Eighteen months ago, Bowen Islanders faced a reality that had previously been unimaginable: The continuous flow of food and other necessities, brought in through long supply chains from all over the globe, suddenly felt shaky and uncertain.
From farm labour shortages to slaughterhouse closures, COVID-19 interrupted global food sources, including ours. Local food production shifted from being “nice to have” to an essential element of community and family resilience.
THRIVE Bowen shares the concerns of many other islanders actively concerned about local food resilience. We are a dedicated group of Bowen residents with extensive local, and global experience in sustainability, community economic development, regenerative economies, environmental strategies, and leading initiatives big and small.
“How do we produce enough local food?” is a key question for community and family resiliency. We know that agricultural technologies, such as greenhouses, are essential to local year-round food production. What THRIVE wants to know is: Are community-owned, commercial greenhouses, viable on Bowen Island? Are they part of the solution?
In partnership with Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Institute for Sustainable Food Systems, THRIVE Bowen wants to conduct a feasibility study for community-owned, commercial greenhouses on Bowen. This analysis would confirm whether greenhouses are viable here or not, and if they are, would lay out the path for their realization. These analyses will benefit you, your family, and the entire community.
“It’s become ever more apparent that our resilience is not just a nice thing for Bowen to have but increasingly essential,” said Jae Mather, THRIVE Bowen co-founder and global sustainability expert. “Climate change is now beginning to directly affect our island life and this is only the beginning. COVID-19 has highlighted fragility in our society, supply chains and helped to focus us on the sanctity of our island home.
“THRIVE is exactly the type of endeavour that is needed for us to take a deeper look into what is possible on Bowen.”
But Bowen needs to act fast. From donors such as First Credit Union, Vancity and Bowen Island Municipality, THRIVE has raised over $23,000 of their $36,000 target.
“When we were approached by the proponents of THRIVE Bowen about their project to bring community owned commercial greenhouses to the island, we were excited to have the opportunity to support them,” said Kevin Manning, First Credit Union’s Bowen Island Branch Manager. “Getting behind grassroots initiatives like this, initiatives that create sustainability, food resiliency and a healthier community, is possible because of the support we get from our members on Bowen.
“We are thrilled to be channeling some of our profits back into the community this way!”
Unless THRIVE can raise the other $13,000, Bowen will forgo an opportunity to help secure our food production and our future.
Can you help? Your donation is tax deductible through KPU. Register your pledge by emailing Sherri Magson, director of advancement at sherri.magson@kpu.ca. Please include your full name and pledged gift amount. Please also CC Caroline Chiu, project manager at caroline.chiu@kpu.ca.
Subject line should be “Pledge for Bowen Island KPU ISFS Research Project.”
When THRIVE has reached their target of $36,000, KPU will convert your pledge and issue you a tax receipt.
Can you donate today? Every contribution benefits you, your loved ones, your neighbours, and your Island. Give generously and make a difference in their future.They’ll thank you. THRIVE Bowen thanks you.
