Greenways were the subject of a public hearing in July, attended by all members of Council, municipal staff and approximately 30 members of the community. Jason Smith, Community Planner, introduced the proposed Greenways Strategy, an initiative that has been underway for approximately three years.

Smith explained that the proposed bylaw, also the subject of a public meeting earlier this year, was an attempt to formalize what has been an ad-hoc policy in place for many years. The strategy speaks to preservation of green space, recreation values and eco-tourism and the opportunity for shared stewardship of Bowen’s natural landscape, said Smith. Establishing greenways promotes community health and wellness, he added.

Smith noted that the proposed bylaw had been vetted by the Islands Trust, as well as the municipality’s solicitor, who “found no problem with it.”

However a number of members of the public expressed concerns that the strategy could be interpreted as a potential assault on property rights. Also at issue was the lack of detailed mapping.

Smith reiterated that the bylaw “will not have a dramatic impact in any way on private property rights.” As a policy and a concept, said Smith, “it is not meant to be regulatory nor used in that matter.” It follows guidelines set out in and regulated by the Official Community Plan and the Land Use Bylaw and is considered an invitation to developers and other property owners to work with the municipality towards conserving Bowen's natural assets.

The municipality’s Sustainable Community Advisory Committee has suggested the strategy can be implemented by using a variety of administrative methods including land purchase, dedication, easements, donations, conservation covenants, amenity bonuses, cluster housing, and density transfers. Smith said that the strategy would help "inform conversations and negotiations that take place during the rezoning process."

In terms of the mapping, Smith again emphasized that the strategy is a broad concept, not intended to be site specific. However he noted that the Greenways Advisory Committee is creating an inventory of existing and potential greenways areas and public trails.

Some community members felt that Council should hold off proceeding with the bylaw, as the OCP update is currently underway, and an amendment should be part of that process. As a point of clarification, Mayor Bob Turner stated that he had asked the chair of the OCP Update Steering Committee whether Council should delay. The chair, Dave Witty, encouraged Council to proceed with the proposed amendment.

Those who spoke in favour of Council adopting the bylaw felt the strategy provided a solid base for supporting and enhancing Bowen’s commitment to upholding the mandate of the Islands Trust "to preserve and protect" remaining green spaces.

Excerpt from the proposed GREENWAYS STRATEGY

Greenways serve a variety of functions and benefits. Greenways support the biodiversity of native species, secure the capacity and resilience of natural ecological processes such as sustaining air and water resources, as well as sequestering greenhouse gases. The Greenways Strategy helps conserve and protect Bowen Island's natural resources, sensitive ecosystems, watersheds, coastline areas, unique landscape areas, cultural landscapes, wildlife habitats, wildlife migration routes, and other natural areas that have significant environmental assets. In addition, trails within the Greenways system provide recreation opportunities and sustainable travel opportunities. By promoting environmental conservation and public trail development on Bowen Island, the local economy can also benefit from the spin off eco-tourism opportunities, as many Visitors come to experience Bowen's natural setting. Greenways also help foster community health and wellness by fostering community pride, civic involvement, active living, and community identity.