Who we are

The East Kootenay Beekeepers trace their roots back to the early 2000s when a group of passionate bee enthusiasts began gathering to share their experiences. Among them, John Bergenske advanced his skills by rearing his own queens, while Carol Harwick served as one of the region’s first bee inspectors. After her departure, Lance Cuthill, upon retiring from the Ministry, took over as inspector and, alongside his wife Bobbie, introduced the first beekeeping courses in the area. With a few meetings each year and a field day in between, they played a pivotal role in developing and fostering beekeeping as a hobby in the East Kootenays.

Since then the Club has been open to all experience levels, and supports both hobbyists and professional beekeepers, offering workshops, field days, and meetings at rotating locations, blending hands-on learning with club updates and special events. Members continue to gain access to education, resources, and a strong network of beekeepers, working together to support each other and local pollinators.