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Okotoks receives Bee-Friendly City designation

image of town staff planting bee-friendly plants

OKOTOKS, AB: Okotoks has received the designation of being a Bee City from the Bee City Canada Program following council’s vote in March to protect our pollinators. The program aims for municipalities to pledge to create and promote healthy, sustainable habitats for pollinators like bees, butterflies and moths.

Town of Okotoks Environment and Sustainability Coordinator, Jinny Toffelmire, says the Town’s role would be to provide education and engagement with the community on initiatives like Pollinator Week (happening third week of June), where residents would be encouraged to make changes in their yards to encourage pollinators to thrive in Okotoks.

Okotoks is known for their slogan of Historic Past, Sustainable Future. Mayor Bill Robertson said this designation would help reinforce the motto.

“We know that being a Bee City will help us achieve a sustainable community for people, plants, and all critters who call Okotoks home,” Robertson said. “As we continue to protect and support native pollinators, we are excited to see the vibrant ecosystem that develops in our community.”

The Town has initiatives underway to improve pollinator habitat, like replacing traditional turf with a combination of pollinator-friendly plants and ornamental grasses in many areas, including Sheep River Boulevard, Crystal Green Drive median, Big Rock Trail median & Veterans Way. As a leader in sustainability, the Town seeks to balance community expectations with environmental impacts and is proactive and innovative in the design, maintenance & management of public lands to maintain a sustainable community.

Currently, five cities in Alberta have pledged to be Bee Cities, while more than 50 cities across Canada are part of the program.

The Town appreciates everyone doing their part to protect pollinators and the environment. To learn more about the Town’s Bee City commitment and how residents can participate, click the button below

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