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A Springfield beekeeper has been fined $11,000 for the improper handling of dead bee colonies.
Last month, Garett Ashton pleaded guilty to seven counts of failing to comply with Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness orders under the Bees Act.
The offences occurred between July, 2024 and January, 2025 at two registered bee yards in Elgin county.
The inspector found approximately 150 dead hives, up to 600 bee boxes containing exposed comb, and evidence of high varroa mite infestation.
Follow-up inspections in August 2024 confirmed the yards remained non-compliant. Further investigation identified additional non-compliant yards linked to Ashton, including one at his residence. Records showed he operated 10 registered bee yards across Elgin, Oxford and Middlesex counties.
Inspections of these sites in September 2024 revealed widespread issues, including improperly stored equipment, exposed honeycomb, and pest and disease concerns in multiple locations.
Under the Bees Act, no person shall expose honeycomb or honey in a manner that makes it accessible to bees where it is or may be infected.
Where dead colonies, honeycombs, or abandoned or unattended colonies are accessible to bees, an inspector may order the beekeeper to dispose of them within a specified period.
In addition to the fine, Ashton faces a two-year probation order with conditions to bring all remaining non-compliant yards into compliance.
Written by Ian McCallum
