Backyard or urban beekeeping is the practice of keeping bee colonies in urban areas. Honey bees are used extensively for agricultural pollination (canola, alfalfa, clover) and are critical for the success of whole crops such as blueberries, cherries, almonds, apples, pears and strawberries to name a few. While there are many species of butterflies, moths, flies, beetles and birds that provide the function of pollinators, bees are the major group of pollinators.
Want to 'bee' involved?
We are actively seeking resident and non-resident participants for the Pilot Project. Applications will be accepted until we have enough participants.
Residents interested in participating in the pilot should:
Read the Urban Beekeeping Pilot Project Guidelines below
Applicants will be notified if they are selected via email.
If you are unable to participate by having bees due to lack of an appropriate space, allergies, lack of neighbour consent or other considerations, you can still be involved by joining our Pollinator Working Group. Please use the contact information below to find out how you can join.
Urban beekeeping pilot project guidelines
Following these guidelines will help ensure that urban beekeeping is a positive addition to the community by providing best practices and responsible regulations to minimize impact on surrounding neighbours.
Hive and site requirements
Residential (up to 20 residential properties)
Residential properties may have a maximum of two (2) beehives and may consist of one (1) hive and a nucleus hive (also referred to as a nuc) or two hives.
Beehives may only be located in the fenced, rear yard of a property.
In order to help direct the path of the honeybees, beehive(s) shall be situated:
(a) with the beehive entrance directed away from abutting residentia properties unless such location compromises the healthy functioning of the beehive(s) (e.g. doing so would result in poor sun exposure or excessive wind exposure)
(b) at least 3m from abutting properties
(c) behind a fence or hedge that is a minimum of 1.8m (6ft) high or the hive must be situated a minimum of 2.4m (8ft) above the ground (on a rear deck for example)
Properties located abutting a public right-of-way (e.g. lanes, pedestrian pathways, sidewalks) or private road must ensure that the beehive(s) are a minimum of 3m from the property line abutting the public right-of-way or private road and within a rear yard enclosed by a fence or hedge 1.8m (6ft) in height.
Non-residential (Commercial/Institutional/Industrial) (up to 10 non-residential properties)
A maximum of two (2) beehives shall be allowed per parcel of land that is less than 550 square metres and no more than four (4) on lots larger than 550 square metres.
Beehives may only be located in rear yards of the building or on rooftops.
Beehives located in open spaces, without defined rear yards, must be located a minimum of 30m (96ft) from all property lines and are located within a secure enclosure a minimum of 1.8 metres (6ft) in height.
A maximum of four (4) beehives per rooftop location except in cases where large institutions or educational sites have demonstrated capacity to care for multiple beehives.
(a) Rooftop locations should have access via an enclosed staircase or elevator and have adequate structural integrity to support the additional weight of beehives.
(b) Appropriate railings around the perimeter of the roof should be considered for the safety of beekeepers.
(c) To preserve the integrity of roofing material, paving stones or a walkway from the roof access point to the beehive should be considered.
(d) Installation of a windbreak structure is recommended as bees may have trouble foraging if wind inhibits beehive access.
Good neighbour considerations
Prior to submitting an application, every beekeeping applicant must notify all adjacent neighbours, in writing, of their intent to keep bees. Applicants are required to provide written confirmation from adjacent neighbours indicating that they are not opposed to the proposed beehive(s) being located on the applicant’s lands.
For multi-family dwellings, permission to install beehives is at the discretion of the strata council or property owner. If permission is granted, a letter of understanding between the condominium board or property owner and the beekeeper is required. A copy of the letter shall be submitted with the application.
Revocable permission
Permission can be revoked if medical documentation is provided to support a medical concern from residents of neighbouring properties.
City staff have the authority to remove a participant from the Urban Beekeeping Pilot Project with 30 days’ written notice, at which time the bees and the beehive(s) shall be removed from the property. All costs and associated expenditures related to the removal are the sole responsibility of the site or property owner.
City Council has the authority to cancel the Urban Beekeeping Pilot Project with 30 days’ written notice, at which time the bees and the beehive(s) shall be removed from the property. The timeframe may be extended by the City depending on the season. All costs and associated expenditures related to the removal are the sole responsibility of the site or property owner.
Inspection
Property owners and/or beekeepers shall make themselves available for an inspection of the beehive location upon reasonable request by the Pilot Project Coordinator or any other person delegated by the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).
Education
Each approved beekeeper must complete a beekeeping course from a City of Airdrie-approved organization/association.
All beekeepers must also demonstrate that they have the support and assistance of a mentor in their first year, by providing a name and contact number.
Pursuant to the Alberta Bee Act, all beekeepers shall register with the Provincial apiculturist and shall comply with regulations under the Alberta Bee Act.
A Premises Identification (PID) number must be obtained under the Alberta Animal Health Act.
Beekeeper responsibility
Beekeepers shall engage in good management and husbandry practices to prevent swarming, aggressive behaviour and disease in the bees.
A constant source of water should be provided at all times for the beehive(s) starting before the snow melts in the spring, and continuing late into fall to deter the bees from seeking water from alternate sources.
Beekeepers shall report any swarms, disease or any situation not aligned with these requirements to the Pilot Project Coordinator or any other person delegated by the CAO.
Beekeepers shall be required to carry liability insurance to cover any related accidents. Insurance can be obtained through the Calgary & District Beekeepers Association or by speaking to your insurance provider.
Selection considerations
When considering an application for a beehive the City will monitor the cumulative impact of the beehive with other approved beehives within the neighbourhood.
Applicants or sites with recurring bylaw enforcement issues may be deemed ineligible for participation in the Pilot Project.