In spring 2019 we began asking Bowen Islanders what they would like to see in future at Cape Roger Curtis. It is a captivating environment we all love – but with a history of division and disappointment. The zoning can remain as it is, with the downside being that gradually as the 10-acre lots are sold, the community would lose access to the southern coast and the forests and individual owners may have different approaches to the landscape. Another option is embodied in a new draft plan, trying to balance preservation with development and housing diversity:

• Protect the environment through parks, conservancies and covenants
• Deliver a public waterfront park
• Promote affordability and diversity of housing
• Offer community gathering places and amenities

Maybe there are also other options – such as further conservation purchases or covenanting. We’re currently trying to reach a wider group of people and encourage your input. We know this is an emotional and important topic, and respect different perspectives. We met with individuals and groups of many different backgrounds and opinions about the area. We engaged on Zoom and conducted small surveys, walked the land with people and created a standing group of eight people to review the plans over a few months. We also reviewed important source documents such as the Bowen Island Community Foundation’s Vital Conversations Report, the Bowen Community Lands Workshop Report and the OCP.  We’ve posted a searchable, representative sample of the public comments made before a plan was formulated. The questions before us: is a better future for the Cape possible? If so, what would it be? And could this draft plan satisfy that? Currently we are trying to reach a wider range of people who can look now, before a plan is submitted, to find out what is most in Bowen Island’s interest. In the spring of 2021 the planners will update the draft to better reflect what people are telling us. After that, a polished plan will go to the Municipality for a public process. Significant challenges need community help to solve. How can the negative impacts be softened or avoided so that the positive aspects can be enjoyed by islanders? Now is the time of greatest flexibility, before the submission of a plan to the Muni, when individuals and groups have the best opportunity to influence the details. And we encourage you to do so. Check out the draft plan now >>