On 12 September 2023, City Council approved the Proposed Waste Bylaw Amendments to The City of Calgary’s Waste Bylaw, see click link above.
This is part of a comprehensive approach that starts with awareness and education to keep citizens and wildlife safe.
The City of Calgary’s Waste and Recycling Services is now authorized to designate geographic areas in the City as a “Wildlife Affected Area” based on reports of problem wildlife in the area, signs of wildlife interacting with waste in the area, or on the advice of provincial Wildlife Officers. Waste and Recycling Services must publish a map of any area of the City with this designation on their website. Even though the bylaw amendment was passed, this designation has NOT been assigned to any community, yet.
Communities can be designated as a “Wildlife Affected Area” any period of time between April 15th to November 15th. When this designation happens, homeowners must ensure garbage, recycling, and compost bins are stored in a secure location, either in a garage or a structure inaccessible to wildlife . Furthermore, bins are to be put out for collection no earlier than 5:00 a.m. on collection day and returned to storage before 7:00 p.m. Infractions may result in fines.
Please visit The City of Calgary’s Bear Smart website for the most up-to-date information.