I am supportive of recommendation that King Township apply for designation as a Bee City. The conservation of pollinators is critical to the sustainability of King’s natural areas,
farmland, homes, parks and urban areas. Designation as a Bee City will demonstrate the Township’s commitment towards being a leader in sustainability. As reviewed we have many
initiatives already in place; and designation will enhance our ability to further engage residents in pollinator enhancement and protection. Designation will enhance understanding about the vital role that pollinators play and what each of us can do to sustain them.
our comment is awaiting moderation.
October 16, 2017 at 11:54 am
This initiative may have implications in the farming community. If there are soya growers as well as the numerous corn growers, there may be a need to discuss with the farmers their introduction of neonicotinoids into the environment. The neonicotinoids are normally included as a coating on the soya and corn seed becoming the pathway into the environment and subsequently a huge stress on pollinators, such as bees. The neonicotinoids, pesticides, render the whole plant toxic to pollinators.
A difficult and potentially angry confrontation might occur between council and farmers.
Given the neonicotinoid risk to so many parts of the living environment, including humans, this confrontation is worth undertaking especially if the practices of the farming community can be modified as a consequence of intervention.
Hello Hans, 1st…the Staff report including the resolution was passed at Council on 10/16. The “issues” you have raised about soya growers was well debated/discussed when Sustainability Advisory Committee hosted the panel discussion a couple years ago. (Panel included bee keeper, farmer, OMAFRA, representative of neonic industry. I would say that key focus for our resolution is the education piece for public..as indeed that is what will drive significant change in farming practices.