Burlington Mayor Asks Agriculture Ministry to Reconsider Legislation to Help Promote Responsible Beekeeping

Last week (May 30), I sent a letter to Minister of Food, Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the Hon. Lisa Thompson, requesting the ministry reconsider and amend the 30-metre property line rule in the Ontario Bees Act in an effort to find solutions that help promote responsible beekeeping in Burlington.You can read a copy of the letter here or below:May 30, 2024Dear Minister Thompson,I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of importance to the residents of Burlington and the broader beekeeping community in Ontario. As you are undoubtedly aware, Ontario's honey bee population is facing unprecedented challenges, with natural bee populations diminishing at an alarming rate. The implications of this decline extend far beyond the beekeeping industry, impacting agricultural productivity, ecosystem health, and natural habitats across the province.In light of these concerns, I am reaching out to request that your ministry reconsider the 30-metre rule outlined in the Ontario Bees Act. This regulation, while originally intended to address certain safety and nuisance concerns, has inadvertently placed unnecessary restrictions on beekeepers, particularly in suburban areas like Burlington.Residents of Burlington have expressed a keen interest in beekeeping as a means of supporting local biodiversity, promoting sustainable agriculture, and protecting food security. However, the current 30-metre property line rule limits their ability to responsibly maintain beehives on their properties.Therefore, I respectfully urge the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) to consider two potential courses of action:1. Change the distance requirement from 30 metres from the property line to 15 metres from any dwelling place. A reduction in the property line requirement would strike a balance between ensuring public safety and promoting beekeeping practices that are both feasible and effective in urban and suburban settings. This adjustment would enable residents of Burlington and similar communities to engage in beekeeping activities while mitigating potential concerns from neighbouring properties.2. Allow Burlington to set its own rules on hive placement within property lines. Recognizing the unique characteristics of Burlington and other municipalities, I propose granting local authorities the discretion to establish hive placement guidelines tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. This decentralized approach would empower communities to develop beekeeping regulations that align with their values, priorities, and land use patterns. For instance, I believe amending this regulation to allow for at least one hive per property could significantly contribute to pollination efforts in Burlington.By adopting either of these measures, OMAFRA can demonstrate its commitment to supporting beekeepers, promoting environmental stewardship, and safeguarding Ontario's precious pollinators. Moreover, these initiatives would contribute to the broader goal of fostering sustainable agriculture and resilient ecosystems across Ontario.In conclusion, I urge you to give serious consideration to this request and to engage further with stakeholders, including residents of Burlington and representatives from the beekeeping industry. Together, we can work towards a broader regulatory framework that encourages responsible beekeeping practices while addressing the challenges facing our bee populations.Thank you for your attention to this important issue. I look forward to your response and the opportunity to collaborate on initiatives that will benefit Ontario's agricultural sector and natural environment.Sincerely,Mayor Marianne Meed WardCity of BurlingtonCc: MPP Natalie Pierre, BurlingtonMPP Effie Triantafilopoulos, Oakville North—BurlingtonMPP Zee Hamid, Milton