Winnipeg to find out whether residential-area beekeeping can fly

Winnipeg is poised to allow beekeeping in all areas of the city, including residential properties, pending the results of a public hearing expected in the fall.

City council's planning, property and development committee voted Tuesday to go ahead with a public hearing about changing city zoning rules to expand the areas where bees can be raised.

Right now, beehives are permitted in downtown Winnipeg. They're also a conditional use in agricultural areas at the fringes of the city, which means large apiaries can be set up after property owners go through a public hearing.

The hearing planned for this fall is intended to gauge support for urban beekeeping in all geographic areas of the city and on all types on properties, including residential homes.

"We'll gauge the public response to that," said River Heights-Fort Garry Coun. John Orlikow, who chairs the planning, property and development committee. "Then we'll decide if it goes everywhere, residential or not, or if it'sjust open parklands."

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There was some confusion last week whether the city would even contemplate beehives in residential areas. Chief Winnipeg planner Braden Smith confirmed the intention is too look at all areas and work back from there, pending the response at the public hearing.

Public consultations held last June found strong support for urban beekeeping, but city planners noted those sorts of consultations usually bring out more supporters than detractors.

Urban beekeeping advocate Chris Kirouac, who keeps bees in a permitted area in south Winnipeg,said dozens of people already keep bees illegally in residential areas in this city without annoying neighbours.

He surmised the city is more open to the idea of residential-neighbourhood beekeeping after no problems arose after bees were allowed downtown.

"With good beekeeping practices and a good framework for the rules for example, how many hives are allowed, property size and so on I absolutely believe beekeeping can be a positive residential-area activity," Kirouac said.

The city is also considering reducing mosquito-fogging buffer zones around hives from 300 to 90 metres, mainly because GPS technology has improved.

Will residential-area beekeeping fly?

7 years ago

Duration 1:46

Winnipeg is poised to allow beekeeping in all areas of the city, including residential properties, pending the results of a public hearing expected in the fall.