A city report supports downtown rooftop beekeeping and even suggests allowing the practice at ground level.

The report headed to the city's Sept. 21 downtown development committee meeting calls for zoning changes to allow the Fort Garry Hotel's request to keep bees on its roof to produce honey for its restaurant.

The report notes Winnipeg appears to be the only major city that prohibits urban beekeeping through zoning.

The report also suggests accommodating ground-level bees, as long as they are kept secured behind a solid, six-foot fence.

"This type of application could be of interest to The Forks or the University of Winnipeg," the report notes.

If the committee approves the changes, a public hearing will follow.

The report also notes that the city may consider replacing zoning restrictions on beekeeping with voluntary guidelines and self-regulation or making new apiaries subject to Animal Services approval in the future.

joyanne.pursaga@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @pursagawpgsun