Something’s abuzz at Pearson International

By Liny Lamberink

Planes aren’t the only things flying around Pearson International Airport.

A few weeks ago, the airports very own apiary hives were reopened to find the roughly 15,000 bees living inside had made it through their first winter.

That’s right. Pearson Airport isn’t just a place for the big mechanically winged creatures of the sky, it’s a home for the little winged insects that pollinate around one third of our food.

Cleverly dubbed YYbeeZ, the project kicked off last June when beekeeper Kuldip Jassal installed 15 hives on airport property near Etobicoke Creek. Between 50,000 and 60,000 bees can live in each hive, and during the peak season of summer almost one million bees will pollinate plants in the area.

bees at pearson international airport

Despite popular demand, the honey isn’t available to the public. Last year the bees produced only 300lbs of liquid gold because their production year started late and they had to adjust to new surroundings. The limited supply that’s available is being kept for employee engagement initiatives at the airport. However, there’s hope to develop an educational program for airport employees that may eventually expand to the public.

“It’s very different than most people think,” said airport spokesperson Shabeen Hanifa, describing the apiary. “It’s almost relaxing out there.”

“You have all these videos of people – the old yogi bear cartoons or winnie the pooh cartoons – where they’re going into the hives and the hives swarm out and chase people. That doesn’t really happen,” said the airport’s Environmental Services Manager Derek Gray.

“Our keeper, he isn’t a threat to the hive, and if you’re with him there, you’re not a threat either. A lot of it’s about being calm when you’re at the hive, and that sort of brings serenity to it,” Gray explained.

bee hive at pearson international airport

Although his official title is beekeeper, Jassal prefers to call himself a bee guardian. Notably absent when he inspects the hives is the classic white suit typically worn to protect against being stung.

“All he’s wearing is one of those headpieces,” said Gray. “[He’s] working there in a regular t-shirt and they’re not doing anything. They’re walking all over his hands … and they’re not too concerned with him at all.”

If you chance by the wildflower rich area, don’t expect to find the standard white boxes either. Jassal gave students from local schools the chance to add some flare to the hives, and they’ve been adorned with the artistic personality of grade school students and those in high-school art classes.

(To view this video on mobile, click here)

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