Generations of Beekeeping Brought Full Circle at YZD

By: Peter Chorabik (Toronto Bee Rescue)

Decades ago, my parents worked on these grounds when it was a centre for Canada’s aerospace industry. Both aircraft assemblers, this place became the foundation of our life in Canada, shaping our experiences and building our roots. Today, I’m on these same fields as a beekeeper, continuing a family legacy that began with my father’s first encounter with a swarm.

It was on these very fields that my father first encountered the world of beekeeping. A swarm landed nearby, and he seized the opportunity to capture it, sparking what would become our family’s deep-rooted connection to beekeeping. I was too young to remember my dad catching that first swarm at DeHavilland. However, that pivotal moment led my grandfather to visit Canada and pass on his beekeeping wisdom to my father. I do recall my grandfather’s visits vividly—driving around the GTA together, meeting other beekeepers he had befriended. Those trips left a lasting impression on me, solidifying the profound bond our family shares with this craft.

This spring, our bees travelled to Prince Edward Island to pollinate blueberry fields, filling an essential role in agriculture. When they returned to Ontario in June, they were set up on the YZD grounds, producing honey and supporting the plants around them. Urban spaces benefit from pollinators, which bring life to city landscapes and strengthen connections between nature and community.

Each hive draws attention to sustainability and the role of pollinators in urban spaces. Hives often spark questions about native plants, pesticide reduction, and landscape practices that allow bees to thrive. With each hive, the awareness of sustainable practices grows, encouraging choices that benefit both the environment and the community.

Beekeeping works in harmony with natural cycles. Bees adapt to seasonal changes, gathering nectar from dandelions in spring, clover in summer, and goldenrod in fall. Each plant affects the honey’s flavour, capturing the unique qualities of the land. A strong hive can produce up to 100 pounds of honey, a reminder of the partnership between the land, bees, and careful stewardship.

Of all the seasons, late spring is my favourite. It’s a time when the world is fully awake, and the bee colonies are at their most vibrant and industrious. The fields hum with life as the bees gather nectar from a kaleidoscope of blooming flowers, their hives growing stronger with each passing day. During this season of renewal and boundless potential, I’m reminded of the saying that has guided me through many years of beekeeping: “hope springs eternal.” It’s a phrase that resonates deeply, capturing the optimism and energy that define this crucial time of year.

Beekeeping runs in the family. My grandfather kept bees in Poland and taught my father, who continued the tradition after moving to Canada. Later, after finishing university, I felt drawn to follow in their footsteps, blending my studies in sustainability with family knowledge. Today, I manage Toronto Bee Rescue, with 1,200 hives across Ontario. Working with YZD supports our family’s tradition while bringing resilience and environmental awareness to urban settings.

The bees on these grounds represent more than honey production. They contribute to the health of the land, encouraging choices like native plants and bee-friendly landscaping. Each jar of honey produced reflects the story of this place, highlighting the importance of pollinators and green spaces in cities.

Beekeeping connects me with the land, honours family tradition, and builds a future where nature has a place in our cities. Every jar of honey holds a part of that story—a story I’m proud to share with the community, one harvest at a time.