City of Duncan Bee-Comes First Bee City on Vancouver Island

“Small Town, Big Bees”

DUNCAN – The City of Duncan has bee-come the newest Bee City in Canada, and the first on Vancouver Island just in time for 2021 Pollinator Week.  This would not be possible without the collaboration of our committed bee loving partners; Queen Margaret’s School (QMS) for their leadership in becoming only the second Bee School on Vancouver Island and, for bringing the invitation to City Council to become the first Bee City on the Island. Their presentation and their partnerships with the Cowichan Green Community and the Cowichan Beekeepers led to a unanimous vote in support from City Council.

Bee City Canada approved the City’s application earlier this week after the City took the Pollinator Protection Pledge to become an Official Bee City, committing to working with our partner organizations and community members to create pollinator-friendly areas within its parks and open spaces.

“It’s always my pleasure to read through applications and see how our Bee Cities are working to support pollinators, people, and the planet. Duncan, B.C. has history with bees – Cowichan Beekeepers are an engaged and impressive group, 200 strong working towards honeybee health and sustainable agriculture.”, said Vicki Wojcik, Director, Bee City Canada.

“We can’t wait to get busy with residents to encourage people to plant pollinators in their gardens, on their boulevards and help lead the way with plantings in our city streets and parks.” said Mayor Michelle Staples.

“We will work with students from QMS and Cowichan Valley Open Learning Cooperative (CVOLC) who have been talking this year about how the recent pollinator gardens at CVOLC help support the hives at QMS, and other community partners to educate community members and businesses about how we can all help bees and other native pollinators thrive in an Urban environment.  Small Town, Big Bees!!”

The Bee City designation is a long-term commitment to protect pollinators and is awarded to cities, towns, townships, municipalities, schools, campuses, businesses, and organizations that publicly declare to protect pollinators and their habitat through coordinated and collaborative actions that align with the Bee City program.

Cowichan Beekeepers will be at the Duncan Farmers’ Market on Saturday, June 26th to provide information and answer any questions you may have on planting pollinators.

To learn more about Bee City Canada, please visit their website: www.beecitycanada.org