ISLAND PACIFIC SCHOOL EMBRACES GREEN GROWING PAGE 15
$1.50
inc. GST
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2023
HOLE-IN-ONE!
VOL. 49 NO. 50
BIUndercurrent
BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com
Hot shot on the links PAGE 11
Bowen filmmaker bringing original screenplay to life ALEX KURIAL Editor
MERRY CHRISTMAS BOWEN! Dylan, one of Santa’s most trusted Elves, sits alongside Saint Nick himself and Domino, a young visitor to Santa Claus. The two spoke about what Domino would like for Christmas and how listening to your parents is a good idea. Santa said he enjoys coming to Bowen and Endswell Farm every year, and that Island children are wonderful and rather amusing. You can see more Christmas visitors to the farm on Page 17. / Marcus Hondro photo
Molly Cole is combining several of her passions in the creation of her upcoming short film Sludge. Cole is currently in the final year of her film program at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). Born and raised on Bowen, her own story with film began back in high school at Rockridge Secondary. “I had a really great writing teacher... and I started writing creative, short stories. At the same time, I was super nerdy into film, and I would be looking up behind the scenes photos or all the fun facts of film,” says Cole. “Then my writing teacher was actually a director, and she sort of steered me into writing screenplays. And then once I got into that, that was kind of where it took off for me,” she explains. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
RoB Tim Rhodes
R E A L T O R ® RHODES ON BOWEN . COM KIWI INNOVATION REALTY INC
Wishing you happy holidays and many reasons to smile throughout the coming year.
Friday, December 22, 2023
A2 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
BIM Holiday Hours
2024 Council Meeting Schedule
Municipal Hall closes at noon on Friday December 22, 2023 for the winter break. We reopen at 8:30 am on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 in the New Year.
The 2024 Council Meeting schedule is available online at
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/council-meetings/
Christmas tree disposal
Events
Thursday, December 28, 2023 – Monday, January 8, 2024
All Council meetings are open to the public to attend in person or electronically, unless noted otherwise.
Bowen Waste Services will once again provide a bin for the disposal of Christmas trees at the Recycling Depot. Trees will be chipped and composted.
January 8, 2024 1:00 pm Regular Council Meeting
• • • •
Jobs Temporary On-call winter roads staff www. bowenislandmunicipality.ca/ work-with-us
2024 Bowen Waste Services schedule 2024 waste collection schedules are now available. Download your own copy from the website or pickup a copy at BIRD or Municipal Hall.
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/garbage-collection-schedule/
Invasive Species: Holly
Warm wishes for the holidays
Don’t let your holiday decor turn ugly. Dispose of invasive holly berries in the garbage, not on the ground or your backyard compost. Backyard composts do not get hot enough to destroy the berries.
BC Ferries schedule changes start January 8 January 8, 2024 - March 31, 2024 Sailing schedule will be amended for Tuesday - Sunday sailings, with evening cancellations. Both first and last ferries will be cancelled on Saturdays. There are four full day cancellations planned for Saturday, January 20, Saturday, February 3, Sunday February 4 and Saturday, March 9. Read more about water taxi service, parking accomodations and onisland shuttle to assist commuters.
www.bcferriesprojects.ca/snug-cove-tp
Contact Bowen Island Municipality PAID ADVERTISEMENT December 22, 2023
Trees must be all natural No decorations or wreaths No artificial trees No garden waste
Phone: 604-947-4255 Bowen Island Municipal Hall Fax: 604-947-0193 981 Artisan Lane Email: bim@bimbc.ca Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 Website: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday to Friday Closed statutory holidays
Baby, it’s cold outside We asked islanders for their environmentally friendly tips for keeping warm in the ferry line-up and here’s what they said: • Keep a blanket in the vehicle • Hot water bottle • Hot drink from local cafe • Mitts and hat • Go for a walk • Snuggle • Electric Vehicle We can all help to reduce the emission of smoke and fumes that contaminate the atmosphere, even when it’s cold outside.
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/idling-vehicles-and-boats/
Find us on Facebook Bowen Island Municipality
Subscribe to our mailing list bowenislandmunicipality.ca/subscribe
Friday, December 22, 2023
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A3 SPONSORED CONTENT
Three of the biggest ways that the federal government has improved the lives of British Columbians: HOUSING
With some of the most expensive housing in the country, and extremely tight rental markets, it is critical both to build more affordable housing and increase the housing supply to improve local affordability across the board. We are committed to working with all orders of government to tackle the housing crisis. Accordingly, this year, I announced more than $95 million in federal funding to build 515 units, including in West Vancouver, projects in Squamish, Whistler and Bowen Island, in Mount Currie and N’Quatqua, along with support for infrastructure upgrades to help accommodate an increasing population. The federal government has now invested in creating over a thousand housing units across the riding since I was first elected in 2019, and there is more on the way. To restore affordability in the housing market, we are also: ● Supporting municipalities with the Housing Accelerator Fund to incentivize municipalities to remove prohibitive zoning barriers and incentivize building ● Removing the GST from new purposebuilt rental housing ● Cracking down on non-compliant short-term rentals with the tax code and supporting municipal enforcement ● Creating a new Canadian Mortgage Charter to ensure Canadians at financial risk can access tailored mortgage relief when renewing their mortgages
HEALTHCARE
With 1/5 British Columbians without access to a family doctor, a toxic drug supply and overdose crisis that is the leading cause of death of British Columbians under the age of 59, and lengthy backlogs and delays for mental health services, British Columbians have not been getting the healthcare services they deserve. To support the province to improve healthcare delivery, the federal government announced historic investments and policy shifts this year, including:
● A transformative $27.47 billion
investment in healthcare that requires BC to speed up foreign credential recognition and track progress on improving outcomes. 2023 saw a doubling of the number of nurses registered. ● Approving a pilot program to temporarily decriminalize small possession of drugs to encourage those suffering from addiction to get the help they need, while investing in mental health and addiction services, and harm reduction projects, including an investment in Squamish. ● Launching the 9-8-8 National Suicide Crisis Helpline to ensure emergency access to suicide prevention and emotional support. A new Foundry Centre was launched in Squamish, and a further Foundry is coming in Sechelt as part of the 35 centres that will be established through our bilateral agreement with BC.
ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE
British Columbians are deeply connected to spectacular natural environment and
prioritizing the most ecologically valuable areas, such as our old growth forests, and protecting species at risk. This follows and executes many of the tenants of my Motion M-83 that provides a plan for federal leadership in old growth forest protection. ● Became the first G20 country to end fossil fuel subsidies, and the first country in the world to outline a cap on emissions from the oil and gas sector. To stay up to date on my work please visit my website at patrickweiler.ca, follow me on social media @PatrickBWeiler, or email me at Patrick.Weiler@parl.gc.ca. want to see it and the biodiversity it supports protected. In 2023, the federal government: ● Updated the Canadian Environmental Protection Act with my amendment to enshrine a right to a healthy, clean, and sustainable environment for the first time in federal law. ● Announced a historic $1 billion Nature Agreement with the BC government and First Nations that charts the path to protect 30% of lands by 2030, including
I wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season, and the very best for 2024. Patrick Weiler,
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR WEST VANCOUVER– SUNSHINE COAST–SEA TO SKY COUNTRY .
A4 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Friday, December 22, 2023
VIEWPOINTS
EDITORIAL
Joyeux Noël!
Merry Christmas everyone! The big day is now a mere three sleeps away. Hopefully everybody is in the holiday spirit, but even if you aren’t feeling it yet there’s still time. We just have to look to A Christmas Carol to see that time is never out and hope is never lost to find joy in the holiday season. Once again the holidays have been wonderful to take part in here on Bowen, with weekends (and weekdays) packed full of events during the last month. The only thing we’ve been missing from the first two holidays I spent here was a big snowfall, but who knows perhaps there is still time for that as well. This issue is our last paper of the year, as myself and Tracey (and Ron) will be heading on break once it’s delivered around town. We’ll be back in the office on Tuesday, January 2, with the first paper of 2024 coming out on Friday, January 5. That edition will mean the Undercurrent is just 1 year away from turning 50 years old, so hopefully there will be many more exciting and heartwarming stories in the year ahead to carry us into that milestone with a bang. But first there are a pair of other major milestones, so once again I hope all of you have a very Merry Christmas! Like last year I’m very excited to be heading to New York to spend it with family (and hopefully find some of that snow we’ve been missing). Whether you are on Bowen or off-island, if you’re with family and friends it is sure to be an enjoyable time. And then it is time to say goodbye to 2023! There’s a couple events here on the island (see the back page) and I’m sure many house parties too. It is time to see what the wonders of 2024 are going to bring all of us. Thanks for another great year Bowen, and see you all again once that calendar turns! - Alex Kurial, Editor 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. Please limit to under 500 words. HERE’S HOW: To submit a letter to the editor, fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to #102, 495 Bowen Island Trunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 or email editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com 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.
#102–495 Bowen Trunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC, V0N 1G0 Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148 bowenislandundercurrent.com DEADLINE for advertising Monday, 4 p.m. DEADLINE for editorial Tuesday 5 p.m. Bowen Island Undercurrent Subscription Rates: Mailed 1 year subscription on Bowen Island: $55, including GST. Within Canada: $85 including GST Newsstand (Single Copy) $1.50 per copy, including GST
ISSN 7819-5040
National NewsMedia Council.
EDITOR Alex Kurial editor@bowenisland undercurrent.com
ADVERTISING Tracey Wait ads@bowenisland undercurrent.com
CARTOONIST Ron Woodall
PUBLISHER Matt Blair publisher@bowenisland undercurrent.com 2011 CCNA
CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2011
The Undercurrent is a member of the National NewsMedia Council of Canada, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com or call 604-947-2442. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the website at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.
Friday, December 22, 2023
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A5
VIEWPOINTS
Community Centre thoughts
JUDITH GEDYE Bowen Island Municipality Councillor We are SO CLOSE to having our new Community Centre completed: interior work is happening. We’re at the drywall and painting stage. While many of us want to plan events and start enjoying the different rooms, or complaining about how long it is taking, we are reminded that we are completing our most ambitious project ever, which will be well-loved and well-used just like the Old General Store/Library for the next 100 years. AND we have managed to successful-
ly steer it through some pandemic supply chain horrors, labour shortages and ferry nightmares. The good news is that in our fundraising push for completion, if philanthropy fails (which I still hope will not happen, although the 11th hour is here folks!), we have some security with provincial grant money in savings. However, there is a significant string attached to that good news: there are many important projects in our budget planning that are far more difficult to fundraise for (culverts, composting, public works yard) and the same grant money could help fund some of those. We are committed to finishing this project while we have other pressing needs and a clear desire not to raise taxes.
So, here’s my ask: if you support this project, have any after-tax dollars to donate, please help. Federal tax receipts are available. But, it’s not only about money. We’re told that a couple of things are still in question with potential big donors: broad community support and management capacity. Bowen is blessed with many generous, involved and supportive people. Some are concerned about having their good name associated with a project that does not have strong support. It would help immensely if you would publicly describe how you plan to use and enjoy the building. In addition to bums in seats for performances (have you sponsored a seat yet?), this Community Centre is so much more. The “living room” has one huge wall of glass windows onto a patio with a rocky bluff and the coastal range beyond.
There is a small kitchen with hopefully great tea and yummy treats. I imagine spending time there with my laptop, or knitting, and meeting others – moms and dads waiting for kids in activities, the film club discussing a movie that’s just been shown, chess players, people talking about council agendas. There are three (large and small) multi-use rooms: meetings, classes, large tables for cutting out sewing patterns or community feasts! I truly believe that if we have a gathering space, ultimately we will have more and better debates and discussions. You know you will be welcome – it is a space you helped create whether you contribute tax dollars, donations, time or applause but we also need your ideas – you are the community – how will you use this beautiful new space? CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
NEW LISTING 620 LAURA ROAD $3,600,000 One of Bowen Island’s most important legacy properties. Completely one-of-a-kind, this living museum sits on five acres and is home to one of the largest apple collections in North America – with over 900 individual species on site, and over 1,100 apple trees in total - along with figs, pears, almonds, blueberries and more. Also home to award-winning Riley’s Cidery, a Bowen staple (separately for sale). The 3,900 sf residence sits proud above the orchard, with a distant ocean view. The 1,600 sf barn sits beyond - across a large playing field - and includes storage and room for guests. Property bisected by a creek that cascades into swimming ponds. All situated very close to the Laura Road trailhead up Mt. Gardner, and multiple nearby superb beaches. Please call for more details.
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A6 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Friday, December 22, 2023
VIEWPOINTS Peace Is Not Passive JULIE HUGHES Contributor With all the heaviness that’s going on in the world these days it can be hard to think about peace and the meaning of the Holidays at a time like this. I know for myself it almost seems trite to celebrate our consumer-driven habits of this time of year in stark contrast with the violence happening in other parts of the world. The incredible loss and trauma that millions are enduring, the endless war or the binary of the good guys versus the bad guys. Sometimes who is who is not always clear, but one thing that I know for sure is that innocent children should never be caught in the crossfire of war. Living over here we have so much comfort, security and privilege in contrast to those living in harsher conditions of
war and starvation, however we are not immune to the deeply felt psycho-spiritual impacts of a conflict of this magnitude. It can be difficult to keep on keeping on as though these atrocious things aren’t happening in the world, but many do just that and many have to continue to get up and keep going throughout their lives in spite of these injustices. I read something the other day that spoke of peace as not being premised on the “algorithms of correctness” and that “Peace has never been calculated by who is right” (Bayo Akomolafe, Notes on the End of Violence). How do we reach for something more than righteousness and retribution in the face of war? What lessons can we learn from the origins of this holy time, a time where many cultures and religions have celebrated and gathered and come together in the spirit of love and peace on earth. I often imagine myself living in another
time and visualize what life might have been like back then. The holiday season was much shorter for one, there likely weren’t as many pressures or expectations placed on us by the hyper-consumer driven way of life of today. People probably took time to rest, as for most (at least those living in the northern hemisphere) it would have been the darkest of days and the longest of nights, what work could possibly happen during a time of forced hibernation? Perhaps our animals and livestock were tucked away in barns, sheltered from the harshness of the climate. We may have gathered with kin around the hearth and warmed up a stew or a freshly hunted partrich. My ancestors in Quebec used to make the largest tourtière you’ve probably ever seen with rabbit and pork and veal and kept it warm in their cast iron stoves and ate it for days. Vegetables were in limited supply that time of year. We probably didn’t focus on much outside of our small villages or towns as things were happening on a much smaller scale then, life was harsh but I imagine with a sort of nostalgic yearning, that we knew how
to warm each other by the fire. We lived in the constant presence of the fragility of life. Knowing that a cold winter could mean that not everyone would make it to see another Spring. Was there peace? Were we happier then, living simply by the means we needed for survival? There’s good reason to not romanticize the past, but I can’t help but wonder if we all long for those simpler days as a memory that lives deep within our bones of a way of life that was much more peaceful, in tune with the natural rhythms of the seasons. When I think of the word peace I think of it as a verb, an action - something I am either actively working towards or something I am fighting against. The deeply held war mentality of our times lives within our own mind as much as it does in the external world. Are we at war with ourselves as we struggle just to accept and love ourselves unconditionally, do we live within the confines of war in our closest relationships? Are we always on the defence or seeing others through the lens of threat and mistrust? CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
Friday, December 22, 2023
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A7
VIEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6
You’d be surprised by how prevalent the war mentality is in the work I do with couples in my practice as a therapist. To choose peace in our most intimate of places is often not possible or accessible to us, so how can we comment or pass judgement on the lack of peace within the world at large when we ourselves are stuck in the war within? Where does our personal responsibility lie in no longer perpetrating the physiology of war within our own nervous systems? How can we be of use to others if we are still drinking from the same poisonous cup? To find peace we must walk through the flames of our traumas. The inherited trauma that lies within each of us. The root of which is fear, scarcity and survival. We turn to war not because we long to fight but because we long to survive. Now, given our current life circumstances and the relative safety we are accustomed to, our amygdala’s have a lot of catching up to do. One way to prevent more violence and work towards more peace on earth is to start with
the self and the close relations of all those we impact within our sphere of direct experience. Some questions to ponder this Holiday Season - where am I self-perpetuating that war mentality within? How do I extend trust into the world? To be able to receive it we must begin by first giving it to others. How can we practice kin-ship with our neighbours, friends and family? How do we choose peace over war in every waking thought or action? Our hearts may feel heavy, but that is in no way an excuse to close them off and shut out the world. Can we let our hearts be broken, even just enough to allow the inevitable peace that comes from our shared grief? We are connected in this way, we are connected through our grieving of the collective harm and there is power and strength in being able to allow oneself to be vulnerable to that. I wish us all more peace and broken-heartedness in the weeks to come, for only a broken heart can mend and be open enough to let the love shine through.
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A8 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Friday, December 22, 2023
VIEWS
Put Your heART into Art There is still time to show your support for all the cultural programming offered by the Hearth Gallery. We are a small but very mighty arts organization led by staff and a team of volunteers to bring events, productions, art shows, workshops and more to Bowen Island. There are a few of ways to ‘give’ back to the Hearth…purchase an annual membership, sponsor an event, visit the gallery and purchase art or donate (contributes directly to support the arts on Bowen). And we make it simple – the Hearth Gallery is open daily from 11 to 5 pm (closed Tuesdays), so drop on by or simply visit our website where you can purchase a membership or donate at www.thehearthartsonbowen.ca
New Facility Manager hired CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
Heart painting byJean Bradbury
All donations come with a tax receipt, so you still have time to give for 2023! And if you are looking for a gift idea, donate in someone’s name. Happy holidays everyone!
SEASON'S GREETINGS WISHING YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES A JOY-FILLED HOLIDAY SEASON &
I love theatre, movies, scripts, actors’ imaginations, costumes, and finding props, but because of such bias, I am not who donors need to hear from. It’s obvious I will use and enjoy the performance space. I also know that ultimately, it’s all done for the applause, and that’s you: the audience. While we may be captive inside our Howe Sound moat, we are also a receptive, well-educated, curious, and supportive audience. The only time an audience is “thin” is when there are four or five excellent events to choose from. That range of offerings is also incredible. That’s the benefit of being close to a big city – close enough to have resident, high-calibre talent and far enough away that they find sanctuary and a great community in which to raise their kids. That’s where the recently hired “Facility Manager” comes in. Lee Vincent is fantastic – he trained as an actor but found better financial security with managing per-
formance spaces. He knows how to read the dials on the big machines in the basement, what buttons to press on the electronics in the technical room, how to work with computer booking systems AND he is a well-respected community member, is excited about not having to commute, and I hear he is married to a teacher at Bowen Island Community School. We are very lucky to have his talent in our midst and that he applied for this job. Welcome Lee! Very exciting. Any concerns whether the physical and program management of the space will be both competent and inspired, should be allayed. And finally, once all the rough edges are polished, boxes unpacked and equipment running smoothly it will be late spring before we have “A Grand Opening”. In the meantime, we need to hear from you: fundraising, welcoming Lee, ideas for programmes and performers, your production calendars, and recommendations for the best treats. Please show your support. It will all help.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS from all of us at Bowen Island Properties
ALL THE BEST IN 2024! BEST WISHES, FRANCES & ANGEL
Frances Frost Personal Real Estate Corporation 604.657.0660 www.bowenislandrealestate.info
Bowen Island Properties LP Since 1988, building communities where people love to live www.bowenislandproperties.ca
info@bowenislandproperties.ca
604-947-0099 ext 101
Friday, December 22, 2023
VIEWS
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A9
Wishing you all the very best of the best this holiday season! And many thanks for supporting Squirrel and our causes throughout another year Closed Dec 25th and reopening Dec 29th
In our wartorn world, would you like to do something to create peace? It’s a wonderful time to support peace education for children as our future leaders. To do this, we will be offering White Peace Poppy stocking stuffers for sale at Cates Pharmacy and the Hearth Gallery. There will also be a stand in front of Cates Pharmacy on Friday, December 22 and Saturday, December 23 from 2 to 4 pm. All proceeds go towards education programs for children. Happy Holidays and thank you for your support! - Ender Tanrikut & Ellen Hayakawa
For all of us in the last minute spirit of the season we have gift cards for your stockings at the Snug and Artisan Eats and if you call Artisan Eats before Dec 24th you may find a lovely Bûche de Noël waiting for you or Christmas Dinners for your table. 604-947-0190
From our fam amilies m to you and ann yours tha han ank n you for a great year arr Bowen! We wish everyone a hap haappy, p blessed Christma mas a ann the very best for 2024. and
REGULAR HOURS
Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy holiday season! We are closing on December 23rd, with reopening on January 2nd. In case of emergency, please contact one of the closest emergency clinics. Mountainside Animal Hospital 604-973-1247, or Canada West Veterinary Specialist 604-473-4882.
Mon-Fri 9-5
CONTACT reception@bowenvet.com
604.947.9247
Closed Sat & Sun
A10 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Wishing everyone
Friday, December 22, 2023
Santa Cawes comes to town
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from all of us at the Building Centre We’ll be closed Monday Dec 25th & Tuesday Dec 26th. Open Wednesday Dec 27th, Thursday Dec 28th, & Friday Dec 29th and closed Monday Jan 1st ,2024
BOWEN BOW WEN BUILDING BUIILDING CENTRE CE ENTRE 1013 Grafton Road • 604-947-9622
WHY BUY LOCAL? It’s not just humans who make wish lists for Santa Claus... our furry friends also have visions of special treats and toys at Christmas time. With this in mind, the Bowen Island Vet hosted Saint Nick this holiday season to make sure Island pets like Teddy Chewsabelt, seen here with proud parent Marysia McGilvray, will be included in Santa’s delivery route in a few days time. Santa’s appearance also served as a fundraiser for CAWES (Coast Animal Welfare & Education Society) and thanks to the many pets who came to Artisan Square the day ended with hundreds of dollars raised for the society. We hope that Teddy and every other Bowen pet finds something special under the tree this year. / Deb Stringfellow photo
s y a d i l Bowen o H y p Hap
Friday, December 22, 2023
Golfer pulls off Ace on Six
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A11
Thank you from your Bowen Island Community Foundation In 2023 your gifts have helped grow the Island’s capacity to invest in the wellbeing of our community. Wishing you all Joy and Peace.
Jo Gassman is a very humble lady, but today (Dec. 14) looking a little proud as she celebrates her first ever hole-in-one on Bowen Island Golf Course (Hole #6). Jo had just been saying how good her lessons were with Colin (the pro) but she needed to practice a little today. Congrats from us all! / Sarah Graham photo
If you would still like to receive a charitable receipt for 2023, please go to bowenfoundation.com and give today.
The staff at Bowen Waste Solutions would like to wish you the best of the holiday season Looking forward to serving you in 2024.
A12 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Friday, December 22, 2023
Facing Fears, Inner Demons key themes of Sludge CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Cole followed this newfound love to Toronto and TMU’s film program, where she found a whole team of students who shared her interests as she began to pursue her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Studies. “Just being surrounded by so many other nerds and other film kids has been such a delight,” she says. But it was a unique transition into college life. Cole graduated high school in 2020 during the early days of the pandemic, and most classes were far from returning to regular in-person learning by that September. Her first year was fully online, learning about the history of the filmmaking medium. A highlight was the opportunity to use 16 mm Bolex cameras, which were a popular filming device for much of the 20th century. Molly’s second year was spent focusing on documentaries, where she produced a piece about motherhood (including her own Mom). Cole’s third year saw her head off to Denmark where she explored new technology in the virtual reality realm. Now in her fourth and final year, Molly is tackling her thesis project – directing a film based on her own screenplay. “As a writer I decided that I wanted to write something,” says Cole, pointing out that there was also an option to provide your skills on other films for the thesis project. Along with her love of writing, some of Bowen’s landscape inspired her as well. “I got this idea to do this 80s horror camp swamp monster thing,” she said, envision-
ing the creature emerging from some of the island’s more murky areas. Molly began writing the script, titled Sludge, this summer. It was then time for a rigorous review process from filmmakers, which included a four-minute pitch, to see which 14 of the 30 scripts would be chosen to be made. When the decisions were in, Sludge was among those selected. “It was an interesting process, it kind of almost makes you feel insecure… Why am I writing this?... But then to get that approval, it made it all feel worth it. So that was really exciting.” Sludge actually began as a short story prior to its leap into the screenplay realm. As the name suggests, we find the main character stuck dealing with numerous struggles. “It’s the story of this girl who is feeling very, very insecure and depressed. The origin of the story is there’s this woman and something is following her and haunting her. And it’s revealed that it’s actually her inner demon that has been manifested in reality,” says Cole of the story’s background. “I really like the idea that, I think a lot of us can relate to the fact where on the outside we can look perfectly fine, but then on the inside there can be this gross, junky feeling, like something’s wrong with you or everything you touch might get dirty or ruined in some way. So I really wanted to play with that idea of this inner and outer world.” Cole says that even when dealing with
Queen of Capilano Ferry Schedule NEW OCTOBER 10 - MARCH 31 2024 DEPART BOWEN ISLAND
DEPART HORSESHOE BAY
5:20 am - except Sundays 5:50 am 6:20 am 6:50 am 7:30 am 8:00 am 8:35 am 9:05 am - except Wednesdays 9:40 am 10:15 am 10:50 am 11:25 am 12:00 pm 12:35 pm 1:10 pm 2:20 pm 2:55 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm - except Wednesdays 4:35 pm 5:10 pm 5:45 pm 6:15 pm 6:50 pm 7:25 pm - except Saturdays 8:00 pm - except Saturdays 8:30 pm 9:00 pm 9:30pm 10:00 pm 10:30 pm Note: Schedules subject to change without notice Schedule changes on statutory holidays. Please check BCFERRIES.COM
Molly Cole (left) is directing (and wrote) the film Sludge for her thesis project in film school at TMU. / Submitted photo serious issues, there is always room for comedy to strengthen the script. “In my writing I usually tend to stick to darker themes, but I think that the addition of comedy to darkness can actually really highlight the darkness itself… I was really inspired by Fleabag (TV show) and this Norwegian movie, The Worst Person in the World, to sort of merge this really scary looking monster and this witty, dry woman who would react to this like anybody else would react to this… It’s terrifying and scary but it’s also a part of her so it’s sort of familiar to her,” she explains. “We all have this inner demon, or this fear of something, the thing that we think we need to work on. One of the things I want to say with this story is that you’re never going to be able to just get rid of what what scares
you, or your fears. But you still have to meet them and see them.” “What I want to portray in this is that as much as our fears and our inner demons might scare us, when we actually look at them and give them attention we can understand them and then feel, within that, acknowledgement of them... It’s relatable because everybody is like ‘I don’t want to face those things. But once you actually do, you realize they don’t have as much power over you as you once thought,” says Molly. Sludge’s crew of 20, with Cole as director, is currently in the pre-production stage of the film. This involves location scouting, finding actors, scheduling filming dates, and, as Molly puts it, lots of paperwork. CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
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Friday, December 22, 2023 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12
The team recently finalized their shooting locations and will choose actors later this month. Filming will begin in the Greater Toronto area starting in late January. Part of this planning stage also involves design of the Mud Monster, which plays a central role in the story. The Monster will be portrayed by a human-scale puppet, but discussion is still ongoing regarding the details, such as how slimy it will be or whether it will resemble a human, animal, or other being entirely. Molly says her monster-related search history has skyrocketed in recent weeks, with inspirations including Asteroid City, Pokémon, and Spirited Away. Once filming is wrapped, it’s off to the editing room to put the final pieces of the puzzle together. The team will also work with a composer to build a musical score, and record foley sounds to create the many sound effects in a film. Finally, on May 4, the finished product (about 10 minutes in length) will debut. The completed film will represent an entire year of hard work, even more years of study, and the finale of Cole’s time at TMU. Whether there’s more filmmaking in her future is something she’s not sure of just yet. “I want to make art and films because I think they have stories to tell, and I don’t need to be in an industry making money to tell those stories. But if this goes well and I get another idea for a story, then I’d love to
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A13 keep directing,” she says. Mental health is a primary theme in Sludge, and also one Molly says she’s considered exploring in her career. “I think that psychology is another form of storytelling, and in a way very similar to writing and directing. You have to empathize with your character, even if they’re flawed, and I think having that storytelling background and bringing that to psychology would be interesting.” Cole and the crew have been fundraising for Sludge in order to make sure they’re prepared for the intense stretch of months ahead. They’re already over one-third of the way to their $6,000 goal. “Having that is so helpful to make sure that our crew is safe and fed and everything kind of goes as planned. That’s the goal of the fundraiser, to just make sure that we are as prepared as possible for any problems that might arise,” says Molly. The fundraiser can be found by searching ‘GoFundMe TMU Thesis Film Sludge.’ As she enjoys winter break back home, Molly notes it’s the talent in the community which launched her interest in the arts. “It’s such an inspiring and connected community of artists, and growing up here has definitely given me the ability to follow through on my dreams and things that I think a lot of people don’t get the opportunity to do. I’m so lucky to be surrounded by people who support the arts, and a big thank you to the community,” says Cole.
However you choose to celebrate this holiday season May you experience gladness Be surrounded by love & good cheer And top it all off with a wonderful year r HOME & GARDEN Artisan Square | 574 Artisan Lane e: hello@toshdecor.ca t: 236-357-2777
I hope hope you you ffind ind ssomething omething ttoo ccelebrate elebrate aand nd bbrighten righten oour ur wwinter inter ddarkness, arkness, aand nd wwhatever hatever iitt iis,s, tthat ha t iitt ggives ives yyou ou jjoy oy Judi Gedye, Councillor & Trustee
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FROM FR FRO RO OM M OUR OU UR FAMILY FA FAM AM MI IL I LY L Y TO O YOURS YO YOU OU UR RS R S WE E WISH WI WIS IS SH H YOU YO OU A VERY VE VER ER RY Y HAPPY HA HAP AP PP PY P Y HOLIDAY HO HOL OL LI ID I DA D AY A Y SEASON! SE SEA EA AS SO S ON O N N! APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR 2024-2025 | ISLANDPACIFIC.ORG
A14 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Friday, December 22, 2023
Bowen’s November Home Sales ALEX KURIAL Editor November had five property sales dotted around the island. Four of these were home sales which doubled October’s tally. There was another home sale on Keats Island too, mirroring October’s number. Last month’s top sale sits high on the island’s east side with an unimpeded view to the mainland. The five-bedroom, four-bathroom home at 927 Valhalla Place went for $1.845 million after a 37-day stay on the market. Overall the 23-year old home is 4,244 square feet on a 0.63-acre lot. Along with the three different levels of deck, the top floor of the three-storey house functions as its own master bedroom. There’s also an art studio, double-car garage, and a home gym. Close behind for the second-highest sale of November was the property at 1504 Adams Road. At 2.41-acres this lot has enough space for two homes on it, the main house coming in at 3,395 square feet and the second one totalling 1,155 square feet. Altogether the homes and property sold for $1.575 million after nearly 19 months of being available. The three-storey main home is a four-
bed, three-bath which has been lifted and fully renovated since its original build. The second house is a newly built two-bedroom and two-bath spanning two floors. The acreage also includes a 384 square foot workshop. A third house also closed for seven figures with the sale of 1555 Eagle Cliff Road for $1.31 million. The 1975-built three-bed, three-bath rancher was snapped up just 10 days after being listed. The rancher, made from Western Red Cedar, also has a basement which essentially equals the main floor in size. This brings total house space to 1,488 square feet on 0.3-acres. There’s a separate studio and workshop in the backyard, along with a variety of trees including Maple, Fir, and Fruit. The fourth-highest selling home of November is right around the corner from the second at 1471 Tunstall Boulevard. The three-bedroom, one-bathroom house closed for $875,000 after 58 days on the market. The two-storey house is 1,428 square feet on a 0.21-acre lot. The home is close to Tunstall Bay Beach and the neighbourhood clubhouse. There’s a bus stop right outside the house, and a wall of trees along the road for shade and privacy.
927 Valhalla Place, with its five bedrooms and four bathrooms, was the top sale of November going for $1.845 million. / Zealty.ca photo One vacant lot also sold on Bowen last month, in the south near the golf course. A 0.2-acre plot of land at Lot 9 of Seymour Bay Drive went for $900,000, just 20 days shy of a year of listing. The space is one of few flat lots on the often-steep island, allowing for a level house and driveway. The style of home will be up to the new buyer, with the opportunity to build to a maximum of 2,574 square feet given the property size. Keats Island was once again an attractive destination with the sale of 199 Esplanade Road for $525,000. The four-bedroom, one-bathroom cabin-style house built in 1971 is 1,382 square feet on
0.17-acres of land, and sold 198 days after being listed. The cabin is within a five minute walk of both the beach and community dock. It also comes with a sizeable deck measuring more than 550 square feet, and a fireplace inside the home. And on Gambier Island a vacant lot on the island’s east side sold in November. The 4.82-acre property along Brigade Bay, known as Lot 7, sold for $360,000 after 50 days on the market. The property comes with a drilled well on-site, and access to a spot at the Brigade Bay marina. Around 450 feet of the property, mostly rocky, borders Brigade Bay.
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bowenislandundercurrent.com • A15
IPS Students Seeing Green PAM MATTHEWS Teacher / Island Pacific School In Canada, we are lucky to have access to purchase fresh greens yearround, but this luxury comes at a cost - not only for us financially but also for the environment. Greens grown in southern climates need to be packaged, refrigerated and shipped to stores where they are again refrigerated until we bring them home. These processes all produce carbon emissions which contributes to global warming and climate change. But what if there is a way to grow our local fresh foods even in the wintertime? Enter the Fork Farms hydroponic growing system. This is an indoor, hydroponic (water rather than soil), artificially lit, system. At Island Pacific School, we have the opportunity to explore this option with our system. We partnered with THRIVE Bowen, and received grants from the Knick Knack Nook and the Bowen Foundation to buy the tower and materials. Throughout the year, we will be experimenting with growing salad greens and analys-
ing factors such as cost, energy consumption, use of fertilizers and water, and comparing these factors to imported greens to determine the viability of hydroponic growing. So far, it has been exciting to build the tower and to learn how to grow the greens. In early October, students planted the seeds. We allowed them to sprout and then transplanted them into the tower. The plants grew quickly and in just over one month, they were ready. With one growing cycle, we grew over 160 plants. We made salad for the entire school many times and some students and teachers also took some greens home to their families. The students love planting the seeds, watching them grow, harvesting the plants, and finally eating the greens! After tasting a salad one day, a student said “This is the best salad I have ever eaten!” We are so pleased to be able to expose these students to the wonders of growing and eating healthy food and we are looking forward to extending the experience by conducting experiments and analysis over the year. As a science teacher, I am excited to bring hands-on learning into my classroom to investigate how much
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Island Pacific School students have been making good use of the new hydroponic growing system at their school. This includes making salads for the whole school - many times over. / Submitted photo yield we can produce, what plants we can grow, and how much energy is used to grow the food. We can analyse the amount of energy required to produce the food locally
compared to buying food that is shipped from far away. IPS is grateful to the folks at THRIVE, the Bowen Community Foundation and the Knick Knack Nook for making this possible.
A16 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Friday, December 22, 2023
Bowen Island RCMP Stats - November
REMINDERS ABOUT LEGAL FISHING AREAS ON THE ISLAND, AND SUPPORT SERVICES AVAILABLE TO REACH OUT TO 24/7 OVER THE HOLIDAYS OR ANY TIME OF YEAR
BOWEN ISLAND RCMP Bowen Island responded to 49 calls for service in the month of November: Abandoned 911 We responded to a 911 call that turned out to be a non-emergency. Police attended the residence and learned that a child had dialed the number. Domestic Disputes Police investigated a domestic dispute. The parties were separated for the night. No criminal charges were laid. Fraud 1 fraud investigation. Check Wellbeing 5 well-being checks. In 4 instances the people were found to be ok. In 1 instance the person was found in distress and was assisted by paramedics. Missing Person 3 missing person investigations. All three were found safe. Coroners Act Assisted the coroner with 2 investigations. Fisheries Act - A report of a dive boat in Galbraith Bay (Mount Gardner Dock) harvesting sea cucumbers. According to the DFO (Fisheries and Oceans Canada), it was a legal activity. - A report of people fishing in the lagoon from the causeway. Police attended but the people had departed and were not located. The Bowen Island Fish and Wildlife Club advised that the DFO Community Advisor reviewed provincial freshwater regulations and concluded that fishing for salmon from the Causeway or anywhere in the Lagoon at
any time of the year is unlawful. The specific references in provincial regulations relevant to the Causeway and Bridal Veil Falls Fish Ladders are: No fishing areas are within 23 metres downstream of the lower entrance to any fishway, canal, obstacle or leap or within a 100 metre radius of any government facility operated for counting, passing or rearing fish (e.g., fishway, fish hatchery) unless otherwise designated. The Causeway and Bridal Veil Falls Fish Ladder on Bowen Island are “fishway, canal, obstacle or leap”, and are “government facility operated for counting, passing or rearing fish (e.g., fishway, fish hatchery)”. Harassing Communications 3 reports of harassing communications. Property Lost and Found 2 reports of lost licence plates. 2 reports of lost wallets that were later located. Traffic 3 reports of vehicles speeding. 1 report of a vehicle that clipped another vehicle’s side mirror. 1 report of a vehicle striking a deer. 1 report of a drunk driver. Theft - A report of theft from a motor vehicle. - Theft of a remo skin banjo. The banjo was left at the end of a driveway when it was taken. Mental Health A report of a person in a mental health crisis. The person was located off Island and was provided with support. Suspicious Activity - Report of possible squatters living in a remote cabin. Police attended and investigated. There were no squatters in the cabin. - Report of a suspicious male at the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal. Advised BC Ferries to be on the lookout for the
individual. - Report of a male trespassing on private property. When confronted by the owner, the individual claimed to be there on official business. The individual departed without providing identification. - Report of a person in the water at the marina during dark hours. Police attended and located the person, safe back on board a boat. -Report of an intoxicated person causing a scene. Police escorted the person home. Criminal Record Checks Processed 3 applications for criminal record checks. Liquor and Cannabis Licensing 2 liquor licences issued. Victim of Crime You are a victim if you have been directly or indirectly affected by a crime. You do not have to report the incident to police or be physically hurt to be considered a victim of crime. In some cases, the term victim may also refer to: - Someone whose family member or loved one has been killed or injured when a criminal activity was taking place. - Someone who has witnessed a crime. Remember, you are not to blame for what happened to you. And you are not responsible for the behaviour of the person who has committed a crime against you. Everyone experiences the effects of crime differently and every reaction is normal. Help and support are available to you. Call Victim Link BC at 1-800-563-0808 9-8-8 Number for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Support Canadians can call or text 9-8-8 to access bilingual, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate mental health and suicide prevention support. The service is free and can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Trained crisis responders will listen to you and provide support with compassion, providing a safe space for you to talk.
Have a wonderful holiday, Bowen! the next Undercurrent will be January 5th
Friday, December 22, 2023
The Magic of Christmas
Henry the dog brought along a sleigh full of adults and children to see Santa and the lights at the annual Christmas at Endswell Farm last Friday, December 15. The event drew a large crowd to visit the ever popular Santa Claus and see a display of tens of thousands of Christmas lights. Partial proceeds from the event are going to Bowen charities (below), Mrs. Claus with youngsters Wesley and Dylan Pryce-Jones, plus Noah Pryce-Jones too (right), and Domino making sure Santa Claus has fully understood her wish list (below, right). / Marcus Hondro photos
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bowenislandundercurrent.com • A17
Friday, December 22, 2023
A18 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
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BRIND, Bill - Filmmaker London 1933 - Bowen Island 2023
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Bill was an extraordinary man who led an extraordinary life. From his childhood in the East End of London, he was determined to break through the class barriers of British society and achieve what he wanted: to be a documentary filmmaker.
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From the BBC in England to the CBC in Toronto to the National Film Board in Montreal to the United Nations in Lebanon, the West Bank, Gaza, Syria, Jordan and Vienna. He edited, directed, and produced numberless award-winning documentaries including “High Grass Circus” nominated for an Oscar in 1977 for Outstanding Documentary Feature and the “The Devil at Your Heels” which won the 1983 Genie Award for Best Theatrical Documentary. Some of his best loved films are “Impressions of Expo ‘67” and “Jack Rabbit” all of which are available for viewing on the NFB website.
THANK YOU FOR RECYCLING THIS NEWSPAPER.
Bill died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. He will be terribly missed by his wife Loredana, son Brandon, daughter Geraldine, son-in-law Peter, granddaughters Francesca and Selena, and by all who loved him, Farzaneh, Clare, Potter, and his many close friends.
ANSWERS
His outsized personality, brilliant mind and passionate nature will remain in all our hearts and memory. He wanted to thank his wonderful doctors Blackwood and Kiraly and caregiver Peter for their friendship and care of these last few years on Bowen Island. His autobiography “Not a Bad Life, All Things Considered” is available at our local library, the Hearth, and Amazon.
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Friday, December 22, 2023
COMMUNITY CALENDAR Tuesday, December 26 Boxing Day Pizza Party at the Legion Legion will be open from 2 to 7 pm for a pizza party with Bowen Pizza Co. complete with nachos and old boxing classics. Members and guests welcome, and all kids too. New Year’s Eve, December 31 Speakeasy Spectacular at the Pub Ring in 2024 at the Bowen Island Pub with a 1920s themed Speakeasy party. Formal, vintage, and themed dress encouraged. Hosted by MC George Crooney, starts at 8 pm with champagne at midnight. Tickets $25 (cash only) at the Pub, use codewords “Looking for Gigglewater”. New Year’s Eve, December 31 UK New Year’s Eve at the Legion Come by the Legion to celebrate the New Year starting at 3 pm. Pub quiz with host Alex McNeill, music from Marc Gawthrop, and an appetizer buffet. The ball drops
at 6 pm with a special toast. Tickets $20 at the Legion, ages 19+. Monday, January 1 Polar Bear Swim If you are up for braving the waters of Bowen Bay Beach, the annual Polar Plunge will start at 2 pm sharp! To January 2 Outdoor Exhibit at the Museum Wander through the annual Museum & Archives winter outdoor exhibit at 1014 Miller Road. Thank you to Diane Buchanan and Blue Aguacil for the installation WEDNESDAYS Bowen Bridge 1:30 to 4:30 pm at Bowen Court. Fee $5 per person per session. Your place must be arranged by email no later than 6 pm on Monday. To make your booking or to seek more information, please email bowcates04@gmail.com
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