“Bowen Rec is looking forward to moving into the Community Centre, with plenty of room to create new, diverse and creative programming.” says Sasha Buchanan, Community Recreation Programmer.
As the days darken and the rains set in, islanders are preparing for the upcoming festive season, celebrating traditions and gatherings of friends and families. We can now envision the year ahead and imagine what 2024 might look like – in the new Community Centre!
Throughout the centre, multipurpose rooms and flexible spaces will meet the needs of young and old. The holiday season will create opportunities for engaging and memorable activities. The smaller multi-use space (900 square feet) will support an explosion of creativity, filled with the laughter and chatter of children participating in arts and crafts programs, including painting, drawing, and bookmaking, crafting lanterns, festive decorations, or hand-made gifts. This eagerly awaited space will have the ability to be the “messy space,” letting children and youth channel their energy into fun and enriching activities (and we’ll take care of the cleanup!). It will transform into the home of Playcare, the weekday morning program for preschool-aged children hosted by Community Recreation, and it’s also available as a meeting space for local groups, complete with audio/visual equipment.
The municipality would like to acknowledge the generous support of the Bowen Island Community Foundation, which has provided a $25,000 grant for the millwork in this room, helping it transform throughout the day and be a hub for creativity, learning and gathering. We are thankful for their unwavering enthusiasm and financial support.
Construction Update
Progress continues on the construction of the Community Centre, now approaching 75 per cent completion! While work on the roof and siding continues, the interior is really taking shape, with drywall up in most of the rooms and painting scheduled to begin soon. We have doors! The front and back doors have been installed and it won’t be long until they’ll be open to welcome in the public.
Welcome, Lee Vincent, Facility Manager
BIM has hired local islander, Lee Vincent, to be our Facility Manager for the Community Centre starting in December. Lee will be overseeing the successful opening and operations of the facility.
Take a seat!
Picture yourself in the heart of the Bowen Island Community Centre’s Performing Arts auditorium, surrounded by the buzz of anticipation, the thrill of live performances, and the warmth of community. Now, picture the seat you sponsored, complete with a nameplate representing community support for the place we call home.
Sponsoring a seat is your opportunity to make an impact now and leave a legacy for future generations. With a $2,500 contribution, you become a vital part of our community centre’s story. Your gift will increase access to essential community amenities and programs, benefiting the entire community.
Gift a seat!
Are you trying to figure out a gift for that special someone on your list who has everything? Gift a Seat! In addition to your tax receipt and the named seat, you will receive a beautiful holiday gift card created by a local artist to give or send to the recipient to let them know about the gift made in their name.
Donations can be made online by clicking here.
All gifts will receive a tax receipt for the amount of the donation. If you prefer to donate via a cheque, please download the donation form and send it to the Bowen Island Municipality, 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2.
Join us in Building Memories!
Let’s transform dreams into reality, one seat at a time. Together, we’re creating a legacy that resonates through generations.
Read more about project updates.