From Our President
The Pender Post Society would like to extend heartfelt condolences to its readers on the loss of Helen Allison, an island legend whose contributions to this newsletter over the last five decades have been, quite simply, unparalleled.
Helen passed away last month at the age of 99, surrounded by family in Sidney, where she’d lived following nearly 50 years of service in this beloved island community. A funeral was held in late November at the Community Church next to the Nu-to-Yu, followed by an open luncheon at The Legion.
Helen and her husband, Bob, moved to Pender Island in 1972, and she soon got involved with The Pender Post, a fresh upstart of an organization at the time. She was an integral part of The Pender Post over the years, holding the roles of president, proofreader and nearly everything in between – which apparently included the dues-collecting role of “legbreaker” for a time.
I was not fortunate enough to meet Helen since my family moved to Pender Island last year, but her presence has been unmistakable since joining The Pender Post Society. Her name jumps from the pages as I read through our archives and remains part of our conversation.
In February 2021, when she decided it was time to move from Pender to be with family on Vancouver Island, the first three pages of our newsletter were dedicated to tributes and farewell messages. Her love for farming was celebrated, as was the soft Scottish brogue she’d retained since moving to Canada in 1949. She also seemed to have a proclivity for being the first friendly face to welcome newcomers to her Pender home.
Her final contribution to these pages came in July of this year. It was a note of appreciation to all her friends on Pender Island, many of whom had gathered with her to celebrate her 99th birthday that April.
“Pender Island will always hold a special place in my heart, filled with cherished memories,” she wrote at the time.
News of Helen’s passing reached The Pender Post Society in a brief window before our publishing deadline. We anticipate further memories and an obituary will be published in our next issue.
As 2025 comes to an end, I want to thank everyone who has contributed to our newsletter this year – from the clubs and groups that send submissions each month, to our writers and photographers, the teams that produce, proofread and publicize our efforts, and to everyone else who supports The Society on these pages and through our other efforts.
I’d also like to thank all of Helen’s family and friends, who shared so much of her with The Pender Post Society over the years.
It really does take a village. Even if it sometimes seems that village is encapsulated in the efforts of one wonderful woman.
Special Notices
Pender Islander Receives Peace Officer Award
Richard Lamy, long time Pender resident, past-volunteer fire fighter (14 years) and recently retired from a 30-year career with Parks Canada, received the prestigious Governor General’s Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal in Banff in October 2025.
Established in 2004 by the Governor General, the Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal recognizes peace officers who have demonstrated long and distinguished service. To be eligible, recipients must have completed at least 20 years of service dedicated to protecting the safety and security of Canadians, including a minimum of 10 years performing peace officer duties.
Patricia Callendar Receives Order of the Diocese of British Columbia Medal
Jon Heaney, John Cowan (rear), Connie Auchterlonie, Patricia Callendar, Susan Dawson, Susan Mark, Henry Mark at Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria after Patricia received her Order of the Diocese of BC medal.
Best wishes for a blessed and wonderful Christmas season to all our Pender Island friends from the Anglican Parish Council of Pender and Saturna Islands, which is our “board of directors”, and comprises, at this time, eleven vibrant and committed individuals who act jointly as the Parish’s Church Wardens.
We’re proud to announce that on October 24 one of our Parish Council members, Patricia Callendar, received the Order of the Diocese of British Columbia medal, awarded in special recognition to members of the Anglican diocese who have given outstanding service to their parish, the diocese, and their community over a significant period of time.
For close to 40 years, Patricia has been (and still is) dedicated to caring for the Church of the Good Shepherd and its Memorial Garden on South Pender Island, and over the years she has been very actively involved with the Parish Council, as well as in many community organizations, including as a director of the Pender Island Fire Rescue; President of the Garden Club; one of the original team of First Responders on South Pender; director of the Choral Society; a member of the small Hospice Group; a founding, and still current, director of the South Pender Historical Society; and a director of Pender Island Housing Society, among other endeavours.
In 2018, Patricia spearheaded an “affordable housing” initiative, liaising between the Diocese, BC Housing, the Islands Trust, and the Pender community to try to find a way to build some much-needed affordable rental housing somewhere on the 10-acre St. Peter’s church property on North Pender. That particular project did not come to fruition, but Patricia continues to work as the liaison person between the Diocese and Pender agencies (through PIHS) in an ongoing effort to achieve this dream.
Another busy year has passed in the life of the Parish. We continue to remember the late Venerable Ellen Willingham and to try to follow her example of providing emotional and spiritual support to church members and the broader community. To this end we are excited to be initiating “Ellen’s Group” – a group of dedicated and trained volunteers from within and outside of the church, offering home visits and pastoral care to any member of the Pender community who is facing difficult times, including end of life, grief, and loneliness. (More about Ellen’s Group in next month’s issue of The Pender Post.)
We are also pleased to support the community in other ways, such as providing space and support for activities of the G’Old Network, which is seeking to create and sustain an environment that supports all who wish to grow old and die peacefully on Pender. It is rewarding also to see the wonderful renovations in the Food Bank facility which we host on the top floor of our Parish Hall.
Our Parish churches of St. Peter’s and St. Christopher (on Saturna) offer a variety of different worship experiences each Sunday. Both islands have been blessed this past year with visits from our Bishop. the Right Reverend Anna Greenwood-Lee, along with other Diocesan leaders and off-island priests: in particular we are grateful to Rev. Blair Haggart on Mayne Island for his monthly visits to both Saturna and Pender, to Rev. Gyllian Davies from Salt Spring Island for coming to St. Peter’s twice a month, and we are always happy when Pender resident Rev. Arnie Alksne is able to be with us!
Other services are led by lay volunteers, which has proven to be a positive experience both for the congregation and the volunteers, and as always, we are grateful for the musical leadership of our organists Alan Morrish and Brian Brown.
Please see page 36 for our seasonal service dates and times. Everyone is welcome, and we now have a special child-friendly space in the church with books and toys!
Merry Christmas!
In Appreciation
Thanks for a Fine Evening of Drama
During the boredom of Covid days, Angelo Rosso wrote a novella that included two characters, August and Liz. These two characters intrigued him as they embodied many of the goings on in society and in his own life. So, he wrote them into a one act play: Mid Play. It was performed on Salt Spring, where he lives, The Belfry (for the one act play festival), Mayne Island, and then on Pender Island at our Community Hall.
The play is thought provoking and witty. August and Liz are brought to life through the collaborative vision of Metta Rose and Angelo Rosso. The dialogue is intelligent. We enjoyed the literary references “…ay, there’s the rub.”
August and Liz are old friends who meet in her Toronto loft after an evening at a bar. He is in a failing six-year marriage, which had been strained by a miscarriage. She has been a successful writer, though less successful with relationships. The whisky and cognac loosen their tongues as they share their disappointments and struggles, and the play ends as they fall in love, while acknowledging love’s fragility as they determine to enjoy what they have for as long as it lasts.
Whenever I have been at a play where the actors sing, I have always cringed. But not in this performance. The characters were always natural and believable, their lines delivered with impeccable timing, and they acted off each other with nuanced tenderness.
The production included some off-stage voices perfectly delivered by Artemus, the sound technician. My favourite two of the voices were Mr. Fox, and August’s therapist. Mr. Fox had an incredibly deep, sensuous timbre. The therapist had a typical, therapeutic voice. They both added a playful humour to the play.
I am grateful they came to Pender Island. A big thank you to Angelo Rosso and Metta Rose. To Armetus for sound, and to Robb Zuk for hosting.
The Stories That Brought You Here
Leslie McBain
By Chris Wakaluk
The Stories That Brought You Here is a home-spun podcast by resident Chris Wakaluk about the people who have built their lives on Pender Island. Each episode is about 90 minutes long and chronicles the unique parts of a person’s life. Below is an excerpt from a past episode with Leslie McBain.
“My sister, Diane, has had a farm on South Pender since the 70s, although we were both born and raised in Edmonton. For many years, my ex-partner Carl and I made a point of coming up to visit Diane during the summer. We were living in Oakland, California, and we would drive up and stay with Diane for a couple of weeks at a time.
“In Oakland, we had a plumbing contracting business. At its largest, there were 40 employees. We weren’t really happy in that business. We were working way too hard, and it wasn’t that rewarding. So, one summer, I think it was ‘89, we came up to stay with Diane and had a beautiful two weeks on Pender in August.
“As we were driving back down to California, we had just crossed the border and I kind of had an emotional moment. Carl was driving, I was in the passenger seat, and Jordan was in the back in his baby seat. I just started crying. It was just sort of this overwhelm. So, we pulled over and Carl asked me what was happening. And in a moment of brilliant clarity, I just said, ‘I want to live on Pender Island’. And he said, ‘so do I’.
“It was a big moment, because we were returning to Oakland to this huge business with all kinds of contracts. Back to a life that really had become not that fun at all. From that great moment it took us five years to move to Pender permanently. We had to finish all our contracts, sell our business, and tie up loose ends.
“We moved here in 1995, and I’ll tell you, it’s like stopping banging your head against the wall to move out of a city for me. I always had it in my mind that I wanted to live in a rural area and be in the woods, and part of me said, ‘oh, that’s just a romantic notion’. You know? Everybody wants to live in the woods, nobody wants to live in the city. But the fact is, I could not leave Pender now if you paid me to do it. I’m so happy. I was happy from the first day I arrived and continue to be happy to live here. I would never want to live anywhere else.”
The full conversation is available at tinyurl.com/lesliemcbain.
Spotlight Q&A
Pender Island Disc Golf Society
Each month, we’ll introduce one of the many groups, clubs, committees and non-profit societies that make our island community so special. See this month’s Pender Island Disc Golf Society update.
Jo Down took home this year’s Gold Jacket for setting the best league score in 2025, submitted by Pender Island Disc Gold Society
First, can you tell us what your group is about, and what you do?
Our nonprofit Society was just formed in the spring of 2024. Before that it was just a “club” with no real structure, and if something needed doing it would be gotten to eventually. We now have an executive committee, annual general meetings, new business, priority chores, timelines, etc.
Do you have any community events or special projects?
Our Pender Classic at the end of May is one of the largest unsanctioned disc golf tournaments in the country. There are between 150-250 participants from across the country and the US. Many players bring their families for the 4-day event and contribute to the community’s economy in many ways! We also have ambassadors who will instruct small groups how to play and will guide them around the course, if requested.
How often do you get together, and typically when? Can new members join anytime?
The executive meets every quarter. New members are always welcome. Contact us via email. A $10 lifetime membership gives you voting rights (if you choose to exercise them) and 5% off merchandise. You even get a sew on patch and a membership card!
Are any of the original founders still taking part, or still on Pender? If so, tell us a bit about them.
Alex Fraser was one of the original designers of the course along with Dave Watson and Doug Keating. Alex still plays regularly and is an active member, although he is not part of the executive. Mike Barnes was also instrumental in the development of the course. All four are still on the island.
How many volunteers are involved in running it? Are you currently looking for more?
There is a core group of about six or seven regular volunteers, but we could always use more!
What gets your members most excited in your meetings or activities?
Food. Competitions. Comradery. It’s very social and is self regulating. There is a core group who play every Sunday morning at the Disc Park for points. The “Golden Jacket” is the coveted prize for the annual high point scorer. Jo Down is the current champ!
What’s in the future for your organization? Anything exciting in the works, or dreams you would like to fulfill?
We hope to install a few more concrete tee pads with support from the CRD.
Are there any special contributions you would like to highlight?
Thanks to David Ohnona for working so hard to establish the ‘Society’.
How can people get in touch with you?
Through our website at discgolfisland.com or email us at yo_betty43@shaw.ca.
Newcomers’ Notes
Christmas Lights Season — Extended
Pender days are short this time of year, and it gets dark early once we’ve set the clock back, approaching the winter solstice. Not just a little dark: very dark, since there are basically no streetlamps lining our roads. And that’s a good thing, otherwise why live on a rural island?
For those of us who have pets that need walking or simply enjoy a late stroll outdoors, our evening walks would take place pretty much in the dark were it not for Christmas Lights Season on Pender Island.
Winter 2022-2023 was my first on the island. In the months prior, I had wondered what it would be like when the sun sets early, unable to fully picture it until it actually happened. And when it did, oh, it hit me: it was pitch black. Especially on nights around the new moon, or when the clouds were heavy and low, or if fog had set in. I thought I was in for a rather long winter!
But then came my unexpected saviours: Christmas lights. Starting shortly after Remembrance Day, and increasingly as we made our way into December, my neighbours made my daily night walks a lot more pleasant. Not even needing a headlamp or flashlight, my pup and I stroll, from one lighted patch to another, down the neighbourhood roads. What a treat.
This cheerful season extends way, way past the holidays. We’re talking well into February — not just a little past Christmas — when many folks finally take their lights down. In fact, there’s a property by the Magic Lake Fire Hall #2 that goes a little wild and is so lit up that I can’t help but smile each time I pass it. When that one turns theirs off, so do we. They’re like the “light leader”, signalling when long is too long, and it’s time to let them go. Some people seem to simply pull the plug but leave strands up on fences and trees year-round. We remove every single one, as if Christmas never happened. Sometimes they come down all at once, and other years, stretching the pleasure, we take a strand down each week.
Yes, yes, there’s the whole light pollution thing and its effects on wildlife, and more. It is good that we don’t all go wild with the bright decor… but there’s also the mental health thing. I figure that as long as it’s not every home, and we collectively bring a little boost of joy to the neighbourhood, is it really that bad?
I sure hope not, because this seasonal tradition has truly made my Pender winters more cheery. That, and Ally’s delicious, scantily clad gingerbread people Christmas cookies from Slow Coast Coffee.
Do you have any advice for Pender newcomers you would like to share with us? Email community@penderpost.org so we can write about it.
Pender Post Past
December 1975 Santa Twice Visits Pender
There were many events happening on Pender during 1975 – some fun and some business. Let’s get the business side over with first so we can move onto the fun. The committee researching the need for a Chamber of Commerce came forward with a favourable recommendation, so a vote quickly established the first Pender Island Chamber of Commerce with the first President as Mr. L.J. Armstrong. The fees were $5 per year for a business membership. The Islands Trust along with the Ferry Commission moved to initiate a Ferry Advisory Commission with a Trustee from each island as members.
Now for the fun part. The Lions Club once again took responsibility for the Christmas Care Tree. On Christmas Eve members of the Lions Club, families and friends would gather round the tree to sing Christmas carols. This was the 16th year for this event.
“Santa is/are really coming” was announced as the arrival of not one but two Santa Ships were announced. A ship from the Victoria Junior Chamber of Commerce was to arrive on December 13 while for the 25th year the Bellingham, Washington Chamber of Commerce Santa Ship would arrive at Port Washington. The Shed on Port Washington dock was to be decorated by Pender Island high schoolers and Santa would be there giving gifts to anyone under eight years of age. Only if they had been good, of course.
The Pender Post Calendar for the month was full of parties, concerts etc. put on by the various clubs and organizations, but what drew my attention was a note on December 27. “The mass exodus of Penderites for points south begins in earnest. The South Island around Boundary Pass Road will rise inches out of the water, not to mention various parts of the North Island”.
That concludes December 1975 so the next issue will contain news from January 1976.
Hummingbird Hollow B&B
‘All Hell Broke Loose and the Ducklings Scattered’
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 installment is from 1992.
Recession or no, business continued to improve for Hummingbird Hollow in 1992, with guests coming from Rio de Janeiro, Fraser Lake, Australia, Wichita, Kansas, Switzerland, Peru, and many other less exotic locales. The walks of life were just as varied: a news announcer, a veterinarian, a baker, a pipe drummer, a bird man, and many teachers, lawyers, doctors, and nurses. One concern expressed by many was the widening gap between the rich and poor in their countries and a fear about the disappearance of the middle class.
We got pretty good at guessing what our guests did for a living with a few funny misjudgments. One fellow who Chuck guessed was a used car salesman turned out to be a neurologist. We met our first seeing eye puppy in training and welcomed a young man from Fort McMurray on his annual visit to Pender for music and massage therapy. There was a funny story about that … but I can’t tell it here.
In November, a pipe and drum corps from the Lower Mainland came over to play at the Remembrance Day service. Their drummer and his wife stayed with us. After the ceremony, the boys at the Legion made sure that none of the visitors went thirsty, so by the time the drummer’s wife got him safely home, he was well oiled and still wanting to party.
The drummer drove semi-trailers for his day job and wasn’t the kind of fellow with whom you would ever want to disagree. He insisted that Chuck and I share his bottle of red wine, which we did, and then finally his wife managed to haul him off to bed.
In the spring, two of our guests, John and Beverly, had a close encounter with a mother duck and her brood of nine ducklings. When it was time for the young ducks to leave the nest somewhere up the hill from our house and go to the lake, mother duck marched them single file across the road, down our driveway, and, because the front door happened to be open, into the hallway separating our living quarters from the B&B.
The relocation went well until they reached the deck where our two cats were sunning themselves. All hell broke loose, and the ducklings scattered into all sides of the house. Guests John and Beverly helped us lock up the cats and then round up the nine upset ducklings – we even found one down in the woodshed – and then get them down to the lake where mother duck was quacking loudly anxiously waiting for them.
We learned that Peter Flanagan, who had stayed with us two years earlier on his 100th birthday, amazingly had become a first-time home buyer at the age of 102. We didn’t hear who had helped make this possible for Peter and Lois, but it confirmed our belief that Pender Island was indeed a special place to live.
Remembering
Duncan Batty
1955 – 2025
Duncan passed away on October 26; we had hoped for more than seven weeks together after his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer but it was not to be.
After our first holiday in Canada, in 1996, we both fell in love with this beautiful country and its amazing people; the seed was planted, and we decided to emigrate from the UK. We could have lived anywhere in Canada, as we didn’t know anyone here, but we stumbled upon and quickly fell under the spell of Pender. We moved here 16 years ago, straight from the UK.
We went to every Pender event that we could, especially where music was involved. There are so many talented people on this small island, and we appreciated them all.
We were reluctant joiners of Newcomers but that proved to be the best thing that we could have done and we were welcomed into a new family.
Duncan loved Pender and its community. We have made some special friends here and that was proved when they heard the shocking diagnosis and all rallied round to help in any way that they could. We were both humbled by the love that surrounded us.
I have so many people to thank: our close friends who have been, and continue to be, so supportive, our “bump into them every now and again friends” and everyone who sent cards and heartfelt messages.
Thanks to Dr Rebner and everyone at the clinic, Miranda and her Community Nurses team, Paramedics Jorgen and Elizabeth, First Responders Adrian and John and the Saanich Peninsula Palliative Care Unit.
We were looking forward to celebrating our 50th anniversary next year but I’m so lucky to have been married for 49 years to such a special man. For me to say that he’ll be sadly missed is not enough; there are no words to describe my loss.
He was the best of us and I miss him
My first memory of Duncan was nearly 15 years ago. He and Michele arrived on Pender from the wilds of Yorkshire in late 2009 and we had met socially (Michele was working at the Clinic with my sister Barb) but we had yet to discover that we had much in common. To begin with we were both Geminis, born in England and, remarkably, our mothers each grew up in the same town of Beckenham Kent. They were just a year apart in age and we always wondered if they might have known each other. Unfortunately, Mom died before we could figure this out.
But I digress. Our friendship really began at the first annual Batty Boxing Day party on December 26, 2010. I would start a tradition that would last another decade (before COVID brought it to a close), by being the first to arrive and the last to leave. Honestly, I don’t think I was always the last to leave but even if I had to cut short my own family function, much to Melody’s chagrin, I was going to be first, even if it meant being there long before the scheduled start time. Eventually Michele accepted it as “tradition” and would let me… it was rather cold out there on the porch!
It was here at that first party that I discovered this kindred spirit with the same self-deprecating, sarcastic sense of humour that has gotten me in such trouble over the years; finally, someone else who could shoulder some of the blame, at least a little bit. We also found a mutual love of British humour from the 50s and 60s, I mean, what are the chances you could find someone else who would enjoy listening to my old recordings of Hancock’s Half Hour (on cassette and vinyl yet)? I’ll tell you who – no one! And beer! How many good ales have we shared over those 15 years? It boggles the mind, all the birthdays, anniversaries, Halloweens – yes Halloweens, Friday nights, camping trips, Shrove Tuesdays. Whatever, we didn’t need an excuse to get together but we could always find one to gather with our “bubble family” including Tim and Gerry, that made Covid so much easier than it could have been.
Before life on Pender, Dunc made his living as an industrial designer and unlike me, he had an analytical mind and could see in a flash what was wrong and what needed to be done to correct it. Whereas me, I’m more inclined to give up and buy a new one. His ability to fix the unfixable not only saved him a lot of cash, it made my life a lot easier when I was struggling with some project and Melody would say “just ask Duncan”, and there he would be with only the slightest of laughs at my ineptitude.
For years (until his back wouldn’t allow it ) he careened around the Island delivering mail to all and sundry. His photographic memory would come in handy here and he loved to shock people when meeting someone for the first time by reeling off their home address. “Ah, Bill Johnson 7432 Capstan, Nice to meet you”. Gob smacked, or what? I laugh now just thinking about it.
He and Michele loved their adopted home here on Pender Island and as soon as they were eligible, they became Canadian citizens. I, and a few of their closest friends, gathered to witness this emotional day with them and there were tears of joy all around…tears are a funny thing; they come when you are heartbroken and when you are incredibly happy! What’s that about? We had so many happy days together, but this one will live with me forever.
He may have been an engineer by trade, but his one true passion was cars and he loved to race them. An unrelated motorcycle accident in which he almost lost his leg, kind of curtailed that and his leg would bother him more and more as the years went by. Combined with failing eyesight and back pain and assorted other ailments in his last few years, it all contributed to a lack of mobility that would have made a lesser man bitter. Duncan was never bitter; he bore all the misfortune with incredibly good humour. The average person looking at him and seeing that big happy go lucky man would never know the pain he was going through.
Following his devastating cancer diagnosis in early September, he still managed to be a tower of strength as he fought with all his might to spend just a little more time with Michele and those who loved him. There would only be another seven agonizing weeks left for the big guy. As he said to me several times with a wistful look in his eyes, “It’s just so damned quick”. Three days before his passing, amidst all the angst, he could somehow still smile and crack a joke. I couldn’t help but laugh through the tears, though my heart was breaking. If he could laugh when his whole world was fading away, what right did I have to cry. The tears would come soon enough but at that moment I was just so glad that for 15 years I had the best friend any person could ever have.
Before I left him that day, we shared a last sip of good single malt and a hug. When I next returned, he was fading fast and unable to communicate. In a few hours more he would be gone but never forgotten, and I’m sure he would be secure in the knowledge that his Pender Island family will always be there to support and care for Michele…the one true love of his life.
He was the best of us and I miss him more with each passing day he doesn’t walk through that door.
Government
Member of Parliament
‘The Balance of Responsibility’
With 343 MPs in Parliament how much influence does our riding have? It turns out – a lot.
Our former MLA Adam Olsen used to be asked about holding the “balance of power”. Adam rephrased that as “holding the balance of responsibility.” I embrace that notion.
And on Sunday, I had the uncomfortable experience of being called by Bob Fife, Globe and Mail, who generally has the best scoops. He told me – by his count with the best guesses of how many MPs planned to abstain from the budget vote to avoid an election no one wanted – the vote count was 171 for and 171 MPs against.
I explained to him the balance of responsibility.
I did not know how I was going to vote. After weeks in negotiations – chats and meetings formal and informal – I had nothing in my hands to remedy a budget I simply hated. And the vote was in 24 hours. I called the Prime Minister’s senior staff – a very bright young man who had been helping, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Braeden Caley and the Minister of Canadian Identity (also responsible for nature) Steven Guilbeault. Many others had been talking to me, but Braeden and Steven were, late Sunday night, the people I contacted.
Basic message sent by text and email and voice mail: “what’s up?” We had developed a concrete proposal for the PM to give solid commitments – to climate, to nature, to Reconciliation – in response to a question from me Monday afternoon in Question Period. We all liked the idea, but what did the PM think? The reply was that we all had to wait, because Mark Carney was at the Grey Cup and could not give any of us an answer until the game was over. I turned on the television with a new-found interest in football.
I did not know anything more Monday morning, just some “fingers crossed… looks good and one happy face emoji.”
I was on tenterhooks going into QP. I had three scenarios running through my head – first they would not give me a question – all offers negated, so I’d vote no. Scenario 2, they give me a question, but the PM does not rise to answer and I get some half baked commitments from a different minister, so do I abstain? or still vote no. And scenario 3. The Liberals give me a great spot in QP to pose a tough question to the PM and he rises to answer my question and lands a great answer with firm commitments to climate, nature, and reconciliation and I go out to the foyer and tell the media I will vote yes.
What a nail-biter.
And I think you all know what happened. I feel that the overwhelming message from my constituents was “please vote yes, we do not want an election.” As your MP, I feel good (and confident) that among other things, I secured funding for west coast wild salmon strategy, for protection and rehabilitation of SRKW… and climate action. Who knows? I may have made a mistake and live to regret it, but for now, I feel that the effort at cooperation over conflict, of principle over partisanship was a good thing.
Member of the Legislative Assembly
Health Care Society President Bruce Waygood, MLA Rob Botterell and BC Health Minister Josie Osborne
Health Minister Visits Pender; North Saanich’s ‘Doughnut’ Economy
A very big thank you to everyone who wrote a letter to Health Minister Josie Osborne regarding the $200,000 funding shortfall for the Pender Islands Health Centre. Hundreds of letters do make a difference! The Minister committed to ensuring Island Health works with Bruce Waygood and the whole team on finding a funding solution. Not solved yet, but an important first step.
Next time you see Bruce Waygood, Peter Paré, Kelly Leroux, Dr. Caroline Knight, Jane Harrison or any of the wonderful folks associated with Pender Islands Health Centre, please give them a big thank you for all of their hard work and contributions to our community!
This latest funding crisis is symptomatic of a larger systemic issue we face across British Columbia and Canada: the need to create an economy and fiscal framework that supports health care, housing, and wellness no matter our economic circumstances, no matter where we live, without jeopardizing the environment and our ability to tackle climate change.
In a period of dramatically increased income inequality, $12 billion dollar provincial budget deficits, and international tariffs, the provincial and federal government solution to this systemic funding crisis is more of the same – double down on the pursuit of unsustainable resource based economic growth in a world of finite resources.
Fortunately, we need look no further than the District of North Saanich for a local community that is taking the first steps on a different path, one where the economy is structured to balance everyone’s human well-being with ecological sustainability. North Saanich recently incorporated an economic model developed by Oxford economist Kate Raworth, known as doughnut economics, into its official community plan (OCP). You can check out the North Saanich OCP
(tinyurl.com/northsaanich, beginning at page 36) for a full description:
A circular or doughnut economy moves away from the idea of relying on endless economic growth and fossil fuel extraction to pay for everything and instead supports policies and funding decisions that ensure that all the people have the health care, housing, and support they need for a healthy, happy lifestyle, while preserving and protecting the environment.
It is very encouraging to see North Saanich take steps at the local level to address systemic long-term issues behind the lack of provincial funding for critical health and housing in our community. Perhaps the Islands Trust will engage with our community on a similar approach.
Knowing there is momentum building on a long-term economic solution to the funding shortfalls for community programs and services is encouraging, but it does not eliminate the need to address immediate funding crises, such as the one facing Pender Islands Health Centre. For that immediate challenge, we are truly fortunate to have the leadership of Bruce Waygood and his team, together with our amazing community.
Islands Trust
South Pender Local Trust Committee (LTC) Meeting
South Pender LTC cancelled its regularly scheduled November 7 meeting. I hosted a Q&A session on November 7 in place of the LTC meeting, open to any member of the public who had questions related to Trust Council Bylaw No. 183 – Draft Policy Statement Amendments. Thank you to those who came by for your time and thoughtful questions. I remain available to anyone on the Penders with questions or comments during the Community Engagement period.
Trust Council Bylaw No. 183 Policy Statement Bylaw
There are still opportunities for members of the public to ask questions and provide input/comments regarding this bylaw.
- Attend South Pender Local Trust Committee Special meeting on December 5
- Complete the online survey – islandstrust.bc.ca/programs/islands-2050
- Complete a paper survey – Available at the Pender Island Public Library
Committee of the Whole (CoW)
We met on November 17 to discuss updates to the current Standards of Conduct Policy 2.1.2. Part of the open discussion included a motion to wait until we know if BC Legislation passes the proposed standardized, mandatory code of conduct for local governments in the Spring and if Islands Trust will be included in that change.
An additional motion was passed to look into amending the complaints process to remove the CAO and Executive Committee involvement and have it flow through an external entity on an ad hoc basis to ensure a complete unbiased approach to the complaints process and remove any potential for repercussions.
BC Ferries Otter Bay Terminal Project
I attended the second meeting with the BC Ferries project feedback group on November 14 where we discussed updates to the Otter Bay and Village Bay projects. To remain up to date on information as it becomes available, you can visit the webpage at bcferriesprojects.ca. Click on Otter Bay for information related to the Pender terminal project.
Highlights of currently known and or anticipated impacts included:
- One 5-day full berth closure with alternate water-taxi service provided – amended dates are now March 6-10, 2026.
- Occasional overnight work to ensure continuity of service, with noise mitigation measures in place.
- Occasional schedule changes to late night or early morning sailings to extend overnight work windows.
- Monday to Friday work schedule with some weekend work.
- Moderate noise during construction, including general construction noise, no heavy machinery/drilling expected.
- Contractor equipment primarily staged on a barge, with some terminal space expected for equipment laydown.
Culturally Committed
On November 13, 2025 I attended the first in a series of four workshops. The first two are focused on an in-depth look at Principled Engagement with Indigenous Peoples and are designed to continue building cultural safety and respectful engagement in future Islands Trust relationships with Indigenous Governing Bodies.
Chair Training
On October 10 and 28, 2025, all sitting chairs were offered an additional chair training course to go over finer details of tools, rules, and policies to aid in their role. I attended both sessions and they proved very insightful and helpful.
December Meetings of Interest
December 2 and 17: Executive Committee Meetings
December 2 – 4: Trust Council Quarterly Meeting – Hotel Grand Pacific – Vancouver Island Ballroom, 463 Belleville Street, Victoria, BC
December 5: South Pender LTC Community Information Meeting (Draft Policy Statement)
December 10: Webinar Protecting the Shoreline: A Shared Responsibility
Arts
Pender Island Art Society
Paintings by participants in Sandhu Singh’s November workshop: Barn by Gabriella Kardosi and Balloon by Shelley Henshaw.
The PIAS all-day workshop with Sandhu Singh, Saturday, November 1, was a great success. Sandhu gave participants an invaluable lesson in simplifying their artwork; not every detail needs to be put on paper in order for the artist to convey the picture and mood. He advised that, rather than try to replicate a whole scene, pick out elements that you like and paint only those.
The first lesson was based on a photo of a farm with a lot going on. Sandhu chose just a few of the elements and changed position and color and added a few things like a boat and a tractor, even a tarp and a man, to make the painting more interesting and to please himself. It was an amazing experience for participants to allow themselves to be freer with the paintbrush rather than have a choke hold on it determined to copy the photo perfectly.
Sandhu demonstrated how to blend sky and ground in a very simple beach picture and then added a woman and child in a sari for interest. One of the participants added balloons and another added a sandstorm. It was fun, and a great exercise in simplicity.
For the third painting, he showed how to make a very simple ocean scene where he added people for perspective. Surprisingly, there was a wide variation of results among the group which proved that we all see the world through a different lens.
Kathleen Theriault, Pender Island artist, led a PIAS art session on Thursday, November 6. It was a lesson in abstract painting. It is a challenge for some of us to paint a picture that is deliberately not supposed to look like anything recognizable, just color and shapes. Learning how to look at shapes is a lesson that can be applied to representative and realist painting as well. The session was an opportunity to experiment with a new painting technique.
On December 4 between 1 and 4 pm at the Community Hall, PIAS will be having a get together for members. While we indulge in Christmas cheer and goodies, Susan Purney Mark will present a slide show on art residencies in places she has traveled such as Iceland, Crete, and Greece. She will share what’s involved and how to apply. Please email PIAS if you are interested in attending. There is a $5 drop-in fee for non-members.
Pender Island Celtic Music Society
This past November, the Pender Highlanders performed at the Remembrance Day Ceremony, with the Lament being played by Jack Martin. We also played at the Care Tree Lighting to help bring light and warmth to Port Washington.
Our next community performance is on December 6, where we will be playing at the Santa Ship to celebrate Santa’s arrival for the children and families of Pender Island.
Pender Island Community Choir Society
Christmas concert time is just around the corner – and we can’t wait!
Our adult and youth choirs have been rehearsing every Monday (and plenty of times in between) to make sure every note shines. This year’s concert is packed with beautiful holiday songs and classic carols, plus a few fun singalongs so the whole audience can join in the festive spirit.
We’re also thrilled to welcome back Pender’s Young Violins for another delightful performance. They’ll be running the intermission concession as well, so be sure to bring a bit of cash for tasty treats – and your toonies for the 50/50 fundraiser draw.
Please bring a non-perishable item or two to leave under the Food Bank tree. Thank you!
Come celebrate the season with us:
Evening performances: Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13 at 7:30 pm
Matinee: Sunday, December 14 at 2 pm
Tickets are $25, with free admission for ages 18 and under, available now at Talisman Books.
We’d love to share this joyful holiday tradition with you – see you there.
Pender Island Quilters’ Circle
Pineapple Square Table Runner, Ann England.
Fourteen members gathered at St. Peter’s Anglican Church Hall on November 10 for our monthly Quilters’ Circle session. Karen Gagnier was the “bell ringer” and convened the meeting. We discussed upcoming plans for our December meeting and the Hands Across the Water (HAW) event in June. What I enjoy (and there are many things) about our quilters is that they are both creative and practical. They are dreamers and doers.
This is evident in the planning for HAW. We began to plan last spring and we continue with our plans getting more specific. There are many aspects to hosting the event which include food, draws, displays, gifts, and a program. Our intent is to host an enjoyable gathering where we share our mutual love of quilting.
We continued our session with “Show and Share”. Jeanine Anstee showed us quilts she had purchased at the Victoria Quilt Show. Eleanor displayed a framed quilted picture of fish and the sea made by June Hayes. It won first place in the fall fair of 2003. Kelly Dine and Sheila Veness brought fabric to share. Kelly also provided a commercial break for fabric sales which included fabric mandala squares made by local artist Shelley Easthope. Kelly can be contacted during the winter for sales in her home fabric shop. Ann showed a blue pineapple square (punctuated with red squares) table runner and a Christmas panel quilt. Jane Fleishman showed us small quilted bags she sewed with fabric acquired from Nu-to-Yu.
Country Cottage Christmas Table Topper, Karen Gagnier.
Karen led us in the Christmas project which is Country Cottage table runner. This is a simple pattern but she emphasized that precision and accuracy in cutting and piecing are essential. Our quilters went to work on their various projects, cutting, sewing, and consulting with one another. Obtaining advice on quilting and other aspects of life is an essential benefit of our meetings.
Our December 8 meeting is a Christmas party for members, with potluck snacks, games, and socializing. We will also identify the gifts we will make for our guests at HAW. We will start making the fabric gifts at the January 10 meeting.
Next meeting: December 8, 9:15 am, St. Peter’s Anglican Church Hall
Quilter’s Philosophy: As quilters, we may have sewn many quilts of various patterns, fabrics, and sizes. We may have become complacent, even blasé, and not sure where to go next with our craft. Then something occurs that presents a challenge. It may re-engage us and lead us to new experiences and learnings. We may surprise ourselves by answering the call and rising to the challenge.
Pender Photo Club
Reflections in a Glass Ball on Bridges Road by Jean Moore.
A great evening was enjoyed by the Camera Club on Monday, November 3. We met by Zoom to welcome the end of daylight-saving time and the arrival of fall/winter. Seven members viewed 47 photos with the meeting chaired by Urs Boxler.
The theme for this meeting, Reflections, was thought-provoking and we saw some fascinating reflections, mostly upside-down, of glasses, trees, people, and balls as well as what lurked behind and in them. There were even a few shadows incorporated into the dioramas. Particularly effective were brilliant mast lights reflected in the water and one with a First Nations theme and the night-lights of the Parliament building behind. Conversation flowed as we merrily critiqued the photos.
Ken Sawatsky presented a slide show of the Hoodoos of Drumheller. Set to music, it showed the many unusual shapes that erosion has made in this unusual landscape. We were mesmerized by the bizarre geology. Then Ken showed a brief series of “red” images he took mostly at Granville Island. It was a pleasant change to see shops and windows instead of forests and seascapes.
Following this excellent presentation, a discussion was held of future themes and additional topics we might explore, and it was agreed we should pursue all kinds of presentations by our own members, special speakers, slide shows, teaching, etc.
The next meeting will be at 7 pm on Monday, December 1 via Zoom. In addition to viewing submitted themed photos it will include a show on Indigenous Powwows by Hans Tammemagi. All guests are welcome (contact Urs Boxler at ursursboxler@gmail.com for Zoom link).
Pender Solstice Theatre Society
Behind the Scenes of Alice’s Panto Prep
The upstairs theatre of the Pender Island Community Hall was bustling one weekend before Solstice Theatre’s production of Alice in Wonderland came to life in late November.
They had already sold out of tickets for several of its four performances of the pantomime – a farcical adaptation of the classic tale – and the enthusiasm of its cast and crew had reached the same level as their awaiting audience.
More than a dozen hustling bodies had gathered by 9 am this Sunday, readying the site to host one final week of rehearsals, to be held for the first time in full costumes and in front of finished sets that turned the once-simple stage into a slice of Wonderland.
The Alice in Wonderland Pantomime, originally written by Ben Crocker and locally directed by Karen Parker, featured more than two dozen of Pender’s most talented actors, and nearly as many others lending a hand behind the scenes.
Those gathered this day were not just the actors and organizers, but also stagehands, set designers, costumers and well-intentioned family and friends. Each of them hurried about, pitching in as best they could as the stage was set.
Thick boards featuring a groovy set design, hand painted by Bob Barradell, were carried into the Hall’s second-floor theatre by hand, fastened together and stood tall to complete an unforgettable backdrop.
A rack of costumes, lovingly crafted and curated by Caroline Knight, was prepared for the next run-through, while prop boxes were strategically set near the stage for easy retrieval by actors, young and old.
The soundtrack of the day was conversation, occasionally interrupted by direction from the more experienced volunteers and gentle gossip between the show’s teenaged stars, who shifted from labour to laughter as the day went on.
Some adults were swept up by the magic of the moment and acted similarly as they prepared the set according to plans months in the making. And within hours, the once-bare stage had been transformed into Wonderland – massive mushrooms and smiling flowers dotting the background, while one large clock hung at centre stage, ready to tick towards a very important date.
The rest of the day was spent running through the paces, giving those responsible for the gentle choreography of stage management a chance to practice their steps. Nearly 10 hours after the first of them had arrived, the cast and crew called wrapped for the day and went home, one day closer to curtain.
Casting Call: Spring Comedy Halfway There
Have you had a secret yearning to be the next Cate Blanchett or George Clooney? Do you have a desire for grease paint and treading the boards? Then this may be your chance. Come out and read for a part in Solstice’s spring comedy, Halfway There. There are four female roles and one male role in this delightful comedic romp. Auditions will be on Tuesday, December 16 at 6:30 pm in the lounge at the Community Hall. Come one, come all.
PIJazz
How the season has zoomed by! We’re in full swing (sorry) on Tuesday evenings at the school. Our new members have really hit the ground running and have provided us all an opportunity to get into our repertoire in really great detail.
We’re always open to new members as we continue our Fall season: You know who you are. Give us a holler with any questions. Keep up to date at ptarmiganarts.org/programs. We hope to see you soon.
Musical Musings: Music Is Useless.
What practical use is music? As the proud owner of a degree that focused a great deal on 20th century art music for the saxophone, I should know useless. Indeed, I can now have learned discussions on the Dubois Concerto or the Villa Lobos Fantasia with about nine people in the world, and that’s fun. Or the moral question of whether or not transcribing Alban Berg for jazz band is okay. Or the subtle difference between playing George Crumb versus locking four rabid racoons inside a burning piano.
Sure, I’m playing devil’s advocate, and I’ll stop because it strikes me that the lightbringer already has battalions of barristers on retainer.*
This time of year is an especially great example of the utility of music. We come together in joy and song and ceremony as families and congregations light the lights and reaffirm our communities in song. When the season is over, I’m always struck with a little sadness that we need to wait another year for our seasonal music to return. So seize the season. Go to a church or community center concert or service and soak up the joy. Go to a school or a gurdwara or temple and enjoy the diversity of our Canadian traditions.
And please, please, please ensure your music is made by humans. It’s one of the most beautiful things we do, and AI slop just doesn’t have that seasonal ‘zing’.
*Just watch the news. Or not – that’s likely healthier.
Ptarmigan Arts
The 2025 Pender Island Short Film Festival hosted a full house last month! We want to extend a huge thank you to our festival coordinator David Ohnona, the incredible filmmakers who shared their stories, Kraken Underground for providing the snacks, and everyone who came out to enjoy the event.
December brings a lighter event calendar as we head into the holidays, but we’re excited to highlight a special student performance coming this month. This fall we had the pleasure of collaborating with Ben McConchie on an afterschool music program for students in both elementary and high school.
Jr and Sr Contemporary Music Ensemble Debut Performance
Friday, December 19, 12 pm
Community Hall
Our Ptarmigan Arts Contemporary Music Ensembles directed by Ben McConchie, Junior Band (Grades 4-7), above, and Senior Band (Grades 8-12), below, take the Community Gathering stage to celebrate the spirit of creativity and collaboration that makes music education thrive on the Gulf Islands. From the timeless melodies of The Beatles’ Abbey Road to the dreamy grooves of Men I Trust, and from the anthemic power of The Tragically Hip to the soaring vocals of 4 Non Blondes, this concert bridges generations and genres with youthful energy and heart.
Behind the music, students are learning to read notation and lead sheets, harmonize with vocals and find their creative voice through songwriting, improvisation, and ensemble work. They’re developing musicianship by jamming together, performing improvised solos and exploring diverse styles. Come cheer on our young musicians as they share the music they love – a mix of classic rock, Canadian icons and modern indie sounds – all performed with the joy, courage, and artistry that define Ptarmigan Arts.
Weekly Community Gatherings
Fridays, 12 – 1pm
Community Hall
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.
On December 5, father-daughter duo, Greg and Lizzie Beattie will be singing originals and cozy Christmas covers to kick off the holiday season. Carrie Graham will join us on December 12, playing a mix of folky acoustic pop on guitar and vocals. On December 19, Pender School’s Jr and Sr Contemporary Music Ensembles will take the stage sharing the music they love. Finally, on December 26, Austin Davies, one of Pender’s most soulful keyboard players, will be performing all your favourite holiday tunes.
Art in the Library: Call for Submissions
Submissions open until February 28.
We are proud to partner with the Pender Islands Public Library on Art in the Library. The library is currently accepting submissions from local artists to showcase their work as part of the 2026 exhibition season. This is a wonderful opportunity to have your work displayed so folks can enjoy it as they search for their next great read. For all the submission details and to apply please visit the library website
(sgicl.bc.libraries.coop/series/art-in-the-library).
Happy Holidays!
Three on the Tree Production Society
With the end of the year upon us, Three on the Tree is gearing up for our most spectacular event of the year! Our annual Magic Lake Lantern Festival will take place on December 31. It’s a participatory, all ages, free, New Years Eve event that celebrates our community, the seasons, and the way they are represented in the beautiful location of Pender Island.
We celebrate the movement from darkness of winter into the light of the new year, starting with a parade at dusk where handmade lanterns follow a procession from the ballpark to the front of the lake. A short performance will then unfold on land and in the water with fire dancers, stilt walkers, puppets, shadow dancers, and a kayak ballet. Remember to dress warmly and while we encourage all ages, please leave your furry friends at home.
If you would like to participate in the parade, the assembly point is the Danny Martin Ball Park at 4:30 pm. Only those with a lantern, a costume, or accompanying a youth with a lantern will be invited to walk in the procession. The parade will leave at 5 pm with a performance to follow upon arrival at the front of the lake. For any other participants who are watching only, please meet us at the lake front. Please note that there will be a road closure at this time and a reroute to access Magic Lake Estates. We will post a map of the closure on Facebook for those in need of more details.
We have plans to host lantern making workshops at the Community Hall on December 27 (4 – 7 pm), 28 (11 am – 6 pm), and 29 (1 – 6 pm) which are open to all ages. Those under 12 will need a guardian to help out but we recommend coming as a group because that’s the most creative and fun way to make a lantern! We also advise you to expect to spend a minimum of 2 hours for a simple lantern. Prepare to get a little messy and please bring a donation if you enjoy the programming. Also expect to leave your lantern overnight for pick up the next day for maximum success.
If you would like to get connected with us about the event, we are very enthusiastically looking for volunteers. If you are creative or just want to support with clean up, set up or hot chocolate serving we would love your assistance.
Looking forward to seeing many of you with your creations in the parade!
Community
Community Hall
Pender Island Recreation and Agricultural Hall Association
If you have been to a Friday lunch recently, you may have noticed our very young helpers learning to run the café, offering to bring drinks to tables, and assisting with the pre-lunch activity. These seven-to- 10-year-olds are part of the Youth Leadership Program, as are the older participants who help make the food on Thursday nights. If you have a young person who enjoys learning and wants to be helpful, we have an opportunity for them.
It’s the season of giving, and with your support, our Community Hall continues to be a vibrant, welcoming hub for everyone. Every activity, program, and improvement we offer is made possible through community generosity, whether that’s volunteer time or financial contributions. If you appreciate what the Community Hall brings to the island and would like to donate, we are currently fundraising for:
- Youth Leadership Programs
- Hall Improvements and Upgrades
- Children’s Camps and Programs
- Landscaping
Donations over $25 are eligible for a charitable tax receipt. If you’d like your contribution directed to a specific project, just let us know. Otherwise, we’ll put it toward the area of greatest need.
If funds are tight or you prefer hands-on involvement, we always welcome volunteers to help keep the Hall thriving. Let us know how you’d like to get involved.
Child and Youth Programs
To register, go to: http://www.penderislands.org/registrations
Hall Heroes Club
Ages 5+
Fridays, 10 am – 1:30 pm
Calling all young heroes! Start your day on a mission at the Hall Heroes Club, where kids use their superpowers of creativity, kindness, and leadership to make a difference in our community. Guided by Hall Leaders, each week is a new adventure – you might help in the café or with lunch, make decorations and decorate the hall, share a cool skill, mentor a younger person, plan out and lead an activity, interview someone… Younger heroes, ages 5 – 7/ 8 will need a buddy. Bring your own, or we can pair you with one (limited availability). Registration required. Free.
Friday Kids Club
Ages 5 – 12
Fridays, 1:30 – 4 pm
Every Friday afternoon brings a mix of hands-on fun, from creative projects and tasty treats to games and adventures outdoors. Registration required. Suggested $5-$10 per day.
Dungeons & Dragons Adventures
Ages 11 – 18. Free.
Fridays, 1:30 – 4 pm
Adventurers wanted! Guided by youth from our Youth Leadership Program, you’ll join a party of heroes, create your own character, and let the roll of the dice decide your fate. Whether you’re a seasoned dungeon crawler or brand new to the game, there’s always a seat at the table for you.
Youth Culinary Skills Training.
Ages 12 – 18 (10+ if child has a Food Safe Certificate)
Thursdays, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
January 1 – March 26 (12 classes, no class Feb 19)
April 2 – June 25 (11 classes, no class April 9, May 22)
Youth come together to plan and prepare a meal that will be served at the Friday Community Gathering. Participants gain hands-on kitchen skills, working as a team in a supportive, fun environment. Bring an apron, writing materials and a snack; a snack will also be provided. This program is run in partnership with the SGI Neighbourhood House. Registration required. Free.
Youth Leadership Program
Ages 10 – 18
Join this fun and skill-building program. Depending on your age and interests, you can learn how to do things like run the Community Café, help at special events, make posters, be a caretaker of the Community Hall, assist with activities, organize and lead activities, mentor younger or less experienced youth, help older people with technology, photograph events and activities, help cook or bake for community lunch and many other areas, all while developing skills and getting great experience. Come in on a Friday or Saturday between 10 – 1 pm and talk to Andrea. Free.
Paid Youth Internship
Open to students 12 – 17 years old, this skill building program allows participants to earn while they learn. Interns can build up skills in areas such as Café Management, Event Assistance, Activity Leadership (including the Friday Kids Camp), or basic Building Maintenance and Office Assistance. Interns receive an honorarium (like a wage) starting at $5 hour and can earn up to $500 per year.
Significant training and ongoing support will be offered as needed and by request. Hours are adaptable to accommodate school and life but are typically 6 – 8 hours per month. For more information go to: penderislands.org/opportunities/youth-opportunities or stop by the Hall and ask to speak to Andrea.
Activities
Holiday Cookie Exchange
December 19, 3 – 5 pm
Join us for a festive cookie swap & social. Bring your homemade cookies to share, your recipe (for allergies) and your own container and leave with an assortment of cookies. We will have a kids cookie decorating station. Open to all.
Carpet Bowling
Wednesdays, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Australian rules Carpet Bowling offers mild to moderate exercise, a bit of friendly competition and great fun. No special clothing is needed except clean flat soled shoes. Recommended drop in is $2.
Fun for Everyone
Fridays 11 am – 12 pm
All ages are welcome at this weekly activity, proudly run by our youngest volunteers.
December 5 – Make Christmas Cards
December 12 – Make Cardboard Gingerbread Decorations
December 19 – Cookie Making (for the afternoon cookie exchange)
December 26 – Puzzles and Games
Café Français
Are you interested in joining a Café Français where you can practice your conversational French in a relaxed, friendly setting? We are putting together an interest list so that we can decide on a day and time. If you have moderate or higher French skills and are interested, please contact us at the Hall as below.
FILMS
A Christmas Story (1983)
Monday, December 15, 2:15 pm
Set in December 1940, this beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of young Ralphie Parker, a spirited boy navigating the joys and challenges of a small-town Christmas. He dreams of receiving the perfect gift, a Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle, while dodging a schoolyard bully and navigating life with his cranky father and doting mother. Nostalgic, heartwarming, and filled with gentle humour, this classic evokes the warmth and simplicity of Christmases past. 1 hour 34 minutes.
Kids Club Matinee: The Grinch (2018)
Friday December 19, 1:30 pm
The Grinch and his loyal dog, Max, live a solitary existence inside a cave on Mount Crumpet. His main source of aggravation comes during Christmastime when his neighbours in Whoville celebrate the holidays with a bang. When the Whos decide to make Christmas bigger and brighter, the disgruntled Grinch realizes there is one way to gain peace and quiet. With help from Max, the green grump hatches a scheme to pose as Santa Claus, steal Christmas and silence the Whos’ holiday cheer once and for all. 1 hour 30 minutes. Please register for the Kids Club if you plan to drop off a child 12 or under.
The Holiday
Monday, December 29, 2:15 pm
See Community Support Programs for description.
MARKETS
Yuletide Market
Saturdays until December 20, 10 am – 2 pm
Discover the magic of the season at our weekly Yuletide Market. Browse the beautiful creations of over 40 local artisans, crafters, and artists, and treat yourself to delicious fresh fare. Don’t miss the youth-run café serving up special holiday drinks and enter the gift basket draw for a chance to win a sampling of the works of the vendors.
Winter and Spring Market registrations are open; these will run from December 27 to May 9 from 10 am – 1 pm.
Volunteers
We are looking for volunteers for films, Comfort Center, advertising and office support as well as activity leaders and Youth Leadership Program Mentors. All training will be provided. Email if you are interested in volunteering or need more information.
Featured Volunteer Opportunity: Child & Youth Mentors
Some of our littlest helpers (5 – 8 year olds) are looking for buddies who can help guide and support them on Fridays. Mentors may help them learn things like serving in the café, making decorations for the Hall, gardening, repairing small things, interviewing community members, or even solving computer issues for older kids. We’re also seeking people who might share a skill or story: first aid, arts and crafts, sewing, woodworking, music, or any other talent. If you’d like to be a role model, lend a hand, or show us how to do something, we’d love to have you.
Dragonfly Child Care & Family Resource Centre
Pender Island Child Care Society
Winter Closure
December 19 to January 4
We will be closed for Winter Break from December 19, until January 4. Our last day of childcare will be Thursday, December 18, 2025 and we will return with Parents and Babes on Monday, January 5. We wish everyone a delightful holiday season, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the new year.
Parents and Babes
December 1, 8, and 15, 9 am
Dragonfly Centre
Parents and Babes is a free drop-in program that runs every Monday morning from 9 – 11:30 am at Dragonfly (we will be closed on December 22 and 29 for winter break). Parents, caregivers and their children have an opportunity to enjoy a healthy snack, play with age-appropriate toys, and have time to socialize with other families. Join facilitator Pamela Wadge for a relaxed and cozy morning in a welcoming space. Thanks to Victoria Foundation and Pender Island Child Care Society this program is free.
Dad N’ Me Pancake Breakfast
We will be back at it in the new year to bring all the dads, uncles, friends and their little ones a delicious pancake breakfast. Stay tuned for our January date.
Family Counseling Sessions
December 1 and 15, 12:30 pm
Dragonfly Centre
Scheduled 1:1 counseling sessions are held twice a month in a confidential space while your child/ren is cared for by an educator. Registered counselor Geneva Jacobs brings a compassionate and curiosity-led approach as she accompanies you in navigating your way toward a more fulfilling and empowered life. Thank you to Victoria Foundation for their support of this program. For more information or to reserve your space please contact Pam. Note that we will be closed on December 29 for Winter Break.
Healthy Opportunities for Preschoolers (HOP)
December 3, 10, and 17, 9:00 am
School Gym
Come on out and join facilitator Kristin every Wednesday morning from 9 -10:15am in the school gym as she sets up new activities each week (we will be closed on December 24 and 31 for winter break). We’ll have tunnels, plasma cars, crash mats, balancing and obstacle courses, and lots of balls and toys for your little one to enjoy. 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 Islands School and the CRD, this program is free.
If you would like further information on Dragonfly activities, please contact me or check our website.
Gulf Islands Food Co-op
Some of our Board members and volunteers having a planning meeting on Mayne Island in November.
The Gulf Islands Food Co-op would like to thank all their funders, partners, and volunteers who helped deliver all our projects in 2025 – Thank you to the whole team:
Board and Volunteers
Pender – Joann Cottrell, Wendi Lopatecki, Madelin Emery, Roz Kempe
Mayne – Kristine Webber, Jean-Daniel Cusin, Shelley Melville
Galiano – Chelsea Murphy
Saturna – Heather Michaud
Funders: Capital Regional District, Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Partners: Food Banks on all four islands, Farmers’ Institutes (Pender and Galiano), SGI Community Resource Centre, Pender Community Hall, Pender Conservancy, Mayne Island Agricultural Society, SGI Community Libraries on all four islands.
Below is a quick summary of our work this year, and we’re already busy writing grants for next year. We are a team that loves local food and farmers and has fun working together – to learn more or join us, email us.
Food Banks
Donated $3400 to all four food banks to purchase locally grown produce, supporting our vulnerable residents as well as our local food-growing heroes.
Co-op Sales Tables
Supported produce sales tables on three islands, generating over $12,000 in sales for our small-scale food growers, and keeping dollars cycling within the community – EVERY food grower is needed for our collective food security.
Seed Libraries
Supported all four seed libraries to continue providing FREE locally adapted seeds to growers; and supported six community seed sharing and seed cleaning events.
Garden to Plate workshops
Supported three workshops on Mayne Island to inspire the community to use local foods, and to grow and harvest their own produce – all to increase self-reliance.
Farm Tours and Water Workshops
Brought together farmers to walk and talk on three farm tours, and two Water Workshops, all helping to create connections and share skills.
Wishing everyone a wonderful winter season.
Moving Around Pender (MAP)
Monty and Molly’s Trails
Monty and Molly’s trails are seeing increased traffic. These trails are two of a group of trails that MAP has helped to develop in collaboration with property owners. These are on the property of Karl Hamson and start at the Community Hall. Monty’s trail, named after one of Karl’s Labrador Retrievers, goes from the Hall toward the Nu-tu-Yu where it hooks up with Molly’s trail (another Labrador) to wend up a ridge on Karl’s farm before returning to the Hall. A map showing the trails has been installed at the Hall and is reproduced here. It is recommended that the trails be followed clockwise; start on Monty’s Trail to link to Molly’s Trail. The trail is well signposted this way but is harder to follow in a counterclockwise direction.
Schooner Way – School Trail
Work has already begun on Phase Two of the Schooner Way – School Trail.
The idea for this trail originated with Moving Around Pender and was made a reality by the action of Pender Island’s Parks and Recreation Commission. They applied for and received one million dollars from BC’s Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program. However, the success of the grant was dependent on demonstrating community support and our community contributed over $125,000. This is a great illustration of how a community can leverage government funding by local grass roots action and the demonstration of community commitment.
The trail from Danny Martin Ball Park to the Health Centre and school will allow pedestrians and cyclists to walk or ride from the park to the school, and back again. The phase 2 section will run from the north side of the entrance to Medicine Beach up the east-side of Aldridge Road. The trail will then turn right and follow along Canal Road on the south side to the entrance of the Health Centre. A cross walk will be created between the entrance of the Health Centre and the entrance of the Pender School.
The aim is to have the trail completed by the Spring of 2026.
Nu-to-Yu
Pender Island Community Service Society
Our annual kids-only shopping day is to be held on Sunday December 7 from 11 am to 1 pm. This special two-hour store opening allows children to come in and shop without their adults present. We will serve hot drinks to those parents and guardians waiting outside and hope to see you there! It’s a jolly time.
This year, we’ll also be open on Boxing Day from 10 am to 4 pm. After that, the store will be closed until January 9. We will not be accepting donations until January 6, so please do not leave items in our donation area at the back of the store over the holidays.
Thanks to Mike Gray and Tru Value’s Spirit Board, you can donate your 1% to the construction of the new Nu-to-Yu building. When you’re checking out, consider donating your 1% to #33.
At our October meeting, our members came together to review grant applications made for local groups. Each application was carefully reviewed for alignment with our purpose of supporting health care services and other worthy causes that directly benefit the Pender Islands community. After a lively debate, we voted to grant funds to Pender Island Community Choir Society for restoration and repair of their piano; to Ptarmigan Arts Society for multi-media equipment for live streaming and documenting community performances; Solstice Theatre for a set production projector; and Santa’s SAC for holiday hampers, toys for children, food cards and senior gift packages.
We’d like to take this moment to celebrate Pam Petrie. Pam served on our board of directors for over 20 years. She and her husband Jim have been instrumental in so many of the improvements at the store over the years, along with spearheading the plans for our new store and we’d like to thank them both for their service to the community. Pam recently finished her tenure as “Past President” on our board and continues to be a very active member with our society.
Our limited edition “Tin Lizzy” t-shirts are available in the store for $38 or $34 for PICSS members. Consider one of these for someone on your gift list.
Your donations are what keeps our store stocked with items and this is what makes money available for community projects. We accept your donations on Tuesday 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; clothes should be freshly laundered and not stained or in need of repair. If you’re donating bed sheets, we would greatly appreciate a note indicating what size the sheet is as our basement area is small and it’s difficult to measure bigger sheets on our small table. Any hardware, small appliances or kitchen equipment should be in clean usable condition with all relevant cords or remotes taped to the appliance itself. We appreciate your patience and understanding that our volunteers must inspect all donations before we can accept them in order to be sure the donation is something we can sell. For a full list of what we cannot accept, please refer to our website.
Pender Roadshow
A portrait of Kathryn Hepburn donated to the Nu-to-Yu.
The Story of Kathryn Hepburn and the Nu-To-Yu
Kathryn Hepburn came into Nu-To-Yu last week – sort of. While organizing items kindly donated to Nu-To-Yu, I came across a beautiful framed print of Kathryn Hepburn. It was a lovely image, and the back of the print had a story as well.
The print was a copy of a painting Hepburn loved. The original 28” x 46” painting hung in her New York City apartment for years but now resides in the Historical Society Archives Building in Old Saybrook Connecticut. In her later years, Hepburn’s advisers suggested she donate the painting to the Smithsonian, but she preferred it stay in the town where she grew up, lived, retired, and where she eventually passed away.
The original painting was created by Myfanwy Pavelic in 1988. Mentored by Emily Carr from the age of six, Pavelic became known as one Canada’s great portraitists. Glen Gould, Segovia, Pierre Trudeau, Ravi Shankar, and Rostropovich all sat for Pavelic. Yehudi Menuhin, a close friend of Pavelic in 1997 conducted a benefit concert with the Victoria Symphony in her honour. In 2007, a CBC article noted Hepburn was a close friend with Pavelic. For this portrait, Hepburn visited Pavelic at her home in North Saanich and sat on the stairs leading down to the water, a script lying on the steps at her feet.
Now the back story. On the back of the frame was a clear small transparent sleeve that held four envelopes each containing a letter. The post office cancellation marks were from 1989, 90, and 91. Two of the letters were sent from New York N.Y. and two from Poughkeepsie N.Y. Two of the letters were sent to an address in Esquimalt and two to Scarff Road here on Pender. All four were sent to the same person. The letters were on the letterhead of Katherine Houghton Hepburn and were typewritten and signed in ink by Hepburn. None were form letters and it was clear from the content that more letters had been exchanged.
I didn’t recognize the recipient’s name and began to dig a bit further hoping to speak to her to explore this story. Many long-term Pender residents work as volunteers at Nu-To-Yu, a veritable treasure trove of Pender knowledge but the name didn’t ring any bells. Brent Marsden helped solve this part of the puzzle. Unfortunately, the letters recipient had passed away a few years ago but fortunately her daughter is still on Pender and very active in the community.
Mistakes happen. Many of us have experienced the task of dealing with house contents of a family member, friend, or neighbours when they pass. It can be overwhelming and things get missed. In this instance the donor was unaware of the letters attached to the back of the Hepburn print, so I returned them. Although the donation had value in monetary terms to Nu-To-Yu, the value to her daughter was more important.
Thank you to all you Penderites for your support and donations. We are such a strong community.
Pender Earth
The Climate Cafe in November was a mismash of ideas on actions that could be undertaken on Pender to better prepare our community for climate disasters as well as much discussion about the Islands Trust and changes to the Trust Policy Statement.
The Trust has provided a survey to the general public. Participants noted that the questions are vague and there is little room to actually comment on each question. Climate issues are minimally addressed and feedback seems to be discouraged. The goal of community engagement is defeated by this survey. The group discussed how governments are failing their electorate on all levels and it is up to communities to fill in the gaps. You can find the survey here: tinyurl.com/trust-survey.
In November, we also had our Community Conversations with Rob Botterell. Spirited discussion focused on the housing crisis, transportation issues, and the destruction of old growth. As always, it was an informative session on the boundaries between provincial and Island Trust responsibilities and a reminder of how much our local Trustees’ roles have an impact on the quality of island life.
As per usual, we will also be facilitating the climate cafe on December 5 at 9:30 am in the cafe at the Community Hall. All are welcome.
Pender Island Chamber of Commerce
Strategic planning session at Bridgemans Bistro.
This fall, we welcomed our newest member, the Magic Lake Property Owners’ Society, a long-standing community organization that manages local properties and advocates for residents of Magic Lake. The society is just one of many non-profits that are Chamber members. Their participation reflects the interconnected nature of life on Pender. Businesses and community groups all rely on each other, and the Chamber helps create a space where those connections can thrive.
We have also received the new Pender Island Visitors Guide and Map, which will soon be racked on BC Ferries, and we are in the midst of redesigning our website, which we plan to launch soon.
On October 25, the Chamber board held a strategic planning session with consultant Deb McClelland of OnBoard Training. The board focused on clarifying our core services and shaping a refreshed mission, vision, and set of core values. We identified three priority areas to guide our work from 2026 through 2028. At the time of writing, the board was reviewing these for final approval. Next, we will develop tactical plans for six objectives, two under each priority area, to put these goals into action.
Our Winter Social takes place on December 4. Members and community partners will have a chance to connect and celebrate the season. We will share highlights from the event in the January issue.
The Chamber continues to represent island businesses and community organizations on the BC Ferries working group for the Otter Bay Terminal upgrade. BC Ferries recently announced that the five-day berth closure will take place March 6-10, 2026, with water taxi service operating between Otter Bay Marina and Swartz Bay. This timing creates challenges for many tourism operators and local businesses.
We encourage businesses and organizations likely to be affected to raise their voices with the Chamber and directly with the project engagement team. Find project updates at bcferriesprojects.ca/ob.
We are also preparing the 2026 budget, updating our board skills matrix, and finalizing the board nomination package and application form. Anyone interested in serving on the board can contact me or nominations committee members Carolyn Danco or Melody Pender.
Looking ahead to spring 2026, we will seek volunteers to help at the Visitors Centre and maintain our community events calendar.
Check out our advertisement showcasing Chamber members on page 4. We wish everyone a connected and safe holiday season on Pender Island and look forward to an exciting year ahead.
Pender Islands Conservancy
A family of river otters at Thieves Bay was just one of many wildlife detections during the Adventure Lab outing with Pender Conservancy. Photo: Adam Miller.
Exploring Pender is Even More Fun with Adventure Lab
Geocaching and birding go well together – especially on a beautiful autumn morning in November. Starting at Thieves Bay, our group began to explore a relatively new geocaching off-shoot, known as Adventure Labs. In this activity, participants follow a set of coordinates and an online map to reach five different locations. At those locations participants answer questions by investigating their surroundings.
We started with the “Oceanside Benches of North Pender” adventure – a five-stop geocaching tour of coastal benches located at Thieves Bay, Boat Nook, Plumper Way, Roe Islet and Welcome Bay. We began by wandering down to the breakwater at Thieves Bay to locate a cement bench where we were asked to find the type of salmon the bench is dedicated to.
Our second stop was Boat Nook, where the Adventure Lab question referenced the beautiful orca tile display. Then, it was off to find a small bench with a wonderful view of Plumper Sound, where we were required to count specific objects. We didn’t get to Roe Islet, due to the high tide, or Welcome Bay, due to the distance, but those destinations could be saved for another day. Instead, we headed all the way down to Gowlland Point where the “Brooks Point Regional Park” Adventure Lab is located.
There are four Adventure Labs on Pender – Medicine Beach and the Disc Golf Park also have them. Of course, while we were trying out this new activity, we were keenly aware of the birds and mammals in each area. Thieves Bay provided excellent views of various gulls, including the short-billed, glaucous-winged, California and the Bonaparte’s gull whose acrobatics were on display.
Our visit to Boat Nook began with a pileated fly-over and included good views of an otter family swimming and chirping in the cove. Plumper Sound featured a single otter chowing down on a shellfish right below us, while a whirling, raucous, ball of gulls and cormorants cavorted over what we figured was a herring ball.
A benefit of Adventure Lab over traditional geocaching is that there aren’t any real-world, hidden containers involved. That makes the activity far less intrusive, as cachers don’t need to search through vegetation and terrain to locate an object, often going off the trail and possibly disturbing the surroundings. Adventure Lab takes people to a wider variety of places where traditional caches are not allowed and often feature questions that encourage an awareness of local culture, history, and the environment. The low-impact Brook’s Point adventure includes a stroll and consideration of the beacon, the bat house, the boardwalk, the point and the cool map located over Gowlland Beach.
We were down to three people as we wandered the park to spot black oystercatchers, harlequin ducks, golden-crowned sparrows, Pacific wrens, an ancient murrelet, a rhinoceros auklet, and the usual mix of gulls and cormorants. All in all, a very wonderful way to spend a gorgeous fall morning on Pender.
Make Protecting Pender Your Gift this December
With your help, Pender Conservancy has protected more than 175 acres (70 ha) of land over the past four years that will be preserved, restored and stewarded forever. Every invasive plant removed, every native seedling planted and every acre of nature sanctuary brings us closer to a thriving ecosystem that builds community resilience in the face of climate change.
This year-end, your support for Pender Islands Conservancy will go twice as far. A generous donor has pledged to match donations up to $10,000, turning your contribution into double the conservation action. Imagine: your $50 becomes $100 for wetland creation. Your $200 becomes $400 for habitat restoration. Your $500 becomes $1000 for future land purchases.
Please help unlock the full $20,000 potential before December 31st. Every dollar doubled is another square meter restored, another native plant in the ground, another step toward a healthier, more resilient Pender. Donate on the Conservancy website: penderconservancy.org.
Shop Local this Holiday Season: Conservancy Nature Centre Notes
Whether you’re giving the gift of conservation through a donation to our annual matching campaign, or you’re looking for locally made treasures for family and friends, you can do both in person by visiting our Nature Centre at Hope Bay. Community support for our gift shop has allowed us to reinvest $67,000 back into the community through local vendors in 2025, in addition to helping support our restoration and education programs. Check out the selection of unique gift ideas in our shop and give the gift of community and conservation this year.
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year … For Birders
We’re calling birders – novice and experienced alike – to don your boots and binoculars for this year’s Christmas Bird Count. On Sunday December 14, teams will count every bird they see or hear on Pender Island in an effort to help conservation scientists track bird populations around North America. Not only is this an important citizen-science effort, it’s a genuinely fun day out in nature with fellow feather-forward folks. To end the day, share birding stories and enjoy a meal by joining us for a post-count potluck at the Hope Bay Bible Camp, starting at 5 pm. (Bring food to share, as well as your own dishes and utensils for easier clean up.) For more information or to join this year’s Christmas Bird Count, email Steve Dunsmuir at sdunsmuir@gmail.com.
But first: Sharpen your winter birding skills with our Winter Birding Brush-up on Saturday December 6. This is your opportunity to explore with other birders, prepare yourself for the Christmas Bird Count, and see what amazing birds we can spot out on the water, among the hedgerows, and in the autumn trees that give the area so much wonderful colour. No experience is necessary, and we welcome people of all ages. This is a great opportunity to learn from experienced birders, share your fascinating bird stories, ask questions, or just have fun outside, whether you plan to join the Christmas Bird Count or not.
The terrain we will cover is basically flat and our stroll along the road will be methodically slow and less than a kilometre. After meeting outside the Nature Centre, we’ll scan the bay from the pier, then take a wander up the road along the estuary. We’ll also check out the surrounding fields while sharing tips and tricks that can help you find and identify more birds this winter. Upon returning to our starting point, we can visit Pender Chocolates for a hot beverage and other treats and peruse the Nature Centre for great Christmas gift ideas.
Save the Date: Young birders take note! This season’s Christmas Bird Count 4 Kids will be on Saturday January 3, starting at 9 am at the Hope Bay Bible Camp. Join us for bird-themed activities, an outdoor birding adventure, followed by hot drinks and snacks. For families and aspiring young birders of all ages. Email Steve Dunsmuir at sdunsmuir@gmail.com for more information.
Adam’s Nursery Notes
Christmas Tree Sale
December 6 and 13
I never liked buying cut Christmas trees. I know what you’re thinking, here comes a tree hugger’s rant about the evils of cutting down trees. Nope. That doesn’t really have anything to do with it … I’m cheap! If I can buy a living tree in a pot, bring it in every Christmas for 3 to 5 years and then plant it somewhere, I’d save a bundle.
So, that’s what I’ve been doing for 15 years and I love it. A live Christmas tree has other benefits, too. Fewer needles drop all over the place and the soil-filled pot is heavy enough to stay upright when the cat climbs into the tree. It also feels like a Christmas tree accumulates memories and good vibes from time spent with us inside (except back in ‘09 when I gave my wife a gym membership for Christmas). When it comes time to plant the tree in your yard, it holds onto all that positive energy, which then stays in your family for generations … now, THAT’S a tree hugger’s rant.
Keeping a living, potted tree as a Christmas tree is easy if you follow some basic steps. Don’t keep it inside for too long – 10 days is generally okay. Try to keep it away from direct heat. Some light is great, but not critical as the tree can survive without photosynthesis for a short period of time. Keep your tree well watered and use a saucer or pot dish under the container to catch any excess water. But never leave the drainage holes submerged. Placing ice cubes on the soil surface cools the roots and keeps them moist, without overwatering. After Christmas move the tree outside, keep it in part-shade and water as needed. Living Christmas trees are a great money-saver and we just happen to have them for sale at Pender Native Plants. We’re closed December and January, but the nursery will be open for two Christmas tree (and other native plant) sale days: December 6 and 13 from 10 am – 2 pm. Or, order ahead (shoot me an email) to reserve your tree. Last year we sold out, so order ahead or come early. We’ll also be serving warm beverages so come on down to 4506 Bedwell Harbour Road and find your perfect live Christmas tree.
Pender Island Emergency Program
It is a Friday morning in September. The island is going about its daily routines. At 9:30 am, a 7.2 earthquake strikes offshore…”
This was the beginning of the scenario presented to Pender’s Emergency Program by Area Emergency Management Lead Brigitte Prochaska at our recent tabletop exercise held at Fire Hall #1. The purpose of the exercise was to assess and improve our community’s readiness, response, and recovery capabilities following this earthquake. Joining the Emergency Program’s duty officers, neighbourhood program, communications, and ESS (Emergency Support Services) were representatives from Pender Island Fire Rescue, RCMP, BC Emergency Health Services, the Health Clinic, RCM-SAR, and Parks Canada. The CRD joined in via video link. Each of these agencies would be taking part in the response to an earthquake or other emergency,
We broke into groups to discuss the questions posed to us, things like what communications channels are available? How do we communicate with the Emergency Operations Centre and the CRD? How do you prioritize rescue, medical, and damage assessment efforts? How do you alert and direct the public without power or internet? How do you request and manage incoming aid?
There was obviously a lot to consider, and we focused on coordination between local government, emergency services, emergency program volunteers, and off-island support partners.
At the debrief afterwards, everyone agreed that it was good to have representatives from the different agencies together to share their expertise. The importance of the neighbourhood program was made apparent, as was the need for personal preparedness. In a major earthquake that affects the entire region, we will likely be on our own for days, so having a plan and backup supplies is essential for each of us.
And speaking of supplies, Christmas is coming, so what about giving your loved ones something that could keep them safe in an emergency? A crank/battery/solar powered radio/flashlight/phone charging unit makes a great gift. You can never have too many flashlights. How about a fire blanket? Rechargeable light bulbs will stay lit for several hours if you lose power. An emergency sleeping bag in your car can keep you warm if you’re stranded on the road. There are lots of possibilities. For more gift hints, or for information about Pender’s emergency program, please email piecc@crd.bc.ca.
From all of us in the Emergency Program, have a very happy – and safe – holiday season.
Pender Island Fire Rescue
Hello Pender Islands. As of November 14, our members had responded to 292 emergency calls this year.
December features several events where you can see our members in the community. Starting December 6, we will be at Hope Bay for the arrival of the Santa Ship. On December 13, from 11 am to 3 pm, we will be at the Driftwood Centre, shaking the boot and collecting cash donations for Santa’s Sac, as well as food donations for the Pender Island Food Bank.
And on December 31, we will be at the Magic lake Lantern Festival, helping to keep the event safe for everyone attending, so please keep that night in mind if you need to be driving in and out of the Magic Lake area, as there will be temporary road closures and detours in place.
As December arrives on Pender Island, it’s essential to stay prepared for the unique winter conditions of the Southern Gulf Islands. Storms, power outages, limited ferry schedules, and our rural roads can all add challenges this time of year. Let’s stay safe, connected, and ready.
Weather & Power Outage Preparedness
Winter storms can bring strong winds, fallen trees, and island-wide outages. Keep flashlights, extra batteries, and chargers readily available. Know the locations of warming centres or neighbours who can help if needed, and stock essentials early, as they may be sold out or generally unavailable during heavy weather.
Road & Walking Safety
Roads like Canal, Pirates, and Port Washington can have narrow shoulders, become slick from rain, frost, and organic debris. Drive slowly, especially in shaded areas where black ice is likely to form. Watch for deer – visibility is lower during dark December morning and evening commutes. When walking, use reflective clothing or lights.
Storm and Property Readiness
Secure outdoor items that can blow away during windstorms. Clear gutters and check drainage – heavy rain can overwhelm low-lying areas, creating pooling or flooding on driveways and trails. For those using wood heat: burn seasoned wood, have your chimneys cleaned annually, and keep fire extinguishers accessible.
Community and Wellness
Check in on neighbours, especially seniors or those in remote areas. Community support is one of Pender’s strengths. The holiday season can feel isolating for some – reach out, stay connected, and take care of your own mental wellness.
Emergency Preparedness
Review your household emergency plan, especially considering potential ferry delays. Keep vehicles and generators topped off with fuel and have an emergency/grab-and-go kit on hand. Also, ensure that your address markers are present and clearly visible to first responders.
Let’s work together as a community to keep Pender Island safe, resilient, and well-prepared for December. Ensure your home smoke and CO2 detectors are tested monthly and are less than ten years old.
From everyone at Pender Island Fire Rescue, we all wish you a happy and cheerful holiday season.
Pender Island Food Bank Society
Looking Back on a Stressful, Successful Year
As the holiday season approaches, the Pender Island Food Bank wants to wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday filled with family, friends and healthy, nutritious food. The end of the year is a good time to look back on the past year with its opportunities and challenges, and to look forward to the new year.
This past year has been a busy, successful, yet stressful year at the food bank. The ongoing housing crisis for Penderites and the ever-increasing cost of food have resulted in a 41% increase in food bank usage from 2024. For clients and for those of us who volunteer at the food bank, the extra stress brought on by the uncertainty of food supply and tariffs made everyone uneasy.
Even with that as the backdrop, however, the Pender community rallied. We received record-breaking amounts of fresh fruit and veggies from Pender farmers and gardeners and had a very successful fall fundraising activity anchored around our Thanksgiving food and funds drive.
In 2025, the Pender Island Food Bank became one of the first small food banks to receive accreditation from Food Banks Canada for implementing the Standards of Excellence; we launched a seniors’ food hamper program; and we hired our first staff person (part-time) to help ease the burden on the amazing volunteers. We are proud to be a certified BC living wage employer.
Each Friday morning, when we open the doors of the food bank, we are delighted that we have fully stocked shelves with food staples and an amazing selection of fresh produce, dairy, and proteins. A giving community, cheerful, dedicated volunteers, and kind and grateful clients fill us with hope.
Our wishes for the New Year include more abundant, affordable housing, universal basic income, increases in disability payments, more employers who pay living wages, a significant drop in food prices, increased food sovereignty for our little island community, and decreased food insecurity.
We know that everyone needs a little help sometimes. If you need the support of the food bank, please visit us on Friday morning between 9 am and 12 pm (in the upper back of the Anglican Church hall at 4703 Canal Road) or email us.
If you can help us out through Spirit Board points (#9), a donation of non-perishable food or a monetary gift we welcome your support. Food donations (non-perishable, within best before date, undamaged) can be brought to the food bank during our Friday hours or deposited in the box by the cashiers in Tru Value. Financial donations can be made by e-transfer (penderislandfoodbank@gmail.com) or through one of the online donation platforms: Zeffy.com (charges no administration fee), Charitable Impact, or Canada Helps. Monetary donations receive a charitable tax receipt.
Pender Island Health Care Society
Minister of Health Josie Osborne, MLA Rob Botterell, and Health Care Society President Bruce Waygood at the Health Centre in November
Funding Shortfall Meeting Well Attended
Thank You For Making Your Voices Heard – And Keep Writing
At the full-house Public Information Meeting on October 18, residents were asked to write letters to the Minister of Health, requesting attention to and solutions for the $200,000 shortfall in provincial funding for our primary and urgent care.
And write you did!
Within days, scores of letters from Penderites began arriving in the inbox of the Honourable Josie Osborne. And on Saturday, November 1, we were very pleased to welcome her arrival by water taxi to meet with some members of the Health Care Society and the Executive Director. Luckily, the weather cooperated. Sincere thanks is due to Rob Botterell, MLA, who was instrumental in organizing the trip, and who also attended the afternoon session.
After Executive Director Jane Harrison gave the visitors a guided tour of the Health Centre, the Medical Clinic and the Urgent Treatment Room, there was a frank roundtable discussion of the issues, the problems and potential solutions. The Minister paid close attention and expressed her appreciation for the opportunity for dialogue. We thank her for coming, for her attentiveness, and for her desire and determination to see a solution.
As a result of the visit, the Society is looking for an accelerated effort by Island Health’s executive level to understand and address the funding shortfall. Of course, nothing happens as fast as we would like, but Pender is now not only on the radar, but also in active conversation with Island Health executives, and we’ll continue to press, advocate, and meet with ‘the powers that be’ to work toward sustainable solutions.
So far (at the time of deadline for this issue), the Minister of Health has received 150 letters from Pender. As many of the letters represent multiple-person households and not just one resident, your expressions of concern reflect a strong community response. Please, keep writing those letters. Help us stay on her radar.
Major points to highlight in letters include: a) there is inadequate provincial overhead funding, resulting in no rental payments from Island Health for the medical clinic; b) there are no rental payments from Island Health for the urgent care room; c) make it personal – explain why or how the clinic/health centre is important to you; and d) a reminder that primary care is a provincial responsibility. A personal letter carries more weight than a form letter.
The combined shortfall in funding is close to $200,000 per year. Primary care shouldn’t have to rely on grants or donations; we’d prefer to use those funds for much-needed improvements to the Health Centre.
Letters can be addressed to:
Minister of Health, the Honourable Josie Osborne at HLTH.Minister@gov.bc.ca
And copied to MLA Rob Botterell at Rob.Botterell.MLA@leg.bc.ca and to MP Elizabeth May at Elizabeth.May.C1@parl.gc.ca
A Reminder – Changes to the Lab Schedule
Lab appointments now begin at 9:30 am and run through until 2:30 pm, two days a week. This is an increase in service hours and improves the work conditions and availability of Island Health staff having to travel from Victoria.
Mental Health in the Dark Months
December – unpredictable weather, holiday preparations, long dark nights, and for some, a melancholy or sadness. For many people, holidays are stressful – whether it’s memories of those no longer with us, the high cost of living, or bombardment with non-stop cheery (or cheesy) messages. Shorter daylight hours in the winter can be tied to changes in mood, altered sleep and eating habits, as well as depression, social withdrawal and trouble focusing. What can we do to mitigate some of these? Try any or all of these: get outside daily, move your body (walk, dance, stretch), aim for healthy eating and good sleep, nurture your hobbies, connect with community, friends or family, limit screen time and situations that cause you stress, and be gentle with yourself. Nobody’s perfect. This season, give yourself the gift of self-care, and reach out if you need help.
Glancing Back and Looking Ahead
2025 has been a full, productive and busy year for the Health Care Society and the Health Centre. The clinic hosted a two-day course in Comprehensive Rural Emergency Care, the community welcomed Drs. John Faul and Sam Marriage, Dr. Knight was able to ‘retire,’ Saturna began receiving primary care services from Dr. Bruce Rebner and Nurse Practitioner Lee-Ann Jespersen, more building improvements were made, some amazing staff and volunteers moved on to other things, and some enthusiastic new faces arrived, various programs saw change and growth, and a thousand other happenings. As always, we are grateful to live, work and volunteer in this remarkable community, and we look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead in 2026.
Sincere season’s greetings to all, and our very best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year.
Community Support Programs
Maintain Your Independence (MYI) Exercise Classes
Class descriptions, times, registration (not required) and payment can all be found on our website under the Community Programs tab. Monday classes are held at the Community Hall, and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday classes are held at the Anglican Church in the Fireside Room. If the cost is a hardship, or you need help with registration, contact Marcella in the Community Support office. We acknowledge the support of the Pender Island Parks and Recreation Commission for the MYI program.
Mondays
Until December 15
Community Hall
Self-led Resistance Band Strength Class
9 – 10 am
This space is dedicated to seniors who want to stay active, improve mobility, and build strength at their own pace. No instructor is present, but we provide resistance bands for your workout. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle.
18 Postures with Judith Young
10:15 – 11:15 am
18 postures is a martial art similar to tai chi but done to music. The movements are slow and calming, focusing on breathing and stretching. There are 3 sets about 10 minutes each, and a set of acupuncture points on the hands.
Tuesdays
Until December 16
Anglican Church, Fireside Room
Moderate Yoga with Mia Klassen
9:30 – 10:30 am
This moderately paced class teaches foundational yoga shapes, introducing breath and the ability to flow from one posture to the next with a focus on alignment, pranayama (awareness of breath), guided meditation, and a rooted sense of joy and play. You will build strength and mobility, flexibility and balance, while gaining range of motion in your joints and spine.
Chair Yoga with Candace Aldridge
10:45 – 11:45 am
Chair Yoga offers a gentle, accessible way to ease stiffness, reduce chronic pain, and improve strength, balance, and flexibility – all from the comfort of a chair. This practice weaves together gentle stretching, strength-building, breath awareness, and moments of meditation to support both body and mind. Ideal for those with limited mobility, injuries, health conditions, or anyone who spends long hours sitting, Chair Yoga helps you reclaim confidence and vitality while fostering brain-body connection.
Essentrics with Heather Hanson
12 – 1 pm
A slow to medium paced full-body workout that simultaneously stretches and strengthens every muscle in the body. Essentrics reduces muscle tension, unlocks tight joints, develops lean muscle tone, and improves posture. You will leave class feeling relaxed and energized. Bring a yoga mat. Class is done in bare feet.
Thursdays
Until December 18
Anglican Church, Fireside Room
Moderate Yoga with Candace Aldridge
9:30 – 10:30 am
(See Tuesdays for descriptions)
Chair Yoga with Shelley Easthope
10:45 – 11:45 am
(See Tuesdays for descriptions)
Fridays
Until December 19
Anglican Church, Fireside Room
Yin Yoga with Candace Aldridge
10:30 – 11:30 am
Yin yoga is a functional, floor-based practice where shapes are held for 2-5 minutes. Using props for support, we nourish joints, ligaments, bones, and fascia while settling into stillness. This stillness becomes a gateway, bringing awareness inward and anchoring us in the body. Through mindfulness, breath, and sensation, we develop interoception –the ability to turn inward, integrate, and explore our shadow. This practice expands our capacity to be fully embodied, releasing the need to do, be, or look like anyone else, embracing ourselves exactly as we are.
Monday Activity Day
Community Hall
See Calendar for a full schedule including lunch menus.
Weekly Activities and Exercise
Drop-in Café and Knitting and Stitching Circle
9 am – 12 pm
Geriatric Kung-Fu with Tom
1 – 2 pm
Caregivers Support Group
1:30 – 3 pm
A discreet caregiving support group offering understanding and shared experiences.
Special Activities
December 1
Book Club with Cee
This month’s book discussion is The Seed Keepers by Diane Wilson. Relax, meet new friends, join in good conversation, and discover great books together.
Swedish Woven Heart Ornaments & Paper Snowflakes
Folded fabric pieces make a woven heart shape, a classic Swedish design. These cute, decorative heart ‘baskets’ can hang on your tree, hold a gift card, and be added to a parcel as a tag, or whatever you wish. Paper snowflakes at the holidays are a must in many homes. This 3D pleated paper design is a twist on the flat ones we all made in school. Bring fabric scissors, paper scissors, a marking pencil, a straight edge/small ruler. All fabric and paper supplies are provided. Advanced registration and payment required $10.
Pop Up Card Workshop
Join us for two creative sessions where you’ll design pop-up cards and tags for any occasion. Please bring a ruler, scissors and a UHU glue stick, we’ll provide all the other supplies. Advanced Registration $5, facilitated by Gillian and Audrey.
December 8
Pop Up Card Workshop
See December 1.
Pender Kindness Club and Mini-Wreath Workshop
Join us today to assemble 20 festive gift-mug packages for local seniors. Veronica will lead a quick mini-wreath workshop so we can add a handmade touch to each wrapped mug. Jump in to craft wreaths, pack mugs, or both. The Pender Kindness Club is all about small, heartfelt acts that lift our community. Think: group baking for the food bank, guerrilla gardening on our trails, and more. Bring your ideas, we’d love to dream up future kindness projects together.
The Adventure of a Lifetime Part 3 of 3
Relive the adventure of a lifetime with Judy and Urs Boxler when they decided to travel from Central Europe to Australia overland, and with ships in a Volkswagen camper van in 1977-78. Their trip lasted 16 months. Part 3 will continue with their journey through Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Burma and Indonesia. The presentation will cover scenery, cityscapes, people, cultural and archaeological highlights and enduring treasures, as well as unique travel adventures and challenges.
December 15
Christmas Recipe Exchange
Join us for a cup of tea after lunch and share your favourite holiday recipe. Please bring copies of your recipe to share with the group and tell us why it’s one of your favourites.
Film: A Christmas Story
In the 1940’s, a young boy named Ralphie Parker attempts to convince his parents, teacher, and Santa Claus that a Red Ryder Range 200 Shot BB gun really is the perfect Christmas gift. Suggested donation is $5. Volunteers are welcome to make popcorn.
December 22
Christmas Lunch
Advanced registration is required, just $15. Our popular turkey lunch is back, featuring Chef Andrew’s turkey with all the trimmings. Enjoy classic carols, fun door prizes, and a festive afternoon.
December 29
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.
Paper Lantern Workshop
Three on a Tree will be hosting the workshop in the afternoon until 6 p.m. This will be the last day to make a lantern at the community hall. All materials provided by donation.
Film: The Holiday
2:15 pm
This is a classic rom com about two women from the United States and England who swap homes for the holidays and find love. Starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Jack Black. Suggested donation is $5. Volunteers are welcome to make popcorn.
Go to sginh.ca/seniors-program and scroll down to Monday Activity to register. E-transfer to finance@sginh.ca.
Acts of Kindness/Gratitude
Why Kindness Matters Most
Life on a small island moves at its own pace; slower, more personal, and deeply connected. As winter settles in and the days grow short, it’s easy to feel the weight of rainy skies and long evenings. But here’s the beauty of island life: we have the power to brighten those dark days for each other, and it doesn’t take much more than time and thought.
A smile, a wave, holding the door open, or a helping hand can turn someone’s day around.
Imagine neighbours lending a hand to hang holiday lights between rain showers. Moments like these can turn chores into memories.
Other gestures can be just as meaningful such as dropping off a plate of cookies to someone who lives alone, offering to walk a neighbor’s dog on a stormy day, leaving a small handmade gift for someone who’s helped you out this year, or simply checking in with a quick phone call. These small acts say, “You matter,” and that message means more to us than anything else.
The benefits ripple outward. For those on the receiving end, it’s a reminder they’re valued and connected. For those giving, science tells us acts of kindness reduce stress, boost happiness, and strengthens relationships. In short, it feels good to do good and every kind act makes our island stronger.
This season let’s celebrate what makes our community special: laughter, smiles, kind words, hugs, neighbours who care, who share their time and talents. Because in the end, the greatest gift isn’t under the tree, it’s each other. And maybe a few carols sung off-key. Definitely cookies.
Do you have a memory of a small act of kindness that changed you for the better? I would love to hear from you.
Pender Islands Lions Club
Holiday Cheer & Community Service: December with the Lions
As the year winds down, the Pender Islands Lions Club extends heartfelt thanks to our community for another wonderful year of generosity and service. December is always a special month for us, a time to celebrate together and give back.
Telephone Book
We are so happy to report another very successful year for our Pender Islands Telephone Book. It is now in the hands of our printer Island Graphics, and we hope to distribute it by early January 2026. Our heartfelt thanks to Michel Pelletier, without whom this project would not be possible. Thank you also to both our new and old advertisers who support our efforts and community. Please remember to support our advertisers.
Eye Exams
On November 4, Lions volunteers provided free vision testing for 98 of 104 Pender school children. About 10% will need follow-up from an optometrist.
The Lions fund glasses for any child on Pender Island facing financial barriers; please reach out if support is needed. We also collect old eyeglasses and hearing aids; donation boxes are located at the Health Centre, Western Financial, Tru Value, and Nu-to-Yu.
Santa Ship: 50 Years of Magic
The magic returns to Hope Bay on Saturday, December 6, and this year we’re thrilled to celebrate 50 years of the Santa Ship! Festivities begin at 12:30 pm, with Santa arriving at 1 pm.
The first 100 children to attend will receive wrist jingle bells to ring as Santa comes ashore. Enjoy music, treats, hot chocolate, and a few special surprises to mark this milestone. Kids can drop off a letter to Santa or stop by our letter-writing station, and Santa will write back!
Be sure to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will be handing out toys to all the wonderful children of Pender Island. You can also capture the moment with a photo with Santa. Polaroid pictures are available on-site by donation.
We can’t wait to celebrate this cherished community tradition with you.
Polar Bear Swim
Kick off the new year with a splash at Port Browning on January 1, 2026. Brave swimmers and enthusiastic spectators are all welcome. Collect pledges for your plunge, dress up, and win! Prizes for Most Pledges and Best Costumes. Pledge forms can be found in the Pender Post or contact us by email to request a digital copy.
Afterward, enjoy the delicious Chili Contest, and warm up with some hot chocolate.
Looking Ahead
In 2026 we’ll continue supporting new community projects through our fundraising events. If you’re volunteering to support our great community, consider joining the Lions: we’d love to welcome you. It’s a great way to connect, contribute, and support Pender Island.
Warm holiday wishes to one and all from all of us at the Pender Islands Lions Club.
Pender Island Museum Society
Some of the more than 25 museum volunteers who keep the museum going. (l-r) Elizabeth Preston, Ilse Phillips, Doug Bolton, Teresa Dyck, Dianne Wilson, Kate Waygood, Simone Marler, Frank Trice, Linda Wein and Mamie Hutt-Temoana.
“Once Upon a Pender Christmas” Returns this Month
A recently discovered cover of a December 19, 1900 Christmas concert programme.
We’re back for Christmas 2025.
Last year at this time, the museum decided not to open for our traditional Christmas week special event. Instead, we were busy organizing a series of events to mark the museum’s upcoming 20th Anniversary Year in 2025.
The celebrations began in February with an ambitious exhibition of “Treasures from the Museum Attic” at the golf club. In the summer, for the first time, we welcomed visitors four days per week, Thursday to Sunday. In July, a multi-day extravaganza marked 20 years since the museum first opened to the public on July 16, 2005. Popular cemetery walks and an exhibition of historic Pender paintings at the library rounded out the regular season in October.
And just in time for the holiday season, a special gift arrived. In November, we connected with a descendant of the Colston-Phelps family that settled near Hope Bay starting in 1890. Claire McKay posted photos of an original programme from a community Christmas concert held in 1900 in the first Pender school. We hope to have it on display during Christmas week, along with never-before-seen photos of her ancestors and their remarkable story.
Which brings us to the final event marking this milestone year for the museum. On December 26 – 30, 1 – 4 pm, we’re back with our five-day, “Once Upon a Pender Christmas” special event.
So far this year, a record 3,317 visitors have responded to all the good things happening at the museum. Wouldn’t it be amazing to hit 3,500? As they would say in 1900, family and friends are all “cordially invited” to enjoy a beautifully decorated museum in the historic Roe House, listen to seasonal stories and music, sip a cup of warm apple cider, and revel in memories of a vintage Christmas.
Some of the more than 25 Museum volunteers who keep the museum going. (l-r) Elizabeth Preston, Ilse Phillips, Doug Bolton, Teresa Dyck, Dianne Wilson, Kate Waygood, Simone Marler, Frank Trice, Linda Wein, and Mamie Hutt-Temoana.
A Nod to Museum Volunteers
Of course, we couldn’t do all this without the leadership of our board members and the dedication of volunteers who’ve taken on roles from hosting to transcribing, from cleaning to maintenance. On November 14, we hosted a Volunteer Tea to get together, share stories, and express appreciation.
We’d be remiss not to mention our only paid employee, Ella East, our inimitable summer museum assistant. She’s thriving at St Andrews University in Scotland, just as she did here on Pender. Ella’s also hoping to volunteer during Christmas week. We’re sure she’d love to see everyone!
Pender Island Parks and Recreation Commission
Enjoy a walk on the wet side on the Enchanted Forest Trail on South Pender. Photo: Tim Frick.
Thank You, Helpers
Our community parks and trails are maintained and supported by many local contractors. The grass is mowed, invasives are removed, and stairs and paths are repaired. Projects are coordinated, records are maintained, and the plumbing and wiring associated with running a commission are managed. Thank you to Ben, Dave, Erin, Jamie, Justine, Katie, Kristine, Lori, Rob and Stephen. And I express thanks to our commissioners, who volunteer their time and energy. Thank you Andrea, Cecilia, Cee, Lisa, Paul, Paul, Sandra and Tim.
Bouldering Wall
Patricia and Yaniv, representing the bouldering wall group, presented a project to build a climbing wall to the commission at our November meeting. The project aims to provide a skill building recreational amenity for Pender youth, as well as some of us older folk who wish to climb walls. It is a well considered project needing confirmation of a suitable location and a sponsoring funding agency.
Schooner Trail Phase 2
You may have seen it or been stopped for one lane traffic. Coastal Wolf is breaking apart the rock, and dodging trees in the woods along the road from Medicine Beach to the Health Centre. Construction of Phase 2 of the Schooner Way Trail is now underway.
Bullpen / Batting Cage
Youth Sports volunteers managing Danny Martin Ballpark approached the commission recently to advance the possibility of adding a bullpen and batting cage beside the ball diamond. The thoughts presented to date consider an area roughly 100 m2 (20m x 5m) adjacent to the concession. While further work is required to develop costing and funding, the addition of further amenities at the ballpark seems like a no brainer for the community.
Swimming Hole Dock
Ben is rebuilding the swimming hole dock at the southeast end of Magic Lake, presently assembling the supplies and cutting in the shop (it’s rainy after all). We expect work to be visible in the next couple of months, with a new dock for the 2026 swimming season.
Commissioner Appointments
Two commissioners are at the end of their terms this December 2025. George Leroux and Sandra Tretick will be replaced on the commission by Connie Sears and Kevin Balmer, bringing down the average age of the commissioners. An important job for volunteer commissioners, aside from leaving things in better shape than they found them, is to foster responsible succession. As outgoing Chair and Treasurer, I am encouraged by the potential of these new commissioners.
Next Meeting
Our next meeting is Monday, December 8 at 3:30 pm at the Community Hall. We welcome community members to attend and get involved.
On behalf of Pender Island residents and visitors, we would like to thank George and Sandra for their contributions to the commission, but more importantly to our community. Under their guidance we have seen valuable changes and additions to our community parks and trails. The Magic Lake Picnic area dock, the pump track, the Schooner Way trail and the soon to be Thieves Bay picnic shelter are to be celebrated. Behind the scenes though, the commission is running with great efficiency, and the day-to-day operation of parks and rec is effective and serves the Pender Island community as never before. They have created a legacy that our commission is lucky to carry forward.
Pender Island Public Library
Happy Holiday Season to all and our best wishes for the New Year.
Write A New Chapter – Giving Tuesday
Help the Library thrive by becoming a monthly donor. Did you know that public funding is not enough to keep up with rising costs? We rely on donations from generous community members like you to keep the doors open on this outstanding local resource. Our key values include education and lifelong learning, community connection, access to technology, support for newcomers and vulnerable people, inclusivity and reconciliation, and championing our democracy. Monthly giving is an easy way to support your Library, and donations translate into new books for adults and youth, author reading programs for adults and kids, and updated computer equipment. You can help by donating online through the Library website, using our partner CanadaHelps, an easy and secure method: sign up once, choose a monthly amount, and receive tax receipts promptly. Help us reach our goal of engaging 20 new monthly donors on Giving Tuesday.
“I serve on our dedicated and committed Library Board, and we’re raising funds today to ensure vibrant library services continue to meet local needs. I’ve signed up for monthly giving – join me!” Sarah Stacy, Chairperson.
On Display
Come celebrate the holiday season with our festive decorations, books, DVDs, and puzzles at the Library. Brighten up rainy winter days with tempting holiday cookbooks, colourful activity and craft books, and warm stories for your Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and winter solstice celebrations.
Holiday Book Sale
Thank you to all who donated quality used books and to those who bought books at our November sale – items are still available. We hope you found great books for gifts and for your own enjoyment. Funds raised will be used directly to build amazing collections and programs.
Interlibrary Loans
Due to rising costs, interlibrary loan requests will now be accepted for non-fiction materials only. We will keep this important service operating by focusing on requests for non-fiction educational materials, items that support accessibility needs (hearing, visual, and cognitive needs), including large print books and audiobooks (CD) for all ages, and items that support adult literacy. Remember that you can use your library card to borrow items when visiting any BC public library or drop by for a tech tutoring lesson to connect to 50,000 free e-book titles.
Art in the Library
“Geometry as Metaphor”, by artist and poet Sandy Shreve, paintings (acrylic, oil & cold wax). Sandy shares her latest works created as stunning, colourful geometric abstractions, on exhibit October-December 2025.
New Books
Adult Fiction and Romance
The Hitchhiker in Panama (Liz Alden), Venetian Vespers (John Banville), Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure (Rhys Bowen), The First Witch of Boston (Andrea Catalano), The Marionette (Terry Fallis), Boleyn Traitor (Philippa Gregory), Dinner at the Night Library (Hika Harada), Menu of Happiness (Hisashi Kashiwai), The Ex-Boyfriend’s Favorite Recipe Funeral Committee (Saki Kawashiro), Men in Love (Irvine Welsh)
Adult Mystery and Sci-Fi
Sugar and Spite (M.C. Beaton), The Killing Stones (Ann Cleeves), Nightshade (Michael Connelly), Sharp Force (Patricia Cornwell), The Widow (John Grisham), Final Orbit (Chris Hadfield), The Impossible Fortune (Richard Osman), And to All a Good Bite (David Rosenfelt), Colin Gets Promoted and Dooms the World (Mark Waddell)
Adult Non-Fiction
Cold Joy (Libby DeLana), The Art of Spending Money (Morgan Housel), No Needles Knitting (Vickie Howell), Milk Street Shorts (Christopher Kimball), Bad Indians Book Club (Patty Krawec), Why Brains Need Friends (Ben Rein), Vanished Beyond the Map (Adam Shoalts), Unbreakable (Vonda Wright)
Youth and YA
Run the World Like a Girl (Kate Graham), Together (Elise Gravel), The Sockeye Mother (Brett Huson), Dragonborn (Struan Murray), Little Woodchucks (Nick Offerman), Whale and the Birthday Rocks (Erica Perl), Our World is a Family (Miry Whitehill), Show Us Where You Live, Humpback (Beryl Young)
Library Hours
Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am – 3 pm at 4407 Bedwell Harbour Road. Closed from December 25 to January 1 for winter holiday break.
Pender Island Recycling Society
The Recycling Depot is open year-round, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm. We will be closed this holiday season on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, as well as New Years Day so the staff can enjoy a well-deserved break with loved ones.
The weeks after the holiday are often very busy at the depot, so consider holding on to your recycling until things slow down in early January. Fridays are still the quietest day of the week at the depot – it’s a great time to visit if you’re looking to avoid crowds.
At this time of year, the depot may need to close due to power outage, snow, or high winds. The safety of our staff and visitors to the depot is important to us, so attendants will monitor weather conditions and close accordingly if they feel it is necessary. In the event of a power outage the depot will remain open for about half an hour, unless conditions are deteriorating rapidly. Closures will be posted on our website listed below and on Facebook.
If you have usable holiday décor, gift bags, wrapping paper, or strings of lights please bring them to the depot early this month so we can cycle them back through the community rather than storing for next season. Also please keep our Free Store and Restore in mind if you’re taking stock at home and clearing out unused items. We happily accept donations of functioning small appliances, dishware, housewares, tools, and décor. Please see a staff member before dropping off items for donation.
If you have unusable, broken, or non-functioning items, we will do our best to accept as much as we can through our recycling programs. We strive to provide a full-service depot, with the aim of diverting as much waste as possible from landfill. In addition to our packaging and refundable beverage container recycling, we accept small and large appliances, electric or battery powered tools, electronics, light fixtures, lightbulbs, smoke and CO detectors, thermostats, batteries (household, vehicle, and e-bike), paint and paint containers, motor oil and containers, scrap metal (including barbeques and gas-powered lawnmowers), and non packaging plastic.
Unfortunately, there are always things we cannot accept if there are no current programs to support their diversion. Books are not accepted through RecycleBC’s provincial household packaging program, so we cannot take in books for recycling at this time. We also cannot accept ceramics and glass dishware, as there is no program in place for recycling ceramics or any glass that is not defined as packaging. If you have items such as these that are unusable, Ellice Recycle in Victoria will accept them for a fee based on weight.
We are also not able to accept any hazardous waste for recycling. This includes items such as fuel, fuel canisters, lighters, solvents, pesticides, automotive paint, and paint stripper. These items can be brought to Hartland landfill for safe disposal. The Pender Fire Department currently accepts propane tanks and fuel bottles for a small fee to cover transportation.
Thank you for your support of the recycling depot. We are a non-profit society and rely on the generosity of the community to fund many aspects of our operation. Your support through membership purchases, refundable beverage container donations, backhaul soil orders, and purchases from our Free Store and Reshop helps us continue to provide a high level of service, perform necessary upgrades and depot maintenance, and pay staff a fair living wage. I wish you all the best for the remainder of 2025 and look forward to seeing you all in 2026.
Pender Organic Community Garden Society
Hidatsa red beans
As we draw to the end of 2025, most gardeners are reflecting on what worked and didn’t work this past season with an eye out for 2026. While this is only my second season with the community garden on Pender, I had many years of reflections with my old garden back in Winnipeg.
I often draw inspiration on what I should grow in my garden from one of my mentors, Dr. E. Leigh Syms, the Curator of Archaeology at the Manitoba Museum from 1981 to 2003. Dr. Syms was fascinated by First Nations plant domestication throughout the Americas. He would often share how bland our food would be without the contributions of First Nations peoples. Imagine a diet without corn, potatoes, chocolate, vanilla or tomatoes to name a few.
I worked with Leigh on First Nations plant domestication after I became the Curator of Archaeology in 2003. While never a direct focus of my work, it was always in the back of my mind. Being Ininew (Cree), my career focused on working with Cree communities in northern Manitoba. I worked on projects looking at cooking residue on clay pots that were up to 2,000 years old. On a 700-year-old clay pot from Sipiwesk Lake, just downstream on the Nelson River from my dad’s community of Norway House, the team found evidence of corn and bean phytoliths.
This discovery is surprising since the northern boreal forest doesn’t support the growing of corn and beans. In fact, the closest agriculture at the time would be nearly 1,000 km to the south in the villages on the banks of the Missouri River in the Dakotas suggesting that people traded these items northward.
In Winnipeg, I had great success with the Hidatsa red bean, one of many varieties of beans grown by the Hidatsa Nation in North Dakota but my attempt to grow these here on Pender was met with minimal success. The weather here is much different from the prairies. As I reflect on the garden this year, I wonder what if I started the beans earlier or watered them more frequently. I have more than enough beans from the garden this year to try planting again next year. Perhaps futile, but I do love the thought of growing something that was traded, cooked, and enjoyed by my ancestors 700 years ago.
Best of luck to all gardeners who are dreaming and planning for the 2026 season.
If growing your own produce and joining the Community Garden Society sound like something you would be interested in, send an email to learn more and join our waiting list.
PenderPOD
Left: Split Fin in Boundary Pass in July 2025. Right: Bond and Stitch in the early morning in Boundary Pass. Photos by Kathleen Durant.
A Moment of Silence for J64
J64, the recently born calf to J42 (Echo) is no longer seen with their mother and is most likely deceased. The PenderPOD team held a moment of silence for this sad loss at our regular monthly meeting on November 2 and renewed our commitment to support increased protection for the endangered Southern Resident killer whales.
In just 38 days local media reported two Humpback whales killed by vessel strikes and a third calf seriously wounded. A fourth, Polyphemus, was found dead near Lasqueti Island on November 8; the cause is not yet known. This grim toll includes:
Midnight – a six-year-old male Humpback was fatally struck by BC Ferries’ vessel “Northern Expedition” on September 17 in Wright Sound south of Prince Rupert. Midnight was found by members of the Gitag’at First Nation. The Nation indicated that at least three other Humpbacks have been struck by vessels in Gitag’at territory over the past two years. The Gitag’at call on marine operators, government, and industry to work with Indigenous Nations, scientists, and conservation groups to ensure stronger protections, slower vessel speeds, and better traffic management in whale habitats.
Skipper — a young Humpback calf was struck on October 17 by a Hullo Ferry, a high-speed catamaran taking passengers from Vancouver to Nanaimo. Skipper was subsequently seen with their mom, Zig Zag, a few days later with a deep gash near their dorsal fin. In 2021 Zig Zag’s other young calf, Schooner, survived a ship strike that severed half of the whale’s left tail fluke.
Wisp — On October 23 a whale-watching vessel with the Prince of Whales tour company reported striking a Humpback whale in Howe Sound. Two days later, Jana Nadler, a Squamish First Nations member found Wisp washed ashore at the foot of a cliff on Keats Island. Nadler counsels – “I hope that regardless of what happens that there’s justice for Wisp, and that perhaps there will be changes in regulations that will make our waters safer in Howe Sound.”
Research indicates that most Humpback ship strikes go unreported suggesting that the number of Humpback deaths from strikes could be ten times higher than reported deaths.
But it’s not just Humpbacks that are at risk of death by ship strike. A UBC study shows that vessel strikes on Southern Resident killer whales are more of a threat than previously assumed. Out of a total of nine Southern Resident killer whale carcasses examined, four died because of traumatic incidents.
From our kitchen window we can see Humpbacks feeding on herring balls in Boundary Pass. A note from a Pender member of the SGI Whale Sighting Network reported: “It was humpback highway out there today. Ten different humpbacks at least. Three were sleeping in the shipping lanes for about an hour, very stressful to watch …”
Lance Barrett-Lennard, research scientist with the Raincoast Conservation Foundation, said: “Vessels travelling at high speeds create more noise, which also harms whales. Dangers to whales could be lessened if boats reduced their speeds in known whale “hot spots” and crews increased efforts to spot animals during voyages.”
The Port of Vancouver’s ECHO Program and Ocean Wise’s Whale Report Alert System provide voluntary measures to reduce the impact of vessel noise and ship strikes off BC’s Southwest coast. The Pender sighters with the SGI Whale Sighting Network participate in the voluntary program that alerts commercial vessels when they are within 10 nautical miles of reported whales. Mariners are encouraged to voluntarily reduce their speed. However, this system is specific to Southern Residents and doesn’t address the presence of Humpbacks in the voluntary slow-down areas.
On the East Coast, Transport Canada has introduced a mandatory speed limit to protect the endangered Right whales from ship strikes. This 10-knot speed limit is enforced in dynamic shipping zones triggered when at least one Right whale is detected in the zone.
Boundary Pass and Haro Strait are hot spot feeding areas for the endangered Southern Resident killer whales in the spring and summer, and Humpbacks in the fall. Boundary Pass and Haro Strait are also primary shipping lanes for the Port of Vancouver.
Transport Canada has the authority to make an Interim Order under section 10.1 of the Canada Shipping Act to establish a speed limit in a dynamic shipping zone to protect Southern Residents and Humpbacks. Has the time come for Transport Canada to establish a mandatory 10-knot speed limit when Southern Residents or Humpbacks are in Boundary Pass or Haro Strait?
Royal Canadian Legion
Terry McDonald, John Pender and David Rawlings at the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Legion.
I can’t believe it, I mean, Remembrance Day was just last week and here I am putting pen to paper and wishing you all a very Merry Christmas season. But hey, it’s now or never when you only go to press once a month. Old news is better than no news, I suppose.
Speaking of which, once again Remembrance Day is in the rear-view mirror. There is always such a hectic build up to the Legion’s biggest day of the year with ordering of supplies, organizing poppy tagging, setting up displays, contacting participants for a myriad of duties including poppy stations, the Candlelight service, laying of wreaths, and a guest speaker (OK I bailed on that one).
Did I mention going to town for even more supplies, finding a crew to make sandwiches, cleaning up the cenotaph, driveway and parking lot, making sure we have enough candles and then waking up in the wee hours of November 10 thinking “no we don’t” and then realizing several sleepless hours later that “yes, thank God we do!”
But it’s too late now, I’ll never make up that lost sleep, it’s mid-day and I’m in a trance blowing leaves and mud off the driveway while (thank God) Bruce Hall is a whirling dervish with his atomic powered blower scattering everything else that isn’t nailed down on the property to a land that is not the Legion’s.
Now it is somehow 1 pm and I am in uniform, talking to over 100 Pender Island school children and a scattering of adults, when I start thinking about friends lost in years gone by and ones just days ago, and I start blubbering. I can just hear the kids telling their parents, “Gee Mom, you should have seen it when the old guy lost it”. Oh well! Next there was just picking up the liquor order and the lighting of the 140 candles at 4:30 pm and the subsequent blowing out of them around 9 pm (thanks to Melody and her sister Kathy for taking over this duty while I tried to get some sleep).
First off, I would just like to apologize to all those people who were offended by the crazed individual running around the Legion property sticking his nose into things other people were handling just fine – my only excuse is “I’m a nut” …and overtired. Somehow the service inside and out went well and no one was actually hurt during the making of this event – so that was a good thing! Finally, before I could sit down and have a sandwich and a beverage we had one more service to go, down at the Grover Sargeant Memorial Cairn just off Clam Bay Rd. This also went well with two pipers and some of our military and several Legion members attending…thanks to Peter and Lisa for dishing up the shortbread after our march.
In another 10 months we’ll start working on the next one. Special thanks go out to so many people who make November 11 a success, including Colin Denton who is our main man with organizing all things to do with poppy tagging and coordinating the school kids with their posters and poems which we display each year on the Legion walls; some of our poppy income goes to the children as prizes every year.
Thanks also to Rutger Kamphuis for the live streaming (you can still view our Remembrance Day ceremonies on Pender Island Facebook if you have the inclination), Ralph Little our bugler, Larry Dempster and the Pender Highlanders (featuring Jack Martin), the aforementioned Mr. Hall, our ladies in the kitchen (Lorette, Daune, Barb P, Laura M and Catherine D.), Nia Williams, Kathy Curtis, David Rawlings, Terry McDonald, Dave Schissler, Gracie Greenall, PI Firefighters, our RCMP members (past and present) and all of you for honouring our veterans.
Meat draws happen every Saturday at 4 pm with turkey draws on December 6, 13, and 20. Bingo on December 13 at 1 pm and no general meeting this month.
We have openings for our 2026 Executive – if you would like to be part of our team let me know and we will welcome you aboard. We need some Executives at Large, and a Secretary.
Finally, Duncan Batty died this past month and the world is a whole lot poorer for his passing – at least mine is! See the obituaries.
Outer Gulf Islands RCMP
Local RCMP officers participated in the Pender Island Remembrance Day ceremony this year, continuing a tradition of honoring service to Canada alongside veterans, emergency services, and Legion Members. It was a good turnout this year with lots of families, friends, and young ones in attendance.
As we approach the holiday season, we want to remind everyone to stay safe no matter what is on the agenda. The holiday season is a peak time for scammers, who exploit the rush and distraction of shopping, travel, and charitable giving. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe:
- Buy from only trusted online retailers. Stick to well-known websites or check reviews before purchasing from new sellers.
- Look for HTTPS. Ensure the website uses encryption (the padlock icon in your browser).
- Beware of fake deals. If a price looks too good to be true, it probably is.
- Ignore fake shipping texts/emails. Scammers send messages claiming delivery issues to steal your info.
- Track packages through official apps. Always verify delivery updates directly with the courier.
- Use credit cards, not debit. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection.
- Legitimate businesses will never ask you to pay with gift cards.
- Don’t shop on public wifi. Hackers can intercept your data on unsecured networks.
- If you aren’t sure about something, some red flags to look out for can include:
- Pressure to act quickly (limited time offer)
- Requests for unusual payment methods (gift cards, wire transfers, e-transfers.)
- Messages with spelling errors or suspicious links.
- The best defense against holiday fraud is slowing down, verifying before paying and staying skeptical of unsolicited messages. Scammers thrive on urgency and distraction – don’t give them a chance.
For the period of October 19 to November 15 the RCMP responded to 31 calls for service, which was down from 42 for the same period in 2024.
The holiday season is a time of celebration, but it also brings unique challenges for police. Police services across the country and beyond step up enforcement efforts to keep communities safe, focusing on impaired driving, crime prevention, and public safety.
Please celebrate responsibly this holiday season – never drink and drive, your safety and others depend on it.
Happy holidays!
SDA’,YES Truth and Reconciliation Circle
The SDA’,YES Truth and Reconciliation Circle met after The Pender Post deadline in November.
Our plan was to orient recent members to our ten-year history of learning about the residential school system and the ongoing impact of colonial laws on Indigenous people in Canada.
As well, we have developed respectful relationships with members of the W̱SÁNEĆ First Nations whose unceded island Homeland we live on.
One of our projects is to learn greetings and phrases in the SENĆOŦEN language. SDA,’YES means “wind drying” and refers to drying salmon caught in the reef net fishery near the opening to Bedwell Harbour.
Our meetings are on the third Wednesday of alternate months. The Circle meets again on January 21, 4 to 6 pm at the Anglican Hall or possibly by Zoom. Watch for information in the January edition of The Pender Post or contact me for information.
SGI Community Resource Centre
Sustainable Funding Initiative
We’ve been busy over here at the Sustainable Funding Initiative this fall.
In October, Taryn Danford and Astrid Niemann-Zajac walked us through a thoughtful and engaging Instagram Intensive Workshop. Thank you to all of our participants.
Our First Aid course, facilitated by Alert First Aid, was also a great success. We were thrilled to help seven youth and five local businesses/organizations get their staff certified in Basic First Aid and CPR. Congratulations, everyone.
In November, Alison Brewin and Aimée Lindenberger facilitated an engaging, hands-on workshop on Legacy Giving for 20 participants from across the region at the Tides Cottages. So many great conversations and opportunities for collaboration emerged.
Looking ahead: we have some exciting workshops on Project Management, Board Governance, and AI planned for the new year. Please visit linktr.ee/sgisfi for the most up-to-date information and while you’re there, sign up for our monthly newsletter.
We are always looking for workshop facilitators. If you are interested in leading a session or if you have any ideas for workshops you would like to see the SFI offer, please contact us at islandsupport@sgicrc.ca.
What a Year for Housing NOW
As we close out 2025, we want to thank every community member, homeowner, and partner who has supported Housing NOW. Together, we’ve strengthened our islands by turning compassion and collaboration into real housing opportunities.
With your support, Housing NOW has created 59 co-housing rental opportunities across all five islands. In just two years, the successful matches represented a community-generated housing value of over $3.9 million in construction costs – a powerful example of what’s possible when we work together to create solutions close to home. Here’s to another year of building sustainable, inclusive housing together.
Dining in the Dark – Coming Soon
Keep an eye out for updates on the rebranded and refreshed Dining in the Dark: Volume 1 cookbook – a community favourite, getting a new look and a timely focus on storm season and lights-out preparedness. Plans are underway blending island creativity with real-world resilience.
Winter has arrived, bringing with it the warmth and togetherness of the holiday season. Take time to enjoy the special events, markets, and activities happening across the islands, and make an extra effort to gather with friends, family, and neighbours. Cozy up by the fire with a warm drink, reflect on all we have to be grateful for, and celebrate what we’ve accomplished together this year.
This is also a wonderful time to give back by choosing to buy local and support the businesses, makers, and artisans who make our community unique. If you’re planning to spend this season, spend where it matters – right here at home, supporting the local vendors who sustain and enrich our community.
Wishing you a joyful, peaceful, and connected holiday season!
SGI Neighbourhood House
Computer Savvy Seniors
The SGI Neighbourhood House’s Computer Savvy Seniors program helps older adults across the Southern Gulf Islands build confidence and stay connected in an increasingly digital world. Through patient, one-on-one support, seniors learn practical skills such as using email, navigating online services, accessing virtual health care, and staying in touch with family and friends – reducing isolation and increasing independence. To suggest a workshop topic or to make an appointment with a support person on your island, please contact our office at 250-629-3665.
Southern Gulf Islands Community Justice Program
The holidays can be a wonderful time of connection with family, friends, and neighbours… but they can also bring stress, tension, and communication breakdowns.
In November, the SGI Community Justice Program hosted a Zoom Peace Circle focused on mending relationships. Participants reflected on what repair can look like in our families, workplaces, and communities, and many shared how meaningful it was to have a safe, supportive space to talk.
As we move into the holiday season, we want to remind our community that conflict is normal – and that it can be a doorway to growth and deeper connection, and you don’t have to walk through it alone. The CJP offers circles for relationship repair, neighbour issues, youth matters, and community-building conversations.
Join us in the new year for more online community conversations. If you or someone you know could benefit from a supportive conversation space, please reach out at cjp@sginh.ca.
Giving Tuesday
December 2 is Giving Tuesday, a global call to generosity – a day to pause after the rush of Black Friday and Cyber Monday and give back to the causes that hold our communities together. Across the Southern Gulf Islands, the SGI Neighbourhood House provides essential programs that nourish, connect, and uplift people of all ages on Pender, Mayne, Galiano, and Saturna.
Your Giving Tuesday contribution stays right here in our island region, supporting food security programs, seniors’ digital literacy workshops, youth leadership opportunities, and the staff and volunteers who make this work possible. Whether it’s $150 to help provide meals for local seniors, $250 to support youth programming, $500 to keep elders connected, or a leadership gift that strengthens services across all four islands, your generosity makes a lasting difference. This Giving Tuesday, help us build kinder, healthier, more resilient islands—donate at sginh.ca/donate-now.
As we move into the holiday season, we are reminded that the greatest gifts aren’t wrapped—they’re shared. The gift of community, connection, and compassion is what makes the Southern Gulf Islands such a special place to call home. Thank you for supporting one another, for showing up in big and small ways, and for helping ensure our islands remain caring, resilient, and deeply connected. Wishing everyone a warm, joyful season filled with kindness and community spirit.
South Pender Historical Society
Lydia Hol in concert at the Church of the Good Shepherd.
A full house at the Church of the Good Shepherd delighted in listening to amazing singer/songwriter Lydia Hol on November 14. She was backed up by two amazing instrumentalists, Vancouver based Leathan Milne on guitar and our own South Pender Evan Cheadle on bass guitar. Following the show we all socialized around the firepit at the back of the church, enjoying home made cookies and hot apple cider. Everyone who attended loved the show and we hope Lydia and guests will be back soon.
Christmas Eve Singalong 2024.
Our next event will be the Christmas Eve singalong at the Church of the Good Shepherd starting at 4 pm on December 24. We are excited to announce that Ben McConchie and Waylon Lapp will lead us in the singalong with other possible guests joining them. This will be our ninth annual singalong and for those of you who have not been to one before, we sing carols for the first hour or so, including a mix of traditional pieces, children’s favorites, and more contemporary pieces with a favorite reading thrown in. Everyone has a homemade songbook with the words, and the audience just lets us know what they want to sing next. Very informal and lots of fun. For those preferring to sing outside, there will be speakers set up with canopies to shield you from the falling snow, and a toasty fire in the firepit to huddle around. After the singalong we socialize around the firepit and enjoy Christmas goodies and hot apple cider once more. A great way to welcome in Santa on Christmas Eve. We encourage all of you to come out and enjoy the festive season with us, and welcome in a very Merry Christmas.
Recreation & Leisure
CanBoat
Pender Island Squadron
Coming on the heels of our successful Marty Tilley course, our Pender Squadron is working on providing Recreational Vessel Courtesy Checks for Pender mariners. We are working with Transport Canada on the forms, documents, and general guidance for this process. Our launch date is planned for spring 2026, coinciding with Boating Safety Week. The checks include an in-water inspection of your vessel’s safety equipment and suggestions for any corrective actions. Much easier than being stopped by the Coast Guard/RCMP and more convenient as well.
Given the approaching holiday period, we are planning a Member Appreciation event for after the Christmas season. Tentative date is mid to late February and a likely site would be the Legion. We are planning to have this during daylight hours to avoid driving in the dark, so mark your calendars.
My perusal of slips in Pender marinas reminded me that the boating season has ended for many participants. Hopefully we collectively continue to keep an eye on all docked vessels, and the land denizens are tarped and safe from winter elements. While the waters may be stilled (or roiled depending on the day) there are lots of festive activities to keep us occupied.
The Oak Bay Squadron is hosting a Christmas gathering for CanBoat members at the BC Aviation Museum on December 5 starting at 6 pm. I attended a previous session and can report that a tour of the aviation facilities is captivating. The air museum provides seasoned tour leaders for the duration of Oak Bay’s party and their knowledge and pride are on display. Non-alcoholic drinks and food are served, and this year’s guest speaker will offer a presentation titled Cruising Beyond the Gulf Islands. It’s sure to be fun and Oak Bay members have proven to be open and welcoming. With any luck you may even encounter our very own Tony Merry who was still active with the museum on my visit two years ago.
Further afield, the Vancouver Boat Show is scheduled for January 14-18. Those new to boating and those of us suffering from “2-foot crisis” will encounter all sorts of temptations. Prices are still to be announced but will probably be near last year’s daily rates of $20/adult and $17 for seniors. Multi-day tickets are a smidge higher should you be tempted to test the waters.
Our next board meeting will be in January as several Bridge members are visiting family. I will skip next month’s Pender Post report and recommence in 2026. In the meantime, we wish you safe travels whether on waters or highways and look forward to returning in the new year.
Pender Island Disc Golf Society
From left to right: Alex Fraser, Graham Garlick, Steve Dunsmuir
A misty, November Saturday in the rain forest proved to be a wonderful venue for the first ever tournament at the Red-Tail disc golf course on North Pender. Playing from the challenging gold tees, fifteen intrepid discers enjoyed a round of Singles in the morning, followed by 18 more holes of Doubles in the afternoon.
Former Pender resident, Graham Garlick, made the journey from Salt Spring to win the singles event, shooting a -8 for a score of 46. John Bowers, one to the top players on Pender, finished in second with a score of -5/49, while Jamie Bennett, of Vancouver, came in third with a score of -4/50.
After a hearty lunch, a chance to warm up, and a change to drier footwear, the group returned to the course for Doubles – with pairs determined by the Singles scores from the morning. As luck would have it, last year’s doubles winners, Steve Dunsmuir and Alex Fraser, ended up playing together and managed to eke out a win by one stroke (-8/46) over John Bowers and his partner Deanna Johnson (-7/47), of Vancouver.
Nobody was able to hit an ace during the two rounds, so the Ace Pot was shifted over to the Closest-to-the-Pin competition on Holes 1 and 18. Graham Garlick managed to win on both holes, coming within two meters of each basket, to claim a double victory. He graciously donated half the pot back to the course and headed back to Salt Spring with his ferry costs well-covered.
It was great to experience a mix of off-islanders and locals, as our six visitors played well alongside Pender people and everyone seemed to get along famously. The tee boxes were a bit muddy and slick, but the course received rave reviews from almost everyone who came out for a day of Autumn Gold. Next up is the “Winter Blues” tournament on January 10, as we have some fun from the Blue tees where almost every drive is an ace run.
Steve Dunsmuir
discgolfisland.com
Janice Levy led our indoor planter session in November.
Pender Island Garden Club
Our November meeting was a demonstration of an indoor, tropical planter. We make outdoor planters with a variety of different plants. We can also make an indoor planter with the same idea. The recipe starts with thrillers, fillers and spillers. A thriller is a dramatic statement plant, usually placed in the centre. Fillers can be textured, coloured, rounded or mounded. Spillers are trailing plants that hang over the edge of the planter. It’s best to use plants that have the same requirements, dry conditions or higher humidity.
Indoor plants are not overly demanding but they need to have clean leaves, or photosynthesis cannot occur properly. Wipe with a damp cloth or give a gentle, room temperature shower. Fuzzy leaves can be brushed with a small, soft brush.
Start with good soil. Good drainage is crucial. It is recommended to add two parts perlite to the commercial potting mix. Then water when the soil is dry to the touch about one inch down. Overwatering is the main killer of houseplants.
Pests like spider mites and aphids need to be treated. Look under the leaves on a regular basis. A simple magnifying glass is useful. Spider mites are very small and hard to see. By the time the webs are visible it is usually too late to help the plant. There are simple commercial products available that are not toxic.
Prune as needed for shape, yellow or spent blooms, and to encourage bushy growth. Plants need the right amount of light, a bright window or even a grow light. Move plants with the seasons. Some can go outside in the summer, just be sure to check carefully for pests in the fall when they are moved inside.
A lot of the plants we see on our tropical vacations in the Canadian winter can be grown inside here. Check the box stores tropical sections for plants on sale that can often be bargains to bring back to life with some care.
The Garden Club December meeting is Thursday, December 11 at the Community Hall, 1 pm. It will be making a Christmas centrepiece with Judith, followed by beverages and snacks.
Compliments of the Festive Season to all and may your plants grow well.
Pender Island Otters Swim Club
This year, Halloween landed on a Friday, and our coaches put together a fun-filled day of Halloween games and races. And, the games also used the skills we are all learning, and perfecting, so there was purpose as well as fun behind them. We had ‘pumpkin’ relays, witch hat races, zombie rolling races and swimming with bat wings. Lots of laughter was heard throughout our time at the pool, and a few quizzical glances came our way from the swimmers in the public lanes. One even asked me how swimming with bat wings was and my answer was – HARD!
Many thanks to our coaches for coming up with new ideas and making the day really fun. Our next event on December 5 will be a Swim-a-thon to help support our club. Our swimmers who choose to participate will be collecting pledges towards how many laps they can do within a defined time length. For Juniors, Senior and Walrus (adult) swimmers it will be an hour, and for the Pups, it will be half an hour. So, if an Otter swimmer comes up and asks for a pledge, I do hope lots of folks will support their efforts.
We hope to get some photos from that event too. Our fall session ends on December 12, and we take a break over the holidays until the new year. We are just waiting for confirmation from Panorama pool if we can start on January 2 or wait til January 9. Panorama is again closing late March until almost the end of April for their annual pool maintenance, so our spring session will be a little shorter, but we will swim as many weeks as we can. Registration information for the 2026 spring session will be coming shortly. Happy holidays to everyone!
Weather Observations for October
October is the beginning of our rainy season with an average rainfall more than double the September average. More than 100 mm of rain in October is quite usual and even 200 mm sometimes, but no snow. The most rain I have ever recorded on Pender in a month was 291.8 mm in October 2003 and 291.8 mm in November 2009. Temperature in October does not usually get higher than 20C. October 2025 was not one of our wettest Octobers but it was just above average and after a dry summer it seemed like a lot of rain.
This has been one of the most colourful autumns I can remember. We had some beautiful red maple leaves and one of the most striking features was the colour yellow which seemed to be everywhere. Also, the grass recovered quickly to a nice green after the usual summer brown.
Temperatures were close to average for October.
December is the month when we are most likely to get snow, which will please some people but others would prefer not to have any. In December 2021, we had 40 cm of snow which was quite exceptional for Pender Island. December, November, and January have almost equal amounts of average total precipitation and much more than any other months. Unless November and December have very heavy rainfall this year, it looks as if 2025 total precipitation will be much less than average; but the weather is full of surprises.
December 21 is the day of Winter Solstice when we have equal hours of night and day and the sun moves into the northern hemisphere. That does not mean that winter is nearly over; we still have at least two months of our rainy season. In my diary on December 21, it says “winter begins”, but that is not true; we have already had two months of “winter”.
Cover Story
This month’s cover photo was taken by Allan Gray last Christmas.
“When I looked out the window and saw this deer standing amongst our Christmas lights, I thought what a perfect Pender Christmas’ scene!”
There was no snow on the ground at this time last year, so a little was added to this photo using AI.