News

To improve air quality and public health, Metro Vancouver residents - including Bowen Island - who intend to use wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, or appliances after September 15, 2022 must provide a declaration to Metro Vancouver to follow best burning practices.

Queen of Capilano is undergoing a refit later this year.

Discolored water.

Mayor Ander comments on the Metro Vancouver announcement proposing a new regional park on Bowen Island.

Looking for help with the General Local Election Count.

Roadwork on Miller Rd at Killarney Creek, August 15-19.

Metro Vancouver plans to preserve a forested and waterfront property at Cape Roger Curtis on Bowen Island for public enjoyment as a new regional park that will incorporate both day use and overnight tent camping areas.

Water Conservation Guidelines are recommended May through October. Please check what Stage your water system is currently at.

Information session for anyone thinking about running for Council or curious about the process.

Nomination packages are available.

We have a long dry summer ahead of us.

We'll be highlighting a different invasive species each month to tackle on your own property. 
If we work together to control invasive species we have a much better chance of success. 
 

Dogs are not permitted on Bowen Bay Beach, Tunstall Bay Beach and Sandy Beach during the months of July and August.

Temporary full-time 18 month position.

Nomination packages will be available, by request, as of Monday, July 18, 2022.

Sizzle up your summer with the Bowen Island Fire Rescue.

Several roads will undergo construction in the upcoming week that may affect your commute.

Municipal Hall is closed on Friday, July 1, 2022

BIM will be holding Community Information Meetings for each of the three west side water districts .

Staff housing survey for Bowen employers

70 metres west of Artisan Lane.

The westbound curb lane of Bowen Island Trunk Road has been closed in preparation for road work starting July 11.

Temporary weekend job with a full two weeks training provided.

898 Trout Lake Road - Cove Bay Water Treatment Plant - Temporary Worker Accommodation

2022 Election Info

Reconciliation, celebration & community

Participate in Study Investigating Impacts of COVID-19 on Rural and Remote British Columbians

Property tax payments, home owner grant applications and tax deferral applications are due by 4:30 pm on Monday, July 4, 2022. We're closed on July 1 for the statutory holiday.

BIM Community Economic Development Committee (CEDC) would like to hear from remote and hybrid workers on Bowen Island.

If you operate a short term rental on Bowen, you are required to have a business licence, regardless of whether the rental is a B&B, a room, part of a house or a whole house. 

Metro Vancouver has released new regulations regarding residential indoor wood burning to help clear summer air.

Two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are now operational.

Bowen Island Municipality seeks a Permanent Full-Time Utility Operator to fill an existing position that has become vacant. This position requires union membership in CUPE 1004.

Community Grant/Grant-in-Aid applications now open.

The current location does not meet Canada Post Delivery Standards.

Open House via Zoom on Wednesday, May 25th, or In Person on Thursday, May 26th.

Bowen Island Municipality seeks to fill a new position for a Roads Crewperson position in Public Works.

E-transfer no longer accepted for property tax and utiltity bill payments. 

Mayor Ander provides an update on the Wastewater Treatment Plant Phase I upgrades and the financing plan needed to pay for that work, and the 2022 budget that’s currently in development. 

May 1-7 is Emergency Preparedness Week. Islanders are encouraged to take simple steps to become better prepared to face a range of emergencies.

The proposed 2022 Budget for Bowen Island Municipality is currently in development.

Something for children, youth and adults.

Bowen Island Municipality’s Recreation & Community Services department is seeking a team of youth volunteers, ages 12 – 15, to support Summer Daycamps and other community events and initiatives.

Daily aspects of Canadians' lives are increasingly touched by digital technology, and access to high-speed Internet has become an essential service and a key driver for improving our economic and social well-being.

Island Plan 2022 is now available. Please take a moment to review our strategic commitments for the term and priorities for 2022.

Municipal water system flushing is underway. You may experience lower than normal water pressure for brief periods of time.

Next meeting April 11, 2022 at 6:15 pm

Bowen Island Municipality continues to advocate for the reinstatement of full ambulance service on Bowen Island.

Bowen Island Municipality's Pesticide Use Control Bylaw

Sandi retires.

Hello, Bowen Island. I’ve been speaking with many of you recently about current issues at the Municipality, so I thought it might be helpful for a wider audience in the community to hear from me directly. 

Between now and April 17, 2022, you are invited to learn more and share your views with the Islands Trust for their Islands 2050 Policy Statement Amendment Project.

Bowen Island Municipality Council is seeking volunteer members for the Snug Cove Sewer Local Management Committee.

BIM is hiring students for temporary summer jobs.

Metro Vancouver is updating the 2016 Regional Parks Plan and they want to hear from you. This plan guides Metro Vancouver’s work to protect natural areas and to provide opportunities for people to connect with nature. 

Send us your fave Bowen photos!

It is with heavy hearts that we express our condolences to the Biddlecombe/Laudrum family upon the passing of Brian Biddlecombe this past week.

Bowen Island Municipality Finance & Administration department has an immediate opening for a full-time Financial Accountant.

Nearly a year after breaking ground, construction on the new Fire Hall is nearing completion.

Join us on Tuesday, Feburary 15 at 11:00 am for a land blessing ceremony at the Community Centre lands. With special guests S7aplek and Spakwus Slolem (Bob Baker and the Squamish Eagle Song Dancers), and representatives from the federal, provincial and local governments. A land blessing will be followed by a guided walkabout of the future Community Centre grounds and building site.

Celebrate a community art project brought to life by local artists Di, Paula Love and Sarah Haxby.

CPR and AED demostrations

Bowen Island Municipality is looking for a permanent full-time Planner I to join our team.

If you divert and use groundwater for non-domestic purposes, you must now obtain a water licence and pay water fees and rentals. This change came into force with the Water Sustainability Act (WSA) on February 29, 2016.

The Islands Trust is hosting a free webinar on this topic on Feb 3 at 7 pm.

A moratorium on new Building Permits requiring a connection to the Snug Cove Sewer System is in place until upgrades to improve the capacity of the Wastewater Treatment Plant can be completed. 

Mayor Gary Ander has issued a video message speaking about this issue.

We're interested in what you think about a proposed Development Permit Area to regulate development in hazardous areas.

RFP for cleaning Municipal Buildings

Bowen Island Municipality (BIM) is pleased to announce the hiring of a new Chief Financial Officer, Kristen Watson.

Islands Trust Council welcomes public comments on its proposed 2022/23 budget, through Sunday, February 6.

We are seeking proposals for cleaning services contracts.

Bowen Island Municipality seeks a qualified permanent full-time Community Recreation Programmer. This is a 35 hour/week position; some weekend and evenings may be required. Total compensation for this rewarding, dynamic and community-focused role includes 3 weeks’ annual vacation, benefits package, and municipal pension plan enrollment.

People with compromised immune systems should avoid drinking water from surface water sources unless it has been boiled, filtered, distilled or treated with UV. Bowen Island and other areas in British Columbia use surface water sources (lakes, rivers, streams).

Last year, as part of Council’s commitment to improve housing diversity on Bowen Island, a request for Expressions of Interest (EOI) was issued for the development of a housing project on Lot 1, Area 2 of the Community Lands. Intended to identify potential partners and creative ideas for housing projects, this innovative approach invited responses from non-profit housing providers, developers, community organizations or partnerships of any or all of these entities.

Snow season is upon us. Learn about our snow removal policy, and get prepared for winter weather.

We wish everyone a warm, safe and happy holiday season. We look forward to serving you in 2022! 

Bowen Island Municipality is closed for the holidays as of December 24th at 12 pm. We'll be open for regular business on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. There's an emergency number to call for things like water or sewer main breaks, and dangerous debris or fallen trees on a road.

The results of the Petition Against process from the Notice of Intent for the Tunstall Bay Water Reservoir have been determined.

Nicola Murray describes Bowen's old growth forests in this month's article from the Bowen Island Parks, Trails and Greenways Advisory Committee.

Bowen Island Municipality has adopted an amendment to the Land Use Bylaw, in Bylaw No. 528, 2020. These changes will come into effect on January 1, 2022 and will include changes to definitions used in Building Permit Applications, including changing definitions for Lot Coverage, Floor Area, and Average and Finished Grade calculations.

Bowen Island Municipality is thrilled to announce that an application for funding of an on-island composting facility has been approved through the Clean BC Organics Infrastructure and Collections Program.

Bowen Island Municipality has issued a letter of intent to award the construction contract for the Community Centre to Golden Globe Construction Ltd. for $14.4 million, bringing the total project budget to $18.7 million. Preliminary site preparation is anticipated to begin in January, 2022.

Bowen Island Municipality has a vacancy for a Chief Financial Officer. This is a unique opportunity to join an excellent Municipal team on beautiful Bowen Island, British Columbia’s (BC) only island municipality.  

Recreation and Community Services seeks a part-time temporary contract role for a grant-funded position.

The Bike Park is closed for the winter starting on December 1. 

Bowen Island Municipality's free emergency notification service is powered by Alertable. Subscribe now to get notifications about emergencies or advisories on Bowen Island that may impact you. Signing up is easy and can be done from your mobile phone, tablet, or computer.

Property owners are responsible for controlling runoff onto roadways from their property, and for maintaining culverts.

Thanks to everyone who responded to Island Survey 2021. The results are now available.

We’d like to thank everyone who participated in the creation of Bowen's Community Economic Development Plan.

The Emergency Operations Centre was deactivated at 2:30 pm.

Thursday, November 11, 2021

Bowen Island Municipality and Bowen Island Public Library are seeking applications from Bowen Island residents interested in joining the Bowen Island Public Library Board.

The Bowen Island Municipality Planning and Development department has an immediate opening for a permanent full-time Planning Clerk.

Bowen Island Municipality is looking for a permanent full-time Planner I to join our team immediately.

Burn permits are now online

Bowen Island Community Recreation

Staff are training to participate in an Emergency Operations Centre

We're looking for contractors for snow and ice removal.

Running a business on Bowen? Make sure you have a valid Business Licence.

Fall Clean Up Week is happening October 25-30 at BIRD.

Bowen Island Municipality is closed on Thursday, September 30th in recognition of the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Canadians are encouraged to wear orange to remember the Indigenous children who were sent to Residential Schools and never returned home as well as to honour the Survivors, their families, and their communities.
 

Atl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound, an area renowned for its rich Indigenous culture, biodiversity and distinct geography, has become Canada’s 19th UNESCO Biosphere Region.

Agenda revised to include addtional financing options.

After the close of a five-week competitive tendering process, the Community Centre project team is optimistic to have received three bids.

Bowen Island Municipality has a vacancy for an Island Community Planner. We’re looking for a dynamic, self-motivated professional to join our team.  This is a permanent full-time position at 35 hours per week.

The parking lot at 1037 Miller Road will be closing on Tuesday, September 7 to make way for the new Health Centre.

Bowen Island Municipality is seeking quotations to redevelop the Municipal website.

Bowen Island Municipality has received a $25,000 grant through the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and Training stream of the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF), a partnership between the Union of BC Municipalities and the Province of BC. The grant will fund a major upgrade to the Mt. Gardner radio repeater, improving radio communication capacity across the island.

Bowen Island Municipality is pleased to announce the hiring of a new Chief Financial Officer, Sheila McCutcheon.

A temporary salmon trap is being installed at the Causeway to help spawning migration.

Bowen Island Fire Rescue is hosting a fire extinguisher servicing and inspection day on Saturday, September 11.

Coming soon to a bay near you.

Save the date! The next Climate Conversation is presented in collaboration with the Bowen Island Garden Club and will feature Bowen’s own Kim Stephens from the Partnership for Water Sustainability.

There will be a Public Hearing on July 12, 2021 about proposed amendments to the Land Use Bylaw. We want to hear from you! Read all of the background information on Bylaw 528, and submit your comments in writing or verbally at the virtual Public Hearing.

We're encouraging a day of thoughtful reflection during a time of change and challenge. A series of interpretive signs will be placed throughout Quarry Park on Canada Day. Bring your smartphone to scan the QR codes for access to videos and online resources.

Bowen Island Municipality is pleased to announce that the tendering package for the Community Centre project was released on June 17, beginning a five-week competitive bidding process on the open market.

Snug Cove Beach is closed for swimming due to high bacteria levels. 

With the recent trend of people looking to develop their properties, buy new properties, and make home improvements, Bowen Island Municipality is receiving almost twice as many development applications as it normally would at this time of year.

The Westside Playscape is highlighted in this month's topic from the Parks, Trails and Greenways Advisory Committe.

The Islands Trust welcome sign placed near the ferry terminal in Snug Cove has been removed temporarily. The Squamish Nation has requested the Islands Trust to amend some of the details of the sign.

Bowen Island Municipal Council is asking for feedback from islanders. The Island Survey is for Bowen Island residents and property owners, and is conducted every other year.

Residential Guest Accommodations (RGA) are permitted on Bowen Island to contribute to the accommodation sector and local economy.  They are regulated to ensure operator accountability and to minimize impacts on residential neighbourhoods and long term housing. RGA operators are required to have a valid business licence.

Bowen Island joins communities across Canada in expressing our most heartfelt condolences to the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc people and Indigenous communities across the country.

Crews will be painting road lines in Snug Cove on Thursday, May 20 between 5 AM and 1 PM

The Public Art Advisory Committee is excited to announce an open call public art opportunity for the lock-block wall at the entrance to Bowen Island. Proposals should be submitted by June 1, 2021.

The Parcel Tax Review Panel will meet on Monday May 10, at 9:00 am to consider any complaints about the roll and to authenticate it.

Coming Soon!

Participate in an online survey 20-40 minutes that asks about why the Sound's ocean is important to you.

At its meeting on April 26, 2021, Council approved the expansion area of approximately 1.2 acres within Lot 2 of the Community Lands, to satisfy both present and future parking needs as well future facility expansion needs.

Connecting Canada’s Climate Action Plan with Opportunities for Bowen

RESTRICTIONS ON INDOOR SOCIAL INTERACTIONS, WORKPLACE SAFETY AND NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL IN EFFECT

Bowen Island Municipality is working to share information and operational updates as we support efforts to slow transmission of COVID-19 and help keep our community healthy. We are following the recommendations of British Columbia's Ministry of Health and Vancouver Coastal Health.

Bowen Island Fire Rescue needs a new Fire Engine

You may need some permits before starting work.

Council is considering regulating certain uses on the Island’s public places. Have your say.

BowENS is Bowen Island Municipality's emergency notification service and is now powered by Alertable, a system developed by Canadian company Peasi. BowENS informs subscribers of emergencies or advisories on Bowen Island that may impact residents. Signing up for BowENS is easy and can be done from a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. There is no fee to sign up.

BIM is making our Red Cross certification available to eligible Bowen Island applicants to offer lessons to the public. 

Bowen Island Municipality is looking for permanent part-time Human Resources Coordinator to join our team.  

March 22 8:00am - April 9 5:00pm, 2021

Bowen Island Municipality has hired Triex Contracting for construction of Phase 1 of the Multi-Use Path (MUP), a new section that will connect the existing path next to the Bowen Island Community School to Carter Road.

Recognizing that sustainable and local economic development will help our community thrive now and in the future, Bowen Island residents, businesses, and other community stakeholders are invited to share their ideas for the economic future of Bowen Island.

Fire Hall site preparation to begin the week of February 16-19.

Help us build our heritage register.

Construction of a cross-island Multi-Use Path (MUP) will provide a safe way for all ages and abilities to walk and cycle across the island.

Sites on Crown land on Bowen are being considered for funding under the Crown Land Wildfire Risk Reduction Program. Proposed areas on Mount Gardner and Radar Hill have been approved for provincial funding for fuel management prescription development in and around critical infrastructure. Fire Management Consultants will be conducting work in the two areas in the first two weeks of February. They will be collecting stand level field data as well as laying out ribbon in areas of high fire threat that will require fuel management.

These activities are not related to industrial logging.

After a slight delay, the Community Centre project team is preparing to move forward to the market with a competitive tendering process.

Help us update the plan

Bowen Island Municipality has hired Liberty Contract Management (LCM) for design-build services for the new Fire Hall and Emergency Operations Centre, slated to be built on Lot 3 of the Community Lands, off Miller Road.

BIM is seeking proposals from qualified Consultants

Bowen Island Fire Rescue is accepting applications for volunteer members.

Read a summary of Bowen Island Fire Rescue (BIFR) activities for the period of May - November, 2020.

Aaron Hanen has been appointed as the Fire Chief for Bowen Island Fire Rescue.

Now available

Join us for a Zoom event with SeaChange Marine Conservation Society and Bowen Island Municipality called ‘Stories from the Bay’.

Translink Development Cost Charges are going up on January 1, 2021

As you deck the halls this holiday season, be fire smart.

In the past three years, BIM has been successful in receiving over $14 million in grants

Support your island businesses through Island COMEBACK.

Wildfire smoke exposure & public health messages in BC

Free Webinar series from Islands Trust

BIM seeks a Permanent Full-Time Utility Operator. 

New provincial order

We'd like to know what you think about the proposed Traffic Calming Policy.

Daphne Laurel

Security cameras in use outside of the library and on the public wharf.

Double the rebates until December 31st, 2020

Grants to help economic recovery available

All about smoke alarms

Bowen Island Municipality’s Deputy Chief Election Officer, Hope Dallas, has declared the results of the referendum, with 64% of ballot votes cast in favour of Bowen Island Municipal Council adopting Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 477, 2019.

Have your say on making Bowen roads safer.

We recently announced that our application was successful in securing $7.9 million in funding provided from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s Community, Culture and Recreation fund by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia to build the Community Centre. These funds, along with Municipal reserves and fundraising to date, bring the amount raised for the project to $10.5 million. An additional $4 million is needed before construction can begin and as envisioned from the beginning, the municipality is seeking public support to borrow that $4,040,000. A referendum will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2020.

Bowen Island Municipality (BIM) is thrilled to announce that our application to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, submitted January 2019, has been successful. The federal and provincial governments have announced that they are awarding funding of $7.9 M to build our Community Centre.

Premier John Horgan announced on June 24, 2020 that BC is ready to move into Phase 3 of the provincial Restart Plan. Bowen Island Municipality will continue to follow the Province’s coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you are using groundwater (from a well or dugout) for non-domestic uses, the province requires you to submit an application for a groundwater licence.

We are pleased to welcome Mr. Liam Edwards as Bowen Island Municipality's new Chief Administrative Officer.

Bowen Island will be celebrating Canada Day differently this year due to the restrictions on large gatherings ordered by the Provincial Health Officer.

With the long weekend approaching and warm weather in the forecast, Bowen Island Municipality is reminding people who want to visit Bowen Island that now is not the time. We are asking you to stay close to home and avoid non-essential travel such as for tourism and recreation. We also suggest islanders continue to limit community interactions and refrain from extending invitations to visitors.

In consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges faced by all sectors of the community, Council has re-examined the proposed budget in an effort to identify ways to reduce the projected tax increase for 2020.

Bowen Island Municipal Council will receive the Fire Department Core Service Review at its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2020.

With the long weekend approaching and warm weather in the forecast, Bowen Island Municipality is reminding people who want to visit Bowen Island that now is not the time.

Bowen Island Municipality and Tourism Bowen Island are asking all visitors to postpone trips to Bowen Island.

Municipal Hall is closed to the public due to current health advisories, so we have moved our Planning & Development department online. Most planning functions will be completed online and digitally.

Paper inquiries and applications will continue to be accepted via the drop box located on the porch door of Municipal Hall. But, please note that processing times for paper submissions will be extended as most staff are working remotely.

We understand that the current issues with the Fire Department are of interest to the community. We will be posting updates here as they become available.