The new regulations regarding drinking and driving have cast a very noticeable chill over the restaurant and pub businesses on the island. In the rest of the province, the public reaction to the new penalties has prompted Rich Coleman, the Solicitor General to ask the police to use more discretion while doing their duties. It [...]
Tagged Island LifePermissive property tax exemptions, now there’s a bylaw debate that is sure to get your heart racing. It’s one of those goofy esoteric subjects that you probably don’t want to know about. Our Municipal Council has been trying to develop a policy to guide them through this issue since the municipality was established and they’re [...]
Tagged Island Life, Municipal HallThe National park debate has pretty well eclipsed every other subject surrounding island politics. For those of you who are wondering when we will see something concrete, here is what you can expect over the next few months. Next Wednesday evening, November 3 Parks Canada will unveil a draft of their “Vision for National Park [...]
Tagged Municipal Hall, National ParkHaving a National Park on Bowen would be a great idea, if only we could figure out how to make it work. To paraphrase our mayor, “Imagine how it could work for us. Don’t be shy about asking for what we need to make it work.” This is where the rubber meets the road. How [...]
Tagged National ParkA couple of weeks ago our Municipal Council gave first reading to a new Noise Control bylaw. In most places this would be a simple housekeeping matter but not on Bowen. Our bylaw seeks to redefine our social responsibilities towards our neighbours. Or, more to the point, seeks to impose penalties on us if we [...]
Tagged Island Life, Municipal PoliticsLet the bells ring out
I never thought that I’d be able to say this but… (drum roll please)… B.C. Ferries made money on the Bowen Island run last year. I remember when the ferry fares hit $1 million and BC Ferries told us that it cost them $2 million to run the boat.
The National Park debate is heating up very quickly. And an excellent debate it is. People whom you would think would be horrified at the prospect of Bowen becoming a tourist destination are in favour of the idea and business people who would prosper with the growth are lamenting the potential destruction of our lifestyle. [...]
Tagged Municipal Politics, National Park, Snug CoveThis could be one of those personality tests “which position most closely matches yours?”
Position #1) Snug Cove is an embarrassment. It should be upgraded to look like the entrance to a prosperous community.
Position #2) Snug Cove is great. In a world where every small town feels the need to make itself over into a model [...]
When I first heard that there might be a National Park on Bowen Island; I had some serious reservations. Visions of the crowded streets of Banff jumped into my head. But the more I think about it the more I like the idea. Here’s my thinking.
Tagged National ParkNow that the OCP (Official Community Plan) Update has moved into the realm of things too boring to try to explain it’s time to look at the next $100,000 that we’re going to spend on consultant’s fees. The new project is supposed to be the “Snug Cove Village Implementation Plan” (SCVIP). It’s not only one [...]
Tagged Ferry, Housing, Snug Cove, Surplus Lands