Port Coquitlam hands out 68 tickets for bear attractants
Posted September 29, 2020 1:59 pm.
PORT COQUITLAM (NEWS 1130) — The City of Port Coquitlam has issued 68 tickets so far this year for leaving out bear attractants.
The tickets carry fines up to $500 and were issued under the city’s solid waste bylaw for a variety of infractions, including unlocked carts, contaminants in waste carts, unsecured wildlife attractants, and for setting out carts when not allowed.
“With reports of increased bear sightings, Port Coquitlam residents and businesses are reminded to secure their waste and remove other attractants,” says a release from the city on Tuesday.
According to staff, the city has seen an increase in bear activity related to food scraps and other attractants.
“During the recent proactive enforcement on the northside, bylaw services staff found most properties were following city regulations, but will be following up with 40 properties that were not compliant,” says the city.
BEAR AWARE (again): @CityofPoCo says year-to-date it’s ticketed 68 people for leaving attractants out, leading to increased bear activity across the city. Here are some reminders from the city about locking up waste. pic.twitter.com/JtBivqvqxo
— Ria Renouf (@riarenouf) September 29, 2020
Bylaw services staff is working with the provincial Conservation Office on enforcement. The city has also been performing waste cart audits to ensure they are secure and that other wildlife attractants are removed.
Port Coquitlam also plans to release a series of bear awareness educational videos this week on its social media channels.
The city asks garbage and food scraps be kept in a garage or shed or put in a locked cart, which can be set out between 5:30-7:30 a.m. on collection days. Carts should be put away by 7 p.m.
Properties without secure storage space for carts are required to use a city cart lock, or certified alternative, at all times except for the day of collection.
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Earlier this year, the city also began year-round weekly organics pickup to reduce odours that can attract bears.
“The success of the strategy will continue to rely heavily on residents and businesses following the bear regulations that have been in place since 2009.”
Residents can report unsecured wildlife attractants in their neighbourhood at www.portcoquitlam.ca/report, using the Report it App or by calling 604-927-3111. The public is also advised to call the Provincial Conservation Officer Service 24-hour toll-free hotline at 1-877-952-RAPP if they witness an aggressive or threatening bear or if there is a conflict that threatens public safety.
