Allison Brooman lived on Bowen from 1989 to 1993 in the apartments above the General Store. She moved to the island with her toddler son, Tao. She gave birth to a daughter, Hannah (father’s name is Jason) on Bowen in November of 1992. Allison was interested in crystals, tarot cards, fishing and swimming. She wore dresses and jeans and often a green beret. Allison hung out with the Bowen hippies. Allison recently passed away in Vancouver.
Do you remember her? Do you have photos? Please let me know and I will pass the information on to her son Ziggy. ... See MoreSee Less
I would see Allison every now and then in the Downtown Eastside and a couple of other locales. Last time was about 7 years ago in Kitsilano on the #9 Bus going east on Broadway. She had been staying in a couple of different shelters on and off for quite some time.
I didn’t know her, but I’m sending my deep condolences to all who did 💕💐
Are you in this ca.1960 photo on Bowen Island? We know that Frank Ommundsen is second from the left but the other four boys are not identified. Seaside cottage no. 7 and 8 are in the background. ... See MoreSee Less
Undercurrent February 13, 1976 (see notes below on what was happening on Bowen in the 1970s) A Valentine for Bowen Island – Sigurd Sabathil For the people: LOVE IS - talking to your APC member - coming to meetings - coming out to vote - keeping creeks, lakes and sea clean - cleaning up your own property - keeping machinery and other unsightly things out of sight - cutting only the trees that you must - giving animals – (wild or tame) - a place to be - accepting tourists with tolerance, but being tough as nails when they start fires or leave garbage - stopping vandalism - fight uncaring bureaucrats, politicians and developers for the future of Bowen - allow a few more people to enjoy this island - but guard Bowen's beauty with a jealous eye - support the local contractor, store, tradesman For the planners: APC, regional representative, consultants, inspectors etc - LOVE IS - talking to the people of Bowen - caring about their problems - being competent in your work - being lenient in difficult cases - getting out of your office and walking this Island - speaking the truth and being honest - being tolerant of other views - understanding the Islanders with all their little quirks and kinks - defending the Island against all unreasonable bureaucracy and restrictions - defending the Island against exploitation - yes, even understanding the developer with his back to the wall - not envying the millionaire who might make another million - giving the contractor who serves Bowen Island the security of zoning - respecting the spirit of democracy - respecting basic rights of people, rich and poor - having a little humility and respect for the Island and its people - remembering that many have already lived here long before you were born - having some respect for their traditional rights and way of life For the businessman and developer: LOVE IS - caring a little for this Island and its people – protecting trees, streams and view - leaving something that future generations will be thankful for - preserving that old barn, or building, or meadow - communicating with the people, the planners, the politicians - giving jobs to the young people - keeping machinery out of view - taking some junk or old cars to Vancouver - putting up only signs that are fit for Bowen Island, no garish colors, more people will do business with you - respecting the intentions of the Bowen Island Plan. Love Sigurd 1970 – Helen and Ralph Holte bought Moon’s café and opened the Bow Mart. 1971 – The first mass was held in the St.Gerard’s Catholic Mission Church. 1972 – Stan James purchased USS Co. property. He proposed a large residential and recreational subdivision. The Josephine Ridge subdivision of 32 lots was created from a portion of DL 1426. Donald Cromie began initial work on the 125-lot subdivision to be added to the original Tunstall Bay subdivision. Opposition to high-density subdivision proposals occurred on a number of Georgia Strait Islands. A 10-acre freeze on unsubdivided land was placed on all the Gulf and Howe Sound Islands by the provincial government. GVRD zoning and land use Bylaw 50 was deemed by the province as not applicable to Bowen’s unsubdivided areas. The James and Cromie subdivisions were put on hold. 1973 – The first ambulance was purchased. Prior to 1973 ambulance services were provided by volunteers using private vehicles. 1973 - Bowen Island Improvement Association (now the Eco Alliance) began research on the elements that should be included in Bowen’s community plan. 1973 - A.A. Nunwieller, MLA, Prince George, with a group of commissioners studied and reported on land use issues on the Georgia Strait islands, stated that the 10-acre freeze was not to be lifted until Bowen has an Official Community Plan. 1974 - The Islands Trust was created to “preserve and protect the trust area and its unique amenities and environment...” Bowen Island was included in the Trust. Land use planning was, initially, to continue to be the responsibility of regional districts. 1974 - The Alliance presented a draft community plan to the GVRD Advisory Planning Commission as a start to land use planning for Bowen. The first Islands Trust election was held on Bowen Island. Robb Schultz and Gail Taylor were elected 1974-77 - The Advisory Planning Commission undertook a land use planning process with Regional District staff support. In February 1977, a provincial act transferred approval authority for all community plans in the Trust area to the Islands Trust. Subdivision approval remained with the provincial Ministry of Highways. The ten-acre freeze remained in place. 1977 - The Official Community Plan for Bowen Island was passed. Islands Trust staff began work on a zoning bylaw, which was to flow from the principles incorporated in the OCP. Land use designations and lot size were specified for Bowen Island. The ownership of the Union Steamship lands passed from James to Glen Crippen. A campaign was initiated by Bowen Islanders to have the Union Steamship lands purchased as a provincial park. Development of the proposed 2000 lot subdivision for the property was shelved. ... See MoreSee Less
Peter Nash Union Hair Co. I had a recent phone call at the archives from someone (an old friend of the family) looking for contact information for Peter Nash and/or Renee Nash (nee Irene Brown). If you can help let me know and I will give you the contact information. bihistorians@telus.net. ... See MoreSee Less
This is fun! Published in the June 22, 1990 Undercurrent.
Visiting Snug Cove in 2010 by Jurgen Grohne
You haven't been to Bowen Island since 1990? Let me take you there and show what's been happening.
We'll take the new ferry. It’s not much bigger than the old one, but a lot faster and more passenger-oriented. It's comfortable. You sit down and chat, and have a coffee and doughnut, too. What a change from the old days--and for once, a change for the better!
It was high time, too. The early 'nineties saw an astonishing growth in island population and people were getting pretty upset.
The traffic pattern changed for the better when they had built the new parking garage in Horseshoe Bay. Then a direct bus service from Tunstall Bay to Downtown Vancouver was introduced, and the new ferry was in place. All this greatly reduced car traffic. Remember the old dock? Well, it's still the same! Only the Union Steamship marina is much larger ,as you can see—and there's a church steeple sticking out over on Cates Hill. Let's walk ashore with the rest of them - it’s amazing how many more foot passengers there are now, isn't it?
There's the Old Store on your right--charming as ever. You wonder what's different about Government Road? It's the median with the trees running down the middle of it--that's what. You should have seen it shortly before they built the ferry marshalling road behind the Old Store: double lanes of cars from one end of Government Road to the other, exhaust fumes everywhere, and people getting very unpleasant, very un-Bowenlike about the mess.
Now Government has become the Main Street of a real village, not just a ferry traffic nightmare.
You like the cherry and apple trees down the median? They came from the big Nursery off Adams Road. It has become quite famous for its deciduous varieties and fruit trees. They even mail typical British Columbia seedlings all the way to Japan!
Let's go around the Cove along the seawalk - that's where the only the big white geese used to walk in the old days! How many boats are moored here now? I think about 200-always including quite a few boats from down South.
They like Snug Cove as a port of call--with its reputation as a quaint village. You always run into old salts or young writers and painters, in any one of the many little restaurants or shops where arts and crafts flourish.
Inevitably, a small inn for the boaters was built. It added convenience to the attraction of mooring here for a day or two. But the real reason for Snug Cove's popularity is behind the inn, behind the marina. You’ll see it once we've passed the Sailor's Pub and Restaurant.
It's still called The Old Orchard, where the cabins used to be--that's the reason for all of the nice people coming here. Because it really is a village now, with tree-lined, winding mews, and no cars in sight. The houses on either side have shops and workshops at street-level, and living accommodation above.
See the courtyards and little gardens by the lane behind each house? That's where the residents usually enter their house. The lanes are for cars. Out front, it’s for people only. You can peacefully sit in the sidewalk-cafe and sip a chocolate outdoors. No traffic, no noise, no fumes.
The signs hanging over the doors are unique and tell us why Snug Cove has become such an interesting place: There is a Silversmith next to the Potter, a small bookbinding shop specializing in restoring old books. Through handsome French windows we can see a couple of very large looms, with people weaving at this moment tapestries, designed for a new hotel in Vancouver.
Over there is Patricia's Studio, where you can always have a cup of tea and see some new paintings about a Bowen scene or island people.
Around the corner and across the mews is Mrs. Hampson’s Jam shop. You've got to try her Salal berry jam--it's delicious. She has her jars displayed on the veranda. You think the place resembles the old cabins? That was done by design, of course.
Next to her is Toni's winemaking shop. Ah--you don’t know about all the little mini vineyards that have sprung up around Bowen homes. They are there because Toni discovered that our rocky soil makes for excellent wine-growing. Not on commercial scale, you understand, but for fun and private consumption. So he keeps on teaching about wine-growing, and sells the equipment which goes with it. You can even have your own label printed by the print shop-and quite a few people do--even from Vancouver!
You should know that most of the artisans who live and work here in Snug Cove don't depend on islanders or visitors for their livelihood. They have an excellent reputation and sell their arts and crafts through national and international marketing agents.
But they sure add a special flavour to the island and bring the kind of visitors which you wouldn't mind asking for tea.
There was a time when some developers had planned a big hotel here. I even remember rumours about a special little license for some gambling-a real tourist destination to bring people by the bus load and by cruise boats.
Sounds pretty awful, doesn’t it? You should have been at the public hearing where the plan was finally presented. Fortunately the issue came down to a simple question: "Can you imagine what these kind of tourists and visitors would contribute to island?" The answer was pretty obvious and clear, and that was the end of that!
Besides, as it was pointed out, the cozy little "Sailor's Inn" was just fine, and was all Snug Cove needed.
A short while later some islanders got together with CMHC and the provincial government built a "hotel" of a different kind. You'll see it just at the end of the old orchard-a Senior's Home with some special studio apartments for painters, potters and weavers. There are more of those folks on the island now. For all of them, this is the ideal place.
Here, the retired artisans have their own studios, plus some shared workshops and printmaking facilities, in which they often encourage other seniors to try their hand. Being close to their younger colleagues is, of course a boon for both--as well as for the Arts College up on Cates Hill. But that's another story-let's go back to Government Road and see what happened to the other side which still is part of Crippen Park. Remember what it was like in 1990? Lovely and overgrown like other parts of Bowen-nice to look at, but hard to get through or make use of. In the early 'nineties, with no funds available for GVRD to improve Crippen Park, a committee of volunteers was formed. Within 6 months, the stretch was cleared of undergrowth and old debris and became truly an accessible park.
What are the structures inside the park? Well, one is the bandstand close to the road. They have frequent concerts here, and little plays at times. The other building, tucked away further to the other side of the park, is Bowen's new Community Hall. It includes a small theatre and concert hall which doubles as meeting room, art and music rooms, and gallery space.
A very creative Daycare Centre is part of the Family Space. But the park is really the kids' territory. It's safe now to walk across and over Government Road into the village to visit some of the workshops. They’re having a great time!
But look up and ahead to the corner of Government and Dorman--there's Cates Hill. Remember the plans Wolfgang Duntz and Doug Berry had, way back in '89? I guess they were just a little ahead of the times then. Strange to think that their offer to give the community the space for golf course was never taken up.
Now, twenty years later, a good portion of Cates Hill has become part of Snug Cove. There's the Professional Centre with doctors and dentists -a far cry from the days when we had none. And the apartment cottages behind lead all the way to the new church, with steeple and bells!
You've heard about the Creative Bowen College? It's out of sight from here-but very much a factor, with campus and live-in facilities for 200 students, plus faculty and staff.
That has really done a lot for Bowen Island, without adding to the traffic or congestion.
Because half of the student population stay at least for a whole semester at a time, the others are here for 3-4 week seminar courses.
Part of the Vancouver School of Art is here now. And the seminars cover a lot of subjects, from Family Life, Holistic Medicine, Small Businesses Promotions to Craft Workshops and special language courses. Twice a year there's even an event called Planned Connections, single people meet to exchange ideas, discover new interests and maybe find the man or woman they were always looking for! A very popular event, I can tell you!
The forestry people also have permanent workshops there for professionals as well as for amateur environmentalists. Part of Cates Hill has become a forestry education area. You'll find a specialized nursery with a small but wonderful Rhododendron park, where exotic specimen are being cultivated.
In short, things have changed around Snug Cove, and, by large for the better. Do we still bicker about and voice strongly felt opinions? Of course we do. Are some of us still proud of running against popular currents? Of course we are!
Does anyone cry for the good old days? Some do--but even they know, I think, that Bowen Island right now is a much more interesting place to live in. What do YOU say? ... See MoreSee Less
Join Us for a Special Presentation: "Capturing Family Stories" by Larry Adams
Are you interested in preserving your family’s history and passing down cherished stories to future generations? Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from Larry Adams of Thumbprint Books.
Event Details: September 14, 2024 Time: 11:00 – 11:30 am Location: Bowen Island Museum & Archives What You'll Learn: Suggestions for writing and recording family stories Tips for preserving memories and sharing them with future generations This event is open to everyone and is donation-based, with all funds going towards the Bowen Island Museum & Archives’ new book project. Please RSVP to reserve a seat! bihistorians@telus.net To learn more about Larry and Sylvia Adams’ work visit thumbprintbooks.ca. We look forward to seeing you there! ... See MoreSee Less
Join us this Saturday August 24th for our free Craft + Culture session ‘Theatre + Games’. We will be creating sock puppets, making puppet shows in the mini Bowen puppet theatre while we learn about early games on Bowen. (We will start at 10am and take a break for the Bowfest Parade out front of the museum & archives.)
Email bicurator@telus.net to register and join the fun!
Date: Saturday August 24 th Time: 10:00am – 12:00 Location: Museum & Archives – 1014 Miller Rd.
In partnership with the Bowen Island Public Library ... See MoreSee Less
Date: Saturday August 17th, 2024 Time: 10:30 - 12:00
Craft + Culture sessions are a free select Saturday morning activity for caregivers and their children at the Bowen Island Museum & Archives. We explore a bite-size part of Bowen history and then work on a related craft activity. This session will include art history and creating a still life.
All materials and refreshments provided.
Email bicurator@telus.net to register and join the fun! ... See MoreSee Less
Craft + Culture sessions are a free select Saturday morning activity for caregivers and their children at the Bowen Island Museum & Archives. We explore a bite-size part of Bowen history and then work on a related craft activity. This session will include art history and creating still life art.
Date: Saturday August 17th, 2024 Time: 10:30 - 12:00
All materials and refreshments provided.
Email bicurator@telus.net to register and join the fun! ... See MoreSee Less
You know about the birthday party for the Old General Store on August 10th, right? You have reserved the date and plan to be there for the games, cake and community photo, right? Here's a bonus: Tippy's can provide food for your picnic so all you need to bring is a blanket to sit on. Save yourself a line-up on a Saturday in the Cove and pre-order a delicious meal. You can pre-order prior to the day of the event at info@tippys.ca or come in early on the 10th and they will prioritize the pickup. ... See MoreSee Less
Allison Brooman lived on Bowen from 1989 to 1993 in the apartments above the General Store. She moved to the island with her toddler son, Tao. She gave birth to a daughter, Hannah (father’s name is Jason) on Bowen in November of 1992. Allison was interested in crystals, tarot cards, fishing and swimming. She wore dresses and jeans and often a green beret. Allison hung out with the Bowen hippies. Allison recently passed away in Vancouver.
Do you remember her? Do you have photos? Please let me know and I will pass the information on to her son Ziggy. ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
I would see Allison every now and then in the Downtown Eastside and a couple of other locales. Last time was about 7 years ago in Kitsilano on the #9 Bus going east on Broadway. She had been staying in a couple of different shelters on and off for quite some time.
I didn’t know her, but I’m sending my deep condolences to all who did 💕💐
Are you in this ca.1960 photo on Bowen Island? We know that Frank Ommundsen is second from the left but the other four boys are not identified. Seaside cottage no. 7 and 8 are in the background. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Undercurrent February 13, 1976 (see notes below on what was happening on Bowen in the 1970s)
A Valentine for Bowen Island – Sigurd Sabathil
For the people: LOVE IS - talking to your APC member - coming to meetings - coming out to vote - keeping creeks, lakes and sea clean - cleaning up your own property - keeping machinery and other unsightly things out of sight - cutting only the trees that you must - giving animals – (wild or tame) - a place to be - accepting tourists with tolerance, but being tough as nails when they start fires or leave garbage - stopping vandalism - fight uncaring bureaucrats, politicians and developers for the future of Bowen - allow a few more people to enjoy this island - but guard Bowen's beauty with a jealous eye - support the local contractor, store, tradesman
For the planners: APC, regional representative, consultants, inspectors etc - LOVE IS - talking to the people of Bowen - caring about their problems - being competent in your work - being lenient in difficult cases - getting out of your office and walking this Island - speaking the truth and being honest - being tolerant of other views - understanding the Islanders with all their little quirks and kinks - defending the Island against all unreasonable bureaucracy and restrictions - defending the Island against exploitation - yes, even understanding the developer with his back to the wall - not envying the millionaire who might make another million - giving the contractor who serves Bowen Island the security of zoning - respecting the spirit of democracy - respecting basic rights of people, rich and poor - having a little humility and respect for the Island and its people - remembering that many have already lived here long before you were born - having some respect for their traditional rights and way of life
For the businessman and developer: LOVE IS - caring a little for this Island and its people – protecting trees, streams and view - leaving something that future generations will be thankful for - preserving that old barn, or building, or meadow - communicating with the people, the planners, the politicians - giving jobs to the young people - keeping machinery out of view - taking some junk or old cars to Vancouver - putting up only signs that are fit for Bowen Island, no garish colors, more people will do business with you - respecting the intentions of the Bowen Island Plan.
Love Sigurd
1970 – Helen and Ralph Holte bought Moon’s café and opened the Bow Mart.
1971 – The first mass was held in the St.Gerard’s Catholic Mission Church.
1972 – Stan James purchased USS Co. property. He proposed a large residential and recreational subdivision.
The Josephine Ridge subdivision of 32 lots was created from a portion of DL 1426.
Donald Cromie began initial work on the 125-lot subdivision to be added to the original Tunstall Bay subdivision.
Opposition to high-density subdivision proposals occurred on a number of Georgia Strait Islands. A 10-acre freeze on unsubdivided land was placed on all the Gulf and Howe Sound Islands by the provincial government. GVRD zoning and land use Bylaw 50 was deemed by the province as not applicable to Bowen’s unsubdivided areas. The James and Cromie subdivisions were put on hold.
1973 – The first ambulance was purchased. Prior to 1973 ambulance services were provided by volunteers using private vehicles.
1973 - Bowen Island Improvement Association (now the Eco Alliance) began research on the elements that should be included in Bowen’s community plan.
1973 - A.A. Nunwieller, MLA, Prince George, with a group of commissioners studied and reported on land use issues on the Georgia Strait islands, stated that the 10-acre freeze was not to be lifted until Bowen has an Official Community Plan.
1974 - The Islands Trust was created to “preserve and protect the trust area and its unique amenities and environment...” Bowen Island was included in the Trust. Land use planning was, initially, to continue to be the responsibility of regional districts.
1974 - The Alliance presented a draft community plan to the GVRD Advisory Planning Commission as a start to land use planning for Bowen. The first Islands Trust election was held on Bowen Island. Robb Schultz and Gail Taylor were elected
1974-77 - The Advisory Planning Commission undertook a land use planning process with Regional District staff support. In February 1977, a provincial act transferred approval authority for all community plans in the Trust area to the Islands Trust. Subdivision approval remained with the provincial Ministry of Highways. The ten-acre freeze remained in place.
1977 - The Official Community Plan for Bowen Island was passed. Islands Trust staff began work on a zoning bylaw, which was to flow from the principles incorporated in the OCP. Land use designations and lot size were specified for Bowen Island.
The ownership of the Union Steamship lands passed from James to Glen Crippen.
A campaign was initiated by Bowen Islanders to have the Union Steamship lands purchased as a provincial park.
Development of the proposed 2000 lot subdivision for the property was shelved. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Peter Nash Union Hair Co. I had a recent phone call at the archives from someone (an old friend of the family) looking for contact information for Peter Nash and/or Renee Nash (nee Irene Brown). If you can help let me know and I will give you the contact information. bihistorians@telus.net. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
This is fun! Published in the June 22, 1990 Undercurrent.
Visiting Snug Cove in 2010 by Jurgen Grohne
You haven't been to Bowen Island since 1990? Let me take you there and show what's been happening.
We'll take the new ferry. It’s not much bigger than the old one, but a lot faster and more passenger-oriented. It's comfortable. You sit down and chat, and have a coffee and doughnut, too. What a change from the old days--and for once, a change for the better!
It was high time, too. The early 'nineties saw an astonishing growth in island population and people were getting pretty upset.
The traffic pattern changed for the better when they had built the new parking garage in Horseshoe Bay. Then a direct bus service from Tunstall Bay to Downtown Vancouver was
introduced, and the new ferry was in place. All this greatly reduced car traffic.
Remember the old dock? Well, it's still the same! Only the Union Steamship marina is much larger ,as you can see—and there's a church steeple sticking out over on Cates Hill. Let's walk ashore with the rest of them - it’s amazing how many more foot passengers there are now, isn't it?
There's the Old Store on your right--charming as ever. You wonder what's different about Government Road? It's the median with the trees running down the middle of it--that's what.
You should have seen it shortly before they built the ferry marshalling road behind the Old Store: double lanes of cars from one end of Government Road to the other, exhaust fumes everywhere, and people getting very unpleasant, very un-Bowenlike about the mess.
Now Government has become the Main Street of a real village, not just a ferry traffic nightmare.
You like the cherry and apple trees down the median? They came from the big Nursery off Adams Road. It has become quite famous for its deciduous varieties and fruit trees. They even mail typical British Columbia seedlings all the way to Japan!
Let's go around the Cove along the seawalk - that's where the only the big white geese used to walk in the old days! How many boats are moored here now? I think about 200-always including quite a few boats from down South.
They like Snug Cove as a port of call--with its reputation as a quaint village. You always run into old salts or young writers and painters, in any one of the many little restaurants or shops where arts and crafts flourish.
Inevitably, a small inn for the boaters was built. It added convenience to the attraction of mooring here for a day or two. But the real reason for Snug Cove's popularity is behind the
inn, behind the marina. You’ll see it once we've passed the Sailor's Pub and Restaurant.
It's still called The Old Orchard, where the cabins used to be--that's the reason for all of the nice people coming here. Because it really is a village now, with tree-lined, winding mews, and no cars in sight. The houses on either side have shops and workshops at street-level, and living accommodation above.
See the courtyards and little gardens by the lane behind each house? That's where the residents usually enter their house. The lanes are for cars. Out front, it’s for people only. You can peacefully sit in the sidewalk-cafe and sip a chocolate outdoors. No traffic, no noise, no fumes.
The signs hanging over the doors are unique and tell us why Snug Cove has become such an interesting place: There is a Silversmith next to the Potter, a small bookbinding shop specializing in restoring old books. Through handsome French windows we can see a couple of very large looms, with people weaving at this moment tapestries, designed for a new hotel in Vancouver.
Over there is Patricia's Studio, where you can always have a cup of tea and see some new paintings about a Bowen scene or island people.
Around the corner and across the mews is Mrs. Hampson’s Jam shop. You've got to try her
Salal berry jam--it's delicious. She has her jars displayed on the veranda. You think the place resembles the old cabins? That was done by design, of course.
Next to her is Toni's winemaking shop. Ah--you don’t know about all the little mini vineyards that have sprung up around Bowen homes. They are there because Toni discovered that our rocky soil makes for excellent wine-growing. Not on commercial scale, you understand, but for fun and private consumption. So he keeps on teaching about wine-growing, and sells the equipment which goes with it. You can even have your own label printed by the print shop-and quite a few people do--even from Vancouver!
You should know that most of the artisans who live and work here in Snug Cove don't depend on islanders or visitors for their livelihood. They have an excellent reputation and sell their arts and crafts through national and international marketing agents.
But they sure add a special flavour to the island and bring the kind of visitors which you wouldn't mind asking for tea.
There was a time when some developers had planned a big hotel here. I even remember rumours about a special little license for some gambling-a real tourist destination to bring people by the bus load and by cruise boats.
Sounds pretty awful, doesn’t it? You should have been at the public hearing where the plan was finally presented. Fortunately the issue came down to a simple question: "Can you imagine
what these kind of tourists and visitors would contribute to island?" The answer was pretty obvious and clear, and that was the end of that!
Besides, as it was pointed out, the cozy little "Sailor's Inn" was just fine, and was all Snug Cove needed.
A short while later some islanders got together with CMHC and the provincial government built a "hotel" of a different kind. You'll see it just at the end of the old orchard-a Senior's Home with some special studio apartments for painters, potters and weavers. There are more of those folks on the island now. For all of them, this is the ideal place.
Here, the retired artisans have their own studios, plus some shared workshops and printmaking facilities, in which they often encourage other seniors to try their hand. Being close to their younger colleagues is, of course a boon for both--as well as for the Arts College up on Cates Hill. But that's another story-let's go back to Government Road and see what happened to the other side which still is part of Crippen Park.
Remember what it was like in 1990? Lovely and overgrown like other parts of Bowen-nice to
look at, but hard to get through or make use of. In the early 'nineties, with no funds available
for GVRD to improve Crippen Park, a committee of volunteers was formed. Within 6 months,
the stretch was cleared of undergrowth and old debris and became truly an accessible park.
What are the structures inside the park? Well, one is the bandstand close to the road. They
have frequent concerts here, and little plays at times. The other building, tucked away further to the other side of the park, is Bowen's new Community Hall. It includes a small theatre and concert hall which doubles as meeting room, art and music rooms, and gallery space.
A very creative Daycare Centre is part of the Family Space. But the park is really the kids' territory. It's safe now to walk across and over Government Road into the village to visit some of the workshops. They’re having a great time!
But look up and ahead to the corner of Government and Dorman--there's Cates Hill.
Remember the plans Wolfgang Duntz and Doug Berry had, way back in '89? I guess they were
just a little ahead of the times then. Strange to think that their offer to give the community the
space for golf course was never taken up.
Now, twenty years later, a good portion of Cates Hill has become part of Snug Cove.
There's the Professional Centre with doctors and dentists -a far cry from the days when we had none. And the apartment cottages behind lead all the way to the new church, with steeple and
bells!
You've heard about the Creative Bowen College? It's out of sight from here-but very much a factor, with campus and live-in facilities for 200 students, plus faculty and staff.
That has really done a lot for Bowen Island, without adding to the traffic or congestion.
Because half of the student population stay at least for a whole semester at a time, the others are here for 3-4 week seminar courses.
Part of the Vancouver School of Art is here now. And the seminars cover a lot of subjects, from Family Life, Holistic Medicine, Small Businesses Promotions to Craft Workshops and
special language courses. Twice a year there's even an event called Planned Connections, single people meet to exchange ideas, discover new interests and maybe find the man or
woman they were always looking for! A very popular event, I can tell you!
The forestry people also have permanent workshops there for professionals as well as for amateur environmentalists. Part of Cates Hill has become a forestry education area. You'll
find a specialized nursery with a small but wonderful Rhododendron park, where exotic specimen are being cultivated.
In short, things have changed around Snug Cove, and, by large for the better. Do we still bicker about and voice strongly felt opinions? Of course we do. Are some of us still proud of running against popular currents? Of course we are!
Does anyone cry for the good old days? Some do--but even they know, I think, that Bowen
Island right now is a much more interesting place to live in. What do YOU say? ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
We have a couple of spots left. Let us know if you would like to attend. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
There are a few spaces left for this event. Let us know if you would like to attend. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Join Us for a Special Presentation: "Capturing Family Stories" by Larry Adams
Are you interested in preserving your family’s history and passing down cherished stories to future generations? Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from Larry Adams of Thumbprint Books.
Event Details:
September 14, 2024
Time: 11:00 – 11:30 am
Location: Bowen Island Museum & Archives
What You'll Learn:
Suggestions for writing and recording family stories
Tips for preserving memories and sharing them with future generations
This event is open to everyone and is donation-based, with all funds going towards the Bowen Island Museum & Archives’ new book project. Please RSVP to reserve a seat! bihistorians@telus.net
To learn more about Larry and Sylvia Adams’ work visit thumbprintbooks.ca.
We look forward to seeing you there! ... See MoreSee Less
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Join us this Saturday August 24th for our free Craft + Culture session ‘Theatre + Games’.
We will be creating sock puppets, making puppet shows in the mini Bowen puppet theatre while we learn about early games on Bowen.
(We will start at 10am and take a break for the Bowfest Parade out front of the museum & archives.)
Email bicurator@telus.net to register and join the fun!
Date: Saturday August 24 th
Time: 10:00am – 12:00
Location: Museum & Archives – 1014 Miller Rd.
In partnership with the Bowen Island Public Library ... See MoreSee Less
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Date: Saturday August 17th, 2024
Time: 10:30 - 12:00
Craft + Culture sessions are a free select Saturday morning activity for caregivers and their children at the Bowen Island Museum & Archives. We explore a bite-size part of
Bowen history and then work on a related craft activity. This session will include art history and creating a still life.
All materials and refreshments provided.
Email bicurator@telus.net to register and join the fun! ... See MoreSee Less
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Craft + Culture sessions are a free select Saturday morning activity for caregivers and their children at the Bowen Island Museum & Archives. We explore a bite-size part of Bowen history and then work on a related craft activity. This session will include art history and creating still life art.
Date: Saturday August 17th, 2024
Time: 10:30 - 12:00
All materials and refreshments provided.
Email bicurator@telus.net to register and join the fun! ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
You know about the birthday party for the Old General Store on August 10th, right? You have reserved the date and plan to be there for the games, cake and community photo, right? Here's a bonus: Tippy's can provide food for your picnic so all you need to bring is a blanket to sit on. Save yourself a line-up on a Saturday in the Cove and pre-order a delicious meal. You can pre-order prior to the day of the event at info@tippys.ca or come in early on the 10th and they will prioritize the pickup. ... See MoreSee Less
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