I have got a couple of questions about the garbage regulations that will now be enforced. I think these qualify for $100 fines. Here is the rundown, from an email I got from city staff:
There are two aspects to the solid waste bylaw that will be enforced (as of September 4th):
1. Residents cannot store bear attractants
2. Residents cannot place their containers at the curb for collection prior to 4am from April 1st until November 30th.
From what I can gather from the email you received, if the resident's neighbour is storing garbage on their property and bears do come onto the property and rifle through it, charges can be laid based on the "attractants" section of the bylaw.
Another item of note, if you work shift or cannot for reasons of health take the garbage after 4am, then call city public works, 828 3461, and ask to apply for the program through which city waste collectors will roll your bin out to the curb for you, and then roll it back. This is a free service. You might be asked if you have neighbors or friends who would be willing to help you before being enrolled in the program.
The debate around the council table centred around whether these bylaws actually have a effect in reducing the number of bears who stay in the city. The consensus was to evaluate the bylaws again in a years time or so and to possibly get rid of them if they are not working well.
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