Edmonton Beekeeping: 6 Things To Get Started

Edmonton Beekeeping Pilot Opens Doors For Urban Beekeepers.

Edmonton Urban Hive

In the Summer of 2014, Edmonton rolled out the details of a new Edmonton Beekeeping pilot. Great news for would-be urban beekeepers! Though, before going into detail, let me preface this list with a quote from the Edmonton Journal and Mayor Don Iveson:

Since many cities already permit urban beekeeping, Mayor Don Iveson characterized the program as a “pilot” for functional reasons only, not just “dipping a toe in the water.” Projects will get the green light this summer, with administrators coming back to council next year with bylaw changes.

This suggests a short-lived pilot will be replaced by more permanent changes to the bylaw. That being said, it’s likely that many of the qualifying conditions will be the same. So what does the pilot say? Here are 6 things you should have lined up to start your Edmonton beekeeping adventure:

• Honeybees can be kept on residential properties in the City of Edmonton.

• Properties need to be located more than 25 metres from a public place, including but not limited to playgrounds, sports fields, schools, or churches. (Already, there has been some leeway on this point, as Northlands has set up 4 hives).

• There is enough space to ensure that [the entrance of] the beehive will be at least 3 metres from neighbours OR there is a 1.5-metre solid fence or vegetative hedge facing the opening of the beehive.

• You can provide proof of successful completion of a recognized beekeeping course OR you can provide proof of sufficient experience in beekeeping OR you can provide proof that you have the support and assistance of an experienced beekeeping mentor.

• You own or have access to beehives and the required equipment to keep bees.

• Written consent from a representative of each neighbouring residential property within a 25-metre distance the property line.

Once you’ve checked off these 6 items, you should be good to go. If you want to be part of the pilot, complete the city’s Expression Of Interest Form and email it to Animal Control. Though, if changes to bylaw are implemented that won’t be necessary. In either case, things are looking up for the Edmonton Beekeeping.