From Our President
I had a very Pender moment last month while my family was preparing to leave the island for Spring Break.
After the standard prepping and packing and re-packing (not to mention the last-minute debate about which morning ferry to target), it was time for me to drop my dog off at a friend’s house, where he’d be staying during our time away.
It was late. The sun had tucked itself away long ago. But our friends lived just a six- or seven-minute walk down the road. So, I threw on a reflective vest, turned up my nose at the flashlight we keep next to the front door, and wandered into the darkness.
Louie and I – Louie’s a basset hound mix we rescued shortly before moving from Toronto to Pender – strolled down our road in comfortable silence. Our path was lit by starlight and occasional front porches, but little else. No cars passed by and, aside from seeing Louie’s gracious hosts at drop off, I didn’t see another living soul the entire journey.
It was nearly pitch black and I felt a cathartic absence of civilization. I was alone in the darkness, and I couldn’t have felt more at peace.
I couldn’t help but think back to this time last year. I was still new to life on Pender Island and struggling to find my place. Everyone I met was doing interesting things, pitching in in interesting ways. My family was acclimating well and I was happy, but something was missing. I knew what it was.
I finally mustered the courage to reach out to The Pender Post Society’s then-president, Annie Smith. She could not have been more gracious, and supportive, as I dipped my toe into the waters and attended my first board meeting.
The following month I was officially named Annie’s presidential successor and graciously accepted the position of editor for this community newsletter.
The year since has occasionally felt like a crash course on Pender Island life. I’ve joined committees, made new friends and volunteered on some fresh and exciting projects. I’ve observed the community’s relationship with The Pender Post, both as an insider and outsider. Not to mention The Pender Post’s relationship with itself.
The truth behind both of these is far more complicated that I could have understood one year ago. And in hindsight, I had been walking through the darkness trying to follow a path that was only dimly visible.
The only reason I’m still standing (albeit with some stubbed toes) is the honest and earnest support of so many people who have quietly guided me around obstacles and picked me up when I’ve stumbled. I cannot possibly name them all here. But I will not let this chapter close without thanking my board members, especially my vice-president Val Butcher and Dianne Allison, the longstanding pulse of The Pender Post.
I also want to thank Christa Grace-Warrick, with whom I’ve often felt I shared a “journalist’s brain”. Not to mention Shon Tam, Veronica Cross, Gay Perry, Angie Gray and Noemie Crepeau.
I wish I could also thank the countless contributors who send in club reports and the other fabulous stories that grace our pages each month. But I have just passed the 500-word mark. And, as they know, once your article passes 500 words, things start getting cut.
So, I’ll use my final few words to thank my partner, Sam, for her patience and encouragement while I wandered through the darkness, repeatedly promising I would find the light switch soon.
I haven’t found it yet; maybe I never will. But after a year in the dark, my eyes have begun to acclimate, and my night vision has improved.
And there is something quite cathartic about a comfortable darkness.
Cover Story
The seasonal shot that graces our April cover was taken by our own Shon Tam, who snapped a picture of the lush cherry blossom outside Southridge Farms Country Store in mid-March. “I waited for a sunny day, and I finally got one,” Shon told me during our editorial review for this issue. Pender Post Society board members have approved Shon as our new Production Coordinator, and I couldn’t be happier to have him take over the role. Thank you, Shon. Nice pic :).
Announcements
Special Notices
Celebrate Beltane at Browning Field
A maypole dance from Pender’s past, courtesy of Pender Islands Museum.
The Pender Island Season Circle invites everyone to join us on Friday, May 1, at Browning Field for a Beltane/May Day celebration, including maypole dancing fun and pot luck food from 4-6 pm.
Pender Post Society AGM on May 15
The Pender Post Society would like to invite members to our Annual General Meeting next month as we set the course for another year of community connections.
The meeting will be held at the Community Hall on May 15 at 1:30, and is open to our hundreds of members. Are you a member? If you are a Pender resident and have an annual subscription to our newsletter, or the digital edition, you hold Society membership.
Community Hall Looking to Hire Summer Programs Leaders
Want to develop your leadership ability, build work skills, challenge yourself, and make an important impact in our community?
The positions are partially tailored to each team member’s unique interests and skills, and encompass a diverse range of potential areas, including activity leadership, food & farm programs, maintenance skills, youth leadership & engagement, administration, marketing, computer tech, community development and others.
These positions are crafted to support and inspire you to explore, grow, learn and challenge yourself. The positions are grant-dependent positions and are therefore limited to people aged 15-30.
Find the full job descriptions at https://penderislands.org/opportunities/employment, or stop by the Hall to chat with Andrea.
Two More Death Cafe Events Planned
Thank you everyone for attending our Death Cafe.
We appreciate the feedback we have received. Participants want more time to talk so we are forming smaller groups to facilitate this. Thank you to Eina Falk and Gregory Nicholls for helping with this. Running the Death Cafe is fun and also a lot of work.
Everyone is welcome. It is a safe place to talk about death and listen to one another’s’ stories. There’s no set agenda. Instead, you can talk about death, your thoughts on end-of-life experiences, or how the topic affects your life and family members. It’s about reflecting on life and how we can live fully while we’re here.
We will be holding two more of these events at the Anglican Church at 3 pm: April 12th and May 17th. Hope you can join us.
Jean Bradley Scholastic Gift
To celebrate the volunteer work of Jean Bradley over five decades, The Pender Post Society is offering, in Jean’s name, a $500 scholastic gift for studies related to healthcare. This gift is available to Pender Island residents enrolling in healthcare career training.
To apply, complete an application describing your program of study and the name and address of the institution or school you will be attending. Include a letter describing your interests, hobbies, volunteer, and other community activities. List your reasons for applying to the course of study and your goals upon completion.
A letter of recommendation is required and you must provide proof of acceptance to the named course.
Applications marked “Scholastic Gift Application” must be left in the Pender Post box at the Dockside Realty Office at the Driftwood Centre by July 15. The successful candidate will be notified by July 31.
Application forms are available at http://www.penderpost.org/jeanbradley.
Features
Spotlight Q&A: Pender Island Golf Club
We once again turn our spotlight to one of the many groups, clubs, committees and non-profit societies that make our island community so special. For more information, contact president@penderislandgolf.ca.
First, can you tell us what your group is about, and what you do?
As our name suggests, our major focus is on the game of golf. Member volunteers help our full-time course superintendent and four part-time employees provide an excellent opportunity for an outdoor recreational activity. We most warmly welcome residents and visitors on a casual green fee basis. We also provide a junior program for younger members of our community. Members enjoy the opportunity to be part of social events and activities.
When was the Pender Island Golf Club started, and what sparked it?
The Pender Island Golf and Country Club (or Pender Island Golf Club) has been in existence since 1937 and, except for a period during the Second World War, the golf course has been in operation ever since. The Golf Course and Club was started by Pender residents who had a love of the game of golf and were willing to volunteer their time and resources to create a course and club.
The original club members each contributed money and raised a mortgage to purchase the land, which was evenly divided by South Otter Bay Road. The east side was mainly in pasture and the west side in heavy forest. The plan had been to add four holes on the west to the existing five holes on the east but poor economic post-war conditions delayed these plans.
Even though the game of golf had come to a standstill, that same group of volunteers managed to keep the club solvent. By selling saw logs and firewood from the west side and occasionally renting out the east side for pasture, they managed to pay the taxes and keep up the interest payments on the mortgage. Their foresight and determination were critical to the success of our club today.
Do you produce any community events or initiate special projects? If so, what do you typically sponsor or promote?
We regularly host a number of events that support community groups such as Junior sailing, the Lions Club “Big Divot” fundraiser, and Pender Island Pride to name a few. In past years we have raised monies for the medical clinic and the Coleman/Rogers bursary fund. We even host an annual Disc Golf tournament.
How often do you get together, and typically when? Can new members join anytime?
Although the course is open year round, the club’s organized season usually starts at the beginning of April, providing members with a number of competitive tournaments as well as social events until the fall. New members are welcome anytime. We currently have a special spring promotion to encourage new members to join.
Are any of the original founders still taking part, or still on Pender?
Although we have members who are still golfing in their 90s, none of our original founders are golfing anymore.
What gets your members most excited in your meetings or activities?
Usually a controversial issue will get the excitement level somewhat elevated at meetings but getting that elusive “hole in one” out on the course is probably one of the more popular ways to stir up a sense of excitement for our members.
Is there a story or anecdote about Pender Golf you’d like to share with readers?
Over an 80-year period, many stories and legends have emerged that would take a number of pages to recount.
What’s in the future for your organization? Anything exciting in the works, or dreams you would like to fulfill?
Our club is focusing on the future with plans to upgrade our facilities to enable our superintendent to provide the best possible course conditions for golfers. We need proper maintenance and storage facilities for our machinery so we have started a project to achieve this.
Are there any special contributions you would like to highlight?
The contributions of our member volunteers have been awesome!
How can people get in touch with you?
Our welcoming golf shop staff are very helpful in providing information or you can contact our president at president@penderislandgolf.ca. Also, just Google “Pender Island golf club”.t
Hummingbird Hollow B&B
During the bed and breakfast heydays of the 1990s, as many as 16 homes hosted tourists and visitors to Pender Island. Chuck Harris and Doreen Ball ran Hummingbird Hollow B&B from 1990-2015. This, the seventh instalment of Doreen’s “Tales of a Charmed Life” series, comes from the year 1999.
Tales of a Charmed Life: Ticked at Roe Lake (1999)
Our website continued to work its magic. A writer from Washington state stayed with us and he had been caught up in the high energy buzz of Fall Fair preparations. Two weeks later, a glowing report about Pender Island and Hummingbird Hollow “Lodge” appeared on a South County Journal’s website, and in a Seattle paper. The phone started ringing with booking requests that same day.
There was lots going on around the island with final phase two “Raise a Little Hall” work activities to finish building the Community Hall and raise money to pay for it. A campaign to purchase Brooks Point was also happening, championed by the hard work of Robert Dill, Paul Petrie, Jan Kirkby and other Friends of Brooks Point members.
The Brooks family had donated one lot, then the community, with help from the CRD and other groups, raised the funds to secure the other two lots which became the jewel that is Brooks Point Regional Park.
A heads up to readers, these next two stories come with a PG rating.
One fine spring day the host of Hummingbird Hollow decided to walk around Roe Lake. After slogging through high salal, getting his clothes wet and his shoes really mucky, he made it around the lake and returned home.
It was when he stripped off and prepared to step into the shower that he noticed he had brought home a little souvenir. In the middle of his right buttock was a tick. Worried about Rocky Mountain Fever, off he rushed to the Clinic where Dr. Carter chuckled and said, “What were you doing, Chuck, mooning people in the forest?“
Chuck’s colleagues on the Parks Commission threatened to have a t-shirt printed with a big tick in a circle with a slash through it — “I Got Ticked at Roe Lake.” And the Bear Mother women carvers had a good laugh imagining what Chuck’s right buttock looked like with a red bull’s eye in the centre of it! It did look funny.
More skin was exposed on the island that year when twelve of Pender’s most handsome men posed for a Hall fundraiser, the “Boys of the Hall” calendar. One fine Sunday morning, as parishioners drove along Bedwell Harbour Road on their way to the Community Church, had they glanced over at the unfinished hall, they would have glimpsed one or more of the calendar boys up a ladder or in different places posing for a photograph with only something like a strategically placed tool belt or a chainsaw for cover.
If you’re curious and would like to see Kelly Irving’s great photography, next time you visit the Pender Museum, ask the docent to check for the calendar in the “hot” section of the archives.
Later that year, on Labour Day weekend, Bill and Tekla Deverell hosted a Brooks Point fundraiser, a big bocce tournament at their home with several local writers in attendance. Hazards on the pitch like English daisies, dandelions and deer pellets made for uncontrollable throws. There was lots of laughter.
It was a long day but finally, as the sun was setting our recently-retired physician, Dr. Don (who also happened to be “Mr June” in the previously mentioned calendar) and his wife Therese, were crowned bocce champs, and they graciously donated their winnings to the Brooks Point Fundraising Drive.
Many more fundraisers for the Community Hall and Brooks Point were successful because islanders had figured out early on with Medicine Beach events that the secret to raising a lot of money was to make sure that everyone had fun whether they were doing the work or donating.
Remembering
Doreen Ball
Feb.21,1950 – Feb. 13, 2026
Longtime Pender Island resident Doreen Ball passed peacefully in Surrey BC on February 13. Doreen was raised in Richmond and after graduating from UBC, she taught at secondary schools in Vanderhoof and Richmond in the 70s and 80s.
After meeting her husband Chuck Harris, she wound down her teaching career, moved to Pender Island and together they opened Hummingbird Hollow Bed & Breakfast on Buck Lake. She was involved with many organizations, planning and fundraising over the years and she finished her working career as editor of The Pender Post.
She is fondly remembered by her family and many friends on the mainland and the Gulf Islands. Doreen had a life filled with amazing adventures and interesting people; a life well lived.
There will be a celebration of life tea at the Pender Island Community Hall on Sunday, April 12, from 1 to 3 pm.
Ode to Doreen Ball
We lost a beloved Penderite in February. Doreen Ball was a treasured community member who generously contributed to our Pender life since her arrival here over four decades ago.
As a retired teacher, she never stopped educating us or learning. During the turn of the millennium she participated in the “Bear Mother” project with other women, carving the Welcome Poles at our Community Hall under the guidance of Indigenous master carver, Victor Reese.
At this time also she was The Pender Post Editor-in-chief, taking over from Maria Watson who retired after over 23 years.
Doreen carried us through many years serving on The Pender Post and at the same time co-ran, with her cherished life partner, the late Chuck Harris, their popular and busy Hummingbird Hollow Bed and Breakfast.
Doreen and Chuck were founding members of the Pender Island Conservancy Association. They donated countless volunteer hours into a number of other local organizations and actively advocated for one good cause or another. She diligently took part in the protection of our rural way of life that we have come to greatly appreciate.
When social media got going, a new avenue opened up for her to write posts on Pender Island life and history which new and long-time islanders as well as visitors enjoyed and learned from.
She was a people person and always took joy in sharing her knowledge, sound advice and encouragement with her cheery, kind nature.
She truly cared and shaped the lives of the many that knew and loved her. We will miss her dearly. Farewell Doreen, you’ll always be in our hearts.
Monti M. Maxwell
July 28th, 1939 – March 4, 2026.
Monti Morry Maxwell, 86, of Taber Alberta (previously Pender Island, British Columbia) peacefully passed away March 4, 2026 in the Raymond, Alberta hospital after a very short stay.
He is lovingly remembered by his loving wife Marilyne Smith and her daughter Lisa Meuleman (Mark), granddaughters Katia and Ava, Seattle, Washington; daughter Nicole Biniaris (Jim), grandsons Yiorgo and Yhanei, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; sister-in-law Nadia Scott, Long Island Lake, Alberta; cousin Wendy Scott (Ed Wallace), Longview, Alberta; and not to forget his special four-legged companion Finegan.
There is also his extended family, friends and team members from all of Monti’s much-loved sports communities who will miss his jokes, smile and friendship. May everyone’s personal memories of Monti bring you comfort, connection and inspiration.
Cremation has taken place and his ashes will be spread in the ocean at a later date. As per Monti’s wishes there will be no service. Memorial donations may be made to the Pender Island Golf Course.
Government Representatives
Member of Parliament
And the Winner is!
In case you missed it! Pender can claim some Hollywood cred– or at least Pender resident and much loved author William Deverell can! His daughter Tamara just won an Oscar for production design on the film Frankenstein! Tamara now lives on the Atlantic coast on my other favourite island, Cape Breton – my family home for many years.
The “small world” reality of family connections does not end there. Thanks to Bill Deverell’s success in the genre of legal drama, the Canadian TV series Street Legal was his creation. It was a career breakthrough for Canadian actor Eric Peterson, who played main character Leon Robinovitch from 1987- 1996. I was always a fan of the show and of all Bill’s books. Of course I am. If not for Bill’s creations, Arthur Beauchamp and Margaret, the organic gardening wife of the disillusioned successful Vancouver lawyer, would I ever have been elected to parliament?
Thanks to Bill’s fiction, and believing “life imitates art,” could the leader of the Green Party of Canada have been elected to represent Saanich-Gulf Islands? Even though Bill’s fictional community of Garibaldi Island is not technically in existence and I am not Margaret, those seem picky small points in the vast scheme of things.
And as I continue my list of the people and books and films I love, I was always a fan of Eric Peterson, who is now my brother-in-law! My husband, John Kidder is the older brother of two Canadian actresses, the late Margot Kidder and Annie Kidder, Eric’s wife, also an amazing activist and founder of People for Education.
This is just a lovely bunch of connections! But not my usual column with “news from Ottawa.” Although Parliament does often remind me of theatre, it is of bad Kabuki theatre! Not anything Oscar-award winning!
But one can always hope for better plot twists like Borgon where I end up Prime Minister. If only Bill would write it!
Member of the Legislative Assembly
Freedom from Information
Holding the government to account – or not – is the zeitgeist of our age. Whether it be unsanctioned war, legislative or budget measures that harm people, the economy, or the environment, previous norms of government accountability are fracturing.
Holding government to account also depends on having timely access to relevant information. In 1991, I led the team that developed BC’s Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation. The next year, all parties in the Legislature voted unanimously to pass what was then considered the most open FOI legislation in Canada.
BC’s FOI legislation has endured a number of cracks over the last 34 years; however this year, the government introduced Bill 9, an act to amend FIPA, which transforms, in my opinion, freedom of information into freedom from information. Bill 9 has a suite of provisions that will make it much easier for government ministries and agencies to delay or avoid responding to requests for information within the 30 day time limit. Bill 9 will also make it much easier for government ministries to completely ignore FOI requests where the ministry claims it would unreasonably interfere with operations of the ministry or government.
A distinction is not made between requests for general information needed to hold government to account and personal information requests. Now more than ever, if you get access to information, it will depend on whether it is administratively convenient to provide access and whether the information is not embarrassing to the government of the day.
For this reason, I was very disappointed to read in Hansard that the NDP say that the Information and Privacy Commissioner endorses Bill 9. He has assured me it is not his role to endorse legislation; he provides his assessment which may or may not be correct. That said, in my view it is magical thinking to suggest that making it easier to delay or deny requests for access to general information, will speed up access.
The legislated mandate of the Information and Privacy Commissioner is to ensure, not abandon, our legal right to access to information within 30 days. As such, the Commissioner should be researching and publicly advocating ways to more efficiently record, store, retrieve, and routinely release information.
As a retired public servant, retired lawyer, and now as an MLA, I am very familiar with the way FOI legislation is interpreted and applied. Bill 9 contains provisions which are an affront to access to information in BC.
Capital Regional District
CRD Launches Emissions Benchmarking Program
The Capital Regional District has launched a program aimed at reducing emissions and energy costs from residential, commercial and institutional buildings.
The Building Benchmarking Program will help building owners track their energy performance and identify areas to improve by comparing it with similar properties, according to a mid-March announcement.
“Improving energy efficiency in buildings is one of the most practical and impactful ways our region can cut emissions and reduce costs,” said CRD Board Chair Cliff McNeil‑Smith.
“By launching a regional benchmarking program, we are giving building owners and managers the tools they need to make informed energy management decisions.”
In 2024, buildings in the Capital Region emitted more than 466,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions – the second-largest source of emissions after transportation. According to research provided by the CRD, benchmarking energy use can help increase energy savings by an average of 9% over a three-year period.
Islands Trust
North Island Trustee Corner
In 2024, the Islands Trust Council approved several motions related to implementing, learning, and local consideration of Dark Sky principles across the Trust Area. I was proud to sponsor these ideas brought forward from a group of folks within our community including Karen Bell and Joyce Thayer.
As this work unfolds, a key part is educating ourselves, our neighbours, and visitors to the Trust Area about this important issue. To that end, Karen has created the brief below to help us all understand more about how darkness at night helps maintain the rural character and rich ecological health of our Island communities.
As you read and learn about the multiple benefits of keeping our common sky dark, consider some of the things you might do, including:
Shielding external lights towards the ground, putting them on timers, or motion sensors.
Turning off interior lights during the night when possible or shade them from the outdoors with curtains or blinds.
Using lower light options, dimmers, or fewer lights where possible.
Thanks to all who are already talking with others about this idea and making changes to keep our community skies dark so that we can all see the stars, nighttime wildlife can hunt and move easily, and none of our neighbours are drowning in unnecessary nighttime illumination.
Delight in the Night
People’s Choice Award Winner of the 2025 Capture the Dark photography contest. By Siddharth Patel in Fingal, Ontario.
Since moving from a large city to North Pender nearly nine years ago, I’ve come to appreciate the beauty of darkness and the magic of the night sky. These gifts must not be taken for granted. Light pollution is growing worldwide, and its impacts reach far beyond dimmed starlight.
April 13 – 20 is International Dark Sky Week, and the perfect time to take a night walk and celebrate the beauty we’re protecting.
Dark Sky International, a global organization dedicated to “saving the night,” offers clear, science-based information. Here are a few key insights.
What is light pollution?
It’s the human-made alteration of natural darkness. When we over-light, fail to use timers or sensors, or use the wrong colour of light, we negatively affect many parts of our world.
Why does it matter?
Human health: Artificial light at night is linked to sleep disruption, depression, obesity, diabetes, and more.
Wildlife: Plants and animals depend on natural light–dark cycles. Artificial light can disrupt these cycles and have adverse effects on many species.
Energy waste: Most outdoor lighting is wasted, driving up greenhouse gas emissions and costs.
Safety: More light doesn’t mean more safety. Glare from unshielded fixtures can actually reduce visibility.
Cultural loss: For millennia, the night sky inspired science, art, and wonder. We risk losing that heritage.
Scientific impact: Satellite trails in low orbit hinder astronomical research and early-warning systems.
Scientists say that light pollution is reversible. Dark Sky International promotes five simple principles for responsible outdoor lighting: ensure lighting is useful, targeted, low-level, warm-coloured, and controlled with timers or sensors.
Visit https://darksky.org for more information, including a list of Canada’s six Dark Sky Places, or enjoy the stunning astrophotography from the Capture the Dark contest.
Let’s work together to keep our skies dark and our stars bright for generations to come.
BC Ferries
Customers will now have access to more fare choices and greater certainty when travelling from Tsawwassen to the Southern Gulf Islands via Swartz Bay. Starting April 8, 2026, customers travelling Thru fare from Tsawwassen to the SGI via Swartz Bay may use any available Tsawwassen–Swartz Bay fare at no additional charge for the Swartz Bay–Southern Gulf Islands segment.
Benefits:
More fare choices and greater certainty when travelling.
Access to lower‑cost Saver Fares ranging from $49 to $99.
Customers will still have the option to drive up without a booking and travel Thru fare on a first‑come, first‑served basis, or book a Reservation Only fare and pay the at-terminal fare when they check in at the ticket booth. However, we encourage customers to choose fully Prepaid, or Saver fare options from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay as they are more economical and provide greater travel certainty.
These changes will make fares easier to understand and help connect customers to the SGI network with more flexible, reliable travel options.
Arts and Entertainment
Pender Island Art Society
Gabriella Kardosi Demo, courtesy Pender Island Art Society.
Ron Underhill Demo, courtesy Pender Island Art Society.
On February 26, PIAS held a line and wash watercolour art session led by Gabriella Kardosi. She presented a delicate line rendering of a still life from a photo and then applied watercolour washes to highlight key features of the drawing. She demonstrated how successive washes create depth and perspective.
March 5 found PIAS members back in the Community Hall for Ron Underhill and Peter Paré’s session on portraiture. They presented artist William Maughan’s technique for creating a realistic human likeness by using the chiaroscuro method developed by Leonardo da Vinci (The Artist’s Complete Guide to Drawing the Head by William Maughan).
This method analyzes form, light, and shadow and uses dark pencil, white pencil, and toned paper to create a full range of values to capture a facial likeness. Ron provided several demos to lead participants through the process. There is a video on YouTube which takes the artist through the process.
Both sessions were excellent skill building opportunities in a relaxed and interactive environment.
Upcoming art sessions:
April 16th, 12:30-4 p.m., Community Hall – Creating hardening paper clay: objects for walls, mobiles, and small installation, led by Gabriella Kardosi. There will be a small fee and advance registration required.
April 25th, 10:00-4 p.m., Hope Bay Bible Camp – Bob Altwein, a Vancouver artist, will lead a painting workshop. Advance registration and a fee (TBD) is required.
“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” – Picasso
Ptarmigan Arts
Thank you to all the folks who joined us at our International Women’s Day concert this past month! We’re thrilled to have had a sold-out show, and the energy in the room was incredible. The support for the artists on stage was truly felt and made the night so special.
We also hosted our AGM last month. Thank you to all the community members who joined us, our incredible Board, and our Board Band for sharing some tunes. We would like to extend a special thank you to Monica and Rutger, who have now officially stepped down from their positions, for their time and dedication to the board. We are incredibly grateful for the contributions they made during their time with us!
Looking ahead, we want to highlight two upcoming workshops as part of the Tapestry of Words Literary Festival happening May 30 to 31, 2026. Registration for Verse & Vision is open until April 17, and invites local artists and writers to collaborate on a piece and share it during the festival. We’re also excited to have Barbara Stowe leading a flash fiction workshop on the Sunday of the festival. This is a wonderful opportunity to get creative, have fun and explore the art of short-form storytelling in a supportive, encouraging environment. Keep reading for all the details.
Theatre Lab presents Just Another Day in the Life of Winston
Tuesday, April 21, 2:30pm, Pender Islands School Gym
After being postponed last month due to illness, the students at Pender Elementary are back with Just Another Day in the Life of Winston, written and directed by Gillian Turner! They have been working on this production as part of Theatre Lab, a program in collaboration with Three On the Tree, which focuses on developing students’ skills in both behind-the-scenes and acting roles.
Parents and community members are invited to watch and support the performance on April 21 at the Pender Island School gym. We hope to see you there!
Pender Island Concert Society Presents: Solidaridad Tango
Wednesday, April 22, 7pm, Community Hall
Save the date for an upcoming performance presented by the Pender Island Concert Society! Solidaridad Tango, featuring five musicians and two dancers, promises an unforgettable evening of live music. Keep an eye on our website for more details coming soon!
Verse & Vision: A Tapestry of Words Literary Festival Event – Registration
Exhibit May 30th – 31, Community Hall
Deadline to register, April 17, 2026
Verse & Vision is an invitation to writers and visual artists of Pender and the Outer Gulf Islands to collaborate on the written word and either a 2D or 3D piece of art. The idea is that writers and visual artists make contact with one another and then work collaboratively to present their final work as a part of Ptarmigan Arts’ Tapestry of Words Literary Festival. We are allocating a space of 4ft by 4ft to display both the written word and artwork. The Verse & Vision Exhibit will be open for public viewing from 10 am on Saturday, May 30, to 3:30 pm on Sunday May 31.
For those who wish, there is an opportunity to do a reading where writers can recite their work along with corresponding art pieces at 11 am Sunday, May 31. There is an entry fee of $40 for each team. Please register your team by April 17.
Flash Fiction Workshop: A Tapestry of Words Literary Festival Event – Registration
Sunday, May 31, 12:30 – 2:30pm, Community Hall
Register for our upcoming Flash Fiction workshop with Barbara Stowe. A piece of Flash fiction is a complete short story told in under 1,500 words. Typically, one might run anywhere from 750 to 1,000 words, but in this two-hour-long workshop, nobody’s counting. The idea is just to get writing, learn more about crafting a good story, and have fun in an encouraging environment. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced writer, this workshop will offer more ways into crafting (very) short stories, including fun exercises to prime the pump.
Participants will pen several short stories and at the end, those who wish to share a piece they’ve just written may read aloud to the group. This is a safe space to come with pen and paper or laptop and enjoy learning more about the craft of creative writing in a structured, supportive environment. The workshop costs $20 per participant and will take place on May 31st from 12:30 – 2:30 pm as part of the Tapestry of Words Literary Festival.
Potters Meetup
Thursday, April 30, 6 – 7:30 pm, Community Hall
A monthly gathering for both experienced and aspiring potters to share, learn and talk pottery. Each month there is a new topic chosen by the group. All experience levels are welcome. Potters wishing to participate should arrive with a surface to work on, clay, and some basic tools. However, folks are also welcome to come just to learn and chat as well.
If you have questions or want to get on the Meetup Mailing List (to hear about upcoming events and stay in the loop) you are welcome to send messages to the following – mudwarebyadrienne@gmail.com
Weekly Community Gatherings
Fridays, 12 – 1 pm, Community Hall
On April 3, we are joined by Peach & Quiet, musical duo Jonny Miller and Heather Read, who have been enchanting audiences since they burst into the music scene in 2020. Slo Cookin’ is back on April 10, so get ready for Old-timey tunes with Diana Fairclough on vocals/ukulele, Stephen Fairclough on vocals/flutes, and Xander Hartwood on bass.
Goldstream is a five piece band that will be sharing tunes that stretch back in time, to the roots of Bluegrass, Old Time, Country and Folk Music. They’re making the trek over from Victoria on April 17, promising a fun evening of entertainment – you won’t be able to resist singing along and tapping your toes!
Finally, on April 24, Plumper Sound offers an eclectic mix of rock, blues, country and jazz (plus a reputation of being one of the top-five Neil Diamond tribute bands in the whole of South Pender).
Join us for live music and fresh soup. This long-standing community program is a partnership between the Community Hall, Ptarmigan Arts and the SGI Neighbourhood House.
All tickets and program registrations are available at ptarmiganarts.org. For assistance, please contact info@ptarmiganarts.org. You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook at @ptarmiganartsbc and Ptarmigan Arts.
PIJazz
It’s happening. PIJazz is escaping the bounds of Swing and flexing our Latin muscles AND IT’S WORKING! So, next time we’re at the Hall or Legion you’ll be able to get both your swing and your salsa on. Just go easy on the blended margaritas.
We’re always open to new members as we continue our Fall season: You know who you are. Give us a holler at brycewoollcombe@gmail.com with any questions. Keep up-to-date at http://www.ptarmiganarts.org/programs. We hope to see you soon.
Musical Musings: Maybe we should bring back reviews.
Remember reviews? Every newspaper had a reporter who went to gigs and told us about the good, the weird, and the fuggly. Then we’d all know what to see next time we had the chance.
If you were at a gig and wanted a mellow place to just sit and listen, you just shuffled to the back to the band table and there would be Terry David Mulligan or Tom Harrison or Dave Bidini (unless Tom was on stage with Bruno Gerussi’s Medallion, or Dave was rocking with the Rheostatics). Pull up a chair and be prepared to geek out.
Just don’t talk through a tasty solo or Tom would give you his ‘disappointed’ look and Bidini just wouldn’t hear you at all.
This is all to say that I escaped Pender and saw an actual sit-down concert in town recently, and y’all get to hear about it because I can’t shut up about music.
Gen X Occupies the Royal, and That’s a Good Thing. William Prince and Boy Golden, Royal Theatre, Victoria
Wait, what? William Prince and Boy Golden are decidedly Millennial, so what’s with the sea of grey in the audience? Well, it turns out Victoria’s Gen X crew is not stuck listening to their mix tapes from the 90s. A pop-folk-gospel-country-rockabilly gig on a Tuesday was the bill that fit the bill.
Boy Golden and the Church of Better Daze brought out clever songwriting from Liam Duncan and a tight, professional band. You just know that a lot of jams and road miles went into this set, and it was just excellent. Standout solos on slide baritone guitar by Austin Parachoniak had me thinking, “What if Derek Trucks was from Winnipeg?”. The whole set felt both thoroughly practiced and fresh, which is tough to pull off. I was grinning.
I was a bit worried about William Prince. His rich baritone and supremely confident folk / country guitar would be stellar on their own but his most recent album Further From The Country brought in loads of synth pads and layers that I thought were a bit much. It turns out their live sound wizard agrees with me more than their record producer and, even with a stage full of players, William’s voice came through. People are going to be listening to him for a long time, with both voice and lyrics rivaling John Prine or Johnny Cash. He really is a treasure.
But it felt a bit like William Prince was playing a bit to an older audience. Indeed, he had a lot of us crying at a couple points… I’m not really sure ‘cause my allergies were acting up.
Boy Golden, on the other hand, channeling Hank Williams on shatter, Jim Morrison with a mullet, a bit of John Mann from Spirit of the West, just nailed it. I enjoyed both bands, but I’ll take the Church of Better Daze in a pinch. We all need some.
Solstice Theatre Society
“Toronto?” Halfway There cast: Sean Clazie, Alyson Culbert, Barb Pender, Julie Brandsema, Jane Harrison. Photographer Joy Llewellyn
‘Halfway There’ Cast is Ready
Theatre lovers and comedy lovers mark your calendars for Solstice Theatre’s next production, Halfway There. This hilarious Norm Foster comedy has a stellar cast of Julie Brandsema, Sean Clazie, Alyson Culbert, Jane Harrison, and Barb Pender.
Four friends meet on Pender Island every day in the local coffee shop, but their routine is upset when a new doctor arrives to work at the medical clinic. Will he be joining the gals at the pub, inviting one of them for a naughty weekend in Victoria, or simply conducting the usual examinations?
This wonderful comedy extols the virtues of rural Canada with a knowing and sympathetic eye. Come to the Community Hall and visit with notorious local characters on April 23, 24, 25 or for a Sunday matinee on April 26.
Tickets will be available in early April and can be purchased online at https://solsticetheatresociety.org/ or at Talisman Books. Don’t wait too long, this is sure to be a sell out show.
The Highlanders
Pender Island Celtic Music Society
Heath Lansdowne (left) Larry Dempster (right), courtesy Pender Highlanders
Our new pipe bag covers with logo. Courtesy Pender Highlanders.
The Pender Highlanders have been hard at work this past winter, practicing and preparing for the upcoming season. Thanks to the dedication and effort from our Pipe Major, Larry Dempster, and our Treasurer, Heath Lansdowne, the band will be starting the year with brand new pipe bag covers.
We’re also excited to share that Annette Speirs, a very skilled drummer from Victoria, has generously agreed to host a snare drumming workshop for our developing drum corps; an excellent opportunity for growth as we head into the season.
We look forward to sharing with you what comes next.
Pender Island Quilters Circle
Star Wall Hanging, crafted by Margaret Vergette, photos courtesy of Quilters Circle.
Table Runner, crafted by Helen Bailey
Quilters Circle held its monthly session on March 9. Helen Bailey led us in a paper piecing “mug rug” (coaster) project. This was an easy introduction to the paper piecing method of creating a quilt top. The paper piecing technique is a precision quilting technique where fabric is stitched directly onto a paper pattern, ensuring perfect points in a complex geometric design. It is ideal for intricate patterns that are difficult to piece traditionally. Helen did a beautiful job of presenting the method of creating a small block with a step by step process that those of us who are beginners with the method could easily follow. Helen referenced Judy Neimeyer’s online classes available at http://www.quiltworx.com.
A number of our quilters shared an abundance of recent creations during the “Show and Share” portion of our meeting. It is always a delight to view in-progress and completed quilts.
We are inspired by the creativity of our quilting companions. Eleanor Heslop finished her colourful child’s quilt. Karen Watson created a seascape quilted wall hanging and a graphic orange and black mystery quilt challenge. Elisabeth Geller finished her HAW placemats in a cute swallow pattern and also showed us a plaid patterned quilt (Plaidish). Sandy Neff sewed a lovely sailboat seascape. Ann England created a cute cat quilt. Martha completed her “Tilly the Sea Turtle” created with Hawaiian fabric and utilizing a Susan Carlson online quilting workshop. Margaret Vergette showed us her HAW placemats, and a star patterned table runner and wall hanging utilizing the paper piecing technique. Susan Underhill used her landscape demo from her February session to sew a quilted bag. She also showed us a beautiful quilt with a combination of a Celtic and star pattern from a “ships and violins” pattern; it was the first paper piecing pattern she did. And, finally, Helen Bailey shared her star patterned table runner.
Our next Quilters Circle session is on Monday, April 13, 9:15 a.m. at Anglican Church Hall. We will be continuing with our Hands Across the Water planning and completing the placemats for gifts for the attendees, as well as working on our own individual projects.
Quilter’s Philosophy: Starting something new, venturing out into the unknown, taking risks, calls for courage and optimism. It helps to find guides with skills to share and words and gestures to inspire. A quilting guild, an art group, a choir, or any collective activity provides the opportunity to explore and learn in a supportive environment.
Pender Photo Club
A photography of a Terviseks (“To Your Health” in Estonian) by Judy Graham.
Kitchenware Through a Lens
The Camera Club’s meeting (Monday, March 2) was pleasant as we welcomed a new member, Joe Kashi from Alaska, and looked at photos of Kitchenware.
OK, Kitchenware sounds pretty dull (perhaps tasteless?) but club members produced unusual perspectives and great angles of bowls, glasses, breads and more. We saw 58 club photos in total with the meeting chaired by Urs Boxler.
We viewed pictures of egg slicers of several vintages, salad bowls with reflections included, delicious breads and cheesecakes and backlit glasses. Conversation flowed as we merrily critiqued the photos.
Hans Tammemagi presented a brief overview of the town of Guayabitos in Mexico, which has a particularly long and beautiful beach filled with sunshine, pelicans and vendors of every stripe. He and his wife left only a day before the cartel violence began.
For the next meeting, attendees are encouraged to submit six photos with the theme: The Forest as Viewed from a Hiking Trail, focusing on moss, ferns, mushrooms, etc. All guests are very welcome; please contact Urs for the Zoom link and instructions for photo submission (ursboxler@gmail.com).
Community
Community Hall
Pender Island Recreation and Agricultural Hall Association (PIRAHA)
March was a full and energetic month at the Hall, with a wide range of activities, events, and community participation options. In short, it was manic!
The Youth Art and Craft Show was well received with six youth sharing their work during the Saturday Market. Visitors were welcomed by a very enthusiastic young Gallery Host who helped introduce the artists and their creations. The Galiano Takeover Market was amazingly well received, with vendors from Pender, Galiano and Mayne packed both floors of the Hall.
April marks the final month of our special Saturday Markets before the Farmers’ Market returns on May 16. As the season shifts, our Youth Leadership participants need to refocus on the increasingly busy café. April 18 the Market will host a very small Volunteer Fair. Space will be limited; organizations are encouraged to register early.
The Youth Voices conference was well attended with 19 youth participants. We discussed activities, workshops and skills training that they are interested in having over the summer and the school year. We had guest presenters and discussion leaders from Ptarmigan Arts, Victoria Youth Empowerment Society, Community Hall Pender Ocean Defenders and Pender Radio. We played music, games, crafted, made food, ate, helped clean up and finished the night with a game in which only a few people were covered in mud by pickup time.
The Spring Break Camp was well supported by six youth in the Community Hall Youth Leadership Program helping the leaders run games, make crafts and support the participants.
Spring at the Oscars continues over April and May. To continue bringing these cinematic experiences to the community, we are looking for additional film helpers: projectionists, concession volunteers and door hosts. Training is provided, and it’s a wonderful way to be part of the movie magic.
CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAMS
To register, go to: http://www.penderislands.org/registrations
Hall Heroes Club (Ages 5+)
Fridays 10 am – 1:30 pm
Guided by Hall Leaders, each week is a new adventure: help in the café, serve lunch, make decorations, share a skill, mentor a younger person, help lead an activity… Younger heroes, ages 5 – 6 will need a buddy; bring your own or check to see if we can pair you with one of ours (limited availability). Registration required. Free.
Friday Kids Club (Ages 5 – 12)
Fridays 1:30 – 4 pm
Every week brings a mix of hands-on fun, from creative projects and tasty treats to games and outdoor adventures. Registration required. Suggested $5-$10 per day.
Dungeons & Dragons Adventures (Ages 11 – 18)
Fridays 1:30 – 4 pm
Whether you’re a seasoned dungeon crawler or brand new to the game, there’s a seat at the table for you. Free.
Youth Culinary Skills Training.
Ages 12 – 18 (10+ if child has a Food Safe Certificate)
Thursdays 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Participants gain hands-on kitchen skills and work as a team in a supportive, engaging environment. Bring an apron. A snack will be provided. Registration required. Free.
Youth Leadership Program (Ages 10 – 18)
Participants can learn how to run the Community Café, assist at special events, design posters, help maintain the Hall, support activities, mentor younger children and assist with technology, photography and many other areas. It is a welcoming environment where youth gain real-world experience, confidence and teamwork skills. Interested youth are invited to drop in on a Friday or Saturday between 10 am and 1 pm to speak with Andrea. Free.
ACTIVITIES
Café Français
April 18, 12:45 – 2 pm
A conversation group for intermediate or higher conversational French speakers. Let us know if you would like to be added to the online discussion group.
Friday Fun for Everyone
Fridays 10:45 – 11:45ish
Led by the Youth Leadership Program, Hall Heroes and guest volunteers.
April 3 – Easter Crafts
April 10 – Puzzles and Games
March 20 – Make Rice Krispies Bars
March 27 – Pot Decorating and Planting
FILMS
In search of more film helpers: projectionists, concession and door helpers. These volunteers help make sure we are able to continue to bring films to the community.
Sentimental Value
Friday April 3, 7:15 pm
A poignant Norwegian drama that examines the complex, often painful intersection of art, memory, and family estrangement. The film follows two sisters navigating their relationship with a famous, emotionally distant director father who resurfaces to make a personal film about their trauma. Part of Spring at the Oscars, the film was nominated for Best Motion Picture at the Globe Awards where it won Best Supporting Actor. At the Academy Awards it received nine nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and two Best Supporting Actress nominations. 2 hours 13 minutes.
Film: Hamnet
Friday April 10, 7:15 pm
William Shakespeare and his wife, Agnes, celebrate the birth of their son, Hamnet. However, when tragedy strikes and Hamnet dies at a young age, it inspires Shakespeare to write his timeless masterpiece Hamlet. Received eight 2026 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress (won for this award and many others), Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Production Design. It also won a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama and the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. 2 hours 5 minutes.
Matinee: Song Sung Blue
Monday April 13, 2:15 pm
Based on the true story of two down-on-their-luck Milwaukee musicians Mike and Claire Sardina, (Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson) who form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band, proving it’s never too late to find love and follow your dreams. 2 hours 5 minutes.
Kids Club Matinee: Zootopia 2
Friday April 24, 2:00
Rookie cops Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde find themselves on the twisting trail of a great mystery when Gary De’Snake arrives in Zootropolis and turns the animal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, Judy and Nick must go undercover to unexpected new parts of town, where their growing partnership is tested like never before. Part of Spring at the Oscars, it was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Astra Film Awards, Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and the Academy Awards. 1 hour 50 minutes. By donation. Parents don’t need to stay if their child is registered for the Friday Kids Club.
Matinee: A Complete Unknown
Monday April 27, 2:15 pm
This biographical drama stars Timothée Chalamet as a young Bob Dylan. Set in the early 1960s New York City, it follows 19-year-old Dylan’s rise from a Greenwich Village folk singer to a musical icon, culminating in a groundbreaking and controversial performance that reverberates worldwide.
SATURDAY MARKETS
Every Saturday from 10 – 1, there will be a special reason to come out to the Market. Each week will have a different activity or focus as well as fun activities in the Café led by our Youth Leaders.
April 4 – Easter Hunt at the Café
Find all the paper bunnies and win a hot chocolate.
April 11 – Youth Empowerment Day at the Café
Answer trivia about youth and receive a free fancy drink.
April 18 – Mini Volunteer Fair and Volunteer Chat in the Cafe
Learn about some of the volunteer run organizations that make this such a vibrant community. Find ways that are fun for you to involve yourself in. In the Café, get a free fancy drink when you tell us how you help the community.
April 25 – Earth Day and Garden Club at the Market. Earthy drinks in the Cafe
Join the fair-like atmosphere at the annual Earth Day activities. This year they will be joined by the Pender Garden Club selling plants to make the earth around you a little more beautiful!
The Farmers’ Market will be starting up again in May, so these will be the last Special Markets until we start them again next January. If you have an idea for a Special Market for next year, please let us know.
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are at the heart of many of the programs and activities offered at the Hall. Whether you have an hour a week or just once a month, there are ways to contribute. We are always on the look out for people to help with Films, in the Comfort Center, with advertising and office support, as activity leaders and Youth Leadership Program Mentors, cleaning and so many more areas. All training is provided. If you are interested in helping somehow or need more information, please email or stop by for a conversation.
Guest Activity Leader – Would you like to share a fun activity? At the Friday Fun activity, we are looking for people who would like to lead a 30 – 45 minute all ages activities (but generally child participants) with themes around crafting, food, heritage skills, S.T.E.A.M. or other activities.
Chamber of Commerce
We’d like to send a heartfelt thank you to all of our members who renewed for 2026 and continue to support the Chamber’s work to support and promote local businesses and the Pender Islands. You can find the full list of members on our website.
While we’ve seen some natural attrition as we moved into the new year, we’re very pleased to welcome nine new members to our Chamber community: Coast & Roots Mortgage Team (Jenny Montgomery), FIADH Alchemy (Jennifer Ursell), Hurricane Home Services (Mary Elizabeth Carlson), Ken Rempel, PCS Ltd. Pest Control Services Southern Gulf Islands (Stephen Nixon), Pender Island Home Building Centre (Jeremy Martens), Raevin Equipment Group (Tara Hodgins), Urban Roots Build Co. Ltd. (Grant Gibson), and Whale Pod Chalet (Kevin Keating).
We encourage you to support these local businesses and join us in giving them a warm island welcome.
Here are five simple (and free) ways you can show your support: write a positive review, tell your friends and family, follow businesses online, engage with their posts, and give them a shoutout. Our local businesses rely on the island’s year-round support, and every little bit makes a difference. It helps ensure they’re here for the long term, providing the services our community depends on.
Advocacy continues to be a key part of what we do. We recently submitted a letter to BC Ferries regarding the proposed fall dates for the Otter Bay Terminal upgrade, based on feedback from our members, as well as a second letter addressing service equity and scheduling following capacity reductions on the Queen of Cumberland. While we understand the intent is to improve on-time performance, we’ll continue to monitor impacts on our community, stay engaged through the project working group, and advocate for fair and reliable service.
Regional collaboration is also a priority. We continue to build connections and work alongside partners including the Rural Islands Economic Partnership, the Southern Gulf Islands Tourism Partnership, neighbouring Chambers, the CRD’s Community Economic Sustainability Commission, and local community organizations.
Our Annual General Meeting has been rescheduled to April 30, 2026. Along with the usual business (approval of the 2025 financial statements, appointment of the accountant, and election of directors), members will be asked to consider an important special resolution.
Despite a few quieter periods over the years, the Pender Island Chamber of Commerce has been part of this community since 1959. To better support the Chamber’s long-term sustainability moving forward, the Board is recommending a transition from incorporation under the federal Board of Trade Act to the BC Societies Act. This change would allow for more modern governance practices and help address ongoing challenges with quorum and board composition, while maintaining our core purpose and continuity of operations.
In simple terms, the proposed resolution would authorize the Board to move forward with incorporating a new non-profit society, carry over the Chamber’s work, and bring forward updated bylaws for member review and approval at the 2027 AGM.
This is an important decision that will help shape the Chamber’s future, and we encourage members to attend, ask questions, and be part of the conversation.
Sandra Tretick, Executive Director
http://www.penderislandchamber.com
Pender Radio
Prepare for that “On Air” sign to be lit up a little more often, courtesy Pender Radio.
Greetings from Pender Radio. By now, you’re probably wondering, what the heck is going on over there at Pender Radio? I don’t blame you.
About a year ago, I was asked by a great friend of mine, George Fowlie, if I wanted to help start a radio station with Laurie Storrie and him. Naturally, I said yes. Fast forward to today, and we all realize just how huge of an undertaking it truly is.
My personal motto has been, “good things take time”. I think I am able to say that we will now be “ On Air” in May. We have had many start dates that became moving targets. But now, this is truly within our sights.
What we have focused on this past year was getting a solid foundation of people, and getting into the actual studio. We have a beautiful, comfortable studio for DJs and Podcasters to work out of. We built a sturdy stage facing the lawn which we hope to fill with an audience for bands that we will have come through the Radio.
From what I can tell, this is shaping up to be something very cool. Something very Pender. A bit of everything, for everyone here.
We will be streaming on the Internet and we are excited to put out our website when it’s time. In the meantime, join our Facebook and Instagram pages, and join in the building excitement.
Who knows, maybe you can win a t-shirt before we are even on the air.
Pender Island Public Library
Library Names New Board
Welcome to our dedicated Library Board Trustees for 2026: Sarah Stacy (Chair), Cee Cartwright-Owers, Jay Gilbert, Chris Carrier, Ann Coombs, Wendell Rylander, and Nik Hill. Our Trustees focus on governance issues including financial oversight, strategic planning, and participating on committees (Board Development, Health, Safety and Accessibility, Policy, Finance, and Fund Development). Monthly Board meetings are open to the public and highlight how local and provincial funds are being spent to support excellent library services (see our website for Board meeting dates).
Art in the Library
“Landscape Reflections” by artist Christine Elgert. After retiring and moving to Pender, Christine began to paint five years ago (acrylic on canvas), and then joined the PI Art Society, where she continues to gain insights into many different types of art. Exhibit March-April 2026.
Programs
We are pleased to partner with many local groups, and this month I’d like to focus on our partnership with the Truth & Reconciliation Circle over the past years. We have shared events such as hosting two SENĆOŦEN language workshops and building a strong collection of books by Indigenous authors.This month we support the T&R Circle’s event of hosting visiting author Melinda Burns, reading from her new book of poems, Homecoming (available at the Library due to a generous donation).
Truth & Reconciliation
As part of our Library’s work to advance the goals of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, over the years we’ve developed a varied collection of books for adults and youth by Indigenous authors. Due to a growing collection, we recently launched a new display area specifically for the adult books. Come browse this wonderful collection, open to all those who want to gain a better appreciation of Indigenous Peoples’ histories, cultures, and experiences.
Books On Display
April is Earth Month, with the 2026 theme of “Our Power, Our Planet”, emphasizing strengthening green economies and protecting environmental laws. Celebrate Earth Day on April 22 with events and actions focusing on sustainability, education (we have lots of books on environmental initiatives), and community cleanup efforts throughout the month.
New Books
Adult Fiction: The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop (Takuya Asakura), Lost Lambs (Madeline Cash), The First Time I Saw Him (Laura Dave), Brawler (Lauren Groff), Saoirse (Charleen Hurtubise), Meet the Newmans (Jennifer Niven), A Midnight Pastry Shop Called Hwawoldang (Lee Onhwa), The Poet Empress (Shen Tao)
Adult Mystery and Sci-Fi: First Sign of Danger (Kelley Armstrong), The Crossroads (C.J. Box), Make it Out Alive (Allison Brennan), The Curious Case of the Poisoned Professor (Lucy Connelly), The New Neighbours (Claire Douglas), My Husband’s Wife (Alice Feeney), Jigsaw (Jonathan Kellerman), Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon (Wole Talabi)
Adult Non-Fiction: Will Power (Susan Goldenberg), Sharing the Light (Monique Gray Smith), Blockade (Christine Lowther), Decolonization and Me (Kristy McLeod), The Forest Fights Back (Jessica den Outer), In this Faulty Machine (Kathy Page), A World Disappears (Michaell Pollan)
Youth and YA: If You Go Walking (Erin Alladin), A Kid Like Me (Norm Feuti), Hypergifted (Gordon Korman), First Class Mischief (Claire Powell), One Eagle Soaring (Roy Henry Vickers)
Library hours: Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am-3 pm, at 4407 Bedwell Harbour Road. Email: libraryhelpdesk@crd.bc.ca or call 250-629-3722 for friendly help.
Library will be closed on Friday April 3, 2026, for the Good Friday holiday.
Nu-to-Yu Thrift Store
Pender Island Community Service Society
We held another Vintage items sale at the Community Hall last month and we had a great turnout. Thanks so much for coming down and checking out all the special things we put aside for these events. We’ll be doing this on a more regular basis now and have decided that, while the yearly silent auctions in August were a good time, they were not the best way for us to be spending our energies. All proceeds from these special sales go straight to our new building fund.
Another great way to contribute to our new building is through Tru Valu’s Spirit Board. When you’re checking out at Tru-Valu, consider donating your 1% to #33.
We are so looking forward to our new store and this is the spring when we start work on it.
The objectives of our new store are:
To improve the working environment for our volunteers.
To increase storage area for donated goods.
To increase the type and variety of donated goods that can be accepted.
To continue to allow all profits to be funneled back into community initiatives.
To improve the shopping experience of our customers.
Notice we put our volunteers first on the list. They really are the most important part of our organization.
Are you interested in becoming a volunteer? We have openings for sellers and sorters. If you’ve got something specific you’d like to do, let us know. If you’d like to join us, head down to the store on a Tuesday or Thursday morning where you can talk to Debbie, our store manager and vice president, or Manfred, the president of our organization.
Nu-to-Yu is our community thrift store. We raise money to give back to the community. Your donations are what keeps our store stocked with great items. We accept your washed, unbroken and store-ready donations on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 am and 12 pm and also on Saturdays between 11 am and 2 pm. We welcome goods in store-ready condition. For a full list of what we cannot accept, please refer to our website.
It’s bursary time! To encourage lifelong learning, we provide annual bursaries to support students beginning their post-secondary education. Applications will be accepted until the last Friday in May, which is May 29 this year. Please see our website for more information.
Pender Roadshow
A six-pack of Alberta cent stamps recently donated to the Nu-to-Yu.
A 1936 Alberta Prosperity Certificate, photo courtesy of Wikipedia.
You could be forgiven for assuming that the size of the subject in this article warrants little discussion. Measuring in at approx 1 cm x 2 cm, a pair of these tiny little stamps don’t even register a gram on the scale. Philately was not an area of collecting that I’ve spent much time on, mostly out of respect for my eyes. The specialty categories in philately are many: from graphic design to politics, animals, artists etc.
Like any area of collecting, the very best items tend to stay aloft. Got a 1959 stamp celebrating the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway that’s inverted? Depending on condition, that could be worth the price of a very posh cruise in the Mediterranean! A 1927 London, Canada to London, England aviation stamp could, depending on condition, be worth over $100k.
Recently, six little stamps arrived at the Nu-To-Yu in a petite match box. Although not postage stamps in the purest sense and certainly not high in value, they are still collected and traded in in philately circles.
Introduced in 1936 in the midst of the Great Depression, these wee stamps were introduced by the ruling Social Credit government of Alberta. The intent was to put money back in circulation. During the depression, individual savings accounts were considerably diminished and many banks had collapsed. The government was trying to encourage money back into the system but also to get people used to the notion of inflation. The government issued a certificate with a face value of one dollar.
On the back of this certificate was a grid onto which you would glue these little stickers as you acquired them from the government – 104 in total, each worth one cent. Once full, you could redeem the certificate for $1 – but you couldn’t use it to pay your taxes.
Now if your math is as good as mine, you’ve probably recognized that you’d be down four cents on redemption (that’s the inflation part). In addition, you had to redeem the coupon within a limited time period. Oh, and one more thing: the adhesive for the little stamps was of poor quality and many stamps fell off on the way to the store. Very few stores other than the Army and Navy accepted the certificates. As you can imagine, the program wasn’t a hit.
Much like the poor adhesion of these stamps, the size of the audience who have been collecting stamps has been falling off as well. The volume of letter mail coursing its way through post offices around the world has, regardless of the country, been declining as well. Digital correspondence and the high costs to maintain a postal delivery system are a few of the reasons for the decline.
In fact, the Danish postal service has just ended mail delivery after 401 years, one of the first countries in the world to do so. That said, rare stamps will always have an audience. Thank you to our donors.
Pender Island Recycling Society
Spring has arrived and we have a busy month coming up at Pender Recycling. The depot will be closed for Good Friday on Apr 3, also on Tuesday April 14 and Thursday the 16.
The mid-month closures are for paving work at the depot; we are very excited to complete the next phase of paving which includes both driveways and the remainder of the parking lot. The first paving project in spring of 2025 helped manage parking spaces, facilitated easier loading of collected recycling, and resulted in fewer potholes and reduced maintenance. Please plan accordingly and visit the depot before the closure or when we re-open on Friday April 17.
The other very exciting event planned for this month is a special one-day only bike sale and open house at the reCycle Bike Shop on site. On Sunday April 5, join us from 10 am – 2 pm to view an expanded selection of bikes for sale, check out the bike shop, DIY bike repair station, used parts for sale, and chat with our bike mechanic Laurie Storrie. The depot is not open for recycling services on this day, but we encourage you to come visit and learn more about how our bike shop operates.
When an unneeded or broken bicycle is brought into the depot, it is put aside for the bike mechanic to assess. If the bike is repairable or in good shape, it is refurbished. Worn out parts are replaced, and the bike is sold at a reasonable cost. Bikes for little kids that are outgrown quickly can be picked up for free. If a bike is not able to be repaired, all usable parts are stripped before it is scrapped for metal recycling. Bikes on display can be purchased anytime during depot operating hours.
For repair services, Laurie is on site the first Tuesday of every month. Please phone ahead to confirm they are available if you need an immediate repair. If you are able to leave the bike with us, please bring it to the depot during opening hours and speak with a staff member. We will tag the bike with your info and repair request, and reach out when it has been completed. A nominal fee is charged to cover materials and time. Used bike parts and the DIY bike repair station with tools and resources can be accessed anytime during operating hours.
Surplus bicycles are donated to Bici Libre – an organization operating out of the Bike Kitchen at the University of British Columbia. Bici Libre refurbishes bikes much in the same way we do at the depot, then they are distributed to migrant farm workers. Migrant workers are often in isolated areas and without transportation to access basics like groceries and medical care.
From the Bici Libre website: “As an organization working out of the Bike Kitchen, we see bikes as tools for creating community and enacting autonomy. We refurbish donated bicycles and redistribute them to migrant farmworkers in pursuit of these objectives. The role of bikes in our organizing reflects their centrality in questions of mobility, affordability, sustainability, and community.”
We are grateful that bike donations from our community can be distributed through another organization with such an important mandate. See you at the Bike Sale!
Pender Islands Museum Society
Two sheep at Roesland when it was a popular farm resort (1919-91).
A new lamb (Cotswold-Romadale cross) at Inish Eile Farm, 2026. Photos courtesy of Pender Islands Museum Society.
Museum Opens for the Season
The museum is now open Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays 1-4 pm for the spring season. New displays are in place, and our volunteer hosts would love to see you! And now a look at…
Sheep Farming on Pender—Now and Then (1870s)
Lambing season on Pender got us thinking about the 150 years of sheep farming here since the 1870s. Dozens of lambs are now happily munching the tender spring grass on the few small sheep farms that still exist on the Penders. They include Martha McMahon’s Inish Eile Farm and Karl Hamson’s place, both near the Community Hall. Until recently, Diane McBain’s Whalewych Farm on South Pender was home to sheep for over 30 years.
It was a different story in 1874, when BC Land Surveyor George Turner did the first Pender survey. On South Pender, he found two prospective (absentee) settlers, John Tod and James Alexander, 1200 sheep, and two small houses on Bedwell Harbour occupied by Indigenous shepherds.
On North Pender, Turner found two settlers, Noah Buckley and David Hope, and their 1500 sheep also being looked after by Indigenous shepherds. Buckley’s large acreage went from Navy Channel to south Otter Bay, and Hope’s extended from Hope Bay to Browning Harbour.
We’re left to wonder how sheep farming affected traditional Indigenous land uses on SDÁ,YES. What is clear is that the early work of Indigenous shepherds was crucial to the viability of settler-era sheep farms and subsequent diversification.
David Hope’s story is a case in point. When he died in a hunting accident in 1881, he willed his property and all those sheep to his brother, Rutherford Hope, and his sister Helen in Scotland. Helen and Lawrence Auchterlonie and their descendants would make the farm a success. Likewise with the Grimmer farm, a portion of which the family still operates today. Noah Buckley sold 840 acres to Oliver Grimmer in 1882. His brother, Washington Grimmer, an expert sheep shearer, took over the land in 1884.
On South Pender in 1879, James Alexander bought out John Tod, consolidating 446 acres of the east-west valley running from Camp Bay to Bedwell Harbour. Alexander also acquired the 231 acres of Tod’s land around today’s Medicine Beach and Boat Nook on North Pender.
By 1881, Dutchman Johann Wessel was the caretaker of Alexander’s property—and those countless sheep!—based in a shepherd’s house at Bedwell. Wessel’s young family, including his Indigenous-Hawaiian wife, Agnes, were with him until Arthur Spalding arrived to purchase the property in 1886. Arthur, having
had sheep farming experience, would farm the South Pender valley for the next 45 years.
In his family history, Put That Damned Old Mattock Away, David Spalding writes: “The responsibilities of the shepherd were never ending.” Words that apply just as well today!
Future articles about sheep farming on Pender will feature stories from the 1880s to the present.
Royal Canadian Legion
There is Magic in the Meat Draws
As President of an organization that was created primarily to support military personnel, and their families, as they adjusted to post-war life (meaning First World War), our goals and responsibilities have expanded greatly over the years.
Our mandate now includes a vast cross section of Canadian citizens, young and old! In addition to always being there for past and current Armed Forces members, we have become a major contributor to a vast array of Pender Island organizations who are also striving to make our lives on Pender a bit better.
In the first two months of 2026, we have already given away $10,000. The money went to the Health Centre, the Pender Food Bank, Pender Choir, Pender Otters Swim Club and the Remote Bowls of Hope, Youth Empowerment Society. $10,000 already out there doing its magic and the year has only just begun.
How do we do this, you ask? It’s simple. It’s our meat draws! Ever since we instituted these weekly events, they have become our main source of income and the reason we have been able to funnel so much money back into our community. How much, you say? It’s hard to guess without climbing up into the attic and checking all those old paper files… sorry, but I’m not going up there.
In the 19 years I have been on the executive I would think it must be more than $300,000. I know for a fact that the last two years have totaled just over $40,000. So, if you’re looking for a way to help your community, have a good time, and perhaps win some quality meat or seafood, why not drop by the Legion on any Saturday of the year… 52 weeks – 52 meat draws in 2025.
The draws start at 4 pm but you might want to get there a little bit earlier as the place has been filling up rather quickly these days. Remember, all funds raised at these draws ends up assisting the people of Pender Island.
The Friday night dinners and barbecues have also been an important part of the Legion success. The difference with these funds is that the majority of it goes to keeping the Legion running. No matter how much we contribute to society, we still have to pay those hydro, propane, bookkeeping, maintenance etc. bills that keep coming up no matter what… and yes, we still must pay taxes just like all of you.
Having said this, we still donate money from our general account when the need is great! As the chaos erupts around the world, I can only hope that the Legion here on Pender can continue to be a bit of a buffer against the harsh reality that so many of our citizens in need are having to deal with to a worsening degree that shows no signs of abating. We are luckier than most though, because we live here on a little island that has a lot of people who know the real meaning of community and how much that can contribute to the well-being of us all.
In other Legion news, Tom Wyborn is our Legionnaire of the year for 2025. Tom is a longtime member who has given to the Legion in so many ways over the years including barbecuing, not only at the Legion but as the lead man for us at the Fall Fair and the Show and Shine barbecues many times. These are both Legion sponsored events. He is also an important part of the meat draw gang and always there for any Legion cleanups or work details. He does all of this and more while working full time and volunteering at the golf course where he does as much, if not more, than he does at the Legion.
Congratulations Tom, it’s great having you on the team.
Speaking of longtime Legionnaires, we will be having the memorial for Fred Vye on Saturday May 16. Fred was also a big part of the Lions Club and several other Pender organisations and passed away in December. Drop by at noon to pay your respects and raise a glass to an old friend.
On March 17 we had a great St. Patrick’s Day party at the Legion. It was a full house and a good time was had by all. Many thanks to all the musicians (Peter, Frank, Andrea and John) who went above and beyond the call of duty to transport us to Ireland for at least one fun filled evening. Many thanks to Barb Pender for treating us to a delicious traditional Irish Stew. It was a lot of work for her but it paid off in the end. Thanks also to our dedicated crew of Kitchen volunteers and bartenders; we couldn’t do it without you.
Bingo is back to its regular schedule of the second Saturday of the month. Drop by on the 11th for a chance to win the big Jackpot and have some fun. It starts at 12:45 pm. You know about the meat draws, and as for Friday night dinners, I’ll be doing that Pender family favourite of Cowichan Curried Chicken on April 10. It includes chicken breast and veggies on rice with a great dessert and entertainment for $25 taxes included and just $22.00 for takeout. Dinner on April 24 is still to be determined; we’ll announce that in our newsletter, on Facebook and on the website! Thanks for supporting your local Legion.
Pender Islands Lions Club
This month, we wanted to take a step back and share a bit more about the broader organization we are proud to be part of, Lions Clubs International.
Founded on the simple but powerful motto “We Serve,” Lions Clubs International is a global, non-partisan and non-denominational organization dedicated to improving health and well-being, strengthening communities, and supporting those in need. Our areas of focus, often referred to as our pillars of service, include childhood cancer, diabetes, disaster relief, the environment, humanitarian efforts, hunger, vision, and youth.
Today, Lions Clubs International is made up of approximately 1.39 million members across more than 50,000 clubs worldwide. In the last fiscal year alone, Lions contributed over 48 million in donations to support communities both locally and globally. These are impressive numbers, but what truly defines the organization is its grassroots impact, neighbours helping neighbours.
Here on Pender Island, we are proud to be part of that global effort while focusing on the needs of our own community. Last year, Lions International encouraged clubs worldwide to grow their membership by two members per club. We were pleased to exceed that goal by welcoming three new members. So far in 2026, we have already added four more and continue to grow.
We would like to warmly welcome our newest members, Chris Hall, Ken Rempel, Gino Gemma, and Joni Hildal. We are grateful to have you join us in service to our community.
Looking ahead, we are excited to announce our upcoming fundraising golf tournament on May 9. Registration is $115 per person and includes a banquet meal. Golfers of all skill levels are welcome. It is a fun and relaxed day out, all in support of a meaningful cause. This year, proceeds from the tournament will go directly to our local food bank.
To register, please contact the Pender Island Golf Course at pigolf@shaw.ca or call 250-629-6659, or sign up in person at the clubhouse.
The need for food bank services has increased significantly since the pandemic. Our local food bank provides a discreet and dignified way for individuals and families to supplement their food supply during challenging times. Those who rely on this service come from all walks of life, people who have lost jobs, seniors facing financial strain in retirement, individuals experiencing homelessness, and hardworking families who simply need a bit of extra support. The food bank plays a vital role in helping ensure no one in our community goes without.
As always, thank you to everyone who supports the Lions Club and helps us continue this important work.
Warmly,
Pender Island Parks and Recreation Commission
Spring and drier days are on the horizon. Perhaps you are starting to feel the desire to get outside more often to experience and appreciate all the beautiful trails and parks on Pender.
While you are out on your favourite walks, disc golfing or hanging out on the beach, we would love for you to think about how you can help keep the parks and trails beautiful, safe and preserve them for everyone to enjoy.
Are you interested in helping with things like:
Tree Planting: A few times a year Parks Commissioners and Volunteers get together to plant trees and cage them to protect them from deer while they grow big enough to manage without help.
Friends of the Trails: Did you know there are over 80 trails, parks and viewpoints on the Pender Islands? Volunteers have specific trails or parks that they try to walk regularly, and check for and report any maintenance issues, hazard trees or other issues that they notice.
Fundraising: When applying for infrastructure grants for things like transportation trails, almost all grants require that a percentage of the funds be provided by the organization applying, so this money would be used as a portion of the full cost of the path. We would love to have volunteers to help us fundraise and write grants for transportation trail development and improvements.
Committee or Project Assistant: How do you envision our parks and trails in the next 5, 10 and 20 years? There are many projects that your Parks Commissioners are working on; perhaps there is an area you would like to help with shaping. It’s a great way to learn about local community Governance, possibly including coordination, cooperation, and inter-organizational navigation.
Restoration: Work your muscles by removing invasive species and planting native species. Many of the natural areas in our parks are at risk due to invasive species. Volunteers would help with removing invasive species, planting native trees and shrubs and improving wildlife habitat. This activity is run in collaboration with Pender Conservancy.
Citizen scientist: Help collect data, and plan and monitor the progress of ecological restoration work. Anyone can be a citizen scientist; all it takes is some time, curiosity, and a sense of wonder. This activity is run in collaboration with Pender Conservancy. Or download iNaturalist (www.iNaturalist.org) on your phone and every walk becomes more interesting and memorable when you learn about the rich variety of species that share these Islands with us.
Social Media: Photograph trails and parks, create a short write up about them and have your ‘article’ posted onto our social media page.
Education: Are you a budding or experienced Naturalist? We would love to have a few events each year to educate and inspire people about our unique environment.
If you are interested in helping in any of these areas, or have another idea about how you could help, please email penderparks@crd.bc.ca.
Moving Around Pender (MAP)
‘A Trail’s Journey’ Film Release
By the time you’re reading this, we will have already co-hosted the release party for “A Trail’s Journey” at Port Browning. Wasn’t that fun? Hearing all the voices of our friends and neighbours celebrating this wonderful addition to Pender Island really makes it hit home.
I would like to extend a huge thank you to Port Browning for hosting the event and also for having the ongoing Happy Hour special that went towards the trail. So cool when organizations help out. It really matters.
Huge shout out to Charles Schrodt who captured the true essence of the Pender Island Spirit in the documentary. Thank you so much Charlie.
Here is a fun fact for you. Did you know that the new trail is a “lineal park”? So when you are on that trail, you are on park land! Let’s all take care of it together as we usually do. Pick up accidentally dropped garbage (because no one is doing that on purpose, right?), get sticks off the trail and admire the upcoming skunk cabbage in the creek. We’ve only ever been able to comfortably see that from the car window; now we can walk along it and see it in all its glory!
There is more to come. Every trail is unique and the next steps in MAP are huge. For some of the trails we have in the works, we are going to need some major volunteer power to help build and shape them. We hope you will join us when the time comes. And as always, please send any donations to us through this handy new QR code, and don’t forget we are on the Spirit Board at Tru Value! Every little bit helps us break ground.
And just like last month, call me anytime you want to talk about Moving Around Pender.
Parent Advisory Council (PAC)
A friendly reminder to The Pender Post-reading members of our school community: Our Spring Family Fun Fair is scheduled for this month.
If this is news to you, don’t let it be the last you think of it. The April 16 event is sure to be a treat for both the young, and young at heart. Traditionally, the Pender Islands Parent Advisory Council holds this festive fundraiser in March. But we moved the event back a month to capitalize on one of Pender Island’s four greatest seasons: spring!
There will be fun and games. Last year’s event featured a dance party, plinko and a cake walk – think musical chairs but with desserts. It also featured midway games inspired by mini-golf, basketball, hockey and bowling. I can’t say which games will return, and which new games we will introduce, but I can tell you there will be something for everyone.
We will be introducing a 50/50 draw this year – for the adults, mind you – and we’ve been planning a silent auction with some pretty exciting prizes. We have another sneaky, adults-only opportunity to join the fun: volunteering! We’re always looking for more hands to help make light work. Though I must admit, setting up all those games and event tables is more treat than task. (It may also be your only chance to take in the event without children underfoot, just saying.)
Reach out if you have an interest in helping out. Your hard-working PAC is excited to see you there.
Gulf Islands School District No. 64
Since I have your attention, a quick reminder that the window to register your student for bus privileges next year will open on April 1. Remember to sign up early, as registration details are used to plan safe and efficient routes, assign bus stops, and ensure adequate bus capacity for all eligible students.
Dragonfly Child Care & Family Resource Centre
Pender Island Child Care Society
We will be closed for Easter Holiday on Good Friday April 3 and Easter Monday April 6, 2026. We wish everyone a wonderful holiday.
Family Counseling Sessions
April 13 and 27, 12:30 pm, Dragonfly Centre
Twice per month Geneva Jacobs offers one on one counselling services for parents and caregivers raising young children. Sessions are held in a confidential space while your child/ren is cared for by an educator. Geneva brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as she accompanies you towards a more fulfilling and empowered life. Participants pay $10.00 per session. For more information or to book a session contact Pam. Thank you to The Victoria Foundation for their generous support of this program.
Parents and Babes
April 13, 20, 27 (closed April 6), 9 am, Dragonfly Centre
Parents and Babes runs every Monday morning (closed April 6) from 9-11:30 am at Dragonfly. Pam Wadge facilitates this free drop-in program for parents, caregivers and their young children. This program is a great way to meet other young families on the island in a cozy and welcoming space. Come out and enjoy snacks, adult and child interactions, developmentally appropriate toys and the book lending library. Thanks to the Victoria Foundation and the Pender Island Child Care Society this program is free.
Healthy Opportunities for Preschoolers (HOP)
April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 9 am, School Gym
HOP is held every Wednesday morning from 9:00-10:15 in the school gym. Come on out and join facilitator Kristin as she sets up new activities each week; from tunnels and crash mats to climbing equipment and obstacle courses this program will be sure to get those winter wiggles out! HOP is designed for parents/caregivers to engage in physical activities and learn new skills with their children 1-5 years. Thanks to the Pender Island School and the CRD, this program is free.
Dad n’ Me Pancake Breakfast
April 11, 9 am, Dragonfly Centre
Dad n’ Me Pancake Breakfast is held one Saturday each month from 9-11 am at Dragonfly. Facilitators Pam and Chris will be serving up pancakes, bacon, fruit, yogurt, and endless pots of coffee. This is a fabulous program for children and dad’s, uncles, grandpas or friends to come out for delicious food, and to socialize and play together, all while giving mom the morning off! Thanks to the Ministry of Children and Family Development this program is free.
If you would like further information on any of our programs please get in touch with us on our website, by email, or give us a call.
Pender Island Scouts
Seeking Volunteers and Preparing for 2026/2027 Season
As Scouts Canada shifts to aligning its programming with the school-year calendar, the Pender Island Scouts are already preparing for the 2026/2027 season, and inviting community members to get involved.
The group is supported by a strong and dedicated team of volunteer leaders who continue to deliver engaging, outdoor-focused programming. This year, 20 local youth are registered across the Beaver, Cub, and Scout sections, reflecting steady community interest.
To build on that momentum, the group is hoping to welcome a few additional volunteers. At times, age groups are combined during weekly meetings due to leader availability. While still a positive experience, more volunteers would allow for more consistent age-specific programming and richer activities for each group.
Volunteering is flexible and accessible. Leaders typically attend Wednesday afternoon meetings when available and can choose to join occasional weekend outings or camps. No previous experience is required, training is provided through Scouts Canada, and criminal record checks are covered.
There’s no need to commit every week or take on a major role. Even occasional support can make a meaningful difference for both youth and leaders.
Community members interested in getting involved for September 2026, please contact Brie or Kevin at penderislandscouts@gmail.com to learn more.
Resources
SGI Community Resource Centre
A Simple Way Islanders Can Help Address Local Housing
Housing availability continues to affect businesses, services, and community life across the Southern Gulf Islands. Many essential workers, young families, and seniors who contribute to island life struggle to find stable housing.
Housing NOW, coordinated through the Southern Gulf Islands Community Resource Centre, helps address this challenge by connecting homeowners who have available space with people looking for housing. Rather than managing housing directly, the program acts as a regional registry that helps bring homeowners and potential renters together.
“In small island communities, housing solutions need to be realistic, humane, and locally grounded.”
Why List with Housing NOW
Homeowners remain fully in control of the arrangement, choosing when their space is available, who they rent to, and the terms that work for them. Housing NOW helps by understanding homeowner preferences, identifying possible matches, and facilitating introductions.
Even a single room, cottage, or seasonal space can make a difference. Additional housing helps businesses retain staff, supports essential services, and strengthens island communities.
Watch Housing NOW social media for upcoming Meet Your Next Home Share events across the islands.
For more information or to register a space: housingnow@sgicommunityresources.ca.
Sustainable Funding Initiative
We’ve had a busy winter season here at the Sustainable Funding Initiative. Thank you to everyone who participated in our workshops. Our Generative AI: The ChatGPT Edge session with Jennifer Hufnagel was especially popular, and we may offer it again soon.
Follow us on facebook @ SGI Sustainable Funding Initiative for updates and upcoming workshop offerings.
Our 4th intake of the SFI Grant Writer Rebate Program was an overwhelming success. Eight nonprofit organizations across the Southern Gulf Islands received a $250 rebate to help offset grant writing costs. This support helps strengthen proposals and increase access to vital funding.
Upcoming Workshops
Essentials of Board Governance, Nonprofit Management and Policy with Mamie Hutt Temoana
Tuesday, April 14 10 am – 11:30 am, Zoom
Please visit http://www.linktr.ee/sgisfi for more information and to register.
Dining in the Dark Expands with New Storm Preparedness Booklet
The Dining in the Dark project is releasing a new supplemental booklet to help island residents prepare for storm season. It includes additional recipes, community stories, and practical tips for managing meals and daily needs during power outages.
The booklet will be bundled with the original Dining in the Dark cookbook and new Dining in the Dark tea towels as part of a preparedness package for island households.
Watch for the team at upcoming farmers’ markets and on social media for release details. Preparedness workshops will also be offered this fall.
Food Resilience Project
The Food Resilience Alliance (FRA) has distributed a survey to local growers to gauge interest in a mobile abattoir pilot for meat birds planned for Pender Island this summer. The project would support small-scale poultry producers by providing local processing access.
Growers who received the survey are encouraged to complete it by April 25 to help determine whether the pilot will proceed.
Information about Farm Gate licensing was also shared for those interested in learning how to begin the process.
For questions, email Joyce at foodwork@sgicommunityresources.ca.
Happy Easter everyone!
Pender Island Food Bank Society
Happen to grow a few extra tomatoes? Drop them off at the Food Bank.
Brussels sprouts would be a great Food Bank donation.
Plant a Row – Grow a Row for the Foodbank
Hey Pender Gardeners, if you are like me, you are itching to get your hands in the ground as spring growth is starting. My seedlings have been started in my sunroom, and I already have some cool-weather crops out in the garden.
When you are planting your gardens, raised beds, or baskets this year, please consider planting a row for the Pender Island Foodbank. Fresh fruits and veggies are our number one requested item at the foodbank. Every week, we support at least 30 households, and one row in your garden or one pot of plants can really help. Wondering what to plant? The first of the spring veggies, like lettuces, spinach, peas, radish and scallions, are always winners. Later in the season, we love beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and zucchini. Root vegetables like carrots and beets, as well as winter squash, will take us well into the fall.
You can drop off your produce at the foodbank on Friday mornings between 8:30-10, and we will distribute it that day. If you need to arrange for a different time to drop it off, please email us. There are times of the year when we get overwhelmed with a certain item (Lock your doors if it’s a zucchini year!!!), so if you have a lot to spare some week and can give us a heads up we will plan for it.
Gulf Islands Food Co-op
Connecting Across the Islands – come to our AGM, April 17th, 5pm on Zoom.
We will be updating everyone on the latest grants received for new projects this coming fiscal year, and celebrating all the work we accomplished last year such as supporting all four Food Banks, seed libraries and small-scale growers across the Southern Gulf Islands. If food security and food growing is a passion of yours, consider joining our Board that works hard and prioritizes fun while doing it! Email rozkempe@shaw.ca if you’d like to learn more.
Seedy Saturday
We are excited to have hosted a successful Seedy Saturday and grateful for the help and resources of the Pender Island Community Hall, the Pender Island Farmers’ Institute, and the CRD. Our focus was on providing local seeds from the Pender Seed Library, a seed exchange table, and a wide variety from Salt Spring Seeds. The Victoria Compost Education Center offered a fun kids’ activity exploring different seed structures while island experts, Trevor Erikson and Rob Dill, demonstrated soil blends for starting seeds and transplants.
Bob Duncan, the incredible fruit tree expert from ‘Fruit Trees and More’ in Saanich, gave a presentation on growing hardy citrus plants in our region, while the Pender Native Plant Nursery offered spring native plants for supporting local pollinators. Extra thanks to the Public Library for hosting our little seed library at the back of the youth books section – we were impressed with the showcase of your gardening book collection.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our raffle for locally grown and unique Pender shallots and potatoes. The day ended with a film hosted by Pender Earth about a professional world skier from Revelstoke, BC, who transformed his life to become an organic farmer. The speaker panel (Heather, Johnny and Paz) connected the inspiring messages from the film to our own coastal communities. Many thanks to all those who attended, it was a joyful way to engage in local food production and the sharing of knowledge as a community.
Please come to pick up free Seeds and Gardening Books from the Library – there will be seeds stocked all through the growing season. Stay tuned for a seed saving workshop coming up.
Pender Poultry Club
Do you have questions about how to best raise and care for your chickens/ducks/turkeys/pigeons? Maybe you would be interested in joining a Poultry Club to connect with others. Sharing experiences, visiting local flocks and coops, exchanging resources, and possibly bulk purchasing is a great way to grow this important part of our local food network. If you’re interested, please email rozkempe@shaw.ca .
Sign up for our monthly Newsletter (same email) to get more food related updates across the islands, direct to your inbox.
May the sunshine of April warm your heart and soil.
Roz Kempe, President
info@gulfislandsfoodco-op.org
Land and Sea
Pender Island Farmers’ Institute
The Pender Island Farmers’ Market is gearing up for next month’s opening of the summer market during May long weekend – if you are interested in selling at the market, check out our website at pifi.ca, or contact our market manager Tony Legault at penderislandmarket@gmail.com. We are a member of BC Farmers’ Markets where everything is “made, baked, or grown” by the vendor.
The Pender Island Farmers’ Institute started the farmers’ market in 1978 to support local farmers, and we have expanded to include our wonderful artisans and other food producers, and community groups who are interested in community outreach. We also have a food-only hub behind the hall, open on Saturdays year-round and on Wednesday afternoons from June to the end of the year. We welcome farmers and food producers who would like to join the farm food hub – contact Tony to find out more.
The Pender Island Fall Fair will be August 29, and our theme this year will be “Celebrating the International Year of the Woman Farmer”. Our guests of honour will be all of the Pender Island women who have contributed to agriculture, and we are planning a day to highlight these contributions, since the Gulf Islands have more women farmers than anywhere else in Canada. Our next fall fair meeting will be April 7 at 4:15 pm in the hall lounge.
We are looking for some more volunteers to convene the various sections of the fair, and we would like to see more food vendors. If you would like to volunteer, or have a great idea for the fair, please let us know at penderislandfallfair@gmail.com or come to our meeting. We are also at the market every Saturday behind the hall, so come by and say hello.
One of our members, Charlene Thompson, has been busy making a farm stand map. It looks really great so far, so please contact Charlene or the Farmers’ Institute if you would like to be added.
The Farmers’ Institute welcomes people to join or renew their memberships. Please go to pifi.ca to learn more and join us.
Pender Island Conservancy
April seminar: Shining the Light on Baby Crabs, with Hakai Institute
Join us on Friday, April 17 at 1 pm at the Community Hall as we welcome Hayden Kuttenkeuler from Hakai Institute to learn more about the Sentinels of Change marine monitoring project that the Conservancy has been participating in at Hope Bay since 2022.
How can baby crabs inform us about the health of Dungeness crab populations, signal changes in our oceans, and help inform annual crab fishery harvests? In this talk, we’ll learn how coastal communities across BC and Washington are using a simple tool to track their dispersal and survival, gaining critical insights into the health of this species and coastal ecosystems.
What began as a small research effort has grown into a community science network spanning over 800 km, crossing borders and engaging nearly 300 people every year. It may even inspire you to join us as a citizen scientist on this project! Admission by donation. Note the 1 pm start time instead of our usual evening seminar time slot.
Earth Day Beach and Roadside Cleanup
Volunteers sort through trash from Pender beaches. Photo by Sara Labadie.
Please join us for the Annual Earth Day Beach and Roadside Clean-up happening Saturday, April 25 from 9 am to 12:30 pm in the Community Hall parking lot. This is the 42nd annual Beach Clean up and the 16th year that the Pender Islands Conservancy has organized the event, sponsored in part by the CRD and supported by many generous, local businesses.
Anytime between now and April 25, grab some gloves and bags and head out to clean the beach, park, pathway, or roadside of your choice, then bring your collected debris down to the drop off site at the Community Hall on April 25. If you’re unsure where to clean, check in with us on Clean-up week (Earth week) and we’ll assign you a beach.
On the day, volunteers will greet you when you arrive at the drop off site and will direct you to where you can park and drop off your finds. Bags, coffee, lunch and snacks will be provided, and there will also be displays, music, and prizes. See you there!
April Birding Adventures
Saturday, April 11: Roe Lake and Roesland
Join us for a scenic wander around Roe Lake, listening to bird song and discovering what spring species are about, then head down to Roesland to spy some coastal species on the ocean and beaches. We’ll introduce you to a few secret birding spots along the way and we hope you’ll come away with new knowledge of just what bird is making that noise! Register with Steve at sdunsmuir@gmail.com before April 10, then meet up in the Community Hall parking lot at 10 am so we can organize vehicles and exact locations based on the tides and weather. Bring snacks, drinks, binoculars, and dress for the weather. We’ll have extra gear for whoever needs it.
Sunday, April 26: Reifel Bird Sanctuary
We are going to try once again to get to the world famous Reifel Bird Sanctuary, as long as a new bridge is in place and the trails haven’t been washed away by the latest atmospheric river! Come join us to explore one of the top bird sanctuaries in Western Canada.
We’ll travel by ferry to Tsawwassen, then carpool to the sanctuary for a few hours of amazing nature exploration. The sanctuary is home to sandhill cranes, black-crowned night herons, wood ducks, harriers, bald eagles, great horned owls, pintails, pheasants, bitterns, and an amazing array of other species that call the 300 hectares home, or simply stop by for a rest on their migration journey. Nearly 300 species have been recorded at Reifel and late April is a great time to be out there.
Depending on the size and wishes of our group, we can decide to explore other “hot spot” birding areas in the vicinity with the remaining time we have before our return ferry at either 3, 5, or 5:40 pm.
Please pre-register before Friday, April 24 with Steve Dunsmuir at sdunsmuir@gmail.com as we’ll need to organize transportation and other logistics to ensure a smooth and excellent trip.
I,ŚETEṈ E TŦE ĆESE ŚX̱ENÁṈs TEṈEW̱ – Walking in Two Worlds
On March 15, the Pender Islands Conservancy and the SDÁ,YES Truth and Reconciliation Circle hosted a screening of the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board documentary I,ŚETEṈ E TŦE ĆESE ŚX̱ENÁṈs TEṈEW̱ — Walking in Two Worlds and met film maker, Emily Olsen.
About 50 community members attended the screening, which was followed by a sharing and listening circle hosted by members of the SDÁ,YES Truth and Reconciliation Circle. Thank you to all who shared in the film and important post-film discussion.
South Pender Birding Adventure
Seven intrepid outdoorsfolk explored South Pender on Saturday, March 14 in search of birds and whatever other amazing creatures they could find. A wonderful blend of new and experienced birders worked together to record 27 species over three hours at two main locations.
Starting at Gowlland Point, the group was careful to walk the beaches and designated trails that CRD Regional Parks has provided. With seven pairs of binoculars and a spotting scope, we scanned the windy seas and verdant hedgerows in search of anything flying, perching, or soaring above. Highlights for the morning loop included a half dozen harlequin ducks, a brave black oystercatcher who landed very close to where we were standing, a flock of common mergansers, and numerous bald eagles in almost every direction we looked.
Later in the early afternoon, most of the group wandered the relatively quiet roads of the Spalding Valley to see what was about. We were rewarded with the sight of two red-tailed hawks and three turkey vultures soaring over the valley, as well as a purple finch, dozens of robins, Anna’s hummingbirds, singing juncos, a couple of ruby-crowned kinglets, and some very noisy Canada geese.
We thank Chris, Dorset, Mark, Bob, Audrey and John, for helping to make the trip enjoyable and productive.
Hooded merganser by Steve Dunsmuir
Why Did the Newt Cross the Road?
It’s spring and that means our local salamander, the Rough-Skinned Newt, is beginning to make its seasonal movement from the forest floor into freshwater lakes and ponds. For newts and frogs, crossing the road is incredibly dangerous but necessary as they move to freshwater to spawn.
Look for newts along the road, especially on rainy evenings, and give them a hand. Wear a glove or use the sleeve of your jacket (to protect you and them), pick them up and place them on the other side of the road in the direction they were heading. Our newts do emit a toxic substance to protect themselves from predators, but if you gently move them and then wipe or wash your hands, it will be just fine.
Please help us map key road crossing areas. Join the Pender Island Road Crossings group in iNaturalist and map both successful and unsuccessful (squishees) crossings so we can determine where mitigation work is needed. Visit us at the Nature Centre in Hope Bay to learn how to use iNaturalist to join our efforts.
Sources, Sinks and Silent Springs: A Community Call to Action (Part 2)
Celebrating Swamps
“It’s just a swamp.” We’ve actually heard these words spoken on Pender. Horrifying, right? Wetlands come in many forms; swamps are specific types of wetlands that have saturated soils and support growth of woody vegetation like trees and tall shrubs. Water tends to pool seasonally in lower areas within swamps, creating a refuge for invertebrates and amphibians. Birds that nest in forests regularly visit these and other wetlands to find food for their young because they are such productive ecosystems with abundant insects.
Why does this matter? If you are lucky enough to host a swamp or other wetland, protect it from disturbance and watch the diversity of wildlife it attracts … well, it turns out it’s not “just” a swamp after all! The wetland at Danny Martin Park is a great example of a treed swamp.
With the great efforts of Conservancy restoration volunteers and support from the Pender Island Parks and Recreation Commission over the past few years, the swamp has been restored from a dense monoculture of Daphne laurel to a diverse community of trees, shrubs and flowering wetland plants. Removing invasive species and restoring this native plant diversity has resulted in the return of pollinators like Lorquin’s admiral butterfly, and increases in amphibians, songbirds and woodpeckers that thrive in these moist wetland forests.
Adam’s Nursery Notes: Native Trees are a Treat
As I write this, we’re coming up to International Day of Forests on March 21. In celebration, here’s a run down of some of our lesser known native trees and why they’re the tops.
Bitter Cherry, Prunus emarginata, the fruit is bitter (duh), but great for critters. It’s got lovely white spring blooms, interesting bark and fall leaf colour. Bitter Cherry grows quickly up to 15 metres. It prefers moist soils and full-to-part sun.
Vine Maple, Acer circinatum, if you like Japanese maple but want to go native, this is the tree for you. It’s small, usually multi-stemmed and has an interesting leaf with 7 – 9 lobes instead of the 5 lobes of Big Leaf Maple. Vine Maples like moist/wet soils in some shade, but can do sun with adequate moisture. This tree has amazing autumn leaf colour, yellow/orange/red depending on conditions.
Pacific Crabapple, Malus fusca, loves the edges of wetlands and moist woods. It has great smelling blossoms in spring, which are one of the best for cross-pollinating edible apple trees. Pacific Crabapple has three seasons of interest: it flowers in spring, bears small fruits in summer and shows off red/yellow autumn leaf colour.
Shore Pine, Pinus contorta var. Contorta is our only native pine. This very adaptable tree can grow in bogs and dunes, but is typically found in low-nutrient, dry and sea-side conditions. It’s fast growing to 10 meters.
I hope you’re inspired to plant a native tree as part of this month’s gardening to-do list, including:
Prune native roses. Remove some of the older stems to encourage new shoots. Tip back tall stems to a well-positioned, outward facing bud.
Lift and divide overgrown perennials. Perennials can get congested and will often benefit from being divided. Transplant or give away the parts you divided off.
Try to delay lawn mowing and leave as many wildflower and ‘weed’ flowers as possible to help early pollinators. Cut weed flower heads before they can set and spread seed.
Early spring is a great time to put new plants in the ground so come see us at Pender Native Plants nursery any Friday or Saturday from 10-2 at 4506 Bedwell Harbour Rd.
Pender Island Garden Club
Glorious Grasses
Our March presentation was by Mike “The Grass Man”, Rogers. He gave a fascinating talk on the versatility and beauty of grasses in our gardens. Grasses are among the most prevalent types of plants found in the world. They live in a large variety of environments and biomes.
Ornamental grasses are very hardy, long lived, drought tolerant and deer resistant. Grasses add texture, movement and sound to gardens. They come in sizes from taller than your head to a few inches tall. Some can offer four seasons of interest and some less.
There are many beautiful grasses that will do well in our area but there is only so much space in this article. Here are seven grasses that are good.
Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora) likes full sun, has tall, upright growth and feathery plumes that add vertical interest. It maintains its structure even in winter. It tolerates a variety of soils and requires minimal care. It works well in small gardens or tight spaces.
Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca), is a compact, evergreen ornamental grass that stands out with striking silvery-blue foliage and adds contrast to evergreen gardens. It is drought tolerant, likes well-drained soil and full sun. Perfect for edging or ground cover.
Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra), is a shade-loving grass with a graceful, cascading habit, and vibrant green or golden foliage. It adds a lush, flowing look to garden beds. Good for shaded borders, under trees, or as a filler in woodland-style gardens.
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), is a hardy native grass with tall, airy plumes that sway gracefully in the wind. It provides food and shelter for native birds and thrives in wet or dry conditions. It turns golden or reddish in the fall, adding warm tones to the garden.
Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’, is a stunning grass with arching, burgundy-coloured foliage and feather plumes that create a dramatic effect. It adds deep red tones to the garden, and the blooms last from summer to fall. It requires minimal care and grows quickly.
Silver Grass (Miscanthus sinensis), is a tall, elegant ornamental grass with feathery plumes and arching foliage. It can grow up to two metres tall, making it ideal for privacy or windbreaks. It retains its structure in winter and offers options with variegated or coloured foliage.
Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) are known for their unique, flat, oat-like seed heads that dangle gracefully from arching stems. The unique seed heads add texture and movement to the garden. It does well in partial to full shade and provides food for birds and habitat for pollinators. Good for shaded areas, woodland gardens or along pathways.
Our topic, ‘Raised Beds’ on April 9, 2026 is by our very own ‘Dr Don’ Williams. Everyone welcome: 1 pm at the Community Hall. Non-members $5.00.
The Garden Club would like to invite non-members to add their gardens to our annual June garden tour. It lasts a couple of hours with about twenty or thirty people attending in small groups. Please email me at vivmitchell@shaw.ca. We have a special treat for you but that’s a secret!
Pender Earth
Just as Mother Earth is waking up with new green growth, so is Pender Earth sprouting new shoots. At Seedy Saturday, we screened Farming Turns, a film about lots of things, but especially about transformation of its subject, Chris Rubens, from professional athlete to EV promoter, to environmentalist and organic farmer….insprational!
We followed the screening with a panel about transformational decisions by our very own Peach and Quiet; Heather Read and Jonny Miller and our very own ex-Penderite Paz Rainville, farm steward at Salt Spring Centre of Yoga. A big hearty thank you to these three well spoken panellists.
Seedy Saturday was a happening day and offered Pender Earth’s new offshoot, Climate Action Team (CAT) the opportunity to have a table where our in-development climate survey was available to participants. Many thanks to Gulf Islands Food Co-op and the many volunteers who pulled off a great Seedy Saturday.
A week later, Pender Earth and a cross section of Pender Greenies participated in Green Drinks at the Browning pub. Green Drinks, which is an international phenomenon, is an informal gathering of enviro-conscious folks, for connection and discussion. There were new faces and old faces…. Keep an eye open for the next date!
And as Earth Day nears, Pender Earth’s CAT is planning a table, a film screening and more focus on Electric Vehicles……see PICA’s website and Pender Earth’s emailouts for updated information.
As per usual our next Climate Café is scheduled for Friday April 3 @ 9:30 am at the Pender Community Hall. See you there.
If you would like to be included in notifications of our events, you can email us at penderearth@gmail.com.
Pender Ocean Defenders
POD and friends at Zoolislander. Photo by Nanako Kikuchi.
The orcas, salmon and herring made an appearance at the 2026 Zooislander event! POD wishes to thank our friends and alumni for joining us on the runway and strutting their stuff to Free Willy’s soundtrack, “Will you be there?”. It was a fun event and we were able to raise awareness of our ocean neighbours and the need for a healthy ocean. A very special shout out to Cee and her treasure trove of a wardrobe that outfitted many of us.
On March 1, members of the Southern Gulf Islands Whale Sighting Network got word that JPod was off Victoria and looked to be heading north towards Haro Strait. A few hours later sighters spotted them off Henry Island and then Turn Point, spread out and heading towards Swanson Channel. Just after 4 pm JPod showed up off Thieves Bay, with some members coming in really close to the break-wall. It looked like they were chasing a fish!
Shortly after, another group came close by and they were tail slapping. We recognized J47 Notch in the group. After watching the last of JPod go around Mouat Point, we were surprised to see more whales coming! It was KPod! Sighters were lucky to see their new baby K47, next to its mother K36. Born in December 2025, K47 is only a few months old. We wish all the whales a safe journey as they search for big Chinook salmon!
Meanwhile across the waters in New Zealand, a Green Party MP Teanau Tuiono has launched his member’s bill to recognize whales as legal persons with inherent rights. The following is information from the press release. Our tohorā (whales) are sacred ancestors for many communities across Te Moana Nui a Kiwa, but they are under threat from commercial fishing, pollution, and climate change.” says the MP. “The Tohorā Oranga Bill represents a transformation in how we protect our marine species and the wider moana, to create a law that would protect whales by legally recognizing their mana.”
The Bill describes te mana o te tohorā through five fundamental principles: Freedom of movement and migration, protection of natural behaviours, protection of social and cultural structures, right to a healthy environment, and the right to regeneration of habits and ecosystems.”
SDA’,YES Truth and Reconciliation Circle
In March the SDÁ,YES Truth and Reconciliation Circle and Pender Conservancy co-hosted a very moving film – I,ŚETEṈ E TŦE ĆESE ŚX̱ENÁṈs TEṈEW̱ – Walking in Two Worlds.
The film was introduced by Emily Olsen (producer) whose children have attended the school.
This documentary featured several W̱SÁNEĆ Elders who as young parents, founded the Saanich School Board in order to have “Indian control of Indian education”.
Curriculum is based on the seasonal and cultural activities of the Thirteen Moons of the Saanich Year and is taught in SENĆOŦEN and English streams. The W̱SÁNEĆ Nation built their own school – ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱, at Brentwood Bay. Last year the school board added a College with accredited programs for post secondary education.
The audience expressed appreciation for the beautiful cinematography, the struggles and determination of the community to gain government approval and funding for the school. We hope this inspiring story of language and cultural revival will be widely viewed.
At our (third Wednesday) bimonthly meeting we shared insights from the film and had a book exchange of Indigenous authors. From The Saanich Year by Earl Claxton Sr.,* we learned about Wexes, the Moon of the Frog – messenger of the warmer days of Spring and safer travel by canoe.
The STRC will co-host a poetry reading with the Anglican Parish on April 17, from 3:00 to 4:30 in the Fireside Room of the Anglican Hall.
Mohawk poet Melinda Burns will read from her book Homecoming.* Her sister in law, the late Patty Badcock was a long time member of the Circle. John Cowan has more information about the poetry reading in this issue. I hope many of you will attend.
* These books are available at the Pender Library.
Poetry Lovers
From 3 to 4:30 pm on April 17th the S,DÁYES Truth and Reconciliation Circle and the Anglican parish jointly welcome poet Melinda Burns to the Anglican church hall. Melinda will read selections from her book Homecoming published in 2025. Her reading will be followed by a question-and-answer session.
Melinda Burns is a status member of the Lower Mohawk First Nation. She is the daughter of a Mohawk mother and an English father. Her short stories have placed first in the 2001 Toronto Star Short Story contest and in the 2006 Elora Writers’ Festival contest. Her essay, Legacy, was a finalist in the 2023 Prism International Creative Non-fiction contest. Her stories, essays, and poems have appeared in the New Quarterly, Grain, the Fiddlehead, Canadian Notes and Queries, Native Skin, and One Art.
The poems in Homecoming are grouped according to the directions of the Medicine Wheel: East for Beginnings, South for Innocence, West for Going Within, North for Elder / Wisdom, and the Centre for the Creator and the Great Mystery. Each section reflects both the universal human journey of growth and learning, and the author’s personal experiences—spanning childhood, marriage, divorce, parenthood, and her parents’ aging. The poems also explore her journey to reclaim and celebrate her Native heritage.
Melinda lives in Guelph, Ontario. She writes to try to understand this life without destroying the mystery; to excavate, untangle, set free.
Melinda’s writing is powerful simplicity; there is a force of gentleness in it.
Please join us for an afternoon of stimulating poetry.
Health and Safety
Pender Island Health Care Society
New Faces at the Health Centre
We’re excited to welcome Vanessa Bolin to the Health Centre, working with Island Health’s Community Health Services team. Vanessa recently completed her Community Health Worker training and will join the team in providing essential and invaluable home support in our community. Trained, helpful and compassionate, Vanessa will provide care and support that helps people stay in their own homes with as much independence as possible.
Telephone Troubles
Many of you may have noticed the difficulty in accessing the Medical Clinic by phone, and the odd messaging you receive. In a nutshell, we have maxed out the number of available telephone lines coming into the building. On top of that, changes in technology mean that we can no longer access the full function of the recorded messages.
We appreciate your patience as options and upgrades for better service are explored.
Donor Dollars in Action!
Ditching for fire suppression upgrade, photos courtesy PIHCS.
While the accompanying photo may look like no more than a ditch, it actually marks an important step in improvements to the fire suppression system: prep and piping for the new pump. During installation, some staff and volunteers were on watch-duty on a 24-hour basis as various parts were being replaced. We can all be thankful for this attention to detail, and for the dedication it takes to keep our building safe and functional.
New home for Medical Equipment Loan Program.
Thanks go out to the generous donors who have made it possible to relocate the Medical Equipment Loan Program to a modular building behind the Ambulance Station. The building arrived in early March and, while it may just look like a standard shipping container to the untrained eye, it will soon house the large assortment of medical equipment available for free loan to those who need it. And this opens up the space in its former location for more office and clinical space. Way to go, Pender!
Renovated Community Nursing office.
A much-needed refresh and renovation of the community nurses’ office was done “in-house” with the help of volunteer labour. Many hands make light work, and it takes a certain kind of teamwork to paint walls, install flooring and especially to assemble IKEA cabinets. Many thanks to all. Improvements result in a better patient experience, a better working environment, and enhanced infection control. Gradual improvements to the rest of the Healing Arts wing are planned later this year.
Together these renovations cost in excess of $200,000, most coming from community donations. The fire suppression system had the lion’s share; about $170,000.
Funding Update
PIHCS held a public meeting in October about the lack of approximately $200,000/y in rent for the medical clinic and urgent treatment room. Many of you wrote letters to Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, to urge attention to and resolution of this very concerning issue. Those letters made a difference.
The Minister visited Pender for a first-hand look at the Health Centre and to hear our concerns. She responded with an endorsement for further meetings and information exchanges between PIHCS and senior financial administrators from Island Health. At the latest meeting on March 13, we made some real progress – please see the newsletter in this issue for more details.
Galiano, Pender and Saturna Islands’ health societies all receive some support from CRD property taxes. Mayne Island medical clinic is supported by the Mayne Island Improvement District, a historic form of local municipal government, and does not receive CRD property tax funding.
Galiano and Pender’s agreements with CRD both need renewing, and we are taking a joint approach to ensure consistency. The funding landscape in health care has changed since the original agreements were signed, and we will be asking for significant changes to allow support for renovations from property taxes. To date the CRD has been clear that the operation of the medical clinic is a provincial obligation.
Speaker Series: Sunday April 12 – The Aging Gut: Microbiome, Metabolism, and Preventing Digestive Disease
Please join us upstairs at the Community Hall on April 12 at 2 pm for this fascinating glimpse into the mysteries of our gut systems, in the latest free talk in our Speaker Series Here’s to Your Good Health. Dr. Estello Hill is a Gastroenterology Fellow at UBC, and is passionate about sharing research and practical tools that improve everyday health and life. His special interests include inflammatory bowel disease, liver motility disorders, and the brain-gut connection. He is dedicated to empowering people with knowledge from the intersection of medical science, lifestyle and human connection. Bring your questions!
A request – As there will be a gathering downstairs in the Hall at the same time as this talk, we ask that attendees come upstairs via the ramp to minimize disturbance at the lower level. Thank you for your consideration.
Last month, Pender’s own Dr. Robyn Wiens gave a very interesting, thought-provoking and well-attended talk on women’s health, including menopause and perimenopause. Her slide presentation can be viewed on our website under Community Programs – Speaker Series.
Save the Date – June 20 – Health Centre Open House
Mark your calendars – Last year’s Open House was so much fun, we’re doing it again. Everyone is invited for behind-the-scene tours, information about how the Health Centre works for the community, tasty treats and more. Meet some of the amazing people who make it all happen, ask your questions, and take pride in what this community has built; a beloved and well-used asset that enhances the health and wellness of all Penderites. Stay tuned for timing.
That same weekend will see Tour des Isles and the brand-new Pender Legacy Foundation’s Walk/Run/Wheel for Wellness. PIHCS is delighted to be named as the recipient of funds raised in the 2-kilometer walk portion of the event, as it can bring in funding that we couldn’t raise on our own, and complements our community’s ongoing support. It’s a great incentive to enjoy the new Schooner trail with friends and family, and we look forward to great participation.
Subscribe to our ‘HeartBeat’ Newsletter
Never miss an issue – every three months, subscribers receive the colour newsletter straight to their inboxes. To sign up, please visit our website or scan the QR code in the small ad in this issue. Every month we’ll make a random pick from our email list, including all current subscribers, for a prize from one of our local Pender Island sponsors. Last month’s lucky person was Paul Petrie, who received a donated $25 gift certificate from Talisman Books (huge thanks to our local businesses, who are so supportive) – Who knows, you could be next!
Community Support Programs
Maintain Your Independence (MYI)
Exercise Classes
Find class descriptions, schedules, and payment details on our website penderislandhealth.org under the Community Programs tab.
Register in advance or pay in person for the full session or drop-in classes. Monday classes take place at the Community Hall, while Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday classes are held at the Anglican Church. If cost is a concern or you need assistance with registration, please contact Marcella in the Community Support office. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Pender Island Parks and Recreation Commission for the MYI program.
Monday Activity Day at the
Community Hall
Weekly Activities and Exercise
MYI Classes Upstairs 9:30 – 12:00
Drop-in Café and Knitting and Stitching Circle from 9 am – 12 pm
April 6
Book Club with Cee
This month’s book discussion is The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. Relax, meet new friends, join in good conversation, and discover great books together.
Travel Presentation with Kathleen & Michael Pitt
Colville Lake – A Winter Sanctuary
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to spend a winter, living in a one-room cabin north of the Arctic Circle? On January 31, 1999, Kathleen and Michael Pitt flew out of Inuvik, at -40 C, in a Twin Otter loaded with six months of food and gear. Two hours later they landed at Colville Lake, 150 km north of Great Bear Lake, and 40 km from the nearest community of 90 people. Join them as they share the story of their extraordinary winter adventure enjoying absolute silence, winter camping, snow shoeing, thousands of caribou and idyllic isolation.
April 13
Glow Bowls – Hand Felted Tealight Holders
Create your own hand-felted tealight holder with a narrow opening that allows your wool design to softly glow from within. In this workshop, you’ll learn essential wet-felting techniques, including laying out wool for a round form, incorporating decorative elements, felting around a resist, and properly filling your piece. All materials are supplied; please bring an old bath-sized towel if you have one. The workshop is $15, pre-registration is required by April 10.
Armchair Travel with Shelley & Chris to Cambodia
Shelley and Chris are back again with their signature iMovie travel presentation. Join them as they share their unforgettable visit to Siem Reap, the heart of Cambodian history. They also explored Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm during the Spring Equinox of 2025, and were amazed by how deeply Hindu and Buddhist traditions shaped this ancient empire.
Along the way, they enjoyed delicious food, vibrant dance, and beautiful music, all while easily getting around by tuk tuk and on foot. Whether you’re curious about traveling to Cambodia or simply want to experience the journey through stories, film, and a relaxed Q&A, we’d love to have you join us.
Film 2:15 PM: Song Sung Blue is based on the true story of Milwaukee musicians Mike and Claire Sardina. The film follows the couple as they find love and success forming a Neil Diamond tribute act named “Lightning and Thunder,” before facing devastating tragedy and personal struggles. Suggested donation is $5. Start time is 2:30 PM. Volunteers are welcome to make popcorn.
April 20
Composting and Topsoil Presentation with Tony Wolcott
Would you like to learn how composting works or how to accelerate the process? This introduction will answer your questions. Composting is about microorganisms and how they work in an aerobic environment (with oxygen). This process is happening all around us on Pender Island. To take optimum advantage of decomposition, we need to incorporate four basic elements; water, oxygen, nitrogen and carbon. This introduction will give you the how-to and the science behind it. The benefit is less waste and more soil building. Lots of question time and the idea of composting on an island-wide basis. This presentation will take place outside. Please dress according to the weather.
Travel Presentation with Kathleen & Michael Pitt, Part 2
Northern Neighbourhoods to the Arctic Coast Down the Anderson River
Following their remarkable five months of winter solitude in a one-room cabin north of Great Bear Lake—100 km above the Arctic Circle, this second presentation continues the adventure. Join them as they travel far beyond their familiar snowshoe trails and the remote community of Colville Lake. Explore traditional Dene and Inuit sites, visit the historic remains of Fort Anderson, and take in the dramatic scenery and rushing waters of Falcon Canyon. Above all, experience the profound freedom of spending four unforgettable weeks paddling beneath the midnight sun.
April 27
Repair Cafe
Join volunteers Fix-it Peter, Tech Savvy Shon, and Sewing Expert Judy, all dedicated to sharing skills and giving new life to broken or worn-out items. Bring in your broken, confusing, or worn items and learn how to repair or use them alongside our wonderful helpers. Drop-in.
Armchair Travel with Shelley & Chris to Vietnam
Join us as we share highlights from our 2025 journey through Southern and Central Vietnam—a vibrant adventure that began in the dynamic heart of Ho Chi Minh City, where we explored by riverboat, stood on some of its top towers, and witnessed the Independence Palace during Independence Day celebrations.
From there we flew to the coastal city of Danang, enjoying its sweeping beaches, serene temples, and the region’s rich history and unforgettable Vietnamese cuisine. With easy, affordable travel by Grab Taxi and plenty of walks along the waterfront, this trip was exciting and relaxing. Whether you’re planning your own visit to Vietnam or simply want to come along for the adventure, we invite you to join us for an iMovie, stories, travel tips, and a lively Q&A session.
Film 2:15 PM: A Complete Unknown
This biographical drama stars Timothée Chalamet as a young Bob Dylan. Set in the early 1960s New York City, it follows 19-year-old Dylan’s rise from a Greenwich Village folk singer to a musical icon, culminating in a groundbreaking and controversial performance that reverberates worldwide.
To register for any of our programs, go to http://www.sginh.ca/seniors-program/ and scroll down to Monday Activities. You can also call (250)- 629- 3665.
Volunteer Income Tax Preparation
The Pender Islands Health Care Society, in partnership with Beacon Community Services, is pleased to offer the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) preparation for people with a modest income and a simple tax return. Taxes will be completed and e-filed by a vetted and trained volunteer, authorized by the Canada Revenue Agency. To qualify, your income must be modest and your tax situation must be simple. Your income source must be from employment, pension, benefits such as Canada Pension Plan, disability, employment insurance, social assistance, RRSPs, support payments, scholarships, fellowships, bursaries/grants and interest (under $1,000). Income Tax Volunteers can file taxes up to 10 years back. Forms are available for pick-up from the Community Support office at the Health Care Centre.
Pender Island Fire Rescue
Hello Pender Islands, as of today, March 14, Pender Fire’s dedicated members have responded to 47 emergency calls this year. March was a busy month between calls, training, and CRD completing our commercial vehicle inspections of all fire department apparatus and standby emergency generators, ensuring safe operation of our fleet. This service occurs every 6 months and is required by the Ministry of Transportation. It’s just one component of the ongoing maintenance and inspections of all fire department equipment that keep our responders safe when responding to you during a call.
April brings many of us out into the yard to begin cleaning up the previous winter’s mess, and getting our yards and gardens ready for the spring and summer seasons we all enjoy so much here in the Gulf Islands. Here are a few points to keep you safe while doing this rewarding work.
Check your equipment before starting – Inspect lawnmowers, trimmers, power washers, etc. for leaks or damage. Gasoline leaks and hot engines can create fire hazards if equipment isn’t maintained, and the current ethanol fuels can destroy fuel lines very quickly, even if they look good on the outside. Always let gas engines cool for a few minutes before refuelling to prevent accidental overfilling and spillage that could cause a fire.
Clear dry debris early – Removing the dead twigs, branches, needles and cones around your home helps reduce the fine fuels if a ground fire starts, and gives your structure a better chance of survival. Focus on protected areas, such as under decks and overhangs.
Wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Always wear eye protection when doing yard work, especially with power equipment, and when splitting firewood, etc. Wear sturdy footwear, especially when using mowers or line trimmers; never wear sandals or open-toe shoes. If you are operating a chainsaw, even an electric one, always wear protective chaps, gloves, and a full-face covering.
Responsible Outdoor Burning – Remember that outdoor burning safety is your priority. Ensure you have a current burning permit for 2026 and that you have checked the Pender Fire website to ensure there are no current burning restrictions in place, that you have the appropriate setbacks for the type of fire you have and that you have a means of extinguishment – garden hose, or buckets of water along with a shovel or rake to help contain the fire.
Keep access clear for emergency crews – While cleaning your yard, make sure driveways, access lanes, and address numbers are clear and visible so emergency responders can find and reach you quickly if needed.
I hope everyone has a wonderful April and enjoys Easter with family and friends. Remember to check your smoke detectors monthly, and with the time change, it’s the perfect time to change the batteries if you haven’t done so already
Sincerely,
Pender Island Emergency Program
PIEP coordinators Catherine Dawson and Joann Cottrell demonstrate the contents of a Grab ’n Go bag
The February Grab’N Go Workshop, hosted by the Pender Islands Health Care Society (PIHCS) in conjunction with the 55+ Monday Program, and supported by the Pender Island Emergency Program (PIEP), was a lively and well‑attended event.
Participants jumped into spirited conversations and shared insights on all aspects of emergency preparedness, focusing especially on what to have ready when it’s time to grab your bag and go. Adding an extra highlight to the afternoon, PIHCS surprised participants with various preparedness gifts, including a rainproof poncho, whistle, small utility knife, and a personal first aid kit.
These items were made possible through grant funding from the Fifty‑Five Plus Program and the United Way of BC. PIEP contributed hand wipes, hand warmer, light stick and tissues, as well as valuable emergency preparedness brochures and handouts. CRD Animal Control donated Grab’n Go bags for pets. An informative, engaging, and empowering session—truly a big success all around!
The Southern Gulf Islands Emergency Program will once again be offering Resilience Grants. These grants are available to individuals, neighbourhoods, organizations, and businesses to improve community resilience and preparedness for emergencies. Up to 10 Micro Grants are available, each for a maximum of $500, and up to four Impact Grants are available, each for a maximum of $5,000.
What kinds of projects are eligible? A few of last year’s recipients included: emergency supplies for Pender Island School, the 2nd Edition of the Dining in the Dark cookbook, a cooperative vegetable garden on Piers Island, and Galiano’s Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Community Dinner. So think of a project with a community wide impact, and apply by May 13.
Pender Islands Housing Society
Thank you to everyone who came out to talk about affordable housing on February 10, 2026 at the Community Hall. The turnout was incredible, and so was the tone in the room. Community members turned up ready to engage in discussing difficult realities with honesty, respect and open-mindedness.
Following brief presentations from Board members of PIHS, including an overview of the current situation regarding the stalled expansion plans for Plum Tree Court, representatives of the Islands Trust, the Capital Regional District and the Community Resource Centre shared updates and explored possible solutions. In particular, CRD staff outlined the realities of delivering affordable housing in rural communities, including hidden poverty, homelessness, infrastructure limitations, and environmental constraints.
They also highlighted grant opportunities and the Accessory Dwelling Unit program. Islands Trust personnel presented updates on their Housing Action Plan and upcoming draft bylaws aimed at diversifying housing options.
The principal item on the evening’s agenda was a very eloquent presentation from Ken Rempel on some of the options that could be considered to address Pender Island’s affordable housing crisis, including historical Clustered Residential models, Tiny Homes, the Missing Middle options and Multiplexes.
Ken’s two mantras are “gentle density” and “design for dignity”. A site plan option was shown for Tiny Homes at Plum Tree Court, and a brief mention was made of the potential to use a portion of the Anglican Church property on Canal Road for one of these options.
The first section of the evening was concluded by a very succinct and sobering message from PIHS Treasurer, George Leroux, regarding the economics both for the Plum Tree Court expansion and for potential development of other sites for rental housing – and regarding the ever-elusive funding dilemma.
The community conversation that followed was grounded and practical. People asked hard questions about water capacity, sewage, density, and financial viability. Ideas ranged from rainwater collection systems to cooperative housing models, repurposing vacant homes, hybrid ownership structures, and more.
It is abundantly clear that there is no single solution: layered approaches and continued advocacy are needed. It became equally clear that this community is willing to wrestle with the complexity and come together to find solutions.
Following this public meeting, PIHS members have been in conversation with representatives of the Victoria Affiliate for Habitat for Humanity to learn about Habitat’s model for permanently affordable home ownership. Habitat for Humanity is keenly interested in exploring partnerships that get to provide homes within the bounds of their low to moderate income ownership criteria. Further conversations are planned in the very near future.
PIHS intends to achieve the Plum Tree expansion of six (6) new rental units as quickly as possible: the zoning and infrastructure are in place; the design and preliminary engineering is complete; the building is costed. The ongoing challenge is securing a funding agreement that will provide capital subsidies that make new affordable rental unit construction financing possible.
If you are interested in helping us advance permanent affordable rental housing on Pender, please reach out. We are seeking new board members, but we would also welcome subject matter experts upon whom we can call as needed.
Recreation and Leisure
Pender Island Golf Club
Ahhhh…..spring. When a golfer’s thoughts turn to visions of potential glory.
Will this year be the one that the elusive “hole in one” is achieved? Or more realistically, how many golf balls will end up swimming in the ponds or hiding deep amongst the flora? Either way the siren call of the fairways and warm spring days will lure us back again.
The golf season officially started with our golf shop opening up, Ladies’ and Men’s days underway and a full schedule of competitions and social events posted.
This just might be a great year to join with us in chasing that little white ball.
Why become a member? Regular membership allows you to play unlimited golf every week of the year (the course is open and playable most of the winter as well) for less than $20 per week. Play with your own social group or join other members for Ladies’ and Men’s days and for special social events.
If you feel up to being a little more competitive, there are numerous fun competitions throughout the summer season (April to October).
There are also lots of extra perks and discounts for members. Look for our ad and read all about our club in this issue of The Pender Post.
Now here’s hoping March showers bring April flowers.
Pender Island Otters Swim Club
Getting heats sorted for Fun Swim Meet
Thank You, Outgoing Coach Laara Jarvey
The Panorama Pool is closed now for Winter Filtration maintenance, and we are awaiting the summer season registration to be sent out mid-April. In-between, we are holding our Annual General Meeting on March 29 via Zoom.
Since I am writing this before that date, I can’t report on the election, or that sort of thing, but do want to say a HUGE THANK YOU to our retiring Head Coach Laara Jarvey. Laara jumped in to help us out, when we were short of coaching staff back in the fall, and took on Head Coach when our Summer Head Coach Sidney was a bit overwhelmed by 1st year University, and also carrying the Head Coach job.
Sidney will take over Head Coach for us for the summer, but it was fortuitous that Laara was free at that moment we really needed her. She has done a lot in her six-month tenure – getting us new equipment bins, overseeing the Swim-a-Thon, and organizing the Mock Fun Meet we all enjoyed on March 6.
Over 35 swimmers participated in a variety of races, and for most, it was an introduction to what a summer swim meet would be like. And that was the day of the ferry problems, so some folks got left behind on Pender, and she had to rejig a lot of races to get swimmers who could make it into appropriately resorted slots.
There is a lot more she did for us, but let’s just say she went above and beyond the job description. Good news is that we have a full coaching staff lined up for the summer, so hope lots of swimmers come back, and have some fun swimming the summer session, which will be open on May 1.
Lastly, I do want to thank Jaime MacLean for standing on our board over the past year, and wish her well in her new pursuits heading up another island board this coming year.
So, thinking of getting in “swim-shape” this summer? Come join us for May through mid-August, and maybe try out a few swim meets in our Region … or just improve your strokes and endurance.
Keep on swimming for health and fun with us.
The Pender Island Squadron
CanBoat
The Pender Island Squadron held a special Member Meeting on Sunday, March 8 at the Legion Hall. This was to discuss the board’s recommendation to merge with Oak Bay Squadron on Vancouver Island. This session was attended by Oak Bay’s Commodore and the CanBoat District Commander to meet our members.
After lunch, Pender Commodore David Kirsop provided a background review of our squadron’s situation and obtained member feedback. With CanBoat’s shift to internet-based courses, smaller squadrons are increasingly joining larger entities. This is particularly relevant to our group as 50% of our 30+ members are distributed among other Gulf Islands/provinces and maintaining instructors for in-person courses is increasingly challenging.
Our attending members unanimously accepted the choice of merging and that process is currently unfolding. At a subsequent Board Meeting on March 11, we passed a motion archiving our Squadron Warrant/Pennant, thereby continuing merger activities.
Merging squadrons follow a detailed process mandated by our governing body. This ensures both squadrons are aware of the respective expectations and key priorities of each party.
A passionate issue for our squadron was continuation of the Marti Tilley safety program for our Grade 9 students. We are delighted that Oak Bay representatives voiced enthusiastic support for program continuation and volunteered to assume the instructor role. They have suggested continued Pender involvement in handling local arrangements with our school, Port Browning Marina, RCMP, Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue, and BC Emergency Management System. In addition, they will reserve a Board Member position for a Pender resident to ensure continuing future alignment.
The members of the Bridge gratefully extend their thanks to the Legion for hosting our group, all visiting CanBoat executives as well as our members for their support during this transition.
Happening On Pender
Weather Observations for February
Daily Average Temperatures Extreme Temperatures Precipitation
| Magic Lake Weather Station – February 2026 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Avg. Daily Temperature (deg C) | Extreme Temperature | |||
| Max | Min | Mean | High | Low | |
| Magic Lake | 8.2 | 3.2 | 5.7 | 11.0 on 26th & 27th | -3.0 on 20th |
| Normal | 8.4 | 2.5 | 5.5 | 16.0 in 1990 | -12.5 in 1989 |
| Location | Rain (mm) | Snow (cm) | Total Precip (mm) | ||
| Magic Lake | 78.6 | 2.0 | 80.6 | ||
| Normal | 68.2 | 7.4 | 75.0 | ||
February precipitation has varied from less than 20 mm to more than 200 mm and snow varies from quite a lot to none at all. Our 2025/2026 winter has been very mild so far with no extremes but much of Canada has had some of the worst weather they have ever experienced.
There is really no such thing as “normal” weather. In meteorological terms, “normal” means average, over a period of time. The above figures on the Magic Lake line show the readings at Magic Lake for the month (February) and the figures on the “Normal” line show the average of February observations for the whole time that I have been taking observations (since 1987). It can be seen that in February 2026, we had a little more rain than average, but very little snow. Temperatures were close to average.
You will be reading this in April, which is always a difficult month to predict because it is transitioning from winter to spring. We have had snow twice in April, but very little, and no extreme weather.
Number Puzzle
MCA Number Puzzle # 65, April 2026
This puzzle has 28 numbers. To solve the puzzle you must add a number 1-9 in each of the fifty three remaining small empty squares, but there must not be more than one number 1-9 in any row or vertical column or in any group of nine small squares. I found this puzzle to be difficult even though I increased the number of provided numbers to 28. There is more than one correct solution. Let me know how you get on with it.