The small community of Bowen Island is hoping to attract some new visitors, just not too many.
The municipality is launching a tongue-in-cheek marketing campaign with slogans like ‘Welcome to Bowen Island – Don’t forget to leave’.
The new ads are not sitting well with everyone on Bowen, with some residents calling the campaign mean-spirited.
The creator of the ads says he is pleased the campaign has some people talking.
“Of course Bowen’s not awful, Bowen’s amazing,” said Chris Staples from Rethink Canada. “But we’re protective and proud of this place and we want to keep it special. So come on over, spend the day, come and golf, rent a cabin here, have an amazing time but know you’re not going to find chain stores and movie theatres and traffic lights.”
“It’s still this magical little place, it’s very worth keeping a secret.”
Bowen Island is a 20 minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver.