Residents of Whitby who noticed the prominent “The Hive” sculpture missing from its usual spot across from the historic Centennial Building need not worry. The town has issued an official update confirming that the celebrated public art piece has been carefully removed and placed into safe storage. This relocation is a planned, temporary measure to protect the artwork during the upcoming redevelopment of the adjacent Durham Region social housing site. The 16-unit building at 409 Centre Street South is being transformed into a modern, 30-unit three-storey complex, and the town wants to ensure the intricate wood carving remains “healthy” while construction gets underway later this year.
“The Hive” has a storied history in Whitby, having first “created a buzz” when it was installed for World Bee Day in May 2024. Created by renowned tree carver Ryan Locke, the sculpture was fashioned from the trunk of a century-old black walnut tree, turning a piece of nature into a detailed honeycomb teeming with carved bees. It holds special significance as the first project completed under the town’s new Public Art Policy and stands as a tribute to Whitby’s 2022 designation as an official “Whitby bee sculpture” Despite its popularity, the sculpture became the center of a police investigation in September 2025 after two of its bees were sawed off and stolen in an act of vandalism. Fortunately, those pieces were recovered and reattached shortly after.
The town’s social media update reassured fans that the bees will “bee” right back once the site is ready to welcome them home. The redevelopment at 409 Centre Street is designed to be a climate-resilient and inclusive mixed-income community, with a design that will continue to be informed by Whitby’s Bee City status. By moving the sculpture into storage now, the municipality is avoiding any potential damage from heavy machinery or construction debris. This proactive preservation effort has been met with relief from local art enthusiasts who have come to view the sculpture as a landmark of environmental conservation and community pride.
Construction on the new housing project is anticipated to begin in mid-2026, with an opening planned for 2027. Town officials have not provided a specific date for the sculpture’s return but emphasized that it will be reinstalled in its original, prominent location. “We know this piece of art has really hit the sweet spot with the community,” the town shared, thanking residents for their patience. The sculpture’s journey—from a 100-year-old tree to a victim of theft, and now a protected piece of heritage—continues to be a focal point of Whitby’s cultural and environmental narrative.
As the redevelopment progresses, the town plans to provide further updates on the restoration and eventual return of the bees. In the meantime, the absence of “The Hive” serves as a symbol of the growth and renewal coming to the downtown core. For those who miss the intricate details of Ryan Locke’s work, the town encourages residents to look forward to a revitalized site where art and much-needed affordable housing will eventually coexist. The hive may be quiet for now, but the spirit of Whitby’s commitment to its pollinators and its public art remains as active as ever.
