The District plans on replacing single bins with double bearproof garbage bins in high traffic locations where bins are being overfilled.
As many as seven double bear proof garbage bins in high traffic locations will be replaced.
If approved, the new bins should be installed in the summer or fall of 2021.
A few examples of such high traffic locations are:
Bike Hub on Mamquam Road near the Squamish Valley Golf Club
Judd Dike (Fisherman’s Beach)
End of Third Avenue near the tide gates
Westway at Plateau Drive
Squamish Arts Council building (Pavillion Park)
Brackendale Fall Fairgrounds
However, the final list will be confirmed once the budget is approved.
The existing bins in the high traffic locations will be relocated, primarily to new bus shelters.
Single bins in high traffic locations are overfilling with garbage, says the district.
“Litter pickup takes significant staff time per incident whereas emptying a garbage bin can be completed quickly. Additionally overflowing garbage cans attract and create conflicts with bears and other animals,” according to a district report.
Squamish ranks fourth among the top five communities in BC for bear activity in 2019, according to a wildlife update that will be presented to the council tomorrow.
Of the 10 bears that were destroyed by the Conservation Officer Service last year in Squamish, as many as eight were destroyed due to residential garbage and human habituation.
Access to residential garbage is the primary cause of bear destruction in the community, followed by other attractants such as kitchen organics and domestic fruit trees.
