Our Story

Bee City Canada’s story begins in 2015, when our founder, Shelly Candel, first learned about the outstanding work of Bee City USA while visiting Oregon.

Inspired by their success and the idea that cities can become champions for pollinators, she returned home determined to find a way to engage Canadian cities, towns and other communities in this important cause.

The idea of a Bee City caught on right away with Toronto City Council voting unanimously to become the first Bee City in Canada in March 2016.

Other notable milestones:

• 2016 – The Bee City Schools program is introduced. Canadore College and Tredway Woodsworth Public School are recognized as the first Canadian Bee Schools.
• 2017 – Bee City Canada becomes a federally registered charitable organization.
• 2017 – The Bee City Business program launches, recognizing socially responsible businesses, non-profit groups and other organizations that are working to protect pollinators. West Queen West becomes the first designated Bee Business.

By the end of 2017, 20 cities, schools and businesses had joined us, underscoring that Bee City’s message has resonated with Canadians and that communities across the country are ready to take action to protect our pollinators and preserve the beauty of nature.