As reported on January 6
On January 1, BC Ferries cancels sailings from Horseshoe Bay to Snug Cove for the first time in 25 years due to winds of between 45 and 50 knots at Pam Rocks (as recorded by ferry captains). Islanders were stuck in the city, and visitors to Bowen stuck here. Meanwhile, much of the island was without power. Because of the weather, BC Hydro couldn’t sending people to Bowen to fix the lines until January 2, however, that day12 hydro crews came over to remedy the situation.
As reported on January 13
Former Crippen Park Caretaker Michael Chapman opens up Seaside Cottage #1 as a warming shelter. Chapman’s contract as caretaker ended on December 31, and Metro Vancouver asked him to move out on that date. However, Chapman said that without stated plans for the cottage, legally, his tenancy at the cottage would continue on a month to month basis. Chapman told The Undercurrent that between January 1 and January 10, he welcomed 26 visitors in need of a warm space to the cottage.
As reported on January 20
The Cove Commons project breaks ground with $950,000 in the bank to cover construction costs for the addition to the library.
As reported on January 27
An estimated 214 Bowen Islanders assemble outside the library to participate in the global Women’s March. Islanders voiced their reasons for marching. These included: for future generations, marching against the rise of fascism, for serenity and not anger, and for respect.
As reported on February 10
Bowen Islanders continue to suffer through winter storms. The challenging weather delayed construction of the Bowen Island Pub, while local arborists kept busy dealing trees blown over by high winds.
As reported on March 10
The Ali family, sponsored collectively by Bowen Islanders through the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program, lands in Canada to start a new life. The Syrian family was greeted by a brother who came to Vancouver four years ago through the same program. In the preceding weeks, Bowen Islanders worked to address the practicalities of the family’s new life including finding furnishing their new apartment and ensuring everyone had appropriate winter clothing.
As reported on March 17
Car2Go cancels service in Horseshoe Bay. Island commuters expressed their frustration and council discussed ways to potentially advocate on behalf of them. The company simply stated their reason for the decision, which was that vehicles were left unused in Horesehoe Bay for extended periods of time.
Bowen Island is awarded close to $4million in funds from the Federal and Provincial governments towards the construction of a water treatment plant.
As reported on April 7
Bowen Islander Michelle Livaja announces her candidacy for the NDP in the West Vancouver Sea to Sky riding.
As reported on May 12
MLA Jordan Sturdy holds on to his position as the MLA for the West Vancouver Sea to Sky riding with 9,649 votes cast in his favour. Support for the Liberals in the riding dropped from the previous election, with Green Party candidate Dana Taylor finding increased support.
As reported on May 19
BC Ferries restores sailings between Snug Cove and Horseshoe Bay on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The sailings were cut in the spring of 2014.
As reported on June 16
TransLink awards Bowen Island $160,000 towards the creation of a multi-use path connecting Tunstall Bay to Snug Cove. In the short term, plans for the funding focused on building a path around the corner of Grafton Road that intersects with Charlie’s Lane.
As reported on June 23
16 year-old Emily Epp from Kelowa swims all the way around Bowen in preparation for her goal of becoming the youngest swimmer to cross the English Channel, which she achieved in July.
Zoom Zoom Bowen achieves the designation of being “carbon neutral.”
Not reported in the Undercurrent!
On July 10, Council passes the bylaws making the construction of detached secondary suites with a maximum floor area of 65 square metres permissible on lots that are a minimum of 0.36 hectares.
As reported on July 7
An unfinished house overlooking Eaglecliff drive burned to the ground in roughly 45 minutes. Forestry crews were called in to prevent the spread of the fire into the neighbouring forest.
As reported on July 14
Bowen Islanders learn that BC Timber Sales (BCTS) hopes to make use of their Crown Lands on Bowen Island, and expressed their outrage towards any kind of logging activity at council. Council decided to request that BCTS extend their public comment period into the fall and change their scheduled July 30 open house date, BCTS promptly denied this request.
As reported on July 21
The Municipality loses an appeal by Zongshen Envirotech Ltd. launched because of its decision to ban the building of docks at Cape Roger Curtis. The court ordered the Municipality to order a building permit for a dock on CRC lot 14.
As reported on July 28
Mayor Murray Skeels calls a last minute decision by BC Timber Sales to cancel its open house scheduled for July 30 and drop Bowen Island from the Forest Stewardship Proposal “incredibly good news.”
As reported on August 11
People on Bowen Island and Howe Sound suffered from poor air quality caused by wildfires burning throughout the province.
As reported on August 18
The Twins took are crowned Fast Pitch Champions of 2017 after scoring a dramatic three runs in the seventh inning in the final game against their rivals, the Diggers.
As reported on September 8
Tourism Bowen reports that more than 12,000 visitors stopped by the Visitor information Centre this summer, up from roughly 7,000 in 2016.
As reported on September 22
Bowen Island mourns the loss of Peggy Proudlock, a woman with a long history on Bowen Island known for working extremely hard and being generous to a fault.
As reported on October 13
Rondy Dike and Oydis Nickle of the Union Steamship Company present their plan to create floating micro-homes to provide housing for their staff.
As reported on November 10
Following a sudden and intense cold-spell, a group of concerned Bowen Islanders launch a campaign to set up an emergency weather-shelter so that people with inadequate housing have somewhere to go when harsh weather hits. The Municipality allowed for a temporary shelter to be set up in the upstairs of the library, but three days later, the shelter shut down.
As reported on November 30
Metro Vancouver decides to keep six of the existing cottages in Davies Orchard and demolish the rest, with $2.1 million earmarked for the project. Long-time cottage advocate Judi Gedye expressed her skepticism about Metro’s intentions.
As reported on December 7
BC Ferries offers details on plans for a $250 million upgrade to the Horseshoe Bay Terminal, students and parents express their opinion on the cancellation of the Outside 45 Program at BICS, and Santa visits Bowen twice in one weekend.
