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BIM Link December 2009
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Bowen Island Municipality 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0
Phone: (604) 947-4255 Email: bim@bimbc.ca |
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December, 2009
BIM LINK
A publication of the Bowen Island Municipality |
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Volume 3, Issue |
From left: Peter Frinton, Joanne Cunday, Silvaine Zimmermann, Kathy Lalonde, Christine Walker, Bob Turner (photo courtesy of Martha Perkins, Undercurrent)
Bowen supports action on climate change
The
Bowen Island Municipality added its voice to a global movement, urging
government leaders to take serious action on climate change. BIM forwarded its message to Canada's federal government officials, attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark earlier this month. BIM also erected a banner at the ferry shelter stating -- "World Climate Conference: We want you to seal the deal in Copenhagen.”
In a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Mayor requested that Canada support “a legally binding, socially just, and scientifically defendable climate change treaty, and that the important role of local and regional governments be maintained in the texts to be negotiated” in Denmark.
Mayor Turner brought forward the resolution to Council, following his attendance at a climate change vigil, December 12, held on the lawn of the public library. The Bowen gathering was part of a global staging of the Weekend of Action, which saw more than 3000 communities, 137 countries and 11 million people gathering to show support for addressing climate change. On Bowen, approximately 100 people came out on a clear starry night to light a candle, raise their voices in support and song and register their concern about the growing threat to the earth and its inhabitants.
The mayor told the crowd of men, women and children that though he was alarmed by the “daunting crisis” facing the planet, he was also encouraged by the show of people willing to make a difference. Bowen, he said, will do its part.
“We will need leadership on many fronts - a broad grass-roots coalition of citizens, schools, community groups, and our local government. Whatever happens at Copenhagen, there is much work to do here on Bowen.“
Parks Canada officials visit Bowen
Parks
Canada officials checked out the island late in November, as they took
the first steps in considering Bowen as a potential addition to
Canada’s national park reserve. The visit was a result of invitations
extended by Municipal Council and coordinated by a committee struck to
explore the possibilities of attracting government interest in granting
Bowen park status.
Councillor Nerys Poole, chair of the committee, reported that Sue Ellen
Fast acted as tour guide for the guests. Fast, a long time resident and
local ecologist gave an “excellent overview of some of Bowen’s history
and areas of cultural significance, as well as providing the highlights
of ecological significance on the island,” stated Poole. The tour
included a walkthrough of much of Crippen Regional Park, municipal
lands around Snug Cove and an around island boat tour.
Summing up what they saw, heard, and with studies, maps and other documents in hand, Parks Canada staff will prepare a report for senior authorities to assess the potential for a national park on Bowen. Councillor Poole said that government officials are looking at the whole of Bowen Island and have expressed interest in Crown lands, existing provincial and regional parks, and other existing protected areas on the island. They may also consider inclusion of private lands, but only based on a willing seller/willing buyer scenario. Negotiations regarding the purchase of private lands would ensue between private landowners and Parks Canada and would not involve the municipality.
Upon completion of their review – expected early in the New Year -- Parks Canada officials will inform the Committee of their decision of whether to proceed with the initiative. If the news is positive, the Committee will consult with the public and convene a fact-finding group to visit residents in the existing Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.
As Councillor Poole summarized in her report, “at this stage the ball is in Parks Canada’s court” as to whether the initiative goes further.
Council approved a budget not to exceed $5,000 including travel expenses to cover costs of the Committee including travel, production of maps, compilation of relevant materials and other incidentals. Other members of the Committee include Mayor Bob Turner and Councillor Doug Hooper. Mel Turner, a retired BC Parks planner with more than 30 years experience, has also volunteered extensively to help move the national parks initiative forward.
Community Centre Action Committee convenes
Work is underway for the new Bowen Community Centre Action Committee
(BCCAC). Struck at the end of October, CAO Hendrik Slegtenhorst chairs
the committee. Its goal is to manage next steps and deliver a financial
strategy that will make it feasible for the construction of a modest
and flexible community centre. The committee’s work – to plan, design,
locate and realize the first phase of a multi-purpose building, will be
completed with help of local experts and professional consultants as
needed.
As directed by council, the BCCAC will facilitate the
first phase of the Centre, focusing on eventual delivery of a community
hall that accommodates public assembly, with performing arts being the
core element. This first phase is envisioned to be approximately 10,000
square feet in size, with the capability of being expanded further to
include dedicated recreation spaces, and an “Island Living Room” as
funds allow.
Municipal Council has passed a budget of $68,000
for the first phase of the work to be completed. This includes $18,000
to cover the Committee’s general and administrative costs and $50,000
for contract work as necessary. Council will be responsible for
approving expenditures regarding the hiring of consultants as per the
municipality’s policies.
The committee will also provide a
financial plan, a business plan for its operation, a recommended
governance model, a community fundraising strategy and a marketing plan
to be used in subsequent phases of the Community Centre development. It
is hoped that the building will be open by the summer of 2012.
Joining
Slegtenhorst on the Committee are Hans Behm, Michael Epp, Fawn Gill,
Paul Hooson, Jim McMahon, Tina Nielsen and Shari Ulrich.
BIM fills senior staff positions
The Bowen Island Municipality is pleased to announce that senior staff positions of Director of Planning and Director of Engineering and have
been filled.
Hendrik Slegtenhorst, CAO, announced that Hap
Stelling, formerly the Manager of Comprehensive Planning with the City
of Regina, will take the helm of the BIM’s planning department. Brent
Mahood has accepted the position of Director of Engineering and
Operations for the municipality.
 Stelling (pictured on left) will bring 28 years of
professional experience to the island. He has an extensive background
as Director of Planning, having also worked in Revelstoke, BC,
Charlottetown, PEI., and Saint John and Fredericton, NB. For 10 years
he was managing partner for a firm offering strategic community
planning, Stelling also has considerable experience with island and
coastal municipalities.
According to Slegtenhorst, Stelling is
looking forward to making “great strides in finding solutions to
planning challenges and advancing good growth and development practices
on Bowen.” Mr. Stelling expects to arrive on Bowen in mid‐January, and
intends to make the island his home.
The new Director of
Engineering and Operations, Mahood, is currently the Utilities and
Fleet Superintendent with the City of North Vancouver. He has served in
this and similar capacities for approximately 24 years.
Mahood
has had a lead role in the development and implementation of operations
improvement for the City of North Vancouver. His responsibilities there
include the management of water, sanitary and storm capital,
development, and operating programs, solid waste collection and
disposal, and fleet capital and operating programs. He also functions
as the operations representative and link with Metro Vancouver in
regards to water, sanitary sewer, drainage, and solid waste issues. He
works with Coastal Health regarding water quality and health issues
related to garbage, sanitary sewerage, hazardous waste spills, and
other environmental matters.
The new head of engineering says
he is eager to focus his “energy, enthusiasm and a desire ... to build
the organizational frameworks that foster continuous improvement.”
Mahood, who resides in West Vancouver, will begin his appointment on 1
February 2010.
Bowen's Spirit to Shine in 2010
Some on Bowen may march to a different drummer, but now we have one song to sing together! Back to the Island, a tune by local musician Lorne Warr, was recently chosen the winner of the Bowen Sings contest. The song will be widely circulated, taught to local school children, and it is hoped, performed en masse by island residents at community gatherings.
This is just one of the legacies of funding provided by the Province of British Columbia in support of the Torch Relay Community Celebration. The Bowen Island Municipality is the recipient of an $8000 grant, on behalf of the Spirit of Bowen/Torch Relay Community Celebration committee. In addition to Bowen Sings, the committee is mounting a number of events and activities, around the dates of the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, to coincide with the official visit of the Olympic Torch, on February 10.
Funding from the provincial government and support from BIM will assist in plans for a memorable community celebration. Watch for the unveiling of a new mural along the cement wall, lining the lower part of Government Road; mark your calendars for a Youth Art Exhibit at the Gallery @ Artisan Square; come to the 3rd Annual Island Winterfest on February 9 to enjoy a bonfire, chocolate fondue and sing-along. Participate in the Torch Parade on the morning of February 10, and partake in the festivities including music, breakfast courtesy of local eateries, and a surprise or two.
Large screen televisions will be set up at various public venues throughout the international games, broadcasting key events from the Olympics. Organizers promise there will be lots of opportunities and enticements to hang out with friends and neighbours to share in the excitement and experience of the games.
The Chamber of Commerce has also received funding, which will help pay for a second major art installation in the cove. The Chamber will host “No Snow Games” during the Olympics – a fun way for the entire family to head outdoors, keep fit and cast away the February blues.
The Spirit of Bowen/Torch Relay Community Celebration Committee is a group consisting of representatives from the Bowen Island Chamber of Commerce, the Bowen Island Municipality, the Bowen Island Arts Council, the Bowen Island Community School and other groups. For the past four years, they have been organizing community celebrations during the Spirit of BC Week, held in February.
Soccer field a hit
Bowen’s new turf field is proving to be a boon to recreation on the island.
According to Christine Walker, Community Services Manager, the field at the Bowen Island Community School is a very busy place. It’s used daily by students, organized sports teams and more casually by members of the community. Not only was the Bowen Island Football Club able to use it for the last month of their season, the new facility allowed them to host two tournaments for their U-10 boys team. Teams from the Mount Seymour Soccer Club and the West Vancouver Soccer Club took the ferry to Bowen, for a change, to play soccer on the local field. There have also been many pick-up games by the community on weekends and after school hours, Walker reports.
“We have been extremely impressed with the coconut cork infill and everyone who has played on it has commented that it feels like playing on a real grass field,” said Walker.
The Municipality officially opened the synthetic turf on a rainy October 23. It did not take long to experience the benefits of having an all-weather field.
“Had we not had the turf field this fall with all the heavy rainfall, we would have been closing the grass field throughout late October and all of November resulting in no field programs,” noted Walker. “Instead, the community could continue to play on the turf field and there were absolutely no issues with rain.”
Phase I of the project, budgeted at $547,000, is complete. While the site preparation and installation of the field ran slightly over budget, the excess 3% will be absorbed by a funds earmarked for Phase II. BIM has been awarded a Recreation Infrastructure (RInC) Federal Grant of $255,000 to pay for permanent fencing around the field, paving of the basketball court and lights.
Municipal staff are currently working on a Night Sky Bylaw that will be presented to Council in February. The bylaw will regulate the conditions for the construction and operation of lights for the field. In the meantime, construction of a fence and paving of the courts will proceed.
While local users are quick to agree that the new field is a great asset for the community, it’s getting some positive attention from off-island as well.
“We have received numerous phone calls from other Municipalities and cities throughout Canada and the US who are interested in this particular product and are very interested to hear about our experience,” said Walker.
Municipality to bring local water system works in-house
The Municipality will fully take on the routine operation and maintenance of the public water systems on Bowen next year. Council made the decision -- to bring more of the service and maintenance of the systems in-house rather than to continue contracting out this work – during a meeting in November. Bob Robinson, Acting Public Works Manager Operations, presented the final report to elected officials illustrating that it made sense to do so from both an efficiency and cost perspective.
Robinson wrote in his report: “The analysis clearly indicates that the financial benefits of in-house service provision far out‐weigh the negatives identified. A significant cost savings to the property owners in each of the Municipal Water
Service Areas can be realized within the first full year of the new service delivery model.” According to its cost breakdowns, savings of $30,000 - $40,000 annually will result from services being provided directly by the Municipality.
Robinson noted that the “increased versatility and size of Municipal labour pool will likely also attract efficiencies and savings for the general taxpayer with respect to other non‐water operations. The increase in our ability to provide more direct control for this essential and highly regulated service in the future is considered in itself sufficient benefit to support bringing this work in-house.”
In deciding to choose the in-house option, the Mayor recognized the quality service provided by the former contractor, BRS Water Service. The privately owned company held the contract to maintain Bowen’s seven water districts, covering approximately 1100 connections, since 2003. The Municipality gave BRS a one-year notice of non renewal of its contract at the end of April, 2009. BIM staff will be trained and equipped to assume this portion of the routine maintenance and operation by May 1, 2010.
The Municipality consulted with its Municipal Water System Local Advisory Committees prior to making the decision. Staff reported that the results of the meetings were not conclusive. However Committees, whose members represent 70% of Municipal water users served, were in favour of the proposal. CAO Hendrik Slegtenhorst told Council, that the decision was not simply a consideration of economics, but that improvements in control of water system operations and standards was consequential, particularly in applying sustainability mechanisms. “They are our responsibility and we should be operating them. That’s pretty much standard in any community.”
Did you know?
Approximately half of Bowen Island homes are served from a Municipal water system, with the remainder supplied by private communal water systems or utility, shared or individual wells. Community systems are administered privately, and all systems are subject to the Drinking Water Protection Act, Water Act, Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines and other Ministry of Health requirements.
BIM to complete massive capital assets project
Over the past 10 years, the Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) has emerged as the standard-setting body for accounting and auditing. This has resulted in governments adopting substantial and dramatic changes to the way they have conducted financial reporting. Bowen Island Municipality, bound by the Local Government Act, has followed suit with the intent of ensuring that financial reporting is more consistent (comparable), reliable, accountable and transparent.
Recently, Joanne Cunday, Director of Finance reported to Council the results of local efforts towards implementing changes in how Tangible Capital Assets (TCA) are accounted and presented. The new approach means that TCAs will be reported on the balance sheet in a manner that is more similar to the commercial model – at cost less accumulated amortization.
Like other local governments, Bowen Island has been given a deadline of the 2009 Financial Reporting year to identify, inventory and categorize, value and amortize (retroactively) all TCAs. This includes land, buildings, roads, drainage systems, parks, trails, walkways, docks, equipment, vehicles, office equipment, furniture, computer systems, water & sewer systems including treatment plants, pump stations, distribution and collection systems, dams, reservoirs, tanks…and so on.
While expensive and labour intensive, noted Cunday, the TCA project will result in numerous benefits. It will help clarify what economic resources are invested in capital assets (infrastructure) and what remains available for the continued delivery of services to the public. Most importantly, the project will be a catalyst for the engineering and accounting worlds to combine forces to develop superior systems for asset management and future funding programs.
The finance department is dependent upon engineering information and expertise for the collection of relevant data, explained Cunday. Over the last three years, BIM staff has made substantial progress towards understanding how to complete the TCA project. However, due to chronic staff shortages and lack of sufficient resources to employ alternatives, the head of finance realized the challenge to meet the deadline was too great.
As a result, she recommended that the remaining work be contracted out. Cunday advised Council that it made sense to hire Dayton and Knight Engineering Ltd., a firm who had recently assisted the Municipality in compiling a gross inventory of assets and gap analysis. The consultants, she advised, had already established a knowledge base for the project and would be the most effective in completing it. They would be “best positioned to do the work quickly,” said Cunday. Council agreed and near the end of October approved a budget of $35,000 to pay for the work.
New chair for OCP Steering Committee as Witty takes on role of planner
Facing a “planner deficit,” the Municipality has taken swift steps to ensure the process of updating Bowen’s Official Community Plan (OCP) doesn’t get bogged down. The Steering Committee has been reshuffled – with former chair Dave Witty now wearing the hat of planner, and committee member Sue Ellen Fast taking on the role of chair.
Mayor Bob Turner said the recent appointments were the “most effective way to immediately create a planning resource to support the important work of the committee. We are delighted to have Dave's tremendous planning experience now fully available to the OCP Update process. We are also delighted to have Sue Ellen take over the role of chair, as we have great confidence in her abilities.” Witty will answer to the Municipality’s CAO, and is expecting to devote approximately two days per week ensuring planner-related OCP tasks are complete.
Witty, currently on sabbatical, is a professor and former dean of the Faculty of Architecture, University of Manitoba—the largest design and planning faculty in Canada. He has worked across Western Canada from the Lakehead to Vancouver Island and into the high Arctic advising large cities, rural communities and First Nations in areas of community planning.
Fast is well known for her leadership, having taken on many volunteer roles, including chair of the Greenways advisory committee. She is a consultant working in areas of parks planning and environmental education, and is the executive director of Interpretation Canada.
The Municipality had been functioning without a planner on staff for numerous months. At a council meeting in November, Witty expressed concern regarding the fact that there was no staff available to work on the OCP update file. Due to lack of sufficient resources, the work of the committee was being impeded, said Witty.
While the Municipality has just announced the awarding of the planner position (see story here) the mayor and council noted that there exists a backlog of files that would vie for new staff’s attention. At the same time, noted Mayor Turner, “The update of the OCP is a top priority. We cannot not act to pursue resources to make sure it has a reasonable chance of success.”
Witty, who will be paid a stipend for his time and expertise as planner, said the work of the steering committee is still on schedule and on budget. The committee, assisted by CitySpaces Consulting, is expecting to wrap up its work by the end of May.
Headwaters Park opens
Headwaters Parks, right across the street from Quarry Park and off Cowan Point Drive, is the newest addition to Bowen’s public green spaces. Mayor Bob Turner cut the ribbon on November 21, opening the 15-acre Headwaters Park. The new community asset and addition to the Municipal park system was created thanks to the efforts of the Bowen Island Conservancy, the Municipality and developer John Reid, who purchased the land approximately nine years ago.
The park features a fen wetland, ringed by young conifer and mixed forest. Hikers and other  nature lovers can take advantage of easy access to the area via a perimeter trail and a boardwalk covering a portion of the fen. According to the conservancy, the “wetlands’s rich biodiversity shines through the colours of many sphagnum moss species, while both western white and shore pine trees grace the trail.”
These wetlands and the land surrounding them comprise Phase 1 of Headwaters Park, considered an important component in the creation of an island-wide trail and greenbelt system. Reid undertook initial construction of a trail around the wetlands and installed a boardwalk on the west side, which leads to an island in the middle of the wetlands, an ideal location to observe the habitat. This year, a trail was cleared on the island and a second boardwalk was built leading from the island to the eastern part of the trail, creating a loop through the surrounding wetlands.
 Wil Hilsen, Acting Public Works Manager, of BIM and Josephine Riley representing the Greenways Advisory Committee and the Bowen Island Conservancy designed the east side boardwalk. The Maggie Cumming Legacy Fund, the Conservancy and the Municipality provided funding to cover the cost of the final link in the trail system, while numerous volunteers donated their time and effort to help build it.
Headwaters Park is one of 11 local parks that total 160 acres, established over the last eight years. According to Mayor Bob Turner, the creation of these green spaces, in collaboration with developers, Municipal staff, advisory groups, and neighbours, reflects the Municipality’s commitment to establish greenways throughout the island. The Community Recreation department, in collaboration with the Greenways Advisory Committee is planning a series of park adventures in the spring to celebrate the island’s many places to play.
Collaboration creates trail extension
The Bowen Island Municipality is pleased to announce that a new section of trail and boardwalk has been constructed on land adjacent to Crippen Park at the northwestern end of Killarney Lake. According to Wil Hilsen, Acting Public Works Manager, Engineering, the purpose of the trail connection is to upgrade the existing boardwalk to create multi-use access from the acreages located in the vicinity of Smith Rd to the equestrian ring in Crippen Park.
Earlier this year, reports Hilsen, BIM worked with Metro Vancouver Parks and a developer to create the multi-use trail access from Mt. Gardner Rd to Crippen Park. These new trail linkages are part of a multi-jurisdiction plan to re-establish equestrian access in this region. A century ago, similar routes existed to transport milk from the dairy farms to Snug Cove by horse and cart.
Hilsen said he was “very pleased to have participated in a project which involved material and physical support – some of which was donated – from Metro Vancouver Parks, Bowen Island Horse Owners and Riders Association, and Bowen Island Municipality.”
Municipality aids local organizations
The Municipality recently announced its Fall Grants-in-Aid recipients, awarding three local nonprofits a total of approximately $4,950. Bowen Island Heritage Preservation Association received $1,932, the Bowen Island Historians $2,000 and the Bowen Island Youth Centre $1,000.
The BIHPA requested funds to help build a website providing information and photographs of significant heritage sites, buildings and properties identified in Bowen’s heritage inventory. Through the internet, the association will also make accessible portions of oral histories. These recordings capture recollections of life on Bowen from the early 1930s through to contemporary times.
The Historians’ application focused on this year’s annual Christmas themed Teddy Bear Exhibit, which runs throughout the holiday season. This interactive event, held at the Historians community Museum and Archives is a draw for young and old alike, featuring a festive show of stuffed animals, including heirlooms owned by residents.
Thanks to the BIM grant, the Bowen Youth Centre will be able to mount a theatrical production titled Wrecked, focusing on alcohol and drug abuse issues from the viewpoint of youth. Local teens will act in the play, which will be presented to the public, and possibly at schools. Youth participants will be guided through the process of acting to explore contemporary themes with audiences of all ages offering insights into the social, physical and emotional impacts of addiction and substance abuse.
Council also agreed to fund $6,000 from the Community Grants budget to the Chamber of Commerce, to augment their grant they received earlier this year. The money is intended to support the operation of the Tourist Information Centre in Snug Cove.
The 2009 Five Year Financial Plan included a total budget of $13,000 for Grants-in-Aid, including $8,000 for BIM Grants-In-Aid and $5,000 for Recreation Assistance Grants. The Municipality awarded $7,800 in Community Grants during the Spring Cycle, leaving $5,200 available to be awarded in the fall cycle.
Public
invited to presentation on Cape Roger Curtis subdivision
The Bowen Island Municipality will host a public
presentation of the Cape Roger Curtis subdivision on 19 January, 2010, from
6:15 to 8:30 p.m. at the CNIB Bowen Lodge by the Sea at 380 Cardena Drive.
Approving Officer, Hendrik Slegtenhorst, announced earlier this month that the
subdivision application, received in June, had been passed. Slegtenhorst, who
also holds the title of CAO of the Municipality, says the file will be
registered and all relevant documents will be posted to the BIM website
shortly.
OCP committee seeks input from development community
The Bowen Island Official Community Plan (OCP) Steering committee wants to hear from the local development community. Sue Ellen Fast, chair of the committee has issued an invitation to anyone involved in real estate and development to submit their input on planning for the island’s future. The committee is seeking general ideas relevant to the OCP update as well as specific comments on items listed below.
1. Provision of affordable housing
2. Climate change adaptation/mitigation
3. Management of construction waste and recycling of used materials
4. Retention of the Island’s landscape, specifically forested areas and habitat
5. New residential, industrial and commercial developments
6. Island transportation including car co‐ops, public transport
7. Renewable energy
The committee asks that the submissions not exceed five pages. They should be submitted to the Municipality no later than 20 December, preferably as WORD or PDF documents via email to slaudrum@bimbc.ca, or by mail to Municipal Hall 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, V0N 1G0 .
Following the OCP update timeline, in early 2010 the committee will engage community and interest groups in exploring policy scenarios as early drafts of the updated OCP are developed.
To view submissions and news regarding the OCP update, visit the website.
Two Members requested for the Official Community Plan Update Steering Committee
Bowen Island Municipal Council is requesting applications from community members interested in serving on the OCP Update Steering Committee. The purpose of the OCP Update Steering Committee is to guide the Official Community Plan. The Municipality is seeking two community members who ideally meet the following conditions:
- Full or Part-Time Resident of Bowen Island for a minimum of two years;
- Ability to attend numerous on-island meetings;
- Completion of a maximum 500 word statement of interest (i.e., why the individual wants to sit on the Steering Committee, outline of qualifications);
- Nominated by two residents of Bowen Island (full time or part time)
- Demonstrated commitment to volunteer activity on Bowen Island.
Please respond in writing by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 5th, 2010 to:
Kathy Lalonde, Corporate Officer
Bowen Island Municipality
981 Artisan Lane
Bowen Island, B.C. V0N 1G0
Tel: 604-947-4255; Fax: 604-947-0193
e-mail: bim@bimbc.ca
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Workshop: 7:15 PM, January 21st, Council Chambers
In conjunction with Municipal Council, the OCP Update Steering Committee will be hosting a workshop on Greenhouse Gas emissions in relation to the OCP Update. Islands Trust staff and consultants will lead the workshop. The workshop will explore the issue of GHGs, the role of OCPs in addressing requirements of Bill 27 (Bill 27 requires that municipalities incorporate statements in their OCPs about GHG reduction), and issues related especially to the Islands Trust communities.
Community members are most welcome.
More info, visit the website of the Islands Trust.
Photo above by Susanne Martin
The Mayor, Council and Staff of the Bowen Island Municipality
wish everyone
the best of the holiday season
and a
Happy New Year!
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Last updated: Dec 22, 2009
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