The City of Winnipeg supports local beekeeping as part of a global effort to protect bees. Honey bee operations (also known as apiaries) in Winnipeg must be approved by the City.
In February 2016, the City of Winnipeg amended the Downtown Zoning By-law 100/2004 to support properly managed apiaries for beekeeping in downtown Winnipeg. In October 2017, the City of Winnipeg amended its city-wide zoning to expand accessory beekeeping to all areas.
Application process
- Applications are available at the Zoning & Permits office.
- Applications must include written authorization from the landowner (per Status of Title).
- Applications should include beekeeper's provincial registration number (if available).
- Applications must include a site plan (location of the hives in relation to the property).
Guidelines for urban beekeeping
The Province of Manitoba registers and inspects all beekeeping operations under the Bee Act of Manitoba. City guidelines complement provincial regulations and promote good management practices for urban beekeeping.
Best practice
- Urban beekeepers are encouraged to take a recognized beekeeping course or join a local bee club. See our resources.
- All beekeepers must register with the provincial apiarist and follow the rules in the Manitoba Bee Act. See our resources.
- Beekeepers must use good care and management practices. This includes keeping bees healthy and preventing swarming, aggressive behavior, and disease.
- Signs of disease should be reported to the provincial apiarist.
- Swarms happen when a hive gets too full and the queen leaves with some bees to find a new home. Swarming bees are usually calm. If you see a swarm, contact the provincial apiarist for help.
Planning & design standards
If you want to keep bees, there are some simple rules to follow. The number of hives you can have depends on your yard size and location. You’ll also need to follow rules about fencing, where to place your hives, and how to keep your bees safe and healthy. These rules help protect your bees, your neighbors, and the community.
Number of hives allowed
Large yards
For yards over 6,000 sq. ft. (1,830 m²) you can have up to four hives and one nucleus hive.
Smaller yards
For yards under 6,000 sq. ft. (1,830 m²) you can have up to two hives and one nucleus hive.
Downtown Winnipeg
Any lot size you can have up to four hives and one nucleus hive.
Fencing requirements
- Your hives must be behind a 6 foot (1.8 m) tall fence with a secure gate.
- No fence is needed if your hives are on a rooftop, deck, balcony, or terrace that’s at least 8 ft. (2.4 m) above the ground.
Distance from property lines (setbacks)
Hives must be 20 ft. (6.1 m) away from any property line, unless:
- The fence is solid and not see-through, or
- There’s a hedge or other plants at least 5 ft. (1.52 m) tall that cover the entire length of fence.
Other tips
- Make sure hives get sunlight and adequate airflow.
- Use a wind barrier if strong winds make it hard for bees to fly.
- Provide a steady water source from early spring (before snow melts) to late fall.
- Face the hive entrance away from nearby public spaces, balconies, terraces, or elevated patios.
- Rooftop hives should be reachable by stairs or an elevator, and the roof must be strong enough to support the hives.
- Safety railings are recommended around rooftop hives.
Impacts of urban beekeeping
Bee numbers have been going down in recent years. This is because of pesticides, parasites, diseases, and the loss of places where bees can live. Urban beekeeping helps support local bees and is part of a worldwide effort to protect them.
Bees play a big role in pollination, which helps plants grow. Much of the food we eat depends on pollination. Crops like canola, alfalfa, and sunflower grow better when bees are around. Bees also help flowers, fruits, and vegetables grow in city gardens.
Bees are an important part of nature. They help trees like willow and poplar grow by spreading pollen. Prairie plants also depend on bees. These plants feed many animals by producing seeds, fruits, and nuts. By helping bees, we help the whole ecosystem.
One beehive can make up to 100 pounds of honey in a year. Local honey supports small businesses and reduces the need for shipping food from far away. People also like to buy and consume local and organic food.
In the countryside, farms often grow one kind of crop, which only blooms for a short time. Cities have different plants that bloom at different times, giving bees food all season long. This helps bee colonies stay healthy and strong.
Cities are also warmer than rural areas, so bees can find food for more days in the year and are more likely to survive the winter. Bees also help trees and flowers grow, making the city more beautiful.
Beekeeping is a great way to learn about science and nature. Families can do it together and teach kids how to care for the environment. Many people enjoy watching bees work and love the smell and taste of fresh honey.