Local News

The timing is tight. Council's input is required so that the 2012 budget and the five-year financial plan can move forward and taxes can be determined.

The Bowen Island Municipality has just gone through an extensive two-year planning process aimed at revitalizing Snug Cove.

BC Ferries has reached a "tipping point" of rising fares and declining ridership, and should cut costs or add more subsidy to keep future fare increases to the rate of inflation, BC Ferry Commissioner Gord Macatee says.

Bowen Island's new mayor and council had their first town hall meeting of the 2011-2014 term last Saturday, January 14, and some 85 islanders crammed into the meeting room at the municipal hall to talk about volunteerism and committees.

Last weekend, islanders were surprised to see two ferries moving in and out of Snug Cove. In addition to the Queen of Capilano that provided regular service between the mainland and Bowen Island, the Island Sky docked at the Snug Cove terminal.

Paper or plastic? The answer to that question will soon affect your bill. According to Nancy Lee, the Snug Cove General Store is currently giving out about 12,000 plastic bags a month.

The modernizing of the energy grid in British Columbia through the installation of wireless smart meters is continuing despite some opposition around the province. BC Hydro told the Undercurrent this week that 585,000 out of 1.

The recent expansion and upgrade of the Snug Cove Wastewater Treatment Plant was selected as one of the five notable mentions in Water's Next innovation category.

Time is of the essence when it comes to dealing with the budget. Chief financial officer Karen Blow gave council an update and explained why the budget includes a 9.9 per cent tax hike.

The revitalization of Snug Cove has been on many council agendas and the issue of parking requirements in the area was brought up by mayor Adelaar at the first meeting of the new council.