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By Corey Fischer
Urban Bees

Mayor Touts Benefits of Bees

Mar 26, 2019 | 12:30 PM

Most properties in Vernon will be able to have up to four beehives in their backyards, if proposed bylaw changes are approved by city council.

The City is looking to encourage small scale hobby beehives as a way to increase pollination and improve the bee population which has seen measurable declines in the last decade.

“Beekeeping adds to pollination which is a critical issue for us,” says Mayor Victor Cumming. “Cultivating beehives in an urban context has a positive impact on bee health, provides ecosystem services, and benefits the agricultural community.”

The City held a public hearing Monday on the proposed bylaw changes to allow urban beekeeping in backyards.

“The proposed bylaw updates would allow for small scale hobby beekeeping of up to two or four beehives on most properties, depending on the size of the property,” says a City news release.

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While most aspects of beekeeping are under provincial control, the  City is able to regulate where the hives sit

“To this end, clear parameters have been provided to ensure beekeeping best practices would be followed, including siting setbacks and height requirements and beekeeper responsibilities to ensure safe and low impact operations. All other aspects of beekeeping are regulated by the Province, through the Ministry of Agriculture,” says the City.

by Corey Fischer

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