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The CRBA runs as a volunteer-based association. However, some leadership roles are assigned on an elected basis in order to keep things running smoothly. They include members of the executive, as well as ancillary positions in the form of directors. We are the largest bee club on Vancouver Island, with around 200 active members. Our diverse club hosts meetings covering content for newbees as well as experienced beeks. We meet on the second Thursday of every month (except in December) at the Central Saanich Senoirs Centre in Brentwood Bay (1229 Clarke Rd).

The club was founded in 1973 under the banner of the BC Honey Producers Association (BCHPA) and was known as the Vancouver Island or Capital Region Division. To give you an indication of the topics discussed back then, here are some of the first bulletins distributed by Hugh Ross (the Secretary at the time); feast your eyes on these typewritten beauties:

The club has expanded and evolved since then. We have regular beginner’s beekeeping corners where topics for novices are discussed, as well as informal discussions for the seasoned veteran (our intermediate beekeeping corner).

Here is a list of the club executive and directors, the people that keep the wheels of the club oiled and running smoothly.

Executive

Directors and Committee chairs

Other

  • Regional Apiarist: Tara Galpin
  • Bee Supplies: Carolyn Hissen
  • Club Mailing Address:
    Capital Region Beekeepers Association
    PO Box 46024 Hillside PO
    Victoria BC V8T 5G7
  • Club Phone Number: 250-900-5787
  • Swarm Line: 250-900-5787

Time Commitment for Association Executive

Members of the executive will have slightly varying time commitments depending upon their interests and the time of year. Meetings are held on the second Thursday evening of each month (excluding December). Meetings run from set-up at 6:00pm until cleanup at 9:00pm. Meetings are held at the Central Saanich Seniors Centre at 1229 Clarke Rd in Brentwood Bay. Executive meetings are held on the Monday following the Association meetings each month and run from 7:00pm to 9:00pm and are usually held in the home of one of the members of the Executive.

President (two year term)
  1. Voting member of Executive.
  2. One of the signing authorities for Association banking transactions (cheques).
  3. In collaboration with the executive team, plan the agenda and coordinate monthly Association meetings.
  4. Host the monthly meetings of the Association by coordinating speakers and activities.
  5. Chair the monthly Executive meetings and ensure minutes are recorded and shared.
  6. Chair the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association.
  7. Draw upon the innate talents and experiences of members to disseminate knowledge to all interested parties.
  8. Liaise with the landlord and major tenant(s) of the host facility.
  9. Represent the club externally.
First Vice President (two year term)
  1. Voting member of Executive.
  2. One of the signing authorities for Association transactions.
  3. Plan and present New Beekeepers Corner at monthly general meetings.
  4. Act in the absence of the President.
  5. In collaboration with the executive team, plan and coordinate monthly Association meetings.
  6. Represent the club externally.
Second Vice President (two year term)
  1. Voting member of Executive.
  2. One of the signing authorities for Association transactions.
  3. In collaboration with the executive team, plan and coordinate monthly Association meetings.
  4. Act in the absence of the President.
  5. Structure and support small community groups and sub categories of the broader club interests (e.g. ware and top bar hives).
  6. Schedule and support the hive visits.
  7. Represent the club externally.
Treasurer (two year term)
  1. Voting member of Executive.
  2. One of the signing authorities for Association transactions.
  3. Act in the absence of the President.
  4. In collaboration with the executive team, plan and coordinate monthly Association meetings.
  5. Collect monies, issue cheques and record financial transactions for the Association.
  6. Prepare and present the annual Income statement and balance sheet for approval by the Association (usually presented at the club Annual General Meeting/AGM).
  7. Represent the club externally.
Secretary (two year term)
  1. Voting member of Executive.
  2. Act in the absence of the President.
  3. In collaboration with the executive team, plan and coordinate monthly Association meetings.
  4. Record and publish the minutes of the monthly Association meetings, executive meetings and Annual General Meeting (AGM).
  5. Liaison with provincial government to maintain the Association’s not-for-profit status.
  6. Maintain and communicate the Association’s constitution and by-laws.
  7. Represent the club externally.
Membership Secretary (two year term)
  1. Voting member of Executive.
  2. Record and track the status of members of the Association.
  3. Act in the absence of the President.
  4. In conjunction with the Treasurer, collect annual membership fees and out yard fees.
  5. Update and maintain the membership registration form and name tags for members.
  6. In collaboration with the executive team, plan and coordinate monthly Association meetings.
  7. Welcome all new members with Association information, related materials and name tags.
  8. Greet members at monthly general meetings.
Equipment Host

As beekeepers become established they acquire their own equipment but in the first couple of seasons we can ease the cost burden by offering the use of an extractor, vaporizer (for oxalic acid treatments) and demonstration hive. The equipment host is responsible for signing out the these pieces of equipment, instructing users on proper use and maintenance of each item and collecting daily fees for their use.

  • Honey Extractor – $10 per day
  • Oxalic Acid Vaporizer – $5 per day
  • Demonstration Hive – $5 per day

There are currently four equipment hosts within the Capital Region, located within the following areas:

  • Victoria/Oak Bay
  • View Royal
  • North Saanich
  • Langford/Metchosin
Saanich Fair convenor

Each September long weekend the CRBA hosts a display of bees and honey products at the Saanich Fair. Nominal prizes are awarded in different categories and visitors are encouraged to sample and vote for their favourite honey. The Convenor:

  1. Beginning in February liaises with Saanich Fair organizers to confirm participation, categories, prizes and space requirements for the display;
  2. Inventories materials stored at the Saanich Fair Grounds and requests replacement or repair;
  3. Identifies a lead volunteer for the event;
  4. Confirms the schedule of volunteers and recruits Association members for set up and host duties during the September long weekend; and
  5. Promotes contestant participation and submissions in the various honey product categories.
Swan Lake and Francis King Park hive guardians

A demonstration hive is on permanent display at the Swan Lake Interpretation Centre off McKenzie Road at Rainbow St.

Volunteers look after the hive through the season, making sure the bees are healthy, treating for mites, splitting if necessary, and talking to interested parties who see you at work.

Outyard Coordinator

The seasonal nectar flows in urban areas often end with a dearth in early July. Finding forest land that has late summer blooms like Fireweed can mean the difference between a harvest of honey that will feed the bees and a harvest that can be collected by the beekeeper. The Coordinator:

  1. Liaises with contractor managing forest land near China Beach along West Coast Road (Hwy 14);
  2. Coordinates the maintenance of the fenced sites, establishing electronic chargers and wiring and ensuring the equipment is collected at the end of the season;
  3. Determines the number of hives that can be accommodated in each of the out yards;
  4. Maintains the lock box for the gate key leading to the out yards;
  5. Determines opening day and closing day for the yards; and
  6. Reminds Association members of responsibilities when working with their bees in close proximity to other hives and in fire sensitive areas.
Swarm Committee Chair and Swarm Catchers

The CRBA performs a service to members and the general public by catching and re-hiving swarms. When members have identified to the Association where their hives reside, swarm catchers will make the effort to see that the swarm is returned to the owner. If the owner cannot be contacted then the catcher can keep the found swarm. The benefit to the general public is that swarms are caught and any fears allayed and they can receive assistance when bumble bees or other pollinators need to be relocated.

  • Swarm Committee Chair
    • Maintain the list of phone responders and list of available swarm catchers.
    • Rotate daily list of phone responders to ensure the swarm line is answered consistently and action taken to respond to callers’ needs.
    • Educate club members and swarm catchers regarding the policy on catching, returning or keeping swarms.
    • Liaison with municipal fire departments to keep them informed of the committees services and telephone line.
  • Swarm Catchers
    • Attend to honeybee swarms and catch and re-hive them.
    • Educate the general public about the low risk and benign nature of bees in a swarm.
    • Identifying wasp nests and advising homeowners.
    • Identifying bumble bee nests and relocate them, if possible.
Communications and Web Coordinator
  1. Maintain and support the Executive and Association email aliases.
  2. Maintain and support club email distribution (used as part of the Beeline).
  3. Post and communicate monthly updates, minutes of meetings and announcements of importance to Association members via the Beeline.
  4. Schedule posts, updates and meeting notices on social media (Facebook).
  5. Communicate to members and public using the information contact form online.
  6. Maintain and manage website (using WordPress):
    • Manage spam to website and email addresses
    • Update plugins
    • Add meeting notices
    • Write the occasional blog post
    • Negotiate PayPal payments to inform Membership Secretary