https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-bowen-island-podcast--5647219
Bowen Island, or Nex̱wlélex̱wm, is tucked away in Howe Sound and forms part of the scenic "Sea to Sky" corridor that stretches from West Vancouver through Lions Bay, Squamish, Whistler, and into the Pemberton Valley. This region is home to the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw), Lil'wat (Lil̓wat7úl), or N'Quatqua (N'k̓wátkwa̱), and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, whose rich cultural heritage continues to shape and enrich the area's vibrant community.

Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, this region also boasts the UNESCO-designated Átl'ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region, highlighting its global significance.

The Bowen Island Podcast started by engaging with all of the candidates in the 2022 municipal elections on Bowen Island. In recent episodes, we've expanded our focus to include former mayors, councillors, and other key community figures. Our last initiative was to connect with candidates from the Sea to Sky riding to get their various perspectives, and presently, we're engaged in Bowen's Official Community Plan.

Please subscribe/follow to learn when the next podcast is available.]]>enSociety & CultureDon Shaferhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/dd65c5a1e0346e2868184ea0e74db45b.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-bowen-island-podcast--5647219Mon, 25 May 2026 04:09:12 +0000Don ShaferDon Shaferdon@theconversationlab.caWelcome to the Bowen Island Podcast. Bowen Island, or Nex̱wlélex̱wm, is tucked away in Howe Sound and forms part of the scenic "Sea to Sky" corridor that stretches from West Vancouver through Lions Bay, Squamish, Whistler, and into the Pemberton...
Bowen Island, or Nex̱wlélex̱wm, is tucked away in Howe Sound and forms part of the scenic "Sea to Sky" corridor that stretches from West Vancouver through Lions Bay, Squamish, Whistler, and into the Pemberton Valley. This region is home to the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw), Lil'wat (Lil̓wat7úl), or N'Quatqua (N'k̓wátkwa̱), and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, whose rich cultural heritage continues to shape and enrich the area's vibrant community.

Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, this region also boasts the UNESCO-designated Átl'ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region, highlighting its global significance.

The Bowen Island Podcast started by engaging with all of the candidates in the 2022 municipal elections on Bowen Island. In recent episodes, we've expanded our focus to include former mayors, councillors, and other key community figures. Our last initiative was to connect with candidates from the Sea to Sky riding to get their various perspectives, and presently, we're engaged in Bowen's Official Community Plan.

Please subscribe/follow to learn when the next podcast is available.]]>falseepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/bowen-s-islands-future-understanding-the-draft-official-community-plan--72136977Bowen’s Future: Understanding the Draft Official Community Plan

If you’ve ever wondered whether your children will be able to live on Bowen, worried about water shortages, wildfire risk, ferry traffic, housing diversity, environmental protection, or simply what kind of island future generations will inherit… then you already have a stake in this conversation.

In this episode of The Bowen Island Podcast, we talk with  Mayor Andrew Leonard, Daniel Martin (Manager of Planning and Development), and James Crandles (OCP Steering Committee co-chair) to unpack Bowen Island’s proposed Official Community Plan and the current phase of public engagement.

Together they explore:

• What an OCP is — and what it isn’t
• Why Bowen’s OCP is being updated now
• The guiding frameworks shaping the draft
• Housing diversity, infrastructure 
• Biodiversity, stewardship and climate resilience
• Transportation, community vitality and circular economy principles
• Land use maps, conservation areas and development permit areas
• How residents can participate meaningfully during this phase of engagement

This conversation is about helping all of us understand the choices, trade-offs and opportunities reflected in the draft — and to encourage your input. 

You can learn more at bowenislandmunicipality.ca

Thanks to everyone involved
Council Liaisons: Alex Jurgensen and Alison Morse
BIM Staff: Sarah Baxter, Stef Shortt, Daniel Martin, Xerxes Au   
Community members:  Co-Chairs: James Crandles, David McCullum  
Steering Committee Frits de Vries, Kiersten Enemark, Adam Lougheed, Melanie Mason, Betty Morton, Channa Pelpola, Glen Shkurhan    

The Bowen Island Podcast is produced in a small cabin in the woods on Bowen Island, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw — the Squamish Nation — with gratitude for their stewardship of these lands and waters over countless generations.

If you’d like to explore more of my work on conversation, community and polarization, you can find me on other broadcast/podcast platforms, including The Conversation Lab, Everything Podcasts.com, Central City Foundations Hope Dialogue, or on Substack. 

Thanks for listening]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72136977Sun, 24 May 2026 18:36:56 +0000Don ShaferBowen’s Future: Understanding the Draft Official Community Plan If you’ve ever wondered whether your children will be able to live on Bowen, worried about water shortages, wildfire risk, ferry traffic, housing diversity, environmental protection, or...Bowen’s Future: Understanding the Draft Official Community Plan

If you’ve ever wondered whether your children will be able to live on Bowen, worried about water shortages, wildfire risk, ferry traffic, housing diversity, environmental protection, or simply what kind of island future generations will inherit… then you already have a stake in this conversation.

In this episode of The Bowen Island Podcast, we talk with  Mayor Andrew Leonard, Daniel Martin (Manager of Planning and Development), and James Crandles (OCP Steering Committee co-chair) to unpack Bowen Island’s proposed Official Community Plan and the current phase of public engagement.

Together they explore:

• What an OCP is — and what it isn’t
• Why Bowen’s OCP is being updated now
• The guiding frameworks shaping the draft
• Housing diversity, infrastructure 
• Biodiversity, stewardship and climate resilience
• Transportation, community vitality and circular economy principles
• Land use maps, conservation areas and development permit areas
• How residents can participate meaningfully during this phase of engagement

This conversation is about helping all of us understand the choices, trade-offs and opportunities reflected in the draft — and to encourage your input. 

You can learn more at bowenislandmunicipality.ca

Thanks to everyone involved
Council Liaisons: Alex Jurgensen and Alison Morse
BIM Staff: Sarah Baxter, Stef Shortt, Daniel Martin, Xerxes Au   
Community members:  Co-Chairs: James Crandles, David McCullum  
Steering Committee Frits de Vries, Kiersten Enemark, Adam Lougheed, Melanie Mason, Betty Morton, Channa Pelpola, Glen Shkurhan    

The Bowen Island Podcast is produced in a small cabin in the woods on Bowen Island, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw — the Squamish Nation — with gratitude for their stewardship of these lands and waters over countless generations.

If you’d like to explore more of my work on conversation, community and polarization, you can find me on other broadcast/podcast platforms, including The Conversation Lab, Everything Podcasts.com, Central City Foundations Hope Dialogue, or on Substack. 

Thanks for listening]]>2559andrewleonard,bim,bowenisland,conservation,danielmartin,donshafer,islandstrust,jamescrandles,ocp,officalcommunityplanfalse41fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mayor-andrew-leonard-we-can-t-pull-up-the-draw-bridge-or-sink-the-ferry--58508440
The Bowen Island Podcast is produced in a small cabin in the woods on Bowen Island, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw — the Squamish Nation — with gratitude for their stewardship of these lands and waters over countless generations.

If you’d like to explore more of my work on conversation, community and polarization, you can find me on other broadcast/podcast platforms, including The Conversation Lab, Everything Podcasts.com, Central City Foundations Hope Dialogue, or on Substack. 

Thanks for listening]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58508440Wed, 31 Jan 2024 02:00:53 +0000Don ShaferJust over a year ago, we elected a new municipal council and in this podcast, Mayor Leonard talks about the challenges and opportunities on Bowen Island. Our conversation covers a range of topics including the challenges faced by the municipality,...
The Bowen Island Podcast is produced in a small cabin in the woods on Bowen Island, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw — the Squamish Nation — with gratitude for their stewardship of these lands and waters over countless generations.

If you’d like to explore more of my work on conversation, community and polarization, you can find me on other broadcast/podcast platforms, including The Conversation Lab, Everything Podcasts.com, Central City Foundations Hope Dialogue, or on Substack. 

Thanks for listening]]>2658activetransportation,andrewleonard,bcferries,bowenisland,bowenislandpodcast,caperogercurtis,communityplanning,donshafer,mayorofbowenisland,metrovancouver,theconversationlab,translinkfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/holly-graff-richard-smith-the-bowen-island-community-foundation--53813545
The Bowen Island Podcast is produced in a small cabin in the woods on Bowen Island, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw — the Squamish Nation — with gratitude for their stewardship of these lands and waters over countless generations.

If you’d like to explore more of my work on conversation, community and polarization, you can find me on other broadcast/podcast platforms, including The Conversation Lab, Everything Podcasts.com, Central City Foundations Hope Dialogue, or on Substack. 

Thanks for listening]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53813545Thu, 11 May 2023 00:01:06 +0000Don ShaferHolly Graff and Richard Smith join us in this episode to talk about the work of the Bowen Island Community Foundation and some of the things that got us here, some great ideas from our neighbors that benefit everyone on the island, and that it's time...
The Bowen Island Podcast is produced in a small cabin in the woods on Bowen Island, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw — the Squamish Nation — with gratitude for their stewardship of these lands and waters over countless generations.

If you’d like to explore more of my work on conversation, community and polarization, you can find me on other broadcast/podcast platforms, including The Conversation Lab, Everything Podcasts.com, Central City Foundations Hope Dialogue, or on Substack. 

Thanks for listening]]>1727bowenisland,communityfoundations,hollygraff,richardsmith,thebowenislandfoundation,vitalconversationsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/peter-frinton-fifty-years-on-part-2--51771092This is part two of our conversation about life and politics on a small island.

The Bowen Island Podcast is produced in a small cabin in the woods on Bowen Island, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw — the Squamish Nation — with gratitude for their stewardship of these lands and waters over countless generations.

If you’d like to explore more of my work on conversation, community and polarization, you can find me on other broadcast/podcast platforms, including The Conversation Lab, Everything Podcasts.com, Central City Foundations Hope Dialogue, or on Substack. 

Thanks for listening]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51771092Thu, 03 Nov 2022 02:04:44 +0000Don ShaferPeter Frinton has lived on Bowen with his partner Carol since 1972. He became active politically in the early 90s as a GVRD alternate and then as chair of the APC. He served on Bowen Council for 4 terms and was also an Islands Trust trustee, Metro...This is part two of our conversation about life and politics on a small island.

The Bowen Island Podcast is produced in a small cabin in the woods on Bowen Island, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw — the Squamish Nation — with gratitude for their stewardship of these lands and waters over countless generations.

If you’d like to explore more of my work on conversation, community and polarization, you can find me on other broadcast/podcast platforms, including The Conversation Lab, Everything Podcasts.com, Central City Foundations Hope Dialogue, or on Substack. 

Thanks for listening]]>3904bowenisland,democracy,donshafer,governance,peterfrinton,thebowenislandpodcastfalse1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/peter-frinton-fifty-years-on-part-1--51648588
The Bowen Island Podcast is produced in a small cabin in the woods on Bowen Island, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw — the Squamish Nation — with gratitude for their stewardship of these lands and waters over countless generations.

If you’d like to explore more of my work on conversation, community and polarization, you can find me on other broadcast/podcast platforms, including The Conversation Lab, Everything Podcasts.com, Central City Foundations Hope Dialogue, or on Substack. 

Thanks for listening]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51648588Fri, 21 Oct 2022 23:47:40 +0000Don ShaferPeter Frinton has lived on Bowen with his partner Carol since 1972. He became active politically in the early 90s as a GVRD alternate and then as chair of the APC. He served on Bowen Council for 4 terms and was also an Islands Trust trustee, Metro...
The Bowen Island Podcast is produced in a small cabin in the woods on Bowen Island, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw — the Squamish Nation — with gratitude for their stewardship of these lands and waters over countless generations.

If you’d like to explore more of my work on conversation, community and polarization, you can find me on other broadcast/podcast platforms, including The Conversation Lab, Everything Podcasts.com, Central City Foundations Hope Dialogue, or on Substack. 

Thanks for listening]]>2471bowenisland,caperogercurtis,donshafer,governance,metrovancouver,peterfrinton,thebowenislandpodcast,theislandstrustfalse1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/bob-turner-a-bowen-island-perspective--51277566
The Bowen Island Podcast is produced in a small cabin in the woods on Bowen Island, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw — the Squamish Nation — with gratitude for their stewardship of these lands and waters over countless generations.

If you’d like to explore more of my work on conversation, community and polarization, you can find me on other broadcast/podcast platforms, including The Conversation Lab, Everything Podcasts.com, Central City Foundations Hope Dialogue, or on Substack. 

Thanks for listening]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51277566Sun, 16 Oct 2022 21:10:00 +0000Don ShaferThis is a conversation with Bob Turner. A former Mayor on Bowen Island, conservationist, and filmmaker. I reached out to Bob to help provide context to the many issues we face on this small island, and to understand the politics of environmentalism.
The Bowen Island Podcast is produced in a small cabin in the woods on Bowen Island, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw — the Squamish Nation — with gratitude for their stewardship of these lands and waters over countless generations.

If you’d like to explore more of my work on conversation, community and polarization, you can find me on other broadcast/podcast platforms, including The Conversation Lab, Everything Podcasts.com, Central City Foundations Hope Dialogue, or on Substack. 

Thanks for listening]]>3078bobturner,bowenisland,bowenislandmunicipality,conservation,donshafer,metrovancouver,thebowenislandpodcast,theislandstrustfalse1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/andrew-leonard-mayoral-candidate--51205707
The Bowen Island Podcast is produced in a small cabin in the woods on Bowen Island, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw — the Squamish Nation — with gratitude for their stewardship of these lands and waters over countless generations.

If you’d like to explore more of my work on conversation, community and polarization, you can find me on other broadcast/podcast platforms, including The Conversation Lab, Everything Podcasts.com, Central City Foundations Hope Dialogue, or on Substack. 

Thanks for listening]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51205707Sat, 15 Oct 2022 02:04:00 +0000Don ShaferMayoral Candidate Andrew Leonard shares his vision for Bowen Island in the 2022 Municipal Election. The picture was updated when it was announced that he had won.
The Bowen Island Podcast is produced in a small cabin in the woods on Bowen Island, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw — the Squamish Nation — with gratitude for their stewardship of these lands and waters over countless generations.

If you’d like to explore more of my work on conversation, community and polarization, you can find me on other broadcast/podcast platforms, including The Conversation Lab, Everything Podcasts.com, Central City Foundations Hope Dialogue, or on Substack. 

Thanks for listening]]>1988andrewleonard,bowenisland,bowenislandmunicpalelection,donshafer,thebowenislandpodcastfalse1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/judi-gedye-for-bowen-island-council-the-islands-trust--51248299
The Bowen Island Podcast is produced in a small cabin in the woods on Bowen Island, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw — the Squamish Nation — with gratitude for their stewardship of these lands and waters over countless generations.

If you’d like to explore more of my work on conversation, community and polarization, you can find me on other broadcast/podcast platforms, including The Conversation Lab, Everything Podcasts.com, Central City Foundations Hope Dialogue, or on Substack. 

Thanks for listening]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51248299Thu, 13 Oct 2022 13:18:00 +0000Don ShaferJudi Gedye joins us to talk about life on Bowen Island and why she wants to run for municipal council and the Islands Trust.
The Bowen Island Podcast is produced in a small cabin in the woods on Bowen Island, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw — the Squamish Nation — with gratitude for their stewardship of these lands and waters over countless generations.

If you’d like to explore more of my work on conversation, community and polarization, you can find me on other broadcast/podcast platforms, including The Conversation Lab, Everything Podcasts.com, Central City Foundations Hope Dialogue, or on Substack. 

Thanks for listening]]>1764bowenisland,bowenislandelection,donshafer,islandstrust,judigedey,thebowenislandpodcastfalse1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/alison-morse-for-bowen-island-council--51446501
The Bowen Island Podcast is produced in a small cabin in the woods on Bowen Island, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw — the Squamish Nation — with gratitude for their stewardship of these lands and waters over countless generations.

If you’d like to explore more of my work on conversation, community and polarization, you can find me on other broadcast/podcast platforms, including The Conversation Lab, Everything Podcasts.com, Central City Foundations Hope Dialogue, or on Substack. 

Thanks for listening]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51446501Sun, 02 Oct 2022 21:24:21 +0000Don ShaferI was delighted to catch up with Alison Morse to talk about her vision for Bowen Island and what being on the municipal council has been like over the years.
The Bowen Island Podcast is produced in a small cabin in the woods on Bowen Island, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw — the Squamish Nation — with gratitude for their stewardship of these lands and waters over countless generations.

If you’d like to explore more of my work on conversation, community and polarization, you can find me on other broadcast/podcast platforms, including The Conversation Lab, Everything Podcasts.com, Central City Foundations Hope Dialogue, or on Substack. 

Thanks for listening]]>1520affordablehousing,alisonmorse,bim,bowenisland,caperogercurtis,donshafer,islandstrust,thebowenislandpodcastfalse1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sue-ellen-fast-for-bowen-island-council-islands-trust--51432521
The Bowen Island Podcast is produced in a small cabin in the woods on Bowen Island, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw — the Squamish Nation — with gratitude for their stewardship of these lands and waters over countless generations.

If you’d like to explore more of my work on conversation, community and polarization, you can find me on other broadcast/podcast platforms, including The Conversation Lab, Everything Podcasts.com, Central City Foundations Hope Dialogue, or on Substack. 

Thanks for listening]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51432521Fri, 30 Sep 2022 22:40:03 +0000Don ShaferSue Ellen Fast talks about her love of nature, her vision for Bowen Island and a little about the Islands Trust
The Bowen Island Podcast is produced in a small cabin in the woods on Bowen Island, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw — the Squamish Nation — with gratitude for their stewardship of these lands and waters over countless generations.

If you’d like to explore more of my work on conversation, community and polarization, you can find me on other broadcast/podcast platforms, including The Conversation Lab, Everything Podcasts.com, Central City Foundations Hope Dialogue, or on Substack. 

Thanks for listening]]>1771bim,bowenislandcouncil,caperogercurtis,donshafer,islandstrust,municipalelection,reconciliation,sueellenfast,thebowenislandpodcastfalse1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/john-saunders-for-bowen-island-council--51410345
The Bowen Island Podcast is produced in a small cabin in the woods on Bowen Island, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw — the Squamish Nation — with gratitude for their stewardship of these lands and waters over countless generations.

If you’d like to explore more of my work on conversation, community and polarization, you can find me on other broadcast/podcast platforms, including The Conversation Lab, Everything Podcasts.com, Central City Foundations Hope Dialogue, or on Substack. 

Thanks for listening]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51410345Wed, 28 Sep 2022 20:37:41 +0000Don ShaferWe caught up with John Saunders to talk about hockey, how he discovered Bowen Island and why he wants to be a municipal councilor.
The Bowen Island Podcast is produced in a small cabin in the woods on Bowen Island, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw — the Squamish Nation — with gratitude for their stewardship of these lands and waters over countless generations.

If you’d like to explore more of my work on conversation, community and polarization, you can find me on other broadcast/podcast platforms, including The Conversation Lab, Everything Podcasts.com, Central City Foundations Hope Dialogue, or on Substack. 

Thanks for listening]]>1801bim,bowenisland,bowenislandmunicipality,caperogercurtis,donshafer,islandstrust,johnsaunders,thebowenislandpodcastfalse1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tim-wake-for-bowen-island-council-the-islands-trust--51302038
The Bowen Island Podcast is produced in a small cabin in the woods on Bowen Island, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw — the Squamish Nation — with gratitude for their stewardship of these lands and waters over countless generations.

If you’d like to explore more of my work on conversation, community and polarization, you can find me on other broadcast/podcast platforms, including The Conversation Lab, Everything Podcasts.com, Central City Foundations Hope Dialogue, or on Substack. 

Thanks for listening]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51302038Wed, 28 Sep 2022 06:56:00 +0000Don ShaferTim Wake is running for council and talks about the issues and his vision for Bowen Island
The Bowen Island Podcast is produced in a small cabin in the woods on Bowen Island, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw — the Squamish Nation — with gratitude for their stewardship of these lands and waters over countless generations.

If you’d like to explore more of my work on conversation, community and polarization, you can find me on other broadcast/podcast platforms, including The Conversation Lab, Everything Podcasts.com, Central City Foundations Hope Dialogue, or on Substack. 

Thanks for listening]]>1128bim,bowenisland,bowenislandmunicipalelection,donshafer,thebowenislandpodcast,timwakefalse1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/alex-jurgensen-bowen-island-council--51398342
The Bowen Island Podcast is produced in a small cabin in the woods on Bowen Island, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw — the Squamish Nation — with gratitude for their stewardship of these lands and waters over countless generations.

If you’d like to explore more of my work on conversation, community and polarization, you can find me on other broadcast/podcast platforms, including The Conversation Lab, Everything Podcasts.com, Central City Foundations Hope Dialogue, or on Substack. 

Thanks for listening]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51398342Tue, 27 Sep 2022 18:37:59 +0000Don ShaferAlex Jurgensen is running for Bowen Island Council and in this episode, he talks about those things that are important to him.
The Bowen Island Podcast is produced in a small cabin in the woods on Bowen Island, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw — the Squamish Nation — with gratitude for their stewardship of these lands and waters over countless generations.

If you’d like to explore more of my work on conversation, community and polarization, you can find me on other broadcast/podcast platforms, including The Conversation Lab, Everything Podcasts.com, Central City Foundations Hope Dialogue, or on Substack. 

Thanks for listening]]>1159alexjurgensen,bic,bowenisland,bowenislandmunicipalelection,caperogercurtis,donshafer,thebowenislandpodcastfalse1full