Bee City Fort Erie

Introduction

Fort Erie is proud to be recognized as a Bee City, joining a growing network of communities across Canada committed to protecting pollinators and promoting biodiversity. As part of the Bee City Canada program, our town is taking meaningful steps to support bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other essential pollinators through education, habitat creation, and community engagement.

What Is a Bee City?

A Bee City is a community that has made a formal commitment to protect and promote pollinator populations through education, habitat creation, and community engagement. The Bee City Canada program encourages municipalities , schools, and businesses to take action to support pollinators such as bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects. By joining the program, municipalities agree to implement pollinator-friendly policies,  raise awareness through public education, and celebrate pollinators through local events and initiatives.

Learn more about the national program at Bee City Canada: https://beecitycanada.org/

Why Pollinators Matter

Pollinators play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and securing our food supply. In fact, one out of every three bites of food we eat depends on pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and other species help plants reproduce by transferring pollen between flowers. This process enables the growth of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

Beyond agriculture, pollinators are key to supporting biodiversity. They help sustain natural areas, providing food and shelter for other wildlife. Sadly, many pollinator species are in decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and disease. By protecting them, we are also protecting the web of life that supports us all.

Fort Erie’s Bee City Designation

The Town of Fort Erie became an official Bee City in 2025, joining a growing network of communities across Canada dedicated to reversing pollinator decline. This designation reflects Fort Erie’s commitment to creating a healthier, more sustainable environment.

Through engagement with local schools, environmental organizations, and residents, Fort Erie is working to expand pollinator habitat and raise public awareness about the importance of pollinators, native pollinator gardens and promoting education. The Town’s presence at local farmers markets gives us the opportunity to share information, distribute educational material, and promote pollinator-friendly gardening.

These efforts are led by the Town of Fort Erie in collaboration with local environmental organizations, schools, and residents.

Pollinator-Friendly Gardening Tips

Everyone in Fort Erie can help support pollinators at home. Here’s how:

1. Plant Native Species

Choose plants that are native to the Lake Erie Lowlands region. These are best suited to our climate and provide essential food and habitat for local pollinators.

Examples (with Latin names):

• Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
• Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
• Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)

For a full list, see the Lake Erie Lowlands Planting Guide: https://beecitycanada.org/pollinator-resources/plant-a-pollinator-garden/

Group plants by soil type, moisture level, and sunlight needs to support a full pollinator lifecycle.

2. Avoid Pesticides

Many pesticides are harmful to pollinators, especially during blooming periods. Instead, try:

• Neem oil sprays,
• Companion planting (e.g., marigolds to deter pests),
• Hand-picking pests,
• Encouraging natural predators like ladybugs.

3. Provide Blooms Throughout the Season

Include a variety of plants that bloom from early spring to late fall to ensure a continuous food source.

Bee City Policy 

Fort Erie has updated its Lot Maintenance By-law. As of April 28, 2025, By-law 37-2025 amends Lot Maintenance By-law 92-2019 to permit naturalized gardens. Residents can now grow native and pollinator-friendly plants, provided the garden is deliberately planted and maintained, does not obstruct sidewalks or streets, does not interfere with fire hydrants, water valves, sightlines, or traffic signs, does not encroach on neighbouring or Town property, and is set back at least 1 metre from front yard lot lines. Properties must also be kept free of prohibited invasive species such as dog-strangling vine, Japanese knotweed, and giant hogweed, and weeds must be controlled using approved methods. This change supports the town’s environmental and Bee City commitments.

Contact Information

Community Planning - 905-871-1600 

Zachary George, Junior Environmental Planner- 905- 871- 1600 ext. 2536 , zgeorge@forterie.ca