City of Greater Sudbury Amends Waste By-law to Support Bear Wise Community

For Immediate Release    
Tuesday, October 20, 2015

City of Greater Sudbury Amends Waste By-law to Support Bear Wise Community

Greater Sudbury City Council has directed staff to amend the Waste By-law (2006-280), in response to recommendations from the Bear Wise program that aims to help prevent bear visits and encounters.

Once the amended by-law is passed, beginning in 2016, between April 1 and November 30, homeowners will not be permitted to place waste at the curb before 5 a.m. or after 7 a.m. on the morning of their collection day. The existing by-law prevents residents from putting waste curbside before 8 p.m., the night before their collection day.

“One of the most effective ways to prevent human-bear interactions is to reduce unnatural food source availability,” said Al Sizer, Chair of the Bear Committee and City Councillor for Ward 8. “By reducing the time homeowners have their waste at the curb, we are taking a positive step towards becoming a more Bear Wise community.”

The Bear Committee was formed in the summer to review options to help reduce human-bear interactions. The committee is made up of representatives from the City of Greater Sudbury, Greater Sudbury Police, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).

“Working with communities to address human-bear conflict is an important part of the MNRF Bear Wise program,” said Trevor Griffin, Sudbury District Manager, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. “We all have a role in managing the bear situation and this is a step in the right direction.”

The Committee aims to utilize existing resources and explore new ideas in an effort to support a Bear Wise community, with a strong focus on partnership.

“We view this as a positive first step in managing the bear population within the City of Greater Sudbury,” said Inspector Michael Chapman, Greater Sudbury Police Service. “We look forward to continuing to work with members of the committee and the community to develop other strategies.”

Once passed, the by-law will take effect April 1, 2016. Enforcement will be complaint driven. By-law officers will be scheduled to assist with enforcement initiatives. The fine for non-compliance is $150. An education campaign will begin in early 2016 as a reminder of the change to the by-law and to educate residents on ways to ensure properties and activities support the Bear Wise program.

For tips on how to keep bears away from your property, visit www.greatersudbury.ca/bears or visit the MNRF’s Bear Wise information website at www.ontario.ca/bearwise. 

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