Is it tacky, thought-provoking or simply too large?
We’re talking about the Coquitlam garbage bear that was preserved and will be displayed at city hall to remind people of their garbage obligations.
Yes, some people might call it offensive (Coun. Terry O'Neill did just that on Facebook).
Yes, bears should be in the wild, not sitting on a pedestal in a civic facility.
But it's obvious we need reminders that we have responsibilities if we are going to live in a city with close proximity to bear territory.
If it takes a display that some find disturbing to remind people to lock up their garbage and other attractants, then this stuffed bear is a good idea. In fact, let's roll out this display at every community event until the problem of fed/dead bears is no longer.
If it will also remind politicians of the downside of endless development encroachment into the forests, then yes, let’s have it.
Sad to say, it was a car that injured the bear that was later euthanized and city hall is now placing in it in the lobby. If it gave its life so other bruins would live safely in the wild, then maybe it’s worth displaying as both rebuke and reminder.
