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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-02-01 Workshop Meeting Agenda and Reports.pdfDistrict of Maple Ridge COUNCIL WORKSHOP AGENDA February 1, 2010 9:00 a.m. Blaney Room, 1st Floor, Municipal Hall The purpose of the Council Workshop is to review and discuss policies and other items of interest to Council. Although resolutions may be passed at this meeting, the intent is to make a consensus decision to send an item to Council for debate and vote or refer the item back to staff for more information or clarification. REMINDERS February 1, 2010 Closed Council following Workshop Committee of the Whole Meeting 1:00 P.M. 1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA 2. MINUTES - January 25, 2010 3. PRESENTATIONS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL 3.1 Metro Vancouver Waste Management - Fred Nenninger, Division Manager, Regional Utility Planning, Metro Vancouver Note: Item 3.2 has been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. 3.2 0 Justice Institute of BC Jack McGee, President; Carol Baert, Vice President, Finance and Administration; Richard Epp, Director of Facilities; Michel Tarko, Vice President of Education, Wayne Stevens, Director, Fire & Safety Division UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS 4.1 Bill 18-2009 Assistance to Shelter Act Response to Minister Rich Coleman Staff report dated January 25, 2010 recommending that the letter from the Social Planning Advisory Committee addressed to Minister Rich Coleman be supported. Council Workshop February 1, 2010 Page 2 of 3 4.2 Area Plan Assessment Policy Report Staff report dated January 20, 2010 recommending that the Area Planning Assessment Policy be adopted. 4.3 224 Street and Lougheed Highway Improvements Verbal report by the Municipal Engineer 5. CORRESPONDENCE The following correspondence has been received and requires a response. Staff is seeking direction from Council on each item. Options that Council may consider include: a) Acknowledge receipt of correspondence and advise that no further action will be taken. b) Direct staff to prepare a report and recommendation regarding the subject matter. c) Forward the correspondence to a regular Council meeting for further discussion. d) Other. Once direction is given the appropriate response will be sent. 5.1 Beekeeping Bylaw and Amendments to Zoning to Facilitate Urban Beekeeping Letter dated January 16, 2010 from Patrick Walen requesting review of the existing zoning bylaws that restrict beekeeping in urban areas. Recommendation: d) refer to the Agricultural Advisory Committee 6. BRIEFING ON OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST/QUESTIONS FROM COUNCIL 7. MATTERS DEEMED EXPEDIENT 8. ADJOURNMENT Checked by., ?ate: Council Workshop February 1, 2010 Page 3 of 3 Rules for Holding a Closed Meeting A part of a council meeting may b_ yy a closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to one or more of the following: (a) personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality; (b) personal information about an identifiable individual who is being considered for a municipal award or honour, or who has offered to provide a gift to the municipality on condition of anonymity; (c) labour relations or employee negotiations; (d) the security of property of the municipality; (e) the acquisition dispositionor expropriation of Land or improvements, if the council considers that disclosure might reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality; (f) law enforcement, if the council considers that disclosure might reasonably be expected to harm the conduct of an investigation under or enforcement of an enactment; (g) litigation or potential litigation affecting the municipality; (h) an administrative tribunal hearing or potential administrative tribunal hearing affecting the municipality, other than a hearing to be conducted by the council or a delegate of council (i) the receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor -client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose; 0) information that is prohibited or information that if it were presented in a document would be prohibited from disclosure under section 21 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act: (k) negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed provision of a municipal service that are at their preliminary stages and that, in the view of the council, could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality if they were held in public; (1) discussions with municipal officers and employees respecting municipal objectives, measures and progress reports for the purposes of preparing an annual report under section 98 [annual municipal report] (m) a matter that, under another enactment, is such that the public may be excluded from the meeting; (n) the consideration of whether a council meeting should be closed under a provision of this subsection of subsection (2) (o) the consideration of whether the authority under section 91(other persons attending closed meetings) should be exercised in relation to a council meeting. (p) information relating to local government -pa ticipation in provincial negotiations with First Nations, where an agreement provides that the information is to be kept confidential. i MAPLE RIDGE Deep Roots Greater Heights TO: FROM: SUBJECT: District of Maple Ridge His Worship Mayor Ernie Daykin and Members of Council Chief Administrative Officer DATE: January 25, 2010 FILE NO: 0540-20-01/SPAC1 ATTN: Council Workshop Bill 18-2009 Assistance to Shelter Act Response to Minister Rich Coleman EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Province of British Columbia has now passed Bill 18-2009 Assistance to Shelter Act enabling police to assist British Columbians that are homeless to shelters when communities issue an extreme weather alert. The Assistance to Shelter Act provides police with the option of using reasonable physical force to compel a person who has been deemed at risk of suffering physical harm to an emergency shelter. The Act is not intended to supplant or limit the enforcement of other provincial or federal acts. The Act does not provide any powers of arrest, nor does it provide any powers to compel a person at risk to remain in a shelter once the police have transported them there. The Social Planning Advisory Committee has discussed the implications of the Act and recommends sending the attached letter to the office of the Honourable Rich Coleman. RECOMMENDATION(S): That the letter from the Maple Ridge Social Planning Advisory Committee, addressed to Rich Coleman, be supported and forwarded on behalf of the Maple Ridge Social Planning Advisory Committee.. DISCUSSION: a) Background Context: The Assistance to Shelter Act has raised questions and concerns amongst advocates for the homeless and those working in shelters. Additionally, the Vancouver Police Department and many municipalities across British Columbia have also registered their concern in statements to the province. After a review of the Act, the Social Planning Advisory Committee has outlined their concerns in the attached letter. The District of Maple Ridge Social Planning Advisory Committee remains committed to working collaboratively with all levels of government and community organizations to find solutions to address the issue of homelessness. b) Desired Outcome: That this letter be sent to the Honourable Rich Coleman. c) Strategic Alignment: Page 1 of 2 4. l Support of this outcome follows the current emphasis on sustainability and is in alignment with the district's safe and livable community mandate d) Citizen/Customer Implications: Recognition that all citizens have the right to make decisions about their own health and safety. e) Interdepartmental Implications: Police services could be impacted by the regulations outlined in Bill 18. CONCLUSION: The Assistance to Shelter Act raises a number of questions and concerns that requires a community response. The District of Maple Ridge Social Planning Advisory Committee recommends sending the attached letter to the Honourable Rich Coleman. E Latthewson Prepared Coordinator, Social Planning pproved by: Mike urra Gene al M ager, Community Development Park and ecreation Concurrence: J. L. (Jim) ule Chief A inistrative Officer Page 2 of 2 Deep Roots Greater Heights January 25, 2010 Rich Coleman, MLA Fort Langley - Aldergrove #130-7888 2OOth Street, Langley, BC V2Y 3.14 Dear Honourable Rich Coleman, It is well known that the causes of homelessness are complex and varied. Accordingly, responses intended to address the issue must be equally as complex and varied. To include Bill 18 as one of the responses to the issue of homelessness is not appropriate or supportive of finding a collaborative solution to this growing problem. With this Bill having received Royal Assent, what measurements are in place to ensure that it has been effective? There is no question that the plight of individuals that are homeless is a very difficult one especially during extreme weather conditions. The recent incidents where individuals in an effort to keep warm have lost their lives are tragic and regrettable. However, to suggest that the Act is a response that would prevent such tragedies is difficult to imagine. The Act itself presents a number of fundamental questions and concerns. It is not clear as to what constitutes" extreme weather" and how this decision is made. The determination by a police officer as to whether a person is "at risk" is also complicated. Currently, police officers have a number of tools to deal with individuals who are placing themselves or others at risk including the Mental Health Act, the Child, Family and Community Service Act, the Liquor Control and Licensing Act and the Offence Act. Additionally, what constitutes "reasonable force" to remove someone from the streets and place them in a shelter is unclear. Removing someone against their will and taking them to a shelter surely is not a guarantee that they will stay there. Police resources could be taxed unnecessarily. Ultimately, personal dignity and individual freedom are as important as personal safety. Individuals that are homeless deserve to be safe and treated with dignity and respect. The Metro Vancouver Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness has identified the pressing need for a national housing strategy to address the growing number of homeless or those at risk of homelessness across Canada. The Steering Committee has also identified the three ways to home as being affordable housing, adequate income and support services. The District of Maple Ridge Social Planning Advisory Committee supports the collaborative efforts of all levels of government, community organizations, non -profits agencies, businesses and individual community members working together to find solutions to the issue of homelessness. Sincerely, Chair, Social Planning Advisory Committee cc: Sue Wheeler, Director of Community Services District of Maple Ridge 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6A9 Canada • Tel: 604-463-5221 • Fax: 604-467-7329 enquiries@mapleridcle.ca • www.mapleridcle.ca Deep Roots District of Maple Ridge Greater Heights TO: His Worship Mayor Ernie Daykin DATE: January 20, 2010 and Members of Council FILE NO: FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: Workshop SUBJECT: Area Plan Assessment Policy Report EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: In the recent past the District has completed two significant Area Plans (Silver Valley and the Town Centre) and adopted them into the Official Community Plan. On January 11, 2010 Council directed staff to proceed with an Area Plan for the Albion Flats using a concept plan approach. A detailed report on the Albion Flats process is scheduled for Council's consideration on February 15, 2010. The Official Community Plan commits the District to the preparation of area plans in the Community, and provides some guidance regarding the prioritization of neighbourhoods. In addition, the Plan provides criteria regarding the timing of a Thornhill Area Plan, and some of the elements to be included within that plan. However, details regarding the timing and selection of neighbourhoods for future area plans is not contained in the Official Community Plan and is intended to be determined by Council. As part of the Workplan Matrix for 2009, at the October 26, 2009 Council Workshop, Council gave consideration to the Area Plan Process report dated October 22, 2009, and passed the following resolution: "That the report entitled `Area Plan Process Report" dated October 22, 2009 be received as information; and That staff be directed to prepare a policy to assist in the selection of future area plans." The following report discusses a proposed policy regarding the process for the selection of future area plans in the District. The October 22, 2009 report contains an overview of relevant Official Community Plan policies and is attached as information. RECOMMENDATION: That the Area Planning Assessment Policy attached to the staff report dated January 20, 2010 be adopted. -1- 4.2 BACKGROUND: As noted in the preceding section, Council gave consideration to the process for the selection of area planning neighbourhoods in the fall of 2009. The Area Planning Process report provided an overview of relevant area planning policies with specific attention to Chapter 10 of the Official Community Plan that identifies what an area plan is, and highlights the elements to be contained in the Plan. Specifically, Policies 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3 of the Official Community Plan identify the general boundaries for future area plans, priority consideration for area plans, and the elements to be housed in each new area plan. Those specific policies read as follows: 10 - 1 The historic communities identified in the Historic Communities Figure (Figure 1) will form the general boundaries for the preparation of future area plans. The area plans map (Figure 6) identifies existing and future area plans. This figure does not preclude the District from undertaking an area plan for any other portion of the District. 10-2 Maple Ridge will initiate the creation of area plans as a means to guide development: a) The Regional Town Centre will be one of the first area plans due to its significance and high capacity to accommodate residential growth; b) Priority consideration will be given to an area in transition, neighbourhoods that present the greatest opportunities for redevelopment, or areas where Guide Plans are in existence; c) Area plans will be developed for the historic communities of Maple Ridge including Hammond, The Ridge, Port Haney/Haney, Albion, Yennadon, Webster's Corners, Whonnock and Ruskin; d) The Thornhill area is recognized as a Historic Community that will require an area plan prior to urban development occurring in the area. This area plan is a long- term priority for the District and will be initiated in accordance with the Thornhill Urban Reserve policies of the Official Community Plan; and e) Subsequent area plans will be based on a consideration of each area's suitability for accommodating residential intensification. 10-3 Area Plans will be developed utilizing a consultative approach that involves working cooperatively with Provincial and Regional agencies, School District, community groups, and residents and will include, but not be limited to the following: a) policies relating to the types and form of development, land use patterns, and phasing; b) physical inventory of the site including an assessment of environmentally sensitive areas, ecosystems and the impact of development; c) an assessment of existing and future infrastructure, and a fiscal impact analysis study, d) a transportation study that addressees road connections, transit and alternate modes of travel, and connections to the Regional Town Centre; e) an assessment of parks and open space; and f) the provision of community amenities. The Area Planning process report (October 2009) also provided an overview of the policies pertaining to the Albion Flats and noted that the Albion Flats has recently emerged as an area of considerable interest. The Official Community Plan contains numerous policies regarding its current and future land use, as well as policies and a map figure identifying the Albion Flats as an area requiring future -2- Area Planning. Even more recently, through its review of the draft Regional Growth Strategy, Council reaffirmed the Albion Flats is an area requiring further study'. At the October 26, 2009 Workshop, Council discussed the Area Planning Process Report and directed that a policy be created to assist in the selection of future area plans in the District. During the discussion it was also suggested that the policy consider giving priority to areas with under - subscribed schools, and that the terminology relating to area planning be clearly defined. Terminology: The preeminent text book "Planning Canadian Communities" by Gerald Hodge and David Gordon highlights the difference in terminology used across the country to describe similar planning documents. For example, what is often referred to as an "Area Plan" in Maple Ridge, is also called an Area Development Plan; an Area Structure Plan; a Local Area Plan; a Secondary Plan; or a Development Scheme in other jurisdictions. The City of Surrey Official Community Plan identify Secondary Plans as plans guiding planning at the local level and also refer to them as a Neighbourhood Concept Plan or Local Area Plan. The Maple Ridge Official Community Plan describes area planning as follows: "An Area Plan is a Council adopted Bylaw that provides a greater level of detail regarding land use, density, form, character, and phasing for a specific area, than is typically found in an Official Community Plan. An area plan can apply to a group of neighbourhoods, or a single neighbourhood, and is suitable for newly developing, existing, or historic neighbourhoods. Neighbourhoods can be residential, commercial, Industrial, institutional, or agricultural, or of any combination." For discussion purposes, it may be helpful to discuss what an area plan is not. For example, an Area Plan will identify the need for a road connection between point A and point B, but it will not prescribe with absolute certainty the exact location of that connection. Nor will the area plan identify street or block layout. This level of detail is typically found in what is commonly referred to as a "Guide Plan" in British Columbia. Guide Plans are essentially a sketch that guides development that is not adopted by Bylaw, nor approved by Council. Draft Area Planning Assessment Policy: The Official Community Plan identifies that there is a desire for area plans to be prepared for the new and historic areas in the Community, noting that priority consideration will be given to neighbourhoods in transition, neighbourhoods with opportunities for intensification, or areas with existing guide plans. The Official Community Plan policies identify the criteria and general locations for future area plans, however the timing and selection of neighbourhoods for future area planning is to be determined by Council. Recognizing that there may be competing interests in the selection of a neighbourhood for area planning, developing a policy to provide clarity regarding how and when area plans are to be 'On January 11, 2010 Council directed "that staff be directed to proceed with an area plan for the Albion Flats Area A utilizing the Concept Plan approach noted in the staff report dated November 5, 2009, taking into account key linkages to Area B, with a completion date of March 31, 2011 for the Concept Plan." -3- undertaken is appropriate. A draft Area Planning Assessment Policy has been prepared that includes the following elements: 1. The decision to undertake an area plan is at Council's discretion, noting that other projects and priorities may take precedence. - This policy acknowledges that Council is under no obligation to endorse an area planning process, noting that depending on priorities, Council may prefer to direct staff resources elsewhere. 2. Area Planning priority will be given to a neighbourhood: i. that is in transition; experiencing increases in development applications that are inconsistent with the Official Community Plan; or is impacted by policy changes, demographic changes, or significant transportation/infrastructure improvements to the a rea; ii. that does not have an existing Area Plan; iii. where the area plan is intended to further the goals and objectives identified within the Official Community Plan, or is identified as a future work item in the Official Community Plan; iv. with declining student enrolment in a publicly funded neighbourhood school; V. where the project is consistent with the Corporate Strategic Plan and Council adopted Business Plans. - the above noted items are intended to build upon the OCP policies regarding Area Planning, to assist Council is reviewing requests. This policy acknowledges that certain neighbourhoods may have a greater need for area planning due to changing circumstances in the area. The policy also acknowledges the importance of the Corporate Strategic Plan and Council directives in the assessment of requests for area plans. 3. Once a neighbourhood has been selected to undergo an Area Planning Process, a report identifying the public consultation process; elements to be addressed in the Plan; and geographic boundary of the planning area will be prepared for Council's endorsement - This policy acknowledges that every area plan is unique and will need to be tailored to reflect this. Typically, where outside agency approvals are expected to be required, Area Plans should include the completion of a concept plan. The area planning boundaries would also need to be confirmed prior to undergoing the Plan. 4. Neighbourhood requests for area planning are to be considered as a package during Business Planning. Requests received outside of the business planning cycle, and/or during an active area planning process will be considered premature, and will be held until the appropriate Business Planning cycle. - this policy is intended to ensure that all requests for area plans are considered as a package during Business Planning. It is important that all requests be reviewed during the completion, or nearing completion phase of an active area plan, to ensure that District priorities remain current. 5. The District will typically undertake one area planning process at a time, and an area planning process should not be undertaken during an Official Community Plan review. - this policy acknowledges that area planning is complex, time consuming and very demanding of District resources. It is also intended to acknowledge that the coordination of more that one plan at a time can be confusing to members of the public wishing to participate in one or more processes. ME The Definition section of the Policy notes that Area Planning is defined in the Maple Ridge Official Community Plan as "an Official Community Plan that applies to a local planning area." and refers the reader to Chapter 10.1 of the Official Community Plan for further discussion. The definitions also clarify that for the purpose of the policy, neighbourhood refers to the geographic area being requested, and/or considered for an area planning process. CONCLUSIONS: The Official Community Plan identifies the District's commitment to an area planning framework, based upon working cooperatively with residents, and other interested groups/agencies. The Official Community Plan provides an overview of the content for an area plan, and general guidance regarding where area plans should be initiated, however the selection and timing for future area plans is not prescribed. Recognizing that area planning is a desirable process, and that the number of requests for area plans would likely exceed District resources, Council directed that an area planning policy be prepared to assist in the selection of future area plans. It is recommended that the attached Area Planning Assessment Policy be adopted by Council. r r Prepared by: Christin Carter, MPI. MCIP Manag r*ommjnity Planning Ap ove a Pickeri , MCIP Director ❑ anning Approved by: Frank Quinn, MBA, P.Eng. GM: Public Works & Dev ome Services Concurrence: J.L. im) Rule i Chiy Administrative Officer CC/cc Attachment - October 26, 2009 Area Plan Process Report -5- Deep Roots Greater Heights Title: Area Planning Assessment Policy Authority: ❑ Approval: Legislative Council Policy Statement: ❑ Operational CMT ❑ General Manager POLICY MANUAL Policy No: Supersedes: New Effective Date: Review Date: The District of Maple Ridge is committed to preparing area plans for Maple Ridge neighbourhoods. Recognizing that there is a likelihood that the number of requests for area plans may exceed staffing and budgetary resources, the following policy has been created to assist Council in its selection: 1. The decision to undertake an area plan is at Council's discretion, noting that other projects and priorities may take precedence. 2. Area Planning priority will be given to a neighbourhood: i. that is in transition; experiencing increases in development applications that are inconsistent with the Official Community Plan; or is impacted by policy changes, demographic changes, or significant transportation/infrastructure improvements to the area; ii. that does not have an existing Area Plan; iii. where the area plan is intended to further the goals and objectives identified within the Official Community Plan, or is identified as a future work item in the Official Community Plan; iv. with declining student enrolment in a publicly funded neighbourhood school; V. where the project is consistent with the Corporate Strategic Plan and Council adopted Business Plans. 3. Once a neighbourhood has been selected to undergo an Area Planning Process, a report identifying the public consultation process; elements to be addressed in the Plan; and geographic boundary of the planning area will be prepared for Council's endorsement 4. Neighbourhood requests for area planning are to be considered as a package during Business Planning. Requests received outside of the business planning cycle, and/or during an active area planning process will be considered premature, and will be held until the appropriate Business Planning cycle. 5. The District will typically undertake one area planning process at a time, and an area planning process should not be undertaken during an Official Community Plan review. Page 1 of 2 Policy Purpose: To provide a framework to assist Council in the selection of neighbourhoods for future area planning. Definitions: Area Planning is defined in the Maple Ridge Official Community Plan as "an Official Community Plan that applies to a local planning area". Refer to Chapter 10.1 of the Official Community Plan. Neighbourhood - refers to the geographic area being requested, and/or considered for an area planning process Key Areas of Responsibility Action to Take Responsibility Page 2 of 2 Policy MAPLE RIDGE 3rir sB Lnlumbo Deep Roots Greater Heights TO: FROM: SUBJECT: District of Maple Ridge His Worship Mayor Ernie Daykin and Members of Council Chief Administrative Officer Area Plan Process Report EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: DATE: October 22, 2009 FILE NO: ATTN: Workshop During the consultation for the 2006 Official Community Plan the community noted the importance of detailed planning work at the neighbourhood level, and the need to utilize a consultative approach to area plans that involves working cooperatively with Provincial and Regional agencies, the School District, community groups, and residents. Based on this, the Official Community Plan commits the District to initiate the creation of area plans as a means to guide development. The Plan states that historic and new communities will form the general boundaries for the preparation of future area plans, and also provides some guidance regarding where area plans will be initiated and the elements to be addressed in an area plan. On September 21, 2009 Council considered a Work Schedule Matrix that outlined key deliverables that Council and staff were to focus their efforts on in the coming months. Item 9 on the Council Work Schedule Matrix identified that a report on Area Plans would be presented to Council on October 26, 2009. Item 12 on the matrix identified that a report outlining the process to undertake an Area Plan for the Albion Flats will be presented on November 9, 2009. The following report is intended to provide an overview of the Area Plan policies in the Official Community Plan and identify a process for proceeding with an area planning program in the District. RECOMMENDATION: That the report entitled "Area Plan Process Report", - dated October 22, 2009 be received as information; and That staff be directed to prepare a policy to assist in the selection of future area plans. DISCUSSION: What is area planning? The term "Area Planning" refers to a consultative process, where area residents, agencies and stakeholders work together to refine objectives, policies and land uses for a specific area or neighbourhood. Area Planning is defined in the Maple Ridge Official Community Plan as "an Official Community Plan that applies to a local. planning area". -1- How long does the Area Planning Process take? An area plan typically takes up to 2 years in total to complete, and involves two phases, although timing may be compressed by targeting staff resources, utilizing consultants, and accelerating the public process. The first phase involves the formation of a steering committee, the preparation of background reports, issues identification, and public consultation. The second phase involves the drafting of the Plan and accompanying mapping and bylaw amendments. The amount of time taken from presentation of the Bylaw to Council and adoption depends on the nature of the issues relating to each plan. In addition, Area Plans can be very time dependent on other agencies. For example, if approvals from the Agricultural Land Commission, Metro Vancouver and TransLink are required, the timing of the Area Plan is subject to the timing of a response from these agencies. How many Area Plans does Maple Ridge have? Area planning is not new to Maple Ridge. There are 3 adopted Plans housed in the Official Community Plan. The Silver Valley Area Plan was adopted in 2001; the Albion Area Plan was reviewed in 1994, endorsed as a guide plan, and incorporated in the 2006 Official Community Plan; and the Town Centre Area Plan which was adopted in 2008. What does an Area Plan cost? The cost of an area plan depends on the issues pertaining to each neighbourhood. For example, an Area Plan for a newly emerging area would cost significantly more than an area - plan for an established neighbourhood. New areas require detailed engineering and servicing work, transportation studies, and other consultant reports, whereas many of these issues have typically been addressed in established areas. Generally, the more consulting reports required, the more the Plan will cost. For discussion purposes, the cost of an area plan is typically in the range of $75,000 to $100,000. OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN: Area Plans: Chapter 10.1 of the Official Community Plan contains the Area Planning policies for the District. This Chapter identifies what an area plan is; areas for consideration of an area plan; and highlights the elements to be contained in an area plan. An Area Plan is a Council adopted bylaw that provides a greater level of detail regarding land use, density, form, character, and phasing for a specific area, than is typically found in the Official Community Plan. The OCP states that area plans: - "can apply to a group of neighbourhoods, or a single neighbourhood, or entire designated areas, and may guide the development of new communities or the redevelopment of existing ones."; and "...are often called Neighbourhood Plans, Secondary Plans, or Neighbourhood Concept Plans". Policies 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3 of the Official Community Plan identify the general boundaries for future area plans, priority consideration for area plans, and the elements to be housed in each new area plan. "Those specific policies read as follows: * Guide Plans are Council endorsed plans that have been utilized in neighbourhoods where the future land use is known, yet more detailed information is required regarding elements such as lotting patterns, traffic, neighbourhood connectivity, and servicing. -2- 10 - 1 The historic communities identified in the Historic Communities Figure (Figure 1) will form the general boundaries for the preparation of future area plans. The area plans map (Figure 6) identifies existing and future area plans. This figure does not preclude the District from undertaking an area plan for any other portion of the District. (refer to Figures 1 & 6 attached) 10 - 2 Maple Ridge will initiate the creation of area plans as a means to guide development: a) The Regional Town Centre will be one of the first area plans due to its significance and high capacity to accommodate residential growth; b) Priority consideration will be given to an area in transition, neighbourhoods that present the greatest opportunities for redevelopment, or areas where Guide Plans are in existence; c) Area plans will be developed for the historic communities of Maple Ridge including Hammond, The Ridge, Port Haney/Haney, Albion, Yennadon, Webster's Corners, Whonnock and Ruskin; d) The Thornhill area is recognized as a Historic Community that will require an area plan prior to urban development occurring in the area. This area plan is a long- term priority for the District and will be initiated in accordance with the Thornhill Urban Reserve policies of the Official Community Plan; and e) Subsequent area plans will be based on a consideration of each area's suitability for accommodating residential intensification. 10 - 3 Area Plans will be developed utilizing a consultative approach that involves working cooperatively with Provincial and Regional agencies, School District, community groups, and residents and will include, but not be limited to the following. a) policies relating to the types and form of development, land use patterns, and phasing; b) physical inventory of the site including an assessment of environmentally sensitive areas, ecosystems and the impact of development, c) an assessment of existing and future infrastructure, and a fiscal impact analysis study, d) a transportation study that addressees road connections, transit and alternate modes of travel, and connections to the Regional Town Centre, e) an assessment of parks and open space; and f) the provision of community amenities. Figure 6 Area Plans: As noted above, the Area Plan map in the Official Community Plan identifies the location of existing and future area plans in the Community. Identified on this map are Silver Valley and Albion with existing area plans. The Town Centre`, Albion Flats and Thornhill are identified as Future Area Plans. Policy 10-2(d) notes that an area plan for Thornhill is a long term priority for the District. The Town Centre Area Plan was adopted November 4, 2008 -3- Implementation: Chapter 11 of the Official Community Plan contains the Implementation Strategy for the Official Community Plan, noting that policies are general in nature, and that further work is often required following adoption. It is noted that the OCP identifies a number of projects that require further study, recognizing that the timing of the projects, roles and responsibilities will be considered in relation to the Corporate Strategic Plan, and determined by Council during Business Planning. The area plans/studies identified in Chapter 11 are: Albion Flats study Regional Town Centre Area Plan (adopted November 4, 2008) Area Plans for Historic Communities Albion Flats: The Albion Flats has emerged as an area of considerable interest in the recent past. The OCP contains numerous policies regarding its current and future land use, as well as policies and a map figure identifying the Albion Flats as an area requiring future Area Planning. Even more recently, through its review of the draft Regional Growth Strategy, Council reaffirmed the Albion Flats is an area requiring further study. On April 14, 2009 Council adopted the 2010-2014 Business Planning Guidelines. Within those guidelines it was noted that Council has a strong interest in initiating the Albion Area Plan. On September 21, 2009 Council considered a Work Schedule Matrix that outlined key deliverables that Council and staff were to focus their efforts on in the coming months. Item 9 on the Council Work Schedule Matrix identified that a report on Area Plans would be presented to Council on October 26, 2009. Item 12 on the matrix identified that a report outlining the process to undertake an Area Plan for the Albion Flats will be presented on November 9, 2009. The November 9, 2009 report will include an overview of the comprehensive strategy policies in the OCP. The report will provide options on how those polices will be addressed for the Albion Flats Area Plan to proceed. FUTURE AREA PLANS: As noted in the proceeding section, there is a desire for area plans to be prepared for the new and historic areas in the Community, noting that priority consideration will be given to neighbourhoods in transition, neighbourhoods with opportunities for intensification, or areas with existing guideplans. The OCP policies identify the criteria and general locations for future area plans, however the timing and selection of neighbourhoods for future area planning is to be determined by Council. Recognizing that there will be competing interests in the selection of a neighbourhood for area planning, developing a policy to provide clarity regarding how and when area plans are to be undertaken may be appropriate. Such a policy could include the following elements: Guidance regarding the prioritization of neighbourhoods such as: o areas that are in transition; experiencing increases in development applications that are inconsistent with the Official Community Plan; or are impacted by policy changes, demographic changes, or significant transportation/infrastructure improvements to the area; o areas that do not have an existing Area Plan; o where the plan is intended to further the goals and objectives identified within the OCP, Council's Strategic Plan, or are identified as a future work item in the OCP; o where the project is consistent with the Corporate Strategic Plan and Council adopted Business Plans. -4- A link to Business Planning and the Corporate Strategic Plan such as: o that the decision to undertake an Area Plan is wholly at Council's discretion; o the impact on other projects and priorities; o the timing of an Area Plan as it relates to Area Plans in progress; o the number of Area Plans to be undertaken at any one time; o consideration of the District's financial plan. CONCLUSIONS: The Official Community Plan identifies the District's commitment to an area planning framework, based upon working cooperatively with residents, and other interested groups/agencies. The Official Community Plan provides an overview of the content for an area plan, and general guidance regarding where area plans should be initiated, however the selection and timing for future area plans is not prescribed. Recognizing that area planning is a desirable process, and that the number of requests for area plans would likely exceed District resources, it is recommended that a policy be created for Council's consideration. It is intended that this policy would provide a framework to assist Council in assessing requests for future area plans. A report outlining the process to undertake an Area Plan for the Albion Flats will be presented on November 9, 2009 for Council consideration. Prepared by. Christine Carter, MPI. MCIP r Community Planning E - ved by: Jane Pickering, MCP, MCIP Di rectgpbf Pja f i ng Approved by: jj Tank Quinn, MBA, P;�el�ont i� GM -Public Wo Services Concurrence: J.L (Jfm) Rule Chief Administrative Officer CC/cc Attachment - Figures 1 & 6 Official Community Plan -5- "Mam jo LOQJM LL Z C) LL O oUC�a W a �— LL 0 �- OS2wz aoa= � oFa O C5 U � n o L A U) Z U) a J Q � mow/ Q it W Q Q Z W _ � W U) D X D W IL I I I I L J QZ January 16, 2010 Patrick Whalen -12093 214" Street Maple Ridge, BC V2X 5C9 Mayor and Council District of Maple Ridge 11995 Haney Place Maple Ridge, BC Canada V2X 6A9 Re: Beekeeping bylaw and amendments to zoning to facilitate urban beekeeping As a citizen of Maple Ridge and one who is interested in making my community a better place to live I write to request the Mayor and council review the existing zoning bylaws that restrict bee keeping in the urban areas. I have become quite interested in urban beekeeping not only as a fun and challenging hobby but because it has real and tangible benefits for the community. Bees act as pollinators and the presence of urban beehives will increase the yield of local vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and decorative gardens. I live quite close to the community garden at Glenwood Elementary, a garden started by the CEED society, and I can hope that bees in my yard would be beneficial to gardens like that. The bees will also produce honey, of course, and urban honey can be considerably better than honey in rural areas because of the variety of plants that found in urban areas as opposed to the monoculture of agricultural land. In support of this request I have attached reports to the councils of Burnaby and Vancouver that recommend the adoption of zoning and bylaws to allow beekeeping on most residential lots. As this hobby is becoming quite popular I would assume that many residents of Maple Ridge already have hives without causing problems for neighbours. I would like to be one of those people but I would prefer to do so legally and within the framework set by the district council. Thank you for your consideration, Patrick Whalen 511 ity of /4 #14 ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE HIS WORSHIP, THE MA YOR AND COUNCILLORS SUBJECT: URBAN BEEKEEPING RECOMMENDATIONS: Meeting 2009 March 23 COUNCIL REPORT THAT Council authorize the preparation of a Bylaw amending the Burnaby Zoning Bylaw, with respect to urban beekeeping, as outlined in Section 4.0 of this report. 2. THAT a copy of this report be sent to Janice Bobic, 990 Cliff Avenue, Burnaby, BC, V5A.2J5; John Gibeau, President — Honeybee Centre, 7480 176 Street, Surrey, BC, V3 S 8E7; and Paul van Westendorp, Provincial Apiarist — BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, 1767 Angus Campbell Road, Abbotsford, BC, V3G 2M3. REPORT The Environment Committee, at its meeting held. on 2009 March 10, received and adopted the attached report responding to a request for bylaw amendments to support urban beekeeping. Urban beekeeping can contribute to pollination, and better harvests in backyards, streets, rooftops, and community gardens. By contributing to pollination of City gardens, urban beekeeping is an important complement to the City's sustainability goals. Respectfully submitted, Councillor D. Johnston Chair Councillor S. Dhaliwal Vice Chair Councillor A. Kang Member Copied to: City Manager Director Engineering Director Finance Director Parks, Recr. & Cult. Services City Solicitor 01C, RCMP Fire Chief Director Planning & Building TO: CHAIR AND MEMBERS ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE FROM: DIRECTOR PLANNING AND BUILDING SUBJECT: URBAN BEEKEEPING Meeting 2009 March 10 COMMITTEE REPORT DATE: 2009 March 03 FILE: ' 33000 — 01 Ref.• Environmental Factors PURPOSE: To respond to a request for bylaw amendments to support urban beekeeping. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. THAT Council be requested to authorize the preparation of a Bylaw amending the Burnaby Zoning Bylaw, with respect to urban beekeeping, as outlined in Section 4.0 of this report. 2. THAT a copy of this report be sent to Janice Bobic, 990 Cliff Avenue, Burnaby, BC, V5A 2J5, John Gibeau, President - Honeybee Centre, 7480 176 Street, Surrey, BC, V3S 8E7, and Paul van Westendorp, Provincial Apiarist — BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, 1767 Angus Campbell Road, Abbotsford, BC, V3G 2M3. REPORT 1.0 INTRODUCTION At the Open Council meeting held on 2008 September 15, Council heard a presentation from Ms. Janice Bobic and Mr. John Gibeau regarding urban beekeeping. The delegation requested Council to consider an amendment to the Burnaby Zoning Bylaw to allow beekeeping in urban residential areas. Arising from the presentation, Council referred the matter to the Environment Committee. In response to the request from the Committee on this matter, this report provides a summary of the current regulatory environment for urban beekeeping, and seeks Council authorization for amendments to the Burnaby Zoning Bylaw for urban beekeeping as outlined in Section 4.0 this report. To: Environment Committee From: Director Planning and Building Re: Urban Beekeeping 2009 March 3................................................................. Page 2 2.0 REGULATORY BACKGROUND Within British Columbia, beekeeping (also referred to as apiculture), is currently regulated at both the Provincial and municipal level. The following outlines the prevailing regulatory approach with reference to Lower Mainland municipalities. 2.1 Provincial Bee Act At a Provincial level, beekeeping is regulated under the Provincial Bee Act. The Act requires anyone who operates honeybee colonies to be registered with the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (BCMAL). The location of the beehive (also referred to as an apiary) must also be registered. The BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (BCMAL) administers the Beekeeper and Apiary Registration program for British Columbia. This registration program collects data on the number of hives and location of the apiary with an aim to control diseases that affect bees and to promote good management practices. Through the Provincial Bee Act, Provincial Apicultural staff has the authority to remove or destroy hives and equipment if a beekeeper and apiary are not registered or if the beehive colony is diseased. The Regional Apiculture Inspector for Greater Vancouver/Fraser Valley and the Provincial Apiculturist also respond to nuisance complaints and complete inspections of honeybee colonies. In relation to the location and management of an apiary, the Regional Apiculture Inspector recommends the following guidelines for local regulation of bee colonies. These include: • Limiting the number of colonies permitted on urban residential lots to two (2) hives per lot to ensure sufficient pollen sources for the bees and also to mitigate the concentration of bees in the denser urban areas. • Limiting the number of nucleus colonies permitted on urban residential lots to two (2) per lot. Nucleus colonies are small honeybee colonies that contain a maximum of five (5) frames and are used to prevent overcrowding in larger, healthy hives by splitting some of the population off to a new colony. Nucleus colonies are also used to care for spare queen bees. • Maintaining a fence or hedge around any property containing beehives in the order of 1.8 metres (6.0 feet) in height, or providing adequate setbacks between beehives and adjacent property lines are recommended siting guidelines to minimize encounters with neighbors or pedestrians. Elevating beehives above the ground by approximately 2.5 metres (8 feet) in height is another recommended approach to raise the flight path of bees to ensure there is minimal disruption to adjacent properties. To: Environment Committee From: Director Planning and Building Re: Urban Beekeeping 2009 March 3.................... ............. .................. ......... Page 3 2.2 Municipal Beekeeping Bylaws Under the Local Government Act and Community Charter, municipalities are able to regulate beekeeping through land use regulations. Within the Lower Mainland, beekeeping bylaws are in place for a number of municipalities. A general summary of the regulatory requirements established by municipalities to regulate the keeping of bees is provided below. Regulations generally include: • Restrictions on the Number of Beehives: the number of hives is typically limited to 2 to 4 per property subject to lot size. Lots less than 10,000 square feet typically are permitted to accommodate 2 beehives and 2 nucleus colonies, with larger lots accommodating up to 4 beehives and 4 nucleus colonies. • Siting Guidelines for Placement: setback requirements for the location of beehives on a property are typically set at 7.5 m (25 feet) from any property line. Fence or hedge enclosure requirements for the yard containing a beehive are typically established with required fence heights of about 1.8 m (6 feet). Beehives may also be required to be located 2.5 m (8 feet) above the ground. • Permitted Districts: Beehives are typically permitted on agricultural lands, on single and two-family residential lots, and in some areas in additional districts. Beehives are generally not permitted in multiple family districts. • References to the Provincial Bee Act: Zoning regulations also typically reference responsibilities established under the Provincial Bee Act. 2.3 Prevailing Burnaby Beekeeping Regulations Within Burnaby, the keeping of bees for domestic and commercial purposes is currently a permitted use in the Al Agriculture District. This District also establishes setback requirements applied to beehives of not less than 24.5 m (80.38 feet) from all street or lot lines, and not less than 9.0 m (29.53 feet) from a dwelling on the same lot. 3.0 BENEFITS AND POTENTIAL ISSUES 3.1 Benefits of Beekeeping in Urban Areas Pollinators, including honeybees and other insects, are critical to the lifecycle of most horticultural plants and agricultural crops. Urban beekeeping as a hobby can contribute to more productive harvests from backyard, street, rooftop, and community gardens. It is estimated that the pollination services provided by honeybees are often 60 to 100 times more valuable than the market price of honey. To: Environment Committee From: Director Planning and Building Re; Urban Beekeeping 2009 March 3..................... :....... ....... .........:...... ....... ...... Page 9 In terms of biodiversity, as pollinators, honeybees contribute to the production of fruits, vegetables and seeds which then provide a food source for birds and other insects, contributing to the health and biodiversity of the urban environment. In relation to food production, the average yield of honey in Canada is 134 lb (60 kg) of honey per colony each year. However, the volume of honey produced can range between 30 - 150 lbs per colony each year. The diverse sources of nectar within the City found in back yards, community gardens and public parks support a long pollination season and, therefore, productive colonies for hobby beekeepers. In addition to honey, beekeepers could also produce honeycomb, beeswax, pollen and royal jelly. The role of honeybees in pollination can be used as an educational tool by beekeepers and educators alike to facilitate the understanding of natural processes and food growth. 3.2 Potential Issues for Beekeeping in Urban Areas Provided hives are maintained properly, honeybees are generally not aggressive and rarely result in bee stings. Honeybees have been domesticated over centuries and have been selected for certain beneficial characteristics including gentleness, winter -hardiness, disease resistance and honey productivity. Most stings are caused by wasps, either the Yellow Jacket or the Bald -Faced Hornet. Wasps have a carnivorous diet by hunting other insects, while honeybees are strict vegetarians deriving their nutrition from pollens and nectar. Hence, honeybees are generally not attracted to food and garbage containers near barbeques and picnic sites. Bees can deposit waxy droppings on cars, skylights, hanging laundry and other surfaces during their first flights after winter dormancy. Restricting the number of hives per residential lot will control the volume of bees involved in these first flights, thereby reducing the overall impact. Bees may also hover at the edges of swimming pools, bird baths and ponds in the summer months while they seek out water. This potential issue can be mitigated by ensuring an adequate water source is available near the hive. Bees swarm as part of their natural life cycle in late spring or early summer, usually within a two or three week period. Swarming is a natural method of honeybee colonies to reproduce, and a swarm of bees generally emerge from the hive and settle close to the apiary for several hours. It is considered good practice in beekeeping to reduce swarming as much as possible to prevent depletion of the colony. For this reason, beekeepers assist the bees to reproduce in a more controlled fashion by making smaller, separate nucleus or starter colonies to house a smaller population of bees and to rear and store queen bees. The management of swarms often involve clipping one wing of the queen bee so it is unable to fly, thereby concentrating the swarm right outside the original hive where the swarm can be easily be collected and returned to the parent colony. To: Environment Committee From: Director Planning and Building Re: Urban Beekeeping 2oo9march 3........................ ..................... I .................. Page 5 Bees are not aggressive during swarming; however, the presence of a swarm can be frightening to people who do not expect it. Experienced beekeepers can gather a swarm fairly easily. The Provincial Apiculturist and Apiary Inspector are both accustomed to handling swarms, and also keep a "swarm list" of other local beekeepers who will manage swarms in their neighborhoods. This list can be made available on the City website and discussions with the Engineering Department confirm that a swarm contact list could also be made available to the public through their City's daytime and afterhours dispatch service. The flight paths of bees from hives can interfere with neighboring properties and nearby pedestrians if the hives are not positioned appropriately on the site. Measures to raise the flight path of bees to about 2.5 metres (8 feet) above ground are recommended in order to minimize encounters with neighbors or pedestrians. Mitigation strategies to raise the flight path of bees include elevating beehives above the ground by approximately 2.5 metres (8 feet), or maintaining a fence or hedge around a property containing beehives in the order of 1.8 metres (6.0 feet) in height. 3.3 Summary Generally, past experience with the keeping of beehives in an urban settings shows that there are few instances of concern or adverse impacts to neighbouring properties, particularly given proper management, siting and the establishment of other supporting regulations to provide for and encourage sound bee keeping practices. The benefits to the natural environment of keeping of bees in terms of pollination, biodiversity, urban food production, and education regarding natural processes and plant production is well established. 4.0 BEEKEEPING BYLAW CONSIDERATIONS Based on information provided by the delegation, and guidelines and bylaw practices of the BCMAL and other municipalities, there are a number of considerations that form part of the subject bylaw amendment proposal to establish a best practices approach for Burnaby. Bylaw considerations include: 4.1 Specifying Appropriate Zoning Districts Based on general practice, it is recommended that beekeeping for domestic purposes in Burnaby be limited to single-family residential lots with a minimum lot area and width of 557.4 in (6,000 square feet) and 15 in (49.2 feet). Based on the above lot area and width requirements, single-family residential lots in the R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R10 and RI Districts would typically have sufficient lot area and width to accommodate up to two hives and two nucleus colonies. Residential lots in these Districts are generally located across all areas of the City. Other R Districts that have smaller area and widths are generally seen as being inappropriate for urban beekeeping given insufficient available To: Environment Committee From: Director Planning and Building Re: Urban Beekeeping 2009 March 3................................................................. Page 6 site area and potential conflicts with adjacent or nearby residential units. Beekeeping on two -and multiple -family residential lots are also not considered appropriate, given potential conflicts with adjacent residential units. The Al Agricultural District currently permits the keeping of bees for domestic and commercial purposes. It is proposed that the keeping of bees for such purposes also be permitted in the A2 Small Holdings and A3 Truck Gardening District Districts. 4.2 Limitation on Numbers of Beehives The limitation on numbers of beehives and nucleus colonies permitted on a residential lot is another important consideration for the bylaw amendment. The most common approach used by other municipalities has been to restrict a residential lot to two beehives and two nucleus colonies on properties less than 1,000 m' (10,764 sq. ft.) in area. Given that the majority of Burnaby's single-family residential lots have a lot area of less than 10,000 sq. ft., it is proposed that a limit of a maximum of two hives and two nucleus colonies be established. 4.3 Siting Regulations Siting regulations for beekeeping in permitted zones is also recommended to ensure that the appropriate honeybee flight path is maintained by requiring beehives to be situated: More than 7.5 metres (25 feet) from any property line; or 2.5 metres (8 feet) or more above ground, or abutting a solid fence or hedge which has a height of 1.8 in (5.91 ft.) and extends a minimum of 6.0 in (19.6 ft) along the property line on which the hive and nucleus colony abuts. The application of either or all of these regulations would allow for the successful accommodation of beehives in the specified single-family Districts. 4.4 Hive Management Responsibilities As noted above, the keeping of bees is regulated under the Provincial Bee Act. The Act requires anyone who operates honeybee colonies to be registered with the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (BCMAL). It is also the responsibility of the beekeeper to maintain bees in a condition that will reasonably prevent swarming and aggressive behavior. The City's License office would also receive and investigate complaints. 4.5 Recommended Bylaw Amendments 1. THAT beekeeping be established in the Burnaby Zoning Bylaw with words the same or similar to the following: To: Environment Committee From: Director Planning and Building Re: Urban Beekeeping 2009 March 3................................................................. Page 7 "URBAN BEEKEEPING" means the keeping of not more than two beehives and two nucleus colonies for domestic purposes in the rear yard of a residential lot in the R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R10 and RI Districts with a minimum lot area and width of 557.40 M2 (6,000 sq. ft.) and 15 in (49.2 ft.) and occupied with a single- family dwelling, in which the beehive structure is: (a) setback a minimum of 7.5 in (25 ft.) from any property line; or (b) situated a minimum of 2.5 in (8.0 ft.) above the ground; or (c) abutting a solid fence or hedge which has a height of 1.8 in (5.91 ft.) and extends a minimum of 6.0 in (19.6 ft) along the property line on which the beehive structure is situated. 2. THAT the word "bees" be added following "keeping of in Section 602.1(4) to accommodate this use in the A2 Small Holding District. 3. THAT the "keeping of bees for domestic or commercial purposes, provided that all buildings, structures, cages, pens or runs used for such purposes are located at a distance of not less than 24.5 in (80.38 ft.) from all street and lot lines, nor less than 9.0 in (29.53 ft.) from a dwelling situated on the same lot" be added to the A3 Truck Gardening District as a permitted use. 5.0 CONCLUSION Generally, from an environmental benefit perspective, staff is supportive of the delegations request to expand opportunities for the proper keeping of bees in Burnaby. Urban beekeeping can contribute to pollination, and better harvests in backyard, street, rooftop, and community gardens. By contributing to pollination of City gardens, urban beekeeping is an important complement to the City's sustainability goals. On this basis, it is recommended that Council be requested to authorize the preparation of a Bylaw amending the Burnaby Zoning Bylaw, with respect to urban beekeeping, as outlined in Section 4.0 of this report. B. Luksun, Director PLANNING AND BUILDING RM/j c Copied to: City Manager Director Engineering Director Finance Director Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services City Solicitor City Clerk OIC - RCMP Fire Chief P: IRobyn McLeanlReportsl Urban Beekeeping Report_March 2009.doc �- CITY OF VANCOUVER i POLICY REPORT Social Development Report Date: July 05, 2005 Author: Shannon Bradley Phone No.: 604.871.6036 RTS No.: 5033 CC File No.: 4101 Meeting Date: July 21, 2005 TO: Standing Committee on Planning and Environment FROM: Director of Social Planning in consultation with the Director of Development Services, Co -Director of Licences and Inspections, Director of Legal Services, Regional Director of Health Protection - Vancouver Coastal Health, Manager of the Office of Sustainability and General Manager of Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: Hobby Beekeeping (Urban Apiculture) in Vancouver RECOMMENDATION A. THAT Council repeal from Section 4.1 of the Health By-law the prohibition against operating an apiary or keeping of bees in the City of Vancouver; B. THAT Council adopt the policy outlined in APPENDIX A as Guidelines for Hobby Beekeeping in the City of Vancouver; C. THAT Council instruct the Director of Legal Services to bring forward for enactment the amendment to the Health By-law generally as set out in APPENDIX B. GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS The General Manager RECOMMENDS Council adopt recommendations A, B, and C noting that the proposed guidelines will be based on voluntary compliance by beekeepers. Through the Provincial Bee Act, the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (BCMAL) administers the Beekeeper and Apiary Registration program for British Columbia. A working relationship between the BCMAL and the City of Vancouver will ensure inquiries regarding honeybees are addressed. Hobby Beekeeping {Urban Apiculturey in Vancouver 2 HEALTH AUTHORITY COMMENTS The Regional Director of Health Protection for Vancouver Coastal Health supports recommendations A, B and C. Health risks related to honeybee stings are minimal and can be further reduced through good urban apiculture practices, rather than the existing prohibition. Currently, enforcement of the Health By-law No. 6580 is complaint -driven and the removal of the prohibition would allow for the City to provide a list of guidelines for good management practices of urban apiculture. Removing reference to the operation of an apiary or keeping of bees within the City of Vancouver from the Health By-law No. 6580 would transfer the responsibility of urban apiculture from Vancouver Coastal Health to the City. During the transition period, Health Inspectors will continue to respond to complaints. The proposed Guidelines for Hobby Beekeeping in the City of Vancouver have been designed in the interest of public safety and responsible beehive management to complement the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands registration and inspection system. COUNCIL POLICY Food Policy On July 8, 2003, Council approved a motion supporting the development of a just and sustainable food system for the City of Vancouver that fosters equitable food production, distribution and consumption; nutrition; community development and environmental health. Sustainability Policy In April, 2002, the City adopted a formal position, definition and principles on sustainability. Sustainability requires integrated decision -making that takes into account economic, ecological and social impacts as a whole. Health By-law No. 6580, Sec. 4.1 No person shall keep or permit to be harboured any horses, donkeys, cattle, swine, sheep or goats, or any live poultry or fowl, including ducks, geese, turkeys, chickens, pheasants or quail, or operate any apiary or otherwise keep bees for any purpose in the City, except that this prohibition shall not apply to a licensed pet shop or kennel, zoological park, research laboratory, veterinary hospital or slaughter house within the meaning of or where otherwise permitted by, the Zoning and Development By-law, unless otherwise stated within this By- law. Other Relevant Policy Provincial Policy The Provincial Bee Act requires anyone who operates honeybee colonies to be registered with the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (BCMAL). The location of the apiary must also be registered. If a person is contravening this registration process, BCMAL Apicultural staff have the authority to destroy or dispose of the honeybees or beehive equipment in the possession of the unregistered individual. The Provincial Bee Act enables BCMAL to respond to complaints, conduct inspections and to control diseases that affect bees. Hobby Beekeeping (Urban Apiculture) in Vancouver PURPOSE AND SUMMARY Urban hobby beekeeping provides increased biodiversity and pollination for horticultural plants in backyard, community and public gardens. Hobby beekeeping is considered to be part of a broader Urban Agriculture strategy currently being developed under the umbrella of the City's food policy mandate. This policy report on hobby beekeeping will be followed by a comprehensive report to Council on Food Policy and Urban Agriculture in the fall 2005. This report proposes the removal of the Health By-law prohibition against operating an apiary in the City of Vancouver and recommends the adoption of Guidelines for Hobby Beekeeping that have been developed in co-operation with the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (BCMAL). City staff, Provincial Apicultural staff, representatives from Vancouver Coastal Health and local beekeepers have discussed a variety of options for permitting beekeeping and support the use of guidelines rather than more formal methods. Involved Departments concur with this approach. The proposed guidelines provide good management practices appropriate to the specific needs of Vancouver and smaller residential lots. As far as the City's role is concerned, it is recognized that guidelines will be based on voluntary compliance. Property Use Inspectors will respond to inquiries regarding honeybees and the BCMAL Apicultural staff will be able to support City staff in the event of a site visit. Under the authority of the Provincial Bee Act, BCMAL administers the Beekeeper and Apiary Registration program for British Columbia and has the authority to remove or destroy hives and beekeeping equipment if a beekeeper is not complying with the Provincial Bee Act. A working relationship with BCMAL Apicultural staff has been established and Provincial standards for honeybee hives will be in effect for apiaries in the City. Information on the number of hives, location of apiaries and nature of complaints will be tracked and monitored by City staff. Based on the minimal complaints that have been registered in neighbouring municipalities which allow hobby beekeeping, staff believe that the adoption of municipal guidelines that complement BCMAL standards is appropriate. If it is determined that a formal enforcement mechanism is required, options to create a by-law will be reviewed. Subject to Council's approval of this approach, staff will conduct public education sessions on the new guidelines in the fall of 2005. Numerous additional opportunities exist within Vancouver to provide further education to the public on the important role of honeybees for biodiversity and as pollinators for food production within the City. BACKGROUND Cities in Europe and North America (including several municipalities in the GVRD) have sanctioned hobby beekeeping within City limits. Guidelines for beekeeping in urban areas are developed with the intent to minimize the interface between honeybees and residents of the City. Through good management practices, hobby beekeeping can be a safe and suitable activity for urban areas while at the same time, provide the required pollination for urban food production and biodiversity. The current Health By-law prohibiting the keeping of bees in Vancouver was developed in the early 1970's, in conjunction with the exclusion of other livestock from within City limits. The Hobby Beekeeping (Urban Apiculture) in Vancouver 4 policy excluded agricultural activities from the city centre as a mechanism to control the spread of disease. Discussions with the Regional Director of Health Protection for Vancouver Coastal Health reveal that apiaries may have been included in the ban without a complete analysis of the advantages and concerns of bees in urban areas (APPENDIX C). A number of municipalities in the Lower Mainland have beekeeping by-laws in place. These by-laws specify the maximum numbers of colonies per property, surrounding fencing requirements to manage flight paths and general requirements for hive management that will maintain bees in a condition that reasonably prevents swarming. Discussions with neighbouring municipalities reveal that complaints are rare and enforcement of these by-laws is virtually non-existent. A summary of beekeeping by-laws in neighbouring GVRD municipalities is provided in APPENDIX C. The BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (BCMAL) administers the Beekeeper and Apiary Registration program for British Columbia. This registration program collects data on the number of hives and location of the apiary with an aim to control diseases that affect bees and to promote good management practices (APPENDIX D). Through the Provincial Bee Act, Provincial Apicultural staff have the authority to remove or destroy hives and equipment if a beekeeper and apiary are not registered or if the colony is diseased. The Regional Apiculture Inspector for Greater Vancouver/Fraser Valley and the Provincial Apiculturist have a working relationship with GVRD municipalities and are able to respond to nuisance complaints and complete inspections of honeybee colonies. DISCUSSION Current Status of Beekeeping in the City of Vancouver Although beekeeping is not permitted in Vancouver, there are a number of hives within the City, including 26 beekeepers registered with the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (BCMAL). As discussed, the BCMAL Beekeeper and Apiary Registration program collects data on the number of hives and location of the apiary with an aim to control diseases that affect bees and to promote good management practices. By maintaining a registration system of beekeepers, the location of an apiary and the number of colonies on each property, BCMAL is able to analyze the context in which the colonies are situated (APPENDIX D) and identify the appropriate apiary in the case of a complaint. BCMAL has penalties and enforcement tools to support the implementation of the Provincial Bee Act and promote good beekeeping practices. It is recognized that not all beekeepers within the City are registered with BCMAL. It is estimated that there may be 10-20 unregistered beekeepers. It is possible that the current municipal prohibition has deterred hobby beekeepers from registering. The majority of registered beekeepers in Vancouver manage 1-3 hives. The possibility of complaints is one aspect to consider in relation to the removal of the Health By-law prohibition and the institution of beekeeping guidelines. Currently, the Environmental Health Inspectors receive approximately 12 complaints per year regarding wasps and honeybees iri the City of Vancouver. However, these complaints do not distinguish between wasps (which are carnivorous and will sting while they hunt for food) and honeybees (which are vegetarian). Further information regarding honeybees is available in APPENDIX C. Hobby Beekeeping (Urban Apiculture) in Vancouver The Provincial Apiculturist and Regional Apiary Inspector respond to questions and complaints regarding honeybee hives. Most calls are received between May and July. In 2004, the Regional Apiary Inspector for Greater Vancouver/Fraser Valley received approximately 15 calls for the entire GVRD region, 2 of which were from the City of Vancouver. Complaints are addressed over the telephone with the beekeeper to suggest good management practices and a site visit is completed by the Regional Apiary Inspector when necessary. BCMAL staff has also responded to queries from Park Board Staff and Environmental Health Inspectors. According to Vancouver's Manager of Property Use Inspectors, there have been no complaints about honeybees to that Department in the last 10 years. As reported by the Provincial Apiculturist, almost 90% of the honeybee calls received by BCMAL (from across the Province) are to report a swarm or register a complaint regarding bees that are seeking out water sources at the edge of swimming pools, bird baths or other public water areas. The proposed guidelines include a provision to provide water within close proximity to the hives in order to minimize this concern. BCMAL maintains a list of beekeepers who are able to collect a swarm and this has proven to be an effective response. Science World, VanDusen Gardens, Strathcona Community Garden and the UBC Farm have demonstration hives and provide educational programs. Discussions with beekeepers in Vancouver reveal that there is a high level of support to officially recognize and sanction beekeeping in the City through guidelines. Proposed Guidelines for Hobby Beekeeping in Vancouver City staff has explored several options for providing good management practices for beekeeping relevant to the urban environment. On March 9, 2005, a meeting was hosted by the Food Policy Team at the City of Vancouver to analyze the options, including the Zoning and Development By-law, Licensing By-law, and Animal Control By-law. Participants included the Provincial Apiculturist, Regional Apiary Inspector, City staff, Vancouver Coastal Health representatives and over 10 members of the beekeeping community. There was general agreement among staff and beekeepers that the procedure of legalizing beekeeping should not create unnecessary requirements for hobby beekeepers or increase the administrative procedures for the City of Vancouver. Input from academics and neighbouring municipalities was also sought. Further research and consultation with City staff and the Regional Director of Health Protection concluded that guidelines would be the preferred option instead of a formal permit system or by-law creation. While it is recognized that guidelines rely on voluntary compliance and cannot be enforced, staff research suggests that complaints are minimal and can be responded to in partnership with BCMAL Apicultural staff. A less regulatory approach is preferred, given the relatively small numbers of beekeepers. All parties consulted agree that beekeeping is an appropriate activity for the urban environment with appropriate guidelines that are specific to the needs of Vancouver and smaller residential lots. The guidelines will be an educational tool for current and future beekeepers on good management practices and will set the municipal standards. These guidelines complement the BCMAL Beekeeper and Apiary Registration program and complaints regarding honeybees can be referred to Provincial Apicultural staff to determine the best Hobby Beekeeping (Urban Apiculture) in Vancouver b course of action. As discussed, BCMAL has penalties and enforcement tools to support the implementation of the Provincial Bee Act and promote good beekeeping practices. A follow-up meeting was held on April 28, 2005, with City staff, BCMAL representatives, the Senior Health Inspector and local practitioners, to discuss a list of proposed guidelines. Input was provided from all participants and the guidelines were analyzed and agreed upon. These guidelines are outlined in APPENDIX A. Implementation and Monitoring Process As discussed, both the Provincial Apiculturist and Apiary Inspector have played a key role in advising the City on appropriate guidelines. The proposed municipal guidelines have been designed to complement the Provincial registration and inspection system (APPENDIX D). The Provincial Apiculturist has an advisory role to municipal governments and will be able to work with City staff to address concerns that arise. In the event of a concern regarding management of hives, BCMAL will assist with site visits. The Environmental Health Department of Vancouver Coastal Health has agreed to continue to respond to complaints during a transition period. Once the Health By-law is amended, Property Use Inspectors will be the point of contact for inquiries related to honeybee colonies. Since this is a new area of responsibility for the City, the number of complaints received by BCMAL and Property Use Inspectors will be monitored and recorded. BCMAL has shared data with City staff and has agreed to continue to communicate information regarding the number of complaints received, and the locations of current and newly registered apiaries within the City. Collection of this data will enable the City to monitor beekeeping activity. This data will be reviewed on an annual basis to determine whether or not the guidelines offer sufficient management of hobby beekeeping. If it is determined that a formal enforcement mechanism is required, a by-law would be developed as an enforcement mechanism to address future complaints. While official recognition of beekeeping offers the City the opportunity to provide a list of guidelines, it also comes with the understanding that the responsibilities and assumed liabilities of beekeeping ultimately rest with the beekeeper. The BC Honey Producers Association provides an optional $2,000,000 Group Liability Insurance to each of its members. This insurance includes incidents of third -party claims for bodily injury and property damage and is available to all current and new beekeepers in Vancouver. The Guidelines for Hobby Beekeeping in Vancouver will be made available through the Enquiry Centre of the Development Services Department, Environmental Health Department and on the City website. A list of local beekeepers who are able to collect a swarm will also be made available through these channels, BCMAL and the Vancouver Fire Department dispatch service. Public Outreach and Community Education Information has been provided by the Food Policy staff team on urban beekeeping at various community events (including the Environment Canada Sustainability Fair on June 8, 2005, and Hobby Beekeeping (Urban Apiculture) in Vancouver 7 Food Policy Forum, June 23, 2005). Food Policy staff intend to organize two public meetings in the fall of 2005 to provide information on honeybees and promote the guidelines. Training is also available for beekeepers. The BCMAL Apiculture Program provides introductory beekeeping courses through local colleges. BCMAL and Simon Fraser University also offer an advanced apiculture course every two or three years. There are a number of public education programs on honeybees at Science World and VanDusen Gardens. Preliminary discussions with the Stanley Park Ecology Society reveal that staff members are interested in revising their Fall 2005 School and Public Programs to include honeybees and pollination in the curriculum. Numerous opportunities exist within Vancouver to provide further education to the public on the important role of honeybees as pollinators for food production within the City. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS It is anticipated that the complaints regarding honeybee colonies will be minimal; however, Property Use Inspectors may be required to visit an apiary site. Minimal human resources will also be required to monitor and collect data on honeybee apiaries in the City. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS Urban beekeeping can contribute to pollination, and better harvests in backyard, street, rooftop, and community gardens. By contributing to pollination of City gardens, urban beekeeping is an important complement to urban food production and to the City's sustainability goals. CONCLUSION The proposed guidelines for urban apiculture in Vancouver have been developed to complement the existing BCMAL Beekeeper and Apiary Registration system. Council's recent commitment to a sustainable City and a just and sustainable food system for the City of Vancouver would be supported by endorsing the role of honeybees in enhancing the biodiversity of the City and increasing the food production of backyard, rooftop, street and community gardens. Through a working relationship with BCMAL, hobby beekeeping within Vancouver can be a safe and suitable activity for urban residential lots. Hobby Beekeeping (Urban Apiculture) in Vancouver 8 APPENDIX A PAGE 1 OF 1 Guidelines for Hobby Beekeeping in the City of Vancouver 1. It shall be the duty of every person on whose property bees are kept to adhere to good management practices and maintain bees in a condition that will reasonably prevent swarming and aggressive behaviour. 2. It shall be the responsibility of the person on whose property the bees are kept to provide adequate water for the bees to prevent bees from seeking water in neighbouring swimming pools, birdbaths, ponds or other community bodies of water. 3. Hobby Beekeeping is to be limited to: a. One- and Two -Family Dwelling Districts (RS- and RT-); or b. Agricultural Districts (RA-1) on sites containing a one- or two-family dwelling; or c. A site containing a community garden; or d. A site where beekeeping will form part of an educational program. 4. A maximum of two (2) beehives per lot in One- and Two -Family Dwelling Districts (RS- and RT-) on a parcel of land less than 10,000 square feet. 5. A maximum of four (4) beehives per lot on a parcel of land with an area over 10,000 square feet. 6. Beehives are restricted to rear yards. 7. In order to ensure the appropriate height of honeybee flight path: a. A beehive will be situated 8 feet or more above ground level; or b. The beehive entrance will be directed away from the neighbouring property and situated behind a solid fence or hedge that is 6 feet in height running parallel to the property line; or c. A beehive will be located a minimum of 25 feet away from the neighbouring property line. APPENDIX B PAGE 1 OF 1 Proposed amendment to the Health By-law to repeal the prohibition of operating an apiary or keeping of bees in the City of Vancouver Proposed Health By-law No.6580, Sec. 4.1 No person shall keep or permit to be harboured any horses, donkeys, cattle, swine, sheep or goats, or any live poultry or fowl, including ducks, geese, turkeys, chickens, pheasants or quail, or operate any a^ia^ or r,fhe-PA41so Lean horns for any purpose in the City, except that this prohibition shall not apply to a licensed pet shop or kennel, zoological park, research laboratory, veterinary. hospital or slaughter house within the meaning of or where otherwise permitted by, the Zoning and Development By-law, unless otherwise stated within this By- law. APPENDIX C PAGE 1 OF 4 Background Information on Hobby Beekeeping Potential Benefits and Concerns of Hobby Beekeeping in Urban Areas Potential benefits: Honeybees as urban pollinators: Pollinators, including honeybees and other insects, are critical to the lifecycle of most horticultural plants.and agricultural crops. Urban beekeeping as a hobby can contribute to more productive harvests from backyard, street, rooftop, and community gardens. It is estimated that the pollination services provided by honeybees are often 60 to 100 times more valuable than the market price of honey. Biodiversity in Vancouver: As pollinators, honeybees contribute to the production of fruits, vegetables and seeds which then provide a food source for birds and other insects, contributing to the health and biodiversity of an urban environment. Urban food production: The average yield of honey in Canada is 134 lb (60 kg) of honey per colony each year. However, the volume of honey produced can range between 30 - 150 lbs per colony each year. The diverse sources of nectar within the City found in back yards, community gardens and public parks support a long pollination season and, therefore, productive colonies for hobby beekeepers. In addition to honey, beekeepers could also produce honeycomb, beeswax, pollen and royal jelly. Increased safety: Official recognition of beekeeping within Vancouver would allow for City to provide a list of guidelines for beekeeping in the interest of public safety and responsible beehive management. These guidelines, in conjunction with BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (BCMAL) registration and inspection, provide a solid foundation for safe of beekeeping within the City. At the same time, it is recognized that the beekeeper, by virtue of keeping honeybees within City limits and in accordance to City bylaws, remains fully responsible and legally liable for any effects his/her honeybee colonies may have on other parties. Opportunities for education: The role of honeybees in pollination can be used as an educational tool by beekeepers and educators alike to facilitate the understanding of natural processes and food growth. Increased registration and inspection with BCMAL: Endorsement of urban beekeeping by the City would require beekeepers to register their hives with the BCMAL. This would enable the Ministry to conduct inspections and control diseases that affect bees. Potential Concerns and Mitigation Strategies: Bee stings and allergies: As long as hives are maintained properly, honeybees are generally not aggressive and rarely result in bee stings. Honeybees have been domesticated over centuries and have been selected for certain beneficial characteristics including gentleness, winter -hardiness, disease resistance and honey productivity. Bee stings account for approximately 1/4 of insect stings; most stings are caused by wasps, either the Yellow Jacket or the Bald -Faced Hornet. Wasps have a carnivorous diet by hunting other insects, while APPENDIX C PAGE 2OF4 honeybees are strict vegetarians deriving their nutrition from pollens and nectar. Hence, honeybees are generally not attracted to food and garbage containers near barbeques and picnic sites. Less than 1% of the population is at risk of a systemic (anaphylactic) reaction to honey bee stings. Flight Paths: The flight paths of bees from hives can interfere with neighbouring properties and nearby pedestrians if the hives are not positioned appropriately on the site. Maintaining a 6 foot fence or hedge around any property containing bee hives will raise this flight path to 7 or 8 feet above ground, minimizing encounters with neighbours and pedestrians. Fecal Droppings: Bees can deposit waxy droppings on cars, skylights, hanging laundry and other surfaces. These droppings can be a nuisance and difficult to clean off. This is most pronounced in the early spring, when the bees are taking their first flights after winter dormancy. Restricting the number of hives will control the volume of bees involved in these first flights. Horses: Bees are fearful of large animals, including horses and cattle, as these large animals have the potential to trample the hive. Horses in close proximity to honeybee colonies may provoke some bees to sting. As a result, it is recommended that bees and horses are not located in close proximity. Seeking out water: Honeybees may hover at the edges of swimming pools, bird baths and ponds in the summer time while they seek out water. This is most pronounced during the warmer summer months of July and August. This can be mitigated by ensuring an adequate water source is available near the hive. An adequate water source would include a small bucket of water close to the hive, that is not left stagnant, to ensure that this would not pose a threat for West Nile Virus. Swarming: Bees swarm as part of their natural life cycle in late spring or early summer. The colony follows the Queen, usually not more than 100 feet in a densely populated area. Bees are not aggressive during swarming; however, the presence of a swarm can be frightening to people who do not expect it. Experienced beekeepers can gather a swarm fairly easily. The Provincial Apiculturist and Apiary Inspector are both accustomed to handling swarms, and also keep a "swarm list" of other local beekeepers who will manage swarms in their neighbourhoods. This list will also be available on the City of Vancouver website and discussions with the Vancouver Fire Department confirm that a swarm contact list could also be made available to the public through their dispatch service. Beekeeping By -Laws in Other Lower Mainland Municipalities City of New Westminster • Maximum of 2 beehives and 2 nucleus colonies on properties less than 10,000 square feet; maximum of 4 beehives and 4 colonies on properties 10,000-21,765 square feet; maximum of 6 beehives and 6 nucleus colonies on properties 21,675-43,530 square feet; • A beehive is not permitted within 25 feet of any parcel of land, except when the hive is 8 feet above ground level or if the hive is behind a 6 foot solid fence or hedge and extending at least 20 feet beyond the hive in both directions; • No beehives in multi -family zoned properties except a duplex zone. APPENDIX C PAGE 3 OF 4 District of North Vancouver • Maximum of 4 beehives on properties less than 11,840 square feet; • A beehive is not permitted within 25 feet of any parcel of land, except when the hive is 8 feet above ground level or if the hive is behind a 6 foot solid fence or hedge and extending at least 20 feet beyond the hive in both directions; ■ Beekeeping is not permitted in multiple -family zoned properties, high density residential zone or within 80 feet of a residential building containing more than two units. Surrey Maximum of 4 beehives on properties less than 10,000 square feet; A beehive is not permitted within 25 feet of any parcel of land, except when the hive is 8 feet above ground level or if the hive is behind a 6 foot solid fence or hedge and extending at least 20 feet beyond the hive in both directions; No beehives on multi -family zoned properties. Richmond • No beehives on any parcel containing a one -family dwelling, two-family dwelling or multiple -family dwelling; • No beehives within 75 feet of a property line of a parcel of land with a one -family, two-family or multiple family dwelling; • A person must not keep more than 4 colonies of bees on a parcel having an area of less than 10,000 square feet. West Vancouver • Maximum of 4 beehives on single family and duplex zoned properties; • A beehive is not permitted within 25 feet of any property line, except when a hive is 8 feet or more above ground level or behind a 4 foot high fence or hedge extending 20 feet beyond the hive in both directions; • Beekeeping is prohibited in other zonings. Langley Township, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam • Beekeeping is only permitted in agricultural zoned properties. Background Information on Honeybees and Urban Apiculture Honeybees have been domesticated for over 3,000 years. They are social insects, with a marked division of labour between the various types or castes. A colony of honeybees includes a queen, several hundred drones (male bees) and several thousand worker bees (females) who gather nectar to make honey. The word apiculture is derived from the honeybee's Latin name Apis mellifera, which means `honey gatherer.' Honeybees collect nectar to produce honey. While they are gathering nectar from plants to create their food source, pollen grains are also transported on their bodies, leading to pollination of other plants. Over the last 90 million years, flowering plants and bees have co -evolved, creating a complete interdependence between the two. The availability and variety of food producing and ornamental plants in an urban area provides diverse nectar sources for pollinators. The presence of urban pollinators can increase APPENDIX C PAGE 4OF4 harvests for backyard, street, rooftop, and community gardens. It is estimated that the pollination services provided by honeybees are often 60 to 100 times more valuable than the market price of honey. Honeybees and humans have coexisted successfully for thousands of years. Cities in Europe and North America (including several municipalities in the GVRD) have sanctioned hobby beekeeping within city limits. Guidelines for beekeeping in municipal areas are developed with the intent to minimize the interface between honeybees and residents of the city. With appropriate guidelines, hobby beekeeping can be a safe and suitable activity for urban areas while at the same time, provide the required pollination for urban food production. The Social Setting of the Colony Honeybees require the social setting of the colony and cannot survive on their own for very long. It is the colony that matters, where tasks are accomplished through division of labour. Every member works, not for itself, but for the benefit of the colony. For example, during the summer season, large quantities of nectar is gathered to produce and store honey, even though the individuals do not live long enough to feed on these reserves during winter. Any defensive behaviour exhibited by an individual bee is not for herself, but rather for the benefit of the colony. Since stinging mostly results in death, the use of the stinger is of no value to the individual bee. Colony Information: • Honeybees are social insects, with a marked division of labour between the various castes of bees in the colony. A colony of honeybees includes a queen, drones and workers. • A normal colony of honeybees contains only one queen who may lay 2,000 eggs per day during her busy season. There may be as many as 60,000 worker bees (females) who gather the nectar and make the honey. There will also be several hundred drones (male bees). • The queen may live up to 5 years. Drones live 4 to 6 weeks. During the active season, workers live about 5 to 6 weeks. Over -wintering workers may live 4 to 6 months. • A colony of honeybees in early spring has 10,000-15,000 bees. • A colony of honeybees in summer has 50-60,000 bees. Nectar Collection for Honey: • A worker bee creates 0.8 gram (0.0288 ounce) of honey in her entire life. • It requires 556 worker bees to gather a pound of honey. • Bees fly more than once around the world to gather a pound of honey. • Nectar, as gathered by the bee, contains about 70% water (honey is about 17% water). • Bees remove the excess moisture from nectar by rapidly fanning their wings over the open cells in the hive. • Honeybees have been used by humans for their honey needs for thousands of years. • A honeybee flies up to 24 km /hr and its wings beat 200 times per second or 12,000 beats/minute. (Source: Apiculture Factsheet #104, BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, http://www.agf.gov.bc and Canada Honey Council http://www.honevcouncil.ca} APPENDIX D PAGE 1 OF 2 BCMAL Beekeeper and Apiary Registration BCMAL administers the apiculture registration system for British Columbia. This registration system licenses both the beekeeper and the apiary location. Under the authority of the Provincial Bee Act, a person must not keep bees or possess beehive equipment unless the person is registered. The Act also stipulates that a person must not allow bees to be kept on land owned or occupied by the person unless the land is registered under the Act as the location of an apiary. It is possible to refer complaints to the Provincial Apiculturist and if a person or their property is not registered, a BCMAL inspector has the authority to destroy or dispose of the bees or beehive equipment. By maintaining a registration system of beekeepers, the location of an apiary and the number of colonies on each property, BCMAL is able to analyze the context in which the colonies are situated. Upon site inspection, an Apiary Inspector determines whether or not the site chosen is appropriate for honeybee colonies. For example, it would be the discretion of the Provincial Apiculturist and Inspector to determine whether or not registration would be granted to a beekeeper and apiary if located in close proximity to a school. Further, a certificate of registration would not be issued for an apiary in a new location if it was too close to an already existing apiary, as it may interfere with normal beekeeping operations or promote the possibility for spread of disease. Various mechanisms to address and control the spread of disease are articulated in the Bee Act. For example, the approach for inspection, disease control and treatment are outlined. The Act also addresses issues regarding the health of honeybee colonies and swarming. BCMAL has penalties and enforcement tools to support the implementation of the Act and promote good beekeeping practices. Finally, the Provincial Apiculturist and Inspector hold the authority to cancel a certificate of registration if the beekeeper has failed to comply with any aspect of the Act. Background of Proposed Guidelines The Provincial Apiculturist and the Regional Apiary Inspector from BCMAL recommend limiting the number of colonies permitted on residential City lots. Limiting the number of colonies to two (2) hives per lot will ensure sufficient pollen sources for the bees and also mitigate the concentration of bees in the denser urban areas of the City (further information on honeybee colonies is attached in APPENDIX C). The Provincial Apiculturist also recommends that appropriate fencing or vegetation (e.g. hedge) surrounds any apiary in residential areas. Maintaining a 6 foot fence or hedge around a yard containing bee hives will raise the flight path of bees to 6 - 8 feet above ground. This will minimize encounters with neighbours and pedestrians. A 6-foot fence is in accordance with current Zoning and Development By-law for the rear and sides of a yard. APPENDIX D PAGE 2OF2 A surrounding fence or hedge may not be necessary in agricultural areas (RA-1 zones) if hives are located at least 25 metres away from the property line. This distance ensures that the bees have the appropriate distance to raise their flight path at least 6 feet above the ground by the time they reach the property line. This will minimize the risk of encounters with neighbours, pedestrians and - significant to the RA-1 zone - horses. APPENDIX E PAGE 1 OF 1 Definitions Apiary: A place where one or more honeybee colonies are kept. Apiculture: The keeping and management of the honeybee, Apis mellifera. Beehive: A beehive is made up of a series of rectangular boxes stacked one on top of the other, which house a colony. Standard dimensions of these boxes are 20 X 16.5 X 9.5 inches (or 50 X 42 X 24 centimetres). Honeybee colony: A cluster of worker -bees with a queen and drones. Re -queening: The process of replacing an existing queen with a new queen in a colony of bees. Swarming: The natural method of honeybee colonies to reproduce, resulting in the departure of part of the bee population with a queen to create a new honeybee colony. Bee Act http://www.bclaws.ca/Recon/document/freeside/--%20B%20--/Bee%20... Copyright (c) Queen's Printer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada Th1 s Act is Current to December 30, 2009 BEE ACT [RSBC 1996] CHAPTER 29 Contents Section 1 Definitions 2 Beemasters 3 Registration of apiaries .4 Registration of beekeepers and land for apiary 5 Certificate of registration 6 Cancellation 7 Notice of cancellation 8 Appeal 9 Owner's identity 10 Bees and equipment from outside British Columbia 11 Duty of beekeeper who suspects disease in apiary 12 Storage of equipment 13 Inspection for disease 14 Disease: destruction and disinfection 15 Disease: treatment 16 Disease: control of movement 17 Production of documents 18 Search of vehicle and seizure of contents 19 Entry on land for inspection and taking samples 20 Duty to disinfect 21 Movable comb frames 22 Delivery of order 23 Disposal of used beehive equipment 24 Regulated districts 25 Abandoned apiaries 26 Following swarm of bees 27 Sale of bees 28 Beeswax salvage 29 Certification system for colony strength 30 Offence and penalty 31 Power to make regulations IMPORTANT INFORMATION I of 8 1/12/2010 3:06 PM Bee Act http://www.bclaws.ca/Recon/document/freeside/--%20B%20--/Bee%20... Definitions 1 In this Act: "apiary" means a place where bees or beehive or beekeeping equipment is kept; "bee" means the insect Apis mellifera; "beehive equipment" means hives, supers, hive covers, hive floors, queen excluders, frames, combs, and includes the honey, brood and pollen in the combs; "beekeeper" means a person who owns or controls bees or beehive or beekeeping equipment; "beekeeping equipment" means a tool, machine or other device for handling bees, beehive equipment or a bee product; "cappings" means the covering and adhering honey over comb cells, pollen or brood, that is removed before the honey extracting process; "colony" means queen, brood and accompanying adult bees; "comb" means a structure of cells composed of beeswax; "disease" includes American foulbrood, European foulbrood, chalkbrood, sacbrood, bee moths, the Mediterranean flour moth, nosema, acarine and any other disease or pest included by regulation; "hive" means beehive equipment inhabited by live bees; "inspector" means an inspector appointed under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Act. Beemasters 2 (1) The minister may issue a beemaster certificate to a beekeeper or other person found to be qualified by an examiner appointed by the minister. (2) A temporary employee appointed as an inspector under the Public Service Act must hold a beemaster certificate. Registration of apiaries 3 A person must not keep bees except in an apiary registered under this Act or for which an application for registration has been made in the preceding 15 days. Registration of beekeepers and land for apiary 4 (1) A person must not own or possess bees or beehive equipment unless the 2 of 1/]2/2010 3:06 PM Bee Act http://www.bclaws.ca/Recon/document/freeside/--%20B%20--/Bee°/`20... person is registered under this Act or has applied for registration within the preceding 15 days. (2) A person must not allow bees to be kept on land owned or occupied by the person unless the land is registered under this Act as the location of an apiary. (3) An inspector who has reasonable cause to believe that a person is contravening this section may seize and destroy or otherwise dispose of bees or beehive equipment in the possession of or owned by the person. Certificate of registration 5 (1) Subject to this Act and the regulations, and on payment of the prescribed fee by an applicant, the minister may register the applicant and issue a certificate of registration. (2) A certificate of registration must not be issued for an apiary in a new location that is so close to a registered apiary or an established honey extracting plant that it may interfere with normal beekeeping operations at the apiary or plant, or that there may be danger of the spread of disease. (3) If there is a conflict between the applicants about the application, (a) the Commercial Arbitration Act applies, (b) unless the parties to the conflict otherwise agree, sections 4 (1) and 17 (1) of that Act apply to the appointment of the arbitrator, and (c) the arbitrator may make a recommendation respecting the competing applications to the minister and the recommendation is binding on the minister. Cancellation 6 The minister may cancel a certificate of registration (a) if, in the minister's opinion, the holder has ceased to be a beekeeper or has failed to comply with this Act, the regulations or an order made under this Act, (b) for an apiary where bees are not kept and have not been kept for a period of 18 months beginning on any January first, or (c) with the holder's consent. Notice of cancellation 7 (1) If registration or a certificate of registration is cancelled, the minister must promptly give notice of the cancellation to the beekeeper by registered mail addressed to the beekeeper's last known recorded address. (2) The notice must also advise the beekeeper of the right to appeal. 3 of 8 1/12/2010 3:06 PM Bee Act http://www.bclaws.ca/Recon/document/freeside/--%20B%20--/Bee%20... Appea I 8 (1) Land owners or beekeepers may appeal the cancellation of their registration or certificate of registration within 30 days of receiving the notice by delivering to the head, apiculture branch, a written appeal and a certified cheque in the amount set by regulation, by way of deposit. (2) An appeal board, consisting of the head, apiculture branch, and 2 persons appointed by the minister, one of whom must be an elected official of the British Columbia Honey Producers Association, must meet within 30 days. (3) If the appeal is allowed the deposit must be returned to the person appealing, but if the appeal is dismissed the deposit is forfeited to the government. Owner's identity 9 The owner of an apiary must maintain a sign at the apiary showing the name of the owner. Bees and equipment from outside British Columbia 10 A person must not bring bees, hives or beehive equipment into British Columbia unless the minister or person designated by the minister (a) is satisfied that the bees, hives or equipment are free of disease, and (b) has approved of the location where it is intended that the bees, hives or equipment be kept. Duty of beekeeper who suspects disease in apiary 11 A person who suspects disease in an apiary must immediately report the suspicion, along with the person's reasons, to an inspector. Storage of equipment 12 A person must not (a) leave beehive or beekeeping equipment, honey or cappings, or (b) permit beehive or beekeeping equipment, honey or cappings to be left where bees have access to them, other than in a hive. Inspection for disease 13 An inspector who receives notice or becomes aware of the existence of disease in an apiary or beehive equipment must promptly examine the apiary, beehive 4 of 8 1 / 12/2010 3:06 PM Bee Act bttp://www.bclaws.ca/Recon/document/freeside/--%20B%20--/Bee%20... equipment or place where the disease exists. Disease: destruction and disinfection 14 (1) An inspector who finds (a) bees infected with a disease, (b) beehive equipment in which diseased bees are kept, or (c) beehive equipment which is infected with disease may destroy the bees or beehive equipment under the regulations. (2) The beekeeper who possessed the bees must disinfect buildings and beekeeping equipment as instructed by the inspector. Disease: treatment 15 If an inspector finds disease that in the inspector's opinion is unlikely to create serious damage, the inspector may treat the diseased bees or beehive equipment in accordance with the regulations using an antibacterial agent approved by the head, apiculture branch. Disease: control of movement 16 If bees or beehive equipment have been destroyed or treated under this Act, a person must not move any remaining bees or beehive or beekeeping equipment used in the apiary or by the beekeeper to a different place without a permit from an inspector. Production of documents 17 An inspector may require the production for inspection of records that the inspector has reason to believe relate to the keeping or sale of bees or beehive or beekeeping equipment. Search of vehicle and seizure of contents 18 (1) An inspector may stop a vehicle conveying bees or beehive or beekeeping equipment or in which the inspector believes they may be found and search the vehicle. (2) The inspector may seize and dispose of bees or beehive or beekeeping equipment found in the vehicle if the inspector believes that the person who owns or possesses them has contravened this Act or the regulations. Entry on land for inspection and taking samples 19 (1) For the purposes of this Act or the regulations, an inspector has at all reasonable times free access to a place where bees or beehive or beekeeping equipment is kept, but must, if requested, produce a certificate of appointment 5 of 8 1/12/2010 3:06 PM See Act http://www.bclaws.ca/Recon/document/freeside/--%20B%20--/Bee%20... as an inspector. (2) An inspector may at a reasonable time examine combs and other beehive equipment for disease. (3) An inspector may take and retain, for evidence or analysis, samples of bees, brood, comb or honey found by the inspector during an inspection, and must mark the samples with the beekeeper's name, registration number and address, the apiary location, the date, the sample number and the inspector's name. Duty to disinfect 20 An inspector must, after inspecting infected hives or fixtures or handling diseased bees, disinfect the inspector's body and clothing, and ensure that any assistants disinfect their bodies and clothing before inspecting another colony or proceeding to another apiary. Movable comb frames 21 (1) A person must not keep bees in a hive or structure that does not have movable frames containing combs. (2) A person must not possess beehive equipment that does not have movable frames for combs. (3) If a beekeeper owns or possesses a hive or beehive equipment with comb not individually or readily removable, an inspector may order the beekeeper to transfer the bees to a movable frame hive within a specified time, and destroy the comb in a manner specified by the inspector. (4) If a beekeeper fails to transfer bees or destroy comb under an inspection order, an inspector may destroy the hive and its bees or order the hive and its bees destroyed. Delivery of order 22 An inspector's order under this Act must be in writing and must be delivered personally to the beekeeper or sent by registered mail to the beekeeper's last known recorded address. Disposal of used beehive equipment 23 A person must not, without a permit from an inspector, sell, offer for sale, rent, lend or otherwise dispose of used beehive equipment. Regulated districts 24 The minister may make regulations as follows: (a) establishing a breeding stock district, stock improvement district 6 of 8 1/12/2010 3:06 PM Bee Act http://www.bclaws.ca/ReconJdocument/freesi de/--%20B%20--/Bee%20 or bee quarantine district and prescribing standards and requirements for beekeeping that must be complied with in the d istrict; (b) specifying the races or strains of bees that a person may or may not keep in the district; (c) prohibiting a person from taking bees, hives or beehive equipment into or out of a district, or both, except in accordance with the terms of a permit issued by an inspector. Abandoned apiaries 25 (1) If an apiary is not regularly attended in accordance with good beekeeping practice and is a hazard or a threat to disease control in the beekeeping industry, the minister may consider it abandoned and the apiary may be seized. (2) On at least 14 days' notice, if feasible, to the apiary owner, the minister or the minister's representative may destroy diseased equipment in an abandoned apiary under the regulations and may sell the remainder of the equipment at public auction. (3) The proceeds of the sale, after deduction of costs, must be paid (a) if the identity of the owner of the apiary is known, to the owner, or (b) if the identity of the owner is unknown or the owner cannot be found by the use of reasonable means, into the consolidated revenue fund. Following swarm of bees 26 (1) A beekeeper or the beekeeper's agent or employee, in following a swarm of the beekeeper's bees may enter the land of any person to recover them, but must not do any unnecessary damage. (2) The beekeeper and every person entering the land are liable for damage caused to land or property by the entry. Sale of bees 27 A person who sells bees in British Columbia must, within 15 days after the sale, provide to the head, apiculture branch, the name and address of the buyer and the number of packages or colonies sold. Beeswax salvage 28 (1) A person must not salvage or attempt to salvage beeswax from combs from diseased colonies without the written permission of an inspector. 7 of 8 1 / ] 2/2010 3 :06 PM Bee Act http://www.bclaws.ca/Recon/document/freeside/--%20B%20--/Bee%20... (2) The minister may provide beeswax salvage service to beekeepers with diseased bees or beehive equipment, but the beeswax salvage must be operated or supervised by an inspector. Certification system for colony strength 29 (1) The minister may establish a system for certifying colony strength for hives used in pollination of agricultural crops. (2) On the request of a beekeeper or agricultural producer, an inspector must inspect a colony and, if appropriate, certify its strength. (3) The colony strength of a beehive must be certified on the basis of the number of active combs of bees or the square inches of brood to a colony, or both, using a sampling system approved by the minister. Offence and penalty 30 (1) A person who contravenes, fails to carry out or prevents or hinders the carrying out of a provision of this Act, the regulations or an order or permit under this Act commits an offence. (2) A certificate signed by the minister stating that an apiary or person identified in the certificate was or was not registered under this Act on a stated date is admissible in evidence as proof of the facts stated in the certificate without proof of the signature or appointment of the person signing the certificate. Power to make regulations 31 The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations referred to in section 41 of the Interpretation Act. Copyright (c) Queen's Printer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada 8 of 8 1 / 12/2010 3:06 PM Honey, I'm home - The Globe and Mail http://www.theglobeandmail.coiiVlife/article772633.ece Globe We Honey, I`m home They hide behind hedges and bribe neighbours not to reveal their crimes. Inside the buzzing world of city apiarists HAYLEY MICK From Friday's Globe and Mail Published on Friday, Jul. 27, 2007 9:18AM EDT Last updated on Friday, Apr. 03, 2009 10:10AM EDT For the most part, Les Simonffy has led a law-abiding life. Except for the two years when the Hamilton, Ont., office worker morphed into a small-time criminal during his lunch breaks. To keep his secret, Mr. Simonffy bribed secretaries using the proceeds of his crime. Instead of taking the stairs, he hauled the tools of his illicit trade up an empty elevator shaft, using rope. Even his boss joined the conspiracy, promising not to alert authorities. Mr. Simonffy liked to dine on his office rooftop with about 12o,000 outlaw honeybees. "I just wanted to know if they could collect honey downtown in an industrial section of Hamilton," says Mr. Simonffy, 70, who took apart his two highly productive hives seven years ago when the four -storey climbs became too difficult for him. Ontario's Bees Act states: "No person shall leave hives containing bees within 30 metres of a property line, ruling out beekeeping in most residential lots. Laws vary between municipalities across the rest of the country, but most cities limit the number of hives or ban urban beekeeping, generally out of concerns over health, safety and agricultural management. Yet in backyards; on porches and on rooftops across Canada, a growing number of urban apiarists are quietly tending their hives, many discreetly tucked behind a tall hedge or fence. Driven by "a love of the critters," as one urban beekeeper put it, they connect through courses and clubs like the Toronto District Beekeepers' Association. In Canada, io,000 apiarists - 8o per cent of them hobbyists - keep hives that are registered with provincial agriculture ministries. The illegal beekeepers aren't registering, however, so it is difficult to estimate their number. And generally, neighbours are happy to keep their mouths shut - in exchange for pollinated geraniums and a small gift to sweeten the deal. "They give honey to their neighbours and their neighbours don't complain," says Brent Halsall, a bee inspector with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, one of a crew of part-time employees who inspect commercial apiaries and investigate complaints about hobby hives. For 50 years, Arne Axen, 72, has shared his backyard with bees. Honey sales financed his university education, and later became his livelihood when he immigrated from Sweden to British Columbia. Today he sells honey and rents more than too bee colonies to farmers who need help pollinating blueberry and apple crops in British Columbia's fertile Fraser Valley. But his most productive hives are the ones on his back porch in New Westminster. I of 3 1/12/2010 2:59 PM Honey, I'm home - The Globe and Mail http://www.the-lobeandmail.com/life/article772633.ece "There's never any let-up of nectar here in the city," Mr. Axen says. Urban bees may even have a leg -up over their rural counterparts, said Paul Kelly, for the past 20 years head beekeeper at the University of Guelph. In places such as British Columbia, various plants bloom almost year-round, unlike the seasonal nature of crops. Another bonus about urban beekeeping: "Lots of people have gardens that just wouldn't be pollinated without bees," Mr. Kelly says. Jackob Felber, Mr. Axen's neighbour, happily reports that his rose bushes are thriving thanks to the nearby bees. But life hasn't always been rosy on 8th Avenue East. A few years ago, New Westminster toughened its Beekeeping Bylaw No. 6648 after receiving complaints about the approximately 15 bee colonies, or hives, in Mr. Axen's backyard. Now abiding by the rules, Mr. Axen keeps only two hives, which generally house between 40,000 to 80,000 bees each. But earlier this month, inspectors came knocking after hearing from a neighbour again - this time the owner of a vintage car. "My bees poop on the car regularly in the summer," Mr. Axen says. Bee officials rarely receive complaints about urban beekeepers - and when they do, it usually has less to do with bees than "neighbours not getting along," says Mr. Halsall, who inspects bees in the Ottawa area. Bees stinging, roosting in neighbours' trees or drinking from backyard swimming pools are common concerns. But the scariest honeybee phenomenon is swarms - when half a colony crowns a new queen bee and leaves the hive in search of a new home. Police in Shelburne, N.S., issued an alert earlier this week when a swarm of about 40,00o honeybees - looking like a black cloud in flight - deserted their hobby beekeeper, Rodney Dillinger. But swarms are rare in well -maintained hives, and most of the time bees are harmless, helpful creatures, says Paul van Westendorp, B.C.'s provincial apiculture specialist, who has worked with beekeepers for the past 40 years. Too often bees get a bad rap because they're misunderstood, he says. "The vast majority of people cannot even distinguish between a wasp and a honeybee," Mr. van Westendorp said with a sigh. "They're just ... a bug." Still, "there's tremendous interest in bees and beekeeping," says John Gibou, who has taught beekeeping 10l courses in Surrey for the past five years, and is considering expanding his program to meet the demand. He says more women are taking up the traditionally male -dominated activity. It's the fascinating biology of honeybees, the reward of honey and the connection with nature that hooks bee enthusiasts, beekeepers say - and often the excitement is contagious. Neighbourhood children turn to urban beekeepers with questions, and their parents ask for help dealing with pests. For 10 years, Bryce Ahlstrom, 58, has quietly tended eight hives tucked behind wild blackberry bushes and vegetable patches in a community garden in downtown Vancouver. He operated illegally, without any complaints until Vancouver lifted its beekeeping ban in 2005. "I get lots of calls from people looking for assistance in getting swarms out of their homes," says Mr. Ahlstrom, 58. One time, after honeybees began building a hive on a woman's porch, he persuaded her to keep them as a science experiment for her son. Another time, a man asked for help getting rid of a wasp nest. 2 of 1/12/2010 2:59 PM Honey, I'm home - The Globe and Mail http://www.theglobeancimail.conVlife/article772633.ece "That turned out to be more effort than it was worth," Mr. Ahlstrom said. Three trips later, the wasps were evicted and the owner promised to deliver Mr. Ahlstrom a bottle of Scotch. "He never did," Mr. Ahlstrom said. Copyright 2010 CTVglobemedia Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved. 3 of 3 1/12/2010 2:59 PM Print Story - canada.com network http://www2.canada.corn/components/print.aspx?id=fe 136a20-44a7-45b canada.com s��ev[ ����rtC+rYts �Ottt+ecT Council gives OK to beekeeping Christina Myers Burnaby Now Wednesday, March 25, 2009 With a quick and unanimous vote at city council, it was sweet success for a group of local folks in their efforts to legalize residential beekeeping in Burnaby. Councillors passed a recommendation Monday night to amend the local bylaws so that, under specific conditions, residents of Burnaby will be allowed to keep beehives on their properties. Janice Bobic, who was part of a delegation that came to council in September with the proposal to allow urban beekeeping, said she had felt positive it would get the thumbs -up but was happy to see it made official. CREDIT: File photo/BURNABY NOW Hive of activity: Janice Bobic with some of her honeybees. "We're really pleased. We came and presented the facts, and they did their research and agreed it's a good idea," she said. With honeybee populations on the decline worldwide, Bobic says urban beekeeping is not just beneficial, but vital. "It really benefits everyone in the neighbourhood. They pollinate the flowers, the plants, the gardens," she said. "And I get to harvest the honey, that's the best part," she added with a laugh. Beehives are already allowed in several Metro Vancouver municipalities, including Richmond, Surrey and North Vancouver. Bobic says more cities are adopting bylaws that promote and encourage more sustainable living and local food production. Vancouver, for example, recently OK'd a much -debated move to allow residents to keep chickens in their backyards. Bobic started keeping bees several years ago after coming across some of her father's beekeeping equipment, and she says it's a very safe activity. City staff agree: In a report to council onthe issue, staff wrote that, when maintained properly, bee stings are rare. Most "bee" stings are, in fact, from wasps or hornets. As well, the report notes that bees are not attracted to food and garbage the way wasps are and that they exclusively eat pollen and nectar. Tuesday » January 12 » 2010 I of 2 1/12/2010 2:59 PM Print Story - canada.com network http://www2.canada.com/components/print.aspx?id=fe 136a20-44a7-45b The report notes that the pollination services provided by honeybees are "often 60 to 100 times more valuable than the market price of honey" and that they are beneficial to the health and biodiversity of the urban environment. "Generally, past experience with the keeping of beehives in an urban setting shows that there are few instances of concern or adverse impacts to neighbouring properties," reads the report. "We don't expect a lot of people are going to rush into beekeeping," noted Coun. Dan Johnston, chair of the environment committee, which looked at the delegation's proposal. "Bees will quietly disappear into the community, assisting in the greening of the area." He added that there are estimated to be about 300 urban hives already being maintained in Burnaby and even more in Vancouver. Coun. Pietro Calendino said he'd had a call from someone who was concerned they would no longer be able to enjoy their backyards if neighbours had beehives, but he said residents should be reassured there is little concern in urban beekeeping. "I remember in the area I grew up, there were several beehives within 50 yards of my house, tended by neighbours," he said, noting that he was never stung by any bees, though he was stung by wasps. The new bylaw will have specific limits as to where such hives - and how many - can be kept by residents. They can not have more than two beehives in the rear yard of a residential lot that has a minimum lot area of 557.4 square metres and width of 15 metres and is occupied by a single family dwelling. The beehive structures must be set back a minimum of 7.5 m from any property line or placed a minimum of 2.5 m above ground or abutting a solid fence or hedge that is 1.8 m tall and extends a minimum of six metres along the property line. cmyers@burnabynow.com © Burnaby Now 2009 Copyright © 2010 CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest MediaWorks Publications Inc.. All rights reserved. CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest MediaWorks Publications. Inc.. All rights reserved. 2 of2 1/12/2010 2:59 PM