March 29, 2013

Building on Bowen

Bowen Island UndercUrrent - Black Press - 2013

Page 2 • Building on Bowen 2013

The Bowen Island Undercurrent, and

this 2013 Building on Bowen guide, are by Black Press Group Ltd. All Advertising

and news copy content are copyright of the Undercurrent

newspaper. All editorial content submitted to the Undercurrent

becomes the property of the publication. The Undercurrent is not responsible

for unsolicited manuscripts, art work

and photographs. PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC, V0N 1G0Phone: 604.947.2442

editor@bowenisland undercurrent.com ads@bowenisland undercurrent.com

Frits de Fries Architect Ltd. 2Openspace Architecture 2Aquatic Escapes Aquarium Services 3Amy Adams Architectural Technician 4Island Girls Gardening & Lawn Care 4Artist in the Garden Designs 4Ocean Air Electric 5Bowen Island Gutters 5Alderway Homes 6Bowen Island Septic Services 7Metro Blasting 7Wakefield Construction Inc. 8Mil Con Custom Homes 9PM Homes 10Barbara Wahler Interior Design 11Burns Jennings Custom Art Furniture 12Moss and Oak 12 Jennie Frizzo Personal Real Estate Corp. 13Theresa Anderson Remax Masters 13Dee Elliott Personal Real Estate Corp. 14David Riddell Personal Real Estate Corp. 15Bowen Building Centre Ltd. 16

Advertiser index


The Bowen Island Undercurrent, and

this 2013 Building on Bowen guide, are by Black Press Group Ltd. All Advertising

and news copy content are copyright of the Undercurrent

newspaper. All editorial content submitted to the Undercurrent

becomes the property of the publication. The Undercurrent is not responsible

for unsolicited manuscripts, art work

and photographs. PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC, V0N 1G0Phone: 604.947.2442

editor@bowenisland undercurrent.com ads@bowenisland undercurrent.com

Frits de Fries Architect Ltd. 2Openspace Architecture 2Aquatic Escapes Aquarium Services 3Amy Adams Architectural Technician 4Island Girls Gardening & Lawn Care 4Artist in the Garden Designs 4Ocean Air Electric 5Bowen Island Gutters 5Alderway Homes 6Bowen Island Septic Services 7Metro Blasting 7Wakefield Construction Inc. 8Mil Con Custom Homes 9PM Homes 10Barbara Wahler Interior Design 11Burns Jennings Custom Art Furniture 12Moss and Oak 12 Jennie Frizzo Personal Real Estate Corp. 13Theresa Anderson Remax Masters 13Dee Elliott Personal Real Estate Corp. 14David Riddell Personal Real Estate Corp. 15Bowen Building Centre Ltd. 16

Advertiser index

Building on Bowen 2013 • Page 3

Building on BowenAaah – island life. The expression seems to be synonymous with a slower pace and an easy-going attitude. Both can be found on Bowen Island, situated in Howe Sound on the west coast of British Columbia, yet they do not necessarily reflect on how is-landers do business. There is a wide variety of quality goods and services available on Bowen Island and this resource guide lists an impressive array of talent for those looking to buy, build, renovate or maintain a home on the island. Bowen Island is only a 20-minute ferry

ride away from the city of Vancouver, yet the life-style is different. The speed limit on the winding road does not exceed 40 km/h. Deer are bound to wander into one’s back yard. It is a community where people know one another’s name and Bowen is said to have the largest num-ber of children per capita of any B.C. municipality. Bowen has approximately 3,000 full-time residents. In the summer, that number almost doubles when the “summer people” arrive to enjoy their get-aways. More than half of Bowen’s residents commute to work by ferry or

watertaxi that provides easy access to the mainland. The island covers only 20 square miles but it supports two biological zones: the dry Coastal Fir Zone with some of the largest remaining forests of Arbutus and Douglas Fir, and the Coastal Western Hemlock Zone that receives a lot of rain-fall and is found only on a few islands in Howe Sound. With its mountains, lakes and streams, Bowen is home to a wide variety of wildlife. It’s a beautiful place to live and Building on Bowen is designed to help islanders make the most of it.

About the cover and top photos: Landscape de-signer Wyn Nielsen’s home overlooks the bluffs at Evergreen (a new development located on the west side of the island) and is built to meet a Built Green Gold Standard. Debra Stringfellow photos

604.999.9949 www.aquaticescapes.caServing Bowen and the Lower Mainland

Aquatic Escapes Aquarium Services

Custom Aquarium Design, Installation and Maintenance





Building on BowenAaah – island life. The expression seems to be synonymous with a slower pace and an easy-going attitude. Both can be found on Bowen Island, situated in Howe Sound on the west coast of British Columbia, yet they do not necessarily reflect on how is-landers do business. There is a wide variety of quality goods and services available on Bowen Island and this resource guide lists an impressive array of talent for those looking to buy, build, renovate or maintain a home on the island. Bowen Island is only a 20-minute ferry

ride away from the city of Vancouver, yet the life-style is different. The speed limit on the winding road does not exceed 40 km/h. Deer are bound to wander into one’s back yard. It is a community where people know one another’s name and Bowen is said to have the largest num-ber of children per capita of any B.C. municipality. Bowen has approximately 3,000 full-time residents. In the summer, that number almost doubles when the “summer people” arrive to enjoy their get-aways. More than half of Bowen’s residents commute to work by ferry or

watertaxi that provides easy access to the mainland. The island covers only 20 square miles but it supports two biological zones: the dry Coastal Fir Zone with some of the largest remaining forests of Arbutus and Douglas Fir, and the Coastal Western Hemlock Zone that receives a lot of rain-fall and is found only on a few islands in Howe Sound. With its mountains, lakes and streams, Bowen is home to a wide variety of wildlife. It’s a beautiful place to live and Building on Bowen is designed to help islanders make the most of it.

About the cover and top photos: Landscape de-signer Wyn Nielsen’s home overlooks the bluffs at Evergreen (a new development located on the west side of the island) and is built to meet a Built Green Gold Standard. Debra Stringfellow photos





Wyn NielseN

Gardening in rural areas is different than typical suburban or city gardens. There are the obvious challenges not gen-erally suffered by the city gardener such as our adorable “stomachs on four legs”, aka, deer. Loved by many, charm-ing to observe, but not while dining on one’s beloved peren-nials or whacking a favourite shrub down to a few broken sticks. Can we negotiate a truce, please? Mind you, our city relatives must deal with pollutants, compacted soils, secu-rity, privacy issues and tiny spaces heavily overshadowed by neighbouring houses. A significant difference can be found in the design con-siderations of city versus more relaxed, rural gardens – the visual and physical integration of one’s personal garden into surrounding natural island scenery. The design requirements and aesthetics that make sense to a city or suburban garden often do not translate well to an island garden. Often, we bring urban gardening sensibilities with us when we move here and try to apply them to a very different environment. The results can be disappointing and ineffective and oppor-tunities to integrate the natural rural assets into the design are missed. My definition of a naturalized garden is one that is di-verse, healthy, ecologically sustainable, in visual harmony with the surrounding landscape and with a strong “sense of place”.

Naturalistic gardens

Do you want to keep your garden natural and integrated with the landscape outside its boundaries? Wyn Nielsen of Artist in the Garden Design has some suggestions on how to keep out the deer without losing the view.

Susan Pratt photo

604 947-0191 or 604 838-7271www.artistinthegarden.ca

[email protected] or [email protected]

Artist in the Garden Designs by Wynn Nielsen

Specializing in naturalistic style gardens.604 947-0191 or 604 838-7271


Artist in the Garden Designsby Wynn Nielsen

Specializing in naturalistic style gardens.604 947-0191 or 604 838-7271


Artist in the Garden DesignsSpecializing in naturalistic style gardens.

Reclaiming part of our natural world, one garden

at a time.


Wyn NielseN

Gardening in rural areas is different than typical suburban or city gardens. There are the obvious challenges not gen-erally suffered by the city gardener such as our adorable “stomachs on four legs”, aka, deer. Loved by many, charm-ing to observe, but not while dining on one’s beloved peren-nials or whacking a favourite shrub down to a few broken sticks. Can we negotiate a truce, please? Mind you, our city relatives must deal with pollutants, compacted soils, secu-rity, privacy issues and tiny spaces heavily overshadowed by neighbouring houses. A significant difference can be found in the design con-siderations of city versus more relaxed, rural gardens – the visual and physical integration of one’s personal garden into surrounding natural island scenery. The design requirements and aesthetics that make sense to a city or suburban garden often do not translate well to an island garden. Often, we bring urban gardening sensibilities with us when we move here and try to apply them to a very different environment. The results can be disappointing and ineffective and oppor-tunities to integrate the natural rural assets into the design are missed. My definition of a naturalized garden is one that is di-verse, healthy, ecologically sustainable, in visual harmony with the surrounding landscape and with a strong “sense of place”.

Naturalistic gardens

Do you want to keep your garden natural and integrated with the landscape outside its boundaries? Wyn Nielsen of Artist in the Garden Design has some suggestions on how to keep out the deer without losing the view.

Susan Pratt photo


Other definitions include: “a naturalistic garden’s inherent beauty is inextricably linked to the landscape on which it is cre-ated; the garden looks different in differ-ent parts of the country, each is unique; properly conceived, these gardens can reduce water usage, enhance water quality, help compensate for habitat loss and encourage biodiversity”. This often means incorporating native plantings, in-digenous rocks, groundcovers and other local natural elements into the personal garden and selecting, for diversity, non-indigenous plants that are visually, cultur-ally and horticulturally compatible. Naturalistic style gardens can be incred-ibly diverse and visually stunning as well as important wildlife habitats. Favourite plants that might not meet the “natural-istic” criteria can often be accommodated in ways that do not affect the overall sense of place, by creating special focus compositions or pots that relate to their immediate surroundings like the house, pool, gazebo or patio. Fencing is an important consideration for a rural garden, when taking advan-

tage of “borrowed” views -- whether a panoramic view of ocean and mountains or a simple rock outcropping, fern grotto or water runoff feature adjacent to your lot. There is fencing and then there is bet-ter fencing. For anyone wishing to grow vegetables or enjoy a garden offering a broader visual feast than sword ferns, co-nifers, salal and a dozen garden stalwarts, some fencing is inevitable. But simply re-sorting to the ubiquitous solid wood slat 6’ to 8’ high fence+lattice of urbanity is not inevitable. First, consider the need for a fence. Do you want to keep deer out? Keep kids/dogs in? Nude sunbathing? Neighbour issues? Grow a vertical garden on a fence? Block unappealing views? Grow, um, herbs? Or perhaps the fence itself is the art in the garden. You might not need a fence at all; could a hedge or natural hedgerow do the job? There are many reasons for fencing but no reason to fence more than you need to fence. Your budget will thank you, as will many of your island neighbours. Personally, I like “green” fences – a bar-rier no higher than needed, only where

needed, with compositions of shrubs/trees planted on both sides, and per-haps where the inside garden “escapes” through an open-grid fence to cavort with the landscape beyond your actual lot line. This can work brilliantly to blur the hard geometry of lot boundaries and expand your garden view beyond its physical borders. As the shrubbery grows, the fence disappears and billowing greenery remains. Simple sturdy wire and posts can make an excellent fence. It may take a bit lon-ger but as we “green” our houses, why not green our fences too? A bonus, deer will rarely attempt to jump a fence with significant shrubbery planted on both sides – they need a clear landing spot. Perhaps the community could have a “friendly fence and creative fencing solu-tions” contest to help spur innovation in fencing – island friendly fencing that helps keep our developments open and neighbourly and our stunning natural surroundings visually accessible and an in-tegral piece of our personal landscapes.

and friendly fencing

“Light up your life”

CALL: [email protected]

OceanairelectricNew Construction • Reno’s/RepairsServing Bowen & Area for Over 16 Years Bowen

Island

GuttersWAYNE TATLOW

(778) 867-0028JULIAN MILSTED(604) 329-7811

JESSE MILSTED(604) 834-5559

• Continuous 5” to 6” gutters

• Half round gutters• Copper, metal and aluminum

• Leaf Guards

NEW ON BOWEN!Whether building a new home or restoring a classic, we provide attractive, effi cient gutter systems that

improve the value of your home.


It starts with an idea and ends with the culmination of the job. In between, there are steps of a home im-provement project that can mean the difference be-tween success and frustration. The initial stage of a renovation is the planning or programming stage when a homeowner works through the concept of the project and determines what he or she would like to accomplish and what is necessary to complete the task in terms of time com-mitment, professional help and budget. Bowen Island interior designer Barbara Wahler says, “Planning or programming means sitting down to figure out what you want to do and set priorities. This is where you set the scope of your project, determine your budget is and figure out how to accomplish it.” Many people find it helpful to write out plans and draw up the concept. This doesn’t require expensive architectural software. A simple piece of graph paper plotted with measurements and a sketch are often suf-ficient for small projects. If the job will be expansive and require an architect or engineer, he or she will of-ten provide a technical drawing.If the project doesn’t involve construction, some find it helpful to create a design board. This is where fabric swatches, paint colour samples, pictures of furniture and accessories, and any other components of the room are put together.

Planning

Design elements for Bowen Island homes are often inspired by the landscape that surrounds them. Susanne Martin photo

AlderwayHomes

Doug JamiesonCell: 604.690.3328

[email protected]

New Homes, Additions, RenovationsQuality Craftsmanship – Foundations to FinishingExperienced, Certified, Guaranteed

S t r u c t u r a l & P e r s o n a l I n t e g r i t y


It starts with an idea and ends with the culmination of the job. In between, there are steps of a home im-provement project that can mean the difference be-tween success and frustration. The initial stage of a renovation is the planning or programming stage when a homeowner works through the concept of the project and determines what he or she would like to accomplish and what is necessary to complete the task in terms of time com-mitment, professional help and budget. Bowen Island interior designer Barbara Wahler says, “Planning or programming means sitting down to figure out what you want to do and set priorities. This is where you set the scope of your project, determine your budget is and figure out how to accomplish it.” Many people find it helpful to write out plans and draw up the concept. This doesn’t require expensive architectural software. A simple piece of graph paper plotted with measurements and a sketch are often suf-ficient for small projects. If the job will be expansive and require an architect or engineer, he or she will of-ten provide a technical drawing.If the project doesn’t involve construction, some find it helpful to create a design board. This is where fabric swatches, paint colour samples, pictures of furniture and accessories, and any other components of the room are put together.

Planning

Design elements for Bowen Island homes are often inspired by the landscape that surrounds them. Susanne Martin photo


Establishing a budget and determining the project’s financ-ing is another part of the planning stage. It can be helpful to make a list of income and expenses and find out how much funding can be allocated to a project. When getting estimates on the work, whether it will be done by a contractor or a ‘do it yourself’ project, the home-owner should make a list of approximate costs (rounding up) and then compare it against the available funds. Even projects that don’t require structural changes can benefit from professional help. “Hiring a designer or architect doesn’t mean that the cost of the project has to grow exponentially,” Wahler said. “But it can yield higher quality results.” She explained that many people are afraid that they relinquish control the minute a designer or architect walks through the door but that is not necessarily the case. She recommends finding the right pro-fessional or team with the willingness to listen and under-stand the client’s goals. Interior designer Amie Thomas said that her clients can get a 15 to 40 per cent discount on materials, and that this sum can easily justify paying design fees. “Even if people want to transform their home with their own ideas, consulting a designer can pay off,” she said.”A designer often brings a fresh perspective and can present vi-able options.” Good planning or programming can make a project much easier and ensure that it is done just right - to the satisfac-tion of everyone involved.

for success

604 947 2885


Avery A9672-0 ‘Grow Green’PMS - 362

CMYK 60 0 80 20

Avery A9055-0 ‘Dark Gray’PMS - 7540

CMYK 0 0 0 70


Many home inprovement projects re-quire permits issued by the municipality. Building permits are required to ensure public safety, health and welfare as they are affected by building construction, structural strength, zoning, and code re-quirements. In essence, building permits are how the government regulates safety and protects both current and future resi-dents of the property. In many cases, homeowners need to visit the municipal building to apply for a per-mit. The permit may not immediately be issued and there is usually a fee or fees for permit application, that covers any clerical work. Work should not begin until a permit is received. Depending on building codes, inspections of the work may need to take place after all of the project is completed or during certain phases. For example, the building of a deck may require in-spections after footings are installed and secured, and before the upper portions of the decking materials are attached. If an inspection takes place afterward, the inspector will be looking for key code is-sues to determine whether the work was

completed successfully. If a contractor was used, he or she may have to be present at the time of the inspection. If the work passes, an approval will be given and put on record. If the work fails, applicable repairs will have to be made and a re-inspection will be scheduled. Should a home be put on the market, all permits may need to be on file or in the homeowners’ possession in order for a certificate of occupancy to be issued to the new buyer. Bowen Island Municipal Council is re-sponsible for governing the municipality under the authority of the Community Charter, Local Government Act and the Island Trust Act. Bowen Island is the first island municipality within the Islands Trust. It is also a member municipality of Metro Vancouver. Its policies reflect the require-ments of both those governing bodies.The municipality suggests that an up to date property survey should be consulted before building a fence, gazebo or shed, taking down trees or updating the land-scaping. Property surveys are valuable tools and, with today’s advancements in GPS technology, it is possible to determine

the precise location of all property lines, easements, setbacks and buildings. The Bowen Island Municipality is a mem-ber of BC OneCall - Call BEFORE you dig. It is recommended to contact BC OneCall prior to commencing any applicable per-mitted works. Permits are needed to con-struct a driveway access, to hold an event parade or procession, occupy a municipal highway and remove trees in the munici-pal highway. The building inspector deals with build-ing permit applications, rezoning ap-plication and subdivision applications. A development permit is necessary when proposing to develop or subdivide prop-erty in a designated development permit area in the Bowen Island Municipality Land Use Bylaw. To find out if a property is within a designated development permit area, it is recommended to refer to the Official Community Plan or contact the community planner at (604) 947-4255. At this time, Bowen Island Municipality does not require licences for businesses. All the relevant documents can be found on the municipality’s website at www.bimbc.ca.

Permits and licences

MIL CON CUSTOM HOMES LTD. www.milconcustomhomes.com

Julian Milsted(604) 329-7811

Jesse Milsted(604) 834-5559

Certi� ed Journeymen, Insured and Bonded, Home Warranty Available

BOWEN ISLAND BCwww.pmhomes.ca

BOWEN ISLAND BC

Whether a job is large or small, our goal is to provide the highest level of service to every client. By providing efficient estimating, consistent management, careful cost tracking, quality craftsmanship and attention to every detail; we strive to make the construction experience as enjoyable and stress free as possible.

Paul McGillivray Homes has been serving the construction needs of Bowen Island and the North Shore for five years. With strong roots here on the island our management and crew have a unique understanding of local building trends and practices.


BarBara WAHLER

Hectic lives, tight budgets, environ-mental impact; these are a few of the issues that come to mind and stand in the way when we start to think about home improvement. Change doesn’t have to be expen-sive or demand that all be thrown away to start from scratch. There’s a simple way to give a fresh look to the space that you have and create a new background for the things that you own. If your walls are faded, your scheme dated or you just crave change; it’s time to paint. The colour selection process can be scary but there are ways to approach the task that reduce the odds of making a mistake and will help you find your perfect palette. Since your goal is to find a scheme that reflects your taste and lifestyle, the exploration should begin right inside your space. Look around in search of inspiration. Is there a piece of art that you love, an interesting

rug or a beautiful fabric on your sofa? Its colour could lead you right to your scheme or its texture might sug-gest that neutrals or naturals lead your way. If it’s style, what colours will support it? The pastels that suit the charm of vintage cottage would be totally out of place in a craftsman cabin.If there’s nothing there that moves you, step outside the box. That first spark of inspiration should be easy to find. It could be on your kitchen table in a basket of fruit or a vase full of flowers. Take a walk along the beach or through the forest. Just keep your eyes open and let the spirit move you. Who uses the space and what do they do there? Colour can set a mood, promote a feeling or influence how its users feel and function. A bright red room will be lively and bold. The same room, pale green; will be calm and serene. A soft sunny yel-low speaks of light and cheer while a deep shade of purple says mystery and magic.

Pick up a paintbrush

Sometimes a piece of art or a beautiful fabric can inspire a new colour scheme. Interior designer Barbara Wahler sheds some light on how colours can set the mood, promote a feeling and influ-ence feel and function.Peter Baumgartner photos


BarBara WAHLER

Hectic lives, tight budgets, environ-mental impact; these are a few of the issues that come to mind and stand in the way when we start to think about home improvement. Change doesn’t have to be expen-sive or demand that all be thrown away to start from scratch. There’s a simple way to give a fresh look to the space that you have and create a new background for the things that you own. If your walls are faded, your scheme dated or you just crave change; it’s time to paint. The colour selection process can be scary but there are ways to approach the task that reduce the odds of making a mistake and will help you find your perfect palette. Since your goal is to find a scheme that reflects your taste and lifestyle, the exploration should begin right inside your space. Look around in search of inspiration. Is there a piece of art that you love, an interesting

rug or a beautiful fabric on your sofa? Its colour could lead you right to your scheme or its texture might sug-gest that neutrals or naturals lead your way. If it’s style, what colours will support it? The pastels that suit the charm of vintage cottage would be totally out of place in a craftsman cabin.If there’s nothing there that moves you, step outside the box. That first spark of inspiration should be easy to find. It could be on your kitchen table in a basket of fruit or a vase full of flowers. Take a walk along the beach or through the forest. Just keep your eyes open and let the spirit move you. Who uses the space and what do they do there? Colour can set a mood, promote a feeling or influence how its users feel and function. A bright red room will be lively and bold. The same room, pale green; will be calm and serene. A soft sunny yel-low speaks of light and cheer while a deep shade of purple says mystery and magic.

Pick up a paintbrush

Sometimes a piece of art or a beautiful fabric can inspire a new colour scheme. Interior designer Barbara Wahler sheds some light on how colours can set the mood, promote a feeling and influ-ence feel and function.Peter Baumgartner photos

BARBARA WAHLER INTERIOR DESIGNR.I.D. C.K.D. [email protected]

SPACE ANALYSIS • PLAN DEVELOPMENT • DESIGN DETAILING • PROJECT DOCUMENTATION • TEAM BUILDING • KITCHEN & BATH PLANNING • ESTIMATING • COLOUR • FURNITURE • LIGHTING • STORAGE • FABRICS • FLOOR COVERING • WINDOW TREATMENT • ART & ACCESSORY PLACEMENT Studio Open House... 1227 Oceanview road... Saturday, April 6th. from 10:00 -12:00 and 2:00 - 5:00. Look at samples, browse through books, ask specific questions or just chat about design. I hope to see you there.


instead of a sledgehammer Let’s cast some light on the subject. The quantity and quality of light in a space will make or break the success of any scheme. Light from the north is cool and diffuse. It can gray things down and make them dull. The antidote is colour, warm and clear, with contrasting accents to add depth and di-mension. Light from the south is warm and sharp, creating its own contrast. It welcomes combinations, warm or cool, but keep them muted and never stark or harsh. Light from east and west can be a chal-lenge, susceptible to change throughout the day. Focus on the times that a space is most used and then add extra light to keep things balanced. Now it’s time to head for the paint store, keeping your ideas clearly in mind. Don’t get sidetracked by trends, in-fluenced by colour forecasts or distracted by manufacturers preconceived schemes.Forget about the quick pick and purchase. Those sample strips are great for looking at the options but the chips are small and often affected by the colours around them. What seems perfect in the paint store today could be depressing in your den tomorrow.

Narrow it down to your top contenders, then bring small cans home and put patches on the wall. See how those choices look and feel in the light that you have morning, noon and night. A few extra days and dollars spent now will be well worth it later when you go back to the store to buy those big cans with con-fidence. Clear the room as best you can. You need enough space to work. Imperfections will be old scars on your new face so make sure that your walls are properly prepared. Protect the things that you want to keep and deal with the stuff you’ve been mean-ing to get rid of. Clear the decks so you can play when it’s time to put things back. When that time comes, don’t rush it. Think about different placement for furni-ture and new ways to display art or objects. Explore different groupings and interesting compositions. Build a collection around a theme or create your own art out of every-day objects. The place is yours and it’s all up to you. Exercise your freedom of expression, have some fun and enjoy your new space!


instead of a sledgehammer Let’s cast some light on the subject. The quantity and quality of light in a space will make or break the success of any scheme. Light from the north is cool and diffuse. It can gray things down and make them dull. The antidote is colour, warm and clear, with contrasting accents to add depth and di-mension. Light from the south is warm and sharp, creating its own contrast. It welcomes combinations, warm or cool, but keep them muted and never stark or harsh. Light from east and west can be a chal-lenge, susceptible to change throughout the day. Focus on the times that a space is most used and then add extra light to keep things balanced. Now it’s time to head for the paint store, keeping your ideas clearly in mind. Don’t get sidetracked by trends, in-fluenced by colour forecasts or distracted by manufacturers preconceived schemes.Forget about the quick pick and purchase. Those sample strips are great for looking at the options but the chips are small and often affected by the colours around them. What seems perfect in the paint store today could be depressing in your den tomorrow.

Narrow it down to your top contenders, then bring small cans home and put patches on the wall. See how those choices look and feel in the light that you have morning, noon and night. A few extra days and dollars spent now will be well worth it later when you go back to the store to buy those big cans with con-fidence. Clear the room as best you can. You need enough space to work. Imperfections will be old scars on your new face so make sure that your walls are properly prepared. Protect the things that you want to keep and deal with the stuff you’ve been mean-ing to get rid of. Clear the decks so you can play when it’s time to put things back. When that time comes, don’t rush it. Think about different placement for furni-ture and new ways to display art or objects. Explore different groupings and interesting compositions. Build a collection around a theme or create your own art out of every-day objects. The place is yours and it’s all up to you. Exercise your freedom of expression, have some fun and enjoy your new space!


The crooked piece of alder had a natural edge, a huge check in the middle and was split up to three inches wide. For a year, it was left outside on purpose until rod crept in, forming black lines that now criss-cross the wood, a process that is called spalting. Then the gaps were secured so they wouldn’t crack any further and a piece of Bowen granite was added. Voila - a piece of garbage had been turned into a beautiful display or sofa back table. This is an example of how furniture maker Burns Jennings finds his materials and uses them as inspiration. “In our busy, buy-off-the-shelf, throwaway society, many have lost the connection to artisans and personalized home furniture design.” says Jennings, whose goal it is to create fur-niture that lasts for generations. A core component behind Jennings’ designs is a sense of environmental awareness and he shares the desire to create pieces of “heirloom quality” not just with artists and artisans but also with designers, builders and architects. Many professionals working on Bowen Island know that en-ergy efficiency and environmental responsibility top the list of demands of those looking to buy or build a home. Taking energy efficiency into consideration for constructing or renovating a house is not only beneficial to the environ-ment, it can result in substantial savings on heating, cooling, lighting and other operating costs. Insulation plays an important role in retaining heat and methods such as earth sheltering can be very effective. Earth sheltering uses the insulating properties of the soil to decrease the strain on mechanical heating or cooling systems as theearth’s ambient temperature is roughly 10° Celsius.

Sustainable


The location and exposure of a building will influence the extent of passive heating and cooling through sunlight, shade and ventilation that regulates interior temperatures. In addition to traditional energy sources, some Bowen households make use of wind power, solar power and heat from a ground source. Natural lighting that makes use of daylight can lower the electricity bill as long as the windows do not contribute to heat loss. Bowen’s energy-efficient homes feature triple-pane windows that let in ample sunlight while reducing heat loss. Energy efficient appliances, LED and compact fluorescent lamps, water heat-recovering units and solar heated show-ers can all contribute to reducing the energy footprint of a home. Rainwater harvesting can also lead to making a home sus-tainable. A popular method is to have water run from the roof into barrels from gutters or cisterns. Alternative building materials that have been successfully used on Bowen Island are straw bale, hempcrete and rammed earth. Building ‘green’ from the ground up can be a tall order. However, a reliable guideline for the highest standards is available from LEED, the non-profit Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Its division, LEED for Homes, is a rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance houses using energy efficient construction materials. Furthermore, a green home will use less energy, water and natural resources; create less waste; and be healthier and more comfortable for the occupants.

and built to lastArt and furniture by Burns Jennings.

Debra Stringfellow photos

THERESA ANDERSON

CELL: 604.790.4463EMAIL: [email protected]

839 SEYMOUR DRIVE 202 HIGHLAND TRAIL 961 BLUE SKY

➤ “Serving you with passion, integrity & knowledge.”

➤ “ I am as passionate about Real Estate as I was, for over 20 years, about marketing and advertising; just as I am with all other challenges I seize.”

➤ “ I will work hard to achieve all of your Real Estate goals by ‘partnering’ with you and negotiating the optimum transaction for you.”

BEAUTIFUL CUSTOM BUILT HOME!Situated on a spacious private property with idyllic views of the forest, creeks and gorgeous natural setting. This newer custom built home was constructed with care and quality. Finished with natural wood siding and wood casement windows. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere on your large wrap around deck. The home features 4 bed-rooms and 3 bathrooms on 3 levels. The main floor features 9’ ceilings, gorgeous hardwood floors, big open living areas with fireplace, spacious windows and glass doors that open onto the deck. Custom wood cabinets with rich granite counters and stainless appliances grace the kitchen. Huge master suite on upper level with ensuite bathroom and walk in closet. Lower level has 2 more bedrooms, family room and full bath. In-floor heating on main floor and bathrooms. This lovely home is situated on the west side of the island and close to beautiful beaches, trails and gorgeous island living. Priced well below replacement value makes this home an excellent choice.946 Spyglass Road $649,000

BOWEN ISLAND’S TOP PRODUCING REALTOR SINCE 2009

ACCREDITED BUYERS REPRESENTATIVE

5 YearsDee ElliottPERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

[email protected] • www.bowenhomes.ca

604-612-7798


Lois Meyers-Carter

Bowen Island is made up of more than 30 neighbourhoods. Some are fairly new and some date back to the late 1800s, and each makes a unique contribution to the community profile of the island. The island attracts people for many reasons. From the earliest days, it’s been a place to make a living. In the 1870s, logging companies identified Bowen as a terrific place to get first growth tim-ber. Slopes were not too steep and the site was fairly close to the mainland. A number of mining claims were registered and later, Snug Point clay made two brickyards possible. In 1912, a dynamite factory was created on a Tunstall Bay site. The island’s had grocery stores and tea rooms since the turn of the century. From the late 1800s, Bowen Island was a destination for immigrants, a place to make a new beginning, to pre-empt land and maybe, have a little farm. Settlers from a host of countries included a small group of Japanese and Chinese laborers,

sometimes with their families. Among the early settlers were the Graftons who pre-empted 470 acres which they ultimately sub-divided into 16 lots keep-ing four 40-acre-parcels for themselves. The Graftons weren’t the only family to sub-divide: the Millers were selling land in 1909. Professional developers were ac-tive as well. The 61 Cliftonville lots were packaged in 1912, Scarborough lots in 1912 and Eagle Cliff in 1913. By the end of 1914, over 300 lots had been created, mostly for summer use. Many of the first neighbourhoods were established near the water. Not only was water the primary means of transporta-tion to the mainland, it provided entic-ing water views, easy access to beaches and a source for household use. In the early 1900s, Captain Jack Cates’ Terminal Steamship Company created an af-fordable summer resort which brought hundreds of visitors to the island. Word spread and in 1920, the Terminal resort was purchased by the Union Steamship Company. Among its many new facilities

was an octagonal dance pavilion and Midnight Cruise dances became a week-end highlight. Into the 1950s, thousands of visitors found pleasure on Bowen Island and many dreamed of a summer home here, away from the big city’s hustle and bustle. Their dreams resulted in the growth of Deep Bay, Scarborough, Miller’s Landing, Mt Gardner, King Edward Bay, Cowan Point, Eagle Cliff, Hood Point, Bluewater and more. In 2013, a full list of Bowen neighbour-hoods would include Apodaca Park, Arbutus Point, Artisan Square, Bowen Bay, Cates Hill, Cove Bay, Davies Orchard, Fairweather Point, Galbraith Bay, Hood Point West, The Holdings, Queen Charlotte Heights, Sealeigh Park,Snug Cove, Snug Point, Sunset Park, Timber Grove, Tunstall Bay, Valhalla, The Valley, and Village Square. As Bowen’s population continues to grow, additional housing and facilities create a new fascinating mix of neigh-bours and neighbourhoods.

Bowen Island neighbourhoods


David Riddell Personal Real Estate Corporation604-657-1864 | [email protected]

$1,250,000

1483 WEBB ROAD

$535,000

898 WINDJAMMER

$699,000

891 HUMMINGBIRD

$895,000

430 SMUGGLERS COVE

View all of the listings for Bowen Island by going to

www.bowenislandhomes.com

$595,000

SNUG COVE INVESTMENT921 FAIRWAY LANE

$699,000

1220 OCEANVIEW

$975,000$805,000

330 SALAL ROAD1354 MT. GARDNER

Starting @ $640,000

BRAND NEW HOUSES BY THE GOLF COURSEBY THE GOLF COURSEBY THE GOLF COURSE

$485,000

1294 OCEANVIEW RD

$419,000

903 WINDJAMMER

SOLD!

604-657-1864 | [email protected] [email protected] OCEANVIEW RD1294 OCEANVIEW RD1294 OCEANVIEW RD1294 OCEANVIEW RD1294 OCEANVIEW RD1294 OCEANVIEW RD1294 OCEANVIEW RD1294 OCEANVIEW RD1294 OCEANVIEW RD1294 OCEANVIEW RD1294 OCEANVIEW RD1294 OCEANVIEW RD1294 OCEANVIEW RD1294 OCEANVIEW RD1294 OCEANVIEW RD1294 OCEANVIEW RD1294 OCEANVIEW RD1294 OCEANVIEW RD1294 OCEANVIEW RD1294 OCEANVIEW RD1294 OCEANVIEW RD1294 OCEANVIEW RD1294 OCEANVIEW RD1294 OCEANVIEW RD1294 OCEANVIEW RD1294 OCEANVIEW RD 903 WINDJAMMER903 WINDJAMMER903 WINDJAMMER903 WINDJAMMER903 WINDJAMMER903 WINDJAMMER903 WINDJAMMER903 WINDJAMMER903 WINDJAMMER903 WINDJAMMER903 WINDJAMMER903 WINDJAMMER903 WINDJAMMER903 WINDJAMMER


Visit our web site : www.bbcbowen.caContact us at: 604-947-9622Email us at: [email protected] visit us at 1013 Grafton Road, Bowen Island

See us for all of yourbusiness needs! We have

!

Bowen Building Centre Ltd.1013 Grafton Road

Bowen Island(604) 947-9622

Bowen Building Centre Ltd.

Everything you need!

We offer contractor and retail sales of all common building supplies, garden supplies plus much more.

From foundation to ridge top, we can supply you with everything you need to build or renovate your home.

Documents

March 29, 2013