Council abuzz about supporting bees

By Al Beeber - Lethbridge Herald on May 3, 2023.

Herald file photo The City of Lethbridge will be applying to be designated a Bee City through Bee City Canada, an initiative that inspires communities to take actions to protect pollinators.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDabeeber@lethbridgeherald.com

To bee or not to bee – to steal a phrase from city councillor Mark Campbell.

That was the focus of a lengthy debate on an official business motion brought forward by councillor Jeff Carlson at Tuesday’s city council meeting.

Carlson’s OBM asked that city council direct administration to apply to have Lethbridge designated a Bee City through Bee City Canada.

A friendly amendment added at the request of councillor Belinda Crowson also called on administration to issue a challenge to surrounding communities to also seek designation.

If the City’s application is accepted, there will be no charge to Lethbridge for the first year. After that, there is a $500 annual fee if the city continues in the program. Membership can be cancelled at the end of the trial year at no cost, council heard.

Bee City Canada, a program of of Pollinator Partnership Canada, has a mission to inspire Canadian communities to take actions that will protect pollinators.

Participants must create, maintain or improve pollinator habitat, educate their communities and celebrate pollinators either during the national week or at other times of the year.

Mayor Blaine Hyggen pointed out that council probably spent more than $500 discussing a $500 question.

But that discussion focused on concerns that the motion didn’t contain any background information for councillors to look at before making an informed decision on the matter.

Councillor Rajko Dodic told council while he certainly didn’t object to the idea or the money he felt council deserved more than just a piece of paper in front of them containing anecdotal information before approving what he called a “feel-good” motion that could have unintended consequences. His concerns were shared by Deputy Mayor John Middleton-Hope.

Carlson apologized to his fellow councillor members for not having the background information in front of them.

He supported the motion by saying that Lethbridge is the hub of one of the world’s premiere agricultural areas and having healthy pollinators is key to having groceries on store shelves.

He told council that hive collapse needs to be addressed adding that “anything you can do to protect pollinators is a good thing.

“The collapse of pollinating species would be devastating,” a sentiment echoed by councillor Campbell who said simply if there are no bees, there is no canola.

The motion – which was passed by a 7-2 vote – also calls for administration to celebrate the designation by taking part in International Pollinator Week which runs from June 19-25.

Carlson’s motion states that communities across Canada and around the world are making concerned efforts to protect pollinators and Lethbridge is putting an importance on pollinators through education, bee boxes at the Waste and Recycling Centre and pollinator cafes downtown.

It also states “pollinator habitats are an important part of our biodiversity on which we all depend for our survival. They provide high-quality food-honey, royal jelly and pollen – and other products such as beeswax, propolis and honeybee venom” and adds that Bee City Canada provides opportunities for Canadian cities to become champions for pollinators.

Other Alberta communities recognized as a Bee City include Brooks, Calgary, Okotoks, Airdrie and Grande Prairie.

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