Friendly reminder the Alert Bay Visitor Centre will be Closed October 19 to October 23, 2026. For immediate assistance on these days only please contact the Village of Alert Bay Phone: 250 974 5213 between 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Visitor information is available in the hallway of the Village Office/Post Office building 15 Maple Road (less then half city block away) doors unlocked 8 am to 6 pm. See map attached for directions. Wishing you a great day.
PLANNED Power outage September 20, 2026 Alert Bay
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We're performing work on our system in your area that requires us to temporarily turn off your electricity service.
Planned power outage details
Location: ALERT BAY
From: Sunday, September 20, 2026 07:30 AM (estimated)
To: Sunday, September 20, 2026 07:00 PM (estimated)
Reason: Equipment Maintenance
This is the third and final outage for this necessary work | Landlords, please notify your tenants accordingly
Prepare for the outage
Before the outage begins, turn off electric heaters, major appliances and unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from damage. If you rely on electric medical equipment or access doors, have a plan to maintain use.
More ways to prepare
Why we plan power outages
Planned outages allow us to safely maintain and improve our electric system, which helps reduce the frequency of unplanned outages caused by storms and equipment failures. We understand that outages are inconvenient, and we appreciate your patience.
How we plan outage times
Get the latest status
Planned power outages may be cancelled without notice due to safety, adverse weather or emergencies. Get the latest status of your planned outage online or give us a call at 1 800 BCHYDRO (1 800 224 9376).
Thank you for understanding. We'll restore your power as soon as possible
U'mista Summer Program August
Carving with Wayne Alfred is coming to U'mista for Weeks 10 and 11 of our 2026 Summer Programming!
Join Master Carver and Knowledge Keeper Wayne Alfred for two weeks of hands-on carving rooted in Kwakwa̱ka̱'wakw tradition. Each week focuses on a different project -- and participants are welcome to register for one week or both!
* Week 10 - Spoons *
August 31 to September 4, Monday to Friday
* Week 11 - A̱wayu (Skimmers) *
September 7 to 11, Monday to Friday
10:00am to 4:00pm daily, with a lunch break at noon. Lunch is provided.
All supplies will be provided, including a set of knives to borrow for the workshop. Participants are also welcome to bring their own tools.
**Registration is required. Space is limited to 5 participants per week, and priority is given to Kwakwa̱ka̱'wakw participants. Participants must attend all 5 days of their chosen week.
To register for one or both weeks, contact Kimberly Willie:
kimberly.willie@umista.ca
250-974-5403
Free with admission.
U'mista Cultural Centre, #1 Front Street, Alert Bay, BC
G̱ilakas'la
#CarvingWithWayneAlfred #Umista #SummerPrograms #UmistaSummerPrograms #Kwakwa̱ka̱wakw #AlertBay
U'mista Summer Program August 25 - 28, 2026
Register now for Week 9 of U'mista's 2026 Summer Programming -- "Build-a-Kwakw-Bear with Tanis Dawson"!
Create a teddy bear that represents Kwakwa̱ka̱'wakw culture and heritage.
* August 25 to 28, Tuesday to Friday *
10:00am to 3:00pm daily, with a lunch break at noon. Lunch is provided.
Bring your own teddy bear or doll to make regalia for, or choose one of ours! Supplies will be available including blanket and vest materials, buttons, sequins and beading materials, and cedar for headpieces.
**Registration is required. Space is limited to 10 participants per day, and priority is given to Kwakwa̱ka̱'wakw participants.
Contact Kimberly Willie to register:
kimberly.willie@umista.ca
250-974-5403
Free with admission.
*Please note, though we try our best, schedule may change at any time! Make sure to follow us on social for updates!
U'mista Cultural Centre, #1 Front Street, Alert Bay, BC
G̱ilakas'la
#BuildAKwakwBear #TanisDawson #Umista #SummerPrograms #UmistaSummerPrograms #Kwakwa̱ka̱wakw #AlertBay
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U'mista Summer Program August 18 to 21, 2026
Join us for Week 8 of Summer Programs starting Tues Aug 18 with “Cedar Weaving with Donna Cranmer”.
Learn Traditional Cedar Weaving with Master Weaver Donna Cranmer.
* August 18 – 21 *
Tuesday - Friday
10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm
Everyone is welcome and all summer programs are free with admission.
*Subject to change.
U’mista Cultural Centre, #1 Front Street, Alert Bay, BC
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#CedarWeavingWithDonna #DonnaCranmer #Umista #SummerPrograms #UmistaSummerPrograms
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U'mista Summer Program August 11 to 14, 2026
U'mista Summer Program August 4 to 7, 2026
U'mista Cultural Society
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Week 6 of Summer Programs, this week is “Traditional Medicines with Eva Dick”.
Eva will be at U'mista sharing teachings of traditional medicines. Everyone is welcome!
* August 4 – 7 *
Programs run Tuesdays - Fridays from 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm.
Everyone is welcome and all summer programs are free with admission.
*Subject to change.
U’mista Cultural Centre, #1 Front Street, Alert Bay, BC
#TraditionalMedicinewithEva #Umista #SummerPrograms #UmistaSummerPrograms
Alert Bay Skate Park Competition
BC Hydro Planned Outage
We're performing work on our system in your area that requires us to temporarily turn off your electricity service.
Planned power outage details (WO TY2051 0240)
Location: ALERT BAY
From: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 01:00 AM (estimated)
To: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 05:00 AM (estimated)
Reason: Equipment Maintenance
Customers will experience a final outage on Sunday September 20, 2026 | Landlords, please notify your tenants accordingly
Prepare for the outage
Before the outage begins, turn off electric heaters, major appliances and unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from damage. If you rely on electric medical equipment or access doors, have a plan to maintain use.
U'mista Cultural Centre Tours August 2026
U'mista Cultural Centre August 1, 2026
Alert Bay Events 2026
U'mista Summer Program week 5
Week 5 of Summer Programs, this week is “Beading with Jo-Ann Rufus”.
Come on down and learn how to make copper earrings with wire from self-taught beader, Jo-Ann.
* July 28 – 31 *
Programs run Tuesdays - Fridays from 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm.
Everyone is welcome and all summer programs are free with admission.
*Subject to change.
U’mista Cultural Centre, #1 Front Street, Alert Bay, BC
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#BeadingWithJoAnn #Umista #SummerPrograms #UmistaSummerPrograms
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U'mista Summer Program week 3
Join us Tues to Fri this week July 14-18, 2026 for Week 3 of U’mista’s 2026 Summer Programming with: “Learning & Design with Trevor Isaac”
Learn new skills of traditional Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw design.
*Tue July 14 – Fri Jul 17*
10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm
Everyone is welcome and all summer programs are free with admission.
Full schedule coming soon!
U’mista Cultural Centre, #1 Front Street, Alert Bay, BC
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#LearningandDesignwithTrevorIsaac #Umista #SummerPrograms #UmistaSummerPrograms
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U'mista Summer Program starts TODAY
U’mista Summer Program starts TODAY for more information please contact them directly:
U’mista Summer Programming begins this week with: “Traditional Medicines with Eva Dick”.
Eva will be at U'mista sharing teachings of traditional medicines. Everyone is welcome!
* June 29 – July 2, 2026
Monday – Thursday
10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm
Full schedule coming soon!
Summer programs are free with admission.
U’mista Cultural Centre, #1 Front Street, Alert Bay, BC
John Rowell
ALERT BAY ''BULLETIN - BOARD''
It is with profound sadness that the Rowell family announces the passing of John Malcolm Rowell on May 7, 2026 at the age of 88.
Coming just four months after losing the love of his life, Barbara, it is clear that John died of a broken and lonely heart.
John lived a quiet but adventurous life, travelling the world many times over with Barb by his side. He was a devoted Legion member, a master bridge player, and while he kept many of his British traditions, he truly loved and made the community of Alert Bay his home, reflected in his many years of service as a schoolteacher, Town Clerk-Treasurer, and later Mayor of his beloved island village.
We extend an invitation to all who knew and loved John to join us at the Alert Bay Legion on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. for a Celebration of his Life. Refreshments to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alert Bay Legion in John’s name.
Thank you all for your outreach, kindness, and support during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
The Rowell family
May 4, 2026
Planned Power Outage March 19, 2026
Outage notification
We're performing work on our system in your area that requires us to temporarily turn off your electricity service.
Planned power outage details (WO W02565015-01)
Location: ALERT BAY
From: Thursday, March 19, 2026 09:30 AM (estimated)
To: Thursday, March 19, 2026 02:30 PM (estimated)
Reason: Pole Replacement
Landlords, please advise your tenants accordingly.
Prepare for the outage
Before the outage begins, turn off electric heaters, major appliances and unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from damage. If you rely on electric medical equipment or access doors, have a plan to maintain use.
Streets effected by power outage:
81 - 164 Alder Rd
3 - 81 Alder St
61 Arbutus St
61 - 185 Cedar St
20 - 28 Gatu Rd
22 - 26 Gatu St
59 - 99 Hemlock St
24 Juniper St
79 Larch St
8 - 44 Mamakwa Rd
39 Nimpkish Rd
5 Nimpkish Heights
60 - 93 Orca WAY
13 Po'yi St
102 - 121 Skana Pl
60 Spruce St
35 Sycamore Rd
60 - 70 Sycamore St
Our Very Own Janice Taylor Ellis
Our very own: Janice Taylor Ellis:
Sandbox Society
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Community Spotlight: Janice Ellis
Many of you will know today’s spotlight, Janice Ellis. Janice is a long-time Port McNeill community member who raised her children here and is now proud to have her grandchildren growing up in our town too. She is deeply involved in our community, volunteering with the Lions Club and the Victor Secret Committee, and always showing up where support is needed.
Janice is also a well-known and much-loved staff member at Sunset Elementary School. Many of our local kids, and staff alike, are especially fond of her. She has a natural way of creating spaces where children feel safe, welcomed, and cared for. Always greeted with a smile , Janice meets everyone with warmth and kindness.
Janice does so much to support our local youth and our community as a whole, and today we celebrate her and all that she brings to Port McNeill
Please leave Janice some kindness and share why you celebrate her below
Want to nominate someone for a Community Spotlight?
Email us at sandboxsocietypm@gmail.com
Spotlights are posted every Monday and Friday
Alert Bay Visitor Centre Closed
Alert Bay Visitor Centre will be Closed Tuesday, February 10, 2026 on this day only for immediate assistance please contact the Village of Alert Bay between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM Phone: 250 974 5213. Alert Bay brochures available in hallway of Post Office/Village Office Building (less then city block away) 15 Maple Road doors unlocked 8 am to 6 pm.
