Something exciting has arrived at select Mount Pleasant Group (MPG) properties this spring and it’s creating quite a buzz.
This May, MPG is welcoming honey bee hives at four of our locations: Meadowvale Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Centres in Brampton, Prospect Cemetery in Toronto, Duffin Meadows Cemetery in Pickering and Pine Hills Cemetery and Funeral Centre in Scarborough. This new initiative brings bees into our shared spaces to draw attention to pollinator biodiversity, educate communities and activate underused areas in a meaningful and memorable way.
And yes – there will be honey!
From Idea to Impact
The journey started with a simple but powerful idea shared at an MPG town hall.
From there, it quickly took root. Beehives align closely with our strategic plan and environmental goals, reflecting a long-term approach to environmental stewardship and ecosystem health across its properties.
“Beekeeping draws attention to pollinator biodiversity and ecosystems in addition to providing pollination services,” said John Perrotta, MPG’s Director of Property Services. “Pollination contributes to the growth and health of crops and wildflowers.”
Just as important, the hives create new opportunities to bring people together.
“The beehives are also an excellent community‑building initiative,” said John. “We will be partnering with The Beekeeper Dan to hold educational workshops for visitors and community members.”
Education, Engagement and Discovery Every Visit
This initiative is about more than bees. It’s about learning by doing.
As part of the project, MPG will host two community workshops at each participating location, led by The Beekeeper Dan. These sessions are designed to engage, educate and excite people of all ages about:
- Honey bees and wild pollinators
- Urban agriculture and urban greening
- How small actions can support local ecosystems
Workshops will be interactive, hands‑on and fun, turning learning into an experience rather than a lecture.
Workshop Highlights
Depending on the season and group, workshops may include:
- Meet the Hive – An introductory honey bee workshop, either at the hive or in a lunch‑and‑learn format
- Wild Bee Workshop – A look beyond honey bees to explore wild bees and urban greening initiatives
- Seed Ball Activity – Make seed balls using wildflower seeds to support pollinator gardens
- Honey Extraction Workshop – Extract and jar honey frames at the end of the season
- Bee Trivia – A group trivia session all about bees
- Beeswax Candle Making – A seasonal beeswax candle‑making workshop
Each session offers something different, but all are designed to inspire curiosity, connection and care for the natural world.
The season will wrap up with honey harvesting in late August to early September. We are expecting a minimum of 50 jars of honey, each branded with MPG’s 200th anniversary logo.
Why It Matters
This initiative is about activating unused spaces, increasing pollination and creating meaningful engagement with every visit.
It’s one more way MPG is investing in environmental stewardship while opening new doors for education and community connection, proving that even small creatures can make a big impact.
We hope to see you on site to watch the bees at work!
