Dear Editor,
As Chair of Tourism Bowen Island, I was very pleased with your writeup on the “Tourist Gazebo” in last week’s Undercurrent. Any mention of Tourism on Bowen pleases me. I have to admit, I was very nervous about the heron situation and very thankful for the Municipal Council and staff who bent over backwards to make this happen.
However, as Chair of the First Credit Union Community Advisory Committee, I have to thank the First Credit Union CEO, Dave Craigen for, not only believing in Bowen and opening the Credit Union 7 years ago, but for presenting us a cheque to construct a memorial for the late Dick VanAelst who served as a Director of the Bowen Board until his passing 2 years ago.
The Credit Union’s Community Advisory Board had considered numerous concepts on how to recognize Dick’s service to the Island. The Bowen Golf Course had already constructed the VanAeilst/ Fraser stone bridge at the 9th hole in memory of both of these amazing gentlemen. We decided that a “Welcome Centre” would be ideal for our visitors and islander’s alike. It will house some very informative maps of the attractions, shops and trails of the island.
Kevin Manning and committee member Tom Mitchell worked closely with the Municipality to ensure that the structure meets all engineering standards. The Bowen IRLY Building Centre assisted in providing materials with very generous pricing. The actual building of the Welcome Centre has been done entirely by volunteers on the weekends…. Thanks so much to Andy Rainsley (Bowenshire Stoneworks and Landscaping), Dave Atkinson (Kore Residential), Kevin Manning (First Credit Union) and Alec Pelzer (Valek Fine Homes). This is, indeed, a community legacy.
Murray Atherton
Chair, Tourism Bowen Island
