Moose Jaw City Council is looking deeper into whether bylaws been to be made in regards to beekeeping within city limits.

Tabitha Fielder addressed city council on Monday night as a concerned citizen because she has a family member this is allergic to bee stings and they live in the same neighbourhood as someone with beehives.

She said that she has no problems with beekeeping but would like to see policies in place.

“Our dogs have been stung, my husband and myself as well,” Fielder said. “I was stung last year in the very dry summer that we had changing the sprinkler to the spray nozzle and my husband was stung cleaning the pump in my fountain.”

Tabitha Fielder, top left, addresses city council.Fielder said bees are generally looking for free-standing water and when they find some close to the hive they make a trail, brining more bees with them.

She added that there are days, especially very warm days, her son can’t even go into the yard because there are too many bees collecting, looking for water.

When it comes to wild bees and wasps, Fielder said there is less of a chance of being stung compared to having a hive in the area.

The report from administration stated The Apiaries Act, 2005 is provincial legislation government beekeeping in the province. The Act says those who want to keep beehives must be registered at the provincial level and it is the province’s responsibility the inspect and enforce standards.

Director of Planning and Development Michelle Sanson said the city has received very few complaints about beekeeping.

The report added that historically the city has only received one complaint and it was addressed through the province and The Apiaries Act.

Some councillors, however, felt they needed more information was needed to make a decision.

“I’m not suggesting we don’t allow them but maybe we just need a bit more teeth in the bylaws so it does allow if we run into situations health and/or if it is next to a school or something along those lines that may not work might be in order in my mind,” Coun. Scott McMann said.

McMann made a motion to send it back to administration for a more in-depth report. The motion passed 4-3 with councillors Brian Swanson, Dawn Luhning and Chris Warren opposed.