City council is set to review a comprehensive new bear management plan developed by the Advisory Committee on Bear Awareness.
Finalized at its Oct. 2 meeting, the report, which offers ways to reduce human-wildlife conflicts in and around Prince George, will go to council Nov. 4
The committee has proposed the establishment of a dedicated city staff position focused on sustainable waste management, aimed at achieving Provincial Bear Smart Status. This initiative would include a commitment to annual financial support for the position through the 2025 to 2030 operational financial plan.
As well, the committee recommends the creation of a Bear Aware technical committee. This group would include city staff and representatives from the Northern Bear Awareness Society, the University of Northern British Columbia and the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and the Conservation Officer Service.
To address bear encounters, the committee suggests implementing a two-year pilot project featuring automated bear-resistant solid waste bins in areas with high bear activity, with extensive testing of different brands. Following the pilot, a report would be presented to council evaluating the results and potential city-wide implementation, with a focus on incentives for residents and provisions for secure garbage storage.
The report also urges the gradual introduction of bear-resistant receptacles in public spaces, including parks and bus stops.
The committee highlighted the importance of community engagement through educational programs aimed at reducing bear attractants, such as public education initiatives and fruit gleaning programs.
This would be complemented by enforcement of existing property maintenance bylaws.
Recommendations include amending zoning bylaws to allow for electric fencing around wildlife attractants and adopting a new bylaw specifically targeting wildlife attractants and solid waste management. This proposed bylaw would feature a tiered fine system for violations and establish clear definitions for wildlife attractants, as well as maintenance requirements for fruit-bearing plants.
Another recommendation calls for educational materials regarding human-bear interactions be included with city utility bills and shared through social media and other city communications channels.
Councillors will be asked to vote on approving the committee's recommendations.
