Urban Beekeeping: A Challenge for Environmental Enthusiasts in Burlington
The urban beekeeping hobby of Andrew Feenstra is under threat. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has issued a directive for him to remove his backyard bee hives by May 27. This follows a complaint and the enforcement of Section 19 of the Bees Act, which requires all hives to be at least 30 meters away from a property line.
Feenstra, a resident of Burlington, has expressed his inability to comply with this regulation due to the limited space in his property. The restriction aims to safeguard both the public and the bee population from potential hazards, according to Connie Osborne, OMAFRA's media relations specialist.
“The primary function of the Bees Act is to protect the health of honey bees,” Osborne stated. “This includes safeguarding them from pests and diseases, as well as mitigating potentially harmful interactions with the public. The 30-meter requirement also serves to protect the community from incidents like stings, especially for those with allergies.”
On average, bee stings result in three to four fatalities per year in Canada. Despite this, Feenstra, an amateur beekeeper of five years, argues that such restrictions negatively impact environmental efforts. He started beekeeping out of concern for the declining bee populations and the environment, acquiring his hives from Backed by Bees, a local group.
“I always liked the idea of beekeeping,” Feenstra shared. “With the current state of the world and the decline in bee populations, I thought picking up this hobby would be beneficial. After taking a few classes in Barrie, I fell in love with it.”
Feenstra's hives produce enough honey for him to harvest and sell a few jars each fall. He believes that urban beekeeping restrictions hinder pollination efforts crucial for Burlington's ecosystem. “The more bees we have, the better it is for pollination,” he said. “If my bees are removed, Burlington will lose around 160,000 bees, affecting local pollination rates.”
In response to beekeepers who can't meet the 30-meter rule, OMAFRA suggests placing hives on another person's property with permission. The Act allows for hive placement on lands with dwellings, public buildings, or parks, provided the 30-meter requirement is met.
As of 2023, Ontario hosts 3,980 registered beekeepers and over 100,000 bee colonies. OMAFRA encourages urban beekeepers to connect with the Ontario Beekeepers Association for guidance and support.
FAQs
Q: Why is there a 30-meter requirement for beekeeping?
A: The Bees Act mandates this distance to protect people and bees from potential dangers, including pests, diseases, and harmful interactions.
Q: What alternatives are available for urban beekeepers?
A: Beekeepers can place their hives on another person’s property with permission, as long as it complies with the 30-meter rule.
Q: How do bee stings affect people?
A: On average, three to four people in Canada die each year from bee stings, which can be severe for those with allergies.
Q: How many beekeepers are there in Ontario?
A: As of 2023, there are 3,980 registered beekeepers in Ontario with over 100,000 bee colonies.
Q: Why is urban beekeeping important?
A: Urban beekeeping supports pollination efforts, which are crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems in urban areas.
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