Town of Mundare Developing Beekeeping Bylaw

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

The Town of Mundare is developing a beekeeping bylaw following a request by resident Donna Lecht.

Lecht made a formal written request before Christmas asking for permission to implement small scale hobby beekeeping in the community.

She said the beehive would be located at the south end of her garage. “I will enclose the hive with locked, chain link fencing much like a dog run.”

Lecht point out that European Honey Bees have very predictable behaviour when basic beekeeping practices are applied. Bees from this location would disperse within the first three feet of the hive, then seek out pollen and nectar plans in gardens and fields.”

Even though she resides in close proximity to the school, it does not pose a danger as the school is surrounded by a parking lot. “The bees would avoid the hot pavement. There is nothing to attract them in the direction of the school!”

She went on to say, “I have already informally spoken to my nearest neighbour who was positive and appreciates the value of bees in their gardens. I would reach out and inform my other neighbours, the school could be welcomed for educational purposes,” added Lecht.

Beekeeping in some municipalities requires completion of a recognized beekeeping course. Lecht said she completed a six-week online course last year and has received the NAIT Beekeeping Certificate.

Additionally, “any one who keeps bees in Alberta must register with Alberta Agriculture by June 30 as managed by the Provincial Apiculturistfor Alberta. Unregistered owners are subject to fines under the Alberta Bee Act. The Province of Alberta already highly regulates beekeeping in Alberta.”

In fact, Lecht said Alberta is the number one producer of honey in Canada due to its ideal conditions. Currently, we have over 1,500 backyard hobby and commercial beekeepers with thousands of hives

in Alberta. Legalization of beekeeping supports the local economy food economy, establishes appropriate regulation, and supports honey bee health.”

Lecht, who has lived in Mundare since 2003, said she is “very hopeful” town council will move forward with her request.