Colonnade BridgePort will install new urban beehives on the rooftops of three mixed-use properties it manages in Ottawa, along with owner Fiera Real Estate.

Property level programming for both commercial and residential tenants will include free workshops focused on bee education, as well as the end of season honey harvest.

“With the fate of pollinators being an increasing, global concern, it’s wonderful to see tangible action being taken to help these creatures that are crucial to the environment,” says Elin Rudolfsson, sustainability manager at Colonnade BridgePort. “The hives will be installed on the roofs of three of our mixed-use residential properties. They create incredible benefit to the community and are low risk to the residents. The bees pollinate from a five kilometre radius meaning they will support food and flower growth, plus they will help maintain natural habitats and have a positive impact on the surrounding ecosystem.”

The buzz on urban beehives started picking up a few years ago, with cities and businesses across Canada taking action to protect pollinators from decline. Hamilton, Calgary, Ottawa and Toronto are just a few cities that have established and maintained healthy pollinator habitats. Pollinator-friendly cities not only create beauty and highlight the importance of biodiversity, they improve the municipal environment and the physical and mental health of the residents, according to Bee City Canada.