Image Credit: SUBMITTED/UBCO

VERNON - Clandestine beekeepers around the city can finally relax. Keeping bees is officially legal in Vernon.

Rogue beekeeper Dawn Tucker first presented to Vernon council last July lobbying for a change in the city's bylaw, which didn't allow people to keep honeybees. Now nine months later, on April 8, Vernon city council ratified their new beekeeping bylaw allowing residents in the city to keep beehives.

"I'm very happy that we've been able to see this process from beginning to end, and it's been successful," Tucker told iNFOnews.ca. "[It's] something that will allow people to enjoy a really great hobby and is something that's going to help contribute in maintaining the bee population."

The city's new bylaw allows households to keep between two to four hives depending on the size of the property. The new rules also include restrictions about where the hives can be placed. Bees must have a minimum 7.5-metre clear flight path from the front of the hive, as well as other restrictions.

Tucker hopes the change in the bylaw will not just allow people to become beekeepers, but also spread awareness about the importance of bees.

"It's encouraging for pollination in general," she said. "People can do a lot without even having to be a beekeeper, they can help bees by what they plant, by how they maintain their yards."

Tucker had been keeping bees illegally at a friends place, but with the change in bylaw now can move two hives back to her place. On top of this, she's hoping other friends may volunteer to allow her to set up hives in their yards.

She will be one of several people speaking about urban beekeeping in Vernon at an event being held by the Sustainable Environment Network Society on April 25 at the Schubert Centre.

For more information about the event, check out this Facebook page.

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