October 2021 Forum Review
It had been two years since Forum members had met in person due to COVID-19 restrictions on indoor gatherings. After three virtual forums held over Zoom, Forum members were delighted to once again gather for a hybrid - in person/virtual meeting. On Friday, October 22, 2021, forty-seven people attended the Alt’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Community Forum, hosted by the Bowen Island Municipality with 20 more joining in by Zoom.
The Forum was held on the unceded lands of the S?wx?wú7mesh Úxwumixw at the Cates Hill Chapel on Nexwlélexwm/Bowen Island. The previous time the forum was held at this location was April 2015.
The Forum began with a focus on Bowen Island with a welcome from Mayor Gary Ander and a presentation by Parks and Bylaw Manager Bonny Brokenshire on Restoring the Socioecological Integrity of Mannion Bay. The Municipality is working with the community and partners under the umbrella of the Nexwlélexwm/Bowen Island Marine Stewardship Partners to further its work on restoration, protection and enhancement of priority conservation areas in the local waters.
Representatives from the Squamish Nation and the municipalities of Whistler, Squamish, West Vancouver, Gibsons, Squamish, and Lions Bay, plus regional areas of West Howe Sound, Sunshine Coast Regional District, Squamish Lillooet Regional District, and the Gambier Island Local Trust Area gave updates on topics ranging from affordable housing, transportation, conservation, and climate action.
Islands Trustees Dan Rogers and Sue-Ellen Fast presented an overview of the ongoing important and complex work of updating the Islands Trust Policy statement. Trustee Kate-Louise Stamford, Chair of the Islands Trust Conservancy gave a summary of the Species at Risk work and goals of the Islands Trust Conservancy.
During the lunch break, attendees enjoyed networking and catered lunch.
The forum continued with news and updates from MP Patrick Weiler and MLA Jordan Sturdy, Scott Shaw-McLaren from Forests Lands Resource Operations and Rural Development South Coast Region, and Lindsey Klopp with Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Volumes of information were shared, which reflects the active and progressive work of the governments represented at the Forum.
Siew Sim, lifetime Sunshine Coaster and Environmental Advisor with Howe Sound Pulp and Paper at Port Mellon, Siew gave an interesting overview of the history and community contribution of BC’s oldest Pulp Mill in British Columbia, operating since 1909.
Michael Geller, the original planner at Furry Creek Development 30 years ago, and currently with the SFU Centre for Sustainable Development, gave a brief update on the changes under development at Furry Creek that align with sustainable development models.
Ruth Simons reported on the April to October activities and recommendations of the Ocean Watch Action Committee. Fiona Beaty, Project Lead of the Marine Reference Guide gave a whirlwind tour of the mapping tool that is reaching its three-year completion of the project. Fiona was applauded for her leadership and the team’s success as testimonials of the Guide’s usefulness are being reported. Finalizing succession to ensure ongoing financial support to maintain the guide is in progress.
Ruth Simons, Lead of the Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative shared the progress and history of the Forum’s participation from the first presentation at the October 2016 forum hosted by the District of West Vancouver to the September 18th, 2021 celebration marking the success of the official designation announced on September 15, 2021, by the UNESCO MAB International Coordinating Committee.
Following an overview of the next steps for the Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society, Mayor Karen Elliott invited the participants to brainstorm options and ways for sustaining the UNESCO designation and the work of the Society managing the designation. Participants in the room, and on Zoom formed groups to brainstorm followed by reporting out of recommendations. The next forum in April will be a presentation on the progress and next steps.
The Forum members were then shuttled for a short walk and orientation of Mannion Bay led by local conservationist Will Husby.
The next forum will be in April 2022, location to be confirmed.
