20 years ago in the Undercurrent
In her Island Neighbors column, Lois Myers-Carter reported that August 20 was the date of the Ten-Year Party organized by travel agent and heritage aficionado David Smith, on behalf of the Bowen Island Park and Store Use Society (BIPASUS). The party celebrated the community-based effort to preserve the old Union Steamship Store which was opened in its renovated form in 1964. The party also acknowledged the work which resulted in the location of a regional park on Bowen island. Myers-Carter went on to report how the old store building had been become derelict after the previous owner lost their attempt at Cove development and one of their partners had taken possession of the building. This partner had no interest in the building so it sat and slowly fell into poorer and poorer condition. As he sat across the street at Sly’s café one day in 1978, David Smith got an idea. He printed a notice in the Undercurrent and called a meeting at Collins Hall. Soon enough, the Bowen Island Park and Store Use Society was born. Much work went into creating the park and saving the old building including Ellen Dorman and her crew’s Flea Markets and campaigning and lobbying for a provincial park. When the idea of a provincial park fell through, the GVRD was brought in to help secure almost 600 acres of parkland and the building. Finally in June of 1094 the old store was officially dedicated.
15 years ago in the Undercurrent
The headline in the Undercurrent for August 13, 1999 was“Controversial ‘Cat’ leaves destruction in its wake”. Residents of Passage Island were complaining to both BC Ferries and the local RCMP about the destructive nature of the wake caused by the Fast Ferry as it sped past their island. There were concerns that the vessel was being operated in an unsafe manner and that the wake could potentially be a threat to not just docks but people as well.
10 years ago in the Undercurrent
“Another chip away at the innocence of Bowen,” was the quote from Fire Chief Brian Biddlecombe regarding the theft of Dock Dance tickets and cash from Vonigo – all told, “in excess of $2,000.” Thieves jimmied the door of the small store and appeared to target the small box with the tickets and cash sales from the tickets. Susan Clarke owner of Vonigo said that first her car was stolen then the store was targeted but that none of Vonigo’s cash was stolen. She said the break-in was particularly discouraging for her 90 year-old mother, Joan Knight, who can often be found manning the counter and happily selling tickets for community events.
5 years ago in the Undercurrent
A plea made by missing teen Jodi Henrickson’s parents had generated some new leads in a coordinated search for her. RCMP Cpl. Dave Ritchie said that police combed terrain on Bowen Island with search dogs but he would not comment on the exact location of the search. Police confirmed that BC Ferries footage did not show her leaving the island and they believed she either left by other means or remained on the island. Jodi’s parents made the plea on August 1 stating they believe she is alive and being held against her will on Bowen Island.
