On June 16, 2026, wooden beehives were placed on the roof of Queen’s Park, the building that houses Ontario’s legislative assembly. The structures now host honeybees above the historic stone façade, marking the first time the provincial government has installed rooftop hives at the site.
The installation was carried out as part of an initiative promoted by Speaker Donna Skelly. The speaker’s office has highlighted the project as a way to support pollinator populations within the city of Toronto. By situating the hives on the legislative building’s roof, the program aims to provide a safe urban habitat for honeybees while raising public awareness of their ecological importance.
CBC reporter Lorenda Reddekopp documented the event, noting the presence of the wooden beehives and the bees that began to occupy them shortly after placement. Reddekopp’s coverage focused on the practical steps taken to secure the hives and the immediate response of the insects to their new environment.
The addition of the hives aligns with broader conversations about biodiversity in urban areas, though the specific details of any further plans or related programs were not disclosed. The initiative, championed by Speaker Skelly, reflects a growing interest among municipal and provincial leaders in integrating nature into civic spaces. The beehives now sit atop the legislative building, offering a visible reminder of the province’s commitment to supporting local ecosystems.
The project is expected to remain in place for the foreseeable future, with the bees continuing to pollinate from their elevated perch as the legislative session proceeds.