We've compiled the Coles Notes version of a year of joy and sorrow on Bowen Island. What was significant for you in 2019? Let us know at [email protected].
January
Emergency weather shelter opens at Collins Hall.
Vehicle stolen and another broken into in a crime spree.
George Zawadzki holds a screening of Jacob Two Two and the Hooded Fang in honour of its late star Kipp Thompson. The event raised $800 for a new fund in Kipp’s honour.
Foodbank is vandalized.
Islanders gather to start creating a Bowen/Nexwlelexm Marine Conservation Atlas.
Zoom Zoom announces it won’t be returning to its previous location on the corner of Trunk and Miller. It doesn’t open come summer
February
Windstorms knock out power and for some it’s out for as long as three days.
A tree falls on a passing group of teens, significantly injuring two of them.
Translink tests a seat reservation app on Bowen.
Windstorms knock over six trees on Ross McCorquodale’s property but miraculously nothing was destroyed.
Council authorizes an architectural firm to proceed with working drawings and construction estimates for a new fire hall. The estimates later come in over budget.
Provincial government announces the Queen of Capilano’s runs cancelled in 2014 are to return.
March
Locals decry the $329,643 of the Islands Trust requisition.
Fire chief Ian Thompson resigns.
Community Centre borrowing referendum put on hold.
Islanders rally to help injured paramedic Janis Treleaven.
Island students march to Municipal Hall to demand climate action.
Tracey Hurst convinces Metro Parks to change signs so that they show dogs with undocked tails.
BIM sets property tax at 6.7 per cent.
April
Salt Spring Islanders steal the mastadon from Bowen (just kidding).
Youth on a couple of Bowen Island Football Club teams weather a gun scare in Surrey.
Heritage Preservation Association holds Apple Blossom Festival
A Shaw fibre optic line goes live on Bowen.
Bowen Waste owner Louise McIntosh asks islanders to follow dump truck at a greater distance after three near misses in one week
May
Hallmark’s Perfect Harmony spends three days filming on Bowen.
Island Discovery Learning Community announces it will now offer schooling into grades 10, 11 and 12.
Bowen Vet reopens with new vet Dr. Midge Ritchie.
Community Economic Development Plan gets $100,000 grant.
General Store goes BYOB (bring your own bags).
Bowen rugby players raising money for travelling to Argentina.
BIM adopts ferry lineup bylaw.Canadian Parents for French opens a Bowen chapter.
David Podmore steps aside as Community Foundation chair due to health issues.
Jax the cat meows his way into a council meeting.
Bystander saves a man on Mt. Gardner.
June
BIM hires Derek Dickson as the new fire chief.
Simon Daniel James (Winadzi) unveils the BICS Welcome Pole.
BIM’s manager of Public Works Bob Robinson resigns amid water troubles in Bluewater and King Edward Bay.
Cape on Bowen looking for input on future development at the Cape.
July
Bowen Island Football Club celebrates 10 years.
RCMP looking for two young people who left threatening notes at a local shop.
Translink starts on-demand bus pilot on Bowen.
Cpl. Paulo Arreaga leaves Bowen and Cpl. Adam Koehle arrives.
Council decides not to proceed with Phase I of the multiuse path due to feasibilty & budgetary concerns.
Bowen gains rural status from the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development.
August
Water restrictions end in Bluewater and King Edward Bay.
Peter King hands off the keys of the Bowen Island Express Bus to the Bowen Transportation Society.
Peter King is Bowen’s 2019 Citizen of the Year.
Eagle Cliff goes on stage four water restrictions.
September
Jacqueline Massey announces she’s leaving BIAC after 19 years.
Cove Bay Water Treatment Plant put to the electors in “alternative approval process. ” It passes.
BIM starts looking at replacing turf field.
Islanders set up tents in Davies Orchard to bring awareness to homelessness on-island.
Bowen students join climate strike in Vancouver.
October
BIM adopts the BC Energy Step Code step one.
Trailer catches fire at the cape.
Conflict between volunteer firefighters and Bowen fire chief Derek Dickson goes public.
Bowen Island Food Sovereignty releases reports analyzing the state of agriculture on Bowen and how we could build a sustainable food system on-island.
BC Ambulance asks islanders in medical distress to call 911 instead of showing up at the station.
Bowen CAO Kathy Lalonde takes a leave of absence, Dennis Back steps in.
Liberal Patrick Weiler elected the new MP for the riding.
BIM declares a climate emergency.
New disc golf course opens
November
Knick Knack Nook celebrates 10 years.
Sangre de Fruta product featured in the International Emmys gift bag.
BIM adopts a short-term rental policy.
Islander Damian Leverton runs in the NYC marathon for Komera.
December
Friends of Shilanne Stedmances gather to remember the islander.
Bowen Island Community School’s concerts recognize kids making a difference in the world.
Muni hires Patrick Graham as new director of engineering.
BIM celebrates 20th anniversary.
