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<< CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS "In the country — like near Gimli — you have only alfalfa or canola … so often you get this generic, mild, sweet-flavoured honey," she says. "In the city, because there's such a variety of flowers, you're getting all these different tastes, and often the nectar will impart that flavour in the honey. We found that early- season honeys were really fruity and mild, with a lot more flavour than sweetness … whereas later-season honeys are a little bit sweeter and darker in colour." Those concerned that city suburbs would soon be overtaken by angry swarms have nothing to worry about, says Kirouac, noting bees die after their first sting, and only get protective if someone enters or blocks the opening to their hive. "We need to remember that bees are much more docile than people believe, and that hobby beekeeping has been going on in the city — in many neighbourhoods, secretly — for decades, and hasn't been an issue," he explains. "Honeybees can dissipate very well into the environment, so even though they're out pollinating plants and seeking nectar to turn into honey, they typically do not go after human food sources, and they are often barely noticed … It really is an 'out of sight, out of mind' thing." The practice has mutual benefits, for consumers and the bees themselves. With an estimated third of our food source dependent on pollination — and global bee populations under constant threat — increased awareness of urban hives translates to good publicity for the insects. In addition to the health and environmental benefits of non- refined honey, urban beekeeping promotes biodiversity within cities, provides opportunities for people to learn more about nature and food systems, and even serves as a way to bring neighbourhoods together. "For us, community building is a huge part of it," says Kirouac. "Having neighbours work together to keep a beehive and do the extracting or harvesting together — it's a really beautiful experience. And a great way to learn about the circle of life, for kids and adults, is by observing bees and working with them throughout the seasons of the year." Beeproject's Gimli-sourced creamed honey is sold at retail outlets throughout the city, while its "neighbourhood" varieties (made from those secret hives in Silver Heights, Wolseley, Fort Rouge and Windsor Park) are available online, or at farmers markets and holiday pop-ups. For information on products and availability, follow Beeproject on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@ beeprojectca), or visit their website at beeproject.ca. ■ Urban beekeeping promotes biodiversity within cities, provides opportunities for people to learn more about nature and food systems, and even serves as a way to bring neighbourhoods together. The future looks a bit brighter for the bee population, and sweeter for humans, too, thanks to beekeepers who educate the public about the vital role pollinators play.

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