The Editor,
Letter to Coquitlam’s mayor and city council:
On Sept. 7, I was given a $500 fine for placing my garbage out the evening before garbage day, as my neighbours and I have done since I moved to this neighbourhood eight years ago. I was planning on appealing the fine but I readily admit I put my garbage out and would most likely lose my appeal.
I understand the issues and dangers of bears in the area and am more than willing to comply with the bylaw — now that I know that it exists. My argument is more so with the way this bylaw was enforced and the outrageous fine attached — $500 isn’t a fine, it’s a hardship for many. And your enforcement of it was more like a punch in the face than a slap on the wrist to people, like myself, who were unaware that they were doing anything wrong by putting out their garbage the night before.
So this morning I paid the fine. I’m cutting my losses and moving on. But please know that what respect I had for mayor and city council or anyone involved in the decision-making and enforcement in this bylaw is gone with that payment.
My neighbours and I will remember how this city council treated its citizens in regards to this issue. And when I speak (or write, or post anything on social media) in regards to the city of Coquitlam, they won’t be kind words. And come the next civic election, I will be very vocal about the attitudes and actions of our civic leaders.
Andrew Carr
Coquitlam
