Learn about beekeeping at an open house Monday, hosted by the City of Pitt Meadows.
The event is being held to gauge support for changing a bylaw that prohibits apiaries or hives in its urban area.
In January, city staff presented a report to council which concluded that hobby beekeeping can be a safe activity with the appropriate regulations. If supported by a majority of residents, the city could have beekeeping rules in place in time for the season, which begins in April.
The provincial apiary inspector Jacquie Bunse will be at the open house to answer questions and concerns about bees in urban areas.
It has been legal to keep bees in residential areas in Richmond, Surrey, the District of North Vancouver and West Vancouver for decades, while Vancouver, Delta and Burnaby recently changed bylaws that prohibit urban hives.
There are now beehives on the roof of the Vancouver convention centre, its city hall, the patio of the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel and on high-rises across New York.
• The open house takes place Monday, Jan. 30 at Pitt Meadows City Hall, council chambers, 12007 Harris Road.
Info: call Dana Parr at 604-465-2497 or email dparr@pittmeadows.bc.ca.
