglot of theold Pub. Almost immediately that housewas pushedoff itsfoundationsina freak accident when atruck lost itsbrakes andusedthatparking lotasa runawaylane. In the1990'sand2000'sa series of committees were formed to studythe feasibility ofbuildinga community centre.In1993, theParks andRecreationTaskForce describedthe need as "urgent".In1995, theCommunity Centre FeasibilityReportwas tabled In1997, thecommunity votedagainst areferendum to borrow $750,000 to build acentreonCates Hill. In 1999, BowenIslandMunicipalitywas incorporated, with itsfirst meetinginthe OldGeneral Store. Also in 1999, theRecreationdepartmentpublished aneedsassessmentwhich identifiedadditionalcommunity spaceasa priority.In2003, after 400+ interviews plus workshops, theArt Council's CulturalMasterPlanwas adoptedbycouncil. It identifieda community space as oneoffourprimary goals, andformed the Community Hall andArtsCentre(CHAC)toresearch anddevelop abusinessplan.CHAC'sfirstreport, with research from professional architectsand project managers,was tabled in 2004. In response,the municipality formed theCivic FacilitiesTaskForce.In2005, thecommunityvoted to borrow to buy 40 acres of "surplusland" from GVRD (later MetroVancouver)and tabled arevised Snug Cove Village Plan.In2006, themunicipalitydesignated part of thesurplus land to be used fora Community Hall and Arts Centre From2006 to 2008 aCivic FacilityWorking Groupworked on a"feasibilitystudy", whichwas followedbya BowenCommunity Centre Action Committee, aCommunity Centre ImplementationCommittee, anda Community Centre StandingCommittee. The lattermet in camera from 2013 to 2015 andultimatelyreportedthatplans shouldbereduced from45000 SF to 2600 SF andnot include acommunityhall. In response,theArtsCouncil presented areporttitled"BowenIslandCommunity Hall: AWorkinProgressora Project Neglected?". In 2019, asection ofcommunity landwas rezonedtoallowfor acommunitycentre, in support of asuccessful Federalgrant applicationfor $7.9million, followedinSeptember,bya successfulreferendum to borrow$4million.Withadditional generousfund-raising,today we cancelebrate having successfully built,onbudget, a facilitythatshouldmeet ourneedsfor thenext100 years. We have MANY people to thankfor theirtime, ingenuity,perseverance, generous donationsincashand in kind, support andencouragement.This is asignificantaccomplishment andone we will allenjoy andbenefitfromfor many yearstocome.

AbbeyfieldSociety,JackAdelaar,Alison NixonChoir,BuffAllen, AlphaGroup,GaryAnder, Julie Andres, ArtisanSquires, MurrayAtherton, Sara Baxter,HansChristian Behm, AlliceBernards, Bluegrass Festival,Bowen Arts Council, BowenIslandAlliance, BowenIslandCanadianLegion, BowenIslandChamber of Commerce, BowenIslandCommunity Choir, BowenIslandCommunity School Association, BowenIslandFilm-makers, BowenIslandGardenClub,Bowen Island YachtClub, Bowfest, Mara Brenner, ChrisBuchanan, David Cameron, PegCampbell, T. Chaisson, Martin Clarke, Kate Coffey, IanDavidson, DogDaysofSummer, GillianDrake, Liam Edwards,FrazerElliott, EndangeredSpecies, Michael Epp, Foxglove Arts,Friends of theLibrary,Peter Frinton,LynnFuhr,Judi Gedye, Fawn Gill, RobGloor,ChristieGrace,David Granier,Pauland Audrey Grescoe, Harmony House MusicStudios,Sarah Haxby, RajHayre,HealingArts, DavidHocking,Heather Hodson,DougHooper,PaulHoosen,HoweSound Community Forum, Sophie Idsinga,Island ClassicalConcerts, IslandCraftsmen, Island Pacific Odyssey, IslandPacificSchool,Daron Jennings,Shauna Jennings, RonKato, JaneKellett, IanKennard, BobKerr, Kingbaby Productions, Donna Kreutzer-Jones,LadyRoseBookstore,Kathy Lalonde,Natasha Laroche, PaulineLeBel,Andrew Leonard, FlorrieLevine, Lifelong Learning Society, Gail Lotenberg,Cro Lucas, Gina Mackay,Dean Maidment, KevinManning, MartialArts, DanielMartin, MelanieMason,JacquelineMassey, Matt Maxwell, James McConnan, Jim McMahon, Jackie Minns,Mary-Anne Mooring,Alison Morse, PeterMulholland,Jude Neale, Maureen Nicholson, Tina Nielsen,NotaBeneChoir,Dan Parkin, CatherinePatterson,HelenPlatts-Johnson,DavePollard,Ann Ramsay,MimiRamsay, JohnReid, TimRhodes, SueRitchie,BlaineRittingert,Roseway Travel, Ruby Slippers,JamiScheffer, Shasta andBrian Drum Circle,Spider Robinson,Kim Selody,StefaniaShortt, JonSiddall, Storytellers,Theatre On The Isle,Tir Na Nog, Toastmasters,JamesTuer, ShariUlrich, Julie Vik, Lee Vincent, HelenWallwork, ChristineWalker,Kristen Watson,Witty Productions, WestcoastSymphony, SuzanWood,Young Writer's Workshops, DonYoungson.

Pleasecallour subscription direct lineat604-947-2426

To subscribeorrenew your subscription or emailusatsubscribe@bowenislandundercurrent.com

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Smiles and Scheming —

Holiday Mischief is Afoot!

SANTA ARRIVES FIRST WEEKEND OF DECEMBER

Light Up Bowen

The Light Up Bowen elves are back at it plotting, planning, and spreading a little early-season sparkle! But even elves need help, and that’s where you come in.

If you’ve helped before, watch your inbox more details and scheduling are coming soon!

If you’re new to the fun and want to join in the merry mayhem, send us an email at lightupbowenca@gmail.com with your name and contact info, and we’ll add you to Santa’s (nice) list.

When you email, pop in the subject line what you’re most excited to help with. We’re looking for elves in a few key areas:

Light & Display Crew: Tinkerers and twinklers wanted for display

repairs, light and decoration installation in November and takedown in January.

Santa Parade Posse:

Help Liz Nankin with costumes, float decorating (four golf carts this year thanks, Brendan Robertson!) flagging, parade setup, mascot wrangling, or jump right in and be part of the parade ~ we have lots of costumes in all sizes, adult and children. Clean up help for floats and costumes earns you extra elf points

Holiday Party Helpers: Cookie bakers, kitchen magicians, and decorating dynamos this one’s for you! Help with setup, serving, or cleanup, and make the Cove a little sweeter.

Something merry and bright is on its way so dust off your elf hats, Bowen! It’s almost time to Light Up Bowen for the holidays.

It's going to look alot like Christmas Beautifulgifts foreveryone HostessGifts FestiveDecor Some "wow"for your patio &front door planters .......Somanypretties & cute mice too

574 ArtisanLaneArtisan Square t: 236-357-2777 hello@toshdecor.ca @toshhomeandgarden www.toshdecor.ca

Basia Lieske, Keith Davidson, Chelsea Strang & Sindy Zelezen (L-R) are busy planning a very joyous Light Up Bowen, and they need your help to pull off all the magic!

Calling all Artists!

HERE’S BOWEN ARTS TOUR NEXT MAY

Here’s Bowen Arts Tour

Here’s Bowen Arts Tour, May 23-24, 2026, is in its planning stages This two-day self-guided art tour is free to the public and is happy to be in its third year All mediums: visual, literary and musical are welcome to participate

Arts hubs consist of private homes, some with artist studios, some without Hubs are also commercial venues such as the Bowen Cider House, Riley’s Cidery, the Golf Course and Tippy’s.

The Arts Tour is a wonderful platform to sell your work to the company of fellow artists Hubs can be created with two to five artists. It is up to the artist community to choose who they want to be with, or artists can get the support from the planning committee to help curate the group of artists for placement.

All levels of artists are welcome to participate. It is important to nurture the emerging artists that perhaps have not had the chance to show and sell their work The tour team can help brainstorm with you if you are new to this tour.

If register before December 15, artists can be placed in the fabulous tours book that is distributed on Bowen and in Metro Vancouver.

We thank the artists who have registered early; this allows the tour committee to plan the route and procure the timely event insurance. However we still need 25 more artists to make this a viable tour!

Please go to Bowenartstour.com to register The Here’s Bowen Arts Tour website has all the user friendly information.

Once you are registered and your photo and bio is sent in, you can be placed on the website. Please reach out to Liz Nankin and Marie Neys, co-chairs of the tour, with any questions

The Messy Work of Building Community

a good, honest mess. Costumes are welcome. Smiles are guaranteed.

Every community needs places where people come together with purpose. On Bowen, schools are among the most important of those places

They don’t just prepare young people for the wider word, they help keep the island connected, giving us shared rhythms, stories, and faces we recognize at the ferry, the trailhead, or the General Store. When a school opens its doors to the community, it reminds us that learning - and belonging - are collective efforts.

At Island Pacific School, we take that role seriously We see education as a shared endeavour, something that happens not just in classrooms but across the island, through the relationships we build and the experiences we share. That’s one of the reasons we host the Bowen Island Mudder each fall.

This year’s Mudder takes place Saturday, November 15, and it’s a full-on community celebration of mud, laughter, and grit The 2K and 5K obstacle courses wind through Bowen’s forest trails, inviting participants of all ages to crawl, climb, and scramble their way through

Events like this are more than fun. They’re a reflection of what we try to teach every day: how to work together, face challenges with courage, and find joy in effort The same spirit that carries a student through a muddy obstacle course also carries them through a tough math problem or challenging essay.

The Mudder is also a fundraiser for our bursary program, helping ensure that any child who would arrive at Island Pacific School has the chance to attend, regardless of financial circumstances. And just as importantly, it’s a reminder of what makes Bowen special: people of all ages coming together to do something slightly outrageous. purely for the fun of it - and for each other

As we like to say at Island Pacific School, education should be twice as hard and twice as fun as anything else kids do The Mudder delivers on both counts.

And everyone is invited

For more information and to register for the Mudder at https://taceroster.com/events/2025/108790/ bowen-mudder

Here’s Bowen Arts Tour organizers (L-R) Liz Nankin, Kathy Clarke, Heather Doherty, Marie Neys & Paul Zysman during the second edition of the weekend arts showcase this year.
BRAD CARTER
Island Pacific School

Tunstall Baywas the site of theHalloween Witches Paddle on Sundaynight.Coven members were joined by Humpback whales diving andfrolicking in thedistance.Keep an eyeout formany moreWitches and all other sorts of conjuring creaturesduringisland Halloween festivities this Friday. /Lisa Broughamphotos (above)&Edward Laflufly photo(left) Friday,October

QUEEN OF CAPILANO FERRY NEWSCHEDULE MAY15- MARCH232026

pm

HORSESHOEBAY 5:45 am 6:50 am 8:05 am 9:20 am -exceptWednesdays 10:35am 11:55am 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’sthe ferry rightnow?- liveupdatesatwww.bowenferry.ca Schedulechanges on statutoryholidays. Stay up to date at www.bcferries.com

Rotary continues push for global polio eradication

POLIO PIG FUNDRAISER ON NOW AT BOWEN STORES

receive your cash donations.

Bowen Rotary was out and about last Saturday in wind and rain at Village Square, fundraising for the Rotary End Polio Now campaign

Some people thought we were administering the polio vaccine at our Rotary table and we were able to reassure them that, thanks to the vaccine that we receive shortly after birth, only in Pakistan and Afghanistan is polio still a menace! Rotary has been primary in the work to support the vital effort to administer the life-saving vaccine in these countries.

On Saturday, our Rotary club encouraged passers-by to sample our muffins, cupcakes and cookies while donating to our Polio pigs or by sending an e-transfer to our club If you missed our table, these Polio pigs will be on the counters of Bowen Island Beer and Wine Store, the Pharmacy, the Health Centre and The Ruddy for the next few weeks, happy to

The funds we raise go straight to Rotary International to support the Polio campaign. For more information for the work that Rotary does, check out the website: www.endpolio.org

On Saturday, Rotary also handed out our triangular reflectors that can be worn on jackets and backpacks. These are particularly important as the dark months advance RCMP officers will be distributing these at the corner of Miller and Melmore Roads on Halloween night, as part of our campaign to help prevent accidents for walkers and cyclists.

We remind everyone that it is important to wear reflective gear when out walking and cycling in the upcoming months, even during daytime, as the black jackets that most of us wear do not help with visibility! These reflectors will be available at the Pharmacy for a small voluntary donation.

Happy Halloween to everyone from Bowen Rotary!

Together,wecarefor

what we share.

Beaches.Trails.Forests.Community gatheringplaces. Bowenthrives because we allcherishand tend to theplaces that bringustogether

TheBowen Island Community Foundationhelps care forour shared homebysupporting thepeople, projects,and spaces thatkeep ourcommunity vibrant—fromthe Cove Commons gallery and plazatothe Westside Playscape, from theridingring inthe Meadow to furniture, millwork,and equipment forthe new Community Centre

Help us continue to build thecommons that connects us all. Scanthe QR to support our shared spaces or visit bowenfoundation.com to learnmoreabout giving.

community grows here

Tracey Hearst, Mary Ann Buis & Catherine Epps (L-R) at Bowen Rotary’s ‘End Polio Now’ fundraiser tent at Village Square last weekend. / Submitted photo

Changing the Narrative: Language, Memory, and Justice

On Nexwlélexwm, a memorial project set to be unveiled in 2026 at Sandy Beach is reshaping how we remember the lives and legacies of Canadians of Japanese ancestry.

The project will feature a dedicated outdoor interpretive site and signage with QR linked access to an online exhibit Through respectful language and evocative imagery, it honours those who lived, worked, and visited the island up to 1942. It invites reflection on how language, documents, and photographs shape our understanding of justice, belonging, and historical truth.

A powerful visual record of this history comes from Leonard Frank, a Vancouver photographer who documented the mass “internment” of Japanese Canadians during World War II. Commissioned by the BC Security Commission, Frank’s photograph of the men’s dormitory at Hastings Park shows rows of metal framed beds filling a converted exhibition hall, each one a quiet testament to lives interrupted, dignity denied, and futures suspended.

Another of Frank’s images captures

hundreds of Japanese Canadian fishing boats “impounded” along the coast. Official records used terms like “rounded up” or “confiscated,” but these vessels, many of them family owned and central to livelihoods, were never returned. Instead, they were sold off without consent or compensation.

The language of “confiscation” conceals what many now recognize as theft, sanctioned by government order These boats were not simply taken, they were erased from their owners’ lives, along with homes, businesses, and personal belongings Words like “impounded” suggest temporary safekeeping, but in truth, this was permanent dispossession.

The term “interned” has long been used to describe this chapter of history. But it often implies temporary detention or wartime necessity. In reality, Japanese Canadians were forcibly removed, held under guard, and confined in camps with restricted movement and surveillance. They were not interned, they were incarcerated. This shift in language is not just semantic, it is a step toward truth, accountability, and justice

The Nexwlélexwm Legacy Project builds on this awareness. It commemorates the

Canadians of Japanese ancestry who helped shape our community fishermen, loggers, landowners, shopkeepers, gardeners, teachers, and seasonal workers, many of whom arrived by Union Steamships and contributed to the cultural and economic life of the coast. Their stories, once sidelined, are now being woven into expanded online exhibits featuring photographs, oral histories, and archival fragments

The Legacy Project continues to grow, guided by community voices and a commit-

ment to historical truth It invites reflection on how language can obscure or reveal, how documents and photographs carry the weight of intention, and how memory shaped with care can become a force for justice. This is not only a story of what happened, but of how we choose to speak about it now.

Interested in contributing to this project? See the ad in this week’s paper or contact us directly at 604-947-2655, or bihistorians@telus.net for details

COMMUNITYCALL-OUT: MATERIALS &EQUIPMENT NEEDED

J AP AN ES EC AN AD IA N LEG A CY P RO JECT SANDY B EACH PA R K

TheBowen IslandMuseum& Archives (BIM&A) is leadingthe Nex̱ wlélex̱ m (BowenIsland)Japanese Canadian LegaciesProject: Making Peacewith the Past, CreatingHope for the Future.

This memorial and interpretivesite will recognize how Bowen Islanderswere impacted by the forced removal and incarceration of CanadiansofJapanese ancestry in 1942.The design willreflect Japanese architecturalprinciples and include:

Atraditional garden structure

Interpretive exhibit Torii Gate, fencing, and pathways

BIM&A is aregistered charity andcan issue tax receipts fordonations

Project completion: September 2026

Tocontribute or learn more: info@bowenislandmuseum.ca www.bowenislandmuseum.ca

Yoursupport helpscreatea spacerooted in community care,history,and resilience.

Cedar (raw logs, rough sawn or S4S)

Torii Gate:Cedar logs (12–18" diameter)

Roofing: Hand-split cedar shakes

Fencing: Split cedar rails

Kiln drying, re-sawing, logprep,planing

We have funding, but our budget is tight.

Contributionsofmaterials, equipment, or expertise will stretchour resources and bring adistinctly Bowen Island charactertothe final design.

Nowopen7 days aweek!

Thu–Sat: 12–8 •Sun–Wed:12–7

Specials &SundayRoast everyweek!

Book your holidayget‐togethernow!

Open RemembranceDay afterthe ceremony

Bowen Recreation was in full spooky spirit last week with a Haunted House and Halloween dance party Adrian Buitenhuis (above) stepped in as DJ to spin some thrilling beats. / Bowen Rec photos

Why is the film Marty so important?

Marty is a small, simple love story made in 1955. It is about tiny moments between two people who feel unworthy of love – and their community of family and friends who have a lot to say about it.

The story is set in a house, a coffee shop, a butcher shop, a dance hall and some streets It is a sweet and fragile confection. In the hands of Paddy Chayefsky (writer,) Delbert Mann (Director,) Burt Lancaster and Herold Hecht (producers,) Earnest Borgnine and Betsy Blair (lead actors) it is a well-observed and timeless powerhouse that earned Oscars for both of its stars, its director, writer, and was the first movie to win both the Oscar and the Palme d’Or for best picture.

Marty the film began much as Marty the character, underappreciated and considered disposable. The studio had a bleak opinion of its ability to draw an audience Director Delbert Mann shot the film in 16 days at a budget of $343,000 (a fraction of the time and money allowed most films.)

The film was intended to be partially completed and written off. “That way, the producers could pay themselves a salary, yet not have to show a corporate profit,” reported Earnest Borgnine “Fortunately, the tax man said no. In order to do that, they had to finish the picture, show it once, and then take a loss.”

Marty has no visual effects, no violence, and is populated entirely by fragile souls trying to get through the day and do what they think is right. Marty reminds us what movies do best: allow us to eavesdrop on the dreams and intimacies of fellow human beings – which is why, 70 years later, it still enthralls us It whispers in our ear what we long for and fear in ourselves.

The Bowen Island Film Society screens Marty at the Community Centre Theatre on Friday, November 7 at 6:30 pm, with doors opening at 5:30.

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MICHAEL NANKIN

Sports and life lessons await on the Judo mats

NEW CLUB OPENS ITS DOORS NEXT WEEK

A local father and son team are bringing the sport they love to life on Bowen.

Cohen and Dave Hocking recently formed the new Bowen Island Judo Club, which will hold its first classes next week. The instructors have been busy setting up their new dojo - Collins Hall - to welcome both adults and youth to try out the ancient martial arts practice. It’s a labour of love for the pair, who both have an extensive history in the sport

Judo is an unarmed grappling sport where opponents use their techniques in an attempt to flip, pin or force a submission from their opponent. It originated in Japan during the 1800s and has garnered a significant legacy since, including becoming an Olympic sport and inspiring several other martial arts forms including Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Cohen began his judo career at age 11 and quickly excelled, going on to win six provincial championships before capturing gold at the 2011 Canada Winter Games. He’s a black belt in the sport and has since trained with judo masters in Japan and Kazakhstan.

“When I first moved here I really wished there was a club, either Brazilian jiu-jitsu or judo, because they’re both very similar,” recalls Cohen on coming to the island. He would head to the mainland to practice but found the nighttime training sessions made for long days, especially with a young family.

Cohen also realized that with two kids - his son already throwing himself around the living room and attempting to wrestle

his dad each night - he could help lay the groundwork for a club that island youth could take advantage of.

“The real catalyst was when my dad moved to Bowen,” says Cohen. Dave also has an extensive history in judo since beginning in the 1970s at the famed Steveston Judo Club in Richmond. While he’s been out of the sport for awhile, his recent move to Bowen provided the perfect chance to get back into it with his son.

The pair spent last Friday measuring and laying out judo mats at Collins Hall (in between bursts of flipping each other around) which will host the classes. Cohen acquired the mats from the New Westminster Judo Club when they were replacing their own. He explains he was aware of their availability (and the opportunity for a good deal) through his connections and friendships with instructors at the club over the years.

“The judo community is really close knit, and it’s wonderful to draw from those connections,” he says.

Initial classes will be on Friday nights, and are split between a teens and adults class for people age 14 and up, from 5:30 to 7 pm, and a junior class before that for ages 10 to 13 from 4:30 to 5:30 pm. Kids aged 7 to 9 can join the junior class if accompanied by an adult. Everyone is welcome.

“People who get into it really fall in love with it. There’s so much to learn and it becomes almost like playing chess with your body. You can choose to have nice hard rounds, or you can go loose and have a much more relaxed pace,” explains Cohen.

Many of the initial lessons will focus on proper falling techniques - primarily in a judo context, but which can also prove

quite useful for unintended spills outside of the sport.

Cohen says many other lessons learned from judo apply far beyond the four corners of the mat. “There’s Japanese cultural aspects of respect, every match you have you bow on and you bow off… you’re not going to have a match with someone unless you bow on and you’re both consenting to it,” he explains.

“There’s aspects of respect when you bow at the end of the class, when we take care of the mats… respect for your partner, and then the confidence gained too. Over time you learn more skills.”

Cohen (left) and Dave Hocking (right) are the instructors at the Bowen Island Judo Club They’ve both taken part in the sport most of their lives, and neither will hesitate to send the other (safely) flying to the mat when necessary. Cohen and Dave spent last Friday afternoon setting up the judo mats at Collins Hall in anticipation of the club’s first official classes on November 7. / Alex Kurial photos

Dave lists confidence and humility as two of said skills. “Because you’re going to lose a lot of matches, you’re going to win some. And it’s all part of the game.”

“The feeling after judo class is one of the most positive atmospheres, because it’s both exciting as a workout - and very humbling. After you’ve been pinned or submitted or thrown - and everyone has beenthere’s such a positive vibe,” says Cohen on the bond being flung to the mat creates with your fellow judo enthusiasts.

Full class details, registration, and more about the history of judo can be found on the club website at bowenjudo.ca

Bowen Island Community Foundation looking for fresh ideas

We lead busy lives We work hard and sometimes commute long distances. We have families to care for and errands to run. Who has time to connect with neighbours?

The benefits of connecting with one’s community are significant: when neighbours know and trust each other, people are healthier and happier, our children do better in school and in their social development, and community members support and look out for one another in times of stress or emergency.

Your Bowen Island Community Foundation’s Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) program is based on a simple but powerful idea that everyone is a valuable member of the community and that we all have something to share. NSG empowers community members to put their ideas into action by providing grants up to $500 for projects that make neighbourhoods better places to live.

Some examples of our NSGs from this past year: the Neighbourhood Beach Party in Eagle Cliff organized by Shelley Koke, the Bowen Island Litter CleanUp organized by Carolyn MacDonald, and the Bowen Island Baseball Portable Pitching Mound that Andrea Layzell coordinated

There was also the Food Forest Project spearheaded by

Jackie Bradley, Aaron Murray’s Cooling and First Aid Station for the Free Local Community Hip Hop Music Show, and who can forget the Spring 2024 Special Cleanups after winter storms (Bluewater, Cates Hill, Queen Charlotte Heights, Bishop’s Hill, and Evergreen)?

You can see these and many others from previous years on our website - bowenfoundation.com - under the Neighbourhood Small Grants tab.

A neighbourhood is so much more than a geographically localized area. It is the place we call home, where our children play, and where we have the most invested financially and emotionally.

Building community increases our health and happiness, reduces social isolation, and builds networks of care for people who could use our help

Do you have a great idea that will connect and engage neighbours? How about a neighbourhood block party? A beach clean-up? Skills and knowledge sharing? Art or music lessons? A sustainable gardening workshop? Storytelling sessions? A celebration of diversity? An event to connect to Indigenous culture and communities? An ethnic cooking night to prepare and share? A neighbourhood walking tour? A showcase of local history?

The deadline for applications is Nov. 30. Learn more and apply now on our website under the Grants - Neighbourhood Small Grants tab.

Have questions? Contact Quentin at nsg@bowenfoundation.com or 604-928-9642.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

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

Saturday November 18th 10:30amCollins Hall

Refreshments provided

Refreshments provided The mee motion: Be it resol the Snug Cove House he bylaws ofthe Socie thatwritten notice to members mbers by way ofelectronic messages.

A poster for the Eagle Cliff Neighbourhood Beach Party that Shelley Koke helped to organize, supported by a Neighbourhood Small Grant.

MAISY

Maisyrecentlycamein for her puppy check-up and is growingbeautifully. With her playful personality and boundlessenergy, she’skeepingher family on theirtoes —but also impressingeveryone with how quicklyshe’spicking up new skills.From learning to sit and come when called, to mastering housetraining, this little pup is proving that big things really do comein smallpackages.

Coast Mountain Film Festival: Ski Culture on the Big Screen

Themountains are calling,and this Novemberthe CoastMountainFilm Festival is answeringina bigway Nowinits thirdseason, thefestival is bringing together world-classski films,amazing prizes,and an audience that livesfor snow,stoke,and story. Whether you’re adie-hardpowder houndorsomeone whosimplyloves the mountain culturethatmakes ourregion so vibrant, this year’slineupisset to deliver unforgettablenightsonthe big screen.

Opening Night: Armada’sOrnada

Tuesday,November 4, 2025 Centennial Theatre, North Vancouver

Theseasonkicks offwitha showcase includinglocal filmmaker Joey Kraft, the creative mind behind last year’s acclaimedThe Harvest. Joey sets the tone with abonus shortfilm before thelightsgodownfor Armada’s highly anticipatedteamproject,Ornada.

Ornada isn’tjusta skimovie—it’sa statement. You’ve been warned.It’s acollision of art andathleticism,the filmexploresskiingasbothcultural heritage andcreativefrontier. Audiences canexpectsurreal visuals, live-scored music, andimmersiveartistrywoven throughout.Fromthe raw peaksof Alaskaand BritishColumbiatothe city streetsand terrainparksthathave shaped modern freestyle,Armada’s multi-disciplinary team showsjusthow farthe sport—andthe storytelling—can be pushed

Therosterreads like awho’s whoof freeskiing. LegendslikeTannerHall, Henrik Harlaut, andSammy Carlson share thescreen with next-gen talent

TICKETS:

includingOliviaAsselin, MaxMoffatt, and Rosina Friedel. Addinheavy hitters like TorinYater-Wallace,Maude Raymond, andPhilCasabon,and you’ve got acastguaranteed to leavejawson thefloor.

ForNorth Vancouver, thepremiereof Ornada is more than ascreening—it’s a celebrationofski culture’spast, present, andexhilaratingfuture.

Second Feature:

After the Snowfall

Tuesday,November11, 2025 Rio Theatre, Vancouver Aweeklater,the festival movesto CommercialDrive forthe Vancouver premiere of Afterthe Snowfall, the latestepicfromMatchstickProductions Knownfor theirability to balance groundbreaking cinematography with heartfelt storytelling,Matchstickhas createda filmthatcapturesskiinginits purestform.

Afterthe Snowfall takesviewers aroundthe globe,frombottomless powder days in Japantosun-splashed pond skimsinCalifornia, from the iconic peaksofWhistlerand Haines to Norway’s otherworldly Lyngen Alps.It’s areminderthatskiingisn’t just about adrenaline—it’sabout connection, risk,joy,and theuniversal searchfor freedom on snow.

Thefilm features an all-star lineup includingMark Abma,Michelle Parker, NicoPorteous, LoganPehota, Jess Hotter, andKarl Fostvedt,among many others.Shotonlocationinlegendary destinationslikeCMH Heli Skiing’s Monashees Lodge, PalisadesTahoe,and Alaska’s Tordrillo Mountains, thevisuals are nothingshort of breathtaking

PresentedbyToyota, with support from TheNorth Face,IkonPass, and Stanley, Afterthe Snowfall continues Matchstick’s legacy of blending soul and spectacle.For Vancouver’smountainloving community, this screening promises to be ahighlight of theseason.

MoreThan Just Movies

True to CoastMountainFilmFestival tradition, botheveningswillfeature prizegiveaways,community vibes, and the chance to connect with fellowskiers andriderswho share thesamelovefor winter culture. Thinkofitasthe perfect preseasonkick-off: achancetostoke the fire, swap stories, andget inspired for theadventuresahead

Don’tMiss Out

With just twoshowcaseeveningsthis year,tickets are expected to move fast. Whetheryou’redrawntothe boundarypushingartistryofOrnadaorthe soulful storytelling of Afterthe Snowfall—or betteryet,both—thesenightsare designed to bringthe mountainstothe city in unforgettablefashion.

So waxyourskis, call your crew, andmark your calendars.The Coast Mountain Film Festival is back,and the stokeisreal. Armada Ski’s Ornada

November 4,7:30pm Centennial Theatre, North Vancouver

November 11, 7:00pm Rio Theatre, Vancouver

Grafton Gardens builds Food Forest to Grow Community Resilience

Contributor

At GraftonAgriculturalCommons, alsoknown as Grafton Gardens,Bowen Island Food Resilience Society(BIFS) is workingtotransformlandwith sandysoil into athriving, demonstration garden and aplace to learn about regenerativeagriculture.

Regenerative farmingliesatthe core of the mission at Grafton Gardens. The approach focusesonrebuildingsoil fertility, increasing biodiversity,and capturing carbon by workinginharmonywithnaturalsystems.Volunteersare helping to turn poor, sandysoil into aliving, fertilebasefor food production.

“Buildingsoil is ourfoundation,”said Jackie Bradley, the Grafton Garden Mentor “It’snot just aboutgrowing fruits andvegetables;it’sabout restoringthe earthsoit cansustain us and the ecosystemfor the long-term.”

This year,Grafton Gardens received a SustainabilityGrant from the BowenIsland Municipalitytosupportthe development of afood forest, aproject nowenteringitssecond year.Afoodforestisasustainable,layered plantingsystemthatmimics anatural

woodland butallowsinmorelight.

By combiningedibleplantswith shrubs, trees,and groundcovers,the system produces food whilebuildingsoil healthand habitatdiversity.

Thefood forestatGrafton Gardens will curvemostofthe wayaround thegarden’sperimeter in aboutfiveyears.The projectisinits second year and is growingthankstocommunityvolunteersand localstudents

In mid-October, students fromIsland Pacific School came to the garden to contributetothe project. They chopped comfrey greens to add nitrogen to the soil, hauledwheelbarrowsofwoodchips to build up agardenbed,and tendedraspberry rows that will be incorporated as part of the food forest system.

On Sunday, BIFS hostedaworkshop whereparticipantslearned aboutfood forests and appliedthe “lasagna” layering technique to further buildthe bedand acceleratethe developmentofahealthy, productivesoil.

TheBIFSboard wouldliketothank the municipalityfor SustainabilityGrant funding andthe volunteers whocontribute their time and energy to the project.“This work is aboutmorethangrowing food,” said Bradley.“It’s about strengtheningthe

Leeand Lisa Holland toppingupthe lasagna bedonSunday (left) Earlierthismonth Island PacificSchool students settoworkinthe raspberry beds and hauling woodchipsofagardenbed (right). /PhilGregoryphotos

island’s resilience —ecologically, socially, and nutritionally.”

Formoreinformation aboutthe project

or to volunteer, contact BowenIsland Food Resilienceocietyatbowenfoodresilience@ gmail.com

ELAINE CAMERON
Nancy

Dead Humpback found on Keats Island, near whale strike

A dead humpback whale has washed ashore on Keats Island, but the Department of Fisheries and Oceans did not confirm if it was the victim of a strike by a whale-watching vessel last week.

“This is an unfortunate incident and we are working to better understand what happened,” a spokeswoman for DFO said Monday

DFO said it was unable to provide additional details about the whale found on the small island in Howe Sound, a short distance from the reported whale strike

Ryan Michael, who runs a Facebook page called Friends of Vancouver Island and has been critical of the whale-watching industry, said the humpback washed ashore about a nautical mile from the site of the collision.

Michael said the incident is “part of a larger, deeply concerning trend,” saying the pressure to guarantee whale sightings pushes operators to “race through whale habitats

at dangerous speeds all in the name of selling “guaranteed” encounters

“The reality is simple: the faster the boats go, the higher the risk of fatal strikes.”

DFO said it received a report from a whale-watching company about a collision with a humpback in Howe Sound last Thursday, adding that the whale was seen surfacing three times following the strike.

It did not confirm the identity of the whale.

Whale-watching company Prince of Whales said in a statement that a whale “suddenly and unexpectedly” surfaced in the path of one of its vessels; the vessel was manoeuvred to avoid it, and there was only “minimal” contact.

Several passengers were injured by the sudden stop, with some receiving treatment on board and others taken off at Granville Island for further care.

Michael said if whale-watching companies are really committed to being stewards of the sea, “they need to rethink their practices… the race to find whales is putting the lives of not only the whales but

Celebrating19years

also the passengers they claim to protect in jeopardy.”

Erin Gless of the Pacific Whale Watch Association said while ship strikes are a known problem in the Salish Sea, it is “exceedingly rare for a whale watch vessel to be involved.”

There are 30 member companies, including Prince of Whales, in the group.

Gless said members communicate sightings in real-time using a member app and radio

“Prince of Whales had three crew members scanning for whales at the time when the whale surfaced unexpectedly in the vessel’s path,” said Gless.

“If an event like this can happen to trained professionals while actively looking for whales, it can easily happen to any boat on the water. We hope this tragic loss can be used to raise awareness not just among professional whale watchers, but all boaters.”

Gless said association members also issue hundreds of alerts to ferries, cargo vessels, researchers and recreational boaters to advise them of whales nearby so they can

slow or adjust course

It was the third humpback vessel strike on the coast this fall.

A high-speed passenger ferry travelling between Vancouver and Nanaimo struck a humpback calf near Vancouver in English Bay on Oct. 17. The calf, which suffered a deep gash near its dorsal fin, was identified three days later, still alive.

And in late September, a dead humpback was found near where it was hit by a B.C. Ferries vessel off the North Coast

Humpback whale populations in the North Pacific were severely depleted by industrial whaling until the 1960s Since then, their numbers have been increasing along the coast.

DFO said in its statement that vessel strikes are one of the primary threats to humpback whales

“As humpback whale numbers increase in coastal waters, their overlap with human activities and vessel traffic is also increasing.”

During activities like feeding and resting, humpbacks can be “quite oblivious of boats” and hard to see, DFO said.

NewVentilationIndex Zones forOutdoor Burning in MetroVancouver

As of September2025, thereare seven ventilationindex zones forthe MetroVancouverRegional District. The ventilationindex indicateshow quickly andeffectivelysmokeshoulddisperse. Thenew zones provideamorelocalforecast foryour area.

What youneed to do:

1. Getauthorization from Metro Vancouver beforeburning 2.Checkwith your local firedepartment forany municipal restrictions 3. Find out your ventilationzone

4. Checkthe ventilationindex themorning of your burn to find outifyou canstart or continueanopen burn

Formoreinformation about theventilationindex and obtaining burn authorization, scan theQRcode or visit metrovancouver.org (search “open burning”), call 604-432-6237, or emailober@metrovancouver.org

Green Burial on Bowen Island

Gavin Johnston climbs down from his mini excavator where he has been digging into the treed slope. “One of the differences between this and a conventional cemetery” , he says, “Is that we’re always trying to work around natural objects.”

A retired biologist, Gavin is the Forestry Manager at Salt Spring Natural Cemetery. The cemetery is one of two fully committed green cemeteries in Canada. “Our mandate is to preserve this stand of old growth Douglas fir”, he tells me The legal covenant required for a cemetery means that the land will be protected in perpetuity.

The 5.5 hectares of land is threaded with pathways that wind across the slope of the forest with graves nestled between the trees, stumps and rocks that make up the forest landscape

Green burial is relatively new in Canada but with its commitment to giving back to the land, it is quickly catching on. A number of existing conventional cemeteries throughout Canada are allotting space for those who want a green burial. Bodies are prepared for green

burial without the use of embalming, allowing the body to naturally decompose, and often wrapped in a shroud or placed in a wicker basket

On Denman Island, the other fully committed green cemetery, commitment to ecological stewardship of the land invited an collaboration with the Denman Conservancy. “We have a very specific covenant with the Conservancy” , says Charlie Johnston, the cemetery manager. “We have identified trees, including stumps, that cannot be disturbed Only indigenous plants can be reintroduced into areas that have been disturbed.”

Many areas of the cemetery land had been clear cut a number of years ago. The covenant of the cemetery is to fully reforest the land over the next 100 years of use.

The possibilities of a green cemetery for Bowen Island brought a lot of interest at an information meeting in August. The adaptability to Bowen’s rugged landscape and our commitment to ecological awareness make our Island a good fit for the values of green burial

A meeting to explore next steps for a Green Cemetery on Bowen Island will be held on Sunday, November 9 at 1 pm at Belterra Cohousing, 726 Belterra Road.

Construction Progress at WoodfibreLNG

TheWoodfibreLNG siteistaking shape. On land,crews are progressing on foundations afterplacing the pipe rack modules.Offshore, piling hasbegun forthe first permanent supports forthe floating storage tank —amajor step in marine construction.

Allmarine work is supportedbymarine mammal observers and hydroacoustic monitoring. These safeguards pausework if underwater sound nears regulatory limits or if marine mammals enterexclusionzones

We’re proud to be building the world’sfirst net zero LNG exportfacilitysafely,responsibly,and under the oversightof the Sḵwxwú7meshÚxwumixw (Squamish Nation) —follow us to see howit’staking shaperight here in Squamish.

604-653-7851

604-653-7851 nmather@glaciermedia.ca

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Thursday, October 30

Rocky Horror Picture Show at Bowen Theatre

The cult classic is on the big screen for Halloween! 19+ event, doors and games at 7 pm with movie starting at 8. Costumes encouraged! Tickets on Bowen Rec website.

Friday, October 31

Kids Trick-or-Treating at Artisan Square

Families with kids 5 and under can come to Artisan Square for a friendly morning trick-or-treat for children. Starts 10:30 am, come to square centre for a list of stops.

Friday, October 31

Halloween Trick-or-Treating at the Loop

Join the Bowen Halloween tradition and come Trick-orTreat around the ‘Loop’ at Lenora and Melmore Roads. All ages welcome to join the block party

Friday, October 31

Halloween Party at the Pub

DJ Big Spooky Rube dials it back with an ‘80s Halloween Dance From 8 pm to Midnight, tickets $15 at Pub. Costumes!

Saturday, November 1

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 1

Men’s Shed Gathering

All ages of men welcome Complimentary coffee/tea and great company! From 10:30 am to Noon at the Men’s Shed behind Island Pacific School, 671 Carter Road

Saturday, November 1

Media Literacy Week Presentation at the Library

“Let’s Talk About Fake News” with Dr. Ahmed Al-Rawi, SFU professor and director of the Disinformation Project. Anyone can get taken in by misinformation; learn how to detect and deal with it. Starts at 1 pm. Space is limited. Register to save your spot at bipl.ca/fn

Sunday, November 2

Book Donation Mornings at the Library

From 10 am until volunteers’ bins are full (no later than Noon). Volunteers are especially looking for novels and kids’ books See the guidelines at bipl.ca/donatebooks

Sunday, November 2

Bowen Rec Movie

Step into a magical world of puppets, mazes and music in the cult classic Labyrinth (1986) starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly! PG, kids 10 & under need an adult Starts at 4 pm, doors 3:30. Tickets $6.67 on Bowen Rec website.

Monday, November 3

Reach for SKY Talk

Seminar on balance, mobility and fall prevention. Free event from 10 am to Noon at the Community Centre. Wednesday, November 5 & Friday, November 7

SKY Walks

Seniors Keeping Young meets at the Bowfest Field on Nov. 5 & Killarney Lake on Nov. 7. Both walks at 10:30 am

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 is showing ‘Marty’ at the Bowen Theatre. Starts 6:30 pm, more details on Page 15.

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.

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!

Saturday, November 29

Holiday Market at Artisan Square

The Artisan Square market is back! From 10 am to 5 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! Starts 10:30 am in the Library Annex. Families are welcome to stay in the Annex until 11:30 am to socialize, read books and hang out!

THURSDAYS

TAG Meetings

Thursday Art Group meets at Collins Hall from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm to paint & share. Membership $30/month, $10 drop-in, first drop-in free. Info: shannonrondeau@shaw.ca

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