LETTER

Beekeeping permits in Gatineau

 

As a novice beekeeper with just two hives, I was pleased to learn that Gatineau will issue permits this coming summer.  Bees are important to the environment and important for our survival.  However, permits should be issued with care. While beekeeping the past several years, I have experienced several swarms with my hives. These are not uncommon and can result in literally tens of thousands of bees buzzing about in an area readying to leave a hive.  It is quite an amazing experience to witness! Given the dangers of bee stings, I hope that the permits will be issued to homeowners with large properties or for locations away from neighbourhoods where children and people are close together. Also, bees love swimming pools and Gatineau has one of the highest per capita rates of pools in Canada.

Bob McRae
Aylmer