Buzz around Revelstoke about beekeeping

Concerned citizens in Revelstoke have questioned a recent zoning bylaw that they believe will make beekeeping in the city much more difficult. 

The proposed bylaw which can be found here proposed that the following changes be made:

1. Beekeeping is only permitted on a lot equal to or greater than 0.4 hectares in size.

2. A maximum of two beehives are permitted for every 0.4 hectares of lot area, up to a maximum of ten (10) beehives per lot.

3. Beehives shall be positioned so that the entrance to the hive faces away from dwellings on abutting lots, and shall only be permitted within the rear yard setback area.

4. Beehives are not permitted within 7.5 m of any lot line.

In several Facebook posts, residents of Revelstoke have expressed concern that these measures would greatly reduce the number of properties able to continue the practice of beekeeping. 

In response, Francesca Williams, communications coordinator explained that the city does not intend on stopping beekeeping operations. Williams said that the  director of development services, Paul Simon and the city are proposing to allow beekeeping in all zones within the city.

Simon said that the city "will work with the beekeeping community to update the regulations that are currently in draft form to ensure that the regulations work for the local community."