A Message from Our President

My message to readers of The Pender Post was intended to be about our all-candidates meetings to be held this month, where a robust set of nine combined candidates will vie for four Islands Trust seats across North and South Pender Islands. Meet those candidates starting on page 17.

I also wanted to take a chance to congratulate Rob Fawcett, who will be acclaimed as the CRD Electoral Area Director for the Southern Gulf Islands once the local election wraps up on October 17. And Greg Lucas, who will be returning to the role of Pender Islands’ representative on the Gulf District School Board. I look forward to working with these gentlemen to continue building and celebrating our amazing community.

But in the days leading up to our print deadline, a less-celebratory update reached my inbox – that of the ongoing struggle of the Epicentre, the daycare facility found next to the Nu-to-Yu and library.

The facility underwent an $800,000 renovation in recent years and opened its doors anew in 2025, with a Group Child Care licence to care for up to 16 children (under 36 months, and 30 months to school age). But staffing issues had its door shuttered in September, a struggle for Pender parents, to be sure.

The closure stems from a personal health issue afflicting the committed and experienced ECE lead and was exacerbated by the staffing issues that come from the realities of our island’s isolation. Waiting for answers are the children and families that had been set to benefit from this newly-renovation facility.

Community leaders from the school board to our provincial representatives and to the those managing the Epicentre, are working to find a solution and get the doors back open. But as of print, we were still waiting on a long-term solution.

This struggle brings into focus the struggle we face here on Pender, where we often must work with the resources we have on hand. When those resources – in this case trained and licenced early childhood educators – are not readily at hand we could be left flapping in the wind.

In my brief time living here, I’ve seen Pender Island take great strides for the youngest in our community. There are new youth programs introduced at the Hall seemingly every month, after-school programs in the works, and new opportunities for the youngest. So there is hope in me. By the time you read this, one hopes this has been resolved. One hopes the Epicentre doors are back open, the concerns that closed them have been assuaged, and that support from off-island has been secured.

Matthew Coutts, President
president@penderpost.org

Cover Story

This colourful rooster lives at Paisley Farm where he and two other roosters have a large harem of hens. Even though he is the most colorful, he is not the head honcho.

The eggs from these hens come in browns, greens, pale, blue, and speckled. The day I went to get some eggs, it was early morning and there were none available. But I did not come back empty-handed. Instead of eggs, I had this beautiful image of the rooster.

– Lisa Baile, photographer

If you would like your photography featured in The Pender Post, share them with us at  production@penderpost.org.

Announcements

North and South Pender All-Candidates Meetings

The Pender Post’s all-candidates meetings, held before every local election, will be held on these days:.

• Sunday, October 4:  North Pender Islands Trust
• Saturday, October 10: South Pender Islands Trust

Both events will be held in the Pender Islands School gymnasium and starting at 1 pm (doors open 12:30 pm).

The acclaimed candidates for Gulf Islands School District 64 Trustee and CRD Electoral Area Director will be given a chance to introduce themselves and their vision at each event.

Following this, Islands Trust candidates will each be given three minutes to make opening remarks, followed by the question-and-answer session, and two-minute closing remarks.

The speaking order will be determined randomly. The order will cascade for each question to ensure everyone has opportunities to address the crowd first, last, and everything in between.

The moderator will select questions at random from those submitted and each candidate will have 45 seconds to respond. Duplicate questions will be set aside.

President Matthew Coutts
The Pender Post Society

Celebration of Life for Barb Auchterlonie (nee Grimmer)

Please join us to celebrate the life of Barb Auchterlonie on October 10 from 3 until 4:30 pm, at the Pender Island Golf and Country Club. For more information contact Sandy at penderfoxglove@gmail.com

Sandy Auchterlonie

Organizing Celebration of Life for Marjie Gilpen (Levien)

We would like to organize a celebration of life for Marjie Gilpen (Levien).  She was well known on Pender and participated for many years in the Pender Islands Yacht Club. However we do not know everyone who was in her life.  Please email to express your interest in attending a celebration of life some time in October/November (to open date up more),  Please reply to yukon_gloria@shaw.ca

Gloria and Deryck Hockley

3,000+ Join Call for 4 pm Ferry

Longtime Pender resident Karen Watson has just completed a huge piece of work, diligently collecting signatures on a petition to request a change in ferry schedule to make the transportation lives of Pender Islanders easier.

She was seeking support for the idea that the time of the afternoon ship returning from Swartz Bay be changed.

Would it be possible to move the two-ish sailing later or the first evening sailing from Swartz earlier? (There is currently still a second evening ship a bit later.)

So there would be a sailing back to Pender at around 4pm. There is already a 4pm sailing on Fridays in the winter; could this not be the case every day?

As the early morning ship is becoming increasingly full, it once again requires arriving at Otter Bay very early, especially as the capacity of that ship has reduced. And the 9:25 am sailing leaves very little time to do errands and get to medical appointments, including lab tests, before returning early to the terminal in time to be sure to get on at 2:20 pm, especially as that ferry is also verging on overload.

A subsequent five-hour overload wait in the lineup for the 7:10 pm is really unacceptable. Scheduling to service our very interconnected, multi-islands routes like Route #9 (Tsawwassen – Gulf Islands) and Routes #5 and #5A (Southern Gulf Islands) is complicated.

Not to mention the crewing requirements of such a complex configuration. It is truly the most complicated of the ferry system.

However, could the situation be just a creeping oversight and perhaps resolvable with the aid of modern computer modelling? We can only ask.

An astonishing 3,065 people agreed with Karen and signed her petition. She has already submitted the petition to our MLA, our MP, and the Minister of Transportation. She is asking the Pender community for help.

If you send letters of support to media@bcferries.com addressed to both Nicholas Jimenez, President & CEO, and to Brian Anderson, Vice President, Strategy & Planning, they will be passed on to Nicholas and Brian.

Christa Grace-Warrick

Terry Fox Run Raises $35,000

This year’s Terry Fox Run was a massive success! Thank you to the participants and volunteers who made this annual event our most successful run yet. Together we raised $35,000 for cancer research.

If you’re interested in getting involved in next year’s run, please contact Alex Harrison at terryfoxrunpender@gmail.com. See you all next year!

Alex Harrison
terryfoxrunpender@gmail.com

Acts of Kindness

We have heroes working in our community every day. You are all heroes in my eyes; you choose to help people every day. From the bottom of my heart thank you so much for all your love, support, endless patience, endless empathy, and endless smiles to:

• Dr. Bruce Rebner
• Miranda and Evie the community nurses
• All the ambulance paramedics
• All the first responders
• All the fire department staff
• All the helicopter pilots
• All the water taxi operators

These moments are why it is magical to live in a small community where you really value your neighbor. Many of you have come to my house on numerous occasions over the last six years with my husband Bruce’s battle with cancer and epilepsy. He would be so proud of all of you and the jobs you have done.

Shelley Watkin

The Gift of Warmth

I received an anonymous gift from the Green Angels. It was two weeks after my husband passed away. My head is still spinning in all the many things to attend to when finalizing an estate.

While reeling in the loss of your soul mate who just vanished after 23 years of waking up together and going to sleep together, it is difficult to begin to navigate your new world. The last thing on my mind was wood for the winter.

I received a text from Dave offering free wood from the Green Angels. Yes, I replied with elation. The next Monday, George, Dave, John and seven other smiling Green Angels unloaded two cords of wood. They stacked it, filling my woodshed to the brim for winte,r.

Thank you all so much. I cannot put into words the level and depth of my appreciation for your generous gift. Again thank you Green Angels for keeping our toes cozy this winter.

Shelley Watkin

Pender Love from Abroad

Dear Canada, I have traveled to many countries but I’d like to say Canada is the very best one, and my favorite place there is Pender Island. Please know we in the U.S. love you all no matter what D*%@! T#$p may say or do.

Submitted by Janet Boland

Editor’s Note: Thank you, Janet. As a sign of respect for your nation’s sovereignty, we have left certain spelling anomalies unedited. One unprintable proper noun, however, has been redacted.

Remembering

Len Gagnier

January 9, 1939 – August 20, 2026

A life of family, craftsmanship, faith, service, and adventure

It is with a very heavy heart that we inform the community of the passing of Len Gagnier on August 20, 2026. Len’s funeral on September 5 was a meaningful, thoughtful tribute to a wonderful, loving man.

In his son Drew’s eulogy, he expressed how Len offered our family care, precision, patience, and reliability. Len and I were happily married for 63 years at his passing, and I have not a single regret in all those wonderful years.

Again, in our son’s words, “He was grounded, she was buoyant and together they were steady.” He kept me balanced and I hopefully brought lightness, happiness, and energy to his thoughtful, practical nature. Our son has followed in his father’s footsteps and is much the same man.

Our daughter Shelese found comfort in things her dad taught her over her lifetime with him: How to hammer a nail, swing an axe, use a rake, saw a log, and even how to use a gas mask to cut the lawn, as they were both allergic to grass.

Shelese fondly remembered how her dad encouraged her passion for the sea, teaching her to sail, navigate, come about, hoist the jib, and to trust in the power of the wind. He taught her how to swim, dive, play tennis, snow ski, and throw a baseball.

But most importantly he taught her to believe in herself, and that she could do anything her heart set out to do. Shelese referred to her dad as the “calm in the storm” and his strength lives on in her. She remains deeply grateful for all his lessons.

Len had a dream to retire at the age of 50. Together we worked towards this goal and on his 50th birthday we moved to Pender Island and started a brand-new chapter in our journey. Len designed and built our home on Schooner Way.

This included a garage, woodshed, and a beautiful brick circle patio overlooking Thieves Bay harbor. Len loved Pender right from the very beginning. In 1975, we bought our property as a summer getaway. Not many people get to retire for 35 years but this ambitious and successful man did, and he was so happy here.

Boating was his passion. We sailed in Greece, the San Juans, and up as far north as Grappler Sound. Our last boat was the Sarah K, a 34’ C&C sailboat. Len enjoyed many hours of pleasure, updating and maintaining this vessel.

Len gave back to Pender with his volunteer labour and community service. He spent time as the Thieves Bay Marina manager, and the Pender Island Yacht club commodore. Len was very strong in his Christian faith and donated many hours to build and upkeep the St. Theresa Chapel. His woodworking skills helped turn a lovely home into a very peaceful chapel right here on Magic Lake.

Len’s funeral was overflowing with friendship and love in that very spot. I am so grateful for all who could come and share Len’s final Mass, with our wonderful priest Father Rolf leading the way, and his family there for total support.

Dementia took this caring man’s life. His last 10 months were spent in the exceptional care of St. Charles Manor in Victoria. The staff, nurses, and care givers made his final home calm and safe.

They lovingly called him “the detective” as he always wore a hat and they thought he looked the part. To Violant and Shelley who cared so lovingly here on Pender and to Walt who made his Wednesdays perfect with a cowboy cookie, I am eternally grateful for this care.

I would like to extend a special thanks to Greg Beatie and Rose for the beautiful music on the day of the funeral. In addition, thank you to all those that spoke about Len, and my friends who made coffee, picked up sandwiches and helped with the cleanup, the generous offer of bedrooms for my family. It didn’t go unnoticed.

On behalf of our son Drew and his wife Heather, our daughter Shelese and her husband Greg, and all very special grandchildren, Ryan (Bekah), Sarah, Jackson, Joshua (Emily), Brendan and Tessa and my brother Terry Jackson and myself Karen, we thank you for every act of kindness shown to us as we grieve Len’s loss.

Left to mourn Len’s passing are his beloved siblings Edward (Carolyn), Linda, Paul (Alice) and Dan (Maureen). His mother, Marie, always referred to them lovingly as “her handful.”

Len’s final wish is summed up in the words read by his forever friend Barry Mathias, from the poem Sea Fever by John Masefield:

“All I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,

And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.”

Rest in Peace, Len

Karent Gagnier

Dougall ‘Bruce’ McKenzie

November 29 1948 – July 23 2026

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Bruce McKenzie. He passed away peacefully on July 23rd at home surrounded by his loving family at age 77, after a short battle with cancer.

Bruce is survived by his wife Shelley, daughters Rose (and Rob), Carlie, son Forest (and Daisy) ,and bonus daughter Brianne (and Robin), sister Barbie (and Mark), niece Sky Hannah, nephews Reid and Taylor.

Bruce was born in Vancouver to Ruth and George Campbell McKenzie on November 29, 1948. This was a miracle after George was a pilot in WW2 and the plane was shot down into the ocean; he and 7 others survived.

As a young man he enjoyed sports. In little league baseball he was a great pitcher; for years he was known as Brew Brew the Riffle. At age 11 he found his mother’s golf clubs from college in the basement. He found his love, golf. He played in tournaments with his mother as she was the ladies captain at a couple of golf courses over the years. He continued on and won a junior membership at the prestigious Shaughnessy Golf Club. At that time he was living in the old McLeery farm house. He and his buddies would walk out their back door onto the course and have lots of fun there. Bruce was a 2 handicap and shot 2 holes in one on the 13th and 16th holes.

Bruce worked at the handicapped resource centre in Vancouver for many years. He worked primarily with the development companies as they were building apartments and condos. He was very successful in having some of these buildings incorporate wheelchair-accessible apartments on the ground floor. Everything was built customized for the height and width of a wheelchair.

He moved to Victoria in 1980, purchasing a beautiful old home with several housekeeping rooms and 5 apartments. He lived in each place fixing it up and updating until the old girl was charming and new.There he met Adele; they married shortly after that and had two girls together, Rose and Carlie. A bonus son came later: Forest.

In the 1980s Bruce ran Nigel House care facility. Bruce would take his dog to work regularly as he was great with people. Willy was a giant 150lb tan Komondor, unmistakable with his long corded coat that looked like dreadlocks. So friendly Willy would go and stand on the automatic door to open and welcome the people as they came into Nigel House. He was truly an amazing dog with many stories to tell.

In the 1980s Bruce met David Sherman who was a realtor then. Bruce was getting groups of 4 to 6 people, mentally capable but  in wheelchairs, to buy and create their own group homes which they ran, hiring their own care teams. David Sherman would find them the perfect properties to renovate and transform into homes to suit the individual’s needs. They were successful in creating 6 group homes in Victoria; some of them still exist today.

In 2003 he met the Love of his Life Shelley with the bonus daughter Brianne. We fell in love here, got married here and retired here. Thankfully we never did build our dream home; we bought our neighbour’s lovely house instead. We had 23 wonderful years together. I am so very grateful. He was such a funny, kind, generous to a fault person and a fantastic husband and father. His kids were everything to him.

He did love everything golf and practiced every day. His goal living here was to get his name on a golf trophy with his name etched on it forever. He did succeed in 2020 and 2021–he played alongside Laurie Auchterlonie in the club championship. He did win the over 60 trophy as well as the over 70 trophy!

David Sherman convinced Bruce that one day Pender Island would be the most valuable real estate in western Canada. He said come stay at my place on Sailor road and check it out. Well 37 years later we are on our 3rd property in the same neighborhood.

In 2018 we purchased our neighbour’s lovely house (an upgrade from our small house in Victoria). We could not wait to get to Pender. Bruce would often say “pinch me, is this real?” as we get to live in this paradise in this cool west coast style house. We get to live here permanently. These last 8 years living on Pender full time were some of the happiest days of our lives. He just loved everything golf and Pender.

We are going to miss his contagious laugh, gentle smile, and giant hugs. He will be deeply missed by his friends and family both near and far.

Shelley Watkins

John David Rumble

November 28, 1950 – August 13, 2026

John was born In Cape Town, South Africa and went to school there. He left to see the world in his early twenties, travelling through Europe on a motorcycle, then living and working (on a kibbutz) in Israel, London, England and Melbourne, Australia.

He travelled through New Zealand and the US before coming to Vancouver in 1976. There he met and married Heather, became a Canadian citizen and settled down in Canada. He worked on the accounting side of credit management, bankruptcy and receivership for several Vancouver practices.

When health issues forced an early retirement he and Heather decided to move full time to their seasonal cottage on South Pender where they built their dream home. Volunteering makes a community and John did his share, initially serving as a Firefighter for South Pender Fire Rescue and then volunteering in other capacities. He served as a South Pender Trustee for five years on the Islands Trust.

John was known for his wonderful sense of humour, his determination to conquer adversities and his love of people. In December 2020, John and Heather moved to Victoria and settled in Oak Bay within walking distance of buses, shops and many services. He leaves behind his wife Heather, sister Susan (Craig Lovett) and nephews Shaun (Marianne) and Matthew plus friends in many locations around the world.

Michael Eric Butler

Funeral Announcement, October 16, 2026, 1:30 pm

With great sadness we announce Michael Eric Butler, after a long life of service to the nation and its citizenry, died at dawn February 14, 2026, in Victoria, British Columbia.

Born on October 21, 1935, in Montreal, Quebec, Michael was the third child of Eric Butler and Daisy (nee Weeks), brother to Peter (d. Sept ‘23), Suzanne (d. Aug ‘25) and Anthony currently living in Montreal.

Michael is survived by his wife Leslie Munro, Roberta Butler (nee Clarke), and daughters Venetia, m. of John Basil, Kathryn (Robert O’Neill) m. of Emmett, Margaret, William, and Georgina (d. 2013), and Antonia (Jacek Wilcan), m. Venetia Eleonora.

A funeral service will be held October 16, 1:30 pm at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, 4703 Canal Road, Pender Island, British Columbia.

A reception will follow in the Church Hall. For those unable to come in person Zoom is available: https://tinyurl.com/michaelebutler.

Please send an email to meb25.memorial@gmail.com for information on the Ottawa Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the charity of your choice.

Leslie Munro

Features

Hummingbird Hollow B&B

Tales of a Charmed Life (2006)

More than a dozen homes hosted tourists and visitors during the bed and breakfast heydays of the 1990s, including Doreen Ball and Chuck Harris – who ran the Hummingbird Hollow B&B from 1990 – 2015. This is the 13th installment of Doreen’s “Tales of a Charmed Life” series, published posthumously.

We often had guests whose talents came in handy. Two carpenters were staying with us in March when two legs on the sofa in the B&B gave out. No problem – the two lads were happy to fix the problem.

In the fall, a strong, young tree faller/trimmer came to stay. He just happened to have all his gear with him and we just happened to have a tall, dead tree that needed to come down and a few branches on other trees that we wanted trimmed. Thomas was happy to do the work in exchange for accommodation.

Our favourite guest of 2006 was (gardening expert) David Tarrant. He came in September to talk to the garden club about fall colour in the garden. I was totally embarrassed that my garden was a total disaster. It had been neglected all summer after its mistress had undergone a major surgery. David was as nice in person as he appeared to be on television.

One of the best surprises of all time came when a couple named “Baugh” arrived. Chuck thought he had a cousin by that name in Vancouver but he had lost track of him. When greeting the couple at the front door, Chuck asked the young man where he had grown up. “Saskatchewan,” was the reply. “Where abouts in Saskatchewan?” Chuck pressed.

When he heard “Moosomin ,” Chuck, who was not the “huggy” type, went over and gave our guest a big bear hug and shouted, “We’re family! Your grandmother and my mother were sisters!”  This fellow was Chuck’s cousin’s son. The cousins hooked up on the phone and not long after that they had a reunion at our place.  They hadn’t seen each other since the 1940s.

In November of 2006 we had a dump of snow that caused lots of headaches. A Subaru flipped onto its back as its driver tried to make the sharp turn up the hill at the Tiller corner. The nearest neighbour helped the three occupants, who were hanging upside down, unfasten their seatbelts and get out of the car.

It was the time of the month for Chuck to take the early ferry over to Mayne Island to pick up the 1,100 copies of The Pender Post but the roads were too dangerous. The TruValue grocery truck came to the rescue with that part, but there was more excitement getting the copies to and from Marje Franchuk’s house where the labelling was done.

Chuck’s truck got stuck in the snow in Marje’s driveway and then again at the post office. It was four days late that month; we all breathed sighs of relief when The Post was delivered to local mail boxes on December 1.

Doreen Ball

A Taste of Pender

Taste of Pender: Rose da Silva’s Streussel Kuchen

Submitted by Thais Beattie

Fall is officially here, and with Thanksgiving coming up, this is the perfect time for a cozy dessert to share around the table. This month’s Taste of Pender features my friend Rose da Silva’s Streussel Kuchen, a family recipe that has been part of her life since childhood.

Rose is, without a doubt, the best gardener I’ve ever met. Whenever I have a garden question, she’s the person I turn to for help! So, it’s only fitting to invite her to share a recipe with us this month.

Rose grew up on a dairy farm, where Saturdays were baking days. Her mom would spend the morning preparing treats for the week ahead, and this recipe was one she regularly made.

What Rose loves about it is how versatile it is. You can use apples, apricots, plums, blueberries, or whatever fruit you have on hand. Even pie filling works. And if you don’t have any fruit, you can simply add the crumble topping and enjoy it on its own.

Growing up, Rose’s mom had one rule: no “watery” fruit for this recipe. Strawberries were specifically banned! So, years later, Rose decided to break the rule and try strawberries for the first time. Her verdict? It turned out amazingly.

Streussel Kuchen

Base:

• ½ cup + 1 Tbsp butter
• ½ cup + 1 Tbsp sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• 2½ cups flour
• ¾ cup milk
• Fruit of your choice

Crumble:

• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 packet vanilla sugar
• ¾ cup flour

Cream the butter and sugar together, then beat in the eggs one at a time.

Add the flour and baking powder alternately with the milk until you have a thick, spreadable batter. You may not need all the milk.

Spread into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Top with fruit, gently pressing it into the batter.

For the crumble, mix the ingredients together until crumbs form. Adjust with a little more butter or flour if needed. Sprinkle over the fruit.

Bake at 400°F for 35-40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

Serve with ice cream or whipped cream and, as Rose says, a cup of coffee makes it the perfect Kaffee und Kuchen.

As the leaves begin to change and we settle into the slower rhythms of fall, try this recipe for yourself!

Because behind every recipe, there’s a person. And behind every person, there’s a story worth sharing. If you’d enjoy sharing A Taste of Pender, reach out to  thaisbeattie@gmail.com and community@penderpost.org.

Representatives

North Pender Islands Trust Candidates

Aaron Campbell

My name is Aaron Campbell, I’m a dad to one amazing daughter, a farmer, a construction worker, and a passionate resident of this beautiful island we live on. I’m your incumbent trustee from last term, 2022 till 2026.

My history on Pender has been fairly involved. Along with being a trustee, I’ve been the general manager of Port Browning Pub and Marina, a volunteer first responder with Pender Fire, and responsible for events and activities on our farm over the past 11 years. I care a lot for our island, the environment, the unique amenities, and the future of the same.

I have struggled with the Trust as an organization, both as a trustee and a resident. I believe in the “preserve and protect” mandate of the Trust. I also struggle with its implementation and the jurisdictional creep that seems to be prevalent and most affecting our island. I don’t believe that the Trust is on the right track toward accomplishing its mandate. I do believe that it can change.

There are a lot of challenges to the job, many of which you don’t realize on day one. Bureaucracy is a real thing. It’s slow. Painstakingly slow. You can have amazing local committee meetings and then turn around to the group of 26 trustees at the larger Trust Council and go three days of meetings being on the wrong side of the vote. You have to be in it for the long haul.

That’s why I decided to run again. To bring the same representation to the Trust that Penderites ask for. The hope that with a new term comes new perspectives and the possibility of positive balanced change for Pender Island.

Michael Cowan

I put my name forward to become a North Pender Island Trustee because I care deeply about Pender and the surrounding island communities, and because I strongly believe in the purpose of the Islands Trust: preserving and protecting these extraordinary islands, their unique character and, fundamentally, the natural environment and fragile ecosystems that make them so special.

My husband and I came to the Southern Gulf Islands six years ago. Since then, I have had the privilege of working alongside many remarkable people to help build the Southern Gulf Islands Neighbourhood House. I have obtained multiple grants to expand programs and infrastructure for seniors and youth, strengthen community justice initiatives, and help establish a much-needed daycare when it became clear there was a gap.

Today, I serve as Executive Director of the Southern Gulf Islands Neighbourhood House and work closely with the Southern Gulf Islands Community Resource Centre. Through these roles, I have collaborated with organizations and communities not only on Pender, but across all five Southern Gulf Islands, including projects in partnership with the Capital Regional District. I hold a master’s degree in global leadership.

I absolutely believe in protecting our natural environment, biodiversity, water, and fragile ecosystems. Without the Islands Trust and the protections established over the past five decades, Pender could be a very different place today. I want those protections to remain strong for generations to come.

I am a systems thinker. Put simply, this means looking beyond the immediate issue in front of us. A policy intended to address one issue can have consequences that create an entirely new set of issues. Residents’ needs for employment, transportation, housing and aging, environmental protection, local businesses and agriculture, and water supply and quality are all interconnected. Good decisions require forethought and an understanding of how a policy might inadvertently create seemingly unrelated issues with immediate or long-term effects.

I also believe strongly in evidence-based decision-making. When policies are proposed, I want trustees and staff to examine the best available evidence, consider different perspectives, ask difficult questions, and understand broader consequences before making decisions. Passion and advocacy are important, but they should be accompanied by thoughtful analysis and a willingness to challenge our own assumptions.

I believe we should continually ask whether the government can work better. I want to explore opportunities to reduce redundancy and unnecessary complexity where Islands Trust regulations and processes overlap with federal, provincial, CRD, and other local authorities. Regulatory requirements for reliable and sustainable infrastructure should not preclude strong and effective environmental protections.

These are the perspectives I would bring to the Islands Trust.

To me, “preserve and protect” does not mean freezing Pender in time. It means managing change thoughtfully and responsibly, protecting the environment and character of the islands while ensuring Pender remains a resilient, diverse, and sustainable community.

If elected, I will listen, ask questions, follow the evidence, and approach decisions with an open mind.

Morgan Hayward

I am a third-generation Pender Islander. My mother and grandfather first moved to the island in 1967, when Pender’s population was only around 350 people. I have been coming to Pender my entire life. I have lived here on and off since I was eight years old.

For me, Pender is not simply a place where I live. It is where I grew up, where I have worked, where I am raising my family, and where I hope future generations will continue to build their lives.

I come from a family deeply connected to Pender’s community and local economy. My grandfather built many homes on the island, my stepfather was one of the original owners of Tru Value grocery store, and throughout my life I have worked for and supported numerous local businesses.

I am running as a candidate for North Pender Islands Trust because the decisions being made today will help shape what Pender looks like for generations to come.

My approach is straightforward: protect what makes Pender special while making sure it remains a community where people can live, work, raise families, and grow old with dignity. I believe environmental protection and a healthy, sustainable community must work together.

I am a lifelong nature enthusiast who deeply values Pender’s forests, freshwater, shorelines, wildlife, and rural character. Protecting these will remain critically important.

At the same time, Pender must continue addressing the challenges facing residents, including housing, affordability, support for local businesses, opportunities for young families, services for seniors, and responsible development.

I do not believe protecting Pender means saying “no” to every change. I believe it means making thoughtful decisions, respecting environmental limits, listening carefully to residents, and ensuring that development is appropriate for the island.

I want residents to feel heard before major decisions are made, and I believe local government should be transparent, practical, respectful, and accessible.

My priorities include:

• Protecting Pender’s environment and freshwater aquifers.
• Supporting locally owned businesses.
• Improving housing opportunities for people who live and work on the island.
• Preserving Pender’s rural character while considering responsible development.
• Strengthening communication between residents and their elected representatives.

My goal is not to change what Pender is. It is to protect what generations have built while making thoughtful decisions that allow our community to remain strong and livable.

I want my children – and all the children growing up on Pender today – to inherit an island that is environmentally healthy, economically sustainable, welcoming, and still unmistakably Pender.

Brenna Mongeon

I never sought to be an elected official.  Although friends and family have suggested that I stand in past elections, I always dismissed the idea reflexively.  But this time I have been moved to action thanks to the passion and encouragement of my friends and neighbours.

While we are on an island, we are not isolated from the significant challenges facing our planet.  Macroeconomic and environmental conditions are threatening our community’s well-being. Addressing this will require an informed electorate, active public engagement, and the collective courage to act.

While I have a technical background in sustainable infrastructure which will support this role, my overarching goal is to contribute objectivity and transparency to decisions made by the Islands Trust Council and North Pender’s Local Trust Committee. In turn, I hope this will encourage more positive and proactive engagement with the Trust here on Pender.

We all have a part to play in creating a more sustainable and equitable community.  Working together, I know we can find solutions for water security, environmental protection, affordable housing, food systems, and alternative transportation.  We can build a future which protects our unique environment without leaving anyone behind.  I invite everyone to participate in this future.

About Brenna Mongeon

I’m an environmental professional living full-time in Magic Lake since 2022.  I work as a solutions consultant designing water and energy management systems for residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings.

Over the past six years, I have been involved in about 250 projects, including dozens on Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island. Across about 21,000 units of housing, these systems will together save 1.1 billion litres of water annually. This is roughly equivalent to the volume of both Buck Lake and Magic Lake combined, every year!

Outside of my professional practice, I serve on the CRD Southern Gulf Islands Community Economic Sustainability Commission, and I chair the Magic Lake Estates Water and Sewer Committee.  Some recent drinking water successes include an initial screening for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and completion of our first system-wide energy audit.  We are truly blessed to have these community utilities and it is important that we care for them accordingly.

I am a twice distinguished graduate of the British Columbia Institute of Technology, where I studied sustainable energy and electronics engineering while working full-time. During my time at BCIT, I was selected as a Behavior, Energy & Climate Change Student Fellow, and I was awarded the Linda Latham Scholarship by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.

I’ve been politically active since the age of 14.  My early activism was sparked by then Education Minister Christy Clark’s elimination of French Immersion from several high schools in District 43. As a young adult, I played a small role in achieving the permanent protection of Coquitlam’s Walton Park, and I was later involved in efforts to enact electoral reform in BC municipalities.  I plan on putting this activist spirit to work representing our community within the Islands Trust.

Visit http://www.brenna.works for more.

Niall Parker

I’ve been a Penderite for 25 years, raising our family and being involved in the community from the beginning, volunteering with various organizations including the Emergency Program, Moving Around Pender (trails/bus/etc), RCMSAR Station 20 (search and rescue) and others.

I am an engineer by occupation, fortunate to be able to work remotely from the earliest days of telecommuting, leaving me lots of time to enjoy our island and community. I have worked with many of our IT trustees over the years but this is the first time running as a candidate.

The Gulf Islands were recognized as an area requiring special protection and management of development leading to the formation of the Islands Trust. While IT has its flaws, it is what we have to work with for the foreseeable future.

• “Preserve and Protect” applies primarily to our environment, with our human community necessarily built on top of it. Humans have been here a long time, modifying the environment as we need to live but planning decisions by the LTC need to minimize our impact.
• Rational and transparent decision making: we all have our feelings but decisions are best made on whatever objective data is available. Every decision will be a tradeoff, clearly identifying all sides of the issues before deciding.
• Efficient use of our resources: water, energy, space, waste disposal … in all these areas, island communities must manage with tighter constraints than other places.
• Focus: The Local Trust Committee is primarily about land use decisions, guided by our Official Community Plan. We need to avoid distractions into areas where other levels of government have responsibility.

If elected as a North Pender Trustee, I will do my best to serve our community in our planning decisions and work with any other agencies toward common goals. Contact me by email (np4ltc@balsk.ca) if you have questions, thanks!

South Pender Islands Trust Candidates

Kristina Evans

As one of your candidates for the South Pender Local Trust, I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some insight into my values, beliefs, and commitments to this community should I be re-elected to represent you.

I strongly believe in the necessity for balance between the need to protect our unique rural environment and the social and economic needs of our community. Decisions made by Trustees have a lasting effect on our way of life and the environment of South Pender and should not be rushed, nor should they be driven from outside of our community. I also believe that Trustees are elected to serve this island as a whole and should set aside personal positions and opinions, instead listening to everyone in order to reflect fair, collaborative decisions that reflect the community’s will, as well as advocating for the environment.

Over the past four years as your Trustee, I have gained valuable knowledge about the processes within which Trustees work, what lies within our jurisdiction, and how much my advocacy for South Pender residents can inform decisions made at the Trust Council. Having this current experience, places me in a strong position to continue working for this community both locally and at Trust Council from day one.

My goal and commitment is to contribute the balance necessary to bring forward new policies and ideas and to complete previous projects by encouraging public participation through open, collaborative, and inclusive discussions. While recognizing that consensus may not always be easily achieved, by encouraging and respecting various perspectives and alternative solutions we can benefit from a cohesive and united community. I believe discussions (both formal and informal) are fundamental until such a time that the community is satisfied that the topic has been fully addressed, consensus on the best solution for all stakeholders has been reached and everyone has had ample opportunity to fully deliver their input.

If I am re-elected as your Trustee for South Pender, I will continue to work diligently on your behalf to ensure that the voice of our community is listened to, heard, and clearly understood – both at local meetings and at the Islands Trust Council. I remain committed to maintaining a thoughtful balance between the needs of our natural environment and the needs of our vibrant community. Both are essential to what makes South Pender such a uniquely beautiful place.

I would be honoured to have your vote for a second term and to serve the South Pender community again as your Trustee. I appreciate your support during the upcoming election. Please reach out if you have any questions or would like to chat.

I am a full-time resident with my husband, Marty Evans, who has owned his property for the past 27 years. We have four grown children with their respective spouses and three grandchildren.

Dag Falck

Having been a South Pender trustee for the last four-year term I’ve got a whole new perspective when considering if I should put my name forward for re-election. I’ll admit I was idealistic about what could be done as a trustee four years ago, but now I know there are not many things that trustees can just simply do.  Almost every vote is a choice of selecting one of a few options to solve a problem. The challenge is that the problems to be solved by the vote are often blurry and not clearly expressed. In addition, the problem at hand is rarely selected by the trustees but is a deliverable from the Islands Trust staff based on legal requirements and protocols that the Trust is bound by.

I’ve always been impressed with the Trust mandate to preserve and protect our islands’ ecosystems. Where else in Canada or the world does a local government have the mandate to preserve and protect the environment as the top priority?

I’ve always seen myself as a problem solver.  Give me a good problem and I’ll go to work trying to solve it with all my skill, cunning and sincerity. Now that my honeymoon with the Trust is over, I see that there is a big problem with our “preserve and protect” mandate: We haven’t been given all the tools to do the job.

Imagine a car mechanic having only a flat-head screwdriver and some pliers, having to fix a car, maybe fix the brakes, or change a head-gasket. As the mechanic discovers they only have a screwdriver and a pair of pliers, the frustration sets in. How are they going to do the job? In the end they plead with other mechanics with tools to do the job for them.

The Trust is a bit like that: we are to protect the environment, but we have little to no jurisdiction over forests, and only partial jurisdiction over the foreshore. These two parts of our environment are all there is on an island. A healthy forest creates healthy watersheds that refill our wells even in summer. A healthy foreshore protects the flora and fauna that is essential for a balanced ecosystem.  The tools that the Trust have been given are pretty much limited to controlling the kind of buildings, their size, height and placement on each lot. We can’t even control the deer. If you bulldoze the lot before building, or even if you don’t build but still bulldoze, this is outside of the Trust authority to prevent, except if in a Development Permit Area (DPA), of which there presently are none on South Pender.

So being a trustee can be frustrating. But what else is there to do, other than to keep trying to get the right tools to do the job? Even though the bureaucracy makes change very slow, advocating for better communications and inclusion of creativity is a worthwhile endeavor that I am patient enough to engage in again.

John Kuharchuk

Proverb – “The best time to plant a tree was [fifty-two] years ago, the second best is right now.”

In 1974, the provincial government took the remarkable step of creating the Islands Trust to preserve and protect “the beauty, fragile ecosystems, character, and natural and cultural places” of 450-plus islands and the surrounding Salish Sea. Fifty-two years later, the Islands Trust has endured despite the efforts of its detractors and considerable pressure to yield to commercial and development interests, as well as to meet the needs of its growing resident population.

Since arriving on South Pender, I have made a habit of asking my fellow residents what they found compelling about it. Nearly all were drawn by its natural beauty, proximity to nature, rural character, neighbourliness, unique island culture past and present, and strong sense of community. The fact that these “unique amenities” have persisted to today is directly attributable to the existence of the Islands Trust.

However, many residents expressed deep concern about the ways in which they see these being eroded and what the cumulative impact of that could mean for the future. They also fear that decisions are being made without accounting for how they will affect South Pender’s sensitive ecosystems, species at risk, fragile coastal environment, the Coastal Douglas fir, Garry oak and arbutus woodlands, groundwater, and the health of its community – the very essence of this place.

To preserve and protect that essence, we must move past short-term thinking and recognize that our self-interests extend beyond our property lines. One only need take a short walk around the island or talk with their neighbours to understand why there is pressing concern we are not doing enough to prepare for the impacts of climate change, to preemptively address sea level rise and the growing intensity of storm surges, to factor groundwater sustainability into land use decisions, to mitigate loss of forest integrity and decline of iconic tree species by limiting unnecessary site clearing, to prevent or minimize catastrophic loss from wildfires, and to discourage the likelihood of further degradation or decline of sensitive ecosystems and species at risk.

I am convinced that despite our ideological differences, we share common ground in our love for South Pender and do not want to see any of its unique amenities further eroded. I am also convinced it is essential we embrace informed, evidence-based decision making and collaborate with our local experts and other resources available to us to aid us in doing so. In addition, I am an advocate for a community-wide undertaking during which that common ground can be affirmed, community values we can build upon together be identified, and opportunities for learning about different ways of attaining desirable outcomes can be explored.

While considerably more can be accomplished at the local Trust level than the current term suggests, it is imperative that the leadership role the Islands Trust serves be strengthened so future generations can continue to enjoy the fruits of its labours fifty-two years from now.

Visit http://www.kuharchuk.ca for more details.

Benjamin McConchie

South Pender has been part of my life since I was a kid. I grew up exploring its forests, beaches and shoreline, and over the years I’ve watched the island change. Some of those changes have been positive. Others have put pressure on the ecosystems, water resources and rural character that make this place so special.

For me, that is really what this election is about: how do we allow our community to change while protecting the things we cannot replace?

South Pender’s Official Community Plan says it clearly:

“Our South Pender community is committed to preserve the rural nature and natural diversity of our island environment for future generations.”

I support that vision wholeheartedly.

I had the honour, and sometimes the challenge, of serving as a North Pender trustee from 2018 to 2022. That experience taught me that local government is rarely about choosing between an obviously good idea and an obviously bad one. More often, it means balancing legitimate but competing interests, understanding the consequences of decisions, listening carefully and trying to find common ground.

It also taught me how important it is for a trustee to listen. You do not have to agree with me to be heard by me. I will listen, ask questions, explain my decisions and look for practical solutions wherever common ground is possible.

At the same time, there are principles I will be firm about.

The Islands Trust exists for a reason. Protecting the environment and communities of the Trust Area must remain at the centre of its work.

Change is inevitable, and I don’t believe the answer is to pretend that nothing can ever change on South Pender. But our OCP is right when it says growth and development should be gradual and sustainable.

Development should fit the island – not force the island to accommodate development.

That means protecting our rural character, respecting ecological limits and being particularly careful with finite resources.

Freshwater protection will be one of my priorities. With longer dry periods, climate pressures and increasing wildfire risk, we need good information about our water resources to make responsible land-use decisions and ensure adequate water for emergency fire protection.

I also believe the Trust needs to be accountable. Success should not be measured by the size of its bureaucracy or the number of policies it produces, but by whether it is protecting the environment, supporting Local Trust Committees, responding effectively to residents and using tax dollars responsibly.

I want to hear what you value about South Pender, what concerns you have, what the Trust is doing well and where you think it needs to improve.

I won’t pretend every issue has an easy answer or that everyone will always agree. But I will listen, do my homework, be straightforward about where I stand and work hard to protect the natural environment and rural character of South Pender.

I would be honoured to have your support.

Arts and Entertainment

Ptarmigan Arts

As we settle into fall, there is plenty happening on the island to keep the arts season going. We’re excited to be sponsoring The Crisp, happening October 2-4, with a fantastic weekend of music featuring Joel Plaskett, Leeroy Stagger, Reuben and the Dark, and many more.

We’re also proud to support Sook-Yin Lee’s visit to Pender, with a screening of Paying For It followed by a Q&A, as well as a separate evening concert. If you’re interested in getting behind the scenes, Colin Hamilton is also offering a free beginner audio and lighting workshop on October 25.

This is a great opportunity to pick up some new skills and learn from the best. For those with a story to share, submissions are open for the 2026 Pender Island Short Film Festival, with a deadline of October 14. There’s already a great lineup coming together, and we’d love to see your films on the big screen alongside them. For submissions and questions, reach out to penderfilmfest@gmail.com.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part in Band Camp this year, to our incredible facilitators, and to everyone who came out to support our musicians at the final showcase. Band Camp is such a special week of creativity, collaboration, and learning, and it was wonderful to see all of that come together in the music our participants shared at the showcase. We’re so proud of everything they created and can’t wait to see what next year brings. See you at Band Camp 2027.

Ripley Stafford, Communications Director
info@ptarmiganarts.org
ptarmiganarts.org
Instagram: @ptarmiganarts
Facebook: Ptarmigan Arts

Program Listings

The Crisp
October 2 to 4, 2026
Pender Community Hall

Ptarmigan is proud to sponsor The Crisp Festival, happening October 2 to 4, 2026. ​The festival has a fantastic lineup of artists, including evening performances from Joel Plaskett, Leeroy Stagger, Reuben and the Dark, and many more. There’s plenty to experience beyond the main stage, with a full lineup of daytime events featuring visual artists, conversation panels, poetry and songwriting workshops, music from the Pender Highlanders, and a family dance.  It’s going to be a beautiful celebration of art and music, so you don’t want to miss out. Find the full lineup, all the festival details, and grab your tickets at thecrisp.ca.

‘Spirit of the Sixties’ Singalong – A Ukrainian Fundraiser
Saturday, October 10, 2 pm
Pender Community Hall

Come together for the singalong, ‘Spirit of the Sixties’, a fundraiser for women and children in Ukraine.

Sing along to original 60s anthems – from a tumultuous time of love, peace and protest – songs that remain classics today. Accompanied by lyrics displayed on the big screen upstairs at the Community Hall. Light snacks and refreshments will be available when the doors open and during intermission. Join emcees Chris McDowell and Mo Simpson for an uplifting ‘love fest’. Ticket pricing is on a sliding scale, starting at $20. You choose what you’d like to pay. The ultimate goal is to raise $1,000 to directly support the Democracy Development Centre, a women-led NGO providing critical on-the-ground aid in Ukraine. Tickets are available online, at Talisman Books, and at the door.

Singing for Fun, Singing for Joy
Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 pm
October 15 to December 3, 2026
Fireside Room, Anglican Church Hall

Join Mary Reher for a fall session of Singing for Fun, Singing for Joy. This program is for both novice/reticent singers, and those more experienced who love to sing. All ages and abilities are welcome. Rather than working toward a performance, our aim is to have an enjoyable music experience within a small group, and to build confidence in our voices and musicianship. Singing is every person’s birthright. If you are unsure as to whether you’d like to join or not, there will be a free introductory class on Monday, October 5 from 1-2 pm at the Community Hall. This is a good chance for newcomers to try out the program, and will give former participants a chance to warm up and re-connect. The program costs $80 for the 8 week session. Subsidies are available for caregivers and those in financial need.

Pender Island Short Film Festival
Saturday, November 14
Submission deadline: October 14
Community Hall

Submissions are open for the Pender Island Short Film Festival happening November 14, 2026. If you have created a film or have a captivating idea, this could be your chance to showcase your work. Send in your films to be a part of the PISFF, highlighting filmmakers from the Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island, the mainland, and beyond (yes, we take submissions worldwide). Our festival provides an outlet for short-form narratives of all genres, from documentary to animation. The event features a meet-and-greet, and is one of the most anticipated gatherings of the year. Submissions are open until October 14, and must be less than 15 minutes in length. No A.I. generated work will be accepted. Send in your films or any direct questions to penderfilmfest@gmail.com. We can’t wait to see your stories on screen.

Sook-Yin Lee on Pender – Film screening and concert
Feature Film Screening: Sunday, October 18, 7 pm
In Concert: Wednesday, October 21, 7 pm

Community Hall

Pender Island, do not miss this special screening of feature film Paying For It and in a separate event, music accompanied by multi-media visuals in concert with Sook-Yin Lee. Paying for It is a 2024 film adaptation of acclaimed Canadian cartoonist Chester Brown’s 2011 graphic novel of the same name. The book follows the dissolution of Brown’s romantic relationship with Sook-Yin Lee and his transition into exclusively paying for sex. For the film adaptation, Lee has added in the details of her life at the time and directed a thoughtful look into sex work, love, desire, openness, and Toronto at the turn of the millennium. This screening will be followed by a Q&A with Director Sook-Yin Lee, composer Dylan Gable, and supporting actor Becky Johnson, moderated by Spectacular Optical’s Kier-La Janisse. On October 21, iconic Canadian music and visual artist, Sook-Yin Lee, performs an expansive set of her particular brand of experimental genre-bending music surrounded by immersive multimedia visuals.

A perfect evening for the gentle expansion of mind and heart. Pricing is $25 for the film, $25 for the concert, or $40 for the film/concert combo. Tickets are available both online and at the door. Produced by Becky Johnson, Spectacular Optical with the support of Hawkeye Pictures and Crave Canada. Ptarmigan Arts is proud to be a sponsor of these exciting events.

The Bills – A Stoney Pocket Presentation
Friday, October 23, 7 pm
Community Hall

Ptarmigan Arts is excited to sponsor a special concert at the Community Hall with The Bills. With two previous JUNO nominations and multiple Western Canadian Music Awards under their belts, expect the musical magic you’ve come to love from this extraordinary quintet.

Now in their 28th year, The Bills are renowned for their instrumental virtuosity, lush vocal arrangements, evocative songwriting, and a refreshing sound that transcends musical boundaries and defies simple categorization. Strings, bellows, keys, voices, skin and bows – these are the vehicles for The Bills’ unique sonic approach.

With individual band members sporting world-class credentials in folk/roots, jazz, classical and world music, The Bills truly are a Canadian acoustic music super-group, and their combined creative studio talent and explosive live shows have made them legendary folk/roots entertainers.

Whether spinning on your recorded playlist, entertaining an intimate theatre audience or rocking a festival crowd of 10,000, these five gifted multi-instrumentalists are masters at somehow leaving listeners breathless and revitalized all at once. Tickets are $30 in advance online and at Talisman Books and $35 at the door. Ages 16 and under are free.

Basic Audio and Tech Workshop with Colin Hamilton
Sunday, October 25, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Community Hall

Come enjoy this free, two hour workshop where you will learn the basics of how to set up and run sound equipment, how to light up a stage, and the basics of setting up a microphone with our favourite sound mixing master, Colin Hamilton. Open to youth and adults ages 12 & older. Please RSVP on our website to secure your spot.

Potters Meetup
Thursday, Oct 29, 7 pm
Community Hall

The Potters Meetup returns this fall. This is a monthly gathering for both experienced and aspiring potters to share, learn, and talk pottery. Each month there is a new topic chosen by the group. Past meetings have included a supplies sale/exchange, a works show and tell, and a handbuilding session. All experience levels are welcome. Potters wishing to participate should arrive with a surface to work on, clay, and some basic tools. However, folks are also welcome to come just to learn and chat as well. Folks who have questions or want to get on the Meetup Mailing List (to hear about upcoming events and stay in the loop) are welcome to send messages to mudwarebyadrienne@gmail.com.

Weekly Community Gatherings
Fridays, 12 – 1 pm
Community Hall

Claire Coupland opens up the month with a performance on October 2. With a beautifully clear voice and songs that are honest, intimate, and powerful, she draws you in from the first note and doesn’t let go. Austin Davies returns on October 9, bringing piano and voice together on a wide range of classics, contemporary, jazz, and movie music for both children and adults. Plumper Sound, which is Kathy Curtis (sax, clarinet, and keys), and Patrick Brown (guitar, mandolins, vocals), offers an eclectic mix of rock, blues, country, and jazz – catch them on the Community Gathering stage on October 16. Second Chance will share music from the 70s to now, featuring Celtic accents, on October 23. Finally, on October 30, Slo Cookin’ will be playing jazz and show tunes from the swing era with the occasional more modern pop song in the mix.

Join us for live music and fresh soup. This long-standing community program is a partnership between the Community Hall, Ptarmigan Arts and the SGI Neighbourhood House.

All tickets and program registrations are available at ptarmiganarts.org. For assistance, please contact info@ptarmiganarts.org. You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook at @ptarmiganartsbc and Ptarmigan Arts.

PIJazz

Boy, does it ever feel good to be back at it. The Fall session is underway with tons of new music. We’re adding repertoire that certainly falls in the ”bucket list” category: real classics that we’ve missed over the years.

Registration is still open through Ptarmigan Arts (ptarmiganarts.org) and there is no registration fee for the fall session. Ptarmigan handles many things for us, so donations to them are very highly encouraged.

September 8 – December 15  Tuesdays, 6 – 8pm, on the School Stage

We’re always open to new members (especially a bass player who’s a strong reader). You know who you are. Give us a holler at brycewoollcombe@gmail.com with any questions. Keep up-to-date at http://www.ptarmiganarts.org/programs. We hope to see you soon.

Musical Musings: Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark

Like it or not, it’s going to get darker and colder and most definitely wetter as summer turns to fall turns to winter. It’s pretty easy to fall into patterns of curling up on the couch with a fire and a cup of a favorite beverage. But let’s not hibernate too hard!

A little summer chaos is fine, but now it’s time to build the strength and joy in our community groups that sustains us through the whole year.

So whether you’re part of a quilting circle or the choir or our band, or just get together fairly regularly with friends to stitch or play or paint, now’s the time to make those habits happen. Joyfully.

Just don’t forget the headlamp and candles and batteries. Never let a little power outage ruin your fun.

Bryce Woollcombe, BMus, MCFSM
Music Director, PIJazz

Solstice Theatre Society

The cast and crew for Solstice’s fall production of The Calling have begun rehearsals, and look forward to welcoming you all out to see the show on November 19 through 22 at the Community Hall. The Calling is the evocative story of baseball player Randall Griffin as he chases his dreams, while fielding love and loss along the way. This three-act play is set in Ontario, Michigan, and coastal BC, and is written by Pender’s Ethan Smith, and directed by Kitra Jeanne.

November 19, 20, and 21 will be evening shows, with a matinee to cap off the play run on Sunday, November 22. Tickets are now available online at http://www.solsticetheatresociety.org, or at Talisman Books & Gallery. You might notice that BC Ferries have set their berth renovation closure dates right across the weekend of our production, which could make it challenging for off-islanders to attend, unless they try out the water taxi service provided. But the play will also give everyone here a great source of entertainment while they can’t otherwise leave the island.

If you’re interested in getting involved with Solstice by volunteering before or during the play run, please contact Taniahonansmith@gmail.com. Although we have a great production team assembled, we can always use an extra hand around the Hall while putting all the pieces of the show together.

Sean Clazie
pendersolstice@gmail.com
http://www.solsticetheatresociety.org

Pender Island Community Choir Society

As I write this, the choir is well underway with our exciting fall programme under the sure guidance of Bev Barradell. We have over forty singers enrolled, with every voice part well represented. Thank you to everyone who registered. It’s going to be a great season!

We currently hold rehearsals at the school Wednesday evenings from 6 pm to 8 pm, but members need to be aware that we are looking for an alternative venue, as the space we have at the school is rather tight for our big group.

Our performance this season is of A Christmas Carol, the Dickens tale as developed by the CBC for presentation in communities. A good portion of the programme involves dramatic readings, with choral music interspersed. We are very excited to be bringing in readers from across various Pender Island interest groups, who will bring a fresh perspective to our audience. Who are these readers? Watch this space for further information once everything is finalized.

Our concert, in the spirit of Dickens, is a fundraiser; a portion of the door will be donated to the Pender Island Health Care Society. Mark your calendars for our concert dates: December 11, 12, and 13.

Looking ahead to spring, we will again be seeking a new musical director, as Bev is unable to lead us in the spring. Anyone interested in applying for this position should see our ad in this edition of The Pender Post or go directly to our website, listed below.

I look forward to singing with you!

Anne Mullins, Chair
penderchoir@gmail.com
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 6-8 pm, Pender School

The Pender Highlanders

Last month, on September 20, we were pleased to support the runners in the Terry Fox Run by giving them a Celtic send off as they began their route. During October we will be playing at the official opening of The Crisp Festival on the morning of Saturday October 3.

Piper Jack Martin is currently leading our practices in the temporary absence of Pipe Major Larry. Jack is researching some new tunes for us to learn and subsequently perform.

Looking ahead to next month, we will of course be taking part in the Remembrance Day ceremonies at the Legion on November 11.

Veronica Cross
veronicae4608@gmail.com

Pender Island Concert Society

We’re nearing the start of our season and excitedly anticipating our first concert on November 24. Subscriptions are still available until that date for $100, which gets you four flexible tickets.

This is a $5 discount per ticket from our regular price of $30. Subscription forms may be found in The Pender Posts of the past several months, in the Community Box at Dockside Realty, on bulletin boards around the island, and on our Facebook page, or you can simply email us to subscribe.

As of this writing we’ve sold 44 subscriptions, and we still hope to reach at least 60 for this season. Buying a subscription is the easiest and most enjoyable way to support our work of bringing high-quality classical music to Pender.

The Penderecki String Quartet will be braving the water taxi to visit us during the Otter Bay terminal closure, and since we’ll all be stuck here anyway, we hope you’ll join us for the show on Tuesday November 24 at 7 pm. This tour celebrates their 40th anniversary as an ensemble, and they still have one member that was part of the original group formed in Poland in 1986. They’re now based in Waterloo and are Quartet-in-Residence at Wilfrid Laurier University.

When they were touring BC last year, they offered me a complimentary ticket to see them in Victoria, and it certainly convinced me that we should book them to come here. They’re all incredibly skilled musicians who play beautifully as an ensemble and are very personable with the audience. I don’t know what their program will include this fall, but they have an incredible repertoire of both traditionally classical and contemporary music, and I know that whatever they choose to play will be outstanding.

If you’re a classical music lover, this is definitely a concert you’ll want to attend. While we highly recommend buying a subscription to the whole season, single tickets for this concert will go on sale around late October.

• The other concerts in our 26/27 season are:
• Saturday January 23 at 2:30 pm: Sarah Hagen, solo piano, performing music by women of the 18th and 19th centuries
• Sunday March 7 at 2:30 pm: Morgan Toney, Mi’kmaq fiddler with guitar and mandolin, performing Mi’kmaq/Cape Breton fusion
• Tuesday April 13 at 7 pm: Farhad Khosravi, Persian santur with percussion and vocals, performing original compositions rooted in Iranian classical music

We hope you’ll join us for all four.

Ben Litzcke, Chair
penderislandconcertsociety@gmail.com

Three on The Tree Production Society

Fall has arrived and we’re in full swing planning the annual Magic Lake Lantern Festival. For readers who are new to the island or haven’t participated in the festival previously, we hold an all-ages New Year’s Eve event that happens early in the evening on December 31.

There’s a short parade open to the public followed by an hour-long outdoor performance in front of Magic Lake at the picnic area. In the days leading up to the festival we will be holding lantern making workshops at the Community Hall so that you can create a personal lantern to bring and be a part of the parade. Stay tuned in the next Pender Post for exact times and more info on the theme and events.

In the meantime we’re always hunting for support for the festival; we’re looking for volunteers, materials, and accommodations from some of our visiting artists. Our volunteers and participants are really the heart of the festival but if a financial donation is easier we always appreciate that as well.

In other exciting news we were recently successful with a grant through the CRD Arts and Culture to provide a mentorship for a youth in the community who is interested in pursuing a career in the arts, particularly in the arts management or event planning side of the industry.

This will be a paid mentorship tailored to the successful applicant. It could be a generalized position helping with our year long programs, developing a program of their own to run, or joining in the organization of the Lantern Festival or ZooIslander. We’re just solidifying the details of the position, and the posting will be advertised in October.

For more info on anything related to the festival, our workshops or the upcoming mentorship, please send us an email or follow up on Instagram where we’ll be sharing visuals from past festivals and the plans for this season.

Enjoy a creative start to the fall!

Alaia Hamer & Liis Graham
Program Coordinators

Community

Royal Canadian Legion

One of my least favourite duties as President of the Pender Island Legion, and purveyor of Legion news in our monthly Pender Post, is when I have to acknowledge the passing of one of our Legion family, and sadly this is another of those occasions. After a long and debilitating battle with CBD (corticobasal degeneration) a rare progressive neurological disease that causes areas of the brain controlling movement and thinking to shrink and die, my friend and Past President, Jean Deschenes, passed away at home on September 4. That she was able to spend her final hours here on the island she called home for over 40 years was only possible through the efforts of her partner Dean Harris, and a few close friends’ dedication to her final wishes.

I knew Jean for nearly 40 years, and I was proud to call her my friend. We had some ups and downs over the years; we didn’t always agree, but I never doubted her dedication to the people of Pender Island and the Pender Island Legion. When I approached her about joining the Legion Executive a decade ago, I knew I was asking a lot. What with running her own business and accounting commitments, she was a busy lady. To my surprise, she accepted and became involved in nearly every aspect of the running of the Legion, culminating in a four-year term as president.

What a start she had: just two months into her first year, COVID-19 hit the Legion and all of us very hard. We had to close for a while and, when we did reopen, some tough decisions had to be made. One of them was doing away with paid bartenders and relying solely on volunteers. This decision was not taken lightly and was not popular with some, especially the bartenders. However, there were several Legions doing this already, and even more now. This, and some of her other innovations, has enabled our Legion to carry on and continue to serve our community. Jean’s leadership and willingness to step up, along with Lisa Christensen serving as our main bartender for the next four years, speaks highly of their dedication to the Legion. When Lisa died tragically in February 2024, Jean was already showing signs of her disease. Compounded by the loss of her best friend, she found it impossible to be that rock you saw almost every time you came to the Legion.

She still tried to help out, but with only one arm working and her mobility seriously challenged, she finally had to give in to the ravages of this terrible disease. This June, at Dean’s birthday party, we talked pleasantly and even laughed, though we both knew the end was near. Now she is at peace, and her legacy will live on with all our past Presidents who have given so much of themselves for the Legion and Pender Island. Jean was 71 years old.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Jean on Saturday, October 24 at 1 pm at the Legion. I hope to see you there.

In other Legion news, it is hard to believe, but Remembrance Day is almost here again. If you would like to assist with poppy tagging, call me at 250-629-6051. It’s a good feeling standing on that corner meeting great Pender Islanders who still remember those veterans who gave so much to keep our country free.

I would also like to thank all our volunteers who have once again contributed to the success of our annual Pig and Lamb barbecue, especially Shane and his hardworking barbecue crew who toiled away in the heat from sun-up to almost sundown preparing, cooking and cleaning up.

Thanks also to the bartending team of Barb and Frank Scanlan who have chipped in so many times this summer whenever the call for assistance has been made, be it at the bar, the Fall Fair, Art Off the Fence, the Car Show, etc. Your dedication has not gone unnoticed.  Without our core group of volunteers, the Legion would have closed its doors a long time ago and on behalf of all the people and organizations we have assisted on Pender Island I thank you.

There will be no Friday night dinners until October 30 to essentially give our volunteers a bit of a rest. On October 30, Barb Pender will be doing her Cowichan Curried Chicken dinner in conjunction with a Halloween Party, with some great music yet to be determined. Check the website to see who’s playing. It should be a big night at the old Legion.

Bingo starts on October 10 at 12:30 pm. Meat draws are every Saturday at 4 pm. The General Meeting is on Saturday, October 31 at 2 pm and Euchre is back on Thursdays from 2-4 pm.  Keep those elbows up and remember we will always be stronger if we all work together for a common cause.

See you at the Legion.

John Pender, President
branch239.rcl@gmail.com
http://www.penderislandrcl239.com

Community Hall

Now that we have wrapped up the summer programs, we would love to take a moment to thank all the people and organizations who helped create a fantastic summer for the kids.

Arthur K. brought us baby bunnies and chicks to play with and learn about. Jodi S. showed us around her farm, meeting sheep and horses, demonstrated spinning and let us pick blueberries to make some delicious treats. Barry D. let us visit his farm, shared some knowledge about beekeeping and let us have a taste test.

Pender Island Recycling gave us a tour of the front area and behind the scenes areas. Southridge Country Store let us spend a morning playing at their Picnic Park. Nu-to-Yu gave us a tour of the building, including the staff-only basement area. The Library let us visit and play and gave us stickers. Parks Canada welcomed the camps at Roesland, talked to us about “leaving no trace”, gave us fun activity books, and let us join their “Our Plant Relatives” activity.

And of course the Legion supported many local campers with camperships.

Starting in November, the Friday children’s workshop will be Gift Crafting with Margaret Alpen and friends. Margaret plans to show her participants how to make special crafts that can be given as gifts or even sold at the Saturday Market.

The Friday afternoon kids club will be inviting one of the Circus Arts leaders to come from time to time so we can keep our muscles in shape and we will continue exploring, cooking and playing games each week.

Youth Night will be October 11 where we can continue work on our costumes and Bean will be back to make things more fun.

If you are interested in supporting programs for kids and youth, we are always looking for volunteers or financial sponsors for these growing programs.

Job Openings

Paid Youth Internship – ages 12 to 17

These positions are 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.  Deadline to submit your resume is August 29 at 1 pm.  For more information go to: https://penderislands.org/opportunities/youth-opportunities/

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

Register at http://www.penderislands.org/registrations

This fall, Fridays at the Community Hall are getting a little bigger! We are introducing a series of five children’s workshops running from September through June, alongside our returning Hall Heroes and Friday Kids Club programs. Families can choose the activities that work for them, or combine Breakfast Club, the morning workshop, and Kids Club for a full day of programming.

Breakfast Club
Fridays 9 – 10 am, or 9:30 – 10 am
Kindergarten – age 12

Start the day with breakfast, friends, and free play! Children can enjoy breakfast (typically cereal, with occasional hot breakfasts), board games, self-directed crafts, and a relaxed start to the day before the morning activities begin. Registration required.

Children’s Workshops
Fridays 10 am – 1 pm
Kindergarten – age 12

Each session features a fun, creative theme with hands-on activities and new discoveries with specialist leaders. Youth Leadership Program participants are welcome to join as volunteers. Registration required. Subsidies available.

Gift Crafting with Margaret and Friends
Classes run Nov. 6, 20, 27, Dec. 4, 18. Five sessions,$150

Get creative and learn how to make amazing one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and family, or make special creations to sell at the Yuletide Market!

Theatre Arts
Classes run Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb 5, 12, 26. Seven sessions, $210

Step into the spotlight and discover the fun of theatre. Participants will explore characters, storytelling, movement, improvisation and performance through games and creative activities.

Fine Arts
Classes run Mar. 12, Apr. 9, 16, 23, 30. Five sessions, $150

Explore your creativity through drawing, painting and other hands-on art activities. Participants will experiment with different materials, techniques, colours and textures while developing their own ideas and artistic style.

Nature Discoveries
Classes run May 7, 21, Jun. 11, 18. Four sessions, $120 

Discover the amazing natural world around us. Explore the forests, fields and shoreline and learn about local plants, animals and ecosystems while developing curiosity, environmental awareness and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Kids Club
Kindergarten – age 12
Non-school Fridays 1 – 4 pm

Every week brings a mix of hands-on fun, from creative projects and tasty treats to games and outdoor adventures.  Youth Leadership Program participants are welcome to join as volunteers. Registration required.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS

Register at http://www.penderislands.org/registrations

Hall Heroes, Ages 9+ years
Fridays 10 am – 1:30 pm

Guided by Hall Leaders, each week is a new adventure: help in the café, serve lunch, make decorations, share a skill, mentor a younger person, help lead an activity… Mature and enthusiastic younger heroes, ages 7 – 8, might be able to be matched 1-1 with an older mentor; check to see if we have capacity. Registration required. Free.

Youth Nights, Ages 13 -18
October 11, 4:30 – 7:30 pm

A welcoming space to hang out, try new things, and meet people. Each night will be a little different, but will include things like cooking, art, games, music, crafts, outdoor activities and special guests – nothing needed, just bring yourself and a friend if you like. Food is provided.  Ages 13 – 18 (11+ with a 50-hour Youth Leadership Certificate or similar). Register through our website to receive updates and information.

Youth Culinary Skills, Ages 13 -18
Day and time to be confirmed once school starts

Get together to make a meal for the community; participants gain hands-on kitchen skills, work as a team in a supportive, fun environment. Bring an apron, a snack be provided. This program is run in partnership with the SGI Neighbourhood House. Registration is required but weekly attendance isn’t necessary. Ages 13 – 18 (10+ if child has a Food Safe Certificate or 50-hour Youth Leadership Certificate).

Youth Leadership Program
Ages 12 – 18 (10+ if child has a 50-hour Youth Leadership Certificate or similar)

The Youth Leadership Program gives young people opportunities to gain real-world experience while contributing to the community. Each week there are opportunities to help with children’s programs, host the café, assist at special events, support activities, work with younger children, and take on leadership responsibilities. Youth can choose activities that match their interests and gradually take on more responsibility as they gain experience.

GENERAL ACTIVITIES

Friday Fun
Fridays 11 – 11:30 am (ish)

Join a fun activity led by the Youth Leadership Program. Everyone is welcome to this all-ages activity.

• October 2 – Board Games
• October 9 – Thanksgiving Crafts
• October 16 – Board Games
• October 23 – Halloween Crafts
• October 30 – Spooky Snacks

Café Français
October 14 & 28, 1:30 – 3 pm

Practice your intermediate or higher conversational French skills in a relaxed, friendly setting! Join us for an initial meetup to discuss future meeting times.  Come for conversation, connection, and fun.

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.

Harvest and Yuletide Market Registration

Harvest Market will run each Saturday from October 17- November 7 from 10 am – 1 pm. The Yuletide Market will run each Saturday from November 14 – December 19 from 10 am – 2 pm.  Registration is open on our website.

Halloween Howl Family Dance
Friday, October 30, 6:30 – 8:10 pm

Join DJ Marc and Pender Radio for a howling good time with spooktacular tunes, dancing, and plenty of Halloween fun! Start the night at Camp Cowbell with the annual Hallowalk at 5:30 pm, then join us at the Hall for the dance at 6:30 pm. When you’re ready for a break from dancing, head back over to Camp Cowbell, where the Fire Hall will have a bonfire and hot dogs after 7 pm. Then return to the Hall at 8:15 pm for a screening of The Addams Family.

FILMS

Film: The Rivals of Amziah King
Friday October 9, 7:15 pm

Deep within the backwoods of rural Oklahoma, charismatic and musically gifted Amziah King herds a bluegrass band of misfits while overseeing the premier honey-making operation in town. When his estranged foster daughter unexpectedly returns, Amziah leaps at the possibility to reconnect and create a family business. But the honey game is ruthless, and Amziah’s rivals threaten to destroy everything he’s built.

Matinee: Hidden Figures
Monday October 12, 1:15 pm

The true story of three black female mathematicians who worked at NASA during the 1960s space race. Despite facing intense racial and gender discrimination, their brilliant calculations were vital in launching astronaut John Glenn into orbit and securing a major victory for America. The film highlights how these overlooked heroes broke social barriers to permanently change the course of space exploration.

Matinee: The Upside
Monday October 19, 2:15 pm

A heartwarming comedy-drama that tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic billionaire and a paroled ex-convict hired to be his live-in caregiver. Inspired by true events, the film follows how these two men from completely different worlds find common ground and help each other rediscover a passion for life. Starring Kevin Hart, Bryan Cranston, and Nicole Kidman, it delivers a touching mix of humor and emotional depth about the power of second chances.

Film: Ravenous
Saturday October 24, 7:15 pm

Set in a Sierra Nevada outpost, circa 1847, this horror thriller features Guy Pearce as an army captain who, isolated with eight others in a snowbound fort, must fight the ravenous, cannibalistic hunger raging within, as well as the enemy without – a lone psychopath (Robert Carlyle) who, having tasted cannibalism, hungers for more flesh.

Film: Adams Family
Friday October 30, 8:15 pm

Get ready for a delightfully kooky Halloween classic!

When long-lost Uncle Fester returns home, the family is thrilled, but questions arise about whether he really is who he claims to be. This 1991 comedy is full of creepy characters, dark humour, eccentric family traditions, and plenty of Halloween atmosphere. A great way to wind down after the Hallowwalk at Camp Cowbell (starts at 5:30), Pender Radio Dance (starts at 6:30), and the Fire Hall Bonfire & hot dogs (starts at 7:00). Movie starts about 8:15, 1 hours, 40 minutes. By donation.

VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are at the heart of many of the programs and activities offered at the Hall. Whether you have an hour a week or can help just once a month, there are ways to contribute. We are always on the look out for people to help with Films, in the Comfort Center, office support, as activity leaders and Youth Leadership Program mentors, cleaning helpers and so many more areas. All training is provided. If you are interested in helping somehow or need more information, please email or stop by for a conversation.

This month we are highlighting the volunteer role of: Guest Activity Leader – Would you like to share a fun activity? At the Friday Fun activity we are looking for people who would like to lead 20-40 minute all ages activities (most are generally child participants) with themes around crafting, food, heritage, STEM or other activities.

To contact us, email bookings@penderislands.org or call 629-3669.

Andrea Mills, Hall Coordinator
George Fowlie, Board Chair
bookings@penderislands.org
penderislands.org
250-629-3669

Chamber of Commerce

Fall is here, but things certainly aren’t slowing down at the Pender Island Chamber.

After a busy summer, we’re heading into an equally busy fall. Our Board met September 17 to continue working through our 2026 Tactical Plan and prepare for strategic planning later this fall. Then, on Monday, September 28, we’re bringing the business community together for our fall Mixer at Otter Bay Marina. Yes, Monday! We usually hold our mixers on Thursdays, but island life occasionally requires a little flexibility.

We’re also delighted to welcome three new members to the Chamber: Sandy Stoneworks (Sandy Macdonald), offering stonemasonry, masonry repair, stone patios, and stone walls; Choice Counselling (Geneva Jacobs), a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor working with individuals, couples, and families; and Medicine Beach B&B (James Walton and Nikolas Hill), a new bed and breakfast near Medicine Beach Nature Sanctuary. You can learn more about these businesses, and all of the members, in our online Business Directory at penderislandchamber.com.

A significant amount of our recent work has also been focused on advocacy.

We’ve continued our push for Fair Federal Ferry Funding, including support for petition e-7474 and outreach to elected representatives, other Gulf Island communities, Chambers and regional organizations. For ferry-dependent communities like ours, ferries aren’t simply a way to get on and off the island. They are essential economic infrastructure. Ferry affordability, reliability, and capacity affect our businesses, workforce, residents, and visitors alike.

Closer to home, there has also been considerable discussion this summer about tourism, both how Pender is promoted and how tourism is managed.

These are important conversations. Tourism supports many local businesses and brings outside dollars into our economy, but busy periods can also highlight very real pressures involving transportation, roads, housing, water, infrastructure, and the environment. The Chamber’s role is to make sure the business and economic perspective doesn’t get overlooked in those discussions.

Cycling is one recent example. We’ve heard concerns about promoting Pender as a cycling destination given our narrow, winding roads, limited shoulders, and the concentrated traffic that arrives with ferry sailings. We’ve shared those concerns with our regional tourism partners. Supporting tourism also means being realistic about local conditions and considering how visitor experiences can be managed safely and responsibly.

October will bring another important community conversation: local government elections. The Chamber remains non-partisan and will be assisting The Pender Post with the All Candidates meetings. And, of course, we have a few questions of our own lined up for the candidates, particularly about business and economic issues affecting our islands.

October 19-23 is Small Business Week, giving us an opportunity to celebrate the businesses and organizations that help keep Pender going year-round. We’ll also announce the recipient of our 2026 Pender Island Business Excellence Award and recognize this year’s nominees.

And then November is just around the corner, including the five-day closure of the Otter Bay ferry terminal November 20-24. We’re already working on ways to help our local businesses navigate the disruption. Watch for more details about Celebrate Pender, our staycation initiative encouraging residents to rediscover what’s available right here at home.

There’s lots happening. Stay tuned.

Sandra Tretick, Executive Director
info@penderislandchamber.com
penderislandchamber.com

Pender Island Public Library

On Display

October is Canadian Library Month, with our 2026 theme, “Loud for Libraries/Haut et fort pour les bibliothèques”. All month long, libraries and library partners across Canada are raising awareness of the valuable role libraries play in Canadians’ lives. Libraries are a place to find free books and so much more: libraries promote cultural awareness, engage in the community, provide educational programs, provide tech tutoring, and support freedom of expression. On display, we have books in which a library greatly influences the story and characters.

New Kids’ Activity Kits

We are so excited to launch 10 new kids’ activity kits for toddler, preschoolers, and young kids. These educational kits are packed full of books, games, and sensory toys, with kit themes such as Baby Set (6 mo. and 18 mo.), Coast Salish, Fairytale Land, Ocean Life, Volcano Island, Forest Friends, Polar Adventure, and S.T.E.M. Great to grab and go, with high-quality wooden toys, new books & puzzles, and resource materials. All kits were generously provided by the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) for the Saanich Peninsula and Southern Gulf Islands, who provide support, resources, and referrals for families.

Art in the Library

Searching for “Authenticity”, by Joe Kashi, photographer. Why do some photographs and other visual images linger in memory, continuing to engage us and resonate emotionally, while others fade away? The artist invites you to view a selection of photographs that speak to him, and which have been selected for various juried shows and curated exhibits. Photographs are untitled, to avoid implicitly suggesting personal reactions. On Exhibit Sept.-Oct. 2026.

Remembering Colette Clarke

October 2 would have marked the 7-year work anniversary of our dear late colleague Colette Clarke, who passed away in May 2026. Colette gave her full dedication and service to our library and to all who visited the facility. She offered friendly, personalized service to all: toddlers and parents, kids, teens, adults, seniors, and staff at libraries across the Southern Gulf Islands. She is in our thoughts, and we miss her and the joy she brought. Thank you to all that shared happy stories of their times with Colette; this is part of her legacy to our community.

New Books

Adult Fiction

Yesteryear (Caro Claire Burke), The Cabin (Jørn Lier Horst), Retour À La Maison (Melinda Burns).

Adult Magazines

Canadian House and Home, Chatelaine, Canadian Living, Consumer Reports, Pacific Yachting, Fine Woodworking, British Columbia History, Pender Post.

Adult Non-Fiction:

Light and Thread (Han Kang), Photography and the Law (Robert H. Ratcliffe), Democracy’s Second Act (Peter MacLeod), w7ec n7élye ey: We are Still Here (Phyllis Webstad), Process As Power (Minh Thuy Do), Why Our Lands Are Not For Sale (Mildred C. Poplar), The Nature of the Journey: a Trail Guide for Companioning Your Person on the End-of-Life Journey (Tracy L. Chalmers).

Youth & Teens:

I am Not a Costume (Maria DesJarlait), The Man in Motion: Rick Hansen (Lorna Schultz Nicholson), Kohkom’s First Drum (Monique Gray Smith), The Hybrid Prince (Tui Sutherland), Sticking to the Facts: (Gregor Craigie), All about us; 20 True Tales of Courage and Disability (Hannalora Leavitt), One ocean: 7 Ways to Save the Sea (Mark Leiren-Young), Azadi Means Freedom (Maryam Shojaei)

Library hours: Open Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 am-3 pm, at 4407 Bedwell Harbour Road. Email: libraryhelpdesk@crd.bc.ca or call 250-629-3722. Library will be closed on Saturday, October 10, 2026, in lieu of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Carmen Oleskevich, Library Director
libraryhelpdesk@crd.bc.ca
sgicl.bc.libraries.coop
250-629-3722

Nu-to-Yu Thrift Store

Spooky month is here and as we all get in the spirit of Halloween, be sure to check out our rack of costumes and accessories in the front hallway. Of course if you’re going as a style maven, you can just check out any part of our store, where value is always in fashion.

We’d like to acknowledge all of the volunteers and supporters of the Farmer’s Institute student bursary raffle. This was our 3rd year operating the raffle for the fall fair and we could not do it without the help of the the many volunteers who sold tickets and staffed the tables as well as countless business owners and creators who donated the wonderful items in the raffle this year, making for an interesting raffle which in turn prompted the sale of many tickets. The amount of $3026.00 raised was kindly matched by the Judy Williams Corbett Education Fund.

Passers by at our building site will note that the framing is all done and the roof is up. The HVAC and plumbing have been started as well as concrete floor rebar. Completion of the building is forecast for the end of November. As this reality comes into view, we are hearing from excited shoppers and volunteers alike about how much they are looking forward to this larger, cleaner and more accessible building. It is indeed going to be a huge win for our community, resulting in a more efficient system of raising funds for even more community projects. In the meantime, while we continue to grant money for community projects awarded at the regular twice-yearly intervals, we are also continuing to raise money for the new store. Any contributions to the new building fund big or small can be made through e-transfers to nutoyudonate@gmail.com

It’s not often that our storage areas become completely overwhelmed, but when they do, we generally post about it on social media and put out a sign that says “Sorry, no donations this week. We are overloaded. Thank you for your understanding.” We really appreciate the community holding off on bringing us more donations when we are stuffed to the brim as we were in the middle September. We also appreciate people spreading the word. It’s hard to get the message to everyone and we would like to avoid the disappointment of having to turn people away with their boxes and bags of donations.

We have an Instagram page. Follow us at @thenutoyou. If you don’t use Instagram, you can also view all of our videos on YouTube. Just search Nu-to-Yu and you’ll find our channel. We may not be as viral or hilarious as the fire department, but we try.

Nu-to-Yu is our community thrift store. We raise money to give back to the community. Your donations are what keeps our store stocked with great items. We accept your washed, unbroken and store-ready donations on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 and 12 and also on Saturdays between 11 and 2. We welcome goods in store-ready condition. For a full list of what we cannot accept, please refer to our website.

Josephine Spaxman
nutoyupender@gmail.com
nu-to-yu.com

Pender Roadshow

The kids have been back to school for a while now.  All throughout this province most children have access to public or private schools but that wasn’t always the case. In 1923, the population in BC was just shy of 525K people sparsely peppered throughout the province, an increase of almost 120% over the previous 10 years.  The average population density per square mile in the province at the time was about 6 people.  Victoria had a population of roughly 38K in 1923.

With a land mass of just over 360K square miles and such a small population, access to education in B.C. in the early 1920s was limited. According to the census of the time, just over 10% of the population in B.C. could not read or even write.

My grandfather taught in Ontario in a one room schoolhouse which was a common fixture throughout the country as well as here on Pender.  Children of varying ages and grades were taught under the same roof at the same time all across the country in rural areas.  For those without access to a schoolhouse, homeschooling was the only other option.

A unique item arrived at Nu-To-Yu the other day, a byproduct of the lack of access to education not just in B.C. but across North America.  That item was “The Chautauqua Industrial Art Desk” which was first developed in the late 1800s to help Sunday school teachers and church workers of the Chautauqua Movement in the eastern U.S. It didn’t take long for this unique tool to morph into a teaching tool for the art and education movement that was becoming popular across North America at the time.  The Smithsonian has one in their collection, as do the Alberta Archives and numerous museums across North America.

The desks were sold door to door.  The content of the scrolls and the attached maps varied between those manufactured in Canada and the U.S.  Of this Canadian version made in 1923, Newfoundland was not yet a province of Canada, and the area encompassing Baffin Island is marked “District of Franklin”, a nod to Sir John Franklin who extensively mapped the region but perished along with his ship and crew.  Made of oak and faux slate for durability, the desk was meant to promote self directed learning at home for both children and adults.

To set up the Art Desk you simply unfolded it.  With the upper section standing vertically, up top were several horizontal paper scrolls which the user could dial forward to reveal a wide range of images: everything from the most basic of shapes to complex technical drawing, business forms, and even images of paintings by Italian renaissance painters – the assumption being that your skills advanced as the scrolls advanced.  As the patina suggests, this beautiful old centenarian desk has clearly had many students sit for its myriad of lessons.  Thank you to our donors.

Sean Clazie – C.P.P.A.O.

Pender Island Recycling Society

Happy Fall everyone. With changing seasons comes changing projects and fall cleanup. If you’re finishing up any painting projects please bring us your unused paint and empty cans, including aerosol paints. We collect most paint products and containers for domestic household use, provided it isn’t labelled for industrial use only. We cannot take any paint thinners or solvents. Did you plug in your heater for the first time and it’s not working? Bring it to us for recycling. Changing lightbulbs? Bring them to recycling. Replacing your smoke detector or batteries? Bring them to recycling. Changing your vehicle’s oil at home? Bring it to recycling.

So why recycle? To support landfill diversion and a circular economy, which in turn helps the environment. Electronics and batteries often contain rare metals that can be processed and reused, avoiding the environmental cost of mining new material. Plastics can be recycled over and over, so new fossil fuels do not need to be extracted and processed. Many categories of recycling we manage are dangerous, hazardous, or unsafe for the environment if placed in the garbage. Lithium batteries are especially dangerous if disposed of improperly, and fires at landfills have been steadily increasing with the rising popularity of lithium-powered items. Landfills are also quickly filling up. Recycling as much as possible reduces the need to create new landfill space. Items in a landfill will never have a chance to be reused, and landfills are not simply a hole in the ground. They are highly managed facilities with extensive systems to contain garbage within the landfill cell, collect and manage harmful runoff liquid, and collect and manage gases such as methane.

If you’re clearing out the house or shed, good usable donations are welcomed in our Reuse area. Please speak with a staff member before dropping off your items. Examples of donations we accept are working small appliances, electronics, and tools; dishes, cutlery, and home décor; solid wood furniture; CDs, records, DVDs, and VHS tapes; also hardware, puzzles, and games. These items are offered back to the community, either for free or low cost. Our goal is to encourage reuse of items that still have life, rather than sending them to landfill. We do not take any items that could be damaged by moisture such as clothing, textiles, furniture with foam or upholstery, or particle board. If you’re putting together items for donation, think to yourself “would I give this to a friend to use?” If the answer is no, please think carefully before donating it to any thrift store.

Thank you for supporting the Recycling Depot and a circular economy!

Laura Begley
laura@penderislandrecycling.com
penderislandrecycling.com
250-629-6962

Pender Radio

Otter Bay Arts and Media Society

Moving into the autumn at Pender Radio, we have a lot of exciting things going on.

At long last, we have our archives up and running. This is going to make it easy for you to go back and listen to many archived shows. Our website is fun and dynamic, find your DJs show page, and at the bottom you will find all
their old shows. This will be added to regularly as shows continue.

We have moved away from leaning on our Playlist when we don’t have live shows, and instead, playing replays of shows that aired previously that week. So, a lot of the evening shows you may miss, you can catch in the day time.
Anytime you tune in, chances are, you will hear a DJ’s show. It’s a lot of backend work, but the pay off is huge, and the music is great.

We welcomed some new DJs to the mix over the summer, and we are excited to welcome have Ken Neilsen joining us with his new show New Music For The Disillusioned. This is a show helping people discover new music. Ken had set this as a personal goal, to not get stuck but rather continue to explore and find new music. Tune in Thursday 2 – 3 pm.

One last exciting tidbit is that we are now going to be having local businesses sponsor some shows. This initiative starts in October. Tune in to hear who supports Pender Radio and the hard working DJs. If this is something you are interested in, please email info@penderradio.ca. Thanks for tuning in, we’d be nothing without you!

Jaime aka Jaime’s Breakfast Club

Shout out: Leslie McBain has been hosting Pender Poetry Speaks since Pender Radio launched in May. In September, she produced her show as well, running the mics and sound mixer solo.

Congrats, Editor

South Pender Historical Society

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s South Pender Growers & Makers Market! It was a magical event on the grounds of the Church of the Good Shepherd with over 18 artisans and vendors, a silent auction, shiatsu massage, delicious food, games, talks, and music enjoyed by an appreciative crowd from start to finish.

A big thank you to all Board Members of the South Pender Historical Society for creating this delightful event, organizing, preparing, and setting up the stalls – to Barb Pender for organizing the Silent Auction, to Bert Hol and Steve Wright for delivering tables and tents, to Elizabeth Spalding for help setting up and managing the membership table, to Kaya Englestoft for her help managing the membership table and helping with games and crafts, to Patricia Callendar for her support with the event, and especially to Mani Lang for her help with organizing the vendors, advertising, and making sure everything ran smoothly. A great team effort.

Many thanks to Pat Smith and Ingrid Thornton for their beautiful music that danced through the trees and contributed to the warm community atmosphere, to Frank Trice for the talks about the Lychgate, to Pierre Delacote for his delicious food and for creating such a great poster, to Brenda Clairo for setting up the Games & Crafts, to Chris McDowell and Mo Simpson for distributing posters, and to Paul Petrie and Robert Dill for donating hundreds of dollars in proceeds from their vendor tables to the SPHS.

Elizabeth Spalding and Libby McMullen deserve special thanks for raking the grounds – it looked amazing!  Thank you to Christian Englestoft for managing the parking (along with help from others), to Ben McConchie for providing the mic and speaker, and for the many people who helped clean up after the Market. We’d like to add a very special thank you to Don and Heather Munroe and James and Heather Dungate for the use of their properties for parking during the event. Both parking options made it so much easier for our visitors to enjoy their time there.

We’d also like to send a huge thank you to all the artisans and vendors for sharing their inspiring creations, and a warm thank you to all those who attended this special event. This Market only happens once a year on South Pender and it’s a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together in such a warm, friendly, and delightful atmosphere. We look forward to seeing you all again next year!

The 13th annual South Pender Historical Society’s AGM will have taken place September 20 at the Church of the Good Shepherd. We currently have a board of 9 community members elected for 2-year periods. All 5 of the current directors whose terms are expiring have put their names forward to run again for the next 2 years so we look forward to them continuing to serve the community in the manner established over the years.  Frank Trice will be the guest speaker, and we look forward to his talk about the history of the Church Lychgate and Prophets chamber that he has been researching for inclusion in his upcoming second edition of the Good Shepherd Stories. Stay tuned.

Submitted by Robert Dill, President

Moving Around Pender (MAP)

Alternative Transportation Society

Greetings, good people of Pender Island. As fall starts setting in, your daily walk likely has a sweet smell and some crunchy leaves beneath your feet. Enjoy every minute.

On our horizons, you know it: Einar’s Hill trail is getting closer to fruition. It will no doubt be so exciting to watch happen, and we will all be eager to walk it when it’s done.

Still on the horizon as well is the Anglican Church trail. You may start seeing people walking in there: that will be us, the planners and the trail makers. If you would like to participate in the making of this trail, please let me know. I will include you in the volunteer list for this project.

This will go from Scarff Road to WOODS on Pender. It will create a great loop trail with the Scarff Road section and the Heart Trail, as well as spare anyone from having to walk on the road at that section!

As always, if you would like to make a donation, please visit our website movingaroundpender.ca. If you would like a tax receipt, let us know and we can have one issued through the Saanich Foundation.

Always feel free to come to our monthly meetings. If you would like to be on our mailing list, let me know.

Call or email me anytime. I love a good phone chat.

Jaime MacLean, Chair
chair@movingaroundpender.ca
movingaroundpender.ca
604-505-9144

Pender Islands Lions Club

There is a little extra magic in the air every October. The leaves put on their final show of colour, pumpkins become jack-o’-lanterns, and carefully chosen costumes bring young imaginations to life. The Pender Islands Lions Club hopes that all our Pender ghosts, goblins, witches, superheroes, and whatever else they can dream up have a safe, happy, and fun Halloween!

October is also an important month for Lions Clubs around the world. World Sight Day is October 8, followed by International White Cane Safety Day on October 15. Supporting vision has long been one of Lions Clubs International’s signature causes, with Lions around the world working to prevent avoidable blindness and support people who are blind or visually impaired. Here on Pender, the Lions are happy to collect used eyeglasses (without cases) and hearing aids, with donation boxes available at the Health Centre, Western Financial, Tru Value, and Nu-to-Yu. It’s one small way our community can make a difference together.

This month, we also pause to remember a much-loved, long-standing member of the Pender Islands Lions Club. Over many years, Jean Deschenes gave generously of her time, energy, and talents, volunteering in countless roles and contributing so much to both our club and our community. We will miss her presence, her friendship, and the many ways Jean embodied the spirit of service that is at the heart of Lions.

Once the pumpkins have been put away and the last of the Halloween candy has mysteriously disappeared, the annual Santa Ship will be just around the corner! Stay tuned for the November issue of The Pender Post, where we’ll share all the details.

Until then, from all of us at the Pender Islands Lions Club, Happy Halloween, Pender! Keep “looking” out for one another, keep “seeing” the good around you and in others, and enjoy all the wonderful things that make this island such a magical place in October.

President Lisa Gedak
penderislions@gmail.com

Pender Island Farmers’ Institute

2026 Fall Fair News

More than 2500 people came to enjoy this year’s Fall Fair! Over one hundred hardworking volunteers helped set up, worked on Fair Day, and assisted with taking it down. There were 310+ evening barbecue meals served. We appreciate the amazing support from the Pender Island community, with everyone coming together to make this event a success by donating time, goods, services, and sponsorships. There was great music, fun activities, exhibits, animals, food, ice cream, a tea garden, and a beer garden. Our guest speakers Kelly Leroux and Lana Popham inspired many of us. Photos from the Fair can be found on our Pender Island Farmers’ Institute website at pifi.ca.

And now we begin planning again for next year’s Fall Fair, August 28, 2027. Please consider joining the team and lending a hand. It is easy to get involved in small or larger roles and be a part of this long-standing island tradition showcasing our community’s agriculture, abilities in art, crafts, baking, sewing, preserving, and our young people’s creations. It is an ideal way for your organization, or your family, to be a part of the fun.

The 2026 Fair received almost eight hundred exhibit entries (up from last year). The fall and winter seasons are a perfect time to work on your next year’s entries, and we encourage everyone to inspire us with your future entries. Thank you to all exhibitors who used the Assist Expo platform and the paper form in the printed version of the Fair Catalogue to register your entries by the deadline (which is usually the weekend before Fair Day).

When applicants enter early, we are able to set up the Hall with a better idea of how much space to allow per section, and this year it made the setup go smoothly.

Please see our Trophy winners list in this issue. Congratulations to everyone who participated and won trophies in their sections, with a special congratulations to Christine Aust who won the Jamie Scott Corbett Trophy for high points in the fair, so fitting to the theme of the fair – the International Year of the Woman Farmer.

Special thanks to all our sponsors: local businesses and organizations, the Province of BC , raffle and anonymous donors, and to all the volunteers who make the fair possible. A complete list will be in the November issue of The Pender Post.

Our wrap-up meeting will be 7 pm October 6 in the Community Hall lounge. Everyone is welcome.

Barbara Johnstone, Chair
penderislandfallfair@gmail.com
pifi.ca
250-222-3817

Outdoor Farmers’ Market Wraps

The outdoor Saturday Farmers’ Market will wrap up on Thanksgiving weekend, and will continue inside the hall as we enter the wetter fall and winter months.  We would like to thank the market team of Tony Legault, Barry Denluck, Liam H. and Teo from the Community Hall, the young people who provide coffee in the lounge, Isaac Grimmer, Jason Auer, Ptarmigan Arts for providing the wonderful musicians for the season, and to Andrea Mills for her help and support, and for handling the fall and winter markets.  Last but certainly not least, we thank the vendors for their enthusiasm and talents that make our market so special.

The Wednesday market will also wrap up the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, from 3-5 pm behind the Hall in the Farm Food Hub barn. We will continue through the fall and into the winter on Saturdays from 10 am – 1 pm alongside the Saturday market. If you are a grower or a meat or egg producer, check out our website or email us to learn how to participate in our market.  We would love to have you.

Both markets are members of BC Association of Farmers’ Markets and support the BC Farmers’ Markets Nutrition Coupon Program.

If you are interested in joining our markets next year as a vendor, check out our website at pifi.ca or contact us at penderislandmarket@gmail.com.

Pender Island Foundation

Walk for Wellness Raises $10,000 for Health Care Society

The newly formed Pender Island Foundation (PIF) was pleased to present a donation of $10,000 to the Pender Island Health Care Society (PIHCS), as proceeds from the successful Walk, Run, Wheel for Wellness event and a matching grant from the Foundation.

The Walk for Wellness was created around a simple idea: our community is healthier when we come together and support one another.  We were fortunate to have so many people from across Pender Island participate. People walked together, connected with neighbours and friends, and helped raise funds for an organization that plays such an important role in the health and well-being of our community. The response was a wonderful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together around something that matters to all of us.

We also want to recognize the many people who made the event possible: the volunteers, participants, sponsors and everyone who helped organize and promote the walk. This cheque really comes from the whole community.

We hope the Walk for Wellness becomes an annual tradition and continues to grow. And perhaps most importantly, we hope it continues to be an opportunity for people to come together, be active, connect with each other, and support the organizations that make Pender a healthier and stronger community.

For the Pender Island Foundation, this is an important first step. Our goal is to bring people and resources together to support health, wellness, and vitality here on Pender Island.

Rob Fawcett, Former Executive Director, Pender Island Foundation
pifoundation.ca

Clubs and Social Groups

Pender Island Quilters Circle

The first meeting of the 2026-27 Quilters Circle year was held at the Anglican Church Hall on September 14. Quilters brought cheerfulness and enthusiasm and contributed to a lively, interactive session.

Erica Wickes, Vice-President, led a discussion that generated possibilities for the monthly sessions. This was essentially a planning meeting.

Charlotte Edwards has resurrected UFOs (Unfinished Objects) where we commit to finishing at least one of our individual projects we have started and shelved over the years. Quilters are notorious for starting but not finishing and many of us have projects in various stages of completion collecting dust in our creating area. Charlotte will provide chocolate, a great motivator, for each completed project.

We continued with a roundtable presentation of individual finished and in-progress quilts projects plus plans for future projects. Projects that were shared included baby quilts, placemats, a cup cozy, and embroidered pillows. Viewing the creations of others stimulates our own creativity; it’s inspiring.

We carried on with a “Trunk Show” presented by Eleanor Heslop. This was a showing of many of the quilts she has constructed over the years. There were an assortment of large quilts in an array of patterns and fabrics, bold and vibrant, subtle and traditional. Eleanor also had four baby quilts on display. She is very creative and will take patterns and blocks and create her own arrangements. Eleanor started quilting when she moved to Pender Island 20 years ago and has been prodigious in her creating. Many of her quilts were quilted by hand, a time honoured skill. Her quilts are beautifully crafted but she encouraged us to let go of perfection, stating that there are no “Quilt Police”. This was an inspiring initiation to the new quilting year.

A reflective thought was shared by Jane Fleishman who has decided to make things “just because”, simply for fun with no expectations and no plan. This attitude of “enjoy the moment” can be a great relief.

The October Quilters Circle meeting is on Wednesday, October 14, 9:15 am, Anglican Church Hall. A specific agenda will be shared with members.

Quilter’s Philosophy: Focus on the joy of doing rather than the end product. Satisfaction will come from completion but the happiness is in the moment, the engagement in creating.

Laura Vilness
penderislandquilters@gmail.com

Pender Photo Club

Starting a New Year

The Camera Club’s meeting (Monday September 7, starting at 7 pm) was the beginning of a new year for the club and a quiet celebration of our Zoom meeting format. We viewed 50 photos of our assignment, Summer Favourites, which focused on the good times that warm, sunny days bring. The meeting was chaired by Urs Boxler.

The many superb pictures captured our holidays including many exotic, far-away places. Conversation flowed as we merrily critiqued the ephemeral beauty of dragon flies on hands and screens, BC mountains, lily pads, the Young Violinists at the Fall Fair, Nova Scotia tunnels, sailboats and much more.

The Zoom format allowed members to remain at home with some enjoying a glass of wine. Furthermore, it allowed the enthusiastic, four-year-old daughter, Tuula, of new member Liis Graham, to appear intermittently on our screens. Internet technology is amazing! One member participated in the meeting although he was in Alaska.

The meeting closed with Ken Sawatsky showing 96 photos that portrayed the Vanishing Prairies. It was quite nostalgic as he showed falling-down buildings, decrepit grain elevators and old abandoned cars, as well as distant flat horizons and grand, wide skies.

Next month (October) Joe Kashi will give a show describing the sights North of the Arctic Circle.

For the meeting on Monday, October 5 the theme is Macrophotography, and attendees are encouraged to submit five photos illustrating macrophotography, that is, photos taken very close to the subject. All guests are very welcome; please contact Urs for the Zoom link and instructions for photo submission ursboxler@gmail.com).

Hans Tammemagi
penderphotoclub@gmail.com

Next meeting: Monday October 5, 7 pm
The theme will be Macrophotography. A slideshow describing the sights North of the Arctic Circle will be presented.

Pender Island Garden Club

October Garden Chores Including Planting Garlic

Cut back overgrown perennials. Give shrubs a light pruning and remove dead branches. For pruning roses reduce height by about one third to reduce wind damage. Clear out dead or crossing canes. Cut just above the outward facing bud.

Clean up garden beds. Rake up leaves and debris, keeping clean leaves for mulch. Pull weeds and spent summer annuals. Save seeds, dry completely then store in a cool, dry place.

Divide and replant crowded perennials making more room for growth, nutrients, and water. Replace annuals with cool season varieties, such as pansies, violas, ornamental kale, and snapdragons. Plant trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs for spring flowers.

Mulch garden beds with two to four inches of organic matter. This protects the roots and bulbs from freezing temperatures, conserves moisture, and discourages weeds. Leave a gap around the plant stem to prevent mold and discourage insect damage.

Now is the time to plant garlic: mid-October through early December. Garlic is forgiving but earlier plants usually produce larger bulbs. Loose, well-drained soil with added compost in raised beds or well amended beds works the best. Plant large, healthy individual cloves two inches deep, pointed end up. Space cloves four to six inches apart, in rows about twelve inches apart. Cover with two to four inches of mulch.

In early spring, side dress with compost or a nitrogen rich fertilizer when shoots are about four to six inches tall. Keep the bed weeded. If growing hard neck garlic, snap off scapes when they curl. This prompts the bulb to size up and the scapes are delicious, sautéed or made into pesto.

Harvest is usually late May to June, when the bottom three or four leaves have turned brown and the top leaves are still green. Garlic left too long can split and not store well.

The October 8 presentation will be a Pender Native Plants Tour and workshop with Nic Hall at 4506 Bedwell Harbour Rd at 1 pm. Tour the demonstration forest and wetland being developed. Emphasis is on fire resistance. Everyone is welcome. Non-members are $5. Please bring a chair and dress for the weather. If you wish to participate in the memorial tree planting, bring gardening gloves. See you there.

Vivian Mitchell
vivmitchell@shaw.ca

Death Cafe

The Death Cafe is coming back to Pender Island. We are opening the doors wide for all generations—including youth, young adults, and the young at heart.

If you have ever felt curious, anxious, or just plain philosophical about mortality, you are not alone, and you are completely welcome here.

What is a Death Cafe?

It is not a grief support group, a counseling session, or a dark, somber affair. It is simply a relaxed, open space where people gather to drink tea, eat delicious cake, and talk about death. There is no agenda, no ideology, and no judgment. You can share your thoughts, ask big questions, or just sit back and listen.

Death is something that connects every single one of us, yet we rarely talk about it openly. For younger generations, navigating the world can already feel overwhelming. Whether you are thinking about the environment, dealing with the loss of a grandparent or a pet, or just wondering “what does it all mean?”, your perspective is deeply valuable.

A room full of different ages brings incredible magic. Older generations get to hear fresh, honest insights, and younger folks get to share space with elders who have walked the path a bit longer.

Event Details

• When: Sunday, October 18 and Sunday, November 15
• Time: 2 pm – 3 pm
• Where: Pender Anglican Hall
• Cost: Free

Bring your curiosity, your existential questions, and an appetite for treats. Let’s break the taboo together and talk about the one thing that makes life so incredibly precious.

Questions? Please contact Julia Nicholls at julia0nicholls@gmail.com.

Julia Nicholls

Pender Organic Community Garden Society

October is a good month to spend time taking stock of the past growing season.  While there may still be some tomatoes to harvest and the squash or pumpkins intended for winter storage may still be on the vine, most crops will have been harvested. This is a good time to take note of what grew well, including the specific variety, the disappointments and the failures.

One of the advantages of being a member of the Pender Organic Community Garden is being able to talk to other gardeners.  This is when you find out that it isn’t just your tomatoes which are slow to ripen (Cherry tomatoes don’t count!)  Everyone noticed that this year the tomatoes were slower to ripen and that their yields were lower compared to last year. It is also a time to think about what you should have grown, because the gardeners who did had an amazing crop.  This year it was eggplants: all varieties, shapes and sizes were prolific. Eggplants were something we neglected to grow after a couple of less than abundant years.  The advice from one successful eggplant grower was “Get your starts from Raven Rock”. Duly noted for 2027.

For our plot, the Armenian cucumbers again amazed with their size and abundance. However, the plant wants to spread runners everywhere, so it isn’t the best choice for a relatively small space.  One disappointment, a Russian heritage tomato named Paul Robeson, was entirely my fault. I purchased a plant which already had a couple of small tomatoes on it.  I didn’t take the tomatoes off before planting it and the plant put all its energy into tomato production.  It never really grew and after about six tomatoes it curled up and died.

Another major disappointment was the snap peas.  I planted in April and lost a good third of the crop to the pea moth.  One gardener who waited to plant was harvesting perfect peas in mid-July. Lesson learned, don’t rush to plant peas. This year’s rather inexplicable failure was the French filet beans (Slenderette) I sowed after I harvested the garlic.  Normally after the garlic has been harvested, the soil gets ameliorated with composted manure and organic fertilizer, and I plant beans for a fall harvest. This year, the beans didn’t even germinate.  They  were grown in Remay-covered tunnels to keep the birds away and well-watered, but… One of the many puzzles which await all gardeners, no matter how experienced.

Rhondda Porter, community gardener
pocgsmembership@gmail.com

Youth and Family

Parent Advisory Council

Hello Parents & Caregivers,

I hope everyone had a restful summer and is settling into the new school year. We’re looking forward to another great year together! This message is a gentle reminder to fill out your PAC forms if you haven’t already – and a save the date for our upcoming PAC meeting.

We have a new PAC Executive team this year. I’m Emma Marler, your new PAC Chair, taking over from Darcie Whittingham. A big thank you to Darcie for all her work and dedication to our school community!

A couple of volunteer opportunities

Treasurer: Our Treasurer, Jenny Montgomery, is hoping to transition out of the role—or potentially share it with someone interested in a longer transition. If you love numbers, spreadsheets, and getting endless emails from me, this could be the job for you!

More seriously, this is an important role, but you won’t be taking it on alone. We have a supportive and collaborative Executive team, and no previous PAC experience is necessary. We all learn by doing, and there will be support throughout the transition.

DPAC Representative: We are also looking for a DPAC (District Parent Advisory Committee) representative. This role involves attending two meetings each month and bringing back important information and updates from the district to our PAC. If you’d like to learn more about what this involves, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

Come to a PAC meeting!

In recent years, PAC meeting attendance has been a little low, and we’d love to see more parents and caregivers involved. You don’t need to attend every meeting—coming to one or two throughout the year is a great way to find out what’s happening with the funds we raise, share your thoughts on important topics, and stay connected with what’s happening at our school and across the district.

Miss Margot and Trustee Greg Lucas also help keep us informed about what’s happening at the school and district level. PAC meetings are a great opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, and have a voice in our school community.

September PAC Meeting

Wednesday, October 14, 6:30 – 8:30 pm, Pender Islands School Library

We’re happy to arrange childcare with an older student if needed. Just let us know a day or so in advance so we have time to arrange it.

We also offer a Zoom option. If you plan to attend by Zoom, please let us know ahead of time so we can make sure the link is available.

I appreciate you taking the time to read this. I know how busy everyone is and how precious our time is, but I hope you’ll consider joining us for a PAC meeting this year. Your ideas, questions, and participation really do make a difference.

Hope to see you on September 16!

Warmly,

Emma Marler
PAC Chair

Environment and Stewardship

Pender Island Conservancy Association

Film Screening: Sandpipers’ Last Supper

Join us at the Community Hall on Friday, October 16 at 7 pm for a screening of Sandpipers’ Last Supper, followed by a panel discussion. This beautifully shot 25-minute documentary by Vancouver-based filmmaker Isabelle Groc follows the epic migration of the western sandpiper — a journey fuelled by biofilm, an invisible, mud-based superfood hidden in intertidal flats. Shorebirds are among the fastest-declining bird groups in the world, and the film makes a compelling case for protecting the mudflats they depend on. Come see the mud in a whole new light, and stay for a conversation with the filmmaker and estuary ecologist Dr. Pat Baird.

Ecosystem Restoration at QENENIW

SDÁ,YES/Pender residents are warmly invited to join ecosystem restoration activities at QENENIW (Hay Point Reserve, adjacent to Poets Cove) with PEPAKEŅ HÁUTW̱ on Friday, October 9, from 10 am – 2 pm. The Foundation works alongside W̱SÁNEĆ communities to heal the land, with a meaningful agreement with TSAWOUT Nation to remove invasive species at QENENIW in a culturally sensitive way and protect the cultural heritage of this important village site. Please RSVP to madelin.emery@gmail.

Protecting the Night, Protecting Each Other

As nights begin to grow longer this time of year, it’s worth thinking again about what all the outdoor lighting is doing to the creatures who share our island after dark. We’ve written before about how excessive night lighting disorients migrating birds, disrupts the hunting and mating cycles of owls and other nocturnal wildlife, and throws off the rhythms of everything from moths to bats to the fish in nearshore waters.

It turns out the same principle applies closer to home. The lighting choices that help wildlife can also make our own properties safer – not by lighting them up more, but by lighting them better.

Outdoor lighting is intended to enhance our safety and security at night, but numerous studies have found that too much lighting has the opposite effect. Glare from bright, unshielded lights around our homes can decrease safety because it shines into our eyes, constricts our pupils, and can be blinding as we walk.

What’s lurking in the shadows? Glare from floodlights increases shadows and doesn’t let our eyes adjust to see what’s there. And being “lit up” makes it easier for bad actors to locate vulnerable spots on our properties. Some crimes, like vandalism and graffiti, actually thrive on night lighting.

A dark sky does not necessarily mean a dark ground. Smart lighting that directs light where it is needed creates a balance between safety and the benefits of darkness.

Protecting the night starts right at your front door. Here’s what you can do:

• Remove unnecessary lighting.
• Direct light downward with fully shielded fixtures so light does not spill into the sky or at neighbours.
• Choose only the light intensity you need.
• Use timers and sensors to provide light only when needed.
• Opt for warmer lighting rather than bright white or blue.

Julie Szabo
president@penderconservancy.org
penderconservancy.org

Adam’s Nursery Notes: Falling For Leaves

Autumn is here! Warm fireplaces, warm drinks on rainy days, and the whiff of wood smoke being pleasant again instead of prompting concerns of wildfire and a visit from steamy firemen calendar prospect Capt. Todd Bulled. With fall comes my favourite time of the year – leaf season – when the most valuable garden asset falls from the sky. So, what to do with this abundant natural resource? Rather than importing expensive mulch, use leaves instead.

Ideally, we leave the leaves where they fall, as nature intended. I do this when possible, but generally want most of the leaves off my grass, pathways, and patios. With these leaves, I gather them and pile them directly on the garden beds. Traditional advice holds that some leaves, such as oak leaves, can overly acidify the soil – but research has shown this to be untrue, so feel free to pile any and all leaves (leaves with obvious and extensive signs of disease should not be used) on the garden beds up to 6” thick. Remember not to pile leaves against the trunks of woody plants, as this can cause rot issues – we want doughnuts, not volcanoes!

Time to throw on a sweater, gather the leaves and jump in the pile. Come chat with me about this or any horticulture topic at the Pender Native Plants nursery any Friday or Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm at 4506 Bedwell Harbour Rd.

Adam Miller, Nursery Manager
Pender Native Plants, 4506 Bedwell Harbour Road
pnp@penderconservancy.org

Pender Ocean Defenders (POD)

JPod news. Late afternoon of August 27 several Pender Sighters were at Brooks Point watching JPod Orcas approach from Saturna. They came close to shore near Gowlland Point, spy hopping, breaching, tail slapping and swimming through the kelp beds as they did years ago when J2 Granny was the matriarch who led them. J26 Mike was trailing kelp from his dorsal fin as he swam in the current below the cliffs. Check out SGI Whale Sighting Network Facebook page for photos and videos taken from shore.

Sighters above Swanson Channel have reported over recent days seeing Southern Resident Orcas close to shore in the Vessel Restricted Zone which is designated for their protection from boat presence and noise.

An even more serious threat to Orcas and other marine life is the proposed pipeline to the already approved Roberts Bank terminal expansion near the mouth of the Fraser River.

The Salish Sea would be even more crowded and dangerous with increased oil tankers.

On a happier note, J 63 the female calf in J Pod has been named in a ceremony by the Samish Nation in Washington State. She is now “Ts’ele7álhse”, in English as Heart of the Salish Sea.

Pender Island Conservancy and POD will present a film on Friday October 16 at 7 pm at the Community Hall.

Sandpipers’ Last Supper highlights the ecological value of intertidal mudflats such as those at Roberts Bank, and the urgency to save these vital habitats for shorebirds.  Producer Isabel Grok and diatom specialist Pat Baird will be present for a Q&A.

Monica Petrie
Facebook: “Pender Ocean Defenders”

SDÁ,YES Truth and Reconciliation Circle

Our September meeting focussed on plans for the coming year. Sub committees will meet before our next general meeting on Wednesday, November 18, 4-6 pm.

October Events to note:

Saturday 3, 11:45 Crisp Festival Community Hall Upstairs
Adam Olsen and Madelin Emery will participate in a discussion panel on Food Security.

Friday October 9 at QENENIW (behind Poets Cove)
W̱SÁNEĆ Community Days invasive plant restoration event.

Contact madelin.emery@gmail.com for details.

The W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council website is an interesting source of news: 13 Moon Calendar information, SENĆOŦEN names for native plants, community events, food security markets, and information on Douglas Treaty Rights.

Monica Petrie

ṮEṮÁĆES Reconcili-Action

Join QENENIW̱ Community Day October 9

QENENIW̱, a traditional W̱SÁNEĆ village site adjacent to Poets Cove, is an important traditional reefnet site on SDÁ,YES (Pender Island). For the past four years, SDÁ,YES residents and visitors have been invited to join “community days” at QENENIW̱ to restore and heal the land and our relationships to W̱SÁNEĆ Nations.

Coordinated by PEPAKEṈ HÁUTW̱ Foundation (https://www.pepakenhautw.com/), volunteers meet three times a year to remove the invasive Daphne laureola and learn alongside a W̱SÁNEĆ Cultural Witness. Much progress has been made over the years and many Native plants are reappearing in the cleared areas, such as Rattlesnake plantain, Yerba Buena, and Snowberry! If you would like to join our final event Friday October 9 from 10am – 2pm, please email madelin.emery@gmail.com to RSVP and learn details for the restoration.

PEPAKEṈ HÁUTW̱ Foundation is pleased to be buildinging these community connections that are growing this project and the healing work at QENENIW̱.  Learn more here: https://www.pepakenhautw.com/qenewiw-restoration-project.

Madelin Emery
madelin.emery@gmail.com

Pender Earth

All Frog and no Bull

The following interview was conducted with Pender residents Cheyney Jackson and Rose Vlaar, who have been working to address the invasive bullfrog problem in Buck Lake.

How did you realize there was a bullfrog problem?

One of the most obvious indicators of American Bullfrogs are their terribly loud, droning calls. Residents began hearing these in 2023 and by 2025 Buck Lake was inundated with thousands of massive bullfrog tadpoles.

How bad is the problem?

American Bullfrogs were introduced to Pender in the mid-1990s. They are voracious predators, live >10 years, and grow to weigh >1 pound. Mature females produce 20,000 – 80,000 eggs yearly! Bullfrogs outcompete native frog species and consume amphibians, small mammals, birds, snakes, and insects. They also carry fungal pathogens, pathogenic viruses, and internal parasites.

Have you had outside help?

In 2024, the Magic Lake Property Owners’ Society (MLPOS) funded an amphibian specialist to conduct initial removal efforts. His team removed 43 bullfrogs. With funding from the CRD and in partnership with MLPOS (2025) and Pender Islands Conservancy (2026), the specialist removed forty in 2025 and eighty in 2026. With hundreds of bullfrogs remaining, residents needed to get involved.

How did you mobilize the neighbourhood?

The CRD grant-in-aid helped us purchase equipment to supplement existing supplies. Armed with a rowboat, rower, buckets, headlamps and a “catcher”, our “Buck Lake Bullfrog Brigade” began circling the lake on nighttime missions. We typically hand-grabbed 30-45 bullfrogs per outing, with numbers decreasing later in summer.

With help from local donors, Rose started paying resident kids $1 for each captured bullfrog tadpole. This proved popular and it has been wonderful to see the kids engaged.

How many did you remove this year and what are your future plans?

This year the Brigade removed 296 bullfrogs. Our goal for 2027 is to prevent breeding with stronger efforts in May and June, continuing into late summer. We expect an ongoing battle unless bullfrogs are removed from other water bodies on Pender so will begin training other brigades in the spring.

For more information, to support or join removal efforts, or for a more detailed version of this story, please email penderearth@gmail.com.

Climate Cafe will occur on October 2 @ 9:30 at the Community Hall.

Pender Earth will be conducting a North Pender Candidates Meeting on October 7 @ 5:30 pm at the Community Hall.

Pender Earth has invited all North Pender Island Trust Candidates and Rob Fawcett to a Question and Answer session on Oct 7 @ 5:30 pm – 7pm at the Community Hall. We felt an alternative to the Pender Post meeting was needed given the many scheduling conflicts on this island.

We congratulate Rob Fawcett on his new position of CRD Director for SGI and hope he can give us an introduction of his plans for the future.

Kathy Cronk and Mary Anne Paré
penderearth@gmail.com

Health and Safety

Pender Island Health Care Society

Holiday Closures

Please note that the Medical Clinic and most of the Health Centre will be closed on Monday, October 12 for Thanksgiving and Wednesday, November 11 for Remembrance Day.

Annual General Meeting

Although the AGM did indeed occur on September 24, the Pender Post submission deadline of September 19 means that we won’t be reporting on it until next month’s issue. Please stay tuned.

October 17 Public Information Meeting – Please Come!

At last year’s public information meeting a great number of interested Penderites attended, with concerns about provincial underfunding for primary care. This year, we’ll update you on those funding issues and progress to date, introduce new directors, let you know about any changes at the Health Centre, and listen to your questions, concerns and comments. It’s important that we hear from a wide cross-section of residents, so please plan to join us at 2 pm on Saturday, October 17 at the Community Hall. We’ll offer some light refreshments, which may be appreciated if you’ve just completed your civic duty of voting in the local election.

Good News About Mental Health Services

Readers may remember that early in 2025, we abruptly lost $96,000 in funding for PIHCS mental health and wellness support. We’re glad to let you know that we have been successful with two recent grant applications – one from the Civil Forfeiture Office (BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General) and another from the United Way of BC. This has allowed us to increase counselling hours and address other necessary facets of solid program development.

We are pleased to announce that Rainey Boksa, RTC, will be joining the mental health team. Rainey’s counselling approach is client-centered and trauma-informed, and draws from many different modalities, including narrative and somatic therapies. Her background includes working in both private practice and within community service agencies, and supporting folks who have experienced gender-based violence. Rainey will be working alongside Sandi Smoker to enhance counselling service and program development.

This Pender Islands Health and Wellness counselling is a low-barrier option offering in-person, telephone or virtual appointments for Pender Islands residents at no cost and through self-referral. Please reach out to the program team at counselling@penderislandhealth.org.

We also congratulate Dr. John Faul in receiving his designation as a Registered Clinical Counselor. Dr. Faul offers counselling as a subspeciality to his Family Practice at the Pender Islands Medical Clinic with person-centred individual counselling, coaching, and art therapy using various modalities. If you would like to explore this option, please talk to your health care provider for a referral.

Community Nursing  –  What Is It, and How Does It Work?

We are very fortunate to have Community Health Services working from the health centre. This Island Health program includes home nursing and support designed to meet the medical needs of an individual as they navigate a health crisis, a decline in health or the difficult transition to palliative care. This team has a number of resources they can access for clients, including enhanced medical equipment loan and case management support.

You need to be a client of the nursing team to receive care. “Drop-in” or “can you just check?…” appointments cannot be accommodated if you are not a client. The good news is that it is very straightforward to become a client! You can self-refer by calling the Community Access Line at 1-888-533-2273, or by talking to your health care provider.

You do not need to be a patient at the Pender Islands Medical Clinic to access Community Health Services. Any cost would be dependent on your income.

New Pulse Oximeter, Thanks to Pender’s Home Hardware

Home Hardware’s sale in late June offered more than bargains; the store’s management donated $600 to the Medical Clinic from sales. With thanks and gratitude, we have put those funds to good use, purchasing a new oximeter for the clinic. What’s an oximeter? It’s a non-invasive and painless device that measures the level of oxygen in the blood, without any needles. By measuring the amount of light absorbed by the red blood cells, it calculates oxygen saturation of your blood in seconds. This is an important indicator of respiratory health, and this new unit can be used as part of routine wellness checks. It’s sure nice to have new and state-of-the-art equipment – many thanks.

Caregiver Peer Support Group on Mondays

The Caregiver Peer Support Group is a warm, confidential space where understanding and shared experiences are valued. It’s an opportunity to focus on your own well-being, talk through concerns, gather helpful information, learn what has worked for others, and share your feelings in a supportive environment. Meetings are weekly on Mondays at 1:30 pm in the meeting room at the Pender Islands Health Centre. Everyone is welcome to join. Questions? Contact info@penderislandhealth.org

Donation From the Pender Island Foundation

The Pender Island Foundation designated the proceeds from its very successful inaugural Walk, Run, Wheel For Wellness this summer to the Health Care Society, AND matched the funds raised, for a whopping total of $10,000. What a fun, healthy and engaging initiative; Penderites came out in droves to support it. And as the very grateful recipients of this gift, we thank everyone who planned, participated in, or supported the event. Let’s all keep active, whether it’s walking, running, or wheeling.

Speaker Series ‘Here’s To Your Good Health’ Saturday October 24 and Sunday November 1

Please join us on Saturday October 24 to welcome Liz McCarter from Self-Management BC for a session on living your best life with chronic health conditions. Liz is the Coordinator for Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, overseeing the Self-Management and Frailty Health Coach Programs. Through training sessions and workshops, she has years of experience in empowering people to live their healthiest, most independent lives. Learn about tools to manage symptoms, hear about the latest research, and get tips on staying independent and building confidence. At the Community Hall at 2 pm.

On Sunday, November 1 we’re pleased to welcome pharmacist John Tse as he explores the medical use of cannabis products, from personalized product selection by health care professionals, to drug interactions, dosing, monitoring and evaluation. As medical cannabis has entered the mainstream, it is no longer an emerging therapy. Come to the Community Hall at 1 pm with your questions.

And the Winner is…

Many visitors to the PIHCS table at the Saturday Farmers’ Market have taken the opportunity to sign up for the newsletter and/or the Grand Prize Draw, which was offered as an incentive to subscribe. The prize lot included an Operation game, a wellness basket full of goodies, marine first aid kit, PIHCS water bottle and a gift certificate for Raven Rock Farm. The lucky winner, drawn randomly on September 12, was Henry Mark.

To subscribe to future issues of the HeartBeat newsletter, please visit our website.

Kelly Leroux, PIHCS Communications
info@penderislandhealth.org
penderislandhealth.org

PIHCS Community Support Programs

Maintain Your Independence (MYI)

Exercise Classes
Find class descriptions, schedules, and payment details on our website penderislandhealth.org under the Community Programs tab. Monday and Wednesday classes take place at the Community Hall, while Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday classes are held at the Anglican Church. If cost is a concern or you need assistance with registration, please contact Marcella in the Community Support office. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Pender Island Parks and Recreation Commission for the MYI program.

Mondays
Community Hall

Strength Training for Overall Health with Stacy Packford
9:30 – 10:30 am
This class will focus on building strength in your body to improve overall health. There will be a variety of exercises for all levels designed to build strength, balance, and confidence in movement. Wear comfy clothes and bring a water bottle. Resistance bands provided.

Tuesdays
Anglican Church, Fireside Room

Moderate Yoga with Candace Aldridge
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.

Wednesdays
Community Hall

Strength Training – Supplemental Class with Stacy Packford
9:30 – 10:30 am
This class is designed for those looking to further support and enhance their strength training. Expect a full-body workout with an emphasis on multi-joint exercises.
Come prepared to work and bring your water bottle!

Thursdays
Anglican Church, Fireside Room

Moderate Yoga with Candace Aldridge
9:30 – 10:30 am
(See Tuesdays for descriptions)

Chair Yoga with Candace Aldridge
10:45 – 11:45 am
(See Tuesdays for descriptions)

Fridays
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 at the Community Hall

Weekly Activities and Exercise
18 Postures with Judith 11 -12 Judith has transitioned into a volunteer role. Enjoy this complimentary class upstairs.
Walk the Valley Home Trail 11:30 – 12
Drop-in Café and Knitting and Stitching Circle from 10 – 12

October 5
Book Club with Cee
This month’s book discussion is Miss Eliza’s English Kitchen by Annabel Abbs. Relax, meet new friends, join in good conversation, and discover great books together. Coffee and tea are served in the lounge.

Fall-Garden Scarecrow
Create a delightful pumpkin-headed scarecrow that will add a touch of autumn whimsy to any potted plant or seasonal display. A complete kit will be provided, making it easy to follow along. Veronica will guide participants every step of the way, helping you craft a charming harvest decoration to take home and enjoy.

Singing for Fun, Singing for Joy with Mary Reher
Join Music Therapist Mary Reher in this introductory class for a stress-free experience of singing together. There are many health benefits to singing – emotional, mental, spiritual and physical. Starting with a warm-up that calms the sensory system while activating the vocal cords, we will then learn a variety of songs from rounds to folk, with uplifting or thoughtful themes.  Singing is our birthright, and everybody can do it. It builds community and makes us feel good!

October 12 Thanksgiving Holiday

Thanksgiving Lunch with Turkey and all the Fixings $15
Pre-registration for this popular lunch is required. Sign-up online, or email Ben at fiftyfiveplus@sginh.ca.

Film: Hidden Figures Showtime 1:15 PM
Hidden Figures is a biographical drama that tells the true story of three African-American female mathematicians—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—who worked at NASA during the 1960s space race. Despite facing intense racial and gender discrimination, their brilliant calculations were vital in launching astronaut John Glenn into orbit and securing a major victory for America. The film highlights how these overlooked heroes broke social barriers to permanently change the course of space exploration. Suggested donation is $5. Volunteers are welcome to make popcorn.

October 19

Ukulele and U with Ben Beattie
U got this! Enjoy strumming in a ukulele song circle at the Hall. We’ll learn a classic ukulele tune or two. Ukuleles provided.

Nordic-Inspired Felted Folk Ornaments
Discover the joy of creating charming, felt folk ornaments. Choose from a selection of templates including a bird, bear, cat, house, otter, mushroom, and more. Bring your favourite designs to life with felt and colourful embroidery thread. All materials and templates are provided, making it easy to create a unique handmade ornament each month. Whether you’re new to stitching or an experienced maker, you’ll enjoy exploring your creativity and building a whimsical collection of felted treasures. Thanks to generous community donations, this class is offered at no cost. Advance registration is appreciated.

Film: The Upside Showtime 2:15 PM
The Upside is a heartwarming comedy-drama that tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic billionaire and a paroled ex-convict hired to be his live-in caregiver. Inspired by true events, the film follows how these two men from completely different worlds find common ground and help each other rediscover a passion for life. Starring Kevin Hart, Bryan Cranston, and Nicole Kidman, it delivers a touching mix of humor and emotional depth about the power of second chances. Suggested donation is $5. Volunteers are welcome to make popcorn.

October 26
Repair Café
All Repair Café participants can enter for a chance to win a gift certificate from a local business, supported by the Pender Island Recycling Society. Our Repair Café is run by friendly volunteers skilled in appliance repairs (Peter), tech repairs (Shon), sewing repairs (Judy), and darning repairs (Eve), all eager to share knowledge and help extend the life of everyday items. We also warmly invite new volunteers with specific fixing skills to join us regularly or as a guest volunteer and be part of the Repair Café community.

Seminar on Home Generators
Join Repair Café fix-it guru Peter Murphy for a free seminar on home generators. Participants will learn how to choose the right type and size of generator, what accessories may be useful, and where to safely install one. The session will also cover oil changes and other forms of regular maintenance.

Armchair Travel with Shelley & Chris to Thailand
Shelley and Chris are back with another of their signature iMovie travel presentations, this month taking us to Bangkok and Koh Samui Island, Thailand. Join them as they bring their unforgettable journey to life through stories, film, and a relaxed Q&A. Whether you’re planning a trip of your own or simply enjoy discovering new places from the comfort of your chair, this first presentation in their three-part series promises to be enjoyable. Shelley and Chris return in November to share their adventures in Marsaxlokk, Malta, and a beautiful cruise of the Norwegian Fjords.

To learn more about the Monday Activity Day visit penderislandhealth.org and click on the Community Programs tab. To sign up for the Thanksgiving Lunch, please email Ben at fiftyfiveplus@sginh.ca.

Marcella Reay
Community Connector
communityconnector@penderislandhealth.org
penderislandhealth.org
250-629-3346

Pender Island Emergency Program

Are you and your family prepared for a major earthquake?  Would you know what to do if one were to strike our island tomorrow? The Great British Columbia ShakeOut, held on the third Thursday of every October, is a province-wide earthquake drill, organized to encourage individuals, families, schools, businesses and communities to practice earthquake safety as well as review and update emergency preparedness plans and supplies. This year it will be October 15 at 10:15 am.

So why is it important to do Drop, Cover, and Hold On drills? To react quickly you must practice! You may only have seconds to protect yourself in an earthquake before strong shaking knocks you down–or drops something on you. Practicing helps you be ready to respond.

If you are inside a building, move no more than a few steps, then Drop, Cover and Hold On:  DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!), take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table and HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops.

Stay indoors until you are sure it is safe to exit. In most buildings in BC you are safer if you stay where you are until the shaking stops. If you are outdoors when the shaking starts, you should find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines, then Drop, Cover and Hold On. Stay there until the shaking stops. If you are driving, pull over to a clear location, stop and stay there with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops. Then proceed with caution and avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged.

Ground shaking during an earthquake is seldom the cause of injury. Most earthquake-related injuries and deaths are caused by collapsing walls and roofs, flying glass and falling objects. It is extremely important for a person to move as little as possible to reach the place of safety he or she has identified because most injuries occur when people try to move more than a short distance during the shaking.

Look around you now, before an earthquake. Identify safe places such as under a sturdy piece of furniture or against an interior wall in your home, office or school so that when the shaking starts you can respond quickly. An immediate response to move to the safe place can save lives. And that safe place should be within a few steps to avoid injury from flying debris.

For full details on The Great British Columbia ShakeOut or to register your participation, visit the website at http://www.shakeoutbc.ca.

For earthquake preparedness information go to http://www.crd.bc.ca/prepare-yourself

Brigitte Prochaska
Emergency Management Lead, SGI Emergency Program
piecc@crd.bc.ca

Pender Island Fire Protection Society

Firefighters and PIFPS Board members had a low-key hamburger (delicious, thank you chef Captain Grelik) send-off for retiring Chief Dine on Thursday 10th September. Low-key was how our well-loved Fire Chief wanted it. The PIFPS Board presented a Certificate of Appreciation which said: ‘In grateful recognition of your inspirational leadership, unwavering dedication and outstanding service to our community. With 28 years of distinguished service – including six years as Fire Chief – we honour your extraordinary vision and innovation, your commitment to public safety and the legacy of excellence you leave behind.’

Currently, Assistant Chief Adrian Hanson is holding the reins until contract discussions are finalized. The excellent service that Pender Islanders receive from their fire service will continue uninterrupted and a seamless transition of leadership is expected.

Meanwhile, the PIFPS Board is negotiating the renewal of its License for Service with the CRD. This has been a lengthy process as the CRD has been overhauling its Fire Protection Services mandate.

In 2024, authority was devolved from the Province under the new Fire Safety Act onto Regional Districts.  So the CRD became the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for various aspects of fire protection in dependent unincorporated areas. In the CRD’s case this includes Electoral Area G – Pender Island. Though of course, CRD had already been in control of the fire protection budget through the Provincial Surveyor of Taxes’ property tax levy for many, many years.

Since the Fire Services Act was passed the Capital Regional District has been updating some of its Bylaws to allow for its new responsibilities. One example is: Administrative Bylaw No. 4677, 2026, which is an updated framework for operational and administrative protocols; another is various burning regulations.

This modernization is quite the task as the CRD has oversight of some nine other local fire departments. Growing up over decades in little-regulated or supported areas, these fire departments have evolved a variety of governance structures—locals making things happen that their community needed.

Nowadays, CRD’s preferred model is direct governance from CRD’s Fire Protective Services with elected advisory commissions to provide community liaison. Some formerly society-lead departments, including South Galiano, have not renewed their License For Service (agreements) and handed their direct governance back to the CRD.

Pender Fire/Rescue is a highly successful society-led fire department. Pender Fire Protection Society’s 5-year License Agreement renewal is currently in process. The CRD would prefer that we not renew the license and that the Society no longer have jurisdiction over Pender Fire/Rescue. An elected commission would be formed for community liaison, rather like CRD’s Parks Commission.

The Society is working to maintain its jurisdiction, though requirements to live up to the CRD’s modernized bylaws are onerous. For example, the CRD will not insure the fire department or the Society under their blanket coverage and now requires a greatly increased insured amount to qualify for the License.  Stay tuned.

Christa Grace-Warrick, Secretary
administration@penderfire.ca

Pender Island Fire Rescue

Hello Pender Islands, as of today, September 14th, PIFR members have responded to 230 emergency calls.

On the training front, we will be hosting instructors from the Vancouver Island Emergency Response Academy to present their Emergency Scene Management II course.  This course will further develop our officers, as well as officers from the SGIs and Vancouver Island. It will be an exciting 5-day course of practical evolutions benefiting our members and the public we serve.

October 4-10 is the National Fire Protection Association’s Fire Safety Week, and the theme is “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower.”   The focus is on everyday charging habits to lower the risk of lithium-ion battery fires, teaching people how to safely use, charge and handle rechargeable devices like phones, laptops, and e-bikes.  On Oct 10, PIFR will host our annual open house and world-famous free pancake breakfast.  So please come up to Station One at 4423 Bedwell Harbour Rd between 10am and 2pm to talk about lithium-ion battery safety, have your fire extinguisher inspected, get information about Fire Smart home inspections and answer any questions you may have, and don’t forget to come upstairs for the pancakes!

Pender Fire will be at the Spooky Walk again this year for our annual hotdog and popcorn table that everyone has come to enjoy.  Keep an eye on our socials in the coming weeks for detai Sunday, November 1 from 12-2,  I am excited to announce our first-ever pumpkin toss! After the buzz of all that Halloween candy, I invite you to bring your awesome carved pumpkin to station one and give it a big toss four stories up from the very top of our fire training building to smash on the ground.  You get the fun, and we clean the mess!  This pumpkin toss is free for everyone to attend, and we will also collect donations for Santa’s Sack.

Remember to check your smoke alarms monthly, as they do save lives.

Sincerely,

Captain Jon Grelik
PIFR Fire Prevention Team
jgrelik@penderfire.ca
penderfire.org
250-629-3321

SGI Community

SGI Community Resource Centre

Housing NOW

Housing Helps Keep Our Islands Working: As fall arrives, many island employers face a familiar challenge: finding housing for the people our communities depend on. Healthcare workers, educators, tradespeople, hospitality staff, nonprofit workers, and other essential employees may be ready to live and work here, but they cannot stay without a suitable home.

Housing NOW’s Industry Sector Referral Program helps bridge that gap. Participating employers, institutions, and community organizations receive a unique referral code to share with workers seeking housing. Potential hosts can use the same code when registering an available room, suite, cottage, or other suitable rental space. This creates a clearer connection between local housing and identified workforce needs.

Could your extra space make a difference? A furnished room, seasonal cottage, or available suite could help an employer retain a valued worker while providing a homeowner with supplemental income, companionship, or help around the home. Clear expectations, careful matching, and appropriate agreements support successful arrangements.

When workers have stable housing, they can put down roots, support local businesses, volunteer, and contribute to island life.

To learn more, offer a space, or become a referral partner, contact: housingnow@sgicommunityresources.ca.

The housing solution may already be here – behind a door we have not yet opened.

Food Resilience Alliance

Listening to Our Local Producers: The Food Resilience Alliance’s Southern Gulf Islands

Producer Economic Development Survey asked farmers, food producers, and agricultural businesses what they need in order to remain viable and grow.

Their responses describe a skilled and determined sector working within significant island constraints. Key concerns included transportation, labour, worker housing, processing capacity, storage, market access, shared infrastructure, and climate change.

Ferry schedules, freight costs, and limited transportation options reduce already-narrow margins. Producers also struggle to recruit and retain workers when affordable housing is unavailable. Without progress on both labour and housing, agricultural growth remains constrained.

Respondents expressed interest in practical shared resources, including food-processing space, cold and dry storage, a commercial kitchen, aggregation and distribution services, and reliable places to sell local products. These resources could help producers reduce waste, extend selling seasons, and reach more customers without requiring every small operation to build the same infrastructure.

The findings can now support planning, partnerships, and funding applications. Next steps may include investigating grants, comparing central and multi-island facility models, exploring worker housing, identifying suitable locations, and determining which organization or partnership could lead development.

Supporting producers strengthens economic development, food security, and community resilience. The Food Resilience Alliance thanks everyone who shared their experience and helped clarify what is needed for a stronger Southern Gulf Islands food economy.

Dining in the Dark

Dining in the Dark Serves Up Thanksgiving: The first Dining in the Dark workshop on Pender Island brought emergency preparedness, creativity and plenty of flavour to the table.

Chef Jon Grelik showed participants how to prepare a delicious Thanksgiving dinner without electricity—and without compromising refrigerated and frozen food by repeatedly opening appliance doors during an outage. The finished meal proved that emergency cooking can still be comforting, colourful, and satisfying.

Special guest Chuck Elves of VIVI Coffee then led a practical lesson in “coffee in the dark,” serving a wonderfully smooth cup with a generous side of education. Participants learned that a power outage does not mean giving up one of life’s small comforts. Honestly, coffee may never have tasted better!

The workshop was fun, informative, and filled with ideas participants can use during the next outage. Its message was simple: when the lights go out, food does not have to become bland or boring. With preparation, creativity, and the right supplies, we can still enjoy good meals, excellent coffee, and time together around the table.

Thank you to Chef Jon, Chuck and everyone who joined us.

Watch for the next Pender Island Dining in the Dark workshop in October or November. Dates and details will be announced soon.

Sustainable Funding Initiative

The SFI invites you to join us this month for the 2nd workshop in our Building Strong Non-Profits Workshop Series with Mamie Hutt Temoana. These workshops provide practical, accessible training for non-profit board members, staff, and volunteers to strengthen how organizations are governed, managed, and sustained. Participants will gain clear tools and real-world strategies in board governance, financial management, staffing and volunteer engagement, and succession planning. Each session is designed to build confidence, improve decision-making, and support stronger, more resilient community organizations. Join one or take part in the full series.

Financial Management for Nonprofits with Mamie Hutt -Temoana: Wednesday, October 28
1 – 3 pm Zoom. Fee: By donation

Boards have a fiduciary duty to ensure that the assets of their charity/non-profit are used in support of the charitable mission. Key components include implementing financial policies, effective reporting using charity financial statements, cash flow monitoring, tax awareness and risk management. This workshop will review these areas to manage, track, and report on financials and funding to ensure mission effectiveness and financial sustainability.

Save the Date

Staffing & Volunteer Management with Mamie Hutt -Temoana – Wednesday, January 13, 1 – 3 pm, Zoom

Succession Planning with Mamie Hutt -Temoana – Wednesday, February 24, 2027, 1 – 3 pm, Zoom

Did you know SFI has a monthly newsletter? Sign up today to get the latest grant opportunities

and upcoming workshops delivered straight to your inbox

For more information, to sign up for our newsletter or to register for an upcoming workshop

please visit linktr.ee/sgisfi. If you have any questions please contact Jackie – islandsupport@sgicrc.ca

Michael Cowan
mcowan@sginh.ca
250-629-3665

SGI Neighbourhood House

SGI Neighbourhood House Welcomes New Programs Manager

The Southern Gulf Islands Neighbourhood House is pleased to announce the appointment of Benedict Beattie as Program Manager, effective September 8, 2026.

Benedict has previously worked with the SGI Community Resource Centre, assisting with SGI CRC programming such as Computer Savvy Seniors, Pender Island Kindness Program, and Let No Apple Be Wasted. He holds a Master’s degree in Religion and Culture, and cares deeply about community and civic life.

He recently moved back to Pender Island with his family and rediscovered his love for community development. In his new position, Benedict hopes to strengthen existing programming and volunteerism in the community.

The Board looks forward to Benedict’s new role as the Neighbourhood House continues strengthening connections and improving the quality of life for residents throughout the Southern Gulf Islands.

Southern Gulf Islands Community Justice Program – Come Join the Conversation

Living on the Southern Gulf Islands, we’re never far from nature. The sea, the forest, the seasons — they shape our days whether we notice it or not. But how often do we actually stop to talk about that relationship? What it means to us, how it’s changing, and what we might be losing or gaining as the world around us shifts?

This fall, the SGI Community Justice Program is continuing our monthly Zoom circles, picking up threads from our spring conversations about our relationship with the natural world.

This time we’ll be exploring how that connection shows up in our daily lives — and what it means to live it more intentionally as island communities.

Circle conversations are open, facilitated, and genuinely good. No agenda, no debate — just neighbours thinking out loud together.

55+ Monday Activity Day – Kitchen Volunteer Needed

Do you enjoy helping others and being part of a friendly community? We’re looking for a volunteer to join our Monday Activity Day kitchen team! Help create a warm and welcoming lunchtime experience for local seniors (55+) at the Pender Island Community Hall.

Duties include serving lunch, assisting with dishes and dishwasher duties, and general kitchen clean-up. Mondays, 11 am – 1 pm.

Volunteer orientation and training provided. Complimentary lunch included. If you’re interested, we’d love to hear from you.

To learn more or apply: volunteer@penderislandhealth.org or 250-629-3346 – ask for Marcella.

Computer Savvy Seniors: If you’re 55 or older and experiencing any kind of computer, phone, or technology-related issues, we offer a free service where a tech expert can come to your home and help troubleshoot. Please call our office at 250-629-3665 to book an appointment.

Join Our Board of Directors

The Southern Gulf Islands Neighbourhood House Society is seeking enthusiastic and community-minded individuals to join our Board of Directors. If you’re passionate about strengthening our communities and helping shape programs and services that make a difference across the Southern Gulf Islands, we’d love to hear from you. Serving on the Board is a rewarding opportunity to contribute your skills, ideas, and leadership while supporting the important work of the Society.

To learn more or express your interest, please contact us at mcowan@sginh.ca

Gulf Islands Food Co-op

This month we are focused on the Crisp Festival – food security is on the agenda.

When: Saturday October 3, 10am – 3pm
Location: Community Hall

Schedule of ‘food’ related events:

• 10 am in the Café room: “Fermentation Workshop with Fridge of Wonders” – only 12 participants. Register at info@gulfislandsfoodco-op.org
• 11:45am – 1:15pm Upstairs – “Food Security: What it Means for You and Me”. Speaker panel with our food bank manager Pam Wright, Adam Olsen, Michael Tennant the manager of Vancouver Island’s largest organic farm, and also one of Pender’s farmers, Madelin Emery. Participate in learning about food security from several different perspectives, with musical interludes by Luke Wallace.
• 1 – 1:45 pm – Café room: “Fermentation Lab for Kids” – free fun fermentation with Trish from Fridge of Wonders.
• 2:15pm – 3pm – Café room: “Smell, Taste and Memory” – a talk by Jonathan Askholm about how our olfactory senses affect memory and brain health.
• 10am – 2pm outdoors: Apple Pressing event with a brand-new stainless-steel press. Bring your apples and pears as well as your own containers for juice. We will help you make your own juice.

Self-guided tours are also scheduled. Pick up a map at the festival and be a tourist on your home island:

1. Winter Creek Farm – organic apple orchard tours and apple sales, 3 pm – 5 pm: Julie will also be inside the Hall from 11 am – 2 pm showcasing her amazing apples.
2. Twin Island Cidery – 12 noon – 5 pm
3. BeeWild Distillery – 12 noon – 5 pm
4. SeaStar Winery – 12 noon – 5 pm

Watch for more updates about the whole Crisp Festival on Facebook and Instagram.

Roz Kempe, President
info@gulfislandsfoodco-op.org

Southern Gulf Islands Tourism Partnership

Annual Resident Perceptions of Tourism Survey

Living on Pender Island means navigating a unique balancing act. We call one of the most beautiful places in the world home, and with that natural beauty comes visitors. To make sure that tourism actively serves our community rather than strains local resources, the Southern Gulf Islands Tourism Partnership invites all local residents to share their perspective in our annual Residents’ Perceptions of Tourism Survey.

This survey is your direct voice in local tourism planning. Taking just ten to fifteen minutes to share your honest feedback directly influences our destination marketing plans, tourism management approach, and community support initiatives.

By participating, you help keep resident needs at the forefront of tourism programs and help us shape the industry in a way that supports the quality of life for everyone who lives here. As a thank-you for your time, completing the survey enters you into a draw for a chance to win a $50 gift card to a local business.

The survey is open from September 22 through October 31, 2026, at 11:59 pm. You can have your say and complete the survey today online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/D8DLVPQ.

Kendall McLaughlin
Community Relations & Administration Coordinator
community@southerngulfislands.com

Friends of the Gulf Islands

The Islands Trust Election: A Pivotal Moment

With the Islands Trust election approaching on October 17, voters face an important choice about the future direction of one of British Columbia’s most remarkable public institutions. The trustees elected will influence whether the Trust returns to a clear focus on its legislated mandate to preserve and protect the environment and unique amenities of the Trust Area, or continues to drift beyond its core purpose.

This decision should not be based solely on individual issues or personalities. Islanders should consider which candidates understand why the Trust was created, its history, and the responsibility entrusted to its elected trustees. The challenges facing the islands today make this election particularly important.

Over its 50-year history, the Trust has survived numerous challenges. In the early 1980s, Premier Bill Vander Zalm proposed abolishing the Trust. Public opposition culminated in one of the largest demonstrations on the legislature’s front lawn, forcing the government to reverse course. Political pressure from residents, developers, and successive governments, however, has never disappeared.

Over time, the Trust Council has sometimes made difficult compromises, while attention has shifted toward administration and governance. An independent governance review completed last term by Great Northern Consultants identified significant weaknesses affecting the Trust’s effectiveness and efficiency. Several recommendations have yet to be adopted.

Today, the Trust faces challenges that are more urgent than ever. Rural island life is becoming increasingly gentrified, expectations for urban services are growing, and natural ecosystems are under increasing pressure. Populations of many bird, reptile, and native plant species have declined, with some now endangered. Climate warming is accelerating environmental change, increasing wildfire risk, and threatening freshwater resources. Active and effective reconciliation and consultation with First Nations is important, ongoing, and challenging work.

These pressures make the Trust’s original purpose more relevant, not less. Protecting the islands requires long-term planning based on sound science, recognition of ecological limits, and a willingness to make difficult decisions before those limits are exceeded. It requires trustees who understand the mandate, provide consistent leadership, and put the long-term interests of the Trust Area ahead of short-term pressures.

This is a pivotal moment. We can do better. With capable trustees, active public support, and strategies grounded in science, the Islands Trust can regain its focus and meet the challenges ahead. Most importantly, it can continue to protect the natural environment and rural character that make these islands – and the Trust itself – unlike any other place in the world.

Learn about the issues. Ask the questions. Listen to the candidates. Look at their records and plans. Then make your choice and vote on October 17.

For more election information, visit the Islands Trust and Friends of the Gulf Islands election pages.

https://islandstrust.bc.ca/about-us/elections/

https://www.friendsofthegulfislands.ca/islands-trust-elections/

President Jennifer Margison, Galiano resident
Steve Wright, South Pender resident and five-term former trustee

Recreation and Leisure

Pender Island Parks and Recreation Commission

Hello fellow Penderites!

The end of summer is fast approaching, so get outside and enjoy the abundant sunshine we’ve been experiencing, before it’s too late. Rains are destined for our near future, so we’re doing some housekeeping before the elements determine our days. Our next meeting is scheduled for 3:30 pm on Tuesday, October 13, and is, as always, open to the public.

Firstly, we would like to congratulate Rob Fawcett for his acclamation as the new CRD Director for the Southern Gulf Islands. A well-deserved appointment for a hardworking person and we know he’ll have success in his new role. A big thank you for all of your work with the PIPRC as Project Coordinator. You will be dearly missed. Rob’s term will officially begin November 2, 2026.

There have been some changes to our approach in the magical Enchanted Forest. What a beautiful, unspoiled trail! Unfortunately, our allowance for this creative endeavour has resulted in an abundance of trinkets and decorations…not so magical for the forest itself or the wild creatures that call it home.

Previous fairy doors have been removed and we’re asking the public not to craft and install new ones. Please have any such trinkets come for a visit, pop up in your pics as you walk, and return home with you. We appreciate your understanding; living in harmony with nature is key.

The fall season emphasizes the need for another canoe/kayak/boat clean up at Magic Lake. As in the past, vessels will be pulled up towards the road, a cleanup of the “Boat Area” will take place and we ask all owners to place their vessel back into the boat area or remove it if it’s not being used.

After a reasonable grace period (approx. two months), any unclaimed boats will be removed and placed off site for temporary storage, before eventually being disposed of. That will allow any absentee owners the opportunity to claim their vessel outside of the two- month grace period. For any remaining, unclaimed vessels with owner information, the owner will be contacted and reminded to move them.

The Magic Lake swimming hole saw a three-day closure in mid-September of the dock for repair damage from an animal burrow. There will be larger changes to come in the next few months, with additional details shared here (and at meetings), as previously mentioned.

A new dock will eventually be installed, alongside removal of the old one and a larger overhaul project of the site in general is to come. In the meantime, you’ll notice movement with the picnic table to a safer spot and signage indicating a potential rock slide area. Stay tuned for more updates.

Lastly, this is a friendly reminder that our meetings are open to the public and there’s a process for delegates to participate in them. Here is how to prepare to attend and speak at our meetings:

Public attendance

All CRD Board and Commission meetings, including PIPRC meetings, are open to the public unless the meeting, or part of it, is lawfully closed under the provisions of the Community Charter (In Camera). A resolution must be passed in public before moving into a closed meeting.

If you want to speak to an agenda item:

• You must submit a written delegation request to penderparks penderparks@crd.bc.ca
• The request must be received by 4:30 p.m., two calendar days before the meeting.
• Delegations are generally limited to three minutes per speaker unless the members agree (by a two-thirds vote) to allow more time.
• Speakers are typically called in the order their requests were received.

Written submissions

Instead of speaking, members of the public may submit written comments for circulation to commission members before the meeting.

Late requests

If you miss the deadline, the Commission can still allow you to speak, but it requires approval by a two-thirds vote of the members present.

Conduct expectations

The Chair may stop or refuse a delegation if the speaker:

• Uses profane, vulgar, or offensive language, gestures, or signs; or
• Speaks about matters outside the subject described in the delegation request.

Please remember that commissioners are volunteers and are generous with their time and attention to attend to all things within the PIPRC purview. We’re your friends, neighbours and have the public’s best interest at heart when discussing all matters. Please reciprocate the respect extended to you; we all deserve fair treatment and do our best to address concerns presented to the commission.

That’s it for this month. Remember you’re always welcome to apply to be a commissioner, and though our roster is currently full, we keep applications on hand and are here to answer any questions you may have. Happy end of summer

Connie Sears, Commissioner
penderprcommission@gmail.com
tinyurl.com/PenderPnR
Next meeting: Tuesday, October 13, 3:30 pm, Community Hall

Pender Island Golf Club

Two Aces Wrap Up Golf Season

Another wonderful season of golf at the PIGC is almost over. How did that happen so quickly?

On behalf of all club members, I want to give a huge thank you to all of our many wonderful volunteers. The list is endless and includes the Monday morning work crew (including the cookie bakers), committee chair persons and their teams who organize everything from our tournaments to extra work, and garden/cleanup crews, the men and ladies captains, and of course, the board of directors.

We are so fortunate to continue to have members who give up hours of their time and energy to keep our club running smoothly.

We had an exciting few days during the first week in September. On Sunday, September 6, Danny Martin was playing with the usual Sunday morning group and had a hole-in-one on the 137 yard 13th hole. Only four days later on the men’s league day, Ken Pelley also got a hole-in-one on the 13th hole.

Congratulations Danny and Ken on those great shots! It couldn’t happen to two nicer guys.

We introduced a couple of things at the club this year including our “Back 9 Social Club” thanks to the very creative Bradley Hanning (who also took on the job of hosting the Friday Fun Nights.

This group was open to all members as well as non-members and has been a great success. We hope to continue it next year.

In June we hosted a three-week “Introduction to Golf” for women on Sunday evenings.

Twelve women signed up for the program and under the leadership of Dana McConchie, our amazing junior golf instructor, and volunteers from our ladies league, we worked with the women practising the drills that Dana set up, and even played a few holes together  at the end of the session. The number  of women who  discovered that they love golf and are now playing regularly far exceeded our expectations and I’m happy to say that a quarter of them have been golfing regularly through the summer!

Our club captains, especially men’s captain Ken Pelley made a great effort to help resurrect the J.J.White Tournament, an inter-island club tournament that has not been played on Pender, nor participated in, for  almost a decade.

It was heartwarming to see all of the club captains’ commitment to making this tournament work again. As the winners this year, Saltspring Island Golf club will host the tournament next year. (We came in second.)

We are offering our Fall Special to anyone wanting to become a club member in 2027. Come in and sign up anytime between now and the end of the year and pay the one time initiation fee of $1500, and you may play golf for free for the rest of the season.

The annual membership for 2027 is due in February. If becoming a PIGC member has been on your to-do list, come into the pro shop and sign up early to enjoy being out on the course during the great fall weather. If you would like more information about this offer,  please call the pro shop at 250-629-6659 or contact Ian Pirie at membership@penderislandgolf.ca

The pro shop is also having a 20% sale on all inventory. Great for early Christmas shopping without having to leave the island.

Come and see us, we will be open until October 24.

“… golf is often as much about the interaction with your friends as it is the shots we are playing, and enjoying the way players are able to laugh at themselves as they chuckle at, and with, others.”

–         Arnold Palmer

Michelle Galaugher, director at large
membership@penderislandgolf.ca
penderislandgolf.ca
250-629-6659

Pender Island Disc Golf Society

It’s been a busy season for our island disc golfers since our last report.

In March, the PIDGS sponsored a women only clinic which drew 19 enthusiastic participants to Danny Martin Park to learn drives, approach shots, and putts. The clinic was led by disc golf pro Katelin Albert from Victoria. From the ballpark, the group headed up to the disc park to put newly acquired skills into practice.

Such a great time with lots of laughs and comradery.

Also in March, local disc golfer and newly appointed president of the PIDGS, Claude Seguin headed to Ontario to compete in the annual Winter Thaw event held in Brampton. With sub-zero temps and a wild wind, he held on to win the MA70 division. In April, Claude traveled to 18 Pastures in Mission for a Masters event where he was victorious again in the MA70 division.

Early May saw a group of 18 keen discers head over to Mayne Island for their annual family friendly tournament at Dinner Bay. Bringing home trophies and/or cash include:

• Pro Men – John Bowers – 1st, Xander Hartwood – 3rd
• Advanced Men – Jo Down – 5th, Tavis Mawhinney – Tied – 6th, Sam Boyte – 8th, Rance Cocker – Tied 9th
• Pro Women – Kate McNairn – 2nd
• Novice Women – Marlene Jeronimus – 1st (her first EVER tourney!)
• Junior (under 12 yrs) – Jasper Packford – 1st
• Ace Pot – Sam Boyte – $100.

Later in May, 209 disc golfers from all across Canada and the USA descended on Pender for the annual Pender Classic Disc Golf Tournament. The tourney runs from Thursday thru Sunday with a Mixed Doubles match held Saturday at the PIGCC, which is always a highlight for players and spectators. Island heroes include:

• Pro Men John Bowers – 2nd
• Senior Grand Masters – Claude Seguin – 3rd, Alex Fraser – 4th
• Amateur Men – TJ Riley – Tied – 2nd, Myles K-G – Tied 8th, Calvin Hunt – Tied 17th
• Advanced Men – Joe Salkeld – Tied – 2nd, Jo Down – Tied 9th
• Master Men – Craig Fehr – 5th, Chris Wakaluk – 8th
• Novice Women – Marlene Jeronimus – 4th
• Master Women – Jen Larsen – 1st
• Juniors – Ernie K-G – 1st, Aaro Sarakannis – 2nd, Ziggy K-G, Jasper Packford – Honourable Mentions.

Aces worth $85 each were snapped up by Pete Fennell (2), Chris Wakaluk, and Joe Salkeld.

June saw the Sunday local league wrap up for the season. Jo Down won the “Trifecta” of local disc by taking home trophies for most Aces, most CTPs, AND the coveted Golden Jacket for most overall points. Way to go, Jo.

The BC Open Amateur Tournament was held at Raptor’s Knoll in Langley June 19-22. Claude Seguin won the MA70 Division.

The Stillwood Masters in Cultus Lake was played over the first weekend in July. Claude Seguin placed 2nd in MA70 and David Ohnona placed 4th in MA55.

The Canadian Nationals were held in Grande Prairie this year on July 24-26 and Claude Seguin was there to defend his National title to win the MA70 division against some challenging competition.

Over that same weekend, 4 eager locals made the trek up to Cortes Island  to compete in their annual Dawg Dayz tournament.

• Amateur Men – Henry Down – 1st
• Master Men – Chris Wakaluk – 1st
• Master Men – Jo Down – 3rd
• Open Men – John Bowers – 1st.

Early August our Youth Ambassadors, Caedmon Mawhinney and Vincent Holland hosted and instructed 11 students from the Hello Kids International School in Japan. This is an annual event and it’s always a special day for the young Japanese students. On August 22nd,  21 players from Pender and off-island attended an Island Series Event held at Red Tail, a challenging private course on North Pender.

• MA50 – Jo Down – Tied 1st
• MPO – John Bowers – 1st

Gavin Watson got the only Ace during the event. This course continues to draw  on and off island players each week. Contact sdunsmuir@gmail.com to book a tee time.

September 8-12 were the BC Senior Games in Kamloops. David Ohnona, the reigning disc golf champ won the Gold Medal in his age division (65-69 years) for best score in tournament play as well as a Silver Medal for overall divisions in the skills competition! Way to go, David!

Early October will bring on the Triple Crown for local discers. Three courses get played over the course of one day: 9 holes at Daffodil Hill (a private course), 9 holes at the school course (Blue Tees), and 18 holes at the Disc Park (original layout). It’s always an exciting day.

The Society has quite a few loaner discs so if you want to give it a try before purchasing discs, just let us know. Until the next update,

Cathy Nealy

Pender Island Otters Swim Club

With October comes the start of the Otters Fall programming.

We were back in the pool on September 25 this year, and welcomed back lots of returning and new swimmers into our membership. Our coaching team is excited to help our swimmers develop their skills and endurance in the coming months.

If you haven’t joined up yet, but are thinking about it, there is still some room, although the Pups groups are full except for the last class 12:15 – 1 pm where there is still some room. For activities for the past month, we had a raft of Otters board members staffing our Fall Fair booth. We did get some new families signing up for more information, and had some “Otters alumni” coming by to say hello.

We also received welcome news that both the Mayne Island CRD Parks and Recreation Commission and Pender Island CRD Parks and Recreation Commission granted us funds for the coming year. We are so thankful for their continued support of our inter-island non-profit society.  And we had wonderful news that the Gaming Commission also granted us funds, so we can look forward to another year of offering our full programming to as many islanders as want to participate.

This funding support enables us to keep our registration rates as low as possible, and keep our coaching staff numbers up to full capacity.  So, on we go – swimming into the Fall season!

Respectfully submitted,

Helen Lemon-Moore, President
penderottersswimclub@gmail.com
penderislandotters.ca