Dear Bowen Islanders,
From the time we took office in 2011, this Council has been unwavering in its efforts to foster an environment that would welcome and sustain independent small businesses, research facilities, and other entrepreneurial enterprises on Bowen Island. Faced with the realities imposed by our geography we see the need to create a culture that promotes local economic activity and manageable growth as essential to our community’s future.
In my January message, I confirmed that we would produce a Strategic Plan for Economic Development on Bowen Island to define opportunities and obstacles and outline priorities for action. Our Economic Development Action Committee (EDAC), has worked for over a year to develop this Plan and establish a framework for its implementation. The Strategic Plan is now being activated. Its three main goals are as follows are to enhance our local business climate, to create a welcoming community and to enhance tourism and the artisanal economy.
Some residents might question why we feel it’s critical to boost growth opportunities for existing businesses and promote new economic activities on Bowen. My response is simple: these efforts are vital to sustaining the present Island economy.
The most important priority at this time of the year (if not all year long) is our tourism industry. With continuing guidance from the EDAC, we are working to build Bowen’s “brand” as a tourist destination, as well as a mecca for artists and craft-based industries.
However, as we focus on pushing for greater activity within our tourist and artisanal sectors, it is equally important that we become more aggressive in attracting educational industries and scientific research based on our unique position in the Salish Sea.
We need a mix of trades people, service industry workers and young professionals living and working on our island. Without a viable local economy for these people and their families, we would have major problems in many areas -- such as having a supply of volunteer firemen to staff our fire department, for one example.
To lay the groundwork for improving economic opportunities on Bowen in a way that promotes both business and environmental sustainability, we are moving forward on the long-awaited rezoning of community lands. The rezoning and subdivision of Lot 2 of the community lands will be a major step toward future development of a Community Centre and associated community amenities. Lot 1 of the community lands (also known as function junction) will be dealt with after the Lot 2 rezoning is completed.
Despite Council’s commitment to stimulate our economic climate and signs of healthy activity, the recent actions taken by BC Ferries pose significant and serious obstacles to progress.
I want to assure Islanders that the transportation issues confronting Bowen Island today are currently my top priority. Working with the Chair of our Municipal Transportation Committee (BIMTAC ) I am in contact with all levels of government. My aim is to generate response to our concerns over the unique problems that came to a head with BC Ferries’ latest mandate, but which also include the need for improved commuter services from Translink.
On April 4, the Chair of BIMTAC and I met in Vancouver with Provincial Minister of Transport Todd Stone, his deputy minister, and our MLA Jordan Sturdy to discuss BC Ferries and Translink. Generally speaking, we had been informed prior to the meeting that the Provincial Government (read BC Ferries) would not change its position on the present areas of concern to our Island and BC Ferries intransigent treatment.
What we did get is this: they will consider our uniqueness in the Metro Vancouver landscape, in that we are a commuter community and, unlike other coastal communities dependent on BC Ferries, subject to Metro Vancouver taxes. They will continue to consider some of our ideas (such as the possibility of home porting.) They will consider imposing no further fare increases on Bowen for two years (even though there is a legislated fare increase in April 2015). Our discussion also covered future areas of concern including the mid-life refit of the Queen of Capilano, passenger-only ferries for commuter runs, possible Translink involvement in the passenger ferry scenario and more efficient co-ordination with Translink on bus service.
In the very near future, Metro Vancouver Chair Greg Moore and his CAO will be meeting with me here on the Island to discuss approaches to the immediate issues affecting Bowen.
I am extremely grateful for the terrific co-operation and assistance the Island is receiving from the North Shore mayors and others on mutual areas of concern. I continue to foster close co-operation with all of the mayors in the Lower Mainland, especially with regard to our issues with Translink services. In that regard, the Chair of BIMTAC and I expect to meet shortly with senior members of Translink to discuss both the on-Island and off-Island concerns of our citizens.
Due to the focus of this message on the prospects and obstacles related to Bowen’s economic activity, there are certain topics that I have not covered here, such as seniors housing, affordable housing and the revitalization of the Lower Cove. I want to assure all readers that these issues are still priority items on Council’s agenda. With the actions underway, I believe we will start to see a clearer picture of these issues very soon, and I look forward to discussing them in the next Mayor’s Message.
Sincerely,
Mayor Jack Adelaar
