Proposed changes could force some Calgarians to store bins in garages, sheds

Calgarians living in certain parts of the city could soon be forced to store their waste bins in their garage or shed on non-collection days.

Calgarians living in certain parts of the city could soon be forced to store their waste bins in their garage or shed on non-collection days.

The changes to Calgary’s waste bylaw are being proposed in an effort to reduce wildlife conflict, and would also limit the amount of time residential bins and carts could be left outside even on collection days.

It all stems from an incident last year in which a black bear sow and three cubs were euthanized by Alberta Fish and Wildlife after repeatedly scavenging in waste carts in the community of Discovery Ridge.

Since then, the city has started a bear awareness campaign in the community, advising residents to store their waste in a secure enclosure and limit overnight cart set-out. Despite this, city administration thinks changes to Calgary's waste bylaw are also needed to help with enforcement if issues continue.

A report from city administration, reviewed by members of the Community Development Committee on Thursday, says they researched practices used in other municipalities that have a "history of living with wildlife" to see how they handle their waste.

The report says in those communities, overnight waste cart set-out has been identified as a "significant attractant for bears and other wildlife."

The report recommends that Calgarians in areas "identified as having problems with bears or other wildlife" be required to store their bins in a garage, shed or "other secure enclosure" on non-collection days.