Tri-City bylaw officials are stepping up enforcement of garbage regulations after an increase in bear activity across the region last month.
Drake Stephens, Coquitlam's urban wildlife co-ordinator, told The Tri-City News night patrols will be taking place this week in order to ensure residents are not bringing their garbage bins to the curb too early.
Garbage, recycling and green waste bins are major animal attractants, he said, and cans should not be set out before 5:30 a.m. on collection day.
He is also reminding residents to use their green bins, which get picked up earlier than garbage and recycling, for all food and compost scraps.
"A lot of people aren't aware that it is being mandated that all organics have to be in the green can or organic bin," he said.
"If we could just get people to participate in that, there would be less food available."
TRASH FINES UP TO $500
With night patrols stepping up, Stephens said it is likely that some warnings will be issued to residents for bringing trash to the curb the night before pickup day.
Fines aren't generally necessary, he said, and people comply once they have received more information on the importance of securing their garbage.
But those who fail to take the warnings seriously could face a $500 fine.
Port Coquitlam will also be stepping up its enforcement and fines of $150 can be levied to residents with unsecured waste or animal attractants on their property.
The city noted that 98 bear sightings were reported in June, which is up from 50 in May. Last month's calls included 12 reports of bears eating garbage and two of aggressive bears.
PoCo city staff will be stepping up enforcement on the city's north and south sides but will pay particular attention to neighbourhoods with the most bear activity. Those areas include north of Lougheed Highway along with the Nacht Avenue and McPherson Drive neighbourhoods to the south.
Under PoCo bylaws, residents must secure their garbage and food scraps in either a wildlife-resistant enclosure like a garage or shed, or by using a city approved wildlife-resistant lock.
Carts must be set out between 5:30 and 7:30 a.m. on collection day and must be re-secured by 7 p.m. that evening.
Port Moody also levies fins against residents with unsecured garbage. A person who takes their garbage cans to the curb before 5:30 a.m. will receive a warning for the first offence, a $50 fine for the second offence, a $100 fine for the third offence and a $150 fine for the fourth offence.
IF YOU SEE A BEAR
Stay calm, stand still and assess the situation. Remember: bear attacks are uncommon.
Speak to the bear in a calm, firm voice. You voice helps identify you as human.
Back away slowly and never run - running may trigger pursuit.
If a black bear attacks, use bear spray if you have it and fight back. Do all that it takes to let the bear know you are not easy prey.
- city of Port Coquitlam
