75¢ including GST

FRIDAY JANUARY 2 2015

V O L . 4 1 , N O . 5 1

Watch for more online at: WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

MERIBETH DEENE D I T O R

Gustaaf Tasseron considers himself a mere visitor to Bowen Island. He has been traveling around the world for 35 years, and has a base here because of the presence of his daughter and four grandchildren. With this in mind, he has an idea for creating a happier, more peacable island, which came to him in October upon return from his last journey (to Denmark, the Republic of Djibouti, and Kenya).

Tasseron says that he attended a series of dinner parties at which the subject of conversation was Bowen politics, commu-nity and of course, divisions within the community.

“It occurred to me that by proclaiming democracy, we are in fact splitting up people into different groups, instead of build-ing community as we always claim to want to be doing here,” says Tasseron. “Democracy is not a guarantee that everyone will be listened to or even that we will have outcomes that reflect our values.”

Tasseron says that as he followed the developments and the conversations surrounding the municipal election, he began to see this separation more deeply.

“This division between developers and environmentalists,” he says. “To me it seems an irrelevant difference. You can not develop without taking care of the environment, and you can not, as an environmentalist, simply attempt to keep people out

in the effort to keep things clean.”With this in mind, Tasseron started looking for a goal or

a word that might unite the community of Bowen Island, instead of divide it.

“What came to mind was the word HAPPINESS: happiness for my self, my family and my community,” says Tasseron. This conclusion led him to investigating the Kingdom of Bhutan, a constitutional monarchy that uses “happiness” as opposed to economics, to determine the success of its governance.

The Bowen QueenSurviving the small boat and medical assured loading

KayakThe Jessie Award winning play with the Bowen-lead hits the stage, again

Digging deepResolutions from the couch

Sean Delaney and Louise MacIntosh work hard on dealing with all the post-Christmas recycling at BIRD. Maureen Sawasy, photo

A constitution to create an even “happier” isle?

continued, PAGE 8

NEED AD AND R#

MERIBETH DEEN

E D I T O R

The BC Ambulance Service Station 225 was

unusually busy in the lead up to New Year’s eve

this year. Paramedic Brendan

Donohue saysthat

during his shift between midnight on December 29th

and midnight on December 30th, he responded to four

calls, which, he says, is unus

ual during thetypically

slow winter season.Donohue drov

e to those calls in the

station’s new ambulance, whichis equipped with a com-

puter-aided dispatch (CAD) system. This device r

elays

all the information collected through the telephonedis-

patcher, such as the address, the type of em

ergency, and

the age of thepatient directl

y to the paramedics in the

driver and passenger seats of the ambulance.

“When we get paged for an emergency, we call the

dispatcher to confirm that we’ve received the message,”

says Donohue. “When we get into the ambulance, we

get the information collected by the dispatc

her as it

comes in.”What the new system does not offer

is updated soft-

ware for the GPS system that ensures th

e ambulance

drivers take the most direct rout

e emergency locations.

For Caring Circle coordinat

or Colleen O’Neil, this is

a major concern.

From pulp and

paper to liquid

natural gas

MERIBETH DEEN

E D I T O R

A former pulp mill near Squamish

on the North West shores of Howe

Sound may get a chance at a sec-

ond life as a Liquefied Natural Gas

(LNG) processing and export facility,

now that the National Energy Bo

ard

has approvedthe company’s applica-

tion to export LNG. The Canadian

Environmental Assessment Agency

is now asking for public comment

on whether a federal environmen-

tal assessment is required, and

whether the request by the P

rovince

of British Columbia to conduct the

environmental assessment, should be

approved.If the project g

oes forward,

approximately 3-4 tankers – each

roughly one and a half times the

size of a BC Ferries Coastal Class

Ferry (such as the ferries that

travel betweenHorseshoe bay

and

Nanaimo) - will pass by Bowen

Island every month. Propelled by

natural gas and using diesel as

a

back-up fuel, the double-hulled

tankers will carry 2.1 million tonnes

of liquefied natural gas toChina

every year.Marion Ngo, the manager of com

-

munications with Woodfibre Natu

ral

Gas Ltd., saysthe project is s

till in

the early phases of planning

, so ele-

ments regardingtechnology, en

gi-

neering and impacts of the projects

are yet to be determined. Many of

those details will be revealed

through

the environmental assessment pro-

cess, whetherit is conducted

by the

Federal government, Provincia

l gov-

ernment or both.

However, Ngosays Woodfibre

is expecting BC Hydro to provide

the power needed to compress the

natural gas into liquid form (the gas

needs to be cooled to approximately

-160 degrees Celcius).

Peter Frinton,Bowen’s repres

en-

tative to the Sea to Sky Clean Air

Society, says while the Societ

y is con-

cerned about the re-industrialization

of Howe Sound in general, the us

e

of hydro as a source ofpower largely

alleviates concerns about loc

alized

air pollution.“We really need to know the spe-

cifics,” says Frinton, “but I th

ink if

they were burning natural ga

s to

power their plant they would

likely

face a lot more opposition. From

my personal perspective, I am

a lot

more concernedabout the big p

ic-

ture when it comes to air quality, and

questions about say, greenhou

se gas

emissions createdthrough the natu-

ral gas industry as a whole.”

Merran Smith, the Bowen-based

director of Clean Energy with

Tides Canada,says that the th

ing to

remember about LNGis that it is a

fossil fuel.

Woodfibre Pulp and Paper shutdown in 2006.

A pending proposal could turn it into an LNG

export facility, sending

3 to 4 tankers past

Bowen every month

a wrapar in review for a few Bowen

munity organizations

Ring in the New Year

With upcoming concerts

Look what we found!

Another look at great stuf

f people got

at the Nook in 2013

FRIDAY

JAN 03, 2014VOL . 4 1 , NO . 0 1

Watch for more online at:

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

75¢ includingGST

Baby it’s cold inside (the water)! Swimmers brave the chilly waters of Howe Sound for the annual

Polar Beardip. Kami Ka

netsuka, photo

Bowen’s newambulance com

es with

new computer, but lacks GPS upda

tes

continued,PAGE 2

continued,PAGE 2

DED is now Detectableand Treatable

“Dry Eye Disease (DED) is one of the most under-diagnosed ocular disease

s, and yet it is the

most common reason why patients go see their Eye Doctor” Dr. Bowden says. Dry eye occurs

when eyes do not produce the correct quantity or quality of tears. Many people mistake the

dry eye symptoms for allergies,climatic conditions

or just “eyestrain”. Your eyes

need a constant

layer of tears—called the “tear film”— to maintain and protect the ocular surface

. In Dry Eye,

underlying changes to the health of the tear glands can result in a change in the quantity and

quality of the tears you make. This results in a tear film that can no longer provid

e enough

nourishment or protection to the surface of your eye. T

his can lead to damage of your eye’s

surface, which, in turn, can lead to the symptoms of Dry Eye su

ch as; stinging, burning, scratch

y

sensation, sensitivity to light, tearing,

tired eyes, and difficulty wearing contact lenses. DED

causes blurredvision, often worsening at the end of the day or after focusi

ng for a prolonged

i d on a nearby task like a computer screen.Optomeyes Eye Doctors now have a diagnostic

d rly detection of Dry Eye Disease. “We can quantitativelymonitor

rocess This helps us custom prescribe

t lk us aboutMarineDriv

e

ClydeAve

MarineDrive

ShoppersDrugMart

Parkade

SavaryIslandPieCo.

et

e age of the patient directly t

o the paramedics in the

iver and passenger seats of the ambulance.

“When we get paged for an emergency, we call the

ispatcher to confirm that we’ve received the message,”

ays Donohue.“When we get into the ambulance, we

get the information collected by the dispatc

her as it

comes in.”What the new system does not offer

is updated soft-

ware for the GPS system that ensures th

e ambulance

drivers take the most direct rout

e emergency locations.

For Caring Circle coordinat

or Colleen O’Neil, this is

a major concern.

From pulp and

paper to liquid

natural gas

MERIBETH DEEN

E D I T O R

A former pulp mill near Squamish

on the North West shores of Howe

Sound may get a chance at a sec-

ond life as a Liquefied Natural Gas

(LNG) processing and export facility,

now that the National Energy Bo

ard

has approvedthe company’s applica-

tion to export LNG. The Canadian

Environmental Assessment Agency

is now asking for public comment

on whether a federal environmen-

tal assessment is required, and

whether the request by the P

rovince

of British Columbia to conduct the

environmental assessment, should be

approved.If the project g

oes forward,

approximately 3-4 tankers – each

roughly one and a half times the

size of a BC Ferries Coastal Class

Ferry (such as the ferries that

travel betweenHorseshoe bay

and

Nanaimo) - will pass by Bowen

Island every month. Propelled by

natural gas and using diesel as

a

back-up fuel, the double-hulled

tankers will carry 2.1 million tonnes

of liquefied natural gas toChina

every year.Marion Ngo, the manager of com

-

munications with Woodfibre Natu

ral

Gas Ltd., saysthe project is s

till in

the early phases of planning

, so ele-

ments regardingtechnology, en

gi-

neering and impacts of the projects

are yet to be determined. Many of

those details will be revealed

through

the environmental assessment pro-

cess, whetherit is conducted

by the

Federal government, Provincia

l gov-

ernment or both.

However, Ngosays Woodfibre

is expecting BC Hydro to provide

the power needed to compress the

natural gas into liquid form (the gas

needs to be cooled to approximately

-160 degrees Celcius).

Peter Frinton,Bowen’s repres

en-

tative to the Sea to Sky Clean Air

Society, says while the Societ

y is con-

cerned about the re-industrialization

of Howe Sound in general, the us

e

of hydro as a source ofpower largely

alleviates concerns about loc

alized

air pollution.“We really need to know the spe-

cifics,” says Frinton, “but I th

ink if

they were burning natural ga

s to

power their plant they would

likely

face a lot more opposition. From

my personal perspective, I am

a lot

more concernedabout the big p

ic-

ture when it comes to air quality, and

questions about say, greenhou

se gas

emissions createdthrough the natu-

ral gas industry as a whole.”

Merran Smith, the Bowen-based

director of Clean Energy with

Tides Canada,says that the th

ing to

remember about LNGis that it is a

fossil fuel.

Woodfibre Pulp and Paper shutdown in 2006.

A pending proposal could turn it into an LNG

export facility, sending

3 to 4 tankers past

Bowen every month

Ring in the New Year

With upcoming concerts

Look what we found!

Another look at great stuf

f people got

at the Nook in 2013

FRIDAY

JAN 03, 2014VOL . 4 1 , NO . 0 1

Watch for more online at:

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

75¢ includingGST

illy waters of Howe Sound for the annual

ance comes with

acks GPS updates

continued,PAGE 2

continued,PAGE 2

DED is now Detectableand Treatable

“Dry Eye Disease (DED) is one of the most under-diagnosed ocular disease

s, and yet it is the

most common reason why patients go see their Eye Doctor” Dr. Bowden says. Dry eye occurs

when eyes do not produce the correct quantity or quality of tears. Many people mistake the

dry eye symptoms for allergies,climatic conditions

or just “eyestrain”. Your eyes

need a constant

layer of tears—called the “tear film”— to maintain and protect the ocular surface

. In Dry Eye,

underlying changes to the health of the tear glands can result in a change in the quantity and

quality of the tears you make. This results in a tear film that can no longer provid

e enough

nourishment or protection to the surface of your eye. T

his can lead to damage of your eye’s

surface, which, in turn, can lead to the symptoms of Dry Eye su

ch as; stinging, burning, scratch

y

sensation, sensitivity to light, tearing,

tired eyes, and difficulty wearing contact lenses. DED

fifi

causes blurredvision, often worsening at the end of the day or after focusi

ng for a prolonged

i d on a nearby task like a computer screen.Optomeyes Eye Doctors now have a diagnostic

d rly detection of Dry Eye Disease. “We can quantitativelymonitor

rocess This helps us custom prescribe

t lk us aboutineDrive

ClydeAve

MarineDrive

S rsShoppersDrugMart

Parkade

SavarySavaryIs dIslandP o.PieCo

et

MERIBETH DEENE D I T O R

On the last day of school before Christmas, Karen

Hughes said goodbye to her ‘homies.’Her homies are the kids she gets to school and back

every day, and when she told them she was leavingsome broke down and cried.“Then I cried too, and cried the whole way driving

back from the school,” says Hughes.She says she loves the kids and she loves the job, but

her circumstances have changed. When she started the

job three years ago, a part-time gig with a summer holi-

days was perfect. Now, the steadier employment and

higher pay that goes with driving Bowen’s transit bus is

what she needs.She’ll keep driving the school bus two afternoons and

one full day a week until a replacement is found, but

she’s leaving big shoes to fill.“You need to be a good driver, of course, but also you

need to know that when you get that bus full of k d

a whole other story.”Hughes said she learned quickly that, for her at least,

threats were not the answer.“I remember one rainy afternoon early-on when the

homies were particularly wild. I pulled the bus over to

the side of the road, turned around and looked at them

and said, ‘Who wants to walk!’ They all shut-up, and

calmed down. Then this one little kindergarten getting

off the bus at his stop and asked me when he was going

to get to walk. I had to explain to him that actually he’s

not allowed to walk… when you make a threat, you’ve

got to be willing to follow through on it.”Hughes says knowing the kids according to their ages

and stages helps, but knowing them all as individuals is

even better.“I know if they’ve got siblings and if so who they are.

Sometimes I even know if they’ve got cousins around.”

Planning forthe future ofthe Sound

MERIBETH DEENE D I T O RHowe Sound is a place where watersheds and boundaries converge.

Bowen is one of five governing municipalities on Howe Sound. Also gov-

erning this region are the Islands Trusts, three regional districts, three for-

estry districts, First Nations, as well as provincial and federal governments.

Elected officials from the communities whose watersheds feed into the

Sound have been meeting for a decade to discuss issues of common inter-

est, they come together under the banner of the Howe Sound Community

Forum. At their last meeting, the eleven signees (which include munici-

palities, regional governments and the Squamish Nation) agreed to work

together to urge the federal and provincial governments to help build a

coordinated strategy for the Sound. At their next meeting, on January

14th, they are hoping to hear what higher levels of government are willing

to give to the process.Bowen municipal councillor Wolfgang Duntz will be attending this

meeting as a representative of Bowen but also as a trustee from the Islands

Trust.“Part of the reason I ran as a trustee with the Islands Trust is because I

wanted to change the fact that the organization was so inward looking, so

focused on the issues just affecting the specific Gulf Islands,” says Duntz.

“And I can tell you that that has changed drastically in the past year as now

the region is seeing an avalanche of threats.”The “threats” Duntz points to include shellfish farming, whose impact

he says people in the Southern Gulf Islands were relatively naive about five

years ago.“After a number of these projects have gone through, people see what it

does to the landscape and they don’t like it,” he says. “And they see all the

debris and damage that gets left behind when they close down.”

Duntz says new proposals for similar projects (including the farming of

geoducks, which is entirely new to the region), plus industrial plans that

will mean tankers shipping, coal, oil and liquid natural gas will be going

through the area have raised the alarm.“Before we make judgements on these things, we need more informa-

tion,” says Duntz.The islands in Howe Sound face a whole other set of projects proposals

that could drastically change the region’s landscape:- a large hotel-marina complex in Gibson’s landing- a gravel mine in McNab Creek- the Woodfibre LNG proposal- a massive waterfront re-development in the city of Squamish

- the Sea-to-Sky Gondola- a proposed ski resort at Garibaldi-a massive housing development in South Brittania

-the addition of 25 percent of Gambier’s lands to active logging (on top

of the 15 percent that are already being actively logged)

-a run of river power project that will impact three creeks that run into

McNab Creek.“We need to make decisions about the region as a whole, moving for-

ward,” says Duntz. “We need to decide what we want to be industrial areas,

recreational areas, residential areas, and you don’t just let those things hap-

pen by accident.”Geologist and former mayor Bob Turner says that historically Bo

has had the privilege of being somewhat removed f

Sound.“In th 19

‘Revolution’Award-winning film showing throughthe Green Film Series

Pedalling for PapuaThe end of the road Shhh...Hondro hits the library

FRIDAYJAN 10 2014VOL . 4 1 , NO . 0 2

Watch for more online at:WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

75¢ includingGST

Karen Hughes and a few of her “homies” at the end of the school day at BICS.

Meribeth Deen photo

School bus driver says “goodbye”

The 11 governing bodies that make up theHowe Sound Community Forum, includingBowen, are committed to co-operation

Maureen Sawasy604.947.2442

Fax: 604.947.0148 | ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com

Get your word out there in 2015!Call Maureen to book youradvertising campaign now.NEWADVERTISINGDEADLINEFridays at 4pm.

It’s aA yeacomm

e in 2015!

MERIBETH DEENE D I T O R

Starting Monday January 5, there’s a new boat in town. The Queen of Capilano is heading to the Esquimalt Drydocking Company for an upgrade. The process is scheduled to take four months, dur-ing whch time the Bowen Queen will be making the trip between Horseshoe Bay and Snug Cove. With the capacity for approximately 15 fewer vehicles, there exists the potential for some major over-loads, particularly during commuter runs. To assist Bowen Islanders in coping with this situation, the Municipality has released the following survival guide:

If you can avoid taking the ferry during rush hours for the next four months, you don’t need to read this guide.

If you walk on the ferry and aren’t going down-town, you don’t need to read this.

If you usually drive on the ferry at 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, 9:30, and maybe even 10:30, you need to read this.

Start thinking now about how you can avoid the uncertainty and frustration of being caught in ferry overloads. You’ll be glad you did.

Walk on the ferry instead of driving if you can possibly do so. To make it possible, the following mitigation strategies are being put in place by BC Ferries and the municipality:

- FREE PARKING in Snug Cove in the parking lot next to the General Store (in front of the baseball field).

- REDUCED-FEE PARKING in Horseshoe Bay

(HSB) in the BCF lot for $100 a month or surface parking for $10 for 24 hours. (See www.bcferries.com/files/AboutBCFprojects/BCF_Park_QCap_Nov14.PDF)

-SUPER-EXPRESS BUS to downtown Vancouver. Driver Peter King says you can get from Bowen to downtown Vancouver in 42 minutes for $4. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the General Store. (See www.bcferries.com/about/projects/queen-of-capilano-mlu.html)

Other mitigation strategies include:-ADDITIONAL SAILINGS on Sunday mornings

and Wednesdays (for the duration of the MLU) and on Thursdays and Fridays (early March to the end of the MLU). (See www.bcferries.com/schedules/main-land/biva-current.php?scheduleSelect=sch01051501.html)

-ASSURED LOADING for High-Occupancy Vehicles (4 people or more) on peak afternoon sail-ings from Horseshoe Bay.

(See www.bcferries.com/about/projects/queen-of-capilano-mlu.html)

- MEDICAL PREFERRED LOADING for appoint-ments, treatments, or surgery. Contact the munici-pality during business hours, or the Caring Circle at 604-947-9100 or info@caringcircle.ca

- BOWEN LIFT for ride-sharing. (See www.bowenlift.com or www.facebook.com/

groups/bowenislandrideshare/) Don’t block the road. If the ferry line-up is Sfull

when you arrive, please leave and return after the ferry has loaded. Any car sticking out from the end of the line-up and blocking traffic on Grafton Road will be ticketed.

Smaller ferry survival guide2 • FRIDAY JANUARY 2 2015 WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

BOWEN ISLAND ARTS COUNCILR001946298BI03

BI COMMUNITY CHOIRR001946379BI03

BI COMMUNITY SCHOOL COORDR001946382BI03

Public Works Superintendent Bob Robinson overseeing the preparation of the lot below the General Store for additional parking during the Midlife Upgrade of the Queen of Capliano. Robinson says he predicts up to 25 cars will be able to fit in the lot once the work is completed.Meribeth Deen, photo

ALISON MORSES U B M I S S I O N

The Bowen Island Health Resource Guide produced by the Caring Circle describes the process whereby a patient can get a “medical assured loading let-ter.” This system is presently in place for travel on BC Ferries from the Horseshoe Bay Terminal. BC Ferries will issue the medical assured loading letter if requested to do so by a physician or hospital when a patient is compromised by waiting extended periods of time to travel. To get the letter a medical practitioner must email a request to customer.relations@bcferries.com. This letter and the TAP form are then presented to the toll booth.

A marshalling area has been signed on the Bowen side for those patients with the BC Ferries medical assured loading letter, it is the yellow hatched area in front of the General Store. As it is illegal to park on the yellow hatched areas a dash-board card must be displayed in order to park there to wait for the ferry. To get the dashboard card please take your BC Ferries medical assured loading letter that BC Ferries has issued you to either the Bowen Island Municipal Hall or the Caring Circle.

To access the Bowen Island Health Resource Guide please go to the Caring Circle website www.caringcircle.ca

Look for the Permitted Medical Assured Loading sign by the yellow hatched area in front of the General Store.Alison Morse, photo

Ensure your spot on the ferry for medical purposes

DAVID SHADBOLTS U B M I S S I O N

Know anyone in their 50s, 60s or older who looks fabulous for their age? Has the energy of someone much younger? Seems more at ease and exudes an aura of confidence and seren-ity? How do they do it? Here’s your chance to find out. The workshop “Secrets to Aging Well” at the Bowen Island Yoga Studio will increase your knowledge of how to live a healthy, active, confi-dent and pain free life. Who wouldn’t be hap-pier knowing that?

The three hour by-donation event starts

at 2 p.m. on January 10 at Bowen Island Yoga Studio and includes: Reversing Your Biological Clock, David Shadbolt; Healthy Feet and Ankles, Physiotherapist Sandy Logan; Inflammation: Causes for disease and aid in healing, Holistic Nutritionist Lisa Marie Battacharya, and Yoga for Seniors, Diana Kaile.

The event takes place at Bowen Island Yoga between 2 - 5 p.m. on January 11.

For more information on this event visit: www.bowenislandyoga.com or phone David at 778-835-8236.

Secrets to aging well, a workshop

2 • FRIDAY JANUARY 2 2015 WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

2014-2015 Classical Concert Series Presents

DANIEL BOLSHOY

Sunday, January 11, 2015Gallery @ Artisan Square

Doors open: 3 p.m.Concerts begin: 3:30 p.m.

Tickets availablein advance at the

Gallery or at the door

Adult: $45BIAC Members: $35

Students: $20Classical Concerts Series on Bowen Island are hosted by theBowen Island Arts Council (BIAC)

www.biac.ca

Bowen Island Community Choir(Director Ellen MacIntosh)

All are welcome to come out andregister for our 2015 Spring Season

Date: January 7th & 14thTime: 7 p.m.Location: Cates Hill ChapelCost: $85

No experience necessaryPractices: Held every Wednesday

evening 7:30-9:00 p.m.Performance: Concert in May

Call for Registration!! HomeWork ClubFacilitator Wanted

Bowen Island Community Learning has a part time,contract service agreement, position available for aHOMEWORK CLUB Facilitator. This position is for 5.5 hoursper week and occurs on Tuesday and Thursday afternoonsfrom 2:45-5:15pm. The position begins Jan. 27, 2015 andruns until Apr. 30, 2015. Remuneration is $17.50/hr.Duties include supervising students in an after schoolHomework program, providing guidance as needed,preparing snack, and supervising Youth mentors.The ideal candidate for this position has previousexperience working with children, is self-motivated, ableto work under limited supervision, and has experiencesupervising Youth volunteers. Current First Aid, CPRtraining, Foodsafe and a Criminal Record check is required.We thank all applicants but advise that only those selectedfor an interview will be contacted. Please submit your coverletter and resume to Sarah Haxby via email to shaxby@sd45.bc.ca or drop it off at Bowen Island CommunitySchool 1041 Mt. Gardner Rd by Jan. 16th 2015 at 3:00pm.For more information about the position please call SarahHaxby at 604-947-0389 or Shauna Jennings at 604-947-2216

Thank You

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM FRIDAY JANUARY 2 2015 • 3

The Write Stuff.The Undercurrent encourages

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

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

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

taste.

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

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

BC V0N 1G0 or email editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com.

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

of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory

body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council

considers complaints from the public about the conduct of

member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of

complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the

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

resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment,

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

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

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

viewpoint

EDITORIALPublished by Bowen Island Undercurrent a division of LMP Publication Limited Partnership, #102 - 495 Government Rd. Bowen Island, B.C. V0N 1G0

MERIBETH DEENE D I T O R

In the months ahead, our collective vehicle to the broader world will be the Bowen Queen. Smaller and somewhat shabbier than the Queen of Cap, commutes and lives will be re-jigged in order to avoid potential delays. For months now I’ve been thinking, sounds as though winter 2015 is going to be as good a time as any to see how long I can go without leaving this rock.

This idea goes back a few years, to when I was new(er) to Bowen and my husband came home one day from the IRLY with a story about some guy who hadn’t left the island in three years, or something to that effect (there was a dentist once every week on Bowen at that point.) I started cre-

ating a mental checklist of all the things a person really needed to leave the island for: giving birth? Absolutely, but only a select part of the popula-tion can use this excuse, on occasion. Passport office? Well I guess if you’re not planning on leaving Bowen, who needs a passport?

I thought it would be fun to learn about any potential perspective shift that might take place fol-lowing a truly extended period on Bowen. Maybe I could even experience that shift myself, by staying on Bowen as long as I possibly could.

But alas, not this winter. Christmas 2014 brought me a bad case of itchy feet, a desire to be surround-ed by a new pallet of colours, to breath in different air, even if it’s not quite as fresh as our cedar and woodstove smelling stuff. I’m not sure I’ll be able to make it too far off the rock, but for those of you who do – this Undercurrent editor wants to live

vicariously through you.Fortunately, we’ve still got a ferry, albeit a smaller

shabbier one. And the fabulous small ferry survival guide, just in case anyone needs a little extra help getting to the other side.

And it seems the midlife upgrade is no match for those of us born to wander.

I received a note from John Lawrence, of Garden Club fame, who mentioned that he’s living on the cheap in South America. Becky Dawson mentioned to me she was heading off somewhere delicious in Uclulet. I look forward to hearing from them, and all other Bowen adventurers, about the best of their trips off the rock in 2015.

All the best to all of you in the New Year.Write me at:editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

Getting off the rock

Dear Editor,

I am deeply grateful for all those who were involved in my recent retirement celebrations. BICS is indeed a spe-cial school and it has been my honour and privilege to serve as the BICS principal these past five years. With the sup-port and contributions of many in our school community, I believe that BICS is a better school now than when I arrived and I feel confident that under the leadership of Principal Scott Slater that the school will continue to thrive; BICS is in good hands. While I am proud of what we have been able to achieve together, it is not how I want to be remembered. I have always tried to remember and act in a way that demon-strates my strong conviction that my work is really all about relationships. My work has been about supporting, nurturing and inspiring the hearts and minds of those I serve. I honest-ly can’t think of a more important job – one that I have been privileged to hold over the past 34 years in various capacities as an educator. I believe that the success of our work is mea-sured by the quality of our human interactions. It is founda-tional to everything we do. I hope that others will remember me as someone who cared deeply and that I made people feel respected and valued regardless of their role, position or per-spective and that I was someone who encouraged them to live with an open heart and mind. So when asked about – what will I miss when I retire? This is what I will miss – the daily human interactions and the challenge of working to help oth-ers realize their potential – to learn from mistakes – and to dream big. I have often felt that being a principal is not a job, it’s not even a career - it is a life. So as this chapter comes to an end, I will look forward to a new life - new opportunities and new ways to engage in the Bowen community.

Special thanks to Scott Slater, Sandy Bristow and others for spearheading my retirement celebrations. And thanks to the BICS staff and students for a wonderful final assembly and for acknowledging that I always believed in you. The Vimeo “BICS Snippets” tribute was priceless! I felt very honoured and humbled by the wishes and gifts from so many. And thank you to our PAC who honoured me with a tree for my garden and the beautiful wooden plaque that will be perma-nently displayed in our new Learning Commons. The quote about leadership from John Quincy Adams engraved on the plaque has always inspired me and may it continue to inspire others in years to come.

With gratitude,Jennifer Pardee

More than a job, a life

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. We acknowledge the financial support of the

Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Contributor

Pauline Le Bel

Publisher

DougFoot

Advertising

Maureen Sawasy

2011CCNA

C A N A D I A NCOMMUNITYNEWSPAPERAWARD 2011

editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com publisher@bowenislandundercurrent.com

#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, 4:00p.m.

www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

Bowen Island UndercurrentSubscription Rates:

Mailed1 year Subscription (With in Canada)$65.00, including GST

Newsstand (Single Copy)75 cents per copy, including GST

Editor

MeribethDeen

4 • FRIDAY JANUARY 2 2015 WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

BOWEN ISLAND HOUSE ACCOUNR001946318 HEALTH DIRECTORYBI03

BOWEN ISLAND HOUSE ACCOUNCHURCHES DIRECTORY

JACQUELINE MASSEYS U B M I S S I O N

As we round up a year and look forward to 2015, the Bowen Island Arts Council and Bowen Island Public Library sometimes wish they had a crystal ball. That would be helpful in answering questions regarding our proposed Cove Culture Corner (C3) project.

As you may have heard, BIAC and BIPL are exploring the concept of sharing a building in Snug Cove on property where the current library is situ-ated. Earlier this year, the Library was planning the Annie Laurie Wood Annex, when members of the community approached both organizations to ask them to consider a joint initiative. An enhanced gathering space in Snug Cove, a collaboration that would create a hub of energy and activity, spark eco-nomic opportunities and celebrate the artistic and intellectual life of Bowen Island – how cool would that be?

An attractive proposition yes, but is it one that makes sense for each of the organizations and for the entire community? That is the question that BIAC and BIPL are seeking to solve. And they are doing this, not by dreaming of miracles or flashes of insight, but through due diligence and careful analysis.

BIAC is investigating the value, costs and benefits of moving the Gallery into a new space and estab-lishing a secure home in which the arts umbrella nonprofit can continue to deliver its various pro-grams and services. The Library is also assessing its needs and requirements to meet current and future demands of the community it serves. Both are eager to determine whether the cost of a building that accommodates both organizations will be affordable and attainable.

Numerous stakeholders and individuals with pro-fessional expertise and knowledge about designing and funding capital projects are assisting them with this work. Also helping to move things forward is the Bowen Island Community Foundation, who recently

announced that it will fund the C3 project pro-posal for a feasibility study and potentially, the development of a capital campaign fundraising strategy. BIAC and BIPL thank the Foundation for this support, enthusi-asm and encouragement.

BIAC and BIPL believe that taking one careful step after another will lead to clarity on decision-making, and potentially a case for support that earns the backing of the entire community. We think that’s a good way to embrace a New Year. And we’re looking for-ward to 2015 being a year of positive action for Bowen Islanders.

Library and Arts Council looking for answers

MERIBETH DEENE D I T O R

If you missed it the first time around, you’ll get another chance to see the Jessie Award winning play Kayak starring Bowen Islander Susan Hogan starring on January 7. Hogan plays the lead, Annie, and spends the entire hour and a half of the play sus-pended in mid-air, in a kayak. It is a love story, says Hogan, between a mother and son, and also one woman’s journey through the turbulent waters of culpability.

“Annie realizes that she is as respon-sible as everyone else for environmen-tal destruction,” says Hogan. “The dawning of her understanding of cul-pability, of everyone’s culpability, is through her son.”

Hogan says that in the two years since the play ran, she has had time to reflect not only on the play’s script but also on the main subject matter: cli-mate change.

“I recently workshopped a new play about wind turbines in Southern

Ontario, and with the play there were a thousand pages of interviews with people both for and against them,” says Hogan. “And as I read those, I thought about climate change and the central problem being that everyone is willing to pay lipservice to the problem, but no one actually wants to change their lifestyle.”

Hogan says that acting in Kayak feels like a rare opportunity to do meaningful work that can actually make an impact on the audience and change the way they think – or act. She also says the play has changed her.

“I’m not on any specific commit-tees, but I am getting closer to it all the time,” she says. “I think it is challeng-ing to know how to act in the face of these things, unless we are given a real-ly clear action. Like recycling, we can feel good about ourselves at the end of the day, but it really helps to have someone at the helm, telling us how to separate our plastics.”

Kayak will run at the Firehall Arts Centre in Vancouver between January 7 – 17.

A second chance to see climate change play, Kayak

Susan Hogan (centre) with her Kayak co-stars Sebastian Kroon (left) and Marisa Smith (right).

BOWEN IN TRANSITIONS U B M I S S I O N

“The world will be saved by beauty,” wrote Dostoevsky, who is quoted in the prophetic film, The Wisdom to Survive, the latest film in the Forward Focus Series to be screened on Saturday, January 10 at 7 PM at the Gallery.

A stirring call-to-arms, The Wisdom to Survive juxtaposes the stunning beauty, diversity and inter-connectedness of the natural world, with the soulless, perpetual growth machine of capitalism. It explores how unlimited growth and greed are destroying the life support system of the planet, the social fabric of the society, and the lives of billions of people. It asks the question; “Will we have the wisdom to survive?”

The film is compelling and hopeful at a time when we are bom-barded by dystopian visions of the future. Thought leaders and activists in the realms of science, economics and spirituality discuss how we can evolve and take action in the face of climate disruption. Bill McKibben, Joanna Macy and others are featured in this deeply moving and profoundly engaging documentary, which provides visions of how we could live in the midst of massive environmental challenges.

You were born into this (beautiful Earth) and you are here to love it and to see

that it goes on.

The visuals are stunning. The message is clear: we are connected by our shared grief at what is happening to the Earth and by our shared hope and commitment to the future. “If you want an adven-ture,” says Joanna Macy in the film, “what a time to choose to be alive. Don’t waste time in self-pity over darkness. Don’t waste time trying to figure out better circumstances that you might like. You were born into this (beautiful Earth) and you are here to love it and to see that it goes on.”

There promises to be a thoughtful discussion after the film led by Gertie Jocksch, a Sister of Charity, with a Doctor of Ministry. Her passion has been her concern and care for Mother Earth. She teaches in the areas of Ecotheology and Ecofeminism and works for the Living Language Institute developing programs in Earth Literacies. She will be coming from Victoria to show the film. Donations to Earth Literacies will be gratefully accepted.

Doors open at 7 pm. Film at 7:30 pm. Discussion at 8:30 pm.

The Wisdom To Survive: a film to lift your mind and heart

4 • FRIDAY JANUARY 2 2015 WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

HEALTH &WELLNESS

Dr. Dana BartonNaturopathic Physician

596 B. Artisan Square

604-730-1174Natural Family Medicine

ContactMaureen

to advertisein this space.

604-947-2442ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com

Dr. Utah Zandy604-947-9830CALL FOR APPOINTMENTOPEN TUESDAYS &

THURSDAYS

Dr. Susanne SchloeglM.D.

Open Mon. Wed. Thurs. Fri.Call for an appointment

Artisan Square604-947-9986

CATHERINE SHAWDr. Traditional ChineseMedicine/Acupuncturist

❦

MARY MCDONAGH RMT, DCHRegistered Massage Therapist

(Available Mondays through Fridays)❦

SANDY LOGANRegistered Physiotherapist

❦

ROBYN IZARD RMTRegistered Massage Therapist

(Available Thursdays through Sundays)❦

COuRTNEY MORRIS R.Ac, DCH

To advertise on the Health Page call 604-947-2442

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

CAROLYN NESBITTS U B M I S S I O N

Here we are, New Year’s Eve, and many of us find ourselves contemplat-ing our New Year’s resolutions. It’s a good time to take stock of where we have been and where we want to go. Tonight we indulge in the last sugar/alcohol/cigarettes of 2014 while mak-ing plans to head out to the gym tomorrow after the Polar Bear Swim. We may be setting goals for being more organized, spending time with friends and family or learning to play the guitar. Teens and university stu-dents may be deciding to study differ-ently, while others are setting concrete financial goals.

Whether or not we are successful in the realms of family, friends, work, hobbies or health, our enjoyment of life is more a reflection of our internal well-being. And so it is the internal world to which I turn if I want to make changes. It is the inner work that mat-ters if I want to make lasting change on the outside.

But how do you set inner goals? How do you set a personal develop-ment action plan? How do you track and measure the quiet progress of inner growth?

Last year, at about this time, I signed up for Leah Serna and Kim Howden’s WAVE course on creating a vision board. We started by painting one word in giant letters across the entire canvas. This power word underlay all that we were taking on. I was into my third week of the six sessions when I realized that each of my dreams was coming true. Every commitment to myself was bearing fruit.

I get that energy flows to where our attention goes. I get that if I focus on something, I am more likely to put in the necessary effort and so more likely to see results. I just didn’t expect it all to come so fast.

And I attribute it to my inner goal setting, my inner New Year’s Resolution.

My power word for 2014 was Generosity. On a daily basis, I just tried to be generous. Whether it was in my work or in my home, with people I was meeting for the first time or with my 86-year-old mother, I reached fur-ther and deeper than I would have a few years ago. And I expanded my use of the word to include being gener-ous with paint, with food, with time, with gratitude, with smiles, with touch. I look for ways to be generous. I am generous with myself when I look in the mirror.

And more than ever, I notice the incredible generosity of those around me. This past week, I witnessed the generosity of Shasta Martinuk as she invited people into her Song Circle with what can only be described as love. I saw Reverend Shelagh MacKinnon wholeheartedly extend her arms to those seeking community and peace. I heard Colleen O’Neill, Maureen Whitney, and Maureen Mackey speak of how they could once again support lonely people through the Caring Circle. The Food Bank was

filled for the holidays through the gen-erosity of Bowen Islanders. Volunteers kept our streets safe and saved lives by driving home those who had been having fun at the pub. The lights in the Cove, the music, the smiles and the hugs - I see generosity everywhere, and it is a beautiful thing.

For New Year’s, I encourage you to shift your goal setting so that it matches what you really crave. Take on your own power word, your own inner challenge to which you want to com-mit. Where is it that you really want to expand? What do you want to invite into your life? Do you want more joy? More connection? More peace? Do you want to have a sense of belonging? For what do you want to be known, if only to yourself? Courage? Kindness? Optimism?

Setting up an action plan can take some creativity when it comes to inner work. First, you want to focus on your goal on a daily basis. Whether you draw it, write it or sing it, you want to remind yourself of your commitment. Then read about it, contemplate it and practice it. Be aware of your moment-to-moment choices. At the end of each day, take time to reflect. What is it you are grateful for? What is it you needed to learn?

There are many ways to track your inner progress. If you like to write, use a journal. Keep track of three things a day that match what you are striving for. Write down small suc-cesses. As well, journals are a great place to explore feelings and thoughts surrounding your goal. What inner changes are taking place? How is it all playing out in your life?

Take the opportunity at dinner to say grace - it is a beautiful thing to hold hands, to find that still place inside and to reflect on what we are grateful for. Focus on the good that surrounds you.

Your relationships will deepen as your inner

world shifts.

Your inner change will be mirrored in the people around you. You will see yourself reflected in their eyes. Your relationships will deepen as your inner world shifts. Acknowledge your own progress and smile at yourself in the mirror.

This year, I have a new power word, a new inner growth challenge for my New Year’s Resolution. I am taking it on and ready to start. If you see me in the street, stop me and share your word with me. (I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours…) We can start an inner growth resolution revolution for 2015. Happy New Year!

Dr. Carolyn Nesbitt can be found at www.CarolynNesbitt.com .

I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours:

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM FRIDAY JANUARY 2 2015 • 5

BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITYR001946296BI03

BOWEN ISLAND VETR001946385BI03

New Year’s resolutions from the couchINAUGURAL MEETING OF THE

2014-18 BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPAL COUNCIL

You are invited to attend the Inaugural Council Meeting, to be held:

Monday, December 1st, 20147:15 p.m.

Location: Cates Hill Chapel, 661 Carter Road

The agenda for the Inaugural Meeting will be postedon the Bowen Island Municipal website at www.bimbc.ca

the week prior to the event.

We hope to see you there!

For information, call 604-947-4255

Permanent Full-time Deputy Corporate OfficerBowen Island Municipality seeks a qualified permanent full-time DeputyCorporate Officer. This is a 35 hour/week position that; in addition to regularoffice hours, will require attendance at evening meetings. Reporting directly to the Chief Ad-ministrative Officer, the Deputy Corporate Officer (DCO) performs a variety of supervisory andadministrative duties. The DCO works within the defined limits of the Local Government Act,Community Charter and theMunicipality’s Policies and Procedures, and acts on behalf of the CAO indispensing routine information, answering general inquiries and preparing,assembling and distributing Council agendas and minutes.

The applicant should have a strong Municipal administrative background, have excellent com-puter skills using MS Word and Excel, and have a sound knowledge of the Local Government Actand Community Charter, as well as workingknowledge of the Municipality’s Policies and Procedures.

This is a permanent full-time position. We thank all applicants, but advise that only those se-lected for an interview will be contacted.

Please submit your covering letter and resume via e-mail, fax or mail byThursday, January 15 at 4:00 p.m. to:

Christine Walker, Human Resources ManagerBowen Island Municipality981 Artisan LaneBowen Island, BC V0N 1G2

FAX: 604-947-0193EMAIL: hr@bimbc.caWEBSITE: www.bimbc.ca

CARING CIRCLES U B M I S S I O N

Mainland Hearing will be on-island on Friday, January 16 to offer free Hearing Screening tests at the Bowen Island Caring Circle. The test will take about 20 minutes.

About 20 percent of people have some degree of hearing loss, and over the age of 65, one in three people have hearing difficulties. For many people, hearing loss is a natural part of the aging process, and the onset is so grad-ual that they aren’t aware their hear-ing is deteriorating. The good news is that about 90 percent of people with hearing loss can be helped by wearing

hearing instruments. Modern hearing aids are inconspicuous and are pro-grammed to suit a client’s particular hearing needs.

Recent studies have found that untreated hearing loss can affect brain function and structure. Recommended preventative strategies to protect against Alzheimer’s now include regular hearing tests and treat-ment of hearing loss to guard against social isolation.

If you, or someone you care about, would like a hearing screening test or more information, please phone Colleen O’Neil at the Bowen Island Caring Circle, 604-947-9100, to make an appointment.

Free On-Island Hearing Screening Tests

6 • FRIDAY JANUARY 2 2015 WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITYR001937478BI03

On the calendarWELCOME TO 2015!!

THURSDAY JAN 1Annual Polar Bear Dip

2 p.m. at Bowen Bay Beach

Duplicate Bridge @ Bowen Court Call Irene @ 2955

Last chance to check out 40,000 lights at Endswell Farm

Village Song Circle Family New Year’s Eve Celebration Collins Hall, Potluck supper starts at 5 p.m., celebration goes until 8:30 p.m Admission by donation to the food bank

SUNDAY JANUARY 4Christmas Bird Count

Open to anyone keen on birds Get-together afterwards. Contact Pam Dicer at 9558 or boband-pam@shaw.ca

MONDAY JANUARY 5Queen of Capilano midlife upgrade

period begins

TUESDAY JANUARY 6AA Meeting

Collins Hall 7:15 p.m.

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 7Knitting Circle

1 - 4 p.m. Bowen Court - All levels welcome!

Registration open for Bowen Island Community Choir - Cates Hill Chapel at 7 p.m

UPCOMING

JANUARY 10The Wisdom to Survive, documen-

tary film screening 7 p.m. at the Gallery at Artisan Square A presentation by Bowen in Transition

JANUARY 11Classical Concert Series

Guitarist Daniel Bolshoy Doors open 3 p.m. at the Gallery at Artisan Square

The Secrets to Aging Well Workshop at Bowen Island Yoga

JANUARY 16Free Hearing Tests

Contact Colleen O’Neil at Caring Circle to make an appointment 604-947-9100

MARIANA HOLBROOKS U B M I S S I O N

The final classical concert of Bowen Island’s 2014-2015 Classical Concert Series will be played by internationally renowned guitarist Daniel Bolshoy on January 11.

Daniel is one of Canada’s most suc-cessful solo concert artists . He has also performed with both the Vancouver and Toronto Symphony Orchestras and toured every province and territory in Canada. He has appeared with orches-tras, chamber ensembles and in festi-vals in Russia, China, the United States and Israel.

Daniel was born in Moscow and lived for a while in Israel, where he discov-ered his passion for the classical guitar. He soon dedicated himself to the pur-

suit of classical music on the guitar.He and his family immigrated to

Canada in 1993. He finished high school in Ottawa’s Canterbury Arts High School (making him the first gui-tarist to do so) and went on to study at Carleton University and afterwards at the University of Toronto.

Daniel is currently the head of the Guitar Division at the University Of British Columbia School Of Music and the head of the Guitar Department at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra School of Music.

The concert will be held in the Gallery at Artisan Square. Doors will open at 3 o’clock and the concert will start promptly at 3:30 p.m. People wishing to attend the concert can pur-chase tickets at the door.

Daniel Bolshoy and his guitar come to Bowen

6 • FRIDAY JANUARY 2 2015 WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGNOTICE is hereby given that Bowen Island Municipal Council will hold a public hearing for thepurpose of allowing the public to make representations on the following proposed bylaw:

• Bylaw No. 372, 2014 cited as “Bowen Island Municipality Land Use BylawNo. 57, 2002 Amendment Bylaw No. 372, 2014”

The Public Hearing will be held on:Monday, January 12, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

at Municipal Hall, 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC.

At the public hearing, all persons who believe that their interest in property is affected bythe proposed bylaw shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be heard or to presentwritten submissions respecting matters contained in the proposed bylaw.Subject Property: Lot 8, Plan 45767, District Lot 489 – 973 Captain Cates Walk and

Lot 5, Plan 44190, District Lots 489 and 490 – 505 Bowen IslandTrunk Road

Purpose:The purpose of Bylaw No. 372, 2014 is to rezone a 5 meter wide, 139 square meterstrip of land from Cates Hill Comprehensive Development Zone 2 CD Zone 2, Area 2,to CD Zone 2 Area 1. This will provide for the consolidation of 5 meter wide strip of Lot5, Plan 44190 to be consolidated with Lot 8, Plan 45767 (973 Captain Cates Walk). Thezone, which permits detached residential dwellings, will resolve current encroachments,and will allow the owner of 973 Captain Cates Walk to construct an addition on to thenorthern side of the existing dwelling.

A copy of the proposed bylaw and any background material that may be considered byBowen Island Municipal Council in respect of the proposed bylaw, may be inspected atBowen Island Municipal Hall, 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC between the hours of8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, inclusive, excluding statutory holidays, or onthe BIM website at www.bimbc.ca commencing Friday, December 19, 2014

Written submissions may be delivered to:• Bowen Island Municipal Hall in person or by mail to 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen

Island, BC, V0N 1G2 or by fax: 604-947-0193 prior to 7:00 p.m., Monday,January 12, 2015; or

• to Bowen Island Municipal Council at the Public Hearing at 7:00 p.m.,Monday, January 12, 2015.

Inquiries regarding the proposed bylaw may be directed to Judy McLeod, PlanningConsultant at 604-947-4255 or by email at jmcleod@bimbc.ca.

NO REPRESENTATIONS WILL BE RECEIVED BY THE BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALCOUNCIL AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC HEARING.

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM FRIDAY JANUARY 2 2015 • 7

8 • FRIDAY JANUARY 2 2015 WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

SOCIALSHOPPER.COM - GLACIR001933196GD23

from PAGE 1

Within their constitution, Tasseron saw many points that would be easily applicable and relevant to Bowen Island. Point three, for example:

• Create space for the responsibility of our reli-gious institutions and personalities to pro-mote the spiritual heritage of our island, while also ensuring that they remain separate from politics. Religious institutions and spiritual personalities shall remain above politics and contribute through advice and mediation in Bowen Island affairs.

Tasseron took the liberty of re-fashioning the Bhutanese constitution, taking out the irrelevant bits, and adding “Bowen Island” instead of “Bhutan” where necessary.

Concerning the above chunk of the Bhutan/Bowen Island constitution, Tasseron says that Bowen Island is in fact, a spiritual place, but people do not often discuss this aspect of the island.

“Two years ago, I helped to put on a piano concert with one of my young friends at the recycling depot,” says Tasseron. “I am just one of many people on this island who wants to create beauty. There is a spiritu-ality in that.”

Here’s another point Tasseron chose from the Bhutanese constitution:

• Support the fundamental duty of every Bowen Islander, each a trustee of Bowen Island’s natural resources and environment for the benefit of the present and future generation, to contribute to the protection of the natural environment, conservation of the rich bio-diversity of Bowen Island and prevention of all forms of ecological degradation including noise, visual and physical pollution through the adoption and support of environment friendly practices and policies.

Tasseron adds that of course, even if a constitution were adopted, the community could not be forced to follow it. However, having a set of guiding principles hanging in council chambers, he says, would serve as a reminder to our elected leaders and to those who get involved in the political process, of the values that unite the community.

“Having a constitution could improve the way we interact politically,” says Tasseron.

As an example of this in practice, Tasseron points to the rules of communication posted within the Island Discovery Learning Centre, which he attends with his grandson several days per week.

“Before a student speaks, he or she must ask if the thing they are about to say is kind, if it is necessary and if it is true,” says Tasseron. “These rules are writ-ten, but they are also ingrained in the students.”

Tasseron goes on to explain how, at the meeting he attended in Dijbouti before coming back to Bowen in October, a delegate from the European Union who was sitting beside him was about to make a state-ment.

“I saw what he was about to say, because it was on his laptop,” says Tasseron. “It wasn’t very nice, and so I reminded him of the rules. When I did, the del-egate stopped. He re-evaluated. When he did stand up to talk a little while later, his words helped move the conversation forward. Politics shouldn’t be about scoring points. And we all need to be reminded of that.”

Gustaaf Tasseron will be discussing his reframing of the Bhutanese constitution for Bowen Island at further length at the Community School Association ANGORA (place of gathering) initiative on January 15, at 7 p.m. at the Gallery at Artisan Square.

For more information, contact Hans Behm at hcbehm@shaw.ca or 604 947 9447.

A constitution for a happier Bowen Island

Bowen Island, in and around the tail-end of 2014

Far left: Bo sits by the ferry line-up.Meribeth DeenCentre: Carol Fancy in camouflage.Right: Deer takes a stroll on Miller Road.Emmett Sparling, photos

8 • FRIDAY JANUARY 2 2015 WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

Get exclusive access to the best offers in the city

.com

Visit us online Find an offer you like Buy it Enjoy it!

Get these and other exclusive offers at SocialShopper.com

UPTO

-51%

Round-Trip, WiFi-Equipped Charter-Bus Servicefrom Vancouver to: Seattle, Sea-Tac Airport,Bellingham OR Tulalip, Tax Included

Multiple Locations $24 and Up$49

2-Night Cottage Stay for 2, 4 OR 8 People, Includinga Bottle of Wine at The Salish-Seaside Escapes,Washington

Eastsound, WA $199 and Up$583

UPTO

-66%