Port Moody council has responded to a buzz going on in the community - or more accurately, the lack of it.
Council on Tuesday night gave first three readings to a bylaw that would repeal the prohibition of beekeeping in the city.
"I think this is the beginning of a leap forward in terms of food security for our community," said Coun. Zoe Royer.
Mayor Mike Clay said while there hasn't been an overwhelming demand from potential beekeepers, some people have approached the city about establishing beehives on their property.
"People have noticed, and I have certainly noticed, some of the fruit trees are not bearing the amount of fruit that they did as the population densifies and there's less bees around," he said.
"Frankly, you look at it and say why are we prohibiting it. Most people don't anymore."
Council also adopted some guidelines for local beekeepers to follow, including where on a property a hive can be located, restricting beekeeping to one family residential zones or a site containing a community garden, and placing a limit of two beehives per lot.
"We want to make sure there's not a concentration of hives because then the bees begin competing," said senior building official Robyn MacLeod in her presentation to council.
MacLeod said one potential concern would be if the hives became an attractant for bears but noted that has not been an issue in other municipalities and the conservation office would be responsible for any enforcement.
The Provincial Bee Act also requires anyone who operates honeybee colonies to register with the Ministry of Agriculture.
