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Planning, Property & Development

Urban Beekeeping

Urban Beekeeping

In February 2016, the City of Winnipeg amended the Downtown Zoning By-law 100/2004 to support properly managed apiaries for beekeeping in downtown Winnipeg. In October 2017, the City of Winnipeg amended its city-wide zoning to expand accessory beekeeping to all areas. Following is some helpful information and resources related to urban beekeeping.

Information on the public consultation


Why is Urban Beekeeping Important?

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Bee Population
  • Bee numbers have been declining in recent years due to pesticides, parasites, disease and loss of habitat. Encouraging local beekeeping is a part of a global effort to protect the species.
Pollination
  • Bees are responsible for the majority of pollination. One third of food crops require pollination, and the presence of honey bees can increase harvest productivity. Local crops such as canola, alfalfa, and sunflower benefit from the use of honey bees as pollinators. The same applies to the productivity of urban flower, fruit and vegetable gardens.
About Urban Beekeeping
  • Agricultural crops of one plant type offer a singular pollination period over a vast area, whereas urban areas include a much more diverse array of plants and flowers with staggered pollination periods throughout the season. This leads to more nourished bee colonies with a greater chance of survival.
  • Due to the urban heat island effect, the city offers a longer blooming season and warmer foraging days than rural areas. It also contributes to higher winter survival rates.
  • Pollinators like honey bees enhance the beauty of the city through improvements in flower and tree growth.
Biodiversity
  • Bees are part of a balanced ecosystem. Many of our trees, such as willow and poplar, benefit from the pollination services of bees, which helps to preserve and grow our natural areas. The wealth of flowering plants that blanket the prairies owes much of its existence to the presence of the bees. Plants that bees help to foster provide seeds, fruit, and nuts that feed numerous animal species native to Canada.
Local Food Production
  • One bee hive can produce 100 pounds of honey in a year. Locally produced food supports the local business economy and reduces our reliance on transport and shipping. It also satisfies increasing demand for organic foods and foods of known origin. Locally made products like honey are a unique attraction and source of pride for Winnipeg and Manitoba. Hotels can offer visitors and tourists their own branded honey in menu items. It also makes a great souvenir.
honey products
Photo credit: Beeproject Apiaries
Interest and Education
  • Beekeeping provides opportunities to learn about science and nature. It is an activity that families can do together as a way to teach young people environmental stewardship. Many people are continually fascinated observing the activity of a working hive. Others just love the smell and taste of fresh honey.
beekeeping
Photo credit: Beeproject Apiaries

Guidelines for Urban Beekeeping

The following City guidelines complement provincial regulations and promote good management practices for urban beekeeping.

Best Practice

  • Urban beekeeping is discouraged before completing a recognized course in beekeeping and/or seeking membership in a local bee club. See resources below.
  • All beekeepers shall register with the provincial apiarist and shall comply with the Manitoba Bee Act wherever required. See resources below.
  • Every beekeeper shall adhere to good management and husbandry practices and maintain bees in such condition as to prevent swarming, aggressive behaviour and disease.
  • Indications of disease should be reported to the provincial apiarist.

Planning and Design Standards

Item Use Specific Standard

Maximum number of hives

  • Four (4) hives plus one (1) nucleus hive on zoning lots greater than 6000 square feet (1830 metres)
  • Two (2) hives plus one (1) nucleus hive on zoning lots less than 6000 square feet (1830 metres)
  • If located within Winnipeg’s downtown boundaries, maximum is four (4) hives plus one (1) nucleus hive on any property.

Fencing

Fencing must be six (6) feet (1.8 metres) in height and secured with a gate

Setbacks

Hives must be set back 20 feet (6.1 metres) from any property line unless the fence:

  • Is solid and opaque, or
  • Includes hedge or other vegetative obstruction at least 5 feet in height that covers entire length of fence

Exemptions from fencing requirement

Hives located on rooftops or elevated terraces, decks or balconies at least eight (8) feet (2.4 metres) above grade

  • Ensure the beehives are located to ensure adequate sun exposure and airflow for the health of the bees.
  • Installation of a windbreak structure may be required as bees may have trouble foraging if wind inhibits hive access.
  • A constant source of water must be provided at all times for hives starting before the snow melts in the spring and continuing late into fall.
  • Hive openings should be oriented away from nearby public spaces, balconies, terraces or elevated patios.
  • Rooftop locations should have access via an enclosed staircase or elevator, and have adequate structural integrity to support the additional weight of beehives.
  • Appropriate railings around the perimeter of the roof should be considered for the safety of beekeepers.

Fast Facts
  • Apiaries (honey bee operations) currently exist in rural and agricultural areas within and around the City of Winnipeg.
  • Bumblebees, Mason Bees and Leafcutter Bees are native to Manitoba and already live throughout our city.
  • Even a significant uptake in downtown beekeeping would not result in a noticeable increase in the number of bees seen in the city centre.
  • Bees regularly forage up to 5 km from their hive.
  • Honey bees are generally docile and only sting in self-defense or to protect the hive.
  • A bee will die after it stings.
  • Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Toronto all permit urban beekeeping.
  • The Province of Manitoba registers and inspects all beekeeping operations under the Bee Act of Manitoba.
BEE WITH HONEY


Helpful Information about Swarms

Swarms are a natural occurrence that can happen when the bee population within a hive grows beyond capacity. A queen bee will lead a portion of the bees away to seek out a new place to build a hive. Bees in a swarm may be discovered resting on a tree or other structure and are more docile because they have no hive or eggs to protect. Good management reduces the likelihood of a swarm occurring. The provincial apiarist should be the first point of contact if a swarm is discovered. (See resources below). If required, the provincial apiarist can partner with the local beekeeping community to gather and rehouse bee colonies.

swarm photo swarm photo

Swarm: photo credit - Jeff and Shawna Paulsen

Photo credit: Beeproject Apiaries Photo credit: Beeproject Apiaries Photo credit: Jeff Paulsen
and Shawna Paulsen

Application and Approval Process

  • Any new beekeeping operation must be approved by the City of Winnipeg. The application is initiated at the Zoning and Permits office.
  • Applications must include written authorization from the landowner (per Status of Title).
  • Applications should include beekeeper's provincial registration number (if available).
  • Applications must include a site plan detailing the proposed set up.

Resources

The Bee Act of Manitoba

Provincial Beekeeper Registration Form

Red River Apiarists' Association

Manitoba Beekeepers' Association

Canadian Urban Beekeeping

University of Manitoba - Beekeeping for the Hobbyist

 

Last update: January 9, 2020

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