February 11, 2011 Undercurrent

Muni hires firm to trap wolf/dog hybridMARCUS HONDRO

S T A F F C O N T R I B U T O R

The municipality has hired a private firm to trap what is now believed to be a wolf-

dog hybrid that’s been roaming the island.

The responsibility for dealing with the canine, which has killed at least one dog in the Tunstall Bay area, fell on the municipality after the province’s Conservation Services used a photograph to determine that the dog was a hybrid. The photo was taken by an islander and sent to Chris Buchanan, the bylaw services supervisor.

Buchanan says that the remov-al will happen “as fast as pos-sible.” He said that a large trap to fit the hybrid animal will be brought over by a private com-pany but did not reveal the name of that company.

At press time the trap had yet to arrive.

“The municipality received some pictures from a mem-ber of the public we forwarded to the Conservation Services,” Buchanan said. “Their biologists viewed the photos along with the conservation officers and deter-mined that they were looking at a hybrid.” He was not at liberty to share the photos, he said.

The animal has been seen around the Cowan Point, Tunstall Bay and Cape Roger Curtis areas of Bowen.

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Land use flashbackEverything old seems new again when you read this 1976 Province article

Responding to the numbersPresentation of economic impact study of potential park draws large crowd

Crown land protectionMayor Bob Turner outlines Bowen’s attempts to protect provincial forests

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 11 2011

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Fierce ferry hikes may be on horizon

How much should council be involved in park debate?MARTHA PERKINS

E D I T O R

Council’s national park committee released its draft guiding principles for

a national park last week in the hopes of generating discussion about what the municipality’s deal breakers will be.

Well, the committee certainly got its wish on Monday night when a polite but sometimes vig-orous debate took place at the council table.

“I have an issue with the pro-cess,” said Councillor Cro Lucas after Councillor Nerys Poole pre-

sented the list of demands that council wants in any agreement with Parks Canada. “This is mov-ing too fast, too far. “

Lucas said that at the begin-ning of the process council decided that it would not inter-fere in the work of the commu-nity national park advisory com-mittee. “This [list of principles] is guiding and interfering no matter what way you think of it and I think it’s inappropriate. For one, I’m far from making a decision one way or another whether I’m for or against a national park.”

LORRAINE ASHDOWN


The price tag on island life may be rising once more. BC Ferries CEO David

Hahn is speculating that fares could go up as much as 20 per cent on major ferry routes in the next four years. The minor routes could climb by 50 per cent and those living in the north may be asked to endure rate increases of over 100 per cent. Hahn says this could be a reality between 2012 and 2016 unless the government intervenes.

The Transportation Ministry says it’s too early to predict any fare increases ahead of the Ferry Commissioner’s report due at the end of March. Every four years the independent British Columbia Ferry Commission con-

ducts a thorough review of fares to determine what the next four-year term price caps should be. After BC Ferries Commissioner Martin Crilly presents his report to government on March 31, gov-ernment has 90 days to review its position. The price cap will be set in September.

Residents of Bowen Island need to be aware that fare hikes, while not imminent, are possible. The Ferry Advisory Committee Chairs, composed of chairs of each of the 12 Ferry Advisory Committees in British Columbia, have issued a statement say-ing “recently reported ferry fare increases are a realistic assess-ment in the absence of additional government support or of service reductions.”

Teenagers such as Shona Campden and Kiera Schuller are used to counting their pennies. They worry about how a possible ferry rate hike will impede their ability to go back and forth between Bowen Island and the mainland. Lorraine Ashdown photo

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2 • FRIDAY FEBRUARY 11 2011 WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

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Mayor Bob Turner, who is on the council committee with Poole and Councillor Doug Hooper, said, “This begins our pro-cess of defining the municipality’s position… We are attempting to promote discussion by providing focus. I think this is a useful framework. I’m not sure why there should be offence. Anyone reading [the principles] will have an opinion; this will sharpen the discussion. It promotes a move towards clarity….

“By making statements you provoke questions. We’re moving towards a more fertile, active process.”

Lucas said “it would have been more politique to have this done at the advisory committee level.” His concern with the pro-cess – posting the principles on the municipality’s website as part of the council agenda and then having the principles picked up by the Undercurrent in last week’s paper – is about “appearances as much as anything else.” He says it looks like decisions are being made.

Poole said the council advisory committee was not giving coun-cil or the community advisory committee direction by presenting the draft principles. “We want to be a catalyst for the debate. You have to start somewhere. These principles are intended to assist the advisory committee.”

Part of the debate, she said, is whether the proposed guiding principles are even feasible conditions.

Turner said Lucas raised fair questions. The council commit-tee decided to bring the principles to council for discussion first. “Council must start engaging in the issues. It’s important that we have issue-related discussions. This is a way to engage council in the discussions.”

Lucas reiterated that he thought the advisory committee was supposed to be the “active arm” of the public debate. “We said that we weren’t going to meddle in the process and this is close to meddling.”

Turner said, “The risk is to leave it late in the game and then council is engaged in a process that is too hurried.”

Councillor Alison Morse said, “This is a nice piece of paper we should receive for information and not do anything with until we see the concept plan.”

Comments from the several people in the audience were wel-comed. Rondy Dike said the main issue for islanders would be ferry traffic. Since 44 per cent of islanders are commuters, they will not want a park if it risks over-loaded ferries, he said.

Councillor Peter Frinton said there should be talks with BC Ferries to see what accommodations can be made for islanders. Earlier in the meeting he said that the principle to have the prov-ince guarantee some sort of preference be given to resident ferry passengers is “a non-starter. I’ve never seen them do it.”

He had also said that requesting a guarantee that islanders do not pay user fees for general access to the park “is a pretty strong position. Considerations for offsets might be a way of addressing that issue.”

Speaking for herself, and not for the advisory committee, Barbara Wahler said that the advisory committee found out about the principles two days before the Undercurrent’s coverage. At first she was upset, thinking the principles reflected positions that council had already decided to take. Yet her discussions with people on the island led her to welcome council’s decision to be part of the debate. “The public is waiting and wanting council to step back into the picture,” she said. “Might this be the perfect document to set [in motion] a meeting with the public to have a discussion about this?”

John Greene applauded Lucas for “his perceptive comments. I think his fingers are on the pulse of the community.”

Greene said there is a perception that the three council com-mittee members are in favour of the national park. He wondered how the public will perceive the guiding principles in this light.

Turner replied that “council is trying to promote healthy, vig-orous discussion. These principles are intended to protect the interests of the Bowen community from the impacts of a park. Every principle is a protective action. What is your opposition to this type of framing [those actions] and putting them back to the community? Is it wrong to say this is how we intend to protect the community?”

“I definitely see it as being manipulated,” Greene responded. He also repeated his request that the community opinion debate about the national park be delayed until after November’s munic-ipal election.

Turner said that time is always of the essence with major com-munity issues. It was a matter of balancing a fair process with time limitations, including those of the public. “This process of a national park vote exceeds the process of voting to become a municipality by a considerable measure.”

Councillor David Wrinch said if someone was opposed to a national park, the proposed guiding principles would be hard to disagree with. “This addresses the concerns of people who are concerned. It gives them something to take to Parks Canada. I think it’s very objective.”

Ian Henley said, “It looks to me like a fait accompli but I’m reassured to hear it’s just for discussion.”

Don Youngson, a member of the community advisory commit-tee but not speaking on its behalf said the guiding principles will encourage dialogue.”

Tim Wake, also a member, said, “We’re having a community discussion. What we’re witnessing is the challenge of having a healthy debate. Some people think council has this all worked out and is railroading it. Others think they’re not consulted. Basically, you guys [on council] can’t win.”

At first he too was a bit rankled to have the draft guiding prin-ciples appear to set out the municipality’s bargaining position before the advisory committee’s report. However, the document “will answer the criticism you’re out there negotiating without asking us.”

STEVE LANGDON

P A R K S C A N A D A

Q. This is all happening far too fast...What’s the rush?

A. The feasibility assess-ment taking place on Bowen Island over a nine-month period is just one part of a thorough process that can lead to the establishment of national park reserve lands. It was launched, in part, because of development pressures on Bowen Island and the opportunity that currently exists to protect a significant area of the Island’s wilderness for future genera-tions.

Parks Canada first began the fea-sibility assessment August 2010 and has been meeting with Bowen resi-dents regularly since then through public information sessions, work-shops and open houses. These meet-ings have provided opportunities to learn about the community’s needs and concerns and to share informa-tion about possible national park reserve lands.

When a preliminary park concept is unveiled later this month, the pub-lic will have at least three months to consider and give feedback on it, before a final park concept is unveiled. This will be followed by a municipally-held vote to determine whether there is enough community support to proceed with the project.

With community support, a new phase of negotiations would begin focusing on the opportunities and challenges raised during the feasibility assessment.

Parks Canada would have these discussions with many different levels of government, including the Bowen Island Municipality, Islands Trust, Province of BC, Metro Vancouver, and First Nations This step could ultimately lead to the development of a park establishment agreement.

If national park reserve lands were established on Bowen Island, local residents would continue to shape the operation through mandatory management planning every five years supported by public consulta-tion, a Park Advisory Board, and various community-based committees that advise on different aspects of park reserve lands.

Parks Canada is not asking the Bowen Island community to make a hurried decision, but to engage in a comprehensive park establishment process that begins with a feasibility assessment.

Steve Langdon is the Coastal BC Field Unit Superintendent for Parks Canada.

Why the rush?Parks Canada responds to islanders’ question

Guiding principles spark debate

JanuaryweatherERIC LAWSON

J A S O N R O A D

These are the weather highlights of January 2011:

Max. temperature: 12°Min. temperature: -2°Max. wind chill: -19°Max wind gust: 25kphTotal rain: 202.0mm

Small ant scout coming into the house seeking food; bulbs in the garden coming up - signs of an early Spring?

continued from PAGE 1

Distance:3 MILES

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HIGH FEET LOW FEETFri. 0037 11.8 0407 11.2 0953 13.8 1753 4.9Sat. 0205 12.5 0522 11.8 1035 13.5 1852 4.3Sun. 0309 13.1 0716 12.1 1133 13.5 1952 3.9Mon. 0356 13.8 0845 12.1 1243 13.5 2050 3.0Tue. 0433 14.4 0941 11.5 1357 13.5 2142 2.6Wed. 0506 14.8 1028 10.8 1509 13.8 2230 2.3Thurs. 0536 15.1 1113 9.5 1616 14.1 2314 2.3

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Flashback: Thirty-five years ago, Bowen Island was in the news as it wrestled with the issue of growthMARTHA PERKINS

E D I T O R

In 1976, Alex Young wrote an exten-sive feature about Bowen Island in the Vancouver Province.” Talk to any

full- or part-time resident of the island,” he wrote, “and you will get a firm opinion on the issue of the day: To what extent should Bowen Island be opened up to new set-tlement, to growth, to a lessening of its splendid isolation?”

At issue was Stanley James’ proposal to create 2,000 low-priced homes on a 1,200-acre property on the former Union Steamship lands. James was upset by the “no-growth” Official Community Plan and was lobbying the province to remove the criteria for 10-acre properties. Also mentioned in the story was the owners of Cape Roger Curtis plan to turn the prop-erty into an environmental research hub called the Howe Sound Institute. It would attract international scholars, researchers and intellectuals.

Lots of politicians on the munici-pal, regional and provincial level were involved in the two debates, including the provincial transport minister who owned land on Bowen. Accusations of conflicts of interest were flying everywhere.

Stephen Rogers, who was an MLA and relative of Ted Rogers, who also had a development plan on the island, is quoted as saying, “The attitude of many people on the island is ‘I’ve got mine, Jack, and we don’t want any more development.” He said there was an unfair tax burden on owners of undeveloped land and that con-trolled development should be allowed.

The island’s population at the time was 500. Rogers says, “How long can we sit on our little island and say it can’t hap-pen here? It’s got to happen here. The pressures are too great, especially if the government is to keep its promise to make more Crown land available for housing.”

The article’s author noted that the province is the largest landowner on the island, with 4,000 acres, but had not indi-cated that it intends to sell the land for subdivisions.

The island’s elected representative on the Greater Vancouver Regional District council was Lawry Lock. In the story, he says that Bowen Island couldn’t cope with a large influx of new residents but said some development was needed in order for the island to be able to afford some basic amenities. “Like all rural type communities,” he said, “we have a lack of services. We have no doctor. We have no police - oh, we get one man for two

or three months for the peak period. We have no public water system, no sewers, no sidewalks, no street lighting, no drug store.”

He also said the island had to get ready for more people. “You can’t just create a park out of it.” He estimates, Young wrote , “that about a quarter of the people on Bowen Island feel that it should be kept a park-like state ‘and don’t let anyone else share or interfere with my park.’”

“It’s like that definition of an environ-mentalist,” says Lock. “You know - an environmentalist is a guy who built his summer cottage last year....

“About a quarter of the population would like to see a closed-door policy. About a quarter would like to see it wide open. And about half would like to see moderate growth to the point of what the island can handle in an orderly manner.”

He calculates that the island could probably stand a year-round population of about 2,500, or about five times what it had when the article was written in 1976.

Ted Rogers estimated that it could be 20,000 to 25,000. “Rogers describes as ‘the most blatant hypocrisy’ the attitude of some of the anti-growth small property owners on the island who, in his view, are fond of looking around and saying, ‘That open space is mine’, when in fact someone else is paying taxes on it.”

Don Cromie wanted to add 120 lots to his Tunstall Bay subdivision of 125 lots to make it more feasible. He described the OCP as a “cunning piece of bullshit” prepared by “obfuscating” planners whose aim is to halt sensible growth, the article says.

(Rogers was not part of the Cape Roger Curtis plan. Those owners, the Burke-Firth group, were in support of the OCP because it was in line with their environmental objectives.)

GVRD planning staff, which was reviewing the OCP, said that the rest of the region shouldn’t subsidize Bowen’s residential community in terms of pub-lic transportation, water and sewage disposal. “Growth on Bowen,” the plan-ners said, “is discounted because such growth would involve ‘considerable commuting, costly services and strained regional and local transportation facili-ties.” Not surprisingly, there were two groups on the island that took opposing views. The Bowen Island Improvement Association endorsed the OCP while the Bowen Island Ratepayers’ Association had reservations. (The lat-ter group said the island could handle a population of 2,000 to 3,000. A spokes-person for the group said it wasn’t fair that there was so much strain on metropolitan land while large tracts of undeveloped land on Bowen went untouched.)

The article concluded with Alex Young’s assessment of the situation: “Bowen Island, it seems, is turning into a politician’s nightmare.”

As modern-day residents know, Stanley James didn’t get his 2,000-home development. His land fell into the hands of a principal mortgage holder, Glen Crippen, and was subse-quently purchased by the GVRD Parks Department. GVRD was responding to a major community campaign led by the Bowen Island Park and Store Use Society (BIPASUS ) which was dedi-cated to saving the old general store and creating a park. The story says that Crippen gave GVRD a good price in return for having the new park named after him.

If you’re fascinated by this little peek at Bowen’s history, make sure you pick up a copy of the February 18 edition of the Undercurrent. It will include a sup-plement heralding Heritage Week. The theme is A Century of Conservation: Parks and Cultural Areas. Local histori-ans have been researching the history of parks on Bowen and reveal that it’s not only the possibility of a national park on the island that has sparked debate on the island!

Meanwhile, our thanks to the Bowen Island Museum and Archives for shar-ing the 1976 article with our readers.

SARAH HAXBY

S C H O O L C O - O R D I N A T O R

Kayla, Sovereign, Chloe, Brylie, Molly, Mia, Willow and Mait are Grade 4/5 students participating

in the second annual BICS Youth Curator program. They have gone on a history walk, and on a visit to the museum and archives. The curators have had a chance to see what goes on behind the scenes in the museum and are getting ready to research their selected topics.

This hands-on, interactive program is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Bowen Island Historians, curator and archivist Heather Tam, and the Bowen Island Heritage Preservation Association who have a long-standing tradition of bringing fabulous events, workshops and celebrations of our local heritage and history to the community and to the Community School.

The Youth Curator Program is an opportunity for youth to celebrate BC Heritage Week, and to explore local his-tory through community outreach and independent study. It was developed, and is run by the school coordinator as com-munity outreach programs to address the identified need of having this generation learn about their community and to pro-mote an awareness of local history and past generations. Watch for the youth-curated exhibit to be displayed in the glass display case in time for Heritage Day on Feb 25 at BICS and during most of March.

Willow and Mia are researching the Old General Store -did you know that the community saved this building from demolition?

Young curators discover parks’ fascinating past

Alec Ross and Katie Carter at a protest regarding island development.

B.I. Historians photo

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM FRIDAY FEBRUARY 11 2011 • 3


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Ferry hikes have huge impact

Islander chases wolf hybrid with a shovelPet dogs and cats are reported missing and there have been

sightings of deer kills in which the carcasses have shown signs of having been eaten, including one around the Quarry Park area.

Buying such an animal is not diffi-cult. While wolves cannot legally be owned it is easy to find a wolf/dog selling on Craigslist or the classified section of some newspapers. Bruce Johnstone, a long-time Islander, has seen the creature on two occasions and believes the animal was aban-doned by an irresponsible person who’s left their problem for us to deal with.

Johnstone told the Undercurrent earlier this week that he first saw it about a month ago near Adams and Sunset Roads, from a distance. He saw it next on the evening of Monday, Feb. 7 at about 4:30 p.m. when the animal was stalking Johnstone’s dog upon his property at Arbutus Bay in Cowan Point.

He chased it with a shovel pre-pared to do battle and said the ani-mal, in its “prime” and big, maybe as much as 120 pounds, did not appear worried, despite the fact he’s a large man. It continued to have designs on

his dog. Finally “it slinked off. It didn’t run from me, it wasn’t afraid.”

Johnstone chased it across a stream and when he last saw it, the beast was heading toward Josephine Lake. Johnstone then went about alerting others in the area. He says it has a regular hunting route in the area and is an extreme danger to pets and children.

Johnstone thinks it likely that a live trap will not manage to snare the hybrid because they will be dealing with a very intelligent animal. Now that it’s been in the wild and killed, he said, one way or another it must be removed.

If they cannot trap it must be taken down by a profession-al, he feels. “Whoever let this thing go may have chosen as cruel an end to it as you could conceive,” Johnstone said. He believes there should be a heavy fine for anyone introducing a predatory animal to an area such as Bowen.

Once the determination was made that it was a hybrid that left the removal of it up to the municipality because conser-vation services deal only with fully wild animals. Until its removal has been achieved the municipality has published some dos and don’ts on its website at www.bimbc.com.

“It has been determined that the animal sighted... is a dog/wolf hybrid,” the website advisory says. “As a result of con-sultation with the BCSPCA and Conservation Service the municipality is engaging professional services to capture the animal.”

The advisory goes on to list safety rules should you encoun-ter the hybrid:

1) Remain calm; 2) Back away slowly; 3) Don’t run and 4) Take refuge in a safe location.

Alison Morse is a member of the Bowen Ferry Advisory Committee. She and others of the committee authored a report published by the Ferry Advisory Committee Community Chairs in November of 2010, detailing the impact of high ferry costs on coastal communi-ties. Every aspect of life on Bowen and in other small, rural centres is affected by, and dependant on, BC Ferry service.

The report says “high costs of ferry travel contribute to the loss of the work force; loss of volunteer pool; the loss of services; a lack of succession and entrepreneurship; an uncertain business climate and reduced competitiveness; a reduction of community vitality and continuity and reduced connectedness to families.”

Businesses on Bowen are also at risk if fares climb much higher. Ellen Macintosh, general manager of Bowen’s Ruddy Potato market, says their busi-ness would be affected by fare increases. “The biggest impact on the Ruddy,” Macintosh says, “would likely be a shift in sourcing strategy away from smaller independent suppliers where we carry the freight costs to consolidation of lines with the big distributors who will absorb

the freight cost if the volumes are high enough. Their wholesale prices factor in these freight costs, and so they would still pass this increase back to us.”

Bowen commuters are already hit hard in the wallet, spending an aver-age of $500 a month on commuting costs. As a result, most likely the trips to the city for family, sports or cultural events are cut back. “We used to go to town about once a month,” says one Bowen Islander, “and after the big fare increases two years ago, we go to town when we have medical forms or about every three months. So the increase in ferry fares reduced our ferry trips by two thirds.”

Seniors on Bowen are also affected by high ferry costs and further increases may only lead to a growing sense of iso-lation and separation from their fami-lies. A Bowen senior describes distress around ferry fare hikes, “My personal concerns are around access to family. In 2003 ferry fares were half of what they are now. In the past seven years our travel patterns and our family life have changed for the worse due to increased ferry costs. Family connections are important to mental health, which is related to physical health. Loneliness for the elderly is a proven risk factor for

earlier death.”The decision regarding rate increases

lies with the Ferry Commissioner, not BC Ferries according to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. BC Ferries sets out its projections for expenses, traffic and government subsi-dies for the coming four year rate period and then it calculates rates needed to make a profit. The Ferry Commission decides if the requests are reason-able and approves the request for fare increases if they are.

The province says it’s working under a new model with BC Ferries that brings an increase in taxpayer funding and a list of improvements paid for by govern-ment dollars. The BC government says it has doubled the funding for BC Ferries since 2001. The province says BC Ferries receives a subsidy of $150 mil-lion for northern routes, as well as $50 million in federal and provincial fund-ing. The $200 million total is more than double the $95 million in taxpayer fund-ing BC Ferries received in 2001, two years before it changed from a Crown corporation to a semi-private entity.

Enormous fare hikes are not inevi-table but a pattern of fare increases has been established in the last few years and it may continue.

Development of a Pest Management PlanApplication Number: MOT – IP – PMP - 2011

Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, South Coast Region7818 – Sixth Street, Burnaby, B.C., V3N 4N8

Attention: Amber SmithTelephone: 604-660-0339 Fax: 604-660-2181

Email: [email protected]

The purpose of the proposed Pest Management Plan (PMP) is to control invasive plants and/or noxious weeds on provincial Crown land in the South Coastal Mainland of B.C., including areas within or adjacent to high-risk sites (e.g. ecologically important natural areas), along transportation corridors, resource tenures, gravel pits and recreational sites. The PMP applies to areas located within the Metro Vancouver Regional District, the Fraser Valley Regional District, the Southwest half of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District inclusive of Squamish but not including Lillooet and the lower portion of the Sunshine Coast Regional District, in the vicinity of Sechelt.

The pest management methods proposed for use include manual/mechanical and cultural methods, biological control agents and the use of pesticides within the area to which the PMP applies. The common name and trade name of the pesticides proposed for use under this plan include: glyphosate (e.g. Vantage Plus Max), triclopyr (e.g. Garlon Ultra), aminopyralid (e.g. Milestone), acetic acid (e.g. Ecoclear) and chondrostereum purpureum (e.g. Chontrol Peat Paste). Selective application methods include: cut and paint or inject, backpack or ATV foliar spraying, wick-on, basal bark, squirt bottle and stem injection.

The proposed duration of the PMP is from April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2016.

Copies of the proposed PMP and maps of the proposed treatment areas may be reviewed at the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure South Coast Regional Offi ce, 7818 – Sixth Street, Burnaby, B.C., V3N 4N8 or online at http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/invasiveplant/.

A person wishing to contribute information about a proposed treatment site, relevant to the development of the

Pest Management Plan, may send copies of the information to the applicant at the address above within 30 days of the

publication of this notice.




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Islanders question park numbersMARTHA PERKINS

E D I T O R

On Saturday afternoon, about 120 people sat patiently in the BICS gym to listen to consultant Steve Nicol present find-

ings from his study into the potential economic impact of a national park. Then it was their turn to ask him questions.

The Undercurrent has already reported on the contents of the study, which is available on the municipality’s website, www.bimbc.ca. This story follows the question and answer period.

Silvaine Zimmerman noted that the study assumes all visitors will arrive by ferry. Nicol said he did include water taxi business in his baseline but “we assume everyone would be on the ferry so you can look at ferry numbers as a worst-case scenario.” He didn’t want to appear to be too optimistic about alternative transportation.

Paul Fast said, “The ferry situation is going to be very important to the decision the community makes.” He wondered if it was possible to have park visitors park on the mainland. Nicol said there were not many parking options available in Horseshoe Bay. “That’s also why there might not be that many more visitors.”

Stacey Beamer asked how Nicol came up with the $55,000 figure for payments in lieu of taxes from Parks Canada for the Crown lands. Parks Canada senior planner Bill Henwood says that Public Works Canada dictates the number.

Bruce Howlett asked if the relatively low num-ber of park visitors justified the $10 million that Parks Canada was expected to spend on Bowen Island over the next five years. “The park seems to be largely used by the residents of Bowen Island. How does that justify a national park?”

Wayne Bourque, the superintendent of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, said that “if you look at the raison d’etre of a national park, it is to preserve our natural heritage and that justi-fies our investment. It’s not based on the number of people who visit.”

Murray Atherton questioned Nicol’s low num-ber of prospective visitors.

Nicol said the numbers were based on what happened when land was turned into a park in the United States and Europe. “Your ques-tion is more about how Bowen sells itself. What attracts people to Bowen Island is the inher-ent features in these lands. A 25 to 50 per cent increase won’t depend on Parks Canada. That will depend on Bowen Island. When you have to pay $40 to come over here when you can go to Mount Seymour or Squamish for transportation costs only, this is a big impediment. I’m fairly confident in the range [of potential new visi-tors.]”

Bill Henwood, a senior planner with Parks Canada, said Parks Canada knows ferry traffic is an issue and would look at ways to mitigate it.

Fitch Cady said Parks Canada is facing pres-sure because visitation to national parks is drop-ping and it wants to attract an urban audience. He said much of the island’s forest lands are already protected. He lives on Mount Gardener Road and has already noticed an increase in urbanite visitors. He questioned how realistic the study’s visitation numbers were.

Nicol said, “This is based on forecasts. There is uncertainty. We created the best methodology for the study.”

One man said that “We’re all really question-ing whether we can trade the good that we have for the good that’s unknown.”

Henwood noted that there will be a social impact study but it won’t be as detailed as the economic impact study.

In response to a question about Crippen Park, Henwood said, “from our perspective Crippen is an essential part [of a potential park]…. One of our prime interests is engaging urban audiences and Crippen Park is central to our being able to do that.”

Silvaine Zimmerman said the urban visitor is the bogeyman in the debate. “People have the

Steve Nicol of Lions Gate Consulting answers questions from the audience which filled half of the BICS gym on Saturday morning. He conducted the economic impact study about the potential effects of a national park on Bowen.Martha Perkins photo

Note: This story has been edited to fit the space. A longer version is available at www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

assumption [the park] means hordes of Vancouverites and extra-terrestials invading Bowen Island.” She hopes that the urban audience that Parks Canada wants to engage is young people.

It was now about 2:45 p.m. in the afternoon. The meeting had started at 1. By this time approximately half the crowd had left.

Howard Leach asked how many visi-tors Parks Canada wanted and “what will you do to get them if they don’t show up?”

Henwood said, “There’s no visitation target.”

Beamer asked if Parks Canada can create the park without Bowen Island’s approval. Henwood said, “In our view, no. From a legal perspective we are in a position to do that; from a moral posi-tion we are not.”

Tim Pardee said that he’s an avid hiker. He contacted BC Parks about visitor numbers in neighbouring provin-cial parks. In the summer months, it can be 100,000 to 150,000 a month. “Mount Gardner is absolutely beautiful,” Pardee said. “But hikers’ books don’t have [Mount Gardner] on the list; they have it as Crown land.”

If there’s a national park on Bowen and hikers find out about it, if even there’s a fractional increase in visitors, “we’re stuck in ferry line-ups.”

Nicol said the closest comparison to what happens after a park is created is the Gulf Islands. It’s not as easily acces-

sible as Bowen but he factored those considerations into the methodology. “Why aren’t the visitors here now is at the foundation of the study.”

Bourque said Parks Canada would enter into negotiations with BIM about any potential user fees, adding that all user fees go directly back to that park. Parks Canada is looking for latitude in its policy that if you get a direct benefit from the park you should contribute to it. “A lot of consultation has to take place if there’s any thought that a user fee should apply.”

Bud Long said that Parks Canada would have control over uses of the park. He also asked why Parks Canada wasn’t willing to guarantee there would be a cap on the number of visitors allowed on Bowen.

In reference to community consulta-tion about uses of the park, Bourque noted that in the Gulf Islands, Parks Canada wanted to create six new remote campsites on Saturna. Islanders didn’t like the location and suggested another site, which Parks Canada agreed to. “We’re not some big organi-zation that comes in and makes a uni-lateral decision. If there’s no public sup-port, we’re not going to do these things.We have no hidden agenda. Is there going to be a parking lot? How big? We consult on these things.”

The pressures Parks Canada may one day face are the same that Crown lands or regional parks may face. Bourque

said that what will protect Bowen Island from too many pressures is the legislated mandate to preserve the natural ecology. “If you overrun the park with users then we’re contravening the act…. No matter who’s managing these lands, uncertainty is going to be there.”

He doesn’t see how Parks Canada could guarantee a limit. “If the commu-nity agrees to remote rustic trails, only so many users can be accommodated. Parks Canada will go out of its way to see there is no ferry congestion and that visitors should consider these alternate modes of transportation…. We want people to see it’s a really good thing to preserve natural heritage.”

Andrea Bastin said “I’m 100 per cent in support” of it as a way of preserving the natural environment of Bowen. She grew up next door to a national park in Manitoba and while there were some inconveniences when they were driving to the cottage on summer weekends, it was worth it to have the park.

“We are so privileged to have national parks,” she said to applause.

By this time, only one-quarter of the original audience was left

Bourque noted they are not mandated to hire union contractors only .

Bourque later said there is no “done deal” about the park at Parks Canada. The organization’s CAO has a budget for the establishment of new parks and the projected spending amounts for Bowen Island fit into this budget.

National park economic impact study

The Write Stuff.The Undercurrent encourages

reader participation in your community newspaper. You must include your full name

and a daytime phone number (for verification only). The

editor reserves the right to edit for clarity, legality, brevity and

taste.

Here’s how.To submit a letter to the editor, fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to

#102, 495 Government Rd., PO Box 130, Bowen Island,

BC V0N 1G0 or email [email protected].

B.C. Press Council.The Undercurrent is a member

of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory

body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council

considers complaints from the public about the conduct of

member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of

complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the

complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not

resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment,

you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern,

with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone

1-888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org.

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EDITORIALPublished & Printed by Black Press Ltd. at #102, 495 Government Road, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1GO

Two weeks ago, the editor at WE, Black Press’s urban weekly in Vancouver, announced that he was leaving the paper

to become editor of a magazine. This set in motion a chain of changes in the three Black Press newspapers in the Vancouver area. Justin Beddall, who was editor of the Northshore Outlook, is now the editor of WE and I am now the editor of the Outlook as well as the Undercurrent.

As some readers might remember, before coming to the Undercurrent I was the editor of four community newspapers in Ontario. One of them was 120 kilometres from my home base – a bit of a commute when I made my regular visits, but one I enjoyed since the drive took me to the beautiful countryside of the Ottawa Valley. Technology and team work helped a lot, too. From my office I was able to lay out pages in that distant town, thanks to the internet.

So for me, I know this dual responsibility can and will work. It’s a matter of shifting my mindset – and relying on a wonderful team of writers who already live on Bowen Island. Susanne Martin, Marcus Hondro and Lorraine Ashdown all have incredible connections on Bowen. They know what Bowen Islanders care about, and therefore want to read about. They

are going to be adding their voices to the pages of the Undercurrent on a regular basis. That is welcoming news indeed.

Based on the feedback I’ve received ever since my arrival on Bowen, I know that coun-cil coverage is very important to island resi-dents. As Bowen Islanders prove every time there’s a municipal election, they are very keen about local politics. They are engaged in issues and want to be involved. I know some of my council reports are lengthy but I’ve been writ-ing them that way because islanders have told me they want to know what’s going on.

I am going to continue to cover the Monday night council meetings. Oddly enough, it’s something I enjoy doing. I’ll also be covering other news events on the island, just not as fre-quently.

As well, I’ll be on the island a lot as a cottag-er of sorts. My husband and I have a sailboat at the Union Steamship Marina, and absolutely love this new aspect of our life here.

I will be on at the Undercurrent regularly, every week. It won’t be as easy to drop by for a visit but I’m still very accessible either through [email protected] or by calling 604-903-1005.

Martha Perkins

A new dual role

#102–495 Bowen Trunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen IslandBC, V0N 1G0

Phone: 604.947.2442Fax: 604.947.0148

Editorial: [email protected] & Classified Advertising:[email protected]

Deadline for all advertising and editorial:Monday, 4:00p.m.

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Black Press Group Ltd. All Advertising and news copy content are copyright of the

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Elected council subject to “hate mail”

To the Editor:

I think there must be some response to the defamatory letter “Why the rush on a park vote?”, claiming that our council is “under-

handed, manipulative” and has a “hidden agenda”. If this were referring to an individual, I believe that the editor would not allow it to be published. But it is aimed at our elected council, which can-not reply in kind, but is a “sitting duck” for such partisan shots. It is sad that, having taken on an onerous task of listening to the community on an important issue, council should be subject to what amounts to hate mail.

There is a belief among newer residents on Bowen that what they love about Bowen will remain - green and uncrowded spaces to enjoy forever (despite a population that is increasing at a rate that will see 5,000 people vying for space and infrastructure in a few years).

As anyone who has been here for any length of time will tell you: These areas were preserved with a great deal of effort. Ask the Park and Store Society, which was responsible for Crippen Park being bought by the GVRD. Ask the Heritage Preservation Association which managed to save the Orchard cottages. Ask the community members who stood in front of bulldozers to protest a large development on what is now Crippen Park (sadly, some no longer with us).

The only entity with a mandate to preserve and protect our natural and built heritage resources is Parks Canada. Why would we turn this down?

Makes no sense to me!Jean Jamieson

National Park will protect Bowen’s environment

To the Editor:

On Saturday I listened to the last hour of Parks Canada’s public information meet-ing. Parks Canada officials are thought-

ful, articulate, cooperative, patient and friendly.A few islanders expressed concerns. The gym

was quiet, no applause. Then two ladies spoke in strong favour of creating a national park followed by sustained and loud applause.

A 100 years from now, the national park will continue to protect Bowen’s environment for generations to enjoy. Have no fear, have trust in the future. Trust that BIM and Parks Canada will work together to create a great park system. Let’s not focus on current self interests but create the best future for Bowen.

Future car travel may even be reduced as the national park initiative could create a less car-oriented environment by developing an accessible trail system and by encouraging increased pedestrian access to Bowen Island.

I’d gladly pay a yearly fee for access to the national park’s system. It is a small price to pay. Or, BIM could negotiate a yearly payment for all islanders and send all of us a pass in the mail.

A reservation system for the ferry, as currently used on the major ferry routes, may be an option. But, in principle, all Canadians are equal and have the same rights. That makes Canada a great place.

I am all for the park.

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BOWEN ISLAND MUNIC IPAL ITY

Invites you to attend aPublic Information Meeting

regarding the draft

Steep Slopes Development Permit Bylaw

Wednesday, February 16, 2011from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at

Bowen Island Municipal Hall

A presentation will be made regarding the Bylaw, and questions from the public will be taken. The draft bylaw can be view at:

www.bimbc.ca/fi les/embedded/Steep%20Slopes%20Bylaw.pdf

www.bimbc.ca/fi les/embedded/Steep%20Slopes%20Map.pdf

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Welcome to Island Neighbours- stories of island history, people, activities and events.

February seems like a purple month. Its flower is the violet and its stone is amethyst. Its sign is Aquarius: that’s January 21 t o February 19. Some of the famous people born under this sign include Robbie Burns, Lord Byron, Lewis Carroll, Oprah Winfrey, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Betty Friedan, Charles Dickens, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Abe Lincoln, Thomas Edison and Susan B. Anthony. It’s the month with Groundhog Day, Valentines Day and National Heritage Week - February 21 -27. And more! It’s festival time in many places. There’s Mexico’s Dia de la Candelaria, Brazil’s Carnival, Chinese New Year, Germany’s Fasching and the unusual Shrovetide Pancake Race which has been run ever since 1445 in Buckinghamshire, England and nowadays is mirrored by the race in Liberal, Kansas. And we must add Black History Month.

• Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and life will be full of valentines made by children of all ages and valentine gifts exchanged between loving twosomes. Chocolates and flowers will appear in many places and the story of Valentine will be retold. But, this is also a good time to think about family and friends who are no longer with us.

• It’s also a time to be grateful for happy memories of shared lives with people who loved us and whom we loved. . . people who we’ll never forget. Most islanders of recent years are also remembered in our Community Archives which has been keeping records of islanders since 1976.

At first, the records were just a simple listing but for some time now, full obituaries have been kept. Each year, volunteers look at the names of those who have died, feel regret that they are gone but smile when their personalities are recalled and remember how much they enriched island and family life. In many years, the island has lost nearly 30 friends. In 2010, the number was 19. Some were oldtimers, some were new, some were active volunteers, others helped us in some other way but all were loved and are sorely missed.

Here are those we will remember on Valentine’s Day and always: Aileen Baker, long-time Eagle Cliff family; Evelyn Brousson, a widow since 1992; Lorne Bueckert, loved and respected island physician; Margaret Fougberg, esteemed community historian; Patricia Grohne, painter of colourful visions; Janey Gudewill, married at Fairweather; Allan Hepburn; Jane Kibblewhite, Eagle Cliff summer friend; Joan Knight, a lifetime community participant; Jan Koster; Bowen’s painting contractor James Malkin, part of

a pioneer Cowan family; Margie Malkin, a woman of elegance; Ken Miller, Polar Bear swim devotee; Rosalee Parish, a dedicated CAWES supporter; Harry Pryke, summers on Bowen and winters in Hawaii; Jeanne Robinson, Spider’s creative partner; Olga Ruskin, a lively Deep Bay activist; Rhona Vance, always a friendly face; and George Welsh, beloved family man.

• Ten Years Ago in the Undercurrents of February 2 and February 9: A Youth Forum was scheduled for February 3 to respond the needs expressed by the 200 teens who had completed a recent survey.

• The Abbyfield team was scheduled to meet with council to see how this important project could be fast-tracked to be operative by the end of the year. “Every thing is in place,” said vice chair, Patricia Grohne. “We just need to acquire the land.”

• Developing a Cultural Master Plan was the subject of a February 10 community workshop at BICS.

• The Mardi Gras celebration planned for February 24 was to start at Artisan Square at 2 p.m. Music and food was to be followed by stops at Village Square and the Davies Orchard before ending up at the Old General Store for refreshments, prizes for costumes and music. Proceeds were to go to the library’s building fund.

• A front page story centered on the provincial Crown land policies. Mayor Barrett said that the provincial government was in the process of assessing Crown lands for their potential use. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs said that before any new use could happen, a document called the Crown Lands Activities and Aboriginal Rights Policy Framework would have to be followed.

• Birthdays from February 13 through February 26: February 13 is Sam Fincham’s birthday while Brian McCaig and Jack Prosalendis are the only Valentine stars. Next up is Kathy Gagner with a February 16 birthday but on February 17, the celebrants are

Venice Epp, Kari Feeback, Martin Greyell, Marcella Moorcroft, Aidan Holland, Bonita Schaly, Jeffrey Checkel and Zaira Greenlaw ( where ever she is.) Come February 18, Ayla Lepine and Calder Stewart will celebrate and next day, on February 19, Leanne Laudrum and Selena Brind-Boronkay have birthdays.. Then we move to February 21, the birthday of Michel Pare and Nena Nauss, far away in Nova Scotia. February 22 is celebration time for Brad Ovenell-Carter, Boris Mann, Sigurd Sabathil and Markita Ivankovic. Last birthday is on February 28 and that goes to Keshia Crampton.

• You’re invited to share an item - just telephone 947-2440 or e-mail to [email protected].

To the Editor:

After attending the meeting on Saturday with respect to the national park proposal, I felt the same discomfort that I have felt at many meetings we’ve attended over the years about issues here on Bowen. I feel that there is a certain contingent that wants to manipulate us to come to consensus with their views. They are passionate and spend much time and energy writing letters, and being loudly right. Many of these were involved in the Save the Cape Campaign and used scare tactics to raise a bogeyman of developer and traffic to gather signatures from as many as possible to exert their will. Now the development is happening in the way we did not want, and we have traffic issues for the neighbours.

The Cape property was truly the best location for the national park and would have provided a perfect site for camping by the seaside, but that did not happen. Ottawa has closed the door about acquiring that property. What we have left to offer is Crippen Park, Mount Gardener, and our waterfront! Most of us live and play along that waterfront, and we feel that our connection to it will be clouded by regulations, structure, and strangers.

It is interesting that the fear of extra traffic and ferry overloads is what really scares us about the park. Perhaps higher fares and lack of really meaningful activities here will prevent that. People are not going to come here in hordes to take a nature walk with a bilingual park employee! The magic here is the lack of chatter about the space. It is a place to be. Why would we invite remote federal bureaucrats to tell us what to do and where to do it?

It is my understanding that once Parks Canada has

established its park, they have final authority related to what happens. The parks advisory panel can be consulted or informed, like our ferry advisory committee. We in BC often feel Ottawa ignores us and cares more about the big voter groups in the East. A stroke of a pen there could effect a change on Bowen we would have to accommodate forever.

Do we need that, just to find money for facilities? Do we need that to preserve and protect our island from development, or to preserve our heritage? I say no we don’t. Development on Bowen has been evolving with the needs of those who live here. People who choose to live here and stay are a very special breed, and we care for each other and our island with sincere respect. Do we really need another Big Brother to tell us what to do before we make things right?

As to the national park idea, I am fully opposed to it. I think we would be foolish to have to ask permission to enjoy our spaces from distant federal officials. If they really want us, they can write the deal with the province without our votes anyway, and it is too bad we were not consulted by our council prior to their approach to Ottawa. Be wary, Bowen Islanders, of allowing the proponents of this idea to sweet talk you into it. It’s a form of brainwashing to have meeting after meeting, visioning possibilities and answering questions to dispel anxiety and thereby, giving everyone a stake in something over which ultimately they’ll have no control. Soon people are so inured to an idea that it becomes OK.

It is time for we Bowen islanders to step up and meet our own needs as a community. Just like Bob the Builder says ... We can do it - yes we can!

Alice Jennings

Festival time from Bowen to Brazil

islandNeighbours

LoisMeyers-Carter

[email protected]

It’s time we “step up and meet our own needs”


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We have everything from massages, manicures & pedicures, facials - all for that special valentine!

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Fri. Feb. 18 7:00pmSat. Feb. 19 7:00pmSun. Feb. 20 2:00pmMon. Feb. 21 10:00am

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A MUSICAL

Brought to you by the Kindergarten to Grade 8 students of Island Discovery.

Workshop explains scholarship process

Join Brittany Palmer of Unlock your Future as she leads students and parents through a step-by-step program for approaching the

scholarship process on February 22. In this one-hour seminar, followed by a Q&A

session, Palmer shares her journey and breaks down the complex process of scholarships into a manageable form. Using this program, Palmer was able to win over $56,000 in scholarships to fund her university education.

The official Unlock your Future Scholarship Workbook, which acts as an accompaniment

to the program and an additional guide for stu-dents, will be available for purchase following the presentation for $20. There will also be a workbook available as a door prize that evening. An engaging and entertaining speaker, Palmer will capture your attention and show you that scholarships are indeed possible.

It is never too early or too late to start. It’s $15 per family. Workshop starts at 6:45 on

Tuesday, February 22 in the multipurpose room at BICS. RSVP to Sarah Haxby at 604 947 9337 or [email protected].

The Bowen Island FC Boys U-15 team played two

games. On Saturday, they played against Dunbar 96 Warriors. In an earlier game this sea-son, the Bowen team knocked the previously undefeated Warriors out of the Commonwealth Cup and goes on to the final next month. Last weekend, Dunbar won 1:0. However, it was a strong effort by the entire Bowen team. On Sunday, Bowen played the NVF WLD of North Vancouver, and lost 3:1. Bowen’s goal was scored by Roderick Watts. Bowen is a level two silver team while North Vancouver is a level one silver team.

Strong effort by U-15


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Clubhouse campaign goes over the top!

To the Editor:

Thanks to the donations received in the last week of the campaign, on behalf of the Bowen Island Golf

Club, I am pleased to announce we have exceeded our $110,000 fundraising goal. We have now raised $122,641, an incred-ible achievement which speaks for itself.

Obviously, there were a great number in the community, some were not golfers, who believed the modest clubhouse proposal was worthy of their financial support. We are most grateful for that support which will now enable the club to shift its focus from fundraising to C&C (conversions and construction). An application was recently

made, to “city hall”, for both the development and building permits which hopefully will be processed without delay. As quickly, thereafter, site preparations will commence which will be somewhat chaotic; however, no pain, no gain! Please note, during construction the Hilton will give way to an even smaller starter’s shack (rental trailer) that will be used for a few months.

Please watch for an announcement should manager Spencer Grundy decide on a pre-construction merchandise sale if he decides it is far better to sell rather than store it!

Although we are on “cloud nine” with our fundraising success and decision to proceed, it is appropriate to comment on the concern some expressed as to the size and “optics” of our proposed, modest facility. The direc-tors felt it was far better to move forward with something substantially better than what we have at present rather than, most likely, fail in a premature effort for a larger,

more extravagant and costly facility. Half a loaf is better than no loaf at all! While rais-ing $122,641 in just one month may appear to have been easy, that certainly was not the case. Who could argue that raising six to eight times more would not have been far more difficult? We simply were not yet ready for that next quantum step, a step we all hope can be made sooner rather than later.

On the heels of our decision to proceed, it is appropriate to give thought to what will make the interim clubhouse work so that the success of the golf course will pave the way for the Club to consider an upgrade, regard-less as to when that might be. Let the social-izing begin! We encourage the community-at-large (members and non members) to patron-ize the clubhouse and better still, combine it with a round of golf. The key to our ongoing success is to substantially increase our green fee rounds of play. The sale of burgers, beer and wine will not do it alone so, if we all

embrace the motto “tee for me” we could be selling our modular structure and upgrading to the next level one day, but not tomorrow.

So, as we redirect our energies towards the next exciting step we again say another BIG THANK YOU to everyone who finan-cially and morally supported this campaign and to those who graciously even offered to “top-up” their donations. No “top-ups” were required as broad-based support, which was intended from the outset, allowed us to reach our goal. This was truly a team effort for a public facility that will serve the entire com-munity well. Over 170 individuals supported this initiative. Please bear with us as we tran-sition to another milestone, before our final upgrade. I’ll see you at the bar and if you catch me after a good round, I might buy you a beer.

Brucce RussellPresident & Director, B.I. Golf Club

Life Insurance

Are you Joe Canadian?I turned 50 this year—a signifi cant milestone for pause and refl ection

about a lot of things, including fi nancial security. Having lost both my parents over the past few years, I looked at the fundamental difference in values about money between my parents’ generation and mine. I concluded that many of our parents have more money than they are ever going to spend, while we are spending more money than we are ever going to have.

Perhaps you have more household income than you ever dreamed, but wonder where it all goes. Maybe you had kids later in life who’ll be dependent for some years to come. Your RRSP’s may be doing better, but you’ll need more for your retirement nest egg. Low interest rates are great, but that probably means you’re not paying off your house any time soon.

My point is that you, (I, we,) are not alone. Many of us have these thoughts—we are maturing ‘Joe Canadians’ conscientiously trying to build better lives for our families. And increasingly, forging toward our fi nancial security is a balancing act.

My advice is to relax, take a deep breath, and candidly assess your fi nancial liabilities. Then reduce your risk, and bring your fi nancial picture into equilibrium with appropriate life and disability insurance protection.

Historically insurance rates simply rose with age…refl ecting our higher risk. However, recent insurance product innovations offer some attractive alternatives. In fact, some plans even provide premium refund provisions that return some or all of your money when you no longer require coverage.

So this year, as you pause to refl ect, consider appropriate risk management as one of the factors that will help you enjoy your life now.

Call Allan Financial to learn more 604.688.9151 www.allanfinancial.comInsurance products provided through Dundee Insurance Agency Ltd.

Insurance that belongs in your portfolio

Bowen: 604-947-9025Van: 604-924-9295

[email protected]

2307 Kilmarnock Cres.North Vancouver

Mortgage Professional

Well here we go again, another clear indication that the banks are tightening credit to prevent the meltdown that has plagued people south of the border and in other parts of the world.

The main changes that will affect borrowers are:• A reduction in the maximum amortization term of a mortgage from

35 years to 30 years. (This was 40 years ago a few years ago). This change will have the benefi t of reducing the overall interest we pay on our mortgages over the life of the loan. However, the increased monthly payments will result in some fi rst time buyers not being able to qualify for a mortgage.

• The minimum down payment required is also being increased from 5 to 10% which will also have a negative impact on fi rst time home buyers.

• Another change is one that will reduce people’s ability to take equity out of their home by refi nancing. The previous limit of 90% will be reduced to 85%.

• Lastly, banks will no longer be able to insure lines of credit, therefore it will be more diffi cult to obtain lines of credit beyond 80% of the value of the property.

All these changes will have good effects on limiting our exposure to overextending borrowing and hopefully allow us to at some point pay off the mortgages. Unfortunately every coin has two sides and the resulting reduction in qualifi ed buyers will negatively impact residential property sales and obviously sales prices.

It is my opinion that our economy is not out of the woods yet and believe that conservative practices at this time will go a long way towards avoiding the catastrophic consequences many families in other countries are currently facing.

expert ADVICEInvestment Advisor

You may have noticed something going on out there. It seems you can’t turn on the news these days without some expert talking about RRSPs and contribution room and deferred this and spousal that. It all has to do with the deadline to contribute to your RRSP on March 1 to reap tax benefi ts and the opportunities to make and save money that it represents.

Although we have a full 12 months to act before each deadline, statistics show that the majority of us wait until the last minute to do so.

We will meet with you outside of our regular hours of 10-5 Monday to Friday if necessary. Don’t have an account with us yet? No problem, we can take care of that in a few minutes and would be happy to help you with your RRSP’s—even if that is all you need us to do for you now.

Also, if you don’t have the cash handy before March 1, RRSP loans have great rates (prime which is 3% now) and can be put together for you quickly and easily. Once you have qualifi ed for one with us it is even easier the next year—think conducting a simple transaction and you’ve got the idea.

You may also be surprised to hear that RRSPs are not necessarily the right choice for everyone. With the introduction of Tax Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) a few years ago, there are even more options when it comes to helping you save and plan for your future. Depending on your income level and personal situation you may be better off investing your money in a TFSA. Talking to a fi nancial professional at First Credit Union can help you determine the best option for you!

We have different investment options to choose from and professional knowledgeable staff that are here to help. Drop by the branch or give us a call at 2022 to discuss how you can take advantage of this opportunity. We’re Bowen Islanders here to help Bowen Island and we take great pride in doing so.

604-947-2022 | www.fi rstcu.ca


As of February 15, 2011, get ready to enjoy your TV like never before as we prepare to introduce more new channels. We’ll also be providing more channels in HD, and offering more Shaw Video On Demand movies and TV shows, which allow you to enjoy TV on your time. As a result, some of your channels may be getting moved around.

Visit SHAW.CA/BULLETINS for a complete list of moving channels. And as always, we’re here for you 24/7/365 at 1.888.472.2222.

Together is Amazing.Together is Amazing.

Date and lineup may be subject to change.

Channel changes for more TV enjoyment.Channel changes for more TV enjoyment.

To the Editor:

I am an octogenarian who was born on Bowen Island and have always been inter-

ested in its history and welfare. I would like to register my rea-sons for supporting the inclu-sion of Crippen Regional Park in the proposed national park on Bowen, mainly because the boundaries of Crippen enclose several sites and structures of national heritage importance.

The “meadow” area, or what is left of it, had its origin as a pasture for the Terminal Steamship Company’s dairy herd. Each day, from their barn which was closer to the Terminal Hotel, the cattle were driven to graze. The pasture was cleared in 1903 by my father, James Collins, and another pioneer, Robert Green. My father owned a team of horses, so with those, and the aid of Japanese workmen living in bunkhouses on the slopes above Terminal Creek, they cleared a much larger area than that which remains today.

In 1913, the Terminal Steamship Co. acquired District Lot 776 from my grandparents, Herbert and Margaret Smith, which gave the company access to water rights on Killarney Lake. They needed to dam the lake and control the water supply from Killarney creek in order generate dependable electricity for their growing resort.

The Union Steamship Co. (U.S.S.Co.) continued to use this electrical system for their needs. The foundations of a generating station at the foot of Bridal Veil Falls in Crippen Park remain today.

The U.S.S. Co. acquired the Terminal Steamship lands and resort in 1920. They also had a dairy herd and made use of the meadow, until they went out of the dairy business. In 1926, their

dairyman, John Lister, added the U.S.S. Co. herd to his own and, using the meadow for them to graze, continued to supply the hotel, store and cottages with milk. Some foundations of the dairy buildings exist in the meadow today.

In the Snug Cove and Deep (Mannion) Bay area, the causeway, two seaside cottages, the Boulevard cottage, the old store (library) and the Davies Orchard and cottages are the most visible heritage structures. Provincially, they are the only legacy of the Union Steamship Co. era held on public lands. The U.S.S. Co. served a very important part in the early settlement of the British Columbia coast. Their ships were serving the Gold Rush and fishing and logging communities before 1900. They then continued and expanded until 1960, when they went out of the resort and steamship business. Bowen’s Heritage Assoc. has installed outdoor display boards in the Davies Orchard, telling the history of this nationally important company.

It would be a fitting tribute to the company if its name and artifacts were to be preserved within a national park. Metro Vancouver Park’s west area staff has been supportive of the work which the heritage group has done, and I know that they have respect for Crippen’s heritage features. However, the reality is that regional parks are at the discretion of politicians and policies throughout the region and unfortunately , there is very little support for heritage at the provincial level. I believe that the on-going preservation of Canadian heritage located in Crippen Park, would be best served within a national park.

Marion Moore

To the Editor:

I would like to thank the gentleman (unknown to me) who stopped his car to give me a lift to my daughter’s house on

Cates Hill, when he saw me struggling to walk. I fell whilst walking on Wednesday, January 19. I had been visiting my daughter and her family over Christmas and New Year and returned to UK the following day. I discov-ered over the next few days that I had in fact broken my foot.

I would like to thank this gentleman for his kindness in assisting me on that day which is a great example of the community feeling on Bowen Island.

Many thanks, Gill Smith

A hearty cheer of thanks to the open-hearted denizens of this fair Isle, who responded so sincerely to the Tir-na-nOg Theatre School

Society’s December fund-raising appeal with such a profusion of gifts. All of your contributions, whatever the amount, will go a long way toward supporting its valuable work with Bowen’s chil-dren and ensuring that the vision of a dedicated and truly affordable space for young people’s the-atre becomes a legacy for its future generations. As important as your dollars are, of equal worth is your belief in the value of this vision and your confidence in the future of the Tir-na-nOg Theatre School.

A round of applause, too, for the courageous volunteer actors of the New Year’s Day fundraiser, The Snow Queen, who gave their all to create a complete play in four days, propagating joy and generating much-needed revenue while kicking off our winter session.

Thanks, as well, to the good folks at B.I.R.D. for providing the opportunity to cash in on the sorting of refundables dropped at the depot, to the many volunteer Tir-na-nOg parents and children who sorted and packed, and to Dave and Louise McIntosh for their invaluable support of the program. And thanks, too, to all of the residents

who daily donate the benefit of their bottle and juice box deposits to the support of community non-profit organizations by bringing their empties to the recycling depot.

Our appreciation of the Bowen Building Centre continues, for providing space for the cookies on their counter, and especially to Kathryn Pinner who patiently gathers the accruing coins for the support of the young people’s stage, to Alan Boysen and Susan Maclaren for constant baking of the delectables and Lauma Avens who initiated the ‘cookie fund’ so many years ago.

The theatre school also values the assistance of the Bowen Island Municipality, the Smooth Stones Foundation and, most particularly through the first six years in its beautiful new building, the Seymour Bay Foundation.

It is truly a privilege and an honour to accept the support of a community that cares so much for the well-being of its youth. This is indeed the essence of true ‘sustainability’.

On behalf of all the eager actors, younger and older, the volunteers and community participants, and the Board of Directors of the of the Tir-na-nOg Theatre School Society,

Jack Headley & Julie Tetznerco-founders & artistic directors

Eager young Tir-na-nOg actors appreciate support of community

To the Editor

This is a personal view that is shared by many people I have talked to over the past few months.

I would just like to commend our Bowen Island Undercurrent editor, Martha Perkins, for doing such an exemplary job in explaining all of the various messages regarding the national park. The reporting in the Undercurrent is extremely unbiased, factual and fair to everyone concerned.

As more and more information is released, islanders are very fortunate that Martha sifts through the material and presents it in a very readable and understandable mode.

I’d just like to thank her for a job well done.Murray Atherton

Editor’s unbiased reporting on National Park praised

Stranger’s kindness touches island visitor

Octogenarian concerned about Crippen Park’s future


CLUBHOUSE UPDATEWe are pleased to advise the one week extension to our fundraising campaign enabled us to reach, and exceed, our $110,000 fundraising goal with a remarkable $121,641 having been raised. We are overwhelmed with the wide base of support and once again offer our THANKS to the following donors:

• Bruce & Dorene Russell • Mardy Duncan • Bill & Helen Brown • David & Janice Podmore • Jake & Judy Kerr • Dale & Conn Hewitt • Jill Purdy • Kevin Butler • Larry Oliver & Alison • Ken & Barbara Hallat • Ron & Gael Booth • George Zawadzki • Bob & Belle Sangster • Haig & Mary Farris • Jean Cleator • Cro & Sue Lucas • Mary Selman • Dave & Marg Witty • Peter Boronkay • David & Lis Hazlewood • Bob Miller (Irly Bird) • Garth & Midge Meeres • Michael Cornelissen & Gayle Stevenson • Neil Boyd • John & Anne Ayre • Terry Rollins • Dick van Aelst & Barbara Wallis • Peter Ross • Maurice & Doreen Anderson • Dan Vasiga & Cheryl Bailie • Murray & Anna Marie Atherton • Marilyn Harris • Doug MacDonald • Maryon & Jack Adelaar • Gary & Teal Ander • Jane Kellett & Charles Perrin • Mark Groen • Spencer & Casey Grundy • Bill & Nancy Edmonds • Pauline LeBel • John & Margo Anthony • Gerry Kirk • Primex Investments • Don & Chris Duncan • Richard Anderson & Carolyn Edy • Brian & Betsy Hodgins • Colin & Dale Forbes • Colleen O’Neil & Peter Moir • Harold Fraser & Barbara Reid • Herb & Emilie Paterson • Cape on Bowen • Ken & Audrey Shirley • Rick & Nancy Jones • Jim Walker • Michael & Joyce Catliff • Keith & Alice Ewart • John Pearkes • David Smith • Tony Grieve • Kathy Leishman • Steve Bellringer • Kenneth & Sheila McArthur • George Lyttle • Sunset Marina • Erwen Smith • Ian Henley • John Clarke • Ron Anderson • Tarrnie Williams • Peter K. Automotive • Gitte Kristensen • Tom & Dale Edwards • Gillian Telford • Terry & Sylvia Boss • Gord Campbell & Wendy Bower • Alan & Alison Morse • Paul & Beverley Webster • Alister Taylor • Clar & Sharon Dickson • Josephine & John Riley • Hugh & Jocelyn MacNeil • Bud & Penny Moul • Bill & Lael Hamilton • Hugh & Sally Freeman • Steve & Sue Hoffar • Tim & Jennifer Pardee • Dr. James Hogg & Dr. Wan Cheng Tan • Paula Hepburn • Hugh & Mary Matthews • George Bernard • Navroz & Mumtaz Bandali • Ted Benson • Shannon Rondeau • Braden & Norna Jolly • Gordon & Helen Thom • Mike & Mary Shields • Caroline Orr • David Riddell Personal Real Estate Corporation • Cathy Buchanan & David Riddell • Dr. B. Lynn Beattie McArthur • Ed & Lorna Podavin • G.Robert Adams & Patricia Adams • Linda Hargrave.

Box 202, Bowen Island, B.C. V0N 1G0www.bowengolf.com / [email protected]

604-947-GOLF (4653)

Parks Canada an option for permanent preservationTo the Editor:

My main concern regarding Bowen Island Crown land is whether it would be protect-ed from development by the province as it

would be in the national park system.As it stands for the provincial government, Crown

land is not parkland; it is a valuable asset in waiting to be disposed of to meet the financial need of the province.

As it was stated in a recent letter by David Chamberlain, quoting former councillor Terry Cotter’s inquiry some years ago, the province has no development plan for Bowen Crown land. This does not mean that the provincial government would preserve it, as it is, if a financial acceptable offer was presented for any purpose: mining, logging, industrial or commercial development including real estate.

It has occurred time and again when several portions of Bowen Crown land have given way to road building for Cowan Point development, to a quarrying lease at Radar Hill with a potential further industrial rezoning of more land, to the purchase (not a gift) of 18 ha for a land trust ecological reserve at Fairy Fen. Undoubtedly money talks for the provincial government.

Less than 40 per cent of the island is still in Crown land when more than 60 per cent has been acquired over time, mainly for private interest. It is becoming a greater concern when reading the recent decision of the BC government to establish a Ministry of Natural resource operation with the responsibility to manage: Crown land allocation and authorization; forest and range authorization; mines and mineral permitting and inspection; water use planning and authorization, with the assistance of a Natural Resource Board for which there is no public information regarding its mandate or its mission. (see: BC Nature, Winter 2010). It seems to really indicate that the government means business.

The provincial government has not replied to the several demands by the BI Municipality to preserve Crown land as reserve parkland. BC Parks does not need more land as it has reached its quota. The provincial government is not concerned about preserving the island Crown land, whatever it represents to the islanders.

We have an opportunity to have Park Canada take over Bowen Island Crown lands to provide a permanent preservation of it, with a secure ecological management. It is for us islanders to demonstrate our vision for the future to preserve and protect the remaining natural environment for the following generations. But it takes courage to override our personal interests and the negative assumptions and uncertainties that have surfaced in the past few weeks regarding a national park. But we need to remember the action of previous islanders some 25 years ago, thanks to whom we can enjoy Crippen Park to day.

I sincerely believe that we owe it to the children coming after us to preserve Crown land within the national park system.

Anne Franc de Ferriere

BOB TURNER

M A Y O R

I use these mayor’s reports as a way to help keep islanders informed about the activities involving

council and municipal staff. This week I will focus on one aspect of the national park discussion - the strate-gic role of Crown lands in our island’s water supply. Many islanders have asked me - is there a problem with the status quo? Below I provide some background related to Crown lands as a way to address this question.

The geography of Bowen Island can be described as three mountains - Gardner, Collins, and Apodaca - separated by the two valleys of Grafton Lake and Killarney Lake. During the 1800s and early 1900s, the valley lands and much of the shoreline were settled and transferred to private ownership. However, the slopes of the three mountains were too rugged to farm or too difficult to access and so remained the property of the provincial government. These are our Crown lands.

In the 1980s and 1990s, several issues drew attention to the use of these lands. First, a number of leases along Bowen’s western and northern shores were sold, thus privatizing a portion of the Crown lands shoreline. As well, a development proposal for Cape Roger Curtis suggested flooding Fairy Fen on Crown lands as a water supply reservoir. Mining claims remained registered and there was an application to log on Crown lands. In the late 1990s, a citizen Crown Lands Committee reviewed the value of Crown lands to Bowen Island. A 109-page report by Dunster and Associates Environmental Consultants, completed in 2000, states: “It is clear that that the bulk of the Crown land areas are the primary recharge zone for all of Bowen’s water supply. In that role alone, the Crown land areas are of vital strategic importance to Bowen Island.” This same point is made in a poster and booklet produced in 2005 by a group of knowledgeable islanders (representing most of the water

districts on Bowen) working with Natural Resources Canada and BC Ministry of Environment staff (http://geoscape.nrcan.gc.ca/h2o/bowen/). The mountains of our Crown lands are described as our island’s “water towers” and their forests as “natural filters” that together ensure the quantity and quality of our water.

In 2005, a council delegation and staff met Rich Coleman, then Minister of Forest and Range, to pursue the transfer of Crown lands to Bowen Island as a community watershed. The province stated it was unwilling to allow transfer for watershed purposes as this would forego future potential uses of the lands. The Chilliwack Forest District, which administers forestry on our lands, had no immediate plans for logging but did not support withdrawal of Bowen Crown Lands from their forest base.

In both 2007 and 2008, a council delegation and staff met with staff of the Integrated Land Management Bureau to request some form of protection of the Crown lands, including provincial park status. We were told that the province had created a number of new provincial parks and had achieved its protected areas targets. Land protection was therefore no longer a priority of the province.

In late 2008, the province designated a portion of the Crown lands as watershed areas for a number of water districts on Bowen with a temporary, five-year, renewable reserve status. This designation records our watershed interest when provincial staff considers other applications for use of these lands. The province would likely refer any such application to BIM for comment. This modest level of protection is a step forward, but not a permanent solution.

In 2009, council had arranged for another meeting with Barry Penner, Minister of the Environment, to again discuss protection of Crown lands. Shortly before this meeting, a council delegation met with Parks Canada to query their interest in fair market acquisition of some of the Cape Roger

Curtis lands; Parks Canada responded with an interest in Bowen’s Crown lands. Realizing that a national park might be the vehicle for protection of our Crown lands, Penner was asked whether the province would be opposed to considering a request from Parks Canada for the transfer of Crown lands on Bowen Island to a national park. The province responded that it had no opposition to considering a request if it was forthcoming from Parks Canada. That set in motion the process that has led to the national park feasibility study we are engaged in today.

As mayor, I am aware of the efforts to address the need for protection of our Crown lands. And, as mayor, I am very aware of the limited resources that our municipality has to meet the needs of the island. A national park provides a solution to long-term protection of our watersheds because of a combination of 1) the legislative requirements of the National Parks Act and 2) the availability and commitment of resources. The legislation requires that ecological integrity be the first priority of national parks; this ensures the health of the forests that are essential to our good water supply. Logging, mining, development, and motorized vehicle use are not allowed and while visitors are encouraged, they are not the highest priority and cannot compromise ecosystem protection. The staff, expertise, and financial resources that Parks Canada would bring to Bowen are considerable: they estimate an annual operating budget of $1-2 million. Parks Canada would provide proactive land/ecosystem management, including enhanced fire protection, and on-the-ground enforcement. Clearly this commitment of human and financial resources is well beyond the means of either the municipality or the province.

Watershed protection is a long-term need for Bowen Island. A national park offers us a viable long-term solution. If we do not decide in favour of a national park, we will still have a need, and we will still be seeking a solution.

Mayor’s report:

Crown lands need protection

View over Crown lands. Susanne Martin photo


Doug JamiesonPh: 604-947-9434Cell: 604-690-3328

Allan PedleyPh: 604-307-0423Fax: 604-947-2323

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Is your family prepared?

Advertising RepresentativeThe Bowen Island Undercurrent newspaper has an outstanding opportunity to develop a rewarding career in advertising and marketing.The candidate must have the ability to build relationships with clients and off er superior customer service.

The successful candidate will have sales experience - preferably in the advertising or retail industry. You are a team player and will be called upon to grow an existing account list. Good interpersonal skills are a must and experience is an asset. The position requires a highly creative individual with an ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment.

The Bowen Island Undercurrent is part of Black Press, Canada’s largest independent print media company with more than 170 community, daily and urban newspapers across Canada and the United States.

Please submit your resume with cover letter by February 28th, 2011.To: Ad Manager, North Shore [email protected] 604 903-1001#104 – 980 West 1st StreetNorth Vancouver, B.C. V7P 3N4

An amazingopportunity awaits you...

“It’s like Dock Dance with Chocolate in the Winter”

For all of those young at heart, the Youth Centre is offering adults on Bowen Island a chance to dance, eat chocolate and desserts and sample wine.

The Blue Valentine Party is an annual event that lets adults have fun with friends.

Following in the footsteps of the Bowen Island Montessori School’s event, we promise to recreate the magic. Blue lights, candles, a chocolate fountain, desserts... the whole shebang.

Tony Dominelli and his band will keep us dancing the night away.

The proceeds will help support programming at the Youth Centre such as a dance for youth that is happening the same night, off-island excursions, support for youth workers to provide a safe haven for the island’s youth...

All of the excitement happens February 12 at Cates Hill Chapel, 7 p.m.

Tickets are $25 and are available at Phoenix on Bowen and Bowen’s Little Pet Shop. Please come out and support us by having a great time!

Put on your dancing shoes and eat chocolate - for a good cause

LORRAINE ASHDOWN

S T A F F R E P O R T E R

There is a lucky winner out there! The adventurous owner of Bowen’s Nature Encounter Tours and Travel, Carol Peterson, is working with CKNW AM980 radio station, to give away a trip for two to see lions, elephants and a million wildebeests.

The contest winner will visit a special school for rescued and orphaned elephants at Daphne Sheldrick’s Elephants Orphanage. Travelers will also head to a Maasai Village to get a look at the wonderful cultures of East Africa.

This prize is part of a group trip in February 2012 hosted by radio personality Jim Mullin and led by Nature Encounters owner Carol Petersen - a veteran of over 45 safaris and over 20 years of African travel.

Carol will be on Talk to the Experts - CKNW’s talk show - Saturday, February 12 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit Nature Encounters Tours next to Blue Eyed Mary’s on Saturdays (except for this one) from 12-5.

All the lovely art and craft from India and Africa is fairly trad-ed and directly feeds African families that Carol has gotten to know personally.

For more info call 604 947 9005 or www.natureencounter-stours.com.

An informal alliance of local organizations and indi-viduals with an interest in nurturing and accelerating the spread of Community Gardens on Bowen is holding an open meeting next Thursday night. Their objectives are to share knowledge and identify ways in which they can work together.

Groups which will be represented and speaking include the municipality, Davies Orchard Community Gardens, Transition Town Bowen, BI Garden Club, BI Community School, Bowen Agricultural Alliance, Cates Hill Neighbourhood Association, Zero Waste Bowen, BI Food Bank and the BI Rotary Club.

Everyone is welcome to attend this meeting on Thursday, February 17, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Community School multipurpose room. This event has been organized by the BI Rotary Club in order to stimulate the growth of Community Gardens on the Island.

For further information, contact Morganne Keplar at 778 228-1361, [email protected].

Community garden interest grows

Local business owner featured on CKNWIt looks like 2011 may see something new

happening at the depot, at least if what I saw last Saturday is any indication. In with the juice boxes was the usual number of soup and milk boxes, but what was a completely new find was the empty Saran wrap box with the tube inside.

What appears to be staying the same is that pop, water, beer and juice containers are left in with the rigid plastic containers or tin cans or glass. Occasionally these beverage containers turn up in the mixed paper along with milk and soup cartons. This means a loss, to one of Bowen’s non-profit groups, of the deposit value. To clarify, we have a place for the milk boxes though they have no deposit value; soup cartons are just garbage. Also, pickle, jam, oil and salad dressing jars are not beverages and have no deposit value so why are these left in the refundables area?

On the subject of refundable containers I have mixed feeling of how to respond to the individual who left the full bottle of Amarula and home-made wine. The dirty condition of the bottles and cynicism meant that no one wanted them. Don’t be so shy when you want to leave a present; talk to us so we can thank you.

Something else that seems unchanged is that the rigid plastic containers bin continues to collect things that are neither rigid, plastic nor containers. I pulled out the ends and sides of a child’s plastic bed in there. With a stretch the bed may be seen as a container but although it did hold an infant for a while it isn’t the container they came in. Most people know that we can now take clean plastic bags but the rigid plastic containers bin is not the place for them. Why walk right past where they go to toss them in with the rigid plastic containers?

On behalf of all the volunteers at BIRD I want to say much we appreciate that the great majority of our customers do it right. To the few I would ask that you read the signs and if you are still confused ask the person in the vest.

Sweet Old Bill, aka SOB

BIRD droppings

Don’t forget to add the

FOODBANKas a regular item to your grocery list

Drop off located at The United Church

Submitted photo of Carol with a friendly lemur.


2751 Kingsway @ Earles, Vancouver 604-434-3151Hours: Monday - Saturday 9-5:30 • Sunday 11-5

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On the CalendarFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11

• Legion Dinner: Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Members and guests welcome.

• Baby Connections: For new and expecting parents and babies 0-12 months. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Family Place, (604) 947-6976. 583 Prometheus Place (Lower Artisan Square.)

• Youth Centre: 6 to 10:30 p.m. Free food, free movies. Drop in.

• Happily Never After: A Valentine’s Day whine and tease at Tir-na-nOg. Fundraiser for Tir-na-nOg Theatre School and Black Sheep Morris Dancers. Doors open at 7, show starts 7:30. Tickets at Phoenix.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12

• Old Time Bowen Open AA meeting: 9 a.m., Collins Hall.• Youth Centre: 6 to 10:30 p.m. Free pizza from Tuscany and the Pub. Drop in.

• Blue Valentine: Dance to the music of Tony Dominelli, eat chocolates and raise money for the Youth Centre. 7 p.m. Cates Hill Chapel. Tickets $25; available at Phoenix and Bowen’s Little Pet Shop.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13

• Parent and Tot Drop-In: 9:45-11:15 a.m. in BICS gym. • Drop-in Meditation Circle Sundays, 7:15 p.m. in the yurt at 903 Windjammer. All levels of experience welcome. No cost. Call Lisa Shatzky 2246.

• Raven Tales Season 2: at the Gallery at Artisan Square every Saturday, 10:45 - 11:45 a.m., $5 adults, $2 youth, tickets at the door.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14

• Valentine’s Day Salsa: Join instruc-tor Pamela Podmoroff for a fun beginners drop-in salsa dance lesson at the Gallery @ Artisan Square. 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dance partners can be provided. $15 a person or $20 per couple. Register at the rec centre or by calling 2216.• World Poetry Anniversary Gala: Bowen Island singer and poet Jude Neal will per-form at the Vancouver Public Library, 350 West Georgia Street in the Alice MacKay Room (lower level). Also present will be Bowen poets Bernice Lever and Jan Furst. 6:30 p.m., admission is free.• SKY: 9 a.m. line dancing, 9:45 exercises, 10:30 singing and refreshments, 11 a.m. Speaker pharmacist Bud Massender, pre-scription management.

• Family Place: For parents, caregivers and children 0-6 years. Mon., Tues., Thurs.,10-1. (604) 947-6976. Lower Artisan Square.

• AA Meeting: Women’s: Monday 9:15 a.m., Collins Hall.

• Bowen Children’s Centre: Community Daycare, and Bowen Island Preschool. Programs run Mon.-Fri. 604-947-9626.

• Narcotics Anonymous: Open meeting, 7:15 p.m. Cates Hill Chapel.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15

• Grandfriends at BICS: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Enjoy meeting new friends with Grade 3 students for games, crafts and tea party. Free for grandparents, and community members old enough to be grandparents (55+).

• Legion: Open from 4 to 7 p.m. every

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Drop by for socializing, pool, darts and shuffleboard.

• AA Meetings: Open Meetings, 7:15 p.m. Collins Hall/United Church. 604-434-3933.

• Bowen Island Library: Library hours: Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Wed. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Now open Sundays. Closed Mon.

WED., FEBRUARY 16

• Drop-in knitting group: Every Weds., from 2-5 p.m., in the lounge at Bowen Court. All levels welcome.

• Weight Watchers: Collins Hall. 6:15-7:15 p.m. New PointsPlus plan – free registration until January 29. Info: Angie 604-947-2880.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17

• Red Cross Babysitter’s & Home Safety Certificate: For Grade 6s and 7s, or youth 11+. This one-day program teaches youth basic first aid, how to stay safe and contact emergency services and child care. $46 fee incl. book and certificate. 9:30-4:30. Instr.: Angie Bosworth• Youth Centre: 4 to 6 p.m. Practise with your band or listen to music. Free food.

• Bridge Club: 7 p.m. at Bowen Court.

• Rotary Club: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Bowen Community School, multipurpose room. Alliance of BI organizations present and discuss Community Gardens. Guests welcome.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18

• Cedar Stories carving demonstration: at the new Shamon gallery at Artisan Square 10 a.m – 3 p.m., with artists Shane Tweten and Winadzi James.

To post your free listing here, please send a one-paragraphdescription to [email protected].

LORRAINE ASHDOWN

B I M U S I C A S S O C I A T I O N

Bowen Island Music Association, with support from the Bowen Island Arts Council, is very proud

to present Moira Smiley and VOCO, a visionary blend of voices, redefining harmony singing with the power and physicality of folksong, the avant-garde fearlessness of Béla Bartók and the deli-cious, vaudevillian accompaniment of cello, banjo, accordion and body percus-sion. Moira Smiley leads an ensemble of extraordinary musicians who share a pas-sion for spreading powerful, emotional music with lush three-part vocal harmony, cello, accordion and banjo. VOCO sings original songs steeped in Appalachia and Eastern Europe. Moira Smiley and VOCO are sweet, hard-driving Americana mixed with crooked eastern European dance and dissonance. A very unusual and unique balance.

This will be the first of a series of concerts produced by BIMA and supported by the arts council. The next show will be JT Nero and Alison Russel on Saturday, April 23. JT and Alison are returning to Bowen after their dynamite Po’ Girl concert in October, 2010. Coco Love Alcorn, a Bowen perennial, will be playing on June 3. All shows are at Cates Hill Chapel.

Moira Smiley and VOCO begin the series on Friday, February 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Cates Hill Chapel. Tickets are $18 and available at Phoenix on Bowen. You may purchase a single ticket for Moira Smiley and VOCO or a Musical Express pass for the spring season at $50 which gets you into all three shows. This is a non-transferable card and is also available at Phoenix.

Visionary blend of voices kicks off series


COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

21 COMING EVENTS

33 INFORMATION

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EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION

108 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Direct reach to BC Sportsmen and women...Advertise in

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Please call Annemarie at 1-800-661-6335 or email

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108 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIESHOMEWORKERS GET PAID DAI-LY! NOW ACCEPTING: Simple part time and full time Online Computer Work is available. No fees or charg-es to participate. Start Today, www.onwoc.comHYGIENITECH Mattress Cleaning & Upholstery Cleaning/Sanitizing Business. New “Green” Dry, Chemical-Free process removes bed bugs, dust mites, and harmful allergens. Big Profi ts/Small Invest-ment. 1-888-999-9030 www.Hygienitech.comNeed more money? Want a ca-reer? Work from home! Use your computer! Free Training!www.liveyourdreamtoo.com

109 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Purchasing Manager - Surrey, BC

Cabo Drilling (Pacifi c) Corp. Website: www.cabo.caCabo Drilling Corporation one of Canada’s larger mineral drilling services companies is searching for a Purchasing Manager for its Surrey B.C. division. Reporting to the General Manager at this location, the Purchasing Manager is responsible for the develop-ment and management of purchasing accounts, and for the management of ordering, ware-housing & inventory management systems.Experience working w/ Microsoft Navision software would be considered an asset. Your ability to ensure purchases are of the best quality and price and that critical inventory is maintained to meet division needs is comple-mented by your purchasing back-ground in a mineral drilling, min-ing, mechanical, or equipment procurement environment.

This position offers a Competitive Base Salary, Bonus, Group Benefi ts &

Opportunity to be involved with the Company’s operations

across Canada. Please send resume in

confi dence:[email protected] you to all those who send in their resumés. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

114 DRIVERS/COURIER/TRUCKING

DRIVERS/OWNER Operators wanted - Truck Contractors need drivers with log haul experience & clean driver’s abstract. Owner op-erators needed with 6, 7, 8 axle log trailers. Visit www.alpac.ca or call 1-800-661-5210 (ext. 8173).FAMILY ORIENTED trucking co. specializing in O/D freight. Must be able to cross border. Home most weekends. Min. 2 years exp. Fax resume & abstract to 604-852-4112

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115 EDUCATIONINTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR SCHOOL. Locations in Alberta & BC. Hands on real world training. Full sized equipment. Job placement assistance. Funding available. www.iheschool.com1-866-399-3853


115 EDUCATION

Basic Chainsaw Operator Training- 2011.

The BC Forest Safety Council’s basic chainsaw op-erator course provides hands-on training to everyone from new to experienced chainsaw operators. Learn how to safely maintain and handle a chain-saw for most non-falling appli-cations. Key topics covered in-clude creating a personal safety plan, chain sharpening, identifying tension and binds and how to safely make your cuts. This two-day course is endorsed by the BC Forest Safety Council and provides participants with training and competency evaluation in a form acceptable to WorkSa-feBC. Numerous sessions of chain-saw training are scheduled around the province starting in April, 2011. To learn more and to obtain an enrollment form, visit our website atwww.bcforestsafe.org or call toll free 1-877-741-1060, Mon-day to Friday, 8am – 5pm.

DGS CANADA2 DAY

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Optician Training*6-month course

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130 HELP WANTED

ABLE TO TRAVEL National Com-pany Hiring Sharp People. Able to Start Today. Transportation & Lodg-ing Furnished. NO EXPERIENCE Necessary. Paid Training. Over 18+ 888-853-8411

ACCOUNTING & PAYROLL Train-ees Needed now! Large & Small Firms Seeking Certifi ed A&P Staff Now. No Experience? Need Train-ing? Career Training & Job Place-ment Available. 1-888-424-9417

FLAGGERS NEEDEDIf not certifi ed, training available for

a fee. Call 604-575-3944

HEAVY DUTY Mechanics required for busy Coastal logging company on Northern Vancouver Island. Must have extensive mechanical experience, certifi cation an asset. Above industry average (wages), plus excellent benefi t program. Fax or email resume to: 250-956-4888 or offi [email protected].

LOG TRUCK drivers required for Campbell River. Experi-enced drivers please apply. Fax drivers abstract and re-sume to: 250-287-9914.


130 HELP WANTED

MEDICAL OFFICE Trainees Need-ed! Hospitals & Dr’s Need Medical Offi ce & Medical Admin staff! No Experience? Need Training? Local Career Training & Job Placement also Available! 1-888-778-0459

NOW HIRING-Experienced Bobcat Operator - Experienced Line Painters - Labourers

DRIVERS- Powersweeping & Water Truck. Class 5 w/air or Class 3.

Good driving record required. Must be hard working w/good at-titude. Experience benefi cial. Fax or Email resume w/drivers abstract to: [email protected] 604-294-5988

OTH Enterprises Inc. is cur-rently hiring Lease Operators. 2 Tridem and 5 Super Train for BC & Western Canada. Need to have newer model equip-ment and a clean abstract. Need to be fl uent in English. Call 1-800-667-3944 or (250)983-9401 Larry or DennisStar Fleet Trucking HIRING! DRIV-ERS, FARMERS, RANCHERS & RETIREES needed with 3/4 Ton or 1-Ton pickup trucks to deliver new travel trailers & fi fth wheels from US manufacturers to dealers through-out Canada. Free IRP plate for your truck and low insurance rates! Pref. commercial Lic. or 3 yrs towing exp. Top Pay! Call Craig 1-877-890-4523 www.starfl eettrucking.com

138 LABOURERS

FOOD PROCESSING labourer (NOC. 9617), Perm. F/T. $13.70 p/h. ASAP, (2) vacancies, Trainingwill require, Spk English. Main Duties: Measure and dump ingredients into hoppers of mixing and grinding machines or mobile tank trucks, clean work areas and equipment, feed and unload processing. Send your resume:email:[email protected]

139 MEDICAL/DENTAL

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160 TRADES, TECHNICAL

EXCLUSIVE FINNING/Caterpillar Mechanic training. GPRC Fairview Campus. High school diploma; grade 12 Math, Science, English, mechanical aptitude required. $1000. entrance scholarship. Paid practicum with Finning. Write ap-prenticeship exams. 1-888-999-7882; www.gprc.ab.ca/fairview

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WANTED: Experienced Civil, Pav-ing and Quality Control Personnel to fi ll various positions at Large, BC Road Construction Company. Send resume to P.O. Box 843, Kamloops BC, V2C 5M8 or to:

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Welders & MechanicsAmix Salvage & Sales

Work for an industry leader andhelp save the planet by being apart of the largest scrap metal

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We offer an attractive wage and a range of benefi ts including great dental. Work well independently and possess a strong sense of

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www.amix.ca or email to [email protected]

PERSONAL SERVICES

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ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get a FREE Talking Me-ter and diabetic supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful fi nger pricking! Call 888-449-1321

PERSONAL SERVICES

180 EDUCATION/TUTORINGAIRLINES ARE HIRING- Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualifi ed - Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (877)818-0783

182 FINANCIAL SERVICESDEBT CONSOLIDATION

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HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

260 ELECTRICALYOUR ELECTRICIAN $29 Service Call Lic #89402 Same day guarn’td We love small jobs! 604-568-1899

287 HOME IMPROVEMENTSHIGH CALIBER CONSTRUCTION

CUSTOM HOMES • Basement, Kitchen & Bath Remodels • Room

Additions • Drywall • Paint • Texture • Finishing • Floors & More

Since 1972 Dan 778-837-0771ALL RENOVATIONS suites, kitch-ens, bathrooms, decks, call Gil 604-220-8058, www.makmooreventures.com

329 PAINTING & DECORATING

A-TECH Services 604-230-3539Running this ad for 7yrs

PAINT SPECIAL3 rooms for $269, 2 coats(Ceiling & Trim extra) Price incls

Cloverdale Premium quality paint.NO PAYMENT until Job is

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HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

329 PAINTING & DECORATINGMILANO PAINTING. Int./Ext. Prof. Painters. Free Est. Written Guar. Bonded & Insured. 604-551-6510

332 PAVING/SEAL COATINGALLAN Const. & Asphalt. Brick, conc, drainage, found. & membrane repair. 604-618-2304; 820-2187.

338 PLUMBING10% OFF if you Mention this AD!

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374 TREE SERVICES

Get your trees or tree removal done NOW while they’re dormant

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PETS

477 PETSAustralian Shepherd (Aussie’s) pups, Lt teddy bears looking for for-ever homes, $500. (604)625-7509BEAGLE PUPS, tri colored, good looking, healthy, $500. (604)796-3026. No Sunday callsBERNESE Mountain Dog Puppies. Vet checked & ready for good homes.$850.Langley.778-241-5504BERNESE Mountain X Great Py-renees pups, gorgeous, excellent markings, parents to view, health guar’d, $850. Call (604) 607- 5051CANE CORSO puppies, shots, de-wormed, vet checked, ready to go. $1100. 604-825-8362. View photos & info at: www.freedoglistings.comCATS GALORE, TLC has for adoption spayed & neutered adult cats. 604-309-5388 / 856-4866DOBERMAN PUPS, tails & dew claws done, dewormed, view both parents. $700. Call 604-798-7579.GREAT DANE X Dane Mastiff 11 wks. 2 Merle Male one Black Female $1000. 604 823 2316GREAT DANE X Mastiff. 5yrs old. Free to good home. Can be aggre-sive to strangers & other animals, not good around children. Needs somebody who has time to spend with him. Sleeps inside. Good watch dog. Serious inquiries only-Call Peter leave msg604-465-1826MALTESE PUPS: 3 males, Incl 1st shots, vet checked, dewormed, $800 fi rm. Call 604-464-5077.NEED A GOOD HOME for a good dog or a good dog for a good home? We adopt dogs! Call 604-856-3647 or www.856-dogs.comPUGS P/B Black. Ready to go. Fem/Males. 604-595-6713, 604-200-2647, 604-725-2192. (Surrey)TABBY, LONG HAIR, 4 yrs. old. To good home. Bed, litter box, food all shots/tattoo. Call 778-808-7239.YORKSHIRE TERRIER CKC reg. black & tan, fi rst shot, dewormed, Fem. $750, M $650. 604-581-4459.

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

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MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

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CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSETSWITH DOLLAR DEALS 604-947-2442


Dear Neighbours:

The time has come for me to let naked go and move on to other projects and interests in my life. To this end, I will be selling the business. It is my hope that naked will remain a Bowen business but, if there is not enough interest on-island, I will advertise off-island as well. I would also love to see the business bought by a group of people – partners or a collective. It is a lot of work for one person and having more than one person running the company would allow for each to play to their strengths whilst minimizing individual weaknesses.

In the last 7 years I have built the foundation of a company with a reputation for honesty and green business practices. naked is truly natural, has been certifi ed by PETA as “Cruelty Free” and has a very good rating in the Cosmetics Database for the ingredient safety. naked has strong, recognizable branding and has an established and growing repeat clientele across the country. People are becoming concerned about the ingredients in skin care and are becoming savvy about green-washing. Those people are looking for alternatives that they can truly trust.Purchase of the business could include suppliers lists, tested recipes training, raw materials, packaging, retail store, internet store, wholesale accounts, equipment, signage, label stock and trademark for both naked™ and naked soapworks™.

If you are interested please contact me, Laurel, at [email protected]. Please, serious inquiries only.

MARCUS HONDRO


It is Valentine’s Day this Monday, February 14 and while some young girls on Bowen

might be more interested in the new Justin Bieber record that will be released that day – it’s actually a redoing of old Bieber songs – many of us will pay attention to other people we care about, like our sig-nificant others.

Buying chocolate for a lover is one way humans traditionally cel-ebrate Valentine’s Day. Why choco-late is connected to romance could simply be because chocolate is darn good. But there’s likely more to it than that and happily it’s something Mark Pennington, an Island resi-dent and the Western Canada gour-met sales manager of the Zurich-based Barry Callebaut chocolate company, was willing to comment on.

“Some say it’s an aphrodisiac and I think 99.1 per cent of women might agree with that,” Pennington says of the link between chocolate and romance. “And the other 0.9 per cent are telling lies.”

The Aztecs and Mayans took chocolate to have powers when it came to romance and 18th cen-tury Venetian romancer Casanova kept chocolate around at all times, though not for his own use. So the

notion of chocolate and romance has history.

But it’s not only romance that chocolate is now used for on Valentine’s, it’s also become a gift that is given from people who care to the people they care about. So how about chocolate and Bowen Island at this time of year?

Professional chocolatier Joanne Mogridge and artist husband Carlos Vela-Martinez have owned and operated Cocoa West on Bowen since 2002 and Mogridge reports that on our Island it is not just couples who buy chocolate for one another at Valentine’s. She says that people will buy for other members of families, and for friends, as well.

“We see a surge in sales for Valentine’s, usually the 13th and 14th and not just for couples but whole families on Bowen Island,” Mogridge says. “Parents buying for kids and kids buying for parents, as well as adults buying for adults.”

Back to Mr. Pennington, the chocolate salesman who feels choc-olate is an aphrodisiac. Perhaps surprisingly he says he does not bring his wife chocolates on Valentine’s Day. He has a good reason though. “No never,” he said, “I am fortunate that I get samples of all the world’s greatest chocolate and Karen has sufficient chocolate always.”

Lucky Karen, and lucky Mark.

Alicia Hoppenrath and Kelly Miller of Cocoa West display some of the Valentine’s chocolate that Islanders will soon be gobbling up. Valentine’s Day and chocolate have long been connected for lovers, family and friends.

Marcus Hondro photo

Chocolates for Valentine’s: aphrodisiac or just plain delicious?

REAL ESTATE

660 LANGLEY/ALDERGROVE

HOMES FOR SALE-SUPER BUYSwww.dannyevans.ca

Homelife Benchmark Realty Corp. Langley

RENTALS

706 APARTMENT/CONDO

CATES HILL. Bright 1 bdrm garden lvl ste. Walk to Ferry. Avail March 1. Short / long term options; $850/mo inc utils. No smoking; Own entry / appls. Incls H/S internet. Contact: Terri 778-228-9441

METROTOWN AREA. 2 bdrm 2 bath condo, all appls. incl w/d. 5 mins walking distance form Sky-Train station. Avail April 1, 2011. $1600. 604-715-9400.

TRANSPORTATION

810 AUTO FINANCING

TRANSPORTATION

810 AUTO FINANCING

818 CARS - DOMESTIC

2000 CHRYSLER NEON, 4dr, se-dan, 118kks, auto, 46kks on new trans. $3,000 obo. 604-575-8003

2001 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE 4 dr, fully loaded, Aircared, 146K, really nice car. $2100 obo 604-504-0932

2004 BUICK LASABRE V6, 4/drAbsolutey spotless! BCAA Cert.Private $9800. 778-565-1097.

821 CARS - SPORTS & IMPORTS

2009 HONDA CIVIC DX. 4 dr, 5 spd manual, options, 14K, blue. $8500 fi rm. 604-538-4883

830 MOTORCYCLES

THE ONE - THE ONLY - The only one in Canada! Only authorized Harley Davidson Technician Pro-gram at GPRC Fairview Campus, Alberta. September 2011 intake. On-campus residences. 1-888-999-7882; www.gprc.ab.ca/fairview.

TWO WHEELIN’ EXCITEMENT! Motorcycle Mechanic Program. GPRC Fairview Campus, Alberta. Hands-on training for street, off-road, dual sport bikes. Write 1st year apprenticeship exam. 1-888-999-7882; www.gprc.ab.ca/fairview.

845 SCRAP CAR REMOVAL

AAA SCRAP CAR REMOVALMinimum $150 cash for full size vehicles, any cond. 604-518-3673

WE’RE ON THE WEBwww.bcclassified.com

TRANSPORTATION

845 SCRAP CAR REMOVAL

Autos • Trucks• Equipment Removal

FREE TOWING 7 days/wk.We pay Up To $500 CA$H

Rick Goodchild 604.551.9022The Scrapper

851 TRUCKS & VANS

1995 FORD F150 XLT, good cond. Air Cared until 2012. Canopy, good tires, $4200 obo 604-462-1542

2004 TUNDRA TRD 4X4 acc cab, orig owner $15,800. Exceptionally well maintained. 604-793-8158

58 UNCLASSIFIED

Being Peace: An Introduction to the Work of Byron Katie.

Feb. 20, Bowen Island 9-5pm.The Work is a powerful process

of self-inquiry, opening more access to joy & peace in our life, work & relationships. Facilitators:

Caitlin Frost & Kim Howden. Cost: $110 + HST Materials

& lunch incl. Register:www.caitlinfrost.ca. 947-9236

Info: [email protected]

BOWENSHIRE LANDSCAPING

* Paving stone installation * Flagstone and natural stonework * Retaining walls and steps * Fencing, ponds, decks, arbours * Mini excavator&operator

Phone Andy (604)947-0674 or

(778)231-7283

Bowen Tech ShopYour Telus Mobility Provider

Now Has iPhone 4s in stock!!947-2055

58 UNCLASSIFIED

CATES HILL: 1 BDRM, ocean & mtn. views. Granite counters,

hardwood fl oors, new stainless steel appliances,

heated bathroom tile. Private patio. N/S, mature tenant. 1 year

lease. $925+utils. Avail Mar 1. Info/View: 604-377-6200

FOR RENT: 2 BDR, 1 1/2 BAAvail Mar. 1. Some stairs to

navigate - but view is worth the climb! Bluewater area. N/S.

$1375/mos + utils. On bus route.12 month lease available. 947-2640 604-802-6317

FOR RENT: 3 BDR apt. (disability suite) in Village Sq.

Avail. March 1. Refs req’d. Sorry, no pets. 947-2944

FOR RENT: 4 BDR House in Tunstall Bay. Fenced front yard,

close to beach and bus stop. TBCA membership. Internet incl.

Avail Now. N/S, pets neg. 1 yr lease, refs. $1,600/mos plus

utils. 604-726-9557.

FOR RENT: 4 bdrm country home w h/w fl oors, deck,

mountain view/acreage, large studio/den, near fi rehall.

$1850/mos. Avail Now & Mar 1. Call Ira 604-638-9880

FOR RENTMillers/Scarborough AreaLg. 2 BDR, In-suite Laundry

Wood Heater, Hardwood fl oors, Sep. Entry, N/S, N/P

$750 947-9228

FOR RENT: Self-contained 1 Bedroom Suite in quiet

home. Bright & New. Private entrance. In-suite

w/d. No smoking/pets. $650/mos incl hydro, cable, wireless internet. 947-0507

58 UNCLASSIFIED

FOR SALE: 1998 Honda Accord

One Bowen Island owner, well maintained.

$3500 947-2272

Join the RUDDY POTATO GARDEN team!Now Hiring for

the position of experienced PART-TIME GARDENER

Temp contract: Apr 1-Sept 30, 2011. 14 hrs/week, $11.50/hr.For more info & to submit re-sume, contact Kim Howden, Garden Manager. 947-6991

[email protected]: March 7, 2011

Lance’s RecyclingI’ll pick up your recycling and deliver to BIRD for $20/load.

Kindling - $20 a boxCall 947-2430

LOST HAT: White felt with crescent pin. On Whitesails or perhaps left in your car while

hitching a ride? Helen 604-317-1597

LOST: Men’s white gold band on black string. Call Undercur-rent offi ce if found. 947-2442

Offi ce/Studio/Retail Spaceavailable @ Artisan Square604-329-5643, 947-9119

or 947-2293

PRIME RETAIL/OFFICE SPACE: 1200 sq ft available.

Suite 101, 102, 103 - 485 Bowen Isl Trunk Rd.

in Snug Cove (under Union Hair & Ruddy Potato offi ces)

947-0099 ext. 104

58 UNCLASSIFIED

VACANCY COMMERCIAL SPACE

Location: Artisan Square, 569 A Prometheus Place

Size: 400 sq. feetAvailable Now

1st Month Rent FreeContact: Audra Orring

604 908-0545 604-565-0750


*All prices quoted are net of all rebates. Taxes and license are extra. Vehicle may not be exactly as shown, see dealer for complete details. Dealer #24977

www.camclarkford.com 833 Automall Drive, North Vancouver604-980-2411

Farzin Sahbaei Rich Sandor Scott Abernethy Steve Law Daniel Degtiarev Nat Berhane

Mark Taher Douglas Osarobo Igor Benyuk Steve ReidDoug Campbell

REMAINING 2010 - 2011 DEMOS

FINAL2010CLEAROUT

2010 RANGER SUPERCAB

Stk#OR3802

• Tough & compact • 4.9 litre V6 • Sport trim• Automatic Transmission• Air conditioning• All terrain tires

$14,992*FINAL CLEAROUT

MSRP $24,164

Stk# OMZ0191

2010 LINCOLN MKZ


MSRP $43,829

• Loaded with comfort & luxury• Dual zone climate control• Leather interior• 3.5 litre V6

2010 FOCUS SEL 4 DOOR

Stk# 0FO5615

• Power equipment group• Leather interior• Moonroof


MSRP $23,599

2010 EXPLORER LIMITED

Stk#OEX0977

• Loaded with luxury • Leather interior• Power running boards & moonroof• Navigation system• Sync hands- free system• Rear seat DVD entertainment $46,990*

FINAL CLEAROUTMSRP $56,999

Stk# OF0872

2010 F150 SUPERCAB 4x4

• Power windows and door locks• Pickup box access step • XLT trim• Sliding rear window• 17” aluminum wheels• 4.6 litre V8 $26,892*


2010 F150 SUPERCREW 4x4

Stk#OF5371

• Power equipment group • 4.6 litre V8• Air conditioning• Box access steps• 17” aluminum wheels• XLT trim $28,926*


2011 FLEX LIMITED

Stk#IFL7232

• Loaded with luxury • Remote start• Voice command navigation• Rear console refrigeration• Panoramic roof• 20” aluminum wheels• Active park assist $51,942*

DEMO CLEARANCEMSRP $57,349

2011 SHO

Stk#ITA6795

• Experience the power of Ecoboost• Dual zone automatic climate control• Collision avoidance system• Rear view camera• Voice command navigation• Adaptive cruise control $43,947*


2010 F150 SUPERCREW 4x4

Stk#OF8924

• Platinum edition • Leather interior• Power running boards• 20” aluminum wheels• Navigation system• Power moonroof• Rear view camera $45,968*


Come in andmeet our friendly

Sales Staff

Plus up to $1,000

of no-charge accessories

Plus up to $1,000

of no-charge accessories

All personal lending products and residential mortgages are offered by Royal Bank of Canada and are subject to its standard lending criteria. ®Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Rates are effective as of August 24, 2010. † Interest Rate compounded half-yearly, not in advance. Rate subject to change without notice.

TM

ADVICE YOU CAN BANK ON™ RBC Royal Bank

Michael AlexanderMortgage Specialist

[email protected]

5 year fi xed closedas low as 3.89%

Book your preapproval rate now.

Around BowenLeft: Mariana Holbrook, the curator of the Cultural Cloth Exhibit, poses in front of a piece of traditional Rabari embroidery on cotton borrowed from the Maiwa Collection at Saturday’s exhibit opening. The new show at The Gallery at Artisan Square features a stunning selection of fabric artwork from around the world. Don’t miss it.

Right: Murray Atherton, Betty Dhont and Jacqueline Massey celebrate the Olympic torch DVD release at the Gallery on Sunday afternoon.

Lorraine Ashdown photos

February 11, 2011 Undercurrent

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Transcript of February 11, 2011 Undercurrent