by Jo Barnes –
On a successful farm, care is taken to make sure crops are well planted. For this local farm success also comes from being well transplanted.
With family farming roots tracing back to the Gordon Head area since 1920, the farm known as Firbank thrived in the 1940s in Cordova Bay and continues its award-winning excellence at the present day site off Island View Road. “We are a founding farm family,” shares Diane Williamson, co-owner, “we are one of a few remaining poultry farms on Southern Vancouver Island.”
In addition to growing a variety of vegetables, Firbank farm, owned by Lorne and Glen Jack and Diane Williamson, is primarily known for its poultry and egg production. The story begins in 1920 with Diane’s great grandfather Gavin Jack Senior who farmed in Gordon Head. In 1941 Diane’s grandfather maintained a 14 acre site in Saanich where he raised chickens. There was little in the way of buildings, and few people lived there. “There were only a few cottages in the area,” says Diane, “it was all fir trees.”
In the early 1960s Diane’s grandfather Ian Jack, her father Lorne, and her Uncle Steven all started Firbank Farm: named for the Cordova Bay hillside location which boasted many fir trees. People came far and wide for the farm eggs.
In 1966, the Island View Road acreage was purchased and then an additional property bought on Lamont Road in 1992. Relocation of Firbank Farm was completed in 1993. “We raise poultry, and they are processed elsewhere on the Island,” shares Diane, “some eggs sell in our farm market but most are wholesale.”
Firbank Farm and the Jack Family are well known for their commitment to quality and dedication to the farming community. Since the late 1960s Firbank Farm has been a member of the British Columbia Chicken Marketing Board. As well, the farm is a founding member of the BC Egg Board; the farm was recognized for its work in 2017.
“We were one of 20 families to be recognized,” says Diane, adding with a big smile, “the award was a golden egg!”
Farming for this family has been the lifestyle for five generations. The overall operation has grown leaps and bounds to encompass not only a large scale poultry operation but also vegetable and flower production. “We are known for our rhubarb. There is a small patch out front but much more in behind growing in fields,” shares Diane. “We also grow greens, lettuces, a dozen types of squash, 18-20 different colours of pumpkins and offer seasonal cut flowers.”
When customers visit to stock up on delicious eggs, they’re greeted by the fall colours that dress the farm’s market stall. Over the years, Firbank has become known for these displays. Customers repeatedly rave about the “cutely decorated”, “colourful” or “wonderful” display of pumpkins.
Firbank Farm has always been actively involved in the community. This is a fundamental family value.
“We like to keep it local and support local businesses. Our feed for example comes from a mill in Duncan,” says Diane.
The farm actively reaches out to the Saanich Peninsula community through its “Celebrate the Harvest”. The event was initiated 10 years ago by Diane’s son, Connor, and involved the sale of decorated pumpkins with proceeds going towards the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation. Then three years ago, the event took on another approach.
“My daughter Mackenzie wanted the children of the Peninsula to visit the farm and decorate a pumpkin with all proceeds going to the foundation,” says Diane. The event, which has raised $30,000, has become wildly popular. “Celebrate the Harvest has really grown”, says Diane, “the first year there were 50 kids. Two years ago there were 130, and last year we had almost 200!”
The event is very personal for the family. Not only was the idea initiated by Diane’s son, but Diane’s father was actively involved with the community group the event supports. “Dad was Past President of the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation,” says Diane, “and my daughter was one of the last born at this hospital’s pediatric ward before the major reconstruction.”
The farm has a rich history, but it has always operated with a view to the future. “It’s all about food security for future generations,” shares Diane, “we want people to support local, to enjoy the view of the farm, and to see what’s growing. It’s so important to see where your food comes from and to see the importance of the farm.”
Firbank Farm is a wonderful example of how planting roots in the community is something that can be transplanted to produce a bounty for years to come.
Photo by Amanda Cribdon Photography
