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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFCS-16-112 - Environmental Committee Recommendation - Bee City REPORT TO: Planning & Strategic Initiatives Committee DATE OF MEETING: August 8, 2016 SUBMITTED BY: Environmental Committee PREPARED BY: Dianna Saunderson, Committee Administrator, 519-741-2200 ext. 7277 Barbara Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner, 519-741-2200 ext. 7293 WARD(S) INVOLVED: All DATE OF REPORT: June 30, 2016 REPORT NO.: FCS-16-112 SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION – BEE CITY CANADA – BECOMING A BEE CITY AFFILIATE ___________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION: That staff investigate and report to the Environmental Committee on the benefits and feasibility of Kitchener becoming a Bee City Canada affiliate and how such an affiliation coordinates with any current and planned City Initiatives to support pollination and pollinators in Kitchener. BACKGROUND: Staff were contacted by Ms. Kim Fellows, Pollination Outreach Coordinator, Pollination Canada, with a request to address the Environmental Committee requesting consideration for the City to become a Bee City affiliate. Bee City Canada (BCC) (http://beecitycanada.org/) is a new organization modelled after Bee City USA. The City of Toronto became the first Bee City in Canada in 2016. Since launching the program in the USA in 2012, Bee City USA counts fifteen (15) cities as Bee City affiliates. REPORT: At the June 16, 2016 Environmental Committee meeting, Ms. Fellows, Pollination Canada, advised the Committee that Bee City Canada, through the Bee City program, has a mission to encourage city leaders to celebrate and raise awareness of the contribution that bees and other pollinators make to our world. She noted BCC is a program that already aligns well with the City’s Strategic Plan for the Environment. *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 1 - 1 Ms. Fellows indicated the program endorses a set of commitments, which is set out in a model Council resolution (see attached) for creating sustainable habitats for pollinators. This model resolution was distributed to members of the Environmental Committee for their consideration. Ms. Fellows provided a summary of the implementation steps in becoming an affiliate of BCC, including: completing a Bee City application form; adopting a resolution identifying the municipality as a Bee City affiliate; and, identifying a committee, City Division, and staff liaison to facilitate the Bee City program. She requested the Committee consider passing a resolution this date requesting Council’s further consideration of becoming a BCC affiliate. Members expressed support for the matter, and expressed a desire for more clarity on how the City would benefit from being a BCC affiliate. In addition, it was observed that an assessment of current and planned activities of the City that are in alignment with the BCC program would also be helpful to determine the benefits and feasibility of Kitchener becoming a Bee City. At this point in the year, staff work plans are set and staff currently does not have additional capacity to undertake this investigation 2016. Therefore, any recommendation arising from this matter will be referred to the 2017 Business Plan process for consideration by staff and Council. A copy of the information materials from the June 16, 2016 Environment Committee meeting including the presentation by Ms. Fellows, Pollination Canada are attached as Appendix ‘A’ to this report for background information. ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN: The recommendation of this report supports the achievement of the City’s strategic vision through the delivery of core service. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Ms. Fellows advised that currently there are no fees associated with becoming a Bee City affiliate. She noted that there may be some financial implications with the promotion of the Program but those implications would be dependent on initiatives determined by City staff. In reviewing the materials provided by Pollination Canada, if Kitchener were to become a Bee City, there may be financial implications related to the administration of the program including: staff resources, establishing and/or enhancing pollinator habitat on municipal lands, signage and web content, developing a Municipal Pollinator Habitat Plan, measuring annual targets related to pollinator habitats; and, celebrating National Pollinator Week. 1 - 2 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: INFORM – Through the June 16, 2016 Environmental Committee agenda, Pollination Canada’s information material on becoming a Bee City affiliate was made available for review on the City’s website as of June 2, 2016. CONSULT – At the June 16, 2016 Environmental Committee meeting, members of the Committee were provided a presentation by Ms. K. Fellows, Pollination Canada seeking support for the City of Kitchener in becoming an affiliate of Bee City Canada. ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Must be the CAO or a Deputy CAO Appendix ‘A’ - Information materials provided to the Environmental Committee June 16, 2016. Appendix ‘B’ - Revised submission, provided by Ms. K. Fellows, Pollination Canada, July 14, 2016 1 - 3 Date:May 31, 2016 To:Environmental Committee From:Barbara Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner Subject:Bee City Canada Bee City Canada, through Kimberly Fellows of Pollination Canada a member of Bee City Canada’s Steering Committee, has approached the City of Kitchener to consider becoming an affiliate of Bee City Canada. Bee City Canada (link) is a new organization modelled after Bee City USA. The City of Toronto became the first Bee City in Canada earlier this spring. Since launching in the USA in 2012, Bee City USA counts fifteen (15) cities as Bee City affiliates. The mission of the Bee City program is to encourage city leaders to celebrate and raise awareness of the contribution (that) bees and other pollinators make to our world. The Bee City program endorses a set of commitments, defined in a Council resolution, for creating sustainable habitats for pollinators. The organization specifies the following implementation steps: 1. Identify a committee, City division, and staff liaison to facilitate the Bee City program participation process; 2. Adopt a resolution identifying the municipality as a Bee City affiliate; and 3. Complete the Bee City application form. Bee City’s set of commitments is embedded in a model resolution. However, each municipality is encouraged to develop goals specific to their city that align with the Bee City Canada initiative. The City of Kitchener is already working towards converting some turf to meadow in some of our parklands. In addition, we have recently installed insect hotel habitat in the Huron Natural Area. As the City and its residents move toward higher awareness and more support of pollination and pollinators, we may wish to consider the merits of the Bee City Canada program and what the benefits may be of becoming a Bee City Canada affiliate. The Environmental Committee, as the first point of contact for this potential initiative, may wish to recommend to Standing Committee / Council: That staff investigate and report to Council, via the Environmental Committee and Standing Committee, on the feasibility of Kitchener becoming a Bee City affiliate and how such an affiliation coordinates with any current and planned City initiatives to support pollination and pollinators in Kitchener. REVIEWED BY: Brandon Sloan, Manager, Long Range & Policy Planning 1 - 4 BEE CITY CANADA BACKGROUND FORPRESENTATION to the CITY OF KITCHENER June 16, 2016 Kim Fellows, Outreach Coordinator, Pollination Canada Have you heard that bees are in decline? Whether you have or not care what happens to bees? For a really delicious reason ¼ polli bees support you, as they are responsible for some of the tastiest bites of food Pollinators are animals that unknowingly Ä but quite helpfully Ä target, and thus accomplish the Ðrst step of a plantÈs reproduct Pollinators include bees, butterÑies and moths, birds, Ñies, was other small animals. They are responsible for over a billion dol agricultural produce. Without pollinators, more than 80% of Cana species could not reproduce. In addition to food production for and other pollinators provide us with many other valuable ecosys raw materials (essences, textiles, dyes, spices, medicines, hard recreational landscapes, climate regulation, nutrient cycling, a amongst others. We are losing bees Ä not just honey bees, but native wild bees like bumble bees, mason bees, squash bees, leafcutting bees and more Ä for multipl loss and degradation due to urbanization and agricultural practi diseases, pesticides and toxins, invasive species and climate ch All pollinator species require food, shelter, and water to survi resources are becoming increasingly limited for pollinators acro impacts are seen in areas of intensive agricultural and urban de covered with food plants for pollinators is replaced with lawns pollinators) and impermeable surfaces. When we lose pollinators, and ecosystem integrity. Amongst many options, here are the top two things you can do: 1) Eliminate, or reduce your pesticide use. If you insist on usi so prudently, reading instructions carefully. Pesticides kill no like bees. 2) Establish a diversity of native Ñowering plants such that the of nutrition for pollinators from early spring to late autumn. B Ñowers (nectar and pollen). But not all Ñowers offer nectar and 1 - 5 Bee City Canada ............. 3) ThereÈs another great way to protect your local biodiversity: Urban areas that are properly managed and designed can serve as dwindling wild bee populations. For example, Ontario is a Canadi hotspot for wild pollinators, with 409 of 855 nationally recorde found there à the highest bee diversity of any province. Ontario has recorded over 300 of those species! A Bee City is a city committed to protecting and enhancing its w pollinators. The idea of a ÇBee CityÈ belongs to Phyllis Stiles, of Asheville founded Bee City USA four years ago, to foster ongoing dialogue the role pollinators play in our world, and what each of us can healthy habitat. Last November (2015), a citizen named Shelly Candel approached t to convince them to become the Ðrst Bee City in Canada, thus ini Bee City Canada. Bee City Canada supports the establishment of s for pollinators, in communities across the country. CertiÐcation an honour and a responsibility, celebrating our pollinators to i actively planting lots of food for them, making sure there are m plants through all growing seasons. Bee City Canada is a simple, no-to-low cost* idea to raise ecolo acting to conserve pollinators (*cost is only for signage and co sponsorship or grants). The idea is simple: cities and municipalities own land and somet Why not ensure that plantings are optimized for local native pol creative and look for as many ways as possible to rebuild a comm The goal of Bee City Canada is to promote healthy, sustainable h communities for bees and other pollinators. Cities can become de completing an application and passing a resolution that includes explained below. Pollinator-friendly habitat includes diverse an pollen from plants that will Ñower in succession from early spri Ideally the plants are native perennial wildÑowers, shrubs, tree cover, vines. In addition, the habitat should be pesticide-free should be marked with signage to educate the public. 1 - 6 Bee City Canada ............. What is Bee City Canada? A set of commitments to work towards Bee City Canada offers cities, communities, colleges and schools opportunity to become a Bee City, Bee Campus or Bee School by co to the requirements as outlined in the application form. Ultimat protects and enhances its wild bees and other local pollinators. Driven by a team of experts and passionate citizens Bee City Canada is made up of a team of researchers, educators, farmers, ecologists, community leaders and many other committed across Canada. Bee City Canada strives to offer pertinent inform all of us understand our close connection with pollinators, thei the health of the planet and to give direction and encouragement we can take. Modelled after Bee City USA Bee City Canada is modeled after the success of Bee City USA, a now includes over 15 U.S. Bee Cities and 10 Bee Colleges. Bee Ci and Bee City USA work closely together, sharing information abou commitments. Each community celebrates their achievements, conti increase the awareness of the contribution that bees and other p make to our world. Bee City Canada believes that together, we can all take action t pollinators. Bee City Canada guides you to what you need to know How Does Bee City Canada Work? The Bee City Canada program endorses a set of commitments (deÐne resolution) for creating sustainable habitats for all pollinator The requirements for certiÐcation include the following steps: Identify a committee and assign a city staff liaison person to f ¥ participation process. Complete the Bee City application form. ¥ Adapt the resolution. ¥ Submit your application and resolution forms to Bee City Canada. ¥ Once the application and resolution are ready, your City Council ¥ 1 - 7 Bee City Canada ............. What is the purpose of the resolution? The resolution is a public pronouncement in which City Council a importance of pollinators and commits to protecting the diverse within the boundaries of the city, by planting for pollinators. communityÈs dedication to raising awareness about our dependence between plants and their pollinators. The resolution provides the following information: Recognizes the beneÐts of pollinator protection. ¥ Recognizes that pollinators are in decline. ¥ Describes ideal pollinator friendly habitat. ¥ Acknowledges that cities and their residents have the opportunit ¥ encouraged, to support pollinator habitat on both public and pri Outlines the cities commitments in becoming a Bee City afÐliate. ¥ Summarizes the cityÈs current programs and initiatives for the c ¥ supporting pollinator biodiversity. What are the cityÈs commitments as a Bee City afÐliate? The city is required to: Create a new or existing committee or subcommittee devoted to po ¥ conservation. Ideally this committee will include city staff and community. The city agrees to establish and/or enhance pollinator habitat o ¥ Publicly acknowledge the cities commitment through signage and w ¥ Annually celebrate their Bee City status with a proclamation and ¥ activity, possibly during International Pollinator Week (third Renew the cityÈs commitment annually by completing a renewal app ¥ complete with a summary of the Bee CityÈs pollinator protection 1 - 8 Bee City Canada ............. What are the BeneÐts of Becoming a Bee City? 1. A Bee City is part of a North American movement to support po that supports collaboration for establishing and maintaining hea within the municipalityÈs boundaries. 2. A Bee City begins conversations about how our food grows and local food production. 3. A Bee City begins conversations about the dangers and hazards herbicide and fungicide usage, both for pollinators and for huma 4. A Bee City raises community awareness of many diverse pollina beneÐts of utilizing native plants in habitat protection. Cost b native plants, as cities can reduce their water usage and there advantage over annual plants. 5. A Bee City sets an example and creates buzz for its residents communities and municipalities in their province and across the 6. Pollinator habitat creates beauty, and the selection of polli fruit-bearing plants provides food for humans too. Pollinator ra pollinators, humans and divert stormwater! 7. A Bee City improves its municipal environment, and the physic of the residents by connecting people with nature and encouragin consumption. Healthy citizens equals healthy, productive cities! Bee City Canada connects people, pollinators and places. For More Information Please open attachment entitled BeeCityCanadaResolutions.pdf Please visit beecitycanada.org and/or beecityusa.org Toronto became CanadaÈs Ðrst Bee City on March 31, 2016. If furt Agenda Item History. Visit the Pollinator Fedge at Pollination Canada. Pollinator fed gardens have trifold beneÐts: pollinator food - human food - stormwater diversion. 1 - 9 Bee City Canada ............. SUPPLEMENTARY BACKGROUND WHAT IS POLLINATION? Pollination is a plant process. ItÈs the vital Ðrst step that le production and the next generation of plants. Plants cannot move wind, or animals that we call pollinators, to transfer pollen fr Ñowers to the female parts of Ñowers. Pollen grains are thus the of a plant, and pollination is all about how pollen is transferr Ñowers. HOW DOES ANIMAL POLLINATION HAPPEN? Blooming plants offer food to pollinators through nectar and pol visit Ñowers to feed on nectar or pollen, they are inadvertently grains as they move, from Ñower to Ñower. Most plants, like anim reproductive system that includes genetic input from two parents diversity within each plant species. Therefore, pollinators are places it needs to go, simply as they feed on Ñowers. WHY SHOULD WE CARE ABOUT DIVERSITY? Plant diversity, like animal diversity, is critical 1) to respon environment (climate change is a great example); and, 2) to comb that could otherwise decimate a genetically uniform population. WHY SHOULD WE CARE ABOUT POLLINATION? Pollinators are necessary for both plants and animals in agricul ecosystems. A widely circulated statistic is that pollinators a 3 bites of food or drink that touch our lips.Generally, those bites and sips are the tastiest à foods like melons, apples, blueberries, pears, squash Pollinators are also necessary for crops such as alfalfa, a high dairy cattle. Thus, in addition to a third of our food plants requiring animal ecosystems also rely on animal pollination to remain healthy and Pollinators provide us with raw materials such as textile Ðbres, spices, and dyes. Plants and trees that are animal-pollinated al ecosystem services such as climate regulation, erosion control, 1 - 10 Bee City Canada ............. IF THERE ARE MORE POLLINATORS THAN BEES, WHY ARE YOU CALLED BEE CANADA? Bees are often considered to be the most important animal pollin for a few reasons. 1)First, bees are the only pollinator that rely solely on Ñowers f needs, obtaining their protein from pollen and carbohydrates fro two components comprise their diet, whereas the other animal pol above have other sources of nutrition, in addition to pollen and example, wasps are carnivorous, eating other insects. 2)Secondly, bees are generally fuzzy and electrostatically charged effective carriers of small particles such as pollen. 3)Thirdly, bees are Ñower-constant: they like to work one kind of other words, a bee that has started to gather nectar from apple continue to gather nectar from apple blossoms until that period (collecting) has ended. This habit helps ensure the cross-pollin It turns out that of all the animal pollinators, bees are respon pollination services, in North American temperate zones. ARE HONEY BEES THE ONLY KIND OF BEE? Indeed, honey bees are not the only kind of bee on the planet. W over 20,000 species of bees. Apis mellifera, the European honey bee, is not native to North America. The ho arrived in Jamestown, Virginia with the colonists, as an agricul ago. The honey bee delights us with beeswax and honey, in additi pollination. In Canada, we have over 850 species of wild bees that are native native bees include bumble bees, mason bees, carpenter bees, squ leafcutting bees, and sweat bees, to name but a few. We need all have evolved to Ðll all kinds of niches à they are designed and Ñower designs, pollen preferences, foraging temperatures and dis of day at which they forage. These native bees also make importa crop pollination and ecosystem balance. ARE POLLINATOR POPULATIONS DECLINING? Higher than usual honey bee winter losses have been reported in and some beekeepers have experienced large losses following seas some crops. In North America, at least four bumble bee species a with the rusty-patched bumble bee on the endangered list in Cana butterÑy is in jeopardy, listed as a species of special concern 1 - 11 Bee City Canada ............. WHY ARE POLLINATORS IN DECLINE? Scientists have determined that there are multiple stressors con declines of pollinators: habitat loss and degradation, climate s diseases, invasive species, and pesticide use. HABITAT LOSS AND DEGRADATION Habitat destruction, including loss of nesting sites, food sourc Ñowering native plants often considered weeds) and mating sites, contributing factor in the decline of wild pollinators. By plowi cutting, paving and chemically spraying unwanted vegetation, we destroy the Soil tillage can destroy beesÈ nests and sites where wild bees make their homes. larvae, as 70% of our wild native bees nest in the ground. Monocultures also negatively impact the health of pollinators, a of one crop create nutritional deserts à the insects starve if t food is corn, for example, as it does not produce nectar, and pr just a short duration in the growing season. Bees need a variety throughout the growing season, just like humans need a variety o vitamins from a rainbow of fresh produce. CLIMATE CHANGE Changes in our climate disrupt the relationship between our nati pollinators and the local native plants with which they have co- example, earlier spring thaws have resulted in many plants Ñower usual. Therefore, pollinator species could undergo population de Ñower at times when pollinators are dormant, and lead to gaps in of blooms. PESTS AND DISEASES Honey bees are particularly vulnerable to the parasitic Varroa destructor mite, and other diseases and pests. Wild pollinators are also affected and parasites. Pathogen spillovers do occur from the managed bee (including honey bees, bumble bees in the greenhouse industry, l for alfalfa) into feral populations. INVASIVE SPECIES Some non-native plants are capable of out-competing native speci example, garlic mustard outcompetes native species in the mustar as toothwort. Toothworts are the larval host food for the West V ButterÑy, a native butterÑy known in southern and eastern Ontari 1 - 12 Bee City Canada ............. PESTICIDES Neonicotinoids are a class of insecticides (pesticides) used wor used to coat seeds as a protection from insects. In Canada, this regularly used for canola, soybean, wheat and corn seed, as well and beet seeds, and several other food plants. Neonicotinoids we in the 1980s, and the Ðrst commercially available compound, imid been in use since the early 1990s. Neonicotinoids are also spray used as a soil drench, injected into trees, and sold for garden Neonicotinoids are neurotoxins, acting upon the nervous system o When neonicotinoids coat seeds, such as corn and soybeans, the s Bees that contact this machine kicks 0.5-2% of the toxin into the air as dust. dust, abraded seed bits or rogue unplanted seeds are exposed to of the insecticide.One corn kernel treated with 0.5 mg clothianidin has enough Bees drinking from Ðeld puddles following active ingredient to kill 80,000 bees. planting, or from droplets exuded from the growing crop may also Two percent of the seed's neonicotinoid enters the plant as it g pests that eat it.Neonicotinoids are present in pollen and nectar at low levels but bees eat pollen and nectar. About 96% of the pesticide enters both the soil, where it can persist a long time, and groundwater.Neonicotinoids enter non-targeted plants growing in the margins (in other words, the toxify so-called weeds growing in the margins. But often those w native stock that provide bees with Ñoral nutrition). Sublethal pesticide levels are those at concentrations not enoug outright, but cumulatively lead to death. Sublethal neonicotinoi bee navigation and task-learning, reduce pollen collection (espe for young) and weaken their immune systems, making them more sus to disease, predation and pests, ultimately leading to death à j rate than lethal exposures. Additionally, garden plants from some North American nurseries t high levels of neonicotinoids. Neonicotinoids are widely availab stores for home and garden use, often with less stringent guidel sometimes at higher concentrations than those found in agricultu landscapes. It was this kind of product that led to the mass dea 50,000 bumble bees in the parking lot of a suburban shopping cen of Portland, Oregon, in June 2013. When buying plants from non-o nurseries, ask if they have used pesticides to grow their plants We applaud Ontario for its ban on the cosmetic use of insecticid ornamentals and landscape plants, in place since 2009. 1 - 13 Bee City Canada ............. BEE CITY CANADA RESOLUTIONS ............. Resolution Number ___________________________ Resolution Designating of ______________________________ (City/Town)(Province/Territory) a Bee City Canada WHEREAS, the goal of Bee City Canada certication is to promote healthy, sustainable habitats and communities for native bees and other native pollin WHEREAS, managed and native bees and other pollinators around the globe experienced dramatic declines due to a combination of habitat de and loss; climate change; use of pesticides; and, the spread of serious implications for the future health of ora and fauna; and @BeeCityCanada (Twitter) Bee City Canada (Facebook) Bee_City_Canada (Instagram) 1 - 14 BEE CITY CANADA RESOLUTIONS ............. WHEREAS, communities and their residents have the opportunity to suppor and other pollinators on both public and private land; and WHEREAS, supporting pollinators fosters environmental awareness and sus increases interactions and engagement amongst community stewards WHEREAS, the economic benets of pollinator-friendliness are: ¥¥ Healthy ecosystems Increased vegetable and fruit Ä insect pollinators are required for crop yields due to insect of pollination and reproduction pollination. One in every three bites about 85% of owering plants of food we eat is courtesy of insect globally, plants that: pollination. 1) are vital for clean air and ¥ Increased demand for pollinator water; friendly plant materials from local nurseries and growers. 2) provide food, bre and shelter ¥ for people, livestock and Increased awareness and wildlife; and resources for pollinator initiatives and community action 3) support the very species that groups focused on native pollinate crops and form the pollinators and how to protect basis of food webs.them; and ___________________________________ WHEREAS, (City/Town, Municipality/County Partnership) in the Province/Territory of _________________________________ should be certied as a Bee City Canada community because Resolution 1 Resolution 2 Resolution 3 @BeeCityCanada (Twitter) Bee City Canada (Facebook) Bee_City_Canada (Instagram) 1 - 15 BEE CITY CANADA RESOLUTIONS ............. WHEREAS, ideal pollinator-friendly habitat: ¥¥ Provides diverse and abundant nectar Includes, where possible, and pollen from plants blooming in designated pollinator succession from early spring to late zones in public spaces autumn. with signage to educate the public and build ¥ Provides water for drinking, cooling, awareness. nest-building and buttery puddling. ¥Provides undisturbed spaces (un- ¥ Has been designated pesticide-free. mulched areas of soil and sand, pithy stemmed stalks, leaf and ¥Is composed of mostly, if not all, native brush piles, un-mowed elds or species of annual and perennial trees, eld margins, fallen trees and shrubs, native grasses, wildowers, other dead wood) for nesting and ground cover and vines, which have co- overwintering for native evolved with native pollinators. pollinators; and WHEREAS, in order to enhance understanding among municipal sta and the public about the vital role that pollinators play and what each of us can do Municipality/County Partnership) agrees to meet the following co Bee City Canada communities: 1. Adopt this Bee City Canada resolution (which articulates these c 2. Designate a local municipal government department as the Bee sponsor and an employee from this department as the Bee City Can Å liaison;Æ and assign facilitation of the local Bee City Canada program a) a new or existing commission or b) a non-prot organization, to encourage and coordinate local pollinator habitat and awareness activities. This body will s intermediary between the citizenry and the local government on m enhancing pollinator awareness, conservation and habitat, fullling the following commitments: @BeeCityCanada (Twitter) Bee City Canada (Facebook) Bee_City_Canada (Instagram) 1 - 16 BEE CITY CANADA RESOLUTIONS ............. develop a Municipal Pollinator Habitat Plan that will include a locally native, pollinator-friendly plant list with regional sources for and a least toxic integrated pest management (IPM) plan. The pla and IPM plan will guide the management of municipal lands to imp and expand pollinator habitats in your community. It will be pub and promoted on the web to oer a valuable landscape-management model for other municipal landowners. Set specic, measurable annual targets for an increase in the quantity of pollinator habitat relating to number of hectares or percent and private lands on which pollinator-friendly habitat will be c enhanced each year. Annually celebrate National Pollinator Week (third full week of June) or some other appropriate occasion with educational events, pollina habitat plantings or restoration, proclamations or promotions th showcase the municipalityÈs commitment to enhancing native polli health through biodiversity and habitat. Annually apply for renewal of Bee City Canada designation and submit a report of the previous yearÈs activities. 4. Publicly acknowledge the communityÈs commitment by agreeing t a) display Bee City Canada or appropriate signage in a prominent location, b) create and maintain information on your community website wh to this signed Resolution and the Bee City CanadaÈs website, con local communityÈs Bee City Canada liaison and designated Åfacili prot organization committee,Æ and reports of the pollinator friendl community has accomplished the previous year(s). @BeeCityCanada (Twitter) Bee City Canada (Facebook) Bee_City_Canada (Instagram) 1 - 17 BEE CITY CANADA RESOLUTIONS ............. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BYTHAT: The _____________________________________________ accepts (City/Town/County or appropriate body) the designation and commits to the standards of the Bee City Can Read, approved, and adopted this ______ day of ____________________________, 20_________. City/Town/County Clerk Mayor (or appropriate lead elected official) Approved as to form: _______________________________ (City/Town/County Mayor or Designate) Please send draft resolutions, along with application, to info@b @BeeCityCanada (Twitter) Bee City Canada (Facebook) Bee_City_Canada (Instagram) 1 - 18 6/15/2016 THE WORLD OF POLLINATORS What's the Buzz? 1 - 19 1 6/15/2016 1 - 20 2 6/15/2016 1 - 21 3 6/15/2016 P O L L I N A T I O N v i a W I N D a n d W A T E R Credit: Ed Pas P O L L I N A T I O N V I A A N I M A L S 70% 1 - 22 4 6/15/2016 C R O P S P O L L I N A T E D V I A A N I M A L S G r o w n i n C a n a d a 1 - 23 5 6/15/2016 1 - 24 6 6/15/2016 1 - 25 7 6/15/2016 1 - 26 8 6/15/2016 U.S. Geological Survey ~ Sam Droege's Photos B U M B L E B E E S 1 - 27 9 6/15/2016 1 - 28 1 0 6/15/2016 ALFALFA LEAFCUTTING BEES 1 - 29 1 1 6/15/2016 1 - 30 1 2 6/15/2016 S Q U A S H B E Slide courtesy of Susan Chan ~ Farms at Work ~ www.farmsatwork.ca 1 - 31 1 3 6/15/2016 Slide courtesy of Susan Chan ~ Farms at Work ~ www.farmsatwork.ca Why is pollination important? 1 - 32 1 4 6/15/2016 DECLINES IN BEE POPULATIONS HABITAT loss (monocultures, loss of field margins) decreased NESTING area decreased FORAGE variety CHEMICAL use (pesticides, herbicides) PESTS and DISEASE SUPPRESSED IMMUNITY more susceptible to PESTS and DISEASE CLIMATIC SHIFTS More native plant diversity = M ore native pollinator diversity 1 - 33 1 5 6/15/2016 1 - 34 1 6 6/15/2016 1 - 35 1 7 6/15/2016 1 - 36 1 8 6/15/2016 1 - 37 1 9 6/15/2016 1 - 38 20 Appendix ‘B’ Revised submission, provided by Ms. K. Fellows, Pollination Canada July 14, 2016 1 - 39 BEE CITY CANADA BACKGROUND FORPRESENTATION to the Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee, City of Kitchener August 8, 2016 Kim Fellows, Outreach Coordinator, Pollination Canada Have you heard that bees are in decline? Why should you care wha For a really delicious reason ¼ pollinating insects like bees su you, as they are responsible for some of the tastiest bites of food! Pollinators are animals that unknowingly Ä but quite helpfully Ä target, and thus accomplish the Ðrst step of a plantÈs reproduct Pollinators include bees, butterÑies and moths, birds, Ñies, was other small animals. Some of these pollinators are responsible f in Canadian agricultural produce. Without pollinators, more than Ñowering plant species could not reproduce. In addition to food and for wildlife, bees and other pollinators provide us with many other valuable services and raw materials such as: essences, textiles, dyes, sp recreational landscapes, climate regulation, nutrient cycling, a We are losing bees Ä not just honey bees, but native wild bees like bumble bees, mason bees, squash bees, leafcutting bees and more Ä for multipl loss and degradation due to urbanization and agricultural practi diseases, pesticides and toxins, invasive species and climate ch All pollinator species require food and shelter to survive and t resources are becoming increasingly limited for pollinators acro impacts are seen in areas of intensive agricultural and urban de covered with food plants for pollinators is replaced with lawns pollinators) and impermeable surfaces. When we lose pollinators, and ecosystem integrity. Amongst many options, here are the top two things you can do: 1) Eliminate, or reduce your pesticide use. If you insist on usi so prudently, reading instructions carefully. Pesticides kill no like bees. 2) Establish a diversity of native Ñowering plants such that the of nutrition for pollinators from early spring to late autumn. B Ñowers (nectar and pollen). But not all Ñowers offer nectar and 1 - 40 Bee City Canada ............. 3) ThereÈs another great way to protect your local biodiversity: Urban areas that are properly managed and designed can serve as dwindling wild bee populations. For example, Ontario is a Canadi hotspot for wild pollinators, with 409 of 855 nationally recorde found there à the highest bee diversity of any province. Ontario has recorded over 300 of those species! A Bee City is a city committed to protecting and enhancing its w pollinators. The idea of a ÇBee CityÈ belongs to Phyllis Stiles, of Asheville founded Bee City USA four years ago, to foster ongoing dialogue the role pollinators play in our world, and what each of us can healthy habitat. Last November (2015), a citizen named Shelly Candel approached t to convince them to become the Ðrst Bee City in Canada, thus ini Bee City Canada. Bee City Canada supports the establishment of s for pollinators in communities across the country. CertiÐcation an honour and a responsibility, celebrating our pollinators to i actively planting lots of food for them, making sure there are m plants through all growing seasons. Bee City Canada is a simple, no-to-low cost* idea to raise ecolo acting to conserve pollinators (*cost is only for signage and co sponsorship or grants). The idea is simple: cities and municipalities own land which may plantings. Why not ensure that plantings are optimized for local not get creative and look for as many ways as possible to rebuil ecosystem? The goal of Bee City Canada is to promote healthy, sustainable h communities for bees and other pollinators. Cities can become de completing an application and passing a resolution that includes friendly commitments explained below. Pollinator-friendly habita abundant nectar and pollen from plants that will Ñower in succes to late autumn. Ideally the plants are native perennial wildÑowe grasses, ground cover, vines. In addition, the habitat should be when possible, should be marked with signage to educate the publ 1 - 41 Bee City Canada ............. What is Bee City Canada? A set of commitments to work towards Bee City Canada offers cities, communities, colleges and schools opportunity to become a Bee City, Bee Campus or Bee School by co to the requirements as outlined in the application form. Ultimat protects and enhances its wild bees and other local pollinators. Driven by a team of experts and passionate citizens Bee City Canada is made up of a team of researchers, educators, farmers, ecologists, community leaders and many other committed across Canada. Bee City Canada strives to offer pertinent inform all of us understand our close connection with pollinators, thei the health of the planet and to give direction and encouragement we can take. Modeled after Bee City USA Bee City Canada is modeled after the success of Bee City USA, a now includes over 15 U.S. Bee Cities and 10 Bee Colleges. Bee Ci and Bee City USA work closely together, sharing information abou commitments. Each community celebrates their achievements, conti increase the awareness of the contribution that bees and other p make to our world. Bee City Canada believes that together, we can all take action t pollinators. Bee City Canada guides you to what you need to know How Does Bee City Canada Work? The Bee City Canada program endorses a set of commitments (deÐne resolution) for creating sustainable habitats for all pollinator The requirements for certiÐcation include the following steps: Identify a committee and assign a city staff liaison person to f ¥ participation process. Complete the Bee City application form. ¥ Adapt the resolution. ¥ Submit your application and resolution forms to Bee City Canada. ¥ Once the application and resolution are ready, your city council ¥ 1 - 42 Bee City Canada ............. What is the purpose of the resolution? The resolution is a public pronouncement in which City Council a importance of pollinators and commits to protecting the diverse within the boundaries of the city, by planting for pollinators. communityÈs dedication to raising awareness about our dependence between plants and their pollinators, and taking action by provi The resolution provides the following information: Recognizes the beneÐts of pollinator protection. ¥ Recognizes that pollinators are in decline. ¥ Describes ideal pollinator friendly habitat. ¥ Acknowledges that cities and their residents have the opportunit ¥ encouraged, to support pollinator habitat on both public and pri Outlines the city's commitments in becoming a Bee City afÐliate. ¥ Summarizes the cityÈs current programs and initiatives for the c ¥ supporting pollinator biodiversity. What are the cityÈs commitments as a Bee City afÐliate? The city is required to: Create a new or existing committee or subcommittee devoted to po ¥ conservation. Ideally this committee will include city staff and community. The city agrees to establish and/or enhance pollinator habitat o ¥ Publicly acknowledge the city's commitment through signage and w ¥ Annually celebrate their Bee City status with a proclamation and ¥ activity, possibly during International Pollinator Week (third Renew the cityÈs commitment annually by completing a renewal app ¥ complete with a summary of the Bee CityÈs pollinator protection 1 - 43 Bee City Canada ............. What are the BeneÐts of Becoming a Bee City? 1. A Bee City is part of a North American movement. 2. A Bee City is a role model for its residents, raising awarene pollinators and the beneÐts of using native plants in habitat pr 3. Pollinator habitat creates beauty. 4. A Bee City begins conversations about the importance of local 5. A Bee City improves its municipal environment, and the physic of the residents by connecting people with nature and encouragin consumption. Healthy citizens equals healthy, productive cities! For More Information Please open attachment entitled BeeCityCanadaResolutions.pdf Please visit beecitycanada.org and/or beecityusa.org Toronto became CanadaÈs Ðrst Bee City on March 31, 2016. If furt Agenda Item History. Visit the Pollinator Fedge at Pollination Canada. Pollinator fed gardens have trifold beneÐts: pollinator food - human food - stormwater diversion. 1 - 44 Bee City Canada ............. SUPPLEMENTARY BACKGROUND WHAT IS POLLINATION? Pollination is a plant process. ItÈs the vital Ðrst step of plan seed formation and food production. Plants cannot move, so they water, or animals that we call pollinators, to transfer pollen f Ñowers to the female parts of Ñowers. Pollen grains are the male plant, and pollination is all about how pollen is transferred to HOW DOES ANIMAL POLLINATION HAPPEN? Blooming plants offer food to pollinators through nectar and pol visit Ñowers to feed on nectar or pollen, they are inadvertently grains as they move, from Ñower to Ñower. Most plants, like anim reproductive system that includes genetic input from two parents diversity within each plant species. Therefore, pollinators are places it needs to go, simply as they feed on Ñowers. WHY SHOULD WE CARE ABOUT DIVERSITY? Plant diversity, like animal diversity, is critical 1) to respon environment (climate change is a great example); and, 2) to comb that could otherwise decimate a genetically uniform population. WHY SHOULD WE CARE ABOUT POLLINATION? Pollinators are necessary for both plants and animals in agricul ecosystems. A widely circulated statistic is that pollinators a 3 bites of food or drink that touch our lips.Generally, those bites and sips are the tastiest à foods like melons, apples, blueberries, pears, squash Pollinators are also necessary for crops such as alfalfa, a high dairy cattle. Thus, in addition to a third of our food plants requiring animal ecosystems also rely on animal pollination to remain healthy and insect pollination is necessary for over 80% of Canada's Ñowerin Pollinators provide us with raw materials such as textiles, medi spices, and dyes. Plants and trees that are animal-pollinated al ecosystem services such as climate regulation, erosion control, 1 - 45 Bee City Canada ............. IF THERE ARE MORE POLLINATORS THAN BEES, WHY ARE YOU CALLED BEE CANADA? Bees are often considered to be the most important animal pollin for a few reasons. 1)First, bees are the only pollinator that rely solely on Ñowers f needs, obtaining their protein from pollen and carbohydrates fro two components comprise their diet, whereas the other animal pol above have other sources of nutrition, in addition to pollen and 2)Secondly, bees are generally fuzzy and electrostatically charged effective carriers of small particles such as pollen. 3)Thirdly, bees are Ñower-constant: they like to work one kind of other words, a bee that has started to gather nectar from apple continue to gather nectar from apple blossoms until that period (collecting) has ended. This habit helps ensure the cross-pollin It turns out that of all the animal pollinators, bees are respon pollination services, in North American temperate zones. ARE HONEY BEES THE ONLY KIND OF BEE? Indeed, honey bees are one kind of bee on the planet. Worldwide, 20,000 species of bees. Apis mellifera, the European western honey bee, is not native to North America honey bee arrived in Jamestown, Virginia with the colonists, as over 400 years ago. The honey bee delights us with beeswax and h some crop pollination. We have over 850 species of wild bees that are native to Canada. include bumble bees, mason bees, carpenter bees, squash bees, le and sweat bees, to name but a few. We need all of them, for they all kinds of niches à they are designed and adapted for differen preferences, foraging temperatures and distances, even times of forage. These native bees also make contributions to crop pollin balance. ARE POLLINATOR POPULATIONS DECLINING? Higher than usual honey bee winter losses have been reported in and some beekeepers have experienced large losses following seas some crops. In North America, at least four bumble bee species a with the rusty-patched bumble bee on the endangered list in Cana butterÑy is in jeopardy, listed as a species of special concern 1 - 46 Bee City Canada ............. WHY ARE POLLINATORS IN DECLINE? Scientists have determined that there are multiple stressors con declines of pollinators: habitat loss and degradation, climate s diseases, invasive species, and pesticide use. HABITAT LOSS AND DEGRADATION Habitat destruction, including loss of nesting sites, food sourc some Ñowering native plants often considered weeds) and mating s contributing factor in the decline of wild pollinators. By plowi cutting, paving and chemically spraying unwanted vegetation, we destroy the Soil tillage can destroy beesÈ nests and sites where wild bees make their homes. larvae, as 70% of our wild native bees nest in the ground. The o native bees are stem or cavity-dweller. Monocultures negatively impact the health of pollinators, as lar one crop create nutritional deserts à the insects starve if thei is corn, for example, as it does not produce nectar, and produce a short duration in the growing season. Bees need a variety of Ñ throughout the growing season, just like humans need a variety o vitamins from a rainbow of fresh produce. CLIMATE CHANGE Changes in our climate disrupt the relationship between our nati pollinators and the local native plants with which they have co- example, earlier spring thaws have resulted in many plants Ñower usual. Therefore, pollinator species could undergo population de Ñower at times when pollinators are dormant, and lead to gaps in of blooms. PESTS AND DISEASES Honey bees are particularly vulnerable to the parasitic Varroa destructor mite, and other diseases and pests. Wild pollinators are also affected and parasites. Pathogen spillovers do occur from the managed bee (including honey bees, bumble bees in the greenhouse industry, l for alfalfa) into feral populations. INVASIVE SPECIES Some non-native plants are capable of out-competing native speci example, garlic mustard outcompetes native species in the mustar as toothwort. Toothworts are the larval host food for the West V ButterÑy, a native butterÑy known in southern and eastern Ontari 1 - 47 Bee City Canada ............. PESTICIDES Neonicotinoids are a class of insecticides (pesticides) used wor used to coat seeds as a protection from insects. In Canada, this regularly used for canola, soybean, wheat and corn seed, as well and beet seeds, and several other food plants. Neonicotinoids we in the 1980s, and the Ðrst commercially available compound, imid been in use since the early 1990s. Neonicotinoids are also spray used as a soil drench, injected into trees, and sold for garden Neonicotinoids are neurotoxins, acting upon the nervous system o When neonicotinoids coat seeds, such as corn and soybeans, the s Bees that contact this machine kicks 0.5-2% of the toxin into the air as dust. dust, abraded seed bits or rogue unplanted seeds are exposed to of the insecticide.One corn kernel treated with 0.5 mg clothianidin has enough Bees drinking from Ðeld puddles following active ingredient to kill 80,000 bees. planting, or from droplets exuded from the growing crop may also Two percent of the seed's neonicotinoid enters the plant as it g pests that eat it.Neonicotinoids are present in pollen and nectar at low levels but bees eat pollen and nectar. About 96% of the pesticide enters both the soil, where it can persist a long time, and groundwater.Neonicotinoids enter non-targeted plants growing in the margins (in other words, the toxify so-called weeds growing in the margins. But often those w native stock that provide bees with Ñoral nutrition). Sublethal pesticide levels are those at concentrations not enoug outright. Sublethal neonicotinoid levels impair bee navigation a learning, reduce pollen collection (especially needed for young) their immune systems, making them more susceptible to disease, p and pests. Garden plants from some North American nurseries tested for very of neonicotinoids. Neonicotinoids are widely available at hardwa home and garden use, often with less stringent guidelines and so higher concentrations than those found in agricultural landscape kind of product that led to the mass death of over 50,000 bumble parking lot of a suburban shopping center outside of Portland, O 2013. When buying plants from non-organic nurseries, ask if they pesticides to grow their plants. We applaud Ontario for its ban on the cosmetic use of insecticid ornamentals and landscape plants, in place since 2009. 1 - 48 Bee City Canada ............. BEE CITY CANADA RESOLUTIONS Page 1 of 5 Resolution Number ___________________________ Resolution Designating of ______________________________ (City/Town)(Province/Territory) a Bee City Canada WHEREAS, the goal of Bee City Canada certication is to promote healthy, sustainable habitats and communities for native bees and other native pollin WHEREAS, managed and native bees and other pollinators around the globe experienced dramatic declines due to a combination of habitat de and loss; climate change; use of pesticides; and, the spread of serious implications for the future health of ora and fauna; and @BeeCityCanada (Twitter)Bee City Canada (Facebook) Bee_City_Canada (Instagram) 1 - 49 BEE CITY CANADA RESOLUTIONS Page 2 of 5 WHEREAS, communities and their residents have the opportunity to suppor and other pollinators on both public and private land; and WHEREAS, supporting pollinators fosters environmental awareness and sus increases interactions and engagement amongst community stewards WHEREAS, the economic benets of pollinator-friendliness are: ¥¥ Healthy ecosystems Increased vegetable and fruit Ä insect pollinators are required for crop yields due to insect of pollination and reproduction pollination. One in every three bites about 85% of owering plants of food we eat is courtesy of insect globally, plants that: pollination. 1) are vital for clean air and ¥ Increased demand for pollinator water; friendly plant materials from local nurseries and growers. 2) provide food, bre and shelter ¥ for people, livestock and Increased awareness and wildlife; and resources for pollinator initiatives and community action 3) support the very species that groups focused on native pollinate crops and form the pollinators and how to protect basis of food webs.them; and ___________________________________ WHEREAS, (City/Town, Municipality/County Partnership) in the Province/Territory of _________________________________ should be certied as a Bee City Canada community because Resolution 1 Resolution 2 Resolution 3 @BeeCityCanada (Twitter) Bee City Canada (Facebook) Bee_City_Canada (Instagram) 1 - 50 BEE CITY CANADA RESOLUTIONS Page 3 of 5 WHEREAS, ideal pollinator-friendly habitat: ¥¥ Provides diverse and abundant nectar Includes, where possible, and pollen from plants blooming in designated pollinator succession from early spring to late zones in public spaces autumn. with signage to educate the public and build ¥ Provides water for drinking, cooling, awareness. nest-building and buttery puddling. ¥Provides undisturbed spaces (un- ¥ Has been designated pesticide-free. mulched areas of soil and sand, pithy stemmed stalks, leaf and ¥Is composed of mostly, if not all, native brush piles, un-mowed elds or species of annual and perennial trees, eld margins, fallen trees and shrubs, native grasses, wildowers, other dead wood) for nesting and ground cover and vines, which have co- overwintering for native evolved with native pollinators. pollinators; and WHEREAS, in order to enhance understanding among municipal sta and the public about the vital role that pollinators play and what each of us can do (City/Town, Municipality/County Partnership) agrees to meet the following commitments required of all Bee City Canada communities: 1. Adopt this Bee City Canada resolution (which articulates these c 2. Designate a local municipal government department as the Bee City Canada program sponsor and an employee from this department as the Bee City Canada program Å liaison;Æ and assign facilitation of the local Bee City Canada program either to a) a new or existing commission or b) a non-prot organization, to encourage and coordinate local pollinator habitat and awareness activities. This body will s intermediary between the citizenry and the local government on m enhancing pollinator awareness, conservation and habitat, fullling the following commitments: @BeeCityCanada (Twitter) Bee City Canada (Facebook) Bee_City_Canada (Instagram) 1 - 51 BEE CITY CANADA RESOLUTIONS Page 4 of 5 develop a Municipal Pollinator Habitat Plan that will include a locally native, pollinator-friendly plant list with regional sources for and a least toxic integrated pest management (IPM) plan. The pla and IPM plan will guide the management of municipal lands to imp and expand pollinator habitats in your community. It will be pub and promoted on the web to oer a valuable landscape-management model for other municipal landowners. Set specic, measurable annual targets for an increase in the quantity of pollinator habitat relating to number of hectares or percent and private lands on which pollinator-friendly habitat will be c enhanced each year. Annually celebrate National Pollinator Week (third full week of June) or some other appropriate occasion with educational events, pollina habitat plantings or restoration, proclamations or promotions th showcase the municipalityÈs commitment to enhancing native pollinator health through biodiversity and habitat. Annually apply for renewal of Bee City Canada designation and submit a report of the previous yearÈs activities. 4. Publicly acknowledge the communityÈs commitment by agreeing t a) display Bee City Canada or appropriate signage in a prominent location, and b) create and maintain information on your community website which includes links to this signed Resolution and the Bee City CanadaÈs website, contact information for your local communityÈs Bee City Canada liaison and designated Åfacilitator commission or non- prot organization committee,Æ and reports of the pollinator friendly activities the community has accomplished the previous year(s). @BeeCityCanada (Twitter) Bee City Canada (Facebook) Bee_City_Canada (Instagram) 1 - 52 BEE CITY CANADA RESOLUTIONS Page 5 of 5 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BYTHAT: The _____________________________________________ accepts (City/Town/County or appropriate body) the designation and commits to the standards of the Bee City Canada program. Read, approved, and adopted this ______ day of ____________________________, 20_________. City/Town/County Clerk Mayor (or appropriate lead elected official) Approved as to form: _______________________________ (City/Town/County Mayor or Designate) Please send draft resolutions, along with application, to info@b @BeeCityCanada (Twitter)Bee City Canada (Facebook) Bee_City_Canada (Instagram) 1 - 53