Local News

There's the possibility of three or four referendum questions being on the municipal election ballot this November. First there's the community opinion vote on the possible creation of a national park on Bowen Island.

Last year, the municipality expected to spend $4,892,769 to provide services. By the end of this fiscal year, it was almost right on target. In 2011, the municipality spent $4,827,174 in all of its various departments.

Sarah Haxby's day planner is like a well-used, detailed road map that has been pored over and relied upon for months on end.

By the end of 2012, Bowen Island will be required to have no food waste in the garbage it trucks off the island, as set out by Metro Vancouver's waste management plan. The municipality plans to develop a viable composting option on the island.

There used to be 60 people signed up for the parent and tot gym time, says Christine Walker, Bowen Island's community recreation supervisor. But the popular program can no longer be offered.

The efforts to track the hybrid wolf-beast roaming Bowen are intensifying as still more animals are attacked, wounded, reported missing or killed.

The Official Community Plan update will be available for second reading at the June 6 council meeting. "The map edits are the final fit before we can put together the final document," said CAO Brent Mahood.

Under Metro Vancouver's jurisdiction, Crippen Park is protected from First Nations land claims. But if it gets incorporated into a national park reserve, it will become fair game, says Lonnie Hindle.

BC Ferries says rising oil prices are forcing it to impose a fuel surcharge starting on June 1. The surcharge will be 50 cents for adults, 25 cents for children, $1.

Bowen Island councillors couldn't agree on when to reschedule the community opinion vote about a possible national park but they were almost unanimous in their decision to cancel the June 25 showdown with the electorate.