A delegation of local commercial bee operators attended the Apr 9 meeting for an audience with the county council.
Ron Greidanus, of Greidanus Farms spoke on behalf of the group concerning the first reading of the updated animal control bylaw passed by the County of Stettler in March.
The bylaw would classify beekeepers and wild boar farms as livestock operators, and would require them to obtain liability insurance & permits for their hive sites.
Greidanus explained that commercial beekeepers are classified as those who operate over 100 hives, and governed under the province’s Bee act.
In particular, he was concerned about if a permit would be required for each hive site within the county, or if a blanket permit could be issued to commercial beekeepers.
He explained the cost of individual permits would be detrimental to business operations, as well as the time needed to notify everyone within 1 km of a hive site.
After some discussion, council received his report and directed administration to review it before the public hearing on the updated animal control bylaw.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
