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$1 including GST Watch for more online at: WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM FRIDAY JANUARY 29, 2016 VOL. 42, NO. 52 A growing concern How to garden on a rock Out of harmony Fracking hits a sour note for Marc Gawthrop Play ball! Girls soccer is fast and fun Bald eagles have been sighted over Bowen Island after finding rivers frozen where they would normally feast on spawning salmon. ALLARD OCKELOEN photo LOUISE LOIK EDITOR At this time of year, eagles, and the humans who want to see them, traditionally flock to Brackendale where the birds of prey feast on spawning salmon. This year, with frozen rivers and fewer fish, the eagles haven’t landed. The average eagle count in Brackendale is 1,442. This year there were 1,000 fewer birds, the lowest in 30 years or more. The highest was closer to 4,000 in 1994. While there is concern that eagle numbers may be dropping, there have been an increased number of sightings elsewhere. On Bowen, people have seen as many as 15 bald eagles riding a thermal over the southwest tip of the island, and many more have been spotted around the shores. What may be happening is that the eagles are scattering to various locations where food is more accessible. Richard Wing of the Bowen Island Nature Club has seen a significant number of the birds over the southwest side of the island shores, but Wing says the data from the bird count on Bowen has not come in yet. In the past, it has been common for around 30 eagles to be sighted. Eagles and turkey vultures are frequently seen together soar- ing over Bowen, riding the thermals above rock ridges. Both types of birds are similar in size, but the wing shape of the eagles is more tapered when seen in silhouette against the sky. The juvenile eagles lack the white heads and tails of the adults and are more likely to be mistaken for a vulture at a distance. The wings of a bald eagle span eight feet, or nearly 2.5 metres Eagles flock to Bowen after Brackendale bust LOUISE LOIK EDITOR Bowen’s Mayor Murray Skeels is very pleased after our new MP Pam Goldsmith-Jones paid a visit to Bowen’s council chambers. Skeels says the agenda was for Bowen to get a “Build Canada Grant” for Cove Bay water and wastewater treatment, and to talk about solutions for transportation and housing. “She has offered to assist Bowen with applications for subsi- dies,” says Skeels. Goldsmith-Jones also listened to council’s concerns that there are subsidies for east coast maritime ferries, which are not handed out on the west coast. “She’s putting together a file with our priorities and contact information for fol- low-up,” says the mayor. Goldsmith-Jones is fully apprised of the regional fight against LNG and according to Skeels, she expressed a com- mitment to representing our voice back in Ottawa. “She said that she is providing Ottawa with information on the environment and is undertaking an environmental assessment.” Skeels says that the MP from North Vancouver, Jonathan Wilkinson, is also working on the subject. Goldsmith-Jones told council that she would like to attend the Howe Sound forum. “She is certainly representative of the style Justin Trudeau presents. She is coming across as accessible and open. She isn’t given pat answers. She’s a breath of fresh air.” The mayor was also pleased that she sees the value in “cit- izen science,” the sort that accepts the information of people like Adam Taylor when he carefully documents the underwa- ter locations of glass sponges around the Sound. The MP is also planning to meet representatives from Islands trust to hear their concerns and thoughts. “It’s clear that she has latitude to work in a proactive way,” says Skeels, who represented Bowen at the opening event for the MP’s new office in West Vancouver. Goldsmith-Jones has acknowledged that derelict vessels are a big issue up and down the coast and has offered Bonnie Brokenshire support from the parliamentary library for back- ground research for bylaws, as well as offering use of her office for time frames when she is away in Ottawa. Skeels says that they also discussed a library grant and an increase in the number of island summer jobs for students. Council welcomes new MP Pamela Goldsmith-Jones continued PAGE 6 continued PAGE 12 $15

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$1includingGST

Watch for more online at:WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

FRIDAYJANUARY 29, 2016

VOL . 4 2 , NO . 5 2

A growing concernHow to garden on a rock

Out of harmonyFracking hits a sour note for MarcGawthrop

Play ball!Girls soccer is fast and fun

Bald eagles have been sighted over Bowen Island after finding rivers frozen where they would normally feaston spawning salmon. ALLARD OCKELOEN photo

LOUISE LOIKE D I T O R

At this time of year, eagles, and the humans who want to seethem, traditionally flock to Brackendale where the birds of preyfeast on spawning salmon. This year, with frozen rivers andfewer fish, the eagles haven’t landed.The average eagle count in Brackendale is 1,442. This year

there were 1,000 fewer birds, the lowest in 30 years or more. Thehighest was closer to 4,000 in 1994. While there is concern thateagle numbers may be dropping, there have been an increasednumber of sightings elsewhere.On Bowen, people have seen as many as 15 bald eagles riding

a thermal over the southwest tip of the island, and many morehave been spotted around the shores.What may be happening is that the eagles are scattering to

various locations where food is more accessible.Richard Wing of the Bowen Island Nature Club has seen a

significant number of the birds over the southwest side of theisland shores, but Wing says the data from the bird count onBowen has not come in yet. In the past, it has been common foraround 30 eagles to be sighted.Eagles and turkey vultures are frequently seen together soar-

ing over Bowen, riding the thermals above rock ridges. Bothtypes of birds are similar in size, but the wing shape of the eaglesis more tapered when seen in silhouette against the sky. Thejuvenile eagles lack the white heads and tails of the adults andare more likely to be mistaken for a vulture at a distance.The wings of a bald eagle span eight feet, or nearly 2.5 metres

Eagles flock to Bowen after Brackendale bust

LOUISE LOIKE D I T O R

Bowen’s Mayor Murray Skeels is very pleased after our newMP Pam Goldsmith-Jones paid a visit to Bowen’s councilchambers.Skeels says the agenda was for Bowen to get a “Build

Canada Grant” for Cove Bay water and wastewater treatment,and to talk about solutions for transportation and housing.“She has offered to assist Bowen with applications for subsi-dies,” says Skeels.Goldsmith-Jones also listened to council’s concerns that

there are subsidies for east coast maritime ferries, which arenot handed out on the west coast. “She’s putting togethera file with our priorities and contact information for fol-low-up,” says the mayor.Goldsmith-Jones is fully apprised of the regional fight

against LNG and according to Skeels, she expressed a com-mitment to representing our voice back in Ottawa.“She said that she is providing Ottawa with information

on the environment and is undertaking an environmentalassessment.”Skeels says that the MP from North Vancouver, Jonathan

Wilkinson, is also working on the subject. Goldsmith-Jonestold council that she would like to attend the Howe Soundforum.“She is certainly representative of the style Justin Trudeau

presents. She is coming across as accessible and open. Sheisn’t given pat answers. She’s a breath of fresh air.”The mayor was also pleased that she sees the value in “cit-

izen science,” the sort that accepts the information of peoplelike Adam Taylor when he carefully documents the underwa-ter locations of glass sponges around the Sound.The MP is also planning to meet representatives from

Islands trust to hear their concerns and thoughts. “It’s clearthat she has latitude to work in a proactive way,” says Skeels,who represented Bowen at the opening event for the MP’snew office in West Vancouver.Goldsmith-Jones has acknowledged that derelict vessels

are a big issue up and down the coast and has offered BonnieBrokenshire support from the parliamentary library for back-ground research for bylaws, as well as offering use of heroffice for time frames when she is away in Ottawa.Skeels says that they also discussed a library grant and an

increase in the number of island summer jobs for students.

Council welcomesnew MP PamelaGoldsmith-Jones

continued PAGE 6continued PAGE 12

$15

Page 2: Bowen Island Undercurrent January 29 2016

2 • FRIDAY JANUARY 29 2016 WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

NEWS fromMunicipal Hall

Contact UsBowen Island Municipal Hall981 Artisan LaneBowen Island, BC V0N 1G2

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pmMonday - Friday, excludingstatutory holidays

General EnquiriesPhone: 604-947-4255Fax: 604-947-0193Email: [email protected]

find us on facebook:Bowen IslandMunicipality

join our mailing list:www.bimbc.ca

Ö WILDL I F E ON BOWENAny sighting of illegal transportation or dumping of wildlife(including skunks) on Bowen Island should be reported to theMinistry of Environment’s Report All Poachers and Polluters(RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277, available 24 hours a day, sevendays a week. You can also report a violation online athttp://www.env.gov.bc.ca/cos/rapp/form.htm

A provincial Conservation Officer will investigate your report.

Ö PUBL I C OPEN HOUSEBowen Island Municipality is reviewing application RZ-06-2015for a Land Use Bylaw text amendment to remove the prohibitionon limited speed motorcycle rentals. A Public Open Housewill be held at the Municipal Office to present the proposedamendment, answer questions and receive comments.

Tuesday, February 2, 20164:00 pm to 7:30 pm981 Artisan Lane

Details of the application can be viewed at the Municipal Officeduring office hours. Please contact us at 604-947-4255 or byemail at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Ö HER I TAGE WEEK :F EBRUARY 15-21, 2016

As part of Heritage Week celebrations on Bowen Island, we arehosting a free Heritage BC webinar:

Tuesday, February 16, 20167:00 pm

Gallery at Artisan SquareFREE

This year’s Heritage Week theme is Distinctive Destinations:Experience Historic Places. The webinar will introduce the topicof heritage and cultural tourism - what it means, how it benefitsus and best practices for developing and delivering experiences.Using examples from British Columbia, this webinar will introducecase studies and several valuable resources.

The webinar is free, but registration is encouraged. To register,please email Stef Shortt, Committee Clerk, [email protected], by February 12, 2016. Please use the subjectline “Webinar Registration.”

Co-sponsored by Bowen Heritage, Bowen Island Arts Council,Tourism Bowen and BIM Economic Development Committee.

Ö COMMUN ITYRECREAT ION

Ö BC HYDRO WOODPOLE TEST AND TREATPROGRAM

BC Hydro plans to test and treat wooden power poles onBowen Island between February 1 and February 29, 2016. Aspermitted under their approved Pest Management Plan, BC Hydromay apply wood preservatives to the poles to prevent decayfrom wood rot or structural damage from insects. Membersof the public with concerns or questions about the wood poletest and treat program are encouraged to call BC Hydro directly.The contact for this program is Raymond Irving, BC Hydro FieldManager at (250) 755-4798.

Information about BC Hydro’s pole maintenance programincluding the wood preservatives to be used is available at:http://www.bchydro.com/safety-outages/stay-safe-safety-outside/trees-power-lines/managing-weeds-insects/wood-pole-treatment.html

Public Participation in Flagging Areas of ConcernBC Hydro has provided metal pig-tail pins and orange flaggingtape for the Bowen Island Municipality to distribute to the public.Please call 604-947-4255 to request your flagging materials. Weencourage residents to use the pins to identify wells (registeredand non-registered), waterbodies or adjacent organic farms.

Bowen Island Municipality has been informed that the BC Hydrofield crew will respect all flagged areas and will utilize treatmentmethods that are appropriate for the marked sensitive areas.

Ö B IM INV I TES RES IDENTSTO JO IN PLACESPEAK

During the 2015 Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) TradeShow, Bowen Island Municipality was the winner of a one-yearcomplimentary PlaceSpeak Enterprise License. This means thatBIM will be able to host an unlimited number of consultationsthroughout 2016 on a variety of community issues.

PlaceSpeak is an online platform that will allow BIM to connectwith residents on upcoming projects to gather feedback andshare information while providing BIM with authentic, legitimateand useable data.

For more information, please see www.bimbc.ca.

MEETINGCALENDARFebruary 2, 20165:30 pmAdvisory Design Panel

February 9, 20162:00 pmSnug Cove ImprovementsWorking Group

February 9, 20167:15 pmRegular Council Meeting

February 12, 20169:30 amEconomic DevelopmentCommittee

All meetings are held inBIM Council Chambersunless otherwise noted.

Page 3: Bowen Island Undercurrent January 29 2016

WYNN NEILSENCONTRIBUTING WRITER

One thing that all gardeners, newcomersand old timers alike may already know aboutgardening on our island, is that it’s not partic-ularly easy. Easy, is two feet of friable topsoilfree of stones, plentiful water in the summerand just the right amount of sunshine. Saywhat? They don’t call this place “The Rock”for nothing.Gardening on Bowen can be rewarding,

and overcoming the inherent challenges isextremely satisfying, especially for the ever-op-timistic gardening masochists amongst us.And there are many of us. Of course “garden-ing” covers a wide variety of digging, plant-

Gardening on ‘The Rock’

Some of the flowers putting on a show right now include the red hellebore (above),white hellebore (left) and rosemary (on page 10). photos LOUISE LOIK

ing, weeding, pruning and sweating activities.Vegetable gardening is different from growinglush flowerbeds, which is very different thancreating rockeries, planting a bluff, buildinga pond or simply restoring a disturbed areaafter construction. Often we just want to gen-tly recompose a natural wild area to please ourhuman vision of what a garden should be. Forsimplicity and the purpose of this article, weshall just call it all “gardening.”Similar to most ambitious endeavors, before

you embark on an adventure you need toknow a few basic things. For gardeners theseinclude understanding what you have to workwith, what is out there determined to thwartyour best efforts, and the opportunities thatexist. Yes, there are always opportunities, and itis never hopeless. If you point woefully to yourexperiences as proof of mission impossible, Iwould suggest that you are just missing a pieceof the gardening puzzle. We have many out-standing gardens and gardeners on Bowen tosee and learn from, including our famous PPP(people, plants and places) tour, and monthlyOpen Gardens organized by our Bowen IslandGarden Club, which also hosts regular meet-ings with experts on a range of garden topics.Bowen is a geographical and weather lottery

of soils, temperature and micro-environments.Often it doesn’t even help to talk to your islandfriends about plants. We have winter tem-peratures ranging from hardiness zone 7-8at seaside to a colder 6-7 at centre island andelevations, not counting microclimates. Yourfriend grows spectacular Grevillea rosmarini-folia and a lovely Hebe ‘purple pixie’? Doesn’tmean you can, unless she lives next door. Yourfriend’s soil is rock dust and sand, and yours isclay. Her garden is full sun on an exposed bluffand yours is under a giant cedar tree wheremoss grows. Your friend has a deep groundwa-ter well and you have a rain water barrel. Mypoint being, you need to understand some-thing of your site before designing a garden,

otherwise your pocketbook, confidence andfeelings will pay the price. For success over thelong-term, your garden has to match your spe-cific conditions and your lifestyle.Horticultural knowledge and experience

is very useful but can come later, and it’snot always essential. Plants are resilient andremarkably forgiving of our mistakes. Theyinform you through their behavior (or up anddie, which is also educational). I once had ashrub-form purple Robinia hispida that I reck-

lessly planted in semi-shade. Three years laterit had moved itself 12 feet away to a sunnierspot. The original plant gave up the ghost butthe one that sprang from the roaming root isnow thriving. It knew what it needed even ifI didn’t. The most important skill for any gar-dener is the ability to observe and learn. Andthen there is always Google and the library ofcourse.

see Warmth PAGE 10

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM FRIDAY JANUARY 29 2016 • 3

NEWS fromMunicipal Hall

Contact UsBowen Island Municipal Hall981 Artisan LaneBowen Island, BC V0N 1G2

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pmMonday - Friday, excludingstatutory holidays

General EnquiriesPhone: 604-947-4255Fax: 604-947-0193Email: [email protected]

Ö BOWEN CULTURAL P LANThe Bowen Island Arts Council (BIAC) has launched the CulturePlan Survey!

BIAC is the leading advisory organization to the Bowen IslandMunicipal Council for arts and cultural development. The surveywill help inform the update and review of the Cultural Master Plan,as per Bylaw # 297 of the Bowen Island Municipality pertaining toarts and culture.

Your voice is important to us. Help shape the future of our creativecommunity by responding to a short questionnaire at:

surveymonkey.com/r/bowenculture

The survey is open until February 21, 2016. If you wish to fill outa paper copy of the survey, copies are available at Municipal Halland the Gallery @ Artisan Square. For more information about thisinitiative please visit www.bowenculture.ca

Ö PROJECT MANAGEMENTSERV I CES

Bowen Island Municipality is seeking proposals from suitablyqualified consultants for Project Management Services to overseedesign, construction and commissioning of the Main Fire Halland Emergency Operations Centre. Copies of the Request forProposal may be obtained from Bowen Island Municipality or onBC Bid at www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca

Ö COMMUN ITY GRANTSAPPL I CAT ION DEADL INE

Applications for the 2016 Bowen IslandCommunity Grants and Grant-in-Aid Program willbe accepted until February 26, 2016.

Application forms and information about Evaluation Criteria,Community Grants/Grant-in-Aid Policy can be found at MunicipalHall or on our website at:

www.bimbc.ca/content/community-grants-grants-aid

Please contact us at 604-947-4255 or [email protected] for furtherinformation.

Page 4: Bowen Island Undercurrent January 29 2016

4 > FRIDAY JANUARY 29 2016 WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

The Write Stuff.The Undercurrent encourages

reader participation in yourcommunity newspaper. Youmust include your full name

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

reserves the right to edit forclarity, 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].

National NewsMediaCouncil.

The Undercurrent is a memberof the National NewsMediaCouncil of Canada, which isan independent organization

established to deal withacceptable journalistic practices

and ethical behaviour. If youhave concerns about editorialcontent, please email editor@

bowenislandundercurrent.com orcall 604-947-2442.

If you are not satisfied with theresponse and wish to file a formal

complaint, visit the website atmediacouncil.ca or call toll-free1-844-877-1163 for additional

information.

viewpoint

All Advertising and news copycontent are copyright of theUndercurrent Newspaper. Alleditorial content submitted to theUndercurrent becomes the prop-erty of the publication.The undercurrent is not respon-sible for unsolicited manuscripts,art work and photographs. Weacknowledge the financial supportof the Government of Canadathrough the Canada PeriodicalFund of the Department ofCanadian Heritage.

Publisher

PeterKvarnstrom

Cartoonist

RonWoodall

Advertising

MaureenSawasy

2011CCNA

C A N A D I A NCOMMUNITYNEWSPAPERAWARD 2011

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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

Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148

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

www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

Bowen Island UndercurrentSubscription Rates:

Mailed 1 year subscription on Bowen Island: $45,including GST. Within Canada: $65 includingGST

Newsstand (Single Copy)$1 per copy, includingGST

InterimEditor

LouiseLoik

Enjoy time off the grid

Jan. 29The Legendary LawnDogs at The BowenPub, 9 p.m.

Jan. 30The Seed Exchange12:30-1:30 p.m. presen-tation/talk; 1:30-2 p.m.seed exchange and saleopen to public. BICS,multi-purpose room.

For information, or tobook a table, contactSarah Haxby, commu-nity school co-ordina-tor, [email protected], 604 947-0389

Fundraiser for NepalTickets are $15 atPhoenix (thanksBonnie!). For moreinformation, visit

bowen2bangladesh.wordpress.com or [email protected] Fix-it-Fair, pre-sented by Bowen InTransition, 12:30-1:30p.m, BICS

Jan. 31–Feb. 21Mini Gala ExhibitThe Gallery @ ArtisanSquare

Feb. 7SKY9 a.m. exercise10:10-11:10 a.m. talkby Bobbie Bagshaw.Lecture on artist PeterBruegle the Elder.Cost: $2 dona-tion.Everyone welcome.11 a.m.-noon yoga ledby Jeff at Bowen Court

Feb. 9Bowen Women inBusiness Discussion:Social media includingFacebook, Instagram,Pinterest, Twitter,LinkedIn and Hootsuite9-11 a.m., BIAC Gallery,Artisan Square

Feb. 13Children’s Centre

Fundraiser Dance withGinger 66 at Cates HillChapel

Feb. 14Valentine’s day withGinger 66, 9:30 p.m.,Bowen Pub. $10 cover

Feb. 15-21Heritage Week onBowen

Calendar

After a fun year of out-ings, the Bowen Nature Clublaunches into 2016 with anexciting slate of plannedadventures.From a Silverback tour

to our annual camping tripto sea creatures to a Hand-Loggers hike, we plan toget out and delight in thegifts of our wilderness. Andwe’re starting it all witha presentation by BowenNature Club founder andnaturalist, Michael Dunn.Many know him as a for-mer Bowen Islander; henow makes his home onMayne Island, and continuesto engage with conserva-tion, there. We invite you toattend this free event at theGallery in Artisan Square

on Saturday, Feb. 6, 4-6 p.m.Have a cup of tea and bringa plate of cookies to share.Presentation: Birds, Bugsand Beasts – What is the roleof a Naturalist in Today’sWorld? A somewhat per-sonal account by life-longnature lover, Michael Dunn.Michael will explore

three interrelated ideas: Thenaturalist as a passionateobserver of nature’s abun-dance; the naturalist as achronicler of change overtime; and the naturalist as aneducator/mentor of lessonsfrom nature and our well-be-ing.

Emily van Lidth de JeudeBowenNature Clubbowennatureclub.blogspot.com

We’re batting a thousand with the weekly power outages inmy neck of the woods.I keep the candle supply stocked up, snacks in storage for

board game gatherings and I keep the wine chilled. Not muchdifferent from my usual setup.While the power outages are a huge hassle during deadlines

– whether it’s for school, tax time or the paper – the rest of thetime, it’s not such a bad thing. Most of the people we talked tosaid that they get creative and adapt to a change of plans. Oneevening it turned into a chocolate fondue night for teenagegirls. Another, there was singing and guitar playing by candle-light.It’s almost a cliché. We get to put down the phones, shut off

the computers and socialize with friends and family. Whenpumps shut down and showers turn cold the outages are a lotless romantic, but for a few hours early on a Saturday night,this time, I stopped and enjoyed the moment.What also made the news for us this week is the fact

that the daffodils are already opening. Spring is here andso it’s time to talk about gardening. As well, our MP PamGoldsmith-Jones had a chance to meet our mayor and coun-cillors and find out about what matters to the people who livehere. Mayor Skeels chats with the Undercurrent about theopportunity they had to lay some groundwork.I hope you enjoy this week’s stories and photos. Thank you

to Allard Ockeloen who shares the beautiful eagle pictures heshot from King Edward Bay.Louise

It’s time once again for the Mini Galaannual art auction at the Gallery.Approximately 65 small paintings will be

auctioned as a fundraiser to support localart. The event includes appetizers, art andmusic. Starting on Feb. 5, during openinghours, art enthusiasts will be able to visit theGallery to preview the art and to record aninterest in buying any one of the paintingsfor $150. If multiple people indicate an inter-est, the art will be auctioned at the gala.The event is usually sold out and becomes

quite entertaining as friends try to bid forart for each other, or bid against each otherin a desperate attempt to get a great deal ona fabulous work of art. The painting styles,the techniques and mediums are usuallyquite varied, leaving room for a wide spanof taste in art. Bidders can also place a bidin absence by calling the Gallery at 604 947-2454.The Mini Gala takes place Feb. 19, at the

Gallery at Artisan Square.Tickets are $20 from the Gallery or online

at biac.ca. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and theevent starts at 7 p.m.

The Nature Club presents atalk on lessons from nature

Annual art gala

4 • FRIDAY JANUARY 29 2016 WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

Page 5: Bowen Island Undercurrent January 29 2016

Almost exactly a year ago Itravelled to Vanuatu, a smallpacific archipelago near Fiji, ona volunteer trip to teach Englishto elementary school students.About five weeks in tomy six-month adventure Cyclone Pamstruck with top wind speeds of220 kilometres/hour, wreak-ing havoc and devastation.Food andwater shortages soonensued, and all the volunteerswere evacuated. Since I returnedinMay of last year, I have beenfundraising to go back andhelp rebuild the community inwhich I taught. This includesresources for the school, butalso basicmedical supplies. Mytarget is $5,000. Through dona-tion jars set up at the RuddyPotato, Pharmacy, and PhoenixPhoto I have raised $1,530. ThePharmacy generously donateda sweater for a raffle, and theRuddymatched donations up to$200. The impact of the island’skindness will be felt the worldover. Literally. FrommyNi-Vancommunity to the communityhere on Bowen I would like toextend a heartfelt thank you forall the generous support overthe past year. As they say inBislama, “tankio tumas!” Here isthe link formy fundraising web-site as well as my email if youhave any questions: youcaring.com/abuanga-and-atabuao-pen-tecost-374072 and [email protected]

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM FRIDAY JANUARY 29 2016 > 5

What’s on your mind this week?Dear Mayor Skeels and members of

council:I received and read the agenda for

tomorrow’s meeting on Friday last week,but happily outdoor gardening activitieskept me busy all day Saturday. I did findtime to consider the items on the agendaand chat with some neighbours.Of note:Item 2.5 Additional Funds for Parks

& Rec Master Plan Process is seekingan addition 7.5 per cent plus GST to theapproved amount of $50,000 (November,2015) before the process is begun, asstaff describe is to provide a “rich andrelevant draft park plan that is createdunder the overarching principles of col-laboration and public consultation.” Theadditional $15,000 requested from ParksReserve, if spent now, will not be avail-able later for implementation.

Item 2.6 Integrated TransportationMaster Plan – Public Engagement Plan(Jan. 17, 2016)“PEP details a comprehensive engage-

ment strategy for the life cycle of theproject, based on principles and stan-dards set forth by the InternationalAssociation for Public Participation,with input from the CommunicationsTeam and external agencies such asVancouver Coastal Health, Translinkand ICBC.” Cost is $23,000, developedwithin ITAP public engagement budget.This will be made publicly available onPlaceSpeak (which I have signed up for)or at the municipal office. Why are thesetwo public engagement processes sodifferent? One seems excessive and theother efficient and very satisfactory.

Item 2.1.2 Draft Minutes of FinanceAdvisory Committee Meeting held Dec.3, 2015:Recommendations to council that

the Parks Parcel Tax be rescinded, andfunding for the Community ParksDepartment be provided through ad vol-arem collection of taxes; Garbage Decalsales also be discontinued, “and that theGarbage Decal Parcel Tax be increasedto cover 100% of solid waste program”not including the Special Solid Wastedays? Eliminating Parcel Taxes is good,sound business practice, in my opinion.Parcel Taxes are regressive, ad volaremtaxes reflect to some extent the servicesused and ability to pay.Item 7.1 – Staff Reports – Kristen

Watson, manager of finance recom-mending the two changes noted fromthe Finance Advisory Committee above.I hope that council can be consistent inyour approach to these ongoing taxes.Item 10 New Business Draft RFP

Community Centre Project Manager:This represents a big step forward but

with a lot of responsibility assigned tothe successful consultant and assump-tions about the proposed size, formand uses of the proposed communitycentre/municipal hall carried for-ward from an earlier report completedby the Temporary Advisory Board(2014). This was a set of recommenda-tions tied to potential OCP and LUBAmendments for the Lot 2 CommunityLands. I responded to that report inwriting to the previous mayor andcouncil as part of the public informa-tion and public hearing process. I can

find no funding source identified in theRecommendation to Council for theproject manager to proceed should acontract be awarded.This brings me back to the Draft

Minutes of the Finance AdvisoryCommittee held Dec. 3, 2015. Anadopted Recommendation to Councilreads: “That the Committee bring toCouncil’s attention the committees con-cern regarding the magnitude of theproposed capital project expendituresand resulting debt levels as outlined inSchedule X.”

Members of our community that Ihave spoken with are very concernedabout ongoing spiraling costs beyondinflation. Most of our property assess-ments have gone up significantly, whichmay result in higher property taxes.Together with a very ambitious agendaconsidering increased expenses for newplanning and facilities (parks and openspace, fire hall and emergency centre,community centre and municipal halland other ongoing projects such as theunresolved Cove Bay Water TreatmentPlant, I would encourage the consol-idation of a Schedule X based on evi-dence-based research, best practices andcontinuous community engagement forconsideration in the upcoming publicportions of the Five-year Financial Planand council’s ongoing Strategic Planupdate processes.Thank you for the opportunity to pro-

vide comments.

Yours truly,Bill Granger

As winter begins to lose her soggy grasp on the islandand spring slowly moves in there is an area that needs,sadly, rather desperately, to be addressed.There are a number of people on this island who don’t

feel the need to leash their dogs; they will tell you, dog isfriendly, my dog won’t hurt anyone, my dog is well-trained,any number of excuses, because that is exactly what theyare, excuses, given as to why people think they are abovethe law, or bylaw, and don’t feel that THEY need to leashtheir dog.I have seen these supposedly nice, well-trained, friendly

dogs frighten small children just by bounding up to them, Ihave seen deer run in terror, but the most horrifying thingto see was the blatant disregard of one dog owner whosedog ultimately caused the death of one of the lagoon gos-lings.I spend hundreds of hours photographing our lagoon

geese. I know them, I recognize newcomers, I can pointout to you which new family belongs to which older gen-eration, and I can talk to you (or educate) you endlessly onhow amazing these birds really are.Last year one of our local residents was cycling across

the causeway with his unleashed dog. Immediately thegeese sent out a cry of distress and warning, the goslingswere just being brought out for a swim-about and the par-ents were very, very protective still. This man let his dognot only chase a family of geese off the grasses where theywere foraging and sleeping but then allowed his dog tochase them into the water.I stood up and bellowed at him to get his dog under con-

trol and on a leash, the poor birds were terrified, the dogwas having a blast! The man took a minute to figure outwhere I was and eventually grabbed his dog and hauled itto his side. Sadly, this was not before his dog was able tograb a gosling and drag it to shore. The gosling was takenfrom the dog’s mouth and the man dragged his dog away,still with no leash.I have pictures of him, he knew I was taking pictures of

this incident. The man then had the audacity to come upto where I was, which is no easy feat as I go back into thebrush along the shoreline for pictures, and to say to me,“it would be nice of you to delete those pictures.” He wenton for some degree to try to convince me how wonderfulboth he and the dog were while I proceeded to tear a stripoff him for his irresponsible behaviour. (Keep in mind,Canadian geese are a part of protected wildlife, under theMigratory Birds Convention Act, 1994.) I am sure youcan comprehend how angry and thoroughly disgusted Iwas, and in fact, still am. He claimed the gosling was fine,apparently, in his mind he is also a vet, and he stated that“no harm was done.”I continued to watch the gosling and the family, which

were so very badly, and understandably, shaken up. Thisdynamic was a young pairing, and their first hatching ofgoslings.This flock has bonded with me, they even have me gos-

ling-sit when they want a time out from their babies, I amhonoured and humbled to have their trust. They are gentle,amazing, humorous and amazing creatures. They under-stand family better than most humans.Imagine my extreme sadness when I had to, a few weeks

later, with the assistance of some of our amazing, caringresidents, catch this young gosling and transport him to thewildlife rescue centre, where he did succumb to his inju-ries, his internal injuries. The sadness of the flock as theymourned their loss, yes, they mourn, and deeply.SO, the moral I am trying to bestow, is PLEASE, leash

your dog, your gentle, your active, your friendly, whatever,YOUR DOG, leash it. It makes you a good dog owner, anda good steward towards our precious wildlife. It only takesa minute, but it matters to a life!Patti Ivankovic

Teen wants to continue to help in Vanuatu

DENISE RICHARDThe student who learns the ancient art of Chi Kung

and Tai Chi is taught to develop energy and transformit into consciousness; for as Chi builds in the body thenext step is for the alchemy of the heart to take place.Chi rises into the heart plexus and then becomes theagent through which the heart is refined, opened andclarified. As this happens a clear light appears in theheart plexus and it becomes the foundation for aware-

ness. Taoist practice therefore supports the clearing andopening of heart and the awakening of consciousnessthrough the building of a strong and stable energysystem. The body is the vehicle through which con-sciousness is developed. By practising simple and pre-cisemovements, the energy system becomes infusedwith Chi and begins to relax. The practitioner of Taoistarts learns that a greater force is present and availableto help hold, nourish and heal within the surrounding

environment. For the new student it will take time andconsistent application in order for new patterns of flowand health to take root. Themost significant changewill present itself as new depth of quietness and keenerobservation. As a practitioner of over 25 years I canattest to the beauty, the grace and healing.Bowen Community Recreation is offering a Chi Kung

workshop, The light of Chi, with Denise Richard, teacherand practitioner of Tai Chi and Chi Kung in February.

Ancient Eastern practice helps with relaxation

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM FRIDAY JANUARY 29 2016 • 5

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6 > FRIDAY JANUARY 29 2016 WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

across. One powerful flapcarries them a great distance.On Bowen, I have watchedthe eagles during mating sea-son somersaulting as if froma cloud, tumbling with talonslocked together. They oncelanded in a bush when theydidn’t release claws in time,and another time, they tum-bled earthward oblivious tothe van that would break theirfall. The birds broke their holdon each other just in time,splitting off just above the roofof the van, a flight feather fall-ing to my feet.Eagles, like owls, can spin

their heads to look for prey,and may be able to see preyfrom a distance of five miles,and through water. If an eaglegazes at you, you can sensewhat it must be like to be preywith a predator assessing youringestibility. When they lookat you with their yellow eyes,it feels nothing like the gaze ofa Canada goose.Last summer, my daughter

and I were out swimming afair distance from shore byTunstall Bay when an eagleappeared in a flash, wingsand talons outstretched. Heskimmed in just over herhead, and just in time for me

to shout for her to turn, hedropped his talons into a fishthat was swimming below thesurface between us. In a rushof huge wings, the bird pickedup the fish from between us,and was gone. We had notseen the fish in the water atall.I have seen a black lab

cower and hide from thegolden gaze of eagles. A parkranger on Vancouver Islandtold me that she had to dealwith someone whose dogwas taken by an eagle. Aneagle isn’t likely to eat a dog,but they can pick up fish thatweigh up to 15 pounds, ornearly seven kilograms. Oncethe talons are in the fish, it ishard for the talons to release.The birds usually take theirfood to shore where they canuse the ground to push awayfrom the food and releasetheir claws. If they catch aheavy fish in deep water thebird may be able to row ina butterfly kind of stoke toget to shore. If the bird can’trelease the fish, both willdrown.During salmon spawning

season, the eagles are morelikely to scavenge dead anddying fish from the edges of ariver. On Bowen, one man wasknown for illegally feeding the

eagles pieces of fish he wouldtoss into the sky for the birds.In most cases, eagles stopeating if people approach towithin 150 metres. Usually aneagle will roost up to five kilo-metres from where it feeds.When the fish are done

spawning and eagles haveto work harder for a meal,they will take the young fromother large birds’ nests. InSnug Cove, we used to seeepic battles waged betweenattacking eagles and the heronparents desperate to protecttheir young. The outcome wasnever pretty.Bald eagles have always had

their favourite snags to sit onand scope out the land andsea for food around the island.The trees strong enough tohold the massive nests arehard to find, but the birds arestill here. The trees along thewater’s edge have been a tradi-tional resting place for eagles.While their bodies blend inwith the bark, their whiteheads are a give-away as totheir presence; their heads andthe sound of their seagull-likeshriek.By February, the eagle num-

bers will dwindle, but you canstill see the bald eagles year-round on Bowen, usually closeto the water.

Eagle eyes look into the water for fish swimming near the surface in the hopes ofan easy meal. ALLARD OCKELOEN photos

Look along the water’s edge for bald eaglesfrom PAGE 1

Golden eagles, along with bald eagles, are often seen in the skies over Bowen.ALLARD OCKELOEN photo

6 • FRIDAY JANUARY 29 2016 WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

Places of Worship WelcomeYou

BOWEN ISLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH

Pastor Clinton Neal1070 Miller Road 604-947-0384

Service 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m.

FOODBANKDROP-OFF

BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCHRev. Shelagh MacKinnon

Service and Sunday School: 10:30 a.m.Collins Hall Bookings: HelenWallwork

Minister of Music: LynnWilliams

CATES HILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260

10:00 a.m. Worship • Sunday School: Tots to Teens

Pastor: Dr. James B. Krohn

(661 Carter Rd.)

ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHMass: 10:30 a.m. Priest: Father James Comey

604-988-6304

ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHSunday Mass: 10:30 a.m.

Administration Office: 604-682-6774

Phil Adkins

Can’t find your dreamhome on Bowen?

Build one!We have the experience, we know thelandscape, we can help! Ask about our:

www.firstcu.ca | 604.947.2022

Page 7: Bowen Island Undercurrent January 29 2016

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM FRIDAY JANUARY 29 2016 > 7

LOUISE LOIKE D I T O R

The Sunshine Coast isabout to become more acces-sible for Bowen Island resi-dents.Pacific Ferries, which runs

a foot passenger service, ishoping to fill a gap in servicefor both its Sunshine Coastcustomers and Bowen Islandresidents.“We know you already

have a foot passenger service,we aren’t trying to competewith them, but we want tooffer something differ-ent,” says Linda Feuerhelm,Pacific’s director of mar-keting and media relations.Feuerhelm says they willstart a trial run for Bowennext week. Return trip ticketswill be $10 from HorseshoeBay to Bowen, and $15 fromHorseshoe Bay to Gibsons.The company will run tripsduring non-rush-hour times.The trips for the first threedays will be free.Feuerhelm says that this

service will be able to offerservice from downtown forlate night concerts and sportsevents, doing a “milk runfrom downtown to Bowenand Gibsons.” She says thatthe company is assessing theneeds of the island as it plansits service.

For families with potentialrecreational activities up thesunshine coast, this could bean opportunity to cut backon travel time and costs. Itwould also be an opportunityfor Bowen guesthouses toaccess the market in Gibsonsmore easily, and also forBowen businesses to be ableto more easily expand themarket for products and ser-vices to the Sunshine Coast.Pacific Ferries is already

promoting Bowen Island toits customers on its website,describing Bowen as “a sweetlittle island getaway on theSunshine coast.” They haveposted links to Bowen infor-mation sites and recommendcoming here for ice cream.The run between Gibsons

and Horseshoe Bay startson Jan. 27, and betweenHorseshoe Bay and Bowenstarts the next week.The boat will leave

Horseshoe Bay, Mondayto Friday, 4:40 p.m., andWednesday to Friday at 6:45p.m. It will leave Snug CoveMonday to Friday at 4:55p.m. and leave Snug CoveWednesday to Friday at 7:05p.m. Trips will be free Jan. 27,28 and 29. Check the PacificFerries website for the sched-ule running to and from, theSunshine Coast.

JAQUELINE MASSEYBOWEN I S L A ND A R T S COUNC I L

The development of the Cultural Plan, commissioned by themunicipality under auspices of the Bowen Island Arts Council,is well underway, with the extensive research and interviewingof residents in full swing.From Jan. 29 through Feb. 21, you have the chance to raise

your voice and provide your thoughts and ideas by participatingin the Culture Plan online survey.The plan will help identify our artistic and cultural strengths

and assets, and assess our evolving needs and priorities fordevelopment over the next decade. The intention is to capture alarge number of stories, ideas, data and insights from a varietyof sources and a cross-section of residents.We want to examine the real culture of Bowen and have com-

piled a series of questions: What is the current state of local artsand culture and the impact on our local economy and socialwell-being? What’s working and how can it be encouraged andsupported? Why do creative people live here and what’s uniqueabout us? What’s changing, what’s needed, and what’s possible?What do we want and how do we realize it? How can creativepeople make a better living here? How can we can identify, meetup with, and collaborate with those with similar artistic and cul-tural interests? And what might the “future state” of the arts andculture and Bowen be in 2025?The plan defines culture as the collective identity, beliefs,

behaviours, activities and aspirations of Bowen Islanders, andarts as the means by which that identity and those beliefs andaspirations are expressed, including visual, literary, earth andfibre, culinary, wellness, music and performance arts, plus activ-ities related to cultural and arts education and our First Nationsand cultural heritage.The draft plan will be produced late this spring, and focus

groups and other consultations will follow to critique and refineit before it is submitted to the municipality as a bylaw amend-ment. The Arts Council will have primary responsibility forimplementing the recommendations.Bowen Islanders are encouraged to participate in the survey

at surveymonkey.com/r/bowenculture until Feb 24. If you wouldprefer a printed copy, they are available at Municipal Hall andthe Gallery at Artisan Square (after Feb. 4). If you wish to have

Islanders urged totake culture survey

Foot passenger serviceto start between Bowenand the Sunshine Coast

A face has appeared in the side of a snag in CrippenPark behind the library, carved by an anonymousartist. LOUISE LOIK photo

a copy mailed to you for manual completion, please call themunicipality at 604-947-4255. And if you would like to be inter-viewed to provide more comprehensive input into the process,please contact us at [email protected] or call Dave Pollard, steer-ing committee chair, at 604-947-2758. If you would prefer toanswer the interview questions in writing online you can down-load them in PDF form with instructions for submitting them,on the website home page at BowenCulture.ca.

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM FRIDAY JANUARY 29 2016 • 7

info@bow@[email protected] • 604-612-7798

Dee ElliottPersonal Real Estate Corporation

info@bow@[email protected] • 604.612.7798

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814 Hummingbird*335 Robinson*831 Valhalla*972 Seaview*1134 Miller*341 Salal*1589 Whitesails*1570 Whitesails*1308 Chevy Chase*1586 Tunstall*1285 Scarborough*990 Davies*465 Sunset*1194 Miller*1645 Whitesails686 Cliff*984 Privateer*740 Minnows697 Channelview336 Salal*892 Windjammer*1631 Amelia1301 Scarborough*

288 Jason*227 David1121 Miller492 Crag’s End1512 Adams*30 Eagle Tree*893 Connolly*1803 Eaglecliff954 Windjammer*941 Arbutus Bay*

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We are accepting applications forCrew Managers and Landscapers

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Page 8: Bowen Island Undercurrent January 29 2016

8 > FRIDAY JANUARY 29 2016 WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

Lights out!

AMANDA OKELOENCONTRIBUTING WRITER

Over the past few weeks, I have been asked a lot about beingpersonally prepared for emergencies. The recent earthquakewas a big reminder to make sure you have a good plan in placeto follow in the event of a catastrophic event.Just before 11:40 p.m. on Dec. 29, a piece of the fairly small

Juan De Fuca plate slipped under the much larger NorthAmerican plate about 50 kilometres below the surface nearSidney on Vancouver Island and caused a quake that was felt inmany parts of the Lower Mainland. Natural Resources Canadarecorded the quake at a magnitude of 4.7.The United States Geological Survey had it at 4.8 magnitude.

People experienced the shaking lasting between four and 10seconds depending on location, but the aftershocks were felt onsocial media. Many commented that it sounded like a big truckdriving driving past or hitting homes.Earthquakes that fall between four and five on the Richter

scale tend to be felt, but typically don’t cause much damage.Supplies should include clean water, non-perishable food,flashlights and batteries, blankets, a radio, and any medicationyou might need, as well as contact information for out-of-prov-ince family or friends in the event your family isn’t all in oneplace.Look around your house and consider how accessible your

supplies will be. I like to imagine that I’m going camping andthink of all the items I would need to survive when I am notclose to amenities.Some people say they would just go to the store and buy

food and water, but if we lose any critical infrastructure likebridges and ports, our food that arrives in Vancouver on athree-day delivery cycle will very quickly run out. You canimagine how frantic people could become.Team up with people in your neighbourhood and find out

who has what in the way of assets.Tally up the generators, chainsaws, portable toilets, water

sources, and gardens with food. Find out who has first-aidtraining and supplies. You could arrange a planning party tofind out the information that would help create an efficient andeffective emergency response.Ultimately we need to be responsible for ourselves. Be

prepared so that you can be more comfortable in the face ofalmost any emergency situation.

Preparing forthe big one,are you ready?

What did you do when thepower went out Saturday night?

Julie Cree: I just finished making dinner when thepower went out. We were going to a party and weremeant to bring food so we had to bring veggie chipsinstead of making something. That’s what everyoneended up bringing. Later on, I read a book by flashlight.

Shahar Rabi: It’s good for us to be forced to put downour electronics. I’m an addiction counselor and I stillfind it hard to stop using my phone and computer. Itwas good to stop. I played guitar, it was great, scream-ing out the music. The last time it happened, friends allcame to our house. I like how it brings people together.

Donna Kreutzer Jones: We were going to a friend’s fordinner so we still went and brought a power pack. Weused the barbecue to cook and made a stir fry while thecat stretched out on the hearth beside the fire.

Cheryl Amen: We roasted onion rings on the woodstove.

8 • FRIDAY JANUARY 29 2016 WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

To ensure your safety and the reliability of our electrical system, BC Hydro contractors inspect wood

power poles along distribution lines and carry out treatment if required. Poles that have been in service

for at least eight years (lodgepole pine), 14 years (spruce, fir) or 20 years (western red cedar) are

inspected, tested for strength, and treated near ground level with wood preservative to prevent and/or

stop decay. Untreated poles have an approximate service life of only 30 years, while treated poles can

last up to 70 years, conserving demand on our forest resources.

Wood poles will be inspected and treated along distribution lines on Bowen Island, with work re-

commencing on January 29, 2016. Wood preservatives used are approved and registered for utility

wood poles by Health Canada. Contractors are certified and licensed by the BC Ministry of Environment,

and work is completed under our direction in accordance with BC Hydro’s Pest Management Plan for

Wood Structure Maintenance (105-0981-14/19).

For more information, contact Raymond Irving, Field Manager, at 1 250 755 4798or [email protected].

Bowen Island

4897

Wood pole test and treat

Telephone: 604-947-2243Cellular: 604-250-2630

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Tug & Barge services

Page 9: Bowen Island Undercurrent January 29 2016

On Feb. 13 the BowenIsland Conservancy SpeakerSeries will welcome MerranSmith, who will be present-ing her thoughts and insightsafter attending the ParisClimate Change Conference.Smith is a member of the

B.C. government’s ClimateLeadership Team, and theCity of Vancouver’s Renew-able Action team.Prior to her work on

climate and energy, she spentmore than a decade on forestconservation and was calledthe environmental architectof the Great Bear Rainforestconservation agreement.Smith is executive director

SARAH HAXBYCONTRIBUTING WRITER

In the last few years therehas been an increasingawareness of the importanceof understanding where ourfood comes from, who growsit and the knowledge of howwe can all grow food andsupport food productionthrough the food sustainabil-ity and literacy movement.Some communities have

started seed libraries, andmany have started what havesome to be known as “seedySaturdays.”On Bowen Island, the

Bowen Island AgricultureAlliance, in partnership withthe BICS Garden Program ispresenting the fifth annualBowen Island Seed Sale,Trade & Talk on Jan. 30,12:30– 2 p.m. at the school.This year’s talk is a presen-

tation by Jackie Bradley whowill talk about her experi-ences with hugelkultur, orraised garden beds, and howshe designed and developeda garden on Bowen usinghugelkultur techniques.The seed sale is a chance

for seed exchanges betweenlocal farmers and gardenersof all ages and interest levels.You can buy, sell, trade orexchange seeds, and are

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM FRIDAY JANUARY 29 2016 > 9

Kindergarten students sort seeds at the Bowen Island Community School inanticipation of an upcoming seed exchange. SARAH HAXBY photo

Seeds sought for swap

welcome to bring seeds youhave collected, saved, or havein excess.All seeds should be

labelled and dated, and youshould also note whether theseeds are open pollinationvarieties from your garden oryour extra purchased seeds.You may also bring garden

books and tools to trade orsell, copies of your gardenplans or information aboutgardening opportunities orservices.There may also be some

tables offering samples offood with highlights ofthings to come at the farmersmarkets, as well as a sign-up

for any gardeners interestedin a bulk-buy of straw for thegarden, free West Coast Seedcatalogues, coffee and more.You can find out about The

Seeds of Diversity organi-zation and Bowen’s seedexchange as well as otherlocal Seedy Saturday eventsat: seeds.ca.

Insider sharesclimate insight

Joe MacDonald recited a poem called “An Ode toHaggis” at the legion as part of a Robbie Burnscelebration Friday. MacDonald, who piped in thehaggis, has also been known to play a bagpipemedley of AC/DC, Queen, and Michael Jackson.Louise Loik photos

of Clean Energy Canadaand a fellow at Simon FraserUniversity. The free event isscheduled for Saturday, Feb.13, 2 p.m., at Collins Hall,1122 Miller Rd. Refresh-ments will be served.

! Bowen IslandConservancy Speaker Series

Merran Smith

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM FRIDAY JANUARY 29 2016 • 9

We’d like your feedbackon the 2016-2017budget proposalYou can find it online at islandstrust.bc.ca/budget or

request a printed copy by calling us at 250-405-5151.

Your comments will help the Islands Trust Council set

its 2016 – 2017 budget at the public meeting on Hornby

Island, March 22 – 24.

Please send your comments by February 17th in the

following ways:

#

!

$

"

Take our survey at islandstrust.bc.ca/budget

200-1627 Fort Street, Victoria, BC V8R 1H8

[email protected]

Fax: 250-405-5155

The Islands Trust preserves the communities,culture and environment of islands in the Salish Sea.Learn more about what we do at islandstrust.bc.ca.FOund in the classifieds

LOst?

Page 10: Bowen Island Undercurrent January 29 2016

LOUISE LOIKEDITOR

MarcGawthrop has spent decadesmakingcertain that tankersmoving in and out of portsin Vancouver and around the world are properlyfueled. He knows about the hazards of shippingand, in particular, shipping fuel. He is amarinefuel trader. Gawthrop says people are worriedaboutHowe Sound becoming a shipping routeand industrial base for LNG.

“But that’s not what they should be worriedabout,” he says.

Gawthrop acknowledges that peoplemightbe surprised by his position. “I work with fuel butI’m one of the good guys.”

Gawthrop is known on Bowen, not as amaninvolved in freighters and fuel asmuch as amusical impresario. He’s been known to sit downat his keyboard and play for hours with barely abreak, playing whatever song the crowd calls outto request. He will have a song he’s never playedprior to a request figured out by the time he’slowered his first finger to a key. He seems to haveinternalized a wholemusical encyclopedia oflyrics and chords. Gawthrop is often the pianistaccompanying Christmas choirs, performing atfundraisers at the gallery, or at parties.

“I gotmy earliest musical training in utero,”he says.Themusician’s mom, a French Cana-dian, was a classical pianist. “She tookme to thesymphony. I was five and shemademe sit still forhours.”

The disciplinemust have paid off.The boymoved from piano at a young age to violin.While growing up inNanaimo, he played in theNanaimo SymphonyOrchestra before leaving itto switch back to piano and keyboard.

Though his four brothers and one sister all gotthe gift ofmusic they never opted to become afamily of entertainers like the Jackson 5. Instead,Gawthrop and one of his brothers performtogether in a professional capacity.The two arepart of a David Bowie tribute band that oftenperforms to sell-out crowds.

When he was a teenager, the youngGawthrophit the road as part of a successful band thattoured the country. “Weworked 50 weeks a year,”he notes.

The band played popmusic andwere ableto find continuous demand for “doo-wop,” or,

as Gawthrop describes it, “AmericanGraffiti,”kinds of songs.The show band, Teenangel andthe Rockin’ Rebels, toured from 1974-1979.Gawthrop played keyboards, sang and did thevocal arrangements. “It was a good time,” he sayswith a smile.

By the time the 1980s rolled around, theyoungman decided to shift gears and take onthe corporate world. Hemoved toMexico City,living there until the earthquake of ’85. Hemadehis way back to the coast and to Bowen, themostaffordable location within close proximity toVancouver.

Once on Bowen, Gawthropmet TinaNielsen,the island’s chief librarian, whowas in aThe-atre on the Isle production of Godspell. He wasperforming on keyboard and she was amaincharacter.They ended up doing a little collabora-tion of their own. Now, from their home together,Gawthrop can play keyboard for Nielson andlook out over Howe Sound, expressing hispassion for both the woman and the region thatis their home.

Gawthrop is happy to see that since 2015there are emission controls set for up to 200milesoff Canadian shores.

“All shipping in that limit is legislated to burnless sulpher as part of an international effortto lower emissions.This includes cruise ships,tankers, and all ships. I’m doing somethingenvironmentally positive by helping vessels to beenvironmentally compliant with their fuel,” hesays.

What disturbs Gawthrop is what he likens itto “open season onHowe Sound,” with “unreg-ulated” opportunity for “pillaging of the Sound.”Along with the 1,200 fromBowenwho signeda petition protesting LNG, Gawthrop is partic-ularly concerned that tankers that would not bepermitted in the U.S. are getting into Canadianwaters.

“Canada doesn’t regulate the way they do inthe U.S.,” he says, adding that, in his opinion,in the U.S., the LNGproposal for Howe Sound,wouldn’t have stood a chance of seeing the lightof day.

“Woodfibre would be dead in the water fromthe get-go. Canadian regulation doesn’t have anyteeth.” He thinks that both the U.S. andAustraliaare far ahead of Canada when it comes to pro-

Surprising adversary speaking outThe discord unfolding in Howe Soundunsettles fuel and shipping entrepreneur

Marc Gawthrop takes a break from his busy life to chat with The Undercurrentabout his life and his passions. photo Louise Loik

tecting their shores.With regard to LNG, his concern is less about

the tankers andmore about what will happenboth upstream and downstream. “We need toreally look upstream at the cost and impact offracking andwhat will happen inNorthern B.C.,”says Gawthrop.

Like themajority of the B.C. coastal popula-tion, Gawthrop says he is also dismayed by themultitude of ecological impacts ranging from therelease ofmethane to the need for billions of tonsof fresh water for the process, and the long-termgiveaway of resources and surrender of HoweSound’s environmental autonomy. “I’m pushingback because I live here, because I’ve done theresearch and I don’t like what I see.”

Gawthrop, though aman engaged in a worldof fuel and tankers, is outraged that there is anysupport by the Canadian government for LNG inHowe Sound. “There’s fuel, and then there’s that,”he says. Gawthrop represents the views ofmanyvocal opponents to the industrialization of HoweSound, and in particular of the LNGWoodfibresite.The concerns from political leaders and thegeneral population in the area have been welldocumented, but whatmay actually be the thingthat sinks the proposal is not the opposition but

the lack of demand for the product. “The classicresource extraction economy is an outdated wayof thinking about the economy,” says Gawthrop.

Gawthropmentions that he is getting readyto sing and perform on keyboard in Langley ina David Bowie tribute, and then he’ll performon the island at a coffee house with a ’60s theme.He also likes to talk about being part of the SnugCoveHouse ukulele band. He says this withalmost asmuch seriousness as anything else hediscusses.The ukulele case sits near him on thefloor as he talks. He has been known to walk inthe cove on the way to his car strumming hisukulele, but the piano is his passion. “I’m hopingthere will be a buyer for the piano at the gallery,”he says. “I’mwilling to provide a new piano, aslong as someone buys that one.”

On that note,Marc Gawthrop turns hisattention to a table where an assistant is doingpaperwork. “I’m developing software for theindustry,” he says, adding he’s hoping to shiftshipping from paper-based data to digitized data.It’s just another wayGawthrop is “pushing back.”

Warmth pushing early plantsOK, so how do you garden

on The Rock? The answer isalways: it depends.We will dig deeper for

those answers in future arti-cles.What’s Happening Now?

Are you sensing an early gar-dening season? The El Ninohas brought us a warm andwet winter, pushing plantsahead in their unfurling andbudding, but other plants,such as tulip bulbs, somegrasses and Mediterranean-type plants needing excellentdrainage, such as lavenders orsage, may succumb to moldor rot in these warm, wet con-ditions.Hardiness zones: These

maps are helpful but notalways accurate as there aremany micro-pocket zonesthat may be warmer or colderthan what is typical for yourbroader area.

from PAGE 3

10 • FRIDAY JANUARY 29 2016 WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

Distance:3 NAUTICALMILESCrossing Time:20 MINUTES

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Page 11: Bowen Island Undercurrent January 29 2016

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Page 12: Bowen Island Undercurrent January 29 2016

12 > FRIDAY JANUARY 29 2016 WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

Goldsmith-Jones is alsothe Secretary to the Ministerof Foreign Affairs. She toldcouncil that she gets handeda list of her emails everymorning, in alphabeticalorder. She joked that as shejuggles the wide-rangingdemands of her job, whenshe gets that list, Bowen ison her list, but somewhereafter Bahrain.Regardless of the pressures

of her position, Skeels saysshe was “extremely well-in-formed on Howe Sound. Sheknows Bowen well. She didnot disappoint.”

New MP‘knowsBowenwell’from PAGE 1

Goldsmith-Jones

Island girls turf it outThe Bowen Island U12 girls soc-

cer team practises running, passing,and kicking before a Sunday morningmatch.Clockwise from top left: Grace

Quarry and Kaelyn Denis-Lay play pass;Kaelyn Denis-Lay, Livia Jones, SadieWall, Miranda Foster and Greenlee Lyne

wrestle for possession; Myah Grundystays warm with a toque and mitts; LiviaJones and Greenlee Lyne go head tohead; Miranda Foster, Myah Grundy,Maesy Hartwick, Kaelyn Denis-Layand Greenlee Lyne chase down the ball;dribbling is an important skill to master.

LOUISE LOIK photos

12 • FRIDAY JANUARY 29 2016 WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

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