Resolutions & Nominations

Proposed Resolution:

Whereas, it is known that Apivar will not be a viable varroa treatment forever, and

Whereas, there are not many other effective options for treating varroa, and

Whereas, Thymol is an effective varroa treatment,

Be it resolved that the OBA poll its members for funds, for the purpose of getting Thymol registered in Ontario.

Moved by Dan Davidson               Seconded by Tibor Szabo

Nominations for 2019: there are 9 candidates for 5 positions (plus 1 alternate)

Adam Ritchie, Victoria Harbour - Commercial Member

Adam started in beekeeping with a single backyard hive in 2012.  It sparked a passion that has led him to steadily grow his operation in northern Simcoe County to 400 hives.  Adam produces overwintered nucs, honey and hive 

products, and provides pollination services.  Vice-President of the Huronia Beekeepers’ Association, he is also a member of both the Ontario Bee Breeders Association, and the ORHBS breeding program.  From his previous career as an electrician and electrical controls technologist, Adam brings experience in management, organization, and working with diverse teams. 

Seconder: Tom Morissey

Andrew Pitek, Hillsburgh - Commercial

Andre Pitek is a fourth-generation beekeeper whose vision is to inspire others to engage in sustainable beekeeping practices through education, research, and societal engagement. He intuitively perceives opportunities within the beekeeping world and leverages them through practical, research-based solutions that are easily available to all. His recent research on safe queen transportation methods was met with great enthusiasm at the 2018 OBA Spring meeting held in Collingwood, ON and has inspired many to apply the methods developed by Andrew, in collaboration with the University of Guelph’s Bee Research Centre, to safely transport cells within Ontario. He is grounded in environmental and conservation laws, regulations and programs, which provides added value to the beekeeping industry.

Currently Andrew is the president of A.P. Bees, a commercial apiary located in Wellington County, managing over 100 hives for queen and nuc production and honey products. He has also been involved in new beekeeping research at Western University, which could transform the industry through innovative and practical methods to improve honeybee health and performance.

Previously, Andrew was involved in Ontario’s forestry sector, developing and managing environmental and educational programs, as well as, forest conservation plans. Presently, he is still involved in the sector and consults with environmentalists and landowners on various pollinators and pollination plans. During his time at Forests Ontario, Andrew was involved in various programs, including the 50 Million Tree program, a reforestation program for southern Ontario.

Andrew holds a Masters of Forest Conservation from the University of Toronto, an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Toronto, and is one of the first graduates of the Commercial Beekeeping Program at Niagara College. He serves on the Pollination and Apiculture Advisor Committee of Ontario, is a Certified Seed Collector, as well as holds a certification in Ontario Tree Marking.

Seconder: André Flys

Bernie Wiehle, Rodney - Commercial

I’ve been involved with beekeeping since I was 14. I started when a swarm of bees landed on the guardrail along the highway in front of our farm. A neighbor who was a beekeeper collected the swarm put a box on our front yard and said “Now you are in the bee business!”  I’ve been hooked ever since. It was a hobby for many years. But I learned a lot from it. In 2005 a beekeeper was retiring and I bought all his equipment. I converted an older barn into my extraction room and honey house. I now have about 100 hives.

I am involved in many local organization such as our Agriculture Society and Fall Fair. For the past 15 years I have been on municipal council, as a councilor or mayor, in West Elgin.

This keeps me very busy but I feel the OBA is important and I am willing to service on this board. I’ve seen many challenges in beekeeping over the years, but nothing like we are going through now. We need not only to sort this out, but need to look to the future of our industry. 

Seconder: Albert Devries

Dan Douma, Hamilton - Commercial

After obtaining a BA in psychology at the University of Guelph, I found myself looking for a new direction in my life, and ‘stumbled’ into beekeeping. I was immediately fascinated by the dynamics of a honey bee colony, and the discipline and understanding required to successfully manage these important creatures.

I spent 8 years working for the largest producer of queen bees in Ontario, undergoing a crash course in beekeeping that saw me go from no experience to helping raise thousands of queen bees in my first season. I ultimately obtained an in-depth, science based education in all aspects of beekeeping including honey production, queen rearing, and pollination.

After years of seeing increasing harm from the overuse of systemic insecticides, I needed a change and moved to Hamilton. I began working as a Provincial Bee Inspector and an instructor for the Toronto Beekeepers Collective. Soon after I became a partner in Humble Bee, focusing on urban honey production and beekeeper education. 

Now that my business is established, I would like to serve on board of the OBA so that I can use my knowledge for the benefit of all Ontario beekeepers. 

Seconder: Michelle Wolfson

Dan Heffernan, London - Small Scale

Daryl Seip, Perth - Young/New

I have recently retired from the federal public service where I lead Environment Canada’s Invasive Alien Species, Environmental Assessment and Habitat Conservation programs for many years. Much of that work involved legislative, policy and program implementation and coordination at the national and international level. Previously, I worked for 15 years as a fish and wildlife biologist/manager for the then Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR).

My interest in joining the OBA’s board include supporting its efforts to reduce and eliminate the use of neonics and other harmful environmental practices in Ontario; encourage sustainable habitat management linked to healthy bee populations; support/ensure effective legislation related to bee management; continue to promote research and Best Management Practices for new and experienced beekeepers; and encourage education and awareness of bee related issues.

I am a small scale bee keeper with some 25 hives.

Currently, I live in south eastern Ontario, near Smith Falls with my wife and 2 boys.

I look forward to your support and in dealing with ongoing OBA issues.

Seconder: Randy Seip

David Newcombe, Guelph - Small Sale

I enjoyed a long and successful career in the Canadian Food Services industry prior to retiring in May of 2018. As a Senior Executive in such multi-national companies as McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Pizza Hut I was privileged to  lead successful teams, devise and execute corporate strategy, and was involved in all facets of running  some very successful organizations.

In addition to my business experience I have also participated on a number of Boards throughout the past 20 years or more, including but not limited to Guelph Food Technology Centre, Friends of We Care ( a Foodservice charitable organization sending Easter Seal Kids to camp), Guelph Big Brothers, First Oak Hospitality, Guelph Chamber Food and Ag. Committee and  Condominium Corporation 212.

Two years ago, a good friend and I acquired two hives and located them on the friend’s property in Puslinch Township. Determined to be a responsible and successful beekeeper we attended courses at the University of Guelph, volunteered with a local, commercial beekeeper throughout this past summer, joined Wellington County Beekeeper’s Association and the OBA. That education, support, and the availability of relevant resources has resulted in growth from the original two hives to six in the past two years. The success in the initial venture has also given us the confidence to learn more about splitting hives and rearing queens so that we can grow sustainably in the coming years.

I am placing my name in contention for a position as Director on the Board of the OBA as a way of contributing to the industry and the association. I also have the desire to ensure that we effectively collaborate against the challenges that we, as beekeepers – both commercial or hobbyists – face on a constant basis.

Your support will be greatly appreciated, and If successful, I will commit to working towards the ideals and objectives of the OBA.

Seconder: Doug McRory

Guy Anderson, Kincardine - Commercial

Steve Bryans- Alvinston - Commercial

Steve Bryans is a fifth generation beekeeper at Munro Honey and Meadery, his family’s business in Alvinston.  Munro’s operates approximately 3000 hives, provides pollination, and raises queen bees and nucs for personal use and for sale.  Munro’s is the first commercial Meadery in Ontario.   Steve is a father of three young children.

Steve has actively served on the OBA Board of Directors for seven years.

Seconder: Tibor Szabo