The Calgary Beekeepers Club, or the Calgary Beekeepers Association (CBA), is a non-profit organization. Its main goal is to provide information and education to all members and the public. This allows people to learn more about honey bees and beekeeping practices. Calgary Name tells you more.
Founding History
The Calgary Beekeepers Association was established in 1930. It’s a group of hard-working beekeepers who love their craft and meet to discuss solutions for successful beekeeping in Calgary.
According to statistics, there were 100 active beekeepers by 1978, and by 2018, their numbers had grown to over 550 individuals.
Beekeeping Club Activities
The club focuses on beekeeping in Southern Alberta and Calgary. Residents are well acquainted with its activities through the interesting events it hosts.
- “Bees & Beers” at the Forest Lawn Legion. This event is loved by both residents and club members, as it combines discussions about beekeeping with craft beer tasting. Experienced beekeepers are invited to share their knowledge about bees, apiaries, and honey production, and they often organize tastings. The event includes workshops on making beeswax candles and hive decorating. Attending such an event allows you to socialize with like-minded people, exchange experiences, and ask questions.
- Seasonal events, such as the summer “Bar-Bee-Q.” This special event combines a picnic, honey tasting, and networking in a casual atmosphere. The event is most often held at an apiary or a scenic location in the Calgary area.
Community representatives organize group and club bulk purchases of bee packages and supplies. Additional beekeeping insurance is available for club members.
It is worth noting that joining the club and attending events is open not only to experienced beekeepers but to all interested individuals.
Beekeeping Courses
The beekeeping club runs courses, seminars, and other special events. An example is the Calgary-approved beginner beekeeping course, which covers the topics necessary to start your own operation. After completing the course, participants will be able to start beekeeping and become a beekeeper in their own backyard. This provides the essential knowledge needed throughout the beekeeping year, typically over two full training days from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Urban Beekeeping in Calgary: How to Start
- You need to obtain information about registration. For this, Calgary residents should contact the Provincial Apiculture Office.
- The next step is to connect with members of the Calgary Beekeepers Association. You might be able to attend the club’s next scheduled meeting.
- It is advisable to take a beginner beekeeper course to have the necessary knowledge and skills for the job.
It should be noted that starting January 1, 2022, the City of Calgary introduced bylaws regarding beekeeping as part of the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw. The bylaw includes requirements for all city beekeepers to obtain permits.
A business license is required for commercial beekeeping.
For residents who keep bees or own hives and do not use them, registration with Alberta Agriculture is required. This procedure is free of charge.
When establishing a location in Alberta, beekeepers must obtain a PID (Premises Identification Number) and register at least one location. This activity is regulated by the Tracability Branch of Alberta Agriculture.
Alberta’s Provincial Apiculturist
This refers to Samantha Muirhead. Samantha was born and raised in Alberta, graduating from the University of Alberta in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree specializing in Animal Biology. During her studies, she developed an interest in insects and parasites.
In 2004, she was hired by the Government of Alberta, taking a job as an apiculture assistant. Following this, she continued to participate in countless research projects and surveillance programs focused on bee health in Alberta.
She later worked as a provincial beekeeping inspector, managed her own companies for several years, and coordinated a bee health team. In 2019, she became Alberta’s Provincial Apiculturist.
The Development of Beekeeping in Calgary
Modern beekeeping is a dynamic industry that combines tradition with modern technology. Calgary continues to support an active community of beekeepers who unite in clubs and associations, like the Calgary Beekeepers Association, to exchange experiences and solve common problems.
Beekeeping is essential in Calgary because without bees, one of the most important pollinators, the cultivation of many agricultural crops would be impossible. Furthermore, honey is not only delicious but also a medicinal product.
Thus, the beekeepers club in Calgary promotes the development of apiculture in the region. Its members organize interesting events that unite people and popularize this valuable endeavour. Educational initiatives are also available, where you can gain the knowledge to start your own business on a professional or amateur level.