Kitimat council has approved a new bylaw aimed at reducing the number of bears getting access to food and other attractants in the community, but lowered the proposed fine after concerns from councillors.
The new Property Standards and Nuisance Bylaw introduces rules around a range of potential bear attractants, including garbage, fruit, pet food, bird feeders, compost and outdoor cooking equipment.
The District says the Conservation Service destroyed approximately 10 bears in Kitimat in 2025, with some exhibiting concerning behaviour. Staff also noted that more than one bear had learned to enter buildings, including homes, to access food.
The proposed fine schedule included $500 fines for a number of offences, with a $450 early-payment option. Those offences included failing to remove or secure an animal attractant, failing to clean an outdoor barbecue after use, leaving pet food outdoors and failing to properly maintain a compost bin.
Other proposed $500 fines included failing to harvest ripe fruit and berries, leaving fallen fruit, nuts or berries on the ground, and allowing bird or hummingbird feeders to accumulate food that could attract wildlife.
Staff said the larger penalties would be intended for situations where residents continue to leave attractants out despite being asked to address them.
Councillor Graham Pitzel questioned whether a $500 fine was appropriate for some of the offences.
“I would really hate to bring in a bylaw that fined somebody $500 for not cleaning their barbecue. We live in bear country, and bears will frequent residential properties.”
Council ultimately amended the proposed $500 Bylaw Notice fine to $250.
Meanwhile, Councillor Terry Marleau agrees with the amendment, saying that it adds extra education for the community.
“I think this is one of them where on the one hand there can be danger because having animals like bears on your property, we can have some pretty serious events that occur. So I don’t want to reduce the problem that we’re dealing with. But I think we also have to care, making sure people are clear and educated.”
The bylaw also allows for a Municipal Ticket of up to $2,000 in more serious circumstances. Staff said that option could be used when repeated lower fines aren’t deterring someone from leaving attractants out, or when a commercial operation has a substantial amount of attractant material.
Council emphasized that education and voluntary compliance should come before enforcement.
The new rules also give the District the ability to issue an Order to Comply, requiring a property owner to address an attractant and allowing the District to recover costs if it has to complete the work itself.
