Royalty Moves to James Bay

By James Bay Beacon Staff

It is not the first time that honeybees have been kept in James Bay, but it is a first for the most royal of properties, the Empress Hotel. On Thursday, May 26, Empress General Manager Martin Leclerc welcomed guests and members of the media to the gardens west of the main entrance, by Humbolt Street. There behind a white picket fence stood ten white boxes, as he explained, full of 400,000 honeybees ready to pollinate James Bay gardens and produce, eventually, thousands of pounds of honey. The honey will be used to create unique dishes in the Empress kitchen.

The beekeeping project was initiated by Executive Chef Kemal Silva, who oversaw the establishment of a similar apiary (bee yard) at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport. "I grew up with bees back in my home in Sri Lanka. My grandfather kept bees, and I helped him out. I got my share of stings, too, but I got used to them." John Gibeau of Surrey's Honeybee Centre is overseeing the project. Demonstrating the hives in his shirtsleeves, he wanted to reassure everyone that honeybees are really gentle insects.

Meanwhile, staff-some dressed up as bees-passed around a selection of honey-based treats and drinks, while Gwyneth Evans played soothing music on the harp. On offer were honey-filled truffles, salmon-stuffed purple potatoes, cheese with honey (scraped off the honeycomb!) accompanied by a honey-based martini created for the occasion (lemon vodka, honey syrup, sprig of mint).

Sourcing locally just got a lot more local. Luxurious as the Empress is, its new way of sustainability includes "farm to fork" purchasing of fruits, meats and vegetables from local farms in Sooke and the Saanich peninsula. And now, honey.

Suddenly another visitor appeared to view the beehives: Roger the Marmot, rearing his head at the back of the hives. This resident of several years is actually a yellow-bellied marmot, an accidental import from Alberta. Anyone else can view the Empress apiary by following the path to the left of the main entrance, where the hedge forms a natural shelter for the hives. if your James Bay gardens are really productive this year, be sure to thank the royal residents of the Fairmont Empress. You may agree: they deserve their free room and board!