What's cancelled on Bowen and how businesses are adapting to COVID-19

Please note: this story is now out of date –– see the updated version of this story here.

We will update this list of cancelled events and modified services and events daily. Know of developments? Email [email protected].

Here’s what’s closed due to COVID-19:

• Bowen Island Municipality: "Municipal Hall is closed to the public, effective immediately. We will continue to provide essential services. Please contact us by phone 604-947-4255 or e-mail [email protected] to make alternative arrangements to in-person service." 
• Bowen Island RCMP detachment office is closed and non-essential services suspended. 
• The Well on Bowen is closed over spring break.
• Bowen Island Gymnastics Club has cancelled classes March 13, 14 and all spring break camps.
• Knick Knack Nook closed as of Sunday, March 15
• Arts Pacific Gallery closed until further notice.
• Bowen Island Chiropractic closed until further notice.
• Branch on Bowen closed for two weeks starting March 16 -- they're monitoring the situation and will determine whether or not it's possible to offer delivery options. 
• Bowen Youth Centre will be closed until further notice watch for updates on our Facebook page @BowenYouthCentre
• Bowen Island Community Recreation: "BICR has made the decision to cancel all Spring Break Camps, Community Weight Room access, Fitness programs, Youth Centre hours and Playcare in the interest of minimizing the impact of COVID-19 on our community. Cancellations will take effect as of 3 p.m. on Monday, March 16 (today). Refunds for pre-paid programs will be processed over the next 2-3 business days. Closures for on-going programs will remain indefinite as information becomes available, please check the BIM/BICR/BIYC social media sites for updates."
• Positively Fit: closing the doors for the next two weeks (will give update March 29.) Offering small group hikes for studio members (with social distancing) as well as a home program (more details to come.) Gals Group Training will proceed as scheduled, with social distancing (rain or shine:) at the school field.  Bring a towel, layered clothing and a sense of humour. Boxing will proceed as scheduled, with social distancing (rain or shine) at the school field.  Bring a towel, layered clothing and a sense of humour. Personal Training may be arranged with your trainer to suit you best (outdoor sessions, home designed workouts sent to you etc).
• Gallery@Cove Commons is closed until further notice.
• Bowen Island Museum and Archives: "The archives will remain open for research requests by email but the building is closed," says archivist Catherine Bayly.
• Bowen Island Public Library: closing the library and cancelling all programs and events effective March 16 until further notice. Materials on loan can be returned through exterior mail slot. Patrons can access online resources from home, including eBooks and eAudio, online learning, digital magazines and more. Staff are available to answer questions by email to [email protected]. The Library will extend return due dates to March 31 for all physical items except Interlibrary Loans. Note: Items that are currently overdue have not been extended. Please contact staff if you require assistance with renewal. Library fines and fees will be waived during this closure. Room rentals are cancelled and any current bookings will be refunded.
• Bowen Island Massage Therapy and Bowen Island Wellness Centre are closed until further notice. 
• Bowen Island Express Bus and afternoon water taxi commuter service has been cancelled.
• Bowen Island Espresso Hut is closing however owner Chiara Perin is keeping the coffee roaster open and is offering also a home delivery for people needing coffee beans at home. Text 604-417-5003 for Bowen Coffee orders. 
• Bowen Island Integrated Health: suspending non-essential services at the clinic until further notice. Those with appointments will be contacted and atlernative options offered for continued care. Select practitioners offering treatment options through clinic closure. Telehealth service through Jane App include emergency mobile services for incapacitating injuries (chiropractic and physiotherapy), telehealth new injury assessments (chiropractic, physiotherapy and kinesiology), telehealth subsequent sessions (chiropractic, physiotherapy and kineseology), telehealth mental health services (registered psychologists), telehealth dietitian services (registered dietitian). Patients in rehabilitation programs with therapists will be contacted directly. Encouraging anyone who may need their services to contact directly at [email protected] to discuss options. Now offering online consultations via the PhysiApp.
• The Gym is temporarily closed as of March 16. They'll extend all memberships and freeze all AutoPay clients.
• Phoenix on Bowen is closed until further notice. "We are taking email orders at [email protected] and will be doing deliveries every few days.
  We will be in the store on Thursday 19th to take phone orders only. 604-647-2793. We can also be reached on Facebook."
• Kelly Konno Dance Studio closed until further notice.
• Cedar Wellness is closed for now. 
• Tell Your Friends Cafe is closing as of Wednesday, March 18. 
• As of March 17, the Province of B.C. has directed all kindergarten to grade 12 schools to close until further notice. 
• Copper Spirit Distillery is closing the lounge and focusing on production. "We will be offering bottle sales Of vodka, rye spirit and gin by pick-up and delivery for those who are self distancing. People can email us at [email protected] to place orders––we will e-mail invoices."
• Real Rapunzel: "The Real Rapunzel will be closed until the end of March. Opening hours in April to be determined, but we are adjusting to the challenges and as of April we will offer a mending/alteration service for garments that do not require fittings. We are currently working out the logistical details and challanges so please check in our Facebook page (The Real Rapunzel) or Instagram (therealrapunzelonbowen) for the upcoming launch. The Real Rapunzel is offering also gift certificates. for inquiries and orders call or text for easy arrangement. Ines (604) 813 8324"
• Bowen Children's Centre: all programs suspended as of March 17. 
• Fabulous Finds: "Closed until March 31. We will open by appointment only. We encourage gift certificates. Just call 604 760-8550 to make an arrangement," says owner Susan Pratt.
• Artisan Eats: starting March 18 closed upstairs for regular service. Will continue to bake bread for Ruddy Potato and General Store. Will take orders for bread, quiche and soup. "Orders are to be phoned in by 11 a.m. on the day prior to delivery. We will have bread for pick up or delivery ready on Thursday 19.  We hope to bring on stews and casseroles the following week depending on demand. Please call 604-947-0190," says Joan Hayes.
• Catching Stars Gallery: "We will continue to share daily in Social Media streams, on behalf of all the artists. We offer gift certificates and can complete transactions via phone and then email the gift certificates out (or deliver to your front door if you live on Bowen)," the gallery posted on Facebook. "Please feel free to reach out to us should you have any questions. Call or text 1(780)720-5268. Direct message on social media or email [email protected]."
• Bowen Island Recycling Depot: closed as of March 17. Any updates will be posted on BIM website. "At this time, Bowen Waste Solutions will continue with essential services such as garbage, green waste/food waste and commercial pick-up," said a statement supplied by the municipality.  
• Birch Wellness: Closed as of March 18. " All practitioners will be transitioning to telemedicine to continue supporting your healthcare needs. More details to come as we update our booking site, set up telemedicine and implement direct billing," said its Facebook post.
• Bowen Island Dog Ranch: closed until further notice. "Please email or call us if we are still caring for your dog, but know all the remaining pups are healthy and happy, and we will house them as long as you need," says owner Karen Munro. 
• Bowen Island Tattoo Shop until April 15. In the meantime still selling paintings, selling prints, doing commission pieces and designs, consults over email, text, instagram, facebook messenger or phone. 

Here's what's cancelled for COVID-19:

• Bowen Island Community Choir rehearsals postponed.
• Seniors Keeping Young cancelled until further notice. 
• Michigan Rattlers concert at the pub March 28 is cancelled. 
• Bowen Island Pub has cancelled all large parties and events until end of April.
• The Legion’s Friday evening dinners will be suspended until April.
• The Garden Club cancelled its March 16 and April 6 events. 
• Rentsmart for landlords on March 21 is cancelled.
• Wild Scribe Book Tour event at Collins Hall March 19 is cancelled.
• Trust Me Series Pierre Schryer and Adam Dobres concert on March 27 is postponed until Nov. 27. "Tickets can be held for that date, refunded or cost donated to the artists. Contact [email protected] to arrange for any of those options."
• BIM's Advisory Design Panel meetings on March 16 and 18 are cancelled. 
• BIM's Housing Advisory Committee meeting on March 18 is cancelled.
• BIM's Community Economic Development Committee on March 23. 
• BIM's Regular Council Meeting March 23 will be limited to the Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw and other time-sensitive items. "We encourage members of the public to watch the meeting by livestream video on our YouTube account," said a BIM statement.
• Equinox sound walk with Pauline Le Bel and Bowen in Transition on March 19 is cancelled. 
• Bowen Island Resilient Community Housing (BIRCH)'s BARC meeting scheduled for March 23 is postponed. 
• Community Lunches at the Legion are postponed. 
• All summer acquatics (947 swim) have been postponed. Registration postponed. 
• As of March 16, Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer directed that gatherings be restricted to no more than 50 people.

Here’s what local organizations and businesses say they’re doing on Bowen:

• Bowen Beer and Wine Cellar: Open regular hours (10 a.m. to 11 p.m.) but hours are under review––may shorten hours but intent do be open every day unless instructed to close by province or BIM. If instructed to close will go to 100 per cent delivery model. No known product supply issues at this time: inbound deliveries still expected and they'll be increasing stock levels a bit for popular items. Debit or credit (preferably tap) only (no cash accepted). Starting March 18 will offer delivery service to those in self-isolation or vulnerable. The delivery service will be run in daylight hours and deliveries will be scheduled for up to next day delivery. One must be home to receive alcohol (and in cases where driveways and roads aren't accessible there'll need to be arrangements to drop at a friend's or be met nearby) and deliveries must be pre-paid. Not accepting bottle return at this time.
• B.I. Golf Course: Asking people stay home if experiencing symptoms or could have been exposed to virus. Introducing enhanced cleaning protocols in all areas, including push carts and power carts, with particular focus on high contact areas. Increasing communications and reminders with guests, partners and employees on important health and safety measures. Leaving flagsticks in and guests avoiding using rakes, ball washers.
• Cates Hill Chapel: modifying how Communion is served, encouraging no contact and no coffee or snacks after worship.
• Snug Cove General Store: not taking bag donations right now and the bottle depot will close as of March 16; increased routine cleaning particularly paying close attention to high-touch areas; precautions to safeguard health of community staying home if have symptoms of illness; unpacked candies will not be available; emphasizing hygiene practices. General Store will only be taking credit or debit starting to tomorrow March 21.
• Cates Pharmacy: If you need a prescription filled or other phamacy supplies and are feeling unwell call the pharmacy (604-947-0766) to place an order and have someone else pick it up. Cash payments still accepted by card encouraged. Medication returns not being accepted and medication vials not being reused for time being. To minimize close contact, they request prescriptions or refill requests be dropped off and then prescriptions fetched later. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of frequently-touched surfaces. 
• The Village Baker: Reduced hours to 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed Sunday.Take-out only and order by phone only. For delivery to the self-isolated please call the bakery and arrange with Neil for payment and artisan office pick up and drop off. Call 604-947-2869. Visit 604-947-2869.
• Food on Bowen: washing hands after every delivery; regularly disinfecting car steeringwheels, dash and handles; using gloves and disposing them after every delivery, while still taking cash may move to just taking e-transfers at some point. 
• Bowen Island Flower Shop: "To limit social interaction, we have priced everything in our courtyard so feel free to go grab what you need to get your planters or garden going. We will also have the veg and flower seeds outside the front door from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Just send a list or picture of what you took to [email protected] (or message us here and we will send you an invoice). *Please remember to shut and bungee the gate!*" The shop said on Facebook.  
• Bowen Island Tattoo Shop: If possible have consult over email, text or phone. Ask clients to arrive clean and use hand sanitizer before entering the shop and avoid bringing friends unless they too are having tattoos. Can reschedule if showing signs of cold and fever. 
• Alderwood Farm: only staff will be allowed in the building. "The Specialty Food Shop at Alderwood Farm will be open but will only be taking orders by phone and Facebook and having these orders available for pick up or delivery. Pick up will be for prepaid items available in bags set outside the shop or for home delivery by FoodonBowen. Please phone us at 604-947-9434 or send a message to our Facebook page. We will be offering a limited menu to assist in keeping our customers and neighbors fed and healthy."
• Tuscany is closing dine-in until further notice but is continuing take-out and delivery. Hours are 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. If you need anything or have concerns or suggestions: [email protected]. 
• Doc Morgan's: Take-out only and off sales. Number is 604-947-0808. 
• Happy Isle Cannabis Company: remains open usual hours. "Our inventory and selection of products have been adjusted to meet the increased demand and have been assured that our inbound deliveries will remain the same schedule," said manager Rob Forbes on Facebook. "By law we cannot provide home deliveries. However, for seniors and others that are more vulnerable in our community we are extending our service to include private consultation appointments between the hours of 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. To set up an appointment, please call during our regular hours 604-947-9888 before 5 p.m. All appointments are set up 20 minutes apart to avoid contact with other customers either arriving or leaving. Please respect your time allocation."
• The Snug Cafe: Closed Mondays, open Tuesday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. "Snug will not be operating the grill, all food will be prepared ready for take-out. We Will have fresh pastries, muffins and coffee each day for take out. Order ahead by calling 604-947-0402. We are working on an online ordering system," says Joan Hayes.
• The Watering Can Supply: hours changed to Monday to Friday 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Implementing pickup and drop off system outside shop and a delivery service. "Drop your bottles in a bag with your name and a list of items (or message me the list). I can drop these items off to you or you can pick them up outside of the shop during store hours. Drop off 5$. 3) If you are in self quarantine I am able to pick up and drop off your items. Pick up and drop off 10$ 4) I will need to have your card on file to process payment so please be in touch with me by phone (call or text) to get this info to me," says owner Casey Kennedy. 
• Cormorant Marine: "Afternoon commuter trips suspended until further notice. The late night service, which has been provided for 42 years will be suspended starting [March 18] until further notice. We will still provide private charter service. As well, the many trips we do for the Ambulance Service and other essential providers will be unaffected," wrote Brian Biddlecombe on Facebook.
• Bowen Island Pub: "Effective Wednesday March 18th The Pub will be closed to dine-in and bar patrons for two weeks. Takeout will continue to be available for pick-up daily from noon until 9pm and a copy of our menu can be found at www.bowenpub.com. If you would like food delivered, please contact ‘Food on Bowen” through their Facebook page," said a statement from the Pub. "Be assured that we continue to be extra vigilant in our cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting practices for all kitchen and high touch areas. Staff have our full support to stay home should anyone feel unwelll or be concerned. During this two week period we will be assessing our ability to reopen while maintaining the recommended social distancing practices."
• Cocoa West: Starting March 18 "the take out window at our chocolate cafe will remain open, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We have removed our indoor seating. Patio chairs are set up on the patio at a respectable social distance from each other––please enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. We will continue to keep all of our employees and customers safe with regular sanitization practices," said a post on Cocoa West's Facebook Page. "You may continue to purchase at the store take out window, call in an order 604 947-2996, email [email protected]."
• Matthews IT Consulting is still offering remote support for those who may be working from home:  604-970-2245.
• Barcelona Tapas and Wine Bar: take-out only. Pick-up and pay through the take-out window. "We've selected your favourite tapas that you can order through the phone and come and pick up at the window." Check Facebook, Instagram or Google for the take-out menu. Temporary opening hours effective March 19: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. every day. 604-947-2311. 
• Ruddy Potato: "no self service areas at the moment. Our staff are ready to help providing these items from behind the counter. (some bulk items are still available self serve). And no personal containers or cups, including big water refills...check our website for info on how to refill your Island Oasis water. And of course, if you are sick or think you might be contagious, please stay home. The kitchen has been cooking up a storm, and we are well stocked with ready to go dinners (including gluten free): and most of these items do freeze well if you are thinking about quiet days ahead. Although we have taken the seating out of the Cafe, take out is available, and people are welcome to take a break at one of our outdoor patio tables....with appropriate distancing please! If you are in quarantine or self isolating because you are symptomatic or living with someone in quarantine, we are partnering with Artisan Express to arrange to have your groceries delivered to you door. Email [email protected] for info. If you are just really concerned about being in a retail store and you need groceries, email [email protected] and we we will try to pick your order for you (paid by credit card) and have it ready for pickup," the Ruddy said on Facebook. 
• Bowen Veterinary Services: "We are taking stringent steps to keep our patients, clients and employees healthy and safe including: In addition to the rigid cleaning and disinfection protocols already in place, we have increased the frequency and duration of our cleaning processes. If you are feeling unwell, we ask that you arrange for someone else to bring your pet to us and leave all personal items such as collars, leashes, blankets, toys etc. at home. When you arrive at the clinic, we will ask you 3 basic health-related questions before allowing entry. As always, we will continue to send after-hours emergency and critical care patients to Mountainside Animal Hospital & 24 Hr Services who continue to remain open and fully-staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are closely monitoring the guidance from the Canada Center for Disease Control and local authorities regarding the spread of the virus to ensure the actions that we are taking are comprehensive and appropriate. Side Note* Pets do not appear to be affected by this virus and it has not been demonstrated that they can transmit the virus to people. Make sure you have a reasonable supply of pet food and any medications your pet may need in the event that you feel uncomfortable coming in. There is currently no shortage of medications or pet food so there is no need to “stockpile”. However, due to high demand deliveries to Bowen Island may be slightly delayed. As always, do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. We will keep you updated regularly if our situation changes," read a statement on Facebook. 
• Bowen Building Centre: "Starting this week we will not be open on Saturdays for the foreseeable future and will be limiting our store to 6 people at a time. We also ask that if you are sick or have been travelling in the last 14 days that you do not shop with us at this time.
  We are participating in the delivery service with artisan express so you can call us at 604 947 9622," owner Anna Donnelly wrote on Facebook. 
• First Credit Union: We have divided the staff in to two teams that will rotate on a 2 week basis. This leaves us very short staffed on a day to day basis, so: we will no longer be open on Saturdays, we will be closed for one hour at 1 p.m.for lunch. Please help us flatten the curve by doing what you can over the phone or online and if you do come in, maintaining social distance.
• Bowen Island Sea Kayaking: " Due to the current concerns of viral transmission, BISK will remain closed at least until May 1. We will be re-assessing the reasonableness of opening or staying closed over the next few weeks. Bookings can still be made for after May 1, and refunds are always guaranteed if this situation persists," said a Facebook statement. 
• Rustique Bistro: open for take-out. Wednesday to Saturday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call  604.947.2277 or message on Facebook to order.

For the "Here's what islanders are doing" section that used to be at the bottom of this story, please see our new standalone story, which too will be updated regularly. 

For more information about COVID-19 visit the provincial health alerts site, the B.C. Centre for Disease Control site, the federal corona virus site and keep an ear open for local developments.