Werner Gysi has been keeping beehives on his city lot in Port Alberni since he moved to the Vancouver Island city in 2018. It was part of his desire to provide food for himself in order to be more independent.
Gysi had kept bees for 35 years in the Shuswap, he said, and wanted to start a small operation at his new home.
Now Gysi is offering to share his expertise with 'new-bee' apiarists—beekeepers—through a six-part workshop running from June 8, 2025 to April 2026.
Urban beekeeping is permitted in the City of Port Alberni with certain conditions. People with property that is larger than 600 square metres may keep two beehives (anything smaller and bees are prohibited). Properties larger than 929 square metres may have four hives.
"However, it is always a good idea to inquire with your neighbours about their acceptance," said Gysi.
"Bees have become more and more displaced and with that it's caused a reduction of available pollinators," he said. He hopes to encourage more urban beekeepers by guiding them through a typical "bee year" with his workshops.
"The main benefit of this workshop will be to be able to keep bees sustainably."
The first session starts on Sunday, June 8 and will run one Sunday per month to start (July 13, Aug. 17) then will take a break until March 8, 2026, March 29, 2026 and April 5, 2026. Cost for the workshop is $100 and includes a book Gysi self-published. Anyone wanting to take the workshop must provide their own protective gear.
For more information, visit Gysi's website at goolymooly.ca and click on the "Workshop Bees" link.
