Replacing garbage cans on the KVR Trail and in Princeton parks with bear-proof cans would cost $36,000 plus installation, according to a report from the director of infrastructure and parks.
The report by Jamie Umpleby was provided to council at the regular July 2 meeting after residents raised concerns about bears gaining access to town garbage cans.
To address residents’ concerns, Umpleby proposed that the current cans on the KVR and in town parks, which are not lockable nor secured against removal, be replaced with the same type of bear-proof cans used in provincial parks.
READ MORE: Princeton trail committee shares recommendations on opening the KVR
The bear-proof cans used in provincial parks are metal with a locking lid and secured to cement pads to prevent removal.
Umpleby’s report said replacing all nine garbage cans along the KVR is estimated to cost $18,000 plus staff time for installation. Likewise, replacing all nine cans in town parks is estimated to cost $18,000 plus installation.
Since the work is not included in the budget for this year, council referred the replacement of the cans to the 2020 budget process.
Coun. Barb Gould said she is “definitely in support” of the cans being replaced.
During council reports, Gould added that all residents have a role to play in reducing the possibility of human-bear interactions.
“It’s up to the people to reduce their attractants to the bears,” she said. “The more we can reduce the attractants, the safer it’ll be for humans and the bears.”
READ MORE: Princeton mayor says bears are on council’s mind
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