BC’s Biggest Annual Sheep Conference
is coming to Vancouver Island
October 16th-18th, 2026
Coombs, BC
Welcome to ‘Sheep to Shore:
Island Innovations for BC’s Sheep Industry’
“This project was funded by the governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative."
Here is a sneak peak at the upcoming conference schedule - official agenda to be posted soon!
Friday
Meet & Greet at Cuckoo Italian Trattoria - 6:00pm)
Saturday
Registration
Welcome & Introductions
Presentations from:
Gord Schroeder, SSDB
IISBA
BC Meats
Peter Watson, DVM
Banquet
Sunday
Gord Schroeder, SSDB
VI Fibreshed
Producer Panel
We are excited to welcome industry professionals and producers alike to share their knowledge and experiences at this year’s conference.
Gord Schroeder, Executive Director - Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board
Gord and his wife Leona were married in 1980, they have 4 married children and 13 grandchildren.
Gord grew up on the family grain and livestock farm near Drake Saskatchewan. After graduating from high school Gord worked off-farm to supplement their start up farm operation. Gord worked as a shop foreman for a livestock trailer manufacturer in Lanigan. In 1987 the manufacturing business was sold and moved out of province, rather than moving with the company he and his family moved on to the farm to focus on farm operations. Sheep were becoming and important part of the farm enterprise. As the flock grew Gord was asked to serve as a director of the Saskatchewan Sheep Developments Board and eventually assumed the Executive Director position. Gord has been heavily involved in the sheep industry for over 40 years, 28 years as a large flock producer and 28 years working as the Executive Director for the Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board. In 2011 due to health issue Gord and his wife decided to sell the flock and concentrate fully on the Executive Directors role. He brings a wealth of experience from both the production and industry operations throughout Canada.
During his time as, Executive Director he has been involved in many development projects not only in Saskatchewan but also nationally including the Canadian Certified Sheep Programs, Canadian Lamb Producers Cooperative, Canadian Sheep Identification Program, Canadian Sheep Traceability Initiative, Saskatchewan Livestock Predation Program, and various other lamb industry initiatives and committees provincially and nationally. In addition, Gord has had the opportunity to travel out of country representing the Canadian sheep industry.
Gord enjoys, family, fishing, sports, travel and camping. Sitting around doing nothing has never been a comfortable place for Gord. Gord has a passion for the sheep industry and believes there is a huge opportunity for growth and is working hard to see it reach its potential.
Bonnie Windsor, President - BC Meats
Bonnie Windsor has over 30 years of experience in grassroots marketing within British Columbia’s pork industry, working closely with producers and retailers to strengthen domestic markets and promote locally raised products. Bonnie is a respected leader in British Columbia’s agriculture sector and is committed to advocating for producers and processors, and strengthening the provincial meat industry. She has held leadership roles representing BC agriculture and is currently Chair of the BC Hog Marketing Commission and President of the BCMeats Association. Bonnie is passionate about building consumer confidence in local food, fostering industry collaboration, and creating practical marketing strategies that benefit and advance the interests of BC's livestock and meat industries. She is pleased to share insights that can help support and grow marketing opportunities for BC’s lamb industry.
Peter Watson, DVM - Watson Veterinary Services Ltd.
Peter Watson grew up in Metchosin where his interest in working with small ruminants was influenced by the many sheep in the area. Dr. Watson received his veterinary training at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, and has practiced both large and small animal medicine ever since. IISBA has been pleased to work with Dr. Watson to provide training on sheep handling, lambing preparation, parasite management and more. We look forward to learning from him at this year’s conference.
Vancouver Island Fibreshed
Vancouver Island Fibreshed (VIF) is based on Fibershed, the model that is spreading throughout North America, Europe and Australia.
Like a water shed or food shed, VIF is a geographical region that encompasses Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
Within VIF, local farms and forests produce the raw materials (cedar, fleece, hemp, flax, hides and more). Farmers may also grow dye materials and other related items. Raw fibres and materials are processed within VIF into roving, yarns, baskets, and other items for sale. Local makers use the yarns, dye materials, and so on to make finished garments for the retail market (local, online and export) creating a sustainable economic loop. We also support non-textile uses of locally produced fibres.
Travel
Coombs is located on the central east coast of Vancouver Island, about 10 kilometres west of Parksville along Highway 4 within the Regional District of Nanaimo. It is within an hour’s drive of both Departure Bay and Duke Point ferry terminals, and approximately 45 minutes from the Nanaimo Airport.
For those travelling from the mainland via BC Ferries, it is strongly recommended to make a reservation in advance. To make the trip more economical, look for ‘saver fares’ (sailings scheduled as less popular times) or use More Rewards points to redeem a one-way voucher for a free trip for undersize vehicles and passenger.
Accommodation
IISBA has reserved a block of rooms at Hotel Feng (Best Western), located at 424 Island Hwy W, Parksville, BC V9P 1K8. The rate is $135 and must be booked by September 9th, 2026 (although we recommend booking sooner to ensure availability).
Alternatively, Coombs and nearby Parksville and Qualicum are rich in accommodation options, including hotels, Airbnb, and farm stays.
Fairgrounds
The conference venue is Arrowsmith Hall at the Coombs Fairgrounds. The hall is located at 1014 Ford Rd, Coombs, BC V0R 1M0. While the majority of the conference will take place indoors and under cover, we suggest bringing appropriate attire for our west coast weather (mud and rain!)
Meals
Lunch will be provided at the conference on both Saturday and Sunday, and attendees are invited to join us at Cuckoo Trattoria for both Friday evening’s ‘meet and greet’ and Saturday’s banquet.