OLDS — When it comes to raising bees in Olds, council has decided – to paraphrase the Beatles – let it bee.
After a lengthy discussion on whether or not to allow beekeeping in the town, councillors decided to leave the matter status quo, noting that beekeeping is governed under the provincial Bee Act.
Acting operations director Doug Wagstaff, who has previously served as the town’s director of community services, said beekeeping was a topic when the Town undertook a survey of residents earlier.
“In the consultation that we did there was one question within the survey that was asked, ‘what do you think the Town’s approach to beekeeping should be,’” Wagstaff said.
“And at that point in time there was a response of 19 per cent felt it should be prohibited, seven were undecided, 27 per cent felt the Town should do some further licensing or permitting and 47 per cent felt the provincial regulations should just be the regulations.”
A couple of councillors said they know that bees are already being kept by some residents.
Sgt. Eric Christensen, the town’s senior peace officer, and Michael Merritt, the town’s chief administrative officer, both said they have not received any complaints about bees being raised in the community.
Christensen noted a town bylaw already says that the keeping of bees is covered by the Bee Act. He added that he as not yet had a chance to check out that act but will do so.
Christensen and Merritt said if councillors decide they want bees covered in town bylaws that could happen.
Coun. Mary Jane Harper expressed some concern about leaving it up to provincial legislation.
“Either we should have it in our bylaws that beekeepers are allowed or whatever, or they’re not – in the town of Olds, because we’ve just gone through a chicken bylaw thing where lots of people had chickens, whether they were allowed or not,” Harper said.
“And I don’t want beehives popping up all over town, just because they can go under the Alberta Bee Act and we can’t do anything about it. So either we make a decision: no, or limit them.”
Councillors Mitch Thomson and Heather Ryan argued against more regulation.
“If we don’t have complaints about them and it’s not an issue in our community, let’s not regulate it,” Thomson said.
"I just don’t want to take up our bylaw officers’ time driving around town looking for bees. If somebody complains, then maybe we work on it, but otherwise, I’m agreeing with Mr. Merritt,” Ryan said.
