The following are unedited snippets from past Undercurrents. To read the complete articles or to follow up on information please contact the Bowen Museum & Archives at [email protected] or 604.947.2655.
40 years ago - February 1979
Bowen Island unhappy with school district #46 - demands public budget meeting: A delegation from Bowen Island stormed out of the School Board meeting held on January 25 saying that Bowen Island may be better served by being represented by a School Board other than School District #46.
Bowen Park Society: February is upon us and it promises to be our busiest month to date. The Park Committee is completing its park vision. Our presentation to the Citizens Advisory Panel to the minister responsible for the expenditure of heritage funds regarding The Store is being prepared and we are on the agenda the next meeting. A meeting will be called to show these proposals to all islanders before they go to the government.
“For High School People Only”:
UNDERCURRENT has had reports that some of our Bowen Island high school people are behaving in a less than satisfactory manner while they are en-route home on our ferry boat.
We were sorry to hear that you are throwing food about, are stealing from the galley, are interfering with ropes and lines, and are scribbling nasty words on bulkheads.
Stop it—right now.
Smarten up—due reasonable things—sit quietly and read or chat. Be glad we have such a fine boat and pleasant crews to bring you home.
Be proud of it—think of the poor unfortunate in West Van who must walk home.
And cease forthwith this nonsense that leaves our island in bad report and you in danger of being whomped by your mamas.”
The reply from a student will be in the March issue.
25 years ago – February 1994
Cove plan would ease traffic tie-ups (by Ted Townsend): A commuter parking lot behind the Old General Store and a two-lane loading and off-loading for the ferry are part of a new plan aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Snug Cove.
Crown lands face the axe (by Russ Francis): Three applications now being considered by the province. Hundreds of acres of Bowen’s Crown land could start falling to loggers’ chainsaws new year says the man who runs the B.C. government’s area woodlot program. While the sites have not yet been decided, Bowen officials were less than pleased to hear from a reporter that logging is imminent.
“It is always scary when you hear that,” said G.V.R.D. director Ross Carter.
Three applications for woodlots on Bowen Island are now being considered, and a decision to grant at least one of them will be made before the summer, says John Coles, the co-ordinator for the Chilliwack forest district.
Architects to talk about new centre next Saturday: The architects are seeking further input prior to submitting their report in March. The Bowen Island Parks and Recreation commission is holding a third public meeting and consultation on Saturday February 26, to seek further public input on a proposed community centre. Based on numerous submissions received from community groups and input from a citizens advisory committee, the architects have 50,000 square feet. Some of the suggested allocations have resulted from a recent tour of community facilities by the citizens advisory committee.
10 years ago - February 2009
What do teens want? (letter to the editor): Every Bowen-raised teenager reaches a point where they begin to spend less time on the island. What services or amenities would make teens want to spend more of their time on Bowen? Several Bowen Island teens weighed in on the issue last week during a 7:30 a.m. ferry ride packed with students.
“I like to see some sort of new casual dining place that is open late. Maybe an actual movie theatre with new releases. Also, I’d like to see a better transit system that ran later.” Said West Vancouver Senior secondary grade 12 student Bianca Hartle.
Devon Walker, another grade 12 student had some suggestions: “I’d definitely like to see a taxi service again. I live on Mount Gardner and it’s almost impossible to get there if you don’t drive.”
Zane Miller, also WVSS Grade 12 student said, “I’d really like to see a skate park on Bowen. I feel it would provide youngsters with a sense of freedom.”
Grade 11 WVSS student Ben Roocroft also had something to say on the issue, “I think there should be a hockey rink. My friends would come here to play if there was.”
The question that must be raised is whether the services and amenities are feasible for the Bowen we live on today. Conceivably, we may see an expansion of transit service, or a new taxi, but it is doubtful that Bowen Island could afford the project as large as a hockey rink, even within the next generation. Perhaps the voices of these teens mirror the actions of the many families moving off of Bowen for the conveniences and varieties of activities offered in a big city.
And yet, here we all are, still living on Bowen Island. Maybe not having our own hockey rink is a sacrifice we should be willing to make in exchange for non-urban advantages such as a walk around call Ernie Lake or the sight of Cape Roger Curtis on a sunny day.
Kelcie Walther
Grade 12 student, North Vancouver continuing education
