Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life announced on July 9 the installation of beehives on the rooftops of their offices in Winnipeg, London and Toronto. The goal is to help increase declining honey bee populations.

"We believe it's important that our offices integrate with their natural environment and support the overall health and well-being of the local community," said Stefan Kristjanson, President and Chief Operating Officer, Great-West Life. "With honey bee populations being threatened across Canada, our urban beekeeping initiative will help ensure these vital pollinators can flourish, keeping our communities vibrant and green."

Working with local beekeeping firms

The company has teamed up with local beekeeping firms to install and maintain the hives. Alvéole is caring for two hives installed at 330 University Avenue in Toronto, while Beeproject Apiaries is managing two hives at 60 Osborne Street North in Winnipeg. The company's London offices will be installing their hives later this year.

Each hive installation contains as many as 50,000 honey bees and will produce up to 25 kilograms of honey. The honey will be harvested annually and bottled in accordance with food regulations.