All text from city document,

item was considered by Parks and Environment Committee on February 25, 2016 and was adopted with amendments. It will be considered by City Council on March 10, 2016.

City Council direct the Director, Environment and Energy Division to submit the signed Resolution Designating City of Toronto a Bee City and the completed Bee City application, contained as Attachment B to the letter (February 9, 2016) from Councillor Holland, to the Bee City program to obtain official Bee City certification.

Summary

Pollinators are vital to a healthy and resilient ecosystem. The conservation of pollinators is critical to the sustainability of Toronto‘s natural areas and urban gardens. Certain pollinator species have been determined to be in decline due to habitat loss, climate change, pesticide use, and disease/pests. The Toronto area is home to over 300 species of bees and hundreds more non-bee pollinator species, making it one of the most diverse areas for pollinators in Canada. A diverse and resilient pollinator community is a key component of a sustainable city for us all.
 

Background Information

(February 9, 2016) Letter from Councillor Michelle Holland (Berardinetti) on Bee City Certification – Toronto to Become the First Bee City in Canada

http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2016/pe/bgrd/backgroundfile-90492.pdf

Attachment A – Resolution Designating City of Toronto a Bee City 

http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2016/pe/bgrd/backgroundfile-90493.pdf

Attachment B – Bee City Canada Initial Application 

http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2016/pe/bgrd/backgroundfile-90494.pdf