Hamilton Man Fined for Beehive Placement Violations

Christopher Paul Rocke, a resident of Hamilton, has been fined $2,000 for placing beehives too close to a property line. The offence occurred at 190 Napier Street, Hamilton, Ontario, and was in violation of section 19 (1) of the Bees Act. The offences took place between November 23, 2022, and January 17, 2023, and again between June 2, 2023, and September 26, 2023.

Rocke was convicted on November 26, 2024, and fined $1,000 for each count. In addition to the fine, a victim fine surcharge was imposed, and Rocke was placed on a two-year probation order. He was also ordered to remove the hives and allow ministry inspectors to verify compliance with the Bees Act.

The investigation was conducted by the Regulatory Compliance Unit of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness after a report of possible non-compliance was received. Under the Bees Act, beekeepers in Ontario must have a certificate of registration issued by the Provincial Apiarist, and hives must not be placed within 30 metres of a property line that separates the land from a dwelling or public area.