We don't often write about cities or cemeteries for Small Farm Canada, but we took notice of this goat and bee initiative in the city of Toronto, and we thought we would share.
As part of its 200th anniversary in 2026, Mount Pleasant Group (MPG) has launched an innovative program that brings together goat grazing and urban beekeeping across several of its cemetery properties.
Beginning June 18, a herd of approximately 50 goats will be introduced to natural burial sections at Meadowvale Cemetery in Brampton and Duffin Meadows Cemetery in Pickering. Managed within designated fenced areas, the goats will graze for two days at each location, with a return visit planned in the fall. The animals are supervised by an eco-shepherd, using a method that mirrors managed grazing systems increasingly used in regenerative agriculture.
The goats are not simply a novelty. Their role is highly functional. By feeding on invasive plants and excess vegetation, they help control overgrowth without the need for herbicides or fuel-powered equipment. Their natural grazing patterns also support the regeneration of native plant species, while their manure contributes to soil fertility.
This approach is made possible through a partnership with Goats in the City, a Canadian company that specializes in targeted grazing services.
The initiative extends beyond goats. MPG has also introduced beehives at four sites: Meadowvale, Duffin Meadows, Pine Hills Cemetery in Scarborough, and Prospect Cemetery in Toronto. These hives are intended to support local pollinator populations, an issue of concern for both urban and rural residents.
Pollinator health is directly tied to crop yields, particularly in fruit, vegetable, and seed production. Integrating beehives or supporting wild pollinator habitats can significantly improve productivity while strengthening ecosystem resilience.
The program also includes an educational component through a partnership with The Beekeeper Dan, offering workshops that connect the public with pollinator stewardship.
According to John Perrotta, Director of Property Services at Mount Pleasant Group, the initiative is part of a larger shift in how these landscapes are managed.
“As we mark 200 years, we continue to consider what it means to care for these spaces in perpetuity, and not only as places of remembrance, but as living landscapes,” he said. “From goat grazing to beekeeping, we are excited to take on approaches that restore balance, support biodiversity, and ensure our grounds remain vibrant, sustainable environments for generations to come.”
Founded in 1826, Mount Pleasant Group's 200th anniversary initiatives include not only these sustainability programs, but also public installations and the “200 Stories Project,” which highlights the people and histories connected to its properties.
As MPG enters its third century, its approach highlights a growing reality across Canada. Land, regardless of its primary purpose, is increasingly being viewed as part of a larger ecological system.
From goats clearing invasive brush to bees sustaining pollination networks, the lessons from these urban spaces reinforce what many producers already know: working with nature is often the most effective path forward.