Children visit farm to see little livestock
By Robin Quirk, RobNorth Island Eagle, May 8 2026
Students had the opportunity to check out some other kids and lambs last week.
“We were so happy to welcome students from T’lisa̱lagi’lakw School to Alert Bay Farm for a recent elementary school field trip,” said Alert Bay Farm owner Emma Campbell.
Two RCMP came out to be with the group as well.
“It was a fantastic day, with lots of hands-on learning as the students spent time getting to know the sheep and goats up close,” said Emma.
The children, under the supervision of their teachers and other adults, were allowed to feed the adult goats and had the chance to hold a baby lamb before heading back to school.
Visits like this create meaningful educational opportunities for local children - giving them a chance to connect with where their food comes from, learn about animal care, and experience farm life in a real and engaging way.
“We’re especially grateful to our neighbour and friend, Larry Hill, who leases the fields to Alert Bay Farm. As the owner of the Orca Inn, he’s well known for running a successful pub, restaurant, and hotel - but he’s also a strong supporter of local initiatives like this. His involvement helps make these educational experiences possible,” she continued.
“It’s a wonderful example of how collaboration between neighbours and local businesses can come together to support learning, create opportunities for our youth, and strengthen our community spirit.”
Photo — Robin Quirk, Robin's Eye Photography
Students from T’lisa̱lagi’lakw School visited Alert Bay Farm where they had the opportunity to feed animals and hold some babies.
Borrow a Board program kicks off in Alert Bay
By Kathy O'Reilly, North Island Eagle, May 8 2026
Alert Bay skateboarder Jack Watson is doing his best to spreada his love for the sport with a new program.
Jack, organizer of the annual skateboard competitions in Alert Bay, has set up a skateboard lending library called Borrow Board – Village Boards, at his 443 Fir Street home.
The intent is for people to borrow a board for the day and then return it.
“I’m a skateboarder myself and love to try and give other people the opportunity to skate as well,” Jack said.
“In Alert Bay we do an annual spring cleanup where people will put things from their house on the curbside to be either picked up by the community or go to the dump,” he explained. “I found a bunch of old skateboards and had some extra of my own as well. I want to see them be used so I thought this was a good idea.”
Jack had to change grip tape, bearings, bushings, and even re-glue some boards.
“I use the back of my wife’s bread stand and just wheel them outside my carport on nice days.”
Anyone who has old skate supplies, boards, hardware, etc. is invited to drop them off.
“My goal is for everyone to have the opportunity to skate and keep skateboarding alive in Alert Bay.
Fir Street, he says, is “one of the nicest roads I’ve ever cruised on”.
Photo — Jack Watson
Alert Bay skateboard enthusiast Jack Watson has set up a skateboard lending library called Borrow Board – Village Boards, at his Fir Street home.