City council approves beekeeping in downtown Winnipeg

Downtown Winnipeg just got sweeter for beekeepers.

City council approved thezoning bylaw amendment on Wednesdayto allow bee hives on the rooftops of downtown buildings.

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The new amendedrules brings Winnipeg inlinewith most major Canadian cities in allowingbeekeeping in urban environments.

Urban beekeeping has been gaining popularity for a number of reasons, includingconcern aboutthe drop in bee populations.

The Fort Garry Hotel made a request last Mayto allow five hives on its roof.

City of Winnipegadministration prepared an amendment to the downtown zoning bylaw that would allow beekeeping downtown.

The report addresses some concerns about bees, including saying honey bees are generally docile and only stingto protect the hive.

It also states hives already exist in the city of Winnipeg in areas zoned agricultural.

The report allows a maximum of four hives,plus one nucleus hive, for a total of five.

Hive openings should not be pointed towards balconies, patios or public spaces.

Hives that aren't on rooftops need to be behind two-metre-high fences.

Last weekthe city's property and developmentcommitteevoted to allow bee hives in the downtown and made it a permitted use andnot conditional.

The difference means lower fees for beekeepers to start hives. Aconditional use permit would have cost beekeepersupwards of $1,200plus taxes.

A permitted use for bees wouldbeapproximately $200.