PRINCE GEORGE – A lengthy report from Administration on how to make the city more bear-aware, complete with eight recommendations, dictated the discussion around Council Chambers.
The report was produced with membership from the BC Conservation Service, Northern Bear Awareness, the University of Northern BC and four members of Council.
Its mandate was “to advise Council and staff on opportunities to increase bear-proofing and reduce bear attractants throughout Prince George to minimize human-bear conflicts in the community and promote public safety and bear safety.”
“My biggest concern is there are some significant budgetary considerations,” noted Councillor Tim Bennett.
However, City Manager Walt Babicz pointed to a few recommendation that have no financial expectations.
Recommendation #4 reads: That Council directs Administration to continue to phase in bear-resistant solid waste receptacles in public spaces, including parks and bus stops.
Recommendation #6 reads: That Council adopts a new bylaw specific to wildlife attractants and solid waste.
That would require the maintenance of fruit trees and bushes, prior to the fruit hitting the ground and to mandate the securement and/or enclosure of wildlife attractants to prevent access by wildlife.
Those passed early in the discussion
“Number Five is the big ticket item,” said Kris Dalio, Director of Finance, as it suggests the purchase of 26,000 bear-resistant garbage cans to the tune of $10 million or more.
That recommendation was referred back to Administration to look at a more innovative system.
In the end, two more recommendations were advanced.
Recommendation #7: That Council directs Administration to amend the City of Prince George bylaw to permit electric fencing to secure wildlife attractants specifying requirements for voltage, in station and maintenance.
And Recommendation #8: that Council directs Administration to include educational materials on human-bear interactions with the City’s utilities bills for spring and fall billing cycles and that Council directs Administration to continue incorporating bear awareness information on the garbage schedule, social media platforms and website.
“We are far from being a bear-aware community,” commented Mayor Simon Yu.
