Bee the Change: Everyday Ways to Help Pollinators Thrive

Though small in size, bees have an enormous impact. These buzzing pollinators are responsible for one in every three bites of food we eat and play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. But around the world, bee populations are in trouble—threatened by habitat loss, pesticides, disease, and climate change.

The good news? You don’t have to be a beekeeper or scientist to help. Whether you live in the city or countryside, there are simple ways you can support bees and become part of the solution.

1. Plant a Bee-Friendly Garden
Bees love a diverse mix of flowering plants—especially native species. Here’s how to make your garden or balcony a haven for pollinators:
• Choose a variety of plants that bloom at different times of the year.
• Prioritize native wildflowers, herbs, and flowering shrubs.
• Avoid hybrid plants that may lack nectar or pollen.
• Add herbs like lavender, thyme, mint, and chives—bees adore them!
Even a few pots of flowers on a balcony can provide important food sources.

2. Say No to Pesticides
Many pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids, are harmful to bees. These chemicals can affect bees’ ability to forage, navigate, and reproduce.
Instead:
• Use natural pest control methods.
• Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
• Look for organic gardening alternatives.
A pesticide-free garden is safer for bees, butterflies, pets, and people.

3. Provide Shelter and Nesting Sites
Not all bees live in hives—many native species are solitary and nest in the ground or in small crevices.
You can help by:
• Leave patches of bare, undisturbed soil for ground-nesting bees.
• Install a bee hotel for solitary bees to nest (for inspiration, look to our very own Bee & Bee Pollinator hotel in our rooftop garden!)
• Avoid overly tidy gardens—fallen branches and deadwood are bee real estate!

4. Offer Water
Bees need water, especially in hot weather. A shallow dish with pebbles or marbles gives them a safe place to land and sip.
• Change the water daily to prevent mosquito breeding.
• Ensure there are pebbles and sticks in the water which allow the bees to perch while they drink.
• Place it in a shady, quiet spot.

5. Support Local Beekeepers and Organic Farmers
Buying local, Canadian honey and produce from bee-friendly farms helps keep sustainable beekeeping and farming practices alive.
• Look for certified organic or “pollinator-friendly” labels.
• Chat with local farmers at markets and ask about their growing practices.

6. Spread the Word
Awareness is a powerful tool. Talk to your friends, share articles, or get involved with community gardens and school programs. The more people who understand the importance of bees, the more we can protect them.

Julia Common is the Chief Beekeeper at Fairmont Waterfront, where she cares for the hotel’s rooftop hives and leads educational initiatives that highlight the importance of pollinators in urban environments. With over four decades of experience in apiculture and a background in agricultural science, she brings deep expertise and passion to her role. Julia was also the co-founder of Hives for Humanity, a non-profit organization that used beekeeping to foster community connection and healing, particularly in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Through her work, she champions sustainability, community well-being, and environmental stewardship.

As a guest of Fairmont Waterfront, you can enjoy a complimentary tour of our rooftop hives & apiary during the summer months. Visit our website for more information: