Developers looking to demolish buildings in Coquitlam will now have to take steps to ensure any rats or rodents on the property are exterminated before the wrecking ball starts swinging.
Staff have noticed an uptick in rodent calls, particularly in neighbourhoods like southwest Coquitlam where the bulk of the city’s home demolitions have occurred.
Now, developers will need to hire a “qualified structural pest control professional” at an estimated cost of between $350 to $500, depending on the size and scope of the job. Once confirmation is provided to the city that a property is cleared of rodents, the demolition permit will be issued.
Verne Kucy, the city’s manager of environmental services, said the new requirements are unique in the Lower Mainland.
North Vancouver has similar regulations but they are limited to larger-scale developments while Surrey’s rules are only implemented if a city staff person sees rats on a property.
Last year, there were 71 rodent calls in Coquitlam, making up 76.3% of all pest-control reports in 2014. Three tickets were issued and seven warning letters were sent to residents who were careless with animal attractants.
A map included in a city staff report, which council voted unanimously to adopt Monday, shows rodent calls concentrated in southwest Coquitlam, where 90% of the city’s demolitions have occurred. In six specific instances, staff found that rodent calls occurred next door or very near properties where buildings were recently taken down.
Drake Stephens, Coquitlam’s urban wildlife co-ordinator, said residents can take steps to make sure rats or other pests do not move in.
“It’s just like the bear issues,” said Stephens. “People need to take responsibility of their own property. Do not provide harbourage for rats.”
For example, he noted many residents like to put seed out so they can enjoy the view of birds in their yard. But what they don’t see are the nocturnal animals, such as skunks, rats and raccoons, that eat the food at night, when Stephens said feeders and pet food should be brought indoors.
“A lot of cases, people are just unaware,” he said. “But you can cause problems for you and your neighbours.”
