Men’s Shed finds home in Port McNeill
By Ken Burkholder, North Island Eagle, May 9 2025
A new chapter begins for the Port McNeill Men’s Shed this week as the group officially signs a lease agreement with the town for a dedicated space at the old school building.
The Men’s Shed movement, which began in Australia and has since grown internationally, provides a space for men to gather, work on meaningful projects, share skills, and build friendships in a relaxed, welcoming environment. The Port McNeill group has been meeting informally for some time, but this new space - room #1 in the old school - gives the group a permanent home to grow and thrive.
The first official project of the Port McNeill Men’s Shed will be to build a bench for the Green Bench Project, a mental health initiative that places benches in public spaces to invite conversation and connection. The bench will be installed outside the Better at Home office, serving as a visible symbol of the group’s values and community focus.
Regular meetings are held every Thursday at 10 a.m. in “the shack”—room #1 at the old school in Port McNeill. Anyone interested in learning more about the Men’s Shed is warmly encouraged to come by, meet the group, and find out what it’s all about.
For more information, drop in on a Thursday morning or reach out through the Better at Home office
Photo — Submitted
Ken Burkholder signs a lease with the Town of Port McNeill for a dedicated space for the Port McNeill Men’s Shed organization in the old school building.
New barber pole up on
Market Street
By Kathy O'Reilly, North Island Eagle, May 9 2025
There’s a new barber in town.
On May 5, Silver Fox Barber Shoppe opened on Market Street with haircut hopefuls lined up outside.
With her youngest child now in school, owner Alexis Hunt decided it was time to do something for herself.
“I’ve always wanted to open a shop just the timing was never right. And since the town still didn’t have one I was going to take the opportunity to be the first.” Alexis said.
“This will be a walk in only shop, no appointments taken,” she explained. Alexis has been hairdressing for 12 years, graduating from the Academy of Excellence Hair Design & Aesthetics Ltd. in 2012.
“I worked in Victoria, at the University of Victoria (at Campus Hair Design), and in Sooke.”
Alexis is no stranger to Hardy as it is her hometown.
She moved back in October and worked previously as a stylist at Shear Insanity Hair Studio.
“I like the fact that it is good conversation. I like men’s haircuts. It’s just fitting for me,” she said.
Silver Fox Barber Shoppe, located at 7040 Market Street, Unit #3 is open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. For more information call 250-230-6254.
Photo — Kathy O'Reilly
Alexis Hunt has opened the Silver Fox Barber Shoppe at Unit #3 7040 Market Street inPort Hardy.