beehive rooftops

Pattern Scale: Building

Description of the Pattern (200-500 words): In many cities, efforts are underway to way to loosen regulations to make urban agriculture and neighborhood food production easier. Cities such as Toronto and Montreal are allowing urban beekeeping, and the practice is increasingly being employed on rooftops in denser urban areas. There are several benefits to rooftop beekeeping. In addition to its application in denser environments, the practice is more agreeable to neighboring residents and less susceptible to pests. Rooftop beekeeping allows urban areas to enjoy the benefits pollinators provide such as biodiversity and ecological stability and allows beekeepers to utilize and sell the honey bees produce, contributing to a sustainable local food system. Although rooftop hives are more susceptible to high winds, and harder to manage than their on-the ground counterparts, they provide these benefits in areas where space is limited or where on-the-ground beekeeping would cause a nuisance. Rooftop beekeeping has the added benefit of generating interest in biophilia of passersby and neighboring residents and is becoming an accessible hobby for diverse groups of people.

More Information:
An Introduction to Urban Rooftop Beekeeping. BeeKeepClub.
Urban Beekeeping Laboratory & Bee Sanctuary.

Who Submitted this Pattern: Kevin Kask, Biophilic Cities