Keasha Maile, FEO, January 23, 2025, VOL. 6 ISSUE 10
Fort Erie is taking significant steps toward environmental sustainability by applying to become a designated Bee City through Bee City Canada. This initiative would see the town join a growing movement of over 85 communities across Ontario, including St. Catharines and Niagara Falls, committed to protecting pollinators and promoting biodiversity.
During a recent council meeting, members discussed the critical importance of pollinators for food security and ecological health. Councillor Nick Dubanow stressed the urgency of supporting bees, stating, “Bees are super important. Like they say, if the bees die, all life on earth dies because we need them to pollinate. I think we should be doing everything we can to encourage and make a municipality friendly to bees.”
Mayor Wayne Redekop emphasized that this application builds on Fort Erie’s strong environmental legacy. “This initiative builds upon decades of work, from the Natural Heritage Inventory to the Tree Protection Bylaw. It reflects our leadership in Niagara on environmental issues,” he said.
Councillor Ann-Marie Noyes highlighted how the designation could benefit the community’s agricultural sector. “Beekeeping is considered a farming exercise. When there is a relationship between a farmer and a beekeeper and the bees are kept on [the farmers] property, it’s a win-win, because they get the tax incentive and reduction for actually using their property for farming,” she explained.
If the application is approved, Fort Erie will work toward creating a bee-friendly environment by planting native flowers, reducing pesticide use, and educating residents on the importance of pollinators. The designation would foster community engagement while supporting local ecosystems and contributing to global efforts to combat pollinator decline.
By seeking Bee City designation, Fort Erie continues to demonstrate its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable growth, aiming to become a leader in pollinator protection within Niagara and beyond.