heh. probably 99% have no idea what you mean by the GTA.

When I lived in Aurora, there was an outfit selling the Dadant line.

Second hand is unwise. Your reading should indicate it's not a wise an idea, as it's a common way to get diseased hives. Not good for a good experience.

I knew when I posted it that only those who lived there would know that it meant General Toronto Area, which covers a large portion of Southern Ontario.

I plan to buy new bees, just used equipment. I have to keep the costs down to afford to get bees at all. I can clean and disinfect the equipement before putting in the bees.

I'm sure there are reputable dealers who will sell good bees. Where else do you get them? I'm not a big fan is sending living things through the Canadian Postal System, unfortunately.

Runningtrails;
It is the equiptment that is the problem !
The wood,wax,etc, can be contaminated with American foulbrood, nosema etc. these are spores that live forever.
there is methods of cleaning, however they are time consumeing.
If you buy used equiptment, have your local bee inspector check for dieases. I'm not sure but I believe this may be required in Canada anyway.

Above all go to your local public library they will have or can get books on beekeeping. Also join your local Bee club/assn. they will often have equiptment you can buy/use.

Also you might try the fourm at www.beemaster.com lots of good advice see you there!

PCM & BEE-BOP

I've done a lot more reading and discussion on the subject in the past couple of days and have decided NOT to buy used hives. Thank you all very much for the warnings and information.

I want to use top bar hives. I make soap and candles and could really use the extra beeswax and they are so much simpler and light weight. We'll be building our own - whenever the weather warms up some...

glad you decided not to use used equipment.