Steven Hill
shill@squamishchief.com
New Carney's garbage totes coming to all Squamish residents in February are less secure against bears than regular garbage bins, according to local Bear Aware coordinator Kris Hopping.
She said the new totes, part of a high-tech garbage collection system being put into place by Carney's, are in fact "going backwards" in terms of problem bear management.
"Even the Canadian Tire garbage bins have at least a handle that fits into place," she said.
But John French, spokesman for Carney's, said the onus to secure garbage rests on the shoulders of residents.
"There is a bylaw in place that directs residents to ensure their garbage can not be accessed by bears," he said. "If they do not comply with this, they can be fined.
"Besides, if a bear wants to get into a garbage - it will, no matter if it is a Canadian Tire can, or one of the new bins. There are going to be two varieties of bins available. The basic bin is not any more or less bear proof than any can currently being used in the community. But, you can buy a special tote with a locking mechanism on it for more than $100."
Hopping agreed with French, but said every little bit helps when dealing with hungry bears.
"Yes, if a bear wants to get into a garbage can, they can," she said. "But if there were a deterrent on the cans, it would be that much better. It is up to people to secure their own garbage, but is that fair?"
She said low-income families may be facing tough choice.
"A lot of the people in Squamish who have no place to store their garbage cans in a secure area - some of them are low income," she said. "Can these people afford to pay more than $100? No they can't. So they have no choice but to buy the upgrade or get a bylaw fine. It is not fair. I don't think they should be forced to pay this money."
Hopping, whose Bear Aware coordinator position has just been renewed by DOS, said she would look into helping families with the problem.
