Some of you out there have expressed concern that we, as residents, are getting pounded to change our ways regarding our garbage, fruit tree and compost management, when there seems to be no steps made by both local government and businesses to do the same.
In actual fact, both the district and businesses fall under the governance of all local bylaws and therefore are required to make the necessary changes to bear proof garbage cans, dumpsters, grease barrels, composts and manage fruit trees on their property.
As you can well imagine, bear proofing a community is no small a task. It is not going to happen overnight. However, during our weekly garbage patrols we are seeing less and less garbages put out the night before pick up day, more bear proof dumpsters are appearing behind restaurants and apartment complexes, non bear proof alley compost systems are disappearing, and grease barrels are being sealed and locked. Very soon, bear proof garbage containers will start appearing in community parks, trailheads and parking lots. Volunteers picked close to 600 pounds of fruit this last weekend, it all went to the needy. We are making baby steps.
I would like to thank everybody who has taken the steps to bear proof their yards and workplace, as well as those who have called with addresses that continue to attract bears to neighborhoods through mismanagement of attractants. Thanks to all the volunteers who have given up their free time at all hours of the day to assist us when we needed it. I would very much like to thank the businesses, individuals and societies who have purchased bear proof garbage containers for "hot spot" public places through our "Adopt-a-can" program.
Next time you are visiting The Brackendale Bistro and Four n' Twenty Pies please congratulate them for being the first two restaurants in Squamish to make the effort to bear proof their establishments.
Thanks to everybody for your continued effort to make our community bear proof. We can and will be able to coexist safely and peacefully with our black bear neighbors. Keep up the good work.
I would like to apologize to everyone who tried to reach me on my office phone. It was borrowed for an emergency response line when train cars ended up in the Cheakamus River. Please try again as my phone has now been returned.
