Most cities in North America at one time banned the keeping of bees on residential lots. In theory it made sense (but not good sense): people didn't want insects flying around their heads, especially ones that could sting you.
But in recent years, the pendulum has swung as urban stealth beekeepers who kept secret hives lobbied to change the laws. With education many municipalities have come to recognize the tremendous value of these pollinators. They are beginning to understand bees can be kept safely without being a threat to neighbours, as long as certain rules are followed.
Let's be clear. Even without bylaws beekeepers have kept hives in cities. Burnaby, which recently brought in a bylaw, had upwards of 100 beekeepers - what I call "guerilla beekeepers" - who quietly tended their hives and kept a low profile.
The most notable changes now can be seen in Vancouver, where there are beehives on the roof of City Hall's East Wing. Vancouver Courier columnist Allen Garr also has some on the roof of the Vancouver Convention Centre, and the Waterfront Hotel across the street has rooftop garden hives that produce honey for their kitchens. Here's a great video of Allen's rooftop project. Oddly, Garr is allergic to bees but doesn't let that stop him.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,..................
